The Bath Magazine September 2016

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thebathmag.co.uk | ISSUE 168 | SEPTEMBER 2016

£3.95 where sold

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THE CITY’S BIGGEST MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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THE | CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2016

44 12 5 THINGS TO DO September’s essentials in Bath

14 MY BATH

Headteacher Jo Duncan

16 GUEST COLUMNIST Dame Glynis Breakwell, vice chancellor of the University of Bath

18 FACE THE MUSIC

Andrew Craske, owner of Audience

20 THE GREAT REVIVAL From vinyl to maps: celebrating the return of some traditional favourites

26 AUTUMN FASHION What we’ll be wearing this season

30 WHAT’S ON Bath’s cultural calendar

40 AUTHOR PROFILE Interview with historian Lucy Worsley

42 BOOKS PAGE

20

40

112

68

50 ART IN SCHOOLS

A tour of King Edward’s studios

What’s hanging in the city’s galleries

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk 4 TheBATHMagazine

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Driving the new BMW7 Series

52 THE BIG SHOOT

76 CITY NEWS

54 BATH AT WORK

82 EDUCATION SPECIAL

With photographer Marc Aitken

Neill Menneer’s portrait of the month

56 FROM THE ARCHIVE A history of the Mineral Hospital

60 EATING OUT We review Castle Farm Café

62 ANGELA ON WINE Off the vinous beaten track

64 FOOD HEROES Easy José coffee

66 BEHIND THE MENU

Bailbrook head chef Jonathan Machin

68 TOWER TOURS

Bath’s movers and shakers

Our guide to good schools

104 FAMILY DIARY Have fun with the children

108 HEALTH & BEAUTY Get a magnificent mane

112 THE WALK A visit to Cheltenham

114 INTERIORS Prints bright and beautiful

124 GARDENING As seen on TV

127 PROPERTY The best homes to buy or rent

The view from Bath Abbey’s rooftop

The latest history bestsellers

44 ART SHOWS

72 MOTORING

70 MISSING PERSONS Thriller writer Tim Weaver on the case of real life disappearance

Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

ON THE COVER A celebration of the Great British Revival, see page 20

Follow us on Instagram @thebathmagazine

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from the

EDITOR

I

t’s back to school time so we sharpened our pencils and set to writing some stories for you, to keep you entertained, amused and maybe even enlightened as the autumn nights begin to draw in. Like those comic specials of our childhood, this is a bumper issue packed with all your old favourite characters, plus a few new ones.

Our award-winning gardening columnist, Jane Moore has been appointed as a regular presenter for the BBC’s Gardeners’ World, but very decently hasn’t abandoned us for the glitz and glamour of life in front of the cameras. You can read about what it’s like behind-the-scenes in her column on Page 124. Meanwhile, that doyenne of the Bath restaurant scene, Melissa Blease, introduces a new feature to our food offering, Behind the Menu. This month she talks ingredients, seasons and keeping the customer satisfied with Bailbrook House head chef Jonathan Machin, on Page 66.

Another regular is Andrew Swift, whose walks frequently prompt readers to get in touch to say how much they’ve enjoyed them. For September’s walk he suggests a day out exploring the Regency architecture of Cheltenham – see Page 112. And top Bath portrait photographer Neill Menneer turns his lens on tree surgeon Mike Stiff for our Bath at Work feature, who has an interesting tale to tell about life among the trees (Page 54).

We talk to international bestseller thriller writer Tim Weaver about his work and why he decided to see how long he could live as a missing person, when he arranged to disappear from his life, with a team of people intent on tracking him down (Page 70). Historian Lucy Worsley spoke to us ahead of her appearance at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival in October, to tell us about her new novel based on the story of Henry VIII’s doomed queen, Katherine Howard (Page 40).

We go to the top of Bath Abbey with Jessica Hope (Page 68), explore the archives of the Royal Mineral Hospital with Catherine Pitt (Page 56) and eat a most delightful lunch in the bucolic setting of Castle Farm in Midford (Page 60).

Our guest columnist, on Page 16, is no less than the vice chancellor of the University of Bath, Dame Glynis Breakwell, a fitting jewel in the crown of our education guide as she shares some pearls of wisdom about leadership. There’s also a celebration of the Great British Revival (Page 20), inspired in part by the achievements of Team GB at the Olympics, so many of them with local links.

At the time of writing that enthusiasm has spread to cycling, as Bath prepares to welcome a leg of the Tour of Britain on Thursday 8 September. If you can’t watch them arrive, there are plenty of other exciting things happening in Bath this month. Find out about them within these very pages . . .

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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CYCLE CITY: as Bath gets ready to welcome Sir Bradley Wiggins and the rest of the Tour of Britain follow the #bathbiketrail – Bath & North East Somerset Council has produced a map so you can find the 53 decorated bikes dotted around the streets

EDITOR’S PICKS CUDDLE UP: we’re predicting we’ll be seeing a lot of people wearing these snuggly cashmere and wool ponchos, £39.95 from French Grey, Burton Street, Bath, with free scarf

COUNTRY SHOW: enjoy a taste of traditional Somerset life with a visit to Frome Cheese Show at the West Woodlands showground on Saturday 10 September which includes equestrian competitions, crafts, all manner of farm animals – plus the Cheese Pavilion, a veritable palace filled with cheese

the filling of the pail, but ❝ Educationtheis not lighting of the fire ❞ WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

Irish poet, 1865 – 1939

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ZEITGEIST

5

things to do in

September

Cheer Dozens of professional cyclists are to swoop dramatically into Bath as the city hosts a final stage of the Tour of Britain race on Thursday 8 September – the first time Bath has hosted a closing stage. The stage will begin in Aberdare and is expected to arrive in Bath at around 3.30pm. Crowds are expected along the route as around 120 of the world’s top cyclists race on the A431 through Kelston and on to Newbridge Hill, across the top of Chelsea Road and down on to Upper Bristol Road, before sweeping left up Marlborough Lane and on to the finish line on Royal Avenue in Royal Victoria Park. The crowd will be able to follow the action on giant screens from 10am in Royal Avenue.

Walk Dorothy House Hospice Care is inviting funloving people to attempt to set a new Guinness Book of Records milestone for the most people gathered together wearing feather boas. The mass plumage shimmy will take place as part of the Moonlight Walk on Saturday 10 September.

The event begins at 10pm with hundreds of women joining together for an 8km walk through the darkened streets of Bath. Last year 1,000 women took part and raised more than £120,000.

Registration is £17 and walkers are asked to raise at least £40. Visit: dorothyhouse.org.uk or tel: 01225 721480.

Watch Immerse yourself in the wide blue oceans of the world via the big screen as the Ocean Film Festival World Tour comes to Komedia Bath on Wednesday 7 September.

This is a chance to enjoy short films from as diverse places as Iceland, India and Alaska. There’ll be more than two hours of film footage taken above and below the water’s surface, capturing the raw power and beauty of the ocean, while celebrating the surfers, kayakers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray, who chase the crests of waves and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

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Picture this

This is a shout-out to photographers, historians, tourists and Janeites (fans of Jane Austen) – be prepared for the annual grand Regency costumed promenade through the streets of Bath, which takes place on Saturday 10 September from 11am to 12.30pm. The procession sees hundreds of people wearing 18th century costume parading past some of Bath’s historic Georgian buildings. This is a spectacle that always makes for some cracking shots of the city as it would have looked 200

Visit

years ago. To take part you’ll need to be in costume and to buy a £10 ticket (which raises funds for the RUH Cancer Care campaign) and be at the Assembly Rooms in Bennett Street by 10.30am that morning. That will also be the venue for the festival fayre which runs from noon to 4pm and features stalls selling Regency essentials from fans and gloves to reticules and masks. For more highlights from the Jane Austen Festival see What’s On, from Page 30.

Some of Bath’s usually unseen venues open their doors this month for Heritage Open Days, which run from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 September. Bath and North East Somerset Council is to open a variety of places, all for free. Take a tour of Bath Record Office, explore the strong rooms, or admire the restored Georgian garden behind The Circus, visit Cleveland Pools, the oldest lido in the country, or discover Fairfield House, one-time home of Haile Selassie. Download the leaflet from: romanbaths.co.uk/events/ heritageopendays.

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

Walk

Homeless charity Julian House is inviting people to take part in The Circuit of Bath Walk on Sunday 25 September. Walk as little as two miles, or tackle the whole 20 mile route, all for this good cause. A handy shuttle bus service will be running between five checkpoints during the day. The five start/check points are opposite Beckford’s Tower, Lansdown; The Bathampton Mill; The Canal Visitor Centre in Limpley Stoke; St Gregory’s Catholic College and the park and ride site at Newbridge. For an entry form contact Cathy Adcock on 01225 354656, email: cathya@julianhouse.org.uk or online at: julianhouse.org.uk. Julian House looks after vulnerable and homeless men and women and runs a night shelter in the city.

Join Breakfast TV’s Dr Hilary Jones is coming to Bath on Wednesday 21 September when he’ll present the Mayor of Bath, Paul Crossley with a Healthiest City award as part of a campaign to persuade people to get their hearing checked. Staff at Hidden Hearing centre Bath believe there are up to 5,500 people in the city with undiagnosed impaired hearing. Dr Hilary will join others in Queen Square, Bath where, from 9.30am until 5pm there’ll be free exercise sessions, health screening and even a fun health themed quiz.

Bath was named the UK’s healthiest city in a recent survey.

Book of the month History of the Rain by Niall Williams, published in paperback by Bloomsbury, £8.99 Teenager Ruth Swain is bed-ridden with an unspecified disorder, in an attic bedroom surrounded by thousands of books collected by her father, with the rain steadily streaming down the skylight. She’s not going anywhere in a hurry, giving her – and us – time to delve into the history of her family. If you’re happy with a story that meanders like the River Shannon which flows alongside the farm in County

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My BATH

We ask Jo Duncan, head of The Royal High School in Bath, what she’ll be doing this month What brought you to Bath?

The opportunity to take up the headship of The Royal High School (RHS). Having previously been a head at a school in Hertfordshire for seven years, I was looking for a new challenge – RHS provided the perfect environment as a three – 18 girls’ day and boarding school located in a great city.

What are you reading?

I like to keep up-to-date with books relating to education and am currently reading Untangled

by Dr Lisa Damour, which is an excellent book about understanding and supporting teenage girls through their development. I also enjoy a good psychological thriller and have just finished The Girl in the Spider’s Web, which is the sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and am now reading The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I have a fairly eclectic taste in music but am mostly drawn to country and bluegrass. I enjoyed 10 String Symphony (a Nashville duo both playing the five string fiddle) at The American Museum in July and I’ve been listening to their albums a lot over the past few weeks.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

I like The Bath Priory for a special meal and I haven’t yet tried The Mint Room, but it’s on my list.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I’ll be visiting the Stubbs and The Wild exhibition at the Holburne Museum.

Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

I love to go to the ballet at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden as often as I can, I relax by reading and I enjoy travelling. I have joined a new gym and while I wouldn’t call it a passion, it is a focus.

What are you working on at the moment?

Almost all of my time is focused on school – I live on-site with my family and my daughter is a pupil at the junior school. I love the sense of community that this brings. I hope that every RHS girl will enjoy her school experience on a daily basis and my staff work exceptionally hard to make this a reality.

We are part of The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a network of 26 girls’ schools throughout the UK and we are fortunate to benefit from on-going investment. The extensive roof replacement project continues at the senior school on Lansdown Road and our new multimillion-pound sports development proposal is currently at the consultation stage.

We know that health and fitness is essential for wellbeing and we want each girl to engage with sport at some level on a regular basis – whether that is simply for fun or as a serious competitor.

We have also established a partnership with The Hewitt School, a leading girls’ school in New York City, and I am looking forward to working closely with them to set up an exchange in the coming year.

Our series of talks, primarily aimed at parents, entitled Your Daughter has been very popular.

The first one this year is on Wednesday 14 September and is a debate entitled A Level or IB? The Royal High School is the only school in Bath to offer a choice of qualifications in the sixth form and a panel of experts will discuss the difference between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate and debate the pros and cons of each.

Open Day events take place in both the junior and senior schools throughout September and October and, with all of the other events in the diary between now and Christmas, it looks to be a busy term. n

Clare, then you’ll enjoy being immersed in Williams’ elegant prose style. As well as precociously well read Ruth, we meet her father Virgil, a painfully incompetent farmer. Only after his last cow has disappeared into the muddy waters of the river does a neighbour point out that not providing the creatures with a drinking trough might have been the cause of their apparent suicides. History of the Rain, which was short-listed for the Booker prize, depicts a rural Ireland many of us have never seen but feel we know. The villagers all have nicknames, everybody knows everyone else’s

business and when half the neighbourhood makes its way to a girl’s sickbed it’s no wonder she feels she must be dying. There are scenes that will make you snort with laughter, others which brilliantly evoke grief and loss. And through it all the rain falls, as it has done for 800 years on this most verdant spot.

GMc

We’re following @sustransSW, the charity dedicated to helping people get fit and help the environment by taking to two wheels. Particularly relevant as it’s holding #cycletoworkday on Wednesday 14 September, trying to get as many of us as possible on our pushbikes.

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Picture courtesy of the University of Bath

GUEST | COLUMNIST

OUR PLACE ON THE WORLD MAP Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the centre of excellence

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you lead changes, and you also change as a leader.

I adopt what in psychology is labelled a ‘contingent leadership’ approach – it is shaped to the needs of the situation and to the team around me. Experienced, successful leaders tend to change the nature of their approach according to the problem, the people they’re working with, and to the goal they wish to achieve.

❝

Experienced, successful leaders tend to change the nature of their approach according to the problem, the people they’re working with and to the goal they wish to achieve

❝

I

t is a real privilege to be vice-chancellor of the University of Bath, living in one of the world’s most beautiful cities and leading one of the UK’s most successful universities. The role is demanding, but the environment is stimulating and, like many of my colleagues, I truly enjoy what I do.

The level of job satisfaction is even greater now than when I arrived some 15 years ago; the university has risen through the rankings, become increasingly international and the partnership with the city has blossomed.

The university’s success is intrinsically linked to the city. The fantastic location and excellent infrastructure enable us to attract the best and brightest minds to Bath and, in turn, we make a significant contribution to the local economy.

Our 50th anniversary this year provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our considerable achievements but also say ‘thank you’ to our supporters in the city.

I would love to say that being a vice-chancellor was always my vocation and the result of a wellexecuted strategy but, had you asked me earlier in my career, I would not have expected to be in this position today. I expected to be a researcher and a psychologist – a professor maybe. But universities are dynamic and challenging places which open up a world of opportunities and enable people to achieve their potential – often in ways they do not expect.

I’m a social psychologist first and foremost, and still an active researcher. My work focuses on leadership, identity processes and risk management. The key thing I have learned is that there is no single leadership style that good leaders adopt. Over time the organisation that

Working within a university, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a community of people with a wealth of knowledge in many different fields. I try to mobilise that talent to the greater good of the university.

One of the things that most inspires me as a leader is the dedication of all of our staff and students, no matter where they come from or what they do here. It is this real sense of community and collaboration at our university, combined with our natural curiosity and ambition, which has led to our success so far.

We have many talented people who are focused on the experience we offer our students

and on the quality of our research for example. I trust them to do the things at which they excel.

My role is to identify the threats, deviations or undercurrents that might take us off our charted course. This has not been an easy task in recent months.

We know that the next few years will herald significant political and economic change. It is vital to be clearer than ever about our future goals. My job as Vice-Chancellor is to ensure we can continue to do our cutting edge-research and excellent teaching in the face of a changing political and economic landscape.

Of course, with change comes not just risk but also opportunity. Leadership works best when it can judge the risks and seize the opportunities.

I’m really proud that the University of Bath has established itself as excellent in both teaching and research. We know we want to continue to grow our research power. That means bringing more talented academics and postgraduate students to Bath. They will join others already here who are solving problems that matter to the world.

Understanding autism at our newly-opened Centre for Applied Autism Research, developing new techniques for the early detection of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, helping to create new types of sustainable, affordable homes and reducing vehicle emission rates; these are just a few of the solutions we are developing.

Excellence and impact will remain our watchwords as we reach our 50th anniversary in October. Our future success is going to depend on us remaining a vibrant and integrated international community, based here in Bath but looking outward. n

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FACE | THE MUSIC

ACHIEVING AUDIO NIRVANA

Georgette McCready talks to Andrew Craske, owner of Audience, which installs home music and cinema systems

T

he first thing you need to know about Andrew Craske is that he lives and breathes music. Which is just as well given that music is at the core to his livelihood.

Andrew runs Audience in Broad Street, Bath, one of the city’s great independent businesses. Audience’s tagline is ‘music on the eyes’ and its mission is to give people the best home listening, whatever their taste in music.

And although Andrew may be passionate about music he and his colleague Iain Martin don’t blind customers with technical jargon. Andrew believes that searching out the best hi fi, home cinema or complete home music system should be a pleasurable experience – finding audio Nirvana as one customer put it.

“We don’t talk down to people and no question is a stupid question,” Andrew says reassuringly. He started the shop 15 years ago after a long career working for BT and then branching into home sound systems working for Infidelity.

A Welshman by birth, Andrew picked on Bath to open his own business as he says: ‘the city is the gem.’ He half considered apeing Infidelity by calling his business The Rhythm Method, before settling on Audience.

Andrew’s family home is in Bradford on Avon, where he lives with his wife Jane and teenage daughter Caitlin, who has just left school.

If you call into the Broad Street shop when Andrew is there you’ll hear all kinds of music pouring from the speakers. After I asked him to compile his top ten favourite pieces of music Andrew said he’d agonised about his choices. “I swear that if you came and asked me tomorrow for my top ten, it would be something different. It changes all the time.”

I ask him whether, given his love of music, he plays an instrument? “No, I’ve only loved listened to others playing.”

Perhaps he didn’t go down the guitar playing route of so many other teenage boys because he was a competitive swimmer as a boy. “Swimming occupied me morning, noon and night, from the age of about ten until I joined BT, so at about 19.”

He believes we’re living in very exciting times for music. “It’s everywhere! Music is coming at you from online jukeboxes like Spotify {although Andrew’s preference is for Tidal} and there are numerous radio stations dedicated to specific genres.”

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He is also very excited about the surge in peope buying vinyl. The shop offers a vinyl cleaning service for people who have dusted off their old collections.

“We can’t get rid of the scratches but we can lift the dirt. Wiping vinyl merely rubs the dust into the grooves. We have an ultrasonic record cleaner, which for £3.75 an album can help you get back that original sound.”

Sitting in the shop with Andrew playing his favourite music via a pair of slim, state-of-the-art speakers really made want to go home and upgrade our own rather tinny music system to relive the days when you could lie on the floor between two speakers and lose yourself

in the music.

As you read his list you might want to have YouTube up and ready as Andrew’s choices will surely induce curiosity to hear them for yourself.

ANDREW’S TOP TEN TRACKS: T Rex – Get It On Electric Warrior was the first long player album I ever bought with my pocket money. I’d have been 11 or 12 at the time. I’ve enjoyed it ever since and have owned it in many formats. I bought it on vinyl, on CD, on re-mastered CD and on hi-resolution vinyl. If you listen to it through the speakers we have here (in his shop) it’s musicality is immediate. It’s

EXCITED ABOUT MUSIC: Andrew Craske reading one of his favourite music magazines

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FACE | THE MUSIC

like having Marc Bolan here in the room.

Man – C’mon This is from the same era. I was growing up in Swansea and Man were a Welsh band, so you’d see them about in the local pubs and places, they were quite approachable. When we were at school we’d hurry round to friends’ houses with our newly bought albums under our arms to listen together. We’d share the music and talk about it a lot. I like this for its sort of West Coast sound, it was a bit poppy at a time when prog rock was quite big.

Dr Feelgood – Roxette This represents a punky sound for me, as Dr Feelgood were a pub band full of energy. When I was growing up punk was a very big movement and it was all generated at street level, the music, the clothes, the magazines. I remember the first time I heard The Stranglers’ Peaches on the radio. I was driving through Islington and this sound came on.

Amazing. I could have driven through all the red lights, I wouldn’t have noticed.

But this Dr Feelgood number with Wilko Johnson’s distinctive driving bass is another excellent number.

Wire – Reuters I saw this British band at Komedia recently. Much of the audience was around my age, but I never got to see them when I was younger. It was only

because of the punk movement that bands like Wire came through. The lyrics on this: ‘Our own correspondent is sorry to tell Of an uneasy time that all is not well On the borders there’s movement In the hills there is trouble Food is short, crime is double’ may have been written in 1977 but still have resonance today.

in That Substrate and Tell Me What You See (2004), is one that pleases us all.

PET SOUNDS: above, Jim White Static on the Radio and Margaret Dygas His Name is Ken

Pere Ubu – Dub Housing I don’t think anyone else will like this.

But I love it and have done for years.

This is an American band, again dating back to the 70s. If you watch it you’ll see that the front man is a large gentleman, a great character and if you watch and listen you can tell his whole body is singing. It has an anarchic feel about it.

This is a track from the album which is also called Dub Housing.

Below, Marc Bolan of T Rex Get It On, Eilko Johnson formerly of Dr Feelgood, Roxette and Wire Reuters

The Go-Betweens – Dusty in Here Epsom Art College in the early 80’s had a music night. A three piece band came on and to my amazement and delight it was the Go-Betweens. I had just bought their first album and loved them, as I have loved them and their side projects ever since. The track I would like to include is Dusty In Here from the album Before Hollywood.

The Williams Fairey Brass Band – Voodoo Ray I found this amazing acid brass sound by chance. A customer had brought some vinyl in to be cleaned and I was fascinated. I think I must have brass band music in my DNA as I was completely blown away by this. They’ve taken some acid music from the 90s and added brass. Acid brass was an exciting genre to discover.

Margaret Dygas – His Name is Ken Margaret Dygas is a German musician. I like this woman’s take on electronic music. It’s interesting and different. It speaks to me, and yet there are no vocals.

Television – Marquee Moon It was a tough choice between this and A Song From Under the Floorboards by Magazine, from a similar era. Yes, we’re back in the 1970s for this New York band fronted by singer Tom Verlaine. An inspirational track from an inspirational album of the same name. n Visit: audience.org.uk or tel: 01225 333310.

Jim White – Static on the Radio My wife and daughter are pretty tolerant of my musical tastes. There are some areas where our tastes meet and this is one of them, it’s kind of alt country. At home we like to take it in turns to pass the iPad round and pick the music and the album this comes from, Drill a Hole

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THE GREAT BRITISH REVIVAL The nation is embracing a resurgence of some good old-fashioned pleasures, from dressmaking to shed building. Georgette McCready talks to some local exponents of traditional skills

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as it Team GB’s success at the Rio Olympics, in which seemingly ordinary British people achieved extraordinary things that made us consider that we are going through something of a good oldfashioned revival? The triathlon winning Brownlee brothers, with their love of cream teas enjoyed at cafés in their native Yorkshire, or the most decorated female cyclist Laura Trott confessing that the first thing she’d done after getting home was to clean the house, evoked those heroes of old. They embody characteristics that the British used to specialise in, as seen in black and white films, whose heroes and heroines were tenacious, hard working and not afraid to laugh at themselves.

In the cinema a bunch of children sailing wooden hulled dinghies have charmed audiences in a re-make of Swallows and Amazons and on television we’re happy with our low tech entertainment in the form of the Great British Bake Off, which let’s face it is nothing more than the TV equivalent of sitting on a kitchen stool watching your clever auntie making a birthday cake.

And as for a show that celebrates ballroom dancing . . . a generation ago they’d never have believed that Strictly Come Dancing would become such a hit, although they might wonder why Ed Balls hadn’t sewn on every sequin himself.

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This autumn the BBC is unveiling more retro shows as it reboots new versions of the classic sitcoms Are You Being Served? and Porridge.

Recently our eyes have been Superglued to the Channel 4 Shed of the Year competition, in which ingenious men – and women – have created Canadian backwoods cabins in their urban back gardens, using little more than offcuts from B&Q and whittling their own replica rocking chairs. Our great grandfathers would be amazed to find their potting shed retreats where they escaped for a crafty Woodbine and a read of the News of the World, are revived and relished with such enthusiasm and originality.

Young British men, meanwhile, haven’t been as hirsuite since the days of King Edward VII, sporting their luxurient whiskers and bushy beards in the same way that their Victorian forebears did. A few years ago the concept of a badger hair brush and a cut-throat razor would have had them running for their Lynx aftershave in horror. And you’ve only got to head down to the Green Park Station on Sunday mornings to find our love affair with Second World War airmen’s leather jackets, embroidered aprons and fullskirted rock’n’roll frocks remains undimmed.

Back to the Olympic velodrome and those super-fast cyclists on their lighter

than air bikes. Sure, we admire them, but look around the streets of Bath and you’ll find plenty of stylish women who prefer to take to a sit-up-and-beg style bike, the sort that has a basket on the front. The more well heeled opt for a swish Pashley in pretty pastel hues.

As the children go back to school, there’ll be a flurry of shopping for pencil cases and their contents – who doesn’t love a bit of new stationery – a clean sheet for a new term?

Keith Cole, chief executive of Coles Pens, said of the increase in demand for pens: “The public still love a pen. It has become more than just a writing implement – it’s a sign of power and success. We have seen the demand for more prestige items increase over the last few years, as more and more people invest in quality, heirloom fountain pens, looking at them as collectable investments to keep in the family for generations. The luxury pen is now in the same retail bracket as premium watches.”

It’s not just pens that are on the increase – journals, diaries and even the 80’s classic Filofax are back in vogue.

Being seen taking notes with a notebook and pen is no longer exclusively for Luddites and techno-phobes. Bloggers, journalists and even the fashion catwalks are picking up on the trend for traditional techniques – many fashion designers now have illustrators on hand to sketch each runway look.

TRADITIONAL PASTIMES: main picture, people are learning skills such as dressmaking, that their grandmothers were so deft at

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GREAT | REVIVAL

VINYL

T

he ritual of easing the inner sleeve out of the cover, then carefully taking the vinyl out of the paper, blowing the dust from the surface, before placing it on the turntable and then gently lowering the needle arm on to the black, has won a whole new army of acolytes. Yes, the vinyl record is back in the hit parade, decades after it was dismissed as unweildly and outmoded by the upstart CD. The record department at Dorothy House’s vinyl HQ charity shop in Broad Street, Bath is testament to the resurgence in the great British public’s love of the LP, or long player.

A year ago, when manager Dave Farthrop began work at the shop, it was selling around £100 worth of vinyl a week. Now that figure stands at a healthy £500 a week, with the most sought after albums flying off the shelves within days of arriving.

Dave says: “I admit that I didn’t know very much about vinyl when I started here. But I do now! We receive around 1,000 records every week, sent to us by Dorothy House’s other shops and it’s my job to sort through them to find the ones we can sell.

“My first job is to discard all those that are hard to sell. Then I take the rest and, using discogs.com, I can research to find out what they’re worth. I start with the catalogue number on the back of the sleeve, then the etched number on the run out on the actual record. I can see then whether it’s a first pressing, which is a bit like a first edition on a book.”

His most exciting finds to date have included a copy of the Sex Pistols Never Mind the B******s, which fetched £85, a first pressing

of The Beatles Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, valued at around £100, and a rare 1980s LP called Volume 1 by Brenda and the Beachballs, which also turned out to be worth around £100.

Which albums is he least excited to see? “We get an awful lot of easy listening by artists like Perry Como, Jim Reeves and we see The Sound of Music coming in almost every week. But that’s fine as we’ll price them up for 50p to sell them.” A local DJ bought a job lot of easy listening LPs recently as he said they’d be ideal for his cheesy club nights.

Record buyers vary in age from students to pensioners keen to replicate the album collections of their youth but there’s a big surge among professionals in their 20s. Dave says: “I think they enjoy the whole tactile process of holding the album, of admiring its artwork, reading the lyrics on the inner sleeve and the act of actually putting it on the turntable.”

He says an LP in good condition played on a decent record player beats the sound made by a CD hands down. There is a listening booth in store for people to hear before they buy, in true old-fashioned record shop tradition.

And has Dave got into vinyl since working for Dorothy House? “I like it but I haven’t bought a record player. I fear that’s where my wages would go.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE

A

t one end of the restaurant service is the waiter who crouches down beside your table and greets you: “All right, mate?” At the other is the starched and rigid formal style, generally served efficently but without seemingly much joy.

Hotel manager Brian Benson at the five star Gainsborough Hotel in central Bath is a great believer in his staff getting just the right level of efficient but friendly service. Guests are greeted by name and it is not done to refer to guests by merely their room number.

He says: “We expect heads of department to introduce themselves at every step and to introduce the guests to the staff, as in ‘this is Mr and Mrs Smith, they’ll be dining with us tonight.’ It helps make people feel more at home.”

To achieve five star service Brian expects all his 100 plus staff to have skill, passion and charisma. When he recruits, if the person needs training, he’ll look for passion and charisma, “and then we’ll teach them the skills.”

Staff adhere to the hotel owners YTL ethos of doing the right thing and doing the right thing well. Smiling and eye contact are positively encouraged.

Brian believes that some organisations have given their staff training which results in workers delivering a script by rote and not really paying attention to what is actually being said in reply.

Backstage at the Gainsborough everything is discreetly run like clockwork. In the kitchen head chef Daniel Moon runs his service like a military operation. When he gives an order a discussion is not an option – when chef says ‘jump’ you jump.

Ingenious use of instant messaging service Whatsapp means staff can keep each other in contact with guests’ needs.

In this five star world, is the customer always right? Brian is quick to say: “Always. When it comes to our guests ‘No’ is not really an answer.

FIVE STAR SERVICE: Gainsborough Hotel general manager Brian Benson

We tolerate most things from our guests as long as their behaviour doesn’t spoil anyone’s else’s experience. For instance, we invite families with young children to dine early, so they feel more relaxed and that those without children can dine later.”

“It’s fair to say that modes have changed and while the Ritz has a jacket and tie dress code, we have no such dress codes.”

What about the delicate subject of tipping? Staff are taught not to expect a tip, but to be appreciative if and when they recieve one. “Very often people are here as a treat, such as a birthday or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the UK, and our staff are happy to be helping to create that special occasion.”

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GREAT | REVIVAL

DRESSMAKING

T

here was a time when everyone either made their own clothes or had them made. Those days have long passed and fashion is now so affordable that most people don’t have the time or the inclination to make their own or the money to pay someone else to.

However, beyond the economics of time and money there is something quite magical about having a garment created just for you, to fit you perfectly and nothing more rewarding than being able to do so for yourself. Knowing you’re wearing something unique and having complete freedom to choose the colours and fabrics you’d most like to wear beyond the limits of any given season’s key trends is a real luxury.

Jessica Charleston has been creating bespoke wedding dresses for more than a decade, and with the popularity of programmes like the Great British Sewing Bee and a resurgence in appreciation for homegrown arts and crafts, she has decided it’s time to share her knowledge and pass on her skills. Aimed at those with some existing sewing skills who are keen to or have already made their own garments but would like to advance their skills and learn how to make their own patterns.

Making a personalised pattern block will allow sewers to make garments without the difficulty of getting a perfect fit from a commercial pattern. Jessica will also be teaching couture finishing techniques for taking home sewn garments to the next level. And one-toone tuition will be ideal for those wanting to

make an outfit for a special occasion such as mothers-of-brides. Jessica will guide her students through the whole process, from coming up with a design, making the pattern and advising on fabric choices and finishing techniques while the bulk of the sewing can be done at home.

Jessica will be running free taster sessions on Friday 23 September from her atelier at 13 London Street, Walcot, and courses will begin in October. For more information, taster session times and booking please visit: jessicacharleston.co.uk or call Jessica on 01225 571530.

MAPS

W

hile an app on your phone is handy when you visit a new city, you can’t beat the tactile and grounding experience of using a paper map to explore the streets.

Whether you are a Bathonian or visiting the city, chances are you will have stumbled across the Bath Sussed Out map.

Published by local business So Maps, and drawn by Susie Brooks, it’s a paper map (and now an app) that already has the support of more than 150 businesses. The paper map’s shelf life seems to be far from over as it continues to keep its place in both our travelling tool kits and our explorer hearts.

Bath based map and app business So Maps has developed an easy to use, beautifully illustrated map of both Bath and Bristol, with plans to provide maps for other British cities in the future.

Born and raised in Bath, Jo Wells, So Maps’ founder and publisher, said that she thought the paper map still had an important role to play in finding your way around cities and making the most of them. She said: “The map is the real thing and truly helps us to understand cities, making sense of travelling from A to B and making sure we happen across many of the hidden gems and local Indie treasures that Bath has in abundance.”

Jo wistfully tells tales of sitting around her family dining table, spreading out maps of home and abroad and planning their family holidays.

“Maps are for sharing,” she adds.

The paper map has seen a huge resurgence as Jonathan Potter Maps shop at St Margaret’s Buildings bears testimony. It specialises, as it says, in selling ‘all things cartographic’ which includes antique maps, charts, plans, atlases and globes.

The map, both useful and beautiful, appears to be a chance to travel back in time as well as geographically.

Beautifully and uniquely illustrated, the Bath Sussed Out map has already sold 30,000 copies in the two years since its launch, and the recent release of the accompanying app (free with the paper map) seems a natural progression as it allows visitors to benefit from not only some

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ever changing offers, but also easy access to companies’ phone numbers, websites and GPS directions.

The Bath Abbey shop manager Liz Berrisford said: “We used to sell a couple of maps before Jo came along with the Bath Sussed Out map. We like the modern style, being attractive and easy to read. It’s easily our best-selling map, right from the very first day we had it.”

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GREAT | REVIVAL

TEA

T

aking tea in Bath’s newest tea house is a world away from the hurriedly dunked bag into a mug. Instead Rob and Michelle Comins prefer to make a personal, attentive ritual out of taking tea – the world slows down and time is quietly taken to sip and savour.

The statistics say that coffee drinking has fast outstripped tea consumption in the UK. And that’s perhaps partly due to our lack of respect and attention to the loose tea leaf. But far from harking back to a day of floral porcelain tea cups and milk jugs, Comins in Monmouth Street combines ancient tea growing and ritual with a very contemporary approach.

The tea house, which also doubles as a specialist tea merchants, is pared down in decor, its interior uncluttered and largely unadorned. There is no background music and no wifi, giving customers the chance to step off the conveyor belt on modern life and into somewhere peaceful.

Michelle and husband Ron, personally travel the world, visiting tea plantations to meet the growers and select loose leaf teas.

She says: “We care about the quality and the provenance of what we’re serving. And when you, the customer come in, we listen to what you say about what you like and try to find the right match for you. We believe in running a business with integrity and build relationships that will last.”

Comins doesn’t take a prescriptive approach to how you take your tea. Although the couple and many of their customers don’t take their tea with milk, if someone wants milk they don’t demur in serving it. Small groups of people come to the teahouse for

tastings and there are plans to run workshops on tea in the basement.

Tea is served in a small pot, with an urn of hot water on the side. The loose leaves are infused up to ten times during serving, each time imparting a subtly different flavour. The tea, served very much as it has been for centuries in China, is sipped without milk from elegant bowls. Drinking tea like this matches equally well with delicious cakes or handmade savoury dumplings.

Sipped slowly in good company, it’s easy to see why a nice cup of tea was once seen as both soothing and refreshing, but can also lift the spirits and disperse the stresses of modern day living.

PICTURE: Richard West

F

MODERN MANNERS

G

ood manners never went out of vogue but there’s a new etiquette surrounding modern living.

Here are our top ten for 21st century dos and don’ts.

1. Don’t continue a phone conversation while carrying out a transaction in a shop or restaurant, instead pay attention to the person serving you, make eye contact and say thank you.

2. Do not use the horn in your car to express anger and irritation. The Highway Code states: use (the horn) only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively.

3. Keep control of your dog and your children. Of course they are more precious to you than life itself, but not everyone wants to have a pair of muddy paws planted on their white trousers or their eardrum shattered by continuous shrieking.

4. When on a date with your partner do not spend your time on your phone. Treat them with the respect and rapt attention that you paid them on your very first date.

5. When out with a friend or colleague, should your phone ring, excuse yourself to your companion before checking whether you need to take that call. As a general rule the

HANDWRITING & STATIONERY

person in front of you should take preference over the text, email or phone call.

6. At the cinema, theatre or a live gig, make sure your phone is switched to silent and don’t spoil the enjoyment of those around you by holding your phone above your head. Try and live in the moment rather than seeing it as an opportunity for a selfie with the band in the background.

7. Bath’s pavements can be narrow in places. Please be aware of other people’s personal space. Don’t walk three abreast and expect other people to have to step into the road to get round you.

8. It may be an old-fashioned custom, but it still holds good. Gentlemen, hats off when you’re indoors please. The same applies to sunglasses. Only Bono should be seen hiding his eyes indoors.

9. Our mothers always taught us to say ‘thank you for having me’ – and your host will always appreciate a clear and heartfelt thank you after any occasion. Say it to their face then reinforce it with a text or a note afterwards. People appreciate being appreciated.

10. Don’t be late. It has always been rude and still is. Being unpunctual can be seen as saying ‘my time is more important than yours.’

rom the rare surprise of finding an elegantly calligraphed letter on the doormat to the delight of opening a tissuelined envelope and discovering how the day’s events will unfold, there is an indulgent pleasure in giving and receiving a traditionally printed wedding invitation in the digital age. A joy that can be savoured during the months leading up to the wedding, a bespoke invitation from traditional printer and stationer, Meticulous Ink in Walcot Street, will take pride of place on the guest’s mantelpiece.

The letterpress printed card can also be kept as a keepsake, all meaning that more and more British couples are rediscovering the pleasures of a tactile invitation, rather than opting for an ecard, using this opportunity to express their own tastes and lifestyle.

Knowing that the wedding stationery will be their guests’ first glimpse at the wonderful revelry to come, modern couples work with Meticulous Ink to develop designs that are unique to them. The design is then brought to life when lovingly letterpress printed onto a pleasingly weighty board using two 1960s Heidelberg Windmill printing presses. Couples looking to further stamp their personalities on the day are also making use of little extras, such as bespoke monograms or copper foil to add an extra flourish. Owner, Athena Cauley-Yu, and her team can also produce hand-drawn illustrations of the wedding venue and origami maps to direct guests between the ceremony and reception, working in special references to how the couple met or where the proposal took place.

Regular calligraphy courses are held at Meticulous Ink, providing couples with a unique opportunity to add some personal flair to proceedings.

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CITY | SHOPPING

SEPTEMBER

SHOPPING The Lottie, Charlotte Aluna, from £1,200, charlottealuna.com

Folly scarf, £120, Katherine Fraser, 74 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD, katherinefraser.co.uk Sweetheart bracelet, £77.95, The Silver Shop, 25 Union Passage Bath, BA1 1RD, thesilvershop.eu.com

Aftershokz Tredz bone conduction earphones, £109.99, 3 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR, totalfitnessbath.co.uk

Hatty Ruby shoo, £55, Flock Bath, 12 - 13 The Corridor, Bath, BA1 5AP, kaniki.co.uk

Tudor North Flag watch, £2,430, Mallory, 1 - 5 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AP, malloryjewellers.com

Asics FuzeX shoe, £64, John Moore Sports, 2 Argyle Street, Bath, BA2 4BA, johnmooresports.co.uk

Fiorelli Deacon tote bag, was £69.99, now £29.99, Silver Shoon, 11 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG, shoon.com 24 TheBATHMagazine

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Hand tailored in England from British tweed, £149, Clandar, 15 Cheap Street, Bath, BA1 1NA, clandar.co.uk

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AUTUMN | TRENDS

FASHION FORECAST Bristol Fashion Week presenter and TV stylist Mark Heyes gives us the low-down on this season’s biggest high street fashion trends

autumn botanicals

army surplus

Fairytale inspired fashion is another look we’ll be seeing a lot of, and this involves winter florals, appliqué, sheer fabrics – it’s a very romantic look. Big international brands like Dolce & Gabbana showed this on the catwalk, as did Victoria Beckham, Chanel and Gucci.

It’s always summer somewhere in the world, so florals are always a year-round print, but we are really loving the darker take on them too.

The military style is key right now – trench coats, copper buttons and tailoring will all be big. We saw it at Dries Van Noten and Henry Holland also showed it – so it will be great to see his take on the high street stuff that’s coming through on this one. It’s a classic look for a reason.

Look out for this ’70sinspired dress from Marks and Spencer: it’s certainly on our hit list

This ultra-glam emerald River Island coat combines military style with the cape sleeve trend Right: A classic style from Oasis, resplendent with pleats and a pair of little black boots

Channel your inner goth with this dress from Marks and Spencer These leather boots from Hobbs will keep you dry and looking stylish during the winter months, and this purple bag, also from Hobbs, will add a splash of colour to any outfit

gothic glamour While this season is very diverse in terms of colour, it’s also great for people who love an all-black look because we will be seeing a reinvention of the gothic glam look. On the catwalk, Balmain and Roberto Cavailli both showed some very dramatic sheer lace maxi dresses and skirts, which are so glamorous for party season. On the high street, River Island (pictured right) is working this look really well at the moment.

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AUTUMN | TRENDS

texture

We’re seeing a lot of lace around, like this lovely number from New Look – just as easily worn in the day as dressed up

Tactile fabrics were really popular on the international catwalks this season – Cavalli, Pucci and Preen all showed velvets, which are so sumptuous and look great at this time of year. It’s not just for the evening either – lace and leather, as well as velvet, can all be worn during the day if styled with more low-key fabrics like denim and knits. More is more when it comes to fabrics this season.

athleisure The sports luxe trend is showing no signs of going away. It’s huge right now and has really evolved and become more influential in how we dress. The bomber jacket is this season’s must-have item and works well dressed down with jeans, and equally with a pleated midi skirt. Look out for rich embroidery and detailing which elevates the average bomber into something special. New Look is a great place to go if you want to work this trend on a budget.

Pair this embroidered bomber from New Look with jeans or a pleated midi perhaps

perfectly armless

faux sure As practical as they are stylish, old favourites faux fur and shearling will be back in a big way. They’re fashion’s comfort blanket and the earthy glamour works really well with all the rich fabrics and embellishments that are going on this season.

Feel glamorous in this coat from Hobbs

We love this camel cape from Coast and, below, Hobbs’ take in this gorgeously autumnal deep berry hue

This season we’ve seen more styles of coat than ever before.

As well as the military inspired jackets with brass buttons and belts, the classic trench is also hot, and we will see a wide variety of capes and oversized styles – bigger is better right now. The great thing is that everyone can wear this look and, if your arms aren’t your favourite feature, an elegant oversized sleeve is always your friend.

Mark Heyes will be presenting Bristol Fashion Week with Henry Holland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway from Wednesday 28 September – Sunday 2 October. Tickets start from £8.96 and are available online at mallcribbs.com.

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CITY | SHOPPING

SHOPS

in FOCUS

We take a closer look at two of our favourite independent shops

KATHRYN ANTHONY OPTICIAN 16 Pierrepont Street, Bath, BA1 1LA Tel: 01225 464433 Web: kathrynanthony.co.uk Kathryn Anthony believes that to feel your best it’s important to get expert advice along with a choice of eyewear that will enhance your appearance. With a newly refurbished practice, investment in testing equipment and the most technologically advanced eye care products on the market, Kathryn Anthony is the go-to independent optician in Bath offering a truly bespoke service. You can expect exceptional eye care, the widest possible choice of beautiful frames, including designer brands, whether you’re looking for glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses.

Rare

and

Beautiful

18ct yellow gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant

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FLAMINGO 7 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT Tel: 01225 333619 Web: flamingobath.co.uk Flamingo is a design-led independent card, art and gift shop in the centre of Widcombe Parade just a two minute walk from Bath Spa railway station.

Amanda Brown opened the brightly coloured shop a year ago as an outlet for her unique artwork of contemporary paintings on canvas, photographic art and cards. You will also find artwork and gifts by other local artists and designers on offer. Amanda has 26 years experience of designing cards which is evident in her designs, ranging from local themes to topical events. Amanda provides a bespoke design service and takes commissions for her cards, ‘destination’ prints and photographic designs, which are very popular for special occasions and home decor.

Flamingo recently won the award for ‘Best Independent Newcomer’ and was runner up in ‘Best Window Display’ in MP Ben Howlett’s inaugural Best of Bath Businesses Awards. Amanda said: “I am extremely pleased and honoured that the hard work in establishing Flamingo has been recognised with this award.”

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Icarus Jewellery

Jewellery as Art

Icarus Silver 27 Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LW 01225 489088

Icarus Gallery 1 Queen Street, Bath, BA1 1HE 01225 319777

www.icarusjewellery.com

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WHAT’S ON in September EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Janeites in costume get discounted entry to No1 Royal Crescent during the Jane Austen Festival

THE LIBERTINE n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath Wednesday 31 August – Saturday 17 September, times vary Dominic Cooper takes the role of playboy rake the Earl of Rochester in this romp through the bawdier bits of 17th century London, written by award-winning writer Stephen Jeffreys. Following its opening in Bath The Libertine plans to take the West End by storm. Tickets, tel: 01225 448844 or visit:theatreroyal.org.uk.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month THE SHAKESPEARE REVUE Monday 19 – Saturday 24 September, times vary As part of the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare this show is a collection of songs, music and skits from writers including Victoria Wood, Alan Bennett and Noel Coward. It’s already been a West End hit.

MILES JUPP Sunday 18 September, 7.30pm Stand-up, writer, actor, husband, father and inveterate worrier Miles Jupp hits the road in a freshly ironed shirt and some robust trousers and tries to make sense of it all. Tickets: £20.

EDITOR’S PICK

Miles Jupp at the Theatre Royal

Dominic Cooper looking rakish at the Theatre Royal

Tape Face brings his unique silent comedy act to Komedia

ROOM WITH A VIEW Wednesday 28 September – Saturday 8 October, times vary n The Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath Imogen Sage showed herself to be a very watchable young Mrs de Winter in Kneehigh Theatre’s production of Rebecca when it came to Bath and so her performance as the passionate Lucy Honeychurch in EM Forster’s tale of truth and beauty will be one to look out for. It’ll be directed by Adrian Noble, who has been nominated for more than 20 Olivier awards and also stars Felicity Kendall as Charlotte Bartlett (the role played by Dame Maggie Smith in the Merchant Ivory film).

WESTON FLOWER SHOW Saturday 3 September, 2.30pm n All Saints Centre, High Street, Weston Weston Garden Club hosts its annual family-friendly flower show, with fruit, vegetables and lots of cake. The show will be opened by BBC presenter Ali Vowles.

ROXY MAGIC TRIBUTE Saturday 3 September, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Roxy Magic recreates live material that spans four decades, from futurist/nostalgic art rock, through to classic standards to sophisticated adult-oriented rock. Their aim is to give the audience a fabulously entertaining evening. Very high quality musicianship and a wonderful Bryan Ferry look and sound-alike, Kevin Hackett, combine to do just that. Tickets: £13 / £15 on the door. Visit: chapelarts.org, tel: 01225 461700. Chapel Arts Café will be open on this evening.

Also at Chapel Arts Centre this month MIRANDA SYKES AND REX PRESTON Friday 9 September, 8pm Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston have emerged to become one of the most sought after duos on the English folk and roots scene. Well known for the last ten years as part of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, while Rex, with his exuberant and flamboyant playing style, has built a reputation as one of the finest mandolin players in the UK. Tickets: £12.50 / £14 on the door.

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HUG Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 September, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm n Ustinov Studio, Sawclose, Bath An immersive theatrical experience is offered, as blindfolded audience members are serenaded by a choir of singers who also hug them. Tickets: £5 / £4 concessions. Tel: 01225 448844.

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Amy Williams is to open Bathampton Village Show THEATRE TOUR: JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL Friday 9 September, 2.30pm and Friday 16 September, 4pm n Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close, Bath Enjoy an hour-long behind the scenes tour of the Georgian theatre while learning about the importance of theatre’s many facets on the writing of Jane Austen. Tickets: £10, tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Jane Austen Festival THE NATURAL THEATRE COMPANY: AUSTEN UNDONE Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, throughout the afternoon The inventive Bath based Natural Theatre Company has devised a Jane Austen walking tour with a difference. Taking a previously unheard of Austen novel as its inspiration expect romance, duels and a lot of laughter. Places on the 90 minute walk are £16.50. Tel: 01225 463362 or visit the Bath Box Office in the Tourist Information Centre, Abbey Church Yard, Bath.

FREE READING OF SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Sunday 11 September, 2pm and then daily until Sunday 18 September Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility will be read in installments daily at the Bath main public library in the Podium. The final installment will transfer to the tea room at the Jane Austen Centre in Gay Street.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: THE MUSICAL Wednesday 14 September, 2pm and 8pm Tin Roof Productions takes over the Mission Theatre in Corn Street for a new musical production of Pride and Prejudice, from the same international creative team responsible for Sense and Sensibility: a Musical in 2012. Tickets: £15.

REGENCY COSTUMED MASKED BALL Friday 16 September, 7pm This is a very popular annual event, giving people the chance to wear their favourite Regency finery, with decorative masks. The day begins at 1.30pm with an optional dance workshop with an expert teacher at St Matthew’s Church in Widcombe (tickets £10) and the evening opens with a reception beside the waters of the Roman Baths, followed by a grand costume procession by the assembled company through to dinner and dancing in the Pump Room. Tickets: £98. For details of other Jane Austen Festival events pick up a programme from the Tourist Information Centre or visit: janeausten.co.uk.

SNAP AND STROLL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Until September 27, daily 8.30am – 5pm n The Guildhall, High Street, Bath See Bath through the eyes of people in the city recovering from mental health issues in this free exhibition, which includes digital photographs taken by 11 students on the Snap and Stroll Project. Students have captured popular Bath scenes, as well as unnoticed corners, offering a fresh perspective on everyday places in the city. Bath College curatorship student Katie Constantine is the exhibition curator.

DAN WALSH AND JOHN DOWLING Friday 9 September, 8pm n Ring O Bells, Widcombe, Bath Two of the premier banjo players in the UK, John Dowling and Dan Walsh have joined forces to create a duo. Dan Walsh was nominated for Musician Of The Year at this year’s BBC Folk awards after a successful 2015 which saw the release of the critically acclaimed album Incidents and Accidents. John Dowling won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards aged 18 with his band The Black Cat Theory. He also taught comedian Frank Skinner how to play the banjo. Tickets: £12 on door.

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WHAT’S | ON

The Octagon room at the Assembly Rooms, which is to host the Luxury Wedding Show Picture: Lee Neil BATHAMPTON VILLAGE SHOW Saturday 10 September n Bathampton playing fields, Holcombe Lane, 2pm Bath Olympian, Amy Williams MBE, will open the show at 2pm and will judge an under 12s fancy dress competition as well as presenting prizes at the end of the day. There will be activities on the playing field along with competitions in the marquee, cream teas and Pimms. Visit: bathamptonvillageshow.co.uk for the show schedule.

SOUTHCOT BURIAL GROUND OPEN DAY Saturday 10 September, 11am – 3.30pm Bottom of Lyncombe Hill, Widcombe Bath Preservation Trust owns and manages this hidden oasis in the centre of Bath, a historic and important haven for wildlife. Jessica Flower, who looks after the beehives in the grounds, will give talks throughout the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

LECTURE: THE PREMIER SPA OF THE EMPIRE Monday 12 September, 7.30pm n St Mary’s Church hall, Bathwick The History of Bath Research Group welcomes guests to its regular programme of talks, for a suggested donation of £2. Nigel Pollard will be speaking about the story of Bath’s connections with the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924/5. For details of future talks visit; historyofbath.org.uk.

THE BATH BIG CLOTHES SWAP Wednesday 14 September, 6.30pm n The Guildhall, High Street, Bath Following the sell-out success of its first clothes swap in April, Bath & North East Somerset Council is organising a second clothes swap event, to encourage residents to creatively recycle their unworn clothes, by swapping them with other people. Items to be swapped need to be in a good clean condition and ready to be worn again. Entry is £5 and includes a drink. Book and pay in advance by calling Council Connect on 01225 394041 or visit one of the council’s One Stop Shops.

LECTURE: MONKS ON THE MISSION, BENEDICTINE BATH IN THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Thursday 15 September, 6pm n Museum of Bath Architecture, Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, the Paragon, Bath Dr Simon Johnson, keeper of the archives and library of Downside Abbey, explores Benedictine Science from 1669 and throughout the Georgian era, and the important connection with the work of William Herschel, at this event hosted by Bath Preservation Trust. Admission: £6 on the door.

LUXURY WEDDING SHOW Sunday 18 September, 11am – 3pm n Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath The Luxury Wedding Show gathers unique suppliers in the UK to showcase their work. Brides and grooms will find ideas and inspiration for both traditional and modern affairs alike, with lashings of prewedding inspiration plus Bridal Designs from London Designer Ritva Westenius. The whole wedding party will find items of interest at the show, which is being held in one of Bath’s most beautiful buildngs. Preregistration for the show is essential. Tickets: £5 on the door or free if you pre-register quoting BATHLWS2016, visit: luxuryweddingshow.co.uk.

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WHAT’S WHAT’S || ON ON

Violinist Pavlo Beznosik with the Avion Ensemble at the Cedars Hall, Wells

The Know How Gallery invites people to The Edge at the University of Bath for a five week festival of sharing ideas and creativity

EDITOR’S PICK Tamsin Little at the Wiltshire Music Centre. Picture: Paul Mitchell

De Temps Antan, French Canadian band, at the Wiltshire Music Centre

Doctor, gardener and food writer Sarah Raven is coming to Bath to talk about her new book Good, Good Food

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TALK: HOW THE GEORGIANS SAW OUTER SPACE Tuesday 13 September, 7pm n Priory Barn, Newton, Bradford on Avon Jonathan Hall from the Herschel Museum, Bath, will give a talk on 18th century brother and sister astronomers, William and Caroline Herschel.

William discovered the planet Uranus from his garden at 19 New King Street, Bath in 1781. In conjunction with the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust. Tickets £4 includes a drink and nibbles. Visit: boaartsfestival.com.

Also at the Bradford on Avon Arts Festival KINETICS Thursday 15 September, 7.30pm St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon Written and performed by Sue Wylie and based on her experiences of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and the story of her friendship with a free running, rebellious student. Directed by Kate McGregor (National Theatre Studio, Henry V at Shakespeare’s Globe). Raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK charity. Tickets: £10, visit: boaartsfestival.com or from Travel Options 4U, 54 Frome Road BoA or £12 on the door.

END OF SUMMER PARTY Saturday 17 September, 5 – 9.30pm Westbury Gardens, Bradford on Avon Light show with live music featuring Frome Street Bandits, Harlem Rhythm Cats and Harriet Braine. Food, including crepes, wood fired pizzas and Eastern mezze. Bar by Ruby Red including new ales brewed for Bradford on Avon and Poppies will be open for hot drinks and snacks.

Includes a space themed lantern procession from the tithe barn to Westbury Gardens at 6.30pm.

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THE BOY WITH TAPE ON HIS FACE IS TAPE FACE Thursday 22 September, 8pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath The editor saw this brilliant act at Larmer Tree Festival this summer, where the artist formerly known as The Boy with Tape on his Face, but now simply Tape Face, received a standing ovation. His act is fast-paced stand-up comedy with no talking, drama with no acting and punch lines with no words. He’s one of those acts that had people of all ages singing his praises.

Check him out on YouTube then catch his act live when he comes to Bath.

Tickets: £16 from komedia.co.uk/bath.

DANCE: PRACTICE Thursday 15 September, 7.30pm n The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath Practice gives artists and audiences the opportunity to come together to test new and innovative contemporary performance. Four extracts of work in progress are followed by a lively exchange of views that aims to open up the making process and contribute to the development of the work. The show features: Purple Gibbon, Amy Foskett, Salal El Brogy and Paradox Dance Theatre. Tickets: £5, tel: 01225 386777, visit: edgearts.org.

Also at The Edge this month EXHIBITION AND EVENTS: KNOW-HOW Saturday 17 September – Saturday 22 October Showcasing skills and knowledge of local residents Know-How is an exhibition marking the University of Bath’s 50th anniversary alongside the 500th anniversary of Sir Thomas More’s 1516 book Utopia. The Edge invites the people of Bath to enjoy five weeks of talks, demonstrations, lectures, workshops and practical sessions. A symposium The Next 50 Years of Knowledge will look at how knowledge might shape our lives by 2066. Academics, thinkers and stargazers will offer their best guess on what things might look like in 50 years time. Free entry (although booking required for some events). Box office: 01225 386777. Visit: edgearts.org.

DE TEMPS ANTAN Friday 16 September, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon French-Canadian folk brings fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and vocals for an energetic virtuoso performance. Tickets: £16 / £8 under 18s. Visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk or tel: 01225 860100.

Also at Wiltshire Music Centre this month

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TAMSIN LITTLE AND MARTIN ROSCOE Saturday 17 September, 7.30pm Acclaimed violinist Tamsin Little is joined by her long-standing musical partner pianist Martin Roscoe for an evening of Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No 4 Op 23, Fauré’s Violin Sonata No 1 Op 13 and Schubert’s Fantasie in C Major D934. Tickets: £22 / free for under 25s. The evening begins at 6.30pm with a pre-concert talk.

JEREMY DENK Friday 23 September, 7.30pm It is testament to the high regard which the Wiltshire Music Centre is held that it manages to book some of the world leaders in their field.

And American pianist Jeremy Denk, pictured, is a case in point. He is a winner of the MacArthur Fellowship and Musical America’s Instrumentalist of the Year. In this programme he’ll chart the history of western music, from the medieval through Bach, Beethoven and Brahms to Debussy, Prokofiev and Ligeti. Tickets: £22 / £11 under 18s. The evening starts at 6.30pm with a pre-concert talk.

BATH PHILHARMONIA Saturday 24 September, 7.30pm Conductor Jason Thornton leads this prestigious and local orchestra for a pastoral concert of reflection, remembrance and joy. Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin, Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto, featuring oboeist Victoria Braun, and finally Mozart Symphony No 41 Jupiter.Tickets: £25 / £5 under 18s.

VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS Saturday 17 September, 7pm n Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School, Wells The Avison Ensemble with Pavlo Beznosiuk on violin. Concerti Grossi

by Charles Avison and Handel; John Garth Cello Concerto; Vivaldi The Four Seasons. The Avison Ensemble, directed by Pavlo Beznosiuk, is among the UK’s most dynamic exponents of 18th century music on period instruments. The concert is being staged in Somerset’s new £9.4m performing arts centre, Cedars Hall. Ticket price includes a complimentary drink. Tickets: £29.50, £18, from: wellscathedralschool.org.

WRITING COURSE Tuesday 20 September and three subsequent Tuesdays, 10am – 12.30pm n The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath Alex Wilson and Jude Higgins will use objects from the museum to inspire writers to find their writing voice and gain in confidence with their own style. Sessions are suitable for beginners or for writers who would welcome a boost, using fun and informal workshops. £85 for the whole course. Tel: 01225 820866 or email: workshops@americanmuseum.org.

THE REMARKABLE MISS BRETON Until 1 October, daily 10am – 4pm n Bath Royal Literary and Science Institute, Queen Square, Bath Adela Breton lived in Camden Crescent, Bath (where a plaque has been placed as a homage). She travelled the world, as an artist and archaeologist, becoming a respected member of the Mesoamerican academic community. Her work as an artist, copying wall paintings, means that academics today can study the ancient Mexican images – her work can be seen in this fascinating free exhibition.

G2: DEFINITIVE GENESIS Friday 16 September, 7pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath G2 Definitive Genesis pays tribute to a classic period in Genesis’ long and colourful history, the four-man Phil Collins-led Seconds Out era (1975 – 78), also dipping back into the earlier Peter Gabriel years.

Also at Komedia this month THE BOWIE COLLECTIVE Friday 23 September 7.30pm The beating heart of this multimedia show is a rock and roll band performing sonically accurate versions of David Bowie’s greatest records, enhanced by a light and video backdrop. From Space Oddity to Let’s Dance this is for Bowie fans and the Bowie-curious. Tickets: £12.50.

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WHAT’S | ON COURTNEY PINE: HOUSE OF LEGENDS TOUR Friday 30 September, 7pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath No musician more embodies the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past 20 plus years than saxophonist Courtney Pine. The ground breaking, multi- instrumentalist has led a generation of exciting and innovative players who have broadened their styles to take jazz out to a wider audience. Tickets: £21.

Courtney Pine

SHAMANIC AROMATHERAPY WORKSHOP Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September n BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath Shamanic Aromatherapy workshop, run by visiting Chilean aromatherapist, Sylvia Galleguillos, senior trainer at the International Federation of Aromatherapists, author and frequent Chilean TV and radio guest. She will be teaching a holistic approach to aromatherapy closely inspired by native Latin American shamanic practices and their sacred understanding of the healing powers of plants, including how to prepare shamanic water mists for healing rituals. More information and bookings, visit: annachristensen.eu/workshops or call 0781 195 6685.

THE BRITISH ABROAD: THE GRAND TOUR IN THE 18TH CENTURY Thursday 22 September, 7pm n Beckford’s Tower, Lansdown Author Jeremy Black will be exploring a very important aspect of Beckford’s life – and the life of all 18th century gentleman – the Grand Tour. You don’t need to have read this book in particular. Entrance: £5.

BATH: QUEEN OF THE WEST Sunday 25 September 3pm n The Little Theatre Cinema, St Michael’s Place, Bath Dusty old reels tucked away in the corner of the projection room have been revealed as a rare film of Bath from 1952 presented by Richard Dimbleby. It is thought that the Little Theatre borrowed the film in the 1960s then forgot to return it. The film shows the city before the bulldozers did their work in the 1960s, and with walls still covered in soot. The screening will be introduced by Dr Amy Frost, architectural curator of the Bath Preservation Trust. To book visit: picturehouses.co.uk or call 01225 330817.

PLANNING AHEAD . . .

STAGS AND HENS Wednesday 5 – Saturday 8 October, 7.30pm n The Rondo theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Bath Drama present Willy Russell’s irreverent comedy Stags and Hens.

Entertaining, lively and very funny. Tickets, tel: 0333 6663 366, visit: ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre.

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS’ MEMBERS EXHIBITION Saturday 8 – Saturday 22 October, 10am – 4pm n BRSLI, Queen Square, Bath Exhibition of drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture co-curated

by David Simon Gallery. The Bath Society of Artists was founded in 1904 and has grown over the years to a membership of around 120 diverse, talented artists.

SARAH RAVEN Thursday 27 October, 7.30pm n St Mary’s Church, Bathwick, Bath Sarah Raven is a gardener, a cook, deviser of recipes and writer. She’s also a trained doctor and brings her knowledge of why certain foods protect our bodies to her new book Good, Good Food. It contains 250 colourful and tempting recipes, from spiced aubergine salad with pomegranate raita to basil yogurt ice cream. Tickets: £7 / £8, to include a glass of wine and voucher off the price of the book. Tel: 01225 428111 or from Topping & Co bookshop, the Paragon. n

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Philosophy for living

Free

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

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

BATH When? Tuesdays at 7.15pm starting 27th Sept 2016 Where? 30 Milsom St, Bath, BA1 1DG

BRISTOL When? Wednesday at 7.15pm starting 29th Sept 2016 Where? Charnwood House, 30 Cotham Park, Bristol, BS6 6BU

If you would like to know more or to register please contact: Email: bathandbristolphilosophy@gmail.com Or call: 07873 230651 Bath and Bristol School of Philosophy: branch of The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science.

Registered Educational Charity 313115

www.bathandbristolphilosophy.org

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Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution Upcoming Talks:

WHAT IS HAPPINESS? 6th September VIRGINIA WOOLF 19th September

SOUTH WITH SCOTT 22nd September

“Artist, archaeologist & traveler”

Exhibition open until 1st October

JOHN SINGER SARGENT 27th September

WAGNER SYMPOSIUM Saturday 15th October 2016 Bath box office www.brlsi.org 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN 01225 312084 reception@brlsi.org

HIMAL Fashion and Accessories from the Himalayas

4TH ANNUAL AUTUMN EVENT Following our hugely successful previous events and by demand we are pleased to announce this years event date as…

Friday 14th October and Saturday 15th October 2016, 10.30am - 4.30pm at: 5, Old King Street, Bath

(Health & Beauty Centre and Bath Chiropody Clinic; next to Hall and Woodhouse)

We will have many beautiful items, including:

Pure Cashmere Shawls • Pure Cashmere Scarves • Pure Cashmere Ponchos • Pure Silk Handprinted Scarves

Silk & Cotton Mix Dressing Gowns • Silk & Cotton Mix Pyjama Sets (beautifully presented in matching presentation bags)

Pure Wool Rugs • Handmade & Hand Printed Wrapping Paper • Handbags • Fun gifts for children & gifts for family & friends too Come along, bring a friend, enjoy a glass of Prosecco with us, shop!

All profits from the event will be donated to

The Charitable Foundation for the Education of Nepalese Children Reg’d No. 1140503 (A local charity, supporting and funding the education of children throughout Nepal.)

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WRITER | PROFILE

IT WAS TOUGH BEING QUEEN

Lucy Worsley, one of the country’s leading historians, tells Georgette McCready why she’s written a novel for young readers about one of the doomed wives of Henry VIII

T

he story of the British king who married six times and had two of those wives put to death never ceases to capture our imagination.

Myths and legends surrounding Henry VIII and his wives have continued to fascinate generation after generation, as they are told and re-told on screen, stage and paper.

As a young teenager Lucy Worsley devoured historic novels by Jean Plaidy, whose stories also revisited the Tudor court. Now chief curator of the Historic Royal Palaces, which includes Hampton Court, and TV historian, Lucy has turned from writing strictly factual books about the past to writing a fictionalised account of life as it might have been in the court of Henry VIII, as seen through the eyes of a teenage maid of honour. The young adults book, Eliza Rose, has been delighting audiences of all ages since its publication in the spring.

It explores a fictional version of what might have caused Henry’s fifth wife, Katherine Howard, to end up losing her head on the execution block. We were lucky enough to secure a chat with Lucy.

I asked her whether she feels that Katherine Howard, who was only about

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19 when she died, has been unfairly treated by history? “Absolutely,” she says firmly. “Katherine Howard has been depicted as a bimbo, a silly girl who didn’t know what she was doing. In fact she was a teenage girl who found herself in what could be a very dangerous place, in a court of powerful people.

“There is certainly an argument for saying that she really didn’t have the power to make choices. After all this was a time when everyone believed in the Great Chain of Being, which saw everyone in their place, from the king right down through the household to the lowest serf.

“Girls didn’t have the opportunities

or choices that we have today. Maids of honour, like Eliza Rose, would have been expected to hang around and look decorative, which must have been very boring. But then you’d only have to hear the wrong thing or get caught up with the wrong people and you could be in real danger, like Katherine.”

If a young queen under pressure to produce a male heir failed to get pregnant by her ailing, overweight middle aged king, would she turn to other men to try and give her king and country the baby that was required?

Lucy says the novel is factual in its background detail, about dress, custom etc, but that she has taken one ‘flight of fancy’ and that was that perhaps that Katherine Howard was completely controlled by others into the acts which led to the accusation of adultery and subsequently to her violent death.

Lucy was inspired to write about Queen Katherine by her own daily walks through the corridors of Hampton Court to her office. She has written about how, sometimes, while walking along the Haunted Gallery she thought about the story that Katherine Howard’s ghost is supposed to be seen and heard running, screaming along the gallery begging her king for her life.

LIVING HISTORY: main picture, Lucy Worsley, academic, television presenter and now children’s author Opposite page, Eliza Rose is published in paperback by Bloomsbury

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WRITER | PROFILE Lucy doesn’t believe in ghosts but she did believe that Katherine had been unfairly judged by time and so wrote this new version of her life.

She also explains that for years historians had said there was no way that Katherine would have come along this gallery to try and reach the king, but that theory has been debunked. In fact the projection of a woman in Tudor dress onto a wall has been set up in the Haunted Gallery, catching out unsuspecting visitors who get a fright when spotting it out of the corner of their eye.

Eliza Rose is an absorbing tale of intrigue, power and scandal. It tackles some fairly adult themes, such as virginity, adultery and lecherous older men. But then, as Lucy wryly points out: “These are all themes that young women still face today.”

Eliza herself is a fictional character but the author has given her the golden red hair of two of her own favourite heroines from the period, Elizabeth I and Bess of Hardwick. Eliza’s home of Stoneton was inspired by South Wingfield Manor in Derbyshire.

I asked Lucy about which period of time she would most like to be transported back to.

“Ideally it would have to be after the invention of anaesthetics I suppose, but if I were safe, then it would be fascinating to visit the Tudor court and see if it was really as we have imagined it.”

She muses about whether life in the past was easier or worse than it is today: “Life in the past was better: discuss.”

Lucy has embarked on writing a second teenage historical novel, set in the 1830s and featuring a young Princess Victoria and her childhood companion Miss Victoria Conroy, set against the background of Kensington Palace.

“The palace is another of the historic places I work in and it has inspired me, although it’s the people as much as the buildings. This was where Queen Victoria was born and where she grew up in a semi-abused childhood.’

We’ll be able to read more about the young Victoria when that novel is published in 2017.

Lucy Worsley is best known as a presenter of historical documentaries on subjects as various as the history of dance, of romance, the Russian tsars and the royal bedchamber.

What is she working on next for television, I ask? She gives a delighted whoop of joy: “Jane Austen! And yes, I know Bath well and have recently stayed at Sydney Place, where Jane Austen spent the longest time at any address in Bath, as part of my research.”

I venture the much held view that Austen was unhappy during her time spent in Bath. “Well you can argue the case that there are not so many letters written during her time in Bath because she was having far too much fun to be busy writing letters.”

Whatever the conclusions we’ll be able to enjoy Lucy’s take on Bath’s famous resident writer next year on our screens, as part of the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death.

Meanwhile, what response has she had from young readers of Eliza Rose? “I’ve had some really lovely letters, a lot of them heartfelt.”

And what can her young fans expect when they come and see her at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival? “It’s going to be fun. We’ve got a Tudor costume, fit for a queen, that we’ll get modelled by a member of the audience.

There’ll be a quiz, I’ll be doing some reading and there’ll be a chance to ask questions.”

Lucy Worsley will be in Bath on Sunday 2 October 5pm, at the Guildhall. Tickets: £7.50 bathfestivals.org.uk, tel: 01225 463362. n

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CITY | READING

BOOKS ON HISTORY

Delve into the past and discover the remarkable stories of those who lived centuries ago.

Here’s our pick of some of the best history books to hit the bookshops

LIVING LIKE A TUDOR

LOVE IN OCCUPIED PARIS

While we have a sound idea of what court life was like under the Tudor monarchs thanks to books such as Wolf Hall, here Ruth Goodman reveals what living in the 16th century was really like for everyday people. Not one for sitting behind a computer, Goodman has in fact slept, cooked and lived just as the Tudors did for her hands-on research. From dancing to courting, using soot as toothpaste to cooking dinner, Goodman takes readers through the senses of daily Tudor life.

After the Nazis took control of Paris during the Second World War, what was life like for the French residents trying to survive in their home city? In a world of constant fear, repression and aggression, Les Parisiennes uncovers how women lived, found love and survived in 1940s Paris. From travelling on the Metro with Nazis to being served by a German in a shop, women couldn’t hide from the Nazi occupation. Anne Sebba tells the stories of women from all walks of life, from teachers to prostitutes, actresses to writers, and reveals the extent these women had to go to in order to live through such an unpredictable time. With the Liberation of Paris in 1944 and the end of the conflict a year later, Sebba also discusses how these women had to come to terms with what they had done during the war.

How to be a Tudor: A Dawn-to-Dusk Guide to Everyday Life by Ruth Goodman, paperback, Penguin Books, RRP £9.99

Les Parisiennes: How the Women of Paris Lived, Loved and Died in the 1940s by Anne Sebba, hardback, Orion Publishing, RRP £20

COURAGE UNDER FIRE

Somme: Into the Breach by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore, hardback, Penguin Books, RRP £25

RISING POWER

Marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, Hugh SebagMontefiore paints a haunting picture of what life was like at the Front. While the loss of life during the campaign was tragic, Somme: Into the Breach suggests that the casualties may not have been due to incompetent generals as has been previously argued by historians. Using eyewitness accounts, Sebag-Montefiore reveals stories of bravery, sacrifice and remarkable courage as soldiers went over the top to face oncoming shells, machine guns and possible death, and discusses how the Allied armies were in fact more successful in breaking through German lines than has been thought.

The Silk Roads: A New History of the World

by Peter Frankopan, paperback, Bloomsbury Publishing, RRP £10.99 For centuries the western world dominated politics, economics and trade.

However, here Peter Frankopan reveals how the Silk Roads in the east emerged as a power network to rival their western counterparts.

Stretching from eastern Europe to Central Asia, from China to India, the roads once connected different cultures, ideas, religions and goods. Frankopan also compares how the modern day east is emerging as a power on the world stage once again.

KEEP CALM AND RATION

Eggs or Anarchy? – The Remarkable Story of a Man Tasked with the Impossible: to Feed a Nation at War by William Sitwell, hardback, Simon & Schuster, RRP £20 With a nation at war, trade routes being attacked at every angle by the enemy and supplies dwindling, Lord Woolton, the minister for food during the Second World War, had the momentous task of feeding the country throughout the conflict. William Sitwell uncovers how Woolton jumped through every hoop and used every trick up his sleeves to secure food supplies for the nation. From outwitting dealers on the black market to persuading people in customs to purposely ignore his import schemes, Eggs or Anarchy? shows the reality of how Lord Woolton was able to keep Britain’s stomachs full through a time of great uncertainty.

A CRIMINAL CASE

The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer

by Kate Summerscale, hardback, Bloomsbury Publishing, RRP £16.99 One morning in the summer of 1895, 13-year-old Robert Coombes and his brother Nattie left their house in East London to go watch the cricket at Lord’s. They told their neighbours that their father had gone to sea and their mother was in Liverpool visiting family. Over the next week and a half, the two boys sold their parents’ valuables and

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spent the money on extravagant trips to the seaside and the theatre. But it wasn’t long before a pungent smell began to emerge from the house. What the police found when they were finally called to the house to investigate horrified the press. Kate Summerscale, the bestselling author of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, examines this criminal case and uncovers a haunting yet fascinating murder that shocked Victorian London, and discovers what happened to the two boys years after committing this shocking crime.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

A RICH HARVEST OF ART September sees a glorious abundance of exhibitions in the city’s galleries

Work by Maisie Owen

LANE HOUSE ARTS 5 Nelson Place East, Bath Wed – Fri, 10am – 5.30pm, Sat 10.30am – 6pm Tel: 07767 498403 Visit: lanehousearts.co.uk PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE During September and October Lane House Arts is celebrating the work of Bath Spa University and its Bath School of Art and Design with a series of exhibitions showcasing the talents of students, past and present.

BATH SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN Sion Hill Campus, Lansdown, Bath Open: 10am – 5pm BATH SPA UNIVERSITY MA DEGREE SHOW Saturday 24 – Wednesday 28 September More than 30 artists and designers will be showing at this year’s MA degree exhibition.

Among them will be mature student Andrea Wright, who moved to Bath to study for a Masters in fine art, following a career in music and fashion which had taken her to New York and London. Last year she was chosen as a resident artist as part of the Bath Spa Porthleven Prize, giving her the chance to take part in a funded ten day residency based in a Cornish studio with other artists. She has shown her work in Bath previously, holding a group exhibition at Bath Artists Studios, participating in Fringe Arts Bath, and selling her work at Verve Living, London Road.

Detail from work by Andrea Wright

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Moon Figure by Kenneth Armitage

VICTORIA ART GALLERY

By Pulteney Bridge Open Daily, 10.30am – 5pm Tel: 01225 477233 Visit: victoriagal.org.uk CENTENARY: KENNETH ARNITAGE Saturday 10 September– 27 November The gallery, owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council, is celebrating the centenary of Kenneth Armitage (1916 – 2002) with an exhibition of his sculptures and drawings.

Armitage had links with Bath as he joined the staff of Bath Academy of Art, Corsham in 1946 and was its head of sculpture.

The exhibition is a world exclusive, covering the period 1938 – 2001. It illustrates Armitage’s artistic development and gives a lively overview of the themes he pursued. His early paintings are surprising in their colour and humanity, while the arboreal drawings and watercolours made on his regular visits to Richmond Park reveal an interest that ran alongside his figurative sculpture.

The exhibition features more than 60 works loaned from major collections: the British Council, Government Art Collection, Royal Academy, Tate, key regional galleries and museums and a number of private collections in London and one in Canada. The Victoria Art Gallery’s drawing, maquette and bronze of People in the Wind 1950 is a significant

example of Armitage’s ‘linked figure’ sculptures, in which each person loses his/her individual identity within a group context. This innovation, realised whilst working at Corsham, helped to secure the artist his international reputation.

Armitage worked largely in bronze, forming his sculptures in plaster prior to casting. During leaner periods of the 1970s and 1980s he turned to other materials, such as fibreglass and plastics, but bronze remained his medium of choice. Always inventive, both practically and intellectually, he chose classical heroes as his subjects and characters from Chaucer, among many other references.

Part of the centenary celebrations includes a book Kenneth Armitage, Sculptor: A Centenary Celebration. All items in the exhibition will be illustrated, and more.

During his long career Armitage exhibited widely, in both solo and group exhibitions. His debut on the international stage was at the 26th Venice Biennale in a group exhibition New Aspects of British Sculpture, 1952, at which the doyenne of contemporary art, Peggy Guggenheim, purchased his bronze People in a Wind. His work has been acquired by museums and galleries in Britain and around the world.

For further information: kennetharmitagefoundation.org.uk. Entry to the exhibition is £4, or free to Discovery Card holders and under 21s. n

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nick cudworth gallery

Bathford Skyline – Original Oil Painting and Signed Giclee Prints

BATH SKYLINES 1 – 30 September

Inspired by walking sections of The Bath Skyline also views from the artist’s roof garden at various times of day and seasons of the year.

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

White Hellebore by Natalie Toplass. Oil on Canvas.

47” x 47” £2,300.

The Art Gallery

Memb

er Gall ery

home of ArtGallery.co.uk

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

art_gallery_uk

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath Closed on Mondays Tel: 01225 445221 Visit: nickcudworth.com BATH SKYLINES Throughout September Bath Skylines is an exhibition of oil paintings and giclee prints inspired by walking sections of the Bath Skyline at various times of day and seasons of the year. Also views from Nick’s roof garden at the top of Walcot Street. Among new works is a large oil painting of the Bathford skyline as seen from Sham Castle.

Rooftops and Spires by Nick Cudworth

IMAGIANATION GALLERY Terrace Walk, Bath Tel: 01225 312996 Visit: imagianation.com Open 10.30am – 5.30pm

Presence: double ring by Linda Brothwell

HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Open: Daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) THE MISSING: LINDA BROTHWELL Until 2 January The Holburne Museum has commissioned Bristol-based artist Linda Brothwell to create her own intricate pieces as a counterpart to the empty wooden, gilt bronze and hardstone plinths which once held the treasures collected by founder Sir William Holburne. Many of the museum’s plinths were separated from their objects in the 20th century and Brothwell has created pieces of wearable jewellery in silver and quartz, presenting them on marble, ebony and gold plinths, all displayed on the first floor Ballroom Table and free to visitors to view.

The Missing is the latest commission of its contemporary installations inspired by its collection, building and garden in the On the Table series at the Holburne.

Linda will be in conversation with Catrin Jones, curator of decorative arts at the Holburne on Thursday 22 September, at 7pm. The two will discuss Brothwell’s work and the process of creating The Missing.

Tickets are £10. Linda’s work can be seen in the V&A and the Royal College collection.

She has exhibited in the UK and for Palais de Tokyo, British Council, The Design Museum, the Korean National University of Cultural Heritage, The Royal Society for Arts and COLLECT. She lectures and debates at Sheffield Hallam University, Jerwood Space and on behalf of the British Council and teaches internationally.

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A view of Bath Abbey from Bathwick by Rod Craig

BEAUX ARTS York Street, Bath Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 01225 464850 Visit: beauxartsbath.co.uk JENNIFER ANDERSON AND STEPHANIE REW 5 September – 8 October Two Scottish painters are featured. Using pose, body language and mood, Jennifer Anderson seeks in her work to create an intimate relationship between viewer and subject. She focuses the viewer’s gaze on the subject so that they can allow themselves a pure emotional reaction that speaks as much of their own feelings and experiences as of those they interpret in the subject they are regarding. The artist hopes to leave space for the imagination, to minimise unnecessary distractions, visually and emotionally, and let the viewer make up their own mind as to what the painting is saying to them. Stephanie Rew is influenced by the Baroque style of oil painting. She combines traditional with modern techniques with an emphasis on glazing, to produce glowing, rich oils which attempt to capture and contrast the lusciousness of Japanese fabric with the flesh tones of the wearer.

LANDSCAPE AND WILDLIFE ART, FEATURING ROD CRAIG Throughout Septenber The gallery presents a vibrant selection of work inspired by the natural world. This show is dominated by detailed drawings of natural habitats, explosive splashes of colour, stunning explorations of light and dream-like landscapes.

Featuring powerful atmospheric watercolours

by Rod Craig. The artist trained at the West of England College of Art before setting up a graphic design company, which he ran for more than 30 years. He’s returned to his first love, painting, and recently relocated to Bath, where he has been inspired by the architecture and the verdant landscape surrounding the city.

Braids by Jennifer Anderson

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

EMMA ROSE

El Sol es La Vida by Emma Rose

Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885235915 / 01225 424 424 Visit: emmaroseartworks.com OPEN STUDIO During September Emma Rose is for the first time part of Somerset Open Studios, and will be welcoming visitors to her gallery/studio at 78 Walcot Street, Bath. There they will find original contemporary artwork and limited edition giclee prints of landscapes and flights of fancy by the award-winning local artist.

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

SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS A trail of open studios from Bath to Frome, Mendip and Beyond Saturday 17 September – Sunday 2 October Somerset Open Studios is a countywide opportunity to view over 300 artists and makers in their working environment. This year’s line up stretches to Bath, and includes established names as well as new and emerging artists. Meet the artist face-to-face in their studio, home or temporary work space; browse and buy or place a personal commission for a special piece. There are many venues, which can be found on the arts trail map. For more details visit: somersetartworks.org.uk or call Somerset Art Works, tel: 0789 442 8877 for a free guide to the artists, venues and affiliated events.

Peter Ford

PETER FORD Monday 5 – Saturday 17 September Peter Ford, who uses paper pulp and found objects to create sophisticated 3D impressions, revealing the hidden beauty imbedded within everyday materials. Artist’s talk is on Thursday 8 September, at 6pm – call to book a place.

Through the Trees by Amanda Bee

VANNI MACCHIAGODENA Monday 19 September – Saturday 1 October Italian-based painter Vanni Macchiagodena captures an archaic sense of landscape through bold abstracted compositions.

ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH Main corridor gallery, Royal United Hospital, Bath Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am – 8pm daily BATH SCHOOLS EXHIBITION Until 13 October To mark the 20th anniversary of Bath Artists’ Studios (BAS), the studios’ artists are collaborating with Art at the Heart to run a sealed auction of 12inchx12inch works by BAS artists to the hospital’s central corridor.

All proceeds will be donated to the work of both charity organisations. A reserve price of £75 is placed on all works. To bid for a work, complete a form in the RUH Central Gallery and post in the box provided or visit: artatruh.org/exhibitions/temporaryprogramme/central-exhibition. The successful bids will be announced at a reception on Thursday 6 October from 6 – 8pm.

Porcelain Shoal by Lorna Bode

4 Abbey Street, Bath Open daily 11am – 6pm

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

44AD ART SPACE

STILL POINT: ANNA KOT AND ED WILLIS Tuesday 27 September – Sunday 2 October Two local artists – Anna Kot and Ed Willis – work in different genres, both using line and form to explore ideas of movement and equilibrium and the creative tension between the two. The gentle turning of Ed’s pieces creates a meditative sense which sharply contrasts with the bold and vibrant energy in Anna’s paintings where diagonals and definite angles provide an exciting opposition to the still point of balance essential for structure in the kinetic sculptures.

Up High by Bridget Moore

Working Together by Anna Kot

SHOWTIME AT THE CIRCUS Friday 9 September – Saturday 1 October The gallery lies close to John Wood the Elder’s Georgian Circus and has taken a circus theme for its exhibition by three artists. Bridget Moore often touches on scenes from her childhood in Whitstable. Themes include theatres, circuses and fairgrounds. Claire Loder’s ceramics are amusing and slightly eerie – recalling the clowns who stayed with her family when she was a child. Also showing is acclaimed British artist Steven Hubbard.

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ART | IN EDUCATION

WHY ART MATTERS

Georgette McCready visits King Edward’s School in Bath to see why art has an important role to play in education

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he A Level moderators had recently visited the art department at King Edward’s School so there was a selection of work on show when I arrived. Not only were these highly competent pieces, thoughtful and imaginative in their content, but no two students’ work was similar. Their individual talent and style shone through.

Head of art Michael Pell said, as he surveyed the room: “As you can see, we don’t have a house style.” And it is this ability to allow each student to develop their own style that makes King Edward’s art teaching outstanding.

Michael, who is also an artist, is hugely proud of his staff and of what the students at the independent school in North Road achieve. His team of teachers are artists themselves, which he believes equips them for developing and nurturing the young talent that comes through their doors.

We chat about the importance of art on the curriculum and for creating well rounded young people. There are many examples of how and why art is enhancing KES’ students lives. Older students had recently been working with the three to seven-year-olds in the preprep department teaching the children about art through activities themed around The Bear Hunt illustrated story.

A group of students had visited Venice where, said Mike: “We took them everywhere, not just to galleries and museums, but to churches and squares where we looked at the history, the art and the architecture. It all helps to encourage them to learn and to look at the world around them. We like to say that we teach them how to think rather than what to think. Art history has an important role to play too.”

The A Level students provide a portfolio of art plus an illustrated published book containing their own 3,000 word thesis alongside their work.

This is the kind of thing you can imagine them keeping on their

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bookshelves for the rest of their lives, justly proud of their achievements.

Michael said student feedback in his department reflects the pleasure they find in creativity. Some will take what they’ve learned here on to art colleges – seven boys and girls have won coveted places at some of the country’s top colleges this year – while others may enjoy art as a pastime and an enrichment for their lives.

The school does not merely measure its artistic output in terms of academic success. One of its students, Jamie Mount, has been commissioned by Bath hoteliers Ian and Christa Taylor to produce a unique mural for Number 15 boutique hotel in Great Pulteney Street.

And visitors to the National Gallery between now and Tuesday 22 September can enjoy art by KES junior school

students. For an unprecedented fifth time (and for the third year running), art by students were chosen for the 21st annual Take One Picture exhibition.

Each year the National Gallery invites primary schools from across the country to use one of its paintings as the stimulus for learning right across the curriculum. For 2016, Thomas Gainsborough’s Mr and Mrs Andrews was chosen as the inspiration. Year 4 students were taken to the Holburne Museum to study portraiture, including Gainsborough’s Byam Family, before creating their own sepia ink drawings to re-interpret Gainsborough’s Suffolk country scene. After submitting their artwork for the National Gallery’s review, the children were invited to exhibit their work.

Back at the school, alongside the fine

MAKING THEIR MARK: top, pieces of art by King Edward’s School students and, main picture, head of art Michael Pell with student Jamie Mount

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UNIQUE STYLE: art is displayed throughout the school art department, where students can work on their pieces

art, there is printmaking, graphic design and photography. The youngsters studying these various disciplines are able to see the creative and commercial value of learning such skills. This coming academic year they’ll be studying the work and methods of British printmaker and linocut artist Jonny Hannah. He’s also agreed to visit the school to talk about his art. There will be an exhibition called Cutting Edge – in tribute to Jonny’s work, also referring to the linecuts which will be on

show and reflecting the art department’s ambition to support its pupils in creating unique work. The exhibition, and Jonny’s talk, is on 14 October.

Tickets go on sale from Wednesday 7 September, tel 01225 464313 or email reception@kesbath.com The art department even has a traditional dark room so young photographers can learn techniques from a pre-digital age.

Michael and his team enjoy getting the whole school involved in the creative

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process. The Wessex Building at the school was recently used for an exhibition of photography which saw contributions from pupils as young as five, along with staff and parents, with some 200 submissions.

Walking through the art classrooms where students are busy at their projects, it’s apparent that they are all happily absorbed in their work. In these days of so many prescribed educational doctrines it’s good to see this freedom of thought thriving. n

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SMOKE ON THE WATER We talk to Bath based London Fashion Week photographer Marc Aitken about a recent shoot he directed at the city’s historic Cleveland Pools

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T

hink the Lady of Shallot meets the X-Files – that was the brief Marc Aitken described to the Cleveland Pools Trust when pitching his idea for a photo shoot at the historic Bath venue last month.

Having agreed to photograph a fashion show for Bath’s Regency Cleveland Pools to help them promote their fundraising campaign last summer the trust of the historic lido agreed in return to let Marc create one of his highly stylised fashion shoots at the venue.

He said of the opportunity: “Mindful of the fact that the pools will be closing soon for renovation and that this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity could slip through my fingers, I assembled a creative team and set to work. Staging a fashion shoot such as this was never going to be easy.

“The boat that was borrowed from Bathwick Boat Hire had to be first rowed up the River Avon and then carried by a team of six people out of

the river over the fence just to get into the pool.

“When you add in smoke machines, dry ice, stadium floodlights, wireless LED lights and the fact that the model had to be towed in and out of the boat for every costume change, you have the makings of quite a complicated fashion shoot.”

You’ll notice in the background a shadowy figure. Marc thought it would be a nice touch to feature a Victorian character who was very much part of Cleveland Pools’ history.

Captain Evans was a celebrated figure at the baths in the late 1800s. Having once witnessed three workmen drown in the river Avon, he vowed he would never let it happen again and workingclass children in the area were subsequently sent to him to be taught to swim. In order to amuse them further the Captain would stage spectacular feats, such as leaping from a diving board dozens of feet high into the pool below, wearing nothing more than a top

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MARC AITKEN: PHOTOGRAPHY Marc Aitken studied theatre lighting and set design at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He is a regular photographer at London Fashion Week, for both catwalk shows and backstage shots. He has photographed many musicians, including Kate Bush, Oasis, Florence and the Machine and, recently at Glastonbury Festival, Lauren Mayberry frontwoman for Chvrches.

See more of Marc’s work at: marcaitken.com.

NIGHT SHOOT: model Angelica Banes was set afloat on the still waters of the open air baths at the Cleveland Pools for Marc’s shoot – which also involved six people lifting the vintage wooden skiff from the River Avon over to the site in Bathwick

hat and a cape. The eccentric Captain also never went anywhere without a cappucine monkey on his shoulder and for a brief period of time owned a pet tiger.

March continues: “Calling on my background of working in West End theatre and concert production, I knew this was an opportunity too good to miss. The shoot is entitled Darkness Falls and represents a brief moment in time when different eras collide.

Set against the background of the Regency buildings, the Victorian era is represented by Captain Evans lurking in the shadows, while the skiff on the water is a nod to the glamour and decadence of the 1920s.

The model in the boat represents the here and now, while the lights glowing from behind the keeper’s cottage are a hint at an almost alien presence lurking to overtake the historic structure.

We finally finished shooting in the wee small hours and extend our thanks to the neighbouring houses who will

n Public demand for the restoration of the Cleveland Pools has gathered impetus over the last few years and hundreds of people attended talks, open days during the public consultation earlier this year. The campaign now needs to raise £520,000 to secure funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In order to secure a capital grant of £3.7m the trust has to raise £520,000 in cash and pledges by the end of the year.

To date £300,000 has been raised. All support is welcome to ensure this historic gem is brought back to life and Bath’s residents and visitors can once again enjoy open-air swimming. To help the campaign contact appeal director, Valentine Morby on 07855 292 828.

Visit Cleveland Pools on Heritage Open Days, Friday 9 September, Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September, daily from 2pm to 5pm.

Booking is not required, but be advised, there is no parking on site and the path to the pools is steep and surfaces are uneven. n

have seen strange lights that night.

As ever I was supported by a great team of loyal friends and colleagues in particular the very talented Felicity Keefe who styled this shoot and co-art directs all my shoots with me. Thanks too to the redoubtable Rusette Auton at Bath Theatrical Costume Hire, Angelica Banes as our long suffering and very beautiful model and Matt Nesbeth as Captain Evans and for lifeguard duties; Clairelouise Bender for make-up and David Johnson, Andy Russell and Robbie Wood for lighting, rigging and smoke bomb madness.

Sarah Lillywhite for camera assistant duties, services to river craft and crew well-being; Sarah Hardick at Bathwick Boat Hire for loan of the 1920s rowing boat, Gary Churchill at IMax lighting and Nick Hobbs at Technical Hire in Brislington for lighting and staging support and last, but definitely not least, Sally Helvey and all at The Cleveland Pools Trust for making it all possible.”

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

Mike Stiff Tree surgeon

I

went to college in Suffolk, far, far away from Bath, but in another beautiful county. As a child we used to go to the Lake District and for some strange reason I used to dream of being a park warden. I saw how they lived in this wonderful environment in tidy little cottages and drove around in the coolest cars imaginable. I’ve owned a spate of Land Rovers ever since.

My love of the countryside was in my blood as both my mum and grandmother were country people who passed on their knowledge to me. My grandmother, Alice Stiff, in particular loved to hunt for wren nests, smell the fox and suck nectar from dead nettles. In fact when she died she left a little money with which I bought my first tipper truck. It was the start of Admiral Tree Surgery.

The Otley college of agriculture taught me many things and most of all it gave me hands-on experience. In the first year I worked on Lord Henniker-Major’s estate and then did a work placement for two years with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. I learnt many things from forestry to shepherding and also acted as mentor in their environmental education programme for disadvantaged kids. Some of whom had never ever seen real live sheep before; it was really fulfilling to open their eyes.

I then spent a long time up in Scotland working for Herpetofauna Consulting whose main service was to record and trap newts, snakes, lizards and toads. We found a large colony of Natterjack toads which resulted in a lot of local publicity as they are very rare. My girlfriend at the time then moved to Weston Super Mare and so I duly followed her and ended up living in Bristol.

Building on my tree surgery qualifications I did a number of specific courses around ropes, harnessing and aerial rescue. On visiting Bath however I was knocked out by the greenness of the city. So many trees! I remember walking up Solsbury Hill and thinking ‘this is where my future lies’. We lived in Larkhall for a while, opposite the Rose and Crown which Jerry Grey was running at the time. Great memories.

I got a job locally with Phil Shirley who ran Advanced Tree Services in Kilmersdon. Gradually I started to get more of my own work and remember bombing around Bath in a Mini with huge bags of logs, twigs and foliage strapped to the roof, like a giant snail.

A bit like a rolling stone I commuted between Falmouth and Bath for a while where on the way I coincidentally worked for Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.

Now I’m settled in Bath and loving my work and life. I’m involved in a few new creative projects like bee keeping, planking seasoned logs in the workshop, turning wood and even providing tree climbing courses.

I love trees and often feel a passionate responsibility to protect and nurture them. My clients also have a close relationship with their trees and it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say they often love them. This is surely healthy in a world increasingly obsessed and reliant on technology. We all need to be more sensitive to trees’ needs.

Visit: treesurgerybath.co.uk. n

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

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

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FINDING THE CURE

Historian Catherine Pitt delves into the history of The Mineral Water Hospital in Bath

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wo hundred years before the creation of the National Health Service (NHS), a group of philanthropic men and women founded a hospital in Bath for the benefit of the nation. Known over the centuries as The General Hospital, The Royal Mineral Water Hospital, and The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD), The Min, as it’s more fondly known, has been at the forefront of medical research and care since 1742.

The curative properties of Bath’s thermal waters are well documented.

Even Bath’s foundation is attributed to the miraculous use of the waters on King Bladud’s disfiguring skin disease.

By the 18th century the city’s reputation for its medicinal springs had led to its expansion and popularity. However, with success came a darker side.

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(founded 1609) had been created to help the situation; however it had just 12 beds, admitted only men, and restricted stays to a maximum of four weeks.

Seeking to resolve the issue of the socalled Beggars of Bath and regulate those seeking medical treatment in the city, Lady Elizabeth Hastings, Sir Joseph Jekyll, Richard Marchant and bankers Benjamin and Henry Hoare, proposed the idea of creating an inclusive hospital that would provide “free treatment for the sick and poor of Britain and Ireland.”

This hospital was to be entirely selffunded, and even before the hospital was built the raising of monies for it began in earnest. Bath’s Master of Ceremonies, Richard Beau Nash arranged balls and collected subscriptions; wills, donations and even bequests of a diamond, and 1,000 oranges, contributed to the coffers. The list of donors reads like a Who’s Who of 18th century Bath society. Those who

donated £40 or more were invited to become a hospital governor, including the artist William Hoare and the actor David Garrick.

On what had previously been Bath’s first playhouse, the foundation stone for The Min was laid on 6 July 1738 by the Right Honourable William Pulteney, Earl of Bath. The hospital lay just within the city walls and faced onto meadows. It took four years to complete and had many generous benefactors.

The architect, John Wood the Elder gave his time for free, while entrepreneur Ralph Allen provided stone from his own mines nearby for zero cost.

When the hospital opened in 1742 it had 70 beds on four wards, as well as an onsite apothecary, brewery, laboratory, and even a burial ground situated just the other side of the city wall. The staff included Mrs Whitlock (matron), Jeremiah Pierce (surgeon), John Morris (apothecary), plus doctors Oliver, Harington and Rayner. Until

PRESCRIBING A REMEDY: main image, Dr Oliver and Mr Pierce, 1st physician and surgeon, examining a patient inflicted with paralysis rheumatism and leprosy, 1761, by William Hoare Opposite, the exterior of The Min, Upper Borough Walls, c1930s, and a patient being lowered into a bath in 1975 Images courtesy of Bath In Time. Visit: bathintime.co.uk

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of two couples during their stay at The Min, despite the segregated wards. Vandalism, fighting, and graffiti were other recorded consequences of the tedium of routine at the hospital, with one patient even fined for the damage he caused while racing his wheelchair around the building.

Initially intake to the hospital was slow.

Advertisements had been placed in London papers but this had a limited readership geographically. Leaflets had also been sent to every parish church in England to be handed out, however some leaflet distributors took it upon themselves to charge for each flyer and as a consequence news about the hospital spread gradually.

❝

Its wondrous cures have gained a world-wide fame Bath Mineral Water Hospital is its name . . .

Anon, 1865

❝

1829 staff had to reside on site and only senior staff had private rooms – everyone else had to sleep on the wards.

Although the hospital had been created for the nation, there were certain stipulations potential patients had to meet. Firstly you couldn’t be a resident of Bath (ie live within the city walls) since residents already enjoyed the privilege of free access to the waters. Secondly all patients had to be referred to the hospital by a physician’s letter. Thirdly, if you were infectious or had a sexually transmitted disease then you were automatically refused admittance. Finally, if you were accepted for treatment by the Hospital Board, you had to provide caution money. This money provided you with clothes if needed, covered burial costs if you died on site; or would act as your fare home (this practice of caution money ceased in 1937). For the poor this money was given either by the parish or from some other benefactor.

Men and women were housed on separate wards, and any children admitted for treatment stayed on the women’s ward. Days in the hospital were pretty regimented. Early starts and early bedtimes were enforced, and the rules that were read out every week to the patients included no drinking, no fraternising, no swearing and no games.

Up until 1830 when two hydrotherapy pools were built on site, patients were escorted six days a week to the Hot and King’s Baths by the chairmen and guides. Each person wore a brass badge to identify them as a patient of the hospital, which was also a handy identifier for local innkeepers and law enforcement officers.

It was not uncommon for patients to break the rules and head to the nearest hostelry to imbibe a different kind of water. However, it wasn’t just the patients breaking the rules – hospital records of 1743 note that chairmen and guides were found to be drinking liquors with patients while they bathed.

Other misdemeanours recorded included the dismissal of a Dr Archibald Cleland in 1743 for professional misconduct and the elopement

Yet within 50 years of its opening The Min had outgrown itself. A third floor was added to the original building in 1793 to help ease the waiting lists. The idea of rebuilding the hospital elsewhere in the city also continued to gather support. With the growth of Bath, the hospital no longer overlooked quiet fields, and instead found itself in the middle of a bustling commercial city.

Although various sites around the city were proposed for the building of a bigger hospital, including the Sydney Garden Hotel (now The Holburne Museum), it was the sale of the adjacent rectory and other buildings in the late 1850s that enabled George Manners and John Gill to design and build an adjoining west wing and chapel.

As the hospital grew in size so did its

reputation for research. By 1938 it was considered to have the most progressive rheumatology unit in the world; though in the 18th century patients were merely guinea pigs for the doctors.

Many of the illnesses treated by The Min in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as gout, palsy, paralysis and rheumatism, can be attributed to patients’ exposure to lead and other heavy metals – a consequence of the virtually non-existent health and safety standards in workplaces, and the regular adulteration of foodstuffs and drinks in this period.

Not only were the waters imbibed or bathed in, but treatments at The Min included enemas, needle douches, cupping, scarifying of gums, and hydrotherapy involving sulphur or electricity. Between 1742 and 1888 61,216 patients were admitted, with 16,151 recovering and 34,506 relieved of their symptoms.

The uniqueness of the hospital was almost its downfall. After the creation of the NHS in 1948, the government sought to amalgamate specialist hospitals such as The Min, but one man – Doctor George Kersley – began a crusade to keep it open, despite the high costs to repairing the bomb damaged west wing which had been hit during the Bath Blitz in 1942. Kersley won his battle and rebuilding began in 1962.

Today the hospital still provides 25 beds on site. It became part of the NHS in 1991 and, as of 2015, was acquired by the Royal United Hospitals Bath with a relocation of services programme currently in full effect.

Virtually all internal evidence of the Georgian hospital has disappeared, but the legacy of its founding members – Hoare, Hastings, Oliver, Nash etc – live on at present in the nation’s only dedicated hospital to rheumatic diseases.

From Monday 19 September the Bath Medical Museum, chronicling the history of The Min, will be launched at The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RL. n

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FOOD | NEWS

TITBITS

n A new artisanal food market is being launched by local producers on Saturday 17 September in Queen Square, Bath, from 10am – 8pm. Taste of Bath has teamed up with Bath Street Food (Hubb Group) to run the Great Artisan Feast Festival, which will be a free event, with street food, bars, live music, demos and a Taste of Bath mini market. Karen Skerratt of Bath Street Food and Helen Rich of Taste of Bath wanted to create an event in central Bath, something local, fresh and for the community. The duo are hoping to grow the new market into a monthly event similar to the big town centre market of Frome Independent. n It’s time to start baking for Bath’s own Great Bath Bake Sale, which takes place on Saturday 1 October from 11am to 3pm. That day the mighty Bath Abbey will be filled with all kinds of cakes made by community groups and sold to raise money for the abbey’s Footprint appeal. Competitive bakers are invited to enter the Showstopper competition, which has adult and children’s categories. There’ll also be hands-on activities for families, including cupcake decorating and bread making. The event is being staged as part of the Great Bath Feast. Visit: bathabbey.org/greatbathbakesale2016. n The village of Timsbury near Bath is holding a food festival on Saturday 17 September in celebration of south west produce. The first Taste of Timsbury event, which runs from 10am till 3pm, takes place inside and outside the Conygre Hall. Alongside stalls selling freshly cooked food to go, there’ll be the chance to buy locally brewed beer and cider, chilli products, jams, meat, cheese and freshwater crayfish, caught locally. The nearby Pig hotel has donated a raffle prize of dinner, bed and breakfast for two and there’ll be cookery demonstrations and food themed activities for children. Taking part are local groups, including allotment holders, the WI and beekeepers. Entry to the event is free.

Visit: tasteoftimsbury.co.uk. n We’ll be able to graze our way round Bath Abbey courtyard from Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 October at the Bath Bites Food & Drink Fair, which is being set up as part of the Great Bath Feast. The fair will feature a mix of 12 vendors serving hot and cold food. There’ll also be a Gin Palace with more than 100 gin and tonic brands to sample including local favourite Bath Gin.

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COOKBOOK WITH A POSITIVE MESSAGE

A Wiltshire artist recovering from anorexia was inspired to create her own recipe book after searching in vain for a title that would help people like her.

Nicola Davis, whose silk paintings and scarves sell across the UK and in the United States via her website nicoladaviscrafts.co.uk, wrote My Super Sweet Recovery Cookbook in recognition of people like her who have suffered eating disorders.

She said: “I was in Waterstones looking for a healthy recipe book and I couldn’t find any that were aimed at people who were recovering. Then the idea just came to me that I’d write one myself.”

Having been ill in her teens, the 20-year-old was able to write with insight about the worries that other sufferers may have over food and calories. “I deliberately didn’t put a calorie counter in the recipes,” she says, “and I have given people the

choice to just follow the recipe, or to make a less scary version of it, and then to add some extra treats. It’s meant to be encouraging and not daunting. I have also kept the recipes simple, because I know from experience that when you’re not well your brain doesn’t function as well.”

Nicola’s book has been endorsed by Beat, the UK’s leading charity which supports people with eating disorders. She is donating 10 per cent of profits of the book to the charity.

Recipes in the book have all been photographed by Nicola so HEALTHY EATING: Nicola Davis and her the user can see exactly what book, which is available on her website or they’ll look like. They range in Waterstones Bath from breakfast porridge to main courses such as vegetable moussaka and there are cakes and puddings too.

Nicola also writes honestly about her own battle and offers encouragement to others.

My Super Sweet Recovery Cookbook is priced £16 from: nicoladaviscrafts.co.uk. Post and packaging is free. n

SAMPLE CHEESE, WINE AND VINYL TOO

Champagne tasting is just one of the attractions of Great Western Wine’s annual Portfolio Tasting evening, which takes place from 5pm on Thursday 3 November at the Assembly Rooms, Bath. Along with more than 150 wines to sample there’ll be cocktails, beer, cheese, chocolate and music added to the mix.

Try mini cocktails from some of GWW’s new range of spirits and craft beer from an awardwinning brewery. Match cheese with wine, with Pong Cheese, enjoy a pop-up wine school with Great Wine School’s Tristan Darby, or let wine expert Angela Mount guide you through some of her favourites in a series of wine walks. Pol Roger, Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite Champagne, is also joining the Great Western Wine fold, and will have a selection of its fizz at the tasting.

GWW will also be unveiling two of its newest associations – Cocoa Runners offers artisan

chocolate from all over the world, and guests can expect some unusual wine pairings; and just to prove that you can match more with wine than just food, music is being added to the mix in the form of Stylus Vinyl, a vinyl and wine club, pairing classic albums to vinous treats.

Tickets: £20, online: greatwesternwine.co.uk or tel: 01225 322810.

REGENCY ROMP THROUGH TEA TIME

Last month the editor tetchily observed that diners at Bath’s historic Pump Room were generally failing to dress up for the occasion. This month there’s an opportunity to redress this sartorial disappointment by donning your best frock and bonnet, or waistcoat and britches, to enjoy a Jane Austen themed afternoon tea.

The tea, which will be available for the duration of the Jane Austen Festival, from 9 to

18 September, draws upon the traditional Georgian flavours of the day. However, rather than sending a ladies maid to book your table you can reserve a table online at: pumproombath.co.uk Georgian attire is encouraged, although not essential, and there will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs of people enjoying afternoon tea in the magnificent surroundings. The Jane Austen tea is £23.50 per person.

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

CASTLE FARM CAFÉ Midford Road, Midford, Bath BA2 7BU. Tel: 07564 783307, web: castlefarmcafe.co.uk, twitter: @castlefarmcafe

R E V I EW

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

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uch as we love Bath we loathe its traffic jams, particularly those caused when roads are closed for repair and you’re left fuming helplessly in a slow moving queue. So, how nice to turn off the Wellsway and find yourself literally within just a few minutes, surrounded by fields, woods and rolling countryside.

We have just recently discovered, via the local grapevine of those in the know, this delightful rural haven at Midford. When I was told there was a new café at Castle Farm, the place that grows organic veg for the excellent Acorn vegetarian restaurant in town, I had half expected a homespun kind of set up with some wonky pastries and mismatched tea mugs.

Instead, after wandering up through the fecund vegetable garden and when you finally tear your eyes away from THAT view – English countryside at its verdant best – you find a photogenic Sunday supplement scenario. A large barn, its door welcomingly open, its interior a spacious café, with cakes under domes on the counter and an open kitchen with a pizza oven and a real life chef working away.

It turns out that said chef, Steve Yates, used to work down in Bath at Acorn and has also worked at The Bath Priory and at Sienna in Dorchester. He’s recently become a parent so the hours at Castle Farm are better suited to family life. Lucky us to have him here, I say.

All the staff are friendly and welcoming and they look so healthy too, which must be down in part to working in such a beautiful, relaxed setting and, of course, to eating all this burstingly nutritious food, most of which has travelled a mere few yards from fork to fork.

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with a refreshing ginger beer and elderflower pressé, courtesy of Somerset based Lovely Drinks. Cyclists who arrive at the café via the steep uphill route from Midford are offered a free cold drink on arrival, by the way, and all dogs too are offered a refreshing drink of water.

This is the kind of place you can bring the family dog, the rumbustious children and great granny who can’t hear too well in the clattering environment of so many city establishments.

The menu caters for all and is meticulous in its thoughtfulness for vegans and the gluten intolerant. It’s also kind on the wallet – no dish costs more than a tenner (aside from the mezze platter which is £14.95 for two people).

You want decaf? Soya or almond milk? A cosy blanket to wrap round your knees? A box of toys? Café owners Rob Eldon, Sarah Kelloway and Richard Buckley (he of Acorn fame) have been considerate in every detail.

There are pizzas, organic fresh-as-a-daisy salads, soup of the day and the tempting sounding Finest Cheese Toastie (£6.95) made from sourdough bread, organic Glastonbury Cheddar, organic onion and served with pickled mustard and salad. The children’s menu includes a mini soup with sourdough (£3.50), handmade, fresh pizza and chips (£4.95) and a cheese toastie with salad or chips (£4.50) – a selection to please both picky kids and their health-conscious parents.

The specials (£9.95 apiece) were a tomato and red pepper risotto and homemade farfalle pasta. Like all good gardeners, the cafe makes use of whatever’s in season on site. So the risotto contained the farm’s own courgettes and tomatoes, adorned with fresh salad leaves and pretty orange nasturtium leaves. It looked very

beautiful and tasted delicious too.

The inhouse pasta was equally aesthetically pleasing, a picturesque mix of runner beans, goats cheese, lightly caramelised hazelnuts and piquant large capers. We were filled with joyful holiday mood, eating delightful food in this most relaxed and peaceful setting.

Service is always with a smile and the team are always happy to talk about the ingredients’ provenance. The eggs in the tortilla, for instance, are from the farm’s chickens, who have settled in happily to rural life after unhappy careers as battery hens.

The cakes – we couldn’t resist the counter display – are also worth the journey out of the city. They’re made by Harriet of Bakes, Cakes and Makes and the Organic Cake Company.

Missy B tackled a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate brownie (£2.75) and took half of it home to see her through the rest of the day.

I was curious to try the vegan chocolate cake (£3.75). Could it really be as good as a conventional dairy and egg bake?

Oh yes it could. Light, very chocolately and so moreish I wolfed the lot, despite my intentions. The coffee, by Roundhill Coffee Roastery of nearby Radstock, was also good.

If you want to take a taste of sunny Castle Farm home – and why wouldn’t you? – farmers Mark and Jo run a little shed shop selling organic veg, Castle Farm salad bags, with edible flowers, pickles and jams.

We hear that there are plans to create a cosy Scandanavian hygge vibe as the nights draw in.

Expect warming soups and stews, candelight and convivial company.

The cafe is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and 10am to 5pm at weekends. n

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A Cut Above...

Indian Dining

Try our Tour of India tasting menu Longmead Gospel Hall Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 3EB Tel: 01225 446656 info@themintroom.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS | PARTIES

FESTIVE FUN It might seem like a while away, but the festive season will soon creep up on us.

Whether you’re planning an office-do or a celebration among friends, The Bath Magazine brings you the first instalment of the best places to celebrate Christmas THE GAINSBOROUGH RESTAURANT Beau Street, Bath, BA1 1QY Tel: 01225 358 888 Web: thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

For an extra special Christmas celebration, head to The Gainsborough Restaurant to sample its sumptuous four-course festive menu. Created with passion by head chef Dan Moon, the menu combines traditional concepts with innovative flavours for dishes that radiate pure festivity. And the handsomely decorated semi-private dining area provides a warmly sophisticated atmosphere for celebrations with family, friends or colleagues. For £30pp, the sample menu includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine, ham hock with foie gras, a smoked ballotine of salmon, roast leg of partridge and a dark chocolate torte with orange sorbet. The festive lunch will be available from Thursday 24 November to Friday 23 December, 12 to 2.30pm.

KOMEDIA 22 – 23 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP Tel: 0845 293 8480 Web: komedia.co.uk/bath/christmas Celebrate Christmas in style in the neoclassical splendour of Komedia Bath. Guests can choose from the festive edition of their weekly Krater Comedy Club with three topnotch comedians, Motorcity Live with Ray of Charles performing all the Motown hits live, 62 TheBATHMagazine

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COMBE GROVE Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath, BA2 7HU Tel: 01225 834644 Web: combegrove.com Christmas celebrations at Combe Grove are anything but traditional. Wonderfully creative, sumptuous seasonal menus by chef Leigh Evans, temptingly good Christmas cocktails, great music, roaring fires, fabulous festive decorations and great big trees lit up and glowing outside to welcome you. It’s quite simply everything you need to enjoy a great festive get-together. Festive menus are available for lunch and dinner from Thursday 1 December – Thursday 22 December. A three course menu titled Festive Favourites is available for lunch at £25pp or for dinner at £30pp. And Festive Feast, a less formal and fussy, just relaxed dining round big tables with fabulous food to share is also available at £35pp. Pre book your event at Combe Grove.

and a festive, feather clad installation of The Ministry of Burlesque’s Twisted Cabaret. With a three course Christmas meal from Komedia’s multi-award winning kitchen and Motorcity DJs to keep you dancing into the small hours there is something for everyone. It really is the sure-fire risk free celebration whether you are out with friends, family or work colleagues.

Book by Friday 30 September and get a £5 discount per ticket . . . but hurry, two shows have already sold out! Shows are available on various dates throughout December. Prices start from £18pp plus a booking fee.

THE GREEN PARK BRASSERIE Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB Tel: 01225 338565 Web: greenparkbrasserie.com

The Green Park Brasserie is the perfect venue for your Christmas party. Over 25 years of great Christmas dos have been held in the restaurant and once again a stunning, warm, comfortable marquee will adjoin the brasserie this year. The three course lunch starts at £18.50 per head. To add to the frivolity, an after lunch disco can also be arranged – just ask for a quote. The menu includes a prawn and crayfish cocktail, roast Castlemead turkey with all the trimmings, and of course Christmas pudding with rum butter.

Vegetarian options are available. The Brasserie Three Course Dinner with Disco is priced from £25 per head. Full details and menus are available online: greenparkbrasserie.com.

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic takes us on a vinous journey off the beaten track

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ored with Sauvignon blanc? Fed up with Merlot? Tired of Shiraz?

It’s easy to fall into a rut when choosing wine – find the style you like, and stick to it. It’s easy, safe, and nine times out of ten you won’t be disappointed. But in wine, as in most avenues in life, there’s a cornucopia of relatively undiscovered options, begging to be explored.

To whet your appetite and offer a vinous panacea for the potential lows of the post holiday season, I’ve ventured out of safe territory. My top tips this month are wines which may not scream ‘pick me’ but should delight and add interest to your wine-drinking portfolio.

Yealands is a well-known New Zealand wine brand, and one of the largest producers in the world-famous region of Marlborough. But, as well as the ubiquitous Sauvignon blanc, Yealands make a plethora of other wines, including the rather lovely Yealands Estate Pinot Gris 2015 (Great Western Wine £12.95). The new vintage is just in, and it’s zestily bright and pumped up with freshness. It’s drier and racier than previous vintages, and delivers an explosion of exotic scents and flavours – ripe pears, nectarines, ginger, pink grapefruit and wild herbs. What to eat with this elegant, characterful white? As well as being a perfect aperitif, I love this wine with mildly spicy Thai and southern Indian dishes, as well as with creamy mussels, and garlic prawns.

Sicily is my next stop for lively, crisp, flavoursome whites, with character and a point of difference. Here the charge for bringing local grape varieties centre stage, has been led by the inspiring Francesca Planeta and her family, who continue to create magical wines on this beautiful island. Named after a small, yellow flower that grows around the winery and vineyards, Planeta Alastro 2015 (GWW £13.75), the main protagonist in this wine is the Grecanico grape, which grows all over the island, blended with a touch of Grillo, another local variety, and a dollop of Sauvignon blanc. Light and refreshing, it has evocative scents of ripe lemons, orange blossom and peaches. Taste it, and the crisp, citrus flavours are tempered with a delightful creamy edge, which gives the wine an added layer of depth. Perfect for late summer, this matches delightfully with pan-fried fish, creamy seafood pasta or tomato, feta and roasted vegetable salads.

I recently reacquainted myself with one of the best hidden gems on the Great Western Wine shelves a Descoberta Casa da Passarella 2012 (GWW £10.50), a seductive, rich, sumptuous red from the Dao region of Portugal. It’s about as smooth and silky as it comes, with not a hint of harsh tannins, yet ticks all the boxes in terms of its ripe, juicy, full-bodied fruit. From the Touriga Nacional grape, it oozes charm. Fall into its soft, blackberry, plums, dark chocolate and sweet spice richness and you’ll be hooked. A great red for drinking with barbecues or with rich, braised dishes on chillier evenings – spot on with roast lamb too.

South African reds go from strength to strength, and Ken Forrester, does them as well as anyone. One of the country’s leading wine producers, he has pioneered the rise of Chenin Blanc, with his top notch FMC, but is also a great enthusiast of Rhone-style reds. His Renegade Shiraz Grenache 2012 (GWW £11.95) proves the point. While Shiraz is a household name, Grenache is less so, and it’s the combination of the two, which makes this so delicious. The richness of the deep, spicy, black fruit and dark chocolate fuelled Shiraz is balanced, by the lighter, fresher, red fruit and wild herb edginess of the Grenache. Perfect with steak, rich stews, and slow roast lamb shanks. Even better news is that the man himself will be hosting a dinner to showcase his wines at the Allium Restaurant on Friday 9 September. To book tickets, visit: greatwesternwine.co.uk/ken-forrester-dinner. n

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FOOD | HEROES

THE PERFECT ROAST Melissa Blease talks to José Melim, the award-winning barista who set up his own speciality coffee import business Easy José, about the art of creating a good cup of coffee

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lat white versus machiato; coffee pods versus the cafetiere; the percolator versus the pump: oh, how things have changed since instant coffee – the soluble coffee grounds originally invented in Britain circa 1771 but largely ignored until Nestlé introduced us to the mass-marketed joys of Nescafé in 1938 – became a shopping list essential from the early 1950s.

Today, our morning coffee is more of a quintessentially British habit than the traditional cup of tea once was (according to a recent survey by Mintel, 68% of us now prefer a bean, rather than leaf-based wake-up call), and 41% of those opt for fresh coffee as opposed to instant. Hospitality industry consultancy Allegra Strategies predicts that there’ll be 20,500 coffee shops in the UK by this time next year, enjoying a combined turnover of £8.7 billion.

But while coffee may be big, big business indeed, Easy José – founded by José Melim in 2010 and based at Hartley Farm in Winsley – firmly believes in keeping things high quality and smaller in scale.

José – who was born and raised in Madeira – worked in food service in Spain and played football in Germany before arriving in Bath around ten years ago, where he discovered his skills (and passion) as a barista. “I just loved working with coffee, and I continue to feel super-lucky every day to work in an area that really interests me,” he says.

“In 2010, I entered the UK Barista Championships and won the title for the south west and Wales area, which 64 TheBATHMagazine

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provided me with a great platform from which to launch a career in speciality coffee. The aim of Easy José was – and still is – to supply high quality, responsibly sourced, traceable, seasonal coffee, and to explore flavour notes through various beans from different locations and terroirs, using different processing and brew methods. We moved the business to Hartley Farm just over two years ago because the environment reflects the product we sell.

Obviously we can’t grow coffee here, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside a community of other smallbatch producers such as vegetable and flower growers, bakers and brewers who all have similar values: organic, sustainable, ethical, high quality produce.”

How does José make his coffee stand out in such a competitive, crowded market? “To be honest, I get a bit tired of all these companies claiming to have the finest beans and the best coffee,” says José. “I believe the market is getting confused with all sorts of empty claims

being made. Any company can buy premium coffees, but unless they are skilled in roast profiling and also have great baristas working with the roasted product, skilled at using espresso machines and other brew methods such as drip filter, syphon, Chemex and Aeropress, great coffee can end up tasting decidedly average – or worse. So, having qualified as a Speciality Coffee Association of Europe trainer a couple of years ago, we can offer our clients regular training at our base to help them serve a fantastic cup of coffee, and we work in partnership with a really good espresso machine company.”

It has to be acknowledged that there’s a dark side to the coffee industry.

Almost 30m small producers worldwide rely on coffee for a living, and 90% of coffee production takes place in developing countries, leaving the market wide open to exploitation from unscrupulous traders imposing unfair policies to keep prices down. Easy José’s sourcing policies, however, are exemplary. “We pay a fair price for quality coffee rather than a minimum guaranteed price, as we’re buying towards the top end of the market,” he explains. “Because of the nature of the coffees we buy, they’re traceable to farm, estate or co-operative, depending on the country we’re buying from. We tend to buy from smallholder farmers who farm organically and sustainably.

Many of our coffees carry certifications such as organic, bird friendly or Rainforest Alliance, and many of these farms invest in schooling, education and medical facilities for the coffee pickers

TRAINING GROUND: main picture Jose Melim teaches others the skills involved in making coffee, from sourcing the beans through to the final pour Inset, Easy José’s range of speciality coffee Opposite page, Jose likes to travel to meet the people who produce the beans, and far right, the finished product, as enjoyed by Bath’s coffee drinkers

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FOOD | HEROES

and farm labourers. There are projects in place for a continual drive to improve quality of production because, in the speciality coffee market, quality pays. And we commit to travelling to the coffee farms we trade with; being able to speak Spanish and Portuguese is a real bonus in many coffee destinations as I’m able to communicate directly without having to rely on translators and middlemen.

I’ve just returned from Peru where we have some very exciting direct trade agreements in the pipeline with some of the indigenous tribes.

But as it happens, the difference in price between a coffee traded on the commodities market with little traceability other than region and a coffee from a known organic smallholder mountain farm maybe only changes the price per cup by around 10p – a small price to pay

for an ethically-sourced end product.

But just because you have good provenance, it doesn’t mean the coffee will taste great. We taste every coffee prior to buying it so that we can ensure the quality remains high too.”

Away from his everyday life on the farm, our September Food Hero is keen to get out and about, discovering food heroes of his own. “I have great admiration for Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park. He’ll go out of his way to share his knowledge with others including, recently, me, when I was formulating jelly coffee cherries for a competition. It was great to taste all manner of exciting bits and bobs in the Lucknam kitchen while I was there. Gordon Jones is another culinary superstar in my book – Chef creates seriously clever food, all served in a laid back, unstuffy atmosphere. Gordon is

always keen to explore the interesting coffee farm by-products such as various cascaras (dried coffee cherries which can be drunk as a pick-me-up tea). And being located at Hartley Farm is also a bit of a diet-liability when it comes to the fabulous fresh lunches by Gary and his farm kitchen team.”

I’d imagine that making a cup of coffee for José is no easy feat.

“Ah, it’s not that difficult to make the perfect cup of coffee at home. It’s important to slow down and enjoy the process of creating something that’s truly worth drinking – it should be a special ritual. Invest in a grinder.

Even a small hand grinder will do the trick, because grinding your coffee to order makes a massive difference. Buy freshly roasted beans that you like the taste of – you’re not obliged to buy coffee with bizarre tasting notes if you prefer an easy pleaser. If you offered me wild asparagus or honeycomb in my cup of coffee, I know which one I’d rather have.”

Personally, I’ve discovered an even easier route to consummate caffeine-fuelled contentment – José, your coffee is a joy.

Easy José, the Brew Barn, Hartley Farm, Winsley BA15 2JB (by appointment only). Tel: 01225 863109; web: easyjosecoffee.co.uk.

Where to drink Easy José coffee in Bath: The Foodie Bugle, Margaret’s Buildings; Made by Ben, Walcot Street; Jacob’s Coffee House, Abbey Church Yard; Mokoko, Dorchester Street; Picnic Coffee, Saracen Street; Picnic in the Park, Lark Place; Adventure Cafe, George Street; Menu Gordon Jones, Wellsway; Scallop Shell, Monmouth Street. n

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INTEGRITY OVER FASHION Melissa Blease goes Behind the Menu with Jonathan Machin head chef at Bailbrook House to talk about his favourite ingredients and why he’s offering diners the chance to try a fresh twist on school dinners

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ead chef and AA rosette award-winner Jon Machin began his long and varied journey to Bailbrook House Hotel many years ago, starting off in his hometown of Barnsley prior to developing his skills in some of Yorkshire’s finest kitchens and under the tutelage of Terry Greenhouse, executive chef of the Cunard QE2. Jon’s passion for travelling and fresh produce led to five years working at sea on deluxe cruise ships, but his love of quality British ingredients brought him back to the UK where he worked in two and three Rosette awarded hotel kitchens in senior positions.

The Hand Picked Hotel group, which owns Bailbrook House, is known for its unfailing commitment to quality food and service, and Jon is proud of his team, which he describes as having a “never say no” attitude to guests and a genuine commitment to delivering memorable meals.

I asked him about some of the stories behind his menu.

What is your overall vision behind the Bailbrook House menu?

I would describe my food as fresh modern British, in keeping with the surroundings I’m cooking in. Bailbrook House is a beautiful English country hotel, and I like to cook modern classics with added elegance to match.

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find your taste buds are tingling when you read each dish description, and you have to ask the waiter for more time before choosing. I create the Bailbrook House menus in liaison with my team.

I’m not a dictator in the kitchen, and it’s important that the chefs I work with are given ownership too – it makes us all proud of the food we put on the plate.

Our proposed dishes are reviewed in tandem with our front of house team, then guest feedback and sales reports tell us what our customers are choosing.

Who are you cooking for?

We attract a real variety of guests who keep us all on our toes: couples celebrating a special occasion or taking a romantic break; visitors exploring the Heritage City; business folk attending an event hosted by Bailbrook House – each diner has their own expectations for me to interpret and deliver. But many people simply want locally sourced, seasonal dishes that they would neither cook nor find at home. As such, we try to create dishes made with uniquely local ingredients, served with a little bit of theatre. The fact that Cloisters Restaurant is architecturally dramatic with a lovely ambience and superb views down to Bathampton adds to the sense of occasion.

Do you have a signature dish?

Our menus change with the seasons, so my signature style, if you like, is all about pushing the very best available local produce to the fore. Right now, I particularly like the salmon dish which is on the current Cloisters dinner menu;

it has some really distinctive tastes, and the oiliness of salmon is cut through by the pickling of the carrot and radish.

Our diners seem to agree – this is one of our most popular starters that can be done at home with a little preparation.

(If you’d like to cook Jon’s current favourite dish at home – pictured – visit The Bath Magazine website, thebathmag.co.uk, for the full recipe. It’s a salmon gremolata with horseradish cream, spinach puree, pickled vegetables, mini fondant potato and artichoke crumb.)

How do you select accompanying elements to serve with each particular dish?

We work hard to create a successful marriage between starch, protein and vegetables – the three key elements to any given dish. I believe it’s very important not to over-complicate the food; it’s all about letting the quality of

A FEAST FOR THE EYES: main picture, head chef Jonathan Machin and above, his current favourite of salmon with horseradish cream, spinach puree, pickled vegetables, fondant potato and artichoke crumb Opposite, Jonathan’s dishes are something most of us wouldn’t tackle at home

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the ingredients do the talking. Many ingredients traditionally work well with each other and, as much as we like to experiment, it's important to follow key principles.

What is the most popular dish on your menu?

We regularly change our dishes to reflect what is in season, but there’ll always be a good mix of meat, game, fish, seafood and vegetarian dishes, all reflecting market availability.

Right now, the crispy roasted pork belly with roasted grelot onions (which is a more flavoursome red and white spring onion variety), roast potatoes and apple puree is very popular with our guests, probably because of our busy lifestyles.

Many people don’t have the time to slow roast or use complicated processes, so they appreciate the time and effort our kitchen has put into the dish. If you consider the variety of

preparation techniques – for example, in my current salmon dish there’s poaching, pureeing, roasting and blanching all involved to do the ingredients justice; you need to be really committed.

What are your favourite ingredients to work with?

I love asparagus: the flavour is great, the season short and the uses diverse. It’s perfect in soups, purees, garnishes and salads, or simply poached or chargrilled with a soft poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

I love Bath’s local ingredients and the fabulous local suppliers who keep us up to date with the seasons – I would like the chance to namecheck particularly Bartlett and Sons butchers, Ruby and White butchers, Downland Pigs, Lovejoys of Melksham’s fruit and vegetables and Wings of St Mawes fish.

How important is the notion of fashionable food to you?

Food is constantly evolving and fashions come and go. We’ve seen a huge rise in healthy superfoods lately, many of which we’ve incorporated into our dishes when they work well. But credibility and integrity is always more important than fashion.

How much work goes in to devising a tasting menu?

I love our fine dining events in Cloisters. I devised our Back to School tasting menu for September (October is all about Halloween, and November is Guy Fawkes based) because I wanted to take traditional school dinner dishes to another level in a contemporary, Rosettestandard way.

I look forward to hearing our guests’ responses to my starter of ham, egg and chips and the main course of steak and kidney suet pudding.

I try to not give too much away in the menu description so we can exceed expectations with our delivery, but I can safely assure you that both the ham, egg and chips and the suet pudding will be different to anything you’ve ever have had by that name before. The trio of classic schooldays desserts, which will include roly poly and Arctic roll, will, I hope, finish the evening on a high of shared memories and nostalgia – but in a really good way. n Bailbrook House Hotel and Cloisters Restaurant, Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath BA1 7JD. Tel: 01225 855100; web: bailbrookhouse.co.uk.

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A PERFECT PANORAMA Jessica Hope puts on some sensible shoes and climbs to the top of Bath Abbey to experience an extraordinary view of the city

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tanding at 49 metres tall, Bath Abbey has the city’s tallest tower and is recognised by many as a landmark at the heart of Bath’s city centre. More than 420,000 people visit the church every year, but what many locals and tourists are unaware of is that you can climb to the top of the abbey and enjoy the most spectacular views over Bath.

Despite living in this city nearly all my life, I have to admit that I have never ascended the abbey’s tower. So one morning I met Holly, the tower tour team leader at Bath Abbey, put on some sturdy shoes, and joined a tour group, ready and eager to climb the 212 steps to the top.

Before we began the tour, all large bags and coats were hung up in the cloakroom – you can’t have anything weighing you down or off-balancing you on the journey up. As our tour guides warned us, the first part of the tour is the most difficult – it’s 120 steps until we could have a small rest.

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walked up numerous historic towers over the years, many being understandably uneven, steep and a little daunting for someone who isn’t great with heights. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the walk up Bath Abbey was compared to past experiences. There weren’t many steep steps or parts I found difficult on the ascent, and we were warned well in advance about any protruding stones and sticking out water pipes from the Second World War that we should watch out for.

After completing the 120 steps, we made it to the ringing chamber.

Suspended above us were the ropes that the abbey’s 10 bell-ringers use to play the bells every Sunday and on special occasions. In this room the tour guides showed us a strange looking piece of machinery in the corner and told us all about the tune playing machine the Victorians used to chime the bells.

We were then taken into a small side room where we discovered we were in fact standing on top of the famous fan vaulted ceiling of the abbey, created by the Vertue brothers during Henry VII’s

reign. The stone masters promised to make the ceiling their most renowned work – but this was before they designed the ceilings of prominent buildings such as King’s College Chapel, Cambridge and Henry VII’s chapel in Westminster Abbey.

What you don’t realise when the guide is telling you about the beautiful fan vaulting is that the wooden boards between you and the drop from the abbey’s ceiling are just four inches thick.

That’s enough to make your knees go a bit wobbly.

We were then led into a small room where, along a passage, we came across the inside of the abbey clock, which glowed yellow, filling the room with light. The clock, which is on the north side of the abbey and faces the Guildhall nearby, still runs on the same mechanism that was used when first installed in the 19th century. And while the clock is now lit up by fluorescent lights, before the days of electricity it was once someone’s job to sit in the clock face with a gas lantern for 12 hours every day so passers-by could tell the time from outside.

TICKING ALONG: main picture, visitors get the chance to sit in Bath Abbey’s clock face Opposite page, the spectacular views of the city from the top of the roof

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After climbing another 90 or so steps, we came to the bell room which, you can rightly assume, is where the bells of the abbey are housed. Our tour guide explained to us how the abbey had six bells installed in the 16th century, however the abbey’s employees at the time soon discovered that these bells were rather out of tune – it turned out that the person who chose the bells was in fact going deaf.

In the 1700s they were melted down and made into eight new bells, which are still used today. Two smaller bells were acquired in 1774, and each bell has an inscription on it, dedicated to members of the congregation who donated money to the abbey over the years.

With just a few more steps to climb, we finally made it to the top of the tower. If you’re looking for the perfect 360-degree view of Bath, then this is certainly the place for it. With the rolling hills of the countryside, the soaring structure of St Michael’s Church and the city’s renowned Georgian crescents surrounding us, you can truly grasp the size and beauty of Bath from this viewpoint.

Below us were tour groups busily moving around the city’s sights, residents going about their daily routines, and buskers playing in the abbey courtyard while people watched and chomped on their sandwiches. You could even see the contrast between the old and the new parts of the city – both the Roman Baths and the modern Thermae Bath Spa were bustling with visitors.

On the opposite side of the tower, you have a perfect view over Bath’s rugby ground, and during rugby season those on the tower tour

get the best seat in the city on match days.

Scribbles and inscriptions by those who once climbed the tower over the centuries feature on the staircases and the roof of the tower. The oldest piece of graffiti can be found on a piece of stone at the top of the tower and is thought to date from 1375, and other signatures and messages from look out wardens from the Second World War can also be seen here. This ‘graffiti’ is currently being painstakingly recorded by the Wiltshire Medieval Graffiti Society who are analysing each inscription with the hopes of finding out more about the abbey and the people who once visited it. Once the results have been collated, the abbey will be able to share them with the public.

The roof we were standing on is made out of just wooden beams and a lead coating, which again weren’t particularly thick, making my knees go a little jelly-like once more at the thought. However, the abbey has plans to install a new roof and flagpole in September, making the surface safer for visitors.

While the abbey can take up to 15 people on each tour, visitors can also organise private tours for £100 for a day visit or £150 in the evening. The abbey has become a popular spot for proposals – 38 people got down on one knee at the top of the tower to pop the question to their partners last year and, as Holly happily tells me, there has been 100 per cent success rate with people saying ‘yes’.

If you’re thinking about popping the question at the abbey, then suitors can plan weeks in advance with Holly about how and when to propose, and she tells me that she has become quite the professional at acting as if

she hasn’t a clue that someone is planning on proposing on the day in question. The private tour includes champagne, so the happy couple can even celebrate with a glass or two afterwards, overlooking the city’s scenic views.

If you would like to contact Holly about a future proposal, email: towertours@bathabbey.org.

Tower tours are £6 for adults, £3 for children between five – 15 years. Tickets are available to buy from the abbey shop. Tours run on the hour on weekdays and every half an hour on Saturdays, and last approximately 50 minutes. Sensible footwear is recommended to climb the tower and children must be accompanied by an adult, and be able to independently climb and descend the stairs as they will not be able to be carried.

If you pick up a Towers of Bath leaflet from the abbey or other local attractions, then you can get 2 for 1 on tickets for tower tours of Bath Abbey and Beckford’s Tower. Discovery Card holders can also receive 2 for 1 on tickets to the abbey’s tour. To find out more, visit: bathabbey.org or call 01225 422462.

Bath Abbey is hosting a talk titled St James: A Lost Tower of Bath on Wednesday 7 September, 2 – 2.45pm with the abbey’s archivist Anna Riggs about the history of the lost church that was once a neighbour to the abbey. Dr Ollie Taylor will be leading a talk called Steeplejacks and Stonemasons in their Own Words on Wednesday 28 September, 2 – 2.45pm about what it was like to help restore the abbey's famous stonework. To book your place at these talks, call 01225 303322 or email: otaylor@bathabbey.org. n

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A RUNAWAY SUCCESS

Georgette McCready talks to Somerset based thriller writer Tim Weaver about missing people, both fictional and real

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You are trying to second guess the reader – thriller readers are smart – so the reader might think you’re going one way, so you need to lead them another

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any people have idly toyed with the idea of walking out of their lives and escaping, maybe dreaming of how they could disappear off the radar, away from financial pressure, family hassles, relationship problems or work related stress. But just how easy is it in reality to go missing and not to be found?

Best-selling thriller writer Tim Weaver, creator of the David Raker series of novels about a British private investigator specialising in missing persons cases, is by the nature of his work something of an expert on the art of vanishing. Tim, who lives just outside Bath with his wife and daughter, decided this summer to challenge himself by attempting to disappear without trace.

To leave the house with nothing more than the clothes he stood up in, his cashpoint card and his wits.

The real-life runaway, whose seventh book Broken Heart has just been made Sunday Times Book of the Month, had warned his family that he might vanish, but he couldn’t tell them when. He had a team of searchers set up who had access to trace his phone and his bank account and the writer’s challenge was to see how long he could remain undetected.

I spoke to him about the challenge and about his podcast Missing, which features his real-life adventures along with interviews with experts in the field of missing persons. He said: “We put the podcast on my website last year with no real expectations for it, other than as a support for the books. But it turned out to be a huge success, downloaded over 400,000 times and selected by iTunes as one of the best podcasts of 2015, so that was pretty amazing.”

Tim recorded his experiences for the show, leaving home with no real plan and just his cashpoint card and £4.50 in cash – enough for a bus ticket out of his village. He said of his days and nights on the run: “It was hard. Everything is built to get us found – mobile phones, the internet, ATMs, surveillance cameras – so you have to make huge sacrifices to stay off radar.

“It was very lonely and you get ground down by not knowing where you’re going to sleep at night and being alone with only your own thoughts for company. One of the hardest things I found was that to disappear you have to lie to people.”

Every year thousands of people are reported missing in the UK. Of those around one per cent stay missing. Sadly, some will turn up as corpses eventually, but a few make new – not necessarily better – lives for themselves. Through talking to experts, including Frank Ahearn, the American self-styled privacy expert and author of How to Disappear, Tim learnt that people who choose to leave their old lives have to be very organised. There are two key areas where they need to be vigilant. The first of these concerns technical data, ensuring they leave no trace of themselves via their phone, bank account or internet searches. The second is emotional discipline and that includes resisting the desire to get in touch with loved ones or to confess their true identity to someone else. Even a casual remark to a stranger can leave a trail that can be picked up and found by those looking for them, although as Tim says: “The British police can track down

a missing person but if they find him and he says he doesn’t want to go home, the police are not obliged to tell his family where he is.”

Tim’s days on the run ended with his safe return home, but so many of his fictional cases don’t end so well. With seven books in the David Raker series under his belt and the eighth two thirds finished, I ask him whether he has a complex database of information about David Raker’s past and things that he’s done in previous books?

“No, I keep most of it in my head.

I’m not a great planner. You start with an idea for someone going mysteriously missing and it grows organically from there. You are trying to second guess the reader – thriller readers are smart – so the reader might think you’re going one way, so you need to lead them another way and create twists and turns.”

Tim didn’t go down the creative writing degree course, believing that people either have the ability to write, or they don’t. He was working as a journalist for Future Publishing in Bath, writing the first Raker books industriously in the evenings and at weekends. “I was working a 16 hour day, which was pretty exhausting.”

One morning his boss called him in to say his job at the magazine house was to be made redundant. That very afternoon he got a call from publishing house Penguin to say his fourth novel, Never Coming Back, had been selected for the sales-boosting Richard and Judy Book

A DISAPPEARING ACT: thriller writer Tim Weaver, creator of the successful David Raker series of novels, is currently writing his eighth

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Club. “And so I gave up the day job,” he says: “And that was nearly three years ago. I miss the people I worked with but I am very lucky to be doing what I love.”

Tim writes in his spare room and tries to keep a nine to five discplined approach to his writing: “Although it’s easy to get tempted by things like elevenses and watching Cash in the Attic, I try and produce 2,500 words a day.”

He’s been busy this summer, visiting a literature festival in Yorkshire and working with Penguin to promote Broken Heart and to launch the first five novels in America. Has he had to change much to suit the American reader, I ask?

“No, not too much. I like to think that’s because the books aren’t too parochial, they’re not wedded to one place, or even one country. I did have a query from my American editor who wanted to know what ‘having a barney’ meant.

“I grew up reading American thrillers and I like

page, when you can hear them talk and learn more about them.

“With a series the writer has the arc and the luxury of being able to follow the character as they develop and change.”

There are no plans at present for more podcasts, but Tim doesn’t rule it out.

You can listen to all the episodes of the podcast via Tim’s website: timweaverbooks.scom.

It makes for sobering listening. If you do walk away, what of the heartache you leave behind with partners, siblings or parents? There are tales of families who refuse to ever move house, just in case the missing person decides to come home. Financial matters, such as mortgages, are left in turmoil.

And if you do decide to exit from your life, don’t be so sure that you haven’t left a trail of traceable footprints behind you. Frank Ahearn, who is paid by people to help them disappear, warns us that we all ‘daydream on our laptops.’ Anyone looking through a computer’s search history can find those little clues – that day that you looked at jobs in the Seychelles, or you checked the price of an airfare.

A real life hide and seek, as Tim discovered, is no child’s play. n Broken Heart by Tim Weaver is published in paperback by Penguin, RRP £7.99. Follow @TimWeaverBooks.

the fact that they’re on a large scale. My favourites included Raymond Chandler, Ross MacDonald, Thomas Harris and Michael Connelly. I also loved A Simple Plan by Scott Smith and Marathon Man

by William Goldman.”

Usually Tim holds a signing and social event at Bath Waterstones to launch his latest book, but has not been able to arrange that yet. “I will arrange something in the autumn, really as a thank you to all the people who have supported me and who have bought my books.” He says he will post details of that event on social media.

As he turns to leave I try and press something out of him about the next book, the one he’s on deadline to finish. He’s not giving much away: “I am just referring to it as Raker8. It is set in the UK, although having said that, there is a slight twist to that. I’m still working through it. I like the fact that I have to work it out as I am writing. And I really believe that a character only comes to life on the

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MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

The all new BMW 7 Series. Image courtesy of BMW

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A VISION OF LUXURY The new BMW 7 Series heralds a new era for luxurious motoring – sleek and elegant.

Who needs a big display of ostentation, when you can arrive in understated style? Words: Dara Foley

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he Japanese have a word – ‘shibui’ – to describe things that become more elegant and beautiful with age and development. In a modern sense they use it to express a broad range of subjects; it’s emotive and something that translates quite simply to evoke effortless, understated class and beauty.

BMW launched its first 7 Series model back in 1977. A full-size luxury saloon, it became their flagship car and a showcase for the designers and engineers to introduce advanced automotive technology, driver comfort, and high-spec styling, before being passed down to the other, smaller cars in their line up. Also in the ’70s, the ad men came up with the slogan ‘ultimate driving machine’ – a phrase that resonates through every car BMW produce, but clearly there’s an undeniable effort, pride and pleasure that is poured into the 7 Series and through its years of development it has become recognised as the very finest car that carries the BMW badge and reputation. Shibui.

Now, nearly 40 years later, and in its sixth incarnation, the lineage continues, and while the new 7 Series has not changed too much, in terms of looks, from its predecessor – still assertive, elegant and a quintessential classic – under the bonnet, the chassis and inside the

cabin is completely refined. An all-new standard of high technology, comfort and luxury.

One of the most exciting developments, although maybe not the most thrilling for the customer, is the intelligent use of multiple materials in the body construction, including a new environmentally friendly ‘carbon core’ made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), aluminium and reinforced steel. Not only does this add extra strength to the shell but helps shave nearly 130kg off the kerb weight.

The environmental impact of such advanced construction knowledge when applied down the chain, ensures that all BMW vehicles will be greener, stronger and safer on a global scale.

The carbon core weight saving and its torsional rigidity help deliver a really great drive, and coupled with the latest generation of BMW TwinPower, six cylinder turbo engines, and a super smooth eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the 7 Series is perfectly balanced and performs beautifully on open roads as well as being agile and efficient around the city.

Response and handling, especially in sport mode, is tight and dynamic, even so the active damper control system and remarkable air suspension keep the car balanced, suave and make a further contribution to the superb ride comfort. And while BMW will pass down its

innovation, it also reaps the benefit of shared knowledge from above in the form of Rolls Royce’s night vision camera tech, advanced head-up display and an active sat nav that predicts the roads ahead, and will dynamically ‘chat’ to the transmission so that no sudden hairpin or hill is a surprise. Most are fitted as standard, but a wealth of optional driver safety features, all deriving from such shared innovation, are available in the upgrade packages.

Drivers will delight at the amount of technology included, and at first, all the gadgetry at your fingertips can be overwhelming. Everything starts with the keyfob, which is no longer a keyfob. BMW have introduced a digital display key which is more like a smart watch. A mini colour touchscreen controls a number of commands such as opening and closing windows, setting climate control, and displaying information on fuel range, distance etc., and – a world first – the remote automatic parking system which will allow you to park the 7 Series without the need to be sitting inside… Okay, not quite Pierce Brosnan remotely throwing his Beamer around a multi-storey to confound the Hamburg henchmen in Tomorrow Never Dies but it is another nudge forward in the direction of

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autonomous driving. Trivia break… the BMW car park chase scene was not shot on location in Hamburg but at Brent Cross. Unremarkably, the keyfob is also used to start the car and lock it etc.

All the technology, though, is highly intuitive, easy to pick up, and makes perfect sense. The iDrive system can now recognise a waving finger or hand gesture to answer or reject calls, zoom into maps, adjust the audio, and there are the regular touch-screen commands as well as good old buttons and knobs to control a complete range of infotainment, driver assistants and vehicle conveniences. Everything is displayed and confirmed on a high definition 12-inch central screen. All-round cameras are used to render a 3D 360º image of the car on screen so parking, tight turning and any obstructions can be easly visualised. There’s also a WiFi hotspot built in to the vehicle for complete connectivity while on the move.

To drive the 7 Series is an honour, however this remains a statesman’s car too and to be a chauffeured passenger is ‘off the scale’ pleasurable. The rear cabin area is probably more comparable to a firs- class air ticket. To describe passenger comfort, BMW uses the terms ‘wellbeing’ and ‘sensory experiences’ in its PR, and the ambient lighting – to lift or relax the mood – a rear seat entertainment system, four-zone air conditioning, and advanced massage seats all add to the cossetted feel. These and many more functions are all controlled from a removable tablet that sits in the central arm-rest – which also houses a neatly designed fold-out table.

The front passenger seat can also be transformed to move forward, lie down and present a fold-out foot rest, all with a touch-screen command, allowing the rear passenger to fully stretch or snooze in unparalleled comfort. There are sunroof options too, and a real treat has to be the ‘sky lounge’ panoramic glass roof option, which uses LEDs to create the magical effect of a starlit sky. Okay it’s a little gimmicky, but having adapted the feature from the Rolls Royce Wraith, it is done beautifully and quite literally a heavenly experience.

As you would expect in a car of this class, the materials used and the finishing are of the finest quality. Deep carpeting, wood, aluminium, and chrome are applied in a symphony of fine detail and the plush nappa leather seats are fabulously sumptuous. There’s another artful design feature BMW describes as the ‘welcome light carpet’ which is an eyecatching illumination, projected on to the ground to add a touch of joy when entering or exiting the car at night.

I am reliably informed that Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the CEO of Rolls Royce, and possibly the coolest guy on the planet, will often (and rather diplomatically) switch between his chic black Wraith and hop into the new 7 Series as his every(other)day car.

The full 7 Series range comprises of a number of petrol and diesel engine variants, as well as some exciting hybrid electric options, and ‘x’ models that are all wheel drive. At the top of the range, BMW have added the M sport badge to the 760Li, this is a V12 performance model which, with 74 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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610hp will accelerate to a blistering 0-62mph in a very impressive 3.7 seconds. That aside, BMW anticipates the entry level 730d will prove the most popular with customers with its three-litre, six-cylinder diesel unit (capable of 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds) as well as its staggering range of onboard tech, driver and passenger comfort – all fitted as standard.

Combined with a competitive price point of just over £64,000, that’s a lot of extremely fine car for your money.

Test car and images courtesy of BMW. For more information contact Wellsway BMW, Lower Bristol Road, Bath. Tel: 01225 436283. wellswaybmw.co.uk HIGH TECH, HIGH SPEC: BMW introduces a range of gadetry and technical innovation, the digital display key that will park the car while you watch, and tablet device for controlling all the features.

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS News in brief

n Literary journalist Alex Clark has been appointed as artistic director of words and literature for Bath Fesivals. Alex writes for The Guardian, The Observer and The Times Literary Supplement, regularly chairs literary events and has been on the judging panel for the Booker Prize. She also hosts the Vintage Podcast (acast.com/vintagepodcast) a monthly books podcast with author interviews, book news and discussions on literary topics and she will soon be launching a podcast for Bath Festivals. Alex says: ” I’ve been participating in the Literature Festival for several years and have witnessed, first hand, the imagination and dedication that goes into making it such a special experience for audiences and authors alike. I look forward to taking on this new role and ensuring that the Bath Festival literary events continue to be unmissable dates in the literary year and an integral part of Bath’s cultural life.” n Bath Camerata’s choral director Benjamin Goodson has been appointed assistant conductor of Rundfunkchor Berlin (Berlin Radio Choir), one of Germany’s leading professional choirs. Benjamin will have the task of preparing the 80-strong choir for broadcasts and concerts throughout Europe, including conducting concerts. Benjamin is having to relinquish positions as director of chapel music at Somerville College, Oxford and conductor of the Lea Singers in Harpenden, but is determined to remain at the helm of Bath Camerata. A concert to celebrate 30 years of Bath Camerata will take place on 22 October in the Pump Room, Bath with favourites from the last three decades and some pieces new to the choir’s repertoire.

Tickets from the Bath Camerata website (bathcamerata.co.uk) and the Bath Box Office. n Daniela Nickols, family partner at Mowbray Woodwards in Bath has been nominated for the Law Society Excellence Award in the category for Solicitor of the Year – Private Practice. It is a second accolade for Daniela after she was named Solicitor of the Year 2015 by Bristol Law Society. Daniela, who is accredited by the Law Society as a Child Representative and a member of the Wiltshire Family Justice Board, was nominated for the award due to her ‘innovative approach and commitment to her clients’ who are predominantly children and their guardians. The national winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 20 October at the Hilton Park Lane, London.

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AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CITY A new travel company, Authentinerary has been set up by a pair of well travelled friends to offer bespoke itineraries to travellers.

Emily Paul and Anisha Isa-Kalebic, who are now living in Bath, have lived and worked in Paris and Madrid. They came up with their business plan when overhearing a rather fed up family looking for somewhere to dine in the heart of Madrid; a place laden with chain restaurants most likely offering the same menu that could be found in their nearest branch back home.

This is when they realised that it was a local’s inside knowledge that was needed to save people from these traps and instead introduce them to the real side of a city.

Authentinerary listens to people’s interests, then they do the research, make the phone calls and tailor the content of every itinerary.

Paris, Madrid and Bath are currently the main focus destinations. We asked them for a few places they might suggest for visitors to Bath, here’s what they sent us: “Hunter & Sons – seriously good coffee in the morning, and an excellent range of craft beer to follow

INDEPENDENT APPROACH: Emily Paul and Anisha Isa-Kalebic of Authentinerary suit for the afternoon. Meticulous Ink – a lovely little stationery store where you can watch the team work as you browse their beautiful selection of products and The Foodie Bugle – a must-visit lunch spot providing a unique taste of Bath.”

FAIR TRADE ART AND CRAFTS

UNIQUE: Icarus now has two shops in Bath

Human rights activist and journalist Dílek Köroglu has set up a women’s co-operative in her native Turkey to supply fair trade hand dyed and woven silk and cotton scarves and sarongs for her Icarus shops in Bath.

She opened the first Icarus shop, selling jewellery and crafts in Broad Street a year ago, followed by a second shop in Trim Street.

Köroglu also works with international designers such as Hasan Tunch, described in The Book of Kurds as ‘a first class painter, an accomplished sculptor and a gifted jewellery designer.’ His talents in crafting wearable art is in keeping with the jewellery-making traditions of his home region of Darsim.

DESIGN TEAM TO THE RESCUE Friends, family and volunteers from Bath businesses joined a team from interior and garden design firm Woodhouse & Law to help implement a Ground Force-style plan to transform overgrown play areas at Hop, Skip and Jump respite centre for children and young adults in Kingswood, Bristol, into a fun, safe and vibrant environment for all to enjoy. Woodhouse & Law also raised £1,885 to help improve facilities, including providing a new shed, interactive games and brightly coloured planters.

The 21-strong volunteer team got stuck in with the vast amount of painting, clearing, weeding, grass-cutting and planting that needed to be done. Food and drink for the workers was provided by the Bathwick Hill branch of Tesco Express – and the finished results and reaction from the children and staff at Hop, Skip and Jump made it all worthwhile.

HANDS ON: the Woodhouse and Law volunteers

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS News in brief

n Bath law firm Mowbray Woodwards has appointed lawyer Heledd Wyn as an associate solicitor. Heledd is a respected expert in Court of Protection, estate planning and care matters, and joins the firm from Clarke Wilmott. She will work with partner David Whitworth and the private client team to build on its reputation for its depth of expertise, particularly in relation to Court of Protection work. Heledd said: “I am driven by trying to help individuals, carers, attorneys and other court appointed deputies get the best possible outcome when it comes to estate planning, care and capacity issues. The impact on people’s lives as a result of these types of decisions is significant so getting it right is extremely important and I feel privileged to work so closely with people in this way.” Heledd is a regular commentator in the legal press on issues relating to estate planning, care and mental capacity and is also an active social media commentator on these topics. n Newbridge hotel Aqua Sulis has changed hands for the first time in 29 years. The new owners are Samir Thukral and Sanjoy Roy of Bath Hospitality Limited.

Simon Wells of Colliers International who oversaw the sale said the buyers, who are from India, are planning to refurbish the 14-bedroom Edwardian property, introducing new webbased systems and adding new room amenities.

Aquae Sulis had been on the market for offers over £1.45m freehold. Simon said: “The new owners are also planning to introduce a conservatory, lounge/restaurant to increase the food and beverage scope of the business, for an uplifted hotel experience whilst retaining the touch and feel of a traditional English bed and breakfast.” Aqua Sulis’s vendors bought half the property in 1986 and acquired the other half in 1989. They raised their family here but with the arrival of grandchildren they decided to retire from the business. n Having flattened the old Ministry of Defence buildings on Warminster Road, Bath, work has begun on creating a housing estate of 200 homes which will be called Holburne Park. Developers Hardrock Developments plan to build a mixture of two to six-bedroom homes. Classical architect Robert Adam, who designed the Duchy of Cornwall’s Poundbury in Dorset, is the designer.

The first phase of 64 homes, including affordable housing, is expected to be ready next year. To find out when the first homes will go on sale contact Giles Harling at Savills on 01225 474591.

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YOGA AND BASKETBALL IN PARK PLANS There are plans to give the former 18th century pleasure gardens behind the Holburne Museum, Sydney Gardens, a new lease of life.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People scheme. The council has already committed £250,000 as matched funding towards the project. If successful, the lottery bid would multiply contributions from the council and other partners by up to 85 per cent.”

The design team have undertaken an extensive consultation – sharing initial plans with around 150 people at a public event in the park in June and then hosting an online survey for teenagers. The council plans further consultation in 2017 and 2018, leading up to the development of a final, more detailed design – in advance of work starting in 2019.

Besides conservation work to protect listed structures, the project includes proposals to create a landscaped amphitheatre, a woodland garden, a new café, a play area with a multi-use ball games area and play equipment for all ages.

FUN FOR ALL: plans are in progress for Sydney Gardens Following the decision by the bowling club to end its lease at the end of the 2016 bowling season due to a falling membership, the project will convert the pavilion into a café and the former bowling green will provide a venue for activities such as yoga, tai chi and salsa. There will also be space for basketball, football, volleyball and table tennis. The design also includes provision for the refurbishment of the top tennis courts for year-round play.

GET YOURSELF AN INTRODUCTION Just Somerset Introductions is a personal, confidential introduction agency which brings people together.

If you’ve been put off by internet dating, this may feel like a gentler way of meeting new people. It is run by Alison Bower, who visits people in their homes and helps them with their own profile, as well as showing them possible matches. It is all done face-to-face rather than by anonymous computer matching.

Just Somerset Introductions is the local branch of the Just Introductions Group based in Dorset. It also has Hampshire and Wiltshire branches. Its clients range from people in their

20s to those in their 90s.

Members get a regular newsletter and the chance to take part in activities, such as group dinners, walks, pub lunches, boat trips and theatre visits.

As Alison says of joining: “It all starts with just a cup of coffee and then people go on to meet new friends and partners. We have seen engagements and marriages as a result of the Introductions way of meeting people.”

To arrange a home visit and consultation about your needs and wishes call Alison, tel: 07584 250285. The area covered is the BA postcode. Visit: justintroductionsgroup.co.uk.

NURTURE SALES TEAM FOR RESULTS Experienced publishing manager Kathy Williams has launched a new consultancy in Bath to train and mentor sales people.

Having worked in publishing – including at The Bath Magazine and sister publication The Bristol Magazine – and sales for the past 12 years, and having enjoyed success in her field, Kathy felt it was time to share her expertise and so Kathy Intuit was born.

Kathy has devised a training and mentoring programme that can help those working in any sales environment. Her approach is nurturing, believing that people achieve the best results when they work without fear, work for and with their clients and most importantly work with integrity. It’s a fun and focused one-day workshop with a follow up day two months later. As an artist herself, Kathy offers a creative and empathetic approach to dealing with people.

Kathy also offers a consultancy service for sales driven companies. She is able to assess needs and formulate a creative and strategic plan that will generate greater revenue using existing resources. Visit: kathyintuit.com, EXPERIENCED: trainer Kathy Williams email: info@kathyintuit.com, or tel: 07989361244.

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Call Monahans Financial Services now on 01225 472800 Lennox House, 3 Pierrepont Street, Bath BA1 1LB www.monahans-fsl.co.uk

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Our Family Wealth Transfer Advice can help to ensure your wealth is passed on through the generations to those you care about the most.

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

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Still best to operate via a limited company rather than as a sole trader?

We have been asked whether operating one man businesses remains most tax effective through a limited company or whether the new 7.5% dividend tax means that sole traders now have an advantage.

Prior to the current tax year it was generally accepted that businesses making profits of around £25,000 and above were most tax efficiently run through a limited company.

Now that figure is perhaps closer to £30,000. The tax advantage continues to grow to profit levels of around £60,000, and after that the tax advantage gradually falls away and is gone for profits of around £130,000 or more.

Even with this change of perspective there are other benefits to consider for the limited company, such as the limitation of liability and the ease of introducing family members into the ownership, with extra tax benefits.

Additionally, there is of course no requirement to extract all of the profits from a limited company in any year and so drawings can be managed tax efficiently, with funds left in the company to draw at a later date when personal circumstances may be more favourable, or to invest in projects and properties away from personal assets.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting.

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CALL FOR DETAILS 01225 424499 EMAIL: SALES @ THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 80 TheBATHMagazine

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WE CAN ALSO HELP WITH GREAT DESIGN AND PRINT SOLUTIONS

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CITY | OF | FESTIVALS

IDEAS WORTH SPREADING One of the organisers of this autumn’s TEDxYouth event in Bath, Charlotte Calkin looks forward to a sharing of minds for this unique teenage gathering

T

EDxYouth@Bath is back – to be staged in the city’s largest venue, the Forum, on 17 November – inspiring the region's young people with speakers and activities that prove how creative solutions can be found to life’s biggest challenges and most intractable problems. This year the public are invited too: tickets go on sale on Monday 5 September.

Whether it’s the BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, sharing his unique perspective on the inherent dangers of geopolitical instability, or Sarah Corbett demonstrating that activism as peaceful and gentle as her global ‘craftivism’ (where art meets activism) movement can and does bring about change, the speakers reflect on the real world and how we can rise to its challenges.

Two more of the speakers know the transforming power of communication in our lives, but from very different perspectives.

Originally from Bath, Charlie McDonnell, aka Charlieissocoollike, rose to international fame as a vlogger and is now putting his energies into stimulating young people’s interest in science. Aimee Ansari is the director of Translators Without Borders: currently working and living in Greece. She will show how essential it is to understand and be understood when you are in the vulnerable position of being a refugee or asylum seeker.

Our speakers range from our favourite cartoonist and author, Steven Appleby to Jacob Dunne. Jacob was sentenced to 30 months for manslaughter in 2011: how he turned his life around makes for a compelling story. Bath Film Festival executive director Holly Tarquini will be talking about the growth of the F-rating film categorisation and the role of women in film and film-making.

Veteran explorer and leader of expeditions Colonal John BlashfordSnell will be sharing some of his vast experience. His past assignments include the first vehicle crossing of the complete Darien Gap and navigating almost all the 2,700 miles of the Zaire River. He also launched, with the support of Prince Charles, Operation Raleigh and by 1992 over 10,000 young men and women had taken part in challenges and expeditions all over the world. He works with a number of charities to help disabled youngsters. He is also involved with the young people of Merseyside, is

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UNIQUE MESSAGES: from top left, vlogger Charlie McDonnell, explorer John Blashford Snell, Holly Tarquini of the F-rating film project, Sarah Corbett champion of craftivism, reformer Jacob Dunne and Charlotte Calkin, one of the TEDxYouth@Bath organisers

a patron of the Moorlands Community Development in Brixton and is President of the Just a Drop charity providing drinking water for remote communities and helping with sanitation projects.

TEDxYouth@Bath is a day-long event with over 16 speakers of national or international standing. All are selected for the uniqueness of the messages and experiences they can put in front of our audience, for their ability to inspire all of us that we can make a difference one day.

For our target audience of 16 to 18year-olds this comes at a critical time in their lives, exposing them to people and ideas that can engage them and broaden their horizons. The rest of us, wondering what we might still do to change the world, will find this programme just as compelling, whatever our age.

Already 900 young people from a broad range of schools and colleges have signed up. The day will run from 9.30am until 4.30pm, with an hour’s worth of hands-on events at lunchtime, including the Dyson Foundation challenging them with a range of activities testing their engineering skills, all the students will be encouraged to get involved.

The event is free for students aged 16 to 18 and there are a few spaces available. Tickets are £20 for adults and £8 for students seats.

TEDxYouth@Bath is brought to Bath by a team of committed volunteers who are very proud to present their fourth event. After three hugely successful TEDxYouth@Bath events we wanted to raise the bar. We were frustrated with

having to turn away so many students so this year the event is four times bigger, a huge challenge, and we are in Bath’s biggest venue, The Forum. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from schools. We’re excited by the extraordinary range of speakers we have and we’re also excited to see what ideas the students come up with themselves in our competition. For further details and ticket sales visit: tedxyouthbath.com.

To find out what constitutes a good TED talk listen to global TED chief executive Chris Anderson, who founded Bath’s Future Publishing business, at: http://bit.ly/2aCzIjl. What is a TED talk?

A TED talk is delivered to an audience live, before being transmitted on the internet. A TED talk is under 18 minutes and there are a few rules. It’s not to be used for selling, religon, politics or new age beliefs, but for the sharing of ideas. n

COMPETITION: SHARE YOUR IDEA TEDx Bath has saved one space for a student speaker (under 19) to share their own ‘idea worth spreading’ with a local and global audience.

Ideas must be submitted before 20 October. The speaker coach will work with the successful student to create a TED talk for the event. All expenses for the student to attend the event will be covered. The talk will be filmed and go on to the TEDx site. See the website for details.

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THE BATH MAGAZINE’s GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

Hayesfield Girls’ School

Saint Gregory’s, Bath

OPEN DAYS September Dates Beechen Cliff School www.beechencliff.org.uk Prospective Parents Evening - Tuesday 20 Sept.

6.00pm -8.30pm Open Morning - Wednesday 28 Sept.

9.00am - 12.00pm

Hayesfield School www.hayesfield.com Open Evening - Tuesday 20 Sept.

6.00pm - 8.30pm Open Morning - Friday 23 Sept.

9.00am - 12.00pm

King Edward’s School www.kesbath.com Sixth Form Open Evening - Friday 23 Sept.

Senior, Junior, Pre-Prep Open Morning Saturday 24 Sept.

Kingswood School www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Sixth Form Open Evening - Thursday 29 Sept.

6.30pm - 9.00pm

St. Gregory’s School www.st-gregorys.org.uk Open Evening - Thursday 29 Sept.

6.30pm - 9.00pm

St. Mark’s School www.st-marks.org.uk Open Evening - Wednesday 21 Sept.

6.30pm - 8.30pm Open Morning - Thursday 29 Sept.

9.00am - 11.00am

Stonar www.stonarschool.com Open Morning - Saturday 24 Sept.

The Bath Studio School www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk Open Evening - Thursday 29 Sept.

The Royal High School www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Sixth Form Open Evening - Wednesday 28 Sept.

Junior School & Nursery School Open Morning - Thursday 29 Sept.

FOR UPDATES AND MORE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Visit us online: www.thebathmag.co.uk Or follow us on twitter

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Upper Oldfield Park, Brougham Hayes, Bath, BA2 3QU. Tel: 01225 426151 www.hayesfield.com Autumn term: 1 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 3 January - 7 April 2017 Summer term: 24 April - 21 July 2017 Age of pupils: 11 - 16 years girls, 16 - 18 years co-educational Number of pupils: 1,171 Day fees: N/A Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: The innovative approach to curriculum design allows the school to offer a range of stimulating learning opportunities which support the development of good habits of learning, independence of thought, intellectual curiosity, creativity and resilience. Option choices at GCSE include two Languages, Global Perspectives, Mandarin, Dance and Latin. There is an outstanding range of more than 40 A Level subjects offered in the Sixth Form alongside a growing vocational Level 3 offer, which resulted in a pass rate of 100% A-E. Extra curricular activities: All students participate in our ‘Period 6’ after-school enrichment curriculum where they are able to discover the superb range of opportunities available. The school also supports students in starting and running their own clubs which cover a huge range of interest areas including Mandarin, school magazine, polyglots, drama, Christian Union, choir, orchestra and debating. Active clubs range from netball, athletics, Zumba and table tennis to trampolining and yoga. In addition, there is a fitness suite, which students can use in and out of school hours.

Pastoral care: There is a strong belief in traditional values at Hayesfield; they set high standards in their work, conduct and appearance. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills and values that will enable pupils to become thinking, informed and confident adults who will be able to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Each tutor group belongs to a House, each named after an influential woman which allows students to form friendships across the school community.

Name of principal: Ms Emma Yates Outstanding characteristics: Hayesfield Girls’ School is recognised as outstanding in its leadership and management and the behaviour and safety of students. There is an inspirational learning environment, with new and innovative facilities for PE and Performing Arts, Science and Technology. The new Sixth Form Centre was opened in November 2014 including a Conference Centre. “Teachers have high expectations of what students can achieve and high levels of mutual respect have been established. This has resulted in a positive learning atmosphere across the school”. (Ofsted 2013)

Saint Gregory’s Catholic College Combe Hay Lane, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 8PA Tel: 01225 832873 www.st-gregorys.org.uk Autumn term: 1 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 3 January - 7 April 2017 Summer term: 24 April - 21 July 2017 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 950 Day fees: N/A Religious denomination: Catholic The curriculum: Saint Gregory’s has a traditional curriculum with students studying a broad and engaging range of subjects within a caring Christian pastoral setting. Specialisms in Performing Arts and Science inspire a particularly creative and engaging focus for many students as they are allowed to learn how to express themselves through the study of music, drama and dance, whilst the study of science encourages a young person’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.

Extra curricular activities: A varied and dynamic timetable of events, classes, and residential trips is available for students to enjoy throughout the year.

There is also a wide range of international partnerships with schools in China, Europe and India, creating opportunities for students to visit these countries and grow in understanding and respect for their cultures. With over 30 clubs or activities each term, the school provides a broad and balanced range of opportunities so that each and every student has an opportunity to shine.

Pastoral care: Saint Gregory’s has a high level of pastoral care with an inclusive atmosphere. Not all of their students are Catholic and the school welcomes applications from families who share their sense of values and want their children educated in a high-achieving Christian environment.

Name of headteacher: Ms Ann Cusack Outstanding characteristics: Saint Gregory’s is recognised in the Ofsted Outstanding Providers list as the only secondary school in B&NES to achieve the rating of Outstanding in three consecutive inspections, making it one of Ofsted’s highest achieving secondary schools locally and nationally.

In all reports Inspectors arrived at exactly the same conclusion: Saint Gregory’s is an Outstanding school in every way. The school’s most recent inspection by Clifton Diocese also rated the school as an Outstanding Catholic school.

The Good Schools Guide described St Gregory’s as: ‘Top choice non-fee paying Catholic secondary in the area, in our view. Long journey times from huge catchment area and hotly contested places are testament to the thirst for this kind of spirituallyled education, which turns out great results and thoroughly nice kids.’

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King Edward’s School

Calder House

Beechen Cliff School Alexandra Park, Bath, BA2 4RE Tel: 01225 480466 www.beechencliff.org.uk Autumn term: 1 September - 16 December 2016 Winter term: 3 January - 10 February 2017 Spring term: 20 February - 26 May 2017 Summer term: 5 June - 20 July 2017 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years

King Edward’s Senior and Junior School, North Road, Bath, BA2 6HU; Pre-Prep and Nursery School, Weston Lane, Bath, BA1 4AQ Senior School tel: 01225 464 313; Junior School tel: 01225 463 218; Pre-Prep tel: 01225 421 681 www.kesbath.com; Twitter: @KESBath; Facebook: /kesbath Autumn term: 7 September - 14 December 2016 Spring term: 4 January - 31 March 2017 Summer term: 18 April - 12 July 2017 Age of pupils: 3 - 18 Number of pupils: Senior School 770, Junior School 180 & Pre-Prep & Nursery 90 Day Fees (Per Term): Sixth Form £4,525; Senior School £4,455; Junior School £3,520; Pre-Prep £3,175; Nursery £2,615 The curriculum: Every individual is encouraged to strive for excellence and to acquire a life-long passion for knowledge, discovery, adventure, creativity and culture. There is a wide breadth of offering in the academic curriculum at both GCSE and A Level.

Extra curricular activities: Pupils’ educational experience is enhanced by an extensive programme of activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh award, Ten Tors, Combined Cadet Force, sports, drama, and music which has links with Bath Abbey and Bath Philharmonia Orchestra. In addition, there are over 100 lunchtime and after-school recreational clubs, including creative writing, the Environmental Action Group and the Model United Nations.

The School is also pleased to announce the completion of a brand new astro pitch, a fitting platform for the School's talented sports teams.

Pastoral care: Our recent ISI report found the quality of pastoral care, support and guidance to be ‘excellent’. This was echoed by The Good Schools Guide who stated ‘Everything is directed towards the well-being of pupils. No wonder they enjoy their education and do so well in it. KES feels like a happy school.’ The School offers a strong, caring and supportive pastoral framework, working closely with parents to ensure that all members of the School community feel respected and valued.

Name of principal: Mr Martin Boden Outstanding characteristics: Awarded 'excellent' in every category in the 2015 whole school ISI report.

King Edward's was ranked as one of the top six performing schools of any kind in the South West by The Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power Survey.

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Number of pupils: 1,180 Thickwood Lane, Colerne, Wiltshire, SN14 8BN Tel: 01225 743566 www.CalderHouseSchool.co.uk Head@CalderHouseSchool.co.uk Autumn term: 8 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 9 January - 4 April 2017 Summer term: 24 April - 21 July 2017 Age of pupils: 6 - 13 years Number of pupils: 48 Day fees: £5,575 per term (£16,725 per year) includes all remedial support required to meet each pupil’s individual needs.

Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: Calder House is a small, coeducational day school for pupils who, for various reasons, are out of step with their potential. We offer a friendly, non-competitive environment in which children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning/language difficulties are encouraged to enjoy school while developing the skills they need to successfully return to mainstream education. Our average class size is eight with a staff to pupil ratio of one to four.

Name of Headteacher: Mrs Karen Parsons A specialist approach: We offer a whole-school approach to specialist education – one which delivers a carefully structured programme of one-to-one support within a normal school environment.

A typical pupil: • arrives with an unmeasurable reading age or one that is more than two years behind their chonological age • spends just over two years at Calder House • leaves with a reading age appropriate for their chronological age or (in the case of one in three pupils) an adult reading age • sucessfully returns to mainstream education

Day fees: None (for pupils outside the UK £4,500 - £5,500 pa).

Religious denomination: None The curriculum: A wide-ranging academic curriculum which includes GCSEs in Classical Civilisation and Latin. At A Level the school offers more than 40 courses of study.

Extra curricular activities: A huge range of extra-curricular activities on offer include cricket, rugby, hockey, football, tennis and shooting. Debating, public speaking, F1 and robotics are supplemented by the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and the Combined Cadet Force.

Pastoral care: Personal care and guidance is exceptional at the school, with each boy and sixth form student being looked after within the house to which he or she is allocated on entry.

Name of headmaster: Mr Andrew Davis Outstanding characteristics: A school which provides great food, incredible extra-curricular provision and a highly successful academic curriculum. “Beechen Cliff School provides an outstanding education for its boys and sixth form students, which reflects its values of high aspirations and success for all. A significant strength of the school is the way in which it identifies differing ability groups, thus enabling the most-able boys to gain the highest grades possible and yet successfully supporting those who find learning more challenging to achieve examination results of which they can be proud”.

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Sheldon School Sixth Form

All Hallows

Dauntsey’s West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE Tel: 01380 814500 Email: admissions@dauntseys.org

Cranmore Hall, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4SF Tel: 01749 881600 www.allhallowsschool.co.uk info@allhallowsschool.co.uk

Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6HJ Telephone: 01249 766036 (Sixth Form Office) www.sheldonschool.co.uk sixthform@sheldonschool.co.uk Autumn term: 5 Sept 2017 - 21 December 2017 Spring term: 8 January 2018 - 29 March 2018 Summer term: 16 April 2018 - 20 July 2018 Age of pupils: 16 - 18 Number of pupils: 380 The curriculum: Sheldon School Sixth Form is the largest in Wiltshire, offering 30 A level subjects. Most students take 4 subjects in Year 12 and 3 in Year 13. Many subjects have more than one teaching group, making timetabling more flexible than in most Sixth Forms. The school enjoys an excellent learning environment including a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre.

Extra curricular activities: There are lots of opportunities for Sixth Form students to involve themselves in sport, charity work, performing arts, clubs, social activities and a very wide range of trips and visits. Many Sixth Form students mentor younger pupils, while others take part in the annual Leavers’ Expedition.

Pastoral care: The Pastoral care programme is classed as outstanding, with the Head of Sixth Form supported by two Year Heads and a team of 20 tutors and other staff. Tutor groups are paired to encourage Year 13 students to support those new to A level study.

Michaelmas term: 5 September - 9 December 2016 Lent term: 4 January - 31 March 2017 OPEN MORNING: Saturday 1st October 2016 Age of pupils: 3 - 13 years Number of pupils: 300 approx Fees: Day pre-prep; £2,560, Years 3 to 8; £4,815 Boarding £7,190; Day plus boarding (25 nights per term) £5,340 Religious denomination: Catholic foundation welcoming all faiths The curriculum: Creativity is the heartbeat of All Hallows, and the school is known for leading the way on a number of initiatives within the prep school sector. All Hallows was an early adopter of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) which is taught with great success in the Junior Department. Thematic learning and innovative curriculum ideas pervade the school. Music, art and performing arts are a great strength of the school. The Creative Centre opened in September 2014, further enhancing opportunities. The onsite Forest School and LTA Tennis Academy are also great strengths.

Extra curricular activities: Extra curricular opportunities abound at All Hallows – Sport, music, arts, drama, performing arts, outdoor pursuits. The Saturday Enrichment Programme is unique – encouraging the children to move out of their comfort zones and try a range of experiences such as the Exmoor Youth Challenge, Sports Leaders Awards, music production with professional musicians, digital photography, animation and much more.

Head of Sixth Form: Mr Michael Seeley Outstanding characteristics: Sheldon Sixth Form is justly proud of our consistently strong A level results and wide-ranging Sixth Form package, aimed at developing confident and happy young adults.

Pastoral care: This unique school provides a secure and happy environment where children will develop the inner confidence necessary to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Whilst protected and nurtured, the children are also challenged and stretched in order to build their ability to thrive as adults in the future.

Name of principal: Ms A M Lee, MA, BA, LTCL, PGCE Outstanding characteristics: - All Hallows offers an exceptionally warm environment with superb academic results. Non selective on entry, the school is particularly proud of the fact that around 50% of children each year are awarded scholarships to a wide range of senior schools – academic, sport, art, music and all-rounder awards.

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Autumn term: 9 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 10 January - 24 March 2017 Summer term: 19 April - 8 July 2017 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 825 Day fees: £5,980 per term UK boarders: £9,900 per term.

Religious denomination: Inter-denominational.

The curriculum: The curriculum throughout the school is broad and balanced, offering all pupils the opportunity to study an extensive range of subjects. Lessons are delivered by specialist teachers in a challenging and stimulating environment that is conducive to a positive and enjoyable learning experience for the pupils.

Dauntsey’s is keen to promote independent learning, enabling pupils to fulfil their potential and develop a range of key skills needed in later life. The timetable offers a great deal of flexibility with a well-structured weekly lesson arrangement and the extensive options system provides well for the different interests and aptitudes of all pupils.

Extra curricular activities: All pupils discover a breadth and depth of education that takes them beyond academic achievement. Drama, music, art and sport all flourish and the rural surroundings provide an ideal setting for many outdoor activities which include sailing on the school’s very own Tall Ship, the famous 56’ gaff cutter, the Jolie Brise.

Pastoral care: At Dauntsey’s each pupil joins a boarding or day house and is supported by his or her housemaster or housemistress and a team of tutors. Their aim is to ensure each pupil fulfils their potential and makes the most of the varied opportunities on offer at Dauntsey’s.

Name of principal: Mr Mark Lascelles MA Outstanding characteristics: The equal balance of boarding and day pupils, the wide range of facilities, and the excellent pastoral support ensure that everyone feels part of the community.

Visitors comment on the happy and friendly atmosphere; the energy, purpose and determination to do well.

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The Paragon School Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, BA2 4LT. Tel: 01225 310837 www.priorparkschools.com Autumn term: 7 September - 14 December 2016 Half term: 22 October - 1 November 2016 Spring term: 9 January - 23 March 2017 Half term: 11 February - 19 February 2017 Summer term: 19 April - 7 July 2017 Half term: 27 May - 4 June 2017 Age of pupils: 3 - 11 years Number of pupils: 270 Day fees: per term, Juniors: Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, including lunches: £3,245 per term. Infants: Years 1 & 2, including lunches: £3,090 per term.

Reception: Full Time, including lunches: £2,915 per term. Squirrels Nursery: Full Time, including lunches: £2,780 per term. Part Time: Per Day: £555 per term. Per morning without lunch (until 12 o'clock): £300 per term. Per morning including lunch (until 1 o’clock): £410 per term.

Per afternoon: £250 per term Religious denomination: Christian The curriculum: broad, balanced curriculum, with cross-curricular links and some topic based work. Emphasis on core subjects and attaining high academic standards, with engaging humanities curriculum and cross-curricular ICT. Sport, art, music and outdoor learning are strong.

Extra curricular activities: A fantastic choice of extra-curricular activities from pottery and chess to conservation and ballet. Staff run around 70 lunchtime and after school clubs. The majority of clubs focus on enjoyment and exploring new interests. Some of the clubs are by invitation only to provide children with opportunities for their skill levels. There is also a rich mix of school trips and activity days, including a week in France for children in Year 6, visits to local history sites, a residential adventure centre, and many themed days that make full use of the grounds.

Pastoral care: Every child at The Paragon should feel secure and affirmed, valued for who they are regardless of their ability. Children feel comfortable about approaching a teacher to talk about something that’s bothering them. Strong relationships with parents help identify problems at an early stage. Each class has a prefect, chosen from the eldest year group, to support and advise them. A school council, with democratically elected representatives from Year 2 up, meets monthly with the headmaster.

Name of principal: Mr Andrew Harvey Outstanding characteristics: The Paragon feels so special: its friendly family atmosphere and belief that happy children learn best is at the heart of what they do (with the results to prove it).

Bath College City Centre Campus, James Street West, Bath, BA1 1UP Somer Valley Campus, South Hill Park, Wells Road, Radstock, BA3 3RW Autumn term: 5 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 4 January - 7 March 2017 Summer term: 24 April - 30 June 2017 Age of pupils: 3 - 18 years Number of pupils: 3000 full-time Day fees: N/A Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: Bath College has been providing education and training for more than 120 years.

The college offers vocational and academic courses in a wide range of subjects and can help you to find a suitable course to provide you with the knowledge and skills for your chosen career.

They believe that all students are talented individuals and will work with you to develop your talents.

The City Centre Campus offers students the opportunity to be in the middle of Bath’s vibrant city. It is easily accessible through excellent transport links from Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas.

Courses on offer include Art, Design, Photography, Business, Hospitality, Hairdressing, Spa Therapies, Health and Social Care, Children’s Development, IT, Media and Sport, The Somer Valley Campus is based in the picturesque Somerset countryside and has plenty of free parking for students. Courses on offer include Arboriculture, Animal care, Floristry, Veterinary nursing, and Motor vehicle.

From September 2017 all Construction Design, Engineering, Stonemasonry and Construction trades will also run at this campus when the new state-of-the-art Construction Skills Centre opens.

Extra curricular activities: College is much more than just your course. College can be the place where you make friends for life, try new experiences or gain new skills.

The college has a number of societies including Art, Sports, Film Club and Circus Skills; it’s a great way to make new friends, meet like-minded people, or to just try something fun and new!

Pastoral care: Students are at the heart of life at the College. In addition to providing high-quality courses they firmly believe in giving students a full range of student-support services to enable them to succeed to the best of their abilities. All students have a personal tutor to guide them in their studies and advise them on progression routes including university entrance and careers.

Name of Principal: Laurel Penrose Outstanding characteristics: As a full-time student at Bath College you will enjoy a real alternative to school. You will be part of an adult learning environment, where you will be encouraged to discover things for yourself.

If you are looking for an Apprenticeship in the area, there is no better place than Bath College, as we are the current Training Provider of the Year in the Bath, Bristol and Somerset regions.

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The Royal High School

The Bath Studio School

The Royal High School, Bath GDST Tel: 01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Autumn term: 5 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 4 January - 31 March 2017 Summer term: 19 April - 7 July 2017 Age of pupils: 3 - 18 years Number of pupils: 550 Day fees: (Per term – 3 term year) from Nursery £3,083 - Full Boarding Seniors (Yrs 7-13) £9,129 Religious denomination: Multi faith The curriculum: The challenging curriculum promotes intellectual rigour, creative enquiry and critical thinking to ensure that girls will lead, serve and shape the world positively, now and in the future. With excellent academic results, the young women become well-educated, well-rounded and well-balanced, able to navigate a global, multicultural, technology-driven world, successfully.

Frome Road, Bath, BA2 5RF Tel: 01225 831933 info@thebathstudioschool.org.uk www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk Age of pupils: 14 – 18 boys and girls Number of pupils: 300 Day Fees: N/A Religious denomination: Non-denominational

Extra curricular activities: The Royal High School girls love to get involved in just about everything! It’s all about having a go and the encyclopedic list of clubs and activities, some at lunchtime and many after school, is growing all the time. Whether it's fencing or French, swimming or science club, debating or digital photography, girls are always strongly encouraged to take up one or two activities, to develop a passion, to jump in and try something completely new, to meet a challenge, to have fun and to make another set of friends.

Pastoral care: Pastoral care and academic development go hand in hand. the school knows that girls perform best when they are happy and secure, so the caring and supportive community gives girls a real sense of belonging. The school recognise the pressures, uncertainties and challenges moving from childhood to adulthood, so if girls have any worries at all, there is always someone qualified to talk to. Or sometimes a friendly chat and cup of tea is just the ticket, someone is always there.

Name of Principal: Mrs Jo Duncan Outstanding characteristics: The school is a hugely successful mix of day and boarding girls, a happy, thriving community free from stereotypes. The girls build confidence and high self-esteem, while fostering qualities such as courage, loyalty, compassion and integrity. The Royal High School is proud to be part of The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) which has 26 UK schools and academies.

It is an innovative, high-achieving school that provides a wonderful environment for girls to excel academically, thrive emotionally and develop socially. Cranwell House, The Royal High Junior School, is a beautiful school with a dynamic, girlfocused curriculum and opportunities for outdoor learning focused on ecology and conservation. Girls develop a deeper understanding of everything they study, to help them to see the connections within and between disciplines, to grapple with complex ideas, to develop a flexible and creative mindset, and to enjoy their studies. A great education lays the foundation for life-long learning.

The curriculum: The Bath Studio School, which opened two years ago, was the first of its kind in the South West and is blazing a trail with a unique blend of education and business. Students benefit from access to state of the art facilities which include a television studio, vision mixing suite, mac suite and business hub. Students can study for a range of qualifications in a variety of subject areas including: journalism, business, games design, art, photography, science, maths, humanities and English. From September a music programme is being introduced. The school helps students gain real life skills in areas such as personal finance and employability, with each pupil also undertaking a week’s work experience.

Extra curricular activities: Students are offered a range of extra-curricular opportunities, working in partnership with local organisations such as Team Bath and therefore regular organise trips and events, such as trips to New York, Innocent HQ, Parliament and the BBC. Pastoral care: Small classes and personal coaching allow every individual to develop the skills and personal qualities they need. Students undertake 1-2-1 personal sessions to support them in their learning and work placements. The supportive small school setting and range of vocational and academic qualifications enable students to fulfil their potential and achieve their goals.

Name of principal: Mr Colin Cattanach Outstanding characteristics: The Bath Studio School offers students the opportunity to benefit from a different type of educational environment.

Every member of the community works hard to ensure that every student achieves their full potential. The school specialises in creative media and business and has links with more than 50 employers and students have the opportunity for hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment. They provide our students with an excellent education and a network of contacts to help them to be successful, whether they go to university, an apprenticeship or straight into work.

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Stonar

Prior Park College

Cottles Park, Atworth, Wiltshire SN12 8NT Tel: 01225 701740 www.stonarschool.com

Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH Tel: 01225 835353 Website: www.priorparkschools.com Email: admissions@priorparkschools.com

Autumn term: 7 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 10 January - 30 March 2017 Summer term: 24 April - 7 July 2017 Age of pupils: 2 - 18 Number of pupils: Junior school 133, Senior school 190

Autumn term: 7 September - 14 December 2016 Spring term: 9 January - 23 March 2017 Summer term: 19 April - 8 July 2017 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 610

Day fees: Boarders: £6485-9500 per term, Prep: £3180-3655 per term, Senior school £48755265 per term.

Religious denomination: Non-denominational.

The curriculum: The school offers a broad and imaginative curriculum with excellent teaching in small classes. They motivate pupils to think for themselves, explore new ideas and develop independence, imagination, resilience, high aspirations and a sense of responsibility for their own progress. In this way they acquire life-long learning skills and the ability to adapt to change.

Stonar is regularly in the top 10% of schools at GCSE for value-added, meaning pupils achieve on average up to a grade higher than predicted in all subjects.

Extra curricular activities: Through the huge range of extra curricular activities on offer, pupils discover their own interests and talents and learn to respect and celebrate those of others. An array of clubs at lunchtimes and after lessons enrich the experience at Stonar and academic work is enhanced by subject specific and optional trips. Riding has been a core feature at the school for several decades and the British Horse Society approved equestrian centre offers outstanding facilities including stabling, indoor and outdoor schools and a cross country schooling field.

Pastoral care: Pupils, parents and teachers alike often describe Stonar as a family. The nurturing ethos is integral to the school, backed up by an outstanding and robust pastoral structure which ensures the very best care for every child. As a small school, each pupil is known individually.

Stretched and inspired by everything they experience at Stonar, and supported by the strong community, pupils develop into confident, out-going young adults.

Name of principal: Dr Sally Divall MA PhD PGCE Outstanding characteristics: As part of the NACE education group, Stonar has 20 international partner schools which are united by the dedication to educational excellence and cocurricular depth. As a result, Stonar is developing a unique global facet to its pupils’ education.

Exchange trips, language immersion weeks and cross cultural events bring schools in the group together and allow students to work alongside peers of other nationalities. Stonar’s Senior School is now co-educational and applications are welcomed from boys for years 7, 8, 9 and 12 for 2017.

Day fees: Boarding: Full fee, per term £9,815 per annum £29,445 International boarding: Full fee, per term £10,170, per annum £30,510 Weekly: Full fee, per term £8,095 per annum, £24,285 Day 13+: Full fee, per term £5,305, per annum, £15,915 Day 11+: Full fee, per term, £4,805, per annum, £14,415 Religious denomination: Catholic, but all faiths are warmly welcome The curriculum: The College is thriving with a growing roll of 610 going into the new academic year. Listed by the Oxford Royale Academy as the UK’s most beautiful school, the College offers a broad curriculum including 26 A Level subjects, while students study 10 or 11 GCSE subjects. The College prides itself on the quality of its learning environment, supported by state-of-the-art IT systems, and very strong teacher/student partnerships based on mutual respect and commitment to learning.

Extra curricular activities: The College has outstanding facilities including a new Sports’ Centre, Art & Design Faculty and Sixth Form Centre. An impressive number of music and drama productions are held in the magnificent Chapel, John Wood Chapel and Julian Slade Theatre each year. A broad and balanced sporting curriculum helps to promote sporting excellence and sporting opportunities for all.

Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Care programme is classed as outstanding, with Housemasters and Housemistresses supported by a dedicated group of tutors who each address the needs of a small group of students. A vibrant and supportive community culture exists within each of the Houses and across the College.

Name of principal: Mr James Murphy-O’Connor, MA Oxon Outstanding characteristics: A happy, purposeful, high-achieving community in which diverse talents can blossom without censure from peers.

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Warminster School

Millfield & Millfield Prep

Monkton Senior School

School name: Millfield Millfield, Street, Somerset BA16 0YD Tel: 01458 444296 Email:admissions@millfieldschool.com School name: Millfield Prep Millfield Prep, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8LD Tel: 01458 832446 Email: admissions@millfieldprep.com

Church Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8PJ Tel: 01985 210160 Web: warminsterschool.org.uk Autumn term: 7 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 9 January - 24 March 2017 Summer term: 19 April - 7 July 2017

Autumn term: 5 September - 9 December 2016 Spring term: 9 January - 31 March 2017 Summer term: 24 April - 1 July 2017 Age of pupils: 2 - 18 years Number of pupils: Prep 420; Senior 1,260 Fees per term: Prep boarding: £8,880; Prep flexi boarding, £55.00 per night: day, £3,500 - £5,850.

Senior boarding: £11,925, day: £8,010 Religious denomination: Inter-denominational

Age of pupils: 3 – 18 Number of pupils: 550 Day fees: Prep £2,450 - £3,920 (boarding £6,952), Senior £4,910 (boarding £9,555) Religious denomination: C of E The curriculum: Warminster is an academic school and every child is expected to pursue academic excellence, enjoy a love of learning and intellectual curiosity as well as achieving the best exam results they are capable of. Full range of subjects available at GCSE, A Level and IB. Extra curricular activities: The co-curricular programme continues to be a vibrant and vital component of school life. Emphasis on sporting and performing arts clubs and opportunities including, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, Ten Tors and LAMDA. The quality of both music and drama is extremely high. Upper Sixth drama pupils have performed for an entire week on the Royal Mile, as part of the Edinburgh Festival.

Pastoral care: A recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (2013) reported that ‘the School provides outstanding care for its pupils’. Pastoral care was graded as Excellent – the highest grading available. The report adds that, ‘pupils feel safe and well cared for as individuals. Tutors play a key role in pastoral care; they see their groups twice a day and are the first point of contact with parents’.

These inspection findings are testament to the strong support systems at Warminster.

Name of principal: Mr Mark Mortimer MBA BA Outstanding characteristics: If you saw ITV’s documentary School Swap – the Class Divide, then you will have had an accurate snapshot of the School. Warminster pride themselves on their sense of community and culture of encouragement in which it’s ok to struggle or even fail sometimes. Warminster is a beautiful school, but schools are not about buildings and facilities but about people and relationships.

Being part of a community means that everyone has to contribute and play their part. Every child is good at something and a school’s job is to help them find and nurture it.

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The curriculum: Millfield is an innovative school which frequently takes the lead in educational development. Their methods are continually evolving, but the primary aim remains constant: to help pupils to build firm foundations for their future lives. Class sizes are small and rarely exceed 16 pupils, which allows teachers to focus on each individual. Millfield offers an exceptionally wide selection of courses; at GCSE 25 subjects are on offer and 31 subjects at A-level.

An exciting range of vocational courses are also available in the Sixth Form, including BTECs. Extra curricular activities: While Millfield is renowned for sport, we also offer a vibrant Arts programme. All pupils have opportunities across art, design, debating, drama and music, in the aim that they develop personal skills and a cultural appreciation of the arts.

Millfield offers an outstanding academic enrichment programme which includes lectures, debating, competitions and trips. Top academics are challenged through coaching and academic clubs, and all pupils receive excellent guidance to support diverse university applications.

Pastoral care: As a boarding and day school Millfield see the pastoral care and needs of the children as central to their success and personal development. Although they are a large school they preserve the caring atmosphere of a small one. Pupils can board from age seven upwards.

Name of Principals: Millfield - Mr Craig Considine Millfield Prep – Mrs Shirley Shayler Outstanding characteristics: Millfields strength has always been based around the belief that every child is an individual and the school aims to put the child at the heart of everything it does. The world class resources and facilities mean that the children are provided with an exclusive experience and they can take advantage of the many opportunities available in order to discover their individual talents and potential, be it in the classroom, on the stage or on the sports field.

Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG Tel: 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com admissions@monkton.org.uk Autumn term: 4 September - 14 December 2016 Spring term: 8 January - 24 March 2017 Summer term: 18 April - 7 July 2017 Age of pupils: 13 - 18 years Number of pupils: 372 Day fees: £6,345 - £6,665 Boarding Fees: £10,355 - £10,630 Religious denomination: Christian The curriculum: Monkton want all pupils to develop lively, enquiring and well-informed minds. The aim is to excite pupils in their learning environments and, by providing a broad and balanced curriculum, to foster every pupil’s educational development.

The GCSE, AS and A Level curriculum at Monkton Senior is notable for the range of subjects included. The curriculum offers genuine breadth to allow pupils the maximum choice of subjects.

Extra curricular activities: At Monkton, they believe that educating young people means helping them develop all their gifts, whether this is playing the trombone, acting, rowing or learning leadership skills in a club, society or in the Combined Cadet Force. They offer an enormously broad range of activities.

Pastoral care: The school’s exceptional pastoral care creates a warm, friendly environment. The pastoral system means that every pupil has a choice of adult to whom they can turn for confidential advice and support – tutor, houseparent, teachers or the Chaplain.

Name of Principal: Mr Richard Backhouse MA (Cantab)(until Jan 2016) Outstanding characteristics: - Monkton stands for traditional and lasting Christian family values in a vibrant and nurturing community.

They encourage the development of every child academically, spiritually and emotionally to enable them to go out into the world and play a part in transforming the community and society around them.

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Monkton Prep School Church Road, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 7ET Tel: 01225 831202 www.monktonprep.com Autumn term: 6 September - 14 December 2016 Spring term: 8 January - 24 March 2017 Summer term: 18 April - 8 July 2017 Age of pupils: 2 - 13 years Number of pupils: 350

St Mark’s School, Bath St Mark’s School, Bath Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6ND Tel: 01225 312661 www.st-marks.org.uk

Kingswood School Lansdown, Bath, BA1 5RG Tel: 01225 734210 Email admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Autumn term: 1 September - 16 December 2016 Spring term: 3 January - 7 April 2017 Summer Term: 24 April - 21 July 2017 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 220 Day fees: N/A Religious denomination: Church of England

Day fees: Pre-Prep (Day age 2 - 7) £2,983 - £3,194 Prep (Day age 7 - 11) £3,750 - £3,860 Prep (Boarding age 7 - 11) £7,330 - £7,870 Prep (Day age 11 - 13) £5,460 Prep (Boarding age 11 - 13) £7,870 Fees are inclusive of costs that apply to all pupils, including all meals, text books and transport to School fixtures Religious denomination: Christian The curriculum: The Pre-Prep follows the National guidelines for teaching under fives, and then the National Curriculum. It is planned to suit the needs of each individual using a crosscurricular approach to learning to encourage the development of key skills.

In the Prep School the syllabus in each subject is aimed at the requirements of the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 6 as well as the Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations at 13+. This latter examination follows the outlines of the National Curriculum but deals with material in greater depth and extends the range of topics covered. The Prep School has subject specialist teachers to enable this greater breadth of teaching.

Extra curricular activities: The activity programme is one of the most exciting parts of life at Monkton Prep. The choice is extremely varied and includes cub-scout group, gymnastics, swimming, drama, choir, football and animation to name just a few.

Pastoral care: The happiness and well-being of each child is central to what they do. At Monkton they have a distinct sense of family and this exceptional quality helps pupils to grow in confidence as they are introduced to a breadth of different learning experiences.

Name of Head: Mr Tim Johns until Jan 2017, Mr Martin Davis from Jan 2017.

Outstanding characteristics: - Monkton stands for traditional and lasting Christian family values in a vibrant and nurturing community. They encourage the development of every child academically, spiritually and emotionally to enable them to go out into the world and play a part in transforming the community and society around them.

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The curriculum: St Mark’s is a school where children thrive and reach their full academic and personal potential through a combination of a personalised and dynamic curriculum, quality teaching, enriching opportunities and high expectations. St Mark’s also provides a place at The New Sixth, providing a high-quality sixth form education as a platform for future success in higher education and the workplace.

Open Days: Sixth Form: Thur 29 September, 6.30pm – 9.00pm Prep School: Thur 6 October, 9.30am – 12.00 Senior School: Sat 8 October, 9.00am to 12.00

Extra curricular activities: An inspiring careers programme, extra-curricular activities and outstanding enrichment opportunities allow students to build on their personal achievements and experiences. Partnerships with businesses and universities also widen the school’s offer, providing students with academic tutoring, trips to experience university life and activities to promote personal development. Overseas trips allow students to explore their learning in a global context.

The curriculum: Kingswood is a co-education school for pupils aged 3-18 years which offers an inclusive, extended family day and boarding community, free of pretension and balancing academic rigour, strength in the arts and sport, traditional values and outstanding pastoral care with a forward thinking can-do attitude. Results are outstanding. Ranked in the top 5% in the country for added value, 98% of students go onto university and 84% to Russell Group

Pastoral care: The school recognises the importance of creating a seamless transition to secondary school and have a dedicated primary liaison plan in place to support this journey. The well-being and care of students is fundamentally important and central to all that St Mark’s does.

Small class sizes mean that all students have the opportunity for unrivalled mentoring and individual support.

Name of headteacher: Mr Barnaby Ash, BSc (Hons) NPQH Outstanding characteristics: St Mark’s vision is to inspire students for future success by developing confident, independent learners with a spirit of ambition and adventure. Their vision is underpinned by their Christian ethos and core school values: wisdom, ambition and integrity, which shape students’ development. St Mark’s was rated ‘Good’ both by Ofsted and SIAS in 2015 with acknowledgement across key areas: leadership and management, behaviour and safety of students, quality of teaching and the achievement of students.

Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 768 Day fees: senior £4794 and boarding £10,000 per term

Extra curricular activities: There are over 100 extra-curricular activities available to all pupils both during the week and at weekends. Outdoor pursuits, Model United Nations, fashion and textiles, climbing, script writing or jazz, there is something for everyone. Creative, sporting and musical activities are positively encouraged and valued as Kingswood believes all round education is vital for young people in preparing them for life beyond school.

Pastoral care: Kingswood was ranked as outstanding in every area of its latest inspection and relationships between the staff and pupils are highly regarded by parents. Each senior pupil has a personal tutor who mentors them, assists with each tutee’s independent learning plan and helps set personal targets as well as offering support to enable pupils to achieve their aims. Boarding and day pupils combine throughout the house system which ensures a strong sense of community spirit.

Outstanding characteristics: Kingswood offers it all – great academics, real focus on sport and the arts, lots of co-curricular and a strong sense of community for both day pupils and boarders.

Ambitious and determined, pupils at Kingswood are genuine with a strong conscience. An intelligent and outward looking school that provides excellent value for money and an outstanding education.

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SAFE PLACE: the children’s room at Focus Counselling

THE EMPOWERING PEOPLE

Focus Counselling in Bath is helping young people find a path through the challenges of contemporary life

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eing a teenager has never been easy. From those earliest James Dean days of blue jeans and acts of rebellion, young people have sought an identity for themselves, a place in the world where they can feel fulfilled. But, far from things getting easier, today’s generation is faced with the challenge of the whole world being in its face, via social media, their mobile phones and the internet.

In a rapidly shrinking world they can hear about mass shootings within minutes of them happening, and the school bully can reach them 24/7 via their ever present mobile. They also find themselves constantly compared – unfavourably – to impossibly beautiful, successful celebrities.

Cases of eating disorders, self harming and cyber bullying among our schoolchildren are causes for concern among parents and professionals.

We spoke to Jan Roberton, founder and chief executive of Bath’s only subsidised counselling service for all ages, Focus Counselling, and to Helen Marton, Focus’ head of children’s counselling, about the sorts of issues they are daily helping young people deal with. Focus Counselling is based in the basement of St Michael’s Church in Broad Street, where a team of 14 professional trained counsellors see around 110 clients every week. And such is demand for their person centred therapy, that the team is soon to recruit more counsellors.

Person centred therapy was founded in the 1950s by Carl Rogers, whose tenet was that inside each of us – no matter how poorly we perceive ourselves – is a fully functioning human being. Its therapists are required to be non-judgemental, empathetic and genuine. Their role is to help their client examine their past and then to move on to focus on the present and the future, until they are able to leave therapy knowing that they are empowered to move on with their lives. Focus works with people of all ages, from four years into mature adulthood. One of its strands is working with young people and it’s currently seeing referrals from eight schools in the Bath area, both State and independent.

Helen said: “I meet the parents as well as the young person. It’s very worrying that cyber bullying is dreadful at the moment, particularly among young women. Unlike the days when the bullying stopped at the school gate, now they are using social media. A child takes their phone to their bedroom and the hurtful comments via social media can reach them through the night, so they’re losing sleep.”

“I have advised parents that it’s OK to say no to their children. Just as you wouldn’t let them eat chocolate for every meal, you need to protect them from the harm done via their laptop or phone. If you need to, by all means turn the house wi-fi off and give them a break.”

Jan Robertson, who co-founded the agency 17 years ago, said: “Teenagers, contrary to what they say, actually welcome rules and boundaries. Parents setting rules about bedtimes, when they go out and when they need to relinquish their phones, make them feel safe. We all love our phones, but we need to learn when to switch them off.”

Helen said they were also concerned about the number of young people refusing to attend school because they feel the compulsion to spend more time on social media, living a virtual world rather than mixing with people in the real world.

Each session is £40, but 85% of Focus’ clients cannot afford the full amount, so are subsidised from the agency’s funds. Clients are referred by their GP, or school, or can seek help directly themselves. Funding is always a challenge for Focus Counselling and the group welcomes donations. Sponsorship comes from St John’s Hospital and other bodies.

To contact Focus Counselling visit: focusbath.com, tel: 01225 330096. n

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ADVERTORIAL

SHE WAS ALWAYS BOTTOM OF THE CLASS

ALC–UK is a quick and effective program that helps those with dyslexia. Here, one child’s parents descirbe how the ALC–UK program helped their daughter overcome her challenges

A

nika was diagnosed in 2010 as having mild dyslexia and dyscalculia, which explained to us why she had always struggled to read, spell and say what she meant.

She struggled to balance and ride a bike and only achieved this at the age of seven, which again left her streets behind her peers.

Her knowledge and retention of times tables was non-existent. She would typically confuse capital letters and lowercase letters in sentences, reverse her numbers and was unable to write in straight lines without guidelines.

Then, late last year, we heard about the ALC treatment centre and felt we wanted to do everything we could for Anika as she was starting at senior school next year, going into year seven.

The treatment lasted nine days, was very intensive and made her extremely tired. However a while after we had

completed the program we realised Anika was reading books, and picking up magazines and taking an interest.

Her retention and understanding of maths was improving, and she even received an award for the most improved student in her year group.

She has broadened her shoulders and takes difficult tasks in hand, has become an excellent swimmer and her favourite subjects are music and PE. She has also become a high achiever

at Sports Days.

All the teachers at the last parents evening said she was a different girl; mature, a lot more confident and coping with school life and the hard work that goes with it. So the results of the program have been seen in the long run and it has been a worthwhile investment.

Contact James at ALC-UK to help your child forward now. Tel: 01935 403260, web: www.alc-uk.com.

The team at ALC-UK

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FAMILY | EVENTS

FAMILYDIARY IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN THIS MONTH numbers while exploring the great outdoors.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is free, but normal admission prices apply for the house and garden. Wear suitable clothing for outdoor activities. You will need to arrive in the car park by 10.30am to catch the first shuttle bus down to the house. Trails may be cancelled in bad weather.

AN AMERICAN TOY STORY n The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath Until Sunday 30 October For fans of film and toys, this exhibition takes us on a time journey from Mickey Mouse through to Frozen via Star Wars, Superman and James Bond. Take your little Spiderman and Elsa in costume and they can let off steam on the museum’s wide lawns. The cakes are good too. Visit: americanmuseum.org or call 01225 820866.

CREATE ART n Fine Art Studio, The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY Saturday 24 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm Create Art is a fun and exciting hands-on workshop led by artist educator Dorcas Casey.

Children can learn new ways of making collages and drawing, along with printmaking and using textiles. This is a great opportunity for picking up some top tips for making art at home. Activities suitable for five – 11 year-olds.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per child, £3 per adult. Pre-booking is advised.

Visit: edgearts.org or call 01225 386777 to book.

Also at The Edge this month CREATE STORIES Saturday 24 September, 10.30 – 11.30am This interactive workshop led by dancer and educator Laura Street is designed to inspire young minds and create new worlds to explore through story making. By using music and movement, children can bring their fictional characters to life. This takes place in the Dance Studio at The Edge. Suitable for children aged five – eight. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per child, £3 per adult. Visit: edgearts.org or call 01225 386777 to book.

YEARLINGS AND TODDLEALONG WORKSHOPS n The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB Throughout September, times vary The Holburne Museum is holding four fun workshops every week for babies, toddlers and their parents where they can play and learn new things through songs, stories and creative activities inspired by the museum’s collection.

Booking is essential. Call 01225 388569 or visit: holburne.org for more information.

BOWOOD HOUSE AND GROUNDS n Bowood House, Derry Hill, near Calne, Wiltshire Daily, 11am – 6pm There are acres of grounds for children to race about and one of the best adventure playgrounds in the south west, complete with pirate ship, big slides and treetop walkways.

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Join in with the re-telling of Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood There’s also Tractor Ted’s little farm, featuring animals and diggers to sit on. Bowood also has a café and a restaurant, but you can take a picnic. For adults this is a beautiful spot in the Wiltshire countryside with a lake, picturesque follies and statues. Tickets: adults £12, pensioners £10, children five to 12 £9 and two to four-year-olds £7. A family ticket is £36.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DZ Sunday 18 September, 3pm Take part in the glorious musical journey of Roald Dahl’s re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood. Explore the mystical forest, and meet some of your favourite characters from the much-loved story. Packed with audience participation, children will love getting involved in the performance. Suitable for ages five and over. Tickets: £8 / £4 for under 18s. Running time: 60 mins – no interval. Arrive at the centre at 2pm and get the chance to make some wolf ears and red hats, and the children can meet the musicians and learn some of the songs before the performance begins. Free for ticket holders.

Book early as places are limited. Visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk or call 01225 860100.

FAMILY BAT WALK n Dyrham Park, near Bath Throughout September, 7 – 9pm Get the family together to explore the National Trust parkland at Dyrham and look out for bats as the sun sets. Meet in the car park beforehand. Take a torch along and wear suitable clothing for an outdoor walk. Bat detectors are provided. Admission: £5 adults, £3 children. To book call: 0117 9371333.

Also at Dyrham Park this month TODDLER TRAILS Throughout September, 10.45 – 11.30am Children can learn about shape, colour and

TODDLER FOREST SCHOOL Throughout September, 10.30am – 12pm This new forest school will allow children to learn some bushcraft, identify plants, build dens, cook over an open fire and create some crafty artwork in the woodlands which aren’t usually open to the public. Whatever the weather, the forest school will involve a wild time in the outdoors. Admission: £7 per child.

One free adult per paying child. Booking essential. Suitable for ages two – four. Meet at the visitor centre and wear suitable clothing for outdoor activities. Call 0117 9371333 to book.

Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park for more information.

ROOTS AND SHOOTS TODDLER GROUP n Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Twerton, Bath Every Tuesday, 10 – 11.30am Bring your under 5s along to feed the animals, explore the farm and discover the magic of nature and gardening. Cost: £3 for one child, £4.50 for two, £6 for three. Includes a free hot drink for adults and squash for youngsters. All welcome, no need to book. Follow the farm on Twitter for all the latest news: @BathCityFarm.

FANTASTIC FOSSILS n Wiltshire Museum, Long Street, Devizes, SN10 1NS Throughout September Wiltshire Museum’s new family exhibition Fantastic Fossils is now ready and waiting to be explored. Could you be a paleontologist? The whole family can discover the museum’s fossil collection, learn about dinosaurs found in Wiltshire and find out what it was like during the Ice Age. Admission: adults £5.50, concessions £4.50. Children under 16 go free.

Call 01380 727369 or visit: wiltshiremuseum.org.uk to find out more.

HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL n The Museum of East Asian Art, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QJ Sunday 18 September, 12 – 4pm Celebrate the ancient East Asian tradition at the annual Harvest Moon Festival. This event will be filled with fun activities for all the family, including craft sessions inspired by the moon.

Storytelling will take place in The Circus, so bring blankets and chairs, and dress for all weather. Booking for storytelling is essential.

Visit: meaa.org.uk or call 01225 464640 to find out more.

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FAMILY | EVENTS

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT n The egg, Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 September, times vary “We’re going on a bear hunt. We're going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We’re not scared.” Children and adults alike are bound to be singing this as they leave The egg later this month. Little Angle Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in this performance with an impressive use of puppetry and music. Suitable for ages two and above. Tickets: adults £8.50, children £7.50, schools £6.50. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit: theatreroyal.org.uk or call 01225 823409 to book tickets.

BLUNDERBUS THEATRE PRESENTS: DOTTY THE DRAGON n Arc Theatre, College Road, Trowbridge, BA14 0ES Sunday 25 September, 11am & 2pm Blunderbus Theatre tells the story of Dotty, the baby fire dragon who one day decides to visit the children playing in a nearby orchard. Little does she know that the children fear Dotty and her grumpy dad, Mr Dragon, as they worry the dragons will gobble them up. Using a mix of live music and puppets, children and adults will enjoy this heartwarming fairytale. Tickets: adults £8, concessions £6, family £25. Visit: arctheatre.org.uk or call 01225 756376 to find out more. For children aged three – seven.

“We’re not scared!” – Clever puppetry at The egg this month

MUSIC FOR MINIATURES n St Swithin's Church, The Paragon, Bath, BA1 5LY Wednesday 14 September, 10.30 – 11.15am Music for Miniatures brings live classical concerts to babies and young children across Bath. This particular concert will feature saxophones and accordions. Babies can sleep, babble and crawl while toddlers are able to dance, play air-instruments and engage with the performers. £7 per adult and child pair, with £3 per extra adult or child. Book online: musicforminiatures.co.uk.

BATH CHILDREN'S LITERATURE FESTIVAL n Various locations across Bath, times vary Saturday 1 – Sunday 9 October The 10th Bath Children's Literature Festival kicks off in October, with talks by some of the best names in the business, including Chris Hoy, Clare Balding and Lucy Worsley. There’s also a whole host of workshops for children of all ages across the city. Booking early is advised as some events are already sold out. Visit: bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 462231 to book tickets. n

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

CLEAN & SIMPLE We let our hair down and tested some of the latest paraben-free products to hit the market

C

onsumers are no longer simply picking up whatever hair products that are on offer in the supermarket.

People are now taking time to read the bottles and look out for those pesky chemicals we didn’t realise were lurking in our shampoo bottles. As a consequence, paraben, sulphate and mineral free hair products are becoming increasingly popular. With this in mind, we tested some chemical-free products to see whether they made a difference to our hair.

ORIBE Cote d'Azur Luminous Hair & Body Oil, £62, 100ml, Space NK For those looking for something really luxurious to use on their hair and skin, this oil will leave your hair feeling soft and skin looking radiant. Using bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood and almond, these elements will nourish your hair and skin from top to toe. This oil has no parabens, sulphates or sodium chloride, and even adds UV protection to hair.

OUAI dry shampoo, £20, 130g, Space NK Free from parabens, OUAI’s dry shampoo gets rid of build up and oil, leaving the hair refreshed, smelling clean and without any of those strange white spots you can get with other dry shampoos. Spray onto roots, fluff your hair with your fingers or hairbrush and you are good to go. This is perfect if you want to revitalise yesterday’s hair style. This product is new to the Space NK store in Bath and has already become a bestseller.

Christophe Robin cleansing purifying scrub with sea salt, £39, 250ml, Space NK

Living Proof restore mask treatment, £35, 236ml, Space NK and Frontline Style

Your hair has probably been through a lot this summer – protection spray, chlorine, antifrizz serums and seawater. To help restore your hair to normality, this Christophe Robin hair scrub (yes, a scrub for your barnet!) will give you a deep cleanse and leave your mane smelling clean and fresh. The sea salt, which is a natural exfoliant, will soothe sensitive and oily scalps, hydrate dry hair and get rid of any impurities. This is exclusive to Space NK.

This intense weekly treatment deeply nourishes hair, leaving it stronger, softer and shinier than before. It’s advised that it should be used once or twice a week, and can be used on any hair type or age. It also uses Living Proof’s moisture-controlling molecule, PolyfluoroEster, which restores hair and adds a protective layer to each strand without weighing it down. This will condition your hair and leave it frizz free – great during the kind of unpredictable weather we experience in this country.

Fig and vanilla and wild lavender, aloe vera and comfrey root shampoo and conditioner, £12 per bottle, Natural Spa Factory With a delicately sweet scent, the fig and vanilla range will leave your hair feeling fresh and smelling delightful all day long. This range includes tocopherol (vitamin E), which moisturises the hair without leaving any greasiness, and makes it soft and smooth. The wild lavender, aloe vera and comfrey root range has soothing and anti-bacterial properties, leaving the hair clean and nourished. The pump dispensers are also very handy, rather than having to fiddle about opening bottles with soapy hands in the shower.

Color Wow root cover up, £28.50, Space NK Root cover ups are quickly becoming one of the most popular hair products to hit the shelves in recent months. Got your appointment booked at the hairdressers, but want to touch up your roots in the meantime? Color Wow root cover up allows you to touch up your roots without leaving your hair feeling sticky or oily. Available in a range of colours, Space NK in Bath stocks platinum, blonde, light brown and medium brown. Fast and easy to use, each set lasts for

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approximately 60 applications and includes different pigments and uses reflective particles so the product gives you a natural match. It also has a water resistant formula, so it can last between washes. n Space NK, 10 New Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BE, spacenk.com n Natural Spa Factory, Bath, naturalspafactory.com n Frontline Style, 4 - 5 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AJ, frontlinestyle.co.uk

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

GET TO THE ROOT OF THINNING HAIR

F

ilm star Keira Knightley has revealed that for the last five years she has been wearing wigs for her on-screen roles, since repeatedly dyeing her hair for years for work has made her own hair fall out in handfuls.

Whether this news will make any other women feel better about their own struggles with hair loss remains to be seen, but at least the subject is out there – women, just like men, have their own worries about thinning hair and bald patches. But unlike men, it’s not yet a common sight to see women out and about with a smooth pate.

I spoke to hair thinning specialist Stevin Marshall, a hairdresser who travels the country as a freelance educator giving advice to people worried about their hair loss. He was at Frontline Style salon in Monmouth Street, Bath offering one-to-one consultations, and he allowed me to sit in on one.

Our subject was a petite middle aged woman with thinning hair. Could Nioxin, the hair treatment range of shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment help her? Stevin took a camera and showed us areas of her hair and scalp magnified on screen.

His first piece of reassurance was that more people have issues with thinning hair than colour their hair. He advised that one reason people could be losing hair was because their scalp was getting insufficient exfoliation, cleansing and stimulation. The lack of any of these can cause the root of the hair beneath the skin, the papilla, to wither and die so no fresh

CROWNING GLORY: actress Keira Knightley has spoken about having to wear wigs while acting hairs can be grown.

There are many reasons for hair thinning, he added, and that is just one of them. It can be caused by hereditary male pattern baldness (which can also apply to women), to illness, to medication, including HRT and thyroid treatments, or stress. It can also affect women in pregnancy or recently after giving birth.

Keira Knightley told InStyle magazine that after the birth of her daughter Edie her hair

grew back, thicker and curlier than ever.

One method of treating the condition, if applicable, is to use Nioxin on the hair and scalp. The scalp revitalizer is left on the skin where its plant extract ingredients help stimulate hair growth. One pack of three products should last around 30 days and costs £30. If there is no improvement after continuous use in that time Nioxin pledges to refund its fee. The good thing about Nioxin is that it is drug free, so it can be worth a try.

Stevin told our subject that she would be advised to consult a trichologist, someone medically qualified to examine her scalp and hair and give her more idea as to why she might be suffering from hair loss.

The nearest trichology clinic, approved by the Institute of Trichology, is the Hair Care and Trichology Clinic in Swindon. On its website it suggests one method of beginning to tackle thinning hair may be to try Indian head massage, as that stimulates the scalp and may encourage hair growth. Alternatively an appointment to see a trichologist may be the best idea.

And if you find yourself distressed at your thinning hair, there are some very good wigs to be found. At Frontline Style’s salon in Bath, there’s a discreet room upstairs where people can go for private wig consultations and fittings. If you’re feeling bold, this could be the cue to invent a whole new image. n Frontline Style, tel: 01225 478478, visit: frontlinestyle.co.uk.

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Dermapen™ is ideal for treating: • fine lines • wrinkles • • surgical, acne and trauma scars • • stretch marks • pigmentation •

Contact us for your FREE consultation No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath • Tel: 01225 466851 • www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

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THE | WALK

BATH’S PRETTY SPA SISTER

Andrew Swift visits the spa town Cheltenham for a town walk which takes in some of its historic architecture

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heltenham, like Bath, rose to prominence as a fashionable spa. Then, as the beau monde deserted it, it became, like Bath, a place of residence and retirement, before enjoying an urban renaissance in the late 20th century. There the similarities end.

Until the late 18th century, Cheltenham was a small market town.

Not until 1788, when George III drank the waters from its cold springs, did it become a must-visit destination. Even so, it was not until the 19th century, when Bath’s star was fading, that development started in earnest. Bath’s Harcourt Masters, fresh from building Widcombe Crescent and the Sydney Hotel – now the Holburne Museum – was called in to design a Royal Crescent and a grand square. Cheltenham’s population increased tenfold between 1800 and 1850, and, unlike Bath, the town is essentially a product of the 19th century.

Bath’s keynote architectural style is Palladian; Cheltenham’s is Greek Revival.

Bath was built of stone; Cheltenham was built of brick, either faced with stone or, more usually, covered with stucco. The difference in the lie of the land is even more striking: Bath is set amid high hills; Cheltenham is almost unrelievedly flat.

Bath has the Avon, but Cheltenham has to make do with the brooklike River Chelt. And, while bathing was an important part of the Bath experience, visitors to Cheltenham stuck, by and large, to taking the waters.

In spite – or perhaps because – of the differences, it is a fascinating place. John Betjeman, who loved Bath, thought Cheltenham ‘a gayer, more original town, with even more to admire’. This walk is a whistle-stop exploration of its Regency terraces, parks and pump rooms – and, as the easiest way to get to Cheltenham is by train, it starts at the station.

DIRECTIONS Arriving at Cheltenham Spa station from the south, cross the footbridge, head out of the station, cross the main road and turn right. After 700m, turn left along Lansdown Parade and right along Lansdown Crescent, built around 1830, and, like Bath’s Widcombe Crescent, convex rather than concave. It is much grander than Widcombe Crescent and is in two parts. When you reach the gap in the middle, you will see Lansdown Terrace on the left. Although stone seems to predominate, if you cross over and walk along the cul-de-sac to the right of the terrace, you will see the brick that lies behind it.

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At the end of Lansdown Crescent, cross Lansdown Road and turn right along Lypiatt Road, where a surprise awaits – Lypiatt Terrace, bristling with decoration and in impact, if not style, is reminiscent of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.

Follow the road as it curves left. At the main road carry on before turning left into Suffolk Square. Turn second right along the north side of the square and, after passing the former St James’s church, turn left.

At the end, turn left along Suffolk Parade, cross the pelican crossing and carry on before turning right along a footpath through Montpellier Gardens.

Turn left along Montpellier Spa Road and cross to Montpellier Walk at the end.

On the right is Montpellier Arcade, a scaled-down version of Bath’s Corridor dating from 1830. On the left is an archway guarded by caryatids supporting a cornice on their unperturbed heads.

Go through the archway and walk along to Lloyd’s Bank, originally the Montpellier Pump Room, with a rotunda based on the Pantheon in Rome, which can be visited during opening hours.

Either leave the bank through doors on the far side and turn right, or, if the bank is closed, carry on and turn right and right again along Montpellier Street.

At the end, with the Ladies College ahead, turn right and then left along the Promenade. Cross at the traffic island,

head through the gardens of Imperial Square, turn left past the town hall and right at the end. Cross the pelican crossing and head along Rodney Road.

After 100 metres turn right along an alleyway, continue along Cambray Place and turn right along the north side of Bath Street. Cross at the end, turn right and then left through the gates of Sandford Park.

The park, which extends for around 600m, is bounded on the north by the River Chelt and cut in two by a road.

When you reach the far end of the park, turn left and left again along the London Road, past some of Cheltenham’s finest Regency terraces.

After 300m, London Road leads into the High Street. After going through the pedestrianised precinct, turn right along Winchcombe Street, and continue through the gates of Pittville Park. Carry straight on for another 900m. When the road swings right, carry on into the park, where you will see the Pittville Pump Room ahead. Turn left and go through a subway under the road. Opposite the boathouse, turn left to follow a cycleroute to the town centre. After 450m, turn left into Clarence Road and right along Portland Street.

Cross a main road before turning right into Albion Street and left along North Street. Cross at the crossing and head along the alleyway to the left of Cobblers

PUBLIC ART: above, one of the caryatids which stand guard at Montpellier, and Neptune, part of the 19th century fountain in the Promenade Opposite, Strozzi Palace, built as an eletricity substation in 1894, and Pittville Park with its Pump Room

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THE | WALK

Corner. Turn left and carry on past the parish church – one of Cheltenham’s few pre-19th century buildings – before turning left along Well Walk and right along Clarence Street.

Strozzi Palace, on the right, was built as an electricity sub-station in 1894.

At the end, turn left past the Roman Catholic church into St James’s Square. This should have been Harcourt Masters’ crowning achievement but only a few buildings ever materialised. A railway station was later built in the middle of the square. It closed in 1966 and St James’s House now occupies the site.

Turn left, passing the old fire station, with a Regency synagogue at the back. Turn right by the Old Bakery and then left along Royal Well

Place. Another left turn leads you along Harcourt Masters’ Royal Crescent, started in 1806.

At the end of Crescent Terrace, cross over, carry on and turn right along the Promenade.

Turn right at Neptune’s Fountain along St George’s Road. Take the second left along Bayshill Road.

At the mini-roundabout at the end, turn right along Parabola Road, continue along Overton Road, and turn right into Malvern Road.

After 150m, just before crossing a railway bridge, turn left along a cycle track following an old railway line. After 600 metres, just after going under a bridge, turn right to return to the station. n

FACT FILE ■ Length of walk: six miles ■ Approximate time: 3 – 4 hours ■ Getting there: there is a frequent train service from Bath to Cheltenham.

Although there are through trains, it is quicker to change at Bristol Temple Meads ■ Level of challenge: straightforward, all on pavements or tarmaced paths

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

PRINTS CHARMING

Bath interior designer Clair Strong helps us navigate the tricky waters of pattern styling as the new season’s wild and wonderful prints arrive in store

A

dvances in printing technology have led to something of a pattern design revolution, which is very exciting.

From hyper realistic map prints to bold watercolour florals, delicate botanicals, pastel geometrics and trippy psychedelics, 2016 is officially The Year of the Print. If there’s one thing most interior designers have in common, it’s a love of print and pattern. Let’s jump right in amd see how we can incorporate them into our homes.

BOLD BLOOMS Flowers are one of the most consistent subjects in pattern design.

Floral prints originated in Asia, and only made their way to Europe in the late Middle Ages. These early designs were ornate and heavily stylised – almost abstract in style. In the centuries that followed, floral designs evolved and changed as frequently as the seasons themselves.

In 2016, the floral print has taken on an almost text-book style illustrative look. The new Jardin Des Plantes collection by Designers Guild is evidence of that. The range boasts exquisite floral prints in varying scales; from the big and bold to the delicate and dainty. The designs look as though they have been painted or sketched by hand, and feature lovely rendering of butterflies and birds too.

So, how do you incorporate such striking designs into your home? With a steady hand. Don’t overdo it. One accent wall or a few scatter cushions are all you need to indulge this kind of print.

The Jardin Des Plantes collection is available as a range of fabrics and wallpapers at: designersguild.com.

Jardin Des Plantes Designers Guild

GLOBAL INFLUENCE

Barefoot Gypsy Kilim mats and pouffes

Traditional patterns from around the world are becoming ever more present in western design. Think Kilim rugs from Iran and Turkey, Central and South American Ikat and Ghanaian Kente.

These designs have a rich cultural history, and are often steeped in meaning to both the people who create them and the people who buy them. This just adds to their beauty. Unlike western pattern design, which is often printed, these traditional ethnic patterns are usually created on the loom. Traveller-chic is really on trend at the moment, so keep an eye out for beautiful patterns and textiles on your next trip. Or search online for authentic pieces made in the traditional way. Mix and match your finds around the home for a touch of worldly, bohemian flair. For more, visit: barefootgypsy.com.au.

Idyll Home Inka rugs

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GRAPHIC GEOMETRY

Oliver Bonas Kilim rugs

From painstakingly detailed and hyper realistic floral designs to something a little more conceptual. Geometric prints have taken the design world by storm over the past few years, but it’s over the past 12 months that they’ve really come into their own.

Heavily inspired by the Modernist art movement and the work of such artists as Mondrian and Kandinsky, these prints offer a minimalist alternative to more ornate designs. The focus is on colour and contrast, rather than detail or realism.

The clean lines of geometric design are visually very pleasing; bringing balance and harmony to a space. It’s also very easy to mix and match geometric prints, because they tend to be so simple – and the more abstract the better. Just keep a colour scheme in mind to stop it from becoming cluttered. I love seeing Mondrian style art on crisp white walls or geometric print cushions on a block colour sofa.

It’s just effortlessly fresh, modern and playful.

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, friendly, creative business based in Bath and London, providing services for residential and commercial clients. Visit: clairstrong.co.uk or contact: clair@clairstrong.co.uk.

Afrika collection

by KUTE

Hans J. Wegner Elbow Chair, designed 1956. Dining Table, designed 1960

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

Contemporary Nordic furniture from Carl Hansen and Son, Fritz Hansen and Swedese. Our homewares include Marimekko, Iittala, Rorstrand, with lots of Moomin mugs, fabric and throws from Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

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

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KITCHEN CASE STUDY

FOR A KITCHEN THAT HAS THE WOW FACTOR WHAT THE CLIENTS SAY ABOUT KITCHEN DESIGNER KELLY-MARIE HICKS AT HOMEMAKER BATH “Kelly has been exceptionally helpful in enabling us to achieve our dream kitchen. Her choice of materials, colours and style are spot on. She has been prepared to spend a lot of time, listening to our views and advising us accordingly.

Our kitchen, like many in Bath, is in a rather dark basement. We wanted to create a lighter, contemporary room and we are absolutely delighted with the finished product.

The fitting team is excellent. Luke, John and electrician Steve went beyond the essential to make things go smoothly and efficiently.

We would not hesitate to recommend Kelly at Homemaker Kitchens in Bath.

We particularly like the feature shelving, beautiful glass splash backs and the Silestone worktops which create a large amount of worktop space.”

A ★★★★★ design service - Mr & Mrs P - Widcombe

HOMEMAKER, 8 Pulteney Terrace, Bath BA2 4HJ. Tel: 01225 481 881 homemakerdesign@btconnect.com BEFORE

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AFTER

Hawker Joinery Full Page.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:42 Page 1

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HAVANA Beautiful hand-blown glass shades.

Available in a range of colours, sizes and fittings.

A local business with over 30 years’ experience, offering bespoke joinery including:

• Timber windows • Doors and frames • Staircases • • Conservatories • Storage solutions for the modern home • • Experience of working with listed buildings •

LIGHTING SPECIALIST 8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9.30AM – 5.30PM, SATURDAY 9.30AM – 5.00PM

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Contact us on: 01225 318378 www.newmansofbath.co.uk Email: info@newmansofbath.co.uk

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Interiors Products September.qxp_Layout 1 26/08/2016 14:18 Page 1

CITY | INTERIORS

Interior

NOTES

Siirtolapuutarhu fabric, £39 per metre, Shannon, 68 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD, shannon-uk.com

With autumn just around the corner, we bring you some inspiration to update your home

The Rega RP1, available in several finishes from Audience from £250, union jack model is £325, 14 Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LJ, audience.org.uk

String of copper lights, Silver Bear, 34A Wellsway, Bath, BA2 2AA, silverbearjewelleryandgifts.com

Scribe tablet stand, £24, Robert Welch, 6 Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LJ, robertwelch.com

Rosa birch wood tray, £29, Avenida Home, 27 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BN, avenidahome.com

Handmade lavender sachet with delicate crocheted motif, £9.50, A Yarn Story, 128 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BG, ayarnstory.co.uk Green etched wine glasses, £8.95, Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret's Buildings, Bath, BA1 2LP, homefrontinteriors.co.uk

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Eiffel Tower floor lamp in brass, £285, Graham and Green, grahamandgreen.co.uk

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AN ENLIGHTENED APPROACH

A family home in Englishcombe Lane, Bath provides an income from its bed and breakfast business – but its new owners could do something completely different with the eight bedroom property

T

he bees are buzzing contentedly in the sunshine all along the lavender bushes which line the garden path. Below us, the city of Bath is stretched out in all its glory, set in a green bowl of hills.

Standing at this vantage point you can see why someone might want to build the home of their dreams on this spot.

The Taylor family were actually living next door when the dream was formed.

Their house in Englishcombe Lane, on the south side of Bath, had a large garden. Thinking logically that there were areas of the garden that were woefully under used they came up with a plan to build a pair of semi-detached homes in the space. And, like Topsy, the idea just grew.

The owners project managed the build. What was originally intended as two homes became one large home, from which they could run a bed and breakfast business as well as have space for the family. An annexe down the garden would provide a home office, although later that was to become a selfcontained holiday let as the bed and breakfast took off.

They were keen to leave as small a carbon footprint on this crowded planet

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as possible. There are solar panels which produce an annual income of more than £2,000, alongside a solar powered water heating system, which is more than sufficient for summer and even in winter takes the chill off the place by providing ambient under floor heating. The walls all have four inch cavity insulation and all the windows – apart from the Velux windows – have double glazing with argon for extra heat retention. A rainwater system has been set up and given official clearance to be safe to use in the toilets and from the garden taps.

The finished house is filled with light from big windows and the space flows from room to room. The Taylors named the house Bodhi, a Buddhist word meaning enlightenment, after Jamie Taylor’s brother who built the house, as it is his spiritual name.

Bodhi House is currently configured as one home, but it could easily be divided into two neighbouring homes.

The bed and breakfast business is thriving, getting rave reviews for its organic wholesome breakfasts and the owners’ friendly approach, so that might be something for the new owners to consider.

Altogether the house has seven bedrooms, the annexe can be used as

extra one bedroom accommodation, with a first floor large open plan kitchen and living room. As it’s screened from the main house by a green screen of trees, this would be an ideal home for a semi-dependent relative or someone of the boomerang generation who end up living back at home with their parents rather than paying rent.

Back in the main house, the kitchen really is at the heart of the home. It’s a big space with a modern farmhouse feel, well fitted, with a range in an alcove and a double Belfast sink. There’s room for a table in the kitchen but a wide archway leads through to the dining area and a pair of French windows opens on to the long stone terrace, where there’s more space to dine.

There’s a large sitting room with a cosy woodburning stove and a second sitting room with a bay window. The house has two staircases, a reminder that this could become two homes – does anyone remember the TV sitcom My Wife Next Door with Hannah Gordon and John Alderton? They played a divorced couple who end up living as neighbours. But we digress.

Up the stairs – family or guest, whichever flight you take, you end up on one of the landings. To one side is

DESIGNED WITH LOVE: main picture, the gardens at Bodhi House ECO-FRIENDLY: opposit page: clockwise from top, the front of Bodhi House, a kitchen that flows through into the dining area, the cosy sitting room views without having to leave your chair and the guest annexe at the rear of the long back garden

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BATH | PROPERTY

the master bedroom with its own en suite, plus two other bedrooms which share the family bathroom. A set of stairs leads up to a large vaulted attic bedroom.

On the other landing – the guests’ side if you will – are two good sized bedrooms, one with en suite and the other with its own bathroom, but next to it, accessed via the landing. The twin second stairs lead to the seventh double bedroom and en suite.

The gardens are also a great draw of the property. They’ve been terraced at the back, the lawn reached by a pair of symmetrical curved steps and paths.

Owner Catherine says of them: “I loved my garden at our previous home, but this one has turned out to be even nicer, which I didn’t expect.”

She says she loves stepping out of the kitchen on to the terrace and overlooking the tiered flower bed. She also enjoys going up to the patio by the annexe, which is a pretty secluded

suntrap. And, at the front of the house a decision to remove the large hedge has opened up the view. That bee-friendly twin row of lavenders adds a holiday air to the garden too.

The property also has a drive, two garages and parking for up to five cars, so there’s always room for family and guests to park. There’s all that Bath has to offer, from shops and restaurants to the trains to London, good schools and sporting facilities, all within a mile or two of Englishcombe Lane.

Well, you have to ask, as you stand out in the sunshine drinking in that view. Why ever would you want to leave this carefully designed home, with its thriving family business?

The answer is, that like so many of we land-locked dwellers, the Taylors long for the sea and have set their sights on a home on the coast. But they’ll be leaving a sense of calm and wellbeing behind them for whoever takes on this sunny, ecologically sound home. n

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FACT FILE ■ Location: Bodhi House, Englishcombe Lane, Bath ■ Special features: Environmentally friendly, under floor heating, solar panels. Could easily become two separate homes. Space in the annexe to work from home, plenty of parking, views, pleasant gardens front and back.

■ Accommodation: seven bedrooms, four reception rooms, five bathrooms, a one bedroom detached annexe with kitchen/sitting room ■ Floorspace: 3,133 sq feet (main house) ■ Guide price: £1.475m ■ Agents: Fine & Country, 36 Gay Street, Bath. tel: 01225 320032

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GARDEN | NOTES

AS SEEN ON TV Jane Moore sets out on her first stint as a BBC Gardeners’ World presenter to visit some small city gardens which will inspire others who have tiny spaces but big ideas

I

’m very conscious when I extol the this’s and that’s that I do in the vast acreages of The Bath Priory’s garden that most of us don’t have rolling expanses of garden to play with at home. In truth neither do I. The Hornby-Moore home plot is a modest town garden overlooked by just about everyone in Bath and with just enough room to swing a cat – I know as I’ve attempted to do it with several of the neighbours’ cats when they’ve been pooing in my borders yet again. (Not really, so please don’t contact the RSPCA – the cats are way too sprightly.)

The humble garden chez moi is also rather like a builder’s house, always a work in progress and never finished, much to the horror of my other half who laments the lack of a lovely spot outdoors in which to eat his lunch on the three days of summer that would allow him to do so.

“Maybe these gardens will give you some ideas for ours,” he said hopefully as he packed me off to Bristol with a ham sandwich to keep me going during

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a day’s filming. Yes, yours truly is about to appear as a guest presenter on BBC Gardeners’ World talking about small gardens. I will have about 18 minutes of fame in six minute chunks across three programmes in September – so make sure you don’t get up to make tea at the wrong time or you could miss me. On the other hand that could be exactly what you want to do.

Anyway back to these small gardens, the first batch being in Bedminster in Bristol. I could have retorted to my other half that ideas are not what I’m short of, but having seen these gardens now I’m not so sure. It’s easy to get things right with a big garden because there’s just so much room, but in a small garden every little bit has to count. The devil, as they say, is in the detail.

“The great thing about having a small garden is that it’s such an intimate space. You’re close to the plants and the garden kind of wraps around you,” says Matthew Symonds, whose elegant, leafy garden is exactly the sort of space my other half aspires to. Not to be deterred

by a somewhat precipitous drop just outside the back door Matthew has cleverly designed a glass balcony and staircase leading down into the garden, a welcoming dell of ferny mossiness, accented by elegantly planted pots of white violas and lush looking leafy plants such as fig. Deceptively simple and terribly classy and just the sort of place where one should sip very cold white wine and make interesting conversation.

“We do come and sit here after work – it’s very good for your sense of well being,” says Matthew. And it is just that – a wonderfully cool, calming space with the gentle sound of the water spout trickling into the weathered steel trough Matthew treated himself to as a birthday present.

“The challenge is trying to find the space to have the things I want, like space to sit as well as the plants I want. I edit as I go along and there are lots I can find space for by thinking vertically.”

Matthew not only seems to think vertically, pruning shrubs into standards

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: main picture, Jane and the film crew visited Bedminster for the first programme of the autumn Gardeners’ World Below, Matthew Symonds’ leafy and sophisticated town garden Opposite page, Jane, far left, on location with the film crew and, right, Tony Eastman’s growing bananas in his globally themed scheme

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GARDEN | NOTES

and then under planting to make the most of the space, but also laterally by making the stilt hedge of hornbeams one of his very first plantings.

“The hornbeams really enclose us and blot out the houses behind,” he says. “We’re in our own world here.”

Just a little way down the road I leave Matthew’s world behind and enter that of Tony Eastman and his little garden. Here I’m transported around the world in 80 short steps.

We walk from the leafy jungles of Sumatra, complete with tiger, to the Zen like calm of Japan. There’s a corner devoted to New Zealand and Australia dominated by a tree fern

and the blue walls and pots of pelargoniums that conjure up the South of France. I know what you’re thinking, it sounds too much for a small space. But Tony is an artist and has approached his garden in an artistic fashion, linking together different influences and passions with plants and colour.

“I wanted to get that Côte d’Azur effect so I started to use the blue paint. I thought that the garden would always have some colour and it does. But it’s at its best at dusk when it glows.”

When Tony first moved in the garden was empty. Since those days he’s honed his horticultural skills with a flair for the bold such as the gigantic echium and the totally tropical

such as his stand of sky high bananas which are even producing some fruit. “When I look back, the garden has changed dramatically over the past few years – and it’s unrecognisable from when we first moved in,” says Tony.

And that challenge is one that Tony and Matthew have both met with style and substance. Just goes to show that it’s not what you’ve got but what you do with it that matters.

See more of Matthew and Tony’s Bedminster gardens on BBC Gardeners’ World on Friday 9 September. n Jane Moore is the award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. Follow her on Twitter @janethegardener.

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THE BATH DIRECTORY - SEPTEMBER 2016.qxp_Layout 31 25/08/2016 09:30 Page 1

the directory Electricians

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499 Holiday Rental

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Pritchard PIF September 16.qxp_PIF Full Page 22/08/2016 17:25 Page 85

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

N

umber 27 is situated in an elevated corner plot on Englishcombe Lane and has breathtaking, far reaching views over Bath and beyond. The detached property is built in an Art Deco style, is beautifully presented and has been fully modernized to a high specification. This is a wonderful family home with large airy rooms which is contemporary in style but with period features to add interest and character. The internal area is 2848sq.ft and the accommodation consists of: Large open plan kitchen/dining room, living room, sitting room, office and a utility room. Five bedrooms, one with an en suite, a large family bathroom and two cloakrooms. There’s also an integral garage. Outside there is a pretty, level, south facing rear garden, patio areas to the front and rear and additional off road parking for several vehicles. With good access to local amenities, schools, public transport and within 20 minutes walk of the city centre, this home is sure to appeal to many growing families. Full details and viewing by appointment with Bath estate agents Pritchards.

27 ENGLISHCOMBE LANE BATH

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

Price: £1,250,000

• An impressive ‘Art Deco’ property • Fully modernised, high specification • Spacious open-plan living • Elevated position and spectacular views • Level, south facing rear garden. Front garden and driveway parking.

• Integral garage

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Richmond Road, Lansdown A rare opportunity to purchase a spacious family home situated on a sought after road within walking distance of numerous well regarded schools. The property benefits from breathtaking views to the rear, large gardens, garage, garden store and ample driveway parking.

• 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite) • Large rear garden enjoying widespread views • Garage & ample driveway parking • Within walking distance of Kingswood, The Royal High & St Stephens Primary Schools • Floor area approx 2604 sq ft/241.9 sq m including garage & garden store • EPC rating D

Guide Price: £1,150,000

Cold Ashton, Nr Bath & Chippenham A charming detached period property perfectly positioned with breathtaking far reaching views of open countryside. This individual family home has been tenderly refurbished over more recent years using high quality materials offering light and versatile accommodation.

• Master bedroom with en suite, snug and dressing room, 2 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 cloakroom • Large open plan kitchen/dining room and living room, sitting room/bedroom 4, office, utility, storeroom & outbuildings • Beautiful landscaped gardens backing on to open countryside • Integral garage & off road parking • Internal house area: 3538sq ft/328sq m (including outbuildings)

Guide Price: £1.1 million 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Farmborough A stunning 3 bed end terraced period home set in beautifully gardens & surrounded by Duchy of Cornwall land. Peaceful location - Bath 6 miles & Bristol airport 12 miles distant.

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) • Impressive sitting room and well fitted kitchen/dining room • Peaceful tucked away location in a small select development of 7 properties • Views over surrounding countryside • Beautiful landscaped west facing gardens • Double garage & ample parking • EPC rating C • Internal area house: 1884 sq ft/175 sq m

Offers In Excess of £600,000

Batheaston A generously proportioned 3 bedroom ground and 1st floor maisonette with the added benefit of a private balcony (as illustrated) & garden, situated in a very convenient location within walking distance of local amenities and just under 3.5 miles from the City Centre.

• Conversion of a former hotel, now comprising of 7 properties • 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms and cloakroom • Private balcony and terrace as well as landscaped communal gardens • Total floor area approximately 1817 Sq.Ft/168 sq. m.

Offers In Excess of £585,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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MARKET | REPORT

TAKING THE PULSE Will the EU referendum have a detrimental effect on the Bath housing market?

Some of the city’s estate agents give their opinion

A

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access to some of the UK’s best schools, excellent amenities and the historical architecture of the city maintaining its appeal.”

New data by international real estate advisor Savills shows that the prime regional housing markets in locations such as Bath have remained in positive growth both year on year and since the autumn statement of December 2014.

❝

Early indications are that there remains a seam of demand for good quality, well priced stock and much less market disruption than in the capital

❝

s the schools go back and people return to work after their summer holidays, will the Bath property market suffer from uncertainty surrounding Brexit, or will it continue on its bouyant way?

Knight Frank’s Bath city index, which tracks the value of prime property in Bath, shows that prices for prime properties in the Bath city market have increased by 3.1% over the year to June, with annual growth now standing at 4.8%.

Bath’s prime market therefore continues to outperform the wider country market, which has an annual growth of 1.3%.

Oliver Knight, research associate at Knight Frank, said: “The outperformance in Bath suggests that the city market has proven to be resilient in the face of today’s concerns. However, while prices have risen, it has not been immune to the economic and political headwinds.

The recent stamp duty increase – which added 3% on to purchase costs for individuals buying additional properties – contributed to a rise in activity in March as buyers looked to complete deals before the 1 April deadline. Meanwhile, ahead of the EU vote there was a slight softening of demand as potential buyers chose to ‘wait and see’ rather than enter the fray of the market. This was mirrored by vendors adopting a similar approach, which had an impact on new supply.’

The longer-term impact of these economic and political events has been to make buyers more price sensitive and there has been evidence of renegotiation around pricing in some instances.

Knight Frank’s analysis of Land Registry sales data shows where the highest concentrations of prime sales were completed in Bath over the last year, as shown on the map in the report. Over the last 12 months, prices in excess of £500 per square foot have been achieved in a number of these markets, concentrated on city centre locations.

Price growth, meanwhile, has remained fairly consistent across the city, ranging from 4.3% in the city centre, to 6.2% in Widcombe over the year to June 2016. However, looking at the market by price band, there is a more nuanced story. Prices for sub-£1 million properties rose on average by 5.7% on an annual basis, compared to 3.3% for properties valued at more than £2 million as buyers factored higher purchase costs into offers.

Looking ahead, all eyes are on the political and economic impact of the UK’s vote to leave the EU as the plans on how to achieve this become clearer. The fundamentals of the market in Bath show little sign of changing with record low mortgage rates and an imbalance between supply and demand.

Charlie Taylor, office head at Knight Frank Bath, comments: “The Bath market continues to perform very steadily. There is no doubt that the electrification of the railway line is continuing to focus people’s attention on the city, and we are also starting to see an increase in expats and foreign buyers, taking advantage of the weak pound. The primary drivers of the prime central Bath market are also largely unaffected – with

Property values in Bath have grown 4.8 per cent year on year and 15.6 per cent over the last five years. This is in contrast to prime London which has been more significantly impacted by increased stamp duty rates on high value homes.

However, pre referendum uncertainty all but stalled price growth across all regions in the second quarter of 2016.

Luke Brady, director and head of Savills in Bath said: “Prime regional markets such as Bath are at a different stage in their cycle, having been slower to recover since the 2007 peak, and therefore appear to have been slightly less affected by pre referendum uncertainty.

“However, while the prime regional markets continue to offer real value compared to London, these figures suggest that the ripple of house price growth out from the capital was put on hold before the referendum.”

Across the market, the outperformance of urban locations against their rural counterparts continues to be an over-arching trend through all regions. On average year on year, homes in urban

locations saw a 3.6 per cent increase in price growth, compared to just 0.9 per cent in rural locations.

Luke Brady added: “The referendum vote to leave the EU is expected to result in added caution in the prime residential property markets. Looking ahead, the true strength of market demand is only likely to become clear over a period of months, though early indications are that there remains a seam of demand for good quality, well priced stock and much less market disruption than in the capital.”

Patrick Eccleston, director of Fidelis independent estate agents said: “The market in Bath continues to remain buoyant with a good level of new instructions received since the historic vote to leave the EU. Resulting in a record number of sales in what has been the busiest July that Fidelis has witnessed in years.”

Fidelis Estate Agents in Bath is a member of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents. Marcus Whewell, chief executive of The Guild said: “The market (outside London) actually looks steady and predictable. Prices are holding up, properties are selling (on average) for at least 99% of the asking price and withdrawals are no higher than pre-referendum. Mortgage rates continue to be the most competitive in history. Looking at the bigger picture, there are strong reasons to believe the residential market will remain healthy for the next few years.”

Patrick Eccleston added: “One of the significant benefits is that interest rates are expected to remain below 2% for the next 18 months, and with ten year fixed deals available at less than 3%, there is a once in a lifetime opportunity for homeowners to secure exceptional deals, reducing inherent risk.

Upsizing is also more attractive, especially if prices are expected to nudge upwards at faster rates than mortgage interest. If you are a firsttime buyer or looking to upsize, this could be the perfect time.” n

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Camden Crescent A stunning four storey Grade I Listed townhouse, finished to a high specification of design throughout, and located on an architecturally renowned elevated crescent dating back to 1788, enjoying spectacular panoramic views across Bath and the surrounding countryside.

Rent: ÂŁ4,250 pcm* dining room | beautiful fitted kitchen | utility room | stunning living room | high ceilings | floor to ceiling sashwindows | panoramic views | drawing room | master bedroom suite | en-suite bathroom | 3 double bedrooms | private rear garden Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

*An administration fee of ÂŁ420.00 inc. VAT applies.

RESIDE September.indd 1

24/08/2016 18:07

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Camden Terrace, Bath

ÂŁ2500.00pcm

A delightful four storey Georgian town house hidden away in Camden Terrace. This well presented family home is in keeping with all features of the period, yet complimented with contemporary design throughout. The property offers a fantastic living space with bi fold doors, which lead from the well designed kitchen breakfast room on to a patio area promoting a great sense of space and is truly the heart of the house. Offering three double bedrooms a luxury en suite bathroom tiled in natural stone with shower. Three reception rooms, alternatively if a fourth bedroom is required, one of the receptions rooms can easily convert in to a double bedroom or home study. The second bathroom is complete with roll top bath and shower over bath. Excellent city and countryside views can be observed from the drawing room which is located on the first floor. Camden Terrace is hidden off Upper Camden Place and is accessed via steps leading to the private Terrace. The property also benefits from a well kept pretty front garden leading to the main entrance. This property will make an ideal family home. EPC D

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

Hamptons Letting September.indd 1

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The Apartment Co -SEPT .qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2016 12:38 Page 1

THINKING PROPERTY Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

What can Team GB teach you about selling your home?

W

ere you gripped by Olympic fever? We were hooked, the inspiring athletes pushing themselves and their bodies to the extreme to have a chance of winning a medal. A place where one wobble, a slight error in judgment and a tenth of a second can mean the difference between a being on the podium or not. But what can these athletes teach you about selling your home?

• Dedication: When our athletes talk about their journey, they tell stories of years of hard work, sacrifices and complete dedication to their next goal. Selling a home requires dedication, it is the time you put into decluttering, cleaning, DIY and staging your property so it can be the best version of itself when the photographs are taken and viewings begin.

• Trust: Our athletes don’t get to the top of their game on their own, it takes a whole team of people who trust and believe in each other. As an athlete trusts their coach, you should trust the estate agent you choose to always have your property’s best interest as their priority.

• Preparation: The athletes look at every single detail of their performance and see if they is a way they can improve. Look at your property through the eyes of a buyer and not as your home, you will see soon things that maybe with a little tweak could improve the presentation of your apartment.

• Performance: The pressure is unbelievable; you can see it on their

Crafting beautiful homes in stunning locations Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswold | Dorset

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

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faces as they strive to perform their best on the day that matters. Every viewing is a final; your home needs to put on the best display to win the hearts of the buyers. Think about the details, how can you make your apartment feel like their home?

• Listening and acting on feedback: To improve you have to listen and act on the feedback given to you. Any feedback we give you will be in the best interest for your apartment; therefore acting on our feedback could actually increase the value of the offers you receive.

• It’s not over until it's over: There have been so many nail-biting finals, where things have not gone according to plan. Offers are only the first step of the sales process, therefore you must react quickly to any requests for documentation to help the sale move forward. At The Apartment Company, we work tirelessly with each sale, liaising with all parties involved to ensure it is moving in the right direction, never letting up until the keys are placed in the hand of your buyer.

Never think of selling your home as a chore, get into the mindset of an Olympian and see it as a goal. If you’re dedicated, trust your estate agent, prepare your property to perfection, know how to ensure your property performs to the best of its ability, listen and react to feedback and never let up until you have completed. You too will be a champion and your gold medal will be a successful sale. Let The Apartment Company be part your selling success story.

For advice and guidance on selling your home, or if you are looking to find an apartment in Bath, use the specialist agent with specific expertise in the local apartment market, The Apartment Company.

Tel: 01225 471144

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Bear Flat Hayes Place, Bath, BA2 ÂŁ625,000

Camden Road Worcester Terrace, Bath, BA1 ÂŁ850,000

A three storey end terrace family home conveniently situated on the Bear Flat. Offered for sale in superb condition including open plan reception rooms, kitchen/diner, four bedrooms (2 en-suite), family bathroom and landscaped patio garden with utility garden store. Energy Efficiency Rating: E

A beautifully presented, classic Georgian family home less than a mile from Bath city centre. With three bedrooms, a 27 ft. kitchen/diner, beautiful first floor drawing room and an impressive mix of period features and contemporary finish. The property also offers a family bathroom, additional shower room and utility room. The delightful 105ft rear garden is full of interest with mature planting and an unexpected feeling of seclusion. Energy Efficiency Rating: N/A

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Bath Central Old School House, Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 ÂŁ550,000

Newbridge Church Road, Weston, BA1 Guide Price ÂŁ369,950

The Old School House is a beautiful residential conversion of a former school house in St Swithin's Yard, just off Walcot Street. It is an exclusive collection of individual apartments where the building backs onto the River Avon and overlooks green space and the churchyard. This property offers over 1100 square foot of accommodation with roof garden and allocated parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Church Road is positioned beautifully on The Cotswold Way, in a quiet leafy corner of Weston Village, within 0.3miles of the excellent local amenities on the high street, The Royal United Hospital and within 30 minutes walk of Bath city centre. This charming house offers kitchen/breakfast room with French doors to garden, sitting room, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, two bedrooms, shower room. Patio garden, two allocated parking spaces. Energy Efficiency Rating: F

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NASH & CO

Residential Development Sites Wanted • From Single Plots to Multiple Unit Schemes • Strategic Land • Unused Public Houses, Hotels and Commercial Units

CALL 01225 444800 enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk | www.nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings | George Street | Bath | BA1 2ED

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Maple Gardens • Large detached family home, built in the late 1950s • Cared for by current owners for more than 40 years • Three double bedrooms • Cul-de-sac position in popular area of Bath • Large well tended gardens, a garage and parking in drive • Price guide: £535,000

he best testimony to this being an ideal family home is that the current owners have lived in it for 41 years, raising their children here. It’s a substantial home in Maple Gardens, a cul-de-sac and yet within walking distance of schools and shops, and of Bath city centre. Keen cyclists will be pleased to see the Sustrans Cycle Path along the old Somerset and Dorset Railway line, is just at the end of the road.

The house in Maple Gardens was built in the late 1950s and apparently there were plans to build two homes on the plot, which explains why it’s such a large property with such a big garden. The long back gardens have space for parents to grow awardwinning blooms and fruit and vegetables, or to sit and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, while there’s ample space for children’s games and play equipment.

There’s even a treehouse hidden away in an old apple tree.

Inside the house, which has 1,200sq feet of internal space, is a lovely big triple aspect sitting room, a second sitting room, a decent sized dining room and a kitchen. Behind that there’s a ground floor cloakroom and a conservatory.

Upstairs there are three double bedrooms and a good sized bathroom which has been recently refitted as a shower room, with a separate toilet and basin in a small room next door. There’s parking on the drive and there’s also a garage.

Living here would allow the new owners to get involved with the lively family community of Bear Flat just up the road and to meet the neighbours, of course, who are also families.

It is thought that planning permission could be obtained to extend the house at the back, without losing too much of that wonderful garden.

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Mark Naylor, 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath. Tel: 01225 422224

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local • trusted • independent

Chaucer Road

Price Guide £610,000

A great Edwardian terrace offering an array of period features, taste and style. Converted loft space offering a fourth double bedroom.

Wonderful family location within easy striking distance of Bath’s City Centre. Owner suited and keen to sell.

• An extended Edwardian terrace • Tastefully decorated with style and panache

☎ 01225 422 224

• 4 good sized bedrooms • Close to local shops and schools

• Private, manageable gardens • Sought-after family location

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Guide Price ÂŁ600,000

This well presented and maintained garden apartment is located in the much favoured and historic Great Pulteney Street, providing level access to the attractions of Bath. With two bedrooms and modern fittings, there is a walled rear garden and private vault in addition to nearby parking to rent. EPC:Listed

Great Pulteney Street, Bath Guide Price ÂŁ1,400,000

This fine garden maisonette is located in one of the most prestigious Bath streets, on a level walk of all the cities historic attractions.

With three bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms, two reception rooms and a kitchen breakfast room, there is a walled garden along with a private garage and parking. EPC:Listed

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Pulteney Mews, Bath

Guide Price ÂŁ750,000

This contemporary Mews house has been thoughtfully refurbished with a keen eye for a modern quality finish. The clean lines of the interior are enhanced by a glass tread staircase and glazed rear vestibule adding to the style and appeal. In a prime Bath location there is no onward chain. EPC:D

Great Pulteney Street, Bath Guide Price ÂŁ550,000

This fine two bedroom second floor apartment is located in a much desired and central location. Offering light and well proportioned accommodation, it would make an ideal City Centre home or investment opportunity. No onward chain. EPC:Listed

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BATH, Haygarth Court

ÂŁ549,999

Two bedroom ground floor apartment in desirable Lansdown area of Bath, comprising two reception rooms, two bathrooms, single garage, communal gardens and stunning views across Bath.

EPC Rating: C

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Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Duke Street

Offers in Excess of £650,000

Grade II listed • Georgian maisonette double bedrooms • Private courtyard

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Ground & Lower ground floor • Three Central location • Approx 1615 Sq ft

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The apartment is accessed via the ground floor level, where you will find a large hallway, with double two bedrooms and family bathroom. Stairs then lead down to the lower level where you will find the spacious kitchen with ample dining space and the drawing room with views over the courtyard. The lower level of the apartment has been sympathetically refurbished to include a third bedroom with en suite, a separate dining room and French doors opening to a delightful courtyard which is perfect for alfresco dining.

Great Pulteney Street

Offers in Excess of £550,000

Grade I listed Georgian apartment Top floor • Lateral conversion • Contemporary kitchen • Three bedrooms • Study • Well presented • Prestigious address • Approx 1,213 Sq Ft •

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Situated in the renowned Great Pulteney Street we are offering a unique laterally converted apartment boasting three double bedrooms. Occupying the whole of the top floor the apartment comprises: entrance hall which leads to the rooms at the front of the property including spacious sitting room and contemporary fitted kitchen. Two of the bedrooms are located at the rear of the property, with the master bedroom in the middle of the apartment with an en suite. Finally there is a study area and a large family bathroom.

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Combe Park

Offers in Excess of £350,000

Victorian property • Upper maisonette • Two double bedrooms one with en suite • Third bedroom/Study • Dine in Kitchen • Pretty views • Approx 1,340 Sq ft

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Accessed via the ground floor of this stunning Victorian house is a spacious and well presented three bedroom apartment. With stairs leading up to the main apartment, on the first floor you will find a large bright sitting room, dine in kitchen with fully fitted appliances and with stunning countryside views, third bedroom/study and a family bathroom. On the upper level there are two further double bedrooms, with original wooden flooring, one bedroom offering an en suite. With easy access to Bath RUH and all of the main bus routes into the City, this apartment is superbly located and comes highly recommended with no chain.

Marlborough Buildings Grade II Listed Stunning views

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Offers in Excess of £345,000

Georgian Second floor apartment • One double bedroom • Prestigious location • Highly recommended • Approx 544 Sq ft •

Adjacent to the famous Royal Crescent sits a grand row of Georgian Townhouses which forms Marlborough Buildings. A stones throw away from all the City has to offer including, bespoke shopping, award winning restaurants and of course all the historic attractions, this apartment is a gem. The property is accessed via the second floor of a laterally converted building, where you will find a good sized entrance hall with storage cupboards, sitting room boasting views over the well manicured allotments and park beyond, a well equipped Mark Wilkinson kitchen, double bedroom with large wardrobes and finally a modern bathroom.

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Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Sydney Place Grade I listed Georgian apartment fireplaces • Immaculately presented •

Offers in Excess of £325,000 • •

Top floor • One bedroom • Period Fabulous views • Approx 596 Sq ft

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Situated in a much sought after location overlooking the famous Holburne Museum occupying the top floor of this stunning Georgian Townhouse we are delighted to market this fantastic property. Once in the apartment you are welcomed into a spacious entrance hall with space for a dresser, large sitting room with the most breathtaking views, stylish fitted kitchen with a dining area, double bedroom and finally a contemporary bathroom.

Kensington Place

Offers in Excess of £250,000

Grade II listed • Georgian apartment • Ground floor • One bedroom • New bespoke sash windows • Recently re-decorated • Share of freehold • Approx 588 Sq ft We are delighted to present this elegant and stylish apartment boasting picturesque southerly views with large sash windows allowing an abundance of light. Located a short level walk into the City centre and in easy distance of shops and amenities. Situated on the ground floor of this beautiful Georgian townhouse where the communal areas are well maintained and freshly decorated. The bright and spacious accommodation comprises: sitting room, open plan kitchen, double bedroom and a bathroom.

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E N Green Park

£1,250 pcm Lawrence House

£1,150 pcm Cavendish Place

£1,100 pcm

Georgian • Second floor apartment • One double bedroom • Council Tax Band D • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available shortly

Centrally located and well presented apartment offering two bedrooms.

Beautifully presented apartment in a highly sought after location overlooking the Golf course.

Portland Place

£1,450 pcm Catharine Place

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New build two bedroom apartment in the heart of the City.

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Georgian apartment • First floor • Two bedrooms • New build • Two double bedrooms • Communal Short walk into the City • Unfurnished • Agency fees garden terrace • Central location • Furnished • £420 inc VAT • Available 17th Oct 2016 Agency Fees £420 inc VAT • Available now

£1,250 pcm Moravian Place

£800 pcm

Georgian apartment • Ground and lower ground floor • Two bedrooms • Lift • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available 15th July 2016

Georgian • Lower ground • Two double bedrooms • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available 12th Sept 2016

Refurbished Church • Ground floor • One bedroom • Allocated parking • No students • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available Now

Unusually large maisonette boasting charming terrace and well presented accommodation.

Spacious and central apartment with ample storage and two double bedrooms.

Modern conversion, boasting a private terrace and allocated parking.

Northampton Street

£950 pcm Pierrepoint Street

£900 pcm Daniel Street

£895 pcm

Georgian • Second floor apartment • One bedroom • Under floor heating • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available 1st Nov 2016

Georgian • First floor apartment • One double bedroom • No pets • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available 3rd Sept 2016

Georgian • Ground floor apartment • Studio • No pets • Council Tax Band B • Furnished • Agency fees £420 inc VAT • Available 6th Oct 2016

Spacious apartment with one bedroom and free wifi.

Large one bedroom apartment with period features close to the City.

Stylish studio apartment with the benefit of being fully furnished.

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FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Camden Crescent – Penthouse Apartment

Henrietta Street – First Floor Apartment

A superb two double bedroom penthouse apartment in a recently refurbished Grade II listed townhouse

An exceptionally well presented first floor apartment in a Grade I listed building

OIEO £530,000

Guide Price £545,000

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Russell Street – Courtyard Apartment

Charters, Oldfield Park

A beautifully appointed 2 double bedroom courtyard apartment in a Grade II listed building

A luxurious 2 bedroom second floor apartment in a prestigious new development ◆ EPC – TBC

Guide Price £495,000

Guide £675,000

Kate Lloyd-Williams Office Manager 01225 474 543 klwilliams@savills.com

Tony Perry Associate 01225 474 500 tperry@savills.com

Belinda Bradley Sales 01225 474 505 bbradley@savills.com

Emma Sherring Associate 01225 474 540 esherring@savills.com

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FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Pulteney Mews

Lambridge House – Garden Apartment

A stunning contemporary mews house with development potential in a central location ◆ EPC – D

A superb 3 double bedroom garden apartment situated within an historic Grade II house

Guide £750,000

Guide £750,000

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Garden Apartment, Lansdown Place West

Beaumont House, Lansdown

A beautifully presented 2/3 bedroom garden apartment within a majestic Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on the slopes of Lansdown

A spacious and well situated ground level 2 - 3 bedroom maisonette with 2 parking spaces ◆ EPC – E

Guide £875,000

Guide £500,000

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