The Bristol Magazine October 2011

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£3.00 where sold

THE

ISSUE 88

I

OCTOBER 2011

BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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

i

desgns INTERIOR TRENDS

TWISTS

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Preview of the Film Festival

CLIFTON CULTURE Inside Number 38 The Primrose Café

KIKI DEE She’s got the music

GALLERY

GUIDE

Art in Bristol and Beyond Plus

PREMIUM PROPERTY

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

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Knight Frank

Sneyd Park

Clifton

A beautifully presented and extensively refurbished family house close to The Downs. Drawing room, sitting room, family kitchen/dining room. Utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. 4 further double bedrooms. Separate shower room. Attic space. Deep landscaped rear garden. Separate garage.

A stunning family home, with elegant proportions, an abundance of natural light and superb stoarge. Full width drawing room, sitting room, dining room. Kitchen/breakfast room. Utility, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite shower. Three further double bedrooms.

Bathroom. Shower room. Bedroom 5/play room. Off-street parking.

Delightful rear garden & terrace.

Guide £850,000

Guide £695,000

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

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

Sneyd Park

Westbury on Trym

A lovely & well proportioned first floor period apartment with excellent light, large communal gardens & 2 off street parking spaces. Drawing room, kitchen/dining room. Master bedroom with ensuite shower room.

Further double bedroom. Separate bathroom. Secure store cupboard.

Generous communal garden and further storage. Gated driveway, 2 off street parking spaces.

A rare chance to acquire a spacious detached family house, with stunning rear garden and generous proportions. Drawing room, dining/sitting room, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room. Utility. Cloakroom. Beautiful master bedroom with luxury en-suite. 4 further bedrooms (3 ensuite).

Study/nursery. Storage. Off-street parking. Garden and OSP.

Guide £425,000

Guide £850,000

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

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

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Knight Frank

Harbourside

Clifton

A fabulous modern Penthouse apartment with stunning views over the SS. Gt Britain. Spacious reception room, generous kitchen/breakfast room. 2 double bedrooms both with ensuite bath/shower rooms. Cloakroom. Storage. 17' decked balcony with harbour views. Underground parking space. Further secure basement storage cupboard.

A superb family house, situated on Pembroke Vale, with off street parking and a delightful landscaped rear garden. Drawing room, dining room, study, lovely family kitchen/breakfast room. Master bedroom with en-suite shower. Three further double bedrooms. Bathroom. Attic space. Landscaped garden and off-street parking.

Guide £395,000

Guide £950,000

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

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

Clifton

Clifton Wood

A rare chance to acquire a Grade II Listed townhouse on West Mall, with an abundance of family accommodation. Family kitchen, dining room, full width first floor drawing room, sitting room, snug, study. Master bedroom suite. 4 further double bedrooms. 2 further bathrooms.

Basement with bedroom, reception room and kitchen. Paved courtyard garden. 22' double garage. Vaulted storage. Communal gardens.

A stylish contemporary townhouse (2,300 sq ft) with breathtaking harbour views. Spacious open plan kitchen/dining room with full width balcony. First floor drawing room with stunning views. 4 double bedrooms (2 ensuite). Family bathroom, utility, cloakroom, storage.

Further decked balcony. Extensive roof terrace with panoramic views.

Paved rear courtyard. Off street parking.

Guide £1,650,000

Guide £645,000

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

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

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Knight Frank

Wedmore

Alveston

Grade II listed. 5 principal reception rooms, master bedroom suite, 7 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms, cellar and games room.

4 bedroom chapel house and 3 bedroom garden house. Barn with studio/office above. Established gardens and grounds, kitchen garden, summer house, grass tennis court, swimming pool, garage, paddocks, woodland and pasture. In all about 30 acres.

Grade II Listed Georgian house with 4 reception rooms, study, library, billiards room, kitchen, wine & storage cellars, 2 utility rooms, workshop, indoor swimming pool. 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, attic rooms. Courtyard with double garage, coach house, stables, storage loft, 2 offices. Garden, tennis court, pasture. In all about 7.5 acres.

Price on application

Guide £1,595,000

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

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

Nr Cheddar

Wraxall

A charming detached farmhouse with south facing views and accommodation that could incorporate an annexe. 5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 5 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. Triple garaging.

1465 sq ft outbuilding. Charming gardens and orchard. In all about 2.1 acres.

A substantial period farmhouse recently renovated and enjoying a rural aspect yet close to Bristol. 3 reception rooms, office, cellar/potential playroom. 6 bedrooms, 2 en-suite shower rooms, 2 bathrooms.

Gardens and pasture. In all about 1.72 acres.

Guide £725,000

Guide £1,275,000

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

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

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CONTENTS Oct:Layout 2 copy

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contents

2011

26 12

TALK OF THE TOWN

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News and views from the city

17

BARTLEBY On preserving Banksy’s legacy

19 20

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50

AUTUMN FASHION FACE THE MUSIC ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

52

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS We preview the upcoming film festival

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44

A GOOD READ Half a dozen of the best scary stories for Hallowe’en

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FOOD & DRINK EATING OUT FAMILY FUN

AUTUMN WATCH The eyes of the TV watching world are on Westonbirt this month

88

BUSINESS News and achievements from the city’s business community

93

PROPERTY The pick of the finest homes in Bristol

THE

BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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FIT & FABULOUS Indulge yourself in some beauty treats and help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness month

73

INTERIORS

TBM can be viewed with the online edition on our website: www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

A peek inside one of Bristol’s most stylish B&Bs plus the latest trends in textiles, paint and furniture

WHAT’S ON Don’t go out without looking at our guide to October’s events in Bristol

THE WALK

Where to take the children at half-term and for Hallowe’en activities

An autumn round-up of all the best shows in the city’s galleries

36

48

Why we’re always happy to pick the Primrose

Kiki Dee on tour and why she’s still got the music in her

26

52

Clifton pair win the coveted Deli of the Year prize

These boots are made for walking

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86

A 16-mile canalside challenge in Somerset that takes in the whole solar system . . .

MR BRISTOW Why some food doesn’t travel

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84

GARDENING Jane Moore offers expert advice on creating splashes of colour in the flower borders

ON THE COVER Celebrating the genius of Arne Jacobsen. An exhibition of his works starts from 24th October at the Clifton showroom of Sphere Living Design

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EDITOR’Sletter

T

here’s something about the chill of autumn that makes us go into nestbuilding mode ready for winter, which is why this month we’re looking at the latest trends in interiors. We take a tour of a boutique bed and breakfast, Number 38, in a Georgian merchant’s house on The Downs, which has been beautifully and stylishly decorated and which has helped put Clifton in the top 20 coolest places to stay in the UK. Of course, we knew that already. Clifton Village may be small but it’s got more great places to eat and stylish shops packed into its streets than most small towns manage. It’s also got the newly crowned Deli of the Year, the Arch House Deli and the Primrose Café too, which is the best place for sitting in the sun people-watching while tucking into some really good grub.

It’s also one of many enclaves in the city where you can find original art to look at or buy. Our autumn art special is an extensive round-up of the city’s galleries and all the latest exhibitions. Whether your taste is for the traditional landscape or a vibrant abstract we’re sure there will be something to catch your eye.

We haven’t forgotten that it’s half-term this month, so in addition to our regular what’s on listings we’ve gathered up a host of activities and events that you can enjoy as a family, particularly with Hallowe’en in mind. I see no reason why the spooky thrills of Hallowe’en should be just for the children, so we’ve asked the guys at Blackwells to pick their top half a dozen literary spine-chillers to mark this ancient festival.

What a perfect excuse to light the fire, draw the curtains, pour a glass of something warming and immerse yourself in a good read.

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

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

CONTACT THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE: Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Ewart sam@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Mick Ringham, James Russell, Joe Salter, Jack Hunter, Andrew Swift, Jane Moore

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

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

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

Kathy Williams kathy@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Jodi Monelle jodi@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Sue Parker sue@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

October 2011

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TALKofthe TOWN

My cultural life

BOOK OF THE MONTH Paul Nash in Pictures: Landscape and Dream

by James Russell Published by Mainstone Press, £25, hardback For those who enjoyed the Ravilious in Pictures series, this will be another absorbing volume about great 20th century British art. Nash, who recorded some of the horrors from both world wars, was somewhat neglected after his death but now his energy, humanity and talent is being feted. This beautifully illustrated book of oil paintings includes pictures he did of the Sussex countryside when he lived in Rye, which sit alongside clear, explanatory text by Bristol writer and regular contributor to The Bristol Magazine, James Russell. The second volume, which looks at Nash’s watercolours, will provide a complete life in pictures.

Take to the woods for a walk

A

s the leaves begin to change colour join one of dozens of free organised woodland walks being organised this month. Bristol Ramblers, which is one of the largest groups of walkers in the UK, is hosting three walks in October which are open to all, as part of A Walk in the Woods Week (3–9 October).

On Wednesday 5 October they’ll be exploring Leigh Woods and Ashton Court, while on Saturday 8 October, there is a five-mile walk around the Blaise Estate, and on Sunday 9 October a 12-mile hike will take in Alfred’s Tower and Kings Wood. To find out times and locations visit: www.bristolramblers.org.uk or tel: 0117 944 3042. You don’t have to join an organised group to enjoy a walk, but the walking festival has been prompted by the Government’s aborted attempt to sell off the country’s woodlands to raise funds. Since this was so vociferously objected to there has been a growing groundswell to keep the momentum going to preserve our ancient woods. Bosch is sponsoring the festival and British Tree Walk to help raise awareness and protect Britain’s native trees.

The Bristol Magazine The Bristol Magazine 2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 0117 974 2800 Fax: 01225 426677 editor@thebristolmagazine.co.uk sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2011 The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to over 24,000 homes and businesses throughout Bristol.

Printed by PCP Printers Published by MC Publishing Limited Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Gavin Thurston, wildlife cameraman for TV series including Planet Earth, Human Planet and Life Which book are you reading?

Watch the (city) birdie David Lindo, the Urban Birder, has been invited to Bristol by the Avon Wildlife Trust on Tuesday 25 October when he is going to talk about how we can enjoy watching birds even in the heart of the city. David, who is a regular on TV and radio, will be giving his talk at the QEH school theatre in Clifton from 7.30pm.

Tickets, which are £8 (£6 concessions) from, email: angeladavies@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Cemetery up for an award The lovingly restored Arnos Vale Cemetery has made the shortlist for the national English Heritage Angel awards made to outstanding rescue projects across the UK. It was one of more than 200 applications for the awards and is one of four nominated in the finals in its category.

The winner will be announced on 31 October in London, but meanwhile a series of short clips can be seen on the BBC2’s Culture Show each Thursday evening.

Time to dress to impress When it comes to dressing up and going out have we all got too dowdy and dull?

On Friday 7 October Java Bristol is to host the first Mode Fashion show to inspire us to get out there and be seen. Tickets for the show are £10, available from the Bristol Ticket Shop, Park Street Café and Portabella Shop, Gloucester Road. For £15 a VIP ticket ensures a place at the after show DJ party and goodie bag.

West End-bound Teachers are being invited to log on and sign up for National Schools Film Week, which runs from 13 – 21 October (visit www.nationalschoolsweek.org) and is aimed at engaging young people with the art of film. The city is hosting a number of screenings, including Never Let Me Go (12a) on Thursday 20 October at Bristol Cineworld with an introduction by critic Pat Reid. Other screenings of films are being held at the Watershed.

I’m re-reading A Pirate of Exquisite Mind – The Life of William Dampier

by Diana and Michael Preston. An extraordinary account of an adventurer/explorer (1651- 1715) who influenced Darwin.

Which cafés or restaurants will you be visiting?

I am writing this while sitting in the sun outside Primrose Café in Clifton with my wife Maggie and my sister. But I plan to go to Casamia again soon, just down the road from me in Westbury-on-Trym, where they do the best food I’ve ever had. I often think about their food while I’m abroad filming, particularly if we’re out in the wilds a long way from any restaurants.

What’s on your MP3 player?

I have an eclectic mix from Mumford and Sons to The Very Best of Desert Island Discs. Something to suit every mood when I’m on the road.

What outdoor local activity will you be enjoying this month?

My wife and I enjoy walking our black labrador Jess.

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

I’m keen to go and watch Tinker Tailor Solider Spy on the big screen.

What are your hobbies?

In between pottering in the garden I am a keen hobby engineer, currently working on a new lightweight camera crane design for filming.

I am preparing for and excited to be going back to Borneo this month with Sir David Attenborough to film him for his new series Attenborough’s Life Stories. On 26 October is a new BBC1 series Frozen Planet which I worked on with Sir David, including accompanying him to the North and South Poles.

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TALKofthe TOWN New guide tackles all manner of trivia

GHOSTLY PRESENCE: SS Great Britain is said to be haunted. In one incidence, a conservation consultant was working at night in the Forward Hold when he heard the sound of boots climbing down the stairs in the next compartment – on going to check he found he was alone on the ship

■ Following one of Europe’s largest street art installations, See No Evil, which took place in Bristol this summer, media company and sponsors of the project, Hurricane Media, will be premiering its film of the seven-day event, this month. The £80,000 regeneration project, which focused around the dilapidated Nelson Street area featured the work of 61 of the world’s best street artists. Hurricane Media, appointed sponsor by Bristol City Council, used a range of techniques including cable dolly technology, timelapse photography and 24-hour live coverage. The film seeks to take the See No Evil project to an international audience. The film will premier at a private viewing at the Watershed on 3 October and will be online from the following day at You Tube, www.hurricanemedia.co.uk, and other video portals.

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Just how well do you know Bristol? A new book, Bristol: A Pocket Miscellany, includes a host of facts and figures, some historical and serious, others trivial but nonetheless fascinating.

Here are just a few things you might not know about your home city: ■ There are 25 other places in the world called Bristol.

■ Up to 438,000 vehicles cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge every year.

■ Cricketer WG Grace was born in Bristol on July 1848.

■ The first hanging at Bristol Gaol was in 1821. Eighteen year old John Horwood was hung for murdering the girl he was infatuated with.

■ The ghost of Captain John Gray, who vanished in 1872, is said to haunt the SS Great Britain.

■ In 1703, a great storm submerged half the city.

The book is part of The History Press’ new Pocket Miscellany series. Its author Sarah Coles lived in Bristol for 15 years and has now moved to the Cotswolds.

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

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

DESIGNS FOR LIFE!

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

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

Custom Designed. Computer Imagery.

Total Project Management.

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TIME WE TOUCHED

up our Banksys?

S

hould we conserve Banksy’s artwork? I read the other day that the maverick Bristol street artist has a new TV show or gallery exhibition or somesuch going on, and it made me look again at his pictures around the city. I have to say, some of them are not looking their freshest, and if they were hanging in a museum, rather than being stuck on the outside of a building, people would be making a fuss.

In the case of the gorilla that got painted over a couple of months ago, the level of care could be described as negligible, but that isn’t the only picture to have suffered. The chap dangling from a window off Park Street got blue paint chucked at him during Banksy vs The City Museum in 2009 and has never been quite the same since. And the Grim Reaper on the side of the Thekla is starting to fade into the disco-ship’s paintwork.

Considering the prices people will pay for a Banksy one would imagine that the value of pictures like Mild, Mild West (the teddy bear with the petrol bomb) is immense. These, after all, are iconic, career-defining works, the west country equivalent of Warhol’s soup cans. They are images known to millions and, potentially, an excellent source of tourist revenue. Surely the success of the 2009 exhibition, for which the queue alone is the stuff of legend, demonstrates that official Bristol needs to stop thinking of Banksy as a spraycan-toting rascal who needs a good hiding. Instead they need to start doing something about preserving his legacy, so that in decades to come the tourists will come on luxury guided coach tours of top Banksy sites. You can buy guides to Banksy locations as well as the informative Banksy’s Bristol,

official Bristol needs to stop thinking of ❝ Banksy as a spraycan-toting rascal who needs a good hiding ❞

but I don’t think anyone quite appreciates the potential tourist market.

Worldwide, a generation has been brought up on his rats and monkeys, and when these kids start earning and travelling they will be heading here, to Bristol, to see Where It All Began. A pilgrimage, if you like – a graffiti Grand Tour.

But it won’t be much fun flying in from LAX to discover that the legendary artworks have been allowed to fade away or be defaced by mindless vandals. People aren’t going to queue up for the tour, they’ll divert along the A4 and go to Bath instead because you can always rely on Jane Austen to deliver.

So what can one do to protect a painting that began life illicitly and wasn’t made with much thought of long-term conservation? One could give it a coat of varnish or some similar sealant, or encase it in clear plastic, sealing the edges against moisture. But even the clearest plastic will get scratched and dirty, leaving those poor pilgrims with an experience almost as disappointing as finding the work faded or covered up.

Perhaps we could get a conservateur of some kind to touch the work up now and again – add a bit of colour and definition, perhaps brighten the pictures up a bit. They could use more expensive paint than poor old Banksy could afford in his early days, and maybe spend a bit more time over the work. He was always in such a rush to get his ladders down before a policeman came along.

And while we’re at it, we could get this person – or perhaps a team could be assembled – to fill in a few gaps. It really isn’t fair that Banksy painted his finest works in obscure or run-down corners, when he really ought to have done or two in places where people appreciate art. I’m sure we could find a couple of undiscovered works – perhaps three or four – and then the Banksy pilgrims will come pouring in. ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

October 2011

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Mr Bristow TRAVELS

with my tastebuds I

recently read a rave review of a swish new restaurant in London where a steak with very little in the way of trimmings (the food critic waxed lyrical about the teaspoon of chestnut oil reduction, or gravy as we call it round here, that was drizzled over it) will set you back 90 quid.

He did go on to say that the service was immaculate and he’d actually lost count of the various bread waiters, water waiters, gravy drizzlers and sommeliers that had attended his luxurious repast. I suppose if one is keeping six people in a job, let alone the chefs and the washer-uppers behind the scenes, then spending nearly a ton on a bit of meat that one could have slapped under the grill at home for a fraction of the cost is just about acceptable. Why, almost reasonable, come to think about it.

Anyway, said reviewer reckoned it was probably the best slice of cow he’d ever consumed. And he hadn’t stopped dreaming about it ever since, poor chap. Can’t help thinking he was taken in by the theatricality of the situation. I mean, weren’t those calamari fritti you had Crete quite exquisite? Or could it have been the combination of doe-eyed, slim-hipped waiter, sun, sand and bouzouki that transformed them into ambrosia?

They probably came from the Cretan version of Lidl anyway.

And what visitor to the romantic cliff-top town of Sorrento has not fallen for the charms of the last rays of the setting sun glinting through a

One food that does travel well and can ❝ actually improve while in a suitcase is cheese ❞ bottle of delicious limoncello, only to find that on getting it home to Blighty it has the gastronomic appeal of citrus washing up liquid?

I once had a bowl of oxtail soup in an airport cafeteria. OK, it was a Caribbean airport, it was the real home-made on-the-bone thing, not that sanitised shop stuff that tastes like the tin it came in, and had probably been lovingly prepared by one of the staff in her pretty gingerbread cottage. But oxtail soup in the departure lounge? Wrong, wrong, wrong!

My taste buds craved damp ham sandwiches wrapped in Clingfilm. You know, proper airport food.

However, had I purchased my Creole delicacy served on floury roti bread dished out by a smiling gent in a brightly coloured battered old van under a palm tree, with steel drum accompaniment, that would have been something else.

The rich brown soup was still very much in evidence on my shirt front when I got back to Gatwick. An unusual holiday souvenir, you must agree.

One food that does travel well, and can actually improve while in a suitcase, is cheese. Though I did have one particularly smelly example confiscated from my carry-on baggage after complaints from fellow passengers. And that was on Swissair, would you believe. You’d think, of anyone, they would be used to such things.

Now, all the above having been said about food out of context losing that essential something, how come the most delicious item on the menu of my local Chinese restaurant is hot and spicy whelks? You couldn’t get much further from the polystyrene pot of vinegary rubber, the very essence of hanky-on-the-head British seaside delicacies, which I find so irresistible on Weston pier. But after ploughing through the extensive list of exotic oriental dishes on offer, that’s what I invariably go for.

There’s no accounting for taste, is there? ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

October 2011

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CITYstyle

Attention to detail Add a touch of glamour to any outfit by teaming some elegant and detailed kneehigh boots with black patterned tights.

Left: Empire boots in mid brown by J Shoes. Available from from Ella Boutique in Clifton, £185

▲

▲

SHOW OFF: We love these white ankle boots from Kurt Geiger – they’ll certainly turn heads. £170 from The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

Right: Rupert Zip Knee boots, £110 from Schuh, Cabot Circus. We love this red wine colour – it’s very on trend for autumn/winter and looks great against black, green and purple

OUTDOORS CHIC: Kneehigh boots are perfect for cold winter days as they make dresses and skirts wearable even in the chilliest temperatures. For a casual outdoors look, wear flat equestrian-style boots with jeans, like the suede boots below left, £170 from Lands’ End.

LET BOOTS

do the

TALKING ▲ ON TREND: Wear ankle boots – heels, flats or wedges – with this season’s must-have brightly coloured jeans for an ultra-stylish look. Above left: Yeeha Boot, £85 from White Stuff; above right: wedged black ankle boots, £55 from Next at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway

Or take a look at the JJ Footwear boot collection available from SoleLution in Clifton Village and Portishead. Each boot has been designed with real women in mind and every style comes in nine different calf widths from 30cm to 60cm with different dimensions in ankle, instep and foot width for the perfect fit. Here is boot style 1102080 in Cognac, £180

Autumn is upon us and that means winter boots are hitting the shelves. This season there are lots of styles to choose from – here are some of the best

▲

WALK IN COMFORT, DRESS IN STYLE: that’s the motto at Rieker this season.

See the new collection at the Rieker shop, 29 The Horsefair, Bristol. These Kadie brown leather lace-up biker boots (£62) are one of our favourite styles and very fashionable on the high street at the moment. Team with short feminine dresses or tight trousers for a scruffy but sexy look

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GET THE PERFECT AUTUMN LOOK: these sophisticated Fringe boots, £85, look great with this cloche hat, £20, and Cocoon coat, £65, all from Next

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Lands’ End: a very stylish Transatlantic story Lands’ End is the perfect blend of classic American style partnered with the best of British service

W

hether you’re five or 55, Lands’ End has everything you need to look effortlessly well dressed all year round.

Wearing our clothing means you know you’ll look good but you’ll also have the reassurance that everything bearing the Lands’ End label is built to last.

Our brand was born back in 1963 when our American founder – a Chicago adman and passionate sailor – got itchy feet and quit his day job to run a yachting equipment firm that also sold duffel bags and the occasional sweater.

From those humble beginnings Lands’ End has grown into a brand famed the world over for its outstanding ranges of clothing, footwear and outerwear backed by first class service.

We first docked in the UK in 1993 and since then have developed a fast-growing following of loyal customers who have come to love our classic, pared down style.

If you’re already a Lands’ End devotee, then you’ll already know why people return to us again and again. Above all else it’s for the quality and durability of our clothing – something of a novelty in these days of throwaway culture.

There’s also the added comfort of knowing that everything we sell is backed by our Guaranteed Period pledge. If you’re not happy with a purchase, you can return it any time for an exchange or refund – no ifs, no buts, no problem.

Our customers tell us one of the reasons they love Lands’ End is because they can shop whenever they want, wherever they are. Our catalogues are updated on a monthly basis, introducing fresh new styles and fashion inspiration. Meanwhile, our online store was

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Landsend.indd 1

recently ranked in the top three in the UK in a leading consumer organisation’s survey.

What’s more, our discerning customers know our clothes will live up to their billing. Built to cope with the harshest extremes of the American winter, our squall jackets and parkas have become a clothing legend. If it’s the perfect pair of chinos you’re craving, look no further than Lands’ End: we offer more than 60 styles for men and women, boys and girls.

Translating our hardwearing, great value styles for younger customers is a new development that’s winning us fans large and small. Designed to stand up to the rigours of playground life, our kidswear lets them get on with having fun.

Now everyone in the family can enjoy the perfect marriage of American style and British service ■ What’s in a name?

Many people assume that Lands’ End refers to our Cornish namesake. In reality, it has more to do with our sailing heritage and our founder’s dream of heading into unchartered waters.

Grammar experts among you will have noted the misplaced apostrophe in our brand’s name. This linguistic slip wasn’t picked up in our first print run, we couldn’t afford to correct it, and a brand was born.

While it has prompted some raised eyebrows among English teachers, it reconfirms our continuing commitment to what’s best for the customer is being unmistakably human.

www.landsend.co.uk October 2011

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SCOTTISH CASHMERE SALE www.capitalcashmere.com

Racecourse, Bath Friday/Saturday, 14/15 October

Hare and Hounds, Westonbirt Tuesday/Wednesday, 25/26 October 10.00am - 4.00pm Free Entrance

Probably the largest collection in the UK and all at huge reductions on normal shop prices

Enquiries 01952 691424 / 07980338573

the new and exciting designer jewellery and gift shop now open at:

THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBRISTOL PERFECTLYCOVERED

214 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU Tel: 0117 924 1003 The new home of Catherine Amesbury jewellery design - Artemis houses a jewellery workshop and showroom where you can find beautiful and unique handmade silver jewellery. Choose from the collections on display, customise a chosen piece or sit and design your own with local designers Catherine Amesbury and Carrie Mullan - mother and daughter team. Complementing the jewellery you will also find a collection of gorgeous girlie gifts and our resident fused glass artist Julia Rowe with her workshop and beautiful designs. Artemis is the ideal destination to find that perfect something, either for yourself or for someone special. Every item purchased is beautifully gift wrapped and a range of local artists' cards are available for those special occasions.

BRISTOLSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 0117 9742800 FREE DRAW

Kemps Jewellers

1st £1000.00 2nd £500.00 3rd @250.00

established 1881

Kemps are a family business, carrying an extensive range of new and second-hand jewellery, across a wide price range, and offering you

✁

9 CARLTON COURT, WESTBURY ON TRYM • 0117 950 5090

Vouchers to be spent in the shop. (vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash, excludes coin coins.) The draw is on the 19th November at 11.00am and they will have to be present to win. To enter they need to either call into the shop and fill in a form or log on to our web site.

Name/Surname :

• Professional Friendly Advice • • Beautiful Gift Ideas •

Email :

• Gift Wrapping Service • • Registered Pawnbrokers •

Address :

• Jewellery and watch repairs undertaken • • Gold purchased - old jewellery & coins •

www.kempsjewellers.com

Terms & Conditions: All entries must be sent / delivered to us by 10th November. The draw of the three winners will take place at the celebration event on Saturday 19th November 2011. The vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash, excludes coins. Only 1 entry per person.

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walk in comfort

DRESS IN STYLE

Come and see our new AW11 collection at 29 The Horsefair, Bristol, BS1 3JL. Tel: 0117 929 4440

The World’s Leading AntiStress Footwear Brand

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

October 2011

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CITY FACEgardens theMUSIC

I’VE STILL GOT the music in me Mick Ringham meets Kiki Dee, one of the singing survivors of the swinging Sixties, who is still making albums. On the eve of her visit to Bath she tells him about her favourite tracks

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FAVOURITE SOUNDS: left to right, Kate Bush, Running Up That Hill, Elton John, Rocket Man, and Joni Mitchell, How Do You Stop?

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ention the name Kiki Dee and you’ll probably get the reply “Didn’t she do that one – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart?” This was perfectly illustrated by my local newsagent the other day, only he made the big mistake of trying to sing it to a shopful of customers. It’s hard to believe that Kiki recorded that back in 1976 with Elton John when it reached Number 1 in both the UK and America charts.

Kiki was born Pauline Matthews, and started singing parttime with dance bands, after putting in a hard day’s work at Boots the chemist. She turned professional as a session singer, singing backing vocals for Dusty Springfield among others. In 1965 she released her first big hit Why Don’t I Run Away From You? As is so often the case with the music industry, you never know who is listening and Kiki one day got a call from Tamla Motown, making history by being the first white British artist to be signed by this legendary record label. She has enjoyed a singing career spanning over 40 years, released 39 singles, including three number ones and 12 albums.

I asked her if there is there anyone left she still wanted to record with. She says: “I would have loved to have sung with Bob Marley, but alas that’s not to be, but I still have hopes of Stevie Wonder. I’ve met him a few times now and I’d love to sing a duet with him.”

Kiki has also appeared in musical theatre, playing the lead in the West End musical Blood Brothers, for which she received an Olivier nomination for her acting skills. She confesses to recently de-cluttering her house and in the process, quite a few albums in her vast collection are now scattered among local charity shops.

Kiki is currently touring the UK with her musical partner and guitarist Carmelo Luggeri and in her own words, “enjoying every minute of it.” I asked her where the name Kiki Dee came from. She laughs: “They originally wanted to call me Kinky, after kinky boots which were in fashion at the time, but I was having none of it, so a songwriter came up with the name Kiki Dee which was a good compromise and obviously it worked – I’m still here today enjoying life and making music.”

Kiki and Carmelo’s acoustic guitar based show, brings together their original music and some of her best known songs on Friday 7 October at the Chapel Arts Centre in Bath.

Kiki’s top ten: ● Elton John – Rocket Man I played many gigs with Elton in the nineteen seventies, as well as a ten week coast to coast tour of the States. He’s such a great person to be around and what a showman. This song was always a show stopper, with those fabulous and original lyrics from Bernie Taupin. ● Stevie Wonder – Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing You know, it’s so difficult to write a happy song without sounding too sugary, but this one works beautifully. It brings back lots of memories of being on stage during those early days, my dad would be standing in the wings watching and enjoying the show. www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

● Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On He was a gentle and lovely person. I met him both in London and Detroit. It was such an interesting time for him and Stevie Wonder because they’d been in the business almost from childhood and now they were producing innovating and groundbreaking music. ● Jane Siberry – Calling All Angels Wow, what an amazing voice this Canadian singer has. This song is so powerful and I love it so much Carmelo Luggeri and I have recorded it on our new album Almost Naked. ● Ron Sexsmith – Secret Heart A great singer/songwriter and much underrated. It’s true to say that he’s really a latter day minstrel and also writes a good ballad – which I admire immensely. I love listening to him and this track is a fine example of his work. ● Richard Thompson – Dimming of the Day The last time I was on the bill with Richard was in Dublin.

Again he is one of those artists that loves to perform and can handle a song beautifully. I find it incredibly difficult to pick just one number from his repertoire, but this will do nicely. ● Elbow – Mirrorball I was watching the Mercury awards on TV some time ago and this fantastic bunch of guys came on. I liked what I saw and above all I enjoyed their music. They appear to be very unselfconscious and easy in their own skin. It’s a great track from a superb band. ● Joni Mitchell – How Do You Stop?

This is from her album Turbulent Indigo. It’s quite an old number written for James Brown. Joni’s version with Seal is a favourite of mine and I play it as often as I can. This album is simply beautiful. I’d recommend it to all music lovers. ● Aretha Franklin – Say A Little Prayer This takes me right back to my youth and lots of memories of starting off in the business. I love Bacharach and David songs from this era and Aretha’s vocal on her version blew me away as a young singer - and for that matter still does. ● Kate Bush – Running up That Hill Carmelo and I perform this song in our acoustic show; however our version is completely different. We sent the album to Kate and I’m happy to say she approved. We both love her as an artist and for her music. But she also possesses an independent spirit that shines through her work. ■

Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri are at the Chapel Arts Centre on Friday 7 October from 7.30pm. Tickets are £18.50. To book, tel: 01225 461700 or visit: www.chapelarts.org

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

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Michelle Luter, Zest

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITION: MICHELLE LUTER

Fizz Gallery 65a Hill Road, Clevedon, North Somerset.

Tel: 01275 341141 www.fizzgallery.co.uk

Throughout October Following the sell-out success of her first exhibition at Fizz Gallery earlier this year, Michelle Luter is back on show throughout October. As a self-taught artist Michelle has no formal influences, but relies purely on her instincts, feelings and emotions to express herself on the canvas. Using a mix of techniques and media, her palletes range from sharp bold red, pinks, lime greens and turquoises, through to softer browns, taupes and pastels. And for those wanting something more unusual or to fit a certain colour scheme, the gallery is very experienced in taking commissions for Michelle's work. Given the popularity of her previous show, this exhibition is well worth a visit, sooner rather than later. There’s a host of other artists and designers on show at the gallery and you’ll receive a warm welcome.

AUTUMN ART MARKET Paintworks Bath Road, Bristol. www.paintworksbristol.co.uk

More than 35 handpicked local and regional artists will be exhibiting and selling their work in this fantastic art and craft market.

EXHIBITION: VISIONS OF HEAVEN

S David Malin, The Orion Nebula

Throughout October The gallery’s exhibition of limited edition prints of Quentin Blake’s illustrations continues until the middle of October, after which there will be a mixed exhibition of new paintings and etchings by French artist Veronique Giarrusso on show. There will also be new limited edition prints by John Knapp-Fisher and Sam Toft alongside gallery favourites Susie Brooks and Stephen Hanson.

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Chitra Parvathy, Merchant Garden

23 October, 10.30am – 4pm

EXHIBITION: LIMITED EDITION PRINTS Sky Blue Framing and Gallery 27 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9733995 www.skybluefineart.com

GALLERY PROFILE: SMITHSON GALLERY

The Bristol Gallery Building 8, Unit 2, Millennium Promenade, Harbourside, Bristol. Tel: 0117 930 0005 www.thebristolgallery.com

15 – 23 October A stunning exhibition of David Malin’s pioneering astrophotography. Visions of Heaven celebrates the 50th anniversary of the moment when human beings first left the planet and gave us a different perspective of the sky.

mithson Gallery was founded by Anna Smithson in 2009. Anna is very passionate about art and has comprehensive industry experience having spent the last nine years within the fine art publishing field.

Anna moved to Bristol from London three years ago and she identified very quickly the wealth of talent within the south west and was keen to represent artists such as Anthony Garratt, Clare Cutts, Charlotte Farmer, Freya Cumming, Frea Buckler, Paul Farrell, Emma Fellows.

Smithson Gallery is predominantly an online gallery but it always hosts pop up shows locally. It is currently showing work at Picture House East on Whiteladies Road, rotating artwork every three months and at Harvey Nichols in Quakers Friars, rotating artwork every five weeks.

The gallery also participates in art shows across the UK including the Bristol Affordable Art Fair in May and the London Battersea Affordable Art Fair for the first time from 20 – 23 October.

Anna likes to offer a relaxed gallery approach and believes art is for everyone. Take a look at the website: www.smithsongallery.co.uk or follow the gallery on Twitter and Facebook.

Anthony Garratt, London Eye Veronique Giarrusso, Eau Souterraine

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS GALLERY PROFILE: BRISTOL GUILD

Stanislaw Zoladz, Lofoten

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▲ EXHIBITION: SWEDISH CONTEMPORARY PAINTING

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ristol Guild of Applied Art – the city's well-loved emporium of all things beautiful and quirky – is also home to a fabulous collection of 20th- and 21stcentury art and design. And that the collection is now open to public view. The Ken Stradling Collection comprises studio, industrial and commercial art and design – over 400 pieces of studio ceramics, 200 pieces of Scandinavian and British studio glass, furniture, industrial design, paintings, prints and 'things’, says Ken Stradling, “that don’t quite fit any particular genre.”

There is studio pottery by Dan Arbeid, Gillian Lowndes, Robin Welch and others in the vanguard of 60s pop culture, and wonderfully eccentric crafts by Eleanor Glover and toys by Sam Smith.

A recent star acquisition of office furniture by Bristol’s Crofton Gane is a superb example of modernist design conceived here in Bristol.

To view the collection at the Guild’s showrooms on Park Street contact tel: 0117 926 5548. All viewings are by appointment only.

Lime Tree Gallery 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 929 2527 www.limetreegallery.com

29 October – 24 November Over the last few years, Lime Tree Gallery has shown paintings by individual Swedish artists.

Their work has always stimulated a great deal of interest, so the gallery has decided to dedicate an entire exhibition to showcasing some of the best contemporary painting from Sweden.

Gallery owner Sue says: “The Swedish tradition of painting, although longstanding, and firmly based in Western European culture, has a quite distinctive direction and strength of purpose.

The treatment of light is often a particular feature, as is an identifiable Scandinavian sparseness. We have selected works from painters who combine that Swedish tradition with a real commitment to painterly skill and observation.” From the beautiful island of Oland, off the east coast of Sweden, Elisabeth Lindstedt’s deceptively simple, sometimes bleak, landscapes have a haunting quality. Polish born, long time Swedish resident Stanislaw Zoladz is recognised as one of the best watercolour painters with an almost photographic feel, whilst Hasse Karlsson, from Vitemölla, in the south east, is also a watercolourist of the highest quality but of a much different style. Carl Gustafsson from Lund, in the south west, is a fine oil painter whose main subjects are still lifes and interiors, always with an emphasis on light and brushwork, whilst Ia Karlsson, from Österlen, paints layer upon layer of warm tones to create luminous images on French watercolour paper. The gallery’s longest standing Swedish painter is Mats Rydstern, from Höganäs, on the west coast. Mats, a fine technician of considerable versatility and vision, rarely shows in mixed exhibitions, a testimony to his ability to fill a gallery with varied and challenging work. Together these artists display a wide range of style, subject matter and medium which provides an exciting view of contemporary Swedish painting.

Carl Gustafsson, Molly

EXHIBITION: CEZARY BODZIANOWSKI Spike Island 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol.Tel: 0117 929 2266 www.spikeisland.org.uk

22 October – 27 November Spike Island presents the first UK solo show by Łódź based artist Cezary Bodzianowski. Initially trained as a sculptor in both his native Poland and at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Bodzianowski has increasingly turned his practice to the creation of absurdist interventions into everyday settings. Such actions include camouflaging himself as foliage while standing beneath a tree or positioning himself, legs in the air, in the empty space below a staircase. These actions result in photographs or short videos, mostly taken by his wife and artistic collaborator Monika Chojnicka. At the invitation of Spike Island, Bodzianowski and Chojnicka undertake a short residency during October, responding to the sites and spaces of Bristol, including Spike Island’s own history as a former tea packing factory.

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS ARTIST PROFILE: ROB RYAN

EXHIBITION: MYTH, MAGIC AND MADNESS

EXHIBITION: DRAWING TOGETHER

View Art Gallery 159-161 Hotwell Road, Bristol.

Tel: 05603 116753 www.viewartgallery.co.uk

Centrespace Gallery 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol. www.centrespacegallery.com

8 – 12 October

Until 30 October

Image: Rob Ryan, We Had Everything

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Adam White

Two groups of people were introduced at a distance; they started to exchange drawings and become acquainted without meeting face to face.

See the results in this interesting exhibition of drawings that unfold into conversations.

▲

ob Ryan was born in 1962 in Akrotiri, Cyprus. He studied Fine Art at Trent Polytechnic and at the Royal College of Art, London where he specialised in Printmaking.

He lives and works in London UK and since 2002 he has been working principally within the paper cutting medium. Although he views himself first and always as a fine artist, his intricate papercut work adapts itself readily to screenprinting which have then transferred to ceramics, fabrics, lasercutting and other surfaces. He has collaborated with Paul Smith, Liberty of London, Fortnum and Mason and Vogue along with many other established companies.

His work, often consisting of whimsical figures paired with sentimental, grave, honest and occasionally humorous pieces of writing he readily admits are autobiographical.

"We all really share only the same one story, my work only tells that story over and over."

Soma Gallery in Clifton, sells his limited edition silkscreen prints plus ceramics, greeting cards and textiles.

Soma Gallery opened in Clifton Arcade in June 2004 as a shop and gallery promoting contemporary art, design and illustration. Soma specialises in limited edition prints by illustrators and printmakers and has several exhibitions a year. Alongside the prints Soma sells a wide range of artworks, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, magazines and books.

In September 2010 Soma moved to new premises over the road from the Clifton Arcade space into 4 Boyces Avenue, a larger space with a dedicated gallery space on the first floor and a shop space on the ground floor. The majority of the work on display in Soma is from UK based artists with many coming from Bristol and the south west. For further information contact tel: 0117 973 9838 or visit: www.somagallery.co.uk

View’s latest exhibition shows five of Wales’ finest artists at their best as they give traditional folklore a contemporary twist through their own visual narratives. Each of these artists explores both the inner and external workings of humans, using age old ideas surrounding mythology, magic and madness as a way to discover the timeless relationships people have with both their subconscious and their physical bodies. Each of the award-winning artists seek to bring their audiences in to a parallel world where the unreal and the subconscious work together to dig deep into universal hidden truths in our reality. The artist line-up is: Clare Ferguson-Walker, Corrie Chiswell, Glenn Ibbitson, Laura Meredith, and Adam White. It is co-curated by sculptor Clare FergusonWalker who introduced her work to the gallery last year. The gallery was very interested to discover Clare was part of a collective who had a strong connection with each other through their love of myth and magic, with a hint of madness and they were soon planning an exhibition. Clare says: “Throughout history people have told and retold stories, and often through them have passed on covert insights into human nature via fantasy characters and scenarios. Over time a subtle language of metaphor and symbolism has been built up often uniting people of differing cultural backgrounds. Myth, Magic, Madness is a show of work by artists who are each communicating their unique take on these interwoven themes.”

The painters and sculptors contributing to the exhibition have interacted with the abstract and surreal to produce their art.

Clare Ferguson-Walker

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An Exhibition of Swedish Contemporary Painting

Oct 29 - Nov 24

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

Tel 0117 929 2527 “Lilies” by Mats Rydstern

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www.limetreegallery.com

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS AT THE RWA

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY...

Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery Queen’s Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 922 3571

Wildlife photographer of the Year 2011 19 November – 11 March 2012 Enjoy the visually stunning, thought-provoking images that provide an insight into the beauty, drama and variety of nature. This world renowned yearly touring exhibition from the Natural History Museum provides a spotlight on the rarely seen wonders of the natural world.

Image: Reaching for You, 2009–2010.

Archival dyes printed on cloth © Tracey Emin and the Louise Bourgeois Trust Courtesy Hauser & Wirth and Carolina Nitsch

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nother programme of bigname artists is on show at the RWA, including Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin, who together explore themes of identity and fear of loss in Do Not Abandon Me (until 23 October). The work was the last project Louise Bourgeois completed before her death in 2010, and the collaboration between two pioneers of confessional art contains themes of an adult nature.

Also showing at the gallery until 11 October is work from Bridget Riley and Michael Kidner, two Op-Art pioneers, who both explore themes of beauty and nature in their use of abstract, geometric patterns. Works on the theme of nature from the RWA’s permanent collection are exhibited alongside, making for an eclectic mix of paintings, drawings and sculpture.

Luke Jerram is a colour-blind installation artist who fuses his artistic sculptural practice with his scientific and perceptual studies. His latest project, Aeolus, is an acoustic and optical pavilion made of steel tubes and harp strings that resonate with the patterns of the wind. The Making of Aeolus offers a window into Jerram’s world where sound, science and art collide.

Royal West of England Academy Queen’s Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 973 5129 www.rwa.org.uk Admission: adults £5, concessions £3 under 16s/students free. Open: Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm, Sunday, noon – 5pm

EXHIBITION: CRISPIN FINN

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Image: Sarah Cowper

EXHIBITION: REFLECTIONS IV The Guild Gallery 68 Park Street, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 926 5548

8 – 29 October The fourth annual exhibition from the popular Reflections Group of Bristol-based artists. With three new artists joining the five original members, this latest show will present a strong, eclectic lineup of textiles, glass, jewellery, sculpture, painting and print-making. With each artist having their own highly original style, it is an exciting and vibrant exhibition, full of colour, variety and texture. The show will include abstracts, jewellery, textiles, and land and seascapes. The artists exhibiting are: Catherine Amesbury, Sarah Cowper, Laura Cramer, Helen Gordon, Christine Howes, Jo Hyam, Feona Ness and Julia Rowe.

EXHIBITION: TRACES

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October 2011

A series of prints entitled Pack Rat are on display at the gallery by design duo Crispin Finn. The term Pack Rat refers to people who engage in the excessive acquisition of possessions, even if the items are worthless. Crispin Finn love collecting all sorts of objects and ephemera from continental tooth picks to a vernacular beach bat and ball design, most of it being everyday and ephemeral, but all of it curious, clever or beautiful in some way. Filling shelves and cupboards of home and studio this mass grows daily as they come across the interesting within the quotidian. The apparent cross-overs between the areas of acquiring, selecting, organising and obsessive compulsive behaviour are all themes that have inspired their show at Soma for which they have created a set of prints in their trade mark red, white and blue based on their fascination with collecting inspired from items within their archive. These prints aim to make the ephemeral momentarily more permanent, examine the beauty of vernacular design and draw to attention how the everyday is worthy of wall space.

Image: Crispin Finn

Anne Adamson

The Glass Room Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol.

An exhibition of imagined landscapes from Bristolbased painter Anne Adamson. Anne’s work reflects a preoccupation with traces of the past as she explores the idea of what might remain when a place has been occupied and then abandoned.

These spaces are open to interpretation; scenes are deliberately ambiguous and for this reason Anne chooses to leave her paintings untitled.

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Until 13 November

▲

7 October – 6 November

Luke Jerram

Soma Gallery 4 Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 973 9838 www.somagallery.co.uk

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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS ARNOLFINI’S ANNIVERSARY YEAR

OPEN STUDIOS BV Studios 37 Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol. www.bvstudios.co.uk

14 – 16 October One year on and promising to be bigger and better, BV Studios, a independent artists’ community in Bristol, is opening its doors to the public once again, showcasing over 100 artists. BV’s inaugural open event last year was a major success, attracting over 2,000 visitors.

The weekend event opens on Friday evening with a bar and refreshments. There will be a café on site all weekend with a delicious selection of food, and an espresso bar on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free.

EXHIBITION: WALKING THROUGH THE VEIL Grant Bradley Gallery Number One St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9637673 www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk

8 – 29 October

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Image: Jenna Cazalet

EXHIBITION: CONNECTIONS

O

ver the course of Arnolfini's 50th anniversary year, artist Neil Cummings has developed a series of self-portraits of the organisation. Presented throughout the building, these portraits trace Arnolfini's history and speculate on possible futures. A relational timeline traces the presence of Arnolfini through three colours: pale blue representing the history of art and Arnolfini, purple for technological innovation, and olive green for social and financial organisation. Starting from the Bristol Riots of 1831, the timeline follows Arnolfini's expansion as it relocates from Triangle West to Queen Square and then to W-shed (now Watershed), before arriving at its current location in Bush House in 1975. The timeline ends on the second floor where the data becomes highly speculative, imagining what might unfold in the coming decades.

Neil Cummings is a professor at Chelsea College of Art and Design. He is a member of Critical Practice, a cluster of artists, researchers and academics, and is resident at Arnolfini throughout 2011.

Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA Tel: 0117 917 2303 www.arnolfini.org.uk

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Paintworks Bath Road, Bristol. www.paintworksbristol.co.uk

3 – 8 October A mixed show featuring painting, sculpture, textiles and ceramics. Exhibiting artists include: Grahame Hurd-Wood, Jenna Cazalet, Mary Chatburn, Rowan Hannay and Annabel Munn.

Curator Charlie Caldecott brings his new show Walking Through the Veil to the Grant Bradley Gallery this month. The ancient vales of Wessex give way to the cold, Nordic tundra as the veil between worlds is lifted in this mixed exhibition of two and three dimensional works by various contemporary artists. Expect a journey through natural landscapes where wind and snow blows, wolves and arctic foxes circle and the division between humans and animals is blurred. Artists exhibiting work include: Chris Halls, David Kennard, John Boyd, Gerry Dudgeon, Judith Gait, Lucy Hildreth, Clare Trenchard, Vic Doyle, Fran Norton and Midge Naylor.

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Image: Clare Trenchard

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If you need a great piece of art at home or at work come and see

Making Waves A photographic exhibition by award winning photographer

Adrian Peacock Venue: Hotel Du Vin, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NU

21st September - 4th November 2011

Open evening with Adrian 7:00pm, 28th September 2011 For open evening tickets, or further information please phone or email

0117 9047216; events@gallery2c.com

23 The Mall, Clifton, BRISTOL BS8 4JG

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

October 2011

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FILMfestival

ENCOUNTERS on

film

James Russell celebrates Bristol’s proud, successful and on-going links with the cinema and film industry and looks forward to the city’s 17th international film festival next month

L

ike so many favourite cultural events, the Encounters Bristol International Film Festival was only supposed to happen once. That was in 1995, when enthusiasts marking the centenary of cinema put on a weekend of short films dubbed Brief Encounter. Today this one-off has evolved into the UK’s longest-running competitive short film and animation festival, packed with creative talent and innovative ideas.

Unless you’re involved in the creative industries, you’d be forgiven for not knowing quite how much film-related expertise and talent resides in Bristol. For this we have to thank the BBC, for deciding to base its Natural History Unit here in 1957. The success of the corporation’s wildlife programmes, particularly David Attenborough’s Life on Earth series, has made the city an international hub for the production of natural history films and TV series. The success of Aardman Animations, founded here in 1976, has meanwhile brought world-class specialists in animation and short film to Bristol.

So it makes perfect sense for a competitive festival of this kind to take off here. Since its foundation Encounters has steadily grown both in scale and in prestige, so much so that it is now – as of December last year – a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards Short Film category. In March this year Encounters announced a new partnership with the European Film Academy Short Film Initiative, becoming a member of the elite circle of 15 European festivals that present the nominations for the European Film Academy Short Film Awards.

What this means in effect is that the winner of the Bristol competition will be entered into the European contest and will also have a chance of being nominated for an Oscar. Such wonderful opportunities have not gone unnoticed, and this year the Festival organisers have received 1,800 submissions, with a good proportion coming for the first time from the USA.

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There are in fact three strands to the festival: Brief Encounters, which is the main competition embracing all kinds of film-making, the animation-only strand Animated Encounters, and DepicT!, Watershed’s super-short film-making contest in which entries can only last 90 seconds or less. You can watch the best films from last year online, and they make fascinating (and eclectic) viewing. One of my favourites from last year’s DepicT! is Tim Frost’s When a Hen Eats a Bee, in which a splendid animated chicken swallows a bee and… I don’t want to spoil the ending.

You can also watch films from last year’s main competition, of which my top pick is Storm, a hilarious ten-minute animated

winner of the Bristol competition, ❝ will be entered into the European contest . . . and have the chance of being nominated for an Oscar

❞

short, based on a beat poem by actor Tim Minchin. The fastpaced action fits perfectly with Minchin’s wit as he describes a dinner party argument between a scientific and an antiscientific view of life, the universe and everything.

The specialist animation strand to the festival was reintroduced last year after a lapse, and proved immensely popular. This comes as no surprise to Festival Co-ordinator Mireia O’Prey, who said: “Bristol’s heritage in animation is absolutely huge, so it made perfect sense to continue with Animated Encounters this year.”

The 17th Brief Encounters promises to be a treat, with films on show at the Watershed, the Cube and elsewhere around the

FESTIVAL TREATS: a scene from Happy Clapper, above, and left to right on the opposite page, a moody moment from The Pizza Miracle, opening night celebrity Francine Stock, presenter of The Film Programme on BBC Radio 4 and the eyes wide awake stare of the Graffiti Tiger

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city, as well as workshops, talks and other events; some people will already have enjoyed the Solar Powered Outdoor Cinema, which showed family-friendly animations in St George, Montpelier and Totterdown during September.

A pop-up cinema will appear on College Green and remain there throughout the week, showing mainly Bristol-made films, plus there’s another chance to visit the Vintage Mobile Cinema.

This extraordinary 22-seat cinema-on-wheels is the last remaining one of seven built for the Government in the late 1960s, to promote the homegrown film industry. In Bristol we’re promised, as last year, a weekend of archive short films.

A number of special guest events are also planned, including the regular favourite Desert Island Flicks, in which a champion of animation – guests in the past have included Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening – discusses their favourite animations.

The identity of this year’s guest was still being kept under wraps when we went to press.

An exciting piece of news that we can pass on is that Francine Stock, presenter of The Film Programme on BBC Radio 4, will be opening this year’s festival on Tuesday 15 November with an illustrated talk. Big Ideas, Big Screen is a collaboration with the Bristol Festival of Ideas, whose director Andrew Kelly, will

interview Francine. She will be drawing on material from her new book, In Glorious Technicolour, which explores our relationship with film over the past 100 years, with chapters covering the birth of celebrity in the 1920s, the influence of Freud and the unconscious in Film Noir, sci-fi and bodysnatching horror in the 1950s, and social change in the 1960s.

It’s fitting that a festival with such a grounding in cinema history (it began, after all, as a centenary celebration) should open with a lively introduction to film history. With vintage films on offer as well, we will end the week with a good idea of how cinema got where it is today. More significantly, we’ll have some clues as to where it’s going next. More than ever before, Brief Encounters offers an opportunity for new, up-and-coming film makers to get their work shown and – if successful – to move from here into European and world competition.

The ten-minute short you see this November could be the beginning of a remarkable career, and it might be different from anything you’ve seen before. ■

A girl’s best friend

Diamond crossover ring Total weight: 8cts Estimate

£30,000 - £50,000 To be included in the jewellery section of the pre-Christmas Specialist Sale Thursday 24th November

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The 17th Encounters Bristol International Film Festival runs from, 16-20 November, venues around Bristol. For more information visit: www.encounters-festival.org.uk

Clevedon Salerooms are holding a free valuation day for jewellery, silver & gold at the salerooms on Tuesday 18th October in advance of the pre-Christmas Specialist Sale. No appointment is necessary and the saleroom valuers will be on hand to give free verbal estimates between 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. A selection of very fine pieces of jewellery and silver have already been consigned for the Sale on the 24th November as Christmas is traditionally the best time of the year to sell jewellery and silver.

Jewellery Silver & Gold Free Valuation Day

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

Tuesday 18th October

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

10am - 1pm & 2pm – 5pm

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

At the salerooms

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WHAT’Son TH EATRE, D AN CE & COMEDY – liste d by ve nue T h e Toba cc o Fac t or y T he at re Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactory.com

We Are Three Sisters, Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 October, 8pm; matinees: Thursday and Saturday, 2.30pm Against the backdrop of a dark, remote northern town, three remarkable young women live their lives brightly. Haworth 1840s; in a gloomy parsonage where there are neither curtains nor comforts, Charlotte, Anne and Emily Brontë light up their world with outspoken wit, aspirations, dreams and ideas.

And throughout their confined lives intensely lived, they write. Anyone who has read a Brontë novel cannot fail to be stirred by their overwhelming humanity, charged emotion and brooding, prescient unease with the status quo. With exquisitely drawn characterisations, a nod to Chekhov and a touch of poetic licence, We Are Three Sisters is a play which evokes with piercing clarity the life and distinct personalities of these three spirited individuals.

La Boheme, Tuesday 11 – Saturday 22 October, 7.30pm

WRITE away We Are Three Sisters at the Tobacco Factory Theatre

B r i s to l H i pp o dr o me St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol. Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 or visit: www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

Dirty Dancing, Until Saturday 8 October, Monday – Thursday, 7.30pm; Friday, 5pm & 8.30pm; Saturday, 2.30pm & 7.30pm An explosive theatrical experience with heartpounding music, romance and dancing. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. The show features fantastic dancing and hit songs Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and of course, I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.

We Will Rock You, Tuesday 11 – Saturday 29 October, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm The popular musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns for three weeks only following its sellout run in 2009. With 24 of Queen’s biggest 38 The Bristol Magazine

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hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances, this theatrical experience is not to be missed. Starring Jenny Douglas, BBC’s Over the Rainbow finalist; Leon Lopez, Brookside and West End star; Ian Reddington, from EastEnders and Coronation Street; Ashley J Russell, BBC’s I’d Do Anything finalist; Noel Sullivan, from Hear’say and Grease; and Earl Carpenter who played Javert in Les Miserables.

Love, lust, heartbreak and hardship: Puccini’s masterpiece is one of the most loved operas ever written. Set in a student garret in bohemian Paris, Mimi, a pretty but ailing seamstress and budding poet Rodolfo, fall desperately in love but they are destined not to be together as Mimi’s fatal illness takes hold.

Opera Project, one of the UK’s leading touring opera companies, returns to bring this heartfelt work to life with soprano Victoria Joyce leading a cast drawn from the best of young British talent. Sung in English, this timeless story of young love and loss is set to melodies with a rich orchestral score.

We Will Rock You

La Boheme

Kathakbox, Monday 24 October, 8pm Asian arts agency presents the latest production from one of the UK’s most dynamic dance companies. Kathakbox brings together Indian Kathak dance’s grace and vigour and the rhythms and rhymes of hip hop culture.

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & COMEDY – c ont inue d Variety in the Factory, Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 October, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm The smash-hit comedy variety troupe return with a brand new show, following their huge success here in 2010. The highly acclaimed seven strong ensemble bring a feast of features and wonderful surprises that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy a night stuffed full with non-stop mayhem, top turns and riotous routines.

Variety in the Factory

globalisation set in a local takeaway. Five actors play a huge cast of characters in a deconstructed soap opera that moves everywhere and nowhere.

R e d g r a v e T h e a t re Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 315 7000

The Importance of Being Earnest, Thursday 29 September – Saturday 8 October, 7.30pm Monty Till Productions in association with Floor to Ceiling presents Oscar Wilde’s popular romantic comedy of mistaken identities, double standards, confusion and witty satire.

St Ge org e ’s Br is to l Great George Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Kneehigh Theatre: The Wild Bride, Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 October, 7.30pm; matinees: Thursday and Saturday, 2.30pm

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

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

Flies, Tuesday 4 – Saturday 22 October, 8.15pm In a kill-or-be-killed fight for sanity, one man is determined to conquer his fear of flies, but as darkness falls, what is that ominous hum behind the door?

The Noise Next Door, Sunday 30 October, 7.30pm This charming fivesome will blow you away with their razor sharp improvised comedy.

Transforming audience suggestions into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye, the Noise Next Door will have you in stitches with their perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners, epic stories and musical mayhem.

B r is tol Old Vic

Whilst the Bristol Old Vic Theatre’s redevelopment continues, it’ll be working in partnership with St George’s Bristol to bring you Kneehigh’s new production The Wild Bride. In a stunning elemental world of petals, clay, fire and orchards, here is a lyrical story with a brutal edge and a beating heart. It’s the story of what happens when your father accidentally sells you to the devil. Betrayed by her father, our heroine walks into the wilderness, rejecting not only the devil, but also her home and trusting heart as well.

Charting a life from girlhood to womanhood, you can expect instinctive storytelling, devilish humour and a heady mix of live and found music. This epic and poetic wonder tale is classic Kneehigh stuff.

H o r f i e l d Pa ri sh H a l l Wellington Hill, Horfield, Bristol. Tickets from tel: 07597 085934 or visit: www.horfieldtheatre.co.uk

Franky Panky, Wednesday 26 – Saturday 29 October, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm Whilst touring Europe, Flossie Flinch and her daughter Sally stop off for the annual beer festival in the sleepy village of Nockembach.

Nearby in the notorious Castle Frankenstein, the barmy Baron is busy in his body shop, cobbling together his latest creature creation.

Very soon, the hills are alive with the sound of alarm bells. The classic tale of terror it isn’t, but it’s certainly a silly, side-splitting send-up that will have you in stitches.

C i r c o me d i a St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, Bristol.

Tickets from Colston Hall box office on tel: 0117 922 3686 or visit: www.colstonhall.org

Champloo Dance Company presents White Caps, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 October, 8pm Bristol’s very own Champloo is one of the UK’s best b-boying companies. The name comes from a Japanese word, meaning to mix an unusual combination of elements with astonishing outcomes. Here, the mix includes award-winning film, a soundtrack by Type Sun, a compelling story, multiple mood shifts and explosive break dance moves. This show has already enjoyed two sell-out runs at the Bristol Old Vic.

Tell Them I Am Young and Beautiful, Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 October, 8pm Greed. Hospitality. Sacrifice. Knowledge.

Truth. Freedom. Friendship. Seven words, seven stories, seven moments of theatre, played out by three actors and musician like a game using only what has shocked and touched them. This ground-breaking new show results from detailed research into the essence of story-telling worldwide. Featuring Complicité members Marcello Magni and the Olivier Award-winning Kathryn Hunter, and with text by Gilles Aufray.

King Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 987 77877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Tavaziva Dance Company present Double Take, Tuesday 25 October, 7.30pm

Coasting, Until Saturday 15 October, 8pm; matinees: Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm

Bawren Tavaziva is widely recognised as one of Britain’s most exciting choreographers yet his beginnings pointed to a very different future. He was born in rural Zimbabwe and did not take up his dance studies until in his teens. In Double Take, a fusion of traditional African and contemporary dance styles reveals Tavaziva’s own experiences of crossing continents and cultures and that every story two sides. To mark Black History Month, this event opens with the young Dorset-based dance company, Z Movements, performing Obey the Wind, choreographed by Natasha Player and exploring her dual heritage.

Coasting has been developed through Bristol Ferment, and is a dizzying and hauntingly beautiful story of lives lived at the end of the pier, written by one of the south west’s most vital new talents, Natalie McGrath.

The Golden Dragon, Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 September, 8pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm The Golden Dragon by Roland Schimmelpfennig is a tragicomic tale of

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WHAT’Son M U S I C – l is t e d b y d a t e

Bristol Ensemble

The fantastic Bristol Ensemble has a string of concerts coming up in various locations around the city that are not to be missed...

Bristol Ensemble with the Bristol Choral Society and Emma Johnson: Mozart Requiem & Clarinet Concerto, Saturday 15 October, 7.30pm Colston Hall. Box ofice tel: 0117 922 3686 or visit: www.bristolchoral.co.uk From the unfinished Requiem, through the heart of the Clarinet Concerto to the Overture The Magic Flute, Bristol Choral Society opens its season with a musical snapshot capturing three very different faces of Mozart taken in the last months of his life. Fresh from its complete Beethoven piano concerto cycle with Freddy Kempf the Bristol Ensemble joins a distinguished quartet of soloists with Emma Johnson performing the concerto.

Brandenburg Concertos, Wednesday 26 October, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Extraordinarily, Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are rarely performed together in one concert. This is therefore a wonderful opportunity to fully enjoy their powerful originality in the candlelit intimacy of St George’s.

The Four Seasons, Friday 18 November, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk To open Earth Music Bristol Bristol Ensembl present Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Depicting the natural world, the music will be enhanced by film footage from BBC motion gallery.

Messiah by Candlelight, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December, 7.30pm Bristol Cathedral. Tickets from tel: 0117 922 3686 Enjoy the Messiah in atmospheric candlelit surrondings.

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Exultate Singers, Saturday 1 October, 7.30pm St James Priory, Whitson Street, Haymarket, Bristol. Tickets from Providence music shop on tel: 0117 927 6536 or visit: www.exultatesingers.org Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir, Exultate Singers, gives the first concert in the mediaeval church of St James Priory following its £3.5 million renovation and repair. The programme explores the influence of St James as a fisherman, an apostle and patron saint of Spain through the performance of sumptuous and evocative motets by the Renaissance Spanish composers Victoria, Lobo and Guerrero, and moves onto music reflecting Bristol history and heritage.

The Trinity Singers: Royal Wedding Music Past and Present, Saturday 1 October, 7.30pm St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol. Tickets from the box office on tel: 01934 834663 or visit: www.oxboffice.com The Trinity Singers perform a programme of royal wedding music including Parry’s I Was Glad, Blest Pair of Sirens, and Mealor’s Ubi Caritas from the wedding of William and Kate, as well as music by Handel, Mozart, Wesley, Mathias, Vaughan Williams and Boyce.

Directed by Jeremy Martin, soprano soloist Zoe Maitland, organist Claire Alsop and commentary by musicologist Dr Peter Leech.

Gathering Voices Festival of Song, Friday 7 – Sunday 16 October Various locations across Bristol. For a full programme of events visit: www.festivalofsong.org.uk The Gathering Voices Festival of Song is a unique celebration of singers and singing that will include over 70 events and feature thousands of voices of many genres and styles of music including classical, contemporary,

gospel, world, roots, sacred and sea shanties.

Choirs and vocalists include Bristol Choral Society, Renewal Gospel Choir, Gurt Lush, New Harmony Ladies Choir, Western Opera Players, Red Notes Choir, St Mungo’s Community Choir and Up Front.

A Night with the Phantom: Ramin Karimloo, Thursday 13 October, 7.30pm Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 922 3686 www.colstonhall.org Enjoy all your favourite hits from the West End and Broadway with Ramin Karimloo, one of the most exciting and talked about artists on London’s West End stage. Ramin Karimloo, the celebrated star of The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies will perform acclaimed songs from the shows including Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, All I Ask of You from The Phantom Of The Opera, Do You Hear The People Sing? from Les Miserables, Moon River from Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Too Much in Love to Care from Sunset Boulevard, Why God? from Miss Saigon and many more. Ramin will joined by Scarlett Strallen (star of Mary Poppins on the West End and Broadway) and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Olivia Archbold, as well as the Capital Voices Choir and the Welsh Concert Orchestra.

Aurora Orchestra: Thriller, Sunday 30 October, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk For this unique dramatic collaboration, author Peter Straub has worked with director Tim Hopkins and Aurora to create a spine-tingling tapestry of narrative and music, quite unlike any concert you've ever seen. Expect invention, virtuosity and unfettered passion.

Bristol International Piano Duo Festival Some of the leading piano duos of our time converge on St George’s Bristol this month for the 2011 International Piano Duo Festival.

Enjoy a wide-ranging, mesmerisingly vital programme of music for four hands. Don’t miss:

Charles Hazlewood & The Army of Generals

John Law/Gwilym Simcock, Thursday 13 October, 8pm Two giants of British modern jazz perform a rare jazz paino duo set with amazing energy.

Charles Hazlewood and The Army of Generals: Refractions and Abstractions III Friday 14 October, 7.30pm Exquisite performances of works by Schoenberg, Strauss, Schubert and Mahler by some of the country’s finest musicians.

For a full programme of events and ticket information contact tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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WHAT’Son O T H E R E V E N T S – l is t ed b y d a t e Bristol Botanic Garden

Here’s what the botanic garden at The Holmes on Stoke Park Road has coming up this month...

Special Tour with garden curator, Nicholas Wray, Saturday 1 October, 10.30am Cost: £4.50.

Autumn Kaleidoscope, Saturday 1 October – 22 October Creative workshop. Cost: £40.

An Introduction to Bee Keeping, Sunday 9 October – 20 November A six week course. Cost: £75.

Traditional Botanical Painting and Drawing, Monday 17 October – 23 April A 21-week course for beginners. Cost: £360.

Tales from the Potting Shed, Thursday 20 October, 7.30pm at the School of Biological Sciences Lecture from Peter Jones. Cost: £5.

For further information about any of these events, contact tel: 0117 331 4906

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Vintage & Handmade Textile Fair Saturday 1 October, 10am – 4pm Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, South Gloucestershire. Free admission.

Over 45 stalls of vintage textiles, haberdashery, fashion, millinery, jewellery, knitting, French linens, brocante and much more will be on offer, along with the everpopular vintage tearoom.

Argentine Tango for Beginners, From 3 October every Monday, 7pm Westmoreland Hall, Westmoreland Road, Redland, Bristol. Cost: £7 or £25 for four classes prepaid. Book on tel: 07767733948 www.tango-y-tu.com/bristol.htm Learn Argentinian tango for absolute beginners with the experienced group at Tango-y-tu. There’s no need to bring a partner, just turn up and enjoy. There will be guided practice after the class too. Level 2 classes follow.

Charity Ball, Friday 7 October, 7.30pm Leigh Court, Bristol. Tickets can be purchased from www.apeactionafrica.org Bristol-based charity Ape Action Africa is holding a glittering black tie charity ball at Leigh Court to help raise vital funds for its

efforts in West Africa to save endangered rainforest chimps and gorillas. The fundraising evening, supported by Miranda Krestovnikoff of The One Show and Coast, is taking on an Out of Africa theme with a black tie dinner, Charleston dancers and other 1920s and 30s entertainment.

The Netherlands National Circus, Until Sunday 16 October Durdham Downs, Clifton. Tickets from the box office on site or tel: 0844 415 5228 www.netherlandcircus.eu The Netherlands National Circus will present theatre standard performances under a purpose built big top with a company of human performers. See terrific clowns, daring acrobats thrilling aerialists, unicyclists, jugglers and lots more in this dazzling show for all the family.

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AUTUMNbooks

SPINE chillers As the nights draw in and all Hallows Eve beckons, Jack Hunter and Joe Salter of Blackwells in Park Street pick their favourite scary stories

T

he Victorians were the masters of the ghost story, as we discovered when we started trawling through our bookshelves looking for some classic spine-tingling tales to see us through the long, dark nights of autumn.

The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen (Parthian Books, £8.99) The Great God Pan (1894) is arguably the finest example of Arthur Machen’s brand of supernatural fiction. The story expresses the Victorian era’s twin preoccupations with science and mysticism. The tale begins with an experiment on a young woman’s brain, intended to breach the threshold between this world and the numinous realm beyond. Immediately after the incision the girl’s countenance is lit with joyous rapture, but within seconds contorts to an expression of horrified awe in the face of the Great God Pan. Several years later details emerge of a series of deaths, each of which is associated with sightings of a mysterious woman. A gripping read which had a huge influence on subsequent horror writing having received praise from the likes of Conan Doyle and Stephen King. JH Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allen Poe (Penguin, £9.99) This short story by the master of Gothic fiction Edgar Allen Poe tells the macabre story of high society escaping a spreading plague by retreating to a fortified mansion to live in luxury and forget the worries of the outside world.

Their host Prince Prospero throws a masquerade to keep them entertained, but life inside the high walls is not as secure as the occupants believe, and they are visited on the night of their grotesque party by a sinister figure intent upon bringing some stark reality to their comfortable fiction. JS

The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens (Included in Ghost Stories of Charles Dickens published by CRW Publishing, £7.99) You don’t have to believe in ghosts to be thoroughly spooked by this tale of a solitary signal-man haunted by a rail accident in his past. The Signal-Man is not a ghost story with a moral agenda, which lends the writing a more contemporary edge and makes the setting and characters all the more convincing. In particular the setting – at the exit of a gaping dark railway tunnel – inspires a feeling of nihilistic, timeless horror that very few horror writers would have the skill to conjure. JS

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SEASONAL STORIES: now is the time to sit by the fire and enjoy reading a ghost story – if you dare

The Small Hand by Susan Hill (Profile Books, £7.99 or a particularly attractive hardback edition at £9.99) Susan Hill’s most famous ghost story The Woman In Black is currently being adapted in to a film for the second time, with Daniel Radcliffe taking the lead role. But if you fancy reading something a little less well known, The Small Hand might just fit the bill. The protagonist is a bookish, lonesome character whose work as a rare book dealer takes him to unexpected places, one of which is a tremendously atmospheric overgrown garden in which our hero has the first of many chilling encounters. The horror builds slowly but is never hyperbolic and like all of the best horror writers Hill manages to deliver the chills without resorting to overblown themes of good and evil. JS The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (Penguin, £7.99) The book begins with the discovery of a manuscript in the ruins of an Irish cottage that documents the unusual experiences of an unidentified recluse. It describes its author’s visions of a strange world inhabited by weird beast-gods and demonic pig-like creatures. These creatures manage to follow the author back into the everyday world. The author of the manuscript, along with his dog Pepper, becomes embroiled in a fight for his sanity and his life against the hideous swarming hordes. Originally published in 1908 this book can be seen as a distinct point of departure in the history of horror writing, deviating from Gothic horror and entering new realms more akin to science-fiction and fantasy literature. JH The Music of Erich Zann by HP Lovecraft (Penguin in The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Stories, £9.99) This is Lovecraft’s most subtly written tale, only containing allusions to the otherworldly horrors that are usually a lot more tangible throughout the rest of his fiction. The author professed it to be his favourite piece of work and it’s easy to tell why – it really helps to ground his famous Cthulhu fiction in our reality, making it all the more unnerving. The protagonist is a student who has to take up cheap accommodation in the back streets of Paris. He soon finds himself enchanted by some ethereal music emerging from the flat upstairs which leads him to meet the mysterious and troubled Erich Zann, a violin player with a dark secret. JS. ■

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OUT&ABOUT

SET THE CONTROLS

for the heart of the sun Allow a whole day out for a walk along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, which incorporates a scale model of our planetary system, as Andrew Swift discovers

O

ctober’s walk covers the entire length of one of the west country’s most scenic waterways – the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Because of its isolation from the rest of the canal system, it sees little traffic, which, although regrettable, only adds to its tranquil charm.

In 1997, a sculpture trail model of the solar system – on a scale of 1:530,000,000 – was installed along the towpath, turning a country walk into a way of understanding the true emptiness of space and the vast distances between the planets.

Although the walk is 16 miles long, it is all on the level on reasonable surfaces, with no stiles or other obstacles. Both ends of the canal are near railway stations, which means an end-toend walk is feasible. Take the train to Bridgwater (but book a return ticket to Taunton) and on arrival turn left out of the station. Follow the road as it curves right past the Bristol & Exeter pub into St John Street.

Carry on until you reach the A38. Cross at the lights and carry on along Eastover. Cross the bridge over the River Parrett, carry on along Fore Street and take the first right into Court Street. The imposing building at the end is the Court House. A right turn at the end takes you past Castle House, a 19th century folly built largely of concrete and now in a poor state of repair – hence the protective covering.

Turn right into Castle Street, built in the 1720s for the Duke of Chandos and not just the finest street in Bridgwater but one of the finest in England. Turn left along the quay passing West Quay House, guarded by lions, and also built in the 1720s.

Cross a road and carry on alongside the river, passing an old railway bridge that once carried a line to the docks. Carry on across the lock at the entrance to the docks and turn left past Russell Place. Most of the warehouses have gone or been 46 The Bristol Magazine

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converted to homes, although one is still in use at the far end.

Carry on past Bowerings to the canal and follow it as it curves to the south. Look out for Pluto – the first model in the sculpture trail. The banks soon start to rise up and before long you are in a deep cutting, heading along one of the strangest stretches of canal in the country. It is hard to believe you are in the heart of a busy town.

After heading through a tunnel, the canal continues between high walls, shored up with timbers after a partial collapse in 1968. Once out of the cutting, you pass the YMCA, with a slipway for canoes, on the left. Pools alongside the canal mark the site of claypits associated with brick-making, once one of Bridgwater’s main industries.

Two miles after leaving the docks, you arrive at a swingbridge. When the canal opened in 1827, this was its northern terminus; the basin where boats tied up and the junction with the River Parrett have long been filled in. In 1837, the canal was extended through Bridgwater to the newlybuilt docks.

Although the official footpath crosses the canal here to continue along the left bank, the next section can be overgrown, and you may find it easier to continue along the right bank and cross – after going under the M5 – at the next swing bridge. This leads to the only canalside pub en route, the Boat & Anchor.

After the next bridge, you will see the first of several wartime pill boxes; like the Kennet & Avon, this canal was a strategic defence line. By now the scenery is much more pastoral; after the next bridge – Fordgate – with willows lining the banks, you may be reminded of Corot’s French landscapes.

After the first lock – Standards – you leave the Somerset Levels behind and enter more undulating countryside. The

DEEPEST CUT: the canal runs through the heart of Bridgwater

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OUT&ABOUT

ALONG THE WAY: left to right, a pastoral scene reminiscent of a French landscape painting, Bridgwater Docks in their heyday, and, emerging into the sunshine at Creech St Michael

counterweights on the lock’s paddle gear, making it easier to operate, are found only on this canal.

King’s Lock comes next, followed by Maunsel Lock, where there is an excellent tea room. A little further on is Higher Lock, with a model of the sun alongside it. You have now reached the heart of the solar system – and the midpoint of the canal. As you continue to Taunton you will pass all the planets once more in reverse order.

The railway now swings back close to the canal. Ahead lies Cogload Junction, with a flyover taking Bristol-Taunton trains over the main line. Just over a mile after the junction, you come to Charlton Engine House, built to pump water up from the River Tone and now converted to a house. Beyond this the canal runs for a time on a high embankment. As you approach Creech St Michael, the towpath becomes busier.

At one time the Chard Canal branched off to the south here.

No trace of the busy wharf, nor of the White Lion beerhouse that stood alongside it, survives; the site of the junction is marked by a pillbox.

The canal heads under the M5 once more before reaching the outskirts of Taunton. Three miles beyond the M5 you come to

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Firepool Lock, where the canal joins the River Tone. At one time there was a junction here with the Grand Western Canal which ran to Tiverton. As it was 20 feet higher than the Taunton & Bridgwater Canal, a lift connected the two.

You can continue by the river to the town centre. The quickest way to get to the station, however, is to cross the bridge by the lock and go along the road straight ahead. At the end, turn right and right again by the Cricketers pub and carry straight on. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Length of walk: 16 miles Map: OS Explorer: 128 & 140 ■ Approximate time: allow 7 to 8 hours ■ Refreshment stops: Maunsel Lock tea room: opening times vary. Tel: 01278 663 160 or email: info@maunsellock.co.uk ■ ■

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FOOD&DRINK

Clifton couple crowned best in deli business Congratulations to Debbie Atherton and David Greenham, pictured, owners of The Arch House Deli, in Clifton, who have not only won the title of Deli of the Year 2011, but also earned themselves a spread in The Times newspaper.

The deli competition created, organised and run by Dorset based Olives Et Al, involved hundreds of delis and thousands of votes. There were several rounds of judging, a mystery shopper, culminating in the prize giving at the Great Taste Awards dinner in London.

Debbie and David bought Arch House Deli in 2009. The couple impressed the judging panel with their warmth, friendliness, professionalism,

Foodie titbits ■ The Community Farm at Chew Valley – owned by a co-operative of investors and worked on by them – is inviting more people to join the project.

Investments of between £50 and £20,000 can be made by the end of November to raise £100,000 to buy equipment, buildings and to provide education about growing sustainable food. The farm already runs an organic veg box scheme and wholesale business and was launched in April with 400 coowners. To find out more about the 22acre farm, visit: www.communityfarm.co.uk.

■ Marco Maestri of Clifton Village and Stoke Bishop Fish bars have made it into the top 100 fish and chip shops in the UK by the National Federation of Fish Fryers. Judge Ian Norrington said of the fish bars: "This is one of the best eating experiences I have had as an assessor. And the homemade tartare sauce is just the icing on the cake. Both shops have produced a remarkable product."

■ In the spirit of the spooky season, The Living Room on Harbourside is offering three sin-sational cocktails to get partygoers in the Halloween spirit on 31 October. Choose from the Zombie, Blood and Sand or the Corpse Reviver Number 2 – a ghoulishly good creation that will most definitely bring you back to life. Manager Kevin Lightbody says: “Whether your Halloween alter ego is Freddy Krueger, Jigsaw, the Candyman or Leatherface, make sure your Halloween gets off to a great start.”

■ Flinty Red at Cotham Hill has won an award for having the best wine list in Bristol as part of the city’s Cocktail Week. Rachel Higgens of Corks of Cotham and part owner of Flinty Red said; “We are immensely proud of our wines. Food and wine, when sensitively and accurately matched, contributes to a brilliant meal.”

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knowledge and determination to buy from as many local producers as possible.

Giles Henschel, founder of Olives Et Al, said: “Congratulations are well deserved for Debbie and David who only bought this deli two years ago in and, in that time, they’ve stamped their personality on the shop and have welcomed thousands of people through the door. Their attitude to customers is exemplary but the team is also chatty and welcoming and ready to answer any questions about food on the shelves or being sold in the café. What they don’t know – they find out and that after all is what customers want.”

NEW ON THE MENU

They’re the barbie boys Bristol-based California Rancher is celebrating after winning two prizes. Taste of the West awarded the year-old BBQ seasoning and condiment company a gold for its Oaky & Smoky BBQ Sauce and a silver award for its Santa Maria BBQ Rub, while the Guild of Fine Food awarded it gold Great Taste Awards for each of the two products. Three friends who shared a love of barbecuing established California Rancher, inspired by the traditions of early Californian settlers who cooked whole joints of meat over log fires, the company offers natural gourmet barbecue rubs, seasonings and condiments.

FOOD & DRINK A celebration of Bristol’s food producers and eateries

Street food festival The High Street is fighting back – or at least the traders in Gloucester Road are. Nailsea Electrical is staging an open day on Saturday 8 October and has invited its neighbours along the street to take part.

The Rangecooker open day will give shoppers the chance to sample what the independent stores can offer from cheese to olives, breads to soups and juices to wines.

Peter Gilks, Nailsea Electrical founder, said: “Gloucester Road is renowned for its independent traders but only last week a survey showed that a fifth of Bristol shops were standing empty. Over the last two years we have seen many famous High Street names leave towns and city centres.

“But here in Gloucester Road we have a vibrant trading community and we want to show off the range of talent and quality products here.” There will be a large marquee in Nailsea Electrical’s car park where traders will be offering samples of food. Local produce will be cooked in the marquee and in the showroom.

“We have a baker, butcher, olive specialist, cheese seller and much more.

Customers will be able to try the different types of food our neighbours sell and try out new cooking technology.”

Customers will be in with a chance of winning a £4,000 range cooker.

Stately home hosts a great cake bake-off National Trust property Tyntesfield is celebrating the joys of home cooked food by holding its first ever Cake Bake competition on Saturday 1 October. If you are a bit of a baking queen or a king of cakes bring along your best cake creation and you could win a place on Tyntesfield’s menu.

The competition is open to all ages. Juniors (14 years and under) will be judged at 2pm. Adults will be judged at 3pm. The winner of the adult category will win a place for their cake on Tyntesfield’s menu throughout October.

The competition will be judged by Tyntesfield’s head chef Giles Evans in the Cow Barn restaurant.

Explore the North Somerset Food and Craft market on 2 October. For more information tel: 01275 461900 or visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield.

COMPETITION TIME: is yours the icing on the cake?

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Sheepdrove slow-roast mutton

BUTCHER

on a mission Elisabeth Winkler talks to Nick Rapps, an awardwinning Bristol butcher who believes you can enjoy eating organic meat on a budget

S Sheepdrove butcher Nick Rapps suggests this method of cooking mutton for an economic, tasty autumn Sunday roast.

This method of slow roasting makes the meat so tender, it will fall off the bone.

Ingredients: a shoulder of mutton fresh rosemary fresh garlic 2 glasses of cheap red wine 1 butternut squash salt and pepper 1 tablespoon cornflour Method:

R o s m a r i n us O ffici n a l i s

1 Heat the oven to 150C / 300F / Gas 2. Put the meat in a roasting dish. Using a small sharp knife, cut slots in the raw meat and push-in garlic cloves and/or rosemary. Rub the meat with salt and pepper, then slosh two glasses of (cheap) red wine over it.

2 Cover the shoulder with aluminium foil to stop the liquid evaporating while roasting. If necessary, add more wine or water during cooking to keep the dish from drying out.

3 Slice in half a butternut squash (de-seed but no need to peel) and give it an hour in the same pan.

4 Roast the meat for 40 minutes per lb (or per 450g). Remove the foil for the last half hour of cooking. When the meat is cooked, it falls away from the bone. Put the meat on to a big plate or carving board to rest while you make your favourite gravy with the pan’s drippings. The squash goes in a separate dish with a lid to keep it warm.

5 The gravy: You can either make it with flour or cornflour.

Put the roasting pan with the drippings on the hob, medium heat. Mix a tablespoon of flour into the pan – you need a whisk to remove lumps and make sure it browns before adding more liquid such as cream or vegetable water. Or make the gravy with 1 tablespoon of cornflour (mix it first with the tiniest amount of water) and stir the thin paste into the liquid mixed with roast drippings. Keep stirring until the gravy has thickened. Then strain flour/cornflour-thickened gravy into a jug, and spoon off the fat which you can keep for roasting vegetables.

Serve the tender meat, sweet butternut squash and gravy.

Sheepdrove Organic Farm Family Butcher, 3 Lower Redland Road (just off Whiteladies Road near Wild Oats) Bristol BS6 6TB. Find Sheepdrove Organic Butchers on Facebook and Sheepdrove on Twitter.

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heepdrove Organic Farm family butcher’s shop has been going strong for ten years in Lower Redland Road, just off Blackboy Hill. Brought up in Chew Valley and trained as a computer engineer, Nick Rapps, pictured, answered a Sheepdrove ad for a butcher’s apprentice nine years ago, and has not looked back. Now, aged 27, he is head butcher of both the shop in Bristol and one in London’s Maida Vale.

Young Butcher of the Year finalist, Nick is trained in the skills of traditional butchery. He and his apprentice, Paul, go back and forth between the cutting room (a window allows customers to see traditional butchery skills at work), and the counter is filled with organic delicatessen meats, cheese, and home-made chutneys. The shop also stocks organic apple juice, single-estate olive oil, organic vegetables from Devon and organic eggs from Somerset.

Sheepdrove’s organic sausages and burgers are made fresh daily by hand with 100% meat and organic spices and seasonings.

Because they have no rusk, they are gluten-free. According to one food critic, they are: “the best sausages in Bristol.”

Burning question: Can you eat organic meat on a budget? Nick is passionate as he explains why you can.

“We are a traditional whole-body butcher’s so we can do a massive variety, cuts you never normally see for organic meat, like blade steak and skirting. We can also show how to cook them. Students and people living alone come into the shop saying ‘I’ve got a fiver, what can I buy?’. They are amazed at our prices,” he says.

Every part of the animal is used – nothing is wasted. Bones are sold for stock (simmer with herbs, veg, seasoning, then strain for added richness to soups and sauces). Trimmings minced with offal are made into natural pet food that a human could happily eat.

There is a second reason why organic is value for money, as Nick explains: “It’s all down to the way the animals are fed – on grass, as nature intended, not grain. Grain has become a bit of a convenience food but adds more fat to the animal’s diet. Research shows there is more protein and less saturated fat in grass-fed animals. A grass-fed diet helps keep the animal healthy, and us, too.”

Nick describes the Berkshire farm where the beef and lamb come from.

“The Aberdeen Angus and Downland sheep graze on pastures sown with herbs and clover.” Encouraging natural behaviour is central to organic standards. For instance, Sheepdrove Organic Farm has wooden rubbing posts for the animals for self-cleaning, stimulating circulation and relaxation.

Back in the Bristol shop (where a butcher’s has stood for over a century), Nick gives me a recipe for slow-roasted shoulder of mutton. Mutton is a grown-up sheep, about two years old, and is cheaper and more flavoursome than lamb.

Shoulder is a more fatty cut than leg which adds to its economy. The extra fat also increases the flavour. We are talking ‘good’ fat here because of the way organic animals are fed. “The general rule is the longer meat needs to be cooked, the cheaper it is to buy,” explains Nick. This cut costs £12 and feeds six so is £2 a serving. Flavoursome, wholesome and valuefor-money – what more could you ask? ■

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Primrose Café 1-2 Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton BS8 4AA. Tel: 0117 946 6577

REVIEW

THE PERENNIAL primrose

W

hile we’re always happy to bring you news of fabulous new places for you to try, we also have a soft spot for our own personal favourite old haunts. And I make no apology for drawing your attention to what may be blindingly obvious to you already, namely that Clifton’s Primrose Café is a brilliant place to hang out.

It’s a great meeting place for family or friends to have coffee or for lunch, particularly when the sun is shining, and you can sit outside people-watching. Mostly we admire the beautiful babies who frequent the café with their yummy mummies, chewing gummily on the edge of a sandwich or one of the books provided for little people’s entertainment, but one day we were rewarded with the sight of comedian Justin Lee Collins strolling along Boyce’s Avenue in the sunshine like a Silverkrin advert. He caused quite a stir with the crowd seated at the tables on the pavement outside the café.

If you haven’t been back to a place for a while you want to go and see if it’s as good as you remember it. Yes, standing in line to place your food order at the Primrose is a bit of a drag, particularly as the place is so popular it’s always busy, but the service is always friendly and pleasant. On my last visit a member of staff gently warned a fellow diner that her chair was only an inch of two from toppling off the pavement edge, and another time we were shown where the café keeps its box of table dewobblers, wooden wedges that help keep tables steady.

You could spend all day at the Primrose if you were so inclined, arriving for a Fully Monty breakfast – a man sized feast of just about everything you can have in a traditional fry-up (£10.95) and moving leisurely on to lunch, then cake and excellent coffee in the afternoon, followed by dinner by candlelight in the restaurant. This has a separate menu with dishes such as mushroom risotto or venison with blackberry jus. Their fat chips are especially delicious.

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admiringly at Reg the Veg’s display of fruit and vegetables opposite. It’s good to know that the café is keeping its waste and its food miles down by getting its fresh produce from literally across the road.

the café keeps its box of table ❝ de-wobblers wooden wedges that help keep tables steady ❞ I recently discovered that the café rears its own pigs, choosing rare breeds and ensuring that they lead as happy lives as possible before becoming a bacon sarnie or chorizo in one of the Primrose’s excellent salads, (all priced at £7.95 and plenty for a filling lunch dish).

I had my favourite, which my sister-in-law also usually chooses, Imam Byaldi. This is the Primrose’s version of the classic Turkish-Greek dish, but the chefs manage to make this a nongreasy delicacy, which isn’t always easy. The generous plateful of salad, with spicy chickpeas, chunks of aubergine with raita and crumbled feta cheese is a great mixture of contrasting flavours.

My sister-in-law had a version of posh cheese on toast, a rarebit on Hobbs House fig and walnut rye bread, with a sweet apple and ginger chutney and salad. Delicious. she pronounced.

My brother tucked in happily to a mezze mix of falafel, flatbread, spicy chickpeas with aubergine, tortilla and hummus, which he invited us to try as it was so good.

With two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice and an elderflower cordial the bill came to £33.20. We lingered a while in the sunshine then went across to Reg the Veg before leaving this delightful little corner of Clifton with a bunch of gaudy dahlias, a bag of ripe figs and happy, replete tummies.

GMc

A PLACE IN THE SUN: when the weather’s good Boyce’s Avenue is a great place for people watching

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Est. 1980

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October 2011

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FAMILYfun

lf antics in Wo s u io ar il h d a n pets, songs this month E n j o y pup y r o t c a e obacco F Tales at th T

FANG-TASTIC FUN From spooky Halloween fun to outdoor crafts, we’ve selected a handful of activities and events for all the family to enjoy this month, including ones to keep the kids occupied during half term

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

The Snow Dragon, Sunday 2 October, 11am & 2pm On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s parents tell him about the legendary Snow Dragon who’ll bring him goodies during the night. Looking for berries is hard work and Billy finds it much easier to borrow from his friends. But when Billy bumps into some wolves in the woods, the New Year doesn’t turn out quite how he expected.

Story-telling, comedy and songs create a magical, mysterious world from the company that brought you The Gruffalo.

stopped time, the Violin Princess and the most beautiful thing in the world are brand new old fashioned fairytales. Evocative sound and exquisite puppetry create a performance to delight the whole family. After the show, join Granddad in making up new stories inspired by the bizarre objects in his tent. Suitable for ages 3+.

Wolf Tales, Friday 28 & Saturday 29 October, 11am & 2pm Pickled Image uses puppetry, shadows and songs to create a spectacular and hilarious exposé of the truth behind these classic fairytales for the whole family.

Fun on-board

Travels with Grandad, Monday 24 – Thursday 27 October, 11am & 2pm at The Brewery

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

Meet Granddad, eccentric traveler and storyteller extraordinaire. Enter his battered Bedouin tent to hear magical tales of adventure in real and imaginary worlds. The clock that

Sea Hear, Tuesday 4 October, 11am

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Join professional storyteller Sarah Mooney for

Ahoy t here! S tep on Britain board for m the ss aritim Great e− t h emed fun adventures of the high seas for pre-school children aged 3-4 years.

Mr Brunel Visits, Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 October, 10am – 4pm Take the opportunity to step back in time and meet this great engineer.

I’m a First Class Passenger, Get Me Out of Here! Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October, 11.30am & 2.30pm Challenge your taste buds with Victorian food in the First Class Dining Saloon.

Half term outdoor activities Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01453 891900 www.wwt.org.uk

Feed the Birds, Wednesday 26 October, 9.30am Enjoy a walk around the grounds to see bird feeders in use before making your own to take home. Cost: £12 adults, £6 per child.

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raw u d o y n t ca ini Wha nolf r A he at t

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Let off steam with the National Trust The National Trust offers some great half term stomping grounds near Bristol.

Whether you just want to let the kids run wild in beautiful landscapes or fancy some more structured activities, there’s lots on offer. The shop and café at Tyntesfield are open too, so it’s the ideal place to meet up with friends and family. Why not enjoy some wonderful autumn walking, treat yourself to some delicious local food or look for unique gifts in the beautifullystocked shop? Alternatively, bring out your wild side in Leigh Woods, forage for sheltermaking materials and get some expert instructions in den-making.

Spooky days at Tyntesfield Let yo ur im aginatio for bir n take ds at flight Slimbr as you idge W look etland Centre

Children’s Introduction to Bird Watching, Thursday 27 October, 9.30pm Join a warden who will help you learn bird watching skills and knowledge. For children aged 7 years+. Cost: £12 per person.

Half Term fun, Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 October Learn about a variety of animal themed myths and legends or follow the clues to find the WWT totem pole. You can even have a go at making your own totem pole to take home with you.

Get creative Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 917 2303 www.arnolfini.org.uk

My Drawing Museum: The Big Draw, Saturday 29 October, 11am – 5pm Join artist Michelle Cioccoloni for a super charged drawing event based around the current exhibition, Museum Show, and help build a museum of drawing.

Family Film Screening, Saturday 29 October, 2pm – 6pm Watch the popular films Night at the Museum and Night at the Museum 2 starring funny man Ben Stiller in this special film screening followed by a torch light tour at 6pm. Cost: £3. www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Explore science Explore At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

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

Gore Blimey, Saturday 22 – Friday 28 October Celebrate Halloween in At-Bristol with activities in the Dissection lab. Unearth mysteries about your body and blood and trick your family with a gruesome selection of veins, scabs and wounds.

Spooky fun Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 974 7399 www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Halloween Festival, Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 October Get involved with a range of activities at the zoo during its special Halloween-themed festival.

Look out for Walter the Wizard and get your hands on a free scratch trail card with yummy treats, or help create a pumpkin promenade by bringing a carved or decorated pumpkin along to be judged on Friday 28 at 12.30pm. Don’t forget to dress up in Halloween costume on this day for a chance to win a prize.

Tyntesfield, Bristol. Tel: 01275 461900

Bat Trail, Every day in October, 10am – 6pm Find out all about Tyntesfield’s secret residents. £1 per trail.

Pumpkin Weekend Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October, 11am – 5pm Displays, craft activities and a pumpkin menu will be on offer.

Spooky Halloween, Tuesday 25 October, 11.30am – 3.30pm Be ready to get messy with horrible Halloween crafts.

The Family Woodland Adventure Day, Thursday 27 October, 11am – 3pm Join the rangers for activities to learn new skills, take risks and do some team building too. Adults £7, child £5. Booking essential.

Autumn days at Leigh Woods Leigh Woods, nr Bristol.

Tel: 0117 973 1645

Family Den Building Workshop Wednesday 26 October Make fantastic dens out of materials from the forest floor. Tickets £3.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details of all the events near you.

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‘from HOME to HOME...’

D

own what must be one of the least travelled roads in BS9 is Cote House, a majestic period building converted into 12 distinctive and charmingly individual single and double retirement apartments each with its own lounge, bedroom, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom.

Situated just off The Downs in Westbury-on-Trym, the location and lifestyle is simply perfect for the discerning resident who values independence, quality and peace of mind.

Included within the single monthly accommodation and utilities fee, friendly and highly experienced staff offer a three-course home cooked meal 7 days a week. Importantly, a 24-hour call system comes as standard with a hairdresser, chiropodist, vicar, mobile library and various health professionals all making regular visits.

A key feature of life in the House is the hugely popular programme of activities available which includes frequent visits to places of interest in addition to in-house exercise classes and events for those who wish to participate.

The magnificent 17th Century building stands in beautiful open surroundings with peaceful, secluded and uplifting gardens bringing the sound of nature and great views to residents’ doorsteps. No wonder residents feel they have come ‘from home to home...’

Cote House, Cote Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3UP Visit: www.cotecharity.co.uk e-mail: info@cotecharity.co.uk telephone: 0117 987 0105 Registered Charity No: 257237

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EDUCATIONnews

IB or

not IB

Students and parents should examine their options carefully when it comes to post-16 education.

Amanda Salaou of St Brendan’s Sixth Form College looks at why the International Baccalaureate is worth considering

T

he International Baccalaureate is a well-regarded and comprehensive programme that offers rigorous academic study with creative skills and an understanding of the world in context. Although this qualification has been around since the 60s, for many in the UK it has only been available in the independent sector until recently. The surge in popularity of the IB is in response to the value that is placed on students, who have studied this demanding qualification, by university admissions tutors.

Rather than narrowing subject choices to only three or four as with A levels, students studying the IB will take six subjects, three at standard level and three at higher level along with a core programme including theory of knowledge, extended essay and creativity action and service. The International Baccalaureate is therefore ideal for those looking for a challenge, who wish to carry on studying a breath of subjects or those who are looking to either study or work overseas in the future.

The debate about whether to take the IB route or the A level route to academic achievement will continue. St Brendan’s, in Brislington, specialises in the teaching of A levels and other post 16 options such as BTECs and offesr the IB to a select group of students. Our experience is that the teachers have more time to explore their subjects, concentrating on content and facts which they find more interesting and inspiring. What I find very exciting is the fact that we are offering what is considered an elite qualification to all young people regardless of their background. I have been teaching the IB for a long time both in the independent sector and the now in the state sector and I believe that this is an outstanding qualification.

What is clear is that all students considering their options for year 12 and 13 should look at the full range of opportunities for themselves and make their choice based on their own circumstances and needs. St Brendan’s is open to visitors on three dates in October where information is available for those interested in the IB and other courses such as A levels, BTECs and NVQs. A schedule of talks on Saturday 15 October can be found on the website, visit: www.stbrn.ac.uk. ■

Mentoring scheme launched

The Mowgli Foundation based at Bush House, Harbourside, Bristol has officially launched its UK programme to help entrepreneurs of all ages take their businesses forward to success.

Tony Bury, Mowgli founder, says: “We are living in very challenging times, through a banking, economic and societal crisis.

There is an undoubted requirement for entrepreneurship and the development of more successful entrepreneurs to create wealth, economic regeneration, employment, societal democracy and philanthropic initiatives to meet these challenges. Mowgli supports entrepreneurs through a unique mentoring programme.

We are delighted to be launching in Bristol where there is already an entrepreneurial flair and to be able to form a collaborative environment with businesses and the community to deliver meaningful results.”

Pupil Power!

Calder House School starts generating its own electricity

T

he pupils at Calder House aren’t the only bright sparks being produced by the school. The specialist day school for boys and girls (aged 6 – 13) with dyslexia and dyspraxia, has just started generating its own electricity. The system, which was installed over the summer holidays, uses Photo Voltaic (PV) panels fitted on the roof of the main hall. These convert sunlight into electricity – which is then used to power all the classrooms with any surplus power being fed back into the National Grid. Not only will has it significantly reduced the school’s carbon footprint (over 250 kg of carbon saved so far!) it is also providing an exciting educational resource for science lessons.

“The pupils are very interested and involved in the whole system,” explains headteacher Andrew Day. “Using a special display screen mounted in one of our classrooms, we can see all sorts of data – including exactly how much power the school is generating at any one time and how much carbon we’ve saved overall.”

Children typically spend just over two years at the Calder House, which is located between Bath and Chippenham, learning the skills required to overcome their learning difficulties and achieve their academic potential.

The school offers a friendly, non-competitive environment in which children with dyslexia and other specific learning/language difficulties are encouraged to enjoy school while developing the skills they need to successfully return to mainstream education.

To find out more visit www.calderhouseschool.co.uk

For more details visit: www.mowgli.org.uk www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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Keeping an Open Mind on Open Morning I

ndependent schools have become quite adept at selling their wares in recent years.

This is due to the greater intensity of competition between them, but also to the recruitment of better professionals who have helped spruce up their untidy image.

You have seen the hard facts – location, exam results, size and nature of school. You have picked up the vibe from those who know or knew the place. You are now on the doorstep and it is time to review facilities, meet the people and interrogate the values – the stuff that the paperwork does not provide.

But how best should the visiting parent approach the open morning debacle? Two pieces of advice. Firstly, have a clear strategy.

There is a dazzling array of schools out there and unless you have specific points of comparison, or specific qualities you are looking for, you will come to the end of the process with an unsatisfactory sense that it has not been quite worth all the effort or that you do not quite have the right info. A poor decision may then ensue.

Secondly, don’t expect perfection. There will be aspects you don’t like. No school will meet all your needs. It is best to know which of your demands are negotiable, and which are a sine qua non.

The first thing is to determine exactly what facilities you want to see. If the agenda is run totally by the school you might not notice the tawdry nature of the DT department or the fairly drab decoration in the boarding houses.

Equally, you should allow the school to woo you with its high points and present its best face. Every school in recent times has been able to invest some money on their site and it is only fair that you see what they have done with the investment. A question to the Head or senior staff about future investment will give telling answers.

But is it all about buildings? Clearly not.

Atmosphere is intangible, but critical. By choosing a school you are choosing who will have the greatest influence on your child for that crucial 5 or 10 year period of their lives.

Do you see the pupils? Do they run the tour?

Do you see others in classrooms and workshops and what is your view of them?

How the staff relate to the pupils is most telling. Is there stony silence or a sense of hailfellow-well-met? This will tell you much about the sort of rapport your children will have with the community.

The schools with the most confidence will also put pupils in charge of the tours rather than the staff. They - rightly – believe that parents should see their `product’ so to speak.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Naturally, a school will only serve up those worthy pupils who are strong supporters of the school, but that should not influence your view too much. Pupils will be honest. They are not paid to do this chore, neither are they wily enough to become cunning and manipulative marketers overnight. Schools know this and are prepared to take the risk because it is as good a view as you will get from the bottom up. The down side is that the pupils will not necessarily be able to answer every question you have on the drugs policy or the degree of investment going into the site. They will however be able to give a perception, and that can be illuminating.

Lastly (deep breath) there is the Head. Is he or she pleased to see you and do they genuinely have a vision for the school? Do they exude the sort of values you have seen around the site or are they ploughing a lonely furrow, leaving little imprint on the institution? Are they sufficiently personable and dynamic so that you can rely on them to give you a fair crack of the whip should problems arise in the coming years, and an injection of energy and drive that will ensure the education of your child is more than the standard yomp around the track? The Head embodies the values. They know that and should seek to leave you fully aware of the character of a school.

And to those, for whom all the foregoing is pretty much motherhood and apple pie, try this. There are still independent schools out there who are educating for the 20th century.

Have their values changed? Are they in tune with your no doubt well honed perception of where world is headed and what sort of education is required to prepare your child for it? Equally, do they have original thoughts and ideas that had not occurred to you yet you find impressive? Does the Head carry conviction? Or are they going through the motions?

Your child must survive in a very different world than the one we knew as children. How well does the Head and the staff (because any decent Head must sell his vision to his staff first) articulate their thoughts on such matters? Don’t be satisfied with the same tried and tested educational mantras. Life has moved on and schools at the cutting edge must move with it. You are paying for something extra, something special, not just a re-tread of the last 50 years of independent school educational values, successful as they have been.

I always think I have arrived with a visiting parent if they tell me they would like to have their school days all over again. You are part of this process. You must be inspired as much as your kids.

The day should ultimately be a pleasure.

Do they provide decent refreshments (some parents judge a school solely on such matters)? Do they invite you back, offer lunch or go that extra mile to recognise the sacrifice that independent education will inevitably demand? If you don’t leave a school with a sense of `wow’, the chances are that your child will leave school every day similarly unmoved.

Dr John H. Newton M.A. (Oxon), F.Coll.P., Dip.M.S.(Ed.) Headmaster, Taunton School

01823 703703

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

“Academic Excellence and much more...”

“Boys’ success in outdoor activities builds confidence and encourages them to feel good about themselves both outside and in the classroom.”

QEH is placed 1st in Bristol in the current Value Added Tables, and amongst the Top 10 independent schools in the country. It is also firmly amongst leading academic schools in the 2011 national League Tables.

Headmaster Stephen Holliday insists: “Academic excellence at QEH directly benefits from momentum and enthusiasm created in broader areas of school life.

“The majority of QEH boys are involved in sport and outdoor pursuits, as well as extensive trips during the holidays. It is considered cool to join in, to develop your own interests and to be an individual.”

Steve Cook, Head of Outdoor Pursuits, adds: “Boys have recently returned from an adventure holiday in Slovenia, following successful trips over the last two years climbing the Matterhorn and reaching Base Camp on Everest. These are just some of the extensive holiday trips on offer.”

In term time boys also love to be active and regularly climb in the Avon Gorge, kayak or sail and we plan to extend water based opportunities and add caving and mountain biking to the list of regular activities. Outdoor Pursuits is a special strength of the School with Senior boys participating in the annual Ten Tors event, and over 150 boys involved in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with numerous weekends dedicated to expeditions.

QEH’s own version of the D of E scheme, ‘The QEAward’, extends to the younger boys in the Junior School and the lower part of the Senior School.

Mr Holliday concludes: “Boys’ success in outdoor activities builds confidence and encourages them to feel good about themselves both outside and in the classroom.”

QEH Open Morning is on Saturday, 8 October and starts at 10am with an Address by The Headmaster.

For more information contact our Admissions Registrar, Carolyn Matthews, on 0117 930 3068 or go to www.qehbristol.co.uk

Boys and staff pictured mountain climbing in Slovenia this summer. They also recently climbed the Matterhorn - covering over 100 kilometres from Zermatt to Sierre, involving tortuous climbs to 3000 metre mountain passes 62 The Bristol Magazine

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Learn French with the French at Alliance Française de Bristol Alliance Française, established in Bristol for 28 years, provides a range of courses specifically designed for the individual student’s needs (29 classes in Bristol last year).

Classes are starting at the end of September or early October; they are run by French nationals, all experienced teachers, and are relaxed, flexible, personal, encouraging and fun. After a friendly and informal assessment, the students are placed in the group most suited to their needs. Courses run for 30 sessions of two hours each at £6.10 an hour.

Alliance Française offers also: individual and business tuition, drama and cookery workshops, wine tasting, trips to France and more....

It’s not too late to enrol now: Contact Alliance Française de Bristol to make an appointment to be assessed www.afbristol.org.uk info@afbristol.org.uk 0117 924 78 09

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FIT&FABULOUS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – support the campaign and wear your Pink Ribbon with pride. Since its launch the Pink Ribbon has become a universal symbol of the fight to eradicate breast cancer and acts as a reminder that early detection is key to fighting the disease.

Estée Lauder Companies is dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer and empowering women with knowledge about the disease.

Eighteen years ago Mrs Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of Estée Lauder Companies, launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the UK and in 1993 she founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by In recognition of Breast Cancer funding clinical and genetic research worldwide. Estée Awareness Month, Origins Make A Lauder offers pink ribbons to customers to help raise Difference Skin Rejuvenating Treatment (£21) has turned pink. This gel awareness of the disease which one in nine women in the UK moisturiser helps restore and rejuvenate will be diagnosed with during their lifetime. Estée Lauder the appearance of dehydrated skin and has a number of special products available to mark Breast Origins will donate £3 from every Cancer Awareness Month and to help raise funds in the UK purchase to the campaign to go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Estée Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection 2011 includes The Elizabeth Hurley Lip Set (£18.50 from House of Fraser), pictured left. This stylish pink evening clutch bag with gold detailing contains Pure Color Lipstick in Elizabeth Lavish Pink – making it the perfect evening accessory. £5 from each purchase of The Pink Ribbon Collection in the UK will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

▲

PERFECT SKIN

SKIN DEEP A selection of tried and tested health and beauty products that we love

▲

Sisley has introduced a new revolutionary foundation into its makeup range – Skinleya is an anti-aging lift foundation that provides great coverage for a sheer, even skintone and contains a new formula that reduces signs of aging. Available in nine shades, £110 from Harvey Nichols.

A skincare revolution

As Halloween approaches, why not cast a spell over yourself to make you feel and look infinitely better with Lush’s latest super-natural treatment, Ceridwen’s Cauldron bath melt (£3.99). It’s a spell-binding concoction of walnut, tangerine, lavender, sandalwood, frankincense and rose to help enhance inner strength whilst rejuvenating, soothing and calming the skin. Once melted in the water use the muslin bag full of oats and flowers to gently exfoliate

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▲

Palmer’s brings its cocoa butter goodness to the face with the launch of a complete daily facial regime. The range helps achieve a more even, radiant and younger looking skin using all the softening goodness of the highest quality cocoa butter combined with key soothing botanical extracts and boosted with proven anti-aging ingredients. Try the Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub, £5.95 from Boots. It contains micro-fine crushed natural cocoa beans to help remove dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and brighter looking skin. Already a favourite of beauty editors in the US and Australia, this award-winning gentle formula can be used two to three times a week and is key to rejuvenating the skin, enabling it to absorb nutrients from renewal creams and moisturisers

66 The Bristol Magazine

Rituals has introduced a new makeup collection for winter which contains the use of gemstones inspired by ancient India. With a combination of sapphire and pure ruby, each product radiates the beauty and purity of earth’s energy. We love the Lip Shine in shade Sandy Sheer (£10.90 from Rituals, Cabot Circus) – it adds natural shine and colour to lips whilst hydrating and conditioning. The pure ground ruby stimulates the circulation of blood flow to keep lips feeling super healthy and looking irresistible

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Moving on...

How Ladyzone member Karen transformed her body after tragedy Caring for a loved one suffering a terminal illness can take its toll on the strongest of people, but Karen Penvenne was determined to keep a brave face for the sake of her nine year old daughter.

Karen’s husband Paul was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2007, and underwent a liver transplant to save his life in September that year.

But in a cruel twist, the anti-rejection drugs he took then caused him to develop stomach cancer, and Karen spent the last two years of his life caring for him at the home they shared with their daughter Yvonne, who was nine when her father passed away.

“With no time to think about myself I didn’t think about my weight creeping up and I turned to food a lot for comfort”, said Karen, 42. “In the circumstances though, it didn’t seem important that I was putting on weight.”

When Paul passed away, Karen had time to care for herself and start tackling her health, which is when she joined Ladyzone, which has a site on Henleaze Road in Bristol.

“It gave me something to focus on and mentally it started to make me feel a lot more positive” she said.

“I was sleeping better and my energy levels started to come back. As the months passed I could see a drastic improvement in my shape and the weight was coming off quickly.”

The speed of Karen’s weight loss spurred her on to knock the comfort eating on the head.

Karen was a size 16 when she joined Ladyzone, and now, after losing three stone, even her size 10 trousers are too big.

“My body shape has totally changed and my family and friends have all noticed a big difference in me.”

Karen still enjoys the odd treat, but has changed the way she thinks about food.

She added: “The gym has played a big part in helping me recover from Paul’s death as it gave me a routine, and the energy to get through things.

“Plus, I am now passing my new healthy ways onto Yvonne.

I’m sure she will also join me at Ladyzone in a few years when she is older!”

Could you be our next success story? Call us now for a FREE TRIAL: 0117 329 4642 180 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4NE

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Buy any REDKEN shampoo and conditioner and get a free hair wax

CARLO &beauty hair

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

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Life as a

nutritional therapist In last month’s Bristol Magazine, we looked at training for a career in Nutritional Therapy with The College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM).

Now, Fiona Campbell, a busy Bristol practitioner as well as being a CNM lecturer, explains what it’s like to be a practicing Nutritional Therapist

T

he concept of food as medicine was familiar to our ancestors, yet today we’re so far removed from the reasons for eating and from the expectation that we should brim over with good health naturally, that many people are surprised to discover that even the smallest changes made to their everyday diet can result in significant improvements in their health and wellbeing.

“I see my role as a Nutritional Therapist as empowering my patients to make the dietary and lifestyle changes they need to help them achieve the very best health they can.” says Fiona. “It’s a fantastic feeling to know that I personally have been able to change people’s lives for the better. It’s immensely rewarding to get feedback from patients who come to me with conditions including hormonal imbalances, weight issues, digestive problems, stress, joint problems and inflammatory conditions and who afterwards report that ‘I’ve never felt this healthy’ or ‘I feel happier, my skin looks great and I have energy and enthusiasm’.”

A family interest in natural medicine set Fiona on the path to becoming a Nutritional Therapist. “I myself am a former graduate of CNM. I was drawn to their course because I was keen on the naturopathic content which focuses on the holistic treatment of patients, and on its emphasis on practical clinical experience. Financially it also made sense because I was able to study part time and so could keep earning in the meantime. My CNM lecturers were inspirational. They are known to be of really high calibre so I’m very proud after these years to join their ranks!

I love interacting with my Year 2 Nutrition students and dealing with their challenging questions.

“As a practitioner, I work across 3 clinics in the Clifton district of Bristol, and no two days are the same,” says Fiona. “Every patient has a unique constitution and a different set of circumstances so the content of

my day could never be considered as routine!

“Patients complete a medical symptoms questionnaire and food diary prior to the consultation. Some people are shy about disclosing information on what they eat, but I’m not judgmental. We’re faced with real people and if everyone was perfect they wouldn’t need help!

“The initial consultation lasts about an hour and is a chance to gain a detailed picture of the person’s medical history, circumstances, diet and lifestyle, and goals for treatment. I have to know about the functioning of their digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and about any supplements or medications they are taking. I’m trained to carry out tests on blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and food sensitivity and additional tests may be done externally.

“I produce a full personalised treatment plan within 2 working days, including specific nutritional and lifestyle changes to address the individual’s problems now and encourage longer term health. The plan needs to be simple and at a pace which is realistic for them to follow.

Half hour follow up consultations are offered as required.

“Not everyone waits until they are ill before they come to see me, fortunately.

Sports people consult me about optimum nutrition to meet their energy needs.

Others want a twice yearly detox programme. Some want advice about what constitutes a healthy diet. I love food and I’m always keen to share a good recipe! I also lead Bristol workshops on healthy eating, gourmet healthy cooking and stress management. It’s a good job I eat to maintain optimum energy levels!

To find out more about training for a new career as a Nutritional Therapist, come along to CNM Bristol's next free-to-attend Open Evening on Tuesday 25th October 6.30pm-8.30pm. To book your place call 01342 410 505.

www.naturopathy-uk.com www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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CITYinteriors This is the perfect time of year for making our homes cosy, stylish and welcoming.

The Bristol Magazine highlights interior trends for autumn & winter

ONLY

NATURAL

Floral bouquet from city florists Bella & Fifi who specialise in using seasonal flowers as grown in English gardens, visit: wwwbellafififlowers.co.uk

AS NATURE INTENDED: main picture, contemporary carbon neutral energy from Kindle Stoves’ range of woodburning stoves; from top right, Granite Transformation’s Fire Beige, from a range of heat, scratch, stain and impact resistant worksurface; Classic Welsh blue grey riven slate, £46.75 per sqm from Mandarin Stone; Sisal Mahale rug with leather trim from Design Flooring.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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CITYinteriors

Clifton’s newest boutique hotel, Number 38, has made The Times’ list of the coolest places to stay in the UK. Georgette McCready talked to owner Adam Dorrian Smith about how he created this stylish home from home

THE INSIDE story

D

oing the market research prior to opening his own boutique hotel was great fun, admits owner Adam Dorrien Smith as he takes me on a guided tour of the Georgian merchant’s house on The Downs which recently opened to national acclaim. The ten-bedroom townhouse with accommodation has already won accolades from travel expert Alistair Sawday and The Times has rated it in its guide to cool places to stay. And the glowing comments in the visitors’ book and on Tripadvisor endorse this.

Adam’s affection for Bristol began when he was a student in the city, so when the chance to buy an old guesthouse right on the edge of The Downs came up he jumped at it. Then, working with his cousin Michael, an architect, they set about creating the kind of stylish, comfortable B&B that they would like to stay in themselves. The results are understated and charming, with statement pieces of furniture, such as studded trunks and painted chests of drawers, and calming colours.

Number 38 isn’t fitted with a formal reception desk, instead guests check in with their hosts Shona and Jerek and, along with the local knowledge box in each room, can plan their activities and places to visit in the area.

Adam has been at pains to source furniture locally, with the sisal flooring from Tailored Flooring and the super king size beds from Feather & Black in Whiteladies Road. There is a David Hockney in the cloakroom, a Terry Frost in the breakfast room, and other art comes from Stokes Croft and Cornwall, where Adam’s family hail from. The panelled walls are painted shades of indigo and gentle grey.

The bathrooms are a triumph in the larger rooms, with none of that thin, flimsy carpentry that you find in so many hotel en suites. The loo and shower are separately hidden behind 74 The Bristol Magazine

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panelled doors, while the baths take pride of place. What could be more luxurious than soaking in a huge bath in front of a big window with far reaching views over Bristol laid out below?

Guests have use of the sun-trap terrace garden and, after an optional jog around The Downs (surely a recommended pastime for any visitor enjoying the Bristol experience?) they are free to indulge in a west country breakfast, with sausages created by Ruby & White, Sharpham Park muesli and other organic, local goodies.

Adam says: “We wanted to create somewhere comfy, fun and relaxed for people to feel at home in. Comfortable beds are key to that.”

Number 38 has a partnership with Clifton’s Lido pool and restaurant to provide a complete spa package, and business has been so brisk there are weekend bookings right through until the end of November so far.

One interesting development is the number of local people staying at Number 38 as guests, treating themselves to a £135 a night suite. Quite a testament in itself. ■ Number 38 Clifton, visit: www.number38clifton.co.uk or tel: 0117 946 6905.

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS: Number 38 Clifton, where the light-filled bedrooms are equiped with Roberts radios, mini fridges filled with local goodies and beds laid with Egyptian cotton sheets

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COMMANDING POSITION: a roll top bath at No 38 Clifton has been placed to make the most of the views over Bristol. It’s best enjoyed with bubbles and a host of hot air balloons floating by Below, No 38’s breakfast room pays tribute to the building’s history as a wealthy merchant’s home

Guests have use of the sun-trap ❝ terrace garden and after an optional jog around The Downs . . . are free to indulge in a west country breakfast

❞

LIGHT TOUCH: guests at Number 38 are able to use the sun terrace which, like some of the suites, have views over Bristol

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SITTING PRETTY

Ever wondered how to get that bespoke sized or shaped sofa made specially for you? The Sofa Library makes bespoke sofas and hand made curtains at its factory in Fishponds in an amazing one to three weeks. It supplies many of the top hotels in London, such as The Metropolitan on Park Lane (where the team has recently completed refurbishment of the reception and work to the Senior suites), but its prices are fantastic. The Sofa Library also sells beautiful solid oak cabinet furniture and has a large quantity from a supplier that has closed down, all at half price in its new 5,000sq ft showroom above the factory, which is only ten minutes from the centre of the city. For the period of the cabinet furniture promotion, it has reduced all its sofa frame prices by 50% and curtain make up charges by 50%, if you buy your fabric as well – and it has 10,000 choices. A full interior design/colour consultancy service is offered from £39 per hour. The Sofa Library also makes bespoke headboards (as high or complex as you like), bedspreads, valances, upholstered beds and literally any type of curtain or blind. Excellent references available upon request.

The Sofa Library, Units 5 & 6, Eastpark Trading Estate, BS5 7DR Tel: 0117 951 2624 www.thesofalibrary.co.uk

Kingfisher ochre cushion, £55, and Kingfisher Blue lumbar, £70. From range of cushions from WesleyBarrell, Whiteladies Road, Bristol

Little Lady chair in William Morris Orchard Bayleaf & Rose print from Sofa Workshop

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Linen print cushion, £75, by designer Klaus Haapaniemi at Clifton Triangle store Sphere

One of a range of contemporary Italian sofas at Natuzzi, Clifton Triangle, which is offering 15% discount to readers of The Bristol Magazine on production of this page by 31 October

Would like to offer you a free private design consultation at your home, office or our Perry Road studio.

The appointment is completely free of charge and you can use the time to gain expert advice on any element of design, supply or installation.

Which laying pattern and size of tile will be most suitable to enhance the attributes of your room Correct preparation of the substrate and how to achieve the best possible finish Guidance on the best material for the application, whether it be Ceramic, Porcelain or Stone There are many more issues to consider when investing in tiles for your home and we will do our best to assist you in making the project a success. We are passionate about tiles and finding the correct product for our clients’ needs.

After the initial consultation, if you require, we can then work to find you a bespoke range of suitable options.

Call : 01179 292 642 or e mail: info@leylandtile.co.uk to book your free appointment.

1-2 Perry Road, Bristol, BS1 5BQ

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Kindle Stoves

A new generation of wood-burning stoves for Bristol

W

ith fossil fuel prices set to continue to rise and our need to reduce carbon emissions and find greener sources of heat for our homes, it is hardly surprising that wood-burning stove sales are set to hit an alltime high this winter.

Now with wood-burning technology racing ahead, a new generation of stoves are taking centre stage. They are so efficient as to be virtually smokeless and as such have been approved by Defra for use in smokecontrol areas such as Bath and Bristol.

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

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

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

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

Visit the showroom at: 177 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8BE. 0117 9243 898 www.kindlestoves.co.uk Traditional and contemporary styles to suit any home

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Visit our Clifton showroom for fabrics, Wallpaper, Paint and Interior Advice.

The Autumn/Winter Collections have now arrived.

BRACEY INTERIORS

14-15 Waterloo Street, Clifton, Bristol, Avon BS8 4BT 0117 973 4664

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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CITYinteriors MOODY BLUES: Farrow & Ball’s latest collection of paints takes its tones from Nature. Above, wall: Brassica No.271Estate Emulsion Ceiling and chair (left): Stone Blue No.86 Estate Emulsion and Estate Eggshell Door: Manor House Gray No.265 Estate Eggshell Chair (right) and table: Cornforth White No.228 Estate Eggshell

REMAIN

NEUTRAL

Cokethorpe sofa in Yarwood Mustang leather, from £3,240, Wesley-Barrell;

EASY ON THE EYE: from the top, Far From Heaven, a neutral collection of furniture and soft furnishings from Laura Ashley; go geometric with one of thousands of ranges of tile from Leyland Tiling, wood, glass and stone are key ingredients in the kitchen, from Chipping Sodbury Kitchens and Bathrooms; and The Concert stainless steel range cooker from Smeg, £999 from Nailsea Electrical – the ideal choice for the cook who prefers the dual fuel solution of an electric oven and a gas hob

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BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS FROM ÂŁ10,000

102 Whiteladies Road, Clifton Bristol BS8 2QY Tel: Web:

01179 466433 www.intoto.co.uk

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

October 2011

| The Bristol Magazine

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CITYgardens

SHOW YOUR true

colours

The Bath Magazine’s gardening expert Jane Moore gets hooked on colourful heucheras to jazz up the colour for the autumn garden

I

’ve gone absolutely mad for coloured leaf heucheras and heucherellas in the past few years. I started out slowly with a handful of the predictable purple leafed ones such as Palace Purple and Plum Pudding, as you might expect.

But the momentum has increased to reach an absolute frenzy this autumn, chiming nicely along with some of the superb new varieties appearing in garden centres and nurseries recently.

Where do you stand on the subject? I love them wholeheartedly and unashamedly. They are just so brilliant for brightening up a dull corner. And they bring all that glorious autumn colour down to ground level, picking up the reds, golds and oranges of the trees and shrubs beautifully and adding to the whole picture immeasurably. Fortunately my assistant Anna is also pretty keen on them although selective in her favourites, disdaining the golden varieties such as Marmalade as ‘insipid’, ‘sickly-looking’ and generally yuk. She’s not one to keep her opinions to herself, as you may have gathered.

While my mother, the arbiter of gardening good taste and another one who doesn’t mince her words when it comes to plants, approves of an increasing number of different varieties.

What it comes down to is that, for all three of us, heucheras are hard to beat for their sheer colourific value at this difficult time of year.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, then. There are so many reasons why you should have a heuchera or a heucherella whatever the size of your garden. Let’s start with the fact that they’re evergreen or semi-evergreen which means a nice splodge

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of colour all year round. But they’re also dead easy and forgiving to grow as long as they’re in shade or dappled shade, although you can stretch this point with certain varieties. And they combine simply marvellously with herbaceous plants or make for a good under-planting for shrubs and trees. If you’re more of a container gardener, they make brilliant plants for pots and will last a few years before you need to replace them, usually because they’ve outgrown their pot.

Their uses in the border are simply too long to list. I’m still working on new planting combinations and brand new varieties that I just can’t resist buying keep cropping up at the nursery. I use the red varieties such as Mahogany and Peach Flambé to pick up the fiery colours of turning cherry and amelanchier leaves.

One of my latest inspirations involved planting the acid yellow Citronelle under our yellow berried holly tree. The purples are brilliant for contrasting with yellow flowers and foliage and for echoing the richness of cotinus Royal Purple or the dark-leafed elder, Sambucus nigra.

Against the prevailing opinions of my able assistant, I have even found a good use for the orangey ones such as Caramel.

These are probably justifiably everyone’s least favourite colour but they make a good splash of pink, yellow and toffee coloured foliage in the nether regions of a border. We have them planted in the middle part of a woodland border in the general vicinity of a substantial terracotta pot and these colours reinforce one another wonderfully.

The jury that is Anna and my mum is still out on this point, but imagine the warm glow on a frosty day. Lovely.

VERY FORGIVING: main picture, the perky heucheras en masse make quite a show in flowerbeds Top, right, the foliage is striking and useful for combination planting

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CITYgardens Best Pinks and Purples This has been one the biggest areas of breeding over the past few years and Anna’s must-have heuchera is one of the most engaging of them all.

Berry Smoothie is a once-seen, never-forgotten sumptuous pink that just edges into the purple spectrum. The flower stems are pink too and even the flowers have a soft pink tinge. It looks great with just about anything except yellow but it really comes alive when planted with a red-leafed shrub such as cotinus.

My mum loves her heuchera Midnight Rose for its deep purple leaves freckled with splashes of hot pink. She grows it as the centrepiece for her front door pot, surrounding it with winter flowering pansies in shades of pink. If you’re dipping a tentative toe into the heuchera world you can’t go wrong with a classic purple variety such as Plum Pudding which has large crinkly leaves in a rich purple traced with a silvery marbling. It looks great with almost any colour you can think of and will cope with a sunnier spot than most.

Best Yellows Best Reds There are oodles of great red heucheras and heucherella to choose from but my favourite at the moment is heucherella Sweet Tea with its richly autumnal colouring. It has large, very lobed leaves in a good strong builders’ tea colour with darker centres and masses of dainty white flowers in late summer.

Coming a close second is Heuchera ‘Mahogany’ with its crinkled leaves of a glowing rich red-brown which really catch the slanting October sunlight. We have it planted it with silvery Stachys lanata for a dramatic contrast.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

As a general rule, the yellow leafed varieties tend to do better in a shady spot as they can bleach out in a sunny location. And, if you think about it, you really want to use these varieties to brighten up a dull, dark corner.

Heuchera Citronelle is a recent star of mine with its bright limeyellow crinkled leaves while another favourite is the striking heucherella Stoplight with bright yellow leaves and vivid red centre markings. ■ Jane is the award-winning gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel.

Keep up with Jane on her blog: http://janethegardener.wordpress.com

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COUNTRYnews

WILDLIFE

watch T

he eyes of the world will be on the Forestry Commission run Westonbirt Arboretum, as it hosts BBC 2’s Autumnwatch Live and Autumnwatch Unsprung for four weeks. From the launch programme on Friday 7 October to the Cotswolds episode on 28 October, Autumnwatch Live will broadcast live from the arboretum’s Great Oak Hall. This year Michaela Strachan will join Chris Packham and Martin Hughes-Games to present the shows. The three will also be joined by a host of roving reporters from around the country.

From exploring autumn colour to taking a closer look at traditional woodland coppicing and the work of The National Arboretum’s tree team, Autumnwatch will delve into one of the country’s most famous autumn locations.

Simon Toomer, Arboretum Director said: “Having the chance to host Autumnwatch Live is a fantastic opportunity for Westonbirt Arboretum. We will be able to share the excitement of autumn at the arboretum with many new people.

“Our team have been busy working with the producers to help take a closer look at how we manage the tree collection and explore the array of wildlife, trees and grassland we have here.”

From their Westonbirt base, the Autumnwatch team of presenters will feature wildlife from across the UK and will also catch up with some of the stories featured on Springwatch.

In every programme, there will be live features, from science experiments to demonstrations of wild foraging cookery and

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countryside crafts. There will be quizzes the audience can take part in and guests adding depth and context to the stories.

Autumnwatch Unsprung will also be broadcast from Westonbirt. Chris, Michaela, Martin and special guests will discuss the big events and talking points of the week, as well as tackling viewer questions and solving wildlife mysteries.

The series will move on to its next Gloucestershire location, WWT Slimbridge, from 4 November. ■ Visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-autumn, or for BBC Autumnwatch Live, visit: www.bbc.co.uk/autumnwatch.

NATURAL DRAMA: now Westonbirt’s autumn colour can be enjoyed by people in the comfort of their own homes, as the BBC arrives to film on site this month

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURES

Trust me...

Claire Horowitz Solicitor with AMD Solicitors considers when trust may not be enough

M

any of us have people close to us that we trust; family members, friends, carers, or neighbours and quite often the help that they provide is invaluable. However I often see many clients that have fallen into unexpected predicaments when the law fails to recognise what they had hoped to achieve by placing their trust in another. Here are some of the problems that in practice I have frequently come across.

Sometimes clients rely on other people to collect cash on their behalf for them from the bank or to pay their bills. They may have handed over their bank card and even pin number to allow this to happen. These clients are financially very vulnerable indeed.

However, if there is no legal document formalising the arrangement, in law this means that a person, has no legal right to continue to give assistance should the person requiring help lose their mental capacity. The way in which this relationship of trust can be legally recognised is by a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Another situation I have encountered frequently is when an informal loan has been made to a friend or family member and it is left as a matter of trust that this money will be paid back. If, however, the person receiving the money has unexpected financial difficulties, matrimonial problems or should that person die before the loan is repaid then the monies can be lost, as a loan may be difficult to prove.

Likewise with business relationships which often start informally. An individual may have transferred shares to friends or family members trusting that in the future they will give them or sell them back.

Alternatively an individual may be in business with a close friend or family member and have trusted that they will never fall out or disagree in decision making.

One of the owners may be taken unexpectedly ill or die. In this event the continuation of the business may be seriously affected. If however legal advice had been sought, a shareholders agreement or a partnership agreement could have been put in place, together with a Will, correctly reflecting the intentions of all of the parties.

There are of course many other situations in which relying on “trust” can render clients vulnerable. The message is that it is imperative that you seek legal advice from your solicitor when planning family arrangements or business matters.

Claire Horowitz and her colleagues in the Wills and Trust and Commercial departments at AMD Solicitors can advise individuals and businesses. Telephone 0117 9621205 or email clairehorowitz@amdsolicitors.com © AMD Solicitors 2011

Advice Making a Difference

Inheritance tax Generally, when you die Inheritance tax (IHT) becomes payable on your assets less your liabilities; your ‘Death Estate’. Gifts to exempt beneficiaries (e.g. your spouse), are exempt from IHT. Thereafter, you pay tax on your net estate.

S

o why not give away our assets before we die to avoid IHT? Well, there are rules in place to govern what would otherwise be a golden tax planning opportunity.

Any gift will fall into one of 3 categories. It may be exempt due to the nature of the transferee (e.g. our spouse). It may be a CLT (chargeable lifetime transfer) which means life tax will be chargeable at 20%. Or it may be a PET (Potentially Exempt Transfer). If we die within 7 years of gifting a PET or CLT, the gift becomes subject to IHT at 40%. Every 7 years we are entitled to a ‘nil rate band’. Any chargeable gifts will only be taxed if the cumulative value is over £325,000. However, more of our death estate will be chargeable at 40% as a consequence of these gifts.

There are exemptions and reliefs available to us. An annual exemption of £3,000 means that it is possible to give away assets to the value of £3,000 each tax year without IHT consequences. If last tax year the exemption was not utilised, this can be used that as well. A small gift allowance of £250 is in place to cover items such as birthday presents.

Each tax year it is possible to give away up to £250 per transferee with no IHT consequences. On the event of marriage, it is possible to gift up to a value of £1,000 with no IHT. A grandparent or parent can gift £2,500 and £5,000 respectively.

‘Normal expenditure out of income’ is an established pattern of behaviour paid out of the individual’s income rather than capital, and the gifts do not attract IHT. For example, a grandparent paying school fees of their grandchildren. After allowing for all transfers of value forming part of his normal expenditure, the transferor must be left with sufficient income to maintain his usual standard of living.

If the gift relates to business property or agricultural property, it may be that a relief of up to 100% can be claimed.

So what can we do to minimise our tax bill? We can reduce our estate by making gifts, ensuring that these are covered by exemptions and reliefs.

Also, we want to gift items which are exempt from capital gains tax. For example, cash is exempt from CGT, so a simple tax planning measure would be to give away £3,000 per year. Putting assets into trust is another way of potentially reducing our inheritance bill whilst maintaining control of those assets.

We need to be careful on gifting; there is strong anti-avoidance legislation where the donor retains a benefit.

If you would like advice in this area, please contact Mark Pooley, Helen Grist, or Mel Hackney at our office on 0117 9733377, enquires@hollingdalepooley.co.uk

Telephone us on (0117) 9621205 or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

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BUSINESSnews

Science park workers get new café A Bristol-based food retailer that specialises in locally-sourced food has been selected as the caterer for the Bristol & Bath Science Park. Friska, on Victoria Street, has opened its second in The Forum, pictured.

The Forum provides a space for businesses to meet in the café and networking space. It is open to the public, and around 200 workers at the National Composites Centre (NCC) on the Emerson Green Science Park. The menu is locally sourced, with free range meat, tea and coffee. Bonnie Dean, chief executive of the Bristol & Bath Science Park, said: “The ethos of the innovation

News in brief ■ Sherlock actor Martin Freeman is calling on the people of Bristol to hunt out hilarious hats and wear them on Friday 4 November to raise funds for St Mungo’s homeless charity, which has a centre in Jamaica Street. Martin Freeman is joined by TV comedian Ed Byrne in supporting St Mungo’s Woolly Hat Day. Hold a hat party, sponsor your fashion victim friend to drop the habit of a lifetime and don a hideous hat, or just donate £3 for the privilege of forgetting fashion for a day. Visit: www.woollyhatday.org ■ Bristol-based furniture and mattress store, Green Woods Furniture, has just passed the 200 mark for customer tree dedications in the local Forest of Avon Trust. New customers spending at least £500 qualify for a tree dedication, helping to maintain and improve new woodland sites for public access and wildlife. Owner Simon Bennett said: “Our environmental policies have always been at the forefront of what we do,‘to have passed the 200 mark already absolutely fantastic and means that by buying from us, customers are having a positive effect on their local environment.”

■ Crystal Clear, based in Brislington, is the first double glazing and conservatory installer in Bristol to achieve membership of the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman scheme (DGCOS). The company, founded in 1999 by Tony Fox and James Mizen, is also celebrating opening a new showroom. With over 10,000 double glazing and conservatory companies in the UK, 236 of which are based in Bristol, the industry has been much maligned for its shoddy practices – 67 per cent of companies who have applied for membership have failed. The DGCO scheme has a 12 step accreditation process which includes credit checks on directors and references from customers and suppliers.

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centre is to help local companies flourish and expand so having a Bristol-based, growing company do the catering for the Park reflects this perfectly.”

Griff Holland, co-founder of Friska says: “We’re looking forward to being part of dynamic and creative environment – serving tasty, healthy food that makes you feel good.”

The park has been designed and developed and managed by Quantum Property Partnership – a joint venture between Quintain Estates and Development plc and Aviva Investors.

The RDA has invested £40m in the project.

New cancer test

LATEST BUZZ

Pioneers in ethical trading Forty years ago setting up an ethical trading business would have been derided by the Establishment as a bunch of hippies trading in lentils and brown rice. But, as Ethical Trading in Fishponds has proved, running a co-operative wholefood producers and wholesalers based on organic, vegetarian, egalitarian principles is a very sound way to run an organisation and one which many others have since followed. Ethical Trading will be holding a series of events and promotions throughout its ruby anniversary year, culminating in September 2012.

BRISTOL BUSINESS news & views

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

Dr Simon Cawthorn, a breast cancer surgeon from Southmead Hospital in Bristol’s Breast Care Centre is describing a new breast cancer test called the Oncotype DX Test as an “exciting breakthrough”.

The test, developed in California by Genomic Health, could benefit about half of all women with breast cancer by predicting with accuracy whether or not they need chemotherapy, which could cause infertility and baldness. According to Dr Cawthorn, this test is suitable for women with early stage breast cancer that is fuelled by oestrogen in which the tumour is small and slow growing.

It has previously been difficult to establish which women with this type of cancer would benefit from chemotherapy.

For the first time it gives women with breast cancer a reliable prediction about whether or not they will benefit from chemotherapy.

Oncotype DX is suitable for women who have been newly diagnosed and is a noninvasive test that is performed on a small amount of tissue, previously removed during the original surgery (to remove the breast cancer tumour). It works by assessing size of the tumour and estimates the likelihood of the breast cancer returning by giving a Recurrence score, or a number between 0 and 100. This score shows the chance of breast cancer returning within 10 years of diagnosis.

Latest thoroughbred is welcomed to stable A launch party was held at the newly opened Guy Salmon Land Rover showroom in Whitby Road, Brislington, to herald the arrival of the new Range Rover Evoque.

Guests at the party were treated to a cookery demonstration from Michelin-star chef Josh Eggleton of The Pony and Trap before getting up close and personal with the latest addition to the Range Rover stable.

Colin Isaacs, dealer principal at Guy Salmon, said: “The Evoque is the sixth model to join our vehicle range and creates a completely new market segment for luxury, compact sports utility vehicles.” Prices start at £27,955.

GLITTERING: Damian Critchley, Charlie Crozier, Jamie Breese and Rebecca Diamond admire the new Evoque

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T HE

BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

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

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

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October 2011

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THINKINGproperty

Right at Home Are you looking for the home that’s right for you?

Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of apartment specialist The Apartment Company asks an obvious question

search for new home as they may know what they want but haven’t considered what they actually need.

“A home must be able to accommodate those requirements, whatever they are. A family needs ample space and bedrooms. An elderly couple could benefit from accommodation on the ground floor. A socially active professional couple may be happier with a city apartment than a cottage in a sleepy village.”

Then there are your long-term plans. Peter reveals, “These are just as important as your current situation, in fact maybe more so. For example, should a newlywed couple who are planning on having children fairly soon really be eyeing up a one-bedroom flat on the top floor?

“Then there’s the issue of modernisation. A few minor issues should take next to no time to rectify, but a property that needs a massive overhaul could take months to complete. Is that the kind of scenario that you can embrace or leaves you cold?”

Peter Greatorex, Managing Director and Liz Atkinson, Manager at The Apartment Company, Bristol

It’s not just the property itself you should consider either. As Peter warns, “We all know the phrase location, location, location. When you’re choosing a new home you’ve also got to pay serious attention to where it is. After all, you can always improve the property but you definitely can’t move it.

I

“Location doesn’t just refer to how attractive the surrounding area is. Are you going to want a home that’s close to transport links? Do you want to be near work or family and friends? What about schools, leisure facilities, open spaces, shops and amenities? Whatever is important in your life, make sure your house and its location serve those needs as much as possible.”

“You’d never buy an item of clothing that wasn’t your size so why would you when it comes to an apartment? Many buyers come unstuck in their

For advice on buying or selling an apartment, please contact Liz Atkinson or Peter Greatorex, The Apartment Company, Tel: 0117 900 1617 Website: www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

t may sound like a strange question but are you looking for the right home? As Peter Greatorex from The Apartment Company explains, it’s definitely worth giving the subject careful thought if you want to enjoy a swift and successful search for your new home.

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BRISTOLproperty

T

wenty Oakfield Grove is a beautifully presented family house which has been redecorated and sensitively refurbished to create a wonderfully comfortable, light and welcoming home. Many original features have been retained particularly in the reception rooms on the ground floor. The lovely, light filled sitting room has a triple sash bay window, period fireplace, cornice work and corner cupboards and shelving. The full width drawing room at the rear of the house also has a triple sash bay overlooking the garden, exposed working fire, shelving and period mouldings. On the lower ground floor the fabulous, bright and airy kitchen runs the full width of the house giving plenty of space for informal dining. Double doors with shutters lead from the kitchen into the garden. There is also a more formal dining room as well as a utility room and w.c. Upstairs the superb master bedroom has lots of storage including a walk in wardrobe and two further fitted wardrobes as well as a modern en suite shower room.

Opposite lies a spacious guest bedroom and a pretty family bathroom with a cast iron bath. On the second floor there are two further double bedrooms and a playroom/bedrooms five all of which have the use of a shower room. Outside the property has off street parking and flower beds at the front with access to the front door and the lower ground floor and yet more storage.

At the rear there is a lovely decked terrace and a level lawn with plenty of space for children to play, with mature borders, herbs and a shed providing the perfect family city garden. 20 Oakfield Grove is the perfect setting for busy modern family life and deserves a viewing to appreciate everything it has to offer.

20 OAKFIELD GROVE, CLIFTON, BRISTOL.

Guide Price: ÂŁ695,000

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

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October 2011

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The Bristol Magazine 93

LE SA ED T RE MEN G A ST E INV

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PROPERTYinFOCUS

KENTON MEWS HENLEAZE, BRISTOL.

Priced from: ÂŁ450,000

W

ith this modern detached family house the selling agents, Haigh & Sons of Westbury Park, have been finding it difficult to decide which of the property’s main selling points is the most important, as it appears to have several. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac of just a half-dozen-or-so properties, the house will appeal to those with younger children, especially as it is just around the corner from the main entrances to Henleaze Infants, Juniors and Claremont Schools. Slightly older children (not to mention mums and dads) will appreciate the fact that it not only backs onto the YMCA playing field, but has a gate from the garden which allows direct access. Great for the early morning jog, or weekend football knockabout. Internally, the accommodation offers practical, easyto-run living, without being small; in fact the two reception rooms are both of a good size, and two of the four bedrooms have been enlarged. This opens the market up to downsizers, as well as growing families. The kitchen has been well appointed, there is a utility room, a downstairs cloakroom, a modern family bathroom and a stylish en-suite. Parking comes by way of a garage, a carport and a driveway, and the rear garden, as well as having a pleasantly secluded aspect, offers a combination of lawn, patio space and a large pond.

With a range of different sorts of purchasers who will be drawn to this property, Haigh & Sons have decided to leave it up to each individual buyer to decide which is their favourite feature.

Haigh & Sons, 43 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol. Tel: 0117 973 5859

96 The Bristol Magazine

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43 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PY

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

We really are Moving People!

WESTBURY PARK – £375,000

A 1930s end-of-terrace set in a very popular location, in need of some updating, and featuring a lovely south-facing garden and a long, almost double-length, garage. Internally there are three bedrooms and three reception rooms, plus potential to extend or combine rooms to provide even more spacious accommodation.

HENLEAZE– £170,000

A two-bedroom ground-floor purpose-built apartment for the oversixties in a quiet location, ideal for those seeking a home that offers the peace of mind of having a resident estate manager and a 24-hour emergency call system, yet who don't wish to feel that they have in any way given up their independence.

REDLAND – £189,950

Light and airy, offering spacious rooms, situated within a short walk of Whiteladies Road, and with a view over Durdham Downs, this purpose-built second-floor flat is sure to create interest. It has two double bedrooms, a large lounge/diner, a modern kitchen and a stylish shower room, plus a secure garaging for one car. Offered with no onward chain.

CLIFTON – £1850 pcm

A stunning home with open views to the front over Durdham Downs, and with a sweeping panorama across Bristol from its rear windows.

This is a spacious converted split-level apartment offering three bedrooms (two en-suite), a spectacular drawing room, a luxury fitted kitchen and plenty of character. There is allocated parking and use of an attractive communal garden. The apartment is offered unfurnished.

Here to accommodate.

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

Bishopston

£495,000

Clifton

£695,000

Westbury Park

£550,000

Bishopston

£469,950

A renovated & extended detached house located on the ever popular Bishop Road on the borders of Henleaze and Westbury park . Comprising, Three reception rooms along with recently fitted kitchen/ breakfast room with integrated appliances, downstairs cloakroom, 4 bedrooms (one ensuite), a designer modern 4 piece bathroom. Approximately 50’ Rear garden, the front is brick paved providing off street parking & lawned area. The property is well served for local schools. No Onward Chain!

This sizable and well located 4 bedroom 1930’s family house offers a rare opportunity to buyers looking for a detached house in this popular family area. Occupying a corner plot, and situated on Park Grove just a few hundred yards from the Henleaze infant and Junior schools and a short level walk from the Henleaze Road Shops, Cafes, Restaurants & amenities. The accommodation has been extended to comprise: 4 bedrooms (two with ensuite), 3 receptions, kitchen complete with ‘Aga’ and a separate utility room. Outside there are south/easterly gardens along with a drive that provides off street parking for several cars which leads to a garage.

A newly built detached family house in the Clifton area. Situated in one of the most desirable locations in Clifton within walking distance of Clifton Village, Whiteladies Road and Durdham Down. Comprises of open plan living areas with separate kitchen/breakfast room with granite work tops and integral appliances, downstairs w/c, 3 double bedrooms, master with en suite shower room. Other benefits include, gas central heating, electric gated off street parking and secluded front garden. An early viewing is highly recommended!

An attractive and spacious Victorian terraced family home situated on a popular road approx 0.2 miles from Redland School and approx 0.5 miles from Cotham School. The property is well presented throughout and has been updated with modern touches. The accommodation comprises; living room, dining room/ kitchen, utility room and downstairs shower room. On the first floor are 4 generous bedrooms and bathroom and to the top floor a master bedroom with en-suite. Further benefits include many original period features, an approx 60ft garden with rear access, recent loft conversion with Juliet balcony.

An early viewing is highly recommended!

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

Maggs & Allen October.indd 116

Auctioneers

New Homes

Chartered Surveyors

Commercial

Investment

Energy Assessors

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www.oceanhome.co.uk

73 Westbury Hill, Bristol, BS9 3AD

0117 962 1973

South Gloucestershire £424,950

Shirehampton £420,000

A delightful, spacious four bedroom link detached farmhouse located in the heart of the village of Hallen, with Four bedrooms, a large open hallway with two reception rooms, study and farmhouse kitchen, this property would suit a growing family looking for rural living with the added benefits of easy access to the M5 and M49 to the southwest and wales. As well as the living accommodation there is a large office space with mezzanine floor to the side, sited where the garage used to be. NO ONWARD CHAIN.

An elegant & superb example of a Grade II listed four bedroom family residence constructed circa 1750 which enjoys a wealth of period features.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful home situated in one of Shirehampton's premier locations. The property benefits from four double bedrooms and two reception rooms with stylish 17'6 kitchen/breakfast room, two bathrooms and downstairs cloaks (suitable for shower room). To the rear is an attractive, mature walled garden with fruit trees, borders, a patio area and some practical outbuildings and Summer House.

Westbury on Trym £324,950

Westbury on Trym £315,000

A beautiful Victorian family home presented in a Chic boutique style offering lots of original charm and period character. This extended two bedroom home also benefits from a third loft room currently being used as a childs bedroom. The bay fronted living room offers a feature fireplace and sash windows and then there is wonderful open plan extended kitchen/family /dining room to the rear elevation with french doors to a well maintained and secure rear garden with patio dining area and plenty of lawn and shrubs. A truly stunning home which is situated close to both Westbury on Trym village and Henleaze high street which is sure to attract lots of interest.

A wonderful three bedroom semi detached property offering fantastic potential situated on popular Sandyleaze in Westbury on Trym close to Canford Park, Westbury Village and Blaise Castle estate. This three bedroom home has two separate reception rooms, kitchen, first floor bathroom and a lovely well maintained mature rear garden with off street parking to the side of the house and garage to the rear. The property has gas central heating and double glazing

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www.oceanhome.co.uk

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187-189 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2RY

0117 946 6007

Cotham £250,000

Waterfront £289,950

A two double bedroom garden flat in a period building with character features and a stunning South West facing lawned rear garden measuring appros 57ft x 27ft. The garden flat has its own private front door and accommodation comprises a good sized living room to the front with with a sash bay window and wood burning stove, separate kitchen and a contemporary bathroom with a white suite. The property benefits from gas central heating and no onward chain.

What a stunning ground/hall floor apartment! This beautiful waterfront property has stunning views over Bristol's famous harbour and docks, and offers a lot more than just that, accommodation includes two double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, plentiful storage area's, lounge with french doors opening to a wonderful 20'9 x 13'2 'alfresco' dining area and a appliance packed modern kitchen. The property further benefits from underground secured allocated parking space and a secure bicycle storage area.

Redland £550,000

Cotham £650,000

Ocean are delighted to present to the market this fabulous period home in the extremely popular Alexandra Park, the tastefully decorated accommodation is presented over two floors and offers four bedrooms, bathroom, three reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, wet room and a spacious cellar. Externally there are front and rear gardens and a lovely raised decked 'alfresco' dining area. The property retains many period features and offers a pleasant feeling that only viewing will allow you to appreciate.

An opportunity to purchase this magnificent bath stone fronted Victorian villa currently divided into 4 one bed flats. The building currently house a garden flat and hall floor flat with private entrances and a first floor flat and 2nd floor flat accessed from a separate staircase at the side of the building. There are gardens at the front and the rear, this opportunity is offered with no onward chain.

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w s Ne me Ho

Dockside, Hotwell Road

Starting from £155,000

Brand New Luxury Apartments Integrated NEF kitchen appliances

HFF, Elm Lane, Redland

Contemporary Specification 1 Bedroom Harbour Edge Location Water front views

£320,000 TFF, 2 Gloucester Row, Clifton Village

Regency Hall Floor Apartment 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Stunning Reception Room Off Road Parking Beautiful Communal Gardens

£279,950

Top Floor Apartment 3 Double Bedrooms Modern fitted Kitchen Spacious Lounge Diner Clifton Village Location Modern Bathroom

Stoke Bishop

Westbury Park

Stoke Bishop

This substantial mid-1930s detached family home positioned within a popular Crescent known as Parrys Close offers space and character throughout, comprising; hallway, two receptions and a kitchen/diner. The first floor comprises; four family sized bedrooms, modern family bathroom and en-suite shower room to master bedroom. A South Westerly facing family garden, driveway and garage.

A well balanced period family home situated in the popular Westbury Park, sympathetically updated throughout including loft conversion. On the ground floor; Kitchen, three receptions. First floor has three family size bedrooms, family bathroom and a loft conversion from master bedroom with ensuite shower room. Further benefits; South Westerly garden, GCH, DG and No Chain.

A well-kept detached family home situated within the ever popular Parrys Grove offering; Central hallway, three reception rooms, modern kitchen, utility and conservatory.

The first floor comprises; five family sized bedrooms, two bathrooms. Further benefits; 14m landscaped family garden, integral double garage, driveway, DG, GCH and is marked with no onward chain.

Price Guide £650,000

£425,000

£650,000

Bishopston

Montpelier

Bishopston

Arranged over three storeys, this 1930s family sized five bedroom semi detached home, not only boasts off street parking and a garage, but a 75 foot rear garden. Located a stroll away from the Redland Green School and several local shops, and with easy access to the city centre and local amenities and public transport links.

A truly magnificent and unique residence.

This four storey semi detached period property offers very versatile accommodation, and is currently arranged as a five bedroom, three receptions, and two bathroom property. Many of the rooms offer original style features, and the property boasts a large southerly facing garden with views across Bristol.

Situated on one of the most sought after Bishopston roads, the property is within walking distance to Sefton Park Infant and Junior School and the new Ashley Down Primary School.

This bay fronted, four bedroom family home is arranged over three storeys has a landscaped rear garden and off street parking to the front for two vehicles.

Price Guide £500,000

£500,000

Price Guide £460,000

CJ Hole_Oct.indd 1

19/09/2011 10:50

Harbourside

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ275,000

2 Bedrooms | Open-plan living room | Kitchen | En-suite shower room | Bathroom | Full-width terrace | Secure under-croft parking | Harbourside location Spacious two bedroom apartment on the ground floor of this contemporary and prestigious waterside development. The property has the benefit of a full width terrace with direct access from the living room. Well detailed with en-suite bathroom to bedroom one, further bathroom and well-equipped kitchen. Secure, allocated under-croft parking.

The Apartment Company Oct.indd 1

19/09/2011 17:33

City Centre

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ245,000

2 Bedrooms | Open-plan living room | Kitchen | Cloakroom | En-suite Shower Room | Bathroom | Central Location Highly stylised, contemporary loft style duplex apartment. Open-plan living room to kitchen and cloakroom on the ground floor and a spiral staircase leading to two bedrooms (one with en-suite shower room) and bathroom on the upper floor. Feature lighting, porthole windows and feature lighting create a fantastic atmosphere. Close to the waterside and city centre.

The Apartment Company Oct.indd 2

19/09/2011 17:34

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

0117 974 1741 www.leeseandnagle.co.uk

Sneyd Park £975,000

Lovely 1930’s Stride built 4 bedroom detached family house set in gardens of 0.4 acres.Attractively presented throughout and has the benefit of planning permission for a substantial extension should the incoming owner require more space. Comprises a lovely central hallway, elegant Sitting room opening onto the sun terrace and garden. Large kitchen/breakfast room, family room, utility and cloakroom. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms and a family bathroom. Garage and parking.

Stoke Bishop £665,000

Modern detached house situated adjacent to Stoke Lodge playing fields in a tucked away position. The house has been refurbished to a high standard by the current owners and offers comfortable living spaces for families, retirees or professional couples. Lovely 30’x16’ living room, kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining conservatory. Five good size double bedrooms, two with en suites and a family bathroom. Attractive garden, garage and parking.

Westbury-on-Trym £320,000

A charming and beautifully presented three bedroom, two reception character filled cottage, enjoying a convenient setting in Westbury on Trym. Accommodation comprising sitting room, dining room, fully fitted kitchen, three bedrooms (master en suite) and bathroom.

Courtyard garden. Less than a minute’s walk from Stoke Lane shops.

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

Westbury-On-Trym £875,000

Stunning Victorian Semi detached villa with exceptionally large front and rear gardens. The house is well appointed throughout and ideally suited to families who like outdoor space.

There are four bedrooms (two with en suite), 3 reception rooms, and a lovely kitchen/diner opening onto the 150ft long rear garden. Circa 60 ft front garden, drive and garage.

Stoke Bishop £515,000

A wonderful period home brimming with character positioned on a tucked away private road in the heart of Stoke Bishop. Akin to a countryside oasis in the middle of Bristol the house offers picture postcard looks, attractive gardens south facing gardens (it is called Sunnyside) and lovely open plan living space on the ground floor and four good sized bedrooms upstairs including one in a loft conversion with en suite facilities.

Sneyd Park £235,000

Spacious two double bedroom top floor (with lift) apartment with lovely views over Sneyd Park towards Wales. This apartment has been meticulously refurbished throughout to an extremely high standard. Large lounge with balcony, fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms, one with walk in wardrobe, bathroom and under croft parking and store room.

Here to accommodate.

Leese & Nagle October.indd 1

16/09/2011 19:20

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

0117 974 1741

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

www.leeseandnagle.co.uk

Redland Guide Price £750,000

Big spacious Redland semi situated in Salisbury Road within a few minute’s walk of Redland Green school. The house offers scope for further improvement to the incoming owners requirements if desired. Spacious hall, three reception rooms, kitchen, five double bedrooms, and a family bathroom. Lower ground floor used as an office with three rooms, bathroom and kitchen facilities with planning permission to convert to a flat if desired. Circa 50’ rear garden and off street parking.

Redland £499,000

An attractive well proportioned 5 bedroom Victorian townhouse situated in an excellent position within a few minutes’ walk of Whiteladies Road, Redland Green and local primary and secondary schools. Interconnecting reception rooms, good sized open plan kitchen/breakfast room. Over the top floors are 5 double bedrooms, the master with en-suite, family bathroom and additional WC. Basement storage.

Cotham £299,950

Spacious top floor apartment positioned in a prominent attractive detached Victorian villa in central Cotham. The flat has been attractively refurbished throughout and offers bright and airy adaptable accommodation suitable for discerning professionals seeking a spacious property (circa 1200 sq/ft) or student parents looking for a convenient property for the children and friends whilst at university as it could provide four bedroom accommodation.

Stoke Bishop £565,000

Modern five bedroom detached house situated at the head of a tucked away cul-de-sac in central Stoke Bishop. The house is attractively presented throughout and offers 3 reception rooms a kitchen/breakfast room with doors opening onto the rear garden. Upstairs are five good size bedrooms (master en suite), family bathroom. Garage and off street parking.

Redland £639,950

Good size five bedroom Victorian semi situated in central Redland with level garden, garage and off street parking for two cars. Large kitchen/diner with Aga, Sitting Room, Dining Room, utility and garden room. Five bedrooms and bathroom. Lower floor semi basement storage rooms with potential and garage.

Redland £289,950

A stunning hall floor apartment in a handsome Victorian House. Period elegance and generous proportions with high ceilings and this is effectively combined with stylish and contemporary design. Light and airy sitting room with folding doors to the separate modern kitchen/breakfast room with central island. The property has two double bedrooms, one with en suite walk in wet room/w.c. and a further bathroom with Jacuzzi bath. No onward chain.

Here to accommodate.

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