Bristol Life - Issue 324

ALAS, POOR

“NOW CR CR∆CKS CR∆ ∆CKS CKS A NOBLE HEART GOOD-NIGHT SWEET PRINCE AND FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO

YORICK!

I KNEW HIM, HORATIO: A FELLOW OF INFINITE JEST, OF

“TO BE, OR NOT TO BE”

ISSUE 324 / AUTUMN 2022 / £3

THY REST. ”

“BREVITY IS THE SOUL OF WIT.”

“THERE IS

NOTHING

EITHER

ISSUE 324 / AUTUMN 2022 / HOWLE DEEDS WILL RISE

gOOD

OR BaD, D, BUT THINKING

M∆KES M ∆KES IT SO.”

“SOMETHING IS ROTTEN IN THE STATE OF

DENM∆RK.”

“MADNESS IN

SO FULL OF

GREAT ONES MUST NOT

ARTLESS

UNWA CHED GO.” UNWA↑

“DOUBT THOU

JEALOUSY

IS GUILT, IT SPILLS

THE ST STARS STA ARS

ARE FIRE; RE;

ITSELF †N

DOUBT THAT

FEARING TO BE SPILT

THE SUN

DOTH

MOVE”

THE PLAY’S THE THING BILLY HOWLE GIVES US HIS DANE

THE BEST ART IN BRISTOL RIGHT NOW / BROWN IN TOWN / BEAUTIFUL EVIL THINGS / BAKE LIKE AN ITALIAN

EDITOR’S LETTER

42 O

n page 42 we have an interview with lovely, thoughtful actor Billy Howle, who’s just about to give us his Hamlet at Bristol Old Vic. Hopefully Billy will be far too busy with rapiers and skulls and arrases and so forth to read the solipsistic bit of trivia I am about to share.

The first Hamlet I ever saw was Ian McKellen’s.

I’m not referring to the recent age-blind RSC production; this was back in the Seventies when he was very young and beautiful. Can’t get past a mental image of Gandalf the Grey? Google up ‘Ian McKellen, Hamlet, 1971’. See? Stunning.

Observe the cheekbones. They must have driven his leading ladies quite mad with jealousy.

They certainly had an effect on me. Hamlet proved to be catnip to an impressionable teen: a brooding enigma of a man, darkly witty and dangerous to know, impressively in touch with his feelings, dressed in funereal black (well, someone in Elsinore had to make the effort). Of course there was the high death-count thing, and his not being especially nice to women, but nobody’s perfect.

I’d never seen anything like it; I was 13, the pack I ran with mostly had posters of The Osmonds on their walls. Friends who already considered me odd now rolled their eyes when they spotted me reading AC Bradley’s Shakespearean Tragedy during school lunchbreaks (I’d failed to locate any Hamlet fanzines). Eventually I moved on, losing my goth little heart to Heathcliff and Mr Rochester in turn, but the damage was done; I now had a type.

I spent far too many years believing that I, and I alone, could save moody, self-absorbed boys from themselves, a task at which I proved to be about as adept as Ophelia.

Given the above, it must be considered that Billy Howle could pose a slight risk to audiences when he appears at Bristol Old Vic this month.

I’m definitely buying a ticket.

Howle deeds will rise

Good press night, sweet prince: Hamlet is about to open at Bristol Old Vic, with Billy Howle playing the Dane

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor Follow us on

@BristolLifeMag;

@BristolLifeMag

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

FERRYBRIDGE C POWER STATION BY LUKE O’DONOVAN

20

Issue 324 / Autumn 2022 ON THE COVER Billy Howle photo by Iona Woolf.

Cover design by Trevor Gilham. Background words by some writer bloke circa 1600.

ARTS

13 ARTS INTRO Casablanca, Not the Movie. It must be

nearly time for Afrika Eye!

14 WHAT’S ON The autumn season gets into its stride 20 GALLERIES What Bristol’s best-dressed walls will be

wearing this season

28 ART All it took was a little pandemic to lure Pete the

28

Street to Bristol

34 THEATRE Even a notorious mythical monster has

a POV

36 BRISTOL HEROES

sideways look at art, filtered through Colin’s quirky lens 42 THE BIG INTERVIEW Billy Howle on Hamlet

FOOD & DRINK

51 FOOD & DRINK Hot plates and cool bevvies 55 CAFÉ SOCIETY If you like it, put a ring on it 56 RECIPE ‘Proud Britalian’, Bake-off winner 2021,

and Bristol resident Giuseppe Dell’Anno has a new cookbook, and he’s given us a lovely recipe

SHOPPING

58 EDITOR’S CHOICE Baby, it’s cold outside

SPORT

63 BRISTOL BEARS It’s amie’s first ristol and ath

115

derby

BUSINESS

67 BRISTOLWORKS The usual bits from us, but this time

bumped up by a mega annual Professional Services Guide

PROPERTY

115 SHOWCASE A house in Aust. You won’t want to change

a thing

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT 11 BRIZZOGRAM 122 BRISTOL LIVES

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, Jamie Rees Commercial manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Business development 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, Carriage Court, 22 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 West Country-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

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

SPOTLIGHT RU Mine? Possibly not; tickets sold out in 30 minutes

On the box

GOING UP

Music

STAR TREATMENT

Plenty to get excited about this month, at least for those who got tickets rctic Monkeys will be kicking off their K and Ireland tour on 29 May 2023 at Ashton Gate. The tour will promote the band’s new studio album,The Car, released on 21 October; judging by track There’d Better Be a Mirrorball on You Tube, the new record sees Alex and co still very much in lush lounge-lizard mode, although recent live setlists hint that there’ll be plenty for fans of their rougher-roundthe-edges rocky earlier work to enjoy, too. www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk

“If anyone asks, I’m a dancer now,” says actor/comedian Jayde Adams. To the excitement of Bristol Life, Bedminster’s finest is part of the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up, paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer.

So why the same-sex partner? Because Jayde can lift her.

“Whenever you have partnerships where you have a plus-size guy, it’s easy for him because he can always lift the girl,” says Jayde. “But when it’s the other way round, and you have that imbalance, it’s like, you know, the guys are great, but they’re not rugby players. Karen and I have already done a couple of lifts, and that girl is going up. We did a bit yesterday. I can already feel Karen in my biceps.”

Jayde also reckoned she’d be able to “get into all the acrobatics” with a female dance partner.

“Look I’ll level with you, it’s really hard work,” she says.

“It’s utterly terrifying, but I decided to take it one day at a time, and so far this is the best thing I’ve ever done, and in the words of film’s most underestimated woman, [Strictly Ballroom’s] Fran, “a life lived in fear is a life half-lived.”

To be fair, we can’t imagine Jayde Adams doing anything by halves. Follow Jayde on insta @msjaydeadams

Karen and Jayde: “that girl is going UP”

Bristol on the box

FILMING MISS DAISY

TV shows made in Bristol are now two-a-penny,* but any new series from This Country’s Daisy May Cooper has to be worth a look.

Written and starring Daisy, along with her real-life bestie Selin Hizli, Am I Being Unreasonable? is tricky to define is it a comedy, a psychological drama, a thriller, all of the above? with themes of obsessive friendship, adultery and delusion.

Produced by award-winning Bristol screenwriter Jack Thorne, AIBU? takes a brilliantly warped look at how quickly life can change and lives unravel. There’s an astonishingly accomplished turn by 13-year-old Lenny Rush as Nic’s son Ollie, too, as well as a cameo from Jessica Hynes. (* Actual statistics can be found on page 67) o oe o o k

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SPOTLIGHT Travis, doing their thing...

Public art

MANE ATTRACTION

First came the gorillas. Then we had the Gromits, then the Shauns; then the Gromits returned, accompanied by Wallace and that evil penguin.

And now, coming up for 2023, we have Unicornfest – a fresh new trail designed to raise funds for Leukaemia Care.

Painted by Bristol artists and schools, the trail will see the unicorns and foals placed in prominent locations between 1 July and 3 September. They’re also a nod, of course, to the 650th anniversary of Bristol; a pair of unicorns are part of the city’s coat of arms.

Following their nine weeks on the city streets, the herd will be rounded up, freshly groomed and presented for auction on 5 October.

At the launch event in Circomedia last month, mayor Marvin Rees unveiled the first unicorns, decorated by artists enny r uhart and Inkie, and children from St Werburgh’s Park nursery school.

The trail is keen to hear from talented West Country artists wishing to decorate the unicorns – get involved at www.theunicornfest.co.uk

... and Inkie, doing his

Theatre

LIGHT CLUB

Travelling Light, the Barton Hill youth theatre which started in a portacabin at the then-named City Academy, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Since 2002, over 1,000 local children and teenagers have attended weekly sessions – and in the case of some, such as Travis Alabanza, gone on to make waves in the industry.

Born in Fishponds, non-binary performer Travis was a regular at the age of 13-17, when the youth theatre was the only local activity their family could afford. or Travis, whose debut show Burgerz won the Edinburgh Fringe Total Theatre award in 19, the theatre gave them their first opportunity to create their own work.

“When Burgerz came out, people said ‘congrats on your first show,’ and I’d always say ‘nope, when I was 17 there was a show with Travelling Light’.”

The group’s ethos is the same now as it ever was: everyone is welcome, and it’s all about taking part. No experience or audition is necessary to join, and the theatre is open to anyone who wants a safe space to express themselves.

Members have staged performances in venues such as Tobacco actory Theatres, ardrobe Theatre and rnolfini, as well as more unusual performance spaces such as ss Great Britain, Blaise Castle, Wapping Wharf and the tunnels under Temple Meads. A Travelling Light co-production, Belle & Sebastian, will play at Bristol Old Vic from 2 December.

For more www.travellinglighttheatre.org.uk

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Civil rights

FAREWELL TO ROY

As the country mourned the death of ueen Elizabeth II, ristol finally said goodbye to a local hero – legendary civil right activist Roy Hackett, who died on 3 August.

Part of the Windrush Generation who moved to Britain in the 1950s, Roy was one of the leading organisers of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott which helped usher in the Race Relations Act. Roy’s eulogy described him as “a Photo @colinmoodyphotography man of principle and pride, a pioneer, a trailblazer, a strategist, a smart dresser, with his cool hat and waistcoat, a calm and dignified presence, a peace maker, a freedom fighter, a man with a uni ue social and moral compass, a dignified and elegant gentleman Roy never stopped working for ustice and e uity for all, and if we have learnt anything from him, we will not stop either.”

After a funeral procession from his home in St Werburgh’s, the burial was held at South Bristol Cemetery and the reception at Gloucestershire County Cricket club. The cortège, which included a bus, made a detour to Bristol Bus Station – the site where Roy took a stand almost 60 years ago.

SPOTLIGHT

GOLDEN BROWN

The future’s bright; the future’s orange – at least for the forseeable; from russet leaves to morning mists, autumn is the most spectacular season of all

@chrshill

@alexaholroyd

@aishling_jana

@thebristolnomad

@becky_leyton

@nicky.takes.photos

@sambinding

@gingerslimphoto

@theperkspective

@madam_shark

@theperkspective

@porthjess

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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

SPOKES PERSON

Moroccan photographer Yoriyas’s work is characterised by intuitively-based observations of urban spaces, as e emplified by the bicycle wheel shot shown above. Taken from his Casablanca – Not the Movie series, the photo will be on show at a free exhibition at Trinity Centre between 8-15 November, as part of this year’s frika Eye festival. The e hibition features 1 photographers all from different frican countries, but all unified by a common focus capturing images which re ect a continent caught between tradition and modernity.

For more www.afrikaeye.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Lady Nade gets in shape for her gig at St Thomas the Martyr

14 October-4 November 2022

EXHIBITIONS Until 30 October

THINK GLOBAL: ACT BRISTOL Bristol has declared climate and ecological emergencies. How did we get here? What’s our city’s role in it, and how can we help get out of it?

What does a just, green future look like? Big environmental questions are tackled at M Shed; bristolmuseums.org.uk BUILDING A MARTIAN HOUSE Public art project in the form of a prototype of a real Martian house.

It’s outside M Shed, you can’t miss it; bristolmuseums.org.uk THE WORLD REIMAGINED Groundbreaking national art education project aimed at transforming how we understand the Transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, and its impact on all of us.

The Bristol trail consists of 10 globe sculptures: one for each of the nine themes of the Journey of Discovery and one created in collaboration between artist Michele Curtis and local people and communities of Bristol. theworldreimagined.org SEE MONSTER Closing date tbc; currently end of October. The oil rig-turned-artinstallation wants to talk to us about

the weather, and what we can do with the structures we inherit. At WSM’s Tropicana; seemonster.co.uk

Until 18 December

KAVI PUJARA: THIS GOLDEN MILE Kavi began to photograph the neighbourhoods close to Leicester’s Golden Mile as a way to reconnect with the city, its residents and his own past after 30 years in London.

At MPF; martinparrfoundation.org

Until 31 December

LEBOHANG KGANYE: LEAVE THE LIGHT WHEN YOU LEAVE FOR GOOD The Georgian House was once home to a sugar trader and his enslaved staff; now, at the same site, ebohang re ects on the legacy of colonialism as a shared history; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 8 January

RWA OPEN RWA’s renowned Annual Open Exhibition returns for its 169th year with work from emerging and established artists; rwa.org.uk

Until 15 January

LAWRENCE ABU HAMDAN: THE 49TH PARALLEL ma or new film commission

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focusing on the Haskell Free Library and Opera House – a unique municipal site between the jurisdictions of Canada and the USA. Telling stories of permeable borders and impermeable laws, the work re ects on how free movement, free knowledge and free space are under threat; Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 12 November

HAMLET Very hot property Billy Howle plays the role that made Peter O’Toole’s name on this very same Bristol Old Vic stage in 1957. No pressure! See page 42; bristololdvic.org.uk BEAUTY & THE BEAST Disney’s tale as old as time comes back to Bristol Hippodrome, as a nice little pre-Christmas treat for y’all; atgtickets.com

Until 15 October

FEFU AND HER FRIENDS Directed by incoming Bristol Old Vic artistic director, Nancy Medina. Fefu invites you into her ‘home’, sprawled across all corners of the Tobacco Factory Theatres in a promenade powerhouse of a play that scoops you from room to

room as the events of a single, unforgettable day unfold. tobaccofactorytheatres.com FOR A PALESTINIAN Bilal ventures through the orange groves of affa, Rome’s piazzas and the duty-free aisles of Luton Airport, asking what it means to be a Palestinian in the West; at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

17 October

DEAD WHITE ANARCHISTS Paris, 1892. If you’re not rich, things look bleak. Out of the political carnage steps Emile Henry, a young anarchist preparing his war against the State... Paul Case’s Molotov cocktail of a radical history lesson, spoken word and sci fi thriller, at BASE, paulcasespeaks.co.uk

18 October

BREAKING DOWN LOUDLY As a writer, performer, poet, and clown, Iona finds it oddly comforting to imagine her grief over her mother’s death as an extravagant circus act; Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

18-22 October

BEAUTIFUL EVIL THINGS What if there was another take

WHAT’S ON day, with memories of a lawless place and proclaimed gay village that has undergone radical change since its time as Bristol’s ‘golden mile’.

Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

1-12 November

ADOLF & WINSTON Two actors. Two world leaders.

One black dog. It’s Howard and Stu of Living Spit, back walking the tightrope of taste and decency with another slice of poorly-researched history. TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

19-20 October CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Kavi Pujari returns to Leicester’s Golden Mile; Ocean Film Fest visits an octopus’s garden; the genre-defying Gillas; the tale as old as time is back in Bristol

TIATA FAHODZI: TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION What would a revolution look like in 2022? Two Black lesbians kidnap Black celebrity mogul Kevin West.

A trans woman refuses to leave the women’s changing room. And an incel’s cousin takes to Instagram Live... A triple bill of short world premières by Diana Nneka Atuona, Babirye Bukilwa and Malaika Kegode, at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

on the Trojan War, an untold breathtaking adventure you had never heard before? A new, highenergy, one-woman show from d Infinitum combining physical storytelling with cut-throat wit; at TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com COULROPHOBIA Dik and Adam are clowns. They couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag, let alone a surreal cardboard world. Why are they there, and what are they supposed to be doing? Eighty minutes of slapstick, mime, puppetry, existential angst and big shoes, at Wardrobe. thewardrobetheatre.com

20-22 October

21 October

RHIANNON UNBRIDLED Once worshipped as a passionate horse goddess, Rhiannon became snared in mediaeval lore, tamed and diminished. Writer-performer Jackie Singer sets out to liberate her, calling her up as a vital force that’s needed in the world right now; Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

24-26 October

THE BOY WHO MADE IT RAIN A sharp and academic English 16-year-old arrives at an inner-city Glaswegian school and begins to ru e feathers. e t, the police are here, and are interviewing all the staff and students who knew him... adapted from the debut novel by YA author Brian Conaghan, later recipient of the Costa Children’s Book Award; Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk.

1-5 November

NOT ABOUT NIGHTINGALES “As far as the world is concerned, you don’t exist no more.” Lyrical, muscular, raw and rippling, Tennessee Williams’s 1930s prison drama offers an unremittingly ugly account of America’s Depressionera penal system, based on a true story that is as shocking now as it was nearly a century ago. By Bristol School of Acting, at TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

MUSIC 14 October

GARDNA Critically praised around the globe, this Bristol boy fuses elements from across the sound-system spectrum to conjure his own style, with elements of dub, grime and dancehall. lways fiery live. Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

16 October

GILLA BAND Trailblazers for modern Irish alternative music, their cataclysmic sound defying pigenholing in any one genre. Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

OLD MARKET (REMIXED) A new show by Tom Marshman with stories from the ‘wrong’ side of town, uncovering the hidden histories of communities in Old Market; shining a light on the 1990s to the present

20 October

LADY NADE Eclectic, soulful Americana and velvety vocals from the Bristol singer-songwriter; brought by the Beacon to St Thomas the Martyr; bristolbeacon.org

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WHAT’S ON 25 October

PORRIDGE RADIO A vital new voice in alternative music, whose barbed wit, lacerating intensity and potent blend of art-rock, indie-pop, and post-punk is like little else around; Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

27 October-12 November

BRISTOL KEYBOARD FESTIVAL The keyboard has shown a genius for evolution; it’s the harpsichord to Handel, the grand piano to Clara Schumann, the upright to Scott Joplin, the E-mu Emulator to Depeche Mode, and the Novation Ultranova to Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. It’s this rich variety and deep impact on music that St George’s aims to capture in the Keyboard Festival.”We’re only just scratching the surface. The keyboard will always be close to the heart of music. It deserves its own festival. We hope you enjoy this one,” they say. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

30 October

MIDLAKE The American indie folk-rockers are back , with a softer and more defined sound, alongside soaring guitars and atmospheric noise effects. Trinity, trinitybristol.org.uk

COMEDY

your ticket for the meat ra e. thewardrobetheatre.com

29 October

CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: SPEAKY BLINDER He’s blind. He’s a dad. He’s a husband. He’s third in command.

He’ll speaky about all of that, and lots more, at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com OLGA KOCH: JUST FRIENDS The Mock The Week (etc) star brings you the rollercoaster romcom you aren’t tall enough to ride. Strap in; at TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

30 October

MARK THOMAS: BLACK AND WHITE The political godfather of comedy is back doing what he does best; taking down politicians, mucking about and finding hope. How did we get here? What are we going to do about it? Who’s up for a singsong? TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

OTHER

15 October

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The almost-year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit at various Bristol locations.

Expect lots of spooky screenings around the 31 October mark; o e a o

JARRED CHRISTMAS The New Zealander skilled at mixing gags with storytelling brings his unique style to Hen & Chicken; henandchicken.com

19 October

MIKE WOZNIAK: ZUSA How did Mike’s Great-Aunt Zusa made it from Poland to Luton with a war nipping at her heels? A workin-progress show ahead of a tour, at Alma Tavern, tickettailor.com

28-29 October

THE SHADE PULLERS & LASH STACKERS SOCIAL CLUB The drag-working-man’s-club cabaret wrapped in a theatre show returns to Wardrobe; dress anywhere from Tom Jones to Grace Jones, and don’t forget

Go immersive or go home: Luxmuralis comes to Bristol Cathedral Back when Claire was better known for a pair of angel wings than a CIA badge: Romeo & Juliet, Bristol Film Festival

BELOW:

SOFIE HAGEN: FAT JOKES A show bursting with big jokes and fat punchlines. At BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest improv comedy soap has recently performed its 200th episode, and continues to bubble away twice a month at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

ABOVE:

Ongoing

17 October

BRISTOL LIFE BUSINESS CLUB With a talk from Bethany Gallichan, head of development at Bristol Zoo, over lunch at Bristol Harbour Hotel; eventbrite.co.uk

21-22 October

HOPTOBERFEST Propyard’s teamed with 12 of the best brewers in Bristol for a right old knees up, with music curated by Maxxi Soundsystem, a set by Huey Morgan and food from Pizzarova, Loki Poke & Jafra Kitchen; propyard.co.uk

25-26 October

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL A new collection of the world’s

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best ocean themed films, from big wave surfing to tiger shark conservation; at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

Quarter’s streets play host to the familiar wooden chalets. facebook.com/bristolxmas

28-30 October

NATIVE VINE NATURAL WINE FAIR Head to Bristol Beacon foyer for a selection of the best UK natural wine importers and producers along with live music and local culinary favourites; nativevine.co.uk

FORBIDDEN WORLDS FILM FESTIVAL Pleasingly, this festival seems to be an ongoing thing; this time it’s at the former IMAX at Bristol Aquarium with a suitably Halloweeny offering of terror and gore, from Evil Dead II to Fright Night. o e o e a o k

4 November23 December

CHRISTMAS MARKET Unbelievably ’tis already the damn season, as Bristol Shopping

29 October

1-5 November

LUXMURALIS: SPACE VOYAGER Fabulous-sounding immersive light show at Bristol Cathedral, designed to take you on a journey of light and sound to the edge of the universe and back; yuup.co ■

“Autumn at RWA sees Bristol’s equivalent of the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition – the Annual Open, now in its 169th year”

ART

CHANGE OF ART Autumn means many things: a new season in the theatre, a cast-iron excuse to buy a new coat, and a fresh collection of art exhibitions in the city’s galleries…

Words by Deri Robins

T

here is no wrong time of year to visit an exhibition. On a hot midsummer’s day, for example, there’s nothing more refreshing than diving from the crowded, sticky streets into a cool and collected gallery, and losing yourself for an hour or so among beautiful paintings, photos or sculptures. However, we reckon that it’s autumn, when the new-term spirit trickling down from the schools and colleges inspires us to start using our brains again after the long, soporific days of late summer, that makes the perfect season to check out the latest collections.

You don’t have to walk very far in Bristol before coming across a gallery, whether it’s a grand institution such as the RWA or one of the city’s quirky independents. Each has their own USP, and each has an exhibition they’re excited to tell us about over the coming months.

ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY Queen’s Road www.rwa.org.uk

“The RWA, Bristol’s original art gallery, opened in its spectacular landmark building in 1858,” says director Alison Bevan.“Since its major recent refurbishment it’s also become Bristol’s most accessible gallery, able to welcome people with even the severest disabilities, and with the new Spicer & Cole café, and family room full of fun things for kids to do, it’s as much somewhere to hang out as a place to view art.

“RWA exhibitions always have something for every taste, whether you like your art traditional, contemporary or something in between.”

Currently showing..

RWA’s Open: expect the eclectic

“Autumn at the RWA sees Bristol’s own equivalent of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition – the RWA Annual Open, now in its 169th year. Anyone can submit their work, and this year over 2000 artists did just that, with a selection panel choosing from a record 3,756 artworks. The resulting show, which runs until 8 January, is a feast for the eyes, combining leading professional artists with emerging talents and first time e hibitors. lmost all of the works of art are for sale, with prices ranging from a few pounds to a few thousand.”

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ART ARNOLFINI

16 Narrow Quay www.arnolfini.org.uk

rnolfini has been at the heart of ristol since 19 1 as an international centre for contemporary arts,” says head of marketing Sara lair. longside e hibitions, it hosts a variety of events music, film, performance, spoken word and talks. e are also fortunate to have the amazing talent that is Rising rts gency and et’s Make rt as artists in residence.

Coming soon…

Our ne t ma or e hibition is The Body is a Place October 9 anuary) by leading contemporary artist harti Kher. This is a ma or solo e hibition of drawing, sculpture, and the spaces that lie between, featuring new and previously unseen works, many created during harti’s residency at Hauser irth in Somerset in 19.

The Body is a Place is accompanied by a programme of film, including film noir classics, music in collaboration with sian rts gency, talks and workshops for all ages.

CLIFTON CONTEMPORARY ART 25 Portland Street www.cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

This Clifton Village gallery shows painting, sculpture, ceramics, original print work and ewellery, with a strong emphasis on est ountry and ristol artists.

Just about to open…

Form & Freedom by ndrew ird hris uck 1 October ovember) In the paintings of ndrew ird and the cast bronze sculptures of hris uck, there’s an e citing juxtaposition between the spontaneous and structural form, says the gallery’s Sarah rown.

Through ndrew’s layered, potent canvases, you can see the interplay between form and freedom, as he con ures eeting images, or what he calls ‘slices of time’, with immediate, gestural marks and rich, sometimes une pected colours. or hris, creative freedom and spontaneity are his points of departure. His sculptures are essentially abstract, sometimes inspired by found objects and developed without planning or drawing.

HIDDEN GALLERY

6-10 Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue www.hiddengallery.co.uk

Hidden specialises in rare and collectable hand signed artworks on paper by some of the most illustrious artists of the th and 1st centuries, says gallery manager my Hampshire. Our collection includes works from ablo icasso, ndy arhol and Tracey Emin, to name ust a few.

Available now…

icasso is always a favourite, and we are proud to have one of his iconic peace doves, Colombe Volant (à l’Arc-en-ciel), on display. The ove of eace is arguably the most globally recognised image from his entire career; he even named his daughter aloma after the Spanish word for dove. This rare hand signed and numbered lithograph must be the boldest of all his variations, and the colours in this e ample are e ceptionally bright.

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

LIME TREE GALLERY 84 Hotwell Road www.limetreegallery.com

Lime Tree exhibits contemporary fine art. e represent painters who have real technical ability as well as imagination,” says owner Sue ean. The result is a great mixture of colour, light and textures, whether the subject matter is comfortable or challenging.

Coming up next month...

On 1 ovember, we will be opening an exhibition featuring two of the leading members of the Royal Institute of Oil ainters eter ileman, a very well known figure in contemporary painting and a former president of the Institute, and Lucy McKie, a rising star, who is becoming very well known for her still life work.

ABOVE: Body Incantatory by Bharti Kher at Arnolfini;

BELOW: A Lustre to the Day by Peter Wileman at Lime Tree Gallery; OPPOSITE PAGE: Scarecrow by Rosemary Mayer at Spike Island

SPIKE ISLAND

133 Cumberland Road www.spikeisland.org.uk

“Spike Island is an international dynamic arts centre on Bristol’s harbourside that’s home to a well-lit expansive gallery space, as well as the Emmeline café-bar and working studios for over 70 artists and creative businesses,” says comms manager Rebecca Simpson.

It offers visitors a year round programme of free e hibitions that include major new commissions and rarely seen existing work by a diverse range of contemporary artists; the annual Open Studios attracts thousands of visitors to explore the artists’ studios.”

ke a offe o a ea - o o a e o ee e o o ao e o o o ae ee e ok

Currently showing…

oe a ae a o a (until 15 January 2023).

“Covering over 30 years of Rosemary’s artistic practice from the 197 s to the 199 s, and the first time her work has been shown in the UK. The exhibition includes emblematic works including large fabric sculptures, travel diaries and eeting performances of the 197 s through to pastels, watercolours and works on paper from the 1990s.” a e e a a a a e (until 29 January 2023).

“Lawrence is a self-styled ‘private ear’ – a detective of sounds and their traces. His new film commission, a a e , focuses on the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a unique municipal site that straddles the jurisdictions of Canada and the USA. It was recently awarded the first ever audience award at the Toronto iennial of rt , and is his first ma or e hibition since he was awarded the 2019 Turner Prize.”

ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 337 Paintworks www.rps.org

“The RPS is a world-class gallery, auditorium, education and resource centre in the heart of Paintworks,” says Rebecca Lee. “We have an inspiring programme of contemporary photography exhibitions that aim to educate and engage. Our exhibitions support creativity, science and new ideas, nurture photographic excellence, and strive to make photography accessible to everyone. Our open-call exhibitions celebrate the work of international photographers and encourage new and emerging image-makers to participate.”

Coming this winter…

“In January 2023, we will open our 164th International Photography Exhibition.

The IPE is the world’s longest running photography exhibition celebrating contemporary photography from around the world. This is a free exhibition and open to everyone. The open call for our following IPE, the IPE 165, opens in February 2023.”

ROOM 212

212 Gloucester Road www.room212.co.uk

“Ten years ago, I transformed Room 212 from a pop-up gallery to a permanent art space,” says Sarah Thorp. “I loved taking part in art trails, and thought it would be great to give the artists I met a year-round home with the same welcoming and friendly vibe. e now offer a huge range of really affordable art, from original paintings and prints to jewellery, ceramics etc, all by Bristol artists.”

Coming up next month…

“We are a venue on the North Bristol Art Trail (26-27 November) and I’ll be opening up the Room 212 studio and garden to show my own paintings and jewellery, along with artist Jenny Urquhart and quirky card maker Maita Robinson. The trail is a wonderful, buzzing event and great fun. Everyone is invited to the preview night on Friday 25 November, when we’ll be raising money for a local charity”

MARTIN PARR FOUNDATION 316 Paintworks www.martinparrfoundation.org

ABOVE: Kitchen Court Hearing by Liz Hingley,

from a previous IPE at Royal Photographic Society, shows a barrister working from home during lockdown BELOW: Neighbours, Dundonald Road by Kavi Pujara at Martin Parr Foundation. Kavi’s images tell the story of some of the Asian families who’ve made Leicester their home

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“Martin Parr Foundation exhibits work by emerging, established and overlooked photographers who have made, and continue to make, work focused on Britain and Ireland,” says comms manager Eleanor Macnair.

Currently showing…

“Running until 18 December is This Golden Mile

by Kavi Pujara. Kavi was a recipient of one of the Foundation’s photographic bursaries in

2020, so it’s wonderful to see the project develop and go on display.

“Kavi began to photograph the neighbourhoods close to Leicester’s Golden Mile as a way to reconnect with the city, its residents and his own past after 30 years of living in London. He sums up the project in his own words: ‘We have a multicultural society because Britain is the product of a multicultural empire.

Communities like this are not an erosion of British values or its culture, but a vital artery in our intertwined and tangled colonial histories.’ ”

ART THAT ART GALLERY 2 Upper Maudlin Street www.thatartgallery.com

An independent contemporary art gallery in the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter. “As sole curator I express my own eclectic tastes by deliberately not having a gallery style, and enjoy juxtaposing artistic styles and genres from one show to the next,” says Andy Phipps. “I’m not sure if this makes That Art Gallery ‘special’ – but it certainly helps to keep people asking ‘what’s happening next?”

Opening soon…

“Our next exhibition, Equipoise (20 October-12 November) features new works by Cornwall-based artist Simon Williams.

Simon draws inspiration from many sources, most notably comic books, posters and urban gra ti. This helps to inform his aesthetic choices and approach, in which he skilfully combines different materials and techni ues to create turbulent, energy filled paintings that act as totemic re ections of the modern world.

“There’s more to Upfest than a few weeks of live street art in the summertime ” ABOVE: Equipoise features

new work by Simon Williams, at That Art Gallery BELOW: With a name like LZMatrix, it has to be Upfest

UPFEST

198 North Street www.upfest.co.uk

Upfest isn’t just about the few weeks during the summer when the festival brings dozens of street artists to the streets of Bedminster; the bricksand-mortar gallery is an ever-changing source of original artworks and limited-edition prints.

“Upfest has worked with over 2,500 artists since 2008 through our annual Urban Art Festival, and the Upfest Gallery is a melting pot of all these artists, many of who have contributed to the 150 murals that can be found on the streets of BS3,” says gallery owner and festival founder Steve Hayles.

Showing now…

“Our current exhibition, Captibus Aenigm, featuring the energetic Brazilian artist L7Matrix, combines both the beauty of the natural world with a chaotic, buzzing multi-layered abstract.

L7Matrix created the show during his monthlong residency with us early this year, working at a secluded location to create 14 unique original artworks on wooden canvases, each one slotting together in one outstanding artwork featuring the artist’s trademark of abstract and birds.

“Now, each of the 14 artworks has been united, so you can get up close and see the artistic mastery behind each one.” ■

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‘Japanese Bowl with Strawberries’ by Lucy McKie ROI 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol, BS8 4UB. Tel: 0117 929 2527.

www.limetreegallery.com

WEDDINGS PARTIES FILMING DANCE EXHIBITIONS •

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ART

BROWN IN TOWN . . . finally! All it took was a pandemic to get Peter Brown over to Bristol…

“I’ve totally fallen in love with Bristol. I feel I haven’t even scratched the surface yet”

End of a November Day, Prince Street opposite page: Park Street, Rain

I

first met eter rown many years ago, on an icy winter’s morning in ath. undled into multiple layers of woollies, hands tucked into fingerless gloves, he appeared cheerfully indifferent to the sub zero temperatures as he worked away at his easel.

It’s a bit parky, he admitted. arky? It was bloody freezing. There again, you don’t earn a reputation as one of the country’s foremost plein air artist, or the nickname ete the Street, by being mimsy over a bit of snow. ete’s thing is to capture scenes in all their immediacy. There’s no attempt at prettifying; if there’s scaffolding or ugly street furniture littering the view, you can be sure they’ll make their way into the finished piece.

In fact, he says, he rather likes them. or as long as I’ve known him and we’re probably talking 1 years or so ete’s mostly concentrated on painting his current home city of ath, ondon and coastal areas. He’s always claimed to be drawn to busy scenes, teeming with life, so my big uestion to him and it’s one I’ve put with tedious fre uency is why not come to ristol? s it turns out, all it took was a pandemic . . .

Hey Pete – what took you so long?

od knows I have absolutely no idea why it didn’t click with me before. I love ondon and other cities all around the world why I did not get over the hill more to such a vibrant city on my doorstep I cannot fathom. It is as bizarre to me as you

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

When did you begin to see Bristol’s potential and beauty?

I got hooked when I started coming over during the lockdowns. I wanted to see a city centre deserted to see how the pandemic would affect a city that was not simply a tourist town like ath.

In terms of life, in the lockdowns I could see the innovation of ristol from coffee shops, bars and pubs, the determination to carry on. It was fascinating to see how they all adapted, from the one at the bottom of St Michael’s Hill, with its serving hatch and pink distancing lines on the pavement, to the container coffee hut on olston venue. I saw the empty olston plinth, and I saw Turbo Island, e emplifying the wonderful subversiveness and defiance of the city.

Then there were the different areas pockets of communities, like you get in ondon. I would drive through Hanham and St eorge, Old Market, Montpelier, Stokes roft, otham through Redland and up to lifton, down through liftonwood to Hotwells, apping harf and the centre, and the architecture and landscape would change dramatically. There’s so much colour and variety and energy in the place. It seems anything is possible in ristol.

“There’s so much colour and variety and energy. It seems anything is possible in Bristol”

ART

What were the main differences that struck you between Bristol and Bath?

Bath is beautiful because of its uniformity and sedate charm. Bristol is beautiful because of its variety in colour, culture, architecture and landscape. One minute I was in the claustrophobic yet utterly charming Montpelier, with its steep narrow streets, the next at the Floating Harbour looking at a vast landscape – Georgian terraces stacking up the hill with the Gorge and Suspension Bridge.

Bristol is a big, sprawling city. How did you first decide where to set up your easel?

With all this choice you are like a dog with two options; so you just set up somewhere and that leads on to somewhere else. You are playing and discovering bit by bit. I think I started down at Hotwells and the Floating Harbour but then moved up to Stokes Croft and Montpelier, Cotham, Clifton...

Which areas of the city excited you most?

I couldn’t nail it, really. I really liked the area around Wapping Wharf and I loved Montpelier. Brandon Hill is wonderful – oh I dunno – that’s the point, it’s all so different. ou’re always walking up or down a hill.

There’s always a surprise around the corner. I remember standing at the end of Royal York Crescent and seeing Kelston Round Hill. I turned around to discover that incredible, tightly curled, impressive crescent of The Paragon.

Many of the new paintings will be exhibited at your next show at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. Can you pick out one or two paintings from the set that you particularly like?

I liked painting Princes Street Bridge at night, seeing people head home from work. There’s also something about Cumberland Road. You could be in the 1950s; and the iron pedestrian bridges that cross it to Coronation Road are great.

ABOVE: Harbourmaster’s Boat, Bristol Floating Harbour; BELOW: St Michael’s Hill

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ART

CLOCKWISE: Turbo Island; Late Winter Afternoon, The Gorge over Brunel Way; that’s Pete

How did the experience of paining in plein air during the lockdowns differ from what you’re used to?

It was quite sad, and yet quite uplifting – the resilience. It was dead easy getting in and out of the city, which was nice. I guess I was more visible, and we were all gagging to talk to each other again, so it was very sociable. There was a painting I did of a orist in oldharbour Road on a winter evening, and it was lovely seeing the same families doing the school run on those afternoons.

Do you see yourself doing more work in Bristol in the future?

Oh yes. I feel I haven’t even scratched the surface. I would love to do so much more. I’ve totally fallen in love with the place and feel I haven’t done it justice in anyway yet! There is still so much more to discover and record.

You’ve also been painting Glastonbury in recent years …

I just love it. There is so much innovation there. The construction alone is awesome. The music is of course incredible, and the food – oh god the food! But I just love the feel of it. I have absolutely no interest in looking good or cool, and I love the fact that people there don’t give a shit, or just want to look as weird as possible. Unfortunately it costs a couple of quid, and that can be prohibitive. But yes – festivals. Give me more of them. I love them! ■ Peter Brown: Bath, Bristol and Beyond shows at Victoria Art Gallery in Bath between 22 October15 January; www.victoriagal.org.uk

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

GAZE LIKE THESE

Medusa: monster or victim?

This month at Tobacco Factory Theatres, Ad Infinitum tell the tale from a female point of view . . .

Words by Jamie Rees

“Her story is often framed as ‘monster slain by hero’, but alter your angle and it’s the story of a pregnant woman murdered in her sleep”

N

ext month at the TFT, Bristol theatre company Ad Infinitum premières its new show, Beautiful Evil Things, featuring eb ugh as Medusa in a one woman retelling of the epic myth. s eb e plains, you can e pect to find your traditional sympathies challenged . . .

The world of Ancient Greece is epic, and

lends itself weirdly well to solo storytelling; there’s something about the hugeness of the story contained within one performer that makes it super potent. It can, however, be a bit bloke heavy. d Infinitum adapted the Odyssey a number of years ago, so it felt like a very natural fit to revisit this world and see what the women were up to and what better lens to use than the most infamous female gaze of them all, Medusa’s?

Her story is often framed as ‘monster slain by hero’, but alter your angle slightly, look

again, and it becomes the story of a pregnant woman murdered in her sleep. Medusa’s powers of petrification were forced on her by the gods as punishment for being assaulted by oseidon that’s right, he assaults her, she gets punished). Once she realised the destruction her powers could cause she hid herself away in her cave, and put herself into e ile so as to cause no harm. erseus came hunting for her, decapitated her as she slept then used her severed head to wreak havoc. The story doesn’t need much interrogating before the roles of hero and monster start to need reassessing. e felt she deserved to tell her side of the story.

We started to cast Medusa’s gaze a little more broadly, across some well worn classics, and tried to imagine which she’d be drawn to. e figured she’d have little sympathy for gods and heroes; having fallen foul of both of them, she’d focus on the outcasts, the overlooked, the forgotten, the women. Once we moved all the blokes aside, we found a wealth of women’s stories that absolutely blossomed once they were given a little space.

I’ve got such love for all of the women

we encountered making this show, and their characterisations have all been shaped more than a little by who I’d like to be when I grow up. enthesilea is a power house, an absolutely fearless physical e ual to the greatest of warriors. assandra is the most wonderful weirdo with her temple full of pet snakes; I’ve basically based her life pre curse on what Deb Pugh: out to redress centuries of ‘bloke-heavy’ tellings of the Medusa myth

THEATRE I’d like my retirement to look like. Closest to my heart is, of course, the glorious guardian orgon, Medusa; she’s all the smart and funny I wish I could be without a script and several weeks of rehearsal.

Performing a one-woman play is intense.

There are no breaks in rehearsals while the director works on someone else’s bit, all the bits are yours. It’s a challenge I relish, though. The set and props are very minimal, so anything that happens on stage needs to be generated by me; it’s really putting your money where your mouth is as a performer.

It’s great to have the opportunity to work so closely with co director eorge Mann, too.

He performed Odyssey as a solo work, so he knows how it feels, and is a very sympathetic director as a result. eorge and I have known one another for an eternity, so once we found our stride it meant the stripped down devising process actually skipped along uite smoothly.

I’ve worked with Ad Infinitum before.

e all studied together at the eco School in aris. eorge graduated the year before dramaturgist ir aldi and I set about starting up a theatre company, we oined him, made d Infinitum’s first show, Behind the Mirror, in 7, and have been making work together ever since. Over the years we’ve made and toured Translunar Paradise, Ballad of the Burning Star, Bucket List, Light, Extraordinary Wall of Silence and this coming spring we continue work on a huge and wonderful piece that ir is directing called The Long Lie, an exploration of the elderly care system in the UK. It has a ust phenomenal cast, and is set to be heartbreaking and beautiful.

Rehearsals have been great. I’m spoilt

working for this company; in show after show I get to be part of creating work that means something to me, I get to create roles that I have a desire to play, and I get to work with some of my closest friends. On this pro ect we’ve had the brilliant brain of Megan aughan Thomas as associate director in the room, a brilliantly insightful, creative human being who, whenever eorge and I have ground to a halt, knows e actly what to say to start the cogs turning again.

One of the great joys of the Greek epics

is that they speak so much to humanity; everything is in there, and hopefully we’ve packaged it up in a way that does service to that and to a modern audience. Even if you get sick of the sight of me there’s an absolutely stonking soundtrack courtesy of Sam Halmarack, who’s taken some vocal loops that I made and turned them into magic. Everyone should come to see this play ■ Beautiful Evil Things plays Tobacco Factory Theatres 18-22 October For more www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

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

1

ART OF THE CITY There are art heroes; and then there are Bristol art heroes . . .

Words and pics by Colin Moody

BRISTOL HEROES

B

ristol.

You don’t need to try to understand it.

You don’t want to try and present it as being one thing or another.

Just grab a can, and put on some tunes ,and let’s have it.

Large.

1

14 layers make up this L7Matrix, made locally for Upfest.

Each layer might only be a few microns thick, but that’s a lot of layers, baby! And that surely is the sort of thing that pushes up what we can be as artists here in Bristol.

A real pleasure to watch them working to a beat as they made this at Bicep press. Checking the print here. Calling all artists. Will 14 layers do you?

2 3

2

Somewhere outside the city is a reclamation yard, and the owners have turned the thinker into a leader, and his horse is ready for the journey yet to come.

3

Performance art. Well, it’s a bloke dressed as a pint at a beer festival.

We Are Beer.

And if an art gallery in Bristol has a launch party and there is not local beer being poured, is it even a proper launch party?

4

The hardworking photographer in the pit, getting the shot, that goes in the magazine, that makes you want to come to the festival, that asks the photographers to come into the pit, to get the shot, that make you wanna… and so forth.

Waves of them.

May your lenses always be clean, and your SD cards full of our art and culture.

4

“If an art gallery in Bristol has a launch party, and there’s no local beer being poured, is it even a proper launch party?” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

BRISTOL HEROES

7

5 6

5 6

To the artist that put the gnome there.

Legend.

OK, I cheated here.

I took a couple of shots in a well-known Bristol sourdough pizza establishment on Park Street, and wondered if it would work as the hand of man reaching out for the hand of God, but if you ask me, God was always reaching out just as much as the fella on the right. rt will find itself into all corners of your life here.

Now, back to other important things. Mine’s a large one with extra anchovies, please.

7

Some artists will make it.

Some will not.

The secret is to try.

8

Art is life.

And life is art.

Everything else is a distraction.

Colin Moody; content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin Instagram @colinmoodyphotography colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com

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8

“Art is life. And life is art.

Everything else is a distraction”

SPONSORED CONTENT

A FINAL RESTING PLACE BRISTOL MEMORIAL WOODLANDS craft bespoke funerals to the wishes of the family set in beautiful woodland near Bristol

W

atching the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II made many people turn thoughts to how they would like their own lives to be celebrated.

For most of us funerals will not involve gun carriages and big parades. The right words, some fitting music and an event where loved ones can gather in nice surroundings to remember are top of most people’s list when it comes to funerals.

At Bristol Memorial Woodlands in Alveston, just 10 minutes’ drive from Cribbs Causeway,

Chapel at Memorial Woodlands

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

families can gather for half a day for a service in the chapel followed by an event in the reception rooms for the same price as a 40-minute slot at the local crematorium. Unhurried burials of a coffin or cremated remains then take place in the grounds that are being planted to form a woodland, under the stewardship of a charitable trust, where future generations can visit and remember.

The Bristol Memorial Woodlands team craft bespoke funerals to the wishes of the family.

There is even a hearse that carried Sir Winston Churchill, during his state funeral, available for use after being painstakingly restored.

Regular bereavement walks, run by professional counsellors start next month but the woodlands are open every day for anyone to find peace and spend time in quiet reflection in nature, taking in woodlands, meadows and glades.

Last month A-list psychotherapist and bereavement counsellor Julia Samuel MBE led a free discussion session at Bristol Memorial Woodlands on how to cope with grief. The best-selling author and founder patron of the charity Child Bereavement UK was joined by health psychologist and founder of Gentle Dusk, Mireille Hayden.

Among those attending were professionals in end-of-life care looking at questions such as how

Julia Samuel MBE and Mireille Hayden

we heal from loss. What do people need when they are facing loss? What helps them adapt?

What gets in the way? How can professionals, friends and family help? ■

For more information on funerals and events at Bristol Memorial Woodlands visit memorialwoodlands.com or call 01454 414 999

“SOMETHING IS ROTTEN IN THE STATE OF DENMARK” “THERE ARE MORE THINGS IN HEAVEN AND EARTH, HORATIO”

“TO BE, OR NOT TO BE: THAT IS THE QUESTION” TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO DREAM

“TO NOT THAT QUES TO PERC TO D

“SOMETH ROTTEN IN TH OF DEN

NOTHIN GOOD BUT T MAK

TO BE, OR OT TO BE: HAT IS THE UESTION” TO SLEEP, RCHANCE O DREAM

ETHING IS THE STATE ENMARK”

© IONA WOOLF

“THERE IS HING EITHER OD OR BAD, UT THINKING MAKES IT SO”

THE BIG INTERVIEW

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS “My palette is the human condition”: Billy Howle on acting, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and playing the Dane Words by Deri Robins Photos by Marc Brenner www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 43

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

illy Howle is an interviewer’s dream. Ask him a question, and the careful, thoughtful answer you get in reply makes you wish you’d thought up an even better one. That’s not to say he wouldn’t riff along politely if you went down the frivolous ‘cat, or dog?’ route; but it would be a seriously missed opportunity if you did.

There’s a possible clue to Billy’s contemplative personality in the roles he’s chosen over the past few years, nearly all of which have been marked by a high level of intensity and complexity. Since graduating from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School he’s been kept e tremely busy, mostly with films and T ; he’s now an internationally recognised face thanks to roles in Mother Father Son, On Chesil Beach, The Serpent, The Beast Must Die and, last year, in the ristol filmed drama series Chloe.

And now he’s playing Hamlet, literature’s original mixed-up kid. There are few roles in Shakespeare which offer more psychological meat to chew over; past interpretations have varied from era to era, from context to experience. Is this prince a sensitive romantic hero, or an immature narcissist with a worrying streak of misogyny? A mixture of both?

Either way, we can’t think of a better actor to tackle the Dane than Billy Howle.

Billy, many of the roles you’ve played have been dark and complex – are you particularly drawn to these intense kind of characters?

Yes. I think these roles are often quite fruitful in terms of being a stretch, a far cry from the day-to-day lived experience. My palette is the human condition. So the stretches or darker facets are more alluring, like mixing new colours. I think I’ve said previously that I am drawn to them, but they’re also drawn to me. Moving from the binary response to the human condition – to our morality; to something outside good and evil. It’s important to have a departure from that, to see things objectively. To understand how we got to the state we’re living in now.

It’s quite distracting. There is obviously a great tradition with the role, it is held in high esteem, and yet, I’m reticent to put it on a pedestal. This play has been on my bookshelf staring at me, because of its intricacies and its di culties in playing. Have I looked at previous performances? Yes, it would be hard not to see those, I would have been living a very blinkered existence to not have seen any of them. The territory of doing this play – is there such a thing as original thought?

In recent years we’ve seen you a lot on the small and big screens – was taking time out to play Hamlet a calculated decision to return to the stage, or was it the lure of this particular production?

I don’t think anything I do is particularly calculated. I like to allow things to unfold, but this is a project that I think has had my attention for uite a while. This specific rendition came two and a half years ago. All the raw materials are there in terms of the creative team, being back in Bristol, the remarkable theatre. I’ve been working with John [Haidar, director] from the beginning, so it had lure, for sure.

You’re playing the same role in the same theatre that established Peter O’Toole’s reputation as a great stage actor – any pressure there, or are you firmly consigning that less-than-useful thought to the back of your mind?

[Laughs] No I’m indelibly hindered by your question.

It hadn’t occurred to me. I try not to draw direct comparisons. Peter O’Toole wouldn’t have wanted it either.

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Is Hamlet a role you’ve played before, and if not has it always been on your wishlist, and why?

I’ve actually kept it at arm’s length. Intentionally.

Hamlet is (quick Google) Shakespeare’s third most performed play. Why the eternal fascination?

“We love intractable problems, and this play is full of them”

I think because it’s one of the first e amples of us really seeing the internal and external of a character’s psyche displayed on stage, we start to look at Hamlet as psychological realism. It’s fascinating to get to see the inner workings of a mind in real time. To be able to map thoughts and whole brains that unfurl in a labyrinthine and intricate way. It’s a puzzle, like life. In a way, ‘realistic’. We love intractable problems, and this play is full of them.

Has reading the text and rehearsing the part thrown up any insights, either into the character of Hamlet or the play, that may not have occurred to you before?

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Play up, and play the Dane: rehearsing Hamlet www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I xx

THE BIG INTERVIEW You were at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for three years – what were the most valuable things your time there taught you?

The most valuable thing would be the fundamentals of stage craft, which doesn’t leave you; it’s a bit like learning to ride a bike. Using the apparatus of voice etc. Once brushed up, those skills come back as though they never left.

Did you expect to work mostly in theatre after graduating, and was it a surprise to be offered so much work in TV?

Yeah, good question. Not sure what my expectations were. I’ve known not to expect much. Expectation can be a risky business.

But I was surprised, in a nice way, to get work at all. I have done a number of theatrical productions in the past decade, and the ones I have done have been great plays, by great writers, and all positive experiences. Theatre is where I learnt my craft; not in a quaint way this feels like returning home.

Has your experience in film and TV taught you anything as a stage actor?

I think it has; you start – interesting – start to think about where attention is drawn on stage. You think compositionally. Some actors care about lens size because of the pores on their nose, some care about the aesthetic pleasure of a whole frame. Good to know how the whole is perceived and observe the interplay there, image-making on stage and where the viewer is drawn to, all helps performance, in my opinion. In television there is space and status; there is quite a lot of crossover on stage. It’s an elusive thing, that you’re told this thing of ‘on camera acting’ – everything is small, and stage acting is ‘big’. But actually this isn’t true. Size isn’t the rule of thumb, there’s much more to it than that.

No. But actually with a piece as good as this (I’m including John’s edits in that), there is a wealth of information that only comes to light once ‘performed’.

That’s the beauty of good writing. It comes to life with all its poetry when unpacked. Choice of language is very particular, with codified meanings to unpick. In a more subtly nuanced way than Shakespeare’s other plays. Repetitions are all there for a reason. It’s patterned thinking, thinking of the audience and the player and how it can change the wiring of their thoughts; it’s an example of brainwashing in storytelling, like advertising today, subliminality but from 400 years ago.

You’ve said in the past that your roles sometimes seep into your real-life behaviour; has Hamlet had that effect on you?

Of course it does, I can’t help that. To me there is no set methodology in terms of my approach. It’s a moveable thing. My approach pertains to what is required when trying to create the characters. Approach moulds to the character and what is asked of me. To get into Hamlet’s psyche, you have to have been open and made receptive to where it may take you.

Horatio is played by a female actor in this production. What does gender-blind casting bring to the dynamic?

ender blind casting brings a different dynamic to what’s on the page. Does it change tone or relationship?

That is up for grabs for us, and it’s for us to decipher why it functions in that way. All I can say, it will be a uni ue rendition because it’s the first time both Isabel [Adomakoh Young] and I have played these roles.

Did you perform on the Bristol Old Vic stage during your time at BOVTS? Do you have a special affection for the theatre?

“Bristol is a phenomenal city. It stands alone, it doesn’t feel it could be anywhere else”

While at the school we only did one show there. Yes, I have a special affection for the theatre. The building is incredible. People in the building, as well, have championed me there. I have come back to the stage in four different pro ects. ristol keeps drawing me back.

What with your time here as a student, and also while filming Chloe, you must know the city pretty well – what are your main memories and impressions of it?

I had some of the best years of my life here. I worked incredibly hard at something that I care about immensely, and something I still want to do. The staff who were working at the theatre at that time helped form my character, beliefs and values. Fond but complex memories of training in Bristol. It’s a phenomenal city that feels unlike anywhere else. It stands alone; much like Liverpool, it doesn’t feel it could be anywhere else.

Hamlet, directed by John Haidar, plays Bristol Old Vic 13 October-12 November; www.bristololdvic.org.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT James Scrimshaw of CURA CLINICAL explains how new technologies are providing effective answers to people’s pain and suffering

M

BST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation. It uses exactly the same technology as MRI scanning, just without the detectorcoils and imaging software.

MBST was discovered by a German doctor who noticed that some of his MRI patients had reduced symptoms following their MRI scans.

He then assembled a team of biologists and physicists to research these positive effects at a cellular level.

Cells that had not functioned properly due to damage, were stimulated in such a way by the energy transfer that they could again fulfil their original tasks. It does this at cell level in a number of ways: • Optimising cell oxygen levels • Improving cell energy production • Optimising intercellular signalling pathways • Reducing inflammatory mediators • Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction.

To you and I, this translates to a healing process in the tissue which the energy is applied to. This leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive therapy. Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results. ■ Construction of MRI and MBST devices

CASE STUDY 1

CASE STUDY 2

Meet Kathy. Kathy came to me several years ago with a painful arthritic knee that was limiting her talking and excercise. She also had an arthritic neck that wouldn’t calm down with typical hands on therapy. Both her conditions were really affecting her quality of life day to day so she decided to use MBST to heal the damage to the cartilage. I saw her this month and still, a number of years post MBST therapy she has very few aches or pains to work about after really nice healing in her knee and neck joints…she’s recently treated her foot arthritis as well so we’ll monitor her progress and keep you updated. Most of our success with the healing from MBST lasts 4 years or more. Thanks a lot Kathy!!

Jane kindly allowed me to use her testimony. This is probably one of the most painful cases of neck pain due to arthritis I’ve seen. Jane was unable to live her life due to the severity, often having to sit still for days due to the pain, unable to lie down, with regular migraines and a vice like feeling in her head. She had MBST for neck cartilage last year (almost a year ago).

Whilst Jane still has some fluctuating pain her life now looks very different.

She swam at Henleaze lake 4 times last week and does exercise classes every day she doesn’t swim. There is no way she could have considered exercise a year ago. This case is a great example of the fact that healing from MBST is NATURAL for which reason it takes time, but over time it can change lives.

Litt le Yel lo w Caf e Cafe • Community space • Private catering Little Yellow Cafe is an independent Cafe and Community space celebrating 1 year in our community.

Our menu offers a delicious range of healthy breakfast, brunch and lunch, alongside home baked treats and artisan coffee, set in a cosy cafe with an off street garden.

Our food, freshly made on site by our small and friendly team, is simple yet wholesome. Located next to Workout Ashton and minutes from Ashton Court, we look forward to welcoming you whether you’re post workout or pre dog walk, or anything in between.

Little Yellow Cafe, Brewery Court, North St, Bedminster, BS3 1JS littleyellowcafe@gmail.com  @thelycnorthst Open: Mon to Sat 07:30 - 17:00 Sun 10:00 - 16:00

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FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S F O O D S C E N E

Fresh entries in the Michelin Guide, a lot of oom-pah-pahing at Propyard, Larkin’s back in the kitchen and Bristol has it’s first new whisky for over 80 years – we’ll eat/drink to that!

COME STEIN WITH ME

The ever-interesting Propyard is bringing a touch of Bavaria to St Philip’s this month, combining the best of the beer and music scenes in an Oktoberfest celebration.

A follow-up to Hopyard earlier this year, Hoptober will serve up steins of craft beers from the finest breweries, both local and beyond. The Friday DJ set is headlined by Huey Morgan, with Angel Mel, an artist born and bred in the heart and soul of the Bristol music scene, and sevenpiece traditional brass band King Brasstards (not all at the same time, obviously). Saturday’s line-up features Madame Electrifie, fusing vintage beats with the best of the modern age in a raucous dance-floor-focused party, along with more oom-pah-pah classics from the Brasstards.

From a mere £35 there’ll be unlimited beery pours, designed to allow you to sample the line-up from each taproom. Foodwise there’ll be Propyard favourites Jafra and Pizzarova, along with Bratwursts and pretzels for that must-have Bavarian vibe. www.propyard.co.uk

LEFT: The Blaise Inn;

BELOW: Little Hollows

TWINKLE TWINKLE

OK, so no actual star just yet, but impressive Michelin recognition for Bristol as The Blaise Inn, co owned and head cheffed by ouise McCrimmon (formerly of the Second Floor restaurant at Harvey Nicks) and new Chandos Road pasta restaurant ittle Hollows are both included in the new Guide.

Michelin inspectors praised ouise’s good value, traditional British dishes, cooked with a skilful, modern approach , while ittle Hollows is described as a bar cum bistro cum deli for fresh pasta, which is made in-house, and hung out to dry in the window. The knowledgeable staff are clearly passionate about what they do; ingredients are top notch, and avours, rich and authentic.

Get them on your must-visit list. www.littlehollowspasta.co.uk; www.theblaiseinn.co.uk

COR VALUES Huey on the decks

Yet another enticing foodie destination for the already-spoiled denizens of BS3, this time in the form of new restaurant Cor, run by husband-and-wife team Mark and Karen Chapman.

Why the name? “Cor has many meanings for us,” say Mark and Karen. “It originates from the Latin word ‘heart’, and at the heart of Cor is our desire to bring together our love of hospitality in a friendly and welcoming place that’s inclusive to all.”

The seasonally updated menu is influenced by the couple’s love of the Mediterranean, and plays to Mark’s fine-dining training while incorporating the more fun, sharing style of food that he has concentrated on over the last six years, as executive chef of Bravas, Gambas, Cargo Cantina and Masa + Mezcal.

Cor is due to open at 81 North Street on 26 October For more www.correstaurant.com

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

HOT PLATES

DISTIL MY BEATING HEART

They had us at ‘aromas of scrumpy cider’…

Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery has launched its inaugural English whisky – the first to be produced in the city for over 80 years.

The single-grain whisky is created from malted barley ) and unmalted barley 1 ) processed by hand at Warminster Maltings and matured in the first fill e bourbon casks at the distillery for over three years.

“There is a lot more to whisky than single malts,” said co-founder Danny Walker. “This whisky The amber nectar... release is an important milestone, but our ourney continues. A single-grain rye whisky and a singlegrain wheat whisky should be ready for release in near future.”

The new whisky glows a golden straw colour with aromas of cider, lemon zest and milk chocolate. On the palate there is a hay-like sweetness with cream soda and some wonderful delicate spice. The mouthfeel is oily and creamy.

The finish is zesty with a hint of savoury. ith only bottles available, ircumstance English hisky is now available from the distillery, RRP £60.

For more www.circumstance.com

OK, KO

Larkin Cen, our very favourite BristolWelsh-Chinese chef, has reopened his Queen’s Road branch of Woky Ko as a restaurant for the first time since the pandemic – and he’s firmly back in the kitchen.

Larkin competed in The Great British Menu in the summer, and his

Blue Planet-inspired hot-pot pop-up evenings sold out at the Queen’s Road site. He’s now reopening the doors full time, with a menu in which the flavours of the Far East are showcased in dishes such as baozi (classic Hong Kong style steamed buns); won tons; cheung fun noodle rolls; dandan noodle soups, street-food-style satay fish balls, and dishes inspired by Larkin’s Great British Menu Sichuan Hotpot.

“It’s our finest work to date, something deep-rooted in authenticity and a product of many years of cooking dishes that I am incredibly passionate about,” says Larkin. “I am delighted to be back in the kitchen full-time for the first time since the pandemic, and running the hot-pot event made me realise how much I missed cooking.

“Woky Ko was created for the sole purpose of providing a portal to the culture from which our food originates. I believe Chinese food is under-represented in the UK, and via Woky Ko I believe I can take our customers on a journey through the cuisine that I love.”

Natural wine bar favourites KASK will curate the wine list.

For more www.wokyko.com

SPIRIT OF BS3

Katy, with a perk of the job

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

Specialising in whisky and rum, new shop and bar Spirited has opened on North Street.

Expect to find spirits and wines from bigname distilleries and winemakers, as well as craft spirits from small independent producers from Britain and abroad.

The bar will serve a simple, seasonally changing menu of highballs and a rotating wine list. Ticketed tasting events and private sessions will be hosted by brands, suppliers and producers, while owner Katy Kennedy will collaborate with local business owners to hold other events such as chocolate and rum, or cheese and whisky.

“Every spirit has a tale to tell; these are bottles with soul,” says Katy. “I am very much looking forward to sharing their stories and introducing new discoveries to my customers.” www.spiritedbristol.com

GRAZE ANATOMY

Described as its owners as ‘possibly the world’s smallest vegan deli’, Herbivore, a new venture from Janice Heskett, former manager of Café Matiriki, and her daughter Danielle, is about to open at Cargo. With a focus on sustainability, Herbivore will serve vegan food sourced from small artisan producers. @herbivore_vegan_deli on Instagram

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Put a ring on it

Stan thought he knew his bagels until he stumbled across the Little Bagel Co…

T

his issue’s establishment of choice is more than a mere coffee shop.

The clue’s in the name The ittle agel o.

Think you can guess what they do, though the name doesn’t tell you how well they do it. hich is really, really well. ut I’m getting ahead of myself here. et’s go back to the beginning. irst thing to note is that they do whatever they do, on ueen’s Road ust down from the R , opposite ittle aitrose. They live up to the name in both product and in size. The shop is a small but perfectly formed little bagel bouti ue, all bright tiles and smiles, with friendly staff, a nice selection of fillings for vegans and carnivores alike, along with a

“As this is an establishment that’s loud and proud about taking its inspiration from New York, there’s no surprise to spot a classic Reuben”

seductive range of cakey treats to seal the deal and keep the sweet toothed brigade happy. ut before we get in too deep here, we need to go back in time, a long way, to e plain why I made my way to this particular bagel bouti ue. ou see, many, many moons ago, in another life, I used to work in ondon. ommuting up and down by train. an’t say the ourney was a pleasure, but one of the small wins of those away days back then was a small but perfectly formed bagel bar in addington Station. sed to grab myself a bagel to munch on the train as we trundled our way home. s my fellow travellers stuffed their faces with fast food burgers, fries and shakes, I would uietly nibble away at a Marmite and cream cheese bagel while sipping on a cup of train tea. Sigh.

Happy days, innocent times, most marvellous memories. hich is why I wanted to visit the ittle agel gang, to relive the e perience. E cept, here’s the thing, their offerings were like nothing I ever had way back when. These are in a totally different league. Then, in the olden days, the fillings were simple. bout the biggest star on the menu back then was smoked salmon with cream cheese.

That would not pass muster at this establishment. Oh no. They

have a fine selection of gorgeous and glorious combinations to make the mouth water and the heart race. Their smoked salmon bagel doesn’t ust involve creamed cheese; it also seduces your tastebuds with dill, capers, pickled onion and tomatoes; there’s a vegan version too, if that’s your bag. Mmm. nd as this is an establishment that’s loud and proud about taking its inspiration from ew ork, no surprise to spot a Reuben pastrami, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, dill pickle and Emmental cheese.

Though tempted by the above, being a keen connoisseur of specials, I went for the bagel of the day, erk seasoned chicken with home made Scotch bonnet sauce and mango salsa, while my bagel buddy went for the bacon, cheese and egg combo. dding a couple of coffees, we sat in the window, watched the world go by and, en oyed two of the finest filled bagels we have ever encountered. Honestly. Toptastic.

Turns out, memories may well be golden, but the future’s bright, too. Especially if you get a bit of ittle agel beauty in your life. ■ For more littlebagelco.co.uk Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 55

RECIPES

VIVA L’ITALIA

Bristol’s Bake Off star has just brought out his first cookbook – and he’s kindly let us reproduce one of his recipes

B

ristol chef Giuseppe Dell’Anno became the nation’s favourite Italian baker when he won ea B Bake ff 2021 – and now he’s released his first cookbook, inspired by his father and a childhood growing up in Italy by his side.

More than a cookbook, Giuseppe’s Italian Bakes is a collection of memories. For Giuseppe, each bake reminds him of family gatherings and tables packed with wonderful food. Many of the dishes here have been developed from his father’s handwritten notes, bringing a real sense of legacy to these quintessential Italian recipes.

PASTE DI PISTACCHIO (PISTACHIO COOKIES) Makes about 32 Paste di pistacchio are a small and delicious variation on the traditional paste di mandorla (almond cookies) and are based on a balanced mix of almonds and pistachios. Sicily arguably produces the best-quality pistachios in the world, so it’s not surprising that this is where these cookies originate.

“The cookies are extremely simple to make,” says Giuseppe, “and although I have been respectful of tradition and given them the typical snake-like appearance, they can also be given simpler shapes to shorten the process further.”

Ingredients 150g whole blanched almonds 180g unsalted pistachio kernels g caster superfine) sugar 70g egg white (about 2 medium egg whites), at room temperature 2 tsp clear honey 1 tsp vanilla bean paste Zest of 1 organic orange Icing (confectioner’s) sugar, for shaping and decorating Method 1. Blitz the almonds, pistachios and caster sugar in a food processor at high speed until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand.

2. Lightly beat the egg white, honey, vanilla and orange zest with a hand whisk or a fork until well combined. Add the ground nuts mixture, and combine with a spoon to form a paste. rap the paste in clingfilm and chill for at least one hour.

3. Meanwhile, set the shelf in the middle of the oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F/Gas mark 4) and line two baking trays with baking paper.

4. Sift a generous layer of icing sugar on to a clean and dry worktop. Roll out the dough into a 5cm diameter sausage and cut it into discs about 1cm thick. The dough is rather sticky, so keep it and the worktop dusted with icing sugar at all times to help with handling. Shape each disc into the traditional S shape with slightly pointed ends and arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet as you form them.

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

5. Bake one tray at a time for 10 minutes or until the pointed edges just start to turn amber. The cookies will be very soft when they come out of the oven, so let them cool completely before taking them off the baking paper. Lightly dust the cookies with icing sugar once cold. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

ALSO TRY… You can convert this recipe into the more traditional all-almond cookies (paste di mandorla) by swapping the 180g pistachio kernels for almonds (making a total of 330g whole blanched almonds) and adding ¼ teaspoon of natural almond extract to the mix.

Giuseppe’s Italian Bakes, published by Quadrille.

RRP £20. Available at all good* bookshops (*because obviously there are no other kind...)

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MARC JACOBS SMALL TEDDY BAG, £280 uddly fau shearling tote;, for when you’re too old to get away with carrying an actual, you know, teddy bear From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

SHEEPSKIN POUF, £450 Supersoft pouf made from 1 natural long haired sheepskin in ivory. e’d keep the dogs off, if we were you From Cox & Cox www.coxandcox.co.uk VINTAGE STAR THROW, £169 art of Melin Tregwynt’s archive range, with a 19 s design interpreted in classic and contemporary colours. So densely woven it’ll last for generations From Midgley Green, 26 Alexander Road, Clevedon; www.midgleygreencom

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RATTAN TUB CHAIR, £451.75 (REDUCED FROM £695) Small and perfectly formed, woven from strong natural rattan in an elegant egg shape, this simply requires a few soft cushions and throws, a nook, and a book.

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www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

MUCH MORE IN-STORE

ADVENT

calendars IN STORE AT POD

BUILD A POP OUT SCENE

SPORT JAMIE REES

I

A Welshman’s perspective on a Bristol-Bath derby at the Gate

was e cited about my first experience at Ashton Gate for a Bears home game. Not just any game, either, but an opening match of the season against West Country rivals Bath Rugby.

Having grown up on the other side of the Severn Bridge, rugby has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, so I was very keen to e perience a home game in my new home town of Bristol.

As soon as you arrive at the stadium you know you’re attending an event. There’s live music outside, scores of activities for families to get involved with and most notably – fans!

Having worked in Welsh rugby and supported the Welsh rugby regions since their inception at the start of the 3 season, I’d become accustomed to watching games with crowds of less than 5,000 in sparsely populated stadia.

Here, there were , for the kick off of this year’s Gallagher English Premiership season and what a noise we all made. If emotions weren’t high enough, the minute’s silence in memory of the late Queen and a rousing (if a tad muddled in terms of who to reference in the lyrics) rendition of God Save The King, ramped up the sense of occasion even further.

There was much anticipation for the homecoming of local star Ellis Genge. All eyes were on the England prop with the promise of bolstering a team that had attered to deceive last season, ending in a lowly 10th place in the table. The big question on everyone’s lips was this: could the prodigal son inspire a resurgence in fortune? e didn’t have long to wait to find out.

Ashton Gate, resplendent in the September sunshine, roared like the bear on the badge of the 15 boys in blue as the home team entered the arena. The expectation was palpable, and Genge answered the call within two minutes of the starting whistle.

In true fairytale fashion, the hero of the hour crossed the Bath whitewash in less than two minutes, sparking wild celebrations in the stadium and no little disbelief from the thousands of travelling fans who instantly knew

that they were in for a tough afternoon.

That afternoon got even tougher when ath’s hooker iall nnett was sent off before even coming onto the pitch, following a pitch side brawl. ot the best start for the new signing from Worcester, who took to social media to apologise to fans for his behaviour after the game. Still, I’m sure he’s delighted not to be involved in the off field drama surrounding his former team as they face going into liquidation.

There was drama in spades from the off in this great theatre of rugby and we, the audience, already cheering our heroes and booing our villains in a sporting theatre of Shakespearean proportions.

One of the things I love about watching live rugby is the integration of the fans. Where we were sat in the Ateyo stand, behind the posts on the north side of the stadium, were a lot of ath supporters, leading to a lot of good natured banter. Had the round ball been on

the pitch in front of us, of course, our friends from up the road would have been sat in a designated section of the stadium away from the home crowd. The resulting revelry and respect in rugby is a credit to the sport.

With the game on a knife edge, the hosts dominating the forward exchanges, you had a feeling that there was more Genge magic to come. There was something special needed to separate these two sides, and deep into the second half, the man of the match was there yet again to delight the Bristol faithful.

Bath on the front foot, having scored 10 unanswered points in the second half, it was Genge to the rescue again as he charged through three Bath defenders to score his second try.

With the roar of the huge home crowd behind them, Bristol went on to win a pulsating first game of the season by a nail biting 31 9, earning bragging rights over their local rivals.

We probably enjoyed walking out of the stadium alongside our friends from Bath a little too much as we sat proudly on top of the table after one game.

Of course, there’s a long way to go before the end of the season, including a return fi ture at the recreation ground in Bath in March next year at the tail end of the season. What a game that is going to be!

All signs point to Bristol being right up there when that fi ture comes along, but I would urge the people of Bristol to come out in force to support them on their journey. Whether you’re a rugby fan or not, the match day experience at Ashton Gate is a joyous one for all ages, and one that makes you very proud to call yourself a Bristolian. ■ bristolbearsrugby.com

“Could the prodigal inspire a resurgance in fortune?”

Man of the match: Ellis Genge, centre

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

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS The whole shooting match

FROM TOP: The Outlaws; filming Lazarus and Chloe

A LOTTA MORE BOTTLE

Bristol film and TV production hits a new high

A

s well as bringing us the exquisite delight of seeing ristol on the bo , annual figures released by ristol ilm O ce show that film and T production in the city generated an estimated £20.8 million in 2021-22 – a increase on pre pandemic figures and the largest contribution that filming related activity has made towards ristol’s economy in a decade.

Am I Being Unreasonable?, The Outlaws, Chloe, Showtrial and The Girl Before are just a few of the small screen hits which contributed towards a total revenue of , 7, in the 1 financial year, a 3. million increase on the previous full 1 month total of 17 million recorded in 19 , illustrating an uninterrupted 12-month period of post pandemic recovery for ristol film and T production.

These figures paint an e tremely healthy picture for ristol’s thriving film and T sector, says ristol ity ouncil’s senior film manager, aura viles. “£20.8 million is the highest economic contribution generated by film and high end T production that we’ve seen in a decade.

“The numbers were no surprise to our ilm O ce and ottle ard staff. e knew that production had kicked back into gear uickly after the production pause during the first lockdown in . Since then, our teams have been busier than ever, supporting productions on the ground.

The skilled crew, companies and facilities we work alongside all play a vital role in making ristol one of the most film friendly cities in the K. ith The ottle ard’s new T facility opening this autumn, ristol’s capacity for production is increasing significantly and

we look forward to supporting more titles in the year ahead. ristol proved a terrific choice for many practical reasons and in giving the show its identity, said Shane llen, e ecutive producer of new comedy thriller Am I Being Unreasonable? see also page 7) There’s something of the soul of the est ountry in the show which was creatively important to co creator aisy May ooper. ristol is fast becoming the destination for shows and films with its advanced production infrastructure, e perienced crews and superb locations.

Period drama Sanditon was one of the biggest productions to film in the city in 1 , basing its production at the rabazon Hangar.

Other titles assisted by Bristol Film O ce included The Undeclared War, which built large scale sets on Redcliffe harf, Sky Ma thriller The Lazarus Project, which transformed edminster’s East Street into a 199 s strip of bookies and electronic store shop fronts, and upcoming Doctor Who special The Power of The Doctor. o oe o o k

The Bottle Yard’s new expansion facility, TBY2, opens this autumn, increasing the total number of stages from eight to 11; visiting productions will also have access to more than 40,000 sq ft of additional ancillary space.

Bristol City Council contracted global construction specialists ISG to deliver the £12m TBY2 redevelopment, backed by West of England Combined Authority investment.

Operations at the original Bottle Yard site have also been boosted by a further £1.6m investment

by Bristol City Council in renewal and repair works.

Overall, the investment in the main Studios and new TBY2 site is expected to create around 1,000 jobs over the next 10 years, supported by a workforce development programme focused on high-end TV skills and targeting development of new talent in South Bristol. www.thebottleyard.com

Offices in: Henleaze, Whiteladies Road Clifton Village, Shirehampton 0117 962 1205 www.amdsolicitors.com

PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL

BRISTOLWORKS

PHOTO BY INSTAGR AM @JONCRAIG_ PHOTOS

Greg Ingham interviews Paul Dodd (left) of Huboo

A MEETING OF MINDS

W

At a recent EntreConf lunch at Avon Gorge Hotel, Paul Dodd, co-founder of Huboo, revealed the secret of the firm’s spectacular growth e’ve all heard of those chance meetings of minds, the ones that can strike at anytime and anywhere, and result in lightbulb moments and multimillion pound businesses. But do we really know of any? Well, we do now, thanks to the EntreConf dinner that took place on 12 September at the Avon Gorge Hotel.

Paul Dodd was trying to encourage his young son to enjoy playing youth club football on a freezing cold day up by the university, when he met Martin Bysh doing exactly the same thing.

The sons lasted at the Saturday football club for about eight weeks, but Paul and Martin’s friendship was for the long haul.

Martin was a tech entrepreneur who had also been a computer game coder; Paul had worked for 20 years at Procter and Gamble, where he’d progressed to become the multinational corporation’s global physical distribution manager.

Together they created Huboo, an e-commerce logistics company. Huboo began its journey in 17 in a garage, with its first client selling

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

chocolate. Now, in 2022 it’s a multi-million pound business and a leading name in its field, thanks to a unique micro-hub model, seamless dashboard, and a well-established network of delivery partners. aul recalls the buzz of that first transaction. hen the first bo came in, knowing that someone just trusted us with it– well, that was a big moment.” Another huge moment early on was getting the call that PayPal would like to use them. “They’d been struggling for ages to get a partner in the UK that could handle small-to-medium enterprises, and the PayPal representatives actually came down to visit us.” nd how did ay al find this small est Country start-up? “I think we were page three on a Google search,” says Paul. From then on, their reputation and their enterprise continued to grow – in part, says Paul “because there was no competition, especially at that time, for doing what we do.”

The logistics business of distribution, such as minimum wage and the harsh physical set-ups, has been notoriously grim. But Huboo has looked to be the very antithesis of this, as Paul explains, “We’ve built the whole tech and warehouses around humans, and that makes it highly e cient. The ‘other’ model is the other way round, which means putting humans in the gaps to do the repetitive jobs. Our mini-

units actually look and feel like retail stores, so the manager there will know the offerings, the brands – and it also means they care more.”

One of the acknowledged challenges has actually been Huboo’s success, and the concern that the firm’s rapid growth the company has now taken on 99 people and is based in five countries, with eyes on the United States – would mean the loss of his and Martin’s core beliefs.

To overcome this, the pair remain hands-on and have appointed only the best people, who they treat equitably and pay fairly.

Our best head o ce staff actually started as managers in the warehouses. We look for the right skills and capabilities, are always happy to train and promote, we invest in wellbeing, and every single employee gets shares.”

Paul won’t be drawn on whether the company will go public at any stage, but there’s one thing he’s quite upfront about: “I want to take on Amazon.” Don’t think for one minute that this gently-spoken, conscious-minded entrepreneur means Huboo being taken over by Bezos own giant he actually does really mean ‘take on’ Amazon. And at this rate, there’s every chance that he, and Huboo, might just succeed. ■ EntreConf, returns in June 2023 For more: www.huboo.com; www.entreconf.com

Be our guest: scenes from the EntreConf lunch at Avon Gorge Hotel on 12 September Photos by Jon Craig

Prith Voual and Jing Wang

David Kelly

Alastair Currie, Natasha McKenzie, Aimee Skinner, Sarah Youll and Claire Ladkin Katie Calvert-Jones

Claire Ladkin, Arti Ambre and Richard Spilsbury

Annie Kelly, Cherie-Anne Baxter and Sarah Moolla

Paul Morris

BRISTOL PROPERTY AWARDS 2022 The finalists have been chosen – now it’s all eyes on Ashton Gate Stadium on 25 November when the winners will be revealed! Look out for our special preview, coming up in our next issue bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 69

2022

PROSERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES / FINANCE / L AW / PROPERT Y

EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS INTO LOCAL BUSINESSES

THE CITY

AT WORK MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MAKING THE CITY BUZZ

SPONSORED CONTENT

M

WELCOME

eet the shining stars of Bristol’s professional services community, from creative directors to financial e perts who help your wealth grow, and myriad other professions in between. ork hard, play hard, so the mantra goes. ut how do you make sure all your hard work pays off, allowing you to reap the rewards of your labours? Talk to an e pert, of course; and to make the choice easier, over the following pages you’ll find a cross section of the cr me de la cr me of the city’s professionals, who can help you get your life in order . . .

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73

SPONSORED CONTENT ACCOUNTING DUNKLEY’S CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Mike Dunkley

economic, technological, and environmental.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

Many of our services are bespoke to the client, especially our business advisory and planning advice offerings. e ensure to Dunkley’s is a forward-thinking fully get to know our clients in accountancy practice offering order to proactively identify specialist advice, consultancy, opportunities to ensure they get expert tax solutions, and the most out of their businesses. supporting businesses with their Included in this growth and exit is the use of strategies. Putting cloud accounting our clients first is DID YOU KNOW… software which our main priority.

We’ve donated Christmas hampers to aids organisational This mentality is in-patients, and raised e ciency and with staff from the over £14,000 for St profitability. outset and driven Peters Hospice through wholeheartedly various fundraising by our leadership Are you looking efforts including bake team, whose to expand your sales, midnight walks client-focused offerings in and the Bristol Three approach and 2023?

Peaks challenge. experience We intend to continues to increase our ensure the business succeeds and business advisory capabilities, remains recognised as having a consolidate our client base, and ‘big firm capability, but a small evaluate our service offering. firm personality’.

To support these activities we Our staff work tirelessly to continue to grow our team, which ensure all clients are given the has increased by over 30% in the time and support they need to see past year. themselves and their businesses through challenging times.

Anything else you want Our dedication to clients ows to tell us? through to our core values which We are currently recruiting! If brings our team together to you’re looking for a new role in a provide the best possible service. growing accountancy firm where We work with all types of we provide a good work/life clients, providing a modern, balance as well as offering paid hands-on approach to overtime during busy periods, accountancy and business-related get in touch: advice@dunkleys. matters, and helping them accountants navigate through major periods of transition and the ongoing For more: 01454 619900; changes in the market, including dunkleys.accountants What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

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EVANS ENTWISTLE CHARTERED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS & TAX ADVISORS Damian Evans, partner

Tell us a little about your business...

Evans Entwistle is a practice of CIMA Chartered Management Accountants & Tax Advisors delivering accounting, tax, payroll, corporate finance business advisory services from three o ces in ardiff , ewport and Bristol. Established in 2013, the team has broad experience across diverse industry sectors, including public, private and not for profit charitable organisations, and across all business sizes, from FTSE 100 companies to SMEs. What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

I am particularly proud of how we have rapidly grown the firm whilst still maintaining a sharp focus on delivering outstanding client service. In 2018 we acquired our ristol practice, a renowned firm on Gloucester Road which had been established over 30 years, and in 2021, we completed our second transaction, taking over a reputable ewport practice.

In 9 years we have increased our turnover ten fold, opened two additional o ces and have created employment opportunities for a total of 1 staff, and we remain firmly focused on future growth, being currently in discussions to ac uire a fourth o ce along the M4 corridor.

We hope that in demonstrating to clients how successfully we are able to grow our own organization

it will give them every confidence that we will deliver the same sound advice for their business.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

One of our practice partners is an ex Big 4 management consultant & CIM Chartered Marketer meaning that we are able to broaden our advisory services offering beyond what one would typically expect from a regional accountancy firm, including market analysis, feasibility studies, commercial due diligence, strategy development, business process improvement and the development of business plans to access finance and growth advice effectively we have the skillset to assist any client start, strengthen or grow their business.

The future of the economy is clearly a concern to SMEs – what advice would you give to worried about their finances, what advice would you give?

There is an old adage “turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, cash is king” – a sound statement that we absolutely stand by…so if a client is facing adversity in their business, we always advocate focusing on collecting cash first and foremost to keep the business going, and then working towards reducing costs to maximise the bottom line – only then should they think about strategies to increasing revenues. That’s the difference with management accountants - it is our remit to look at our clients’ businesses holistically and advise on all areas of operations, and not ust the finances.

For more: mail@evansentwistle.co.uk; 0117 924 7767; evansentwistle.co.uk

MELROSE GROUP

A Melrose client manager What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Each client is looked after by a dedicated client manager who is field based and available to come to you and advise; not ust report on the reports we provide.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The client manager role allows a close working relationship with clients, especially at the start of their business. feeling of ob satisfaction comes from knowing you have made a difference.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

e’re specialists in the hospitality trade; which means we’re proactive advisors referencing industry norms, best practice and current trends to give the best guidance.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

usiness plans and cash ow pro ections are totally bespoke to each business and vital in providing a realistic budget to work against. e also provide wet and dry stocktakes, licencing: new variations to premises licenses, transfers of DPS, TEN’s and II H training course for personal licence applications.

How has the pandemic changed the way that you work?

We knew what clients’ most needed was information and

reassurance, so we began a weekly mailshot; a collation of information from HMR , ubcos, local councils and ovt, but thinned down to make it readable, relevant, and very useful e have continued with it as it was so well received.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

e want to e pand on our II accredited courses with: II evel ward for Designated Premises Supervisors on ict Management Responsible lcohol Retailing evel ood Safety Made Easy Where do you see the business in 5 years?

We’re embracing new technologies to improve and develop our already strong services to clients. MT for ta is ust over a year away and we have already brought in new systems to deal with it. e will be ready to take our clients through this next ma or ta ation change.

Anything else you want to tell us?

or Melrose, Hospitality will always be our core business; but we have adapted to provide full accountancy services to many more business types. e currently look after orists, plumbers, IT consultants, a local radio station, even a shotgun repairer, amongst many others hatever your business, we provide that personal touch with real support.

For more: 01454 419262; melrosegroup.co.uk

MILSTED LANGDON What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Milsted angdon’s ethos is all about helping our clients to thrive. Our service goes beyond providing an audit or a set of accounts - it’s about understanding and building long term relationships with our clients, where we can add value every step of the way. nd although accountancy and ta advice is a huge part of what we do, we also have e perts and specialist teams in T, forensic accounting, restructuring and insolvency, and corporate finance, as well as our international connections through our global network ‘M I orldwide’.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

THE TEAM

to a client’s specific needs and designed to add real value to their business. I also find it hugely rewarding to see so many young people developing through the firm we’ve ust taken on our biggest intake of trainees across our o ces in ristol, ath, Taunton and eovil, and to act as a mentor to some this talented group of young people is incredibly worthwhile.

Guy Armitage-Norton, partner

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

Helping my clients to achieve their business goals. I really en oy working closely with clients to provide practical support with the help of my e pert team and colleagues, advice that is tailored

ristol is an amazing place to live and work it ensures we have a vibrant mi of clients from all sorts of sectors and lots of e citing start ups and high growth businesses, as well as well-known national brands that choose to base themselves in ristol and the South est.

There’s always such a lot going on in this fantastic city and earlier in the year at the alloon iesta I was lucky to go up in a hot air balloon to take in a birds eye view of Bristol, which was a fantastic e perience For more: 0117 945 2500; milstedlangdon.co.uk

“MILSTED LANGDON’S ETHOS IS ALL ABOUT HELPING OUR CLIENTS TO THRIVE” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

SPONSORED CONTENT FINANCE ELITE FINANCIAL CONSULTING LTD Jonathan Fry, director

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Elite have won several awards over the years, including a Top rated Adviser award for our director Jon Fry (via vouched for 2021) – which is an accolade received by top advisers in the country.

We believe in good honest sound advice, we never confuse clients with jargon and keep things simple. Our clients return year on year and fully support Elite, which in turn has helped us to grow. We use blogs on our website to ensure clients are aware of any financial matters and regularly post on Facebook, as social media is key to any growing business.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Helping clients to either find their dream home to move into, protecting them and their family so that they can sleep at night, as well as our advisers, as we know we have done a good job!

Providing pension and investment advice, for the client to create wealth and plan for the future.

We contact our clients regularly to check in with them, so ensure they are on target towards their goals.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

It’s all about a personal touch, we don’t use robots, we employ good people at Elite and this in turn creates a good culture. Our clients give us great feedback and we continue to strengthen our proposition on the back of this.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

e offer a full review of their finances and each client is treated differently depending on what assistance they need. Some will want to sit down and go through everything, whilst others will want to ust discuss a specific area. e offer a service so that however long it takes, we will ensure the client comes away completely satisfied with what is required of us and them.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

We would love to expend our team next year, we are already recruiting an apprenticeship role working in our ristol o ce.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

To have two shops opened and a main head o ce with staff around staff, covering administration, paraplanning support staff and increased numbers of financial advisers and mortgage advisers.

For more: 01179 553791; e e a a o o k

FRASER ALLEN ESTATE MANAGEMENT Jodie Fraser

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Female led estate management company, Fraser Allen aims to treat all its customers and industry colleagues with kindness, care and compassion, along with the belief that everyone deserves a safe and good quality home.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The satisfaction of being able to help a resident look after their home. Their home is their safe place and I feel privileged to be able to help someone achieve the end.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

After experiencing traumatic bullying in my childhood, an experience like this has driven me to create a business that puts people first, with high levels of care for all of my customers, business colleagues and residents.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

It’s important to us that each resident feels listened to and understood. Living within a

communal setting can bring its challenges with differing personalities. We want our residents to know that we are always here to listen and can provide that one-to-one support if needed.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

Bristol is my home but aside from that, there are so many important pieces of history in Bristol. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and Bristol Cathedral to name but a few.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

We are looking to expand in 2023.

Our managed developments are across Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Cotswolds, London and the West Midlands and we would love to work with more leaseholders in these areas.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

In 5 years we hope to have created a successful property group that will encompass mortgages, sales and lettings as well as legal support. I want to create a business that can support clients through their entire property journey.

For more: 0117 2980723; fraserallenem.co.uk

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO US THAT EACH RESIDENT FEELS LISTENED TO AND UNDERSTOOD” 78 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The South West’s Favourite HR Company

For small businesses by small business experts citrus HR speak our language and have really helped us improve our HR procedures and understand how we are looking after our staff.

Olly Evans, Managing Director

0333 014 3888 | info@citrushr.com

www.citrushr.com

SPONSORED CONTENT FINANCE/PROPERTY MORTGAGE STYLE LTD Marcus Robinson, director Tell us a little about your business...

INTEGRITY365

Chris Jelf, client relationship director Tell us a little about your business...

investments and lump sum decisions, through to retirement and later life planning, Integrity365 advise private clients throughout the key stages of their lives.

Financial planning for business is another key service of Intergity365, with expert corporate advisers specialising in shareholder and partnership protection, key person cover, executive pensions and employee benefits.

I’m incredibly proud to be the Client Relationship Director at Integrity365, a business that shares my passion and drive for providing personal client service and trusted professional advice. The DID YOU KNOW… advisers I 6 in 10 of businesses support, many What sets you would cease trading of which are apart from others within 12 months of Chartered, in your sector? losing a key person. have a wealth Integrity365 How well protected is of experience is a boutique your business? in providing financial advisory (L&G 2021). financial advice business. In an to private clients, industry where business owners the consolidator and key professionals. Located is increasingly prevalent, where on the picturesque Dyson Estate, people become numbers and the our South est o ce provides importance of client relationships an ideal base for our advisers to have diminished, Integrity365 provide face to face advice, either is turning the tide. In our in the o ce or at a location of our business, people, clients and our clients’ choice. professional relationships matter.

What areas do you specialise in?

From the early days of mortgages, tax planning, protection,

on but Mortgage Style weathered the storm and is now thriving with o ces near ortishead and 13 staff.

Mortgage Style are a truly What sets you apart from others in your sector? independent mortgage brokerage based in Bristol. We can help with In many ways we are quite all types of mortgages including similar, but we try to do first time buyers, remortgages everything to our best ability with and purchases but also specialise the customer at the centre of all in more complicated scenarios decisions, however we also offer such as self-employed mortgages, advice in more specialist areas contractors, than many of our elderly, unusual competitors where properties, they will refer the DID YOU KNOW… buy to let, business to a third The average age of Mortgage Style staff Ltd company party so we can is 38! mortgages, keep everything development in-house, therefore and bridging saving our clients finance, commercial mortgages time and money. and protection.

These more specialist areas include ‘hard to place’ cases where even other brokers refer to When was your firm founded us and also areas such as Limited and who by? company ‘buy to let’ lending Mortgage Style was founded for landlords, bridging and in 2006 by Marcus Robinson. development finance, commercial Marcus wanted to create a finance and much more. service for people where they got If you read our Google and the very best advice but also a Trust ilot reviews, you’ll see that seamless and stressless journey our clients are extremely pleased from start to finish. fter winning with our service and we work very several awards in the industry hard to accomplish this.

Marcus gained the confidence to go it alone. Marcus started the For more: 01275 370360 / business in a spare bedroom and re mortgaged his house to finance 0117 9070818; contact@mortgage-style.co.uk; things, it wasn’t an easy few years as the credit crunch hit fairly early mortgage-style.co.uk

For more: 0117 450 1300; enquiries@integrity365.co.uk; integrity365.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT LAW AMD SOLICITORS Grant McCall, director Tell us a bit about your core services...

strategies. Over the last 6-12 months we have seen a noticeable surge in M&A activity for the SME market. This is great to see again and we look forward to expanding our commercial services in 2023.

We are an independent Bristol law firm providing a broad range of legal services Tell us a bit for private clients about your and business DID YOU KNOW… We are delighted to community owners. Our have been recognised or charity core services are as a finalist for the involvement split between Bristol Law Society this year? private client Awards 2022. We look (wills, trusts and We have always forward to the awards probate), family committed to dinner in November law, property being present in and congratulations to law (residential the community all of the finalists. and commercial) and engaging with and company a local charity each commercial law. This balance year. This year we completed the allows us to provide our services Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge to meet a client’s first need for a in support of Great Western Air solicitor right through to advising Ambulance. Using Nims Purja corporate clients on larger as our inspiration, we hiked just transactional work. under 20 miles of Cotswold hills in 8 hours to raise just over £1500. We are hoping for a How has the M&A market flatter event next year! been this year?

During lockdown we saw a steep decline of mergers and For more: 0117 973 3989; acquisitions but for some, it grantmccall@amdsolicitors.com; afforded business owners some amdsolicitors.com clarity which accelerated exit

INCE

Daniel Crockford, partner, head of Bristol office Tell us a little about your business...

Ince is well-known, both at a national and international level, for advising businesses and individuals across various practice areas, including commercial, private client and insurance.

Following a strategic rebrand last year, we aim to bring our existing expertise to the local market, as well as supporting and working with our clients and colleagues across the UK and internationally. We recently expanded our team and offering: hiring four new partners, providing services for agricultural and rural clients, opening an insurance practice and launching a shipping legal team.

What are your plans for 2023?

In 2023, we will concentrate on growing our core practice areas, in particular, commercial/ corporate, shipping and insurance. At Ince (Bristol), we have ambitious plans for the office, aiming to increase turnover by at least 100% within the next three to five years. We will look to strengthen our offering further through developing our fantastic team alongside strategic recruitment.

What achievement as a firm as you most proud of?

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

Ince (Bristol) was formed through the acquisition of an established, local firm, with the addition of new talent. I am proud of how well the team has integrated, especially considering the unusual last couple of years. In particular, our commercial and corporate teams have come together to become serious players in the market, culminating in our recent nomination as Advisory Firm of the Year at the Business Leader Awards South West and sustained top rankings in legal directories.

What is your favourite thing about working in Bristol?

Like the city itself, Ince (Bristol) is growing and evolving. One of the Ince values is “Connection” and our offices across the globe look to connect not just with clients, but also with the areas around them. We have recently joined the Bristol Law Society and are keen to become active members within the legal community and wider society, supporting local charities and organisations. We want to contribute to what makes this city such a great place!

Did you know…

Ince can trace its beginnings to 1866 when Ince Ingledew set up business just over the bridge in Cardiff. The firm has since grown, with offices in over 10 countries, with 23 offices and 700 staff.

For more: 0117 929 0451; incegd.com

Studio 2, St Andrew’s Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5EH 0117 942 9717 info@greenheartuk.com

www.greenheartuk.com

"The Greenheart team take real pride in their work which makes it a more enjoyable process for everyone. They are respectful and have integrity and this was extremely important to me when making such a significant investment." – Louise, Stroud

Over 25 years of experience crafting beautiful, low energy homes Passivhaus / sustainable construction specialists Design/build or build only Working in Bristol, Bath, Stroud and surrounding areas

Studio 2, St Andrew’s Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5EH | 0117 942 9717 | info@greenheartuk.com www.greenheartuk.com

SPONSORED CONTENT STONE KING LLP Rebecca Eels, partner

Tell us a little about your business...

Although we are a national law firm we operate locally with o ces in ath and ristol. e’ve been independently ranked in many areas, including our private client work as well as for the education, charity social enterprise and business sectors.

What areas do you cover as a family lawyer?

I’m part of Stone King’s amily Mediation team helping clients with matters concerning children and finances. I’m also a trained mediator for both clients and children. I’m really enthusiastic about mediation it can help couples through their separation in a non confrontational way, which is especially important when children are involved. It saves money too and can be much more e cient than going through the courts.

How does child-inclusive mediation work?

e all know that separation and divorce are really stressful for

adults and sometimes children’s thoughts and opinions get lost when parents are struggling with their own emotions. That’s where I come in I meet with children away from their parents and hear their wishes and what they need. I then relay this back to the parents who can then take it into account in any agreement. It doesn’t mean children will determine the outcome but it does mean they will feel involved and hopefully happier as a result.

What advice do you have for someone considering a divorce?

Take legal advice eople sometimes think they can do it themselves but, in my e perience, it pays to check with a lawyer. e often see cases where people have divorced but not finalised their financial affairs. This means some people are left worse off financially than they need to be it also means people can be asked to share their pensions or other assets years after divorce. Take legal advice and save yourself a headache further down the line For more: 01225 337599

“TAKE LEGAL ADVICE AND SAVE YOURSELF A HEADACHE FURTHER DOWN THE LINE!”

THRINGS

Tara Connor-McLaren, senior associate – family team What do you find most rewarding about your role?

etting good outcomes for my clients. Most of the time my clients are going through the most stressful and di cult times in their lives. I work to build strong relationships with my clients so that they see me as their trusted advisor and know they can rely on me every step of the way. ecause of this I have kept in touch with many clients following the conclusion of their matter. amily law cases are not all about ‘big wins’ but reaching a resolution which my clients are happy with and which enable them to move forward with their lives.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

There are plenty of great family lawyers in ristol and so the main thing for potential clients is to find a lawyer who they feel understands them and will do the very best to achieve their goals. hen I first meet clients I give them that confidence and reassurance and so if that is what a potential client is looking for then I can help.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

s part of my role of growing the ristol family team, I am leading the e pansion of our practice offering, by teaming up with Michael Tatters, a artner in our roperty itigation team, to provide a complete offering to unmarried clients, with a focus on matters which are dealt with under the Trust of and and appointment of Trustees ct To T ). This is a specialist area, as unmarried couples do not have the same protections as married couples. iven the increase in unmarried couples this is a huge growth area for family law practitioners.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

The food scene ristol is a metropolis of fantastic independent eateries. ot only does the city offer amazing high end restaurant e periences but it has a multitude of amazing cafes and markets which could rival even the best restaurants. The variety and diversity of the cuisines available is also impressive. It is di cult to settle on a top three of places to eat in ristol, but ravas, Root and hilli addy are all up there.

For more: 0117 374 9637/07387261296; thrings.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 85

SPONSORED CONTENT PR ADMIRE PR

Andrea Sexton, CEO and founder Tell us a little about your business...

members, which sometimes means time off. I see no problem in this, as time to yourself to heal is needed in di cult times. My staff always come back with a smile on their face and a restored sense of passion for PR.

Admire PR is a Public Relations Company based in Bristol and Gloucestershire. My team and What sets you apart from others in your sector?

I ensure that companies receive the attention they What sets Admire deserve through PR apart from reputation others in our DID YOU KNOW… management. sector is also the Did you know that reasoning behind before Covid-19 rattled businesses on to the the birth of the Work/life world of Zoom, we company. After balance – how were already there! do you get it many years of Wanting to have the right for you experience in PR best fit individuals and your staff?

I found myself for Admire PR, our frustrated at the Employees’ employees are spread lack of ethics in mental health across the country, and the public relation matters. It is contacted through sector. Since then crucial as the Zoom. This meant that when the pandemic I have always owner of a hit, we felt the world ensured Admire to company to caught up with us! be transparently ensure that my priced, proud to team is happy and set and achieve motivated to work ambitious objectives for all for the business. projects thrown our way; whether If it seems something might one off or long term campaign. be affecting an employee’s mental state, a private chat is For more: 07887 997922; always organised. I make sure to andrea@admire-pr.com; admire-pr.com discuss how I can help my team

MARLIN COMMUNICATIONS LTD Richard Hill

Tell us a little about your business...

At Marlin Communications, we design and deliver end-toend business communications technology that helps companies connect, collaborate and grow.

We are a trusted & independent provider of nified ommunications Collaboration solutions, including voice, video, connectivity, network security, business mobiles & contact centre for SME and corporate businesses.

With our in-house consultancy, design and deployment capability, we have the power to bring these technologies together and, combined with our innovative financial packaging, deliver the best and most cost effective solutions to our customers.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

I’ve been working in the business communications sector for 24 years; I only wish I’d joined Marlin Communications sooner! Our work culture, professionalism, fun, my colleagues and, most importantly, the desire for e cellence in customer service, fit entirely with my way of working. I couldn’t be happier!

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

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

We’re proud to be rooted in the thriving local business community. We participate in fantastic events such as the Bristol Life Awards and support a local Bristol & Bath-based charity. For over 20 years, these firm foundations have helped us to build our national client base and we now provide communications technology services in almost every time zone on the planet.

All this knowledge and expertise is right on your doorstep. So, if you’re looking for a trusted partner to help you navigate the marketplace and really drive your business forward by taking full advantage of the latest communications technology, we’re just a phone call away.

Anything else you want to tell us?

In June of this year, after a significant amount of work, the company rebranded to Marlin Communications. We’re proud to be a fully independent Limited company with a completely new look and feel combined with 20+ years of knowledge, expertise and experience. Exciting times ahead!

For more: 0800 032 8274; marlincomms.co.uk

WE DO FAR MORE THAN JUST FILE YOUR ACCOUNTS...

A PRACTICE OF CHARTERED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS TO HELP YOU TO MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS ALL YEAR ROUND… NOT JUST AT YEAR END

evansentwistle.co.uk 432 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8TX t: 0117 924 7767 e: mail@evansentwistle.co.uk

A cco u n t a n c y | C o r p o ra t e F i n a n c e | Ta x a t i o n | B u s i n e ss A d v i s o r y | P r i v a t e C l i e n t s

SPONSORED CONTENT PROPERTY ALLCOTT COMMERCIAL Matthew Baker MRICS, partner

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Our independent status allows us to stand out from the plethora of corporate commercial surveying firms. ithout shareholder restrictions, we can offer a truly bespoke service, spending time getting to know our clients’ aims and goals, so we can make sure that what we deliver goes above and beyond e pectations.

In addition, our surveyors and structural engineers are all chartered with extensive e perience, so our clients benefit from in-depth technical insight on every ob, big or small.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Although I spend time managing the firm, I am still out on site most days. s someone who has chosen a practical profession, I find it really rewarding to get out there and deliver a great service, whether that is by anticipating and preventing problems on a building project or by providing expert advice on a property survey. lot of our growth has been through word of mouth, and we have clients who come back to us time and time again, so I think we’re doing something right!

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

I am always struck by the diversity and entrepreneurialism in Bristol, fuelled by its dynamic universities and ever-present arts scene. The energy and vibrancy within the city is re ected in vastly contrasting building stock, which makes for a seemingly endless, and often unique, variety of challenges for a commercial surveyor; every day in Bristol different. The thing I love most about Bristol is that every time you turn a corner you see something different, whether it’s a cultural event, historic building, or ancient maritime heritage.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

es e have a great team here in Bristol, and we are continuously e panding. Recent recruits have built on our structural engineering capabilities and brought in contract administration experience of multi-million-pound construction and refurbishment pro ects. e will be growing in these areas, along with building on our existing network of landlords and tenants who use our services for condition surveys, PPMs and dilapidations.

For more: 0333 202 6386; info@allcottcommercial.co.uk; allcottcommercial.co.uk

GREENHEART SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

on, but can be a way to ensure over all build-quality as well as low environmental impact, low bills and comfortable living. If we can do it, others can too.

Henry Duncan, director & designer

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

e don’t want to e pand from our current level of 3 or 4 pro ects at a time. The personal rapport with the client that we have as a small building company is very important to us and enables us to control quality and offer a great service.

- Our proven track record. e’ve been crafting beautiful, low energy buildings in Bristol, Bath and the Southwest for over years.

- Our understanding.

Of the emotional and financial investment made by the selfbuilder, and the benefit of providing job satisfaction to the workforce.

- Our technical expertise.

If ‘ assivhaus’ certification is re uired, we can deliver.

Alternatively we are happy to take a pragmatic approach using PHPP modelling as a guide to achieving the best possible performance for the budget.

Taking operational energy, embodied energy and material toxicity into account - Our flexibility. e are e ually happy to develop a design concept from a clients brief, to develop technical drawings from existing plans or sketches, or to build from a fully developed architects design What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Anything else you want to tell us?

e started reenheart so that we could be part of the climate solution. e keep e pecting the rest of the industry to catch up but it still feels like we are ahead of the curve which is good for our business but sad that the construction industry as a whole is so slow to build in a climate friendly way. This is slowly changing as we adapt to the needs of climate change. The increase in energy costs is also making energy e cient building more cost effective and more of a priority to many people. That’s all positive, but we need government policy to catch up with peoples will to do the right thing. T e emption for green retro fit pro ects would be a really good start!

Demonstrating that sustainability in construction isn’t a costly add

For more: 0117 9429717; greenheartuk.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT HAMPTONS

Martyn Swinson, head of residential development for Bristol, North Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

who provide developer focused advice at every stage.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

e’re not ust residential development specialists; we also work across Sales, ettings and ortfolio Management, and are able to offer access to specialist financial services and support.

Every single one of our clients receives an individual service with the weight of a ma or brand behind them.

e offer our developer clients specialist residential development sales support that’s tailored to the ristol market whilst benefitting from the size and scale of the Hamptons DID YOU KNOW… business. trusted Data is our secret brand, e clusive weapon. As part of marketing tools, Connells – the UK’s 9 plus branch biggest property network and services group – our e tensive database research team has unrivalled access to are what set us property data and apart.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

It’s a great place to work, live and en oy life for all age groups with fantastic amenities, regularly publish shopping and detailed insight reports. nightlife, great What do you find schools, university most rewarding and plenty of about your role? employment opportunities eveloping genuine partnerships and beautiful countryside very with our developer clients close by linking them with our local branch teams to make sure we have the best sales and marketing Are you looking to expand strategy in place to deliver the your offerings in 2023? best outcomes. es absolutely. e have big ambitions to continue to e pand across the est ountry and Why should our readers utilise your services over others? beyond. The new homes market in our area has benefitted from e reward all of our negotiators the lack of second hand stock with 1 of the fee on available, so there’s a huge e change for any new build opportunity. home they agree so we see a level of collaboration that our competitors simply can’t For more: newhomes@hamptons.co.uk; match. e also have our own hamptons.co.uk evelopment onsultancy team,

INTERACTION

Hayley Blacker, relationships director What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Interaction has been creating some of the best workspaces in the South est since 199 . e’re on a mission to banish boring o ces and we specialise in creating people centric workplaces for ambitious organisations who place a high value on their people and culture, such as ledger, Immersive abs, Osborne larke and mdaris. e pride ourselves on delivering what we call erfection at ace beautifully thought out workspaces, finished to the highest standards and often completed to e tremely tight deadlines Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

e offer a wide range of services in key areas workplace strategy, workplace design, workplace fit outs and primed, which is our speedy plug and play service used by commercial landlords and co working operators.

nderneath these we have a suite of capabilities in everything from change management to interior styling.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

ristol is a fantastic hotbed for innovative companies, many of whom are at the cutting edge of what they do. It’s a great place to find those organisations that treat their people brilliantly and try to change the world whilst also being scalable and commercially viable. n unusual mi How has the pandemic changed the way that you work?

The pandemic has seen many businesses rightfully rethink what the workplace means to them. lients now are after adaptable, e ible spaces that house a variety of ways of working and provide a compelling destination for those who use them. one are the days of desk farms, sad kitchens and grim lighting the best talent want workplaces that allow them to thrive.

For more: 01225 485600; interaction.uk.com

“WE’RE ON A MISSION TO BANISH BORING OFFICES” 90 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Tech Sponsor:

EMPOWERING YOUNG CARERS TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL The Young Carers Development Trust was created following the incredibly low statistics of young carers in West Wiltshire accessing higher and further education. Today we operate across the South-West and beyond, with webinars that reach across the UK. We aim to inspire and nurture young carers to achieve their potential. Our approach is to work with local young carers services to identify young carers with real potential who are unlikely to succeed without targeted support. We empower young carers to strive for ambitious goals, to advance in life and to become active, inspiring role models for others from backgrounds similar to their own.

Young carers are at the centre of everything YCDT do, from involving them in the future direction of the charity to ensuring we have Trustees and staff with first-hand experience of life as a young carer.

“It’s been really nice to have someone to talk to and get advice from outside of my family.

It’s good to know there’s someone there just for me” Tilly shares her experience of working with her Development Mentor.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I know I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for YCDT” Sammy

For more information, please visit www.ycdt.org.uk Young Carers Development Trust, The Carers Centre,Woodlands, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 9ES info@ycdt.org.uk | 07368 366660 |

youngcarersdevelopmenttrust

The Young Carers Development Trust is a charity (1150197) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 07771110).

SPONSORED CONTENT MISSIATO DESIGN & BUILD

Adamo Missiato & Luke Sperring, directors What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

ith a high street o ce and a team of employees including a uantity surveyor, pro ect managers, team leaders and accounts admin staff, we offer a streamlined and transparent service to our customers. e have minimal reliance on subcontractors meaning we have full control over our pro ects at every stage.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Seeing pro ects through from a client’s initial ideas to the finished product. Making dreams a reality.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

e specialise in creating the ‘forever home’. e work with our clients to find out what’s important to them. e know ristol homes and we know how to turn those ideas into reality.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

ll our services are bespoke.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ e tension each client has

completely uni ue re uirements, and it’s our passion to make sure they get the result they dream off.

How has the pandemic changed the way you work?

The pandemic forced us to further streamline our workforce, ensuring that we kept staff rotation at each pro ect at a minimum. t the same time, demand for our services was increasing, so although we’ve vastly increased our workforce, the separate teams for each stage of the builds has remained, meaning a much more coordinated approach.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

Our business has been steadily evolving in the 7 years since we started. Rather than e pand on our offerings, we plan to specialise further in the larger orever Home pro ects that’s what we do best Where do you see the business in 5 years?

e’re moving into our new o ce ‘Missiato H Mark II’ very soon, which has space to grow into. e e pect to continue to e pand our workforce, nurturing those who oin us as trainees and watching them ma imise their potential.

For more: 0117 9569257; missiatodesignandbuild.com

“MISSIATO DESIGN & BUILD ARE DEEPLY ROOTED IN BRISTOL, AND WE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT REALLY!”

MODE CONSULT LTD

Our service is 1 bespoke to our client. e listen and we build a service around them.

Gary Fisher

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

e are your construction industry headache tablet. e work with our clients, not for them. e are adaptable, e ible, we can work from anywhere. e like a challenge. e have people inside and outside of the business we can use via the Mode family.

How has the pandemic changed the way that you work?

It hasn’t e cept for spending more time working from home. onstruction blossomed during the pandemic, although it has made finding good staff harder.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

The diversity of the city. It’s a cool place to be and is uni ue.

The weather helps too

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Every day is different, working from many different places DID YOU KNOW… surrounded by We will be looking many different to expand in 2023 people.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

e only have a vision year on year.

In years who knows but we hope to be bigger and have work in all ma or K cities and maybe even abroad.

and to double our turnover year on year as growth is top of our agenda now.

e provide great M. e have low overheads so can charge less yet over deliver.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

For more: 07581189083; modeconsult.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 93

SPONSORED CONTENT RECRUITMENT ARV SOLUTIONS Jim Roach

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

THE ETHICAL PROPERTY COMPANY Sarah Campbell

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Our vision is to become the go-to place for changemakers – tenants, investors, partners and staff.

We believe that property should be used in the best interests of society, the planet and the economy. y bringing impactful organisations, staff and tenants together we have shown that real change can happen.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

eing able to provide workspace for so many impactful organisations across ristol and seeing how these organisations help improve the lives of so many people, both locally and beyond.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

For anyone working in the third sector or an impact organisation having a supportive landlord is vital as is working alongside likeminded people. or almost 25 years we’ve been leading the workplace revolution and from the very start we’ve been a triple bottom line company, which can really help reassure tenants that we’re authentic and not greenwashing.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

We work closely with all of our tenants, making sure that our offer suits them, whether it is the e ible leases, the size of the o ce or more specialist re uirements.

We will look at what works best for our tenants, for e ample, we recently had to find space for some lovely trainee guide dogs at our Streamline entre.

How has the pandemic changed the way that you work?

e kept most of our ristol centres open throughout the pandemic, a lot of our tenants provide vital services and therefore we needed to be there to support them. lthough working patterns changed during the last two years, people have really missed that face-to-face contact. othing replaces the uick catch up over a cup of coffee and we’ve seen people returning back to the workspace across our centres in greater numbers since the summer.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

Everything, the people, the food, the culture. I’m lucky that I get to work across so many areas, from the cultural creativity of St Pauls earning entre, the amazingly supportive organisations at runswick ourt through to the vibrant hub of our latest centre based at aintworks. I really feel that the people I get to work with on a day-to-day basis really show how brilliant ristol is.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

To continue to be the spaces of choice for all of those dynamic organisations that makes a real difference to ristol.

For more: 0330 016 3440; ethicalproperty.co.uk

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

R Solutions are market leading e perts for the offsite construction industry (think rand esigns but larger scale). e have been dding Real alue to recruitment needs since 2003, however our recruitment model is different compared to ‘traditional’ recruitment.

We thrive on our 90%+ high repeat and referral business rates which we grow and nurture by building and investing in client and candidate relationships. s a company we promote collaborative working within a family orientated culture, with a focus on reward, recognition and developing our staff to be e perts in their field, which we believe to be the key to our success.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

In we developed R IE , an innovative recruitment process incorporating video interviews via an advanced, but simple to use, client portal. e offer this on a retained and e clusive basis for all clients seeking higher success rates from their recruitment. It’s a Modern Method of Recruitment, which greatly enhances the quality of the recruitment process.

Where do you see the business in 5 years

We intend to strengthen our market leading position and close partnerships by profitably growing our team to 35+, developing their specialisms and career opportunities in relevant sectors. e will continue to enhance our company benefits and stay true to our collaborative culture with our employee share scheme.

Anything else you want to tell us?

We believe in sharing successes within the team, so we encourage our employees to apply for award entries which are a great form of recognition for all their hard work. This year one of our Senior Recruiters won est Recruitment onsultant of the year, and our Managing irector im Roach was proud winner of RE usiness eader 1. R Solutions have been fortunate enough to win many great awards and we are accredited Gold with Investors in eople. So far this year we have been finalists for usiness eader usiness of the ear and ristol ife eople Services, and The ward for Reward and Recognition in The Investors in eople wards .

For more: 0117 959 2008; arvsolutions.co.uk

“WE HAVE BEEN ADDING REAL VALUE TO RECRUITMENT NEEDS SINCE 2003”

SPONSORED CONTENT SOMERSET EDUCATION ALLIANCE

Emma Woodhall, director & consultant

gain experience in a number of education environments. You may find yourself in a long term teaching role that leads to something more permanent.

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

How has the pandemic changed the way that you work?

We are proud to be an Since pandemic we are now to independent supply teaching undertake registrations online, agency in Somerset. SEA are making the process, quick and established on over 15 years of e cient. expertise within the education and What is your recruitment sector. favourite thing WATCH THIS SPACE! Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

We are looking to expand our offerings in 2023.

People are our priority – we strive to provide exceptional, personalised and knowledgeable services to both clients and candidates, founded on over 15 years of expertise in the education sector.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

e offer a personalised service to teachers and teaching assistants.

Choose when you work and

about Bristol?

Bristol is a colourful city with lots to see and do while remaining green – it’s a great location with good links to other parts of the country.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

To be the leading agship agency of Somerset and Bristol and edging our way even further up the map.

For more: 01225 970 370; somerset-education-alliance.co.uk

YOUR PEOPLE PARTNERS Helen Sanders

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Your People Partners exists to give smaller businesses competitive edge when hiring new employees.

We embed with the hiring team to ensure all those involved are supported with aspects of assessing and interviewing, then successfully onboarding new team members. We also work with only one company in a specific market at a time. We don’t help a company’s competitors to hire the same talented people. Our priority is to help our client to grow well with predictable and enjoyable hiring frameworks so that recruitment isn’t as stressful as it can be.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The most rewarding part of our role is seeing small companies of 3 people grow to companies of 20 or more. On a personal note, helping a new father into a brilliant company closer to home which allowed him to be home in time to bathe his new baby every night and receiving an email from

his wife saying thanks made my heart skip a beat. We do not take for granted the role we play in people’s careers and the business owners we help.

How has the pandemic changed the way that you work?

I’ve worked from home for 12 years apart from one year in an o ce. The pandemic was a ‘welcome to my world’ moment for me and my entire team … we all work from home and have never met each other! 100% remote working does work. So the pandemic didn’t change the way we work but has allowed the world we play in to accept it as the norm far more easily.

What is your favourite thing about Bristol?

Bristol is big enough to have the city vibe and small enough to feel personable. You can also get to the Cotswolds, the coast or the Brecon Beacons so easily.

The beautiful architecture and wide variety of cultures is also a brilliant part of what I love since I moved here a few decades ago!

For more: 0117 290 0208; YourPeoplePartners.com

“WE DO NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED THE ROLE WE PLAY IN PEOPLE’S CAREERS” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 97

SPONSORED CONTENT SERVICES ACTIONCOACH BRISTOL Gary Keating

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

ction O H ristol offers a money back guarantee e are that confident in our service that we are prepared to underpin the investment in coaching.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

or type of business. Ours is a tried and tested formula for success that turns business owners into e perts at running a business.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

oaching is a bespoke service.

The coach works intimately with client to ensure the business grows. e fill the gaps in knowledge and guide the business owner to achieve the life they dream on both personally and professionally.

e are passionate about seeing business owners and their How has the pandemic businesses grow. uiding businesses changed the way you work? like ife Media to double their e vowed that no business would profits in 1 months is what gives go under on our watch in the us a buzz. Or our client ndrew pandemic. one did. In fact, Sperring, of S uilding Services, most grew. e adopted on line grow his turnover by while coaching which we still do with reducing his hours from 7 hours many clients, enabling us to per week to e pand our reach and hours is become more time DID YOU KNOW… what it’s about. e cient for our clients.

We’re already the top e work ranked ActionCOACH with winners Anything else you firm in the UK and that are want to tell us?

Europe. We want to determined Our most important conquer the world in to achieve the achievement to date is the next 5 years. We would like to be helping business and consistently winning double the amount of life they want. the est lient businesses grow within Results ward . the next 5 years e make sure the Why should businesses in our our readers utilise your stable win e offer services over others? a complimentary 9 minute coaching session for business There is no risk involved in the owners that want a taste of investment with coaching with business coaching and what it can ction O H ristol. esides do for their business. e also hold our money back guarantee, free regular usiness Mastery the ction O H pedigree Seminars which are offer valuable speaks for itself. ction O H learnings and insights into invented usiness oaching running a successful business. years ago and over the past two decades has helped millions of For more: 0117 287 2888; businesses worldwide achieve bristol.actioncoach.co.uk success no matter what industry

CITRUS HR David Lester

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

e work on a 1 month rolling contract, whereas most competitors tie customers in for 1, 3, or more years. This means we take the risk and therefore need to keep our customers happy, so we try harder than most to do ust that e have also developed our own software which slashes the time our customers spend on HR admin and give them much better control over their people information. It’s one of those things that, once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Our whole team love helping our clients solve problems. eople often get in touch with issues that are causing them real stress, and it’s fabulous to help them through that and take the stress away. e hear time and time again how much clients appreciate that it’s not ust the advice we offer, but the empathy and human support which makes the difference.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

The vast ma ority of our clients never need anything e tra but some do. The most common bespoke services we do are salary benchmarking pro ects, and we attend investigations into alleged incidents reasonably often. e’re happy to help with anything people related that our clients want, though which covers a wide range How has the pandemic changed the way you work?

Massively e’ve adopted hybrid working, which we love. nd because most of our clients have also adopted hybrid working, we’ve had to make all kinds of changes to our software, contracts and policies to support that. It’s been very hard work, but it feels like everyone has benefited from these changes to work life balance.

Are you looking to expand your offerings in 2023?

e’re always making our software better we’re adding Recruitment Software and integrations to Rota Management and locking In Out tools ne t.

For more: 0333 014 3888; citrushr.com

“OUR WHOLE TEAM LOVE HELPING OUR CLIENTS SOLVE PROBLEMS” 98 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT ORIGIN WORKSPACE Rob Hingston

Tell us a little about your business...

Origin Workspace is a premium coworking, meeting and events space that enables tomorrow’s business talent to succeed today.

We have a vast number of businesses working under one roof.

It is such a wonderful space to focus and share ideas, meet people and interact. We’ve increased our community substantially this year – there are over 600 members calling Origin their work home, making the space 95% occupied.

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

Origin stands out from other coworking spaces for three reasons. Firstly, we make life as easy and convenient as possible for our members. We understand that time is a precious commodity for business owners, which is why we bring different services into the space every week – most recently, a bike mechanic and a masseur.

Secondly, Origin harnesses the power of its network and resources to support startup businesses and our chosen charities. Over half of those on the Origin Startup Programme have grown significantly over the last 12 months.

Finally, we have a strong culture of community and collaboration, which is truly distinctive: many of our members use accountants, lawyers, writers and web agencies based in the space.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Origin supports a number of charities, including Gympanzees, Access Sport and Talk Club. We’ve signed up to become a patron of The Prince’s Trust and will support their enterprise scheme, which is aimed at young entrepreneurs.

We’ve created a wellness programme and the Origin Team is firmly integrated in this offering, showing that wellbeing truly sits at the heart of our coworking space.

To complement our onsite gym, we’ve worked with ctive to offer an in-house personal training team with seven personal trainers.

I lead the running club and many of our members take part in the annual Great Bristol Run; I’m also a mental health first aider.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

One of our main aims for Origin was to create a space where ambitious young businesses and growing teams are more likely to succeed. We encourage our members to leverage the power of our trusted business community.

We want to help the companies at Origin to be ambitious, progressive and connected and while we’re delighted with what we have created so far, the needs of businesses are always changing so we can’t stand still. hether it’s offering e ible memberships for hybrid working or introducing a designated quiet room, Origin Workspace will continue to evolve around the needs of our community.

For more: 0117 440 0400; originworkspace.co.uk

TOBY PINN CHARTERED ARTS & ANTIQUES SURVEYOR Toby Pinn, MRICS

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

As a RICS regulated art & anti ues surveying firm providing home contents valuations for various purposes, my business clients, many of whom are probate solicitors and financial advisers can recommend me to their private clients, confident in the knowledge of the quality assurance guarantee of a RICS regulated business.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Helping families at a time of bereavement is the most rewarding aspect of this work.

When valuing the entire home contents to an HMRC approved standard for inheritance ta purposes, I frequently pull together previously unknown or long forgotten aspects of the deceased’s life, often to the wonderment of the family. These little insights, whether gleaned from an item of jewellery, or a large painting, help turn a visit that the family might have viewed as a necessary intrusion, into a celebration as new light shines on objects that together helped create the fabric of a lifetime.

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

The valuation is often just the start of a professional relationship, beyond which I can provide independent specialist advice on consigning antiques and works of art to the most suitable outlets nationwide. A recent contents valuation resulted in my management of an important collection of art and antiques amassed over si ty years. rom the initial HMRC approved valuation, arranging and overseeing the logistics of packing and transportation, including insurance cover, to safely remove the items from their location. e t, in negotiating terms with specialist auctioneers and liaising with the auction house marketing department to create a single owner sale; all to the relief of a busy lay e ecutor located in orfolk, is ust one e ample of how I bring over twenty five years’ e perience in the art auction business to benefit my clients.

Anything else you want to tell us?

If you have any questions about the certified valuation of the contents of a property (or a single item) whether for insurance, probate, family division or capital gains ta , please do not hesitate to contact me.

For more: 0117 2517251; tobypinn.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT SERVICES/CREATIVE EPISODE TWO

will change audience perceptions of their brand.

Kate Clayton

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

We have a 28 year history, but Episode Two is only 7 months old – so we truly know what it’s like to create and grow a brand right now.

What is the most challenging brief you have faced?

Do you offer any bespoke services to clients?

We call them ‘Secret Weapons’.

Outside of the day-to-day, these give our clients that edge in the fight for consumer attention. ut they’re not on our website, or on our social media, they really are only for our client’s eyes. You’ll have to talk to us to find out

DID YOU KNOW…

We love Doughnuts…

Our own! There’s What is your they’re on our graffiti favourite thing no better way to wall, on our blog and about Bristol? fully experience there’s an endless what our clients Championing supply in our studio. go through than Creativity is one Lip-smacking treats to to practice what of our values get the creative juices we preach… and the ristol flowing. so we took the street art scene challenge and did absolutely it for ourselves. embodies this.

A complete, full throttle rebrand We’ve captured that spirit in our from the ground up. studio with a gra ti wall painted by one of the Upfest artists

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For more: 0117 933 9400; episodetwo.co.uk

“WE TRULY KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO CREATE AND GROW A BRAND RIGHT NOW”

TECH CHORUS

Mark Taylor

full capabilities of the best security technologies available.

What is your biggest achievement this year?

What sets you apart from other businesses in your sector?

With Chorus, any company can benefit from our innovative alternative to the outdated and in e ible approaches adopted by many established MSSPs, and we have just taken it one step further as we announce our membership into the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA).

MISA is an ecosystem of managed security service providers that use Microsoft solutions to better protect customers against cyber threats. MISA raises the bar for security, compliance, and identity by recognizing the capabilities its members can deliver for Microsoft customers. Chorus now joins that global cohort of managed security service providers.

MISA is invitation only, we’ve worked hard over the years to innovate, challenge and futureproof the industry – we’re thrilled we’ve been acknowledged for this.

Why should our readers utilise your services over others?

Chorus’s Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), delivers modern Microsoftfocused security services that companies can trust, understand and interact with. Our approach is differentiated because at the heart of our managed security services is an incredibly talented group of security analysts, automation engineers and consultants who know how to innovate, deliver first class service and ma imise the

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We stand out from the competition because of our people’s understanding of the market-leading Microsoft security stack—and their expertise in applying this for customers at speed and scale—while providing Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) services of the highest quality.

As an MSP and Microsoft Partner since 1999, we live and breathe Microsoft technologies. We use our in-depth cloud expertise and the very latest best-practices to design our CSOC, using the perfect balance of automation and work by our analyst teams to maximise the potential of Microsoft’s security products. Our service is available to all, thanks to the integration and scalability of Microsoft’s cloud-based service, and we can onboard customers at speed. e operate in the SM , Mid-market and Enterprise space, working with companies who want to fully outsource their CSOC operations and those looking for a trusted partner to work with existing internal security teams.

We’re proud to bring MISA to our home city, ristol. s members of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, we’re honoured to be part of a vibrant security ecosystem, working together to improve cyber security for everyone.

For more: chorus.co

Call: 01275 370360 or 0117 9070818 | contact@mortgage-style.co.uk | www.mortgage-style.co.uk

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Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. The financial conduct authority does not regulate most forms of buy to let mortgages, most forms of commercial mortgage, some forms of bridging finance, estate agents, letting agents, tax advice and legal services.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

TIME TO DITCH ZOOM & BOOK A ROOM… Easily accessible, the ground floor at ORIGIN WORKSPACE, CLIFTON is home to an all-encompassing selection of highly configurable meeting spaces

W

hether you’re arranging an informal team catchup, a client meeting or a business-changing pitch, choose from a range of flexible meeting spaces and breakout areas at Origin Workspace.

Available to members and non-members, our meeting rooms and larger presentation suite are equipped with state-of-the-art Sharp AV technology, including touch-screen displays and conference calling.

And when you need refreshments, we’ve

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got that covered. Every booking includes complimentary hot drinks and biscuits, with coffee supplied by Bristol-based businesses TrueStart Coffee and Clifton Coffee Roasters, along with our catering partners who are on hand to provide meals and snacks to all dietary requirements.

Origin meeting rooms are available from 6am until late, as well as on weekends. They’re just a short walk from the city centre and a 15-minute drive from Bristol Temple Meads; there’s nearby parking and dedicated bike storage on site.

SPONSORED CONTENT Images by Charlie Perham

LARGE. BRINGING YOUR PEOPLE TOGETHER: Our largest rooms are perfect for hosting up to 14 guests, so great for small team get-togethers.

Available to book from £60 per hour or on half or full-day rates.

PERFECT PRESENTATIONS: Theatre, classroom, boardroom and cabaret, whatever setup you require for your presentation, meeting or training day, our spacious suite can be arranged to suit you. This room comfortably seats up to 60 in theatre style.

With large windows filling the room with natural light and fresh air, this fantastic space can also be divided to create two smaller rooms.

Our friends at BNI Compton and BNI Hawke meet weekly from 6:00am and enjoy an informal get-together over pastries and coffee. Why not let us arrange your next breakfast meeting here at Origin Workspace?

SMALL. BUT PERFECTLY FORMED: Our smallest rooms seat a maximum of four guests and are ideal for holding interviews or providing a distraction-free space to focus on that project or make calls. Available to book from £30 per hour or on half or full-day rates.

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Our 10 bright and modern meeting rooms are all available to hire by the hour, or if you need more time, we can talk to you about our full-day and half-day rates.

At Origin, we understand that plans can change, so our prices are per room, meaning there is no need to worry about adding more if numbers change on the day – providing this doesn’t exceed the room capacity.

Need more? The health and wellbeing of our visitors and members is rooted in the ethos of Origin, with high-quality ergonomic desks and chairs in use across the space.

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www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 105

MODECONSULT.COM

T EN ER FF I D A TO H C A APPRO . . .

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07581 189083

SPONSORED CONTENT

CVS ARE DEAD! (OR THEY SHOULD BE ON LIFE SUPPORT AT THE VERY LEAST…) Helen Sanders of YOUR PEOPLE PARTNERS explains that a CV is not a predictor of success in your business or any other.

T

hink of all the people that you’ve hired and fired t won t have een ecause of their t s far more likel the had the skills however the simpl didn t fit into the culture of our team r there were other issues that the traditional then interview st le of hiring didn t pick up f we invest more time getting to know what makes a person tick during the hiring process then we are far more likel to hire someone who adds to our e isting culture and team merican author and inspirational speaker Simon inek sa s ou don t hire for skills ou hire for attitude kills can e taught Some feel this is talk for need more applications don t su scri e to that at all

n m e perience if the hiring process comes down to two people one with tonnes of skills we need and one with some skills and a etter fit for the team due to their attitude then would hire the latter all da long nd that s the advice m team and give all the usiness owners we have successfull supported over the last eight ears We fundamentall elieve that s are purel there to allow a person to put their hat in the ring nd as recruiters we owe it to them and the companies we support to dig much deeper e go wa e ond matching ke words on a to a o description ur culture-first recruitment framework allows us to identif the people who would add to our compan and ultimatel to our customers regardless of the role the re in e do this efore sending them a skills assessment so that ou can e sure that not onl will the add to our team the have the skills required to actuall do the o Next time you’re hiring, please consider the following points: • hat t pe of people thrive in our compan • hat t pe of people suck the life out of our team • hat skills are actuall essential • hat would the desired onus skills e that ou re a le and willing to train coach if necessar

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hink a out how ou ll assess applicants in those essential skills as part of the hiring process lease don t simpl follow the traditional hiring process that works for corporates • application • eview applications • nterview • nterview again • ffer iring the right people for our team is too important to leave so much of it up to chance evelop other aspects of our hiring process to identif the fit to our team as well as the skills f ou re curious a out how ou can hire for attitude or our culture-first recruitment framework we d love to chat ■

Helen Sanders leads the Your People Partners team based in Bristol. She has been helping companies to hire well since 1998 and clients include terptree, Proctors+Stevenson and Tickitto.

Visit us today: yourpeoplepartners.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING

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Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants; dunkleys.accountants Evans Entwistle Chartered Management Accountants & Tax Advisors; evansentwistle.co.uk Melrose Group; melrosegroup.co.uk Milsted Langdon; milstedlangdon.co.uk

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Elite Financial Consulting Ltd; elitefinancialconsulting.co.uk Fraser Allen Estate Management; fraserallenem.co.uk Integrity365; integrity365.co.uk

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SERVICES/CREATIVE Episode Two; episodetwo.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY Chorus; chorus.co

PROPERTY

DIVINE CONVERSION

It’s no secret that Victorian vicarages – nearly always spacious, verging on the grand – make ideal 21st-century family homes, but the careful renovation and breathtakingly tasteful decoration of Passage Road in Aust takes things to a whole new level Words by Ursula Cole

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ine times out of ten, when viewing a potential new home, you find yourself mentally redecorating. Sure, it has buckets of period charm; but what were the current owners thinking when they painted the dining room fuchsia? nd seriously; amingoes? ot so with this house, located in the peaceful hamlet of ust. assage Road is a beautiful 19th century former vicarage set on the banks of the River Severn, which has been e tensively, carefully, wonderfully restored; the level of detail, love and attention invested is remarkable, as is the confident choice of rich colours in the decorating scheme, which brings warmth to every room. ou won’t want to change a thing.

On a more practical level, it’s also e tremely spacious. s well as the substantial main house, which spreads across three storeys, including a versatile space in the basement, there’s a self contained coach house and other outbuildings, too. et’s start the tour in the two acre gardens, which are ust as lovely as the house itself. herb garden, designed and planted by ekka Mc icar, allows you to channel your inner Ophelia, dreamily wafting about while murmuring, There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance seamless link to page ). There’s a wild ower meadow, and an avenue of over thirty Madame Hardy rose bushes; imagine the heady aromas in spring and summer. eyond the herb garden, the kitchen garden has mature raised vegetable beds and a fruit cage with raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant, white currant, loganberry, gooseberry and strawberry bushes. There’s also a highly productive orchard, with a summer yield of mulberry, pear, cherry, apple, greengage, fig, uince and apricots; if nothing else, you’ll be self su cient in fruit. urther planting includes lavender, hollyhocks, honeysuckle, asmine, sweet peas, sun owers and nasturtium; there are oak, ash, chestnut

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PROPERTY

“The three bays with their large multi-paned windows create a harmonious order and symmetry”

PROPERTY

and horse chestnut trees, false pear, willow, elm, lime and pine; holly bushes mean that decking the halls at Christmas will be a doddle. Next to the kitchen garden is the greenhouse, which this year has cultivated tomatoes, aubergine, cucumber, chilli and many other sun-lovers.

Passage Road is set along a quiet lane, where the tall wooden gates that shield it from view open to reveal an elegant driveway that sweeps up to the side of the house and gardens; a curved path bordered by naturalistic planting leads to the front door.

The house combines local vernacular with formal, classical architectural sensibilities. Built from dressed Pennant stone, its three bays with their large multi-paned sash windows create a harmonious order and symmetry. Mature wisteria, roses, asmine, passion ower, musk-scented roses and honeysuckle clamber over its walls, creating an enchanting first impression.

The front door opens to a large hall running the full length of the house. enerable elsh agstones lie underfoot; above, the walls are painted in contrasting neutrals: charcoal on the bottom and soft stonewhite on top. Dentil cornicing throughout the main rooms lends the ground oor a sense of cohesion and formality.

The main rooms ank the central hallway, partitioned by heavy natural linen curtains, handmade to match the paint scheme of each space. To the right is the drawing room, painted a deep, seductive indigo blue. This space is made especially inviting and cosy by an original working fireplace with classical swag detailing, and bespoke fitted bookshelves in the chimney alcoves.

The kitchen (you’ll be spending a lot of time in here, somebody has to preserve all that bounty from the garden) has traditional cabinetry topped with a Carrara marble work surface, with very à-la-mode raw-brass hardware; a colour-pop of a glazed door painted a rusty-nail orange leads to a large pantry. An electric Aga is set into original range’s alcove, prettily finished with elft tiles some of them utch anti ue, others reproductions depicting the house and gardens. study painted in moss green is set off by a sisal carpet, cornicing and panelling, and fully lined with bookshelves. The dining room www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 119

PROPERTY

draws upon a warm rust-orange scheme; the room is delightfully wellproportioned, the original fireplace with its dentil detailing providing a focal point.

The four bedrooms and family bathroom are up on the first oor, reached by a shaped staircase. The main guest bedroom, finished with a beautiful William Morris Willow Bough Minor wallpaper, has a standalone slipper bath set into a deep obsidian green lac uered alcove; other en suite bits and pieces are cleverly hidden behind cabinetry.

The smallest fourth bedroom makes clever use of space with a whimsical double bed set in a nook, lending the room an enchanting, fairytale feel that children would adore. The family bathroom has a large, freestanding rolltop bath in the middle of the room, there’s a shower alcove lined with more elft inspired tiles, while the rench vintage hardware and ceramics have been painstakingly sourced. winding staircase leads to the third oor with its two attic rooms.

A door from the study leads down to a large basement, currently used as a music room; it’s been comprehensively tanked, with large double doors opening onto the garden.

Across the courtyard from the house is the former coach house, 120 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

providing a large, double height living space with a sleeping mezzanine, kitchenette and bathroom. The former potting sheds have also been converted and are currently used as a workshop, though they could easily be put to use as further living space.

Passage Road, then, is nothing short of a rural idyll; but remarkably, this idyllic corner of rcadia is under half an hour’s drive from central ristol. ith working from home culture on the rise, could you finally be tempted to leave the city behind? ■

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price

£1,695,000

Receptions

3 + basement music/games room

Bedrooms

4 in main house + two attic rooms

Bathrooms

Family bathroom; en-suite

What else?

Separate coach house; annexe/studio

Grounds

2 acres, meticulously planted

Contact Inigo, www.inigo.com

BRISTOL LIVES

CARY GRANT Born in Horfield in 1904, the 16-year-old Archie Leach sailed to America, changed his name to Cary Grant, and became one of the greatest stars Hollywood has ever known

S

ince Cary/Archie died in 1986 he was unavailable for interview. However, he did have a lot of very quotable things to say during his lifetime, so all we really had to do was to add in the questions . . .

Cary, could you sum up your life in one sentence?

“Archie Leach, the dropout/ runaway from Bristol, studied men like Noël Coward and became Cary Grant.”

You make it sound so easy . . .

“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until fi nally I became that person. Or he became me.”

With whom do you ultimately identify most closely – Cary, or Archie?

“Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant. I have spent the greater part of my life uctuating between Archie Leach and Cary Grant; unsure of either, suspecting each.”

Why did you become an actor?

“I probably chose my profession because I was seeking approval, adulation, admiration and affection.

Did Hollywood snap you up immediately?

It’s de rigeur to say ‘hi’ whenever you pass Cary’s statue in Millennium Square

I failed my fi rst screen test. The director thought my neck was too thick.

And he was right.”

It must be a fun way to make a living, though…

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“The only

really good thing about acting is that there’s no heavy lifting.”

Are we correct in thinking you’re not a big fan of the Method style?

“I suppose you might call me the sophisticated type. I like to act with dialogue. Not with grunts.”

Your most famous roles have been in screwball comedies and thrillers.

Any genres you didn’t fancy?

“Strangest-ever request came from old CB DeMille, who asked me if I wanted to test for Samson in Samson and Delilah.

And I said, ‘Only if I could wear my dinner jacket’.”

“Everyone wants to be Cary Grant.

Even I want to be Cary Grant” LOL! To be fair, you’re known as a style icon. Let us into your secret

ll it takes are a few simple outfits. nd there’s one secret – the simpler the better.”

We’ll never catch you wearing any rapper-style bling, then . . .

“I have about the same interest in jewellery as I have in politics, horse racing, modern poetry, and women who need weird excitement – none.”

Speaking of women, you’ve had a lot of wives (five). Hasty, much?

“Sometimes angels rush in where fools fear to tread.”

True. Are you happiest married, or single?

“When I’m married, I want to be single, and when I’m single, I want to be married.”

But are you getting any better at doing the husband thing?

“It seems that each new marriage is more di cult to survive than the last one. I’m rather a fool for punishment – I keep going back for more, don’t ask me why.”

Those alimony fees must add up

“Divorce is a game played by lawyers.”

We wish we could share a pint of cider with you in Bristol – something tells us you’d be a fun date

“I really am a happy, amusing fellow at heart. Trouble is I seem the only one left.”

Probably not a great idea to drink too much before an interview, though . . .

“Alcohol is a good preservative for everything but secrets.”

Apropos, unlike many stars, you’ve never written the story of your life

“To write an autobiography, you’ve got to expose other people. I hope to get out of this world as gracefully as possible, without embarrassing anyone. I have no plans to write an autobiography, I will leave that to others. I’m sure they’ll turn me into a Nazi spy or something else. “ Does that scenario worry you?

“There have been all sorts of things written about me. It’s an occupational hazard. But I don’t particularly care.

I live inside me. I can’t control anyone’s thoughts. I have enough trouble controlling my own.”

Legend has it that in response to a telegram enquiry about your age, reading ‘How old Cary Grant?’, you replied ‘Old Cary Grant fine: how you?’ However, we now we believe this story might be apocryphal . . .

“I improve on misquotation.”

Do you worry about dying?

“Dying’s tough – but not as tough as comedy.”

What would be your epitaph?

“He was lucky – and he knew it.”

Cary Comes Home, the biannual festival in honour of Bristol’s most famous son, returns 18-20 November For more www.carycomeshome.co.uk