Riverford Farm Shop

We've just started getting vegetable boxes from this great place called the Riverford Farm Shop (http://www.riverfordfarmshop.co.uk/). It's absolutely wicked! The veg that we've got so far has been so fresh and tasty, and it's so easy to update the order online to include all sorts of other things...chutney, ginger, various puddings etc. The price is pretty much what you'd expect to pay at a supermarket as far as I can tell...but a little cheaper. Plus it's all locally sourced. The only problem I have with it is that the delivery time isn't specific enough - on Wednesdays, but any time on Wednesdays. Tip - if you're thinking of ordering from them, make sure you have a black recycling box, because the veg boxes fit perfectly in them incase you're not in when they call.


So, why order from here?


Good for the environment (although I suspect this one to be more complex than people make out)

Great food

Slightly cheaper

Seasonal veg, so you're encouraged to be more adventurous with you food...and more in touch with the seasons...which can be nice.

Less physical shopping

Less horrible supermarket atmosphere

Supporting small local business


Who wouldn't want to?

Stuff to do in January

Just copied this from December because...well...seemed like a good idea.

January 9th -

Farmers Market in Corn Street. All produce from a 40 mile radius, and all kinds of food. It'll make you feel healthy, and possibly more smug.

January 10th -

A new weekly beginners Salsa class starts today at St.Bonaventures Club, Berkeley Road, Bishopston. 7.45 - 9pm

January 11th - 13th

The Folk House Accoustic Festival. Google it for more details (cos I'm feeling lazy).

January 11th - 12th

Jesters Launch Weekend at their new venue (used to be The Magic Box).

January 17th -

The Devil Kicks Dancehall at Mr.Wolfs. Sumptuous burlesque acts and rockabilly bands. Dress to the nines so you don't feel left out!

January 18th -

Bristol's fourth silent comedy festival, hosted by Paul Merton, is screening "The Gold Rush" by Charlie Chaplin at Colston Hall. The music accompanying it promises to be great as it's a newly adapted score and will be performed by a 13 piece ensemble.

January 18th -

The Graffel draw at the Guerrilla Galleries (graffiti artwork) 140-142 Gloucester Road. 8pm. See http://www.graffle.co.uk/ for more info.


January 19 - ?

Love : National Gallery Touring Exhibition at the Bristol City Museum - http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Leisure-Culture/Museums-Galleries/exhibition-love---national-gallery-touring-exhibition.en

January 25th -

Fancy a Georgian meal whilst listening to traditional singers? If so, then mosey on down to the Grant Bradley Gallery in Bedminster. It's to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bristol twinning with Tbilisi.

January 25-March 9 -

Fair Trade Fortnight. See what's happening in your area at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

January 27th -

An evening with Sue Broadway: A Life & Love of Vaudeville at the Cube. 8pm
http://microplex.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl

One for the girls

You won't believe how much fun poledancing and burlesque classes are until you try it. I promise. They're a great female-bonding experience, good excersize, and amazing for building up self-confidence (or so I found). Here are a couple I seriously recomend -


Central Chambers pole dancing course
http://central-chambers.co.uk/poleschool/index.htm

Pink Kitten Dance School - pole dancing, burlesque, lap dancing, and chair work (how intruiging) classes
http://www.pinkkittendanceschool.com/workshops.html


seriously, give it a go...you don't have to tell anyone ;)

Here are some Brilliant Bristol Bands to check out (and maybe when they're next playing)

So me babbers. It's pretty hard to find some decent bands in Bristol. There is so...much...hip hop...that it makes me feel sad. Want something different? A little quirky perhaps? A bit fiesty? Or more relaxed? Or more melodic? Then check these bands out.

I don't really swing with the "these guys sound like a cross between Dolly Parton and The Clash" kinda stuff. So just have a listen. It is well worth it, and links are provided :). Even if you don't like the first one or two...please listen to THEM ALL...because they are all different. And have fun.

So...in no particular order -


Babel -

http://www.myspace.com/babelbristol

Playing 11th January at the Folk House.

Andy Marshall -

http://www.myspace.com/andymarshallmusic


The Zen Hussies -

http://www.myspace.com/thezenhussies

Playing 14th February at Jesters. 8pm


The Hot Potato Syncopators

http://www.myspace.com/hotpotatosyncopators


Julian Landau (lead singer from Zen Hussies doing wicked solo stuff)

http://www.myspace.com/julianlandauhales


Kid Carpet

http://www.myspace.com/kidcarpet


Stanley Forbes

http://www.myspace.com/stanleyforbes


Fuckknuckle and the bastards (sorry mother)

http://www.myspace.com/yupknuckleandthebaskets

7th March at the Fiddlers


David Sanders

http://www.myspace.com/davidsandersmusic