Bath Weekend 24 March 2016

March 24, 2016

‘Bath is such a beautiful place; I’ve been many times in the past.

How could I possibly pass up an opportunity to visit it, explore it and perform for its amazing people?’

LULU IT’S

Soulful Scottish singer Lulu to relight the fire at Komedia

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THE CALENDAR

MOTORCITY AT KOMEDIA | 08 SADSVILLE BOOK CELEBRATION | 12

HEALTH, FASHION & BEAUTY

BLUE BEAUTY | 26 BATH IN FASHION | 28 GEEK CHIC | 31 BATH FITNESS COACH ZITA ALVES | 33 LIFE COACH ALISON HEATHER SUTTON ON STRESS | 35

BATH PEOPLE

LULU COMES TO KOMEDIA | 14 ALL-STAR COMEDY SHOW COMES TO FROME | 20 REHEARSAL FOR MURDER AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH | 22 MEET BATH’S BEST BLOGGERS | 44 #INSTABIZWOMAN: FUNKY MONKEY’S ALICE MILNER | 46

FOOD & DRINK

HEALTHY EASTER COOKIE RECIPE | 36 THE PIG GUIDE | 37 EASTER WINE DEALS | 39

REGULARS

MARCH 24, 2016

@bathweekend

LISA SAYS | 05 THE FIRST WORD IN FASHION | 06 TRAVEL | 40

OUR PEOPLE EDITOR LISA EVANS

lisa.evans@localworld.co.uk 01225 322274 @TheScribbler89

CREATIVE EDITOR DAN BIGGANE

#WEDITOR

Ahead of Bath oinre Fashion, we expl ble the world of wearainery technology, magical mtailkel on and a fresh ical. neo-naut

daniel.biggane@localworld.co.uk 01225 3222W69

TO ADVERTISE: ZEMONE LATTO

zemone.latto@localworld.co.uk 0117 9343426

CRAIG KILMINSTER

craig.kilminster@localworld.co.uk 07939 497390

JAMES ALLOWAY

james.alloway@localworld.co.uk 01179 343315

CONTRIBUTORS MALCOLM PHARO EMILY DOVE ZITA ALVES SARAH BAKER GORDON JONES THE PIG GUIDE ANGELA MOUNT PHOTOGRAPHY: ARTUR LESNIAK PAUL GILLIS

#%DWK:HHNHQG EDWKZHHNHQG EDWKFKURQLFOH FR XN EDWKZHHNHQG

– page 28

/,6$ 6$<6

Well, we had an eye-opener of a chat with one of British pop’s most distinctive and expressive singers.

The seemingly bubbly extrovert Lulu actually has a secret hidden beneath her sparkling public image, a secret which she shared with us ahead of her tour date to Komedia Bath next month. On page 14 she reveals a much darker side to her life; she tells us about her violent childhood, why she fears being disliked and how she copes with having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also reminisces about her past visits to Bath with her son and tells us why she’s so excited to return (“Bath is a place that seems sunny even when the weather’s bad”).

On page 20, we speak with four heavyweight comics – Gary Delaney, Pete Firman, Jarred Christmas and Sean Hughes – who are part of the biggest UK comedy tour of the year. Before they have us in stitches at Frome’s Memorial

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Theatre, they tell us what it takes to be funny, who would be in their dream comedy club line-up, and their worst gigs of all time (spoiler alert – it involves a 15-person cowboy-style brawl).

Sticking to our theme of on-stage stars, ÀLS WR SDJH WR UHDG RXU LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK husband and wife duo Robert Daws and Amy Robbins who are best known for playing a married couple in ITV’s The Royal and are on their way to Bath to star as yet another loved-up pair in Rehearsal For Murder at the Theatre Royal Bath.

Moving on from the fantastic people who are touring to our city, we look to some of the city’s own awesome individuals who are making names for themselves. <RX¶OO ¿QG VL[ SDVVLRQDWH %DWK EORJJHUV on page 44 including a foodie fanatic, a Huff Post nature enthusiast and a fashion devotee.

We also have some fantastic Bath in Fashion highlights (p.28), a travel review to Singapore (p.40) and Easter recipes and wines to indulge in (36 & 39).

Enjoy!

Lisa x

#WFIRST WORD

THIs life of fashion week legend at W In a special event on April 18, which kick-start Bath in Fashion 2016, to w e r s will editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, Justine

Three events not to miss at Bath Comedy Festival – April 1 to 10

Broadcaster, Bro comedian com and writer Mark Dolan is coming to the city on April 9 to star in a Saturday night comedy line-up at Bath The Bath Brew Brew House.

Ho night will also welcome international stand-up comedian and compere Dave Thompson who’s best known for playing Tinky Winky in the Teletubbies.

BBC’s ed Outnumbered star Anna Morris is bringing her smash-hit, sell-out Edinburgh show – It’s Got To Be Perfect – to Bath. visit the the city city as Anna will visit her alter ego – bridezilla Georgina Francis (dubbed “Britain’s Worst Bride”) – who is determined to have THE perfect wedding. She invites Bath to her wedding rehearsal at Widcombe Social Club on April 8.

When comedian Art Arthur Smith comes to Bath’s Ring O’ Bells on April 4, the mindlessness hipster guru will, in a series of mindle min dless ss exercises exerci exercises ses and and inspirational i mindless observations, bring you to the sublime state of stresslessness.

Picardie, will discuss her best-selling biography Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life.

At The Assembly Rooms, she will talk about how she spent her past decade puzzling over the truth about Coco Chanel, attempting to peel away the accretions of romance and lies.

In her critically acclaimed, biography Justine shares the history of the incredible woman who conjured up the little black dress, bobbed hairstyle, trousers for women, perfumes, and the most successful fashion brand of all time.

Control and Chaos A cheeky riot of ringlets, a halo of Botticelli waves – these glossy, fluffy, frizz-free textures are the stuff of curl fantasies.

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Spring/summer 2016 handbags are diverse: from eye-catching and embellished to classic and minimalist. The bag colour palettes to note are bright and primary or pale and powdery

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#WEVENTS

Our roundup of Bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fabulous events 02725&,7< &/8% 1,*+7 $7 .20(',$ %$7+ At Komediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Motorcity, a refreshing but classic mix of motown, soul, funk and rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll anthems are played to keep its guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet stomping into the early hours.

The weekly event runs straight on from the Award-winning Krater Comedy Club and is a popular venue for birthdays, hen and stag parties and other special events.

3+272*5$3+< %< 628/ 0(',$ ::: 628/ 0(',$ &2 8. ::: )% &20 628/0(',$8.

08

09

#WEVENTS

Motorcity club night at Komedia Bath continued...

10

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#WEVENTS

Our roundup of Bath’s most fabulous events

CELEBRATION OF THE SADSVILLE BOOK LAUNCH

THE IGLOO AT THE ABBEY HOTEL, NORTH PARADE (CONTINUED FROM MARCH 17TH’S ISSUE OF W

A sponsors and supporters reception was held this month to celebrate the Bath and North East Somerset NSPCC School’s Sadsville book – a children’s illustrated book which aims to protect and educate young people on what’s acceptable, and what’s not – written by BBC TV presenter Martin Roberts.

Thanks to its sponsors, this book will be given out, free, to Years 5 and 6 pupils in the Bath and North East Somerset area.

A party was held to thank all of the local sponsors and to celebrate the hopes for the future of the project as it’s rolled out nationwide.

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Sponsors and supporters reception sponsor Ian Taylor, from the Abbey Hotel, with Martin Roberts

Sponsors Sirona care & health Foundation Trustees Linda Henderson and Dusty Walker with Martin Roberts

Guests enjoying the reception and the launch of the book

Alice Ellis with the Sadsville website team, Dev Clever and Katie Jefferies

For more information about the project visit www.thevilles.co.uk

Martin Roberts thanking Jackie Geoghegan the Sadsville Illustrator, with a bouquet of flowers

Children at Paulton School receive the first delivery of books. They are pictured celebrating with author Martin Roberts

Having a party or business event? Let us know and we could print the pictures in W ! Email lisa.evans@bathchron.co.uk 12

Caroline Morgan from the NSPCC, Martin Roberts and Paulton councillor Liz Hardman, supporter of the Sadsville book, with childdren from Paulton School

Martin Roberts with Sadsville sponsors, the Mint Rooms Restaurant Bath

Sponsor Vivien Simpson, Sirona care & health Foundation Trustee Dusty Walker and Sadsville book coordinator Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE

Gemma Darby from the NSPCC giving her speech about the schools programme

Book supporters Garry Yoxhall and Rachel Yoxhall-James with Martin Roberts

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Illustrator Jackie Geoghegan with Sirona care & health Foundation Trustee Dusty Walker and Martin Roberts

#WCOVER STAR

Boom Bang-a-bang-bang Full of beans, confident, extroverted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we think we know Lulu, but, ahead of her tour date to Bath, she tells Lisa Evans about a much darker side to her life, how she copes with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and why she fears being disliked.

I

am in the middle of being personally serenaded by one of British popâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most distinctive and expressive voices. With her characteristic soulful crackle and power, Lulu triumphantly blasts BeyoncĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Runninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at me while I giggle and shift awkwardly in my seat not knowing whether to attempt to (badly) harmonise with her or interrupt to ask another question (knowing weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only got 20 minutes of allocated interview time left before her agent wraps things up). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sorry, I got carried away there,â&#x20AC;? laughs the legendary Scottish singer songwriter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;BeyoncĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of my favourites. I also love One Direction, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna and that one that was singing in the car with James Cordon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adele! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not into all that old music, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m young at heart.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also not embarrassed to say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Belieber too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m obsessed with Justin Bieber and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care who knows it.â&#x20AC;?

There is a reason to her lyrical outburst; she sings to me as a way of detailing, in verse, one of her coping methods for her severe anxiety which she has suffered with for years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whenever Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m having a bout I just do as BeyoncĂŠ does,â&#x20AC;? says Lulu, who was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The songâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about not running IURP \RXUVHOI EHFDXVH \RXÂśUH ÂżQDOO\ UHDG\ WR IDFH things. She sings: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If I lose myself, I lose it allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve outrun the fears that chasedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;every voice that cries inside my head, forever drivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I really relate to the words because I feel as if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to run from the fear, but face it instead, because, well you have to, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve still got that dark Celtic angst,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to write songs crying about how tough things are. My songs are really about going beyond the problems. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re about living in the solution.â&#x20AC;?

Luluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been on the pop scene for over 50 years; she won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969 with the song Boom Bang-a-Bang, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shared the stage with David Bowie and Take That, hosted a 79 VKRZ DQG DSSHDUHG LQ ÂżOPV DQG RQ WHOHYLVLRQ But it seems that she is a far more vulnerable, fragile person than her sparkling public image

would suggest. She has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which she believes stems from childhood, and she says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a constant battle for her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know it sounds silly because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what soldiers have,â&#x20AC;? says the Grammy-nominated singer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been afraid my whole life. Afraid of everything. Afraid to reveal myself. Afraid that if you knew me, if you really knew me, you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like me. That to me is a frightening thought â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not being liked. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably why Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always put on a bit of a front. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Struggle is a word that comes up a lot in my music,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been one of the luckiest people but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been thrown from pillar to post, emotionally. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dealt with demons, sadness... anxiety, anxiety, anxiety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want people to really see me, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to see my pain, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to have to tell you about the angst and craziness going on in my head.

And I was trained to do that, as a very young girl. ,ÂśYH DOZD\V WULHG QRW WR EH YXOQHUDEOH ,ÂśP ÂżQH WKDWÂśV ZKDW , DOZD\V VD\ ,ÂśP ÂżQH ´ Born into a working-class family in Lennoxtown, Scotland, she says that music has always been a part of her life, a part that helped her through tough times, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d always dreamed about becoming a singer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My parents were crazy about music,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They bought records every Friday, when they got their wages. Whatever was the hit of the minute was on the radiogram. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what formed my life, really. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still very much a fan of the charts and I love up-to-date modern music â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I get lost in it. My parents gave me the gift of music, and music is a great healer.â&#x20AC;? %\ WKH WLPH VKH ZDV VKHÂśG MRLQHG KHU ÂżUVW band and at age 15, she was already a national star, belting out Shout which reached the top ten in 1964. Apart from the memory of hanging out with The Beatles backstage at the Hammersmith Apollo, which she says is â&#x20AC;&#x153;clear as dayâ&#x20AC;?, she claims recollections of the time are hazy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My life was a whirlwind,â&#x20AC;? says Lulu in an accent which sounds soft Glaswegian by way of London

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and Los Angeles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the time I was living in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lulu landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and it was so exciting because I was making music. But decades went on and people were obsessed with the Sixties, and would ask me about it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ach, been there, done it, got the t-shirt,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but actually Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d only been in London and there were a lot of things going on outside that.â&#x20AC;?

Although the former redhead says she loved the kinky boots and short skirts of the Sixties, and today is looking glamorous with attentively coiffed blonde hair and trendy jewellery, the singer also remembers being plagued with insecurity about her looks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had acne,â&#x20AC;? she reveals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was consumed by the fact I had spots. It was really tortuous, thank God I had music or I probably would have killed myself.

It was terrible. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be big pictures of me, and when I saw To Sir With Love I went out crying thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so uglyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I was always hanging out with rock stars and their model girlfriends, who were all blonde and leggy. That part was not fun.â&#x20AC;?

Lulu has a good idea of where the skin problems came from, blaming the lack of healthy food available to her while on the road at the time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I would eat was quite disgusting,â&#x20AC;? she VD\V Âł, XVHG WR WUDYHO LQ D YDQ ZLWK ÂżYH JX\V DQG we would eat curries on the run, at any time, just before weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d go on stage or just after. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d eat Mars bars, chocolate, then on the way back into town it would be bacon and eggs in the middle of the night, and crisps and Cokes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The truth of the matter was I had to put up with a lot,â&#x20AC;? she whispers with mock angst. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were always farting and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d light their farts. It was disgusting, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be screaming with laughter.â&#x20AC;? :LWK WKH FRORXUIXO VWRULHV LQ IXOO Ă&#x20AC;RZ /XOX hesitates and her voice sinks to a lower tone as she says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all fun and games. At the age of 15 I was the breadwinner of the household, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of pressure for a young person to have on her shoulders. My early life had a lot of love and a lot of joy, but a lot of turbulence. I was a kid who grew up very quickly as far as being responsible was concerned. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when the darkness truly hit me. It had been coming for a long time.

I’ve been afraid my whole life. Afraid of everything.

Afraid to reveal myself. Afraid that if you knew me, if you really knew me, you wouldn’t like me. That to me is a frightening thought – not being liked. That’s probably why I’ve always put on a bit of a front.

15

#WCOVER STAR

Lulu has teamed-up with The Military Wives Choirs for her new single, Cry, from which all the proceeds will be donated to The Military Wives Choir Foundation â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved my mum and dad but I came from a violent family,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mum and my dad hammered each other nightly. And I was the eldest, you know. I never slept properly. I was afraid that my parents would accidentally kill each other and WKDW ,ÂśG ÂżQG WKHP ZKHQ , ZRNH LQ WKH PRUQLQJ So that fear has ruled my whole life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about being trained not to tell anybody. My mother would have a black eye. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh yeah, walked into the door.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Everybody heard the screams. It sticks to you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It determines how you react, how you act, how you think. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always there. I have an anxious personality. I can still cry when I think about the loss of my parents. There was a lot of love, a lot of laughter, as well as all the other stuff. No parent gets everything right, do they? But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always believe they did their best. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All that aggression made me feel as if I was living in a war zone so, I know this sounds far-fetched, I feel as if I can relate, even if only in a small way, to soldiers and the families of soldiers.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s due to this feeling of familiarity that Lulu has teamed-up with The Military Wives Choirs for her new single, Cry, from which all the proceeds will be donated to The Military Wives Choir Foundation.

To support the singleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release, Lulu will perform Cry with a different Military Wives Choir at each of her 35 UK tour dates, including her stop-off in Bath. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just really excited about it,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll mean that every show I do is unique to that city.

In Bath I will be on stage with Bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Military Wives Choir, which is great. The Military Wives Choirs Foundation is a charity that brings women in the military community closer together through singing, and this tour will give them an extra platform to express themselves and raise money. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having a different Military Wives Choir join me

onstage every night will be a lot of fun,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But on a more serious note, as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been diagnosed as having PTSD, that has helped me to relate even more with our men and women in the armed forces.

I realised I would like to do something to help, so we recorded Cry and my brother and I rewrote the O\ULFV WR DSSO\ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ WR WKH PLOLWDU\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;PTSD is not just about physical scars; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the emotional scars, and they run very deep. They DUH HQRUPRXV DQG YHU\ GLIÂżFXOW WR GHDO ZLWK :H need everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support.â&#x20AC;?

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be visiting Bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Komedia on April 20 and says her memories of the city have made her eager to return. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very excited about coming to Bath, and doing the whole tour in general,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bath is such a beautiful place; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been many times in the past. How could I possibly pass up an opportunity to visit it, explore it and perform for its amazing people? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve visited for personal reasons in the past â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I went there for Christmas one year when my son [Jordan Frieda, from her second marriage to hairdresser John Frieda] was young. We have

16

an unbelievable relationship; I put it down to his wisdom. I was an anxious parent, and like a lot of working mothers, there was a lot of guilt. But heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very forgiving, very understanding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Royal Crescent was the place that stood out most for me when we visited,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole city just makes you want to get up in the morning and go out and explore and see the architecture. Bath is a place that seems sunny even when the weatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad.â&#x20AC;?

When she comes to the city, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be performing hits from her 50 year career, such as To Sir With Love, The Man Who Sold The World, Relight My Fire, and, of course, Shout. As well as performing songs from some of her musical heroes, such as soul legends, Ray Charles and Otis Redding, she will also be taking us on a musical journey recalling personal anecdotes, song-writing experiences, and other entertaining stories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2015 was an exceptional year for me,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From performing at Glastonbury to releasing my ÂżUVW VHOI SHQQHG DOEXP DQG WRXULQJ WKH 8. VROR ZLWK P\ IDEXORXV EDQG IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH LQ \HDUV I had so much fun, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided to get back out there to do it again in 2016, and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nuts, to think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing this, at this age!â&#x20AC;? adds the 67 year old. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of outrageous. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scary, in fact, if I think of it like that. But it feels like it ÂżWV VR ZHOO QRZ ,ÂśYH IRXQG D ZD\ WR GHDO ZLWK WKH things that have driven me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always tried not to be vulnerable and this is allowing me to open up, in a way. I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown up. And yet, the opposite is true, I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just beginning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m emotionally grown up. Being in the music business from an early age sort of stunts your growth in that way. This business is full of really young people. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard as you get older to ÂżQG D SODFH $QG \HW LWÂśV ZKDW , GR DQG , KRSH , FDQ do it as long as I want to.â&#x20AC;?

When Lulu was just 15 she was signed to Decca Records and her version of The Isley Brothers’ Shout reached the UK charts, where it peaked at number seven

I’m not into all that old music, I’m young at heart. I’m also not embarrassed to say I’m a Belieber too – I’m obsessed with Justin Bieber and I don’t care who knows it 17

#WCOVER STAR

In 1967 Lulu made her film debut in To Sir, with Love, a British vehicle for Sidney Poitier.

The incredible Lulu still has plenty to shout about and is back with another fantastic tour

Picture: Ian West

Quick-fire round with Lulu What can Bath audiences expect from your show?

A lot of songs from my old albums, a lot of songs from my new album. I just want the people of Bath to be able to leave the show thinking ‘what a great night’. It takes effort to come out of the house, so I want them to feel that it was worth it and they had a party. There will hopefully be a lot of emotions, a lot of dancing and a lot of singing along too!

Will the show be unique to Bath?

Yes, every show I do will be unique to every city because I’ve invited each city’s local Military Wives Choir on stage with me. Bath’s one of the places I’m really looking forward to visiting.

Where would we find you when you’re not working?

With my grandchildren; they make me very happy. I’m very content with my life.

Your best ever holiday?

A cruise on the Bosporus in Turkey in a traditional three-masted wooden sailing boat, a gulet, stands out in my memory as a fantastic holiday and a beautiful destination. I went with friends and it was fun and relaxing at the same time. We sailed to Istanbul and saw all the sights, which was a brilliant conclusion to my visit to Turkey as it was fascinating.

You still look every bit as amazing as you always have, what are your health and

fitness tips?

I give my system a rest and adjust my diet for a month at the start of spring. Instead of fasting, which I don’t agree with, I simply cut down on carbs and red meat and focus on fish, chicken, vegetables and lots of salads. Most importantly, I enhance every meal with handfuls of freshly chopped herbs, such as basil, mint, coriander and parsley, which make everything taste and smell delicious. Spring is the perfect time to ensure you’re up to date on all those routine health checks so you go into the year without any niggly worries. I’m conscientious about Pilates and dance classes too. It’s vital to keep moving as it helps you stay fit and feel younger.

In 2011 Lulu took part in the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Brendan Cole

The best advice you’ve ever been given?

My father told me ‘Never forget, the least common thing in the world is common sense’. It’s helped me realise that people don’t always react in the way you think, the way they should, or the way you want them to. It’s really helped me deal with the ups and downs of life.

As you have been diagnosed with PTSD, do you have any advice for those who suffer with anxiety or fear?

Try to live in the present. Keep going no matter what life throws at you. I’m just living in the moment, concentrating on what’s going on right now. I’ve done a lot of hard work to change the way I do things. I’m more accepting of myself now, warts and all, and therefore more accepting of other people too. I have to address that every day, though, because I can flip.

18

Last year Lulu released her first new studio album in a decade, Making Life Rhyme, featuring 11 new tracks.

Bath is a place that seems sunny even when the weatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad.

See Lulu at Komedia Bath on April 20. For tickets visit www.komedia.co.uk 19

#WVOICES

just for laughs The All-Star Stand-Up Tour 2016 presents four heavyweight comics – Gary Delaney, Pete Firman, Jarred Christmas and Sean Hughes – in the biggest comedy tour of the year at Frome’s Memorial Theatre this spring. We chat to them to find out what it takes to be funny and hear about their worst gigs of all time.

If you weren’t a comedian, what would you be?

Gary: The annoying guy in the office who thinks he’s funny. I actually used to be a conference organiser, so that’s probably what I’d still be doing.

In my time doing that I met people like Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan and Tony Blair. I say met, the conversation normally went like this ‘The stage is this way, erm, hasn’t your security guard got a big gun?’

Sean: probably a psychiatrist - I think they’re kind of similar - you’re going around analysing stuff. If I wasn’t doing it for laughs I’d be doing it to help people.

What’s been the worst gig of your career so far?

Gary: Berlin in 2002, they flew me out and assured me the crowd would speak good enough English to get my jokes. I was following German comics who were ripping it. I thought ‘Hang on, Germans are the least funny people in the world, if they’re ripping it then how well will I do?’. The answer was very badly indeed. I played for seven minutes to a politely baffled silence. It’s one thing to understand a foreign language. It’s quite another to understand wordplay.

I died so badly they rewrote their guidance for visiting comics to say ‘don’t do wordplay’.

‘It’s lovely to be here in Berlin, I’ve never been here before but my Granddad used to visit regularly... when he was in the RAF’ - opening lines are so important aren’t they?

Jarred: I had one at a pub in Wales. Two guys who

were banned from all the pubs in town snuck in.

They heckled me. I put them down. They got angry.

Tried to attack me. Bar man intervened. Bad guy swung a punch at the bar man, missed, hit a girl at the next table. Suddenly it was all on. Like a cowboy film. About 15 blokes trying to get rid of these two bad guys. The police were called. Turns out they were part of a local gang. I had to have a police escort out of town. That was pretty bad.

What do you do when you’re not working?

Jarred: Parent the socks off my children.

Gary: I watch horror, especially zombie films, I’ve even written one. As a man in his 40s with disposable income and no kids I have a room in my house that is just full of horror memorabilia. I call it my zombie room.

Pete: I’m a bit of a workaholic. If I’m not performing I’m usually writing, or trying to come up with my next big trick.

Who’s in your dream comedy club line-up?

Alive or dead.

Gary: Daniel Kitson (peerless improviser), Woody Allen (an incredible club comic, his material ages well which is very rare), Henny Youngman (he wrote ‘Take my wife, please’), Max Miller (the music hall gag king) and Mitch Hedberg (another gag legend whom I never got to see).

Jarred: 1980’s Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Late 90’s Eddie Izzard, 60’s Woody Allen and me. I would be an idiot to not book myself on that line up.

Can you learn to be funny, or is it something

20

that has to come naturally?

Gary: Lots of people have the base quality of being witty. That’s not so rare. Learning how to harness it?

Very rare indeed. It takes many years of hard work and focus to get any good.

Jarred: You can learn techniques and tricks but that will never beat being naturally funny. But you need to work at it even if you are a natural. We all have mates who are funny, but not many who could make it as professional comedians.

With so much comedy available online and on TV, why should people come and see live stand-up?

Sean: Anything can happen on the night, it’s unpredictable, that’s what it’s all about. I can go out and do things I have no intention of doing - you just can’t do that on TV. You can really connect with the audience at a live show.

Gary: Because I’ve got two cats and a dog to support? Plus stand up doesn’t translate on telly. It’s a live medium. How does the performer relate to an audience through a screen? You can’t. How do you take your timing from a telly audience? You can’t.

Pete: Being in the room when it’s happening with other people is what it’s all about. Atmosphere, immediacy. You don’t get that sitting at a computer by yourself. Get amongst it.

The All-Star Stand-Up Tour comes to Frome’s Memorial Theatre on May 21

Sean hughes

Gary Delaney

Sean is a former Never Mind The Buzzcocks team captain and one of Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups in the World. He became the youngest ever winner of the Perrier Award, and his TV credits include writing and starring in the cult favourite Sean’s Show (Channel 4) and appearing in shows such as Coronation Street. He also starred in the film adaptation of Spike Milligan’s Puckoon and performed in the West End’s As You Like It with Sienna Miller.

Gary’s widely regarded as being the most quotable comic on the circuit. He is a regular guest on Mock the Week and has also appeared on Dave’s One Night Stand, Comedy Central’s The Comedy Store and Comedy Blue. His debut show, Purist, was a hit at the Edinburgh Festival in 2010, selling out every night. In 2013 he returned to the Edinburgh Festival with his second show Gary Delaney 2: This Time It Isn’t Personal.

Pete Firman

Jarred Christmas

Recognised as the UK’s leading comedian-come-magician, Pete starred in BBC1’s prime-time Saturday night programme The Magicians and his skill for fusing magic with comedy has made him one of the most in-demand magicians on British television. Writing and performing in magic shows such as Derren Brown’s 3D Magic Spectacular, he has performed nine years in a row at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and has toured the UK with five solo theatre shows.

This Kiwi compere has a unique style that mixes gags with storytelling.

He has a dynamic onstage persona and the ability to improvise and roll with anything that’s thrown his way. Full of passion and charisma, Jarred takes the audience on a hilarious thrill ride of laughs and gasps with an edge of anger that manifests itself in his rants against the small things in our lives.

21

#WVOICES

Murder in Mind Husband and wife duo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Poldarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robert Daws and Casualtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amy Robbins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will star as an on-stage couple in Rehearsal for Murder at the Theatre Royal Bath next week. The actors tell Georgina Littlejohn about taking their kids on tour with them and why theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to returning to our city.

F

ollowing the phenomenal decadelong success with The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, which sold over two million tickets and continually played to packed houses all around the UK, Bill Kenwright presents a new production from the creators of the unsurpassable mystery series Murder She Wrote and the award-winning TV detective series Columbo.

Rehearsal for Murder, performed by The Classic Thriller Theatre Company, is set to appear at the Theatre Royal Bath next week.

It will star real-life husband and wife duo Robert Daws and Amy Robbins who played a married couple in over 80 episodes of the ITV series The Royal together and they will play a couple in this stage production too.

Robert who is also known for his roles in Poldark, Midsomer Murders and Coronation Street, and Amy who has appeared many other television dramas including Casualty, Dalziel and Pascoe and EastEnders, will perform with three of the most popular members of the Agatha Christie Theatre Company: Susan Penhaligon, Robert Duncan and Ben Nealon, along with Brooksideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steven Pinder and Hollyoaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lucy Dixon.

In the story, which has in the past been adapted into D ÂżOP VWDUULQJ -HII *ROGEOXP 5REHUWÂśV FKDUDFWHU playwright Alex Dennison, is left heartbroken when KLV ÂżDQFpH DQG OHDGLQJ ODG\ 0RQLFD :HOOHV SOD\HG

by Amy) is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of her stage debut.

On the anniversary of that ill-fated night, Alex assembles the same cast and crew in the same theatre, for a reading of his new play.

But as the reading progresses, the playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s similarity to actual events becomes increasingly uncomfortable for the participants, and it soon becomes clear that Alex believes Monica was murdered and his new play is a devious cat-andmouse chase to uncover her killer.

Meet Robert and Amy How did you both get involved with the show?

ROBERT: We got asked to do it, simple as that really!

AMY: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve both worked for Bill Kenwright in the past, I did Blood Brothers for him in 2011 in the West End. ROBERT: And I worked with him about 15 years ago and here we are again. They very kindly came to us about this play, offered us the parts and

we looked at it and thought, this is an interesting piece. And the fact they offered it to us together made a big difference because we can look after each other a bit.

AMY: And we can take the kids with us!

So, without giving too much away, tell me a bit about the story and your characters?

ROBERT: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a writer called Alex who has a relationship with Monica whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ďŹ lm star who has decided to give up ďŹ lm stardom in Hollywood and move back to London. Alex has this play, a stylish comedy of manners with a perfect part for Monica Welles.

AMY: So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ďŹ rst night and Monica is found dead. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fallen off her balcony. And the play is based a year later when Alex sets about trying to ďŹ nd out - with the help of the original cast - what happened to her, how she died, as he suspects one of them has killed her.

You two are actually married in real life and played a married couple in The Royal - and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back playing a couple again at the Theatre Royal Bath!

ROBERT: We met on my ďŹ rst day on set of The Royal.

AMY: Yes, we met on the job, so to speak, and we were married by the end of the ďŹ rst series.

And because we were married in real life, they wrote it into the plot of the show.

ROBERT: We pretty much honeymooned on set.

AMY: We did indeed. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been married 13 years now. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice we can do this together because usually, if one of us is away ďŹ lming or on tour, it usually means great stretches away from the family so we thought this would be nice. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re used to because of how we met.

People often ask us if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difďŹ cult working together and I say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mostly what we know.

ROBERT: For eight years on The Royal our two girls were born and brought up with it so the kids are steeped in the whole process of the industry, their early years were brought up in hotel rooms and unit bases in strange locations.

So, what do your children think about their actor parents and this tour?

ROBERT: The kids are looking forward to it.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re of an age now where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ok if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away from home and it works out that during the school holidays and various other things, they can come with us, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re quite excited about it.

AMY: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been very conscious about not

22

wanting to leave them when they were younger and I never wanted to go on tour, but the children are the right age now, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sort of used to it, apart from the one bit they cannot stand which is what they saw in rehearsal the other day. We had to bring them in with us, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a scene where we kiss and I could actually hear them groaning and one of them screamed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;oh Daaaaaad!â&#x20AC;? They were appalled! Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve watched Robert being stabbed with a pair of scissors on The Royal, me being murdered on stage in various plays, people being shot in Blood Brothers, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re entirely used to it all.

This is the ďŹ rst time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve trodden the boards together. How different will it be starring on stage to being in front of a camera?

ROBERT: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far more terrifying!

AMY: But, having said that, we are both trained to do this. We both went to RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) and when you go to drama school, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you train to do, and I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you always think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do and when you end up doing mostly telly, you get distracted for a while. But when you come back to you, you go, ah, this is what I trained to do and it all comes back to you.

Robert, Bath audiences will remember your last performance at the Theatre Royal in an unforgettable production of Blackbird in 2008, are you looking forward to touring to Bath again?

ROBERT: I like being on tour, I like the different change every week and I like the audiences you get on tour. Every week is an opening night so it keeps you on your toes. Each theatre is completely different and of course, things change. So you could turn up in one theatre and there are certain things in certain places, and then the next theatre you visit those things arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there, which can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it keeps you stimulated.

You also have the chance to play the most wonderful theatres, Bath, Cambridge, the Kings in Edinburgh, they are wonderful theatres, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a deďŹ nite plus. Our kids are excited about this because some venues on the tour, Edinburgh and Bath, ďŹ t quite nicely into Easter. They do have to sit through a lot but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very good actually. Â&#x201E; Rehearsal for Murder appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from March 29 to April 2

Robert Daws and Amy Robbins star in Rehearsal For Murder which tours to Theatre Royal Bath from March 29 Picture: Mark Yeoman

23

party?

having a

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll publish your party pictures in our society pages! If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having an event in Bath, or you have pictures from an event youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve held, email them to lisa.evans@bathchron.co.uk along with details of where, when and why the event was held and a contact telephone number

*19#4&Ĺ&#x152;5 &#;

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ALFA requires host families for students visiting the Bath area between 11th -31st July 2015 Do you have a spare room or two?

HOST FAMILIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

! !

We pay excellent rates.

Remuneration up to ÂŁ950

YYY ECUVNGEQODGEKTEWKV EQ WM

6+%-'65 d YKVJ VJKU CFXGTV

ALFA 01225 319704 Email: juddwendy@hotmail.com Call Wendy for an informal chat

Priddy Folk Festival 25th ANNIVERSARY â&#x20AC;˘ 8 -10 JULY 2016

Altan Breabach Belshazzarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feast Rory McLeod & the Familiar Strangers Calan Three Cane Whale Lucy Ward Band Dallahan

Fara Beth Porter & the Availables The Drystones Lady Maisery The Hut People Baraka Laura Beth Salter & Jen Butterworth The Playford Liberation Front Roaring Trowmen MecLir

The Mishaped Pearls Ant Noel & the Peabody Drakes Sam Mabett & Dylan CairnHowarth Les Barker Tim Dalling Flats & Sharps The Hot Vultures Nuala Honan Trio Flash Harry

Ceilidhs, Workshops, Dance & Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivals, Arts & Crafts Fairs, Beer & Cider Tent, World Foods. All held in the beautiful Mendip Hills.

Tickets available from www.priddyfolk.org Early bird tickets available until May

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#WBEAUTY

get the

blues

By Terry Terrybly Growth Booster Mascara in Terryfic Blue, £33.50, Space NK, New Bond Street

MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in Marine Ultra, £14, Jolly’s, Milsom Street

cobalt from the blue At Jonathan Saunders, a thin ring of cobalt liner was applied very close to the lash line and on the waterline, and then smudged slightly. It’s a look that’s easy to copy, with a well-sharpened eye pencil and carefully chosen shade.

Cobalt looks great if you have dark brown or light blue eyes, while greenish-blue tones are better for hazel eyes.

ice ice baby At Chanel, the eye makeup mirrored the huge polarised sunglasses: ice blue was daubed ski-mask style across models’ faces. Clearly, this is a look that needs toning down, but colour-wise it’s a great option for those with grey or very dark brown eyes.

Bourjois Smoky Stories Quad Eyeshadow Palette in E-blue-issant, £7.99, Superdrug, Westgate Street

While warm, sunny shades dominated fashion-wise for SS16, on the beauty front, blue in all its guises came to the fore – and it didn’t stop at a gentle wash of periwinkle on the eyelids.

At Roksanda, dense turquoise halos ringed eyes, while Toga saw masses of cobalt powder pushed to the eyebrows and beyond, and at Issey Miyake, drinking straws were used to splatter liquid pigment on to models’ temples – which begs the question, is any of this attainable for us?

Actually, it is, you just need to know how to translate these techniques from fashion world to the real world.

26

Nars Eye Paint in Solomon Islands, £18.50, Jolly’s, Milsom Street

Liquid dreams “It’s the East Village girl who’s been out all night,” said Nars creative director Francois Nars of the Marc Jacobs SS16 look, which included messed up hair, shiny skin, clumpy mascara and a haphazard slick of cerulean liquid eye paint.

If you’ve got hazel eyes, use your fingertip to apply a green-blue cream eyeshadow in the corner of the eye and smudge towards the centre (for green eyes, a more purply-blue is best).

Super Colour Eyeliner, £6.90, Kiko, SouthGate

Blunt force In contrast to the winged liner that’s been ubiquitous for seasons, at Monique Lhuillier in New York, thick bands of cyan ended bluntly at the corner of the eye, what make-up artist Val Garland calls “colour bolts”.

A dense, chalky eye pencil is best for achieving the optimum opacity here; start by drawing the square-edged outline then filling in underneath.

Clarins Waterproof Eye Liner Pencil, £17.50, Debenhams, SouthGate

Model backstage wearing the NARS Toga SS16 Beauty Look

27

#WFASHION

back to the future

Ahead of Bath in Fashion, we explore the world of wearable technology, magical millinery and a fresh take on neo-nautical.

Wearable tech The mingling of technology and fashion is creating waves in the fashion world.

Digital gadgets embedded into accessories and clothing give garments cutting-edge functionality and style, but the secret is the way that sensors are discreetly incorporated into the design. This year, Bath in Fashion (BIF) is working alongside Bath-based wearable tech expert, Bonnie Binary, AKA Annie Lywood who is staging a workshop to introduce the concept of wearable tech. Participants have the opportunity to embed a circuit within a brooch or bracelet and create their very own technological project.

Bonnie Binary is an e-textile consultancy and makery which brings together expert associates in software, hardware and textiles to research and develop new products and make prototypes for wearable tech applications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bonnie Binaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs are the friendly face of wearable tech, and we see great potential for our interfaces in all manner of fashion, entertainment, active-wear and well-being products and applicaWLRQV ´ VD\V $QQLH Âł2XU ÂżUVW SURGXFWV DUH LQWXLWLYH GHFRUDWLYH colourful and fun-to-use.â&#x20AC;?

Annie will be sharing some of her colourful creations at BIF; probably the most exciting development is her illuminated Valkerie -DFNHW GHVLJQHG IRU 9DONHULH D VFL Âż FKDUDFWHU ZLWK VXSHUSRZHUV The light pattern on the back of the digitally-embroidered jacket is controlled by a mobile phone.

Wearable tech with Bath-based expert, Bonnie Binary, AKA Annie Lywood

Millinery magic Back by popular demand, the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is running a millinery workshop at BIF. Working alongside the glorious haute couture gown designed by Nicholas Oakwell for the Britain is GREAT campaign, audience members will be tasked with creating their own headpieces using basic millinery techniques and embellishing it with feathers and beads.

The RSN were commissioned to hand sew every one of the two hundred thousand ostrich feathers that feature on the Nicholas Oakwell gown designed for super model Erin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor (which will be on loan to BIF by special permission of No 10 Downing Street and displayed in the Assembly Rooms during the week).

At the event, Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework will deliver a guest lecture on the resurgence of popularity of embroidery in fashion.

The Great British Dress by Nicholas Oakwell (left); and RSN Magical Millinery Workshop

28

Bethesda dress, £55, Blackfish Brouge, £65, Seasalt; and Captain shirt, £45, Berrel Hitch Shirt, £55, Palmaira Sandal, £45, Seasalt, New Bond Street

Sailor Shirt, £29.95, Parasol Skirt, £65, Aurora Sandal, £29.95, Seasalt, New Bond Street Natocal shirts workshop with Seasalt (left)

Nautical but nice Nautical is always on trend, and West Country brand Seasalt will be holding a Sailor Shirt Embellishment Workshop during BIF where there will be an opportunity to work with the creative team behind Seasalt and add your stamp to a nautical classic sailor shirt.

Sophie Chadwick, Seasalt’s co-founder and senior textile designer, will also be in conversation during BIF - in a talk billed as Nautical Narrative - to discuss her journey and success in the industry.

Ever since she could hold a pencil Sophie knew she wanted to be an artist, and, upon graduating a textiles and fashion degree, she began supplying her printed silk scarves, handmade cards and paintings to galleries and independent shops. This led to her developing the clothing brand which is inspired by Cornwall, the place she was born. Over the last 35 years the business has opened 30 shops across the UK and Sophie is still involved in the business everyday – creating more unique prints and developing new products.

Halzephron Top, £59.95, Porthallow skirt, £59.95, Blackfish Brouge, £65, Seasalt, New Bond Street

Sophie Chadwick of Seasalt

29

#WLOVES Two of Italy’s most LQÁXHQWLDO GHVLJQHUV KDG DGRUDEO\ JHHN\ JLUOV LQ PLQG IRU WKHLU VSULQJ FROOHFWLRQV $OHVVDQGUR 0LFKHOH·V VHFRQG FROOHFWLRQ IRU *XFFL ZDV D ULRW RI FKLQW]\ SULQWV QHFNWLHV PHWDOOLF PLGL VNLUWV DQG ÁRZLQJ IURFNV VW\OHG ZLWK JODVVHV EHDQLH KDWV DQG FOXPS\ ORDIHUV 0LXFFLD 3UDGD VKRZHG D GHOLJKWIXO PLVK PDVK RI SULQWV DQG IDEULFV DW 0LX 0LX WKH FDUGLJDQ WRRN FHQWUH VWDJH DGGLQJ GDQJO\ HDUULQJV DQG RYHUVL]HG VXQQLHV DW 3UDGD (VVHQWLDOO\ LI \RX ORRN OLNH D ·V OLEUDULDQ \RX·YH QDLOHG WKLV ORRN

GEEKY BLINDERS

Gucci women’s Spring-Summer 2016 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week

31

#WADVERTISEMENT

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health Treatments for women â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a guide to some gynaecological procedures

H

ere, Mr William Dartey and Mr Ahmed Mohamed, consultant gynaecologists from Emersons Green and Devizes NHS Treatment Centres, outline the gynaecological treatments available in the UK We provide a range of gynaecological treatments and surgery for NHS patients across the region.

We undertake various different investigations for our patients. One of them is called a hysteroscopy, which is a procedure to look at the inside of your womb using a small telescope.

It is common for a biopsy (removing small pieces of tissue) to be performed at the same time. It is commonly used to help to identify conditions

VXFK DV ÂżEURLGV SRO\SV RU DEQRUPDO JURZWKV RI the inside of the womb.

Diagnostic and operative laparoscopy are procedures that are also offered, which involve XVLQJ NH\KROH VXUJHU\ LQ ZKLFK D ÂżEUH RSWLF instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen and pelvis and carry out procedures such as treatment or the removal of cysts or abnormal tissue, sterilisation and the surgical removal of the ovaries.

Two methods of hysterectomy are available at our centre. The method is chosen by the consultant gynaecologist with the patient, and will depend on the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition and a variety of other factors.

A hysterectomy may be recommended to treat conditions such as heavy or painful periods, SURODSVH ÂżEURLGV DQG HQGRPHWULRVLV Urodynamics is the way in which we study how

32

the bladder and urethra store and release urine.

Tests can help explain any problems with incontinence, pain, and many other issues.

If treatment is required, we offer a variety of PHGLFDWLRQ EDVHG DQG RU VXUJLFDO SURFHGXUHV WR resolve and improve symptoms.

The gynaecology department also treats a variety of conditions that require less invasive treatment.

7KLV FRXOG LQFOXGH QRQ FRVPHWLF VXUJHU\ DQG the removal of cysts or lesions on the external anatomy of a patient.

Women can experience gynaecological symptoms at any point in their lives and for a variety of reasons.

Patients who receive gynaecological treatments from us are treated with the utmost dignity and discretion and unless requested otherwise are JLYHQ VLQJOH RFFXSDQF\ URRPV IRU DQ\ RYHUQLJKW or longer stays in hospital. We pride ourselves on our excellent levels of patient satisfaction and very short waiting times.

To find out more about our gynaecological treatments, please visit www. emersonsgreentreatmentcentre.nhs.uk/info or www.devizestreatmentcentre.nhs.uk/info

#WHEALTH

Each week Bath health DQG Ă&#x20AC;WQHVV coach Zita $OYHV ² ZKR UXQV =HVW Bootcamp, WKH FLW\¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW RXWGRRU JURXS Ă&#x20AC;WQHVV FODVVHV ² will give XV KHDOWK\ UHFLSHV workout JXLGHV DQG KHU WRS WLSV and advice WR JHW Ă&#x20AC;W IRU OLIH 2QFH DQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;overweight, DVWKPDWLF H[HUFLVH haterâ&#x20AC;?, Zita turned her OLIH DURXQG ZKHQ VKH GLVFRYHUHG KHU SDVVLRQ IRU KHDOWK D SDVVLRQ VKH EHOLHYHV OLHV LQVLGH HYHU\RQH

THIS WEEK:

GET READY FOR THE NEXT RACE

C

with Zita Alves

ongratulations to all the Bath Half runners that crossed the ďŹ nish line this month. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no rest for the wicked, and now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on to thinking about Race for Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5K and 10K runs to help raise funds for cancer research.

In the races, participants are encouraged to walk the distances if they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t capable of running â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but some people may underestimate the distance and not be fully prepared.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to help get people race-readyâ&#x20AC;Ś.

I encourage anyone taking part in the races in June to start their training now so they have plenty of time to build up their distance gradually.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d suggest training three times a week, starting off with a mix of jogging and walking.

Remember to drink plenty of ďŹ&#x201A;uids while training especially as the weather warms up. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be guzzling Lucozade or other sugary energy drinks, especially if you are trying to lose weight. Why not make your own drink of coconut water mixed with water, a super tiny pinch of salt and maybe some apple juice? This will

give you a good balance of electrolytes and â&#x20AC;&#x153;sugarsâ&#x20AC;? which are important if you are going to sweat a lot.

People often neglect stretching. Do a dynamic warm up before you start to run then afterwards be sure to stretch your lower body â&#x20AC;&#x201C; calves, hip ďŹ&#x201A;exors, hamstrings, quads, glutes and your lower back.

Getting the right footwear is also important and Bath has several shops that will give you good advice such as John Moore Sports and Running Bath Ltd. Body-weight exercises build up your general ďŹ tness levels and core strength which will help with your running; try my workout below.

I am offering a free training week to anyone in Bath who has registered to run Race for Life this year. Get in touch with me (ďŹ tnesszita@gmail.com) to book.

Workout of the week

Side plank (difďŹ cult)

single leg deadlift This works your posterior chain of muscles that are often neglected as well as your ankle and leg stability which is super important when running because you are constantly only ever on one leg. Stand on your left leg with your hands behind your back, right leg off the ďŹ&#x201A;oor. Keeping your left leg very slightly bent, squeeze your bottom and, whilst keeping a straight back and both hips facing forward, slowly hinge forward whilst keeping tension in the right leg as it lifts up behind you. Slowly return to the start position without putting your right foot down. Do 8-12 repetitions each side.

Side plank (easy)

side plank This will work those oblique muscles and also help balance out our potentially weaker sides with our stronger sides. Lie on your side with your legs straight and your feet, knees, hips and shoulders in line with your right elbow directly under your right shoulder. Brace your abs, push your hips off the ďŹ&#x201A;oor and hold the position for 60 seconds. Repeat for 3 sets.

If you have a medical condition or injury, consult your doctor before performing any of these exercises

33

MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME YOUR NEXT HOME

bathchronicle.co.uk/ property

in print | online | mobile |

#WHEALTH WARNING NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE MAY HAVE POSITIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

Alison Heather Sutton is a Transformational Life Coach, working in Bath.

She aims to help people understand how life works and how to get more out of it; to feel secure and at peace; and to discover how joyful life is when our thoughts are not taken too seriously. She once believed the source of her wellbeing came from her next Gucci handbag. She now specialises in helping people see through similar myths and to notice that they already have innate mental and emotional wellbeing, they just think they don’t.

/,)( *2$/6 with Alison Heather Sutton THIS WEEK:

STOP STRESSING!

S

o there is this thing called Stress.

It accounts for a large proportion of days off work. You can get medication for it. You can buy countless books about it. You can even go on courses to avoid it.

And… you can’t weigh it. You can’t see it. You can’t put it in a wheelbarrow… because it doesn’t “physically” exist. It is a concept and a process – completely generated from within; from your own thinking.

Now, at this point there will be, I’m

,7r6 %,* $1' 6&$5< 21( 0,187( $1' 7+(1 $6 ,) ,7r6 7+( %(67 7+,1* 7+$7 &28/' +$9( +$33(1(' 72 86 7+( 1(;7

guessing, about 99 per cent of you reading this that will disagree. You will tell me you have experienced it; that it has created real feelings for you; and that it is a very “real” thing.

I am not dishonouring any feelings you have had in the past, or are having currently, or are expecting to have in the future that you have named as “stress”, but allow me to unpick it for you and to explain.

There is a circumstance/ person/ event, and you decide what it means personally to you (this is based on your conditioning and programming installed over years of being alive).

Then, thinking follows – “That circumstance/ person/ event is annoying/ irritating/ limiting/ scary/ worrying”.

Then, feeling follows thinking (you are only ever feeling your thoughts).

You go into over-thinking. Symptoms follow – lost sleep, increased heartbeat, headaches, upset stomach etc. Diagnosis – “Stress”.

There is an appearance that all of the above comes FROM the circumstance/ person/ event but it never does – it is your thinking ABOUT it and the process that goes into action from that thinking that creates all of what follows.

So what to do? If you are new to questioning your thinking it may be best

35

to enlist the help of a friend to ask you the following: 1. Question your thoughts. Do you absolutely know that what might happen will happen? Are you 100 per cent sure that the meaning you have given it is the only meaning available? What else could it mean? What else is possible?

2. What happens when you believe the thinking you have about it? How do you react physically and mentally?

What emotions arise? What behaviours follow? Notice what the effect of taking the thought seriously is.

3. If you didn’t believe the thought, how would you feel? If you chose an alternative view point, that could also be possible, how would you feel then?

4. If you didn’t believe the thought, what different action would you take?

What might it free you up to do?

The thing is, we rarely see circumstance/ people/ events as they really are. We colour them in, distort them, and delete information that moulds them into a form that can look worrying and as if it can have an effect on us. Even something like the loss of a job can look big and scary one minute and then as if it’s the best thing that could have happened to us the next. It is purely down to what we are believing in the moment.

Easter recipe

#WFOOD

Her event in association with Toppings & Company Booksellers of Bath was postponed earlier this month, but Californian healthy living advocate Calgary Avansino will be visiting the city soon (date to be confirmed) to talk about her new book, Keep it Real.

CLEAN-EATING CHOCOLATE, CRANBERRY AND BUCKWHEAT COOKIES (Makes about 15) Ingredients: 125g buckwheat ďŹ&#x201A;our 25g cacao powder 1/2tsp Himalayan salt (pink crystal rock salt) 1/2tsp baking soda 120g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa solids), roughly chopped 150g coconut sugar 4tbsp coconut oil, melted 2 medium eggs 1tsp vanilla extract 80g dried cranberries Shelled hemp seeds Method: Combine the buckwheat flour, cacao, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Set aside.

Put the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl and sit it above a pan of simmering water without letting the bottom of the bowl touch the water. Allow it to melt, stirring occasionally.

In a food processor, blend the coconut sugar with the coconut oil. Add the eggs one by one, then add the vanilla extract and finally the melted chocolate. Mix until just combined. Add the chocolate mix to the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula.

Then fold in the dried cranberries and mix until combined.

Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

Place the mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes to cool down.

Once the dough has cooled a little, you are ready to bake. Drop tablespoons of the sticky chocolate mix on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 5cm between each cookie, then sprinkle with hemp seeds.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for five to eight minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Courtesy of Vogue healthy living writer Calgary Avansino

36

#WFOOD

Our foodie expert The Pig has her trotter on the pulse of Bath's incredible gastronomic scene. This week, The Pig is mostly... Ì &KLOOLQ¶ RXW DW WKH *ULI¿Q ,QQ 0RQPRXWK 6WUHHW DW HYHU\ RSSRUWXQLW\ ,Q D UHFHQW UHYLHZ ZH GHFODUHG WKLV WDVWHIXO OLWWOH ZDWHULQJ KROH WR EH ³D VXSHU FRQYLYLDO RDVLV RI VQXJJHU\ HIIRUWOHVVO\ PHOORZ WR WKH PD[´ QRW OHDVW RI DOO EHFDXVH WKH IRRG LV MXVW VFUXPSWLRXV DQG WKHUH¶V D KXJHO\ LPSUHVVLYH UHYROYLQJ UDQJH RI ± \HV ± VPDOO EDWFK DQG FUDIW EHHU FLGHU YDULDWLRQV RQ WDS DW WKH EDU <D\ ZZZ WKHSLJJXLGH FRP WKH JULI¿Q LQQ

Looking forward to the St George’s Day gourmet feast at Bailbrook House Ben Franks Wine and the Bath Cake Company are doing a very sweet collaboration

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Trying out the impressive range of 18 craft beer & cider variations at the Griffin Inn

Don’t miss the St George’s Day Quiz Night and Supper at Hartley Farm

Lovin’ the Dine With Wine offers at Woods Restaurant

)RU PRUH QHZV YLHZV DQG IRRG UHODWHG JRVVLS YLVLW 7KH 3LJ *XLGH DW ZZZ WKHSLJJXLGH FRP RU IROORZ 7KH 3LJ RQ 7ZLWWHU #7KH3LJ*XLGH

37

River Cruise BOOK NOW! These cruises will not be sold for less

10

days from

£949 per person

Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest Departing June - October 2016

Discover the delights of the Danube on one of the most scenic journeys through the heart of Europe. From the pretty German city of Passau on the Austrian border to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, we cruise in comfort and style aboard the ms Serenity, passing through the beautiful scenery of the Wachau Valley and dipping into the history and culture of amazing cities along the way.

Prices Includes: • Executive return coach travel from a departure point near you • Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais • Two nights’ bed & breakfast in Germany • Welcome drink, captain’s get-together & party night

FREE EXCURSION PACKAGE

+

• En suite cabin accommodation aboard the ms Serenity

FREE DRINKS* PACKAGE

• Full board during your cruise • Entertainment every night of your cruise • Visits to Passau, Melk, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava & Dürnstein

10 days from £979 per person

BOOK NOW! These cruises will not be sold for less

Cruise the Rhine to Switzerland

Departing on 29 September 2016

This sensational cruise showcases the highlights of the Rhine at every twist and turn, as we follow its course in the countries of Germany, France and Switzerland. History, culture and natural beauty – the Rhine has it all for the perfect river cruise.

Prices Includes: • Executive return coach travel from a departure point near you • Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais • Welcome drink, Captain’s get-together & party night • En suite cabin accommodation aboard the mps Lady Anne • Full board during your cruise • Entertainment every night of your cruise • Visits to Koblenz, Rüdesheim Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel, Mannheim & Mainz • Excursion to Lucerne

7 days from £669 per person

BOOK NOW! These cruises will not be sold for less

Magical Moselle Cruise Departing on 3 August 2016

Spend time meandering along the Moselle – the Rhine’s peaceful little sister, renowned for celebrated wines and spectacular scenery. Along the way we visit sleepy towns filled with nostalgic charm and welcoming taverns including Cochem – the ‘pearl of the Moselle’, and Trier – Germany’s oldest city. It really is the perfect place to switch off and relax.

Prices Includes: • Executive return coach travel from a departure point near you • Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais • Welcome drink, captain’s get-together & party night • En suite cabin accommodation aboard the mps Lady Anne • Full board during your cruise • Entertainment every night of your cruise • Visits to Koblenz, Cochem, Bernkastel, Trier & Traben-Trarbach

0330 134 4343 Quote BZ

www.rivercruiseline.co.uk

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission. Price Guarantee – terms & conditions apply - call for details. *House wines, selected beers & soft drinks only.

#WDRINKS

Angela Mount is a wine expert who is highly experienced in the wine industry and is widely credited with revolutionising wine on the high street, making quality wine accessible to the millions of wine consumers who shop in supermarkets.

Known for her tasting skills and DELOLW\ WR Ã&#x20AC;QG just the right product for her customers, she is also focused and skilled on getting the message across with passion, and with a no-nonsense approach.

Follow her on Twitter:

@angelatalkswine

:,1(7,0( with Angela Mount THIS WEEK: EASTER SURPRISES

E

aster wine choices made easy is the theme for this weekâ&#x20AC;¦ Fizz, white wine for those celebrating with Easter chicken or turkey, red for traditional Easter lamb, and then the inevitable quest for the perfect wine for chocolate. /HW¶V VWDUW ZLWK ¿]] <RX GRQ¶W QHHG WR VSHQG D IRUWXQH WR JHW WRS QRWFK EXEEOHV DQG ZK\ QRW VXSSRUW RXU RZQ KRPH JURZQ YLQH\DUGV ZKHQ ZH FDQ" +HDG VWUDLJKW WR /LGO IRU RQH RI WKHLU QHZHVW DQG PRVW H[FLWLQJ RIIHULQJV Broadwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Folly English Sparkling Wine 2013, £14.99 /LGO KDYH ODWFKHG RQ WR WKH HPHUJLQJ WUHQG IRU (QJOLVK ZLQHV DQG KDYH EDFNHG D ZLQQHU E\ WHDPLQJ XS ZLWK RQH RI WKH 8.¶V OHDGLQJ ZLQH SURGXFHUV 'HQELHV QHVWOHG GHHS LQ WKH 6XUUH\ +LOOV 7KH ¿UVW SRLQW LV WKDW WKLV ERWWOH RI EXEEOHV LV DPD]LQJ YDOXH 7KH VHFRQG LV WKDW LW¶V GHOLFLRXV HOHJDQW EDODQFHG DQG VW\OLVK ZLWK DURPDV RI EDNHG DSSOHV DQG ULSH VWUDZEHUULHV ,W WDVWHV VRIW FUHDP\ JHQWOH ZLWK ORYHO\ HOGHUÃ&#x20AC;RZHU DQG EHUU\ IUXLW Ã&#x20AC;DYRXUV D ¿QH PRXVVH DQG D OLYHO\ IUHVK WDQJ &ODVVLF :KLWH %XUJXQG\ RU &KDEOLV LV DOZD\V D IDYRXULWH DW (DVWHU VR FKHFN RXW RQH RI 7KH &R 2S¶V FOHYHU ¿QGV ± Domaine des Valanges, Saint Veran 2014, £10.99 7KLV LV DQRWKHU EDUJDLQ D QLFHO\ URXQGHG VPRRWK FUHDP\ ZKLWH IURP VRXWKHUQ %XUJXQG\ IXOO RI EULJKW EDNHG DSSOH ULSH SHDU DQG WRDVWHG KD]HOQXW Ã&#x20AC;DYRXUV ZLWK D ORYHO\ ULSHQHVV RI IUXLW 6SRW RQ ZLWK (DVWHU URDVW FKLFNHQ RU EDNHG VDOPRQ 5HG IRU (DVWHU ODPE" /RRN QR IXUWKHU WKDQ RXU ORFDO *UHDW :HVWHUQ :LQH IRU D VWXQQLQJ ,WDOLDQ WR ¿W WKH ELOO ,¶YH ORQJ EHHQ D IDQ RI 6LFLO\¶V OHDGLQJ ZLQH SURGXFHU 3ODQHWD ZKR KDYH SLRQHHUHG QHZ JUDSHV QHZ UHJLRQV DQG QHZ VW\OHV IRU \HDUV Plumbago Nero Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Avola 2013, Planeta (£13.50, down to £11.88 until the end of March) EHFNRQV PH EDFN WLPH DQG WLPH DJDLQ 7KHUH¶V

VR PXFK FKDUDFWHU DQG SDVVLRQ LPEXHG LQ WKLV ZLQH 1HUR G¶$YROD LV WKH JUDSH ± ULSH DQG OXVFLRXV LW¶V RQH RI 6LFLO\¶V JUHDWHVW DVVHWV DQG 3ODQHWD KDYH GRQH D VXSHUE MRE ZLWK LW 6RIW DQG VLON\ LW¶V IXOO RI ULSH FKHUU\ DQG SOXP VZHHWQHVV ZLWK D GROORS RI GDUN FKRFRODWH IRU JRRG PHDVXUH DQG PRUH WKDQ D KLQW RI VSLFH DQG ZLOG KHUEV )LQDOO\ (DVWHU LV DOO DERXW FKRFRODWH DQG ,¶YH IRXQG WKH SHUIHFW ZLQH WR DGG

39

WR WKH LQGXOJHQFH ± Waitrose Seriously Plummy Maury 37.5cl, £10.99 7KLV KDOI ERWWOH RI XQFWXRXV GHFDGHQW OLTXLG GHOLJKW LV D PXVW WR DFFRPSDQ\ DOO VW\OHV RI FKRFRODWH IURP WKH GHHSHVW PRVW LQWHQVH GDUN YHOYHW\ WUXIÃ&#x20AC;HV WR JHQWOH FUHDP\ ZKLWH VW\OHV RI (DVWHU HJJV 0DGH LQ WKH IDU VRXWK RI )UDQFH FORVH WR WKH 6SDQLVK ERUGHU LW¶V D GHOLFLRXVO\ ULFK V\UXS\ VZHHW UHG ZLQH IXOO RI ¿J VZHHW EODFNEHUU\ DQG DOPRVW PHOWHG FKRFRODWH Ã&#x20AC;DYRXUV

#WTRAVEL

The Cloud Forest dome at the Gardens By The Bay and views from the elevated walkway in the Supertree grove

A Singapore

fling

As one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest stopover hubs, Singapore has big ambitions. Chris Wiltshire says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth sticking around for a few days in the island city-state

P

erched high up in Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vertigoinducing Supertrees, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m struck by the scale of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitions.

Huge swathes of lush vegetation stretch out before me as part of a staggering one-billiondollar project to turn the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Red Dotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from a garden city into a City In A Garden.

Off to my left, towering cranes jostle for position to EXLOG HYHU PRUH VN\VFUDSHUV LQ WKH ÂżQDQFLDO GLVWULFW and, to the right, the busiest port in the world is preparing to make way for a new waterfront city on reclaimed land. It is simply mind-boggling.

Any visitor to Singapore cannot help but be impressed by the energy and enterprise of this steamy metropolis. $QG \HW VR PDQ\ ZKR Ă&#x20AC;\ KHUH VHH QR PRUH WKDQ WKH inside of the modern Changi Airport, before jetting off to Australasia or other Far East destinations.

Those who stay for a few days are rewarded with sights and sounds, tastes and smells as potent as the famous Singapore Sling cocktail that takes its name.

For a country situated just one degree north of the equator and being one of the most densely populated islands in the world, I had visions of being drenched by daily monsoons and stuck in

HQGOHVV WUDIÂżF MDPV But, in my time there, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a drop of rain or feel in any way harried or claustrophobic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although I was certainly hot. $IWHU D KRXU Ă&#x20AC;LJKW IURP WKH 8. , DP immediately struck by the beauty of the iconic rain trees that line the East Coast Parkway, like giant umbrellas offering shelter to passers-by.

8QGHUQHDWK KXJH FOXVWHUV RI SLQN ZKLWH Ă&#x20AC;RZHUV strain for attention, each bunch seemingly more bountiful and beautiful than the next.

The trees must have planted a seed in the mind of Andrew Grant, whose Bath-based landscape DUFKLWHFWV ÂżUP *UDQW $VVRFLDWHV ZRQ DQ international competition to design Gardens By The Bay, the awe-inspiring 101 hectares of fragrant delight in the centre of the city.

It was hailed as a national icon when it opened four years ago, and has already attracted more than 20 million visitors, including our own Prince William DQG KLV ZLIH .DWH Two enormous conservatories dominate the skyline, featuring a breathtaking indoor waterfall and plants and trees from just about every corner of the earth.

But it is the Supertree Grove that draws most

40

attention, the enormous solar-powered structures sprouting up into the sky like a scene from The 'D\ 2I 7KH 7ULIÂżGV KRUURU Ă&#x20AC;LFN $ OLIW LQVLGH RQH of the trees takes visitors 160 feet up to an elevated walkway for a panoramic view, which is enough to test anyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with acrophobia.

At night, they take on an altogether less sinister appearance, soft lights dance to choreographed music in a scene that would not look out of place in a Disney World production.

8QGRXEWHGO\ WKH EHVW YLHZ LV IURP WKH 6N\3DUN Observation Deck at the top of the iconic 55-storey Marina Bay Sands hotel complex, where guests splash about in one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most SKRWRJUDSKHG LQÂżQLW\ SRROV Those with deep pockets can indulge in modern Asian cuisine at the renowned Ce La Vi restaurant and savour the 360-degree panoramic view of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skyline and Straits of Singapore.

But for those with more modest means, the range of eating options in the city is almost as varied as WKH SODQWV DQG Ă&#x20AC;RZHUV WKDW FRYHU WKH LVODQG It is said Singaporeans live to eat, rather than eat to live, with food something of a national obsession.

As British ex-pat Neil Humphreys says in his wonderful warts-and-all travel book Notes From

The majestic Singapore skyline at night An Even Smaller Island: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If there is one thing Singaporeans can be truly proud of, it is their dominant food culture. The extent and choice of dishes in the country cannot be overstated.â&#x20AC;?

7KH FXLVLQH LV WUXO\ GLYHUVH ZLWK VWURQJ LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV from the Malays, Chinese, Indonesians and Indians, who arrived in large numbers when the country gained independence from Malaysia in 1965.

(YHU\ HYHQLQJ WKH GURQH RI FRPPXWHU WUDIÂżF subsides in the centre of town and tables and chairs are hastily arranged outside hawker centres. The DURPD RI VL]]OLQJ VDWD\ FKLFNHQ DQG SUDZQV ÂżOOV WKH clammy night air and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tiger Beerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; girls bark out drinks orders. Lau Pa Sat is considered the best, having been in operation since the 1800s, and is a must visit.

My trips to Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chinatown and Little India also had the taste buds salivating.

The meal of the week â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and easily among the top 10 of my life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was at the Peranakan family-run restaurant Candlenut in New Bridge Road. Imagine a perfectly-formed medley of your favourite &KLQHVH IRRG ZLWK WKH VSLF\ Ă&#x20AC;DYRXUV RI DQ ,QGLDQ curry, washed down by a very agreeable white wine. Simply heaven.

My memorable day was topped off with a trip

through the modern-day skyscrapers to that old FRORQLDO DUFKLWHFWXUDO JHP 5DIĂ&#x20AC;HV +RWHO $Q RYHUQLJKW VWD\ LQ RQH RI WKH OX[XULRXV ÂżYH VWDU suites would have blown the budget, so I settled for a Singapore Sling in the iconic Long Bar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a throwback to a bygone age with teak furniture and RSXOHQW ÂżWWLQJV Âą HYHQ LI , GLG DOPRVW FKRNH ZKHQ the bill arrived â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ÂŁ17 a glass.

My travel guide, Toon Teng, certainly enjoyed VFDWWHULQJ KLV SHDQXW VKHOOV RQ WKH WLOHG Ă&#x20AC;RRU VHHLQJ as it is one of the few places in the city where he could happily throw litter without incurring a Â&#x2026; ÂżQH ,Q IDFW LWÂśV WUDGLWLRQ KHUH The next day, we made our way to Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground, Sentosa Island, for an afternoon of R and R, reaching the man-made beach and Disneytype theme parks in style via the new cable car sky network.

It was worth the ÂŁ16 cost of a pass to see the dozens of enormous ships from around the world heading for the port and harbour. Teng told me it was the best barometer of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the more cranes were in action, the better the world was doing. Fortunately, it seemed like a busy place to me.

7KH WKRXJKW RI TXHXLQJ IRU ULGHV DW WKH 8QLYHUVDO

41

Studios theme park in 32-degree heat, with 90 per cent humidity, made me perspire even more.

So, after an agreeable meal at the Tanjong Beach Club, I made my way for a spot of people watching at the upmarket Sentosa Cove resort, where Tom Cruise is said to have splashed out millions on a waterside bungalow.For those who like to strut their stuff wearing the latest beachwear and listening to high-decibel music, the Splash & Dash pool party at the smart W Hotel must seem like utopia.

There was a time when I would have been among them, but I was more inclined to head to Marina Bay to watch the following dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Singapore Grand Prix practise with a cool beer in hand.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m no petrol head, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something magical about seeing the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest drivers tear around the street circuit at night, their immaculate Formula 2QH FDUV JOHDPLQJ XQGHU WKH Ă&#x20AC;RRGOLJKWV And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to returning one day to watch top-level sport at the wonderful new 1.8 billion dollar national stadium.

Judging by how ambitious the country is, it could HYHQ EH IRU DQ 2O\PSLFV RU D ),)$ :RUOG &XS ÂżQDO Â&#x201E; Chris Wiltshire was a guest of the Singapore Tourist Board. Visit www.yoursingapore.com

Short Breaks days from

£99

per person

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Chatsworth House & the Peak District Departing on 17 April 2016 This is a wonderful opportunity to step inside the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, where you can explore over 30 rooms and admire a huge collection of artefacts spanning over 500 years, before enjoying beautiful grounds complete with gardens, water features and sculptures.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • One night’s stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Evening entertainment • Tour of the Peak District • Entrance to Chatsworth House & Gardens

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4 days from £299 per person

The Secret Lake District Departing on 8 April 2016 Discover some hidden gems of England’s largest national park.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Three nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Entrance to Acorn Bank & Muncaster Castle • Three minibus tours taking in Derwent Water, Borrowdale, Honister Pass, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Wastwater (Britain’s Favourite View), Hawkshead & Tarn Hows • Coach tour of Great Langdale

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3 days from £169 per person

Yorkshire Cruise & Steam Departing on 22 April 2016 Discover the breathtaking scenery of this fabulous county.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Two nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Visits to Holmfirth, Skipton, Grassington & Haworth • Cruise on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal • Coach tour of the Yorkshire Dales • Journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

per person

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4 days from £209

York, Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales Departing on 8 April 2016 Escape to the heart of Yorkshire on this relaxing break. From expansive moors and national parks to floral market towns and thriving cities, it’s an area of outstanding variety.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Three nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Visits to Skipton, Harrogate & Haworth • Full day in York • Scenic coach tour of the Yorkshire Dales stopping at Grassington & Pateley Bridge

0330 134 4344 Quote BZ www.bz.diamondhols.co.uk Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

Short Breaks days from

£599 per person

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Mont St Michel & Treasures of Normandy & Brittany Departing on 10 June & 30 September 2016 Explore these neighbouring but very different provinces of France on one relaxing holiday. We start with a visit to Mont St Michel, a stunning location set in the bay where Brittany and Normandy meet. The next few days are then spent in quaint fishing ports and historic towns of Brittany, where there are many delightful nooks and crannies to explore, before following Normandy’s Flower Coast and visiting Honfleur, which is widely regarded as the most beautiful port in the whole of Normandy.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Return ferry from Dover to Calais • Two nights’ stay with continental breakfast in Normandy • Five nights’ stay with continental breakfast in Brittany • Four evening meals • Visits to Mont St Michel, Vitré, St Malo, Dinan, Concarneau, Quimper, Vannes, Carnac & Honfleur • Services of our Tour Manager

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8 days from £579 per person

Lake Garda, Venice & Verona Departing on 15 June & 30 September 2016 See the intense blue colour of Italy’s largest lake from every angle, as we spend our days around the lakeshore, on the water and up in the mountains. No visit to Italy is truly complete without taking in one of the enchanting cities, so we also visit the Romeo and Juliet city of Verona before taking in the mysteries and grandeur of Venice for a wonderful all-round experience of bella Italia.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Return ferry from Dover to Calais • Two nights’ stay with continental breakfast in France • Five nights’ stay with dinner & continental breakfast in the Lake Garda area • Visits to Malcesine, Venice & Verona • Boat trip on Lake Garda • Cable car to Monte Baldo • Services of our Tour Manager

per person

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4 days from £259

Monet’s Garden & a Taste of Normandy Departing on 27 May & 26 August 2016 Experience the historic and gastronomic richness of Normandy, as we visit Claude Monet’s beautiful gardens and the final resting place of William the Conqueror, before indulging in calvados as any visitor should!

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais • Three nights’ stay with continental breakfast • Entrance to Monet’s Garden • Tour through the Seine Valley visiting Andelys • Visit to Caen on market day • Visit to Château du Breuil calvados distillery including a tasting • Visit to Rouen • Services of our Tour Manager

0330 134 4344 Quote BZ www.bz.diamondhols.co.uk Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

#WVOICES

Zoella

Best of Bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

bloggers As a Bath in Fashion blogger herself, our W lifestyle columnist Sarah Baker takes a look at some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most colourful, influential and innovative bloggers around.

T

he internet is a wonderful thing. Everyone, no matter who they are, can have a slice of the world-wide pie, which means there are millions of aspiring bloggers cropping up left, right and centre.

7KH VKHHU QXPEHU RI ÂżWQHVV IRRGLH IDVKLRQ KHDOWK happiness and home bloggers out there can be overwhelming; these people cover every subject XQGHU WKH VXQ *RRJOH WHOOV PH WKDW EORJV ÂżUVW emerged in the 1990s as web marketing grew and, until fairly recently, were primarily the work of individuals before businesses saw value in their ability to share company products, ideas and ethos in

a softer and friendlier way, bolstering traditional PR and marketing efforts.

Blogs provide commentary on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries and some operate more as online brand advertising of a particular individual or company.

Every credible business has a blog, or aspires to have one and in which case may employ freelancers, like me, to create blogs for their businesses. The birth of the blogger grew fast into an industry that sees some making incredible careers from their creative efforts.

British fashion blogger Susie Lauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog Style

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Bubble, is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most widely recognisable blogs since it started in 2006. Susie has gone on to write for most of the fashion industry publications and is often seen front row at all the major catwalk shows and invited to comment of the most fashionable of stages, including our very own Bath in Fashion.

Bath is a hot bed of creative writing, as we all know, and we have our fair share of blogging action happening here too. So W asked me to pull together a list of my favourite Bath bloggers. So here is my personal pick. Some big, some not so obvious, others corporate, some more personalâ&#x20AC;Ś

Zoella First up is the West’s Blogging sensation, Zoella. Often also vlogging (video blogging) with her brother Joe Sugg. This local lass from Lacock has found global stardom from her bedroom. She started out with beauty blogs and now is the go-to lifestyle expert for teenagers. She lately said that blogging was like a modern-day diary. Too true. I particularly like her west-country accent. Good clean fun. @Zoella Sal Godfrey The foodie beauty, writes her blog Sal’s Kitchen. Sal can be found in many a Bath coffee hotspot working away on her blogs, having tweet up sessions with other food lovers and teasing up with incredible pictures of her culinary genius. She is also a food reviewer and of late has published a recipe book. Find her on salskitchen.blogspot.co.uk and tell me that you too can’t wait to try Rose Petal Sangria. @Sal-Godfrey Tamara If fashion is your thing then I would recommend to you the vastly knowledgeable Tamara who writes The Yellow Dress blog. Having written for an embarrassingly impressive list of national magazines and newspapers, Tamara now has fingers in many fashionable pies. Her blog bio says “Slip on your gold heels, yellow dress and a dash of red lipstick... Fashion loves of a working mum”.

Warning, you will get lost for hours wandering through her incredible words and fabulous images. @yellowdressblog

Viv Groskop

Mike Collins

Sam MacCuaig

Sal Godfrey

Mike Collins Now for some wholesome fresh air from senior press officer for the National Trust, Mike Collins. He’s a Huffington Post blogger to boot who also has his own “Bathmic” blog that rambles the Bath countryside sharing many a natural sight and sound on his way (“spending time immersed in nature – looking and listening, is really important for me and has helped to inspire my blog content,” he says). If you spend far too much time indoors, like I do, then a blog like Mike’s is the perfect lazy girl’s travel guide. And if that doesn’t pull you in, maybe his love of cider and securing its future might be of interest. @MikeyC74 Sam MacCuaig Bath is all the better for the coolest of hang outs that is Colonna & Hunter, and I don’t even drink coffee (I do like craft beers though)! If you like either of these things then take a look at the uber slick blog page of Sam MacCuaig, Barista at said coffee joint. We all know that these guys put Bath on the national coffee stage and Sam’s easy style and trendy pics are the perfect reading matter when killing time over a hot beverage of your choice. @sammaccuaig Viv Groskop Last and by no means least is the brilliant Bath Literature Festival’s artistic director, comedienne and all round lovely gal, Viv Groskop. As you can imagine, or already know, Viv writes easily and with wit, and if you’ve been lucky enough to see her in the flesh you’ll know she is super likeable, the way that some people just are. In her blog posts she continues to be human and funny and takes us with her on her cultural tours.

So whilst it’s not all Bath-based, she’s a Bath girl and one to keep watching. @VivGroskop Are you a Bath blogger? Drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you! Email lisa.evans@bathchron.co.uk

Tamara Sturtz

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#WVOICES # 4

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Alice runs Funkyy n Monkey Studio in Bath which offers rs ÀWQHVV FODVVHV HV with a difference: ce: ks from aerial silks and static trapeze eze to pole dancing, ing,, ing Pilates and yoga. a.

She was born in Canada, grew up in Devon and now w resides in Bath ath where she devotes es her life to her passion.

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@funkymonkeystudio 203 posts 461 followers 356 following

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1.Aerial class 2. Core and stretch class 3.Aerial silks practice 4. Cheerobics performance 5. Funky leggings .HHSLQJ ÀW ZLWK Cheerobics 7. Handstand class 8. Smiley student at trapeze class 9. Nutrition workshop 10. Pole jam 11.Trapeze class 12. Splits practice 13.Yoga session in Victoria Park 14.Trapeze team work

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,167$%,=:20(1 WORK: I’m a health and wellness expert and business owner. It’s hard to nail down what I do as I do so much! Variety is the spice of life though. There are no bad parts to my job, I love it all (well maybe I don’t like the ridiculous hours so much). bath: The city has many fond memories for me as I spent lots of time here staying with my cousins when I was a kid. I feel extremely lucky to live here on pretty much a daily basis – walking across town to the studio early in the morning in the summer for yoga class is just the best – just the seagulls and me, up and about. childhOOD: As a child, all I wanted was

with Alice Milner

to be a grown up; not sure I’ve quite made it yet! If I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice it would be: “Go for it!”

friendS: They would probably describe me as energetic. heroes: My childhood hero was Pippi Longstocking.

LOVES: Moving my body; I just love discovering the possibilities – there are so many!

HATES: I’m not really into negativity – I try to embrace life, all of it!

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WEAKNESSES: Bed. It’s never too early to go to bed. food: At the moment I really love raw chocolate – I have enough recipes to write a book! I like to be a bit more freestyle in the kitchen and throw it all together so I get something different each time.

Books: 7KH RQO\ ¿OP WKDW LV DV JRRG DV WKH book is Fight Club.

Splurge: My biggest spend recently was an acro yoga teacher training course in Goa. motto: “Enjoy it! And if you’re not, try something else.”

Short Breaks days from

£149 per person

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Ladies Day at Royal Ascot Departing on 15 June 2016 This is a highlight on the racing calendar – when royalty, fashion and sport unite amid a raucous applause, as the world’s finest thoroughbreds go head to head in a grueling battle of stamina and determination. Gold Cup Day, or Ladies Day as it is colloquially known, has an atmosphere that sets it apart from other race meetings.

It’s the day when the ladies dress to impress, flaunting their summer dresses and hats whilst the gentlemen don their suits; it’s the day which starts with the Royal Procession, as Her Majesty the Queen and her guests parade along the length of the straight mile in a horse drawn carriage; and it’s the day that race goers can watch the action and elation of one of the longest races of the flat season!

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • One night’s stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Entrance to the Silver Ring at Royal Ascot • Visit to Windsor

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2 days from £139 per person

The Crabbies Grand National 2016 Departing on 9 April 2016 Nowhere else will you experience such an electric atmosphere as around 40 horses take to the starting line in a bid to make racing history. Ahead of them lies the gruelling 4 mile 3½ furlong Aintree track punctuated with 30 imposing fences and everyone waits with baited breath until the starting gun is fired. From the legendary triple-winning success of Red Rum, to the thrilling finishes created by rank outsiders – it’s anyone’s race and there’s always an incredible story to tell. So join us to watch the excitement and drama unfold before you and, hopefully, cheer your horse past the finishing post!

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • One night’s stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Entrance to the Steeplechase Enclosure • Visit to Chester

per person

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2 days from £119

The Investec Derby Festival Departing on 3 June 2016 Epsom Downs Racecourse hosts one of the greatest sporting and social events in the world – the Investec Derby Festival. It is the occasion when people from all walks of life flock to celebrate the annual renewal of a race that was first run in 1780! Investec Ladies Day starts the Festival on 5 June. A wonderfully stylish day out, Ladies Day is the place to dress up in your finest to see the finest fillies competing in the feature race – the Investec Oaks and the Group One Investec Coronation Cup. This is the day where ladies take centre stage, both on and off the course. The Investec Derby, run on 6 June, is still the showpiece of the festival and headlines a great day of racing. It remains the race that everyone wants to win, as horses and riders are pushed to their limit around the challenging course. Investec Derby Day is a great day out and always has a special atmosphere.

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • One night’s stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Two days’ entrance to the Hill Enclosure at Epsom Downs Racecourse

0330 134 4344 Quote BZ www.bz.diamondhols.co.uk Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

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