The Bath Magazine June 2013

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ISSUE 129 • JUNE 2013 £3.00 where sold

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH

www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

IN T H IS

IS S U E

QUEEN OF VINTAGE

PEARL LOWE Reveals her style secrets ARTIST

C OV E R

IL LU ST RATE D BY

PERRY HARRIS see his exhibition at the Society Café

EMMAFacesROSE the music WHAT’S ON IN BATH

OVER100 things to do in June PLAYTIME

PLEASURES Our pick of the west’s open air theatres

AND

HOMES AND

PROPERTY Bath’s finest on the market

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contents

June2013 22

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FIVE OF THE BEST

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THE CITYIST

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Intrepid cyclist Linda Donaldson shares her favourite places and things to do in Bath

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BIGWIG TAKES A BOW

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Neill Menneer profiles Annette Hind of the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW 54

Lucknam Park’s ultimate treat for city dwelling horse lovers

26 WHAT’S ON Comedy, opera, theatre & music in Bath

ALFRESCO THEATRE

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WEEKEND BREAK Hire a campervan without breaking the bank and head for the coast

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MASSIVE ART SALE

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FOOD HEROES Profile of the man behind Bath’s chorizo

The best places in the south west to watch drama under the stars

David Cobley’s open studios

RESTAURANT REVIEW

HEALTH & BEAUTY The latest products for summer

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THE WALK Head out on Maud Heath’s Causeway

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INTERIORS Claire Rendall’s designs on Sydney

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GARDENING Rebecca Pow takes inspiration from Cuba

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PROPERTY Find your next home in the city or country

Rajpoot, reigning king of curry

22 SADDLE UP

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CRAFTY MOVE

THE GOOD NEWS SLOT 50 BATH AT WORK Stylish, candid and canny: Pearl Lowe

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FACE THE MUSIC

Workshops, sales and events to bring out your creative side

Positive stories from around the city

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Artist Emma Rose on life, love & music

Our columnist exits stage left

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ART & EXHIBITIONS International and local work on show

Things to do and see in June

MINI MOTOR Has the Vauxhall Adam got max impact?

FAMILY FUN Things to do with the children

@ thebathmagazine

ON THE COVER George Street in midsummer by Perry Harris Follow Perry on Twitter @uhperry or see his work at the Café Society Bath

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EDITOR’Sletter

A

s you can tell from our bright and beautiful cover, we’re in the mood for celebrating midsummer in the city. Thanks go to Bath artist Perry Harris who has created this delightful vision of George Street in full bloom for us to mark the month of June. Even if the sun fails to bring the flowers bursting out in the streets, there’s plenty to keep us entertained in Bath this month. By now the Bath International Music Festival will be coming to a close, but the Fringe festival with its eclectic mix of music, drama and visual arts continues to entertain until 9 June. There’s also the Enjoy Festival to look forward to on Sunday 16 June and the Love Bath City Festival in Parade Gardens on Sunday 23 June, supported by the city churches, followed by the Alexandra Park Festival on Sunday 30 June – all these events are free and aimed at families with lots of music and entertainment to keep the children amused.

By happy chance our June issue is filled with talented and interesting women. The stylish queen of vintage Pearl Lowe talks to us about juggling family life with refurbishing old houses and running her own design businesses, while Bath based international interior designer Claire Rendall shows us her latest beautiful project – transforming a harbourside home in Sydney, Australia.

The impressively energetic director of Bath-based Geometry PR, Linda Donaldson shares details of her planned charity cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End, and the equally dedicated Annette Hind, who runs the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing, talks about her passion for her job as a dance teacher who has inspired thousands of local children to have the confidence and discipline to take to the stage. And our own Rosie Parry, like many working women in Bath, misses the freedom of riding her own horse, so she went up to Lucknam Park where riders can hire some rather fine horses by the hour to relive those happy hacking days of their youth.

Another woman, albeit one who lived five centuries ago, also attracted our attention this month. Andrew Swift’s walk follows Maud Heath’s Causeway in Wiltshire, a raised walkway that was bequeathed to local people in the 15th century to keep their feet dry while taking their produce to market. Quite an inspiring tale which does make one humbly wonder what legacy you might leave the world.

Well for the short-term, the legacy we’ll bring you includes a fairly thorough round-up of what’s going on in Bath this month.

As always the city’s art galleries put on a bravura display of work from all over the world, while our theatres and local performers cater for every taste from slapstick sketches to grand opera. We’ve a round-up of where in the south west you can enjoy theatre under the stars, and there’s a handy feature which taps into the make-do-and-mend mood, pointing out where we can pick up some lost creative skills, such as darning.

So even if the sun isn’t splitting the pavements, let’s get out there and make the most of the longest days of the year in this honey-golden city of ours.

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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Crafting beautiful homes In and around Bath

01225 79115 5

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Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine Contact us: Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Coleman sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Email:

Rosie Parry rosie@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Commercial Production Lorna Harrington Email: lorna@thebathmagazine.co.uk Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Email:

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. We are independent of all other local publications

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 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2013 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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things to do in June

View

A FRESH PAIR OF EYES: artist and cartoonist Perry Harris is attracting a growing number of enthusiasts for his surreal yet affectionate view of every day life in Bath. See his work for yourself this month at the Society Café Bath in Kingsmead Square, where an exhibition runs until 28 June, or follow him on Twitter @uhperry. We’re grateful to Perry for creating this month’s midsummer cover exclusively for The Bath Magazine

Visit

Enjoy

Batch Gueye performing at the Enjoy festival. Picture by YaNaS Media

Last summer’s free Enjoy Festival at Green Park Station was so successful that it’s back again this year, offering a full fun-packed family-friendly day on Sunday 16 June from 11am to 8pm. It includes lots of activities for children, with an animal petting corner and a chance for adults to enjoy live music, food and good company.

Listen Hundreds of voices will be raised in song at a charity concert in Bath Abbey to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. Taking part in the concert, at 7.30pm on Saturday 8 June, are Bath Young Musician of the Year 2012, tenor horn, Oliver Sourbut; 17-year-old pianist, Nurry Lee; The Norland College Choir; the Bath Male Choir and The Bath Chorus. They will perform, Parry’s majestic Blest Pair of Sirens which formed part of William and Kate’s royal wedding two years ago. The Coronation Celebration concert is jointly organised by choir leader, Grenville Jones, and the Abbey following the success of a similar venture last year which raised over £6,000 for six local charities. Tickets are £12 adults, £6 children, tel: 01225 463362.

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Saturday 15 June is Bath Racecourse’s Super Saturday when Bathonians are encouraged to put on their gladrags and head up to Lansdown for a day’s horse racing and socialising. We can’t promise that the weather will be fine, but there’s plenty going on all afternoon, whether you want to picnic with the family or enjoy a summery glass of Pimms with friends. Tickets are from £10, for access to the centre course, or from £20 for access to the Grandstand and Paddock enclosure and to get close to the parade ring. There’ll be seven races during the afternoon with betting from £2. Buses from Bath city centre up to Lansdown are the easiest way to travel.

Dream It may not be a bank where wild thyme grows, but underneath the arches of Brunel’s Green Park Station it will be dry – that’s the weatherproof location for a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Staged by the Rondo Theatre Company and Bath Drama, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy has been set in Victorian times. The show runs from 18 – 22 June and all proceeds are for the Dorothy House Hospice. Tickets: 01225 463362.

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THE CITY

One city . . . one month

The buzz

My

BATH

We ask Linda Donaldson, managing director of Geometry PR, what she’s doing this month What brought you to Bath?

A man! I came to spend the summer with him in 1997 and ended up marrying him in Bath the following year. I love it here, it is so similar to Edinburgh where I am from, so it was not so much of a wrench leaving Scotland as I thought it might be.

Winner

A Chelsea pensioner stands proudly to attention in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal winning best Fresh Garden, which includes a water sculpture feature designed by Bath Spa University student Fiona Haines. You can see Fiona’s work, Flow, set in the wall at the back of the BrandAlley award-winning garden, designed

by Paul Hervey-Brookes.

Flashmob More than 100 children and adults from the Curtain Up theatre school and Bath Light Operatic Group demonstrated the power of the flashmob to promote cancer charity CLIC Sargent’s campaign, Wig Wednesday, which took place on 22 May. The dancers, aged from seven to 70 put on their wigs and gave an impromptu show at the SouthGate shopping centre.

Step out

Volunteer leaders, who are sociable and enjoy walking, are being sought for Age UK B&NES to lead a series of Wellbeing Walks. The porgramme begins this month with four walks each week across the Bath, Keynsham, Radstock and Midsomer Norton areas. Two leaders will be needed for each walk, which will be about a mile in distance. Paula Smith from Age UK B&NES said: “Helping other people to get out and about, regain their confidence and improve their fitness is such a worthwhile way of spending your time.” Volunteers receive a day’s training and reimbursement of travel costs. Contact Kate Tate, tel: 01225 466135 or email: volunteering@ageukbanes.co.uk.

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What are you reading?

I am dipping into Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie by Andrew P Sykes, a language teacher who cycled from Reading to the south of Italy during his school holidays. It’s funny and a bit of a history lesson at the same time.

Also, The Soldier’s Wife by Joanna Trollope – the opening gives an interesting insight into life as an army wife.

What is on your MP3 player?

I have a favourite CD (how ancient of me) by Steve Robinson, a busker in Bath. He is incredibly talented, plays guitar and mostly sings cover versions – often better than the original. If you see him buy his CD. Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

I love Bistro La Barrique on Barton Street. It is a French tapas place, unique, sociable and just an amazing taste sensation.

What interests will you be pursuing?

I am an ardent rugby spectator and oddly for a Scot, I do enjoy cricket. However, road cycling

The Yellow Book: 2013 National Garden Scheme, Gardens Open for Charity When the sun comes out there can be fewer greater pleasures for a gardener than visiting someone else’s garden and enjoying the fruits of their hard labour. Most weekends between now and the end of September we can find private gardens thrown open to raise money for good causes, including Macmillan Cancer and local hospices. The main season kicks off with a national garden festival over the weekend of 15/16 June. With a copy of the famous yellow

is my main passion at the moment, so I spend a lot of time on the road or in the gym.

What outdoor event will you be visiting?

The Wiltshire Armed Forces & Veterans Day takes place on 27 and 28 June in Trowbridge; it looks like a fun day out for the kids and a good way to acknowledge the incredible job the armed forces do.

Film or play? What will you be going to see?

Avent & Monie Are Back for Good is a comedy on at the Ustinov Studio, 21 and 22 June. The duo met at school, won a national sketch competition and played across the UK. They are performing in aid of the Bath Cats & Dogs Home and the Theatre Royal. Check them out on You Tube – it’s full of five minute sketches which are just hysterical.

On 8 June I will be cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation. The Foundation is a brilliant charity that works with children in the Bath area. This ride will involve cycling more than 100 miles per day for nine days.

I’d be grateful for any donations www.virginmoneygiving.com/ LindaDonaldson1. ■

book, or a look at: www.ngs.org.uk, you can choose which gardens take your fancy in the city or the villages around it.

We’re following @Queen_UK the delightfully caustic spoof Elizabeth Windsor, who has over a million followers and whose witty observations on her family, her Government and her daily routines – ‘gin o’clock’ – raise a loyal smile

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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

By Bigwig

And it’s good night from him

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here now follows a health and safety warning on behalf of Bigwig Enterprises. Dear Reader, if you are not prepared for tragic news and huge disappointment, do not read on. For this is to be Bigwig’s last column in this fine magazine. Start a protest movement, send emails, flood Twitter if you will, but the axe-man cometh. Or rather axe-lady in the form of our cruel and heartless editor, whose intention to take this column along the inexorable path to the scaffold will not, it seems, be forestalled.

And so it is, folks, that I have been staying up into the wee small hours sending desperate pleas to the airline magazines, the Happy Shopper monthlies and Plumber’s Gazettes of this world in a so far fruitless search for gainful employ of the witty wordsmith variety.

Oh for a regular slot in Puzzlers Weekly! Or a What I have Seen from My First Class Seat in the Quiet Carriage This Month in that glossy mag one finds chucked around on the train. Failing that, somebody surely has to write the jokes in Christmas crackers, what with a penniless winter looming. (One has to write one’s columns well in advance, don’t you know.

You may think I’m composing this in flaming June, but the autumn leaves are fluttering past my window even as I write!)

On the other hand, I will no longer be annoying my colleagues at work with frantic requests for subject suggestions in the face of looming deadlines. And no longer will I spend countless hours crafting what I consider to be a piece of literary genius, only to be told by some clever beggar that I wrote about the same thing five years ago. Or even ten years ago . . . some people have the memory of an elephant.

somebody surely has to write the jokes ❝ in Christmas crackers, what with a penniless winter looming ❞ Looking back I have written about, among other things, March hares, the problems of tying a toga, hotel plumbing, architecture, April Fools jokes that have gone wrong, coincidences, ancient traditions, failing at football, weird dreams, embarrassing moments, rude bus drivers, purple sofas, people who bring babies into pubs, opera, overheard conversations on the Number 13 bus, bird tables, bad knees and being rescued from up a tree by a fully uniformed butler. I don’t know where I get it all from!

Seriously though, I have enjoyed injecting a note of levity into this fine magazine. Originally I believe the nomenclature Bigwig was to cover a different correspondent each month. I must have done a particularly good first number for I seem to have stuck in there. Though apart from a privileged few, nobody knows the true identity of Bigwig. And if I told you, I would then have to kill you. All of you.

But you’re not that interested. I know you. You’re just flicking through on your way to the luxury dream homes on the back pages! Or can’t wait to begin slavering over the restaurant reviews.

But changes are afoot! Change is good! Can anyone spare some change?

June you say? Biggest event round here would be Bike Bath methinks. A real opportunity for me to dust the cobwebs off my dusty hybrid and start pedalling. Or as the editor so kindly put it, ‘On yer bike!’ ■ Ed’s note: Bigwig has had a long and happy association with The Bath Magazine and caused much laughter, and for that we give him a hearty round of applause. However, we feel it’s time to bring on a new columnist, and we’ve found someone who will bring her view of life in Bath from next month. We’re excited about what she has to say and hope you will enjoy this fresh contribution to the magazine.

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THE CITY

What’s new in town A gift to city Bath entrepreneur James Dyson’s Foundation has donated £4m towards the development of a state-of-the-art new cancer centre at the Royal United Hospital. Sir James and his wife Deirdre visited the hospital recently for the announcement of what is the biggest single donation in the RUH’s history. The support from the foundation follows a £600,000 donation to the hospital’s new special baby care unit. The new cancer centre will treat patients in a catchment area of half a million people and is expected to open in 2017/18. The total cost is £20.5m, and while some of that is met by the NHS, the campaign to raise funds from local people continues. Find out how you can help by visiting the Forever Friends Appeal website: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.

Blooming Trained florist and Bathonian Ella Sparks has opened her own business, Flowers of Bath at Morris Lane in Bathford. Ella can provide flowers for all occasions, arranging delivery seven days a week, and includes a free design consultation for events such as weddings. She particularly loves the romance of English flowers, like roses and hydrangeas, that she fondly remembers from her grandparents’ garden.

NEIGHBOURS: Rebekah Daly and Steve Burden

Design Things are looking up for the parade of shops on Bathwick Hill where an array of interesting and creative businesses have recently opened. The latest to appear is Woodhouse & Law, a well established interior designer and garden design business which has opened a new showroom and studio. Nick Woodhouse is trained as a garden designer, while John Law is a professional interior designer and both offer no obligation consultations. The showroom is stocked with desirable objects for the home including the Botanical Collection range of fragranced candles.

Harmony A bridal wear designer and a piano tuner have combined forces to share new premises in Upper Bristol Road, near Victoria Park. Rebekah Daly, who some may recall from her days in Walcot, has opened the Love Design Studio, to appeal to original and creative brides. And behind Rebekah’s studio is the Pianology Workshop, run by Steve Burden, formerly of Duck, Son & Pinker, who will stock secondhand pianos as well as offering a tuning service.

Moving

Discover If you love Bath’s buildings you may want to get involved with the Love Architecture Festival which takes place from 21 – 30 June. The city will be hosting several events, most of them free, including informative walks with talks about Bath architecture. Find out more, visit: www.lovearchitecture.org.uk and look at the south west events section.

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NEW HOME: Shaun O’Halloran, partner, and Graham Street, managing partner at Withy King

Bath law firm Withy King LLP has completed its move from offices at Green Park to new premises in Midland Bridge House. The move follows the extensive refurbishment of 18,000sq ft of office space over four floors. Not only will clients be seen in first class meeting rooms, but staff will also be looked after, with showers and changing rooms for the increasing numbers who cycle to work. The firm’s headquarters will remain in Queen Square where 50 staff will continue to deal with private client, family and residential property, farms and estates.

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A Gift that is Loved Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises. All types of jewellery remodelled. Efficient repair service.

Main image: stacking rings set with diamonds in yellow gold and platinum

Gold & Platinum Studio 19 N or t hum b er l an d P l a ce , B at h B A 1 5A R Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

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The queen of vintage Singer turned designer Pearl Lowe chats to Lindsey Harrad about her creative life in the west country, her love of vintage style, and the new book that shares some of her secrets

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earl Lowe’s transformation from indie rock singer (of mid-90s bands Powder and Lodger) to designer all started with a piece of old lace, a pack of pink dye and a spark of inspiration. She explains how it all began: “I was renovating a house in Camden, London in 2001, and was looking for a curtain for my bathroom but I was on a tight budget so I found an old piece 18 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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of lace and dyed it fuchsia. My neighbour showed my curtain to a friend who owned a lifestyle boutique in Notting Hill and I made some more for her to sell. They sold out almost instantly, and then they caught the eye of Elle Decoration’s editor, who commissioned a big feature on me, and I started getting amazing press after that. My design career just grew organically from there.”

MULTI TALENTED: Pearl Lowe combines bringing up a family, restoring old houses and designing clothes and homeware – and she’s also found time to write a book

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MIX’N’MATCH: mismatched vintage china and glassware lends charm to tea time or the cocktail hour Inset, old jewellery is draped over a light to create a chandelier

Producing her range of curtains and cushions became a thriving cottage industry, and she continued to make everything herself, running one washing machine for the family and another for dyeing her fabrics. But in 2005 she accidentally branched out into fashion design.

“After I had Betty I was too big for all my clothes so I commissioned a local dressmaker to adapt some of my clothes.

The next thing I knew Liberty wanted to stock my bespoke handmade designs and it all took off amazingly again.” Pearl was also invited to design a capsule range for budget fashion chain Peacocks for three years from 2009.

Pearl’s celebrity status, and the fact she was in a relationship with rock star Danny Goffey, drummer/vocalist with Supergrass, certainly gave her a PR advantage in her new career, but her continued success in the following years proved she was a genuine creative talent. It was also the incentive she needed to give up singing and stay clean after a long struggle with drug addiction.

I didn’t set out to be ‘vintage’ but I’ve ❝ always avoided anything mass-produced and I hate to be the same as everyone else, so it’s important to me to take time to seek out original pieces

❞

“My design projects gradually started taking over my life, and I just didn’t have time for singing too. It helped me to realise that singing wasn’t my life’s calling, it was always such a struggle,” she says. “It didn’t help that I was off my head all the time when I was in a band, and when you have an addiction it’s a form of oblivion, you’re living in a bubble. It’s all very well getting clean but in order to stay clean you have to find something to fill the massive space left behind. When you’re a creative person and you don’t use your talents, I believe that frustration can actually turn you into an addict. After I finally got my life together I realised this creative life suits me better, and I really believe my new career is what saved me.”

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Looking back, Pearl says she’s always been a creative personality but that singing was something she felt she needed to do when she was younger, an itch to perform that needed to be scratched. “I grew up around creative people, my grandmother was a dressmaker and my mother is an interior designer, so I’ve inherited something from each of them as I now design fashion and interiors,” she says. “When I was younger I was offered a place at Central St Martin’s College but turned it down to be in a band and mum was horrified! But I always loved singing and being on stage, I think it was something I felt I needed to do at that time.”

Pearl and Danny married at Babington House in 2008 and, in contrast to their former rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, now live a rather more sedate, but no less busy, life in rural Somerset with their children Alfie, Frankie and Betty (Pearl’s grown up daughter is London-based model Daisy Lowe), and she says her life revolves around the kids, her work, doing up properties, and exploring her creative talents.

“I love to be surrounded by beautiful things, so when I was in a band, spending hours on sweaty tour buses wasn’t the best environment for me, especially as I need my creature comforts. I was quite miserable at times although some aspects of my old life were such fun.”

So what tempted the couple to Somerset? “Somerset chose me,” she laughs. “We had already moved out of London and were renting a very expensive house in Hampshire. It was just eating away at our money, but we just couldn’t find the right place to buy. Then a friend suggested we move to Wiltshire as the JUNE 2013

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property is cheaper – we ended up coming to see an old Georgian house in Frome and lived there for two and a half years. I think we thought Somerset was too far from London but it’s actually very easy to go back to the city to see our friends and for work, it’s a nice balance.”

Next, Pearl and Danny decided to move to a rural location and found a property in Great Elm, which is featured in her new design book, Pearl Lowe’s Vintage Craft. “The house was built in the 1860s but it was done out like a horrible London hotel when we moved in, and all the lovely period features had been stripped out, it was so frustrating!” she says. “I had to cover everything in beautiful wallpaper and in the end it became the set for the book shoots.”

Pearl’s signature style is best described as boudoir style meets granny chic, combining gipsy lace, extravagant embellishment and vintage floral designs with an elegant, muted colour palette and a dash of black to give the fashionably old fashioned prettiness a gothic edge.

“I particularly like the glamour of the 1920s, I love the way pieces from this period are so beautiful and well made,” she says.

“I love the textiles too, the fringing, the piano shawls and the way everything was so decadent.”

The vintage trend is still going strong, influenced by the recession-induced revival of ‘make do and mend’. Pearl’s book offers a refreshingly grown-up, sophisticated take on the trend, with plenty of ideas for upcycling bargain buys. “I didn’t set out to be ‘vintage’, but I’ve always avoided anything mass-produced and I hate to be the same as everyone else, so it’s important to me to take time to seek out original pieces, even if it’s only a sink or a tap for the bathroom,” she says.

“I’ve always been on a budget too, and it’s a great way to find bargains by buying secondhand and I’ve learnt over the years how to make really cheap things look really nice with a bit of a revamp. In fact Danny is mad with me as I’ve just bought three old baths on eBay for £50 and they are in pretty bad condition. I 20 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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got a quote for £350 to have them re-enameled professionally, which is a crazy price, so I’ve bought a kit to do it myself. I’ve definitely got a ‘have a go’ mentality.”

Pearl admits she has a compulsion to move regularly, although she says “the children hate it”, and their latest restoration project is an old country rectory with parts dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

“This house is a very different style to our previous properties, complete with beams, William Morris wallpaper and lots of history, it’s much more traditional.” However, Pearl reveals that Danny had visions of living in a “posh hotel” environment in their new home, with luxurious designer fixtures and fittings.

“He’s not happy about the old fashioned sinks and baths from eBay,” she laughs. “I’ve ruined the dream for him, but I have saved us a huge amount of money this way!”

So, after swapping the thrill of performing on stage for sanding down old wardrobes and doing the school run, does Pearl ever get nostalgic for her past life?

“I do get a little wistful in quiet moments,” she admits. “I heard an old Oasis track in the car the other day and it just transported me back to 1995 and some really fun times. But a slower pace of life has its advantages, – I’m sure I’m going to live longer – and I go to see friends in London all the time, so I have the best of both worlds.” ■ Pearl Lowe’s Vintage Crafts is published by Collins, £20, and includes 50 step-by-step craft projects. To find out more about Pearl’s work visit: www.pearllowe.co.uk.

HOMELY TOUCHES: top left, fresh flowers, whether from the garden or the hedgerow, around the house are welcoming Below, a shed becomes a picturesque summerhouse with some pastel paint and a floral windowbox Main picture, Pearl has transformed an old wardrobe into a mini foldaway studio cum office space

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GRASSE

Luxury Items for Home and Garden | Truly Tempting Skincare A unique shopping experience with fresh style and approach 3 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA 01225 444260 | www.grasse.me.uk

Wishes to thank customers, local businesses and the public for their kind support following the devastating fire.

We’re back to serve our customers in a temporary Bath store and workshop at

6/7 Old Bond Street (previously Clive Ranger Jewellers)

Special thanks to St John’s Hospital, landlord of the property, for helping us achieve this temporary move.

To contact us call 444980

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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COUNTRY CITYgardens riding

Back in the saddle Rosie Parry enjoys an estate hack across the serene parkland and woodland at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

G

etting the work/life balance right is a struggle for many of us. More than often the weeks go by and without realising it we’ve done little for ourselves, whether it is relaxing or enjoying a hobby – especially when that hobby is particularly time consuming and/or expensive.

This is certainly true for me, as my days of riding as a child are now no more than a distant memory. Work, family and city life has taken over and the commitment of owning and looking after a horse is unfeasible. So when I heard about the equestrian centre at the five star Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, just a few miles from Bath in Colerne, it was as if all my wishes had been answered.

The centre enables you to enjoy a wide range of riding; you can take an escorted estate hack across the grounds (£105 per hour) or further into the Wiltshire and Cotswold countryside for a historic village hack (£300 for 3 1/2 hours). You can have a dressage or jumping lesson in the all-weather arena, if you are a beginner, enjoy tuition in the lunge arena; or for cross country lovers there is a fantastic course built by Badminton course builders, the Willis brothers to hone your skills with a lesson (all £115 per hour). There are 35 horses and ponies of all shapes, heights and temperaments to suit all levels of experience and they are cared for extremely well.

I drove up the long straight drive towards the main house and was immediately filled with excitement. To my left was a beautiful vista of the 500 acres of unspoilt countryside that would be my riding playground, and to my right were paddocks with horses and ponies lying in the sun. I parked in the car park behind the hotel and after a short walk I was in the equestrian centre.

The facilities are of the highest standard and inside the American barn I was greeted by a number of horses with their heads over the stable doors. I watched the team (all BHS exams qualified) hard at work, preparing the horses and helping customers and guests, and soaked up the atmosphere of a 22 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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bustling yard.

The barn is almost immaculate and the staff welcoming and helpful. The centre supplies riding equipment for £16 per person if you do not have your own, such as a hat or jodphur boots, in all sizes, and all were very good quality. I had chosen to take advantage of the grounds and enjoy an estate hack. My hat was fitted and my horse, DJ, was already tacked up and waiting patiently. His tack was clean and comfortable and it was great to be back in the saddle.

walked and cantered across rolling ❝hills We and weaved through woodland, and Dawn tailored the hack to my ability ❞ Equestrian centre manager, Dawn Cameron, who has worked at the centre for 14 years, was my guide and riding companion.

Having had to cross main roads to get to any decent riding country as a child, it was bliss to simply ride out of the barn and onto the fields. We walked and cantered across rolling hills and weaved through woodland, and Dawn tailored the hack to my ability, always asking first if I wished to have a trot, canter or gallop – I never felt unsafe, worried or nervous. DJ was a gentlemen throughout and thoroughly enjoyed a good gallop across one of the fields. Dawn and I chatted for the entire ride and along the way she pointed out the showjumping field which had a great course of showjumps and the grass dressage area where the centre regularly holds clinics with expert instructors

HORSES FOR COURSES: left, enjoy an estate hack across the 500 acres of parkland and woodland; right, you can have instruction over the cross country course Inset, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

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COUNTRYriding

LEARN TO RIDE: left, if you are a beginner you can have a lesson on the lunge in the lunge arena; right, some of the horses in the American barn

throughout the year. Clinics cost around £60 per person and you can bring your own horse or hire one of the centre’s horses for a fee.

We ended the ride by walking back to the American barn, listening to birdsong and revelling in the beauty and peacefulness of the estate. When we arrived back at the barn I slipped down from DJ, gave him a hearty pat and one of the team took him into the stable to untack him and put him out into the paddock.

I reluctantly left the equestrian centre, but felt elated – it had been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. And, despite being in my riding clothes and boots, I was warmly welcomed into the Brasserie to enjoy coffee and lunch – a perfect way to

end the morning.

Lucknam Park offers equestrian packages so you can enjoy a bit of everything at the centre, and also welcomes children aged three and over for hacks (must be accompanied by an adult), aged seven and over for lessons, or for them to indulge in Pony Time (£175 per child) which allows them two hours with their own pony, a fun hack around parkland, instruction on how to care for a field or stable kept pony, and riding instruction.

The Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa’s equestrian centre is a luxurious way to allow yourself the pleasure of horses and horse riding once again, without the hassle and on-going cost of owning one. ■ Visit: www.lucknampark.co.uk/equestrian or call the equestrian centre on tel: 01225 740556.

IT TAKES AN ORIGINAL TO MAKE AN ORIGINAL

S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Arne Jacobsen's original Swan chair upholstered in new fabric ‘Milani’ at a special campaign price of £2,015 (normal price £2,666)

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

www.shan-

Offer is from 1st June until 31st August. *Eleven Milani fabric colours to choose from!

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & OP ERA – listed by venue down to rekindling the fires of passion... But this is one extraordinary night which will change Adam and Jan’s marriage forever.

Filled with the humorous banter of a married couple, Fifty Words portrays their relationship with searing honesty and in beautifully observed and amusing detail.

A COMIC AFFAIR

Fifty Words

Avent and Monie: Back for Good, Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 June In the last 12 months, Graham Avent has been locked up in a kennel, run the Bath Half Marathon and written a pantomime to help raise much needed funds for the Bath Cats and Dogs Home. He will perform an evening of live comedy with his double act partner Jon Monie to raise more money for the charity.

Shakespeare Live’s previous production of Twelfth Night

S h a k e s p e a re L i v e Lackham House, Lacock, Wiltshire.

Box Office tel: 07780 938107 www.shakespearelive.com

The Comedy of Errors, Monday 24 – Saturday 29 June, 8pm; matinee: Saturday, 2pm Shakespeare Live’s 25th summer show, performed in the grounds of Lackham House, is the most riotous of all of Shakespeare’s comedies. The Comedy of Errors is a fullblooded farce, built around escalating chaos and confusion that follows from twin cases of mistaken identity. Saturday’s gala night features live entertainment before the show and during the interval. The gardens of Lackham House will be open for picnics at 6.30pm each evening and at 12.30pm for the Saturday matinee. In the tradition of the Turkish bazaar, costumes, fabrics and other items will also be available to buy.

R in g O B e ll s Widcombe Parade, Widcombe, Bath.

To book visit: www.bathcomedy.com

Christian Schulte-Loh, Wednesday 5 June, 7.30pm The award-winning German stand-up comedian Christian Schulte-Loh brings his hit Edinburgh show to Bath for his Fringe debut.

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B a t h O p er a regularly performs at the biggest clubs in the UK, Germany and all over Europe.

B angl o Lower Bristol Road, Bath.

To book visit: www.bathcomedy.com

Simon Munnery, Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm Simon Munnery stabs at the void between dead film and live theatre in his fylmtastic fylm. As recently seen/heard on BBC2’s Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, The Culture Show and Radio 4’s News Quiz. Simon is a British Comedy Award nominee, Chortle Award winner, Perrier Award nominee and Sony Radio Award winner.

Th e U s ti n ov Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk The American Season

Fifty Words, Until Saturday 15 June, please contact the theatre for times Adam is a successful New York architect. His wife, Jan is preparing to start an online company. Their beloved nine-year-old son Greg is away on his first sleepover and this will be the first evening they’ve had to themselves in years. Time to crack open the Champagne, devour a Chinese meal and get

The Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Road, Bath and St Swithin’s Church, Bath.

Bath Box Office tel: 01225 463362 www.bathopera.org

Don Giovanni, Friday 21 & Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm Booking is open for Bath Opera’s summer shows. Ruthless and charming city trader Johnny slinks through London’s dark underbelly on the prowl for new experiences, leaving a trail of broken hearts and spilt blood. Sex, violence and beautiful music characterise this new English translation of one of Mozart’s best-loved operas by Olivier Award winner Robin Norton-Hale.

The Great Britten Celebration, Wednesday 26 June, 7.30pm Bath Opera celebrates the centenary of Benjamin Britten’s birth with a concert of songs and music at St Swithin’s Church. There will also be children from Curtain Up Theatre School and it will be in aid of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases.

T h e M i s s i o n T h e a t re 32 Corn Street, Bath.

Next Stage Box Office tel: 01225 428600 Email: nextstagebath@aol.com www.missiontheatre.co.uk

A Cup of Coward, Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm After the sell-out success of Next Stage’s first

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & OP ERA – continued Taster Theatre in February, the company is delighted to present A Cup of Coward. This play celebrates the life and works of the 20th century’s most charismatic British playwright: Sir Noël Coward. The Next Stage actors will perform extracts from two of Coward’s most popular productions – Hayfever and Private Lives, while the MC of the night will provide an overview of the master’s life and talent. The play will be performed in the intimate Theatre Upstairs and will be accompanied by a taster menu of dishes from the Green Room Bistro – ask the theatre for the menu.

T he atr e R oya l Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Seagull, Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm By the side of a lake on a beautiful country estate a distinguished party has gathered. The company includes the successful novelist Trigorin, the celebrated actress Arkadina, her troubled son Konstantin, and his young admirer Nina. The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov, is a play about unrequited love and is one of the greatest plays of the modern era.

music, drum and dance camps in Turkey, Egypt and the UK and have drawn on these experiences to create a show full of passion.

Th e Ron d o T h e atr e St Saviours Road, Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 463362 www.rondotheatre.co.uk

Four Farces, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 June, 8pm European Arts Company returns to The Rondo with an evening of one-act farces from the Victorian stage. There is more than a hint of Monty Python and The Goons in the four plays: Box and Cox, Wanted – A Young Lady, An Unwarrantable Intrusion and Duel in the Dark. Involving romance, duelling pistols, cross-dressing, thwarted lovers, double dealing and intoxication, these colourful comic capers promise an evening of mayhem and merriment.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 June, 8pm A stranger, above him a murder of crows, the wind whistling through the trees as he rides into the village of Sleepy Hollow. He has travelled a great distance to teach the superstitious population a lesson. Ichabod Crane, school master is drawn into confrontations with the town’s folk and something else... Something grim haunts the Hollow and not all is what it seems. From theatre company, Darkstuff that brought you 2012’s critically acclaimed Moby Dick.

The Lord Cham ber la in’s Me n Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath. Tickets: adult £16, child £9.50 Box office tel: 0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark

The Seagull

Relative Values, Wednesday 12 – Saturday 29 June, 7.30pm; matinees: Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm A stellar cast, including Caroline Quentin and Rory Bremner, launches the Theatre Royal Bath’s summer season 2013. Set in the early 1950s, Relative Values by Noël Coward is the uproarious culture clash between the glittering world of Hollywood and the stiff upper lip of the English aristocracy.

As You Like It, Sunday 2 June, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, this all male troupe of travelling players breathes new life into this summer comedy classic. Shakespeare’s As You Like It runs the gamut of pastoral romance: cross-dressing and love notes; poetry, gentle satire, slapstick and passion.

T h e C h ap e l Ar ts Ce n tr e

Arabian Odyssey, Wednesday 5 June, 8pm

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Visit Harold Peto’s world famous garden and cloisters at Iford Manor and experience one of the unique evenings at the Iford Festival (8 June – 10 August) –– from jazz and world music to opera

Iford Young Artists in Concert, Sunday 9 June This is an opportunity to hear four young singers perfrom well known arias and ensembles from Mozart, Verdi, Bellini and more, including the covers from Iford Arts’ new production of La Traviata. Piano accompaniment by Oliver Gooch.

Tickets £22.

First Night Jazz, Friday 28 June Two award-winning jazz singers, Ian Shaw and Claire Martin, celebrate 100 years of popular song with a concert that includes the American Songbook, the Beatles and Joni Mitchell. Also performing will be one of the UK’s finest steel bands who combine traditional Carribean music with arrangements of well-known songs by artists such as Bob Marley and UB40.

Tickets 32, music and picnics from 6pm.

La Vie Parisienne, Friday 5 – Tuesday 16 July The New Opera Della Luna perform Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne, pictured, sung in English and given four stars by The Telegraph and The Guardian. Tickets from £56.

Lower Borough Walls, Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 463362 www.chapelarts.org.uk

A night of razzle dazzle, shimmy and shake from Club Cairo awaits. Be inspired by the distinctive rhythms and the lyrical beauty of dance. Featuring live music from Mazaj plus guest vocalist Merit Ariane. Dance performances will be from Carmen Jones among others. The dancers run their own

Iford Festival

As You Like It

Iford Manor, Iford BA15 2BA. Box office tel: 01225 448844. Garden opens at 6pm for picnics. Seated, covered cloister performances begin at different times. For more information visit: www.ifordarts.org.uk

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WHAT’Son OTH ER EVENTS – listed by date Fishing and Country Show, Friday 14 & Saturday 15 June

Bath Artisan Market

Longleat Estate, Longleat, Wiltshire. For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.longleat.co.uk/fishingshow This show will be the largest of its kind in the south of England, providing visitors with the chance to see, and take part in, a variety of carp, coarse, fly and game fishing activities across the three lakes at the front of Longleat House. The event also includes an artisan food village and a Landrover 4x4 experience.

Literary Evening: Charlie Higson, Wednesday 19 June, 6pm Bristol Grammar School, Bristol. Tickets £5, visit: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/Even ts.aspx or email: lshepherd@bgs.bristol.sch.uk Bristol Grammar School and Puffin Books in association with The Bristol Festival of Ideas presents an evening with best-selling author Charlie Higson. Charlie will talk about and sign copies of his new book, The Sacrifice – the latest book in his hit Enemy series and give a sneak peak of The Fallen.

Solar Viewing, Friday 21 June, 11am – 2pm

Literary Event: Bosworth – The Birth of the Tudors, Thursday 6 June, 7pm Great Hall, Bristol Grammar School, Bristol.

Visit: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk Bristol Grammar School and Weidenfeld and Nicholson invite you to the Bristol book launch of Bosworth: The Birth of the Tudors by MP and Old Bristolian Chris Skidmore. There will be refreshments and live music.

Pop-Up Cinema: Ai Weiwei, Never Sorry, Saturday 8 June, 8pm 44Ad Artspace, 7b Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Visit: www.popupdocs.com Pop Up Docs presents Ai Weiwei, Never Sorry (2012). Director Alison Klayman chronicles artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he prepares for a series of exhibitions and gets into numerous clashes with the Chinese government. Pop Up Docs is an ad-hoc series of events showing the very best in award-winning documentary film making. Relax with a pint and watch films that make you think about the world in a different way.

Bath Artisan Market: Summer Carnival, Sunday 9 June & Sunday 14 July, 10am – 4pm Green Park Station, Bath. Free entry.

Both markets will have a summer carnival theme with clown shows for kids booked for 11.30am and 2.30pm and circus performances during the day. The clown will make balloons, ride his trike and show off some of his skills – he is not a scary clown and will not have a painted face, just brightly coloured clothes.

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Plus there will be the usual array of more than 60 local food, craft, art, and vintage stalls.

Bath Poetry Café: The Week of Good Poetry, Monday 10 – Saturday 15 June, daily The Exhibition Room, Bath Central Library, Bath. For more information tel: 07703 849660 or email: jimboyle@gotadsl.co.uk This poetry week will consist of a series of morning workshops and afternoon readings showcasing the work of both guest and café poets. The week is in aid of three local charities: Dorothy House Hospice Care, Julian House and Bath Mencap. Guest poets include Patricia Oxley, editor of Acumen Literary Journal and the week will also see the launch of the café’s first book, The Listening Walk.

Kennel Break Fundraiser, Friday 14 June Bath Cats and Dogs Home, The Avenue, Claverton Down, Bath. For more information or to get involved, tel: 01225 787 338 or email: amycottingston@bcdh.org.uk Bath Cats and Dogs Home is inviting business professionals to trade places with the dogs and cats in the kennels to raise money for the home. With only a mobile phone and a laptop you will have to put your persuasion and negotiating skills to the test and aim to raise £2,000 before being released from the kennel.

So far Kennel Break inmates who are in the dog house include a banker, a vet, a restaurant manager and a dog walker. Wifi and clean bedding will be provided.

Kingston Parade, Bath Abbey, Bath. Free.

Join Bath astronomers to admire the sun safely and celebrate the summer solstice. This event is open to all, but is dependent upon suitable weather conditions.

Alexandra Park Festival: Picnic in the Park, Sunday 30 June, noon – 6pm Alexandra Park, Bath. For more information visit: http://alexandraparkbath.org. For poetry submissions send to: Fidelis Estate Agents, 134 Wells Road, Bath. Deadline 15 June.

The fancy dress theme this year is pixies and elves and you are invited to bring picnics and relax as a family in the beautiful surroundings of Alexandra Park. The programme of events includes live bands, performances from the Widcombe Mummers, tree climbing, football, tug-of-war and poetry readings from this year’s winners. Children can take part in the poetry competition and win a book token; the theme of the poem can be anything connected with or inspired by visits to, or the experience of living near, Alexandra Park. The festival is sponsored

by Fidelis Estate Agents, Bath.

Frome Festival, Friday 5 – Sunday 14 July Venues across Frome. For a full programme of events, visit: www.fromefestival.co.uk On offer at this year’s Frome Festival is a veritable cornucopia of new, re-cycled, upcycled and vintage events, together with the annual smorgasbord of musicians, writers, artists, sculptors, poets, comedians, actors, storytellers, pot holers, secret gardeners, literary agents, street artists and revellers. Big names to see include Jo Brand, and Frome has recently been voted one of the coolest places in England by The Times.

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WHAT’Son M USI C – listed by date Bath Philharmonia, Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm The Forum, Bath. Tickets from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or www.bathforum.co.uk Bath Philharmonia in partnership with South West Festival Chorus presents Scheherazade, A Russian Extravaganza. The programme includes music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky.

City of Bath Bach Choir, Saturday 22 June, 6pm The Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Bath.

Tickets from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk The City of Bath Bach Choir will perform a programme of choral music celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the centenary of the birth of Benjamin Britten. The programme features five songs from A Garland for the Queen which was commissioned by the Arts Council to celebrate the coronation in 1953. The choir will also be performing madrigals from The Triumphs of Oriana and various works by Britten including Choral Dances from Gloriana.

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Corsham Choral Society, Organum, and Noctis, Saturday 29 June, 7.30pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 or visit: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk Three local choirs will unite for a unique summer concert under the musical direction of Francis Faux. The combined voices of Corsham Choral Society, Organum and the semi-professional choir Noctis will provide a rousing scenario for Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Two grand pianos and an impressive array of percussion will further add to the occasion.

Bath Choral Society, Saturday 29 June, 7.30pm St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath.

Tickets from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Bath Choral Society will perform Music for a Summer’s Evening, embracing the infectious fun of Kerry Andrew’s Rhymes and Charms, some bucolic Elgar, a haunting youthful Britten piece, and the timeless beauty of Vaughan Williams’s G Minor Mass. It closes with Faure’s Cantique and two Russian Ave Marias.

Emily Maguire, Friday 5 July, 7.30pm Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Tickets £10, visit: www.chapelarts.org Acclaimed Bath-based singer-songwriter Emily Maguire, whose songs are played regularly on Radio 2, will be performing with her band at the Chapel Arts Centre. Emily is classically trained on cello, piano and flute, and spent four years living in the Australian bush where she and her partner set up her record label Shaktu Records. Her fourth studio album, Bird in a Cage is due for release on 15 July.

Emily Maguire

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TOP TEN...

places to enjoy outdoor theatre Lindsey Harrad discovers some of the best places to experience outdoor theatre in the south west

1. Twelfth Night at Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire Nestled in rural Wiltshire in a picture-perfect historic village, a beautiful National Trust property with a vivid history provides the backdrop for one of Shakespeare’s most colourful and enigmatic romantic comedies, presented by Quantum Theatre.

Thursday 13 June, 7pm, doors open 6pm. Tickets £13 adults, £7 children. To book tel: 0844 249 1895 or visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Brownsea Open Air Theatre, Poole Harbour, Dorset The Brownsea Open Air Theatre is a little bit special, as the experience starts with a ferry journey from Poole Harbour, with a return to shore by starlight. Guests will set foot upon the shores of a magical land, where the romantic escapades of four young lovers collide in spectacular fashion in Shakespeare’s bestloved comedy. Ticket holders are free to explore the island and enjoy a picnic beforehand. Brownsea Island is the only National Trust property to have its own traditional Shakespeare theatre company, which celebrates its 50th season with two performances this year. A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from 24 July – 2 August; Pericles runs from 7 – 16 August. Tickets cost £21, including ferry fare. Visit: www.brownsea-theatre.co.uk

3. Anne Boleyn at The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Cornwall With a backdrop of blue Cornish seas crashing against the cliffs of Porthcurno and surrounded by glorious tropical gardens, the Minack Theatre’s summer season offers a varied programme of shows, ranging from opera to musicals and Shakespeare, with something to tempt every theatrical taste. The acclaimed Stamford Shoestring Theatre’s production of Anne Boleyn is a must-see show this summer – a fast-moving, powerful – and at times very funny – story of a woman who defied convention to topple a queen and marry a king, only to be lost to the brutal world of male power politics. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, as well as the cliff, for this dramatic performance. 22 – 26 July.

Book online at: www.minack.com or tel: 01736 810181.

4. Pride & Prejudice at The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe, Wiltshire Gather on the rolling lawns of the idyllic 14th century manor house as Chapterhouse Theatre Company present Jane Austen’s classic love story. You can relax, enjoy the show and picnic in the 34 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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grounds – hampers are available in advance, and the hotel will be serving barbecue food, hot drinks, Pimms and beers. Sunday 26 August, doors open 4.30pm, show starts 5.30pm. Tickets £15 adults, £9 children, family tickets from £45. To book tel: 01249 782206 or visit: www.manorhouse.co.uk for further information.

5. Waiting for Godot, Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall Surfers’ paradise Fistral Beach is one of the most laid-back locations for Miracle Theatre’s touring production of Waiting for Godot, and offers an alternative to the usual historic properties.

Watching a theatre production while listening to the sounds of the waves lapping the shores of this beautiful beach must surely be one of the most pleasant ways to end a day by the seaside.

Wednesday 10 July, 7.30pm. Tickets £12 adults, £10 concessions, £8 children. To book tel: 01872 262 466 or visit: www.miracletheatre.co.uk

6. Brief Encounter at the Open Air Festival, Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Cheltenham The Open Air Theatre Festival 2013 at the Tuckwell Amphitheatre offers a variety of alfresco theatre, film and music performances in an idyllic setting, with everything from vampires (Heartbreak Productions’ Dracula) to Shakespeare (Rain or Shine’s The Comedy of Errors). A highlight for the festival this year will be Brief Encounter by Jenny Wren Productions, which will be presenting the Emma Rice stage adaptation of Noel Coward’s screenplay. Packed with charm, romance, inventive staging and humour, this is a spiffing take on the iconic 1940s film, in which passionate longing burns beneath a veneer of sensible suits and polite conversation. Friday 26 July. Tickets: £11 adults, concessions £8. To book tel: 01242 258002.

7. As You Like It at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Somerset All the world’s a stage according to Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy of love and lust among outcasts, runaways and fools in the Forest of Arden, and the dramatic ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Palace in Wells are the perfect backdrop for this all-male performance by the acclaimed outdoor touring Shakespeare company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Sunday 4 August, 7pm.

Tickets £15 adults, £10 children, £45 family. To book tel: 01749 988111 or visit: www.tlcm.co.uk or www.bishopspalace.org.uk

8. Treasure Island at Pentillie Castle, St Mellion, Devon Pentillie Castle is a striking property on a family-run estate

DRAMATIC SETTING: above, The Minack Theatre in Cornwall offers a backdrop of blue Cornish seas crashing against the cliffs and is surrounded by tropical gardens

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DIVERSE LOCATIONS: above from left, outdoor theatre in the private woodland gardens of Pentillie Castle in Devon; and the laidback location of Fistral Beach in Newquay offers a refreshing alternative to the usual historic property theatre performances – see Waiting for Godot here in July

located on the banks of the Tamar river. The private woodland gardens will become the scene of adventures on the high seas in this fun family adventure suitable for everyone aged 3+ presented

by Cambridge Touring Theatre. Children are invited to get involved by dressing up as pirates and have pictures taken with the cast. Sunday 11 August, 3pm, gardens open at 1pm. Tickets: £14 adults, £9 children under 12, £42 family. To book visit: www.pentillie.co.uk

9. Sherlock Holmes at Prior Park Gardens, Bath How can one open-air show with just four actors possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear, when you take your performance to the magnificent Palladian Prior Park gardens, which offer the finest views of Bath and provide an atmospheric arena for an evening of suspense. The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons theatre company put dynamic detective duo Holmes and Watson through their paces as they

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tackle a fiendish case in an inventive and hilarious show for all ages, featuring live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at. Saturday 27 July, 5.30pm. £12.50 adults, £7.50 children, £35 family. To book tel: 0844 249 1895.

10. Romeo and Juliet, Brandon Hill, Bristol You don’t have to go to a country manor house to find a spectacular spot for outdoor theatre. Heartbreak Productions is bringing Romeo and Juliet to the Bowling Green on Brandon Hill, a location that offers panoramic views of the city of Bristol, and if you’re lucky, wonderful sunsets too. This performance offers thrills and dynamism, masks, dance, blades, potions and poetry – Heartbreak’s inimitable storytelling style infuses a modern twist but maintains all the intensity of this legendary tale.

Saturday 6 July, 2pm and 7.30pm. For tickets visit: www.bristolshakespeare.org.uk ■

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COMMUNITYspirit

In fine song The award-winning Garden Opera Company will bring passion and romance to the grounds of Prior Park College on Thursday 11 July in aid of Julian House

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his summer the award-winning Garden Opera Company will be staging an open air performance of Bizet’s magical love story, Carmen – against the picturesque backdrop of Prior Park College.

Organised by homeless charity Julian House, Pimms and picnics will be the order of the day and event planner, Cathy Adcock, is hopeful that it will become an annual fixture. “We’re very excited about the prospects for the evening,” Cathy says. “Carmen is a tremendous love story.

The combination of this and an idyllic setting should make a lovely way to spend a summer evening. Plus of course it will be supporting Julian House’s important work.”

Sung in English by just four established and experienced performers, this universal story of passion is well served by The Garden Opera Company’s intimate style and flair. Directed by Saffron van Zwanenberg with award-winning design team Dulcie Best and Neil Irish, the performers will be accompanied by an acclaimed ensemble of chamber musicians. This is an opera whose music is widely acclaimed for its brilliance of melody, harmony, atmosphere and orchestration, and for the skill with which Bizet represents musically the emotions and sufferings of his characters.

Led by Peter Bridges, the Garden Opera will present a show of passion, colour and humour. The company is now in its 20th season with many of its singers performing at the major houses, including Glyndebourne, Opera North and ENO. Garden Opera is itself a charity – formed to promote the enjoyment and knowledge of opera and making it accessible to all.

Prior Park College has generously allowed the event to take place in its beautiful private grounds – a perfect setting for a picnic before the performance.

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As Cathy Adcock explains, the event has been a long time in the making. “We have been talking to the Garden Opera Company for a number of years about putting on one of its fabulous and individual productions in Bath, but finding the perfect and affordable venue has been crucial. We are absolutely delighted that Prior Park College has allowed us to use the beautiful and historic grounds – turning a lovely idea into a reality. The Garden Opera Company’s passionate performance of Carmen will be a joy for opera enthusiasts and a delightful revelation for those who have been put off by the expense and traditional image of London performances.”

The main sponsor for the evening is Bath legal firm, Mowbray Woodwards. Partner, Matthew Graham says: “We are delighted to be sponsoring such a fantastic event as part of our continuing support for Julian House.” ■ Prior Park College, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. The gate to the lawns will open from 5.30pm for picnicking, with the opera commencing at 7pm. Tickets: £35 per person, £20 for u16s. Box office tel: 01225 354656, email: cathya@julian house.org.uk or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk. All tickets are non-refundable. In case of wet weather the performance will be moved to the Chapel in the grounds of Prior Park College.

o one can have failed to notice the explosion of cycling events around the country. Bath is no exception and Bike Bath 2013 will run over the 22-23 June weekend, supporting more than 40 charities. Now in its second year, it is championed by Charles Stanley Direct and their friends from the world of fund management. It appeals to local riders, corporate and charity teams and this year the Yorkshire Regiment are supporting the 100 mile rides.

Richard Best from Bike Bath said: “To make the event memorable we have to do a number of things really well including offering great feed stations. To this end we are delighted that a wide range of local food and drink suppliers

Bike Bath competitors on Great Pulteney Street

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SING IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT: the Garden Opera Company will perform Carmen in the open air

have offered to support our rides. So, not only will riders have a great bike ride, but they’ll get a chance to sample food from suppliers including Sally Lunn buns, Lovett pies, Marshfield Bakery, Yeo Valley yoghurts, Bath Ales, the Bath Soft Cheese company and fresh fruit from A David plus many more.”

Registration is now open through the Bike Bath website for rides of 20, 30, 60 and 100 miles. The routes on Saturday head to the south of Bath, the course is described as ‘rolling’, and will incorporate Britain’s longest cycle tunnel which recently opened in Bath. £1 from every rider is being donated to Sustrans, the charity behind the tunnel. On Sunday, routes of 30, 60 and 100 miles head north to the Cotswolds, with another array of feed stations.

For those new to cycling, the team from Bath-based Cyclescheme will have an electric bike display as well as technical advisors at the start and finish area offering advice.

Michelin starred chef, Rob Clayton, will again prepare the end of ride food available to all riders. In the evening, the Road.cc Celebration of Cycling will take place at Bath Rugby Clubhouse from 6-9pm with speakers including Dr Ian Walker, a cycling psychologist and Andrew Denham, the founder of the award-winning Bicycle Academy in Frome. This event is free to all Bike Bath riders.

On both days, all riders will receive a limited edition print from illustrator Simon Spilsbury as well as receiving a post ride gift bag.

Those completing the Bike Bath Gladiator (both 100 mile rides) will receive a congratulatory gift from Bath Ales. ■ For more information and to register visit: www.bikebath.co.uk or email: info@bikebath.co.uk

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ARTsale

Make me an offer

Bath artist, David Cobley is holding a giant studio sale this month to raise funds for the Bath Artists’ Studio’s future as a creative hub

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avid Cobley set up Bath Artists Studios (formerly Widcombe Studios) 16 years ago, as he says: “to give everyone the opportunity of enjoying the creative process.” BAS is based at The Old Malthouse off Upper Bristol Road and is the largest provider of studio space in Bath. It is known for its friendly working atmosphere as well as for being the main alternative to academic institutions in its provision of arts courses for mature students.

As a registered charity it is home to 60 artists, and runs classes in drawing, printmaking, painting, bookbinding, watercolour, mixed media and sculpture. The principal objective of the studios is to make art accessible to as wide an audience as possible through its programme of courses, talks, exhibitions and open studio events.

Over 500 paintings, drawings ❝ and illustrations that David has created over the past 40 years will be on sale

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David says: “As children we all like making pictures. It’s fun.

Whether those pictures are art or not doesn’t come into it. It’s only later that the idea of art makes drawing, painting, sculpture or whatever a rather daunting prospect and that’s when most people stop. I think that’s rather sad.”

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David, a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters with two portraits in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection, is holding the sale of his paintings, drawings and illustrations to try and raise money to help secure the future of an organisation he really cares about. “At the moment we are hampered by the fact that we do not have a building of our own,” he says, “we have so much we want to do here, including running classes for children and disadvantaged groups, but this means spending a lot of money on improving our facilities. This doesn’t make financial sense when we only have a short-term lease. If we had a building of our own we would invest the money that currently goes on rent towards developing the building, extending our programme of courses and improving the way we publicise what we do.”

Over 500 paintings, drawings and illustrations that David has created over the past 40 years will be on sale, with 50% of the proceeds going into the Studios’ Futures Fund. Prices start at £20 and there will also be the chance of having your portrait painted

by David for just £10.

David says: “I have been drawing and painting all my life and there will be work in the sale that has never been seen before. It is also already online, so you can buy from the comfort of your armchair, but why not come to the studios and make me an offer?

David Cobley’s Giant Studio Sale is at Bath Artist’s Studio from 21 – 23 June. Open Friday, 6pm-9pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Visit: www.davidcobley.com or tel: 07780 997576. ■

DAVID’S DECADES: clockwise from top left: Ken Dodd; Pub Grub; Study of the Princess Royal

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Moish Sokal, Coming of Age

Changing world

MOISH SOKAL Malthouse Gallery, East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Somerset www.moishsokal.co.uk www.eastlambrook.co.uk

3 June – 20 July Somerset-based traveller and watercolour artist Moish Sokal is seeing the world change around him. In this exhibition he tells his story of Morocco and India. Winding his way through the seemingly blind twisting alleyways of Fez in Morocco, Moish discovered that they lead to squares with exquisite fountains and souk homes, filled with the rhythmic hammer music of copper beaters. He then travelled to the Rif Mountains where he found a collage of shapes, subtle colours and an interplay of shadows in the blue washed villages. In India, Moish began in Rajasthan where Biblical and colourful images are in abundance. He went on to the world famous Pushkar camel fair and to the bathing Ghats of sacred rivers and lakes across India, finding pilgrims clutching burning incense and a mother showing her daughter how to make a wish. He also charts changing landscape and weather back in his beloved Somerset.

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NEED ARTWORK? BROCHURES? PRINT? ADVERTISEMENT DESIGN COMPANY LOGOS FLYERS MENUS LEAFLETS BROCHURES FULL SERVICE, DESIGN + PRINT SOLUTIONS TEL: 01225 424499 EMAIL: STUDIO @ THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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ARTSgardens &EXHIBITIONS CITY Rembrandt Van Rijn (1606–1669), Christ and St Mary Magdalen at the Tomb Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013

JACK DOHERTY Gallery Nine 9b Margarets Buildings, Bath.

Tel: 01225 319197 www.gallerynine.co.uk

Until 26 July The tactile surface of Jack Doherty’s pots are created by the fusion of fire and soda, leaving behind a subtle palette of smoky grey, lemon, russet and turquoise. He was the lead potter and creative director of the Leach Pottery.

Jack Doherty, Chawan Pot

PHILIP CIOLINA

▲ REMBRANDT AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES The Holburne Museum Great Pulteney Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 388 569

NEW GALLERY Michelle Thompson, Grid

Hilton Fine Art 5 Margarets Buildings, Bath.

Tel: 01225 311311 www.hiltonfineart.com

22 June – 13 July In Philip Ciolina’s recent work there are glimpses of interior spaces created by a layering of different whites and other images buried or partially revealed. The stillness is interrupted by the reflection of scarlet flowers fading into the distance. Hilton Fine Art is pleased to present Philip Ciolina’s first solo show in Bath, following his highly successful exhibition at The Thackeray Gallery in Kensington, London.

Until 29 September This exhibition, featuring paintings generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection, explores the ways in which Dutch and Flemish artists of the 17th century revolutionised painting, looking at the world in new ways and developing new subjects and genres. The show includes many masterpieces by the greatest artists of the period including Rubens, Rembrandt and Ruisdael.

NICK CUDWORTH Nick Cudworth Gallery 5 London Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 445221 www.nickcudworth.com

1 – 29 June Throughout June, Nick Cudworth will show his paintings and prints of Bath houses which enable the viewer to look at the interiors and exteriors of the houses in an interesting and unusual way.

Nick Cudworth, extract from Inside Out

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Quercus Gallery 1 Queen Street, Bath.

Tel: 07738 929089 www.quercusgallery.co.uk

Opens 15 June Quercus Gallery is a new gallery in Bath showcasing contemporary art across a range of media. The inaugural show, Introducing, will present landscape painter Vanessa Gardiner, Bath jeweller Karen Parker, painter and collage artist Pippa Ridley, mixed media artist Michelle Thompson, painter and printmaker Chloe Steele and artist Robert Woolner – curated by director Evie Howard.

Philip Ciolina, Within Light

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45 St James's Parade Bath, BA1 1UQ 01225 331441 www.mossofbath.co.uk OF BATH

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS CATHERINE BEALE

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MIXED SHOW Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 464850 www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Throughout June

27 June – 6 July

Andrew Crocker returns to Beaux Arts with his quintessential English landscapes with a twist. Also showing will be two young artists: BP Award winner Charlotte Harris and Cornish abstractionist Elisa McLeod. Suleyman Saba will show new ceramics.

Widcombe-based watercolour portrait artist Catherine Beale has had two of her paintings accepted for the annual Society of Women Artists exhibition. One of the paintings of Bath artist and model Georgia Cox was also shown in the Holburne Portrait Prize. The other painting is of Sarah Bevan posing in the Guildhall Chambers when she was chair of BANES council. The exhibition will include a series of demonstrations as well as work from oil painters, ceramicists, printers and sculptors.

Catherine Beale, Georgia Cox Charlotte Harris, Brown Bag in Lamplight

JACK DAVIS PONY Gallery York Street, Bath Tel: 07528 590 237

Suleyman Saba, Eclipse Bowl

DEGREE SHOW Bath School of Art and Design Bath Spa University, Bath. www.artdesign.bathspa.ac.uk

8 – 16 June It’s degree show time again at Bath School of Art and Design. This year there will be exhibiting students from BA (Hons) Ceramics, BA (Hons) Textile Design and the new BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design: Idea Material Object.

AQUITAINE HALL AND PHOENIX TRELOWYN Walcot Chapel Gallery Walcot Gate, Walcot Street, Bath.

Tel: 07960 418914

23 – 29 July Rough cut, occult and urban elements influence this collaborative exhibition by two Bath artists, Aquitaine Hall and Phoenix Trelowyn.

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The Mall Galleries London, SW1. www.society-womenartists.org.uk

Jack Davis, Cocoon

Following on from the success of his recent solo show, In & Between at PONY Gallery, Jack Davis is the first Bath artist to be selected for Sculpture by the Sea, 24 October – 10 November, in Bondi, Australia. Sculpture by the Sea is the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition and previous exhibiting artists have included Sir Anthony Caro. Jack’s sculptural works and paintings on metal have gained international attention.

HENRY MOORE AND CHARLOTTE SORAPURE

CELEBRATE A SUMMER OF THE GAMES

Victoria Art Gallery

By Pulteney Bridge, Bath.

Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk

Art at the Heart The Royal United Hospital, Bath.

Tel: 01225 824987 www.ruh.nhs.uk/art

Until 23 June

Until 17 July

The Victoria Art Gallery is showcasing two exhibitions of work from modern artist Henry Moore (1898-1986) and figurative painter Charlotte Sorapure. Henry Moore was one of Britain’s most celebrated and pioneering modern artists. Prize-winning artist Charlotte Sorapure is a Bath figurative painter whose timeless compositions of buildings and formal gardens are delicately coloured yet full of Charlotte Sorapure, Hide and Seek mystery.

This exhibition is by Tim Vyner and the Royal Photographic Society and is a series of prints and photographs to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and an incredible summer of sport.

Tim Vyner, Riverbank Arena

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My beautiful, colourful life Somerset artist Emma Rose talks to Mick Ringham about her varied career, her whirlwind romance with husband John and about the music that has the power to move her

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ou can tell from the moment you walk into Emma Rose’s studio in Wellow that colour, movement and vibrancy are vital to her. Every inch of her packed studio is filled with the vivid tones of her paintings, which are influenced by the beautiful landscape that surrounds her.

Emma Rose was educated in rural Dorset and, after leaving school, she moved to London where she embarked on a 15-year career in theatre and film, working over in a variety of different roles from script reading, publicity and also in the production side of the industry.

But she was just 21 when she started working for film director and later restaurant critic Michael Winner, however it was not to last, as she says: “He was quite the rudest man I have ever 46 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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met and to put it mildly, we didn’t part on the best of terms.”

During this period she also trained in dance and learnt choreography. “I so wanted to be a dancer and work professionally in musical theatre and luckily managed to be in a few wonderful productions during those years.”

The theatrical world being what it is, with erratic work schedules and film commitments Emma also found the time to study sculpture and painting, an interest she gained from her step-father, who was already well established in the art world.

In 1996 Emma made a life changing decision to leave London and settle for a quieter life in the countryside, which as a child, had held so many memories for her. On a friend’s recommendation she moved to the village of Wellow, seeking log fires, long country walks and a much needed rest. There she met

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MUSICAL MASH UP: from left to right, Fred Astaire, Puttin’ On The Ritz; Ute Lemper, Split; Nitin Sawhney, Broken Skin

her future husband John Rose. However, theirs was no slow-burn romance – far from it, as they got engaged after their first date! A few months later, appropriately on Valentine’s Day, they married at the local church. Emma settled into village life she says, like a duck to water. The couple bought a semi-converted barn with an attached outbuilding to the side and went about transforming it into a family home.

They now are the proud parents of two girls, Delilah and Genevieve, and the former outbuilding is now Emma’s light filled studio.

She talks about her painting career took off: “After the girls were born I went on a picture framing course at the local college, but it was while working one day framing a picture, that I thought I’d give my own painting a chance out of curiosity and to see what would happen.”

She began showing her own work in her studio and they began to sell, at first locally and then nationally. She has now enjoyed several successful shows around the south west, as well as in London, and is gaining a reputation working in mixed media as a contemporary colourist. Her studio is open by appointment, where visitors will discover that the vibrancy of Emma Rose’s work complements her personality.

● Fred Astaire – Puttin’ On The Ritz I have chosen the Club des Belugas remix of this classic song. A good friend of ours played the organ at our wedding and when we came out of the vestry, he turned our elegant classical exit into a jazzed up version of this wonderful number. The vicar went quite pink but the 200 guests started grinning and bobbing. It was infectious, fun and a pure joy.

Emma Rose’s top ten:

● Stephen Sondheim – A Little Priest This is from the musical Sweeny Todd. I listen to Sondheim’s music obsessively while painting. His impossible melodies, extraordinary lyrics and complicated rhythms started a lifelong love affair. He has the ability to sum up all human emotion with heartbreaking and joyful brilliance. I wanted to choose almost every song he has written, but landed on this one for its clever word play.

● Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending This beautiful recording conjures up distant memories of long hot summers spent as an only child. On school holidays, given the chance, I would lie in a local hay field or on a Cornish cliff top, gazing up at a blue sky and watching the larks swoop and sing overhead. ● La Cage Aux Folles – A Little More Mascara I worked in the West End for 15 years, by day one side of the curtain and by night sometimes performing. My love of musical theatre started very early and this song happily marries up my weakness for men in drag and the mentality of putting on a brave face and dressing up to face the world. ● Ute Lemper and Neil Hannon – Split This is from the album Punishing Kiss. The moment I saw this performed at Sadlers Wells on a bare stage with a single spotlight, I was well and truly hooked. Lemper herself is cabaret, Berlin and dietrich all rolled into one.

Neil Hannon collaborated on this and their two voices are just sublime. ● Klezmer Melody – The Burning Bush The day after we got engaged, I went with John to the beautiful cloisters at Iford Manor to hear Lucie Skeeing play this exotic Yiddish music. We were completely intoxicated by the experience and afterwards begged them to play at our wedding, which they did. My father was expecting a 1980s disco at the reception; instead he got haunting Klezmer music along with a cabaret masterminded by the MD of the musical Chicago, who came down from the West End especially to conduct it for us.

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● Nitin Sawhney – Broken Skin I have been lucky in travelling around India and Nepal and my love for this continent endures and informs a lot of my work. This talented musician combines tabla, flamenco, sitar and even rap, he’s quite brilliant. I discovered him at the Bath Festival a few years ago along with Baka Beyond and Babyhead – fabulous! ● Babyhead – Radio Silence They a really great local band from Bristol, specialising in ska, rock and skank. I always play their music in the studio when I need to go up a gear. I can assure you it’s brilliant music to dance to, as well as inspiring the odd painting or two.

● Henryk Gorecki – Lento e Largo I spent some time in Africa and Morocco and the odd thing was that one day I was driving along, almost in the middle of nowhere, and this came on the radio. After a while I realised I had simply stopped driving and was holding my breath. It’s breathtakingly haunting as well as heartbreaking and has nothing to do with Africa whatsoever, except that it brought me to a complete emotional and physical standstill. ● Tim Minchin – Beauty My husband writes beautiful poetry as well as composing and playing in a band, but none of his work has been recorded recently. So instead I’ve chosen another guilty pleasure. The hugely impressive Mr Minchin, who in my opinion is one of the most talented lyricists and comedians working today. There is nothing like laughter to lift the spirit and I for one could not survive without it. ■ To contact Emma Rose, email: emmaroseartworks@gmail.com

Emma Rose’s latest exhibition, Objects of Desire, will be at The Gallery, Wheat Paddock, Freshford from 8 – 16 June JUNE 2013

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CREATIVEcollectives © dotandlucyphotography.co.uk

Celebrate all things upcycled at the Make Do and Mend Market © Marcus Way

Modern makers You’ll find contemporary craft groups all over the south west, feeding our creativity by offering everything from dressmaking workshops to upcycle exchanges. Queen of everything vintage and handmade, Catherine Stokes names some of the best...

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one are the days when craft meant little old ladies in village halls selling homemade lavender bags and crocheted loo-roll covers. These days, handmade has been turned inside out and had its cushion feathers plumped, so that it’s now embraced by everyone from East London hipsters running workshops in pubs (www.craftguerilla.com), to the 81-yearold winner of TV’s The Great British Sewing Bee, who made the most beautiful – and most contemporary – navy lace cocktail dress (bravo Ann Rowley, you’re our new heroine).

This revival in sewing ’n stitching has been growing steadily over the Cameron years, thanks in part to the Age of Austerity, which had us all yearning for the comfort of days gone by, nourished by the nostalgia that buying vintage affords us. But now we’re no longer satisfied with just buying second-hand, we want to repair what we already have or turn trash into treasure and upcycle worn out goods into something different – saving us money, helping the environment and giving us creative satisfaction all at the same time. Blogger and young mum Jen Gale from Warminster in Wiltshire agrees. She writes about her adventures in not buying anything new, which she started in September 2012 and says: “I think many people are beginning to tire of our throwaway culture, and are fed up with cheap, mass produced products. Upcycling means that we can make the most of the resources we already have, and make something unique that is exactly what we want.

There are also so many new ways to make it fun and sociable that it’s a trend that’s not about to stop anytime soon.”

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people who make things and bursting at the French seams with all sorts of inventive meet-ups where you can learn new skills while having a lovely sociable time too. Here are just some of the ways you can:

Mending cafés Can you stitch on a button without bitching? Darn a sock without swearing? Wish you could put a needle and thread to that annoying tear in your vintage linen but just don’t have the smarts? Mending cafés are the answer for anyone who wants to patch up textiles but just doesn’t know where to start. They started life in America as repair cafés; groups of people

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CREATIVEcollectives Learn to darn at a mending café © Scrapiana

Handmade fabric bags by Jessie Lou Designs © dotandlucyphotography.co.uk

getting together to fix anything for free from a broken chair to tired toasters, but the west country incarnations are concentrating on sewing for now. The Big Mend is run by celebrated blogger, vintage haberdashery expert and workshop tutor, Eirlys Penn who arranges regular meetings in Bristol, Bath and Bradford-on-Avon. Bring your mending project along, use her wide range of materials, drink tea, eat cake and share skills. You don’t have to have ever picked up a pincushion before and there is no membership or entrance fee, although a small donation is appreciated to cover the cost of the venue. For more information about when and where, visit: www.scrapiana.com or follow @scrapiana on Twitter.

Make do and mend & artisan markets In April, the first ever Make Do and Mend market was held by the Bath Artisan Market, which celebrated all things upcycled. Held on the second Sunday of every month, the event is regularly packed with local food, art, craft and vintage traders and holds free workshops and demonstrations in tune with the monthly themes. A roaring success, the Make Do and Mend market will be repeated on 8 September, with free mending sessions, free kids’ workshops and a charity clothes swap. Trowbridge is also holding a Make Do and Mend Vintage Market on 29 June to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Artisan markets, meanwhile, are thriving all across Britain and in the west we’re proud to be leading the movement, with Frome Artisan Market being the original Sunday event on the first Sunday of the month in spring and summer.

Upcycle exchanges Not exactly a social event, but a useful way to afford to keep crafting with the help of others, The Bath Artisan Market regularly hosts the Upcycle Exchange run by Jen Gale (www.mymakedoandmendyear.wordpress.com).

Another American idea, Jen’s stall is full of craft supplies leftover or donated by others. Exchange your own unwanted materials for those on the table or simply Pay-What-You-Wish – quite literally naming your price. This offers an affordable way to continue making and reduce landfill at the same time, by passing on bits and pieces you might have otherwise thrown away. Plus you can find inspiration by using different materials or buying just one of something instead of a whole bag.

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The Big Mend © dotandlucyphotography.co.uk

Sewing and crafting workshops Buying fabric, thread or trimmings is no longer just shopping. South west haberdashers have turned the simple art of buying materials into an experience, by running a whole host of workshops to complement their goods, from beginners’ classes and dressmaking to patchwork and quiltmaking – and it’s moved on from knit and natter groups that started becoming popular about ten years ago. For instance, you can learn to make a vintage-style dress with Mille Moon, which has shops in Frome and Wells (www.milliemoonshop.co.uk), have a party to make your own knickers at The Makery, Bath (www.themakery.com), learn to love your sewing machine with Lynn at Stitches in Frome or upcycle old lampshades at Jumble Jelly in Bradford-on-Avon (www.jumblejelly.com). Check out your local haberdashery for details or look out for private workshop tutors or sewing schools like the Bristol School of Sewing & Textiles (www.bristolsewingschool.co.uk) or the blogger, Butterfly Bright, who has a series of classes in Sherborne, Dorset and who has also started a sewing bee, inspired by the BBC2 series of the same name (www.butterflybright.com). ■ JUNE 2013

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Bath@Work Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work

Annette Hind Dance school principal e have more than 500 students at the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing, where pupils can learn a variety of dance styles from classical ballet to hip-hop, and from jazz dance to American tap. We pride ourselves on providing excellent teaching and a nurturing environment where children can express themselves and have fun.

I was born in Bath and attended Bath High School (now the Royal High.) My grandmother Dorothy Coleborn ran a dance school from her home and it was there that my love of dancing grew. I remember her playing the piano while teaching at the same time. When she wanted me to turn she would play louder and provide instruction over the top of the piano. It proved to be a unique but effective way of teaching! My mother Annabel also taught me and by the time I was 18 I had passed my dance exams including Advanced Ballet with honours. I started teaching at the dance school when I was 15 and was given special permission to take my teaching exams early when I was 17. I studied tap and jazz dance in New York and Los Angeles and have worked with some of the world’s most outstanding artists.

From the ages of four to 10 I underwent a series of operations, and although it was upsetting, it helped forge the person I am today. This also informed my decision when I was 20 to accept the position of nanny to a family in Boston whose daughter was unable to walk. Together, through imaginative stories that inspired her to move and a carefully choreographed series of gentle exercises, she finally managed to walk, which for me was utterly life changing.

Every ten years I set myself goals and so far I have achieved them. These include training a student to successfully audition for the Royal Ballet School (we’ve had 13 pupils there), putting on shows at the Theatre Royal, producing shows for pupils to perform at Disneyland and helping children successfully audition for Billy Elliot. I also train students for this show. I recently went to see one of my students in Matilda in the West End. My great passion is teaching and for me this is all about getting a child to believe they can overcome any obstacle. With this confidence, they can believe that almost anything is possible.

I set very high standards so the students are able to realise their potential. Our last show Spellbound (2013) was performed to more than 4,000 people; to see the pride on the children’s faces at the final curtain and for them to know that they were involved in something professional should stay with them for the rest of their lives. The sheer joy on their faces makes my job worthwhile.

I am constantly on the go. No two days are the same and I’m fortunate to work with people who share my passion and sense of fun. This includes my two children who both dance; I like to see their love of dancing as the baton is passed to the next generation. As for me, I’m already plotting my next ten years.

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PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic www.capturethespirit.co.uk Tel: 01225 483151

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FOOD&DRINK

Tasty bites

■ The picnic season is upon us – why not get someone else to do all the hard work for you and order a ready-made feast?

Carluccio’s in Milsom Place can prepare a classic hamper for two for £45, or a child-friendly picnic, complete with chocolate sponge bear, for £10.

Waitrose also has a preordered picnic service which includes platters of sandwiches or whole quiche.

Meet the food producers at market ■ Four top chefs from the south west, including Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park and Sam Moody of the Bath Priory, will be laying on a gourmet lunch for polo goers to the Beaufort Hunt match in September.

The lunch, on Sunday 8 September, will be staged alongside the action with grandstand views of the horses and players. Money raised will go to Hospitality Action, which supports waiters and chefs who have fallen on hard times.

■ The historic Holburne Museum has joined forces with Great Western Wine to host a summer wine tasting evening on Friday 28 June. The Great Western team have put together a selection of wines for summer drinking occasions, including award-winning sparkling wines from Ridgeview Estate. All proceeds from ticket sales and 10% of all sales taken on the evening will go to Dorothy House Hospice. Tickets, £15, from Great Western Wine shop, or tel: 01225 322810.

■ They’re celebrating in the kitchens of the Hare & Hounds at Lansdown, where chef Rob Clayton was recently appointed.

After receiving a visit from an AA restaurant inspector the gastro pub was awarded its first AA rosette. And if you’ve ever wondered what restaurant inspectors eat, this one tucked in to crab linguine, fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding.

■ Bath sandwich maker extraordinaire Ben Sibbald, of Walcot Street’s Made by Ben, has beaten off competition from across the UK to be crowned winner in the chutney category of the British Sandwich Designer of the Year awards.

Ben was one of 30 finalists in the British Sandwich Association contest. It was the chutney in Ben’s Smokin’ Goat sandwich which won over the judges.

■ The beautiful grounds of the Manor House Hotel at Castle Combe will be thrown open to visitors on Sunday 28 July for a Family and Food Festival to raise funds for radio Heart FM’s favourite three children’s charities.

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W

e can enjoy a veritable feast of good food and drink from all over the south west without leaving central Bath, as Milsom Place hosts a Flavours of the West market on Saturday 29 June. It is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some treats, from local cheese and pies to wine and beer.

Browsers get the chance to meet the people who make the produce and find out how it’s made, and where relevant, how to cook and serve it.

Bath Soft Cheese from Kelston offers award-winning organic cheeses, including Bath Soft Cheese and Wyfe of Bath Cheese. All its cheese is made with old-fashioned methods passed down through generations, which gives the cheeses its distinctive character

and flavour.

Lovett Pies is a handmade gourmet pie company based in Bath using locally sourced ingredients for its range which includes The Bath pie, beef and Bellringer ale, and the wild venison, wine and dark chocolate pie. Rachel Baker trades as With her Hands and specialises in making fruit jams, jellies, vinegars and mustards.

The Bath Food Company creates its own chutneys, preserves and relishes made in small batches from local ingredients. Try the apricot and ginger chutney with cheese, or the sweet and tangy mango and fruit chutney with ham – Bronze Award winners at Taste of the West 2012.

For people that like it hot The Chilli Hut is the one stop shop for all things spicy from sauces, chocolates, sweets and crisps –

ranging from mild to wild.

Wraxall Vineyard’s is on track to becoming Somerset’s leading vineyard. The vines have already won several medals from the UK Vineyard Association. Or if real ale is your thing, meet independent brewery Bath Ales.

Sample chocolate brownies and chocolate dipped flapjacks made by Hannah Matthews of Vineyards Bakery, or award winning fudge by RGM Fudge.

On the gardening front, talk to plantswoman Derry Watkins from Special Plants and Jon Wheatley from Stonebarn Landscapes who will both be on hand for summer gardening tips.

Jon is the winner of 15 RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals. There’ll still be time to call in to the pop up Festival Club in The Octagon, run by Sam’s Kitchen.

An ideal showcase for west businesses The south west’s fabulous and diverse world cuisine will be among the subjects celebrated at The Bristol Home, Food & Drink Festival, which takes place at the purpose-built UWE Exhibition & Conference Centre in Frenchay, Bristol, over the weekend of 26/27 October.

Local food producers, specialist drink makers and those who make or sell furniture, furnishings and other homeware are being invited now to book stall space.

This third annual show, organised by Nationwide Exhibitions, will include cookery demonstrations by two Michelin-starred TV chef Martin Blunos and other award-winning chefs including Josh Eggleton and Vince Castellano. Sherrie

UNDER ONE ROOF: last year’s show proved popular with locals and because of its proximity to the M4 and M5, people from a wider area

Eugene-Hart and Pat Hart will be showcasing Carib-asian cuisine, Romy Gill will be sharing Indian delicacies and Abie Pixley will demonstrate Creole food. Exhibitors booked to date include: Devon Duvets

(as sold in Harrods), gazebos, Robert Welch cutlery, Bramley & Gage liquors, Riverford and the Upton Cheyney Chilli Farm.

Entry to the festival is £9. Visit: www.homeandfoodfestival.co.uk for more information.

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Rajpoot 4 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA. Tel: 01225 466833

REVIEW

Long reigning kings of curry

B

ath has a lot to be grateful for to the Chowdhury family dynasty which brought Indian food to spice up our bland British diet as early as 1962, and have been serving generations of locals delicious tasty food ever since. It’s hard to imagine a time when you couldn’t get a chicken jhalfrezi, when tandoori was a tongue-tingling novelty and when Bath’s old dads shook their heads and looked fearful at the thought of trying something cooked with fresh garlic or chilli.

Ahmed Chowdhury opened his restaurant, the Rajpoot, 33 years ago and continues to pick up awards and, more importantly, a following of loyal customers. He brought to the city the recipes enjoyed at special occasions, such as weddings, in Bangladesh, made with fresh herbs and spices, and some of these classics remain on the menu today.

Some things stay the same – there’s still the imposing turbanned doorman to welcome you as you descend the two flights to the dining rooms, and those diners who don’t enjoy their waiting staff crouching beside them and addressing them as ‘guys’ will be reassured by the more formal level of service delivered at Rajpoot.

But some things have been modernised. The kitchens now use KTC vegetable oil in a bid to cut down the oily ghee content of its dishes. This is very good indeed, as not only can we enjoy flavoursome curry, but we’re not getting the same levels of cholesterol or any grease left on our plates. And for those of us with friends or family with allergies it’s welcome news to see that items on the menu are clearly labelled as to whether they contain gluten or nuts, and whether they are vegetarian friendly.

There are also newly modernised dining areas with clean, pale stone carvings and a more contemporary feel, but we always prefer to dine in the traditional Indian section with its newly painted booths and hanging decorative lanterns. I like being able to choose whether I’ll dine in what might be seen as the more sociable area, or à deux on one of the more discreet tables.

We were celebrating Friday – in good company it seemed, judging by the table of happy diners around us – so to start with we eschewed our usual onion bhaji and picked instead a shish kebab and golda chingri biran, which turned out to be the biggest, plumpest freshwater prawns you’ve ever seen, delicately 54 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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marinaded in spices, lemon and herbs, remaining perfectly succulent and juicy after cooking. My lamb was also sizzlingly hot, tasty and without a trace of grease. Starters are priced from £3.65 to £7.25, while main courses are £7.50 to £15.75.

Rajpoot staff don’t whisk the little pots of chutneys away, which we appreciated. They’re also happy to assist if you’re not sure what takes your fancy. I liked the sound of chicken Jaflang, which is cooked with spices from the hills of Northern Bangladesh, while John opted for a sweet-sour prawn dhansak, helpfully labelled ‘hot’ on the menu.

The service was prompt, everything was efficiently brought to the table and served on a warming plate so we could share. A plate of pulao rice (£3.15) was plenty for two to share, and we added a bowl of aubergine with tomato and onion (bagun

RELIABLE: main picture, the traditional dining area at Rajpoot has now been joined by more modern, brighter eating areas Above, the welcome doorman is a familiar sight to passers-by in Argyle Street

it’s welcome news to see that items on the ❝ menu are clearly labelled as to whether they contain gluten or nuts, and whether they are vegetarian friendly

❞

bharta) as a side dish. Everything that we ate was clearly made with good, fresh ingredients – there’s no skimping on the quality of the chicken or the number of prawns, and the portions were generous.

As always our eyes were bigger than our tummies, but that’s the problem with a good Indian restaurant, they tempt you with spicy scents, with dishes audibly sizzling with heat as they’re carried by and, as you watch the silver coloured bowls of food placed on a neighbour’s table, it is tempting to order more than you strictly need.

We sat for a while, chatting over a Cobra beer and a glass of chilled white wine and enjoying the buzz. We were offered the traditional hot, fresh hand towels to freshen up with before ascending back into the street.

The Rajpoot justly remains one of Bath’s great institutions, and long may its distinctive golden turban logo continue to be one of the jewels in the city’s culinary crown.

GMc

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Simply drop this coupon into the free prize draw box in the Menswear department at John Lewis, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. No purchase necessary.

Entries close 17.00 30 June 2013

Title*

First name* Email*

Surname*

Address Post Code *Mandatory fields

Mobile

PRIZE DRAW Keep in touch for your chance to win a make over for your Dad worth £300 Sign up to recieve our regular e-newsletter, plus other offers and details of products and services via email, post or SMS from the John Lewis Partnership†. You will also automatically be entered into our free prize draw for your chance to win a make over for your Dad worth £300

Our policy on data protection: Your privacy is very important to us, that's why we will never release your personal details to any company outside the John Lewis Partnership (which includes John Lewis.

Waitrose . Greenbee, John Lewis Insurance and John Lewis Financial Services Ltd) for mailing or marketing purposes. We may contact you by post. telephone, email and if requested above, by SMS text messaging. We are constantly looking (or ways to improve our service so we may occasionally contact you for research purposes.

Prize Draw Terms and Conditions: 1. Entries must be on this coupon and entry into the draw implies acceptance of these conditions. 2. Only one per household. 3. Entrant must be at least 18 years of age, and not employees of the John Lewis Partnership, their dependants or their agents or anyone else connected with the promotion. 4. All entries must be received by 17.00hrs, 30 june 2013 and no responsibility is accepted for entries which are incomplete or illegible, or which fail to be properly submitted. 5. The prize of a Make over with a Fashion Advisor and £300 worth of Menswear will be awarded to the first entry drawn on Monday 1 july 2013. 6. The judges' decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. 7. The prizes must be accepted as offered. 8. No cash alternatives. 9.

Winners will be notified by phone by Monday 1 july 2013. 10. The Winners’ name and county can be obtained by sending a stamped SAE to Promotions ( John Lewis. branchDraw) John Lewis Cribbs Causeway The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Bristol 8S31 5QU. 11. No purchase necessary. 12. No bulk, consumer group or third party entries are permitted. † which includes John Lewis. Waitrose. Greenbee. john Lewis Insurance and John Lewis Financial Services Ltd

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COMPETITION

WIN OCCASIONWEAR WORTH £500 o celebrate the start of wedding, graduation, christening and garden party season, McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet is giving one lucky reader the chance to win an occasionwear wardrobe worth £500. Those who have a special event to attend this summer will be on the lookout for the perfect outfit, and McArthurGlen Swindon is on hand to take the stress out of shopping for one lucky reader. As well as a £500 shopping spree, the winner will have a personal stylist on hand for the day, to help them select a fabulous ensemble.

McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet offers yearround savings of up to 60% on 90 designer and high street fashion brands including Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger and Jaeger, and is a must-visit destination for shoppers who want to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

For your chance to win, simply write to us and explain what occasion you would love a new outfit for. Email your entry, with Occasionwear Competition in the subject line to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk, along with your full name, address and telephone number. Or alternatively, post your entry to: The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED. Closing date: Friday 28 June.

The top ten answers will be selected at random, and the lucky winner will be chosen by Swindon Designer Outlet.

For more information about the centre visit: www.swindondesigneroutlet.com

T

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Phase Eight Cleo occasion cream hat, RRP £110, outlet price £77

Jaeger Orange Pleated Dress, RRP £399, outlet price £149

Ted Baker Bloom clutch, RRP £99, outlet price £69

French Connection Pink Flares Dress, RRP £120, outlet price £72

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Enjoy the tranquillity of the Kennet and Avon Canal, on the oldest electric launch in existence.

Built in 1890, Lady Lena is believed to be the oldest electric launch in existence and still powered by electric. If you are looking for something truly memorable or unique, private charter of this magnificent historic boat is ideal for up to 10 people, year round. journey anywhere from Bath to the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley • trips tailored to your own needs • complimentary glass of champagne on arrival • bring your own picnic or our caterer can provide • cream teas available to find out more about Lady Lena tel: Jenkyn: 07963 834828 Helen: 07791 511611 01225 834250

www.ladylena.co.uk

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic, chooses wines for June

T

he month of June is the height of the summer season, with key dates for the social calendar, such as Father’s Day, the summer solstice, and school sports days. There is always a flurry of relaxed summer entertaining, picnics, and long, lazy weekend lunches, regardless of the weather, as we stoically barbecue under umbrellas, and picnic in wellies and under canvas. Here are a few wines for summer, whatever the weather.

Best wine for Ascot, Henley, or just the hope of a sunny day – Chateau Rives-Blanques Blanquette de Limoux £14.50 GWW There are lots of reasons to crack open the bubbly this month.

Champagne is the staple, but my vote goes to a quirky alternative which is equally good for car park picnics, drinks parties and simple enjoyment. One of the best made, but least known sparkling wines in France, it’s from the foothills of the Pyrenees, near Carcassonne, and produced by an English couple. It’s a delightfully fresh and crisp sparkler, with a crunchy green apple bite, delicate aromas of white flowers, and a fine, elegant sparkle. Lively, refreshing, zesty, the perfect summer fizz.

Best wine for alfresco entertaining Bestue Somontano Chardonnay 2012, Spain £11.25 GWW I defy anyone who purports not to like Chardonnay, to turn their nose up at this one – another Pyreneean wine, this time, from the Spanish side, it manages to be zesty, fresh, soft and aromatic, all at once. Nestled in the north east corner of Spain, the Somontano region is perfect for cool, crisp whites, such as this. Vibrant, white peach and tangy grapefruit character enhanced by just a splash of spicy Viognier, all finished with a lively, zesty dash of lemon . . . and NO oak in sight; joyful. Try this with barbecued salmon, herb dusted chicken, and vibrant salads.

Best wine for picnics Massard Mas Amor, Barcelona Rosado 2012, Spain £9.95 GWW I fell in love with the colour of this wine before I even tasted it – a pure, limpid, rose pink pool of wine that beckons enticingly. The name, which means More Love works too. I’m hooked. Embodying all that is fun, funky and stylish about Barcelona, this is a great picnic wine – it’s crisp, tangy, vibrant, and mouth-wateringly juicy, with masses of character. Bursting with raspberry flavours, with a big squeeze of fresh lime. The perfect cool pink for picnics, and just as good with salmon steaks, chargrilled prawns, and Thai-inspired spicy marinades.

Best wine for Father’s Day Crasto 2011, Douro, Portugal £11.50 Why not treat Dad with a bottle of top notch Portuguese red, from the Douro region? Quinta do Crasto is one of the top port producers, but also makes top notch reds. The new vintage of Crasto red doesn’t disappoint – full of fleshy, sumptuous, blueberry and rip fig fruit, it’s bold, and incredibly ripe for all its youthfulness – with only the merest touch of oak, it’s a very juicy, black fruit and mocha packed red, with the softest of tannins, a wild herb tang, and a velvety texture. Ideal with steak on the barbie, roast beef or lamb. ■

Great Western Wine is at Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AP, tel: 01225 322810. Visit: www.greatwesternwine.co.uk.

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Abb o t s Leig h

Opening Friday June 14th from 12 noon Open from 11am weekdays for coffee, cake, lunch & dinner and 9.30am at weekends for Brunch

Manor Road, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RP www.thegeorgeinnbristol.co.uk

thegeorgeinnbristol@gmail.com Tel 01275 376985

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FOODheroes

This little piggy went ‘Olé!’

Melissa Blease meets Matthew Chiles, one of the founders of the award-winning Bath Pig Chorizo Company, who tells the story of how a dream of great west country cured meat became a reality

M

atthew (‘Mash’) Chiles has had a diverse career, counting stints as a professional photographer and an illustrious position as head of design for Sony Music Australia on his fascinatingly CV. But it was during one particularly arduous commute while working as an IT sales manager that a flash of inspiration led him down a very different path altogether.

Mash recalls how it all began: “It was 2008, and I was sitting in a rain-induced traffic jam on the M5 reminiscing about a delicious meal I’d recently enjoyed at my friend Tim’s house.

Tim and I had been competitive about bringing the best cheese or the best cured meats out to impress each other, and suddenly I started fantasising about producing a wholly British chorizo.

“At the time, the whole country was being urged on by Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to support home grown farmers and to buy local whenever possible – but the continental cured meats in the independent delis and supermarkets were revealing a huge gap in this market. Tim and I met for a pint and we discussed the idea. We peered optimistically at an empty airing cupboard in his cottage and wondered if we could use such a space to cure our own chorizo – and the Bath Pig Company was born.”

And so it came to pass that British chorizo was the theme set to dominate Mash’s consciousness for the foreseeable future. But how on earth does one embark on replicating such a distinctively traditional Spanish product?

We peered optimistically at an ❝ empty airing cupboard in his cottage and wondered if we could use such a space to cure our own chorizo

❞

“Initially, my wife Naomi and I visited a remote Andalusian Iberico pig farm under the guise of being interested buyers to pick up a few hot tips,” Mash explains. “Tim was a practicing medical oncologist, so he concentrated on the science behind the curing process while Naomi and I set about creating the brand.”

Meanwhile, the new company sourced a supply of locally reared free-range pork from a smallholding in Ditteridge, Box, before presenting their early product samples to their friends at Bristol-based pie company Pieminister. Tristan Hogg, one of the Pieminister founders, introduced Mash and Tim to a biltong producer who agreed to lend a helping hand. After six months of trials – and, as Mash recalls, “a lot of very mouldy sausages!”– the airing cupboard was closed in favour of a curing chamber capable of holding 1,000kg of hanging pork sausages.

Five years on, and Bath Pig Chorizo is an established contemporary British larder standby, set to gain yet more legendary status across the country as, from this summer, it can be found in 230 Waitrose stores nationwide, alongside the brand new Bath Pig Salami range (a development that Mash says he is most proud of, to date). It’s a product that chimes with our times, made in the west country with RSPCA Freedom Foods pork and guaranteed wheat, gluten and dairy free.

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But expansion brought further changes to BPC HQ, too.

Since Tim decided he wanted less involvement in the company, Mash now works in partnership with national porky aficionados British Premium Sausages – but, he insists, we can rest assured that quality sourcing remains at the very heart of the Bath Pig ethos.

“We needed to make a decision on how we were going to meet the high demand for the huge amount of quality pork we required,” says Mash. “We met the RSPCA and decided that their standards would be the minimum standards The Bath Pig Company’s sourcing policy would adopt – and that will never change.”

Mash is deservedly proud of his achievements. “I learnt so much in a relatively small amount of time, and there were as many low points as there were highs. If I hadn’t had an incredibly understanding wife and supportive family, I simply couldn’t have done it. But all the hard work has been worth it.

We now have our sights set on becoming the UK’s largest producer of British charcuterie, and look forward to being able to offer more and more discerning consumers a wide range of British-made higher welfare cured meats.”

The Bath Pig is, it seems, at the epicentre of a national pork revolution. ■ Visit: www.thebathpig.com.

LEARNING CURVE: top, Matthew ‘Mash’ Chiles at work Below, the finished product

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Huevos a la Flamenco (Flamenco Eggs) Serves 4 There are four Bath Pig Chorizo varieties – Original, Spicy, Garlic and Herb, Cooking. But how do we know which chorizo to use?

“Each have their own merit,” says Mash. “Original is the traditional option, Spicy offers a little more heat. But Garlic and Herb is the result of a happy accident that occurred during the early experimental days; it’s actually my favourite, at its best gently grilled and served with bread and cheese. In 2012 we launched our Cooking Chorizo: soft, moist and absolutely perfect for recipes that require all that delicious paprika-rich oil to be released into a dish.”

Ingredients: ½ tsp coriander seeds 500g ripe tomatoes 80ml olive oil 400g potatoes, cut into 2cm cubes 1 red pepper cut into strips 1 red onion, chopped 150g thin asparagus, trimmed 100g peas (fresh or frozen) 100g baby green beans, sliced 2 tablespoons of tomato purée 4 free-range eggs 1 Bath Pig Cooking Chorizo, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 180°c (350°F / Gas 4). Score the base of the tomatoes and place in a bowl of boiling water for 10 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon and plunge into cold water (this will make it easier to remove the skins).

2 Roughly chop tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the potatoes over a medium heat until golden brown, remove and set aside. Reduce the heat and stir fry the pepper and onion, cook until soft. Keep back 4 asparagus spears and add the rest to the pan with the peas, beans, tomato and tomato purée. Stir in 125ml of water and season. Return potato to the pan, cover and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3 Grease a large ovenproof dish and transfer the vegetable mixture. Discard any excess liquid. Make four, deep, evenly spaced wells in the mixture and crack the eggs, without breaking the yolks, into the indentations. Top with the reserved asparagus and chorizo. Sprinkle with parsley and bake for about 20 minutes or until the egg whites are just set. Serve warm. ■

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Fantastic Breakfasts Wonderful Lunches Sublime Suppers 225 Gloucester Road, Bishopston 0117 944 5500 220 North Street, Southville 0117 963 9004 info@zazuskitchen.co.uk

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WEEKENDbreak

A weekend with Thelma Hiring a campervan for a holiday is more cost effective than buying one. Georgette McCready took to the wheel of a Quirky Campers van, Thelma for a weekend in north Devon

I

f you won the lottery, what would be on your wishlist – a a holiday home in Marbella, or a chocolate labrador, a walled garden – or how about a campervan? It seems the campervan, preferably one with style, is one of the modern objects of desire – and I can see why, having recently spent an idyllic weekend in north Devon in one.

Campervan owners David Ffrench and Lindsay Berresford of Easton lovingly converted their van, Bella for their own use, using David’s carpentry skills and Lindsay’s design and upholstery talents, but soon realised that beautiful as she might be, Bella was not earning her keep for around 48 weeks a year as she sat outside the house. So they hit on the idea of matching owners of campervans such as Bella with people, like me, who would like the use of one for the occasional weekend, festival or roadtrip, and so Quirky Campers was born.

We booked Bella’s quirky stablemate Thelma for our weekend away. She is a green Citroen Relay, neatly lined in pine and insulated with sheep’s wool. Thelma’s fitted with a permanent – and very comfortable – bed which, with a quick addition of a wooden back, becomes a bench. There’s a cooker, a fold-down table big enough for a game of Scrabble, and all sorts of ingenious cupboards and clever storage devices where we were able to easily stow everything neatly away. She’s really cosy at night and because of that insulation you can enjoy the luxury of a proper duvet and pillows, rather than sleeping bags as you might in a tent.

Thelma’s not a pop-up camper so you have to adjust to her ceiling height of five feet while you’re pottering around inside, but she’s easy to drive and to park, so she’s ideal for novice van users. She sleeps two adults but there is room for a small child.

We hit the M5 and headed for Braunton in north Devon, where we’d booked into Lobb Fields campsite, after being recommended by friends. It’s a clean, well organised site with generous sized pitches and views over the grassy dunes of Braunton Burrows. Lobb Fields’ electric hook-ups meant we could plug in Thelma’s onboard fridge and enjoy light and a three pin plug socket for recharging phones and the laptop (some people can’t bear not to be in touch with the office).

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There’s a plug-in heater for chilly evenings too, although Thelma was much warmer and cosier than our usual tent.

The table lifts out and can be put up outside for eating alfresco. As a fan of radio, I really liked being able to listen to Graham Norton on Saturday morning inside the van while cooking up brunch of bacon, mushrooms, scrambled egg and toast (done under the tiny grill).

Braunton village centre is within walking distance of Lobb Fields, with a small Co-op, several pubs and cafés, a smattering of gift shops and the British Museum of Surfing (one for rainy days perhaps).

I recommend you find Otter Cycle Hire in Station Road and try out the level and picturesque Tarka Trail, a cycle path along a former railway route which runs parallel with the Taw estuary. In an afternoon you can easily pootle by bike the six miles to Barnstaple, explore the town where sailing ships set off to beat the Spanish Armada in the 16th century, and be back in Braunton by tea time. It’s a child-friendly route too, judging by the number of little ones wobbling along with their parents.

HOME AND AWAY: Thelma, the quirky, cosy camper

If you’re a beach dude all kitted out with ❝ waxed board, figure-hugging wetsuit and tousled curls, then you’ll definitely want to head for Croyde

❞

If you’re a beach dude, all kitted out with waxed board, figure-hugging wetsuit and tousled curls, then you’ll definitely want to head for Croyde, even if it’s just to pose, although the waves are very tempting even for a body boarding session.

Nearby Braunton beach is a massive expanse of sand, with designated dog zones and enough space for everyone to play as they please, building sandcastles, flying kites or re-enacting Robbie Williams singing Angels (my personal favourite activity as his music video was shot here). There’s plenty of surf here too and a café and loos, athough the downside is that you have to pay to park.

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WIDE OPEN SPACES: the beach at Braunton stretches for miles, and the Tarka Trail is level, well-signposted and ideal for leisurely cycling

The South Coast path runs all along this stretch and we enjoyed the yomp up the steep hill from Saunton, enjoying the masses of wildflowers along the way, and down into Croyde, where we rewarded ourselves with hot pasties and Devon ice cream. There are frequent buses too, so it would be possible to do one-way stretches of the walk and bus it back to Braunton.

The other north Devon delight which I feel the need to share, is the Indian Kitchen at The White Lion pub in Braunton. The pub is unassuming, but the Indian Kitchen under chef Rohman, is turning out some seriously good curries at very reasonable prices, either to eat in or takeaway. I asked for a chicken Tarka, in light of our cycle ride, but was met with blank faces. “It’s like a chicken tikka,” I explained, “but a little otter.” . . . No, they didn’t laugh either. ■

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Fact file ● Quirky Campers: www.quirkycampers.co.uk, email: quirkycampers@gmail.com Choose from three campers - although more may be available soon. Prices from £42 a night ● Lobb Fields campsite: www.lobbfields.com Prices, £16 a night for a camper van (mid-season) with hook-up, additional adults, £6, dogs £2 a night ● Otter Cycle Hire, Station Road, Braunton, tel: 01271 813339

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MOTORINGcity

TELLING THEM FROM ADAM As Vauxhall’s strangley named super mini car goes on sale in the UK, Dara Foley enjoys all the fun of scaled down modern motoring – but with all the extras

Picture by TBM

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MOTORINGcity

B

ack in the early 1980s the small car market offered a simple choice – Golf, Fiesta, Uno, 205, Nova, to name pretty much all of them.

The ‘city car’ tag didn’t even exist, instead they were known as economy cars, small and affordable, they were made popular by a rise in the number of motorists taking to the roads, and the need for greater fuel efficiency; this was the dawning of the age of petrol price fluctuations and a new propensity for oil crises, all thanks to the likes of JR Ewing and some well dodgy sheiks.

Thirty years on, and the small car market is now one of the most fiercely competitive, slick, global businesses of all. And there are whole new sub segments labelled super minis, eco’s, urbans, retros, city cars, boutique cars, to add to the motoring trade narrative. Indeed, for motor manufacturers there’s big profit potential in the smalls. But to achieve the type of brand success as enjoyed by the ever omnipresent BMW Mini, or the Fiat 500 you will need to have a really good and well conceived super product.

Enter the Adam, named after Adam Opel the founder of Opel (Eurochat for Vauxhall) group. Unveiled at the Paris motorshow in 2012, and now on sale in the UK, the Adam is Vauxhall’s fresh little, fun and fully functional mini boutique car.

Unlike the BMW Mini or Fiat 500 there is no iconic small car heritage for the Adam to refer back to, so the challenge for Vauxhall was to come up with a completely new strategy that steals the momentum from the broader competitors, such as Nissan and Toyota, but also takes full advantage of any sway in the bandwagon trend for retro. The thoroughly modern Adam could easily muscle its way to becoming a fashionable bestseller.

Adam is essentially a four-seat, three-door hatchback, it measures slightly longer then a Mini (not the big or really big Mini, but the mini one) and at over 6ft across it is the widest in its class. The result is a surprisingly roomy inside and the wider wheelbase gives sportier cornering and a robust, road holding centre of gravity. Adam is well built too, compared to many of its rivals it has a nice solidity, good fittings and padding under the dash and in the panels which gives a quality feel and reassuringly good ‘clunk’ when closing the doors.

There are several choices of engine options; a 1.2i or 1.4i litre 16v petrol engine tuned to 86bhp or 98bhp. Both the 1.2 and 1.4 are available with the added option of ecoFlex start/stop for really good fuel economy. Coupled with five-speed manual gearbox the 1.4 is punchy and responsive, however a recently passed driver will get a much better insurance quote on the 1.2 which, being based on the tried and tested Corsa unit remains one of the best.

All engine options surpass 100mph with the fastest being notched up by the 1.4i 98bhp, it will accelerate to 60 in just over 11 seconds and has a top speed of 115mph.

Emissions are not quite under 100g/km CO2, but very close, so the 1.2 with ecoFlex will have cheap on-the-road and running costs, and at around 55mpg you will certainly notice a decline in your accumulated Nectar points.

Adam’s big attraction is its choice of specification. Vauxhall says there are a million ways to personalise your car, and you’re almost guaranteed never to come across someone in an identical Adam to yours. The official brochure invites you to go online and “Go Configure!” with countless colour combinations of body, roof, mirror, and trim. There’s even a wide choice of alloys (as standard), graphics, interior decors, and you can opt for a roof liner with illuminated stars (60 or so LEDs integrated into the fabric) much to the delight of my teenage daughter. In fact our test car, being an official Vauxhall demonstrator was kitted out to full effect with a surreal display of some of the more shocking choices, the end result being slightly camper than a row of tents, but nonetheless great fun and without doubt, unique. What’s more, all these pimping options are nicely affordable, so you can personalise away without racking up a fortune.

To add to the fun the 39 exterior colour variations have movie inspired names such as: I’ll be Black, Saturday White Fever, Purple Fiction, and Buzz Lightgreen. I’m attracted to the more reserved colouring of The Greyfather, and my daughter reinforces my taste for the ordinary by saying my online styling would best be named The Borin’ Ultimatum.

But where Adam really excels, and where Vauxhall really wins, is that it has also thrown down the challenge to all competitors by including a generous load of extras as standard, as well as a lot of optional extras. A big appeal for the target market. Our car was the mid range Adam Glam: there’s also the slightly lower spec Jam and a top-of-the-range, sport inspired Slam.

Our Adam Glam came packed with goodies as standard: to start with there’s a big Intellilink touchscreen at the centre of the dash, featuring DMB digital radio, bluetooth and mp3 connectivity as well as an Apps feature where you can hook up your smartphone to display sat nav and app things..

Other great inclusions are the very well designed ambient lighting, the

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partial leather seats, front daylight running LED lights, front and rear proximity sensors which work together to offer a self parking option – something I have never felt easy with but we tried parallel and car park situations and this odd but very clever feature was trustworthy. There is also blind-spot monitoring built into the wing mirrors – another bang up to date techie feature. Added to that there’s climate control, trip computer and cruise control. And considering that this is a city car in a city car market . . . the front seats are heated and, wait for it . . . so is the steering wheel.

Vauxhall has stuck to the simple job of ❝ making a very good small car, packing it with extras, loading it with fun and producing something that seems to be worth far more than its price tag

❞

Throughout Adam, the design and materials used are good and everything feels well built. From the air vents to the knobs and dials, everything should last and is thoughtfully designed. The drive experience is good, in fact better than its near rivals, but as the Fiat 500 has proved, it’s not always about the drive or build quality – more the cuteness or trend for nostalgia.

Adam enters a market full of preconceptions and pre-comparisons, but Vauxhall have stuck to the simple job of making a very good small car, packing it with extras, loading it with fun, and producing something that seems to be worth far more than its price tag. Other car manufacturers should sit up and take note, if they want to be better than Adam, then “Go Compete.” Prices start at £11,250 ■ The Bath Magazine’s test car courtesy of Saltford Motor Services.

For more information or to test drive the Vauxhall Adam contact: Saltford Motor Services, 491 Bath Road, Saltford.

Bristol, BS 31 3HQ Tel: 01225 873172 www.saltfordmotors.co.uk Online configuration: www.vauxhall-adam.co.uk JUNE 2013

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CITYpeople

News in brief

City team crowned world champions

■ Little Lab, which won fans when it ran pop-up beauty shops in Bath earlier this year, is back in the city. It’s in Milsom Place until 30 June, stocking a range of professional US brands including Temptu, which is used by the Hollywood film industry and MUD, a brand favoured by elite makeup artists.

Little Lab founder Katherine Spreadbury trained with these brands using them for professional makeup and wants to make them more widely available.

Many congratulations to team Untitled1, made up of students from Ralph Allen and King Edward’s Schools in Bath, who have recently returned from the first Lego League World Champions competition in America, where they carried off first prize. The students had been presented with an engineering design challenge to create something useful to older people. Through teamwork they came up with a doorbell fingerprint scanner that would give access only to authorised visitors. So well received was the doorbell that there are plans to produce it WORLD LEADERS: Bath students fly the flag for great British engineering commercially.

■ Award-winning Marshfield Farm Ice Cream has installed a 200kw wood pellet boiler which means the business is now entirely carbon neutral for heating and hot water in the ice cream factory. Farmer Will Hawking said: “We farm our land organically so selfsufficiency and sustainability are key priorities for us. We are proud of our green credentials and the new wood pellet boiler is just the latest in a series of green measures we’ve introduced in recent years.” These include solar panels, a bore hole to provide water, and the farm is proud that 95% of the food the cows eat is produced on the farm.

■ Bath Spa University and Faber Academy, are joining forces to run a writers’ summer school from 9 July, with students spending one week at Bath Spa’s postgraduate centre, the beautiful Corsham Court near Bath, and a further week at Faber and Faber’s offices in Bloomsbury. The course involves writing and editing, then pitching novels to Faber editors, with the help of Professor Maggie Gee of Bath Spa, guest novelist David Nicholls, author of One Day, and a Faber Publishing director. To secure a place on the course, students must take part in a formal application process which includes providing a sample of their prose. More information about the summer school is available at: www.faberacademy.co.uk/ CourseInstances/creative-writingsummer-school-for-writers.

Baths are top attraction in region

CIVIC PRIDE: Cllr Cherry Beath; Katie Smith, visitor services manager; Stephen Clews, manager of the Roman Baths; Lady Cobham, presenting the award; and Stephen Bird, head of heritage services, Bath & North East Somerset Council

The Roman Baths won a silver award in the Large Visitor Attractions in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013 at a ceremony in Manchester. The council-run attraction was the only site in the south west to make it into the national final of the awards category for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. It competed against the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire (Gold), The Cutty Sark (Bronze) and Blenheim Palace (Highly Commended). The baths achieved the highest scores in the south west awards for customer service, sustainability and improvements.

Lettings agent finds a new home Independent residential letting and property management firm Homelets, which has been serving the city of Bath for 21 years, is moving into four floors of newly refurbished premises in George Street.

The company started life in a former bakers store in a basement in Edgar Buildings, but has since grown, employing 15 staff and working with private tenants and landlords as well as the growing student rental

market. Customers won’t find it difficult to find the new offices as Homelets is moving literally just across the road to take over Number 4 George Street, which has been painstakingly refurbished.

Investors show interest in new business club Chelverton Asset Management is preparing to launch Bath’s first professional investors’ club.

Focussing on UK small company investments for high net-worth individuals, the Chelverton Investor Club will hold its inaugural event from 6pm on 6 June at the Holburne Museum.

Managing director and founder of Chelverton, David Horner, said: “We have essentially created the club in response to demand from local investors, who are looking for a more bespoke 66 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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and personal approach to investing in private companies. These investors are actively looking for an attractive, tax efficient investment, which can offer them good, solid returns. The club has been created to fill this gap in the market, with the aim of giving members access to a selection of high quality opportunities in the UK small companies sector. There are some 50 investors signed up to join and we’re already receiving a steady flow of enquiries.”

Chelverton has a strong track record in the investment market with some £150m of funds under management and three industry appraised funds, one of which has more recently achieved a 39 per cent return for investors two years’ running.

For more information and to find out more about the launch event visit: www.chelvertonic.com, or email: clubsecretary@chelvertonic.com.

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Book a creative experience & give back to the community Here at Creativity Works we believe that the journey or process of creativity really can change lives for the better and inspire and empower people to explore, develop and grow.

We are pleased to now be launching a very exciting new range of ‘creative indulgences’ and affordable courses to the general public. From creative spa days to creation of a beautiful willow woven sculpture or inspirational children’s party celebrations. We will work with you and your ideas to tailor-make these activities to your wishes. Our bank of professional artists can provide all art forms from pottery to silk painting to help you explore your inner creative.

Profits generated from these activities will be invested back into our valuable work with those living with mental health challenges or facing difficulties in their lives.

Get in touch to discuss possibilities and treat yourself: 01761 438852 / info@creativityworks.org.uk or visit our website: www.creativityworks.org.uk/creativewell

FIXED FEES – A FAIR DEAL FROM BATH’S INDEPENDENT FAMILY LAWYERS Crallan Family and Divorce Solicitors are an independent firm of specialists whose benchmark is to obtain a fair deal for their clients.

Divorce and separation are not just about the financial implications but the emotional toll it takes on couples and their children. Richard Crallan and his team recognise that fairness, efficiency and integrity are vital factors in supporting their clients and creating long term stability.

Crallans was the first law firm in the UK to offer fixed fees that cover the whole of a divorce case from start to finish. With the abolition of Legal Aid they can guarantee you the best deal on the market. With fixed fees starting from under £3,000 why sign a blank cheque?

Crallan Family & Divorce Solicitors are just a call away. Not only will you get the fairest price but your initial (one hour) consultation is free.

Certainty in uncertain times Crallan Family and Divorce Solicitors 01225 471094 www.crallans.co.uk reception@crallans.co.uk 1 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JZ

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PITMAN TRAINING DIPLOMAS ARE DESIGNED TO GET YOU A GREAT JOB IN YOUR AREA From Admin Assistant to Office Manager From Secretary (incl. Legal & Medical) to Executive PA Or Accounting Technician

With your Pitman Training Diploma, you’ll get: ■ Flexibility to fit your training around home and work commitments

Follow us on

■ Support and encouragement along the way, from our friendly Course Advisors

and

■ The highly regarded Pitman Training name on your CV ■ Confidence that you have the right skills to meet the demands of local employers ■ Peace of mind that you've trained with the UK's top training 'Business Superbrand'

Get the Pitman Advantage™

Looking for your first job or a next step in your career – for a free skills assessment with a friendly course advisor Call us on

01225 462066 or Email: bath@pitman-training.net www.pitman-training.com Thousands of people have successfully undertaken Pitman Training programmes, have a read and watch the videos on our website to discover more about – Why Pitman Training is the best you can get.

Buy-to-let property: own it privately or through a company?

We have been asked this question by clients with their own companies looking to invest profits they generate in property and also by private clients looking to spread their investment portfolios and considering incorporation.

Generally the tax on rent received can be reduced if it is put through a company and where you are otherwise paying income tax at the higher rates – 40% + The downside is that if you are a higher rate tax payer and need to draw that income from the company, you’ll suffer additional personal tax and the benefit is lost.

The position however becomes entirely different if you can retain the profits within a company and time your drawings for future years, when you can manage your income below the higher rate tax thresholds. This may be because of reduced business activities, lower income from other sources or because you have retired and are deferring income from pension funds.

It’s important to remember that you can structure a company’s ownership to allow spouses and family members to receive dividends, spreading the income and the tax burden.

There is an additional benefit. If during ownership the property has increased in value, then when it is sold the Capital Gain is taxable at 20% in the company, whereas personally you could be paying up to 28% Individual circumstances need to be considered properly and the above reviewed as part of your overall tax planning and investment portfolio, together with your expectations regarding future rental and capital growth.

At OCL we have been looking afterSMEs (start ups to turnovers of £3 million) for more than twenty years; we would be pleased to meet you to discuss any tax, financial and accounting matters that would help you, including how we can help you save money.

See our website for more – and download our FREE guides

“OCL Accountancy always provide an excellent level of support in an extremely straightforward and user friendly fashion.Advice is sensible and constructive. It is much more of a partnership than a traditional client relationship which is particularly helpful."

Call Marie Maggs or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL

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www.oclaccountancy.com

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LEGALmatters

ADV ERT OR I AL FEATURE

GUN OWNERSHIP – A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT With gun crime continuing to grab headlines locally and around the world, responsible gun ownership has never been more important. For many, especially in the rural community, gun ownership and use remains a way of life, and indeed a necessity. However penalties for wrongful possession of guns and ammunition do attract draconian criminal sanctions. The licencing regime is central for those who have good reason to possess and use guns, but the rules are complicated. Nicholas Wragg, Solicitor and Higher Rights Advocate at Mowbray City Advocates, examines some of the issues.

Know the Rules Even the most experienced and responsible gun owners can find the rules of firearm possession bewildering, but an innocent mistake is no defence when it comes to guns. Common areas of confusion include what amounts to possessing a gun and the extent to which you can share guns or use another’s gun with their permission.

Legal Possession If you keep a gun on your property, whether you are in the vicinity or not, you are still responsible for its possession. In the UK almost all firearms must be licenced. So for example, even if you have acquired an old gun which has been hidden away and forgotten about you still require a licence and you could well be prosecuted if it is not obtained. The harsh reality of this type of prosecution was observed in the difficult case of Sgt Danny Nightingale who was jailed for 18 months for illegally possessing a wartime pistol and ammunition, given to him as a souvenir by Iraqi soldiers, which he had allegedly forgotten about. His appeal and retrial continues, but this case reminds us of the potential severity of unlawful possession and the real life possibility of facing a minimum sentence of five years in prison.

Antique Firearms For those who deal in or possess antique firearms, unfortunately there is still a great deal of confusion with regards to licencing laws. Both dealers and collectors are at genuine risk of prosecution because of the way that gun ownership laws currently stand. The term ‘antique’ is not defined in the Firearms Act, therefore in real terms this means that possessing an antique gun solely as a collector’s piece, but without a licence, could mean being charged with unlawful possession. This is still a grey area in WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

the law and the consequences can be very serious. Where there is uncertainty advice should be sought by the dealer or a collector to ensure that they stay on the right side of the law.

specialist solicitor can help by drafting carefully prepared representations and references in support of the applicant’s character which will be presented to the Chief Constable in respect of the initial decision to withdraw the licence.

Gun Sharing The law can be complicated even for experienced licence holders and regular shotgun users. With the intricate licensing laws one can easily get caught out. It is reasonably well known that shotguns can be shared or borrowed in limited circumstances, for example in pest control or in sports shooting on an approved range. However, the unwary should be mindful that ‘shotgun’ is very narrowly defined and now excludes multishot semi automatic ‘shotguns’ otherwise popular with farmers and gamekeepers.

Therefore inadvertently sharing such a ‘shotgun’ to shoot clays will cost your licence and a court appearance.

If you have any queries on firearms licensing, or about appealing against a refusal or withdrawal please contact Nicholas Wragg on 01225 400666 or via email at nmw@mowbraycityadvocates.co.uk Mowbray City Advocates specialises in criminal defence cases and is a division of Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors.

Gun Certification If you possess a ‘lethal barrelled weapon’ you need a licence. The UK has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world. If you want to own a gun, it is very difficult to do so. The police handle firearms licences and understandably dedicate an enormous resource to making sure only the right people get one. Shotguns are licenced separately to other firearms, and a licence can be applied for either or both. In any event, every single gun must be registered and licences need to be renewed every five years.

Anyone applying for a licence will be thoroughly checked by the police and a licence will be refused if the applicant is likely to pose a threat to public safety or if they don’t have a good reason to possess each firearm. When a applying for a licence the person’s full medical history and any previous convictions or cautions, however old or minor, including motoring convictions, must be disclosed. Recent examples of refusal, include a man with a drink driving conviction and a man who had previously been prescribed antidepressants, albeit not for the last six years.

Nicholas Wragg, Solicitor and Higher Rights Advocate at Mowbray City Advocates

Lost Licence Appeals The police have a duty to refuse a certificate or withdraw one from anyone they think shouldn’t have one. If you need to appeal against the refusal or revocation of a licence then there will be a hearing in the Crown Court. Such proceedings can be costly and in some cases can be avoided by seeking legal advice before appealing through the Court. In this situation a

Mowbray City Advocates Lower Ground Floor 3 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HG 01225 400666 www.mowbraycityadvocates.co.uk JUNE 2013

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Advertisement feature

We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00

Experts in flooring and tiles join forces

E

stablished Bath business the Tile and Flooring Centre on London Road, Bath, has joined forces with natural flooring specialists Pietra, whose head office is in Holt, near Bradford on Avon, to create a signature one-stop new showroom to showcases both companies’ vast range of flooring options.

“The decision to join forces with Pietra was an easy one,” says Matt Peters, the managing partner of the Bath showroom. “We have had a long standing mutual trading relationship with our new colleagues for a number of years and have seen the Pietra brand reach into the London market where it has established itself with the opening of its Fulham branch in May 2012, which offers a great selection of natural wood and stone flooring. The Bath market for floors has many parallels with the preferences of clients in London and it is hoped that our carefully selected new products will attract and impress our customers in the south west, present and future.”

For many years the London Road showroom has been servicing retail and trade customers with a comprehensive range of ceramics, stone, carpet and vinyl, together with all the accessories needed to lay different flooring.

The site, with its convenient location just outside the city centre, is easy for customers to either view or collect from. The wholesale refurbishment now offers customers the opportunity to see the latest flooring trends together with many traditional favourites.

Alongside the natural stone and wood flooring flooring the showroom is still a first choice destination for clients seeking wall tiling, traditional splash backs and modern bathroom porcelains and mosaics.

Matt Peters adds: “With our employed tiler we can ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible. The days of being given a list of recommended tilers to choose from are now gone. We will also provide you with a fitting service alone if you do happen to purchase your tiles from elsewhere, giving you the piece of mind that your project is fitted professionally, from the correct materials used through to the standard of the tiling and those all important finishing touches.” ■ The Pietra Wood and Stone, and the Tile and Flooring Centre, 1 Mile End, London Road, Bath. BA1 6PT. Tel: 01225 444049.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 4pm.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Why every Cloud has a

Silver Lining

I

n recent years, there has been a huge change in the market in terms of business acceptability of cloud based software solutions, which in turn has led to a difference in the way forward thinking accountants interact and work with their clients. As Debbie Boulton at Richardson Swift has seen, gone are the times where a Sage back up on floppy disk would be passed to your accountant months after the year end, with the production of a set of accounts some months later, bearing no resemblance to how you thought your business had performed. These days, even the smallest of businesses, are able to access accurate management information on a timely basis and receive input from their accountant throughout the year, resulting in no nasty year end surprises. Here, Debbie discusses cloud accounting and outsourcing, how they interlink, and why they would work for your business.

What is Cloud Accounting?

Cloud Accounting, in simple terms, refers to accounting software that is internet based. So as a user this means you don't purchase software up-front that has a CD to install from a box, but you register and log-in to the specific users software from your internet connection. This also means your data file isn't stored on your own computer/network, but is stored on the provider’s server and data storage systems. Some of the market leaders are Xero, Sage One, QuickBooks Online and FreeAgent.

How does this link with Outsourcing?

For accountants embracing cloud technology, and wanting to be a key partner in their client’s business, they can offer SMEs an outsourced solution for their finance function linked with Cloud Accounting. Outsourcing, to some extent, has always happened, with businesses using their accountants for the preparation of their payroll or VAT returns. What Cloud Accounting has allowed, is the scope of outsourced functions to increase, with an easier way to access client data across the internet.

What would be right for my business?

This is something which your accountant will WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

need to assess with you, and can vary from producing quarterly management accounts, to providing a fully outsourced finance department where your accountant and their staff act remotely as your finance function.

For SMEs, Cloud Accounting and Outsourcing enables them to work with their accountant, sharing financial information on a regular basis.

This may take the form of a monthly one page snap shot of your businesses key figures, to a more detailed management accounts pack tailored to your needs. With so many variants available, no business should still just be hearing from their accountant once a year when the tax bill is due!

business just don’t have the time to look after the finances themselves. For a reasonable cost, you can use Cloud Accounting/Outsourcing and be confident the finances of your businesses are up to date and in control. As Debbie says: “One client recently quoted to me ‘I had a clearer picture and understanding of my business within the first month of outsourcing my management accounts to you, than I’d had over four years of being with my previous advisor.’” Now that’s a silver lining!

So where’s the Silver Lining?

There are many benefits to your business of Cloud Accounting, including access to data wherever you are and via numerous devices, no upfront costs, improved functionality such as automatic bank feeds, and sharing of real time information.

Combine this with outsourcing and the result is a powerful tool to ensure your business has timely, accurate financial data whenever it’s needed. And why is this key? Because having meaningful financial information enables you to make informed business decisions, manage your cashflow, carry out accurate tax planning, identify trends in your business, monitor pricing and margins and make changes at the right time and meet your banks/investors need for information.

There are also cost and time savings to be had from outsourcing, with no need to commit to the expense of extra staff, and no concerns about coverage if staff are away. It is also extremely flexible, outsourcing can be scaled up or down as your business changes, with the only change being an adjustment to the monthly fee.

Debbie Boulton

Please contact Debbie Boulton at Richardson Swift to discuss the merits of Cloud Accounting/Outsourcing and receive a FREE no-obligation quote for your business.

Final thoughts With the current economic environment still pretty tough for businesses, being on top of your financial position is key. Yet for most SMEs, the cost of recruiting more finance staff is too high to consider, and the owners of the

www.richardsonswift.co.uk 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL 01225 325 580 JUNE 2013

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FAMILYfun

Writing Whizkids at Waterstones, Bath

Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny at the Merlin Theatre

Tuesday Toddler Trails at Dyrham Park

Here comes the summer sun There are plenty of events and activities on offer for all the family to enjoy this month; from exploring the great outdoors to following Peter Rabbit and friends on a theatrical journey. Use our guide to help plan quality time with your children

Try an instrument

Become a writer

Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradfordon-Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Waterstones, Milsom Street, Bath. www.writingwhizkids.com

Bold As Brass: Discover the Magic of Brass, Sunday 16 June, 3pm Ever wondered how blowing a long loud raspberry down a bit of bent pipe might sound?

Wonder no more – meet five musicians in this fun and interactive concert for families. You’ll hear the amazing range of sounds that brass instruments make. Explore the world of brass with plenty of participation, and the Onyx Brass will play short extracts of well-known music.

Suitable for families with children aged 7 and over.

The egg theatre, Theatre Royal Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Savage Children, Monday 3, Saturday 8, Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 June, please contact the theatre for times These two plays, Wild Girl (9+) and Mirad: The Boy from Bosnia (14+), are the result of a collaboration between The egg, Bristol Old Vic, Dukes Lancaster and Theatr Iolo. Enjoy a double bill of powerful plays about two young people blown out of civilisation and left to fend for themselves. The plays are touring nationally.

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Writing Whizkids is a new relaxed, fun writing club for 6-10 year olds. The class encourages children to tap into their writing talent, and to let their imaginations run wild. It is an opportunity for them to express and discover themselves and develop their confidence and self esteem. The session involves short films, writing games, stimulating images, music, drama, comics and much more to inspire children.

A tale of two tails

Family theatre

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Writing Whizkids, Every Sunday from 30 June, 10.30am – 11.30am

JUNE 2013

The Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome.

Box office tel: 01373 465949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk

Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, Sunday 9 June, 3pm Beatrix Potter’s favourite characters come to life in the outdoor setting of the Merlin’s ECOS amphitheatre. Peter Rabbit knows very well that he is not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden; especially as it was there that his father met his untimely end – put into a pie! But he cannot resist… With live music and all your favourite characters from both Peter Rabbit tales, Quantum Theatre’s new production provides a magical and enchanting experience for young

and old alike. The play will be performed inside if the weather is unsuitable.

American army The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath. Tel: 01225 460503 www.americanmuseum.org

National Donut Day, Saturday 8 June, noon – 5pm The American Museum is celebrating Donut Day with a World War II-themed event for the whole family. Visitors are invited to arrive in 1940s dress, sample a free donut and find out more about the history of this unusual American tradition. Re-enactors from Home Front Histories will take over the grounds and impersonate World War II characters including Red Cross volunteers and American Army personnel. There will also be dance workshops, performances and demonstrations.

The great outdoors Dyrham Park, near Bath.

Tel: 0117 937 2501 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park

Tuesday Toddler Trails, Tuesday 4, 11, 18, & 25 June, 10.45am – 11.30am For some fresh air and family fun, join one of the garden and park trails designed for toddlers; they will learn about shape, colour and numbers while exploring nature.

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Summer Schools in Bath

Drama, Singing and Dancing for children aged 8 and over

For details of how your child can join us, please contact Tristan or Sarah 01761 239185.

Why not to see all the fun we have by visiting our website?

www.curtainup.org.uk • admin@curtainup.org.uk or like us on Facebook for regular updates and fun!

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FIT&FABULOUS

Beach body ready ❶

Esteé lauder’s Bronze Goddess Body Oil (£35 from Jolly’s) is enriched with emollient oils to help provide skin with nourishing goodness.

Luxurious, silky and lightweight, it is infused with the classic Bronze Goddess fragrance – a gorgeous exotic scent reminiscent of a tropical beach – and glides easily onto the skin for the ultimate skin softening experience. Perfect for use after a sun-soaked day.

❷

The essential body buffer: use Lush’s super scrubbing Buffy body butter (£5.95 from the Lush shop) in the shower or bath to ensure skin is smooth and moisturised. Scented with lavender and lemon oil and packed with ground rice, aduki beans and almonds, Buffy gets to grips with stubborn dry skin and also helps boost circulation which helps to beat cellulite for perfect pins.

❸

No-one should even dream of wearing sandals or flip flops on the beach without a splash of colour on their toe nails. Brights and neons are all the rage this season, so head to a Clinique counter to check out the nine limited edition shades in its collection of nail polishes for sensitive skin, formulated to minimise unwanted reactions to the nails, skin and eyes.

The bright green Hula Skirt shade will certainly turn heads, or try the peachy Juiced Up colour with a pair of embellished sandals.

Available at Boots, Jolly’s and Debenhams, £12.

4

❹

Stay safe in the sun: Crème de la Mer’s Reparative Face Sun Lotion SPF 30 (£85, from Jolly’s) is non-greasy and absorbs quickly for high protection to prevent skin damage and ageing.

3

1

SKIN DEEP The latest health and beauty news and product reviews from Samantha Coleman

2 The scent of summer Osmanthus Blossom is a new limited edition fragrance from Jo Malone London that’s perfect for a summer afternoon. Delicately exotic and with a sophisticated sweetness, it will please fans of the recent Sugar and Spice collection. £76, 100ml, from Harvey Nichols, Bristol

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10 years younger Known as the “London Lip Queen”, Dr Rita Rakus has made her name as a leading cosmetic doctor through her sensitive approach to aesthetics and her patients Many signs of ageing on the face can be lessoned by the use of “fillers” to restore natural fullness and volume to multiple areas.

These products can smooth away the lines and folds that occur.

Treatment can usually be performed depending on the filler, with minimal discomfort and downtime. We use various products including Juvederm™ and Restylane™. There is no “one size fits all” and so we invite you in for a free consultation to discuss which of these products would benefit you most as well as fit your budget

the orangery l a s e r

&

b e a u t y

One of Dr Rakus’s associate doctors visits The Orangery Laser and Beauty Clinic, to perform dermal fillers, facial volumisation, hand improvements, muscle inhibitors plus consultations for all our other major treatments. Please visit her website on www.drritarakus.com for information, or telephone The Orangery to make an appointment for your free consultation.

c l i n i c

Tel: 01225 466851 No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.

www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

Treat yourself

This Summer why not have a look into Lifestyle Medical Beauty Clinic in Chapel Row, Bath to see what ‘state-of-the-art’ aesthetic treatments can do for you. Summertime is always a good time to reflect on yourself and decide what you would like to improve – and so many non surgical treatments are available now that can help you look good and feel great. One of the very latest treatments, Dermapen (see www.dermapen.co.uk) will reduce the signs of ageing such as lines and wrinkles or can help to reduce the appearance of scarring such as acne scarring or even surgical scars. It has even been shown to improve the appearance of stretch marks. A full face treatment takes around 1 hour and is completely comfortable but the effects are such that more than 90% of our clients who have had the treatment on the face have reported a definite improvement after even one treatment. Surely it would be worth seeing one of the practitioners in Lifestyle at one of their free consultations just to find out what it can do for you. And if you buy a treatment or course of treatments with Dermapen in June the cost will be half normal price saving £125 per treatment!

Or perhaps you would like to remove facial red veins or unsightly leg veins before the weather starts to improve and legs come out again. Using both laser and microsclerotherapy the clinic can tackle most red veins easily and effectively.

Lifestyle Medical Beauty Clinic obviously offers all the usual treatments you would expect from a leading aesthetic clinic (check the website on www.thelifestyleclinic.co.uk) and maybe some more you wouldn’t expect but whatever treatment you choose you will feel more confident and look and feel great.

Why not call the clinic now on 01225

464005

or email us on enquiries@thelifestyleclinic.co.uk for your free consultation!

Der Half mapen P 2013 rice June s per t ave £125 reatm ent

Laser hair removal : Facial Red Vein Removal : Leg Vein Removal : Injections for lines and wrinkles : Restylane Dermal Fillers : Lip Augmentation : Fat Reduction : Radiofrequency Skin Tightening : Endermologie Cellulite Reduction : Facial Rejuvenation. Scar reduction : Stretch mark reduction : Microdermabrasion

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Teeth Whitening for Men & Women

£99

Your Invitation

We are launching our new Hydraclean Facial

normally £199

Book Hydraclean Facial on Thursday 27th July for

your

The latest technology in teeth whitening used in America

£20

DENTIST APPROVED BB COOL TECHNOLOGY

(normally £45)

Zero Sensitivity, Zero pain, Zero peroxide

Places are limited, so call now to book.

Special offers will be available on the day

50% off

Non Surgical Ultrasonic Liposuction

all IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Treatments

A course of 10 treatments on 1 body area

£199

A course of 10 treatments on 2 body areas

£349

Ultratone A course of 10 Ultratone treatments for inch loss, slimming and toning

£299

The Ultrasound and Ultratone treatments can be used in conjunction with each other for maximum results.

the orangery l a s e r

&

b e a u t y

c l i n i c

Tel: 01225 466851 No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.

www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

*All offers valid until 30th June 2013

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OUT&ABOUT

In Maud’s dry footsteps A widow in the time of King Edward IV had the foresight to leave a legacy that walkers are still enjoying over five centuries later. Andrew Swift explores Maud Heath’s Causeway

W

alking country lanes can be a perilous pastime. High banks, overgrown verges and blind bends provide a less than ideal setting for confrontations between vehicles and pedestrians, and, while most drivers show due consideration, you need to be prepared for those who don’t. There is one four-and-a-half-mile stretch of road in Wiltshire, however, which need hold no fear for walkers, thanks to a 539-year-old legacy.

In 1474, a childless widow, Maud Heath left money to build and maintain a causeway from Wick Hill to Chippenham. She amassed some wealth selling eggs and used to walk to market several times a week. In her will she left money for the path, with the intention of providing country folk with a way of getting to market without getting their feet wet. Today, her gift allows them to walk into town without keeping a constant look out for traffic.

Thou who dost pause on this aerial ❝ height Where Maud Heath’s Pathway winds in shade and light, Christian wayfarer in a world of strife, Be still and consider the Path of Life

❞

Poem by William Lisle Bowles

Our walk starts in Chippenham, heading across fields and along an old railway line, before striking out along the edge of an escarpment and returning along Maud Heath’s Causeway. Although Chippenham has plenty of car parks, it also has a half-hourly train service from Bath, and it is at the railway station that our walk starts.

Turn right out of the station down Station Hill. Turn left and carry on along New Road, over the bridge and up the High Street. At the top of the High Street, bear left and continue left into St Mary Street, one of the bestpreserved parts of Chippenham, with some impressive buildings. Carry straight on along The Butts and Baydons Lane. At the end, when you are faced with a choice of two footpaths, bear left through a gateway. When you reach a blue footbridge, don’t cross it but bear right across Baydon’s Meadow. Carry on past a play area and take the footpath beyond the 78 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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yellow gate at the far end of it (ST928727). Carry on past the entrance to the sailing and canoeing club, cross a squeeze stile and head across a field, making for a distant building with a pylon behind it.

When you reach the far corner of the field, ignore a gap in the hedge on the left, but cross a stile ahead and carry on with the hedge on your left.

Carry on into the next field, heading to the right of a corrugated iron shed.

Cross a stile (ST934730), turn left and follow a farm track as it weaves past Harden’s Farm. After 600 metres, a cycle path crosses the track (ST939734). This is the old railway line from Chippenham to Calne, along which you turn right. After 1,500 metres, the path goes under a bridge and winds up to the right (ST953726). Turn right along the road and cross the railway bridge. Carry on across a bridge over the River Marden. Ignoring a turning to Tytherton, carry on past a Primitive Methodist Chapel as the road starts to climb steeply.

After passing a house with an 1890 datestone on the left and a farm on the right, the road curves left. The views are superb, with the Cherhill Monument on the horizon ahead. After the road swings back to the right, go through a metal gate on the left (ST964729). Bear left, following a bridleway sign and keep alongside the fence as it curves right to follow the edge of the escarpment, with panoramic views northward. Go through a gate into a cow pasture and carry on through five more gates, after which you will see Monument Farm ahead, with a monument to Maud Heath to the left. Head for the clump of pines ahead (ST973736). When you reach the road, cross the field for a closer look at the monument. Erected in 1838, it bears a poem whose quality, according to Pevsner’s Guide to Wiltshire, matches that of the statue on top.

From here, head down the road to start your walk along Maud Heath’s Causeway. Once you reach the bottom of the hill it is also very flat – easy to imagine how muddy it must have been over five centuries ago.

After 1,000 metres, look out on the left for a strip of water, part of the old Wilts & Berks Canal. At East Tytherton, where the causeway turns left at a T junction, there is an unusual sundial and some delightful buildings, including a Moravian settlement founded in 1745, with a chapel flanked by two houses. As you head west from East Tytherton, the causeway switches from the right-hand side of the road to the left and back again, before arriving at Kellaways. Just past the chapel of St Giles, the causeway runs high above the road on a series of brick arches. By the bridge over the Avon is another monument to Maud, erected in 1698, with the

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OUT&ABOUT

OPPOSITE: CENTURIES OLD: part of Maud Heath’s Causeway at Kellaways, with the St George’s chapel A WIDOW’S GIFT: above, the view from the escarpmet, and, right, the crude statue of Maud Heath

exhortation, ‘Injure me not’.

The arches continue on the other side of the bridge before the causeway drops down to road level. Shortly after this, it runs through a tunnel under something Maud Heath never envisaged – the GWR main line to London.

After passing through Langley Burrell (and the Langley Tap pub), turn left at the T junction along the B4069 to return to Chippenham. Look out as you come to a roundabout with St Paul’s Church on the right and the Little George pub ahead, for a plaque on the left marking the end of the causeway. From here, cross the road ahead and head along Old Road to return to the station. ■

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FURTHER INFORMATION ■ ■ ■ ■

Length of walk: ten miles Approx time: four to five hours Map: OS Explorer 156 Refreshment stops: Langley Tap, Langley Burrell.

Open Mon-Thurs, 12-3, 6-12; Fri-Sun, all day from noon. Food served till 3pm (4pm Sunday) and from 6pm. Tel: 01249 652707

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Advertisement feature

CITYinteriors

Whatever the weather A

fter last year’s wash-out summer, you can’t help but wonder if we’ll get enough warm, sunny days to give us the chance to enjoy our gardens this year. But while we can’t control the weather, we can make the most of our homes and gardens, even if the summer does end up soggy rather than sunny.

With the desire for open plan living and the need to maximise every inch of space, a conservatory from Crystal Clear could be a stylish way to make the most of your garden. An individually designed conservatory offers additional flexible living space, providing an extra dining room for meals while looking out over the garden; a playroom close to the kitchen; or simply somewhere to relax and enjoy the daylight streaming in – the options are endless.

A conservatory can complement the style of any home. With the wide range of styles available, there’s a conservatory to suit every age of home and a conservatory specialist from Crystal Clear can create a 3D image and superimpose it onto a photo of your property so you can see what it would look like.

Choose from a wide range of colours, designs and upgraded materials, including the latest generation of high spec Ambience Glass, which helps keep your conservatory cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a useful living space that can be enjoyed all year round, as well as offering you the opportunity to bring the outside in and take full advantage of your garden space.

If you’re looking for additional living space, an orangery offers a stylish solution; particularly when the

requirement is for a design that is sympathetic to your existing home. It differs from a conservatory which has walls mainly of glass, as it features side elevations partly constructed from solid building material.

An orangery can look as if it has always been part of the existing building and costs less than a traditional extension, while being lighter and more distinctive.

With the right permissions, it can become a kitchen, a family room or simply extra living space and it works equally well in traditional and contemporary settings.

Lantern roofs allow light to flood down from above and through tall windows, creating a bright space.

Orangeries are frequently used as kitchen extensions incorporating bi-folding doors, allowing the whole of one side to be opened up to your garden. More than a simple door; bi-fold doors create both space and potential, transforming living space by removing the barriers between the inside and outside.

A conservatory or orangery with bi-fold doors is an investment that will add value to your home, as well as making more of your living space. Even during the winter you can enjoy the view through bi-fold doors while remaining in the warmth of your home.

The team at Crystal Clear can manage all necessary building work, plumbing, electrics, and decorating to complete the project, working to specific designs, individual requirements, agreed budgets and planned timescales ensuring the standard of installation and aftercare is as good as the products installed.

Make more of your home and garden, come rain, wind or shine. ■

ALFRESCO DINING: bi-folding doors bring the outside closer

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LET THERE BE LIGHT: Crystal Clear’s bespoke conservatories can be designed for all kinds of spaces

Contact us: Crystal Clear 22a Emery Road Brislington Bristol BS4 5PF Tel: 0117 971 7880 Email: info@crystalclearbristol.co.uk Visit: www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk

GARDEN ROOM: enjoy a barbecue come rain or shine

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INTERIORdesign

All the world’s a roomset...

Melissa Blease meets Bath based interior designer Claire Rendall who has created some beautiful homes all over the world, from Bloomfield Crescent to Sydney Harbourside

F

rom creating a new retail outlet entrance for London’s Royal Opera House to the sleek, hi tech makeover of a glorious contemporary Sydney Harbourside mansion, by way of a furniture design residency for Lord Bath at Longleat House, a spell in the TV prime time spotlight on BBC1’s DIY SOS and a total refurbishment of her own domestic environment on one of Bath’s most characterful crescents, interior designer Claire Rendall has a rich, varied and very stylish career. But for this very glamorous west country girl, home is most definitely where the heart is. “Wherever I go in the world, I’m always reminded how lucky I am to live in Bath,”she says, as she takes me on a tour of her new home, “the city is in my blood – I love it here.”

Claire bought her first Bath home, a maisonette in Southcot Place, in 1989. “It’s a characterful affair featuring high ceilings, marble fireplaces and views of the Abbey – and you can be on the railway station platform in less than five minutes, which was perfect when I was commuting between here and London on a very regular basis,” she says. Claire’s first home was such a special personal landmark that she still retains ownership of it today. But between her Widcombe days and her recent move to a personality-laden manor on the outskirts of the Heritage City, Claire enjoyed a 13-year long residency in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on Bloomfield Crescent, complete with separate coach house, secret walled garden and panoramic views across Bath.

She says: “Bloomfield Crescent is one of Bath’s least known Georgian crescents, built in the 1780s and known as Cottage Crescent for most of its life. When my partner Peter moved to Bath, we needed more space and wanted a project to work on together,” – and they certainly got what they wished for. “When we moved in, the house was in a really sorry state. We ripped the woodchip away, took out all the synthetic blockages and let the building breath.

“We uncovered flagstone floors, the original oak staircase and delicate cornicing. We installed an Aga in the basement kitchen and let the building work in the way it was originally designed to work. Interiors wise, it was a bit of a challenge because the 82 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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rooms are all actually quite small, so I opted for lots of soft, duck egg blues, neutral linens and natural flooring.”

As a result of all that hard work, the house became a showcase for Claire’s inimitable flair for style and attention to unique detail. But Bloomfield Crescent was not, as it turned out, to be a ‘forever’ house. “After many years of city living, we decided it was time to spread out a bit,” says Claire, who waved goodbye to Bloomfield Crescent last autumn. “Our new house is so well built,” she says, as we explore the split-level twists, turns and quirks of her new environment.

“I never thought I could live in anything that wasn’t Georgian, but this is Lutyens, and I love it. Stone mullion windows, flagstone floors, a spectacular oak staircase, open fires and lovely big, airy rooms, all surrounded by woodland, wildlife and views across a beautiful valley; so far, this house is my idea of bliss.”

MARKET HERITAGE: the outside is as important as the inside as with the Sydney Harbourside home

I’ve just fitted a home automation system that ❝ allows my client to control the entire house – . . . from their iPad, anywhere in the world

❞

But as much as Claire loves their spectacular new home, she plans to restyle it in her own, very particular fashion – a passion that has endured since her childhood days. “When I was bored as a kid, I’d knock down walls and build towers in my head. My mum was – and still is – continually redecorating the house, so I think I get a lot of the confidence to change things from her. So yes, there’ll be plenty of changes in the new house. We plan to get a lot of the exterior landscaping done this summer. As for the interior: when we first moved in, it was a bit like living in a traditional bed and breakfast house – all dark colours and patterned curtains. So we’re gradually moving through each room and redecorating the walls in soft chalky white tones to complement the oak doors and natural flooring.

“We want to give it a more contemporary feel too, so I’ve

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INTERIORdesign

SETTING THE STAGE: left, lighting is used to create drama in the Art Deco inspired bedroom Right, book matched carrera marble in the Sydney bathroom

sourced some fabulous Aboriginal paintings. It’s all really exciting.”

Back in Claire’s busy professional world, her current project involves a regular, 13,000 mile shuttle between the UK and Sydney, her second Australian commission in as many years.

“It’s quite a commute, but it’s fabulous to be working on such a huge scale in such a glamorous location. For both Sydney projects, I’ve remodelled the outside terraces and swimming pools as well as the interior spaces. The spaces are huge, the light is bright, and I’m using massive indigenous and contemporary paintings, oversized furniture and really exciting fabrics from a producer in the Philippines.

“For me, the drama should start as soon as you step foot on the property, and set the tone. But so much of what I do has to do with the technical side of new products, too. People often

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

think interior design is only all about colours and soft furnishings, but what I create incorporates cutting edge technology. I’ve just fitted a home automation system that allows my client to control the entire house – security, lighting, air conditioning, music and automatic watering systems – from their iPad, anywhere in the world. That’s fun. And lighting is a particular passion of mine – it’s so important, and sets the entire mood of any given space.”

So, will any aspect of Claire’s new HQ be a showcase for her work? “Ah, that’s the other thing people expect from a designer,” she laughs. “They sometimes expect my house to be the pinnacle of chic – which is, of course, a matter of personal taste. Maybe there will be some ideas to showcase here, but for now, it’s fun to trial fabulous ideas before taking them to a client.” ■ For more information visit: www.clairerendall.com

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Nigel Lucas Professional Painter and Decorator

Email: Nigel.lucas24@gmail.com Mob: 07970 464670 Landline: 01761 233963 Web: www.nigellucas.org.uk

LIGHTING SPECIALIST

8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK

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GLOBALgardening

Necessity is head gardener On a recent trip to the Caribbean west country gardener Rebecca Pow visited allotments in Cuba, where she saw self-sufficiency and sustainability in action and brought back some inspiration for Bath gardeners

A

s I came back to the west country from London the other day on the train I was struck by the number of people busy at work in their allotments. You get a bird’s eye view from the train as many allotment sites run alongside the railway lines. I think it would be fair to say that for many of us vegetable growing is more of a hobby than a necessity but I’ve recently been to Cuba, where food grown on allotments makes a crucial contribution to people’s daily diets, providing valuable nutrients in a country where food is rationed and trade with much of the rest of the world is cut off.

Self-sufficiency and sustainability are the name of the game on the 11-hectare Vivero Organoponico Alamar urban allotment site in downtown Havana, Cuba’s capital. The vivid green vibrancy of the extensive area of raised vegetable beds packed with crops was in stark contrast to the surrounding Soviet style apartment blocks, which are home to many of the 174 people who work in the allotment co-operative. The collapse of the Soviet Union combined with the US trade embargo drastically affected Cuba in the early 1990s, and the country was left with insufficient food as well as dwindling supplies of fertiliser, insecticides and fuel for cars and modern machinery.

Faced with the crisis of the Special Period, an organic revolution began to take place as the government realised that the only way out of the crisis was through self-sufficiency. So the Cuban government introduced Organoponicos, organic urban market gardens, like the one I visited, giving land and water to co-operatives in return for a share of the crops. The allotment site and its associated enterprises churn out fruit, vegetables, herbal medicines, pickles, spices and preserves, rabbit meat, mushrooms, various composts and even mycorrhizal fungi.

As a gardener I appreciate that the key to successful crops lies in nurturing your basic growing material, the soil, and here they do it with amazing results enabling each bed to produce four crops a year, for example aubergines are followed by green 86 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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beans, then tomatoes and finally cabbage. This is extremely intensive and yet I was impressed by the health and vigour of the plants. The key is the addition of copious quantities of homemade worm compost to every raised bed between each crop. At home, wormeries tend to be cute bucket-sized operations fed with kitchen waste, but in Cuba the wormeries were on the grandest scale I have ever seen.

On a 90-day system an army of red composting worms chomp their way through vast quantities of cow manure in enormous troughs beneath the shade of palm thatched roofs. Initially hot humid conditions are induced to encourage the worms to reproduce, then the sprinklers are switched off, the troughs covered and the worms left to retreat enabling the perfect, odour free worm compost to be removed ready for spreading on the veg beds. It really was fantastic stuff. This, together with an additional compost made from a mix of waste plant material and chopped sugar cane husk broken down naturally by soil organisms, forms the bedrock of the organic system.

CUBAN SPIRIT: the islanders work hard to grow their own food

the Cuban government introduced ❝ Organoponicos, organic urban market gardens . . . giving land and water to co-operatives in return for a share of the crop

❞

Every conceivable crop is grown, including aubergines, manioc, bananas, sugar cane, pak choi, lettuce, carrots, beetroot, onions and green beans. The leaves of sweet potatoes are harvested to feed the caged rabbits which provide a much needed supply of meat. Avocados, coffee and mango also dot the leafy site between stands of royal palm trees. Experiments are even underway to try and coax peaches and figs to adjust to growing

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GLOBALgardening

INTENSE WORK: armed with gardening tools and a fine Cuban cigar Centre, Rebecca looks in vain for pests Right, this gardener is 80 years old

in the more tropical Cuban climate. Extensive beds of herbs fill acres too, these are used in the kitchen but are also crucial for their medicinal properties and everyone is knowledgeable in their applications, for example, anis tea is used to treat colic in babies, aloe vera for skin complaints and plantain for liver conditions.

I didn’t see a single pest anywhere, which means the biological pest control must be working. A dozen species of ladybirds bred and released to wage war on any pests. Companion planting is used, with marigolds and zinnias grown alongside beds to attract aphids away from the crops. Onions and shallots are grown beside some crops, to deter unwanted pests with their smell.

I have developed my own methods for seed sowing but I’ve got nothing on the ladies here who sow every crop from seed, using their exquisitely painted, long nails to drop one seed at a time into the modules of potting compost. This organic potting

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

compost is mixed up in great piles incorporating wood humus, rice husk and the magical ingredient – mycorrhizal fungus which prevents disease. Judging by the phenomenal root systems that develop on the plants the fungus must be working.

Once the plants are finally planted out they are tended like babies, with many of the elderly workers (several over 80 years old) weeding around them by hand.

The allotment project in Cuba is a long way from our shores but is a splendid example of how organic growing can be practised on a large scale in an urban environment. It produces healthy food at fair prices and creates jobs for all ages and is an enviable model of sustainability and self-sufficiency, which perhaps we should be taking seriously in the light of world food shortages and a growing need to produce more food at home. ■ Visit: www.rebeccapow.com

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PETcorner

Are our pets are secret eaters?

L

ike human obesity in the western world obesity in our pets is rising too. Some estimate that as many as half the pet population is currently overweight with a significant percentage considered clinically obese. Part of the problem is the average daily amount of food we are feeding them. Most people tend to think that dogs and cats need a bowl of food daily but how much is in one bowl of food? Little do we realize that portion size and between meal snacks play a major part in the excessive amounts of calories consumed. Just imagine feeding your little pet a chipolata as a between meal treat. Sounds quite innocuous right?

Actually this amount of food for a small dog is equivalent to a human eating a 12 oz steak in one sitting. Now if they had two or three.... well you can see how serious the problem is.

To estimate just how much your pet needs in calories on a daily basis you need to calculate their Resting Metabolic Rate, which is the amount of calories needed in 24 hrs to maintain normal body function when they are simply resting. Weigh your pet in kilograms first.

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) = 70 + (wt in kg x 30) After calculating their resting rates multiply these factors to get the daily energy requirement in calories for maintaining a healthy stable weight: 1.6 x RMR = Neutered Adult 1.8 x RMR = Un-neutered Adult 1.4 x RMR = Individuals prone to obesity (genetic predisposition or breeds) For example, a 5 kg neutered Jack Russell or a medium sized cat would have a RMR of 352 calories, the approximate number of calories in one large skinless chicken breast. And if you add rice to their diet you could be doubling the amount of calories consumed. One cup of dry dog food can contain between 300 to 500 calories. Remember the treats too, as dog biscuits range from 15 to 100 calories per biscuit! One of the worst culprits for piling on the calories are the chewy joint sticks for older dogs with arthritic ailments as they contain supplements like fish oils. One joint chew a day can add up quickly so try breaking them in half or use a food with the additives already included. Most clients will admit to giving their pets a few extra treats but remember that the problem lies with the amount and most of us don’t actually weigh out or count the number of biscuits that we let our dogs have in one day. Exercise will however make a difference as to how many calories your pet can consume but if you have an indoor cat or an older inactive dog then you will need to be even more vigilant.

So we need to take sole responsibility of the weight of our pet. They would likely eat as much as they are given and we are likely to feed them more than they require; an unfortunate fact which we need to come to terms with. If you have an obese prone pet calculate their daily caloric requirements, weigh out their daily food rations including treats, in advance and stick to it. You can weigh your pet at the vet on a bi-monthly basis to get some idea of how the diet plan is working.

So do you think you are making your pet a secret eater? Only you can be the judge of that.

If you have any questions, local vet Jenny Keen will be pleased to help and can be contacted on 01225 428921. All Bath Vet Group surgery contact details and further information are available at www.bathvetgroup.co.uk.

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Physiotherapy, Pilates, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Psychotherapy, Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Osteopathy, Life & Executive Coaching, Shiatsu íˇĄ Professionally qualified, experienced practitioners íˇĄ City centre location with good car parking íˇĄ Rooms to hire

Alexander House, James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT T: 01225 313153 • E: nick@bathnaturalhealthclinic.co.uk www.bathnaturalhealthclinic.co.uk

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Heat Resistant

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Our beautiful Granite finish surfaces are only 7mm thick and are expertly laid over and around your existing worktops transforming Your kitchen In just one day...and we dont stop there.

For complete peace of mind we offer a full range of sinks, taps and appliances to complete your transformation.

For your free home survey and no-obligation quotation call us today

01225 738425

AMAZING WORKTOP TRANSFORMATIONS

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the directory

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499 Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Baby Equipment

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Baby Equipment Hire in and around Bath ENJOY A GREAT MAGAZINE WITH GREAT COFFEE

www.babyquip-bath.co.uk 07528 074960

Electricians

House & Home

The Furniture Care People.

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

SWIM+SMILE Strain–free swimming with the Shaw Method – based on the Alexander Technique.

Individual lessons for adults in peaceful pools. Improve your stroke or learn another.

www.swimandsmile.co.uk trisha@swimandsmile.co.uk Trisha 01225 480970

Acupuncture for Fertility, support alongside IVF, Pregnancy and Womens Health.

Holly Woodward (MBAcC, Reg Nurse) is an experienced fertility acupuncturist, having worked for leading fertility expert Zita West.

Furniture, door, wood and metal stripping.

Restoration techniques, unique non-toxic, non caustic System 2000. Suitable for both hard and soft wood. Non harmful.

Recommended for Grade I Listed buildings

Our customers range from Home Owners to the V&A Museum

Franchise of the year award

Call Maria on 01225 315541 • www.kwikstrip.biz

Call Holly on 07759 684552 Address: The Practice Rooms, 26 Upper Borough Walls.

Situated above ‘Lush’.

E: holly.woodward@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollywoodward.co.uk

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ONEMAGAZINEONECITYONEMONTH

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Feature your business or service in full colour and reach Bath’s biggest readership Our monthly shelf life means The Bath Magazine lasts longer and keeps working Here’s our basic price list.

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

M

iddle Twinhoe Cottage is situated in an idyllic setting with panoramic views of some of the loveliest countryside in the region. Set in approximately three acres on the edge of Midford, the property is bursting with character and charm, with latched doors, log burning stoves, exposed beams and window seats. Originally two cottages, this is now a good sized family home. The accommodation is flexible, over two floors and currently offers three reception rooms, conservatory, study, two kitchens, utility area, shower room, two bathrooms and four bedrooms. The property has previously been arranged as a three bedroom house with a selt contained one bedroom annex. The grounds of the cottage are a delightful mix of mature gardens, fruit trees, flowers, vegetable plot etc with the added bonus of a heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddock. There is a carport and ample off road parking and finally, a beautiful old barn which would be ideal for conversion subject to planning and consents. This really is a little piece of family heaven and viewing is highly recommended by agents Pritchards.

MIDDLE TWINHOE COTTAGE MIDFORD. NR BATH • Charming country cottage in idyllic setting with beautiful views • Four bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Large barn with conversion potential • Paddock • Heated outdoor swimming pool • Large garden, with fruit trees in all 3 acres

Price: £1,100,000

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225 WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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W NE Limpley Stoke. £750,000 Dating from circa 1815 an unusually rare opportunity to live in an outstanding house that has been in the same family since 1896. Large gardens and grounds designed & landscaped to be reasonably low maintenance. Far reaching views over woods, farmland and the beautiful Avon Valley.

Four bedrooms, three receptions and study. Timber built double garage & ample parking. Impeccably situated and not one to miss.

W NE Bradford-on-Avon. £595,000 Handsome four storey Victorian townhouse with jaw dropping panoramic views over the town & beyond. The accommodation is well presented with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and cloakroom. Three good receptions, one with access to the sunny South facing garden. On street parking.

Positioned on the popular north side of town with access to Bath, the A4 and M4. Essential viewing material. EPC: D

☎ 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

pritchard-partners.co.uk

Entry Hill Drive

Orchardleigh, Nr Frome (Bath 11m approx)

An impressive five bedroom semi detached family home dating back to the 1840’s and offering great potential to create additional accommodation within the lower ground floor (subject to the necessary permissions being granted).

Entrance hall with fabulous cantilevered staircase, drawing room, kitchen/diner, utility room, cloakroom, family room/snug, master bedroom with en suite shower room, four further bedrooms and a bathroom. Enclosed gardens. Off street parking.

Gross Int. Area 3744 sq ft/ 348 sq m.

A quietly located detached family home set in large gardens with 1.5 acre approx paddock. Beautifully presented property with large barn - currently car port for 3 vehicles to one side with the other side being two storey, ideal for development (subject to the nec. consents).

Kitchen/diner, living room, sitting room, garden room, utility, WC, 4 bedrooms 1 en suite & family bathroom. Mature level gardens & ample parking. Countryside views.

Int area 1804 sq 167.6 sq m.

Guide Price: £850,000

Price: £695,000

Perrymead

Marshfield

A most attractive detached period house enjoying wonderful open views in a peaceful semi rural “no through road”, less than a mile from the centre of Bath.

A modern 4 bed family home, enjoying countryside views. Flexible accommodation & well presented throughout. Popular village location only 8m approx from Bath and good access to M4.

Well presented accommodation, retaining a wealth of charm and character. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility/cloakroom. Delightful West facing courtyard garden. Secure off street parking for 2 cars.

Guide Price: £625,000 Scan to access our Website Homepage

PRITCHARDS June.indd 1

Contemporary kitchen opening to sitting room & 2 stylish bathrooms. Parking for 2.

Private south facing garden backing onto 1½ acres of communal gardens.

Approx int. area:1179 sq ft/109.5 sq m.

Price: £369,500 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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ZEST June:Layout 6

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This year we have been acting for several new landlords who have discovered that we can save them and make them money and provide them the peace of mind they’re looking for – essentially we make the whole process easier.

Far be it from us to blow our own trumpet though: we’re far happier when someone else does it for us. Below is an interview given by a client of ours to James Tribe of the ‘Best of Bath’.

James Tribe of ‘the Best of’ said ‘I am delighted to announce that Zest have made ‘The Top 5 Most Loved Letting Agents’ across the whole of Britain.’ Zest have also placed in ‘The Top 10 Most Loved Businesses in Bath’ across all categories.’

Zest have also recently been selected as one of four finalists in the 2013 Bath Life Awards Zest Property has recently been featured successfully in a 2013 business poll.

The poll which was carried out by www.thebestof.co.uk asked businesses and individuals to vote for their favourite companies.

James T: I understand sometime ago you moved your property to Zest?

Vaughm M: ‘Yes I’m 100% happy with the service from Zest. I had a property to let in Larkhall in Bath and I went to another well-known agent in Bath (which I will not name). After 9 weeks they still hadn’t found me any tenants, nor had they kept me informed about what was going on. It was only after repeated phone calls from me that they took any action. Enough was enough and I fired them.

James T: What made you try Zest?

Vaughm M: ‘The office of Zest Lettings is very close to the flat I was letting out and I thought I might as well give them a go. They found me tenants within 24 hours and they were also very interested in what I wanted. They also kept me informed all the way. I was so impressed I asked them to manage the property for me, which they do with total efficiency and professionalism. They send me regular monthly financial statements; they deal with any issues promptly and always respond to my call or emails very quickly. If I’m away and something happens they look after my property really well. I really find them terrific; definitely the best letting agents I have come across.’

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Bathwick Hill £1,850pcm

Central £1,500pcm EW N

EW N

*BRAND NEW MEWS PROPERTY* offers exceptional accommodation in a quiet street just a few minutes walk from the city centre.

This 3 bed has just been completely renovated, decorated and carpeted and offers luxury accommodation in a beautiful environment.

Weston £1,350pcm

Larkhall £925pcm EW N

Large, fully furnished, quality family 4 bed home situated in Weston.

Brand new kitchen, new double glazing and updated family bathroom. 2 Double bedroom and a 3rd single/childs room/study

Royal Crescent A truly unique opportunity to experience the splendour and grandeur of one of Bath’s most extraordinary townhouses in a setting synonymous with Bath. This wonderfully restored five bedroom Grade I Listed Georgian property in the world renowned Royal Crescent is arranged over four floors and is bursting with exceptional period features and charm.

Rent: ÂŁ8,500 pcm stunning entrance hallway | magnificent first floor living room | dining room | drawing room | 3 further reception rooms | beautiful & contemporary fitted kitchen | 5 double bedrooms (3 en-suite) | 2 bathrooms | 2 cloakrooms | enclosed garden Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Lansdown Road, Bath

£3,750 pcm

An immeculate 5 bedroom detached property in the sought after location of Lansdown.

The house has just been completed and is finished to a luxurious high standard. The ground floor comprises of; spacious reception hallway, study, cloakroom, drawing room and large kitchen/family room. Upstairs the luxurious master suite benefits from a dressingroom as well as a magnificent en suite bathroom. There are a further 4 bedrooms.

Outside the private rear garden boasts lovely views across open countryside.

• 5 Bedrooms • Master en suite • Family Bathroom • Kitchen/Family Room • Drawing Room • Garden and Double Garage

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

Hamptons Letting June.indd 1

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Fidelis

Timsbury

£279,950

Period 3 Bedroom Stone Cottage with Fabulous Countryside Views Living Room | Kitchen / Breakfast Room | Dining Room | Utility | 3 Double Bedrooms | Family Bathroom with Large Separate Shower Enclosure | Cloakroom | Beamed Ceilings | Log Burner | Pretty South Facing Garden with Patio | EPC Rating E

Ivy Avenue

£269,950

A Generous 4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Family Home Nestled in a Popular Cul-de-Sac Open Plan Living/Dining Room | Kitchen | Cloakroom | 4 Bedrooms (1 with en-suite Shower Room) | Family Bathroom | Terraced Garden | Single Garage | Driveway Parking | EPC Rating C

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk

01225 421000

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis June.indd 1

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Fidelis W NE ME HO

W NE ICE PR

Farmborough

ÂŁ289,950

Brand New Detached 3 Bedroom Family Home in the Heart of the Village Living Room | Kitchen / Dining Room | Cloakroom | Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room | 2 Double Bedrooms | Single Bedroom | Bathroom | Driveway Parking for 3 cars | Attractive and Enclosed Rear Garden | NHBC 10 Year Building Guarantee | EPC Rating B

D

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Lower Oldfield Park MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk

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Wells Road MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED

01225 421000

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis June.indd 2

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BLOOMFIELD PARK

ÂŁ775,000

Beautiful and super-stylish family home, built in the late 1920s and with a distinct 'Arts and Crafts' feel in one of South Bath's most sought after residential neighbourhoods. Significant enlargement and remodelling give this property excellent period detail and modern flair.

Hall, sitting room, open-plan living/dining and kitchen, cloakroom. 3 first floor bedrooms (main bedroom with en-suite shower room) and family bathroom. Attic space with 2 further bedrooms (with en-suite shower room). Landscaped gardens, single garage and additional off-street parking.

KIPLING AVENUE

ÂŁ455,000

Enjoy the gourgeous tree-lined Avenues of Poet's Corner with this beautifully appointed Edwardian home. Perfectly positioned for a stroll to the City of Bath, excellent schools and parks and the Bohemian buzz of Bear Flat.

Hallway, sitting room, dining room/playroom, kitchen/breakfast, cloakroom, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, gardens.wer room.

1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 4QW

01225 422 224

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FORESTER AVENUE,BATHWICK

ÂŁ465,000

This much refurbished and attractive semi-detached house is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac location in this extremely sought after part of Bathwick. Excellent proximity to Sydney Gardens, Henrietta Park and a level walk to the City of Bath..

Hall, sitting room, open-plan kitchen/dining and family space, small utility and cloakroom. Main bedroom with ensuite shower room, 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom. Gardens and off-street parking.

BLOOMFIELD AVENUE

ÂŁ475,000

Fantastic, detached modern home with a secluded and tucked-away position just minutes from the many shops and services of Bear Flat.

Good sized gardens, excellent parking and garage are a distinct bonus.

Entrance porch, hallway, sitting room, dining room, TV room, kitchen, utility, 3 double bedrooms, bathroom and cloakroom. Surrounding gardens and parking for 2 vehicles. No onward chain.

www.mark-naylor.com

email: homes@mark-naylor.com

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

ER D R UN FFE O

Prior Park Buildings, Bath

Guide Price £995,000

Multiple Offers Received - A four bedroom beautifully restored townhouse situated within the much admired Prior Park Buildings with its attractive gardens, walkway and gently flowing stream. The ground floor is laid out and designed as the perfect informal open plan kitchen and dining area with direct access to the terrace, whilst the first floor is beautifully presented and, like the rest of this handsome home, has been carefully refurbished to enhance the fine period features. Approximate gross sq.ft. 2,153.

• 4 Bedrooms • 3 Receptions • Grade II Listed • Thoughtfully Restored • Handsome Terrace • Garden and Garage

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

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Atworth, Wiltshire

Guide Price £1m

A handsome five bedroom Grade II Listed barn conversion benefitting from a stunning full height atrium reception hall with two glazed double doors on each side of the house opening into the gardens as well as a separate drawing room and stunning kitchen/family room. Situated on the edge of this popular village, the property further benefits from a wonderful garden, private parking and far reaching countryside views.

Approximate gross sq.ft. 3,003.

• 5 Bedrooms • 4 Receptions • Barn Conversion • Wonderful Features • Garden with Views • Adjacent to Countryside

Hamptons Sales June.indd 2

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Brock Street

“Twenty years ago we decided to leave the crowded South-East, and took a train to a city we didn’t know but which was described as the Queen of the West: Bath.We walked around and were enchanted by the way the sun flickered on the golden Bath ashlar stone.There was always something unusual – a curiously shaped boot scraper, a torch-snuffer, a little shelter for the sedan chairmen.We walked along Gravel Walk, in Victoria Park leading from the Royal Crescent towards Gay Street, looking at the backs of the Brock Street houses and stopped at one with fine Venetian windows on the first floor.There was something breathtaking about the beauty of this house (John Wood the Younger knew what he was doing when he built Brock Street to link the Circus to the Royal Crescent in an architectural wonderland of elegance in 1767-1770) and we went at once to the estate agent.

We made an offer that afternoon. It was the best thing we ever did.The apartment was the ultimate in Georgian grace with high ceilings, working shutters and beautiful Venetian windows which let the light pour in.The views onto the south facing gardens with Victoria Park behind made the flat seem an oasis in the middle of the city: it was so quiet, yet so central. Outside the sitting room was a perfect patio for eating whatever we cooked on the barbecue, and enjoying the glorious sunshine. And the lovely garden, where everything grew as soon as it was planted – the lilac tree, the roses, the vegetable plot where we grew beans, potatoes and tomatoes, the raspberry bushes and the lawn where our grandchildren used to play bowls, and if Grandpa was feeling more energetic, football.

With four bedrooms and three bathrooms there was always plenty of room for friends and family to stay, and the location of No.10 at the heart of Georgian Bath between its two most famous architectural features, the Royal Crescent and the Circus, meant that we had a constant stream of visitors.

We were two minutes from the galleries and restaurants of Margaret’s Buildings and St. James’s, a five minute walk, provided an excellent deli, organic greengrocer, newsagent and chemist. Apart from the many superb restaurants in Bath, there was the lovely Georgian Theatre Royal, with a succession of pre-London shows. One of the other delights was the ease with which one was outside Bath and in some charming nearby village green with a duck pond and parish church.We loved taking grandchildren out for picnics to one of these old-world villages, perhaps on the way visiting a stately home near Bath.”

“Sometimes after walking round Bath and then returning home to a cup of tea in the beautiful garden we would tell each other how lucky we were.We never regretted that inspired purchase of No.10 where we were to spend twenty gloriously happy years.”

BATH Georgian Grade II* listed garden maisonette • 3 floors • 4 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Drawing room/dining room • Private south facing walled garden • Views over Bath • No chain

Contact: 01225 320032

£995,000

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Chalfont, Lansdown

Chalfont is located on Charlcombe Lane between Richmond Road and Lansdown Road on the upper northern slopes of Bath. As well as being only a mile from the city centre it is fortunate to have a quiet secluded position and also have easy access to the M4 (junction 18). Some of Bath's most highly regarded schools, both in the public and private sectors, are all within a short walk from the house: Kingswood School,The Royal High School and St. Stephen’s Primary School.

This beautifully presented family home provides accommodation spread over two floors, offering a wealth of versatility and space.The property has been extended over recent years.

The gardens are a particular feature of Chalfont, being well tended, and mature.The property also has the added benefit of a double garage and ample parking.

“It is so quiet here that in the autumn all you can hear when you walk in the garden is the crackle of leaves under your feet.We have two schools close by, the Royal High School and Kingswood, but you never hear a sound from them – they must all be very quiet!”

BATH Sought after location • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Reception Rooms • 3 Bathrooms • Potential annexe • Double Garage • Store room • EPC Rating = E

Contact: 01225 320032

£995,000

The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

NR BATH

Ashley

Guide Price: ÂŁ1,500,000

A handsome Grade II listed farmhouse with origins dating back to 1649. It offers a light and well laid out accommodation, creating a perfect family house.

Delightful gardens with heavenly views, as well as two rentable annexes with grounds of nearly 2 acres. (Approximately 3,659 sq ft / 340 sq m)

Bath 01225 747250 patrick.brady@carterjonas.co.uk

BATH

South Stoke

Guide Price: ÂŁ1,300,000

A superb detached residence with breathtaking southerly views set in delightful gardens and grounds of approximately 1 acre. It offers spacious accommodation on 2 floors and has scope for further extension. Set at the end of a long gated driveway and offering ample off road parking and a detached double garage.

Bath 01225 747250 david.mackenzie@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas June.indd 1

23/05/2013 15:23

carterjonas.co.uk

NR BATH

Murhill

Guide Price: £750,000

A five bedroom period end of terrace property in a secluded position with a large garden and parking. It has 180 degree views across the Avon Valley and is presented to a high standard.

Bath 01225 747250 david.mackenzie@carterjonas.co.uk

BATH

Nr. Marshfield

Guide Price: £1,100,000

A charming detached country house, with a separate cottage, set in an idyllic location. 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Office • 3 double bedrooms • Bathroom • Shower room n Cellar • Swimming pool • Stabling • Versatile outbuildings • Garden of approximately 2 acres. Energy efficiency Band F (Approximately 287 sq m / 3,089 sq ft)

Bath 01225 747250 david.mackenzie@carterjonas.co.uk

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Henrietta Street

Guide price ÂŁ695,000

Georgian apartment | Lateral conversion | Three double bedroom | Two receptions | Kitchen/breakfast room | Family bathroom | Large garden An impressive ground floor laterally converted Georgian apartment located within striking distance of central Bath. The apartment enjoys the benefit of its own front door that leads through to a spacious reception hall. The apartment offers flexible living accommodation that comprises: sitting room, dining room, three bedrooms (one located at first floor level), family bathroom and steps down to a well equipped kitchen/breakfast room with access to the garden which spans the width of the apartment. Accessed from the garden is a undercroft utility/store room.

Great Pulteney street

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ430,000

Georgian apartment | Grade I listed | Newly refurbished | Two double bedrooms | Quality kitchen | Luxury bathrooms | Highly recommended Architect designed, two bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor of this historical building which is located on Great Pulteney Street. The property has been recently refurbished to an exceptionally high standard whilst retaining the original period features, creating an elegant and luxurious living space. The accommodation comprises: spacious sitting room with open plan kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite, second double bedroom and luxury bathroom. The property also benefits from having a private front door leading onto Great Pulteney Street.

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Millennium Court Penthouse Apartment

Guide Price £495,000

Superb development | High specification | Beautiful Schmidt kitchens | Luxury bathrooms | Exceptional finish | Highly recommended A superb development of eight luxury apartments and one truly amazing, stylish penthouse. The apartments are built to exceptional standards with the highest specification used throughout which includes beautiful Schmidt kitchens, luxury bathrooms and a beautifully considered finish throughout plus upper apartments have the advantage of a lift. There are courtyard gardens with some of the apartments and fantastic views that surround the building. A quality development and early viewing comes highly recommended.

Milsom Place

Offers in Excess of £355,000

Immaculately presented | Spacious | Open plan living | Three bedrooms | Contemporary kitchen | Central location | Highly recommended This stylish three bedroom apartment is located in the heart of the City Centre in Milsom Place. The accommodation comprises spacious open plan kitchen/ sitting room, contemporary cream kitchen, large master bedroom with en-suite, two further double bedrooms and a luxury bathroom. Milsom Place boasts a range of boutique shops, restaurants and cafés making this apartment an ideal City pad or home. Early viewing comes highly recommended.

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Rivers Street

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ300,000

Georgian maisonette | Prime central location | Period features | Quality kitchen | Two double bedrooms | Gas central heating | Highly recommended The Apartment Company is delighted to offer for sale this fabulous Georgian two bedroom maisonette located in very popular central location. The apartment offers well balanced accommodation arranged over two floors and comprises, cloakroom, living room with wood flooring and feature fireplace, quality kitchen/breakfast room and on the upper floor there are two double bedrooms and bathroom. Apartments in this location with accommodation over two floors are very rare and therefore, early viewing is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Percy Place

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ240,000

Georgian apartment | Grade II listed | Two double bedrooms | Garden with patio area | Close to City Centre | Well presented | Highly recommended A delightful Grade II listed garden apartment within walking distance of the City Centre. The accommodation comprises: spacious sitting room with patio doors leading to the garden, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroom. The property benefits from the rare advantage of a beautiful South facing garden with a patio area ideal for the summer months and would make an ideal investment opportunity. Viewing highly recommended.

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Frankley House

£1200 pcm

Camden Crescent

£895 pcm

Views towards the City | Three bedrooms | Period features | Council Tax Band D | Unfurnished | On street parking | No Students | No Pets

Georgian apartment | First floor | Sitting room | Two bedrooms | Fabulous views | Unfurnished | Available now

Albion Terrace

Henrietta Street

£795 pcm

Grade II listed | Private garden | One bedroom | Ten minutes walk to City Centre | Unfurnished | Council Tax Band: B | Parking: Residents permit - Zone 6

The Apartment Company June.indd 6

£725 pcm

Georgian apartment | Modern kitchen and bathroom | Available to view from 25.05.13 | No sharers | No students unless final year or postgraduate

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Wellow An exquisite Grade II listed home requiring modernisation and set in a truly exceptional position with open southerly valley views

Offers in excess of £700,000 M

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Greenway Lane A substantial Grade II listed semi-detached property in need of some modernisation in this highly desirable location

Offers in excess of £600,000 Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Turleigh A beautifully presented detached family home in an elevated position with far reaching views | spacious entrance hall | drawing room | dining room | kitchen/breakfast room | cloakroom | sun room | study | master bedroom with balcony and bathroom en suite | bedroom 2 with shower room en suite | 2 further bedrooms | family bathroom | double garage | parking | beautiful gardens | 2 sun terraces | Far reaching views | Guide Price: ÂŁ995,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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