Bath Voice March 2022 by harryfmottram

bathvoice March 2022 No. 25

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The ‘good eggs’ book their books at the bookshop

Sports News in brief Page 6-7

Children from Oldfield Park Junior School have been rewarded for their hard work with a new book as a gift from the Oldfield Park Bookshop - and a visit to a cafe for a cuppa and a cake. Learning Heroes as they are called are pupils who have been recognised by their teachers as having worked exceptionally hard in their studies or have overcome challenges away from academic endeavours. And as the headteacher of the school David Goucher said some children have also been rewarded for being an all-round ‘good egg’.

Royal visit Page 13 Gore upgrade Page 14 What’s On Page 16-17 Local history: the despot who stayed in Bath Page 20

Guy went ‘above and beyond’ in transparency over NT meadows By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter. The leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council went “above and beyond” to ensure he had no involvement in his father-in-law’s sale of land to the National Trust. Councillor Kevin Guy said critics had tried to make out his

husband’s dad Ken Horler was a “greedy farmer” but said he could have taken a bigger £1.1million payout from the previous Tory administration when it wanted to build a park and ride at Bathampton Meadows. Instead the National Trust bought the 15.6-hectare parcel of

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New Leaf Farm for “fair market value” using a restricted fund of legacy donations that can only be used for land acquisition. Mr Guy’s husband Steve Horler is a director and owns a 1.75 per cent share of Deepair Ltd, which is majority-owned by his father and Continued on page 3

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March 2022

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My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk My councillor? Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk Dine Romero 01225 477496 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk

Combe Down: Gerry Curan 01225 330349 / 07900684562 Gerry_curran@bathnes.go.uk Bharat Ramji Nathoo Pankhania Bharat_pankhania@bathnes.gov.uk 07464 867554 Odd Down: Joel Hirst 07792 869044 joel_hirst@bathnes.gov.uk Steve Hedges 07971270879 steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk Twerton: Sarah Moore 07807013635 Sarah_moore@bathnes.gov.uk Tim Ball 01225 400834 / 07970461674 Tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Westmoreland: June Player 07967 920064 June_Player@bathnes.gov.uk Colin Blackburn 07796 807157 Colin_Blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bath & North East Somerset Council Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW Bath One Stop Shop 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JQ Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 Email: council_connect@bathnes. gov.uk Bath & North East Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau 2 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EE 0344 848 7919 NHS Urgent: 111 / Emergency: 999

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.co.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency 999 Fire www.avonfire.co.uk Inquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Anti-social behaviour team asb@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 842462 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bath Voice, contact the News Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/ nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@bathvoice.co.uk or by post: 1 Camerton Close, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3BT or by phone: 07402 441485 All stories and pictures are © Bath Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission. Bath Voice News & Media Ltd

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March 2022

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n NEWS Council leader confirms position on Bathampton Meadows transfer Continued from page 1 had owned the land, but the leader said he had never received a dividend. BANES Council also transferred its 25-hectare section of Bathampton Meadows to the National Trust for a peppercorn to secure its future in perpetuity after a manifesto pledge from the Liberal Democrats. Mr Guy, whose company New Leaf Farm Ltd owns holiday cottages next to the land, denied his business would benefit from the deals and said it did not matter who the owner was. “The land is ridiculously well used anyway,” he said. “The holiday homes are booked up because of staycations. Whether it’s owned by the National Trust or Steve’s company doesn’t make a difference. It’s the location that makes them nice holiday cottages. Who owns the fields is irrelevant. “The National Trust aren’t going to develop them. Their plan is to keep it as green as possible. “As a council we’re going to work with them to improve the riverline project. Whoever the landowners are would have been involved in that.” The council leader has declared on his register of interests under “any beneficial interest in land located within the council’s area” that his husband is one of four directors of Deepair Ltd. The register also states that he is a director of New Leaf Farm Ltd. Mr Guy said: “I’ve had a conversation with the chief executive and head lawyer about exactly what I need to declare. They said you need to declare that your husband is the director of this company. That’s all I need to do.” Chief executive Will Godfrey gave the go-ahead for the council’s asset transfer to proceed in April 2020. It was signed off last March by deputy leader Richard Samuel, the cabinet member for resources, who delegated authority to the head of estates to transfer the asset and it went through last month. Mr Guy said he deliberately had no interactions with Deepair’s sale of the land at New Leaf Farm, adding: “I have nothing to do with my father-inlaw’s business and neither does my husband.

Cllr Kevin Guy and the land shown behind

“There has been zero benefit to me, neither has my husband benefited. He may be a director in the company but it’s fully run by his father. This was a deal between Ken and the National Trust. “The National Trust approached Ken. This isn’t a greedy farmer benefiting from his son-in-law being the leader of the council. He sold it for less than market value. If he wanted to benefit from the council he would’ve done that a few years ago and taken the £1.1million compulsory purchase order from the previous Tory administration. He could have sold it to a developer for more money. “He’s made far less money by selling it to the National Trust and keeping it safe for everybody. That’s not taxpayers’ money.” The National Trust said the cost of the land could not be revealed for legal reasons but an article on the deal in Private Eye suggested the “fair market value” paid by the charity was around £900,000. The council approved the community asset transfer of its land at Bathampton Meadows for a peppercorn after concluding that the “long-term permanency of preservation” and “the exceptional nature of the community and environmental benefits… significantly outweigh the loss of the open market consideration”. In March 2020, surveyors gave a restricted value of its land at Bathampton Meadows of £460,000 or an unrestricted value of £915,000. The authority had been receiving an annual rent from a farmer of £3,500. A decision notice published last March said transferring the land to the National Trust would bring social and economic benefits worth £2.3million over 30 years, with volunteer time adding an extra £327,000, which the council judged would “far

exceed not only the restricted but also the unrestricted value of the asset”. Former Conservative councillor Martin Veal was left “perplexed”, writing in a letter to the Bath Chronicle: “Even the simplest tradesman would at least have bartered for the site. The National Trust could have been offered a discount. Even at half price, the land would have generated much-needed funds for BANES Council.” Responding, Mr Samuel hit back at claims the authority “missed an opportunity” and said it followed strict asset transfer rules, adding that Mr Veal should know that any cash from the sale could not have been used on day-to-day services anyway. He said the transfer followed a commitment by all parties ahead of the 2019 local elections to protect the land from inappropriate development after the last Conservative administration “tried to build a

hated park and ride car park on the meadows, a project that collapsed after £1.3million had been wasted, when the Highways Agency refused the plans”. The decision was not challenged at the time. A Lib Dem spokesperson said Mr Guy had recused himself from any conversation about the deals and went “above and beyond” what he needed to do. “It’s a shame people are trying to make political capital out of this,” she said. “The story is the National Trust is the only organisation that can say it will keep something in a certain way in perpetuity. “I’m concerned people are using it to create a false perception when this was a manifesto commitment we made to protect the meadows in perpetuity. We’ve managed to do it. “Am I worried anything untoward has even got close to happening? Absolutely, irrevocably not.”

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March 2022

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n NEWS

New care hotel opens in Odd Down at St Martin’s Hospital By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter: A Bath hotel is set to help relieve pressure on the Royal United Hospital by taking in patients who no longer need urgent care. Abicare will have agency staff at the business – which the NHS has not named to protect patient confidentiality – to provide 24/7 support for up to 17 individuals. Another temporary ward has opened at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath to provide beds for patients who need a few extra days of therapeutic or nursing support or who are waiting to receive a care package or reablement assistance before they can return home. Dr Brynn Bird told councillors last week the facilities had been set up at “unprecedented” speed, while ensuring the medical cover is safe and proportionately fair to all partners. “Next winter I’m sure we’ll have to look at the planning and the learning that’s been done in this care hotel and see if it can be used

or redeployed effectively,” he said. RUH Trust chief executive Cara Charles-Barks said: “We really don’t want patients who are well enough to leave hospital to stay with us for any longer than they need to. “Opening the new ward and the care hotel are positive steps to support people’s ongoing recovery in a more appropriate environment and ensure hospital beds are there for people with acute medical needs.” The initiatives have been put in place by the RUH, HCRG Care, the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Wiltshire Health and Care and other partners to tackle the current high demand for hospital beds across the area. RUH Trust chief operating officer Simon Sethi said: “Opening the ward at St Martin’s Hospital is a great development, helping the RUH to continue to care for patients needing urgent hospital care and we’re thankful to all our community partners in making it happen. “There’s a lot more we can do with

St Martin’s Hospital in Odd Down. Pic: Google Maps

our partners across health and social care to help patients get home when they no longer need medical care and this is just one step in our joint approach to improve flow and patient experience through the wider health and care system.” Abicare managing director Anne-Marie Perry said the company would provide a caring and therapeutic environment for the people with low levels of care need and may require additional rehabilitation or other support before they can return home. HCRG Care group provides a range of services from St Martin’s Hospital. Managing director Val Scrase

said: “Opening the ward at St Martin’s has been a real system approach with colleagues from different organisations working closely together to coordinate everything from the necessary building work and equipment, through to the staffing and clinical support. “Our priority has been to make sure we support our acute trust to move patients to the right environment to meet their health and care needs. “We will be admitting patients from both Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire and working with both local authorities to support discharge.”

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March 2022

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Dog walker hero: Five teenagers on a loose jetty heading for a weir in Bath were saved from jeopardy by a quick-thinking dog walker with an extendable lead writes Local Democracy Reporter Stephen Sumner. A witness said the youngsters, believed to be aged 13 to 16, were mucking about on the fast flowing river but they had claimed the six-metre float had come loose while they were sitting on it. Once they calmed down they “scarpered” before the emergency services could arrive. Avon Fire and Rescue Service is trying to identify them to teach them about the hidden dangers in the water. A woman who was at the scene on February 21 but asked not to be named said: “They probably thought it was a bit of a laugh. By the time we saw them they were getting stressed because the river was running quite quickly.” The mum of two adult children added: “My husband used an extendable lead. He got it to them on the third attempt. One of them was savvy enough to attach it to a rope on the front of the jetty and

The teenagers on the jetty

my husband managed to pull them in. We tied the jetty up.” She said once on dry land the children ‘scarpered’ as they knew they shouldn’t have stolen the jetty. A lifebuoy was placed next to the weir after two people drowned in 2020. The Fire and Rescue services have tried to contact the teenagers. Bristol Airport expansion: The Independent Planning Inspectorate has agreed to allow Bristol Airport’s

expanded capacity plans. It is the latest twist in a long running battle that has pitched the airport against North Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council, the West of England Combined Authority, local residents and environment campaigners. Its plans to expand the amount of parking and the capacity to handle 12million passengers a year from 10 million with an aim eventually to get to 20 million had initially been halted in a planning battle. The decision has been greeted with anger by the airport’s opponents saying it flies in the face of local democracy as the Government’s planning inspectorate had overturned the original decision to halt the expansion. Older readers may recall when the A38 crossed the runway and the airport was at Lulsgate Bottom. How times have changed from those early days of the airport after the war. If you have views on the subject email harryfmottram@gmail.com Trains halted: The line between Bristol and Bath was closed on January 18th when a person was hit

5 by a train. The number of railway fatalities caused by suicides in Great Britain increased from 192 fatalities in 2001/02, to 253 fatalities in 2020/21 according to Statista. Council homes: Stephen Sumner also reports on Bath’s next batch of council homes. He writes that the five two-bed homes for general needs social rented housing will also be provided in the plans to build eight flats in a disused storage yard off Lower Bristol Road. Argyle Works was revealed as the second site for council houses during the climate emergency scrutiny panel meeting on January 17. The council is also turning former offices at 117 Newbridge Hill into seven flats but is yet to reveal the six other locations where another 43 council homes could be built. Initial proposals for 28 “micro residential units” at Argyle Works were scrapped after officers raised concerns about the amenity of future residents and over development of the site. The revised plans will meet national space standards and provide space to park eight cars and 16 bikes, plus electric charging points. BANES Council will consider the application.

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March 2022

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n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF

Bath Rugby Club: The club play in the Gallagher English Premiership - a slightly uphill task at the moment - but hope springs eternal. This month they face Bristol at the Rec on the 5th and Sale on the 26th. They also play the noisy neighbours in Bristol at Ashton Gate in the Premiership Rugby Cup this month on Friday the 18th, and in the same competition they play Worcester on the 30th in the evening. Back in the Gallagher Premiership they take the M5 down to Exeter’s Sandy Park to hopefully grab maximum points there on the 2nd April. A win could change the fortunes for the Blue, Black and Whites with a charge up the league table with games away against the Saints of Northampton on April 23 and Gloucester on the 30th of April. Bath Rugby Ladies: The women have three 15s with the first team at home against Blackheath on the 20th and away at Thurrock on the 13th - a crucial game as the ladies battle it out at the top of the Women’s Championship South 1 - the second tier of the league system. Bath City FC: The Romans play in the Vanarama National League Division South with a series of games this month that could define their season. Home fixtures at

Twerton Park are: Ebbsfleet United on the 5th; Slough Town on the 15th; Hemel Hempstead Town the 19th; and Dulwich Hamlet on the 2nd April. Away fixtures for travelling fans are: Welling on the 12th and Eastbourne on the 26th. Bath City Youth Women FC: The Bath City Youth Women play in the Wiltshire County Women & Girls League. The next home fixture is one at Odd Down on the 10th April against Marlborough Town Ladies. Away fixtures are at Swindon on the 13th and Chippenham on the 27th March. Bear Flat FC: The Bears look to consolidate their position in the third division of the Bath and District Sunday League with an away game at Lansdown against Team Nathan AFC Reserves this month. Netball: Team Bath have a number of home games this month in the Vitality Super League. They are: Manchester Thunder (4th); Celtic Dragons (13th); Loughborough Lightening (14th); and the Saracen Mavericks on the 25th of March. The Blue and the Golds based at Bath University are not the only netball team in the city. The Royal High School is host to a thriving netball league on Wednesday evenings ideal for beginners as well as those

The City of Bath women’s 1st XI hockey team

of a higher standard. See https:// www.play-netball.co.uk/bath/ for details of how to take part. Hockey 1: City of Bath Hockey Club were formed from a merger between Bath & Phillipians Hockey Club’s at the turn on the millennium. The club field 4 Men’s & 2 Ladies’ teams and have a thriving junior section. The men’s 1st XI competes in the West Hockey League Championship North and take on Bristol University at home on the19th March. The women’s 1st XI take on Corsham at home on the 5th and West Wilts on the 19th of March in the West Hockey League Whitehorse 1. Hockey 2: Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club are based at The

University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY. See www. teambathbuccaneers.co.uk Bath Lacrosse: The club enters one Men’s squad at senior level into the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association competitions and one Women’s squad into the South West Women’s Lacrosse Association Competitions. Their home games are at Odd Down Playing fields, Chelwood Drive, Off Bloomfield Road, Bath, BA2 2 PR. The club has a strong links to the University of Bath. The women play Southampton in the Invitation Cup on the 6th while on the 19th the men play Cheltenham at Odd Down in a Cotswold D1 fixture.

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March 2022

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n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF Saracens Rugby: Bath Saracens are an amateur rugby club competing in the Dorset & Wilts 2 North. Formed on 13th March 1947, Bath Saracens are still going strong 70 years on. A warm and welcoming club, all players of skill and experience are welcome along; whether that be for general fitness, to compete on Saturdays or just to join in with socials. Bath Saracens currently train at Lambridge Training Ground in Bath. Training takes place every Thursday night between 7.30pm and 9pm. For more information visit: bathsaracens.co.uk/. Bath Ladies Rugby News Update: Bath Rugby Ladies was conceived in the spring of 2004 and was established as a partnership with Bath Rugby Community Foundation. The team’s inaugural season began in September of that year, with the team competing in RFUW South West 3. The 2006-7 season saw Bath Ladies promoted to South West One, where they finished top in their first season and moved up to the Championship where the 1st XV remain. The 2nd XV were born in 2015, after recruitment drives bolstered the squad.

With over 90 women registered to play for Bath Rugby Ladies, the club are now able to offer a playing avenue for those who are newer to rugby with the 3rd XV, in the Inner Warrior series, a league for rooky level players. Combe Down Rugby: Combe Down Rugby Union Football Club was established back in 1896. The club has mini, senior and junior sides and welcomes new players. The club’s Wyn Bailey recently paid tribute to the passing of the player John (Willie) Wilton. He wrote: “John was a very mobile, fast and skillful No 7 who played for Combe Down in the 60/70’s. He formed a formidable back row partnership with Brian Elli s at No 6 and Roger Hillman at No 8. “Also in that team were Roger Willcox and Mike Dawes. Ollie Strickland reminded me that in our younger days we were lucky enough to play some games with Willie. As with all these older players they were more than happy to help and look after us younger ones. Condolences to all the family especially Roy Wilton our old team mate.” For more details of the club and to join or watch the team play visit http://combedownrfc.rfu.club/

Bath Ladies Rugby Club is growing in popularity with now a third 15 team for newbies

American Football: for fans of the sport Bath has its own team in the Killer Bees based at the University. The Killer Bees have been a University club for 25 years with many former players going on to play for senior American Football teams across the UK and even the GB American Football team. For details of how to join the

team or simply to watch the games visit www.thesubath.com/ AmericanFootball Cricket: for fans of the bat and ball game Bath Bear Flat Cricket have heralded the start of their season at the Glasshouse Playing Fields on Saturday 7 May. The same day also sees Bath Cricket Club play at North Parade. See page 13.

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March 2022

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n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Tax increase is a positive step for policing LAST month, I announced that I would be increasing the policing part of the council tax – known as the precept – by 4.1% for local residents, equivalent to 83p more per month for the average band D household. I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel and local people for their support. This increase will help deliver my ambitious Police and Crime Plan, which aims to provide you with an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people but, without it, it is likely cuts would have had to be made that would impact frontline services. This is why I was determined to hear from as many residents as possible and, through my consultation, I heard from 6,335 residents, of which the majority were in support of an

Monday am Hillside Hall, Oldfield Park Sarah - 07881 758292 Tuesday pm St Mark’s School, Larkhall Emma - 07886 629496.

increase to support policing. This increase is a really positive step for policing. It allows the force and my office to work towards our vision of more visible policing, better community engagement, preventing crime, strengthening partnership work, and improving outcomes and support for victims of crime. The increase will also allow us to give pay rises to the policing family, ensuring we are recognising the hard work of officers and staff that go above and beyond for our communities. If you want an outstanding police service you have to fund it and, as your PCC, I will ensure Avon and Somerset Police deliver. I’m also delighted to announce that my team and I have been successful in securing over £100,000 in additional funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services in Avon

Tuesday pm St Michael’s School, Twerton Sarah - 07881 758292

Wednesday pm Percy Community Centre Bath City Centre Jane - 07857 147093

Wednesday am Leafy Lane, Corsham Jane - 07857 147093

Wednesday pm Saltford Hall, Saltford Cher - 07824 336925

and Somerset; an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of Justice’s Critical Support Fund and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West. As PCC, my team and I will continue to work with other commissioners – including health and local authorities – to ensure there are effective and efficient services across Avon and Somerset that can be accessed by everyone, which supports victims and survivors to cope and recover. Preventing and fighting crime is a priority in my recentlypublished Police and Crime Plan and this includes tackling male violence against women and girls, specifically domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. As well as ensuring there are good provisions for victims and survivors, we must address the attitudes and behaviours of the

Thursday pm The Parish Hall, Weston Sarah - 07881 758292 Thursday pm Methodist Church, Southdown Jane - 07857 147093

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford perpetrator and ensure police investigations are evidence-led and focus on the actions of the offender rather than the victim. Finally, for anyone who is a victim or survivor of sexual violence or domestic abuse, remember help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. You can find you more about local services at www.survivorpathway.org.uk

Friday am The Methodist Church, Southdown Jane - 07857 147093 Friday am Rugby Club, Combe Down Cher - 07824 336925

Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Emma - 07886 629496.

March 2022

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF Wood wide web: Work continues every Sunday and Wednesday at Lyncombe Hill Fields as the volunteers continue to improve the five sloping fields. Benches have been installed, paths upgraded and several nesting boxes installed on the trees. And more saplings have been planted in the Tiny Forest 2 - as they call it - in the West field near the gate of Beechen Cliff School. Tiny forest 2 is much smaller than Tiny Forest 1 in the North Field (perhaps it could be renamed The Teeny Tiny Forest - Ed) and fills the gap that was fast becoming overrun with blackthorn. In their latest newsletter the Friends have noted a kestrel has been spotted near the forest. They reported: “There is more information opposite the site and if you’d like to know more about tiny forests look up Akira Miyawaki on the net.” Book news: The Community Library in Moorland Road have registered that 1,283 books were borrowed in January. That is an impressive figure considering the restrictions of the pandemic at the

The volunteers at the Lyncombe Hill Fields enjoy a tea break during their efforts at Bath’s newest community operated nature reserve and park area

time and that the library is run by volunteers. The library is free to join and has a pretty comprehensive selection of titles. It is open on Friday mornings 10am - 1pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am - 1pm. Entry Hill: Entry Hill Community Association was set up in February 2020, as a resource for everyone who lives or works on Entry Hill in Bath. Entry Hill Community Association covers all of Entry Hill,

Entry Hill Park, Entry Hill Drive, Entry Hill Gardens, Hansford Mews, Ivy Bank Park, Longthorne Place and Lynbrook Lane. To receive regular email updates, send your contact details to us at entryhill. ca@gmail.com School Terms: School begins on 28th February after half term and the last day is Friday 8th April when they break up for Easter returning on Monday 25th April. Inquest date: Somerset Live have

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reported that an inquest into the death of Max McMullen, 15, from Beechen Cliff School in Bath, has been set for the week commencing October 24. He fell from a seventh-floor window in the city of Córdoba on in October 2019. Fashion news: A Giorgio Armani dress as worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex for the CBS television special Oprah with Meghan and Harry went on display at the Fashion Museum Bath last month. The black and white silk georgette dress has been selected as the Museum’s Dress of the Year 2021. By Harry Mottram: Police made 245 arrests during December’s Drink and Drug Driving Operation with one in three fatal collisions on the area last year involved drink or drugs. Of the December arrests, 221 were drink related offences and 39 related to drug use*. A further 12 people were arrested for drink/drug driving on New Year’s Day – nine of these between midnight and 4.30am with 11 arrests relating to drink and four to drugs. The 25-34 year old age group accounted for almost a third (82) of arrests. The figures are up cmpared to December 2020 and 2019.

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March 2022

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To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

March 2022

n NEWS

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Opening of the Bike Park at Entry Hill put back a year By Stephen Sumner Local Democracy Reporter (edited for space): The bike park at Entry Hill was originally billed as opening this spring but it has been pushed back to next year. Last month a consultation was held to gauge opinions which revealed locals were concerned about parking and traffic surrounding the park. In a previous survey Bath and North East Somerset Council found that more than three-quarters of the respondents wanted it to become a “family cycle centre/ mountain bike park”, although opponents claimed the process had been hijacked by the “cycling lobby on steroids”. Only 19 per cent of responses to the consultation said the golf course should be retained but run under a different management model. Councillors decided on replacing the golf course with a bike park with a new operator as the golf course had run up a £70,000 an annual deficit. The

shop that could expand in future to contract was awarded to Pedal include additional community space, Progression, which runs a free-to-use a natural play area, a dog walking bike park at Ashton Court in Bristol. It informal recreation space, a pond, promised to boost biodiversity and walking routes and areas for forest make the new facility carbon neutral. school activities. The Entry Hill Bike Park will The allotments that had been provide free access to park areas and proposed have been removed trails for walking and cycling, a because the proposed location would learn-to-ride area and new play areas. be inaccessible and the increased It is set to operate from dusk until cost would make them undeliverable. dawn, like the golf course. Raised beds will be provided instead. Pedal Progression estimates that A council decision notice half of the 30-acre park will remain approving £35,000 for feasibility work free to use. The other half will have ahead of a planning application said paid-for trails which will be behind a the indicative cost of the scheme will wire mesh safety fence with holes for be more than £1million. The badgers to go through. A percentage of the entry money fee will be used to Willow Gardeners Oct 20.qxp_Layout 1 11/09/2020 maintain the trails. The revised proposals include various trails graded from moderate to severe, a pump track – now at least 30m from the nearest home – a jumps area, a 1.5km fully accessible trail and a beginner track for scooters and balance bikes. There will be “aspirational features” that “riders will look to as a personal goal to conquer”. There is also a hub with a cafe and

authority’s budget for 2022/23 allocates £385,000 of capital funding. The terms of the contract will ensure that the full cost of capital and interest at five per cent are recovered over the life of the agreement. Additional sources of funding will include community infrastructure levy funding, sponsorship and external grants. The council will continue to own the site and be ultimately responsible for it. It will manage the project and monitor the contract with Pedal Progression. A planning application is likely to be submitted this spring.

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The current cafe site at the former Entry Hill golf course now to be a bike park

n NEWS Police numbers: The MP Wera Hobhouse said last month that the promised increase in police numbers was much lower than had been promised by the Government. She said analysis of Home Office statistics showed officer numbers rose by only 126 in the last year. A total of 254 extra officers have been recruited by Avon and Somerset Police under the Government’s campaign that started in September 2019. The Police has so far recruited just 9 more officers per month under the scheme. To meet the Conservatives’ own target of 456 by March 2023, that rate would have to increase to 13 per month over the next 15 months said the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath. Avon and Somerset Police said they had 2,965 officers and 299 special constables. Government statistics show that 137 officers were recruited in our area since the national promise to recruit 20,000 more nationally. Channel 4 News found that due to natural wastage, retirement etc the numbers of officers will be around or under the levels of 2010 when austerity saw many leave the force. Penguin poo: A scientist from Bath University has returned from an expedition studying penguin

colonies in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. Dr Jane Younger, co-led the expedition with Dr Gemma Clucas, a seabird biologist who comes from Bath but is now based in the USA. Along with Dr Younger’s PhD student, Katie O’Brien, they studied the penguins’ response to climate change. The research included collecting penguin poo to study their diet and the diseases that affect them, and using a drone to count the number of birds in each colony to monitor population trends. Raise the Roof: The Mission Theatre’s drive to raise money to repair the leaking roof is nearing the target of £110,000. Their Raise the Roof campaign seeks to replace rotting timbers and leaking tiles which deteriorated when the theatre was closed during the height of the pandemic. With a mixture of fundraising efforts the theatre has raised more than £105,00. To help the theatre over the line you can make a donation with a bank transfer to Next Stage Projects Account number: 04563501 Sort code: 30-90-54. See www. missiontheatre.co.uk/raise-the-roof for details.

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March 2022

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To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

March 2022

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visited Roundhill Primary School last month. Pic PA

Royal visit to Roundhill Primary School, Southdown Proud of school: Roundhill Primary School hosted a visit by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall , last month who had recently been promised to become Queen Consort when her husband Prince Charles ascends the throne and becomes head of state when his mother Queen Elizabeth II dies. She planted a tree at the school and listened to a performance of the pupils singing We are Proud of our School - a new composition. Located on Mount Road in Southdown, the school’s motto is: Listening, Learning and Achieving Together. The school has a nursery or pre-school, is a member of the Partnership Trust which includes schools across the region including Pensford and Nunney and was formed in April 2015 following the amalgamation of Southdown Community Nursery and Infant School and Southdown Junior School. Controversy: Cllr Dr Y Kumar for Bathwick quit the Lib Dems last December following a bust up with his fellow councillors over his alleged harrying of a fellow councillor and for repeating ‘false allegations’. He has been deselected by the party meaning he is now an Independent. In May last year he was appointed deputy mayor. Top Gunners: Bear Flat Cricket Club have appointed Mark ‘Gunners’ Gunning as their new club captain just weeks before the start of the new season. In a statement on their Facebook site they said: “Following the AGM last night, we have a new club captain, Mark Gunning. Mark takes over the role heralding a new chapter for the Bears, a new second Saturday XI, the return of midweek fixtures, a new youth side - The Bear Cubs, indoor and outdoor nets, and

of course, the fantastic pavilion at The Glasshouse, with top quality pitches to promote club facilities at their finest ever. Jay Morris and Ross Newman retain the Saturday 1XI Captaincy and Vice Captaincy, with Jack Mainwaring and Jon Heywood picking up the Saturday 2XI Captaincy and Vice-Captaincy. The 2022 season is highly anticipated as one of the most exciting of The Bears recent history. In fact, to quote, there has never been a better time to be a Bear.” For those addicted to the summer game - May 7th - won’t come soon enough. Good game: Widcombe Junior School has reported on a football match in January for the Widcombe Reds: “On Friday the boys A team played Saltford Primary School in the cup competition. The first half was a tense affair with Widcombe creating some good chances. Despite some brilliant play in the box Widcombe couldn’t get the ball over the line. “Early in the second half Saltford pinned Widcombe in their own half and managed to score a well executed gaol. Soon after, Saltford scored a breakaway goal against the run of play. It was an uphill battle from there though the Widcombe boys dug in showing great character right until the end.” Somerset election: Bath was of course once the ‘Jewel in Somerset’s Crown’ - as the old saying went. Now of course it is in Bath and North East Somerset - but back in Somerset there is an election for the first time since 1974 when the county will be once again a unitary authority. On May 5, 110 councillors will be elected after the abolishment of the three district councils. The next council election in Bath is in May 2023.

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

n NEWS IN BRIEF

No to flats: Councillors and planners have rejected proposals to add two storeys to a building on Lower Bristol Road to house students. The plans were to extend the construction to the Bathwick Tyres on the corner of Jews Lane and the main road to create 67 flats. Letter to the Editor: Changes to parking rules in Bath came into effect earlier this month. Personally, I think it makes good sense to have a sliding scale for parking permits linked to vehicle emissions. Bath has terrible if not illegal levels of transport pollution all across the city and that pollution causes real and actual harm to many people. We need to address it. There is no silver bullet that will solve this problem, it will take a combination of measures. This is one of those measures and possibly the simplest and most straight forward of them. Small though it is, this measure will benefit everybody because we all have to breathe the same air. Yours sincerely, Dr John Leach, Bathwick. Bowls open day: The Stothert and Pitt Bowls Club at Corston is

March 2022

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holding two open days on Saturday April 16th and Sunday, April 24th from 2pm. The club welcomes new members and anyone can come along and have a go for free - all equipment is supplied. The season starts on April 11. Glorious Gore: Bath’s smallest park has had its Victorian fountain’s stonework restored. Gareth Somerset of the Bear Flat Association said: “The project was funded under the neighbourhood portion of B&NES Council’s CIL grant scheme and organised by the Bear Flat Association. “Wessex Water was extremely helpful in removing the old valve station utility box and the concrete base on which it stood and Bath Stonemasons have made a great job of the restoration. “It is now a real feature of Bear Flat. “A remaining blight is the BT communications box to the fountain’s right, which BT (in a six-figure estimate of the cost) has made clear cannot be moved. “In the longer term we hope to make further improvements to the Gore and maybe solve the problem of the BT box.”

Sadly the fountain (pictured) contains no running drinking water but on a lighter note it was installed to mark Queen Victoria’s Jubilee and renovated in the same year as Queen Elizabeth II celebrates

her own jubilee. The Gore is located between the Wellsway and Bloomfield Road and was originally part of a walled garden with part of the Fosse Way running alongside it. Hen pecked: Moorland Road is Amazing is a Facebook site that often has unusual stories - none more so than last month when a lone chicken (pictured) was seen in Winchester Road pecking on front doors and clucking around the gardens of residents. At the time of going to press we did not know what its eventual fate was. Hopefully it found its way home to its coop.

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March 2022

n PEOPLE

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Artist who drove a scooter to Mongolia and back again before serving coffee in Bear Flat By Harry Mottram. Sadly the little cafe in Bloomfield Green in Bear Flat in Bath was so damaged by criminals in 2021 there is a doubt if it will return. The proprietor Emma Trenchard ran it was a time last year trading as Arty Bakes where she baked cakes and supplied the dog owners, walkers and joggers of the park with cakes and hot drinks. Those who got to know her also heard about her back story as an adventurer and artist. After leaving school in Dorset Emma studied fine art and design at Newcastle University. “I deferred the offer for a year and went travelling,” she said, “it was my first taste of the open road as I went off to India with a friend.” She returned after an epic journey by scooter to take up the course in Newcastle. “I didn’t enjoy the course as it

was too conceptual for me,” she explained. “My favourite form of art is sketching - something I’ve done since childhood. “I work on impulses and that is why my best art is when I am travelling, as I like to draw what I see - people and landscapes - life going on.” She said her degree show was a success with her Vespa scooter Grettle part of it with her course work strapped to the back seat. Her show featured a white cube with colour and mirrors to make her art an experience. In 2015, Emma drove her Vespa from England to Mongolia, living in Ulan Bator for a year working as an artist and part-time art teacher, before returning by scooter with her dog Molly adopted on her travels abroad. After her wooden cafe was damaged last year she moved

Pictured above left is the white cube of her degree show and right a sketch of a man and left Emma and her dog Molly in Bloomfield Green back to Dorset to concentrate on her art career. To find out more on the life and art of Emma visit

www.emmatrenchard.com or email her at email: emmatrenchard@hotmail.co.uk

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24/08/2021 10:46

March 2022

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n WHAT’S ON We can’t be sure there won’t be another Covid-19 crisis this month so do check with the venue before buying tickets Tue 1-Sat 5 Mar. Bath Theatre Royal. Animal Farm. George Orwell’s world-famous fable tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. Re-imagined by an award-winning creative team, Animal Farm is a dynamic, daring and contemporary take on a timeless story. Wed 2 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. NHAIR. A hilarious, empowering and brutally honest ode to selflove, exploring what it’s like to not quite fit into the mould of the stereotypical woman. Wed 2 Mar. Bath Guildhall. The Great Post Office Scandal. Nick Wallis in conversation - the journalist whose book and articles exposed a huge miscarriage of justice for the postmasters of this country - a computer system that accused the postmasters of theft when basic IT errors were at fault. Wed 2 Mar. Bath Mission Theatre. Cult Figures: Kenneth Williams. Actor and impressionist, Colin Elmer relives the life of the famous comedy actor. Thu 3 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Greenhouse. Work in progress drama by Apricity Theatre. Fri 4-Sat 5 Mar. Bath Mission Theatre. Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca. Bath Uni Student Theatre’s production of a story of violence and passion written just before the Spanish Civil War. Sat 5 Mar. Bath Victoria Art Gallery. From Hogarth to Hodgkin - the best prints in the gallery’s collection. Continues to 4 May. Sat 5 Mar. Bath Victoria Art Gallery. Jean Rose: New Paintings and People, Parks and Plants. The 90+ artist continues to work to create new art. Continues to 5 May. Sat 5 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. The Invisible Woman. Charlotte Palmer’s one woman comedy show about how women over 50 become invisible. Sat 5 Mar. Bath Theatre Royal. The Dark. From the book by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen. Peut-Etrê Theatre merge vibrant physicality with live music to create captivating and energetic performances for the whole family. Sat 5-Sat 12 Mar. Bristol Old Vic at The Station. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School stage the story of the infamous betrayal as a court

Argyle String Orchestra Thurs 24th March, 7.30pm. Bath Central United Reformed Church - The Argyle String Orchestra Spring Concert with a Scandinavian theme. Pieces include those by Sibelius, Grieg and Svendsen. Tickets £10 on the door (7 Argyle Street BA2 4BA). www.facebook.com/ ArgyleStringOrchestra case from the original American 2005 Off-Broadway drama . Sat 5-Sat 26 Mar. Bristol Old Vic. Wonder Boy. Packed with playful humour, live music, and fully integrated creative captioning, this honest production is sure to capture the imagination of hearing and d/Deaf audiences alike. Tue 8 Mar. Bath The Forum. Lara Melda with Bath Philharmonia at The Forum. A grand 19th century tour through musical Europe. Tue 8 Mar. Bath International Women’s Day. The city has a number of events to mark the day including walking tours hosted by the mayor’s guides, a wine and cheese tasting at the Royal Crescent Hotel and make an app at the University in a Hackathon. Tue 8-Sat 12 Mar. Bath Theatre Royal. Blood Brothers. Willy Russell’s story of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Thu 10-Sat 12 Mar. Bath Ustinov. Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat. An epic cycle of short plays exploring the personal and political effect of war on modern life, questioning who or what is good, and asking us to look at our humanity. Fri 11-Sun 20 Mar. Roman Baths. British Science Week Activities. Includes Be a science Detective and Hands-on Science - explore the objects found at the Baths. Sat 12-Sun 13 Mar. Bath Egg Theatre. The Super Greedy Caterpillar. Two funny puppets, two desperate men, live song and music, an undersized trumpet, and an oversized grub. Mon 14 Mar. Bath Forum. Bristol Beacon presents London Symphony Orchestra. Includes work by Schumann, Hannah Kendal and Dvořák’s playful homage to the New World conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.

Beautiful: The Carole King Story comes to Bath this month

Wed 16 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Jarman. Solo play by Mark Farrelly. Thu 17 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Knight and Spiers. Folk musicians launch a new album. Thu 17-Sat 19 Thu. Bath Egg Theatre. Underwater. A dance theatre show for babies and their families - age 0-2. Thu 17-Sat 26 Mar. Bath Theatre Royal. Beautiful: The Carole King Story. Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit song writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Fri 18 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Wild Tales For Weird Folk. Expect hilarious stories, songs and clowning. Fri 18 Mar. Bath Komedia. The Blues Others. With a 13 piece band prepare to rock the music of The Blues Brothers and relive the 1980

Black is the Colour of my Voice - Inspired by the life of Nina Simone at the Ustinov 30 March to 1 April

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

musical comedy. Sat 19 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Tom Houghton. Stand-up comedian who lived in the Tower of London due to his dad’s job. Tue 22 Mar. Bath Komedia. Stephen Venables. Part of Speakers from the Edge series hear about Stephen’s experiences in the Himalayan peaks, arctic dog-sledging, film-making, desert journeys and fifteen sailing voyages to the snow mountains of Antarctica. Wed 23-Sat 26 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. The Wasp. The Rondo’s own theatre company present an electric thriller about two school friends. Thu 24 Mar. Bath Central United Reformed Church. The Argyle String Orchestra Spring Concert. The orchestra presents a Scandinavian themed concert with music by Sibelius, Greig and Svendsen. See box for details. Thu 24 Mar. Bath Royal Crescent Hotel. Hugh Warwick talk on Hedgehogs. Meet the creatures in rescue hedgehogs’ feeding stations in the garden. Thu 24-Sat 26 Mar. Bath Ustinov Theatre. Rice. A play about ambition, family and the unlikely friendship between a hotshot executive and the office cleaner. Fri 25-Sat 26 Mar. Bristol Hippodrome. Russian State Ballet of Siberia. Romeo and Juliet on Friday and Swan Lake on Saturday. Romeo and Juliet needs no introduction - the story of the star-crossed lovers comes to life with Sergei Prokofiev’s fabulous continued on page 17

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bathvoice

n WHAT’S ON continued from page 16

music, while Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is the tragic story of Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette and continues to be the most performed ballet in the world with the beautiful dance of the swans. The artistic director Sergei Bobrov’s show reminds us of the transcendental power of dance. Sat 26 Mar. Bath Egg Theatre. Josephine Baker. The little girl from Missouri who became a 20th Century icon. Perfomer, campaigner, spy and mother to the multicultural Rainbow Tribe, Josephine broke the mould. Almost 50 years after her death, Cafe Josephine, a down-at-heel

The Mission Theatre features a production of the Edward Albee play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf

New York diner dedicated to her memory, faces closure. Sat 26 Mar. Bear Flat. St Luke’s Church. Cappella Nova: If Music be the Food of Love. The Bear Flat Association and Bath-based chamber choir Cappella Nova (pictured) present a concert of choral music on the theme of love and romance. The choir will start with 16th century madrigals, moving via Elgar and Finzi to songs by contemporary composers John Rutter, Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo. Readings on the chosen theme will complement the music. The concert - in St Luke’s Church, Hatfield Road - is in aid of Voices for Life, a charity providing fun opportunities for primary school children to express themselves through music and singing. Refreshments before the concert and in the interval, all

proceeds to the charity. Tickets cost £12 via Eventbrite or on the door, and there is more information on the chamber choir, including a link to the ticket sales on Cappella Nova’s website: cappellanova.org.uk Mon 28 Mar-Sat 2 Apr. Bath Mission Theatre. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Next Stage Theatre Company stage Edward Albee’s 1962 made famous in the film version with Elizabeth Taylor as Martha, Richard Burton as George as the couple’s troubles spill out. Tue 29 Mar. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI). Talk on next month’s French Presidential Elections. In this talk, Dr David Lees, Associate Professor of French at the University of Warwick, considers the range of candidates standing in the 2022 French presidential elections and

examines whether the French are more likely to opt for the statusquo or for a maverick. Tue 29 Mar. Bath Egg Theatre. How to Save The Planet. For young ecologists. Wed 30 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. In An Endless Garden. A woman finds herself lost in a strangely familiar place with seemingly no memory of how she got there. Thu 31 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Alistair Barrie and Burt Williamson. Double helping of stand-up comedy. Fri 1-Wed 20 Apr. Bath Comedy Festival. Held at a number of venues but mainly Widcombe Social Club and The Forum it features a mix of comedy including stand-up, sketch comedy, cabaret, kids’ shows, music, magic & mystery tours. Do you have an event you would like to be included in April’s edition. For commercial classes and regular sessions there is a small charge email Erica at erica@bathvoice. co.uk or call her on 07402 441485 or for cultural events such as classical concerts, innovative comedy drama, talks, walks and exhibitions email harryfmottram@gmail.com

Our Monthly Talks

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Are you retired from full time employment? Would you like to meet new people and learn new skills, or join others in a creative or leisure activity?

Try Bath u3a!

Monthly Talks are usually held on the first Thursday in the month (except in August) and start at 10.30 a.m.. Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for non-members. If you join U3A in Bath at the meeting then your admission fee is refunded. Talks take place at: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU

Upcoming Talks

OPEN MORNING Thursday 10th March 2022, 10.30am – 12.30pm Venue: The Pavilion, North Parade, BA2 4EU www.u3ainbath.org.uk

3rd February 2022 FACING THE DIFFICULT TRUTHS OF THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY 3rd March 2022 THE ART OF THE STONEMASON ( AND CONSERVATOR) IN THE 21st CENTURY 7th APRIL 2022 FROM BARROW TO BAGHDAD AND BACK AGAIN 5th May 2022 LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

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Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

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bathcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

March 2022

bathvoice

n REVIEW

Alan Ayckbourn’s multi-layered bitter-sweet Arrivals and Departures

Review: Arrivals and Departures, Mission Theatre, Bath. B Officialdom, patriarchy, state security, greed, rape, infidelity, betrayal, snobbery – you name it and in Alan Ayckbourn’s Arrivals and Departures the playwright takes aim at all the negative aspects of today’s society but also shining a light on friendship and self-affirmation. To paraphrase guileless protagonist Barry: if you think the best of people, you might be disappointed, but if you think the worst, you’ll be miserable. Using two central characters in fractured Ez and cheery Barry – who are thrown together on a disused railway platform as part of a security operation – the drama unfolds in a series of flashbacks as we discover why the unlikely duo are the characters they are. Using a traverse stage as the railway platform (which lends the play its title in one sense) the Next Stage Theatre Company’s ensemble cast appeared as distraught parents, bickering families, bungling security personnel and as Ez and Barry’s younger selves. Scenes from Arrivals and Departures at the Mission Theatre in Bath An excellent and slightly formidable Francesca McBride as downcast soldier

Ez dominated the setting with her hard to like glum persona which slowly melts as chatty Barry begins to lighten her mood. Andrew Ellison as the cheery Yorkshireman was exceptional value in the night and day contrast of the two characters. Supported by the wonderfully pompous Major Quentin Sexton (Brian Hudd) who set up the comically incompetent security scenario and aided by a brilliant Miranda Webb as the young Ez (Esme) and Mike Stevens as wet-behind-the-ears as young Barry the drama fell into two halves that mirrored each other. The first being Ez’s back story and the second act the life of Barry. Complicating matters but adding the laughs were the cast of military bods pretending to be normal people at the station. Tiana James and Dave Shaw as students, Christine Saunders as a non-English speaking tourist, and Alistair J Davey as the comically unsuspecting suspect to name but a few. There were tantalising glimpses of Ez’s and Barry’s past very English lives which director Ann Ellison fleshed out in the flashbacks or mini scenes set outside schools, inside hospitals and even a motorway service station – achieved

Scenes from the drama. See What’s On for more theatre

with a dip in lighting. Costumes (Christine Anderson) also helped to paint pictures of those in the lives of Barry and Ez – something that can be taken for granted – but the right school uniform, the period suit or mumsy dress quickly establishes visually a character who may only appear for a few moments. The strength of the production was the acting which was worthy of any stage. Brian Fisher, Kay Francksen, Alex Hawkins and Ellie Turner completed an exceptional cast in Ayckbourn’s dark

satire that perhaps took aim at too many targets when the life stories of Ez and Barry would have sufficed. But then Ayckbourn’s restlessness as a creative writer would never be satisfied with the conventional. Perhaps the railway platform could have done with more litter, leaves and the odd suitcase but the simple layout kept the comings and goings and indeed the arrivals and departures going at a pace that kept the audience’s attention throughout in this exceptional production. Harry Mottram

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Stay in independent at home with your own live in carer Care your home Care in own your own home No need for an expensive care home Care in your own home No need for an expensive care home Many people want to stay in their own home as they get olde Care in your own home Care in y No need for an expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Stayanindependent at home with your own live in carer No need for expensive care home No need for a Stay independent at homeMany with your own want live into carer Care intheir your own home Care in your own home people stay inCare their own home as they get older in your own home Stay independent home with your own live inown carer Many at people want to stay in home aslive they older since 19 Featherbed Care has been providing ingetcarers

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March 2022

bathvoice

n LOCAL HISTORY

The dark side of Bath’s famous resident - Haile Selassie of Ethiopia - a vain and ruthless dictator By Harry Mottram. In 2019 a blue plaque was unveiled at Fairfield House in Bath by the grandson of the late Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. The event was an acknowledgement of the period of 1936 to 1940 when the head of state of the East African country stayed in the city at the house having fled from the invading Italian army instigated by the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. The narrative of the time painted Haile Selassie as a romantic figure standing up to fascist imperialism as the head of the last independent country in Africa. His speech at the League of Nations has gone down as one of the best denunciations of

aggressive imperialism and conquest in the 20th century and has been argued to have effectively ended the League as an international body. It was an era of the rise of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan - both keen to invade any neighbouring countries with force of arms. The world stood by and watched as Italy used poisoned gas, modern artillery and carpet bombing to overcome what was effectively a medieval army in Ethiopia - ill equipped and unsupported by any European nation. Despite this the Ethiopians put up stiff resistance before finally being defeated. From this brave defence which cost the lives of thousands of

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Ethiopian soldiers and civilians and Haile Selassie’s speech and flight eventually to Bath a myth grew up around him which portrayed him as a heroic anti-fascist. The reality was Haile Selassie was a brutal dictator who suppressed all opposition and prevented the country from democratic reform which led eventually on his return after the war to his overthrow in 1974 with a Marxist-Leninist coup. In the novel Cutting for Stone (2009) the Ethiopian-born IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese described the life of twin boys brought up in Addis Ababa in the 1950s and 1960s. Although the background is the coming of age story the author describes the reality of the rule of Haile Selassie with its arrests, censorship and repressive laws. Ethiopian academic Dr Yohannes Woldemariam wrote in an essay decrying the ruler’s romantic legacy: “Does Selassie deserve to be depicted as a dictator? The historical record provides a decisive answer. “First, it is well-established that he spent $35 million for celebrating his 80th birthday during the Wollo famine. He travelled widely, visiting the United States many times, only stopping once in Jamaica in 1966. “Perhaps less well-known are Selassie’s crimes and his associates, such as Asserate Kassa in Eritrea. “Similarly, the autocrat is remembered in Tigray for inviting the British Royal Air Force to bomb the region in 1943 to quell what came to be known as the first Woyane Rebellion. He consolidated his power by weakening the provinces after Italy’s defeat by the British in 1941.” By dissolving the union of Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1950 he effectively prompted a long war of secession costing hundreds of thousands of

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lives and the de facto independence of Eritrea in 1991. The country’s political situation since he was overthrown and assassinated in the 1970s is a direct result of his misrule. The Derg era that followed his death saw purges and inter factional violence costing tens of thousands of lives with an ongoing break-away war with Eritrea, the 1983-85 famine and war with Somalia. Today Ethiopia’s ruler Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party is notionally democratic but its instinct is repressive - marked currently with a bloody civil war with break-away Tigray. And it must be mentioned that unlike say France or Britain Ethiopia is a mixture of ethnic tribal groups with different languages and cultures resulting in those in power having their favourite ethnic bases and playing one tribal group off against another. Haile Sellasie’s rule lasted from 1930 to 1974 with a break from 1936-41 when Italy occupied the country. He did abolish slavery and founded the precursor of the African Union as well as attempting some reforms and modernisations. However as the Emperor he saw himself as the legitimate ruler of the country descended from a dynasty dating back centuries - and ruthlessly suppressed any dissenters. His sojourn in Bath is of historic note and due to the Second World War and Britain’s role in facing down the Axis powers Haile Selassie was both a victim and refugee of fascism. The leader of a democratic and liberal Ethiopia he was not. So perhaps it is time for Bath to revise its romantic view of the Emperor of Ethiopia.

March 2022

bathvoice

n PUZZLES FOR ALL

The FIEND

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

For younger readers

8 3 6 5 3 7

4 8 2 1 6

9 4 9 1 8 2

5 7

Theme: Capital cities 1

Easier sudoku Solution Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Across 1 2376 (4) 5 582632 (6) 7 5462 (4) 8 54566493 (8)

Down 1 27877357 (8) 2 6885 (4) 3 72684246 (8) 4 6222263 (7) 6 6756 (4)

1 3 3 1 2

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Txtpert

Cross Sum answers Top row: 5,1,8 Middle row: 6,3,7 Bottom row: 2,4,9

Txtpert

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

B E R N S M U A B R L U A N D A U K T B S O L I M A S S A N E L I L O N G W E O O S

7 5 8 6

bathvoice

March 2022

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction

Miss Benson’s beetle - Rachel Joyce, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant

The Dream Weavers – Barbara Erskine Barbara Erskine is a very popular author and writes great stories that weave the present day with the past. I particularly liked this tale as it mentions Offa’s Dyke which is a local area. We meet Bea Dalloway who lives in Hereford and has a busy life with her curate husband but has a special gift – she is psychic. Simon, renting a cottage hidden amongst the misty Welsh hills of Offa Dyke’s is plagued by a woman’s voice calling out and when he investigates, there is no one there. So, he approaches Bea for advice and the past, literally opens up to her.

The story is set up after the war, England is in reconstruction and all the nation is rationing food and other goods. We progressively build a portrait of Margery Benson, a single lady in her 40’s, raised by stern aunties who never had any adventures in her life. She suddenly decides she should go to New Caledonia (A French Island in the South Pacific) to try to find a golden beetle her dad told her about when she was a child. She is not sure it exists, that she could find it. For her expedition she decides she would need an assistant, the interview doesn’t go as it should and she is going to get stuck in it with the most improbable helper, not at all what she expected.

Mercia, 788 AD and in the grand Saxon Hall King Offa rules his kingdom and plans dynastic marriages for his three daughters. Eadburh, reckless and stubborn knows she is destinated for an arranged marriage, but her heart is taken by a Welsh prince who she knows she can never have a future with and is soon cruelly snatched away from her. This decision reverberates across the years.

Rachel Joyce is a local author (living near Stroud) and her story invites us to escapism, it’s exciting, relaxing, funny and moving at times. Thoroughly enjoyed my read.

Adult Non-Fiction

Soon the past and reality come together, and Bea and Simon have to resist its pull as secrets and betrayals are uncovered. Eadburh and King Offa are real historical people, and the author describes Anglo Saxon England very well. A real must for Barbara Erskine fans.

Why not spring into Spring and have a look at some of the lovely new gardening books that have come into Bath Library. Here are a couple: RHS Gardening School – Simon Akeroyd & Ross Bayton Here is a book that claims to give you everything you need to know to

get the most from your garden. A big claim but I think it does live up to it. Beautifully illustrated, with great step by step advice and informative, clear chapters. The book covers chapters on the basic of gardening; understanding plants – the difference between perennials and annuals; section on vegetable growing and finally design in a small garden or in a more formal one. A great guide to any garden this Spring. Allotment Handbook: The beginners’ guide to growing small crops in a small place – Simon Akeroyd Allotments have become very popular, especially during the pandemic and if you are lucky enough to get one then this book is a very handy introduction to starting and expanding your allotment. It begins with assessing your site and 10 steps to preparing your plot from tips on soil, groundwork, feeding and mulching. Then in great detail this book explains how to cultivate over 70 crops from the everyday potato and onions to more exotic fruit such as figs.

ADVERTISE bathvoice IN There is a useful troubleshoot guide bathvoice ADVERTISE BathVOICE Voice on diseases and weeds, plus some BATH good tips on pruning. This book SALE £35 b a th vo ic e ADVERTISE will inspire you to make your own IN FROM JUST compost, assemble beds and grow bathvoice ADVERTISE flowers alongside your allotment. IN BATH VOICE Young Adult Fiction BATH VOICE SAbLEathvoice ADVERTISE FROMIN JUST Nephilim (Orion Chronicles) – + VAT PER MONTH John & Carole Barrowman b a BATH VOICE th FROM vo ic INJUST e ADVERTISE Many people will recognise the SALE name John Barrowman from his a FROM JUST th vo ic e BATH VOICE Bath Voice is deliveredbevery month to ADVERTISE IN acting and musical theatre career 07402 441 485 + VAT PER MONTH SAOldfield LE but he has also teamed up with homes in the Bear Flat, Park, b a th vo ic FROM JUST e ADVERTISE IN BATH VOICE Widcombe and Combe Down area + VAT PER MONTH SALE To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk Bath Voice is delivered every month to or call 07402 441485 FROM JUST IN BATH VOICE +homes VAT PER MONTH in the Bear Flat, Park, SAOldfield LE

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By Stephen Sumner, Democracy Reporter. Local A charity’s Bath HQ is set to be 120 students living rebuilt with above it after revised plans got the go-ahead. Developers Toplocation 4 Ltd and Longacre said it would cost more than £1.75million to bring the Jubilee Centre up to a modern

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Winter

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Oldfield Juniour School, took on Saltford Primary School in a soggy game last month. Dave Goucher, the head teacher said: “A great footy game this evening against @ SaltfordPrimary. In rather wintry weather that’s for sure! Love the pond in the goalmouth which is what school footy is all about! Thanks for hosting and congrats @SaltfordPrimary All the best for the next round guys.”

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Down, Oldfield Park and Widcombe Wet, wet, wet: young footballers make a splash

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his sister to write a number of Young Adult books, including the Hollow Earth Trilogy and the Orion Chronicles. This is the second book in the Orion Chronicles. It features 17-year old Remy – a magician – who can change space and time with music. With his super powered friends, Matt and Erin Calder, they are pitched in a dangerous battle to save humanity. Who can they trust: an irresponsible seventeenth century artist; a heavy from Chicago or a “Nephilim” – a half angel/half human? As with all good adventure stories time is running out, action is fast paced and heroes are made.

Library News Always remember the two super free apps: Libby and BorrowBox where you can download newspapers, magazines and audio books all with the use of your library card. The Bath and North East Somerset ‘Virtual Library’ is still offering something for everyone. We are sharing facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, Storytime and crafts for children in the mornings and information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon. Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ bathneslibraries1, Instagram www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries , and Twitter www.twitter.com/ BathnesL

Moorland Road Community Library

Tues 10-4pm, Thurs & Fri 10-1pm and Sat 10-1pm Email us for more info at Moorlandroadcommunitylibrary@ gmail.com

March 2022

n REPORT

bathvoice

Difficult year for Alexandra Park Friends with no AGM

Alexandra Park has seen an absence of events in 2021with the popular Picnic in the Park cancelled last July due to pandemic of Covid-19. The park continues to be closed to motorists at night following problems of late night anti-social behaviour which has helped improve the green space’s nocturnal peace. However despite the problems and the Covid Crisis there has been plenty of activities as outlined in the report by the Chair of the Friends Collin Carr: “The club The last 12 months has been difficult for everyone coping with lockdowns and restricted activity. As a consequence, Alexandra Park Friends (APFs) has had to adjust to the ever changing circumstances but we have tried to continue to look after the park, ensuring that at all times we are not exposing anyone to additional risk. “We have been able to keep the area clear of litter even though

the park has attracted a significant number of impromptu social events, which has ensured that the litter levels remain high. APFs members have been litter picking early in the morning and late at night, ensuring that the good condition of the park is always maintained. “The two wild flower beds were reseeded but this year no children were invited to help. It was carried out quietly and we were all able to enjoy a significant splash of colour throughout the summer, which helped to raise everyone’s spirits. “Our Green Flag status was retained. However, the flag itself has gone missing, which remains a mystery. “The bird boxes have been inspected and cleaned. Information about the state of the nests etc. has been recorded, adding to our growing library of information. The hundred-plus whips that we planted in the park are growing and they will soon be mature enough to provide additional food for the

birds. “We now have a free standing storage unit in the park which is proving to be an invaluable asset. We can now keep all APF’s equipment on site, in the unit, whereas before everything was stored in members’ garages and garden huts. “The two observation tables at the lower and main viewing areas are becoming a recognised feature for visitors to Bath. On a fine day a significant number of tourists will climb up the steps to enjoy the magnificent views. They can also enjoy refreshments at the Choux Box which is a new part-time addition to the park. “At present the Choux Box is powered by a generator. Understandably, complaints have been made about the noise and the fumes coming from this generator. However, we have been assured by the council that an existing electricity supply within the park, will be extended to power the

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Choux Box. This improvement will be well received by all park-users. “The children’s play area has been revamped and now includes equipment designed for children who have restricted mobility. It is proving to be a very popular addition and on a sunny day it is always very lively and loud, which is exactly as it should be. “As expected, the latest very popular “Picnic in the Park” event had to be cancelled because of the pandemic. APF’s are currently reviewing this event alongside all the other activities to ensure that the park remains a place of peace and beauty as well as enjoyment. “In conclusion, it has been a very difficult time for everyone. The park itself has become even more important and relevant to people’s lives in the area. APF volunteers have continued to function throughout this very restricted time, making sure that the park remains in good order for everyone’s enjoyment.”

CAR BODY REPAIRS

Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator

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mail@arjelectrical.co.uk

• Sockets/Lights • Heating Controls • Showers • Full Rewires • EV Charging • Inspection & Testing • PAT Testing

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March 2022

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Wellsway

Timsbury

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