Swimming Success!
Thousands raised as the Mollie Young Memorial Rotary Swimathon is hailed a huge success
Swimming Success!
Thousands raised as the Mollie Young Memorial Rotary Swimathon is hailed a huge success
Page 7
The temperature's rising as the summer season kicks off at the Portishead Lido Find out more in our poolside round-up
Page 11
Discover why local TV presenter,sports commentator and birthday boy 'Downsy' thinks May is a-MAY-zing!
Page 17
Pay to park?
Time to speak up as North Somerset Council revisits the option of introducing new parking charges in Portishead
Take a walk with Louis and discover the best places to find a stick,catch a ball and meet up with your four legged pals
Page 22
Looking good - feeling well
We catch up with some of Portishead's best health and beauty professionals, helping us look and feel fabulous for the summer
When I Grow Up - an interview with That?ll Be The Day producer and director Trevor Payne about his rock ?n?roll and musical theatre journey
Page 29.
Three pages of what?s on news from live music to charity events and coffee mornings to floral art and more?
Page 38
National Smile Month,Portishead dentist Nick Williams provides some tips on how to keep our teeth and gums healthy
Page 53
Histor ical point of view
A trip down memory lane as we visit Lorymer?s Park,originally created in 1900,and now lovingly restored for all to enjoy
May Gardening - it?s time to get out in the garden as the beauty of nature unfolds before our eyes
Page 56
Useful People To Know Our regular listing of local businesses here to help Whether it?s a leaking tap or a bed for your leeks,a pane that needs cleaning or a cleaning job that?s a pain ? you?ll find someone to help!
Enjoy Portishead is a monthly magazine produced for you by Tracie Fry and Tracey Fowler two local media professionals with a passion for Portishead Our aim is to always provide a quality magazine with engaging content ? news,views and lifestyle features while also promoting our town?s independent businesses
We are thankful to everyone for the support on our journey in creating this publication for our local community and enabling us to take it forward; those people include you - the readers,our sponsor Wright-Morgan,all advertisers,our podcast buddy Ian ?Downsy?Downs and our dedicated editorial contributors
Calling all local businesses?
Allow us to help you promote your business through print media ? a form of advertising we know people trust Reach your local market from as little as £35 per month with ENJOYPortishead.
If you would like to share a story with us or want to raise the profile of your community organisation or event,we?d love to hear from you
Contact us:
Advertising ? Tracie Fry advertising.enjoyportishead@gmail.com
Tel:07766 207731
Editor ? Tracey Fowler editor enjoyportishead@gmailcom
Tel:07368 250688
Design - Tracie Fry
Creative Solutions
FOLLOW USON
This magazine has been published by T& TPublishing ? 2024 Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication,liability for any omissions or errors cannot be accepted by the publisher
Yay it?s May! Summer is on its way at last; let?s hope the rain stops for a while and the sun shines on us all
Welcome to our latest edition of Enjoy Portishead We would like to say a huge thank you to all who contributed to this month?s issue From fundraisers to free entertainment,public meetings to garden preparations,there?s so much going on in our town this month that we struggled to get everything in to our 60 pages Apologies to those who didn? t make the page; if we can? t use your contribution in a future edition,we will certainly try and spread the word on our socials or may be able to share it with our associated website Visit Portishead on their news blog Please do keep your information coming,we love hearing from you
If you haven? t already had your say,please remember that North Somerset Council is proposing to bring in parking charges to Portishead High Street,
Roath Road car park and the Lake Grounds and you can have a say on this See more on page 13
Thanks for picking up your free copy of Enjoy Portishead, please remember to tell our advertisers if you've seen them in the publication,it's really important to us and the future of the magazine
I hope you enjoy our content and we look forward to bringing you more news,views and lifestyle features in the June edition Meanwile have a good month
The board of trustees at Portishead Open Air Pool is delighted to announce the appointment of a new business manager,Matthew Sidwell This is a new role within the trust, created to underpin sustainability and growth A spokesperson for the trust said:?Matt will manage the business as a whole,to ensure that it rises to the economic challenges currently faced while continuing to improve the facility for all to safely enjoy now and into the future He will be supported by the café manager and pool duty managers,who will continue to do the brilliant work that we all know and love them for We hope our lido community will give Matt the warm welcome we are so well known for "
communities and the people in them are not only the best in the UK but the best in the world I love running and being able to see all that I mentioned on every run makes me truly grateful
What does ?com m unity?m ean to you?
Communities are where our hearts are It?s where we have grown up; it?s where our children will grow up It?s about helping others and getting the help you need in return It?s about sharing and being kind
Communities are a pillar of our civilisation Together,a good community can change lives
Matt answered a few questions to help us get to know him
What has your career to date involved?
I joined the Royal Marines in 2009,successfully completing 32 weeks of intensive training and earning prestigious awards Throughout my career,I was deployed multiple times around the world and worked in some of the most extreme environments you could possibly imagine
Tell us a little bit about your life outside of work
My family means the world to me and they are the primary reason I decided to leave the military life behind I have a beautiful wife called Briony and an amazing five-year-old girl called Maya-Rose I can? t forget to mention our crazy but super friendly dog, Max As a family,we love nothing more than venturing outdoors Our hearts are definitely found in the mountains and the sea I absolutely love the cinema and I?m a big sci-fi fan For me,the perfect evening is coming home and watching a great film with a glass of wine
What do you like about living in North Som erset?
I have travelled the world and I can truly say that there is no place like home From the beautiful rolling green landscapes to the breathtaking coastlines,our
What are you m ost looking forward to about working for the trust?
As I mentioned before with the importance of the community,the trust plays such a huge role within Portishead For me,being able to generally help develop and be a part of this community is something I?m truly looking forward to I can? t deny being able to utilise the pool for a good morning swim is definitely a plus!
A quick look at our popular lido as the summer season gets underway
Portishead Open Air Pool is officially open for the 2024 summer season with the water now heated to the comfortable temperature of around 28°c The start of the summer season isn? t perhaps the huge affair it used to be,as long gone are the days when the pool closed in September and remained completely still until at least the following Easter These days while most of us enjoy a warm water swim,cold water swimming continues to increase in popularity and the lido enjoyed a very successful winter season once again Cold water swimming sessions during the 2023/24 winter months regularly attracted scores of swimmers
The pool is currently open for limited hours as it?s the early part of the season ? check for regular updates on the pool website and social media pages as this can change Of course as the season progresses and the weather improves,the pool will be open for longer hours during the week and all day at weekends It will then,for the most part,be open all day, every day during the school holidays Whilst the site can accommodate 500 people,the pool?s bathing capacity is actually 120 A busy day policy is implemented when large numbers are using the pool to ensure safety and to allow everyone to get into the water This means that during busy periods 120 people will be allowed in the pool for 20 minutes at a
time At the end of their session bathers will be asked to leave the pool and enter the terraces to allow the next 120 in to the pool We will bring you a full update of the pool?s summer activities in the June issue of Enjoy so watch this space!
Café Lido will be open every day during the summer with poolside deck with seating for customers to enjoy watching pool activities
Please get in touch to see how you can help - em ail info@portisheadopenairpool org uk
Portishead Open Air Pool was saved by the community in 2009 and the facility relies on heavily on volunteers to keep this wonderful facility going for future generations They have some brilliant helpers at the pool and café but are always looking for more volunteers,whether on a regular or occasional basis
The Mollie Young Memorial Rotary Swimathon held at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre on 23rd March has been hailed a huge success
The day-long event saw 57 teams swimming in relay in groups of six for 35 minutes each,complete 4,069 lengths of the pool - the equivalent to approximately 63 miles!
This year?s event was so named as a tribute to Mollie Young who sadly died in 2023 Rotarian Mollie was a driving force behind the swimathon,taking up the position of swimathon committee chairman in 1999.
Mollie?s daughter Kathryn,son Stuart and their families were at poolside for this year?s big swim and a few words from Kathryn and Rotarian Brian Knox-Little about Mollie and her love for the event were greeted with rapturous applause from spectators A plaque has now been installed at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre in memory of Mollie.
Since 1995 the Rotary Swimathons in Portishead have raised more than £260,000 for good causes by thousands of swimmers of all ages and abilities, representing schools,youth groups,adult clubs, businesses and individuals
A steady stream of enthusiastic spectators gathered at the poolside throughout the day to watch the heats,with the final sessions,as has become tradition,being completed by adult teams This year the event concluded with lengths from Portishead Swimming Club,Portishead Running Club,the Triathlon group PACTri and Clevedon Swimming Club Clevedon Swimming Club registered a record breaking 154 lengths,closely followed by Portishead Swimming Club with a very respectable 133 lengths
The two main charities to benefit from the money raised by the swimmers?sponsorship this year are the Jessie May Trust Children?s Hospice at Home Charity and Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND) In addition the schools,youth and adult groups taking part wil also benefit
A
All town councils in England are required,by law,to hold an annual town or parish meeting
The purpose of the meeting is for the town council to explain what it has done over the past year and for the electors to have their say on anything they consider important to the people of the town
In a nutshell,the Portishead Annual Residents
Meeting is held to provide an opportunity for members of the community to find out what is going on in our town and to have their say about any issues they want to raise Anyone may attend but only registered electors of Portishead may speak and vote during the meeting
This year the meeting will take place on Wednesday 15th May starting at 7.30pm at the Folk Hall in Portishead High Street This provides a platform for residents to share their opinions,raise concerns and contribute ideas on matters important to the community's wellbeing Portishead Town Council says it will ?facilitate constructive dialogue,
promoting a deeper sense of community involvement and cooperation?
For those unable to attend in person,the meeting offers a virtual option via Zoom - follow this link to join online:https://bit ly/4aPlc3p Meeting ID:893 3520 3998 with password:597495
Alternatively,participants can join via phone by dialling 0203 4815240.
We?ve reached May,the fifth (and my favourite!) month of the year ?
It?s named after the Greek God Maius,Goddess of Growth,but it had a very different name in Old English Back then the month was referred to as the ?month of three milkings,? which meant you could milk your cows up to three times a day! Milk and More would be having a field day back then!
There?s the Cornish superstition that buying a new broom in May is unlucky Oh, and apparently,you shouldn? t wash any blankets either! (They obviously didn? t own two rescue dogs who love diving into the mud when the tide is out)
May?s birthstone is emerald (green is brilliant,like the musical Wicked) Emeralds are symbols of fertility and rebirth The birth flowers of the month are the Lily of the Valley and the Hawthorn The Hawthorn flower is a symbol of hope,while the Lily of the Valley represents the return of happiness and sweetness
May also has two zodiac signs,Taurus and Gemini People born under the sign of Taurus are said to be ambitious and smart,yet trustworthy (remember this for the end of this article,but DON?Tread it yet and spoil the surprise!) Those born under the sign of Gemini are said to be passionate,adaptable and smart
May is the month for the utterly brilliant (or not) Eurovision Song Contest It?s been going since 1956 but here?s a little geeky fact from someone who works in TV ? did you know it was originally developed by the European Broadcasting Union as an experiment into live television broadcasting and a way to produce cheaper programming for national broadcasting organisations? So blame them!
Talking of geeks,(nothing wrong with being a geek by the way,I?m a massive geek),it?s also a massive month for Star Wars fans ? ?May the fourth?be with you,which sounds like one of the famous lines from
the movie ?may the force be with you? Lots of Star Wars events happen in May and fans often take the opportunity to rewatch the movies
Slightly more traditional than droids and Jedi Knights however is the Maypole.This tradition dates back to 1350 AD You?d erect a pole,cover it with flowers and garlands and pieces of long fabric material and dance round it in a ?loose and unabandoned fashion?To be honest,not dissimilar to my DJ gigs at Venga on the last Saturday of the month
The Empire State building opened its doors for the first time on 1st May 1931and here in the UKMay is National Smile Month If someone could mention that to some of the staff in Portishead?s larger retail outlet?s I?d be grateful FINALLY?
Some AMAZING people were born in May,such as Mark Zuckerberg,Clint Eastwood,Wes Anderson,John F Kennedy,Queen Victoria,Catherine the Great ? oh and me!
Written by: Ian Downs
Aged 47 as of May 12th
Catch m e on m y socials, I?m @downsyofficial
New name reflects wide range of services and activities available for all
Portishead Youth Centre has for many,many,years been so much more than a youth centre Now at long last it?s official! Its wide-ranging services have been recognised and the name of the building,along with the charity within it,has changed to Portishead Youth and Community Centre
istock com : Caiaimage/Robert DalyA community centre by day and a youth centre by night,this one-of-a-kind building in the heart of Portishead supports the whole community,offering a wide range of events and activities for all ages from a community café to special senior citizen?s lunches; family support groups to crèche and pre-school activities; alternative provision for education to street
dance and rock school; youth club to outreach work It is also a fantastic sports event and party venue available for hire and what?s more,the revenue generated from the day time activities and room hire is used to support the work of the centre
Starting next month Enjoy will present in each issue,a spotlight on one or more of the activities Portishead Youth and Community Centre has to offer.
To find out m ore about the centre, check out its website and social m edia pages or call 01275 842461
Act now if you want to influence North Somerset Council?s decision to introduce parking charges in Portishead
North Somerset Council is proposing to bring in parking charges at the Lake Grounds (including Kilkenny Fields),in the High Street and in Roath Road car park
So far the majority of residents seem appalled at this proposal. Well you can have your say but there?s not long left until the public consultation closes
The consultation closes on 7th May 2024
If you are digitally connected you can complete the consultation questionnaire on the North Somerset council website https:/ / n- som erset.gov.uk/ news/ consultation- launched- proposed- parking- charges
You can also go to www change org and search Stop
the Proposed Parking Charges at High Street,Roath Road & Lake Grounds in Portishead,to sign an online petition
If you are not digitally connected you can sign a paper petition in many of the High Street stores or find a paper copy of the consultation at the library
If all else fails contact your local councillor or Portishead Town Council to ask how you can have your say
These charges have been proposed before and the people of Portishead have managed to stop them being imposed,by standing up to the council.
Remember,the consultation closes on 7th May
People of all ages across North Somerset are being encouraged to take part in a brand new walking festival taking place during May for National Walking Month
North Somerset Council?s Better Health team,in partnership with Age UKSomerset is organising North Somerset Walk Fest,which will be a celebration of all things walking with a variety of free activities and challenges on offer You can find out all about North Somerset Walk Fest by visiting www n- som erset gov uk/ nswalkfest or call the Better Health North Somerset team on 01275 882730
Of course National Walking Month is also a great time to pay attention to our feet so Enjoy asked Tanya Marriott,from SoleLution shoe shop to provide some advice:?We only get one pair of feet and so it?s important to take good care of them Choosing the right shoes is important,ill-fitting shoes can lead to a whole host of problems so make sure your footwear
fits properly Practice good foot hygiene,keeping feet clean,dry properly after washing and keep the toe nails trimmed Rotate your shoes to prevent bacteria building up and try some foot exercises to help improve strength,flexibility and stability Above all, listen to your feet and pay attention to any signs of discomfort ?
the right shoes and sandals for your sole by
In footwear retail we have to plan ahead and I have spent the past months sourcing the right summer shoes and sandals for our customers
We now have a lovely selection of sandals in-store and continue to receive deliveries of new stock so do keep an eye on our shelves Whether you?re looking for supportive walking sandals,flip flops to wear around the pool or on the beach,sandals to dress up or down for walking around town,or something smart for an evening out,there really is something for every occasion and for every member of the family from brands such as Rieker,Josef Seibel, Legero,Lunar,JOYA,FitFlop,Blowfish,DBWider Fitting, Skechers,Geox,and Ricosta ? to name just a few!
Many of us have a casual approach to sandals but it?s important to ensure they are comfortable and fit properly as with any other shoes For children,it is important they still have growing room in their sandals as it is likely they will grow over the summer
Also please let us know if you have diabetes,plantar fasciitis or any other condition that impacts you feet, so that we can do what we do best - help you find the right shoes for your summer!
Enjoy reader Sue Palfrey shares one of her favourite dog walks
Having only moved to Portishead with our dog, Louis,in the last couple of years,we are incredibly grateful to have so many scenic and varied dog walks within our local area, helping us to explore our new home town and keep fit at the same time
We live in Denny View and one of our favourite walks begins literally on our doorstep,with the descent down what we call the ?wiggly path?This path has a playful zig-zag pattern, and winds down the hill from Denny View towards Nore Road,bordered by luscious woodland It's an exciting trail for Louis who is always impatient to explore the smells,spot the squirrels and search for a new stick along the path
On reaching Nore Road,we continue towards the beach and either pass through Fedden Village and the historical Nautical School,or if it?s not too muddy we choose the path running alongside the village (We have to be mindful in the winter as this path can get quite muddy,but it remains a favourite route for Louis to scamper down)
On arriving at the beach,we take a pause to soak up the scenery,which looks stunning in the summer evenings as the sun sets behind the lighthouse This beach area offers a great space for Louis to roam freely,chasing washed-up driftwood or finding balls that have been left behind.If the weather permits,we like to take a moment to sit on the picnic bench and
soak in the views of incoming ships,the sunset and the water
Walking onwards towards the Lake Grounds,the coastal path provides ever-changing scenic views,ensuring the walk never grows monotonous Autumn is particularly great along this stretch of coast path as it brings a bonus of blackberry picking along the way, adding a sweet note to your stroll
When we get to Kilkenny Fields,which is the last field before you reach Beach Road West,Louis is allowed off-lead to run around the spacious area where he can run,play and interact with other dogs,which is perfect for expending that pent-up energy
Walking this route on a weekend will typically wrap up with a stop at the Windmill with a refreshing drink and a moment to take in the views before working up the energy to head home We must confess that we often opt to avoid the walk back up the steep zig-zag path,preferring to take a slightly easier route through West Hill,often pausing to grab a quick snack to fuel the final leg back along Down Road and back to Denny View
This route,with its variety and scenic touches,is ideal for both dog and walker,offering an engaging blend of nature and local landmarks
If you have a favorite dog walk you would like to share please em ail editor enjoyportishead@gm ail com
At The Country Canine we believe every dog should feel happy and content, which is why we have created a purpose-built day care retreat
We have a crate free, home from home indoor environment and an 1800 square-metre secure outdoor play area,which provides a fun setting, whilst being a great tool to socialise and stimulate your dog
Based on our farm in Clapton in Gordano we benefit from a rural setting,easy drop off and collection,as well as opening flexible hours to work around your busy lifestyle
Interacting in the company of other dogs is important for the happiness and fulfilment of dogs
and that's where The Country Canine comes in
We understand all dogs are different and therefore match individuals to the best group,based on their size and play style
Our careful and thorough assessment of each dog, ahead of their stay with us,enables us to ensure each dog gets the very best out of its time here
In addition to day care for dogs The Country Canine offers a full grooming service and a secure dog arena that is available for exclusive hire
Call for details or visit www countrycaninedoggroom ing co uk
I love my role as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at The Nursery
We aim to ensure all our children have the best possible experience at The Nursery and have access to opportunities and the essential knowledge needed to prepare for their future success
We want to give our children the best possible start to their early education, regardless of their abilities and needs We do this by working with the individual child,their families and external agencies when needed
Unlike the SENCO in many other nurseries,this is my dedicated role so I am not designated to work in a particular room with the children I am based in the office so that I can be available whenever and wherever I am needed,whether that is a private meeting with parents or observing any child anywhere within our setting I check in regularly with all staff to see if they have any concerns about any child
My background is in primary school care where I was involved in helping children with behavioural challenges and I am Thrive trained The Thrive Approach is a dynamic,developmental and trauma-sensitive approach to meeting the emotional and social needs of children with the understanding that children?s behaviour represents a form of communication ? of their underlying needs ? which is at the heart of the Approach I spent many years running workshops for parents too
Stage 1
It?s my job to help identify children who might need additional support, whether this is emotional or physical support,and provide that support.This may involve putting the child on our SEN register which can also involve high potential learners
Once we have identified a need for additional support we observe and monitor,adapting strategies and /or additional intervention accordingly We have two floors in The Nursery but if we identify a child may find it difficult to use the stairs, we have ample provision on the ground floor to accommodate their needs and that of their peers so that they continue to have the same experience as their peers
Communication with parents to highlight what we are doing is important to us
Stage 2
Our next step is to put in place an Individual Progress Plan (IPP) which is reviewed every six weeks, alongside the parents The Nursery will adapt strategies for the child as needed and /or add additional interventions which could be a referral to the area SENCO or speech and language etc
Stage 3
Where required we work with external agencies to ensure the child?s needs are met and goals set are being actioned We continue with the IPPand adapt strategies as required
There?s nothing more rewarding than seeing the work I do help children to flourish and see the anxieties experienced by parents fade
Outstanding childcare is now more accessible than ever
With new government funding already in place to help working parents with childcare costs for two-year-olds plus and new funding for those from age nine months being introduced in September, outstanding childcare has never been more accessible.
At The Nursery we are all passionate about creating memorable childhoods and having lots of fun while also taking care of every aspect of each child?s emotional and educational needs We always aim to go above and beyond,reflected in the wide ranging opportunities we provide at The Nursery,from cycling and drama sessions to ballet and cooking; we practice mindfulness and have a therapy dog; we can arrange haircuts and birthday parties and we also have our own minibus for trips out Community
istock
engagement is also a big part of our nursery week,which can range from walks around the marina to shopping locally and visiting the library,to taking part in community events and actvities
15th June - 10am-12pm Bookyour show around now by calling 01275 402140 or emailmanager@thenursery.uk.com
We are around Monday to Thursday from 730am to 6pm on 01275 402140,so please,if you?re looking for outstanding early years childcare,give us a call to arrange a visit and let our young friends show you what it is really like at The Nursery
As a teenager Trevor Payne loved football and m usic. Now som e 60+ years later Trevor,who lives in Clapton in Gordano, is still the producer, director and a perform er in the longest running rock 'n' roll m usical theatre show in the UK
Trevor Payne left school in Worthing with three GCEs and a determination he was not going to spend his life doing a job that didn? t interest him He was playing in bands and also playing football for the county side - he?d had trials for Southampton and Chelsea Rock ?n?roll and football didn? t mix that well and so when Manchester United didn? t come calling Trevor chose music From the beginning Trevor loved being on stage,he felt comfortable there and quickly learned the more you made contact with the
audience and put on a bit of a show,the more they liked it His band was often the support for the chart acts that travelled to Worthing from the Top of the Pops studios in London including The Kinks,Hollies, Donovan,Moody Blues,Who,Status Quo,Cream, Animals,Small Faces,Manfred Mann,Jimmy Hendrix and many more This was all part of Trevor?s music apprenticeship before he moved in to cabaret and musical theatre where he?s stayed for near on 40 years
Trevor Payne has been at the helm of the hit rock ?n?roll musical theatre show That?ll Be The Day for almost 40 years,writing,producing,directing and performing and he doesn? t yet seem to have retiring in his sights.He talked to Enjoy editor Tracey Fowler.
How did you m ove from playing in a band to producing a m usical theatre show?
My band was quite in demand in clubs,hotels and cabaret clubs We would play long summer seasons in holiday towns and were a huge hit on the island of Jersey By the mid 70s however I could see discos were becoming more popular than live music in many of the smaller venues and I decided the band should become a full-time cabaret band,such was our popularity in cabaret clubs We won New Faces,a TV talent show in 1976 which gave us some good press and a new agent took us further in to the cabaret world A friend in the business told me to go and see a West Country agent based in Portishead and this catapulted us in to regular work in social clubs and at holiday camps We went down a storm and were then invited to join the agent?s musical theatre show That?s how it all started I became the show?s writer a year later and changed the name of the show to ?That?ll be The Day ?Eventually we went out on our own into the theatre world and I haven? t looked back That?ll Be The Day presents songs from 50?s to the 80s,along with comedy sketches and impersonations and has been touring solidly for more than 35 years
How long do you think you can keep perform ing like this?
As long as it remains fun I?ll carry on! That said,these days and quite rightly so,I am handing more and more over to the younger long-term members of the cast and they are certainly stepping up to the bar
What do you do when you?re not on the road?
I cycle a lot When I?m at home I cycle from my house in Clapton to Clevedon and back most days I also like to spend time with my daughter and grandchildren
Are you on the road at the m om ent?
Yes That?ll Be The Day is nearing completion of its spring tour at the end of May,although we have some theatres dates booked in July too,but by then
we?ll also be rehearsing for a new autumn show which will tour from the end of August Also in June Gary,my stage ?partner in crime?and I are presenting ?An Evening With Trevor and Gary?which has been great fun to put together and promises to be very entertaining We?re looking forward to that ? watch out for it coming to a theatre near you soon (Weston Playhouse 16th June) - we'll be lifting the lid on some secrets from our life on the road!
You can find out more about Trevor?s life on and off stage in his autobiography,Last Man Standing, available through the That?ll Be The Day Facebook page To find out more about An Audience with Trevor and Gary visit www thatllbetheday com
For those moments when a holiday is out of the question,the world of books can offer all the exploration you need Here are some of our recent far- flung favourites - try them out and travel the world,all without leaving your sitting room Bon voyage!
Un d isc o v er ed - by Gabr iel a Wien er (t r an sl at ed by Ju l ia San c h es)
A stunning and brutal novel of plunder,colonialism and bravery throughout Peru?s history Delving through her family archives,Gabriela finds indigenous art of people who look like her alongside records of the man who pillaged them - her own great- great- grandfather Brimming with both sadness and hope,Wiener beautifully tackles the chaos and injustice of colonialism and the effects it can have on generations to come
Nig h t bl o o m - Peac e Ad zo Med ie
Split across the USand Ghana,Adzo Medie?s sweeping novel of estranged cousins is an ode to family and loyalty Years and continents have separated Selasi and Akorfa; no longer the best friends they used to be But a violent event at Akorfa?s Accran restaurant brings the two crashing together again and they must decide if they can forgive,for their own sake
Day s at t h e Mo r isak i Bo o k sh o p - Sat o sh i Yag isawa (t r an sl at ed by Er ic Ozawa)
In a quiet suburb of Tokyo lies a paradise: the Morisaki Bookshop,filled to the brim with second- hand books When heartbroken Takako needs to escape the city,her uncle Satoru is happy to offer her a room above the shop Together the pair begin a tentative and heartfelt journey of self- discovery and forgiveness as they seek to embrace the life they feel is slipping away Charming,funny and full of emotion, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is an ode to books and those that love them
Th e Sil v er Bo n e - An d r ey Ku r k o v (t r an sl at ed by Bo r is Dr al y u k )
Often called Ukraine?s greatest living writer,Kurkov returns with the start of a gripping new historical crime series Kyiv,1919 The Soviets control the city and the White Army advance from the west Orphaned by a Cossack?s sabre, Samson Kolechko is left alone in the world until his flat is requisitioned by two Red Army soldiers and his life is never the same again Thrust into a mess of intrigue and political machinations,Kolechko must use every ounce of strength to survive Thrilling and rich in detail,Kurkov brings 1900?s Kyiv to vivid life
Pop into Max Minerva?s on Portishead High Street and discover your next favourite read! www maxminervasco uk
Venga celebrates the summer ahead by unveiling its new Mediterranean offerings
With the promise of sunshine on the horizon, an amazing new chef and strong team in place,Venga returns to its roots this month, unveiling its new Spanish menu that will keep diners coming back time and time again.In addition, as we progress through the summer this popular tapas bar will be adding the vibrant and diverse cuisines found in other Mediterranean countries such as Italy,Greece and Morocco in the way of delicious specials
Using authentic recipes,with the fresh and healthy ingredients sourced locally wherever possible, the new season?s menu is full of bold flavours with harmonious blends of herbs,spices and other ingredients that reflect the Mediterranean?s diverse cultural influences The use of olive oil, garlic,lemon and fresh herbs like basil,oregano and rosemary is prevalent in many of the dishes on offer,adding a distinct and aromatic flavour profile
One of the most popular culinary traditions in the Mediterranean is the concept of small plate tapas ? something Venga was first to bring to Portishead These bite-sized dishes allow diners to sample a variety of flavours and textures in one sitting From crispy calamari and patatas bravas to warm roasted beetroot salad and Chorizo in West Country cider, tapas offer a delightful culinary
journey that showcases the essence of Spanish cuisine The small plate format encourages sharing and socialising,making it an ideal dining experience for groups or those looking to try a little bit of everything
As with so many Mediterranean restaurants,Venga provides plenty of outdoor seating It?s secret garden,complete with its own bar,provides ample space for al fresco dining Pastel coloured platforms with walls awash with colour instantly transport you to the continent and if the weather doesn? t match, fear not - there are heaters and undercover areas,some with canopies that can be removed when desired
Mediterranean dining at Venga really goes beyond just the food; it offers a complete sensory experience From the décor and its warm and inviting atmosphere, to its music and friendly service,
this tapas bar aims to transport diners to the Med,even if just for a few hours
You are invited to visit and enjoy the whole Venga experience Book a table now,or just pop in for a glass of wine and take a look around
Venga Restaurant and Cocktail Bar - 24 High Street, Portishead BS20 6EN T: 0 1275 814391E: hello@vengaportishead co uk | www vengaportishead co uk
Enjoy gives pub restaurant?s refurbishment the thumbs up
We were delighted to attend the soft opening of The Windmill following its refurbishment and have to say it got the thumbs up from us! The Windmill?s stunning panoramic views are a big draw all year round without doubt and obviously these remain the same,however the fresh coastal aesthetics now match!
Outside,the terraces have been completely revamped,ideal for al fresco dining or a refreshing drink in the sunshine
Inside,The Windmill has had a complete overhaul from new flooring and lighting to soft sofa seating and the creation of several raised booths The changes have made the restaurant areas feel more contemporary,light and
spacious,while the bar area maintains its cosy feel which is just what you want in the winter months The atmosphere throughout is relaxed and friendly with spaces for families and continue to offers a welcome break for dog walkers
The food was delicious and plentiful with some lovely new additions to the traditional fayre ? no skimping on the portions here! Whist this may not be for those seeking a cheap and cheerful dining experience,if you?re looking for great food with an amazing view,it?s worth a visit
Eat in or on the run
Open 8am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday,lunch time takeaways from the Block Bakehouse in Portishead High Street come highly recommended Choose from freshly made rolls, homemade baked pastries or salad boxes,plus some tasty sweet treats. They also serve Bristol Twenty coffee,other hot drinks and soft serve ice creams If you?re not on the run there is limited casual seating inside and out
The Albion on Bristol Road serves a mean grilled halloumi wrap which includes roasted peppers and red onions,with red pepper houmous and chilli jam There?s also an option to drop the wrap and have it with toasted rosemary focaccia served with dressed rocket This is a vegetarian dishgreat at £6 99!
baked every day!
You can't miss Mokoko on the marina,just follow the smell of fresh bread Lunchtime options include savoury pastries and tasty sandwiches made on site daily Various fillings are available depending on the time of year and what's in season Fresh sourdough bread is also available if you prefer to make something at home
1st May
Everyone is welcome at this Wednesday focus group meeting at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church in Queen's Road,where St Mungo's work with rough sleepers will be the subject of a talk by Alex Henden.Entry is free,but a collection will be taken for the charity which supports those who are homeless and helps rebuild lives It starts at 230pm
4th May
Former WWEStar Brian Kendrick comes back to the Somerset Hall in Portishead alongside Dragon Gate Japan and some top UKwrestlers Doors open at 6 30pm for a 7pm start Find out more at www britishkingdompro com or get tickets from alleventsin/portishead
The ever popular Mondays play a full repertoire of classic covers at Portishead Football Club on Bristol Road on Friday 3rd May from 8pm Expect an electric atmosphere,toe tapping and dancing,at this free to enter community event Everyone is welcome
4th May
To kick off a musical bank holiday weekend,the Black Horse in Clapton in Gordano ? for the first time ever? presents Cringe Acoustic!
Neil Carter and his band will entertain unplugged from 8pm ? be prepared to be entertained!
Sunday afternoon live music returns to the Black Horse in Clapton in Gordano with the fabulous John Prescott playing from 230pm
Specialising in swing, John also performs classic favourites from the 60's,70's and 80's and sometimes even throws in a few musical theartre songs
The Phoenix Bar in Victoria Square welcomes this highly talented musical duo with acoustic guitars,playing everyone?s favourite hits They?re even willing to take requests from their repoertoire of songs through the decades Of course there will be room for a bit of dancing too! Enjoy a warm welcome and plenty of fun from 730pm
This musical trio are Black Horse favourites,with special powers that lift your spirits and move your feet The rhythms weave their magic as the instruments take you on a rootsy mystery tour Returning to play at the ?Kicker?(Black Horse) in Clapton in Gordano from 230pm
Lizzie Ashley and her colleagues at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre are holding a spinathon to raise money for two fantastic causes ? Southmead Hospital and Pancreatic Cancer UK It takes place from 9am at the Harbour Road centre If you want to get involved,an £8 donation will secure a bike for a 45 minute session A donation to one of the two Just Giving pages will secure your space; just leave a comment with the slot you'd like to reserve
Alternatively call 01275 848494 for details
www justgiving com / page/ lizzie- ashley- 1205- 2024
www justgiving com / page/ lizzie- ashley- 12052024
Christian Aid is a charity that tackles poverty throughout the world by tackling its root causes Christian Aid Week,which runs from 12th?18th encourages seven days of fundraising In many communities in the UK,ours included usually,Christian Aid Week involves volunteers posting envelopes though doors asking for you to make a donation This year however,the churches in Portishead have decided to hold a number of different fundraising events,like coffee mornings,instead There will be a coffee morning on Tuesday 14th of May between 10.30am-12 noon at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church (on Queen?s Road) to which everyone is welcome There will be a number of other events which were not finalised at the time of this publication going to print,so look out on social media and talk to the local churches to find out the details And of course,all our churches will be accepting donations for Christian Aid
Portishead Floral Art Society invites you to join members for an evening with Germaine Smith and her demonstration entitled My Inspriations
Members meet at Somerset Hall in Portishead High Street at 730pm,on the third Wednesday of each month for demonstrations,while practice classes take place on the first Wednesday of each month For more information about the club,visitor costs,tickets and future events,call Nancy on 07968348116 or Alison on 01275 845322
The monthly meeting of Portishead Probus Club (formerly Probus 73) will take place at Clarence House in Portishead High Street with doors open at noon for an hour of socialising before lunch at 1pm Following the two course meal there will be a talk by Barry Hamblin in which he will discuss "The Myths of Climate Change? To find out more about Portishead Probus Club contact Brian Lazenby on on 01275 464104,or visit the club?s new website ? search for Portishead Probus Club
A homage to the music of the legendary record label Blue Note Records,The Sound of BlueNote is a world class band,led by Canadian saxophonist Terry Quinney It comprises some of the most prominent jazz musicians in the UK,accurately recreating the music that defines the BlueNote Records sound of the 1950s and 60s The band?s repertoire features music from BlueNote legends Hank Mobley,Freddie Hubbard,Art Blakey,Horace Silver and more,all directly transcribed from the original recordings and performed with all the swinging intensity that is synonymous with the legendary record label
With Terry Quinney playing tenor saxophone; Andy Urquhart on trumpet; Phil Doyle,piano; Ben Taylor playing bass and Andy Chapman on drums you can see the band play live at Speakeasy Jazz Club at Clarence House in Portishead High Street Doors open at 7pm for the show at 8pm Admission is £20 with no membership required For advanced ticket sales call Kate Sheridan 01275 848391or email katespeakeasy@hotmailco uk
19th May
Pianoman plays Billy Joel and Elton John at the Black Horse in Clapton in Gordano from 230pm No admission charge ? everyone welcome
26th May
Eagles tribute band Golden Eagles play at the Black Horse from 230pm
CONTACT US- If you have an event you would like to see promoted in our Dates For Your Diary pages please email the details to: editor enjoyportishead@gmail com
Cognitive hypnotherapist and counsellor,Trina Gazzard,explains how hypnotherapy can help with holiday anxiety
With summer just round the corner,many people are planning to jet off for a lovely break somewhere hot and sunny,but for some people,the thought of flying to off to sunnier climes can fill them with dread
Whilst a holiday is for the majority of people a chance to relax, spend time with loved ones,see some sights and make some memories,it's not like that for everyone Even a break in the UK can cause anxiety for some people.
Going on holiday is one of the most common triggers of a panic attack for people with anxiety In addition to worrying about being in an unknown place and what may go wrong,some people become anxious about what?s happening at home and how safe their loved ones and homes will be while they are away
Hypnotherapy can be a helpful approach for addressing a fear of flying and anxiety related to leaving home for a holiday.
Here's how hypnotherapy might be applied:
I work with clients to uncover underlying reasons for their fear of flying and anxiety about leaving home This might involve exploring past experiences or triggers that contribute to these anxieties
Hypnotherapy can incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing,visualisation and progressive muscle relaxation which can all help reduce anxiety levels
Through hypnosis,I can guide clients through mental imagery and exposure exercises to gradually desensitise them to the fear of flying and leaving home This can help reframe negative associations with these activities
Hypnosis can assist in changing negative thought patterns and beliefs to promote more positive and realistic thinking.
Hypnotherapy can enhance self-confidence and self-esteem, empowering you to face
travel-related anxieties with greater resilience
Creating Positive Associations
Hypnotherapy can help create positive mental associations with flying and travelling,fostering a sense of calmness and relaxation around these activities
I can offer a tailored approach for clients?specific needs and concerns,ensuring a personalised and effective treatment plan To find out more please get in touch
Mobile: 07872 925289
Tel: 01275 316655 Em ail: trina gazzard@sky com www trinagazzard co uk
your
Whilst you are relaxing and soaking up the extra-long weekends this May,why not peruse these tasters from my beautifully curated selection of experiences and destinations and let me inspire your next trip away? With blissful beaches,exclusive offers and glorious destinations there will be something to suit every taste Whether you're longing for a relaxing weekend on Mallorca's sandy beaches,sipping sangria in the Mediterranean sun,or dreaming of an around-the-world cruise to explore diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes,I've got you covered
Indulge in a weekend in Mallorca,a luxurious hideaway designed for pure relaxation With five pools and charming sandy coves,this is a paradise that harmonises luxury with serenity.When you aren't lounging by the pool,take a complimentary Tesla and explore the lush surroundings
Explore Greek Island culture at its best with Domes Resorts - from scenic walking tours to vibrant live music,you can immerse yourself in the essence of luxury island living Indulge in tailor-made local experiences that unveil the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of these beautiful locations
Embark on an extraordinary 140-night global voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises across 40 countries and 71ports Enjoy enriching shore excursions,exquisite dining and captivating cultural encounters whilst exploring the world in elegance,making unforgettable memories like no other
Dive into unforgettable moments on stunning beaches,enjoy thrilling island explorations and indulge in ultimate relaxation at Blue Waters Resort and Spa Create lasting memories under the Caribbean sun on this truly serene escape
Experience a lavish stay at JA Manafaru this September Delight in thrilling water sports and savour exquisite Maldivian flavours and exceptional views Act fast,as this exclusive package won? t be available for long; get in touch today and be whisked away on a dreamy retreat
I?m here to help you plan your next holiday - let me ensure that your finest experience is planned to the finest detail Perfect holidays are all about relaxation or adventure and my job is to arrange your next holiday with care,allowing you to lose the pain of planning Holidays are happier when you are confident that everything is taken care of and any disruptions are covered I'll take care of every last detail so you can explore with confidence and make memories to last a lifetime
Em ail: ella price@travelcounsellors com
Tel: 07823 407620 FB Ella Price ? Travel Counsellor Insta thetravelguruella www travelcounsellors co uk/ inspiration
This month Tonic Hair and Beauty House is excited to be introducing the Elim Medi Pedicure which takes foot care to another level
If your feet are craving some serious TLC,then this is the treatment for you!
Elim is a medical grade pedicure treatment which uses state-of-the-art ingredients to provide your feet with the ultimate care and rejuvenation
Say goodbye to hard skin and calluses The treatment includes an application of the Callus Tonic, which is then removed and scraped to reveal soft supple feet The nails and cuticles are tidied and shaped,the feet and legs are exfoliated using AHA scrub and then a hydrating mud mask is applied,
followed with by relaxing foot massage before the concluding Vinylux nail polish or upgrade to Shellac
Elim thinks of pedicures as facials for the feet using a bespoke range of products and treatments which enables us to cater to individual client needs and demands Using chemical peels to remove hard skin offers a safer and more efficient alternative which has proven success in the beauty industry as demonstrated in the aesthetic sector The MediHeel Peeling System offers this level of innovation thereby enhancing the treatment experience Find out more ? speak to a Tonic beauty consultant today
Whether it?s just an annoying niggle,a dull ache that is frustrating or a debilitating pain,if it keeps reoccurring no matter how much you stretch or strengthen,it could actually be caused by a problem in your biomechanical chain To be clear, biomechanics is the science of the movement of a living body,including how muscles,bones,tendons and ligaments work together to move If your pain is the result of a problem in your biomechanical chain, if the cause isn? t corrected the sprain or strain is likely to continue to be a problem but the good news is orthotics could be the answer Orthotics are insoles which fit into your shoes and allow your foot, therefore your biomechanical chain,to be in the correct optimal position for your body When your joints are in the right position,all your soft tissues will be in their preferred optimal position too This essential position can resolve lots of soft tissue reoccurring problems; it can settle down and halt degeneration in your joints too,as well as preventing these problems in the first instance.By incorporating exercises into a regular routine alongside the use of orthotics,individuals can improve the strength and stability of their feet This can help prevent injuries
and improve overall foot health,allowing for better mobility and comfort in daily activities Strengthening the foot muscles can also help improve balance and coordination,making it easier to walk and move efficiently Ultimately,exercising the foot can complement the use of orthotics and enhance the benefits of these devices Align Clinics at Walnut Grove Clinic provide professional biomechanical assessments using state of the art RsScan Force Plate technology
We can then provide you with advice and education regarding your posture,movement and gait analysis and offer bespoke or off the shelf orthotics should they be required
To book a biom echanical assessm ent contact us at Walnut Grove on 01275 818303
Toe curls are an effective exercise for strengthening the foot Sit in a chair and curl the toes towards the bottom of the foot or scrunch up a towel in your toes, hold for a few seconds and then release This helps to strengthen the smaller intrinsic muscles in the toes and also the arch of the foot Another helpful exercise is the calf raise This involves standing with the feet hip-width apart and lifting the heels off the ground, then lowering back down This exercise can help strengthen the calf muscles,which play a significant role in supporting the arch of the foot
If you?re a keen sports person who suffers from reoccurring aches and pains,it could be due to a problem in your biomechanical chain and a biomechanical problem needs a biomechanical change It?s easy for sports enthusiasts to put aches
and pains down to their choice of sport,or over exertion; however if the pain continues it?s worth having a professional assess your condition Many sports people benefit hugely from the correct use of orthotics to help correct any anomalies ridding them of that constant niggle or pain and helping to improve performance So,whether you are looking to prolong surgery,get rid of a reoccurring injury or are looking to optimise your position to achieve a personal best in a race,find out if orthotics could be of benefit to you
Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of sym ptom s through the biom echanical chain Som e of the m ost com m on include: Pain and/or stiffness in the ankle,knee,hip and back; flat feet; Achilles tendonitis; planter fasciitis; shin splints; bunions; anterior knee pain; groin strains; ligament injuries; foot deformities; general leg fatigue; Ilio tibial band syndrome (knee pain and hotness); metatarsalgia and inflammation of the ball of the foot; trapped nerves; osteoarthritis; tarsal tunnel syndrome and sciatica
National Smile Month is a charity campaign all about championing the benefits of having good oral health and promoting the value of a healthy smile Between 13th May and 13th June,the Oral Health Foundation will be encouraging everyone to share important messages to help improve health and wellbeing by reducing the harm caused by oral diseases The key areas National Smile Month 2024 will concentrate on are:
Caring for your sm ile
Food and drink
What you eat and drink directly impacts your mouth What happens to the teeth,tongue and gums when you eat certain foods and drinks ? which are good and which are bad?
Confidence and m ental wellbeing
Learning how your smile affects self-esteem and confidence What are the mental health benefits of a healthy smile and is what can you do to fall in love with your smile?
Disease and conditions
Exploring daily hygiene routines and looking at the role of the dental team and how influential they are in helping you achieve good oral health
Oral health is linked to a range of conditions around the body and mind with physical and mental issues sometimes creating challenges for self care.Learn about the some of the most common oral health diseases and what you can do to avoid them
Oral health products
What oral health products do you need to help you achieve a healthy smile? What different products are there,how do you use them and what difference do they really make? Nick Williams from Lime Tree Dental practice in Portishead said:?Dental decay and gum disease are two of the most common diseases in the world and in most people they are preventable Some simple things you can do at home to help improve the health of your teeth and gums include brushing teeth thoroughly for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,reducing sugar and acid consumption to meal times only and cleaning between your teeth using little bushes,floss or water flossers There are many things a dentist/hygienist can teach you to help improve your oral health ?
A person?s oral health is a crucial part of their overall wellbeing,which is why,after nearly 50 years,the Oral Health Foundation continues to provide oral health support to anyone who needs it,including some of the most vulnerable members of society
To actively support National Smile Month or to find out more visit
www dentalhealth org/ national- sm ile- m onth
Whether you want to improve your physical fitness, your appearance,your mental health or your general wellbeing,there are plenty of experts on hand in and around Portishead who can? t wait to help
In this month?s health and beauty feature we explore a few of them and will continue to look at more in our next issue
Walnut Grove Wellbeing is a community interest company (CIC) formed by local health,fitness and wellness professionals.Its purpose is to make exercise and movement therapy accessible and affordable to the local community
The organisation has recently secured grant funding to allow it to run subsidised and in some cases free fitness and wellbeing sessions and classes
Already successfully operating children?s yoga classes and a number of other fitness activities,it now plans to provide a menopause café,stroke rehabilitation sessions and falls prevention classes This is an exciting initiative for Portishead in supporting people to get and stay well and as fit as they can be
Keep an eye out for full details of classes and workshops com ing soon
Visit www walnutgrovewellbeingcic com or ask for updates on the CIC at Walnut Grove Clinic in Slade Road
The Clinic @ No 5 is situated on the Triangle at West Hill and is home to three independent specialist local practitioners,each working independently within the clinic The clinic includes Gordano Chiropractic,Frontalis Clinic and Enhanced Life,run by Linda McEntee Linda specialises in microblading,a popular form of permanent cosmetics Individual hair-strokes are created in the brow by implanting high quality pigments using specialist tools. These hair strokes are so fine they mimic real hair perfectly for ultra-realistic,beautifully defined brows Linda also offers LVLlashes, revolutionary lash treatment that creates length,volume and lift with your own natural lashes and HDBrows,the ultimate groom for your brows,including waxing,tinting,threading and make-up to finish the look To find out more follow Enhanced Life on social media or give Linda a call at The Clinic @ No 5
Run by Jo Gallagher,a highly experienced and qualified personal trainer,the Functional Fitness (F2) studio in Portishead provides a unique boutique style training environment which offers personal training and small fitness classes It is designed,staffed and equipped to help clients make real progress with individual fitness goals It caters for clients at all levels from top sports performers to those new to a regular fitness regime F2 staff are also able to support clients recovering from illness or injury Functional Fitness is ideally suited to those looking for help with training,nutrition,injury prevention and recovery and motivation,because the whole team is truly dedicated to a holistic approach to fitness
Carolyn has been a qualified hypnotherapist helping people overcome their problems - using mindful hypnosis - a combination of hypnosis,mindfulness,meditation and manifestation,for more than 20 years; she?s even written a couple of best-selling books about wellbeing and many articles on the subject
This month Carolyn wants to share one of many one-minute mood-change miracles She says:?Did you know there are lots of scientifically-proven tricks to improve your mood? There are little magic bullets that can change your mind from negative to positive and make your life easier Here?s one example:a pencil can make you happy! Hold a pencil between your teeth so that your lips don? t touch it and hold that pose for 60 seconds An experiment that asked people to look at cartoons while keeping this ?fixed grin?pose found they rated the cartoons much funnier than a group that just kept their normal expressions Even better,the cheerful effect lingered throughout the day "
After 13 years of trading,Phase Beauty,a Portishead home based beauty studio has rebranded! Phase Beauty owned by award winning and friendly beauty therapist Fay Clegg,offers a range of beauty treatments specialising in bespoke eyelash extensions to suit every age and eye shape and women?s intimate waxing using exclusively hot wax for a more comfortable,results driven experience Phase Beauty has a fresh new look and would love to welcome new clients Fay invites you to call 07891080121for further information or to book an appointment,you can also visit https:/ / phase- beauty book app
If you are you ready to embrace the great outdoors while transforming your fitness and wellbeing,Real Good Fitness could be just what you?re looking for
With a fresh approach to exercise all sessions take place in the open air, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and green spaces while you work towards your fitness goals
At Real Good Fitness,they're passionate about helping you achieve your fitness goals through outdoor experiences that are both enjoyable and effective
Class sizes are small to ensure personalised attention and a high level of focus on technique,so that you can exercise safely and effectively
Re-purposing old glass jars,some DIYfun for the summer days ahead by
Tracie Fry1.
We all love a bit of sunshine,but sadly the good weather attracts unwanted guests at the table,these DIYinsect repellent candles are a natural way to banish the bugs this barbecue season.Using clean natural ingredients they not only keep the bugs at bay,but make beautiful decorations for your outdoor gatherings!
You will need: 3 wide mouth mason jars in various sizes (big enough to take your candle) 10-20 drops of eucalyptus,peppermint and lemon essential oil for each jar made,fresh greenery - rosemary sprigs,eucalyptus stems,fresh lemon and lime,3 floating candles and some tap water to fill each jar
Cut the lemon and lime into thick slices popping 2-3 slices inside each jar,add a couple of sprigs of either rosemary or eucalyptus and then the essential oils
To finish,fill the jars with water,and place a floating candle inside the jar They look pretty,they smell amazing!
2.
I saw a photo of this homemade twine dispensing jar and just had to give it a go These things are pretty pricey to buy,but at this time of year they do come in handy and lets face it,life's too short to waste untangling a ball of twine!
Take your twine,pop it into the mason jar and replace the tin plate from the lid with cardboard using the lid as a template you could use a hole punch or simply pierce the card with a pencil and thread the twine through happy gardening!
These are definitely on my to do list - mason jar solar lights The key here is to get A) a garden solar light that comes away from its pole and B) make sure the circumference of the light fits inside the mason jar band Remove the jar lid from the jar band and glue the light inside the band If there is a little wriggle room use double sided tape for a snug fit The top of the solar light will take the place of the original lid,and therefore recharge during the day When the glue is dry,screw the band back on to the jar encasing the solar light inside the jar Let there be light
3. Tx
4.
And finally, why not involve the kids in planting their own mini herb garden? Using mason jars or small pots,add some gravel to the bottom for drainage and simply fill them with soil,let your little ones choose their favorite herbs to plant Not only does this activity promote a sense of responsibility and connection to nature,but it also provides fresh herbs for cooking delicious meals together as a family PSdon? t forget to give your herbs lots of sunshine, water,and love!
Are you wondering where to start when it comes to property finance?
Mortgage Style could get you moving
Navigating the mortgage market can be time-consuming and frustrating Property loan choices are varied and product terms aren? t always straightforward,so it?s wise to seek professional advice from someone in the industry before you make any commitment
At Mortgage Style,thanks to the team?s shared knowledge and strong working relationships with a wide range of lenders across the market,mortgages can often be secured in cases where other brokers may have failed
What can you expect?
You?ll have an initial,no-cost or obligation
conversation with Mortgage Style,either over the phone or in person if you prefer,so they can understand your situation
They?ll then outline what your most suitable options are likely to be,explaining next steps and what fees you can expect You?ll only incur charges if you choose to go ahead
Still not sure?
Here are five good reasons to seek mortgage advice:
Greater peace of mind
Competitive deals
The benefit of experience
Fast and efficient
Lasting protection and security
Get in touch today - Mortgage Style?s advisors are ready to help
Go o d man & Li l l ey
An opportunity to acquire a period 4/ 5 bedroom fam ily hom e situated within walking distance to the High Street, Lake Grounds and the vibrant m arina
Without a doubt,one of the most striking features of this fine residence,aside from the truly wonderful location,is the traditional and charming living accommodation Arranged over three floors,in brief,comprises:entrance hall,living room,dining room,kitchen/breakfast room and a cloakroom to the ground floor The first floor features three double bedrooms,study/bedroom five and a family bathroom with a staircase rising up to the attic bedroom/en-suite which completes the internal footprint to this characterful family home Externally,the property features a westerly-facing rear garden predominantly laid to lawn and is gently tiered over three levels A patio is conveniently accessed from the kitchen/breakfast room which provides an area to sit back and enjoy the orientation Gentle steps then lead up to another seating area with a level lawn with mature flowering shrubs occupying the borders The top tier has rear access and could be used as off-road parking if required
Po r t i sh ead 01275 430440 Sal es@g o o d man l i l l ey c o u k w w w g o o d man l i l l ey c o u k
May can be a magical time for gardening enthusiasts,it?s a month where the beauty of nature unfolds before our eyes.Whether you are planting flowers,growing vegetables,or creating a peaceful outdoor oasis,May gardening offers endless possibilities for creativity,relaxation and connection with the natural world,so grab your gardening tools, put on your sun hat and let the May garden adventures begin!
With longer days and milder temperatures,it's the perfect time to get your hands dirty and start planting It?s quite likely you will already have an abundance of colourful blooms emerging in the garden but you can now start planting annuals such as marigolds,petunias and zinnias,which will provide continuous blooms throughout the summer
In addition to flowers,May is an ideal time to plant vegetables and herbs The soil has warmed up, providing the perfect conditions for seeds to germinate and plants to grow Tomatoes,peppers, cucumbers and beans are just a few of the vegetables that can be planted in May Fresh herbs like basil,parsley and mint can also be grown, adding a delicious touch to your culinary creations.
May gardening is not just about planting though; it?s also about maintaining and caring for your garden Regular watering,weeding and mulching are essential tasks to keep your plants healthy and thriving It is also important to monitor for pests and diseases,as they can quickly damage your garden if left unchecked.
The warmer (and drier if we?re lucky) weather provides the perfect opportunity to create amazing outdoor living spaces in your garden that you will then be able to make the most of throughout the summer months and well in to autumn Transform your garden into a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind.Consider adding a cosy seating area,a pergola for shade,or even a small pond or fountain to create a calming ambience
Decking and fencing are two essential elements that can greatly enhance your garden They not only add aesthetic appeal but also offer practical benefits. Decking provides a versatile and durable surface that can be used for various purposes It creates a designated area for outdoor seating,dining,or entertaining,allowing you to make the most of your garden space Whether you want to enjoy a morning coffee,host a barbecue,or simply relax with a book, a well-designed deck provides a comfortable and inviting space to do so In addition to its functionality, decking also adds visual interest and can be designed to complement the overall style of your garden
Fencing,on the other hand,offers privacy and security to your garden It acts as a physical barrier, preventing unauthorised access and ensuring the safety of children and pets Fencing also helps to define the boundaries of your garden,creating a sense of enclosure With a wide range of styles and materials available,you can choose a fence that not only provides security but also adds charm and character to your garden
Lastly,May is also a time for us all to connect with nature and observe the wonders of the natural world Birds return from their winter migration,filling the air with their melodious songs and butterflies and bees visit the blooming flowers,pollinating them as they go By creating a welcoming environment for these creatures,we can all contribute to the overall biodiversity of our gardens
Heidi Loughlin is a Portishead mum,author and motivational speaker,she is also an insurance broker
She says:?As many of you will know I was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2015 I had life insurance but no critical illness cover or income protection,so after undergoing extensive surgery and treatment,when my sick pay ran out at work I was up the proverbial creek without a paddle
There?s also the question about getting any kind of insurance once you?ve been diagnosed with a critical illness I felt sure there was a way that people with cancer or other critical illnesses could obtain insurance that excludes their existing medical conditions
I retrained as an insurance broker because I am passionate about finding the right insurance cover for clients
It?s quite common for people to think about life insurance but my advice is -make sure you are insured for living too
If you want to find out more just give me a call?
Rich Powell takes a look at how this years changes might effect you
The beginning of a new tax year is a fantastic time to review your finances As we have now entered the tax year for 2024/2025 there are several areas are worth looking at when it comes to your finances,these include:
1 Your annual ISA allowance of £20,000 tax-free
2. What changes have the government put in place from 6th April 2024?
3 Your plans for the next tax-year ? make sure you save for your tax bills
4 If you are self-employed looking back at your earnings for 2023/24
5 Save for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays,and Christmas 2024!
Government ?budget?changes from 6th April 2024 A few highlights?
For individuals
- National Insurance cuts from 10 to 8%for class 1individuals
- Child benefit changes ? ensuring that more families will be able to retain the benefit at higher levels of income
- Two other main changes announced which were in line with pre budget expectations was the abolition of the tax breaks for furnished holiday lettings and a radical reform to the taxation on non-domiciles
- For businesses
- Extension of ?full expensing?for qualifying capital expenditures to leased assets, encouraging investment in vital business infrastructure
- However,the intertwining of personal and business finances for corporate business owners means that personal tax changes, particularly the reduction in the dividend allowance and the NIC adjustments,will necessitate careful financial planning to optimize fund extraction from businesses
The unchanged personal tax thresholds and allowances,set to remain so until April 2028,together with the reduction in the dividend allowance and the CGTexemption,underscore the growing necessity for informed financial planning
With its mix of changes and constants,the Budget offers a roadmap for tax efficiency and financial planning It underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing one's financial journey,emphasizing the strategic use of pensions, savings,and investments
Therefore,the Spring Budget presents many challenges and opportunities for financial planning
Source:SJPSpring Budget 2024 ? 6th March 2024
People who know me,know that I am generally a nosy person, however I prefer to use the word interested It?s my job to be ?in the know?when it comes to the local community and that includes the local business community,so I was really surprised that Hunter Selection,based in Greystoke Business Park,behind Clarence House in Portishead High Street, had slipped under my radar It?s probably because they are a national company,but what I didn? t appreciate is the head office is in Portishead because the owner of the company is local I popped in to the offices to find out more about this company after reading about their community engagement on social media and I?m so glad I did, as not only did I find out more about the good the company has been doing over the past 12 months,I also found that every person I came in to contact with there was really lovely!
I learned that in the past 12 months,this local company has sponsored Gordano Rugby Football Club Under 9s,supported Springboard Opportunity Group in Clevedon and Weston and at Christmas sponsored the SEN friendly Christmas grottos,the staff used their give back day to help pack food hampers at the foodbank,they sponsored the Black Nore 10KRun and various members of staff took part in runs for various charities including Weston Hospicecare and Crohns and Colitis UK The Hunter Selection team even joined in a Bristol river clean,wading in to remove 25 bags of rubbish from
one of our rivers and items ranging from traffic cones to a picnic bench! What a great bunch of people!
So,after my recent visit to their offices I began to realise why Hunter?s presents itself as an employer of choice in Portishead Hunter?s service team manager Matt Hayes,who lives with his family in Portishead,told me more about the company He said: ?Hunter is a leading recruitment service for four distinct divisions: engineering and manufacturing, ITand digital,science and technology and service and sales. We are always looking for good people to join our team but they must share our core values which are teamwork and community, trust and respect and determination and enjoyment We offer first class training and development to each individual who joins our team as a
recruitment consultant and promise varied career paths for all those who work for us. Commitment to our ethos and dedication to customer service is what we ask of our employees and in return we reward them handsomely ?
I see a lot of businesses and meet a large number of employers in my line of work and this is one I will definitely remember for all the right reasons
As part of its growth,Hunter Selection is currently seeking to hire local trainee recruitment consultants.
For more information visit www hunterselection co uk Alternatively you can call Matt on 01275 371981or em ail careers@hunterselection co uk
Family-run funeral director, FH Halliday & Son,is delighted to be sponsoring a quiz at the Phoenix Bar in Portishead,which is raising funds for a defibrillator Harvey Lawrence,a descendant of the Halliday family who works for the family firm,handed a £50 High Street gift voucher to Monica Smith,founder of the Phoenix Bar and her grand-daughter Tamsin who heads up much of the fundraising at the bar
Harvey said:?Our family has operated in Portishead High Street for more than 140 years and supporting our local community is very important to us We are pleased to be helping the Phoenix Bar,another local business run by a family with a lot of history in Portishead,with their fundraising for the defibrillator ?
The defibrillator will be provided by the Great
Western Air Ambulance Charity,an organisation the Phoenix Bar and its customers have had close links with for many years
Tamsin said:?We are grateful to Hallidays for supporting us in our quest to buy a public access defibrillator A town can? t have too many defibs Guidelines suggest for the best outcome a defib needs to be reached within three minutes of the emergency ?
The quiz night at the Phoenix Bar in Victoria Square takes place at 730pm on Thursday 23rd May Registration in advance is recommended as they are expecting a full house! In addition to the £50 High Street gift voucher,a round of drinks will be on offer along with a few other prizes Anyone wishing to donate a prize can drop one in to the Phoenix Bar
Local amateur dramatics group Portishead Players picked up three National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards for its 2023 production of Towards Zero,directed by Rich MacPherson
Every year the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) presents awards for excellence in a range of categories For Towards Zero the group was presented with the NODA South West District Achievement Award,as well as receiving first place in the Thomson-Leng Award For Posters and joint first in the Perkins Category for Programme Awards The production was also nominated for the
A spokesperson for the Players confirmed they were all extremely proud to have won these awards for their classic whodunit murder mystery production,written by Agatha Christie,one of the most successful playwrights of all time
A public accessdefibrillator, which could save livesin the future, hasbeen installed in memory of a Portishead musician
David Wiltshire formed a ukulele band called Ukebox, along with other likeminded people from Portishead, Pill, Easton Gordano, Clevedon, Nailsea, Backwell,Yatton and Tickenham David wasthe musical director of Ukebox, which isaffiliated with Nailsea Sheddersastheir musical arm
David, a retired teacher, sadly passed away after a short illnessand hisfamily, friendsand fellow musicians thought it would be a fitting tribute to raise fundsfor a defibrillator in hismemory
A spokesperson for the band said: ?Under David?sdirection the band?spurpose wasalwaysto play music, have fun and raise money for local charitiesand we decided it would be a fitting legacy to raise money for a defibrillator in honour of hiswork for local charitiesand music Thisway he will still be helping and supporting the local communitieshe so loved ?
On Friday 22nd March, David?swidow Debsunveiled the defibrillator at Wraxall Village Club, where the band regularly played and rehearsed.
The band representative added: ?Ukebox would like to say thank you David for your vision, we will carry on your good work and spread the music.?
Did you know you can research your family tree at Portishead Library?Family history volunteers will help you for free, on a one-to-one basis; they can help you find new pathways to find answers to your family history questions It?s often helpful to take along birth, marriage and death certificates, photographs and diaries, as these can sometimes offer clues.
Free hour-long pre-bookable sessions are available on Friday mornings from 10am to 1pm To book a session call Portishead Library on 01934 426040 or email portishead library@n-somerset gov uk
Portishead Library offers free access to Ancestry and Find My Past. You can access the 1921 Census on Find My Past
The library also provides access to British Film Industry (BFI) films from years gone by, featuring local towns
We may no longer have a local police station but did you know that our neighbourhood policing team holdsregularBeat Surgeriesin the town each month?
On 24th May you will find membersof your local community police team in Sainsbury?sfoyerfrom 10 30am-noon, ready and waiting to meet residents Then on the first Tuesday of every month you will find a memberof the police team, along with Councillor Sue Mason and a memberof North Somerset Council?sCommunity Response service in Portishead Library in Harbour Road 10-11am Feel free to pop in and have a chat to them, they lookforward to meeting you
Get ready,feel steadyand gofor it!
Afreesix-weekcoursefunded byOpportunity North Somerset (North Somerset Council)and delivered byVoluntaryAction NorthSomerset will start on 14th Mayrunning everyTuesdaybetween 10am-12pmuntil 18th June It willbeheld at the FolkHall on Portishead HighStreet and isfor peoplewho want tobuild their confidencelevels and lookat their optionsfor thefuture.
You? ll lookat your skills,abilitiesand life experiencesmorepositively You? ll beinspired by your own potential and identifyyour goalsand what you want todo You? ll planhow you?regoing to achieveyour goals
If you?reinterested in finding out moreor want to reservea placeon thecourse,contact Debbie Evansbyemailing her at: debbieevans@vansmailorg ukor callher on 01934 416486 or 07949 486048
The UK?s only bachelor elephant habitat has welcomed Uli,an African bull elephant
Uli,13- years- old,from Magdeburg,Germany,is the fourth male elephant to arrive at Noah?s Ark Zoo Farm?s 20- acre Elephant Eden in Wraxall,just a few miles from Portishead It?s the UK?s largest elephant facility and the only bull facility
Having spent more than five years in his previous zoo,Uli?s arrival at Noah?s Ark marks a pivotal stage in his development as a bachelor male preparing for integration into a breeding group,benefitting the European endangered species programme for African elephants
The local facility plays a key role for the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for African elephants,offering an extensive environment for individual males to live and integrate into a multi- generational group where they can learn from each other and exhibit natural behaviours
Surprise your friends or family while also supporting good causes
Whether it?s to mark a special birthday or any other celebratory occasions,in the dead of night members of Portishead Lions Club willdecorate a nominee?s garden with pink flamingos for a fee,which goes in to the Lions Club pot to help local, nationaland internationalprojects that support those less fortunate than ourselves Find out more at www portisheadlionsclub
A day dedicated to self-care and wellness in Portishead has been hailed a great success after hundreds of people attended the core venues hosting workshops, consultations, presentations and a wide range of different wellbeing activities. The purpose of the day-long event, the result of a collaborative effort by Portishead Lions, the Beacon Hub, Somerset Prostate Support Association and Portishead Town Council, was to encourage residents to prioritise their mental, emotional and physical health.
More than 45 exhibitors offered expert advice and taster sessions, with everything from screening blood tests to alternative therapies, not to mention refreshments, music and prize draws To keep up-to-date with any similar initiatives taking place in Portishead visit www.portishead.gov.uk or follow Portishead Town Council on Facebook and Instagram
Children at The Nursery in Portishead marked Earth Day by taking part in a plastics clean-up at the town?s marina
Throughout the day small groups of children took turns to pick up any plastic bottles that had been discarded around the quay and placed them in the purpose built Green Seas Trust bin,which is made of recycled plastic
Gaye Holman,who heads The Nursery?s community engagement initiatives,said:?Earth Day is about promoting appreciation for the Earth and it?s a great opportunity to help children understand the importance of taking care of the environment Today we have been talking,in very simple terms,about plastic pollution and the importance of protecting our oceans and waterways To help that,we have been collecting any plastic items that have been dropped around the marina and have placed them in the special bin installed to just take plastic items which are then taken away for recycling ?
The Green Seas Trust awarded Portishead the special bin,which is both symbolic and practical in reducing plastic pollution,in 2021Its iconic design was created to help people make the connection between litter thrown in waterways or left on beaches and the harmful effect this has on marine life and human health The bright orange lifebuoy-shaped bin with the tagline ?Throw marine life a lifeline?has graphics and statistics on the outside with the aim to educate people and spark conversation on the need to reduce the amount of plastic entering our waters
A popular viewing point and resting place at the top of Beach Hill in Portishead has been restored by the Gordano Civic Society,in memory of the late Sandy Tebbut,a local historian
Lorymer?s Park,originally created in 1900,was named after Cllr EG Lorymer,who was chairman of the Urban District Council at the time
The placing of the small Victorian park more than a century ago was not without some controversy,as records show that at the time neighbours complained it would encourage the congregating of the ?rough element?.The council however considered it part of an improvement scheme for Beach Hill and the park went ahead
The area was originally framed with railings but these were removed in WW2 as part of the war effort New railings,created by John Osborne of Industrial Modern Furniture,included in the recent restoration replicate the pre-war scene.
As well as the new railings and chains,the project included re-surfacing,two bench seats and an interpretation board In addition,slabs inscribed with the initials of the people who funded the building of the United Reformed Church Hall in Woodhill Road in the 1920s have been inset in the tarmac
The new interpretation board not only details the history of Lorymer?s Park but also provides information about places that can be viewed from the site including Denny Island,Battery Point,the Lake Grounds,Adelaide Terrace (now Woodhill Road) and the Severn Bridges
The renovation project led by the Gordano Civic Society was supported by Alliance Homes,Avon Local History and Archaeology,National Grid and Portishead Town Council
It is also to be noted that Gordano Civic Society employed Portishead local people for the work on the restoration
Gordano Civic Society
Gordano Civic Society,also known as the Gordano Society,is a local group involved in history, conservation,environment,planning and wildlife issues for the Gordano area
The group,which is non-political and has close connections with other similar groups in the area, holds monthly meetings,usually on the second Monday of the month,at Somerset Hall in The Precinct,High Street,starting at 730pm Visitors and new members are welcome To find out more visit www gordanosociety org uk