The hospital represents a £20 million investment by Nuffield Health into the local healthcare economy; safeguarding 95 local jobs and creating up to 50 more. As a Centre of Excellence for minimally invasive surgery, the Chesterfield Hospital will offer three digital operating theatres, twelve consulting rooms and space for up to 30 in-patients.

The redevelopment of the Chesterfield Hospital has incorporated the sympathetic restoration of a Grade II listed Georgian Merchants house which fronts the site and which will house administrative support for the hospital.  Existing operations at Nuffield Health’s St Mary’s hospital will transfer to the Chesterfield Hospital ahead of its opening.

Ashley Livesey, Hospital Director for Nuffield Health, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing the official opening date of our high-tech Chesterfield Hospital this October.
This project has seen us take our 50 year-strong experience of providing high quality healthcare in Bristol, build on it and create a hospital which will offer truly inspiring and innovative patient care.  What has made this project all the more exciting, is that by redeveloping our Chesterfield site – where we first set-up home in 1961 – we have retained an important piece of treasured Bristol heritage and given it a new, modern lease of life.  We can’t wait to start welcoming patients to our exciting new hospital.”

The post Nuffield Health Announces Opening Of State-Of-The-Art Hospital For Bristol appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Art crafts, workshops, local market, a Fantastic Filmmakers session by UWE students, sunshine and the best of Bristol’s folk, Rock’n'Roll and Reggae music.

Garden opened for everyone with games, face painting, food and drinks.

The event will run from 11am to 5pm. Come and have fun with us at the Family Fête Day!

Where

Dean Lane
Bristol
Bristol
BS31DB

When

Monday 27th May 2013. 11:00 – 17:00

Tickets

Adults £2.00

Children £1.00

More information

Marina Arias & Esti Rodriguez
Events Management Team at the SouthBank Centre

Website: fantasticocinema.blogspot.co.uk
Email: fantasticocinema@gmail.com
Telephone: 07588761516  or 07583611133

The post Bank Holiday Family Fete Day at Southbank Centre appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

iD are looking for the best demonstrators in the business to represent them in this area. With a huge influx of demonstration work confirmed and new client wins, iD aim to drive business through a team of skilled sales and retail professionals.

If you think you have the selling skills, personality and business acumen to be part of iDs Team of demonstration staff, please apply by sending an up to date CV above desired personal qualities.

All applications should be sent to recruitment@idstaffing.com stating ‘DEMONSTRATIONS’ in the subject heading.

Audition Date- 28th May 2013

The post Become Part Of The UK’s Leading Agency Of Trained In-Store Demonstrators appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

In pursuit of its aim to offer the UK’s foremost comprehensive training facility for automotive related studies, including cars, vans, buses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles and bikes, S&B is working towards implementation of the final phase of a four year re-development plan which began in 2009, called ‘Project Renaissance.’

Having already invested over £1million of its own funds in the upgrading of its buildings, S&B is seeking planning approval for the permanent closure of a short stretch of Princess Street, where it bisects the Academy’s training facilities between Spring Street and Victoria Grove.  S&B says that the resulting new campus would improve the safety of its 400 learners and 50 staff, as well as enhancing the look of the immediate vicinity, as the Academy intends to plant new trees.

Having achieved successive annual record numbers of apprentices and full-time students signing up, including a 20% increase in registrations last year, S&B invited the Mayor of Bristol to visit in order to see how the not-for-profit Academy has grown and its blueprint for the future. This included a tour of its latest ‘eco-friendly’ building, housing workshops, offices, conference suite, training rooms and a fitness centre, which was officially opened in 2010.

Jon Winter, Chief Executive, S&B Automotive Academy, said:

“It’s long been our ambition to have one of the best training facilities for apprentices anywhere in the UK right here in Bristol. S&B’s Project Renaissance represents significant investment in the Academy’s future and we are hoping to bring this to fruition this year, despite the continually challenging economic climate. Having the support of the Mayor is extremely welcome and we were delighted that he took the time to see the progress we’ve made and meet some of the students and staff.”

Commenting on his visit to S&B, Councillor George Ferguson said:

“S&B Automotive Academy is a centre of training excellence that Bristol can be justly proud of. Seeing the work it does to prepare the next generation of automotive technicians was a real eye opener and I’ve no doubt that S&B’s plans to create a campus will greatly enhance its endeavours which is why I’m lending my whole-hearted support to the project.”

http://www.sandbaa.com

The post Bristol Mayor Supports Academy Plans for Automotive Training Campus appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Taking place every Friday in May from 5 – 9pm, the event will draw on the best local street food talent from the South West, serving authentic, quality dishes from many different countries including Peru, India, Vietnam and Taiwan. It is organised by global street food. It is organised by global street food collective StrEAT.

The month-long celebration of street food will see Quakers Friars brought to life with festival-inspired food stalls, and will offer the perfect opportunity for the whole family to come and enjoy tasty food and drink and upbeat world music.

Vendors are all people from local communities who are passionate about food and will be serving up ‘the real deal’, with portions costing around £6 or less and smaller portions for children. Some of those appearing include:

·         Tambo Peruvian Kitchen serving ox heart antichuchos

·         Viet Vite offering Asian street food based on Vietnamese classics with a twist.

·         Coconut Chilli with their expertly spiced kebabs

·         Dorshi which is a unique Anglo-Asian eating experience

Quakers Friars’ own restaurants will also be supporting these local entrepreneurs with sampling and refreshments on the Quakers Friars piazza.

Navina Bartlett from StrEAT Food Collective commented: “Street food is a fantastic way of bringing together communities and encouraging people to try new food. StrEAT provides a perfect ‘after work wind down’. The Cabot Circus StrEAT event will resemble the night markets of Thailand, adding a real buzz to the area and giving local people the opportunity to socialise and enjoy the entertainment on offer.”

Kevin Duffy, Cabot Circus Centre Director, added: “Over the past year, street food has risen in popularity and given people the opportunity to try new, culturally enriching dishes at affordable prices. Quakers Friars offers the perfect location for the StrEAT food night markets, and we would encourage the whole family to come and get involved.”

 
Bristol Mayor, George Ferguson, said, “I welcome new initiatives such as StrEAT to Bristol. The StrEAT Food Collective underpins Bristol’s drive to promote eating fresh, locally sourced food and supporting independent traders. These new evening food markets bring vitality and complement the city’s cultural offer.”

 
Street food is widely recognised as the hot food trend in the UK for 2013. Last year, Quakers Friars hosted one of the UK’s largest street food festivals, featuring a number of award-winning vendors including Cafe Mor, overall winners at last year’s Street Food Awards.

The StrEAT Food Collective will be hosting the street food night markets at Quakers Friars, part of Cabot Circus, every Friday evening in May, from 5 – 9pm.

Visit www.streatfoodcollective.com for latest event information and details of all the vendors and for exclusive tweets and to get involved in the conversation on twitter use #streatbristol.

Follow Cabot Circus on twitter www.twitter.com/cabotcircus
Follow StrEAT on twitter www.twitter.com/streatuk

The post Street Food Nights to bring Eats and Beats to Quakers Friars appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Arriving to entertain Bristol like no one else can from Friday 19^th to Saturday 27^th April 2013 in the Sabai Pavilion, Castle Park, Bristol BS1 3XE.

Dripping with diamante and sizzling on stage with new songs and side splitting comedy. From J-lo to Whitney, the stars and chart topping hits just keep on coming. Party like there’s no tomorrow under the exotic ambiance of the Sabai Pavilion with The Lady Boys of Bangkok:  Europe’s number one cabaret sensation!!

You can expect the usual truly glamorous and funny cabaret antics, this time complete with even more flamboyant costumes, painstakingly immaculate make up and show stopping choreography. With an all new set list, the Lady Boys will be performing classic numbers from Saturday Night Fever to current hits from Cheryl Cole and even a bit of Gangnam Style,  Glamorous Amorous is set to be the experience of a lifetime.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in our purpose built Sabai Pavilion. Embrace the full dominating spirit during the enthralling Friday and Saturday night performances, which are guaranteed to have everyone on their feet joining in, or book in to the slightly more submissive Sunday and week day show and can enjoy a glass of wine whilst observing the magic from the comfort of your seat.

To complete your Lady Boys of Bangkok experience we have our resident Master Chef Thanpwat Phanmee, on site ready to ‘whip’ up a dish of your choice from our extensive menu. Choose from the mouth-watering selection of authentic Thai dishes and wash it down with a drink from our fully licensed bars.

Book now to make sure you don’t miss out on the inspiring and captivating sight of the Lady Boys of Bangkok live on stage! Also check out our special treats and packages to make your night a unique experience you will never forget.

Producer Carol Gandey said “The continued appeal of the Lady Boys lies in the shows ability to renew itself every year. Our dancers, choreographer, set and lighting designer were given the ideas for the new show as soon as last year’s show opened. ‘Glamorous Amorous’ has been 12 months in the making. It is infused with the topical comedy, surprises and satire that only the Lady Boys can deliver. Dripping in Glamour, the result is our unique comedy cabaret experience ‘Glamorous Amorous’ which marks a new high for the spectacle that is The Lady Boys of Bangkok.”
The party like no other party!….The show like no other show!….The girls like no other girls!, The Lady Boys Of Bangkok are ready to party …. Are you?

Europe’s Number One Cabaret Sensation

Event information

Where?

The Sabai Pavilion, Castle Park, Bristol BS1 3XE

When?

Fri 19^th April – Sat 27^th April 2013

Monday to Thursday – 6.30pm & 8.30pm

Friday/ Saturdays -  7:00pm & 9pm

Additional show @ 4.30pm on Sat 27^th April

Sunday  5pm & 7.15pm

Tickets

Adults £24/Students £14.50

Premium seats £28

Platinum Seats £32

Side view £20 all seats (Students £10)

ALL SEATS £15 FRI 19^th APRIL ONLY

Box Office open on site from Tuesday 16^th April 2013

11am – 9.30pm daily

Telephone Bookings: 0871 705 0705 (10p BT per min)

Online Bookings: www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk or www.whatsontickets.com

The post The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sensational New Show – Glamorous Amorous appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Alex Gray, 22, a Politics student at the University of Bristol has been undergoing intense training for over a year as a recruit at the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) Forces in Bristol. The most recent of which involved a Modern Urbanised Combat (MUC) training weekend to prepare the recruits for the dynamic nature of urban warfare, with everything from effectively entering and clearing a building to close quarters combat.

Alex commented: “I have always been interested in a career in the Royal Marines, and joining the RMR during my studies was the perfect opportunity to train as a Commando whilst completing my degree.
“The training has complemented University perfectly. We are required to undertake training evenings and weekends, which never interferes with my study commitments.”

The RMR recruits undertake identical training to regular Marines to earn the Green Beret, which Alex is hoping to receive in March after a set of assessments, including a 30 mile race. Speaking of the training, Alex says: “Training to become a Royal Marines Commando has not only improved my fitness levels, but has given me a wide range of skills that are transferable into University and future employment – as well as good pay!

“One of the most important qualities that is required of a Marine is motivation. We are regularly involved in intense training exercises, so it is important that you are able to push yourself to the limit. Time management, organisation, leadership and people skills are also key to becoming a successful Marine. These skills are not only beneficial during training, but have made an impact across all aspects of my life.

“Weekends such as these are not only integral to our success, but they are a great experience. It is also real-life definition of warfare video games – so we all have a lot of fun too!”

Once Alex has earned his Green Beret, and graduated from University, he hopes to continue a career within the Marines, and move into regular service.

Commenting on Alex’s achievements, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Bucknell says: “We have welcomed a number of excellent recruits into the detachment, with many expected to receive their Green Beret in March. We have a whole mix of different individuals in the RMR, some are students and some are in full time employment.
“The RMR not only provides these men with a superb set of skills to use in employment and beyond, but the training is very similar to that undertaken by the regular Marines, meaning that when you become a Royal Marine Commando as part of the RMR Forces, you are of the same calibre.”

For more information on joining the RMR, please contact RMR on 08456 00 14 44.

The post Bristol Student Sets ​Sights On Career In ​Royal Marines​ appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

In 2011, having been back in Bristol for a few years, James (Owner, Cycle the City) bought his first bike. Within days he got about, went places, found interesting things to enjoy and well… started feeling pretty healthy. A feeling he wanted to share. After some research and plenty more biking about, Cycle the City was developed.

His vision was not only to promote healthy, fun and a comfortable way travel around Bristol, but also to encourage people to do things a little differently; to enjoy the journey, to visit the independent businesses and to get the inside scoop on the things which make Bristol such a great place to live. Cycling is certainly one of them.

Bristol’s literally littered with great things to see and fun things to do; there’s nearby countryside, historical landmarks, cultural attractions and creativity where-ever you look.

In 2012, Cycle the City started trading as an independent business. They were fortunate enough to find a home down in the docks, in No.1 Harbourside; a great venue on the waterfront and a constant source of motivation. The heritage bikes were bought and started meeting people who had traveled from all over the world and were visiting Bristol.

Looking ahead for 2013, we’ve designed more tours with more tour guides, packages and we are already beginning to link up with a number of great businesses around Bristol that would like to offer a discount at their attractions.

What Cycle the City offer

River Avon Amble (Return Journey by Boat)

A journey through rich Bristol heritage before arriving at the enchanting Beeses Tea Gardens. A place to relax, soak up the country-side, beers and food, before taking the boat home.

Bristol’s Ale Trail

With more local brewers than you can raise a glass to, this guided tour will take you around some of Bristol’s hidden award winning ale pubs. Your guide and beer expert will have you tasting, talking and laughing all the way round!

Tour de Harbour 

An interesting look at Bristol’s past, present and what’s to come. See some of the landmarks which put Bristol on the map, including: The world’s first Atlantic cruise ship – The SS Great Britain, Queen Square, St. Mary Redcliffe Church, Banksy, Redcliffe Caves and a whole load more!

More information

Address

No1 Harbourside
1 Canon’s Road
Bristol
Avon
BS1 5UH

Website

www.cyclethecity.org

Telephone

07525467186

Email

info@cyclethecity.org

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CycletheCity

Twitter

https://twitter.com/_cyclethecity

The post Cycle The City – Bike Tours of Bristol appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Welcome to the Dollhouse.

On the 3/4/5th of May at the Island Bristol, an evening of hypnotic soul, dirty blues, swinging from the rafters, awaits you. Soulful lyrics will take you away from the world you thought you once knew. The music is in control, and the performers merely soulless dolls, seduced by the sound, and helpless to how it makes them behave.

Creative Carnival collaborated with The Island and Doll State to bring the Dollhouse to life.

Don’t close your eyes, you’ll be lost.

See you in the Dollhouse.

Doors Open 7.30 each night
Show starts at 8.00
Matinee Doors open 2.30
Show Starts at 3.00

Tickets £5/£3

Please book to avoid disappointment as numbers on the door will be limited.

www.creativecarnival.wix.com/dollhouse – for tickets

The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE.

The post Welcome to the Dollhouse appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

The online poll has been commissioned to mark the launch of Gumtree’s annual ‘Declutter’ campaign, which encourages people to sell their unused belongings in order to help re-organise their lives and make extra money. It shows a third of people in Bristol (34 per cent) are guilty of keeping old VHS and tape cassettes, despite the technology now being defunct. Clothes (61 per cent), shoes (48 per cent) and books (46 per cent) are also amongst the most-stashed items in Bristol.

Out of sight, out of mind for Bristolians

Clearing out clutter would be beneficial for Bristol residents, as nearly two in three (67 per cent) reveal that just having it in their life makes them feels disorganised and stressed. Yet one in five (23 per cent) admit to stashing their unused items in the loft, followed by the spare room (18 per cent), a cupboard (24 per cent), their garage (12 per cent) and even under the bed (ten per cent).

Older generations in the UK are most likely to hold on to belongings that have been lying around for a long time. One in five (18 per cent) over-55s has owned their oldest unused item for over 21 years and a third of those (33 per cent) are reluctant to sell because they believe they may use them one day.

There are also stark differences between the sexes. The guilt of selling an unwanted gift affects over twice as many women (19 per cent) as men (eight per cent). However, men are more nostalgic; one in five (20 per cent) feels an emotional connection to their clutter and 11 per cent will feel upset when they get rid of it, compared to 15 and nine per cent of women respectively.

Offering advice on Gumtree.com, TV presenter and declutter expert, Jasmine Harman, commented, “One of the main reasons that people find it hard to let go of unused items are the emotional attachments that we make to them. Whether it’s an old coat that we wore in our younger years that we’ll never fit into again, or an old VHS tape that a friend of the family once gifted back in the 90s, the sense of nostalgia runs deeply with Brits.

“Putting a weekend aside and having a clear out of our lofts and cupboards is not only an easy way to make some quick cash by selling items online, it’s also a great way to make some much-needed space around the home. De-cluttering allows people to de-stress, and is a satisfying and liberating experience. Lots of us put it off because of fears that it will be difficult, but often it is a lot easier and quicker than we expect.”

Hamish Stone, Head of Marketing at Gumtree.com, added: “While time will always be an issue for people leading busy lives, the value in selling unwanted items is huge. We hear from people who have used the cash that they’ve made to book the family holiday, pay off debts or even help towards buying a car.

“We’d recommend everyone in Bristol to try to sell their unwanted items with Gumtree.  It’s quick and easy, and chances are that there is someone in your area looking for exactly the item you’re selling.”

Jasmin Harman has created top tips to help people convert their clutter to cash:

• Don’t worry about being ungrateful – don’t feel guilty about selling an unwanted gift.  If you don’t like it or will never use it, sell it to someone who will and make some money at the same time. The person who gave it to you would probably prefer it was used rather than gathering dust in your garage!

• Don’t hold on to tech – technology moves quickly and so does their value. If you upgrade your tablet or smartphone it’s best to sell your old one as quickly as possible to get the best possible amount of cash for it. If you wait too long you can lose a lot of potential cash

• Compare prices on Gumtree.com – if you’re unsure of an items true value, make sure you check out the competition. You don’t want to undervalue your item or place it so high that no one will want to buy it

• Be realistic about what buyers will be interested in – the hand-knitted jumper you wore as a baby will probably hold more sentimental  than monetary value – but that designer outfit stashed at the bottom of the wardrobe could be worth more than you think

For more tips from Jasmine on making money out of unused items, and for the chance to win a personal declutter session with her, go to www.gumtree.com/declutter.

The post Bristol Households Cluttered With Cash appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

After a successful 2012 serving bubble tea from their mobile tea van called Pearl at festivals and around Bristol, CUPP are very excited to announce the arrival of the ‘CUPP Box’. The more permanent unit is a shipping container which has been lovingly converted into a funky tea café which will continue to serve their signature bubble teas which always use fresh fruit and milk.

To celebrate the launch, there will be a ½ price offer between 12 – 3pm on the opening day on Thursday.

Inspired by their street food roots, CUPP wanted to create an innovative outdoor/indoor space whilst maintaining the ethos of street food. The shipping container has been modified in such a way that come sunny days, the sides open out for the café to spill out onto the street but can be cosy and relaxing on those colder days.

Co-Founder Lee Peacock says ‘We’ve created a unique space which allows us to have a fluid outdoor to indoor environment whilst still maintaining the ‘street food’ element of how we began.’

‘We’re really excited to offer our customers new and exciting products with everything being served in a cup, hence the name. Our noodles are influenced by our time in Taiwan and others products have a bubble tea twist, like our cupcakes; Matcha with lemon and the Taro with blueberries which actually looks like a small bubble tea cake! We’re even giving some of our coffees the bubble tea treatment too.’

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at Cabot Circus said, “CUPP has been a welcome addition to Quakers Friars over the last few months and we are looking forward to welcoming its more permanent premises. With spring around the corner and Quakers Friars being the perfect place for al-fresco dining, this new venture will fit perfectly.”

The CUPP Box will be open 6 days a week; Monday-Saturday and will be offering a range of quality coffee, Taiwanese noodles, and tea inspired cupcakes to accompany their bubble tea and iced fruit tea. As well as new exciting items on the menu, customers will now be able to enjoy all of this whilst sitting and relaxing in the ‘box’.

CUPP is planning to launch more ‘CUPP Boxes’ in other cities in the UK in 2013 and will be launching a delivery service in Bristol soon. Details will be released on their website and social media pages.

ABOUT CUPP
CUPP was founded by Lee Peacock and Amy Miles in 2012 after living in Taiwan for 3 years, the home of Bubble Tea. They toured festivals and street food events around the UK in their converted Citroen H van spreading the awareness of Bubble Tea before finding a more regular position in Bristol.

Having spent time sampling Taiwan’s huge variety of bubble tea shops from small vendors to large cafes and express tea shops, they learned the true origins and authentic techniques of bubble tea and trained in a small independent tea shop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

CUPP thrive on delivering true, healthy and authentic bubble tea. Using only fresh fruit, milk or soya and fresh ingredients sourced mainly from Bristol and the South West, accompanied with using key ingredients and equipment supplied directly from Taiwan.

We’re proud to be the only bubble tea company in the UK to produce their bubble tea with fresh fruit and milk or soya. This means we’re totally vegetarian and vegan friendly too.

(www.cuppteabar.co.uk )
( www.facebook.com/cuppteabar )
(www.twitter.com/cuppteabar )

The post CUPP Launch Bubble Tea Shipping Container Cafe In Cabot Circus appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

The Alexander Technique is a powerful tool for personal change. It is a process of re-education that offers liberation from unhelpful habits that may contribute towards discomfort and illness. Although difficult to describe, the experience of lessons offers a sense of ease and well-being.

The Alexander Technique is holistic, examining the cause of a person’s problems rather than simply treating the symptoms, and therefore specific problems are often resolved in the process. Pupils gradually learn to apply the technique for themselves and engage in ongoing self-practice. The benefits are general and wide-ranging and can include lasting improvements in physical and mental health.

Constructive Conscious Control

Alexander insisted on the need for strategic reasoning because kinesthetic sensory awareness is a relative sense, not a truthful indicator of factual bodily relationship in space. The current postural attitude is sensed internally as customarily normal, however inefficient. Alexander’s term, “debauched sensory appreciation” describes how the repetition of a circumstance encourages habit design as a person adapts to circumstances or builds skills. Once trained and forgotten, completed habits may be activated without feedback sensations that these habits are in effect, just by thinking about them. Short-sighted habits that have become harmfully exaggerated over time, such as restricted breathing or other habitually assumed adaptations to past circumstances, will stop after learning to perceive and prevent them.

End-gaining

Another example is the term “end-gaining”. This term means to focus on a goal so as to lose sight of the “means-whereby” the goal could be most appropriately achieved. According to Alexander teachers, “end-gaining” increases the likelihood of selecting older or multiple conflicting coping strategies. End-gaining is usually carried out because an imperative priority of impatience or frustration justifies it.

Inhibition

In the Alexander technique lexicon, the principle of “inhibition” is considered by teachers to be the most important to gaining improved “use.” F.M. Alexander’s selection of this word pre-dates the modern meaning of the word originated by Sigmund Freud. Inhibition describes a moment of conscious awareness of a choice to interrupt, stop or entirely prevent an unnecessary habitual “misuse”. As unnecessary habits are prevented or interrupted, a freer capacity and range of motion resumes, experienced by the student as a state of “non-doing” or “allowing.”

Primary control

This innate coordination that emerges is also described more specifically as “Primary Control”. This is a key head, neck and spinal relationship. The body’s responses are determined by the qualities of head and eye movement at the inception of head motion. What expands the qualities of further bodily response is a very subtle nod forward to counteract a common backward startle pattern, coupled with an upward movement of the head away from the body that lengthens the spine. Students gradually learn to include their whole body toward their new means of initiating motion.

Directions

To continue to select and reinforce the often less dominant “good use”, it is recommended to repeatedly suggest, by thinking to oneself, a tailored series of “Orders” or “Directions.” “Giving Directions” is the term for thinking and projecting an anatomically ideal map of how one’s body may be used effortlessly. “Directing” is suggestively thought, rather than willfully accomplished, because the physical responses to “Directing” often occur underneath one’s ability to perceive. As freedom of expression or movement is the objective, the most appropriate responses cannot be anticipated, but are observed and chosen in the moment.

Psycho-physical unity

Global concepts such as “Psycho-physical Unity” and “Use” describe how thinking strategies and attention work together during preparation for action. They connote the general sequence of how intention joins together with execution to directly affect the perception of events and the outcome of intended results

Providers of the Alexander Technique Bristol

Veronica Pollard | Alexander Technique Teacher in Bristol. www.veronicapollard.co.uk

Alexander Technique with Simon Gore I.T.M | www.bristolalexander.co.uk

Claire Coveney MSTAT, Alexander Technique Teacher | www.bristolat.co.uk

Alexander Technique in Bristol | www.alexanderbristol.co.uk

Bethan Evans, MSTAT – Alexander Technique Teacher in Bristol |  www.techniqueforlife.com

Kate Howe MSTAT, Bristol Alexander Technique | www.bristolalexandertechnique.org.uk

Lisa Clarke MSTAT, Clifton Alexander Technique | www.cliftonalexandertechnique.co.uk

The post Alexander Technique Bristol appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Fuelled by their passion for what they humbly dub ‘the best city in the world’, the development of Hidden Bristol app was a labour of love for Gravitywell. The team have previously produced on the popular Banksy London Tour and Banksy Bristol Tour apps, and are currently working on a top secret project around Bristol’s evolving music scene.

Whether they’ve locals or first-time visitors, users of the app are certain to find original and unconventional places to visit and enjoy. Each location includes photographs, a full description and tips. The app is also fully integrated with maps and GPS, so users can quickly find interesting venues nearby when they’re out and about in the city.

Inspired by Bristol’s industrial past, the app takes on an early 1900s ‘pocket book’ look and feel. The guide is hosted by Brunel the Squirrel, a furry lover of top hats and curiosities with insider knowledge of the city. Hidden Bristol aims to be a real alternative to uninspiring guidebooks—both in content and appearance.

While the app already has over 50 venues and locations, users are also submitting their own via the app. As an incentive, ten pounds – in the city’s alternative currency, the Bristol Pound – is offered to users that suggest the most interesting venues. Restaurants, clubs and bars that accept the Bristol Pound are also prominently marked within the app, acting as a useful directory for the Bristol Pound-loving locals.

With Hidden Bristol, Gravitywell are hoping to give back to the city they love – by promoting the city’s lesser known independent restaurants, bars and venues; and by supporting the circulation of the Bristol Pound.

The app currently has a 5/5 rating on the iTunes App Store.

Hidden Bristol features:

• From the creators of the popular Banksy London and Banksy Bristol apps, both featured in Apple’s ‘New and Noteworthy’. Banksy London was also nominated for the Appsters Awards 2012 and the Media Innovation 2012 Awards!
• Unique and user-friendly 1900s ‘pocket book’ look.
• Fully integrated with maps.
• Currently 50+ locations.
• Constantly updated – aiming to become a comprehensive source for ‘alternative’ venues.
• Includes bonus tips from Brunel the Squirrel! Brunel can also be found on twitter: @hiddenbristol.

App Images

Logo image: http://i.imgur.com/1atulyL.jpg

Welcome view: http://i.imgur.com/4LNR5IR.jpg

Directory: http://i.imgur.com/nPwjcDd.jpg

Example entry: http://i.imgur.com/k0s1eqs.jpg

Submitting a new entry: http://i.imgur.com/J8s19jv.jpg

Map overview: http://i.imgur.com/NHHq9LR.jpg

About Gravitywell

Gravitywell is a dynamic application development and design agency based in Bristol, England. A love of creative ideas and the latest technology helps Gravitywell to create mobile apps that users love worldwide.

http://www.gravitywell.co.uk/

Device Requirements

Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. The app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Android version due to be released in 2013.

Pricing and Availability

The app is currently free on the iTunes App Store for a limited time. Download from: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hidden-bristol/id578224238?ls=1&mt=8

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Taking place from Monday 18 – Friday 22 March, visitors will be able to enjoy a delicious set-price lunch or dinner at 15 of Cabot Circus’ eateries, with many also including a glass of wine or drink as part of the offer.

Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc is one of those taking part, offering a starter and main course from its classic French set menu for £10. Set within stunning historic buildings in Quakers Friars, the restaurant uses quality local, seasonal ingredients – a perfect treat without breaking the bank!

Italian food fans will have plenty to choose from, with Carluccio’s, Piccolino and Bella Italia all tempting diners with special set menus. Or if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit of buzz, Yo Sushi!, Giraffe and Café Rouge could be right up your street.

Fans of deli delights and all things sweet will be drawn to Chandos Deli and Patisserie Valerie, where delicious platters and gorgeous puddings will take centre stage.

Kevin Duffy, Cabot Circus Centre Director, commented: “Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch, treating your partner or having dinner with colleagues, Cabot Circus has a fantastic restaurant offer with some of the best chefs and venues in the city. Come Dine with Cabot gives us an opportunity to showcase our vibrant food and drink scene and offers customers a great value dining experience, and the perfect excuse to try something new.”

Cabot Circus features a mix of fine dining, family restaurants and cafés clustered around two main areas – Quakers Friars and a restaurant terrace overlooking Cabot Circus. They include Brassiere Blanc, Harvey Nichols Restaurant & Bar, Carluccio’s and Piccolino and a wide range of popular names such as Zizzi, Café Rouge, La Tasca, Giraffe, Tampopo and Yo Sushi!

‘Come Dine with Cabot’ will offer five days of fine dining, from just £10 per person, from 18 – 22 March. For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, visit www.cabotcircus.com.

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Taking place on 16/17 March, the event will see the streets of Cabot Circus transformed for one weekend as retailers host a series of spectacular choreographed fashion performances around the centre, to showcase the best of the Spring/Summer 2013 collections.

Created by international stylist Aaron Hickton, 36 pop-up fashion shows will take place over 48 hours, bringing together high-street and high fashion brands to present the hottest new trends.

After a hard day’s retail therapy, visitors will also be able to take a little time out to indulge themselves at the life size red double decker Beauty Bus parked in Quakers Friars, where leading beauty brands will be on hand to give shoppers mini treatments, makeovers and advice on this season’s beauty trends.

Shoppers will be invited to try their hand at a ‘wheel of fashion’ to win new season hot picks from Cabot Circus stores, and take part in the ‘hook a handbag’ competition, with high street and designer arm candy on offer.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at Cabot Circus said, “48-Hour Fashion Fix will fuse music and fashion in style with beautifully choreographed fashion pieces that use the streets as a catwalk. There will also be plenty on offer for beauty fans, and opportunities to win some great prizes from our retailers. The event promises some exciting fashion moments and is not to be missed!”

Over the weekend, stylish shoppers will also be able to make the most of exclusive discounts and offers at Cabot Circus stores to save on spring / summer trends.

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And with Caravan Palace headlining Friday, with support from Kitten and the Hip and The Boxettes, and The Abyssinians heading up the reggae sunsplash on Sunday with Macka B, Bristol is in for a musical as well as foodie treat as VegfestUK Bristol comes of age and goes into double figures as one of the longest established and most successful independent food and music events in Bristol.

Around 25,000 visitors are expected over the three day festival, many of them from out of town, and many of them experiencing the delights of 100% plant based food for the first time too – VegfestUK Bristol is the world’s biggest veggie event and there are no animal products permitted at the event.

During the daytime (11am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday) visitors can expect a feast of different cuisine from across the globe, along with 125 stalls crammed with goodies including food, bodycare, clothes, fashion and accessories, and campaigns merchandise as well as information in abundance about the benefits of the plant based lifestyle, along with recipes, nutritional information, cookery demos, talks, a cinema and a host of entertainment including comedy hours, live music and performance. Admission is only £2 adults and £1 kids/claimants/OAP’s during the daytime up to 6pm (pay on gate).

Then in the evenings the Main Stage takes over proceedings and some of the biggest headliners to ever grace an outdoor stage in Bristol take centre point and crank up the PA for some fantastic sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Admission to the Friday and Saturday evening events is by advance ticket only – there are no tickets available on the gate. Tickets for Friday (Caravan Palace) are priced £15 + fees, and for Saturday (Happy Mondays, 808 State, The Farm, Peter Hook) its £25 + fees. Sunday (The Abyssinians, Macka B) admission is £5 after 6pm, pay on gate.  Tickets available from www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk and from www.theticketsellers.co.uk.

And with an after-hours parties on Saturday too, it looks like Bristol and veggies in particular will be spending most of the weekend eating and dancing – a great way to celebrate 10 years as this event enters its second decade, having been established in 2003 as an annual event in the heart of Bristol.

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With traditional, New Orleans, swing, bebop, funk, latin, world, gypsy, contemporary and free styles all represented, plus top performers from the USA, Cuba, Australia and Europe alongside the cream of local & south-west talent, this promises to be one of the major music events of the year.

Arturo Sandoval, John Scofield Organic Trio, Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion, The Big Chris Barber Band, Andy Sheppard’s Trio Libero, Pee Wee Ellis and Clare Teal, Lillian Boutte, Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts with the Big Buzzard Boogie Band and Yolanda Quartey, Get the Blessing, Alyn Shipton’s Buck Clayton Legacy Band, Bateman Brothers Jazz Band, and Matt Schofield Trio are just some of the artists available.

Tickets are priced at £130 for a weekend festival pass (very limited availability), £30 for Friday evening and £60 for either a Saturday or Sunday day ticket. Individual concert tickets are also available starting at £12. but there are 19 FREE concerts taking place in the foyer and free late night jams in the bar and even free workshops with your fave artists (if you have a concert/day ticket for them).

For more information, please visit: www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com

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Our film series shows you the very best of a plant-based lifestyle through screenings of award-winning feature documentaries on the subject. These include Vegucated, Planeat, Got the Facts on Milk?, Forks over Knives and Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home. There are also FREE PIZZAS plus plenty of entertainment on offer, with some rip-roaring stand-up comedy,  mouthwatering cookery demos and raffle prize draws!

Past screenings of Vegucated in Bristol have attracted over 100 visitors each evening, representing a noticeable surge of interest in healthy eating. ‘The best thing about our film screenings is that visitors can indulge themselves in the amazing food and comedy on offer while picking up some useful information from the very engaging films,’ says the organiser Alan Lee. ‘They don’t have the pressure of going veggie immediately, but can simply work towards reducing their meat and dairy consumption, and we’ve got all the pointers for doing just that!’

The film series takes place every Tuesday evening from April 2^nd to May 7^th 2013 at the Polish Club in the Clifton area of Bristol. Each night begins at 6:30 and ends at 10. All food served is 100% plant-based. Admission FREE, donations welcome (suggested donation: £2). All funds raised go to Vegfam charity, who feeds the hungry across the globe without animal exploitation.

Space is limited, and admission begins at 6:30 sharp, so please arrive early to avoid disappointment!

For the latest updates, search ‘Vegucate Bristol Film Series’ on Facebook. For further queries, please contact Vegucate Bristol by email at vegucate.bristol@gmail.com or by phone on 07786850945.

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PureGym has brought it back to basics and concentrates on the really important stuff like the high quality gym equipment and making sure there is lots of it! All of the gyms have over 220 pieces of gym equipment with a full range of cardio and weight machines including LIVESTRONG spin bikes and Concept2 rowers. For those that like to take it back to basics there is also free weights and floor space with Swiss and medicine balls. Another great feature of PureGym is that they are all open 24/7, this means you can fit the gym around your life style instead of fitting your life around the gym. All of this is available for a great monthly price of only £18.99 with a price for life guarantee and no monthly contracts.

The PureGym approach has become incredibly popular, since starting in 2009 they now have 39 gyms currently open across the UK with 22 planned to be opening in the coming months. One of these is the new PureGym Bristol Harbourside which will be located on Explore Lane. This will be the first PureGym in Bristol, members can currently sign up now for the reduced monthly fee of only £10.99 with a £15 joining fee. This offer is only available before the gym opens in a few weeks time and members will not be charged until the gym actually opens.

More information can be found on the PureGym Bristol Harbourside page: http://www.puregym.com/gyms/bristol-harbourside

Photos of current PureGym gyms

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The West Country accent used by TV presenter Justin Lee Collins and comedian Russell Howard came second with nearly a fifth of the vote (19 per cent).

The survey, conducted by online casino RoxyPalace.com, asked 1000 people to name their favourite accent.

A spokesman for Roxy Palace said a person’s preference could be down to both upbringing and celebrity preference.

He said: ‘We all grow up thinking we don’t have an accent and it is not until others from a different part of the country point it out that we realise that we do.

‘Therefore, it is no surprise that none of those polled said they felt their own accent was the least attractive.

‘We also found that many people choose which accents they prefer based on who their favourite celebrities are at the time.

‘So, without TOWIE, maybe the Essex accent would have performed better.

He added that it was little surprise that the Irish accent topped the poll.

He said: ‘It is melodic, out of the ordinary and has something of the loveable rogue quality to it.

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During the launch Larry completed a series of sporting challenges with visitors and members who wanted to test their fitness. He also spent time chatting to locals with whom he shared training tips and gave insight into his training routines, fitness advice and happily supported the club he attends.

Larry Godfrey, GB Olympic Archer, says: “I am really pleased to help celebrate the re-launch of Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Bristol. I have been attending the Centre for a long time because it offers me the highest quality of services and expert support that I need. Likewise the team are helpful and friendly which makes training in the Centre an overall great experience.”

The event also showcased the launch of a new Wellbeing Membership, focussed on helping people to achieve their health and fitness goals. Plus HealthScore, the new online fitness and lifestyle tool and smartphone app that motivates and supports people to improve their health and fitness.

The new look Centre has undergone an extensive refurbishment to the pool area (new tiles throughout and redecoration), new spin studio, new reception desk, redecoration in main gym and entrance areas, including new flooring in the personal training area.

During the launch visitors were also given the opportunity to access lifestyle and behavioural advice throughout the day from qualified health and fitness experts. In addition to free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose testing which were available throughout the day for those interested in learning more about their health.

Emily Tuck, General Manager, Nuffield Health, says: “My team and I are really proud of the refurbishments completed at the club and thank everyone who came along and helped us celebrate. We are particularly grateful to Larry who took time out of his busy schedule to speak to visitors and answer the many questions thrown at him.

Most importantly this launch has enabled us to focus on new initiatives such as our Health Mentors and HealthScore which signify the future of Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centres and our goal to provide joined up health and wellbeing care and support through proactive services.”

Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre Bristol offers:

• Fantastic fitness facilities (gym equipment, swimming pools, sauna, steam)

• Free 60 minute, 12-point Nuffield Health MOT measuring key factors that significantly affect your health, including waist to hip ratio, blood pressure, aerobic fitness, blood glucose and cholesterol.

• Expert trained Wellbeing Advisors, Physiotherapists, Physiologists and GP’s

• Nutritional Therapy

• Meet our Expert events (monthly free events for members and non-members)

• Access to dedicated Health Mentors and Wellbeing Advisors

• Onsite Health Clinic

• Dedicated spin studio

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Cabot Circus is challenging thrill seekers to take part in a sponsored Firewalk for the MS Society on Saturday 9 February. The infamous Firewalk challenges participants to walk 20 feet across over 650 degrees of burning embers, all in aid of the charity.

The event promises to provide a real spectacle for shoppers as members of the public undertake the daring task. All those taking part will be given a two-hour training session to ensure they are fully prepared to take on the daunting ‘trial by fire’.

Andy Jarrett, MS Society area fundraiser for the West said: “The Firewalk marks the start of our 60th anniversary year and it’s not too late to get involved. It will be a memorable fundraiser but also a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone that wishes to take part. Without the continued support of organisations and fundraising individuals across the nation, we couldn’t continue to provide support to people with MS and their families.”

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at Cabot Circus, said: “We are proud to be hosting the MS Bristol Firewalk and encourage local people to get behind the idea – this is a real opportunity for our shoppers and staff to do something memorable for charity, and have an once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

MS is the most common neurological condition affecting young adults in the UK. An estimated 100,000 people have MS. Symptoms include loss of sight and mobility, fatigue and cognitive problems – there is no cure and few effective treatments.

The MS Society is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by multiple sclerosis (MS), providing an award-winning freephone helpline and funding around 70 vital research projects in the UK.

Land Securities, which jointly owns Cabot Circus, has nominated the MS Society as its charity partner for the year.

The Firewalk will take place at Cabot Circus on Saturday 9 February at 5pm.

If you would like more information or to register for the Cabot Circus Firewalk, please visit www.mssociety.org.uk/firewalk.

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Our aim is to give everyone a pleasant, enjoyable and safe flight. Ballooning is an adventure, a magic carpet ride, something not to be rushed. The flight will last for about one hour, the whole outing usually takes between 3 and 4 hours. We fly in the late afternoon or evening and soon after dawn to take advantage of the stable air and light winds found at these times of the day. We do not fly if it is raining or very windy. The main flying season is March to October, however, “Exclusive” flights are available throughout the year. For further information see the website or call us.

Ballooning, like serendipity, is the art of making happy and unexpected discoveries by chance. Where we go is entirely dependent upon the wind. No two flights are the same. The average distance we travel is ten miles, affording you stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

Age is no barrier to enjoying this spectacular journey, our passengers ages range from nine to ninety! We provide a friendly and personal service. Passengers may like to help lay out and launch the balloon or simply leave this to our ground crew. For your safety and comfort we suggest you wear outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year. A balloon basket is a brilliant platform for photography, bring a camera or camcorder, plenty of memory and a spare battery!

Chilled Champagne or orange juice is served in-flight with our compliments. Each passenger receives a commemorative flight certificate signed by the pilot. Our experienced retrieve crew, who are in radio contact with the balloon, meet us on landing and will return you to the launch site, usually at the Ashton court Estate.

Contact

Bristol Balloons
23-51 Winterstoke Road
Ashton
Bristol
BS3 2NP

Tel 0117 947 1050
sales@balnet.co.uk
www.bristolballoons.co.uk
www.facebook.com/bristol.balloons

Article published on behalf of Bristol Balloons as part of the We Love Bristol directory.

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Bristol and the west country have woken up to the first snow of winter, with inches having already settled and more predicted to be on its way.

How heavy has the snow fallen in your area and have you snapped any wintry scenes? We’d like to see your photos.

Click here to Email us your snow pictures, including your name and location, or alternatively, tweet us @welovebristol!

Bristol snow photos 2013

Bristol Snow news and advice from Twitter

First Bus said that all services in both Bristol and Bath were suspended. First Bristol Twitter.

Many schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire announced they would be closing because of the weather.  Bristol City Council Twitter. South Gloucestershire Council Twitter.

Bristol Airport said they were dealing with heavy snow and flights were not able to take off or land.

The airport said several inches of snow had prevented some 15 flights from taking off as scheduled before 08:00 GMT. Bristol Airport Twitter.

Other useful Twitter accounts: Avon and Somerset Police Twitter. Avon Fire and Rescue Twitter. Great Western Ambulance Twitter. BBC Bristol Twitter.

Bristol weather

The Met Office page for Bristol indicates further wintry showers are expected for today and the weekend.

Bristol snow pictures archive

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Of those surveyed, 50% agreed that once they decide on a healthy eating plan it becomes a way of life. In comparison to other UK cities, only Edinburgh matched Bristol’s determination to stick to New Year resolutions, while people in Leeds were the worst offenders, where only 19% of people said their healthy eating plan becomes part of their long-term routine.

Commenting on the findings, Helen Stevenson, M&S Nutritionist said: “We’re all guilty of making and breaking New Year’s resolutions so it’s great to see that the people of Bristol are committed to keeping up the good work in terms of healthy eating.

“To help us all keep on track, M&S have launched an extensive selection of healthy eating food products, designed to help people eat nutritiously and stick to their healthy plans.

“Our Fuller Longer range, which is designed to be high in protein, helping you to keep full and reduce snacking, has also been expanded to include meals for two and will be included in our popular Dine In deals in January.”

Surprisingly one in two men in the UK is planning a diet this January, with men being more likely (9%) than women (4%) to go on a diet due to comments from partners or colleagues.  In Bristol this could be due to beer bellies (47%) and moobs (23%) being rated as the two things women in Bristol would find physically most unattractive in men.

To maintain your New Year’s resolutions, M&S healthy ranges including: Fuller Longer, Guilt Free Snacking and Count On Us are on sale at your local M&S store in Cribbs Causeway and Broadmead.  Further information on all M&S healthy ranges can be found at: www.marksandspencer.com/health.

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The M&S health website also enables customers to assess their lifestyle and diet, for example: work out their BMI, download complete menu planners, and recommended daily calorie intakes to achieve their weight loss goals.

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Jazz at the Albert is a generic name used as an umbrella for diverse jazz and acoustic music activities by Ian Storror and associates.

The legendary producer/promoter Norman Grantz used the title Jazz at the Philharmonic from the mid-40s until the early 70s, following his music events held at The Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles. He organised worldwide tours and recording projects using the same title. It is hoped that in some small way a similar link can be preserved to the original Jazz at the Albert, formerly held at The Albert Inn, Bedminster, Bristol, from 1983 to 2005.

Promotion and Mission Statement

The intention has always been, and will hopefully continue to be, to promote music in Bristol to the highest possible standard in the areas of Jazz and Acoustic music. The aim is to ensure that top artists in their respective fields have somewhere to play and work in our City and that they do not miss Bristol out of scheduled tours.

Possible links to touring schemes with other venues both nationally and regionally have been discussed and may form more regular parts of Jazz@ the Albert promotions over the coming years.

A long-term aim is to form closer associations with other like-minded people in Bristol, to achieve a co-operative approach to maintaining music promotions in the shorter term and ultimately produce a festival of jazz and acoustic roots music over several days, some time in the future.

Management

Ian Storror has undertaken some management for a few Jazz artists, performing the service of agent for booking and contractual work, publicity, marketing, production and promotion.

Jazz Talks

Jazz at the Albert is able to provide in-depth talks on jazz musicians from the past, using an entertaining format with audio and visual aspects to support the talk. Based on a BBC Radio Bristol series by Ian Storror, it was broadcast ‘live’ over many years from 1998, in association with the BBC’s Keith Warmington on his Drive Time and Late shows. The Giants of Jazz series covered the life, the times, and the music of a diverse range of artists from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to Ornette Coleman and Medeski, Martin and Wood.

We will be quickly into the swing this year with Gilad Atzmon and Jonathan Gee’s New York Trio with Jazz and a unique chance to hear Julie Matthews’ acoustic song-writing talents on work she did for BBC Radio 2 for the Olympics last year.
I will be hoping to establish more regular jazz events at The Hen & Chicken over the coming months and bring a wealth of the best there is around, to Bristol.

All gig details on website (from Fri 11 Jan)  www.jazzata.com Bookings on storror.albertjazz@talk21.com or Ian on 07766 741417

Snapshot of upcoming Jazzata Events

Gilad Atzmon & the Orient House Ensemble £14/£12 (OAP’s/students) Jazz
Sunday 27 January 2013
The Hen & Chicken, 210 North Street, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF
All gig details on website http://www.jazzata.com
Gilad Atzmon – clarinet, sax, Yaron Stavi – bass, Eddie Hick – drums, Frank Harrison – piano

Maverick, award-winning saxophonist Gilad Atzmon and the Orient House Ensemble are back on the road with their latest album Songs Of The Metropolis. Tonight’s gig will be part of a 29-date tour over the first three months of 2013.
For the last 12 years the quartet have been touring all over the world, stunning audiences with their firebrand performances packed with drama, pathos, luscious harmonies and wit.
Atzmon’s latest compositions are a sweeping homage to the worlds great cities, from Moscow to Buenos Aires, Vienna to the Manhattan district of New York and Scarborough….?
Each tune is at once reminiscent and hopeful; in a time of great uncertainty and turbulence Atzmon and the Orient House Ensemble deliver melodies that provide an anchor to wherever it is that we call home.

Gilad Atzmon is a world-renowned saxophonist, a well-respected musician and a controversial public critic of Israel.
Born into a pro-Zionist family and serving briefly in the first Lebanon War, Gilad had a dramatic turnaround after what he witnessed on the frontline as a paramedic. He quit the army, picked up his instrument and moved to London, declaring himself an enemy of the Israeli state.
Besides producing some of the modern era’s greatest Jazz albums he also published the controversial book The Wandering Who.
He is blunt and outspoken in his political and philosophical ideas, and his views on Jewishness provoke both the left and ring wing in Israel. World leaders on both sides of the argument have quoted his written and spoken words on the subject.
Despite much false publicity, he continues to strive for peaceful protest while trying to bring pressure for change from both external sources, and a growing internal dissatisfaction with the current situation in the Middle East.

His music is his other voice of protest, but it is inevitably linked to a joyous hope that pervades nearly every powerful note from his being. A Gilad performance is always a tour de force and has been described as a ‘force of nature’!
He will have you laughing out loud one minute and in tears or thumping your fist the next…never dull.

Whatever your view on this complicated subject the musicianship is beyond doubt, the combined explosive energy with heart rending musical compositions always hit the spot for the benefit of all in attendance, a ‘not to be missed’ gig on any music calendar.
http://www.gilad.co.uk/songs-of-the-metropolis/

Julie Matthews £12/£10 (OAP’s/students) Acoustic
Thursday 31 January
The Hen & Chicken, 210 North Street, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF
All gig details on website http://www.jazzata.com
Julie Matthews is an award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. She has been a member of some of the most influential British folk duos and groups and is acknowledged internationally as a major songwriter, with her work being covered by a wide range of artists and groups. Her music is often classified as English folk, but contains strong American influences.

Taking a break from her duo with Chris While, Julie performs material from the recent series of Radio Ballads about the Olympic Games.
In 2006, Julie Matthews was one of a handful of invited songwriters to take part in a brand new project, The BBC Radio 2 Radio Ballads (aired in 2007).
Inspired by the ground breaking original Radio Ballads written by Ewan MacColl in the 50′s and 60′s, the new radio ballads set out to bring the topics that MacColl had covered, up to date.
Such was the success of this series, that Radio 2 also commissioned radio ballads in 2009 and most recently for the 2012 Olympic games.
In this show, Julie performs these songs live, along with the pre-recorded interviews, which featured in the original programmes and inspired the song writing. From names like Gold medal winning Pentathlete Mary Peters and the infamous US-sprinter Tommy Smith, who was among those whose Black Power protest on the victory rostrum has passed into history.
Julie will also relate how she wrote the songs and describe the process of compiling the complete radio ballad series. Here is a unique chance to catch this in a LIVE setting.

The Jonathan Gee New York Trio £14/£12 (OAP’s/students) Jazz
Sunday 17 February 2013
The Hen & Chicken, 210 North Street, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF
All gig details on website http://www.jazzata.com
Jonathan Gee – piano, Joseph Lepore – bass, Gene Calderazzo – drums

Jonathan Gee has been plying his trade for over 25 years playing in any setting from jazz clubs and arts centres to lounge bars and restaurants and even cruise liners: He took the time to travel to other countries to progress his knowledge and talent, making musical associations along the way in Italy, Finland and the USA, all the while learning, improving and developing his own style.
Now playing bigger venues and working with such luminaries of the jazz world as Pharoah Sanders and David Murray, the upward curve continues to impress.
That grounding has stood him in good stead to become a unique voice on the piano. Nobody plays jazz piano like Jonathan Gee, either here or on the world stage.

His conversational play with other band members is intensely felt, his sense of Monkish timing is off kilter but as with Monk himself: it works. He swings; is lyrical; yet with a very contemporary delivery that stretches listeners without alienating them. Unique.
His previous visits to Bristol have ranked among many critics ‘top gigs of the year’ lists every time he’s been in town, this will be no exception.

Tonight’s group will play music from the much-heralded New York trio album, “Dragonfly” featuring many original tunes Gee has honed over the three years of development, during two recording sessions in New York itself.
Original bassist Joseph Lepore is over from the States for this tour and it was expected Nasheet Waits the doyen of young NY drummers would also be with us: However due to his star burning brightly at this time he has been claimed by contract to Jason Moran in America for two gigs and in France for Michel Portal, which now unfortunately coincides with the week of this planned tour.
However, despite being unable to entertain Nasheet and because of Jonathan’s wealth and breadth of playing experience with so many top level players from around the world, he has been able to gain the services of a hard nosed New Yorker who is well known to Bristol audiences for his gnarled, exhilarating and driving style; Gene Calderazzo.
Brother of acclaimed pianist to Michael Brecker: Joey Calderazzo, Gene now lives in the UK after falling for and marrying an English girl.

His work in the States with the likes of Benny Golson, Eddy Henderson, the Steve’s Grossman & Lacy, James Moody and Randy Brecker, saw him move smoothly into the UK scene.
His work over here has seen him as an integral part of the long-term project The Partisans and gained him work on the rock stage with Sting and Radiohead and Jazz with Evan Parker, Mike Gibbs and Gary Husband. He is also a regular educator at The Royal Academy, Guildhall & Trinity colleges of music in London and the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Joseph Lepore has been the chosen bass player of many of the biggest talents in the US for long periods: he was “hand picked” by Greg Osby with whom he regular works today.
Born in New York he grew up in Southern Italy before moving back to live in the Big Apple in 1997.

His playing, on his own recent album release “Journal” has drawn critical comparisons to the great Ron Carter in style, tone and rhythm.

Apart from the original compositions we will no doubt hear a Thelonious Monk tune somewhere in the sets, as Jonathan is not only a long time follower of Monk but was part of the now legendary (with saxophonist Tony Kofi), Monk Project for the London Jazz Festival, playing the entire Monk portfolio in one day (close on seven hours)!
A vocal interpretation or two may also be on the 5-Star menu for this evening.
http://www.jonathangeetrio.co.uk/

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The successful fashion boutique has been doing a national ‘Pop UP Shop Tour’ and Cabot Circus has been announced as the first stop of 2013. To mark the occasion Sam and Billie will be hosting an exclusive meet and greet for fans, including signing Minnies merchandise and books, within the shopping centre on Saturday 2nd at 2pm and Sunday 3rd at 1pm. Sam`s book was a massive success last year with17 weeks in the Top 10, knocking Simon Cowell off the No 1 spot.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at Cabot Circus said, “We are very excited to welcome Minnies to Cabot Circus and delighted to be their first stop of 2013. Pop-up stores are providing a new dimension for shopping at Cabot Circus by offering our customers the opportunity to sample a diverse range of stores such as this unique fashion boutique.”

Billie Faiers said, “The response we received to our ‘Minnies Tour’ last year was just incredible. We had so much fun taking Minnies around the country and we can’t wait to continue the tour this year! We are excited to arrive in Bristol and to meet our fans.”

Sam Faiers commented, “We had an amazing 2012 with ‘pop up’ shops in Liverpool, Sheffield and Southampton. Myself, Billie and the Minnies Team had so much fun last year and we are so excited that the tour is continuing into 2013. Taking Minnies out on the road in 2012 was a huge success and it was fantastic to meet our loyal followers in their home cities, as they often come from across the country to visit Minnies in Essex. We can’t wait to meet many more of our fans on The Minnies Tour this year.”
The Minnies ‘Pop UP Shop Tour’ will showcase a number of the most popular brands being sold by the boutique including Minnies, Little Mistress, House of Deron, Sugarhill Boutique, Tempest, Gwynedds & Mink Pink. Sam and Billie will be working in the store alongside their Essex team.

The post Minnies Boutique to Pop-Up at Cabot Circus appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

Blood.co.uk recently launched a 100 thousand new donors in 100 days campaign to encourage more people to come forward, and asking all existing donors to please spread the word in support of that campaign.

If you are interested in finding out more about giving blood and would like more information, visit www.blood.co.uk.

If you’re generally healthy and aged 17 or over, do something amazing…. Give blood

96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood. Please don’t leave it to someone else.

The post Do You Know Someone Who Can Help Save Lives? appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

The Hall may have burned to the ground and been rebuilt twice since then, and generations of Bristol folk have come and gone, but Bristol Choral Society’s Messiah at the Hall remains a constant and firmly established Bristol Christmas tradition – the choir has performed the work almost every year, on the Saturday before Christmas at Colston Hall, since that 1892 debut and hundreds of thousands of Bristolians have flocked to those performances ever since.

It’s easy to see why – packed with tunes that are well-known and loved, such as ‘For unto us a child is born’, ‘I know that my redeemer liveth’ and of course the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus to name a few, Messiah has always been well-loved by audiences. Conductor Adrian Partington has taken part in more than 100 performance of Messiah, but says ‘it’s one of the greatest, uplifting, life-enhancing pieces of music ever written. When you hear a great piece like Messiah you realise it’s stood the test of time, providing stimulation and cheering so many people up over the years’.

Bristol Choral Society’s Messiah may have history, but it’s far from old-fashioned – the choir’s rendition has won renown as the choir sing the work entirely from memory (believed to be the only choir in the country to do so) in a style that is light and dancing, and the delightful playing of period orchestra Music for Awhile is both scintillating and thrilling.

The Bristol Times and Mirror of 22 December 1892 had this to say of the choir’s debut Messiah:

“The volume of tone was magnificent … Every point was observed with scrupulous exactness, the leads were firmly taken up, and the phrasing and enunciation was all that could be desired.”

‘Exactly the same could be said of Bristol Choral Society’s 21st century performances’ says Adrian ‘except of course these days the choir achieves the feat of performing the whole work from memory, which is quite remarkable – unique as far as I am aware – and it enables a much greater connection between the performers on stage, the music they are making and the audience who come to enjoy it’.

The choir will be joined by a distinguished quartet of soloists for this year’s performance: Mary Nelson (soprano), James Neville (countertenor), Daniel Auchincloss (tenor) and Joshua Copeland (baritone) under the direction of Adrian Partington. As usual, there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Christmas Appeal for Children.

Tickets for the complete 7.30pm performance are priced from £10 to £23 (under 25s £5, OAPs 10% discount).

Before that on the same day, a short Mini Messiah for families at 4.30pm introduces children to this Christmas favourite in under an hour. Now in its third year, the family concert has proved immediately successful, attracting large audiences of children who have been enthralled hearing this great music live. Adrian says ‘I’ve never seen so many children at a classical concert and so completely engrossed in what they are hearing – it speaks volumes about how Handel’s music is so immediately accessible and can communicate universally to people of all ages, as it has done since the 1740s when it was written. Judging by the response to these family concerts – and I hear a record audience is coming this year – it seems a long and thriving future for Bristol’s Messiah is secure’.

The 4.30pm Mini Messiah family concert costs £5 for adults and accompanied children go free.

Tickets for both 22 December performances are available online at www.bristolchoral.co.uk or from Colston Hall (tel: 0117 922 3686 or in person).

The post Hallelujah! 120 years of Messiah at Christmas at Colston Hall appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.

With just over two weeks left in 2012, almost every major web site and service are in the process of compiling their yearly reviews. Google are one company who’s data and statistics gets a huge amount of attention. Google releases its annual Zeitgeist list, based on the fastest growing search terms throughout the year, as opposed to the overall largest volume of searches.

The search giant has compiled all of its search data and insights from 2012 and here we are summarising the best bits of Bristol in Google Zeitgeist!

Bristol came second to London for the number of searches on Google Maps.

The post Bristol Sits Proud Second In UKs Most Googled Cities List appeared first on We Love Bristol - local news, events, reviews, guides and business directory.