The Bath Magazine April 2016

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ISSUE 163 | APRIL 2016 thebathmag.co.uk

£3.95 where sold

STYLE

TRIBES

IAL

EC P S N IO H S A F IN H T A AB LULU TALKS ABOUT HER LIFE IN MUSIC TOY STORY: THE AMERICAN MUSEUM GOES TO THE MOVIES RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE SCALLOP SHELL QUEEN OF THE CHIPPIES INTERIOR TOUCHES: TRENDING TEXTILES SPRING COLOUR: JANE MOORE ON TULIP MANIA

T H E C I T Y ’ S F I N E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I F E A N D L I V I N G I N B A T H

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THE | CONTENTS

APRIL 2016

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5 THINGS TO DO What’s up in Bath in April

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MY BATH

Our favourite Roman centurion

10 GUEST COLUMNIST James Slater, artistic director of the Wiltshire Music Centre

14 STYLE TRIBES Fashion shoot celebrates Generation FAB

27 BATH IN FASHION Highlights from this month’s frock fest

28 BOOKS PAGE A round-up of stylish little numbers

30 FACE THE MUSIC Lulu the legend talks to Mick Ringham

32 WHAT’S ON It’s our biggest one ever . . .

42 ART EXHIBITIONS

What the galleries are showing in April

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48 BATH’S CURIOUS PAST

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The history of the sedan chair

THE NIGHT SKY Find out what’s happening this month

50 BATH AT WORK

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Neill Menneer’s portrait of the month

52 FOOD & DRINK

HEALTH & BEAUTY Make up solutions for mature skin

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Food heroes the Blue Quails Deli

THE WALK Explore Barbury Castle hillfort

56 RESTAURANT REVIEW

84

The Scallop Shell

HOME STYLE Textiles on trend

64 WRITER PROFILE

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At home with thriller writer CJ Carver

66 CITY SPOTLIGHT

INTERIORS Funky interior for a Georgian mansion

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St John’s charitable trust

GARDENING The best bulbs for spring colour

68 TOY STORY

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The American Museum’s new exhibition delves into our collective childhood

PROPERTY Beautiful homes to buy or rent

ON THE COVER

70 FAMILY DIARY Things to do with the children

Fashion shoot for The Bath Magazine with photographer Paolo Ferla Visit: ferlapaola.com

72 STUDENT SUCCESS Young talent is rewarded

THE BATH MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A MEDIA PARTNER OF BATH IN FASHION

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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SPRING GREENS: we spotted this refreshing new avocado shade from Farrow & Ball. Yeabridge Green is actually a historic shade, having been discovered behind a gun cupboard in a Georgian farmhouse in Yeabridge, Somerset

from the

EDITOR

EDITOR’S PICKS

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lot of work by a host of talented people has gone into the making of our April issue.

They’ve researched, listened and written.

They’ve picked clothes, selected photos and carefully collated their final offerings.

But there’s also been a lot of joy and laughter in the process. Our fashion shoot in celebration of this month’s Bath in Fashion, staged at The Makery with photographer Paolo Ferla and stylist Gaby, joined by a team of hands-on experts and the delightful model Nicola, was a real pleasure from start to finish. You can see the results of our Style Tribes collection from Page 14 – I hope it will inspire you in your own wardrobe choices.

Our stalwart interviewer of the great and the good for Face the Music, Mick Ringham, found himself in lively conversation with the evergreen, effervescent singer Lulu. He was reminiscing about the last time he’d met her, at the Colston Hall in Bristol in 1966 when she was a wee Scottish teenager with a big voice.

Read about her forthcoming gig back in the west country on Page 30.

In other news, as they say, Melissa Blease has selected six of the best country pubs, with the intention of inspiring us to pull on our walking boots and enjoy some fresh spring air. She’s also interviewed South African Peter Botes, one half of the duo who run the award-winning Blue Quails Deli in Bath city centre, Page 52.

Historian Catherine Pitt has turned her beady eye for detail to researching the history of the sedan chair and the chairmen of Bath. She’s uncovered some pretty interesting as well as sordid stories from the city’s Georgian past, as you can read on Page 48. I’ve been up to The American Museum to see its latest blockbuster exhibition, Toy Story, which delves into the toys and games from our collective childhood. If you fancy dressing up as a Disney princess or a Jedi knight, you might want to check it out, see Page 68.

Hannah Newton has been to visit the peaceful country home of thriller writer CJ Carver, where the pair of them happily chatted about psychopaths, people smuggling and her latest novel. Find out more, Page 64.

If you’re planning on giving your home a spring makeover we’ve got inspiration on our interiors pages, from Page 84 and if you’re planning a move, turn to our tempting property pages, from Page 90.

We’ve produced our biggest What’s On cultural calendar ever, there’s a guide to what’s hanging in the city’s galleries and studios this month. Oh, and I got to eat the most delicious fresh fish and chips at nationally acclaimed The Scallop Shell, Page 56. See, I told you a lot of hard work and fun had gone into the making of the magazine this month!

Georgette McCready Editor All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

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INSPIRED DRESSING: for this issue I have been influenced by style journalist Alyson Walsh, author of the blog and book That’s Not My Age. Alyson writes about style for what she calls Generation FAB (50 and Beyond). Alyson has clearly struck a chord – last year her talk for Bath In Fashion sold out. She’s coming back to the city on Thursday 21 April, 11.30am, at the tearoom in the Assembly Rooms offering a grown-up guide to looking good, in conjunction with Hobbs. To book visit: bathinfashion.co.uk or tel: 0844 847 5256. Tickets: £15 includes coffee and pastries.

TEA AND TARTS: Grace and Mabel in Broad Street, Bath has this delightfully eccentric china depicting characters and quotations from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

❝

This above all: to thine ownself be true.

And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

❞

POLONIUS IN HAMLET BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (APRIL 23 1564 – APRIL 23 1616)

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5 April things to do in

Enjoy April sees Bath all dressed up and very much the place to be as some of the big names in the fashion industry visit the city for the annual frock-fest Bath in Fashion. This year’s festivities run from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 April – read more about some of the highlights on Page 25.

A few years ago historian and self-confessed male peacock Sir Roy Strong donated some of his extensive wardrobe to the national Fashion Museum here in Bath. Sir Roy is coming to the city on Tuesday 19 April, where he’ll be in conversation with Ben Whyman, from the Centre for Fashion Curation at the London College of Fashion. This is bound to be a fascinating conversation for the audience as Sir Roy – former director of the Victoria and Albert and the National Portrait Gallery – is an erudite and direct speaker.

Visit The Fashion Museum in Bennett Street – which offers free entry to Bath & North East Somerset Council residents who have a Discovery card – has launched a fascinating exhibition called A History of Fashion in 100 Objects, which runs until next year. It provides a textile timeline of what people have worn through the ages. Examples include shoes, from a Georgian pair right through to a pair of modern day trainers and a shirt which dates back to the 16th century.

Children will enjoy the chance to see clothes worn by boys and girls in the past – as well as visit the dressing up corner of the museum.

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Join in Celebrations of World Heritage Day take place on Sunday 17 April from 11am to 4pm, with a free drop-in day of entertainment and activities at the Assembly Rooms in Bennett Street, Bath.

On a rolling programme, arranged by Bath & North East Somerset Council, visitors will be able join in with some Georgian dancing with the Jane Austen Dancers, listen to some 18th century music and learn more about Bath life 250 years ago. This will give locals the chance to contemplate why Bath has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO – and to feel a justified sense of pride.

Book Singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson is one of the acts lined up for May’s Bath International Music Festival – for which tickets have already gone on sale. This year’s smorgasbord of music from all genres kicks off with the free Party in the City evening on Friday 20 May, which last year was attended by around 20,000 people. On that evening there’ll be free live music in venues and parks all over Bath, starting with a schools’ procession and concert in Bath Abbey led by world renowned beatboxer Shlomo. Also in this year’s programme is alt country singer Lera Lynn, a show about Edith Piaf and BBC presenter and food critic Jay Rayner playing jazz piano.

You can read our interview with him in May’s issue.

Teddy Thompson

FINE AND DANDY: Sir Roy Strong is coming to Bath to talk about his wardrobe

If you don’t find something to laugh at in this month’s bigger-than-ever Bath Comedy Festival then you might want to check if your funny bone is broken. Festival organiser Nick Steel has worked tirelessly to bring big stars and new faces of the British comedy circuit to Bath – more than 100 acts in all. Along with the well known comedians, including Arthur Smith, Lucy Porter, Stephen Frost and Alan Francis, there are a host of rising stars that you’ll want to say ‘we saw them first.’

Highlights include George Egg, the anarchist cook who makes meals out of objects found in a typical hotel room, Georgina the Made-in-Chelsea style Bridezilla and Tamar Broadbent, mistress of musical comedy and the selfie. The Bath Brew House is running a series of events and inviting its audiences to pay what they like, making this one of the cheapest of Bath’s many festivals. The festival runs from April Fool’s Day, Friday 1 to Sunday 10 April. Pick up a programme or visit: bathcomedy.com

ROOM SERVICE George Egg anarchist cook

Laugh

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THE CITY THE BUZZ Celebrate:

The unassuming Grade II listed Shakespeare Memorial in the Dell in Victoria Park is to be cleaned in honour of the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare. This votive altar was unveiled in April 1864 by the City Mayor, with crowds of up to 30,000 watching, to mark the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. It recent years the memorial has deteriorated, its lettering badly eroded. To mark the 400th anniversary this month of Shakespeare’s death the Bath Shakespeare Society, founded in June 1916, is planning to mark its centenary with an event in the Dell.

Celebrations will be held on Tuesday 17 May from 2pm, when garlands will be laid, sonnets read and speeches from the plays will be read. Funeral director and memorial consultant R Davies & Son has kindly sponsored the cleaning of the monument.

Support:

Dorothy House Hospice, which supports so many people with lifelimiting conditions at its Winsley headquarters and in their own homes, is celebrating 40 years of caring work this year.

Supporters are being invited to attend the open gardens day at Badminton in South Gloucestershire on Sunday 17 April between 11am and 4pm. Admission is £4. Or, sign up for the Dorothy House family dusk walk on Saturday 23 April. Children and dogs are welcome too on this 5k sponsored walk through the countryside around Winsley near Bradford on Avon. Sign up at: dorothyhouse.org.uk.

We asked Roman centurion

Marcus Tullius Cicer what he’ll be doing this month

What brought you to Bath?

Well, we are going to have to go back to 59AD when I was brought over here from Sicily. Better than being left behind for a lion’s meal. Ended up staying here after everybody left here in 407AD. I’m currently the driver and all-round dogsbody for Rich Pete up at the Royal Crescent. A modern day slave. Nothing changes. I was the holder of the post for many a year in York Street but am now in search of a new post – if anyone has a suitable place for a Roman guard?

What are you reading?

Life of the Georgians Behind Closed Doors by Amanda Vickery. You thought the Romans got up to mischief? Think on. Also reading Rotten Romans by Terry Deary. I love a read of anything history or social history.

What are you listening to?

Everything from Brett Dennen, Joshua Radkin, Nick Drake, Paul Weller and Terry Reid to Colin Hay – to name just a few. I love music and always have it on whenever possible.

Which cafe or restaurant takes your fancy?

From a burger to an Italian, a curry to French cusine, a roast or a snack, we are spoilt in Bath. I like Casanis which is very chic, Bistrot Pierre which is very artisan and Bailbrook House for a superb foodie experience. For coffee and light bites the Wild Café, Komedia Arts café, all offer great service. The list for coffee stops goes on and on.

Which museums or galleries take your fancy?

I adore the Holbourne museum and spend many a weekend taking in its great exhibitions. Looking forward to seeing A Handful of Dust, which runs until September, showing some of its rarely-seen but exquisitely beautiful 18th century British portraits in pastel. I’d also like to see

Book of the month Tastes Like Fear

by Sarah Hilary Published in hardback by Headline, £16.99 Bath based thriller writer Sarah Hilary made an impressive debut on to the British crime writing scene with her first book, Someone Else’s Skin, which was a Richard and Judy pick. That introduced us to Detective Inspector Marnie Rome, who specialises in underwater search and rescue. In this, her third outing, Marnie is struggling to deal with a dark personal secret while

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My BATH Impressionism: Capturing Life which runs until June. Work by some of the artists who exhibited at the first Impressionist exhibition of 1874, including Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley will be here in Bath.

What local outdoor event or activity will you be doing or visiting?

At the moment getting on a keep fit drive with Alex Silvester my personal trainer in Bath. She puts me through my paces. And gets results.

Film or play?

Films I will be seeing this year include: Regression, starring Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson; 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, an action-packed film set in Libya; The Finest Hours, a rescue drama off Cape Cod; Terminus, about an extra-terrestrial organism that may contain the secret of life, and Ride Along 2, an action-comedy.

What’s your latest project?

Getting my act in gear for Bath Fringe festival this summer. This my second time of entering.

I’m working on a book Street Art UK, which is slowly coming together and hopefully out this summer. I’ve been known to tweet at times with the user name @Georgianbath. I’ll be taking it up a gear or two, so keep your eyes peeled.

We need to support our wonderful indies which make our city so unique and wonderful to visit, shop, enjoy, cherish and love. We have Indie Spirit on Bog Island, perhaps the best range of booze this side of Hadrian’s Wall, with Grace and Ted selling high end clothes at buyable prices in Kingsmead Square and Minky Kitten Cakes baking for any occasion. Right that’s sorted. Now time for a bass (not line caught) Onwards. . . n

working on a search in London for missing teenage girls.

Who is Harm? Why does he take young women under his wing? Yes, the victims of this crime are young women, as is the case in so much thriller fiction, but the writer manages to imbue them with rebellious streaks and their own rounded personalities rather than depicting them as mere cyphers. It’s fast-paced, tightly plotted and wellwritten and contains the best ‘Knock, knock’ joke I’ve heard in a long time.

Meet Sarah Hilary at Topping & Co on Thursday 7 April at 8pm when she’ll be talking about Tastes Like Fear.

GMc

We’re following @Shakespeare in honour of the 400th anniversary of the death of the greatest writer in the English language. Witty and erudite, this incarnation’s tweets are followed by 16,400.

Sample tweet: ‘You do understand that ‘to be or not to be’ is a rhetorical question. Yes?’

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CITY | BUSINESS

THE | COLUMNIST

MUSIC VENUE COMES OF AGE JAMES SLATER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT THE WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE LOOKS BACK AT 18 YEARS OF MUSIC MAKING

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VARIED PROGRAMME: the Wiltshire Music Centre has perfect acoustics – ideal for all kinds of music. April’s concerts include singer Lauren Aquilina and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, pictured open to young musicians from across the region.

Other 18th year plans include a new folk music programme for young musicians which will start with a week long summer school, and the development of our Young Curators group for

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One child told us his favourite moment was when Spiderman played the piano in his classroom

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n 18th birthday is always a good time for reflection. Wiltshire Music Centre has grown and developed significantly over the past 18 years but has always maintained a commitment to the highest quality live music and musical education programmes.

This is also a sad moment for us following the recent death of our founding artistic director, Keith Nimmo who did more than anyone to create our deserved reputation as one of the finest concert halls in the region. The team here regards itself as the custodian of Keith’s legacy and this is what we will be celebrating this year. We shall be officially cutting the birthday cake on Friday 6 May ahead of a concert given by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, our Orchestra in Residence.

As we celebrate the centre’s 18th year, our focus is to create the highest quality experiences by further integrating our artistic and education programmes.

In reality this means that very early on in the planning process (which can be up to three years) we speak to our artists in depth about their ideas and what they might like to present as part of their ‘visit’ to the centre – both on and off the concert platform. We aim to make this as collaborative as possible, and the result can take many different forms. Often it is a piece of additional activity around a concert; the artist will lead an instrument masterclass with local musicians, deliver workshops in schools, or even invite young people to perform on stage with them. One child told us his favourite moment was when Spiderman played the piano in his classroom, and of course the real life Jason Rebello (in disguise) also happens to be a world-class jazz pianist.

We continue to create more opportunities to work closely with our visiting musicians and have introduced a Young Artist Residency and Artist in Residence programme.

We are particularly excited to be collaborating with leading jazz and funk trombonist Dennis Rollins as our 2016 Artist in Residence. Dennis is one of those special musicians who combines artistry of the highest order with an ability to share his love of music through projects with young people. His great musicianship and tremendous warmth inspired the Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra (WYJO) to ever greater heights in February as he played the part of soloist, band leader and compere. He brings his own Velocity Trio with steel pan virtuoso Samuel Dubois to the Centre in May. We entered our 18th birthday year as new managers of WYJO and the newly-named West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO), which is now

aspiring programmers. They are currently gearing up towards their first gig at the Centre promoted

by BBC Introducing in the West and featuring Lauren Aquilina which will be broadcast live on BBC Radio on 9 April. The event also includes a series of free workshops given by music professionals for young musicians interested in finding out more about working in the industry.

We aim to support the very best in young talent, and in addition to a number of young artist recitals we look forward to welcoming British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor to the centre this month.

There are, of course, huge challenges presented

by the rapid rate of change in the arts and cultural sector in general. The constant knowledge that public funding at both national and regional level is under tremendous threat, the pressure on our communications and development team to raise in excess of £200,000 each year to maintain our current level of work, and maintaining the balance between our different roles as year-round performance venue and a place of musical learning.

We are however optimistic about the future.

Many things come together to make Wiltshire Music Centre a wonderful place: a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, an enviable network of visiting artists, ensembles and bands, a first class acoustic, a home for music-making in the heart of our community, devoted supporters, the list goes on… But there is also something more profound at play that is inspired by a spirit of adventure and is built on the firm foundations created over the last 18 years.

So much has been achieved, but there are still so many possibilities and opportunities for new ideas, projects and musical discovery. Here’s to the next 18 years, and we look forward to seeing you at the centre soon. n The Wiltshire Music Centre is at Ashley Road, Winsley, Bradford on Avon BA15 1D2. For box office tel: 01225 860100.

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Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

See more online thebathmag.co.uk

Contact us: Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Web Editor/Production Jessica Hope Email: jessica@thebathmagazine.co.uk Contact the Advertising Sales team tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Email:

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Jake Horwood jake@thebathmagazine.co.uk

The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

The Bath Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in the following city centre stores and coffee shops

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 thebathmag.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2016 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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STYLE TRIBES WHICH STYLE TRIBE DO YOU BELONG TO? ALYSON WALSH OF THAT’S NOT MY AGE EXPLORES THE ART OF DRESSING TO IMPRESS PHOTOGRAPHY: PAOLO FERLA

MAKE A STATEMENT: Jeans, £138, and blue knit jacket, £108, both Anthropologie.

Trainers from Superga.

Glasses by Cutler and Gross

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THE OLDER AND BOLDER BRIGADE The Older and Bolder Brigade celebrate life with equal measures of energy and eye-popping accessories. Fashion freedom fighters like Iris Apfel, Linda Rodin and Beatrix Ost are styling it out on the streets of New York, not sitting at home in elasticated waist slacks and slippers.

These women are confident, creative and they care about how they look. This flamboyant, peacock-style is all about individuality and enjoyment. “It’s not vanity,” Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style says. “They’re doing it for themselves because it makes them feel good and lifts the spirits.”

More Style Heroines: Catherine Baba, Lucinda Chambers, Helena Bonham Carter.

THE SCANDANISTA CLEVER NEUTRALS: Nicola is wearing rollneck from American Vintage at Grace and Mabel.

Dungarees by Lurdes Bergada, and cuff, £69, both Blue @ the Loft, Bath. Shoes, £129, Ash at Grace and Mabel

The Scandinista has her own laid-back style and an array of fabulous homegrown brands. Unafraid to play around with masculine and feminine silhouettes, she loves mannish jackets and coats, minimal shapes, neutral colours and natural fabrics.

But it’s not all boyfriend jackets and shades of greige, The Scandinista has an innate fondness for nautical stripes, patterned knitwear and beautiful bright prints.

The Style Heroines: Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Helena Christensen, bloggers Elin Kling and Pernille Teisbaek.

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THE CASUAL GLAMOURPUSS Reliable everyday basics are the building blocks of the Casual Glamourpuss’ wardrobe – an effortless tunic dress, essential jeans, a pair of Adidas Stan Smith trainers – but to avoid looking bland a simple outfit needs revving up with a showbiz staple. Throw on an eye-catching coat with a simple black shirt and cigarette pants. Wear a sequinned pencil skirt with a t-shirt and razor-sharp blazer. The go-anywhere appeal of this dressed-up daywear is what the grown-up Glamourpuss loves.

The Style Heroines: Linda Rodin, Bella Freud, Thelma Speirs. Where to find Casual Glamour: Isabel Marant, Cedric Charlier, DVF, Sonia Rykiel.

A TOUCH OF SHOWBIZ: Parka, £285, Toast.

Jumper, £205, by Malene Birger from Grace and Mabel. Jeans, by Reiko from Grace and Mabel.

Shades from Cutler & Gross, £305. Shoes, stylist’s own

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CITY | STYLE

FABULOUS FEMME: J brand trousers, £200, Grace and Mabel. T-shirt also from Grace and Mabel. Green sandals, Zara, stylist’s own. Bespoke 18ct white gold, emerald and diamond necklace by Bath jewellery designer Nicholas Wylde, £13,025

THE FABULOUS FEMME The Fabulous Femme has a style confidence that comes from sticking to perennial classics rather than following fashion fads: Carine Roitfeld practically lives in a silk Equipment shirt, it’s always a kick-ass jacket for Farida Khelfa, (brand ambassador for the house of Schiaparelli) and cigarette pants for Emmanuelle Alt. We all love a little faux Francais, we’re enamoured by une femme d’un certain age who confidently sticks to what she knows, and knows what suits.

More Style Heroines: Caroline de Maigret, Ines de la Fressange, Francoise Hardy. For French Style: Iro, Joseph, Petit Bateau, Agnes b.

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POWER IT UP: Jacket, £128, Anthropologie. Dress, £99 (sale), and necklace, £59, both Hobbs.

Sunglasses, £145, Toast. Bag, £129, Ceanis, Blue @ the Loft, Bath.

Shoes, £39, Mango

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THE SUPERPOWER DRESSER Superpower Dressers like Apple’s Angela Ahrendts, Christine Lagarde and Sheryl Sandberg are in control of their lives as well as their wardrobes. Arbiter of style Anna Wintour is never less than impeccable in a designer frock, kitten heels and don’t-mess-with-me sunglasses.

The signature look is always polished and professional. Style is part of the Superpower Dressers DNA. You know what you’re going to get – and that means she can get down to business.

More Style Heroines: Natalie Massanet, Michelle Obama, Roksanda Ilincic.

Where to find Superpower Style: Osman, Sophie D’Hoore, Jil Sander, Nicholas Kirkwood, LK Bennett, Goat.

UNDERSTATED: Breton top, £49, Toast. J brand trousers, Grace and Mabel. Green sandals, Zara, stylist’s own

THE GENTLEWOMAN An elegant, grown-up tomboy with discerning taste, a love of culture and an eye for detail: meet The Gentlewoman. Her look is pared-down, modern, a blend of masculine and feminine. Think off-duty Cate Blanchett or Tilda Swinton in a tux. Clothes are just a small part of the elegant tomboy’s carefully curated lifestyle – when she’s not obsessing over the perfect striped t-shirt, she’s at an art gallery private view, or watching Kirsty Wark on BBC Newsnight, or riding a horse.

More Style Heroines: Robin Wright, Maxine Peake, Sofia Coppola. Where to find it: Céline, Paul Smith, John Smedley, Theory, Tabitha Simmons.

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SPRING | PHOTOSHOOT

WITH THANKS TO: THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Paolo Ferla Visit: ferlapaolo.com Paolo is an award-winning photographer working in the Bath and Bristol area. He specialises in a variety of subjects, from corporate headshots and portraits to food, events and interiors.

ASSISTANT STYLIST: Megan Furber Instagram: @_Megancatherine HAIR AND MAKE-UP: Bath Academy of Media Make-up graduates Julia Harrison Facebook Juliaharrisonmakeup Visit: juliaharrisonmakeup.com Shona White Facebook: ShonaAdeleMUA The make-up used on the shoot was by Bobbi Brown, Mac, Lorac and Stila.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOGRAPHY: Megan Furber and Jessica Hope

Above, Paolo the photographer has a fine eye for detail THE STYLIST: Styling and art direction by Gaby from Voila Styling in Bath If you have been inspired, Gaby also offers personal styling to assist you in finding the right look.

Gaby says: “All that time we waste wandering the shops not really knowing how to create a certain style or even where to go to find those pieces can be frustrating. I can be with you right from the start to help you find the look you are after and help you create it, all in a few hours of shopping.”

THE MODEL: Nicola Petrou of Mustard Model Agency Tel: 0117 955 1964 Visit: bigmustard.co.uk.

Julia lends a hand to achieve the right light and shade for Paolo’s shot THE NECKLACE: The bespoke necklace we used in the shoot was designed by Nicholas Wylde. He hand-picked the 1.80ct round cut emerald for its high quality and bright colour, and designed the necklace around this beautiful gem. The necklace was hand-crafted in his in-house workshop, and each of the 40 round brilliant diamonds have been set by hand. The diamonds are a high colour and clarity and total nearly 2ct. Nicholas and his friendly team offer a bespoke design and remodelling service. Visitors are welcome to call into the shop in Northumberland Place to discuss their jewellery needs over a complimentary hot drink or glass of wine.

Above, model Nicola has run the Bath Half marathon many times and has fond memories of the city SERVICES OFFERED AT VOILA STYLING: - Personal Styling - Wardrobe Audit: helping identify the missing gaps in your wardrobe to make everything work together.

- Photo shoots and occasion styling - Styling books: have pictures of all your shoes in one book.

- Luxury Styling: Gaby can bring a selection of items to your home that she has chosen to filter in to your wardrobe.

- Voila Vip Party: hire a store to yourself with a group of friends and shop with your own personal stylist and a glass of bubbly.

Prices start at £70 an hour.

Tel: 07876516048 or visit voilastyling.co.uk 20 TheBATHMagazine

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THE VENUE: The Makery offers the perfect space to inspire creativity. There are five studios to hire, suitable for two to 40 people. Perfect for photoshoots, meetings, brainstorms, training etc. The Makery also hosts team-building workshops. For more information please visit: themakery.co.uk or call 01225 581 888.

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CITY | EMPORIUM

CITY

SHOPPING As April comes, our thoughts turn to summer. A little shopping trip in Bath is the perfect feelgood treat

Pilgrim hematite plated and quartz drop necklace £25 With Grace, basement of Noa Noa, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath

Annie by Shoon coral sandal £69.99 Silvershoon, 11 Upper Borough Walls, Bath

Herringbone throw £180 Katherine Fraser, 74 Walcot Street, Bath

New Toulouse Boots £129 Noa Noa, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath

Elizabella limited edition mini silk scarf

by Eleanor J Shore £45 EZZA, 13 Milsom Place, Bath

Kitten with wool ball pendant £65 Bill Skinner, 15 Northumberland Place, Bath

Scarves £14.95 Instant Vintage, 6 George Street, Bath 2832 Heritage sneaker in gold metallic £65 Superga, 11 New Bond Street, Bath

Calypso zip-lined Macaroni fleece £55 Weird Fish, 7 The Corridor, Bath

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BEST LITTLE SHOPS

CAPSULE COLLECTION BATH’S LITTLE DESTINATIONS FOR FABULOUS FASHION As the great, the good and the absolutely fabulous descend upon our small city for Bath In Fashion later this month there are talks, catwalk shows, films and workshops which deliver a global perspective on style and shopping to our very doorstep.

In the midst of this heady cocktail, we take the opportunity to present you with a ‘stylist’s pick’ of our favourite local boutiques and shops. Those we think contribute to that special mix of independents, designer/makers, international brands, personal service, quality and individuality that make shopping in Bath such a pleasure.

INSTANT VINTAGE 6 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH Tel: 01225 444608

SILVER SHOON 11 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG, Tel: 01225 469735 shoon.com

Instant Vintage is an independent family run boutique situated on George Street stocking its own label of eclectic vintage inspired womenswear alongside beautiful jewellery and accessories sourced from around the world. Their spring collection features on trend denim pieces, bold retro prints and feminine boho inspired dresses as well as statement jewellery and essential holiday pieces. Spring 2016 sees the introduction of a new menswear range, an edited collection of soft linen shirts, relaxed organic hemp and cotton tees and fantastic leather accessories. This will debut at the Bath in Fashion spring summer fashion catwalk show.

KATHARINE FRASER 74 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 461341 katherinefraser.co.uk

Designer-weaver Katherine Fraser creates unique, hand woven textiles for fashion and interior, providing high quality one-off products using only the best natural fibres.

She offers not only readymade pieces but an in-house bespoke design service so that every customer can have the perfect piece made especially to their specification. Katherine also celebrates other British talent with a selection of clothing and bespoke jewellery. Weaving workshops are held regularly in her Walcot Street workshop for both experienced weavers and beginners.

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On the corner of Upper Borough Walls and New Bond Street Place is a little shoe shop called Silvershoon. Its customers find men’s and women’s shoes from all around the world - an eclectic mix of well-known and harder-tofind brands alongside some specially selected SHOON own-brand shoes. What they all have in common is the attention to detail, quality, materials and, most importantly comfort, which will leave you looking and feeling good.

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BEST LITTLE SHOPS

SUPERGA

WITH GRACE

11 New Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BE Tel: 01225 421275 superga.co.uk

Basement of Noa Noa, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG Tel: 01225 478969 withgracebath.co.uk With Grace is an elegant boutique striving to offer customers unique, feminine styles for any special occasion. The key brand they are currently stocking is Nancy Mac. Nancy Mac encapsulates feminine style, using vintage patterns to create beautiful cuts and shapes that accentuate and flatter the female figure. The Bardot Dress is a gorgeous 50s inspired dress with A-line skirt and sateen trim sweetheart neckline.

The silk cotton fabric has been adorned with a delicate green candy floral print.

This elegant dress is a perfect outfit for a wedding, the races or even a garden party.

There is also a sleeved alternative in the form of the Gabrielle Dress which is equally as gorgeous.

NOA NOA It is hard to believe that Superga is well over 100 years old. It was in Turin, Italy, that the Classic Superga 2750 style was born and dubbed ‘People’s Shoes of Italy’.

Superga has graced the feet of celebrities and fashion icons like Alexa Chung, Suki Waterhouse and Kendall Jenner. Taking you from the city to the beach, from the office to the bar, the stylish and comfortable Superga shoe has no boundaries and is a wardrobe staple. Superga Bath offers a selection of the most colourful and effortlessly chic shoe collections for the season.

5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG Tel: 01225 478969 noanoabath.com Noa Noa Bath is an independently owned franchise; the boutique is small but beautiful. This Danish designed brand is deeply inspired by romantic, whimsical expression combined with a strong Nordic identity. Noa Noa always has a strong collection of linen, this year is no exception!

The Reef waters linen dress has an unusual folded loop detail on a deep slit neckline, this is softened by its classic shift shape which will never date.

This is a dress that will be a wardrobe staple year in year out. The Reef waters linen is also offered in a sleeved option with a simple scooped neckline and pockets. Both styles are also available in white and olive green.

EZZA 13 Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ Tel: 01225 470048 ezza.co.uk EZZA fills a gap in the market for grown up women with taste and a bit of hard earned cash who want stylish, well made bags and accessories. EZZA hand picks small ranges each season including work bags, (now also for men.) fashion and cross bodies, silk scarves, unique jewellery, gloves and belts. All the products are handmade in limited quantities; some are unique pieces – and all with realistic affordable price tags. EZZA is proud to offer a platform for new and emerging British talent; each designer or maker has a story and the products aren’t mass-produced, so you’re not going to have the same as everybody else!

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BEST LITTLE SHOPS

WEIRD FISH 7 The Corridor, Bath, BA1 5AP Tel: 01225 337766 weirdfish.co.uk The Bath store of Weird Fish is proud to be celebrating its 10th anniversary in the city. Since it first opened the store has become a big hit with locals and tourists alike. First founded in 1993, Weird Fish has been making relaxed and easy-going clothes, designed to give you that forever weekend feeling. The company believes in offering affordable, well-made and distinctive clothes that instantly become feel-good favourites. In March it introduced a new style to its famous Macaroni range, called the Lined Macaroni. This offers next-level comfort and warmth, fantastic for long country walks, or a trip to your local.

BILL SKINNER 15 Northumberland Place, Bath, BA1 5AR Tel: 01225 44882 billskinnerstudio.com Bill Skinner is a family run business specialising in luxury costume jewellery. The Bath boutique is the newest store containing the much anticipated Spring/Summer 2016 collection of intricately hand carved birds, vibrant fuchsias, enchanting orangutans and mischievous kittens amongst many others. Bill is the master pattern maker and creates each individual piece with his team in Kent. As long as Bill can remember he has been fascinated by craftsmanship, quality, creativity and design. This fascination has endured and remains central to the company’s ethos today. Following a long career in designing jewellery for leading figures in the fashion world and British royalty for more than 30 years, Bill finally decided to create his own brand in 2011 which has been critically acclaimed. Bill and his team look forward to welcoming you soon.

WIN A PAIR OF SUPERGA 2750s As Bath In Fashion approaches, we’ve teamed up with Superga to offer the chance for 5 lucky winners to win a brand new pair of 2750s of choice from the new collection. As the fashion industry’s sneaker of choice, Superga has graced the feet of the likes of Alexa Chung, Suki Waterhouse, Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss and many more. Supergas are easy to dress up or dress down, and the classic 2750 is a wardrobe staple.

The versatility of the shoe has lent itself to collaborations with the likes of Giles Deacon, House of Holland, Versus Versace and Sandro.

With fashionable collaborators as such, no wonder the brand is known as the fashion sneaker of choice in the UK. To celebrate Bath in Fashion with Superga, and your chance to win a pair of classic 2750s (vouchers to be redeemed at the Bath store) answer the following question: Question: What is the classic Superga shoe called?

To enter email your name and address to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk marked Superga Bath or send on a postcard to The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George St, Bath, BA1 2ED to reach us by 30 April.

All entrants must agree to their data being automatically added to Superga official newsletters

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11 New Bond Street Bath BA1 1BE 01225 421275 bath@superga.co.uk

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INSIDER | CATWALK TRENDS

INSIDE LONDON FASHION WEEK

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet sent an insider to get the scoop on the trends for autumn/winter 2016 fresh from London Fashion Week

F

rom elegant to distinctly hedonistic, a glam rock aesthetic pervaded the catwalk shows this season – all mixed with low-key, downtown insouciance. Bianca Jagger sprang to mind, all luxe fabrics and louche glamour, but having too much fun to care if her hem was dirty or there was a small tear in her lace blouse. As always, London Fashion Week didn’t disappoint in heralding unique design with an anarchist attitude which makes us proud to be a part of the UK fashion scene.

In clothes terms this meant vintage-esque fabrics, from velvet to viscosecrepe, a plethora of heady prints, playfully fresh shapes and plenty of slinky knits (here’s looking at you Pringle) – all wrapped up in London’s typically tongue-in-cheek humour. Fresh from her Christmas collaboration with McArthurGlen, Holly Fulton didn’t disappoint, once again offering surrealist geo-pop shapes, this time with vivid paisley patterns, both signature details which make her McArthurGlen’s go-to-girl for autumn/winter colour inspiration.

At Antonio Berardi chic Milanese girls with a defiant femme fetale air wore blood-red velvet with Goth glamour-inspired, criss-cross shoulders and luxe ruffles. There were plenty of black, slinky Parisian rock chick looks too with plunging or peekaboo necklines, plus neat-shouldered jackets worn with ankle-skimming black trousers and no-nonsense metal detailing. Berardi deftly combines sweet with strong and his girls are nothing if not slickly – calculatedly – alluring. Venus flytraps indeed.

Meanwhile, at House of Holland, party girls rocked signature 20s-meets70s shapes, from flapper dresses with multi-coloured fringes to metallic bomber jackets worn with platform ankle boots in paint box rainbow hues.

Saturday Night Fever never looked so hot, as Holland’s front row attested – Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof and Daisy Lowe – “they’re all House of Holland girls at heart”, added cool-kid-on-the-block Henry himself.

At the other end of the spectrum Jasper Conran’s sleek, good-girl block colours and simple shapes reigned supreme. Stand-out pieces included a longsleeve, below-the-knee, graphic print frock with green and burgundy circles in the style of a Bridget Riley painting. Fresh and fearlessly pared-back in a season of maximalism.

It’s a true talent who can make ruffles and high-neck, Victoriana blouses appear womanly rather than girlie – and Roksanda Ilincic is the real deal. A special mention to the fur-trimmed, orange wool coat with a 40s velvet bow and falling to mid-calf, worn over a plum silk dress and maroon stockings.

Add disco print leotards at SIBLING, plus those covetable metallic pleat skirts and shimmering viscose-crepe dresses at Markus Lupfer, whose wistfully bohemian glam rock muse this season is ‘the girl who never sleeps’, apparently too busy lounging moodily in her hand-embroidered skirt, pussycat bow blouse and studded leather jacket. As Jagger crooned: “Wild horses couldn't keep me away”. n Shop the catwalk-inspired trends at McArthurGlen Swindon Designer Outlet.

Visit: mcarthurglen.com/uk/swindon-designer-outlet/en

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FASHION FEVER: top, McArthurGlen Swindon Designer Outlet LFW insider backstage at Antonio Berardi Above, shots from the Roksanda catwalk and Antonio Berardi catwalk Left, Roksanda catwalk show ACCESS ALL AREAS: below, left to right, backstage at Antonio Berardi, and the front row at Roksanda

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DRESS TO IMPRESS: from the crazy world of the crinoline to the latest from Bath designers, Bath in Fashion explores the way we dress (below, one of Julien Macdonald’s creations)

GET ON TREND

The Bath Magazine channels its inner Anna Wintour as it prepares to take front row seats for Bath in Fashion

O

ur beautiful city is about to become the backdrop for the annual frock fest, Bath in Fashion, which runs from 18 – 24 April, attracting the stylish, the fashionistas and those who like to shop to a series of events themed around the world of fashion. We’ve picked some of the happenings during BiF that you’ll want to be seen at.

All good fashion festivals have catwalk shows to dazzle and inspire, and this year is no exception. Catch the trends for spring/summer at runway shows on Wednesday 20 April at 3pm and 7pm, or head to the Bath designer shows at 3pm and 7.15pm on Friday 22 April, featuring some seriously beautiful rocks from city jewellery designer Nicholas Wylde, clothes from local boutiques and hair by Artizan Bartlett Street.

International producer John Walford and stylist Rebekah Roy will pull the whole thing together. All shows are at the Assembly Rooms.

Every year Bath in Fashion holds a careers forum aimed at anyone wishing to work in the world of fashion, in any of the many roles the industry offers. Komedia in Westgate Street is the venue for Fashion Your Future, a free event, from 11am on Saturday 23 April. It’s hosted

by Louise Pickles who’s head of fashion at Bath Spa University – which offers some of the best courses in the country. This is an invaluable event for those setting out on a career in fashion.

The vintage scene is huge in the south west and Sunday 24 April is a good day to rock up in your own retro gear for this themed day in Bath.

It starts with the BathVA Vintage fair at Green Park Station from 8.30am, with the chance to pick up some original vintage pieces. From there, at 11.30am, head to the Bath Function Rooms over Green Park Station, where the King of Vintage, William Banks-Blaney of William Vintage will be sharing his extraordinary knowledge of vintage clothing.

He’ll be book signing his history of 20th century couture, 25 Dresses.

There’s just time for a lunch before returning to the Bath Function Room for 2pm to hear Cleo and Mark Butterfield, owners of the C20 Vintage Fashion Archive talking about the timeless style of Liberty prints.

The flamboyant queen of colour Zandra Rhodes will be in conversation with Sue James, editorial director of Woman & Home magazine. Showbiz designer Julien Macdonald, British Fashion Designer of the Year 2001, who’s dressed Beyonce and Taylor Swift, will be talking to Colin McDowell, fashion writer.

Livia Firth, founder of Eco-Age, will be speaking about sustainable fashion. Rock star and astronomer Brian May is perhaps an unlikely person to be talking about women’s fashion, but he and Denis Pellerin have produced a huge book of 3D photography, Crinoline: Fashion’s Most Magnificent Disaster and they’ll be in Bath on 19 April to explore this fascinating fashion craze.

There’s lots more besides going on for BiF. Hotels and cafes will be running fashion themed lunches and teas and there are creative workshops too. Pick up a programme or visit: bathinfashion.co.uk. n THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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CITY | READING

BOOKS ON FASHION

Seeking sartorial inspiration The Bath Magazine leafs through the latest books on style and fashion on the shelves of independent bookshop Topping & Co

GET AHEAD

Philip Treacy: Hat Designer by Philip Treacy and Marion Hume, hardback by Rizzola, £75 There is a moment of magic when the camera meets the hat. A moment which belies the precision engineering and sheer artistry of an expert milliner. Gianni Versace said of Philip Treacy: ‘Give Philip a pin and he makes a sculpture. Give him a rose and he makes a poem.’ Page after page shows fabulous Treacy creations on some of the world’s most beautiful women, photographed by the best photographers.

This is a beauty of a book, covered in Schiaparelli pink which demonstrates the transforming powers of fashion.

FASHION BIBLE

Style Forever by Alyson Walsh, published in hardback by Hardie Grant Books, £12.99 Fashion journalist Alyson Walsh, who has written for The Guardian and the FT and is author of the That’s Not My Age blog, has written a terrific, uplifting guide to looking fabulous at 50 and beyond. With lively illustrations by Leo Greenfield and contributions from well known women, this handy little book serves both as a practical work and a confidence booster for what she dubs Generation FAB. Subjects covered include how to wear comfortable, flat shoes with elan, and the art of not becoming invisible once one reaches a certain age. Plus tips on essential beauty products, such as E45 for dry skin, a magnifying mirror for make-up application and Guerlain’s Terracotta Compact powder – ‘every Frenchwoman’s secret for looking healthy and rested.’

FOR ILLUSTRATION David Downton: Portraits of the World’s Most Stylish Women

by David Downton, published by Laurence King, hardback, £40 One of the world’s leading fashion illustrators, Downton’s distinctive drawings perfectly encapsulate the sitter’s character and spark with a few cleverly placed lines. This is a collection of portraits of stars of TV, film, the runways and the gossip columns. He’ll be giving a talk on Wednesday 20 April, 6pm, at the historic tea room in The Assembly Rooms as part of Bath in Fashion. Pictured is Charlotte Rampling, one of the subjects in the book.

SHOWBIZ SPARKLE

Women I’ve Undressed: The Fabulous Life and Times of a Legendary Hollywood Designer by Orry Kelly, published by Allen and Unwin, hardback, £25 Oh how we wish the Oscar-winning costume designer of Some Like It Hot and Casablanca were still alive to work the chat show circuit with his gossip and anecdotes about bygone days in Hollywood, of stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Cary Grant.

Instead we can enjoy a romp through several decades, as told in Kelly’s memoirs, which were apparently uncovered, hidden in a pillow case.

CULTURAL BAROMETER

Vogue 100: A Century of Style, published by the National Portrait Gallery, hardback, £40 To coincide with the major retrospective of a century of British Vogue comes this sumptuous coffee table book – except this is much more than that. There are photographs by some of the best photographers, from Norman Parkinson and Cecil Beaton, to David Bailey and Mario Testino, taken of the world’s most famous models. Included are articles from Vogue’s archives by the likes of JG Ballard and Antonia Fraser, which shed light on fashion, not merely for the way we dress but the way we think and behave. A fascinating slice of social history with brilliant imagery. Pictured is Linda Evangelista on the cover.

THE DANDY

Sir Portrait: 30 portraits of Roy Strong by photographer John Swannell, published by Frances Lincoln in hardback, £20 He has made his reputation as a formidable art historian with a sharp eye for detail, but in this most elegant set of portraits, we see the gentleman dandy side of Sir Roy Strong. Over a period of several years the former director of the Victoria and Albert Museum teamed up with photographer John Swannell, transforming himself with wigs, make-up and costumes into different characters. We see 30 perfect portraits, from Holbein’s hands-on-hips Henry VIII to

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the classic seated stentorian severity of US President Abraham Lincoln. Sometimes you have to look twice to see Sir Roy, so effective is his transformation as Rasputin or Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Sometimes – particularly as the prelate of the Church – he looks faintly surprised at himself, as though glimpsing another side of his figure. In the diary notes that introduce the book his wit, charm and effervescence for life bubble through like a fountain. The story he tells of becoming the romantic figure of Sir Galahad, complete with heavy sword and even heavier armour, is delightful.

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The Lamino chair and footstool by Yngve Ekstrom 1956, Oiled oak and charcoal sheepskin, also available in other colours or wool upholstery

S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D

Contemporary interior furniture and lighting from Swedese, Carl Hansen and Son, and Fritz Hansen. Homewares from Marimekko, Iittala and Arabia with fabrics, and throws from Finland and Sweden.

68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com

Gold & Platinum Studio Handmade and Bespoke Jewellery

19 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR | Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk | email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises. All types of jewellery remodelled. Efficient repair service. Established 1970

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FACE | THE MUSIC

PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT

Mick Ringham talks to legendary singer Lulu ahead of her show in Bath

F

or over five decades Lulu Kennedy-Cairns OBE, or simply Lulu, has held a place in the British public’s heart.

From her early days as a teenager belting out Shout through to her very glamorous appearance in 2011 on Strictly Come Dancing at the age of 61, she has continued to entertain us.

After a touring break of around ten years Lulu is on the road for a UK tour, promoting her new album Making Life Rhyme. She and her writing partner, her brother Billy, wrote most of the songs on the album, which has received rave reviews.

I first met Lulu in 1966 backstage at the Colston Hall in Bristol, where she was appearing on the bill with Peter and Gordon and some local bands. I knew the promoter, which was why I was backstage and Lulu literally said ‘Hi’ and smiled as she passed. She was a wee Scottish lass, famous even then for that powerful voice.

I was reminded of that encounter – and of how long ago it was – when I spoke to Lulu ahead of her visit to Bath, where she’s due to play at Komedia. She was as bubbly and full of infectious enthusiasm as you’d imagine.

“It’s going to be such an amazing tour,” she says, “and I’m so looking forward to being in the west country again and especially Bath. I remember spending one Christmas there with my former husband John Frieda and our son Jordan. We stayed at the lovely Royal Crescent Hotel, walked around this wonderful city and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”

Lulu was 15 in 1964 when she signed with the Decca record label and recorded her version of the Isley Brothers’ number Shout – a song that would become synonymous with her throughout her career. Subsequent hits included The Boat that I Row, Leave a Little Love, Boom Bang-a-Bang and The Man Who Sold the World as well as many albums.

Her career includes numerous television appearances and business ventures, including her own brand of cosmetics. She has also acted alongside Sidney Poitier in To Sir With Love and, most recently, in the new Ab-Fab movie.

We talked about her early life, how she would listen to her transistor radio under the bedclothes to Radio Luxembourg, and her sudden rise to fame at such an early age.

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he sang was Shout and it really impressed me. I thought ‘I would love to do that’ and as I had a small band at that time we learnt it and managed after a year to get it recorded.”

Touring at the time wasn’t as glamorous as she had dreamed: “To be truthful, touring the country for months at a time, in a small van with a group of guys was not all that hygienic. I can still remember the smell of old socks, last night’s curry, body odour and other aromas which you can probably guess at!”

She went on to tour Europe with her band The Luvvers (sic), but after two years embarked on a solo career. Then came the film role in To Sir With Love which was to provide her with a Number One million selling hit in the States. She famously represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969 with Boom Bang-a-Bang. She later said: “It was a rotten song but who cares – I won!”

As well as working with all the major stars of the day, she was guesting and

recording with musicians including The Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Bobby Womack, Elton John and Paul McCartney. When she covered The Man Who Sold the World, David Bowie produced the record and played saxophone and backing vocals.

I asked her to what she attributes her success. “Staying power I guess, but I really, really love to sing and dance and that keeps my spirits up. I’ve had a few disappointments in my life and a few flops along the way, but I am a great believer in facing up to a challenge and moving forward.”

Younger audiences may know her from Absolutely Fabulous, in which she clearly relishes her role putting down Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley.

With the new Ab-Fab film set to be released this July, I asked her how she got on with the rest of the cast. “Oh God, it was just amazing! I loved working with those girls. It was a total joy and I think it shows. We had such a terrific time together with lots of fun and laughter. Jennifer Saunders wrote it and

BACK ON TOUR: Lulu has 35 dates lined up as she promotes her album, which has been acclaimed by Neil McCormack in The Daily Telegraph as the best thing she’s done since the 70s

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FACE | THE MUSIC

the cast were handpicked by her. I can’t wait for the premiere.”

Lulu has tried, not always successfully, to keep her personal life out of the headlines, but the emotional impact of past events have been hard to deal with.

She says that now she finds it liberating to talk and release her feelings. I was genuinely surprised at her openness about her past, and her self-effacing attitude. After a turbulent childhood in Glasgow and marriages to Bee Gee Maurice Gibb and celebrity hairdresser John Frieda, she has endured more than her fair share of heartache.

“I’ve dealt with my demons, disappointments and sadness and thankfully I’ve come through and now I’m beginning to feel good about myself

and who I am. I feel like I’ve grown up a lot over these last few years.”

Lulu has been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, from her troubled upbringing, which she says helped her relate to the men and women in the armed forces. She teamed up with The Military Wives choir to release her new single Cry with all the proceeds going to their charity. The choir will join her at Komedia for this number.

It was her warm reception from the crowds when she played Glastonbury Festival last year that made her decide to get back out on the road. “I had such a great time at Glastonbury and began to miss the challenge of getting back on the road. I’ve got 35 tour dates so far. If you’d told me back at the age of 15 that I

MUSICAL HEROES: left to right, David Bowie, Whitney Houston and Ray Charles

would still be doing gigs today. I’d tell you ‘shut up, that’s ridiculous!’ But here I am and I’m so lucky to be doing it at my age.”

On tour Lulu will be telling anecdotes and singing songs from her musical heroes, including Ray Charles, Whitney Houston and Otis Redding. She ends our chat by singing a rendition of the Bruno Mars number Just the Way You Are which was amazing. I can confirm she is still as genuinely friendly, with that same sparkle she had all those years ago. Lulu may be a national treasure but she’s still that little Scottish lass who just wanted to get up on stage and sing her heart out!

Lulu is at Komedia, Bath on Wednesday 20 April. For tickets tel: 0845 293 8480. n

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WHAT’S ON IN APRIL EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Contemporary dance A Thread, at The Edge arts centre at the University of Bath on 7 April

BEACH BOYS BAND Friday 1 April, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Relive the sounds of a Californian summer with this five-piece band, who perfectly reproduce those classic numbers. Tickets: £13.50 (£15 on the door). Tel 01225 461700 or visit: chapelarts.org.

Also at Chapel Arts Centre this month STEVE TILSTON Sunday 3 April, 8pm We’re sure that after 45 years in the business Steve Tilston won’t be offended to be described as a veteran. Fans will be pleased to hear he’s got a new CD out, Truth to Tell. Tickets: £12 (£14 on the door).

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Saturday 16 April, 8pm Back from a hit run in the West End, enjoy all the great duo’s hits from a full live band. Tickets: £17.50 (£18 on the door).

KEITH JAMES: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Thurday 21 April, 8pm The man in the famous blue raincoat . . . this singer brings us some of the great song writer’s most evocative numbers. So sad they’ll make you happy. Tickets: £12 (£14 on the door).

EDITOR’S PICK BATH MARKETS: GARDENALIA Sunday 3 April, 8am – 4pm n Bath Vintage & Antiques Market, Green Park Station, Bath In search of some weather worn terracotta flower pots, a useful hoe for weeding or a set of folding stripy deckchairs for the lawn? This one-off gardenalia market is a great place to go for a rummage.

Murder She Didn’t Write at The Mission Theatre

MURDER SHE DIDN’T WRITE Friday 1 – Tuesday 5 April, 7pm n The Mission Theatre, Corn Street, Bath Move over Miss Marple! Groundbreaking theatre company Degrees of Error is bringing its critically acclaimed improvised murder mystery to Bath as part of Bath Comedy Festival. The audience takes part in setting the scene and then solving the mystery. The show recently returned from its third sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it earned rave reviews and a BBC Radio 2 recommendation. Tickets: £10/£8 concessions from: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

The Herbal Bed at the Theatre Royal

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Goodnight Mr Tom at the Theatre Royal

BATH BOOK FAIR Saturday 2 April, 10.30am – 4.30pm n The Assembly Rooms, Bath The Provincial Booksellers Fair Association Bath fair features 30 professional book dealers offering a wide range of good quality second hand and antiquarian books. Seek out and buy an intriguing volume, with prices starting at less than £10. Admission: £2. Enquiries to Bath Old Books tel: 01225 422244 or George Bayntun’s, tel: 01225 466000.

GEORGE EGG: ANARCHIST COOK Saturday 2 April, 8pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road George Egg cooks a three course meal of seriously good food in his hotel room using the appliances unwittingly provided. A surreal mixture of stand-up comedy, illustrated lecture and live cookery demonstration that leaves the audience entertained as well as inspired. This show was a smash hit at Edinburgh. Tickets: £14 (£12 concs), tel: 0333 666 3366, or visit: rondotheatre.co.uk.

Also at the Rondo this month VIVIAN STANSHALL’S SIR HENRY AT RAWLINSON END Friday 8 April, 8pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road By kind permission of the Stanshall family, Guilty Dog Productions and UK Touring, Mike Livesley and The Austerity Orchestra from Liverpool

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re-create legendary Bonzo Viv Stanshall’s manic, classic, surreal but fond masterpiece of quintessential English comedy. Sir Henry’s world is brought to life for our entertainment, enchantment and elucidation some 20 years after Viv’s death. Suitable age 16 and over. Tickets: £14/£12 concessions.

OTWAY AND BARRETT: THE FINAL STRAW TOUR 2016 Saturday 9 April, 8pm John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett – whose hit Really Free is still fondly remembered by many – remain enigmas to the vast majority of the British public, but for those who know they are amongst the top ten of favourite artists to see live. The show is a wonderful eclectic mix of bizarre humour, superb visual effects, fine guitar playing and the best use of a Theremin anywhere. Tickets: £14, £12 concessions.

LECTURE: FAR EASTERN AND ORIENT EXPRESS Monday 4 April, 1.30pm n The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath Bath Decorative and Fine Arts Society afternoon branch hosts a series of lectures which are open to visitors. The April lecture follows the route of a train journey in the Far East from Singapore to Bangkok, looking at the different artistic traditions and cultures of Malaysia and Thailand.

The lecturer is architect Hugh Ellwood, who studied philosophy in Rome. He has travelled extensively, photographing and sketching to record his tours. Visitors, £8, members, £5. For more information visit: bathdfas.com SINGLE SPIES Monday 4 – Saturday 9 April, times vary n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath This is a double bill from master writer Alan Bennett, of An Englishman Abroad and A Question of Attribution, themed around Russian spies and royalty. It stars Belinda Lang, Nicholas Farrell and David Robb and comes to Bath as part of a UK tour. For ticket details visit: theatreroyal.org.uk, or tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Theatre Royal in March THE HERBAL BED: THE Nicholas Farrell, Belinda Lang and SECRET LIFE OF David Robb in Single Spies SHAKESPEARE’S DAUGHTER Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 April, times vary This English Touring Theatre emotionally evocative thriller is based on real events from Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613. Shakespeare’s married daughter is accused of adultery and her alleged sin becomes public.

GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 April, times vary Popular actor David Troughton takes on the role of Mister Tom, the elderly recluse who befriends a boy William, evacuated from London to the countryside. This is an Olivier award winning production direct from the West End. FAB PHOTOS FROM THE SWINGING SIXTIES Monday 4 April, 7pm n Top Gallery, the Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Lecturer Brian Stater will give an illustrated talk, When Britain Clicked, to the Bath Evening Decorative and Fine Arts Society – to which visitors are welcome. British photography enjoyed a golden age in the 1960s.

This talk looks at a range of superb images from photographers such as David Bailey and Terence Donovan. Pre-booked visitors £7, students free, tel: 01225 742989, full details: bedfas.co.uk FILM: PLANET OF SNAIL n The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath Tuesday 5 April, 7.30pm A fascinating film about a deaf-blind poet who communicates with his tiny wife via a form of finger tapping Braille. Watch as they work as a team to overcome daily challenges, from changing a lightbulb to writing plays. It’s been described as a profoundly moving experience. Tickets: £8.50/£6 concessions. Tel: 01225 386777 or visit: icia.co.uk.

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Also at The Edge this month DANCE: A THREAD Thursday 7 April, 7.30pm The international cast of dancers perform with heavy objects, counterbalanced with lightweight martial arts poles and sheets of metal to repel and react to the choreographic movement and question the nature of man’s harmony. Tickets: £10/£8 concessions.

KAASH Friday 15 and Saturday 16 April, 7.30pm Kaash is the Hindi word for ‘if only’ and this is another chance to see Akram Khan’s award-winning dance. The set has been designed by sculptor Anish Kapoor and the music is by Nitin Sawhney, while the dance itself builds bridges between Indian classic and contemporary dance. Tickets: £15/£12 concessions.

MARK WATSON: I’M NOT HERE Thursday 7 April, 8pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Mark Watson, star of numerous TV shows including Dave’s Road to Rio, BBC’s We Need Answers, Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, and his Radio 4 series Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better and Mark Watson Talks A Bit About Life returns with a new show. Tickets: £17 auditorium. Tel: 0845 293 8480 or visit: komedia.co.uk/bath.

Also at Komedia this month IAN MCCULLOCH Friday 8 April, 8pm Ian McCulloch was the frontman of Liverpool band Echo & the Bunnymen, one of the UK’s most popular indie rock bands. Hit albums and singles included The Cutter, Seven Seas, Bring on the Dancing Horses, The Killing Moon, and Nothing Lasts Forever. Ian McCulloch will be giving a rare solo performance and will feature stripped down versions of classic Bunnymen tracks and songs from his solo catalogue.

Tickets: £19.50.

RICHARD HERRING – HAPPY NOW? Friday 22 April, 8pm After years of drifting aimlessly and alone, Richard Herring is now settled down with a wife and a baby. Is he finally happy now?

Or does responsibility for the lives of others come with its own terrors? Richard examines whether we are can ever hope to be or are meant to be truly content. Tickets: £15, auditorium.

Richard Herring 60 YEARS OF MUSICALS Thursday 7 – Saturday 9 April, 7.30pm n The Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Bath Bath Light Operatic Group presents 60 Years of Musicals. Tickets £13, concessions £12, tel: 01225 863740, or visit: bath.ticketsource.co.uk.

FOREVER YOURS, MARIE-LOU Until 30 April, 7.45pm (matinees Thursdays and Saturdays) n Ustinov Studio, off Monmouth Street, Bath This is a UK premiere of a French Canadian drama, written by Michel Tremblay and played here in English. A pair of sisters are re-united ten years after their family is torn apart. Their dysfunctional family story unfurls before our eyes. Tickets: £19.50/£14.50 discounts, tel: 01225 448844.

GONZO MOOSE: SCOTT OF THE ANTARCTIC Thursday 7 – Saturday 9 April, 7.30pm n The Pound arts centre, Pound Pill, Corsham A very different take on a classic British tale from history. Suppose Scott of the Antarctic hadn’t perished in the snow but died fighting invading aliens? Be prepared to be diverted by this new piece of theatre. Tickets: from £11 (concessions) to £14. Tel: 01249 701628, or visit: poundarts.org.uk.

Also at the Pound this month DALLOWAY Friday 22 April, 7.30pm An adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s work, we are transported to 1923 and to middle and upper class folk in post First World War London.

Tickets: £10/ £9 concessions.

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FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: THEODORA POOLE Thursday 7 April, 1.05pm n Wells Cathedral, Wells, Somerset Enjoy a free lunchtime concert with pianist Theodora Poole. Visit: wellscathedral.org.uk.

Also at Wells Cathedral this month Saturday 9 April. 1.05pm Free lunchtime concert with Launceston Male Voice Choir.

Saturday, 16 April, 1.05pm Free lunchtime concert by the Ashtead Singers.

Saturday 30 April, 2.15 – 2.50 pm Free organ recital at Wells Cathedral by Jonathan Vaughn, Assistant Organist, Wells Cathedral for the Federation of Old Choristers’ Association. Retiring collection in aid of Wells Cathedral Music

Francis Faux leads the Lucis choir at the Wiltshire Music Centre

Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman The Marx Festival over the weekend of 23/24 April

Alex Lovell will be in Weston, Bath on Saturday 23 April

EDITOR’S PICK

Shakespeare Live celebrates Shakespeare’s birthday in Lacock and Corsham on Saturday 23 April

ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING SURGERY Tuesday 5 April, 6pm – 7.30pm n The Museum of Bath Architecture, the Paragon, Bath What’s happening to Avon Street car park? Why are new buildings in Bath so tall? This is a chance to pop in and ask the experts these and other questions about planning issues in Bath. Staffed by volunteers from Bath Preservation Trust, you may find the answers you seek at this session. The next one is on Tuesday 31 May at the same time.

COURTNEY PINE AND ZOE RAHMAN Friday 8 April, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon This is a fantastic musical collaboration between Courtney Pine’s bass clarinet and Zoe Rahman on piano playing virtuoso jazz together.

Tickets: £25. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month LAUREN AQUILINA Saturday 9 April, 7.30pm BBC Introducing in the West and the music centre’s Young Curators project brings this evening with singer Lauren Aquilina and guests.

Lauren has played Leeds and Reading festivals and supported Taylor Swift in Hyde Park. You may have heard her voice on the Downton Abbey finale advert, now you can hear her live. Tickets: £6.

LUCIS Saturday 16 April, 7.30pm Musical director and conductor Francis Faux leads this Bath based choir for a debut concert at the centre, featuring soloist soprano Kirsten Mulcahy and oboist James Watts. The programme includes Rutter’s Requiem, Neilsen and Grovlez. Tickets: £15/£10 students.

ALTAN Friday 22 April, 7.30pm A superb Celtic band with many followers all over the world. They’ll be playing traditional music ranging from old Irish songs that’ll break your heart to some stirring reels and jigs. Tickets: £18/£9 under 18s.

CREATE @VERVE Various dates in April, times vary n VERVE Living, 15 Walcot Buildings, London Road) Working with Willow. Thursday 7 April, 10am-1pm, Friday 8 April, 10am-1pm or Saturday 9 April, 1- 4pm. Sculptor and teacher Su MacPherson will teach the techniques needed to make pieces out of Somerset willow. Floral Creations, Thursday 14 April, 10am-1pm.

Elisabeth Anderson from Amamini Flowers, will guide particpants to make an arrangement using unusual spring flowers. Wire Sculpting. Friday 15 April, 9.30am -12.30, Saturday 16 April, 10am-1pm or Sunday 17, 10.30am -1.30pm, Melanie Deegan, creator of the range of wire and resin sculptures Verve exhibits, returns. All classes £45pp including materials and refreshments Visit: verveliving.uk/classes or email team@verveliving.uk.

EXHIBITION WALKING TOUR Saturday 9 April, 10.30am n From the Museum of Bath Architecture, the Paragon, Bath The museum has a fascinating exhibition, which runs until November, on the plans drawn up in 1916 by architect Robert Atkinson for Bath.

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His schemes were never realised. In conjunction with this the incredibly knowledgable and interesting historian Dr Amy Frost is leading a walk, which will enlighten participents to the 1916 Bath Improvement Scheme. Free but booking essential. Tel: 01225 333895 or email: junter@bptrust.org.uk.

THE RAILSPLITTERS Sunday 10 April, 2pm n The Stables at the American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath Fittingly for the museum, the Railsplitters from Colorado play American bluegrass music. They say that this is the music of the open road, for the open dance floor and open ears. Free with museum admission. Visit: americanmuseum.org.

Also at the American Museum this month WORKSHOP: NORTHERN HARMONY Friday 15 April, 10am to noon You’ll need to book for this workshop with Larry Gordon and Northern Harmony, in which you’ll learn American shape singing, gospel and South African song and dance. No experience necessary. Places: £13.

COURSE: TRADITIONAL ASH BASKETRY Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April, 10am to 4.30pm Ash baskets were once made by native American tribes, but the art is slowly dying out. Learn to make beautiful and durable baskets. £80 for two day course, £40 materials. Booking essential.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT Tuesday 12 April, 1.10pm – 1.50pm n The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney

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Street, Bath A delightful 40 minute concert of Scottish songs and airs for voice and harps, Midst Friends and Fav’rites is presented by harpist Bill Taylor and soprano Annie Lewis. Tickets: £6. To book, tel: 01225 388569.

Also at the Holburne this month SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY CONCERT Saturday 23 April, 7.30pm Every year Operaletta performs a Shakespeare concert, each year with different music or words. Visit some old Shakespearian favourites at this evening which will be introduced by Geoff Ditcham. Tickets: £12.

CURATOR’S CHOICE: ANTONIO SUSINI’S CROUCHING VENUS Wednesday 27 April, 3pm The bronze Crouching Venus dating from the Renaissance began life as one of Louis XIV of France’s treasures. So how did it come to be here in the Holburne collection? Curator Catrin Jones tells its fascinating story. Tickets: £6.

THREE OF A KIND Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 April, 7.30pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Bath Drama showcases three new short plays from three local writers. Baggage by Nicolas Ridley, Getting to Yes by Stephanie Weston and The Good Neighbour by Brian Coyle. From romantic comedy to high drama. Tickets. £10/8, visit: ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre or tel: 0333 666 3366.

DIE FLEDERMAUS Friday 15 April, 7.30pm

The Railsplitters at the American Museum n St Swithun’s Church, Bathford White Horse Opera performs a witty new English translation of this popular comic operetta. Tickets: £9 from Bathford Village Shop, visit: ticketsource.co.uk/whitehorseopera, or tel: 01225-852124.

AC GRAYLING Monday 18 April, 7.45pm n Topping & Co bookshop, the Paragon, Bath Philosopher AC Grayling’s latest book The Age of Genius looks back the the Renaissance and explores the intellectual revolution which happened then and still influences the world today. Tickets: £7/£8 (with £7/£8 off the book) Tel: 01225 428111 or visit: toppingbooks.co.uk.

Also at Topping & Co this month HELEN DUNMORE Saturday 23 April, 10.30am Bristol based poet and novelist – author of the acclaimed books including The Siege, House of Orphans and Zennor in Darkness, Helen will be at the Museum of Bath at Work to talk about her new book. Set in 1960s London, Continued Page 40

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WHAT’S | ON Exposure is set against the backdrop of the Cold War. Tickets: £7/£8 redeemable against the book.

BISTRONOMY AND TANGLE BAY Thursday 28 April, 7.30pm New York food journalist Jane Sigal and Bathbased artist Jessica Palmer share experiences about creating Bistronomy: Recipes from the Best New Paris Bistros. They will cook and talk about their passion for food, art and Paris.

There will be a chance to colour in Jessica’s new book, Tangle Bay. Tickets £6 in advance, redeemable against the cost of either book.

JOE ABERCROMBIE Friday 29 April, 7.30pm Fantasy writer Joe Abercrombie is critically acclaimed and has a dedicated army of fans.

He’ll be talking about Sharp Ends, his new collection of short fiction. Tickets: £6/£7 redeemable against the book.

CONCERT: BATH PHILHARMONIA Friday 22 April, 7.30pm n St Swithin’s Church, Walcot, Bath An endowed concert in memory of Martin Carr, his son Gavin is the baritone. The programme features Martin’s other son Paul Carr’s own composition Air for Strings, Mozart’s Symphony No4 in G Minor and Mahler’s settings of 8th century poems Das Lied von der Erde. Tickets from £5 for under 16s to £25, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

SUGGS: MY LIFE STORY IN WORDS AND MUSIC Thursday 28 April, 8pm

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Suggs at the Forum n The Forum, Southgate, Bath Charismatic, charming frontman of nutty band Madness, Graham McPherson aka Suggs, offers a mixture of song, stories and laughter as he talks about his life and his music. Tickets; £28.50 plus booking fee. Visit: bathforum.co.uk.

SHAKESPEARE SHORTS Saturday 23 April, 10.30am, 11.15am and noon n Corsham High Street Saturday 23 April, 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm n Lacock School playground, Lacock Theatre company Shakespeare Live is commemorating the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death with a day of free performances, come rain or shine, in Corsham and Lacock. Enjoy a half hour programme, Shakespeare Shorts, made up of well-known scenes and extracts, with a team of experienced actors in full costume. More details visit: shakespearelive.com.

WESTON HERITAGE DAY Saturday 23 April, from noon n Free Church Hall, High Street, Weston Alex Lovell, BBC TV and radio presenter, is to officially open the event at noon. The main theme of the day is the 100th anniversary of the opening of Bath War Hospital. Members of Weston Heritage and Research Society have worked closely with Bath Record Office and the Royal United Hospital Arts Programme Department to organise an exhibition of surviving photographic, documentary and personal effects. There will also be a Bath Records Office/Archives Roadshow, an interactive presentation by Bath Natural Theatre and a Bugle rendition of the Last Post.

Admission free.

GEORGIAN MAKEOVERS Saturday 23 April, throughout the day n No 1 Royal Crescent museum, Bath Bath Academy of Media Makeup artists will be on hand to make your face up like a Georgian as you choose a costume and have your photograph taken by a professional photographer. You’ll need to book a slot in advance. Tickets: £15, to include admission to the museum. To book tel: Kate Rogers on 01225 428126.

THE MARX BROTHERS FESTIVAL Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April n Chapel Arts Centre and the Little Theatre cinema This is a weekend celebrating the Marx

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Brothers, beginning on Saturday at 1pm with Animal Crackers, followed by An Evening with Groucho, and finishing on Sunday with A Night in Casablanca. We’re told there’ll be special guests and bonus features. You’ll get the chance to share your passion for the clever comedians with other fans too. For details and to buy tickets visit: bathmarx.co.uk.

A HANDFUL OF SINGERS Saturday 23 April, 7.30pm n Church of St Alphege, Oldfield Lane, Bath In this all-American programme, A Handful of Singers, directed by award-winning conductor Christopher Finch, juxtaposes a rare choral work by Aaron Copland and works by two of America’s most popular composers. Copland’s In the Beginning is an atmospheric 1947 retelling of the Genesis version of creation; Eric Whitacre’s SainteChapelle, written for the Tallis Scholars, was inspired by the stainedglass windows in the medieval chapel in Paris and René Clausen’s Mass for Double Choir is an imaginative work of rich colours and emotional depth, contrasting the sorrow of the Crucifixion with the exuberance of the Resurrection. Tickets £12, £5 under 25s, Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk or ahandfulofsingers.org.

THE FRESHFORD SINGERS: SPRING CONCERT Saturday 23 April, 7.30pm n Holy Trinity Church, Combe Down, Bath The choir, directed by Bernard Wight and accompanied by the Westwood String Quartet and organist Nicholas Thorne, presents Dvorak’s Mass in D and Schubert’s Mass in G, along with some anthems by Charles Wood and George Dyson. Free admission with a retiring collection in aid of the Peggy Dodd Centre at Combe Down.

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION CONCERT BAND Saturday 30 April, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey The Royal Marines Association Concert Band, which consists of former Royal Marines, will play for the first time in Bath Abbey. The band will be led by musical director Anthony Smallwood, with Last Choir Standing Bath Male Choir and the Bath Chorus supplying rousing melodies and beautiful harmonies. The conclusion of the concert will be a medley of stirring Proms favourites. Funds are for the The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Tickets: from £10, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk or tel: 01225 463362.

PLANNING AHEAD IFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL Tickets are on sale for this annual festival, which brings world class opera, sung in English, to one of the most beautiful places in the Wiltshire countryside, set against the backdrop of the world famous Peto gardens at Iford Manor. Productions for this season include Macbeth and The Magic Flute. There’s also a series of summer prom concerts, among them featuring Bath born Emily Saunders. For ticket prices and a full programme visit: ifordarts.org.uk or tel: 01225 448844.

CONCERTS IN THE FOREST Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June n Westonbirt arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire A weekend of three separate concerts by some big names past and present in music. Friday night it’s the Kaiser Chiefs, while some members of UB40 will be taking to the stage on Saturday evening, finishing with the mighty Tom Jones on Sunday night.

For tickets tel: 03000 680400 or The Kaiser Chiefs visit: forestry.gov.uk/music. n

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

CITY OF ARTISTS

As Bath’s art studios prepare to open their doors for a citywide art trail, we take a tour of what’s on in the city galleries BATH OPEN STUDIOS & ART TRAILS Visit: bathopenstudios.co.uk and see links to individual websites for maps, venues and details of exhibiting artists.

From 30 April Each weekend from the end of April and running through May there is an open studio or arts trail event in a different area of Bath, offering visitors the chance to look inside some of the city’s hidden galleries and artists’ studios.

With prints, paintings, photography and sculpture on show as well as glass, jewellery, ceramics and felt work, there will be many exciting discoveries to be made. This is an annual citywide project organised by Bath Open Studios (BOS), a collaborative group committed to raising the profile of fine and applied art across Bath. It is keen to promote the city’s four art trails as an example of the rich variety of creative talent in Bath. 44AD Artspace, in the city centre, is also taking part and artists’ studios there will be open over a weekend. 30 Apr – 2 May, Larkhall Open Studios, 7 & 8 May Newbridge Arts Trail, 14 & 15 May Widcombe Art Trail, 20 - 22 May 44AD Artspace Open Studios and 28 – 30 May Bear Flat Artists Open Studios. We’ll be featuring more details in our May issue.

Lone Croft by Marian Hill

Snake Girl by Tessa Farlow

VICTORIA ART GALLERY

By Pulteney Bridge Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, 1.30pm – 5pm, closed Monday GRAYSON PERRY: THE VANITY OF SMALL DIFFERENCES Until 10 April You’ve not got long to catch this show, which has been the publicly owned gallery’s most successful to date. Go see for yourself these incredibly detailed contemporary tapestries by an artist on top of his game.

WORLD WAR ONE RECRUITING POSTERS Until 13 April A fascinating collection of 100-year-old posters exhorting men to join up and fight. Many of these posters with their stirring slogans have not been on view for years.

THE BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS SUMMER EXHIBITION Saturday 23 April – 4 June

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Antony and Cleopatra by Tim Carroll This popular mixed show is now in its 111th year. Artists compete for space in the gallery, then visitors come and vote for their favourite works of art. The Society was founded in 1904 with 26 members. Many distinguished 20th-

century painters have exhibited with the Society including Walter Sickert, John Singer Sargent, Philip Wilson Steer, Gilbert Spencer, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden, William Scott and Howard Hodgkin.

The exhibition, which is open to nonmembers, attracts more than 1,000 entries and 13,000 visitors, with sales doubling in the last few years. The prizes on offer total more than £3,000 and include the £500 Public Choice Prize, for which visitors are invited to vote.

Art store tours to explore the parts of the gallery other people don’t reach are free, but you’ll need to book in advance on 01225 477232. The tours take place on Wednesdays 20 April, 18 May, 15 June, 20 July, 17 August, 21 September, all noon to 12.45pm.

Entrance to the Victoria Art Gallery is free to under 21s and holders of a Bath & North East Somerset resident’s Discovery Card. For other visitors free admission applies except to the large exhibitions which cost £4/ with concessions for single entry, or £10 for an annual art pass.

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Glorious Weather April - May 2016

An exhibition reflecting the sea, land and weather

by Award Winning Artist Emma Rose.

Original artwork . Limited Edition GiclĂŠe Prints

First Floor Gallery,

78 Walcot Street . Bath

www.emmaroseartworks.com

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885235915 / 01225 424 424 Visit: emmaroseartworks.com GLORIOUS WEATHER Throughout April Celebrating the onset of spring and heralding the warmer weather award winning artist Emma Rose brings new work to her gallery, exploring the underlining heat, emotional temperature and the layers of experience that become part of us, and also forms and structures in the landscape, which are transformed by imagination.

BATH CONTEMPORARY 35 Gay Street, Bath Email: gallery@bathcontemporary.com Visit: bathcontemporary.com Tel: 01225 461230 Open: 10am – 5pm, Mon – Sat

Im Dunkeln by Claudio Ahlers LANE HOUSE ARTS @ HARDY HOUSE GALLERY Hardy House, High Street, Box Tel: 07767 498403 Visit: lanehousearts.co.uk and hardyhousegallery.com BODY LANGUAGE Saturday 2 – 30 April, Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm This is a collaboration between the two galleries, bringing together the work of three artists who explore the human form through different media. Bristol based fine art photographer, Claudio Ahlers, explores the emotional landscape of women and men as it reveals itself through the naked figure.

Hungarian Zsolt Dudas uses drawing and sculpture to support his painting to measure the body and explore its boundaries. An emotional connection with her past is brought to her paintings by Nina Roberts.

Work by these three artists will also be exhibited in the Bath gallery.

Distant Ship, Margate by Francis Tinsley

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath Tel: 01225 460189 Visit: davidsimoncontemporary.com Open: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sunday afternoons

44AD ART SPACE 4 Abbey Street, Bath Open 12pm – 6m (Sunday 1pm – 4pm) JAPAN: CHARLOTTE MOORE 5 – 10 April A love of 18th century Japanese woodcuts, a course on Japanese literature and a few weeks in Japan last year led to this exhibition by Charlotte Moore. On display are oil paintings, layered mesh pictures reminiscent of the woodcuts, carborundum prints and photographs.

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IFASHION SHOW 14 – 30 April Coinciding with Bath in Fashion, the gallery and Article the neighbouring shop, on Bartlett Street near the Fashion Museum, launch their second Fashion Show – an exhibition of work by artists who take the fashion world as a key inspiration in their work. The show includes paintings by artist Julian Bailey and Dutch painter Hester van Dapperen; drawings and works on paper by fashion illustrators Petra Börner and Helen Bullock, with ceramics by Cotswold-based potter Jude Jelfs. Article will be showcasing silk scarves, textiles and drawings

by Victoria Rees, plus a range of stationery and books by leading fashion illustrators and designers, including David Downton, Manolo Blahnik and Garance Doré.

VOYAGES Friday 1 April – 2 May A mixed exhibition focusing on the symbolic power of ‘the voyage’, including landscapes of brewing drama by Kristan Baggaley, alongside powerfully atmospheric seascapes by Andrew George and abstracts of quiet stillness from Boo Mallinson. Distant shipping tankers calmly rest on horizons in an almost meditative state in the work of Francis Tinsley RE, in contrast with coastal scenes of elemental wildness by Ellen Watson. Ceramics by Peter Wills explore philosophical ideas of journeying, capturing oceanic dualities of ruggedness and fragility.

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‘The Kiss’ 36”x 36” By Peter Mason £2000

Memb

er Galle

The Art Gallery home of ArtGallery.co.uk

ry

Spencer House, 34 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8AQ Tues-Sat. 9.30-5pm. Tel: 01666 505152 help@artgallery.co.uk artgallery.co.uk

art_gallery_uk

nick cudworth gallery

St Michael’s Without - Oil on Linen

WALCOT WORKS 1998-2016 1 – 30 April 2 new paintings and several prints of Walcot which celebrate 18 years of Nick being inspired by residing in his studio/gallery at the top of Walcot Street

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639 gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Open: Daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) IMPRESSIONISM: CAPTURING LIFE Until 5 June Visitors have flocked to this very popular exhibiton of Impressionists’ work. It’s been curated by museum director Jennifer Scott and provides a rare chance to see work all together by artists, who include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, PierreAuguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley.

There are also a couple of paintings

by Walter Sickert who lived in Bath.

This painting of Pissarro’s daughter is particularly poignant. Little Jeanne-Rachel, known affectionately as Minette, holds the fan slightly awkwardly, looking directly at her father. Sadly she died, aged nine, of tuberculosis, a year after this painting was done.

Jeanne Holding a Fan by Camille Pissarro edition Detail from scarf by Carole Waller ONE TWO FIVE GALLERY 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm, or by appointment. Email: carole@carolewaller.co.uk Tel: 07803 033 629 GOOD FRIDAY Until 1 May An exhibition celebrating the emblems, rituals, symbols and geometry of Easter – a time of renewal, growth and remembrance. This show features new work by Gary Wood and Carole Waller, alongside jewellery in perspex, aluminium and enamel, by guest artists Elizabeth Turrell, Annie Beardsley, Shelby Fitzpatrick and Jessica Turrell.

Walcot Street – Golden Dawn by Nick Cudworth

BEAUX ARTS York Street, Bath BA1 1NG Tel: 01225 464850. Visit: beauxartsbath.co.uk

WALCOT WORKS Friday 1 – Saturday 30 April On show will be two new paintings by Nick and eight prints of the Walcot area which have been produced from original paintings during the 18 years of residing in his gallery at the top of Walcot Street. Nick said: “The diversity of architecture and the predominantly artisan aspect of the shops within make it inspirational to me as an artist.”

Bath Canal by Catherine Beale

ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH Main corridor gallery, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am – 8pm daily

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INNER LANDSCAPE: CATHERINE BEALE Until 4 July Catherine is primarily a watercolour painter, interested in pushing the use of watercolour pigments as far as possible. She observes the relaxed landscape forms of the deep coombes and fields around her home on the edge of Bath to experiment with the medium and create what she terms gravity paintings.

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From Earth and Air 2 by Simon Allen

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath. Closed on Mondays Tel: 01225 445221 Visit: nickcudworth.com

FROM EARTH AND AIR Throughout April Taking inspiration from his Cornish surroundings, Simon Allen's new show will fill Beaux Arts in York Street with alluring gilded wall sculptures alongside meditative still life paintings by ING purchase prize winner Atsuko Fujii and new porcelain ceramics by Olen Hsu.

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Scorched Earth at the Gurnard’s Head, Cornwall by Elaine Pamphilon ADAM GALLERY John Street, Bath BA1 2JL Tel: 01225 480406 Visit: adamgallery.com Open: Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm ELAINE PAMPHILON: RECENT PAINTINGS Saturday 2 - Monday 25 April An exhibition of new work by Elaine Pamphilon. Elaine paints still life and landscape in the St Ives ‘naïve’ tradition. She is inspired by everyday objects, souvenirs from travels, patterns and walking the romantic, wild countryside around her home.

GALLERY NINE 9b Margarets Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 319197 Visit: gallerynine.co.uk Open: Monday – Saturday 10am - 5.30pm

Ceramics by Sasha Wardell

SPRING EXHIBITION Friday 15 April – 31 May Along with Sasha Wardell’s translucent bone china and Disa Allsop’s forged, reticulated and patinated 18 carat gold and silver jewellery, Gallery Nine is featuring five new artists. James Wynne is a local sculptor influenced by Barbara Hepworth. He works with ancient seasoned English oak. Cornwall based ceramist Adela Powell constructs vessel and figurative forms using various clays, enhancing them with layers of oxides, slips and glazes. Jane Ryan also Cornwall based, creates mostly reclaimed oak, hand painted automata. She also produces outstanding naive seaside scenes. Print maker Neil Bousfield is an elected member of The Society of Wood Engravers and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. His wood engravings are heavily influenced by his current location Norfolk. Jeweller Ruth Hollywood takes her inspiration from nature and science including the microscopic world. She is also influenced by contemporary art, design and architecture. She extracts shapes and patterns that develop through drawing and evolve into wearable designs. Her unique pieces are made in recycled silver and colourful resin, the result is a vibrant and cutting edge.

RECEIVE THE BATH MAGAZINE BY POST AND NEVER MISS OUT We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month, and there’s plenty of pick up points around town. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family, we offer a magazine mailing service.

Make sure you never miss an issue... all 12 issues from just £30*

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST £30* SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.thebathmag.co.uk/subscribe or call: 01225 424 499

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TAKING IT SITTING DOWN Historian Catherine Pitt looks to the past in the search for a solution to Bath’s traffic problems – the sedan chair

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shorter poles, and their increased manoeuvrability was perfect for their intended use, which was to convey the sick and infirm from their lodgings to the Baths and back again. The Mineral Water Hospital even had their own exclusively designed chairs for use by their patients. People could literally be picked up from their beds, carried through the streets in relative privacy to take the waters, before being bundled back into bed by the very same chairmen, as John Macky recorded in 1720: “The chairmen, whatever storey you sleep on, come to one’s bedside, strip you, give you their dress, wrap you in blankets, carry you off . . . and then after bathing you are carried home.”

Initially chairmen were unregulated and could charge anything from 6d to five shillings for a ride of 600 yards. In 1707 an Act of Parliament gave the Bath Corporation the power to licence up to 60 sedan chairs. By 1708 fares were also set – 6d within the city walls, 6d for waiting, and one shilling if travelling from within the city as far as St James’ or St Michael’s parishes.

Over the years there were further amendments to the fares as Bath expanded outwards, and uphill.

Chairmen’s licences cost three shillings per sedan, and the fine for running an unlicensed chair was 13s. 4d per offence. Just like taxis today each licenced chair had an identifying number which had to be clearly painted on the front, back and top of the chair. The

chair and names of the chairmen (the ‘pair’) were recorded annually at the Guildhall. By 1794 there were 250 licenced chairs in the city, and each ‘chair and pair’ details were posted up for public consumption in the Pump Room.

It appears there was no requisite height to become a chairman, but one had to be fit, strong and healthy. A sedan chair could weigh around 60lb before a person even sat inside. The chairmen of Bath wore a uniform of blue tunic or coat which could be tucked up behind them when on the move; black knee-breeches, white stockings or gaiters, buckled shoes and a large cocked hat.

❝

CHAIRMEN ON CALL: a re-enactment of the heyday of the sedan chair, which took place outside the Pump Room in 1970 Pictures courtesy of Bath in Time, archive of images to buy Visit: bathintime.co.uk

Once the streets of Bath would have echoed to the shouts of ‘Chair, Ho!’ (incidentally where we get the word ‘Cheerio’ from)

❝

S

amuel Pepys visited the Baths in one, Princess Amelia journeyed from London to Bath in one, and both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen wrote about them – sedan chairs, those curious boxes on poles carried by two men; once a common sight around cities such as London, Edinburgh, and of course Bath.

Introduced into England from the Continent in the 16th century, and initially the preserve of the rich, it wasn’t until 1634 that sedan chairs came into public use, thanks to Sir Saunders Duncomb who obtained a 14 year licence to hire out his own hackney sedans in London.

The city of Bath was perfectly suited to the adoption of this new mode of transport. Before the building boom and expansion in the mid-18th century the city was contained within the city walls.

Pedestrians, traders, horses, and carriages would all compete for space in the narrow congested streets. The more manoeuvrable sedan was perfect.

As the city expanded and the influx of fashionable, and rich, visitors increased, the sedan chair gained in popularity as a means of ensuring expensive clothes and wigs were not tainted by the weather or the filth of the streets.

Bath had two types of sedan chair.

The original Bath chair was not the wheeled version that superceded the sedan in the mid-19th century, but a smaller lighter version of a “hackney” or public-use sedan. Bath chairs also had

Each hackney sedan had to be 5ft 3ins tall and 2ft 2 ins wide, painted black, with the chair number in white. The inside of the chair was upholstered, while windows around three sides enabled the traveller to see out if they wished, but curtains allowed privacy and anonymity if required. The roofs of the chairs were all hinged, enabling

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ladies and gentlemen to enter the chair without stooping. The growing fashion in the late 18th century for elaborate headdresses, hats and wigs caused some consternation to the sedan chairmen however: ‘We’ve always endeavour’d to make you sit easy, And modell’d our chairs to your fancy and taste; But now we despair any longer to please ye Since your heads are grown double the length of your waist.’

[Bath Chairmen’s Petition, 1770] Sedan travel was not about comfort or economy. Restricted by size and shape, only one person at a time could travel, and being carried aloft, and at speed, on long poles would have seen the chair bounce and swing considerably. Sedan travel was about fashion and status.

Those that could afford to could have their own bespoke sedan made. Private chairs could be upholstered and painted with family crests and coats of arms, with your chairmen in matching livery.

Private boxes in the 18th century could cost around £60 (£4,000 today) to buy, and that didn’t include the cost of retaining men to carry them. For those who didn’t own their own sedan, but

REVIVAL: above, sedan chair racing was an annual event until recent years – this is the 1982 race Top right, the sedan chairmen’s lodges in Queen’s Parade Place off Gay Street – rare examples of their type Below, demonstrating that carrying a sedan chair – even empty – is no easy feat Pictures: Bath in Time

were visiting Bath for the season, hackney chairs could be rented out per week.

The Chairmen of the Georgian era had a reputation for being violent and prone to profanities. Any misdemeanours, fines, arrests and dismissals were all recorded in the city’s Licencing ledger. In 1754 alone six sedan chairmen were fined between one shilling and 10 shillings each for swearing on duty. In the only extant Bath Chairman’s Book (1741-1756) entries for assault are infrequent, however other incidents are recorded – one pair refusing to carry a fare and a chairmen who refused “to assist his partner in carrying his chair.” In 1750 Charles Redman of Chair 35 was the subject of a complaint by Irish Guards who reported indignantly that he “farted at them.”

Just like taxi drivers today, sedan chairmen had to amuse themselves while waiting (in all weathers) for a fare.

Many had dogs to keep them company, for others drinking and gambling was not uncommon. The Marlborough Tavern, and The Coach and Horses Inn in Barton Street, were well known haunts for chairmen to drink in. If a chairman over-imbibed he ran the risk the following day of a Mock Funeral.

Traditionally the hungover chairman would be paraded around the city, culminating in a wake at his favourite pub at his (the corpse’s) own expense.

Again just like modern taxis, licenced sedan chairs could be picked up from ranks of which there were 22 around the city, all indicated by blue posts.

Alternatively one could shout “Chair, Chair!” which would bring the waiting chairmen running.

Chairs could be hired between 6am and midnight, although fares doubled for any period outside these hours. At night-time sedan chairs were accompanied by a link-boy who would

be paid a farthing to run ahead with his link or flaming taper, illuminating your way. Today there are still some link extinguishers, known as “link-horns”, attached to Georgian homes in Bath; a testament to life prior to street-lighting.

Once the streets of Bath would have echoed to the shouts of “Chair, Ho!” (incidentally where we get the word “Cheerio” from), “Have a care!” and “By your leave!” and this was the pedestrians cue to leap out of the way of the hurrying chairmen. Sedans had the right of way on the pavements and went at quite a pace, often running close to the walls of buildings to follow the least line of travel.

Although the sedan chairs were perfect for Bath’s narrow streets, the practicalities of two men carrying one person could never justify the cost. Use of sedan chairs was limited to the sick, or the middling and upper classes who could afford to hire a chair.

As the number of visitors to Bath declined in the mid-19th century so did sedan chair usage. In 1855 Thomas Jeans writes of only one or two ‘mouldy old sedans remaining.’ By the mid-19th century the more practical, and cheaper, wheeled Bath chairs and horse-drawn flys had taken over.

Attempts have been made over the years to re-introduce into the city the sedan chair as a business venture; most notably by John Cuningham in the 1970s. The annual Great Bath Sedan Chair race (1982-2006), although more for entertainment and fundraising purposes, was also another resurrection period for the sedan. With the ever increasing influx of students and workers in the city, and ever decreasing parking spaces, perhaps it’s time to reconsider resurrecting the sedan chair once more. n You can have your photo taken in a sedan chair as part of World Heritage Day at the Assembly Rooms in Bath on Sunday 17 April from 11am to 4pm.

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BATH @ WORK Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work. View a gallery of Bath@Work subjects at: thebathmag.co.uk

Paul Hornby MOT tester Larkhall MOT Centre

M

y dream job came true aged 16 when I became an apprentice restoring vintage cars and historic race cars. A ‘proper’ apprenticeship and several years later I was fed up with the rather insular working life. I’d spend my days locked away in a shed on a trading estate with a gang of blokes and, although we were lovingly working on these beautiful cars, months later they were driven out of the door by their owners and that was the end of the love affair.

I was a country lad and visiting the vibrant city of Bath was an eye opening experience. By 1983 I had been lured by the bright lights and the offer of a part time job at the best pub in Bath: The Bell in Walcot Street. It’s still one of the best and I’m delighted to have contributed to the co-operative buy out a few years ago. I think I possibly own half a bar stool. I lived in a very large, very sociable shared house in Lambridge and we all frequented The Bell, The Hat and Feather and Moles Club where I became a life member.

I started running Larkhall MOT Centre as a temporary job to help a friend out. That was in 1984. Over 90,000 MOT tests and 32 years later, I’m still here.

I spend my working day meeting people from all walks of life and it’s amazing what a lively diversity of folk there are here in Bath. Living and working in Larkhall, I really appreciate the great local shops and the special community feel. Because we’re such a small intimate MOT centre – it’s just Shaun, my assistant and me – it’s easy to be friendly and chatty with customers while working.

I’m the receptionist, the tester and the chap who gives you free advice about your car. Let’s face it, getting your car MOT’d is a bit of a chore, but it has to be done and it’s my job to make it as painless as possible.

You would be amazed at some of the gems that are tucked away in Bath. Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Ferrari to namedrop a few. I love testing classic cars and I’ve gained a reputation for it. Sometimes they’re quite a challenge just to drive. The oldest car I’ve tested is a 1917 Lancia at almost a century old – the most valuable is probably a 1966 Ferrari 275, worth well over £2 million.

Nowadays I’m lucky to have my own classic car – a 1949 HRG which I tracked down in the south of France. I love taking part in events such as the Bath Motor Club Aquae Sulis Tour, which is always a voyage into the unknown, and the Bath Festival of Motoring as well as always driving the long way round to visit gardens with my partner Jane.

Sailing is in my blood as it was in my grandfather’s and my father’s, and I spend as much of the summer sailing as possible.

I’ve sailed as far north as Scotland and as far south as North Africa in a variety of different boats. These days we have a 38 foot classic English yacht that Jane and I found for sale in the USA but that’s another long story. I’m currently planning to sail all the way around Britain in 2017. Sailing is complete and total escapism and it makes a huge change from cars – also boats don’t need MOTs! n

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151.

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COOKING UP A RAINBOW Melissa Blease meets Peter Botes, the South African chef who brings a big taste of adventure to the tiny Blue Qualis Deli cafe in central Bath

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hat an eclectic collection of dishes to choose from. There’s bobotie, Eggs Benedict, chicken and leek pie, alongside coffee and walnut cake, Turkish frittata or butternut squash soup. There’s a big bowl of beetroot, orange and feta salad so pretty that it wouldn’t look out of place on the jewellery counter at Jolly’s.

Then there’s a display of plump pies and soft-centre Scotch eggs, destined to be scoffed before you even consider where your picnic destination might be.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to nibble on some bite-sized petits fours, the like of which you only ever usually encounter with coffee at the end of a posh restaurant tasting menu.

All these and more can be found in one delectable, delicious, daily-changing array on the counter and the chalk board menu at Blue Quails Deli.

If you’ve yet to discover this culinary jewel on the city centre side of Pulteney Bridge, you really are missing out. Last time this very magazine’s Lady Editor and I visited for lunch we each enjoyed a meal-in-a-bowl Sri Lankan-inspired chicken with rice. I felt as though I’d taken a wander around the street food selection at London’s Borough Market.

How does South African born Peter Botes – who, with his wife Glenda, opened Blue Quails around four years ago – keep his inspiration levels up?

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Peter is passionate about his globally sourced recipes: “Discovering new flavours and creating new dishes is, to me, the most exciting thing ever.

Wherever Glenda and I have most recently travelled will inspire the next new dish you’ll see on our menu.

“At the moment, we’re keen to introduce our customers to the flavours of Sri Lanka, but our extensive travels throughout the Middle East and Africa are also evident in our daily dishes.

Meanwhile, Cape Town – my home town – was the refreshment station for the Dutch East India Company in days gone by, so I was brought up tasting exotic flavours and spices, and they will also be key to my cooking ethos today.”

And yet, there’s something about Blue Quails that is also quintessentially British. Customers can tuck into hearty doorstep sandwiches or full English breakfasts. And when tea time comes around, loose-leaf teas courtesy of Oxford-based Jeeves and Jericho are served in chunky little turquoise pots complete with a timing device to ensure Brit-trad perfection at every sip (best enjoyed, in my experience, with one of Peter’s homemade scones).

So, where did the journey to Peter becoming our Food Hero for April originally begin?

A former hotelier, Peter turned 50 in 1999 – the same year he married Glenda, sold his Cape Town hotel and decided to go on an adventure.

“I’d spent my whole life in Cape Town, being bound to hotel life 24/7,” he recalls. “At last, at the age of 50, I was free – and the world was my oyster.

I was offered an amazing post as CEO at the prestigious Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dublin, where Glenda and I spent seven glorious years. But then it was time for something different again, and we bought a beautiful small country house hotel in Somerset.

“One hectic busy wedding weekend, our chef walked out and I had no choice but to jump in and cook. I had always dabbled in kitchens, but never been the ‘main man’, and suddenly I was full-on at the hob and in my element. Our chef never came back, and I never left the kitchen. I discovered how much I loved the creative side of the food business, playing with flavours and spices from around the world, making up my own recipes as my fancy took me.”

But after six years, the notoriously long hours in hospitality got to Peter, so he sold the hotel with plans to retire to beautiful Bath. His retirement, however, was short-lived when he spotted a lovely little vacant shop in a superb location around the corner from his new home that beckoned him on yet another adventure. And so, Blue Quails Deli – taking its name from the Cape Town African blue quail, being small but delectable – was hatched.

The café has evolved from a straightforward soup’n’sandwich and

TEAM WORK: husband and wife Glenda and Peter Botes behind the counter at the awardwinning Blue Quails Deli

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FRESH TREATS: Peter ensures the Blue Quails Deli salad display is bursting with colour and fresh vegetables

takeaway to the elegantly eclectic international street food hotspot that we know and love today.

“We’re so privileged to have had the loyal support of the locals over the years. We’re a small shop, so we have to ask for our customers’ patience when squeezing in, and being pushed past while we serve others,” Peter says. “But their genuine interest in our progress has made every day a delight and pleasure.

And we’ve noticed that the local food scene has really evolved, becoming far

more sophisticated, with the addition of contemporary wine bars and lots of new restaurants and coffee shops that make the competition fierce. These changes are really positive, as it makes everyone strive to be the best they can be while Bath is fast becoming known as a foodie destination.”

A recent clutch of awards attest to the fact that Blue Quails is an intrinsic part of such a scene. It is the proud recipient of a Taste of the West award for Best Deli, several Bath Good Food accolades

and and a Best Sandwich award from a local magazine. “Winning these awards has tickled my fancy no end,” says Peter, “especially as I’m probably the oldest geezer on the food block!” Oldest? We prefer to use the terms ‘mature’, ‘experienced’ and ‘cultured’. I digress.

There’s a far more pressing issue to chew over. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what bobotie is Peter is the man to enlighten us: “Bobotie is the national dish of South Africa – the perfect example of the combination of the Malaysian and Dutch cultures coming together. The warm spices used in the dish combine with sultanas, apricots and almonds, resulting in an amazing combination of sweet and sour flavours.” There, now you know – and now I know what I’m having for lunch next time I visit.

Will Peter’s wanderlust take him away on another adventure? “Once my ‘real’ retirement actually arrives, I see myself spending part of the year on a beautiful beach looking out towards a blue sea creating fabulous food, and hopefully writing my own cookery book,” he says.

“But Bath is, and always will be, our home – I’ll never venture too far away, for too long, again.” Very reassuring. As they say in Cape Town, ‘bakgat!’ (excellent) to that. n Blue Quails Deli, 7 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AS. Tel: 01225 338885. Web: bluequailsdeli.com.

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The Diner’s Digest SIX OF THE BEST

Country pubs

Melissa Blease goes wild in the country as she trudges off in search of rural hostelries serving good food and beer

THE PEAR TREE INN

The Pear Tree Inn at Whitley, some 11 miles east of Bath, offers one of the most recommended stopping points on the established walking maps – and is a stand-alone pastoral pub paradise. This properly traditional inn was first established in the 17th century, but in recent years you may recall the storm in the teacup when huffy celebrity chef Marco Pierre White “withdrew” from ownership of the pub following a mass staff walk out in 2014?

Thankfully, however, the PT’s Hell’s Kitchen days are long behind it. Following an extensive refurbishment of atmosphere, menus, décor and crew last autumn, it’s now a tasteful oasis of contempo-rustic charm featuring a farmhouse kitchen that flies the flag for local sourcing.

Bake Off fans will appreciate the fact that bread, cakes, biscuits, jams, chutneys and ice cream are made on the premises, and there are gluten free alternatives too.

The Pear Tree Inn, Top Lane, Whitley, Wiltshire SN12 8QX Tel: 01225 704966; web: peartreewhitley.co.uk

THE STAG’S HEAD INN

The locals say that Yarlington – a tiny hamlet around 30 miles west of Bath, sort of en route to Yeovil – is tucked away in a valley on a lane that leads “to and from nowhere but has thrived since the dawn of time.” But if you fancy heading for nowhere at all, it’s a beautiful somewhere to come across, its surrounding countryside steeped in Arthurian legend. The Stags Head Inn is an idyllic arcadian haven, featuring plenty of cosy snuggle-up corners, glorious alfresco opportunities and menus that come courtesy of ex Royal Navy chefs Paul Tapping and Bill Budd, who are proud to have both cooked for The Queen. Would Ma’am approve of their current offering? Undoubtedly.

From traditional delights such as prawn cocktail, devilled whitebait, pies and faggots to more elegant dishes, it’s all going on, including dog biscuits at the bar for the Corgis.

The Stags Head, Pound Lane, Yarlington, Wincanton, BA9 8DG Tel: 01963 440393; web: stagsheadinn.co.uk

THE INN AT FRESHFORD

Picture perfect Freshford (around five miles south east of Bath) is easily accessible to walkers who meander alongside the Avon or Frome rivers or cyclists who make the most of access to the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, all of whom are richly rewarded for their efforts by finding themselves at the heart of a village that looks like a backdrop for a scene in a Beatrix Potter story. Meanwhile, the supremely welcoming Inn at Freshford acts as a starting/finishing point for the Two Valleys walk: a circular, 3.5 mile route linking Freshford and the equally picturesque Avoncliff, taking in all the wonders that this delightful landscape has to offer along the way. As for sustenance after all that leg work, we’re on Cask Marque affiliated territory here, and

there’s always a range of beers from the pub’s own microbrewery (Box Steam Brewery) available. Meanwhile, the pies are perfect, the Sunday roasts positively rollickin’ and the puds make the very notion of a low-carb, caloriecontrolled diet redundant.

The Inn at Freshford, The Hill, Freshford BA2 7WG Tel: 01225 722250; web: theinnatfreshford.co.uk

THE HOPE AND ANCHOR

The picturesque village of Midford (three miles south south east of Bath) lies in a pastoral landscape overlooked by Midford Castle, a grand 18th century folly built in 1775 by Henry Disney Roebuck and most recently owned by actor Nicolas Cage. Midford is also one of the starting/finishing points along the Colliers Way route that takes cyclists (or walkers, if you’re not too scared of the dark) on a uniquely characterful journey that conveniently leads straight into the Hope and Anchor car park. Although menus at this cosy but spacious inn are largely of the imaginative, upper crust Brit-trad persuasion, I urge you to sample the proper Polish Pierogi (a homage, I'm guessing, to owners Richard and Luci Smolarek’s cultural roots) should they be on the roll call; after all, you deserve some comfort food after all that exercise. The Sunday roasts are spectacular, and both children and vegetarians are well catered for.

The Hope and Anchor, Midford Road, Midford, Bath BA2 7DD Tel: 01225 832296; web: hopeandanchormidford.co.uk

THE SWAN AT WEDMORE

Surrounded by acres of pastoral moorland and largely built on stone that wasn’t washed away by the rivers when the sea water receded thousands of years ago, the elevated, dramatic views of the distinctively lush landscape backed by the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes the 30 mile/48km hike south west of Bath to Wedmore well worth the effort. The same could be said for the charms of the gorgeous Swan at Wedmore, originally established as a beer house in the early 1700s.

Today offers an appealing ancient-meets-

modern vibe, not least of all because the kitchen is headed up by River Cottage protégé Tom Blake, who maintains the RC ethos of using the best local, seasonal ingredients to create simple beautiful menus that considerately include hearty bar snacks and tantalising afternoon tea outside the standard lunch/dinner service hours (which, in my experience, is a lesser-spotted convenience when going wild in the country).

The Swan at Wedmore, Cheddar Road, Wedmore BS28 4EQ Tel: 01934 710337; web: theswanwedmore.com

THE METHUEN ARMS

Let’s get one thing out of the way before we go on to explore the delights of Corsham. You will not encounter a bare-chested Aidan (Poldark) Turner walking the streets in just his tight-fitting jodhpurs any time soon, because the BBC are not filming the series here anymore. But what you will encounter should go some way to making up for such a disappointment: a stately home, Corsham Court, complete with roaming peacocks, glorious gardens and a wonderful art collection to explore, a market every Tuesday... and The Methuen Arms to chill out

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in. Independent publicans Martin and Debbie Still took over this traditional 17th century inn in 2011, renovated it and today offer modern-day genteel surroundings in which to make the most of fabulous food that brings British roots and Italian influences together in perfect harmony. The seasonal set menus represent good value and the Sunday roasts have earned local legend status. Who needs Poldark?

The Methuen Arms, 2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB Tel: 01249 717060; web: themethuenarms.com

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic talks about New Zealand wine – but without a mention of Sauvignon Blanc

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or April I’m celebrating New Zealand wines, without featuring any Sauvignon Blancs. I want to encourage you to discover some of the newer, equally unique wines of New Zealand.

Let’s start with a couple of ‘on trend’ whites from one of New Zealand’s leading wineries, Yealands, which boasts a carbon zero footprint. I can never resist mentioning the flock of little sheep who graze the vineyards – not tall enough to eat the grapes but perfect for an environmentally friendly method of keeping the vineyards shipshape. With vineyards perched on the terraces of the Awatere region of the Marlborough region, close to the sea, it’s hard to believe that the Yealands winery was only established in 2008. It was one of the first wineries to experiment with other aromatic white grape varieties, which work well in this cold, temperate part of the region.

Yealands Estate Gruner Veltliner 2014 (GWW £12.95, £11.40 in April) To me, this is one of New Zealand’s greatest successes outside the ubiquitous SB. Originally from Austria, and currently riding high in the fashion stakes, Gruner Veltliner is a subtly spicey, racy style of aromatic white, less overt than Riesling or Gewurztraminer, and relatively delicate in style. Elegant and poised, with lots of citrus and gentle nectarine fruit, it has a lively, floral character, with hints of ginger and spice and a deliciously dry finish. It’s also a very food-friendly wine, equally at home with baked salmon with ginger and spring onion, as with lightly spiced dishes, from Middle Eastern tagines to Vietnamese prawn rolls. It also worked a treat on a recent outing matching it to one of Ping Coombes’ deliciously exotic Malaysian salads.

Yealands Estate Pinot Gris 2015 (GWW £12.95, £11.40 in April) is another aromatic white grown increasingly successfully in New Zealand, especially in the colder areas, this is cut from an altogether fleshier, bolder fabric. With its exotic perfume of honeysuckle, cantaloupe melon and ripe white peach, it has an enticing charm; voluptuous and silky soft in style. It’s a spicy, fruity delight, bursting with mouthwatering flavours with a delightful twist of refreshing lime on the finish. A great match for creamy, coconutinfused Southern Indian curries and highly spiced Thai dishes. But it works equally well with more gentle dishes such as herb and apricot stuffed roast pork.

New Zealand can also boast the world’s most southernly wine region, the Central Otago, a cold and challenging region which is rapidly becoming world famous for its stellar Pinot Noirs.

Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir 2014 (GWW £15.95 down to £14.05 for April) is a silky, seductive gem. Packed with sumptuous aromas of ripe berries and violets, it’s a softer style of red, with a lightness of touch, no tough tannins, but a simply glorious richness of effortless, velvety, black cherry and red berry flavour. A great red for spring – equally at home with richer game stews, and spicy curries on colder days, but perfect, even slighty chilled, with alfresco lunches – charcuterie, barbecued chicken and Chinese-marinaded steaks.

Finally, we head up to the North Island, to Hawkes Bay, on the eastern coast. This is where the sun and heat-loving Syrah (or Shiraz) thrives best, where the grapes can ripen to full sweetness and richness.

Winemakers’ Collection Syrah 2013 (GWW £19.95 down to £17.56 for April). This isn’t a big, shouty Shiraz, it’s an extremely elegant and quietly stylish one with a more gentle style, yet with structure and poise. It is packed with ripe blackberry, plum and fig character, overlaid with hints of cracked black pepper, dark chocolate, violets and sweet spice, it’s a surefire winner with roast leg of lamb, chargrilled steak, or rib of beef. n

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

THE SCALLOP SHELL 22 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AY. Tel: 01225 420928

R E V I EW

THE CROWN QUEEN OF CHIPPIES

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To order, you simply fill in a simple ticksheet on the menu and hand it in at the counter. This gives your party time to dither over their choices and reassures all that their order has been submitted accurately. It’s a nice, clean, tothe-point menu. Starters are £5, main courses range from £9.50 to £14.95 and puddings are £4.95. A light and fruity bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, served in a proper ice bucket, thoroughly chilled (hurrah!) was £20. The drinks menu also includes local Honey’s Midford cider and Butcombe beers as well as the excellent Fentimans range of soft drinks.

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A good chip should look – and taste – so delicious that you’re willing to risk burning your mouth to get stuck in

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t’s often said that fish and chips taste best when eaten at the seaside. Which is not ideal for land-locked Bathonians. But the good news is that you can eat officially the best fish and chips in the country right here in the city.

Thanks to chef Garry Rosser and his hard working team, The Scallop Shell restaurant in Monmouth Street has recently won the accolade of best independent fish and chip restaurant of the year in the annual National Fish and Chip awards. And in true investigative journalist style, we went along on a fact-finding mission.

The bad news is that you can’t book a table.

The good news is that you can have a drink in The New Inn next door and someone will come and get you when a table comes free – you can even carry your drink round with you.

The restaurant and takeaway have only been open a year but they’re well established on the foodie scene in Bath. On a Thursday night the place was packed with a mix of clientele, from couples to families with children. On one side of us a pair of women were toasting each other with an elegant glass of fizz, while on the other two men were discussing their partners while tucking into a plate of steaming hot mussels.

Garry used to work as a chef with Mitch Tonks’ acclaimed Fish Works back in the day.

He then gained a reputation for great fish and chips when he opened The Scallop Shell out at White Row farm shop in Beckington, before moving his business to Bath last year.

If you’re used to the average chippie with its wipe-down Formica tables and squeezy ketchup tomatoes, The Scallop Shell comes as a pleasant surprise, with its beachcomber decor and centrepiece, the much photographed Victorian cast iron bath piled high with ice and the catch of the day.

I like the contrast between being able to order a classic cod and chips, with mushy peas as a side, or going for something a little more refined, such as a simply grilled fish.

We started by sharing two plates, one of unbattered squid rings, delicately and subtly flavoured with garlic, chilli and coriander, the other a pair of plump scallops in garlic butter.

Both were beautiful and we agreed the squid was a stand-out dish.

John’s main course of cod was cooked in a perfectly light, crispy batter and my whole lemon sole was fresh-as-you-like and cooked just-so. The creamy flesh simply fell off the

bone and I ate every morsel. I can assure you that fish did not die in vain.

I have to single out the chips for special mention. Recently I have become disillusioned by the great British chip, which all too often is either served lukewarm and limp or in regimented triple-cooked Jenga brick style, bland and characterless.

The Scallop Shell chips, by contrast, are a triumph. They’re all differently shaped, giving a contrast of crispy and fluffy on the inside. They were also served hot, hot, hot. A good chip should look – and taste – so delicious that you’re willing to risk burning your mouth to get stuck in. And, believe me, these were.

A serving of The Scallop Shell’s own tartare sauce was good for the old chip’n’dip. And that tomato sauce, served in a neat glass bottle, was tasty too. Was it made on the premises, we asked our waitress? No, it’s good old Heinz, we were told, because that’s what the customer likes best.

All the fish served comes up from the coast daily each morning and the menu tells us where it’s from, whether that be Brixham, Looe, Weymouth Bay or the North Atlantic.

If you are going with someone who can’t or won’t eat fish there are always a couple of fishfree items on the menu.

Old school fish and chip afficionados will be delighted to see curry sauce on the menu and to know that they can enjoy their traditional cup of strong breakfast tea on the side, while reading a copy of The Racing Post if they so wish.

We didn’t have puddings but they looked jolly good. There was a particularly pretty Knickerbocker Glory that went past that I had my beady eye on for another time.

GMc

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Chapel Arts Café Chapel Arts Café is an independently owned café located in the heart of Bath that aims to offer a unique experience with homemade, tasty vegetarian food, excellent drinks and great service in an artisan setting.

We do vegetarian – made from scratch, on the premises, when you order it. Our food has been awarded several times and keeps getting tastier and tastier! We want our food to be dangerously irresistible. Quality without compromise. That’s why all you’ll find at Chapel Arts Café are flatbreads, salads, soups and snacks so full of flavor you’d forget they’re hearty and delicious. We just like to see you eat great homemade food.

Check out our delicious new Spring menu from April.

We are also hosting a two month exhibition at the Café, showcasing work by Anthony Butterfield, Amy Meyer and Charlotte Moore.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm.

Open for early evening suppers on Fridays and Saturdays, 5.30 – 7.30pm.

Lower B oro ugh Wa lls, Bath BA 1 1QR Tel: 012 25 9 202 56 Web : chapela rt scafe.co m

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FOOD | NEWS

FOOD&DRINK TITBITS

n Professional forager Chris Westgate, pictured, the award-winning jam maker behind the Heavenly Hedgerows label, is leading a walk to find fresh food in the countryside. The alfresco lesson will be in and around the Newton Park estate near Bath on Friday 22 April from 3pm. The foraging trip will end with a cream tea. Places, which need to be booked, are £15 for adults, £7.50 for children, tel: 01225 873707. n Raise a glass to St George, patron saint of England, with a five course celebratory dinner in the elegant Cloisters restaurant at Bailbrook House, Batheaston, on Saturday 23 April. The evening begins with Champagne and canapés and is followed by dinner, to include wine tasting, for £59 per head. To book tel: 01225 855100. n Beth’s Bakes and Mayfield Organic are hosting The Hungry Gap Feast in Holt Village Hall, Holt, on Saturday 9 April from 7pm Local producers are invited to share their love and knowledge of their goods . The evening will include chit chat and a feast of Italian inspired creations. Places are £30, which includes a glass of bubbly and a goody box to take home. Visit: mayfieldorganic.co.uk or email beth@bethsbakes.com. n Experienced front-of-house team Mark and Lily Heather have taken over the management at Chapel Arts Cafe. The pair will continue the cafe’s reputation for serving delicious salads, flatbreads and cake, Monday to Saturday during the day. From Friday 1 April they’ll be also serving early evening suppers, until 7.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

INDEPENDENT AWARDS FOR FOOD HEROES Some of our favourite food heroes and heroines picked up Bath Good Food awards during this year’s independent and carefully judged competition.

The Allium Brasserie at the Abbey Hotel was voted top restaurant, and Sam Moody of the Bath Priory voted best chef, while The Scallop Shell also enjoyed a successful evening with two awards, as well as coming highly commended in two other categories.

During a prize giving dinner and ceremony 50 awards were presented to leading food producers, food establishments and people from in and around Bath. More than 15,000 votes were cast by the public to choose the shortlists of some 220 nominated places and businesses.

The judging panel, headed by wine critic Angela Mount, tasted, visited and debated their way through the nominations.

Judges included local food heroes such as MasterChef Winner Ping Coombes, Michelin starred Martin Blunos, Noya Pawlyn of Noya’s Kitchen, Adrian Kirikmaa of City of Bristol College and one of its most successful alumni and Michelin star holder, Josh Eggleton of the Pony and Trap.

The audience was moved to a standing ovation by a tribute from Angela Mount to the late Jonray Sanchez-Iglesias of Bristol’s Michelin starred Casamia.

The awards dinner was designed and prepared by students at Bath College under the direction of David Campbell of the Royal Crescent Hotel and Chris Staines of Allium Brasserie. Three Bath College students were

ACCOLADES : Bath College students George Ormond, Sam Battrick and Calleb Drake and, below, Sam Moody, awarded best chef recognised for their work, Best Cookery Student; George Ormond, Best Front of House Student; Sam Battrick, Best Apprentice Student; Calleb Drake. A special award was presented to Bridget Halford of Bath College for Best Ambassador of Bath Food.

Winners of the restaurant and cafe categories: Best Breakfast, Komedia. Best Deli, Sam’s Kitchen. Best Café, Blue Quails Deli. Best Express and Takeaway, Made By Ben. Best Fish and Chips, The Scallop Shell. Best Pizza, Yammo! Best Burger, Burgers & Barrels. Best Family Friendly, The Real Italian Pizza Company. Best Chain, Turtle Bay. Best Alfresco, The Marlborough Tavern. Best Front of House, Sotto Sotto. Best Wine List, Allium Brasserie. Best Fine Dining Wine List, The Dower House at The Royal Crescent Hotel. Best Tapas, Ole Tapas.

Best Gluten Free, Green Rocket Café. Best Asian, Yen Sushi.

Best Indian, The Mint Room.

Best Vegetarian, Green Rocket

Café. Best Pub Food, The Chequers. Best Seafood, The Scallop Shell. Best Supporter of Local Produce, The Circus.

Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability, Boston Tea Party.

Best Modern European, Ring O’ Bells. Best Italian, Sotto Sotto. Best French, Casanis.

Best British, The Garricks Head. Best Steak, The Herd.

Best Sunday Lunch, The Chequers. Best Newcomer, The Beaufort. Best Chef, The Bath Priory (Sam Moody). Best Restaurant Allium, Brasserie. n

Featured in Sunday Times best places to eat for under £20

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GWW eventV2.qxp_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:00 Page 1

An evening of Wine and live Jazz at Great Western Wine

Thursday 21st April 7.30 – 9.30pm

Tickets are only ÂŁ15 and all ticket proceeds are donated to the Wiltshire Music Centre.

To book your ticket please visit:

www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/events

Great Western Wine, Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AP Tel: 01225 322 810 www.greatwesternwine.co.uk

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS n Bath Rugby fans were treated to a question and answer session with coach Mike Ford, and 1st XV player Guy Mercer, in association with CircleBath private hospital, Bath Rugby’s official medical partner.

The evening, which included a meal by chef Andreas Wingert, was held in thanks to patients and fans who had taken part in research recently conducted by CircleHealth looking into their motivations behind their choice of healthcare. Those who attended the evening were all competition winners picked from the pool of respondents.

One fan, Marianne Packwood, pictured, won a Bath Rugby home shirt and ball signed by the team, and four tickets to a Bath home match. n Genesis Trust charity, which works with vulnerable people in Bath, is looking for teams of four to take part in a golf day and auction on Thursday 5 May at Cumberwell Park Golf Club near Bradford on Avon. The day will cost £200 for a four ball, including coffee and bacon rolls, green fee, entry to competitions, dinner with wine and an auction hosted by Homes under the Hammer presenter Martin Roberts, with the chance to win a BMW Mini Cooper. To enter a team, call Sarah on 01225 463549 (option 3) or email sarah@genesistrust.org.uk. n Racegoers attending the first meeting at Bath Racecourse on Friday 15 April will notice some changes as the historic Lansdown venue undergoes a mulit-million pound makeover. The new Kelston stand will be ready for its first visitors, the parade ring has been re-landscaped and improved. There’s also a new Champagne lawn and a new coffee shop. The new main grandstand, the Langridge, will be open later in the summer. n Villagers in Bathford are preparing to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the local shop, which is run by volunteers. When the village postmaster retired the community was faced with losing its shop, so the Bathford Enterprise For All group was set up. The shop was opened in May 2006 with a manager and an army of willing volunteers to run it. It stocks all kinds of items from newspapers and seasonal local produce to freshly baked bread and every day products such as tinned soup and cereal. The village will be celebrating the shop’s tenth birthday on Bank Holiday Monday 2 May from noon to 6pm – no doubt amply demonstrating that the shop is not merely somewhere to buy things but also a meeting point for local news and friendship.

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DIAMONDS SPARKLE FOR CHARITY RAFFLE One of Britain’s top clothes designers has teamed up with a Bath jewellery designer to create a unique pendant of precious metals and gems in celebration of April’s Bath in Fashion festival.

Dame Zandra Rhodes, famed for her use of vibrant pinks and reds, has drawn plans for the pendant using diamonds and pink sapphires.

Bath jewellery designer Nicholas Wylde has hand crafted the pendant, which has been engraved with Zandra’s signature.

The finished piece is a unique collector’s item valued at £2,000. It is to be raffled to raise money for three chosen charities, Business Against Poverty, the RUH Cancer Care Appeal and cancer research charity Breast Cancer Now. From Monday 18 April the pendant will be displayed in the Nicholas Wylde window in Northumberland Place, where people will be able to buy raffle tickets at £20 each. During Bath in Fashion, 18 – 24 April, the raffle tickets will also be on sale at the Assembly Rooms. On Friday 22 April it will sparkle its way down the catwalk as part of the Bath Designer Fashion Show at the Assembly Rooms.

Zandra Rhodes will be in conversation with Sue James, editorial director of Woman &

Picture courtesy of Gene Nocon

News in brief

LEGENDARY: jewellery designer Zandra Rhodes is coming to Bath to talk about her life and colourful work Home magazine, at 4pm on Friday 22 April talking about her career, in which she’s made her indelible mark on the British fashion scene.

She has designed for Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury and Diana Ross and founded London’s Fashion and Textile Museum.

A SWEET WAY TO RECALL HERITAGE The St Monica Trust has named its new retirement community at the old Somerdale factory in Keynsham, The Chocolate Quarter.

The £60m development is due to open next year, providing 140 assisted living apartments and a 90-bed care home, as well as offices, shops and leisure facilities.

Steven Webster of St Monica’s Trust said: “We believe that The Chocolate Quarter is a fitting collective name for this thriving part of Keynsham, which will continue to be a destination for the local community.”

“It was important to have a

WINNER: Keynsham resident Donald Ogg with his wife Judith name that represents both the history of the Somerdale factory and the high quality facilities, retirement apartments and office space that we will be providing.”

The logo for The Chocolate Quarter was inspired by the styles of the 1920s and incorporates the building’s

roof towers. The 1920s was also the decade in which the St Monica Trust and J.S. Fry & Son’s Somerdale factory were created.

A naming competition for the new retirement community was won by Donald Ogg, 70, who has lived in Keynsham all his life and worked at the former Somerdale factory for 47 years before retiring in 2007.

He said: “I was able to get an engineering apprenticeship at the factory when I was 16 and eventually ended up the manager of the same workshop that I’d done my apprenticeship in.”

A show home and marketing suite will open in the summer.

£8M REVAMP FOR CITY SPORTS CENTRE In a bid to get more people exercising Bath and North East Somerset Council is to undergo an £8 million overhaul of Bath Sports and Leisure Centre to bring it up to date.

The council will be working with charitable social enterprise GLL, which runs the council’s leisure centres under the Better brand.

The current proposals include: a new teaching and leisure pool, transformation of the beach area of the fun pool into an interactive water-play area for children; new and improved

changing spaces; an enhanced fitness suite; new double-storey soft play attraction and a trampoline park. This will consist of wall-towall trampolines all connected together and have sides made up of angled trampolines to create one huge park where you can literally bounce off the walls.

In addition there will be an eight-lane ten pin bowling alley, a better reception area and the creation of a new spa experience with treatment rooms and a relaxation area.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

AUTO ENROLMENT – ARE YOU READY?

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t feels as though Auto Enrolment has been with us for a long time, but it’s only now we’re in 2016 that it is becoming a reality for many small businesses. Despite this, and even with the Government’s recent advertising campaign to increase awareness of Auto Enrolment, for many business owners it is just another problem waiting to be ticked off their ‘to do’ list. With The Pension Regulator having authority to raise hefty penalties if staging dates (when you need to have your scheme in place by) are missed or Auto Enrolment is not dealt with correctly, businesses must act now, but we’re still seeing many clients who just don’t know where to start to get a pension scheme set up and the payroll work dealt with.

A reminder of what it’s all about The government has introduced Automatic Enrolment to ensure people provide for their retirement. Every employer in the UK will automatically enrol eligible workers into a pension scheme and collect and pay over their pension contributions to a recognised pension provider.

So what do I need to do?

The first step is to find out when your staging date is, which you can do using your PAYE reference. For businesses with staff numbers less than 50, these dates are happening anytime from now up to February 2018.

The next step is to select a pension scheme provider for your business. For a thorough review of the pension market and a detailed analysis to see what scheme is best for your staff, you will need to speak to a financial advisor who

can talk you through the various options and decide with you which pension provider to use.

Alternatively, as a payroll provider, we have sourced a default scheme that our clients can use which removes the cost and time of appointing a financial advisor to find a scheme for you. That said, although our scheme will meet your Auto Enrolment compliance, there is no guarantee that it is the best scheme for your staff. Either way, it is key to get sorted sooner rather than later, as a large demand for schemes is expected and, if you leave it too late, you may have little choice over what provider you can have.

And then there’s the administration . . .

Unfortunately, setting the scheme up is just the beginning. Once a scheme is in place, and auto enrolment has been communicated to your staff, the administration of auto enrolment kicks in. It will be down to the employer to assess the workforce on every payroll run and decide who should be auto enrolled or re-enrolled and keep the employees informed with letters detailing the reasons for auto enrolment and the contributions to be deducted.

The cost – more than just contributions Contributions are currently 2% of which a minimum of 1% will need to come from the employer and from 6 April 2019 this rises to 8% with a minimum of 3% from the employer.

In addition to the increased payroll cost of the contributions themselves, employers will need to budget for adapting their payroll processes to support auto enrolment. You may have the resource to cope in-house, otherwise you’ll need to outsource compliance to a payroll provider or look to use your pension scheme’s software.

How we can help As a well-established payroll provider, we can help with: • Putting you in touch with a reputable financial advisor who can advise on the best scheme for your business • Setting up your auto enrolment scheme (one option only available) • Provide a seamless payroll and auto enrolment monthly solution from as little as £50 per month • Work with you to transfer your payroll from weekly to monthly to reduce the cost of dealing with auto enrolment each payroll run • Deal with all communication to your staff for auto enrolment and keep an audit trail of the communication, as Debbie Boulton needed by The Pension Regulator If you want to discuss further how we can help you with auto-enrolment contact Debbie Boulton: db@richardsonswift.co.uk

www.richardsonswift.co.uk 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL T: 01225 325 580

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ust as night follows day, the time will come when you decide to move to a smaller home, or perhaps to one of the stunningly appointed new retirement villages, now opening across the region.

J

But can you be sure you’re setting the right price for your existing property? Or finding the right new home, with the facilities to deal with your future needs? How can you go through the whole process from start to finish, with the minimum of fuss?

For seven years, we’ve been helping people move from one home to the next. Our objective is simple: we want to put the excitement back into moving home – to make moving a pleasure, not a nightmare – and then to leave our clients relaxed and happy in their new surrounds.

Our work embraces every aspect of the move. Our newest service starts the process by helping you find the right estate agent to handle the sale of your existing property. We can help you select the best agent with the right value, and then be sure they’re working hard on your behalf. Based on our knowledge of the west Wiltshire/Bath areas, we can help you find a new property. If it needs some refurbishing before you move, we can project manage the works.

A successful move is all in the planning – that is at the heart of our move managing service. For example, use it as an opportunity to declutter and you’ll be surprised how liberating it can be! With less to take, it may even reduce the cost of moving.

Finding the right removal company can also be a concern. You want a firm that will pack and move safely, efficiently and with good humour. But how do you know who to choose? We can help identify the company that’s best for you.

We can arrange the essential changes of address, organize utility suppliers and then manage moving day itself, including helping you unpack and settle in.

We understand how stressful moving home can be. We will ensure it gets done when and how it suits you – providing friendly, supportive and practical help where it’s most needed. But don’t just take our word for it – check out the website and see what others have been saying.

If you’re beginning to think about moving, please give us a call. We’ll be pleased to meet you for an initial free chat about your plans and to see how we can help.

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WRITER | PROFILE

THE TRUTH SEEKER

Best-selling thriller writer CJ Carver has just written a new book. Hannah Newton visited her home near Bath

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er characters have been tortured by taser, shot by Glocks and trafficked into prostitution – but thriller writer CJ Carver will never be beaten into submission.

On a mission to research the truth behind human trafficking for her book Gone Without Trace (published in 2007), CJ – whose real name is Caroline – blagged her way into Macedonia and Kosovo. This was in the days before the sinister concept of ‘grooming’ was known, and she uncovered, in detail, more about this modern-day slavery.

During the trip CJ spent a week with Robert Bruce, head of trafficking in human beings investigation section, UNMIK Police HQ, staying at the home of a NATO head honcho – and his two cats. The experts took her to the notorious Tetovo valley, a mountainous region of Kosovo, where girls were routinely taken.

She told me what she’d heard from first hand accounts on that trip: “I found out about girls who are trafficked from one country and bought into a life of slavery or prostitution in another, often the UK. “Girls are groomed by handsome young men and lured to the UK with promises of a passport and a job waitressing. As soon as he has her trust, the man disappears and she is handed over to a gang. They traffick her to a foreign country. Lock her up and rape her continually – until she is broken.”

CJ writes crime novels, international thrillers, page-turners that keep you awake at night, whose main characters burrow into your mind as they spin endlessly in a world of fear, isolation, confusion and deception. She prefers to write under the gender neutral pen name CJ Carver: “I don’t want to put people off” she says, modestly.

CJ is meticulous in her research, travelling to Alaska, Russia, Kosovo and Stockton-on-Tees to understand the city streets, cultural etiquette and ensure complete authenticity in her work. CJ has an impressive list of contacts which includes officers in MI6 and MI5, civilian and military police to NATO personnel and the SAS. Her latest novel Spare Me The Truth – the first of a trilogy – hits the bookshops this month and is long awaited by her legion of fans, many of who have followed her since her first, Blood Junction won the CWA Debut 64 TheBATHMagazine

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Dagger Award in 2001. She’s now written seven novels.

CJ’s books are unflinching in their content. They tackle serious, gritty, reallife issues, although fictional, they are borne from reality. CJ’s books are sold in the UK, the US and have been translated into 20 languages.

CJ’s home is a Bath stone cottage, perched on a hill and nestled in the arms of a small village. Her writing desk is at the top of the house and from this high vantage point she oversees the valley with its early morning mists. From here she can watch dog walkers and locals drift past as she composes stories on the dark, blood-filled underbelly of human life. Her home is crammed full of art works and trinkets picked up from all over the world. Black and white photos of jet aircrafts and their pilots adorn the walls, an Aga keeps the kitchen cosy and the window sills are crammed full of spring flowers.

All this tranquility belies her life of adventure.

CJ enjoyed a spell as a long distance rally driver. On one trip in 1992 she and

TRAVELLER’S REST: main picture, CJ Carver at home Inset, some of CJ Carver’s previous books Opposite page, the writer at work, surrounded by flowers and pieces she’s collected from all over the world Photos: Anna Barclay

her co-driver, Nikki O’Sullivan, were the only all-female crew on a 63-day, 12,500 mile rally from London to Saigon, when the Georgian Mafia tried to steal their car – a Lada. After the trip she gave the Lada to Save The Children in Saigon – the local charity group’s first ever car. Her long distance rally driving has also taken her from London to Cape Town and across 14,000 miles of the Inca Trail.

CJ has travelled extensively in Sikkim, Kyrgystan, Libya and Ethiopia writing about her experiences drinking fermented mares milk, surviving getting lost in the Taklamakan Desert, eating serpents’ heads, getting robbed in Russia

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WRITER | PROFILE

and dodging an angry cobra while following a ‘white hunter’ on a Cape buffalo hunt.

She lived in Sydney for ten years , but her husband turned out to be an alcoholic and they divorced. She said after this experience: “I wanted somewhere that was mentally invigorating, somewhere beautiful and near to the countryside and Bath was perfect.”

At the time CJ owned an Airedale King terrier, Fuzzy, and took him everywhere. “I felt cherished in Bath, I really felt like I was part of a community.”

“Bath is great for ideas – I love sitting in a cafe and enjoying the movement and noise around me. My favourite cafe is Society in Kingsmead Square – it does the best coffee in the city. I love being part of the world, listening to snippets of conversations. I adore human beings. We are extraordinary creatures: emotional, fascinating, messy.”

CJ spent her childhood on her mother’s

farm – one of the first organic milk farms in the UK. Her parents were no ordinary farmers though. Her mother broke the Australian land speed record in 1957 in an AC Ace and her father joined the Australian Fleet Air Arm as a jet fighter pilot to fight in the Korean War. Today CJ is happily married to Steve, a fighter pilot, who was also Commandant at the Central Flying School, where he was responsible for training and supervising the Red Arrows. They met a few years ago on a blind date, arranged by mutual friends. They have come to an agreement about her books. He doesn’t read her books and she writes about anything she likes.

Obsessed by psychology, her favourite book is How to Analyse People by Michael Draper, she enjoys exploring humans’ greatest fears: “I really like getting to know myself through my work and I ask myself many questions about potential situations and how I would react to

them. I am interested in trust: what is the truth?

Who do you trust? What would happen if the very people you seek to trust most, your family, a partner – are lying to you?”

“I’m fascinated by psychopaths. There are many who live and work around us. People think a ‘psycho’ is scary, but only if the triggers are right will they become serial killers. They make fantastic surgeons, bankers, even soldiers.

Their levels of empathy and fear are low. We need them.”

But for CJ there is always one truth in her novels and she stresses how critical it is to her – that is justice: “It is very important in my stories that my hero or heroine beats the bad guy. I am very strong on justice. You could analyse that now . . .”

Meet CJ Carver at the launch of Spare Me the Truth at Topping & Co in Bath on Friday 6 May. Visit: toppingbooks.co.uk or: cjcarver.com. n

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CITY | PROFILE

TAKING CARE OF THE FUTURE

Bath charitable organisation St John’s Hospital is building on its eight centuries of looking after people in Bath with ambitious philanthropic plans. Georgette McCready met chief executive Sue Porto to learn more

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MAKING AN IMPACT: St John’s chief executive Sue Porto unveiling plans for new projects

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t may have changed the lives of thousands of Bathonians over the centuries, but if you stopped the average person in Milsom Street to ask what they know about St John’s Hospital, I’d be willing to bet you’d see a few furrowed brows.

That’s because St John’s isn’t actually a hospital, nor does it have any connection with St John Ambulance. The word hospital is related to the hospitality, or offering shelter, that dates back hundreds of years.

Our passer-by may have heard of St John’s as an organisation which owns tens of millions of pounds worth of property in the city. But they may not know that as a charity it is dedicated to using its rental income to help the people of Bath and North East Somerset.

St John’s caring role dates back over 800 years and now, in the 21st century is making plans for how it might continue to be a force for good over the next century. In what is set to be one of the most ambitious periods in the charity’s history, chief executive Sue Porto and the board of voluntary trusteees who run St John’s have unveiled a raft of projects for the future.

At a recent reception to unveil its plans Sue Porto said: “St John’s has touched the lives of thousands in its 842 year history and will continue to do so. The environment we are working in is a challenging one, where great wealth and deprivation sit side by side. This smokescreen of perceived wealth, can hide a multitude of financial and social inequalities and we want to address these very real problems.

By taking a far more targeted approach and using our resources intelligently and efficiently, we will strive to be a charity with the heart of a social enterprise, reinvesting our income back into the community and really making a difference to the quality of people’s lives.”

The charity makes a significant contribution in the community outside its walls. It has a long running grants scheme which gives money to local good causes, from charitable institutions to individuals in need. This can be as basic as buying someone a new pair of shoes so they can attend a job interview, or as humane as helping a family with funeral costs.

Cutbacks in State spending have affected many people throughout society and St John’s is responding to the changes by reaching out to more people with its ongoing projects. Last autumn saw the launch of The Bubble, which uses the semi-public reception room at St John’s to host visits from the over 55s who live in Bath and North East Somerset. Here they can enjoy art classes, exercise sessions and the chance to get together with their peers, many of who live alone and can experience loneliness. Some of these sessions are free of charge, others have a low fee to cover material costs.

The next outreach project is to open a city centre hub so that social enterprises and charities can have office space under the same roof. This will allow them to communicate effectively, to share ideas and, where appropriate, pool resources.

Now St John’s is on the hunt for a piece of land to build a new care village

❝

Carrying its philanthropic work further, there are plans to set up The House of St John. This will be a dedicated space where people can come for support in getting back into work.

This will be based on the work of the London House of St Barabas, which is a not-for-profit organisation working with those who are homeless or socially excluded, helping with mentoring, giving advice on interview techniques and preparing CVs. At the time of writing sites had not been found for the hub or the House of St John centre.

St John’s already runs almshouses in historic buildings right in the heart of Bath, along with a new purpose-built set of homes at Weston, near the Royal United Hospital. But now St John’s is on the hunt for a piece of land to build a new care village to provide homes for older people.

St John’s has recently released its first ever Impact Report, which shows the breadth of the charity’s work. Here are some of the snapshots from that newly published Impact Report:

l Social investment. Bath & North East Somerset’s Carers’ Centre on Lower Bristol Road faced an uncertain future when the owner of the building decided to put it on the market.

St John’s was able to lend the charity the money it needed to raise the funds to buy the building. l Individual grants. In 2015 £191,000 was given to help people. The numbers applying for help with rent arrears had risen by 70 per cent in a year. l Protecting property and people. There are 98 residents in the charity’s almshouses. The ancient city centre homes are being modernised on a rolling programme, the latest being Rosenberg House, which is being refurbished to make it fit for purpose for modern living.

In 2016 St John’s will spend £1million on charitable giving, invest £1million in social loans and offer support to 1,200 individuals and 34 community groups.

The trustees have also chosen to work with the Action Against Child Poverty coalition. This project, which has brought together more than 50 organisations, is united in its aim of significantly reducing child poverty in the south west region.

Sue Porto says: “At the heart of our thinking is helping people get out of crisis, not keeping them in it. Essentially, we want to help people to help themselves.

St John’s is extremely proud of its past, we will strive to be as proud if not prouder of our future.” n

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Free 4 week course starts April 2016 The aim of philosophy is to set people free; free from pressure and free from worry; free to grow, free to be themselves. So it seems fitting that a philosophy course should be free. This four session mini-course, called Philosophy for Living , looks at life and its meaning, the world and its causes and applying mindfulness to every moment. Based on the classic philosophies of East and West, it invites us to see life as a place to test the words of the wise. Feel free to join us.

For those who wish to extend this introduction, a further 6 week course follows on immediately, cost £36 (concessions available).

BATH When? Tuesdays at 7.15pm starting 26th April 2016 Where? 30 Milsom St, Bath, BA1 1DG

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AMERICAN | TOYS

NOSTALGIA-FEST

A new exhibition at the American Museum will bring out the big kid in you. Georgette McCready takes a trip back into our collective childhood at An American Toy Story

T

he current trend in museums is to stage exhibitions that remind us of the way we were. The Victoria and Albert Museum’s popular David Bowie show wasn’t just about the musical hero, but about our relationship with him. What we wore. What music we listened to.

What we read. All have become part of the hunger for the immersive experience.

The American Museum in Bath has cleverly tuned in to this yearning for the personal with its big annual exhibition.

It has delved through the collective toybox of all our childhoods to bring us An American Toy Story. In short, it tells the story of the toys and games inspired by popular films from the 1920s to the present day.

If you want to measure the success of a show listen to the visitors around you.

On press day at the museum, cries of happy recognition rang round the gallery as people spotted items from their childhood. Different generations oohed and aahed over the dolls, the Star Wars memorabilia, a lifesize model of ET and the James Bond action figures.

One of the most spectacular exhibits is the flying figure of Superman, wearing the actual costume worn by Christopher Reeve in the original film. There were sighs of affection for Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures from Toy Story.

This is no academic exploration of the growth of pester-power to sell products, or the idealogy of family films with a message. Instead it’s an invitation to look, to recognise and to remember.

The oldest items on show date back to the 1920s and 30s. The boom time of film in the United States led to cinemagoing becoming a weekly – or more – outing for people of all ages. It also led to the creation of on-screen heroes and 68 TheBATHMagazine

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heroines that ordinary people wanted to get close to. And from that toys and replicas began to be made, both on a homemade and individual basis and in a mass produced market.

There’s a very early Donald Duck stuffed toy, all long neck and long beak – before he was rendered rounder and cuter.

Museum curator Kate Hebert has embarked on a worldwide treasure hunt to pull this show together. Some of the pieces have been lent from collectors in the States, while others have been borrowed from nearer home. The lifesize ET and the Gremlin on show are what are known by collectors as replica stunt pieces, lent by the Bath Comic Shop in Walcot Street.

The difference between someone who buys a spin-off from a film to play with and someone who buys it as a collector, is that the latter does not play with the object, but instead keeps it in pristine condition in its original packaging.

I was thinking of this while admiring the Corgi Aston Martin DB5 model, as

driven by James Bond. My brother and I used to fight over whose turn it was to press the buttons and make the doors fly open when we had this car. Ours ended up loved, but battered, in a big cardboard box full of all our other cars, whereas this museum exhibit’s owner had one eye on posterity by keeping it safe in its box.

Kate has cleverly divided the exhibition into five sections, using brightly coloured backgrounds.

Dominating the Sci-fi collection is Star Wars, with the iconic 1977 film poster featuring the main characters brandishing lightsabers. The Star Wars figures are joined by memorabilia from The Incredible Hulk, ET and Superman.

A wall of sparkly Disney princess dolls catches the attention – which one is your favourite is generally dictated by your age. On another wall the action theme is celebrated with James Bond film posters and cases filled with models and memorabilia from the various guises of 007. We are reminded that our affection for a particular film can be handed down through the generations, bringing a new wave of fans to the party.

Older visitors will be charmed to see the old paper dolls, their clothes attached by folding tags. There is also a curly haired Shirley Temple doll, a Charlie Chaplin figure and a figurine of film star Deanna Durbin for fans to stand on their dressing table, all dating from the 1930s. Remember Felix the cat? He’s here too.

Kate says: “The hardest job I had was knowing what to leave out – there simply wasn’t room for everything I’m afraid. But there are many of people’s favourites here.”

Samples from the animation genre include Toy Story and Frozen, so there’s

COLLECTABLES: top left to right, Star Wars 1977 poster, Buzz Lightyear, Christopher Reeve as Superman and inset, a Disney classic Snow White

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IT’S PLAY TIME: clockwise from top left, the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles of the early 1990s, LEGO Star Wars, Jedi knights fighting on the museum’s lawn at the exhibition opening day, James Bond’s Aston Martin car from Goldfinger and ET

something for even the youngest visitors.

You don’t have to be young to venture into the inter-active room at the back of the gallery, which is peopled by big cutout dinosaurs from Disney’s latest, The Good Dinosaur. There are piles of LEGO bricks and paper and pencils too. Best of all, hanging from hooks invitingly, are dressing up costumes and props – some child sized, others adult. Visitors are encouraged to play, dress up and become their favourite character.

Seeing a light saber poking out of a box, I quickly grab a nearby Jedi knight’s cloak, wrap it round me, pull the hood up and become – ta dah! – the weapon-wielding warrior of my dreams. A few minutes later two other adults are taking selfies as they dress up as cowboy Woody and Darth Vader, amid much laughter. Go and see for yourself whether your inner child is ready to be set free. n

FACT FILE The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. New for 2016: the cafe and gardens will be open daily (except Mondays) from 10.30am.

The house and exhibition galleries are open daily (except Mondays) from noon to 5pm. All are open for bank holiday Mondays.

An American Toy Story runs until 30 October.

Admission to the museum, exhibition and gardens: adult £11, over 60s and students £9.50, children aged five to 18 £6.50 Tel: 01225 460503, visit: americanmuseum.org.

There is a FREE shuttle bus between Bog Island in Bath city centre and the museum at Claverton which runs approximately every 45 minutes throughout the day.

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FAMILYDIARY FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN APRIL THE CARD NINJA Wednesday 6 April, 8pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road Larkhall, Bath After a standing-room only season at the Edinburgh Fringe, Javier Jarquin brings awardwinning show Card Ninja to Bath. Watch as Javier uses ordinary playing cards as weapons, with unfathomable precision, speed and power, in a unique, hilarious performance. Suitable for ages 12 and over. Tickets: £14/£12 concessions.

Tel: 0333 666 3366 or visit: ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre.

ROMANS – HEALTHY AND HAPPY? Monday 4 April, 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm n Roman Baths Discover how the Romans stayed fit and healthy at this Easter workshop. All included in admission price, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FRUITY FUN Tuesday 5 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30 – 3.30pm n Fashion Museum A chance for your children to get creative with this fashion workshop. Invent a fruity design for a hat, a print for a dress, jacket or shirt.

Included in admission price, no need to book.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

SPRING SUNSHINE Wednesday 6 April, 10 – 11am & 11.30am – 12.30pm n Victoria Art Gallery Children will get the chance to make their very own spring flowers and a flower collage. Free session for children aged three to six.

Also at the Victoria Art Gallery this month POSTER POINTS Friday 8 April, 10 – 11am & 11.30am – 12.30pm What makes a good poster? Create artistic posters using a variety of colourful images and words. Free session for children aged five to 11.

KITE Saturday 2 – Monday 4 April, 11.30am and 3pm n The egg theatre, Sawclose, Bath A thrilling story about a girl who goes on a wild adventure. Her unique story is told without words, and instead uses music, puppetry and kites. Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children. Suitable for ages seven and over. Tel: 01225 823409 or visit: theatreroyal.org.uk.

Also at the egg theatre this month TETRIS Friday 15 – Sunday 17 April, 11.30am and 3pm An impressive piece of physical theatre from a Dutch theatre company in which four dancers create all sorts of challenging shapes – just like the game Tetris. Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children.

Suitable children aged four and over.

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The Cat In The Hat returns to The egg

DR SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT Tuesday 5 – Sunday 10 April, times vary Following a sell-out run in 2015, the much loved book by Dr Seuss is brought to life as the cat in the red and white striped hat appears to bring magic, fun and mayhem to the children.

Tickets: £9.50/£8.50 children. Suitable for children aged three and over.

MY FRIEND PETER Friday 22 – Sunday 24 April, times vary Join Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, as she makes her journey through the uncharted waters of a life most unexpected.

The whole family can share in the loves, losses, struggles and triumphs of one of the most celebrated authors in children’s literature.

Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children. Suitable for children aged six and over.

SMILEY COYOTES Thursday 14, Thursday 21 and Thursday 28 April, 10.30am – 12pm n The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath Join other families for a crafts workshop and a variety of fun activities, including singing and storytelling, in the museum’s beautiful grounds.

For children aged 0-5. £8 per family. Must be booked in advance. Visit: americanmuseum.org or tel: 01225 820866.

Also at The American Museum this month A BUG’S LIFE Tuesday 5 April, 1 – 4pm Natural history artist Cath Hodsman will take you on an insect safari in the beautiful grounds of Claverton Manor. Children will be able to use microscopes and magnifiers to study a collection of insect specimens and then produce a piece of beautiful microscopy art, or a spot of bug craft, based on what they’ve learnt. Tickets £10. To register call: 01225 820866. Booking essential. Suitable for ages eight and over.

CIRCLE OF LIFE Wednesday 6 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm Join Eco Wild for springtime adventures in the American Museum’s woodland. All of the family can make natural art in the trees, discover which animals make their nests on the ground, and learn how to ‘fox walk’. Tickets £10. Booking essential. Suitable for ages eight

and over.

BUG HOTEL Thursday 7 April, 1 – 4pm Children will get the chance to create a bug hotel with Wiltshire Scrapstore. By building a ‘hotel’, they can increase the numbers of creepy crawlies that play an important part in your garden’s ecosystem. Included with gardens only admission. Drop-in, booking not necessary.

Recommended for ages three and over.

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS Thursday 14 and Friday 15 April, 10am – 4pm n The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath An arts workshop where young people, aged seven to 11, get the chance to work with two experienced practitioners to create art and movement. Children should take a packed lunch, wear comfortable, old clothes and get ready to move and draw. £35 per day. To book tel: 01225 386777 or visit: icia.org.uk.

Also at The Edge this month CREATE: ART Saturday 23 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm Led by artist educator Dorcas Casey, this class is aimed at children aged three to 11 years, who must bring an adult. Activities vary from sticking, collage and drawing to printmaking and using textiles. Spend quality time together in an informal, supportive and friendly environment, and pick up tips for making art at home. £5 per child, £3 per adult. Booking is advised.

CREATE: MOVEMENT Saturday 23 April, 10.30am – 11.30pm Create Movement is led by dancer and educator Laura Street and activities are often inspired by current ICIA exhibitions and vary from simple movement to playful creations.

Sessions are used to explore how our bodies move. Suitable for children aged three to 11, who must bring an adult. £5 per child, £3 per adult.

CREATE: MUSIC Saturday 23 April, 11.45am – 12.45pm Create Music is led by musician and educator Jay Singh. Using drums and a range of percussion instruments, explore rhythm and international drum patterns. Suitable ages three to 11. £5 per child, £3 per adult.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES: LEGO FAMILY FUN Tuesday 5 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm n The Pound arts centre, Pound Pill, Corsham Get creative and build something spectacular this Easter. The Pound provides a mountain of Lego and it is your family’s challenge to create an impressive building. Free, donations welcome. No booking required.

Also at the Pound this month FAMILY ACTIVITIES: CRAFTS Wednesday 6 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm Have some messy fun this Easter at this family craft workshop. Free, donations welcome. Age guidance five and over, with a colouring corner

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for pre-schoolers. No booking required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

THREE HALF PINTS: BAD GUYS Saturday 16 April, 2pm Stars of CBeebies Spot Bots present a slapstick adventure suitable for ages five and over. Box office: 01249 701628. Visit: poundarts.org.uk.

ANNUAL ALLOTMENT DAY Saturday 2 April, 10am – 3pm n Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Twerton All ages and abilities are welcome to drop in and lend a hand on the farm. Help clear weeds and plant vegetable and flower seedlings. Free entry. No need to book. Refreshments and soup will be provided. Visit: bathcityfarm.org.uk or call 01225 481269.

n Bowood Golf and Country Club, Calne, Wiltshire Join other visitors at Bowood House to cheer on the boys and girls involved in this year’s junior golf open, covering 18 holes. Max handicaps: boys 28, girls 36. Visit: bowood.org, tel: 01249 823881.

MAKE AN EASTER GARDEN WORKSHOP Wednesday 6 April, 11am – 1pm n Wells Cathedral Taking place in the cathedral’s education room, families will be able to have go at creating their own Easter garden to take home. Free admission. Advance booking not required.

Also at Wells Cathedral HAVE A GO GLASS PAINTING WORKSHOP Wednesday 13 April, 11am – 1pm Families are invited to get their creative juices flowing and have a go at glass painting. £1 per glass. Advance booking is not required.

FAMILY NATURE TRAIL Tuesday 5, Thursday 7, Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 April, 11am – 12pm n Dyrham Park National Trust property, north of Bath on the A46 Explore the parkland on a popular guided discovery trail. All of the family can spot deer, complete the 50 things activities and see the wild side of the outdoors. Free event, normal admission charges apply for the venue. Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park, tel: 0117 9371333.

Also at Dyrham Park this month TODDLER TRAILS Tuesday 19 and Tuesday 26 April, 10.45 – 11.30am Garden trails designed for toddlers; learn about shape, colour and numbers while exploring nature. Trail lasts approx. 30-45 mins. Arrive at the car park by 10.30am to catch the first shuttle bus down to the house. Trails may be cancelled in bad weather. Normal admission applies.

THE BOWOOD 2016 JUNIOR OPEN Friday 1 April

MAKE A RABBIT CUSHION Thursday 7 April, 2 – 3.30pm

Children can make their own rabbit cushion to take home at The Makery

n The Makery, Union Passage, Bath Children can learn how to make their very own rabbit cushion at this hands on workshop.

Using a template, they will be guided on how to cut, sew and stuff their bunnies. £15 per person.

All materials and drinks included. Suitable for children aged eight and over. To book tel: 01225 581888 or visit themakery.co.uk.

Also at The Makery this month MAKE POM POM BUNNIES Friday 8 April, 2 – 3.30pm Children will learn how to make their own cute and cuddly Easter rabbits and chicks to take home. £15 per person. All materials and drinks included. Suitable for children aged seven and over. n

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EDUCATION DESIGNER OF TOMORROW

B

ath Spa University student, Alice Bayliss, has recently returned from London Fashion Week after being shortlisted in the prestigious Fashion Awareness Direct competition.

Fashion Awareness Direct is a creative charity supporting young people to bridge the gap between education and the fashion industry.

Their aim is to provide young people with a realistic insight into what it means to work in fashion.

The FAD competition exists to inspire, support and promote young designers at the earliest stage in their career, and takes place during London Fashion Week in February.

This year the competition encouraged young designers to slow down and take in their surroundings for inspiration rather than looking on the internet.

Alice, who is in her final year studying BA Fashion Design at Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art and Design, was a finalist alongside 15 other fashion students from universities all over the country.

Alice designed a range of inventive garments inspired from her summer internship in San Francisco.

She said: “I lived and worked as a design intern in San Francisco for Gap. I took photographs of the new places I had visited, and this inspired my project. When zooming in on textures, I discovered that an image of something considered uninteresting and ordinary could be turned into a wearable piece.

“My collection was sublimation printed in my own photographs. This competition has been a great experience as it gave me the chance to see my finished outfits on professional models as well as meet people from my industry. It has given me even more of a drive for perfection and I was delighted to be a finalist.”

An independent panel, formed of experts from the fields of culture and design, selected the finalists and determined the overall winner.

Alice’s next collection will be unveiled at the Bath School of Art and Design’s Undergraduate Degree Show in June.

RACE SUCCESS FOR SCHOOL A squad of 26 runners, from staff and pupils at Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire have successfully completed the Paris Half Marathon.

Emily Neve, a sixth form student, broke the school’s record for girls by completing the race in 1 hour 39 minutes. On the boys’ side, Will Harding and Sam New recorded a time of 1 hour 23 minutes, finishing seconds apart to knock off 2nd and 3rd place school records. Kerri Bradley, deputy director of sport at Dauntsey’s said: “Everyone enjoyed the incredible experience of running through the streets of Paris, encouraged by a great number of bands, entertainers and crowds of supporters – including plenty of Dauntsey’s parents. Congratulations go to not only our fastest runners but also to all our exhausted, happy finishers who have every right to feel very proud of their achievements.”

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Curtain Up Summer Schools – for the best week of the holidays! u u u

Junior Summer School 25th – 29th July 2016

u u u

Senior Summer School 1st – 5th August 2016

u u u

u Bath’s Best Independent

Children’s Business 2015–2016

u Winner of two Rose Bowl

Awards for Les Miserables 2015

u NODA Award 2016 Best Youth Achievement Contact us for your young performer to join us now!

Tel: 01225 448050 Email: admin@curtainup.org.uk Web: www.curtainup.org.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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CITY | BUSINESS

SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

THE DARK SKY DIARY - APRIL Jenny Hayes visits At-Bristol Science Centre and tries to tame Leo the lion...

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

Main image: M66 © ESO This page, top left, Hercules fighting the Nemean lion attrib. Peter Paul Rubens (1577– 1640); and right, The Leo Triplet with M65, © Hewholooks

L

eo the lion leaps into our skies this month, taking his place as the mighty king of the heavens throughout spring. Containing some of the brightest stars visible from Earth, Leo is one of the earliest recognised constellations, first documented by the Mesopotamians back in 4000BCE. It wasn’t until the second century, when the constellation was spotted by Greek astronomer Ptolemy, that Leo gained his crown as the most fearsome creature in the sky. To the ancient Greeks, the pattern of the stars resembled a lion lying low and ready to pounce, so they believed it to be the celestial depiction of the ferocious Nemean lion who was slain by Hercules in the first of his 12 labours.

“Animal cruelty!” I hear you cry, and to be honest, you may not revise your opinion as the full story unfolds, but rest assured all events are fictional and no animals were harmed in the making of the myth.

So, without further ado, let’s picture the scene. Hercules, one of Greek mythology’s most virtuous heroes, was tasked by the king of Eurystheus to set out on a quest to kill the Nemean lion, a vicious shapeshifter who transformed himself into a beautiful maiden in order to lure men into his lair and devour them. It was a big ask, but fortunately half man, half god Hercules was equipped with both brains and brawn.

When the lion was asleep, he crept into the cave armed with his bow and arrow, took aim at the beast’s heart, and let the arrow fly.

But far from sinking into its mark, the arrow bounced off the beast’s pelt, serving no greater purpose than to awaken the terrifying creature. It leapt at Hercules, who battled courageously with his bare hands until the lion lay limp and dead in his arms. Having defeated the monster with brute strength, Hercules’

nimble brain kicked into gear and he swiped the armoured pelt and vicious claws to use as his own, somewhat grisly, weapons.

In tribute to this magnificent deed, and as a reminder of his reign of terror, the Nemean lion is immortalised in the sky as Leo. He is easy to spot this month – just look out for the distinctive asterism that forms his mane and shoulders. This is known as the Sickle, but to modern observers it’s more recognisable as a backward question mark, at the base of which sits Regulus, the heart of the lion and the brightest star in the constellation.

Regulus is also one of the most visible objects in the night sky for us on Earth, with an apparent magnitude of +1.36.

But to call it a star is not wholly accurate, because it actually comprises four stars organised into two binary pairs. The brightest star, and the only one visible to the naked eye from Earth, is Regulus A. This is a hot, blue-white main sequence star that orbits around a common centre of mass with its companion star, which scientists have not yet directly observed but is believed to be a white dwarf. Regulus B and C, the second binary pair, are also thought to comprise a brighter main sequence star and a dwarf.

As well as this notable star system, many bright galaxies can be observed within Leo. Among them are the spiral galaxies of M65, M66 and NGC 3628, which all lie about 35 million light years away from Earth and together make up the famous Leo Triplet. M65 and M66 were first documented by Charles Messier in 1780, and NGC 3628 was spotted just four years later by William Herschel.

The most noteworthy of these galaxies is M66, among whose sweeping arms are bright star clusters that have experienced an unusually high rate of four supernova explosions since 1973. This is an extremely high number to occur within

one galaxy, and scientists are still puzzling over the reasons for their occurrence.

No doubt a reason will be found at some point in the not too distant future, but for the moment it’s rather nice to know that when we look up at the constellation of Leo this month, there lies within one of the real wonders of the universe. n With huge thanks to Lee Pullen for sharing his knowledge and time. If you’d like to learn more about Leo and the other constellations you can spot in the sky this month, you can book tickets for Spring Stargazing in At-Bristol’s 3D Planetarium; www.at-bristol.org.uk

Look out for...

There’s loads to see in our skies this month, including: ● Jupiter is in opposition this month, and well placed for observation within Leo. It will be visible for much of the night throughout April, reaching its highest and most visible position in the sky between midnight and 3am. ● On Friday 8 April, when you look out to admire the beautiful new moon, you should also be able to spot Mercury shining brightly to the right of it.

If you’re an early bird, you’ll also have the chance to see Venus peeping over the horizon just before sunrise in the first half of the month.

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

BEAUTYTIPS A MATURE APPROACH TO MAKE UP Bath make-up artist Julia Harrison picks her tried and tested best beauty products for mature skin

ROLE MODELS: follow the example of women such as actresses Sheila Hancock, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren and Julie Walters – deploying eyebrow pencils, flattering lip shades and eye-liner to good effect

P

reparation is key. When you have prepped your face properly, your skin will be more protected and the make up will sit better.

Mature skin tends to have a normal to dry complexion so you will need to moisturise using a good cream, on a clean face, and not forgetting to use eye cream. You can step up your beauty regime with a hydrating oil or serum.

Products: Kiehl’s Powerful wrinkle reducing cream, £42, Kiehl’s Powerful wrinkle reducing eye cream, Kiehl’s, £32, Sarah Chapman Skinesis age repair serum, Space NK, £48

BASE Primer is not for everyone, especially for every day, but it can provide a smoother base for easier make up application. It hides pores and prolongs the life of your make up. Tightening or hydrating primers tend to be the best. For foundation, go with a creamy or liquid consistency, preferably a non-drying formula and blend it with your fingers, a buffing brush or, my personal favourite, the beauty blender, which blends the foundation flawlessly and leaves no hard edges or streaks.

Tinted moisturisers are popular, especially in the summer. They are fantastic when you are having a good skin day, or if you just prefer lighter coverage. All the better if it has skincare properties and sun protection. Steer away from heavy matte powders. They can make you look older and magnify lines. If you prefer powders or want to set your foundation, then mineral or translucent powders can be a good option. They are lighter and illuminate and brighten the skin.

Concealers can hide all our sins but keep a light touch when it comes to concealing dark circles under the eyes. With concealers, opt for lightweight formulas as the heavier ones can settle into fine lines and crease easily. The same goes for blemishes and imperfections. Yes, we can get blemishes at any age!

Products: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (Tightens) Jolly’s, £30, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil Free, Space NK, £29, Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation, Jolly’s, £31.50, Laura Mercier Tinted

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Moisturiser, £34, Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation, £31, Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, all at Space NK, £48, Clarins Instant Concealer, Jolly’s, £22, Beauty Blender, Space NK, £16.

EYES AND BROWS: Long-wearing cream eyeshadows are good on their own or as a base under a powdered eyeshadow. I recommend a light wash of colour.

You can also add a matte eyeshadow into the crease of the eye, but only to the outer corner.

Avoid too much crease definition as it can make your eyes appear sunken.

Eyeliner goes a long way for any eye look.

But don’t go overboard. Try using brown instead of a black, as the latter can look a little harsh on older skin. Keep the line thin rather than thick. Remember to finish off your eye look with a good quality mascara.

Brows are important; their job is to frame your face. Eyebrow colour fades with age, but an eye pencil in a shade lighter than your natural brow colour will help to define your brow shape.

Products: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow, Jolly’s, £19, Estee Lauder Pure Colour Intense in Blackened Cocoa, Jolly’s, £16.50, Lancome Grandiose Mascara, Jolly’s, £25, MAC Eye Brow Pencil, Jolly’s, £16.

BLUSH: Cream blush can do wonder for your face. It blends seamlessly with foundation, and can be applied for a fresh youthful appearance. Finding the right colour is important; rosy pinks and peachy tints go well with fair to medium skin tones, where as coral and berry colours go well with darker skin.

Bronzers are a fantastic way to give more dimension and life to your face. Stay clear of very glittery/shimmery products and instead go for a matte or a slightly shimmered

bronzer. Cream bronzers are also good. Apply sparingly on the highpoints of your face, where the sun would hit, for a year round sun kissed glow.

Highlighters can age you almost instantly and unwittingly highlight fine lines. A cream product will be your best option and the less shimmer the better. Use a balm, such as Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream. Dab it on the top of your cheeks for an effective highlight.

Products: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, Jolly’s, £19.50, Guerlain 4 Seasons Bronzer, Jolly’s, £49, Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (cream bronzer), Jolly’s, £32, MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl, Jolly’s, £16.

LIPS: Don’t be shy of bold colours. A fabulous pink or a coral lip can give your face that extra oomph. Stay clear of shimmer and metallic tones and avoid a heavy hand. Stick to creamy and moisturising formulas. Dark colours, mainly dark red, can age you significantly. Stick to brighter colours that will enhance your complexion.

If bold lips have never been your thing, or you want to tone down a little, tinted lip balms are always a good option. Nude lip colours are great but you need to find your perfect nude for it to work. Visit a makeup counter and try out nude lipsticks. Trust me, when the right one comes along you will know.

Lipliners are ideal for defining any lip look but can be overdone. I recommend finding a lip liner that is as close in colour to your chosen lipstick to avoid going overboard. Products: Chanel and YSL lipsticks, Jolly’s, £25-26, Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo, Space NK, £22, Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balms, Holland & Barrett, £5.99. n Julia Harrison MUA, email: info@juliaharrisonmakeup.com, visit: juliaharrisonmakeup.com Julia offers make up for special occasions for £50, make up lessons from £30 per hour.

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A CAREER SWITCH TO MAKEUP

Katherine Rich, a graduate from Bath Academy of Media Makeup, reveals how you can make a career change

T

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Healthcare

hey say life begins at 40, but I was 38 when my life began again.

I was working full time in a local government job that paid the bills but did very little else to make me happy. I knew that I had to make a change, and that it would not be easy.

I've always had a passion for the arts; I spent years as a performer but, as happens to all of us eventually, the real world caught up with me and I fell into a secure job. Now that I had decided to make a change, I was naturally drawn back to the world of theatre. Specifically, hair and makeup for theatre and television.

Financially I couldn't afford to study in London or go to university, so I was hugely grateful to have Bath Academy of Media Makeup on the doorstep. I enrolled on an intensive 15-week course at the start of 2014. It was tough. The pressure was high and there was so much information to take in. . . but I loved it, and completed the course.

A week of work experience followed, after which I found work on a period drama. It was literally a dream come true. Within weeks of leaving BAMM there I was. I then freelanced at a wig makers where I continued to learn my craft. I also took on hair, wigs and makeup design for a youth production of Les Miserables.

In 2015 I began working on a reality television programme. Within 48 hours of that job finishing I was on to my next position as a wig assistant on the UK tour of a musical. It was here that my confidence began to build and I couldn't wait to dress the wigs, hear the orchestra strike up and take my position in the wings ready for a wig change.

July 2015 brought another exciting opportunity; a chance to work on a contemporary television production. This brought a whole new set of pressures, but a wonderful experience as well.

I then worked part time on some local television and film projects and then took a much needed break. Having worried constantly about finding work before I made the career change, this was the first time I had stopped to take breath since leaving BAMM. I never take anything for granted. I have worked on some amazing productions, with truly talented people, and have been very lucky – but I have worked hard. I have had amazing support from the team at BAMM and so many people along the way. At the age of 38, many people may not like the idea of starting at the bottom of the ladder and having to spend years working their way up but there are no short cuts.

Any career change is risky, particularly when you enter the realms of self-employment. All you can do is plunge head-first into it. The hours are long and sometimes you are shooting outdoors all day in the rain – you are drenched, cold, hungry. . . but would I change it? Not a chance!

If I hadn’t taken the biggest risk of my life I would still be in a job where I was unhappy. I'm almost 40 years old now and a living example that it’s never too late. When I’m standing on set or waiting in the wings, I remind myself how far I have come. I am challenged, inspired, passionate. Every day brings something new. I never want a job to end. I did it. I figured out my passion, and it has lead me to my purpose. Anything is possible if you allow yourself to believe it and achieve it.

For more information on courses visit: bammakeup.com, email: info@bammakeup.com or tel: 01225 331315. n

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THE | WALK

FIND ETERNITY IN THE SUNSHINE Rise with the skylarks high up on the Marlborough Downs. Andrew Swift visits Barbury Castle

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When you reach the ramparts, head through them and carry on. Birdsong – with skylarks high above and rooks from a nearby rookery – is likely to be punctuated by the sound of gunfire from a shooting centre to the north east.

On the far side, as the land starts to drop away, bear left to follow a footpath along the outer rampart (SU147762).

Follow this round to where you entered the fort, before heading back to the car park.

❝

A geophysical survey in 1996 found evidence of around 40 hut circles inside the fort and a reconstruction of one of them was built

❝

E

njoy a visit to one of the most impressive hillforts in the south west on a walk which heads to one of the high points of the Marlborough Downs, some 265m above sea level. On a clear day you can see as far as the Cotswolds and the River Severn.

As well as visiting the hillfort Barbury Castle, it takes in an area rich in archaeological remains, before returning along part of the Ridgeway National Trail. These are breezy uplands, with little shelter, so you need to choose a fine – and preferably a clear – day.

The easiest way to get to the starting point is to head east along the M4, turn south along the A419 at junction 15, and, after three-quarters of a mile, turn right along the B4005, following a sign for Barbury Castle. After two miles, turn left following another sign up a singletrack road with passing places for 2.5 miles, before turning into a car park (SU156761).

Head west out of the car park towards Barbury Castle. Established around 500BC, the hillfort covers around 11 acres and is surrounded by a double bank and ditch. A geophysical survey in 1996 found evidence of around 40 hut circles inside the fort, and a reconstruction of one of them was built ten years later.

Unfortunately, it only lasted two years before being destroyed by vandals. In AD556, Barbury Castle was also the site of the Battle of Beranburgh, in which advancing Saxon forces defeated Romano-British defenders.

Carry on through the car park and turn left down the road at the end. After 150m, turn right through a handgate onto Burderop Down. Over to your left, you will see a memorial erected in 1939 to two local writers, Alfred Williams and Richard Jefferies (SU158762).

Both men were 19th century writers who spent much of their lives in the countryside of this area. Jefferies was renowned for his writing about the countryside and nature. On the big stone memorial is a quote from his writing: ‘It

is eternity now. I am in the midst of it. It is about me in the sunshine.’

Alfred Williams came from a very poor family and was forced to join his brothers working at the Great Western Railway works in Swindon. He went on to write a fascinating account of the experiences of GWR workers in Life in the Factory. Another of his contributions to posterity was his collection of folk songs. Williams rode from village to village on his bike writing down the lyrics of old English songs that had been passed down orally through the generations. The lyrics of one of those songs, Betsy Baker, was put to a new tune by Pete Flood of the band Bellowhead and featured on one of their albums.

As you carry on alongside the fence, you will see the shooting centre below.

On the slopes dropping down to it are the ridges of an ancient field system. The view soon opens up eastwards, and, after going through a handgate, the land drops steeply away, marking a change from grassy downland to arable farmland. To the left of the track ahead is a large tumulus or burial mound, clearly flattened by ploughing (SU169764).

After passing the tumulus, go through a gate and carry straight on as a track winds between trees. When you come to a muddy, deep-rutted byway, turn right along it for a short distance, but, when it veers left, carry straight on through a gate with a sign for Herdswick Farm.

For the next 1000m, the track lies alongside a high conifer hedge, casting an

OPEN TO THE ELEMENTS: main picture, the view from Burderop Down Opposite page, Barbury Castle and far right, the Williams/Jefferies memorial stone

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THE | WALK

the ridge with another horse gallop. As you continue to climb, the view ahead is cut off by rising ground, until eventually you reach the crest of the ridge, with Barbury Castle ahead.

Carry on, and, when a gate leads onto a byway, turn right to return to the car park.

Level of challenge: Easy, with no stiles and only one short section likely to be very muddy. n umbrageous gloom on this section of the walk.

When you come to a metalled track, bear left along it as it curves past a thick copse. After another 200m, bear right to follow a bridleway sign along a field’s edge (SU177755).

You are soon back in the open and heading for a distant clump of trees. After a while, the track, now lined with hawthorns, begins to climb. Over to your right lies Smeathe’s Ridge, with a conical tumulus silhouetted against the sky.

When you come to a gate on the right, with a sign for the Ridgeway Path, go through it

(SU189746). The Ridgeway itself – known at this point as Smeathe’s Ridge – is up above you to the left. The path climbs slowly, passing a reservoir, and, after 1100m, you finally gain the ridge. The view which opens up south-westwards is sadly one that will be denied to future generations because a newly-planted quickset hedge will, before long, prove an impenetrable barrier.

After passing the tumulus, you will see horse gallops below you on the left. Smeathe’s Ridge soon broadens, restricting the views on either side, and, before long, you find yourself sharing

FACT FILE ■ Length of walk: 6½ miles ■ Approximate time: 3 – 3½ hours ■ Map: OS Explorer 157 ■ Barbury Castle car park is free and has toilet facilities. Signs indicate what time the gates are locked

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IT’S A COLOURFUL LIFE Bath interior designer John Law of Woodhouse & Law looks at the latest ways to introduce colour to the home

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

GET COLOURFUL: Above, change the feeling of the room with a touch of pale pink, vivid blues, or even a hint of the exotic with tropical prints. Left, Versmissen pink fabric and trimmings, centre and right, Manuel Canovas 2016 collection Main image: patterned cushions can add a pop of colour to your furnishings. Jute rugs by Elitis Sequois

A

fter years of pared down, minimal design, change is definitely afoot. The latest furniture, fabric and lighting designs feature much bolder use of colour and pattern than of late, with an injection of glamour thrown in for good measure.

This all makes for an exciting time in the interiors world as bold and expressive combinations of materials, pattern and form come together. We’ve identified several of the latest looks from across the interior design industry, including tips to inspire.

TICKLED PINK Pink featured prominently last year in the fashion industry and the interiors world has fallen very much in line.

Rather than bright pinks and fuchsia, think subtle pastels and smoky, dusky shades. Perfect if you are a little nervous when it comes to introducing colour to your own schemes.

The Scandinavian designers in particular continue to feature soft blush pinks in their designs. This is often combined with a monochrome palette and strong geometric pattern. Chevrons and herringbones feature prominently within fabric designs and weaves.

Farrow and Ball’s latest colour launch features several new pink tones which we are already using to great effect in schemes. Peignoir for example creates a warm, relaxing feel and looks really smart when combined with similar tones in blues, greens and greys.

TRUE BLUE Blue is such an interesting colour and evokes very different feelings according to the shade in question. Cooler hues can look fresh and serene, whilst darker shades such as navy can look rich and regal. We love the latest shade of indigo blue that is very much in vogue. The colour featured heavily in the latest fabric collections launched at Maison et

Objet in Paris. Take Manuel Canovas for example, incorporating the vivid indigo blue across a wide range of embroideries, prints and weaves.

This is an easy shade to combine with a more neutral backdrop of soft greys and looks wonderful when paired with coral or burnt oranges. Consider introducing soft furnishings such as cushions or throws in this colour and track the theme through with accessories in a similar shade for consistency and to strengthen the look.

In designing the interiors for a new build project on Lansdown we took our clients’ artwork as inspiration for our colour palette. We introduced a pop of colour through blue cushions and accessories against a backdrop of restful, soft greys which play to the materials on the adjoining terrace.

TOTALLY TROPICAL The tropics couldn’t feel further away given the recent low temperatures so an injection of tropical print and pattern in your interior might be just what the doctor ordered.

Bold prints and embroideries depict luscious green foliage alongside vivid florals in strong shapes. This is in a somewhat stark contrast to the painterly, watercolour effect seen in recent fabric designs, popular on natural linens to create a soft, feminine style.

This look can really come into its own in orangeries, garden rooms or large open spaces where you are looking for visual cues to link the indoor and outdoor spaces. The latest outdoor collections from Manuel Canovas will make you feel like you are in the Caribbean, even if the sun isn’t shining here

SEVENTIES GLAMOUR After a long period of a more minimalistic, pared down aesthetic it’s great to see more glamorous and luxurious materials coming to the fore.

There is a distinctly 70s vibe in interiors at the moment, evidenced through more use of velvets, metalics and much richer, earthier tones.

The latest fabric and wallpaper collections from Zoffany are the perfect example. In the scheme pictured, the lustrous, burnt umbre wallpaper creates a textured and lustrous backdrop to the deep blue velvet sofa and soft furnishings. The all important curtain fabric helps tie in each of the individual colours perfectly.

Gold and bronze finishes can look smart and sophisticated when used in the right way. Gold furniture and lighting can add a hint of glamour to a scheme without being gaudy. Especially when combined with darker greys and contrasted with lighter, natural stone or quartz finishes such as Silestone Lagoon or Lyra.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS The use of trimmings all but fell out of favour over the last few decades due to the pursuit of the more minimal, stripped back look. Now they are back with a vengeance as fabric houses launch larger collections of braids, bullion fringing and cords to adorn soft furnishings and furniture.

Trimmings offer myriad ways to create a unique look. They can also provide an effective way to dress up a relatively inexpensive base fabric such as silk, helping achieve a much higher end look. That said, beware as trimmings range in price hugely and the costs can soon add up.

Often the trick with trimmings is to bear in mind that less is more. Adding contrast fringing or braids to cushions and along the base of upholstered sofas and chairs can look really smart, but I would advise against too much detailing in one room. It’s also important to reference the material or colour elsewhere in the scheme to help achieve a cohesive look.

Continued over

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

MATERIAL WORLD It’s exciting to see interesting and unusual combinations of materials and finishes that can help add interest to a scheme whilst also being practical. Cane and wicker furniture has steadily been increasing in popularity among mainland European designers coupled with abundant planting on living walls ands suspended from ceilings using rope hangers.

The French fabric house Elitis has created an exciting collection of rugs

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made using natural jute combined with metallic weaves in geometric patterns to create a truly distinctive and contemporary look. We particularly love the Sequoia design with the injection of acid yellow and gold.

With such exciting trends emerging, there’s never been a better time to add a splash of colour or interest to your own home. From subtle pastel hues to the wild and the wonderful, there’s something for every one of us. Just go easy on the trimmings.

John Law leads the interior design team at Woodhouse and Law.

ON CUE: Left, trimmings

by Zimmer and Rhode.

From the showroom and studio on Bathwick Hill the team create designs for both residential and commercial projects, from concept to completion.

Above, Woodhouse & Law took the client’s artwork as a starting point for the colour scheme

Woodhouse & Law Interiors and Gardens, 4 St George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, BA2 4EN Tel: 01225 428072 For more information visit: woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

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See

Dawn Elizabeth Kitchens at www.thesaturdayshop.co.uk Telephone 01373 461858

We are a local kitchen company offering quality solid wood kitchen cabinets.

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CITY | INTERIORS

Interior

NOTES

It’s the individual attention to detail that turns a house into a home.

SHUTTERS FOR STYLE Manhattan design shutters, these solid tulipwood painted off-white, 89mm blades not only look great but are of the highest quality, fine and handcrafted to fit perfectly.

Priced from £400 per square metre. Excludes installation and VAT. Bath & West Shutters. Tel: 01225 300800 bathandwestshutters.com FINISHING TOUCHES AT VERVE LIVING Striking yet simple wire horse sculptures

by Melanie Deegan See the collection at Verve Living .

15 Walcot Buildings London Road, Bath. verveliving.uk

AVENIDA HOME Founded by Isabel Saiz in the beautiful city of Bath, Avenida Home is a highly individual brand dedicated to creating unique kitchens and dining accent pieces. Shown here tray and placemat from the Harlequin collection also available are: table mats, coasters, cuttingboards & tea towels.

Avenida Home. 27 Walcot Street, Bath. avenidahome.com

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MARIMEKKO TIARA Cover and cushion £38.

Shannon. 68 Walcot Street, Bath. shannon-uk.com

BLUEBERRY DEXTER’S LINEN Large 55cm x 55cm cushion £40.

Sofa.com. The Corridor, Bath sofa.com

INDIGO NOMAD STRIPE Large cushion £30.

Sofa.com. The Corridor, Bath sofa.com

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create @ Apr 6 Apr 7. 8. 9 Apr 14

silk flower creations willow weaving flower arranging

Apr 15. 16. 17

sculpting with wire

Apr 24

up styling furniture

Apr 29

contemporary ceramic making

May 06

silk flower creations

May 12

the art of display

May 20

contemporary ceramic making

May 26

lampshade making

for more info & other classes or to book, call us on 07785 332536 or visit verveliving.uk/classes

1 5 w a l c o t b u i l d i n g s. l o n d o n r d. b a 1 6 a d free parking in weymouth st. furniture – styling – artworks – classes

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Property April V2.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2016 10:06 Page 1

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL So you thought a listed Georgian house couldn’t be funky? This fabulous historic mansion just outside Bath has been given the rock’n’roll treatment

F

rom the outside this might look like an elegant Georgian mansion in honey Bath stone, overlooking Bathampton Meadows and the iconic Solsbury Hill at its back. The sort of home you’d associate with antiques and Agas, with traditional decor.

But behind the façade, with its classic sash windows and black front door, lies a dramatic and impressive transformation of an early 19th century building into a 21st century palace designed for work, rest and play.

In recent years someone with a bold eye for detail has managed to pull off that tricky business of respecting the listed building and the historic architecture, while at the same time giving its current occupants spacious, light and contemporary spaces, clean lines and detail, from the sleek curves in

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the kitchen/breakfast room to the central music system. The simplicity and boldness of the decor, use of natural materials and up-to-date detail in light fittings bring out the original beauty of the house.

This is a home for people who want to run a successful business but without the hassle of a commute. Visitors are welcomed into a grand entrance hall before being ushered into what can only be described as a magnificent drawing room – some 32 feet in length and with a large bay window. Like many of the rooms, this looks out over that wonderful view and there’s access to a balcony which runs all along the back of the house.

In one wing of the house is the work zone, containing the study, library and a big board room. At the other end of the ground floor is the entertaining zone.

There’s a dining room for formal occasions, accessed via a handy serving room, which in turn opens into the seriously cool kitchen/breakfast room.

On the ground floor there are covetable wine cellars, a home gym, complete with sauna, another sitting/play room and a garden room. There are also vaults for storage. Across the four floors there are no fewer than six bedrooms and six bathrooms, with the master suite particularly impressive and generous.

Just as every detail has been taken care of inside the house, so the gardens have been laid out with a sun terrace, lawns and a tranquil Japanese garden.

This is a great place from which to enjoy the far reaching views, while Bath city centre is less than two miles away.

Tucked away in the garden is a studio – ideal if there are two entrepreneurs who need their own space. n

WORK REST AND PLAY: main picture, the rear of Avonstone from the gardens Below, one of the sitting rooms and right, the wine cellars are an oenophile’s delight Opposite, clockwise: outdoor studio, study, open-plan kitchendiner, bathroom, garden with spectacular views, bedroom, and dining room.

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CITY | PROPERTY

❝

FACT FILE ■ Location: Avonstone, Bathampton ■ The property: Detached Georgian mansion with ultra contemporary interior and impressive views ■ Accommodation: Six beds, six main reception rooms, detached studio, gym, boardroom, six bathrooms, wine cellars, landscaped gardens ■ Price: £3.75m ■ Agent: Savills, Bath. Tel: 01225 282979

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woodhouse and law ad.qxp_Layout 1 24/03/2016 13:18 Page 1

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Classic landscapes

email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

For all gardening and landscaping needs

James: 07940261734

Call us today to build your dream garden.

www.classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk Gardening Services, Landscape Design and Installation.

Bradford On Avon, Wilts.

Creating Perfect Spaces

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Gardening April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2016 10:19 Page 1

GARDEN | NOTES

SIMPLY BULBALICIOUS Now is a good time to plan the spring show for next year’s dazzling display of colour, says gardening writer Jane Moore

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egular readers will recognise that it’s properly Spring, not just by the twittering of birds and the breaking of buds, but also by the fact that it’s that time of year when I start banging on about bulbs. It’s a favourite topic of mine simply because of the sheer flower power, brilliant colours and unlimited potential of the deceptively simple and humble bulb.

Quite honestly I can think of no other plant that gives so much from seemingly so little.

The only trouble is that there is a heck of a gap between buying the bulb and then seeing it flower – it is the very essence of the patience of the gardener.

That is not a description I would normally apply to myself but, when it comes to bulbs, I play the long game. I can wait, sitting tight like the buried bulbs themselves, through the winter months after planting time in late summer and early autumn.

As the days lengthen in late February and March my pulse really does quicken with a rising sense of excitement as the bulbs start to show. There’s a beguiling sense of mystery and discovery waiting in the wings too, especially as I’ve usually completely forgotten what I’ve put where.

RINGING THE CHANGES There are few plants that can transform your garden as completely and as quickly as bulbs. Bedding plants are probably the closest thing and most of us happily spend a good whack on seasonal bedding every year. If you spent the same amount on bulbs each year your garden would be amazing, 94 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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especially as most bulbs keep on flowering year after year, unlike most bedding plants. Of course you can buy bulbs in flower or bud from garden centres and nurseries now and that’s great if you’re looking for a little show in a pot or a handful of dainty daffs in a corner. But by far the best way to make your precious pounds go further is to plan ahead.

SPRING RESEARCH This is the time to get out and about looking at bulbs in gardens, notebook in one hand and camera in the other.

Chances are that if there’s a NGS garden open in April, like The Bath Priory for example, it will have bulbs aplenty as indeed The Priory does. This gives you the opportunity to see bulbs actually performing in the garden, rather than looking at lovely photos in a catalogue.

At The Priory our pots of tulips and stands of daffs in the border have braved all the winter can throw at them, without any molly coddling whatsoever.

There are also various tulip festivals going on at places such as Forde Abbey where you can study varieties and compare notes over a cream tea, a most conducive aid to creative planning.

You could even take yourself off to the Dutch bulb fields and Keukenhof Gardens which has to be one of the seven wonders of the horticultural world. Every spring these gardens are filled with more than seven million bulbs in bloom, with a total of 800 varieties of tulips. Wow! doesn’t even begin to cover it. Each bulb supplier uses the gardens as an opportunity to showcase their newest and brightest varieties, as well as old favourites. Plus there are little sheds dotted about where orders can be placed for delivery of bulbs later on in the year which means there’s no danger of forgetting the ones you like between now and then.

MORE IS MORE The mantra ‘less is more’ does not apply when it comes to bulbs, to my mind. It’s the sheer mass of colour that I love, whether in the border or in pots. Let’s be honest, Wordsworth would simply not have got excitable about the odd daffodil, would he?

Don’t spend lots of money on a handful of tulips when the same money will pay for a golden host of daffodils all your own. I go for reliable cheaper varieties such as the ubiquitous Tête à Tête which fills our rose beds in February and March, giving the wintery garden a great boost of bright colour.

TULIPMANIA: left to right, Dreaming Maid, yellow Ballerina and purple Negrita and Estella Rijnfeld Inset, tulips and wistaria in perfect harmony

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However, do buy some handfuls of tulips for your pots. It’s worth spending a little more on these as they’re going to be your spring showstoppers. Buy larger bulbs if you can and look out for interesting varieties that don’t cost a fortune. We’re not inclined to tulipmania around here, thank you. I can think of far better use for my money than buying one ludicrously expensive tulip bulb as the Dutch did back in the 17th century.

TRUE COLOURS The great thing about potted tulips is that you can play with delicate and co-ordinating colour schemes if you’re so inclined. I have had my moments of co-ordinating all our pots of tulips on the terrace to complement the wisteria. Not only did the tulips flower at the same time but they were also pastel shades of pink and mauve which echoed the tones of the wisteria. Another year I went all shades of purple on the terrace. But in other areas of the garden I just throw all caution to the winds and go for a complete tutti frutti mixture of single varieties in clusters of pots. But that is the brilliant thing about bulbs – there’s no right or wrong and the Fashion Police should take a month off.

TULIP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS Forde Abbey Tulip Festival takes place from Saturday 30 April to Sunday 15 May. During April and May more than 20,000 tulips will bloom across the gardens. Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset. TA20 4LU, tel: 01460 220231.

The Bath Priory National Garden Scheme open afternoon, Thursday 14 April, 2pm – 5pm. Come and enjoy bulbs and spring blooms, plus teas and cake in support of Dorothy House.

Dyrham Park Bulbs and blossoms spring garden tour, Friday 11 March onwards. Join a garden guide for a free guided walk around the West Garden as it comes to life this spring. n Jane Moore is the award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. She writes regularly for the Telegraph and can be followed on Twitter @janethegardener.

INSPIRATION: In the Dutch bulbs fields of Keukenhof there are seven million tulips – and the chance to buy direct from the growers

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the directory

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

Electricians

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

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ONEMAGAZINEONECITYONEMONTH

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Aromatherapy Deep Tissue Massage Japanese Cosmo Facelift Reflexology/Facial reflexology For more information, please visit:

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Trowbridge & Neal’s Yard Bath

Bored of feeling Anxious?

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provides a relaxing space for clients to discover their real potential, find solutions and accelerate positive change

EFFECTIVE AND PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS IN ATWORTH WILTSHIRE AND BATH FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION & PARKING t: 07974 153487 e: info@hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk w: www.hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk

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IS AVAILABLE TO PICK UP FOR FREE AT

Pritchard PIF APRIL 16.qxp_PIF Full Page 21/03/2016 11:59 Page 85

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

T

his extremely versatile detached property is located in one of Bath’s loveliest villages and has a wonderful setting with breathtaking views along the Limpley Stoke Valley to Westbury and Salisbury Plain. The house is largely on one level and has been thoughtfully remodelled and beautifully presented. The accommodation on offer comprises entrance hall, spacious sitting room with a Piazzetta rise and fall three sided woodburner, open plan kitchen/dining room which opens onto the sun terrace, utility room, two en suite bedrooms, two further bedrooms, snug/bedroom, family bathroom with under floor heating and heated mirrors, cloakroom and study hall. The large picture windows make the most of the outside which is equally impressive. To the front there is a level lawned garden and black slate patio area. The rear garden has been sympathetically landscaped with level lawns and a large Brazilian black slate sun terrace overlooking magnificent views. There is plenty of parking to the front as well as a double integral garage. This is a lovely property in which to really connect with the outdoors in summer and cosy up in winter and watch the elements while basking in the glow from the woodburner. Full for details contact agents Pritchards.

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

29 MIDFORD LANE LIMPLEY STOKE NR BATH • Highly popular village location • Open plan living • 4.5 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Family bathroom with under floor heating • Brazilian black slate sun terrace with breathtaking views • Video tour available online

Price: £1,275,000

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pritchards-bath.co.uk

Langridge, Swainswick Valley (Bath just over 3 miles) A rare opportunity to purchase an impressive detached period country house, circa 1870, enjoying magnificent panoramic views.

• Principal bedroom with en suite dressing room/bedroom 5 & bathroom, 3 further double bedrooms & bathroom • Drawing room, spacious kitchen/dining/living room leading through to large conservatory, utility, boiler room and cloakroom • Large mature grounds with a beautiful walled garden along with a further paddock of approximately 2 acres. Large parking area • Detached annexe comprising large bed/sitting room, kitchen and shower room • Further detached & particularly charming stone built garden office • Total area 4827 sq ft (447 sq m)

Offers In Excess of £1,800,000

Marshfield A beautiful Grade II Listed 17th Century building in the heart of this much sought after village. Lovingly restored over the last 12 years to an exceptional high standard yet retaining many period features.

• 4 Bedrooms, 1 en suite bath room and wet room, shower room • Large kitchen/dining room, sitting room with two original fireplaces, study • Detached office and utility room • Cellar, tanked ideal for children’s play room • Large level walled garden with a Grade II Listed ‘mini’ The Gables • Floor area approx. 2075 sq ft (192 sq m), Little Gables 104 sq ft (9 sq m)

Guide Price: £1,075,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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pritchards-bath.co.uk

Freshford An individually designed and constructed detached family home built in 1926 that has been modernized throughout retaining many period features and benefits from a south facing garden.

• 4 double bedrooms • Bespoke handmade Benton’s of Highbridge kitchen • Large south facing plot • Double garaging and substantial parking • Jetmaster fire • EPC rating E • Internal floor area approximately 2663 sq ft/247 sq m. Outbuilding 474 sq ft/44 sq m.

Guide Price: £1,000,000

Freshford A fine detached modern house in a small peaceful cul de sac enjoying wonderful open views over surrounding countryside in this desirable village, south of Bath.

• 3/4 bedrooms, bathroom & shower cubicle • Sitting room with adjacent sun room, dining room, study/bedroom 4, garden room, utility room & well fitted kitchen • Attractive mature gardens to front & rear. Sun Terrace • Double garage & further single garage • Total internal floor area approx: 1972 sq ft (183.2 sq m)

Guide Price: £725,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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The Apartment Co - FEB.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2016 14:23 Page 1

Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

Why you should use a specialist when you’re selling an apartment

W

ith so many estate agents to choose from, how do you make the right decision for your and your property? If you’re selling an apartment, we want you to know the advantage of using a specialist who knows the area, are experts in the market and understands the needs of our community inside and out.

We are the only apartment specialists in Bath, but before you make your decision you should be considering the following before instructing an agent.

• Practice.

How long has the agent been operating for? This is the most important factor to consider, as extensive experience in the apartment market will show industry expertise, a proactive approach, client trust and exceptional customer service skills.

• Passion.

We have a true passion for apartments, we have an in-depth knowledge of the dominating Georgian architecture and love the area within which we live and work.

• Personality.

Crafting beautiful homes In and around Bath

Agencies with personality will be able to provide proof of a personalised service that makes clients come back for more. At The Apartment Company, we have Bath’s most enviable database of serious buyers who are specifically looking for apartments

• Presentation.

We prescribe each apartment instruction with the ‘2 million pound treatment’, as all of our clients are of equal importance to us.

• Precision.

At The Apartment Company, we sold twice as many properties than our competitors last year, making us Bath’s No.1 apartment specialist.

We are not just focused on the offer being accepted, we manage the process of the sale right through to the very end, we will deal with all challenges to give you as smooth a journey as possible to your new home.

Still wondering why you should use a specialist estate agent? The Apartment Company team eagerly wait to hear from you! Please contact us on 01225 471144.

01225 791155

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

The Chantry Barton, Orchard Bradford on Avon

ÂŁ7000.00pcm

The Chantry, started life as a house for supporting a Chantry priest, there is a core from the 16th century, but most of the big mansion that you see today was built in the early 18th century. The Chantry has been refurbished to a high standard and is now, whilst a very architecturally impressive building, also a quality family home. The kitchen is newly fitted and is of the highest standard with quality appliances. The accommodation comprises seven bedrooms some offer exceptional views of the River, gardens and Bradford on Avon. The Chantry has three exceptional bathrooms and four reception rooms plus further ancillary rooms such as boot room, orangery overlooking the grounds and separate study. The gardens to the rear are mainly laid to lawn with a pond fed by a natural spring which is bisected by various streams which lead down to the river Avon. There is a path which leads down to a deck on the riverside. Barton Orchard runs from the top of Church Street and from Newtown down to Barton Bridge. It must have been one of the routes that led to the Abbey of Shaftesbury’s grange at Barton Farm. The Chantry is a perfect family retreat located within easy reach of the Bradford on Avon town.

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

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Daniel Street A fine example of a Grade II listed town house forming part of a handsome Georgian terrace located a short level walk from Bath city centre, Henrietta Park and a number of excellent schools. The property is arranged over four floors and has been beautifully finished throughout to create a comfortable, versatile and light home with a high specification of design and finish whilst retaining a wealth of period features and charm.

Rent: ÂŁ2,500 pcm* 4 storey Georgian townhouse | 3 light & spacious reception rooms | high ceilings | tall sash windows | feature fireplaces | open plan kitchen | 3 double bedrooms | fitted wardrobes | modern shower room | family bathroom | courtyard garden Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

*An administration fee of ÂŁ420.00 inc. VAT applies.

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Guide Price OIEO £900,000 Crescent Gardens, Bath

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Guide Price £675,000 Camden, Bath

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Guide Price £575,000

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NASH & CO

Summerleaze, East Harptree

A beautiful and characterful period property located in extensive gardens in the village of East Harptree. This 5 bedroom, 3 reception room, family home, offers not only a fantastic opportunity to buy a substantial house, but a lifestyle as well. There are well stocked gardens, a detached double garage within a former school house and outbuildings including a detached barn which could be converted (subject to planning) with a further 2 acres of pasture land.

£775,000 • 4 Double bedrooms • Sizable gardens • Garage • Conservatory • Cir 1750 sq. ft • Highly desirable location

enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED

£895,000

● A beautifully and characterful period property • Located in extensive gardens • 5 double bedrooms • 3 reception rooms • Double garage • Circa 2 acre paddock

Lansdown, Bath

A well-loved 4 bedroom detached bungalow located in a highly desirable Lansdown location. This property is in need of modernisation but offers potential for a wonderful home for the next owner. The house offers the possibility of a large loft conversion, and the option to extend (subject to planning) . Gardens to the front and rear are sizable, and provide lovely views over the rolling Somerset countryside. Further accommodation incs: bay fronted living room, large wet room, dining room with bay window, conservatory, garage, utility room and cloakroom.

www.nashandcobath.co.uk Tel: 01225 444 800

.co.uk

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

Swineford

£3000 pcm A Deceptively Large, Superb Extended Cottage Conversion set to the North West of Bath in Popular Village Location with 4 Double Bedrooms, 4 Reception Rooms. Excellent Vehicular Access to Bath and Bristol. Desirable Schooling Locally.

EPC - E

CENTRAL LOCATION

Lansdown Crescent

£1600 pcm

Spacious Self Contained Lower Ground Floor Apartment with Three Ensuite Double Bedrooms & Courtyard. Lansdown Crescent is one of the most exquisite examples of Georgian architecture. Vaulted Bedroom. Courtyard. EPC - E

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

Fidelis April.indd 1

01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Timsbury

ÂŁ1,300,000

RURAL SETTING

Wonderful Opportunity to Live in a Substantial Arts & Crafts Property Set Within a 2.3 Acre Plot Surrounded by Beautiful Countryside Within Easy Commuting Distance to Bath & Bristol with Outbuildings, Detached Garage, Stabling for Two Horses, Potential for Two Paddocks Plus the Prospect Subject to Permissions of a Development Plot.

EPC - F

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

Fidelis April.indd 3

01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Norton St Philip, Bath • Grade II listed period property • Situated in delightful picturesque village • 5 bedrooms • Large landing/studio space • Large 100ft garden • Car port • Off-street parking • Including detached stone outbuilding

delightful Grade II listed period cottage steeped in history and period features.

Located in the High Street of this popular village, the property is certainly charming with its enclosed private gardens and off-street parking.

The house has accommodation arranged over three floors. A panelled entrance door leads into a long, full length hallway that leads directly to the back garden.

The sitting room is to the front of the property and has double windows. There is a handsome stone fireplace and stone alcove to the side and built-in storage cupboard.

To the far side of the hall there is a long kitchen/dining room with aspects to both the front of the cottage and the rear gardens. The kitchen area is fitted with a range of Oak fronted units comprising cupboards and drawers. There are formica worktops with inset sink unit. Integrated appliances include oven, hob and dishwasher.

All the gardens are to the rear of the property and they are some 100ft in length. Adjacent to the back of the cottage is a paved area with ample space for table and chairs.

There is a lawned area with surrounding borders, kitchen garden and soft fruit garden.

These include apples, pears and plum trees.

At the top of the garden is a detached stone outbuilding which the current owners use as a car port/storage space. There is access onto a rear lane.

A gorgeous cottage in a lovely village - just minutes from Bath.

A

Mark Naylor, 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath. Tel: 01225 422224

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k Mar r o l y a N

local • trusted • independent

Lower Oldfield Park

Price Guide £695,000

This wonderful and beautifully appointed home is situated on the cusp of the City Centre and comes highly recommended by the owner's sole agent.

• An elegant Victorian home • Off-street parking

☎ 01225 422 224

• Master bedroom with en-suite • Close to City Centre

• 3 further bedrooms • Vacant possession

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

NEW INSTRUCTION

Wellow

Guide Price £2,000,000

This spectacular New England style home has undergone an amazing transformation to create a stylish country home on the edge of one of Bath’s most sought after villages.

With an open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room and five bedrooms all benefitting from stylish interior design. Set in approximately 5 acres of gardens with stable block and wonderful views. EPC : D

• • • • • •

5 Bedrooms Modern Country Living Stunning Open Plan Kitchen Building Design Nomination Edge of Village Garden and Paddock Of 5 Acres

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

Hamptons Sales April.indd 1

24/03/2016 14:54

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

NEW INSTRUCTION

Proposed

Proposed

Monkton Combe This unique detached house was designed and built in the 1930’s and is now offered to the open market with full planning permission to create a stunning contemporary home close to 4000 sq.ft. The proposals provide reconfigured spaces within, and extend upon the existing house to create a wonderful home just 5 miles outside of Bath. EPC : F

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Guide Price £900,000 • • • • • •

5 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms Detached 1930’s Home In Need of Refurbishment Planning 15/12123FUL Half an acre Garden and Views

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ROSENEATH, Keynsham

ÂŁ1,150,000

Roseneath is an extremely elegant home that occupies a truly outstanding, semi-rural location almost equidistant between the beautiful cities of Bath and Bristol. The house was built in the late 1850s and sympathetically extended in the 1870s. It comprises six bedrooms, three reception rooms, family kitchen, study, garden room, annexe bedroom with en suite shower room, attic rooms and outbuildings.

EPC Rating: E

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THE GRANGE, Chilcompton

ÂŁ1,250,000

The Grange is a substantial detached period home set in over five acres of beautiful grounds. The property comprises five reception rooms, open plan kitchen/dining/garden room, five bedrooms, impressive sweeping driveway, two paddocks and a range of outbuildings.

EPC Rating: D

Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Lansdown Crescent Prestigious development

OIEO £635,000 •

Grade I Listed

•

Georgian

•

First floor

•

Two bedrooms

•

Exceptional period features

•

Approx 1,189 Sq Ft

Situated in the heart of Lansdown Crescent with stunning south facing views over Bath, this impressive first floor apartment has a wealth of period features and Georgian splendour. The property currently comprises a fabulous south facing drawing room, kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom, mezzanine bedroom, two bathrooms, and the added bonus of a study on the landing with potential to convert to a further bedroom with concealed WC facilities, subject to planning and consent. Properties of this calibre are a real rarity therefore an early viewing is advised.

The Apartment Company April.indd 1

22/03/2016 11:35

Great Pulteney Street

OIEO £625,000

Grade I Listed • Georgian apartment • Top floor • Lateral conversion • Three double bedrooms • Well presented • Prestigious address • Approx 1,213 Sq Ft Situated in the renowned Great Pulteney Street we are offering a unique laterally converted apartment boasting three double bedrooms. Occupying the whole of the top floor the apartment comprises: entrance hall which leads to the rooms at the front of the property including spacious sitting room and contemporary fitted kitchen. Two of the bedrooms are located at the rear of the property, with the master bedroom in the middle of the apartment with an en suite. Finally there is a study area and a large family bathroom. Properties of this nature are rare to find and we expect a considerable amount of interest, therefore early viewing is highly recommended.

Camden Crescent

OIEO £495,000

Grade II Listed Georgian apartment Lower ground floor • Two double bedrooms • Modern bathroom • Rear courtyard • Approx 1,195 Sq Ft •

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This spacious Georgian courtyard apartment is located in a prime residential area within easy reach of central Bath. The apartment is well proportioned being arranged over two floors and comprising sitting room, modern kitchen, dining room and a large master bedroom. Downstairs comprises a large second bedroom and a contemporary bathroom. Externally there are two courtyards (front and rear) and two large vaults to the front of the property. This property is beautifully presented and likely to generate considerable interest. Viewing comes highly recommended.

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Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Great Pulteney Street Grade I Listed Fitted kitchen

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OIEO £310,000 The Paragon

Georgian apartment • Top floor • Sitting room | Two bedrooms • No chain • Approx 620 Sq Ft

This unique building is situated at the far end of Great Pulteney Street, designed by Thomas Baldwin and commissioned by Sir William Pulteney.

The apartment comprises: entrance hall, sitting room with far reaching views, kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom and bathroom.

Albion Place

OIEO £290,000

Grade I Listed • Georgian apartment • Lower ground floor bedroom • Modern kitchen • Original features • No chain

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One

Situated in the heart of the City Centre, moments away from all Bath has to offer is this superb one bedroom apartment. Occupying the lower ground floor of a Georgian townhouse, the apartment comprises: entrance hall, sitting room, modern kitchen and bedroom.

OIEO £245,000 Newbridge Road

OIEO £180,000

Georgian style • First floor apartment • One bedroom • Well presented • Fabulous views • No chain • Central location • Approx 410 Sq Ft

Victorian property • Ground floor apartment • Kitchen bedroom • Split level • No chain • Approx 362 Sq Ft

This first floor apartment comprises: entrance hall, well presented sitting room with an abundance of light, fitted kitchen, bedroom and finally a bathroom.

The apartment comprises: entrance hall, bright sitting room, fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. With its fabulous South facing views, this apartment would make a perfect first home or investment buy.

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Double

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Royal Crescent

£1,700 pcm St Peters Chapel

£1,000 pcm Lower Borough Walls

£995 pcm

A superb two bedroom furnished garden apartment in the highly sought after Royal Crescent.

An opportunity to acquire a unique Chapel conversion in St Peter’s Place.

This apartment is in the heart of the City with easy access to the train and bus stations as well as shops and amenities.

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T £1,500 pcm Victoria Bridge Court

LE Green Park

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Georgian • Top floor • Spacious sitting room • Fitted kitchen • Two double bedrooms • Central location • Well presented • Part furnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

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Chapel conversion • Open plan living area • Two double bedrooms • Luxury bathroom • Close to shops and amenities • Council Tax Band: C • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

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Georgian • Lower ground floor • Garden • Two bedrooms • Spacious • Beautifully presented • Prestigious location • Furnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available Mid March 2016

£1,200 pcm Morovian Place

£995 pcm

Georgian • Garden maisonette • Two double bedrooms • Newly refurbished kitchen • Stylish interior • Superb garden • Central location • Unfurnished • Agency Fees £350+vat • Available now

Modern building • Stylish • Two bedrooms • Open plan living area • Allocated parking • Communal gardens • No pets • Furnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

Church conversion • Open plan living area • Modern kitchen • Two bedrooms • Private roof terrace • Stunning views • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

Stunning apartment arranged over two floors boasting a spacious rear garden, perfect for alfresco dining

This spacious, stylish and beautifully presented two bedroom apartment offers contemporary living accommodation.

A unique apartment located in a Church conversion boasting fabulous far reaching views across the City.

Belvedere Villas

£975 pcm Alfred Street

£895 pcm Bladud Buildings

£895 pcm

Georgian • Top floor • Maisonette • Period features • Spacious sitting room • Fitted kitchen • Large double bedroom • Stunning views • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

Georgian • First floor apartment • Sitting room • Period features • One double bedroom • Central zone parking permit • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

Georgian • Ground floor • One double bedroom Spacious accomodation • Period features • Views • Ample storage • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

A wonderful and unique one bedroom apartment with picturesque views.

Located in the heart of the City Centre, we are offering a superb one bedroom apartment on the first floor.

An impressive and well presented One bedroom apartment boasting stunning period features.

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FOR SALE

Glenburnie and The Chapel, Combe Down | OIEO £1,250,000

FOR SALE

Avonstone, Bathampton | Guide £3,750,000

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FOR SALE

Beaufort West, Larkhall | Guide £1,100,000

FOR SALE

Cedarwood, Batheaston | Guide £995,000

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