Bristol Life - Issue 292

ISSUE 292 / CHRISTMAS 2020 / £3

CELEBRATING THE CITY

ISSUE 292 / CHRISTMAS 2020 / WISH IT COULD BE BRISTMAS EVERY DAY

HARBOUR FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST FAMILY LAWYERS

Harbour Family Law is a niche family law practice that is committed to helping individuals achieve a dignified, respectful resolution to their separation, divorce or dissolution.

H “I could not fault the advice and support I received from Harbour Family Law. A difficult period of time in my life was definitely made easier for me. I would rate this company as nothing less than outstanding” For more testimonials visit us online: www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk

We are specialist family solicitors based in Clifton in Bristol, Portishead and Clevedon and provide our clients with practical, timely and specialist legal advice, providing a supportive framework in which they can achieve an amicable, reasonable agreement which preserves relationships and protects any children of the family.

Please telephone us to discuss your situation or e-mail confidentially: mail@harbourfamilylaw.co.uk

31 Regent Street, HEAD OFFICE Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HR Tel: +44 (0) 117 3751780

Kestrel Court,Harbour Road, Portishead, BS20 7AN Tel: +44(0) 1275 285414

45 Hill Road, Clevedon, BS21 7PD Tel: +44(0) 1275 741202

EDITOR’S LETTER

S

o, this is Bristmas 2020. At this point in the month, we’re normally as excited as a toddler who’s drunk two espressos and been given a kitten.

And in fact, despite the allencompassing ‘everything’, we are feeling defiantly Christmassy; it would be hard not to, what with the city looking so beautiful and sparkly.

One day, maybe soon, Bristol will return to normal. Our theatre foyers will be packed and buzzing again; waiters won’t wear plastic visors or point thermometers at our heads like gunmen in a heist. When we watch films made in 2019, we’ll cease to goggle at the busy streets and carefree partygoers as if they came from another century.

Until then, we’ll keep everything crossed for a tier upgrade while trying to help indie businesses ride out the storm. We’ll order takeaways from our favourite restaurants; we’ll buy Christmas gifts from small local shops.

Supporting them is hardly a massive act of altruism, after all; in return you’ll receive original goods that are lovingly made, and restaurant-quality meals that bring colour and flavour into what threatens to be a pretty flavourless and colourless couple of weeks.

These places aren’t owned by some faraway consortium, but by human beings – Bristol human beings, the very best kind. They’re an integral part of our community, which they in turn love and support. If they fail, we all fail, and the city will be poorer for it.

Speech over. Big Bristmas love to you, and all in your bubble

DERI ROBINS Ever wondered how we evolve our front covers? It starts with an image – the one you’ll see on page 15.

Next, perhaps, the decision to crop and zoom in. Our cover designer Trev Gilham comes up with a variety of treatments; everyone has a different favourite, but finally a winner is chosen. Which would you have picked?

Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 3

Issue 292 / Bristmas 2020 COVER etail from full story on page 1

18

adonna and Child by ody;

BRISTMAS

10 THE NICE LIST o, how are we meant to fit this pub

into a Christmas stocking again

© GER AINT LEWIS

THE ARTS

15 ART PAGE nd this is why tokes Croft can’t have

nice things

16 WHAT’S ON(LINE) o be honest, we’re guessing at

this point

18 THEATRE hese online shows, at least, are a

guaranteed festive cert

22 BOOKS o celebrity stocking filler tat here, ust some

damn good reads

24 BRISTOL HEROES ife on the streets, and how to

photograph it

FOOD & DRINK

32

30 RESTAURANT ocial distancing with Christmas

bells on

32 COCKTAILS ood libations 36 FOOD AND DRINK ourdough continues on its

path to world domination, and we are here for it

43 STAN f you want him, he’ll be in a caf

SHOPPING

44 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE ocal wrap stars 56 FASHION parkle like somebody’s watching

BUSINESS

67 BRISTOLWORKS ews, views and are hares

for all

PROPERTY

77 PROPERTY NEWS he future’s bright green 78 SHOWCASE hey had us at the second living room is

big enough for three indoor wisteria trees’

24

ALSO. . .

6 9 29 90

SPOTLIGHT BRIZZOGRAM ON THE RADIO am elly BRISTMAS QUIZ

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Milly Vaughan Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk New business manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jake Horwood jake.horwood@mediaclash.co.uk Production/distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

4 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT Bristmas

LET THE BELLS RING OUT FOR BRISTMAS If you head down to the city centre this month, you’re in for a big surprise.

Actually, hold that thought; it’s almost impossible to be surprised by Bristol at Christmas. The only surprise would be if there wasn’t a surprise. And sure enough, the city’s wondrous creativity is currently out in force, with a campaign to light up the night with some of the most loved seasonal lyrics of all time.

Organised by Bristol City Centre BID, over 100 business have come together to make a little bit of magic happen, and to bring unexpected joy during our evening walks. Every day, another building will be lit up with lyrics, from Fairytale on King Street to Jingle Bell Rock on St George’s, creating an illuminated trail.

Tier, schmier: get ready to Step into Christmas, Bristol. We got this.

For more: bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

Music

SOUNDS OF THE CITY, BABY

© @BRYNWEBLEY

2020 has sparked creativity all over the country, and now Bristol Beacon is calling on the people of Bristol to express their feelings about the Year of Weirdness through words and music for a new participatory project. Inspired by the mass singing events of World War II, held at the Hall formerly known as Colston, A New Song for Bristol aims to bring the city together through music. The submitted pieces will be collected into a living archive as part of Bristol Beacon’s heritage exhibitions on the venue’s reopening; some will be hand-picked as the inspiration for new pieces of music by Bristol-based artists such as Lady Nade (below). A New Song for Bristol is open for submissions from the public until the end of January.

For more: bristolbeacon.org/anewsongforbristol

History

HIDDEN BRISTOL

ristol pen oors have launched a new idden ristol app, o ering three audio walking tours that reveal the hidden secrets of Bristol; a perfect lockdown activity over the holidays, either alone or taken with your household bubble. Created by theatre-makers, historians and curators, the guided walks celebrate three aspects of the city: Vibrant Bristol: Street Art and the Painted City; Hidden Harbour: Stories of a Radical City, and Historic Bristol: Through Time and Temple. Originally experienced by over 2,500 people during Bristol Open Doors in September, the tours are available for a one-time purchase of £5.99; each download supports the charity behind Bristol Open Doors. For more: bristolopendoors.org.uk

6 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

THE LEAST IT CAN DO IS SNOW…

It’s been quite the year; you’d think the universe might throw us a bone in the form of a white Bristmas. As a massive hint, we’ve trawled the archives for some of our favourite instas from Bristmases past

@inside.bristol

@kris.avery

@sambinding

@inside.bristol

@neiljamesb

@chrshill

@benm.photo

@louisbsmith95

@bristoljj

@lz.bristol

@jameshholmes

@t0m.wright

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 9

3

1

2

The NICE list

Good news! According to a certain Christmas advert, we’re all off the hook. As a reward for putting up with the Year of Weirdness, we’ve all been given a get-out-of-jail-free card for our sins, meaning that nobody’s on Santa’s Naughty list. OK; so who wants what, then?

Pat wants crowds back in the stadium, and Tom wants a full theatre. Jody wants a hedgetrimmer, and Emma wants a pub. Marvin wants a hammock. Stan wants a magical cake – or failing that, any kind of cake . . .

1

MARVIN REES, MAYOR OF BRISTOL At a city level, this Christmas I’d like a safe and stable home for every child in Bristol. On a personal level, I’d like a hammock.

2

TOM MORRIS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, BRISTOL OLD VIC My best imaginable Christmas presents would be: a bantom; a new album by June Tabor; a DVD of Ben Stokes’ hundred against Australia in 2019; an adaptor which allowed me to use headphones while recharging my phone; a ruined farmhouse in the Forest of Dean, which I could slowly rebuild over the next 20 years. And a full theatre.

3

5

4

6

LINN WAITE, PRODUCER, EARLY DAY FILMS I’d love the Watershed and Cube to be open and showing classic Christmas movies on the big screen; my choices would be White Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

JODY THOMAS, ARTIST A cordless hedge-trimmer. I’ve cut through the wire of my inherited trimmer so many times it’s got slowly shorter every summer. Also, the final interior pieces for my Landrover project car; only four years in the making. I buy at least two coats or jackets a year but never throw them away.

Pretty much every stitch of clothing I buy will eventually be demoted to painting clothes. Given the year it’s been, I’m also going to buy myself some art from artists to support them – some from Bristol, some from further afield.

4

SHEILA HANNON, CREATIVE PRODUCER, SHOW OF STRENGTH A pair of Scrooge earrings, as played by Alastair Sim, from renownfilms.co.uk. They also sell a Bah Humbug print by Steve Lilly, and Margaret Rutherford earrings; a pair of those too, please.

7

EMMA RICE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, WISE CHILDREN I want a public house; aren’t they fantastic words, when you think about it? I want one of the many local pubs that have been forced to close in recent years. I want to breathe new life into it, and into the community it serves. I imagine a

6

5 10 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

RICHARD JONES, PUBLISHER, TANGENT BOOKS Wales to beat England at everything. Free public transport. Bristol Rovers promoted. The introduction of Cider Day as a public holiday.

CHRISTMAS

7

9

10

8

big kitchen and a large events room where Wise Children can make work, teach, eat and make music together. I imagine cosy upstairs bedrooms where friends and artists can come and visit to find themselves restored, renewed and inspired.

And then, at the weekend, we would open our doors to the beautiful public. Ours would be a pub that told stories and encouraged dance.

Ours would be a pub that had music and poetry flowing out of the windows and laughter cascading onto the street. We would drink fine local beer and eat delicious local produce.

Overnight, the Wise Children team would turn from actors to waiters, administrators to chefs – and who knows, I might even pull pints! That’s what I want for Christmas: The Wise Child!

8

THANGAM DEBBONAIRE, MP FOR BRISTOL WEST I’d like some kind of electronic notebook that can store my handwritten notes and synchronise them with my computer. This is a big step for me; I am someone who cannot pass a stationery shop without perusing the notebooks and fountain pens. But I can see that maybe it’s time for me to get with the programme, cut down on the number of paper notebooks I carry around with me and try something more portable, and I’ve heard there are some which look and feel like actual notebooks, which is encouraging.

9

LARKIN KEN, CHEF, WOKY KO A new set of golf clubs, and some time in 2021 to get back into playing again. I used to be quite good!

10

TESS LIDSTONE, RESTAURANT MANAGER, BOX-E I have ‘eye pillow’ written in my iPhone notes; however, if I found a Psychopomp ‘Staying Gin’ package in my stocking then I’d be very happy.

Even happier if my close family had one too, so we could cheer each other with the same drinks via the power of WhatsApp.

11

CATHY MAGER, CREATIVE PRODUCER, BRISTOL BEACON Our A New Song for Bristol inspires people to write and light up the dark nights with inspiring new songs and poems about Bristol. We might not be able to have carol singing, but our living rooms can be alive with music through the many online concerts on offer. I’d also like the Queen to learn British Sign Language online, and do the entire Queen’s speech in BSL. Snow on Christmas day, so Perett Park, aka the Totterdown Alps, transforms into a snowswept, socially distanced Brueghel painting once again. That all our Christmas trees are surrounded by presents bought from local businesses that have been unable to open, but are still selling online.

12

KAM KELLY, DJ, SAM FM I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want for Christmas. Not to cry during my annual viewing of Love Actually. Not to scream “F*** you Gruber!” at the end of my annual viewing of Die Hard. Not to look like an embarrassing family member at a wedding during my annual dance to All I Want for Christmas is You. Not to feel guilty for not sending Christmas cards when pasting faces onto online dancing elves will do. Not to get into a relationship pre-Christmas which inevitably ends up in divvying up how much time is spent with who’s family. Failing all that, socks, aftershave and money will be fine.

13

MARTI BURGESS, PARTNER AT BEVAN BRITTAN, CHAIR OF ST PAULS CARNIVAL A Peleton bike, as the cheap imitation I bought in the first week of the last lockdown broke after about six weeks, and thanks to the gyms being closed I am feeling my clothes getting tighter.

Tickets to go to Jamaica as soon as we are allowed – I need the beach, sunshine, buckets of rum and jerk chicken. If I don’t get the tickets to Jamaica, a really nice bottle of aged rum would suffice. A Kamado Joe BBQ, so I can make the jerk chicken to go with the rum. Books – preferably ones set in the Caribbean, so I can dream about being in Jamaica again.

14

12

11

13 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 11

CHRISTMAS

17

15 16

14

18

18

21

MARK OLVER, COMEDIAN AND HOST WITH THE MOST I’d like a cowboy hat. And boots. And chaps. And a denim jacket with tassels. And I’d like society to not judge me for wearing these.

MARK TAYLOR, FOOD AND MUSIC JOURNALIST One of the only real upsides of not eating out twice a day due to the restrictions has been that I’ve finally lost all the weight I gained reviewing restaurants over the past 20 years. The problem is that I’m having to walk around hoisting up my trousers, so some posh Jermyn Street braces is high on my Christmas list to avoid any embarrassing incidents in 2021.

16

19

22

MARTIN KISZKO, COMPOSER AND AUTHOR New dance shoes: a magic pair, that will also bring a partner.

15

NIKESH SHUKLA, AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST For Christmas, I’d really like one of the many streaming services to show the film Mississippi Masala, because it’s a classic I’ve not seen since I was a teenager and I really want to watch it again.

And a treadmill. And room for a treadmill.

17

COLIN MOODY, PHOTOJOURNALIST All I wanted for Christmas was to see Giuliani giving a speech outside Four Seasons Landscaping between a dildo shop and a funeral parlour. It was high art. It was perfect. It was a gift to us all.

19

STAN CULLIMORE, HOUSEMARTIN GUITARIST TURNED JOURNALIST A cake that cures Covid, makes you thinner the more you eat it, and smells like raspberries. If that’s not available, I’d happily settle for a cake.

Any cake, really. Doesn’t pay to be fussy when it comes to gifts. Oh, and a really nice cup of coffee to go with it.

20

LUKE JERRAM, MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST I’d like a blanket ban on homelessness. The first lockdown showed that we can get everyone off the streets if there is the political will to do so.

EMMA KEAVENEY-ROYS, ACTOR If Santa were somehow unfeasibly rich and generous this year, I would request a theatre-sized projection screen and a waterproof projector, so that I could set it up on the pontoon in Bristol Marina where I live, and we could all watch the Die Hard franchise from our boats and the surrounding flats; passers-by could join in, too. Christmas Bruce for all to enjoy.

DOMINIC BOREL, CO-OWNER OF THE PASTA LOCO GROUP A negroni or three. A Brexit rethink. Some rest.

A run to Italy. A two-day long lunch.

23

PAT LAM, DIRECTOR OF RUGBY, BRISTOL BEARS My Christmas wish is to have supporters back in stadiums. We’ve missed being able to celebrate with our fans, and it’s just not the same without their passion and backing. It will bring festive cheer to the city to be able to enjoy live sport together as soon as it’s safe to do so.

21

22 20 12 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

23

A UNIQUE GALLERY OF WORKS TO OWN BY SOME OF THE WORLDS GREATEST ARTISTS Picasso, Banksy, Matisse, Warhol, Hirst, Emin, Dali

Now open Framed by Hidden. Picture framing at No7 The Clifton Arcade 6 -10 The Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA www.hiddengallery.co.uk | hiddenrare@outlook.com | Telephone: 0117 279 6402

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

A STREET-ART NATIVITY There’s a poignant story behind our Christmas cover this year, which was taken from a piece by Jody Thomas. It’s shown in its full glory above; this photo is the only way you can see it now.

“I painted the Madonna and Child in Stokes Croft over two very cold days in the run-up to Christmas 2012,” says Jody.

“I based the design on an old stained-glass window I’d found with the help of Father Christopher, a priest I knew from my local church in Whitchurch. I adapted it and added some of my own details. It was so cold during that weekend that the gold paint barely wanted to leave the can, then it refused to dry and ran down the wall.

“I wanted to paint something classically religious in an unexpected setting. The feedback I got was very divided. Most people stopped by to say they loved it, others questioned, why that? Why here? It was a very polarising wall, which wasn’t surprising given its subject and location.

“Sadly, it lasted less than 48 hours before being deliberately taken out by another gra ti writer it probably took him less than ten minutes to ruin it.

“I’m usually OK about my work being painted over, as it’s part of the ephemeral nature of street art, but I did want that one to last at least until Christmas.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 15

WHAT’ ’

© GER AINT LEWIS

11 December 2020-2 January 2021

Listings were as correct as they could be at time of going to press, but please check websites and social media for latest information

ART

Ongoing

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION The Royal Photographic Society’s gallery is currently closed, but you can still view the 162nd outing of the world’s longest running photography exhibition virtually, and admire the work of 43 international photographers. rps.org SUGAR PAPER THEORIES: Meanwhile, also at the RPS, the icecool Sugar Paper Theories is a true-life Nordic noir, as Bristol photographer Jack Latham chronicles the most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history. rps.org

Until 20 December

CHRIS KILLIP: THE STATION The recently deceased Killip’s vivid photographic document of the style, theatricality and raw energy of the anarcho-punk movement which flourished under hatcher; martinparrfoundation.org

Until 31 December

CHANTAL JOFFE: FOR ESME – WITH LOVE AND SQUALOR An exploration of the intimate act of

painting and portraiture, capturing the changing faces across the years of Chantal and her daughter Esme.

Also another chance to hear Art in the City, a conversation with Chantal o e. nline at arnolfini.org.uk

FROM THE HYMAN COLLECTION A group exhibition of contemporary women photographers, featuring autobiographical perspectives and social commentaries; arnolfini.org.uk

Fairy godmother Annette Curtains hosts a uni uely filthy and interactive Christmas show, streamed straight to your living room; make sure the kids are in bed before tuning in, yeah? bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 17 January 2021

Until 5 April 2021

Until 14 December

DENZIL FORRESTER: ITCHIN & SCRATCHIN Denzil’s paintings capture the vibrant energy of the dimly lit dance halls of 1980s London and today’s open-air clubs of amaica; spikeisland.org.uk

Until 21 February

JO SPENCE: FROM FAIRY TALES TO PHOTOTHERAPY Drawn from one of the most comprehensive collections of Jo Spence’s works in the world, and focusing on the intersection between arts, health and wellbeing. At rnolfini; arnolfini.org.uk

Until 28 February 2021

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? Bristol Museum takes a look at the way that magic has been used to heal, hurt and harm down the ages; bristolmuseums.org.uk A PICTURE OF HEALTH: WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS

16 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BEING HUMAN Can art capture what it is to be human? Many notable sculptors have had a go; see the results at ristol useum; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 3 May 2021

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR This year’s batch of beautiful, disturbing, thought-provoking, wildin-tooth-and-claw winning shots from the world of nature; at hed, as per. bristolmuseums.org.uk

2 January-7 March 2021

168TH OPEN EXHIBITION he ’s nnual pen returns for its 168th year with a wide variety of work from emerging and established artists; rwa.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 12 December STREAMING BEAUTY

FOOTSTEPS IN THE SNOW Bedminster’s acta theatre present a family performance set in a wintry wonderland; acta-bristol.com

Until 22 December

BS3 SANTA Street theatre meets travelling Santa’s grotto in Bemmie, as Bristol favourites Stewart Wright and Lucy Tuck bring Santa and Elf literally to your doorstep; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 24 December

RAYMOND BRIGGS’ FATHER CHRISTMAS: ONLINE TFT has teamed up digitally with the Lyric Hammersmith and Bristol’s Pins and Needles to beam a magical production of the Briggs classic into your home; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 30 December

SHERLOCK IN HOMES Don your deerhunter, grab your notepad, boil your kettle and join

© MAT THEW HENRY, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR 2020

WHAT’S ON

OPPOSITE PAGE: Humbug! A Christmas Carol ABOVE: Hot Georgian gossip, Luke Wright style LEFT: Spend a night in with the Chagalls

Snow Moose, Wildlife Photographer of the Year show

© STEVE TANNER

TOP RIGHT:

stage at The Wardrobe, and doing what it does best; closereachday.co.uk

14 December-3 January

SLEEPING BEAUTY The Redgrave brings the fun of panto direct to your home, through a handy streamed link. redgravetheatre.com

18 December

INSTANT WIT Need a laugh? Welcome the local improv favourites back to Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

Until 28 February

BRISTOL OLD VIC AT HOME Five big-hitters from the back catalogue: A Christmas Carol, The Grinning Man, Swallows and Amazons, Messiah and The Night that Autumn Turned to Winter; full run-down begins on page18. bristololdvic.org.uk

12 December

MARK STEEL & FRIENDS The award-laden Mark headlines the return of Comedy at the Gate; ashtongatestadium.co.uk

11 December

LUKE WRIGHT: THE BALLAD SELLER

Wordsmith Luke retells the stories of Georgian balladeers, who would hawk their verse proclamations of scandalous a airs, grisly crimes, and colourful characters on street corners for a penny. At Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

11-18 December

THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK If you missed the live-streamed show, Kneehigh’s deliriously romantic tale of the love a air between arc and Bella Chagall is available online, on-demand. The two-actor cast are breathtaking. bristololdvic.org.uk

14 December

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest running improvised comedy soap is back on

BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF IDEAS The autumn programme of online events; see full list at ideasfestival.co.uk

Until 13 December

SANTAS ON THE RUN ... goes freestyle! Choose a route, location and distance, then get fundraising: skip, run, walk ride, hop, skate or sledge. And dress up, obviously. chsw.org.uk

18 December-3 January

ROBIN HOOD Watch Craig Revel Horwood being helplessly upstaged by Sooty at Hippodrome; actual show in an actual theatre. atgtickets.com

Until 16 December (Wednesday evenings)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Living Spit put their trademark spin on the tale as old as time; live at Bristol Old Vic; bristololdvic.org.uk

20-28 December

ANGELS IN BRISTOL: THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS IN NINE MIRACLES It’s the nativity, but not as you know it. Don’t miss this unique

SNOW DAY A wintry tale about family and friendship for children aged 3-8, at The Station; thelittlethingstheatre.co.uk

Ongoing

FLIX DRIVE-IN PANTO: CINDERELLA Ashton Gate will be hosting its first drive in panto this Christmas, as Flix Drive-In take on Cinders in a new, never before seen way. ashtongatestadium.co.uk

18 December- 9 January

21 December

OTHER

18-24 December

Sharp Teeth over Zoom to solve a murder mystery from your own home. bristololdvic.org.uk

collaboration between some of Bristol’s top creative talent and the local community. Register for free to receive a new story in your inbox every day; see p 21. bristololdvic.org.uk

CRIME AND CRINOLINES IN CLIFTON Take a stroll with Show of Strength and learn a whole bunch of stu you never knew about Bristol’s most swellegant suburb; stagestubs.com

Until 3 January

GROMIT UNLEASHED: THE GRAND ADVENTURE A new trail for the Gromits, with seven new designs as well as the return of some old friends, at Cribbs Causeway; grandappeal.org.uk n

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 17

‘TIS THE SEASON It’s mid-December – normally the time when Christmas shows are in full swing. Hurrah! Except that it’s not a normal year, and the theatres are mostly closed. Boo! But hang on just a minute; what’s this? Bristol Old Vic are showing some of their best-ever Christmas shows digitally, for us to watch at home? Thrice hurrah! Three cheers for Mr Scrooge, and God bless us, every one!

Digital recording: not as easy as it looks

THEATRE

A

s we’ve learned from countless MGM summer-stock musicals, theatre-makers are a resilient bunch. Faced with the kind of obstacles that would floor less imaginative folk, they think outside the box. No ready-made stage available? Hey! My uncle has a barn! Let’s put the show on right there!

However, lockdown presented a problem that no-one – no, not even a terminally plucky Mickey Rooney – had faced before. Lacking a physical theatre is one thing – you can, indeed put a play on in a barn, or a church hall, or a tent – but showbiz just ain’t showbiz without an audience.

Clearly, a vertigo-inducing amount of pivoting was called for.

“Theatres all over the country responded to the devastation of lockdown with wild invention,” says Tom Morris, artistic director of Bristol Old Vic. “From the Minack in Cornwall to Slung Low in Leeds, the rules of theatre have been rewritten on an hourly basis. Inspired by colleagues across the country, we were determined to do whatever was necessary to continue offering live, inspiring entertainment to Bristol. In the chaos of lockdown, we are pursuing experiments which will bring laughter, entertainment, music and poeticism to you at home, as well as in the theatre.”

In other words: hey kids, let’s take the shows online! While the Bristol Old Vic winter season has optimistically scheduled a smattering of live shows, the programme mostly comes down to this: filmed versions of some of their greatest hits, screened in a digital form so that people can watch them at home.

Here’s how it works. Between now and the end of February, five much-loved productions from Bristol Old Vic’s back catalogue will be available on demand.

All five productions can be accessed with a season pass costing just £12.99 – that’s cheaper than a bumper tin of Quality Street! – which gives unlimited access to the full season until 28 February 2021. Individual shows can also be viewed separately for £4.50.

Running alongside the digital shows are a few live-streamed plays, shown in a socially-distanced theatre to the few and screened to the masses; we’ll get to those in a bit. First of all, let’s breakdown those five online shows, which are all available to watch right now.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

What? Simply one of our two most-favourite-ever Bristol Old Vic Christmas shows. The other one was Peter Pan, Pan, if anyone cares.

Who’s it for? Kids aged 7+ and their lucky, lucky families.

What’s the story? You seriously need to ask? OK. It’s Christmas Eve, and a bleak night awaits miserly money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge. Before dawn breaks he’ll be visited by a series of ghosts, who show him chilling portraits of his past, present and future. Will he come to see the bitter truth of his selfish life and the true meaning of Christmas by morning? It’s just a hunch, but we reckon he might . . .

Why should we watch? It’s a Christmas feast of a show, with a charismatic John Hopkins as Scrooge, a witty script by Tom Morris and ebullient performances all round.

Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man. What did the critics say? “A witty captivatingly fresh look at Dickens” – The Stage Told you it was funny. Anything else? It’s Bristol Old Vic’s best-selling Christmas show of all time.

THE GRINNING MAN

What? Cult musical created by Tom Morris and Carl Grose. Just like Les Misérables,, it was adapted from a story by Victor Hugo, but instead of ‘French Misérables revolution’ think ‘dark fairy tale set in a vaguely mediaeval kingdom peppered with fairground freaks, lascivious royals and friendly wolves’.

Who’s it for? 12+ What’s the story? A bizarre new act has arrived at Stokes Croft fairground.

Who is Grinpayne, and how did he get his hideous smile? An epic tale of an abandoned, disfigured child, the sightless girl who loves him, and a father figure with a secret.

Why should we watch? Because it’s a modern masterpiece, with buckets of brio and endless amounts of wit, originality and invention. It has the best score we’ve heard in a musical for decades; you’ll want to buy the record. The puppetry by Gyre & Gimble is astonishing, and the vocals are spinetingling; just wait until you hear Sean Kingsley, who sounds exactly like Tom Waits.

Grab your box of locally-made artisan popcorn and settle down after dinner with A Christmas Carol

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 19

© BEN ROBINS PHOTOGR APHY

THEATRE

“Ebenezer took a dim view of the social distance flaunting on Christmas Steps“

What did the critics reckon? “Blackly comic brilliance” – The Telegraph Anything else? We’ve always thought it was the theatre’s best-ever Christmas show that was never actually a Christmas show.

THE NIGHT THAT AUTUMN TURNED TO WINTER

What? Little Bulb Theatre’s tale of woodland critters in a wintry wonderland.

Who’s it for? 2-6 year-olds What’s the story? Winter is on its way, and in the wild wood animals of all shapes and sizes are busy getting ready for the cold season ahead.

Why should we watch? What else are you going to do, stick Frozen on for the millionth time?

What did the critics reckon? “Silliness and wonder… in bumper Christmassize portions” - The Guardian Anything else? As anyone who knows anything about theatre will tell you, shows devised for tots can be among the most magical and inventive of all.

20 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MESSIAH

What?A A powerful dramatisation of Handel’s masterpiece, and a chance to see and hear the piece as the composer controversially intended: performed to audiences in a theatre, rather than in a sacred space.

Who’s it for? 11+ What’s the story? The death of a messianic leader has left his bereaved community of followers struggling with conflict, doubt and the shaking of faith that this has awoken.

Why should we watch? It features internationally renowned soloists Catherine Wyn Rogers and Julia Doyle, The Erebus Ensemble and Europe’s most celebrated Baroque orchestra, The English Concert, under the baton of Harry Bicket.

What did the critics reckon? “Direct and impactful” – The Times Anything else? Recorded in 2017, this acclaimed interpretation had 28,000 views when it launched the theatre’s first online season in May.

SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS

What? Based on the classic story by Arthur Ransome, the show was originally staged in 2010 as a new musical. It was recorded at Bristol Old Vic in 2014, following a West End run and UK tour.

Who’s it for? 7+ kids, and adults with a taste for nostalgia.

What’s the story? A tale of endless summer evenings and the beauty of youthful imagination, as four children sail off on an exotic adventure, encountering barbarians, pirates and other mortal enemies.

Why should we watch? It’s the show Bristol Old Vic audiences have most requested to be revived in the last decade.

What did the critics reckon? “Warm-hearted, affectionate and fun.. a breezy, ship-shape and Bristol-fashion delight” – The Telegraph Anything else? Songs are by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.

THE LIVE-STREAMED SHOWS

Here’s where it gets a bit complicated. While all the shows in the At Home season were already in the can, since September Bristol Old Vic has also been experimenting with live streams from productions restaged, or staged for the first time, in the actual theatre. Some had live audiences, such as Wise Children’s Romantics Anonymous.

Anonymous. Others took place during lockdown – Hedda by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, for example – and so these went directly to digital.

At time of going to press, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk had finished its livestreamed run, but is available on-demand at home between 11-18 December.

Finally, for a strictly adult offering, Sharp Teeth’s next adventure will be Streaming Beauty (9-19 December) in collaboration with Tom Marshman; a uniquely filthy and interactive Christmas show, brought to you through the Christmas miracle of Zoom.

LIVE SHOWS FOR ACTUAL AUDIENCES

In a statement of shameless optimism and cheer for December, Bristol Old Vic has also announced the first of its live Christmas offerings: a ‘chaotic new comedy for older children and adults’, in the form of Beauty and the Beast (18 December – 9 January). The tale as old as time is brought to you by Living Spit’s Howard and Stu, who have never let the fact that they’re a two-man troupe stop them from taking on an epic. Expect a Disney-defying musical version of the story about beauty and true lurvve.

STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX...

Stop press... Lastly, but definitely not leastly, we have Angels in Bristol: The Story of Christmas in Nine Miracles. The stories, which will be delivered one-a-day between 20- 28 December, have been created from new poems by Vanessa Kisuule, with music from Dan Jones and Guy Hughes and imagery by Limbic Cinema.

Angels will be filmed in many Bristol locations, from St Paul’s Adventure Playground to The Black Swan in Easton to Underfall Yard, from Bristol primary schools to people’s doorsteps, to showcase the way an entire community can come together to tell stories of comfort and joy. Register for free.

(No mention of the tenth miracle, which will be these listings still being up-todate when this magazine comes out...)

FROM TOP: the eclectic At Home programme includes

The Night that Autumn Turned to Winter; Messiah; Swallows and Amazons, and The Grinning Man

All of which goes to show, to paraphrase Dickens, that Tom Morris knows how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possesses the knowledge. ■ All tickets and more info at bristololdvic.org.uk

“We’ve always thought that The Grinning Man was the theatre’s best-ever Christmas show that was never actually a Christmas show” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 21

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

A good year for books

Well, we guess it had to be good for something. Hold the celebrity biographies; instead, stick these 2020 crackers in the Christmas stocking . . .

N

ot for the first time in 2020, we’ve found ourselves preparing to open our bookshop to the public after a prolonged closure. This time around we were a little more prepared for taking online orders only but, this being Christmas, the shop was beginning to resemble a tiny and slightly untidy warehouse. , fine a very untidy warehouse.

Beavering away with the doors closed and only the books for company encouraged some reflection, though, and we realised something.

Among the chaos and upset, the publishing world managed to quietly present some absolute stunners, and turn this year into an unexpectedly bountiful one for great books.

Without a doubt, our most anticipated title for the year was Earthlings, by the enigmatic Japanese author Sayaka Murata.

Her previous novel, Convenience Store Woman, was an unexpected international phenomenon thanks to its blunt yet accessible style. So

“Among the chaos of 2020, the publishing world managed to quietly present some absolute stunners” 22 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

obviously she followed it up with a superimmersive experimental novel about a woman who believes she is an alien and spends her time talking to a space hedgehog named Piyyut (who also happens to grace the cover). It’s not for the fainthearted, and it may polarise your fireside discussions at book club this month, but for sheer entertainment value we found it hard to beat.

Similarly entertaining but very much more down to earth was Hannelore Cayre’s stylish and witty barnstormer The Godmother, which introduced us to Patience Portefeux, a lowly translator turned burgeoning queen of the Parisian crime underworld in a delicious and inhalable novelette. Likewise, The Adventures Of China Iron gave us a heroine with grit and palpable gumption: Gabriel Cabezón Cámara’s feminist retelling of an old Argentinian legend has a whisky-chugging Scottish woman in it, it’s a gay love story and it’s only 200 pages long (we are big fans of brevity).

Perhaps appropriately, given recent events, some of our favourite books this year showed us the heart of America. Pew, Catherine Lacey’s haunting fable about an unnamed, ungendered and completely unknown stranger who arrives in an unnamed town in the country’s deep south, is a masterclass in tension, slowly revealing just how the gracious hospitality of a community can only go so far.

Jia Tolentino’s immensely readable

collection of essays, Trick Mirror, proved to be just as intriguing as its title, distilling and dissecting topics ranging from campus sexual assault to the prevalence of pre-packaged salads for o ce lunches with e ual rigour, a picture of contemporary America drawn by a writer who is deeply immersed within it.

And then there was Real Life, Brandon Taylor’s Booker-nominated début novel about a mild-mannered biologist who in one lifechanging weekend reckons with his own status as a gay black man. In many ways it’s one of the quietest novels of the year, a tender and melancholy story about reticence, shame and ignored injustices, but, such is the intangible magic of a good book, it reveals so much more after you’ve turned the last page.

2021 will have to do well to beat this year for good books (we’ve read some already; more on that next time), but for now we’re content to look back. You may notice that our favourite books this year weren’t the celebrity autobiographies some retailers may guide you towards, and looking beyond the bestsellers is something we always try to encourage.

As we welcome our customers back in the shop, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing once again in our e orts to pair every reader with their perfect Christmas gift. Well, once we’ve tidied up a bit.

Storysmith is now open at 49 North Street; www.storysmithbooks.com

1

LIFE ON THE STREETS s a Christmas gift to you, Colin o ers eight tips to get you started in photo ournalism, shooting life as it happens, unposed, on the streets of ristol.

Colin knows what he’s talking about. e’d listen if we were you.

Words and photos by Colin Moody 24 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

O

K; it’s not a normal year. So in this special Christmas issue I thought I’d give you something di erent a street photography workshop.

I want to enthuse you to shoot on the street yourself. o find things that inspire you, motivate you, places you love, people you care about. It’s not just an exercise; it’s also about positivity. It’s good for your mental health, and the walking is good for you, too. So, grab your phone and camera, and take some snaps . . .

2

3

1

Let’s talk about light. The way it changes in the day; where shadows fall. And maybe how we bring so much light of our own into this world. ere’s a ristol hero. fire o cer responding to an alarm in a high-storey hotel in the centre of the city, on the last Saturday night before the second lockdown began. hat blue flashing light has saturated everything the onlooker, the scene. ake snaps of light flooding in to the camera. Feel that. And try to add just a little contrast.

In his cab, it’s the red light. I’m running this shot as hot and cold.

Maybe go and shoot that sunset. Look for the colours in the shadows. You may notice the sun setting, but it’s the details that make it memorable. Shoot the cloud above you, and look carefully. There are at least six colours in every cloud. o on; count them. et soft, di used light and colour into your shots.

2

When a storm approaches, don’t wait until the sun comes breaking out of the clouds. Look at what the light does when the sun is hidden; how it pushes light out in waves. How it’s studio-lighting that cloud on the left there. And don’t be afraid of the big dark spaces.

The estates in this shot are like anchors that snag at that thin bit of light above them. Feel the shape of the cloud. Let that be the star. Don’t just shoot the landmarks.

Follow the weather, and see where it takes you. See where the rain is blowing. Where the puddles form. Take a story of the day, and make it about this cloud, perhaps. Take several shots, and see how its form develops. Don’t worry if you get a splat of rain on the lens, like I did here.

3

A missionary from Henleaze blowing an Israeli yak horn while flying the nion ack in ast treet.

Things happen. Shoot them. And make a note where to stand. Don’t just shoot things right in front of you. n this instance saw the gra ti, and thought it would make more compositional sense to have it represented in the shot as if it was emitting from the horn.

Don’t worry about leaving other people in the shot.

Sometimes your compositions might be a bit cluttered, so think what do you need to see in there se your instinct.

Move closer, or back away, rather than crop. Get it right in the camera. used some flash here, but not too much.

Needs it, otherwise it’s too grimy. We need to pop some light on him so he emits the energy in the scene.

4 4

periment. ry long e posures. ou may not always like the results, but you can learn more about light and shade when you increase your time with them.

This is a cyclist passing by in the city centre, taken with a 3/4 second exposure. Focus on him. Track the camera. These out-of-the-normal play experiments might introduce you to new ideas of how to frame things, to learn more about where focus lies. Maybe someone

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25

5 is standing still, and everyone is moving. Set 1/4 second exposure on that, and they are sharp, while everyone else is a ghost.

Here I’m wobbling the camera deliberately to draw in those light trails, to make a new kind of geographic landscape. ry stu out.

Change your settings. ISO, the f-stop. Tripod and no tripod. Track with a passing car, or don’t, and let light trails fill your shot.

6

5

Older gentlemen carrying his shopping home. Wait till his coat swings out to left and right, to anchor him to the top left. Let the lines and the after-the-rain reflection from the sun create movement. e can feel him moving, because of those lines. Don’t worry about mess. That’s my camera strap bottom left, but so what? It balances with that black area top right.

I’ve used a wide angle lens. It means the bag he is dragging bulges more towards the camera, stretches him out a bit, and the energy line between him and the base of the trolley is pulled to fullness. Why black and white? I wanted a timeless feel to this, yes, but also I don’t want the bright colour of the trolley to be in opposition to his grey suit. In black and white they are one. One dynamic event.

6

Unbalanced compositions. I know some hefty books on photography talk about rules of thirds, chopping up the scene you see through the viewfinder into sections.

But I want you be aware of these rules and then forget them. Look at the layers of things going on here. The foreground and background, yes, but also the deep foreground and back. Zig zags. Mushy grey clouds. et the elements flow through and right over each other. Rather than wait till the boy, Billie, is lined up perfectly, let the elements slide all over the shop in front

26 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“In a photo, art becomes real, and real becomes art, and they dance together. See it all, and then focus on what you want us to see”

PHOTOGRAPHY 7

humans. In a photo, art becomes real, and real becomes art, and they dance together.

See it all, and then focus on what you want us to see, and see if it works. Unlearn reality and play with the elements you enjoy focusing on. Or just document it, and know that in 30 years the shot will be a “Wow, we used to do that!“ moment.

Final word. Keep taking photos every day. There is a lot going on outside your head, and street photography is a great way to explore it. We all have baggage, and with this type of work it’s good to at least in part put that to one side and see what’s out there to be discovered. Moments are happening all the time. o find them. here’s a good chance you will find things to be both real and unreal as you start to shoot. Good. You are on the right track.

Colin is available as a ‘mini-mobile PR/marketing/social media unit’, to shoot striking street-style photographs at live events: parties, launches, promos and performances, for impactful immediate social media. Fees start at £100 for a two-hour package. email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319 colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com

of you and wait till it feels connected in a fun or powerful way. Then press the button. I was looking at the kink in the bottle and the leg kink from Billie there. The lamp post on the right is not letting our eye leave the shot.

Jaws from Jody back there, and accents of red all over.

Maybe it works. Maybe it’s practice. Train your eye. ake mistakes. verfill and underfill the shot with what’s occurring. Keep observing.

8

7

To be a good documenter of things out there, here are a few tips. Don’t just shoot candidly from the other side of the street with a looooong lens. t’s a flat image.

You want depth, and to get that you have to get in close.

Talk. Mingle. Then when the time is right the people will get on with getting on, and you can start shooting.

Wait for connections between people in a scene. It can be just a gesture or a glance, like this. But look – they are both not talking. Talking shots don’t look good. Kills the energy. I call moments like this movies in still form. All those little leans, hands in pockets, held cigarettes, the line of the cap, what’s he looking at over there, the colours; that warming glow behind them of an unseen world.

But get this. Get the camera in the right place and tilt it a bit, and that silence and stillness starts to become energetic. Keep the camera halfway between head and hip, and it enobles the people more. The stringy things on his hoodie and his arms guide you down the shot; with the guy on the right, the triangle of the open part of his jacket and his arms guide you up and left at the cap. So the final composition is locked. t wouldn’t have worked if they we’re looking at each other.

8

I enjoyed the dog just chilling by the artwork of some dogs, but the couple in the back being not aware is kind of fun too. So is making the composition work, making my own art out of all these random elements again. pots of red the lead, rose on right, ngland flag.

Messy and yet organised. Sky pushing down to force us to look down at the dog. That discarded packet bottom left, pointing in to the scene. The dogs in the painting look as if they’re trying to get the attention of the chatting

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27

ON THE RADIO KAM KELLY

Santa, maybe Our favourite local DJ reflects on a Covid Christmas. At least we think that was what he said; he was wearing a really naff-looking mask at the time . . .

T

his Christmas, I gave you a mask, but the very next day you gave it away to chu n’ Gary, of all people!

You had a go at me, because the only place that was open on Christmas Eve on my way over to yours was a 24-hour medical supplies store. I had used (and been berated for doing so, by the way) 24-hour petrol stations on Christmases past. So who’s laughing now? Probably Gary, but we’ll never know, ’cos his face is so well hidden by the mask that I gave you, which you subsequently regifted.

After initial eyerolls, I can tell you that my mums (yeah, I’ve got two, just in case you thought that was a typo), my sisters (also plural), dad and stepmum agreed that masks were the perfect Christmas 2020 gift. I gave you all the exact same thing because it was cheaper to buy a job lot rather than individual masks.

Also, when I bought the pack I got a free subscription to Masks Monthly, which has proved an invaluable read.

Anyway, this year, we may all want to rock around the Bristmas tree, but please observe current governmental deadlines for bubble numbers. If your bubble exceeds that, then just leave your

“Remember; your house will be the 100 millionth place Santa has visited that night, so imagine what he might have picked up along the way”

least favourite kids in the garden with whichever set of inlaws draws the short straw (drawn, of course, within a reasonable and safe distance).

Maybe you’re not planning on being at home for Christmas.

I’m the last to blame you for wanderlust after months of lockdown. How about somewhere where the current leader hasn’t given a care in the world about Covid restrictions?

Fine; go. Enjoy. But believe me New York is no fairytale at the moment. If you genuinely think you’ll get to hear the boys of the NYPD choir singing Galway Bay, think again.

They’ll probably get to “Gal...” before someone tells them that singing in public makes them a bum or a punk or an old slut on junk. Maybe you’re handsome, you’re pretty; maybe you were once the queen of New York City, but when the band finishes playing, there will be no one to howl out for more. There again, if said band were this side of the pond they wouldn’t have even

been able to gather to rehearse, let alone perform. ow ust a uick final point. know that snitches get stitches, but if you do see mummy kissing Santa underneath the mistletoe, do report it. Mainly because it’s probably not the actual Santa.

Around this time of year there are a lot of scammers out there trying to get a quick snog from the mums while pretending to be the jolly one.

And if it is actually Santa, then know this: your house will be the 100 millionth place he’s visited that night, so imagine what he might have picked up along the way. If in any doubt, report it by ringing Rudolph Rudolph Rudolph (I just looked up the Lapland emergency code and that’s what it is. Not even an area code).

Do the right thing! Merry maskmas. Kammy x Catch Kam Kelly’s breakfast show, every weekday from 6am, Sam FM Bristol, 106.5fm

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

HOMEWOOD

Drink bubbles with your social bubble, while sitting in a bubble: this is social distancing with Christmas bells on . . .

Words by Deri Robins

OUT OF TOWN

T

hey’re the same as the Copper Club igloos at Tower One change was to bring in classically trained chef Jamie Forman to Bridge,” said Daisy, our informative host. run the kitchen. amie says his menu is all about flavour and no nonsense “Ah yes,” we replied, nodding sagely, while stealthily cooking, using the best seasonal British produce. Judging by our meal – Googling beneath the table. Turns out it’s not Copper the Dining Dome Feasting Menu, if you please – we’d add ‘hearty’ and at all, but Coppa. Shows how long it’s been since we possibly robdingnagian’. his was the first fine dining meal we’ve ever were up in London. had that had us sheepishly requesting a doggy bag, a request met without Besides, we were only half-listening. We were as the merest raising of an eyebrow. omewood is supremely unstu y. skittish as kids on Christmas Eve, excited by the prospect After serving our welcome glasses of champagne, Daisy proceeded to of dining within our own personal globe in the parklike grounds of fire up the fondue. Creamy, slightly sweet, slightly salty, alcoholic what Homewood hotel. Quite aside from the sheer festive glamour of the more could you want from a dish? The menu tells us that the cheese was thing, you couldn’t hope for a more solid guarantee of social distancing Somerset Montgomery, but my notes specify it was Gruyère. I even have if you arrived at a party with a guitar and a the grave accent over the first ’; that’s how classy Kumbaya songbook. Dome-dining was instantly I get after a glass of Taittinger. Either way, it was added to Your Man’s growing list of lockdown a robust, indulgent dish, served with herb stu ed HOMEWOOD positives, which also includes the curtailment of focaccia and a huge grazing board of cured meats , What? Perspex dining ‘igloos’ in the grounds of man-hugging and a welcome end to mingling. chillis and sun-dried tomatoes. a country house hotel, 16m south-west of Bristol Overlooked by ancient oaks and beeches, the We wondered whether this gargantuan starter Opening hours tbc after lockdown rain coming down at a profound slant, our dome might also prove to be a finisher, but along came How much? Dining Dome Feasting Menu for 4-6 was as snug as an Alpine mountain refuge and more courses and more wine. More wine is one people (includes a glass of Taittinger champagne as festive as Christmas Eve, with candlelight and of my favourite things, especially on a misty, soggy and half a bottle of wine): lunch £50 pp, dinner twinkly decorations. We began to feel as if we were £75 pp. For couples, add a supplementary dome November night. hire charge of £100. À la carte: starters £6-£9, starring in our very own Last Christmas video, and Looking like something Henry VIII might have mains mostly £16-£29, puddings £7-£10 had the happy realisation that, in fact, we were feasted on at Christmas, three Bartlett & Sons lamb Service and atmosphere Warm, welcoming quite at liberty to play said tune, or indeed any shanks cooked in Bath ale came tucked up nice as and knowledgeable. Dare we say, even bubbly? other we fancied, from our phones; nobody else ninepence in their pastry overcoats, with a dish of Veggie Plentiful choice could hear. We gazed from our splendid isolation juicy roasted beets and heritage carrots, and a huge Anything else? Why not stay over? The rooms across the lawns at the diners seated in the hotel’s bowl of preternaturally creamy mash. are delightful, the surrounding area bucolic, with main restaurant, who gazed back curiously at us.

Possibly worried that we still might be a bit lovely walks They looked as if they wished they’d thought of peckish, Jamie sent out a dessert of apple and Where? Homewood, Abbey Lane, Freshford; booking a globe, too. rhubarb baked laska, theatrically flamb ed with 01225 580439; homewoodbath.co.uk We were snug as two bugs on our sheepskin cider brandy. The pud is also known as omelette rugs; unlike poor Daisy, who was obliged to ib rienne; please note the acute accent this time trek back and forth in a dripping cagoule as she (aren’t journalists such fun out with whom to brought out each course. Even this failed to dim her zeal for the domes, hang?) Although a sturdy sweet, it’s tricky enough to get right; it needs to which have been her own personal project; if we were Homewood’s be warmed long enough to caramelise the meringue, but not so long that owners, Ian and Christa Taylor, we’d give Daisy full rein to develop a few the ice-cream inside begins to melt. Needless to say, chef Forman’s was more cracking ideas like this. pudding-perfect.

They probably will; this, after all, is the couple who breathed fresh air Some excellent and inventive ideas have come out of lockdown – take into Bath’s The Abbey Hotel, transformed the Country Hotel into The Bristol’s Breaking Bread, for example, which we frequently did – and Bird and created the exhilarating No. 15 Great Pulteney. When they while igloo-dining dates back to the Uncontagious Times, these discrete acquired Homewood back in 2018, we thought it was highly unlikely little bubbles could hardly be more fit for purpose this Christmas. hey’re that they’d allow this country house hotel to slumber on in its pastoral open until the end of March, but don’t wait until spring to give them a somnolence without introducing some liberal tweaks to proceedings. whirl; it’s in the bleak midwinter that they really bring the magic. n

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 31

CHRISTMAS SPIRITS Stir it, muddle it, shake it like a Polaroid picture; for our Bristmas issue we’ve collated ten of our favourite wintry cocktail recipes from Bristol’s best mixologists, to make your Yuletide swing like a pendulum do

By Ursula Cole

R

emember the bad old Christmases past, when festive drinking was limited to breaking out the Bristol Cream? Maybe a Snowball down the local, if you were lucky, while the turkey dried out to the texture of cardboard; or a glass of Cinzano Bianco to wash down the cheesy footballs when the neighbours popped round. At least ‘popping round’ was a thing; maybe those days weren’t so bad after all.

Today, however, we live in more enlightened times, when the Christmas drinks selection is wide open, with the kind of cocktail recipes that would have blown Leonard Rossiter and Joan Collins’ socks off ( just look up ‘Cinzano Bianco ad’ on YouTube, if you’re obscenely young).

32 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

COCKTAILS MANANNAN MAC

LE COQUETIER

By Kinkajou ith strong rench influences, this celebratory drink will take you back to the 1 th century, when apothecaries served brandy with bitters in eggcups ust possibly where the cocktail was created

By Psychopomp his is a gin twist on a retro festive whisky favourite.

Christmas ay should be more about the drinking than the making, so here’s something super simple.

i cognac, enedictine, champagne cordial and citric acid; add sweet tonic to taste, and garnish with rosemary.

0ml gin 0ml tones ginger wine Ice emon peel our both li uids into a glass, over ice. tir and garnish with lemon zest, and a maraschino cherry, if you have one to hand.

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT BAILEYS

HOT DAMSON G&T

By Bocabar

erving gin hot brings out the botanical notes that are suppressed when cold, and the waft of heated spices con ures up festive thoughts of Christmas.

0cl ’Clock damson gin 2 star anise 10 cloves 1 ml on ivant tonic syrup o garnish cinnamon stick, orange zest, uniper berries

o make the infusion, add the star anise and cloves to the gin, and infuse for 2 hours before straining into an empty bottle. o make the cocktail, put 0ml of the gin infusion and the syrup in a handled glass, and top up with hot water from the kettle. tir briefly with a cinnamon stick and finish with the orange peel and uniper berries.

By The Milk Thistle

f ever there was a time for rich, indulgent cocktails, it’s Christmas. e wanted to create a vegan alternative to aileys, that’s still as rich, creamy and delicious.

0ml white rum 0g coconut cream 2 g oat cream g Canadian maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla essence Ice hake up all the ingredients and pour over ice to serve.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 33

THE TATTLETALE

CHRISTMAS IN HAWAII

By Hyde & Co “A New York classic, from Sam Ross at Attaboy.”

By Loose Cannon “Creamy, heartwarming but still fresh, and will maybe remind you of the summer a little bit.”

1 bar spoon honey 2 dashes orange bitters 2 dashes angostura bitters ml lenfiddich 1 whisky 15ml Ardbeg whisky Orange and lemon peel

45ml Plantation pineapple rum (or other dark rum 1 ml cointreau or other orange li ueur 15ml Bristol Syrup Co orgeat (sugar syrup is a good substitute; one part water/almond milk mi ed with one part sugar 15ml fresh lime juice 25ml spiced coconut, or coconut cream 50ml pineapple juice 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves

Stir with ice and serve in a tumbler with cubed ice or an ice block, and finish with a twist of orange and lemon peel.

Shake all ingredients with crushed and cubed ice. Fine-strain into a coupe glass, and if you want to be extra-fancy, garnish with small pineapple sprigs pegged to the glass, and sprinkle gold rocks over the foam.

THE DRUNKEN SRI LANKAN

By The Coconut Tree Our pals at TCT have given up the secret recipe they serve in their adorable china Ruby . Ruby is a real orphaned elephant in Sri Lanka, and every time a customer purchases a TCT ‘cocotail’ made with Ceylon arrack, it contributes towards her care and support in the orphanage; when she’s old enough she’ll be released back into the wild.

40ml Ceylon arrack (whisky-style syrup made from coconut flower nectar; can be bought online 20 ml cointreau 20 ml turmeric and ginger syrup (buy or make a ginger syrup, add turmeric to taste A squeeze of fresh lime juice Ginger beer Shake ingredients well; pour into a vessel with cubed ice and finish with a top of the range ginger beer.

COCKTAILS

GRANDMA’S CHRISTMAS CAKE

By Avon Gorge Hotel Who can resist a cocktail with a name like that?

25ml Makers Mark bourbon 20ml Dissaranno (amaretto) 10ml Cherry Heering liqueur 40ml egg white Half a fresh squashed lemon 20ml sugar syrup.

Shake with ice and then strain back into shaker. Dry shake and pour into a rocks glass over ice.

MULLED APPLE WITH DAMSON GIN

By Six O’Clock Gin

“Very simple to make,” they promise.

A bottle of 6 O’Clock damson gin Cloudy apple juice A mulling bag

Simmer apple juice with a mulling bag (or use cinnamon, star anise, cloves and citrus peel). When it’s warm, add a good slug of gin and serve in a heatproof glass with a wedge of apple to garnish.

THE WICKER MAN

By The Milk Thistle Glenmorangie whisky Cocchi Rosa (dry vermouth) Juice of lemon Sprig of lavender

hake the first three ingredients and pour over ice. Stick in a sprig of lavender, and – here comes the fun bit set fire to it

CHESTNUTS

BY THE FIRE

By The Bartender “Get the logs and the at ing Cole on Vodka Chestnut liqueur Chocolate liquer Single cream Chocolate powder Shake vodka with chestnut and chocolate liqueur and cream; strain into a chilled cocktail glass and dust with chocolate.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

Tell us what’s on the current menu

SOUR POWER

After the first lockdown, popular Gloucester Road café Bakers & Co reopened as Bristol’s first and only sourdough bakery, with innovative baker Brett St Clair in the kitchen

B

akers was my go-to for brunch with my family long before I worked there,” says Brett. “So when I was looking for a new ob, it fit the bill; what wanted to do at the time was to get back into a kitchen, after almost eight years in a bakery, while still being involved with the baking side of things as well.

What kickstarted the sourdough revolution at Bakers & Co?

uring the first lockdown we worked hard to keep Bakers open and able to provide a good o ering for everyone. ithin a week people were requesting croissants, but there were no supplies of fresh yeast because of the sudden demand from home bakers. So, I went out on a limb and tried to make a sourdough croissant from our regular formula. As soon as we all

36 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

tried the results, and realised it wasn’t just as good, but far better than, the usual croissant, I knew we should adapt it to everything we do. We already made sourdough bread, and if we could make a sourdough croissant to a high standard, then why not sourdough buns, brioche etc?

What does sourdough add to sweet treats such as brownies and pastries?

In the brownies it balances the sweetness of the mix, and also the bitterness of the dark chocolate, so it’s got some dimensions to it; it isn’t just your usual sweet-treat sickly brownie. In the pastries it also adds dimension to everything. I love croissants as much as the next person, but usually they tend to be very one-note, buttery at best or just plain bland at worst. Like the brownie, sourdough balances out the sweetness.

The ham and cheese croissants we make at the moment are super-popular; they get garnished with a little skewer of pickles, which lend contrast to the richness. We also rotate a couple of other savoury croissants through the week.

The wholewheat fruit galettes are really great, too; we don’t make them too sweet, and with the wholewheat in the pastry they work really well for breakfast or an afternoon treat that you don’t need to feel guilty about it.

Any Christmas specials?

We’re going to be making as many mince pies as possible. We’re also going to be providing them for the Bristol Food Union Christmas hampers, which is great to be involved with.

Also expect to see Christmas puddings and stollen, and as we’re a sourdough bakery some panettone might be in the mix as well.

How early do you have to start work in the morning?

I start at 6 everyday, but as I commute from Frome, which takes about an hour, I’m usually up at 4.30 every day.

How has local support been for the café over lockdown?

The support from the community has been fantastic, we’ve been lucky enough that people love and value what we do and have continued to turn out for it. The support from local businesses and other bakeries as well has been heartwarming. There’s always been somebody reaching out with encouragement in some form, and it’s kept everyone going.

For more: bakersbristol.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

BRETT’S APPLE, PECAN & MINCEMEAT SOURDOUGH BUNS

Makes 15 “This recipe needs to be started a day in advance, but trust me: you do all the work up front, then you can relax,” says Brett.

Dough

0g sourdough starter 1kg white bread flour 00g milk 4 eggs 20g salt 0g caster sugar 2 0g unsalted butter Sticky sauce

1 0g unsalted butter g dark brown

sugar 110g honey 1 0g milk ¼ tsp sea salt 6 apples (Golden Delicious are my preference) 1 0g roughly chopped pecans 00g mincemeat (homemade or store) Crème fraiche to serve

1. In a mixer combine the sourdough starter, milk, eggs and flour, and work to full development (about 5 minutes on slow speed then 5 mins on medium); the dough should come away cleanly from the edge of the bowl.

Once developed add the salt, sugar and butter in two stages and mix on medium speed till combined and the dough comes away cleanly from the bowl.

2. Turn out the dough and round into a rough ball, put back in the bowl and cover for 1 hour, repeat turning out and rounding the dough, then leave for another 2 hours. Turn out onto a lightly floured rectangular tray around 0 20 cm is good, preferably one with sides and press out the dough to the size of the tray, wrap with cling film and refrigerate till firm about 2 hours). . hile the dough is chilling prepare the sauce.

Add all the ingredients into a large saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. oil for 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth. Pour into a parchment paper lined tray again with sides, around 0 0 cm is good . nce cool, sprinkle the pecans over the top.

4. Peel the apples, quarter and core. Take the 15 biggest uarters and finely slice each one. ress lightly on each quarter to fan it out then place

in the tray spaced out evenly in rows of 5. Finely slice the remaining apple quarters and reserve for filling the buns.

5. Once the dough has chilled turn out onto a lightly floured surface. oll out into a large rectangle about 0cm high by almost a metre wide.

6. Once you’re happy with the size, spread the mincemeat over the surface of the dough, then cover with the reserved apple slices. Starting at the top begin to fold the dough bit by bit towards you into a big sausage (think Swiss roll!). Trim the ends so the dough is an even size all the way along. Now divide the dough into 15 portions (measure twice, cut once). Lay each piece of dough into the tray, each on top of a sliced quarter of apple.

7. Cover the tray either very loosely with cling film or a clean plastic shopping bag.

Prove overnight, about 12-14 hours at room temperature. The buns should have doubled in size. ake at 1 0 C for 2 0 mins. llow to cool for 15 mins. Place another tray on top of the buns and then carefully invert the trays so the bottom is now the top. Cut each bun apart with a small serrated knife, or serve as is. n

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

Artisan preserves and liqueurs made in small batches.

Made with foraged and other fabulous fruits. No added pectin, no essence, vegan.

Bespoke hampers available. We also cater for corporate gifts, so if your Christmas party is cancelled and you want to thank your staff - it’s been a tough year! - drop us a line and we’ll sort Christmas for you. info@heavenlyhedgerows.co.uk www.heavenlyhedgerows.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Tamil tigers: Raja and Saravanan of Nadu

CAN COOK, WILL COOK . . .

FOOD AND DRINK SNIPPETS

All about the Cooks is a collective of talented Bristolians who make extraordinary dishes in their own home, for collection and delivery to yours. We think Christmas is the ideal time to sample some of their distinctive cuisines . . .

WORD’S OUT…

Josh Eggleton and family are opening a second PONY AND TRAP on North Street. Expect to hear a lot more about this in future issues…

For more: theponyandtrap.co.uk Describing itself as a ‘bar in a bottle’, new drinks concept HOCUS provides a 50cl bottle containing a neutral blended spirit base, a 25ml wooden measurement jigger and a beautiful sleeve of 20 spirit essence ampoules that looks like the world’s most exciting chemistry kit. You mix the essence with the spirit, to create a range of drinks – gins, vodkas, rums – to be drunk straight up, with a mi er or in a cocktail. ocus is filtered in the , then blended and bottled by hand in Bristol.

For more: hocus.uk

Ximena, Redland: “I love to create a traditional gingerbread house at Christmas.

It makes me feel really festive.”

Indira, Easton: “In Cuba, Christmas Eve is the most special day. The traditional meal is a whole suckling pig served with a traditional congri – black beans, cassava, sweet or green plantains and salad. There is usually plenty of rum involved too.”

Mona, Stoke Bishop: “I like to cook a festive feast of a whole roasted duck, with a glaze of orange, honey cinnamon and cardamom powder all over the bird.”

Duygu, Clifton: “Over Christmas I’ll cook a whole stu ed chicken stu ed with rice, blackcurrants, pine nuts, herbs and spices. Once it is cooked, I remove it and cover it in a tomato and yoghurt paste and then bake until crispy and golden.”

Giuseppe, Southville: “For 31 December I make a traditional plate of lentils with cotechino (Italian pork sausage).

In the Roman Empire, lentils were believed to resemble coins, so the dish is said to bring luck and prosperity to those who eat it.”

For more: allaboutthecooks.co.uk

Mona

New Sri-Lankan and Tamil restaurant NADU is poised to open in Masa + Mezcal’s old site in Stokes Croft. It’s brought to you by restaurateur Raja Munuswamy and executive chef, Saravanan Nambiraja of Nutmeg fame; nadu means land or place in Tamil, and the concept is inspired by both Raja and Saravanan’s Tamil heritage.

For more: nadubristol.com

Indira

Ximena

Giuseppe

Duygu

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 39

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LOVE YOUR INDEPENDENT LIFE IN BRISTOL So much more than a home for later living, THE VINCENT offers unparallelled levels of style and luxury for people over 60

I

ndependent later living is rarely more stylish than at The Vincent, close to Clifton Downs in Bristol’s desirable Redland area. The development offers luxurious amenities in beautiful surroundings, in homes that are available to buy or rent.

Elevating community living to a new level of comfort and luxury, The Vincent includes a wellness spa and innovative restaurant among its many amenities.

The newly opened contemporary restaurant, The Vincent Kitchen, is located in the grand Queen Victoria House, and opens up onto the

South Terrace meaning that you can enjoy the gardens at any time of year while you dine.

Reflecting the ethos of the whole community, The Vincent Kitchen focuses on sustainability and supporting local producers.

A short distance from the restaurant, across a walkway through the glorious gardens, is the enticing Wellness Spa. Offering a similarly tranquil vista both through its glass wall and from the welcoming sun terrace, fitted with comfortable loungers, the spa is designed to enhance the wellbeing of those who call The Vincent home. In addition to a hydrotherapy pool, the spa features a herbal sauna, steam room and treatment rooms for a range of massages, beauty and therapeutic treatments to rejuvenate or relax.

Before treating yourself to a massage you could stop off at the welcoming, state-of-the-art gym, accessible for all fitness levels. The adjacent stretch studio hosts many popular classes, including yoga and pilates.

The refurbished Queen Victoria House offers the ambience of a stylish hotel, which is particularly evident in the Owners’ Lounge.

Plush velvet sofas, carefully curated artwork and elegant lighting create a wonderful space to unwind with a book or meet friends for a drink.

For visiting friends or family, a guest suite is on

offer, making hosting enjoyable and stress-free.

This can be booked with the on-site general manager and Lifehosts, who pour all their energy into The Vincent community.

Finding your next home and moving into a later living apartment is a big decision. With Pegasus, part of Lifestory, big decisions don’t have to be set in stone. Lifestory Choices provides the freedom to live life on your terms, with homes at The Vincent available to buy or rent. Homeowners enjoy no exit fees, providing welcome additional security and financial flexibility. n

To find out more about living at The Vincent or to book a private appointment call: 0117 981 4352 or email thevincent@lifestory.group Sale prices start from £399,999 or rent from £2,294 pcm.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 41

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS! Telephone: 0117 329 5525 www.starplumbingsupplies.co.uk 15 Kenn Court, Roman Farm Road, Bristol BS4 1UL. Open Monday to Friday.

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Gimme shelter

We’ve never needed the warmth and welcome of cafés more than we do right now, says Stan

S

ometimes, with cafés, as with life, it’s not all about the destination. t’s also about the ourney that gets you there. This issue’s co ee shop of choice is a perfect example. Let me explain.

There have been days recently where skies have been grey, light has been low and rain has been our constant companion. n normal times, this wouldn’t be too much of an issue. Weather is generally more of a background

“The thrill of a cup and a cake, in peaceful surroundings, is enhanced by the memories of simpler times gone by and better times to come”

detail than the main event of life. However, times are far from normal. ike many of us, have mainly been stuck at home for most of the last few months.

Doesn’t take long for the sight of never-ending rain to lose its appeal, especially when it’s sluicing down the windows in ladlefuls. So when the chance came to nip across town on an errand recently, umped at it, like a dog at a gravy bone. Feeling the time was right for a bit of adventure, took the scooter and invited my other half to come along. After dressing head-totoe in waterproof wetskins, we hopped aboard, set o for Southville and in short order, completed our mission.

Once the work was done, it was time for fun. Now, as regular readers will know, en oy the world of cafés. Who can resist stepping out of time for some brief but beautiful co ee moments? Right now, the promise of café life is even bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before.

The thrill of a cup and a cake, in peaceful and exotic surroundings, is enhanced by the memories of simpler times gone by and better times to come. eems ’m not the only one who thinks this way. We scooted up and down North Street and to our surprise, found every single co ee shop stu ed to the gunnels with

smiling café connoisseurs. Mind you, with all the social distancing and so forth going on these days, it doesn’t take that many punters to fill a co ee shop.

Following our noses, we waggled and weaved our way round town, not finding anything which tickled our fancy, until we finally wound up at the horny bridge by the rnolfini, where we were lucky enough to find a window side seat for two at Society Cafe. hey do a nice line in fine co ee and an even nicer line in little amuse-bouche style raw vegan bites. After sorting out a couple of co ees, added the date and chocolate delight as a side, and we settled ourselves down in the window to watch the world go by. For several short, sweet minutes everything was right with the world. We sipped our drinks, made quiet comments about the passers-by and smiled softly as the cares of life fell from our shoulders.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, can thoroughly recommend a visit to a café. Any caf . t is the perfect place to be right now. n

Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 43

THAT’S A WRAP

The second and final part of this year’s 100% local, chain-free Bristmas Gift Guide

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

MISTY BASIN BY GEORGE BLADON; DIGITAL PRINT, £250

Part of the RWA’s 168 Annual Open Exhibition, so the print will need to stay at the gallery until March; in the meantime, you can present your lucky giftee with a certificate, along with a free ticket to admire it in the flesh, as it were From Royal West of England Academy, Queen’s Road Queens Road; rwa.org.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF BRISTOL There’s only one better gift than a piece of art, and that’s a piece of art depicting Bristol

A WALK HOME IN THE SNOW, £25-£45 Jenny Urquhart has several delightful snowy prints of Bristol, and indeed, many non-snowy ones too, each available in two sizes From jennyurquhart.co.uk

SCAFFOLDING, GLOUCESTER ROAD, £500 il painting by ichard Castor e ery From Royal West of England Academy Queen’s Road For details, see page 45

46 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

AVON GORGE, TWILIGHT, £POA Oil on board, by Tom Hughes From Clifton Contemporary Art, 25 Portland Street cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

SNOWY SUSPENSION BRIDGE, £20 From a series of wintry Bristol prints

by Suzy Furse; A4 in a A3 mount.

Greetings cards also available at £2.50 From Pod Company 24 The Mall thepodcompany.co.uk

ST JUDE’S ARCH, £3,500 FRAMED Oil on canvas by Tom White; if £3.5k busts the budget, A2 prints are available at £125 From Clifton Fine Art, 12 Perry Road cli tonfineart.com

THE CAT AND WHEEL, £25-£40 Gloucester Road Arches print by Hannah Bunn From Room 212 212 Gloucester Road room212.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BRISTOL: PINK, £175 Screen print by Anna Marrow From Soma Gallery somagallery.co.uk

BRISTOL IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, £295 Amen to that!

Screeprint by Dave Buonaguidi, on a vintage map. Each map varies slightly From smithsongallery.co.uk

BRISTOL SUNRISE, £210 Limited-edition screen print by Jayson Lilley From smithsongallery.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 47

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

THE ROBIN, £60-£120 Andy Council’s giant robin, seen here rockin’Ashton Gate From Upfest Gallery 198 North Street upfest.co.uk

BRISTOL LINO PRINT, £20

By Tweeny – buy from the excellent online Bristol Pop-Up Shop From bristolpopupshop.co.uk

BEAUTY FROM ASHES, £150 One of our all-time favourite Bristol prints, featuring Poco Tapas in Stokes Croft; by Jamaica Street Studios artist Dan Parry Jones From danpj.co.uk

WHEN WE’D GO OUT – WHITELADIES ROAD, £175 Etching by Ley Roberts From Royal West of England Academy Queen’s Road For details, see page 45

48 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

INSANE IN THE CRANE, £50 Whose home wouldn’t be made brighter by a nice bit of Alex Lucas on the wall?

From Lucas Antics lucasantics.com

HOME

Things they need, and things they didn’t even know they needed

VINTAGE HOMEPRIDE ‘FRED’, FROM £4 igurines, flour sifters, bottles and even a cruet set can be yours for a bargainous sum From Vaguely Vintage, vaguelyvintage.co.uk

NIPPER ENAMEL MUG, £14; CERAMIC ADA VACHELL MUG, £10 Nipper needs no introduction; Ada was a su ragette who set up a social centre for ristol’s destitute disabled children in 190 . espect From Destination Bristol Shop visitbristol.co.uk destinationbristol ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON, £25 STILL: THE SLOW HOME, £30 pair of co ee table charmers. ccidentall es nderson by Wally Koval is a collection of real life Andersonesqe sites in all their faded grandeur and pop-pastel colours; Still by atalie alton o ers 20 studies of inspirational interiors designed according to slow’ principles. ccidentall es nderson rom Storysmith Books, 49 North Sreet; stor smit books.com Still from Maze, 26-28 The Mall; mazeclothing.co.uk

CUPERTINO DESK, £1,699 he ultimate gift for anyone who has made the move to working from home; everything you need for the daily toil can be hidden away in an instant.

Finished in walnut veneer and ash grey lacquer From Bo Concept 51, 53 Merchant Street boconcept.com

WEDGIE, £16 A wooden doorstopper that looks like disco queen Donna Summer? Or indeed, Amy? r rida Call o the search for the gift for the friend who has almost everything...

From Frankly Store, Unit 5, Cargo frankly.store

JOHN DERIAN PAPERWEIGHT, £65 Dome paperweight; lovely vintage prints such as this one are collaged onto handblown glass From Maze, 26-28 The Mall mazeclothing.co.uk

SEASONAL BOUQUETS; FROM AROUND £25 hen in doubt, say it with flowers From Les Fleurs, 80 Colston Street les eursbristol.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 49

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

A GRAND DAY OUT ROCKET MUG, £13.95 Wonderfully daft little mug; the top keeps your tea warm while you munch on your crackers and ensleydale. ll profits to The Grand Appeal From Gromit Unleashed Shop, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway; gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

THE BRISTOL BLANKET, 100% LAMBSWOOL, £295 ristol te tile artist ngie arker’s blanket was inspired by the city’s colourful houses, and woven in partnership with ristol Weaving Mill. The idea for the blanket came to Angie while she was taking her regular walks during lockdown; she hopes it reflects the oy of ristol’s streets and lifts the spirits in your home.10% of sales proceeds go to Mind charity From Angie Parker Textiles angieparkertextiles.com

HANNAH TURNER CERAMIC SALT & PEPPER SET, £25 ecause a turkey on the dining table isn’t ust for Christmas. eggie alternatives also availalble From Fig 1, Unit 9, Gaol Ferry Steps fig .co.uk

50 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

COW FACE MILK JUG, £36-£48 Slipcast jugs, sure to raise a smile at breakfast, made by anne from the finest ritish porcelain from Stoke-on-Trent. A similar version replaces the cow with the letters MAELK – the Danish word for milk From Hanne Rysgaard Ceramics hannerysgaard.com

MADAME STOLZ WOODEN SERVING DISH, £26.50 Made from mango wood. We picture you using it to serve a carefully curated selection from he ristol Cheesemonger on o ing ay . . .

From Movement Boutique 5 The Mall; movementboutique.co.uk

FERM LIVING FLOOR CUSHION, £645 eautiful cushions in faded velvet, in the most beguiling colours From Truce 54 Princess Victoria Street truceonline.co.uk

UPCYCLED MID-CENTURY SIDEBOARD, £395 ictoria aylor takes preloved pieces and give them new life; she makes jewellery and sundry other painted pieces, too.

From Handsome Vintage, on etsy

FASHION

His, hers, whoever’s. You call the shots WAFFLE WOOL CREW NECK JUMPER, £95; PORTER RIBBED WOOL BEANIE, £24; BEXLEY JACKET, £220; BLANKET SHIRT, £195 Still crushing on the Cornish movie Bait? Us too; so naturally we’ve been all over Peregrine Clothing’s winter lookbook this year, which was shot in Boscastle. Every piece produced by this heritage brand is timeless in style, and of the very best quality From Peregrine Clothing peregrineclothing.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 51

ROKA BACKPACK, £60 ade from recycled plastic bottles found on beaches From Village BS8 2a Boyce’s Avenue village-bs8.mysupadupa.com

BECK SONDERGAARD SCARF, £100 ery large, very lovely, and very anish From Fig 1, Gaol Ferry Steps fig .co.uk

MERINO HAT, £57 Hand-knitted in Nepal From Movement Boutique 5 The Mall; movementboutique.co.uk

GUSHLOW & COLE SLIPPERS, £140 Shearling ballet slippers, for the udrey epburn in your life From Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street; harveynichols.com

ECOALF JACKET, £155 ade from recycled nylon From Brothers We Stand, Unit 20, Cargo; brotherswestand.com

ARROW MITTS, £40 100% lambswool From Paper Plane, 196 Gloucester Road paperplanebristol.co.uk

BELLAROSE HELA BAG, £85 un, oversized, flu y, and deeply covetable From Maze 26-28 The Mall mazeclothing.co.uk PAUL SMITH SOCKS, £19 ocks rarely come more statement than this From Grace & Mabel 32 The Mall; graceandmabel.co.uk

BS5 TEE, £20 Get the Easton look From BAM, 104-108 Belle Vue Road; bambristol.co.uk

SNOW YETI JACKET, £100 Made from recycled not the household kind, obviously From Make Boutique 59 Gloucester Road makestyle.co.uk

52 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

LOEWE ELEPHANT POUCH, £495 Who wouldn’t be thrilled to find this pachyderm waiting patiently under the Christmas tree?

From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street harveynichols.com

LEATHER BAGS, £124 andcrafted in Clifton, using traditional saddlers’ techni ues From GARD Studio instagram @gardstudio

JAVA WALLET, £22 Card-sized wallet in vegetable-tanned leather From Found Hea, Unit 20, Cargo; foundhea.com

SATIN HEADBAND, £14 To add instant glamour From Fox + Feather 43 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

JEWELLERY Glad tidings we bling

EMERGE HOOP NECKLACE, £345 Each silver bud is set with a rough-cut diamond, three black diamonds and two saltand-pepper diamonds From Diana Porter, 33 Park Street dianaporter.co.uk

NKUKU EARRINGS, £39.95 Gold-plated statement earrings with a distinct nod to the current tribal fashion. Striking and sophisticated From Fig 1 Gaol Ferry Steps fig .co.uk

WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND RING, £1,780 Six brilliant cut diamonds in bezel settings on an etched textured band From Diana Porter, 33 Park Street dianaporter.co.uk

RARE SILVER DECO BROOCH, £645

By Oscar Gundelach-Pedersen, for Georg Jensen, Denmark, circa 1938 From John Kelly, Unit 4 Cargo 2 johnkelly1880.co.uk

SENCE COPENHAGEN CHUNKY NECKLACE, £58 Silver-plated, in this year’s ubiquitous large-link design From Grace & Mabel 32 The Mall; graceandmabel.co.uk

CHRYSOLINA GEM EARRINGS, £12 Sparkle on: the iridescent gems in these beetle style earrings have an eyecatching pearly shine From That Thing 45-47 Stokes Croft; thatthing.co

BRASS SONDU EARRINGS, £60 Recycled brass and reclaimed cow horn; made by artisans in Kenya, paid fair wages From Found Hea, Unit 20, Cargo; foundhea.com

HARE NECKLACE, £27 Nostalgic-looking little running hare, made from responsibly sourced wood from approved FSC suppliers From Paper Plane 196 Gloucester Road paperplanebristol.co.uk

PERDITA SHELL EARRINGS, £12 Pretty and delicate, with the brushed gold design keeping everything modern and fresh From Mon Pote, 177 North Street monpote.co.uk

EARRINGS, £20 Made from inner tubes, snipped hundreds of times with scissors to replicate feathers dored, we hear, by unstall From Prior Shop 58 West Street; priorshop.uk

FLOWER OF BRISTOL NECKLACE, £90-£115, THREE SIZES Made from sustainable silver; 10% of profits went to ree id during its first year of release From Nicholas Wylde, 6 The Mall nicholaswylde.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 53

FASHION Custommade dress, £250 (in sale, orginally £500), Grace and Mabel

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND The opportunity to sparkle may be more limited than usual this Christmas; on the other hand, you could argue that there’s never been a time when we needed sequins and glitter more, says Milly Vaughan

I

used to shy away from sequins and glitter, thinking they were a bit mumsy, or like something a B-lister on the cover of the Christmas Radio Times might wear. The fact that I am now embracing them may signal that I’ve slipped unconsciously into former territory; or maybe it’s just that this year has been so bleak that I need them like an antidote: the gloomier it gets outside, the shinier it needs to be indoors.

For those wanting to channel their inner glittery goddess this festive season, beware: sequins pack an almighty punch. nly a few can pull o head to toe without looking either like a Strictly contestant or a disco ball, so proceed with caution. Opt for either the sparkle-up top paired with a simple bottom half, or vice versa. Obviously, a dress will break this rule. Or you can dress sans-sequins and pull out the sparkle punches with the shoes or handbag. NB: sequin/glitter trousers are tricky to pull o , unless you are blessed with legs that go on from here to New Year’s Eve. Even if this year we’re likely to be banned from the merry jostle of Christmas parties, hugging and kissing our friends, there is something quite jolly about the thought of us all sitting around in our homes dressed in sequins and party slippers, for nobody’s gratification other than ourselves and our loved ones.

XX I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

3

2

1

4

5

6

SHOPPING LIST 7

8

10

9

1. MKT Randex dress, £95 (in sale), Maze 2. Thread & Needle sequinembellished tulle cape, £225, Harvey Nichols Bristol 3. Mira Foil Ruffle Dress, £85, Maze 4. Coster Copenhagen top, £59 (in sale), Maze 5. Balenciaga gun-metal leather clutch, £850, Harvey Nichols 6. Vero Moda top, £48, Fox + Feather 7. ICHI George sequin top, £38.99 (in sale), Fox + Feather 8. Custommade Kiki beaded collar, £119, Grace & Mabel 9. Great Plains Macy Knit, £55, Maze Clothing 10. Golden Goose glittered leather sneakers, £390, Harvey Nichols

Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall mazeclothing.co.uk Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars; harveynichols.com Fox + Feather, 43 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Appy days!

Your CONSOL tanning experience just got an upgrade, thanks to our brand-new app

W

e’ve created the ultimate pocket-sized companion for your convenience, and right now you are one step away from accessing the fastest sign-up process, the most exclusive offers, and outstanding and unbeatable tanning results.

Download our app in a few seconds and you’ll instantly be able to:

SIGN UP New to Consol? Perhaps one of the most exciting features is that you can now complete the whole sign up process through the app. No need to visit the studio or queue at the sign up station! Simply enter your details as prompted, create a quick selfie video so we can check it’s you and upload a photo of your ID to become a Consol member with access to tan right away.

This is by far the quickest and easiest way to become a member.

EASY STUDIO LOGIN Login to your studio kiosk quickly and easily with our intelligent new QR code technology. Simply aim the QR code located in the app at the kiosk

camera, to access your account and select your session and products while in the studio. This new touch-free login method allows you an easy option for logging in with no need to type in your mobile number or touch your finger to the reader.

“THE ULTIMATE POCKET SIZED COMPANION FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE” OFFERS Access our very best app exclusive offers and purchase them directly from your smartphone.

All credits/minutes purchased will be added to your account and ready to use right away. Our app offers will be the very best available so be sure to check regularly and take advantage of the hottest deals.

Simplify the checkout process by securely storing your details for future use and instantly check your current Consol credits/minutes balance at any time.

PROMOTIONS We’ll keep our app regularly updated so you can learn about the latest news and promotions offered by Consol in our studios. New products, sunbeds, vending items or important news will be delivered to you via the app for your convenience.

STUDIO LOCATIONS Find your nearest Consol studio simply by allowing the app to access your current location. It’ll find the studio closest to you and its opening times, busiest hours and sunbeds available in the studio to give you all the info you need for visiting new or local studios. Don’t forget, you can login to any studio using the in-app QR code and access your account to use the facilities.

YOUR INFO Easily update your contact information, payment details and marketing preferences straight from the app with direct links to our helpline and contact centres for your convenience.

We’ll keep our app regularly updated so you have the latest info, advice, help and the hottest offers at your fingertips. Let us know what you think at info@consol.eu n

Available to download from your app store today! Scan the QR code to download.

Visit www.consol.eu for more information.

58 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Jewellery Design Consultant

Visit my new Online shop www.uniquejewellerydesigns.co.uk For gift ideas

Tel 0117 962 1111

129 Stoke Lane, Westbury on Trym BS9 3RW

www.julieannepalmer.com

These legal eagles may have different specialities, but they have one thing in common: they’re all highly approachable, and here to help

ADVERTISING FEATURE HANNAH PETHERICK

NICHOLAS COOPER

BURGES SALMON 0117 307 6200; www.burges-salmon.com How has family law changed in the last few years?

There has been a significant increase in the use of alternative dispute resolution. Couples can attend mediation, roundtable meetings and use arbitration to settle issues. It is also possible to ‘opt out’ of the court process and pay a judge to review your case and give an opinion.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The variety as well as being able to help people in difficult situations and resolve things to meet their individual needs.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Joining the team at Burges Salmon in 2019. It is recognised in Chambers 2021 as “the go-to firm in the South West” and an “extremely competent and skilled team”. I am also personally proud of having been named in chambers directory as a ‘star associate’.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

We have adapted quickly and have been able to provide the high level service that we pride ourselves on.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Get advice early on: that will help you see the wood for the trees. A specialist family lawyer will be able to give you advice tailored to your particular situation.

FIONA GREENER

HARBOUR FAMILY LAW 0117 3751780 www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk What services do you provide?

Family law. When relationships break down, or new ones start, there are always legal issues to consider. I spend my time helping people through what is often a tricky period of their life.

What’s the best way to get in contact?

Probably telephone, but email is good too; fiona@harbourfamilylaw.co.uk What questions should clients come to you with?

Anything goes, but definitely the ones that are keeping them awake at night.

What would you say to someone who is nervous to engage with a solicitor?

I get it. No one wants to talk to a solicitor, but we are there to help. Bring a friend with you to the first meeting and, in advance, get your thoughts in order.

Perhaps write down a few points or questions; the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.

What is your career highlight to date?

Without doubt meeting Baroness Hale, the current President of the Supreme Court. A truly inspirational role model for women in law: the first woman and youngest ever Law Commissioner; the first woman to join the judicial committee of the House of Lords (after 600 years!) and the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court when it was created in 2009.

Why should someone come to speak to you?

I’ve been handpicked as one of the top three family law solicitors. Check it out at www.threebestrated. co.uk/family-law-solicitors-in-north-somerset

JOHN HODGE SOLICITORS 01179 335533; www.johnhodge.co.uk

Hannah Petherick

Nicholas Cooper

What is your favourite part of the job?

I truly enjoy working in a practice area that helps to resolve issues my clients once thought were overwhelming. I feel a genuine sense of achievement when clients share with me that I’ve made a difference to their lives and futures.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

I practiced family law in Australia for many years and successfully transferring my skills and experience to practicing here in the UK is a real source of pride for me.

What advice would you give to anyone considering family law as a career?

The additional experience I’ve gained volunteering to give pro bono advice has been of enormous benefit to me in understanding the varied issues my clients may face and how to help resolve them. My ongoing clients benefit from that experience and I’d encourage young lawyers to do the same.

How has Covid affected the business?

Our firm has remained open for business throughout the course of 2020. Maintaining the quality of our services to clients, both existing and new, during a period of such uncertainty has been our priority.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

I’d suggest obtaining advice from a family law specialist as early as possible. Making good decisions at the right moments can be crucial to achieving overall objectives and early legal advice can provide the tools to make those good decisions.

NICKY HOWARTH

HARBOUR FAMILY LAW 0117 3751780 www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk

Fiona Greener

Nicky Howarth

What is your favourite part of the job?

No two days are the same, and no two clients are the same, which makes it fast paced, interesting and exciting.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Getting lovely feedback from clients at the end of a case is absolutely the best and most rewarding part of the job.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

As with some many professions, a lot more virtual meetings. It has also sped up the move to a paperless office, which we now have, which is great.

If you weren’t working in the legal world what would you be doing?

I wanted to be a lawyer from about the age of eight!

Perhaps a teacher, as I love children.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Get some legal advice at the outset to avoid doing anything that could affect your position, and make sure you like and trust your lawyer.

What are your goals for 2021, professionally?

To continue to grow the Clifton office and for Harbour Family Law to continue to thrive.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61

ADVERTISING FEATURE ASHLEY PALMINTERI

ELIZABETH BRUCE

THE FAMILY LAW PRACTICE 0117 989 7960; www.thefamilylawpractice.co.uk How has family law changed in the last few years?

Quite dramatically really, with the advent of no-fault divorce around the corner and fairness being at the core of what people want to achieve. Most people’s preconception now is that 50/50 is what they want to achieve.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The clients and getting them from A to B, without too much drama and heartache.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Probably founding The Family Law Practice in 2012 and appreciating what we’ve achieved over the years.

Becoming a judge is a close second.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

The biggest change has been the way in which the courts are now working. Everyone is doing their best, but it does seem wrong for someone’s life to be conducted through a telephone or video hearing.

What advice would you give to anyone considering family law as a career?

Go for it. Being a family lawyer is perhaps one of the most underrated areas of law. You need to understand people and have a good knowledge of companies, tax and pensions.

The job requires you to pull all those facets together.

THE FAMILY LAW PRACTICE 0117 989 7970; www.thefamilylawpractice.co.uk

Ashley Palminteri

HARRIET SHAW

THE FAMILY LAW PRACTICE 0117 989 7967; www.thefamilylawpractice.co.uk How has family law changed in the last few years?

There has certainly been a shift in the last few years, with a stronger focus on trying to resolve issues arising from a separation, including arrangements for children and finances, outside of the courtroom. I also think one of the most positive changes has been the increased use of technology to streamline the divorce process and to make it more accessible for clients. Covid has acted as a catalyst, and changes we were seeing anyway have been fast-tracked.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Assisting clients through emotional and challenging times in their lives and helping them to achieve the right outcome.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

I would recommend keeping lines of communication with your spouse as open as possible, and obtaining legal advice at an early stage. Being armed with good advice does not stop clients from trying to find a compromise with their spouse, but knowing your rights and being aware of what the legal limits are in terms of forming a binding agreement, can be very useful.

The pandemic has changed a lot of things; what tool have you found useful that you didn’t use before?

I think everyone’s buzz word for 2020 is Zoom! This tool enables us to meet with clients and counsel without the need to attend the office or chambers. I do find, particularly for an initial meeting with a client where we might cover some sensitive topics, clients tend to feel much more relaxed and able to talk while they are in their home environment.

62 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Elizabeth Bruce

What do you specialise in?

Helping individuals to resolve the financial aspects arising from their separation; aiming to achieve a fair division of assets. Hopefully, this can be achieved through negotiation and agreement, or if necessary, within the Court process. I advise about pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements and also help individuals engaged in disputes about their children. I am a collaboratively-trained lawyer, and so am able to assist those clients committed to working together to resolve their disputes outside of the court process.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

In 2016 my firm won the Bristol Law Society Firm of the Year award. The Family Law Practice was started in 2012, so to receive this kind of recognition in only four years was a huge achievement for the entire team, and a very proud moment for all concerned.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Working with my clients and striving to achieve an outcome that is best for them and their family.

I recognise that I’m helping them through an incredibly difficult period in their lives, and want to ensure they feel supported and in receipt of the best possible advice.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Before making any decisions, seek advice from a family lawyer who can talk to you about the things you need to consider and the options available. The choice of lawyer is very important, as every situation is unique, and it is important that you instruct someone that you have confidence in.

TRACEY SMITH

STONE KING 0800 111 4336; www.stoneking.co.uk

Harriet Shaw

Tracey Smith

Tell us a little about your job…

I deal with matters that involve significant assets, business interests involving all structures and trust arrangements, both UK-based and international. I also deal with all types of pension arrangements. My experience of over 30 years means nothing is too complex, and I will draw on whatever skills are needed to help my clients; they are my absolute priority.

Are there any misconceptions about family law?

That if you live with someone for long enough and break up you have the same rights as a married couple.

That’s a myth.

What advice would you give to clients considering a divorce?

Marriage breakdown comes with strong feelings of fear, uncertainty and stress. My advice to my clients is to adopt a constructive approach to resolving matters.

The outcome is, of course, important, but how you get there is equally so. Make sure you appoint a lawyer who recognises the importance to you of achieving an outcome that is fair, and who is committed to helping you achieve that in a positive way.

ADVERTISING FEATURE JEN POLLOCK

KERRY GRAHAM

GL LAW 0117 906 9230; www.gl.law What areas of family law do you specialise in?

I advise people in all aspects of relationship breakdown, divorce, cohabitation disputes, children issues and domestic abuse injunctions. I have specialist skills in the dividing of finances during divorce including pensions and business assets. I also work extensively with families dealing with disputes over children, including international issues, parental alienation and where serious allegations have been made.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

At GL Law we always put our client’s individual needs first and work around their preferred method of communication. Since working from home at the start of lockdown, we have been able to keep in touch with our clients using video calls, telephone and email. We have also put strict measures in place to ensure we can safely see clients in the office if needed.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Speak to a solicitor sooner rather than later. Find out where you stand legally from the outset and understand your options. If you’re not ready to talk, visit our website and complete the free online questionnaire for a personalised information pack.

SAMANTHA NEWTON

ASHFORDS LLP 0117 321 8004; www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/samantha-newton How has family law changed in the last few years?

I have seen a real shift with clients wanting to find amicable ways to navigate their relationship breakdown. Using court-alternatives, such as mediation, collaborative law and private hearings, is now commonplace.

What is your favourite part of the job?

As a family lawyer you go on a journey with your client, helping them navigate one of the most testing times in their lives. We are one of the first people a client opens up to, seeing how empowering that is for clients and helping them is what makes it really worthwhile.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce or dissolution?

Take your time – take advice and get your ducks in a row before you rush into anything. If the relationship is at the end of the road, careful timing can be hugely beneficial before taking any steps to formalise the separation.

What are your goals for 2021, professionally?

To continue to grow my collaborative practice, this encapsulates how I want to help clients – to navigate their separations amicably, without court proceedings and with an eye on what is best for them. To continue to grow the family team in Bristol. Experienced solicitor Megan Prideaux joined earlier this year, and I look forward to growing the team further in 2021.

INCE METCALFES 0117 929 0451; www.incemetcalfes.com

Jen Pollock

Kerry Graham

What is your favourite part of the job?

A divorce means a chapter in someone’s life has come to an end. My goal is to close this chapter as seamlessly as possible. The favourite part of my job is watching a client walk away happy and knowing I did the best job I could.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Being promoted to head of department, becoming a partner and building a fantastic team of experienced lawyers in a short space of time – all of whom get the results clients want.

What advice would you give to anyone considering family law as a career?

Work hard, do what you say you will do and do not take no for an answer. It is a diverse and demanding career path but immensely rewarding; supporting clients from all over the world and getting them where they want to be.

If you weren’t working in the legal world what would you be doing?

I would be racing my old V8 – somewhere hot!

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Think it through properly, get professional advice and do not procrastinate if you have made a decision to divorce. Life is far too short.

What are your goals for 2021, professionally?

The team is expanding and we are growing as a firm internationally. We have a lot of exciting projects ahead – so watch this space!

MEGAN PRIDEAUX

ASHFORDS LLP 0117 321 8053; www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/megan-prideaux

Samantha Newton

Megan Prideaux

How has family law changed in the last few years?

The no-fault divorce system is a landmark change for family law. It will prevent unnecessary upset by letting couples apply for their divorce together and without blame. This will no doubt help couples focus on the arrangements for their children and finances, helping to facilitate an amicable separation where possible.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

The move to utilise virtual meetings, court hearings and online documents where appropriate has seen a shift in the way we can reach clients and the court. Some things are better done face-to-face, and striking a balance moving forward will be important. Online processes can help clients for a number of reasons, including with geographical and logistical issues.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

If you are considering separating, try to keep the lines of communication open where possible. It is helpful for the road ahead and keeps open options for reaching agreements such as through mediation, collaborative law and discussions via solicitors. Avoiding an acrimonious court process enables couples to preserve co-parenting relationships and come up with solutions together.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

ADVERTISING FEATURE

DAVID LISTER

SIMPSON MILLAR 0808 239 3337; www.simpsonmillar.co.uk How has family law changed over the last few years?

There is a much greater emphasis on problemsolving, out-of-court settlements and improving efficiencies. People have realised the differences between the lawyers who care and the lawyers who care about money.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Sitting down with someone who might be afraid of losing everything, giving them back control and reminding them later, when we’ve achieved the goals we set together, just how far they’ve come.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Winning the National Family Law Solicitor of the Year Award has to be a career highlight. The fact that it was decided by other family lawyers was a huge mark of respect.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

I look after a national team of family law experts and we have 13 offices in the UK. A lot of my time was taken up by travel. Now I have even more time to focus on the team and our clients. It’s made us even more accessible and has enabled us to widen our reach even further, now that geography is no longer a feature in choosing a solicitor.

What advice would you give to anyone considering family law as a career?

Don’t mistake it for the soft area of law. You have to have thick skin, and be prepared to roll up your sleeves. Tactics and strategy are important. The hours are long, and people’s family problems can’t wait until tomorrow. You have to be physically and emotionally available.

How has Covid affected the business?

We’ve been able to adapt easily, with 98% of our workforce working from home without a drop in

efficiency or service levels. We’ve been forced to look inwardly and accelerate our plans for growth, which means my team will more than double in size in 2021.

If you weren’t working in the legal world, what would you be doing?

My wife and I own an Italian restaurant, so I’d probably spend more time there than I do now, which wouldn’t help my waistline.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Close your eyes and think about where you want to be in a year or two. Work out what features of that image are key, set your sights on those things and start laying the groundwork now. Don’t sweat the small stuff. The big picture is what matters.

The pandemic has changed a lot of things, but what tool have you found most useful that you didn’t use before?

Time. Being at home in the week means that I can pour all of my time into what matters, both in terms of work and my family. It’s precious and I think we all understand that a little bit better now.

What are your goals for 2021, professionally?

2020 was my first full year as national head, and was all about laying the right foundations to build upon. In 2021 we’ll use those foundations to build up and out, recruiting even more talented lawyers, widening our reach and launching new and innovative legal solutions for separating families.

ALISON BRADLEY

SAM HICKMAN

What does a good family lawyer provide?

Technical expertise combined with practical advice tailored specifically to the individual, delivered in a clear and accessible way, taking into account that this is often a difficult and emotional time for all involved.

What advice would you give someone coming to see a family lawyer?

It’s important to come prepared, so think ahead and make a note of any questions in advance.

Don’t be afraid to ask if you want clarification on something – no question is a silly one.

Why should people contact you?

I have been a family and divorce lawyer for more than 20 years. I’m approachable and have particular expertise in financial provision following relationship breakdown. I genuinely want to know about my clients, their family situation and what is needed to enable them to move forward.

How has family law changed in recent years?

We are advising on an increasing number of divorce cases where business ownership is involved, as well as pensions and trusts. There are lots of issues to consider when resolving finances, so it’s very important to get expert legal advice, usually the earlier the better. Our legal system is increasingly supportive and encouraging of alternatives to court to resolve disagreements over finances or child arrangements, and for most people, court is now seen as the last resort.

What is your favourite part of the job?

During my career I have witnessed the very human impact of family breakdown. This is not my favourite part of the job but seeing the resilience and ability of people to recover and enabling them to move on with their lives is.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

We have embraced new technology and regularly offer video calls rather than face-to-face meetings, which work well for busy clients in a safe environment. We also offer clients evening or weekend appointments.

What advice would you give to anyone considering family law as a career?

Listen and do not judge. Be brave about giving clients frank advice which they may not like to hear, but that you know is important for them and their family.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

Speak to a solicitor at the outset to understand the process and the legal implications of getting divorced.

Often clients think that everything can be wrapped up in a couple of months, which is rarely the case.

How has Covid altered the way you work?

We recognise that some individuals are looking for free advice and guidance. In response to this and in particular with a rise in enquiries during the pandemic, we have developed a dedicated Covid resource hub on our website, which offers lots of support and articles, and we have addressed FAQs for our family clients too: www.vwv.co.uk/coronavirus-legal-advice.

WARDS SOLICITORS 0117 929 2811; www.wards.uk.com

64 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

VWV 0117 9252020; www.vwv.co.uk

Alison Bradley

Sam Hickman

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS OK, GO . . .

Three Bristol digital marketing and tech experts have set themselves up as an o cial government ickstart gateway, launching what they believe is the most user-friendly and comprehensive platform to enable smaller businesses to apply to the government’s recently launched Kickstart Scheme.

KickstartGo has just one simple form that businesses need to complete if they want to make an application for a job placement. As soon as there are 30 applications on the system (the minimum the government will allow), KickstartGo will submit them as a batch to the government. The platform then acts as a one-stop portal that businesses can log into, centrally managing all the information about each job and the government payments. In addition, it provides a range of free online training resources that each recruited candidate can use, and centrally logs the details of their activity.

For more: kickstartgo.co.uk

Virtual signalling

M

eet Bristol will be exhibiting at IBTM World Virtual between 8-10 December 2020, partnering with MeetEngland and other top UK destinations.

IBTM World is a key exhibition in the business events industry calendar, attracting a global audience across all industries. Historically taking place live at the Fira Barcelona, this year’s event will happen virtually, allowing buyers and exhibitors from around the world to connect, network and do business even during the global pandemic.

Meet Bristol will be representing Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas to highlight what the destinations can o er conference, events and incentive travel planners. This is a vital opportunity to connect directly with a global audience and promote the region’s economic sector strengths, what’s new and upcoming in the destination and discuss how the region has adapted during the pandemic to provide client confidence when planning for the future.

This platform will provide the opportunity to host up to 30 bespoke one-to-one meetings over three days with buyers who are considering placing business in the South West region.

For more: visitbristol.co.uk

The big number

53%

Online shopping was already up 53% in a year before the second lockdown.

“Over Christmas this is set to snowball,” says Sarah Coles, personal finance

analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. “During the first lockdown we went from doing around a fifth of our shopping this way to buying a third of items online.

Lockdown during the key Christmas month is going to drive this even higher.”

For more: hl.co.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bristol Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk

BRISTOL LIFE AWARD WINNERS 2020 Comms and developement manager Phoebe Ruxton takes us behind the scenes of FareShare South West

Phoebe Ruxton

CHARITY WINNER SPONSORED BY

P

hoebe initially joined FareShare SW three years ago in a communications and fundraising role, but as the charity has expanded, she’s taken on the remit of development, taking a more strategic look at how elements of the organisation can, and must, develop, and drive that change forward. She is, however, still very much involved with fundraising, as she sees it as a keyway to develop as a charitable organisation.

How and when did the charity come about, and who started it?

FareShare South West is part of the national charity FareShare, running on a franchise model – so that gives us independence and plenty of autonomy to

68 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

do what’s best for our region. FareShare as a national charity was established back in 1994 in London as an arm of Crisis, in partnership with Sainsbury's, with regional centres opening in the following few years. In 2004, FareShare became an independent charity, and by 2005, the charity identity and logo we all know so well was established.

Who spearheaded the South West branch, and when?

It was 2007 when the regional centre in ristol first opened, and was founded

by Andy Street, who is still our chair of trustees. In 2017, Julian Mines took over as CEO, and since that point we’ve seen incredible growth as a charity – largely because Julian has applied his experience of building social enterprises to the charity, and also invested in creating a great team of people to increase our impact.

Can you please sum up what the charity does?

Our core service takes in-date, goodquality surplus food from right across the

BRISTOLWORKS WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: food industry and redistributes it to over 300 frontline organisations, including schools, charities, rehabilitation centres, refuges and community centres. We tackle food waste while fighting hunger.

In these extraordinary Covid times we have provided additional emergency food support to our 300+ frontline partners, plus other organisations in Bristol and the South West who have required our help to keep their communities fed.

What makes FareShare South West unique?

We are the South West’s largest food redistribution charity, so we have the potential to make a huge impact on the lives of thousands in the region. We are taking food at scale from the food industry wide to get food to the most vulnerable in our region. We are making surplus food do social good.

Can you give us some statistics to illustrate what you have achieved over the past year or so?

With our Covid emergency response, our normal yearly tonnes of food rose from around 530 tonnes of food in a year to over 1,000 tonnes from January to the present. To put that into further context, in 2019 we provided enough food for one million meals, but from March to July 2020 alone we provided enough food for two million meals.

How do you collaborate with other Bristol organisations?

Working with other Bristol organisations is at the core of our success as a charity, and allows us to continue making a significant impact. e aim to work in a collaborative way with the frontline organisations we support. We have found that sometimes taking a facilitator role as the food supplier allows for more oined up conversations around tackling food poverty across an entire community.

We have good relationships with big corporations like Osborne Clarke, Hargreaves Lansdown and Rathbones, as well as partnerships with independent

“FareShare is a vital lifeblood to Bristol communities, kickstarting poverty campaigns while delivering enough food to hit an incredible milestone of one million meals to those in need. Local heroes…”

South West businesses like the amazing Field and Flower and ALD Automotives.

Having these relationships has really engaged new audiences with our charity and helped massively with vital fundraising. We also have close ties with food suppliers in the area, with many, like Pieminister for example, redirecting their surplus food to us.

Do you feel that Bristol, especially the hospitality sector, has really stepped up to help over the past year or so? Do any particular local heroes spring to mind?

I would say that 2018 marked a really noticeable engagement of Bristol’s amazing hospitality sector to our charity.

We reached out to them as part of our Big Breakfast campaign, and the response was incredible. This support continued, and in 2019 we had top chefs like Josh Eggleton, Toby Gritten, Rob Howell, Genevieve Taylor, Tess and Elliot Lidstone and others all come on board for our summer holiday hunger campaign, and taking part in a cook o where their dishes were auctioned. The support from the hospitality sector has continued despite the really challenging position they find themselves in this year.

Has lockdown (and Marcus Radford) really brought home the issue of food poverty?

It is undeniable that Marcus Rashford’s campaigning this year has brought the issue of food poverty front and centre for us as a nation. Along with this, Covid and the subsequent lockdowns have laid bare – and exacerbated – the inequalities that exist in our country and region. For

years now, we have been fighting for food poverty to be seen as a critical issue, so we are grateful that more people than ever are engaging in this discussion.

Tell us about some successful fundraising campaigns you’ve run Many people will have heard of our Big Breakfast campaign, which focuses on the issue of child hunger and ensuring all children have access to a nutritious breakfast.

We’ve had top chefs up bright and early flipping pancakes with children, and great engagement from the likes of Mayor Marvin Rees. We’ve also run ActiveAte, a summer holiday campaign supporting holiday clubs and projects to provide food to young people.

This year, we’ve just launched FoodStock 2020: a campaign to build a stockpile of emergency food with the infrastructure to deliver it across Bristol and the South West. This campaign is in response to the emergency need for food sparked by the pandemic. Building a stockpile of food from our suppliers across the UK – some of which will be bought, rather than surplus – and then having the infrastructure to deliver it at the scale needed is a costly operation.

That’s why we’re currently working hard to fundraise to make this possible.

How important was winning a Bristol Life Award? n a year where our sta and volunteers have sacrificed so much of their time and worked so incredibly hard, it was just amazing to be recognised by Bristol

Life Awards. We were among some impressive charitable organisations, including a few partner charities who receive our food, so that made winning even more of an honour.

How many volunteers do you have?

FareShare South West has over 150 volunteers and rising! Roles range from picking and packing deliveries ready to go to our partner frontline organisations, to driving the vans and being a driver’s mate. e also have o ce based volunteering opportunities. Some of our volunteers have even gone on to be employed by us as we have grown.

If we could do just one thing to help right now, what would it be?

If you’re a business owner or a senior decision maker in a business, we’d love to discuss how you might support us in our FoodStock 2020 campaign, which will run right through the winter. If you’re an individual, we’d be grateful for donations. If you have time to give, we’re on the look out for volunteers. We know that there are many people in Bristol who aren’t in a position to help, but really want to support us somehow. If that’s you, sending a message or card to keep motivation levels up also means a lot.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

Just to say thank you Bristol, for being such a supportive place to be in di cult times. We feel lucky to be part of such an engaged, collaborative community.

For more: faresharesouthwest.org.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

More good news for Early Day Films, who we featured in our late ovember issue.

Linn Waite and Kate Byers, who co-produced the BAFTAwinning Bait, have been chosen along with 32 other participants to be part of the new BAFTA Breakthrough initiative, supported by etfli , to help emerging talent across film, games and television.

Participants were chosen by cross-industry global juries, including actors Paapa Essiedu and Fiona Shaw, filmmaker mma sante and Edward Enninful, editor-inchief of British Vogue. t’s very e citing to be part of this, and in the company of such amazing talent, said inn. or more earl da films.com

Awards reap awards The Bristol Life Awards are back for 2021, with numerous benefits for sponsors

M

omentum continues to build for the Bristol Life Awards as category sponsorship opportunities are snapped up, with companies reaping the benefits of the high profile event.

Organisers are anticipating another huge celebration for the next Awards, currently set to be held on 22 April 2021, following the success of this year’s virtual ceremony.

The headline sponsorship is once again taken by longstanding partner Marsh Commercial, leading an already impressive line up of sponsors for 2021. e are thrilled to have such a perfect headline sponsor and one that is deeply rooted in Bristol,”

said MediaClash’s brand manager Claudia utler.

Prestigious category sponsorship opportunities remain. he 2021 Awards saw most of the categories sponsored far in advance of the big night, which sells out each year with many on the waiting list.

The roster of sponsors so far includes headliner Marsh Commercial and category sponsors Anderson Financial Management, British Corner Shop, Brunel Insurance Brokers, Burston Cook, CMC Marquees, Curo, SLX, Spaces, Triangle Networks, VWV and Bristol Life itself. ilver sponsorships have also been taken

by Clarke Willmott, Main Interiors and roctor and tevenson.

“From sponsoring a category to benefiting from our shoulder

events, sponsorship of the wards not only means involvement with a remarkable event but also comes with months of beneficial, high profile marketing, peaking in pril, said Claudia. houlder events which support the wards include the finalists’ and sponsors’ reception and the champagne reception on Awards night. usinesses can also benefit from sponsoring individual categories or supporting features, including the widely shared over social media live cover’ photo opportunities.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Harriette Dixon; harriette.dixon@ mediaclash.co.uk bristollifeawards.co.uk @BristolLifeAwds

© WHITE VILL A PHOTOGR APHY & FILMS

Bristol’s got talent

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Separation anxiety ASHFORDS share their advice on minimising the distress of a relationship breakdown

S

eparating is often one of the biggest challenges an adult will face in their life. Here are some top tips to help make the process as smooth as possible.

PRIORITIES AND CHILDREN Consider discussing how you would both like to behave to each other in the process, for example to put the children first, to focus on being fair, to aim to remain as amicable as possible, to be honest, open and fair.

Children feel the pressure and emotion of their parent’s separation, as much as parents try to shield them. Agree on a plan for telling the children together and avoid putting your children in the middle, by discussing adult issues with or in front of them.

INFORMATION GATHERING List details of your and your partner’s finances, identifying property values, investments, bank accounts, life insurance, pension values, credit cards, loans, income and any other assets or liabilities early in the process. You both have a duty to be open and honest about your finances.

Think about your respective needs and the needs of the family when it comes to housing, income and plans for the future. Consider looking at longer term solutions for providing two homes. This might involve reviewing your mortgage capacities with a financial adviser.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVISERS Think about what specialist involvement you need, for example from a financial adviser or accountant. Taking action during the tax year of separation and considering the timing of any formal separation could be significant.

Consider the tax implications of moving out of the family home. Have an initial discussion with your adviser and get a feel for if the fit is right for you.

If your partner is being unreasonable, if you are unsure what your rights are, if you would like some guidance about options, or to document an agreement, then it is sensible to speak to a solicitor for early advice. Consider a family lawyer who is a member of Resolution, committed to a constructive resolution of family disputes, to help you come up with a plan that keeps amicable discussions on track.

DISCUSSING THE FINANCES AND FORMALLY SEPARATING Choosing the right legal process for you is important. There are a range of options to help facilitate discussions if direct discussions are not possible or becoming difficult, including mediation or collaborative law.

Apply caution before starting divorce or dissolution proceedings online before considering the timing and tax, or applying to finalise the divorce process before you have reached an agreement about your finances.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, or would like any further information, please contact:

Samantha Newton Senior Associate 0117 321 8004 s.newton@ashfords.co.uk

DOCUMENT YOUR AGREEMENT Any agreement you reach about finances on divorce or dissolution, including directly or in mediation, is not binding until it has been documented and a judge has reviewed and approved it. It is therefore very important that any agreement you reach is carefully documented and lodged with the court.

A relationship of many years does not need to be concluded overnight. Take time, take advice, and make sure you have the right team in place. n

Megan Prideaux Solicitor 0117 321 8053 m.prideaux@ashfords.co.uk

Ashfords LLP, Tower Wharf, Cheese Lane, Bristol, BS2 0JJ; www.ashfords.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73

BRISTOL COLLEGE of MASSAGE and BODYWORK Professional Massage Training and Low Cost Massage Clinics • Remedial & Sports Massage Diploma Course MTI Level 5 Diploma - apply now for March 2021

• Indian Head Massage Certificate Course MTI Level 3 Certificate - apply now for Spring 2021 • Holistic Massage Diploma Course MTI Level 4 Diploma - apply now for February 2021 • Two day Holistic and Thai Massage Introductory Workshops

BRISTOL’S TRUSTED ROOFING SPECIALIST Over 35 years’ experience, free surveys and quotes, all works guaranteed through manufacturers, supporting NFRC and the Trustmark government scheme.

• Exciting CPD programme for therapists from in-house, national and international tutors.

Low cost massage available from our students.

Covid-secure procedures in place including PPE use and training for students, practitioners and clients Lower Ground Floor, 109 Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3EU - 0117 946 6371 enquiries@bristolmassage.co.uk - www.bristolmassage.co.uk BCMB has been providing high quality training since 1987. We are accredited by the Massage Training Institute (MTI). Our courses exceed the training standards of the General Council for Massage Therapy.

NEW ROOF INSTALLATION SERVICES

ROOF REPAIRS ALL OVER BRISTOL

EXPERTS IN SPECIALIST ROOFS

CONTACT CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY OUR EXPERIENCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

Get in touch using the phone or contact us using our online form.

We’ll do our best to get back to you as quickly as we can.

CALL: 0117 978 0070 EMAIL: Brisroofing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TURNING LIVES AROUND

DEVELOPING HEALTH & INDEPENDENCE (DHI) is a local charity set up to help people out of the cycle of addiction, social isolation, and homelessness

T

Mark – a client supported by DHI

Taking part in activity day at a local farm

DHI outreach staff supporting rough sleepers

he Bristol we live and work in is a very beautiful, historically rich city. However, there is another side that is often hidden.

Whether as a result of poverty, mental ill health or drug and alcohol addiction, too many people in our city are struggling. Often these are symptoms as well as causes of deep problems.

During this extraordinary year the Covid-19 pandemic has brought new fears and new challenges to many of us across the city. For those that are already disadvantaged and vulnerable, life has become more difficult and problems seem insurmountable.

Developing Health & Independence (DHI) is a local charity, set up to help people out of the cycle of homelessness, social isolation and addiction. We provide a wide range of services to the most vulnerable people within our communities to help them gain control of their lives and live independently. We have recently experienced a huge increase in demand for our services. Those that are need of its support have expressed their fears linked to the risk of redundancy, the furlough scheme ending and their feelings of isolation.

• DHI works with the most marginalised in the city to help turn around their lives.

• We provide tailored support for people to make lifestyle changes, allowing them to stand on their own feet and thrive.

• We work with people to ensure their basic needs are met, such as having a safe place to live, and enough money to pay bills and eat. We work with everyone from rough sleepers to those at risk of losing accommodation due to relationship breakdown or loss of income.

• We offer supported housing and a full range of treatment services for adults and young people with drug and alcohol issues.

• We also provide employment support and wellbeing support to reconnect people to their communities at times of vulnerability.

DHI has been a lifeline for many in our local community. For people like Mark, the charity has been a lifesaver: “I had been dependent on alcohol for over 30 years when, in early 2020, I realised I wouldn’t survive much longer if I didn’t make a

change. My mental health had deteriorated to such a point that I could no longer work, and my days were all about how I could make sure I got enough alcohol that day.

When I got in touch with DHI, the lockdown had begun and therefore all my support had to be by phone or in online groups. I completed a full group programme online, as one of the first people to take part in those new groups, and if it wasn’t for that support, I wouldn’t be alive today. The online groups allowed me to access support in the safety of my own home.

I completed a detox from home and I’ve never felt better. I’m in work now and continuing to access support online. I really think that the online groups have been a lifesaver for so many people.”

To help more people like Mark, DHI needs your support.

To make a donation to our DHI Christmas appeal, please use a smartphone QR reader:

Donations can also be made online by visiting www.localgiving.org/appeal/DHIChristmas Or cheques, made payable to Developing Health & Independence, can be sent to the address below. n

14 St James’ Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL Company No: 383011 Charity No: 1078154 tel: 01225 329411; www.dhi-online.org.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 75

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT; THE FUTURE’S GREEN

ater illies, a new community of self build eco homes in ingsweston, is on track to be finished by ne t summer; and there are still two houses and si apartments available to buy. he development has been created by right reen utures, and is the first pro ect of its kind in the . uyers can design their own sustainable apartment, or a terraced, detached or semi detached house, and either build or finish it themselves. s well as saving money and o ering a chance to create a bespoke home, the new residents will be part of a net zero carbon community situated the edge of a conservation area, with countryside on the doorstep and easy access to the city.

For more: brightgreenfutures.co.uk

BACK TO WORK

orried that your sta may be reluctant to return to old school o ce based working once the reat Contagion is over hey might change their minds if the o ce was located in ortwall ane in edcli e. he impressive ictorian building that stands at numbers 1 2 has been bought by Create eal state from enting Casino, which formerly operated from the second and third floors. Create’s vision is to convert the space into contemporary, loft style work spaces. o add to the lure of this very central location ueen uare for after work softball, anyone the o ce is directly above am lliott’s acclaimed steakhouse and bar asture, and right ne t to the historic ortwall avern. e are very pleased to have ac uired this e citing property in such a vibrant part of the city centre, said Chris illiams, asset manager at Create eal state. emple eads, ueen uare and the arbourside are all on its doorstep, and it has views of the harbour to the west and the magnificent t ary edcli e church opposite. he building is a real gem, and we look forward to delivering its untapped potential. he ristol o ce market is very strong, and demand for high uality, interesting spaces has never been greater.

For more: createrealestate.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

A CANYNGE PLAN

It’s the last property showcase of 2020, so let’s go out with an absolute Clifton classic Words by Ursula Cole 78 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

N

orland House is what’s known in the trade as a box-ticker.

Let's start (as we always should) with the location. The house has a hugely desirable address, being situated on Canynge Road – a leafy, elegant, peaceful street roughly halfway between the twin delights of Clifton Village and The Downs.

Next, let’s zoom in on the handsome Grade-II house itself, set back discreetly at the end of a large lawn behind stone walls and hedging. The house is thought to be the work of one Charles Dyer, who also designed Engineers’ House and The Victoria Rooms; it was certainly built in around 1830, and remodelled nearly half a century later. ver the last five years or so, the present owners have stamped their own mark on the home, in a sensitive makeover that has also given new life – and how! – to the formerly disused and detached coach house, which now provides a gorgeously contemporary space that contrasts pleasingly with the Regency elegance of the main house.

The indoor space covers 8800 sq ft; and if that’s meaningless to you, here’s how this translates: four storeys; seven bedrooms; four bathrooms, and two dressing rooms.

A drawing room, dining room, studio and snug in the main house; a huge reception space, cinema room and gym in the coach house. A beautiful wine cellar, a laundry room and a utility area, and a self-contained annexe.

Despite all this vastness and its undoubted glamour, Norland House is a family home at heart, with a wellthought out layout, easy flow and versatility. irst impressions are impressive, as a pillared porch admits you to an entrance hall that runs the full depth of the house, leading to an array of fabulous reception rooms: a wood-

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79

t: 0117 279 0980 | m: 07956 846307 e: simon@bristolcityroofing.co.uk

www. bristolcityroofing.co.uk

PROPERTY

panelled dining room, a snug (no misnomer here; it has an open fire ; a secluded study overlooking the garden, a bright drawing room with triple sash windows, and the usual clatter of utility rooms you’d e pect from a home that once employed a small army of servants. t the end of the hall is a sleek kitchen built by oundhouse; given its high ceilings, elegant full height bay, elaborate cornicing and fireplace, this must once have been another reception room. oday it comes with an , a large central island and an integrated iele co ee machine. ncorporating the coach house into the main building was a brilliant notion that has been sublimely e ecuted. t adds almost ft of living space, with a double height ceiling and mezzanine floor above, housing the gym. t’s a perfect space to entertain, or to use as a home o ce and ust imagine the size of the Christmas tree you could fit in the main room t also comes with a small fully fitted kitchen, and a lu urious cinema room with surround sound. till worried you’ll be short of space eally there’s also the self contained anne e, with its large double bedroom, reception room, kitchen and shower room. utside, the manicured lawns are kept private by mature hedging and stone walls. here’s a paved seating area with a pond and a wooden framed gazebo, and a courtyard landscaped to provide year round use. n

HOUSE NUMBERS

private

Bedrooms

7

Price

Bath/ shower rooms

4

Where Canynge Road, Clifton

Reception rooms 4 in main house, plus 26ft kitchen, snug and study. Converted coach house provides 36ft living space, cinema room and gym Garden Fully-enclosed and

£POA

What else? Self-contained one-bedroomed annexe Rupert Oliver, 14 Waterloo Street, Clifton; 0117 452 3555; rupertoliver.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 81

Bristol & Clifton's premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977

7 QUEEN SQUARE, BS1 • Prime office space

WATERFRONT OFFICE SUITES

• Whole office building 2,898 sq ft

• Penthouse 1,800 sq ft • First Floor 2,375 sq ft

• Or suites of 913 sq ft, 1,067 sq ft, 1,618 sq ft

• 7 car spaces total • Stunning views

• Terms on Application WHITELADIES RD – OFFICES

CHANDOS ROAD, CAFÉ

• 1st floor suite of offices

• Established and busy

• 1,000 sq ft + 2 car spaces • Contemporary refurb

• Fully fitted to walk in and trade

• New lease – rent on application

• New lease

• 766 sq ft • No premium

CHANDOS RD REDLAND

4 WHITELADIES RD

• Prominent corner shop

• 2 floors of bright period offices

• Established retail area

• Fully refurbished

• New lease

• C 1,570 sq ft

• Only £11,750 pax

• 2 Car spaces • New lease

TO LET (MAY SELL), EDEN OFFICE PARK

HAMPTON LANE GARAGE • Garage / car repair workshop

• Short drive from BS8 • 3,985 sq ft – 21 cars

• Suit other industrial & commercial use

• High Quality space • Terms on application

• 2,956 sq ft

RHUBARB TAVERN, BARTON HILL, BS5

ST GABRIELS COURT, BS5

• 1,296 sq st + cellar

• Units from 710 sq ft up to 5,800 sq ft + parking

• To let – flexible terms

• Brand new units for sale

• A4 Drinking Establishment use

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

• Suit other commercial uses

• Use Class E – suits many commercial uses

• New flexible lease

• For sale – Prices O/A

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• Sales/Lettings

• Development advice

• Acquisitions advice

• Investment

• Valuations

• Dilapidations

• Landlord & tenant

• Property Marketing

• Rent reviews

• Auction Services

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Relinquishing control Anne Thistlethwaite of AMD SOLICITORS explains the advantages of arranging a lasting power of attorny

I

t’s never pleasant to think about getting older and what comes with it. Most of us are guilty of forever trying to avoid the wrinkles and grey hair by investing in the next beauty trend. All the while we do not consider what may be ageing on the inside.

It is not uncommon that as we get older, our ability to make our own decisions in life may become harder or impossible for reasons of mental or physical decline. Many of us do not want to consider what would happen if we did not have the capacity to make decisions about our affairs ourselves.

This is why arranging a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is part of good planning and safeguarding against such eventuality.

An LPA gives your attorney(s), a person of your choice over the age of 18, the authority to make decisions about your health and welfare and/or your property and financial affairs on your behalf. You can choose to create one for finance only, or for health as well, or both LPAs and appoint the same people or different people under each power.

The cost per LPA for registration at the court is ÂŁ82 and the process can be relatively straightforward if you are familiar with the government website and do not have specific preferences as to how or when decisions are made.

It is important that you are aware of the significant power under an LPA. Unless you state

to the contrary, your attorneys can be in full control of your health and living arrangements and also be able to give (limited) gifts on your behalf to relatives, friends, charities.

If you have significant assets or detailed wishes on your care, as you get older it would be best to seek legal advice and ensure your best interests are protected, and any wishes you have are followed.

For example, if you have a managed share portfolio, or if your attorneys may wish to invest your funds in one in the future, it will be necessary to include specific power for your attorneys to delegate the management of your investments to a discretionary fund manager. You may also wish to provide your opinion on going into care and how you are to be looked after.

These can be as explicit as what you are to be fed to whether you wish to be resuscitated.

Alternatively, if you have particular health issues where certain medication or a certain diet that you have adopted ensures that you are comfortable. Then this would be an example of specific details that would be essential in adding to your LPA. In summary, if your independence and decision making ability is important to you, consider taking professional advice to complete an LPA formally appointing those people that you feel are suitable to manage your affairs if you are not able to do so, and to ensure that any wishes or instructions you have are clearly laid out and followed. n

For further advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney, the administration of estates, and Wills and other private client matters, contact us on 0117 962 1205 or info@amdsolciitors.com ffices at 100 enlea e oad, enlea e, S9 4 15 The all, lifton S8 4 S 139 hiteladies oad, lifton, S8 2 2 Station oad, Shirehampton S11 9TT www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 87

QUIZ 1

THE RETURN OF THE BRISTMAS QUIZ! It’s time for our annual Bristmas Life quiz, kindly compiled as ever by Richard Jones of Tangent Books PEOPLE (AND A BELL)

1

A statue of a female Black Lives Matter protestor briefly replaced dward Colston in the city centre. hat is her name

2 3 4 5 6

ho is the ord

ayor of ristol

r aul tephenson is well known for being the leader of which protest in 19 ho is the ord ieutenant of the City and County of ristol

ame the ristol overs manager who was sacked in ovember 2000.

hich ristol ears rugby player scored the fi rst try ust 1 seconds into this year’s uropean Challenge Cup fi nal the uickest try in the Cup’s history in ctober

7

hat is the name of the bell in the tower of the ills emorial uilding at the top of ark treet

8

hich player has played the most games ever for ristol City and which player is ust one appearance behind him

MUSIC

9 10

2020 marked the 0th anniversary of the release of which top 10 hit by red edlock

hich ristol band topped the album charts in 2020, and what was the name of the album

11

ame the two ristol members of ananarama who released their book Really Saying Something in 2020

12

2020 is the 0th anniversary of the death of a famous musician who died in a car crash after playing the ristol ippodrome. ho was he

13 14

2 years ago in 199 , ricky released his debut album. ame the album.

2020 is the 20th anniversary of the death of a ristol musician who sold more than 0 million records and had 1 consecutive top 20 hits. ho was he

LITERATURE

15

ame the book set in ristol in 1 ; written by hilippa regory; set against a background of trading in sugar, rum and enslaved fricans.

16

hich ristol author currently en oying a critical revival wrote books including The Bloody Chamber

17

ame the novel by erome erome that was fi rst printed in ristol by rrowsmith in 1 9.

18

2020 is the 2 0th anniversary of the death of which ristol poet

FOOD AND DRINK

19

n 19 rank and ldo erni opened the world’s fi rst erni nn in a ristol pub. ame the pub.

20 21

adlands, ndependence and nfi nity are beers from which ristol brewery

hich ristol superchef started out working at Crispie’s chip shop on andy ark oad, rislington

22 called

rislington is also home to ristol’s longest established ice cream maker. hat’s it

13

23 24

hich part of ristol has the nickname the eermuda riangle’

ame the long standing aston shop founded by assam a othi in 19 .

PLACES

25 26 27

here in ristol were the head uarters of the ouglas motorcycle factory

here in ristol were the fi rst council houses built, and when

hat is the name of the proposed residential redevelopment of Cumberland asin championed by ayor arvin ees

28

elen unmore’s fi nal novel was named after a famous ristol beauty spot. hat is it called

ANSWERS 1 en eid 2 os Clark 3 ristol us oycott 4 eaches olding 5 en arner 6 arry andall 7 reat eorge 8 ouis Carey , ohn 9 Oldest Swinger In Town 10 dles, Ultra Mono 11 ara allin, eren oodward 12 ddie Cochran 13 Maxinequay 14 uss Conway tyeo 15 A Respectable Trade 16 ngela Carter 17 Three Men In A Boat 18 homas Chatterton 19 he ummer 20 ristol eer actory 21 osh ggleton 22 arrs 23 ing treet 24 ristol weet art 25 ingswood 26 eechen rive, illfields in 1919 27 estern arbour 28 Birdcage Walk

90 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

10

Questions loosely based on a selection of Bristol titles, all available at tangentbooks.co.uk.

Pop a few in the Christmas stockings!