The Bath Magazine January 2014 by MC Publishing Limited

BATH COVER Jan 2014:Layout 1

18/12/13

12:04

Page 1

ISSUE 136 • JANUARY 2014

£3.00 Where Sold

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH

www.thebathmag.co.uk

hobsons Choice fp:Layout 1

16/12/13

13:24

Page 1

Jan Contents:Layout 2

18/12/13

17:30

Page 1

CONTENTS

January

2014

MRS STOKES

5 THINGS TO DO IN BATH From wassailing to Vivienne Westwood: key dates for your diary in January

Stimulate young minds in mid-winter

60 62

CHANGES AT ABBEY Behind the scenes with a glimpse at the plans for the ancient church

FOODIE NEWS A chocolate feast, Burns Night and a new cake decorating school in town

RESTAURANT REVIEW

65 72

BATH LIT FEST As tickets go on sale we look at some of the writers who are coming to speak

18 FACE THE MUSIC 44

BATH PEOPLE Celebrating the city’s achievements

20 LIGHT AND SHADE The paintings of Joseph Wright return to Bath after 250 years

WHAT’S ON Cultural highlights this month include pantos, music and talks

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

PEDAL POWER Sound advice for anyone on two wheels

CONFIDENCE BOOST OUR LANDSCAPE Meet the Bath designer who creates the all-important spaces between buildings

GROW FOR PROFIT Jane Moore meets the new generation of market gardener

16 RUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Musician Andy Davis recalls playing with Lennon and Stevie Wonder

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Professional coach Jo Emerson talks about her new life-enhancing workshops

Award-winning Chapel Arts Café Pick a charity to support in the Bath Half

NEW YEAR WALK Andrew Swift heads out to the Mendips

The latest products to feed your skin

BATH AT WORK Photographer Neill Meneer’s portrait subject is Paul Charlton-Thomson

54 FAMILY FUN

ART EXHIBITIONS Inspiration for the new year from the city’s galleries and studios

LOOKING AHEAD Bath, city of festivals, lays plans for 2014

THE CITYIST Spencer Hancock of the Holburne Museum shares his favourite places in Bath

BATH OPERA The challenge of building a New York brownstone for a 1930s musical

In praise of friendly neighbours

PROPERTY Find your next home in the city or country

ON THE COVER Designed by TBM’s Fontworks

@ thebathmagazine

COTSWOLD CHALLENGE Our travel pages begin with an invitation to take part in a 102-mile sponsored walk JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 3

tr hayes jan:Layout 1

16/12/13

15:43

Page 1

Beautiful homes begin at

Y R T NE E ST M W O PO RE R A

OPEN New Year’s Day 11-5

OPEN Sunday 29th December 11-5

SALE NOW ON

15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX 01225 465 757 www.trhayes.co.uk • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • CUSTOMER CAR PARK •

Jan editor:Layout 3

19/12/13

10:28

Page 1

EDITOR’Sletter

love the new year, it’s full of optimism and possibility. This could be the year, we tell ourselves, that we could learn to scuba dive, become a street theatre performer, or spend our weekends sword fighting with a Civil War enactment group. And while you might think these are merely wild dreams, there is much that can be achieved if we put our minds to it. You could, for instance, if you put your body and a positive attitude into action now, take part in the Bath Half marathon in March. Think how proud you’d feel to cross the finishing line in Great Pulteney Street and the fantastic sense of achievement if you’d also raised money for your favourite charity. Take a look at Page 16 where we’ve featured some of the good causes people will be supporting in this year’s race and see if we can tempt you to put on your trainers. Somebody at Bath Abbey has used their imagination to see how this great building in the heart of the city might not only retain its majesty but go on to serve the needs of a changing society. Before you question why the old church needs an £18m makeover, read our feature on Page 34 which gives an insight into what’s planned for the Lantern of the West. Our new year issue has much which we hope will inspire you to get out and make the most of our busy, culture-rich city. There’s art, theatre, music, fabulous restaurants, glorious architecture and beautiful countryside to be enjoyed. We might even convince you to enjoy the pleasure of cycling (Page 46). Whatever you do, here’s to us all achieving our dreams this year.

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.

THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel: Deputy editor Email:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk 01225 424499 Samantha Coleman sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Web content editor Email:

Dulcie Carey dulcie@thebathmag.co.uk

Production manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact the advertising sales team, tel: 01225 424499 Advertising sales Liz Grey Email: liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED, and are independent of all other local publications.

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 5

Mrs Stokes.qxp:Layout 1

20/12/13

10:04

Page 1

Mrs Stokes

©www.robbiddulph.com

sa Stu U mpl nni p es ng to st d 50 ill esi % av gn dis aila er cou bl nt e !

takes a sideways look at life

Unexpected kindness of strangers

y husband thinks I should add “Break my smartphone addiction” to my New Year’s resolutions. That’s because he thinks I’m obsessed with my phone and in some ways he’d be right – I can’t sit still without picking it up and flicking through Facebook, emails, the interweb or Twitter, especially when conversation wanes or the adverts come on . . . in any case, I don’t see what’s so wrong with wanting to find out what’s going on in Etherworld, especially when Tweets from top celebrities only confirm what I know. You see, we’ve just moved to Frome, just a short, twisty drive from Bath, where I still work. And yesterday there was a very exciting Tweet from a musical hero of my youth, Bath resident Midge Ure (@midgeure1 – poor chap obviously just missed out on claiming the status of being the original Midge.) Anyway, this Tweet read: “The coolest street in the west country. Catherine Hill Frome” with a picture attached of a (sadly empty) cobbled street meandering up into the distance, flanked by shiny shop windows and dressed with a bright blue sky with only a lonesome A-board to indicate life. A bit of an eerie snap to be honest, because if you didn’t know the street you’d think the inhabitants had been wiped out by a deadly virus and that hundreds of teeth-gnashing zombies were about to darken the brow of the hill à la The Walking Dead. Of course, if you do know Catherine Hill you’ll recognise it as the west country’s hub for all things vintage and handmade, which is absolutely heaving when the monthly Frome Supermarket sets up shop, as then the street is rammed with stalls, bringing non-stop footfall to the quirky, individual boutiques such as the old-fashioned ironmongers, vintage dress shops and sewing schools that line the pavements. If anything there are more specialist shops here than those that sell things people might think they need. Although in my case, I actually need a retro Danish sofa and some 70s Denby china more than I need eggs, milk or chocolate (ok, maybe I do need the last one a bit).

I actually need a retro Danish ❝ sofa and some 70s Denby china more than I need eggs, milk or chocolate

❞

The whole town is a tale of the unexpected. The first week we moved in, our music-therapist neighbour across the road invited us in for drinks. She’d made some delicious soup and invited a few friends round and we thought we’d eat, exchange pleasantries and go. But as soon as we walked in she’d whipped out her guitar, passed some lyric sheets round and insisted that we all have a good old sing-song first. Not something I’m used to doing with friends and definitely not with neighbours but after ten minutes or so, I began to forget where I was and really enjoyed it (there have been studies recently that prove that singing in a group staves off depression, but I think it might be the relief you feel when it’s all over). Shortly after that our actual next door neighbour booked us in for supper although we’ve had to postpone for a few weeks (she’s an astrologer and I’m itching to tell her she should have seen that coming). Finally, the couple two doors down invited us for drinks too, their generosity really touching as they invited yet more people for us to meet. And yet the whole time we lived in a little village on the west side of Bath the only person in our street to invite us round was our landlord – and we lived in the same building as him. So if my new year’s resolutions are going to include anything, it’s going to be to embrace this sense of community and try and drop my instinctive urge to feel embarrassed when strangers show me kindness, albeit in a way I’m not used to. Oh, and to buy that retro sofa too. I’m not ready to totally abandon my superficial side just yet. ■

@mrsstokeschina

6 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Bo Concept fp.qxp:FP

16/12/13

13:57

Page 1

zeitgeist Jan:Layout 4

20/12/13

10:42

Page 1

ZEITGEIST

things to do in January

Visit

GOOD TIMES: the Hoochie Coochie cabaret from 2013’s Bath Fringe PICTURE: Piers Awdry

Engage Now’s our chance to get involved with the creative energy that is the Bath Fringe, with an open invitation for people to attend a meeting and share ideas. If there’s something you’d like to put on as part of the Fringe, turn up at 6pm on Tuesday 7 January at Burdalls Yard, London Road (near the traffic lights by Cleveland Bridge). The Bath Fringe 2014 runs this year from Friday 23 May to Sunday 8 June.

This magnificent dress, designed by Vivienne Westwood and modelled here by Stella Tennant in 1996, will be displayed alongside some rare and beautiful original 18th century dresses as part of the Bath Fashion Museum’s new 2014 show. The fresh exhibition, which opens on Saturday 25 January, is called Georgians: 18th Century Dress for Polite Society. It will provide an insight into the dress code of the 18th century and a chance for fashion enthusiasts to learn more about design in history. The Westwood dress, from her Les Femmes collection of 1996, is one of a handful of contemporary pieces which will show their nod to the dressmakers of the past. The museum closes its current exhibition, 50 Fabulous Frocks, at the beginning of January, so in the interim visitors will be given reduced ticket rates of £2.25 to see the rest of the museum’s fabulous collections and the Assembly Rooms.

PHOTO: with thanks to www.catwalking.com

Wassail THE MASTER: Ann Garner with Sir Alan Ayckbourn

Enjoy Proof that Bath has got a vibrant theatre scene is evident with the news that the Next Stage Theatre Company is celebrating its 20th birthday in 2014. The Mission Theatre’s resident company is marking the occasion by opening the season with Alan Ayckbourn’s triology The Norman Conquests (for more details see our What’s On pages). Two decades ago Andrew Ellison and Ann Garner set up the Next Stage Theatre Company, with Ann directing Educating Rita which opened on 18 May 1994. Since 1994 Next Stage has brought nearly 150 productions to Bath and toured to Bristol, Scarborough, New York, London and The Minack Theatre in Cornwall. The youth theatre is also celebrating 20 years in 2014 throughout the year, with adult and youth casts bringing more fine drama and ground-breaking productions to Bath audiences.

8 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

In the cider orchards of the south west the tradition of wassailing goes back centuries, with people venturing out among the trees in the dark, banging pots and pans and singing songs to wake the trees and banish evil spirits, to ensure a good harvest later in the year. Needless to say, the wassailing was always accompanied by some hearty cider drinking and the occasional warming bonfire. Now National Trust owned Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire is holding its first wassailing evening, on Friday 17 January from 7pm to 8.30pm. Participants are encouraged to take pots or pans and wooden spoons to make this an authentic wassailing event. There’ll be live music, warming soup and punch plus a chance to experience the abbey grounds after dark. Tickets are £8 adults and £4 children. Booking essential via the Box Office, call 0844 249 1895 or via www.lacockabbey.org.uk/lacock. (booking charges apply). Tickets include food and drink.

Vote

The Holburne Museum – currently hosting the fabulous Patrick Woodroffe Light to Light installation – has been shortlisted for the Museums at Night national project. After 14 January please cast your vote for the Holburne and No 1 Royal Crescent for them to be in with a chance of having photographer Rankin create a site specific project for Bath. Visit: www.culture24.org.uk

P9:Layout 23

19/12/13

12:13

Page 1

• Wide selection of quality carpets • Free measure & quotation • Knowledgable staff • Leading brands

Free customer car park at side of store WALCOT I BATH, BA1 5BX , TEL: 01225 465 757 www.trhayes.co.uk

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

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 9

The Cityist Jan:Layout 4

19/12/13

14:20

Page 1

ist

THE CITY

One city . . . one month

The buzz

BATH

We ask Spencer Hancock visitor services and volunteer manager at the Holburne Museum what he’s doing this month ARTIST AT LARGE: Peter Brown’s beautiful new coffee table book of his work

Popular One of Bath’s most popular contemporary artists (and a thoroughly nice guy) Peter Brown is known for his street scenes of the city he calls home. But this new, beautifully illustrated book, shows us his views of Cornwall, London, Barcelona and the Dorset coastline, among other places, and includes notes by the artist which give an insight into how he works. While many of us wish we could own an original Peter Brown painting, this book allows us the next best thing and it’s nicely timed ahead of his major exhibition, Keep the Home Fires Burning, which opens at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath on 8 February.

Winner

The winner of our November Bath Film Festival 2013 cover competition to identify the film titles from our artwork designed by Adam Wyatt of Flipside was Ben Jones. He correctly identified: (roughly clockwise from top left) Apocalypse Now, The Birds, King Kong, North by Northwest, Back To The Future, Psycho, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer, Curse of Frankenstein, Taxi Driver, Mandela, The Shining, Donnie Darko, In A World... and The Invisible Woman. The London/Paris skyline, Ben identified as A Tale of Two Cities, although it was intended to be the Lavender Hill Mob and Skyfall, but he was the closest. Ben won dinner for two at the Allium Brasserie and the chance to see the film of his choice during the film festival.

Appointment

The Rt Rev Peter Hancock has been made the 79th Bishop of Bath and Wells. The father of four, who is married to Jane, is a long-time supporter of scouting and guiding.

Twitterati 10 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

What brought you to Bath? I think the question is what keeps me here? Growing up as kids we were aware of two homes. One here and the other in Australia, my father was born in Box just outside the city and my mother grew up in Australia. In truth I am always at conflict with where I want to be. Currently it’s the Holburne that keeps me here. I love working with our volunteers, they are such an amazing bunch. What are you reading? The Holburne Museum’s Volunteer Rota – ha ha. We have 250 volunteers who work every day of the week and managing their rota is a bit of a balancing act as changes occur up to 10 times a day. At home I am reading Jane Lynch’s autobiography. I am not a snob when it comes to literature, if it puts a smile on my face I will read it. What is on your IPod? Currently it is 30 Seconds from Mars’ new album Love Lust Faith +Dreams. This is a bit of a departure to what I would usually listen to. My tastes are quite broad, I swear my IPod frowns at me most of the time. One day it could be a bit of country & western and another day it could be Kylie. I am really enjoying her Abbey Road Sessions. Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? Recently I have enjoyed The Bath Brew House for lunch and few drinks. Sunday lunch has to be Butch’s roast pork at the Rising Sun on Grove Street. I love my steak and Graze is exceptional. I am a bit of a foodie so I am happy to go anywhere (unless they are serving turnip!) Which museum or gallery will you be visiting? Considering that I work in a museum I am really bad at visiting others. We are so spoilt with our special exhibitions at the Holburne, therefore I can pretty much guarantee the next exhibition I will be seeing is our new Exhibition, Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath and Beyond. I think the last exhibitions I went to locally were the Fringe Arts Bath pop up exhibition spaces in the summer. A

lot of our volunteers were displaying their work so it was great to support them and see what they do outside the museum. Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? I love to travel. I have been really lucky and have seen so many unique places. There are still so many on my list. I am not very good at sitting still for very long. I would love to be a pro surfer (currently ranking the world’s worst) I am also really keen to try a trapeze course this year. What local outdoor activity or event will you be doing or visiting? I will have spent a lot of the winter outside at the Holburne’s Light to Light by Patrick Woodroffe so I am looking forward to being indoors by a fire. However, one thing that always entices me out is Illuminate Bath in January. It’s growing every year, and last year’s event in the Roman Baths was spectacular. Film or play? What will you be going to see this month? After finishing my degree in theatre and arts management I must say I am more inclined to reach for a movie than go to see a live show. You have to critique so much performance it has slightly ruined it for me. I recently went to the Bath Film Festival to see Of Oozies and Elephants, a film by Suzanne Campbell-Jones who is a friend, and coincidently a volunteer at the Holburne. It was a beautifully made film, I really enjoyed it. There is so much going on at the Holburne in the new year including our new special exhibition Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath & Beyond. This opens on the 25 January and runs until 5 May. We are always looking to recruit new volunteers to help with our work at the Holburne. To find out more, visit www.holburne.org or email s.hancock@holburne.org. ■

We’re following @VivGroskop, artistic director of The Independent Bath Literature Festival. A journalist, writer, stand-up comedian and mother, Viv grew up in Bruton, Somerset and has a first in Russian and French from Cambridge

P11:Layout 23

19/12/13

11:15

Page 1

WINTER STYLE FOR LESS ££s

Drop Dead Gorgeous BRIDAL EXPERIENCE

Bridal Gowns Mother of the Bride/Groom Bridesmaids Prom Dresses Evening and Cocktail Dresses Gorgeous Day Wear Sizes 0-34 email: info@dropdeadgorgeous.uk.com web: www.dropdeadgorgeous.uk.com Tel: 01225 444232 5-6 Seven Dials, Saw Close, Bath, BA1 1EN (By the Theatre Royal)

10 OFF £ R O F IN P O P ES OUR SERVIC D OVER £30 AN HEADS!* TURN MANY G

OTE BATH MA

TIL 30/1/14, QU

FER, VALID UN

*NEW YEAR OF

• GLOVES • HANDBAGS • PURSES • • JEWELLERY • SCARVES • UMBRELLAS • • WALLETS • BELTS • OUTER WEAR • and MUCH MORE!

Established 1777

Furnax Lane, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8PE Telephone: 01985 217367 Opposite recycling centre

Opening Hours, Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm

FREE PARKING

All merchandise is discontinued from our international collections, or samples

www.dents.co.uk

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 11

2014 happenings:Layout 1

20/12/13

10:13

Page 1

calendar

What 2014 holds in store On the global stage there’ll be the football World Cup in Brazil, while closer to home Bath continues to build on its reputation as a city of festvals as it prepares to host a cornucopia of cultural events

he start of the year is a time to begin planning how to enjoy your precious leisure time. Football fans will be looking forward to the men’s World Cup, historians will be contemplating the centenary of the start of the First World War and music fans will be gearing up to hear who the big acts are taking to the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury in June. Bath continues its reign as City of Festivals, with something for every taste throughout the year. The first festival of 2014 celebrates the music of JS Bach, a small but beautifully formed festival taking place over the weekend of 20 – 22 February. The Bath Bach Festival has sprung up from the very successful Mozartfest and under the artistic directorship of Amelia Freedman will welcome some superb musicians to the city. The end of February will see some big names heading our way to take part in the Independent Bath Literature Festival (28 February – 9 March). Guest speakers this year include Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Trollope, Germaine Greer, Hanif Kureshi, Jonathan Dimbleby and Kate Adie, to name but a few. And under the new artistic directorship of writer Viv Groskop this year promises to be an eclectic mix. Sunday 2 March will see a very different kind of star on the streets of Bath as thousands gather for the annual Bath Half Marathon. Along with the elite athletes who take spectators’ breath away with their impressive turns of speed, there’ll be runners of all ability and mixed experience tackling that 13 mile route, and each with their own story. March is also time for a chuckle, with the Bath Comedy Festival (28 March – 6 April). This is always good for a laugh and has gone from strength to strength, with its mix of some well known faces from the comedy circuit and some delightful new discoveries. 12 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

April 23 is the 450th anniversary of the birth of William Shakespeare, and the Theatre Royal in Bath is staging its Shakespeare Unplugged 2014 festival from Saturday 1 March to Saturday 22 March. Expect all kinds of themed events from a quiz night to cabaret and some exciting adaptations of Shakespeare’s tales. Expect to see a flurry of activity in Bath over Easter weekend, which this year begins on Friday 18 April. If the sun shines this could be a very busy and profitable weekend for the local tourist industry. Another weather dependent staple, Badminton Horse Trails, one of the most important events in the equestrian calendar is ear-marked for 7 – 11 May. The annual Bath in Fashion festival has moved to slightly later in the year, to take advantage of the release of the spring collections That will run from 3 – 10 May. Stars from the world of fashion expected to visit Bath include Barbara Hulanicki, the creator of Biba, and Hilary Alexander, former fashion director of The Telegraph. Hot on its high heels comes the Daddy of all Bath festivals, the Bath International Music Festival, which opens with the traditional Party in the City night of free, live music and runs until 26 May. And that’s overlapped by the gloriously independent minded Bath Fringe Festival, in which the unexpected, the quirky and the downright eccentric are all celebrated. The Fringe runs from 23 May to 1 June. June will see the 70th anniversary of the DDay landings and will probably be the last year that Second World War veterans will be able to gather in any numbers in Normandy. The men’s Football World Cup, which runs from 12 – 26 June, is being staged in Brazil, which will involve a lot of drama infront of TV

screens up an down the land. Closer to home, Bath’s Recreation ground plays host to the annual Somerset County Cricket Festival, also in June. During the long hot summer that we’re sure to enjoy in Bath this year, musicians, dancers and audiences will gather for the annual Bath Folk Festival, which runs from 9 – 17 August and grows in stature each year. In no time at all we’ll be jumping into bonnets and britches for autumn’s Jane Austen Festival (12 – 20 September) which always brings visitors to the city, as does the Great Bath Feast which runs throughout the month of October. The joys of reading will be celebrated at the annual joyful Bath Children’s Literature Festival, which unfolds its new chapter on 26 September and runs until 5 October – always an exciting event for young readers. The year in Bath will then segue into the Mozartfest, followed by the Bath Christmas Market at the end of November into December. The nation’s attention will be drawn to the centenary of the start of the First World War, which began in August 1914. Expect to see events nationally and locally in commemoration of the First World War, from a new wing being opened at the Imperial War Museum to poetry and drama performances and exhibitions throughout the land. One of the most ambitious projects, Lives of the First World War, will create a permanent digital memorial to more than eight million men and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who served in uniform and worked on the home front. James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, said: “A time for reflection and commemoration, the anniversary of the First World War is something that will resonate across the country in 2014.” ■

Project3:Layout 3

18/12/13

09:51

Page 1

Jan portrait.qxp:Layout 1

16/12/13

14:49

Page 1

Jan portrait.qxp:Layout 1

18/12/13

12:16

Page 2

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

Paul Charlton-Thomson IT consultant n March 1981 our school chaplain, the Rev Forrester, brought a Sinclair ZX81 home computer into school and promptly formed the School Computer Club; I went along to see what the fuss was all about and right there and then I found my inner geek. I thrived at boarding school but, never destined to be a grade A student, I preferred the sport fields and swimming pool to the classroom. However, I managed to teach myself computer programming and developed a real understanding of what computers could do. I graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and served eight years in the Royal Regiment of Artillery before retiring in 1997. I am now working for Fujitsu Services helping large and medium sized companies and the UK government get the most from their IT investment. After 32 years I am as passionate now as I was as a boy. It’s solving complex problems with a simple yet sophisticated IT solution that really inspires me. Of course that’s only my day job, I’m also a dad to two wonderful adopted children who are both in primary school and family life takes up much of my spare time. They inspire me every day, and together with my wife, Sharon, they are my world. Last year I started up a computer club at my kids’ school. It was so rewarding to see how much they really enjoy learning to programme and seeing their confidence in computers grow week by week; let’s face it, these days most children are better than the adults. I’m also mad about rugby and Leicester Tigers (yes I can hear the groans!) which is difficult living in Bath, but I do get to the Rec as often as I can and have a genuine soft spot for Bath Rugby. I am a qualified referee for Somerset having played in the British Army and for a time with Walcot Old Boys. The photo I’m holding (also taken by Neill) portrays my alter ego playing Captain Hook in the Freshford Music and Drama Group’s production of Peter Pan. It’s something that I have recently taken up following in my Grandfather William’s footsteps. I just went along to an audition, got a part and have loved it ever since. There are so many things I love about Bath. I love that it’s a historical city with so much going on and at the same time it’s so accessible. The redevelopment of the two tunnels cycle and footpaths really opens up the city to those of us living on the outskirts. I’m a big fan of The Boston Tea Party, Jika Jika and I love what they’ve done to The Porter in George Street. I’ve run the Bath Half marathon most years – there’s no better sight in Bath than Great Pulteney Street and the finish line. Every day I thank my lucky stars that I live, work and play in such a beautiful city. ■

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic www.capturethespirit.co.uk Tel: 01225 483151 WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 15

bath half latest:Layout 3

20/12/13

09:51

Page 1

BATHhalf

Step out for a good cause As magazine media partners of the Bath Half marathon 2014 we’re delighted to bring you news of the good causes benefiting from this year’s race

rganisers of the Bath Half Marathon have picked three new featured charities for the 2014 event. Send a Cow will be the official Fun Run charity, the National Osteoporosis Society will be local charity of the year and Teenage Cancer Trust are the featured appeal. They will join CoppaFeel, already announced as the lead charity for the event. As one of the south west’s largest charity fundraising events, the BATHALF provides invaluable income for a wide range of regional, national and international charities and organisers are hoping to lift the bar even further this year. Runners in 2013’s race raised a record breaking £2m for worthwhile causes. Charity director Mel Taylor said: “We are delighted to announce three brand new featured charities for 2014. Our decision was based on a number of factors, including what the individual charities can bring to the table and how the event can help them. We feel that we have chosen an ideal mix, with wide ranging causes that will appeal to each and every one of our runners’ generous natures.” Karl Gwilliam, community and events fundraiser for Send a Cow said: “We are thrilled to be involved in the Bath Half Marathon Family Fun Run in our home city as Send a Cow doesn’t just touch families in Africa, we also make a real impact here. Our development education work brings Africa directly to young people across the region, opening their eyes to the everyday reality of poverty in the developing world.” Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for 13 to 24 year olds diagnosed with cancer. Laura Scowen, of the Trust, said: “All the money raised by our runners will go towards the construction of our first specialist cancer unit in the south west for young people aged 16-24. We need to raise another £750,000 so we would love for more people to sign up and join Team Teenage Cancer Trust.” By running for the National Osteoporosis Society, runners will not only be helping to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, but they

will also be increasing their own bone strength as they run. Claire Severgnini, chief executive of the National Osteoporosis Society said:“The charity was established by local doctors 27 years ago and from our base near Bath we now offer support to the three million people living with osteoporosis across the UK.” The three featured charities join 2014 lead charity CoppaFeel! the breast cancer awareness charity founded by Kristin Hallenga, which has been involved in the BATHALF since 2011. The charity has brought an array of famous faces to the city to run the event, including: X Factor presenter and Radio 2 DJ, Dermot O’Leary and Radio 1’s Greg James and Fearne Cotton. For more details on any of the official charities or how to run for any one of dozens of charities, visit www.bathhalf.co.uk/charities. The 2014 BATHALF will take place on Sunday 2 March.

Entries are now open for the Bath Half Marathon Family Fun Run 2014, which will take place just after the start of the main event on Sunday 2 March. The fun run has grown year on year with over 1,000 people taking part last year. Race director, Andrew Taylor said: “Health and fitness is much higher on the agenda for many families these days and over recent years, we have seen an influx in families wanting to participate in a fun sporting event like the Bath Half Family Fun run together. ” At just over 1.5 miles long on closed roads, the Bath Half Family Fun Run is safe for children, while also being ideal for families with pushchairs that want to walk the course, and those new to running. Andrew added: “The Fun Run provides an opportunity for the whole community to get involved in the Bath Half while offering children and families a unique opportunity to run on traffic free roads in the city centre. There is always a great atmosphere and the run attracts people of all ages. “The fun run is ideal for those who have recently taken up running who don’t feel ready to enter a long distance race just yet. It starts and finishes under the main race gantry on Great Pulteney Street, which gives entrants the same thrill of crossing the finish line as those doing the half marathon.” All runners are computer-chip timed and will receive a special Fun Run T-shirt. All finishers also get a race medal and free goody bag. Entries cost £10.30 for adults and £6.30 for under 16s. If you register three or more runners you will receive a 10% discount. If you would like more information about the Bath Half Fun Run and raising money for Send a Cow, visit: www.bathhalf.co.uk or call 01225 422 255.

How your fundraising makes a difference

SUPPORT: Jade Francis sat in a bath of trainers to raise awareness of the Trust 16 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Jade Francis, a 24-year-old from Trowbridge, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, leiomyosarcoma, and needed to undergo surgery and radiotherapy. During her treatment she stayed in hospital, where most of her fellow patients were much older than her. “Although the other patients

were nice enough, they were much older than me. That’s why I’m supporting the construction of a specialist ward just for young people and encouraging people to run the BATHALF in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.” The new young people’s treatment centre will be built in

Bristol and will treat 16 to 24year-olds from right across the south west region. The Teenage Cancer Trust has been adopted by City Plumbing Supplies as its charity and staff at its branches, including Bedminster, have raised more than £30,000. Follow #Path2Bath on Twitter.

P17:Layout 23

18/12/13

14:03

Page 1

COMPETITION WIN FABULOUS DENTS ACCESSORIES The City of Bath and Dents Fine Accessories have a lot to share - global reputations; a heritage of fine craftsmanship and style; historic connections with the Georgian periods (Dents was founded in 1777) and strong connections with Royalty from Queen Victoria to the modern Royals. Like the City of Bath, Dents has moved with the times and today is a global leader, creating the most beautiful leather gloves and accessories which are sold everywhere, from Jollys in Bath to the world’s most famous shops and department stores in over 40 countries. Now here’s a chance for five lucky winners to each win a voucher for £80 which can be used against any item in Dents online shop at www.dents.co.uk or at their factory shop on the Bath side of Warminster at Furnax Lane, BA12 8PE. The voucher may also be put towards an overall purchase to a greater value. For a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes, all you need do is answer the following question: Dents has been creating beautiful leather gloves since: a) The Romans first reached Bath b) Since the days of George III c) Since Queen Victoria visited Bath Please email answers, with your full name and address, to: competition@dents.co.uk The competition closes on Friday February 21st and the first five correct answers drawn will be notified soon after that date. For full rules and regulations, please contact the Bath Magazine.

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 17

Jan face the music.qxp:Layout 1

16/12/13

14:56

Page 1

FACEtheMUSIC

FROM WALCOT TO WEMBLEY

Bath musician Andy Davis of Stackridge and the Korgis talks to Mick Ringham about his long, successful musical career which has seen him playing with some of the legends, including John Lennon and Stevie Wonder

ne of the things that strikes you on meeting songwriter/musician Andy Davis is that he is not about flashy celebrity or showbiz, despite having played with such musical legends as John Lennon and Stevie Wonder and performed in front of a vast audience at Wembley. Andy is a man comfortable in his own skin, with a passion and commitment to music which is acknowledged by many of his contemporaries. Born in the small village of Yatton, Andy has lived close to his roots in and around Bath and Bristol for most of his adult life. He says: “I didn’t show much interest in music until I was about 13 when someone gave me a guitar and I found that I enjoyed playing and as luck would have it, was good at it.” The Davis family home at the time was filled with music, with his older 18 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

sisters playing Elvis and Everly Brothers records and his mother playing show tunes and classical works on the piano. His sisters were forced to learn the pianoforte at an early age but for some strange reason he wasn’t offered lessons – ironically given his later musical career. “I was the one who plonked around on the keyboards when no one was looking,” he recalls. That musical career has now lasted over 45 years, with Andy having written dozens of songs and recording 15 albums. He has undertaken five world tours with various bands and has worked with some of the great names in contemporary music. After years playing with local bands including Grytpype Thynne, Andy and fellow local musician James Warren formed Stackridge in 1969 and played their first professional gig at The Temple club in Soho. Extensive touring was to follow as the band gained in status. They signed record deals for major companies, appeared on the BBC’s

Jan face the music.qxp:Layout 1

16/12/13

14:57

Page 2

FACEtheMUSIC

MUSICAL HEROES: left to right, The Kinks’ Dead End Street, Stevie Wonder’s Superstition and Fred Astaire singing Let’s Face the Music and Dance Andy’s portrait by Dulcie Mae Carey

Old Grey Whistle Test TV show and were booked as the opening and closing act for the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970. Stackridge went on to enjoy success and popularity through the 70s with members from time to time heading off to pursue other musical projects. Andy takes up the story: “The band had an open door approach to its line-up with guys drifting in and out and creating new musical horizons and influences, myself included.” Stackridge officially disbanded during 1977 and this enabled him to concentrate on a number of personal and diverse projects including forming The Korgis and reaching the top five charts in both the UK and the States with Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime. There was also studio recording, working alongside artists including a stint with John Lennon on the legendary Imagine album, his solo ventures and song writing as well as touring the world with a number of different bands including Tears For Fears. You would be forgiven for thinking that after a lifetime in the sometimes fickle music industry he would be taking things at a more leisurely pace these days – you’d be wrong. Andy and his fellow musicians have just reformed Stackridge and are currently touring the UK once again; there are also plans to release a new and long awaited Korgis album in the near future.

I’d heard Stevie often dropped by to check ❝ what other bands were working on. That night he did. We ended up playing duets on the studio’s grand piano which was a great experience

❞

Andy’s top ten: ● Carol King – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? This lady is without doubt a rare talent and to my mind an absolute genius songwriter and under-rated singer. I prefer her version of this song, which is from her brilliant album Tapestry to all the other recordings of it. She released that album in 1971 and to date it has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. This particular track is the perfect heart-breaking love song. ● Bob Dylan – When I Paint My Masterpiece I met him on a rooftop swimming pool in Brazil while touring with Tears For Fears. He appeared a subdued figure, economical with his conversation but, for any hardworking songwriter his lyrics and particularly this track, cut like a knife. Here Dylan is expressing the forlorn hope that one day it will come right and your genius will be appreciated – we live in hope. ● Fred Astaire – Let’s Face the Music and Dance I’ve always loved songwriters from the post-war years, including Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin, who wrote this wonderful number. We all value Fred as an amazing dancer but I feel he was a much under-rated singer as well.

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

● Spirit – Nature’s Way One of my all time favourite west-coast bands. This track is from an album with a splendid title The Twelve Dreams of Doctor Sardonicus and reminds me of my of first flat in Bristol where we wore out the record by playing it so much. ● The Beatles – Baby You’re a Rich Man I could have chosen just about any Beatles record, but I tend to like their more experimental period and this song often gets overlooked. George Martin, who produced this, also produced our Stackridge album Man in a Bowler Hat a few years later. I like Lennon’s mocking lyrics on this track and was lucky enough to play with him on his Imagine album. Obviously a hugely talented man but also a real nice guy. ● The Kinks – Dead End Street Ray Davies is a British institution now. He managed to write so many mature, cultured songs when he was young – I still don’t know how he did it. The Kinks’ rough edged performance always seemed to add something indefinable but essential to his songs. ● Stevie Wonder – Superstition A few years ago I was recording in his Los Angeles studio. It was late at night and I’d heard from other musicians that Stevie often dropped by to check what other bands were working on. That night he did. We ended up playing duets on the studio’s grand piano together which was a great experience. He’s a lovely guy and one of the few genuine geniuses alive and working today. He played nearly everything on this record and there’s no faking the sort of tight but loose feel he naturally applies to his music. ● Betty Wright – Clean-Up Woman The two guitars bass and drums on this track provide a master class in funk. I recommend that any band attempting to play r’n’b should listen closely to this great piece of music. All the instruments fit so beautifully together and Betty Wright’s effortlessly soulful singing is a joy. ● Blue Nile – The Downtown Lights Why this band are not superstars is truly beyond me. Their music is like good architecture, stunningly original concept, structure and production. Paul Buchanan processes one of the finest voices in rock music. If by any chance he reads this – I would like to work with him. I would also like to play rhythm guitar with the Stones but I’m probably not old enough! ● Beach Boys – God Only Knows I’d always admired Brian Wilson’s compositions so when Stackridge played with the Beach Boys at Wembley, it was quite a thrill. Whenever I get into an argument about classical versus popular music I quote this song. The closest comparison people usually make is with Schubert’s prodigious output of love songs. Read the lyrics as a poem and you’d better have some tissues handy. If you follow the melody and chord structure you realise the genius of Brian Wilson. I honestly believe this is one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. ■

Now you can listen to the Face the Music tunes thanks to a link on : www.thebathmag.co.uk JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 19

Wright of Derby.qxp:Layout 3

20/12/13

09:47

Page 1

A STUDY OF LIGHT: Vesuvius in Eruption, with a View over the Islands in the Bay of Naples, by Joseph Wright

CITYofART

The most wonderful sight Amina Wright senior curator at the Holburne Museum looks forward to a collection of paintings by artist Joseph Wright returning to Bath – where they were painted – after more than two centuries

n the grey winter months of 1776, Bath was enjoying the height of its genius in a peculiar way’ as early as 1768. Wright settled in Brock Street in Georgian summer. The spa town was the apotheosis of politeness, his early 40s, with his young wife, their baby and his sister Nancy. and every year from October to Easter its population would double as Soon afterwards, in January 1776, Joseph wrote to his brother Richard people from all over Europe arrived to enjoy the countless to report on the success of his exhibition: ‘Great numbers visit my Painting entertainments the city offered. Room daily. . . all admire my Pictures exceedingly, & say they never One of Bath’s unmissable attractions was the stroll round John Wood’s expected to see such a Painter in Bath. As to the picture of Vesuvius the unique King’s Circus to the dazzlingly elegant Royal Crescent. Passing the Town rings with commendations of it.’ shops and lodging-houses of Brock Street, a discerning visitor with a shilling His real aim in coming to Bath had been to fill the space vacated by to spare might have stopped at one of that street’s Thomas Gainsborough (who had recently left his smarter residences and been astounded by a home in the Circus for fame and fortune in display of paintings in the front drawing room. London) as a painter of elegant portraits. Of the two largest, one depicted ‘the greatest However, as Wright reported in January 1776: Effect of Nature, the other of Art.’ Nature was “You’ll scarce believe I have not had one Portrait portrayed at its most terrifying: the vast mountain bespoke” – viewers of his thrilling landscapes Vesuvius towering over a moonlit Bay of Naples, thought his talents wasted on something as with violent fiery lava boiling over its sides, a mundane as the gentry in their finery. column of blazing gas shooting up into the sky By April, the news was more hopeful: “I am now like the flame from a colossal candle. Fire was painting a half length of Dr Wilson and his also the subject of its companion painting, a adopted Daughter Miss Macaulay.” Dr Thomas depiction of the Girandola, the magnificent Wilson was a London clergyman who retired to firework display that is still mounted on the Alfred House, opposite the new Upper Rooms. A Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome every Easter philanthropist throughout his life, Wilson was Monday. Here the fire and sparks exploding into much loved in Bath. His greatest act of generosity the sky are man-made but almost as dramatic, a was to offer his home and its extensive library to festive contrast to the awesome terror of the the widowed historian Catharine Macaulay and volcano. her little daughter. A visitor lucky enough to see this spectacular Macaulay was a considerable celebrity, much pair of paintings would have been even luckier to admired in radical circles. Wright knew how meet their reclusive creator, a gentleman called important it was to have portraits of recognisable Joseph Wright who had recently arrived from local celebrities on display in his showroom and Derby. Wright’s head was still full of the ‘amazing jumped at the chance of painting Wilson. In his YOUTH AND AGE: Miss Macaulay with Dr Wilson – and stupendous’ things he had seen during a composition, Mrs Macaulay herself is curiously the notable historian Catharine Macaulay is represented recent tour of Italy, and he was busy working up by a volume of her work, The History of England absent, represented only by a volume of her The the drawings and studies he had made there. He History of England. Youth and age are contrasted was already celebrated among the cognoscenti at the London exhibitions as through the use of colour: the septuagenarian divine with his snowy, haloa painter of everyday scenes in darkened interiors, where figures are like wig wears conspicuous black, red and gold, while the dark-haired girl is brilliantly illuminated by artificial light. Such extraordinary paintings as The in soft pink and blue-grey subtly woven with silver. Orrery and An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (now in the National Despite his evident skill as a portraitist, only a trickle of commissions Gallery), had earned him the accolade of ‘a very great and uncommon came Wright’s way. Instead, he turned to literature and began to experiment 20 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Wright of Derby.qxp:Layout 3

20/12/13

09:48

Page 2

CITYofART

PORTRAITS: Mr and Mrs Coltman, and Maria, painted in 1777 was based on a character by Laurence Sterne in A Sentimental Journey

with subjects from sentimental novels and poems by writers such as Laurence Sterne. Using the poses he had copied from ancient sculpture in Rome, he created dramatic scenes that reflected his own melancholy state of mind. For all the opportunities Bath offered, Wright missed his family and friends and was unable to keep his household in the comfort they had been used to as an upper middle-class family in Derby. They returned home permanently in June 1777 after only 18 months here. However, Wright’s time in Bath was not completely wasted: without commissions to keep him busy, he had time to

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

try out new ideas, transforming himself from a gifted provincial portrait painter into a unique storyteller and sublime landscapist. The Holburne’s exhibition Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath and Beyond will bring together the portraits Wright made in Bath, as well as two of the most impressive versions of his Vesuvius and Girandola paintings and other exhibition pieces. They return to Bath for the first time in nearly 250 years. ■ Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath and Beyond runs from Saturday 25 January to Monday 5 May at the Holburne Museum, admission to the exhibition is £6.95.

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 21

whats on 1:Layout 1

16/12/13

15:34

Page 1

WHAT’S ON in January Events are listed in chronological order To promote your event visit: www.thebathmag.co.uk

Peter Pan the pantomime Until Sunday 12 January Theatre Royal, Bath A family-friendly pantomime that’s awash with swash and buckle. Starring Cliff Parisi (Minty from EastEnders and Fred in Call the Midwife) as Captain Hook, Jessica Punch as Peter Pan and Chris Harris as the Dame. For tickets call 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month The Perfect Murder Monday 13 – Saturday 18 January Chris Harris as Governess Gertie, Cliff Parisi as Captain Hook, Jessica Punch as Peter Pan, Joanna Forest as Wendy, Jon Monie as Smee, and Victoria Hay

Marriage can be murder . . . Les Dennis and Claire Goose star in crime writer Peter James’s story of marriage, murder and dark twists. Tickets, tel: 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Moon Tiger with Jane Asher Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 January Jane Asher stars in this adaptation of Penelope Lively’s Booker Prize winning novel about fictitious veteran historian Claudia Hampton.

Railway art at the Victoria Art Gallery

★ Editor’s pick

Bath Drama presents Cinderella Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 January, 7.30pm, matinees Sat/Sun 2.30pm The Rondo Theatre, Larkhall In the post Christmas gloom what we need is a dose of healthy laughter. This will be provided by Stephen Curtis’ warm, witty panto being staged by Bath Drama. Tickets, £10/£8 (children and concessions) tel: 01225 463362. A traditional story with slapstick and wonderment for the children and sophisticated humour for grown-ups.

Cinderella at the Rondo Theatre

A Christmas Carol with Clive Francis Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 January, 8pm, matinee Saturday, 2.30pm The Ustinov, Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk After selling out the Ustinov Studio last year, Clive Francis returns to reprise his acclaimed one-man adaptation of the Dickens classic. Tickets £15.

Also at the Ustinov this month The State vs John Hayes Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January, 8pm Laced with humour, pain and poignancy, Lucy Roslyn’s play is a psychological thriller based on real Death Row stories. Tickets £13 / £10.

366 Days of Kindness Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 January, 8pm ONE MAN SHOW: Clive Francis presents A Christmas Carol

In response to the riots of August 2011, Bernadette Russell committed to be kind to a stranger every day for a year. A heartbreaking, surprising and challenging story. Tickets £13 / £10 discounts.

Free talks on GWR Monday 6 January, 13 January and 20 January, 1.10pm – 1.45pm The Guildhall, Bath A series of free talks are being held in the Guildhall to accompany the Great Western Railway exhibition at the council owned public Victoria Art Gallery which runs until 2 February. On 6 January Neil Butters will speak on railway heritage designation, on 13 January John Baxter will talk about the Somerset and Dorset Railway and on 20 January Alistair Byers from Network Rail will be talking about future electrification.

BELOW STAIRS: Downton fans will enjoy Twelfth Night at No 1

Twelfth Night party Monday 6 January, 6.30 – 8.30pm

No 1 Royal Crescent Museum, Bath Come below stairs at No. 1 Royal Crescent and celebrate the biggest night Visit our website for more events and things to do. in the Georgian servants’ calendar. Enjoy games, live music, food and drink. To promote your event log on and get listed. www.thebathmag.co.uk Tickets £15. To book email Kate Rogers: krogers@bptrust.org.uk or tel: 01225 428126.

22 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

19/12/13

16:56

Page 2

Earth and Sky exhibition Until Sunday 27 April Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock Go on a fascinating journey to the stars and back. Discover a collection of photographs – from beautiful images showing landscapes with stars above them to planets and nebulas and images taken by the Hubble Telescope. Normal admission applies. NT members and under 5s go free. Tel: 01249 730459 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock.

NIGHT SKIES: by Peter Greig

whats on 1:Layout 1

Jazz at the Vaults Thursday 9 January, 8.30pm St James Wine Vaults, St James St, Bath Bob Koral (guitar) Zoe Schwarz (vocals). Backed by the JazzHouse Trio. Tickets, £5/£4

Also at the St James Wine Vaults this month Thursday 23 January, 8.30pm James Morton (sax). Backed by the JazzHouse Trio. Tickets £5/4

Bradford Roots Music Festival Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 January The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon In just two days 40 bands show brilliant Bradfordian talent. There’ll also be choirs, kids’ shows, open mic stage, jam sessions, workshops, real ales, mulled wine and hot food. For the full programme visit: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/bradfordrootsfestival. Weekend pass: £18 (£16 adv.) / £11 under-18s. Day tickets: Sat: £14 (£12 adv.) / £8 under-18s Sun: £10 (£8 adv.) / £6 under-18s Free under-11s. Proceeds in support of Wiltshire Young Carers and Wiltshire Music Centre charitable trust.

Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month Vienna Piano Trio Friday 17 January, 7.30pm (6.30pm for pre-concert talk) Bogdan Božović violin, Matthias Gredler cello and Stefan Mendl piano, hailed by the Washington Post as one of the world’s leading ensembles, will be playing two of the greatest trios ever written. Sandwiched between Beethoven’s Piano Trio Op 70 No 1 Ghost and Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio Op 49 No 1 in D minor is a key work by Hans Werner Henze from 1948, Kammersonate for Piano Trio. £17 (£16) / Free under-25s.

Hub in the Pub for Over 60s Sunday 12 January, 11am – 1pm The Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke A programme of activities, including short mat bowls, local history talks and lunch-time gatherings has been launched in the Chew Valley. This event extends an open invitation to just turn up for coffee and cake and find out more about the Hub. Members of the local community will be encouraged to put forward their ideas and suggestions for future activities too. It’s supported by Age UK.

Craig Sutton Flamenco Thief Friday 17 January, 8.30pm The Pound Arts Centre, Pound Pill, Corsham, Wiltshire. Box office tel: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk Free Friday means there’s no charge and you don’t need a ticket. Just turn up and listen. Guitar melodies giving a fusion of classical Flamenco, contemporary ska, reggae and rock rhythms.

Also at the Pound this month Bowjangles on the Box Saturday 18 January, 7.30pm Playing their instruments to a jaw dropingly high level Bowjangles on the Box is a unique all singing and all dancing take on the cultural phenomenon that is TV. £10 (£9 concessions)

Mark Thomas: 100 Acts of Minor Dissent Thursday 23 January, 8pm Mark Thomas is well versed in the art of creative mayhem and over the years his troublemaking has changed laws, cost companies millions and annoyed those who most deserved to be. £12 (£11 concessions) Continued on page 24 WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 23

whats on 2:Layout 2

16/12/13

15:49

Page 1

WHAT’Son Paper cutting workshop with Jessica Palmer Saturday 11 January, 10am – 4pm

Brendan Cole: Licence to Thrill

Museum of East Asian Art, Bennett Street, Bath Paper artist Jessica Palmer will lead this adult workshop. The price of £35 includes free entry to the museum and a curator’s tour, along with all tools and materials. Finished work will be displayed as part of the celebrations of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, 2014. To book a place email: palmerk@outlook.com

Constable’s oil sketching techniques Monday 13 January, 3pm The Holburne Museum, Bath tel: 01225 388569 Constable wrote: “They were done on the lid of my box on my knees as usual.” Sarah Cove is an expert on Constable and will use rarely-seen images to dispel some myths about the painter. Constable’s tiny oil sketch of Flatford Lock arrived at the Holburne ten years ago and this talk will be held to mark the anniversary. Tickets £5.

Also at the Holburne this month Lunchtime concert series, from 21 January, 1.10pm – 1.50pm Tuesdays from 1.10-1.50pm Tickets £5 01225 388569 A series of concerts explores the delights of the Holburne’s fortepiano (Viennese c. 1795). Made by Johann Schantz the fortepiano is one of only four of its kind known to survive. To open the series, there’s an illustrated and musically accompanied talk given by Chris Barlow, maker of fortepianos and conservator of the Holburne’s fortepiano. Helen Coombs is a keyboard player with a special interest in harpsichords and fortepianos.

Alexandra Wood

Bath General Market

Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath and beyond Saturday 25 January – Monday 5 May The Holburne Museum, Bath The museum will be staging an exhibition of the 18th century painter, Joseph Wright, who lived and worked in Bath for 18 months.

★ Editor’s pick

Jim Moray: live album recording Saturday 1 February, 7.30pm

Chapel Arts Centre Jim Moray, along with Seth Lakeman, has done much in the last decade to make audiences realise that folk music is a force to be recognised in modern music. The winner of five BBC Radio 2 Folk awards, in 2013 Moray celebrated 10 years since his debut album Sweet England and the success of his 2012 career best Skulk. Now he brings material from throughout his career to Chapel Arts for an intimate acoustic performance which will be recorded for a live acoustic album and released later in the year.

City of Bath Heraldic Society: Arcadian heraldry Saturday 18 January, 2.30pm Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath Talk on Arcadian heraldry from speaker Michael Messer, followed by refreshments. Visitors welcome, admission £3. The society meets regularly. Email: john.janet@uwclub.net.

The new Bath Market Sunday 19 January, 9am – 4pm Contemporary British folk: Jim Moray

For more information about events and what’s happening in Bath visit our website which is updated daily

✱

Or to promote your event, log on and get it listed. www.thebathmag.co.uk 24 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Green Park Station, Bath The lively market scene in Bath gets a new addition, with the launch of a new general market at Green Park Station to be held every third Sunday of the month. Stalls will sell everything from food and drink to arts and crafts, fashion, antiques, furniture, toys and more. There will be a DJ playing vinyl and the chance to tuck into breakfast, brunch or Sunday lunch.

Brendan Cole: Licence to Thrill Monday 20 January, 7.30pm Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Join Brendan Cole, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, and his cast of 20 musicians and dancers as they take you on a journey of music and dance in this night of theatre entertainment. Brendan will host you throughout and along with his company will treat you to an evening of ballroom magic and Latin excitement with music from across the ages. Tickets, tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com/bristol.

P25:Layout 23

17/12/13

15:07

Page 1

JAZZ Eighth AT outstanding THE VAULTS year. Dedicated performance and seating area with cellar bar. Open 8pm. Start 8.30. £5/4 Thursday, Jan 9th Rob Koral (guitar) Zoe Schwarz (vocals) Thursday, Jan 23rd James Morton (Sax) Thursday, Feb 6th. Jonny Bruce (Trumpet) Thursday, Feb.20th Jim Mullen (Guitar) £9/8 St James Wine Vaults St James St. BA1 2TW Info@thejazzhousetrio.org

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

Behind Royal Crescent. Nearby street parking is not impossible.

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 25

whats on 2:Layout 2

20/12/13

10:02

Page 2

WHAT’Son Alexandra Wood – violin recital Wednesday 22 January, 7.30pm Michael Tippett Centre, Bath Spa University, Newton St Loe, Bath Alexandra Wood began playing at the age of three and went on to gain maximum marks for her grade 8 exam when still only 10. Her programme will include Britten’s Suite for Violin and Piano, Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 1 in F minor. Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions) www.michaeltippettcentre.org. Tel: 01225 463362

The Norman Conquests By Sir Alan Ayckbourn Wednesday 15 – Saturday 25 January Next Stage at The Mission Theatre, Corn Street To mark the start of Next’s 20th anniversary year the theatre company will be putting on Ayckbourn’s triology. Audiences can choose whether to watch all three, or dip in and pick one from Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden.Visit: www.nextstage.co.uk. Tickets £11 (£9 concs) or £30 (£24 concs) if booking all three shows from Next Stage Box Office 01225 428600 email: nextstagebath@aol.com or tel: 01225 463362 or www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

Also at the Mission Theatre this month Avenue Q: Bath Light Opera Group Tuesday 28 January – Saturday 1 February A hilarious Sesame Street style musical for adults, which went down a storm in the West End and at the Theatre Royal. Contains adult puppet themes

26 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Cat and Mouse by illustrator Steve Cox and strong language. Not suitable for under 16s. £13 (£11 concs) tel: 01225 863740 or www.bath.ticketsource.co.uk

Demo, talk and tasting with Bruno Loubet Wednesday 29 January, 7.45pm Topping & Co bookshop. Tel: 01225 428111 An evening of unique and sublime French food with the enigmatic Bordeaux-born Loubet, owner of Bistro Bruno in Soho and Bistro Bruno Loubet at the fashionable Zetter Hotel. His book, Mange Tout: Bistro Cooking with a Modern Twist is inspired by his own upbringing and travels; it is an eclectic collection of recipes that combines the traditional and familiar with ideas and ingredients taken from around the world. Tickets £7, collected in advance, and redeemable against purchase of the book.

Planning ahead Sunday 2 February: Chinese New Year Museum of East Asian Art, Bennett Street, Bath To herald the start of the Year of the Horse there’ll be the annual celebrations at the museum, 11.45am. Visit: www.meaa.org.uk for details.

Starting in February The New Oriel Hall, Larkhall Professional illustrator Steve Cox, who has more than 20 years’ experience in publishing and in illustrating children’s books, will be sharing some of the techniques of his craft in a series of practical workshops. Over ten weeks he’ll be teaching people of all abilities skills such as storyboarding, creating characters and graphic design. Visit: www.stevecoxillustration.com or email stevecox.info@gmail.com.

Bath Opera:Layout 1

19/12/13

12:28

Page 1

BATHopera

On a street in New York A

little corner of Bath is being transformed next month into a street in New York during the Great Depression of the 1930s, as Bath Opera company prepares to put on an ambitious staging of the musical Street Scene. The action takes place over 24 hours around a New York brownstone in the heat of high summer in the city. Poor families live hugger-mugger in what was once a fine multi-storey building, with a cast of colourful characters including sluts, hoodlums and lovers. This cauldron seethes and boils over in a story of love, violence and tragedy. Street Scene was written by Kurt Weill (the man behind The Threepenny Opera and such great numbers as Mac the Knife. It’s musical style is a fusion of opera, musical theatre, jazz and blues. As you might expect, there’s some exciting ensemble singing as well as some haunting melodies for solo singers and some great jazz and blues numbers. The show is at the Wroughton Theatre, which has raked seating, giving everyone in the audience a good view. The clever technical team at Bath Opera has created the frontage of the brownstone, with its many windows and rundown facade. The cast will appear at those windows as well as on the street below. This set has been created with a huge stagecloth, painted and draped over scaffolding. It’s been modelled on a real New York building so the dimensions and features are accurate. To mark the opening night of Street Scene a gala performance is being held, giving the audience the chance to dress up to go out. A Champagne reception with nibbles is being held at the Kennet suite at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, before guests cross the road to enoy the show. Bath Opera is now working closely with other Bath groups to help sell tickets for each other, and has won a micro arts grant from B&NES to fund this new initiative. It’s a great way for the city’s various creative groups to collaborate. ■ Street Scene: Bath Opera The Wroughton Theatre, King Edward’s School, Bath Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 February, 7.30pm Tickets: Thursday 20 Gala Night, £30 (includes a Champagne reception at Bath Spa Hotel 6.30pm), Friday 21 / Saturday 22, £20 (students £10) Bath Festivals Box Office 01225 463362 or Bath Opera’s ticket hotline 01935 475219. Booking online at www.bathboxoffice.org

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 27

JAN ART:Layout 1

19/12/13

14:29

Page 1

ARTS&EXHIBITIONSS

New year inspiration

NIGHTWORK by JANE STOBART

THE RAILWAY STATION by WP FRITH

Victoria Art Gallery By Pulteney Bridge, Bath Tel: 01225 477233 Closed Mondays and Sunday mornings

Bath and the Great Western Railway Until 2 February Entrance to the Bath & North East Somerset Council owned art gallery is free, but for £2.50 visitors can explore this fascinating exhibition dedicated to the building of the Great Western Railway and its impact on Georgian Bath. Brunel’s railway opened in sections from 1838 making travel quicker and easier and broadening the horizons of the whole of society. This exhibition looks at the GWR’s engineering marvels and its impact on Georgian Bath. It features 19th century views of the railway in Bath, railway posters, and WP Frith’s absorbing ‘slice of life’ panorama The Railway Station.

Bath Contemporary 35 Gay Street, Bath Tel: 01225 461230

www.bathcontemporary.com Until 18 January Paintings and original prints from six members of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers; Corinna Button, Howard Jeffs, Jackie Newell, Sumi Perera, Jane Stobart and Francis Tinsley.

MR DYKE AT THE DOWER HOUSE by NICK CUDWORTH Nick Cudworth Gallery London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445221, visit: www.nickcudworth.com Snug by Robert Welch

Twilight 1 – 31 January An exhibition of Nick Cudworth’s paintings and prints of buildings captured during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. The need for internal light during these in-between times can sometimes give a fleeting glimpse into the world within.

Also at Bath Contemporary Robert Welch: Viewing Form 24 January – 8 February With a sophistication and depth that is both elusive and ambiguous, Welch makes strong reference to shape and form.

TEIGNMOUTH by FRED CUMING

Crescents by Emma Rose Adam Gallery John Street, Bath, tel: 01225 480406

New Year Mixed Medium show Until 31 January

Emma Rose at The Bath Sofa and Curtain Company, 78 Walcot Street, Bath

Landscapes

A mixed show of sculptures and paintings running throughout January, to include work by artist Fred Emma Rose is displaying her work alongside home Cuming RA. He has been a member of the Royal Academy for 35 years and has always been furnishings. Visit: www.emmaroseartworks.com. fascinated by the changing landscape around us: the skies, rainbows and rapid violent storms. 28 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

P29:Layout 23

17/12/13

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

15:07

Page 1

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 29

JAN ART:Layout 1

19/12/13

14:33

Page 2

ARTS&EXHIBITIONS BEENY CLIFF by VANESSA GARDINER Quercus Gallery Queen Street, Bath. Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pm

Gleam Throughout January Bright and beautiful artwork for the winter months, this mixed show presents an original collection of paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles and hand-made accessories. Paintings by Vanessa Gardiner and Helen Booth, jewellery by Heather McDermott, and new ceramics by Matt Waite.

YELLOW POPPIES by JANE WALKER Rostra Gallery George Street, Bath

STRAWBERRY FIELD by MELISSA WRAXALL 44AD ARTSPACE 7b Lower Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1QR 07753 378325 Monday to Saturday 12 – 6pm, Sunday, 1pm – 5pm www.44ad.net. www.melissawraxall.com

Fresh Talent 10 – 27 January A selection of limited edition prints and ceramics feature. Highlights include bold linocuts and ceramics inspired by the natural world from Hilke MacIntyre, Ed Boxall’s naïve limited edition prints, intricate etchings and woodcuts capturing the British countryside by Ian MacCulloch. Graphic linocuts from Jane Walker take their cue from the shapes cast by everyday life, mid-century design translated into silkscreen prints by Ruth Green and Tully Knight’s raku animal ceramic sculptures.

Echo; Re-Echo Thursday 23 – Monday 28 January

DETAIL FROM THE ROSE GARDEN by SUSANNA LISLE

A recent MFA graduate from Bath Spa University, Melissa Wraxall’s paintings and drawings explore the relentless passing of time, transient lives and fleeting memories. Melissa paints intuitively and expressively, taking as her starting point, an archive of found family photographs. Viewing the process as almost conversation between herself and a person long gone or a child now grown old, she invites us to engage with these images as reminders of our own family stories and memories.

Lane House Arts Nelson Place East, Bath, BA1 5DA Tel: 07767 498403 www.lanehousearts.co.uk

The White Room Gallery Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN. Tel: 01225 331500

Winter Colour Until the end January

White Christmas Until 31 January

A mixed exhibition of work from Julie Smith, Susanna Lisle, Beryl Robinson, Caroline Mockford and Tamsyn Salt, with abstract paintings from artist Trudy Montgomery. More warmth, colour and depth will be added, with paintings from Bath School of Art and Design graduates Kathryn Stevens and Leanne Stephens. Prints, cards and handmade books by Kathy Hutton, thiscostabomb, Cowboys & Custard and Julie Smith alongside ceramics from Andrew Temple-Smith, Rachel Fixsen and Amanda Cornelius. The Gateway by Trudy Montgomery

Featuring a wide selection of artists including Damien Hirst, Sir Peter Blake and Roy Lichtenstein. The collection also includes a selection of colourful new screen-prints by the Bristol based artist Lionel Friedland. For more information visit: www.thewhiteroomgallery.com.

Visit our website for more exhibitions and gallery information To promote your exhibition, log on and get it listed: www.thebathmag.co.uk 30 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

P31:Layout 23

18/12/13

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

11:45

Page 1

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 31

JAN ART:Layout 1

19/12/13

14:40

Page 3

ARTS&EXHIBITIONS UMBRELLA MAN by BENEDICT BRAIN

WHITE DRESS by ROSE HILTON

Royal United Hospital Combe Park, Bath

International Images for Science 24 January – 24 April The Royal Photographic Society’s Science exhibition showcases the vast range of applications of photography within modern-day science. Many of the images represent worlds beyond human vision, using the microscope and the telescope, subjects revealed through polarised light, fluorescence and techniques such as high-speed photography.

Also the Society’s Members’ 160th anniversary exhibition

Hilton Fine Art 5 Margarets Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 311311

The Royal Photographic Society will also be showing the RPS Members’ Biennial Exhibition. It provides an opportunity for RPS members to showcase the high standard of their work and to demonstrate their commitment to the art of photography.

Signs of Colour: Derek Balmer, Rose Hilton and Paul Wadsworth 8 February – 1 March

M Shed Harbourside, Bristol Tel: 01225 311311

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Until 23 February Explore the rich array of life on our planet in this world-renowned exhibition from the Natural History Museum. The images provide an insight into the beauty and variety of nature and shine a spotlight on the rarely seen wonders of the natural world around us. New for this year is the Wildlife of Bristol display celebrating Bristol’s diverse wildlife. Get up close to rarely seen natural history specimens and discover the secrets of the city’s wild residents. Tickets: adults £3, concessions £2, children (5 -16yrs) £2, under 5s free, family tickets £8. TRIPTYCH: OPEN, DEBUTANTE & EQUILIBRIUM by HENRIETTA DUBREY Edgar Modern Bartlett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 443746

The Edgar at the London Art Fair 14 – 19 January A new collection from Henrietta Dubrey will be featured at the London Art Fair, which is held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, along with new works from Ronald Smith, Mungo Powney, Heath Hearn, Becky Buchanan, Jessica Cooper, David

32 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Martin, Janis Ridley, Tyler Stone, and more. Contact the Edgar Modern gallery for tickets. The nearest tube station to the fair is Angel.

Tangier by Paul Wadsworth These three artists have mastered the art of balancing the colour and tonal distribution so that the sum of the parts add up to more than the whole. For each of them the figurative element is essential whether looking at the figures used as vehicles for colour in Paul Wadsworth and Rose Hilton’s paintings or the landscapes constructed in a vibrant palette by Derek Balmer.

After The Rain by Derek Balmer

CURIOSITY AND THE CAT by HANNES LOCHNER

This exhibition brings together three colourists – Derek Balmer, Rose Hilton and Paul Wadsworth in a show that aims to celebrate the return of colour after the grey days of winter. What links these artists is their strong sense of design and delight in bold colour. This is a hard balancing act to achieve and one that many painters attempt but which all too often end up with a cacophony of colours fighting against each other.

Specsavers fp:Layout 1

17/12/13

15:06

Page 1

Abbey £18m V2:Layout 3

16/12/13

14:37

Page 1

CITYheritage

OUR 21st CENTURY ABBEY An ambitious £18m project has begun to bring Bath Abbey into the 21st century. Georgette McCready went behind the scenes to find out what is planned

f you attended one of the dozens of services or events in Bath Abbey in the run-up to Christmas, you may have noticed that near the entrance, in the North aisle, the Victorian wooden pews have been replaced by rows of brown plastic chairs. But, before you reach for a pen to register your disapproval, there are a few things you need to know about the changes happening in one of Bath’s best loved and oldest buildings. Firstly, rest assured, the current custodians of the Abbey have no intention of filling the nave with plastic chairs. Secondly, all the furniture in the building will have to be removed as vital repairs to the floor – which is sagging badly in places – are carried out. And thirdly, the changes are just part of an £18m ongoing project for Bath Abbey to bring it into the 21st century. The Footprint project, as it’s called, will address some of the issues facing the building, its congregation and the community at large. As the Rector, the Rev Prebendary Edward Mason points out: “If you’ve welcomed someone into your home, you’d like to offer them hospitality – a cup of tea and something to eat. At the moment we’re one of the few large churches in the country which can’t even offer our visitors that.” 34 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

On a purely practical note, despite seeing packed houses for special services, film screenings and music performances, Bath Abbey, which is the most visited parish church outside London, can’t even offer its visitors a comfort stop. There is only one disabled loo for the 420,000 plus visitors each year. The Abbey was faced with the dual challenge of needing repairs to its basic structure and preparing itself for future generations. Unlike Salisbury Cathedral, which has cloisters and a big cathedral green, Bath’s Abbey is contained by the buildings which have sprung up around it. Using the ingenuity of British engineering and Bath-based architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, they’ve come up with a plan to open up existing spaces underground and add to them to provide modern facilities as unobtrusively as possible. The new loos and refectory, where the Rev Prebendary Mason and his clergy will be able to offer food and drink in the Christian tradition of hospitality for all, will be under the paving stones beside Kingston Parade – not directly under the Abbey itself. There will be clever use of a modern skylight to allow natural light into this space too If you go ‘backstage’ at the Abbey to see where the four resident choirs rehearse and where the administration takes place, you’ll find the sort of cramped and old-fashioned accommodation that wouldn’t look out of place in

Abbey £18m V2:Layout 3

19/12/13

14:12

Page 2

CITYheritage

CITY LANDMARK: main picture, Bath Abbey’s West window and ceiling Above left, part of the plans for extending space under the Abbey Church Yard Above centre, one of the new-look chandeliers in the Abbey which have been restored and switched to LED

a prep school of the 1950s. The rehearsal room in the Abbey is woefully inadequate for the number of singers who produce some of the finest choral performances in the country. Across the yard in Kingston Buildings there’s a rabbit warren of tiny offices and twisting old staircases with workers perched at desks in unlikely corners. Under the Footprint plans, a choir rehearsal room is going to be created, partly within Kingston Buildings and partly sunk into the ground. This ambitious Footprint project is taking place over several years and needs to be done without disturbing the daily worship in the church. Charles Curnock is overseeing the project and has some impressive plans which show all the improvements in detail. Perhaps most striking of all is the drawing of the new rehearsal space, which has a gallery giving it double height, and yet all this will be created within the existing row of Georgian cottages. Charles said: “The Abbey has always adapted to the times and we must be sensitive to the fabric of this medieval building. We don’t know exactly how people will uses these spaces in 50 years’ time, but we will create them so they’re adaptable. “We’re particularly pleased that as part of a partnership with

medieval times the space would have been used for any number of purposes and gatherings. In a way, the pews have stopped people from just wandering freely in. “We haven’t decided yet what will replace the Victorian pews and we are consulting people as to what would work best. The Corporation pews will be re-instated but as for the rest we may install good quality free standing cathedral chairs. The brown plastic chairs won’t be a permanent fixture, although we may need some stacking chairs for use on bigger occasions.” At its heart Bath Abbey remains as it always has, a place for the people of the city and visitors too. Although there is a £2.50 entry donation this is merely a suggested amount. Bathonians, in particular, are free to use the building, to step inside from the bustle and noise and use the space for quiet reflection and peace. Visitors may wish to know that part of this donation goes towards the Abbey’s many community and charity projects in this country and abroad. The Footprint project still requires public support. If you would like to make a donation contact: Katie McGill on 01225 303314 or kmcgill@bathabbey.org, or visit www.bathabbey.org/footprint. ■

must be sensitive to the fabric of ❝thisWemedieval building. We don’t know exactly how people will use these spaces in 50 years’ time ❞ Bath and North East Somerset Council in the next few years we’ll achieve our goal of using Bath’s naturally heated waters to fuel our new underfloor heating in the Abbey. This is water from the Roman Baths that up to now runs out into the river and is wasted, so we’re improving the Abbey’s sustainability.” Back inside the Abbey the workmen have finished the North aisle section of the floor, repairing the voids underneath which were causing the floor to collapse, installing pipes for the underfloor heating and putting back the floor. Teams of volunteers came in to clean, photograph and record the memorials which had been hidden under the pews for over a century, so now the names can be read and the records of past lives better appreciated. This work has been done thanks to funding by the Coles-Medlock Foundation and Brian and Margaret Roper. This brings us to the very sensitive issue of transforming the Abbey. Hundreds of years ago Bathonians would have been able to wander into the vast spaces of the nave without having to negotiate their way round pieces of immovable furniture. The Rector says: “The Abbey was built by monks to inspire us, to allow us a place to breathe, to lift us as human beings. In

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PICTURE: courtesy of www.virtualmuseumofbath.com

ALL CHANGE: the rows of Victorian pews in the North aisle were removed and, below the floor memorials revealed after more than a century of being covered

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 35

Jan food:Layout 1

19/12/13

16:16

Page 1

FOOD&DRINK

Tasty bites ■ Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is launching a series of themed nutrition retreats at its new Well-being House, with Katie Sheen from Soul Nutrition. The retreats aim to provide a wider understanding of the benefits of good nutrition, overall health and well-being. The programmes include one-on-one sessions with Katie, group discussions and seminars, hands-on cooking classes and time to rejuvenate and unwind in the spa and well-being house. The first course, Purity (20 and 21 January) concentrates on foods that detoxify the body from harmful chemicals and promote effective liver and digestive function to keep skin, mind, and body clean and pure. The February course centres on foods which support positive, balanced moods while providing nourishment for the mind and body, while Wise Woman in March explores how certain foods can ease transitional stages for women, aiding menopausal symptoms and balancing female hormones. The two day retreats are from £695 per person inclusive of one night’s full board accommodation, tel: 01225 742777.

■ Former Royal butler Grant Harrold, pictured, will be giving a talk about his career and matters of modern etiquette at a lunch at the Bath Priory Hotel on 27 March. Also in March there’s the chance to sample the cooking of one of Europe’s top chefs, Michael Caines MBE, who will be hosting a five course dinner with wine. For details of both events and to book tel: 01225 478388. ■ To mark the birth of Scotland’s most celebrated poet Robert Burns this month The Kilted Chef Dougie Bonar will be celebrating in true Scottish style. Guests at the Kingsmead Square restaurant will be able to experience a traditional four course Burns’ Supper over the weekend of 24 and 25 January. The evening includes: the welcome and Selkirk Grace, the traditional parade of the haggis followed by the address and a toast to the Immortal Memory. Dougie will be making his own homemade haggis, using his own recipe. Places at the Burns’ Night supper are £60, tel: 01225 466688 or email reservations@thekiltedchef.com.

36 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Diploma could be icing on your baking skills Celia Adams, founder of Bath Cake Company is opening a new cake decorating school this year aimed at bakers who would like to sell their cakes, or who aim for an official qualification to recognise their skills. Celia has been running cake decorating classes in her current shop, but the new school, which is next door in the mews at the bottom of Lansdown Road in Bath, will allow her to increase the number of students each week. New classes for 2014 include a Valentine’s cupcake class, owl and teddy bear modelling and a three tier wedding cake class. Old favourites like the two tier celebration cake with wired sugar

flowers and classic cupcakes class will also be continuing. In addition there’ll be the chance to take internationally recognised PME Professional Diploma Courses and Masters Certificate. Celia is excited about her growing business: “Opening the cake decorating school is a great opportunity for me to share everything I have learnt about cake decorating. It is such a creative and rewarding activity for people to enjoy as it gives such pleasure and satisfaction when you learn to do it properly. And at the end of it there is something that looks so beautiful which can be the centre-piece of your celebration, whatever the occasion.”

The village hall with Michelin star chef One of Bath’s best chefs, Michelin-starred Sam Moody, pictured, of the Bath Priory will be in the unlikely setting of the All Saints Centre in Weston, to prepare a one-off gourmet dinner, on 1 February, themed around chocolate. Chocolate lovers are being offered the opportunity to learn the secrets of making and tasting chocolates during the threecourse Chocolate Feast hosted by top chocolatier Marc Demarquette. The menu is being kept secret, but all three courses will contain at least a hint of

chocolate, savoury or sweet. At the end of the meal diners will eat truffles that Marc has made during the evening. Tickets, are £38, and can be

booked through the website www.feastwithachef.co.uk The event is organised by Feast with a Chef, run by Bristol-based food writer Clare Hargreaves. Feasts are cooked by top chefs in village halls with the aim of bringing fine dining to a wider audience in an informal setting. “Chocolate is always popular and with this star duo of Marc and Sam we’ve had huge interest, ” says Clare. Bath was chosen by Marc Demarquette as he lived in the city while a pupil at Prior Park College.

City restaurant among top in the UK The great Bath institution, the Rajpoot Indian restaurant in Argyle Street, was named as a finalist at the 2013 British Curry Awards. This is the seventh time Rajpoot has been shortlisted for this award, including four consecutive years as one of the top ten in the country. Rajpoot owner Ahmed Chowdhury said: “We are delighted and thankful to our customers for their continuous support for

last 33 years.” The ninth British Curry awards, hosted by TV presenter ChrisTarrant, were held at the Battersea

Evolution in London and saw curry restaurants from all over the UK recognised for their contribution to the British economy.

Guest of honour Prime Minister David Cameron, extolled the virtues of an industry which contributes £3.6bn to the economy annually and employs more than 80,000. However, the irony was not lost that tightening immigration controls are preventing promising young chefs from showcasing their talents on these shores. Finalists were whittled down from 263,000 public nominations.

PO rest aw

P37:Layout 23

20/12/13

10:06

Page 1

24th & 25th January 2014 Burns’ Night Spectacular four course supper menu £60, inc whisky with coffee

7a Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AB Tel: 01225 466688 www.thekiltedchef.com reservations@thekiltedchef.com

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 37

Bath food review:Layout 3

19/12/13

15:50

Page 1

Chapel Arts Café Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1QR Tel: 01225 920256

R E V I EW

Made with joy: eaten with pleasure

’m really in two minds about sharing this one, to be honest. The food is fabulous and fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, the place is spotless and the prices are very reasonable. It’s simply that if I share one of Bath’s best kept secrets there might not be any room left for me when I next go. French sisters Sue and Lindsey took over the independently run Chapel Arts Café a year ago, bringing with them an infectious enthusiasm for great baking, beautiful salads and freshly made flatbreads which has won them many fans. Every time I come here it’s always pleasantly bustling, with people enjoying a chat over steaming bowls of soup, or tucking into one of the café’s unique flatbreads which come served with a mix of tasty salads and toppings such as hummus, goat’s cheese, roasted vegetables and pesto. To find the café you need to head for the unlikely looking corner and basement of the Chapel Arts Centre on the edge of what locals always call Pigeon Park, off Lower Borough Walls. Inside, the café is like a scene from a delightful French romantic film. None of the tables and chairs match, there’s art for sale on the walls, pottery on the shelves and music in the background, but mostly one’s attention is drawn to the splendid still life of cakes displayed at the front of the counter. There’s Mummy’s tarte tatin made from a recipe brought from the sisters’ childhood home, a cherry kiss cake (a cherry clafoutis, also from a closely guarded recipe handed down from Sue and Lindsey’s Maman), carrot cake, chocolate brownies and plates of other tempting bakes. Right at the front is a plate of eye-popping swirly giant meringues which can be yours, with whipped cream, fruit and passion fruit jam for from £2.95. Behind the counter, if you can drag your greedy eyes from the cakes, is a large blackboard

38 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

on which all the regular dishes and specials are artistically written up. Customers order at the counter then their food is brought to the table. The flatbreads, which are available in wheat or spelt form, really are freshly made, light as air and yet hearty enough to stave off hunger pangs for a good few hours. I can recommend the Chapel Platter salad (£6.95), with flatbread served on the side, which with generous piles of hummus (homemade), tzatziki, goat’s cheese, salad leaves, olives, pesto (again homemade) salsa and tabbouleh, is more than plenty for one and could probably feed two if you were going to leave space for cake afterwards. I can also vouch for the Moroccan flatbread

all the food (bar the ❝ croissants) is made on the premises seasoned by the French sisters’ passion for preparing good food

❞

(tangy harissa, herby tabbouleh, creamy tzatziki and hummus) which I enjoyed on my latest visit. M’colleague chose the cutely named Auberginie flatbread, because as she says, she always fails to get aubergine to the right, soft smoky consistency at home. That was £6.95 and the topping combo of sweet aubergine, red onion, goat’s cheese with a dressing was a winner. There’s a soup of the day (£5.20 for a large bowlful) which is popular with winter regulars. The café is open from 9am to 5.30pm every day except Sundays, and serves veggie breakfasts too. Everything that’s served in-house can also be enjoyed as a takeaway. Even Maman’s

excellent tarte tatin and a chocolate brownie survived the trip back to the office in a carry-out box, whereupon they were wolfed appreciatively. The café is the sort of place you can bring all kinds of people, from your mother while out on a shopping trip, to friends with toddlers who need entertaining. There are a pair of sofas ideally placed for these family huddles and child sized portions of toasted cheese, hummus and flatbread or mini flatbread with tomato sauce an cheese are available, priced between £2.50 and £3.50. It might sound daft to say that you always feel you’re eating healthily at the café, even if that is a slice of gorgeously gooey chocolate brownie. But that could be something to do with the fact that all the food (bar the croissants) is made on the premises, seasoned by the French sisters’ passion for preparing good food, and the warm welcome they and their team offer visitors. It’s all wholesome stuff, which is what we need at this bleak, cold time of year. And not only is the Chapel Arts a meat-free zone you can also bring your gluten sensitive friends for the spelt flatbread or gluten free lemon polenta cake. It’s also licenced so customers can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or cider, but do try the homemade lemonade which is just the right side of tart. Visitors with tickets to a show in the arts centre upstairs on a Friday or Saturday night can come and enjoy a preshow dinner. Booking is advised. Fans of the Teapigs range of teas will also be pleased to hear that they’re served here, in a proper tea pot, as they should be. It’s no wonder, with all that’s on offer here, that the café pipped its rivals to carry off the award for the best vegetarian eaterie in the city at the 2013 Bath Good Food awards. I hope I’m not going to regret spilling the beans on this particular Bath secret. ■ GMc

P39:Layout 23

18/12/13

12:35

Page 1

THE THREE GABLES

Since its opening in 2011 The Three Gables has become a popular dining destination known for its top quality food, superb wines and the warm welcome provided by manager Vito Scaduto and his team.

Chef, Marc Salmon, uses the finest quality ingredients, locally sourced where possible, to create a modern British menu influenced by the classics of Mediterranean cuisine THE THREE GABLES is the ideal venue for all kinds of celebration, from private parties to corporate entertaining or a romantic dinner for two. You can reserve exclusive use of the restaurant for your private function.

Special Lunch Offer January Two course lunch £12.50 • Three courses £16.50 The Three Gables, St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DA Telephone 01225 781666

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

www.thethreegables.com

info@thethreegables.com

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 39

Jan wine:Layout 1

19/12/13

12:03

Page 1

THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic, recommends delicious wines that won’t break the bank

ots of people give up wine for January – but I’d suggest it’s the month, when we could do with a lovely, comforting glass more than at any other time. It’s cold, spring seems a long way away and the excitement of Christmas has gone. So my tip is to enjoy a glass or two, a couple of times a week, and buy decent wines, which will provide great pleasure but not break the bank. Avoid the lure of many dilute, characterless, heavily discounted wines, but cheer up the gloom with one of the following, all of which are at a very pleasing price point of under £10. Ken Forrester Petit Chenin, 2012 (South Africa) GWW £8.95 The label is bold and unmissable, just like the man behind the wine; from legendary Ken Forrester, one of the most respected winemakers in South Africa and the official ‘king of Chenin’, this is a winter delight. Forget thin, wimpy, acidic whites, January demands affordable wines with a bit of warmth, and ripe fruit. It’s delightfully crisp, with a green apple and pink grapefruit freshness, but enriched with spicy apricot and quince. It has more texture and oomph than many other wines at this price and a lot of character, with its ripe, creamy, smooth style. Try it with Moroccan tagines, virtuous ginger and garlic steamed fish, or a big bowl of Thai chicken curry.

Machherndl Riesling Federspiel Kollmitz Wachau 2012 (Austria) GWW £9.75 ( Jan only) This has to be one of the best deals in the January sale. It’s a fragrant delight from the region of Wachau, about one hour south of Vienna. Some Rieslings can be quite powerful in their sheer aromatic exuberance, but this is more of a gentle, drifting breeze, with soft, meadow flowers and delicate pear and ripe, candied lemon aromas. Subtle, silky, understated and elegant, it’s a great way of discovering Riesling, if you have not already done so. Bone dry, with delightful flavours of ripe apples and honeydew melon, with a touch of honey, it’s charming, it’s pretty, yet it has a glorious streak of steely minerality at its core, which adds to its character. Seductive in its sheer loveliness, and a restrained 12.5% alcohol, it’s a great aperitif, and would be similarly delicious with fish or with mild Thai curries. Little Yering Pinot Noir 2012 (Australia) GWW £9.95 Pinot Noir can be a delicate diva of a grape, but produced in the right conditions it is delightful. Just one hour north of Melbourne lies the Yarra Valley, and the home of this deliciously fruity, light red – silky soft, perfumed with scents of violets and freshly crushed raspberries, and gentle in its enchanting, berry fruit character. For a lighter take on winter reds, try this. It’s lovely on its own, but its delicacy, and gentle fruit also make it a great match for gammon steaks, duck breasts and it’s a wonderful wine to match with fish and vegetarian dishes. Intimo Tinto 2012, Humberto Canale (Argentina) GWW £9.50 If you’re looking for a rich, warming red, at a cracking price to banish the January blues, then this is the one. From the most southern wine producing region of Argentina, Patagonia, comes this rich, velvety, but very vibrant red – the tannins are soft, the flavours are silky and rich. Packed with aromas of blackcurrants, vanilla and spice, the flavours are all about rich, dense, blackberry fruit, dark chocolate and cracked black pepper, yet with a delightful freshness, which lifts it to a sumptuous, velvety finish. This is the one for those rich, comforting stews, roasts and quiet evenings by the fire. All of the above, plus a mixed case can be ordered through our website. Enjoy a 10% Great Western Wine discount by entering the code on Angela’s wine column. Visit : www.thebathmag.co.uk

40 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

A Serial Award winning Restaurant with International reputation Recent Awards: November 2013 British Curry Awards November 2013 Asian Curry Awards

4 Argyle Steet, Bath BA2 4BA Tel. 01225 466833 / 464758 www. Rajpoot.com

Connoisseurs choice for 33 Years. Open Daily.

Who can prepare the perfect Steak and Kidney Pie? The Gravy is the essential element - it must set into a jelly with the pieces of steak and kidney embedded in it. Then the pie is better cold than hot. (With a crisp salad and a fresh Burgundy). Also short crust pastry and a few other things. If you have thought these thoughts already, you probably can make a pie of this kind. If so, please (whether restaurant professional or keen home cook) reply to

bathfoodie@mail.com

P41:Layout 23

20/12/13

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

10:06

Page 1

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 41

litfestival v2:Layout 1

19/12/13

15:59

Page 1

CITYofFESTIVALS

CHAPTER AND VERSE: (top row) Game of Thrones, Jennifer Saunders, (centre) Viv Groskop, Rowan Williams, Call the Midwife, (bottom row) Hanif Kureishi, Claudia Roden, Jonathan Dimbleby, Joanna Trollope

Blissed out on books

The full line-up for the Independent Bath Literature Festival, which begins next month, has now been revealed. Artistic director candyfloss lover Viv Groskop gives us the heads-up on who’s coming to the party

he full festival programme has over 180 events and includes appearances by the following: Hanif Kureishi, Lionel Shriver, AL Kennedy, Philip Hensher, Michael Rosen, David Lodge, Rachel Joyce, Natalie Haynes, Penelope Lively, Adele Parks, Henry Blofeld, Patricia Hodge, Jennifer Saunders, Jonathan Dimbleby, Jon Snow, Gavin Esler, Kirsty Wark, Sally Magnusson, Gyles Brandreth, Mark Lawson and Kirsty Lang. As well as events on politics and economics with Alastair Campbell, Jonathan Aitken, Douglas Alexander, Tim Harford and Nick Cohen there are events celebrating Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife and Game of Thrones, a public reading event commemorating the first World War as well as Poems in Pubs, a Bath Poetry Cafe, Short Stories Aloud, and an exclusive Pin Drop event in the Servants Hall at No 1 Royal Crescent. Bath is the first big British festival on the literary calendar so I wanted 2014 to have a fresh, springtime feel. I also wanted a theme to cheer everyone up in these recessionary times. Bliss seemed perfect because it describes exactly the feeling you get from finding a book that is perfect for you. Or discovering an author who expresses something you’d always known but never quite voiced. Bliss is basically why I love books: it’s what I get from reading. So for 2014 I’ve created a series called The Bliss Lectures: I wanted a format where a speaker had a limited amount of time to talk about something passionately. In the Bliss Lectures each speaker will talk for 18 minutes on their personal bliss, followed by a conversation with an interviewer about the subjects raised and some time for Q&A with the audience. We’ve got a brilliantly eclectic mix: Joanna Trollope and Val McDermid will both give paeans to Jane Austen; the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will talk about the most

spiritual of Russian writers, Tolstoy and novelist Philip Hensher uncovers his love for the music of Wagner. Memoirist Olivia Laing, just shortlisted for the Costa Prize 2014, will talk about drinking; philosopher Julian Baggini will speak on food and gardening legend Anna Pavord reveals the pleasure of a perfectly ripe pear. Nature writer Patrick Barkham's bliss is the humble badger and for poet Frieda Hughes bliss is ‘knowing yourself.’ Personally speaking, if I had to choose my bliss among that lot, I’d have to go for the badger.

Bliss seems perfect ❝ because it describes exactly the feeling you get from finding a book that is perfect for you

❞

Most of all, literature festivals should be about fun and enjoyment. That’s why I wanted there to be plenty of comedy. Comedy is often regarded as the lowest art form and that’s only right and proper seeing as comedians are utter fools. Lucy Porter, whose show Northern Soul was a massive hit at last year's Edinburgh Festival, is coming to talk about her favourite books, (she’s secretly an English literature graduate). BBC Radio 4’s Jo Caulfield is bringing her show, Under the Influence of Books, about the impact literature has had on her, as well as talking about the highs and lows of life as a performer in The Night I Died. I’m interviewing her and I’ll be getting her to tell stories about Graham Norton and Joan Rivers: she has written for them both. But just because it’s comedy doesn’t mean it’s light. Political commentator Steve Richards is bringing his wonderful Rock n’ Roll Politics

show to Bath. It’s like a one-man Have I Got News For You? with impressions of pretty much every British prime minister since Churchill. Just as edgy is Mary Bourke: she’s an acerbic Irish comic with a deliciously acid touch. She’s part of our line-up at the Great Big Comedy Night at Komedia, where Mark Watson is headlining. He’s as deceptively bumbling in real life as he comes across on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week and he’s a brilliant live stand-up. On the same night, March 7, we’ve got Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy in TV’s Game of Thrones) playing her Victorian lady character Chastity Butterworth. Bath has always attracted international names to the festival. This year, in an exceptionally rare UK appearance, we’ve got Boris Akunin, Russia’s answer to JK Rowling. He’s Russia’s most read contemporary author in translation and has sold over 30 million novels. He writes hilarious swash-buckling 19th century detective novels, a bit like Dostoevsky taking on Sherlock Holmes. Another favourite of mine is coming over from New York: Gary Shytengart. A Russian-born American writer whose first novel The Russian Debutante’s Handbook won multiple awards, he’s here to talk about his memoir Little Failure. I really recommend him to anyone who likes David Sedaris or Jonathan Franzen. We’ve got a fantastic panel on discovering literature in translation, Around The World in 10 Books, with Scandinavian crime fiction fan Sam Baker and Bath-based author/translator Maureen Freely. Plus, there’s the unveiling of the long list for the Independent’s Foreign Fiction Prize. Or, if you prefer non-fiction, the announcement of the shortlist of the Pushkin House Russian Book Prize. I think that pretty much covers all bases. I’m considering devising a test at the end. To see the programme and to book online visit: www.bathfestivals.org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463362. ■

Read the Independent Bath Literature Festival listings on our website: www.thebathmag.co.uk You can also promote your event online 42 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

P43:Layout 23

18/12/13

14:48

Page 1

How to split your salary & dividends for 2013/14 to minimise tax We are only a couple of months from the tax year end and it’s a good time to review the most tax effective split between salary and dividends for owner managed companies. This optimum split comes when neither you nor the company pay any NI and yet you earn enough for a credit to be made against your National Insurance record for the purposes of the state pension. Working on the assumption you have no other income, the answer is an annual salary of £7,696 and dividends of £30,379 (value drawn from the company). Where you have other income, you can simply change the dividend payable (rather than the salary). If your spouse (or partner) also works in the business and holds shares, then they would be able to take the same as you, providing a joint income with no further tax to pay of £76,150 These figures will change for 2014/15 and we will advise the new figures in a later issue; if you need more information in the meantime, please call. At OCL we have been looking after SMEs (start ups to turnovers of £3 million) for more than twenty years; we would be pleased to meet you to discuss any tax, financial and accounting matters that would help you, including how we can help you save money. See our website for more – and download our FREE guides

“OCL Accountancy always provide an excellent level of support in an extremely straightforward and user friendly fashion. Advice is sensible and constructive. It is much more of a partnership than a traditional client relationship which is particularly helpful." Call Marie Maggs or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

www.oclaccountancy.com

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 43

Bath Bus:Layout 1

19/12/13

15:03

Page 1

CITYpeople

News in brief

Christmas market boosts economy by £20m

Tourism Plus said: and Liverpool. And as I other businesses. Bath Tourism Plus, ■ Former Bath, “Feedback from stall have been trading here The 18-day market organisers of Bath England and holders and visitors since the very start attracted an estimated Christmas Market, has British and Irish confirms that this year’s back in 2001, I can 370,000 visitors. calculated that Lions hooker Lee market has been the honestly say that over Themis Mikellides, December’s event Mears, pictured, best ever. Visitors have the years it has owner of Bath Aqua brought more than has joined Bath been delighted with the certainly helped in Glass, said: “The Bath £20m into the local Rugby Foundation Christmas shopping growing my business Christmas Market economy – with more as a new Trustee, offer which Bath and putting Bath Aqua brings life and festivity than £13m of that as the charity provides.” Some Glass on the map.” to the city by bringing being spent outside the celebrates its ten traders had enjoyed Nick Brooks Sykes, people from as far and market, in the city’s year anniversary. Lee, who is also cotheir best year ever. chief executive of Bath wide as America, China shops, restaurants and owner of Bath coffee shops Jika Jika, will be responsible for business relationship development and will act as a charity ambassador. Bath Rugby Foundation aims to enhance the lives of children and young people in the local Ralph Oswick, artistic director of Widcombe based Natural Theatre area through sport. Company and former esteemed columnist of The Bath Magazine, ■ For the second year running, the has been awarded the Mayor of University of Bristol is offering free Bath’s Long Service medal for his places on its part-time Masters in years of unswerving devotion to Strategy, Change and Leadership. The his art and the community life of programme is for aspiring senior the city. managers and is designed to fit around Ralph moved to Bath in 1969 the demands of a busy job. Today’s when The Bath Arts Workshop, leaders are facing the most challenging forerunner to the Natural Theatre operating circumstances for a Company, was based in Walcot. generation, in a landscape of budget Throughout what has cuts, increased hours, more A NATURAL: Mayor of Bath Malcolm Lees, Ralph Oswick, artistic director of sometimes been a turbulent 45 sophisticated technology and leaner the Natural Theatre Company and Martin Tracy, chairman of the board of years Ralph has worked tirelessly directors of the Natural Theatre Company workforces. The course is aimed at with the company and for the providing managers with the tools and past 25 years, been its artistic street theatre group performing in hatted, declaring open any techniques they require in order to director, producer and a more than 85 countries. Fans of number of Bath social occasions. navigate their organisations through performer. One of his best known Ralph’s anecdotes can enjoy his Under his direction the such demanding times. Contact creations is Lady Margaret, who blog. Visit: www.ralphoswick. Naturals has developed into an Cheralyn Dark tel: 0117 331 7908 or can be found be-frocked and wordpress.com. internationally renowned comedy email: efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk. There’ll be an open evening on 5 March.

Honoured

■ Partners of Bradford-on-Avon based bridal boutique, Carina Baverstock and Lucy Hayward-Rodgers have picked up the award for best bridal retailer in the south west for the second year. The pair are also holders of the Wedding Industry Award 2013 Best Bridal Retailer for the UK. They said: “This award is extra special for us as it is voted for by our very own brides who have taken time out of their busy newly-married lives to give us such glowing reviews. We are very proud of of our hard-working team who aim for perfection in everything they do.”

Artists give work to help young in west An auction of art in Bath from more than 70 artists such as Sir Quentin Blake and Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has raised £63,000 for youth charity The Prince’s Trust. The Evening of Art auction saw art, including a portrait of Wallace and Gromit by creator Nick Park and a silkscreen and photo collage of Venice by Sir Peter Blake go under the hammer. Among the 70 artists who donated work were Peter Brown, Sam Wigan, Jason Kelly, Nick Jeffrey and cartoonist Gerald Scarfe. Guests were also be able to bid for a watercolour painting by Prince’s Trust president, Prince Charles. All proceeds will go directly towards helping

Producing Resolution Not Prolonging Conflict

As the largest firm of solicitors in Bath devoted exclusively to family law, Sharp Family Law helps divorcing clients to protect children, preserve assets, and reach an efficient resolution.

44 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

disadvantaged young people in the south west. Jack Lewis from The Prince’s Trust said: “The event has raised a fantastic amount of money for The Trust so we’re extremely grateful to all the artists who donated artwork for the event. It’s vital we act now and keep doing everything we can to help disadvantaged young people across the south west. The money raised tonight is a huge boost and will help many young people to change their lives.” Other artists who donated art included Diana Armfield, Paul Emsley, Robbie Wraith and actor John Standing. Sponsors and supporters of the event are Coutts & Co, Withy King, The Roper Family Charitable Trust and ResideBath.

sharp F A M I LY L A W 5 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH, UK email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com t: 01225 448955 / 07798606740 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com

Mowbray Woodwards fp JAN:Layout 22

19/12/13

09:51

Page 1

LEGALmatters

ADV ERT OR I AL FEATURE

A new life overseas? – What are the chances?

elocation after divorce or separation is an issue which affects a large number of families in our increasingly globalised world. More and more parents are seeking to move abroad with their children following the breakdown of a relationship and, if they do not have the consent of the other parent with parental responsibility, it will be for the family courts to decide whether such a move is in the children’s best interests. The process of making a court application for permission to move abroad is inevitably expensive and unpredictable as there are so many factors at play and details to be considered in each individual case. A recent statistical study has sought to bring an objective, scientific analysis to bear on this complicated and understandably emotive area of law. Information was taken from 172 cases in 2012 in order to investigate the various factors at play in resolving them through the courts. Some factors relate to the system in place to decide the cases and some are in respect of the details of the cases themselves. Are we simply a ‘pro-relocation’ culture? Some 5 or 10 years ago maybe, but certainly from a practitioner’s point of view the tide has changed and an increasing number of applications, which on the face of them are well thought out and genuinely motivated, are being refused by the courts. Whilst the study shows 66.7% of applications were granted, this is actually fractionally lower than those approved by the courts in Canada and New Zealand, countries thought to be neutral and anti-relocation respectively. The approach to these cases does not therefore seem to vary too much from one jurisdiction to another. Would a more senior Judge decide my case differently? Applications of this nature can be heard by Judges at all levels although the High Court Judges more often deal with cases where a parent is seeking to move to a non-Hague Convention country or a long-haul destination. In any event, the figures show that the type of Judge hearing the application has no influence on the outcome. Am I at a disadvantage if I represent myself? This is a very good question and one that is particularly pertinent in the current economic climate where few can afford the thousands of pounds of legal fees that would be involved in a fully contested application. The answer is sadly, yes, it would seem that you are at a disadvantage WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

as a Respondent if the other party is legally represented. This may be because those who end up representing themselves have a weaker case in any event, but it is still very concerning in cases where the impact of the decision can be so significant. If neither party is represented, however, the playing field is levelled. Are the courts more likely to grant permission where there is less contact with the other parent? From a practitioner’s point of view it seemed for a time that the courts would grant permission where there was a clear Primary Carer but would be more reluctant where there was a Shared Care Arrangement in place. Reassuringly the figures suggest that this is not the case and that the amount of overnight contact a child has with the other parent does not have a significant impact upon the success of the application. What does appear to be very important is the fact of overnight contact, so where there is no overnight contact at all, the courts are more likely to agree to the proposed move.

that the success rate for applications decreased as the distance involved in the move increased. This must serve to remind us that indirect contact via such mediums as SKYPE is no substitute for direct contact which remains the most important means by which a child’s relationship with the other parent can be maintained and nurtured. For further information about relocation issues or any other family law matter, please contact the Family Law Team by telephone on 01225 485700 or via email at family@mowbraywoodwards.co.uk

Does the court look more favourably on some motivations for a move than others? Discounting the motivation of severing links with the other parent which the courts would never sanction, the main reasons for applications of this type are for an improved lifestyle, to return to an original home country, to join a new partner, or to follow a career opportunity. Do any of these reasons carry more weight with the court? The study reassuringly shows that lifestyle is not a persuasive argument for a move but surprisingly suggests that applications based upon taking up a new job are more likely to succeed than those based upon a person wishing to return to their home country. Is my ex partner’s new partner a significant factor? This does indeed seem to be of significance in that applicants who are married are more likely to be successful than those who are single. The fact of a committed new relationship with the potential of step-children is clearly a relevant issue for the court.

Jo Davies, Family Law Solicitor at Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors

Am I more likely to be able to move to Europe than New Zealand? The more distance put between a parent and a child, the more complicated and expensive the contact arrangements and the higher the risk that the relationship between the child and that parent will suffer. Not surprisingly then the study shows

Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors, 3 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HG www.mowbraywoodwards.co.uk JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 45

bikes:Layout 3

19/12/13

15:29

Page 1

CITYofBIKES

The beauty of two wheels John Potter owner of John’s Bikes, sometime car driver, sometime pedestrian, appeals to Bathonians to take to two wheels in 2014 to make the city a healthier, greener place to live and work

ath is getting more and more traffic jammed. With ever climbing fuel prices, sitting in cars is like burning money, with enough emissions to give Bath its very own ozone hole. With that in mind and because bicycling is so good for health, planet and pocket, you have to ask, how come the whole of Bath isn’t on its bike? I’ve got nothing against cars. I’ve got one myself. But whenever I can I hop on my bicycle. That’s because I’ll get to where I’m going faster, I won’t spend ages finding somewhere to park, I won’t have to feed parking meters endlessly and nor will I contribute to the £5 million collected in parking fines in Bath. For some the hills of Bath are simply too much. But most people’s journeys don’t take them to the top of Lansdown or up to the university. For the rest of us, it’s worth remembering that 75% of all journeys are under five miles – perfect on a bike. And with the latest light-weight 24-gear bikes you can tackle most inclines – and it’s always brilliant going down. One fear is that bikes get nicked but most bike thefts are opportunistic due to an unlocked bike or one flimsily secured. A professional bicycle thief will take the lamp post down to get your bike. But it’s very rare. Just don’t skimp on the lock. All you need is a good quality, modern one that works – not your grand dad’s combination £2.50 lock that he got from Woolworths. Perhaps one of the biggest concerns for cycling is the issue of safety. The first thing to remember is that the benefits of cycling overwhelmingly outweigh the risks. There are millions of cyclists who travel by bicycle every day on busy roads without any problems. That’s because they know how to stay safe. These days more car drivers than ever also ride bikes. Most of them know exactly what it’s like to be a cyclist. They don’t want to knock you down. It damages their car for a start! As drivers we’ve all got a bit cross at a slower moving cyclist. But if you are one of the few motorists who don’t cycle, all cyclists need is for you to put yourself in their saddle. You’d be amazed at the difference that makes. The most dangerous thing cyclists can do (I know, I’ve done it) is when we overtake a lorry, a bus or any long vehicle on the inside. What can happen then is that the vehicle turns left. Cyclists – you just have to put yourself in the driver’s seat . . . in most cases they simply can’t see you. They 46 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

don’t know you are there. So just don’t do it. It’s not that I’m sticking up for drivers. To them I say if you have just overtaken a cyclist, for goodness sake, don’t turn left into them. Another thing, bicyclists need to lighten up. Wear light clothing. Better still, wear reflective clothing. Just make sure you are seen, especially at night time. It’s taken 150 years to invent bicycle lights that you can actually see by and they’ve got batteries that go on and on. They’re so bright everyone can see them, so there’s no excuse to be without bike lights. You can still buy rubbish bike lights but a decent bike shop won’t sell them. One thing people might not realise is that I’m a cycle-helmet-evangelist. That’s because I know that most cycling accidents occur simply by people

If you are on the canal or river towpath ❝ stick to Sunday best manners. All you have to do is imagine you are the lady with the pushchair or the old man with the walking stick and slow down. Ring, sing, hoot and keep it jolly as you approach

❞

falling off their own bikes. In 50 years of cycling I’ve had a couple of crashes myself. Both times I hit my head. No wonder we at John’s Bikes brought the very first helmets into Britain. Now they are so advanced that they weigh about as much as the box they come in, with all sorts of shapes, sizes, colours and styles. Have you ever seen a horse rider without a helmet? Just wear one. Now to pavements – unless there is a bike lane clearly marked, cyclists shouldn’t be pedalling on them. If you are on the canal or river towpath, stick to Sunday best manners. All you have to do is imagine you are the lady with the pushchair or the old man with the walking stick and slow down.

bikes:Layout 3

19/12/13

15:30

Page 2

CITYofBIKES

Better biking for Bath

Above, families have enjoyed the opening of the Two Tunnels Greenway Illustration by Lorna Leigh Harrington

Ring, sing, hoot and keep it jolly as you approach . . . then wish them a good day. Don’t be so loud that they jump out of their skin. Luckily, Bath’s cyclists rarely ride pavements and Bath’s pedestrians rarely enact their right to a citizen’s arrest if they do. But it’s not just because it’s illegal. Yes, there could be better cycling lanes in parts of town and I, along with many others, campaign for that. In the meantime, no matter how slow you go, riding on the pavement understandably makes pedestrians jumpy because it puts them at risk. Stick to the road. Finally, Bath isn’t London. But cycling safety still has to be top of the agenda for everyone. What that means is each putting themselves in the saddle, the driver’s seat or the shoes of other road or pavement users. Keeping on the right side of the law is about being safe too, so remind yourself of your Highway Code. Dull as that may seem, whether you are a cyclist or a driver, it could make you and others safer. So, make 2014 the year that you get bicycling. It’ll save you money, keep Bath cleaner and quieter, will keep you fit and with just a little care you’ll stay safe. If you achieve all of that, it will definitely make it a happy new year. ■ For more information about keeping safe while bicycling go to www.johnsbikes.co.uk or call into the shop and workshop in Walcot Street. The most significant improvement for Bath’s cyclists – whether they’re the sleek Lycra wearing athletes or the families with some of their younger members a trifle wobbly – has been the opening last April of the Two Tunnels Greenway. The two tunnels, the Devonshire Tunnel and the mile-long Combe Down Tunnel were transformed from two disused railway tunnels into routes for walkers and cyclists. The project was welcomed by hundreds of people, who turned up for the opening ceremony and the first official ride through. It provides a link between central Bath, Midford, Monkton Combe and beyond. It’s now possible to enjoy a 13-mile circuit taking in both tunnels. The Independent said of the new route: “One of the most scenically varied and sightseeing-rich couple of hours of cycling anywhere in Britain,” and it has certainly become a talking point among Bath cyclists who ask each other if they’ve tried the new route and what they thought of its music along the way. If you’d like to try the 13-mile circuit you can download a map from: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/bath-twotunnels. ■

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

❝

In London a crackdown by police recently led to 755 cyclists being fined for offences such as jumping red lights and 1,392 motorists fined for offences such as talking on their mobiles

Know your Highway Code

❞

Whether we’re on two wheels or four, the Highway Code applies. Do you know which of the following statements are true or false? Car drivers are obliged to keep a wary eye out for cyclists making sudden changes in direction as they avoid potholes, drain covers or icy patches. Cyclists riding at night are legally obliged to have a white light at the front of their machine, red rear lights and red rear reflectors. Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes if they choose not to. Cycling on the pavement – unless it is marked as a cycle path – is illegal. Cars and cyclist must obey all traffic light signals. Cyclists must not cross the stop line when traffic lights are red. All the above statements are true

PEDAL POWER: main picture, one of the decorated bikes that form the Bath Bikes in Bloom group

You may have noticed that Bath’s own version of the blue Boris Bikes, that are so popular in London, have been temporarily taken off the streets of the city. That’s because Bath & North East Somerset Council is working on improving the system, which should be ready this spring.The new-look service will include a wider range of hire points, the ability for people to take them out the city limits and a more convenient bike hire process. The improvements follow feedback from users of the trial scheme in the city, which was being run privately since September 2011, and following recommendations by the University of the West of England. Councillor Caroline Roberts, cabinet member for transport, said: “The new and improved council scheme will boost cycling as a more viable option for people wanting to get around CYCLISTS’ CHAMPION: Mayor Bath and the of London Boris Johnson surrounding area by bike. “More hire points will be available at Bath Spa University, the RUH and further key locations in and around the city. People will also be able to hire using their credit card or mobile phone at the cycle stand they are using, as well as via the web where cards can be purchased in advanced. “The cycles can also explore surrounding routes like the Two Tunnels Greenway and Kennet and Avon Canal Path since there will be no restrictions on where they can be ridden.” Other aspects of the new scheme include: ● A new website will include details on where all the cycle stands are and how many bikes are currently available at each stand. ● Advance purchase cards for cycle hire will also be available from the Tourist Information Office when the refit is complete. The council has contracted Nextbike GmbH which is providing cycle hire at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 47

Julian House:Layout 3

20/12/13

09:30

Page 1

COTSWOLDway

PEAKS AND TROUGHS: reaching Painswick Beacon. Dan Brown is on the far left

Challenge yourself in 2014 Bath charity Julian House, which works with homeless men and women, is inviting people to take part in its annual 102-mile sponsored walk. Dan Brown who has done the trek twice, offers inspiration to others to step out

48 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Once more the weather was beautiful with clear blue skies, a light breeze and limitless horizons. A farewell view of Cheltenham from Cam Long Down meant we were now overlooking the distant River Severn, bridges and heading finally towards home. Coffee in North Nibley was the last time the group was together before reconvening at the appropriately named Dog Inn in Old Sodbury – Sam arriving a good hour and a quarter before Claire and I, with Theresa, Peter and Ali straggling in between.” Sam had a fantastic day’s walking, here is his account: ‘To sum up my journey today in a nutshell it was simply stunning. I came across a family of green woodpeckers, a male pheasant with 12 little pheasants scuttling behind him, and a couple of deer. I also bought some freshly produced honey from a stand in a back garden which simply had an honesty box, but the highlight of my day came while I was standing and admiring the Somerset Monument – the Red Arrows flew over trailing their trademark red white and blue smoke. Epic.’ “Day five: We did it! We have walked 105 miles in 5 days, raised what looks like it will be over £4,000 for Julian House between the six of us, and had a wonderful experience. This morning after a fabulous breakfast we set off with vigour, getting stuck into the last day and looking forward to our return to Bath. The pleasures of walking through Sir James Dyson’s Doddington Park made up for the tortuous route, and escaping the roar of the M4 and descending into tranquil hidden valleys behind Dyrham Park were highlights. Remarkably our pace today was probably the quickest of the week, and we managed to walk as a group for most of the way too. We wove our way through the incredibly busy throngs of tourists in Bath to the finish. It was a fabulous but slightly bewildering feeling,

finishing a walk that had almost totally been conducted alone and in tranquil and expansive settings, to then be confronted with Bath at its busiest.” The sense of achievement was shared by all of us. We all stuck together as a team, supported each other and shared an experience that will last a lifetime. If ever you have thought of doing something like this yourself, do it, you will not be disappointed. ■

PICTURES: courtesy of Dan Brown

n August 2010, I joined 11 other adventurers on the 105-mile walk from Chipping Campden to Bath. The experience left a lasting impression on me and last summer I decided to do it again, convincing my partner and her son to join me and the small group of others who had registered. If ever you were wondering what it is like to walk 20 miles a day, every day for five days in a row, here are some extracts from the daily updates we sent . . . “Day one couldn’t have gone much better. The weather was perfect and the walking wonderful. The route was a string of Cotswold pearls, from the bustling Chipping Campden, to the touristy Broadway, followed by the wonderful Broadway Tower in its magnificent setting. There is a great mix of people who are all loving the experience and looking forward to the pleasures that lie ahead, but 24 miles tomorrow will be a challenge. Day two: We were up and out by 8am tackling the first hill of many hills, then down to the valley depths which were eerily silent and echoey – that odd absence of noise so rarely heard. The rewards for all of these hills came in the form of stunning views, I think we’d like to come back during the Cheltenham Festival and watch and listen to the crowds from Cleeve Common – it offered a superb view of the racecourse. Day three: We are knackered. Today saw us in new surroundings and more breathtaking views. Long and beautiful shaded woodland paths provided a welcome change and the first ten miles or so went effortlessly by. Our now traditional stop for coffee at elevensies was at Painswick in a delightful back street café. The miles clicked on well today, the euphoria of the first few days continues, but it is now tinged with some weariness which will definitely lead to sadness as we realise this adventure will be ending. Day four: Today was very tough.

Signing up The Cotswold Challenge in aid of Julian House is being held twice in 2014, from 20 – 24 May and 12 – 16 August. The route is officially 102 miles, with the dozen walkers expected to complete around 20 miles a day. Registration is £240, with participants invited to raise at least £350 for the charity. The fee includes all transport, accommodation, luggage transportation and packed lunches. The challenge provides the chance for people to train to get fit before taking part and enjoy some beautiful countryside along the way. To register visit: www.julianhouse.org.uk

P49:Layout 23

19/12/13

12:06

Page 1

TAX DEADLINES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN 2014 The festive period has passed and there are now pressing tax matters for many to consider. Here we highlight what may affect you in January and the months after, as well as some changes announced in the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement which could have an impact on future property transactions. Self Assessment Deadlines and key dates If you have been sent a “Notice to Complete a Tax Return” by HMRC, you must file a return online by 31 January 2014 in order to avoid a late filing penalty of £100. This is regardless of whether you received any income. If you have not received a Notice then you may still have to file a return if you have more complicated tax affairs, even if you already pay tax through your tax code and this includes where you are self-employed, a company director, or a trustee. In addition, receiving foreign income, rental income, earning over £100,000, living/working/being born overseas or making capital gains can all require a tax return, as can receiving Child Benefit. Indeed, in our last article we mentioned HMRC’s current campaign targeting landlords and depending on your circumstances you may be well advised to make a specific disclosure. The other imminent dates are as follows: 31 January 2014 - date for paying tax for tax year 2012/13 31 January 2014 - date for 1st payment on account for 2013/14 28 February 2014 - 5% surcharge imposed on any 2012/13 tax that remains unpaid Additional Self Assessment penalties In recent years there have been further significant penalties introduced by HMRC, and one to be aware of is a charge of £10 imposed for every further day if the tax return is 3 months late (up to £900 maximum). The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – Capital Gains Tax changes If you are considering selling your main home in the near future and have not lived there recently, you may be better off selling before 6 April 2014. Also, if you spend most of your time abroad but own a UK property, you may have to pay UK tax upon its sale if this occurs after 5 April 2015. If you think any of the above may affect you then please contact either Jade Vine or Jon Miles on 01225 325580 or info@richardsonswift.co.uk www.richardsonswift.co.uk 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL 01225 325 580

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 49

Salisbury:Layout 3

16/12/13

16:23

Page 1

WEEKENDbreak

Why Jay Z went to Wiltshire Georgette McCready explores the delights of Salisbury and its surrounding countryside and finds things to please dog lovers, classic car enthusiasts, historians, foodies and walkers

’m fascinated by the fact that an English document written in 1215 has the power to draw an American hip-hop artist to Wiltshire. Jay Z made a special trip to Salisbury Cathedral last summer to see the Magna Carta for himself as its text, which includes the line: “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay, right or justice,” inspired his latest album, Magna Carta Holy Grail. It seems the 13th century document – the nearest we Brits have got to the Americans’ Declaration of Independence – holds a fascination for the rapper, who says the sentiments about freedom and justice are as pertinent now as they were then. It would be interesting to know what was going through Jay Z’s head as he crossed the wide, green open spaces of the cathedral close and contemplated the 404 foot graceful, slim spire which reduces humans to the scale of ants, just as a skyscraper does. The spire – the tallest in the UK – can be seen for miles around. You’d be a very foolish tourist indeed if you were to stand anywhere in the city centre and ask for directions to the cathedral as it dominates the skyline. Whatever your religious beliefs the cathedral entrance fee of £6.50 (not that this is compulsory) is good value as you can spend a happy couple of hours exploring its glorious interior, taking in the world’s oldest working clock (it dates back to 1386), admiring the still waters of the eye-catching modern font, or exploring the history of the people and their monuments. The city itself, although only an hour or so’s drive from Bath, feels much more like a south-eastern place than a west country one. Perhaps that’s because being that much closer to London that the accents are generally harsher than the soft Bath accent. But, like Bath, there are any number of familar names, such as Côte Brasserie, The Cosy Club, a Hall and Woodhouse and a Café Rouge.

You’d be a very foolish tourist ❝ indeed if you were to stand anywhere in the city centre and ask for directions to the cathedral

❞

From Salisbury there are a number of interesting places to visit within easy reach, not least the new Visitors’ Centre at Stonehenge. You’ll find there, and at the city’s museum in the cathedral close, hordes of fascinating finds from the Stonehenge site. The museum is undergoing major work at the moment with nearly £2m being invested in a new Archaeology of Wessex gallery which is due to open later this year. If wide open spaces appeal, head up to Cranborne Chase. These rolling chalk hills are among my favourite places, with huge skies and fabulous farreaching views. This to me is the English countryside at its finest. Bang on the Wiltshire/Dorset border are the Larmer Tree pleasure gardens. This is the site of King John’s hunting grounds, but in the late 19th century Pitt Rivers laid out the pleasure gardens, with statues and follies where picnicking Victorians could while away their leisure time. You can still take a picnic to Larmer Tree gardens, but there is a delightful little café in a former gardener’s lodge serving hot lunches and teas. We usually visit the Larmer Tree site in July for the annual festival, with camping, so it was fascinating to visit out of season and see the fields which we normally see filled with tents, empty apart from a few sheep. And the lawns, under the oak trees, where the summer festival audience dances to acts such as Paloma Faith and Van Morrison and music played by DJ Derek. Out of season visitors are free to wander among the trees, admire the ponds and waterfalls and the peacocks who live here. If you have chidren they’ll be enchanted by the fairy doors in the trees. You can follow the trail around the gardens and find the little wooden doors, which are all named 50 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

after people who have associations with the estate. Admission is £4. Check on the website before you go as opening times are limited. Generally Sundays to Thursdays are open days but weddings mean the gardens are usually closed on Saturdays. Visit: www.larmertreegardens .co.uk. We were staying at the newly refurbished country pub, restaurant and hotel, The Pembroke Arms in Wilton just outside Salisbury. There’s a real fire in the bar, and a stag’s head on the wall and, best of all, nobody tuts if you come in wearing muddy walking boots. The atmosphere, thanks to manager Jamie and his team, is relaxed but very stylish. Our room was the Queen’s Bedchamber, a very sumptous, comfortable space – but a word of warning if you’re travelling with a staunch republican. “I wonder why it’s called the Queen’s Bedchamber,” I mused. A voice from the bathroom replied: “Ah, I’ve discovered why . . .” The bathroom walls were papered with pages from a 1953 magazine devoted to the Queen’s Coronation – a complete Queenfest that was a pleasure to behold. The republican recovered sufficiently to enjoy a pint of real ale in the bar, a game of Scrabble by the fire and a delicious dinner in the restaurant. We

Salisbury:Layout 3

18/12/13

12:45

Page 2

WEEKENDbreak

PICTURE: Rory Lindsay Photography COUNTY’S GEMS: main picture, the Larmer Tree Gardens, inset, Salisbury Cathedral Above, the Pembroke Arms and a classic car event at Wilton House attracts petrol heads for miles around

re-convened the next morning for one of the best breakfasts we have ever tasted. The bread is made in-house, the full English was a classic and my Eggs Benedict were so good they’re one of those dishes that you long for again days afterwards. We found out later that the Pembroke has an AA award for its breakfasts. We’re not huntin’, shootin’ or fishin’ types but we noted that the Pembroke Arms has a gun room and a dog room too. Well behaved dogs are welcome at the hotel and there’s even a canine room service for them so they can dine in their rooms. The Pembroke is part of the Hillbrooke Hotels group which prides itself on being comfortable, stylish and quirky. There’s a deal on at the moment offering a classic room, dinner, bed and

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

breakfast for £155 a night for two people. To book visit: www.pembrokearms.co.uk or call: 01722 743328. Opposite the hotel is the privately owned stately home, Wilton House, the residence of the Earls of Pembroke for generations. The current earl is a keen motor racer and a collector of classic cars. The estate hosts a classic and supercars day every August, the 2014 event falling on 3 August. Wilton House also hosts the monthly Wilton Wake Up on the fourth Sunday of the month from 8am. Each month a different type of classic car is chosen and they are invited to park on the forecourt of the house. For details of more motoring events this year visit: www.wiltonhouse.com. ■

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 51

Skiing V2:Layout 1

18/12/13

13:00

Page 1

WINTERbreak

Ski faster, ski longer Travel journalist and keen skier Naomi Price visits the French resort of Tignes to find gap year students honing their instructor skills and slopes with challenges to suit everyone from complete novices to the speedsters

et there be no doubt about it: the purpose-built French village of Tignes is not a pretty little Alpine ski resort. The high rise concrete apartment blocks erupt like a carbuncle on the face of nature, the church belfry suggests an upside-down Aga rack with the burnt bits for bells and the architecture is the essence of 1960s Brutalism. But the whole is one huge unapologetic Gallic shrug that embodies the Tignes spirit: “Take us or leave us, we are ze best.” Tignes is part of the Espace Killy, named after the downhill racing legend Jean-Claude Killy. Together with neighbouring Val d’Isere, these two resorts of the Savoie and Tarantaise mountains offer more skiable terrain than anywhere else in Europe: 300 exhilerating kilometres for all skiing levels, to say nothing of the glorious powder bowls, couloirs, gulleys and cols of its off-piste opportunities. Regulars at Tignes return at least once a year to renew their acquaintance with the resort which has probably the most phenomenal skiing in the world. Open ten months of the year by virtue of its height (11,000 feet) and the glacier (it’s receding with global warming but canny Alpine guides allege that new ones are establishing themselves even now as you read) Tignes enjoys a first-in, last-out season that extends well either side of the conventional ski calendar. Early in the autumn, the snow starts to fall and settle, providing a solid base for the rest of the season and beyond into mid-spring for the weeks of ‘corn’ snow and sun-tan weather.

PICTURES: Polly Baldwin

Tignes is keen on protecting its environment and this is the time that the Vanoise National Park is most alive with chamoix, snow-hare, white partridge and marmots (these play amongst the starry Alpine flowers, and can be heard whistling from the chair-lift). The resort shuts briefly on 1 May, only to reopen for high-altitude summer skiing on the glacier. Beginners have four nursery-slope areas to choose from: Tignes le Lac, Val Claret, Le Lavachet and Tignes les Brévières, all of which offer zero lift charges for novices. There are plenty of wide motorway runs for intermediates, and efficient links mean that you never have to ski the same route twice. November not the season of gentle turning leaf still in progress in the valleys below: wait for a gap in the traffic on Double M, emerge rapidly from the slip road and accelerate like you’ve stolen your skis into the stream of training

Tignes: fact file

● Getting to Tignes: Tignes is 173 km from Geneva or 132 km from Chambery, transfer time around 3½ hours. ● Rates at Lo Terrachu range between 525-700 Euros half-board pppn for seven days in winter and €50 per room in summer. ● The intimate Alpaka Lodge with its roaring fire and 15 individual rooms charges around €100 pppn. Email info@loterrachu.com or contact Sarah, the manager, on +33 479 400 348. She’s also a top ski instructor. ● Snoworks run courses all year round. Seven days’ instruction with

52 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

downhillers shredding up the piste at speeds of at least 50mph. Snoworks company runs a race carve week that urges you on to better, faster and more precise skiing on dedicated slalom courses with coaching from high-level instructors like Phil Smith, the irrepressibly fizzy owner of the company, and four-times Olympic champion Emma Carrick-Anderson. They teach race techniques that improve all aspects of your performance, like keeping the arc of your carve going “beyond the point when the wheels would normally fall off.” The week culminates in the big race where the course is shared by Gap year talent ambitious of rapid ski instructor qualification. Gappies on Snoworks courses have the opportunity of passing their BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instruction) levels 1 and 2 in eight weeks: the fast-track programme equips them with the possibility of finding jobs as instructors from the January of the same season. Tignes can be proportionally cheaper than the chips that you get on the mountain for lunch or as classy as you wish. Check out the recentlyopened quirky Lo Terrachu hotel bang on the water’s edge and watch the mists skittering across the surface of the glassily sublime lake. It’s the only accessible restaurant on the lake open to non-residents, and its tables would be in it they were any closer. All around, the mountains rise steeply. Tignes romantic? Tignes one of the most beautiful places in the world? Perish the thought… ■

Snoworks costs £300. Other courses include all terrain, off piste and bumps. Accommodation at Mark Warner’s Aiguille Percee, £720 (depending on dates) includes full board, flights and transfers. ● Gap course fees to cover instructor training are £7,495, covering the lot: instruction accommodation and lift pass. Parents who fork out for course fees are in a minority: most gap year students have saved up themselves. Snoworks is a BASI partner and also provides training for BASI Levels 3 and 4 and the Eurotest.

Project4:Layout 4

19/12/13

14:59

Page 1

family fun:Layout 2

20/12/13

11:27

Page 1

FAMILYfun

WINTER PROJECT: the Black Swan Arts Open Competition is the only such contest in the south west PICTURE: The Young Artist by David Bromley

Stimulating young minds Make your New Year’s resolution to spend more time with your children. Awaken their interest in a whole host of subjects on offer in Bath and beyond this month Victoria Art Gallery Until Sunday 5 January Explore the gallery to find hidden decorations.

playground for skaters of all ages. From £7 for an hour, to include skate hire. To book visit: www.bathonice.com or tel: 07583 258 688.

Mars Lab

The Holburne winter light display

At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol From 7 January Investigate the planet Mars using remotecontrolled rovers and real lab equipment. Design your very own Mars Rover, then put it to the test on a recreated Martian landscape, gathering rock samples and taking them to the lab for analysis. Drop-in sessions throughout the day, standard admission applies.

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath Until Sunday 5 January Lighting designer, Patrick Woodroffe, who designed the lighting for the opening of the Olympics has created a magical light display in the museum grounds, set to music.

Hands-on science Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Queen Square, Bath. £6 a session. To book, email: coolbookings@brlsi.org Saturday 11 January, 1pm– 4pm Use nature to help humans: with Professor Julian Vincent. Find out about the tricks plants use to survive and grow and how humans can learn and copy from them to improve our lives. Making Molecules with the Royal Society of Chemistry, with Dr Beth Anderson and Dr David Haywood. Find out more about molecules and their structure making models from equipment provided by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Bath on Ice family skating Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath Until 5 January, open daily Bath’s open air ice rink provides an exciting

Education news

All Hallows Preparatory School in Cranmore is opening a new nursery class from January, allowing children to join from the age of three. The new class will be based in the Early Years centre in the school and the youngest recruits will be able to enjoy a host of facilities. 54 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Moominland Midwinter The egg at the Theatre Royal, Bath Tel: 01225 823409 Until Sunday 12 January This will be first time in the UK for a stage adaptation of Tove Jansson’s Moominland Midwinter by acclaimed writer Hattie Naylor. Suitable for audiences aged six and over, this promises to be a magical, enchanting show featuring Moomintroll, Moominmamma and the Snork Maiden.

unique and playful interaction between live music and enchanting storytelling. Explore the magical world of Peter and the Wolf at a preshow free family workshop from 2.15pm. Tickets £8 / £6 under-18s from tel: 01225 860100.

Stick Man trails at Westonbirt Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire Until 31 January Let your children’s imaginations roam by following the Stick Man trail and using the forest as their playground. The trail, inspired by the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler character, is designed to help children find out more about the importance of wood and trees to their daily lives. Admission prices apply.

Black Swan Arts Open Competition

Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon This is a great introduction to live classical music and storytelling for children aged six and over (and grown-ups too). Storyteller Martin Maudsley and virtuoso musicians Eddy Jay (accordion) and Fiona Barrow (violin) transform Sergei Prokoviev’s much loved musical tale into a

The Black Swan arts centre, Frome Visit: www.blackswan.org.uk to download an entry form Deadline: Wednesday 26 February This is the south west’s only competition for young artists, aged between eight and 19. Painters, sculptures, jewellery makers, potters and other creative types are invited to submit entries for this annual competition, with the chance of seeing their work in an exhibition in the spring. There’s also the prize of a one-to-one workshop with a professional artist. What a great project for young artists in the long, winter evenings. ■

Headmaster, Ian Murphy, said: “The early years of a child’s life are the most formative in so many ways. “Children in the nursery will enjoy daily Forest School sessions in the seven acre woodland area, Tots Tennis within the LTA accredited tennis academy, swimming, golf, dance and languages as well as having access to the astroturf, cricket and rugby pitches, fully equipped science laboratories, theatre, art and

ceramics facilities, ICT facilities and libraries.” Daily sessions will run from from 8.30am to 4.25pm, £45 per day which includes lunch, snacks and all activities. Early drop off and a late pick up will also be available for families. Early years entitlement grants and employer childcare vouchers will be accepted at the school. For more information on All Hallows School visit: www.allhallowsschool.co.uk.

Peter and the Wolf and other tales from the Russian Forest Sunday 26 January 3pm

P55:Layout 23

18/12/13

13:04

Page 1

THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 55

P56:Layout 22

17/12/13

56 THEBATHMAGAZINE

15:05

Page 1

JANUARY 2014

Clifton College fp:Layout 11

17/12/13

15:04

Page 1

P58:Layout 22

18/12/13

15:53

Page 1

STUDY LANGUAGES IN BATH

Evening classes starting January and February in

• ENGLISH • GERMAN • • FRENCH • SPANISH • • ITALIAN • CHINESE •

St Gregory’s Catholic College, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 8PA

For information contact 07894 913322 or email: info@languagesinbath.co.uk

THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499

58 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

P59:Layout 23

18/12/13

15:52

Page 1

NEW YEAR - NEW YOU IN 2004 • YOU WILL GET NEW SKILLS • YOU WILL GET THIS PROMOTION

TAKE ACTION NOW! With Pitman training Bath Get the Pitman Advantage™

and get 20% DISCOUNT

Book before the 20th January (only for Bath Magazine readers)

Flexible Hours Recognised national qualifications

Word, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint, Access, ECDL, PA, Legal and Medical Secretary, Typing, Shorthand, RSA, Audio Transcription, Bookkeeping, AAT, Sage Accounts, Web Design, Meetings and Minutes Taking, Professional Receptionist, to name a few...

Contact us today at 01225 462066 or email christine.gregoire@pitman-training.net Your next call could change your career!

New year, new goals?

Part- me MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership

Free places now available

Designed for busy managers to ﬁt around a demanding management role, this part- me programme will help you to: • enhance your impact as a leader • understand organisa onal complexity and issues aﬀec ng success • improve your ability to manage change and uncertainty • make be er choices about growth and strategic direc on

Email Cheralyn at eﬁm-scl@bristol.ac.uk or Tel: 0117 331 7908 for details www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/new/degrees

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 59

FIT AND FAB BATH JANUARY:Layout 3

18/12/13

11:53

Page 1

&beauty

HEALTH

FIT & FAB Tips for a healthy and happy lifestyle & challenges for the new year

News in Brief ■ Why not challenge yourself this year to get on your bike to do the Bath100 bike ride in aid of children’s charity Action Medical Research? The event is the first of the year in the charity’s RIDE100 series, which has events taking place across the UK between April and September. The Bath 100 takes place on Sunday 13 April and has a new start and finish venue at The Fry Club and Conference Centre in Keynsham, as well as new routes for 2014. Cyclists riding for the charity raise money to fund medical research to help save and change the lives of sick and disabled babies and children. There are three route options, taking riders on a journey through the quiet lanes of Somerset and Wiltshire. The shorter route of 31 miles is ideal for those new to cycling, the 63-mile route is more challenging and the 101-mile route is aimed at experienced sportive riders. Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell MBE, the charity’s cycling ambassador, is encouraging people to sign up to take part. She says: “The RIDE100 series is a perfect opportunity for cyclists of all abilities to put themselves to the test on some great routes and for an even better reason – helping sick and disabled babies and children. I hope you’ll join us.” The Bath 100 will be fully supported by the Action Medical Research team, with food and water stations, chip timing, marshals and mechanics. For further information and to sign up for RIDE100 2014 events, visit: www.action.org.uk/100 ■ Stroud-based charity Meningitis Now is inviting people to pound the pavements and fight the festive flab by running this year’s Bath Half Marathon to raise vital funds for the charity which funds research, raises awareness and provides support for meningitis. Full support will be given and runners will receive a free running vest and handy information pack including tips on how to prepare. To run the Bath Half for Meningitis Now tel: 01453 768000 or email: emmak@meningitisnow.org. ■ Radio 4 presenter Jonathan Dimbleby has joined leading dementia campaigner, Beth Britton as the new ambassadors for local alzheimer’s research charity BRACE. Jonathan and Beth will help the charity to inspire others to support the ground-breaking research which BRACE funds. Jonathan said: “The research which BRACE helps fund is absolutely essential in the on-going battle to understand this complex and devastating condition. I am honoured to become an ambassador and I look forward to doing all I can to help BRACE in its mission to build an army of supporters so they can continue to make the south west a focus for world-leading dementia research.” BRACE and their supporters support a number of research teams in Bristol, Bath and South Wales, including scientists at Frenchay Hospital and Bristol University.

60 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Winter essentials

3 2

1 1. The festive party season can leave skin feeling dehydrated and dull – so try Aveda’s Intensive Hydrating Masque (£28.50 available from the Aveda store in SouthGate) for a reviving pick-me-up to sooth and calm the skin and give it an instant moisture boost. 2. Crabtree & Evelyn is launching a new collection this month called English Honey & Peach Blossom, featuring winter skin saviour products including body butter, hand therapy and balm. All feature extract of wild flower honey renowned for its ability to hydrate extremely dry, parched skin. Try the Hand Therapy intensive conditioning cream (£15, available from Crabtree & Evelyn, New Bond street) for super soft and supple skin – it smells gorgeous too. 2. The Beautifying Day Cream with SPF 15 from Rituals (£24.50 available from rituals.com) is a sheer tinted moisturiser that adapts to the colour of your skin to create a smooth and even skin tone. And because it’s enriched with botanical extracts, it will also help keep dry winter skin at bay.

Make a positive change

Bath-based hypnotherapist Christian Dunham is holding a motivational seminar on discovering and harnessing the power of mind on Saturday 22 February, 10.30am – 4.30pm at Harington’s Hotel. Clear, Calm and Confident: How To Change Your Life is an intensive, one-day seminar using the cutting-edge techniques of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy to motivate, energise and enhance personal well-being, enabling positive change quickly and effectively. Based on his acclaimed book Clear, Calm and Confident: How To Change Your Life in 30 Days, Christian has designed this seminar to show how positive thinking and deep relaxation can transform your life by helping you take control of our thoughts, feelings and actions. At the end of the day participants will take home a copy of Christian’s book and CD so they can continue the process of positive change in their daily lives. An accredited member of the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and The National Council for Hypnotherapy, Christian Dunham is an Australian solution-focused hypnotherapist and runs a busy clinical practice in Bath and London as well as treating clients all over the world via Skype and is a regular guest on BBC Radio talking about his work. Places for his seminar are limited. Tickets are £95 for the day which includes a light lunch. To book, visit: www.pendulum.org.uk or call Christian on tel: 07910 332393. For more information visit: www.christiandunham.net.

Laser Clinic fp:Layout 23

17/12/13

15:05

Page 1

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

New Year, New View

Philip Jaycock, NHS consultant ophthalmic surgeon and specialist in s another fun-filled, fantastical festive season draws to a cornea, cataract and laser refractive surgery. The Bristol Laser Vision close, we look forward to the New Year and all it has to service performs NHS laser eye surgery for the treatment of painful and bring. After the indulgences of Christmas, many of us debilitating corneal conditions. It is also might look at making a New open to private patients for elective laser eye Year’s resolution, perhaps to surgery and refractive lens exchange exercise more, eat more procedures to help reduce their dependency healthily, stop smoking or drink less. on glasses and contact lenses. Let’s be honest, for most of us, these good Having qualified from Bristol University intentions peter out after a month or so, six Medical School in 1997, Mr Jaycock months if we’re lucky! But what if you could practiced in hospitals around the world, make a resolution that could change your life including one of the world’s leading eye for the better, perhaps increase your selfhospitals, Moorfields in London. Now, confidence, render you less stressed on a having developed a wealth of knowledge and daily basis and save you money in the long experience within the field of refractive run; all this by making a commitment to do surgery and with a highly respected and just one thing this New Year. established research platform, Mr Jaycock If you’re a glasses or contact lens wearer has returned to Bristol to deliver an and feel restricted in the activities that you exceptional patient-centred service to the can do; if you hate the look of your glasses region. in photos, or find them uncomfortable to The unique service at Bristol Laser Vision wear; if you want to be able to wake up and is consultant led, allowing you to see your see the clock, open the oven without surgeon, Mr Jaycock, throughout your steaming up or check on the baby at 3am journey and prides itself on providing without fumbling for your specs; whatever Mr Phil Jaycock, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, patients with the safest and most effective your motivation, perhaps it’s time to MB ChB BSc FRCOphth MD laser eye surgery procedures, using state-ofconsider the increasingly popular, more the-art technology. permanent solution offered by Laser Eye So this New Year, why not take the first step to enjoying a new view Surgery. with Bristol Laser Vision. Your eyesight is precious, so your choice of provider is paramount. For further information, or to book a consultation call: 0117 342 1600, Bristol Laser Vision, located within the safe and trusted surroundings of email: info@bristollaservision.co.uk or visit: www.bristollaservision.co.uk. Bristol Eye Hospital launched in Spring 2013 and is the brainchild of Mr WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 61

62:Layout 22

20/12/13

11:30

Page 1

Teeth Whitening

for Men & Women

Viv Kenchington Solution Focused Hypnotherapist & Reflexologist

HPD, DHP, MNCH (Reg), AfSFH, DipReflex, MIFR

Depression,Anxiety, Stress, Phobias,Anger,Weight or Performance issues?

Help change happen fast with effective professional treatments in Bath and Wiltshire

Free initial consultation & parking available

New Year offer

Contact: 07974 153487 email: info@hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk website: www.hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk

£99 normally £199 £189 per couple valid until 30th January 2014

The latest technology in teeth whitening used in America

30 minute treatment, perfect in your lunch break DENTIST APPROVED BB COOL TECHNOLOGY

Zero Sensitivity, Zero pain, Zero peroxide

the orangery l a s e r

b e a u t y

c l i n i c

No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.

Tel: 01225 466851 www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

62 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

S P E C IA L

ph ot o ca ll

CALLING BATH HALF RUNNERS! ARE YOU IN BATH CITY CENTRE ON TUESDAY 14 JAN? If so, why not take part in a special photoshoot at the Octagon, Milsom Street, Bath. Starts 11.00am

Everything good, all in one place See our website for details. www.thebathmag.co.uk PLEASE BRING YOUR TRAINERS.

wise words:Layout 1

19/12/13

16:33

Page 1

Be kind to yourself to succeed

New Year... New You

Bath-based coach Jo Emerson is running a one-day workshop. She believes self-confidence is key to happiness

y Confidence Building workshop on 6 February is all about helping people to find self esteem within themselves rather than needing approval from external sources. We’ll do this through a series of exercises, discussions and some live coaching. My main focus for the day will be to heighten people’s awareness to the voices in their heads so that they leave with a real sense of choice as to which voice they believe. Q Lots of us struggle with the January blues, what’s your top tip for starting, and more importantly staying on the right path for 2014? Ditch the resolutions and instead write two lists: review the previous year and record everything you’ve achieved from growing some lettuce, to paying for a holiday, to listening to your child. Then set goals for the coming year – some easy, some middling and a couple of bigger stretch goals. Then think about how and diarise when they’ll happen. I do these two lists on New Year’s Day every year and it lifts my spirits enormously. Q Confidence is a skill, but how easy is it to learn. Can we all achieve it? I don’t think anything of deep value is particularly easy but I absolutely believe that everyone can achieve a sense of confidence on their own terms. I’ve always come across as a confident person but it’s only in recent years that I’ve gained a true and deep sense of self esteem and inner peace, which for me is true confidence. I did this through learning and practice, which is what I’ll be teaching at the workshop. Q What’s the difference between confidence and arrogance? For me, confidence is based on peace; an inner knowing that everything will be OK and that I can cope with anything life throws at me. Arrogance, on the other hand is fear-based – it’s about pretending you’re better than anyone else. I’ve never met an arrogant person who has emotional intelligence – they are usually deeply wounded people. Q I know you have local mums in mind for your event, are you specifically looking for women who are considering returning to work this year? I think anyone could benefit from this course but, yes, as a mum myself I know how much our confidence and identities can take a knock when we spend most of our time caring for others. After becoming a mother we almost have to get to know ourselves all over again as motherhood changes us so dramatically. If I can help people reconnect with who they are and what they want from life then this course will have been a success. Q Low self esteem and loss of identity are common issues faced by women after they become mums, why is that do you think? One of the major issues is that there’s way too much advice out there as to how we should be parenting. Then we end up questioning ourselves, feeling unnecessarily guilty and worrying if we’re getting it wrong. I became a much more relaxed mum when I threw away the parenting books and began to trust my instincts. I want to encourage parents to look within themselves for answers. Q Is it too simplistic to say set yourself realistic goals and have the self belief you’ll reach them? Goals and self belief are crucial to success. However, one also needs a plan, support and determination. I do believe that everything happens in the mind, though so if your attitude is one of success then you’ll get there. Q What about dads, can they book onto your workshop? Of course they can. Anyone who realises that a lack of self esteem (for whatever reason) is holding them back will benefit and is very welcome. Q What should people expect to come away with? You’ll understand who you are and identify your goals for your life; realise your unlimited potential and authenticity; feel energised and encouraged; tap into your inner confidence – a place you can always return to, and you’ll have strategies for maintaining confidence throughout your life. ■ Find out more about Jo’s workshop, email: jo@jo-emerson.com, or tel: 01225 835504. Follow her on Twitter @_JoEmerson_. Visit: http://joemerson.com/confidence-workshop. Read Jo’s columns on our website: www.thebathmag.co.uk. WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

6 Week Intensive one-2-one Weight Loss Program Using Scientifically Proven Technique Controls Food Cravings & Emotional Eating Reduces Stress Levels Helps you Reach your Goals Improves Body Image & Self Esteem www.lisabarnes.co.uk/weightloss

M: 07946 515 999 T: 01225 830 855 (book apt)

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 63

P64:Layout 22

18/12/13

15:50

Page 1

New Year... New You

M: 07946 515 999 T: 01225 830 855 (book apt)

64 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

The Orangery fp January:Layout 2

20/12/13

09:31

Page 59

Specialists in Ellipse IPL Hair Reduction & Skin Rejuvenation Treatments The Orangery Laser & Beauty Clinic, a name you can trust has been established for over 21 year and is situated in the centre of Bath. We are now offering the latest in IPL technology, the Ellipse Light SPT Plus. Clinically proven by leading doctors to be safe and effective and the best hair removal system in the world. This system also treats;

Sun Damaged Skin â&#x20AC;˘ Facial Thread Veins â&#x20AC;˘ Acne Hair Reduction Put an end to slow, messy and painful methods of hair removal. Skin Rejuvenation Remove age spots, telangiectasis, diffuse redness and uneven pigmentation on the face and body. Facial Thread Veins Treat superficial veins in the face to keep a younger and fresher look.

To promote the new Ellipse system for a limited time only we are offering

50% off All courses of 6 IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Treatments We invite you to come for a FREE no obligation consultation & patch test with one of our friendly therapists during which we will discuss your requirements, talk you through the treatments & answer any questions you may have.

the orangery l a s e r

b e a u t y

c l i n i c

No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.

Tel: 01225 466851 www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk valid until 30th January 2014

half:Layout 2

19/12/13

16:33

Page 1

How’s your emotional IQ? Coach Jonathan Chuter runs workshops on selfawareness. He explains how we can change for the better

motional Intelligence has become quite a buzz phrase in the last few years, especially since many now say it’s more important than IQ in determining whether you’ll be successful in life. So, what is Emotional Intelligence, and how do you develop it? Most of us are unaware of our emotions and the power they have, of our own inner world, yet what happens there has a direct bearing on the decisions we make and it drives our actions. Our emotions are an integral part of us, though many of us may not feel them as we focus outside on our lives rather than inside ourselves. Our emotions govern our behaviour and cause us to act in ways that may not be in our best interest. People who develop their emotional skills – their Emotional Intelligence – understand and manage their feelings better, manage stress effectively, create more open, honest relationships, and understand others more effectively through building empathy – the ability to understand someone else’s point of view. They move away from old ways of responding to people and situations, and develop greater flexibility and perspective. We’re all emotionally driven by our unconscious beliefs and attitudes, and most of our problems in life are caused by an inability to understand and manage our emotions, so they get the better of us, clouding our thinking, and undermining our lives. It’s not outside events that affect us; it’s how we respond that’s key. We all get caught in old patterns of behaviour and responses that are our default way of managing things, and many are defensive, and can ultimately make us ill. When you master your own attitudes, emotions, thoughts and behaviour, you find your true power. Instead of getting enraged by a traffic hold up, you choose to stay calm; instead of getting wound up by your children, you slow down and listen to them; instead of always saying yes to everyone you learn it’s OK to say ‘no’. Instead of being driven to be a perfectionist, you learn about being good enough; instead of being a workaholic you get a life. You become more positive and less self-critical. Developing Emotional Intelligence is a process that flows backwards and forwards. First, you work at developing clarity through becoming selfaware, by learning to observe your thoughts and behaviours, and learning to identify and recognise the feelings behind them. Getting feedback from family, friends and colleagues is useful. Someone once worked out that we have 30,000 thoughts a day and a good proportion of them are negative, so take a good look at how you talk to yourself. Become aware of your ‘hot buttons’, the strong emotional states triggered by certain situations. Try keeping a diary, and even better, sit quietly for ten minutes every day and observe the thoughts and feelings going through you, watch them and do nothing about them, as if you were watching people pass by. Then you start to challenge the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that hold you back, and you learn not to act out on emotions like anger. All communication problems are because we don’t listen in order to understand – we only listen to reply. Active listening is vital in Emotional Mastery, and in building meaningful relationships. Third, you learn to start making conscious choices about how you think and behave. You choose to think positively about yourself and others. You stop worrying about things over which you have no control, and instead of yearning for things you don’t have, you focus on being grateful for what you do have. The attitude of gratitude is central to a happy life. Acquiring these skills is not a destination; it’s a journey that once started, never ends. It’s a journey to greater levels of fulfilment and contentment. ■ Jonathan Chuter’s course, What you think about, you bring about, starts on Wednesday 15 January, New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, 7pm – 9.30pm. Contact him for more details: jonathan@jonathanchuter.com. 66 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

“We offer a lifestyle, not just a membership” Monthly membership is available from only £65.00 per month or £700 per year

To find out more contact Pearl Ollerton, Club Manager. Tel: 01225 823333 E: pearl.ollerton@royalcrescent.co.uk www.royalcrescent.co.uk

on the website jan:Layout 1

19/12/13

14:52

Page 1

ON THE WEBSITE THIS MONTH STEVE COX ILLUSTRATION

Steve Cox is an award winning professional illustrator working with both traditional and digital media. His highly imaginative, often humorous work has appeared extensively in children’s publishing in many countries around the world. Steve recently ran a series of illustration workshops in Larkhall, Bath and is currently taking enrolments for his next workshop in February 2014. Please see What’s On or look online in the Education/ Illustration sections for further information. Tel: 01225 421146 Email: stevecox.uk@gmail.com Website: stevecoxillustration.com

CAROLINE NORMAN-JAMES BOOKKEEPER

Caroline Norman James is a freelance bookkeeper specialising in working with small businesses and sole traders. Her services include: accounts payable reconciliation, bank reconciliation, VAT returns, profit and loss preparation, accountant liaison and sole trader tax return. As well as this Caroline is technically proficient in both SAGE and Excel. Tel: 07879 843928

COFFIN CLOCKS

Coffins Clocks repair, service and overhaul all types of clocks from domestic carriage, bracket, wall and longcase clocks to public tower clocks, church clocks, town hall and school clocks, all to the highest standard but with the lowest possible prices. Hourly striking, quarter chiming and carillon clocks. Automatically wound and handwound clocks. Electrical, mechanical and everything in between clocks. You name it, they have worked on it.

BATH AND BISCUITS This Combe Down based grooming salon and pet boutique caters for your feline or canine companion’s needs. It stocks naturally nutritious pet food and a range of eco-friendly pet toys and gifts. Pet services: Professional grooming for cats and dogs offered in its beautifully refurbished pet parlour using state-of-theart equipment. Gifts and toys: Bath and Biscuits also offers a superb range of gifts and toys to keep cats and dogs amused for hours. You and your pet will receive a warm welcome at 89 Bradford Street, Combe Down. Tel: 01225 835143 Website: www.bathandbiscuits.co.uk

A time-served clockmaker with many years of experience, Nathan is a professional who also understands the sentimental value of clocks. Tel: 07745 41 0620 Website: www.coffinsclocks.co.uk

VINTAGE TO VOGUE Vintage to Vogue is a sartorial outlet of the very highest quality, situated just off Milsom Street in Bath. Its speciality is carefully selected quality men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from bygone eras, all the way through to items from the classic designers of today. The staff offer friendly advice and tips on personal styling for both men and women. Vintage to Vogue believes that recycling quality never goes out of fashion, and will pay good prices for quality items. Tel: 01225 337 323 Email: contact@vintagetovoguebath.co.uk Store address: 28 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DG, (shop in passage from Broad Street car park) Website: www.vintagetovoguebath.co.uk

RJS FITNESS

RJ Fitness focuses on helping its clients achieve optimal physical health and fitness results by applying the latest science-based techniques and debunking common misconceptions around exercise and nutrition. With award winning personal training at a private studio in Bath, the team offers an effective approach to individualised health. Tel: 01225 571255 Email: info@rjsfitness.co.uk Website: www.rjsfitness.co.uk

the walk:Layout 2

16/12/13

15:22

Page 1

OUT&ABOUT

Climb every Mendip . . . Andrew Swift’s healthy January walk takes in the rugged Somerset countryside takes in the remains of the old lead mining industry and peaks at the highest point on Mendip Mendip’s highest point. his month’s walk heads to the highest point on Mendip, a bleak Carry on along a bridleway to the left of the masts. After 900 metres, a stretch of moorland where a Bronze Age cemetery and a World gateway leads onto open moorland with a choice of paths. Take the wellWar Two decoy town command panoramic views over the worn track heading diagonally off to the right with a Mendip footpath Bristol Channel. The walk also takes in the monumental remains of the Mendip lead mining industry, a lost Roman town waymark. This area, characterised by bracken and heather rather than the close-cropped grass found on so much of Mendip, is known as Black Down. and amphitheatre, and some surprisingly pastoral scenery. Soon the trig point marking the highest point – Beacon Batch, 1,066 feet To get to the starting point at Charterhouse, head west from Bath along (324 metres) above sea level – comes into view (ST484572). the A39 to Blagdon. Turn left by the Seymour Arms and carry on uphill for The views from Beacon Batch on a clear day are spectacular – hardly just over a mile until you come to a T junction. Turn left along the B3134 surprising that the paths leading to it are so deeply eroded. To the east of it and after half a mile turn right. After threean ancient monument sign indicates the quarters of a mile turn left at a crossroads presence of a group of Bronze Age round and drive along to a car park (ST504556). barrows. Black Down was also the site of a This, as an information board explains, was decoy town – codename Starfish – where at the heart of the lead mining industry, lights shone and fires burned during the which dated back to Roman times, if not darkest days of the Second World War to earlier. fool the Luftwaffe into dropping their The Romans mined lead and silver here bombs here instead of on Bristol. from at least 49AD under military control, Carry on westward from Beacon Batch but later released that control to allow along a straight, well-worn path. After 300 civilians to carry on mining. There was also metres, when a bridleway cuts diagonally a small Roman fort at Charterhouse and an across, turn left along it. amphitheatre. After another 200 metres, when another Follow the broad track leading away bridleway crosses diagonally, carry straight from the road out of the car park and, when on. After another 600 metres, when the it forks, bear left. After another 175 metres path forks, bear left along a much turn left down steps (ST505559) and follow narrower path, and after 75 metres go a path past a pond, dammed as part of the through a gate with a bridleway waymark lead-making process. After a bridge takes (ST473568). you over a stream, cross a stile and carry LANDMARK: the ruins of Long House Barn alongside an old quarry Carry on between fences and at a road straight on. Another stile leads onto a road, turn left. After 750 metres turn right along a lane to Piney Sleight Farm. where you turn right. After passing the ruins of Long House Barn, with an old quarry beyond it, After 150 metres, turn left up a lane with a sign for Townfield. The town in question was a Roman settlement in the field on the left. Although there is bear right when the lane forks. After another 250 metres – just before a pair of sturdy gateposts – turn left through a gate with a West Mendip Way little sign of it today, the remains of an amphitheatre further up are clearly waymark (ST477557). visible. Carry on alongside the wall for 1,000 metres, before crossing a stile and The masts at the top of the lane stand on one of the highest spots on Mendip – 1,020 feet (311 metres) above sea level, which, according to some, taking a stony track downhill through woods. Go through a kissing gate at the bottom (ST487550) and carry straight on. After 175 metres go through makes it a mountain. There is a little way to go, however, before you reach

68 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

the walk:Layout 2

20/12/13

12:00

Page 2

OUT&ABOUT

ROMANTIC LANDSCAPE: main picture, Velvet Bottom Above left, Black Down and right, gruffy ground

a kissing gate on the left and follow the waymarks up the valley. Carry on up through a series of dams built for the lead industry, past heaps of glassy black slag. The close-cropped grass of this valley – appropriately named Velvet Bottom – is the work of rabbits. This delightful spot is a real sun trap in the summer. After 1,500 metres go through a kissing gate and turn right along a road for 75 metres. Go through a gate on the left and follow the path as it curves left to return to the car park. Level of challenge: Generally straightforward, although with rough ground and muddy stretches, especially on Black Down. ■

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

FURTHER INFORMATION ■ ■ ■ ■

Length of walk: 6½ miles Map: OS Explorer 141 Approximate time: 3½ hours Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve, Charterhouse, BS40 7XR

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 69

Marc Dix.qxp:Layout 1

20/12/13

10:20

Page 1

LANDSCAPEdesign

The art of making spaces Landscape design in our towns and cities has a profound impact on how people view and use the space between buildings. Marc Dix of LT Studio is a Bath-based practitioner in this growing profession

guess everyone in Bath has a view on what could be done to tweak the open spaces in the SouthGate shopping centre to entice us to spend more time there – but few are more qualified to make creative suggestions than urban designer Marc Dix. A director of LT Studio, Marc has 20 years’ experience working on public and private open spaces in the south west, London and in Singapore, China and South East Asia. Marc is aware that the development in our heritage city was always going to be a challenge, but he feels passionately that more could be done in the open spaces of SouthGate to make them more peoplefriendly. “We tend to pass through the space purposefully, but there is nothing to make us stop and linger,” he says. “It needs to be activated with direct interventions that excite people. Outdoor cinema and theatre during the summer, mixed media public art by local artists and interactive water play through the introduction of permanent water features. If SouthGate is looking to create a distinctive identity, this would be how.” He has a few more ideas up his sleeve and remains optimistic that one day some of these projects will see the light of day in Bath’s biggest shopping area. As a member of the Bristol Urban Design Review panel, he is dedicated to raising the level of design in projects planned for the city of Bristol, and he is a regular lecturer and critic in his subject at the University of Bath’s architecture faculty. In order to begin to understand the role of the landscape architect Marc invites me to look at some projects past and present. To put it at its very basic level landscape architects are to a landscape gardener, what architects are to a builder. An architect designs the buildings; a landscape architect creates the livable communities in our outdoor world. A recent healthcare commission for a residential care home in Devon demonstrates his art perfectly. Landscape design for care homes requires a sensitive approach, having an understanding of how people use the spaces and their individual needs. Studies have recently shown the beneficial effect that landscape can have on mental wellbeing. Accordingly, LT Studio is 70 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

currently in the process of designing a scheme where circular routes return residents to their starting point and where ‘active’ spaces, for example allotments and ‘passive’ spaces – enclosed spaces where residents feel safe – give opportunities for providing different types of spatial character. LT Studio has recently been instructed on a private commission for a client in Lansdown who wanted them to help develop a landscape design proposal and subsequent planning application to allow them to build a second house on a wooded plot that they already owned. Through a careful evaluation of the site and working closely with a Bath-based arboricultural consultant, LT Studio was able to ensure that the future development would not affect the existing environment and in particular the health of the surrounding trees which form an important backdrop to views from the city. A landscape architect has to review a myriad of aspects, from how people might move around a space, how the local context and historical background to a site has affected its scale and character, to how the local community make reference to and use a space. Physical aspects including existing ground levels, soil quality and how rainwater can be collected and stored on site before being slowly discharged to reduce the risk of flooding, all contribute to the design process. As an example we reviewed an urban realm project in Borough High Street in Southwark, London, where Marc is working for King’s College London, designing open space along old urban lanes that snake past brick-built Victorian warehouses. Marc’s role is to look at the existing buildings, where the new hotel will sit and how passers-by already come and go. He’s chosen a golden path to lighten the grey paving and to act as a welcoming beacon to draw people in from Borough High Street. It looks to me as though a landscape architect has to have a vivid imagination, so he or she can envisage how a place which may not exist yet, will be used and enjoyed by generations to come. There’s a rather pleasing artist’s impression that Marc’s created for a project on Torquay waterfront where a new hotel is being built.

Marc Dix.qxp:Layout 1

20/12/13

10:22

Page 2

LANDSCAPEdesign Left: VISIONARY: main picture, LT Studio’s plans for Torquay harbourfront Inset, landscape architect Marc Dix CREATIVE IMAGINATION: left, Marc’s vision for the new public area just off Borough High Street in London Right, the drawings for the gardens at Oldway Mansion

This is where creating space for people is best illustrated. Get it wrong and you end up with a windswept, empty wasteland forlornly fronting the sea. But Marc has created a plan which includes water features, an outdoor café area and waterside footpaths with views across the water for Torquay people and visitors to be able to enjoy. Landscape architects have to work in harmony with other designers on a site, as well as local people who have sensitivity to how a place is to be changed. A major project in Paignton in Devon has seen LT Studio working on plans to restore the 19th century pleasure gardens surrounding the magnificent but faded Oldway Mansion. The overall development includes transformation of the mansion house into a hotel and building 48 houses on the edge of the site. Marc has been talking to a Paignton historian about the restoration of Victorian stone grottos and water features on the site, which

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

need to respect the designs of the 19th century French garden designer Duchêne, while also reflecting 21st century needs. This major piece of work is currently passing through the planning process, but Marc is confident his designs will be sensitive to the site whilst bringing increased tourism to the area. “There are only around 3,000 landscape architects in this country at the moment but we’re growing,” says Marc of his profession, “Developers are realising the importance of public realm in increasing footfall and revenues. When landscape is placed at the heart of a scheme, developers, businesses and communities all benefit.” ■ LT Studio, Bath Brewery, Tollbridge Road, Bath BA1 7DE. Visit: www.ltstudio.co.uk, tel: 01225 852554.

JANUARY 2014

GMc

THEBATHMAGAZINE 71

a one and a halfer:Layout 3

18/12/13

15:07

Page 1

INtheGARDEN

Growing produce for profit Jane Moore meets local grower and author Kate Collyns for a tour of her poly tunnels

eeting Kate Collyns is a breath of fresh air on a dark and dreary winter’s day. She is so unmistakably boundless in her enthusiasm for her growing business that it’s infectious, as she marches me from one poly tunnel to the next and then out into ‘The Field’ where we stand and survey the serried ranks of kale, leeks and purple sprouting. “I love growing things,” Kate says with satisfaction, shoving her hands in the pockets of a mud spattered fleece. “Especially sowing seeds and seeing them come up – that’s the best bit.” Although I love my job, the winter is a struggle: the dread of the months to come, the cold, the frost and the wet, clinging mud. But Kate still has that sense of adventure about horticulture through the seasons. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not naïve or under any illusions, but she has a zest for the outdoors whatever the weather which in me has faded over the years, frozen-fingered old spinster of the soil that I am. Mind you, she does have the benefit of sheltering from the wind in one of her several poly tunnels as she tends the salad leaves and herbs which make up the bulk of her winter crops. Once a feeble sun emerges from the clouds, it does get surprisingly toasty in the tunnels as we wander along picking a bit of this and that for me to try. Current crops are an amazing mixture of the more commonplace salads such as rocket and land cress to some positively weird and wonderful varieties, some that Kate is trying for the first time. Edible chrysanthemums rub shoulders with leafy mustards and winter purslane while in summer the tunnels are filled with heritage tomato varieties, peppers, chillies and cucumbers.

edible chrysanthemums rub shoulders ❝ with leafy mustards and winter purslane while in summer the tunnels are filled with heritage tomato varietees, peppers, chillies and cucumbers

❞

“In the summer I grow a bit of everything except potatoes and onions – other people grow plenty of those a lot cheaper than I can,” says Kate. “The winter is a bit more challenging so it’s lots of salads inside and brassicas outside.” Based at Hartley Farm near Bradford-on-Avon and tucked around the back of the farm shop and café, Kate’s two acres supplies fresh vegetables to several local pubs and hotels as well as the farm shop itself. The Seven Stars pub in Winsley is one of her regular customers and you won’t be surprised to hear that Kate also supplies the kitchens at The Bath Priory. She has a nifty line in the fashionable micro-herbs – those tiny seedlings with a sharp zing of flavour that chefs adore to sprinkle delicately on top of their

72 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

creations – which is hitting the culinary zeitgeist bang on the nose. “Ah, chefs,” sighs Kate indulgently. “They do love their micro-herbs, don’t they? They’re good for me too because they’re pretty easy to grow and harvest.” If you’ve taken a look at Kate’s new book Gardening for Profit, you might realise that growing vegetables and herbs is a relatively new-found passion. After a successful career in magazine publishing Kate was editing her own magazine at 27 years old and wondering what she could possibly do next. “I’d got where I wanted to be in the magazine world and found myself in an office all day long. I wanted some fresh air,” she says. “I wrote an article about the Soil Association apprenticeships and thought that sounded like a great idea.” She started her business Grown Green three years ago after spending two years working at Purton House Organics on a Soil Association apprenticeship. She was then put in touch with Hartley Farm with a view to working out some sort of mutual arrangement and the business has been developing steadily ever since. Not one to rest on her laurels – or should I say

a one and a halfer:Layout 3

20/12/13

09:41

Page 2

INtheGARDEN

YEAR ROUND YIELD: main picture, Kate Collyns’ plot at Winsley always has something in season Above, inside the poly tunnel, winter and summer, where Kate tends her tomato vines

lettuce? – Kate has plans for more fruit and an ever expanding range of salads, herbs and edible flowers which will keep the local chefs happy. Keep yours eyes open at your local pub or restaurant for some of her micro-herbs or salads, Grown Green is growing around here. About the Book: more of us are discovering the rewards of growing our own food but what about producing larger quantities to sell? And perhaps even trying to make a living from this? Kate’s book Gardening for Profit is for anyone who is interested in selling some produce for profit – whether just

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

surplus from a vegetable garden or wholesale from a fully developed professional business. It takes you step by step through all the aspects you’ll need to think about and, with an extensive directory of contacts and resources, Gardening for Profit is packed with solid, first-hand advice. It provides the reassurance that earning an income from horticulture is perfectly possible. ■ Gardening for Profit is £9.99 from Hartley Farm shop, the Green books website or Amazon.co.uk. Keep up with Kate by following her blog at growngreen.wordpress.com or on Twitter @KateCollyns. Green Books website: www.greenbooks.co.uk. Hartley Farm website: www.hartley-farm.co.uk

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 73

THE BATH DIRECTORY - Jan 2013:Layout 31

17/12/13

14:49

Page 1

the directory Baby Equipment

Gardening Advertise your Business in this space for as little as £55 per month and get 2 FREE.

Baby Equipment Hire in and around Bath www.babyquip-bath.co.uk

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

TEL: 01225 424499 Advertising that keeps working

07528 074960

Electricians

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Holiday Rental

RHS Silver Medal winner 2012 • Award winning Garden Design • • All aspects of Garden Construction • • Driveway specialist • • Expert planting • • Garden maintenance • • Attention to detail • Reliability of service • • Highly experienced •

Mob: 07967 078 058 Tel: 01225 789990

House & Home

Tuition Bath Language Academy

GCSE German Private Tuition Individually tailored private tuition Unique ‘fast progress’ teaching method 45 min free of charge initial assessment session

100% pass rate 95% A and A* tel. 07500164744 bath.language.academy@outlook.com www.bathlanguageacademy.com Excellence • Exclusivity • Experience • Expertise

Acupuncture for Fertility, support alongside IVF, Pregnancy and Womens Health. Holly Woodward (MBAcC, Reg Nurse) is an experienced fertility acupuncturist, having worked for leading fertility expert Zita West. Call Holly on 07759 684552 Address: The Practice Rooms, 26 Upper Borough Walls. Situated above ‘Lush’. E: holly.woodward@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollywoodward.co.uk

ONEMAGAZINEONECITYONEMONTH

Specialist Vehicle Services

P75:Layout 23

18/12/13

14:08

Page 1

We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00 To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 P r i n c e s B u i l d i n g s , Ge o r g e S t r e e t , B a t h B A 1 2 E D o r Tel eph o n e 0 1 22 5 42 4 4 9 9 f o r ca rd pa y m ent

Subscription Form Mr/Mrs/Ms ................Forename .............................................. Surname................................................................................ Address.............................................................................. ..........................................Postcode ............................ Daytime telephone No ..............................................................

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 75

Porthaven Care Home fp:Layout 3

19/12/13

14:07

Page 1

Pritchard PIF Jan 2014:PIF Full Page

20/12/13

10:21

Page 85

PROPERTYin FOCUS

his impressive, five bedroom, semi detached family home dates back to the 1840s. It is tucked away in a secluded location and enjoys access to the wonderful surrounding countryside of the south Lyncombe area. On entering the house via the canopied porch, there is a beautiful cantilevered staircase and the spacious entrance hall leads off into the drawing room on one side and a family room/snug on the other. Also on the ground floor is the large kitchen/diner with a utility room and cloakroom. On the two upper floors, the master bedroom has a bow window and en suite shower room and there are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom with white suite. All the accommodation is spacious and ideally suited to a large busy family. In addition to this, there are a number of rooms at basement level which offer the potential to be converted to give even more living space, subject to the necessary consents. Outside there are elegant, Victorian style gardens which are well enclosed by mature trees. There is off street parking for numerous vehicles. This is a fine pedigree property which has been meticulously cared for and is for sale with agents Pritchards.

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

BRIARS LODGE ENTRY HILL DRIVE • Spacious family home • Five bedrooms • Quiet, secluded location • Well presented • Potential to expand the living space

Guide price: £850,000

JANUARY 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 77

pritchard-partners.co.uk

Mount Road Lansdown

Marshfield (Bath 8m approx)

Peace & quiet. Health & wellbeing. A modern detached, architectural home hidden away in the heart of Bath. Total floor area: 2490 sq ft/231.3 sq m.

An impressive G II Listed Village hs with an attractive level garden retaining a great deal of character & wonderful room proportions.

Reception hall & family rm leading to inner courtyard. Kitchen/dining room & living rm, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rms - 1 en suite, Decked terraces & gdn. Garage & parking. Views.

Master bed en suite, 4 further beds, en suite & bathrm, 2 receptions, superb kitch/dining rm. Cellar. Garage. Int area hs 3178 sq ft/295 sq m.

Guide Price £1.25 million

Price: £795,000

Widcombe

Lansdown Crescent

An outstanding detached period coach house set in the most enviable position enjoying pretty views and with garage with PP to create further accom above.

A spacious & particularly well presented 2nd floor apt enjoying wonderful views. Int area 1052 sq ft/97.7 sq m.

Kitchen/diner, living room, sitting room, 3 bedrooms - master en suite, shower room & utility. Mature gardens. Off road parking for 2. Int area 958 sq ft/89 sq m.

Communal & private hallways, sitting rm/dining rm, 2 dbl bedrms, 2 bathrms (1 en suite), 3rd dbl bedrm (approached via communal landing) with en suite cloakrm, kitchen. Storage & parking permit avail.

Price: £665,000

Guide Price: £575,000

Scan to access our Website Homepage

PRITCHARDS Jan.indd 1

Wishing All Readers a Happy New Year

17/12/2013 16:07

pritchard-partners.co.uk

Church Street, Widcombe

Midford Lane (Bath South - City Centre 5m approx.)

A recently updated & greatly improved 2 double bed Georgian House. Sought after location & stunning views to rear. Neutral decor throughout. Int area 678 sq ft/62.9 sq m.

An attractive 1920’s semi det hs in a wonderful position enjoying outstanding views. Ist time to market in over 40 yrs offering much potential to extend (subj to nec. regs). Int area: 1117 sq ft/103.8 sq m

Sitting room, superb kitchen/breakfast room with French doors opening onto the rear garden, GF shower room, 2 bedrms with built in cupboards/wardrobes & further shower room to 1st floor West facing terraced garden.

Reception hall, three bedrooms, bathroom, sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Electric heating. Large delightful mature gardens to the front, side and rear. Detached single garage and parking in front for one car.

Guide Price: £485,000

Guide Price: £425,000

Eveleigh Avenue

Norton St Philip

An immaculately presented and very well proportioned 3 bedroomed terraced house benefitting from a most pleasant position looking onto a green on the edge of a popular development.

An exquisite Grade II listed semi detached period cottage, enhanced with the most beautiful enchanting gardens. Int area: 964 sq ft/89.6 sq m approx.

The property offers double glazing, gas central heating, en suite, built in wardrobes in all three bedrooms, fabulous landscaped gardens and a garage with utility area to the side and storage. Approx int area: 1067 sq ft/99.2 sq m.

Kitchen, living room and dining room, two bedrooms, family bathroom, attic room. Stone built out building..

Price: £415,000

Price: £345,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

PRITCHARDS Jan.indd 2

Tel: 01225 466 225

17/12/2013 16:07

The Apartment Co - JAN:Layout 1

20/12/13

09:20

Page 1

THINKINGproperty

Is your plan floored? Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of The Apartment Company gives his insight into how a great floor plan will help sell or let your apartment…

Property News ■ Hamptons

International Awarded Best Large Agency For Second Consecutive Year

loor plans are a relatively new addition to property details. Only a few years ago, they were only made available for either very grand homes, or new builds. Even now, many agents tend not to use floor plans for small flats and terraced homes, but they can be a really important key to successfully selling or letting your home. Of course, the floor plan has to be accurately drawn and clear: it needs to include room dimensions, a compass marker, (so a buyer can tell which way the property faces) and the total floor area. The latter is really helpful to a Peter Greatorex buyer trying to compare apartments and see how much he’s getting for his money! There are three main reasons a floor plan can really help in your marketing efforts:

1. It helps a buyer or tenant see how the property ‘works’, and therefore whether it is worth a viewing. Room flow, relative sizes and layout are all factors that a buyer will take into consideration, and they don’t want to waste time by viewing properties which just aren’t suitable. 2.

A floor plan can help a buyer or tenant to visualise the apartment after the viewing. This can become useful when a buyer may be considering making layout changes, perhaps knocking down a wall or installing an ensuite, and a floor plan is vital for this kind of thought processing.

3. Floor plans can make an apartment seem larger. It’s very easy when you’ve viewed a property to forget rooms that you’ve seen, or overlook a part of the space altogether. This is especially true of box rooms, or areas that aren’t being fully utilised, like storage rooms. By showing the apartment in its entirety on a floor plan, no area will be omitted and as a result, it can even add perceived value. At the Apartment Company, all our properties have floor plans as standard, because we know how helpful they can be to a buyer and tenants. We often walk around the apartment with the viewer, floor plan in hand, to make sure we explore every crevice and cupboard and appreciate it fully. If you would any more information on either of these schemes or would like to know how they could affect the sale of your apartment, call Peter Greatorex at The Apartment Company on 01225 471144.

Presenter Penny Smith with the winning team from Hamptons

Hamptons International took home Gold for Best Large Agency for the second consecutive year at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with the Sunday Times and The Times, held at The Lancaster London Hotel on Friday 6 December. The event is recognised as one of the most prestigious events in the industry calendar and attracted agents from across the country. It was once again supported by The Sunday Times and The Times, with the winners presented with their awards by television presenter, Penny Smith. Awarding Hamptons International with Gold for Best Large Agency for the second year in a row, the judges commented: “Not only has the team at Hamptons maintained their already high standards, but there was also clear evidence that they have actively sought to improve on them throughout 2013… This year has seen the launch of the Hamptons Academy which was set up to attract energetic people of the right calibre from other industries… There is a generous and thoughtful approach to CSR… A clear example of a strong network of people who collaborate to get results.” Marc Goldberg, Head of Sales at Hamptons International, commented: “We are thrilled to have been recognised for the second consecutive year as the UK’s Best Large Agency at the prestigious Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times. “Over the course of the year, we have been working hard to grow our business share, invest in our staff and continue to provide our clients with outstanding customer service beyond their expectations. To be acknowledged for these efforts by a group of industry experts is extremely rewarding and is testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. Hamptons International office in Bath can be contacted on: 01225 312 244

80 THEBATHMAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Box, Wiltshire A beautifully stylish 4 bed spacious family home situated in a leafy country lane in the sought after village of Box. Fantastic large landscaped garden with modern decking ideal for outside dining. Finished to a high standard with solid oak flooring, CCTV alarm entry system and parking for 3 cars to the front.

£2,000 pcm • • • • • •

4 Bedrooms Master ensuite Family Bathroom Kitchen/Breakfast room Reception Room Landscaped Gardens

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

Hamptons Letting Jan.indd 1

17/12/2013 14:38

Zest fp:Layout 13

17/12/13

14:05

Page 1

Holburne Place, Bathwick A stylish and contemporary two bedroom apartment situated on the second floor of a brand new Neo-Georgian townhouse located on Henrietta Road, a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from Henrietta Park and a short level walk from Bath city centre.

RESIDE January.indd 1

17/12/2013 14:00

Fidelis

Residential Sales & Lettings

Midford Road

01225 421000 wwww.fidelisproperties.co.uk

ÂŁ479,950

Devonshire Mews

ÂŁ495,000

Fidelis Estate Agents 134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH

Fidelis Jan.indd 1

Email: info@fidelisproperties.co.uk

17/12/2013 13:56

Fidelis

Residential Sales & Lettings

Wellsway

01225 421000 wwww.fidelisproperties.co.uk

ÂŁ425,000

Wells Road

ÂŁ499,950

Fidelis Estate Agents 134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH

Fidelis Jan.indd 2

Email: info@fidelisproperties.co.uk

17/12/2013 13:56

Mark Naylor - January:Layout 7

17/12/13

13:59

Page 1

k Mar r o l y a N LD O S

LD O S

OLDFIELD ROAD

LD O S

CHAUCER VILLAS

LD O S

BLOOMFIELD ROAD

LD O S

PRIORY CLOSE

LD O S

HENSLEY ROAD

BEAR FLAT

WOODLAND GROVE

LONGFELLOW AVENUE

LD O S

COMBE DOWN VILLAGE

2013 was our best year ever! 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 4QW

01225 422 224

Mark Naylor - January:Layout 7

17/12/13

13:58

Page 2

k Mar r o l y a N LD O S

LD O S

ST LUKES ROAD

LD O S

BEECHEN CLIFF

LD O S

MILTON AVENUE

LD O S

SOUTHSTOKE ROAD

LD O S

HINTON CHARTERHOUSE

OFF SHEPHERDS WALK

HAYESFIELD PARK

LD O S

OLDFIELD ROAD

BLOOMFIELD AVENUE

Why not join our success in 2014 www.mark-naylor.com

email: homes@mark-naylor.com

Andrews Bath DPS:Layout 5

20/12/13

10:01

Page 1

Andrews Bath DPS:Layout 5

20/12/13

10:09

Page 2

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

LD O S

Cleveland Walk

Lacock Road

Guide Price £1,600,000

Guide Price £1,000,000

Sold at the Guide Price in this sought after address to a Corsham resident looking for better access to the school.

Another Happy Customer. “We would be more than happy to recommend Hamptons to anyone else thinking of selling their property”.

D L SO

Marlborough Buildings

Prior Park Buildings

Guide Price £1,250,000

Guide Price £995,000

As Joint Agents, Hamptons were delighted to be the successful agents.

Sold in the summer of 2013 and now 4 Prior Park Buildings is also being marketed by Hamptons.

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

Hamptons Sales Jan.indd 1

17/12/2013 13:53

LD O S

Bathwick Street

Lansdown Road

Guide Price £900,000

Sold in 2013 to a happy buyer. “I wanted to compliment your team on the service we received buying Bathwick House”.

Sold to a Bath resident who required a townhouse with parking.

D L SO

Newbridge Hill

Cranwells Park

Guide Price £800,000

Guide Price £585,000

Hamptons have successfully sold both 75 and 40 Newbridge Hill this year.

A successful sale with nine offers resulting in a completion well in excess of the guide price.

Hamptons Sales Jan.indd 2

17/12/2013 13:54

Fine & Country Jan:Layout 1

17/12/13

13:57

Page 1

Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to house valuations. Matthew Blower, partner at Fine & Country Bath, explains why the highest property valuation doesn’t always come from the best estate agent. Money may make the world go round, but a recent survey by ‘The Property Academy’ showed that 77% of property vendors do not choose the highest valuation when selecting an agent to market and sell their property. There are several factors to consider – the primary one being a higher valuation does not mean a faster sale. To sell your property you need to concentrate on general appeal and presentation, and crucially, the price. An accurate market valuation may make the difference between a sale and no sale, and will almost certainly affect the length of time the property sits on the market. When it comes to selling there are few more emotive issues than the valuation of your property. This is your home; a place where you have experienced highs and lows, perhaps raised a family, and enjoyed the ins and outs of a daily life. It contains your memories, your achievements and your aspirations... and now you need to let go. A proper valuation sets aside these emotional aspects and offers a realistic picture of what your property is worth, taking into account the market conditions, recent sales in your area, demand, and the intricacies of the sale. The current property climate makes an accurate valuation even more important as prices have been fluctuating. A valuation from six months ago may not be representative of a current valuation, so an up-to-date valuation is vital. Bear in mind also that while a valuation may place a figure on a property there is only one factor that determines sale; the amount the buyer is willing to pay. Accept an unrealistically high valuation, and you are likely to price yourself out of the buyers’ criteria, and consequently, out of the market. The process of making a valuation is both art and science. For sellers the correct pricing is essential for a successful sale. If a valuation is too high a property may sit on the market for a considerable amount of time, too low and you will lose financially. The valuation really does need to be just right. Clearly the valuation of your property is a vital constituent of the sale. It is important to realise that a high valuation may be an indication of the agent’s desire to win an instruction, rather than a representation of the true value of the property. You won’t be doing your property sale any favours by accepting an unrealistic valuation. There are two basic steps to take to avoid this. Firstly, do your research. Look into recent sales of similar properties in your neighbourhood. Some of these figures are available on Rightmove and Zoopla. This should give you a rough idea of values. Secondly, go with your instincts and select an agent you trust. They may not have given the highest valuation, but they may just have given the right one. For more information on how Fine & Country can help you move telephone 01225 320 032 or visit www.bath.fineandcountry.co.uk

Fine & Country Jan:Layout 1

17/12/13

13:57

Page 2

The Apartment Company Jan.indd 1

17/12/2013 14:00

Russel Street

Offers in Excess of £370,000

| City Location

Situated on the highly sought after Russel Street this charming and beautifully presented apartment comprises: a bright and spacious sitting room, fitted kitchen, large master bedroom, second double bedroom with access to the courtyard garden and a modern bathroom. This characterful property benefits from a wealth of period features and close proximity to Bath’s famous historical landmarks such as the King’s Circus and the finest restaurants and shops. Early viewing highly recommended.

Park Street

Offers in Excess of £365,000

Georgian | Grade II listed | Impressive drawing room | Two bedrooms | Wealth of period features | Bright and spacious | Close to the City Centre A beautifully presented ground floor Georgian apartment situated in a highly sought after location just off St. James’ Square near to the Royal Crescent. Entered via the elegantly decorated stone-flagged communal hallway, the centrepiece of this impressive and spacious apartment is its magnificent drawing room boasting a wealth of period features and two grand sash windows overlooking attractive and well-kept gardens. The remainder of the apartment comprises; a kitchen, large master bedroom, further single bedroom and a modern bathroom.

The Apartment Company Jan.indd 2

20/12/2013 11:51

City View

Offers in Excess of £275,000

Georgian | Grade II listed | Upper maisonette | Two double bedrooms | Spectacular views | Spacious accommodation | Close to the City Centre A well-presented apartment offering truly fabulous views across the city and the surrounding countryside. The accommodation comprises: sitting room with original period features, fitted kitchen with a breakfast bar, cloakroom, master bedroom with a large window providing spectacular views, a second double bedroom and a bathroom. Situated just moments away from the City Centre and the historical landmarks of Bath such as the King’s Circus this apartment would make a perfect city pad or home.

The Hexagon

Offers in Excess of £230,000

Grade II listed | Ground floor | Two double bedrooms | Modern kitchen and bathroom | Private entrance | Two allocated parking spaces Located to the south of the city this immaculately presented apartment offers bright and spacious living accommodation comprising: large open plan sitting room/contemporary kitchen, two good sized double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. Situated close to the popular area of Bear Flat which offers a range of services, shops and restaurants this apartment would make a superb home. This apartment benefits from the rare advantage of two allocated parking spaces, a private entrance and lovely countryside walks nearby.

The Apartment Company Jan.indd 3

17/12/2013 14:04

Bennett Street

£1175 pcm Brunswick Place

£995 pcm

This spacious two bedroom apartment on the second floor of this Grade A spectacular one bedroom apartment which has undergone recent II Listed Georgian townhouse. Accommodation comprises: contemporary refurbishment works including newly laid carpets, newly laid carpets, new open plan living space, two bedrooms and a bathroom. fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, with sensor and mood lighting.

Lansdown Terrace

£875 pcm Portland Place

£775 pcm

This stunning first floor Georgian apartment is situated in the popular Lansdown A top floor Georgian unfurnished apartment located in a popular central area of Bath and offers a large sitting room, good size kitchen/dining room, location with superb views across the city. The accommodation comprises bathroom with separate shower cubicle and a good sized double bedroom. hall, sitting room, kitchen-breakfast room, double bedroom and a bathroom.

The Apartment Company Jan.indd 4

17/12/2013 14:04

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

Crisp Cowley Jan.indd 1

17/12/2013 13:55

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

Crisp Cowley Jan.indd 2

17/12/2013 13:55

Project2:Layout 2

16/12/13

14:46

Page 1