The Bristol Magazine June 2017

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THE

Issue 156

I

june 2017

MAGAZINE

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

STREET L UXE

The only way is up for the city’s internationally renowned graffiti and street art festival T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B R I S T O L

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Knight Frank June.qxp_full page 22/05/2017 09:25 Page 1

An imbalance between supply and demand in Bristol’s city market over the last year has underpinned price growth in some of its most popular suburbs.

With 31% more buyers registering their interest in buying a property with us over the last 12 months and nearly a third more viewings conducted, this trend looks likely to continue through 2017. It suggests that potential buyers remain relatively unaffected by wider uncertainty surrounding the UK election and Brexit so if you would like some advice on buying or selling your home, please do get in touch.

James Toogood

Partner + 44 0117 295 0425 James.toogood@knightfrank.com

Failand

Sneyd Park

Redland

Substantial home enjoying amazing views. 4 reception rooms, kitchen. 5 beds with en suites. Gardens, terraces, outbuilding with 10 stables and 109 ft store. Further stables, pasture, woodland. About 8.3 acres. EPC G.

Substantial family house (3,927 sq ft) with views across the river Avon towards Leigh Woods. 4 reception rooms, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, integral garage. Parking, gardens and woodland. About 1.6 acres.

Substantial 6 bedroom family home (3,332 sq ft). Drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, guest shower.

2 bedroom contained apartment, bathroom. Garden.

Easton-in-Gordano

Clifton

Frocester

Well-presented family home (3,394 sq ft) enjoying views across the surrounding countryside. 1 reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms (3 en suite), family bathroom. Integral double garage and garden.

EPC B.

An attractive stone built mews house (991 sq ft) in the heart of ever popular Clifton village. 1 reception, Kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2 bedroom, study/bedroom 3, allocated off street parking, courtyard garden. EPC D.

An Immaculate Grade II Listed Regency country house with fabulous views. 5 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, dressing room and 2 bathrooms.

Coach house and stable yard. Walled garden, paddock, orchard.

OIEO £2,800,000

Guide price £895,000

Guide Price £1,600,000

Guide Price £650,000

Guide Price £1,275,000

Guide Price £1,750,000

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Demand for property in Bristol has always been widespread. While the bulk of purchasers over the last 12 months were moving within the city or from the South West, our figures show 29% of sales were to buyers from outside the local region, including from abroad, underlining the farreaching appeal the city and surrounding towns and villages have. Our integrated network of offices around the globe assists us in targeting these buyers.

Robin Engley

Associate + 44 0117 295 0425 Robin.engley@knightfrank.com

Clifton

Cotham

Leigh Woods

A Grade II Listed 2 bedroom (1,380 sq ft) top floor apartment in central Clifton with views across Victoria Square. Impressive drawing room, kitchen, dining hall, 2 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom. No chain.

A regency Grade II listed family home (2,799 sq ft). 2 reception rooms, kitchen. 5 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom, basement/cellar. Double garage, parking and gardens front and rear. EPC E.

Immaculate 4 bedroom former lodge house (1,818 sq ft). Bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, utility, bay fronted living room, study, 4 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom, WC. Gardens and parking. EPC C.

Guide Price £465,000

Guide Price £1,325,000

Coming soon

Guide Price £1,150,000

Coming soon

Sneyd Park

Clifton

Sneyd Park

An immaculate one bedroom apartment (562 sq ft) within a handsome Victorian building overlooking The Downs with allocated parking. 1 reception room, kitchen, 1 bedroom, bathroom. Allocated parking.

A spacious 3 bedroom (1,540 sq ft) apartment with stunning views and fantastic communal gardens. Drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom. Private parking. No onward chain.

Beautiful 3 bedroom first floor flat with exceptional views and parking.

Drawing room, kitchen, master suite, 2 guest bedrooms, fine views and parking.

Guide Price £315,000

Guide Price £585,000

Guide Price £585,000

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The last 12 months have been exceptionally busy, with properties located in the villages and towns surrounding Bristol and within commutable distance to the city in high demand. We conducted over 50% more viewings for properties valued up to £1m over the 12 months to April 2017 compared with the previous year and saw a 44% increase in the volume of prospective buyers looking for sub-£1m homes over that same period, highlighting the strength of demand even in spite of the more uncertain economic backdrop.

Freddie Wright

Senior Negotiator + 44 0117 295 0425 Freddie.wright@knightfrank.com

Horton

Barrow Gurney

Horton

Newly renovated barn conversion. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/ living room. 5 bedrooms (2 en suite), bathroom. Gardens and grounds, 4 car ports, parking, large sunken entertaining terrace.

An 18th Century Grade II listed house (3,635 sq ft). 6 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms (4 en suite), bathroom. Gardens with small stream along its rear boundary, detached double garage and parking.

Newly renovated L-shaped barn conversion in rural setting. Kitchen/ dining/living room, sitting room. 3 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom.

Gardens and grounds, garage, workshop, parking, stream.

Sidcot

Badgworth

Kenn

5 bedroom house (2,762 sq ft) in the hamlet of Sidcot. 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 5 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom.

Pretty gardens, summer house, tandem garage with workshop. EPC C.

An elegant and well presented Grade II listed mews house in a parkland setting. 1 reception, kitchen with dining area, 2 bedrooms (both en suite). Walled garden, garage, parking and views.

A well-presented 5 bedroom family house (2,316 sq ft) with enclosed gardens, pretty rural view, incorporating a 1 bed annexe. 3 receptions, kitchen, conservatory, 5 bedrooms (1 en suite).

Guide Price £1,000,000

Guide Price £675,000

Guide Price £850,000

Guide Price £399,995

Guide Price £700,000

Guide Price £625,000

Knight Frank June.qxp_full page 22/05/2017 09:26 Page 4

Redcliffe Parade We have recently seen the Bristol market boosted by commercial investment, infrastructure improvements and high quality housing stock. Named as ‘The Best Place to Live’ in the UK by The Sunday Times, it’s no surprise that the city is consistently popular with buyers.

With much of the city’s waterside already re-developed, new build is a rarity.

The few pockets that remain are therefore made even more desirable and unique for buyers.

Jessica Rowe

Negotiator + 44 0117 295 0425 Jessica.rowe@knightfrank.com

Redcliffe Place from Courtyard

Redcliffe Place Open Plan Living

Redcliffe Place Master Bedroom

A quiet corner of Bristol that oozes character, tucked away in a tranquil neighbourhood that many describe as one of the city’s best kept secrets.

A clean and contemporary open plan living space, with Kährs limed oak flooring which benefits from full height windows that allow light to flow through the apartments.

With every master bedroom having its own en suite, these apartments are perfect for couples, sharers, downsizers and even families. An ideal first home, or a dream investment property.

Redcliffe Place Kitchen

Redcliffe Place Living

Redcliffe Place Study/bedroom

Redcliffe Place’s kitchens are sympathetically designed with Porcelanosa and are fitted with integrated Neff appliances including a single oven, induction hob, extractor, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer.

With balconies and views that stretch across a city recently named the best place to live in the UK. As an investment this is not an opportunity to lose out on with a growing reputation for its restaurants, leisure and culture the market seems unstoppable.

Utilising it to suit your needs, your personality, your haven, your home.

The apartments at Redcliffe Place have been developed by Change Living, who specialise in creating high quality, sustainable schemes with character.

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Brazilian artist Kobra is coming to Upfest 2017

32

Contents

Image by Jörg Modrow

June 2017

REGULARS ZEITGEIST

58

Image by Craig Barker

CRAFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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14

Pete Dommett tries his hand at taxidermy

Five of the best things to do in the city this month

THE INTERVIEW

CITYIST

Intrepid local sailor Tony Bullimore talks to Emily Horton on the 20th anniversary of his remarkable ocean survival

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16

We catch up with writer Emily Koch and report on local goings-on

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52

TRAVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Emma Payne recommends a trip to German’s über-cool Hamburg

...Has been doing a spot of upcycling

SHOPPING

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24

Summery Father’s Day inspiration

BRISTOL AT WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

MOTORING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Chris Lilly rates the new Audi Q5

THE GREAT OUTDOORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 What to see and do at Festival of Nature

Meet Bristol’s new Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding

WALK THE WALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Andrew Swift explores an unspoilt corner of the Somerset Levels

Louise Harrold enjoys a subterranean spa experience

THE CULTURE

FOOD & DRINK

WHAT’S ON & HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Get the diary out!

Tidbits from our local eateries and producers

THEATRE

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46

What’s on at the city’s galleries this month?

BOOKS

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REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

HABITAT GARDENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

48

Charlotte Pope talks literary fathers

FEATURES ART

We’ve a bumper outdoors section this month, as we preview Clifton’s open gardens event and get some garden shopping inspiration; while Elly West chats to former royal gardener Robert Dunster

PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

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Your go-to pages for homes in the city

We look forward to Upfest and chat to the artist behind our front cover

BRISTOL SOUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 DJ Graeme Park gives us the lowdown on Haçienda Classical

ALL THAT JAZZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 International saxophonist Andy Sheppard is in town

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We visit Cargo 2’s newly opened Spuntino

Our pick of shows to see this month, and chats with their stars

EXHIBITIONS

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ON THE COVER

The superb piece of photorealist aerosol art being sprayed at this year’s Upfest by Bristol artist Jody – flick to p30 for our chat with him

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INTRODUCING MYLANDS PAINTS TO BRISTOL Also supplying paint from:

Designers Guild • Earthborn Zoffany • Sanderson

Available to the public and to the trade

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Jody’s photorealist pieces can certainly be seen to sit at the sumptuous end of the street art spectrum

THIS MONTH WE’VE BEEN...

Craving... ...Spuntino’s peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwich. But was it the star of the show? Read our review of the newly opened Cargo 2 eatery on page 56.

• spuntino.co.uk

from the

EDITOR

Wearing... ...These Biba beauties – £35 from House of Fraser – and attempting to get into some semblance of shape before our summer hols...

“...Art is an evolutionary act. The shape of art and its role in society is constantly changing. There are no rules...” ― Raymond Salvatore Harmon

L

ately we’ve been thinking about how Bristol’s alfresco art scene has developed, as we look forward to 2017’s Upfest celebrations next month – sure to be off the scale, going by the hundreds of local and international artists scheduled to appear. This issue, on p30, we talk to pro local artist Jody – who has painted since the beginning of the Bristol graffiti art boom – about the everchanging culture, the progression in terms of wider perception, and the surprisingly classical influences behind his own work. His elegant photorealist pieces – the latest of which, seen on our front cover, he’ll be painting at this year’s festival – are a clear example of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into today’s street murals, and how a lot of graffiti is now appreciated as a next-level art form.

But before Bedminster is transformed for another year by Upfest, there comes an exciting string of concerts this month – in the form of Bristol Sounds. Joining the likes of Bonobo and Manic Street Preachers on the Harbourside bill is orchestral-rave hybrid act Haçienda Classical – we can’t wait to see what’s in store so we got DJ Graeme Park to fill us in a little on p32. There’s exciting news in the world of jazz too, as international saxophonist Andy Sheppard heads for Clifton Cathedral the very same night (p42); while over in the foodie sphere, Soho-born, Big Apple-inspired diner Spuntino is the talk of the town – see p56 for our review.

Elsewhere, remarkable round-the-world yachtsman and exuberant Bristolian Tony Bullimore talks to Emily Horton, on the 20th anniversary year of his extraordinary survival in the Southern Ocean (p52); Emma Payne hits up hip harbourside hang-out Hamburg (p58) and we’ve Father’s Day book choices and shopping inspiration if you’re debating whether another year of cufflinks is going to cut it...

Editor’s image by Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com

12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

thebristolmag.co.uk

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• houseoffraser.co.uk

Excited...

...Having just heard that Sky Bar is returning to Chew Magna in September. They hosted two epic lakeside parties in 2016 and will be back on 8 & 9 September with an excellent drinks offering, street food and DJs. Tickets cost £20.

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR

@thebristolmag

...NARS’ Loaded eye-shadow palette (£55). The warm, shimmery colours will bestow radiance on balmy nights

JUNE 2017

@thebristolmag

• the-skybar.co.uk

KutchenHaus June .qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 09:42 Page 1

ER M M SU LE SA O N W O N

Premium, Sleek, German Engineered - Luxury Kitchens at competitive prices!

Why choose Kutchenhaus? We are the largest retailer of quality German engineered kitchens, delivering pre-built luxury kitchens at a competitive price. Manufactured in Germany, our kitchens come to you directly from our factory. Visit our showroom to start designing your dream kitchen.

FREE DESIGNS

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ALL KITCHENS DELIVERED PRE-BUILT

Contact

Opening Times

Email: BR.sales@kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 0117 213 0680

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm

Clifton Down Shopping Centre Whiteladies Road Clifton BS8 2NN

Manchester . York . Sutton Coldfield . Bristol . Farnborough . Brentwood . Aberdeen . Tunbridge Wells . Beverley . Exeter

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ZEITGEIST

Top

5

things to do in JUNE

FOREST MUSIC

HAVE A BALL Last year it was all about the trampoline park, and with the arrival of a giant ball pit in Colston Hall this month, it seems the grownup play-area trend is here to stay – not that we’re complaining. Ball Mania is exactly what it says on the tin: an adult-only ball pit, complete with lights, music and giant inflatables. A sea of 200,000 multi-coloured balls will appear at The Lantern from 16 – 18 June, with half-hour slots available to book in advance. Abandon the office for the day and unleash your inner child – tickets cost £8.25, but they’re selling fast!

If cramming into a packed music venue isn’t your style, you can embrace the great outdoors with Forest Live, a series of concerts in woodlands across the UK. Now in its 16th year, Forest Live has lent support to wildlife trusts and local projects while bringing over a million visitors to seven beautiful locations. This year, Bristolians can watch Rick Astley (pictured) and Craig David (Elbow and pop sensation Olly Murs’ gigs are already sold out), at Westonbirt Arboretum from 15 – 18 June. Tickets from £38.

Image © Anthony Potts

• forestry.gov.uk/music

LAUGH IT OFF For a perfect antidote to election woes, we recommend ushering in the summer with a packed long weekend of stand-up comedy.

Taking place at Queen Square from 14 – 18 June, Bristol Comedy Garden’s line-up includes Shappi Khorsandi (pictured), the endlessly sarcastic Greg Davies, absurdist Ross Noble, the acerbic Rich Hall, ventriloquist Nina Conti and comic author Sara Pascoe, among other household names. Alongside the stars of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo are lesser-known Bristolian Jayde Adams, a 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, and newcomer Kiri Pritchard McLean.

Tickets from £18.50.

• colstonhall.org.uk

Image © Piers Allardyce

• bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

DISCOVER THE ARTISTS AT BS9 Image © Darren Bell

KNEES UP Be transported into the champagne-filled, party-centric 1920s with the tale of Millie Dillmount, who moves from Kansas to New York in search of a wealthy suitor – and a thoroughly ‘modern’ lifestyle. But the smalltime girl’s big-city experience is far from easy, with shady characters and unsuitable bachelors at every turn. Adapted from the film of the same name, Thoroughly Modern Millie features all the classic songs from They Don’t Know to Only in New York and Gimme Gimme. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton as the mischievous leading lady, this madcap comedy runs at Bristol Hippodrome from 20 – 24 June.

Tickets from £17.50.

• bs9arts.co.uk Sarah Mullen

Laura Robertson

• atgtickets.com

14 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

BS9 Arts Trail returns for its fourth year this month, offering a fantastic (and free) insight into the work of local creatives residing in the Westbury-on-Trym, Henleaze and Stoke Bishop areas of Bristol. From 10 – 11 June, 75 artists will present everything from paintings, glasswork and ceramics to jewellery and sculptures in their homes and studios, offering visitors the chance to stop and chat or purchase a piece to take home. Primary schools Elmlea and Westbury-on-Trym Academy are also taking part for the first time this year, presenting their pupils’ artwork and hosting textiles, music and dance workshops across the weekend. And if you’re in need of a pit-stop, there are plenty of cafés and shops en route.

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Carolyn Lamb

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Introducing Hans J. Wegner’s CH23 Chair from 1950

Iconic chairs by Hans J. Wegner - The CH25 in oak-soap, CH22 in oak-walnut oil, CH26 in walnut-oak, CH23 in oak-walnut oil, and the CH24 in oak-white oil.

S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D

Contemporary Nordic furniture from Carl Hansen and Son, Fritz Hansen and Swedese.

Lighting by Louis Poulsen. Our homewares include Marimekko, Iittala, Rorstrand, with lots of Moomin mugs, fabric and throws from Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com

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THE CITY THE BUZZ

My

BRISTOL We meet local author and journalist Emily Koch

Be there or be square We’re by no means wishing the summer away but we can’t wait for the return of The Downs Festival on 2 September. The all-day event will see rock band Elbow headline, joined by blues legend Seasick Steve, hip hop trio De La Soul and ‘80s R&B group Soul II Soul. The second stage will host a Groove Armada DJ set, David Rodigan MBE and Bristol’s own Roni Size – celebrating 20 years of his Mercury-winning album New Forms. “Last year’s festival was one of those events we will never forget,” said organiser Tom Paine. “We’ve looked back, reviewed, learnt and are ready to come back with more live music, bars and independent food.”

• thedownsbristol.com

What brought you to Bristol?

I studied at Bristol University, and like so many other people, never left. It was hard to see what any other place had that Bristol did not – and luckily I found work here which enabled me to stay.

Evening in or evening out?

At the moment, it’s usually an evening in with Netflix, a baby alternately screaming and napping her way through the ‘witching hour’, and a glass of wine if I’m lucky.

What projects are you working on?

As well as getting to grips with a newborn baby (definitely the most demanding and rewarding ‘project’ I’ve ever taken on!) I’m putting the finishing touches to my debut novel, If I Die Before I Wake, which is out in January 2018. I’ve taken a bit of maternity leave from my other project, WriteClub, through which I run fun writing workshops in Bristol – but fellow author Alison Powell is keeping it going while I’m away.

What local events will you be going to in June?

I’m going to try and see a film as part of the Everyman’s Baby Club or Watershed’s Cinebabies. I’ll also be trying to get along to see author Arundhati Roy talking about her second novel as part of the Bristol Festival of Ideas. It’s always inspiring to listen to another writer talk about their work and it normally gives me a bit of a kick to get on with my own.

What are you reading?

Lots of articles online about how to get a baby to sleep! But also Anne Tyler’s A Spool of Blue Thread – I’m a bit late to the party, but it’s a beautifully paced story with some brilliant characters.

Which museum or gallery will you visit?

The RWA. I’m intrigued by their exhibition Air: Visualising the Invisible in British Art, which opens this month, tracing the tradition of finding inspiration in the sky.

What’s pumping out of your speakers?

Elbow’s awesome new album, Little Fictions.

Which eatery are you loving?

I like to keep it in the family – so more often than not I head down Gloucester Road to my brother James’ place The Gallimaufry for their delicious food. I’m definitely biased but their small plates are some of the best I’ve ever tasted in Bristol, and they are constantly changing.

Image by Malin Johansson

Peace in the valley Argentinian-Swedish singer-songwriter José González has been added to the line-up for this year’s Valley Fest. The beguiling troubadour seems a perfect fit for its beautiful lakeside setting and we’re already picturing ourselves swaying to his acoustic cover of The Knife’s Heartbeats. “We’re thrilled to have José playing with us in August,” said organiser Luke Hasell. “It promises to be a truly remarkable event, and listening to his ethereal music drifting across the lake will, I’m sure, be spine-tingling.” Valley Fest takes place from 4 – 6 August on The Community Farm in the Chew Valley.

• valleyfest.co.uk

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What hobbies or interests will you pursue?

I love putting some good music through my headphones and getting out in the garden so I’ll be doing a bit of that.

Favourite local walk?

Leigh Woods is always a winner – not too far to drive out of the city, but beautiful and green with some stunning views over the Gorge.

• emilykoch.co.uk

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THE CITY The Life Aquatic

A ship is to be transformed into an outdoor cinema for a special two-day film event during her visit to Bristol next month. The Celluloid Sail tour will visit Hannover Quay, offering a unique film experience onboard three-masted barque the Kaskelot from 14 – 15 July. By day, audiences can explore secret spaces in the bowels of the boat and discover footage on the UK coastline and life at sea. On 14 July, the experience will extend into the evening as light and projection animate the ship’s sails. On the Saturday evening, the vessel will be transformed into an expanded cinema for an outdoor screening of cult-classic The Life Aquatic. Before the film starts, audiences sitting on the harbourside will be treated to an archive film-infused live circus performance on the ship’s rigging. The tour – starting in Plymouth before visiting Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol and London over the summer – is being curated by Compass Presents, a Bristol-based Community Interest Arts Company, in partnership with the BFI’s Britain on Film Coast & Sea programme.

The event will also feature footage from the Bristol Records Office. “Britain’s national archives are bursting with unseen content located around the British coast,” said Tara Sachdeva, creative producer of Celluloid Sail. “We are excited to unveil treasures that show Bristol’s history and harbour communities.”

• compasspresents.com

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

@gidsey enjoyed Spik Island’s o pen week e end

view is Clifton We love th onthemove re ad m from @

Share your stories St George’s Bristol is one of the country’s most revered concert halls, but the venue once had a very different life. For over 160 years it was a church, originally serving as a ‘Chapel of Ease’ to the nearby (and long-since demolished) St Augustine-the-Less, and then a parish church in its own right.

As St George’s embarks on an exciting new chapter – foundations are already laid for the venue’s new two-storey extension – staff are keen to know more about its past. As such, an oral history project is in the works and the team is on the hunt for former parishioners who have memories of their visits to the church, or were around when its doors closed in 1984. “We’re fascinated by this building, the way it looks and the things it has been witness to,” said Michael Beek, project leader. “Bricks, mortar and the odd photograph can only go so far in telling the story, though, so voices are key to humanising its past. Of course we can’t speak to anyone here in 1823 when the church opened, but there will surely be people in the city who knew the Church of St George Brandon Hill in later years.”

The project forms part of a larger Heritage Interpretation initiative, which will see the creation of a permanent space – to open in February – for visitors to learn about the building, and a public programme of events, lectures and tours. If you have an interesting story to share, get in touch with Doreen Pastor on 0117 929 4929, or doreen.pastor@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk • stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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@rob.potte r emjoyed Foodies Fest ival on the Downs

Jessica Butler’s chocolate orange genoise won @foodiesfestiv al’s cake-off

ured at the Adam Ant capt by Hippodrome 45 @lapetitelouve

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Death of a piano

T

he other day I took the remains of a defunct piano to the dump – or, should I say, the Household Waste Recycling Centre. I had tried to find a new home for this massive, terminally tuneless Victorian instrument, but what hope had I when it no longer worked and could not be repaired?

Taking apart a piano feels a little like desecration, at least to begin with. After a while it becomes a battle of wills, and a 19th-century piano is a stubborn beast, with an iron skeleton. In the end, Mrs B hit on a marvellous compromise: remove all moving parts and give the rest a new life as a bookshelf. Eventually the task was complete, and I was left with a jumble of component parts, which to a child of the digital generation must have seemed unfathomably complicated. In fact I don’t think all the wires, wooden hammers and whatnot meant anything at all to the younger Bartlebys, despite them having endured hours of practice at one time or another.

Somewhat frazzled, I set off for the HWRC, only noticing when I was halfway there that I had left my phone at home. So what? I thought. Who on earth would I need to call from the dump?! I drove more or less on autopilot, following the usual route, and was about – I don’t know – half a mile from the place, when I realised I was going the wrong way. So I’ll turn around, I thought, only there was no obvious place to turn, plus the car was so laden down with bits of piano that I could barely see forwards, let alone behind me.

All around me, the remains of the piano rattled and creaked as the load shifted. I was driving through a part of town I don’t know well, around the top end of the Feeder Canal, moving ever further from the dump. Once upon a time there was a street atlas in the glove compartment, but now all I could see in there were receipts from the garage and a packet of car sweets that were low sugar and hence had remained uneaten. There was nothing I could do but keep going, and as the road led me ever onward into unfamiliar territory, I felt strangely apprehensive – as though the piano had somehow led me astray in hope of revenge…

But this feeling soon passed and as I pootled slowly through the streets of – possibly – St George, I remembered something about myself, something from the distant pre-digital past: I used to love getting lost.

As a youngster I once hitchhiked around Europe, armed with the railway map that was issued free in those days with an Interrail pass.

Detailed it was not, although it did at least make clear which countries neighboured one another. When I first drove into Bristol, I passed the SS Great Britain (back then, a rusty hulk) three times before I realised that something was not right. I think I was trying to go sale-shopping in Broadmead, but instead I took a tour of Cotham and Redland, which was much more fun.

Now I was motoring around the eastern regions of the city with my dismantled piano, like the world’s worst removal man, and I began to enjoy myself. Though I was fairly sure I was still in Bristol, everything looked different. I noted amusing shop signs, interesting-looking pubs, a mural, an unfamiliar park. It was like being on holiday, when you look at stuff instead of focusing on getting there, getting the job done, getting home. Should have brought the dog, I mused, then remembered that dogs aren’t allowed at the dump. Oh yes, the dump. Reluctantly I did a three-sixty at the next roundabout, and headed back.

I spent the evening sorting books into the five shelves I had contrived from the piano’s skeleton. When pushed into place, each played a string, so that the whole process was like a very slow recital, performed by a shy, one-fingered pianist. ■ 20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 21

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 23

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SHOPPING | MEN

DAD’S HOLIDAY

ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM, £89.99

PANASONIC LUMIX DC-GX800, £499.95

A portable bluetooth speaker is a must for any outdoor chill sesh

Okay, so you might want to club together with any willing siblings on this one...

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Father’s Day coming up on 18 June, we thought it’d be nice to have done with the cufflinks and ties, forget forking out for a football mug or gadget he’ll never use, and get him some practical bits for his summer holibobs. Or, better still, take him away for the weekend ourselves!

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SANDQVIST KIM GROUND BACKPACK, £75

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Is he one for a run along the beach? 10,000 steps please

Heston Blumenthal has teamed up with Aussie specialists Everdure on a range of fancy barbecues – why not pick up the mini model – the Cube – for Dad?

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24 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 25

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26 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 27

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ART

Another-level artwork from Dale Grimshaw in Bristol in 2015

THE ONLY WAY IS UP Marianne Swinkels looks forward to the visual feast that will be Upfest 2017

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ART

T

rump kissing Boris in the EU Remain campaign; a breakdancing, loin-clothed Jesus doing his thing outside a Stokes Croft watering hole; a naked, well-hung lover clinging for dear life on a window sill outside a sexual health clinic.

Hey, that’s almost standard stuff you’ll see in our city’s creative neighbourhoods. Because Bristol is commonly hailed as the undisputed capital of street art and, love it or loathe it, if you venture round town you’ll struggle not to come across what was once dismissed as vandalism and known only as graffiti, before the seemingly more positive term of ‘street art’ became popular and, gradually, perceptions changed until much of the imagery popping up around the city was just considered ‘art’. Things have come a long way since the uninformed, stereotypical cliché of disenfranchised youths venting their frustrations by furtively spray-canning public places after dark.

And things have moved on since frontrunner Banksy became famed for turning many a public surface into his personal canvas for witty and insightful, political and controversial pop-up works – now so soughtafter that folk will fight to put down wads of cash at auction or queue for kilometers to get into his internationally attended, ground-breaking exhibitions. Indeed, this urban activity has progressed and pushed boundaries so much since he became a household name that, far from the hackneyed view of the naughty criminal nuisance, it has become a crowd-pulling, revenue-raising, cultural must. There’s even the selfguided Banksy walking trail attracting tourists and boosting city coffers in this, his hometown.

Nowadays the real talent from the movement is at the fore and a different discourse around the whole scene has prevailed. Personally, if we found ourselves considering a crude wall-scrawl, we’d be put right off if we were anywhere near the stunningly arresting designs of these talented urban painters. Forget furtive, forget the dead of night; now we want our street artists to show off their skills in broad daylight, during the height of summer, and we’re making a proper celebration of it.

By which, of course, we mean Upfest – Europe’s largest, free, annual street art and graffiti festival, this year showcasing the work of 300 artists from 30 countries and across the UK as they paint live at 35 outdoor venues throughout Bedminster and Southville in front of an anticipated 35,000 visitors. Small wonder, then, that this visually spectacular three-day event, now in its ninth year, smashed its £20,000 crowd-funding target and has no difficulty roping in an army of volunteers. Take a moment to make what you will of the scene, and the artists behind it, this year from 29 – 31 July.

“A festival of this scale wouldn’t happen like this anywhere else,” says Upfest founder Stephen Hayles. “We’ve got 30 or more years of street art history here in Bristol which gives us the edge and we’ve produced some of the most influential, legendary and subversive artists in the world. It’s part of the tapestry of the city and makes us a real magnet for creatives. This year we attracted an increased number of applications – around 750 artists from 50 countries. It was a tough job to assess.

“The motivations and objectives that drive artists are as varied as the individuals themselves. Their work often reflects the current issues of the time or highlights their personal causes and beliefs. Politics and protest, environmental and social issues feature strongly and this aspect of street art is particularly interesting in the age of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. An image can appear on the street, get picked up by social media and open up what may otherwise be an ephemeral or temporary piece of work to a far wider public realm. Urban art is a great outlet for raising a question, making a point, getting a message across. It’s often the raison d’être for the artist. The impact of the art itself and the legacy it leaves are both important.”

As the Upfest team sharpen their pencils and count down the days to this large scale celebration – also a fundraiser for The National Association for Children of Alcoholics – we can expect the unexpected.

Bizarre, mysterious, weird, witty, wry and wonderful. And that’s just the artists’ names! From Abu to Zmogk, Dr Love, Mr Hope and Everything’s Oh-kay to Mind Control, Decay, Beastie, Freaky et al, they sure beat the roll call in any school register…

The Bristol link is once again strong, as two of the city’s original street art pioneers return to their old stomping grounds. There’s Xenx, who produces dreamworks or nightmare worlds and

Brazilian artist Kobra’s colourful creations are going to look increíble in Bemmy

We’ll be sad to say goodbye to this 2016 piece by Pichi and Avo but are so excited for what will replace it (image by Colin Rayner)

illustrator/animator Will Barras – both originators of the street art culture in the ’90s. Five Bristol street art legends, Inkie, Cheba, Cheo, Jody (see p30) and Voyder also return to the festival; over the years each has produced astounding Upfest art – from larger-than-life portraits to deep-space landscapes and enormous Mr Men murals.

And Filthy Luker – working as part of a duo with Pedro Estrellas and known for his enormous inflatable tentacle installations at the RWA and in St. Paul’s – will be back to entertain his home crowd. Working as he does with paint, mouldable foams, latex and even taxidermy, who knows what to expect this year. All the Upfest team know is that it will be big...

Thought-provoking, unpredictable, incredible, controversial, diverse – conjure up as many descriptives and assumptions as you like – whichever way you look at it, one thing’s for sure: you never know what’s round the corner with this brilliantly ‘off the wall’ feast for the eyes. Enjoy! ■ • upfest.co.uk

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 29

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ART

We love the subtle shadows in Sacha

STREET LUXE

Bristol’s photorealist aerosol artist and designer Jody on Da Vinci, ‘Gangster Monet’ and the Darwin of street art

W

Who were you inspired by when you started out?

I had always been fascinated by classical Renaissance painting and drawing by Michelangelo, Dürer and Da Vinci. I also loved the work of Warhol and Lichtenstein as well as the incredible work of Tamara De Lempicka and the films of Ridley Scott and Terry Gilliam, but this new and exciting underground culture caught my eye and ear like nothing had before. It embodied everything an 11-year-old kid wanted – it was underground, slightly rebellious and very cool. In the late Eighties, pretty much all graffiti artists were drawing from the same well of US hip hop culture as that was the only source we all had.

ith its subtle detail, high-end influences, darkly glam aesthetic and noirish, filmic style, we think Jody’s work is the perfect example of the level of craftsmanship that goes into street art.

We had caught up with the talented, eloquent Barton Hill Club graduate behind this month’s beautiful front cover, to find out more...

Some artists have talked about street art becoming a ‘luxury product’.

Buildings are no longer devalued by it, graf work can sell for huge sums, and in terms of quality, the art itself is off the scale. Do you agree?

Jody: Yes definitely, street art has a perceived value pegged to it that has a direct link to Banksy’s popularity, especially in Bristol which in turn has commodified the art form somewhat I think. There’s been an acceptance and a move toward collecting street art which has exploded the culture and allowed artists like myself to make a living doing what we love to do. Yes, the quality differs, but even though I may not like a piece on the street or on a canvas, I can tell if that artist has put their heart into it – it’s very obvious to me. Graffiti and street art has always had a slightly difficult relationship with the gallery but Banksy’s influence has opened the door to collectors adorning their walls with vibrant artwork as well as wanting to own a piece of the culture too.

Your work certainly seems on the sumptuous end of the spectrum – it’s so distinctive. How did you decide what you wanted your style to be?

When I first turned up to Barton Hill Youth Club in 1987 with my GCSE art folder, it was filled with paintings and drawings inspired by film, magazines and comic books. I drew from the likes of Vogue and The Face magazine and comic books like 2000AD – they had a rather dark aesthetic but I felt I wanted to make people stop and look at my work which really stood out at the time. I fused my love of art and the growing underground graffiti movement which placed me in an odd category; the fine art end of the graffiti spectrum (not a popular place to be in the late Eighties!) and in many ways, that’s where I still am. The source of my inspiration hasn’t really changed – I’ve been drawn to strong female subject matter for several years now – but I’d say my work is more thought provoking, meditative and colourful.

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2017 30 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

What changes have occurred around the street art scene?

The most obvious is, of course, the popularity of the culture. In places like Bristol, there are far more artists than there is legal wall space so a lot of work has a life online, through social media, and pieces painted on walls in the few legal spots can often last less than 24 hours. The other significant change is the paint now available – back in the day we used various brands of car paint which offered a very limited colour palette. It was thin and had a very pungent smell.

Ever get ‘caught red handed’ when Bristol wasn’t as open to street art?

I didn’t paint illegally much back then. A guy did chase me once – I was painting with a member of the infamous T.U.B. crew on the side of his house and we must have disturbed him! I never really had a head for the illegal side of graf and my work always needed time to perfect – not done under the cover of darkness in the middle of the night.

XX

We’ve heard of artists going out tagging in a suit and tie, then pretending to read a newspaper when the police turned up!

Blending in has always been a classic ploy. High vis jackets and a white van are probably the most effective as that combination is the most ubiquitous – no one takes any notice of you.

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ART

Which do you think has more impact – stencils or free hand?

Definitely freehand, but not to pay artists like C215, Snik and Banksy a disservice – some of their work is incredibly intricate and beautiful and I know that all of those guys can paint.

Which non-Bristol artist’s work are you most looking forward to?

Definitely Kobra from São Paulo – I’ve always admired his work – plus Buff Monster from New York and Will Barras. He lives in London but studied here in Bristol. His work is other-worldly.

Which Bristol artists’ work do you love?

Jago – his beautifully expressive abstract paintings are so absorbing. I call his style ‘Gangster Monet’. Andy Council’s work has always confounded me – he is able to create incredible animals from local architectural landmarks and maintain the shape and form in such a creative way. Cheba’s work is so distinctive also, his nebula paintings – I call them ‘Chebulas’ – have an infinite quality to them that I love.

In terms of old-school graffiti, we have one of the best letter style masters around in Soker. He has the sharpest, most dynamic letter forms I’ve seen – and Cheo’s work, of course, has a potent mix of style and humour to it.

What else have you been up to this year?

I’m in the process of putting together plans for a solo show that will most likely be in 2018 – I have many ducks to align for the scale of production that I’m planning which involve people from very diverse industries outside of the art realm. It’s not unlike planning a wedding!

What’s your favourite piece that you’ve done?

So far, I would say the Cassie Meder piece I did on North Street for Upfest 2016 – I’d found the image online six months before and managed to contact Cassie to get her blessing. Cassie is a really talented model, artist and filmmaker based in Los Angeles and she immediately came back to me after I suggested a few additions which she really liked. I did a lot of planning to scale up the figure of her and I really wanted to capture the mood of the shot which I think I pulled off fairly well given I had three days to do it… I’ve had more feedback from that piece than any other – emails from people saying that they’d genuinely felt moved as it spoke to them on an emotional level. I can’t argue with that. They say you’re only as good as your last piece of work which is a good reminder whenever you paint!

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with?

I’ve done a few smaller pieces with Cheba as our styles contrast and complement each other but I would like to do something on a larger scale with him. I have several walls planned this summer with Soker and TES – another very strong graf letter guy. I like to work with the more underground graffiti guys as they have such a different take on the whole scene.

Are there specific walls and spaces now that are the most sought-after?

There are a dozen ‘permanent’ spots that last for 12 months until they are painted over again. The bigger, more prominent walls go to the international artists which is fair enough, but for me, last year’s was such a good wall – I requested it again this year but got a firm ‘no’ from Steve! Alas, no one is allowed to paint the same spot twice… ■

• Jody (Instagram: @jody_artist) will be painting live at Upfest from 29 – 31 July; jodyart.co.uk

Was there someone at Barton Hill that really inspired you?

John Nation of course – the Darwin of street art in Bristol. His vision, enthusiasm and energy has always been so infectious. He was well ahead of his time and gave so many artists a start; he built the foundation that Bristol street art is now so famous for. Thankfully he has received the attention and respect that is due to him – without John there wouldn’t be a street art scene in Bristol, it’s as simple as that.

Best memory from the Barton Hill days?

One of my pieces I painted in the football courts was printed on the front of The Independent in 1989. I remember seeing it on the news stand and scarcely believing it!

Why did you decide to retire and what did you do during the break?

After Operation Anderson hit the graffiti scene in March of ’89, the Bristol Transport Police’s very public swoop on Barton Hill Youth Club and 72 artists’ homes seemed to quash the energy of the movement. Coupled with the burgeoning acid house/rave scene, hip hop culture was old news and a lot of people, myself included, moved on. I went to college to study graphic design illustration and went on to forge a career in design which took me away from the art form.

How did you feel when the book Children of the Can mistakenly announced you were making a comeback?

I remember reading it on holiday and panicking. That genuinely wasn’t what I had said to Felix, the author, but then I felt slightly duty-bound to fulfil the vague promise printed in the book. Thank goodness I did!

Can you tell us a little more about the image gracing our cover? We can’t wait to see it painted at this year’s Upfest!

Based on last year’s wall, I have collaborated with Cassie again. It’s a beautiful profile shot of her that I have added an ethereal floral surround to – almost a dream-like backdrop. I wanted to capture that really strong look she exudes. I aim for an aesthetic that’s visually striking and thought-provoking but open in terms of interpretation.

The Awakening is another favourite of ours

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 31

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MAD FOR IT! There’s an absolute riot of a party planned for the Bristol Sounds harbourside finale this month... We found out more from ex-Haçienda DJ Graeme Park – who has undergone a bit of classical conditioning

“

P

robably the best rave since 1997,” said the New Musical Express of famed house DJs Graeme Park and Mike Pickering’s adventurous live collaboration with Manchester Camerata. They’ll take that, we reckon – just as Bristol is bound to lap up the Madchester ravecum-classical shindig when it hits the Harbourside as part of Bristol Sounds at the end of the month.

The Haçienda Classical ensemble – inspired by the glory days of late-Eighties and Nineties venue The Haçienda – is going to great lengths to gear up for the gig by playing the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury the day before. And while it’s sure to be a fab follow-up in the morning slot that last year saw Damon Albarn and the The Orchestra of Syrian Music open the festival, secretly, our money’s on the Bristol gig being the more epic. We can see it now – darkness descending over the harbour while we exercise our game faces and ready our raddest dance moves for reinterpretations of seminal dance classics, performed with a 40-piece orchestra that brings The Haçienda's vibrant heritage dramatically to life via the medium of classical music.

We spoke to Graeme – one half of the club’s original DJ duo – as he prepared to bring a rousing new set to the West Country...

The Bristol Magazine: So... Is it a concert or is it a rave?

Graeme: That is a great question because when we did the first show, everyone thought it would be a grown-up concert, but it turned into a rave which threw us a bit. The second show still felt like a rave so we went off to tweak and adapt it further to make sure it was a combination of both and people could sit and listen if they wanted – but most people choose to dance. It’s a classical show in the sense that Manchester Camerata bring out beautiful versions of the classics we have chosen. The rave factor is where we come in with the decks.

XX 32 THE THEBRISTOL BRISTOLMAGAZINE MAGAZINE || JUNE JUNE2017 2017

Because of the content and nature of what we’re doing, people forget their inhibitions and let loose, which is a great thing to experience.

How did the idea to involve an orchestra come about?

It was thrown about many times. The thing about the Haçienda brand is that a lot of people who used to go to the club are all grown up now. We still do club nights and the people who come along have either heard of The Haçienda or want to see what it’s like. We noticed the audience was getting younger and younger, and they expected contemporary music – and as a DJ, you cater to your audience. Then the older crew became less prominent and would moan that they didn’t know the songs, which we wanted to fix. One night, Peter Hook, Paul Fletcher and I were sat in a bar at 6am when two musicians came down with their instrument cases. We spotted them and joked that that was what we should do. After a few minutes we thought; hang on! So we decided to do a tour and it worked out greater than we expected. It’s got a wide appeal – the older crowd get to witness their favourite songs in a grown-up environment and then you get the younger crowd who want to experience what they grew up listening to or what their parents have talked about over the years.

It must be nice to have a new generation feeling the spirit of the club?

It is – so many people are way too young to have gone to The Haçienda, but they have parents who harp on about it all the time so they come out of curiosity. As a DJ it’s great because you don’t want to stand still; you want to keep moving. Another big thing to note is that the songs we select have never been performed live by the people who created them in the first place so it’s exciting. It’s just great when I look out into the crowd and see kids that are as young as mine dancing away and enjoying the experience – so we must be doing something right.

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Photo by jackkirwinphotography.com

Do you change up the set much?

Many months go into the planning of a set and with a 40-piece orchestra there’s a lot of work involved. So once you’re committed, that’s pretty much it – you can’t just change it. Mike Pickering and I play alongside the orchestra and we can add to and shorten the set but we can’t make last-minute edits. When we created the set list last year, we started with warming up the crowd, slowly building up, but we realised that we wanted to hit people with a big song to kick things off so now we always start with a massive, in-your-face anthem before taking it down a little bit and building up again.

...We wanted to hit people with a big song to kick things off so now we always start with a massive, in-your-face anthem...

We’ve performed our new set a couple of times now and it has gone really well with the orchestra. It’s different compared to the world of DJing, where you can make it up as you go along. An orchestra has an arrangement and a score – they have to read and play what is there.

Who orchestrates the music, and how do you get the right balance?

Another great question. Mike Pickering and I picked the tracks and sat down with Tim Crooks who is the conductor at Manchester Camerata to discuss what was possible. Tim went away, scored and arranged the tracks and then came back with some ideas while we recreated the parts that an orchestra can’t do – mainly the electronic

parts. We worked on it until literally a few days before the show to make sure it worked and the next thing we knew, we were on stage in front of 6,000 people. It’s a proper collaboration where two worlds collide and I think we’ve managed to fix all the issues and address the problems so now they exist in harmony.

What’s the typical audience?

Every city, venue and show is different. Our first show in Manchester Bridgewater Hall was full of classical heads who were there out of curiosity, while the Royal Albert Hall was filled with an affluent middle-class crowd, but it soon became clear that a lot of them used to go raving because of the atmosphere. You also get a lot of people that used to go to Haçienda which is a good thing.

What do you see today that is a direct result of the Haçienda?

You still get the universal language of yellow and black diagonal stripes which resemble The Haçienda branding. Peter Saville designed that and you see it today on flyers and posters – in the back of your head, you associate it with The Haçienda. It opened some 35 years ago now, but you still see its influence today. Ben Kelley designed The Haçienda’s interior and a lot of the clubs these days use the same stark, industrial furniture. The warehouse culture is also more popular these days – it’s just legal now. A lot of the young producers today are making music that sounds like what we used to play and it excites me to see young people replicating their own version.

Do you think there will ever be a bricks-and-mortar incarnation again?

There’s been talk over the years. But you don’t need bricks and mortar – what you offer is more important. Modern clubbers like the variety of different venues, but places such as Cream in Liverpool and THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK || JUNE JUNE2017 2017 || THE THEBRISTOL BRISTOLMAGAZINE MAGAZINE XX 33

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Graeme (right) and Mike bring the rave vibe to the table – image by Steven Sibbald

Happy Mondays’ Bez was a special guest when the ensemble performed in Manchester – image by Stuart Westwood

Image by Stuart Westwood

Cable in London are getting shut down at a remarkable rate. The cost is astronomical unless you’re leasing out your venue to other club nights. The whole landscape is different now. People also love festivals, one-off pop-up events and warehouse parties so the idea of a physical Haçienda is nice but not essential.

What’s the best story you’ve heard relating to the club?

That’s difficult... It’s no exaggeration to say every night with Mike Pickering between 1988 and 1992 was amazing and every Saturday between 1992 and 1997 was equally as great but in a different way.

Every New Year’s Eve at the Haçienda was next-level and every birthday party was phenomenal. It was a rollercoaster ride for the nine years I was there. DJs don’t tend to do residencies anymore but what they don’t realise is that you develop your craft and learn how to play to different crowds. In my humble opinion, the more travelling they do and venues they play, the more likely they are to play just like everyone else because they don’t know what that town and club is into. At The Haçienda I knew what I could get away with.

Do you think other genres would translate to classical as well?

You don’t know until you try. We didn’t know how lush Voodoo Ray, acid jazz or Happy Mondays would sound with an orchestra. Hip hop has a strong bass and Revolver and Sergeant Pepper by The Beatles are full of strings, so I can’t see why these wouldn’t work.

How do you know which tunes are going to work?

We don’t! Mike and I are always throwing ideas around and putting them together in a mix. Sometimes we come across songs without any strings but we think; “Maybe they can play this synth riff instead”. We get the conductor, Tim, involved to see which tracks work. Our set list at the beginning was twice as big as what we have today but there is no way we could trial-and-error all of them.

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Conductor Tim Crooks is key to the show and helped the duo work out the set – image by Steven Sibbald

Have you come up against purists who don’t like the arrangements?

There was one person who posted something online after a show in Leeds. We had 40 hours full of praise and compliments – which you don’t assume – but among that was one person suggesting we were just cashing in on The Haçienda name. But that was just one person and I bet he’s a bag of laughs at a dinner party... If we had received lots of negative comments, we would’ve reconsidered but that wasn’t the case so we continue to look forward.

...Every night between 1988 and 1992 was amazing – every New Year’s Eve was nextlevel, every birthday phenomenal...

Why is it important to preserve the history of clubs like the Haçienda?

People take so much for granted today. Those under 30 were brought up with plenty of choice, lots of DJs, clubs open until 6am – everything on the doorstep, and varied prices. In the ’80s there were a lot of grim places, and limited club options just offering what was in the charts. But there was a growing movement of innovative venues like The Garage in Nottingham, Wad Club and Lakota in Bristol that were doing something different and soon, just through word of mouth, people were travelling across from all over the country to listen to music you couldn’t find elsewhere, with like minded people. And of course, back then, you couldn’t download the songs so the only way to hear them again would be to go back the next week... ■ • Haçienda Classical play @Bristol_Sounds on 24 June

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LOCAL | EVENTS

WHAT’S ON There’s plenty to do in the city this month...

Magical ballet Coppélia comes to Bristol Hippodrome, image © Roy Smiljanic

postures with meditation and breathing techniques. The sevenweek course is free; pennybrohn.org.uk

FROM 1 JUNE 1 – 3 JUNE, 6.30PM, 9.30PM & 4PM

Sirens, Tobacco Factory Theatres

FROM 8 JUNE

Six women explore what it means to be female in the western world through song, video, images and theatre in this sublime production from Belgian company Ontroerend Goed. Tickets from £14 to £16; tobaccofactorytheatres.com 3 – 4 JUNE, 10AM – 6PM; 5 – 8 JUNE, 10AM – 8PM

Creative Industries Degree Show, UWE Bristol Discover the fantastic work of over 500 graduates from UWE Bristol’s creative courses including art, film, design and journalism at Arnolfini, Spike Island and Bower Ashton.

Entrance is free; uwe.ac.uk 5 JUNE, 7PM – 8PM

Paul Beatty: The Sellout, Waterstones The first American author to win the Man Booker prize, Paul Beatty discusses his biting racial satire with Bristol Festival of Ideas. Tickets from £4 to £6; ideasfestival.co.uk 7 JUNE, 2PM – 3.15PM

YogaThrive, Penny Brohn Penny Brohn’s yoga class is specially adapted for those living with cancer, combining physical

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UWE’S Creative Industries degree show comes to galleries around Bristol

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8 – 25 JUNE, TIMES VARY

Festival of Nature, various venues in Bath and Bristol Rediscover the great outdoors with the UK’s biggest free nature festival (see also p68). This year’s dinosaur theme will see talks and activities from The Bristol Dinosaur Project, Bristol Zoo, BBC Natural History and more.

Events are free, pre-booking required; bnhc.org.uk

Saxophonist Andy Sheppard performs with Bristol Symphony Orchestra

10 JUNE, 7.30PM

Dvorák Mass in D & Lauridsen Nocturnes, St. Alban's Church Bristol Phoenix Choir perform Dvorák’s Mass in D, Morten Lauridsen’s delightful Nocturnes and a selection of madrigals and part songs, directed by Paul Walton and accompanied by Matt Davies. Tickets cost £10; bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk 10 JUNE, 1.15PM

Music for Organ, Lord Mayor’s Chapel

9 JUNE, 9AM – 5.30PM

David Bednall presents a selection of music for organ. Entrance is free, donations welcome; lordmayorschapel.org.uk

We Are Food, Bristol City Hall

11 JUNE, 10AM

Over 300 chefs, farmers, suppliers, producers and community leaders descend on City Hall for a series of inspiring talks on food culture, business and innovation. Tickets cost £10; bristolfoodconnections.com 9 JUNE – 1 JULY, 1.30PM & 7PM

Julius Caesar, Bristol Old Vic Theatre legends Julian Glover and Lynn Farleigh (see p40) star in this contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s greatest political drama, depicting the fall of dictator Julius Caesar. Tickets from £7.50; bristololdvic.org.uk

JUNE 2017

The Bristol Harbourside Triathlon Watch athletes swim round the Cumberland Basin, cycle under the suspension bridge and run the home straight along the Avon Gorge. Taking part costs £75, spectators go free; tribristol.org

Tickets cost £30; bristolfilmfestival.com 14 JUNE, 10.15AM – 2PM

Summer Wellbeing Day, Nightingale House LinkAge Macmillan present a day of singing, zumba, tai chi, healthy eating and keep fit talks for those living with cancer, and their supporters/carers. Entrance is free, booking is required; call 0117 353 3042 14 JUNE, 7.30PM

Idina Menzel, Colston Hall Stage queen Idina Menzel of Wicked, Rent, Glee and Frozen fame brings musical theatre favourites, tracks from her latest album idina and classic pop hits to Colston Hall. Tickets from £37.62; colstonhall.org 14 – 17 JUNE, TIMES VARY

Clifton International Festival of Music, various venues The lineup includes performances of Rachmaninov’s Vespers at Clifton Cathedral and Mozart’s Gran Partita at St Paul’s Church.

Prices vary; colstonhall.org

13 JUNE, 7PM

Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Averys Wine Cellar Bristol Film Festival and Two Paddocks (actor Sam Neill’s vineyard) join forces for an evening of independent cinema and wine from New Zealand.

FROM 15 JUNE 15 JUNE, 7PM – 10.30PM

Hip Hop in a Chip Shop, Soul Fish Fish and chips combined with

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LOCAL | EVENTS the smooth, nostalgic vibes of Jay-Z, Kayne and other hip hop moguls? It must be Foozie, and we’ll see you there. Tickets cost £11; foozie.co.uk 16 – 18 JUNE, 11AM – 5PM

Open Studios, Jamaica Street Artists The Stokes Croft art studio hosts an open weekend in collaboration with organisations across Bristol, including the chance to meet artists and go behind the scenes at the Grade II building. Entrance is free; jamaicastreetartists.co.uk

FROM 22 JUNE

renowned jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard with a midsummers concert featuring music from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Bernstein’s West Side Story and other jazz greats. Tickets from £8 to £20; bristolsymphonyorchestra.com 28 JUNE – 1 JULY, TIMES VARY

Coppélia, Bristol Hippodrome Birmingham Royal Ballet breathes new life into this 19thcentury classic, following toymaker Dr Coppélius and his magical living doll. Tickets from £16.40; atgtickets.com

Tech Fire Camp offers coding and digital design summer courses at Bristol Grammar School

NEXT MONTH...

Zany New Zealand comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople comes to Averys wine cellar

24 JUNE, 1.15PM

Music for Guitar, Lord Mayor’s Chapel John Breese presents a selection of music for guitar. Entrance is free, donations welcome; lordmayorschapel.org.uk 24 JUNE, 7PM

Night of Swing, Harvey Nichols Bristol Head to the second floor restaurant of Harvey Nichols for a night of gourmet food, cocktails and live music from The Paper Moon Band. Entrance is free; call 0117 916 8898 24 JUNE, 7.30PM

The Dream of Gerontius, Colston Hall City of Bristol Choir present Elgar’s breathtaking choral masterpiece as the highlight of their 25th anniversary season, alongside Exultate Singers, Bristol Ensemble and international soloists. Tickets from £5; colstonhall.org 24 JUNE, 7.30PM

Jazz Meets Bristol Symphony Orchestra, Clifton Cathedral Bristol Symphony Orchestra presents internationally

30 JUNE – 9 JULY, ALL DAY

Bristol Pride Festival, various venues This is one event which needs no introduction – a week-long celebration of Bristol’s LGBTQ+ community with music, arts and activities for all the family.

Entrance by donation or £15 for the Pride Day after-party; bristolpride.co.uk 3 – 8 JULY, TIMES VARY

Dirty Dancing, Bristol Hippodrome Relive the ’80s with the classic tale of naïve teen Baby and raunchy dance teacher Johnny, set to favourite tracks like Hungry Eyes. Tickets from £15.40; atgtickets.com JULY – AUGUST, DATES & TIMES VARY

Fire Tech Camp, Bristol Grammar School Keep children entertained and inspired over the holidays with a series of coding, digital design and technology summer camps from the leading provider of tech education for 9-17 year olds.

Courses are available across July and August at Bristol Grammar School, with prices varying per course; firetechcamp.com

Bristol Phoenix Choir perform works by Dvorák and Lauridsen at St Alban’s Church

EDITOR’S PICK...

17 JUNE, EVENT VILLAGE OPEN FROM 11AM, RACE STARTS 1PM

Bristol Rainbow Run, The Downs Walk, run or jog your way through five kilometres of colour explosions in the brightest charity event of the year. The Bristol Rainbow Run will raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West, which support families and provides respite for seriously ill children.

This event is available to adults and children above the age of five, with entertainments and an exciting warm-up from 11am. Entrance from £11 to £17.50.

• chsw.org.uk

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THEATRE

GREAT SCOTT As National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time prepares to visit Bristol as part of its national tour, we talk to Scott Reid, cast in the lead role of Christopher Boone

Scott is on stage for the duration of the play – which requires plenty of physical prep (photography by Brinkhoff Mogenburg)

TBM: It’s a sought-after role – tell us a little about how you got it...

Scott: My agent got the call in March last year, to say they were auditioning for the play in the West End. I went through five rounds and unfortunately got the call to say I hadn’t got the job which was obviously disappointing to hear. Then, two weeks later, my agent confirmed they had offered me the opportunity to do the UK and Ireland tour of the production instead and I was just over the moon.

Did you find it daunting to take on such a demanding role?

I think any part as big as this is daunting for any actor, but it is an incredibly exciting prospect also. When you start acting, it is parts like these that you really want; the roles that demand huge concentration, that give you such a big workload. It has become a part that I know, for the next 30, 40 years, will have young actors desperate to play it.

It is such a well-known book and the plays have done incredibly well.

I think the part of Christopher Boone will stand the test of time; the book has already become a modern classic.

The role is very physical; did you do any special prep to get ready?

I am not a natural mover myself, and the role is hugely demanding so every day as a team we began with movement classes, followed by physical sessions such as yoga, pilates and circuit training.

You’re on stage for the duration of the play and the amount of text you’ve had to master is staggering; how do you prepare mentally?

To be honest, as an actor it is just so great to be working with material as well written as this, that you’ll never hear me complain about the amount of work it might take. I genuinely think I have the best job in the world.

How important is teamwork in a production like this, where you rely so heavily upon each other?

Very. What made this process a bit different is that we all were new to it at the same time. It was a brand new production cast and tech staff

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all joined at the same time and it was a fresh experience for everyone.

We got to build our own family and story and it is very different from the West End production. We’ve managed to put our own stamp on it; and each performance is so passionate.

How do you find the touring lifestyle?

It definitely has its pros and cons. You find some cities that you really fall in love with. There are other demands though; I am very close to my family so it is important to me that I get to home to see my mum, dad, and my sisters when I can. It is one of the reasons you get so close to other cast members; I’ve got an ‘onstage dad’ and an ‘onstage mum’ and we have all become very close so it helps a lot.

You’re at the Hippodrome from 13-20 June; have you been to Bristol much before?

Yes, when we were performing in Bath a couple of months ago I actually chose to stay in Bristol and commute each day as it is such a great city. There is lots going on and I had a lovely little flat. It reminds me of Edinburgh in that it has such a good vibe to it.

You have had such success in recent years and your body of stage and TV work is growing all the time. How did you first get in to acting?

I went to a youth theatre. A neighbour told my mum about it as it was known that I loved to tell stories and jokes. I was always busy as a child; in the holidays I used to play football in the morning and then act whenever I could in the afternoon just to give my parents a break.

Over time I fell in love with it and it went from a source of enjoyment, to a passion, to a necessity. I had to make it my full-time job and life.

Dream role?

Top of my list has to be Hamlet. I’d also love to be in Doctor Who, so if Steven Moffat is reading, then sign me up!

• curiousonstage.com

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THEATRE

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME...

Bristol Old Vic brings together legends of theatre this month as its contemporary production of Shakespeare's famous political drama, Julius Caesar unfolds. ‘Bristol girl’ Lynn Farleigh, who plays Calpurnia opposite Julian Glover’s lead, shares her thoughts

Lynn has really encouraged the Old Vic students to explore the text during rehearsals

Was it good to work with students at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School?

It’s really unusual to combine students and professionals in this way.

It’s great to work with them and we each bring different perspectives to the process – they have a tremendous energy and enthusiasm and I hope Julian (Glover), John (Hartoch) and I have some experience to bring to them. It’s important to let them discover their characters then offer a thought or two. We feed in thoughts when suitable.

Have you worked with Julian Glover before?

He and I have been friends for a long time! We were in Medea together at the Lyric Hammersmith in the 1980s. Also he was my boss in Wish Me Luck when I was being heroic in France...

Is the story adapted to appeal to a modern audience?

We are setting it in 2017, so it’s modern in dress and thought. The text is only altered a little to allow for a change of gender for some roles. We did change a line about Calpurnia, as the chance of even Mark Antony’s touch helping her to get pregnant was a step too far!

Do you feel Caesar’s story ties in with the political climate today?

There are certainly parallels to be found with the state of things in many countries today. Power struggles, abuse of power, chaos when leaders fight each other. The fickleness, gullibility and cruelty of crowds. Scheming politicians, dictators and people around them who support and feed off them. We all know what the moral message is and seem completely unable to follow it.

Is it essential for children to continue studying Shakespeare’s works?

I fear Shakespeare is generally not well taught in schools, largely due to the various pressures on staff nowadays. For me, he should not be studied academically unless one is specialising in his writing, but I would love all children to have a term of workshops with actors and teachers – playing, exploring the marvellous language and imagery, meeting the wonderful characters and telling the timeless stories and so learning about life, love, society and human nature.

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What is Calpurnia’s role in the play?

Calpurnia is not the greatest female part! I do my best to make her strong; a suitable wife for Caesar, but he’s not an easy man to marry!

Which of your past performances is the most memorable for you?

I’ve played both Hermione in The Winter’s Tale and Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible twice so they’re both quite memorable. Every part I’ve played, I’ve always felt, years later, that I could have played it better.

What is the significance of Bristol Old Vic in the theatre world?

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is a great drama school. The students, brilliantly, got first and second place in the Alan Bates Award this year, which is an annual award celebrating graduating students. Bristol Old Vic has an international reputation and every actor wants to work there. As a Bristol girl, it was always somewhere I desperately wanted to play. I’m so delighted to be finally getting the chance.

Have you had any memorable antics or mishaps on stage?

Mishaps, and the agony of trying not to laugh at inappropriate moments, are always with us. It’s the nature of theatre. I have many mishap stories but they are better told over a glass of wine...!

Do you prefer acting to a live audience or filming for television?

I prefer stage work as I love the rehearsal period and the company work. I also love that one has the chance of improving over the length of a run. Also, the answer is in a live audience. They affect every minute of every show and that is the challenge and the joy.

There’s a romantic view of the ‘struggling artist’ – what is the reality?

This is a tough profession. No one makes you do it, of course, but no one can guarantee you work, let alone a career. The highs are high, the lows are low – it’ll always be so. I admire young actors for their courage, confidence and skills. I wish them well and give them love.

• bristololdvic.org.uk

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MUSIC

SAX APPEAL Leading international jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard is in town this month, for one night only

A

n ECM recording artist, bandleader and prolific composer – author of over 350 works featuring strong lyricism together with a personal use of rhythms from Asia, Africa and South America – Andy Sheppard is one of Europe’s leading saxophonists and one of few British musicians to have made a significant impact on the international jazz scene, playing and writing for settings from solo to big band and chamber orchestra.

Originally from the South West, Andy took up the saxophone at 19, finding himself highly motivated after encountering the music of John Coltrane and, three weeks after getting his first instrument, he was playing in public with the Bristolbased quartet Sphere.

Often invited to compose for ensembles performing jazz and contemporary music, Andy’s big-band writing includes work with the renowned UMO Orchestra of Finland and the Bergen Big Band (Norway). He has collaborated with classical saxophonist John Harle and composed a concerto for saxophone and piano for the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, as well as music for two feats of UK engineering – the first a collaboration with piper Kathryn Tickell to celebrate the opening of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in 2001 and the second, in 2006, a piece to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Entitled The Living Bridge it featured a fanfare using prepared electronics incorporating the sounds of Clifton Suspension Bridge and utilising the talents of 200 local saxophonists.

This month Andy is back in the city with the 70-piece Bristol Symphony Orchestra for a midsummer’s evening concert at Clifton Cathedral. He will perform, along with the orchestra and rhythm section, a special arrangement of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess Suite – arranged by conductor and composer William Goodchild as part of an exciting all-American programme entitled ‘Jazz meets Bristol Symphony’.

Other pieces to be performed on the night include Terry Riley's seminal minimalist work, In C, and Fanfare for the Common Man by American composer Aaron Copland, who was inspired by vicepresident Henry A Wallace's famous 1942 speech which proclaimed the dawning of the ‘Century of the Common Man’ as Americans debated wartime strategy and their role in the post-World War II order. In addition, with West Side Story remaining an essential part of the history of American theatre, expect a dynamic orchestral concert piece courtesy of late composer Leonard Bernstein, who assembled nine sections from his musical to make a work capturing all the energy, drama and excitement of the original stage production including a portrayal of the chaotic pace of New York life in the 1950s.

Tickets for the concert which takes place on 24 June are £8-£20 and available online via the website below, or on the night from 6pm at Clifton Cathedral.

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Climbing Wisteria by Mariusz Kaldowski, 32” x 36”, £1450

The Art Gallery home of ArtGallery.co.uk

Spencer House, 34 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8AQ Tues-Sat. 9.15-4.45pm. Tel: 01666 505152 help@artgallery.co.uk artgallery.co.uk

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EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Air: Visualising the Invisible in British Art, RWA, 16 June – 3 September

We love this industrial landscape by L.S. Lowry

Greg Harris, Averys Wine Merchants, until 4 July Greg Harris spent his childhood growing up in Essex, Suffolk and West Sussex before going to Leicester to complete a BA in Fine Art degree at De Montfort University in 2009. After taking a break from art and travelling to the Far East, Greg threw himself back into painting by joining a Leicester-based artist studio in 2012 and since then, he’s never looked back. He recently moved his studio to Bristol, concentrating on his creative practice and private commissions, while also teaching workshops and exhibiting and his work. In his paintings, Greg asks the viewer to reconnect with the familiar by bringing together both a literal and non-literal interpretation of people and their environment with carefully considered colour combinations and a painterly style.

• greg-artist.com

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A suitably summery exhibition celebrating the rich tradition in British art of finding inspiration in the skies above us and the air that we breathe.

Covering four centuries in British art, the show brings some of the nation’s masterpieces to Bristol, including Joseph Wright of Derby’s An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, on loan from the National Gallery and believed to be visiting Bristol the first time.

Other well-loved works include John Everett Millais’ Bubbles – previously known as A Child's World before featuring in the famous advertising campaign for Pears soap – and J.M.W Turner’s The Thames Above Waterloo Bridge, alongside paintings by artists such as Constable, Lowry and Lanyon.

‘Air’ features explorations of flight, including depictions of the earliest hot air balloon flights and celebrating the 18thcentury’s ‘balloonmania’, in addition to the sinister shadows and trails left by warplanes and the ominous shape of bulbous barrage balloons in works by Eric Ravilious, Frank Dobson and Christopher Nevinson – including the epic painting The Battlefields of Britain.

• rwa.org.uk

Collfacekilla, Blaze Art Studio, Colston Street, until 7 June Local artist Colleen Brewer is holding her first exhibition in Bristol – under the name Collfacekilla. With a focus on nature, animals and mythical creatures, Colleen’s work aims to unsettle and challenge the viewer and often focuses on the disturbing or macabre intertwined with political ideologies. The exhibition will also feature live music from sound artist Eumig.

• collfacekilla.com

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EXHIBITIONS

The Stars Were Aligned For A Century Of New Beginnings, Arnolfini, until 18 June The first UK solo exhibition of Egyptian artist Basim Magdy focuses on his film work – layering past, present and future, and revealing social blueprints and ideologies that unfold across time. Situated somewhere between fact and fiction; rooted in dreams, scientific theory and failed utopian ambitions; full of humour and quiet melancholy, his works on paper and in film, photography and slide projection reflect on the present social and political climate and our collective failure as, in the desire for progress, we repeat the same mistakes in a recurring cycle of aspiration, action and defeat. Magdy uses experimental techniques for developing film using household chemicals in a process he calls “film pickling”, and the nostalgically blurred images and psychedelic colours created, combined with ambient soundtracks, seem otherworldly.

• arnolfini.org.uk

Carnival, Paintworks, 24 – 27 June An exhibition showcasing the creative talents of people with mental health needs is coming to Paintworks at the end of this month. The annual show is hosted by Milestones Trust – a charity that also supports people with learning disabilities and dementia – which uses its ‘Expressions’ arts programme to help people learn new skills, make new friends and build confidence, which in turn helps with their wellbeing. ‘Carnival’ will showcase the culmination of months of hard work from a number of projects, including film, textiles, painting and pottery. It has been curated by art consultant Louise Copping – renowned for her love of bright colours and extravagance – so expect a show that channels creativity and fun. Highlights include carnival-inspired paintings and ceramics, the work of poet Tim Burroughs and actress Marion Brazier, sculpture making and poetry performance, various workshops, live local music, delicious food, and a film entitled Electric Parade – a collaboration between participants in Weston-Super-Mare and Bristol.

• milestonestrust.org.uk

● Topography by Four, Bristol Guild Gallery, 17 June – 8 July Four photographers; three shows; one venue. See the work of Luis Bustamante, John Brooks, Iris Bolster and Martin Edwards at the Guild this month and prepare to be impressed. ‘Primal Landscapes’ (from Luis Bustamante and Martin Edwards) features two volcanic landscapes that are poles apart, while Chile’s Atacama Desert and Iceland coalesce in colours, textures and beauty. ‘Transitions’ (by John Brooks) offers the viewer a fresh perspective of the everyday but abstracted and in complex photomontage, as ‘850’ (Iris Bolster and Martin Edwards) uses infrared light to create both dramatic and subtle, vast and intimate, landscapes.

• bristolguild.gallery.co.uk

● Quiltfest, Badminton School, 1 – 3 June This month sees a major exhibition of quilts, wall hangings and non-hanging items all made by the talented members of Bristol Quilters, and showcased in the beautiful setting of Badminton School.

Expect demonstrations, a sales table, traders, and a charity tombola in aid of the Jessie May Trust, as well as homemade refreshments. There will be quilts of all different sizes – including some bed quilts and throws – plus some other quilted items such as pictures, cushions and bags, and a display of small quilts designed in response to a challenge entitled 'Bristol Quilters @35' which celebrates the group’s 35th birthday and includes many Bristol-inspired pieces. Disabled access is also provided at this event.

• bristolquilters.com

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BOOKS

READ ALL ABOUT IT Foyles bookshop’s Charlotte Pope focuses on literary fathers as Dads’ Day approaches

THE BONE-CHILLER

The Shining by Stephen King While he won’t be winning Father of the Year anytime soon, Jack Torrance is certainly one of the most memorable fathers in literature. Pretty much everyone has seen the film adaptation with Jack Nicholson in the starring role (“Here's Johnny!”) and while the film is a classic, the original novel is also amazing – as well as being bone-chillingly scary – and a great pick for Dad this Father’s Day. The Shining is the story of family-man Jack, who takes a job as caretaker at the remote Overlook Hotel in a desperate effort to beat his alcohol addiction. Jack, his wife Wendy and their five-year-old, Danny, are shut off from the outside world after a winter storm.

Before long, cabin fever begins to set in and little Danny senses there is something terribly wrong in the Overlook. But just what is the sinister figure that haunts his nightmares? And what is REDRUM?

CHUCKLE, BROTHER

How it Works: The Dad by Joel Morris and Jason Hazeley The bestselling Ladybirds for Grown Ups series is designed to teach grown-ups about the world around them. How it Works: The Dad tells you everything you need about what it is to be a Dad. Featuring everything from the importance of crafting terrible ‘dad jokes’, to the hardships of juggling work and family life, this is a book that fathers everywhere can relate to. Including classic images from the original Ladybird books, this little tome offers nostalgia with a hilarious twist. The perfect novelty gift that is sure to keep Dad laughing this Father's Day.

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ENDLESS LOVE

Dadland by Keggie Carew Keggie Carew grew up utterly enchanted by her unconventional and rather enigmatic father, who, at the age of 24, parachuted into Nazi-occupied France – where he worked behind enemy lines as a guerrilla agent and later won the Croix de Guerre and the Distinguished Service Order for his daring and brave exploits against the enemy. To Keggie, her father was a hero, and she was always proud to tell her teachers her Dad had been a spy. Tom Carew was the kind of man who wrote humorous notes to Keggie’s teachers to explain her school absences (“I am sorry Keggie was not at school yesterday, she had a bad hangover.”) Years later, when Keggie is in her 40s, she goes searching for details of her father’s past – a search that became all the more poignant when she discovered he was in the early onset stages of dementia. The winner of the Costa Biography Award, this is a moving and compelling story – a testimony of a daughter's love for her father.

READ TOGETHER

Peppa Pig: My Daddy from Collectif The perfect book for under-fives to share with their beloved Daddy this Father’s Day. A colourful, toddler-friendly book, it tells the story of Peppa and George’s Daddy and how much they love him. Daddy Pig is funny and always laughing. He’s very good at planning DIY jobs, but isn’t that good at actually carrying them out. Daddy Pig loves watching television and driving in his car, but he loves his children more than anything in the whole world.

Peppa Pig is adored by children the world over and has legions of little fans. This is an enjoyable story ideal for encouraging smaller children with their reading, especially featuring their favourite characters. Funny, cute, and helping little ones think about all of the things they love about their own daddies, it’s sure to become a firm family favourite.

THERE GOES MY HERO

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Atticus Finch is one of the most definitive fathers in literature. Raising two young children alone, he is the pinnacle of goodness, truth and integrity. Atticus is a lawyer who is defending a black man charged with the rape of a white woman, in a time of deeply ingrained racism in 1930s Alabama. He is considered a traitor for his dedication to justice and is mocked by his fellow citizens, yet he continues to implore his children to always think for themselves and encourages them to never give up in the face of adversity. Atticus is an incredibly memorable character – and although it was published over 55 years ago, To Kill a Mockingbird remains an incredibly relevant and awe-inspiring novel.

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CRAFTS

MUCH ADO ABOUT STUFFING It was all the rage in the Victorian era and now it’s fashionable again.

Pete Dommett tries his hand at taxidermy...

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Classes are held by Swiss taxidermist Kim Zoe Wagner; Pete’s finished piece has been proudly displayed at home and is a great talking point; having been taken under Kim’s expert wing, groups are carefully guided through the process – Pete found the experience much less grisly than expected; a perfectly civilised afternoon of sewing stuffing – no Norman Bates vibes here; applying the finishing touches Below, right: Dig Haüshizzle’s gorgeous interior – where a couple of taxidermy pieces would look right at home, we reckon

N

o longer the preserve of the wealthy middleclasses, taxidermy has just got trendy.

Artistically embalmed animals are highly sought-after items and add a touch of classy kitsch to any interior. Good specimens are often hard to come by however, and they command topdrawer prices, but there is a more affordable alternative.

Stuff it yourself.

While preserving animal skins has been practised for a long time – embalmed critters have been discovered alongside Egyptian mummies, accounts of bird preservation for natural history cabinets were published in France in 1748, and by the end of the same century, most towns had a tannery business – the golden age of taxidermy came during the Victorian era. Mounted animals became a popular element of interior design thanks to English ornithologist John Hancock – who sparked a national interest in the activity after he exhibited a display of stuffed birds in a London exhibition, and gave rise to anthropomorphic taxidermy in the late 19th-century, a whimsical style that saw stuffed animals dressed as people or displayed as if engaged in human activities.

Today, Bristol decorative antique shop Dig Haüshizzle holds budgie stuffing classes (yes, really), run by Kim Zoe Wagner – a young taxidermist born in Switzerland but now living in the UK. Kim learnt her trade from some of the best in the business, including artist Polly Morgan, and has preserved pieces for the likes of fashion designer Pam Hogg, and illusionist Derren Brown – from a clutch of quail chicks to a baby giraffe.

The one-day course I signed up for was preceded by a demonstration evening at the Colston Street store, during which Kim showed a surprisingly large gathering how to stuff and mount a magpie in just a couple of hours. Like all good teachers, she made it look deceptively easy and I wondered how well I’d fare the following day.

After selecting a bright green budgerigar (which, I should point out, was not killed for the purposes of taxidermy), I took my place at the work table, laid out with newspaper like a primary school art lesson, with three other eager embalmers. Kim took us through the first step of skinning our specimens which was nowhere near as grisly as I thought it might be. After carefully going along the bird’s breastbone with a scalpel, peeling back the paper-thin skin was like opening a little feathery jacket and gradually the body came away in one, neat piece.

We cleaned and then washed our budgies, degreasing the skins with a dash of Fairy Liquid and shampooing the feathers, before blow-drying them on the street corner outside the shop (much to the bemusement of the Sunday strollers on Christmas Steps). It was a lot of fun, but I

found it difficult to see how our damp and deflated bundles would ever be made good again.

Kim was confident, however. “With taxidermy, there are no secrets,” she told us. “It’s all here. You just have to repuzzle it back together.” So, after a fortifying lunch provided by Cassandra, Dig Haüshizzle’s co-owner, Kim showed us how to replace the bird’s body with one made from wood wool and chopped hemp, and how to reshape the budgie’s skull with clay. These were then glued together and reattached to the wings and legs with wire.

It was a tricky process, but suddenly my bird was starting to take shape. After easing everything into its original position, Judith – a retired vet – showed off her suturing skills as we sewed our budgies back up and Kim helped me with the fiddly business of setting two black, glass beads into the empty eye sockets. Then, over tea and cake, we avidly preened our avian art, rearranging the plumage until perfect.

Rather than the Frankenstein-style freak I feared I’d create, I’d somehow brought this delicate bird back to life, preserving its natural beauty for years to come. ‘Susan’ is now proudly on display at home and admired by many visitors. How do I rate my first taste of taxidermy? It’s been great stuff, of course. ■ • The next taxidermy budgie courses take place across 15 and 16 July and cost £195; dig-haushizzle.co.uk

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BRISTOL BULLDOG SPIRIT It's 20 years since round-the-world solo yachtsman Tony Bullimore survived six days trapped in freezing waters under his capsized boat. Emily Horton finds him ready for his next adventure; his appetite for the high seas unabated

T

hey call him the Bristol bulldog and it’s easy to see why.

Music maestro, community champion and solo sailor, Tony Bullimore is a man of many guises and a giant of life’s adventures. In 1968, he co-founded the city’s famous Bamboo Club which became one of the country’s leading venues for Afro-Carribean music. Initially established as a place that the city’s black and immigrant residents could celebrate their musical heritage, it became a beacon of social cohesion at a time when discrimination against non-whites was commonplace. It went on to become so feted that even Bob Marley graced its stage twice.

Then, in his thirties, the nightclub proprietor took up sailing and in just 14 years, rose to the top of his class to become Yachtsman of the Year in 1985. But it was narrowly escaping death during a solo, roundthe-world race which catapulted him into the public domain and became his most formidable feat to date. As I speak to the ebullient sailor from his home in Stoke Bishop, he is in reflective mood.

“It has been 20 years since my accident, but it never scared me into giving up sailing,” Tony says with the characteristic courage and determination that got him his nickname.“Traversing across the world's oceans – come rain or shine – is what I do.”

It was January 1997 when the then-58-year-old was plucked from the depths of the Southern Ocean after surviving five days in an air pocket of the upturned hull of his yacht, the Exide Challenger. The long-time Bristol resident had been competing in the Vendée Globe single-handed, non-stop round-the-world race when the boat capsized in a freak storm.

Known as the toughest yacht race in the world, the four-month event had started from Les Sables d’Olonne in Western France in November 1996. Tony hadn’t had the best of starts, but conditions seemed to be

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improving. He had seen in the New Year and was enjoying good weather when he had spoken to his wife, Lalel, on 3 January. Then, the next day, his fortunes changed.

With his weather report machine broken, and being unable to request up to date reports on the conditions – without contravening race rules, Tony had no warning of the massive storm which was heading his way. “Mariners of years past would say that when you’re 40 degrees south of the equator, you’re ‘in the roaring 40s’ as conditions become evermore precarious. If you continue to 50 degrees South, they call it the screaming 50s; and if you dare to venture further still to 60 degrees south – well, then you’re in the impossible 60s...” he recounts with a chuckle. It’s where the fearless Tony was when he hit the mother of all storms. “I remember looking towards the southern horizon and seeing a sliver of black clouds. It was a major weather front that would soon be playing its part in creating a massive storm that meteorologists refer to as a ‘bomb’.

“I then saw a dirty grey mass stretching right across the horizon in an unbroken line... It was a rogue wave, some eight storeys high.

Billions of gallons of water were rolling across the ocean and looking for something to slow it down,” he recounts. “Then I saw another...

“When the waves first hit, it was like the biggest of rollercoaster rides,” he muses, “but soon I had 60ft waves coming at me from two different directions and I realised that it would take just one of those mammoth waves to catch the boat at the wrong moment for me to be in serious trouble.”

After several gruelling hours at the helm, trying to fend off the pitching waves, Tony retreated into the cabin for some much-needed food and rest. “Realising that the storm could continue for days, I got the boat to sail by herself on autopilot so I could scramble downstairs

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and get some food,” he recalls. A long-time fan of reggae and ska music from his days running The Bamboo Club, Tony put on some favourite tracks and opened a bottle of rum that was given to him by friends back in Bristol. As Tony recalls, when it’s getting hairy up above; “A strong coffee, lashed with the best of Jamaican rum, certainly does the trick...” But his respite wasn’t to last long.

“I heard an almighty crack and suddenly found myself sitting on the ceiling with the floor above me; foam and water surging beneath the windows under my feet.”

The yacht’s keel – which gave the boat its buoyancy and ability to right itself – had snapped off, flipping the boat upside down. “I was marooned some 1,500 nautical miles off Australia in the general direction of Antarctica and a further 1,500 miles from the nearest shipping lane,” he says ruefully. “In the pit of my stomach, I knew that I was knocking on death’s door.”

Born into a working-class family in Essex in 1939, when Britain was at the mercy of the Nazi war machine, Tony recalls how he had always set tests to challenge himself from a young age. “Ever since I was a boy, I have tried to find my limitations and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I remember taking cold baths because I thought it would toughen me for what might lie ahead in my life,” he chuckles.

Bringing that early premonition to fruition, the boat’s boom – now banging against the underside of the boat – punched a hole in the deck, plunging the cabin into darkness and allowing icy water to surge in, submerging Tony to his chest. “I kept telling myself that thanks to the law of physics, the boat was not going to sink and the water would stop rising at the waterline...”

Luckily, Tony was able to trigger his EPIRB, a satellite distress beacon, which was picked up by maritime rescue. But before he could see dry land, he had lost part of a finger and hypothermia had taken hold. “To access my liferaft, I had to open a door submerged underwater,” he continues. “As I went under to pull it open, a sudden surge of water forced the hatch shut with an incredible pressure – my hands slipped and I felt a jolt of pain... I brought my hand out of the water to see a stub of jagged bone and blood where one of my fingers used to be,” he recalls, matter-of-factly.

Eventually, after five days, Tony received his salvation – the Australian Navy which had been travelling for three days at sea to search his boat for life within, finally reached him and started banging on the upturned hull for signs of life. With his body battered and bruised, it was time to make a last-ditch attempt to escape his icy cell and swim to the water’s surface. “I had sailed more than 35,000 miles in Exide Challenger since her launch and I knew every creak, groan and whisper. She was my world,” he says. “But I tell you, I owe my life to the guys aboard HMS Adelaide, I really do...”

After respite in hospital and treatment for hypothermia, Tony returned home to his beloved Lalel, but, unsurprisingly given his

...I remember taking cold baths because I thought it would toughen me for what might lie ahead in my life... bulldog nature, it wasn’t long before he was back at the helm.

He is now organising his next racing project and will soon be back on the high seas, but before he does, the drama of his Southern Ocean survival is being played out on stage in a new musical by Roxanna Panufnik. The International Youth Arts Festival in Kingston-uponThames, Surrey, is hosting Upside Down Sailor which reenacts Tony’s dramatic rescue. And naturally, keen not to miss out on the action, Tony will be attending the gala performance on 7 July and doing a public Q&A beforehand.

As our conversation draws to a close I realise that Bullimore is the perfect name for this capable, tenacious sailor; for he will always be after more of life’s adventures, more of its challenges and more of its passions. Watch out for this loyal son of Bristol because – aged 78, and with plenty of ideas, drive and energy for public speaking events, business ventures, charity work and transatlantic races – he hasn't had his fill of life’s challenges just yet. ■

The Atlantic Rollers regularly played at the Bamboo Club; managed by Tony

Tony has tenacity in spades

Tony survived the icy waters for days in the upturned hull of the Exide Challenger

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FOOD & Drink

TASTY TITBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS

A UK FIRST

INTRODUCING: BOMBOLONI BRISTOL Veteran Bristol chef Andrew Griffin is due to open an Italian-inspired restaurant on Gloucester Road this month.

Bomboloni – named after the Italian doughnuts filled with cream, salted caramel or chocolate ganache and popular in Italian cafes – will feature its namesake sweet snack on its new menu, and will have installed a charcoal grill and pizza oven. The team of chefs include Andrew’s wife Sara and daughter Molly – his apprentice at the successful Tart Café & Foodstore on Gloucester Road, while she was training at Bristol College. Molly subsequently worked as a chef at The Stock Exchange Bakery before joining her father in the family venture.

Alongside bomboloni, other cakes and pastries will be handmade daily, as well as sourdough, seeded granary and fruit bread in the pizza oven. At lunchtime, a selection of seasonal salads will be available, with pizzetta and a bake of the day – for example, cannelloni or aubergine parmigiana.

“Our aim for Bomboloni is to achieve the atmosphere of a relaxed, Italian family kitchen,” says Andrew. “We aim to provide excellent value for money and great quality, to make Bomboloni accessible to everyone. With this in mind, there will be a family deal between 5pm and 7pm.” Sara adds: “After 7pm, things will become a little more grown up, but we’ll still be informal and easy going. We’re there for the nights there is nothing in the fridge or you can’t be bothered to cook but you fancy fresh and tasty food.”

• Instagram: @bombolonibristol

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The South West has long been cider-central, but in recent years, a surge in the craft beer industry has seen breweries and specialist shops cropping up all over the place. And now, fans of the hop juice can learn the tricks of the trade themselves at Bristol Brewery School – the first in the UK to be based in a functioning brewery, offering a range of courses for budding brewers.

Family-run business New Bristol Brewery has been creating traditional and experimental beers for the past four years, with tempting brews including Japan – an easy-drinking pale with jasmine and green tea – and Like a Version, brewed with coriander seeds, lemongrass, dried limes and orange peel.

Head brewer Noel, whose Super Deluxe Stout recently won ‘Best Craft Ale’ at Bristol Beer Festival, will be heading up the school, which will offer students a handson experience to go with the brewery’s ‘hands-on beers’ motto (they’re not kidding, shifting 500kgs of malted barley is no mean feat). The new courses will cover all of the essentials and beyond, including ingredients, tastes and styles of beer, brewing techniques, cellar hygiene and even bar staff training.

• bristolbreweryschool.co.uk

FOOD WITHIN REACH! A new street food market launched last month. Open every Friday from 12pm to 2pm, Finzels Reach Market in Old Temple Street – at the heart of the Finzels Reach development opposite Castle Park – launched with 13 traders and live music from the Barry Walsh Band.

The market showcases some the South West’s most vibrant foodie businesses – serving up gourmet burgers and pies, mac and cheese, Thai and Indian curry, falafel wraps, sushi and much more. Regular traders include Ah Ma Dumplings, For Mice and Men, Bordeaux Quay Bakery, South Street Kitchen, Jacob’s Finest Falafel and Niang’s Thai Snacks. “Bristol’s appetite for diverse and high quality street food continues to grow,” said Sophie Bowden of organiser CASUS Events. “We’re delighted to bring a market to this development, in an area where lunch offerings have been limited.”

• Twitter: @FinzelsReachMkt

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

SPUNTINO The Soho-born, Brooklyn-style diner is up and running in the ultra-contemporary Cargo 2 at Wapping Wharf.

Bea Martin investigates...

T

he way our bellies ached by the time we left Spuntino, we almost wished we could say we had, indeed, popped in for a light snack – as the new Wapping Wharf restaurant’s Italian name might suggest. But what would be the fun in that? And anyway, once we’d clocked the curiosity-piquing dishes on the menu, we were morally obliged – duty-bound – to try as many of them as we could physically accommodate.

Expecting the eatery to be as bijou as some of its wellestablished neighbours from the original Cargo collection, we were surprised to find a slightly larger five-shipping-container affair with an absolute suntrap of an outdoor terrace, once we’d ascended the steps to the upper level of Cargo’s second instalment and headed past the flickering neon sign on the sliding glass door. Inside, the place had the feel of a Prohibition-period American roadside restaurant, with pleasingly geometric mint-print walls, chequered flooring and wooden stools both beside the bar and tucked under tall communal dining benches.

We were quickly and heartily welcomed by the dashing Norman Russell and his team – Russell being the London restaurateur responsible for the Venetian-inspired Polpo which popped up on Whiteladies Road last autumn. Given the calibre of his first, octopus-crested restaurant group, we’re excited to see him investing in Bristol for a second time via this attractive new tentacle.

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Offered the drinks menu by down-to-earth Daisy – the friendliest and most helpful waitress we’ve been served by in a long while – my eyes were drawn to the typewritten cocktail menu, and in particular the Clover Club. With Beefeater Gin, lemon, raspberry syrup and fluffy egg white – these last two ingredients teaming up to create the taste and texture of a melted marshmallow – it made for a satisfying start for the sweet-toothed among us.

Just as if I was, myself, an Italian New Yorker, I had of course, brought Mama. She played it chic with a beautiful

...Mama played it chic with a beautiful northern Italian sauvignon with notes of gooseberry and passion fruit... northern Italian sauvignon blanc offering fresh notes of gooseberry and passion fruit, as well as an irresistible aroma, while I chomped, childlike, on popcorn sprinkled with chilli salt and served in one of those now-ubiquitous enamel cups.

While the team pride themselves on their range of bourbons, which help keep the place rooted to its concept,

Above: The insanely great lobster mac ‘n’ cheese Opposite, clockwise from top: We snacked on popcorn sprinkled with tasty chilli salt; the shipping containers looking smart and super contemporary in the sunshine; the Swiss cheese burger with chipotle; that PBJ; melted marshmallow vibes from the Clover Club

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efforts have also been made to fit in nicely with the local craft ale scene via a selection of South West beers.

Having ogled some of the foodie options on Spuntino’s social media feeds, we knew one thing for sure: we were most definitely trying the lobster mac and cheese.

On Daisy’s advice, we decided to share this as a side; and while I tried to be somewhat sensible by opting for the mild-sounding spinach, ricotta and chickpea burger, Mama Martin ignored warnings of possible cheese overload and stuck to her guns with her choice of Swiss cheese burger with chipotle and jalapeño. This was perfectly spiced; the patty juicy and flavoursome and ideal when paired with our second side of fresh, crunchy Spuntino slaw – which came sans the sloppy mayo.

Hallelu.

The veggie burger was equally tasty, partly due to the dreamy pastelgreen wild garlic aioli slathered within; but the star was undoubtedly the lobster mac. There’s a lot of mac on the market at the moment – with the humble home-comfort dish enjoying a bit of a boom thanks to trendy reinventions – but this was our favourite of all the versions we’ve stabbed a fork into recently. Topped with a delicate crumb and thoroughly enhanced by the flavour and texture of the seafood; while it could have done with a few extra pieces of lobster, Spuntino’s creation was surprisingly, deliciously light and devilishly moreish.

...The lobster mac and cheese was surprisingly, deliciously light and devilishly moreish...

Despite the success of our first courses, we were gutted (no exaggeration) to have somehow overlooked the truffled egg toast on the menu – right up our street, that – and so delighted in finding that a recipe card for the very same dish stood on the table. Needless to say, we’ll be recreating it at home, stat.

Keen to take another bite of the Big Apple-inspired offering, we took a few deep breaths, unbuttoned – where waistbands were beginning to dig in – and perused the succinct dessert menu. Tricky choices ensued at the sight of the ‘Dutch baby’ – a variant on the pancake, with rhubarb jam – but we had already ordered the brown sugar cheesecake, and promised ourselves the PBJ, days before.

The latter, short for ‘peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwich’, is a mouthful in both senses, and the stuff of circulatory system nightmares – in a good way. Although it was Mama’s heavenly cheesecake topped with juicy, boozy cherries, that stole all the thunder.

We left well past 8pm, with the sun still streaming in, and the sweeping views of the ships – docked along the sparkling harbour – utterly enviable. But no need to be wistful, hey; we’re heading back tomorrow for the bacon devilled eggs. Yep, you heard. ■ • spuntino.co.uk

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TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

HIP TO BE...IN HAMBURG Emma Payne jets off to check out Germany’s buzzing harbourside hub Opposite page, clockwise from top left: The redbrick warehouse district Speicherstadt; one of the jewels in Hamburg’s crown, the newly opened Elbphilharmonie concert hall (pic © Maxim Schulz); The Landungsbrücken jetties – where beach clubs spring up in summer (pic © Jörg Modrow); luxuriate at the rooftop Clouds bar; treat yourself to a Beatles tour taken

by Fab Four aficionado and singer-songwriter who serenades guests with her uke as she leads them round the band’s old haunts (pic © Christian Spahrbier)

G

rab a millennial and ask them where the trendiest spot in Germany is and you’re guaranteed a lengthy discussion about the indie coffee shops, bountiful street art and Instagram-worthy sights in the go-to cities – think Berlin, Munich and so forth. And sure, you can follow the latte-toting crowds and tick off the most famous sights, but we reckon we’ve found the perfect harbour-town-meetsparty-city blend in a chic, vibrant metropolis way up north...

On first impression, central Hamburg comes across as a utilitarian, industrial place – rather fittingly, it being an economic hub for import, export, and production. Its maritime identity pervades in every corner of the city, from the shipping container apartments of the rapidly developing HafenCity (harbour city) and the buzzing Sunday morning fish market to the impressive, hull-like architecture of the Chilehaus building.

Affectionately known as Fischköpfe, or ‘fish heads’, Hamburg’s locals have a lot to be proud of, boasting a major European port (Germany’s largest) which sprawls across the Elbe river – Bristolians will be able to get on board with the harbourside vibes as cranes and disused tram lines form the backdrop of a waterside stroll.

Away from the cut-and-thrust of the international trade scene, however, is a refined, cosmopolitan and bohemian side to the city. Home to national publications Der Spiegel and Die Zeit as well as an ever-expanding games design and digital hub, Hamburg has its finger on the pulse. And as night draws in, the St Pauli district takes on a trendy Parisian vibe, as locals line the pavements, beers in hand, outside glowing bars and pubs.

Wanting to check some of the beer-guzzling culturesoaking action out for ourselves, we boarded a BMI Regional flight from Bristol and found ourselves in the midst of the city in less than two hours. Having enjoyed a complimentary drink and sarnie on board, the usual post-flight fatigue was nowhere to be found as we hopped onto Hamburg’s underground – a no-fuss way to get from A to B, which only took a bit of getting used to for us bicycle-loving Bristolians.

Our jam-packed itinerary allowed little time for recovery at the four-star Hyperion Hotel – a pity given the plush, airconditioned rooms and tempting spa – so after hastily ditching our bags we pushed on, with Hamburg’s newly opened Elbphilharmonie in our sights. Built on an old harbour warehouse on the Elbe, the resplendent Elbphilharmonie is very much a jewel in the city’s cultural crown – it glittered in the sun as our guides enthusiastically discussed its three concert halls, hotel and restaurant. Not without controversy, its creation cost almost 10 times the original budget, but as we gaze out at the 360° bird’s eye vistas, we’re convinced it’s worth the hefty price tag.

After roaming through the disused redbrick Speicherstadt (warehouse disctrict), we were glad to settle our weary selves at Nil – a bustling St Pauli eatery offering seasonal gourmet cooking, and where seating options include a cool art-deco gallery. We were more than satisfied with the simple yet expertly executed dish of braised ox cheeks that graced the table, however the highlight was a take on English homecomfort rhubarb crumble – comprising delicate pink pieces of rhubarb, biscuit crumb and vanilla ice cream.

As the last of the wine was finished off, we turned our attention to the evening’s entertainment – a Beatles tour from Fab Four authority and singer-songwriter Stefanie Hempel.

Initial misgivings at the sight of a ukulele were quashed as Stefanie – clad in a velvet blazer, eyes twinkling – flew through St Pauli, serenading us with all the classics. The charming mix of history, pop culture and music made for a memorable and unique insight into the city – and an ideal start to a night on the town.

Being a harbour town, and historically a place of respite for well-travelled sailors, Hamburg has a thriving nightlife, from cocktail bars and live music venues to theatres and racy clubs. Top of our list was the appropriately named ‘Clouds’ bar on the dizzying top floor of the ‘Dancing Towers’ highrises – possessing panoramic views and an expansive drinks menu spanning highball classics, beer cocktails and over 40 different types of gin (seriously, they’ve got them in alphabetical order).

After a night of revelry on the neon Reeperbahn strip, the sensible morning-after options include a gentle harbourside stroll, boat tour and leisurely browse of the Schanzenviertel district’s weekly flea market. Brave early risers (or, more often, late partygoers) might even make the bustling fish market, open between 5am and 9.30am. We opted for a bountiful hotel breakfast, followed by the Ratsherrn brewery tour – a ‘hair of the dog’ alternative, complete with tastings and tales of the city’s rich brewing history.

No visit to Germany is complete without wurst making an appearance, and if traditional Teutonic snack food is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with no-frills eatery Schmitt Foxy Food in the Karolinenviertel quarter of St Pauli.

Surrounded by cool independents, boutique shops and graffiti-laden backstreets, Foxy Food’s currywurst and FritzKola was a welcome restorative. Just don’t expect anything close to resembling curry because, despite the name, it’s more tomato sauce with sausage pieces (delicious nonetheless).

After stuffing ourselves with samples at the Chocoversum chocolate museum and marvelling at the Miniaturwunderland (so much more than a miniature railway, just take our word for it), we rounded off our sunny city break with one last trundle around the districts. From the industrial harbour and the charming old town, to carefree St Pauli and the flashy Reeperbahn, we reckon Hamburg is up there with Europe’s trendiest big cities – and a maritime, street-art loving home from home for Bristolians. Bis bald, Fischköpfe! ■

THE LOWDOWN: Getting there: Direct flight from Bristol to Hamburg – from £95 one way, including 23kg hold luggage, onboard refreshments and speedy check-in; flybmi.com

We stayed: Hyperion Hotel Hamburg – we used comparison platform HotelsCombined to find the best option for our trip

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BRISTOL UPDATES BITE-SIZED BUSINESS NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

INNOVATE TO ACCUMULATE

CONGRATULATIONS!

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Local business man James Rygor has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Young Franchisee of the Year category at the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017.

James owns Bristol franchise Snap-on Tools Keynsham. The business is a global manufacturer and distributor of tools for professional technicians, and James runs the franchise with support from his wife.

Previously he worked as a mechanic, but wanted to take on a franchise when he realised he could be his own boss and help to financially support his young family. James is now hoping to give back and inspire young people to reap the benefits of franchising for themselves – through expanding his business and employing individuals to run things for him, then allowing them to buy the franchise off him when they are financially stable.

Running for nearly 30 years, the HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards celebrate franchisees across the nation that show dedication, commitment and a passion for their brand and the franchise industry.

The West of England is to have its first dedicated economic growth conference, bringing together the region’s political and business leaders. The event, taking place on 23 June at Brunel’s Engine Shed, is being set up by Built Environment Networking – organisers of the successful annual Northern Powerhouse conference.

“This is the first conference of its kind in the West of England and will play an important role in bringing together around 500 of the region’s businesses with new political leaders,” said Keith Griffiths, managing director of Built Environment Networking. “We felt there was a real need for a conference of this type in the West of England. With the snap general election, there’s never been a more important time for businesses here to make the case to politicians about the economic growth opportunities the West of England offers.”

The newly elected West of England Mayor has been invited to speak, as have the leaders of the region’s four councils.

Tickets cost £150.

• westofenglandeconomic growthconference.com

• thebfa.org

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A Bristol-based technology company is to further develop its innovative products, following a funding injection from Bristol Private Equity Club.

Inclusive Media Solutions, based in Engine Shed, has developed AutonoMe – a support system that combines the power of video and mobile technology to help people with learning difficulties, and other cognitive impairments, through everyday tasks.

Users can access videos that show them tasks such as making a cup of coffee or using a washing machine through their mobile phone or iPad, simply by scanning household items.

The firm has secured £150,000 to help it develop the product, which was incubated with SETsquared in Bristol, through which the founders were introduced to Bristol Private Equity Club.

“This is exactly the sort of business that our club is looking to help,” said Jerry Barnes of Bristol Private Equity Club. ”There is a lot of financial support available for start-ups and there is Angel Funding for those needing bigger injections of capital, but there is a gap at this level for growing businesses which we aim to fill.

“We have successful entrepreneurs with some spare capital who want to support businesses in the Bristol and Bath areas.

As well as being a source of funds, we have a pool of talent with experience that can help businesses grow. The AutonoMe project appealed as it is innovative and ambitious and has the potential to be very successful and provide real support in the care sector.”

William Britton, founder and CEO of Inclusive Media Solutions added: “To have the support of local business people is so much better than dealing with anonymous banks or funds in London.

We have plans to add a variety of additional features to the product and recruit staff to support our expanding users and clients.

“After years of teaching as a lecturer and assistive technology specialist for students with learning disabilities, I became increasingly frustrated at the lack of cost effective, 21st-century mobile technology available to students.”

• bristolprivateequityclub.com

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LATER LIFE PLANNING: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES ANNA MOLTER,

Senior Associate at Barcan+Kirby, discusses Lasting Powers of Attorney and has some tips on how to broach the subject with elderly parents.

With the baby boomer generation fast approaching their 70s, is now the right time for a parent/child conversation about their plans for later life?

L

et’s be honest, old age, death and finances are taboo subjects.

They’re difficult conversations to have. But living longer comes at a price – with care, legacy planning and an increased risk of conditions such as dementia all needing careful consideration.

Dementia Awareness Week (May 14-21) may have passed you by, but it highlighted some important statistics. Notably that one in six people over 80 will develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, with around 40,000 under-65s also being affected.

You can’t predict whether a condition like dementia will affect a family member, but you can help them prepare for the unexpected.

Encourage your parents to speak to a solicitor about writing a Will (if they haven’t already) and a Lasting Power of Attorney (or LPA).

Lasting Powers of Attorney – what is it?

An LPA is a way of giving someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you’re physically or mentally incapable of doing so yourself.

There are two types of LPA – one to nominate someone to manage your finances and property, and the other to make decisions about your health and care. You can choose one or both, but the crucial thing is to set up your LPA whilst you’re still mentally capable – well before you need it and it needs to take affect.

The major benefit of an LPA is that it allows you (or your parents) to plan in advance and decide how their nominated person can make decisions for them. Consider it an insurance policy, which can give you and your parents’ peace of mind.

FREE Macmillan Summer Wellbeing for Over 55’s Wednesday 14th June 2017 10:15am - 2:00pm AXA PPP Healthcare, Nightingale House, Redland Hill, Bristol, BS6 6UT (top of Blackboy Hill) A day for people living with and beyond cancer, their carers/supporters.

Come along and find out information from local organisations and groups. try our FREE activity taster sessions and enjoy a healthy lunch and refreshments!

10:00am Registration opens 10:15am Wellbeing Day Welcome Talk & Introductions 11:00am Happy Notes Choir Sing Along (25 Mins) 11:30am Keep Fit (25 mins) 12:00pm Lunch

Broaching the subject with your parents Talk early + talk often - Regular conversations with your parents about their plans for later life can make it easier to introduce subjects such as care and finances into wider discussions.

Try not to leave the talk until the last minute; the reality is that big conversations are easier when things are going well.

Create the conversation – Start by talking about your own situation and your plans for later life, and ask your parents if they’ve done the same.

Be sensitive – This is a difficult topic so be empathetic to this. Pick your moment carefully and look for potential conversation starters in everyday life. Be clear that your intentions aren’t just about your inheritance, but that their affairs are in order and you are aware of their final wishes. n Anna Molter is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Barcan+Kirby.

You can contact her at a.molter@barcankirby.co.uk or on 0117 325 2929. www.barcankirby.co.uk

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12:40pm Basics to Healthy Eating Talk - Penny Brohn 13:00pm Chair based Zumba (25 mins) 13:30pm Tai Chi (25 mins) Booking is required. Please call the LinkAge Macmillan team on 0117 353 3042. Transport is available but spaces are limited, please call to discuss.

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A DV E RTO R I A L F E AT U R E

“Let’s have Family Fun in the Sun this Summer - tips for separated parents”

By Richard Sharp, Sharp Family Law. www.sharpfamilylaw.com Richard Sharp of Sharp Family Law helps separating and divorcing clients, who want to avoid prolonged conflict, to reach solutions that work for them and their families

T

wo weeks in the sun with the family sounds like fun – but it can represent a challenge for many separated and divorced families.

Family Court orders frequently provide for contact with the kids during the annual summer break, leaving dates to be agreed between the parents.

Be positive about your child spending time with their other parent. Let the children know it is okay with you that they are going away, and that you will be okay too while they are away. It’s best for kids when both parents can be supportive of their activities and share in their excitement.

DON’T talk through the children

And finally, conflict is the major cause of unhappiness and poor outcomes for children, Even though your family structure has changed you can have family fun in the sun this summer by focusing on your child’s needs.

If you are worried about holiday arrangements this summer, do get in touch and speak to one of our dedicated family

It is tempting to relay messages through your kids when talking to your ex. But messaging between households is a burden children shouldn’t have to bear. Make sure you are the one delivering news about trips you are proposing to take and scheduling needs surrounding them.

DON’T ambush the other parent When parents can’t agree, we can help negotiate or mediate arrangements between the parents – to take unresolved issues back to Family court for a decision to be made.

But to ensure the summer sun isn’t overshadowed by family fall-outs over holiday contact arrangements, the following tips can help make a difference:

When making holiday plans, don’t set the other parent up. “I would really love for you to come with me to Spain, but it’s really up to your mum to say yes” is neither fair to your child or to ‘Mum’. Instead, try “a trip abroad would be fun, but I need to chat to your mum first about the details”.

lawyers.

DON’T make your kids pay the price DO plan early and commit to decision made Plan the arrangement for the summer holidays as early as possible. If you commit to doing something make sure it is followed through.

Last minute clashes and changes are not easy to resolve. Children need their parents to make decisions and to stick to them.

DO support your child’s contact with the other parent

If you make the decision to foot the holiday bill, or move your schedule around to make the trip work, don’t make your kids pay the price. While a trip abroad may be a wonderful experience for the child, it probably won’t be so wonderful for very long if the child has to listen to what Dad did or didn’t do to help. Children do not want to take sides – don’t make them.

Richard Sharp, 5 Gay Street Bath, 01225 448 955, www.sharpfamilylaw.com

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Z

oologist, bastion of local business, member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, former high sheriff, chair of the Bristol Water Challenge Panel, school governor, and trustee of the ss Great Britain and plenty more besides, Peaches Golding is undoubtedly more than qualified for the important new role she has undertaken – as Lord-Lieutenant of the city of Bristol. As well as the historic job and all it means, we wanted to find out a little more about Peaches as a person, so that’s exactly what we did...

TBM: So what exactly does the new job entail?

I am the Queen’s personal representative in this county. My main responsibility is to maintain the dignity of the crown. Most significant is arranging and escorting royal visits to Bristol; representing the Queen during the presentation of medals and other awards; assessing nominations for national honours; participating in the civic, social, military, community, business and professional life of Bristol through attending events and activities and by holding a number of patronages of voluntary, charitable and community organisations.

What does this position mean to you?

I am thrilled and remain greatly humbled by the appointment. I have received an avalanche of cards, letters, emails and contact on social media that has encouraged me greatly. It is an enormous privilege to represent the Queen, and to reflect the spirit, diversity and enterprise of the people of Bristol back to the royal family. I have lived and worked in Bristol, a city I dearly love, since the early 1980s, and I now have an opportunity to highlight those who are addressing challenges, shine light on excellence and do good in industrial quantities!

How have historic roles, such as High Sheriff and Lord-Lt, changed?

The high sheriff is an ancient role, stretching back over 1,000 years when power resided with either the king, the church or, for secular matters, the high sheriff. It ensured law and order, dispensed justice (including capital punishments), imposed and collected taxes, and formed the king’s militia and army. The office of Lord-ieutenant was created during the reign of Henry VIII. The modern-day High Sheriff is now in office for one year only and retains duties associated with the Crown Court although the role is mostly ceremonial, while the LordLieutenant remains in office until his or her 75th birthday, has day-today responsibilities in the county and is much more concerned with ensuring there is a good atmosphere and relationships. The Queen likes her Lord-Lieutenants to serve between 10 and 15 years.

What qualities should a potential representative of the Queen have?

A potential nominee should have a knowledge and understanding of the whole county and the challenges it may face; be a clear communicator; command the respect of one’s peers; relate to people at all levels and maintain tact, discretion and confidentiality.

Tell us a bit about your background I graduated from the University of North Carolina – a zoologist by training. However, my business background is diverse. When I worked in the Economic Development Office of Bristol City Council, I was involved in escorting the Japanese ambassador during his visit; I introduced the vice chancellor of UWE to business leaders; and I dealt with the inward investment of Lloyds Bank, Hewlett Packard and DuPont. In 1992 I set up a marketing and communications business after several years leading the Aluminium Can Recycling Association. I was also a member of the group that won the franchise for GWR Independent Radio and I have held a number of board-level appointments; including HTV Independent Television and its successor ITV West and West Country; the governing body of UWE; North Bristol NHS Hospital Trust and Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. In 2009 I was awarded the OBE, and in 2010 awarded the Masters of Business Administration from UWE. We hear your family was active in the civil rights movement?

My father was not so much a civil rights activist as one who knew his self-worth and the law. He was a veteran of the D-Day landings, university professor and elected member of the North Carolina General

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Assembly. However, in 1947 he successfully challenged Greyhound Bus when they broke the law by demanding that he sat at the back of the bus. His law suit was settled and he was awarded damages of $2,000.

He used the money to buy a car so that he would never have to ride the buses again and he also gave a large donation to our church.

When did you move from North Carolina?

When I graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1976, I went to Nigeria, in west Africa. I carried out lab work for students studying zoology at the University of Ibadan and then taught at secondary school in Loyola College, Ibadan.

What are your favourite memories of the place as a child?

My upbringing was very middle class. My elder sister and I enjoyed the long, hot North Carolina summers punctuated by family holidays in our mobile home or by afternoons spent at a nearby lake in our power boat, when I was probably water skiing. As both my parents worked in education, summer provided an opportunity to travel far and wide. My parents would invite one or more of my friends along, so there were always songs, cooking, giggles, lots of games and sports. We attended Expo 67 in Montreal, explored northern Mexico and the American Mid-West, camped in the mountains and along the unspoilt coastline of North Carolina. These holidays, as well as trips to places where history was being made, gave me a sense of wonder and curiosity concerning the world we live in and regarding the different people that inhabit it. It has also aided my ability to communicate effectively with people of all types and in a variety of situations.

Did you ever imagine the kind of roles you would hold as an adult?

I always had high aspirations and was encouraged to follow my interests. My mother says my first interest was in being an astronaut, and I must admit I would still relish the opportunity to orbit the earth.

Then my interests turned towards becoming a paediatrician. However, in my Year Four ‘book of dreams’ project, I wrote that I would become the first female US president. I guess there’s still time for this to happen!

Any pearls of wisdom for us?

I am interested in listening to and understanding other people’s perspectives and in seeking peace and harmony. Martin Luther King once said, “People do not create history, history creates people.” The differences between an old-world and a new-world country are evident in how each nation addresses opportunities, challenges and situations.

Why did you choose Bristol as a place to settle?

Bristol is the home of my beloved husband and we chose to live and raise our son here. I met Bob when he was the director of the zoological garden at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. We share a common interest in snakes. Bristol is such a vibrant city, the mix of buildings, ranging from medieval to modern, create beautiful streetscapes; creativity oozes from museums, clubs and workplaces; the ecology for businesses is fertile; there is great pride in our open spaces and diverse neighbourhoods. We encourage success and welcome talent.

What will you be focusing on as part of your new role?

I am keen to build upon the enormous interest in the lieutenancy expressed by many Bristolians and the media. I will be revising our website, using social media to inform people of what the lieutenancy is doing, and looking at the skills and experience gaps among the Deputy Lieutenants as I seek to appoint new ones when the existing ones retire. I am examining how I can work better with businesses and the voluntary sector to promote the Queen’s Awards and identify where we can recognise excellence. While I am keen to modernise aspects of the lieutenancy, I value tradition. Much of our tradition makes us the great city and nation that we are; it gives cause for unity and celebration – creating stories we pass from generation to generation.

What are you looking forward to in Bristol this summer?

My diary contains a range of business, religious, health, social and voluntary sector engagements. Highlights include several royal visits, and I hope HMS Hurworth will be here during Harbour Festival. ■ • @PeachesTweets

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BRISTOL AT WORK Peaches Golding is the first black female in the country to have been appointed a Lord-Lieutenant – but that in no way defines, or confines, her

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MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

THE ALL-NEW AUDI Q5 If you thought the previous version was a pretty tough act to follow then take a look at the new Audi Q5 – it’s a seriously superior upgrade, and then some!

Words by Chris Lilly

A

udi’s new Q5 has some tough boots to fill, with the previous version being one of the best-selling models in its class. The subtly stylish family-sized SUV offered an excellent blend of practicality, performance and comfort, making it one of the best all-rounders money could buy.

Now there’s a fresh and completely revised model looking to carry on the success story of that first generation.

This new Q5 might look rather like the older model, but Audi has long favoured evolutionary design over radical changes in styling. It’s a sensible approach, and one that immediately links new models to old favourites; but look closer and the new Q5 is actually quite different.

Sharper in every detail, it looks sportier than ever and exudes subtle style. The simple Bauhaus-esque lines of previous Audis are now part of the company’s proud history, but the Q5 remains unfussy in its design in a way many of its rivals can’t match.

That styling extends to the interior, where Audi can reasonably be argued to have taken the lead from its competitors. Each of Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar Land Rover and Lexus have their merits and faults, and personal taste is a big variable, but Audi interiors are beautifully designed, ergonomic, classy and well built.

The new Q5 benefits from the latest developments brought in on the A4 models, which includes Audi’s virtual cockpit. It’s not standard across the board, and the model on test featured more standard dials with a central information display – which is still a good set-up, make no mistake. However, the virtual cockpit is an excellent feature, allowing drivers to easily personalise the digital instrument screen to their tastes. Digital dials can be enlarged or reduced, with the central section able to display driving information, or even a large map for navigation purposes.

The rest of the Q5’s kit is equally impressive. A large colour display screen comes as standard, and Audi’s infotainment control system is one of the most intuitive in the business. A central dial, shortcut buttons, and a trackpad work really well together, and front occupants can also draw out characters on a touch-sensitive section. With practice this can really speed up the act of putting a postcode into the sat-nav for example.

Those up front will have plenty of top quality dials, buttons, rockerswitches, and surfaces to play about with. The cabin is beautifully made and every element feels reassuringly solid. Space is plentiful in the front too, and the driver will be able to get into a comfortable seating position easily thanks to multiple degrees of adjustment. A high roofline provides all passengers with ample head room, while leg and shoulder space are good almost everywhere. The Q5 can reasonably seat five adults and swallow up a load of luggage in the boot. Those in the middle rear seat will either need to be on the small side or will have drawn the short straw though, because a large transmission tunnel limits leg legroom somewhat. That said, a family will have no problem fitting everything they need – including family members – into the Q5, and the SUV will prove a handy tip-workhorse/Swedish flatpack superstore delivery wagon when the need arises.

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Having mentioned the transmission tunnel, every Q5 comes with Audi’s legendary quattro four-wheel drive as standard. It offers excellent grip in all conditions, and superb traction in the dry. This has a serious benefit in terms of safety – a key consideration for many buyers – and also means that when the British winter hits, slippery roads can be tackled with little apprehension.

Apart from the sporty S-Series models, or ridiculously fast RS lineup, Audis aren’t well known as being the best handling cars around. If you want a really engaging SUV to drive, BMW’s X3, the Jaguar FPace, or Porsche’s Macan offer sharper handling. However, the good thing about Audi in general is that its models have more than enough grip for most owners’ needs, and the handling is precise even if not the most communicative around. This is true for the Q5 too, and while some buyers might want the agility of a hot-hatch in their tall family SUV, most owners want a safe and comfortable machine, with accurate steering to easily negotiate car parks and tight junctions in built-up areas. The Q5 fills these needs perfectly, and will smooth out rough road surfaces, tackle speed bumps, and settle down nicely at motorway speeds with equal aplomb. Along twisty roads, the Q5’s weight is felt when cornering, but the Audi remains surprisingly level throughout.

Powering the driver through these various environments is a solid engine line-up, currently made up of a 190hp 2.0 litre TDI diesel, and a 252hp 2.0 litre TFSI petrol. Both are good units, and there are more powerful offerings in the pipeline too. Tested was the diesel, which returned a little under 50mpg during my time with it, having covered a variety of conditions and driving styles. Officially, it will achieve 56.9mpg, with CO2 emissions of 132 g/km giving it reasonable tax and company car tax costs.

Performance is more than enough for most needs, with the 0-62mph time despatched in 7.9 seconds. The petrol will do the same sprint in 6.3 seconds for those wanting more performance, but at the sacrifice of fuel economy with an official figure of 40.9mpg. Power is put through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox in all models, which is operated via a nice rocker-style gearstick. The transmission is smooth at just about any speed, and is almost never caught in the wrong gear.

All in all then, the Q5 doesn’t really lead the class in any particular attribute – apart from maybe cabin design/quality, but that’s a more subjective issue than most others. That’s not to say that the Q5 fundamentally lacks in any aspect though, and in fact it scores highly in just about every area. All together, it shows itself to be a seriously good car. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and Audi’s mid-sized SUV is a super all-rounder like its predecessor. Although quite pricey, the Q5 is in the premium SUV category and is of equal or better value than its rivals. It might not be the most exciting choice in the sector, but the Q5 is certainly one of the best. ■ Bristol Audi, Lysander Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7FF Bristol BS10 7TU; 0117 9581450; bristolaudi.co.uk

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FAMILY

Image by Rosemary Despres

NATURAL HIGHS What to make a beeline for as Bristol & Bath’s Festival of Nature returns from 8 – 25 June Practical magic Festival of Nature is jam-packed with hands-on fun for the whole family – whether you’re interested in dinosaur fossils or brand new tech such as nocturnal cameras and sound recorders. Throughout the day you can meet live animals including owls, hedgehogs and insects, while Avon Wildlife Trust will return with its nature table focusing on the weird and wonderful side of nature, and Severn Wildlife Carvers help you to make your own birdbox to take home. The Really Reptile Show will have a number of creatures on site for handling, or you can hold an earthworm with Earthwatch before getting your hands dirty at the Marine Conservation Society’s table-top beach. Alternatively, join the University of Bristol for the ultimate game of ‘BAT-tleships’ and find out how moths and bats hide from each other in the dark; or drop by to see the pliosaur model in Bristol Museum’s tent, and ‘Theco’ the dinosaur in Bristol Zoo’s tent. Bristol’s Astronomical Society will have solar telescopes on site – an ever-popular attraction – where anyone can have a go at looking for sunspots and other solar phenomena. Make your way to the Amphitheatre by the harbour to get the best views.

Birthday fun To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, the team will be showcasing a selection of amazing wildlife filmmaking from over decades. Visitors can also get to grips with the latest technology, meet wildlife presenters and hear from the people behind their favourite TV shows, or learn how to make a great wildlife film on a smartphone and have a go at being a wildlife presenter. The Natural History Unit was one of the founding members of the charity that produces the festival, and the BBC tent is a firm favourite at the

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event, so head on down to join the fun on Millennium Square, and watch some of the unit’s best films on the BBC Big Screen, alongside locally made wildlife films by university students, schools and volunteers. There’s a ‘cabaret’ programme of talks, workshops and screenings on the top floor of the At-Bristol Science Centre too, which is free to attend – just drop in between 10am and 1pm on each day of the festival. The programme features past and present Natural History Unit staff and presenters, as well as some unexpected surprises... (Slice of really wild birthday cake, anyone?)

Natural-born heroes Festival of Nature features over 150 organisations across the three-week programme – which sails over to Keynsham and Bath after the big opening weekend in Bristol. It’s a great opportunity to meet the passionate volunteers behind so many of the projects that make Bristol a wildlife-friendly city, and organisers will be encouraging everyone to take an ‘action for nature’ during the event – it could be helping to build a habitat, or simply helping spot one of the city’s popular species. On site, you can also become a polar explorer with Wicked Weather Watch, or think and act like a bat (the dream) for a while with Natural England. Join in the debate and have your say about green spaces in the city, or throw on your lab coat and find out how diseases spread in the natural world after exploring the world of optics and lenses in nature.

Worried about waste? Try your hand at a recycling challenge with Bristol Waste. Bird lover? Find out why the team at Wildfowl and Wetland Trust took a ‘Flight with the Swans!’ And if you like, you can sign up to a course, a walk, a community event – or even become a volunteer at next year’s festival.

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FAMILY

Green scene Festival of Nature turns the Harbourside green with pop-up gardens, wildlife plant sales, and flower markets, and visitors love how quickly the birds, bees and other invertebrates show up to see what all the fuss is about! This year there’ll be the chance to find out how to create a wildlife-friendly garden and take care of the bugs and beasties that call it home; explore a giant ancient tree growing out of Woodland Trust’s tent; or join the University of Bath in using orange peels to create amazing new bio-plastic material to help nature. Families can discover how their schools and communities can run their own tree-planting proect with One Tree Per Child; and we love the sound of making our own bug hotel with Natural England, or a home for nature with the team from RSPB. Avon Wildlife Trust will be inviting green-fingered visitors to create a garden over the weekend of the festival and help transform Millennium Square into a verdant oasis. If you’re really serious, take part in Harbourside surveying and ‘BioBlitz’ activities to help track the health of species along the water on one of the guided Festival walks, and pick up gardening equipment, books and seeds in the Festival market.

Image by Rosemary Despres

Be a thinker, not a stinker Festival of Nature has been running since 2003, and every year there is something new to explore – on foot and with our brains. This time, keep an eye out for special events on chemistry, outer space, dinosaurs and our rivers. Tumble the ‘Ecosystem Tower’ with researchers from UWE, and find out about new places to walk, learn and play including Bath’s skyline. If you’ve always wanted to work with nature, you could join in with the brand-new ‘training and networking’ programme which is packed with free events to help develop connections and content for next year’s festival. Once you’ve been around the free activities, stop by the festival market, undercover at the Waterfront Square area for 2017 – where you’ll find plenty of shelter from the sun or summer rain, as well as fresh produce, hot food and local ale from over 30 traders, being sold to a soundtrack of local bands and performers on the Harbourside. The team are still dreaming up wonderful wildlife ideas – so drop them a note on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you have a great nature-inspired idea. See you there!

Image by Nicola Shale

• bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature

Image by Rosemary Despres

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

FAMILY PLANNER What’s on in Bristol for little ones to enjoy this month?

Grease is the word at Bristol Hippodrome this month – image © Paul Coltas

Grease, Bristol Hippodrome, Monday 5 – Saturday 10 June, times vary Grease has been delighting kids and grown-ups alike since it first appeared on film screens in the ’70s, boasting the perfect combination of ’50s fashion, catchy tunes, and a timeless romance between bad boy Danny and girl-next-door Sandy. Starring The Wanted’s Tom Parker as Danny, this live stage version has all the karaoke favourites including You’re The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin’ and the iconic Summer Nights. Suitable for ages eight upwards.

Tickets from £17 to £38.50.

• atgtickets.com

Top pick...

DON’T MISS...

Summer Stargazing, At-Bristol Planetarium, until Tuesday 5 September, 2.45pm & 4.45pm Mon – Fri; 12.30pm, 2.45pm, 4.15pm & 5pm Sat & Sun What better way to spend the Great British rainy summer days than gazing up at the stars?

At-Bristol’s Planetarium is always a delight, with a 3D experience allowing visitors to fly through Saturn’s rings, discover beautiful constellations and watch an awe-inspiring meteor shower. Suitable for ages six and above.

Tickets cost £3.50 plus price of general admission; at-bristol.org.uk

‘Fabrics of Time’ Family Day, St John on the Wall, Thursday 1 June, 11am – 3pm Experience life as a medieval tailor with St John on the Wall’s family fun day. Enjoy free arts, crafts and activities including spinning your own yarn, Enjoy arts, crafts and music at St John on the Wall – image © Paul Blakemore

decorating a medieval bag to take home, and designing a historic fashion show for everyone to see. There will also be medieval music and dressing up to immerse children in the era. Entrance is free, dontations are welcome; visitchurches.org.uk

Basim Magdy: Bring Your Baby Tour, Arnolfini, Tuesday 6 June, 10.30am – 11.30am

At-Bristol’s Planetarium is a safe bet for

Join Jane Porter for a tour of Basim rainy summer days – image © Lee Pullen Magdy’s exhibition ‘The Stars Were Aligned for a Century of New Beginnings’ and FATHER’S DAY discover his humorous commentary on current social and political issues, as well as his own Father’s Day Classics, Tyntesfield Estate, dreams and musings. Best suited to parents or Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 June, carers of children under one year old. Adult 10am – 3pm entrance costs £3; arnolfini.org.uk Looking to flex your family National Trust

The Queen’s Knickers, Arnos Vale, Saturay 10 June, 8am – 11.45am What kind of knickers does the Queen wear?

Head to Arnos Vale for a hilarious undiesthemed day of treasure hunting, storytelling and arts and crafts. Design a royal pair of knick knacks and hang them on the washing line, then read Nicholas Allen’s fun picture book The Queens Knickers. Tickets cost £5; arnosvale.org.uk

Pliosaurus!, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Saturday 17 June – Sunday 7 January 2018, 10am – 5pm Travel 150 million years back in time and discover the creatures lurking in the Jurassic ocean at Bristol Museum this month. Meet Doris, the fierce pliosaur as big as a bus, and inspect the present-day fossils left behind by her relatives. Entrance is free, donations are welcome; bristolmuseums.org.uk

membership cards this month? Pay Tyntesfield estate a visit for a Father’s Day of classic cars and spoon carving with the Somerset Bodgers.

Wander around 540 acres of stunning countryside, beautiful gardens and a Victorian Gothic house filled with over 60,000 trinkets and priceless paintings – we recommend stopping for a cream tea to top it all off.

Entrance is free with a National Trust card, or tickets from £4.70; nationaltrust.org.uk

Father’s Day, ss Great Britain, Sunday 18 June, 10am – 5.30pm There’s plenty to keep Dad and the family entertained at ss Great Britain this month, including a packed Father’s Day of vintage cars from the Morris Minor, Rolls Royce and Morgan Clubs on Brunel Square; first class cakes; an outdoor barbeque; and even the chance to send parents climbing up the rigging – just don’t look down! General admission from £8 to £14; ssgreatbritain.org

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EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

UWE moved from 68th place to 52nd place recently

GET INVOLVED

OPERATION!

Save the Children’s Den Day, an educational interactive fundraising event for schools, youth groups and families, is returning for a third year on 16 June.

The event calls on children to build dens together and raise money to ensure more children around the world have a safe place to sleep and play. In 2016, 600,000 children took part, helping to raise funds to support vulnerable children across the world. Schools, youth groups and families have been signing up to receive fundraising kits containing posters, stickers, den ideas and teaching resources to easily link Den Day into the curriculum and schools’ plans. Resources are designed to fit with the KS1 and KS2 curriculum, encouraging creativity and teamwork, while pupils learn about the challenges that some children face around the world. “We were amazed at the incredible response from children who took part in Den Day 2016,” said Save the Children UK’s interim head of community giving, Vicky Fallon. “We hope to make 2017 even bigger and better. By designing their dream den and raising money in their own unique way, school children taking part in Save the Children’s Den Day can help transform children’s lives.”

The school hall at Badminton was transformed into a live operating theatre recently as 45 Year 10 ‘surgeons’ performed a complex brain extraction, eye extraction and a heart transplant.

The day was run by Operating Theatre Live – a company with an approved licence for the use of animal by-products for educational purposes, plus experienced operating theatre practitioners to deliver its experiences, and plastic dummies to recreate anaesthetic procedures.

Complete with stethoscopes and scalpels, pupils spent the day getting hands-on as they experimented with difficult surgical techniques. Learning the science behind anaesthesia first, the girls put their ‘patient’ under before testing their motor skills by reattaching an aorta with a needle and thread and slicing sections through the heart to create cross sections by which to identify the major structures. “This first-hand experience has extended our students’ understanding of a variety of organ systems as well as giving them a real insight into a career in medicine,” said headmistress Rebecca Tear. “This approach to learning is what an education at Badminton is all about and this experience will not be forgotten by our Year 10s.”

• denday.org

• badmintonschool.co.uk

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PROPER JOB The University of the West of England has climbed an impressive 16 places in the latest Guardian University Guide league table.

UWE has risen to 52nd position in the annual rankings recently published by the newspaper, up from 68th last year. The university has now climbed the influential table for a second consecutive year, with improving student satisfaction ratings and graduate employability prospects playing a pivotal role in the rise.

In its 2018 table, The Guardian ranked UWE in the top 30 out of 121 higher education institutions for student satisfaction with teaching, and in the top 20 for student satisfaction with feedback. Two subject areas (film production and photography and philosophy) feature in the top 10 while a further seven subject areas earned top 20 places: architecture; art; design and crafts; education; journalism, publishing and PR; earth and marine sciences; and politics.

The Guardian tables focus on the quality of teaching, student satisfaction and employability.

Produced by independent company Intelligent Metrix, they rank universities according to: spending per student; student/staff ratio; career prospects; what grades applicants need to get a place; a value-added score that compares students’ entry qualifications with their final results; and how satisfied final-year students are with their courses, based on results from the annual National Student Survey.

“We are delighted to have improved our standing,” said vice-chancellor Professor Steve West. “Our higher position reflects a £300million investment in new state-of-the-art facilities, our focus on partnerships to create unique and inspiring opportunities for students and the development of successful professionally-recognised and practiceoriented courses.”

The University of Bristol also improved its ranking, moving from 38th to 27th place.

• uwe.ac.uk

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

dyslexia and other specific learning/language difficulties.

• Located in Wiltshire between Bath and Chippenham.

CReSTeD approved.

• Fully qualified specialist teachers with maximum class size of eight - reducing to one-to-one as required.

Call 01225 743 566 or visit www.CalderHouseSchool.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

GOING UNDERGROUND Louise Harrold roadtests the brand new urban retreat set in the 16th-century former vaults of Bristol Harbour Hotel The brand new subterranean spa also features a wonderful mood-lit pool and a hydrotherapy pool

A

spa review cannot be considered a chore by any stretch of the imagination but (and excuse any sounds of entitlement here) there comes a point where if you have partaken in spa days previously, they can all start to feel a little…. samey. They can feel all the more so when in a hotel spa; sometimes these spaces are a bit of an afterthought and busier in terms of foot traffic than the hotel lobby itself.

Time spent at the recently opened Harbour Hotel spa on Corn Street, however, is an altogether different affair. I was excited about the invitation, as I had visited previously when the spa was still very much in the construction stage and although there had been enthusiastic projections voiced for each of the underground spaces, it was a hard one to envisage.

Cut to one afternoon last week and I am guided by the hotel concierge to the steps leading down underground to the spa. As I descend I immediately lose sense of where exactly I am (this will be a recurring theme once we get to the treatments) and am greeted by the glow of flickering candlelight and my therapist, with robe and slippers in outstretched arms.

The treatments I am to review come under the ‘Ocean Spa Package’; at £185 this is one of the pricier packages on offer, though there is a range of individual treatments that can be booked on their own, from £45. But sometimes the full whammy is precisely what’s required, and once I am ensconced in fluffy spa attire, I am led to the treatment room where the afternoon will begin.

My therapist first takes me through a questionnaire about any health conditions. While this is happening I receive one of the first parts of the package – a foot massage. Usually I find these to be a bit of a faff and something-of-nothing, but this one is disconcertingly effective and I find myself relaxing even while being asked about any skin concerns I may have (“Many”, I want to wail).

Questions answered and feet pink and soft from the soak, it is time to de-robe (gracefully) and hop on to the treatment table (not so gracefully). I am going to be on said table for a little over two hours and while that seems a tad excessive to a very fidgety person such as myself, I soon come to realise all sense of time will soon be lost.

The first element of the treatment involves a skin brush, used – quite

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forcibly – all over the body to ‘wake’ the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Next I am given a full body polish with a seaweed product to eliminate pesky toxins, and afterwards, a mandarin and orange scrub which not only smells divine but leaves my skin so buffed that I surreptitiously run a finger over my limbs every time the therapist’s back is turned.

I could quite easily be satisfied at this point, but on we move to the next part of the treatment; a traditional Swedish massage. Having never had one of these before, I am most intrigued by the process and afterwards, utterly convinced by it. Using massage oil, the therapist begins work on my muscles, and while no limb is left out, the main focus of her attention is my neck, shoulders and the entirety of my usually knotted back. Using her weight to apply pressure, her knuckles and wrists go to work to alleviate any muscular tension, even easing some aches and pains I seemingly did not know I had.

Here the next point of course would be a scalp massage which I feel comfortable enough to politely decline – instead opting to have 10 minutes of lying in solitude, and honestly not recalling a time that I felt more relaxed.

When the therapist returns, we move on to the concluding part of the treatment – the personalised facial – and it is here that the inevitable finally happens and I fall asleep. From what I remember before this happened, the facial was excellent. Using an array of products that complemented my skin type, we had cleansed, we had scrubbed and we had just got to the massage when I suddenly became conscious of what I hope was a soft and delicate snore (are they ever though?) and aware that, with only two of us in the room, it had most definitely come from me. I need not have worried; discretion is key to a good therapist, and I think perhaps a snore can be considered a compliment in these situations.

Either way, the experience was coming to an end, and I was left alone to gather my thoughts, and some dignity. Waiting until my therapist left the room, I did that quick examination in the mirror that we all do, and was greeted by the unmistakable glow of someone who has been thoroughly indulged... ■ • bristol-harbour-hotel.co.uk

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POLLY HASELTON Qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

Experienced in working with Depression and Anxiety Disorders

EF MEDISPA provides cutting edge, innovative face and body treatments, ranging from non-invasive and minimally invasive technologies right through to injectable treatments.

Our expert team has been hand-picked and trained to the highest standards in order to ensure that each team member reflects the EF MEDISPA ethos and strives to understand and deliver what each client is looking to achieve.

“During the consultation, we listen to our clients’ concerns and goals, helping us to tailor a personalised treatment plan.”

To discuss working together, or to arrange a free initial phone consultation, please call or email: t: 07465 773 888 e: polly.cbt@gmail.com www: pollycbt.wordpress.com

Call us to book your complimentary consultation on 0117 911 8628

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

CORPORATE TO COSMETIC Meet EF Medispa’s self-styled “girlboss” – taking the Bristol aesthetics market by storm

Elena is originally from Russia but has never looked back since arriving in Bristol

The Bristol Mag: How and why did you get into this industry?

Elena Hunt: I spent most of my working life in the corporate and financial sector, in which I learnt a lot and met some great people – however my true passion has always been in the beauty sector. When I was a little girl, I was always secretly rummaging in my mum’s make-up bag, trying out her lotions and potions. I’ve always researched the latest trends and technologies in the world of aesthetics, trying out various cutting-edge treatments around the country. So, after doing extensive market research and discovering the aesthetics industry is booming and in high demand here in Bristol, I finally decided to combine my passion with the business skills I acquired in the financial world.

Describe your own skincare regime...

I’m a huge skincare junkie – since launching EF Medispa Bristol franchise almost a year ago, I have learnt that it is very important to invest in your skin. For me, it’s essential to have a morning and nighttime routine. In the morning, I use a lightweight serum, and just before I leave my house I always apply some SPF on my face and neck – it’s important to protect your skin against harsh UV rays. Currently I'm using DermaQuest Stem Cell 3D Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 as it leaves me with a lovely glow. At night-time I use a retinol treatment followed by night cream. Retinol speeds up the cell renewal process, leaving me with a firmer and more youthful complexion.

What treatments have you had, what are your favourites?

I’m currently having laser hair removal at the clinic, which I absolutely love – it’s quick, pain-free and most importantly, I will never need to shave or wax again. I have already seen a dramatic reduction in my hair growth which is great, after only three sessions. My second favourite treatment has to be the Lunchtime Quick Lift facial – my go-to treatment for when I have 30 minutes free. It’s an innovative treatment which works by stimulating collagen production, giving a tightening, firming and rejuvenating effect – it also requires no post-treatment downtime, which is ideal as I can carry on with my work right after.

Tell us a bit about your background I am originally from Russia – my intentions were to study English for a year as an exchange student. However I fell in love with the UK and

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decided to make it my permanent home. I have now lived here for 14 years and have never looked back. I love my adopted country.

What do you love about Bristol?

Where do I start? Bristol really has it all – it’s such a thriving and dynamic city, with so much to do. Whether it’s enjoying cream tea at The Ivy, exploring the city’s street art, or taking in the views on The Downs or The Suspension Bridge, there is always something to explore. The people are so friendly here too.

What have been the most popular treatments in Bristol?

With summer just around the corner, the demand for body treatments has increased. Our most popular treatments are; non-invasive fat reduction, cellulite reduction, body contouring and mesotherapy.

What separates EF Medispa from the rest?

EF Medispa is a multi-award-winning clinic with 10 years’ history of providing cutting-edge, bespoke treatments for men and women, with clinics in Chelsea, Kensington and St John’s Wood founded by Esther Fieldgrass in 2006. We are constantly on the lookout for new technologies, equipment, treatments. Also the famous Barrecore studio joined us in September, offering signature body sculpting classes, and we have an osteopath on site every Wednesday. There’s undoubtedly something for everyone in our venue, from acne and rosacea peels to the LED Luminous Lift, IPL Skin Rejuvenation, dermal fillers and IV vitamin infusions – we’ve got all health, beauty and well-being bases covered.

Very often when it comes to the medical aesthetic sector, consumers feel as if they need to go to London to receive the best services. What are your thoughts about this?

I have lived in the South West for nine years, and I was one of the many people who would travel to London to receive the best services. At first, I assumed that this was because there wasn’t a demand for it in Bristol.

However, when I researched this further, it was clear Bristolians did want these services. That’s why I decided to be the change and make EF Medispa the luxury beauty destination in Bristol. ■ • efmedispa.com/Bristol

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ACNE How would a Naturopathic Acupuncturist address this common skin condition?

Acupuncturist Amanda Hair answers for CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

A

cne Vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions affecting a large percentage of the adult population. It can drastically affect our emotional health, causing depression and a significant lack of confidence and self-esteem for both men and women. The continual stress that Acne brings daily to sufferers can also contribute to the progression of other illnesses, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome because of the Acne’s very visible and chronic nature. Acne sufferers are more prone to social isolation and suicidal thoughts.

Clearing Acne Vulgaris without potentially problematic long-term antibiotic use or birth control pills, requires an integrated approach to its treatment as there are many factors which contribute. Acne is a genetic issue in approximately 80% of all cases, but can also be a result of hormone, sebum and bacterial imbalances, all of which are best to identify before embarking on a treatment programme.

Training as a Naturopathic Acupuncturist with CNM means you will be able to diagnose from an integrative viewpoint and therefore be able to identify the root cause of the Acne using a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. As well as examining the tongue and feeling the energy of the wrist pulse, you will be taught to ask many questions which will help identify the root cause. You will also be

able to diagnose from a western nutrition, herbal medicine and homeopathic view-point.

Your training will encourage you to investigate the signs and symptoms of Acne, like a health-detective, so you would be interested in when in the month the acne is better or worse; what is the sleep pattern; what is the diet; and how do the bowels perform.

Acne vulgaris doesn’t present in exactly the same way with every sufferer. Everyone is different. For example, Acne spots which hurt to touch, present as red and swollen and have yellow or pustules at the centre would be described as ‘Damp-heat’ from a Chinese Medicine perspective.

Treating the Damp-heat would incorporate a mixture of approaches. Fine acupuncture needles, the width of a hair are inserted painlessly into specific Acupuncture points in the feet and hands to clear the heat and damp which may have been caused by bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. Rarely would needles be placed around the spots.

The Damp is generally related to diet, particularly in the form of dairy. Milk in particular contains oestrogens, progesterone and androgens. Damp can also be caused by processed food, alcohol, and refined sugar which affects insulin sensitivity. Acne has been described as ‘diabetes of the skin’ so eliminating high-GI (Glycaemic Index) foods and food high in trans-fats such as readymeals, cakes and biscuits is recommended.

Eating foods which have the right levels of vitamins such as Vitamin C, E, D and K are important. Ingesting a teaspoon of coconut oil a day is perfect to help these vitamins which are reliant on good fats to absorb.

Topically applied medicinal herbs that may be recommended by a CNM Naturopathic Acupuncturist can be effective too.

Turmeric can be applied as a face mask because of its anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties. Turmeric is a yellow, native Indian spice and has two significant effects. Firstly, it helps to clear acne scars and

inflammation and secondly, it reduces any oil secretion from the sebaceous glands. It won’t turn your skin yellow as long as you buy pure, organic turmeric which contains no artificial dyes.

Clearing Acne naturally is possible with an integrated Naturopathic Acupuncture approach combining diet, herbs and Acupuncture.

Amanda Hair

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

Wednesday 14th June 7pm.

Please book online at:

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505

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Men’s Health Matters

With Men’s Health Week running this year from 12th to 18th June, it is the perfect opportunity to turn our attention to Men’s Health matters, and some of the treatments that are available at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield

M

en have a poor reputation when it comes to looking after their own health. But there are five key health issues and their symptoms men simply can’t afford to ignore.

On average, men see a GP half as often as women do, but British men are paying the price for neglecting their health, as more than 100,000 die prematurely every year. It’s important to be aware of changes to your health, and to see your GP immediately if you notice something that’s not right.

Here are the top 5 things men need to look out for: A lump on your testicle Testicular cancer is unusual in the fact that it most commonly affects younger men, aged 15 to 44. Over 2,000 men are diagnosed with

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testicular cancer each year in the UK, and regular self-examination is recommended. If you notice a lump or swelling in your testicles, or feel a heaviness or dull ache in your scrotum, see your GP. Most testicular lumps are not cancer, but it is essential to have any abnormalities checked. Early detection gives you a much higher chance of a positive outcome.

Moles Check your moles regularly and be aware of any change in colour or shape, or if they start bleeding. Most changes are harmless and are due to a non-cancerous increase of pigment cells in the skin. See your GP if a mole looks unusual or becomes itchy. It can then be checked and removed if necessary. To minimise your risk of skin cancer, avoid exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm.

Cover up and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 when you’re in the sun.

Feeling depressed If you’re depressed, you may lose interest in things you used to enjoy. If you have been feeling this way for some time, contact your GP. Depression is a real illness with real effects on your work, social and family life.

Treatment usually involves a combination of self-help, talking therapies and drugs.

Depression is more common in women, but men are far more likely to commit suicide.

This may be because men are more reluctant to seek help. Financial stress, job insecurity, redundancy and debt can all affect your mental wellbeing, but the simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you feel can be an enormous help.

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Impotence Most men have problems getting or keeping an erection (impotence) at some point. See your GP if your erection problems last for several weeks. It's not just your sexual health that could be at risk. Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. Generally, lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and exercise, can correct the problem, although some men may need medication such as Sildenafil (more commonly known as Viagra).

What can be done if you are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate? tablets. It involves no blood loss or 'cutting' and takes 10-15 minutes for implants to be inserted into the prostate, prising open the prostatic urethra, restoring urinary flow and satisfactory bladder function.

“It is being hailed as the new minimally invasive treatment of the future for the majority of those with troublesome symptoms due to BPH, and only in rare cases with atypical prostate anatomy is UroLift unsuitable.”

Trouble urinating When the prostate is enlarged, it can press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

This can make it hard to pass urine, which can be a sign of prostate disease, including cancer. In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 30,000 men are diagnosed with it every year. Other symptoms include pain or burning when you pass urine and frequently waking up in the night to visit the bathroom. If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP. Every man has a prostate gland and it’s crucial to your sex life. Get to know your prostate and what can go wrong with it.

UroLift is available at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, and patients can usually be in and out of hospital within the same day. The treatment is increasing in popularity as men can be put off by traditional surgical methods for fear of becoming impotent.

Consultant Urologist Professor Raj Persad

‘Are you waking up to the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?’

Conversations about a man’s prostate are usually very embarrassing or uncomfortable for anyone. However, with Men’s Health Week coming up, Bristol Consultant Urologist Professor Raj Persad is promoting the awareness of symptoms and treatments surrounding this topic to get men talking.

Despite thousands of men suffering from it on a daily basis, an enlarged prostate isn’t exactly the usual choice of conversation over a pint at your local pub. The condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) does not occur because of the presence of cancer, but due to the fact the prostate continues to grow throughout most of a man’s adult life. The condition itself is not a threat to a man’s health, but it can have a dramatic impact on the quality of life for an individual.

BPH puts pressure on the bladder causing a variety of symptoms including: having difficulty when starting to urinate; a weak urine flow (stopping and starting); a sensation of not fully emptying your bladder and even having to urinate more frequently (especially at night), subsequently disrupting your sleeping patterns, and likewise that of your partner. A midnight trip to the bathroom is never warmly welcomed by anyone.

C

onsultant Professor Persad told us: “Sometimes presentation of prostate cancer can mimic the symptoms of BPH, so I advise you to consult your GP at the earliest opportunity to be sure. As for treatment for BPH, the mainstream therapy to date has been tablets for milder forms of prostatic obstruction, or surgery for the more severe.

“Surgery can be fraught with side-effects – excessive bleeding, incontinence, and sexual problems – whilst tablets may be ineffective or cause sexual function problems.”

There is, however, a revolutionary technique available which is suitable for most men, bringing relief, improved quality of life, and minimal side-effects.

Our Urology services at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield are provided by the Bristol Urology Associates. Bristol Urology comprises of a committed team of surgeons at the forefront of modern urological care, providing a range of men's health treatments including:

• Incontinence • Kidney stones • Male infertility • Hernia repair • Prostate surgery • Vasectomy • Vasectomy reversal • Urological cancers Nuffield Health is the UK’s largest notfor-profit healthcare organisation, and its core aim is to make the nation healthier.

For more information about the full range of Men’s Health treatments available at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol/ mens-health

Professor Persad explains: “A new treatment called UroLift avoids the invasiveness of surgery and the unwanted side effects of

or call 0117 911 5339 to book an appointment.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 911 5339 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

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WALK | THE WALK

STROLL INTO THE PAST...

Andrew Swift gets his history fix in one of Somerset’s most fascinating small towns

T

his month’s walk explores one of the most unspoilt corners of the Somerset Levels. It starts by following a riverside path to the village of Muchelney, where the spirit of the Middle Ages still lingers, and from there, we follow the course of an abandoned railway to Langport – fortified by King Alfred in the ninth century and, as its name suggests, once an inland port of some consequence. Today, it is one of the most fascinating small towns in Somerset, with buildings ranging from coaching inns to wharfside warehouses, and from Georgian mansions to a celebrated hanging chapel. The walk ends at one of the most traditional country pubs in Somerset – one of only a handful still without a bar counter, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch washed down with beer or cider straight from the barrel.

Directions ● To get to the starting point at Huish Epsicopi, head south from Bristol along the A37 for 34 miles. At the Podimore roundabout, take the fourth exit onto the A372. After seven miles, just past the Rose & Crown Inn, when the main road bears right by the church, carry straight on and immediately turn left into a large car park (map ref ST427266; postcode TA10 9QR). ● On leaving the car park, turn left, carry on past a turning to Muchelney, and after 350m turn left down a path to the right of Bennett’s Cottage. Go through a kissing gate at the bottom, head straight on and, after crossing a footbridge, bear right through a field. After going through a chained squeeze stile, cross another footbridge and turn left alongside the River Parrett. ● After 300m, turn right across a bridge (ST424263).

Carry on past a gate on the left with a signpost to Muchelney, but, after crossing a stone bridge, turn left to follow the River Parrett Trail.

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● As you follow the river’s windings, the tower of Muchelney church appears ahead. After 1000m, when you come to a lane, bear left to visit the site of one of Somerset’s greatest abbeys. The abbot’s lodging – converted to a farmhouse after the abbey was dissolved in 1538 – is a miraculous survival. Now cared for by English Heritage, it is open daily and dogs on leads are welcome. Among Muchelney’s other treasures are the church and a 14th-century priest’s house, owned by the National Trust. ● Head out of Muchelney along the lane you came in on, but carry on past the turning for the River Parrett Trail.

After another 200m, you pass the abutments of a bridge that carried the Yeovil-Taunton railway line across the road. Just beyond them, turn right to follow the old trackbed north (ST422248). ● After 1700m, with the way ahead blocked, turn right and then left to continue along the Parrett Cycleway past the site of the station. At the main road, cross over to the former Railway Hotel, where an ingenious drawbridge led to the main entrance. ● Turn right and, as you cross the river, look to your left to see an eco-home development on the site of a wharf.

Ahead is a warehouse built for the Parrett Navigation Company, with a ghost sign on its far wall. The redbrick building beyond it was the wharf master’s house, while in the Baulk Yard opposite, timber was stored to dry. ● Bow Street, along which you are walking, was built as a causeway on a series of arches – or bows. The front walls of the buildings on either side were built on the causeway, but their back walls often had less substantial foundations, with the result that many appear to be toppling backward. ● Among the curiosities in this fascinating street are an elaborate sign for the old Dolphin Inn and a Victorian pump beside the vets’. Further along, another once grand

This page: Langport’s most celebrated building – the medieval hanging chapel that stands on a Saxon rampart which once surrounded the town – back in the day...

Opposite page: Abbot’s lodging, Muchelney

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●

●

●

●

coaching inn – the Angel – is now a community centre and café. It is also worth going through the archway under the Georgian town hall, past a gas star and a Civil War fireback, to see the ‘pump that saved Langport’ and, in the distance, the main line to the West of England sweeping past the town on a 14-arch viaduct.

Keep to the right-hand pavement after the town hall, and, after passing the Langport Arms, when the road curves left, carry straight on up The Hill. As the road levels out, you come to All Saints Church, declared redundant in 1994, but noted for its gargoyles (known locally as ‘hunky punks’), the medieval glass in its east window and the views towards Muchelney from its churchyard.

A little further along is Langport’s most celebrated building, the medieval hanging chapel. It stands on a Saxon rampart which once surrounded the town, and the archway may originally have been the east gate. After the Reformation, the chapel was put to a variety of uses – as a town hall and courthouse, a school, an armoury, and, since 1891, a Masonic lodge.

Go through the archway and carry on along the road for 450m to return to the car park. If you carry on along the main road for another 300m, however, you come to the Rose & Crown – better known as Eli’s – which you drove past earlier. This is one of the bestknown and best-loved traditional pubs in Somerset and has been in the same family for almost 150 years. As I said, there is no bar counter: you walk straight into a tap room, with beer and cider served from the barrel, and a warren of rooms leading off. The generous portions of home-cooked food, served between noon and 2pm, and on Monday to Saturday evenings from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, are worth the trip alone.

There is much more to see in this unspoilt corner of Somerset, and this walk could easily be combined with a visit to East Lambrook Manor Gardens or the National Trust properties at Barrington Court and Tintinhull, all less than five miles away. ■

• Andrew Swift is the author of Walks From Bristol’s Severn Beach Line – available from Stanfords bookshop on Corn Street and Bristol Tourist Information Centre

At a glance...

■

Length and time: 5 miles, 2 – 2.5 hours

■

Terrain: A level walk on footpaths, quiet lanes and pavements

■

Map: OS Explorer 129

■

Recommended stops: The Rose & Crown (Eli’s), Huish Episcopi, TA10 9QT; Muchelney Abbey, open daily until 31 October; The Priest’s House, Muchelney, open Sunday & Monday afternoons until 24 September

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GARDENING | PROMOTION

ON THE FENCE...

Wave goodbye to hours spent revitalising has-been bulwarks – Colourfence will have your garden summer-ready without breaking the bank

W

e all know the feeling: you’ve got a summer of children’s parties, barbecues and sunbathing ahead, but crumbling fence posts and weathered paint are creating a less-thanappealing garden environment.

So if a stable, affordable solution that’s guaranteed to last sounds just the ticket, we recommend Colourfence’s unique fencing system – featuring hardwearing Colourbond steel as the go-to choice.

Having gained a reputation for quality and excellent customer services, Colourfence has grown in popularity over the past 10 years, with many homeowners looking to avoid the drawbacks of PVC and wood alternatives.

As well as avoiding the usual pitfalls – the system will not rust, rot or peel and can withstand winds of up to 130mph – Colourfence is a costeffect alternative to the usual choices. Starting prices are in-line with mid-range timber offerings, but with the added benefit of guaranteed quality and long-term practicality.

There’s also the bonus of minimal maintenance, meaning you can focus on perfecting your Pimm’s cocktail recipe instead of wasting time on broken fence panels and flaking paint. Simply spray the fence down with a hose to lift off dirt and keep your garden in tip-top condition.

For the areas which don’t require full screening – between pillars or on top of pre-existing walls, for example – customers can also choose from a selection of ColourRail steel railings.

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Both the Colourfence and ColourRail systems are installed by fully trained, accredited franchisees, saving you the time and effort of fitting your own fence and providing a guaranteed level of quality.

• To find out more or get a quote, visit colourfence.co.uk or call 0800 644 4113

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High Quality Craftmanship

Specialist

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GARDENS

Garden of the Bishop’s House – photography by Will Musgrave

ESCAPE TO BS8 What’s going on this month during Green Squares and Secret Gardens 2017...

T

here is something intriguing about an enclosed garden.

Often an oasis of tranquility in the midst of urban chaos, they may offer an opportunity to exercise the imagination, or simply a moment of relaxation, and few of us can resist the temptation to peep over a gate or to slip through an old vine-covered door à la Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden to find out what kind of calm green sanctuary lies beyond. And so this year, for a third year, local folk are being given the chance to discover hidden spots in Clifton, Cliftonwood and Hotwells.

Across 10 and 11 June, a number of communal gardens – some of which can only be seen by residents – will open their gates to Bristol’s horticulturally inclined, as will a selection of other interesting squares, two large and very elegant private gardens, and the stately grounds of one university hall of residence. Some spaces are formal, others have wooded areas, but all have something special to offer visitors – from featured talks about their history and other matters of interest, to charming jazz picnics and barbecues.

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The Paragon

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GARDENS

So what sort of places are we talking? Well, so far, the list of gardens to be opened comprises of Albert Lodge, Alma Vale (street), Bellevue, The Bishop’s House, Clifton Hill House, Cornwallis Crescent East, Cornwallis Crescent West, The Mall Gardens, Maple Leaf Court, The Paragon, The Polygon, Richmond Terrace, Royal York Crescent and Vyvyan Terrace. Full information about the days, times and events is available on the website (see end of feature), and opening times vary so do make sure to check them before you set out.

“Three years ago Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society took up the challenge set by a very successful scheme in the capital – London Open Squares Weekend (opensquares.org) – to be one of the cities or towns that opened up some of their hidden gardens,” explains co-organiser Rosemary Musgrave. “In fact, we are the only place that responded and it has proved to be a very popular event. At the moment, Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society does much of the organising but full credit must be given to the garden committees and workers who put so much effort into getting venues looking good and offering refreshments, book stalls, plant sales and more. Visitors comment on what a happy and friendly event it is and last year we had over 500 people visiting over the two days – many of whom greatly appreciated that the ticket does cover both days, particularly as the gardens open at different times and hold different events.”

As you stroll round the assortment of attractive gardens, be sure to stop at Richmond Terrace for a glass of Pimm’s and an ice cream, being served up during both afternoons; or at Maple Leaf Court for a homemade tea. Royal York Crescent is also laying on light refreshments on Sunday from 11am-4pm, and on Sunday afternoon, a string quartet will be playing on the terrace of Cornwallis West.

“The garden committees often decide to put on something else at the last moment,” adds Rosemary, “so do check on the website before you plan your day so that you can get the most enjoyment from the weekend. And don’t forget, by happy coincidence we share the weekend with The Festival of Nature [see p68] – a free event that runs for longer and gives wildlife lovers of all ages a unique opportunity to

Cornwallis Crescent West

discover and enjoy the natural world. As it’s based at Harbourside, it will be easy to combine a trip there with a visit to Green Squares and Secret Gardens via a quick ride on the number eight bus. It looks set to be an excellent weekend to invite friends and visitors to Bristol, with much to see and to do, and we can’t wait.”

Tickets cost £5 per person (those aged 16 and under go free) and help pay for the upkeep of the gardens. Visitors can buy them from the gardens marked with T (see the website for further information) and from 10.30am to 4pm outside The Arch House Deli, between Victoria Square and Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton, BS8 4AA.

• gssg-bristol.com

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Five different elements, many colour combinations

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HOMES | GARDENS

Garden

NOTEBOOK



NEW ROOMS FOR THE CITY GARDEN To complement their extensive display of top-notch garden offices, posh sheds, summerhouses and gazebos; outdoor living space specialists, Garden Affairs, have just launched an exclusive new range of garden rooms. With a contemporary concept that solves the problem of space constraints, especially in city gardens, the Linea range of modern Scandi style cabins are perfect for all uses, comply with most planning guidelines and they look great too.

For more details contact Garden Affairs on 01225 774566, or view their display centre at the Trowbridge Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, Trowbridge, BA14 ODT. gardenaffairs.co.uk



BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN The conservatory is the place for lazy summer get-togethers and casual dinner parties. Enjoy the quintessential English elegance of the traditional furniture ranges that are found at Neptune. Shown above are: Harrogate six-seater table in Fog, £940. Provence dining chair, £120. Chatto sofa, £1,260.

Havana dining chair in Silver Birch, £245. Imperial pendant light, £210.

Visit: Neptune, 98 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2QY. Neptune.co.uk

SUMMER EVENING WARMTH The FireGlobe Fireplace from top European brand Eva Solo is a fantastic designer product for contemporary outdoor living, both beautiful and functional. The hemispherical shape of the matt enamelled steel body cleverly protects the fire from the breeze and at the same time, directs the heat to where it's needed. Great for keeping warm when the sun goes down. Available from Bristol online retailer nisiliving.co.uk

SMART FENCING THAT LOOKS GREAT AND LASTS Colourfence garden fencing is available in a variety of colours and heights to suit your outdoor space. Your fence panels can be further enhanced with an attractive trellis in a matching or contrasting colour for an added touch of style.

Colourfence is also built to last, capable of withstanding extreme winds and is virtually maintenance free. Tel: 01172 141201 for details or visit: colourfence.co.uk/bristol-south

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

THE BROADWAY BANANA BENCH

Teak garden furniture is synonymous with longevity. It is a dense, close grained hardwood that naturally contains high levels of oil – qualities which allow the wood to withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions and, apart from the occasional clean, requires very little maintenance. With a gentle curve and a scrolled back, and mellow wooden warmth, the Broadway Banana bench is just a small part of the great range of teak, woven and aluminium garden furniture to be seen at the Boniti showrooms. Visit Boniti, Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, ( nr J18 M4) SN14 8JA. Tel: 01225 892200. boniti.com

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GARDENING

AN ORGANIC VENTURE Elly West heads north of the city to chat to former royal gardener Robert Dunster

L

ooking around other people’s gardens is something I love to do. Whatever the size or style, there are always ideas and sources of inspiration to be found, even if it’s just a single plant, a combination of plants, or a well-placed ornament. So when I was invited for a gander around the grounds of luxury country house Berwick Lodge, there was a confident “Yes, please” from me.

It’s not the only venue to call itself ‘Bristol’s best-kept secret’, but tucked away as it is on the north side of the city out near Cribbs Causeway, with views over the Severn estuary, it’s not a place everyone is acquainted with. But they should be: extending to 18 acres – about 12 of which are woodland – the grounds truly offer a pocket of peace and tranquillity.

Robert Dunster is the head gardener there, and the first in the post – brought in to make some changes and give the already attractive grounds a wow factor. Though he’s not about to create formal parterres, exhibition gardens and bowling-green lawns; Robert’s ethos is all about working with nature, rather than against it, and he is running the gardens at Berwick Lodge almost entirely organically. “I want to promote the importance of organic growing, and the conservation of bats, bees and birds,” he says.

Robert has the knowledge and experience to back up his intentions, having formerly spent eight years at Highgrove, working as deputy head gardener for HRH the Prince of Wales – a renowned pioneer of organic gardening long before it became popular. Prior to that, Robert was an apprentice at the Queen’s gardens at Windsor Castle, studied organic principles on the west coast of America, and worked at the Henry Doubleday Research Association, now known as Garden Organic.

Berwick’s Hattusa restaurant already uses fresh, organically grown produce from the small kitchen garden at the hotel, and Robert intends to extend the area, so even more food can be home-grown. “Organic gardening is about thinking longterm,” he says. “Pests and diseases are part of the cycle of gardening. If you spray, you’re killing wildlife and beneficial insects that eat aphids, such as hoverflies and ladybirds.

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planting things too closely together. If your plants have botrytis, remove the diseased sections and burn them.

“Don’t expect your garden to be perfect and immaculate, and don’t mind the occasional daisy popping up in the grass – it makes the lawn more interesting. At Highgrove the lawns are full of clover and that’s great for bees.”

Wise words for any gardener, and spoken with a passion that’s infectious. Robert is also interested in bees, and is learning about tree beekeeping – an ancient European method of keeping bees, but one that’s new to the UK, introducing colonies to hollow logs and holes in trees, rather than manmade hives.

His vision is long-term for the gardens at Berwick Lodge, but he’s already making changes to the entrance and the area at the front of the building – the first section that guests see when they drive in – by taking out some large yew trees and making the area lighter and brighter. “Gardens are always evolving and changing, and I need time to settle here and see how things develop, but I want to make it quirky and enchanting,” Robert explains. He plans to introduce more colour and interest to the borders near the lawn where afternoon teas are served, with lupins, delphiniums, hydrangeas, hellebores, clematis, foxgloves, peonies, passion flower, helianthus and agapanthus among the plants on his wishlist. He also hopes to make new pathways to the existing lake (currently overgrown), create a new herb garden, and a large herbaceous border with Piet Oudolf-style prairie planting and lots of ornamental grasses. All grown organically, of course...

Throw away the spray Create a balanced ecosystem in your garden, and the pests and diseases will take care of themselves. Here are some top tips for a healthier garden: • Encourage lacewings and ladybirds and they’ll help reduce the greenfly population. Plants that attract these beneficial insects include marigolds, sweet alyssum, cornflowers, borage, catmint, sunflowers, cosmos and achillea.

Image above: Beautiful Berwick Lodge has enlisted the services of HRH The Prince of Wales’s proorganic ex-deputy head gardener

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GARDENING

• Improve your soil with well-rotted manure, mushroom compost or homemade compost, so your plants are healthier and less susceptible to diseases.

• Control weeds by pulling them out or mulching the soil to suppress their growth, rather than using weedkillers.

• Patrol the garden regularly so you can spot problems before they get out of hand.

Squish greenfly, look out for slugs and snails, and prune out diseased foliage.

• Try companion planting if you’re growing crops. Nasturtiums planted near cabbages will attract butterflies, keeping their caterpillars off the brassicas.

• Last, but not least, learn to live with imperfection. Don’t let a few daisies in the lawn, and perhaps the odd weed in the border, detract from your enjoyment of your garden! n • ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Hardy geraniums are among my absolute all-time favourite perennials and really earn their keep in any border. They form attractive mounds of soft-green leaves, topped with flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. There are varieties to suit almost any site and situation, and they’ll look equally at home in a cottage garden, alongside roses and sweet peas, as in a gravel garden or contemporary urban space. Geraniums are easy to grow, and many will keep flowering for months. One of my favourites, ‘Rozanne’, has a particularly long flowering period, with large blue-purple blooms through the summer and into autumn. Most prefer a sunny spot, but early flowering, dark purple Geranium phaeum is among the varieties that are happy in shade, and will also cope well with dry soil. ‘Langthorn’s Blue’ (pictured right) is also shade-loving, and flowers in May and June, but if you cut it back hard after flowering you may get another flush of fresh growth and colour.

Elly’s Wellies

Garden Designs

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

For a free initial consultation, contact Elly West

www.ellyswellies.co.uk ellyswellies@gmail.com 07788 640934 THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

I

mperial Road is a highly desirable spot close to Whiteladies Road and Gloucester Road and with the Downs and Clifton Village all within a stone’s throw. Bristol University and a number of well regarded schools are all within a mile. Number 2 is a fabulous period townhouse with a self-contained two bedroom apartment. The main house features three floors of well proportioned accommodation which comprises: Ground floor: Drawing room with period features, south facing kitchen/breakfast room with fireplace, guest shower room and WC. First floor: Two good sized double bedrooms, one with en suite, single bedroom and family bathroom. Second floor: Two further double bedrooms, single bedroom, large family bathroom. On the lower ground floor is the spacious self-contained apartment which has a generously sized living room and dining room with garden views, kitchen with garden access, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC. The easily maintained front garden is planted with shrubbery to provide privacy and there is a south facing rear courtyard garden. This beautifully presented, light and spacious house is ideal for a growing family, perhaps with dependent relatives or anyone wishing to make some additional income from rental of the lower ground floor apartment.

2 IMPERIAL ROAD REDLAND

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

Guide price £1,275,000

• Light, well proportioned house with period features • Six bedrooms • Additional two bedroom selfcontained apartment • Family bathroom, 1 en suite bathroom, guest shower room • South facing rear aspect

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Clifton | Redland | Cotham | Sneyd Park | Henleaze | Stoke Bishop | Harbourside | City Centre

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Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market

(0117) 934 9977

comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk EDEN STUDIO

COTHAM HILL – A3

• Superb modern offices

• A3 restaurant • V busy pitch in established location

• Easy access to Clifton & M5 motorway

• New lease

• 2,777 sq ft

• Rent o/a

• Generous parking

TO LET – 10 TEMPLEBACK

OLD POLICE STATION • Bedminster Parade • Fantastic offices

• Stunning penthouse waterfront offices

• Superb fit out

• 13,000 sq ft (1,208 sq m)

• 1,925 sq ft

• Single floor plate • 8 car parking spaces

HOTWELL ROAD – BS8

BROADMEAD SHOWROOM

• Takeaway use

• 2,212 sq ft retail

• Suit shop / office uses

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• Prominent pitch New lease O/A

• To let – new lease

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YEO BANK BUSINESS PARK, CLEVEDON

• Mews offices

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• 1,184 sq ft

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• High quality offices 8 car spaces

• Only £12.50 psf, pax

KINGSWOOD, HIGH STREET • Lock up shop

• Full B2 industrial use • 3,061 sq ft

• 512 sq ft • Shop & offices use Only £9,000 pax

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BEDMINSTER WORKSHOP TO LET

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• Suit other commercial use • New flexible lease

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

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

22/05/2017 15:34

This landmark city property has been completely rebuilt to provide top quality office suites...

Royal Talbot House, Victoria Street, BS1

Royal Talbot House offers a great opportunity to relocate to this landmark city centre building, close to the newly opened Castle Bridge and within walking distance of both Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Cabot Circus.

2 floors are available now for immediate occupation.

Third Floor: 2,312 Sq Ft - with 2 on site car parking spaces Second Floor Mezzanine Level: 851 Sq Ft - with 1 on site car parking space Please contact us now for full details and an appointment to view:

(0117) 934 9977 www.burstoncook.co.uk Burston Cook June.indd 2

24/05/2017 09:57

Andrews - Bristol - June.qxp_Layout 3 22/05/2017 10:34 Page 1

Westbury-on-Trym Nestled in Stoke Bishop this three bedroom semi-detached house is available with no onward chain. Lounge, Branscombe Road, dining room and fitted kitchen. Externally, there is a 30’ x 80’ rear garden laid to lawn with a decked area.

EPC rating: E BS9 1SN £475,000

Bishopston Sommerville Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS6 5BS £750,000

This exceptional family home occupies a significant footprint with five double bedrooms and an enviable ground floor living space. Sympathetically extended by the current owners, the ground flood seamlessly blends the delightful retained period features with a modern rear extension – affording some 46’ of living space from front to back, with views over the garden to the rear and St. Andrews Park to the front. dining room, and out into the stunning rear kitchen, with French doors into the delightful and fully enclosed garden. EPC rating: D

Westbury-on-Trym sales 0117 405 7685 Bishopston sales 0117 944 4400

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Clifton FFF, Coldharbour Road, Westbury Park, BS6 7SA £325,000

Harbourside Purifier House, BS1 5AU £485,000

A two double bedroom first floor flat on Coldharbour road with a blend of original period features and contemporary décor from recent renovations. The accommodation comprises a light open plan kitchen/living room to the front with space for a dining table as well as access to the utility room. The flat is located within a half mile of Whiteladies Road in Clifton and all of the amenities that it offers. EPC rating: D

Enjoy Harbourside living with bars and cafes on your doorstep. This open plan apartment, in a beautifully converted building, is convenient for the city centre or Clifton, offers a light and airy feel with great views towards the Harbour. Spacious entrance hall which leads onto each of the rooms, two double bedrooms, the master has an ensuite shower room. There is a further bathroom and an exceptional kitchen. Further benefits include on site storage unit and gated secure allocated parking. EPC rating: D

Clifton sales 0117 4057659 Harbourside sales 0117 911 4749

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | NEWS

Hamptons International celebrates after property Oscars win

H

amptons International Bristol office is honoured to have been awarded Silver in the Estate Agency of the Year awards for the Avon, Dorset and Somerset area at the annual property Oscars, held mid May. In total, Hamptons International won six awards out of eight categories.

Hamptons International, Bristol is part of Countrywide – which collectively helped more people to buy, sell and let homes than any other agent in the UK last year. Nominated for a record 91 ESTAS awards this year, Countrywide was awarded top accolades in both the estate agency and lettings categories (Best Large Estate Agency Group and Best Large Letting Agents Group, respectively).

Commenting on the Hamptons International’s success at this year’s ESTAS, Sam Tyrer, Managing Director of Sales and Lettings at Countrywide, said: “I am thrilled at Hamptons International’s victory at this year’s ESTAS and even more delighted for the team, as this award is a great tribute to all of their hard work on behalf of our customers.

The Hamptons International Bristol team

“We put our customers at the heart of what we do and this award recognises that our colleagues live up to our exceptionally high standards of customer service. What makes the award all the more special is that the ESTAS are decided on thousands of votes cast by customers around the UK, which is a proud achievement.

“My heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the whole Hamptons International Bristol team.”

In its 14 year, the ESTAS is an independent national award scheme dedicated to recognising exceptional estate and letting agents across the country. The winners are decided purely on the basis of customer feedback. This year over 34,000 people participated in the ESTAS research, one of the largest and most rigorous surveys in the property industry – a measure of just how personal and important buying, selling and letting a home is for people; and how important estate and letting agents are to helping customers achieve their goals. n For further information Hamptons International, Bristol can be contacted on 0117 322 6362.

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JUNE 2017

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | NEWS

Bishopston’s Brunel House transformed by new development

Scheme to be launched to the market at July event

A

n exciting new development of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, duplexes and houses in the beautifully restored and converted historic Grade II listed building, Brunel House former home of City of Bristol College, is being launched to the open market.

Independent developer and regeneration specialist Acorn Property Group has begun works on the conversion of this historic building on College Road in Bishopston next to the Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground and a stone’s throw from Gloucester Road.

‘Loft House’ as the development has been named will be home to 60 apartments, duplexes and houses, featuring the conversion of Brunel House.

Regional Managing Director of Acorn’s Bristol office Robin Squire comments, “We’re thrilled to be developing a scheme in such a prime location in Bristol. Each of these homes has been carefully and individually designed to make the best use of space and features of this wonderful building.”

Property agents Savills and Ocean Estate Agents have been jointly instructed to market the development. The first phase of properties, featuring a stunning mix of one, two and three bedroom homes, some including mezzanine living areas, will be launched to the open market in July at The Grace Pub on Gloucester Road.

Vicky Dudbridge, Director at Savills in Bristol comments, “As well as high quality homes, the development benefits from excellent transport links and access to the City Centre. Loft House is also under half a mile from the popular Gloucester Road area which offers an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants.

This is an incredibly popular area of town with a broad profile of buyers. Young professionals and first time buyers in particular will be drawn to this scheme; the combination of the location, price point and specification make Loft House an appealing proposition.”

Chris Janiak, Senior Branch Manager at Ocean Bishopston provides us with his comments: Ocean has been selling homes in Bishopston for over 33 years and we know just how popular the area is with buyers of all types and ages.

Loft House is a genuinely bespoke development, perfectly positioned for Gloucester Roads fantastic choice of local shops, cafes and restaurants. Families have a choice of excellent schools, local parks and amenities close by. The City Centre is within walking distance and commuting is made easy with all major travel links easily accessible.

These new homes will feature contemporary finishes and include some original features, combining the high ceilings and double height windows of the original period building with a contemporary interior, as well as some benefitting from allocated parking. Mezzanine floors in the largest apartments will serve as a stylish feature and a means of making the very best of the living space.

Prices at Loft House will start at £212,500 for a one bedroom apartment. n To register interest in the development and to attend the July launch event, contact Savills on 0117 910 0360 or Ocean on 0117 946 9838.

102 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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JUNE 2017

Land & Development

B R O K E R S

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

contact: CAMERON GRAY mobile: 07876 197522

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

Henleaze 108 Henleaze Road, Henleaze

t: 0117 962 9221 Email: henleaze@cjhole.co.uk

OAKWOOD ROAD, HENLEAZE ÂŁ740,000 Superbly presented throughout, this natural four bedroom, semi detached, extended family home now offers two reception rooms, cloakroom/WC, kitchen breakfast room with dual aspect plus conservatory; both with French doors leading to family garden with a patio veranda and a contemporary raised decked area to rear. Four family sized bedrooms and modern bathroom. Garage and a modern brick paved driveway providing ample parking. Positioned within the popular Oakwood Road in the heart of Henleaze. Within close proximity to Henleaze Infant and Junior School. EPC D.

Westbury-on-Trym 25 Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym

t: 0117 950 0118 Email: westbury@cjhole.co.uk

BELL BARN ROAD, STOKE BISHOP Price Guide ÂŁ780,000 A substantial Stride built detached family home offering extensive front driveway via double gates. A welcoming storm porch leads to central hall which in turn leads to kitchen/diner across the rear overlooking and providing access to garden. Pocket doors interconnecting to living room with bay window, formal dining room and additional playroom/bedroom four and downstairs cloakroom/WC. The first floor offers master bedroom with en-suite, two additional double bedrooms; one with walk-in wardrobe, and family bathroom. The property offers an extensive family garden to rear with tranquil backdrop backing on to the River Trym, ample parking for several vehicles and detached tandem length garage. Superbly presented throughout and potentially marketed with a complete chain. EPC D.

Other offices also located across Bristol and Somerset

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

www.cjhole.com The spring property market seemed to come late and now we’re fast approaching summer. With the election and Brexit in the background, it could have been a quiet few weeks in Bristol but actually we have seen a burst of acti vity. Residential sales have seen a lot more property on the books and buyers showing renewed interest. Lettings have seen a balancing dip, which may actually be some renters making their first purchases. Both curves

mean that prices have leveled out a little. I think the election has played little part in shaping the market recently, however I do think that’s about to change. Let’s see how the rest of 2017 plays out.

Howard Davis M.N.A.E.A Managing Director - CJ Hole Clifton

REDLAND Guide Price £995,000 A delightful Victorian semi-detached house situated in a highly desirable road close to Whiteladies Road and The Downs. Retaining many original features and providing a spacious interior this attractive residence offers four/ five bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, home office/storage room, living room, drawing room and kitchen/breakfast room. Off street parking and a South West garden. Offered with no onward chain. EPC E

CLIFTON Guide Price £825,000 An exceptional family home forming part of this converted Victorian School situated in the most convenient of locations. The spacious, well presented interior offers versatile accommodation with a splendid kitchen/dining room, reception rooms, three/four double bedrooms, three bathrooms and utility room. Externally there is a raised south west facing terrace, garage and an allocated parking space. EPC C

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton June.indd 1

Other offices also located at: Bishopston, Clifton, Hanham, Henleaze & Southville

19/05/2017 10:12

PORTISHEAD Guide Price ÂŁ625,000 A beautifully presented detached family home with stunning views over the Bristol Channel. This immaculate property comprises: living room; dining room; kitchen/ breakfast room; reception room three; four/five bedrooms; three bathrooms, landscaped rear garden, spacious driveway and integral garage. This substantial home offers bright, versatile, chic family living in lovely surroundings. EPC C

REDLAND Guide Price ÂŁ1,050,000 - SSTC An impressive and beautifully presented six bedroom Victorian family home occupying a corner position in a highly desirable area of Redland. This exceptional semi-detached property is set over three floors and features three stunning reception rooms plus a kitchen/breakfast room, several original fireplaces, six bedrooms, generous rear garden with side gate and access to the double garage plus front garden.

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

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Other offices also located at: Bishopston, Clifton, Hanham, Henleaze & Southville

19/05/2017 10:12

Redland £380,000

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

Two bedroom flat

A well presented and spacious split level top floor flat with many original features, set within an attractive period building. The property boosts a central hallway, 18ft max x 14ft4 sitting room with bay window and open fireplace, storage room with window and 2 double bedrooms with pleasant views along Ravenswood Road. EPC - E

oceanhome.co.uk

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Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

Westbury on Trym £815,000 Five bedroom house

COMING SOON.This impressive large 1930s, five bedroom detached family house which is full of character. The house is found in one of Westbury on Trym’s most desirable roads within walking distance of the Durdham Downs. EPC - TBC

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Redland ÂŁ700,000

Four bedroom house Redland Green secondary school catchment - A wonderful Victorian family home located on a popular residential road. 4 good size double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 separate reception rooms and a lovely kitchen/breakfast room with bi-folding doors leading directly out to the private south easterly facing garden. EPC - F

Westbury on Trym ÂŁ495,000

Three bedroom chalet bungalow Tucked away close to Westbury on Trym village is this secluded three bedroom semi-detached chalet bungalow which is accessed via a woodland path and is immaculately presented throughout.

EPC - D

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

PRICE REDUCED

Portishead

Guide Price £750,000

Occupying a much sought after position on Portishead’s Lake Grounds is this fabulous example of a 1930’s detached, five bedroom family home. EPC:E

Clifton Guide Price £1,000,000

Clifton

A superb, contemporary Clifton town house offering an abundance of light and space with a loft style living. The well thought-out landscaped courtyards are finished with style and an array of features including a water wall.

EPC:C

This elegant garden apartment occupies the entire lower ground floor of this impressive semi-detached Victorian house, offering independent private access.

Guide Price £495,000

PRICE REDUCED

Redland

Guide Price £335,000

Situated in a highly desirable area, the property boasts charm and character in abundance. Split across two floors, this period cottage is quaint, yet surprisingly practical.

COMING SOON

Dundry Lane

Clifton

Guide Price £579,995

A substantial, versatile three bedroom apartment occupying the entirety of the first floor of this imposing period townhouse on a most sought after Clifton road.

COMING SOON

OIEO £750,000

Clifton

Failand

Guide Price £565,000

A 4 bedroom family home with a westerly facing outlook over uninterrupted countryside on the edge of this popular village. EPC:F

COMING SOON

Guide Price £495,000

Clifton

Guide Price £495,000

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 322 6362 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

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CITY COLLECTION NEW PRICE

Clifton | Bristol

Guide Price: ÂŁ1,000,000

An outstanding Clifton townhouse, situated in a convenient position with easy access to Clifton village (0.4 miles), Whiteladies Road (0.2 miles) and The Triangle (0.2 miles), the house also affords excellent access to the city centre, harbourside, the BBC and the BRI. .

EPC: F.

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CITY COLLECTION

Westbury Park | Bristol

Guide Price: ÂŁ595,000

A stunning, three bedroom, garden apartment on the hall floor of this period house. The property is full of character with ornate period features in many rooms, fireplaces and cornicing just a couple of examples. This beautifully presented home is set back from the road in a very popular location.

EPC: C.

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Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

CRANBROOK ROAD, REDLAND

guide £875,000

ST HELENA ROAD, WESTBURY PARK

guide £795,000

Blessed with a plethora of retained period features this delightful 5 double bedroom, 3 reception room late Victorian period home is located within 500 metres of Redland Green School and benefits from a 50ft south west facing garden and off street parking. Generously proportioned and bright accommodation throughout offering much flexibility. Located on the level tree lined section of Cranbrook Road, with the convenience of the independent shops, cafes and restaurants of Gloucester Road/Zetland Road a short level walk away. EPC: E

An attractive and inviting 5 bedroom period family home located in a sought after road in Westbury Park, within close proximity of Durdham Downs and Westbury Park School and also within 800 metres of Redland Green School. This property enjoys well-proportioned rooms and a sunny, south westerly facing rear garden. Perfect location for families being within easy reach of the green open spaces of Durdham Downs and Redland Green Park as well as the convenience of local shopping of North View, Coldharbour Road, Henleaze Road and Waitrose supermarket. EPC: E

SOMMERVILLE ROAD SOUTH, ST ANDREWS guide £695,000

A unique and charming 4 bedroom, 2 bath/shower room, semi-detached late Georgian period cottage arranged over three levels in a prime location – bright and full of character, lovely south-west facing garden and off-street parking. A charming property that has been carefully restored in recent years.

To one side of the house is the ‘Easter Garden’ which is community led and offers a delightful outside space. Characterful, well presented and exceptionally light and flexible accommodation with elevated views over the rooftops of Clifton. EPC: D

HIGH STREET, CLIFTON

guide £700,000 - £725,000

A striking and truly impressive 3 double bedroom (1 with en suite) contemporary detached home with an incredibly high specification, gated off street parking and a pretty courtyard front garden.

Completed in 2015, this beautiful new home has been fitted with high quality materials and is presented in immaculate condition.Winner of the 2016 Daily Telegraph Home Building & Renovating Award for Most Inspiring Home. Understated yet beautifully specified and appointed, the property must be viewed to fully appreciate its quality and space. EPC: E

NUGENT HILL, COTHAM

guide £625,000

A treasured 3 bedroom 1930s semi-detached family home to be sold for the first time in (40+) years, with generous front and rear gardens, driveway off street parking and single garage. Bright spacious accommodation, very neat and tidy but with scope to improve in the fullness of time. Offered with no onward chain enabling a prompt, straightforward move. EPC: D

A modern (2015) and individual 3/4 bedroom, 3 bath/shower room architect designed city home offering versatile and surprisingly roomy accommodation, gated off street parking and a low maintenance garden. Designed and constructed for the current owners, this unique and impressive home boasts a large (27’4 x 17’1) kitchen/dining/living space with 5 bi-folding doors connecting seamlessly to the outside space. A wonderful city home with plenty of space (1527 sq. ft), off road parking and much more. EPC: B

Professional, Reliable, Successful

QUEENS DRIVE, BISHOPSTON

guide £530,000

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

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Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

VICTORIA WALK, COTHAM

guide £975,000

A stylish and tastefully appointed 4/5 bedroom (1 with en suite), 3 reception room semi-detached family home located on a peaceful side street and enjoying fabulous city views, landscaped gardens and 2 garages, offering a potential building plot (subject to any necessary consents). There may be a development opportunity at the rear of the garden which has separate access from Springfield Road. Alternatively, one could increase garden space or simply refurbish the garages to create valuable storage and parking. EPC: E

SALISBURY ROAD, REDLAND

guide £1,000,000

A fabulous opportunity to update and put one’s own stamp on this well-located Redland home. Offering 5/6 bedrooms (1 with en suite), 4 reception rooms and further benefiting from a 45ft x 30ft sunny south westerly facing rear garden and off street parking for two cars. No onward chain making a prompt and convenient move possible. A much loved family home which now offers exciting scope for the purchaser to update and create their perfect home for years to come. EPC: E

Professional, Reliable, Successful

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

Westbury on Trym - Guide Price £590,000

Westbury on Trym - Guide Price £310,000

This 4 bedroom semi-detached family home has so much to offer with ample living space, a wonderful garden and a woodland backdrop. EPC - D

An immaculately presented Ground Floor Flat in the heart of Westbury Village with a low maintenance, stunning rear garden. The property is offered with no onward chain and perfect for young professionals and downsizers alike. EPC - D

TC

SS

Stoke Bishop - £925,000

Henleaze - Guide Price £725,000

S.S.T.C. - MULTIPLE OFFERS RECEIVED - SIMILAR PROPERTIES URGENTY REQUIRED. A 1920’s built detached family house with enormous scope to extend and improve and also potential to create a building plot from the rear garden. EPC - D

Distinctive and individual 1930’s four bedroom semi-detached house with good size corner gardens in an extremely convenient location with the areas of prime responsibility areas for several well regarded local schools. EPC - D

Redland - £775,000

Clifton - Guide Price £475,000

Opportunity to improve! A lovely four storey Victorian townhouse positioned in central Redland with garden and off street parking offering flexible accommodation arranged over four floors. EPC - D

A large 2 or 3 bedroom apartment with parking space situated on the top floor of a lovely Victorian building close to Whiteladies Road. EPC - E

Leese & Nagle June.indd 1

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Combe Dingle - ÂŁ695,000 Two attractive traditionally built five bedroom detached family houses set in an attractive side road in desirable Coombe Dingle. The houses have been built by bespoke local developers Inglerock to a high standard and will benefit from a 10 year NHBC guarantee.

The houses visually offer classic styling with rendered elevations set under a tiled roof whilst internally providing a fantastic balance of modern open plan style kitchen/ living/dining space opening onto the rear garden and two traditional reception rooms. They offer generously proportioned rooms throughout. The ground floor has welcoming hallway, study/snug, sitting room, kitchen/diner, utility room and cloakroom. The two upper floors provide five bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes. The master bedroom on the upper floor is particularly impressive with large en suite, dressing area and plenty of space. The second bedroom also boasts an en suite shower room and there is an additional family bathroom. The rear garden is of manageable proportions and benefit from a southerly aspect. Detached single garage and off street parking for several cars. Please note we have CGI technology to add furniture to some of the rooms to demonstrate how the rooms could look.

Viewings are scheduled to commence on Saturday 27th May. Please contact Mark Leese for further information on 0117 9741741.

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