The Bristol Magazine March 2015

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THE

ISSUE 129 • MARCH 2015

M A G A £3.00 Z Iwhere N sold E

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

STYLE & SUBSTANCE FASHION MEETS ART IN OUR SPRING SHOOT

ACID JAZZ CARLEEN ANDERSON PICKS HER TOP TUNES

GANGS & GUNS

BEHIND CLOSED

SHAKESPEARE AT THE TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE

DOORS

POINTS OF VIEW

BRISTOL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE

HOW FIVE LOCAL ARTISTS SEE THE CITY T H E

C I T Y ’ S

F I N E S T

M O N T H LY

G U I D E T O

L I F E A N D

L I V I N G

I N

B R I S T O L

NEW COLLECTIONS

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NEW COLLECTIONS OF FABRICS, SOFA STYLES AND CABINET FURNITURE IN STORE FROM MID MARCH First two weeks of March. Final Reductions of SALE items

UP TO 65% OFF Clearance Sofas

Sofa delivery time 2/3 weeks Bespoke Cabinet Furniture 2/4 weeks We have the largest selection of fabrics in Bristol and any sofa can be made in any fabric

FABRICS

We are just past Clifton Down Shopping Centre 56/60, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PY Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.30/Sun 12 - 5

TEL: 01173 292746

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THE | CONTENTS

MARCH 2015 62

40

26 12

ZEITGEIST

50

Five things to do in Bristol

14

THE CITYIST BARTLEBY

56

STYLE FILE 58

PERFECT FIT

60 62

BURIED TREASURE FACE THE MUSIC

WRITTEN IN THE STARS Get ready for the solar eclipse

Carleen Anderson picks her top tunes

40

69

WHAT’S ON

44 YOUNG LOVE

72

BRISTOL HISTORY Matthew Houghton’s boxing clever

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MARCH 2015

EDUCATION NEWS Find out what’s been happening in Bristol’s top schools

Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory return with the haunting tale of Romeo & Juliet

48

FAMILY FUN Lots for little ones to do

March is jam-packed with events

78

Your health and beauty round-up

96 GARDENING Planning ahead for next winter

98 INTERIOR DESIGN Arty accessories for boho charm

102 PROPERTY PROFILE Explore this Victorian vicarage

105 PROPERTY The best homes in and around Bristol

FOOD & DRINK NEWS What’s cooking in the city this month

66

82 FIT & FAB

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Behind the scenes at Bristol Museum

38

Andrew Swift is in the Cotswolds

BRISTOL AT WORK

Have a blow-out at Byron

WIN

Win an outfit from Taking Shape

34

80 OUT & ABOUT

CULTURE VULTURE

A snapshot of life at Rare Butchers

ART MEETS FASHION City creatives in Cabot Circus clothes

31

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

An arts-themed break in Falmouth

Channel your inner 1970s diva

25

54

What’s in the galleries this spring

Has his head in the clouds

20

ALL IN PERSPECTIVE Hannah Stuart-Leach finds out how five local artists paint the city

My Bristol, the buzz & book of the month

18

54

48

THE

BRI ST OL twitter@thebristolmag

ON THE COVER The Nightingale and The Rose, produced by Paradise Hotel, www.paradiseproductionco.com.

Model wears dress by Molly Mishi May, www.mishimay.com © Oxana Mazur

FREELANCE MUM Learns the magic of mindfulness

thebristolmagazine.co.uk

MAGAZINE

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FOR SALE To find out how we can help you please contact us

Guide Price: £1,250,000

Guide Price: £425,000

Guide: £1.9m-£1.95m Clifton An outstanding Grade II* listed Georgian home (6,718 sq ft) overlooking Christchurch Green. 3 reception rooms, kitchen. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

1 bed apartment, cellars, garage with studio above, enclosed garden.

bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

fR

nTheMarket.com TM

es i den t i al L

LICENSED MEMBER

i n g Ag e n t s

Leigh woods A spacious apartment (1,152 sq ft) with views of the suspension Bridge. L-shaped sitting/dining room, kitchen. 2 bedrooms with ensuite facilities.

Decked terrace, off street parking. EPC - C.

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol

ett

Sneyd Park Immaculate family home overlooking The Downs.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cellar. 4 bedrooms, ensuite shower room, bathroom. Gardens, parking. EPC - D.

Clapton in Gordano An immaculate family home (4,326 sq ft).

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room.

5 bedrooms, 5 bath/ shower rooms. Outdoor swimming pool. Level gardens, woodland. EPC - C.

s o c i a t i on o

Clifton An attractive family home (3,447 sq ft). 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, cellar.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Potential for separate annexe. Gardens, parking, garage.

Guide Price: £1,750,000

As

Guide Price: £1,450,000

ARLA

Guide: £1,895,000 Clifton Impressive family townhouse (4,647 sq ft) on the edge of Clifton College. 3 reception rooms, open plan kitchen / dining / sitting room.

6 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms (1 ensuite), laundry room, utility.

Paved garden, garage. EPC - E.

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FOR SALE To find out how we can help you please contact us

Guide Price: £950,000

Guide Price: £345,000

Guide Price: £1,650,000 Stoke Bishop Substantial detached house (3,169 sq ft) in a quiet location. 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Detached garage, ample parking, garden. EPC - E.

bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

fR

nTheMarket.com TM

es i den t i al L

LICENSED MEMBER

i n g Ag e n t s

Sneyd Park A generous top floor apartment with fine views of The Downs (1,403 sq ft). Drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, parking and garage. EPC - D.

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol

ett

Sneyd Park A recently built detached home (2,485 sq ft) in Sneyd Park. 1/2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room. 4/5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garden, parking, double garage. EPC - C.

Sneyd Park A beautiful detached home (4,018 sq ft).

3 reception rooms, kitchen, breakfast room.

5 bedrooms, bathroom, 3 ensuites, dressing room to master. Double garage, cella, gardens. EPC - E.

s o c i a t i on o

Sneyd Park A first floor apartment (1,220 sq ft) requiring modernisation overlooking The Downs. Drawing room, kitchen, full width balcony. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, wc. Parking and garage. EPC - D.

Guide Price: £1,295,000

As

Guide Price: £365,000

ARLA

Guide Price: £3,250,000 Abbots Leigh Stylish and contemporary family home (8,193 sq ft) positioned in a peaceful valley. 5 reception rooms, kitchen. 6 ensuite bedrooms, gym, wine cellar. Gardens, garage, paddock. In all about 4.8 acres. EPC - A.

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FOR SALE To find out how we can help you please contact us

OIEO £725,000

Guide price £1,750,000

Guide price £1,000,000 Chepstow An immaculate period farmhouse (3,049 sq ft). 4 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast room. 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms (2 ensuite).

Outbuildings, paddocks, garden, orchard. In all about 12.3 acres. EPC - F.

bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

fR

nTheMarket.com TM

es i den t i al L

LICENSED MEMBER

i n g Ag e n t s

Nr Wickwar Substantial home (7,157 sq ft). 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.

Studio, indoor pool, tennis court, 5 stables, riding arena, pasture. In all about 9.23 acres. EPC - E.

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol

ett

Parish of Olveston Impressive farmhouse (3,278 sq ft), annexe and outbuildings. 4 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 2 bed annexe, paddock, outbuildings. In approx 1.58 acres. EPC - E.

Butcombe A charming former coach house (2,002 sq ft).

3 reception rooms, kitchen. 3 double bedrooms (1 ensuite), bathroom, shower room. Double garage. Grade II curtilage listed. Approx 0.25 acres.

s o c i a t i on o

Chew Magna A converted stable (2,259 sq ft). Drawing/dining room, kitchen, utility. 2 ground floor bedrooms, 3 further bedrooms, bathroom, 2 shower rooms.

Garden, paddock. In all about 3.96 acres. EPC - D.

Guide price £495,000

As

Guide price £695,000

ARLA

Guide price £935,000 Olveston A handsome Grade II listed property (2,963 sq ft). 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, utility. 5 bedrooms (1 ensuite), bathroom. 2 bed coach house (1,008 sq ft). Garden, utility/store.

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H

old on, is that a ray of sunshine I spy peeping through the grey, overcast sky? And am I feeling a bit hot in this big winter overcoat? Do you know, I believe I am, and that can only mean one thing... spring is at long last on the way.

If you’re anything like me readers, this knowledge makes you tingle with anticipation, from the tip of your nose to the soles of your feet, as it means it’s time to step out onto the sunny streets of Bristol and explore what our city has to offer.

I also find that the onset of spring provides me with a rather convenient excuse to add a few new pieces to the ol’ wardrobe, and it is the prospect of undertaking both these rather pleasant endeavours that has inspired me to put together this arts and fashion themed issue.

So let’s kick off with some frivolous fashion. As always, our resident style guru Harriet de Winton is on hand to answer your questions, this month tackling the perennial problem of keeping one’s cool when circumnavigating the city by bike (p. 20), and then the clothes experts at the Mall Cribbs Causeway take you through the top trends of SS 2015 so you know what to look out for at this year’s Bristol Fashion Week (p. 22).

But don’t think this issue all style over substance, for this month’s fashion shoot marries both fashion and art (p. 25). Six talented city creatives model some gorgeous clothes from Cabot Circus while telling me all about their work and what it is about living in Bristol that inspires them. Shot on location in their own workspaces, the feature offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Bristol’s thriving community of artists, designers, makers and innovators. And it was a pleasure to work with such a creative team of people, both in front of and behind the camera.

In pursuit of unveiling more ‘behind the scenes’ Bristol to share with you, I found myself pondering what went on behind the display cabinets at our very own Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. What mysteries were buried in the vaults beneath visitors’ feet? Were they resurrecting dinosaurs down there? Or hiding a hitherto unknown species? My imagination ran wild with wondering, but I can tell you now fact was far more brilliant than fiction, as I discovered a wealth of treasures and a hive of impressive research that quite blew me away (p. 34).

And this feature forms the gateway into this month’s homage to art. As well as our usual round up of all the glorious exhibitions that are on in our galleries this month (p. 54), Hannah Stuart-Leach talks to five local artists about their differing representations of Bristol, and how the city influences their work.

If you still have a yen for all things arty, why not explore futher afield with a trip to Falmouth, the cultural hub of Cornwall? I travelled down for the first time last month, and found a superb little town that boasts beautiful beaches, a fabulous foodie scene and, most of all, a community of truly talented creatives who were more than happy to share their work and their time with me. As you’ll see on p. 56, it’s well worth a visit.

Speaking of great talents, I was lucky enough to interview none other than the legendary Carleen Anderson for this month’s Face the Music (p. 38). She shared stories about her amazing life, and news of an exiting new project. She’s in town this month to perform at the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival, as part of a stellar line up (Friday 6 – Saturday 7 March). So if you haven’t already, it’s time to book your tickets.

But I’ve taken up enough of your time with my ramblings, so I’ll sign off and let you dive on in to the magazine. Enjoy!

JENNY HAYES ACTING EDITOR

All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

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MARCH 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 11

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ZEITGEIST

The top

5

things to do in MARCH

Look sharp

F Breathing Fire workshop

Girls allowed It’s International Women’s Day on Saturday 7 March, and to celebrate Bristol Women’s Voice has organised a day of activities, workshops, speakers and music at M Shed, from 11am – 5pm.

There is a packed programme running throughout the day, including a panel debate around the subject of women saving the planet, a group weaving project designed to capture local women’s words and advice, performance from women’s playback theatre group Breathing Fire, poetry from Vanessa Kissule, and some speed friending where you can meet other like-minded women.

There is a free crèche for women to use on the day, and free transport for groups of women (must be pre-booked). For further info, tel: 07972 673 782 or email: info@bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

Feast with a chef

rom Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29 March, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is rolling out the red carpet for thousands of fashion-forward Bristolians as it welcomes them to Bristol Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015. There will be 17 catwalk shows, as well as expert stylists on hand to give you advice on how to wear this season’s hottest trends. As well as featuring high street fashion to suit every budget, Bristol Fashion Week stands out for its diversity, with male and female models of all different sizes and ages. This year, the shows are co-hosted by the very stylish Lucy Watson from Made in Chelsea and TV stylist Mark Hayes. Tickets: £8.95 – £13.95, tel: 0117 903 0303 or visit: www.mallcribbs.com

Hot stuff Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival returns to the city from Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March, bringing with it a host of famous faces, as well as some must-see newcomers on the music scene. As well as performances from legends like Dr John and Carleen Anderson, there’ll be talks such as that given by The Wire star Clarke Peters about his muscial heros, and a host of other events including swing dances, spoken word recitals and art exhibitions, all of which are guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your heart singing. For full listings, or for more information about this year’s festival, visit: www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com

Fancy having your dinner cooked for you by one of Britain’s top chefs, in Long Ashton Village Hall?

Local food writer Clare Hargreaves has taken the starch out of fine dining with her Feast with a Chef venture, designed to make fine dining accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Since launching in November 2013, the events have been a huge success, and this spring there are three opportunities to try it for yourself, with Masterchef 2013 winner Steven Edwards preparing a 5 course celebration of spring on Saturday 28 March, and John Campbell treating diners to another 5 course menu on Monday 4 May. For details or to book, visit: www.feastwithachef.co.uk John Campbell of The Woodspeen

Love food? You’ll love this On Sunday 29 March, from 10.30am – 4pm, Love Food presents its Spring Festival. This great event gathers together a host of artisans and foragers, cookery teachers, food producers, classic chefs, food writers and media stars, culminating in a day packed with infectious enthusiasm and passion about food. Taking place at Bristol’s well loved Event Space at Paintworks, Bath Road. BS4 3EH. For more information, visit: www.lovefoodfestival.com

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ © Joe Roberts

My BRISTOL We ask Denny Ilett, artistic director of Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival, what he’s doing this month...

Set tongues wagging Sheridan’s The School for Scandal is coming to Bristol, presented by Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory and Tobacco Factory Theatres, from Thursday 9 April – Saturday 9 May. Meet Lady Sneerwell, Sir Benjamin Backbite and the unctuous Mr Snake, who you’ll find horribly familiar. These scandal-mongers resonate with a modern audience as we can all too well imagine them alongside Andy Coulson in the Old Bailey dock.

And into this scurrilous world, Sheridan weaves a touching tale of young love. Devilish but delicious!

Tickets: £12 – £21, available from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Book now for...

The Other Art Fair, famous for connecting buyers directly with the best undiscovered artists, has announced Bristol’s Arnolfini will host the first fair outside London from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 June.

Bristol’s rich cultural heritage saw it to the list for the team’s inaugural fair outside the capital, and the city’s own Sickboy has been announced as guest artist. The Other Art Fair is a great platform for uncovering new talent, and its inclusive ethos allows artists to forge direct relationships with potential buyers. And work for sale starts at £50, so art buyers of all budgets have the opportunity to own work by the best emerging talents. Tickets are now on sale and art applications are open, visit: bristol.theotherartfair.com and follow it on Twitter: @TOAF_Bristol

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| MARCH 2015

What brought you to Bristol?

I moved here 6 years ago. I have a lot of musician friends here so it seemed the logical choice, and I’ve enjoyed every minute so far.

What are you reading?

I’m about to read a biography of the great swing era trumpet player Bunny Berigan. He was an extraordinary musician who lived a short and complicated life.

What’s on your MP3 player?

I don’t have one – it’s old vinyl records for me.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

The best place I’ve been to lately is the Khan Cavern underneath Falafel King in Cotham.

Claire, the owner, is the best host ever.

Favourite watering hole?

The Windmill Pub on Windmill Hill Evening in or evening out?

Depends if I have a gig or not...

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

I want to go and see Whiplash, the new film about a young jazz drummer.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

It’s about time I went back for another look at the SS Great Britain.

What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

I’m lucky that I pursue my hobbies and interests for a living – playing music and having slightly too much to drink.

What local event will you be attending?

The Bristol International Jazz and Blues festival, of course!

Favourite local walk?

Victoria Park or Leigh Woods.

Any projects/work in progress?

Organising the Bristol International Jazz and Blues festival is taking up all my time at the moment and I can’t wait for it to actually be happening.

For more details of this year’s Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival, including the artists performing and events taking place at various venues across the city from Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 March, visit: www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com

BOOK OF THE MONTH...

On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks £8.99, paperback (Vintage) My love affair with Sebastian Faulks’ novels started with Charlotte Grey and Birdsong, but this is my favourite. Set in America in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it is the story of Charlie and Mary van der Linden, set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The contrasting worlds of Washington’s British Embassy and New York are revealed with an impeccable sense of time and place, providing the perfect setting for the dissection of a very human marriage. If alcohol, jazz, friendship and politics fuel an enviable lifestyle, then Mary’s affair with journalist Frank Renzo provides an overwhelming glimpse of what unexpected passion can do to people underneath the façade of conventional life. I am not ashamed to say this book made me weep. Faulks is a fine writer, and here his characters possess a depth and truth which make them live beyond the page. Reviewed by Kathryn Atkins of the Durdham Down Bookshop, tel: 0117 973 9095 or visit: www.durdhamdownbooks.co.uk

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WHAT’S | NEW

Todd Lochhead

Global gathering

A

Bristol man has launched a major operation to bring a troupe of Nepalese dancers from their home in the Himalayas to Wales for next year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The idea is the brainchild of Todd Lochhead whose wife, Lisa, used to run a shop in the Denbighshire town and who has fond memories of its annual cultural spectacular.

Todd, a trained accountant, is co-ordinating the effort to fly the 34 members of the Rising Culture Group almost 5,000 miles from their base in the ancient city of Bhaktapur to the iconic cultural festival in Denbighshire.

He has been a fan of the group’s traditional dance routines for almost 20 years and although he admits it will be a tall order to raise the estimated £40,000 necessary to pay for the trip next July, he hopes that with the help of his friends and contacts around the world and the group’s own determined fundraising efforts it will be possible.

For more information or to help with Todd’s efforts, visit: www.e-aware.org or email him at: todd@e-aware.org, or to find out about the Eisteddfod which runs from Monday 6 – Sunday 12 July, visit: international-eisteddfod.co.uk

BRISTOL UPDATES Registration is now open for Children’s Hospice South West’s Rainbow Run, which will take place at Clifton Downs on Saturday 20 June. The 5K event is the only paint run in Bristol that solely supports the work of a local charity. Last year’s event attracted 2,000 runners and raised over £105K for the charity.

Emma McKeown, events fundraiser, said, “Taking part is so much fun, and you’re helping local families make the most of the time they have with their life-limited children. Last year we were overwhelmed by the support of the local community and we are hoping they’ll come out in force this year too.” To find out more about Children’s Hospice South West and the Rainbow Run, visit: www.chsw.org.uk

■ The next Bristol Business Exhibition is coming to M Shed on Tuesday 17 March. Now in its 7th year, it is Bristol’s largest business show and will attract over 500 delegates.

Typically attracting business owners and decision makers, it provides an opportunity to promote your company, launch a new product or service, see what other businesses in the city are doing, and network with other successful business owners. If you’re looking to take a step forward with your business in 2015, the Bristol Business Exhibition should get you off to a flying start. Sponsored by Bristol City Council and Destination Bristol. Delegate bookings are free. Exhibition stands cost from £300 and are expected to sell out, but if you are a Business West or FSB member you will receive a 25% discount. For more information or to book online please visit: www.bristolbusinessexhibition.co.uk

Wandering Star ■ Local travel journalist and one of TBM’s very own contributors , Hannah Stuart-Leach, is setting off on her most ambitious journey yet on Sunday 1 March.

She has just 40 days to walk 400 miles north, starting in Wales and finishing all the way up in Scotland.

Not a typical outward bound enthusiast – she’s been known to set out for a mountain trek in a ‘hiking dress’, equipped with nothing but a handbag – Hannah’s determined to complete this hike to raise money for three great charities: Magic Breakfast, which delivers nutritious morning meals to children at school; Child Poverty Action Group, which campaigns to end child poverty in the UK; and Alzheimer’s Society.

Training for the trek has been tough, requiring regular weight sessions at the gym and lots of long walks, but Hannah says she has loved the opportunity it has given her to see some of the West Country’s most scenic spots. “I feel really lucky to have access to such beautiful countryside, so close to Bristol,” she says “It gives you an amazing sense of freedom just heading out to explore these places on your own two feet.”

To follow Hannah’s walk, visit her Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/400milesnorth, and to donate go to: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/400milesnorth

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MARCH 2015

Artistic Acheivements Local shop and gallery Room 212 has supplied about a dozen paintings for the filming of popular ITV crime drama Broadchurch. To celebrate, it is hosting an exhibition from Sunday 1 March to Sunday 15 March focusing on the prints and paintings that were used. Two of these, Stormy Sea by north Bristol artist Huw Richards Evans (pictured above) and Beachdrift by artist and owner of Room 212, Sarah Thorp, were commissioned specifically for the show. Room 212, Gloucester Road, BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 330 2789 or visit:. www.room212.co.uk

Designer recycling ■ Women looking to declutter or revamp their wardrobe with affordable designer fashion can scour the rails of Bristol’s latest boutique, Village Green, which recently opened in Clifton. The boutique helps style lovers make money from their unwanted designer or high end labels by selling their goods to other fashion-loving shoppers and giving them 50% of the proceeds.

The boutique encourages woman to recycle their preloved clothing, making some extra cash while shopping in a more eco-friendly way. Owner Philippa Carey, says “We have a very careful selection process for choosing the right items to sell. Clothing must be designer or high end fashion and in pristine condition. We stock women’s clothing from size 6 to 20, as well as shoes and accessories from names such as Prada, Gucci, Mulberry and LK Bennett”.

Village Green, 5 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DP. Tel: 0117 970 6776 or visit: www.villagegreenboutique.co.uk

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WHAT’S | NEW

Paradise Hotel

O

n Friday 13 February people flocked to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to experience its first ever night time event, and what a spectacle it was. Produced by local event company Paradise Hotel, guests sipped on exotic cocktails, such as the bubbly and fruity Bird of Paradise, while being treated to showstopping aerial, dance and burlesque performances. This was all set against the stunning architecture of the Museum itself, which had been beautifully illuminated for the evening extravaganza.

Paradise Hotel caters for large scale public and corporate events such as this, as well as smaller, more personal parties. For more details, visit: www.paradiseproductionco.com. Dresses worn by performers by local © Paul Lippiatt designer Molly Mishi May, visit: www.mishimay.com © Paul Lippiatt

Keeping the youngsters ‘appy Digital technology solutions company Kainos is focused on nurturing younger talent in the Bristol area through its annual AppCamp and CodeCamp events. Both are designed to give young people the chance to build apps for Apple and Android platfroms undert the guidance of experienced developers. They hope that honing these skills now will give students a greater chance to succeed in the digital technology industry in the future. Kainos has also been named one of the Sunday Times’ Top 100 places to work for the third consecutive year. For details visit: www.kainos.com

On your marks, get set... go!

© Chas Breton

The Ignit10n Challenge for Bristol’s hospitals will take place on Thursday 19 March and see some 1,000 Bristol University students setting themselves incredible challenges over 10 hours. Their goal? To raise £40,000 for Above & Beyond’s biggest ever Golden Gift Appeal, funding projects beyond what the NHS can provide to make sure our hospitals can offer the very best care in the very best environment to patients in our city for generations to come. Visit: www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/ignit10n to donate, and for more information about Above & Beyond’s Golden Gift Appeal, tel: 0117 370 0485 or visit: www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk

Last month, TV star Fiona Wade, visited St Peter’s Hospice and took a tour of the grounds.

Fiona, who plays Priya Sharma on ITV’S Emmerdale, met patients and staff during her visit to Bristol’s only hospice, raising awareness of hospice care in the UK. Speaking about her visit Fiona, said: “I feel passionately about hospice care and think more people should be aware of the amazing and vital work hospices like St Peter’s are doing every single day, up and down the country.” Head of supporter relations, John Flanagan said: “It was wonderful to have Fiona visit us. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting to her.

To find out more about St Peter’s Hospice please visit: www.stpetershospice.org

An icon in British hair fashion ■ Hair stylist Noel Halligan and his talented team at seanhanna Bristol have reached the finals of the annual seanhanna Iconic Image Awards with this striking, contemporary look. Almost 250 people entered the competition, so competition was tough to become just one of five finalists.

“I wanted to create a timeless image that celebrates British hair and fashion icons,” explains Noel “and I styled the look using L’Oréal Techni.ART products, which I couldn’t be without. I also had a great team at seanhanna Bristol behind me, as well as highly talented photographer Mark Dearman, lovely model Danielle Sewell, brilliant makeup artist Charlotte Smith, and fab clothes from Garment Quarter to complete the look.

“I’m currently reigning champion of the Avant Garde and Creative Colourist awards, so I’m

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defending those two titles while also hoping to attain that for Iconic Image too, which I won back in 2012.

Hopefully I’ll be able to make the hat-trick for 2015!

“I’ve been a member of the L’Oréal ID Artist programme for the last two years, which has given me opportunities to travel around Europe sharing my ideas though shows and seminars. I really enjoy challenging myself creatively outside the salon, but I also love working with my fantastic clients on a day-to-day basis. Wherever I am, it’s all about capturing a look perfectly at that moment, and my aim is to educate, empower and encourage as many people as possible to have and enjoy great hair.”

Seanhanna Bristol, 13 Quaker’s Friars, Cabot Circus, BS1 3BU. For appointments tel: 0117 934 9393 or visit: www.seanhanna.com

MARCH 2015

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THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmagazine

Cloud cover

S

o we’re well into the Bristol Green Capital year now, and there have already been a number of wonders to behold. One of these, Fog Bridge, took me completely by surprise as I pottered gently past Arnolfini; one moment the world was as it should be, with boats bobbing beneath a slate grey sky, then Pero’s Bridge abruptly vanished in an instantaneous white cloud, as if the stop-go animators along the harbour at Aardman had frozen time, encased the bridge in cotton wool, then started the clock again.

Fog Bridge is long gone now, but I still find myself wondering what the point was in expensively conjuring a cloud in a place that is so often cloudy. Surely it would have made more sense to have a bridge of mist somewhere hot and sunny – Dubai perhaps. I imagine that, on seeing the fog, many Bristolians simply shrugged and muttered something about having seen the best of the day.

Actually, the artist who created this weathery work has created similar installations in a number of cities around the world. Fog Bridge was not unique to Bristol, in other words, nor was it a product of Bristolian creativity. What happened to ‘local’ and ‘sustainable’? Maybe I’m out of touch. Maybe this year’s Greenfest is all about putting on a show.

OK, enough grumbling. While the claims made for the educational value of Fog Bridge ring rather hollow (especially compared to the very real educational value of Pero’s Bridge itself), our next item will certainly get people thinking.

When Luke Jerram set up his water slide down Park Street last year I was particularly struck by the simplicity of the whole thing: hay bales, a plastic sheet, cheap-as-chips lilos. This was the product of a mind, I felt, that was wonderfully uncluttered.

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THIS WAS THE PRODUCT OF A MIND THAT WAS WONDERFULLY UNCLUTTERED

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That project captured the imagination because it took the apparently incompatible phenomena of urban street and waterslide, and put them together.

In a similar vein, his latest scheme involves the unlikely marriage of fishing boats and woodland, specifically Leigh Woods. Perhaps he watched the movie Mud, in which two boys find a boat wedged in the branches of a tree on the Mississippi, or looked at photos of ships left high and dry by the retreating waters of the Aral Sea… Anyway, we will be able to spend this summer contemplating these boats placed strategically around Leigh Woods, each of us finding in them our own stories, fears or dreams.

This year is, according to the Green Capital website, supposed to celebrate ‘Bristol’s leadership in creating healthier, happier cities’. As I may have said before, I think there needs to be a lot of carrot with the stick when it comes to making cities greener. Make the city more pleasant to walk in, or easier to cycle in, and people will walk or cycle. Make summer weekends fun, and people will stay in the city to enjoy them, rather than jetting elsewhere.

It’s important that people, particularly children, see the imaginative possibilities of their own surroundings. One major challenge we face is in persuading children that the real world is as interesting as the virtual ones they inhabit, so I’m particularly looking forward to our third conceptual art project: the transformation of Clifton Suspension Bridge into a giant musical instrument by artist Di Mainstone and the loose network of collaborators known as Human Harp.

This is not an entertainment flown in for our pleasure but the product of many months’ research, much of it carried out on the bridge itself. Apparently you can strike the cables of a suspension bridge as you would piano strings, so that they produce notes that change depending on the length of the cable, but beyond that who knows what these musical mavericks will come up with.

Turning a bridge into a musical instrument, now that is an adventure worthy not just of a Green Capital but of a vibrant, creative, convivial city. n 18 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2015

Acting Editor Tel: Email:

Jenny Hayes 0117 974 2800 jenny@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Art & Design Email:

Zoe Tabourajis Zoe@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Kathy Williams Sue Parker Liz Grey

For advertising enquiries please contact us on: 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout the city. We also have special distribution units in the following stores and many coffee shops, hotels and convenient pick-up points.

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BRIST OL MAGAZINE Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2015 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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BRISTOL | FASHION

“To create these relaxed waves I worked a soft set, pin curled the neck to accentuate the A-line shape and then blasted the curls out with Label M’s Sea Salt Spray. This creates maximum texture and a comtemporary take on vintage waves.” Ella Hawkey www.atelierclifton.co.uk

Black suedette Echo platform heels £80, from John Lewis at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway; Ingenue Megan velvet navy jumpsuit £107, from Amulet Boutique, Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY, www.amuletboutique.co.uk; the belt is Harriet’s own.

Shari Knowles, makeup: “For a pretty and wearable take on metallics, I used MAC Amber Lights at the inner corners of Harriet’s eyes and under the lower lash line, and Expensive Pink over the lids. I used dark brown gel liner on the upper lash line to define the eyes, and cut some falsh lashes in half and added them to the outer corner of each eye for a more subtley enhanced effect. I used a soft, peachy cream blush on the cheeks to keep Harriet’s skin radiant, and finished the look with a soft pink gloss to brighten her natural lip colour.”

Main image: © Amanda Thomas, amandathomasphotographer.co.uk Location: Stawberry Thief, Broad Street, www.strawberrytheifbar.com

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STYLE FILE This month Bristol stylist Harriet de Winton helps you revamp your winter party wear by adding a dash of 1970s glamour

D

ry January is well and truly over, and it’s time to party again. It is also extremely cold. So what to wear? In the months leading up to Christmas, so much emphasis is made on purchasing winter-friendly party wear, which then lies dormant in the wardrobe for the rest of the year and is out of favour by the time the festive season rolls round again. I want to buck that trend and revive those party pieces, with the help of the Spring/Summer 2015 renaissance of 1970s style.

At the moment there is nothing I’d rather put on for a night out than this luxurious navy blue velvet jumpsuit from Amulet boutique. It was perfect for the Christmas parties but is still bang on trend with its Studio 54 credentials. And, now we’ve successfully detoxed the festive season from our systems, it’s also time to unearth your festive party outfit and see it in a fresh context. It is all about how to restyle it for the new season: remove all thoughts of reflective, sparkling accessories and instead look to the SS15’s worst kept secret. Whisper it… the 1970s are back in style.

The new collection from Zara has some gorgeous pieces that capture the boho spirit of the 1970s

I styled my jumpsuit with a vintage woven Iranian belt and suede platform heels from John Lewis, just like much of the folksy charm seen in House of Holland’s Fashion Week catwalk – bright and bold prints, beads and fringing, wedged sandal heels, and flower power.

If you are in the market for a new wardrobe and are unsure about Summer of Love kimonos, remember the 1970s wasn’t all boho and Woodstock. Designers have also taken the slick, chic disco revolution as inspiration for luxe evening wear and tailored workwear. To master this trend, it is all about hints rather than full blown camp costuming.

The 1970s was such an influential decade that the mere flare of a trouser, or a flowing maxi skirt under a cashmere sweater is all you need. In my opinion, Zara is currently the best place on the high street to find wearable pieces for this trend. Their latest campaign captures the mood of this period perfectly: long vests, ruffled shirts and patchwork suede all shot in dreamy images by photographer Jamie Hawkesworth.

HARRIET ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS How can I look good while I’m cycling round the city?

Helmet hair, flat shoes, muddy trousers and a waterproof jacket is not a stylish combination! – Becky, Bristol Safety is paramount with cycling, and in the past this meant forgoing your sense of style.

Thankfully, sites such as www.cyclechic.co.uk and www.rapha.cc have put paid to that, by sourcing streamlined and stylish cycle gear for those of you who don’t fancy head to toe lycra.

Retro Reflective have given Hi Vis a skandi makeover with Fair Isle snowflake design bands and belts (2). Cycling helmets have come a long way in the fashion stakes too: try Bobbin’s mirrored gold cycling helmet (3) or Sawako Furuno ladies bike helmet in Floral Midnight (4).

Both will draw compliments and excuse any helmet hair. Carry your things in a Linus Eleanor bike pannier (1), a devilishly clever shoulder tote

that doubles up as your pannier and is roomy enough to fit a complete outfit change if necessary.

When it comes to civilian clothes, some are better suited to cycling than others: jumpsuits and playsuits avoid any awkward expanse of mid cycle midriff. Coast has a full-length floral patterned suit out at the moment (5) and Miss Selfridge has added sleeves to its winter floral number (6) although you’ll still need to layer up for a few months.

The more you cycle the more you are likely to want to spend on specialist items, therefore I present the Rapha women’s cycling jeans (7), a mid-rise, skinny jean made from a proprietary,

*Please note that product images shown are examples from current stock and subject to availability.

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Stylish Cycling 1. Linus Eleanor bike pannier in Sand £104.99, cyclechic.co.uk 2. Retro reflective Fair Isle cycling belt in Orange £15.99, cyclechic.co.uk 3. Bobbin gold mirrored bike helmet £36, cyclechic.co.uk 4. Sawako Furuno ladies bike helmet in Floral Midnight £79, cyclechic.co.uk 5.

Cherry blossom jumpsuit £95, Coast. Available at John Lewis, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway 6.

Dark floral wrap jumpsuit £45, Miss Selfridge, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway 7. Women’s jeans £150, www.rapha.cc/gb/en 8. Women’s belt £80, www.rapha.cc/gb/en

pioneering denim and created specifically for city riders. They are cut for comfort and style on and off the bike, and are abrasion and stain resistant. They even have a reflective panel on the inside leg: the ultimate winner for cycling and socialising. There is an accompanying suede and leather belt with a woven fabric mid-section that stretches for comfort while riding and is finished with a solid brass buckle and contrast calf leather trim (8).

For behind the scenes pictures of this shoor for The Bristol Magazine and to find some of Harriet’s popular Fashion Fixes, visit: www.fixuplookchic.blogspot.co.uk

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Do you have a wardrobe worry that Harriet could help with?

Email her at harriet@harrietdewinton.com, and we might publish her answer

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TOP TRENDS SS15 Stylists from Bristol Fashion Week at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway offer an essential run down on achieving this season’s looks BOLD & BRIGHT If you like bold colours but want to keep it sophisticated, you’re in luck this season. Bright yellow, true blue and lipstick tones are all big news on the catwalk for Spring/Summer – wear your block colours boldly all over, or opt for a bright stripe print, but keep your accessories luxe and your silhouette sharp for a classy take on the trend.

Marks & Spencer

Alderley bag, Hobbs

BACK TO THE 70S Hands down, the biggest trend this season is the 1970s, from American Hustle-style tailored flares, to thrift shop leathers, prints and fringing – it’s all there.

The boho look will also see a revival, with Woodstock inspired maxi dresses and feather gilets, as seen at Gucci.

DENIM From shirtdresses, to ripped jeans, military jackets and tailoring – there’ll be denim all over the high street this season. And more is more, so don’t be afraid of layering your denims – and embellishments will be big news as well.

Marks & Spencer

MONOCHROME This classic look returns for another season and for good reason – black and white are perfect partners and so easy to wear. Clean lines and stripes feature heavily in this trend this time around. Later in the season we’ll also see a bit of white-on-white action, so save those separates for high summer.

Hobbs

Oasis

FLORALS It wouldn’t be Spring/Summer without a take on florals, but there are changes afoot this year as a mish-mash of prints enter the fray. Bold, bright kaleidoscope florals will go side by side with Eastern inspired prints and the colour clashes will be immense. This is no place for little ladylike prints – go big or go home with your florals this year

Want to keep up with the latest trends?

Come to Bristol Fashion Week, the essential high street fashion edit, with 17 catwalk shows featuring the latest styles live at The Mall Cribbs Causeway.

The shows are hosted by Lucy Watson of Made in Chelsea and TV stylist Mark Heyes. Tickets available now at www.mallcribbs.com.

Bristol Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 runs between Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29 March. Tickets: £9.95 – £13.95, available from The Mall, tel: 0117 903 0303 or visit: www.mallcribbs.com. Keep up to date with the latest news from Bristol Fashion Week by following @mallcribbs on Twitter, and get involved using the hashtag #BristolFashionWeek n Please note that the garments shown are taken from current stock and are subject to availability.

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MESH MASH Designers like Alexander Wang and Stella McCartney have made sporty looks cool again and this season we’ll see loads of mesh fabrics filtering through to the high street. The mesh on the catwalk was all-over – dresses and top and skirt combos – but on the high street we’ll see a lot of mesh separates which you can pair with block colours to preserve your modesty but keep a fashion edge at the same time. Culottes are also big news and you’ll see them in this sporty/sophisticated context.

Phase Eight

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Engagement Rings Wedding Rings Wedding Gifts

Stunning Engagement rings, Wedding bands and tailor-made rings Beautiful Gift Ideas for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and for the groom A 10% discount on any pair of rings purchased & off any further gifts for your wedding when you mention The Bristol Magazine We also offer Bespoke Jewellery • Silver Jewellery • Watches Jewellery & Watch Repairs • Gold purchased (old jewellery & coins)

History, Tradition & Quality the only Kemps Jewellers since 1881 9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF

www.kempsjewellers.com

0117 950 5090 WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Village Green is a boutique where ladies can buy beautiful pre-loved designer labels at affordable prices.

From Prada, Gucci and Joseph to Reiss, Hobbs and Ted Baker.

5 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DP 0117 9706776

www.villagegreenboutique.co.uk villagegreen5

villagegreenboutique

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The Art of

FASHION Six stylish city creatives talk work, inspiration and loving life in Bristol

Eva Lazarus Singer and songwriter www.evalazarus.com “I moved to Bristol seven years ago because I’ve always loved the music that comes out of this city. Since I’ve been here, I’ve collaborated with some incredible people – performing as part of Dub Mafia, and working with local producers like Mr Woodnote, Lil Rhys, Jus Now and Mr Benn.

This year, I’m focusing on my first solo project and I’m really happy with the way it’s coming together. I’m not putting any time pressure on it, just letting it grow organically into something I’m proud of. I’m working with a great group of people on it too, whose input and opinions I’ve really grown to appreciate and trust over the years. And I still enjoy writing for other artists.

It opens the door into different musical genres that I wouldn’t perform myself and lets me try on different personas.

Eva wears: Finders Keepers Vital Signs top, £95; Pinko Farmacista Gonna skirt in red, £140; Michael Kors large orange buckle bangle, £115; John & Pearl Kinetic necklace, £190, all from Harvey Nichols Location: The Full Moon and Attic Bar, where Eva regularly performs

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I’m just about to start the Soul Acoustic tour, which kicks off in early March and has dates across the UK, including Snug Bar in Stokes Croft on 10 March. I always enjoy playing gigs in Stokes Croft as it’s a great area of the city – creative, independent, and fiercely Bristol.”

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Agnes wears: Shields pleated midi skirt, £125; True-Fluid jacquard blouse, £89 layered over Vienna lace top, £69; Jessie enamel plate belt, £49; Jackson strappy block sandals, £129, all from Reiss; earrings and ring by Sophie Jauncey, www.sophiejauncey.co.uk; Rope Print leather foldover clutch, £275 by Tovi Sorga, www.tovisorga.com

Agnes Davis Writer and editor www.agnes-davis.blogspot.co.uk “I’m working on several projects at the moment, one of which is staging the musical I wrote last year that was shortlisted for the Medicine Unboxed Creative Prize. Medicine Unboxed is a great organisation that bring together people in medicine and the arts to tackle life’s questions from different perspectives, to try and dissolve entrenched binaries. I’m working with Bristol based musician Andrew Morgan and local actress Rosie Mason to secure funding to create an hour-long festival show. We’d like to debut it here at Mayfest, before touring across the UK and ending up at the Edinburgh Fringe.

I’m also working with Gloucester hospitals, writing poems inspired by interviews with elderly people, which is a really beautiful initiative to be involved with. And when I’m not writing, I fine tune other people’s work as a freelance stylistic editor for Bristol publisher SilverWood Books.”

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Tovi wears: Cambridge polka dot wool scarf, £49; Porto concealed button overcoat, £245; Royce slim fit cotton shirt in indigo, £85; Queen jacquard stitch jumper in berry, £89, all from Reiss; Linea Vinci Birdseye brown trousers, £60 from House of Fraser

Tovi Sorga Leatherworker www.tovisorga.com “I studied in London, and was working as a jewellery designer when I first began to experiment with leather. I really enjoyed using it, because it had a clean cut, didn’t need seams or stitching, and looked good with the metals.

Then one day I thought I’d try printing on the leather, as it wasn’t something I’d seen many people do. Initially I was selling my bags and accessories in local boutiques, but it was when I put my work online things really took off. Nowadays I live in Bristol, which is great because it has all the buzz and edginess of London, but is more laid back so I feel I have more space to create.

I work with leather that has been tanned to A++ grade, which is the cleanest you can get and has the least imperfections. I make every piece bespoke in house using my ancient, hand wound Singer sewing machine, as it ensures perfection in every stitch. To me, the beauty of a panel of leather is that it is a canvas ready to be painted.”

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Liesel Corp Founder of Magic Mirror www.magicmirroruk.com “I had the idea for my Magic Mirror about four years ago. I’d been working at a lot of festivals over the summer, and had seen loads of people trying to get ready using tiny compact mirrors. I just thought it would be handy to have a full length shatterproof mirror that could fold up for easy transport, whether to festivals or on holiday.

The idea went round in my head for a couple of years, until in 2013 I began to prototype designs. I had worked with loads of creative people in my previous career as a set and costume designer, and it was great because they were all happy to give their opinion and advice to help me develop my product.

I launched the Magic Mirror in May last year, at Bristol festival Love Saves the Day, and Annie Mac bought the first one. Since then things have been going really well, and I should be launching the product in the shops this May.”

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Liesel wears: Moschino Cheap and Chic animal print jacket, £295; Paul Smith flower print silk blouse, £200; Christian Louboutin Bandy 100 striped leather and PVC pumps, £575, all from Harvey Nichols. Grey tshirt, black jeans and earrings Liesel’s own

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Philip wears: Kensington B knitted wool blazer in midnight, £265; Bruges knitted polo, £89; Stuie casual belt, £45; Bennett regular fit chinos in airforce blue, £89, all from Reiss; Aston brogues, £89 from Bertie at House of Fraser

Philip Muñoz Artist www.philipmunoz.com “I came to Bristol 15 years ago to study biochemistry at the university. Even though I always felt art was my true calling, at the time I thought the sensible option was to explore a ‘proper’ career first. I should have had the courage of my convictions, but it’s difficult to make those decisions when you’re young.

I do think painting and scientific research have a lot in common in terms of their investigative nature. Both rely on analysis, repetition, and happy accidents. And it’s that element of chance that keeps both interesting.

The level of detail and exactitude I employ in my work emphasises the glamorous nature of the people and objects I paint. Hyperrealism, when done well, has a certain wow factor, but it’s seemingly photographic quality can be a curse. I always look to photographs to guide and inspire my art, but never allow them to dictate the outcome of the process.”

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Rosalind Marshall Costume designer rosalindmarshall.co.uk “I’ve always been involved in theatre, and as a kid I was the creative one who used to paint all the massive back drops.

After school, I went off to drama school to study stage management, but was so envious of the costume students I had to switch courses.

I love creating a character through their costume, as I think what we wear says so much about us. I read the script and build a picture in my head before the casting has even begun, and then collaborate with the designer, actor and director to facilitate their ideas while keeping my own vision and style.

One of my favourite jobs has been working on Skins in Bristol. The team was great and, in terms of costume, we really made an impact on mainstream fashion. Teenage boys walking down Park Street in green zebra print skinny jeans was definitely our fault!”

Ros wears: Michael Kors crystal embellished feather trimmed dress, £330; Buscemi high top metallic trainers, £810, both from Harvey Nichols. Leggings and necklace Ros’ own

Photographer: Amanda Thomas, www.amandathomasphotographer.co.uk Stylist: Harriet de Winton, www.harrietdewinton.com Hair stylists: Noel Halligan & Stacey Cooper from Seanhanna, www.seanhanna.com Makeup artists: Grace Kingsley & Shari Knowles from Grace Kingsley, www.gracekingsley.co.uk Assistant: Beth Jones from Cabot Circus Art director: Jenny Hayes With thanks to Cabot Circus and the retailers involved in this shoot:: Harvey Nichols, www.harveynichols.com, Reiss, www.reiss.com, House of Fraser, www.houseoffraser.co.uk 30 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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WIN A styling session and fab new outfit Uncover the new you this spring, with Taking Shape

T

he Bristol Magazine, has teamed up with Taking Shape clothing to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to come into the Broadmead store for a free styling session, and leave with a completely new outfit. So if you promised yourself that makeover for 2015, this is the competition for you.

Taking Shape is a plus size fashion brand, designing exclusively for sizes 14 – 26. Store manager Wendy Briant, said, “Our motto is that we only stock brands that celebrate your curves.

We aim to inspire women and love making them feel good in what they wear.

“Taking Shape started in Australia, and as a result all our clothes have a little bit of added Aussie-tude – we’re not afraid of colour, bold prints or getting dressed up. And we are always honest,” she adds. “No member of staff would ever try and sell you something that is not going to enhance your beauty, so rest assured you will always look good and feel great after a visit to the store.”

Taking Shape offer all their customers free styling sessions and, because all their staff are trained advisors and fashion stylists, not only do they know what’s in fashion, they also know exactly what will suit each woman’s individual body shape. And they know how to make shopping fun, with regular coffee mornings and VIP events in-store.

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So if you haven’t already, why not pop in and experience some of that exceptional service as an experienced assistant helps you master the tricky art of layering, and takes you through an enjoyable styling process en route to finding a whole new you!

With three fashion brands to their name, shopping with Taking Shape is like stepping inside three shops under one roof, where you’ll find everything from work wear to weekend casuals, gym gear to evening dresses, all created by dedicated design teams who know how to dress curvey women. Taking Shape, 65 The Horsefair, Broadmead, BS1 3JP. Tel: 0117 923 0103 or visit: www.takingshape.com For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer this simple question: Where in Bristol will you find Taking Shape?

Email your answer with your name, address and contact number to: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk, making sure to write ‘Taking Shape Competition’ in the subject line. Deadline for entries: Thursday 19 March.

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CITY | TRENDING

Style

NOTES

Get well groomed for springtime with a collection of highly covetable stuff for men.

ROLEX CELLINI From the new Cellini collection, the ‘Rolex Cellini Dual Time in 18ct Everose Gold’.

EP Mallory & Son Ltd 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AP. Tel: 01225 788800. www.mallory-jewellers.com £12,900

SCENT FOR A GENT One of Englands finest perfumers, Penhaligon’s has launched a new fragrance as part of their Trade Routes collection; As Sawira is a sensual and exotic blend, with magical head notes of bergamot and saffron, alongside the bitter herbal hints of absinthe.

Mellowing to base notes of Musk and cedarwood. Perfectly traditional and truly distinguished. Visit www.penhaligons.com to buy online or locate a store. £150 (100ml)

1

DENTS HERITAGE BELTS 1. Black crocodile print feather edge belt £49.00.

2. Brown classic feather edge belt £45.00 (also shown here in black 3.)

Buy online at: www.dents.co.uk

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FRAME GAME Ralph Lauren stylish sunglasses are the everyday sunnies of the rich and famous. This black rectangular frame is a true classic, and will work with smart dress as well as casual. John Lewis, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5UP. £104

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THE PERFECT SLIM SHIRT From Paul Smith. Comes in navy, white and blue. www.john-anthony.com John Anthony 3 Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars.

Bristol BS1 3BZ Tel: 0117 9220799. £100

A2 MADE TO MOVE Beautifully engineered, powerful and portable Bluetooth speaker featuring True360 sound and up to 24 hours battery life. The sweet spot is everywhere.

Just listen and enjoy.

Bang & Olufsen of Bristol.

Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7TU. Tel: 0117 950 8442. £299

WARRIOR ON WHEELS Super lightweight, super fast, super aerodynamic bike.

Specialized S-Works Venge Dura-ace Di2 .

Mud Dock, 40 The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB. Tel:0117 929 215. www.mud-dock.co.uk £8,000

CUFFLINKED IN From the Tateossian Collection these timeless rhodium plated cufflinks feature a brilliant blue tartan design.

Goldsmiths Bristol, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5UP. Tel: 0117 959 2464 £120

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BRISTOL | CULTURE

BURIED TREASURE Jenny Hayes discovers the hidden collections at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

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ast month, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery threw open its doors for an evening extravaganza.

Organised by the imaginative, avant-garde event production company Paradise Hotel, it offered a chance to experience the museum as it has never been seen before. Tickets sold out in days, and a few lucky Bristolians got to enjoy a night to remember. My interest was piqued, and I started to wonder – what is behind the scenes at one of our city’s most popular attractions?

Fortunately Ray Barnett, head of collections for Bristol Museums, was kind enough to indulge my curiosity and take me on a tour of the hidden collections that lie deep in its bowels. I meet him at reception on a seemingly normal Tuesday morning, little realising that I’m about to enter a parallel universe, located just through the unassuming doorway to the right of the entrance to Egyptology.

As we descend the stairs, the elegant marble of the main entrance foyer gives way to an atmospheric subterranean space, where exposed electrical cables snake across the ceiling and all manner of intriguing objects glint within the glass fronted cabinets that line the whitewashed walls. Here, Ray thoughtfully pauses so I can acclimatise to (read: gawp in incredulous wonder at) this new, unexpected environment. It was everything I’d dreamt of and more in its gloriously careworn, brutally honest beauty. We’d stripped back the gloss of the public image of the museum and uncovered its heart, where treasures are studied and catalogued, research is underway, and knowledge is gathered to share with the outside world.

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EXPOSED ELECTRICAL CABLES SNAKE ACROSS THE CEILING AND INTRIGUING OBJECTS GLINT BEHIND GLASS

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“Some of the items in our collections have immense financial value,” Ray explains, “but their importance really goes far beyond this. The artefacts we store and study here are the means by which we can understand the social, political and cultural development of humans across the globe, and the evolution of the natural world.

“Our curators work closely with universities to support research, which helps us tap into our collections as learning resources. They offer such a wealth of material it just can’t all be examined at once – it takes time and dedication. At the moment, for example, one of the researchers working here is an expert on the Crimean War, so he is looking through our previously unexamined Crimean archives to see if they hold any valuable information that can be shared with the wider academic community.

“Similarly, we held a Victorian collection of mosses in our natural history archive for many years before an academic from a university in the north of England came to examine them. We knew they’d been amassed by the celebrated Bristol botanist Adolf Liepner, but this specialist found them to be extremely rare specimens taken from Germany before the outbreak of the Second World War. During this conflict, a lot of the country’s historic collections of natural habitat were destroyed through bombing of the museums, so discovering that these mosses were in fact preserved remnants of what could have been lost environmental data was amazing.”

While I doubted my untrained eye would pick out such undiscovered gems in the collections, I was very eager to see what lay beyond the first door, so without further ado Ray

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Bristol Museum was bombed during the Second World War

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led me into the world culture curatorial stores. My eyes couldn’t even begin to take in the amount of incredible artefacts within this vast room. A brief glance into the nearest cabinet revealed a head cast taken from an Egyptian mummy, and beside it a reconstruction of what that face would have looked like in life. Fascinating stuff in itself, but these proved to be mere fragments of a far greater story.

“Those pieces are part of a pioneering study that took place at the museum in the 1980s,” says Ray, “in which a mummy was carefully unwrapped layer by layer, where previously they had just been sliced into. Meticulously unravelling the linen bindings taught us an incredible amount about the mummification process, not least that this body had been left partially wrapped and unattended for a day or two.

“We know this because a number of mummified beetles were found within one of the layers, which can only be explained if a beetle had crawled into the fabric and settled there to lay its eggs. These eggs would have then hatched when the mummy was fully wrapped and entombed, so the poor beetles remained trapped and similarly mummified, until experts from Bristol University and the museum discovered them thousands of years later.”

I am busy pondering the horror of meeting your maker in the fabric folds of a mummy when the curator for world cultures, Lisa Graves, arrives with a trolley full of interesting-looking items. They turn out to be a collection of 19th century aboriginal pieces that have been temporarily brought out of the store to be photographed for study by academics in Australia, demonstrating first hand the knowledge sharing Ray had spoken of earlier.

Lisa pulls out a couple of wooden shields, and proffers a glove to me so I can handle them. As you can imagine, I can hardly believe my luck, but approach the first hefty looking item with a touch of trepidation – it would be really bad if I drop it. It is actually amazingly light, and it is phenomenal to be able to examine one so close up. I can see the marks of the tiny tool that had been used to carve exquisite geometric patterns in the wood with pinpoint accuracy, and Lisa also points out some deep indents that had been left by a club – this shield has seen action. It dawns on me that I am not only holding a piece of history, but also uncovering a life story, and the thought is enough to give me goosebumps.

But this is just the start of a steep learning curve, and I have time to linger only briefly next to an ancient Egyption sarcophagus lid – whose vivid colours are quite mesmerising close up – before Ray sweeps me off to arguably the most infamous store of all... the natural history collection.

I’ll tell you now readers, it doesn’t disappoint. I walk straight into an

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Indian elephant skeleton whose sheer size, thrown into relief against the narrow aisles of specimen cabinets, is nothing short of magnificent. A glance down the nearest aisle reveals a menagerie of beautiful birds enclosed in their glass cages, as well as a couple of stuffed leopards – one of which had even caught a small deer, which strikes me as a rather ingenious piece of taxidermy. Oh, and let’s not forget the massive polar bear skeleton.

Which begs an important question, and one that I know the animal lovers among you will want answered sharpish – where do these weird and wonderful specimens come from? Natural history curator, Bonnie Griffin, is on hand to supply the answer. “Since the 1970s, all taxidermy has been made from animals that have died naturally,” she explains, while I’m nodding in ‘ah, very ethical’ agreement. “Which is why so many modern specimens are animals that are a little damaged, or birds with crumpled wings.” Erm… right. “We get a lot of roadkill,” she finishes wryly. Ah yes.

Now I see what she means!

“No animals are brought in from abroad either,” Ray adds. “The taxidermy we have acquired since the 1970s documents only local nature, so Bristol has scientifically and historically important specimens that can be used to map out natural change, and its causes.” So there is some nobility in all this death – at least these poor little critters, who met their untimely demise beneath the wheels of our cars, will live on as an important evolutionary document for generations to come.

But as well as working with stuffed animals, the natural history team at the museum records live wildlife in and around the city. “We use this data to compile maps that are used to implement and support conservation work,” Bonnie explains. “And we even offer training days for real nature enthusiasts, to help people identify and record the wildlife in their area.”

I’ve already learnt a lot from this brief foray into the collection, but before I leave Bonnie finds just enough time to blow my mind. “Our taxidermy specimens have been used by researchers at Bristol University to compare ancient protein structures in feathered dinosaurs to modern day birds,” she says, “and they’ve managed to extrapolate the colours of these dinosaurs.”

I’m not quite following, so she goes on. “By comparing these protein structures we are able to tell a lot more about these dinosaurs. So, for example, we now know that microraptors were covered in the same shiny feathers as those of a crow.

“And our sloth also had his chin shaved the other day, as part of the same body of research, to determine the colour of the now extinct giant sloth,” she adds. Boom. Mind blown. I’d had no idea that these specimens could be used for such research, or that such pivotal work was going on at our very own Bristol Museum. It is incredible, and only a drop in the ocean of what goes on behind the scenes.

Which leads me into the final part of my tour, which takes me out of the stores, through the public body of the museum, and up into the rafters where the conservation team are hard at work. Unlike the storerooms, where conditions are closely monitored to protect the artefacts and daylight must be kept to a minimum, these spaces are filled with light so that conservators can work with precision.

The first person we meet is objects conservator Jenny Gosling, who is hard at work piecing together the shattered remnants of a historic window, but pauses to answer my query as to the difference between conservation and restoration. “Conservation is about telling the story of the object, not making it look like it did when it was first produced,” she says. “With each item that comes in, I talk closely with the department curator to find out what they want to achieve with the conservation work – whether they want damage repaired so it is barely noticeable, or whether it is a valuable addition to the history of the object that should be maintained. And anything we do nowadays in conservation work is reversible, so no object is altered irreparably.”

I see evidence of this in action when I meet Harry Metcalf, who works as a paper conservator at the museum. Harry is currently conserving the work of Adela Breton, who travelled to Mexico at the end of the 19th century to record the ornamentation on the pyramids there. She produced hundreds of beautiful drawings and watercolours, as well as photographs that she annotated and coloured to document the designs and patterns that decorated these ancient monuments.

“I’m removing spots of discolouration using a vacuum table,” Harry explains, indicating the large table on which the images are laid out. “This allows me to wash an isolated area and draw the imperfection out. This kind of damage is usually a result of bad 20th century mounting techniques, often involving Sellotape, so once I’ve removed the stain I’ll remount each piece on 100% cotton museum board that shouldn’t cause any damage.”

What will happen to the collection then? Well, just as I’ve seen elsewhere in the museum, the object of conserving it so carefully is so that it can be WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

© Alan Russell used to further knowledge of the Mexican pyramids across the world. The ultimate aim is to digitise the collection so academics in Mexico and across the world can access records of this heritage, which has now sadly been eroded from the surface of the pyramids as a result of pollution, and to lend items for display in their origin country. And, while I’ve learnt a lot today, perhaps most striking is the commitment I’ve encountered across all areas of the museum – both public facing and behind the scenes – to share knowledge and provide excellent learning opportunities to all people, at all levels of education, all across the globe.

“There is this idea that we lock away all these treasures and hoard them,” Ray laughs, “but actually that’s the opposite of what we want to do. We want to give as many people as possible access to what we have here at the museum. One way would be to run daily behind-the-scenes tours like those at M Shed, but that is taking a while to coordinate in this older building, whose small spaces, winding staircases and mixed levels make tours quite awkward.

“Increasingly, we are making use of the web to connect people in Bristol, Britain and beyond with our collections, helping them tap into information and work together to increase their understanding of various subjects. We are also piloting a mobile phone app that will provide people with information as they walk round the museum, and hope it will make what we have here more accessible to a wider variety of people, so that everyone feels they can engage with and enjoy the museum.”

With all this great work going on across research, conservation, education, and public engagement, it’s no wonder our city museum body has been recognised as one of only 14 major museum partners of Arts Council England. And it’s really worth a visit. For nearly 200 years staff there have been collecting, recording and studying specimens and artefacts from across the world. In doing so, they have amassed an impressive bank of knowledge on everything from dinosaurs to Chinese ceramics, from which key pieces are produced for public display. What you see above ground may only be the tip of the iceberg, but it is the culmination of everything covered in this article, and you can see it all for free. n With thanks to Ray and his team at the museum. Main image © Oxana Mazur, taken from the evening spectacular organized by Paradise Hotel – www.paradiseproductionco.com – dress by Molly Mishi May – www.mishimay.com. All other images © Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives except where indicated. For more information about Bristol Museums visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk MARCH 2015

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ALL THAT JAZZ Legendary vocalist Carleen Anderson talks to Jenny Hayes about work, life and family, and shares the ten tunes that see her through it all

C

arleen Anderson is music royalty. One of the most powerful female vocalists of today, both her solo and collaborative projects are inimitable in their bold fusion of musical genres. She is also the daughter of James Brown’s favourite vocalist, Vicki Anderson, and has been working with famous names such as Johnny Winter and her stepfather, Bobby Byrd, since she was a teenager.

But it isn’t just soul music that runs in her blood. Raised by her paternal grandparents in the Pentecostal church of her grandfather, Pastor David Anderson, Carleen was immersed in gospel music from an early age and she credits this, alongside her maternal pop heritage, with giving her such broad musical interests.

“Where I grew up, music was used at every occasion, to express every emotion. If we were happy, we’d sing; if there was something to celebrate, we’d sing; and if there was sadness or loss, we’d keep on singing. Because of this I’ve always seen music as something very powerful for people, both as means of expression and as something that can truly comfort us.”

Another key influence from Carleen’s early life came in the form of her aunt, the little known but supremely talented singer Bettye Faye Anderson, who was her first vocal coach and inspired her to harness her diverse musical inheritance and use it to carve a new groove that is distinctly her own.

“My Auntie Bettye Faye was classically trained and also sang gospel,” Carleen explains. “She was an incredibly versatile artist, with the ability to

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move from pure opera to something deep and soulful in a single note. But she died of breast cancer at the age of 37, when I was just 13, and that really had an impact on me. Even now, her memory inspires me as an artist.”

Bettye Faye Anderson sang with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and performed as a soloist for the civil rights movement. She also taught music in Chicago’s public schools during the 1960s, sharing her knowledge and passion for the subject with students. This is something that struck a chord with Carleen, who herself trained as a teacher in the early 1980s and was set on that career path until Ronald Regan came into office and removed arts funding from America’s public schools.

“With one blow, music teaching was no longer a viable career,” says Carleen. “Without that option I went to work as a secretary until my then stepfather, Bobby Byrd, went on tour with James Brown’s musicians and persuaded me to join them as a singer.”

It was this venture that brought her to the UK in 1990, and to the attention of acid jazz band The Young Disciples, who recruited her as vocalist and songwriter. She went on to work as a soloist and in collaboration with other artists, such as Paul Weller, Courtney Pine and The Brand New Heavies, but teaching was never far from her thoughts, and in 2002 she took a position as head of the vocal department at Brighton University.

“I taught there for 5 years and I loved it. It gave me the chance to fulfill

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FACE | THE MUSIC what I’d studied for all those years ago, and working with the students was ❹ Distant Lover by Marvin Gaye fantastic as they were so artistically free. It gave me a completely different I respond to the emotional reach of Marvin Gaye in a variety of ways. The perspective on vocal music. yearning, pathos, joy, passion, gratitude, the complete spectrum of the human But it was difficult to balance with my performance work. I wanted to condition, is in every sound he delivered. Other than my paternal grandparents give myself fully to both, as the students were hungry for knowledge and and my son, most of my relationships are quite distant in nature, be it my audience hungry for music, but I was just exhausted so I had to make a physically and/or emotionally, so this song really struck a chord with me when decision between the two. It all came to a head around the time that talks I first heard it as a teenager. Although the topic in this tune is a romance for my new musical theatre production started to pick up speed, and that between a couple, the theme of intangibility easily crossed over in theory for was a project I just couldn’t turn down.” me.

It’s easy to see why. The UK Arts Council awarded Carleen a grant to compose and write a production tracing 100 years of her family’s history and ❺ She Got To You by Esperanza Spalding the national politics that underpinned their story. It sounds like an incredible Clearly Esperanza is a splendidly gifted, multi-talented musician/singer/ way to bring together all the elements of what has been a very full life? songwriter, and I am inspired by many of her tunes. She is certainly an old “It is really emotionally rewarding,” Carleen agrees, “as it gives me the soul in the form of a young existence. This tune, especially, has all the elements chance to pay tribute to the people who made me who I am as an artist, and of lyrical dynamics and musical complexities that I find so compelling in jazz as a person. They are the people who are famous to me – like my paternal music, with all the elements of a master in her art, who blends the new in a grandparents and my auntie – who taught me perseverance and the legendary way. confidence to stand up and be who I am.

“I’ve also been able to explore all the different varieties of music that came ❻ Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday about during that time, revisiting some old favourites and discovering new I fell in love with Billie Holliday at 14 years old, after seeing the movie, Lady artists. Although it looks back on history, the production is definitely 21st Sings the Blues. I spent my high school years singing in state-wide jazz band century as we’ll use digital imagery to immerse the audience in the competitions, singing the songs she made famous. Her sound was frowned experience, so they can to uncover different layers of the story each time upon by many in my immediate circle, the mournful tones grated on them too they see it.” much. However I found and still find incredible Esperanza Spalding © J. Breeschoten If it’s anything like Carleen’s previous magic in what she could do with such a minimal work, this project is set to be at once vocal range and her limited technical ability. The deeply personal and universally relevant. living of life that poured out of her whenever Currently in development, it should be she sang, is matchless. complete by early 2016, so watch this space… ❼ Inner City Blues by Sarah Vaughan Carleen will be performing at Colston This is a Marvin Gaye original, which is of Hall on Saturday 7 March, 9pm, as part course, impossible to top. Still, the version by of Bristol International Jazz & Blues Sarah Vaughan, the most versatile of all the Festival. Tickets: £15.05 – £30.10, from singers who has ever influenced me, gives it that the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or blending of jazz and soul that I aim for in my visit: www.colstonhall.org. For more own performances. Sarah is the singer who, information about the festival, visit: when I’m looking for a rendition of any song, I www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com check to see if she’s recorded it, as I know her version will deliver something unique. Her Carleen’s top 10: extreme vocal register, the mixture of tones in every recording, is a masterful lesson in each ❶ The Ghetto by Don Hathaway melody she sings.

Donny Hathaway is my strongest influence when referencing the ❽ That’s The Way Of The World by Earth, pianist/vocalist genre. This particular Wind & Fire song first came to my attention via a There are tons of EWF tunes that are among my transistor radio a fellow passenger was favorites. I listed this one because it reminds me playing on the bus that I was travelling of how they managed to include the jazz on from school to the house where I sensibilities on their album, alongside their lived with my paternal grandmother, in accommodations for disco music. Except for the Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas, in 1970. way that EWF delivered it, disco music fell foul Just as the song began, the bus passed by what US Americans call to my ears. Yet, when a EWF song came on, with shades of blues or ‘projects’, or council flats in the UK. Sound and scenery matched triumphant dance floor fever pitching to it, it always got me right where I splendidly and unforgettably. lived. A group of musicians, singers, songwriters, arrangers, producers, all delivering and owning their distinctive style. ❷ If You Want Me To Stay by Sly and the Family Stone Sly Stone came from the same faith as my family, Church of God in Christ. ❾ He’s So Wonderful by Bettye Faye Anderson The distinctive fervour delivered in the musical tone of those raised with My Auntie Bettye Faye, the older sister of my birth father, Dr. Reuben that indoctrination is instinctively recognised by fellow followers. That’s Anderson and the only daughter of my grandparents who raised me from what initially drew me to this tune, but equally, the lyrics of independent infancy, studied classical voice at Juilliard and was a much sought after singer alliances, during my struggles with teenage angst and free will, connected during the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. She was my first vocal coach with me musically and thematically. The Larry Graham bass line and Sly’s and her combination of operatic singing style with gospel grit was my earliest vocal scat at the end of the tune was early training for my ear to blend teachings and the foundation of where my high octave register stems from. jazz and gospel by way of funk, soul and pop music.

She died young, age 37, of breast cancer, in 1970, yet her sound, which I recently recovered an obscure recording online, stays with me, throughout. ❸ I Wish by Stevie Wonder The singer/songwriter genre influence intensifies with Stevie Wonder. He ❿ Didn’t Rain by Sister Rosetta Tharpe weaves storylines to melodies with rhythm and form, painting pictures I This song represents the sound I was raised on. My grandfather, Reverend relate to. The studio recordings of his own vocal background harmonies David Anderson, was the pastor of our local church, and he raised me along was my introduction to preferring the nuances that results when a singer with my grandmother Alberta from infancy. And this has that early 20th harmonises with their own voice. Many have duplicated their sound in century flavour in its gospel tones, which some define as pre-dating rock and that way since – Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo – and when you roll. There’s a similar link in terminology as the religious sect I grew up in, then hear them live, it’s telling, regardless of how great the background was labelled, ‘Holy Rollers’, because of our high-spirited musical delivery. singers are, as the inflections of those self-recorded vocals are impossible There is a tribal connection that I have to this sound that exists in every to duplicate. It’s this that makes the recordings so distinctive. performance I give. n WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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CULTURE BOOK What’s happening in the city this month

International Women’s Rights Conference

Botanic Garden Tours

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra

FROM MARCH 06

Jazz and Blues Weekend, The Folk House, Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March, all day

Garden Tour, University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Sunday 8 March, 10.30am

This year’s Jazz and Blues Festival will involve around 150 free and ticketed events at Colston Hall, The Folk House and Watershed. Some of this year’s highlights include The Big Swing Dance with the 17-piece Bruce/llett Big Band, a unique Louis Armstrong Celebration featuring very special guests from New Orleans and Cartoon Jazz with the Big Buzzard Boogie Band.

Special workshops will be held at The Folk House all weekend. For more information tel: 0117 926 2987 or visit: www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

Join an inspiring two hour special tour with curator, Nicholas Wray. The early spring delights on offer include the highly fragrant Chimonanthus praecox (Wintersweet), the bright golden-yellow flowers of Hamamelis mollis (Witch hazel) and the deliciously fragrant Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill.’ Tours are an excellent opportunity to hear updates of the innumerable new developments and also learn about plants of seasonal interest. Tickets: free to Friends, £4.50 for visitors. Please meet at the Welcome Lodge. For more information tel: 0117 331 4906 or visit: www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden

The Heresy of Love, Bristol Old Vic Studio, Friday 6 – Saturday 14 March, 7pm with a 2pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday

Bristol Revunions, Wardrobe Theatre, The White Bear, Monday 9 – Friday 13 March, 8pm

A story of ambition, desire, jealousy and betrayal. Inspired by the true-life story of Sister Juana and her life in the Hieronymite Convent, The Heresy of Love explores this woman's extraordinary life with a passion and intellectual rigour worthy of its subject. Written by Helen Edmundson and directed by Jenny Stephens. Tickets: £15 (£10 concs) from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Bristol Playwrights Collective Drama Festival, The Yard, Baldwin Street, Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 March

FROM MARCH 07

International Women’s Rights Conference, Broadmead Baptist Church, Saturday 7 March, 9.30am – 4.30pm African Initiatives, a Bristol charity, is organising an annual event of inspirational talks on the future of women’s rights. Now in its fifth year, the conference will feature talks and workshops from leading figures on topics that are affecting millions of girls and women around the world today.

Speakers include Leyla Hussein, award-winning FGM activist and Eli Moody from the Girl Guide Association on their Body Confidence Campaign. For more information tel: 0117 915 0001 or visit: www.african-initiatives.org.uk

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, St George’s Bristol, Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm Enjoy an evening of beautiful music, including Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.

Conducted by William Goodchild and featuring soloist Natalia Lomeiko on the violin. Tickets: £8–£15 from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

The West of England Wedding Show, The Passenger Shed, Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 March, 10am – 5pm Find everything you need for your special day, including beautiful bridal gowns, florists, stationers, car hire, shoes and lots, lots more. Take advantage of exclusive show discounts, enjoy stunning catwalk shows and get advice from the UK’s top bridal coach, Michele Paradise. Tickets: £5 in advance/£8 on the day. Brides go free with a paying adult but only when booking in advance, visit www.perfectweddingshows.co.uk 40 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

After last year’s success, the Bristol Revunions are back with the city’s most concentrated week of sketch comedy. On Monday and Tuesday they welcome the new duo Sam & Tom (previously of Staple/face), Wednesday and Thursday see the return of the brilliant Twins and Friday is your fix of character comedy, with Lolly Adefope and Mat Ewins. Tickets: £5, visit: www.wardrobetheatre.com

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This microfestival of new writing presents three plays over three days this March – Drunk by J. Rayner, The Industrial Theatre edited by Kane Walpole and An Elegy for David by Jon Berry. It aims to showcase the talent of the Bristol Playwrights Collective – a group of students who meet monthly to discuss ideas, tips and responses to contemporary scripts. Tickets: £4 per night, or £10 for all three shows, visit: www.theyardbristol.co.uk

SATURDAY MARCH 14

Eastfield Market, Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, Saturday 14 March, 9am – 1pm Opening in March, then running every Saturday of the month thereafter, this new market is home to a variety of quality stalls selling local produce, such as meat, veggies, bread, cheese, homemade cakes, pies, preserves and handmade artisan crafts. The pub will also be open for beverages and food if you’re tired after all that shopping.

Bristol Concert Orchestra, St George’s Bristol, Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm Beethoven's 5th Symphony opens with perhaps the most famous notes in all classical music, but if that’s all you know, you’re in for a treat with the whole of this thrilling work. Bristol Concert Orchestra (conductor Stefan Hofkes) will play two other works at its spring concert: Debussy’s Ibéria with its vivid depiction of the sights, sounds and scents of Spain, and Liszt’s dazzling 1st Piano Concerto, joined by renowned soloist Ashley Wass. Tickets: £8–£15 from St George’s box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or from the orchestra direct, visit: www.bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk

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WHAT’S | ON Gina Yashere at Colston Hall © David Burgoynel

Gina Yashere, The Lantern, Colston Hall, Saturday 14 March, 8pm One of the UK’s funniest females returns from across the pond with her highly-anticipated new show Laugh Riot, in which she explores it all – from her recent move to New York and the ridiculous auditions that made her leave Los Angeles, to her new fear of cats after being terrorized by super intelligent felines at her friend’s house. As always, Gina has plenty of stories to tell in a way that only she can. Tickets: £16.13 from the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org

FROM MARCH 17

Fat Man, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Tuesday 17 – Saturday 28 March, 8.15pm Fat Man at Tobacco Factory Theatre

Alex Swift directs a reimagining of one of the most iconic characters of Greek Mythology, as Orpheus becomes a flailing, overeating musician-turned-comedian, presenting his familiar story as an autobiographical standup routine. Written and performed by Martin Bonger, Fat Man bridges the celestial with the everyday, in a bitterly funny unraveling of a man stricken with grief. Suitable for ages 14+. Tickets: £13 (£9 concs) from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Barry Cryer, Bristol Old Vic, Friday 20 March, 8pm On the eve of his 80th birthday, national treasure Barry Cryer and his long-time I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue sparring partner Graeme Garden look back on a comedy career that spans six decades. Expect an evening rich in revelations about stars such as Tommy Cooper, Dave Allen, Ronnie Barker, Billy Connolly, Bruce Forsyth, Frankie Howerd, Morecambe & Wise and Kenny Everett as well as quick-fire gags, film and tv clips and celebrity contributions. Tickets: £10–£22 from the box office on tel: 0117 978 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Radioland, Colston Hall, Saturday 21 March, 8.30pm Marking its 40th anniversary, keyboard virtuoso Matthew Bourne, Franck Vigroux on electronics and installation artist Antoine Schmitt explore Kraftwerk’s seminal 1975 album Radio-Activity as a live performance experience, for the first time ever. A bank of analogue and digital instruments provide the foundations from which this Anglo-French union travels through what still sounds utterly contemporary. Intensifying the experience, Antoine Schmitt creates striking live video, transporting the audience into the stratosphere of Kraftwerk's futuristic sound world.Tickets: £12.50 from the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org Barry Cryer at Bristol Old Vic © Adam Johnson/Slapstick Dick Whittington at Bristol Hippodrome

Bristol Bach Choir, St George’s, Saturday 21 March, 7.30pm Embark on a musical voyage of discovery as you listen anew to Brahms’ iconic Requiem in this intimate performance, and be spellbound by the drama of Jonathan Dove’s distinctive and powerful work, The Passing of the Year. The Requiem, while acknowledging the tragedy of death, is always hopeful and, as such, speaks clearly and profoundly. This performance, sung in German, is in an arrangement for piano duet made by the composer shortly after he completed the work. The Passing of the Year is written in memory of Dove’s mother, a similarity it shares with Brahms’ work. Tickets: £10 – £20 (£5 students and under 18s). To book tel: 0117 214 0721 or visit: bristolbach.org

Radioland at Colston Hall © Justin Yockney

EDITOR’S PICK...

Creative Cocktail Masterclass, Harvey Nichols, Cabot Circus, Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March, 10am – 12.30pm Exploring a different theme every month, the cocktail masterclasses at Harvey Nichols provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a detailed lesson in cocktail bar alchemy, create classic cocktail combinations and discover experienced bartenders’ top tips, before learning to perfect those useful tricks of the trade.

This month, the Around the World themed masterclass will take you on a whirlwind tour of cocktails from around the globe, from Peru to Sri Lanka, and everywhere in between. So sit back and enjoy a luxury tour of the globe drink by drink, safe in the knowledge that your new found skills will seriously impress your friends!

Private masterclasses can also be booked on any other Saturday or Sunday morning in the month, designed for parties of six to ten people. And at these events you can choose the theme yourself.

Tickets: £25. For more information, to book a table for this masterclass or another event please tel: 0117 916 8898 or email reception.bristol@harveynichols.com

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WHAT’S | ON

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BATH...

London Hughes at What the Frock!

Calling all style mavens – Bath in Fashion returns to our sister city from Saturday 21 – Sunday 29 March. There’s a jam-packed programme featuring unmissable talks, catwalk shows, hands-on knitting and jewellery workshops, fashion films, a vintage fashion fair, historic exhibitions and a community charity crochet project in aid of Kids Company. There are also many other events going on to reflect the diveristy of Bath, including workshops, talks, exhibitions and installations – so expect the unexpected. Renowned tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta, who has designed fabrics for Liberty as well as inking Paloma Faith, will tell his incredible story; the Royal School of Needlework, in collaboration with the Royal High School, Bath, will talk about their commissions for the fashion world and will be running a workshop in Anthropologie; and world famous fashion blogger, Susie Lau is among the high profile guests from the world of fashion. For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.bathinfashion.co.uk

Two Punks and a Tandem, Wardrobe Theatre, The White Bear, Monday 23 – Friday 27 March, 8pm Bristol-based theatre company Silly Boys are kicking off their UK tour of this topical show with a week at Wardrobe Theatre. It’s England, 1985. Jennifer Rush tops the charts and big hair is all the rage. But Britain’s youth are restless. They have no work, no money, no hope. And in the seaside town of Penzance in Cornwall, a group of mates decide to do something about it.

When two of them embark on a charity bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End, what could possibly go wrong? A rip-roaring and rollocking romp, brought to life in trademark Silly Boys style… with live music, puppets and a whole heap of silliness. Tickets: £5 on the door. For more information visit: www.sillyboys.co.uk

FROM MARCH 24

Dance ’Til Dawn, Bristol Hippodrome, Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm Former world champions and Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring their dazzling show to Bristol this month. Fusing musical theatre, dance, romance and comedy into a smash hit spectacle, Dance ’Til Dawn transports you to the seductive age of Los Angeles in the 1940s. In the midst of a Hollywood film shoot leading man Bobby Burns is murdered and a romance develops between beautiful starlet Sadie Strauss (Flavia Cacace) and her handsome lover Tony DeLuca (Vincent Simone). As a plot to frame Tony DeLuca unfolds, the duo use their flawless footwork to tango and quickstep their way out of trouble and into each other’s arms.

Tickets: £12.90–£51.90 from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

What the Frock! Comedy, Riproar, Friday 27 March, 8pm Hosted by the irrepressibly popular Jayde Adams, What The Frock! brings you the best in female comedy talent. The March line up features awardwinning stand-up comic, writer, actor and presenter London Hughes, character comedian Gabby Best and the original perspective of Evelyn Mok. Tickets on sale soon, visit: www.whatthefrockcomedy.co.uk 42 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Bristol Choral Society, Colston Hall, Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Haydn’s Creation, with its vivid depictions of initial chaos and darkness, to the creation of light, the world and its inhabitants, is packed with inventiveness, wit, beauty and wonder. “I spent much time over it because I expect it to last for a long time” he wrote, and he was right in doing so.

Bristol Choral Society is joined by the Bristol Ensemble and soloists HelenJane Howells (soprano), Paul Badley (tenor) and David Ireland (bass-baritone) to perform this Haydn masterpiece. Tickets: £10–£25, unders 25s £5. Tel: 0845 652 1823 or visit: www.bristolchoral.co.uk

Exultate Singers, St George’s Bristol, Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir joins forces with professional orchestra The Lochrian Ensemble to perform Bach's masterpiece, Mass in B Minor.

Famous for the beauty and power of the vocal and orchestral writing, the Mass expresses the full range of human emotions from intense sadness to great joy and zest for life. Tickets £12–£26, students £6 and under 18s £4, from the box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Antique, Vintage and Collectables Fair, Ashton Court Mansion, Sunday 29 March, 10am – 4pm Step inside this beautiful and historic mansion house and you will find 40 quality stalls selling antiques, collectables, vintage fashion, retro items, antique furniture, fine china, jewellery and more. The café is open all day for light bites, teas, coffee and homemade cakes. Tickets: £2, under 16s free.

Bristol Phoenix Choir, St Alban’s Church, Saturday 18 April, 7.30pm The choir performs a wonderful array of masterpieces: Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Vivaldi’s Magnificat, together with Handel’s My Heart is Inditing and pieces by Haydn and Purcell. Soloists Elinor Cooper, Matthew Paine, Mike Gormley and Daniel Robson, with Matthew Davies (organ). Directed

by Paul Walton. Tickets £12.50 (free for under 16s) from Bristol Phoenix Choir tel: 07775 915155 or email: tickets@bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk, or from Opus 13 tel: 0117 9230164.

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CULTURE | THEATRE

STAR-CROSSED LOVERS Romeo and Juliet has arrived at the Tobacco Factory, so Jenny Hayes went along to find out why love doesn’t conquer all in this Shakespearan tragedy

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his month, Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory returns to tell one of the most heart-rending love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet. “Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love”, says Romeo early on, neatly surmising the overriding themes of the play from the outset. On the one hand, there is the bitter hatred that fuels the ongoing feud between the Montagues and Capulets, and on the other the brilliant flush of first love that flourishes between Romeo and Juliet.

But is the moral of this tale really that simple? Is hatred the antithesis of love, or can the lines be blurred in a world where corruption and greed are rife, and gang mentality prevails over good sense? I put some questions to the cast of this year’s production to try and get to the heart of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.

sight of love in his struggle to maintain an illusion of status and prestige. It is this fear that is the driving force behind most of his behaviour. “ Chris Garner, Montague: “Like Capulet, Montague is also struggling, but for different reasons. He loves Romeo, but has no idea how to connect with him. In our production, Montague has no wife so he is both mother and father to a son who is increasingly disconnected from him. The great tragedy of this relationship is that they never get to have dialogue with each other to try to sort out these issues.”

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THE DANGER OF LOVING A MONTAGUE IS THRILLING. HE’S FORBIDDEN, WHICH ADDS AN INTENSITY TO JULIET’S LOVE

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Do Lord Capulet and Lord Montague have any understanding of love?

Timothy Knightley, Capulet: “Capulet loves his family, even though that love is distorted by his grandiose perspective of himself. He is desperately trying to cling on to control in an ever more chaotic world, which makes him lose 44 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Surely this inability to express love has had an impact on their children?

Daisy Whalley, Juliet: “Juliet’s relationship with both her parents is very distant. She has been pretty much raised by the Nurse, who is at once mother, sister and best friend rolled into one. I imagine Juliet’s parents expect her to be a shining example of obedience, and at the beginning of the play she attempts to seek their love and approval by fulfilling this ideal.

“And while she isn’t bereft of affection, as her relationship with the Nurse is close, I do think this yearning for love is part of the reason she falls so completely in love with Romeo.”

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CULTURE | THEATRE Paapa Essiedu, Romeo: “Romeo is frustrated, bored, confused, hormonal and volatile – basically he’s a teenager. His relationship with his father isn’t close, but he seems more preoccupied with falling in love with girls than worrying about lack of parental guidance.”

This emotional distance is arguably reflected in Romeo and Juliet’s decision to choose their love for one another over loyalty to their families…

Daisy Whalley, Juliet: “Juliet constantly fights throughout the play to remain in control of her life. While she definitely has Capulet pride at the beginning of the play, she overcomes it to accept the love she feels for Romeo. And there’s no denying that for her the danger of loving a Montague is thrilling. I don’t think it stems from a conscious desire to rebel, but he is forbidden, which adds more intensity to her love for him.”

Paapa Essiedu, Romeo: “To pursue Juliet, Romeo must push aside a mountain of familial responsibility and social tradition, which requires enormous bravery and bloody-mindedness. He is someone who feels incredibly deeply – when he loves, he loves with all his being, pushing him near to the point of madness and obsession.

“But this characteristic reaches beyond his relationship with Juliet, and in doing so sucks him back into the heart of the bitter feud between their two families.

Even though he has pledged his love to Juliet he kills her cousin, Tybalt, in an unthinking act of revenge for the murder of his friend Mercutio. So even though he rationally chooses his love for Juliet over the feud of his father, the pride and identity he has for his family still burns at his core with no heed for rational reasoning.”

Why does this complex interplay between love and hate, and the gang mentality and feuding that occurs as a result, continue to resonate with a modern audience?

Timothy Knightly, Capulet: “The value system of Verona is very much a reflection of what we hold important today, and what brings so much distress to our society. Money, power, influence and material wealth are held up on a pedestal as a vehicle for happiness. Anger, hate and violence are a by-product of those aspirations not being met and therefore not giving us the happiness we crave. Because of this, love becomes intoxicating in its ability provide respite from anxiety and depression. Everything is skewed in a world that is obsessive, dysfunctional and misguided.”

Chris Garner, Montague: “Yes, it’s definitely still very relevant. Romeo and Juliet throws up a mirror to the audience and says that hatred and fighting, no

matter on what scale, is destructive. Ultimately, it really underlines the need for deep and meaningful discussion where each party can understand the other’s opinion to reach a positive agreement and move forward. It highlights the need to be open and honest, and to go beyond our own small egos to work positively toward the bigger picture of the future. A very relevant lesson indeed.” n Romeo and Juliet is a Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory and Tobacco Factory Theatres co-production, directed by Polina Kalinina. Tickets: £16 – £24 available from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Main image: The Capulet clan; above: Paul Currier as Friar Lawrence and Paapa Essiedu as Romeo; this picture: Paapa Essiedu as Romeo and Daisy Whalley as Juliet. All images © Mark Douet

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Bristol Old Vic Theatre School “A tragedy worthy of Shakespeare’s stage.”

Written by Helen Edmundson

Directed by Jenny Stephens

Based on a true story, THE HERESY OF LOVE is a bold and eloquent new play that confronts titanic conflicts between church and state, faith and creativity, and male and female power-structures.

In a convent in Mexico in the seventeenth century, Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz combines her devotion to God with success as a poet and playwright and is very much in favour with the court.

A particularly zealous archbishop arrives, bringing with him the attitudes and rigours of the Spanish Inquisition and so sets off a dramatic chain of events in which Sister Juana's fragile world is threatened by malicious betrayal.

“We are delighted to be presenting this new play by Helen Edmundson who is also an Associate Artist at the Bristol Old Vic. She has written a remarkable play about a remarkable woman. One of the great intellectuals of her age, she entered a convent in her teens, declaring that though she knew ‘this life had many things that were repugnant to my nature, it was less than the abhorrence I felt for marriage’”. Jenny Stephens Not only a story of ambition, desire, jealousy and betrayal, THE HERESY OF LOVE explores this woman's life with a passion and intellectual rigour worthy of its subject.

Fri 6 – Sat 14 March 2015

Bristol Old Vic: Studio. Box Office: 0117 987 7877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk

7pm (Mon-Sat), 2pm (Thu & Sat mat) £15/£10 (plus booking fee) 2-4-1 tickets for Friends of Bristol Old Vic

(Sat 7 Mar at 2pm, Mon 9 Mar at 7pm and Tue 10 Mar at 7pm only)

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BRISTOL | HISTORY

BOXING CLEVER Matthew Houghton explores Bristol’s sporting past

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ristol is a proud sporting city but few perhaps know that in the early 19th century, Bristolians dominated sport in England. At the time, boxing was the nation’s sporting obsession and it was a group of men from Bristol who bestrode this scene like giants.

Georgian prize-fighting was very different from modern boxing, most notably in that it was bare-knuckled; fights were long and bloody battles of attrition from which the pugilists rarely escaped without significant damage.

The people of the day however, had a taste for the brutal and a match between two fancied fighters would generate enormous excitement all over the country, at all levels of society. Thousands of people would travel many miles to outdoor events where rich and poor would rub shoulders at ringside, temporarily united by excessive booze and a bloodthirsty desire to see two men pitted against one another. Byron was a devout attendee, as, purportedly, was the Prince Regent.

The sheer scale of these events often created a problem for the organisers, as the sport was actually illegal. Fights were often organised near county borders so if a local magistrate decided to play the spoilsport, the ring could simply be moved a few hundred yards out of his jurisdiction (though he was normally to be found in the front row with his collar up and his pocketbook bulging).

Prize-fighting was big money, then as now. Vast sums were won and lost on the outcome of fights, particularly by the aristocratic patrons of the sport, ‘the fancy’ as they were known, who were obsessed with gambling and with

discovering the next lucrative contender.

The fighters themselves were generally young men from humble backgrounds; as well as being tough and athletic they were often dashing and handsome, initially at least. They became romantic figures, heroes who were idolised by men and women. A fighter could make a fortune, as long as he also did so for his backers; waning fighters were swiftly cast aside in favour of new, younger prospects. It was a fickle and risky profession and this is sharply illustrated by the contrasting fates of two of Bristol’s greatest champions, Jem Belcher and Tom Cribb, two very different men who fought each other twice in the 1800s.

James ‘Jem’ Belcher was born in St James’s Back, now Silver Street, on 15 April 1781; he came from fighting stock (even his sister boxed) and began prize-fighting at the age of twelve. At nineteen, he defeated Jack Bartholemew to claim the Championship of All England and became a superstar. Later that year, when he beat Andrew Gamble on Wimbledon Common, the church bells of Bristol rang out in celebration of his victory.

Belcher was possessed of uncanny natural ability, and it was said that his punches were ‘severely felt but scarcely seen’. He was also charismatic and extremely handsome. He mixed with aristocrats, rode in an imposing coach and dressed in the finest fashions. His natural gifts allowed him to pursue an excessive lifestyle, yet still beat all comers. He was one of the great popular heroes of the age and became known as ‘The Napoleon of the Ring’.

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THE FIGHTERS BECAME HEROES WHO WERE IDOLISED

BY BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

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BRISTOL | HISTORY

Main image: Cribb vs. Molineaux by George Cruickshank, 1811 Right: plaque commemorating ‘The Bristol Boys’ at The Hatchett, Frogmore Street, where many bare-knuckle boxing bouts were held

However, on the 24 July 1803, at the height of his fame and ability, Belcher suffered a life-changing catastrophe. During a game of racquets, he was violently struck by a ball and lost an eye. At twenty-two years of age, he was forced to retire. But he could not concede that he was done; he went on to fight and lose another three times, twice against Cribb. He gambled away his entire fortune on these ill-advised bouts and then, following a post-fight fracas, spent time in jail, where he developed pneumonia from which he never fully recovered. He died at only thirty years old.

Thomas Cribb was born in Hanham on the 8 July 1781, but left Bristol for London as a teenager, where he joined the Royal Navy. On his return to Blighty, he took up prize-fighting and fought his way up the rankings to claim the Championship of All England on the 25 October 1808.

‘The Black Diamond’, as he was known, could not have been more different from Belcher in personality or in his pugilistic style. Cribb was a quiet and unassuming man and he had little of Belcher’s natural talent; though strong, he was not particularly fast or skilful. He was however, an exceptional ‘glutton’, able to absorb huge punishment, and this, combined with unbreakable spirit or ‘bottom’ as it was known, made him well-suited to the long, gruelling contests of the day.

Cribb twice beat the ailing Belcher but is perhaps best known for his rivalry with the American Tom Molyneaux, who he defeated in both 1810 and 1811, in memorable bouts that captured the imagination of the entire nation. Cribb lost only once in his career, when, having been unexpectedly summoned from an inn to fight, he was so drunk he could barely get through the ropes.

Unlike Belcher, Cribb’s winnings from his final fights afforded him a relatively comfortable retirement and, in 1821, he purchased the Union Arms in London’s Haymarket. In retirement, he trained other fighters, taking his protégé Tom Spring to the Championship

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in 1823. Cribb and his wife Mary had eight children and it was in the house of his son William that Cribb eventually died, peacefully, at the age of 67.

This was a colourful but very difficult world in which to make one’s way and it stands testament that so many of the contenders and champions of the day came from our city. Tragic Jem Belcher and durable Tom Cribb were just two of the so called ‘Bristol Boys’ who dominated the competition, forgotten sporting heroes of whom every Bristolian can be justly proud. n With thanks to Jon Hurley, whose book The Black Diamond was a valuable source of information when researching this article, as was the website: boxingbiographies.co.uk

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CITY | CREATIVES

URBAN PERSPECTIVES From street photography to lino cuts, Hannah Stuart-Leach meets five local artists who use different techniques to capture the spirit of Bristol

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CITY | CREATIVES

LEE ELLIS Expressive artist

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leeellis.bigcartel.com

y work comes across as dark and macabre at times, but I maintain that interpretation is all down to the viewer. Its simple colour palette and swathes of paint and texture help it stand out.

When I made my Bristol lino cut I had been painting lots of portraits and needed a brief change of direction. I wanted to capture lots of elements of Bristol within one image. I was experimenting with lino cutting at the time and thought it was an excellent way to merge the elements in a simple way.

My paintings are based on my sketches, my memory and sometimes photographs I take around the city. There are so many interesting people everywhere to keep my imagination running; I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop. When I am not painting people I paint the emotions I feel around the city through abstract expressive paintings. These are colourful and energetic, and capture the vibrancy of this great city.

I find the darker side of life thought provoking. For instance the noticeable increase in homelessness here, and the problems with addiction and substance abuse. Charities like the Julian Trust Emergency Night Shelter make a real difference, and I try to cover these sorts of issues in my work and help raise awareness.

That is not to say Bristol is a dark place. Far from it – I think it is one of the loveliest places to live. Bristol as a whole is my muse.”

Find Lee’s work at Upfest Gallery, It’s All 2 Much Gallery, or on his website

Main image: Delay Tactics, above: Bristol lino cut, both by Lee Ellis

CHRIS HOARE Photographer www.chris-hoare.com

DAWN COOPER

“Much of my work falls under the umbrella of documentary – I’m interested in people. For the past year I have been working on a study of East Street. The street has an interesting history that seems to contrast with how it looks today, but it still has lots of character.

The picture shown here was taken on the roofs of St Catherine’s Place, the shopping precinct off the street. I climbed up there with some young people after taking their portraits. It was good fun and reminded me of being a youngster again, climbing over roofs and doing things you’re not supposed to. All of my pictures on the street were taken with a Hasselblad 120 camera.

Last year I had a book published called Dreamers, which is a documentary look at Bristol’s hip-hop scene, inspired by the city and its rich musical culture.

I was raised in Bristol and love the city. It is also increasingly becoming a hub for photography with more events popping up all the time through people such as Alex at IC Visual Lab and Rudi at Photobook Bristol.

This makes it a great place to be a photographer.”

Dreamers is on sale at M Shed, Arnolfini and Watershed.

Illustrator dawncooper.com “I recently designed a set of coasters for Made in Bristol, celebrating rare and protected wildlife such as the Bristol Whitebeam tree, which grows naturally in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else in the world.

All of my work starts as hand drawn pen layers on paper that are then transferred onto the computer, where I experiment with colour.

Besides coming from a green-fingered family, and spending a fair amount of time outdoors, I am really inspired by old natural history drawings and paintings, and I love the shapes and colours you can make with plants and insects, which are naturally very beautiful.

I think Bristol is able to appeal to nature lovers who are also drawn to its fantastic urban culture. I am always discovering new green pockets of Bristol, and I love that spaces like Ashton Court and Leigh Woods are only a stone’s throw away, bordered by the backdrop of the city. If I am in a rut, I find a good walk always helps ideas surface.”

See Dawn’s illustrations at Lab Shop, a new pop-up on Canons Way exploring themes related to Bristol 2015.

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CITY | CREATIVES

TOM HUGHES Plein air painter www.tomhughespainting.co.uk

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“I always use oils, paint on location and complete every painting in one sitting. This gives me the drive to get some exciting marks down as I have to work quickly and impulsively. I recently painted Eastville roundabout, at the end of Fishponds road on the M32. The sun was just off to the right, but still very much in front of me. I love painting into the sun as you have to carefully judge your tones to create that bright light effect. I’m drawn to urban compositions that feature strong shapes and contrasts. The lamp posts all sticking up like long needles create a really interesting scene, to me, and I love the idea of showing the beauty in an otherwise mundane and ‘ugly’ place.

Painting outside (en plein air) is just amazing, there is absolutely no substitute for it. One thing that surprised me when I got started was just how many people showed an interest. It was really encouraging to discover people from all walks of life were just as interested, and have similar questions:’ How long did that take?

How much is it? If I stand over there can you put me in it?’ One of the more bizarre things that happened recently was when a guy walked

over to me, said nothing, but dipped his fingers Eastville Roundabout into my jar of white spirit then put them in his mouth and smiled, before walking off. Maybe he thought it was water.”

ANDY COUNCIL Mural artist www.andycouncil.co.uk “When I first sketched the Bristol Dinosaur I knew I had created something special. People immediately took to it, enjoying their city being given life in the form of a dinosaur with lots of recognisable landmarks within it. Some people claimed to see their house, which I went along with. I initially drew the image to illustrate a CD cover by local arts magazine Decode, for a compilation called Western Union, but it ended up being used in lots of different ways.

I’ve just completed the 2015 Bristol Dinosaur, 10 years on. It isn’t a massive departure from the original in many ways but I guess my knowledge of dinosaurs and how to draw them has come a long way, so this looks a lot more like an actual one might do.

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by Tom paintings Hughes, image © Isk Tom’s are on display at his home studio

exhibition on Sunday 1 March. For more details visit his website.

Since the original mural, Bristol has changed a fair bit. The Industrial Museum is now the M Shed, and the Harvey Nichols building has sprung up with Cabot Circus. There have been lots of modern housing developments too.

Bristol has been massively important to me as an artist. It was only since moving here 15 years ago I really started to get anywhere with my work. The graffiti and street art scene really caught my imagination and had a huge influence. Artists from that subculture taught me so much and continue to be very supportive. The city has a very creative buzz that keeps me energised. It is great there are so many places to paint here and hone your skills. And I hope that continues for other artists in the future.”

Andy’s Bristol Dinosaur can be found at the offices of Thirty Three, a Bristol recruitment agency based at the Tobacco Factory. You can pick up a print of Andy’s 10-year anniversary Bristol Dinosaur at Upfest Gallery from mid March. His many Bristol inspired murals can be found all over the city – why not make a day of it and find them all? n

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Royal School of Needlework Hand Embroidery Classes in Bristol • Join us for fun Day Classes: beginners and all levels welcome • Learn traditional embroidery techniques to a high technical standard on the Royal School of Needlework Certificate and Diploma • Study on our two week Summer Intensive Course in July 2015 Venue: 38 Old School House, Kingswood Estate, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB

Join us at Bath in Fashion 2015 on 25 March and pre-book for: ‘Beautiful Buttons’ Workshops at 10.30am & 2pm Anthropologie, New Bond Street ‘Embellishing Fashion’ Lecture, at 2pm Assembly Rooms For more information visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk Contact Anne Butcher - T: 020 3166 6937 anne.butcher@royal-needlework.org.uk RCN 312774

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

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SPRING EXHIBITIONS Street Art, Clifton Fine Art, Friday 6 March – Saturday 4 April This month two very different Bristol artists are embarking on a joint exhibition at Clifton Fine Art. Tom White, a fine artist known for his urban scenes of the city’s pubs, bridges and graffiti, and Rowdy, a graffiti artist known for literally painting Bristol’s streets come together in this new show.

The idea for the exhibition came about when Rowdy visited Clifton Fine Art to see Tom’s paintings of the Star and Garter Pub, which featues his work so prominently, sparking an interest in how the two artists’ work relates to one another.

Alongside new streetscapes of Bristol, Tom will be showing paintings of Brighton, London and Venice. Rowdy will include some of his famous crocodiles, which can be seen all over the city, night time cityscapes and his new abstracted work.

“This exhibition is an exciting prospect as it reflects the diversity of Bristol’s art scene,” says gallery manager, Varosha Lamb, “and we hope to be able to undertake further collaborative projects later in the year.” Clifton Fine Art, 8 Perry Road, BS1 5BQ. Tel: 0117 925 6952 or visit: www.cliftonfineart.com

Keep on the Grass by Tom White

In Bloom by Sheena Vallely

Easter Art & Sculpture Festival, University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April Celtic giants, Flanders poppies, Mozart’s Magic Flute, bronzed Greek heroes and exotic tropical flowers are just some of the delights to be enjoyed at this year’s Easter festival. Sculptors include Kate Newlyn, who lives and works in Somerset sculpting to commission and teaching at the Newlyn School of Sculpture, and Dan Broadley who carves the human figure from stone. Among the newcomers is Sheena Vallely, who has shown her work in London, Berlin and Dublin, and who also teaches drawing at the Botanic Garden. And around 30 other local artists will be exhibiting this year. University of Bristol Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, BS9 1JG. Tel: 0117 331 4906 or visit: www.bristol.ac.uk

Stokes Croft print by Keith Jeez

Isabelle Cornaro, Spike Island, Saturday 24 January – Sunday 29 March This French artist works with painting, sculpture, film and installation to explore the influence of history and culture on our perception of reality. A trained art historian, her visual language draws on a wide variety of references, from Baroque to modern.

Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Rd, BS1 6UX. Visit: www.spikeisland.org.uk

▲ Collaboration, Room 212 & It’s All 2 Much Gallery, Monday 16 – Sunday 22 March

Amplifications by Isabelle Cornaro

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This exhibition unites the art communities that stretch from Stokes Croft to Bishopston. Featuring work by street artists such as Cheba, Inkie and Keith alongside popular north Bristol artists like Jenny Urquhart, Rosie Webb and Huw Richards. Room 212, Gloucester Road, BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 330 2789 or visit:. www.room212.co.uk

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

Intimate Relations, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, Saturday 7 March – Monday 6 May

Golden Age Obsession

by Steven Lindsay

Faces and Places, Lime Tree Gallery, Thursday 26 March – Wednesday 29 April

Dirty Dancing by Beryl Cook

An exhibition of beautiful portraits and landscapes by, among others: Sophie Ploeg, Travel Award winner in the 2013 BP Portrait Award exhibition; Patricia Cain, winner of the Aspect Prize in 2010; and Steven Lindsay, Aspect Prize runner up, also in 2010.

Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Rd, BS8 4UB. Tel: 0117 929 2527 or visit: wwt.limetreegallery.com

Colour! Cube Gallery, Saturday 21 February – Saturday 7 March Wherever and however you look at it, colour has a huge impact on our lives, enriching our daily experience and often making us smile. So the Cube Gallery have put together a stunning and, well, colourful show for visitors to enjoy, featuring work by Tay Bak Chiang, Richard Heeps, Claire Cohen and Nemo Jantzen, to name but a few. Cube Gallery, 12 Perry Road, BS1 5BG. Tel: 0117 377 1470 or visit: www.cube-gallery.co.uk

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Two Horizons, Sky Blue Gallery, from Saturday 7 March Peter Evans paints in a 2D style, working from quick sketches to retain a sense of immediacy in his final paintings. Strong visual shapes and a layered finish give Peter’s work a pleasing and compelling graphic quality. Sky Blue Gallery, 27 North View, BS6 7PT. Tel: 0117 973 3995 or visit: www.skybluegallery.co.uk

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Light on the Subject, Bristol Guild, Saturday 21 February – Saturday 14 March Illuminating the winter gloom are three Bristol artists who make an ongoing study of light – Jolanta Grzybowska, Sara Glass and Christine Molan, whose work includes a rarely-seen reconstruction of the medieval Bristol Castle, commissioned

by Bristol Museum in 1991. Guild Gallery, 68 Park Street, BS1 5JY. Tel: 0117 926 5548 or visit: www.bristolguild.co.uk

Bristol Castle by Christine Molan

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This major retrospective exhibition is dedicated to Beryl Cook (1926–2008), one of Britain’s best loved artists. The 50 paintings on display encompass her entire career from her very first painting, Hangover, to one of the last, Tommy Dancing. A self-taught artist, her paintings stuck a chord with people because they featured, and were inspired by, everyday life, and Beryl is considered one of the great social commentators of our time.

Also on show from Saturday 7 March – Saturday 4 May is Canaletto’s masterpiece, A Regatta on the Grand Canal, which is on loan from the National Gallery. Victoria Art Gallery, Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AT. Tel: 01225 477233 or visit: www.victoriagal.org.uk

▲ Hand Embroidery Classes, Royal School of Needlework The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) has a teaching centre in Kingswood, where expert tutors are on hand to share their knowledge and passion for embroidery. There are introductory classes for beginners and more advanced courses for those with experience, and many students go on to study the RSN Certificate and Diploma course where they learn techniques including silk shading and goldwork. RSN, 38 Old School House, Kingswood, BS15 8DB. Tel: 0203 166 6937 or visit: www.royal-needlework.org.uk © Cara Romero Photography

Orange Bowl Still Life by Gordon Hopkins

Captured, Rainmaker Gallery, Thursday 5 March – Saturday 30 May Six contemporary American Indian fine art photographers present arresting imagery in this exhibition. Among them are Chemehuevi photographer Cara Romero who creates intimate portraits and playful reconstructions of iconic works, Navajo artist Will Wilson who combines digital technology with historic photographic processes to develop otherworldly portraits, and Sarah Sense who weaves photographs of her world travels into intriguing textures using the Chitamacha basketwork patterns of her tribe. Rainmaker Gallery, 123 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SN. Tel: 0117 944 3101 or visit: www.rainmakerart.co.uk

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ARTS | RETREAT

SPIRIT OF THE SEA Jenny Hayes samples the cultural and culinary delights of Falmouth

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s a city, Bristol is known for being an epicentre of art and culture, so finding a holiday destination within the UK that matches this level of creativity can be a challenge. But I’ve done so in Falmouth very much a kindred spirit in being, like us, a thriving port used to the ebb and flow of life that brings with it new ideas and the forward momentum to grow and change.

There is no doubt that it is a beautiful seaside town, home to the three beaches of Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth, whose golden sands give way to the vast blue ocean beyond, but this picture-perfect image only tells half of the story.

Explore the other half and you’ll find a high street that’s almost solely home to independent shops, a buzzing food scene and a vibrant community of artists, designers, makers and producers committed to maintaining and enhancing Falmouth’s reputation as a cultural hub.

It’s this I’ve come to explore. Over the weekend I’ll meet traditional craftsmen like automaton maker Keith Newstead, community art gallery director Henrietta Boex, and cutting edge creatives at prosthetics studio Gorton and production palace Dog Bite, to uncover just some of what this remarkable town has to offer.

Oh, and I’ll wash it down with some wonderful food and drink at just a few of town’s celebrated eateries along the way. So read on to find out more about the spirit of Falmouth and the people who make it the cultural hub that is it today.

And if you’ve got a yen for a weekend away, why not head down and try it all for yourself? n Whatever the season, there’s something to do in Falmouth. If you’re in to all things arty, why not try Splash festival from Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 September.

It’s a celebration of everything creative, and the town stages award-winning plays, contemporary dance and a number of other exhibitions. For more information or to plan your own trip to Falmouth, visit: www.falmouth.co.uk 56 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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HIGHCLIFFE B&B I think that Simon and Vanessa, the owners of Highcliffe, are quite likely the world’s best hosts. And their B&B is divine. Vanessa’s interior design skills have transformed this grand Edwardian mansion into a light, contemporary space crammed full of unexpected little touches designed to delight guests. I am lucky enough to be staying in Room 7, which is situated at the very top of the house and affords glorious views out over the harbour. It’s rather lovely inside too, the whitewashed walls and sandcoloured carpet an elegant echo of the beautiful beaches that lie just at the bottom of the hill. Rooms £45 – £145 depending on size and season.

Tel: 01326 314 466 or visit: www.highcliffefalmouth.com

The breakfast room at Highcliffe B&B

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ARTS | RETREAT

Gorton Studio Prepare to enter a parallel universe. This is a world-class, dedicated facility for training in screen prosthetics, special makeup effects and animatronics, there are strange creations at every turn ranging from the bizarrely beautiful to the downright creepyl... and I’m still not sure which the cast of Lady Gaga’s face, who is one of their clients, falls into. One thing that is for certain, though, is the studio’s commitment to sharing knowledge and improving standards within the industry, both through its own quality on site teaching programme and its ongoing assessment of university courses across the UK. Gorton Studio offer a number of couses, covering everything from bespoke single sessions to full 7-week programme. For more information tel: 01326 313 212 or visit: www.gortonstudio.co.uk

DOLLY’S GIN PALACE

This gallery is refeshingly different to the traditional and somewhat stuffy town galleries I’ve visited before. It is at once home to inspiring art and also a well-used and well-loved community space. While some people peruse the exhibits, others play with their children in thoughtfully designed craft and activity areas.

The result is a wonderfully relaxed space that celebrates art without pretension. Coming up for spring is an exhibition of the weird and wonderful works of Patrick Woodroffe. And if you drop in, don’t forget to look out for the charming automaton created by local automata artist Keith Newstead. Tel: 01326 313 863 or visit: www.falmouthgallery.com

▲

Falmouth Art Gallery

Tea room by day, gin haven by night, Dolly’s is a deliciously decadent slice of the 1920s high life.

Expect cocktails in teapots, gin in glasses the size of goldfish bowls, and the tastiest home-made tapas in Cornwall, all inside a gorgeous Edwardian building and accompanied by a live pianist. There’s even a labradour to pat, who wears pearls, naturally! Tel: 01326 218 400 or visit: www.dollysbar.co.uk

Keith Newstead Walking into Keith’s workshop is stepping straight into his incredible mind. I find myself surrounded by ingenius automata that are so inricate I simply can’t take in every exquisite little detail that has been created from Keith’s marvellous imagination.

Mermaids swim on top of shelves, a dragon flies in the window, and there’s even a factory for cleaning butterflies until they glow with all the colours of the rainbow. Keith works on public and private commissions, for more information visit: www.keithnewsteadautomata.com

DOG BITE STUDIOS Another world-class company based in the town, offering creative and production services to clients from across the globe, including Yo Sushi and National Geographic. I’m bowled over by their huge green screen and stateof-the-art equipment, and even more excited when I learn the team hold regular movie nights here that anyone in the town is welcome to join. To encourage new and emerging talent, the studio also runs the international Roughcuts film-making competition. Tel: 01326 618 747 or visit: www.dogbitefilmcrew.com

Maritime Museum THE STABLE Housed in the elegant building that was once Falmouth Custom House, this laid-back pie and pizza restaurant is a self-titled ‘cathedral to cider’, and as a huge fan of that particular beverage I’m happy to head here for worship. With over 80 varieties to choose from, I’m spoilt for choice, and think it wise to accompany my cider selection with a very good pizza – complete with crisp base, generous pile of toppings, and absolutely smothered in cheese – yum.

Tel: 01326 211 199 or visit: www.stablepizza.com

As with everything in Falmouth, this is an experience just a little out of the ordinary. Almost all the exhibits are interactive, so it’s fun whether you’re a child or just a big kid at heart. I waste no time in climbing aboard an RAF rescue helicopter, and racing a model yacht across the indoor boating lake. In fact, it’s only closing time that makes me leave... Tel: 01326 313 388 or visit: www.nmmc.co.uk

Courtyard Deli Tucked away just off the main high street is this glorious little deli. The counter is crammed full of tempting artisan breads, pastries, quiches and cakes, and they taste as good as they look. As I eat lunch, I admire the work of local artists which adorns the walls and features tactile textiles and bright bunting. It’s the icing on the cake for this quirky and appealing little foodie find. Visit: www.courtyarddeli.co.uk

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BRISTOL AT WORK A quality local independent Italian that's family run and well established.

Our series of photographic portraits by Charlotte Stone shows Bristol people at work

Rare Butchers Winner of Best Local Butchers at the 2014 Bristol Food Awards

C

hris Cierpic opened Rare Butchers on North Street five years ago to encourage people to buy and enjoy locally sourced, free range meat. “I’ve worked in the trade for years, so I know that quality meat tastes better and has far greater nutitional value than the intensively farmed produce you get in supermarkets.

Here at Rare we offer our customers something a bit different.

I keep an eye on current food trends to make sure we respond to them. At the moment, there’s a real love for North African flavours, so we’re producing harissa lamb meatballs and delicious Merguez sausages. In fact, we have over 20 different types of sausage, ranging from traditional pork to Sicilian, and even Hungarian paprika. They are all made from a whole pig that we butcher on the premises so the meat is as fresh as possible.

I’m very fussy about the provenance of the produce we sell.

All the animals are reared free range on farms no more than 50 miles from Bristol. They’re all grass fed and cared for to the highest standards of welfare.

I believe in sourcing good ingredients from local, family run suppliers, so that’s what I do here at Rare. Here on North Street were surrounded by other like-minded independent retailers, such as Mark’s Bread, Ashton Fruit Shop and Southville Deli, so shopping here feels good for the soul. If you trade local and buy local, there are clear benefits for small businesses like us and the community we serve.

It’s great to see this turn away from what was quite a depressing supermarket mentality. People want more choice, and because of that those of us offering quality produce and who really care about what we do can make a go of it. But we are not exclusive or expensive, whether customers want a good cut for their Sunday roast, some simple mince, or something a little bit special, we can always find something they’ll be happy with.

What’s particularly heartening is the amount of young people who come in to buy their meat. It’s great that they are engaging with quality food and good news for the future. We see new customers in here every week, and all our staff are keen to make sure they get the best service and advice as we want them to come back time and time again.

And it seems to be working as we are busier than ever. Now we just need to find another butcher to join the team so we can keep up with demand. We’re looking for someone who appreciates our high standards and wants to further their career working for the best, so if you’re interested, get in touch!” n Pictured is Jurha, the sausage specialist. Rare Butchers of Southville, 250 North Street, BS3 1JD. Tel: 0117 966 3593

WWW.PIAZZADIROMA.CO.UK 178 WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 2XU OPEN 6PM TO 11PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY (AND BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS)

T: 0117 973 4183

FROM A ROMANTIC MEAL TO A PARTY BOOKING, YOU WILL BE WELL LOOKED AFTER

THE MENU

SPECIAL OFFERS PICTURES & REVIEWS

ON OUR FACEBOOK &WEBSITE

15% off your food bill (eat in or takeaway) You must have the voucher with you, voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher must be presented before ordering drinks or food, only one voucher per group or table, management reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time, applies to main menu only not specials board, please let us know that you are using the voucher at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.

www.charlottestonephoto.com WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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BYRON, LORD OF THE BURGER 62 Queens Road, BS8 1RE. Tel: 0117 925 6666 or visit: www.byronhamburgers.com

REVIEW

Jenny Hayes tries this trendy addition to the Triangle’s busy dining scene

W

e went to Byron after work on a chilly winter evening.

Cold air nipped our noses and drizzle fell steadily through the dank air as we walked up Park Street, in desperate need of warm, dry surroundings and some proper warming grub. And Bryon delivered just that.

Even on the approach, the restaurant looked welcoming, emitting a warm amber glow that enticed us inside and out of the miserable weather, and impressions were equally good inside. Once the home of Lloyds Bank, the character of this historic building has been sensitively conserved in the interior styling. The front dining area is a wonderful fusion of burnished copper lighting and industrial light bulbs that softly illuminate the forest green walls, polished dark wooden tables and soft leather booths below, giving the overall impression is of an elegant gentlemen’s lounge.

This brand of understated cool extends to the staff, who not only look sharp in black uniforms but have that great approach to service which captures the tricky combination of being at once laid back and attentive. Our waiter knew the menu inside out, and imparted his wisdom with a level of honesty that was both amusing and appreciated. We knew when he recommended something on the menu, he was speaking from experience and not just trying to push a dish on us.

As we made our choices, the room around us buzzed with the sound of happy diners. Which is no surprise given the comfort food on offer – prime burgers, chunky chips and decadent desserts.

Not gourmet, but undeniably good, so we decided to indulge ourselves fully.

We started with crunchy nachos (£5.95) topped with jalapenos that delivered a good kick without blowing our heads off. The burgers that followed – smokey (£9.95), chilli (£8.95) and veggie (£7.95) between us – went down equally well. My veggie version had great flavour combinations, boasting a giant Portobello mushroom blanketed under a slice of creamy goat’s cheese and topped with grilled pepper, mushroom, wilted spinach and a sauce that provided a light bite of mustard which pulled it all together.

The meaty ones went down equally well with the boys, both of whom are harsh burger critics (having tried a few in their time). They assured me the patties were perfectly cooked – brown on the outside and pink on the inside

– and although not as large as the colossus burgers you can find in some establishments, packed plenty of flavour. As one of my companions rather aptly put it, this was “meat for the modern man”, comprising the perfect ratio of bun: meat: toppings to deliver maximum enjoyment without provoking the dreaded ‘meat sweats’ afterwards.

Needless to say, we augmented our mains with a plethora of side dishes – all in the interest of research, of course. And I can report that the French Fries (£2.95) were crisp, the skin on chips (£3.25) fluffy, and the onion rings (£3.50) shone like golden halos in their bowl. The pièce de résistance, however, was the courgette fries (£3.50) our waiter had recommended, which were so delicious I almost forgot to leave room for dessert.

But thank goddness I didn’t, for these were puddings so gloriously overthe-top it would have been criminal not to try them (or devour them, as I proceeded to do). They were everything you’d expect and more from a high-class burger establishment – big, brash, and unashamedly calorific – my idea of heaven. We attempted to share a blondie (£4.95) and a delightfully retro knickerbocker glory (£4.95), but in reality I made sure no one else could get a spoon in edgeways. So, it is with considerable authority that I can report the blondie was fudgey, gooey deliciousness, and the knickerbocker glory oozing sweet cream and ice-cream flavours that were punctuated by a burst of fresh raspberries and completed by a thick, rich chocolate sauce.

Ready to pop, we thought we’d call it a day there, but our waiter insisted we try at least a sip of one of Byron’s legendary malt milkshakes (£4.50). Well, it would have been rude not to, so we ordered a chocolate one (naturally!)

One word – wow.

This wasn’t a milkshake, it was a girl’s best friend. It was like slurping a glass full of ice cold, liquidised malteasers that had fallen into a vat of smooth milk chocolate and been churned by angels into an incredible nectar of pure perfection. I wanted to take it home, alone, and enjoy it over a really cheesy movie – it screamed indulgence on every level.

So what are you waiting for? Shelve the spring diet and treat yourself to a blowout at Byron – you won’t regret it. n

❝

THE DESSERTS WERE BIG, BRASH, AND UNASHAMEDLY CALORIFIC – MY IDEA OF HEAVEN

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34 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BZ T: 0117 973 2543 E: clifton@gigglingsquid.com W: www.gigglingsquid.com @GigglingSquid

Thai Tapas

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FOOD | AND DRINK

WINING & DINING news and reviews What’s cooking?

Giggling Squid

■ There’s a new kid on the Clifton foodie block, in the form of tempting Thai restaurant, Giggling Squid. Offering many of your favourite street food dishes, as well as a few less typical offerings, there’s sure to be something to spice up your tastebuds on the menu. Coastal specialitiies include ginger soy scallops, stuffed baby squid and a ‘sizzle on the griddle’ mixed seafood platter. Or if you want to fire up your belly with something a little more meaty, why not try the tamarind duck, Thai rack of lamb, or some intriguing sounding ‘tipsy tipsy’ – stir fried beef with onion, ginger and Chinese wine. Giggling Squid, 34 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton Village, BS8 4BZ. For bookings email: clifton@gigglingsquid.com, or visit: www.gigglingsquid.com for more information.

Language of love Since opening in October 2014, Italian restaurant Aquila has been going from strength to strength. And it looks like this is set to continue for 2015 as it launches several offers to keep satisfied diners returning again and again.

First of all, there’s the express lunch, which promises office workers strapped for time that they can enjoy one, two or three courses all in the space of an hour. Prices range from £8.95 for one course to a very reasonable £15.95 for three.

Or perhaps you’re looking to treat someone to a great evening out? Why not head to Aquila for focaccia and fizz every weekday from 5pm – 7pm. Hmmm... don’t mind if I do! Aquila, Baldwin Street, BS1 1NR. For more information or to book at table, tel: 0117 321 0322 or visit: www.aquila-restaurant.com

Aquila

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Best Café award for Boston Tea Party

The BTP team

Bristol born Boston Tea Party was delighted to be voted best café at last month’s Food Reader Awards. Voted for by the public, it is a real

testimony to BTP’s quality food offering, which is built around great ingredients sourced from ethical and sustainable suppliers.

So, if you haven’t yet popped into a BTP for brunch, to nibble on one of the tasty cakes made fresh each day on the premises, or to simply enjoy a frothy cappucino and watch the world go by, perhaps it’s time you did.

BTP has also been nominated for three accolades at the upcoming Sustainable Restaurant Awards, including the Innovation award for the use of coffee grinds to grow the mushrooms used in dishes. BTP has cafes on Park St, Whiteladies Road, Princess Victoria St, Cheltenham Road and Gloucester Road. For more information visit: www.bostonteaparty.co.uk

Have you got Fuego?

Aromas takeaway

■ Aromas chinese takeaway is a newly opened venture between brothers Tim and Damien, who have 40 years combined experience in the trade.

The brothers have retained the name of the previous owners, but bring a totally new menu and offering to Bristol customers. “Our goal is to provide an extremely welcoming and clean environment in our shop,” Tim says. “We aim to serve quality food to our customers, while broadening their understanding of Chinese food so they can make good food choices, right across our menu.” Dan reiterates this, adding, “We want everyone to enjoy the best possible food experience here at Aromas.” Aromas, 152 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2XZ. Tel: 0117 973 9898 or visit: www.aromastakeaway.co.uk, where you’ll also find allergen advice, delivery postcodes and more photos of the new takeaway.

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Fuego has ignited Bristol, bringing the fiery spirit and flavours of Latin America to Broad Quay. And this inimitable energy comes from co-owner Gonzalo Trujillo, who is determined to show the city there is more to Latin American food than burritos: “There is a huge range of big, bold flavours that aren’t widely available in restaurants, and we’re going to change that.

We’re creating food that has never been served here before, which will put some extra fuego in the people of Bristol!” No stranger to the city’s food scene, Gonzalo was also involved in setting up Pieminister and Grillstock, and was one of the founders of My Burrito. And now he believes: “Bristol is the perfect city to begin the Fuego journey. It’s full to the brim with people who are rebellious, maverick, and who do things differently.” Homegrown in Bristol, Fuego is set to spread like wildfire across the country. Fuego Restaurant, 7 Broad Quay, BS1 4DA. For more information tel: 0117 929 7239 or visit: www.fuegoquay.com n

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Tax and your business Mark Pooley of Bristol Chartered Accountants, Hollingdale Pooley, discusses the taxation issues facing people who run their own business.

Trading as a sole trade or partnership Individuals pay tax on the profits of their unincorporated business at income tax rates ranging from 20% to 45%. In addition, there is a liability to class 4 national insurance contributions (NICs), which is taxed at a rate of 9% on taxable profits from £7,956 to £41,865 and thereafter at a rate of 2% without limit.

You can employ family members in your business, provided the salary and other benefits you pay them is commercially justifiable. Benefits include: • a company car • medical insurance • making payments into a registered pension scheme.

However, HMRC may challenge what they regard as excessive remuneration packages or profit shares for family members.

You can also take family members into partnership and gain more flexibility in profit allocation. In fact, taking your children into partnership and gradually reducing your own involvement can be a very tax efficient way of passing on the family business.

However, taking family into your business may put the family wealth and income at risk if the business were to fail.

Incorporation and tax If limiting your personal liability is important to you, a limited company may be the right solution. But remember that banks and other creditors often require personal guarantees from directors for company borrowings. This means owners and directors of the business may in fact bear the liabilities of the business out of their personal assets.

Leadership Skills for Tomorrow’s World

University of Bristol offers free places for part-time Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership for senior professionals The University of Bristol is offering free places on its Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership. This part-time programme is for aspiring senior managers and is designed to fit around the demands of a busy job.

Today’s leaders are facing the most challenging operating circumstances for a generation. The necessary skills and competencies have shifted from the motivation of employees in a buoyant economy to change management and strategic leadership in this landscape of budget cuts, increased hours, more sophisticated technology and leaner workforces. Few organisations have escaped these changes whether they are in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors.

The University of Bristol has recognised this and designed a bespoke Masters degree in Strategy, Change and Leadership aimed at providing senior managers with the tools and techniques they require in order to navigate their organisations through such demanding times.

Programme Director Helen Ballard says “I am delighted we have the funding available to offer free places on our parttime Masters programme. Excellent leadership is critical in this challenging climate, and high performing organisations are recognising the need to further develop their managers.

This practical Masters degree will offer a return on investment from day one.”

To find out more about the programme and the free scholarship places available, come along to an open evening at the University on Wednesday 25th March from 6pm – 7.30pm. Contact Cheralyn for details: efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk

Trading through a limited company can be an effective way of sheltering profits as the rates of corporation tax on profits are generally lower than those applying to unincorporated businesses.

Contact Mark Pooley or Tom Ogden to discuss tax planning for your business.

Hollingdale Pooley Bramford House, 23 Westfield Park, Clifton, Bristol BS6 6LT

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For further information about the course please visit www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/new/degrees/

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Jenny Hayes visits At-Bristol Science Centre to learn more about our this month’s partial solar eclipse

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

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here’s no need to look beyond our own solar system for exciting celestial events this March, as the month is jam-packed full of encounters guaranteed to keep any amateur astronomer glued to the skies. And it all kicks off with the arrival of NASA’s Dawn spacecraft in dwarf planet Ceres’ orbit on Friday 6 March, as it completes the final part of its investigation into planetary evolution and the formation of the solar system.

There are several theories concerning the genesis of a solar system, the most popular attributing it to the collapse of a giant cloud of molecular dust which results in the formation of one or more stars. The rest of the dust and particles are then drawn together by the gravity of this new star, colliding and amassing together to form larger bodies. Once these objects reach about 1km in diameter, they begin to exert their own gravitational pull that attracts particles and other small object so them. Known at this stage as planetesimals, these bodies can attract one another gravitationally and form larger protoplanets – which are basically planetary embryos. Some of these in turn continue colliding and growing into full planets, while others remain as protoplanets.

In our solar system, there are several protoplanets, and through its Dawn mission NASA are hoping to learn more about their formation and structure.

Early protoplanets contained highly radioactive elements that, along with the frequent collisions that were occurring and gravitational influences exerted on them, heated the protoplanets causing them to melt. When this happened their composition changed, causing heavier elements to sink to form a central core while light objects rose to the surface in a process known as planetary differentiation.

Launched in 2007, the Dawn spacecraft’s aim was to study the two largest protoplanets in our solar system – the rocky and geologically evolved Vesta, and the icy and primitive Ceres. It entered the orbit of Vesta on 16 July 2011 and completed a successful 14 months of image and data capturing, and is now on course to reach Ceres later this month. If it successful, it will become the first spacecraft to orbit two separate extraterrestrial bodies. By examining the different protoplanets, it is hoped that the mission will capture information about planetary formation in different parts of the solar system. This will include the conditions under which each body formed and how these caused the resulting differences in their evolution. From this, NASA hopes to understand more about the nature of what are the building blocks from which the terrestrial planets in our solar system are formed. If Dawn manages to gather data from Ceres to compare with that of Vesta, it will be a major breakthrough in our understanding of our planetary neighbours.

NASA has also been busy collating information about Mercury since March 2011, when its Messenger probe entered orbit around the planet. The mission has been successful, with scientists finding evidence of past volcanic activity, a liquid core, and the presence of large amounts of water in Mercury’s exosphere.

Unfortunately this epic voyage is set to end this March, exactly four years after it began, as Messenger will lose its orbital propellant and meet its end by crashlanding on the planet. But it’ll go down in a blaze of glory, capturing close-up images of Mercury’s surface as it’s never been seen before, so watch this space.

The most spectacular visible spectacle to look out for in our skies this month, however, is that of the solar eclipse on Friday 20 March at 8.30am. While not a total eclipse in the UK, the Moon will obscure 85% of the Sun so it will still be an impressive sight, as well as auspicious, falling as it does on the day of the spring equinox.

Solar eclipses were regarded as highly significant, usually ominous events by our ancestors. And quite understandably, as in all cultures the Sun is seen as a WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Main image: Solar Eclipse, 1999 by Luc Viatour Left: Comparative Sizes of Earth, Moon and Ceres by C. Witte Above: The Partial Eclipse by Thephatphilmz

life-giving entity, so its sudden disappearance in the sky would have been extremely frightening. Many myths grew up around the phenomenon to try and explain its occurrence, many of which involve the Sun being swallowed by an animal or demon.

In Chinese, the earliest word for eclipse is documented as shih (to eat), in accordance with the ancient belief that a dragon devoured the Sun during an eclipse. To scare it off, people would raise a great commotion – clattering pans, banging drums and shouting – until the dragon went away, which of course it always did.

In Hindu legend, eclipses were caused by the demon Rahu, who tried to steal some of the gods’ divine nectar to make himself immortal. The Sun and the Moon both witnessed his crime and reported it to Vishnu, who cut off Rahu’s head before he could swallow the elixir. While his body died, however, his head remained immortal and to this day it chases the Sun and the Moon around the sky hell bent on revenge. Every now and again, Rahu catches and eats one of them, only to be thwarted when it fall outs the bottom of his throat to shine again in the sky.

Not all these stories are the stuff of nightmares, however. The Navajo take a more philosophical approach to an eclipse, seeing it as an intimate moment between the Earth, Sun and Moon that illustrates the cosmic balance of our world. They pause to acknowledge it as a special time, and take the opportunity to reflect on their lives. It seems both a fitting and respectful tribute to an event that offers us such a rare moment of wonder in our world. n With thanks to Lee Pullen at the Planetarium. If you would like to discover more about astronomy, visit the At-Bristol website for details of all shows and upcoming events: www.at-bristol.org.uk or tel: 0117 909 2000

Safety first Before you head out for some serious Sun spotting on Friday morning, make sure you’ve got a pair of solar glasses. Local retailers and supermarkets should stock them, or you can buy a pair online from a number of specialist retailers. It is important that you protect your eyes because the Sun’s UV radiation is so strong, it can burn the retinas in your eyes if you look directly at it – even for just a few seconds – causing permanent damage or even blindness.

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

ACTIVITY PLANNER There’s plenty to do to keep the little ones occupied all through the month of March

Room on the Broom at Bristol Old Vic

Toddler Takeover At Bristol

Step back in time at Berkeley Castle

Wicked, Bristol Hippodrome, until Saturday 21 March, times vary, evening and matinee performances available

Brain Lab, At Bristol, Harbourside, Thursday 12 – Sunday 22 March, 10am – 4pm

Two, Four, Six, Eight! Tobacco Factory Theatre, Monday 30 March – Thursday 2 April, 11am & 2pm

This multi award-winning musical landed in Bristol last month, and has been casting its spell over the city ever since. A witty reimagining of the stories and characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, it tells the touching story of the friendship that grows between two seemingly mismatched sorcery students, whose adventures ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. A magical tale for young and old alike. Tickets: £20 – £72.50, from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

Head down for an extended session in Live Lab, following a fictional patient’s brain surgery and working together to diagnose tissue samples.

Meet with the people who make the diagnosis and discuss current viewpoints on consent to donate tissue with bioethics experts from the University of Bristol. Part of Brilliant Brain Week, in which children can make a model brain cell and draw their own swimming cap brain map.

Recommended for age 7+. Free with entrance tickets: £12.60 adult, £8.10 child. Tel: 0845 345 1235 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Using music, balloons and too much wrapping paper, Shoofly Theatre shows how fun numbers can be with your friends. Craig has been invited to his best friend’s Birthday Party. There is an invitation to read, presents to wrap and cakes to buy. Who will explain the rules of Musical Chairs? Will there be enough balloons? A delightful show for 4 – 7 year olds. Tickets: £7, from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Toddler Takeover: Super Senses, At Bristol, Harbourside, Friday 6 March, 10am–4pm

Mums Go Free, Bristol Zoo, Sunday 15 March, 11am & 2pm

Stimulate little senses with a day packed full of special activities designed for the tiniest of explorers. Investigate a variety of touchy-feely textures in the Texture Garden and prick up your ears to some intriguing noises in the SoundLab. Plus, join in with interactive storytime, and explore At-Bristol’s hundreds of hands-on exhibits – perfect for introducing little ones to some simple science! Reduced entry fees apply. Tel: 0845 345 1235 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

What better way to keep everyone happy on Mother’s Day than with a trip to Bristol Zoo. Explore Gorilla Island, dive in to the tropical aquarium, warm up in the reptile house, and scare yourself in among the creepy crawlies. There’s also talks and animal feeding throughout the day, just look online before you visit to see what’s going on. Mums, download your voucher for free entry at: www.bristolzoo.org.uk. Tickets: £15.99 adult, £10 child. Tel: 0117 974 7399 or visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

FROM CYBER-GEEK TO CYBER-TERRORIST

Room on the Broom, Bristol Old Vic, Tuesday 31 March – Thursday 2 April, times vary Tall Stories’ magical musical stage adaptation of the beautiful children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things and all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick's not meant for five and – crack! – it snaps in two. When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Tickets: £12.50, family £45, from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Hacked by Tracey Alexander, £6.99, Picadilly Press

Step Back in Time, Berkeley Castle, Wednesday 1 April – Wednesday 8 April, 11am – 5pm

Dan had been diagnosed with ADHD as a child. So when he got into computers, his parents were actually relieved – a geek was better than something feral. It was hard to remember when the genuine hacking started, but free cinema tickets were the first illicit, tangible ‘real-life’ results of a hack. By the time Dan is befriended online by ‘Angel’, he is eager for the new challenge laid before him – creating tricky bits of code. But Dan begins to suspect that something more nefarious may be planned for his code than he thought and he will have to decide what truly matters more – protecting his anonymity and freedom, or preventing a deadly terror attack . . . Set in familiar locations across Bristol, the latest book from local author Tracey Alexander is sure to get any young adult’s adrenalin pumping.

Available in most local bookshops and online.

Join a dragon hunt around the grounds, and enjoy dragon themed arts and crafts activities every day throughout the week at Berkeley Castle. On Easter Sunday and Monday visitors will have the chance to meet baby dragons with their handlers, join a Chinese dragon parade and listen to dragon folk stories. Sunday and Monday activities will run from 11am - 4pm - timings for Baby Dragon Walkabout, Dragon Procession, Carnival Dragon walkabout and Dragon Tales (in the Great Hall) available on the day. All activities are included in the Castle entrance fee. The Yurt will also be open for coffee, homemade cakes and lunch too.

Tickets: £10 adults, £5.50 children. Tel: 01453 810 303or visit: www.berkeleycastle.com n

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EDUCATION | NEWS

A grand gift for QEH

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tanding proudly in the foyer of the QEH Theatre is a wonderful classical grand piano, which was given to Year 7 student Marcus Laver by wellknown Dutch pianist Adriaan de Wit, Professor of Salzburg Mozarteum, after he was bowled over by Marcus’s recital at a recent classical concert in Holland.

Adriaan said: “Marcus is not just amazingly talented but already a musician of great maturity who has much more to say in his music than most!”

Recently retired, Adriaan’s wish was for his stunning concert grand to be given to Marcus. Stefan Hofkes, Marcus’s piano teacher at QEH and himself originally from Holland, says; “This is a great gift and a way for the instrument to ‘live on’ to the next generation.”

Marcus has kindly loaned it to the school during his career here.

Queen Elizabth’s Hospital (QEH), Berkeley Place, Clifton, BS8 1JX. For more information or to enquire about admissions, tel: 0117 930 3068 or visit: www.qehbristol.co.uk

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Artist showcase Creative arts students from St Brendan’s Sixth Form College exhibited highlights from their A-level coursework at the Paintworks in Bristol. The show was visited by members of the public and art gallery owners, as well as friends and family of the young artists. Photography student Melvyn Swingler from Downend, textiles student Reymarie Gudaca from Speedwell and graphic communications student Shannon Prendergast from Fishponds were among the talented students whose work was on display.

For further details about St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, tel: 0117 977 7766 or visit: www.stbrn.ac.uk

SCHOOL UPDATES

Reymarie Gudaca from St Brendan’s

Dauntsey’s put on a show A group of 20 lower school pupils from Dauntsey’s are celebrating a successful production of Daisy Pulls it Off. Under the direction and leadership of sixth former Libby Hollingshead, the school staged three excellent performances of this comedy about life in a 1920s English boarding school. The lower school boarding house, The Manor, is an impressive Victorian mansion which provided the perfect setting for the play.

Rikki Jackson, Dauntsey’s director of drama said: “The standard of performance was very impressive, given all the cast were between 11 and 14 years old, and Libby did a wonderful job in directing the production of this very entertaining play. The inspired setting, tremendous lead performances and fast moving action ensured that audiences were treated to a great night of entertainment.” For more information about Dauntseys School in Devizes, tel: 01380 814 500 or visit: www.dauntseys.org

Top marks for Clifton College Eighteen sixth form pupils at Clifton College have been offered places at the UK’s two leading universities, Oxford and Cambridge, for entry in October 2015.

Headmaster Mark Moore said: “Clifton is increasingly an academically successful school, and at the same time the standards of pupils’ achievements in music, art, drama, sport, and a whole host of other activities, are at their highest levels too.”

The 2015 offers are the highest since 2011. The 18 pupils reflect the school’s ratio of boys and girls, and their interests span a wide range of subjects, across sciences, arts, languages and humanities.

Clifton College is also running its popular Easter revision courses from Monday 6 – Friday 10 April. For more details or to book a place tel: 0117 315 7143 or visit: www.ccsl–cliftoncollege.com.

For more information about Clifton College, tel: 0117 315 7000 or visit: www.cliftoncollege.com

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Students from Weston College transformed the children’s waiting room at Weston General accident and emergency department with a lively mural.

The students, in their first year of a foundation arts degree in contemporary art and professional studies, recreated a child’s drawing on the walls of the room over two days as part of a commission from the hospital.

The design was inspired by the winning entry to a competition run by the hospital for primary school students, won by pupils at St Mark’s School in Worle.

Bethany Waterhouse, who contributed to the mural, said: “Working at the hospital was a very enjoyable experience. It was a privilege to help the A&E Department, and to create a mural to be enjoyed by children of all ages.”

For more information about Weston College, tel: 01934 411 411 or visit: www.weston.ac.uk

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By Dr Steven Connors, Headmaster of Monmouth School

Paving the road to Oxbridge Last month, ten of our sixth formers, in a cohort of 100, were offered places to study at Oxford and Cambridge universities. When we announced the good news, I was asked why I believe Monmouth School is so continually successful with Oxbridge offers.

Successful Oxford and Cambridge candidates are developed over several years in schools which have passionate, inspiring and highly qualified academic teachers who are given the time, resources and ethos in which to develop the very special talents and academic enthusiasms of their pupils.

It is perhaps no coincidence that Monmouth School has been recognized in its last two inspections for its sector leading educational practice at all levels.

This is a splendid place in which to work and learn, and all of us feel very proud and privileged to be part of this very successful school, particularly having just celebrated our 400th Anniversary.

Oxford and Cambridge want independent learners who are prepared to think for themselves and to question received views.

Developing self-starting and resourceful learners is our main goal at Monmouth School, the creation of a culture where intellectual creativity is highly-prized.

This involves, in the classroom, going beyond the syllabus and encouraging the students to challenge themselves.

It is helped by the high level of achievement in the very strong mathematics, science, English, history and languages departments, so all students are taught to be rigorously logical, and it involves giving students the opportunities for discussion and debate so that they can express their ideas fluently and with confidence. There is a sense of purpose and a common goal in communal activities such as music, sport or drama and it is not a coincidence that many of this current year’s successful candidates are very good musicians or sportsmen. They have received offers for subjects as diverse and competitive as English, law, economics and engineering.

One pupil, Jordan Wong, has been offered a place to study classics with an organ scholarship at Jesus College, Cambridge and I couldn’t be happier for him – what an incredible achievement.

Two girls at our sister school, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, have also been successful.

One has been offered a place to study modern and medieval languages at Cambridge, and her schoolmate a place to read classics, also at Cambridge. *The Schools are now planning to extend their bus route to cover Cribbs Causeway.

For more information, visit habs-monmouth.org, call 01600 710433 for Monmouth School or 01600 711104 for HMSG. WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Mum, voiceover artist and BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Faye Dicker, meets the Bristol businesses that make family life easier...

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s a mum of two young children, life is pretty hectic. Any romantic notions I once had of making jam, while watching the children play in the garden, have been replaced with a large helping of reality. Only last week I spent two minutes trying to stop Jemima flooding the bathroom, only to turn around and find Suki drinking water out of the cat bowl. As a mum of a toddler and crawling baby, if nothing else – it’s a challenge.

And although I know nothing lasts forever it can be hard, when you’re in the midst of it all, not to feel like you’re going a bit mad.

The inner conversations in your head and the juggling act can feel literal, when you’re balancing a baby on your hip while trying to serve up dinner. While little old ladies tell you to enjoy them, it will soon be over in a flash, it’s hard on so many levels.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not about to swap this brilliantly bonkers part of my life – my girls are just so scrumptious. But there are times when I just wish I had a ‘pause

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button’ to make sense of it all. Yet in reality, there is a pause button, and after talking to Lucinda Button last week, from Mama Space, I actually dared to press it.

Lucinda started Mama Space as a result of her own stress bringing up two young children. She’s a realist and knows the score, little people are demanding!

But to coin her phrase ‘as mums, it’s easy to start living inside our heads – always planning and thinking about the next thing, rather than focusing on the moment.’

Mama Space is based on Mindfulness and is specifically designed to help busy mums. She runs courses and 1-2-1 sessions, using life coaching and Mindfulness techniques to help bring out your inner calm and find clarity in life. Yesterday I joined Lucinda on a walk with a group of mums, and she led the way with some great focus questions.

Before setting out, she asked us to take three deep breathes, so that even in the chaos around us, we could help ground ourselves. We were asked to place our hand on our heart and think about someone we love unconditionally. It’s amazing how that short practice alone can make a difference. As we set out on our walk, Lucinda asked us to think about our mothering life – beginning by asking ‘what are the peak times when I am not feeling good?’

For me, my most stressful time in our house is between 5 – 7pm. I call it rush hour. Tea time, over tired children, bedtime – I’m multi tasking like a mad woman, while mentally planning. I’m anything but in the here and now, in fact I’m so many steps ahead I’m almost tripping over myself. But taking just 30 seconds to ground yourself can make such a difference.

I found myself trying it for the first time.

Inspired after talking to Lucinda, her down to earth nature had an instant impact. Rather than rushing everywhere, I deliberately slowed myself down. When driving the girls to their next activity, rather than letting my head drift off to the next thing, I try and put myself in the now. Three deep breaths and find that pause button again.

Being a mum is always going to be a challenge, especially when they’re both so little, so I’m all for anything that helps me enjoy the journey. n www.freelancemum.co.uk © Nicola Jane Photography

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EASTER AND HALF TERM REVISION Get ready for exam success!

BOOK NOW

Week before & week after Easter

A-Level & GCSE 31st - 2nd April and 7th - 9th April

www.westerntutorialcollege.co.uk Albion House,

12A Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2HL

Tel: 0117 929 7747

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OUT | AND ABOUT

A CHANGE OF SCENE This month, Andrew Swift takes us on a picturesque walk through the Cotswold escarpment

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his month’s walk visits one of the most scenic stretches of the Cotswold escarpment, and, although just over five miles long, it takes in Roman roads, an iron age fort, a Civil War battlefield, a sacred spring and panoramic views over both Bristol and Bath.

To get there, head east from Bristol along the A420. After going through Wick, turn right – following a sign for Bath racecourse and Park & Ride – along Bath Road. After two miles, just after climbing a steep hill and negotiating a hairpin bend, pull into a lay-by on the left as the road levels out (ST720701).

Over to your left you will see an impressive monument, topped by a griffin, commemorating the Battle of Lansdown, fought on 5 July 1643. To set off on the walk, however, look across the road to a wooden signpost. Cross and follow it through woodland before turning right along a lane. After it curves left, follow a Cotswold Way sign through a gate. ● After going through a kissing gate (KG), turn right along the lane for a few metres before turning left along a track. A gate leads onto the escarpment where the Battle of Lansdown was fought, and where the first of many panoramic views opens up before you (ST715702).

● After 350m, just past an information board and the ‘World Turned Upside Down’ stone, turn left through a KG and carry on beside the wall. When the waymarked path bears right, carry on, following a faint track to the left of a line of conifers, before heading towards a seven-bar gate. After squeezing past it, head along a muddy track for a few metres, before turning left through a gap in a wall and bearing right alongside it. ● After 250m, cross a lane and carry on. After another 200m, bear right through a gap in the wall and follow a Cotswold Way sign along the muddy track straight ahead (ST719694). After 350m, you will see a gate into Pipley Wood on the right. A diversion along the rough but waymarked trails of this mossy relict woodland is well worthwhile, although the paths are muddy and steep.

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● Carrying on along the main track, after another 350m a gate leads into a field with a view ahead towards Bristol and, on a clear day, both Severn bridges. After 150m, when the path forks, carry on downhill along an old stone track which may date from Roman times. ● Carry on down a muddy lane, and at the bottom you will see a farm which started life as a Roman villa. The original buildings are long gone, but it still has the characteristic villa shape, set around a central courtyard. In AD758, it was granted to Bath Abbey by Kenulf, King of Mercia, as a monastic grange, and continued as such until the Reformation. North Stoke church, to your left, is 11th century and the yew in the churchyard was planted around the same time. At the foot of the churchyard steps is a well fed by a spring so rich in limestone that objects left in it calcify and come out looking as though they have been turned to stone. Petrifying wells were regarded as sacred by the Celts, and this may have been a sacred place long before the Romans arrived. ● Follow the lane down through the village, past some fine 18th century buildings, including one with an impressive shell porch. Carry on as the road swings left, but when it swings right, by a house called Stonecroft (ST701689), carry straight on up a lane which soon degenerates into a muddy track. This was the Roman road from Bath to Portus Abonae (Sea Mills), from where soldiers embarked for the legionary fortress at Caerleon. As you climb, you will see Saltford Lock and weir down to the right. As you round a corner, you will see Kelston Round Hill, topped by trees, ahead. ● After 1100 metres, the track leads through a gate. Continue up the track for another 350 metres and, at a T junction, go through a high KG on the left (ST712680). Climb up to another KG and bear left up to Prospect Stile, to which, according to the Bath architect, John Wood, writing in 1742, ‘the curious resort not only to look down upon the cities of Bath and Bristol... but to behold... a region that sets paradise itself before one’s eyes’. Today, a topograph has been installed to help identify various landmarks, and on a clear day you should be able to make out the Westbury White Horse.

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OUT | AND ABOUT

PICTURE PERFECT: all images are views that can be seen looking west at various points on the walk

● Go through a KG – a replacement for the original stile – and bear left alongside the wall.

Bath racecourse – the highest flat racecourse in the country – is on your right. After 250m, carry straight on through a gap in a fence – keeping a lookout for a glimpse of Saltford Lock far below – and at the end, bear right to follow the ramparts of Littledown hill fort.

After 150m, bear left through the ramparts, walk across the iron-age fort and through a KG on the far side (ST707689). Head downhill a little way before bearing right alongside the fence and, after going through a KG, you will rejoin the path you walked along earlier. ● Carry on through the gate and alongside Pipley Wood, but, when you reach the end of the golf course, don’t turn left along the wall by the woods, but carry straight on along a rough track with the woods on your left. At the end, go through a gap in a fence, bear left and double back through a gateway, before going through a gap in the fence on the right and heading diagonally across a field and crossing the road to the lay-by. n

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FURTHER INFORMATION...

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Distance: 5.5 miles

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Time: 2.5 – 3 hours

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Level of challenge: Muddy stretches, but virtually no road walking. You may however encounter cars and buggies on the drives adjoining Lansdown golf course.

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Map: OS Explorer 155

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

NEWS IN BRIEF ■ British cycling legend Chris Boardman was on hand to open the new Bike Science Bristol shop on Whiteladies Road. He spent several hours discussing cycling and the Boardman range of bikes with over one hundred Bike Science customers. “We are delighted with our new premises and that Chris could come and officially open the shop. We have bikes to suit all levels of cyclist and you can be sure to get the perfect bike for your needs as well as exceptional after-purchase support” says Andy Sexton, director of Bike Science. Bike Science offer bikes from both the Elite and Performance Boardman range, Kuota, Van Nicholas and Legend. Bike fitting using Retul 3D motion capture technology, performance testing, physiotherapy and full workshop facilities are available alongside bike accessories and clothing. For more information visit: www.bike-science.com

FIT & FAB Spring into action as the seasons change

Rethink the skincare routine...

It’s time to wave goodbye to dulll winter skin

Chris Boardman at Bike Science

■ Crabtree & Evelyn is delighted to announce it will be supporting the Buy it with Love campaign to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, from Monday 16 February until Monday 16 March. Selected products from its Pear and Pink Magnolia collection will be included in the campaign, and a £1 donation will be made for every one of those products sold in-store and online. Crabtree & Evelyn are stocked at John Lewis, Cribbs Causeway, or shop online at: www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

• After cleansing, treat your skin to Decléor’s Aroma Cleanse Essential Tonifying Lotion. Unlike so many toners, this gentle formula leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturised, thanks to the lovely néroli essential oil that’s in it (as well as loads of other goodies). Available at House of Fraser, Cabot Circus, £17.95 • The secret to good skin is simple – moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! This Superdefense SPF20 Daily Defense Moisturiser from Clinique is lightweight in texture but a hard-hitter when it comes to delivering all day hydration to parched skin. Available from a number of retailers, including Boots and John Lewis, £39 • Puffy peepers? Banish them with this Bobbi Brown’s incredible Hydrating Eye Cream, which leaves skin visibly refreshed and fine lines looking softer for up to 24 hours. It absorbs quickly and easily too, so you can pop your makeup on straight after application. Available at House of Fraser, Cabot Circus, £32 • To keep your fresh glow, use Aveda’s Tourmaline Charged Skin Refiner twice a week to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and revive your skin leaving you looking radiant. Available online: www.aveda.co.uk, £32

Victoria Beckham and Nails inc bring you seriously posh varnishes Say hello to the chicest beauty launch of the year. Nails inc, in collaboration with Victoria Beckham, unveil a unique limited edition duo of nail polishes. The polishes have been inspired by the feel of the collection and its subtle incorporation of Japanese elements, creating the musthave new season nail looks. Made with the finest Venetian glass, each bottle is hand frosted to reveal the hidden polish colours at either side. The bottle is available in two colour ways – matte white and matte black – with matching caps. Created with Nails inc's exclusive stretch-to-fit technology, the polish ensures a perfect glide application and gives a plump, flawless finish. Formulated with bamboo extract, containing essential nutrients, it builds healthy nails, reduces ridges and imperfections and promotes nail growth. Bamboo White is a delicate bone shade, whilst Judo Red is a vibrant tomato red. Why not buy both?

It’s the perfect present for you or someone special. Duo Set, £45.00, available from Harvey Nichols, Cabot Circus or online at: www.harveynichols.com

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BODY BALANCE Clifton Physiotherapy, 118 Hampton Road, Redland, BS6 7JD. Tel: 0117 970 6390 or visit: www.cliftonphysio.co.uk

H E A LT H

Lisa Barnacle and Marion Averill of Clifton Physiotherapy talk to Jenny Hayes about their practice

M

y first impression of Clifton Physiotherapy as I walk in is a very good one. The crisp white walls give the clean, professional feel that is so vital in a medical environment, but are softened by the sweeping glass curves of the semicircular reception desk. Bright orange chairs provide a burst of colour that punctuates this elegant environment with a dash of light-hearted frippery, making it feel fresh and welcoming.

Marion and Lisa greet me warmly when I arrive. They have run Clifton Physiotherapy for the last 13 years, having taken it on from well-regarded physiotherapist Brenda Goldie who established her practice on Pembroke Road back in 1995. So, after nearly 20 years in Clifton, what prompted the move to Redland in 2014?

“It was an exciting opportunity to expand the practice,” says Marion. “Our new premises offer the larger, more modern facilities that we need to provide the same high level of care to a greater number of patients.”

“And we love our new practice,” smiles Lisa. “The Redland community have made us feel very welcome, and we’ve had great feedback from our patients too.” I can certainly see why. The treatment rooms are light, spacious and well equipped, and there is even a dedicated Pilates studio on site to further help patients with their recovery. But I suspect the reason that every single patient remained with Clifton Physiotherapy when they moved runs deeper than this, and lies with Marion and Lisa themselves. Both are highly qualified, experienced physiotherapists who also have that happy knack of being at once professional and approachable. I know I’d have confidence putting myself in their capable hands.

“Patients come to us for a number of reasons,” Lisa explains. “Most have acute injuries, so our aim is to rehabilitate them back to full fitness so that they leave us after their course of treatment ready to carry on with normal life.

Those with chronic conditions visit us on a more regular basis, and we work closely with them to relieve pain and help them with their individual issues.”

“Here at Clifton Physiotherapy we offer targeted treatment for patients, carried out by specialists. We provide each patient with an individual package of care, making sure their treatment addresses their specific needs and always placing the highest importance on standards of care. We have four physiotherapists working at the clinic, all of whom specialise in a different area, so we are always able to make sure that our patients see the person who is best equipped to meet their needs,” says Marion. “Occasionally, we find that physiotherapy may not be the best course of treatment for a patient, and if that’s the case we waste no time in referring them to another medical

professional who is better placed to help.”

“We have excellent links with the wider medical community,” adds Lisa, “so if we feel a patient would be best suited to another form of treatment, or may benefit from a secondary assessment elsewhere, we’ll make sure they are seen by the right people.”

Both Marion and Lisa are specialists in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions, with particular expertise in neck, back and shoulder problems, and lower limb conditions, including in the knee, foot and ankle. Lisa also practices acupuncture to complement her physiotherapy treatments.

Pauline Niblett places great value on treating patients holistically, and her expertise lies in the treatment of back pain using physiotherapy and modified Pilates and other stabilising exercises. The most recent addition to the Clifton Physiotherapy team is Jessica Butterly, who specialises in pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological conditions and brings with her 15 years experience in pelvic floor rehabilitation and pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain.

In addition the practice has a domiciliary physiotherapist, Sarah Bradley, which is rare for a private clinic but incredibly valuable.

“Having Sarah in the team is a real bonus,” says Marion, “as it ensures we can offer treatment to patients who would otherwise be unable to access our services, such as the elderly or those who are in too much pain to leave the house.”

“We also have a number of complementary therapists working from the practice,” continues Lisa, “including an acupuncturist, homeopath, audiologist and pilates instrutor. And we all collaborate when it comes to patient care, so that if we feel one of our patients would benefit from treatment by another professional within the team, we can make that option available to them.”

As well as this clear commitment to patient care, Marion, Lisa and their team are all dedicated to improving their own practice. “We all attend regular CPD courses and then share our ideas so we can keep abreast of changes and implement them when we feel it would be of benefit to our patients,” says Marion. “Moving forward, we’d like to create our own learning and education environment at this clinic, so that we can play a greater part in the continuing improvement of evidence based physiotherapy.” n Clifton Physiotherapy treats people of all ages for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, using both manual and exercise therapy to improve specific conditions and encourage general wellbeing. Each physiotherapist is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the practice is regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

❝

THE TREATMENT ROOMS ARE LIGHT, SPACIOUS AND WELL EQUIPPED

❞

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CITY | BEAUTY

Beauty

NOTES

LIQUILIFT BIOACTIVE FACELIFT £90

BLINC MASCARA AMPLIFIED £21.50

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OLE HENRIKSEN PURE TRUTH MELTING CLEANSER £27 This transformative, collagen boosting 3-in-1 cleansing gelée dissolves stubborn makeup and cleanses impurities, while leaving skin hydrated, nourished and radiant SHOW BEAUTY DRY SHAMPOO £20 SHOW Beauty's revitalising dry shampoo maintains an alluring finish that looks and feels beautifully fresh day and night for a volumised look that suits any occasion

BE YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL SELF We all want to achieve a clear, glowing complexion, healthy, glossy hair and flawless, long lasting make up with minimal effort yet maximum effect.

The secret, explains Rachelle Howells, Beauty Manager at Harvey Nichols Bristol, is to choose the most talented, hardworking beauty products, from the ultimate multi-taskers to the most intelligent performers

ZENSATION £190 Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with Zensation’s 3 in 1 skin rejuvenating device. A potent duo, the hand held device and deep moisturising gel work to deliver clinical grade results, in the comfort of your own home

THIS COMPANY MOLECULE 01 £65.50 Molecule 01 contains only the aroma-chemical Iso E Super, which enhances the wearer's natural pheromones and smells different on each person

NARS THE MULTIPLE £130 Available in a selection of hues, NARS' multipurpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body will instantly illuminate your look

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LA PRAIRIE SKIN CAVIAR CONCEALER FOUNDATION £136 Two products in one: part luxury foundation that tints, firms and protects your skin while counteracting signs of aging, and part professionallevel concealer. The two work in beautiful synergy to provide long-lasting yet weightless coverage

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 87

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Acupuncture for Fertility Acupuncturist Amanda Hair, Course Consultant for CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) training courses in Bristol, looks at how Acupuncture can increase the chances of conceiving naturally, and of having a healthy pregnancy.

M

ore and more women are turning to Acupuncture to increase their chances of conceiving their longed for baby.

Modern life seems to put so many demands on women in their twenties that making a decision to have a child is postponed. Career progression, affording a home, not meeting ‘the one’ until later in life, seem to be the main reasons why many women decide to have their first child over the age of 35, a time when our fertility, supposedly declines.

body receptive and open. Cortisol also affects the part of the immune system responsible for preventing miscarriage in early pregnancy, so having a course of Acupuncture once you are pregnant can also be beneficial.

For women who choose medically assisted fertility cycles, Acupuncture is often used to maximise the health of the developing follicles and to encourage the blood supply to the uterine lining, to aid with implantation of the egg. Acupuncture is also used to help minimise the side-effects of the drugs.

Of course, there is the inaccurate media message that as soon as we hit 35, all of our eggs are defunct! Interestingly, this message has had such an effect that some women of over 35 years are now stopping their contraception because they think they might no longer be fertile.

CNM’s naturopathic training additionally equips Acupuncturists to give nutrition and lifestyle advice.

Eating nutrient-boosting foods which suit you, and omitting foods and products from your life which can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine and digestive systems, helps to address both toxicity and any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. These powerful natural tools used together can support the body in returning to hormonal balance, and can greatly enhance your chances of a having a naturally conceived healthy pregnancy, and a healthy baby.

So how can Acupuncture and diet help boost your fertility? A healthy, regular menstrual cycle is optimum to helping you conceive, being no less than 19 days and no more than 35 days in length. Acupuncture seems to regulate the menstrual cycle and is particularly beneficial for women who may have been diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome). This is a condition of the endocrine system where cysts develop in the ovaries and cause the body to miss ovulation. PCOS also raises high levels of the male hormone called androgens into the body which reduce the size of the follicles. Follicles produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone and release an egg when you ovulate.

Having Acupuncture around pertinent times of the menstrual cycle such as at ovulation and then at the highest point of progesterone, usually day 21, can encourage the body to work more effectively and contribute to a natural pregnancy without needing to resort to hormone therapy. A diagnosis from a Chinese Medicine perspective would identify the best time in your cycle for you to have Acupuncture.

For many women, undertaking a course of Acupuncture to help conception could simply be because it is going to help de-stress the mind and body. Trying to conceive can be extremely stressful, particularly once all the tests have been undertaken and there are no identifiable issues for not falling pregnant.

Stress causes cortisol, a steroid hormone to rise, which in turn can stop our bodies ovulating so using Acupuncture can keep the 88 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Acupuncturist and CNM Course Consultant Amanda Hair.

Attend a FREE CNM Open Evening in Bristol Thursday 19th March 6.30pm-8.30pm to find out about training with CNM Bristol for a career in Naturopathic Nutrition or Naturopathic Acupuncture.

Please reserve your free place on line at:

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505

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INSPIRED Give your health and wellbeing a boost in time for summer, says Kate Hoffmann, Matron at Spire The Glen Hospital

T

he winter months can be hard on your mental and physical health, but here are my five top tips to revive body and soul now that spring has arrived:

1. Hydrate: Water is a natural appetite suppressant so it’ll help you eat less.

It’s also important to help the body flush out toxins helping the kidneys to function well. Being properly hydrated is essential for good bowel function, which will reduce bloating, plus it’ll keep your skin looking glowing as well.

Drink more water and eat more foods with high water content such as cucumber and watermelon, which are great snacks for the spring and summer months.

Clifton Physiotherapy is a long established practice with an outstanding reputation, offering a professional, friendly service. It is owned and run by Lisa Barnacle and Marion Averill.

Our physiotherapists are Chartered and registered with the HCPC. They have a wealth of experience and work hard to meet the needs of each individual patient. We treat all musculoskeletal conditions and we are able to offer physiotherapy home visits.

Other practitioners include:Specialist pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological physiotherapy Acupuncturist Pilates Instructor Audiologist Homeopath 118 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6JD Tel: 01179706390 Email: mail@cliftonphysio.co.uk Website: www.cliftonphysio.co.uk follow us on

2. Get the right amount of sunlight: The longer days are a good time to enjoy being outdoors. Our bodies absorb vitamin D from exposure to sunlight which is essential for good health. A lack of vitamin D is associated with weight gain. If you spend a lot of time indoors you could be affected.

Although do take care in the sun as too much exposure can be harmful to your health.

If you work in an office, always try to get out at lunchtime for a brisk walk and some fresh air to boost your Vitamin D levels.

3. Eat a seasonal diet: Adding seasonal produce to your diet can be a great healthy change for spring and summer. Spring signals the start of seafood, fresh peas, new potatoes and varieties of lettuce. Summer yields a delicious crop of fruit and veg from blackberries and raspberries to broadbeans and asparagus.

Try experimenting with the dishes you cook to include seasonal produce to get a wider range of nutrients than you might usually eat.

4. Walk or cycle to work: In the winter it’s easy to make excuses to stay in bed for longer, but with lighter mornings and evenings, now is a good time to try walking or cycling to work. Small, sustainable changes like this can make a big difference to your weight, health and happiness.

If you usually take the bus, get off a few stops early to fit in a walk before work. If you live near a work colleague why not arrange to walk home together.

5. Socialise: The dark, wet, winter weather can make many of us feel like staying in on the sofa rather than going out to see friends. In the spring and summer the longer days and warmer temperatures make us feel more like socialising. A strong social network is important to help you through stressful times, so focus on spending time with those who matter most.

Why not organise a camping trip, weekend walk or bbq for your loved ones. n For more information about Spire The Glen Hospital, and to find out the services they offer, tel: 0117 980 4000 or visit: www.spirehealthcare.com

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Trying for a

baby?

All infertility treatments offered including IUI, IVF and ICSI in Bristol and Cardiff locations

The initial consultation package of £150 in Clifton, Bristol includes - AMH hormones test to assess ‘ovarian reserve’ (the number and quality of eggs that you have) - A pelvic ultrasound to assess the ovaries and fallopian tubes - A 1 hour fertility consultation with a female Consultant Gynaecologist - A semen analysis

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All patients’ embryos transferred in EmbryoGlue at no additional cost CRGW is an independent, bespoke centre which offers the latest scientific technology and state of the art facilities needed for al modern fertility treatments. We are located at 2 Clifton Park, Clifton and also off junction 34 of the M4, only 15 minutes from Cardiff City centre.

We pride ourselves in placing patients before profit to enable affordable, cost effective treatment options while maintaining the best pregnancy rates. Options include: IUI IVF ICIS EmbryoScope time lapse monitoring Embryo freezing Egg freezing Donor egg and donor sperm treatments Female fertility assessments Sperm tests Sperm freezing Surgical sperm retrieval

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Dr Amanda O’Leary MBChB, MRCOG, MD

At CRGW, we care about the way we care

Centre for Reproduction and Gynaecology Wales

www.crgw.co.uk - 01443 443999 www.facebook.com/CRGW.Ltd twitter.com/crgwfertility

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Help for thin hair Rachel Brown explains how Lucinda Ellery helped her regain her confidence after suffering from female pattern baldness

S

tress triggered the start of my hair loss,” Rachel says. “I began noticing that my hair had begun to thin dramatically. I hated photographs of myself and I no longer felt feminine or attractive. I went to a few salons with no luck, and on the final occasion, the stylist came over and said to her colleague “We’re not touching that”. I left feeling embarrassed and humiliated. In desperation, I asked a local salon to stick extensions on the top of my head. They were a little concerned about connecting onto such weak, thin hair, but eventually I persuaded them. I ended up going every week to have more stuck on at great time and expense. Looking back, they looked ridiculous, as all you could really see were big clumps of glue on top of a little hair, but it was better than looking bald.

“I went through two years of weekly visits, but each time, the extensions were pulling out what little hair I had left. I stopped going out at weekends, and found myself not wanting to take the children anywhere. I used to get very anxious if I had any meetings at work, if I was unable to have hair stuck on the day before. I had hats stashed everywhere for any slight breeze and I recall standing in the playground wearing woolly hats even in the summer. If it was windy, I would sometimes find it impossible to make myself walk past the many mums and would resort to phoning my husband in tears. He would have to leave work and pick the children up for me.

“One evening, my phone started ringing. The calls were from my family and friends asking me if I’d seen Ten Years Younger on the TV. They told me I should go to Lucinda Ellery’s studio in London and ask if she could do anything for me. I had to wait several months for an appointment, and when I finally walked into Lucinda’s office, I wasn’t able to speak, I was so scared she’d say there was nothing she could do for me. After some tears, Lucinda gave me reassurance and hope. I can honestly say she was one of the most inspirational women I had ever met. I felt she knew me, and understood what I had been through. I remember her describing how, alongside having new hair, I would also need to rebuild my confidence and self esteem.

“When I reflect back, I wonder how I managed situations and events when inside my self-confidence was so low. Both my career and home life have benefitted since I’ve had my Intralace system, which weaves human hair into my own existing hair using a breathable mesh to completely disguise my hair loss and just give me a really natural look.

“At work I am able to concentrate on the things I am meant to be, rather than sitting at my desk feeling anxious about my appearance before walking into a meeting. Now I have had to learn to accept compliments daily from people at work about how great my hair looks!

Thanks to Lucinda my life has totally changed, and I feel like a woman again. And it’s great news to hear that Lucinda's Bristol studio had opened as it's much more convenient for me than the long drive to London.”

The Lucinda Ellery Salon on Pembroke Road in Bristol offers creative, individualised hair restoration solutions for women suffering various degrees of hair loss as a result of a number of conditions, including female pattern hair loss, trichotillomania, alopecia and post chemotherapy hair loss. For more information tel: 0117 905 1160 or visit: www.lucindaelleryhairloss.co.uk. The salon also specialises in professional hair extensions, for further details call the salon on the number above, or visit: www.lucindaellery.com WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

hair

CARLO &beauty M

MOROCCANOIL ®

Stockists

Main stockists of REDKEN

Tel: 0117 968 2663 • www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk 6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF MARCH 2015

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OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, find out more with research charity Ovarian Cancer Action What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly. All of us have two copies of these genes. Mutations in these genes can cause cells to become abnormal and grow in an uncontrolled way.

How do I know if I’m at risk?

You may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if two or more of your relatives who are blood related to each other have had ovarian cancer, or there have been multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family.

Women who are from Ashkenazi Jewish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Dutch, Pakistani and Polish populations are also more likely to have a BRCA 1/2 mutation than some other populations.

O

varian cancer isn’t as well-known as some other female cancers, yet it is the fifth most common – with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. Almost one in five women with ovarian cancer carries a BRCA gene mutation. We all have BRCA genes but the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer if you have a mutation in one of these genes increases from one in 52, to one in two.

Knowing your BRCA status can be beneficial whether you have ovarian cancer or not. Those that do can make more informed treatment decisions and have the opportunity to pass information on to at risk family members.

Knowing you’re at risk, even if you don’t have cancer, gives you the option to take preventative measures.

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Can I be tested for BRCA1/2 gene mutations?

If you appear to have a strong family medical history of cancer you should discuss this with your GP. Before speaking to your doctor make a note of all the cases of cancer in your family and at what age they were diagnosed. If your GP thinks that you have a significant family history, they will refer you to your nearest genetics clinic for genetic testing.

What does the test involve?

A blood sample is required for BRCA gene mutation tests. Ovarian Cancer Action recommends that you attend a genetic counselling session before your tests. This will help to make an informed decision about what to do next.

Ovarian Cancer Action has created an online BRCA1/2 risk assessment test to help you explore your family history and make an informed decision about whether you should consider being tested for BRCA1/2 gene mutations. To access this, and for more information about the charity, visit: ovarian.org.uk n

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

GUT FEELINGS

M

any people throughout Bristol are affected by regular heartburn, indigestion and stomach cramps but few would consider seeking GP advice. In fact, recent national research reveals that only one in two people (around 55%) would visit their doctor if they had heartburn most days for three weeks or more*.

But, according to experts at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, it is important to get professional help if your symptoms persist for this long.

Dr Jim Portal Gastroenterology Consultant, Dr Jim Portal, said: “Gut problems are really common and can often be put down to daily life stresses or the food we eat. So while they’re generally not a cause for great concern, it’s important to be aware that persistent heartburn or abdominal pain can be an indicator of other underlying causes which may require treatment.

“Over-the-counter medicines are great for helping with the odd bout of acid reflux, however if your symptoms don’t disappear after three or more weeks, we would strongly urge seeking the advice of your GP so they can rule out more serious conditions such as oesophageal or stomach cancer, which can be linked to these kinds of symptoms.

Oesophageal cancer – or cancer of the gullet – and stomach cancer are sometimes referred to as oesophago-gastric cancers. They’re some of the most common cancers in the UK, with just under 13,000 people in England diagnosed each year, and yet most people don’t know that heartburn can be one of the signs.

As with all cancers, early diagnosis of oesophago-gastric cancers can make a real difference to the success of your treatment. Recent research showed that nearly 70% of people who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease survive for at least five years*.”

If you do suffer regularly from heartburn, indigestion or gut complaints it can be difficult to know at what stage you should go to see your doctor.

Dr Tom Creed, also a specialist Gastroenterology Consultant at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, added: “We appreciate that with common conditions like this it can be hard to know if you should visit your doctor but it’s always better to get these things checked out. Not only should you make an appointment with your GP if you’ve had heartburn regularly for three weeks or more but you should also get a check-up if you experience two or more of these five key symptoms: • • • • •

consultation and if necessary we can perform an endoscopy or a colonoscopy to check if there is anything more sinister going on before we prescribe the best course of treatment.

At The Chesterfield we have access to the latest state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly qualified consultants, enabling us to act quickly and put patient’s minds at ease. We are hosting a free event at The Chesterfield next month offering people advice and information, so if you’re at all concerned about any symptoms you have relating to your gut and digestive system then I would definitely recommend coming along.”

Another area of interest to both Dr Portal and Dr Creed is the liver.

Dr Portal, added: “Many people with liver disease don’t even know they have it and it only becomes apparent in its very late stages. The number of patients with serious liver disease unfortunately is continuing to increase. People at risk include those that drink perhaps a little too much alcohol and also those who are overweight. We would encourage you to “Love your Liver” as the British Liver Trust suggests.

There’s lots of great information available at Dr Tom Creed www.Loveyourliver.org.uk and we run a regular Liver Health Clinic at The Chesterfield.”

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield is hosting a free Meet the Experts - Let’s Talk IBS event on

Wednesday 22 April from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.

The event is open to everyone and offers the chance to meet with Dr Jim Portal and Dr Tom Creed, both specialist consultants in Gastroenterology.

For more information visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol or call 0117 911 9756. * Public Health England: www.gov.uk/government/news/be-clear-on-cancer-campaignhighlights-links-between-heartburn-and-cancer

A sudden change in bowel habit Unexplained weight loss Blood in the stool Difficulty swallowing Increasing heartburn, indigestion or other abdominal pain

Once your GP has assessed you they can then refer you on to a specialist, such as Jim and myself, as appropriate. We’ll then carry out an initial WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 911 9756 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol MARCH 2015

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GARDENING GARDENING

WARM GLOW Our garden design writer Margaux Speirs shows you how to make the most of a winter garden

I

was watching a film the other night on television and there was one scene filmed in autumn. Seeing the vivid leaf colours – orange, red and gold – I caught myself being nostalgic for that season. Most of us will experience that feeling too when we see pictures of England in summer.

You remember the warmth of the sun on your skin and the smell of cut grass or the sound of bird song and long to be in that time. It made me wonder whether there is anything about the season of winter which I will feel any longing for after it has passed. There is certainly beauty in the sharp clarity of a very cold morning when the grass is stiff and glistening with frozen crystals of frost and in the silhouettes of leafless trees against a grey sky laden with snow or rain.

A well designed garden will capture some of the magic of every season and the art is to select plants to take centre stage for their respective star turns so that there is always something to gaze on in admiration and delight. In winter the star performers are the coloured stems of the Cornus or dogwood. Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ has scarlet stems while Cornus alba ‘Bud's Yellow’ has bright lime green/yellow and Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' has stems like orange flames with pink tips. You would choose just one of these varieties and group them in five or

more quite close together. Cut them back to just 6 inches from the ground every March (giving them a good compost feed after pruning) and they grow so strongly that by the following January they are once again up to thigh height with fiery fresh stems. For the best effect put them where the winter sun will shine on them and plant evergreen or dark purple foliage plants such as Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ as a contrast nearby. The bark of the Himalayan birch Betula Jacquemontii is another winter wonder. It is snowy white and peels in bands to reveal creamy and sometimes pinky shades beneath. It is a stunning grouping to have Cornus’ bright coloured stems and a few geometric clipped yew or box shrubs gathered around a Himalayan birch. Things just get better and better as the birch develops its yellowbrown catkins in early spring.

The Hilliers Garden near Winchester is looking great at this time of year and is well worth a visit if you are planning to create a winter garden. As well as the coloured stems of Cornus, they have lovely displays of Hamamelis, commonly known as witch hazel, Hellebores, cyclamen coum, snowdrops and winter aconites. They grow lots of the very earliest flowering daffodil, Narcissus ‘First Hope’ which excites the eye more for flowering so early in the year. You

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THERE IS BEAUTY IN THE SHARP CLARITY OF A VERY COLD MORNING, WHEN THE GRASS GLISTENS WITH FROZEN CRYSTALS OF FROST

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GARDENING

can also see which perennial plants leave behind an interesting winter skeleton so increasing the length of their season on interest. For example, Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ is grown for its airy spikes of cool blue flowers in late summer and early autumn but all through the winter its stiff, white, dead stems have a spectral quality that are very well suited to the winter garden.

No winter garden would be complete without a good scattering of bulbs. The way to plan bulb planting is with reference to the calendar as each one flowers for a relatively short period and then disappears back under the ground. Plant them in quite large groups for the best impact, keeping one variety apart from another so for example for January choose Cyclamen coum, planting them among the roots of a deciduous tree, for February choose snow drops, planting them under rose bushes or other shrubs which are leafless in winter, for March choose daffodils in groups in sunny flower borders, in April choose tulips in a limited colour palette, planting them in containers or smart rows alongside paths, in May choose Muscari and plant them in long grass or along border edges. Garden designers tend to avoid using crocuses in their designs as squirrels view them as an irresistible treat!

Some bulbs are best bought and planted in the autumn when they are completely dormant whilst others should be bought in the green i.e. when still growing, in which case they must be replanted as soon as possible after lifting. There are several good local bulbs suppliers who will advise you, such as Avon Bulbs, near Taunton. Don’t be disappointed if your tulips only flower for a single year – you usually have to work quite hard at looking after them for them to go on year after year.

Who knows, if you plan and plant your winter garden now ready to enjoy next year you may in future find yourself looking forward to winter and nostalgic for it when it has passed. n Margaux Speirs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and runs her business, Margaux Speirs Garden Design, from her home in Bristol. Tel: 07903 779910 or visit: www.margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

© John Horsely

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Stachyrus praecox is an unusual plant, which although seldom seen in the UK can currently be bought by mail order for under £20 for a 3 litre pot. From February to April long chains of small, cup-shaped pale yellow-green flowers seem to drip from the bare, arching branches, creating a beautiful sight. It is happy in partial shade but survives in full sun as long as it does not dry out. It needs quite a bit of space so put it at the back of the border where it can grow to up to 3 metres in each direction. Alternatively, as it can be clipped to shape, the branches can be tied onto wires or trellis and trained to form a beautiful wall shrub.

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CITY | INTERIORS

Interior

NOTES TIMOROUS BEASTIES WALLPAPER, £240 PER ROLL from Whittaker Wells, 105 Glenfrome Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9UY. Tel: 0117 959 5773 or visit: www.whittakerwells.com

ART ATTACK Art doesn’t have to hang on walls – why not scatter it over your sofa, use it to illuminate your room, or add a feature pop of colour with these zany pieces

LAMPSHADES

BY LOCAL DESIGNER KATIE WALLIS

CUSHION DESIGNS

BY DONNA WILSON

Available to order in different sizes. Find them at Room 212, Gloucester Road. BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 330 2789 or visit: www.room212.co.uk

Squirrel, Harlequin Lulu, and Donna Wilson Hedgehog cushions all available at John Lewis, Cribbs Causeway

COLOURED GLASS VASES Yellow faceted vase, £12, and green honeycomb vase, £15, both from Marks and Spencer, Cribbs Causeway.

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www.chippingsodburykitchens.co.uk

Over 20 years experience of designing & installing kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms including all aspects of building & renovation work

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

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E: sales@cs-kitchens.co.uk

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rhubarb clifton interiors

furniture

kitchen & dining fabrics

4a waterloo street t: 0117 973 2778

www.rhubarbhome.co.uk

f: Rhubarb Clifton • twitter: @RhubarbSue

LIGHTING SPECIALIST 8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK

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HOMES | ON SHOW

JUST DIVINE Marianne Swinkels finds the answer to her prayers at a beautiful old vicarage in Weston-super-Mare

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evilishly good luck or divine intervention? Maybe neither. Or perhaps both. In the very down-to-earth and real world of house hunting who knows how it all pans out? Sometimes it’s a wing-and-a-prayer thing; a hope that you’ll find the home you’ve been seeking, against all seeming odds. Sometimes it’s a simple hunch, a gut instinct, a call-itwhat-you-will emotional tick box thing that suddenly thwacks you when you do come across what you’ve been looking for all along. That yes! this-one-really-doesfit-the-bill feeling.

And sometimes that elusive holy grail of a property search can almost randomly and unexpectedly lead to pastures new.

Whatever your own beliefs, it proved to be an hallelujah moment for a couple who knew they had found their chosen one when an old vicarage suddenly appeared on their radar. They’d set out with the aim, and the budget, to find “something very special” for their next rung on the property ladder. Given they had the freedom to base themselves anywhere at all within an occasional commute to London distance, they could not know that a former rectory was to become their heaven-sent home. Or that their search would end in a genteel

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residence in a popular coastal resort. Until they took a day trip to soak up the seasidey charm of Weston-super-Mare and came across one of the resorts’ most elegant and prestigious streets. That was 12 years ago and the rest, as they say, is history.

This imposing 1856 built detached Victorian villa, once home to the clergyman serving the architecturally splendid Holy Trinity church opposite, had it all. The size of the house, with a property price tag well shy of those in more urban hotspots, impressed. The easy peasy transport links to Bristol and the capital impressed. The views over the sweep of sandy Weston Bay with its tidal waters over to Wales impressed. That this original middle class mini manse still retained all the handsome, though neglected, Victoriana features so synonymous with that era, really made an impression. Here was a splendid example of that flourishing golden age of architectural embellishment.

All it needed was lots of TLC. And a goodly dollop of vision and determination.

The Old Vicarage became a project worthy of their total devotion. Driven by faith and belief that they could turn this jaded rectory into a fabulous contemporary home, the couple seized the challenge and dedicated a decade and more to its total transformation.

THAT THIS MINI MANSE STILL RETAINED ALL ITS HANDSOME VICTORIAN FEATURES REALLY MADE AN IMPRESSION

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HOMES | ON SHOW

PROPERTY PROFILE Where: The Old Vicarage, South Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2HD What: An individual detached Victorian residence that has been sympathetically modernised, retaining character & original features. Tiered cliff side gardens with sea views, backing on to Worlebury Hill woods.

Specifications: Substantial renovated family home, a former vicarage, offering flexible accommodation as either a five bedroom house with two bathrooms, or three bedroom house with luxury bathroom & annexe comprising lounge, bedroom & bathroom. Bespoke kitchen.

Double garage.

Guide price: £695,000 Agent: Mayfair Town & Country Contact: Email: clifton@mayfairproperties.net or tel: 0117 906 4050

And boy! It’s hard not to indulge in a holier than thou moment when you first go to view, for this is indeed a glorious spot. Though the vicarage at first coyly peeks out from its discreet driveway, evergreen screened gardens and sheltered side entrance, this is no hideaway home. From its vantage point flanking the wooded cliff top heights of ancient Worlebury Hill, the property rightly flaunts itself from its lofty location. Views of the island of Steep Holm, the town’s Grand Pier, Uphill nature reserve, the tidal waters of the Channel stretch out and away in the distance – the whole panorama uninterrupted from the south facing summer house at the top of the grounds.

So what of the interior? The devil is always in the detail is it not? From the moment of entering the stained glass conservatory and tiled vestibule it is clear that every attention has been given to that in this clever blend of old and new.

Bit by bit, project by project, this split level house with its one time servant’s quarters, jumble of small rooms, outmoded layout, neglected features and outdated décor was to be re-arranged, renovated, refurbished and rescued. It was a true labour of love for the vendors who have created their stylish five bedroom home with due deference to both time periods; a true then and now house, where bang up-to-the minute modernity is in harmony with its Victorian roots. And all done with quality and integrity.

It’s easy to evidence this in The Old Vicarage: the bespoke hand built kitchen with its range of cream fronted wall and floor units, granite worktops, WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

integrated appliances, six ring/double oven Rangemaster, central island and underfloor heating. And due reverence is given to the original bread oven, now stocked with relics and finds unearthed during the building work. The sumptuous Summer room with its original ceiling rose and coves, stripped pine flooring, French doors and decorative Italian marble fireplace; the adjoining Winter room with its rediscovered fireplace now housing a woodburner; the chic dining room with floor to ceiling stained glass windows overlooking the flagstoned patio side garden.

Walk up the feature staircase to the luxury bathroom with its roll edge sunken bath, walk-in double shower, and woodside views from the sash window - one of many faithfully replaced sashes throughout this individual home. From here you can wander as you will round the three spacious double bedrooms with their high end, boutique hotel with a twist style décor - and wonder whether you’d prefer to live here as a five bed, two bathrooms option, or as a three bedroom house with luxury bathroom and separate annexe.

There’s a lot more to think about with a ground floor office, boot room and double garage to put in the mix.

Though if you’ve the need for a little reflection on all this perhaps you should have some time out, sit in the reclaimed church pew and pause for a moment before taking your own leap of faith – and making that almighty ‘is it meant to be for me’ decision. Amen to that. n MARCH 2015 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 103

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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toke Park Road is an exclusive enclave in the sought after suburb of Stoke Bishop, very close to some 400 acres of The Downs. The shops of Stoke Bishop village are nearby, and there’s easy access to many excellent schools and the Clifton village is just a mile away. This delightful family residence has been greatly improved over recent years. The ground floor accommodation is centred around the entrance hall, which leads to three (of the four) reception rooms and a fine kitchen / breakfast room. Both the dining room and kitchen have direct access to the rear terrace, as does the garden room, which makes the fourth reception room. Additional ground floor accommodation includes two cloakrooms, a large utility room, rear hall and store room. On the first floor there are six bedrooms - served by a bathroom with separate shower, and an additional shower room. If further accommodation is required, there is a possibility (with the usual permissions) to convert the attic space. One of the main attractions of the house is the garden to the rear, which is large, level and enclosed.

The terrace leads out to the main garden, which is laid to lawn and enclosed by fencing and hedging. Mature trees at the far end of the garden provide protection and privacy. This is a fine suburban property and Bristol selling agents Knight Frank are providing viewings.

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

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

7 STOKE PARK ROAD STOKE BISHOP • Delightful, private family residence • Highly sought after and exclusive area • 6 bedrooms, • 2 bathrooms / shower rooms • Detached garaging, paved drive and parking • Enclosed gardens and terrace

Guide Price £1.65m FEBRUARY 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 105

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

(0117) 934 9977

PRIME RESTAURANT UNIT

FOR SALE / TO LET Modern warehouse / industrial unit –

Bristol City Centre – close to Queen Square and Waterfront –

Mead Court, Thornbury 6,677 sq ft –

5,016 sq ft –

Only £475,000 or to rent £30,000 pax.

New lease – no premium – Rent on application…

48 CORN STREET BS1

FOR SALE – THE BIZLEY ESTATE

Open plan office suites in a landmark Corn Street office building –

A wonderful country estate comprising Listed country house + 3 converted barns –

476 sq ft – 1,200 sq ft –

Situated between Nailsea & Backwell –

Only £10 per sq ft

Price on application…

FOR SALE

OFFICE FOR SALE

A spectacular detached Victorian property in a prime Clifton location with gardens and parking. Sweeping galleried staircase and many original features –

Situated just off Queen Square BS1 – Modern open plan offices c 1,005 sq ft – Only £130,000

Price on application SOUTHVILLE AREA FOR SALE

GRADE A OFFICES CLIFTON

Offices with potential for residential conversion to a house or 3 flats –

Prime open plan office suite in Clifton’s newest office building –

Price on application.

*7,000 sq ft (649 sq m) *Breeam excellent *Top quality fit out

WOODLANDS ALMONDSBURY

INVESTMENT / DEVELOPMENT

A selection of contemporary refurbished office units of c 500 sq ft, 1,000 sq ft and 1,550 sq ft –

Prime seafront location opp W-S-M Pier – Mixed resi/commercial – Shop rent c £15,000 pax + 4 two bed flats –

New leases – Only £10 psf…

(0117) 934 9977

Julian Cook FRICS

Burston Cook March.indd 1

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Only £525,000 - ONO

Finola Ingham

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

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

MRICS

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www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 973 4940

Commercial Agency

22 Richmond Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BA

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Chipping Sodbury

£350,000

Substantial period Grade II listed 3 storey building with additional basement. The accommodation is currently arranged as a ground floor post office and rear 2 bedroom flat. The first and second floors are currently arranged as office space. The property is partly occupied producing £26,040p.a with one vacant office suite. However, we believe there is potential for redevelopment subject to all necessary consents.

Ashton

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For sale £275,000/To Let - £18,000PA

Two storey light industrial unit of approximately 3,688sqft arranged over two storeys situated just off North Street, Southville. The accommodation is mostly open plan and would lend itself to a conversion to a live/work unit subject to obtaining all necessary consents.The current owner has carried out a number of improvements including a replacement roof although further works are now required.

Clifton

£18,500PA

Well presented retail unit of approximately 870sqft (gross internal) with additional basement storage (approx 500sqft) and rear courtyard situated just off Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Would suit retailer, D1 user i.e beauty salon, dentist, chiropractor or A2 occupier (letting agents/financial services) subject to obtaining all necessary consents.

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Kingswood

For Sale £399,950 (May Let)

Attractive prominent period detached public house with large car park (approx. 0.27acre). Arranged as ground floor bar, kitchen, beer cellar and first floor function room. Potential to redevelop subject to consents or rent as two parts (restaurant/bar).

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Riverside Location

£800,000

Almondsbury

Commercial

BUSINESS AND ACCOMODATION FOR SALE – One of Bristol’s best kept secrets – Situated in a stunning riverside location is this fantastic Riverside Bar and Restaurant. There is 100 metres of river frontage with a landing stage for boats. In addition there is a detached 3 bedroom family house. Offered for sale fully equipped and freehold free of tie.

£15,795PA

Well presented ground floor office suite of approx. 1,755sqft with further space available by separate negotiation. The accommodation is mostly open plan with windows to all sides offering potential for subdivision if required. Benefits include air conditioning, two WCs and kitchen and allocated off-street parking. New lease available. £9/FT.

Sales & Lettings

D EE IRED U GR T A REQ LE R A L I SIM

FREEHOLD INVESTMENTS URGENTLY REQUIRED We are experiencing high demand for: Mixed Use Investment Properties Vacant/Tenanted Retail Premises Blocks of Apartments Bristol City Centre

£30,000PA

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Bristol City Centre

£600,000

Very well presented and centrally located freehold investment arranged as two shops (with basements) and a 3 storey 5 bedroom student maisonette. The property occupies a corner position in Bristol City Centre and has been refurbished throughout in recent years.The accommodation is fully let producing £53,240 PA. Early enquiries recommended.

Estate Agents

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Lettings & Management

Maggs & Allen Commercial MARH.indd 1

Redland

SIM

£8,000PA

SHOP/OFFICE (A1/A2). Opportunity to lease this lock up shop/ office of approx. 317sqft in the prestigious Chandos Road, Redland well known for its independent shops and restaurants. Currently run as a lettings agent, the property lends itself to a similar use or that of retail.

Arranged as an open plan office with separate rear store.

Auctioneers

£8,000PA

Well-presented and well situated retail unit of approximately 800sqft (gross internal) benefiting from rear access and front forecourt. The shop is situated in a mixed parade of shops and amenities and would suit an A1, A2 or D1 occupier subject to obtaining the necessary consents. Offered for lease a new full repairing and insuring lease.

Commercial Team: 0117 973 4940

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Westbury Park

Offices in BS8, BS6 & BS9

Rare opportunity to lease this large shop unit (approx. 2,800sqft) within very close proximity to Broadmead, The Galleries Shopping Mall and the City Centre. The property benefits from retail consent but would suit other uses subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

Offered for let on a new full repairing and insuring lease with terms to be negotiated.

Horfield

£10,000PA

Large shop situated in a prominent corner position on the sought after and busy Gloucester Road. The property benefits from further office/ storage rooms to the rear and an enclosed courtyard. Available to lease on a new full repairing and insuring lease.

Commercial/ Investment

Chartered Surveyors

Bristol City Centre

£30,000PA

Arguably one of Bristol’s most sought after addresses. These prominent offices overlook Queen Square and the City centre and have been recently refurbished to a high specification. Approx. 2,636sqft gross sqft.

Land/New Homes

Energy Assessors

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www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 973 4940

Bristol’s Leading Property Auctioneers

22 Richmond Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BA

auctions

property

COLLECTING NOW for auctions throughout 2015 92% SOLD IN 2014 Our next auction is on 21st April 2015 at The Bristol Pavilion, County Ground, Nevil Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 9EJ at 7.00pm Suitable auction properties include: Houses & flats in need of refurbishment

Blocks of Flats

Tenanted Investment Properties

Mixed-Use Commercial Properties

Building Plots & Development Land

Garages

Decreased Estates

Properties with structural issues

Contact us today to feature your property with Bristol’s most successful property auctioneers

0117 973 4940

Estate Agents

Lettings & Management

Maggs & Allen Commercial MARH.indd 2

Auctioneers

Commercial/ Investment

Chartered Surveyors

Land/New Homes

Energy Assessors

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Clifton £575,000

Redland £350,000

• Oakfield Place • End terrace • Two kitchens • Roof terrace • Two bathrooms • Potential seven bed house or two flats • Courtyard garden • No onward chain • Energy rating - C

• Grove Road • Hall floor and first floor • Large living room • Far reaching views • Communal front garden • Kitchen diner • No onward chain • Energy rating - D

Cotham £289,500

Clifton £270,000

• Sydenham Road • Investors only • Achieving £1,100pcm • Balcony • Open plan kitchen / living • Top floor • No onward chain • Energy rating - E

• Park Place • Second floor flat • Generous living space • Separate kitchen • Gas central heating • Period features • Excellent location • No onward chain • Energy rating - D

Four Bedroom House

Two Bedroom Maisonette

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

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Four Bedroom Apartment

Two Bedroom Garden Apartment

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Westbury-on-Trym £515,000

Westbury-on-Trym £485,000

• Prestigious Cul-de-Sac location • Detached • Split levels • Off street parking • Garage • No onward chain • Energy rating - D

• Off street parking • Extended • Open plan living • Modernised throughout • Energy rating -TBC

Four Bedroom House

Three Bedroom House

Henleaze £365,000

• Detached three bedroom house • Off street parking • Garage • Kitchen dining room measuring almost twenty feet in length • Backing on to Blaise Castle Estate • Energy rating - C

• Off street parking • Studio • Garden • Close to Henleaze high street, Gloucester Road and Westbury-on-Trym village • Energy rating – D

Three Bedroom House

Three Bedroom House

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Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

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Coombe Dingle £415,000

oceanhome.co.uk

Ocean March.indd 1

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Clifton £340,000

Kingsdown £335,000

City Centre £289,950

• Alma Road • Garage and rear access • Lounge/diner • South facing private rear garden • Separate kitchen • Natural light to all rooms • Energy rating – C

• St Michaels Hill • Three floors • Potential fourth bedroom • Rear balcony • Courtyard garden • Open plan living space • No onward chain • Energy rating - D

• C5102 • Seventh floor • Two bathrooms • City views • Open plan living room/kitchen • Two balconies • Secure parking • No onward chain • Energy rating - C

Cotham £250,000

Cotham £210,000

Redland £209,950

• Gibson Road • Private garden • Modern bathroom • Under floor heating • Front of house storage • No onward chain • Energy rating - C

• Clevedon Terrace • Spacious open plan living area • Private entrance • Residents parking scheme • Private rear garden • Modern kitchen • Energy rating - C

• Westfield Park • Hall floor flat • Stunning sitting room • Allocated off street parking space • Separate kitchen • No onward chain • Energy rating - D

Westbury-on-Trym £459,950

Westbury-on-Trym £435,000

Windy Ridge £415,000

• Eastover Close • Cul-de-sac location • Prime Westbury-onTrym • Extended to allow music room/fourth bedroom • Photovoltaic cells • Energy rating - D

• Stunning views • Cul-de-Sac • Garage • Off street parking

• Extended Circa 1850’s cottage • Private Lane • Double garage • Large garden • Off street parking • Energy rating - D

Two Bedroom Garden Apartment

Three Bedroom House

Two Bedroom Apartment

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• Substantial garden with decking • Energy rating - TBC

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Brentry £330,000

Blaise £284,950

Repton Hall £235,000

• Extended to allow fourth bedroom or third reception • Wet room • Bathroom • Off street parking to front and rear • Energy rating - C

• Link Detached • Garage with electric door • Driveway • Double glazing • Cul-de-sac location • Energy rating - D

• First floor apartment • Grade II listed mansion • Family bathroom • Cellar storage • Dual aspect • En-suite to master • Energy rating - C

Three Bedroom House

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Stoke Bishop

Stoke Bishop

Westbury-on-Trym

Deceptively spacious three double bedroom family home offering balcony to master bedroom, two spacious receptions; the rear with French doors leading to a 34m family garden with open outlook, the front with bay and period open fireplace. Positioned within close proximity to local shops and amenities.

EPC D.

A delightful four bedroom home arranged over three floors, ‘Old Sneed Cottages’ is positioned in the heart of Stoke Bishop with dual aspect lounge/diner providing access to garden, a spacious quality fitted oak kitchen and en-suite bathroom to master bedroom on the second floor. EPC C.

A 1930’s three bedroom semi-detached family home which has been recently renovated to a high specification throughout. The property offers living room to front and a modern kitchen/diner to rear providing access to a contemporary veranda and family garden.

Within close proximity to Henleaze Swimming Lake. Awaiting EPC.

£535,000

£450,000

£430,000

Westbury Park

Westbury-on-Trym

Henleaze

A superbly presented semi-detached Edwardian family home with five bedrooms, two receptions and kitchen/breakfast room leading to utility. The property benefits from many period features throughout and is positioned within close proximity to Durdham Down as well as the shops and amenities of North View and Henleaze high street.

Awaiting EPC.

A unique period coach house with linked old stone boundary walls. The property offers three bedrooms, an extensive living room with wood burner, sitting room, kitchen/ diner, conservatory and downstairs WC. Further benefits included a secluded rear garden with open outlook, parking and garage. No onward chain. EPC E.

1930s three bedroom family home comprising; two receptions with bays to front and rear with one providing access to a 25m practical family garden with modern patio. Spacious kitchen with dual aspect, modern family bathroom, garage, private driveway, gas central heating and double glazing throughout. Situated in the popular Laurie Crescent.

Price Guide £750,000

CJ Hole March.indd 1

£535,000

£435,000

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

www.cjhole.com It is fast approaching spring market time. Against a backdrop of political uncertainty and financial incentive (continued low interest rates, stamp duty changes and a mortgage price war) the coming weeks are traditionally the most buoyant in the Residential Sales and Lettings markets.

Now is the time if you are thinking of selling or renting to consider a few insider tips.

First impressions DO count: declutter and depersonalise; tidy paintwork, gardens and pathways; air and heat your property so rooms are warm but fresh smelling; and make sure your windows sparkle.

Line up your team: research and choose the best people to support you in your move from solicitor and financial advisor to estate agent

and property manager. Recommendation and local knowledge are key.

My team at CJ Hole Clifton would be delighted to offer you a FREE no obligation market appraisal. We can also offer advice and support in how to present your property to attract the best possible price. To book an appointment, please call any one of the team on 0117 923 8238.

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

TC

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Wraxall MORE PROPERTIES LIKE THIS REQUIRED – A large detached family house set in a good sized plot in Wraxall. Built in the 1920’s the house has lovely views from almost every room. Property consists: 3 receptions; 5 bedrooms; kitchen/breakfast room; 3 bathrooms; garage & wrap around garden.

EPC E.

Cotham A period town house situated in a most convenient location, close to the City Centre, University, the BRI and Clifton Triangle. The house is currently used as a six bedroom student let with the relevant HMO license, current rental income £28,500 pa. The interior offers; living room, kitchen/breakfast room, six bedrooms, bathroom, shower room and cloakroom. EPC D.

£589,000

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

NEW INSTRUCTION

N

Abbots Leigh, Bristol Guide Price £3,350,000

A modern architectural masterpiece, build to a world leading standard similar to ‘Passivhaus’. Over 10,000 sqft with cinema room, leisure complex, 5 ensuite bedrooms and cutting edge, wireless controls for heating, lighting and music. The ground source heat pump and solar panels result in a net gain on the overall outgoings. EPC Rating: Awaiting

Hamptons Bristol

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

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NEW INSTRUCTION

Clifton Wood, Bristol Guide Price ÂŁ895,000

Spectacular harbour views in an excellent location with large entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies, large roof terrace with landscaped garden and allocated parking with tandem integrated garage EPC Rating: D

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SNEYD PARK | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ850,000

A fabulous detached family home in popular Sneyd Park within close proximity to The Downs. Wonderful full width drawing room & sitting room.

Family kitchen / dining room. Four bedrooms & family bathroom. Generous loft space with potential to convert (STC). Gated driveway with offstreet parking. Large rear garden with summer house. Single garage & workshop. Full planning permission granted to extend if required. EPC rating: D

Fine & Country Bristol 147 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QT Tel: 0117 946 1946 Email: bristol@fineandcountry.com bristol.fineandcountry.co.uk

Clifton - £350,000

This hidden gem in the heart of Clifton. An impressive 2 bed garden flat with garage and parking. The exclusive use driveway leads to the private garage and a 50ft rear stone walled private garden with raised BBQ decking area. No onward chain. EPC - E

Harbourside - £279,950

A two double bedroom ground floor apartment with fantastic waterfront outlook in a great central location within a few minutes’ walk of Queen Square and the city centre. Temple Meads is within walking distance or via a ferry link! Offered with no onward chain. EPC - C

Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £650,000

Substantial newly refurbished semi detached house which has skilfully blended 1930’s charm with stylish modern day family living requirements. 4/5 bedrooms, 2/3 reception rooms, large kitchen & separate breakfast room. In Elmlea Catchment area and close to Durdham Downs. EPC - D

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Redland - £319,950

A bright and airy 2 double bedroom hall floor flat which forms part of this very attractive period house which is located a hundred yards from Whiteladies Road. The property benefits from recent redecoration and new carpets throughout. EPC - E

Westbury on Trym - Guide Price £550,000

A charming 19th Century stone faced home, creating a spacious, 5 bedroom, 2/3 reception rooms. Outside is an attractive courtyard garden, ideal for entertaining. Offered with no onward chain. EPC - F

Stoke Bishop - £545,000

A very well presented 3 bedroom detached family home, unusually well set back from the road, situated in a highly sought after road. The house has a number of ‘Art Deco’ features of the 1930’s that blends beautifully with its modern contemporary twist. EPC - D

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