Leaders across the region have this week welcomed more than three-quarters of a billion pounds set to be invested in transport projects in the West.

Significant funding will enable mass transit development between Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Trams, an extension of the popular Metrobus services, rail, light rail, and guided buses are all currently on the table.

The news coincided with this week’s opening of Bristol’s first electric bus depot in Hengrove, with electrification set to take place in Lawrence Hill next year. More than 250 new electric buses are set to serve bus passengers across our region next year.

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: 'Our region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential... It’s time to invest in the West and unlock that growth.'

In the autumn, a new transport vision will set out the long-term direction of travel for the West of England.

Keep up to date with the investment plans at westofengland-ca.gov.uk

Image credit: First Bus

Weekend tipples

Summer Garden Favourites

Perfect for drinking al-fresco with friends on a sunny day.

1. Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Grande Cuvée, £14.40
2. Signature White Blend Susana Balbo, £19.50
3. Petit Pinotage Ken Forrester Wines, £12.20
4. The Money Spider Roussanne D'Arenberg, £14.95

greatwine.co.uk

Eversfield Organic have always believed that organic food shouldn’t be a luxury -
it should be a lifestyle.

That’s why they're proud to launch Eversfield Everyday, a new range of affordable organic meat designed to bring premium quality to everyday meals.

Their mission is simple: to make organic meat accessible for more families, so that nourishing, sustainable food can become a daily norm in every home. By championing whole-animal butchery and ethical farming practices, they're making organic more inclusive, without compromising on taste or values. Eversfield Everyday is real food, for real life - every home, every day.

eversfieldorganic.co.uk

The new Happy Hearts Blue Goldstone collection by Chopard celebrate elegance, generosity, and kindness: the values at the heart of the iconic brand.

Crafted by the globally renowned Chopard in Fleurier and Geneva, the exquisite Happy Hearts Blue Goldstone Pendant and Chain, £3,010 (pictured above) showcases a dazzling blue goldstone heart framed in warm 18ct rose gold, paired with Chopard’s signature moving diamond – an emblem of luxurious joy. 

The Happy Hearts 18ct White Gold Blue Goldstone Bangle, £4,320 (pictured below) similarly features a radiant blue goldstone heart and a signature dancing diamond, here encircled by diamonds and set in a striking, polished white gold.

Part of the beloved Happy Hearts collection, these pieces unite big-hearted women around the world, each pendant and bangle acting as a tribute to the Maison’s 160-year legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic innovation. 

Little diamonds do great things.

Click here to discover more from the Chopard Happy Hearts collection at Mallory

Compatible with makeup and skin products for easy layering, this daily use, non-comedogenic sunscreen is light weight and white-cast free, protecting against sun damage and reducing premature skin aging.

theordinary.com

Imagine

Imagine is an ambitious new UK glossy launched last week. Published biannually by a new media brand with the same name, it’s focused on a specific intersection of high-fashion, entertainment and popular culture in an attempt to bring something fresh to this scene. The creative force behind Imagine is Huw Gwyther, the entrepreneur associated with two other influential magazines, Wonderland and Man About Town. He says this one is 'built for everyone’ and we can certainly see this one slotting in nicely alongside the likes of Dazed magazine and the recently refurbished i-D and The Face.

£10

magalleria.co.uk

As historic ships vanish from British waters, a group of passionate volunteers fights to save the Balmoral—a 1949 passenger vessel moored in Bristol’s iconic harbour—battling time, bureaucracy, and financial struggles to preserve a piece of maritime history before it’s lost forever...

See Balmoral in a special one-off screening at Watershed on Saturday 7 June at 3pm 

Read our interview with director Harry Knight online here 

Watershed | 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, BS1 5TX

The internationally-acclaimed stage production War Horse is galloping into the Bristol Hippodrome this month as part of its much-anticipated UK tour.

Running until 21 June, this theatrical battle cry brings Sir Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel to life with breath-taking puppetry, stirring music and heart-wrenching storytelling that keeps audiences coming back

You can read a very special interview with Sir Michael Morpurgo on our website, and buy tickets for 'War Horse' at Bristol Hippodrome online

Image credits: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The UK’s biggest free nature festival returns this weekend,
with a powerful new theme all about water.

Running across Bristol and Bath, the festival features more than 80 events, most of them free. The River Avon will connect events on the Bristol Harbourside with Bath’s waterfront. 

Expect everything from wildlife boat trips and outdoor exhibitions to paddleboarding taster sessions and screenings with a river view.

For more information and to see a full programme of events, visit festivalofnature.org.uk

Image credit: Anna Barclay

Journey across the world through food, crafts, workshops, dance and music with Bristol’s migrant and refugee communities. All activities are free and open to all ages.

This event is a collaboration between Sparks Bristol, Bristol’s Community Champions and African Voices Forum, and is part of Bristol Refugee Festival.

Saturday June 14 | 11am - 5.30pm | sparksbristol.co.uk

Discover the film and TV magic hidden around Bristol and inspire visiting friends and family on this brand new walking tour.

Starting in Clifton Village and winding down to the bustling Harbourside via Brandon Hill and the charming Old City, this experience is a must for screen
buffs and pop culture enthusiasts.

14 June, 20 July, 10 August | 2pm - 4pm | Tickets £8 - £10

yuup.co

Ellis Genge returns to action for Bristol Bears’ Gallagher Premiership semi-final clash with West Country rivals Bath Rugby at The Recreation Ground on tonight (7.45pm KO). 

The England international, who missed last weekend’s emphatic victory over Harlequins at Ashton Gate, is one of three changes to the pack, with James Dun and centurion Steven Luatua also recalled to the starting XV.

Pat Lam names an unchanged backline for the derby showdown with the league leaders, with another centurion, Harry Randall and AJ MacGinty continuing their half-back partnership and Gabriel Ibitoye and Kalaveti Ravouvou – with 24 Premiership tries between them this season – on the wings.

The Bears head to the Rec looking to make history by booking their place in a maiden Gallagher Premiership final, having appeared in three previous semi-finals
in the top-flight.

The Team

15. Noah Heward (27 apps), 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou (31 apps), 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (49 apps), 12. James Williams (54 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (58 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (52 apps), 9. Harry Randall (145 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (60 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (42 apps), 3. George Kloska (64 apps), 4. James Dun (52 apps), 5. Joe Batley (74 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (152 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (96 apps), 8. Viliame Mata (17 apps).

System players: 16. Harry Thacker (132 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (168 apps), 18. Max Lahiff (110 apps), 19. Pedro Rubiolo (1 app), 20. Santiago Grondona (15 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (51 apps), 22. Harry Byrne (10 apps), 23. Jack Bates (52 apps).

Watch the game live on TNT Sports and Discovery+, or follow the written commentary on X

bristolbearsrugby.com

5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 4 Receptions | Guide Price: £3,500,000

Offered for sale by Knight Frank Property Agents

There is a wealth of period features throughout this home including high ceilings, original fireplaces and large sash windows providing wonderful light and enviable views of the Avon Gorge. Having undergone a complete and extensive back to brick refurbishment by the previous owners and meticulously maintained since; No.1 Princes Buildings is a fine example of a Georgian, Clifton town house arranged over six floors.

The ground floor boasts an entrance vestibule leading to an elegant reception hall with Grade A, solid English Oak flooring, with doors leading to the drawing room, spanning the entire width of the south facing aspect. There are two large sash windows and a sunroom extending to the rear which floods the drawing room with natural light. Separated with grand doors, is the morning room with a wonderful, curved bay window with views to the iconic Royal York Crescent at the front of the house.

The kitchen is found on the southern aspect of the lower ground floor, designed by the current owners with an Everhot cooker, kitchen island and access to the terrace. There is a utility with ample storage, a cloakroom and access from the garage on this level. There is a basement which hosts a family room with kitchen facilities, additional storage, a family bathroom and passageway leaving to the rear garden.

The first floor exclusively hosts the principal suite, which is formed of an ensuite bath and shower room, separate cupboard space and the principal bedroom which enjoys the south facing views through the full-length sash windows. The second floor is hosts two double bedrooms and a family bathroom which services them both. On the third floor is a further double bedroom with ensuite shower room and a large study, which boasts the far-reaching views of the Avon Gorge and beyond.

The rear garden is far reaching and landscaped into patio, lawn and woodland areas with shrubberies and established trees, including a mature cooper beech tree, and gated access to further walks on the edge of the Avon Gorge. Accessed from the kitchen on the lower ground floor is a large, south facing terrace which enjoys the sun all day. At the front of the property is a single garage which internal access through the basement level. There is ample of external storage at both in the rear garden room and in the undercroft at the front of the home.

To view more images, details and the floor plan
click here to visit the Knight Frank Property Agents website.