The Bristol Magazine December 2018

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THE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

Issue 174

I

december 2018

MAGAZINE

WHITE ( KNUCKLE ) CHRISTMAS

Behind the scenes of Sky’s icy Arctic western, filmed at Bristol’s Bottle Yard and set to keep us on the edge of our sofas this festive season

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

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BESPOKE CABINET FURNITURE, KITCHENS & BATHROOMS UPHOLSTERY, CURTAINS & BLINDS

Sofa Library manufacture bespoke upholstery, curtains and blinds in our own factory in Bristol as well as fine cabinet furniture in hundreds of different specialist veneers and any solid timber.

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Tel: 01173 292746 www.thesofalibrary.co.uk

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© Aardman Animations Ltd, 2018

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Brilliant Bristol baker Briony May Williams

Contents

Dennis Quaid filming Fortitude earlier this year

December 2018

REGULARS ZEITGEIST

THE GETAWAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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Top activities for the month to come

CITYIST

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18

Jessica Hope finds sanctuary in snug, sumptuous Berwick Lodge

FOOD & DRINK NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Meet artist and broadcaster Richard Lewis and catch up on the news

Tasty tidings from our local eateries and producers

BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

INTERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

...Offers up a subtle slice of festive cheer

A chat with Brilliant Bristol baker Briony May Williams

BRISTOL UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

WINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Bite-sized business and community news from across the city

Clifton Wine School owner Ruth Wiles’ choice picks for Christmas

FAMILY DIARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Festive fun for younger persons in tow

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

THE CULTURE WHAT’S ON

Snippets from the sector

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

MUSIC

Marc Jacobs Beauty walk us through a smokey eye for party season

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HABITAT

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WILD BRISTOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

58

Pete Dommett’s deaming of a black and white Christmas as the pied wagtails gather in the city for winter warmth

What’s on this winter at the city’s galleries

CULT CLASSICIST

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Mary Beard on #MeToo and bastions of the South West

ANIMATION

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BEAUTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Bristol Ageing Better project’s Dr Naomi Woodspring on the generational shift in the industry

The fortunes of Fishponds hitmakers Cook and Greenaway

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

TUTORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Aardman has a new book out, detailing the story of its success

GREAT OUTDOORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

NEW YEAR’S EVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Visiting Stourhead? You need to see the paintings that inspired the civil engineering feat of creating its amazing Arcadian landscape

A few fabulous local suggestions for where to spend the big night

GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

FEATURES FILM & TELEVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

That Seventies revival: houseplants offer a chance to re-engage with nature, as well as the Instagram community

What’s in store for season three of Simon Donald’s Arctic thriller

PROPERTY

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

News and developments

Handmade gifts and dazzling jewellery to drape over loved ones

EXPLORE BRISTOL

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What’s new on North Street’s characterful main vein

HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 A lovely little project compiling postcards of Bristol past

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ON THE COVER

Richard Dormer, star of Sky Atlantic and Fifty Fathoms’ ambitious, shapeshifting drama Fortitude, set in Svalbard but partly filmed here in Bristol. Flick to p24 for more from the actor, plus co-star Dennis Quaid and the crew

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Incredible scenes from Svalbard – where part of Fortitude series three was filmed this year. The rest was filmed right here in Bristol. See p24 for more....

THIS MONTH WE’VE BEEN...

Loving...

...The idea of donating to or volunteering at a charity or community scheme instead of giving physical Christmas gifts. Great causes – there are tons in the city – to consider in place of a present might include Above & Beyond, FoodCycle, Penny Brohn, Help Bristol’s Homeless, Off The Record or Bristol Bike Project. SS Great Britain is running a volunteering day on 8 December for those who’d like to give back to the city as a family. Elsewhere, The Woodland Trust needs help to save ancient Avoncliff Wood.

If they raise £355,000 by the end of the month they’ll be able to take it under their care and begin protection work.

from the

EDITOR

Eyeing up...

C

ountless exciting things have happened to Bristol this year – from getting a big Brunel museum in the early part of 2018 and then beaut new arts developments at Bristol Old Vic and St George’s, to Channel 4 making like many Londoners and planning a new life in the West Country – and facilitating a Bristol restaurant project staffed entirely by those with dementia. We even had a real summer.

As well as getting a Rough Trade, local band Idles rocketing up the record charts, Bristol Bears being promoted, the city racking up the Michelin stars and Upfest welcoming the First Family of American animation (we could go on), another thing that got us going, personally, was the arrival of Fortitude. Sky Atlantic’s hit show – whose Arctic Wild West premise has attracted a star-studded cast including Michael Gambon and Stanley Tucci over an action-packed three seasons – set up camp at The Bottle Yard to make use of its exceptional studio facilities. Veteran Hollywood dreamboat Dennis Quaid and our kind-of-intense cover star, Games of Thrones’ Richard Dormer, came too – to film its chilling conclusion. It’s just as mad, if not madder, than the previous two instalments, says Richard, and if you’ve not seen the show, there’s just time to catch up before the big finale starts on 6 December. (Watch out for spoilers as of p24, mind.)

While we fully embrace the festive season, placemaking has been the focus of those in charge of improving Bristol’s different retail areas. Park Street, Old City and North Street (see all the new openings from p32) have been working on holly-jolly events and light installations to make the Christmas shopping experience that bit more pleasant.

And check out Made in Bristol’s 10th anniversary gift fair at Colston Hall this month; examples of what stocking fillers you might pick up can be found on p28.

Then there’s Jessica Hope’s suggestion for a cosy seasonal getaway, Yuletide wine picks and a walk-through on party eyes by Marc Jacobs Beauty, plus the NYE events we’re loving the look of and a local project compiling cute postcards of the past.

Elsewhere we flick through the new book from long-time pride of Bristol, Aardman – telling the epic story of the studio’s worldwide success – and talk to new pride and GBBO semi-finalist baker Briony Williams; while classicist Mary Beard speaks on #MeToo plus her love of this city.

Well done Bristol, you deserve a pat on the proverbial. Have the best Christmas and see you in January when we’ll all be feeling far less self-congratulatory for sure...

...These ridiculously cute coffee-cup cufflinks by Paul Smith (£90 at Harvey Nichols Bristol)

Thrilled...

...About Channel 4 choosing Bristol to film The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes with local Michelin-star chef Josh Eggleton to raise awareness for those living and working with dementia (see p20)

Curious...

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR Editor’s image by Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com

@thebristolmag

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thebristolmag.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2018

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No 174

@thebristolmag

...About the Village Hotel Club launching on 8 December with hotdesking space; 153 bedrooms connected with smart tech; and immersive spin classes with a cinema‐scale screen creating digital worlds to cycle through. Pedal round Whiteladies Road, San Fran or even outer space...

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ZEITGEIST

Top Ivory Flowers is holding wreathmaking workshops this month

5

things to do in DECEMBER

BELLOW “BAH HUMBUG!”

SHOP LOCAL It can get a bit overwhelming in the centres of cities at this time of year as crowds rush to find those last-minute presents. But there are some brilliant shopping destinations in other corners of the city – including one of our faves, Bedminster. Check out the quirky gift shops, indie retailers, cosy cafés and community events you can find in the North Street area from page 32. The Park Street area also has festive fun planned, including light installations, to make the shopping spree that bit more appealing. Elsewhere, celebrate the 275th anniversary of St Nick’s Market and soak up the merriment at its outdoor Christmas market from 12 December. And don’t miss Corn Street and Clare Street being turned into a winter wonderland (15 – 21 December) with Bristol Snow Moments’ ‘film effect snow’!

Nothing says Christmas more than a dark Dickensian tale of Victorian life, featuring a touch of ghostly mystery, a bitter old man, and hot roast goose, right? Told in true Bristol Old Vic style, this new adaption of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a festive feast for all the family to immerse themselves in – and the perfect end to BOV’s Year of Change.

Join Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Jacob Marley in this riot of music and theatrical imagination and watch as Scrooge endeavours to discover the true meaning of Christmas... Tickets from £7.50, ages 7+.

• bristololdvic.org.uk

STAY IN We don’t want to blow our own trumpets, but Bristol is getting rather good when it comes to television and film production, isn’t it? Following the announcement that Bristol will soon become a creative hub for Channel 4, as well as being named a UNESCO City of We got a sneaky look behind the set of Film last year, Hollywood came to Sky Atlantic’s Fortitude, which filmed its Whitchurch earlier this year when finale at The Bottle Yard studios Sky Atlantic’s Nordic-noir series Fortitude filmed part of its finale at The Bottle Yard studios – and we got a sneaky look behind the scenes at the icy thriller, with stars Richard Dormer and Dennis Quaid (pictured). Turn to page 24 to find out more. So you’ll likely find us snuggling under a blanket rather than venturing outside this month; watching series three which kicks off on 6 December.

• thebottleyard.com

SAY MY NAME, SAY MY NAME

GO ON THE RUN

Bringing together a 16-piece orchestra to perform the greatest hits of Destiny's Child, from Bills Bills Bills and Say My Name to Survivor, Re:Imagine presents a night of all of your favourite hits from the chart-topping band; live, as part of a unique performance. Taking place on 4 December – doors 7pm – at O2 Academy Bristol. Shake that booty and reminisce over the music of one of the most loved R’n’B girl bands of all time.

Tickets £22.50 in advance.

Join thousands of others at Bristol Harbourside on 9 December, from 11am, to dress up as Father Christmas, look a bit silly, and help raise vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) at the city’s biggest festive charity fun run. Walk, jog or run the 2k route – it is suitable for all ages and abilities, and will help CHSW provide specialist care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Registration £15 (ages 16 and up), £7.50 (children aged four to 15) or free for children under three.

• ticketmaster.co.uk

• chsw.org.uk/santasbristol

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Hear top Destiny's Child tunes played by a 16-piece orchestra at O2 Academy Bristol

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CU AS

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THE CITY THE BUZZ

My

BRISTOL

The colourful Star & Garter is on Brook Road (image @benjosephcoleman)

Meet scriptwriter, radio presenter, TV producer and artist Richard Lewis

I write for television and films but have always found art a precious form of escapism and relaxation. I can get lost in a painting for hours and I always have a pen or a pencil in my hand.

I’m a West Country boy, born in Chipping Sodbury. I grew up in Coalpit Heath and art has been a passion since I was at school.

New lease of life A popular Bristol pub – which closed earlier this year – is to reopen in spring 2019 under new ownership, and North Bristol dwellers and city revellers are rejoicing.

The characterful Star & Garter in Montpelier lost its much-loved landlord Louis Hayles (known as Dutty Ken) when he passed away last year, and now Malcolm Haynes – who has worked for Glastonbury Festival for 30 years, creating its Dance Village and Silver Hayes, and was this year involved in the comeback of St Paul’s Carnival – is taking on the mantle. The slightly doctored estate agent’s sign now reads ‘Site Acquired – to stay a pub’.

“I’ve been asked to run the legendary Star and Garter pub with my family,” wrote Malcolm on Facebook. “It required a bit of renovation so we can keep the vibe the same. Re-opening in the spring. Apologies to all those who wanted it turned into flats.”

NEWSFLASH There’ll be guaranteed snow this year, with Bristol Snow Moments; the City Centre BID’s new winter experience. From 1 – 7 December (5-7pm) Millennium Promenade will be showered with environmentally friendly filmeffect snow. From 6 December, College Green will also be lit up by a light art installation that reacts to movement, allowing visitors to create their own light show. Another special light show projected onto iconic Corn Street buildings celebrates the St Nick’s Market 275th anniversary (8 December).

• bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

Drawing led to watercolours and then acrylics, but because I had no formal training I was scared of oil paint. Then one day I was talking to Jack Russell, the artist and former GCC/England wicket keeper, who said I should just go for it. He was right – and now I rarely paint in anything but oils.

There’s something about the shore; I’m fascinated by skies and water, ship wrecks, figures and dogs picking their way through sand and pebbles. I don’t know if it’s because we’re an island nation but people seem drawn to paintings of the coast.

An England International on a hot summer’s day at Neville Road will do me nicely. My father, Clive Lewis, was a magnificent village cricketer and there were lots of points of contact with the Gloucestershire side. When I was a teenager, watching Mike Proctor come in off his long run was dazzling.

The best writers, musicians, artists, performers, creatives don’t rely on their talent turning up when they need it, they work at it like an athlete would build muscle. Jed Mecurio, writer of The Bodyguard; that was his in-between project that he’d earned the right to because he’d created a brilliant series in Line Of Duty.

Over in Bath, almost every day Peter Brown (Pete The Street) is out somewhere painting (brilliantly). The more you do it the better you get. Oh, and no-one in this city plays a harmonica like my buddy Keith Warmington.

I’m looking forward to a wander around the wooden chalets at the Christmas market and seeing A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic and the Hippodrome pantomime – it’s a Christmas fixture. I can’t remember how old I was when I was first dragged way up to the gods to peer down on that stage but, without doubt, it was seeing those shows at that theatre that shaped the course of my life.

I always wanted to entertain. I had been doing stand-up routines around clubs since

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I was 14. I would do my acts and my impersonations, and they’d give me money.

I thought ‘wow, this is alright – this seems like a career I could do’.

I left home at 19 to become a Butlin’s Redcoat – then worked for the company as a compere and producer for the next five years. It was great because although we weren’t paid a great deal, I had a microphone in my hand nearly all of the time, so I learned how to talk to an audience.

In 1986, I received a phone call to ask if I wanted to work on a show with Noel Edmonds called Telly Addicts – of course I said yes. From there, I ended up being a producer in the BBC’s General Programmes Unit. I worked my way up to becoming the head of the department.

Call My Bluff had been a rather erudite thing on BBC 2 with Robert Robinson – we brought it back with Sandy Toksvig and Alan Coren and put Bob Holness in as chairman. It was great; everyone wanted to appear on it because it had a certain cache.

I saw John Culshaw doing a show in Edinburgh so we put him on a daytime TV series and the rest is history. He’s still a great buddy; it was Jon who presented me with the Gold Award for Best Local Radio Programme Presenter in 2016. n • amberleyart.com

Images by Beth Lewis

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THE CITY All for C4

We were thrilled to hear Channel 4’s chief executive Alex Mahon confirm Bristol as one of its two new creative hubs recently. Having announced its 4 All the UK strategy in March – the biggest change to the structure of the organisation in its 35-year history – Channel 4 is putting its new bases at the heart of a new plan to ensure it better represents all the UK on and off-screen, and help catalyse the increased Nations and Regions production spend.

The new national HQ and creative hubs will be home to 300 jobs when fully established, including key creative decision makers responsible for commissioning Channel 4 content. Over 30 pitches from cities and regions across the UK were received but, following a rigorous process, the C4 team believed Bristol and Glasgow best delivered against the vision and objectives set out. In Bristol they saw the opportunity to build on a thriving TV sector with world-renowned factual producers and strengths in areas such as animation and digital production.

It will also enable Channel 4 to work closely with Cardiff and its production sector – with the opportunity to further accelerate the growth of the creative cluster around South West England and South Wales – and connect with indies across the West of England, Birmingham and the Midlands. Bristol put forward exciting proposals to establish new social mobility initiatives to work with diverse communities across the city and bring through new talent into the industry.

“Bristol is a city that pushes boundaries, questions the norm and actively nurtures a strong culture of creative and digital innovation – we know Channel 4 will feel at home here,” said mayor Marvin Rees.

“We are all absolutely delighted to welcome C4 to this city of disruptors, innovators, diversity and success and can’t wait to get going on introducing them to the many communities who will be impacted by this vote of confidence,” added Laura Marshall, MD at Icon Films. “In our schools and higher education organisations there’s a whole new generation of content creators who will benefit from the C4 presence, and a heavyweight production community who will help create the conditions for C4’s future success in the regions.”

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

Ashton C ou noble crea rt’s tures captured b @brynweb y ley

t Makes urant Tha The Resta elrileyrr ch ra @ welcomed Mistakes

C4 IN THE CITY: The channel has been in Bristol filming The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes

Staff should begin to move to the new locations in 2019. Meantime, the channel has been supporting a ground-breaking new project run by Bristol Michelinstarred chef Josh Eggleton and supported by The Alzheimer’s Society, appealing to policy makers and employers as part of a quest to destigmatise dementia. CPL Productions’ The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes launched last month on Silver Street, inspired by a Japanese pop-up restaurant in Tokyo and looking to change how dementia is viewed by staffing the eatery entirely with people living with the condition. Members of the public and celeb diners such as David Baddiel and Rachel Riley have visited the restaurant, open until 12 December and, in spring 2019, when the poignant, funny, feel-good project is televised, viewers can follow the journey of the contributors as they are put to work in one of the most highpressure working environments there is. It’s hoped the series will start a wider national conversation about how we think about people who live with this increasingly common condition; and potentially change how businesses recruit, employ and retain staff who find themselves living with dementia. “A dementia diagnosis doesn’t and shouldn’t mean the end of a career,” said Channel 4’s Sarah Lazenby. “This poignant, timely project aims to open the eyes of employers.”

• channel4.com; @TRmakesmistakes (Twitter)

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@hotpodyo gabristol ha s arrived and it’s lovely ple The Pineap fab a as w t ec oj Pr sponse to creative re nhall the @colsto ge an ch name

Loved this image from @moodycolin319

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THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE

GOD SAVE THE IMPROVERS

S

ometimes it feels as though people are becoming increasingly selfish and bad-tempered. Here and across the world people seem to be digging themselves ever deeper into intransigent political positions. Meanwhile, otherwise sensible adults prowl the internet like football hooligans from days gone by, looking for a scrap. Is it something in the format of Twitter feeds and newspaper comment sections that (as my kids would say) triggers people? Or are we losing the ability to tolerate one another’s differences? To care about others?

In my corner of Bristol we’re embroiled in a debate about new housing that seems to have been going on for years. There’s a big patch of land where a factory used to stand and various other sites in the vicinity which could be put to better use. But what form should these new dwellings take? The developers dream of soaring towers; local residents are less keen. Several years ago a group got together to discuss the proposals and since then this body of concerned citizens, volunteers all, have been on the case.

You might think this sounds like classic Nimbyism. Home-owners who don’t want a load of new buildings ruining their view. But you’d be wrong. This group is not trying to block development, but to make it better. They want to work with the developers, not against them, to achieve a compromise, and to this end have put in hundreds of unpaid hours. In the past a plan would have been made on high and then implemented, and we lowly citizens would have just shrugged and got on with our lives. But at some point the idea of public participation took root and now a well-organised local group can not only have a say but play an important, perhaps defining role in the process.

In the same way the various social media have given us all a public voice. Anyone can tell the world what they like or don’t like about this or that. Some people argue their point clearly and calmly; others shout, creating an online brouhaha that resembles a cross between the House of Commons on Budget Day and the latter stages of a primary school cake sale. We tend to hear only about the negative aspects of this upsurge in people power, yet amid all the petty arguments and angry outbursts we are using social media in all kinds of positive ways, and to find like-minded people who want to contribute in their own way to the general good.

I met a little group of these unseen improvers the other day when out walking the dog. There’s a place we like to go which is a sort of island of countryside tucked away in the suburbs; a green hill with a stream and woodland with paths winding through it so you can almost imagine you’re out in the wilds. I’d first noticed one of these paths a year or so ago, and then another one appeared, and then here and there a rustic bench. I had wondered idly who had cleared the paths and put up the benches, but rarely saw another soul up there.

Until last week, when I went up the usual alleyway to the hillside and came upon a scene of great activity. A small group of men and women of varying ages, observed by several drowsy-looking dogs, were working away at a point where the land slopes steeply, cutting steps into the turf and laying stone. I asked if they had put in the benches. They had. And cleared the paths. In fact this group of half a dozen people had, with no official support or financial help, done just what was needed to make this semi-wild patch of land a place to enjoy. And now steps.

“People find it hard to get up here, you know, when it’s wet,” someone said. “We want everyone to enjoy it,” another voice chimed in. “Everyone.” ■ 22 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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BRIST OL 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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FILM & TELEVISION

ARCTIC WESTERN: Richard Dormer (Game of Thrones) plays conflicted sheriff Dan Anderssen and says it’s been the most emotional, therapeutic shoot he’s done: “Nothing could take me as far into darkness and light as this.”

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FILM & TELEVISION

ALL KILLER NO FILLER Simon Donald’s shapeshifting, frosty thriller is back and pulling no punches.

Amanda Nicholls visits cast and crew at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios to find out what’s in store for the third and final instalment of Fortitude, airing on Sky Atlantic this month *Warning: may contain spoilers...

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FILM & TELEVISION

E

arlier this year, a little bit of Hollywood sneaked into Whitchurch when Sky Atlantic’s not-your-average-Nordicnoir series Fortitude came to Bristol to film part of its finale; complete with movie star Dennis Quaid and Game of Thrones’ Richard Dormer. With the UK leg of the shoot entirely studio-based, the team needed production expertise and plenty of it, plus room to construct multiple sets, and were drawn to Bristol’s brilliant Bottle Yard space to fulfil both creative and practical needs.

The concluding season of the smash sci-fi thriller which has also starred Michael Gambon, Stanley Tucci and Sofie Gråbøl, and saw 1.4million tune in to each chilling episode during the second series, is set to hit our screens on 6 December (just enough time to catch up on series one and two, then, if you’ve not seen them). The focus? All the fallout from the mad previous instalments which see shamanistic goings on and dormant prehistoric viruses come back to life via wasps frozen in ancient ice caps – and play with genres from psychological whodunnit to police procedural to seemingly supernatural to ensure audiences are never quite sure where the answers lie.

“We took a risk with the first series, in allowing the audience to believe they were watching Agatha Christie set in the Arctic but realise halfway through that it was actually a horror show,” creator Simon Donald gleefully recalls. “We wanted the audience to be angry and say: ‘What’s happening? This had better be good.’”

“What I loved about the first season was that nobody knows what’s going on,” says Dennis Quaid, who plays grieving fisherman Michael Lennox. “Now, everything is coming to a head and is very intense.

Michael has become the town drunk, he’s a misery, but then a series of strange events happen. He meets up with an enchantress who brings him back to life.”

Said siren is one of several new characters for series three, in need of all our thoughts and prayers – because anyone who’s seen the show will know how high its mortality rate is. “It’s more an Arctic western than anything else,” reflects producer Drew Wood when we visit The Bottle Yard where the cast and crew are filming their interior shots, “because it’s about a small town – Fortitude – that nothing much happens to, then all of a sudden everything happens.”

Simon had written the usual 10/12 episodes’ worth of material for season three, but when it came to actually putting the show’s big ending together, the team faced the challenge of being commissioned to make just four – which, says Drew, simply meant distilling all the best bits to create tight, streamlined chapters brimming with action. “As the series develops there is just so much material,’ he says, “and instead of padding out around 10 episodes it’s just the really good stuff.”

“The scripts wrote themselves in a way that hadn’t happened before,” Simon adds. “For the first time they were ready before we went into production and that was a godsend. Fortitude has been a runaway train, with me on the tracks in front of it, running as fast as I can until production catches me up and kills me…” With big set pieces in each episode, and zero deadwood, it’s all killer no filler this time – and as fans will know, we mean this in the literal sense too – concluding, according to Simon, in a “Jacobean, operatic, bonkers final episode.”

Condensing the show’s climax also meant the crew could finally afford to go out and shoot on location right where the whole thing was conceived – icy Svalbard. “The cold was a big factor; the wind chill brought it down to minus 35 so it was more like an expedition; imagine Mr Fiennes going through the tundra,” says Drew. “We were a first as far as the Norwegians were concerned, in going that far north to do something like this. They’d never had a big drama series come up so far; and there’s a very good reason why!”

Surprisingly, the team had needed to import a huge amount of snow when they were filming in Iceland, but lack of the white stuff wasn’t an issue further up in Svalbard. “We tested the cameras in freezers here then built little enclosures for them with handwarmers and all sorts of things built in so they could stand the low temperatures,” reveals Drew.

The change of location really adds a special extra something and cranks everything up a level to make it feel suddenly very silver screen.

“It was like the show went home,” says Simon. “There’s an epic quality to all the landscape stuff. The plains are bigger, the weather is staggering, it looks like something James Cameron created; it’s wild. Working in those conditions changed everything; the actors’ performances, the crew – who were like an occupying small guerilla army, it felt that extreme.”

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Rock-bottom temperatures weren’t the only threat to contend with; with the native wildlife on the prowl too. “We were surrounded by men with rifles because of the polar bears; you’re very conscious it’s a hostile environment,” recalls Drew. “You can’t die there, you’re not allowed to be born there – they just don’t have the facilities. Pregnant women and those on their last legs are shipped to the mainland.”

...You have never seen Dennis Quaid like he is in this season. It’s remarkable what he’s prepared to give...

The cinematic approach definitely enhances the drama. Dark but uplifting; that’s how Simon sees it. “There’s a lot of bereavement, loss, anger to be resolved; it’s a very emotional season which was unexpected when I started writing it,” he says. “Some of that is because of the contribution of Richard Dormer and Dennis Quaid who absolutely knocked it out the park; you have never seen Dennis Quaid like he is in this season. It’s remarkable what he’s prepared to give.”

An extended fight sequence sees Dennis’ character, topless and with his hands tied, trying to escape across the snowy expanse. Seven minutes was all he was allowed to spend in his state of undress before wardrobe were in rushed in to warm up his torso with some hardcore insulation.

“There had already been minor frost-nip casualties and we quickly realised we couldn’t mess around in these conditions – life-threateningly dangerous if you didn’t do things properly,” continues Simon. “Yet in the midst of this, Dennis was rolling around on the snow, which was frozen-hard like concrete, for four or five long takes. I don’t think there are many stuntmen that would have done it. He took hold of the role by the scruff of the neck – completely committed to playing this drunkard falling apart through grief and guilt, and not hiding behind any moviestar vanity; he just went for it. I can’t think of anything I’ve seen him in where he allows himself to be as vulnerable and raw and exposed.”

Filming Fortitude: community impact Blockbuster shoots like this taking place at The Bottle Yard means lots of new opportunities for local students. A group of Boomsatsuma pupils took part in a unique skills experience on the set of Fortitude, thanks to behind-the-scenes access granted by production company Fifty Fathoms.

17-year-old Laylah, Oli, Isaac, Victoria, Genaya, Scott and Chloe gained valuable insight into what goes into making a major TV show, observing the working set environment and filming activity. They learnt more about roles within a production team, recorded interviews with producer Andrew Wood, director Kieron Hawkes, production designer Paul Spriggs, key cast Luke Treadaway and Mia Jexen plus camera, sound, make-up, costume, unit photography and publicity departments. The films they went on to edit form part of their media production diplomas and one was shown at the premiere of the first series three episode, recently hosted at Watershed.

Local students interviewed cast members Luke Treadaway and Mia Jexen at The Bottle Yard

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“Some of the shots are just amazing – the vistas, stuff we got from helicopters and drones – but I’m not sure who’d want to go back,” agrees Drew. Least of all Dennis Quaid, we’d wager, despite his great love of the outdoors.

Meanwhile, what has become of the show’s ambiguous main man, sheriff Dan Anderssen (Richard Dormer) – having been infected by the ancient virus? “He’s evolved; he’s a new human being,” says the Irish actor after finishing an indoor scene at The Bottle Yard. “Or maybe not human... Dan is obviously not the full shilling. He’s lost his morality, but he’s stronger and wiser than ever so that’s pretty scary.”

He’s seeing interesting things, too… “He’s now addicted to muscimol juice,” Richard adds, stroking his majestic blonde moustache – four months in the making but, happily, also handy for his role as Beric Dondarrion in Game of Thrones. “It’s made from the pee of reindeer that have eaten fungi, and Eskimos or the Sami used to actually drink this to have what they thought were visions of the afterlife. So Dan has one foot in this world and the other in the land of the dead and he’s communicating with the people he’s killed.”

Dan’s already been through some extreme, sinister situations – where does a character go after they’ve crossed the line into cannibalism?

“There’s a real dichotomy to Dan and that’s what draws us back to him,” says Richard in a resonant, full-bodied voice that almost has the rest of the room reverberating. “He has to decide now. In order to survive, he’s going to have to harm others but he’s also the sheriff and his job is to look after others so it’s a terrible quandary for him and through season three we really see that struggle. Is he going to the dark side or try and save his flock and be a good shepherd?

What an exciting character to explore. “This is, without doubt, the best part I’ve ever played; and it’s my first lead in television,” Richard concurs. “There’s rarely a part where you get to grow and become something completely different yet still keep the essence of that person at the beginning. I’m really going to miss it; it’s like Dan’s my best friend.

He’s a monster but I play him in the way that nobody’s truly a monster; there’s a deep humanity in him and I think that’s what makes him interesting. If he ever does anything wrong, you know it’s going to hurt him later; he has a conscience and there’s still a little seed of goodness and that’s what I hold onto. He could redeem himself…”

It’s clear the role has affected Mr Dormer deeply – he refers to the show as a Promethean creation and is visibly moved while talking about the powerful nature of the scripts as a means of personal catharsis. “It’s the Pintersque quality of the writing; what’s not said. It’s what Simon writes in between the lines which gives the actors so much room to manoeuvre. It’s been the most emotional shoot I’ve ever done and I’m really sad it’s coming to an end.

“Some characters, some souls you can relate to; in my life I’ve been through tough times and this guy is the same, trying not to lose himself.

It’s a reflection of where I am and that journey of someone trying to hold onto the things he loves. It’s therapy! I feel I could play anything now because nothing could take me as far into darkness and light as this; it’s been extraordinary.”

It’s clearly been a humbling experience for all concerned. “The landscape is one of the main characters really and we’re just ants crawling around in this wilderness,” Richard continues. “Svalbard added a new dimension to the characters because we were informed by its severity and absolute brutality; it will kill you in minutes if you’re not prepared. Go 80mph on a Ski-Doo and your nose is frostbitten within seconds, if you go out for a walk you have to tell somebody because if you slip and get knocked unconscious you’re dead in 10 to 15. Everyone got tougher and meaner. Then when we did the interiors, when it was warm and cosy, out came this gentleness and love. We tried to get those extremes in the first two seasons but they really come out in this one.”

“To watch these people in this vast, Arctic, northernmost end of the world; you can’t take your eyes off of it,” agrees Dennis. “It’s a very compelling story.”

Undeniably different and joyfully alternative winter watching with elements of Greek tragedy, mysterious archaic forces and some very appealing faces in subzero cinematic wilderness – which Bristol has played a major role in creating – we don’t know about you but it’s exactly what we want to snuggle up in front of the fire with. ■ • Catch the show on Sky Atlantic on 6 December (Twitter: @Fortitude)

Sienna Guillory plays brilliant, blinded scientist Natalie Yelburton

SNOW PATROL: Can police officers Ingrid and Petra protect the town of Fortitude?

Dennis Quaid returns as grieving Michael Lennox

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SHOPPING | HANDMADE GIFTS

A DECADE OF DESIGN Made in Bristol is celebrating its 10th birthday by showcasing the widest selection of local artisan gifts yet, from the region's most skilled carpenters, weavers, leather-makers, jewellers, printmakers – the list goes on.

Head to Colston Hall to seek out super-individual gifts and support the local economy

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Photography by Jo Hounsome

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1. Suspension Bridge necklace, £28, by I Am Acrylic on Chistmas Steps 2. Double espresso cup (£14 with saucer) hand-thrown in stoneware clay by Liz Vidal 3. Handcarved woodcraft by Will Priestley (cherry wood salt pot and spoon £32; spoons range from £4-£40) 4. Serving platter, £45, by Rose Nisbet 5. Lambswool bobble hat, £50, by Bristol textile designer Amber Hards 6. Mini-geo vessel, £12.50, by Priormade 7. Wooden cufflinks, £25, hand-painted by Bianca Rose Wood Made in Bristol Gift Fair takes place on Saturday 1 & 8 December (10am – 4pm), Colston Hall Foyer; madeinbristolgiftfair.co.uk

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

THE LITTLE EXTRAS Happens to us every year; we’ve laid everything out to wrap but some packages still don’t look quite complete. We found a few lovely last-minute additions for that finishing touch

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1. The Family Reserve, £9.99, Thatchers Cider Shop, Myrtle Farm; thatcherscider.co.uk 2. Zara’s chocolate pudding, £10, Zara’s Chocolates; zaraschocolates.com 3. Stokes Croft & Montpelier by photographer Colin Moody, £18, Foyles; foyles.co.uk 4. Bristol Blue Glass bauble, £17.50 (blow your own for £20), Bristol Blue Glass; bristol-glass.co.uk 5. Honey & lavender mineral bath soak, £16, Loop Massage; loopmassage.com 6. Arctic Adventurers vase by Helen Dale, £380, Moorcraft Pottery; cliftonceramics.co.uk 7. Handmade kilim cushion, £45, Oriental Rugs of Bath; orientalrugsofbath.com 8. Seville orange & dark Ecuadorian chocolate marmalade, £8, Flowers & Thorn; flowersandthorn.co.uk 9. Set of mugs with gift box by Pip Studio, £18, Kondi Gifts, Henleaze Road; facebook.com/kondigifts

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

CHAMPAGNE ZIRCON AND 9CT FAIRTRADE PENDANT, £930 SILVER EMERGE EAR STUDS, £97

Champagne zircon gemstone set in a 9ct yellow Fairtrade gold setting on a fine 18ct yellow gold chain. Diana Porter; dianaporter.co.uk

Etched triple bud earrings, from Diana's Emerge collection. A whitened silver finish, highlighted with polished detail on the tops of the buds. Diana Porter; dianaporter.co.uk

RUBY PENDANT WITH DIAMOND, £960

We know Mum’s going to love it!

Julie Anne Palmer; julieannepalmer.com

HOLLY JOLLY JEWELS From ruby pendants to Champagne zircon: a few of the pieces that have caught our magpie eyes this month...

LEAF RING, PRICE ON REQUEST

An 18ct white gold leaf ring featuring a beautiful claw-set 0.33ct round-cut blue topaz. Featuring the new adaptation on one of the existing Wylde Flower Diamond collection’s designs. Nicholas Wylde; nicholaswylde.com

STATEMENT WATCH, £7,200

Jazz up your wrist with the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M from Mallory. Mallory Jewellers Bath; mallory-jewellers.com

MINI STACKING RING, £181 EACH

Stack these 17ct gold and ruby rings by Clare Chandler. Clifton Rocks; cliftonrocks.co.uk

BELLA PEACOCK, £135

This necklace has peacock freshwater pearls and the Catherine Amesbury trademark silver bird t-bar. Catherine Amesbury at Artemis; catherineamesbury.com

KINGFISHER BROOCH, £225

Charming enamel, silver and diamond brooch from Nicole Barr. Clifton Ceramics; cliftonceramics.co.uk

SILVER SWEETHEARTS

Silver sweetie necklace and bracelet, both with triple charms of silver, crystal and freshwater pearl hearts. Necklace £135, bracelet £65. Catherine Amesbury at Artemis; catherineamesbury.com

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TOURMALINE PENDANT IN 18CT GOLD, £2,300

Go green with this beautiful tourmaline pendant – although we couldn’t pretend not to be envious. Julie Anne Palmer; julieannepalmer.com

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EXPLORE BRISTOL | SHOP LOCAL

NORTHERN SOUL What’s new and what’s happening on Bedminster’s colourful, characterful main vein – and why should we shop there? We took a stroll around...

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t’s not like we need to tell anyone how popular the streets this side of the river have become over the last few years – it certainly won’t have escaped the attention of those on the hunt for a home.

We can’t help wanting to fly the flag for one of our fave corners of the city, and if you don’t live near Bedminster and Southville – if you haven’t been sucked, peepers-first, through each and every lovely shop front while strolling the huge street art festival of a summer’s day, or crawled the cosy cafés, quirky gift shops, cool eateries and trendy boozers on a winter’s evening – you mightn’t have considered its social hub North Street as a Christmas shopping destination.

It’s eclectic (did you know you could get some personalised book binding done for a loved one at Bristol Bound?) and creative (see the Upfest shop) with a high concentration of cracking charity shops – and you can incorporate all sorts of enjoyable activities into the day’s spree. We’d opt in on anything from a seriously swanky hot chocolate sesh at the new Zara’s Chocolates space, a Tobacco Factory matinee, and a massage at Beauty Lounge or newcomer Olive Tree Beauty, to a sit down and freshly baked bite at Mark’s Bread or Hobbs House after a spot of Ashtanga, Hatha or life drawing at Trika Yoga. Nearby on Cannon Street, an official Harry Potter store has even opened, selling wands and official wizarding merch.

We wouldn’t suggest heading there on matchday at Ashton Gate if you’ve got the car – you’ll seriously struggle to park – but a Saturday stroll over to Bedminster has endless merits. Wander there on a Sunday and you’ll have the crop of the Tobacco Factory market to choose from as well – find tasty tucker, unique gifts and sustainable fashion (Something Else retro/vintage clothing visits every second Sunday of the month).

North Street Nights – Southville’s late-night shopping and

entertainment experience – is back for a second year this month, offering the chance to take in diverse BS3 after dark. Over 40 businesses are involved – purveyors of toys, tech, handmade delights, fresh fruit, veg and produce and plenty more – so you can fill your festive stockings knowing you’ve done your part to support this local high street and even enjoy some live theatre from Bristol company Show of Strength. They’ll be bringing anti-cheer champion Scrooge to life – along the retail route, pay a visit to Ebenezer Gate for a special festive interaction with the famously unfestive grouch.

“People live busy lives and it can be difficult to get out and do your Christmas shopping if you work nine-to-five,” says Bedminster BID chair Simon Dicken of the event. “It can be easy to fall into doing all your shopping online, but here you have the chance to get out into the high street with other shoppers and share the excitement of finding that perfect present.” As Simon says; “Bedminster has some of the most unique and exciting businesses and independent retailers and every pound spent with a local retailers stays in the area, so it’s vital we support, particularly during the festive season.”

Plus, there are a whole bunch of changes, new openings and upcoming events we want to shout about. *Clears throat...*

Storysmith Books Charming new business Storysmith Books opened in October, selling stationery and top titles of all types (with next-day ordering), serving decent coffee and hosting events, workshops and book clubs. Owners Emily Ross (previously of publishers Usborne, Hachette Children’s Books and Bloomsbury) and husband Dan have already hosted authors Tom Cox and Will Ashon and next welcome Lucy Rowland and Paula Bowles on 1 December (4pm, free entry).

Three wise men fuel up at Oowee Diner (image by Simon Boddy)

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TRUE NORTH: Gathorne Road, joining onto the main artery, proudly sports an Inkie piece from an Upfest past (image by Paul Box)

North Street’s new bookshop and its picks are already proving popular

North Street stalwart Ashton Fruit Shop

Gorgeous Albatross CafĂŠ is one of our favourite additions to North Street in recent times

Something superb from Storysmith in our stocking this year please, Santa

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Passionfruit and ricotta crumpets at Albatross – where brunch is taken to another level

The Old Bookshop is brilliant for roast dinners, live music and drinks

Ivory Flowers is running seasonal wreath workshops

Albatross Cafe This has got to be one of our favourite North Street additions – first flagged up to us as a beautiful venue in which to to indulge in the trendy espresso martini, served up in gorgeous Jericho Studio Pottery which can be purchased afterwards if you fall in love with it – it’s only sold at Albatross. Recently we popped into the pastel and neon paradise for brunch – which it does unbelievably well. Think toasted banana bread with mascarpone and lemon curd; granola bowls packed with vibrant fruits; mustard and apple rarebit toasties.

Leveret Cask House Formerly The Hare, number 51 relaunched as Leveret (satisfying fact: a leveret is a baby hare) in September after six years in its previous incarnation. Expect belgian beers, South West ciders, classic cocktails and more at this privately owned, dog-friendly taproom. The building has been in use as a public house for over 150 years and in its back room you’ll find photographs from the owner’s family photo albums, depicting happy Bedminster days from the 1930s to 1970s.

Spielman Theatre Tobacco Factory Theatres’ brand new second venue is a big development for its talented team as it means they can now welcome 30,000 audience members each year for an additional 360-plus performances. It’s now able to run five young theatre-maker groups each term and the Young Producer Scheme has increased from six to 10 places, running for the whole educational year rather than six months.

The state-of-the-art new theatre also provides an engine room for artists to research, develop and share new ideas. See Sophie Hates Theatre on 1 December or puppet show Beasty Baby (6 December to 6 34 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Have a sit down at Hobbs House January) at the Spielman or The Borrowers (until 20 January) at Factory Theatre.

Trylla Contender for quirkiest newcomer, Trylla popped up fairly recently, selling gifts handmade on-site in the basement studio, retro toys, homeware, clothing and accessories; running knitting, macrame and clay clubs; and hosting small-scale workshops at the back of the shop.

Trylla means ‘to enchant someone’ or ‘to turn someone or something into a troll’ according to owner Alice Astbury, a northern maker with an interest in illustration and ceramics. Her space can seat up to 12 people, and if you have an idea for a workshop you would like to see in the community or need a place to meet as a group, send Alice an email and she will see what she can do.

North Gallery Workspace Slap-bang in the midst of this quick-developing creative quarter, North Gallery Workspace – brought to Bristol by cousins Lawrie Gunning and Lenny Chilcott, and their uncle Andrew Price – is a multipurpose new venture to be run by local artists of all ages and mediums. They’ll be renting walls (as well as hotdesking/co-working and evening class/event space) but won’t charge commission so all profits from work sold go to the artist. Anyone with a wall will be expected to muck in with the collective, doing a shift every week or so which will involve sitting in with the art for a couple of hours – sounds alright to us. There will be high-speed broadband, free tea and coffee, flexible desk rental – you can buy days to use as and when you like. Just down the road off East Street, meanwhile, another arts collective, Caraboo Projects, has moved into an abandoned building and transformed it into workshop space

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EXPLORE BRISTOL | SHOP LOCAL

‘The Works’. Launched in September, it is run by Gathering Voices as part of their Creative Outreach Programme.

The Spotted Cow Alright so this one is far from new but if you haven’t tried the food recently, you ought to, and that’s basically what we have to say here.

We’re talking scorched mackerel with sauce gribiche, soused beetroot and confit fennel; beetroot risotto with goat’s curd and crispy sage (the best kind); and poached pear and frangipane with almond brittle and crème fraîche. Head to this beloved Bemmy boozer on a Tuesday evening and you might struggle to find a table as the popular quiz and bingo sesh get going for their weekly takeover. You’ll find all the fun here and, most likely, us – racking our brains in the general knowledge department (music intros are more our forte). This community pub has lots of local beers, some from Bristol Beer Factory just over the road.

It’s quite possibly the cosiest watering hole on the strip, of a winter’s evening when the fires are roaring, and Sundays see the place packed out for the roast dinner offering – well worth booking in advance.

Zara’s Chocolates Newly launched at Zara’s new space just a few doors down the road from her old gaff, North Street’s hot chocolate bar also hosts fab workshops these days (an experience voucher would definitely be a Christmas present we wouldn’t turn our noses up at). Recent ‘Choctober’ celebrations saw everything from tasty chocolate and cheese pairings to fact-filled chocolate and coffee tastings. Over the next year the team is aiming to switch all trade to come direct from growers so they get more money too. Catch Zara and co at the Chocolate Festival at the Southville Centre on 8 December.

Friendly Records When this lovely neighbourhood record store moved up the road and reopened – sandwiched between The Old Bookshop and what was The Old Butchers – it quickly settled into its new space. Soon enough the decision was made to transform the Butchers into a bar and live music space – launched late November – for Friendly Records and its loyal following. Darran McLane (formerly of Clifton’s Dustbowl Vintage) is bringing men’s fashion brand Weft Clothing’s to the space on 8 & 9 December – expect 1950s workwear and military garments.

North Street Nursery It’s not just shops and arts facilities that have been drawn to the street lately. A new community nursery has been installed to cater for up to 90 children in its unique, central setting – with locally sourced organic meals and a simple, affordable approach. The nursery is committed to reducing carbon footprint and ensuring it makes a healthy contribution to the locale as well as providing a healthy start in life for the children who attend. All meals will be produced on North Street using ethically sourced organic ingredients.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK Just a few more of the brilliant businesses in and around the North Street area...

• Mark’s Bread; marksbread.co.uk • Hugo’s Greengrocer; hugosgreengrocer.co.uk • Bristol Fish; bristolfish.com • Tamrakar Jewellery; tamrakar.co.uk • The Old Bookshop; theoldbookshop.co.uk • The Clove Indian Restaurant; thecloverestaurant.co.uk • Toyville; toyvilleshop.co.uk • Southville Deli; southvilledeli.com • Bristol Bound: bristolbound.co.uk • Monpote; monpote.co.uk • Ivory Flowers; ivoryflowers.co.uk • Health Unlimited; healthunlimited.co.uk • The Steam Crane; thesteamcrane.co.uk • Souk Kitchen; soukitchen.co.uk • El Rincon; elrinconbar.com • Workout Gym; workoutbristol.co.uk • Earthcake Vegan Cafe; earthcakebristol.com • Independent Design Collective; independentdesigncollective.com • Cork of North Street; corksofbristol.com • Tincan Coffee; tincancoffee.co.uk • Pizza Workshop; pizzaworkshop.co.uk • Lion Stores hardware; 0117 966 7233 • The Mediterranean; lamediterranean.co.uk • Ashton Fruit Shop; 0117 966 6838 • You Lifestyle Hair Salon; you-lifestylesalon.co.uk • North Street Standard; northststandard.co.uk • Milk Shed Baby Lounge & Cafe; milkshedbristol.com • Margot May Tea Room; @_margotmay • Hennesseys Coffee Lounge; 07771 858104 • Rhubarb Jumble; rhubarbjumble.com • Oowee Diner; ooweediner.com • Strada Cycles; stradacycles.co.uk • The Lounge; thelounges.co.uk • Trika Yoga; trikayoga.co.uk • Thali Cafe; thethalirestaurant.co.uk

Photographique With clients including Bristol’s Icon Films, Aardman and Luke Jerram, Photographique was launched with the objective of creating a lab with photography at its heart, embracing latest tech but passionately advocating film photography. It has the latest C-type chemical photographic printer alongside a large format giclée printer, and processes all film formats – 35mm, 120mm, more obscure 110mm and 127mm formats. The team work with Velocious cycle couriers so you can drop your film orders into their dropboxes (at Society Café and Rough Trade) and they’ll be hand-delivered to the lab. They also recently launched Photo Club Bristol (Instagram: @photoclubbristol) as a celebration of film photography.

Creative Space Bristol This studio – also home to professional upholstery service In Recovery Upholstery – opened a new workshop space a few months back and now offers six-week dressmaking or upholstery courses and stained glass or pattern-cutting classes. You can also try other crafts including furniture making and visual arts, taught by welcoming, experienced working professionals in their fields. The space can be hired by local creative professionals too. ■

Dates for the diary • 1 December, 10am – 5pm: The return of the East Street Christmas Fayre, with bags of Christmas spirit, tasty treats and stocking fillers from stalls lining the streets – from decorations and jewellery to clothing and homewares • 6, 13 & 20 December, evenings until 8pm: North Street Nights late-night shopping sessions • 8 December: Southville Chocolate Festival, featuring various chocolatiers, confectioners, gifts and crafts, cake makers and childrens activities – taking place at the Southville Centre For more information, visit bedminster.org.uk or follow @BedminsterBID on Twitter and Instagram

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277 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1JP 0117 966 6880

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm For your tree this year - visit Bristol’s only Christmas Tree Farm Open every day until Christmas Eve from 9am to 5pm.

• Growers of top-quality, freshly cut trees • Choose and cut your own tree • • Choose from six different varieties • Wreaths and Stands also available • • Free Lucky dip for the children • Free Raffle for Grown ups • • Large drive-in car park •

Old Gloucester Road, Frenchay BS16 1QW. Tel. 07717 220086

www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.com

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CULTURE & HERITAGE

SNAPSHOTS OF THE PAST Clockwise from top left: Clifton Suspension Bridge, date unknown; a postcard featuring convalescing First World War veterans in their hospital blues uniform, August 1919; Richard, who was a boot maker according to the 1911 census, and Sophia Hockey with their children Edith, Leonard and Stuart, who lived on Gloucester Road; the postcards here come from a collection that the family accumulated over the years – this feline-themed card was sent to Stuart

by Leonard in January 1919 while at Colston School; the view over Bristol from Cabot Tower in 1917 BOVRIL, ANYONE? Opposite page: The tramway centre in 1922. Bristol’s tram system closed after the German Luftwaffe's Good Friday air raid on the city in April 1941, which caused devastation to much of the city centre and its tram lines

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POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST A new project by a local photographer provides a nostalgic look at Bristol from the early 20th century

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hen photographer Harry Lloyd-Evans found a set of centuryold postcards that had been scattered in a Bristol skip before being discovered by a close family member in the 1980s, he began building The Lost Postcard Series – creating digital copies of these historic images of places in and around the city, as well as sentimental and sweet messages between family and friends.

Mostly dating from 1900 to 1930, the postcards were written to and between members of the Hockey family, who lived on Gloucester Road in Horfield. Featuring notes from holidays to Ilfracombe and WestonSuper-Mare, Christmas messages sent during the First World War and nostalgic scenes of Bristol’s iconic streets and attractions, these postcards offer a snapshot of life in the city during the 20th century, and of a family keeping in touch while on trips away.

“Looking through these postcards is like getting a glimpse into the past and I think this project provides the perfect opportunity to share

these with a present-day audience,” says Harry, who was recently awarded the ‘Best Still Life Series’ accolade in the Press Awards 2018 for his final project at Falmouth University. “My family have had these postcards for over 30 years and I’ve always been fascinated by the history, the designs and, of course, the family who sent them back and forth.” Harry now plans to create a book on the project, providing a perspective of Bristol from decades gone by, and an insight into the postcard industry at the time. Turn over to see more from the project. ➲ • To find out more about The Lost Postcard Series, visit harrylloydphotos.com or check out Harry’s Instagram page: @thelostpostcardseries

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WHO’S A GOOD BOY? Clockwise from top left: Produced by Bristol postcard publishers E.W Savory, this one dates from July 1918 and could be referring to an Allied victory from a battle during the final months of the First World War; a postcard to Stuart Hockey from his parents from the Bristol International Exhibition in 1914, which featured a concert hall, a replica of Bristol Castle, a scenic railway rollercoaster and a recreation of Shakespearean buildings taking over Ashton Meadows in Bower Ashton A FAMILY AFFAIR: A postcard featuring a scene from Stoke Gifford, date unknown. The postcard was sent to Edith Hockey with the message “Shall be coming in again soon. Won’t forget your music. In haste, S. G Taylor.” We wonder why Taylor was in such a rush to see Edith; a view from below the Clifton Suspension Bridge from the landing stage in 1922; and a Christmas card sent to Edith in 1912 from her uncle and auntie with the message “We trust you will have a very jolly Xmas.” n

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rugs | Kilims | Furniture | Furnishings | clothing | accessories | cleaning | repairs | Valuation

sale r e b m e Dec % off 50 rugs d e t c e l e s d in n a e n i l on store

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WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER The Borrowers at Tobacco Factory Theatres

© Daniel Watkiss

Get your skates on at the We The Curious ice iink

transformed into a giant adventure playground to tell the charmingly irreverent story based on the much-loved novel by Mary Norton. Below the floorboards of a large house in Bristol, we are plunged into the quirky, wonky, miniature world of young Arrietty and her family of Borrowers. Making use of anything and everything they find ‘upstairs’, from cotton buds to crisp packets, the Borrowers are the original up-cyclers.

From £12; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Christmas Shopping at Highgrove Until 16 December, opening times vary, The Royal Gardens at Highgrove, Doughton, Gloucestershire Christmas shopping doesn’t get better than this at The Prince of Wales’ Highgrove.

Stocked with unique gift ideas including decorations and stationery, seasonal food and drink, home accessories and luxury clothing, there’s everything you need for the perfect holiday. There are three unique experiences to choose from including morning shopping with a complimentary mimosa, afternoon shopping with champagne and lunch, and a festive cream-tea option. Pre-booked tickets only; highgrovegardens.com Disco Boots: Night Skating Until 7 January, 6 – 8pm slots, We The Curious Ice Rink, Millennium Square Prepare your disco moves, and get ready to throw some shapes as the ice rink in Millennium Square becomes this winter’s coolest dance floor. Take a twirl on the ice, soak up the alpine atmosphere in the après bar and enjoy views of the city on the SkyView wheel. From £6.95; wethecurious.org A Christmas Carol Until 13 January, times vary, Bristol Old Vic Bah humbug! Told in true Bristol Old Vic style, this enchanting new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, A Christmas Carol is a product of Tom Morris (The Grinning Man) joining forces with Lee Lyford and Gwyneth Herbert (The Snow Queen) to present another festive feast for all the family. Ages 7+. From £7.50; bristololdvic.org.uk The Borrowers by Mary Norton Until 20 January, times vary, Tobacco Factory Theatres This Christmas the Factory Theatre will be 42 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Oedipuss In Boots Until 20 January, 7.45pm (and 2pm matinees), The Wardrobe Theatre As lightning cracks at the summit of Mount Olympus, the royal kitten Oedipuss is cursed with the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. Outcast, this brave puss must go on an incredible adventure of self discovery, encountering crooks and charlatans, terrifying monsters and outrageous villains. This is the ultimate Greek tragedy and the original mother-loving pantomime. £15; thewardrobetheatre.com The Makers Market Christmas Pop Up 1 – 24 December, 10am – 8pm (11am – 4pm on Sundays), The Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol Bristol’s creatives never stop surprising us.

And now you can see it for yourself at this pop-up market with showcases by 70 local artists, designers and makers. On 4 December join the Meet The Makers Party from 6pm where there will be refreshments, a DJ and lots of festivities; bristolbazaar.co.uk Bristol Concert Orchestra and Eloisa-Fleur Thom 1 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol At this concert Engelbert Humperdinck’s charming overture to Hansel and Gretel leaves a tantalising trail of breadcrumbs towards the two musical masterpieces to follow: No 174

Mendelssohn’s hugely popular Violin Concerto – with violinist Eloisa-Fleur Thom – and Mahler’s 1st Symphony. £8-£15; bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk Wildlife Late 4 December, 10am – 8pm, M Shed, Princes Wharf Fancy a post-work get together? The M Shed’s glorious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018 exhibition will be open late for visitors.

From breathtaking animal portraits and dramatic landscapes, to bizarre species and endangered habitats, this exhibition showcases the most arresting and spectacular images of the natural world. £5/£6; bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed SS Great Britain’s Christmas Party Night 5 December, 7.30pm – 12.30am, SS Great Britain Looking for a shared night with a difference?

Hop on board the SS Great Britain this Christmas and celebrate in first-class style.

With an arrival drink on the Promenade Deck followed by a delicious two-course buffet in the First Class Dining Saloon, you can dance the night away in merriment. Open to all groups; this would be absolutely ideal for small office teams and friends looking for a different kind of festive party. £50; ssgreatbritain.org The Glos Road Central Christmas Party 6 December, 5 – 8pm, Gloucester Road The wonderful traders on the central section of Gloucester Road love to throw a street party and their Christmas shindig is the perfect way to start off the festive season.

With tasty treats from Joe’s Bakery, wine tasting with Dunleavy Vineyard, an art exhibition launch and vegan soup on offer at Alchemy 198 plus handmade chocolate from Art & Chocolate, there’s plenty to get you in the spirit.

© Joe Roberts

Macaulay Culkin in Christmas favourite Home Alone at the Curzon Cinema & Arts

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EDITOR’S PICK...

CHRISTMAS FESTIV-AL 14 DECEMBER, 6.30PM, COLSTON HALL

Strap yourselves in, it’s time to celebrate the festive season and Colston Hall and Pieminister are presenting a Christmas party like no other. Eat, drink and be merry at this Yuletide extravaganza with all the unexpected and quirky delights of a music festival: rip-roaring entertainment from a host of professional party starters, and a delicious two-course pie buffet laid on by the popular pie-makers. Legendary outfit The Cuban Brothers will be bringing the house down with their unique brand of funky soul and jaw-dropping Bboy action, while The Allergies will take revellers into the silly season with irresistible vintage sounds. 18+. From £32.70; colstonhall.org

The Gift of Presents 7 – 30 December, times vary, Spielman Theatre, Tobacco Factory Theatres Laugh-out-loud funny, Shesus – a drag-king Lordess – and her Sistas Most(ly) Divine tell a tale of giving and receiving. Slice of yule log included with every ticket! Witness the festive period through the eyes of trio Shesus & the Sistas and expect something between cabaret, comedy, a carol concert and therapy. 18+.

From £12; tobaccofactorytheatres.com A Night Before Christmas 7 December, doors 6.15pm, Clifton College Chapel, College Road A fundraiser for cancer charity Penny Brohn

UK featuring performances by Bristol Male Voice Choir, High Down Schools, The Voice of Hope and Wellbeing, UWE Gospel Choirs and the Penny Brohn Community Choir. Grab a mulled wine and mince pie in the interval, and there will be a chance to win a luxury Christmas hamper and cake. £6/£10; pennybrohn.org.uk/christmas2018 Christmas Bazaar 8 December, 10.30am – 1pm, Badminton School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym You will find a range of seasonal delights, crafts and unique items on sale at Badminton School’s Christmas Bazaar. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto, deliciously festive food and

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drinks, as well as lots of fun for all the family.

Free entry; badmintonschool.co.uk Christmas Fayre on Royal York Crescent 8 December, 11am – 3.30pm, Royal York Crescent, Clifton Royal York Gardens Committee presents its 11th Christmas Fayre. Primarily a fundraising activity for the communal gardens, this annual event in the heart of the village is becoming increasingly popular with its delightful mix of more than 40 festive stalls, carol singers, Father Christmas, barbecue (yep! from 12pm), and its much-loved mulled cider for you to sup as you browse.

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The Little Match Girl at The Theatre Shop

Call The Midwife’s Jack Ashton will host the Above & Beyond charity concert

Santas on the Run 9 December, 11am–2pm, Bristol Harbourside Put on your Father Christmas costume and take part in the city’s biggest and most spectacular seasonal charity event, which attracts thousands of people each year. Walk, jog or run the 2k route, which is suitable for all ages and abilities, and help raise vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Registration is £15 for adults, £7.50 children, free for under threes; chsw.org.uk/santasbristol

An evening of carols and celebration with Colston’s Upper School Chorus and Lower School Choir, Voice of Hope Wellbeing Gospel Choir, Byron Jones – The Welsh Wizard, Thornbury Ukeaholics and the Above & Beyond Singers, helping to raise funds for local charity Above & Beyond. Host for the evening, Bristol-born Jack Ashton (from BBC’s Call the Midwife) will be joined by patients, NHS staff and fundraisers who will share their inspiring stories and connections to the city’s hospitals. All proceeds will provide funding for Bristol city centre hospitals. £5/£12; aboveandbeyond.org.uk

Bristol Cabot Choir Christmas Concert 10 December, 7.30pm, Bristol Cathedral Bristol Cabot Choir’s annual Christmas concert features highlights from Handel’s inspiring Messiah, followed by Eric Whitacre’s luminous Lux Aurumque, and carols by the choir, soloists and there’s even chance for some audience participation. In support of Bristol Age Concern. £5-£15; opus13.co.uk

Winter Stargazing (3D) 14 December – 5 March, regular daily shows, We The Curious Discover famous constellations, unveil the secret lives of the stars, and ponder the fate of planet Earth in this seasonal stargazing show.

With the incredible 3D planetarium and knowledgeable presenters, this makes for a remarkable show. Ages 8+, £3.50 per seat; wethecurious.org

Handel’s Messiah 12 December, 7.45pm, St George’s Bristol Join Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway as they bring Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, to life in a semi-staged performance.

Tickets £14-£25; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Living Spit’s Nativity 14–22 December, 8pm, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic With the usual mix of silly songs, puppetry and more Biblical befuddlement than you can shake a figgy pudding at, Living Spit’s Nativity promises to be a cornucopia of comic Christmassy crudeness that you’ll never forget. 14+. From £13; bristololdvic.org.uk

Street food extravaganza 13 & 14 December, 12 – 10pm, Old Temple Back Fire Station Showcasing some of the South West’s most exciting street food traders, as well as live music, local beer and moreish mulled wine.

Your stomach won’t be rumbling after visiting this two-day outdoor food market. Delights on offer include crispy chicken wings, Persian food from Open Sesame, gourmet cheese toasties, smoked Middle Eastern kebabs and Tibetan steamed dumplings. Plus there will be mince pies a-plenty to get you in the festive spirit. Free entry.

Above & Beyond Christmas Star Concert 13 December, 7.30pm, Bristol Cathedral

© Sian Trenberth

Fflur Wyn presents A Baroque Christmas at St George’s Bristol

carols from Bristol Chamber Choir, with the addition of The Pearsall Ensemble with Kevan Boll on flute. The programme includes Bach’s Suite in B Minor. £10/free for students and children; bristolchamberchoir.org.uk London African Gospel Choir presents Paul Simon’s Graceland 15 December, 7pm, O2 Academy Bristol Comprising 10 singers and a nine-piece band, the LAGC return for this special performance as they prepare for their upcoming US tour. It also follows their sell-out concert in at St George’s Bristol earlier this year. The performance will include all the songs from the fabulous Graceland album and more. £25; ticketmaster.co.uk Spirit of Christmas 15 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol An evening of uplifting choral music and witty, entertaining readings, presented by Bristol Bach Choir. A blend of the traditional and contemporary, guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer. £5-£20; bristolbach.org.uk Bristol Choral Society 15 December, 7.30pm, Clifton Cathedral Bristol Choral Society will be joined by Bristol Ensemble, and conducted by Hilary Campbell, to perform Handel’s glorious Messiah. £10.50-£26.50; bristolchoral.co.uk

Westbury On Trym Christmas Fayre 15 December, 11am – 3pm, Canford Lane and Carlton Court, Westbury On Trym Enjoy a range of stalls, crafts and food, as well as a funfair, fancy dress competition for adults and children, and live entertainment and help raise funds for local charity Help Bristol’s Homeless.

A Christmas mystery 19, 21 and 22 December, time slots from 5 – 8pm, Tyntesfield There are some mysterious goings-on at Tyntesfield this Christmas; can you help solve the mystery? On this immersive, walkingtheatre experience of the ground floor of the house, you’ll discover stories of Christmases past along with lashings of mystery, fun, games and music. Take a torch. £8/£12; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Music for Christmas 15 December, 2.15pm, The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, College Green Enjoy an evening of Christmas music and

Bristol Film Festival: Christmas at the Museum 19 December, 6.15pm and 8.30pm, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Continued on page 46

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© Tim Maynard Photography

Raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West

© Lee Pullen

Stargaze the winter sky at We The Curious

Get in the festive spirit on board SS Great Britain with Brunel

Queens Road Enter the museum after hours, be enchanted by live performers, and prepare to be drawn into the magic of Christmas like never before with two festive film treats. Kicking off at 6.15pm is the feel-good family hit Paddington, or you can settle down with Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black for The Holiday at 8.30pm. £9-£15; bristolfilmfestival.com Christmas Spectacular 20 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol Bristol Ensemble and the City of Bristol Choir provide a joyful evening of festive music and readings with a few surprises along the way.

Expect sparkling orchestral pieces, beautiful choral Christmas carols and a bit of audience participation. £14-£28; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Planetarium Sounds: Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here 21 December, 4 and 18 January, times vary, We The Curious An audio-visual extravaganza, inspired by the 1973 and 1975 albums of Pink Floyd in glorious 5.1 surround sound, with spellbinding abstract projections on the full dome enveloping the entire audience. 16+. £8.50/£9.95; wethecurious.org Bristol Ensemble & Exultate Singers 21 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol A popular festive concert where the professional musicians of the Bristol Ensemble are joined on stage by the brilliant Exultate Singers for an evening to get you in the Christmas spirit. £14-£28; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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The Little Match Girl – The Last Baguette 22 & 23 December, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, The Theatre Shop, Queens Square, Clevedon London. Christmas Eve. The snow is falling.

A little girl struggles fiercely through the cold.

We follow her throughout the day as she encounters the funny and zany characters of the vibrant city streets. In an attempt to stay warm she strikes a match, then a second and third. In the cold the flames blaze to life and the flickering fire illuminates her fantastic Christmas visions. A family show for Christmas inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional tale. Recommended for 4+. £8; theatreshop.org.uk The Snowman and The Bear 22 December, 3.30pm, The Forum, Bath Take a trip to the North Pole, see the Northern Lights, meet Father Christmas and maybe have a dance with a snowman or two as Bath Philharmonia performs Howard Blake’s scores live to Raymond Briggs’ amazing animations The Snowman and The Bear. £14/£22; bathphil.co.uk Children’s Christmas Carnival 23 December, 2pm and 4pm, St George’s Bristol Give the whole family a Christmas treat at this special concert which features Prokofiev’s well-loved musical tale Peter and the Wolf, performed by Bristol Ensemble. £7/£14; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Home Alone 22 December, 1.30pm, Curzon Cinema & Arts, Clevedon A classic Christmas favourite to get you in the goodwill mood. All Kevin McCallister (played

by Macaulay Culkin) wants for Christmas is for his family to disappear. So, when he wakes to discover that they have accidentally left for their Christmas trip without him, he does what any kid would do, he parties! But when 46 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

he learns that two burglars with a Christmas list of their own are working their way up the block, he is forced to defend the family home on his own. £6.70; curzon.org.uk

A Baroque Christmas 23 December, 7.45pm, St George’s Bristol An exquisite evening of Christmas music from the golden era of the Baroque including festive music for solo soprano sung by Fflur Wyn. Tickets from £14; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk New Year’s Eve 31 December, 7pm – 1am, Bristol Museum

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& Art Gallery, Queens Road See in the New Year with style at an exclusive night of after-dark discovery, delicious dining and dancing at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

Start the night with a glass of sparkles and a selection of canapés in the elegant Winterstoke Hall. Explore some of the museum’s most popular galleries before continuing into the grand Wills Hall for a sumptuous three-course dinner and dancing. 18+. £79.99; bristolmuseums.org.uk New Year's Day boundary walk 1 January, 11am – 3pm, Tyntesfield With 540 acres of land to explore, Tyntesfield is the perfect place for a New Year’s Day guided walk, as well as stopping for lunch in the kitchen garden. Discover rarely told tales and tread untrodden paths across fields and up through wooded glens. The walk will take in glorious vistas and shed light on some forgotten gems of the Tyntesfield story. £15, includes lunch; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

PLANNING AHEAD Jazz Dames Four 19 January, 8pm, Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road Celebrating the music of composer Cole Porter, jazz dames Lucy Moon, Tammy Payne, Ruth Hammond, Katya Gorrie and Louis Victoria Hunt, with special guest Alan Barnes, will bring audiences a fantastic evening of great songs, beautiful harmonies and wonderful arrangements. £18/£20; bristoljazzandbluesfest.com The Big Hearted Valentine’s Ball 9 February, 6.30pm, Apex City of Bath Hotel, James Street West, Bath A charity black-tie dinner and ball to raise funds for a fibre optic laryngoscope to be used for treating heart patients at the NHS Bristol Heart Institute. Entertainment includes closeup magic from Peter Baffles and live music and the host is comedian Tank Sherman.

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Clockwise from top left: The duo performing as David and Jonathan; The Kestrels pictured in 1963; to date, Roger Cook is the only British person in the Country Music Hall of Fame (image courtesy of Cherry Red/RPM); the two Rogers teamed with George Martin to do a cover of the Beatles’ Michelle; their tune I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing, penned for a Coca-Cola commercial, was their first British number one

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THE FORTUNES (OF THE FISHPONDS HITMAKERS) While the comedy world had the two Ronnies, the music industry had the two Rogers: Darryl W Bullock looks at the lives and legacy of the Bristol duo who took the Sixties songwriting sphere by storm

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espite a reputation for being one of Britain’s most creative cities, pop songs about Bristol are surprisingly scarce. Adge Cutler and the Wurzels had The Bristol Song in 1968, and 40 years later Tricky released an album, Knowle West Boy, about the area he was raised in. We’ve been name checked by Van Morrison, Noel Coward and Goldie Lookin’ Chain, and punk band Discharge released a song about the St. Paul’s riot in 1980. Then there’s The Bristol Stomp, although that particular song is about Bristol, Pennsylvania, not our own fair city.

Yet almost four decades before Tricky wrote about his part of town, two lads had already penned a tribute to a street in Fishponds, where they both grew up. Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway – two of the most successful pop songwriters of all time – were born and raised there. Roger James Cooke (he dropped the ‘e’ at the end of his name), was born in August 1940 and, in his teens, sang in local doo-wop group The Sapphires who, in 1958, recorded four tunes at Stan’s Record Centre in Denmark Street. After The Sapphires split, Cook formed a vocal trio, The Londons, which quickly became a duo and was signed to Columbia under the name Jon and Julie: Jon was Roger Cook, Julie was Londons singer Jill Stevens.

...Greenaway was a budding footballer who had been scouted by Bristol City, but his real love was music...

Two years older than Cook, Greenaway was a budding footballer who had been scouted by Bristol City, but his real love was music. He was a member of the four-man vocal group The Kestrels, a band that formed, as The Belltones, in 1956. Birds were big in Bristol: we also had a group called The Eagles (not the same who recorded Hotel California!) who, like Tricky, came from Knowle West. Bristol’s Eagles appeared in two films, 1962’s Some People, which was shot locally, and the 1964 comedy Nothing But The Best.

The original Kestrels line-up included Roger Maggs (later replaced by Edinburgh-born Peter Gullane), Tony Burrows, who Greenaway had met when working in the offices of Bristol firm E. S. & A. Robinson, and police cadet Jeff Williams. They came first in a talent show at the Bristol Hippodrome and recorded their debut EP in the ballroom of the Grand Hotel in Broad Street, in February 1958, while Greenaway was on leave from National Service. They quickly became in-demand, performing with Billy Fury (on his top 40 hit Don’t Worry and in concert at the Hippodrome), skiffle king Lonnie Donegan and supporting other big-name acts including Bob Hope.

A fab foundation In early 1963 The Kestrels toured with The Beatles, third and fourth on the bill respectively to Helen Shapiro, and they would support them again when the Fab Four went on the road as headliners later that year. The Kestrels almost scored a hit with a cover of The Beatles’ There’s A Place and it was while touring with them that Greenaway first thought about song writing.

“I used to stand at the side of the stage every night and watch them,” he later revealed. “It suddenly occurred to me that maybe I could write songs as good as they did. Of course, I couldn’t, but it gave me the impetus to start writing.”

The Kestrels were popular on radio and television, appearing on the Six-Five Special, Sunday Night at the London Palladium, Thank Your Lucky Stars and on Lonnie Donegan’s series Putting on the Donegan.

“The quartet’s versatility – they can sing anything from basic rock ‘n’ roll to complex modern-jazz- flavoured scores – has made The Kestrels one of Britain’s busiest vocal teams,” wrote The Stage in 1963.

When Kestrels lead singer Tony Burrows was offered a solo contract with Decca records, Greenaway suggested that his old friend Roger Cook – who was appearing in panto with comedy double act Mike and Bernie Winters – would be the ideal replacement. With long hours huddled in the back of coaches and long nights in cheap hotel rooms, Cook and Greenaway discovered that they enjoyed writing songs together and, although The Kestrels would not last much longer, the songwriting partnership soon came up with their first hit, You’ve Got Your Troubles.

Recorded by Birmingham band The Fortunes, it went to number two in 1965, and it was not long before people started to take notice of Cook and Greenaway’s songs. Beatles producer George Martin suggested that they become a duo, signing them as the first act to his new independent company, Air. As David and Jonathan, the two Rogers had a hit with a cover of The Beatles’ Michelle and followed that with their own composition Lovers of The World Unite which reached number seven in 1966. They continued as David and Jonathan until 1968 before forming a new vocal act, The Congregation, whose single Softly Whispering I Love You was a topfive hit in Britain, made the top 30 in America and went to number one in New Zealand and South Africa.

The go-to two While they were pursuing their own pop career, the duo continued to write for other artists. Cook-Greenaway compositions include I Was Kaiser Bill’s Batman, a top-five hit for Whistling Jack Smith, the Gene Pitney hit Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart (which Pitney rerecorded with Marc Almond and took to number one in 1989), Cilla Black’s top-three hit Something Tells Me (Something’s Gonna Happen Tonight) and hits for Englebert Humperdink, The Hollies, Cliff Richard and many more. They also composed radio jingles, THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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principally for Coca-Cola, for Radio Luxemburg. A few years later they would pen tunes for two of the best-remembered Coca-Cola television commercials – I’d Like To Teach the World To Sing and It Oughta Sell A Million. Recorded by The New Seekers, I’d Like To Teach the World To Sing provided Cook and Greenaway with their first British number one, and The New Seekers with a 12 millionselling hit single.

In 1970 Cook attempted to launch a solo career. As Roger James Cooke he issued the album Study, with most of the songs co-written with Greenaway, including 3 Parnall Road, Fishponds, Bristol, an ode to the house he grew up in. The album included a cover of Elton John’s song Skyline Pigeon; the Rogers had met Elton in the early ’60s, when he worked as an office boy at their music publishers. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Elton and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin looked to Cook and Greenaway for advice at the start of their career and Cook sang backing vocals on Elton’s albums Elton John and Madman Across the Water.

...Elton John and Bernie Taupin looked to Cook and Greenaway for advice at the start of their career; Cook sang on Elton’s albums...

Elder statesmen of songwriting For several years Greenaway and Cook ran their own label, Target (distributed by EMI), but in 1976 Cook decided to move to the USA, effectively ending their songwriting partnership. Cook’s biggest hit was with the Crystal Gayle song Talking in Your Sleep, and he has enjoyed huge success Stateside with artists including Dr. Hook and Don Williams. To date, Roger Cook is the only British person in the Country Music Hall of Fame, although he left country music behind him temporarily when he teamed up with former Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell for the 1992 album CCW. Greenaway continued with Target until 1978 and, with other songwriters including Geoff Stephens of The New Vaudeville Band, composed top-five hits for The Drifters (Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies), Dana (It’s Gonna Be A Cold, Cold Christmas) and David Dundas (Jeans On) among others. He’s also responsible for giving The Nolans their first big break and has composed jingles for British Gas (remember ‘Cookability’?), Asda and McDonalds.

Although Cook has been living in the States for more than 40 years, the duo remain close friends, and they have performed together on a number of occasions since. In 1998, Greenaway was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the music industry and, in 2009, both Rogers were inducted into New York’s Songwriters Hall of Fame. Greenaway occasionally teams up with the other former members of The Kestrels including Tony Burrows: since reforming the band have issued a CD, Still Flying After 50 Years, and once again performed on the stage of Colston Hall more than half a century after their debut there. ■ 50 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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The Grand d

New Year’s Eve Ball

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Study was a critical, rather than commercial, success so the duo went back to writing hits for others, such as Melting Pot, Good Morning Freedom and The Banner Man for ’70s band Blue Mink – principally a studio act. Cook acted as the band’s male singer, sharing vocal duties with Madeline Bell, while Greenaway kept busy performing with groups including Brotherhood of Man, who also featured his old Kestrels bandmate Tony Burrows. Since leaving the Kestrels, Burrows had become much in demand, performing lead vocals on hits including The Flower Pot Men’s Let’s Go to San Francisco, Edison Lighthouse’s Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes), White Plains’ My Baby Loves Lovin’ (written by Cook and Greenaway) and The Pipkins’ Gimme Dat Ding, duetting on the latter with Greenaway.

2018 Bristol 2019 e Grand Hotel Bristol 7.30pm Reception • 8.00pm Dinner • 12.30am Carriages with The Manhatten Orchestra Black Tie Ticket £80

Telephone Myra on 0117 974 4017

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Banksy’s Love Rat under the hammer at Clevedon Salerooms Mystery may surround the artist, but the Wiltshire owner of this Pest Control certified work was certain about the best place to consign their 46cm x 32cm print to achieve the highest price.

Determined bidders pushed the result to an impressive £11,750; Not a bad return in just ten years for this unsigned example (from the edition of 600) purchased for £700 from a gallery. Clevedon Salerooms already have a further Banksy consigned to their March Quarterly Specialist Sale from a London Vendor.

Contact us for a free sale valuation on your Banksy

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Temperance by Neil Roberts

Inaugural Exhibition, The Downstairs Gallery at Alchemy 198, until 3 January

Party Dress by Zoe Thomas Slatter

This new café-bar on the central section of Gloucester Road, sumptuously decorated in teal and gold with art on every wall, also has a large gallery space downstairs. Curated by Sarah Thorp, who owns gallery Room 212 a few doors up the road, The Downstairs Gallery is now showcasing a wide range of artists as well as hosting supper clubs, wine tastings and comedy nights.

The first exhibition to take place will feature the work of artists associated with 212 Productions, the printing side of Room 212.

Exhibitors range from street artists Inkie and Cheba (see lead artwork pictured left) to printmakers Jim Starr and Rosie Mclay, photographers Martin Thompson and Mark Hayward and painters Zoe Thomas and Julian Quaye. Julian is also the artist who created the beautiful Mucha-inspired mural on the outside wall of Alchemy 198.

The team has plenty of other events and exhibitions planned for the new venue, starting with the North Bristol Art Trail and continuing throughout December – check out the website for more information.

• alchemy198.co.uk

Albert Irvin and Abstract Expressionism, RWA, 8 December – 3 March The first major retrospective of this British artist, alongside a 60th anniversary celebration of the seminal exhibition ‘The New American Painting’. This original new show will not only consider how Irvin’s work was profoundly shaped by his experience of visiting the exhibition, but also how The New American Painting changed the perspectives of See Jay Luttman Johnson’s many British artists. It will bring fairytale tower and plenty together works by major abstract more at Coldharbour expressionist artists from the late 1950s, including important loans which have been secured from Tate – such as works

by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Barnett Newman, Sam Francis and Adolph Gottlieb.

• rwa.org.uk

Magic, Myth & Moonlight, Coldharbour Framery & Gallery, until 22 December

RWA shares the work of Peter Coker and others this month

Jay Luttman Johnson’s fabulous fairytale tower and intricate hand-coloured linocuts take centre stage in the gallery’s annual Christmas show, alongside paintings and prints under the themes of magic, myth and moonlight by a variety of artists and print-makers. View moonlit scenes of the city by Cath Read and Abigail McDougall, enchanting animal prints by Julia Finzel and ethereal woodland paintings by Jenny Urquhart. Add to this a fantastic range of handmade ceramics and an eclectic mix of individual gifts, and Christmas shopping becomes rather enjoyable again...

• coldharbourgallery.co.uk

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Christmas Exhibition: Nov 29 - Dec 29 Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4UB

Tel 0117 929 2527 • www.limetreegallery.com

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EXHIBITIONS Enjoy engaging scenes by print artist Katsushika Hokusai as part of the collection

Masters of Japanese Prints: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, until 6 January Bristol Museum has a collection of some 500 ‘floating world pictures’ (ukiyo-e) which celebrate the pleasures of life in Japan. This show will explore the radical developments in landscape prints made by two of Japan’s best-loved artists – Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige – who developed a dynamic new genre of landscape prints. See how Hokusai exploited a growing interest in Japanese landscape and how he experimented with newly available Prussian Blue dye to develop a striking new colour palette. Encouraged by Hokusai’s success, Hiroshige developed his own landscape series which portrayed views along the route between the cities of Kyoto and Edo (today’s Tokyo).

• bristolmuseums.org.uk

Chickasaw artist Billy Hensley celebrates his love of nature with richly coloured canvases

Birds, Beasts and Butterflies, Rainmaker Gallery, until 28 February

Native American peoples traditionally regard animals as fellow creatures sharing a common destiny and such relationships are reflected in their cultural and spiritual lives. This exhibition offers works by contemporary Native artists who, through a variety of styles, express their individual connections to the natural world. Pacific Northwest Coast artist Preston Singletary immortalises regional fauna in traditional Tlingit ‘formline’ serigraphs. The black and white photography of Eugene Tapahe captures iconic American wildlife in natural habitats, contrasting with the paintings of Chickasaw artist Billy Hensley who celebrates his love of nature in a series of richly coloured and patterned canvases. The paintings of Nocona Burgess and Del Curfman, meanwhile, honour the relationship between the horse and the tribes of the Great Plains, while the abstract butterfly paintings of Yatika Starr Fields and Tony Tiger highlight their concerns for the fragility of the natural world.

The exhibition encourages us to be mindful of our fellow creatures, learn from them, respect them and understand that their survival is inextricably linked to our own.

• rainmakerart.co.uk

Brigantia by Mike Duckering

Christmas Exhibition, Lime Tree Gallery, until 29 December A diverse range of painterly pieces by notable contemporary artists. With a wide range of style, subject matter and price, there should be something for everyone, and the team is particularly pleased to welcome three artists new to the gallery. See Mike Duckering’s range of Bristol paintings; plus the work of Cornwallbased Teresa Pemberton and Natasha Kumar’s unique art, inspired by her Indian heritage.

• limetreegallery.com

Morag’s ceramic work

● Sightings, The Works, until 16 December Caraboo Projects’ second exhibition explores shamanism, divination, witchcraft and Victorian spiritualism. Expect painting, drawing and sculpture by Laura Bygrave, Alex Crocker, Jacqui Hallum, Karolina Ptaszkowska and Ross Taylor and a new site-specific work by Lucy Stein. The pieces will sit alongside the artists’ personal possessions, creating a layering of works designed to create a single voice.

• carabooprojects.com

● Celebrating the Ordinary by Morag MacInnes, Aurea (15 Kings Road, Clifton Village), 1 & 3 – 8 December Morag MacInnes has a studio in Bristol, where she lives, and a studio in Andalucia where she spends several months each year. She is interested in myths, archetypes and symbolic imagery that reoccurs across time, countries and continents. ‘Celebrating the Ordinary’ will feature lovely handmade and decorated, functional ceramics; bowls, plates, platters and flower holders.

• aurea.co.uk; moragmacinnes.com

● Unwrapped, Clifton Contemporary Art, 1 – 29 December The mid-winter mix features inspiring new collections from artists including Tom Hughes, Sally Stafford, Stephanie Axtell, Elaine Jones, Maggie Matthews and Masako Tobita. You can also explore a selection of original print work by Terry Frost, Albert Irvin and Bryan Pearce, bespoke jewellery by Anthony Feiler and elegant porcelain by Trevor Lillistone.

Avon Gorge at Dawn, November by Tom Hughes

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Corking prices for wine and spirits

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t could be all the gloom swirling around Westminster or the cold nights setting in or maybe it’s the beginning of the countdown to Christmas, whichever, prices for vintage wine and spirits seem to be particularly buoyant at the moment.

“Bristol was an historical trading centre for wine and so it did not come as a surprise that in a recent Lawrences auction a parcel of 11 bottles of Cheval Blanc 1986 were consigned from the Axbridge area, near Bristol” commented Lawrences wine specialist, Neil Grenyer. But what was surprising is that they sold for £3050. Even more of a shock was that the vendor had found them in the attic of their new home when they moved there 10 years ago and had no idea what they were worth.

One area that is seeing a boom of late is in spirits, probably fuelled by demand from the Asian market. A good example of this was a rare bottle of Brora Whisky, 1977, numbered 2990 from a limited edition, that was bought by its Somerset owner on a whim when visiting the Highlands. He recalls paying about £60 in the 1990s and, against an estimate of £500-700, his chance purchase returned an impressive £1090.

“Good cataloguing and good marketing are key to making sure the right buyers are attracted to bid” commented Helen Carless, Lawrences managing Director.

So, over the festive period, make sure you take the time to check your loft and your wine cellar Lawrences next wine sale will be in January. For more information contact Neil.Grenyer@lawrences.co.uk Or pop in to talk to one of our specialists at their monthly free valuation mornings at The Clifton club. (see advert in this magazine for dates)

The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB T 01460 73041

lawrences.co.uk

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21ST-CENTURY DON: You can make amends for the future by not forgetting, says academic, historian and modern thinker Mary – Bristol has been very good at that

CULT CLASSICIST Scholar Mary Beard doesn’t just encapsulate the public mood, she enlightens it. The champion of the intelligentsia chats to Cate Brown about Bristol, #MeToo, the gender pay gap and ancient bastions of the South West

A

s far as cultural heroines go, Mary Beard, the classicist don of Cambridge, is an unlikely one. Yet, following the release of her manifesto Women and Power in 2017, Beard has become exactly that, enticing those who would ordinarily shun lectures about the ancient world – indeed, as I queue up to hear her talk at Cheltenham Literature Festival, I find myself surrounded by excitable teenage girls.

This unlikely image is not lost on Beard, who opens with the manifesto’s unexpected success. “It kind of hit the zeitgeist,” she says, referring to Trump’s victory and the #MeToo movement.

Women and Power consolidates two lectures that Beard delivered for the London Review of Books in 2014 and 2017, which trace the silencing of women and their exclusion from power, to the cultural norms and works of ancient civilisations. Implicit is the notion that to understand the present, you have to start with the past. It promotes a purposeful knowledge of antiquity, one that Beard has previously used to debunk a supposed golden era of monoculturalism (she famously had it out with Aaron Banks over the role immigration played in the downfall of the Roman empire).

It’s fostering this understanding which drives Beard, and not “digging up Roman bits of pottery – as interesting as that is,” she adds.

Whether it’s explaining Roman territory by carving up a pizza or translating smutty Greek graffiti, Beard makes classics relatable (Pompeii she describes as “a cross between Las Vegas and Brighton”).

Her appeal may have widened a subject perceived by many as the preserve of the elite, but, according to Beard, the world of classics remains tight-knit. “People always think universities are either little islands or that they’re terribly rivalrous. Maybe they are occasionally, but it’s a pretty collaborative world if you study Ancient Greek and Latin,” she tells me – away from her teenage fans. “You can’t afford to be at each other’s throats.”

This collaborative world has decorated Beard with multiple honorary degrees – at home and abroad. But her first came from Bristol in 2012.

It was also the first time she had ever attended a graduation ceremony; she was so “aghast at the flummery” that she received her first degree from Cambridge by post.

Writing about her experience at the time (her celebrated blog A Don’s Life has been around since 2006) she noted she was “dead chuffed” – not least because of Bristol’s “distinctively radical” classics department. Quizzing Beard about this now causes her to chuckle in agreement with her words. “Bristol was instrumental in getting the rest of the classical world in this country to think harder about all kinds of theoretical issues that classicists can sometimes leave to one side” – like 56 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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literary theory, she explains. “They’ve also got a really interesting institute for the study of reception: the history of the classical world in modern culture. It’s one of the things I’m most interested in, so it was a great fit,” she reflects.

...Whether explaining Roman territory by carving up a pizza or translating smutty Greek graffiti, Beard makes classics relatable...

As vice president of that institute, Beard’s link to the university has been maintained – alongside her interest in reception. Anyone who has read Women and Power will be familiar with the link Beard forges between the fate of the Greek maiden Medusa and Hillary Clinton’s defeat in the 2016 US presidential elections.

Medusa, cursed in punishment for her rape, morphs into a monstrous creature. “The obvious predictable sequel,” says Beard, is “some guy has to come along and cut Medusa’s head off.”

That guy, the hero Perseus, was widely depicted as Trump – the image of a decapitated Clinton brandished on everything from coffee mugs to tote bags. “I was shocked by the domestication of it,” Beard reveals, while noting “there’s hardly a female politician in the world who’s not been compared to Medusa.”

A wider classical understanding, she reasons, would have helped us to recognise and call out the decapitated Clinton image for what it was: “an image of misogyny.”

Confronting uncomfortable truths is an approach Beard endorses more widely, and it’s one of the things she claims to most admire about Bristol. “It has thought about [its role in the] slave trade – started to recognise that, talk about that and display it. For me, I don’t think you should rename every building that’s named after a slave trader, but you do have an obligation to say ‘look, this money; that’s where it came from...’ You have to face up to it and not conceal it.”

Whitewashing history, as Beard sees it, is not only wrong (a sort of get-out-of-jail-free card) but counterproductive. “You can’t give it back. There’s no way you can. But you can make amends for the future by not forgetting. Bristol has been very good at that. You have to tell the story.”

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Beard’s interest in the past, then, appears partly constructive; a tool to focus her forward-looking gaze. When conversation turns to #MeToo, though, she’s doubtful about the impact of simply acknowledging previous encounters of sexual abuse, despite feeling “overwhelmingly moved” by the sense of collective female empowerment the movement engendered. “My interest in #MeToo is what’s going to happen next – how do you use the hashtag to mobilise social change?” she muses.

Without engaging with this question, and thinking more deeply about what enables abuse to occur, Beard warns the promise of #MeToo may not be realised.

“We have a culture where the gatekeepers of success are men, and you can see that [power] structure might be conducive to these things not just happening, but being accepted,” she says. “If we really want to solve this, we have to say it’s something to do with the power structure.”

There lies the basic premise of Beard’s manifesto: changing the power structure so as to even the playing field. But what does that require?

Well, according to her bestseller, it requires a redefinition of power – “thinking about power as an attribute or even a verb (‘to power’) not a possession,” she writes. Thought about in these terms, all the traditional advice dished out to women, advice focused on getting women to change their behaviour to acquire power like men – “become more assertive, wear trousers, do or don’t wear kitten heels, learn how to intervene in a meeting” (I sense she could go on) – is unnecessary.

It’s an idea that is beginning to gain traction, alongside society’s awakening to toxic notions of masculinity (Beard’s response to the proverb ‘big boys don’t cry’ is a heartfelt “why can’t the poor little sod?”) Yet, her claim that her manifesto captured the zeitgeist feels modest to me. She doesn’t just encapsulate the public mood, she enlightens it.

Take the notion that successful women must support one another; the need to ‘help a sister out’. While Beard champions that, she’s also upfront about the extra burden it places on women: “You’d never hear someone say ‘the thing about David Cameron was he didn’t look out for other men.’” These insightful, subtle observations appear throughout Beard’s manifesto, unexpectedly smacking you in the face. They include her concern that the public voice of female politicians is often confined to the plight of women – and not, say, quantitative easing. Even criticisms levelled against Beard – her “whines” about misogyny – reveal something about society’s ease with female authority, she claims.

I tell Beard how perceptive, and darkly comical, I found these observations, and decide to share some of my own anecdotes from a brief stint in the corporate world. “My personal favourite,” I tell her – masking my nervousness that the punchline won’t land – is: “I’m babysitting the kids tonight.” To my relief it goes down well. “That’s a

...I don’t think you should rename every building named after a slave trader, but you do have an obligation to say “look, this money; that’s where it came from”... good one! No woman would ever say that,” she laughs.

Behind these semantics, of course, lies a further injustice that I’m keen to get Beard’s take on: the gender pay gap. In Beard’s own workplace women are paid on average 15% less than men (the discrepancy at the University of Bristol is worse, coming in at 16.2%).

Few would dispute the unfairness of the imparity exposed by the new reporting obligations, but what’s the solution?

“That’s an enormous question... I think there’s got to be more active questioning. It’s very easy to say ‘ah that’s because women are in lower paid jobs’ – well that’s the problem, you know? We have to make sure the reasons we give for [disparity] don’t turn into excuses.

“You should look every year at who you’ve promoted and if you’ve only promoted men, you ought to be asking some questions,” suggests

Beard – almost reprimanding the imaginary CEO in the room.

As for the long term, she anticipates a wholesale shift in attitudes.

Just as we would now regard an all-male panel on Question Time as “not just wrong, but really weird,” she says, we will reach the stage where it “seems odd” that women earn less than men. “It’s about bringing these [issues] into an area in which we notice them and say ‘hey, that’s not right!’”

It’s an optimistic outlook. But then much has changed in Beard’s lifetime. As an undergraduate at the University of Cambridge in the early Seventies, Beard was part of a female cohort that accounted for

...A wider classical understanding would have helped us to call out the decapitated Clinton image for what it was: an image of misogyny... just 10% of the student body; now it’s almost 50%. “That’s in 40 years. The university has been going for 800 years. That’s a revolution,” Beard enthuses. Applying the same logic, I wonder what future generations of women will be saying in 40 years from now.

What will they be unable to fathom about today’s world?

“I hope – it would be nice if people didn’t think that things like childcare were women’s issues. Most people agree that childcare is an important provision to be made at work but it’s nevertheless talked about as if it’s a benefit for women. Whereas men are essential in making babies,” she says drily. “So, Sunshine – get stuck in!”

Despite Beard’s reputation for colour and charming frankness, comments like these still come as a surprise. At one point, while articulating her desire to teach only the cleverest students, she asks: “Do you think I want to spend my life teaching thick rich kids?”

Touché. Beard’s interest in ensuring that classics has a foothold in state education appears genuine. But she is most impassioned, and most at home, while talking shop. When I ask her about the Roman history of Bristol and its surrounding regions, she beams.

“If you’re in the South West, the place that really captures everybody’s imagination – and, I think, quite rightly – are the Roman Baths of Bath. Most of what you see is not Roman – it’s 18th century and sometimes 19th-century reconstructions in the kind of image of Rome. But one thing we know is that the baths had a really interesting sanctuary site for the rather weird god of Zor.” Beard is talking about the Temple of Sulis Minerva, Zor’s romanised name. “It’s one of the most extraordinary sites in the whole of Western Europe,” claims Beard, who lights up when discussing its most celebrated artefacts: curse tablets. Thrown into the holy waters by those seeking revenge, the lead tablets – which date from the 2nd to the 4th century AD – provide “vivid glimpses of real life in Roman Britain,” she explains. “They give you some kind of sense of what people were bothered about. It’s about them, their illnesses – but mostly it’s about theft. About losing your woolly hat.”

While Roman villas are scattered around the country, including Bristol (Kings Weston and Brislington), Beard says it’s almost impossible to know who owned these. “It’s very hard to characterise any one individual. You can only take a guess about what sort of person they were. That’s why the curse tablets are so interesting; even though they belonged to ordinary people, they give you the sense of a real human being.”

It’s this interest in others that surely makes Beard so personable, and so very popular. ■ • Follow Mary on Twitter: @wmarybeard THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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CREATIVE

Peter animating Morph at Wetherell Place in Clifton in the 1980s

Enjoy gorgeous animated adventure The Polar Express at The Passenger Shed

All imagery © Aardman Animations Ltd, 2018

David in their Waterloo Street studio, 1977

AN EPIC JOURNEY

Nick Park, Richard Starzak (Golly) and David in New York during the making of American kids’ series Peewee’s Playhouse, 1986

Aardman Animations’ extraordinary behind-the-scenes story is told by Peter Lord and David Sproxton in a brand new book

F

or over 40 years, this beloved Bristol studio has entertained and charmed the world, creating memorable stories and timeless animated characters that have become household names. But how did two teenagers with no business background, experimenting with animation on an old kitchen table, go on to create a world-class studio that conquered Hollywood? This wonderful tale is now being told in the co-founders’ own words in Aardman: An Epic Journey. The colourful, intimate and insightful account follows Peter Lord and David Sproxton’s extraordinary journey from their humble beginnings as penniless students teaching themselves the craft of animation, and recounts events that shaped Aardman into the British success story it is today.

The autobiography – which features a foreword from The Simpsons creator Matt Groening and an introduction by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park – follows both the highs of worldwide recognition and lows such as dealing with the heartbreak of shutting down a production.

Key moments in the book include Peter and David’s very first professional commissions – developing iconic TV commercials, creating the most-played music video of all time (remember Sledgehammer?) and delivering a pitch to Steven Spielberg. There’s Hollywood goss and glamour too – of course, the Aardman team have worked with plenty of big stars and trodden the red carpet at the Oscars, where they have been nominated 10 times and won four.

Peter and David began their animating partnership while they were at school, creating a film which was bought up by the BBC for children’s programme Vision On and featured a superhero character called Aardman. After graduating from university in 1976 they moved to Bristol to try and earn a living doing what they loved and were soon tasked with creating Morph for the BBC’s Take Hart. Always interested in developing an adult audience for model animation, the duo stole hearts both young and old with their creations since and have continued to break new ground with different styles and techniques while remaining at Aardman’s helm; transforming the company from a tiny table-top venture into a major multi-million pound studio (like “Santa’s very busy toy workshop” says Matt Groening). And a Bristol institution.

• Aardman: An Epic Journey is published by Simon & Schuster UK (£20, hardback); aardman.com

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Peter indulging in his love of comics, 1984

Matt Groening adores Aardman’s “beautifully goofy” characters

This superhero created for a BBC children’s show became the studio’s namesake

Shooting a Blue Peter sequence at Stork House in Hotwells, 1981

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FESTIVE

Nip back to the Nineties with Bambalan Now we’re (scarily) far removed from the Nineties, we can see them for what they really were – absolutely flippin’ brilliant. So don your Fila or some fabulously fugly Buffalos (they’re being sold in the shoe shops again if you fancy going all-out) and wind back the old Baby G watch for a night of nostalgic tunes. Kick off with a specially created Nineties cocktail on arrival (Panda Pops, anyone?) before sitting down to a fourcourse Mediterranean-inspired feast, ideal for big groups to share. Pick your poison from the themed drinks menu then, come 9pm, it’s time to push back the tables, turn up the volume and party like anytime between 1990 and 1999, until the small hours. 6pm, £35; bambalan.co.uk

Image by Gareth Aldridge; Down and Out Media

Escape to Paris with Hyde & Co This image (and left): Kirstie Young Photography

Join the Hyde honchos for a hedonistic jaunt into the backstreets of bohemian France, far from the madding crowds of Bristol and to an altogether more glamorous era. Be transported to this bygone age with drinks inspired by 1920s Paris, and champagne – because no good night in Paris is complete without it. Included are three cocktails plus fizz to raise at midnight. Otherwise there’s the option join for pre-dinner service (£35, 6pm-8.30pm) and enjoy early evening drinks before heading off into the night. With limited tables available, it’s an exclusive affair at Hyde; great for anyone wanting to escape the melee and see in 2019 in sparkling company. £45, 9.30pm; hydeandcobristol.com

Do it disco style at The Lanes Soul brothers, sisters! If you dig that shimmering Sixties and Seventies Studio 54 vibe, head to The Lanes’ Disco A Go Go night on Nelson Street courtesy of Department S and popular Bristol party band the 45s.

They’ll be playing live with support from The Delinquents and a night of floor-filling indie, soul, rock and roll, motown, disco and funk from John The Mod and guests. Get deep, get down, get dreamy... 8pm, advance tickets from £10 (Skiddle, Bristol Ticket Shop); include free entry to the Dept S Bowie and glam night on 5 January; departmentsclub.com

Embrace the Eighties at The Tobacco Factory Ra-ra skirts and shoulder pads your bag? Then dust them off and pogo over to see Bill Brewster – dance DJ with an encyclopaedic knowledge of music – headline the transformed ‘Bodacious Bar’. Loca lads Bedmo Disco host, with Jimmy The Twin and Spinthief offering their take on the decade. Outside, get down at the Big Top Block Party and celebrate the birth of hip-hop and electro with guest dancers throwing down the moves. At Thali Café, Worm Disco Club draw upon sounds from beyond our shores, with DJ Dial Africa and live drumming. If that isn’t enough, seek out the retro photo booth, dance-offs and neon face paint. £40 (street food voucher included), 7.30pm; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

RING IT IN The local NYE shindigs we’re really liking the look of this year

Make it midnight mixology with The Milk Thistle Love it or hate it, NYE is the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops. Even if you’re not a fan of pounding the local pavements while crawling the clubs of Bristol, you can still treat yourself to something a little more low-key but special and elegant nonetheless. We’re talking exceptional cocktails in one of the most beautiful bar venues in the city.

Plump for pre-dinner drinks (£35, 6pm-8pm) or the cocktail tasting menu plus a glass of champers (£45, 9pm-late); milkthistlebristol.com

Get wonky with Brunel’s Old Station Don’t forget what happened to the party-goers who suddenly got everything they always wanted... They lived happily ever after! Hype’s world of pure imagination is taking over the Passenger Shed with a prosecco reception and circular cocktail bar, four-course meal from the foodies at Fosters Catering, edible table centres and chocolate fountain, live entertainment, ‘science lab’, naughty-or-nice helter skelter, photobooth, DJ and glitzy NYE countdown. Winter Wonkyland tickets from £16 plus VAT (VIP ticket packages available); hypeagency.co.uk

Make like Jay and Daisy at The Square The Square Club’s theme is The Great Gatsby. Tickets grant guests access to a carefree black-tie evening of dining, dancing, revelry and a free bar – yes, you heard, you may drink all you please! (Excludes champagne and prosecco) Crack out your sharpest suit/best cocktail dresses and hats and foxtrot back to the roaring Twenties. Early-bird tickets £104 subject to availability, standard £150; thesquareclub.com

This image (and above): Chris Cooper at ShotAway

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FOOD & Drink

TASTY TIDBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS Neighbourhood restaurants Wellbourne and Wallfish joined forces in Clifton recently

TWO BECOME ONE Two of Bristol’s leading independent restaurants have joined forces to bring a new bistro menu to Clifton Village. Wellbourne, headed up by Michelin-trained chef Ross Gibbens, and neighbourhood stalwart Wallfish Bistro have forged a partnership and become Wallfish & Wellbourne Bistro, operating from Wellbourne’s current site on The Mall.

The seasonal menu features seafood and larder dishes delivered with culinary finesse – the likes of bacon chop with Wallfish brown sauce, cacklebean egg and sour cabbage. With Wallfish known for its oysters, there is also a small oyster bar in the new bistro.

“Wallfish has always been one of our favourite restaurants in the area,” said Ross. “It features great produce delivered by a team who know how to translate these ingredients into simple and accessible dishes that are packed with flavour.

“When we heard they were closing we were sad to lose them from the area and we started conversions about how we could work together to combine the best of both of our skills.”

STRONG MOVE Bristol’s Extract Coffee is donating £1 per kg of its new, limitededition espresso Strong Man/Strong Woman to two charities local to their premises in Bristol and London – Empire Fighting Chance and The Passage respectively. Empire Fighting Chance was established in 2013 by the Empire Amateur Boxing club; active in the St Paul’s area for over 40 years and offering training and guidance to young people to help them stay clear of crime and violence, raise aspirations and increase self-confidence.

“The Strong Woman/Strong Man launch links perfectly with our key focus on developing strength and resilience into the young people we work with,” said Empire Fighting Chance cofounder Jamie Sanigar. “We are particularly excited by the Strong Woman focus as Empire’s female participation continues to grow to around 30% of all our programmes in the traditionally maledominated sport of boxing.” Ashlee Eastwood-Quinn, Extract’s Head of Coffee, added:, “Community is one of our key values, whether that’s working with our farmers across the globe to help improve conditions or simply supporting the power of coffee in connecting people closer to home.”

Once roasted and fermented in Bristol, the blend of beans from farms in Ethiopia and Costa Rica adds sweetness, giving the coffee a hint of sticky marshmallow and blueberry muffin. The espresso is on sale throughout December while stocks last.

• extractcoffee.co.uk

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• wellbourne.restaurant; @wallfishbistro

CHRISTMAS PARTY READY Bar 44 has opened two private dining rooms in its old bank vaults. Co-founder Owen Morgan worked with Bodegas Baron from Sanlucar de Barrameda (one of three towns forming southern Spain’s ‘sherry triangle’) on the design of the sherrythemed Xixarito Vault. A Bristol-made oak table takes centre stage in the second vault, whose walls feature antique riddling racks that hold 364 bottles of Vilarnau cava from the revered Spanish drinks producer which helped make the room unique.

“One of the pleasures of Spanish life is sitting round a large table enjoying a long, lazy lunch or dinner with plenty of time for ‘sobremesa’, which literally means putting the world to rights, afterwards,” said director Tom Morgan.

“The rooms will be perfect for recreating this most wonderful part of Spanish culture.”

• bar44.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

HOMESLICE! She’s a showstopper, alright! Bristol baker and GBBO semi-finalist Briony May Williams chats about her time in the tent, and what’s next

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FOOD & DRINK

W

ith her warm, down-to-earth ways and showstoppers such as her Nana Pat kagekone and Alice in Wonderland-themed pie, brilliant Bristol baker Briony May became a bit of a Queen of Hearts during her time on the nation’s favourite cake-based TV programme this year – as well as a semi-finalist. We caught up with the lovely lady during a rare pause from the post-show whirlwind.

What was it like when you discovered you were going to be on The Great British Bake Off? I applied on a whim at the end of the last series, never thinking that I would even get through the application stage, let alone end up on the show. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call. I was in the car with my mum and we squealed; we were so excited!

When did you first start to bake?

I used to bake with my mum when I was little – fairy cakes and birthday cakes – and my nan was a home economics teacher. But I only really started properly in 2013 when I was off work, ill, and someone suggested I try baking to stay sane. It was so therapeutic and helped me get through a difficult few months. Baking is one of my happy places.

Have any particular favourite chefs inspired you? Which cookbooks do you go back to time and time again?

I love Juliet Sear. Her cake decorating book is amazing! I also love the Primrose Bakery books, they have some awesome recipes in.

What did you think of the final bakes?

The three finalists are incredibly talented; they so deserved to be there.

They worked very hard to get into the final and I know the blood, sweat and tears that goes into the preparation. What they managed to produce in the time allowed is really quite amazing.

We can imagine how stressful it must be in the tent; which task would you say was the hardest for you?

I found the biscuit chandelier really tricky because it was so fiddly! I didn’t mention my hand because I wanted to be judged the same as all the other bakers, on my baking alone. But that one was hard, all the bits of ribbon and threading through little holes in delicate biscuits.

What’s it like being in there for hours on end? Do Paul, Prue, Noel and Sandy stay in the tent with you throughout?

I loved being in the tent. I really miss it and would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat. Paul and Prue dip in and out but Sandi and Noel are there a lot of the time, offering support and comic relief in the really stressful moments.

...Paul and Prue dip in and out but Sandi and Noel are there a lot, offering support and comic relief. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat...

You guys certainly get through the cooking equipment! Is there a dedicated washing up team on the show?!

There is an incredible team behind the scenes that source the ingredients and clear up at the end of the challenges. They work so, so hard. Bake Off is a big family and the people you don’t see are at the heart of it.

It must have been a surreal experience; has it been hard to adjust since?

It was so bizarre being in the tent all weekend then going back to normal life in the week (as normal as it can be when practising the bakes for the next week). The hardest bit was after filming finished – then there is a gap of a few months until they release your name so you just have to pretend it never happened because you can’t tell anyone.

We loved your hazelnut mocha cake. What did you like making most?

The hazelnut cake was great fun but my favourite has to be my Alice in

Wonderland pie in pastry week. All my practices that week (and there were a lot!) were disasters so when it came together on the day I was over the moon.

You all grew so close during your time on the show. Which friendships do you think will continue beyond the tent?

The friendships and kindness you see on TV are all genuine and we really do care about one another. My baking besties are Ruby, Manon, Antony and Imelda. I definitely formed a very special bond with them and we message daily. I am also really close to a lot of the crew as they were such a support to me throughout.

...I didn’t mention my hand because I wanted to be judged the same as the other bakers – but the biscuit chandelier was hard. So fiddly...

Who was the hardest person to see leave?

The week Manon left was really hard. We were so close by that point and I was so upset.

What’s next? Please say you’re going to open a bakery in Bristol...

One day, maybe! It is all quite exciting at the moment as I have signed with an agency so I am hoping to do some more TV work, a book maybe and some live demos at food shows. I am very lucky to be in this position so I want to make the most out of it!

Got any further facts or insider knowledge to feed our GBBO hunger?

People always worry about where all the bakes go after filming – they think they get thrown away but the hard-working crew eat them all!

Your decoration skills are tip-top; is this something you especially wanted to focus on or do you just have a natural eye for design?

I never really thought of myself as creative but I have loved that part of the Bake Off process. I am coming up with a lot of my own recipes now and that is something I want to continue doing in the future.

Any favourite Bristol foodies and/or bakers?

I think Elly Curshen (Elly Pear) is amazing! I am also a big fan of Bakesmiths on Whiteladies – they have some delicious baked goods and a bakery on site. Also The Gloucester Old Spot, Bell’s Diner, Grupo Lounge, Bakers and Co... I could go on and on! I love food and Bristol is such a great foodie city. ■ • Follow Briony on Twitter or Instagram: @BrionyMayBakes We’ve been avidly following Briony’s creations on social media since the show ended – look at this chocolate orange beaut!

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GARDENING FOOD & DRINK

(CHRISTMAS) DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WINE FANATIC Every year, people at Ruth Wiles’ tasting events ask the Clifton Wine School owner the same question; what will she be drinking on Christmas Day? Well, hark! This is what the family Wiles has planned...

C

hristmas Day is a big deal for me – it’s the one day of the year when I’m picking out wine purely for my own enjoyment, casting aside any sense of guilt where expenditure is concerned. I may be the daughter of a Yorkshireman, but this is Christmas and at Christmas we sometimes need to splash out.

It’s perfectly alright to drink wine in your pyjamas on Christmas Day – you probably had a few too many mulled wines the night before and if there was ever a case for hair of the dog, here it is.

Breakfast Champagne/sparkling – try Leslie’s Reserve from Balfour, an English sparkling. Named after Leslie, the owner’s wife, this isn’t a wine for Buck’s Fizz but to be enjoyed on its own. Made from the same grapes as Champagne; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it has a similar richness of flavour to Champagne. If you’re looking for something a little more akin to a Prosecco but fancy a change, try the Grillo Spumante from Waitrose for a fresh, more delicate, flavour.

The opening of the presents A large cup of coffee. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Cooking Austrian Pepper, from the first winery in Austria to win European Winery of the Year, made from Austria’s favourite white grape, Gruner Veltliner. As well as green fruit, it tastes of white pepper. Delicious.

Most importantly, it’s not too heavy on the alcohol and is gorgeous on its own.

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The main event For most of us Brits, this is the most decadent meal of the year. There is so much on the plate, the idea that it’s possible to pair the perfect wine to each and every element is madness. For this reason, I advocate two approaches. 1) Pick whatever wine you enjoy the most and have that. 2) Pick a style of wine that is a good all-rounder and find a really good example of it. This is the strategy I go for myself. There are some fantastic wines which pair well with a broad range of foods.

I recently tried Godello (a Spanish grape) which really surprised me.

I have been crying “try Albarino” at customers for years however this may be my new favourite unoaked Spanish white. Godello wines can, sometimes, be a bit thin but not this one from the Bierzo region.

If you’d like a white with a difference then try Cune Barrel Fermented, a white Rioja. This wine undergoes similar winemaking practices to the whites of Burgundy; aged on the lees (dead yeast) and fermented in oak, giving a rounder, creamier texture to an otherwise fruity wine. Can you tell I’m going through a Spanish whites phase?

I’m pretty predictable when it comes to the reds… It’s always a Pinot Noir on Christmas Day. A good Pinot has intense flavours but low tannins and high acidity. That might just sound like wine jargon but they are the key three factors for successful pairing with a broad range of foods. For me, there are two favourite destinations for Pinot; Burgundy and New Zealand.

Invivio Pinot Noir from Central Otago in New Zealand. This is Graham Norton’s wine (he not only put his name to the range of wines, but blends them and owns shares in the company) and very nice it is, too, with its red and black berry fruit flavours. Central Otago is the main region to rival Burgundy for Pinot production.

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This nicely brings me to my next choice; Rully en Rosey from the Cote Chalonnaise. Pinot Noir is a particularly hard grape to grow and never cheap for that reason. In addition, Burgundy is one of the most expensive regions, yet somehow this wine represents amazing value for money. All the red fruit character, fantastic balance and just delicious.

Afters Okay, so it’s dessert time. Dry wines can taste pretty dreadful with sweets so bring on the dessert wines. Tokaji 5 Puttonyos from the Royal Tokaji Company is one of my all-time favourites. Gifted to Queen Victoria on each of her birthdays, this wine has a long and illustrious history. It’s so full of the flavours of marmalade and honey, you don’t really even need a dessert.

It’s not Christmas without port and cheese. Historically I have tended towards either Taylors 20-year-old tawny port if I’m feeling flush, or Taylors LBV if I’m not, but I have recently discovered a mature white port that hits all the right notes: Portal 10-year-old aged white port. Tasting like a 20-year-old tawny with more fragrance, it’s an easy choice for me. n • cliftonwineschool.com

The Oenophile • • • • • • • •

Leslie’s Reserve, English Sparkling Wine, Balfour, £27.75 Grillo Spumante, Sicily, Waitrose, £11.99 Austrian Pepper, Niederosterreich, 2017, Grape & Grind, £11.99 El Valin Godello, 2017, Averys, £9.99 Cune Barrel Fermented Rioja Blanco, Waitrose, £10.99 Invivio Pinot Noir, 2017, Central Otago, Averys, £19.99 Rully en Rosey, 2017, Burgundy, Majestic, £17.99 Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, 2013, Royal Tokaji Company, Averys/Waitrose/Majestic, £30-£40 for 50cl • Portal 10-year-old white port, Grape and Grind, £12 half bottle

E E L AM AB , G IL AR AVA BO N D O IL IS W EN V &

Award winning fish & chips www.cliftonvillagefishbar.co.uk www.stokebishopfishbar.co.uk 4 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BP 13 Druid Hill, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1EW

Molesworths of Henleaze 101 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4JP

Molesworths of Frampton 147 Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, BS36 2JX

0117 962 1095

01454 777337

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 69

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SHELTER FROM THE STORM Jessica Hope finds sanctuary from the cold weather by the warming hearth of Berwick Lodge

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s ominous black clouds brewed in the distance, the wind battered the trees that lined the roadside and the golden leaves were ripped from the branches and thrown into the air in an instant.

It was officially winter, that was for certain, and if there was any time to appropriately paraphrase Dean Martin, then this was it. While the weather outside remained so frightful, why should we venture into the storm for an evening out on the town when the option of a roaring fireplace, a good glass of red, and a cosy blanket was far more, indeed, delightful? And that’s exactly what we were agreed on. A night away in a country manor house – nice and nearby – with the certainty of a luxurious room, fine dining, and escape from the elements.

...With old jazz tunes drifting through the room, and the low snap-and-sputter of the hearth, we felt the festive season had truly arrived....

Nestled in the countryside, north of Bristol, Berwick Lodge was built in the 1890s as a dowry for General and Mrs Sampson Way’s daughter.

After falling in love with the building in 2004, couple Sarah and Fevzi Arikan restored the property over five years and renovated it into a luxury boutique hotel.

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Using a mix of Arts and Crafts decor, and themes of ancient Turkish civilisations reflecting owner Fevzi’s heritage, Berwick Lodge has 14 individually designed rooms and a two AA-rosette restaurant, Hattusa, which champions local produce and modern British cuisine.

After almost being swept off our feet by the howling wind as we stepped out of the car, we were soothed by the warmth of the reception with all its dark wood-panelling and crackling fire. As for the bedrooms, they are all named after ancient civilisations, and ours was called Lydia after the Iron Age kingdom of western Anatolia; now part of the modern western Turkish provinces of Uşak, Manisa and İzmir.

This deluxe suite, with an elegant cream and maple queen-sized bed, sumptuous seating area, and views of not only Berwick’s beautiful gardens, but also across the River Severn to Wales, makes for the perfect spot to relax and rest your weary head. There’s even a small balcony from which you can admire the outlook while enjoying one of the room’s Nespresso coffees or P. M. David Silva & Sons teas in a china teacup (although we’d have got a little soggy out there given the storm raging during our visit).

The large en-suite bathroom features a stylish claw-foot bath overlooking the gardens, marbled Jack-and-Jill basins, a walk-in shower and beautifully scented Bramley toiletries.

Before dining at Berwick Lodge, we recommend you take a moment to sink into one of the sofas in the lounge, with a cocktail in hand as you peruse the menu. We began with the signature cocktail (£9.25) of prosecco and a wild hibiscus flower with a touch of rose, which was delicate, refreshing and cleansing on the palate. The Hattusa restaurant is an elegant affair with stone pillar archways, crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, and the building’s period features

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THE GETAWAY

THE FIRE IS SO DELIGHTFUL: (Opposite) Get cosy this season at the luxury country retreat of Berwick Lodge, which is offering festive workshops, dining, private parties and afternoon tea to get guests in the Christmas spirit This page (top left): A dish from the hotel’s two AA-rosette restaurant, Hattusa, which takes influence from modern British cuisine; (right) the hotel was originally built in the 1890s and boasts beautiful gardens, as well as far-reaching views over to Wales (image Golby Creative); and (below) the Lydia room, which is one of the hotel’s 14 rooms named after ancient civilisations

intact. Dinner kicked off with an amuse-bouche of toasted bread topped with pickled mushrooms and Iberian ham.

While the ham was delicately salty, it was overpowered slightly by the sharp mushrooms, and could have done with some form of cream to bind all the elements together.

Our starters were a different experience in their entirety.

We chose the slow-cooked duck egg (£10) with wild mushrooms, truffle and tarragon gnocchi, topped with a herby breadcrumb. The creamy egg was enhanced wonderfully by the earthy truffle flavour and lapped up eagerly with the soft, buttery dumplings.

I chose the fillet of venison for main (£24). Roasted and served a little pink, the game was rich and tender, served with grated parsnip and potatoes. An element of bitterness came from the kale accompaniment, while the blackberries and fruity jus added a subtle sweetness to the dish. The addition of a pulled-meat style spring roll was an unexpected but delicious extra.

Russell chose the pheasant (£21) served with a leg bonbon, savoy cabbage filled with tender meat, sweet carrots and bread sauce, which was an instant hit.

With a rather reasonably priced wine list on offer, we decided on a bottle of Colterenzio, Pinot Nero Classici DOC (£28) with dinner. With notes of fresh redcurrants and cherries, this medium fruity wine complemented our game dishes superbly.

Still with a little room for more, I indulged in the tarte

tatin (£10) for dessert. While the prune and Armagnac ice cream didn’t pack a great deal of flavour, the deep caramel and zingy apples worked absolutely perfectly with the buttery, flaky pastry.

Russell raved about his rum baba (£10). Doused with just the right amount of alcohol, the sweet booze flavoured the soft sponge delicately, and the pear, poached in Sauternes and served alongside vanilla ice cream, was excellent.

...The creamy egg was enhanced by the earthy truffle flavour and lapped up eagerly with the soft, buttery gnocchi...

As the temperature plummeted outside, we finished our night beside the fireplace in lounge, sipping freshly brewed coffee and nibbling petit fours, including the most intense strawberry jam-like jellies which I would go back for in a heartbeat. With old jazz tunes drifting through the room via the sound system, and the low snap-and-sputter of the hearth, we felt that the festive season had truly arrived.

We awoke the next morning to a surprising break in the weather, so took full advantage of walking around the gardens before breakfast, which included eggs Benedict, fresh pastries, yoghurt and compote.

Bags packed, we reluctantly left Berwick Lodge but not before the darkest rain clouds appeared and loomed over us, and thunder boomed in the distance – it was almost like pathetic fallacy was telling us not to leave.

If you’re going to venture out of the house this winter, then a journey to Berwick Lodge is well worth it for a cosy, festive-feeling retreat. You never know, maybe it will be a white Christmas after all… n

• Double rooms start from £100, B&B from £130, and during the Bristol school holidays enjoy the ‘Escape the School Holidays’ deal which includes dinner, bed and breakfast from £149; berwicklodge.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 71

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BRISTOL UPDATES

BITE-SIZED BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY Babs Behan of Botanical Inks is behind the move to produce the UK’s first regenerative textile

BACK THE BRISTOL CLOTH!

WHEELS IN MOTION

REACH & INFLUENCE

Bristol Audi centre has become the sixth in the UK to launch ‘Audi on demand’.

Whether it’s for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a business trip, you can choose an Audi that suits and book it online for collection with as little as 30 minutes’ notice – or to be delivered to your doorstep.

The concierges walk you through the vehicle features and controls so that you are comfortable before driving away.

You don’t need to own an Audi to enjoy the experience and there is a variety of vehicles to suit different needs including hatchbacks, SUVs, convertibles and even some sport models. All vehicles include a high level of specification, including sat nav.

To celebrate the launch, drivers can get 20% off their first booking by entering the promo code WELCOMEAOD on the booking page. The offer is valid on any vehicle of your choice for any length of time – but is for limited time only and must be redeemed before 31 December.

Silas Adekunle, co-founder of Reach Robotics, has been announced as one of the top 100 influential black, Asian & minority ethnic leaders in the UK tech sector. The Inclusive Boards list was released at the House of Commons at the Inclusive Tech Alliance launch – set up in response to research that shows the sector lags behind on leadership diversity.

“Technology is increasingly playing an important role in driving our economy and there is a great need to ensure that everyone can fully participate in the jobs and opportunities technology brings,” said ITA founder Samuel Kasumu. “Silas and others featured in this list are role models that will inspire the next generation, and hopefully help to improve diversity within the sector.”

Silas founded Reach Robotics while studying at UWE. Along with cofounders John Rees and Chris Beck, he has brought the world’s first gaming robot – MekaMon – to the market.

• audi.co.uk

• mekamon.com

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Bristol-based natural dye studio Botanical Inks is launching the first locally sourced and regenerative textile material produced in the UK. A crowdfunder has begun, raising over £7,000 in its first week, and the dyeing production started last month.

Weaving will begin in January 2019.

The cloth’s wool is sourced from holistic eco-farm Fernhill, a few miles outside of Bristol. Botanical Inks is dyeing the wool using non-toxic organic plant materials – the dyed material will then pass to the Bristol Weaving Mill which is the first weaving mill in Bristol for 100 years. There the cloth will be woven using a renovated 1985 loom, made by Dornier.

“Not only is it great to be producing the first Bristol Cloth from holistically farmed wool and organic plant dyes, but also that we are doing so in an area of Bristol which has a rich textile heritage,” said Babs Behan, Bristol Cloth founder, who’s offering rewards for project backers, including tailormade jackets and suits, kimono jackets and accessories.

Botanical Inks and the Bristol Weaving Mill are based in Barton Hill, where The Great Western Cotton Factory was established in 1838.

Designed by Brunel, the factory employed 1,000 people, many of them women, by the turn of the century.

Unlike the textiles produced in Barton Hill during the Victorian period, the Bristol Cloth will be made without harmful chemicals and therefore safe to go back into the ground at the end of its life cycle. "What's missing from the fashion industry is a locally sourced and manufactured cloth, which isn’t having a huge negative impact on the planet,” said Babs. “We’re trying to give designers something to work with that’s not only helping maintain artisanal heritage but regenerating our land and natural resources.”

• crowdfunder.co.uk/bristol-cloth-1

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Bespoke Car Storage

We provide an exclusive, purpose built, climate controlled, prestige car storage facility.

www.chatham-vault.co.uk T: 07780 531 504

Bespoke Car Storage

Treating your 'pride and joy' to a dry, safe place to rest. www.chatham-vault.co.uk

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BRISTOL UPDATES

BITE-SIZED BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY The pods offer everything from air-con and ‘industrial chic’ interiors to decent broadband, allocated boardroom time, a break-out space and kitchen, offstreet parking and secure cycle storage

DESTINATION PODVILLE

Iain Lownes led the transaction

Partner Clare Webb

ONLINE INTELLIGENCE

CONGRATULATIONS

The Bristol office of accountancy, investment management and tax group Smith & Williamson has advised on the £5.5m sale of online intelligence company ResponseSource to Access Intelligence plc.

ResponseSource was founded by former journalist Daryl Willcox in 1997 and provides online intelligence to PR, marketing and news professionals. Access Intelligence specialises in corporate communications and reputation management software. Its flagship product is communications management platform Vuelio, which is used by private and public sector organisations around the world.

The transaction was led by Iain Lownes, partner and corporate finance director, and Paul Stagg, senior manager at Smith & Williamson. “Smith & Williamson has a strong focus on working with entrepreneurs and technology businesses and we are delighted to have completed another transaction in this space, in this case one that will help two ambitious, innovative software-as-a-service businesses to realise their strategic ambitions,” said Iain.

Bristol and Bath business Sharp Family Law has been singled out by The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2018-19 Rankings Directory as a provider of an “extremely high level of service”. The positive recommendation builds on previous comments that recognised the firm as “genuinely having its client’s interests at heart” and for its “practical and collaborative approach to family law”.

The comments were drawn from client research undertaken for The Legal 500 (legal500.com) which provides comprehensive worldwide coverage on recommended law firms.

Sharp Family Law partner Clare Webb was also praised for being “extremely effective and focused” and delivering “sensible and realistic” advice. The directory acknowledges the continuing growth of the firm, which has doubled in size in recent years and is now the largest and fastest-growing niche firm of family law solicitors in Bath and Bristol.

• Follow Sharp Family Law on Twitter: @sharpfamilylaw

• smithandwilliamson.com

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A new hub of office pods for Bristol’s diverse business community has been announced for north Bristol, with leases available from this month.

Podville is located in Almondsbury Business Park, featuring 12 all-inclusive, flexible office spaces built from repurposed shipping containers.

Each high-spec pod can fit four to six desks so is perfect for small, modern businesses ready to move into their own space. Podville combines the privacy, security and identity of a dedicated office in a secure and private space with a collaborative, coworking community. Equipped with air-con, heating, Cat 6 data cabling and 200mbps dedicated fibre, the pods also offer creative designs and ‘industrial chic’ interiors.

The one-year lease includes broadband, electricity, service charges, allocated boardroom time, use of the break-out space and kitchen, off-street parking for cars and secure cycle storage. There are no hidden charges, so businesses can be secure in knowing what their monthly outgoings will be, while they take responsibility for their business rates and telephone charges.

And should they wish to take advantage of it, there is also a preschool nursery handily located nearby on-site, ideal for working parents.

“Podville is the next step for businesses who have found hotdesking or paying for individual memberships to a co-working space becoming financially unviable as they have grown,” commented David Jones from Podville. “Our aim is to provide a community where businesses can network, collaborate and thrive and yet still enjoy their own privacy and identity, all in inspiring surroundings.

We have a long-standing passion for shipping container conversions and we’ve created an environment that people enjoy being in, moving away from bland, uninspiring white spaces.”

• podvilleoffice.com

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

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

Cinderella

Saturday 8 December – Sunday 6 January, times vary Bristol Hippodrome You shall go to the ball! Put on your glass slippers and head to the Hippodrome this winter to watch Cinders come to life. This show is packed full of spectacular special effects and comedy that are to sure to make you LOL. Expect to see fashion guru Gok Wan providing style tips for The Ugly Sisters in his role as The Fairy Gokmother and Strictly sensation Brian Conley leading the cast. The clock is ticking... Tickets £12 – £40.

Advanced booking is essential.

• atgtickets.com

Don’t miss...

Climb aboard a vintage steam train from Bitton station and enjoy an hour-long trip through the Avon Valley countryside. Tuck into mince pies and festive biscuits handed out

by Santa’s helpers. You’ll then meet Father Christmas and receive a present. There will be opportunities for photographs with Santa before returning to Bitton. Other dates available. Prices start from £10 per person, under ones £5; avonvalleyrailway.org

DON’T MISS...

Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle Until 6 January, daily The Mall, Cribbs Causeway Visit the all-new grotto and embark on a magical 3D adventure through the enchanted ice castle. Let the ice guard, elf and wish fairy take you on a journey to the North Pole. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Children £7.50, adults go free; mallcribbs.com Little Boots Saturday 1 December – 7 January, 10am, We The Curious Under eights and their grown-ups can enjoy a dedicated session of ice skating at 10am on weekends and holidays. Take a twirl around the rink in Millennium Square. Prices from £6.95. Skate aids are available for £5 per session but be sure to book these in advance; wethecurious.org Sunday Christmas Cinema Sunday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December, 12.30 and 3pm, Bristol Zoo Gardens Explore the grounds, visit your favourite animals and then head to the indoor cinema to enjoy some Christmas classics. Every Sunday, Bristol Zoo will be showing Elf and Frozen.

Tickets include day access to the zoo from 9am on the day of the film screening.

Confectionery and refreshments will be available to purchase on entry to the cinema in the Pavilion. Children must be accompanied by an adult; bristolzoo.org.uk Santa Special Monday 3 December, times vary Avon Valley Railway 76 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Beasty Baby Thursday 6 December – 6 January, times vary, Spielman Theatre, Tobacco Factory Theatres Deep in the forest, in a wintry land, lives a grizzly Beasty Baby. With a mix of puppetry and live music, mayhem and laughter wait around every corner as three people embark on a wild adventure to bring up this mischievous and totally loveable child.

Recommended for ages three – six. Running time 50 minutes. Tickets £12; family tickets also available; tobaccofactorytheatres.com Wonderland Christmas Parties Friday 7 – Friday 21 December, 7pm, The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare Journey through the magical gates of the Grand Pier and be drawn into the imaginative world of Wonderland. Enjoy friendly encounters with some eccentric No 174

characters such as the Red Queen and the Mad Hatter. Guests can enjoy an hour of unlimited rides before being seated for a threecourse meal in the Great Hall. Watch spectacular aerial and acrobatic performances while you dine and dance the night away.

Prices from £34.50 per person; grandpier.co.uk Make your own Victorian Christmas Card Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, 11am – 4pm, SS Great Britain Step back in time as Brunel’s SS Great Britain is transformed into a Dickensian winter scene complete with a beautifully decorated dockyard, Victorian characters and falling snow. Join in with the fun family craft workshop and make your own traditional Victorian Christmas cards. Included in the price of admission; ssgreatbritain.org Supper with Santa Sunday 16 December, 4pm The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare Enjoy time with Santa as he takes a break from his busy schedule to enjoy some supper. There will be a disco and party games before being seated for a meal.

Afterwards, listen out for the sleigh bells and clatter of reindeer hooves! £15; grandpier.co.uk TYNTEtots: The Night Before Christmas: A Visit From St Nicholas Monday 17 December, 10 – 11.45am, Tyntesfield Estate Decorate a Christmas tree, make a jingle-bell necklace and transform into

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

Enjoy supper with Santa at The Grand Pier

Take to the ice at We The Curious (image

by Daniel Watkiss)

one of St Nick’s reindeer this Christmas as you read the classic poem A Visit From St Nicholas. Tiny tots are welcome, and free of charge when accompanying an older sibling or companion. Suitable for two – five years.

Adults £3 or free if a National Trust member.

Children £7; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield Children’s Christmas Carnival Sunday 23 December, 2pm and 4pm, St George’s Bristol Give the whole family a Christmas treat at this concert, which features the well-loved musical tale Peter and the Wolf. Enjoy myriad

colourful characters represented by different instruments of the orchestra. Suitable for children of all ages, parents and grandparents too. Adults £14 (including one free child’s ticket), £7 for additional under 18s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Mince Pie Trains Wednesday 26 December, times vary Avon Valley Railway After the indulgence of Christmas, enjoy a glass of sherry (or a soft drink) with a mince pie as you travel the line. Enjoy a six-mile trip that lasts approximately one hour and departs

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from Bitton station. Adults £9, children £7; avonvalleyrailway.org Christmas Tales With Granddad Saturday 29 December, 11am and 2.30pm, The Wardrobe Theatre, Old Market Bursting with heart-warming storytelling, festive cheer and puppetry, enjoy a feast of tales that include a special pair of Christmas pants. Watch out for Tomten, the feisty gnome who loves the chance to swap gossip with woodland creatures. Suitable for ages three – eight. Tickets £8, ages two and under go free; thewardrobetheatre.com n

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WILD BRISTOL

Pied wags get together in built-up areas to roost during winter – when warm air from the rooftop vents of offices and shops raises the temperature to several degrees above the surrounding countryside

RETAIL THERAPY Pete Dommett is dreaming of a black and white Christmas

H

ave you finished your Christmas shopping yet? After the last-minute, frantic panic-buying, crowded streets and endless queues, I like to treat myself to a cappuccino at Cabot, a bratwurst in Broadmead or a nice pint near Park Street. Recently, I also discovered that a common little bird (or, more precisely, birds) offers an unexpected reward at the end of this seasonal spending spree.

The pied wagtail does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s black and white with a long tail that’s constantly twitching. They’re found just about everywhere – in the country, at the coast and in the city. In fact, these industrious birds have taken particularly well to living in urban environments. You can see them in car parks, school playgrounds and shopping precincts, scurrying about in search of insects with a distinctive run-walk-run style like someone at the start of a New Year ‘couch to 5K’. In flight, they bounce along as if tied to the sky by a length of elastic, calling with a high-pitched chirrup as they go.

Pied wags (as they’re known to birders) spend most of the year alone or in pairs, but get together in built-up areas during the winter to roost in large flocks. There are good reasons for this suddenly sociable behaviour. Warm air from the rooftop vents of offices and shops adds to the ‘urban heat island effect’ of towns and cities, raising the temperature to several degrees above the surrounding countryside.

For small birds like these – that often struggle to survive the cold nights – this can make the difference between life and death.

Communal roosts are also thought to be ‘communication hubs’: places where important information, such as where to find the best feeding sites, is shared between birds. And there is always safety in numbers, of course: the more pairs of eyes there are to look out for possible predators, such as sparrowhawks and peregrines, the better.

Good-sized gatherings of wagtails have been seen in and around Bristol in recent years – at the airport, Oldbury power station, the student union at UWE and in the city centre. One Sunday afternoon, 78 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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a few weeks ago, I tracked down a fairly reliable roost at Cabot Circus. Arriving just as the shops were shutting, I took the lift to the very top of the multi-storey car park where I was greeted by an extraordinary sight. The open-air expanse of concrete was covered in hundreds of pied wags, all of them facing in the same direction and seemingly waiting for something to happen, like holiday-makers watching the departures board at Lulsgate.

...In flight, they bounce along as if tied to the sky by a length of elastic, calling with a high-pitched chirrup as they go...

Sure enough, a silent signal sent the birds spiralling up into the darkening sky. I ran down the stairs and on to the glass walkway that leads to the shopping centre. From here, I watched as a swirling waterfall of wagtails, silhouetted by the streetlights outside, funnelled into a London plane tree with a noisy chatter so loud that it lifted above the sound of the traffic on Temple Way. Within seconds, they’d disappeared. But, peering through my binoculars and eye-level with the tree-top, there they were – countless little black and white bundles, adorning the branches like feathered Christmas baubles.

So this month, when everybody’s presents have been purchased and are ready to be wrapped, take a moment to stop, look up and perhaps you’ll also be treated to this surprising, festive spectacle. ■ • You can watch the pied wagtail roost at Cabot Circus on YouTube; search for ‘Urban Pied Wagtail Roost in Bristol’ by BristolNature.

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EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES Classes that have signed up to learn more about animal welfare can also enter a competition to win the title of “The Most Compassionate Class of 2019’

PET PROJECT

IMPROVING PROSPECTS

FAB NEW FINDINGS

Future Bright is to offer more people a careers boost and enable them to benefit from its new skills programme, after West of England Mayor Tim Bowles secured changes from government to broaden application eligibility.

Future Bright is now open to any resident in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire who is aged 19 or over, in paid work and claiming benefits to top-up their income. “It’s been wonderful to meet people who are already benefitting from Future Bright and hear how it’s providing help and support that’s really flexible and tailored to their specific needs – putting them on the right path to securing a better future,” said Tim. “I’m really pleased we can now open the project out to help even more people to achieve their potential. I urge anyone who wants to improve their job opportunities, boost their income or pick up some new skills to get in touch.”

Future Bright is helping residents who are in paid work and receiving benefits to top-up their income, into secure, more meaningful and better-paid careers. Career progression coaches work with eligible individuals to help them improve their earning potential and income, by providing tailored personal and professional development. “Future Bright has made me feel more confident that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to do,” says Bristol participant Edith Taylor. “I have started a new job and feel encouraged to look into further education. My career progression coach has been wonderful, encouraging me every step of the way, and I know I can contact her if I have any questions or ideas. It’s like having a cheerleader in your corner, willing you on every step of the way.”

A new UWE study, on work going on in Gloucestershire schools, shows that young people are becoming more responsible for looking after their own health.

Facts4Life is one of a suite of wellbeing programmes being delivered by a GP and a former deputy head teacher to help children understand that their mental wellbeing and physical health are inextricably linked and they don’t always need medicine in order to get better.

Instead of simply telling children to make healthier choices, the programme helps them to understand why doing certain things will lead to better health, and that good health and wellbeing is very much linked to their environment and the choices they make. They are encouraged to make sense of their own experiences of illness to understand this and to identify how their attitudes and behaviour have changed, improving their personal health and wellbeing. So far, Facts4Life has worked with more than 160 schools and trained more than 1,000 teachers.

The study, carried out by Professor Jane Powell, Emma Bird and the team at UWE’s Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing, involved more than 400 primary and secondary-aged children over a three-year period. It identified a significant improvement in resilience after six months among intervention group pupils. “We’re delighted with these findings,” said Hugh van’t Hoff, Facts4Life founder. “They offer real encouragement to an approach that is aimed at true prevention rather than costly medical intervention later in life.”

• futurebright.org.uk; futurebright@bristol.gov.uk

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More than 200 schools in the South West have signed up to be an ‘RSPCA Compassionate Class’. The project, which helps children to learn about animal welfare, is being rolled out nationally with the aim of reaching 3,000 schools a year within three years as part of the RSPCA’s groundbreaking programme Generation Kind.

According to the RSPCA, nearly a quarter of schoolchildren aged 10 – 18 have witnessed animal cruelty and neglect on social media. The new online resources will guide teachers on a variety of subjects, from domestic pets to farm animals and wildlife, with interactive games and activities to encourage children to think and discuss their needs.

Earlier this year, the RSPCA launched the pilot teaching resource for schools in Manchester. The aim is to inspire the next generation of compassionate individuals and prevent cruelty to animals in the future. Following the success of the pilot, the charity asked Key Stage 2 classes (seven to 11 years old) to sign up. The children will learn about animal heroes who work for the police, sniff out bombs or help owners with disabilities. They will also learn how litter can harm wild animals and the everyday things they can do to make life that little bit better for the animals around them.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of schools who have signed up,” said David Allen, head of education and prevention at the RSPCA. “Compassionate Class teaches children about the five animal welfare needs; the resources get them talking about the importance of animals and create an awareness of how we should respect them and each other. In turn, we hope this will help to create a kinder society in the future. We are calling for animal welfare to become part of the curriculum in all primary and secondary schools.”

Classes can showcase what they have learned by entering a competition to win the title of ‘The Most Compassionate Class of 2019’.

• rspca.org.uk/compassionateclass

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HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS FROM THE SECTOR

MAGIC MARC We headed over to Harvey Nichols recently to check out the latest addition to their cosmetics department. Marc Jacobs Beauty has landed both in store and online and – from the luxurious velvet noir major volume mascara to the limited edition Leopard Frost collection – has everything to fulfill beauty dreams and isn’t tested on animals either.

We’re all about the the glow stick glistening illuminator. One of the first universal shades of its kind, this portable cream stick creates a beautiful glow that keeps giving.

• harveynichols.com

HOT STUFF If you’re yet to hear, Hot Pod Yoga has arrived in Bristol. Think 37-degree heat and bundles of yoga-filled fun. We headed to the launch event and entered the inflatable cocoon-shaped pod for an evening of calmness, mind-clearing and stretching like no other. Owner Frances was great at directing the class and teaching all the correct techniques (it seems our Downward Dog wasn’t quite up to scratch). We even ended the session with a sensational head massage. Leaving the pod feeling relaxed, warm, looser and a tad on the sweaty side, we reflected on what a great fit this yoga studio is for the city. Dip into the handy jar of hairbands – for those who forget to bring any – enjoy the vegan snacks as your post-yoga fix and freshen up with the on-site showers (and towels) available to all. There’s everything you need to relax, stretch and unwind from the daily routine and we absolutely love it.

• Unit 2, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN; hotpodyoga.com

GRAB YOUR WINTER JAB Boots is encouraging parents to get the flu jab for themselves and their children for the winter months. The service is aimed at school-aged children over 10, with the injection designed to protect against the virus and help reduce the escalation of flu. Recently found to be ‘super spreaders’ of flu, children are more likely to contract and pass on the virus than adults. Not currently covered for a free vaccination on the NHS, 10 – 16-yearolds are apparently most susceptible.

• The winter flu jab Ssrvice is live until March 2019 and available for both children and adults, £12.99; boots.com

82 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

Tilly Ramsay is working with Boots UK to encourage others to get vaccinated against the flu

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PLASTIC FREE The campaigners at Bristol’s City to Sea have been focussing on reducing plastic waste from disposable menstrual products recently. 4.3 billion products are used every year in the UK, and switching to resuable products can make a positive difference in reducing plastic pollution. Did you know some reusable pads, menstrual cups and absorbent period pants can last up to two years? We’re all for minimising plastic waste and this is a superb way to do so.

• citytosea.org.uk

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ARE YOU SCARED OF GOING TO THE DENTIST? What should you do if you suffer from extreme dental anxiety.

By Dr. Cornelius Krause

T

here are many things in life that can make us feel unsettled or generally ill at ease, and for some people, a trip to the dentist is one of those things.

If visiting the dentist is something that makes you feel extremely anxious, here at CK Dental we want to do everything we can to reassure you that it really isn’t that bad.

The first thing to let you know is that you’re not alone. In fact, far from it. A fear of going to the dentist actually has its own medical terminology – those who are nervous about booking a dentist appointment are believed to suffer from a condition called ondontophobia. This literally translates to fear of the dentist. The very severest of cases are where people will refuse all together to ever see the dentist and people who suffer with this condition are known as dentally phobic.

Dr. Cornelius Krause

We’re not that scary! Honestly All jokes aside, it’s a serious matter. Without regular check-ups at the dentist your teeth and gums are at risk of developing abnormalities such as plaque, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease or maybe something even more serious such as mouth cancer.

If you are suffering from ondontophobia or dental phobia, some of these symptoms may sound familiar: • Feelings of stress of anxiety in the days leading up to your appointment • Insomnia the night before you’re due to see the dentist • Feelings of sickness and unease in the waiting room • Gagging or a feeling that you might physically struggle to breathe properly if a dental tool is inserted into your mouth The underlying cause of this worry may come from one (or several) reasons. Some people worry about pain caused by dental inspections or treatments, while others may worry about the pain caused by administering anaesthetic with a needle. Some people feel an oral inspection is too close to their personal space and feel uncomfortable by the process, and others really don’t like the feeling that they don’t have control over what is happening in their mouths.

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How to make the dental experience more positive While all these fears may be rational, here at CK Dental we do everything we can to put you at ease, respect your worries and fears and to make you have a pleasant experience with us. One option for those suffering from extreme dental phobia is having your dental treatment performed under general anaesthetic. We are one of the few private dental clinics in the UK that can offer this option and all procedures are performed in one of Bristol’s leading private hospitals.

If you find visiting the dentist is making you feel stressed, nervous or nauseous, let us know that you’re feeling that way and we will do everything we can to make you feel more comfortable.

At CK Dental practice in Bristol, we are one of very few dental practices in the UK to offer dental treatment under general anaesthetic.

General anaesthesia can only be administered in a hospital environment, which is why CK Dental, which is located within Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield in Clifton, is perfectly placed to offer this service.

Why general anaesthesia?

At our Clifton dental practice, we pride ourselves on our understanding and experience of dental phobic patients – that is, those patients who have a severe phobia of dentists and dental treatment.

We have previously offered these patients the opportunity to undergo dental work under conscious sedation, but although this method works well for the vast majority of people, there are some whose fears are so deep-rooted that they are unable to relax even when sedated, and others who have built up a tolerance to the drugs used.

Who is a suitable candidate?

At CK Dental we are skilled at putting nervous patients at ease.

Partly this is because we have created a calm and relaxed environment where we can discuss your procedure in full before you make the decision to go ahead. We often find that patients are able to embark on treatment with confidence when it has been fully explained beforehand.

When this is not the case, and when dental treatment is urgently required, we may recommend that general anaesthesia is used. Dental treatment under general anaesthetic is usually recommended for severely phobic patients, who have not found conscious sedation helpful in allowing them to relax enough for treatment to proceed.

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Why does general anaesthesia need to be performed in a hospital?

General anaesthesia does carry some risks, and it is vital that it is carried out in a safe, clinical environment, by an experienced anaesthetist, with expert medical staff on standby.

Because CK Dental is already located in a hospital, we are uniquely positioned to be able to offer this service to our patients without the need for them to enter a new and potentially daunting environment for the procedure.

Sedation for nervous patients Dental treatment under sedation can be the alternative choice. We find that a surprisingly high number of patients that visit our Bristol dental practice are nervous about undergoing dental procedures, often stemming from a childhood experience.

At CK Dental we are skilled at putting nervous patients at ease.

Partly this is because we have created a calm and relaxed environment where we can discuss your procedure in full before you make the decision to go ahead. We often find that patients are able to embark on treatment with confidence when it has been fully explained beforehand.

Pain control is another aspect – no dental procedure should be painful with the correct use of pain relief and we use local anaesthetic injections to make sure your treatment is pain-free. However, for those patients that are still anxious about the treatment, then we can offer conscious sedation as an option.

CK Dental CK Dental, located within Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield. We provide a great quality service and state-of-theart facilities, without compromise. We pride ourselves on providing the attention to detail you need in all areas of modern dentistry.

Our approach is friendly and designed to make your dental experience as gentle and comfortable as possible, at an affordable rate. You can benefit from the latest technology to enhance your oral health and be confident that all aspects, from general to specialised dentistry, can be provided.

General Dentistry

Referred to sometimes as ‘twilight sedation’, conscious sedation involves putting the patient into a semi-conscious state that allows them to be comfortable throughout their treatment, whether it be simple cleaning or a more invasive, lengthy dental procedure.

Administered by our consultant anaesthetist through oral medication or an IV, this will minimise any discomfort as well as relax you. Your safety is paramount and you are monitored throughout your treatment.

At CK Dental we are proud of providing high quality general dentistry using the latest metal-free, long-lasting filling materials (no mercury). These are naturally coloured and are almost undetectable. Research has really moved forward in this area and we are pleased to provide a real alternative to amalgam fillings at an affordable price.

Please note that every patient is different and in order to discuss your special requirements we will need to see you in person to allow us an opportunity to carry out an examination.

Our new patient examinations allow enough time to discuss your individual needs and there is no obligation to proceed with any of the treatment recommendations.

What are the benefits of conscious sedation?

Treatments Available

Recovery is quick after conscious sedation and the majority of patients are able to return home soon after their treatment although we recommend that they are accompanied by a friend or family member.

Often patients do not recall the treatment very clearly afterwards which we find minimises anxiety in the future.

Conscious sedation is very useful for treating patients that have very sensitive teeth, a very strong gag reflex or may have issues with the joints in their jaw and find it hard to open their mouth for extended periods. ■

• Adhesive bridges • Conventional bridges • Crowns • Dental implants • Dentures • Home whitening • Hygiene examination • Initial extensive consultation (incl. 2 small digital X-rays) • Inlays (gold or porcelain) • Periodontal treatments • Root canal treatments • Routine examination (incl. routine X-rays) • General Anaesthetic and Sedation for nervous patient • Teeth straightening – Invisalign® • Tooth removal – routine and surgical • Veneers • White fillings

Meet the Anaesthetist Dr. Neil Rasburn

For more information or to book an appointment, please call 0117 905 9866 or email info@ckdental.co.uk. www.ckdental.co.uk or www.general-anaesthetic-dentist.co.uk

What is conscious sedation?

I am a consultant anaesthetist working in the NHS and also with Nuffield Health. I trained in Bristol and hold a substantive Consultant post at University Hospitals Bristol. I am dual accredited in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. In both sectors, I specialise in Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Ophthalmology and Dental Surgery.

CK Dental, Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN

Dr Neil Rasburn

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 85

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

FIERCELY FESTIVE With Christmas party season officially in full swing, Jen Keating from the new Marc Jacobs Beauty counter at Harvey Nichols takes us through her six smokey steps to create a festive twist on one of the most coveted looks this winter

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Prep the eyes with the Beauty Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Eye Primer (£20). Then, using a Highline Glam Glitter Gel eye crayon in shade Glam Jam (£20), line the lid and gently smudge out the colour until the liner is blown out to a soft smoke.

Using the Flamboyant palette (£39) from the Leopard Frost Eye-conic collection, gently press the colour You Slay onto the lid and blend out with The Crease brush (£27).

Add some festive sparkle to the lid. Using your fingertips, press See-Quins Glam Glitter eyeshadow from the Holiday 2018 collection in colour Copperazzi (£21) all over the centre of the lid.

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Next, tight-line the eyes (apply eyeliner to the waterline under your upper lash line and lower waterline) using the Highliner Gel Crayon eyeliner in bestselling shade Blaquer (£20) to add some intensity to the eyes.

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Finish the smokey eye with Jen’s favourite brush, The Smudge (£24). Using colour On the Runway from the Leopard Frost palette, smudge a little shadow into the liner on the lower and upper lash lines.

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Smoke up those lashes and finish the look with the award-winning Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara (£22). Its smudge-proof, long-wearing formula creates volume and length all night long...

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

WHY I STUDIED NUTRITION AT CNM GP Dr Laura Quinton believes that the future of medicine is nutrition, preferably from a naturopathic angle. She graduated in Naturopathic Nutrition from CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

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the impact of nutrition on health because it had never been a significant part of our training.

intolerances, gut infections and the individual’s genetic makeup are so vital to consider in assessing certain conditions.

As a doctor I have noticed a huge rise in autoimmune disease, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, allergies, infertility and skin problems. More people seem to have medically unexplained problems, too, which do not fit into an easy diagnostic category for doctors, yet cause horrible symptoms and ill health for the sufferer.

I started looking for a course to help me understand food as medicine. The idea of a naturopathic approach is what attracted me to CNM. Nutrition is placed firmly in the context of a person’s individual lifestyle and experience. History taking focuses on finding underlying drivers to a problem, and developing individually focussed solutions.

I wanted a quality course where I could meet other people, collaborate, share ideas and foster relationships over time rather than a quick fix short course or something online and isolating.

I learnt so much that no medical textbook has ever taught me. I improved my own health and well-being enormously. Adopting a functional medicine approach reignited my passion in being a doctor.

qualified from medical school in 1991 and have been practising as a doctor since then. I have a career long interest in complementary medicine and an open minded holistic approach to my patients.

Whilst conventional medicine is fantastic and lifesaving for many patients, I felt there had to be another way of tackling some health problems without endless prescriptions for drugs, which often seemed to do more harm than good; or fruitless referrals to hospital specialists who seemed to only focus on one part of the body and leave my patient and myself no closer to understanding the problem. I began to suspect that many patients’ problems had a connection with their food or their gut.

I was a doctor who along with my colleagues understood next to nothing about

In my opinion, the future of medicine is nutrition, preferably from a naturopathic angle which addresses the triggers, and empowers the patient to take more responsibility for improving their health.

I believe that cutting-edge ideas for future healthcare should be holistic and involve food and gut health. This approach could offer benefits for patients and cost-savings for the taxpayer. Having holistic lifestyle coaches who understand nutrition and health working with GP practices would be fantastic, giving hard-pressed GPs more time for their patients with other needs.

At CNM the structure of the course was well paced, thorough, and the standards were high. There are opportunities to critically evaluate the evidence behind the headlines. Lecturers are informed and experienced. I loved gaining so many new ideas and support from my fellow students.

I met many interesting people from a diverse variety of backgrounds. It set me on a new path which is constantly exciting and rewarding. I brought back ideas to my own patients and fellow doctors which have had fantastic and positive results. It’s been a springboard for new learning. Food is the medicine we consume three times a day, yet my conventional medical training on nutrition had been very limited. I am constantly amazed by what I did not appreciate before the course.

Attend a FREE Open Evening 12th December to find out about part time training Geoff Don with CNM Bristol for a career as a Naturopathic Nutritionist or Naturopathic Acupuncturist.

As a CNM Graduate in Naturopathic Nutrition, I studied health from a functional medicine perspective. I learnt about food, micronutrients and phytochemicals. I read up and wrote assignments on gut health and its intrinsic relationship to our immune and nervous systems. I learnt how food

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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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DECEMBER 2018

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 87

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

BEAUTY BOOMERS Visiting research fellow at UWE, with the Bristol Ageing Better project, Dr Naomi Woodspring speaks on the generational shift in the beauty industry and the perception of socially conscious millennials

The perception of beauty between millennials and Baby Boomers may be more similar than you think

Dr Naomi Woodspring

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hen I first began my research on age, appearance and beauty, with the intention of writing a book, I imagined my target audience was older people. I was surprised the first few times Gen Xers said to me, “Oh, I want to read that.” I was nonplussed when the first of many millennials told me they were interested in the book and started asking me questions about my research. It was not a polite interest but genuine curiosity. And this was not the first time millennials had approached me with inquiring minds – I have been asked many tentative questions about my hippy days.

As I was digging through the research on cosmetic products I was surprised to find that Women’s Wear Daily reported a significant drop in sales of anti-ageing serums, unguents, creams and the like among millennials. Delving deeper, I discovered a two-fold answer to this drop in sales. The first explanation lies in simple economics; the millennial generation doesn’t have the cash to spend on anti-ageing products. The second is that there is a generational shift in attitudes around ageing and appearance is part of that shift.

Shaping their identity as a generation, millennials have, according to Coresight Research, marked out their territory. As a group, they lean toward being more socially conscious. They tend to do more online product research before they buy, they are drawn to purchase organic or natural products and, interestingly, prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than stuff. This is, indeed, a generational shift and in some ways harks back to the Sixties generation. Those Baby Boomers were forging different and, in some ways, new ways of thinking about appearance, life experience and social consciousness.

Add to that the Baby Boomer longevity revolution. For the first time in the history of the West, large numbers of older people are living longer and more active lives. As my friend, Marian, described it to me the other day, we are no longer segregated, living in the bosom of our families. Instead, older people are out and about in the world, living public lives. Shops, school runs, playgrounds with grandchildren, gyms and the like are all places that older people can be seen. It is not just 88 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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their visibility but also the growing confidence of older women in their appearance and their strong independence about appearance choices are in evidence.

Gone are the days of the ‘older lady’ uniform – blue rinse, short hair and ugly, practical shoes. Those old rules are falling by the wayside as older women shape their own sense of self and identity through their ageing appearance. Millennials are witnessing an unfolding of new directions in ageing appearance. They are seeing shifts in attitudes towards beauty in their mothers, grandmothers, strangers and acquaintances.

As Mireille Silcoff challenged in a New York Times editorial titled Why Your Grandpa is Cooler than You – daring millennials to look at images of older people and remain uninspired. In her editorial, she makes another observation that for many millennials, close relationships with active ageing grandparents is the norm. So, as their grandparents, the Baby Boomers, change attitudes towards ageing appearance and beauty, their grandchildren are watching and discussing this change with the older generation. The two generations may be trading beauty finds like that new lipstick colour or listening to the same revolutionary lyrics of Sixties music together. Different hemlines, heel heights and trouser cuts come and go but the current trend of trainers, wide, loose trousers and longer hemlines may well be influenced by the silver pound. This is a look that has been embraced by older women as well as millennials.

Some media headlines have worked overtime to state the growing gap or mistrust between the young and the old but this has been far from my experience. We have much in common, not the least of which, is the desire to express our identity through our appearance. n • For more, read Baby Boomers, Age and Beauty, out now (£19.99); naomiwoodspring.com

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GET SET FOR SKI-ING! Women more at risk of knee injury Surprisingly women may be up to six times more likely than men to suffer a serious knee ligament injury whilst skiing. This data is taken from the UK National Ligament Registry, showing that for women, skiing is the most common way of tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

As a research award winning consultant, specialising in soft tissue knee injuries and keyhole surgery privately at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, and locally on the NHS, Mr James Robinson, is well qualified to be on the Registry steering group, leading the collaborative knee data project.

Mr Robinson advises adequate preparation to minimise the risk of knee damage, saying, “It is pretty hard on the knees to ski all day for six days in a row, with little preparation. When you are fatigued, you are at risk of

injuring your knee. A month of cardio training such as walking on the treadmill, using a cross trainer and or cycling can be an excellent way of boosting your aerobic fitness.

Make sure ski boots, bindings and skis are set appropriately for your height, weight and skiing ability.

Over 40% of skiing injuries affect the knee, commonly through a combination of a sudden twist and deceleration. Typical scenarios include the skier catching the inner edge of the ski and twisting their leg out to the side or losing balance and Consultant knee surgeon at Nuffield ‘getting into the back-seat’, placing Health Mr James Robinson is a keen skier the hips below the knees, which transfers weight to the back of the skis. Any twist in this position can cause serious knee injury.

Symptoms of ACL injury are a fall associated with a popping sensation in the knee, standing back up and immediately feeling lack of trust in the knee, then knee swelling developing over the next few hours.

It is also possible to damage the joint surfaces.

If you do suffer an injury, it is advisable to be seen in the resort to exclude a fracture but then it is sensible to come home to have your knee injury treated by a specialist knee surgeon, who can co-ordinate your surgery and rehabilitation rather than having immediate surgery abroad.”

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

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 89

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Estate workers outside the house c1900

A LIVING WORK OF ART Many visitors to Stourhead get no further than the garden but to fully understand it you need to visit the house to see the paintings which inspired the extraordinary civil engineering feat it took to turn this Wiltshire valley into an Arcadian landscape.

Words by Andrew Swift

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aid out by Henry Hoare II in the mid-18th century, Stourhead is one of the world’s most famous gardens. The downside of this is that, at times, it is packed with visitors, compromising Hoare’s aim of creating a contemplative walk for connoisseurs who had been on the Grand Tour and wished to be reminded of the landscapes of ancient Rome.

A crisp winter’s day, though, especially at midweek, is an ideal time to visit. Although you will not have the place to yourself, there should be enough tranquillity to appreciate the series of surprise views that open up, one after the other, as you progress round the lake. And, with the trees bare of leaves, the lineaments of Hoare’s plan are revealed in all their glory.

When the garden first opened to the public in the 1750s it was famously described as “a living work of art” which is precisely what it is. Henry Hoare took, as his template, paintings by artists such as Claude Lorraine, showing figures enacting scenes from classical mythology amid the sun-drenched plains of the Roman Campagna.

For early visitors, steeped in this sort of art, it would have been as though the paintings displayed on the walls of Hoare’s mansion had sprung miraculously to life.

A similar surprise awaits today’s visitors. Even if you have never been to Stourhead, and know nothing about it, you will recognise certain features immediately, so ubiquitous have they become as signifiers of a timeless vision of pastoral bliss.

Not surprisingly, many visitors to Stourhead get no further than the garden, but to fully understand it you need to visit the house to see the paintings which inspired the garden.

The house was commissioned by Henry Hoare I who died in 1724, the year before it was completed, leaving it to his son not only to furnish the Palladian mansion, but to transform the adjoining valley into the most spectacular landscape garden in England.

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Hoare’s vision, he also built curving rock-lined tunnels and steep woodland paths leading to hidden temples in whose hushed, dimly lit interiors stand busts of pagan deities and classical heroes. Elsewhere, slippery steps lead down through dripping caverns to where Neptune and a water nymph guard an underground spring.

It was not just classical antiquity that inspired Henry. He was obsessed with Britain’s distant past, and acquired two of Bristol’s medieval landmarks which the council were keen to see the back of – the High Cross which originally stood at the crossroads above Bristol Bridge, and a conduit by St Peter’s Church. He re-erected the cross at the head of the lake, while the conduit was set atop a rubble-stone grotto as an eye-catcher at the far end of a wooded valley.

...Henry acquired two of Bristol’s medieval landmarks which the council were keen to see the back of – the High Cross and a conduit which stood by St Peter’s Church...

He was also fascinated by King Alfred, and in 1766 raised a 49metre high tower, two miles west of the house, near the spot where Alfred is reputed to have mustered his forces before defeating the Danes at Edington. Using over a million bricks, it cost nearly £6,000 to build, an enormous sum at the time.

When Henry Hoare II died in 1785, the estate passed to his grandson, Sir Richard Colt Hoare, who added two large wings to the house to accommodate his art collection and library. Subsequent

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family members continued to embellish and enrich the house, and when much of it was gutted by fire in 1902 – fortunately after most of the furniture and paintings had been saved – work started immediately to rebuild it, keeping closely to the original design.

Although the National Trust now owns the house, a member of the Hoare family still lives here, and such continuity is evident as soon as you walk through the front door, to enter a high hall lined from floor to ceiling with rows of family portraits. These were the Hoares of Hoare’s bank, the oldest private bank in Britain, which is why money was rarely a problem. The amount of art on display as you wander from room to room, and the quality of the furniture – such as a gilded cabinet inlaid with precious stones, made for Pope Sixtus V in the 16th century – is quite overwhelming, as is the number of leatherbound tomes in the library.

In the run up to Christmas, the house is specially decorated. The festive cheer begins as you enter, greeted by a roaring log fire, before touring rooms lit by twinkling lights and adorned with floral arrangements, each in a style reflecting the traditions of the family who have lived here for almost 300 years. On certain dates, younger visitors can visit Father Christmas in his basement grotto or ride a festive hobbyhorse round the stableyard.

In the garden, trees have been decorated and swags laid along paths to create a seasonal trail, while temples and grottoes are adorned with wreaths. Many of the paths are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, and from December through to February, dogs on short fixed leads are also allowed all day in the garden.

For the more adventurous, Stourhead is the starting point for some splendid country walks, many of them exploring the wider estate.

Although almost inevitably muddy at this time of year, a circular walk taking in Alfred’s Tower is a popular option, while heading east you can follow an abandoned turnpike road to scale Whitesheet Hill, which commands some of the finest views in Wiltshire. ■

As familiar as the design on a willow-pattern plate

Bristol High Cross at Stourhead c1900

• nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

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INTERIORS

Kitchen designer Alec Yull believes Gardiner Haskins’ personal service is what sets them apart

A NEW ERA It’s all change at one of the city’s most stalwart home stores – we found out a little more about the first new opening on Straight Street

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ardiner Haskins Interiors opened the doors to its brand new fitted kitchen showroom in November. Located in the Brunel Rooms on Straight Street, the new showroom is home to over 20 gorgeous kitchen displays from top British manufacturers, with designs ranging from the traditional to the ultra-modern.

Based in a historic building, the showroom’s design was inspired by the Brunel Rooms themselves. “When designing how it would look, we wanted to keep as much of the building’s character as possible, such as the large stone archways which let a lot of natural light in, and the internal pillars,” said showroom manager Richard Harris. “As a company steeped in the history of Bristol, we felt that our new slogan – ‘inspiring homes since 1825’ – was appropriate as everything we have created here has been designed with that heritage in mind. We wanted our kitchen displays to take centre stage and so designed the showroom around the characteristics of the displays.”

The showroom is also the base for Gardiner Haskins’ expert kitchen designers – who are on-hand to work closely with customers in achieving their dream kitchen design. Offering free consultation and design, the experts provide a completely personal, bespoke service where customers are involved in every element of their kitchen. With exceptional, personal service always in mind, the designer visits the customer’s home to gain full insight before using state-of-the-art software to design and visualise the completed concept.

“What sets us apart from others in the industry is the personal service we provide,” says kitchen designer Alec Yull. “Having a single designer overseeing the entire project makes a big difference to the customer’s experience and they are always very happy to have such input in creating a completely bespoke kitchen for their home.”

The kitchen showroom is the first of a series of brand new showrooms opening in the Brunel Rooms – with bathroom, beds and made-to-measure curtain showrooms opening in December. n • gardinerhaskins.co.uk 92 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Solid Pine Table, shown in a waxed finish, but can be painted in any colour of Farrow and Ball paint. Prices start from £285 and the table is available in sizes from 4’ x 2’6” up to 7’ x 3’.

This item and many others in our store are available in bespoke measurements, quotations are available on request.

All our prices include VAT and Free local delivery.

• 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 •

Please come and visit our showroom at 253, Hotwell Road Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 4pm or call us on 0117 927 3700

Tel: 07970 278028 Email: info@john-boyce.co.uk www.john-boyce.co.uk

craftsmanship means FOCUSING ON FINE DETAILS AND TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE EVERY JOB OUTSTANDING

SEE CHECK A TRADER AND GOOGLE REVIEW FOR ★ RATINGS OPENING TIMES MONDAY – FRIDAY 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM SATURDAY 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM MARBLE SUPREME T: 0117 956 3030

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WWW.MARBLESUPREME.COM

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THAT SEVENTIES REVIVAL Filtering out pollutants and purifying the air, houseplants offer a chance to re-engage with nature, as well as an ever-growing community online, says Elly West

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’m not always a huge fan of revivals as they make me feel old, but the boom in sales of houseplants is one that I’m thoroughly enjoying. Adding a plant to a room brings back the feelings I had as a teenager, instantly personalising my space and creating impact without spending a fortune. My teenage bedroom was filled with plants, and I still remember my parents’ despair when I brought home a two-foot umbrella plant on the foot-rest of my 50cc moped at the age of 16 (not something I would recommend!)

This was the early ’90s so, thinking about it, I was either extremely ahead of my time or behind it – the 1970s being more typically associated with indoor greenery. Of course, we are talking about the days before social media. Today’s houseplants seem to be a lot more style conscious in their surroundings. Instagram and other social media sites have probably contributed to their comeback and are the prime place for people to show off their interior styling, as well as being a great source of ideas and inspiration.

The trend started with succulents but it has grown and now seems to be all about grouping. Instagram hashtags such as #plantshelfie and #plantsmakepeoplehappy showcase great ways to display your plants together, and it’s hard not to smile at #allmyplantsononething.

But for me, a houseplant makes a house a home. It’s a living thing to nurture and, unlike other indoor decor, it changes and grows (hopefully!) if it’s well looked after. There are also lots of health benefits associated with keeping plants in the home.

As they photosynthesise they release oxygen, and many are said to have air purifying qualities as well, filtering out pollutants and suppressing mould spores and bacteria.

When you’re choosing a plant, think about where in your home you want it to go. Ferns are more suited to shadier, humid spots, whereas cacti and succulents can cope with a sun-drenched window-sill. Also, consider how you are going 94 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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to display your plants. Groups of threes or fives work well, and if you’re short of window-sill space, look out for decorative stands or hang your plants from hooks fixed to a beam in the ceiling.

There’s also the opportunity to glam up your displays and accessorise with the right pot. Choose one that works with your existing décor and with the shapes and colours of your plants. Don’t be afraid to experiment – old wooden boxes and other reclaimed items make interesting containers – just make sure they are lined with something that won’t leak.

The most asked question when it comes to houseplant care seems to be ‘how often should I water?’ While succulent plants such as aloe vera and cacti can cope for weeks, if not months, in dry soil, others will start to wilt. Keep an eye on your plants and if the compost feels dry, give them some water. You want your plants to have water available without saturating the soil and suffocating the roots. Overwatering is probably the most common cause of death for a houseplant.

Line the bottom of the pot with stones before adding compost, and make sure it has holes in the base so excess water can run away.

Most plants can get by with minimal attention, but if you really want them to thrive, give them a regular liquid feed.

Follow the instructions on the label, but most houseplants won’t need feeding more than once every couple of months during the growing season. Wipe the leaves to keep them dust free and shiny, and to allow maximum light absorption.

You’ll also want to pot them on into bigger containers as they grow, when the roots are starting to show through the holes at the base. You can buy special houseplant compost, but any multipurpose or loam-based compost will do.

Hayley Wright, owner of The Mighty Quinns Flower Emporium (themightyquinnsfloweremporium.co.uk) is passionate about houseplants and extols their benefits in both

Above: Chlorophytum – the good old spider plant – is practically foolproof for novice indoor gardeners, surviving on very little maintenance

Opposite page: Ferns are suited to shady, humid spots, whereas cacti and succulents can cope with a sundrenched windowsill

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GARDENING

the home and the workplace. Her shop, on Wapping Wharf in Bristol, is small but packed with greenery, and houseplants are a large part of the business she set up two years ago. With a background in art and fashion, she now sells plants to businesses and private customers.

“I have lots of corporate customers wanting to green up their office space. It’s all about well-being – that’s really important right now. Cacti are proven to take radiation out of the air, so are great for an office environment,” she explains, and stresses the scientific benefits: “Sansevieria is one of the best plants for purifying the air and can actually help you sleep, as it’s very active at night.

“Houseplants have become popular again as they offer a chance to reengage with nature, which is particularly important with city living. Lots of my customers live in flats and apartments – and it’s generally nice to have something living inside our homes.” ■ • Elly West is a garden designer. For more details, visit ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month Houseplants make great Christmas gifts, so if you’re thinking of treating a loved one, or want to green up your own indoor space, here are a few of my favourites...

• The good old spider plant is practically foolproof for novice indoor gardeners, and remains on my list of favourites because I love the way it merrily produces baby plants on long, arching stems. It has attractive variegated leaves and will survive, if not thrive, on very little maintenance. It’s also happy in low light levels, so makes a popular choice for bathrooms.

• Aloe vera is another tough cookie, and I’ve got one on my kitchen window-sill that I’ve had for nearly 20 years – given to me by a work colleague in my first proper job on a local newspaper. Over the years it’s been potted many times, the old, tatty, yellow bits discarded and the fresh, succulent growth placed in fresh compost. It’s virtually indestructible and has probably survived a good six months without water at times. Plus, in the kitchen, it’s a handy remedy for burns – just snap a leaf in half and rub the cooling gel on the skin.

• Boston ferns are among the best air purifiers and are another easycare choice that will instantly add green impact to your home. I love the way the leaves unfurl and grow in all directions – it needs space around it to show off its splendour. Boston ferns like a humid atmosphere and indirect light. To increase humidity, mist regularly, stand the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, and avoid positioning it near a radiator. If it’s not happy, you’ll soon know about it, as the leaves will turn yellow.

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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his beautifully presented extended family home is situated on a quiet and much sought after cul de sac in the heart of popular BS9. The sitting room has high ceilings and a lovely wide bay window with an a pleasant outlook to the front of the property. The rear extension has created a large kitchen/breakfast and dining room with lots of natural light. Doors leading out to the garden make this an ideal space for modern family living.

There are plenty of integral appliances and the contemporary breakfast bar adds to the clean, modern feel. On the first floor there are three spacious bedrooms served by a luxurious family bathroom. The loft space has been used to create an extensive master suite which is fully glazed to one side and with a Juliet balcony overlooking the garden. There is plenty fo wardrobe space and a tiled en suite shower room. The house stands behind attractive gardens to the front and has approximately 130ft of rear garden which enjoys sun throughout most of the day. This lovely oasis is surrounded by mature trees and shrubbery and combines lawn, children’s play area, sun terrace and steps to a small, shady woodland area. There is a garage and plenty of off street parking. Many families will be drawn to this lovely home which is ideally placed for excellent local schools. Full details are available from Knight Frank Clifton.

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

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DECEMBER 2018

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No 174

32 GLEN DRIVE STOKE BISHOP • Beautifully presented family home • 4 bedrooms including top floor master suite • Rear extension • Approx 130ft garden • Garage and parking

Guide price £695,000

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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 FOR SALE HAMPTON ROAD, REDLAND

3 THE MALL, CLIFTON (Due to expansion) • Fully fitted shop

• Meeting hall

• 550 sq ft sales

• Suit various uses

• £17,000 pax

• 2,550 sq ft Modern space

• Busy retail pitch

NEW BS1 OFFICES

FOR SALE MINA ROAD, ST WERBERGHS

• New contemporary offices

• Office / consulting rooms with pp for conversion to 3 bed house

• 4 car spaces • Prime BS1 location • 2,500 – 3,600 sq ft

• Only £275,000 pax

MARINER HOUSE, BS1

FOR SALE

• Loft style offices

• Modern office building

• 1,242 sq ft

• C 2,500 sq ft

• Superb modern refurb

• Only £150 per sq ft • Offers invited

• New lease – Rent on application

INVESTMENT FOR SALE

61 BROAD STREET, BS1

DEAN STREET (off Portland Square)

• Retail unit with 4 bed maisonette

• Currently fully let with development potential

• Busy location at the heart of BS1

• 7,731 sq ft GIA • Current income £30,000 pax Price £495,000 +

• New lease – Rent on application TO LET 442 STAPLETON ROAD, BRISTOL

ST STEPHENS HOUSE, BS1 • Stunning HQ offices

• Business space suitable for stores, offices, leisure etc • 1,2496 sq ft • 1 mile from Bristol city centre and easy access onto M32

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Burston Cook December.indd 1

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• Prime BS1 location • 6,550 sq ft + 6 cars • Unique space – New lease

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

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

21/11/2018 14:25

CONTEMPORARY OFFICE SPACE TO RENT ONLY 10 MINUTES DRIVE FROM CLIFTON The Old Brewery in Pill offers a dynamic workplace environment and the opportunity to occupy contemporary office space within historic buildings that were last used for brewing beer in 1912 Set in a popular office park, the Old Brewery Business Park has been the subject of a high quality conversion with the buildings having been sympathetically converted to provide modern airy architecture, whilst retaining elements of the building’s historic past.

The Distillery has recently undergone a contemporary refurbishment and offers studio style office accommodation in a historic building with many charming features such as exposed beams and feature brick walls.

For today’s office occupier, The Distillery offers the best of both worlds – a character building with all the comforts of a modern office to include raised access floors, comfort cooling and heating and shower facility. There is also good parking and an on site gym.

Finola Ingham, Associate Director of Burston Cook comments “The rent we are quoting is competitive and for occupiers seeking statement offices with all the modern amenities, we would encourage you to view the premises with us”.

We are able to offer suites in the building from 1,000 sq ft – 1,887 sq ft – 3,000 sq ft.

For further details please contact the sole agents, Finola Ingham at Burston Cook on 0117 9349977.

(0117) 934 9977

www.burstoncook.co.uk Burston Cook December.indd 2

20/11/2018 10:47

2018 PROUD TO HELP BRISTOL’S

ADVISED TITCOMBE BESPOKE ON ACQUIRING THEIR NEW FLAGSHIP STORE IN CLIFTON VILLAGE

ADVISED HYDES ESTATE AGENTS ON PURCHASING THEIR NEW FREEHOLD PREMISES IN CLIFTON VILLAGE

CRIBBS CAUSEWAY SITE SOLD FOR DEVELOPMENT AT CIRCA £2,600,000

INVESTMENT SOLD ON WHITELADIES RD, CLIFTON AT CIRCA £2,000,000

ADVISED ON REFURBISHMENT / LETTING OF MAJOR HQ OFFICE IN CLIFTON. CLIFTON’S LARGEST OFFICE DEAL 2018

ADVISED ON LETTING OF OFFICE HQ IN CLIFTON TO FILMS@59

ADVISED ON REFURBISHMENT AND NOW MARKETING THIS LANDMARK HQ IN COLSTON AVENUE

SOLD FOR REFURBISHMENT ON PARK STREET AT CIRCA £1,200,000

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Burston Cook December.indd 3

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

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

22/11/2018 16:24

BUSINESS COMMUNITY....

ADVISED MAJOR OCCUPIER IN ACQUIRING 37,000 SQ FT OFFICE HQ IN COLSTON AVENUE, IN ONE OF BRISTOL’S LARGEST OFFiCE LETTINGS IN 2018

ADViSED ON REFURBISHMENT/LETTING OF THIS PRIME QUEEN SQ OFFICE BUILDING – FULLY LET IN 2018

ACQUIRED FOR CLIENTS THE ENTIRE GROUND FLOOR OF C 13,000 SQ FT

SALE AGREED FOR CLIENTS IN BERKELEY SQUARE FOR D1 OCCUPIERS

LET TO PIZZA ROVA THIS PROMINENT AND IMPORTANT RESTAURANT UNIT

INVESTMENT ACQUIRED FOR CLIENTS REFURB/LETTING ADVICE – FULLY LET

LET TO NOCO HAIR, PRIME WHITELADIES RETAIL UNIT

ADVISED ON THE LETTING OF VARIOUS COMMERCIAL UNITS AT THIS HISTORIC BRISTOL SITE – THE UNDERFALL YARD

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Burston Cook December.indd 4

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

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

22/11/2018 17:14

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PROPERTY NEWS

BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM ACROSS THE CITY’S BOOMING SECTOR Flour House features 37 lovely one and two-bedroom apartments

MISSION POSSIBLE Bristol City Council has launched its housing company with a mission to accelerate home building across the city and beyond.

Goram Homes is another way Bristol is responding to the national housing crisis and aims to help the city surpass Mayor Marvin Rees’ target of 2,000 new homes, 800 affordable, built per year by 2020.

The first schemes, identified as Romney House in Lockleaze and Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site will be joint ventures with development organisations. Using a joint arrangement on development sites means the council shares in the financial returns from the project, which could then be re-invested to accelerate further development of new homes. “Not enough new homes are built each year in Bristol to meet the demand and this results in high rents and escalating house prices,” said Councillor Paul Smith. “We are not interested in working with speculators who only want to make quick money and disregard people’s needs. The company will give the council greater influence over what is built and when, so we can ensure developments provide good quality homes that best suit the needs of the local community.”

Marvin Rees added: “The shortage of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the city and one we are tackling head on. I pledged that by 2020 we would be building 2,000 homes per year, 800 affordable and this is another step towards smashing that target.”

FESTIVAL SUCCESS More than 6,000 people visited Bristol Housing Festival’s inaugural exhibition, which closed last month. The free event prompted visitors to re-imagine affordable housing solutions for the city.

Exhibits included modular two-storey homes from Totally Modular; a modular apartment from Tempo Housing; a singlestorey unit from We Can Make; and shipping container home conversions from ISO Spaces and Help Bristol’s Homeless.

The exhibition marked the start of a fiveyear project. Bristol City Council has pledged to make sites available for the festival organisers to test affordable housing solutions, and committed to investing in six rapid-build modular homes from ZED Pods. These will be constructed on one of the sites and offered to people in housing crisis within six months. “It has been wonderful to see the level of interest, support and passion from the public and industry and the sheer ambition and expectation for Bristol to innovate and develop housing solutions which will facilitate community, and which can then be scaled and shared,” said Jez Sweetland, project lead.

• bristolhousingfestival.org.uk

• bristol.gov.uk

102 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2018

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No 174

NEW AT THE GENERAL A range of stylish new apartments at The General have been released for sale, giving house hunters a new opportunity to buy a home at the popular, award-winning development.

Flour House is a new six-storey building that has been named after a flour mill which originally stood next to the former Bristol General Hospital, before it was demolished by the Hospital Board in 1865.

The contemporary building overlooks parts of the original hospital, including the King Edward VII Wing, the Chapel and a new landscaped courtyard called French Yard. It includes 37 one and twobedroom apartments, with many of the new homes benefitting from private balconies and terraces. As an added incentive, City & Country offered to pay stamp duty for all properties reserved in Flour House before December 2018.

The modern apartments are likely to appeal to house hunters who like the look and feel of a new home, while benefitting from being among the period character of The General’s restored original buildings.

A concierge service is being provided for residents as well as secure underground car parking, and Flour House folk will also be just moments from the two exceptional Bristol restaurants located at The General: Paco Tapas and Casamia.

Suzanne Aplin, sales and marketing director at City & Country, expects the new homes will appeal to younger professionals and first-time buyers.

“Buying a home at Flour House gives residents a chance to buy into the history of The General while living in a completely new home. The apartments enjoy a contemporary and stylish specification, while the waterfront is moments away and the city centre can easily be reached on foot. With prices from just £247,500, these properties are perfect for firsttime buyers and professionals looking for a city centre home.”

• cityandcountry.co.uk

Rupert Oliver FP December.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2018 15:12 Page 1

Abbots Leigh, Bristol | Guide Price ÂŁ995,000 A wonderfully generous and handsome family house in a sought-after village location; arranged over three floors with gated off-street parking, a double garage and fully enclosed gardens.

Detached six-bedroom double bay fronted family house | Fully enclosed gardens with plenty of off-street parking | Double garage with power and light | Sought after village and a quiet no-through road location | Superb open plan family kitchen and dining room with AGA | Two further reception rooms | Six double bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms (two en-suite) | Separate utility room and cloakroom | Far reaching views across to the Bristol Channel | EPC: D In all circa 2711 sq. ft (251.9 sq. m)

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Looking for your next new home?

Bath’s Holburne Park could be the place for you

A

s Bath’s newest neighbourhood Holburne Park moves into phase two of its development, with a range of properties from fourbedroom three storey-terraced houses to five or six bedroom detached villas coming on to the market, now could be the perfect time to make the move to Bath.

Presenting a rare opportunity to own a brand new, but classicallydesigned home, here Vicky Dudbridge at Savills explains five reasons why a move to Holburne Park could make your life in Bristol even better….

1. Easy commute into Bristol Holburne Park’s location is a 20-minute walk to Bath Spa railway station, which means commuters into Bristol can be in the city centre within 35 minutes – that’s quicker than some commutes within the city!

2. Two fantastic cities at your fingertips Not only is it easy to commute to Bristol, but Bath is also on your doorstep. Take your pick from Bristol’s high street stores and shopping centres or Bath’s boutique outlets for some retail therapy. Choose from Bristol’s vibrant nightlife and Bath’s cultural hot spots for an evening out.

Enjoy a summer’s day at Bristol’s harbourside or in Bath’s Victoria Park – you really can have the best of both worlds.

3. Competitive house prices in Bath Historically, Bath property has been more expensive – however increases in Bristol property prices particularly in North West Bristol, have left little in the way of difference between the two. A stunning classically-designed home at Holburne Park in Bath with a comparable commute time into Bristol city centre is now a very appealing option.

104 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2018

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NO¯ 174

4. Be surrounded by countryside Set in an elevated location above the beautiful Sydney Gardens off Warminster Road and offering expansive views over Bath and the surrounding Charlcombe Valley, the homes at Holburne Park are a short stroll from the picturesque Kennet and Avon canal. Surrounded by greenery and big open skies, yet a short, gentle stroll from Bath city centre, it’s the ideal location to enjoy both city and country living.

5. Perfect for family living Each house on Holburne Park offers driveways for up to two vehicles, gardens, access to good quality schools and picturesque views – the perfect place to bring up a family.

When complete, Holburne Park will provide over 200 new homes for Bath, from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom detached villas with prices from £525,000 for a two-bedroom home.

With a stunning new four-bedroom show home now available to view, for more information or to make an appointment for a viewing, please visit www.holburnepark.co.uk, call 01225 302888 or visit The Marketing Pavilion, Warminster Road, Bath, BA2 6SF from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, or on Sundays, 10am to 4pm.

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Longwell Green Andrewsonline.co.uk

Bath Road, Longwell Green, BS30 £450,000

0117 932 8335

This is a beautiful semi-detached residence arranged over three floors that has been completely renovated and restored restored to its former glory. In brief the property features; a magnificent Kitchen/diner, two beautifully appointed reception rooms, four double bedrooms - two with en suite facilities, and a family bathroom. To the front there’s a driveway with parking and the rear garden has two decked areas overlooking the lawn. With no onward chain this property is certainly set to wow any viewer. Energy Efficiency Rating: E

longwellgreen@andrewsonline.co.uk

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

Keynsham Andrewsonline.co.uk

Fieldfare, Keynsham, BS31 £599,950

0117 986 9000

Andrews December.indd 1

Situated on the edge of Keynsham in the highly regarded Bilbie Green development, is this substantial 5 double bedroom detached Buckingham style home. Arranged over three floors the property offers generous bedroom sizes, with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite to the master. There is a family bathroom to the first floor and Jack and Jill style bathroom to the top floor. The impressive downstairs space offers a fully fitted kitchen/diner with separate utility room, both leading out onto an enclosed rear garden. Energy Efficiency Rating: B

keynsham@andrewsonline.co.uk

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

19/11/2018 16:46

Yate

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Carmarthen Close, Yate, BS37 £595,000

This is a magnificent 5 double bedroom, detached house with 20ft entrance hall that leads to 2 reception rooms and a spacious feature packed kitchen/diner which is the perfect space for entertaining or family gatherings.

An elegant staircase leads to the first floor with the bedrooms ( master en suite) and a large family bathroom.

Outside, there’s plenty of driveway parking, a beautiful rear garden and an independent outbuilding suitable for an office or gym etc. Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

01454 837 914 yate@andrewsonline.co.uk

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

Westbury on Trym Andrewsonline.co.uk

Southdown Road, Westbury on Trym, BS9 £530,000

This beautifully presented house features in brief: a hallway with original wood panelling, a dining room, a beautiful modern kitchen/living room. Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. Outside there is a large decking area perfect for summer bbq’s and a lawned area with flowerbeds, a vegetable patch and a garage with plenty of storage space. Ideally suited for families with Canford Park 0.2 miles away and 0.6 miles from Bristol Free School and Red Maids School. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

0117 405 7685 westburyontrym@andrewsonline.co.uk

Andrews December.indd 2

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

19/11/2018 16:47

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GROVE ROAD, COOMBE DINGLE Positioned on Grove Road within a substantial plot measuring 35m by 16m with secure electric modern gates, is this detached family home offering five bedrooms and two spacious receptions with dual aspect and French doors to rear onto the garden. EPC - C 2

3

5

ÂŁ1,100,000

HENLEAZE AVENUE, HENLEAZE A five bedroom semi-detached Victorian family home positioned within the popular tree lined Henleaze Avenue with three receptions, a dual aspect modern kitchen and 16m landscaped garden mainly lawned with Indian sandstone patio. Marketed with no onward chain. EPC - E 3

2

5

Guide Price ÂŁ830,000

CJ Hole December.indd 1

16/11/2018 13:30

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

www.cjhole.com As the New Year looms and the festivities begin, it is our human nature to look back and to reflect on the year that we have had. Having spent over a quarter of a century working in property it’s become evident that changes in the market come and go much like the seasons, and the current market climate we’re experiencing is just another example of that. As always we are keeping our heads high in this tough new market, with transparency and realism at our core we have successfully achieved over 98% of the advertised guide price for our vendors*. We

are lucky enough to live, work and operate in an area which remains sought after, and so we continue to trade and continue to thrive. So for now, get organised and complete one of your New Year resolutions early, our advice is to get your property valued and prepped now and you’ll be ready to go before the madness of the New Year is here!

We here at CJ Hole are wishing you a peaceful and refreshing festive season. *(figures taken as an average of sales achieved in Aug, Sept & Oct 2018).

Howard Davis MD Clifton

REDLAND

REDLAND

SSTC £925,000

GUIDE PRICE £665,000

A substantial five bedroom family home offers a generous entrance hall, three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, two bathrooms, cloakroom, basement area, integral garage, driveway and a southerly facing rear garden. The house requires modernising and does retain a great deal of its original charm and character throughout. EPC F

A beautifully presented period home offering three bedrooms plus a loft conversion which is used as a home office, fabulous views, an impressive sitting room plus dining room and a rear kitchen with French doors to rear garden.

Located closely to Redland Green School, offered with no onward chain. EPC E

CLIFTON

HARBOURSIDE

GUIDE PRICE £375,000

A beautifully presented bright and airy two double bedroom flat. The property is remarkably spacious, providing a wide staircase leading up to the property itself, an outstanding open plan living room/kitchen and a modern bathroom. EPC D

GUIDE PRICE £340,000

A lovely two double bedroom modern apartment, with water views from your very own balcony accessed through the double French doors from the open plan kitchen/lounge, a utility cupboard, en-suite in the master bedroom plus a main bathroom with a three piece suite. EPC B

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton December.indd 1

16/11/2018 13:30

CLIFTON

GUIDE PRICE £350,000

REDLAND

SSTC £650,000

An excellent opportunity to buy a two double bedroom first floor flat situated just off Whiteladies Road and within close proximity of The Downs and various cafes, restaurants and cinema. The interior offers entrance hall with study area, living room, separate kitchen and bathroom. EPC E

A most impressive 3 bedroom home offers an individually designed and thoughtfully arranged interior which was worthy of an extensive feature in The Daily Telegraph.

This unique two story detached house with upper mezzanine level, complete with integral garage has been designed and built by the current owner. EPC C

SNEYD PARK

REDLAND

GUIDE PRICE £315,000

GUIDE PRICE £295,000

A beautifully presented ground floor apartment with a private courtyard garden at the rear, consisting of: lounge/diner with access on to the separate kitchen, two good size double bedrooms (one with en-suite), separate shower room plus a utility area. EPC C

A lovely light and spacious two double bedroom top floor flat, enjoying the sunny outlook onto leafy Redland, the property consists of a large and wellpresented lounge/dining area perfect for entertaining guests, a separate kitchen and a three piece suite bathroom. EPC D

SNEYD PARK

CLIFTON

GUIDE PRICE £285,000

A beautifully presented two double bedroom apartment which has been modernised to high standard by the current owner, tucked away in a quiet and secluded location in Sneyd Park. There are also communal gardens, plus guest parking and spectacular views. EPC D

GUIDE PRICE £275,000

A most impressive grade 2 listed one bedroom garden flat offers a spacious, well presented interior and an attractive private rear garden. A spacious living room to the front, bathroom, double bedroom and kitchen which with rear door leading into the garden. EPC C

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton December.indd 2

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Clifton 0117 974 1741 Westbury-on-Trym 0117 962 2299

Estate Agents

SOLD

Clifton

SOLD

SOLD

Redland

Stoke Bishop

SOLD

SOLD

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the team at Leese & Nagle

Hotwells SOLD

Through 15 years of a changing property market we’ve enabled thousands of clients to move throughout north west Bristol. Through booming markets and challenging times our dedicated and experienced team have provided sound, sensible advice to those contemplating moving in this lovely part of Bristol. A place we are also pleased to call home!

Westbury on Trym SOLD

If you are already contemplating a move in 2019 we are more than happy to provide a sensible initial assessment of the property, overview of the market and guidance of how best to achieve your objectives in the coming year. All with no obligation or charge and provided by an independent agent who is highly experienced in the area.

Clifton

Stoke Bishop SOLD

Westbury on Trym

SOLD

Stoke Bishop

125 Stoke Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3RW wot@leeseandnagle.co.uk Leese & Nagle December.indd 1

SOLD

Redland 61 Apsley Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2SW sales@leeseandnagle.co.uk 16/11/2018 13:31

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