The Bristol Magazine February 2012

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£3.00 where sold

THE

ISSUE 92

I

FEBRUARY 2012

BRISTOL THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

THE ART

ISSUE OUR GUIDE TO THE GALLERIES

LITERARY CITY

Why Bristol has the write stuff

BOB CRAMPTON Chooses the tunes...

Whatever the weather

B MASTER CLASS TBM reviews the new Mercedes B Class

CITY OF ROMANCE From Valentine’s dining to wedding venues

The Cavendish Cousins by Tom Mead. 61cm x 61cm. Dip pen, fine liner and acrylic on board. On show at the Amalgamation Exhibition at the View Galley

The very best in local writing, what’s on, the arts, lifestyle, property and so much more in your guide to life and living in Bristol

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contents

February2012 31 10

ZEITGEIST

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Five things you’ll want do to in February

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TALK OF THE TOWN News and views Bristol-fashion

15 16

40 42

FACE THE MUSIC MR BRISTOW Why making a speech can turn the strongest man into a quivering wreck

20

24

25

44 46

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

A TABLE FOR TWO COMPETITION

A TOUCH OF LUXURY WEDDING FEST For anyone planning to plight their troth we’ve got ideas and inspiration

52

A LIFE OF TRAVEL We talk to Bristol-based entrepreneur Aussie John Kennedy on why he’s happy to make the west country his home

54

CITY MOTORING TBM puts the latest Mercedes through its paces

FUNNY VALENTINE Make a date with a difference: a quirky selection of events in the city for singles and couples

ART & EXHIBITIONS

EDUCATION

62

Offering you the information to help you make the right choice for your child

FIT & FABULOUS

64

Look your best this month with the latest beauty and skin care products

THE WALK

70

Andrew Swift sets off to explore two country estates near Bristol

PROPERTY

77

A round-up of some of Bristol’s finest homes, to sell or to rent

We pay a visit to romantic Berwick Lodge

WHAT’S ON From the music of Gershwin to the drama of King Lear, and from puppetry to cinema scores, our round-up of the best entertainment in Bristol

24

Win a mum and daughter VIP day out in Bath – including tickets to the spa and to a Bath in Fashion catwalk show

LITERARY CITY James Russell looks at Bristol’s thriving writers’ community

25 Our pick of the city’s ideal restaurants to dine a deux

ITV’s weather presenter Bob Crampton talks about the sunshine in his life

18

46

The latest exhibitions in Bristol’s private and public galleries

BARTLEBY What this city needs is a supersize arena

42

56

BUSINESS

THE

BRISTOL MAGAZINE

TBM can be viewed with the online edition on our website:

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

ON THE COVER The Cavendish Cousins by Tom Mead. 61cm x 61cm. Dip pen, fine liner and acrylic on board.

On show at the Amalgamation Exhibition at the View Galley

News from the city’s workplaces February 2012

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The Bristol Magazine 3

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Knight Frank

Stoke Bishop A well-proportioned detached family home, quietly situated opposite the River Trym, with a detached garage, front and rear gardens. Drawing room, dining room, sitting room / study, kitchen, breakfast room. Utility room. Five double bedrooms. Family bathroom. Shower room. Detached double garage, front & rear gardens and gated drive-way.

Guide ÂŁ650,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Knight Frank Publow A substantial 19th Century former vicarage within a peaceful location neighbouring the church and close to the River Chew. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, pantry. Bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 6 further bedrooms (1 with dressing room), family bathroom. Cellar.

Former coach house with garaging, stables and stores. Charming level gardens. In all about 1.34 acres.

Guide ÂŁ1,375,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

Burrington A wonderful house in an unrivalled village with the potential to adjoin ancillary accommodation (1,668 sq ft) to the main house. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite).

Outbuilding with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, 2 reception rooms. Garden, field.

In all about 3.76 acres.

Guide Prices from ÂŁ1,200,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Knight Frank

Abbots Leigh An immaculately restored Grade II listed village house. 3 reception rooms, kitchen, study, garden room, snooker room, gym, 3 bedroom suites, 5 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry, pantry, cellar. 2 bed coach house. Outbuildings, stables, garaging. Landscaped gardens, grounds, croquet lawn, paddocks. In all about 7.3 acres.

Guide ÂŁ3,500,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Over 20 Years’ experience of designing and installing Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms including carpentry and joinery works.

BeautiFul C S K B • 400 GLOUCESTER ROAD • HORFIELD • BRISTOL BS7 8TR TEL: 0117 924 6165

DESIGNS FOR LIFE!

E: sales@cs-kitchens.co.uk www.chippingsodburykitchens.co.uk

Open: Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Custom Designed. Computer Imagery.

Total Project Management.

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EDITOR’Sletter

B

ecause February can be a rather gloomy month, not yet out of the winter’s chill, we’re devoting this issue to all things bright and beautiful. That includes the smiling face of newsman turned weather presenter Bob Crampton, who picks his favourite tunes and tells Mick Ringham how he came to Bristol from sunny South Africa (Page 16), and a celebration by writer James Russell of Bristol’s vibrant literary scene, one of the strongest communities outside London (Page 20).

Our regular What’s On section is packed with bright ideas for what to do in Bristol this month and we haven’t forgotten it’s half-term, so the Family Fun guide lists some child-friendly activities. We’ve also pushed the boat out with our specially extended arts coverage for February, so even if you’re not feeling like a millionaire art collector there are lots of beautiful pieces in the city’s private and public galleries for you to admire and enjoy.

Everyone knows that brides are always bright and beautiful and for February we’re having a bit of an indulgent love-in and wedding fest (could it be partly because of Valentine’s Day?) If you’re planning to plight your troth I recommend you read wedding organiser Georgina Hunter’s inspiring tips (Page 50) on making yours a day that you and all your guests will enjoy. As she says, sometimes being a guest at someone else’s big day can be a bit like being an extra in a film, with a lot of hanging around while the photos are taken, so entertaining your guests needs to be up there on the ‘to do’ list, along with the flowers, the food and the dress.

And if you’re already happily matched, you might enjoy our suggestions of where to dine a deux in Bristol – and you’ll probably have a few of your own too. If you’d like to tweet us your favourite romantic restaurants, we’d be happy to hear from you. Simply tag your comments @thebristolmag

GEORGETTE McCREADY All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year.

Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

CONTACT THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE: Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Ewart sam@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Mick Ringham, Megan Tatum, James Russell, Andrew Swift, Jane Moore, Catriona Stirling

Production Manager Jeff Osborne Email: production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Publisher Tel: Email:

Steve Miklos 0117 974 2800 stevem@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 0117 974 2800 Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Jodi Monelle jodi@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Sue Parker sue@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine and The Bath Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

February 2012

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things to do in February

Book Now’s the time to make sure you’re FROW (that’s Front Row) for the catwalk shows at Bristol’s annual Fashion Week next month. Tickets are on sale now for a series of shows at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway in Bristol Fashion Week, which runs from 21 to 25 March. Get a glimpse of the new season’s designer and high street trends and inspiration for your own wardrobe from these always dramatic and excitingly staged shows hosted by TV stylist Mark Heyes and hairdresser Andrew Barton. Tickets include a goody bag with products to sample, plus there’s a designer handbag to be won at each show. Buy tickets for one of the 18 shows from The Mall’s information desk or online, visit: www.mallcribbs.com. Standard seat tickets are £8.95, while those coveted FROW seats where you can see – and be seen – are £13.95.

Play

Watch If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a film critic, get along to the Watershed this month where there’ll be screening of animated films all vying for prizes.

With more than 45 films to choose from The Public Choice offers the audience to vote for films which cover a wide range of topics from the serious to the whimsical and lighthearted. Bristol is just one of 20 locations nationwide where the entrants in the British Animation Awards will be screened. The Watershed screenings are on the first three Wednesdays in February. For more details visit www.watershed.co.uk or call the box office on tel: 0117 927 5100.

Musicians can take part in an extraordinary day of collaborative work this month as the Colston Hall prepares to host the third annual charity Orchestra from Scratch. More than 200 people are expected to form an impromptu orchestra and spend the morning session rehearsing a mixture of classical and modern popular pieces before performing in a free public concert.

The Orchestra from Scratch is held in aid of Cancer Research UK. Players and concert-goers will be able to turn up for no charge, but will be invited to make a contribution to the charity’s funds. The event is on Sunday 26 February, with musicians invited to arrive at the Colston Hall by 9.30am. The concert will begin at 2.45pm.

For more details and to download an application form or to book free tickets, email; theorchestrapitts@hotmail.co.uk or tel: 01984 641003

Love

Aphrodisiacs, from chocolate to oysters, will be among the treats in store at the Valentine Love Food Festival at Paintworks on Sunday 12 February from 10.30am to 4pm. The event is free and includes an indoor market, rich with pickings from local and artisan food and drink producers, a Champagne and raw chocolate lounge, a pop-up restaurant run by the Bishopston Supper Club, and children’s hands-on workshop sessions. Get in the mood for love to the sounds of classical strings while digging in to a bowl of steaming paella.

Have your say...

Expect feelings to run high at a public meeting to debate whether Bristol should have a directly elected mayor. The free open debate, at 6.30pm on Wednesday 22 February at Bristol City Council House on College Green, will give the audience the chance to vote electronically three times throughout the evening as speakers put their case for both sides of the proposal.

Broadcaster and Bristolian Chris Serle is to chair the event, with a non-partisan

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introduction from Professor Alex Marsh of Bristol University. The debate comes ahead of a public referendum in May, which will put the decision in the hands of the voters. As this marks the biggest change to local democracy for more than ten years, it may prove enlightening to find out the potential pros and cons of adopting an American style system where mayors stand for office.

Register for free tickets at: http:// bristolmayoraldebate.eventbrite.co.uk

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TALKofthe TOWN

BOOK OF THE MONTH The Book of Summers by Emylia Hall.

Published by Headline, hardback, £14.99 This is Bristol-based writer Emylia Hall’s first novel, inspired by childhood summers spent in her mother’s native Hungary. It tells the story of Beth Lowe’s search through her past after she is sent a parcel containing a letter telling her that her long-estranged mother has died, and with it a scrapbook filled with memories from long-forgotten summers in rural Hungary. It’s a bitter-sweet tale of growing up, when carefree days are overturned by learning of something unsettling, long buried in the past. This book will no doubt be found in many of our beachbags as we head off on holiday this summer.

A tribute to Charles Dickens

T

The Bristol and Clifton Dickens Society is one of the oldest clubs in the world devoted to Victorian writer Charles Dickens. Its members regularly get together to enjoy talking about his books and the myriad of fascinating characters that he created. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the great writer’s birth members of the society will be in the café at the Central Library on College Green on his birthday, Tuesday 7 February from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. They’ll be in costume and reading some of the funniest, warmest excerpts from Dickens’ work. The event is free.

A hot date for your diary Adventurous volunteers are being sought to sign up for a mass firewalk in aid of charity to be held at Cribbs Causeway Business Centre on Saturday 10 March. The walk, barefoot over hot coals, is to raise funds for Bristol Underprivileged Children’s Charity – intense training will be given to participants. To sign up, visit: www.buppc.org.uk

The Bristol Magazine The Bristol Magazine 2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 0117 974 2800 Fax: 01225 426677 editor@thebristolmagazine.co.uk sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2012 The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to over 24,000 homes and businesses throughout Bristol.

Published by MC Publishing Limited 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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My cultural life We ask Simon Morrisey, director of WORKSIPROJECTS gallery, Bristol, what he’s doing in the city in February

Which book are you reading?

The City and The City by British writer China Mieville. It’s seemingly a procedural crime thriller set in the former Eastern Bloc, but it’s set in a city called Beszel that exists in the same space and time as another city, Ul Qoma. It’s so skillfully written you don’t know whether this is a physical political divide on a sometimes literally house by house basis or whether it is about different dimensions overlapping.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I’ll be spending a lot of time in Andy Holden’s new installation for WORKS|PROJECTS, which is The Cookham Erratics. And the gallery will be at Art Rotterdam art fair this month so I’ll be making sure there’s time to visit the Museum Boijmans, Witte de With and the Kunsthal there.

What’s on your MP3 player?

Music is a really big thing for me so I listen to lots of different music all the time but things that are getting a lot of play at the moment are Burst Apart by the Antlers, Native Speaker by Braids, The English Riviera by Metronomy, Wild Beasts, James Blake, A Silver Mount Zion, Bon Iver, Tiny Ruins – the playlist goes on.

Film or play? What will you be going to see this month?

I’ll be taking the kids to see Tom Morris’s production of Swallows and Amazons – we missed it when it was in Bristol at the Old Vic so unfortunately we are having to schlep to High Wycombe to see it. I think that’s what you’d call bad planning.

Which local restaurant/café will you be visiting?

At the Chapel in Bruton in Somerset – it’s simply one of the best restaurants anywhere in the south west. And maybe Brunel’s Buttery on the floating harbour for tea and bacon baps on the way to work.

Shopping habits – local market or big department store? Where do you most enjoy spending your cash?

It’s definitely independents for me every time. I split my time between Bristol and Frome in Somerset where I co-direct Foreground, a not-for-profit art commissioning agency, so my shopping habits tend to be split between the two places. Frome’s got amazing independent shops. Assembly there is fantastic for men’s clothes. For music it’s got to be Rise in Bristol. And I love Harrop & Penny which sells classic kitchenware – and has a stall at the Artisan Market in Frome and the market at the Tabacco Factory. Oh and I’ve got a lot of time for Mr B’s Emporium in Bath for books.

What local outdoor activity/location will you be going to do or visit this month?

Walking in Somerset with the family – climbing Cley Hill is a favourite.

Andy Holden’s The Cookham Erratics runs at the gallery until 10 March.

Visit: www.worksprojects.co.uk

What about your passions? What regular hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

Every moment that isn’t work at the moment seems to be consumed with decorating our new house.

And if I can get my two-year-old son to stop ‘helping’ I might finish it one day and get to spend some time with our friends.

STITCHED UP: one of Andy Holden’s knitted rocks seen here on display in Athens

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WANTED: A HOME FOR OUR GLADIATORS

S

o Bristol still doesn’t have a new football stadium or, for that matter, an arena. For years we were told that the latter was to be built next to Temple Meads, and from what I recall large sums of money were spent on the business of telling us just how marvellous it was going to be. A site was cleared, gravy soaked up by trainloads of consultants, and then… nothing. Then attention shifted to Ashton, where there is already a stadium but no arena. Besides the existing stadium is old. It’s boring. Bon Jovi has played there a couple of times, and Bristol City FC of course, but aside from that it’s not very happening.

OK, so we need a new stadium, and also an arena, although I’m not entirely sure what the difference is. I associate ‘stadium’ with footie and heavy rock, and ‘arena’ with beautiful R’n’B singers crooning in spangly frocks, but perhaps this is inaccurate.

10,000 people can’t watch Strictly ❝ Come Dancing Live on an old boat ❞ Let’s have a look at the etymological dictionary then (we’re old-fashioned at Bartleby Towers). Stadium, it tells us, comes from a Greek unit of measurement, ‘stadion’, which was the length of 600 human feet. It varied from place to place, presumably depending on the shoe size of the local populace, so that an athlete might find himself running quite a bit further one day than he had the day before. As the popularity of running races grew, the Greeks started putting in banks of seats alongside these tracks and so the word ‘stadium’ shifted sideways from unit of length to a track that length, to the infrastructure surrounding it. The most famous example is at Olympia, though I doubt modern football fans would find it that impressive.

But what of the alternative, the ‘arena’. Pundits and bloggers seem to love this word and its connotations of cultural grandeur. Cardiff has one. So what, we have the ss Great Britain. Yes, but 10,000 people can’t watch Strictly Come Dancing Live on an old boat. If you want to be a city of Supreme Cultural Importance you’ve got to have an arena: where else would you host X Factor Live? Besides, ‘arena’ is such a lovely word. Can’t you imagine reading that your favourite pop group is coming to the arena? But what does the dictionary say about the origins of this charming word? I’m guessing it’s derived from the name of some warbling goddess – a cross between Athene and Arethra. Let’s see…

Here it is. ‘Arena’: from Latin harena, which means ‘sandy place’ or ‘place of the sand’, from harena, ‘sand’. And here’s a note: in Roman amphitheatres, sand was spread on the ground to soak up the blood shed in gladiatorial combat.

So we start with sand, on the ground so that the gladiators don’t slip over, then the ground itself takes on the name, and then the infrastructure of seats and so on around it. No doubt an ancient Roman would have been rather disappointed to visit his local arena and find R’n’B stars crooning on the sand instead of being eaten by lions.

But what of Bristol’s prospects – with the Olympics almost upon us – in the stadium and arena department? The Ashton plans are being challenged in the courts by concerned citizens who have been labelled ‘a few dog walkers’ by pro-stadium people. There are concerns, maybe, that the stadium/arena will just be the beginning, with new housing developments, roads and so on turning the green fields of Ashton Vale into, well, Bristol.

Those Romans would have gone ahead and built the damned thing, and anyone who didn’t like it could play with the lions. Some of us, no doubt, wish they were still in charge… ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

designer jewellery and gifts

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214 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU Tel: 0117 924 1003 www.artemisbristol.co.uk February 2012

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CITY FACEgardens theMUSIC

COME RAIN OR SHINE Mick Ringham talks to TV weatherman, Bob Crampton about his ties to South Africa, his favourite music, and why, after so many successful years in news journalism, he made a splash into weather reporting

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here are few comparisons to be drawn between real-life TV weatherman Bob Crampton, and that of the egocentric, grudging fictional character Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. Bob undertakes his job with enthusiasm, forecasting the weather in an informative yet personal style, while his varied life and career bears little resemblance to the monotony endured by the long-suffering Connors.

Born in South Africa and educated by the Christian Brothers, the young Bob enjoyed an idyllic childhood, although he admits that he was blinkered to the social changes that were beginning to appear in the country at the time.

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anchorman for the BBC. Despite family warnings it appeared natural for him to enter the world of journalism and broadcasting, and his first job was as a junior reporter on a North Devon newspaper.

However, his interest in the political upheavals taking place in South Africa soon caught his attention and he returned to his home country to report on the Soweto riots, of which he says, they: “were brutal in the extreme and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

An opportunity to join South West Television led Bob to the ITV studios in Bristol – what were then the HTV studios – where he worked as a news reporter, presenter and producer for over 26 years. He says of those days: “I have so many memories of that time, from coming face to face with the Taliban in Afghanistan, to covering the trials of Fred and Rosemary West in Gloucester.”

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING: Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day, Phil Connors

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BOB’S DEFINING TRACKS: left to right, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nkosi Sikelel, Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant of The Pet Shop Boys, Liberation, and Elvis Presley, Hound Dog

MAIN PICTURE: TV newsman turned weather presenter Bob Crampton

So after such a distinguished career in reporting, one can’t help but wonder, why the change to weatherman? Bob says: “I felt after all that time that I wanted to try something different, so I went to my producer and asked if I could present the weather in a new format. I thought it would be a good idea to get out and about around the area and bring the weather alive to the viewers.”

so many memories of that ❝timeI have from coming face to face with the Taliban in Afghanistan to covering the trials of Fred and Rosemary West in Gloucester

❞

Like many a good idea, this was a simple one and the upshot was that the powers that be at ITV agreed to his request.

So with a crash course and briefings twice a day from the Met Office, he set out with a small crew and satellite truck to cover the entire south west region, taking in six counties, from Tewkesbury in the Cotswolds to St. Martins on the Scilly Isles.

A firm believer in experiencing the weather first hand, Bob can be seen reporting from sunny Cornwall one day, while the next he’s under an umbrella, battling against a southwesterly gale in Portishead.

Asked the inevitable question, has he ever got the forecast wrong?

He jokes: “Well maybe on the odd occasion, but generally with all the information that’s available nowadays, I do manage to get it right a lot of the time.”

As for Groundhog Day, he adds, “the only similarity with Bill Murray that I can think of is that we both ended up with a beautiful lady!” Maybe on that basis, there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow after all.

Bob’s top ten: ● Lauren Wood – Fallen I am lucky enough to have been with my partner Lizzie for almost 18 years and I have known this song for about the same length of time. It’s probably one of the most romantic pieces of music that I have ever listened to and my knees still go weak when I hear it – I hope there’s nothing wrong with me? ● Elvis Presley – Hound Dog During my pre-teen years in South Africa, my mother was really taken by the whole rock ‘n’ roll era and Elvis truly was king of that world. My brother and I would dance around to this track with her and if I close my eyes now, I can easily conjure up the scene back home in our living room. www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

● Weekend Players - Pursuit of Happiness This is my nod to techno. The kids introduced me to this track, but I still tend to think of ‘house’ and ‘garage’ as buildings. Anyway, it’s different and exciting and it’s true to say that I was won over by this track. ● Pet Shop Boys – Liberation I’ve always rated these boys. It reminds of a road trip to see a good friend on the south coast and Lizzie having to remind me to keep my hands firmly back on the steering wheel. Yours truly was swaying and clapping as the track was playing. Not to be recommended, and I can assure you, never to be repeated. ● The Choir of Kings College Cambridge – Zadoc the Priest Admittedly I’m not a huge classical music fan, however this is really superb. It was played at last year’s royal wedding of Prince William and Kate and it took my breath away. In many respects Handel’s work frightens you with its grandness. ● Kenny G – Havana Remix Some people might class this saxophonist’s work as elevator music, but I’ve always loved the saxophone. It’s a fantastic instrument and this American musician is a master. We went to see him at the Royal Albert Hall, where he moved around the boxes, simultaneously playing wonderful music. ● Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Nkosi Sikelel No surprise given my South African roots. This is the ANC anthem and the country’s national song. Deservedly so. It’s fantastic when sung by singers such as Ladysmith. I have been lucky enough to see them play live and they also do a magnificent ‘wellington boot’ dance. The miners still do this dance today; it’s so beautiful and manages to bring a tear to my eye every time. ● The Mavericks – Dance the Night Away Just great music. I confess I do try to sing this in the shower.

Many a time Lizzie and I have danced around the kitchen to this track. I can assure you that on my part it’s not a pretty sight. But I could listen to this record over and over again and never get bored. ● Extreme – More than Words Such a deep meaning for so many reasons – it’s sheer unplugged poetry. My eldest stepson can move even the hardest cynic playing his rendition of this on the guitar. ● Afroman – Because I got High You may think it is a strange choice for the last record, however, this is pure chanting fun to finish with. It was blasted out by us on a car journey back from the south of France with friends after a wonderful holiday. And yes, we did all get high, but on the amazing perfume from those magnificent lavender fields. ■ Bob Crampton’s weather forecast can be seen on ITV’s The West Country Tonight. Follow him on Twitter: @bobsweather February 2012

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Mr Bristow WHEN ALL EARS ARE ON YOU

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r B has a new sideline. Helping fathers of the bride to conquer their nerves and deliver the speech of a lifetime.

These guys are naturally very scared and I help them to speak up, breathe properly and insert just the right number of corny jokes into their outpourings of fatherly pride. Over the years I have delivered speeches, lectures and monologues on every known subject. While it’s true that being a little nervous can give one a certain edge, there are times when a few basic tips can get you through the utter panic that can afflict the most accomplished speaker.

The father of the bride of course can stare dotingly at his daughter for extended periods of time while he frantically tries to remember his next point. Result: not a dry eye in the house. Others rely on little techniques such as fixating on a spot on the back wall or using sturdy prompt cards so your nerves are not translated into a quivering sheaf of muddled papers.

as you rise to speak you realise you ❝ still have half a lemon curd tartlet in your mouth ❞

Keeping one hand on a handy level surface will help conquer the involuntary shakes that can attack at any time. Though once when I was launching a classical music festival, confident and with both palms firmly placed on the table, I suddenly remembered that a load of complicated foreign names was coming up. To my horror, the impressively large flower arrangement in front of me began to vibrate. I’ve watched the video and it looks as though a minor earth tremor is taking place, though my expression remains implacable as I reel off a list of obscure Scandinavian composers as if they were my best mates.

The most ghastly invention known to humankind is the after dinner speech. If you are the one who has to deliver it that is. To begin with, you have one too many gin and tonics at the meet and greet. This has a twofold effect. First of all you waste all your best stories in the atmosphere of bonhomie round the bar. And then the alcohol makes your tongue turn to blotting paper. As does trying to swallow a three course dinner while having to make small talk and dreading the sound of the chairman’s knife on his glass. As you rise to speak you realise you still have half a lemon curd tartlet in your mouth. Or once in my case, half a bowl of parsnip soup down the front of my hired tuxedo, delivered by aforementioned shaky hand.

At that particular dinner, the manager of Moss Bros was in the audience and apparently he spent my whole talk wondering how they were going to get the stain out of my jacket.

My most successful speech was as best man at a big Scottish wedding. I had been assured that I wouldn’t have to make a speech. I assumed this was a Scottish thing so I had nothing prepared and had been liberal with the bubbly. Then I noticed the matron of honour was frantically learning a Walt Whitman poem from a book hidden under the table. “It’s all right for you,” she hissed, “you can just make things up!” “No I can’t,” I replied, feeling my mouth starting to dry up and my hands beginning to shake as it dawned on me that a speech was indeed required. Seconds later the dreaded knife hit the glass and the announcement came. But I did it. It just came out of nowhere. It went down an absolute storm. Unfortunately I can’t use any of the material again as I can’t remember a word I said. But apparently it was a stonker.

By the way, the number of corny jokes allowed in a father of the bride speech is three. No more, no less. ■

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LITERARYcity

SHORT STORYVILLE James Russell celebrates Bristol’s growing community of writers and the fact that the city is becoming more and more recognised as a centre for literary excellence

W

hen we talk about a city’s creativity we tend inevitably to focus on the visual arts.

Across the UK and beyond, Bristol is associated with Banksy and street art, Aardman and animation. Until recently the city’s tremendous output of creative writing has been less visible, but this is beginning to change.

While the Bristol Short Story Prize has put the city on the international literary map, local poets and writers of fiction can take part in a host of events and festivals. We even have our own Bristol Review of Books, which celebrates the region’s diverse literary culture.

Should we be surprised, though, to learn that imaginative writing is enjoying such a boom here? It was in Bristol, after all, that Wordsworth and Coleridge put together their Lyrical Ballads, and it was here that Daniel Defoe and RL Stevenson found the inspiration for two of the most popular stories in the English language, Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island. Then there was the boy-poet Thomas Chatterton, who was famous for a century after his death in 1770 as a suicide and romantic hero, and also as a forger of medieval verses.

Bristol is the only English city ❝ outside London with a Review of Books ❞ Importantly, Bristol has always been a city not just of writers but also of publishers and journals. Coleridge and Wordsworth didn’t come here for the view but to work with the excellent publisher and bookseller Joseph Cottle, who assembled the first edition of Lyrical Ballads in 1798 before sending the book on to London for publication. Today Cottle’s heirs are still going strong, with John Sansom’s Redcliffe Press focusing primarily on 20 The Bristol Magazine

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local titles and Tangent Books covering an eclectic range that includes books on street art and the fiction of Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood. A Bristolian born and bred, Tangent publisher Richard Jones is a passionate champion both of his home city’s literary reputation and of local talent.

With entries for the 2012 Bristol Short Story Prize due to close next month, I spoke to Richard about the city’s vibrant literary culture.

He said: “There’s probably always been a lot of good writing in the city, but it’s now being promoted and recognised and one of the key reasons is the Bristol Review of Books, which acts as a focal point for a lot of writers. Bristol is the only English city outside London with a Review of Books.”

Since November 2006, an editorial board representing a range of Bristol-based publishers has produced 19 issues of the magazine, with the broad aim of promoting Bristol’s literary heritage and celebrating the city as a centre of literary excellence.

“It must be a tremendous boost for writers,” Richard Jones believes, “to live in a city which has a magazine with such a mission statement.”

But the new venture has had another, unexpected effect. Shortly after its launch, the Bristol publishers was approached by Joe Melia, then a bookseller at Waterstones in Broadmead, who wanted to start a short story competition.

“Joe became the co-ordinator of The Short Story Prize,” Richard recalls, “and the Review publicised it. In our first year we got more than 1,200 entries, in the second year we got 1,700 entries but in the third year the numbers fell back because (we think) several other short story competitions had sprung up. So last year, Joe really concentrated on promoting the prize through Twitter and that resulted in a huge increase in the number of people entering from outside the UK. We received more than 2,000 entries last year and Joe introduced ShortStoryVille, a series of events celebrating short story writing at Arnolfini on the day of the awards ceremony in July.”

Short fiction specialists around the world now view the prize as

THE WRITE STUFF: main picture, Bristol Book Market is held on the first Sunday of the month on Wine Street, photograph

by Simon Ellis Inset, the literary review for the city is now in its fifth year

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LITERARYcity

SUPPORTER: Tony Benn returned to Bristol for the launch of Memoirs of a Black Englishman

by Paul Stephenson and Lilleith Morrison as part of the Bristol Festival of Literature. The book is published

by Tangent Books PHOTO: Stephen Morris

an important annual event, but Richard Jones is keen to point out that new writers often do well. As one of the sifters for the prize he read about 250 stories last year; his choices then went through a second selection process before a shortlist was presented to the judging panel.

“One of the things I like most about the Short Story Prize,” he said, “Is that so many first-time writers progress as far as the long list and the shortlist.”

Don’t be put off, in other words, by the possibility of bigname competition. Polish up that story and send it in.

Meanwhile, there is no shortage of other ways to get involved with local literary culture, whether as a writer or as a reader or listener. The Festival of Ideas offers exciting lectures and discussions involving top non-fiction writers, while Poetry Can supports the region’s poets with competitions and events.

Meanwhile, September 2010 saw the launch of Shedfest, dubbed Europe’s smallest literary get-together, which takes place in a back garden in St Andrews. Using the aforementioned shed as a stage, an eclectic group of poets, writers, slammers and specialists in flash fiction – a new genre of ultra-short short story – are allowed five minutes each to entertain a small but perfectly

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formed audience.

A year on and suddenly Bristol had its own Festival of Literature, with 50 events across the city.

Without a penny of public funding, organiser Jari Moate and his team displayed extraordinary passion and energy in bringing together wellknown names and local talent, giving people a chance to see Bristol writers like novelist Mike Manson – author of Where’s My Money? and Rules of the Road – in action. Like the prize and the Review, the nascent festival is very much a grass roots thing, and Richard Jones sees this as a tremendous strength.

“The literary scene is largely unsupported by the city council or local businesses, which means there are no restrictions on what we can and can’t do, no criteria we have to meet to justify funding. A lot of people have to volunteer their time, but it also means that we can do what we want and that is hugely liberating.”

There are plans to hold the second Bristol Festival of Literature in the autumn. In the meantime, why not go along to one of the Word of Mouth events at the Bristol Old Vic or the Thunderbolt on Bath Road? Now get writing. . . ■ For more information about the Bristol Short Story Prize visit: www.bristolprize.co.uk

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emporiumBRISTOL

GIFTED WITH LOVE With Valentine’s Day upon us and wedding season just around the corner find the perfect gift for that special someone this spring

ALLIUM. Set with pink sapphires and diamonds, this heart necklace set in 18 carat white gold is sure to shine, £337.

Allium, 42 The Mall, Clifton.

Tel: 0117 923 7477. www.allium-clifton.co.uk

CLIFTON ROCKS. Silver and 22 carat gold plated heart studs - £29 and £39 from Clifton Rocks.

Clifton Rocks, 100 Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1NF. Tel: 0117 973 1342. www.cliftonrocks.co.uk

SWEETPEA. Stylish silver hearts stretch bracelet with pendant red bead, leaf and flower charm. £15. A charming gift for your Valentine Sweet Pea, 127 Coldharbour Road, Redland, BS6 7SN. Tel: 0117 924 5478. www.sweetpeafashion.co.uk

DIANA PORTER. Crosses are big this season in all shapes and sizes and this Kiss Ring combines both style and romance. Silver and 18 carat yellow gold Kiss Ring, £233 Diana Porter, 33 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5NH. Tel: 0117 909 0225. www.dianaporter.co.uk

THE WHITE LINEN GIFT COMPANY. Beautiful, hand-made pure white linen wedding gifts. Embellished with hearts, rosebuds, motherof-pearl buttons and vintage embroidery, the lavender bags smell as good as they look. Rosebud lavender bag, £6.50. Tel: 01225 342793 or visit www.thewhitelinengiftcompany.co.uk

CATHERINE AMESBURY. This pretty Sweetie necklace and bracelet set is a timeless classic that has been created using hundreds of tiny sterling silver links and hand-crafted Thai silver hearts.

Perfect for the bride or as a lover’s gift for Valentine's Day. All pieces can be customised to suit individual tastes and all designs are available from Artemis.

Bracelet from £55, necklace from £125 Artemis, 214 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 924 1003. www.catherineamesbury.com

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KEMPS. Buy any two wedding rings and receive a 10% discount plus a 10% discount for any gifts purchased for your wedding. With a wide selection and a bespoke service available there is something to suit all tastes Kemps Jewellers, 9 Carlton Court, Bristol, BS9 3DF. Tel: 0117 950 5090. www.kempsjewellers.com

FLYING SAUCERS. The Painting Pottery Café is a great place for unique presents that will add that extra romance to your gift. Prices from £12

Flying Saucers, 9 Byron Place, Bristol, BS8 1JT. Tel: 0117 927 3666 www.flyingsaucers.co.uk

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & COMEDY – listed by venue

STRICTLY SASSY

Blood Brothers, Monday 20 February – Saturday 3 March, 7.30pm Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers, and this production, having recently celebrated its 21st year in London, continues to enjoy standing ovations at every performance.

Blood Brothers

Strictly Gershwin at the Bristol Hippodrome

B r i s t o l H i p p o d ro m e St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol. Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 or visit: www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

Dreamboats and Petticoats, Until Saturday 4 February, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm Inspired by the smash hit million selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two and Three, comes Dreamboats and Petticoats The Musical, featuring some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Written by the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesmen and Shine On Harvey Moon, this feel-good musical will take you back to a time when each passing week brought another classic track. Featuring classic tracks including Let’s Dance, To Know Him is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, Let’s Twist Again and many more hits from music’s golden era.

Save the Last Dance for Me, Monday 6 – Saturday 11 February, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm From the writers, producers and directors of Dreamboats and Petticoats comes Save the Last Dance for Me, taking you back through 24 The Bristol Magazine

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the music and magic of the early 60’s. The story follows two teenage sisters, Jennifer and Marie, through the summer of 1963. Full of freedom and high spirits they embark on a family holiday to the coast and a traditional seaside town where they discover much more than just sea and sand when they meet a handsome American airman.

Strictly Gershwin, Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm; matinees: Thursday, 2pm & Saturday, 2.30pm Following a sell-out season at the Royal Albert Hall, English National Ballet has taken its acclaimed production of Strictly Gershwin on tour. Strictly Gershwin is a dazzling celebration of George Gershwin and the sparkling age of Hollywood music and dance.

Gershwin’s sassy tunes, most famously Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, combine with Derek Deane’s sensational choreography to conjure up the Silver Screen genius of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Gene Kelly. This glittering production recreates the razzmatazz of the big band era and Hollywood musicals, featuring a journey in dance from ballet to tap, ballroom to jazz and building to a breathtaking finale.

Featuring greats such as Someone to Watch over Me, The Man I Love, I Got Rhythm and Summertime, Strictly Gershwin is guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

T he To bac co F ac to ry The at re Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactory.com

King Lear, Thursday 9 February – Saturday 24 March, please contact theatre for times One of the pinnacles of world drama, and one of Shakespeare’s greatest masterpieces, King Lear is the most complete account we have of what it is – and what it is not – to be human.

The play launched Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory on an unsuspecting world in February 2000; and the company is delighted to offer this new production to a much larger audience in 2012. King Lear is played by John Shrapnel.

Directed by Andrew Hilton.

T h e B re w e r y T h e a t re North Street, Southville, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com

The Table, Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 February, 8.15pm; late night show: Friday, 10.15pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.45pm Following a sell-out run at the Bristol Festival of Puppetry, puppet innovators Blind Summit

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WHAT’Son

Theatre return with their award-winning, brand new adult puppetry show. Join them on a visual journey that takes in a ballet of disembodied heads, a story told entirely by pictures emerging from a briefcase and a tiny Moses with a cardboard head full of lonely wisdom. Told with beautiful puppets and Blind Summit’s trademark performing style this story combines dark humour and flatpack technology.

Improv, Sunday 26 February, 7.30pm An evening of sketches, songs, gags, games and general silliness from Instant Wit, Bristol’s quick-fire comedy improvisation company – and all of it based around audience suggestions. Good suggestions get flying packets of custard, the best wins a bottle of wine.

T h e a t re R o y a l B a t h Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The King’s Speech, Monday 20 – Saturday 25 February, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm The world premiere of the original play which inspired the hugely successful film, the winner of four Academy Awards and seven British Academy Film Awards. Starring Charles Edwards, Jonathan Hyde, Emma Fielding, Ian McNeice and Joss Ackland. Directed by Adrian Noble, former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The King’s Speech

B ri sto l Ol d Vic King Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 987 77877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Bound, Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 February, 7.30pm, Studio Bound follows the fortunes of six trawler men from Devon as they embark on one final voyage. Compelled by the threat of bankruptcy, an ageing fishing trawler is forced out into treacherous weather. Defying storms, friendships and their lives, will they lose more than a way of life? A tragedy of maritime decline told with traditional sea shanties.

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If pouring your heart out over a candlelit dinner isn’t your style, perhaps one of these ideas might take your fancy as a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day...

Valentine’s Night at the Museum, Tuesday 14 February

Translunar Paradise, Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 February, 8pm A show that takes you on a journey of life, death and enduring love. After his wife dies, William escapes to a paradise of fantasy and past memories, a place far from the reality of his grief.

Returning from beyond the grave, Rose revisits her widowed companion to perform one last act of love: to help him let go. Using a live accordion accompaniment, this exquisite piece of mask and movement theatre was a multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011 written and directed by George Mann.

Love is in the air

R e d g r a v e T h e a t re Percival Road, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 973 3955. www.oldvic.ac.uk

Macbeth, Thursday 23 February – Saturday 3 March, 7.30pm; matinees: Saturday and Thursday, 2.30pm Directed by John Hartoch and presented by the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

H o r f i e l d P a r i s h Ha l l Wellington Hill, Horfield, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 969 5716 or visit: www.horfieldtheatre.co.uk

A special singles night hosted by the RWA. View the current exhibitions and get to know other art-lovers over a glass of wine. Tickets are £5 and can be booked online at: www.rwa.org.uk/whatson/events/2012/02/events-singles-night

Folk House Film Night: How to Murder your Wife, Tuesday 14 February, 7.30pm Escape the schmaltz this Valentine’s Day and join Bristol Folk House for a screening of this 1965 film starring Jack Lemmon and Terry Thomas. Witty, colourful and of its time, this film is guaranteed to raise a smile. Tickets are £3 from tel: 0117 926 2987.

Cheep Romance, Saturday 11 – Tuesday 14 February

Above the White Bear, St Michael’s Hill, Kingsdown. www.thewardrobetheatre.com

Embrace all that is romantic at Bristol Zoo Gardens without breaking the bank over Valentine’s weekend. The cheep romance offer of two adults for £20 gives couples the chance to enjoy a dreamy day out visiting the zoo’s own loved up couples including the beautiful lovebirds, the Asiatic lions, the giant tortoises and the Lowland gorillas. Download a voucher from www.bristolzoo.org.uk.

Centralia, Monday 20 – Friday 24 February, 8pm

Valentine’s Charity Ball, Friday 17 February, 7pm – 1am

Bristol’s newest pub theatre offers a mixture of drama and comedy and never charges more than a fiver for tickets. In Centralia the audience is taken on a tragic journey but with laughs all along the way. Following a successful London run, the production, which uses comedy, cabaret and physical theatre, comes to Bristol.

Tickets are £45 for this charity Valentine’s Ball at the Radisson Blu Hotel in aid of St Peter’s Hospice and African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, music from Motown Magic, and a fantastic raffle and buffet. Tickets are available from www.infinity4events.eventbrite.com.

Confusions, Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm Alan Ayckbourn’s collection of five short, interlinked but self-contained, comedy plays.

Wa rdrobe The at re

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WHAT’Son M USI C – listed by date Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra, Saturday 4 February, 7.45pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The BHCO celebrates 25 years of high quality music-making with this anniversary concert conducted by its founding director, Grant Llewellyn, now artistic director of the North Carolina Symphony. The programme opens with Haydn’s Trauer Symphony and concludes with Beethoven’s spirited Second Symphony.

Brilliant young star Tom Poster, internationally recognised as a pianist of astounding artistry and versatility, brings his talent to a compelling account of Brahms’s huge Piano Concerto No 2.

Death’s Cabaret – A Love Story, Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 February, 8pm Bristol Old Vic Studio, King Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 987 77877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk A night when entertainment means life or death and the forbidden pleasures of cabaret make passionate love to classical music. A groundbreaking new kind of concerto commissioned for outstanding cellist, baritone and story-teller Matthew Sharp with the

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acclaimed Sacconi Quartet from celebrated composer Stephen Deazley and award-winning writer Martin Riley.

Rota/Morricone, Thursday 23 February, 8pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk A double bill of Italian film music from two of the greatest composers in the history of cinema. In the first half, jazz composer and pianist John Law plays his solo arrangements drawn from the famous carnivalesque themes of Nino Rota, Fellini’s favourite collaborator, who also worked with Visconti, Zefferelli and Francis Ford Coppola. After the interval, Paris/Bristol collective The Greatness of the Magnificence present their magical and evocative Looking for Ennio, a celebration of the Spaghetti Western’s composer-king Ennio Morricone.

Bristol Concert Orchestra, Saturday 3 March, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Following the orchestra’s recent reading of Shostakovich’s witty and mischievous Second

Piano Concerto, the BCO realise a very different inner voice with his mighty but enigmatic 10th Symphony. Offsetting the Shostakovich, conductor Stefan Hofkes exercises his excellent direction with two ‘Hommages à Mozart’, the charming wind quartet version of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, and Ibert’s 200th birthday present from 1956, a short study in Mozartean vitality refracted through the prism of mid-20th century Parisian harmonies.

Bristol Phoenix Choir, Saturday 31 March, 7.30pm St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol. Tickets from Providence Music Shop on tel: 0117 927 6536 or the ticket office on tel: 01454 880 458 Bristol Phoenix Choir conducted by Leslie Bunt and accompanied by organist Paul Welton, present a programme featuring Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Kodaly’s Missa Brevis and Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb.

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WHAT’Son OTH ER EVENTS – listed by date Ultimate Wildlife Experiences with Mark Carwardine, Friday 3 February, 7pm WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, South Gloucestershire. Cost: adult £15, child £10. www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge Mark Cawardine, award-winning writer, TV and radio presenter, zoologist, wildlife photographer and outspoken conservationist will talk about his favourite places in the world to watch wildlife and his extraordinary adventures over the past 30 years.

The Making of Frozen Planet, Monday 13 February, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Tickets £11 from the box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The BBC natural history series Frozen Planet is David Attenborough’s ultimate portrait of the Polar regions. Using the latest in film technology, the frozen wildernesses of the Arctic and Antarctica are brought to the screen as they have never been seen before. Here, Alastair Fothergill, executive director, and Vanessa Berlowitz, series director, showcase spectacular footage from the series and discuss the habitat in crisis and challenges they faced.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Luxury Antiques Weekend, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 February Tortworth Court Hotel, Tortworth, South Gloucestershire. Tickets: £5. www.tortworthcourtfair.com The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited is returning to Gloucestershire to stage the third annual Luxury Antiques Weekend at Tortworth Court, a magnificent Cotswolds country house surrounded by 30 acres of private grounds.

The weekend is a boutique style fair bringing together 22 antiques dealers from all parts of the UK, showcasing an eclectic mix of unusual and decorative antiques and works of art, including contemporary paintings, sculpture and jewellery.

Vintage & Handmade Textile & Fashion Fair, Saturday 25 February, 10am – 3pm Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, South Gloucestershire. Entrance: £1 per adult, children free. For further information visit: www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk A must-visit for anyone interested in vintage fashion, home textiles, sewing or creating.

There will be 50 stalls over two floors brimming with goodies. Stallholders include vintage fabric and haberdashery dealers, textile artists, knitting experts, fabric designers and top quality dealers in vintage fashion and accessories.

Author Event: Partners in Crime, Tuesday 13 March, 7pm for 7.30pm Bristol Grammar School, University Road, Bristol. Tickets £7/£5 available from www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/events/litera ry-events.aspx Bristol Grammar School and Hodder in association with the Bristol Festival of Ideas presents an evening with crime writers Sophie Hannah and Erin Kelly in conversation with Carolyn Mays, publishing director at Hodder.

Blackwell’s bookshop will also be on hand for you to buy copies of the authors’ latest novels.

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BRISTOL’S GOT TALENT The search for Bristol’s young aspiring rock stars is well underway with the launch of the city’s very first Rock Project - a national school of rock and pop for 7-18 year olds providing professional tutoring in guitar, bass and drums. As well as instrumental lessons, students are also encouraged to put their musical skills into practice by forming bands that practice weekly and then perform in an end of year showcase concert.

The Rock Project is run by Director, Matt Albon, whose 25 years experience as a drummer has seen him perform on stage all over the world supporting bands such as the Stereophonics, Skunk Anansie, Feeder and the Fun Lovin’ Criminals: “There is so much emphasis at the moment on developing and nurturing musical talent - especially from TV shows such as X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and The Choir That Rocked - but currently very few places like the Rock Project where children can go to be encouraged to play as part of a rock or pop band and build their confidence as performers, within a safe and supportive environment. The Rock Project can help students go above and beyond what individual lessons achieve and provide a great environment for attracting and nurturing young Bristol musical talent.”

The sessions are held weekly at Horfield Baptist Church, 279 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NY. Juniors (7-11s) from 4pm - 6pm & seniors (11-18s) from 6.15pm - 8.15pm. The Rock Project costs £20 per session, per child.

To book a place or to find out more email matt@therockproject.com call 0800 084 2216 or go to www.therockproject.com 28 The Bristol Magazine

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Galleries, artists & exhibitions From all the latest exhibitions in and around the city, to profiles of established galleries and artists, we bring you a comprehensive guide to Bristol’s vibrant art scene

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â–˛

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Cedric Laquieze, Fairy, at View Gallery

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITION: AMALGAMATION View Art Gallery 159-161 Hotwell Road, Bristol.

Tel: 05603 116753. www.viewartgallery.co.uk

Until 4 March

ONE TO WATCH....

You may have been intrigued by our front cover this month, and it’s all down to artist Tom Mead, aka Mr Mead.

Tom is a permanent resident at the long established Jamaica Street Studios, where he works feverishly in his chaotic attic on the rooftop of the Bristol art scene.

He is a traditional artist working in Tom Mead, Henri Bolen pen and ink mediums, often applying his practice to largescale character based pieces on reclaimed wood. He has a terror and intrigue for animals dressed as humans and creates inhuman characters blending the animal, human and mechanic, a super species he nicknames ‘BioMechanical Anthropomorphism’. His work is a cathartic process to release his inner nightmares that came about after seeing The Tales of Beatrix Potter, a 1976 Royal Ballet film by BAFTA nominated director Reginald Mills. Tom’s art work is becoming quite familiar around Bristol and the south west. See it at View Gallery this month.

▲ GALLERY PROFILE: RWA The Royal West of England Academy, RWA, is Bristol’s fine art gallery, and behind the sandstone facade – currently home to a 22ft Damien Hirst sculpture – lie five galleries hosting exciting work of all kinds.

Exhibitions change regularly and all types of artwork is featured: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and more. Everyone is welcome to wander the galleries, which are naturally lit by the daylight pouring through the rooftop windows. Take time to enjoy the art and the atmosphere – a chance to grab a quiet moment away from the hectic city outside. Or if you’re craving the buzz of a crowd and some caffeine, visit the wonderful Papadeli café on the ground floor for a delicious selection of drinks, cakes, snacks and light lunches.

Current exhibitions include rare works from wildlife painter David Shepherd, 3D images of a village from the 1850s brought back to life by Brian May of Queen, black and white photographs of African elephants by Martyn Colbeck, a retrospective of work by sculptor Ivor Abrahams, and street art installations from Filthy Luker and J Patrick Boyle (Motorboy).

Coming up later in the month, Janette Kerr shows her extreme weather paintings, and Will Gregory of Goldfrapp curates an exhibition and musical tribute to his artist mother, Margaret Gregory.

For more information visit: www.rwa.org.uk or tel: 0117 973 5129. Admission costs £5 for adults, £3 concessions, and is free for under 16s and students.

Opening hours are Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

▲

The human and animal relationship features strongly in this exhibition of work by eight artists who are seeking to express new levels of engagement within the primal connection between man and beast, hence the show’s title: Amalgamation. The artists’ imagined characters tell stories that stimulate an emotional response; often humorous, sometimes uneasy, but always intriguing. In Adele Underwood’s oil paintings the animal masks cover the faces of the subjects to hide the difficulty of revealing their imbalances or awakenings to sexuality; Cedric Laquieze creates exquisite sculptures of fairy warriors from found materials, including animal and bird skeletons and dead insects and plants; using mixed media and printing, Sharron Bishop comments on the issues of environmental damage and the loss of habitat to wildlife; Tom Mead – profiled right – is driven by his obsession and childhood fear of anthropomorphism and his intense ink drawing is a cathartic process to release his inner nightmares; Beth Carter displays an installation of pure fantasy where the many interpretations of her hybrid sculptural creations challenges the sensitivity of the adult child; John Simpson references the world of folk tale and myth in his drawings and prints; in her vibrant coloured paintings, Diggy brings to life characters and creations of dream and subconscious where quirky faces and an obsession with hands add a sense of mystery; and Louis Masia Michel uses vintage photographs as a background to his paintings to create eight extraordinary characters part of his series A Tale of Unfortunate Sins where a fascinating story unfolds.

Janette Kerr, Brimfooster

Margaret Gregory, In the Museum

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS WHAT’S NEW?

Designer frames

EXHIBITION: BARRY CAWSTON

This year promises to be an exciting one for the Bristol City Council-led museums, galleries and archives with some fascinating displays and blockbuster exhibitions to inspire visitors

▲ ■ The ever-popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition continues to run at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery until 11 March, so if you’ve not seen it yet, now’s your last chance. Following this, the museum will host Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, from 31 March – 10 June.

This is a tour of ten of Leonardo da Vinci's finest drawings from the Royal Collection and forms part of the celebrations marking The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

▲

■ Norman Parkinson: An Eye for Fashion is at M Shed until 15 April, presenting over 60 vintage fashion photographs by Norman Parkinson, one of Britain’s most significant portrait and fashion photographers of the 20th century. In the spring, Bristol Urban Sport will launch on 23 May at M Shed, coinciding with the arrival of the Olympic torch into the city. The exhibition will continue to run until 9 September and looks at the range of sports that take place in Bristol, using both the natural landscape and the urban environment.

If you’re looking to find a unique and personal gift for someone this year, you may be interested to hear that Sky Blue Framing & Gallery in Westbury Park specialises in creatively framing objects in box frames – everything from sports shirts and military medals to collections of all sorts of memorabilia old and new. And you know that you’ll be getting a great service as Sky Blue Framing has won or been a finalist in the National Fine Art Trade Guild Framing Awards every year for the last five years. The secret of their success lies in the artistic eye and flair for design of both Mike Ogden (artist and owner) and Sylvia Morris the gallery manager, backed up by the skill and experience of the framing team. If you have items or objects that would look great displayed on the wall then pop in and ask Mike or Sylvia to design something for you. Past projects have included 48 Spanish paprika tins, David Beckham & Ryan Giggs signed football shirts, and one of the Plasticine models of Morph made by the team at Aardman Animation. Pop in to Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, 27 North View. Tel: 0117 9733995.

Barry Cawston

Bristol Folk House 40a Park Street, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 926 2987

3 February – 1 March Much of Barry Cawston’s photography is cinematic in approach and often has a sociological/political element which, coupled with a strong sense of composition, gives a painterly quality to his photography. He works mainly on a large format camera and learnt much of his craft in the darkroom. In 2010 he added a Nikon digital camera to his travel bag which he now uses in tandem with his old style Wista. Barry’s work has been increasingly recognised within a fine art context which has seen him win several awards including the Paintworks South West Art Award for 2010 and being an invited artist for the RWA’s second Open Photography Competition in 2011.

EXHIBITION: LOST AND STOLEN HEARTS A Little Bird Said 12 St Nicholas Parade, St Nicholas Street, Bristol. www.alittlebirdsaid.co.uk

3 – 25 February For the latest information, including opening times, special events and tips to plan your visit, visit: bristol.gov.uk/museums

A little Bird Said is a new Bristol boutique stocking many varied and wonderful delights, such as vintage inspired clothes, accessories with a fairytale feel and French style haberdashery. Sewing and craft lessons will be available and there will also be regular exhibitions of jewellery, textiles and artwork, turning this little shop into an eclectic boutique of the wonderful and unusual.

Throughout February, A Little Bird Said will be hosting an exhibition of work based around fairytales, with pieces from Missdress, Button Girl, Annelies Egli and Fran Barket.

Images: above, David Fettes, Pool of Hippos, Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011; right, Jean Shrimpton, ‘Plain Girl’ 1968, wearing James Wedge, courtesy of the Norman Parkinson Archive

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS GALLERY PROFILE: INNOCENT FINE ART

▲

▲

EXHIBITION: A FRESH START Lime Tree Gallery 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 929 2527 www.limetreegallery.com

Until 19 February A fresh and vigorous collection of paintings to brighten a bleak winter’s day. The exhibition includes paintings by many Scottish artists including Jacqueline Orr RSW, Rhonda Smith, Rory McLauchlan, Charles Jamieson MFA PAI PPAI, Alan King PAI, Peter King, Judith Bridgland, Andrew George and David Smith RSW. Image above: Rhonda Smith, Summer Bathers

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The gallery in Boyce’s Avenue, Bristol, has re-opened this month after a major refurbishment. Owner, Carole Innocent is particularly pleased, the work having given her a whole new room which she is planning to use as a permanent collectors’ gallery showing established names, Sir Peter Blake, Sir Terry Frost and a collection of 20th century French artists, Picasso et al. It will mean she now has the extra space to take on some new, younger artists from Bristol’s rich pool of talent.

Innocent Fine Art will also be opening with new work from gallery artists.

Innocent Fine Art’s new look. Photography by John Seaman, www.johnseaman.co.uk

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS GALLERY PROFILE: FIZZ GALLERY Now in its seventh year Fizz Gallery is firmly on the map as one of the best contemporary galleries in the area.

Alongside established favourites is an ever-changing collection of artists, designers and makers meaning there’s always something new to see. If you don’t know the gallery, you’re in for a treat. You’ll find a carefully selected array of art pieces with something to suit every budget. It’s obvious from the moment you arrive that this gallery isn’t typical of the white walls and ‘hush hush’ often associated with galleries – it’s refreshingly relaxed, with a friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome. And it’s clear from the way that everything is displayed that the gallery workers know a thing or two about interiors as well as art and framing. Carefully and skillfully put together using home furnishings, the displays suggest how paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, etc, might be shown in your own home. All the home furnishings are for sale too, including beautifully restored antique chairs with contemporary fabrics that sit beside the stunning artworks. So, if you want to mix old and new you’re also in the right place for good advice.

What this gallery has achieved is rare indeed and is credit to the combination of skills that are those of co-owners Sandy Prater and Fenella Sandford. If you haven’t visited Fizz before, it’s well worth the 20 minute drive from Bristol.

Fizz Gallery, 65a Hill Road, Clevedon. Tel: 01275 341141 www.fizzgallery.co.uk

Rebecca Dymond, French Fisherman

EXHIBITION: MUSEUM SHOW PART 2 Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 917 2300 www.arnolfini.org.uk

Until 19 February

ONE TO WATCH....

Up and coming painter Rebecca Dymond will be exhibiting work at the Grant Bradley Gallery in Bedminster this month. As a young and extremely talented artist, Rebecca is quickly becoming more recognised, having been shortlisted out of 20,000 people from around the world to display one of her paintings in the Saatchi Gallery in London. Rebecca’s representational portraits are beautifully painted on a large scale, allowing the paintings and the subjects within them to possess a bold presence and status. Don’t miss this exhibition, Rebecca is one to watch out for in the art world.

The second instalment of this major survey of museums created by artists features, among others, The Museum of Forgotten History, which consists of remnants of a possible future past. All the items in the collection are misinterpretations, or false pieces of the puzzle, filling the missing links that come about due to the constant evolution of history. Also showing in the exhibition is The Museum of American Art which charts the dominance of American art and ideologies from the 50s and 60s in Europe. Opening on 3 March, Arnolfini presents Shilpa Gupta’s first major solo exhibition in the UK, which includes a major installation called Singing Cloud, an amorphous cluster of 4000 black microphones suspended from the ceiling. February also sees some invigorating live art and dance, with Darkin Ensemble’s riotous DisGo (10 & 11 February) and the return of Bristol Live Open Platform (25 February), presenting some of the most exciting new, emerging performance from Bristol’s thriving live art community.

Shilpa Gupta, Singing Cloud

For further information visit: wwwgrantbradleygallery.co.uk or tel: 0117 9637 673

EXHIBITION: TEN The Glass Room Colston Hall, Bristol. Open Monday – Friday, 8am-11pm and Saturday, 9am-10pm.

Until 25 February

▲

An exhibition of a new series of paintings, photographs and animations from Bristol artists Joan Wilson and Arril Johnson.

Joan Wilson, Other Skies

Paul Jenkins, Stretching Cat

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Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4UB

Tel 0117 929 2527

www.limetreegallery.com

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Pa

n Sa gh do le t O ra C Pr va ry ic l rr sta e p£ l £3 7 59 80

Paintworks event space is a stunning exhibition venue that’s played host to some of Bristol’s most notable exhibitions over the past six years, from fantastic solo shows to large collectives.

Recent highlights include: Barry Cawston, Avonmouth to Amazon, Connections, Kathryn Thomas Light Years, Carol Peace, Dreweatts Urban Art and Bristol Contemporary Open. In May and June Paintworks is staging the best of Bristol’s University and college shows. The event space has a raw quality, owing to its great proportions and mixture of exposed steel, brick and stonework, making it a unique venue for exhibiting. It’s also flooded with natural light, providing a great day to night transition. Over the past few years Paintworks has become well known for its exhibitions, charity shows and public events ranging from sculpture and fine art to media shows and art markets. For further information visit: www.paintworksevents.co.uk

Sale ues Contin

Paintworks Bath Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 971 4320 www.paintworksevents.org.uk

14 – 18 February Bath-based charity Mercy in Action has invited artists from near and far to submit work for an exhibition with a difference. Based on hope and poverty, the theme takes shape in more than just the artwork that is on display, as proceeds from the sales and the workshops that are taking place will actually be bringing hope to those living in poverty as part of Mercy in Action’s work with street children and impoverished families in the Philippines. Paintings, prints, sculptures, and photographs from well known and well-loved local artists such as Karen Wallis, Carol Peace, Kay Lewis Bell and Kate Scully will be displayed at the exhibition, each piece carrying a different perspective of the theme of hope and/or poverty in a number of different forms, all emotive and thought provoking in their own unique way. Artists will be on-hand at various times during the exhibition to talk to guests about their work.

▲

GALLERY PROFILE: PAINTWORKS

EXHIBITION: HOPE AND POVERTY

Image left: Karen Wallis, Flowers in Snow

Are you looking for new lighting for any area at the home?

Are you overwhelmed with the options available?

Can’t find the solution to your problem?

Come and see the experts to help you through the options available.

We have one of the largest displays in our freshly refitted showroom Lighting design service available.

Our showroom displays fittings from the UK, European and Worldwide sources.

For all areas of the home and garden.

Decorative low energy on display.

Tel: 0117 963 5943 • Fax: 0117 963 4735 Unit 2, Sheene Way, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4TA

Email: enquiries@lightingwarehousebristol.co.uk • Web: www.lightingwarehousebristol.co.uk • Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

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FOOD&DRINK

A TABLE FOR TWO ristol is well known for its excellent culinary scene in which even the most particular of tastebuds finds satisfaction, but can the same be said for the most particular of partners? A truly romantic place to dine can be elusive so we at The Bristol Magazine have relieved you of what can be a long and laborious search by assembling a collection of some tried-and-tested local restaurants perfect for enjoying with your special someone this Valentine’s Day. • Bordeaux Quay With impressive views across Bristol Harbourside, this elegant restaurant is celebrated for its blend of provincial European cooking alongside seasonal south west ingredients all served in its stylish first floor setting. Sip one of the delicious original cocktails created by the restaurant’s own mixologist, Andy Fisher, in the upstairs wine bar prior to ordering, before heading up to the spacious restaurant. Browse over the diverse à la carte menu while watching boats bob serenely in the harbour and choose a bottle from the excellent wine list.

• Flinty Red A hidden gem in the heart of Cotham Hill the intimate setting of this Michelin-starred restaurant is perfect for couples in search of a little privacy. Its daily-changing menu features unique, surprising yet delicious combinations such as braised octopus with salted turnip and even grilled ox tongue. To make it a really a romantic evening order a collection of smaller plates that can be shared comfortably between two with the more exotic samples providing plenty of vibrant dinner discussion, perhaps the perfect antidote to first date awkwardness.

• San Carlo This self-claimed “highly lavish Italian venue” is an ideal romantic spot for those who prefer an air of exclusivity with their supper and boasts itself as the destination for famous faces visiting the city. The indulgent décor features mirrored walls and indoor hanging baskets while the à la carte menu is bursting with choices. The Italian ambiance doesn’t end at the food however and everyone involved in the restaurant, from servers to chefs to management, is Italian. Perfect for a romantic trip to the Mediterranean without even leaving the city centre.

• Prego You can’t beat an authentic Italian restaurant with its heady scents of delicious food cooking to make your hungry date happy. Prego, in Westbury Park on the edges of Henleaze, is a friendly venue which

Takeaway for two Carluccio’s in Quakers Friars has taken the hard work out of wooing your loved one by creating a takeaway feast for two. The hamper, which costs £35, includes a selection of focaccia with baby cherry tomatoes, Puglian olives and Italian sliced meats; a sharing course of fresh wild boar tortellini with fresh Parmigiano, and heart-shaped truffles for dessert. It comes with instructions on how to prepare and present the meal, a bottle of prosecco and an edible chocolate rose. Or, from Monday 13 to Friday 17 February lovers can eat in at Carluccio’s. Created to share with the apple of your eye at £25 per person, the four-course feast includes a antipasto of chargrilled pepper and caper bruschetta, beetroot tortellini with a light butter sauce and a choice of main courses. Finish on a sweet note with a trio of Italian desserts to share – a white chocolate panna cotta, a raspberry tart and profiteroles in a white chocolate sauce.

Guilt-free indulgence Enjoy a treat that won’t break the bank at the award-winning Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols, which is offering diners a three course meal for £20 for two. Running until Wednesday February 29 (excluding Valentine’s Day), this special promotion is available Monday to Thursday lunchtimes and Tuesday to Thursday evenings from the Prix Fixe menu. Booking is essential, tel: 0117 916 8898 or email: reception.bristol@harveynichols.com.

GOING THE WHOLE HOG In keeping with our ‘waste-not, want-not’ times, Flinty Red restaurant is hosting its third nose to tail supper on Tuesday 21 February, featuring consummate professional butchers from Buxton Butchers and half a pig. The restaurant’s kitchens will cook the beast, nose to tail, as the evening unfolds and accompanied by appropriate wine. Chef and business partner Matthew Williamson, said: “It’s a brilliant oppportunity to show our customers the esteem we have for one of our most important suppliers.The pudding course always provokes a bit of a conundrum.”

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© The Walt Disney Company

B

DISNEY DELIGHT: The Lady and the Tramp

serves up lovingly cooked pasta, ragu, pizza and its own in-house specialities. Cosy up over a bottle of red and a bowl or two of reasonably priced fresh pasta just like an Italian mamma used to make and you’ll soon feel at home.

• Goldbrick House For luxury and immaculate presentation served in a great location there are few places better than Goldbrick House to take that special someone.

Spread over two floors, the restaurant is spacious without losing its intimate atmosphere and the menu, featuring the delicious ‘pig in a pot’ and a mouth-watering 28-day aged rib eye steak, is all served as beautifully as if it were appearing in an art gallery. As a pre or post-dinner treat take yourself on an exotic ‘daiquiri flight’ courtesy of the restaurant’s bar and let your tastebuds take a holiday with three globally themed cocktails.

• The Clifton Sausage A further addition to romantic Clifton Village’s already wide selection of restaurants, the Clifton Sausage welcomes you in with its warm, bustling atmosphere and heartening British cuisine. Always popular with the locals this is an ideal choice for those who like their romantic evenings atmospheric and lively with great food. The pine tables, candles and warm yellow walls are ideal as respite from the bitter weather outside and on quieter nights guests can retreat to the cosy bar after dinner looking out onto this beautiful part of Bristol with a glass of bubbly.

Megan Tatum

Cookery workshops take the stress out of entertaining The Devilled Egg Kitchen Academy from Clifton and Nailsea Electrical in Gloucester Road have joined forces to launch a cookery school. The 102 Cookery School will be based at Nailsea Electricalʼs showroom.

Barbora Stiess, director of The Devilled Egg Kitchen Academy, will be offering a range of courses from March onwards. Students will be able to watch Barbora – who studied at the Leithʼs School of Food and Wine in London and received Michelin starred training under Michael Caine – before making the dishes themselves.

She says: “Cook books are great – I have around 1,000 – but they only give basic instructions and donʼt give guidance on how to react to the unexpected or how to fix things that do not go perfectly. I donʼt eat to live, I live to eat and cook and feed people. Dinner parties should not be stressful, but luxurious, exciting and most of all fun offering wine tasting.”

Contact Barbora on tel: 0117 973 2823 or email mail@thedevilledegg.com or visit www.thedevilledegg.com or www.nailseaelectrical.co.uk

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Easy to cook Valentine’s Specials

• Heart-shaped loin of pork • Fillet steak • Woolley Park poultry Bradford on Avon

Prego Valentine’s Menu 2012

£29.99 Per Person including a glass of Prosecco on arrival Starters Chickpea and Chard Soup with Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil Seared Pigeon Breast with Parsnip Puree and Sweet and Sour Onions Slow Cooked Octopus in Red Wine with Potatoes and Gremolata

Main Courses Hand-made Ricotta Ravioli with Beetroot, Hazelnuts and Brown Butter Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Soft Polenta, Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Anchovy Butter Roast Sea Bass with Marinated Leeks, Lentils and Sweet Herbs Dessert and Cheese Seville Orange Tart with Roasted Rhubarb and Almonds Chocolate Nemesis (Gluten Free) Tiramisu Gorgonzola with Walnuts and Honey

Lunch offer 2 course £12:95, 3 course £15:95 including a glass of house wine

Valentines Day Dinner

Tuesday 14th February 2012

£65.00 per person

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year and Ston Easton Park is the perfect venue in which to spoil the special person in your life.

Head Chef,Tom Bally has created a special five-course Gourmet Valentine’s menu for the occasion.The cuisine is of award-winning stature and our cellars are stocked with fine wines and Champagnes, all adding to create a romantic evening to remember.

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 21st February 2012

£22.50 per person.

Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a traditional afternoon tea and a selection of pancakes made to order by our own chefs in front of you. Relax by the open fire in the comfort of one of our lovely drawing rooms and enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and pastries as well as a selection of pancakes with mouth watering fillings. From 2pm until 4.30pm.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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Ox cheek ragu with pappardelle and parmesan

RECIPE

Head chef at Westbury Park Italian restaurant Prego, Sam Sohn-Rethel, has a recipe for a rich and warming ragu with ox cheek – the perfect meat for slow cooking and economical too

Ingredients: (serves six)

Method:

3 ox cheeks a red onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery sticks, diced a tsp chopped rosemary a tsp picked thyme 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 100g of diced pancetta a glass of full-bodied red wine 400ml tin of chopped tomatoes 500ml of chicken stock 600g of dried pappardelle 150g of parmesan 3 tbsp of chopped parsley 100g of butter 2 tbsp of olive oil salt and pepper

1 Season the ox cheeks generously with salt and pepper and heat the olive oil till smoking, in a thick based saucepan. Add the ox cheeks – in batches if necessary – until the meat is caramelised.

Remove the meat and leave to rest.

2 Fry the pancetta in the same pan used for the ox cheeks, over a high heat, until crispy. Add the diced vegetables, garlic, thyme and rosemary to the pancetta fat and cook for ten minutes until softened. Add the tomatoes and cook for another ten minutes.

3 Add the wine and the cooked ox cheeks and stir. Add the chicken stock to just cover the ox cheeks. Season with a little salt and pepper, put a lid on and cook in an oven at 160C for four hours.

4 When removed from the oven the meat should fall apart when touched. Carefully lift out of the ragu and cool. When it is cool shred the meat with your fingers back into the sauce. Season to taste.

5 Cook the pappardelle in boiling water. Drain well and toss with the ragu, butter and parsley. Serve with grated parmesan.

If ox cheek doesn’t appeal, brisket or shin of beef make good alternatives. Any good butcher will be able to supply you with ox cheeks given a few days’ notice.

Prego, 7 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7PT, tel: 0117 9730496

C OMPETITION

WIN A MOTHER & DAUGHTER DAY OUT he Bristol Magazine, in conjunction with Bath in Fashion festival and the world famous Thermae Bath Spa, is offering one lucky reader the chance to bring her mum – or her daughter – on a VIP day out on Thursday 29 March.

Bath’s annual fashion festival runs from Monday 26 March to Sunday 1 April. Its programme includes appearances by two of British fashion’s top designers, Manolo Blahnik and milliner, Stephen Jones. Banana Republic celebrates its first birthday in Bath as lead sponsors for Bath in Fashion 2012.

A series of catwalk shows are produced by John Walford, hot from London Fashion Week, and styled by Rebekah Roy (whose clients include Kate Moss and Erin O’Connor.) Guest designer Amanda Wakeley’s signature designs have become a favourite with celebs including Kate Winslet, Scarlett Johansson and Demi Moore.

Our prizewinner and her companion will be able to check out Bath in Fashion 2012 at close hand. The prize includes reserved seats at the Amanda Wakeley catwalk show on 29 March. This event is supported by CircleBath. The prize also includes a pair of tickets to the Fashion Museum to see the latest exhibition Sport and Fashion.

T

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After a day exploring Bath, watch the sun set in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, where our winning pair will enjoy a luxurious Twilight Package. Take your swimming costumes and enjoy three hours at the spa, with use of towel, robe and slippers, and a light supper.

To enter our Mother & Daughter VIP Day competition, answer this simple question: Who is the lead sponsor for Bath in Fashion 2012?

Send your answers – marked Bath in Fashion – on a postcard to: The Bristol Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or by email to: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk by noon on Friday 24 February. Don’t forget to include all your contact details. Entrants must be 18 or over and available to take up the prize on Thursday 29 March.

If you would like to hear more from Bath in Fashion please indicate on your entry. The Editor’s decision is final.

For Bath in Fashion tickets visit: bathinfashion.co.uk. To book at the Thermae Bath Spa visit: www.thermaebathspa.com ■

Hat by Stephen Jones, dress

by Amanda Wakeley

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Treat your loved one to something extra special this Valentine’s Day. For an intimate and relaxed atmosphere it has to be The Mint Room Valentine's menu available. Booking advisable.

The Mint Room Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB 01225 446656 • www.themintroom.co.uk

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ROMANTICgetaway

COUPLES RETREAT Samantha Ewart and fiancé enjoy a romantic stay at Berwick Lodge complete with fine dining, luxury decor and a roaring log fire to cosy up next to

Y

ou shouldn’t need an excuse to treat your loved one, but Valentine’s Day does provide the perfect opportunity. Forget roses and chocolates; think romance, indulgence and decadence. And you don’t have to go very far; all of this can be found at luxury hotel and restaurant, Berwick Lodge, just a 15-minute drive from Bristol city centre.

Perfect for a romantic getaway, Berwick Lodge provides a totally unique experience offering luxurious accommodation, impeccable service and some of the finest dining in the south west. This is the place to come to be pampered and treated like a king.

Located high on a hill surrounded by 18 acres of private garden and woodland, the beautifully restored manor house will quite simply dazzle your senses.

We only stayed for one night but it was enough to make us feel completely relaxed and really special. Right from our arrival, the staff were eager to make everything as easy as possible for us, showing us to our room, carrying our bags and offering a selection of refreshments. Anything we needed, they were happy to help.

It’s a place where you feel more like a house guest than a hotel guest. There are 10 stunning suites and bedrooms, a cosy lounge with a roaring fire, a bar and dining room – nicely intimate but without sacrificing the service and standards of a top quality hotel.

We stayed in the Lydia suite, which just oozed elegance and sophistication – the hallmarks of a successful establishment. The unique and ornate furnishings have a French Renaissance style and, with the decor, blends the spirit and romance of the Arts and Crafts movement with a touch of the East. In each room you’ll find a mix of styles and Turkish influences that stand together in perfect harmony. The owners have pushed the boundaries of interior design and it’s worked magnificently.

The Lydia suite is overtly grand without being showy. The stunning bathroom consists of his and hers sinks, a roll top bath, 44 The Bristol Magazine

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beautifully tiled floors and a fabulous mirror and dressing table complete with L’Occitane products. It’s a bathroom that urges you to take your time and enjoy getting ready: indulge in a long, hot bubble bath, dry yourself with the fluffy towels and pamper to your heart’s content.

And after that, why not call for a glass of bubbly to enjoy on the balcony while you take in the sights of the Severn Estuary towards the beautiful countryside of Wales?

The dining experience was equally impressive and is something that comes highly recommended at Berwick Lodge.

It’s not just guests that can experience the fantastic array of food on offer however; non-guests can book a table for lunch or an evening meal, as well as special events throughout the year including Valentine’s Day and New Year. And new to the restaurant is the brasserie, located in its own private area with a menu which is available Monday to Friday.

Before dinner, we had time to enjoy the log fire in the lounge with a glass of wine and a selection of olives, walnuts and bread sticks.

Making our way to the dining room, we were instantly struck by the sparkling glasses and romantic setting created by the candlelight and jazz music.

To complement the cuisine on offer, the highly experienced sommelier will guide you through Berwick’s extensive wine list, which includes over 30 different Champagnes and a range of premier, grand cru and grand cru classé wines.

Sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, we were served warm homemade bread before an amuse bouche of bruchetta with ricotta and mushrooms and a warming mushroom broth.

Our starters arrived with immaculate presentation: goats’ cheese curd with beetroot and horseradish cream for me and diver caught scallops with parsnip and chicken jus for Nick.

A WONDERLAND IN WINTER: Berwick Lodge is one of Bristol’s bestkept sectrets, offering luxury accommodation and fine dining with magnificent views across to Wales

this is the place to come to be ❝ pampered and treated like a king

❞

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ROMANTICgetaway

STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION: the furnishings and decor blend the spirit and romance of the Arts and Crafts movement with a touch of the East

For the main course I enjoyed venison with cranberry granola, beetroot puree, cocoa nibs and red currant and Nick chose chicken with artichoke, pied de mouton, apple, celery and cider. The crunchy texture of the granola mixed with the tender venison was quite a pleasant surprise in my dish, as was the mix of sweet and sour from the cranberries and beetroot.

This was followed by a pre-dessert treat of delicious tonka bean and almond parfait with passionfruit and pomegranate sauce. We even had room for desserts of banana and gingerbread souffle with rum ice cream, for me, and eight texture valrhona chocolate for Nick, which was utterly divine.

We finished our evening with coffee and petit fours by the fire – the perfect end to a romantic dinner.

Director of food and executive chef Chris Wicks has an outstanding reputation and together with his talented team will tantalise the taste buds with a range of fabulous dishes inspired by classic European cuisine. His innovative concoctions will

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

inspire and surprise.

The regularly changing à la carte menu has been designed to offer the freshest seasonal flavours and the best local ingredients, which can also be found in the breakfasts too – the full English did not disappoint.

A stay at Berwick Lodge is not complete without a walk around the grounds, and as you take in the magnificent fountains and statues, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular wedding venue.

So whether you’re celebrating an engagement, planning a wedding or looking to treat a loved one, don’t hesitate in making a booking at Bristol’s best-kept secret. ■ Rooms start from £145 per night based on two people sharing.

From Monday – Friday, Berwick Lodge is offering £20 off per room. For further information visit: www.berwicklodge.co.uk or tel: 0117 958 1590.

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WEDDINGvenues Clifton College

GRAND DESIGNS FOR YOUR DAY Blaise Castle Lawrence Weston, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9036173 or email: events@bristol.gov.uk This majestic country house set in 400 acres of rolling parkland and built in 1798, is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, held in the classical grandeur of its picture room. With the gallery’s collections adorning the walls, this unique venue provides an elegant setting for your ceremony.

Leigh Court Abbots Leigh, Bristol. Tel: 01275 373393 This Grade II listed mansion house, constructed entirely from Bath Stone, offers tailored wedding packages. The premises are licensed to hold civil ceremonies in its grand hall, offering a dramatic entrance for any bride. Regardless of whether you’re looking to hold just the ceremony, reception or evening party (or all three) at Leigh Court, a choice of suites is available to hire as is the whole ground floor depending on the size of the wedding party.

Clifton College 32 College Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 3157669, or email: RGough@clifton-college.avon.sch.uk The backdrop of the school buildings at Clifton College offers a unique and prestigious setting in the heart of the Georgian splendour of Bristol.

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use of the cricket pavilion or alternatively, for weddings with 180 guests or more, a drinks reception can be organised in the Newbolt Room and adjoining East Cloister followed by a wedding breakfast in the Grand Hall.

Old Vic Theatre 36 King Street, Bristol. Tel: 01179072681 or email: functions@bristololdvic.org.uk For a theatrical alternative to the traditional venue, you can choose to stage your ceremony in the Old Vic’s stunning auditorium, a Grade I listed space able to accommodate up to 250 guests. Furthermore, receptions or ceremonies may be held in the mezzanine floor of the Coopers gallery or in one of the other three rooms available, with the option of the use of the theatre’s own catering team.

menus, along with professional and attentive service to ensure that your magical day is perfect and stress free.

Clevedon Hall Victoria Road, Clevedon, North Somerset. Tel: 01275 795895 Clevedon Hall is a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of the grandest wedding venues in the south west. Whether you dream of an intimate wedding for 50 guests or an all-day party for 200, Clevedon Hall has the variety and the space to make it unique. You can hold your ceremony in a number of elegant rooms or among the extensive flora and fauna of our impressive estate. Perhaps you’ll choose to marry in the Orangery, on the grand staircase, or even on the front steps. Nothing is too much trouble.

The Glassboat

The Mansion House

Welshback, Bristol. Tel: 07809 387 415 or email: events@glassboat.co.uk The Glassboat’s stunning setting by the Bristol Bridge, with views of the river and the historic docks sets the scene for your special day. It can cater for intimate weddings of up to 40 through to larger parties of up to 100. Guests can eat, drink, dance and celebrate your happy day in the main restaurant, cosy lounge and the oak panelled lower deck. Complementing the beautiful setting are the excellent food and wine

Canynge Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9031456 or email: enquiries@mansionhousebristol.co.uk The official residence of The Lord Mayor of Bristol since 1874 and set in the heart of desirable Clifton, The Mansion House allows guests to hold their ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast or evening party in the house’s Victorian styled rooms, or in the gazebo located in the rose garden. The house is available for exclusive use for up to 120 guests, 7 days a week.

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WEDDINGvenues Ston Easton

Hilles House

ss Great Britain

Tythe Barn

The south west boasts some of the finest wedding venues in the country. We’ve hand-picked our favourites to provide the perfect backdrop to your special day

Bristol Zoo Gardens Pavilion Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9238332 or email: milburns@bristolzoo.org.uk For something truly unique the Clifton Pavilion at Bristol Zoo Gardens can be hired for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. The premises are available on an exclusive basis for up to 120 guests. Packages include complimentary access to the zoo gardens, allowing for some sensational wedding photos.

Ston Easton Park Ston Easton, Somerset. Tel: 01761 241631 or email: events@stoneaston.co.uk Set in 36 acres of parkland, Ston Easton offers a luxurious venue for a wedding. The Palladian mansion is licensed to hold civil ceremonies for between two and 120 people, offering a choice of six rooms to suit the size and tone of your occasion. For receptions, smaller wedding parties (of 80 or less) can make use of the decadent grand Saloon whilst for larger parties the estate can assist with marquees being erected in its grounds.

Bittenham Springs Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01285 771172 or email: info@bittenhamsprings.com Only host to a select number of weddings each year, this unique lakeside venue provides the

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

perfect backdrop to a marquee reception or even the ceremony itself. Located in the quaint village of Ewen, Gloucestershire, this countryside location provides an oasis from the world on your special day.

Hilles House Stroud, Gloucestershire. Tel: 07745 804900 or email weddings@hilleshouse.co.uk This beautiful Cotswolds country house is available for exclusive use and offers individually tailored wedding packages. The great hall is licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests whilst the north lawn offers the ideal setting for a marquee reception. For those looking for something completely different there’s also the option of a tipi tent complete with internal fire braziers and reindeer skins.

Tythe Barn and Watermill Priston Mill, near Bath. Tel: 01225 423894 or email info@pristonmill.co.uk Nestled in the countryside and set in picturesque gardens, Tythe Barn and Watermill offers two beautiful locations for your wedding ceremony or celebration. The main function room of the watermill can accommodate up to 90-seated guests whilst the barn, which features stone walls dating back to 1720, is versatile enough to seat up to 180.

SS Great Britain Great Western Dockyard, Bristol. Tel: 0117 926 0680 or fill in an enquiry form online at www.ssgreatbritain.org/venue Couples can choose to celebrate their ceremony and reception aboard this historic and beautifully restored Bristol landmark, the world’s first luxury liner. Guests can enjoy the full breadth of the ship’s facilities with the option of holding the wedding ceremony on the licensed promenade deck, a reception in the first class dining saloon, and evening celebrations in the Hayward saloon. The freedom to roam the ship makes for fantastic and unique photos of your special day.

Paintworks Event Space Bath Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9714320 or email: natalie@paintworksbristol.co.uk This unique venue offers a blank canvas with stunning proportions to allow your wedding day to be as individual and creative as you like. The venue is licensed to hold ceremonies for up to 140 guests and receptions may be tailored to individual specifications with the assistance of the Paintworks team. The two beautiful adjoining outdoor courtyards are perfect for drinks receptions and there is the option to use the in-house caterer and bar company. On top of this you’ll find some fantastic on-site photo locations and there’s free parking for 140 cars.

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

FACE UP TO THE WORLD

Bath’s famous spa can not only make you feel better, it can actually make you look better, as Georgette McCready found out with a newly imported facial

I

should perhaps explain that I am naturally cynical about a lot of beauty products and treatments, but I do enjoy the experience of being pampered. So when invited to go for a facial I am generally happy to lie back and think of England without wondering too much whether I am going to be miraculously transformed into a creature with a wonderful luminously smooth complexion.

And I don’t generally expect the largely unobservant Mr Mac to comment after I’ve visited a salon. But, dear reader, I was actually complimented by my own husband on how refreshed and ‘perky’ my face looked after an hour-long Lumafirm Lift and Glow facial at the Bath Thermae Spa. This is a new treatment for the UK from the US brand Pevonia, which uses natural ingredients and concentrates very much on intensely treating the skin, leaving it feeling tauter and looking more youthful. My poor old boat race had been through a tough winter, facing corrosive winds and overheated offices equally. And being well on the mature side my skin takes longer to bounce back these days from the ravages of cold.

My therapist for the afternoon was Gemma, who I can thoroughly recommend. Despite being youthfully radiant herself at no point did she make me feel like an old wrinkly. Each of the soothing – and often delightfully scented processes – was gently explained as she went and I felt as though my parched skin was being given a refreshing, reviving drink of water.

At the end of the hour-long session I emerged, bright of cheek and firmer of jaw. Even the next morning I didn’t face the usual fright in the bathroom mirror but instead saw someone who appeared to have had a really good night’s rest. This would be a great treatment for anyone facing a big day and wanting to look their best – making it ideal for a bride, her mum and mother-in-law too.

You can’t just go along to Bath’s fabulous spa without venturing into the waters, so after leaving Gemma and the quiet calm of the treatment room I was able to join the other bathers, blissfully floating about under the darkening skies and relishing the feeling, above the rooftops of the city that I was truly on top of the world. You can spend a blissful couple of hours here and return to the real world thoroughly refreshed and – in my case – bright-eyed.

If you haven’t yet tried the spa I really would urge you to visit Bath and try it. I’ve been several times, with a friend, my mum and my partner variously, and we’ve all enjoyed the experience, coming away rested and yet uplifted.

You could make a Valentine’s gift for someone special by buying a voucher for two from the newly re-opened spa shop or online. ■ The Lumafirm Lift and Glow Facial is £78, and there are more than 50 other treatments to choose from at the spa. Visit www.thermaespa.com or tel: 01225 331234. The spa is at Hot Bath Street, Bath BA1 1SJ

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CARLO &beauty hair

M

MOROCCANOIL ®

Stockists

Main stockists of REDKEN

Tel: 0117 968 2663 • www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk 6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF

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I DO, IN STYLE From vintage fairs to open days, here’s a list of events in the region to help you plan for your big day, and offer some inspiration too T he Bridal Path to Guyers House, Saturday 19 February To celebrate 21 years as a wedding venue, Guyers House Hotel in Corsham is holding its very first wedding open day. Not only will the delights of this lovely house and its gardens be on display, you’ll also get to see a selection of the best local wedding suppliers while you enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.

Portishead Wedding Network Fair, S aturday 25 February, 11 am – 4pm Held at St Peter’s Church in Portishead, there will be a diverse range of local exhibitors ready to inspire and assist you with your special day, along with two live fashion shows at 12pm and 2.30pm. Entry is free and each bride will receive a goody bag.

Bristol Vintage Wedd ing Fair, S unday 26 February, 1 0am – 4pm Bristol Vintage presents a wedding fair with a difference. After the huge success of the first vintage wedding fair in the south west, the second will take place at Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens. Bristol Vintage has scoured the country to bring you some of the best vintage dress exhibitors, corset makers, gorgeous head gear and delicious cakes as well as photographers, bespoke stationery, florists and much more. And no vintage fair would be complete without tea and cake served on gorgeous vintage crockery. Entry is free.

Love Actually Wedding Fair, S unday 4 M arch, 1 1.30am – 4pm A large and varied number of exhibitors will be on hand to offer advice and information about your wedding day at the Love Actually Wedding Fair at Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, South Gloucestershire. Don’t miss the bridal fashion show at 1.30pm. Free admission.

S pring Wedding fair, S unday 11 March, 11 am – 3.30pm Wedding World Ltd presents its Spring Wedding Fair at the Novotel in Bristol city centre where there will be a free bottle of bubbly or wine for the first 100 brides.

S S Great Britain Wedding Op en Evening, T hursd ay 22 March, 5.30p m – 8.30pm Enjoy a glass of wine on Brunel’s ss Great Britain where the events team will be on hand throughout the evening to talk through every aspect of your special day on board. Tours of the ship and events spaces will be available throughout the evening and there will be a selection of food to taste from the menu and an opportunity to meet a number of wedding suppliers including a photographer and florist. The event is free and no ticket is required.

Folly Farm Wedding Open Day, M onday 9 April A magical place to plight your troth, with bird song and wildflowers in spring and summer, apple trees and golden leaves in autumn, and wood smoke and wide skies in winter, Folly Farm is a wonderful wedding venue for all seasons. View the property and meet with industry specialists including caterers, florists, marquee providers, cake makers, photographers and beauty therapists. Pre-booking is essential on tel: 01275 331590 or visit: www.follyfarm.org www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

February 2012

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VINTAGEweddings

Nostalgically yours

Georgina Hunter wedding planner at Inspiral Parties, a bespoke wedding planning and event management service covering Bristol and the south west, shares her ideas for a vintage themed wedding oday, brides want something more than the familiar adage, ‘something old, something new…’ on their wedding day. A vintage wedding is a superb opportunity to really have fun, show your creative side and engage your wedding guests. There is now so much more to vintage than mismatched bone china, bunting and cupcakes. There are a plethora of photographers, florists, hairdressers and cake makers all dedicated to helping you create a vintage theme. When planning a vintage wedding, I like to understand what vintage means to my clients, do my research and source the more unusual to help create something unique, personal and occasionally quirky.

T

The vintage dress Catherine Middleton captivated the nation when she walked down the aisle in her 1950s Grace Kelly inspired wedding dress.

Brides looking for vintage dresses should visit The Vintage Wedding Dress Company who source exquisite gowns and accessories from London, Paris and around the world, from the Victorian era to the early 1970s. They will also customise your chosen dress to suit personal taste and shape. Alternatively, there are plenty of designers currently creating vintage inspired collections. My personal favourite is Astral Sundholm-Hayes of Circa Vintage Brides. Her dresses span each decade, from a 1920s intricate cut lace gown through to a 1970’s Bianca Jagger Yves Saint Laurent style outfit, which is perfect for a Mediterranean wedding and has also been seen on the catwalks at recent fashion shows.

Engage your guests It is often said to me that guests feel like ‘extras’ at a wedding and the most memorable weddings are those where the guests have been involved or entertained in some way whilst the obligatory photographs are taken. Consider hiring a juke box, a 1920s giant wind up gramophone or even a look-alike crooner to entertain your guests. If you are planning a garden or marquee wedding, hiring village games for your guests such as a coconut shy, tombola and skittle alley could be great fun. Although bear in mind the inclement British weather and have gazebos or tents 50 The Bristol Magazine

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February 2012

on stand-by just in case of that mid-afternoon downpour.

An ice-cream with a few deck chairs might be the answer to parched wedding guests while the photographs take place. Why not hire Daisy, the 1970s vintage ice cream van adorned in bunting and fresh flowers to match your colour scheme? Daisy is far more sophisticated than your average ice cream van, she comes stocked with retro sweets, fruit drinks, homemade chocolates and

BORROWED FROM THE PAST: Kate Moss wore a vintage style veil for her wedding

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VINTAGEweddings

Vintage inspired mood board . . .

Clockwise from top: Daisy the ice cream van (with owner Tara Cole) will keep guests sweet; Ginger Rogers, the epitome of 1930s Hollywood glamour; vintage cars from Spirit Wedding Cars; a tin bath filled with ice and Champagne and adorned with flowers and ribbons; vintage style decorations photographed by Pat Cooper

biscuits, Pimms, mulled wine and hot chocolate, for those winter weddings or chilly days! All served by her owner, Tara Cole.

The flowers Brides may be influenced on their choice of decade by the flowers that were popular in that era. Flowers were an elaborate focal point in a 1920’s wedding and brides often had a shower bouquet with trailing flowers. Consider photographs of your grandparents’ weddings for inspiration. It was traditional for many brides from this era to carry lily of the valley, roses, orange blossom, calla lilies, forget-me-not and freesia. In contrast, the classic 1940’s bride did not carry flowers and instead wore orchids on their wrist.

A vintage inspired wedding will keep guests talking about it long after you have jetted off on your honeymoon and of course it will appeal to all ages. ■

Consider hiring a juke box, a ❝ 1920s giant wind-up gramophone or even a look-alike crooner to entertain your guests

❞

The decor The décor will reflect the era of your vintage wedding. However, you do not want it to outshine the bride so I recommend it is kept understated and subtle. Just add some finishing touches from the decade of your choice. For a little quirkiness, why not fill an old tin bath full of ice to cool your bubbly? They can be picked up on Ebay from around £20 and then adorn it in flowers or ribbons to match your colour scheme or hang bird cages from the ceiling or roof of the marquee? Local reclamation centres are a good source for inspiration and ideas.

Afternoon tea served as an alternative to a wedding breakfast is also becoming popular and relatively inexpensive in comparison. Pearls have made a comeback in recent years and add a touch of glamour from times gone by, particularly draped over floral table centrepieces. Tea stained luggage labels also make great vintage place names.

Enjoy it There is so much opportunity to have fun with a vintage wedding theme. The only limits are your imagination. Having a vintage themed wedding does not have to break the bank either. It is about knowing the right suppliers and where to source products. www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

My top 5 tips for planning a perfect vintage wedding: Choose your decade wisely and do your research. A mismatch of vintage periods may work for a few things but not if you are planning to go totally vintage for your wedding.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Give careful thought to the venue and whether your vintage theme will work.

Consider your guests.

Hire a wedding planner to advise you on your theme and practicalities, to source reliable suppliers and save you time.

Leave the coordination on the day to your wedding planner so you can join in and have as much fun as your guests.

Inspiral Parties is exhibiting at the Portishead Wedding Network Fayre on Saturday 25 February at St Peter’s Church, Church Road in Portishead.

To find out more or to hire Inspiral Parties to plan or coordinate your wedding, contact Georgina Hunter on tel: 01934 867244, email info@inspiralparties.com or visit: www.inspiralparties.com February 2012

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WORLDtravel

SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE John Kennedy has more than 30 years experience in the travel industry – but is still passionate about exploring the world. He talks to Georgette McCready about combining work with pleasure

S

uccessful American businessman Victor Kiam famously liked a shaving razor so much he bought the company. And a similar experience for a Bristol-based entrepreneur found John Kennedy acting as an ambassador for a cruise company after he and his wife were so impressed by their own holiday experience. So much so that he was tempted out of partial early retirement to put his professional weight behind Noble Caledonia, which runs specialist cruise adventures.

Now settled in Clifton with his wife Anne, John an urbane and engaging Australian, first came to the UK to study for an MBA from the London Business school in the 1970s and came west from London to settle in Bristol and start his own travel company. His three children were born in the city and, despite having travelled all over the world, the Kennedy family feel that Bristol is definitely home.

John’s business career is a fascinating one. He started out in the travel world with no knowledge of it, merely his enquiring mind and business acumen. It was the late 1970s and Thomson had asked him to look into the future prospects of its then struggling Lunn Poly. The upshot was that Thomsons suggested John run a Lunn Poly travel shop so he opened one next to the Colston Hall.

He says: “It was a place in Pipe Lane, built in 1730, which particularly appealed to me as it was built before Captain Cook ever discovered Australia.”

But market conditions weren’t right for Lunn Poly and the time came for John to go solo. He invested £60 – a considerable sum then – in a classified advert in the Daily Mail selling flights and packages to his native Australia under the business name Austravel. “It was a time when Australian actor Paul Hogan was promoting the whole ‘shrimp on the barbie’ lifestyle which appealed to a lot of people. I was running the business in Pipe Lane but also took a market stall at Eastville at weekends, where I’d give away free colour holiday brochures – people loved that they were getting something for free at a market!”

Within a few years Austravel had expanded, with 18 offices in the States, eight in the UK and more in Germany and Australia.

John and his team were sending around 100,000 people to Australia each year and he was setting up links with hotels for passengers wanting to stop over in as diverse places as South America, Korea and Africa.

Twenty years into Austravel and the big boys in the shape of 52 The Bristol Magazine

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Thomson made John an offer he couldn’t refuse and he decided to take a breather and sell up. He returned to Australia to live, acting as a consultant and board member for other travel companies.

But Bristol – and their three adult children – brought the Kennedys back to the UK and the west country.

John and Anne have taken good friends from Bristol on cruise ship holidays with them. He says: “It’s a delightful experience.

The ships only hold about 120 passengers and there are experts on board, for example we were with a man who was the director of an aquarium and he took us snorkelling and diving. You spend the day being active, scrambling on to Zodiac boats to get close to caves and beaches that are rarely visited.

have dinner on deck barefoot, ❝relaxed and under the stars ❞ “In the evenings the only formal time is the pre-dinner drinks when the on-board experts talk through what everyone has done and seen during the day, showing the best photos, talking about what we’ll be able to do the next day. You might go swimming with dolphins, bird watching or sight seeing on shore. We like to have dinner on deck, barefoot, relaxed and under the stars. The service is impeccable and the food is great.”

John enjoys putting together itineraries for friends and family who are planning trips abroad, and now he is extending the service to people who want to cruise with Noble Caledonia and maybe take in a few places on the way out or on the way home.

Noble Caledonia’s trips for 2012 take in all kinds of places, circumnavigations of both New Zealand and Iceland, mysterious Easter Island and the glories of St Petersburg.

On a grey day in Clifton I ask him where he’d recommend for future travellers and he smiles warmly: “Try the Kimberley region of north western Australia. It’s still largely untouched and so beautiful. You can see waterfalls, amazing rock formations and caves with 17,000 year-old Aboriginal art.” ■ Visit: www.johnkennedy-noblecaledonia.com or call John: 0117 946 600

TRAVEL IN STYLE: main picture, more work for the onboard Island Sky ornothologist. Top, John Kennedy, enjoying his native Australia, and bottom, watching the fish swim by at close quarters

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Small Ship Cruise Expeditions

A bespoke portfolio of fascinating itineraries aboard comfortable, fine quality small ships.

Unique travel experiences for the curious and discerning.

SOUTH SEAS ODYSSEY - Celebrate Christmas on Pitcairn Island during an epic voyage from Easter Island to Fiji via the Gambier Islands, the Tuamotus, Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga and Wallis & Futuna Group.

Depart 16 December 2012 ex London via Santiago to Easter Island return 21 January 2013.

The portfolio has an enticing array of options from around coastal Britain, circumnavigation of Iceland, Norwegian Fjords to Murmansk and the White Sea, the intimate Mediterranean, the Levant and Black Sea, West to South Africa, South America and coastal New Zealand.

Explore in depth at :

www.johnkennedy-noblecaledonia.com or call John Kennedy on: 0117 946 6000

The Hannafore Point Hotel

The most

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Looe : Cornwall AA *** • Fresh Fish from the boats to your plate • Fresh locally sourced produce • A well stock wine cellar and Real Ales • Brasserie and À la Carte Restaurants • Devon and Cornish Cream Teas

www.berryheadhotel.com www.hannaforepointhotel.com For....

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The Berry Head Hotel Brixham : Devon AA *** • Indoor Swimming Pool and Spa • Non Residents and families welcome • Comfortable and well equipped en-suite accommodation • Traditional Warm Hospitality

stay@hannforepointhotel.com • tel: 01503 263273 : stay@berryheadhotel.com • tel: 01803 853225 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

February 2012

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MOTORINGcity

A STAR PERFORMANCE The all new Mercedes B Class pays as much attention to the passengers’ needs as the driver’s desires, as TBM’s motoring correspondent Jeff Osborne found out when he took it for a test drive

I

must say Mercedes Benz is a brand I’ve always wanted to test drive, but never had the chance, so when the opportunity came up I just leapt at it. Long been recognised as one of the team leaders in deluxe, stylish, luxurious cars made affordable to everyday people, I was looking forward to finding out whether Mercedes Benz would live up to my high expectations.

I met Mercedes business development manager Nick Richardson at the showroom in Cribbs Causeway and was introduced to my companion for the weekend, a B200 BlueEFFICIENCY. The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The new sporty lines and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a contoured line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz.

The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which add a light touch to the vehicle’s appearance. Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand’s unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

Inside, I was really impressed with both the space and the quality of finish. The large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.

The cabin is nicely trimmed with high-quality materials and high-speed refinement is good. The B-Class Sport is equipped with lower sports suspension and direct steer system. The driver’s seat gives both great view and is comfortable. In the 54 The Bristol Magazine

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rear seats you have 976mm of legroom (I tried both seating positions and at 6’3” I had ample amounts of leg room), the BClass aces even the S-Class luxury saloon, and when folding the seats you are given huge luggage space.

The 3-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel, which always incorporates a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in the 6 o’clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

Once on the road, I found the new front-drive chassis very impressive – there’s not much body roll, and it always feels secure and precise. The car held the road well when pushing it briskly around the narrow country roads on its 18” bi-colour alloy wheels. The six speed gearbox was smooth and extremely easy to use, and the engine is very responsive when needed.

The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class’ use as a family car. Great importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available.

Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.

The B Class features both new petrol and diesel engines, all of which are turbocharged, as well as new manual and automatic transmissions, and an ECO start/stop function is standard on all B-Class models. The fuel efficiency ranges from 45mpg to 65mpg and CO² 116 to 145. Prices range from £20,530 to £25,515.

Now would I purchase a Mercedes B Class car if I was on the outlook for a family car that’s not only deluxe but delightful? I most definitely would! ■ To arrange a test drive contact: Mercedes-Benz of Bristol.

Lysander Road Cribbs Causeway Bristol BS10 7UB. Tel: 0117 329 5600

DELUXE & DELIGHTFUL: the new B-Class outside the Bristol Old Vic Theatre on King Street

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

“I own my own business.

If we separate what are the implications?”

Specialist family solicitor Anne Thistlethwaite considers the effect of Divorce for the owner of a business.

T

Blenheims offers the full range of block management services and excels in delivering outstanding service with a personal touch.

We work closely with our clients to devise an approach that works for their building and the way in which they would like it to be run.

• Professional property management for blocks of flats of all sizes • • Outstanding Accounts support for collecting and managing service charges •

he owner of a small business may be shocked to discover that, if their marriage breaks down the assets of the business can be distributed in the financial settlement, just as the domestic assets are available to be divided. This may be the case even where one spouse has had no involvement in the business at all.

In determining how the available assets should be divided between spouses on divorce, judges take into account a wide range of factors. These include the length of the marriage, the needs of each spouse and of their children, and the income and earning capacities of the spouses.

All the assets in which either spouses have an interest are taken into consideration by the court, and this includes shares in a company, interests in a partnership and the tools of the trade of a self-employed spouse.

Where the value of the business assets cannot be agreed, an expert may be needed to consider the values and to produce a report setting out his findings so that a value can be placed on the business assets.

Running a small business is clearly a huge contribution to the marriage, and the spouse’s efforts in doing so are taken into account by the court.

However where, for example, the husband has run a successful business and the wife has concentrated on the domestic sphere, perhaps caring for children and the home, the courts have made it clear that contributions to the marriage will be regarded as of equal weight. There should be no discrimination simply because one has acted as the family bread “earner” and the other as the homemaker. The spouse who has run the business cannot therefore expect to achieve a greater share of the assets to reflect this unless there are very exceptional circumstances. The first priority in any event is to meet the basic needs of both spouses.

Sometimes in order to achieve a fair settlement between the spouses, it may be necessary for the family business to be sold. This is definitely the exception rather than the rule since the income from the business may be needed more than ever following divorce, if it is to fund the cost of running two households rather than one. But where, for example, the spouses are approaching retirement and the bulk of their assets are tied up in the business, a sale may be the only feasible way for a fair division of the capital to be achieved.

For advice on divorce involving a small business and all family law issues contact AMD’s specialist family team by telephone on 0117 9621205 or e-mail family@amdsolicitors.com. © AMD Solicitors

Winner of the local law firm of the year award 2011

• ARMA members • 28 Chandos Road, Redland, BS6 6PF T: 0117 933 9560 E: Bristol@blenheims.co.uk W: www.blenheims.co.uk

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Telephone us on (0117) 9621205 or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com February 2012

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BUSINESSnews

Textile designer gains national acclaim Bishopston-based textile designer Penny Seume has reached the final of the New Design Britain Awards for her New York collection of fabrics inspired by the Manhattan skyline.

She creates furnishing fabrics, lampshades, cushions and wall pieces for interiors, with all designs printed and made in the UK using natural fabrics such as velvet, linen and cotton.

As one of four finalists in her category Penny won a stand at the Interiors UK fair at the NEC in Birmingham. The New Design Britain Awards are judged by industry experts and the prize is a placement with a leading industry supplier.

With a dream of working for herself, Penny went

News in brief ■ Staff at the Bristol branch of law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, asked to suggest charities to support, have voted for the AT Society and Bristol-based Jessie May. Bonnie Martin, partner and head of corporate responsibility at Clarke Willmott, said: “We want to get staff to buy-in to our fundraising activity so this year we handed the power over to them to choose the charities we support. As part of our push on corporate responsibility, we’ve also introduced a Community Day – a day’s paid leave for staff to use for charitable benefit.”

■ Madame Arlette Izac, Presidente of the Association Bordeaux Bristol, has been awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur by the French Government. This follows her MBE and an honorary doctorate from Bristol University. Madame Izac took part in the Bordeaux Schools Exchange when she was 11 and fell in love with Bristol.

She has been a volunteer on the Bordeaux side for five decades. During her tenure at least 30,000 Bristolians have taken part in an exchange. Alix Hughes from the Twinning Association said: “ I can honestly say Bristol could not have had a better ambassador in Bordeaux than Arlette Izac.”

■ Bristol & Avon Multiple Sclerosis centre (BrAMS) is planning a rickshaw ride on 25 May and needs volunteers to help distribute posters before the event and help along the route from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to London’s Tower Bridge. BrAMS’s Shaun McCarthy said: “The event has been planned to raise vital funds for pioneering stem cell trials which are world-leading. We need to raise an extra £1m for the trials which could make a massive difference to the lives of sufferers across the world.” The treatment being trialled at Frenchay involves taking patients’ bone marrow stem cells and injecting them into their veins to repair damage done

by MS. Contact Shaun, tel: 0117 3406490 or email: shaun.mccarthy@brams.org.uk

to Outset Bristol in January 2011 for advice. She progressed through its programme of workshops, receiving more than 50 hours of support.

Outset Bristol is a £960,000 business support programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Bristol City Council. The team has helped more than 700 local people interested in exploring self-employment and, together with Outset Finance has helped to create more than 100 new jobs for Bristol.

To see her work, visit: www.pennyseume.co.uk.

To find out more about the business start-up support offered by Outset Bristol visit www.outsetbristol.co.uk.

LATEST BUZZ

Cider house rules OK? At a time when so many British pubs are closing, it’s encouraging to see the recent launch of The Cider Press on Gloucester Road. The former Rising Sun pub has been refurbished to include images of famous Bristolians on its walls. Owned by the Stonegate Pub Company, The Cider Press specialises in ciders and cask ales. It’s also offering customers meal deals, regular showings of sporting fixtures on two big TV screens and, on Sunday nights, a quiz night with cash prizes. The Stonegate Pub Co owns 560 pubs in the UK and employs more than 10,000 staff nationwide.

BRISTOL BUSINESS news & views

A round up of achievements and events from the city’s business community

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February 2012

TAKING THE PLUNGE: Martin Lewton thigh deep in mud during the Sodbury Slog

Running the nine-mile Sodbury Slog cross country race, complete with a dip in the muddy sludge of Sheepdip Mile, was just one of the ways that the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Bristol Customer Service Centre’s 400 staff have been supporting Above & Beyond as its charity of the year.

Martin Lewton and Nick Lewis took part in the Easy Runner Sodbury Slog organised by the Bitton Road Runners each year, while other members of staff have held cake sales, raffles and an Open the Box game to help the charity which raises funds for all Bristol’s nine central hospitals.

As a result, £4,392 was presented to Lorna Clarke of Above & Beyond by Martin Lewton and the Community Involvement Team. Martin, 26, is a keen runner whose father was treated at Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre. He said: “That was my inspiration to really drive raising funds for Above & Beyond in my workplace. The care he received was brilliant and he was in the right place to get help.”

For more information about the charity and how your workplace can make a difference, visit: www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk

Make sure you’re sitting comfortably

FIRST IN UK: a chair from the new range at Italsofa 56 The Bristol Magazine

Going the whole muddy mile

A large furniture studio filled with contemporary sofas, chairs, rugs, cushions and tables, has opened at Clifton Pavilion in Queens Road.

The UK’s first ever Italsofa showroom is part of the Natuzzi Group, which runs the shop on the ground floor, and occupies more than 150 square metres of floorspace on the lower level. Italsofa’s aim is to provide modern, designer style pieces for the home made in Italy.

Sofas range from £999 to £1,999, while there is also a wide range of accessories for the home, along with coffee tables and armchairs.

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TAXmatters

ADV ERT OR I AL F EATURE

DOES CAPITAL GAINS TAX APPLY TO YOU? CGT and property A property that is a person’s main or only private residence is entitled to 100% private residence relief; no capital gains tax will be payable on any gain. This is a very valuable relief.

has lived in it for a period as their main residence (H M Revenue & Customs has indicated that a period as short as a month may suffice); then on the sale of the property 50% of the chargeable gain would be relieved by private residence relief.

Entrepreneurs’ relief

Most people think that capital gains tax (CGT) does not apply to them; that it is only a rich person’s tax. However, if you have a second home or buy to let properties; or own your own business or company, or have an investment portfolio, then CGT can arise on a disposal of these types of assets. You need to be aware how CGT is calculated, and how CGT can be mitigated and relieved.

If a person has more than one property, then by careful planning and use of elections, it can be possible to mitigate any capital gains tax on the other properties. An example of this would be moving into a second property for a period prior to a sale of the property. This is because a taxpayer can claim private residence relief for the last three years of ownership if the property has been their main residence at any time during their period of ownership.

For example, if a person has a second property, has owned it for six years, and at some point

If you sell the shares in your trading company, or sell your sole trade or share in a trading partnership, or a furnished holiday let, you may be able to claim entrepreneurs’ relief on the disposal. This means that the chargeable gain will be taxed at 10% instead of 18% or 28%.

The lifetime limit of the amount of entrepreneurs’ relief that can be claimed is £10 million. The main qualifying conditions are: the asset must be a qualifying business asset; and the asset must have been owned and qualified as a business asset for the twelve months prior to the disposal.

How is CGT calculated?

The chargeable gain is calculated as: sales proceeds; less cost of asset; less any improvement costs; less costs of purchase; and less costs of disposal.

Please contact Mark Pooley or Mel Hackney at our office if you have CGT queries.

The first £10,600 of chargeable gains are exempt from capital gains tax; chargeable gains falling within a person’s basic rate band are taxed at 18%; and chargeable gains falling within a person’s higher or additional rate bands are taxed at 28%.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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FAMILYfun

d kills an ering s e t the n ie in r ourse c Learn o a d n arou navigate sfield t Tynte a s d o o w

Take a breath of fre Wetlan sh air d Cent this m re and onth – Bristo visit S l Zoo limbrid to get ge close to nat ure

FEBRUARY FROLICS From storytelling and theatre to outdoor crafts and science, we’ve got half term covered in this round-up of family-friendly events and activties in and around the city this month

Kids theatre

Explore outdoors

Tobacco Factory Theatre, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 902 0344. www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com

The National Trust’s Tyntesfield House, North Somerset. Tel: 0844 249 1895

Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals, Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 February, 11am & 2.30pm, The Brewery Follow the adventures of the charismatic singer and his animal band as they make friends, play games, contemplate the world and rock out at a dance contest. This lively and enchanting performance contains a unique mix of theatre, comedy, animation and original live music.

Suitable for ages 3-8 years.

Sam Rose in the Shadows, Sunday 26 February, 11am & 1.30pm An uplifting and beautiful new piece of puppetry.

Ivan Rose is six years old. Shut away in his little house in the city watched by his aging tutor, he fantasises about the outside world. His father spends most of his time away, and Ivan can only imagine he is off fighting dragons and being a hero. This is a story about how Sam Rose and his son Ivan become embroiled in an epic quest that will bring them face to face with love, memory and hope. Tucked In make puppetrybased visual theatre that appeals to a universal audience. This is the company’s third visit to Bristol, having previously toured with Jackajack and Tim and Light. Suitable for ages 6+.

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Family Fun Thursday, Thursday 16 February, 11.30am – 3.30pm Drop in to the Sawmill Learning Centre to get stuck into craft activities.

Family Orienteering, Friday 17 February, 10am – 1pm Join in this exciting orienteering session specially designed for families to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Guided by expert coaches from the Bristol Orienteering Club, you will learn the basic skills necessary to read an orienteering map and navigate around a course in the woods at Tyntesfield. Adults £5, children £3, family (2 adults, 3 children) £14.50.

Booking is essential.

Family shows Bristol Old Vic Studio, King Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 987 7877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk

archaeology and fossils, say hello to one of your stone-age ancestors, hear stories of giants and wizards, see a volcano erupting before your very eyes, and maybe even glimpse a dinosaur or two.

There will be lots of laughs, plenty of puppets, songs, slapstick, tall tales and crazy characters.

Squashbox Theatre is the creation of Craig Johnson: performer, puppeteer, musician and long-standing member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre. Suitable for ages 5+.

Grisly Tales from Tumblewater, Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 February, 2pm & 7pm Adapted by Teasel Theatre from the novel by Bruno Vincent. A determined orphan, a satchel full of spine-chilling stories and a whole lot of rain features in this story. Dickens meets Roald Dahl via Horrible Histories with laughs, frights and live music. Suitable for ages 8+.

Fun on-board ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol. Tel: 0117 926 0680 or visit: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Stones and Bones, Monday 13 – Wednesday 15 February, Monday, 2pm; Tuesday & Wednesday, 11am & 2pm

I’m a First Class Passenger – Get Me Out of Here! Tuesday 14, Thursday 16 and Saturday 18 February, noon & 2pm

Squashbox Theatre’s new show is a marvellous mix of history and mystery. Find out about

Challenge your taste buds with Victorian food in the First Class Dining Saloon.

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FAMILYfun Discover science Explore At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

Tel: 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk

In the Zone Tour, Wednesday 8 – Wednesday 29 February This year the Wellcome Trust is leading a London 2012-inspired UK-wide initiative – In the Zone – bringing to life the science behind your body and how it works during exercise, movement and rest. Visit At-Bristol this month to test your body to the max. See how high you can jump, look at your veins, test your reactions to light and sound and measure your speed on our very own running track. This exhibition, designed and delivered by At-Bristol, will tour the UK between March and September 2012 as part of In the Zone, engaging people of all ages with the science of our amazing human body relating to sport and movement. Test it out before it goes on tour!

Make a Robot, Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 February Get creative and re-use everyday materials to make your own recycled robot.

The Glow Show, Saturday 11 February Explore a whole spectrum of light-based phenomena. See the gleaming colours metals make under the flame gun and discover how scientists use colour to explore other planets.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

You will also have the chance to make like a CSI, see what substances look under UV light and experiment with refraction to make the visible invisible.

Storytelling with music St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Michael Loader and Wild Words: The Gypsy’s Tale, Friday 17 February, 3pm From their homeland of India to the British Isles and beyond, the Romany Gypsies have told their stories of magic and mystery, sung their songs of joy and sadness and danced to the wild music of the fiddle. Here, the fantastical storytellers Wild Words weave together terrific tales of devils and dragons, heroes and villains, and kings and princesses, with the scintillating sounds of the sitar, accordion, fiddle, harmonium and clarinet.

Great for kids aged 6+.

Get close to nature Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire.

Tel: 01453 891900 www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge

Floodlit Swan Feeds, Until 26 February, Saturdays & Sundays, 6.30pm See Slimbridge’s beautiful Bewick swans in a whole new light with a floodlit bird feed. Cost: £5 adults, £3 children.

Children’s Introduction to Bird Watching, Wednesday 15 February, 9.30pm Trying to look out for and identify a wide variety of birds can be a challenge, so join the warden who will help you find the best starting point and share some expert tips on how to learn and develop your bird watching skills and knowledge. Cost: £12. Must be pre-booked on tel: 01453 891223.

Feathered friends Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol. Book on tel: 0117 903 0609

Bird Box Bonanza, Thursday 16 February, 10am – 3.30pm Discover more about the birds and nests on the Downs through games and activities. You’ll even get the chance to make a nest box to take home with you. Cost: £8.50 per child.

Tree-mendous timber Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury. Admission: £9 adults, £5 children and £8 concessions. www.forestry.gov.uk

Wooden Wonders, Tuesday 14 – Thurs 16 February, 10.30am – 3pm Celebrate one of the most remarkable materials on the planet – from how it grows to the surprising ways we use it. Then model with sawdust, create a wood block print design and build a mini hurdle.

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DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM? FRIENDLY HOSTS WANTED FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS We are looking for welcoming, hospitable hosts to accommodate our international students.

• Long and short stays available • Great experience • Great rates of pay For more information, please contact: Elaine Sawyer Accommodation Officer 27 Oakfield Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2AT Tel: 0117 909 0911 Fax: 0117 907 7181 Email: elaine@ihbristol.com Web: www.ihbristol.com

Study Travel Exams Holidays

dance dance movement

voice

therapy centre

BRISTOL B ASE D MAST E RS PROGRAMME IN DANCE MOVE ME NT PSYCHOT HE RAPY Validated by Canterbury Christ Church University INTERVIEWING NOW for October 2012 intake and NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DANCE MOVEMENT and the THERAPEUTIC PROCESS (BTEC) 1 year programme starts September

Ffi: Dance Voice, Quaker Meeting House, Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, Bristol. BS3 5HX tel: 0117 953 2055 e-mail: admin@dancevoice.org.uk www.dancevoice.org.uk

THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBRISTOL PERFECTLYCOVERED BRISTOLSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 0117 9742800 60 The Bristol Magazine

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EDUCATIONnews

Athletes hurtle their way to silver medal Teenage sportswoman Jazmin Sawyers, pictured, is well on her way to becoming an international star of track and field, after winning two gold medals, in the long jump and 4x100 relay, at the 2011 Commonwealth games, and last month scooping a silver medal in the bobsleigh at the first ever Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck.

Incredibly, Jazmin, who is studying for A Levels at Millfield School in Somerset, and has recently been appointed head girl, had never even set foot inside a bobsleigh until 18 months ago. Yet, she and team-mate Mica McNeil hurtled down icy shutes in Austria, as part of the GB Bobsleigh Team competing at

News in brief ■ All Hallows School in East Cranmore is hosting the south west’s premier senior schools exhibition on 24 March. It is a great opportunity to speak to key personnel from over 25 independent senior schools in the south west. Schools represented include Badminton, Bryanston, Dauntsey’s, Leweston, Millfield and Prior Park College, to name but a few. For more information contact All Hallows School, East Cranmore, BA4 4SF, tel: 01749 881600 www.allhallowsschool.co.uk ■ The German Saturday School in Bristol has been offering German classes for all skill ranges for several terms. There are classes available for those starting from scratch or for those who just want to brush up their German in a friendly environment.

For more information or to enrol contact Jeanette Kyle on enrolment@schule-bristol.org ■ Butcombe Pre-Preparatory School, Clifton College, enjoyed a positive response to its first ‘Poetry Slam’, the culmination of its poetry week. For one week children throughout the school, met each day to listen, write and perform poems. The week concluded with the children performing their poems to an audience of 150 parents, in a range of costumes.

the first ever Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck.

British Bobsleigh had visited Millfield in October 2010 to scout out athletes with the potential to succeed in the thrilling high-speed sport. Pupils Ollie Biddulph and James Lelliott also proved equal to the challenge alongside Jazmin and the trio trained at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village.

“This is the most exciting thing we’ve ever done,” said Jazmin after the medal ceremony.

“Even to be part of the games is an incredible experience, and to come and actually win a silver medal is incredible, it’s the highlight of my life.”

Rewards for scientists Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School, in Clifton, has sixth form scholarships available, awarded by the Ogden Trust.

Boys who would benefit from attending QEH for sixth form, but whose families cannot afford the school fees could receive up to 100 per cent of their education funding from the Ogden Trust.

Those applying for an Ogden scholarship must expect to achieve high grades at GCSE and be intending to study maths and physics at A-level.

Contact Carolyn Matthews, tel: 0117 9303068, email: admissions@qehbristol.co.uk. Or for more information visit www.ogdentrust.com ENQUIRING MINDS: students at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School have fun in the science labs while they learn

Music, fashion and theatre all lined up for spring Westonbirt School, near Tetbury, has a number of events going on which are open to the public as well as students and parents.

Music at Westonbirt Concert with the Marylebone Trio. Experience five centuries of chamber music in one evening, with works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and a selection of pieces from early 20th century works. The Marylebone Trio was formed in 2003 by postgraduate students at the Royal Academy of Music and has since performed at a number of prominent venues.

Friday 24 February, 7.30pm. Admission: £10, Friends of Westonbirt, £5.

Friends of Westonbirt School present a spring fashion show and supper. The event is being

organised by the sixth form committee, some of whom will be modelling collections of springwear from Moi, Clobber, That New Shop and many more, with jewellery by Diana Ingram and hair and make-up by C2 of Dursley. Friday 2 March, 7pm. Tickets: £20 for adults and £15 for 18s and under, to include a prosecco reception, two course supper and coffee, with a cash bar.

Oliver Twist. Westonbirt School girls perform Oliver Twist in the Orangery Theatre. Last year’s production of Joseph was a sell-out. Friday 16 to Saturday 17 March, 7.30pm For more information and tickets contact Laura Reid at Westonbirt School, tel: 01666880333 or email: lreid@westonbirt.org

Choir school makes a bid to win Free School status Bristol’s Cathedral Choir School, in College Square, is applying to the Government for Free School status for its new primary school.

Principal Neil Blundell said: “Since 2008, we have consistently been Bristol’s most oversubscribed secondary school. Now we would like to build on that success by welcoming boys and girls from 4-18. In doing so, we are playing our part in solving Bristol’s primary school places crisis, which is particularly acute in the city centre.”

Mr Blundell sees the opening of a primary school as an extension of the school’s role as a 62 The Bristol Magazine

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centre of musical excellence. BCCS is the only choir school in the country to be an Academy and the only secondary school in the south west to have music as its primary specialism.

Since September Mr Blundell has been involved in discussions with Bristol City Council and a number of potential partners, but feels that a Free School bid with funding direct from the Government may offer the best opportunity for a new school to open in 2013.

The new primary school would be based in separate buildings within the existing BCCS campus and would have its own headteacher and

governing body. As well as offering lessons from specialist teachers in music and mathematics, the primary school would have a broad curriculum.

All children would be able to learn a foreign language.

Mr Blundell added: “As part of the formal requirements for a Free School bid, we urgently need to hear from parents who are interested in their children becoming pupils at the new school.”

The school asks parents to contact it on: primary@bristolcathedral.org.uk or for more information visit: www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk

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Department of modern languages Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Welsh

Do you want to learn a language?

We offer a variety of foreign language courses for all levels at our language centre close to the Clifton triangle.

Price per term is £145 for 12 x 90 min lessons Courses will run subject to minimum numbers, price may increase to run small classes.

IH Bristol is the only IELTS test centre in Bristol. If you are thinking about emigrating to Australia or Canada and need to take the IELTS test, then visit our website for further details and how to apply.

E-mail or call us today for further information

Telephone: 0117 9090911 www.ihbristol.com info@ihbristol.com 2 Queen’s, Ave, Bristol, BS8 1SE

T HE

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MAGAZINE

We deliver to over 24,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00

To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 Princes Building, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 0117 974 2800 for card payment

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FIT&FABULOUS REVIEW

LUSH SPA, POOLE

I

t’s probably fair to say that most people have experienced the amazing smells that drift from the Lush stores as you walk past. And if you’re a fan of the natural ingredient-made products, you’ll love the treatments available at the Lush Spas. There are only four in the country – in London, Leeds, Poole and Kingston – and each one is really special and different to any other spa you’ve been to. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true. My beauty queen friend Lucinda and I decided it was high time for a relaxing pamper so we booked treatments at the nearest Lush Spa to Bristol, in Poole, located on the high street. When you walk into the spa, it’s like entering an English country garden kitchen: the decor is soft and calming with florals and wooden tables and chairs, and the fresh ingredients that are used in all the treatments are stacked on the shelves and in the fridge. There’s a real sense of goodness and wellbeing here. The treatment rooms are beautifully scented and candles and mood lights are used to create a warm and comforting ambience to help you relax into your treatment. Lucinda indulged in the Validation Facial (£75, 1 hour) which began with a tour around the shop adjacent to the spa to choose the products she’d like used in the treatment. Each

Pucker Up

Samantha Ewart tests the latest health and beauty products and discovers total relaxation and inner calm at the Lush Spa in Poole Noir G: the first Guerlain mascara to combine a jewel case with a formula for perfectly defined, blacker, glossier lashes. Just click the seal to reveal the mirror and twist for the brush to appear. What’s more, Noir G is refillable so you don’t have to buy a new mascara when it’s finished. The ultimate handbag essential for bold lashes on the go. Available from John Lewis and House of Fraser this month at £35

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64 The Bristol Magazine

Age spots and discolouration need not be a problem any longer thanks to Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Skin Tone correcting serum (£46 from House of Fraser). It’s an innovative product that is clinically proven to instantly brighten skin and improve clarity and radiance, fighting both the cause of skin discolouration and the existing visible signs

The scent of love this Valentine’s Day has to be Chloe Love Eau de Parfum (£39.50 – £66.50 from www.escentual.com with free gift wrap). It’s a beautiful powdery-floral scent that evokes memories of dressing tables, powder puffs and bouquets of delicate blooms. Encased in an elegant bottle with a dainty chain, the fragrance is all things refined, radiant and feminine

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Share love not lipstick this Valentine’s Day with the help of Lipcote, the unique formula which means you can eat, drink and kiss without fading or feathering your lip colour. And to celebrate over 50 years in beauty, the little bottle of wonder that is Lipcote has had a redesign and a sweet vanilla scent added. Look every inch the movie starlet with ontrend matte red lips on the most romantic day of the year. Available from Boots, £3.49

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Lovely full, luscious lips are a highly attractive and sensual feature and plumping up lips has never been more fashionable. Lip enhancement with lip fillers is an ideal option for anyone wanting to create a slightly fuller look to their lips to enhance the shape and definition with or without make-up.

Cosmedics skin clinic’s expert doctors specialise in beautiful and naturallooking lip enhancement using only soft, non-permanent lip fillers which contain anaesthetic for a comfortable experience. And until Valentine’s Day, you can save £30 on the normal price of lip enhancement fillers at all Cosmedics skin clinics. For further information or to book a treatment, contact: Cosmedics Skin Clinics, Litfield House Medical Centre, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 020 7386 0464

treatment is tailored to the individual depending on how you want your skin to feel and how you’d like to feel in yourself. Lucinda said that the nourishing products, relaxing techniques and the specially composed folk music intertwined with confidence boosting words and phrases took her into a hypnotic state where positive thoughts flowed through her mind. She emerged with radiant and healthy-looking skin, feeling uplifted. I tried The Lush Sound Bath (£65, 1 hour), a brand new treatment to the Lush Spas. My journey into space and sound began with a tiny wooden box which contained a vial of herbal water and a pure cacao mushroom to take. This was followed by an intensely relaxing facial with hot and cold stones, ear candles and a soothing scalp massage.

This treatment helps to clear the mind and improve clarity of thought so it’s perfect if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Ancient rituals of ear candling, tuning fork vibrations, singing bowls and a made-to-measure soundtrack takes you on a journey of the mind and soul. Afterwards you’ll feel wonderfully refreshed and engaged. It’s well worth the visit; you won’t experience these treatments at any other spa. For further information visit: www.lush.co.uk

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A smile a day goes a long way Our friendly dental practice can help you to maintain healthy teeth and really give you something to smile about.

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February 2012

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

www.naturopathy-uk.com

From a career in flying... To a flying career with the College of Naturopathic Medicine!

Carolina Henson-Garcia talks about how she plans to change from a career as an air stewardess to an exciting new venture as a Nutritional Therapist after studying at The College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM).

“Coming from a Spanish family, life has always revolved around food and healthy eating and although I love food, I didn’t think I could make a career out of it. So 14 years ago I became a long-haul air stewardess. It was great to fly around the world seeing new places every week but it’s become more challenging recently.

“I was suffering from ill-health which I firmly believe is due to the unhealthy effects of flying and night-shift working. Thanks to a change in diet and an understanding of food as medicine I recovered from my health problems. This spurred me on to learn more so I started a Nutritional Medicine degree by doing an online course with a university.

“As there was no personal interaction with other students, I really missed the 'classroom' environment and it was hard not being able to ask questions directly to lecturers. It was a lonely way to study so after researching the market I enrolled on CNM’s Nutritional Therapy course based in Bristol.

“It’s a fantastic course, I’ve made so many friends and it’s a much more fun and interesting way to learn than an online degree. For me, one of the massive advantages of studying at CNM is the quality of teaching - the calibre of the lecturers is second to none.

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“I really don’t think I would have completed the online degree, it would have been difficult to stick with it for three years and there’s no way I would have made all these new friends. This course has given me a new confidence and zest for life. I’m now in my final year of studies so soon I’ll be able to have a whole new career doing something I love and that I’m truly passionate about.

“Once I’m qualified I’d like to register with the NHS and work alongside doctors as a Nutritional Therapist. I’m feeling very positive that as time goes on, the gap is narrowing between orthodox and holistic medicine and in future we all be able to work in an integrated health setting.”

If you’d like to find out more about training in Bristol for a new career as a Nutritional Therapist, come along to CNM Bristol's next free-to-attend Open Evening – for details check the website www.naturopathy-uk.com or call 01342 410 505.

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OUT&ABOUT

A WALK INTO HISTORY Explore the rural boundaries of Bristol and the chance to see buzzards and other wildlife on an walk taking in the country estates of Stoke Park and Oldbury Court writes Andrew Swift

T

his month’s walk, like January’s, starts from a station on the Severn Beach line, but could not be more different. Although on the edge of Bristol, it is surprisingly rural, taking in downland, woodland, green lanes, and a secluded gorge. As you are high up for much of the time, you not only get great views but also a good idea of the lie of the land.

The walk starts on the escarpment on the west side of the River Frome, then crosses to the other side of the valley before dropping down to the winding gorge of the river itself. As regards wildlife, the chances are you will see buzzards, along with many other birds and much else as well. It is also a walk into history, taking in two great estates – Stoke Park and Oldbury Court – as well as the old village of Frenchay.

Directions The walk starts at Montpelier station on the Severn Beach line.

On leaving the train, cross the footbridge, walk up the steps and turn right. When the road curves left, carry straight on along Balmoral Road. Follow the road as it curves right into Hurlingham Road, where there are fine views across the city.

At the main road, cross over and carry straight on down a footpath between allotments to City Farm. At City Farm, turn right, then left along Hopetoun Road. At the end turn right along Stoney Lane (following the St Werburgh’s signpost) for a few metres, before turning left between an ecletic range of houses and going through a tunnel under the railway. Look out for the City Farm round house on the other side.

Carry on up a lane through two gates. At the road, cross at the lights and head diagonally up the field ahead to the right.

Go through a gap in the top corner, turn left through another 70 The Bristol Magazine

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gap, and head diagonally across the field to the right, following a clearly-marked track. Go through a gap in the hedge by an old stone gatepost and carry straight on. When you come to the edge of the escarpment, bear left. Follow the track as it curves left, before going through a gateway with a grey stone house beyond it (ST606758).

Turn left along a muddy lane, go through a kissing gate at the end and turn right – past a sign welcoming you to Lockleaze Open Space – along Sir John’s Lane. When the tarmaced lane bears left towards Purdown BT Tower, carry straight on along a muddy track. When the path forks, bear left uphill and carry on in the same direction. The Dower House at Stoke Park comes into view ahead, as does a squat obelisk to its left. Head towards the obelisk and eventually you will find yourself at the top of a slope looking down to two lakes. Head downhill and bear left up to the obelisk – a stiff climb.

Head past the obelisk to the left-hand of two entrances to the woods guarded by palisades and bear left uphill. When you come to another path, bear left. Carry straight on through a stile and straight across the down, heading to the left of the woodland you can see ahead, before turning right beyond it, keeping the woods on your right before following a track into them (ST617775). Cross an ornamental bridge (guarded by fencing) and, just before some new houses, turn right along a broad path. When this bears right, branch left along a muddy path. This leads through a kissing gate onto a road, where you turn right.

Carry on to a T junction where you turn right for a few metres before crossing at a traffic island. Follow a footpath sign over a stile by a wooden gate and cross another (broken) stile by a metal gate, before carrying on with the fence on your left.

Follow a track veering away diagonally towards the woods.

NOT TO BE SNEEZED AT: main picture, the waters at Snuff Mill. Inset, left to right, bridge near Stapleton, an ornamental bridge in Stoke Park and a green lane along the way

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OUT&ABOUT

COUNTRY ESTATE: the view across Stoke Park

Cross a stile into the woods and carry on.

Once out of the woods head straight downhill and across a field, turning left along the hedgerow at the end (ST630777).

Carry on along a path between two hedges which turns into a green lane. Follow the green lane as it bears right, before bearing left by the remains of an old building. At the road turn right under the motorway.

At a T junction, turn left and then right along Lynton Way. Carry straight on along a footpath, crossing two roads (the first very busy), before continuing along Belfields Lane.

At the end, cross over and turn right. When Cleeve Road bears left past the village hall, cross and carry on straight on along a broad strip of grass with a road on your right. Carry straight on and head down Frenchay Hill and past the flock mill. As you walk alongside the river, look to the right to see a

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large quarry.

Cross the 1788 footbridge and turn right into the Oldbury Court Estate. Follow the path uphill, crossing a bridge over an ornamental waterfall. Carry on past the site of Oldbury Court and when you reach the play area, turn left.

Just before the fence at the edge of the park, turn right alongside it. Look out for the Dower House across the valley.

When the fence bears left, turn left alongside it. After a few metres turn right down a path alongside a stone wall. Cross the bridge at the bottom and turn left alongside the river (ST629765).

Past the Snuff Mills, carry on along the road out of the car park. Turn left across the bridge (where you can catch a bus to the city centre). Cross at the traffic island and just past a row of cottages bear right along a footpath. Follow the path across a bridge before crossing back, passing an impressive weir, before arriving in Eastville Park. Carry on up the steps ahead, bear to the right of the building at the top and head across the park to Fishponds Road. If you look to the right you will see Purdown Tower.

Cross at the lights, head towards the city along Fishponds Road, and continue on to Stapleton Road station. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Length of walk: 8 miles Map: OS Explorer 155 ■ Approximate time: 3½ to 4 hours ■ Refreshment stops: cafes at City Farm (Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm) and at Snuff Mills, toilets at Oldbury Court play area and Snuff Mills ■ ■

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Kindle Stoves Beating the Winter Blues

W

ith temperatures falling and fuel bills continuing to rise, it is not surprising that wood and multi fuel stove sales are set to hit an all time high this winter. Add to this investing in carbon neutral and renewable heat for our homes, installing a wood burner can help us all to beat the winter blues Now with wood-burning technology racing ahead, a new generation of stoves are taking centre stage. They are so efficient as to be virtually smokeless and as such have been approved by DEFRA for use in smoke-control areas such as Bath and Bristol.

At long last we can all now benefit from a warm, comforting log fire at the heart of our homes, as well as carbon neutral heating. At over 80% efficient compared to around 10% for an open fire, a wood-burner can save money on energy bills as soon as it is installed and can improve your energy rating too.

With a wide range of contemporary as well as traditional designs, these stoves are as suited to a modern apartment as they are to a rural cottage or Georgian family home.

Family-run business Kindle Stoves offers a full stove supply and HETASapproved installation service to include fireplace alterations, hearth-laying, chimney lining and twin wall flue systems and natural Bathstone surrounds.

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They are stockists of the world renowned Clearview stoves as well as Handol, Contura, Westfire, Morso, Rais, Hotpod, Harrie Leenders and more.

LOW COST FINANCE is now available for a limited period. 0% APR representative, subject to status and terms.

Showroom at: 177 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8BE. 0117 9243 898 / 0845 5050085 www.kindlestoves.co.uk

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CITYgardens

BEST WINTER BLOOMERS Winter flowers are all the more to be cherished because they flower just when we need cheering up, says gardening writer Jane Moore

T

he first two months of every year are those where I seriously question my choice of career: the days are almost unremittingly dark, cold, bare and bleak along with my general demeanour, I suspect.

Occasionally there are the odd glorious days of sharp frosts and crystalline sunshine when my spirits lift accordingly. And there are small but distinctive signs of winter’s end in the shape of tiny flowers, pushing their way through the freezing earth and unfolding into this harsh world with all the innocence and joy of a Renaissance cherub.

Little stars Many of the shining lights to flower in February are tiny flowers such as snowdrops and primroses. These generally spend November and December tucked up under the soil, bursting into growth and flowering swiftly once the new year begins. The garden centres and nurseries are full of ready potted primroses, snowdrops and other bulbs which will transplant beautifully into the garden. My own favourite, Prior Park, is a veritable wonderland of winter treasures guaranteed to make you splash out on a few special somethings to lift the garden and the soul.

One of my recent passions has to be the beautifully named Primula Woodland Walk, a lovely little primrose in pink shades ranging from the soft and rosy to the rich and deep. It looks lovely planted in drifts under trees near the front of a more relaxed, woodland style border. We’ve teamed it with dainty dwarf daffodils which will flower later, giving the whole area interest for several weeks. Mingled in are the tiny ruffs and yellow blooms of the winter aconite, Eranthus hyemalis, which will seed around happily in the right situation although it often seems to prefer the grass of the shorn meadow.

Another happy and free seeder is the spring snowflake, leucojum aestivum. This has the appearance of a tall and elegant snowdrop with pure white flowers tinged with lime-green which, although small, somehow manages to be very eye-catching. It loves dappled shade, a rich soil and a light touch from the 74 The Bristol Magazine

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gardener. Let it grow where it will without trying to dictate and you’ll have no regrets.

The same applies to snowdrops. Having spent a few back-breaking days planting snowdrops in the green one February, we now have a good show, but I’ve learnt that they will not thrive in too deep a shade and they just fade away after a few years. In the lighter, brighter bits of shade towards the front of a border, they will clump up happily, increasing every year. My favourite is always the simple single native snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, but for big, bold early flowers you can’t beat Elwes snowdrop, galanthus elwesii, with it’s blue-grey leaves and relatively giant flowers a good two or three weeks earlier than the dainty native.

Christmas roses Hellebores are one of the mainstays of my winter garden, both at The Priory and at home. They are just so reliable, bulking up a bit every year to make substantial clumps and requiring virtually no TLC. All in all a perfect garden plant.

The Oriental hellebore, Helleborus orientalis, is wonderfully easy and prolific producing flowers in shades of cream, white and pink; some speckled and freckled, others perfectly pure.

There are named hybrids where the colours are less of a lottery but, to be honest, I love them in all their sheer variation and I’m quite happy to have a lovely muddled mixture. Grow them in a shady or dappled shade spot in a rich leafy or garden compost laden soil. They look great under trees such as cherries. Remove

SNOW ANGELS: we can never rule out a really cold snap. Main picture, the lawns at the Bath Priory Hotel swathed in snow, and, left, a statue wearing an icy crown

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CITYgardens

REWARDING TO GROW: left to right, stinking hellebore, iris reticulata and Oriental hellebore

the coarse old leaves as the flower buds appear, it makes the flowers stand out more and gives them a touch of elegance that they lack with the leaves.

Some varieties are more exacting to grow, the classic Christmas rose, helleborus niger, being the most demanding of them all. It only really thrives on an acidic soil which is enriched with leaf mould and even then I’ve found it a bit pernickety.

Don’t undervalue the common albeit unromantically named stinking hellebore, helleborus foetidus, though. Its apple-green flowers set against lush, deep green, fingered leaves do a lot to brighten up and dark spot where little else will grow. It’s tolerant of all sorts of soils and situations and will seed about freely – too freely – so just weed them out where they’re not wanted.

Scent of the spring But perhaps my favourite winter bloomers are the scented shrubs.

And I’m not alone. On a recent Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time Matthew Biggs extolled the virtues of viburnum x

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bodnantense Dawn for its welcome winter flowers and their stunning fragrance. It’s a big, boisterous shrub with pleasant foliage in summer and good autumn colour but in winter it produces clusters of the most delicate pink, heavenly scented flowers which will stop you in your tracks.

For the smaller garden, I would recommend the Christmas box, Sarcococca humilis, with shiny evergreen leaves and the tiniest creamy flowers which pack a punch of scent that is truly staggering. Forgiving of soil and situation, it will thrive in the shady, cold corners that spell disaster for many other plants. But make sure it’s near a path or by your front or back door as, although it’s a neat little plant that looks good all year round, those tiny flowers produce a delicious honey-vanilla scent that will knock you sideways every time you pass by. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory. Read her blog http://janethegardener.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter: janethegardener.

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the directory

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The Bristol Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Email: classified@thebristolmagazine.co.uk T: 0117 974 2800

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO RELOCATE OR ESTABLISH A NEW BUSINESS IN 2012 PLEASE PHONE THE BURSTON COOK TEAM FOR ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

(0117) 934 9977

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OPEN PLAN OFFICES CLIFTON

A large shop of 675 sq ft to let on flexible lease terms at £17,000 per annum, exclusive.

Open plan offices close to Clifton Triangle comprising 6,014 sq ft (558 sq m).

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A fine HQ office building in a prime Clifton location.

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• Sales • Lettings • • Valuations • Rent reviews • • Acquisitions advice • Investments • • Development advice • Landlord & tenant • For more about who we are... www.burstoncook.co.uk Julian Cook

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BRISTOLproperty

SAND HOUSE, WEDMORE Guide Price: £3,900,000 • 5 principal reception rooms • 9 bedrooms • orangery • 6 bedroom coach house • Master bedroom suite • Extensive cellarage • Outdoor swimming pool • 30 acre plot

S

tately and elegant, this spacious grade II listed Georgian house is set in 30 acres with its own private woodland. Situated in the village of Sand, just a mile south of Wedmore, the property enjoys wonderful country views. Standing at the head of a tree lined drive, the main house boasts five well proportioned principal reception rooms, with the bespoke kitchen forming the centre-piece of the house. Double doors lead off the kitchen onto the landscaped garden, with the adjacent orangery providing a perfect outdoor space for entertaining. On the first floor is a generous master suite with en-suite and dressing room, whilst eight further bedrooms and four bathrooms complete the first floor. In addition to the main accommodation are the cellars, currently used as a games room, utility, wine cellar and workshop. Set in the grounds, with its own private walled garden, is a six bedroom coach house. Bathed in natural light, the coach house has six reception rooms of its own, along with a kitchen/dining room, four bathrooms and shower room. The coach house has previously been let as two separate units. In addition there is an extensive array of outbuildings, including a barn with office above and double garage. The grounds include well-established gardens and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the farmland surrounding the grounds. The land offers excellent pasture and is ideal for grazing. Viewing and full particulars are available from selling agents Knight Frank.

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

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BRISTOLproperty

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February 2012

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Westbury-on-trym

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www.oceanhome.co.uk

73 Westbury Hill, Bristol, BS9 3AD

0117 962 1973

Coombe Lane £475,000

Stoke Lane £440,000

An exemplary, recently constructed, modern detached house which has been built to exacting standards throughout, situated in a quiet secluded backwater position.

Sharing a private driveway with just four other houses this unique property has a double garage accessed by double gates with pedestrian access gained behind a beautiful Cotswolds Stone wall. Internally there is a lovely living room with french doors to the garden, a spacious family living/kitchen/dining room, utility and w.c on the ground floor and then four bedrooms with two en-suite and family bathroom on the first floor.

A beautifully appointed semi detached family home occupying a prime position on Stoke Lane close to the many local amenities it has to offer including a Supermarket, Hairdressers, Florist, Bakery and more significantly Elmlea primary School. This lovely property has been subject to extensive renovations over recent years by its current owner and offers three double bedrooms (formerly four) with two good sized bathrooms, extended living room, separate dining room which has been renovated to provide a downstairs shower room for use as a ground floor bedroom and a good sized kitchen/diner.

Cardigan Mews £225,00

Henbury Road £355,000

A superbly presented end terraced Mews House in this convenient location in Henleaze, located within 100 yards of the popular Henleaze Road this home will suit a variety of buyers and presents itself as two bedrooms and a Jack & Jill ensuite cloakroom on the 1st floor, on the ground floor there is a lounge/diner, spacious kitchen and bathroom. Externally you have an allocated parking space.

The property offers contemporary decor throughout and occupies a superb convenient position for Southmead Hospital, Airbus and Rolls Royce along with the City Centre itself.

A lovely extended three bedroom detached property with driveway parking, garage and separate office space. Beautifully fitted throughout with modern "Leicht" kitchen/dining room and NEFF appliances, downstairs WC and large open plan living/family room. This light spacious home offers real flexibility and practical living. Upstairs can be found the dual aspect master bedroom, family bathroom and two further double bedrooms. Outside the garden offers an easterly aspect with raised patio and built in BBQ facility. The tandem garage has been converted, insulated and double glazed to provide both a good sized garage and office/play/gym room with power.

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Clifton

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Barrow Gurney £189,950

Clifton £269,995

Situated just 7.7 miles from our Clifton Office on Whiteladies Road is this delightful semi detached thatched cottage in the village of Barrow Gurney. The property is set in a plot with garden on three sides and has accommodation comprising a good sized living room with a woodburning stove. To the rear is a light and airy kitchen/breakfast room and a bathroom with a white suite and a good sized first floor double bedroom with views.

A generous two double bedroom first floor apartment situated in this quiet side road conveniently situated for the amenities of Whiteladies Road and the Downs.

There is an 18' living room with twin sash windows and period fireplace, fitted kitchen with beech woodblock work surface and a bathroom with a three piece white suite and a shower over the bath.

Redland £389,950

Clifton Prices from £399,950

An attractive modern townhouse arranged over three floors in a superb location within the Redland Green school catchment area, offering four bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, bathroom and ensuite shower room to the master bedroom. Externally there is an allocated parking space and a paved south west facing garden. Located conveniently for the local schools and shops this property is sure to appeal.

Mornington Mews is a select development of two semi detached contemporary townhouse situated at the end of a cul de sac off Mornington Rd in Clifton with the added benefit of off-street parking. The Properties benefit from three bedrooms, masters en-suite, roof terraces with a South Westerly aspect and far reaching views over Clifton

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43 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PY

0117 973 5859 www.haighandsons.co.uk0 More properties urgently required throughout North Bristol. Free advice and valuation, comprehensive lettings and management service from friendly, professional family business.

We really are Moving People!

CADBURY CAMP LANE – £1,300,000

Set in a very desirable private lane, this detached family home stands in a substantial plot, part of which is wooded affording the house a high degree of seclusion. With planning permission for further enlargement, the house offers spacious, flexible accommodation over 2 floors; ideal for those with a larger family, a dependent relative, or a business to run from home.

WESTBURY PARK – £249,950

A charming terraced cottage in a great location near shops (including Waitrose) and the open space of Durdham Downs. The cottage offers two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, with a cosy lounge, open-plan kitchen and dining room, and a cloakroom on the ground floor. There is character galore, and a south-facing rear garden.

HORFIELD COMMON – £309,950

Built in the favoured hall-to-hall design, this 1930s semi offers three double bedrooms and three reception rooms (two of which are currently joined to make a lounge/diner), a kitchen extension of good size, a downstairs cloakroom, an attractive 70ft rear garden, and a garage and is situated in a quiet and popular location.

HENLEAZE – £775 pcm

A spacious purpose-built first floor flat, in a very convenient setting close to the shops, cafes and bus routes along Henleaze Road. The apartment, which is offered partly furnished (although there may be some flexibility) has two bedrooms, a large living room, a fitted kitchen and a modern bathroom, plus a single garage to the rear.

Ideal for a single professional person or couple.

Here to accommodate.

More homes needed to sell or rent: if you're thinking of moving please give us a call

Redland

St. Andrews

Bishopston

Significantly extended to the ground and first floor, this halls adjoining three bedroom semi-detached property benefits from an ample private family garden with patio and decked areas, carport and garage. The property is positioned within close proximity of St Bonaventure’s and Bishop Road Infant and Junior Schools and RGS Secondary School.

An exquisitely presented three double bedroom Victorian style mid terrace property that has been lovingly cared for and boasts an array of original style features including fireplaces and stripped floorboards. This characterful property benefits from having two reception rooms, and has a large basement area, and single garage. Offered with no onward chain.

This three double bedroom Victorian style mid terrace property has been lovingly renovated to the highest of standards by its current owner, and features an abundance of original style features throughout. This property is marketed with a complete onward chain, and is located close to Bishop Road Primary School, and within Redland Green APR.

£425,000

£419,950

£345,000

Henleaze

Westbury Park

Westbury-on-Trym

This superb period family home has many elegant original features and benefits from; three receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 7/8 bedrooms, two bathrooms and additional shower room, private front and rear gardens and double garage. The property offers double glazing throughout and is positioned adjacent to Henleaze shops with private outlook.

Immaculately presented, this Victorian style property offers; two receptions, modern fitted kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and bathroom with fitted suite. The property is positioned within close proximity of Henleaze Infant and Junior School and subject to necessary planning consents there is the potential to develop the loft space.

Positioned within close proximity of Henleaze amenities and Durdham Downs, forming part of a detached 1920s family residence and now occupying the whole top floor, including the loft and offers extensive views to rear. This apartment comprises; three double bedrooms, spacious living room, private entrance, private garden and garage.

Marketed with No Onward Chain.

£365,000

£280,000

Price Guide £850,000

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www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

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£550 PCM

HENLEAZE

£1800 PCM

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WESTBURY PARK

Unfurnished 4 Bedroom Semi

2 Bed Unfurnished Flat

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£1300 PCM

Unfurnished 3 Bed Semi Detached

£995 PCM

Unfurnished 3 Bed Terrace

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BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

REDLAND

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CLIFTON

£260-£360 PCM

Student Lets. Furnished Room Only with Shared amenities.

£900 PCM

2 Bed Furnished Top Floor Flat

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Due to our continued success, Maggs & Allen are actively seeking new landlords to satisfy tenant demands.

Maggs & Allen have a successful and dedicated Lettings Team with over 50 years combined experience who can offer a range of services to suit all landlords, from investors with large portfolios to individual landlords with one or two properties.

We are able to tailor our service to meet your requirements and would welcome a call today to discuss exactly what we can do for you.

BEDMINSTER

In 2011 an average property took less that two weeks to let due to the active management of our applicant base.

We would like to share our continued success with you!

£795 PCM

HENLEAZE

Unfurnished 3 Bed Terrace

Unfurnished 4 bed Extended Semi Detached

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£850 PCM

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Lettings & Management

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BRENTRY Unfurnished 3 Bed Semi

Unfurnished 3 Bed Semi

Estate Agents

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COMBE DINGLE

£1495 PCM

Auctioneers

£775 PCM

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SOUTHMEAD

£750 PCM

Unfurnished 3 Bed Terrace

New Homes

Chartered Surveyors

CLIFTON

£595 PCM

Furnished Ground Floor Flat

Commercial/ Investment

Energy Assessors

20/01/2012 11:11

www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

Henleaze

£515,000

Westbury Park

£640,000

A substantial 4 bedroom detached house situated in a road where properties rarely become available.

The property offers spacious family accommodation which includes reception hall, 2 large reception rooms, fitted kitchen, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, 4 double bedrooms and bathroom suite. To the front of the property is ample off street parking leading to a double width garage and to the rear is a manageable rear garden which continues to the sides of the property. To fully appreciate this property an internal viewing is strongly recommended.

A handsome and spacious Edwardian end terrace family house which oozes charm and character.

Situated in a prime location with easy access to local amenities and Durdham Down. The substantial accommodation includes: two large reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast room, five double bedrooms along with cloakroom, family bathroom and en suite. To the rear is a level and enclosed garden predominantly laid to lawn with raised area. Local amenities include a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants which adds to the village like feel. Also close by is the historic Durdham Down with its 400 acres of open recreational space which is ideal for families and dog owners, or those just wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Bishopston

Westbury Park

£475,000

A fine and spacious five bedroom 1930’s property situated on the ever popular Kings Drive. Extended by the current owners, this home will suit many a growing family looking to be within the Bishop Road Junior School and Redland Green APR. The welcoming entrance leads to two receptions, and breakfast room opening into the kitchen with cloakroom and utility space beyond this. The first floor has three double rooms the family bathroom, and a study. The second floor has a large double bedroom, single bedroom and shower room. Further benefits include enclosed garden accessed from the kitchen, double garage with access from the rear lane, and off street parking. This location is highly sought after, overlooking the Kings Lawn Tennis Club, with easy access to the City Centre, Henleaze, and the eclectic Gloucester Road.

£420,000

An outstanding opportunity to purchase a Period terrace house that is conveniently located close to local shops and amenities and is just 0.2 miles from Westbury Park Primary school and 0.5 miles from Redland Green School. The sizable and well presented accommodation comprising 3 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, very generous kitchen/breakfast room and a west facing rear garden. The reason properties in Westbury Park are so popular is because not only do you benefit from living in a character period home but also have the convenience of local shops and amenities, good local Schools and the open spaces of Durdham Down. Our view is that this is a lovely home in a highly regarded and neighbourly area. No onward Chain!

For a market valuation or to view please call us on 0117 949 9000

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MANAGEMENT • SALES • LETTING • CONSULTANCY

7 Glentworth Road £700,000 A truly charming Victorian house situated close to Clifton Village giving easy access to Queens Rd, local schools, the University, local hospitals, city centre and harbourside. The flexible accommodation retains an array of period features including some superb fireplaces and an original dresser in the dining room. The rooms are arranged over four floors and depending on your needs can be used in many different ways. The current owners have cleverly added a garden room to the rear which benefits from maximum sunlight hours and have converted part of the front garden to an off street parking space. The pretty rear walled garden is of a good size, mainly laid to lawn with a variety of mature shrubs and an ornamental pond. There are good storage facilities throughout the house including a spacious utility room, laundry room and butlers pantry connecting the kitchen and dining room. A most sought after location therefore early viewing is strongly recommended.

8 Rodney Place £450,000 A truly elegant stylishly presented two bedroom apartment. A hidden gem situated right in the heart of Clifton Village with a private entrance and large mature walled garden. The well planned flexible accommodation offers generous hallway, with Oak flooring, which could easily accommodate a desk/office area, beautiful sitting room with stunning fireplace and views over the rear garden, glass walled dining room leading to a fantastic contemporary kitchen and spacious utility room, master bedroom, bathroom with ball & claw bath, guest bedroom with ensuite wet room, front courtyard with communal vault. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn has a superb raised decked entertaining area great for sunny summer evenings. The owner is also selling an in tandem for two cars parking space in the Contemporis with the flat.

TFF 23 Wellington Park £205,000

Courtyard flat 34 West Mall £299,950

A very stylish top floor apartment in a beautiful Grade II listed building in the particularly desirable Wellington Park. This one bed flat has been refurbished throughout to a very high standard, and comes with a designated off-road parking space. There is a lovely large and spacious sitting room to the front with extensive views of the surrounding area. The double bedroom is at the rear and leads onto an impressive wet room. The beautifully presented kitchen is situated off the hallway. Wellington Park is ideally situated between The Downs and Whiteladies Road with its eclectic mix of shops and cafes. Clifton Village, Park Street, the University and The Bristol Royal Infirmary are all within walking distance.

West Mall is situated in the heart of Clifton Village, with its strong sense of community and vibrancy, and within level walking distance of the diverse mix of shops, restaurants and cafes the village has to offer. This spacious courtyard apartment occupies the lower ground floor of a Grade II* listed building and is situated across from well maintained communal gardens. The accommodation comprises large sitting room, two double bedrooms, dining area, bathroom, fitted kitchen and courtyards to the front and rear of the property. There is also the option to rent off street parking. Viewing is recommended.

21 Princess Victoria Street

Tel 0117 970 6119

enquiries@propertyconcept.co.uk

Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BX

Fax 0117 970 6109

www.propertyconcept.co.uk

6 1 A P S L E Y ROA D C L I F TO N B R I S TO L B S 8 2 S W

0117 974 1741 www.leeseandnagle.co.uk

Sneyd Park £650,000

Stunning Hall and garden floor maisonette more akin to a grand family house than an apartment. Boasting around 2500 sq feet of living space arranged over two floors with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, three reception rooms, study and kitchen. To the rear is a sizable lower patio terrace, large level garden with single garage at the far end. Further drive to the front providing off street parking space. Positioned within a minute’s walk of Durdham Downs a viewing is essential.

Clifton Village £5 50,000

Unique penthouse apartment converted from a Victorian factory in Clifton Village. Modern contemporary design offering large, light rooms, secure parking and an amazing roof terrace (30’x31’) with garden room enjoying south westerly views over the city and surrounding countryside. 3 double bedrooms, the master with en-suite and stairs up to a mezzanine level currently used as a study. Family bathroom and utility area. Open plan living area with fitted kitchen, dining area and sitting area with wood burner. Viewing Essential.

Redland £375,000

Attractive three bedroom 1930’s semi detached house situated in a convenient location within a few minutes’ walk of Redland Green School. The house is attractively presented throughout and is ideally suited to family occupation. Open plan kitchen/diner overlooking the 55’ long rear garden, sitting room. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC. Drive and garage to the side. Potential to extend into loft, side and rear (subject to consents).

LEESE NAGLE E S TAT E A G E N T S

Almondsbury £550,000

Stunning individual four bedroom spacious modern detached house with rural outlook and half acre plot. Beautifully appointed throughout the house is suited to families and couples young and old wanting a country house within striking distance of the city and motorway networks. Lovely light filled rooms, character sitting room, high spec bathrooms, double garage, parking and gardens to all sides. No onward chain.

Westbury Park £500,000

Elegant modern take on a traditional townhouse situated in one of Bristol’s most desirable residential roads. The house offers adaptable accommodation arranged over four floors, high quality fixtures and fittings and is presented in pristine condition. Large open plan kitchen/ diner/lounge on the ground floor. First floor sitting room with balcony, master bedroom with en suite and balcony. Three further double bedrooms and a top floor study/bedroom with floor to ceiling windows providing a panoramic view. Level garden to the rear.

Westbury-on-Trym £375,000

A 1930’s built, bay windowed semi detached house offering opportunity for extension (subject to necessary consents). The property is situated on a popular Westbury side road within walking distance of Elmlea school and Stoke Lane shops. Accommodation comprises, entrance hallway with under stairs WC, sitting room, dining room, kitchen with access to the rear garden, landing, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. The garden to the rear is mainly laid to lawn.

O/S parking and garage. No onward chain.

Here to accommodate.

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BRISTOLproperty

STRESS FREE LETTING

Deborah Emery, senior lettings consultant from The Apartment Company gives her five top tips for landlords to ensure hassle free letting and peace of mind

Deborah Emery ● Establish

your market and which agent is most likely to attract the right type of tenant for your property

Most letting agencies will have a database of tenants, but make sure they are targeting your market and letting similar styled properties. Most of our apartments attract professional tenants and corporate lets. ● Make thorough checks before you agree any tenancy Once a tenant is found it is imperative that a full referencing process is carried out. By this we mean not only meeting and interviewing prospective tenants but carrying out credit searches and referencing. This should include county court and insolvency records, verifying electoral role and bank details, taking up references including employment references and if applicable landlords over three years. Where necessary, additional security is recommended by means of a guarantor. In the case of corporate lets to a limited company, a full company search and accountants reference are advisable. ● Make your property maintenance free Decorate your property in a simple but classic or contemporary style.

Choose your flooring and furnishings carefully and always remember that cheap isn’t always best. A management letting agent will have a very good relationship with many local tradesmen and in turn can help in advising you on decoration and furnishings for your property. Find an agent with a 24 hour maintenance team on board should any problems arise in your property out of normal office hours.

Carry out all the checks that need to be done. Since October 2008 all rental properties have been required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If there is a gas supply to the property all gas appliances must be checked annually and a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate issued.

It is also strongly recommended that electrical checks, although not mandatory, are carried out. A Periodic Inspection is a full installation inspection and is valid for ten years. PAT testing is an annual safety check of electrical appliances, power points and lighting points.

Your letting agent should be able to help organise these for you and have ‘Gas Safe’ registered tradesmen, Part P qualified electricians and EPC inspectors to call upon.

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February 2012

● Complete a full inventory Once your tenants have been found and have passed the referencing process, we strongly recommend a full written and photographic inventory, as well as a professional clean (including carpets). There are many inventory clerks available and your agent will be able to advise you who to use. The inventory clerk will also carry out both the move in and move out for you, giving you peace of mind. It is also recommended that your property is professionally cleaned when the tenants move in. It is then reasonable to expect it to be handed back in the same state of cleanliness when the tenants move out and completely reasonable to request to see receipts to show it has been done. ● Make sure your rent and deposits are protected Your chosen agent is bound to act within a code of ethical practice and professional conduct and an element of this practise is that it is mandatory that your agent lodges tenant deposits with a Government recognised scheme - this is also true for private landlords. Ultimately the practise is to safeguard tenant’s monies against fraud, dishonesty and misappropriation and the penalty for failing to follow this requirement is a hefty and significant fine - i.e. three times the security deposit paid. There is a choice of three approved schemes - the DPS (Deposit Protection Scheme) which is Government backed, the TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) and My Deposits.

Both the TDS and My Deposits are schemes that are insurance protected.

It is also worthy of note that as of April 2012 a few changes are to be made to deposit law in that either landlords or agents will have a 30 day period to return deposits, rather than the restrictive 14 day period that is currently in place If you follow these few simple steps, you will be able to let out your property hassle free and will be left with the peace of mind that your property is in good hands with your chosen agent.

For more information on letting with The Apartment Company, call Deborah Emery, our senior lettings consultant, tel: 0117 9001617 www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

The Apartment Company February.indd 1

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Sneyd Park

Offers in Excess of £370,000

Own Entrance | 3 Bedrooms | Spacious Living Room | Well-equipped kitchen | Reception Hall | Master Bedroom | Dressing Area En-suite Shower Room | Family Bathroom | 2 Secure Parking Spaces | Visitor Parking A beautiful and spacious apartment in a prime residential location just a few minutes’ walk from the Downs and with excellent links in and out of the city centre.

Sneyd Park

Offers in Excess of £250,000

Two double bedrooms | Reception Hall | Study | Sitting Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Bathroom | Garage | Cellar | Storage | Parking available A spacious two bedroom apartment on the top floor of this substantial Victorian property, close to The Downs.

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Clifton

SO

Offers is Excess of £360,000

Sneyd Park

Offers is Excess of £365,000

Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Spacious | Gas Heating

Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Spacious | Gas Heating

Spacious 3 bedroom top floor apartment with parking.

3 bedroom ground floor apartment with garden & parking.

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Stoke Bishop

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Offers is Excess of £210,000

City Centre

Offers is Excess of £175,000

Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Spacious | Gas Heating

Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Spacious | Gas Heating

Purpose built 2 bedroom ground floor apartment.

Contemporary 2 bedroom apartment with secure parking.

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