Local book event in Backwell

Local authors will be signing copies of their books at a special pre-Christmas event in Backwell, following a linkup between independent North Somerset publishers Bristol Books with property agents Parker’s.

From 2pm to 4pm on Friday December 16 a selection of books produced by the Wraxall-based publisher will be on sale at Parker’s offices on the traffic lights at Station Road, Backwell.

Three local authors will be on hand to sign their books, giving people an opportunity to snap up a local Christmas gift.

Martin J. Powell, who lives in Backwell will be selling and signing copies of his new historical novel Maid of the Haystack and Backwell-based poet David Punter will be there to sign copies of his new collection inspired by the SS Great Britain called Ship’s Log. Clive Burlton, who lives in Congresbury, will be signing copies of his books on aspects of local history.

Parker’s Director Andrew Simmonds said: “We are committed to Backwell and want to support local authors and this Community Interest Company that produces some great local books. It is a chance for people to pop in, meet the authors and buy a book for Christmas.

“Of course if anyone wants to buy a house while they are here – or talk about putting their property on the market in the New Year we will be happy to oblige! We have a great local community here and we want to work together with other local businesses to make the most of our prominent location.”

Trenches to Trams talks

Shortly after his death in 1972, George Pine’s handwritten memoirs were uncovered when his home was cleared of his belongings. Following extensive research into George’s 44,000 words, Clive Burlton wrote Trenches to Trams, revealing what an extraordinary life this ordinary Bristolian had.

George fought with the 6th and 12th Gloucesters during WW1 and was injured on the battlefield on three occasions including at the Battle of the Somme. During the final weeks of the war, he received gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder and partially recovered at the Beaufort War Hospital.

His war was over, but he now had to battle to seek a just pension and to secure employment when classified as 50% disabled.

Trenches to Trams was the catalyst to the formation Bristol Books and Clive will be telling George’s story at two lectures this month:

First talk is at 7.30pm on Friday 11th November for Stoke Bishop History Group, Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Bristol, BS9 1EX. £3 entry on the night.

Second talk is a fundraiser for Glenside Hospital Museum on Sunday 27th November at 7pm. Being held in the church at Blackberry Hill, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 1DD. Bookable through Event Bright

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-remarkable-story-of-one-mans-first-world-war-experience-tickets-454900739357

Copies of Trenches to Trams will be available at a discounted price of £10 at these talks. You can also purchase the books from our website here at the discounted price of £10 using the discount code TRENCHES10

The Bristol Miscellany Quiz 2022

This Christmas, to celebrate the publication of the new Bristol Miscellany Volume 2, we’re once again delighted to provide you with a new festive quiz for you and your friends or work colleagues to share.

All the answers can be downloaded here, but are also found in Manson’s Bristol Miscellany Volume 2 - the perfect gift for a Bristolian this Christmas!

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1. The Fire-Ball was the first train to leave Temple Meads station in August 1840. What destination did it reach 32 minutes later?

2. What was St Augustine’s Parade called after transport links were developed across Bristol?

3. What is the name of the sole survivor of the Campbell fleet of ships that once operated around the Bristol Channel?

4. Which Bristolian gave his name to the mark drawn on all cargo ships indicating the maximum depth to which they can be safely loaded?

5. The Bristol Boxkite was the first plane to be made in Bristol. Where was its inaugural flight?

6. What does BAC stand for?

7. In what area was Bristol’s first airport?

8. A “temporary” flyover was erected at Temple Gate in 1968. What year was it in use until?

9. Which Bristol bridge is named after an enslaved servant?

10. In 1816 the general surveyor of Bristol Turnpike Trust published a booklet on how to surface roads. What was his name?

11.. What was the name of Bristol’s milkmaid poet?

12. Bristolian Alexander Archibald Leach became famous under what name?

13. What was the name of the building described as “like a galleon in a modern port” that once stood on the corner of High Street and Wine Street?

14. What was Clifton Observatory originally built as?

15. Who was the author of the book Existencilism?

16. What did Felix Farley and other members of the Farley family produce in Bristol?

17. Approximately how many people made up the population of Bristol in 1600?

18. Architect Charles Holden designed Southgate Underground Station in London – and which Bristol building?

19. What Anglo Saxon Saint, celebrated to have brought a dead goose back to life, gave his name to a Bristol Church and district?

20. What did George Muller found in 1834 in Wilson Street, St Paul’s?

21. Which poet’s home is preserved close to St Mary Redcliffe Church?

And the winner is...

In our tenth year Bristol Books scooped an award at the 2022 Bristol Life Awards held at Ashton Gate Stadium and attended by hundreds of the city’s business community.

The Civic Award was presented to highlight the contribution of an organisation or company which has improved Bristol this year, either a new initiative which makes our city better or commitment to helping develop others, or notable charitable work.

The judges said on naming Bristol Books as winners that we:  “Published high quality, well-researched books on untold Bristol stories: important work in tough times. It has helped authors and contributed to the city’s culture and heritage.”

Directors Clive Burlton and Martin Powell were presented with the trophy by Bristol Life editor Deri Robins and television comedian Mark Olver.

We were shortlisted alongside Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol City Centre BID, Bristol Nights (Bristol City Council), Hargreaves Lansdown, National Friendly, Richmond Events Management and Where’s It To? (Bristol City Council).

The Bristol Life Awards are the business highlight of the city. They are the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards with the greatest number of local companies involved.

There are more than 22 categories and the winners are chosen by a panel of independent and impartial judges.

Award Finalists

At Bristol Books we are flattered to be shortlisted for the Civic Award category of this year’s Bristol Life Awards.

The Award highlights the contribution of an organisation or company which has improved Bristol this year. Some new initiative which makes our city better or commitment to helping develop others, or notable charitable work.

We have been shortlisted alongside Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol City Centre BID, Bristol Nights, Hargreaves Lansdown, National Friendly, Richmond Events Management and Where’s It To? Some big and impressive names!

The Bristol Life Awards are the business highlight of the city. They are the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards with the greatest number of local companies involved.

There are more than 22 categories and the winners are chosen by a panel of independent and impartial judges. Winners will be announced at a glittering awards night at Ashton Gate stadium in May.