The Bath Magazine June 2016

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thebathmag.co.uk | ISSUE 165 | JUNE 2016 £3.95 where sold

FAN CLUB

THE BLOOMSBURY GROUP ON SHOW AT THE VICTORIA ART GALLERY

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THE | CONTENTS

JUNE 2016

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5 THINGS TO DO The essential list for June in Bath

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MY BATH

A glimpse inside Burdall’s Yard

10 GUEST COLUMNIST Explorer David Hempleman-Adams

14 FACE THE MUSIC

Ex-Human League star turned soundscape artist Martyn Ware

16 FUN IN THE SUN Time to head for the beach

18 BATH AT WORK Neill Menneer’s portrait of the month

20 50 YEARS OF LEARNING Spotlight on the University of Bath

24 FOOTBALLING HERO Our five minutes with Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of his visit to Bath

26 WHAT’S ON The city’s rich cultural calendar

34 BOOKS FOR DADS Father’s Day favourites

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk

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36 BLOOMSBURY GROUP A unique exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery

What the city’s galleries are hanging

Profile of author Emma Hooper

78 HEALTH & BEAUTY 84 THE WALK The open spaces of the Vale of Pewsey

48 CITY ARCHIVE Jessica Hope looks at a 1916 blueprint for changing Bath’s public spaces

50 FOOD & DRINK Tasty morsels from local producers, pubs and restaurants

54 ALFRESCO DINING The best spots in the city for dining outside this summer

56 RESTAURANT REVIEW Lunch for heroes at The Three Gables

62 TRAVEL

Ideas for fun with the children

The pleasures of pilates

44 WRITER AT HOME

Top spots for an afternoon treat

A new Dawn for Rolls-Royce

72 FAMILY DIARY

40 SUMMER ART SHOWS

58 TIME FOR TEA

68 MOTORING

86 INTERIOR STYLE Designer Claire Rendall’s insider tips

90 CITY HOMES Behind the doors at Somerset Place

94 GARDENING

Inspiration for hothouse flowers

99 PROPERTY The best homes to buy or rent

ON THE COVER

Duncan Grant fan, from the new Bloomsbury Group show at Victoria Art Gallery

South Africa on Airbnb

Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

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Photo courtesy of Dan Brown at Bath in Time, photographic archive Visit :bathintime.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICKS

from the

EDITOR

SUMMER IN THE CITY: my favourite view of Bath is from the wildflower meadows at Smallcombe, while SouthGate has given us something to smile about even on rainy days, inspired by the hanging umbrellas of the Portuguese Ágitagueda art festival

B

ritish strawberries and asparagus are in season at the moment and the summer is still full of the promise of pleasures to come. I’m reminded of American writer Henry James’ thoughts: ‘Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.’ And whatever the weather, June in the British countryside must surely be one of the most beautiful places to be.

Our summer solstice issue comes with a gentle exhortation for us all to make the most of the long hours of daylight that we enjoy at this time of year. Turn to our What’s On pages (from Page 26) or our Family Diary (Page 72) to find ways of enjoying your leisure time. There really is so much going on in Bath in June, from the Queen’s birthday picnic in Parade Gardens and the magical Forest of Imagination in and around Bath Abbey, to the fascinating new Bloomsbury Group exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery and the Bath Fringe and Arts Bath festivals.

It’s Father’s Day this month, so it’s fitting that we’ve featured lots of heroes.

Buzz Aldrin, the second man to land on the moon, is speaking at a sell-out event in the Forum and later in the month footballing legend Sir Bobby Charlton – yes, he who played in England’s World Cup winning team of 1966 – is gracing our city with his presence when he’s due to pick up an honorary degree at the University of Bath in recognition of his humanitarian work. We were privileged to be able to put some questions to Sir Bobby. Read his own words, Page 24.

There are many more heroes toiling away on all kinds of projects up on the hill at the University of Bath. On Page 20 we celebrate the university’s 50 years as a centre of excellence. Its reach goes far beyond the city both in academic acheivement and in sporting prowess. As we near August’s Olympic Games in Brazil all sporting eyes are on the university’s Sporting Village, as the final selections are made for the athletes selected for TeamGB. Wiltshire based global explorer David Hempleman-Adams, who in anyone’s book is a proper hero who risks life and life in the name of human endurance and research. He’s our guest columnist, Page 10, addressing the pressing matter of climate change. Musical hero Martyn Ware – ex-Human League and Heaven 17 star – talks to Hannah Newton on Page 14 about his latest work creating soundscapes for our delight and on Page 52 Melissa Blease chats to Peter Milton, our youngest food hero to date. His is the inspiring story of how the Saturday boy at Larkhall Butchers worked his way up to owning the business.

For more heroes – and heroines – please dive in to our sunny, solstice issue.

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

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FUN IN THE SUN: the gang from independent children’s shop Spotty Herberts in Queen Street are looking forward to the longest day of the year in a new range of clothing. The shop, which is brilliant for toys and gifts, from pocket money prices upwards, has been shortlisted as best children’s business in the Muddy Stilettos lifestyle blog awards – there’s a chance to vote for your Bath family favourite GOLD MEDAL WINNERS: huge congratulations to the floristry students from Bath College who picked up a coveted Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show with this cheeky creation

As I grow older, I pay less attention to ❝what men say. I just watch what they do.

SCOTTISH-AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST ANDREW CARNEGIE

(1835 - 1919)

❞

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ZEITGEIST

5

June

things to do in

Play

See June is the month for heroes in Bath. On Friday 3 June, American astronaut Buzz Aldrin – one of the few people to have set foot on the moon – is coming to a sold out event organised

by Topping & Co bookshop at the Forum to talk about his fascinating life, and what he’s learned. Later in the month the legendary football hero Sir Bobby Charlton is being awarded an honorary degree at the University of Bath, the same month he publishes a memoir about his experiences of the 1966 World Cup. For football fans the European Championships open on 10 June. There’s a rare screening of the film Goal! the official FIFA film of the 1966 World Cup, at the University of Bath’s arts centre The Edge at Claverton. The screening is at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21 June. Tickets: £8.75 and £6.50 concessions.

Vote

Coopers stores timely reminder of the EU Referendum Thursday 23 June is EU Referendum date, giving every British national aged 18 and over the chance to say whether we want our country to stay in the European Union or leave it. We have until 7 June to register to vote and if we need a postal vote if we’re going to be away from home that day (the referendum falls while Glastonbury Festival is on) then we have until 8 June. Coopers electrical store in Walcot has a timely reminder in its window that this is a decisive moment in British history. Let your voice be heard by voting.

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A MAGICAL WORLD: as seen by Perry Harris

Festival The wonderful culturally diverse Bath Fringe Festival runs until Sunday 12 June, as does its visually stimulating little sister Fringe Arts Bath. Fringe offerings include Shakespeare in a city centre bar, PG Wodeshouse in a museum, loads of comedy and a whole lot of music gigs, from the blues to electric funk.

We’re quietly excited that the events are spread out across the city. If you haven’t visited the new Widcombe Social Club or Burdall’s Yard, the festival provides a good opportunity to check them out. Meanwhile the FaB team are creating pop-galleries and happenings. Explore Utopia: Distopia at Walcot Chapel (7 and 8 June) and a street art market in Kingsmead Square on Sunday 5 June. Pick up a bright programme which covers both festivals and join the fun.

DIVERSE PROGRAMME: Bath Fringe cover design by Emma Burr, graphics student at Bath Spa University. For more of her work visit: behance.com

Walk Best foot forward for the annual Corsham Walking Festival, which runs over the weekend of Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June. There are guided walks of varying lengths and a host of themes, including historic tours, a wildflower walk, a family treasure hunt and several that explore the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. Pick up a programme in Corsham or visit: corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk.

Places on walks need to be booked in advance as they have proved very popular in previous years.

Corsham Court

Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin

Bath Abbey is about to be filled with butterflies and the sights and sounds of a Madagascan forest complete with trees will surround the historic church as Forest Of Imagination takes over part of Bath city centre over the weekend of Friday 3 to Monday 6 June. Digital artist Anthony Head will be responsible for the myriad butterflies, while musician Martyn Ware will create a specially commissioned sonic mural of music and sound. Outside, trees will tower overhead and there’ll be lots of interactive events for adults and children.

Forest of Imagination, which was held in Queen Square, is a fun event for all but with some serious messages at heart. It’s a collaboration of teachers, creatives and Bath businesses including 5x5x5, Grant Associates and Feilden Clegg Bradley.

This year’s theme is to encourage us to protect the natural environment for future generations. As always, the organisers want to bring out our sense of play and wonder, whatever our age.

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THE BUZZ

Visit

Bath has long been a city where people came to party. A new exhibition at No 1 Royal Crescent museum, Indulgence: Daily Delights of Georgian Bath, shows us a glimpse of life in the 18th century through cartoons and rarely seen objects from the time, including a cage for a pet cricket. The exhibition runs until 11 December.

Sign up

Cyclists of all abilities and ages are being encouraged to sign up for the fifth annual Bike Bath, which takes place on Sunday 3 July. You can opt for distances of 25, 50 or 80 miles. Bike Bath begins and ends at the Rec in central Bath, with routes going out to cover some beautiful scenery in Wiltshire and Somerset. Visit: bikebath.co.uk and follow on Twitter via @bikebath.

Book of the month From Palette to Pen An anthology collated by Frances-Anne King Available at the Holburne Museum shop, £10 When, four years ago, the Holburne Museum re-opened its doors after completion of the Eric Parry extension, I asked if they would host twice yearly poetry workshops, led by top national poets. The aim was to explore, through poetry, the rich treasures of art in the newly refurbished museum; the two art forms coming together to create ‘something rich and strange.’ So it seemed a natural progression to suggest an anthology of art and poetry as part of the museum’s centenary celebrations. The director, Jennifer Scott, was enthusiastic.

The result is a beautiful little book, comprising

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My BATH

We asked Suzanne Harris,events and venues manager for Bath Spa Live, what she’ll be doing this month

Picture courtesy of Nick Spratling

ist

THE CITY

What brought you to Bath?

I was born and raised near Bath, in fact my parents met at the RUH. Dad was a patient, and he met a very pretty nurse – they both say it wasn’t as romantic as it sounds. I’ve lived in London, Bristol and Stratford-upon-Avon and when I decided to make another move, there was only one place I wanted to be. I was so thrilled to join the Bath Spa Live team at Bath Spa University.

It is a beautiful place to work and we produce exciting work by talented students, as well as a host of visiting artists. We have a theatre and concert hall on our Newton Park Campus, and a small venue in town, Burdall’s Yard.

What are you reading?

I’m reading Deep Sea and Foreign Going by Rose George. It examines the massive industry which is modern freight shipping, all going on mostly out of sight (and out of mind) of us landlubbers.

What are you listening to?

I’m listening to podcasts. My favourites at the moment are Here’s the Thing, presented by Alec Baldwin, and The New Yorker Radio Hour.

There’s going to be a third season of the massive hit podcast Serial so I’m counting the weeks.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

If you’re in the centre of town and you want something fast but really tasty and top quality, the flatbreads in Chapel Arts Café are great.

Which museums or galleries take your fancy?

I love the Holburne because it is so beautiful outside as well as inside. I like to revisit the familiar things in the permanent collection, then have my mind expanded by the world-class visiting art.

Film or play?

I enjoy most things in the Ustinov, though the last play I saw was Hamlet at the Globe. I go to the cinema about once a fortnight and most recently saw Florence Foster Jenkins with the amazing Meryl Streep. It had everything you’d want in a movie. Tears. Laughter. Hugh Grant.

What’s your latest project?

I’m looking forward to the Bath Fringe Festival.

We’re hosting a packed season of performances at Burdall’s Yard in London Road. The venue is quite small, made of a series of arched caverns.

It feels as though you are underground when you are inside and anyone who lived in Snow Hill during the war would remember using it as an air-raid shelter. We’re now fully equipped with a stage, sound, lighting and a bar and there’s a lovely intimate atmosphere.

The Fringe is going to be a really busy time for us. We’ve got visiting artists from all over the country, and some Bath stars like Clare Reddaway who hosts the popular Story Friday event. Our third-year acting students are also performing and they’ve put together a really varied programme. There are devised pieces, new plays, some classics and some surprises.

I sat in on a few rehearsals and I was completely floored by the work they’ve put in.

The students are not only really talented, they are adventurous, brave and committed and I know everyone will uncover a gem during the Fringe fortnight.

You can find out more and book tickets on: bathspalive.com. n

20 poems written in response to 20 images of artefacts from the museum’s collection. Eight national poets, (Pascale Petit, Lawrence Sail, George Szirtes, Lesley Saunders, Tim Liardet, Philip Gross, Jenny Lewis and Carrie Etter) agreed to write a poem which then left me with 12 places to fill. It was a difficult task. There were many talented and accomplished poets in these workshops. Each poet was sent an image and asked to write a poem of no more than 21 lines. Each poem was rigorously workshopped by an editorial board, and changes suggested, where necessary. By the deadline we had 20 poems approaching, variously, paintings, sculpture and decorative art, in unique and intriguing ways. For example the voice of a perfume bottle speaks of the genie inside it, a

disenchanted burgher thinks of the life he would have liked to lead, and an elderly William Holburne seeks the solace of Italian heat through looking at one of his paintings.

David Morley, Professor of poetry at Warwick University and winner of the Ted Hughes award, said: “This is a generous and brilliant collection of images presented alongside ekphrastic poems by some of the best poets writing in the UK. The whole book is an object of art in itself. It is, quite simply, a glory.”

Frances-Anne King

We’re following @DorothyHouseHC, the region’s hospice care service celebrating its 40th anniversary. By following, keep up with fun and challenging charity events throughout the year and share the serious messages about issues which affect every family.

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THE NEXT DECADE IS CRUCIAL DAVID HEMPLEMANADAMS EXPLORER RAISES AWARENESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

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TIME IS RUNNING OUT: polar bears are suffering the consequences of the ice caps melting global warming. Wicked Weather Watch will offer unique insight by highlighting the changes happening in the Arctic – where temperature is rising at twice the global average – by working directly with people who have been there, and by following The Polar Ocean Challenge.

Departing mid-June from Bristol, The Polar Ocean Challenge is a historic voyage with purpose and meaning. The level of global warming is increasing the number of ice-free months in the Northeast Passage, opening up the Arctic Ocean and making it possible for the first British team ever to cover 13,500 nautical miles and sail around the North Pole in one summer season,

❝

If there ever were a cause which should unite us, old or young, rich or poor, climate change must be it

❝

he Earth is hotting up – both on land and in the oceans. 2015 was the hottest year on record. Between the years 1880 and 2012 the average world temperature rose by 0.85°C. This might not sound a lot but even a small increase in temperature can have a huge impact on the planet and upset the delicate balance of our climate system.

Climate change can be caused by natural events such as a volcanic eruption or human activity such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The Earth’s climate has changed many times over thousands of years.

However, over the last 50 years we – humans – have caused the planet to warm much more quickly by our everyday activities releasing too much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. If we continue to add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere at this rate, it is thought that temperatures will continue to increase by between 1.4 and 5.8°C during this century.

At the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the firstever universal, legally binding global climate deal. The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C.* This is a major step forward, and the fact that the global leaders of today have agreed these measures is a sign of the seriousness of the situation.

Arctic sea ice has continued to shrink year on year and will change forever. This will have global, economic, political, social and environmental implication and is the reason I am leading The Polar Ocean Challenge this summer.

It is a fantastic opportunity to increase the world’s attention onto not just the effects of climate change but also to highlight the need to navigate the future of the Arctic responsibly. The lives of people living in the normally year-round ice bound communities will change. We can make sure that this is handled carefully, sustainably, responsibly.

The future of our planet is in the hands of the next generation. With the Paris agreement only due to enter into force in 2020 it is more important than ever to make young people aware of climate change and its impacts, and give them the tools and information they need to make a difference now.

I have set up a charity to give children and young people clarity about climate change and

KOFI ANNAN, CHAIR OF THE KOFI ANNAN FOUNDATION AND THE ELDERS navigating through receding Arctic sea ice.

The crew, led by experienced Arctic skipper, Captain Nikolai, includes Irish yachtswoman Barbara Fitzpatrick, explorer Constance Difede and 14 year old schoolboy Ben Edwards, Youth Ambassador for Wicked Weather Watch, who will be the youngest ever person to circumnavigate the Arctic Ocean.

Northabout, our 48ft purpose built high latitude sailing yacht is berthed next to Brunel’s SS Great Britain and will depart from Bristol in mid-June for the four month challenge.

We must reach the Northeast Passage before

the end of July, when the ice flows will have melted sufficiently to allow access, but the clock will then be ticking for us to go around the North Pole and exit via the Northwest Passage before it freezes again, returning back to Bristol in mid-October.

You can track the live progress of the Polar Ocean Challenge from July, by signing up to: wickedweatherwatch.org.uk.

It is an educational voyage. We will collect up to the minute data such as temperature readings and personal testimony from people who live in the Arctic, and Wicked Weather Watch will use this information to create free materials for teachers and schools to bring climate change to life in the classroom.

The Arctic is changing and has significant challenges ahead. The next decade is crucial. If we all simply give some of our attention towards the challenges facing the Arctic, and educate the next generation, then surely we’ve got the best chance of getting it right.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Terry Callaghan, and patron of Wicked Weather Watch sums it up: “It is my generation’s responsibility to pass on to the next generation the love and respect of those natural environments most vulnerable to change and to give them the scientific tools to understand how to protect them.”

To sign up to Wicked Weather Watch and follow The Polar Ocean Challenge, visit: wickedweatherwatch.org.uk and polarocean.co.uk. n * Source: ec.europa.eu.

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Contact us: Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent, Bath based publisher since 2002

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

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 thebathmag.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2016 Disclaimer: Meticulous attention to detail is taken throughout the magazine to ensure that, at the time of going to press, all content is accurate. However the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions which may occur.

Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material while in our possession. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form, either in part or whole without the written permission from the publisher.

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TIME TO GET ILLUSTRIOUS

Ahead of this month’s Forest of Imagination Hannah Newton talks to musician Martyn Ware, formerly of Heaven 17 and the Human League, the man who is recreating the sounds of a Madagascan rainforest inside Bath Abbey

H

ere’s some wisdom from one who knows how the whole fame/music business works: “Do it for love, do it because you want to do it, do it to get laid, do it because it is creatively fulfilling. But do not do it if you think you will make money – if you do it for that, prepare for disappointment.”

Martyn Ware, founding member of two of the most respected music groups of the 1980s, The Human League and Heaven 17, has a clear message for young people today who want to go into the music industry. He has no truck with X-Factor and its ilk.

Martyn found fame at the height of the new wave, electronic and synthpop music era at a time when shoulder pads and mobile phones were ridiculously large. He is in Bath this month for the opening of the Forest of Imagination – in which his work will play a major part.

Born in 1956 in Sheffield, Martyn grew up with three other siblings in a council house on a large housing estate just outside the city centre. The house was a two-up two-down with an outside toilet. Life was tough, he recalls.

Margaret Thatcher was shutting down the steel industry and the area was economically depressed, but he says: ‘‘not the people – the Sheffield people are resourceful and altruistic. It hit the steel workers the hardest of course. There was no money around, so you had to make your own entertainment. We were a doing society and not a consumer based society.”

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Making his own entertainment was exactly what the young Martyn did.

Looking for things that didn’t involve money led him to join a council run youth club, where kids from a wide range of backgrounds, including working and middle class families, went.

Run by local actors, Chris and Veronica Wilkinson, they encouraged the teenagers to experiment with art, acting, music and creativity. It was, according to Martyn, a real example of ‘socialism in action’.

This is where he met Phil Oakey and together they went on to found the Human League. It was the 1970s and he and his peers were obsessed with music.

“Our lives revolved around it, we loved so many different forms: electronic, synthesisers, experimental jazz, glam rock, prog rock. We loved the New York Dolls, alternative american groups, alternative german groups, psychedelic, experimental and weird music.”

Heavily into glam-rock, they crossdressed, wore lots of make up and when punk turned up they thought it was immensely boring in comparison. His mother thought he was gay because of the way he dressed but soon realised she was wrong as he brought a ‘constant stream of girls back to my bedroom’.

For a few years The Human League worked hard and eventually their single, Being Boiled, was picked up by legendary BBC DJ John Peel. It went on to sell 5,000 copies and ultimately led to the band being signed by Virgin.

In 1980, a ‘machiavellian’ plan, as he puts it, to oust Martyn led to him leaving

the Human League. He left Sheffield and went to London – where, alongside Ian Craig Marsh co-founder of the Human League, they formed Heaven 17 and B.E.F. Heaven 17 found success with debut album Penthouse and Pavement and Martyn went on to produce a series of successful recording artists including Tina Turner, Terence Trent D’Arby, Chaka Khan, Erasure, Marc Almond and Mavis Staples.

During the late 80s, Martyn declares there was ‘an endless torrent of money’, which allowed him to live a playboy lifestyle. He admits he probably ‘overcooked the freedom thing’ and eventually as the 80s gave way to the 90s Martyn realised he was ready to find someone to share his life with.

“I also realised I wanted to have kids and decided it was time to find someone to share my life with. I met the love of my life, Landsley, in 1992 on a blind date set up by mutual friends. I proposed within a month and we married within nine months.” He was 36 years old and ready to settle down.

The couple have two children, their daughter is almost 21 and their son is turning 18.

The mid-90s saw a resurgence of Heaven 17 and Martyn began to do more performing and touring, meanwhile, he noticed that the music scene was becoming more and more marketing led. He was being offered boy bands to work with and decided it was time to look elsewhere – to the future.

In 2000, Martyn got together with

SOUND AND VISION: Martyn Ware – who runs Illustrious with Vince Clarke, formerly of Erasure – pictured in County Durham with the travelling beach hut for the What Does the Sea Say? project for the National Trust Picture courtesy of North News Pictures

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FACE | THE MUSIC

Vince Clarke from Erasure, and they set up a company called Illustrious where they planned to move into crafting compositions and soundtracks for film and TV. Through this they embraced the emergence of surround sound and its creative possibilities.

Approached by the Sheffield Museum of Popular Music to create a 3D surround sound auditorium, they ended up commissioning software to their own specification for the project. They continue to use this software, 3D AudioScape, on Illustrious work which includes producing sound scapes, compositions which Martyn describes as: ‘sonic murals, murals for the public but in sound.’

This architecture of sound is devised to envelop its audience with fantastical, magical and realist audible music, consisting of musical notes, sounds from the natural world, human speech, poetry and other tonal elements we can only imagine.

The surround sounds, which use height, as well as 3D speakers, provide an immersive auditory experience so that as you walk through the sound scape your mind is transported into pure experience.

The Forest of Imagination is inside and around Bath Abbey this month.

Martyn has created and composed a sound scape. Throughout the four-day experience an art installation by digital artist Anthony Head, will see thousands of butterflies fill the Abbey. Visitors will experience a complete immersive journey, as Martyn’s sonic sound scape of noises of the Madagascan forest with its creatures and natural sounds, envelops your senses and Anthony Head’s art installation surrounds you.

“I enjoy creating large scale public realm sound and interpretations of sound. The sound scape is more impressionistic and artistic and less linear than a normal musical composition. It is a pure experience.

Even dogs and babies in pushchairs react.”

Martyn will also create two further sonic sound scapes for the Forest of Imagination in Abbey Green and in Kingston Parade.

“I love Bath, it is such beautiful location. The Abbey is an incredible building – there is such a huge amount of light flooding into it – churches are designed to be immersive experiences, the sound is amazing inside and the look is unique and while you are inside these buildings you are transported to a different place. Churches and buildings of contemplation and faith are designed to allow you to open your mind – to have a spiritual experience using sounds and light.”

Martyn enjoys the idea of stripping away the preconceptions of creativity to find new applications for something we all experience every day, adding: “I regard my job as an evangelist for true experiential immersion.” Forest of Imagination runs from Friday 3 to Monday 6 June.

MARTYN’S TOP TEN TRACKS: From the original music by Henry Purcell – The Funeral of Queen Mary This is taken from the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange – Heaven 17 took its name from a fictional band in this classic futuristic novel. This was my first introduction to classical and electronic music combined.

INFLUENCES: left to right, Kraftwerk and Prince Inset, Martyn during his Heaven 17 days

The Brecker Brothers – East River This epic production had a real influence on me.

Jobraith – I’m A Man In the early 70s Jobriath was the first openly glam gay man from New York – he was inspirational.

Kraftwerk – Trans Europe Express Kraftwerk were a template, they were the godfathers of what we attempted to achieve.

Scott Walker – Montague Terrace in Blue Scott Walker was the most incredible artist and he was a massive influence for myself, David Bowie and Phil Oakey. He was enlightening.

Laurie Anderson – Oh Superman Laurie was married to Lou Reed and had a huge impact. She was the most brilliant conceptual artist in her own right, her stage shows were creative and unusual.

Nina Simone – Don’t Smoke in Bed This is an absolutely heartbreaking track about a girl who loses her lover.

Frank Ocean – Pyramids One of my favourite tracks – my main influences are from the past.

Find out more about Martyn’s work, visit: illustriouscompany.co.uk. n

Frank Zappa – Peaches En Regalia Zappa was a major influence during my teenage years due to his experimental work.

Prince – Mountains He is my favourite 80s artist.

David Bowie – Sweet Things I love everything that David Bowie did. I met him in 1978 and he told me that the Human League was the future of music.

Diamond Dogs is my favourite album.

Ike and Tina Turner – River Deep, Mountain High I first heard this song when I was about ten years old. My sisters introduced me to it and it had a big effect with its huge wall of sound.

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SUMMER | SHOPPING

HEADING TO THE BEACH

Angela by Gabor Handbags, £49.99, Silver Shoon, 11 Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RG

As the weather begins to get a little warmer, we’re packing up the car and planning our first trip of the year to the beach . . .

Set of four Linea acrylic stacking wine glasses, £16, House of Fraser, 13 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DD, houseoffraser.co.uk

Hugo Boss men’s sunglasses, £150, Vision Express, 53 Southgate, Bath BA1 1TG, visionexpress.com

Hammond & Co. striped band broad brim hat, £30, Debenhams, 17 Southgate Place, Bath BA1 1AP

Gold snake skin flip flops, Kurt Geiger, RRP £39, Outlet price £29 at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, swindondesigneroutlet.com Sennhesier Momentum Wireless M2 AEBT, £379.99, Paul Green Hi-Fi, Unit 8, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane, Bath, BA1 3JN, paulgreenhifi.co.uk

Boules set, £20, Laura Ashley, Unit 5A St Lawrence Street, Bath BA1 1AN, lauraashley.com

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Waffle swimsuit, £55, Phase Eight, 2 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ, phase-eight.co.uk

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SUMMER | SHOPPING

Philip Kingsley Citrus Sunshine Swimcap, £13, Frontlinestyle salon, 4-5 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AJ, frontlinestyle.co.uk

Sperry gold cup authentic two eye boat shoe, £150, John Anthony, 26-28 High St, Bath BA1 1RG

Mon Oncle barbecue, £298, trouva.com

Nautical four person picnic hamper, £59.50, Marks and Spencer

Le Specs Halfmoon Magic women’s sunglasses, £42, Magpie and Bear, 7 Green Street, Bath BA1 2JY, agpieandbear.com

Madison short kaftan, £267, Melissa Odabash at The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2JU

Isle beach towel, £99, Yves Delorme, 11 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ

Magic Mirror Mini, £29.99, available at boots.com and magicmirroruk.com Whitby Swim Short, £50, Crew Clothing Company, 31 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG

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

Michelle Dawson Structural engineer

M

y father and uncles were all builders and car mechanics so I grew up in a rather male environment. I was also good at maths and from a very early age wanted to be involved in buildings. However in Caerphilly there were very low career expectations for children and although I wanted to go to university there was a great deal of opposition.

My parents would have been happier if I had become a housewife, to be honest, so I had to be very determined to pursue my goal. It created a permanent rift but I needed to get away. And so away I went to Cardiff University to study civil structural engineering. I was the only female student on my course. Hey ho!

My relationship with Bath goes way back as my grandmother, an asthmatic, always rented a place here. She lived by the canal, although she came for the air, which seems strange but Bath was famous for its healthy properties.

We also used to drive through Bath on the way to Weymouth for the family annual holiday. I used to sit in the back of the Morris and look at all the grand buildings. It made me feel beautifully insignificant.

When I finished university it was natural for me to look for a job in Bath. From 1987 I worked for a variety of engineering companies including Mowlem and Whitby Bird.

They relocated to Bristol in 2005 so I set up my own business Structurelle Engineering Ltd at that time. I’ve been running it ever since.

Most of my jobs have been in Bath but I’ve also worked in London, Cornwall and Sri Lanka. My speciality, other than offering a unique personal service, is that I love to work on difficult sites. Fortunately there are plenty of those in Bath!

Sloping sites or with difficult ground conditions or even landslip sites are all great challenges and what I love to be working on. I do my own site investigations, from feeling the soil to analysing the geology.

Personally I have had a wonderful time in Bath. I have two gorgeous children, Isla and Mia, and three daschunds called Cookie, Flapjack and Crumpet. I hate my own company so they all keep me very amused. We will either walk to the Botanical Gardens or go up to Alexandra Park and just picnic or take in the fabulous views. I am a great lover of birdsong and have developed a unique way of identifying the bird’s voices. The song thrush sings: “Did he do it? Did he do it? He did,” whereas the wood pigeon sings: “My toe is bleeding.”

Strange but true.

I’m not a big shopper; in fact I prefer to look at the shops not in them. I love to date the shopfronts and other aspects of the architecture. I’m getting better all the time and have just finished a short architectural course where I work at the Museum of Bath Architecture.

As you’ve probably gathered I love my work and am always happy to share my experience with students and to encourage girls especially to give engineering consideration. I’ve talked at Hayesfield and The Royal High schools and am always willing to share my passion with others. n

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

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

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50YEARS

OF EXCELLENCE The University of Bath celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a series of celebrations and events. Georgette McCready takes a snapshot of some of its achievements

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he hilltop university may, at casual glance, be like a giant ants’ nest, its thousands of industrial worker ants diligently going about their business, scurrying up and down the hill between the city below and the Claverton campus. Looking at it from the traditional ‘town and gown’ viewpoint merely scratches the surface of what all these bright young things are doing in Bath.

But, like a scientist studying an ant hill, closer scrutiny reveals all sorts of fascinating facets and complicated nuances. So, as the University of Bath celebrates 50 years since it welcomed its first students we take a look at the impact this centre of excellence has had – and continues to make – on the global stage.

KEY STATISTICS In 1966 the University of Bath welcomed its initial intake of 1,260 undergraduates. Last academic year there were over 16,000 students, with around a third of those coming from overseas, representing more than 100 countries. The ratio of male to female students is 54 per cent to 46 per cent.

The university directly employs 3,141 people and directly or indirectly supports more than 5,500 jobs in Bath.

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students in the Bath area is estimated at around £147.5m.

The university scores highly for student satisfaction, with 93 per cent of undergraduates completing their degree and making the top three in the Sunday Times and Times Good University Guide 2015 for graduate career prospects. In The Times Higher Education ratings Bath was number one for student satisfaction.

In addition to being high achievers academically, Bath’s students want to make a difference. Around 100,000 of past students are alumni, scattered across the world, but attending events, continuing to network and to support future generations with gifts amounting to £7.8m in the 12 months of 2014/15.

WHAT’S ON CAMPUS The university campus has grown, both in physical size and in international status, over the past 50 years.

Among the high profile additions have been the upgrading of the Sports Training Village’s Olympic standard swimming pool and the creation of the multi-million pound arts centre The Edge, which is used by the university and by the community at large for art, dance, music and theatre.

In the process of being set up is the Milner Centre for Evolution, a worldleading centre which will apply itself to

investigating the origins of life on Earth, how it has evolved and what can be learnt from this for future generations of people, animals and biology. It will also be applying evolutionary science techniques to help improve medical diagnosis and track epidemicsThis centre will be set up in the exisiting Department of Biology and Biochemistry, following a record £5m donation from former student Dr Jonathan Milner.

Last year the Centre for War and Technology was launched, taking a strong moral and philosophical approach to the research and analysis of the impact of technology on politics, war and society. Key strands under scrutiny include how society tackles international security and issues in world politics.

The university has long had a strong engineering reputation, leading to all kinds of research and development.

Researchers and designers have been at the forefront of a revolution in building safe, ecologically friendly and inexpensive homes – made from straw.

The university, in partnership with

GROWING IN STATURE: Above, the Claverton campus, as seen in April 2015 and inset, the original site in November 1966

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UNIVERSITY | AT | 50

IMAGES OF RESEARCH Every year at the University of Bath there’s an exhibition and competition called Images of Research, which celebrates the breadth and strength of the research projects taking place at the university.

This summer’s exhibition at The Edge attracted a record 50 entries from across 14 academic departments.

The winner features research in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, which is striving to improve the connection between lab-grown tissues and existing organs in the human body during transplant operations. The image captures lab-engineered human capillaries (in green) derived from stem cells, connecting with red aorta cells in a novel gel solution developed by the researchers, Tiago Fortunato, Dr Paul De Bank and Dr Giordano Pula.

They hope that the new technique will help the establishment of a swift connection between the host blood vessels and implanted organs, and lead to more successful tissue engineering applications.

The exhibition also clearly demonstrates the links between science and art.

GENERATIONS OF GRADUATES: University of Bath graduates of 1969 and right, one of many graduation ceremonies last year at Bath Abbey

architects, patented a new factory built straw panel and seven houses in Bristol were built as a result. Using a byproduct of farming, the straw panels could be used to build up to half a million new homes a year.

Teams of researchers and academics in the university’s Centre for Death and Society are carrying out fascinating studies of how different cultures treat dying and death. As we watch the rise in interest of death cafés, in which people are encouraged to talk about what has traditionally been a taboo subject in British society, the Bath centre will attract more attention.

For many families the search for treatments and cures for cancer is paramount. Bath is part of a cluster of universities sharing resources. Cancer Research at Bath works to bring academics, clinicians and students together in this field and to raise awareness across the region of the work being done to develop a cure.

WINNING IMAGE: a fascinating close-up view of green labengineered human capillaries connecting with red aorta cells

There are many good projects taking place behind doors at the university that aren’t obvious to the outsider. One of these is the Tobacco Control Research Group. This acts as a watchdog on the international tobacco market, monitoring manufacturers and their allies to ensure they don’t stall or try to block health campaigns against smoking, such as plain packaging on cigarette packets. Visit its website: tobaccotactics.com to find out more about the Bath-based group’s work.

Another department tackling a universal issue is the Centre for Pain Research. The team here in Bath look at topics such as whether people perceive pain differently. Their research into the study of how we feel pain leads to the development of treatment to alleviate pain.

There are many more fields of study at the university, already in place and planned – such as the centre for the study of autism, shortly to be launched

on the Claverton campus.

But, as we know from our news channels, the University of Bath is not only a centre for international academic and research excellence.

SPORTING EXCELLENCE You don’t have to be a world class sportsman or woman to be inspired and uplifted by the atmosphere in the Sports Training Village. Outside, teams are playing football, while inside the main building banners celebrate and encourage. Beside the entrance is the Hall of Fame, with large photographs of its inductees, including the Bath Bullet, gold medallist Jason Gardener and winter Olympic gold medal winner Amy Williams.

Beneath the walkway lies the large gym, busy with people working out at all times of the day.

I met Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the university, to talk about the university’s sporting elite, as well as its

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UNIVERSITY | AT | 50

MAKING THEIR MARK Graduates from the University of Bath have gone on to achieve greatness in a variety of fields, including academia, sport, the arts and business. Here are a few of the notable alumni: l Sir Julian Horn-Smith: former chief operating officer of Vodafone. He received a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to international telecommunications. l Justin King CBE: former chief executive of Sainsbury’s and previously director of food at Marks and Spencer. l Tom Pellereau: winner of BBC1’s The Apprentice. Tom won a £250,000 business partnership with Alan Sugar to develop his nail care business, which he set up after inventing, producing and selling a curved nail file, Stylfile. l Steve Borthwick: rugby player who played for Bath Rugby before leaving for Saracens. He captained the senior England Rugby Union team between 2008 and 2010.

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2012 London Olympic Games were famously Bath based women rowers Heather Stanning and Helen Glover.

And, although they no longer train in Bath, many here still see them as belonging. The duo remain leaders in rowing and hopes are being pinned on them bringing home another clutch of medals from Brazil.

Recruitment for future champion rowers actually begins in freshers’ week.

As so many children don’t get the chance to row at school, university gives scouts the chance to spot likely candidates and to encourage them to pursue the sport to its upper echelons.

It is the mixture of the have-a-go and the elite that is so remarkable at the Sports Training Village. Bathonians are invited to attend the annual Team Bath Community Day on Saturday 25 June.

This open day attracts hundreds of people and gives them the chance to try out a variety of sports.

There’s also a day of football tournaments on Saturday 9 July in celebration of what would have been legendary footballer Ivor Powell’s 100th birthday. He started coaching Bath City in the 1960s after his playing career ended, then took on coaching for Team Bath, helping the team reach the first round of the FA Cup in 2002. Alumni and friends are invited to book places.

Visit: bath.ac.uk. Also, visit: 50years.bath.ac.uk to find out about 50th birthday events, leading up to the actual anniversary in October. n

PLACES AND PEOPLE: main picture, The Edge is the new arts centre Inset, left the late Ivor Powell who was in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest active football coach and Amy Williams, skeleton champion gold medal winner in the 2010 Winter Olympics

l Kate Howey MBE: judo player who represented Great Britain at four Olympic Games; winning bronze at Barcelona in 1992 and silver in Sydney in 2000. l Tony Kendle: creative director of the Eden Project. l Sue Ryan: director of Henley Literary Festival and former managing editor of the Daily Telegraph. l Florence Muringi Wambugu: world expert in plant biotechnology, particularly in connection with advocating increased food production in Africa.

Tom Pellereau

contribution to community sport and exercise at all levels.

“We are very proud to give our students an enhanced experience with the sporting facilities here,” he said, “but you’ve only got to look at the stream of people coming on to the campus in the early evenings to see that people from Bath are making the most of them too.”

These users range from seven to 14year-olds, part of the Tribe coaching in a variety of sports, from football and hockey to judo and fencing, to people in their 70s and 80s ploughing lengths of the Olympic swimming pool, or attending pay-as-you-go exercise classes.

But at this moment in the £30m sporting village all eyes are on the Olympic hopefuls, those who train at there and have their sights set on competing in the Rio Olympics in August.

Stephen says: “Each sport is selected at different times. We were lucky that the selection for Team GB’s swimming squad took place here in Bath, so we had a lot of press and media attention.

We were pleased to see four of the 22 strong squad selected from here.”

Some sports, such as badminton, are fairly straightforward when it comes to Olympic selection, as players compete on a ranking system. Other disciplines, particularly the track and field, will wait nearer the day for selections to take place, carefully timed to catch these high performance athletes at their peak.

The first gold medal winners of the

l Kelly Gallagher: winner of the first gold medal for Britain on snow. Kelly and her guide Charlotte Evans won the visually impaired Alpine Skiing Super G slalom at the 2014 Sochi Games.

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NATIONAL | HERO

CITY HONOURS FOOTBALL LEGEND England football hero Sir Bobby Charlton is to receive an honorary degree from the University of Bath later this month. We were granted the chance to ask him about football and his global humanitarian work

T

his summer sees celebrations of one of our country’s finest sporting moments – the day in 1966 when England won the football World Cup. By coincidence, one of the heroes of that hour, Manchester United and England player Bobby Charlton will be visiting Bath this month, to receive his honorary degree from the University of Bath.

Sir Bobby, now 78, is not being fêted in Bath for his long and illustrious football career, but for his humanitarian work tackling the worldwide issue of landmines, which kill and maim so many innocent people. He founded the charity, Find A Better Way, after visiting Bosnia and Cambodia as an ambassador for sport.

Sir Bobby’s charity, FABW, aims to find an effective method of detecting landmines hidden underground. As part of its work a £100,000 research grant was offered to Dr Manuchehr Soleimani at the University of Bath to develop technology which will be able to detect buried landmines of all kinds, using a faster and more effective methods.

We were granted five minutes of Sir Bobby’s time ahead of his visit to Bath.

You’re about to publish your memoir about your 1966 World Cup story.

Firstly, are the memories of that day still as vivid as ever – what moments do you always think about?

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sometimes it is the small unexpected moments that I think back on the most.

One of my favourites was when the firemen at Hendon Fire Station stood along the road clapping our coach as it passed on our way to the final at Wembley.

Will there be stories – or your views – in the book that we won’t have heard before, bringing a fresh aspect to a wellloved story?

This is the first book I’ve ever written about the World Cup ’66 so hopefully there will be something new and interesting in it for everyone to enjoy.

You’re coming to Bath to receive an honorary degree for your work with your charity Find A Better Way. Do you think that with support from people like you campaigning that we can win the global battle to eradicate landmines? If not, then what’s the best case we can hope for?

Hopefully, yes. It is going to be a very long process, and there is still a long way to go, but present-day work is very promising. Just removing all the landmines in the ground today is expected to take up to 1,000 years with the currently available technology, and it was that realisation that led to me founding the charity. There are an estimated 110 million landmines situated in 70 countries. We fund research into faster, safer, and more effective landmine detection technology, mine-avoidance education for children

NATIONAL HERO: left and top, Sir Bobby Charlton out in the field for his charity Find A Better Way, and below right, Bobby Charlton – pictured bottom right – winning the World Cup in 1966 with the England squad

and families living among landmines, and humanitarian research into improved prosthesis, and regenerative medicine for landmine victims. My thanks go to all on board.

You have many things in your life to be proud of – including recently seeing a stand at Old Trafford bearing your name and more than 30 years of your soccer school training young players – do you set yourself new ambitions or have you learned the elusive art of being content?

At the age of 78, I hope to have found the art of contentment, but it remains my ongoing wish for Find A Better Way to succeed. If we can make the removal of landmines faster, cheaper, and safer it will be an enormous benefit to the entire world. Knowing that keeps me motivated.

Do you think Leicester City’s unexpected triumph has opened up the game to see more underdogs come through, to make the Premiership more interesting?

Congratulations to Leicester City on their success. I am looking forward to next season to see if any team can produce a repeat performance.

Finally, what do you think of England’s chances in the upcoming European Championships?

I live in hope like the rest of the footballing nation, but I especially hope for a better result than the last championship. n

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WHAT’S ON IN JUNE EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER PRINCESS IDA Wednesday 1 – Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm, but 2.30pm Saturday n The Wroughton Theatre, King Edward’s School, North Road, Bath Bath Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents the tale of Ida, whose cloistered academic life is turned upside down when the prince she was betrothed to at the age of one breaks in to her women’s college in order to claim her hand. Tickets: £14 /£12 and £7 (concessions), tel: 01225 400295 or 01225 463362. Visit: bathgands.co.uk.

GHETTO Wednesday 1 – Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm, matinee Saturday 2.30pm n The Mission Theatre, Corn Street, Bath Zenith Youth Theatre Company presents a drama set in the Jewish ghetto in Lithuania in 1942 and based on diaries from the time. A thought provoking production. Tickets: £10 / £7 concessions, tel: 01225 428600, or visit: missiontheatre.co.uk.

Urban Voodoo at Chapel Arts

EDITOR’S PICK A HISTORY OF FASHION IN 100 OBJECTS Daily until January 2018 n The Fashion Museum, the Assembly Rooms, Bath This is a fascinating display of 100 star items from the museum’s collection. One of the earliest garments is an intricately embroidered waistcoat worn by an aristocratic woman from the time of Shakespeare. The exhibition also includes an appliqué embroidered jacket by Paris couturier Lucien Lelong, worn by Vivien Leigh in 1948.

Tickets: £8.75, £7.75 concessions, £6.75 children. Free with Discovery Card or Art Pass.

Phyllis Logan at The Theatre Royal

Shoes from Fashion in 100 Objects at the Fashion Museum

Lady Nade at the Chapel Arts Centre

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Samuel West at the Theatre Royal

Also at The Mission this month PUNK ROCK Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June, 7.30pm, matinee Saturday 2.30pm Bath Spa University Theatre Society presents Simon Stephen’s play about a group of sixth formers preparing for their A Levels and facing the stresses and strains of exams and relationships. Tickets: £8 / £6 concessions.

DOOMED WOMEN Friday 17 June, 7.30pm Theatre company A Drunken Sailor presents the tale of two women awaiting the guillotine during the French Revolution. Will they get a last minute reprieve? Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions.

THE URBAN VOODOO MACHINE Thursday 2 June, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath A band which plays Bourbon soaked gypsy blues bop’n’stroll, while wearing make-up and dressed in black and red. Urban Voodoo Machine’s music sounds like a great night out in a dangerous part of town. They’ve played Glastonbury, Download, Latitude, Bestival, Hard Rock Calling and toured with The Pogues and New York Dolls. We do hope you read this in time to catch them in Bath. Tickets £12 (on the door £14). Visit: chapelarts.org.

Also at Chapel Arts this month LUCY WARD Sunday 5 June, 8pm Lucy Ward is a multi award winning singer songwriter, her voice is a breathtaking example of unique beauty. Inspired by her roots in the folk tradition, Ward writes songs about people. She has won a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and is the youngest person to ever be nominated for BBC Folk Singer of the year. Tickets: £10 / £12 on the door.

LADY NADE Friday 17 June, 8pm One of Bristol’s favourite singers, Lady Nade will be supported by swing/jazz guitarist Seb Gutiez (Bartoune, Zen Hussies) and soul/folk double bassist Dan Everett of Polly and the Billet Doux / EverGreen Fish.

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Expect moments of pin-drop intensity, heartbreak and happiness.

Tickets: £8 (£10 on the door). The Chapel Arts Café will be open this evening serving food and drink, making it a great venue to meet friends.

LARA MELDA Friday 3 June, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon BBC Young Musician of the year when she was 16, pianist Lara Melda, pictured, makes a welcome return to Bradford on Avon for a programme featuring Schubert, Mendelssohn and Chopin, exploring the depths and heights of human emotion. Tickets: £17, £8.50 under 18s. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk.

Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month PHRONESIS Friday 10 June, 7.30pm This award-winning Anglo-Danish jazz trio, pictured, has been described as one of the most exciting bands on the planet,

by Jazzwise. Their stage presence is charismatic and their performance inspiring. Tickets: £16, £8 under 18s.

BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sunday 12 June, 7.30pm Conductor Eugene Monteith will lead the orchestra through the dramatic A Night on the Bare Mountain by Mussorgsky, Rachmaninov’s Isle of the Dead and Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra.

Tickets: £14, £7 under 18s.

GBH BIG BAND Sunday 19 June, 3pm As we prepare to enjoy the summer solstice and the opening of the Rio Olympics in August, GBH celebrates the sizzling samba and the beautiful bossa nova with a Latin American carnival. Tickets: £15, £5 under 18s. Take your kid for a quid (when you buy an adult ticket).

BATH CHORAL SOCIETY Saturday 25 June, 7.30pm A leading local choir presents an evening of delightful songs by popular 20th century British composers which welcome the arrival of summer and reflect upon the changing seasons. The programme includes settings of some well-known folk songs as well as familiar verses from Shakespeare, William Blake, Emily Dickinson. Tickets: £22 / £6 under-18s / £6 students.

DARE TO CARE Friday 3 at 8pm and Saturday 4 June, 2pm, matinee Saturday 2.30pm n Burdall’s Yard, Anglo Terrace, London Road, Bath Bath Rapscallion and Old Bag Theatre Company team up, as part of the Bath Fringe, to present two new plays, with fast-paced comedy, lyrical movement and a cappella singing. Dawn of the Silent Spring by Sarah Curwen. 1950s USA and nature is under threat, but Rachel Carson stands up to the aggro-chemical industry and ignites the environmental movement. The Angel Of Peckham by Clare Reddaway.

Who is the charismatic ex-chief executive of Kids Company, Camila Batmanghelidjh? Is she the Angel of Peckham? Or someone rather less savoury? Tickets: £8, £6 conc, £4 students. Visit: bathspalive.com.

SPECTACULAR CONCERT Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm n St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, South Parade, Bath Three local choirs – Bath Cantata Group, Bradford on Avon Choral Society and Paragon Singers – come together for an all-English concert featuring Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast with Benjamin Bevan in the title role, and Vaughan Williams’ Te Deum in G. Elgar’s sumptuous Cello Concerto played by international soloist Tim Hugh completes this event. The choirs will be accompanied by a full-size symphony orchestra plus two off-stage bands for the Walton. Tickets: £20, students £10, u12s free, from Bath Box Office, Sharps & Flats music shop, Ex Libris bookshop in Bradford on Avon.

IFORD ARTS FESTIVAL Saturday 4 June – 6 August n Iford Manor, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire The 2016 open air opera season begins with Verdi’s Macbeth. The composer is fascinated by the three witches and so this production is Continued over THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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given a supernatural element. Take a picnic and enjoy a magical experience in the beautiful gardens and cloisters, where the operas are staged in an intimate setting. Tickets: £118, Monday to Friday, £122 Saturdays.

Visit: ifordarts.org.uk.

MORE TEA VICAR? Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm n Widcombe Social King Lear at the Theatre Royal Club, Widcombe, Bath Meet Frank Williams, who played the tetchy vicar in Dad’s Army, who will be telling anecdotes about his time in the classic TV series. This is a Bath Comedy promotion, visit: bathcomedy.com for tickets.

Also from Bath Comedy this month BILL SMARME COMES STRICTLY DANCING Wednesday 8 June, 7.30pm Bill and his supporting programme play at Club XL in Walcot Street.

Watch Bill put his left leg in and shake it all about for a truly terpsichoreal experience. Visit: bathcomedy.com.

WIDCOMBE COMEDY NIGHT SPECIAL Thursday 9 June, 7.30pm Some of the leading lights of the current comedy circuit with headliner Nick Doody.

OPEN GARDENS: LANSDOWN Sunday 5 June, 2pm – 5pm n St Stephen’s Millennium Green and other gardens, Lansdown, Bath St Stephen’s Millennium Green Trust hosts the annual Lansdown Open Gardens to raise funds for the upkeep of the St. Stephen’s Millennium Green. There will be six gardens open. Tickets: £5, on the day from the Millennium Green, the St Stephen’s Centre and the gardens. There will be a plant sale, teas and cake. Visit: millenniumgreen.org.uk.

KING LEAR Monday 6 – Saturday 11 June, times vary n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath Highly respected Shakespearean actor Michael Pennington leads a distinguished cast for this new production of the tragedy of King Lear, marking the 400th anniversaryof the playwright’s death. For ticket details visit: theatreroyal.org.uk, or tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month LADY ANNA: ALL AT SEA Monday 13 – Saturday 18 June, times vary Victorian writer Anthony Trollope created Lady Anna, a woman caught between her noble upbringing and her new life as the fiancee of a humble tailor. This play was commissioned by the Trollope Society as part of the author’s bicentennial celebrations in 2015.

PRESENT LAUGHTER Wednesday 22 June – Saturday 9 July, times vary The summer season at the Theatre Royal opens with Noel Coward’s sparkling comedy Present Laughter, directed by Stephen Unwin and starring Samuel West and Phyllis Logan. Get tickets if you can.

POWER, PROPAGANDA, MEN IN TIGHTS: ENGLISH ART UNDER THE TUDORS Monday 6 June, 7pm n The Top Gallery, Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath This talk for Bath Evening Decorative and Fine Arts Society, looks at early English paintings, which in the 16th century were largely by foreigners. Works by artists like Holbein are explained in detail by lecturer Linda Smith. Pre-booked visitors £7, full-time students free.

Tel: 01225 742989 or 742819. Details: bedfas.co.uk.

TUNNEL TOURS Wednesday 8 and Wednesday 22 June, 11am (and throughout the year) n Beneath the Roman Baths, Bath If you’re interested in what lies beneath our pavements, to visit the level that the Roman Baths were originally built on, and to get close to

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actual Roman remains underground, then book yourself a place on a tunnel tour. These tours sell out quickly but they provide a unique view of our city and the achievements of the Romans. Tickets are included in Roman Baths admission price, tel: 01225 477773 or visit: romanbaths.co.uk/events/tunnel-tours.

Also at the Roman Bath this month BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR Friday 17 June, 2.30pm Go behind the scenes with the curatorial team to discover the collections and see how they are cared for. Handle objects and find out more about archaeology. Book on 01225 477773. Tickets, included in admission price.

PIXASH ARCHAEOLOGY STORE OPEN DAY Saturday 25 June, 11am – 3pm Explore archaeology at the Roman Baths store near Keynsham. The store is next to the recycling centre, Pixash Lane, Keynsham.

Admission free.

GORDON RIOTS Thursday 9 June, 9am for 9.30am start n St John the Evangelist Church, South Parade, Bath Bath Fringe’s historic strand looks at the Gordon Riots which took place in Bath on 9 June 1780. The day begins with a lecture and later, at 1pm, there’s a walk from the Circus to visit the sites where Bathonians rioted over 48 hours. Tickets: £6 each event, £10 combined. Book at Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362.

JUST LIKE THAT: THE TOMMY COOPER SHOW Saturday 11 June, 7.30pm n Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Comic genius Tommy Cooper is celebrated in this critically acclaimed tribute show, which visits Bath as part of a national tour. A show full of magic and mirth. Tickets: £14 /concessions £12. Tel: 0333 666 3366.

Also at the Rondo this month GREAT EXPECTATIONS Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 June, 7.30pm (plus matinees) Second Face Theatre Company re-imagines Charles Dickens’ story about Miss Havisham, the bitter bride who locked herself away.

Expect some powerful storytelling. Suitable for family audiences.

Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions.

EMMA Tuesday 28 June – Saturday 2 July, 7.30pm The Rondo Theatre Company brings Jane Austen’s heroine, Emma Woodhouse to life. Tickets: £12 /concessions £10. All proceeds to Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PICNIC Sunday 12 June, 10.30am – 5pm n Parade Gardens, off Orange Grove, Bath A picnic for all to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, with music from Bath Spa Uni, Sam Evans Band, The Sheriff and Reece Hughes. Local independent food stalls, Grocer Events, Henny & Joe’s, Pizza Bike, Jacobs Finest, Yammo Italiano will be selling delicious food and drink and the Parade Gardens café will be serving tea, coffee and sandwiches.

Plus drinks from The Tipsy Botanist, Electric Bear and Honey and Daughter. Super Pirates will be running a children’s zone with a bouncy castle, face painting and other activities. Tickets: £10, tel: 01225 463362. Charities: RUH, St John’s and Bath Volunteers Centre. Tel: 01225 463362.

JANE AUSTEN’S EMMA Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 June, 7.30pm n The Tithe Barn, Bradford on Avon The Bradfordians present a version of Jane Austen’s witty novel about a flawed but ultimately likeable heroine with a penchant for putting her foot in it. Enjoy a picnic by the river with a glass of wine before enjoying this much loved classic. Tickets: £12 /£10 concessions. Tel: 01225 860100, or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk.

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WHAT’S | ON

SARA PASCOE Wednesday 15 June, 8pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath The show, from one of the UK’s top women comedians, is a mixture of true stories about Tony Blair, Oedipus Rex and the wildlife of Lewisham, plus a load of stories that don’t sound true at all about Jason Donovan, Henry the Hoover and when God took over the tannoy in Sainsbury’s.

Tickets from £12. Visit: komedia.com.

Also at Komedia this month THE MINISTRY OF BURLESQUE’S TWISTED CABARET Friday 24 June, 8pm The Ministry of Burlesque returns to Komedia with its Twisted Cabaret, offering a fresh mix of neo-burlesque and cabaret. Dig out your frocks and finery and get ready for high camp comedy, risqué song and Victorian villainy. Tickets from £10.

Phronesis at Wiltshire Music Centre

EDITOR’S PICK WALCOT HISTORY EVENT Sunday 12 June, 4pm n The back bar of The Bell, Walcot Street, Bath This is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement to the people who helped forge Bath’s creative community and public events. There’ll be films and talks touching on some of the figures from 1970s Bath Arts who are no longer with us, including Karl Jaeger, Charlie Ware and Paul Nasher Nashman, with a film tribute to Wally Hope, a prime mover in the free festivals movement. Free admission.

Sara Pascoe

Art Garfunkel

CONCERTS IN THE FOREST Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June n Westonbirt arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire A weekend of three separate concerts by some big names past and present.

Friday night it’s the Kaiser Chiefs, while some members of UB40 will be taking to the stage on Saturday evening, finishing with Tom Jones on Sunday night. The Kaiser Chiefs and Tom Jones concerts have sold out, but tel: 03000 680400 or visit: forestry.gov.uk/music for UB40 tickets.

BATH FESTIVAL OF MOTORING Saturday 18, 10am – 5pm and Sunday 19 June, 10am – 4pm n Lansdown, opposite the Park and Ride, Bath Bath Festival of Motoring is run by the Rotary Club of Bath to raise funds for charity and features hundreds of vintage and classic motors, together with some of the latest high-powered supercars, from Ferraris to Jaguars. There’s plenty for all ages, with marquees featuring slot-car racing and go-karts, and the chance to take a spin in some of the display cars. Refreshments include regional food and drink and there’s music too, making it a fun way to spend the Father’s Day weekend. Tickets: £10, £6 children, visit: bathfestivalofmotoring.com.

Bath Festival of Motoring

A Handful of Singers

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BATH BACH CHOIR Saturday 18 June, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey, Bath Bath Bach Choir was originally formed to perform JS Bach’s B minor Mass in 1946. For this summer of 2016 performance the choir will be led by musical director Nigel Perrin, with four international star soloists and Margaret Faultless’s orchestra, Music for Awhile, who play on authentic baroque instruments. Tickets: Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

A HANDFUL OF SINGERS Saturday 18 June, 7.30pm n John Wood Chapel, Prior Park College, Bath Bath’s acclaimed chamber choir, A Handful of Singers, presents a programme of music on a Shakespearean theme to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his death, including Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, Shakespeare Songs by Vaughan Williams and George Shearing, and solos and ensemble items, both serious and frivolous, by members of the choir.

The concert will take place in the idyllic setting of Prior Park College, overlooking the city of Bath. The choir is directed by its award-winning conductor Christopher Finch. Tickets £12, £5 under 25s, Bath Box Office: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk or ahandfulofsingers.org.

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WHAT’S | ON

ART GARFUNKEL Friday 24 June, 7pm n Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath If you couldn’t get tickets for Glastonbury, where Garfunkel is lined up to play, catch this legendary New Yorker right here in Bath. Tickets: £46.75 plus £5 postage, visit: songkick.com.

PARAGON SINGERS Saturday 25 June, 6pm n St Swithin’s Church, the Paragon, Walcot Paragon Singers are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a concert in aid of Musicians without Borders, a charity which uses music to support children traumatised by war. After a day of singing with former and current members Paragon Singers will perform a concert of choral pieces, including music by Monteverdi, Brahms, Victoria and Bach. Retiring collection in aid of Musicians without Borders.

MASSY FERGUSON Sunday 26 June, 2pm n The Stables at the American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath Named after a brand of farm equipment Massy Ferguson comes from Seattle and plays classic Americana, evoking the open highways, truckstops and bad motels. Visit: americanmuseum.org.uk.

FRIENDS OF THE HOLBURNE: A CELEBRATION Sunday 26 June, noon – 4pm n The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath There’ll be various stalls, selling all kinds of things including hats, bags and beads, as well as food and drink. Take along an object to be appraised by experts on silver, pictures, books and small objects/general antiques.

The afternoon will also mark Sidney Blackmore’s 40th anniversary of fundraising book sales for the Holburne. There will also be a silent auction, with bidding starting on Friday 24 June and closing on Sunday at 4pm. For more information, including a list of lots, visit: holburne.org/friends.

PLANNING AHEAD . . .

MUNDY CRUISING AND SEABOURN LUNCHEON Wednesday 6 July, 12pm Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath Leading luxury cruise retailer Mundy Cruising together with the luxury small ship cruise line Seabourn is returning to the Priory. Mundy Cruising has been providing first class service for 45 years. At this lunch there is the opportunity to learn more about Seabourn’s ultra-luxury hospitality, all-inclusive service and International Yacht Club ambience.

Enjoy a reception, followed by an informal presentation from Seabourn about the superb choice on board its fleet and hear about the 2016 and 2017 worldwide programme. This will be followed by lunch, providing ample time to discuss holiday needs. Tickets: £40, includes a glass of Prosecco and canapés, a Michelin star three course lunch with a glass of wine, coffee and petits fours. To book, tel: 01225 331922.

SPECIALIST VALUATION DAY Thursday 7 July, 10am – 2pm n The Lansdown Grove Hotel, Lansdown Road, Bath A team of specialists from Lockdales will be on hand to offer free valuations on a range of items from stamp and coin collections to books, maps and medals. No appointment necessary.

THE TEMPEST Monday 4 – Saturday 9 July n Lackham House near Lacock, Wiltshire Shakespeare Live presents its 28th year of outdoor theatre with a magical production of The Tempest, set in 16th century Corfu.

Prospero’s magical island will be filled with music, strange spirits, evil plots, romantic encounters and great comedy. Tickets for the covered stand, from £10, visit: shakespearelive.com or tel: 07780 938107. n 32 TheBATHMagazine

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OPERA IN THE GARDEN

Enjoy a professional company’s romp through The Barber of Seville, sung in English, at a charity fundraiser in Bath

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pulence, wit and humour will be in abundance as London based Garden Opera Company return to Bath on Thursday 7 July to stage a dramatic open air performance of Rossini’s humorous masterpiece The Barber of Seville, organised by Bath homeless charity Julian House.

Champagne and picnics will be the order of the evening as around 500 members of the audience relax with great food and company in the picturesque grounds of Prior Park College before enjoying The Garden Opera Company’s professional rendition of this great opera.

The Barber of Seville is Rossini’s best known work, and rightly so. The well-known hummable tunes along with the engaging plot have made this the most frequently performed opera of all time. Upbeat, optimistic, and full of wit, the audience will be carried along by a whirlwind of crazy disguises, twists and turns and unlikely interventions. Set against the background of a travelling circus, the many famous melodies will be sung in English by some of the profession’s finest singers who are accompanied by an acclaimed ensemble of chamber musicians.

The opera’s story is the prequel to Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

Here, Rossini’s comedy chronicles young Almaviva’s attempts to woo the beautiful Rosina, the jealously-guarded ward of Dr Bartolo, who himself longs to marry her. Aided and abetted by his factotum Figaro (the barber of the title), Almaviva engages in numerous farcical antics to try to capture her heart.

The Times gave Garden Opera a four star review for its last production of the Barber: “The Barber of Seville is a gloriously sunny comedy and the ultimate summer evening opera. I struggled to see through helpless tears: seamless blends of music and inspired farce, timed to the instant and a masterclass of insouciant theatrical sophistication.”

This unique open air performance, with the city of Bath laid out beneath the lawns, promises to be a highlight of the summer’s events calendar. That alone should be enough to tempt you but as all the profits from the performance are being donated to Bath’s charity for the homeless, Julian House, you will also be supporting a local and very worthy cause.

Following the phenomenal success of the last three years’ performance tickets are likely to sell quickly so early booking is advised.

In case of a wet weather forecast, the performance will be moved to the Assembly Rooms, Bath. You will be given 48 hours notice in this instance.

The gate to the lawns will open from 5.30pm for picnicking, with the opera commencing at 7pm.

There will be a further 30 minute interval for picnicking. Tickets: £38, £20 per child (under 16 years).

Parking at the venue is very limited and offered on a first come, first served bases so please car share where possible. Disabled spaces maybe pre-reserved in advance. Tickets: bathboxoffice.org.uk/barber, tel: 01225 463362, email: cathya@julianhouse.org.uk. n

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BOOKS FOR FATHER’S DAY

Give your dad something to get engrossed in on Father’s Day, Sunday 19 June, with our selection of books to suit all types of chaps, chosen from the shelves of independent bookshop Topping & Co

SPICE GUYS

Heat: Cooking with Chillies, published by Quercus, hardback £20 Pub quizzers, what do you measure on the Scoville scale?

Answer, the heat of chillies. Just one of the interesting bits of trivia surrounding the power of the mighty chilli. A useful volume in the kitchen too, Kay Plungett Hogge’s clear and concise recipes gather together recipes from all over the world. There’s the warmth of the desert in Bedouin lamb, the fiery heat of Jamaican chicken (made using one from the top of the Scoville charts, the Scotch bonnet) and the authentic taste of Bangkok street food in spiced fish grilled in banana leaves. There are also recipes for puddings and drinks using chilli.

HERO DADS

No Dream is Too High: Life Lessons from a Man Who Walked on the Moon by Buzz Aldrin, published by National Geographic, hardback £14.99 It’s testimony to Aldrin’s status as a global hero that tickets to his Bath talk sold out within days. But, if you didn’t get tickets, this memoir gives a fascinating insight into a man who’s not only successful in what he’s done, but in managing his life too. There were those who perceived him as second best – he was after all, not the first man to land on the moon. But he managed to overcome any sense of disappointment about the last minute switch with Armstrong. He also overcame the inevitable sense of anti-climax on returning to ordinary life after such an extraordinary adventure. For his 80th birthday Aldrin went diving in the seas of the Galapagos and hitched a ride on a whale shark. Like that other favourite, David Attenborough, Aldrin inspires us with his love of life, his undimmed curiosity and his energy.

CULTURED DADS

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, updated by Steven Jay Schneider published by Octopus Books, paperback £20 This is not one of those ‘best of’ books. There are films in here that you’ll remember as being memorable for all the right reasons – and those that you considered a complete waste of your valuable time.

Whatever your views this is a compulsive browser of a mighty tome, with each film given a thoughtful write-up by a team of more than 70 film critics. Each choice will provoke a reaction.

Included are gems from An American Werewolf in London to The Wizard of Oz. More recent films that make this final cut are Tarantino’s Django Unchained, along with 12 Years A Slave and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

READING WITH DADDY

Kipper’s Monster by Mick Inkpen, published by Hodder, paperback, £6.99 For 25 years stories about Kipper have been entertaining pre-school children. In his latest adventure his friend Tiger has a new torch – it’s very bright – and he wants to try it out in the dark in the great outdoors.

The pair go camping, but in the darkness of the tent everything’s a bit scary. This is a bedtime story that gives Dad the chance to do all the voices and to provide the reassurance. Any monsters out there in the darkness can be explained, as this charming story, with its characteristically engaging illustrations, demonstrates.

ADVENTUROUS DADS

Wild Camping: Exploring and Sleeping in the Wilds of the UK and Ireland by Stephen Neale, published by Bloomsbury, paperback, £14.99 What a bonding experience for father and adventurous son or daughter to pack a rucksack and venture into what’s left of Britain’s wild spaces. Stephen Neale celebrates the pleasures of sleeping under the stars, to lose our urban fears by unfurling a sleeping bag or pitching a small tent. He examines the legal aspects of wild camping and trespass. Dartmoor, for example, allows people to wild camp, and we’ve the right too to sleep on the foreshore, between low and high tide marks. He also gives a list of places where you might venture off the beaten track.

NOSTALGIC DADS

1966: My World Cup Story by Sir Bobby Charlton, published by Vintage Publishing, hardback, £20

For a generation of men, well let’s be honest, more than one generation now, England’s finest hour came not on the battlefield but on the football pitch. Football fans still bask in the shared glory of the day the England team beat Germany. The potency of that cry: “they think it’s all over, it is now!” can still bring a tear to the eye and every World Cup dream is still fuelled by memories of that triumph.

Now, 50 years since that long-ago win Sir Bobby Charlton looks back on the most glorious moment of his life and England's greatest sporting achievement. In this memoir

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he takes us through the build-up to the tournament and to the final itself, describing what he saw, what he heard, and what he felt. He explains what it was like to be part of Sir Alf Ramsey's team, shares his personal memories of his teammates, the matches, the atmosphere; the emotion of being carried on the wave of a nation's euphoria and how it felt to go toe-to-toe with some of the foremost footballers to ever play the game. He reveals – just as astronaut Buzz Aldrin has done – what it means to be forever defined by one moment; how a life fully lived can come back to one single instance. The one day when a man stands side-by-side with his best friends united in a single aim, in front of a watching nation.

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LIGHTING SPECIALIST

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CITY | GALLERIES

A ROOM OF THEIR OWN Ceramics designer David Herbert is curating a new exhibition for the Victoria Art Gallery centred on the design work of the Bloomsbury Group

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A RARE CHANCE TO SEE: main image, a collection of Bloomsbury Group ceramics and sculpture.

Above, from left, Nina Hamnett’s Omega Room, 1917, a plate designed by Vanessa Bell and a woman and mandolin cushion design by Cressida Bell, and a wooden cabinet designed by Roger Fry in 1914

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avid Herbert, Australian designer and long-time enthusiast of the Bloomsbury Group, agreed to answer some questions from us about the new show at the Victoria Art Gallery, which he is curating and which opens on Saturday 11 June.

You’ve been a lifelong fan of the Bloomsbury Group, so much so that you now design ceramics that echo the work of Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. How did you get involved in setting up this new exhibition?

I am a huge fan of municipal galleries and museums and of their often unseen and unappreciated collections. After researching another project I stumbled across a bundle of 1920s Vogue magazines which had features on rooms decorated by members of the Bloomsbury Group. Previously, I had bought at auction a set of chairs from a room designed by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in 1929 and discovered that other pieces from the room were in the collection of Southampton City Art Gallery.

To me it made perfect sense to put these pieces together in an exhibition.

On the success of the Radev collection exhibition at the Victoria Gallery in 2012 and 2014, I chatted to Jon Bennington, gallery manager, with the idea of a Bloomsbury show that would explore the Bloomsbury artists’ interest and work in interior decoration.

Will A Room of Their Own just be shown in Bath, or is it going on tour?

The exhibition will just be shown in Bath. A lot of the pieces are from private

collections and rarely seen – their owners don’t want to be without their treasured items for too long.

How many pieces will there be in the show and where did you source them? Is it hard to find remaining genuine Bloomsbury pieces?

There are many interesting, rare, early and rarely seen pieces, both from public and private collections. For example, two rare oil, paper and fabric collage Caryatids created by Duncan Grant in c1914 will be reunited after at least 50 years (one from a private collection and one from Manchester City Art Gallery).

It was a thrill to source many private collectors and to see their collections as well as being allowed into the bowels of public art galleries and museums.

The National Portrait Gallery, Courtauld Gallery, Charleston, Southampton Art Gallery, Manchester and Portsmouth art galleries have all agreed to loan items. A few of the other highlights include portraits of Fry, Bell and Grant from the National Portrait Gallery, Grant’s Lily Pond screen from the Courtauld Gallery, a gramophone decorated by Carrington and Vanessa Bell’s Nude with Poppies.

How will the show be laid out? Will the room sets be replicas of Charleston or other homes from that era?

We will recreate two rooms, one is an Omega Workshops room from 1914 and the other from 1929. As well as combining art and furniture ceramics and fabrics from other decorative interior schemes in small vignettes.

Painter and art critic Roger Fry, best known for introducing a profoundly sceptical British public to the work of

the Post-Impressionists, formed the Omega Workshops in 1913. With Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant as codirectors, he aspired to produce decorative arts in the new, vital spirit of Post-Impressionism, while paying the participating artists a regular wage.

Fry believed that artists should be able to earn a living not only by the sale of paintings, but also by interior decoration and the creation of decorative objects, painted furniture and textiles. If the public lived with objects decorated by these artists, Fry believed, they could understand and appreciate post-impressionist paintings.

Despite the creativity of artists working at the Omega Workshops, such as Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Mark Gertler, Frederick Etchells, Nina Hamnett, Winifred Gill, Edward Wolfe and Wyndham Lewis, Omega closed in 1919, just six years after it was founded.

Even though the best known products of the Omega Workshops are its furniture, textiles and pottery, it sold a range of objects from its premises at 33 Fitzroy Square. Beads, artificial flowers, candlesticks, lamps, painted trays and boxes, bags, hats and fans were popular.

What is your star piece that we should look out for?

The star piece is probably an Omega Workshops’ wooden two door cabinet designed by Roger Fry 1914 and decorated with an abstracted marquetry design of two giraffes against a geometric background. It is a rare and interesting piece of furniture and very much a precursor of Art Deco. We have also borrowed a one-off, rare painted

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dining table from 1913 that has been in the same private collection since purchased at the Omega Workshops in 1913. I am thrilled at the thought of combining all these pieces in a room setting. The Omega Workshops room we are creating will show how forward thinking many of their designs were.

You are a food writer and having read your piece about Charleston farmhouse, its residents and what they ate – fresh, seasonal produce, herbs gathered from the garden, simple soups and casseroles in the English/French style, accompanied by a bottle of stout or wine – do you feel some aspects of their lifestyle chime with our values today?

I wrote previously about eating at Charleston from about 1920 –1950. It was quite isolated and with the war time restrictions, like many other people, they grew as much produce as possible, supplemented by the catch of a rabbit or pheasant. Their time spent and interest in France influenced some of their habits. Britain has always been a melting pot for different culinary experiences from curries to Afro-Caribbean food.

And our love of growing (allotment revival) and cooking simple food chimes as much today as in the past.

Some people (guilty myself) view the Bloomsbury Group as effete and otherworldly – far removed from the suffering and hard times being

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ASPECTS OF ART: above, portraits of Annie Stiles by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell

by Duncan Bell Right, Cressida Bell at work painting a lampshade Inset, fan from the Omega Workshops, by Duncan Grant

experienced by much of the British at this post-First World War period – do you think this exhibition will help break that assumption? Or do you think that’s an unfair representation?

I wonder why so many people seem to have this assumption of the Bloomsbury artists as effete and other-worldly, and why does this matter? These days we are quite happy to applaud (rightly so) a cross-dressing potter or a multi millionaire artist with a factory of helpers. Perhaps because I grew up in Australia I am less concerned with class and social stereotyping. I agree, it can be difficult to see beyond the clichés. Critics tend to confuse the work and the life, misunderstanding and mocking both. It might be difficult to dismiss the impression of snobbery, elitism, otherworldliness and cronyism that hangs over the Bloomsbury Group, but we ought to try. Doesn’t much of our criticism reveals more about our own prejudices than about them?

My approach to the Bloomsbury aesthetic is that of a passionate collector and is very different to that of an academic or design historian. It is less about the artists’ lifestyles and more about their creative output. My personal reaction to any work of art is primarily sensual and intuitive. I am interested in the notion of abstract ideas, but these must play second fiddle to my response to the physical presence of an object.

I live with chairs, furniture and ceramics that were decorated at the Omega workshops (I use the chairs every day) and I believe this gives me a much different understanding of the items. It also dispels the common held myth (given about by Wyndham Lewis, who worked briefly at the Omega Workshops) that things were flimsy and fell apart.

That is what this show is about. The artist’s readiness to see in interior decoration and the decorative arts the

possibility for a valid and original artistic endeavour will be at the core of the show. I am keen to see the visitor’s initial reactions to our groupings of fine art and decorative art. Perhaps some will be inspired to go home and be creative with their own pieces of furniture.

For the visitor inspired by what they’ve seen where can they find more from this time and what should they look out for if aiming to collect pieces?

For me the Bloomsbury artists most exciting work was done prior to 1930 and I am particularly interested in the pieces produced at the Omega Workshops. Charleston (former home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant) is worth a visit as is Monks House (former home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf).

The V&A has some pieces on display.

Affordable pieces from the Omega Workshops rarely hit the open market, but with the careful scrutiny of auction catalogues, lots of internet searching and the assistance of various contacts and dealers, pieces are sometimes found.

Charleston stocks (shop.charleston.org.uk) reproductions of some of the fabrics designed by Bell and Grant as well as ceramics and lampshade in the Bloomsbury Group style.

The exhibition, A Room of Their Own, will be officially opened on Friday 10 June by British designer Cressida Bell who specialises in textiles and interiors.

Cressida, whose father was Quentin Bell and whose grandmother was Vanessa Bell, has created her own distinctive work over the past 25 years. Victoria Art Gallery will stock a range of her pieces in the gallery shop.

There will be lunchtime exhibition tours at the council owned gallery every Thursday, 16 June to 11 August, from 12.30 – 1pm, which are free to Discovery Card and ticket holders.

Admission to the show is £4, free to u21s and Discovery Card holders. n

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nick cudworth gallery

Landscape Within Still Life - Oil on Linen

FRAME WITHIN A FRAME 1 – 30 June Paintings and prints exploring scenes through windows and doorways and reflected in mirrors using their frames to discover new distances and perspectives

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

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Two Leopards by George Stubbs lent to the Holburne from a private collection

COOL FOR CATS

Bath’s galleries feature a glorious mixture of art, both old and contemporary for June HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Open: Daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) STUBBS AND THE WILD Saturday 25 June to 2 October It’s hard for us to imagine, in these times of fantastic wildlife photography and film by experts such as David Attenborough, that in the 18th century most people would never have seen a lion or a leopard in the flesh. A new exhibition at the Holburne celebrates the work of George Stubbs (1724 – 1806), painter of horses, dogs and people, but also wild animals.

Stubbs was fascinated by how animals are built, not just by their outward appearance,

and he studied their anatomy tirelessly. It was this interest that led him beyond horses to other animals, at a time when many exotic new mammals were arriving in London from Britain’s expanding colonies. Moose, zebras, yaks and even the remains of a kangaroo were brought home as valuable curiosities and their owners encouraged Stubbs to study the animals and paint them. Although many of them were intended primarily as zoological studies, Stubbs’s paintings of wild creatures are also portraits that capture the behaviour and character of living beings.

As a subject painter, Stubbs’s most successful essays in the sublime also explore the wild, not as a source of curiosity but as a distant,

BATH SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN Sion Hill Gallery, Lansdown BA1 5SF Visit: bathspalive.com tel: 01225 463362 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE SHOW Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 June, daily 10am – 5pm A showcase for the work of graduating students in creative arts, contemporary arts practice, fashion design, fine art, graphic communication, photography, textiles for fashion and interiors and three-dimensional design. The school, founded more than 160 years ago, has an international reputation and has launched many successful careers in the arts. Free entry.

Art by Olivia Jowett

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untamed land where nature is merciless and well-fed predators rule. His images of a horse attacked and then devoured by a lion, with variations in different media and reproductions in print became Stubbs’s signature work.

This exhibition will include some of the most charming and fascinating of the animal portraits, grand fantasies, and exquisite prints and drawings. It is part of a series of events to celebrate 100 years since the re-establishment of the Holburne Museum in Sydney Gardens.

Entrance to the museum is free, with a charge for special exhibitions such as this. There is a 2 for 1 admission deal on Tuesdays and under 16s go free. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Admission £8.50 / £9 concessions.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS 44AD ART SPACE 4 Abbey Street, Bath Open 12pm – 6pm (Sunday 1pm – 4pm) KAY LEWIS-BELL Tuesday 28 June – Sunday 3 July

Seaside Steps by Neil Bousfield GALLERY NINE 9b Margarets Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 319197 Visit: gallerynine.co.uk Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm NEIL BOUSFIELD ENGRAVINGS Throughout June Neil’s unique style of wood engravings portrays the wild and romantic seascapes which surround his Norfolk home.

GARDEN SCULPTURE The garden of 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath SCULPTURE TO ENHANCE A GARDEN Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, 11am – 5pm Three local sculptors showcase their sculpture. Wander round the garden at leisure and enjoy tea and homemade cake or scones and cream on the terrace. Entrance £3. Proceeds from the refreshments to The Peggy Dodd Centre in Bath, which cares for those suffering from memory loss. Visit: thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk or contact: helen@the hiddengardensofbath.co.uk.

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath Tel: 01225 460189 Visit: davidsimoncontemporary.com Open: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sunday afternoons ANNICA NEUMULLER AND ANDY WAITE: COLOUR FIELDS Friday 3 – Saturday 25 June This two-person exhibition combines the semi-figurative landscape paintings of Andy Waite with Swedish abstract painter Annica Neumüller.

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Pink Shirt for Work by Kay Lewis-Bell

Kay Lewis–Bell graduated from Bath Spa University in fine art in 2004. Since then she has worked from her studio at Shave Farm South Brewham, Somerset. She has shown work in England and France, including solo and group shows and art fairs. The work for this solo show began during a residency in a studio at 44AD. She added to her collection of drawings and photographs.

She observes people, fascinated by faces, fleeting glances, and unexpected meetings. Her new paintings are linked by memories and images both real and imagined.

EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885235915 / 01225 424 424 Visit: emmaroseartworks.com FRESHFORD FANCY Until 23 July Award-winning artist Emma Rose shows a collection of original art, limited edition prints and canvas prints at the delightful location of The Galleries in Freshford. A sense of whimsy and wonderment suffuse the beautiful studies of landscapes, local and imagined.

Serenity Cove by Emma Rose

BRADFORD ON AVON Lynchetts, Woolley Street Open evening: Saturday 18 June, 6pm – 9.30pm Then open daily (closed Monday) 11am – 6.30pm Late opening Friday 24 June, 11am – 9pm BRADFORD ON AVON SCULPTURE GARDEN Saturday 18 – Sunday 26 June The Sculpture Garden is traditionally the first event of the Bradford on Avon Arts Festival, which follows later in the summer. Exhibits will be both figurative and abstract, in a variety of media. This superb show of local sculptors’ work – with a few special guests from further afield – has grown year by year and has become a favourite of the Bradford on Avon Arts Festival. There are several new exhibitors this year, and work is for sale. The location will be the gardens of Lynchetts in Woolley Street, with views over the town. You will find many pieces on the main lawn, with others in flowerbeds, along pathways and in the orchard and kitchen garden. Each day sculptors will be on hand to talk to visitors. There will be an opening party

on Saturday 18 June, 6pm – 9.30pm. Tickets are £6 and include a glass of wine, and This Side of Paris will be playing light jazz throughout the evening. Tickets: £3 on all other days. Visit: boaartsfestival.com/events/sculpture-garden.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath.

Closed on Mondays.

Tel: 01225 445221 Visit: nickcudworth.com

ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH Main corridor gallery, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am – 8pm daily FIRST WORLD WAR: ACTS OF KINDNESS Monday 13 June – Thursday 13 October This exhibition, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund reflects on the day-to-day life at the Bath War Hospital. The Theatre Royal Bath Creative Fund and other organisations including Bath Boules and Bath Decorative and Fine Arts Society have given funding for artist in residence Edwina Bridgeman to run a project for patients of all ages where four large tapestries have been created to feature in the exhibition. Visiting Professor from Bath University, Francis Duck will give a talk at The Chapel, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases on Wednesday 15 June, and Bath historian Andrew Swift will be giving a talk on Monday 11 July. For further details visit: artatruh.org.

FRAME WITHIN A FRAME Throughout June The June exhibition by Nick Cudworth will feature oil paintings and prints of Bath cityscapes and landscapes. The artist explores scenes through windows and doorways and reflected in mirrors, using frames to discover new distances and perspectives. The artist can be glimpsed, himself, through the door of his studio cum shop at the end of Walcot Street, working away on his latest pieces, surrounded by finished works which take a detailed view of many aspects of Bath, his adopted city.

Up the Garden Path by Nick Cudworth

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

Detail from The Moon Was Full and Bright

by John Wragg

JOHN WRAGG Friday 3 – Sunday 25 June Royal Academician John Wragg’s carefully calculated geometrically balanced figurative paintings usually focus on a singular elegant figure, immersed in abstracted environments of bold colour, visual depth and spatial harmony. Alongside the paintings are Wragg’s last few remaining sculptural works, some of which have never been exhibited before. His strong understanding of line and form is described through these tall, angular Modernist sculptures, for which he gained world-wide critical acclaim. Wragg is associated with some of the leading Modernist figures of the 20th century and is included in collections at the Tate, The Arts Council GB and the Sainsbury collection.

BATH OPEN ART PRIZE At 44AD Artspace, Abbey Street, Bath Open 11am – 6pm ONE TWO FIVE GALLERY 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm, or by appointment. Email: carole@carolewaller.co.uk Tel: 07803 033 629 TRANSFER Until Sunday 12 June A collaborative installation of Film, Sound and Light created by Fran Landsman, Carole Waller, Gary Wood and Will Renel. Transfer is an exploration of the relationships between moving image, sound and light, looking at how these elements can be manipulated by their interaction with non-traditional supports and surfaces. It takes place underground in the project space at the gallery during Bath International Music Festival, Bath Fringe Festival and Forest of Imagination.

Until Sunday 12 June Now in its fifth year, The Bath Open Art Prize has once again had a large and exciting variety of submissions from Bath, the south west, across the UK and beyond. Ranging from the traditional to the conceptual and incorporating the ironic and lyrical in between, over 40 works have been selected – including prints, paintings, video, sculpture, and which will be on display for the duration of the Fringe Arts Bath Festival. Judged by Debbie Hillyerd, head of education at Hauser and Wirth) and David Moxon, artist and lecturer), the 1st and 2nd prizes, donated by Andrews estate agents, will be handed out at on Friday 10 June, along with the People’s Choice, a token donated by Minerva Arts Supplies. Visitors are invited to cast their vote.

Detail from Spring After Botticelli

by Jo Saurin

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AUTHOR | PROFILE

LETTERS HOME

Catherine Mallorie talks to debut novelist Canadian born Emma Hooper about writing, music and the place she calls home

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the life-changing events that follow but, though the characters experience adversity and loss, they never complain, instead carrying on with simple routines of rural existence. Until, that is, Etta, aged 82 and armed with some chocolate and her best boots, sets off on a very long walk to find the ocean, some 2,000 miles away, which she’s never glimpsed in her whole life.

Emma started writing as a child – “I wrote the tiny books that kids love to write”– and read voraciously, Roald Dahl and Anne of Green Gables were favourites. But it was not at all clear that novel writing would become a career. Music in general, and violaplaying in particular, has been a lifelong passion and was Emma’s main focus while studying music and writing at Alberta University. Now, she works as a professional musician and lectures in commercial music at Bath Spa University. Her approach to music is eclectic, even eccentric. She plays not only the ukulele but the musical saw, an achievement in which has won her a Finnish cultural knighthood. You can hear music from Waitress for the Bees on YouTube.

After her undergraduate degree, Emma studied creative writing at Bath

TRANSPLANTED TO BATH: main picture, writer Emma Hooper outside the old schoolhouse she shares with her husband Charlie and baby Aubrey

Spa University and completed a PhD in musico-literary studies at the University of East Anglia. Throughout this time she experimented with different approaches to writing, collecting notes and ideas along the way. It was in conversation with her mother that Emma gathered details about her grandparents’ experiences living in Saskatchewan during the Second World War. “I knew my Grandpa went to war as a teenager and that he came back with white hair, like Otto in the novel,” she says. “But men of that time didn’t talk about their war-time experiences.” Etta and Otto sets out to fill in that gap, exploring the feelings and impressions of a young soldier in war-torn Europe through letters to, and from, his future wife.

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‘Don’t bother the grown-ups,’ they were told, ‘unless there’s blood or an animal involved’

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n a blast of fresh air, Emma Hooper arrives for our interview at one of Bath’s busiest and newest, cafés. Five-month old Aubrey strapped to her chest, Emma has walked from her home on the outskirts of Bath, and immediately it’s clear: this is a woman who decides what she wants and then does it.

Emma is proud parent not only to little Aubrey, but the highly successful novel Etta and Otto and Russell and James, published early in 2015 and already translated into 18 languages.

And, as Aubrey wriggles energetically in her arms, Emma talks with frankness and charm about her writing career. But don’t be deceived. Despite the appearance of ease, Emma’s success as an author is born of determination and work.

Born 36 years ago in Edmonton, Canada, Emma Hooper enjoyed a happy and cosmopolitan childhood. Her parents worked at the University of Alberta and, with just one brother, Emma enjoyed a busy, urban life, attending viola lessons and completing her education at one of the city’s Frenchspeaking schools.

So far, apparently, so unlike Etta and Otto and Russell and James, in which the characters’ lives unfold on the wide, open plains of Saskatchewan. Emma herself has described Etta and Otto as a love letter to the prairies of her Canadian homeland, though Saskatchewan may seem an unlikely hero for a novel. As Emma observes, this part of Canada is “famously boring: a big, flat wheat field, with 400,000 people living in an area twice the size of England.”

But Saskatchewan is where her parents were raised, and where her grandparents still farmed when she was young. As a child, Emma loved to holiday there, playing hide and seek in the fields in summer, sledging in the snow in winter. “It was so empty,” says Emma. “And a brilliant contrast to our life in the city.”

It was also here that Emma experienced the no-nonsense attitude to life that her own parents embodied: “Don’t bother the grown-ups,” they were told, “unless there’s blood or an animal involved!” This attitude is lived out in the novel by a family of 15 brothers and sisters who grow up on a Saskatchewan farm. The novel describes

But, Etta and Otto is not, as Emma explains, her first novel. “For many writers I think that’s true,” she says.

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AUTHOR | PROFILE

LOVER OF WORDS: writer Emma Hooper is also a musician. Her solo work can be seen on waitressforthebees .bandcamp.com

“Overnight success is rare. To get published you have to bang your head against a wall and sometimes it can hurt. I’d already written two novels that weren’t taken up by publishers and it was only with Etta and Otto I found success.”

Similarly, Emma explains that the process of writing itself is not always easy. “There were many times I spent staring at my computer screen wondering what to write. Then other times I’d just get into the flow.

While I was writing Etta and Otto I had other jobs, like my teaching at Bath Spa and doing lots of music. Sometimes I wouldn’t write at all for a couple of weeks. Other times I’d manage to write a few hours every day. But I could never leave it too long as writing a novel is complicated and you can forget what’s going on.”

For would-be novel writers, Emma has simple advice: “Always have a notebook on you. When writing Etta and Otto I took mine everywhere with

me, even to music gigs. I’d also make sure to switch off the internet to really focus, and to create time on my own without distractions. I found writing residencies really useful for that. I get bored easily and I like to switch between music and writing.

“Sometimes I stop to play my ukulele, then write some more, then go for a walk. The challenge in writing my new novel is to show that I’m not just a onetrick pony, but at the same time keep hold of the thing that made Etta and Otto a success.”

In Etta and Otto Emma was inspired to introduce Saskatchewan to the world and she talks vividly of the impact of place upon the individual. “Where you’re living, from the weather to the architecture, to the people, your environment totally shapes your life,” she says.

Living now in Bath she believes that “everywhere can become home. In fact, that’s an idea I find very exciting. What I love here is that you can walk everywhere, and I always see the beauty of the city and its architecture.” Emma’s next novel is set in Newfoundland, but who knows: her talents may yet turn to bringing English landscape and experience to life in novel form.

Emma’s second novel, given the provisonal title by Penguin A Long Sound, A Low Sound, is due out in early 2017. n

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CITY’S TRIBUTE

Bath Philharmonia prepares a feast for ears and eyes as a celebration of the life and work of Brian Roper

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he thousands of Bathonians who have benefited from the generosity of the late Brian Roper will get the chance to say thank you for all his gifts to the city at a summer concert being held by the city’s professional orchestra, Bath Philharmonia.

Brian Roper, who died in 2014, left a rich cultural legacy to the city of Bath. He was a self-made businessman who ran Roper Rhodes bathroom company and believed passionately that people should put something back into the community they belong to.

Thanks to him a myriad of organisations were supported and events were able to take place, which otherwise would not have been funded.

Those who have benefited from his patronage include Bath Festivals, the Mozart festival, Hayesfield School, Bath College, Bath Abbey, children trying sports at the University of Bath, the Royal United Hospital, local schools and Bath Philharmonia. It is estimated that he gave away around £6m in donations.

As a tribute Bath Philharmonia is holding the Concert for the People on Friday 8 July at 7.30pm

at The Forum, which promises to be a treat for the ears and the eyes.

Conductor Jason Thornton, who knew Brian Roper, said he and his fellow musicians were grateful for everything that the Roper Family Charitable Trust had done, and continue to do as part of his legacy, to support the arts in Bath.

Jason said: “Brian Roper believed that everyone should have access to classical music. A sense of community was at the heart of everything he did.”

For this evening Bath Philharmonia took advice from Brian Roper’s widow Margaret and his two sons to pick some of Brian’s favourite pieces of music.

Piano virtuoso Stephen Hough will join the orchestra to perform Rachmaninov’s Paganini Variations (many will recognise this as the theme from The South Bank Show).

The orchestra will also perform Holst’s popular The Planets, one of Brian Roper’s favourite pieces of music.

This will have added dramatic impact as US-based artist, Adrian Wyard will be visually choreographing videos and photos from Mars Rovers, NASA spacecraft

and the European Space Agency on a large screen behind the orchestra.

Tickets: from £20 to £35, £5 for under 16s, from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

Jason Thorton added: “This will be an occasion to celebrate the philanthropic legacy that Brian Roper left behind. It will be lovely to see the Forum filled with people of all ages and create a real sense of community and pride in our city.” Also celebrating Brian Roper’s life of charitable giving is the Bath Percent Club. It was founded by property businessman Trevor Osborne in part as a tribute

Pianist Stephen Hough to the Roper Trust and invites local businesses to sign up to donate one per cent of their profits back to the community and local good causes. n

HOW THE WORD JUMPED OFF THE PAGE

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he south west has long been known for its creative accomplishments. The region has produced some of the UK’s most loved creative spirits including Banksy, Stephen Merchant and Russell Howard. But one new creative art form that is thriving in the region is performance poetry. Fuelled by arts festivals such as Glastonbury and pioneered by students and graduates from Bath Spa University, the first UK university to introduce a module in performance poetry, this modern day version of the traditional written world of literature has hit the mainstream.

But what is performance poetry?

Performance poetry or spoken word is poetry specifically composed for live performance rather than for print distribution. With parallels to rap, organised poetry slams are flourishing in the UK and across the world. First developed from the punk scene in Chicago, the distinctive feature of the slam is that the poems are judged by audience response – the noisier the better.

Quite the reverse of traditional poetry reading which is often seen as quiet and reflective.

Performance poetry and slams are particularly popular with students, with Bath and Bristol becoming major destinations for the spoken word movement. British performers often focus on humour, whereas in the USA performance poets frequently touch on politics.

Bath Spa University’s interest in performance

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Slam poet Laurie Bolger poetry was cemented in 2003 when it organised the first UK conference which brought leading American poets, Bob Holman and Charles Bernstein to the city. It gathered artists and academic theorists in performance poetry, bringing together experimental poetry and hybrid art forms. As a result, Bath Spa University became the first UK university to offer a performance poetry module.

The module examines influences on spoken word practitioners, with students watching screenings from across the world as well as creating and performing their own poetry. Ten years on and its impact on the south west poetry and entertainment scene is clear. Many of the students who first got a taste of spoken word at Bath Spa University have now gone on to perform on the UK touring and festival circuit and live poetry events.

Anna Freeman is a favourite on the festival scene and runs a monthly spoken word night at the Bristol Old Vic. Rap storyteller Jack Dean has been making his name known across the UK, including being named Apples and Snakes’ Poet of the Month. He has performed at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York, Latitude Festival and the Radio 4 National Poetry Slam.

Rebecca Tantony runs the Bristol branch of Hammer and Tongue, a year round programme of poetry slams with touring guest artists. Lucy English, reader in creative writing at Bath Spa University’s latest show Count Me In, with the South West Collective, toured 18 venues and is creating poetry films for a PhD project.

With Bath Spa University producing so many accomplished young spoken word artists, it’s no surprise the city has been lucky enough to benefit from this fresh new talent. Once a month, the Bath Storytelling Circle – a group of oral storytellers, performance poets and folk singers – meet at The Raven in Bath to perform together and the Poetry and a Pint monthly gathering at St James Wine Vaults is gaining popularity. Finally, Rhyme and Reason, Bath’s leading spoken word night for students, hosts fortnightly events at The Bath Brew House and Newton Park campus Students’ Union.

It looks as though the live poetry scene will continue to grow and flourish. Find your nearest slam and experience it for yourself. n

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DOROTHY HOUSE SUMMER WINE TASTING AT HOLBURNE MUSEUM

RIDGEVIEW SPARKLING WINE TASTING ON THE SUN TERRACE OF ABBEY HOTEL

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 6.30-8.30PM

WEDNESDAY 22ND JUNE 6.00-8.00PM

Tickets £20

Tickets £20

Over 30 fantastic summer wines to taste to include fantastic range from Champagne Taittinger and enjoy some excellent cheese and wine pairings kindly donated by Pong Cheese

Come and enjoy the Queen’s favourite English fizz which has been matched to some quintessential British canapés made by Chris Staines and his talented Allium team

All ticket proceeds donated to Dorothy House

To purchase tickets for either of these events visit www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/events or call 01225 322810 www.greatwesternwine.co.uk The Wine Shop, Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AP 01225 322810

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PLANNING FOR PEACE OR PROPAGANDA?

Jessica Hope visits the latest exhibition at the Museum of Bath Architecture and explores whether the plans to transform Bath’s city centre in 1916 were a genuine vision for the future or wartime propaganda

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Baths complex and redeveloping Parade Gardens.

For these plans to go ahead, Atkinson would have needed to demolish the whole of York Street, Abbey Green, Kingston Buildings and Orange Grove.

All of the historic buildings that lined these streets would have disappeared.

From a modern day perspective, this means everything from Bath Abbey to Marks and Spencer would have been ripped out. Not only were these plans on a scale never seen before by Bath residents, the expenses needed to fund such a project would have been enormous.

Atkinson’s designs are currently on display at the Museum of Bath Architecture as part of its latest exhibition, Planning for Peace: Redesigning Bath during the First World War. His seven drawings, which it is believed have never been displayed together since 1916 until now, dominate the museum’s space simply because of their sheer scale. The detail in each watercolour design is incredible; from the smallest decorative motif on each column to every person’s little flat cap, Atkinson put great care and effort into each plan.

The Forum, which would have sat beside the Abbey, was intended to become the heart of city life where people could enjoy outdoor

entertainment, promenade and meet their friends. The creation of a concert hall would have allowed performers to entertain several thousand people on a regular basis, while other parts of the building were designed to be used by the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.

We can only assume that Atkinson was a keen cricket fan as his plans included turning the Recreation Ground into the city’s main cricket field, while keeping the nearby Bath Cricket Ground to use as extra training fields. The designs also comprised of adding new tennis courts and a bowls lawn, yet no space seems to have been allocated to play rugby.

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DEVELOPING THE CITY: Above, Atkinson’s design for The Forum looking north. The outdoor space was going to be used as an open air theatre or auditorium Images courtesty of Bath Record Office

[The buildings] were designed to project ideas of democracy, resilience and power, mirroring themes associated with classical civilisations

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hile war raged overseas in December 1915, seemingly undeterred by the situation in Europe, Bath City Council began significant plans to demolish numerous buildings in the centre of Bath to make way for perhaps the biggest redevelopment the city would have ever seen.

With the First World War taking hold of nearly every corner of the Continent, spas across Europe were being forced to close their doors to the public.

Consequently, Bath’s council commissioned architect Robert Atkinson (who later made a name for himself designing Art Deco cinemas) to redesign the city with the hope that this would develop its reputation as a famous spa and encourage more people to visit.

After visiting Bath for just two days in late 1915, Atkinson filled three notebooks with ideas and sketches.

Within just a few weeks he produced seven remarkably detailed architectural designs for new buildings and layouts of the city. These were then presented to the council and put on public display in January 1916.

Titled The 1916 Bath Improvement Scheme, Atkinson’s plans included building a large piazza called The Forum, a new bathing establishment, a hotel and a concert hall, along with proposals for extending the Roman

With the countless opportunities to go to the opera, the spa and play sport, the council hoped that Bath would become an international centre for leisure and pleasure. Visitors and residents alike would be able to get away from the real

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BATH | ARCHIVE

world, recuperate and enjoy themselves – a stark contrast from the reality of a country in the midst of a bloody war.

As you wander around the exhibition, which was made possible thanks to grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Bath & North East Somerset Council, you begin to question the validity of these plans. Why didn’t they come to fruition? How could the council afford such a project? And, if they did have the funds available, did the councilors at the time not think it inappropriate to commission the building of such large leisure and entertainment facilities while the war continued?

As Dr Amy Frost, architectural curator of the Bath Preservation Trust, suggested when she guided me around the displays, it could be that the British public was so detached from the conflict overseas that the council didn’t see the war as a reason to prevent them from rebuilding the city. Despite Britain experiencing growing numbers of fatalities by early 1916, the fact that the

CLASSICAL DESIGNS: Above, left, Atkinson’s design for The Forum looking south. Right, plans for Orange Grove and Parade Gardens Below, one of the war memorials, remembering those who fell in action in the First World War, that Atkinson planned to install in Parade Gardens Images courtesty of Bath Record Office

war was happening abroad may have meant that the public was somewhat removed from the fighting. If this was so, commissioning these grand building plans may not have seemed so ludicrous to the council.

Or were these designs simply a propaganda tool to boost morale? As Amy tells me, it is possible that the council may have commissioned the plans despite having no intentions to implement them. By displaying them to the public, this may have been part of an elaborate plan to make residents think that the war was coming to an end in the hope that this would create a sense of optimism. They could look forward to the future and imagine what it would be like to live in the post-war era with a newly built city.

This may seem like an extravagant plan to modern readers, but at a time of such uncertainty, it may be that nothing appeared too elaborate when morale needed to be boosted.

The buildings Atkinson designed were made to dominate the view of the city

centre, with their towering structures, triumphal arches and colonnades, echoing the architecture of the Greek and Roman eras. Walking around the exhibition, Amy points to these features, suggesting that they were designed to project ideas of democracy, resilience and power, mirroring the concepts associated with classical civilisations.

Was Atkinson trying to make a statement about Britain’s position in the war by designing the buildings in this way? By making Bath seem like a strong, democratic city, just like in the Roman period, he may have thought this would reflect positively on Britain’s position in the global conflict.

Although the idea of asking an architect to go to such effort and produce these enormous designs without the intention of implementing them seems absurd, Britain’s economy was being pushed to its limits to fund the war effort. If the council had gone ahead with this, neighbouring councils may have seen these plans as negligent and unsupportive of the war, and the council may have been accused of not contributing to Britain’s part in the conflict.

As the war progressed, the plans were put to one side and although the council briefly considered implementing them again in 1919, they were quickly forgotten. Whether Atkinson’s designs were genuine or simply used as wartime propaganda, unfortunately there is not enough evidence to prove any of these scenarios. However, the Museum of Bath Architecture’s exhibition allows visitors to view these plans and explore these ideas for themselves. n Planning for Peace: Redesigning Bath during the First World War is on at the Museum of Bath Architecture until 27 November. Entry to the exhibition is included in the admission fee. Visit: museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk or call 01225 333895.

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FOOD | NEWS

TITBITS

■ Shoppers can now buy gluten free, protein and carbohydrate rich quinoa which has been grown just outside Bath. Farmer Emily Sauvao, from Corston, harvested her first commercial crop of quinoa last year, and while she has sold some to the British Quinoa Co, which supplies Waitrose and Pret A Manger, she’s also launched her own label, Bath Farm Girls. Among the first stockists are Best of British deli in Broad Street and Newton Farm Shop. Emily was inspired to experiment with the new crop after one of her two daughters, now aged four, was diagnosed gluten intolerant.

■ The Bath Magazine’s neighbour on George Street, Bistrot Pierre, is celebrating its first anniversary in Bath this month and is laying on a celebratory lunch and dinner menu for Father’s Day, on Sunday 19 June. It’s £10.95 for two courses and £12.95 for three. Bonne fête Papa, as we say in this part of Bath.

■ Too many of us spend our lunchbreaks hunched over our desks and in response to the news that too much sitting down is bad for our health, Bath Indian restaurant The Mint Room has launched a new, light lunch.

Take a colleague and head off to Lower Bristol Road to enjoy two tasty courses, with a glass of wine for £9.95.

■ Original Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell and Squeeze wordsmith Chris Difford are among stars lined up for this summer’s most civilised festival, Smoked and Uncut at the Pig Hotel near Bath in July. The hotel at Hunstrete is running the festival over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24.

Also on the Saturday is Danny Goffey, exSupergrass drummer, playing with his band Vangoffey. On the Sunday Turin Brakes and Irish folk duo Hudson Taylor head the bill.

Day tickets are from £30, or you can buy the three-night glamping package for two for £1,500. Visit: thepighotel. com.

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BAKER’S PORTRAIT SECURES PRIZE

Bath photographer Mark Benham is the national winner of the annual Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year competition. His joyful shot of Duncan Glendinning of Bathbased Thoughtful Bread Company having fun with flour while making bread took top prize at the world’s leading celebration of the art of food photography and film.

Mark was presented with the £5,000 prize by Andy Macdonald, head of Pink Lady apples in the UK, at a Champagne Taittinger reception at the Mall Galleries, London.

FUN WITH FLOUR: Mark Benham’s winning picture of Duncan Glendinning

CHOW AND CHAT AT SUPPER CLUB

This summer a new supper club has been set up by Bath chef Chris Staines, which allows foodies to sit down together and enjoy eating and talking about good food.

At the first event the author of best-selling cookbook Fast Days and Feast Days, Elly Curshon, was among guests seated round the table at the Igloo beneath the Abbey Hotel, Bath, sharing tales of her popup supper events and her experiences running the successful Pear Café in Bristol.

Chris leaves his kitchen, having created the menu for the supper club, and acts as a convivial host. Everyone sits down together, making it

Guests at the table, Elly of the Pear Café and Nina Parker, author of Nina Capri suitable for singles as well as couples and friends, as food is shared and conversation flows with the wine.

On Saturday 4 June, 7pm, there’ll be the chance to taste dishes created by celebrity food writer Nina Parker as she visits Bath to launch her latest book, Nina Capri a follow on to Nina

St Tropez. For £30 a head there’ll be supper, with the book included in the ticket price. On Thursday 23 June Chris is teaming up with Bath’s own Masterchef winner Ping Coombes for a Malaysian themed lunch and dinner, for £55 per head. For tickets visit: abbeyhotelbath.

PRODUCERS OFF TO LONDON

Helen Rich, founder of Taste of Bath, the umbrella business that allows local food and drink producers to market their wares to a local, national and global market, is taking her Buy Bath message to Westminster this month.

Helen and a group of local producers will join Bath MP Ben Howlett at a Bath food

showcase supported by Bath BID on Wednesday 8 June.

Eager to develop food tourism in Bath, Taste of Bath has been liaising with Bath BID and Visit Bath to generate a more visible food scene for individual producers and the wider foodie community. Taste of Bath sells online with delivery of wooden crates filled

with everything from locally produced cider and ales to cheese, chocolates and chutneys across the UK. Ben Howlett said: “Bath has some fantastic independent food and drink producers and I was keen to have an event in Parliament so they can show off exactly what our fantastic city has to offer. ”

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Your Food, Our Passion

Lite Lunch Menu To Begin: Chicken Chatt Diced grilled chicken with a rocket salad, mint sauce, tamarind sauce, fresh pomegranate & chatt massala

Seasonal Vegetable Chatt Samosa and onion bhaji chopped in little pieces served with a mixed, leaf salad, along with mix raitha, mint sauce, tamarind sauce, fresh pomegranate & chatt massala

To Follow: Lite Chicken Tikka Massala Served with saffron rice

Seasonal Veg Grilled seasonal veg served with makhani sauce and saffron rice

Super Food Chicken Wrap Paratha bread with free range grilled chicken with manuka honey & rocket salad tomato chutney

Super Food Vegetable Wrap Paratha bread with grilled seasonal veg & paneer with rocket salad and tomato chutney

Drinks Indian Drink - Nimbo Panni, or Glass of Wine (125ml) Please inform us of any intolerances or allergies you may have

Longmead Gospel Hall Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 3EB Tel: 01225 446656 info@themintroom.co.uk

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FOOD | HEROES

FROM BUTCHER’S BOY TO BOSS Melissa Blease talks to Bath butcher Peter Milton of Larkhall Butchers, about his rise from Saturday boy to business owner

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foodie inspirations – but hang on; Scotland, Italy and Spain are hardly local to Bath, are they?

Peter says he’s keen to give customers what they’re looking for: “Customers these days often have items such as chorizo and prosciutto on their weekly shopping list. As much as I love working with trusted local suppliers, when it comes to specific, high quality produce that by necessity needs to be sourced further afield, you can rest assured that exactly the same standards of provenance apply to everything we sell, right across the board.”

So what’s more important to Larkhall Butchers’ customers: provenance or price? “Since my early Saturday job days, there’s definitely been an increase in the demand for responsibly sourced food, and people have a growing awareness of issues such as GM feed and animal welfare techniques. Because we know our suppliers so well, we can always offer an educated response to questions regarding provenance. But because value for money is so important too, we make sure that savings don't have to mean any compromise in quality, and we take great pleasure in introducing people on a limited budget to some of the most amazing cuts of meat.

“Because supermarkets tend to offer a

limited range of fresh meat usually representing the most popular cuts (steaks; chops; legs; mincemeat; etc), many people aren’t even aware of the affordable, lesser-known cuts that represent incredible value and are packed with flavour – until, that is, a TV chef puts the spotlight on, say, ox cheek, or short ribs, or belly pork; then

❝

BRINGING HOME THE BACON: from farmer’s son to butcher, Peter Milton, owner of Larkhall Butchers

It’s incredible to see generation after generation of a family shopping and sharing parts of their lives with us

❝

eter Milton grew up on a farm just a short walk away from Larkhall. When he was 12 he took a Saturday job working at Larkhall Butchers.

And, as is usually the case with junior Saturday staff, he started his informal apprenticeship doing whatever the big boy butchers asked him to do. But as is also often the case with smart, ambitious young folk, Peter was eventually given more responsibility as he eagerly picked up all the necessary trade secrets and enrolled for additional training schemes and courses in order to learn even more.

Last October, when Peter’s former boss Gene Aylett started making retirement plans, his young protégé secured himself a loan and bought the business – yup, the former Saturday boy bought the business; don’t you just love that kind of story? Today, at just 23 years old, Peter wins the prize for being the youngest Food Hero to date.

Peter’s modest about his achievements: “I have a photo of a butchers in Larkhall dating back to 1902, so I can’t claim to have brought anything new to the area by buying the shop. And in a way, I’ve had a very easy ride for a new owner. I know the shop inside out and it’s already earned a fantastic reputation, so I suppose my mission is to continue to supply the highest quality food – and, if possible, to even increase that quality.

“Because my family has been farming in the local area for many decades, I’m able to use our contacts to source even more local produce in areas where I thought we could improve, all with resounding success so far.

“The locals are the best bunch of people you could meet: supportive, friendly and welcoming. It’s incredible to see generation after generation of a family shopping and sharing parts of their lives with us with us – I love everything about what Larkhall Butchers is and does.”

On my most recent visit to the shop, there was Otter Valley chicken from Honiton alongside a range from Castlemead Poultry near Radstock.

There was Creedy Carver duck up for grabs too, and organic Dexter Beef from Stream Farm near Bridgewater, and fresh fish from former Bath Magazine Food Hero Rob Wing (Wings of St Mawes), along with Stornaway black pudding, Spanish chorizo and Italian prosciutto adding further fascinating

the rush is on at the counter.”

Long-term customers will be pleased to hear that Peter doesn’t have any plans for changing the overall friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the shop.

There’s a little bit of modernisation in terms of a gradual refit in the pipeline and plans for a stronger online/social media presence, but other than that, it’s business as usual at Larkhall Butchers.

Our marvellous meat man has, however, introduced one new element that fits well with the shop’s existing ethos.

“Our support of the work of the Jamie’s Farm charity is really important

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FOOD | HEROES

COMMUNITY ASSET: Peter Milton and his team at Larkhall Butchers supply everyone from top chefs to families wanting to put a Sunday roast dinner on the table

to me,” says Peter. “I can’t stress enough how great is the work they do with inner city children, many of whom have been regularly excluded from school.

The charity gives those kids the opportunity to work on a real farm.

Having taken for granted the luxury (and hardships too) of growing up on a local farm myself, I have first hand experience of how the skills you develop there can translate into later life. Please, check Jamie’s Farm out (see information below); they really make a difference plus, the farm’s meat is second to none.”

So, other than Jamie’s Farm, who else would our June Food Hero like to offer hero status to?

“I’m a great fan of innovative chefs, and we’re lucky to have so many kitchen

superstars on our doorstep. I love the innovations that Sam Moody (The Bath Priory), Chris Staines (Allium Restaurant), David Campbell (The Royal Crescent) and Gordon Jones (Menu Gordon Jones) bring to the Bath culinary scene – they all create fabulous dishes made with fantastic ingredients that I would never have even considered combining, and fly the flag for local produce in style.

“I see some great dishes from the likes of Jack Scaterfield at the Beaufort just down the road from Larkhall too, and from our own local MasterChef Ping Coombes.

My personal food hero Christophe Lacroix brings me glorious French dishes from Ma Cuisine, just across the

road from the shop, to help get me through the working day.”

When the working day is over, what will Peter be putting on his own at-home menu this summer?

“The barbecue will be put to very good use. Spatchcock chicken is a nofail choice: just let the flames burn the bone and the heat will go through and cook the chicken perfectly. I also love butterflied, barbecued leg of lamb. You can take off succulent slices from the outside as it cooks if you can’t wait too long. Thick cut pork ribs are fantastic with a nice rich glaze on them. For a cheat’s route to barbecue success, you can always roast meat slowly in the oven until it’s cooked through, then use the flames to quickly sear and caramelise the glaze.”

Even if rain stops play and you’re all out of food ideas, few could visit Larkhall Butchers and leave empty handed.

Not sure what your centrepiece roast will be this Sunday, or what’s on the next dinner party menu, or how you’re going to feed the family fast this evening? Go and have a chat to Peter, our latest food hero.

Larkhall Butchers, 1 Lambridge Buildings, Larkhall, Bath. Tel: 01225 313987; web: larkhallbutchers.co.uk.

For further information on Jamie’s Farm, visit: jamiesfarm.org.uk. n

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6 of the best June.qxp_Layout 1 25/05/2016 13:37 Page 1

OF THE BEST Places to eat outside

Melissa Blease predicts warmer days ahead and chooses half a dozen places where you can eat alfresco this summer

QUEENSBERRY HOTEL

As fabulous as the Olive Tree restaurant is (and it really is!), dining at the Queensberry isn’t only about head chef Christopher Cleghorn’s culinary wizardry. And while many of us will have already experienced the delights of the Old Q Bar before or after a Cleghorn feast, there’s much more to this seductive little cocktail hotspot than first meets the eye. Venture outside and you’ll find yourself in possibly one of the coolest back gardens in town: a walled oasis rich in well-maintained, scented foliage and strewn with chunky, funky furniture that cleverly straddles the bridge twixt LA’s Chateau Marmont hotel circa 1973 and the kind of alfresco fittings from the Heals collection. While you can’t take Chris C’s menus) outside, you’re welcome to select from a bar food selection, from smart nibbles to the hotel’s acclaimed burger by way of glamorous butties – when the sun comes out to play, the Queensberry rules.

Queensberry Hotel, Russel Street, Bath BA1 2QF Tel: 01225 447928; web: www.thequeensberry.co.uk

CÔTE BRASSERIE

There’s a lovely sense of urban sanctuary offered by Côte Brasserie’s prime position in Milsom Place. This elegant chill out zone makes the very most of this sheltered courtyard setting and on sunny days it’s the place to be seen sporting the latest in designer shades.

Meanwhile, the subtly glamorous upper-level terrace adds an extra dimension to what's probably one of Bath’s chicest ‘see and be seen’ hotspots, and sliding doors opening onto a smaller, covered patio at street level cleverly incorporate an indoor/outdoor experience that ensures rain doesn’t stop play. The Côte USP of ‘simple, freshly prepared French food at value for money prices’ served in Parisian inspired style means Bathonians can push the crossChannel ferry out whenever the sun comes out without feeling as though we’ve travelled too far away from the down-to-earth price zone. Santé!

Côte Brasserie, 27 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ Tel: 01225 335509; web: coterestaurants.co.uk

THE BOATHOUSE

Readers of a certain age will fondly recall the BBC’s Tales of the Riverbank series, from the late 1960s/early 1970s which opened with scenes of real live animals such as Hammy the Hamster, Roderick the Water Rat, Wise Old Frog and assorted buddies pootling around their waterfront houses to a folksy, acoustic guitar accompaniment. But even if such fond memories aren’t part of your childhood, The Boathouse will give you a taste of the riverside vibe I’m fondly reminiscing. Featuring acres of alfresco seating either on the pub patio or the lawns that roll all the way down to the banks of the River Avon, we’re in pastoral pub paradise even though we’re less than a ten minute drive from the centre of Bath. Crowd-pleasing,

BAILBROOK HOUSE

flexible menus are served all day long (the Mediterranean sharing platters, Moroccan lamb cakes and steak burgers are all recommended), and prix fixe prices (two/three courses £10.95/£13.95 Monday – Friday, noon – 5pm) make the prospect of an impromptu staycation lunch an affordable treat. Service can be a little slow during peak times on sunny days, so arrive prepared to go with the flow and expect to leave feeling thoroughly chilled out.

The Boathouse, Newbridge Road, Bath BA1 3NB Tel: 01225 482584

Making the very most of the acres of greenery that surrounds it, Bailbrook House – formerly an 18th century mansion which looks back at Bath from its splendid vantage point, today the recent recipient of a £10m refurbishment courtesy of Hand Picked Hotels –- brings a glamorous twist to the notion of informal and/or celebratory eating and drinking throughout the summer. The Conservatory Bar features an alfresco patio offering views across impeccably-manicured woodland and hosts afternoon teas that segue into a light bite bar menu from 5pm everyday, while the Cloisters Restaurant – set in the original Bailbrook Mansion House itself – presents us with yet more spectacular views from a choice of vantage points including the characterful loggia (beneath ancient stone-vaulted ceilings adjacent to the restaurant), the thoroughly charming patio and a secluded, romantic little hideaway under the trees.

Gorgeous? You’ve got it! There’s parking too, which is always a bonus in Bath. Top tip: apply for free membership of the Bailbrook House Diners Club and max out on bargain benefits, all year round.

Bailbrook House, Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath BA1 7JD. Tel: 01225 855100; web: bailbrookhouse.co.uk

HOLBURNE MUSEUM GARDEN CAFÉ The Victoria and Albert Museum was famously promoted as ‘an ace caff with a quite nice museum attached’ and one is reminded of that as you sit in the light Eric Parry extension at the Holburne which houses the museum’s café.

Work, at the time of writing, is in progress on improving the garden space outside, and this is a lovely spot to sit among the trees to enjoy a fresh salad or delicious slice of cake.

During the summer the Holburne runs a series of Up Late events (on Friday 3 June, 29 July, 26 August and 30 September) when the museum

and café stay open after 5pm until 9pm. For £10 entrance price visitors get a cocktail and admission to the main exhibition. A lovely, sociable addition to Bath’s just-after-work scene, we think you’ll agree and for those couples looking for that potentially awkward second date scenario, a mix of art and conversation, with a tasty little glass of something, may take you on to a third date.

Holburne Museum Garden Café, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB Tel: 01225 388572; web: holburne.org

BISTRO LA BARRIQUE

It amazes me that many people still aren’t aware that Bistro La Barrique – one of Bath’s most creative, original, local independent restaurants – has a pretty, secluded courtyard garden, perfect for dining out on balmy days. This sublime location offers the perfect spot to indulge in some petits plats, courtesy of Gallic charmer (and head chef) Michel Lemoine, who will tantalise your tastebuds with a selection from a seasonal menu that includes fabulous fresh dishes including warm ricotta, spinach and mushroom tart, lentil tagine, and mussels with pesto, white wine and cream sauce, all mingling happily with classics such as terrines, seafood pancakes and, of course, les escargots. The set lunchtime menu (£10.95) and pre-theatre menu (£12.95) offer value for money, while a well-considered wine list complements the joie de vivre, guaranteeing to add a waft of cool French chic to those hot summer nights ahead.

Bistro La Barrique, 31 Barton Street, Bath BA1 1HG Tel: 01225 463861; web: bistrolabarrique.co.uk

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic celebrates the wines of America

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his month, I’m looking to the Americas, sampling a bold Californian red, a cool Washington State aromatic white, a sassy new option from Chile, and a seductive Argentinian red-blooded charmer. The big brands have done California no favours, in terms of reputation, but look beyond that, and there’s a wealth of vinous delights, from the ripe, plush wines of California’s Pacific coast, to the cool elegance of the more northern Columbia State, and the excitement of Patagonia’s far south.

With Brazil now starting to pop its head above the parapet in terms of international wine renown, and our love affair with Argentina’s Malbec grape continuing, it’s an exciting time over there. These wines are all great food partners, in all their different guises, and perfect alfresco and barbecue matches- it’s well worth deviating from the safe bets of Sauvignon blanc and Aussie red to discover something new.

If you’re leaning towards Asian and Indian dishes, or spicy marinades, for your weekend cooking, have a look at Chateau Sainte Michelle Dry Riesling 2013 (GWW £9.95, down to £8.76 throughout June); it’s a dry take on this fragrant, aromatic grape variety. Time and time again, Riesling triumphs as the best style of wine to have with spicy food; this has lovely lime marmalade and honeysuckle scents, and is packed full of refreshing, mouthwatering fruit salad flavours, but all backed up with a steely, fresh, dry edge, just perfect to cope with all those spices.

Chilean Sauvignon blanc, especially from the coastal Casablanca Valley is looking very polished these days, and a great alternative to New Zealand Sauvignon. But why not go out on a limb and try something a little more left field, although similar in style? Vina Leyda Sauvignon Gris Kadun Vineyards 2013 (GWW £11.95 down to £10.52 throughout June) wowed at the recent Bath Good Food Awards, when it was served with Royal Crescent chef David Campbell’s, hay smoked salmon with sweet and sour cucumber. It’s a clone of Sauvignon blanc, and similar in profile, but it’s fleshier, richer, and with added texture - packed with lime zest, passion fruit, and wild herb character, it’s a great wine for seafood, chillispiced prawns and flavour-packed vegetable salads.

For the start of the barbecue season, I’ve picked a couple of rich, friendly, smile-inducing reds, which will cosy up beautifully to pretty much any combination of red meat dishes.

First up is a voluptuous red from one of my favourite grape varieties – the plump, indulgent and seductive Bogle Old Vines Zinfandel 2013 (GWW £14.50, down to £12.76 throughout June). You can’t help but fall in love with the rich, irresistible, silky smooth charm of this bold Californian beauty. Full of luscious, oozingly-ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit, it’s overlaid with a sprinkling of cinnamon spice and a smidgeon of dark chocolate.

Big, bold, yet soft and beckoning, it will cope beautifully with Indian-spiced red meats, and Tex-Mex dishes.

Finally, over to Malbec, the current darling of the red wine world. The experts at Great Western Wine have been sniffing out a few new gems recently, and this is definitely one of them. El Esteco Don David Malbec 2014 (GWW £11.50, down to £10.12 throughout June) is brimming with sultry South American charm, but, unlike many Malbecs it’s not an overly gutsy bruiser. This one has more charm, more finesse, without losing one iota of its rich, compelling charm.

Packed to the rafters with dark, gloriously ripe fruit and hints of dark chocolate and sweet spice, it’s no surprise that I’m recommending this one for steak, or chargrilled rib of beef. n

Chapel Arts Café Chapel Arts Café is an independently owned business located under the Chapel Arts Centre in the heart of Bath.

We aim to offer a unique experience with tasty vegetarian food, excellent drinks and great service in an artisan setting.

We do vegetarian – made from scratch, on the premises, when you order it. We offer healthy flatbreads, salads, soups and snacks, along with a diet-busting selection of homemade cakes, including vegan and gluten free options.

We are currently exhibiting works by Barbara Cheney, James Thornton, Freya Duckett, Paula Morera, Amy Meyer, Steve Burden, Jason Clarke and Rob Grieve.

Discover more at: chapelartcafegallery.wix.com/arts Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm Open for pre-gig suppers on Fridays and Saturdays, 5.30 – 7.30pm

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

THE THREE GABLES St Margaret’s, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. Tel: 01225 781666 Visit: thethreegables.com

R E V I EW

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A LUNCH FIT FOR HEROES

pare a thought for Dad as summer arrives. He’s the one burdened with buggies and bags as the family heads off on holiday. He’s the one carrying a sandy-footed, soggy bottomed child on his shoulders back from the beach. And he’s the one everyone relies on to have money for ice creams and parking meters, or be ready to taxi people to football training.

Maybe it’s time to say thank you and as Father’s Day approaches (Sunday 19 June) how about taking time to show him your appreciation? You could do a lot worse than treat him to a delicious plate of roast beef, complete with the crispiest of roast potatoes, a splash of rich gravy and, of course, a homemade light-as-a-feather Yorkshire pudding. Add a glass of a rather special red wine and the end result is one happy dad.

The Three Gables in Bradford on Avon has long been renowned and respected for its winning combination of perfectly executed food, carefully chosen wines and pitch perfect service. Recently, owner and front of house, Vito and his chef Giacomo Carreca have decided to sacrifice their own Sunday roast lunches and open on the Sabbath so the rest of us can enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Vito’s welcome to this historic old building is as warm as his native Sicilian sunshine. On a warm day, as when we visited, you can take a seat at one of the tables in the secluded garden and enjoy views over the town rooftops. If you’re coming from Bath or Bristol, may we suggest you take the train as the journey travels through some beautiful, leafy countryside, and take the short stroll from Bradford on Avon station to the restaurant.

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you should do things properly. A three course leisurely lunch is £25 a head and from the moment you sit down there’s a holiday air reminiscent of long, lazy lunches on the Continent. There’s also the chance to enjoy a nice glass of wine. Vito helps us choose a crisp, flinty white redolent of wildflowers, a Tasca d'Almerita Regaleali Bianco (£22.50) from his native Sicily. Like him, it travels well.

The menu is sensibly short. It changes each week but we’re assured there’s always a choice of two roasts, one red meat, one white. There’s also an emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal fresh produce.

We begin with a basket of breads assorted, so moreish we have to restrain ourselves from instantly smothering them in butter and scoffing the lot. But then our two beautifully presented starters, which act as visual appetisers, arrive.

Mine is fresh season asparagus, grown in nearby Bromham, lightly dressed and accompanied by two dollshouse perfect, warm quails’ eggs, their golden yolks a creamy joy with the asparagus.

My companion, OK, not my dad but father to my children, enjoyed tender, zesty, crispy calamari that had been marinated in lime, then teamed with a mustardy mayonnaise. Yes, I sneaked a forkful – and that’s another thing that dads have to put up with, family nicking their food – and t’was indeed good.

We sat back in the warmth of the sun (there is shade on the terrace if you need it) and looked at our fellow diners. They were a mixed bunch, including tourists, locals, families and tables of friends celebrating a birthday with much laughter and sparkling prosecco. It’s always a good sign at a restaurant when some of the locals are obviously regulars.

In most families there is someone who doesn’t fancy a roast lunch – ‘too heavy’ or ‘I don’t eat meat’ – so the presence of a wild garlic risotto or Cornish sea bass, would suit them.

John’s face lit up at the sight of his sirloin, sourced from Lackham farm, and served pink as he’d requested. There was a generous stack of roast parsnips, beetroot and cubed mixed root veg. There was gravy, but the plate wasn’t swimming in it, which can be off-putting. Vito brought John a glass of Sicilian red which both men agreed was the best tribute to the beef.

Despite my having chosen roast guinea fowl, I was delighted that we were both served with individual Yorkshire puddings. Chef Giacomo, it turns out, is a fan of the traditional English roast and whoever taught him to make Yorkshire pud and roast potatoes did a great job. Our roasts were accompanied by pots containing cauliflower cheese and cabbage. As I am sworn to a cult that refuses to eat cooked cabbage in any form, I was relieved to find it served discretely, but I was told it was good.

All good Sunday lunches descend at some point to the silent, serious business of tucking in and enjoying, and ours was no exception.

Finally, replete, we begin to chat again and rest our knives and forks, sit back in our chairs with our snowy napkins resting on our full tummies.

Would we have room for a pudding? How could I resist a classic rhubarb crumble?

But this is a rhubarb crumble as you’ve never seen it before. Deconstructed. Pretty ruby rhubarb chunks just the right side of tart-sweet, on a scattering of crunchy, buttery hazelnut crumble, with creamy rice pudding ice cream and a pair of edible flowers to set it off. A delightful end to a very pleasant Sunday sojourn. Afternoon nap, anyone? n

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TIME FOR TEA From country manors to quaint tea shops, The Bath Magazine discovers the best places to indulge in afternoon tea and a glass of Champagne THE BATH PRIORY HOTEL Weston Road, Bath, BA1 2XT Tel: 01225 331922 Web: thebathpriory.co.uk

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB Tel: 01225 388569 Web: holburne.org

This month the Holburne is celebrating its 100th birthday at the top of Great Pulteney Street. To mark this occasion the museum is hosting a series of special exhibitions, a beautiful new garden café terrace and cream tea offers.

On Friday 24 June enjoy two cream teas for the price of one (£5.50), and from Saturday 25 June you can get admission to the Stubbs and the Wild exhibition and a cream tea for £12 (usual price £15.50). A selection of teas, coffees, delicious cakes and a seasonal lunch menu are also available. Last orders are taken at 4.30pm.

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1 Bartlett Street, Bath, BA1 2QZ Tel: 01225 335394 Web: cafelucca.co.uk For an alternative to afternoon tea, the relaxed environment of Café Lucca is the perfect spot for a delicious slice of cake and refreshing cup of tea.

From carrot and walnut cake to white chocolate brownies; gluten-free orange polenta cake to bakewell tarts, with such an array of baked goods on display the most difficult decision will be deciding which to choose from.

Café Lucca also offers a variety of fresh Mediterranean salads, paninis and bruschetta, along with a selection of wines and prosecco.

Set among the elegant surroundings of The Loft, visitors can scan the latest designer homeware and fashion on display after finishing their lunch. Café Lucca is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm, and Sunday 11am – 4pm.

Afternoon tea at The Bath Priory is a delightful and serene experience. Tea can be taken in the drawing room, library or in the pantry, and if fine weather permits, it can also be enjoyed outside on the terrace, overlooking the hotel's four acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens.

You can indulge in a selection of homemade biscuits, freshly made sandwich selections, homemade cakes and scones with a choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. All the teas at The Bath Priory are purveyed by Imperial Teas of Lincoln, which forms a large and varied menu including herbal and decaffeinated teas.

Full afternoon tea starts at £30 per person or £44 per person with a glass of Champagne.

Served daily between 3pm and 4.30pm.

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AFTERNOON | TEA

EMILY’S TEA ROOM The Francis Hotel, Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HH Tel: 01225 424105 Web: francishotel.com Set in a beautiful 18th century townhouse and in time-honoured British tradition, a selection of afternoon teas are served daily in Emily’s Tea Room at The Francis Hotel.

Delicious tea-time morsels combine quintessential favourites and speciality items for a high tea consisting of mouth-watering warm scones, a selection of sandwiches with tasty fillings, an assortment of pastries and cakes, plus a variety of delicious savouries. There is also a sweet or savoury afternoon tea at £22.50 per person and, for the not so hungry, a sweet or savoury cream tea at £9.50 per person.

For a truly unique experience, sample the G & Tea afternoon tiffin from £29.50. Indulge in a twist on the timeless afternoon tea with the accompaniment of the exclusive spirit of Bath Gin, gin and tonic sorbet, a gin and tea cocktail and a traditional Bath Gin and tonic shot.

Afternoon tea is served daily from 11am – 6pm.

COMBE GROVE HOTEL Brassknocker Hill, Bath, BA2 7HU Tel: 01225 834644 Web: combegrove.com

LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL

THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA

Colerne, SN14 8AZ Tel: 01225 742777 Web: lucknampark.co.uk

Beau Street, Bath, BA1 1QY Tel: 01225 358888 Web: thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

Where better to indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea than at Lucknam Park Hotel, an 18th century Palladian mansion set amidst 500 glorious acres of beautiful gardens and unspoilt parkland? Afternoon tea at Lucknam Park has always been a firm favourite with visitors, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat after a long day shopping in Bath, which is only six miles away.

From £27 per person you will be able to enjoy a full English afternoon tea served in the library or drawing room overlooking the gardens, or if it’s fine weather, on the terrace.

Reservations are recommended. Afternoon tea is available Monday – Saturday, 2.30pm – 5pm and from 3pm – 5pm on Sundays.

At Combe Grove, chef Leigh Evans has created a delicious cream tea combination of warm scones, local jam and cream, homemade cakes and moreish macaroons. Make the afternoon extra special and add a tea based cocktail or a glass of house Champagne.

Served in the new house bar, drawing room or sunny terrace, the views down over the Limpley Stoke Valley only add to the experience. Tea with a view does not get better than this.

Full cream tea is £15 per person with a choice of teas or coffee and is served daily from noon – 5pm.

What could epitomise ‘the Bath experience’ more perfectly than taking a quintessentially English afternoon tea in the classic yet irrefutably modern Gainsborough Bath Spa? This is an experience for both locals and visitors alike. Your traditional afternoon tea will be served in the cool society atmosphere of the fashionable canvas room, where you can sit, chat and enjoy the stylish surroundings.

The delectable selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and refreshments come with the additional option of Champagne if you wish to make your experience that little bit more indulgent.

Afternoon tea at The Gainsborough costs £30 per person and £55 for two people, or £45 and £85 with champagne, and is served every day from 2.30pm – 5.30pm. Booking is essential.

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AFTERNOON | TEA

THE MANOR HOUSE Castle Combe, near Bath, SN14 7HR Tel: 01249 782206 Web: exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house Situated on the edge of the quintessential English village of Castle Combe, The Manor House, a stunning 14th century country house hotel, offers its guests a luxurious afternoon tea.

Whether seated in the sumptuous surroundings of the Bybrook restaurant, or on the lawn with the idyllic sound of the Bybrook river, there is an afternoon tea for everyone.

With finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, 22 types of tea, coffee or Nyetimber English sparkling wine, it’s a truly decadent experience.

Aftenoon tea is served from 2pm – 4.30pm, with prices starting at £29.50 per person.

BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL Eveleigh Avenue, Bath, BA1 7JD Tel: 01225 855100 / 0845 458 0901 Web: handpickedhotels.co.uk

COMINS TEA 34 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AN Tel: 01258 475389 Web: cominsteahouse.co.uk Take a trip down Monmouth Street to find a truly unique tea experience. Comins Tea are tea merchants, with owners Rob and Michelle travelling the world to source fine, single estate teas.

At their tea house you can try, buy and sit down for tea with them and their experienced team, who are on hand to guide and advise.

All tea is served using traditional methods and the simple menu, inspired by Rob and Michelle’s travels, includes Sri Lankan hoppers, Indian and Japanese dumplings, and Japanese Hokkaido toast, alongside open sandwiches and their own take on afternoon tea.

Comins also holds regular tea tasting events and is available for private functions.

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In celebration of the latest Alice in Wonderland movie, Bailbrook House Hotel is offering a special Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea. The Mad Hatter inspired tea includes a blue caterpillar pastry, a wonderland magic marshmallow mushroom, a white rabbit white macaroon and the Queen of Hearts Oreo soldier.

Guests can wash the delights down with a cup of Alice’s ‘drink me’ potion before indulging further in an array of sumptuous sandwiches and delicate scones.

The hotel is set in 20 acres of private grounds with glorious views over Bath, perfect for those wanting to embrace the sunshine and dine alfresco. Afternoon tea starts from £21.95 per adult and £9 per child.

JOLLY’S TEA ROOM Jolly’s, Lower Ground Floor, Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1BD Tel: 01225 465006 Jolly’s Tea Room prides itself on creating a delicious afternoon tea which can be enjoyed as an addition to your retail therapy. Browse the departments of the store before taking a well-deserved rest with a cup of tea and delicious slice of cake in the Tea Room on the lower ground floor.

Mixing some great contemporary cakes with the traditional favourites including finger sandwiches, freshly baked mini scones with jam and clotted cream, dainty cakes and a pot of loose leaf tea. . . nothing could be more British.

Many of the cakes and bread are specifically produced just for Jolly’s Tea Room in the finest local bakeries.

Afternoon tea is £14.95 per person and is served all day.

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AFTERNOON | TEA

STON EASTON PARK Ston Easton, near Bath, BA3 4DF Tel: 01761 241631 Web: stoneaston.co.uk Ston Easton Park is a privately owned country house hotel situated in beautiful Somerset countryside. The house itself is surrounded by parkland designed by the famous 18th century landscape architect Humphrey Repton.

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British way to spend a leisurely afternoon with friends and family, so sink into a comfortable armchair in one of the drawing rooms, or take a seat on the sunny terrace, and tuck into an array of sweet and savoury treats served on charming tiered cake stands. Champagne afternoon teas and lighter cream teas are also available.

Afternoon tea is served daily between 3pm and 5.30pm.

Cream teas are £10.50 per person, full afternoon tea is £22.50 per person, and for those looking for something extra special try the gourmet afternoon tea for £32.50 per person.

THE BEST OF THE REST

Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms 5–8 Saville Row, Bath, BA1 2QP Tel: 01225 464552 Web: beasvintagetearooms.com

The Painswick Kemps Lane, Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6YB Tel: 01452 813688 Web: thepainswick.co.uk

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

The Regency Tea Room 40 Gay Street, Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2NT Tel: 01225 443000 Web: janeausten.co.uk

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CAPE FREESTYLE

Keen to explore the South African wilds Tamsin Treverton-Jones decided not to opt for a package, but instead enjoyed an independent adventure, with self-drive and Airbnb accommodation

I

visited South Africa eight years ago, when my son had been selected as the youngest member of a school cricket squad and I’d flown to Cape Town to watch him play in a series of matches. I’d wasted hours making polite conversation in the Newlands pavilion, while my boy slouched at deep square leg, or made his way to the crease in outsized pads, only to be out first ball; Africa, all the while, biting at my heels.

The waterfront restaurants were impressive, the vineyards pristine and the wine delicious, but I knew then that this was only the whispering, white tip of a diverse, beautiful and extremely complicated country. I promised myself that I would return and that next time, I would do much more than simply scrape the surface.

South Africa in February is like Provence in July; its luminous days and dry Mediterranean climate an uplifting tonic to the winter-weary British psyche.

The balmy weather, however, is not the only reason to go: the Rand is wickedly low at the moment, which makes an enormous difference to the holiday budget. To make it even cheaper, we were travelling freestyle: booking everything, our flights, cars and rooms in advance, direct and online, staying with friends where possible and in AirBnB accommodation the rest of the time.

It might have been easier to buy an all-in package, wafting seamlessly from

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one must-see destination to the next; but that wasn’t what we had in mind at all.

After a smooth, overnight flight from Heathrow, we arrived at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo Airport, hired a car and drove east. We moved quickly through the urban sprawl and Gauteng’s high altitude grassland, towards Mpumalanga’s sub-tropical savannah, where citrus plantations, wild ostrich, wandering baboons and the startling sight of the long tailed widowbird with its 20-inch tail feathers and lurching flight, were enough to remind us that we were on a very different continent and very far from home.

Our road trip, five hours east of Johannesburg in an underpowered Toyota Corolla, took us towards Hazy View, a scruffy town on the southern edge of the Kruger National Park. We’d booked two nights at Ashbourne, a remote guest house high above the Sabi River Valley, where our hosts, Rob and Dawn, retired citrus farmers, had spent two years reclaiming a plot of land from the surrounding bush, to build a house and a number of traditional rubblestone cottages around a small swimming pool.

We used Ashbourne as a base for two separate wildlife excursions into the Kruger; first, a night drive with a warden in an open truck, crawling along rough tracks in the half light, stopping to watch giraffe and the endangered white rhino at watering holes, elephants noisily tearing leaves from trees, a clan of sleepy, spotted hyenas with sloping

backs and small heads, their sharp eyes glistening in the headlamps. The following day we paid a £5 entrance fee at the gate and spent the rest of the day on an exhilarating self drive through the park.

Instead of making our way directly back to Johannesburg for our flight south to Cape Town, we drove north, through banana plantations and pine forests, on the Panorama Route towards the little-known Blyde River Canyon; a vertiginously high, red sandstone canyon, 16 miles long and 2,460 ft deep, covered from top to bottom with lush, green sub-tropical foliage.

Climbing first to a lookout point known as God’s Window, we looked dizzyingly down over steep cliffs and forest towards Kruger, the Lebombo Mountains and the border with Mozambique. Then, following a convoy of middle-aged Germans in white camper vans, we drove on to marvel at the breathtaking Three Rondavels: towering round mountains of exposed slate and quartzite, with pointed tops that look like traditional African homesteads.

The potholed road back to the airport took us through the poor mining communities that produce 83% of South Africa’s coal. This is the run-down rural heartland of President Jacob Zuma’s ANC; barefoot children, turbaned women selling mangoes and yams from crumbling roadside shacks, people of all ages on foot in every direction at the

CINEMATIC PANORAMA: the view up the Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga (Eastern Transvaal) in South Africa

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INDEPENDENT | TRAVEL

❝

We walked through Tolkienesque milkwood forests and coastal strandveld, climbed high sandstone ridges and swam in freshwater dams

❝

edge of the highway. For the entire flight to Cape Town we gazed down at an atlas of shimmering green mountains, landing in the early evening, as white cloud draped itself like a cloth over the city’s flat-topped landmark, Table Mountain.

Cape Town is a fabulously cosmopolitan city, with a European ambience, brightly painted retro architecture, fusion restaurants, coffee shops, delis and a magnificent waterfront setting. The city is clean and busy, the new blue bus network runs like clockwork and it’s no coincidence that the Democratic Alliance, the official opposition to the ANC, has been the governing party here since 2009. There are no-go areas, as in all cities and private security firms are booming, but people are streaming out of the other eight South African provinces to come and live in the Western Cape, where the DA’s good governance is making a real difference.

Not that the endless shanty towns on the outskirts of the city are any smaller, or any less shocking, but 22 years after non-white South Africans achieved the vote, a new generation has no direct experience of apartheid and, as every year goes by, the ANC loses its emotive grip of being the party that defeated discrimination. Change is happening

ICONIC SIGHT: the white cloud known as The Tablecloth regularly covers Cape Town’s dramatic landmark, Table Mountain

here, but it is painfully slow.

A couple of days later we left Cape Town and drove two hours east along the coast road, a choppy green sea on one side, steep, rock-strewn hillsides on the other, troops of baboons hanging around the litter bins in every layby.

Heading inland at Hermanus, we left the road and followed a stony track to the starting point of The Fynbos Trail, a three-day hike through the Grootbos Nature Reserve.

The Fynbos Trail was launched in 2011 by Sean Privett, an award-winning botanist dedicated to the conservation of fynbos: a unique vegetation that makes up 80 per cent of the Cape Floral Kingdom, two thirds of whose 9,600 species are found nowhere else on earth.

Guided by Sean, a passionate and natural communicator and in the amiable company of two other hikers, we walked through Tolkienesque milkwood forests and coastal strandveld, climbed high sandstone ridges and swam in freshwater dams.

The days were long but the pace was easy and there was a genuine welcome and wholesome meals cooked for us at comfortable hostels every night.

After only a couple of hours on the trail, our minds were alive with rooibos, restios, proteas, and towering stinkwoods, iridescent sun birds, cape leopards and mischievous baboons. It was the highlight of our trip: we loved every jaw-dropping moment.

From Grootbos, we drove to the Winelands and to the Stellenbosch home of Walter and Colleen, retired university professors, bohemian ambassadors for the Airbnb ethos, who sleep under a mosquito net in the garden for five months each year, so they can let people like us rent their bedroom for the night.

Back in Cape Town, we scramble up Lion’s Head, eat fresh sushi and listen to live music at the vibrant Hout Bay Market, visit the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and take a sobering tour of the District Six Museum, a moving reminder of the callous powers of apartheid.

Finally, we drive 140 miles north to the idyllic white sands of Paternoster Beach, eat fresh crayfish and drink ice cold beers at the Vorstraand, a tumbledown shack at the edge of the sparkling blue Atlantic, before spending our last night at the historic Kersefontein Guest Farm.

A gorgeous whitewashed Cape Dutch homestead, with a long dusty row of rambling outbuildings, Kersefontein has been worked by eight generations of the Melck family since 1700. Julian Melck, our host, has carefully converted the sheds, stables and barns into luxury bedrooms, furnishing them with fine period antiques discovered in the attics of the main house. He playfully throws his guests together for dinner every evening and the night we were there, eight of us sat at a polished and candlelit dining table, Julian at the head, eating pickled fish and sauerkraut, slowroasted oxtail falling off the bone and mouth-watering, homemade apple pastries. Before dinner, in the dry, intense South African heat of the late afternoon, keen to cool down, we had jumped into the muddy brown river that runs through the Kersefontein estate.

I’m not the most enthusiastic of wild swimmers and was only mildly reassured

by Julian’s tongue-in-cheek noticeboard on the bank: ‘Swimming Allowed. No Crocodiles. Last Hippo Sighted 1846.’ n Visit: fynbostrail.co.za and kersefontein.co.za.

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS n A familiar face has returned to the Bath business and tourism scene after six months working in Bristol. Les Redwood, pictured, has been appointed head of business development for Bath Tourism Plus, the body responsible for marketing the city. Les was previously Chairman of The Bath Independent Guest Houses association and then a founding director of The Bath Business Improvement District - helping to improve trading conditions for the city's businesses. He then became project manager for the BID, working on projects such as Bath in Fashion, the Great Bath Feast and the award winning BID trade waste and recycling scheme.

After the BID was voted in for a second term Les was offered a commercial management role at The University of West of England, but has been tempted back to his home city. n The Bath Business Partnership is hosting its first dinner event at Woods Restaurant in Bath, on Thursday 16 June. The opening address is being given by Bath MP, Ben Howlett, with the keynote speaker John Glen MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills as well as the MP for Salisbury. John was educated at King Edward’s School, Bath. The dinner is £55. For more information contact Leonie on: bathbusinesspartnership@gmail.com. n Plans are being put in place to welcome the Tour of Britain cycle race to Bath in September, with local businesses recently attending a session at the Abbey Hotel organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council to discuss how they might benefit from it. Bath will host a stage finish of the Tour, Britain’s premier cycling race, for the first time, on Thursday 8 September. This will be shown live on ITV4. Those who attended were able to find out more about how they can support and benefit from the event. The event was organised with Bath BID, Bath Tourism Plus, Southgate and the Abbey Hotel with sponsors for the Bath stage, KLM and Bristol Airport.

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DESIGNS FOR YOU

ON THE LIGHT SIDE

A furniture design company has moved its business from London to the countryside just outside Bath. The Design Works produces a range of furniture products and interior projects. All products are made to order from wood stock that is certified. Great care is taken to reduce waste.

David Warren, founder of the business, said: “We started the business in London five years ago and we’re excited to be moving to Bath, it’s a city close to my heart – and close to home.”

The workshop is in Chapel Lane, Dyrham and appointments with David to discuss future projects can be made through the website: thedesign.work or by email: workshop@thedesign.works.

The night scene on the streets of Bath is about to change as the familiar yellow glow from our lamp posts is changed to the distinctive white of low energy LED lighting.

Work begins this month on replacing more than 8,500 sodium lights across Bath with new Light Emitting Diode (LED) units, an energy saving move which will significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Bath & North East Somerset Council already uses LED lighting on main traffic routes into Bath and that’s being increased to residential areas in a rolling programme which should take around six months to complete.

The LED lights will reduce energy consumption of streetlights by up to 60 per cent and it is estimated this will result in a 35 per cent reduction in the council’s carbon footprint.

This will be aided by the introduction of variable dimming technology, which involves reducing light levels throughout the night when the roads are less busy, which has been done by other local authorities across the country. It’s good news for star gazers as the change will also improve our view of the night sky by reducing light pollution. The new lights last significantly longer, with one LED lantern having the life span of eight conventional sodium lights.

JOIN THE DOG HOUSE CHARITY CHALLENGE Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies has challenged local businesses to swap their office desks for a kennel, to raise money for Bath Cats and Dogs Home. Sharron, celebrity ambassador for the Claverton Down charity, is encouraging businesses to join the Kennel Break Challenge on Friday June 10.

Participants will be locked in a kennel with a laptop and mobile until they raise £1,000 by reaching out to their contacts – there’s expected to be a social media frenzy.

Kennel inmates include veterinary surgeon and nurse from Bath Vets, Gwen Cardiff and Tracey Farion; Steve Smitherman, business manager of Barclays Bank Bath; Brian Topper, MD of Centaur; senior lettings negotiator at Zest Lettings, Natalie Giles; Lauren Barnes, owner and day care assistant, Kate Hornby of Houndbound; director of operations at Novia,

CHARITY SUPPORTER: Sharron Davies

News in brief

Nick Raine; financial advisor Adam Davitt of Smart Advice Financial Solutions and Smart Property Agents; Martin Spiller, chairman of Systemagic; and from Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Angela Chapman and Kevin Ravelin.

To sign up tel: 01225 787335, or email zenajones@bcdh.org.uk.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Predicting the financial future of your business Bath accountants Richardson Swift are using new technology to help business owners understand their true financial position and plan for growth. Here Debbie Boulton, a director at the firm, explains the profit-boosting benefits.

“W

e’re working harder than ever but don’t seem to be any better off!”

It’s a common complaint that we hear from business owners who often struggle to explain why profits are down even though revenues are up.

Or they suddenly realise they’re about to run out of cash despite having plenty of orders and customers coming through the door.

But it can be difficult to know how to improve your performance and spot issues before they arise if you don’t have a clear understanding of your finances. The problem is that most business owners don’t have time to spend analysing dull spreadsheets to work out what’s going on.

At Richardson Swift we’re using the latest cloud-based forecasting technology to provide our clients with a visual snapshot of vital data about their businesses when they need it.

With CrunchBoards we can help you monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in real time and plan for different scenarios. We can pull this information from your accounts and present it to you as simple dashboards.

So if crunching numbers isn’t what you do for a living, you can still see what’s happening in your business on a daily basis. One of our clients is now able to share vital information about profits and turnover with his staff so everyone in the company can see what’s happening.

We can provide you with KPIs that are tailored specifically to you and your business. If you run a hotel or restaurant, for example, this might include things like average spend per customer, food and

drink margins, and short-term cash flow.

Armed with this information you may discover that profits are down because you have kept prices low in a bid to attract more customers. Perhaps you should be looking to increase your margins instead.

We can also help you spot cash flow problems before they happen so that you can take appropriate action in good time. This may mean having to review your payment terms and getting tougher with late payers. But if you leave things too late you could find yourself overdrawn at the bank or worse.

We can also prepare financial forecasts for you using CrunchBoards and monitor whether you are on course to achieving them. You no longer have to wait until the end of the year to find out what your annual profit is looking like. The information is always at your fingertips.

And we can help you answer those difficult ‘what-if’ questions that all businesses owners face when making important decisions. What will happen if you put up your prices? Can you afford to hire more staff next quarter or move to larger offices?

By using the latest technology to test different scenarios we can see clearly what additional turnover you might need to cover these extra costs. Or you may find that you will have enough cash available to pay for this.

But without having such information readily to hand you may struggle to build the business you have always dreamed of creating.

For more advice on growing your business please contact Debbie Boulton at Richardson Swift on 01225 325580 or email db@richardsonswift.co.uk

Debbie Boulton

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

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL Tel: 01225 445507

www.oclaccountancy.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides.

What our clients say:

“Thank you for your excellent customer service, OCL has been one of the best things we have done as a business” “For us, in our 30 years experience, OCL Accountancy is the best fit we have found”

Boost your profits - Reduce your tax Maximise your wealth

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 66 TheBATHMagazine

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MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

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MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

THE SPIRIT OF ECSTASY Dawn arrives; the sexiest super-luxury soft-top from Rolls-Royce.

Dara Foley finds The Spirit of Ecstasy can be simply overwhelming

R

olls-Royce does not add new models very often, and has a peculiar preference for menacing names that might spirit you off to otherworldly places – at the top of the range is the Phantom, the most stately and luxurious limousine on the planet, then follows the Ghost; slightly smaller, but nonetheless elegant and debonair. The Wraith completes the line up, a decadent Gran Turismo with its über cool, sleeker, sportier lines – more of an ‘everyday’ Rolls-Royce if there is such a thing.

And now there’s the Dawn.

In creating and naming the Dawn, R-R is not only breaking with the revenant theme, it is heralding a new spirit, one of hope and opportunity. The quote by 17th-century Restoration preacher Thomas Fuller – “It’s always darkest just before the dawn” – is very apt.

The Dawn broadens the luxury car market with more possibilities for R-R – it has a playful, bewitching, fresh appeal and if you were to ever call a Rolls ‘sexy’, then that is exactly what they want to hear. CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes describes the Dawn as; “Quite simply, the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built.

“It promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date and begins a new age of open-top, super-luxury motoring,” he goes on, by way of introduction. “Dawn is a beautiful new motor car that offers the most uncompromised open-top motoring experience in the world. It will be the most social of superluxury drophead motor cars for those who wish

to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s most exclusive social hotspots.”

And so the Dawn was born, and named in honour of the Silver Dawn (1950 – 1954), it really is a beautiful, modern four-seat, superluxury drophead.

Made at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, it closely follows the Wraith – but the bodywork is 80% new to strengthen the shell. The two enormous coach doors open from the centre for easy access to the front and rear. Rolls says it has worked hard to ensure the Dawn is as smooth and quiet as their other models – delivering the famed magic carpet ride, despite the absence of a fixed roof.

One of the aims of the Rolls-Royce design team was to produce a convertible car that looks as beautiful with its roof up as it does down, and one could say that the result has been to make two great cars in one.

Roof up, the Dawn is indisputably a Rolls, a true boulevardier, but is also the most silent convertible ever built. The six-layer fabric roof with French seams for clean aerodynamics, means it is whisper-quiet and completely insulated from the outside world. There is no engine or wind noise and it’s even very difficult to hear or feel any rumble from the enormous tyres. Its serenity is astounding, quieter than any electric car. With precision performance, the huge fabric top opens silently at speeds of up to 31mph. It takes 22 seconds for the windows to drop, the back to open, the canopy to disappear – and the conversion is complete, in what Rolls-Royce calls a “silent ballet”.

Roof down, the allure of the lines becomes even more apparent; the steep rake of the windscreen gives the Dawn a sleek and attractive profile, and the romance that is opentop motoring begins.

The interior itself is a splendid work of craftsmanship – leather, wood and chrome are everywhere, with plush carpets under foot. The quality and attention to fine detail could only be Rolls. In another flirtatious, modern touch, there are zesty mandarin orange leather seats factory fitted as standard.

The biggest triumph is the open-pore Canadel wood panelling – named after a cove in the south of France where Sir Henry Royce enjoyed holidaying – that’s evocative of the ’60s Riva motor launch. Think Côte d’Azur or Lake Como. The horseshoe-shaped deck surrounds the shoulder line and provides the perfect backdrop for any driver and passenger to look fabulously Hollywood A-list without question.

And now to the drive. The power plant that is the 6.6-litre twin-turbo V-12 engine generates 563 horsepower, and 575 pound-feet of torque is paired to a seamless eight-speed satellite aided ZF automatic transmission. The twin-turbo delivers all that torque at just 1,500rpm to propel a car that weighs a portly 2.56 tonnes.

There’s no RPM counter; instead a power reserve gauge displays 100 percent when coasting, and will dip down to 20 percent or under if you need warp speed which hits or 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Dawn is solid and sure footed – the suspension, air springs, active roll bars and low centre of gravity all contribute

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MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

to a perfectly controlled but agile drive, and even the bumpiest of roads seem ironed-out before you.

The satellite aided transmission is one of the most advanced systems available – your sat nav reads the road ahead, and subtly adjusts the engine and gearing to ensure you are well equipped to handle even the most sudden hairpin with ease. At night, a thermal imaging kit will make you aware of any warm bodies that might be in peril ahead of you. A configurable head-up display of speed and other information is projected onto the inside of the windscreen, which is clean and easily understood without being a distraction.

There’s comfort and convenience at the highest level throughout and since not everyone likes to drive in total silence, the bespoke 16-speaker audio system, specially designed for the Dawn, will attain perfect balance regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. A rotary touch pad with a 10.25-inch high-definition display controls every aspect of the infotainment system. A very intuitive one-touch call button on the steering wheel allows the driver to muster the many car functions using simple voice commands… After all, it’s far easier to say ‘Royal Crescent to Cannes via Route Napoleon’ than programming by hand.

Every thought and finishing touch is there too. For example, there are umbrellas stowed over each of the front wheels – push a button where the front door hinge would be in a normal car and out they pop. Also hidden in the bonnet is the majestic Spirit of Ecstasy, which emerges automatically on start up and retreats back when the car is locked. At night, she is illuminated.

Dawn is certainly a very alluring and beautiful car, and the stellar starting price of £264,000 almost seems an irrelevance because, we suppose, those likely to be buying one mightn’t be too concerned with the value-for-money aspect. Instead, they want heritage, exclusivity and a super-luxurious affair with Rolls’ sexiest car to date. As for the rest of us, inspired by Leicester City at 5000-1, maybe a few quid on Bristol City to come top in 2018 sounds like a plan?

Test car courtesy of Rybrook Specialist Cars Bristol, The Laurels, Cribbs Causeway Central, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7TT; 0117 203 3990

ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN Price: Engine: Power: Torque: Gearbox: Kerb weight: Top speed: 0-62mph: Economy: CO2/tax band:

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£264,000 V12, 6592cc, turbo, petrol 563bhp at 5250rpm 575lb ft at 1500rpm 8-spd automatic 2560kg 155mph 4.9sec 19.9mpg (combined) 330g/km, 37% |

JUNE 2016

RYBROOK OPENS ROLLS-ROYCE BRISTOL

W

hile Bath remains constant, every Bristolian will tell you, Bristol has changed dramatically over the last five years; it’s on the up, it’s exciting and attractive, and with Bath makes the west country a great place to be.

Several recent wealth reports highlight west’s ascendancy; Bath and Bristol offer super housing, excellent schools, a vibrant and varied entertainment scenes, rich cultural diversity and all those fantastic places to eat out put us a close second to the home counties for London relocators. And with the millionaire count in the west is continuing to rise, our premium estate agents are already realising serious buyer interest in anticipation of the electrification of the rail line to London in 2017. What’s more, Bath and Bristol continue to be an important business location for both large enterprises, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

So it makes perfect sense that über luxury marque Rolls Royce Motor Cars is soon to take a place at Cribbs Causeway as part of the Rybrook dealerships. While Bath has many great dealerships, Rolls Royce Bristol will no doubt sit at the very top in the west.

“The opening of our new showroom in Bristol represents a significant investment for Rybrook at a time of growing confidence in the British economy,” said Henry Whale, managing director of Rybrook. “There are thousands of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders across the south west, many of whom turn to RollsRoyce for their personal transport. We are committed to delivering pinnacle standards in customer satisfaction as we look forward to launching.”

James Crichton, regional director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Europe, added: “Rolls-Royce takes great care in selecting its dealer partners, and we’re delighted to be working alongside Rybrook as we open our seventh showroom in the UK. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bristol will help us deliver further sustainable growth in the United Kingdom, and we are confident that our strengthened partnership with Rybrook will help us meet a clear demand in this part of the country for our super-luxury motor vehicles.”

Rybrook has successfully operated Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Birmingham, McLaren Birmingham and Bentley Cardiff for a number of years and has extensive experience with specialist cars. When open, the Bristol showroom will serve Bath and the west country, the whole south west and Wales, and right up to the Cotswolds. ■

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FAMILY | EVENTS

FAMILYDIARY IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR THINGS TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN

ROMANS – ANIMAL ANTICS Monday 30 May – Friday 3 June, 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm n Roman Baths Family fun at the Roman Baths with these drop in sessions.

BATH CITY FARM: IRON AGE DAY Thursday 2 June, 11am – 2pm n Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Twerton Explore what life was like in the Iron Age. Help build an Iron Age roundhouse, handle some artefacts, do some Iron Age activities and meet some historic characters. No need to book. Free entry but donations welcome.

Also at the farm FLIT, FLAP AND FLY Sunday 3 July, 11am, 1pm and 3pm Three performances of squawking adventure put on by the egg theatre, which follows a young chick’s frantic and funny journey towards independence, and his relationship with his fine-singing father. Suitable for all ages (but particularly aimed at four to seven-yearolds) the audience is invited to join the pair in the nest, where they find themselves part of the daily life of a unique bird family. Bursting with live music and audience participation, everyone in the nest can learn. Booking essential.

Suggested donation of £3 per person.

ANIMAL EXPLORER n Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Friday 3 June, 10.30 – 11.30am & 12 – 1pm Using wax resist and a range of pencils and paints children can paint their favourite animal, inspired by the gallery’s paintings. Suitable for ages six – 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL: THE DARKLING SOCIETY Friday 3, Saturday 4, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June, gates open 7.30pm, performance 9pm (to allow it to be dark – take a picnic and a torch) n The grounds of Prior Park National Trust gardens, Widcombe, Bath As the sun sets over Bath, join a band of musicians and outsiders for an expedition.

Curious siblings Lina and Hersch venture to this secret sanctuary every night. Here they try to make sense of their topsy-turvy world but can they find solace in the quiet comforting darkness? What are they running from and who really are The Darklings? A new production from the very talented Kilter Theatre company with sets by artist Edwina Bridgeman. The show will be lit by cycle-power generators pedalled by the actors and the audience. Tickets £10 / £8 children. Tel: 01225 448844.

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Saturday 4 June, 2pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath This is the ninth year for Komedia’s Comedy

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Kilter Theatre invites us to go on an adventure after dark at Prior Park

As part of the Trust’s 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ activities challenge there’ll be the chance to try different outdoor crafts in the Tudor courtyard. There’ll also be a summerlong series of self-challenges from the 50 Things list, including bug hunting and walking barefoot through grass. Activities are included in the admission price.

ERROR 404 Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June, 11.30am & 3pm n The egg theatre, Sawclose, Bath A boy with a best friend that’s a robot, when his mum brings home a package. Funny, engaging and unusual, this production invites people of eight and over to look at everything you thought you knew. Tel: 01225 823409 or visit: theatreroyal.org.uk.

Club 4 Kids. Basically it’s all the fun of standup comedy, that’ll have kids of all ages rolling around laughing but without all the rude bits.

SYLVIA HUNT’S DOG SHOW Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 June, 8pm n The Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road Bath A fabulous 60 minutes of dog-based high jinks and biscuit slobbering joy. Created and performed by Bath actress and comedian Sylvia Hunt this explores our relationship with our canine companions with a cabaret of puppetry.

Tickets: £5, with half the proceeds going to the Bath Cats and Dogs Home charity, tel: 01225 463362. This is part of Bath Fringe Festival and we’re advised it’s suitable for those aged 12 and older.

100 YEARS HERE: FAMILY DAY Saturday 4 June, 12pm – 4pm n The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Head along to the Holburne for a free afternoon of activities for families which mark the museum’s 100th birthday. Play a giant Century of Art game, decorate a huge fake birthday cake, make bunting and badges. Plus more art activities, international accordion music from Coeur Vagabond and a barbecue.

BRISTOL OLD VIC THEATRE SCHOOL PRESENTS A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM n The Pound arts centre, Pound Pill, Corsham Friday 10 June, 7.30pm The whole family can step into the magical world of Shakespeare with this hilarious production of one of his most famous plays.

Tickets: £11 /£10 for concessions. Box office: 01249 701628. Visit: poundarts.org.uk.

50 THINGS DISCOVERY DEN Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays n The National Trust owned Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire

Also at the egg theatre this month WAVE Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 June, times vary This is a multi-sensory play for young people aged 11 and over who have profound and multiple learning disabilities and/or autism. It’s loosely based on The Tempest and explores the relationship between parent and child. Tickets for young person and carer, £20.

KATIE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June, times vary It’s Katie’s 12th birthday – and a time for Katie to reflect on the past and wonder what the future holds. Suitable for children aged ten and over as it explores the notion of being on the edge of adolescence. Tickets: £8.50/ £7.50 children.

ANTIGONE Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 June, times vary TRB’s vibrant youth theatre school cast is directed by Greg Banks. This is a Greek tragedy played out with a timeless theme of a young woman standing alone against authority.

Suitable age 12 and over. Tickets: £8.50 / £7.50 children.

THE OBSIDIAN STRIKES BACK Sunday 12 June, 2pm n Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass, Walcot Street A family friendly show combining music, glass blowing and the spoken word as we delve into the world of Obsidian. All profits go to charity for this Bath Fringe Festival event. Tickets: £4, book 01225 428146 or pay on the door.

AN AMERICAN TOY STORY Until Sunday 30 October n The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath For fans of film and toys, this exhibition takes on a time journey from Mickey Mouse through to Frozen via Star Wars, Superman and James Bond. Take your little Spiderman and Elsa in costume and they can let off steam on the museum’s wide lawns. The cakes are good too.

Visit: americanmuseum.org or tel: 01225 820866.

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FAMILY | EVENTS

CREATE: ART Saturday 18 June 10.30am – 12.30pm n The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath Led by artist educator Dorcas Casey, this class is aimed at children aged three to 11 years, who must bring an adult. Activities vary from sticking, collage and drawing to printmaking and using textiles. Spend quality time together in an informal, supportive and friendly environment, and pick up tips for making art at home. £5 per child, £3 per adult. Booking is advised. To book tel: 01225 386777 or visit: icia.org.uk.

Also at The Edge this month CREATE: MOVEMENT Saturday 18 June, 10.30am – 11.30am Create Movement is led by dancer and educator Laura Street and activities are often inspired by current ICIA exhibitions and vary from simple movement to playful creations.

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

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Saturday 18 June, 7pm and Sunday 19 June, 12pm n The grounds of Combe Grove Hotel, Brassknocker Hill, Bath Curtain Up Theatre School presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the delightful Shakespeare play featuring fairies, star-crossed

to join in. Admission is free if you have a resident’s Discovery Card, or £1.50 adults.

BATH FESTIVAL OF NATURE Saturday 25 June, 11am – 6pm n Royal Victoria Park bandstand, Bath The Festival of Nature began in Bristol and has wound its way along the river to Bath for this free water themed family day of activities.

Watch the festival procession, inspired by the spirit of the River Avon, as it winds its way from the children’s playground to the main event in Royal Victoria Park. Take part in hands-on research with the University of Bath, explore the local environment with Bath and North East Somerset Council or join Fine Chisel theatre company for its family-friendly show Flit, Flap and Fly inside a giant nest. There’ll also be local food and drink to buy.

Fine Chisel theatre company comes to Royal Victoria Park lovers and magic. Perfect for a summer familyfriendly performance. Tickets: £10, or £25 to include supper and a glass of wine/bottle of beer, or £15 for a child dining ticket. Tel: 01225 834644 or visit: ticketsource.co.uk or combegrove.com.

PRINCESS CHILDREN’S SHOW: BOUNCEA-ROO Sunday 26 June, 2pm n Parade Gardens, Bath On Sundays throughout the summer Bath and North East Somerset Council is laying on a series of free entertainments in the public park.

On this day it’s princess themed fun. Young princesses and princes in costume are welcome

BOWOOD HOUSE AND GROUNDS Daily, 11am – 6pm n Bowood House, Derry Hill, near Calne, Wiltshire There are acres of grounds for children to race about it and one of the best adventure playgrounds in the south west, complete with pirate ship, big slides and treetop walkways.

There’s also Tractor Ted’s little farm, featuring animals and diggers to sit on. Bowood also has a café and a restaurant, but you can take a picnic. For adults this is a beautiful spot in the Wiltshire countryside with a lake, picturesque follies and statues. Tickets: adults £12, pensioners £10, children five to 12 £9 and two to four-year-olds £7. A family ticket is £36. n

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EDUCATION NEWS JOIN THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR WORK AND LEISURE

B

ath College knows that learning is a lifelong journey, which is why it works hard to provide a wide range of courses catering for people from all walks of life.

Adults of all ages and abilities study at the college to improve their job prospects, to start on a new career path, or simply to enjoy learning as a leisure activity.

The valuable role colleges play in providing adult education is recognised by the Festival of Learning, a national celebration of life-long learning taking place in May and June.

With the festival in mind, Bath College is taking the opportunity to highlight the many different ways you can get involved in college life at its city centre campus and Somer Valley Campus in Radstock.

Designed to cover a wealth of hobbies, interests and specialities, Bath College’s Love2learn adult leisure courses are perfect if you enjoy learning and are looking to develop new skills. This year, the college already has 1,500 people enrolled as part-time students on a variety of courses, from floristry, photography and cooking to hair and beauty, decorating and stonemasonry.

The college offers a range of courses for people looking to gain professional qualifications or study for an apprenticeship in accountancy, childcare, marketing, management and teaching.

Students studying creative subjects benefit from access to specialist equipment provided by Bath College’s Art and Design department, rated

Outstanding by Ofsted.

The Access to Higher Education and Adult Community Learning departments are also an important part of learning at Bath College.

If your dream is to study at university, an Access to High Education Course can help you achieve your ambition and get you the right qualifications to secure a university place.

Most students study at college for three days, choosing to specialise in social care, education, science, the humanities or social science.

Bath College’s Adult ADULT LEARNING: artist Ann Hines is one of the mature students Community Learning courses who’s enjoyed honing her painting skills at Bath College are open to adults over 19 years old and take place in in an educational setting for a long time or found public venues across Bath and North East school difficult.

Somerset.

“Our courses are often run with other Students can take part in practical hands-on community partners and will give people the activities, such as art workshops and animal care chance to meet others, develop existing skills or lessons, as well as sessions put together to get gain new ones to improve their wellbeing, find them ready for employment. work, or better support their family.”

Anna Wheeler, community engagement officer at Bath College, said: “Adult Community For more information about studying at Bath Learning is designed to help people of different College, visit: bathcollege.ac.uk ages and backgrounds gain new skills and boost or call 01225 312191. n confidence. Many of our learners have not been

REVISION: A SURVIVAL GUIDE Hypnotherapist Viv Kenchington, who works in Bath and Wiltshire, has been seeing a lot of 15 – 18 year olds in recent weeks, worried about their exams. She has some tips to help students keep calm and focussed: l Little and often. This will help focus the mind, try making revision sessions shorter and more regular, optimum study times are about 50 minutes. After those 50 minutes, take a 10-minute break. l Keep hydrated. The brain needs fluid to work at its best, don’t reach for sweet caffeine loaded drinks as these will make you crash and burn. l Eat well. Regular food helps us to concentrate, try keeping dry fruit or nuts on your desk; it’s great brain food. l Try and relax before doing revision, listen to some calming music – just 10 minutes will make all the difference. Use relaxation time as a reward for all your hard work. After a study session go for a walk or listen to music to get the ‘good chemicals’ flowing in your system. l The more positive you are the better, the brain responds well to positivity. Note to parents: the language you use is important too in this process. l Get yourself a wall planner, chart out when your exams are and work backwards – the brain loves to get things in order, and a planner is a great tool to see deadlines coming up. l Get perspective. Remember that this is not forever, and that by putting the work in now, you won’t have to repeat this stage. You can start moving towards your preferred further study or career goal. l Breathe. If you feel any worries, breathe in for the count of five and out for eight, this will allow more oxygen to get to the brain, calming you down. l Visualise. Think about finishing your exams, think about how you will feel at the end knowing that you did all you could. Visualise leaving that last exam, celebrating with friends or family . . . this will help the brain get you to what you want.

Contact Viv Kenchington, tel: 07974 153487, email: info@hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk, visit: hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk.

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CAMPAIGN FOR MORE WOMEN CODERS

Bath Spa University has launched a campaign to get more young women to enter the tech industry, using the hashtag #ThisGirlCodes on social media.

Academics, students and women in the industry say there are myths that need to be challenged and that more action is needed so that this traditionally male-dominated sphere can benefit from more diverse recruitment as the digital economy continues to grow. #ThisGirlCodes will highlight inspirational stories of women who are already working or studying in areas such as coding and software development, who will act as ambassadors.

Lee Scott, leader of creative

computing at Bath Spa said: “We’re encouraging everyone in the computing industry to share the great work women are doing in this field by using #ThisGirlCodes so that they can inspire the next generation of coders, animators and game makers. We’re looking to close a gender gap, to challenge mind-sets in education, in the workplace and industry, as well as how women see themselves in the creative computing space.”

The creative computing degree was launched in 2015. It is a fulltime three year BSc course that can be taken as a single honours degree with options to specialise in gaming, animation or software development.

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

DON’T JUST SIT THERE

Which are you likely to pick – pie and lattes or Pilates? Hannah Newton looks at the popularity in Bath of an exercise regime that can be practised and enjoyed well into old age

A

ccording to research by the British Heart Foundation almost half of all British adults never do any exercise. This, coupled with the fact that most of us spend eight hours a day sitting down, comes as little surprise that researchers discovered that our sedentary lifetsyle is more likely to shorten our lives than obesity.

Over the few years Pilates has slowly invaded every village hall and sports centre, becoming the exercise class of choice. But it seems to only appeal to women. Why? Is it because you get to lie down for most of the class? Or has it something to do with the teacher mentioning your pelvic floor – or is it floors? Is there more than one pelvic floor? Do women have a varying number of floors like a block of high rise flats – with each passing year another one giving way?

The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates suffered a childhood beset by asthma and rickets. Raised by an award-winning gymnast father and a mother who believed in natural healing, he was inspired to heal himself by studying animals and anatomy books. He went on to teach himself gymnastics, yoga, boxing and other Eastern and Western physical disciplines. As a teenager his well toned body was used as a model for anatomical charts.

Stories abound about the healing practice of his ‘body conditioning or contrology’ as his practice was known during the 1930s and 40s, apparently even Marilyn Monroe was a fan.

Joseph Pilates was living in England when the First World War broke out and was imprisoned due to his German heritage. While he was interred he taught his burgeoning practice to fellow prisoners and became a kind of nurse/physiotherapist, refining his techniques and sharing them. When the 1918 flu pandemic hit and decimated populations all over the world, particularly those living in close conditions such as prisoners, those who had followed Joseph’s physical routine, incredibly, survived the epidemic – probably due to their physical well being and good health.

Joseph Pilates lived well into his late 80s and practised his methods as he prescribed them, one of his enduring quotes states: “We retire too early and we die too young. Our prime of life should be in our 70s and old age should not come until we are almost 100.”

So, perhaps this form of exercise is something we should all be taking more seriously.

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FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: Catherine Truscott of Pear Tree Studios demonstrates her flexibility, while below the Osteopathy and Pilates Studio off Broad Street, where men mostly prefer to use Pilates equipment During a class taken by Margo Singleton, of The Bath Pilates Academy, to a group of women in their 70s there is a definite air of pride in their physical ability. For a great many of their peers, kneeling down, or getting up from lying on a mat on the floor, would be a struggle. But this lot are more mobile than that, and they are also having a lot of fun.

Margo asks how they are before starting the class. This is met with a round of sniggers and giggles. Someone calls out: “I feel a wreck.”

However, the class is inspiring. Margo cues the women to breathe as they move and continuously reminds them to: ‘allow their body to strengthen’ and ‘lengthen your spines’, telling them to imagine each vertebrae as it stretches. I begin to wonder if a large part of Pilates is psychological as well as physical.

Catherine Truscott, of Pear Tree Studios, believes there is a psychological aspect: “The practice begins in the mind as you prepare and your teacher queues breathing – this mental awareness then ripples throughout your body as you move.”

On Broad Street, Susie Lecomber of The Osteopathy and Pilates Studio, tells me one of her oldest clients is a man. He turns 80 this year, rides his electric bike to the studio and has been practising Pilates for years. Susie said: “We have another man who has just returned after open heart surgery. He’s back playing badminton too. Amazing men.”

All of the teachers said men typically find their way to Pilates when they have been told to by doctor or physiotherapist, and many continue as they realise the benefits or, in contrast, leave once the issue has been resolved.

Susie offers a men-only class and finds that men prefer equipment to floor work: “I think this is because they can stretch more easily with the help of the machines. It also helps to support their back when they pick up their legs.

Men’s legs are heavy and many men have pretty

weak abdominals.”

Susie’s studio uses equipment which, look like torture machines, but are actually Pilates specific and are used to help clients perform some very difficult exercises.

The long term aim for Pilates clients is better posture, which Susie says will lead to a younger, leaner, longer physique, reduced back pain, reduced degenerative changes to joints which could lead to arthritis and, for athletes, a better understanding of posture, which can lead to improved performance.

Gaby from Voila Styling, appears delicate and diminutive but is, in reality, incredibly strong and powerful. She puts her strength down to her Pilates training. She is in a room at the top of the egg theatre teaching a class, what appear to be simple moves, but are in fact, extremely difficult and only those with a rock hard core, like Gaby, are able to do with them with any kind of grace.

Gaby says: “This body conditioning form of exercise will improve the way you use your body day to day. It targets the deep core muscles, builds strength, encourages joint mobilisation, corrects alignment and posture.

Pilates is also great for the mind, as you are completely focused on your body throughout the class. It increases body awareness and removes stress and tension giving you an uplifted sense of wellbeing.”

This is beginning to sound like something we should all do like brushing your teeth, or phoning your mother. As Joseph Pilates said: “Change happens through movement and movement heals – everyone is the architect of their own happiness.”

See you on the mat. n Margo Singleton of The Bath Pilates Academy: thebathpilatesacademy.uk Gaby Paxton of Viola Pilates: voilastyling.co.uk and style@voilastyling.co.uk Catherine Truscott of Pear Tree Studios:

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PAMPERED FROM HEAD TO TOE

The Bath Magazine unwinds at the award-winning salon and spa Frontlinestyle in Monmouth Street

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his bijou spa in central Bath is renowned for its state of the art facilities and expert team of therapists. Spread across three floors, the award-winning salon aims to deliver complete head-to-toe pampering, tailoring packages to suit everyone.

Founded in 1950, Frontlinestyle is a longstanding family business which offers luxury hair and beauty appointments along with a range of treatments available in their day spa.

The friendly, polite and highly trained team, coupled with use of the very best quality brands and products, ensures customers a high-end professional service, time after time.

The salon’s most popular spa package (Spa Total Relax, £75) includes the hydrobath, where one or two people can enjoy the sumptuous bubbles together before indulging in a honey hot stone or lava shells massage which will ease away all the stresses and strains of daily life.

It’s the perfect spot for hen dos as many hen parties spend the day in the spa before having a luxury manicure or pedicure and ending the day in the state of the art hair salon with a blow dry or styling session before they head out for a night out in Bath.

The salon is also popular among brides before their big day.

Frontlinestyle has the best kept bridal secret in the city – the Caci Ultimate Booster facial. Try it and see why it is a firm favourite amongst celebrities and blushing brides to get the most radiant skin.

When you head to the salon, you can choose from a hair and beauty package already made up or mix and match your favourite treatments – the salon’s friendly front-of-house team are happy to help tailor your time to your exact requirements.

Sit back and unwind in the relaxing lounge with friends over a glass of prosecco and some nibbles, or spend the whole day at the salon and indulge in a top to toe pampering with a locally sourced lunch included. Gluten and dairy free and veggie options are also available.

Vouchers are available for a range of spa packages and services.

Visit: frontlinestyle.co.uk to find the perfect gift. The salon has a special offer for June – book any spa package and receive a free glass of bubbly and a Clarins goodie bag.

Opening times vary throughout the week, and the salon is open late on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Frontlinestyle is at 4/5 Monmouth Street, Bath. For bookings: telephone: 01225 478478, visit: frontlinestyle.co.uk, or email: bath@frontlinestyle.co.uk. n 82 TheBATHMagazine

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B A T H

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THE | WALK

A DARK WOODED INLAND PROMENTORY It’s worth putting up with a bit of mud for views as magnificent as these, says Andrew Swift as he maps out a memorable walk above the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire

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the path forks, and at the top bear left alongside a fence to follow the edge of the escarpment.

As the path curves right past a lone pine (SU179638), the views open up southwards. Go through a handgate and carry on along the rampart of a hillfort.

After a section through woodland, which may be muddy, the fence and the woods come to an end and the rampart curves right, but you carry on with a fence on your left in the same direction.

❝

Never did hill throw out so bold and soaring a bluff as Martinsell over the valley

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artinsell has long been many people’s favourite Wiltshire hill. In 1909, Edward Thomas described it as a ‘dark-wooded inland promontory’ and in 1936 HJ Massingham declared that ‘never did hill throw out so bold and soaring a bluff as Martinsell over the valley’.

It provides a suitably uplifting starting point for this month’s walk. After striding out along the escarpment, with the Vale of Pewsey far below, and remnants of prehistoric settlements all around, we drop down to the village of Oare.

From there, paths and lanes lead to Huish with its tiny church lost amid fields, in one of the most glorious settings imaginable. From Huish, an old road – now a rough track – climbs to a lonely crossroads high in the hills, from where tracks and byways lead past more prehistoric earthworks back to the starting point.

The views throughout are breathtaking, constantly changing, and, if you can put up with a bit of mud and a distinct lack of waymarks on the return leg, this is a walk that will live long in the memory.

To get to the starting point, head south from Marlborough along the A345. After two miles, turn left to follow a signpost for Wootton Rivers and Clench. After climbing gradually for 1.5 miles, pull into a small parking area on the right (SU183645), where Martinsell will suddenly be revealed in all its glory.

Go through the gate and carry straight on with a fence on your right. When the fence curves right, carry straight on uphill towards a copse. Bear left when

In the vale below you will see a large pond, while over to your right are the remains of an old barn abandoned in the mid-twentieth century.

As the ground starts dropping away, the view opens up to the folded downs over to the north-west, across which you will later be walking. As you carry on, look out for another earthwork on the other side of the fence on your left.

Follow the fence as it curves right, passing a metal gate. When you come to the next metal gate, cross a stile beside it and carry on, crossing the line of another earthwork (SU170633).

After another 300m, the path leads through an early settlement known as Giant’s Grave, before dropping steeply down to Oare.

After crossing a stile at the bottom, bear diagonally left across a field. After

going through a handgate, turn right along a bridleway (SU161628). If you look back, you will see that, from this angle, the hill you have just descended bears a striking resemblance to Silbury Hill.

The bridleway turns into a lane which leads to a main road. Cross and carry straight on along Rudge Lane, following the lane as it bears left, and after another 75m turn right along a bridleway. Go straight on through a stile by a gate, and carry on alongside a fence. Go through a gate at the end, cross a stile and carry on with the fence on your left. After negotiating a handgate and a stile, carry on alongside the fence until you reach the far right-hand corner of the field, by a wooden hut (SU147635).

Go through a handgate, continue down a path and turn left along a lane.

Turn right at a junction and, after passing Huish church on your left, follow the track as it curves right and left through a farmyard and starts climbing past a row of beeches. This is archetypal chalk country, with the land scooped and folded on either hand. As you continue to climb, the hills close in, the path grows ever steeper and the woods thicken.

Emerging into open country at the top, bear right at a crossroads (SU142645).

Go through a gate and walk through the ramparts of another earthwork. Do not follow the hollow path alongside the fence but bear slightly to the right, heading for a pair of windblown trees. As you approach them, you will see a fence ahead – carry on in the same direction, heading to the right of it.

As the view opens up to the south, you come to the gorse-grown remains of a prehistoric enclosure. After the path weaves through it, the way ahead is

ON THE CHALKFACE: main picture, the dramatic outline of Martinsell Opposite page, the old road climbing up from Huish and the countryside laid out at your feet like a green patchwork blanket

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THE | WALK

blocked by a fence. Bear right alongside it, and follow it when it curves left along the edge of the escarpment. If you are lucky, you will have chosen a day of high clouds creating an everchanging patchwork of light and shade across the fields below.

After Oare comes into view and you start to descend, go through a gate and follow a faint track diagonally up to the left. Go through a handgate in the top corner of the field and head along a path with a pond on the left (SU156639). When you come to a drive, carry on along it and follow it as it bears right.

Do not turn off onto a footpath, but carry on

along the drive, with views of the Ridgeway far to the north. After passing more earthworks you come to a main road (SU164643). Cross it and take a track bearing up to the right on the other side. Follow it as it curves left, and after 500m, just before it leads through a gateway, bear left along a bridleway to follow another rampart (SU169641).

At a crossroads with a signpost, carry straight on along a muddy bridleway to Clench Common. After going through a handgate, when the ramparts curve right, carry straight on, skirting the copse ahead and heading downhill to return to the starting point. n

FACT FILE ■ Length of walk: eight miles ■ Approximate time: 4 hours ■ Map: OS Explorer 157 ■ Refreshment stops: None ■ Level of challenge: muddy sections, a lack of waymarks on the return. There are sheep so dogs need to be kept under control.

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

LUXE FOR LESS

Bath interior designer and TV makeover expert Claire Rendall has some top tips on creating grand designs on a budget

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id you watch Millionaire Mansions recently with your jaw in your lap and ever increasing incredulity? It is true that the luxury market gets a bit bonkers, with no limit to the madness and amount of money being spent. As you will have seen, money can’t buy taste or style and I have seen many properties refurbished or built with astronomical budgets that I would swap in a heartbeat for something stylish, tasteful and a fraction of the cost. That’s not to say it isn’t a joy to have a decent budget to play with. On a recent project in Sydney I fitted solid walnut skirting boards and architraves with beautifully veneered doors, hand-made bronze handles and every piece of furniture bespoke. The kitchen was burr walnut and ebony with book matched Carrera marble worktops. It was truly delicious. In the same neighbourhood however I fitted an Ikea kitchen but used a composite material, Silestone, made from quartz for the worktop. It gave the inexpensive kitchen an expensive, chic, contemporary feel. In another high end rental property we splashed the cash on some quality sofas, but popped in a budget coffee table so it didn’t matter if it got trashed, the room still had an overall luxury feel.

Glass top tables and consoles add an air of glamour. Below, back painted glass in a bathroom gives a five star hotel look

IT’S IN THE DETAIL

In kitchens I always feel that stainless steel sinks look cheap and never keep their shine. I would go for white ceramic. Though more expensive than stainless, it’s a classic that looks great with contemporary or traditional interiors. Ceramic also looks smart for longer, without that dull scratched look. Glass splash backs instead of tiles also look uber smart and give an inexpensive kitchen a real lift. It’s toughened so very safe and really easy to keep clean. None of that messing about with grout and gives a smart, sharp look. You can choose the colour painted on the back with a RAL colour. Ask Roman Glass for details. There are two whites which look very cool and pink looks very cheeky!

White glass tops are also a fabulous way to give an old table a really contemporary lift. I also like to use back painted glass on a console table to make a designer basin stand. Tie this in with marble tiles from Fired Earth and you will have that five star look to your own bathroom.

SHOP THE HIGH STREET

One area where you can spend a little less is lighting. When I was designing for and appearing on BBC1’s DIY SOS my brief was to create aspirational interiors using high street goods and on a budget. It was no hardship because the lighting in particular was fabulous. Check out B&Q, Homebase and others, there are some creative pieces out there.

Changing from plastic to chrome or brass light switches will transform a room into somewhere with extra sparkle. They don’t have to be expensive – B&Q does a good range of switches for £20 for a pack of five. If you want to achieve the designer look with colour, have a look at the Valspar range in B&Q. At half the price of so-called designer paints, it offers a terrific range of colours and textures and is a joy to use. Thinking about DIY stores there are astonishing ranges of door handles, particularly for kitchens, so I would save money there too.

PERFECT FINISH

I think the biggest tell-tale sign of money being spent is the finish. Not everyone can employ a professional decorator so if you’re doing it yourself, be very picky about the final result. Use masking tape to create straight edges and if you’re painting cupboards and doors, use a small sponge roller. You will be amazed at the flat, professional finish.

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An IKEA kitchen is given a more opulent feel with Silestone quartz worktops and glass splash backs

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

DITCH THE CLUTTER

For all spaces I think the one thing that really lets a room down is clutter.

Get yourself some good storage to give your home a smarter look. Visual clutter also relates to the colour palette of a room. Choose a base palette of a couple of tones of the same colour and then an accent colour. Keep it simple.

Group objects and pictures. Create the illusion of the luxury of space. Think about textures. A faux fur throw on a sofa is not only bliss on a chilly evening, but it imbues a dash of flash.

Mix matt black lamp shades with glossy tables. Be bold and have some fun. Money can’t buy you everything but if what you’ve done makes you feel a million dollars, then you won’t need to actually spend it.

MIRROR IN THE BATHROOM

Use a large mirror, marble tiles and details, such as an orchid and the best soaps and hand creams

DISAPPEARING ACT

MIX IT UP

Use different textures and surfaces to create that luxe feel in a room. For chairs, cushions and curtains buy the best textiles.

The same goes for carpets. Cheap carpet may seem like a good idea at the time, but years, even months later you’ll realise that you should have spent more. It doesn’t have to be the extraordinary bamboo and silk I’ve just fitted for a client, but a good mix of natural fibres such as wool or cotton with a little man-made will look smarter for longer and always plump up after a good clean, something that man-made fibres can never manage.

Then there are additions to a room that you can’t do without such as radiators. If you don’t want to go to the expense and hassle of changing radiators, use covers. I know they’re seen as passé by some but they make a massive difference to a room. www.jali.co.uk has an excellent selection and a neat online tool for ordering. Simply fill in your radiator dimensions and it’ll work everything out for you. There’s also a range of patterns to choose from. They can be ordered ready primed and good to go. For radiators with covers, paint the radiator itself matt black. That way it’ll disappear into the shadows and you won’t see it at all. You may need to think about extending the thermostat to sit outside the cabinet so it measures the room temperature accurately, it’ll depend on how efficient your heating system is.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL: choose tactile textiles

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HOMES | GARDENS

Homes&

GARDENS Brighten up your June with summery touches

BRIGHT BUNTING GARLAND Inspired by colourful Mexican 'papel picado' papercut garlands, this fun plastic bunting is an essential accessory for summer fiestas. String across your garden for an eye catching decoration at al fresco parties. £5.95. grahamandgreen.co.uk

JUST SHUTTERS These LindenWood shutters provide the very best in luxury and style, and a spectacular addition to any home. In special colour and finish options - from £425 per square metre. justshutters.co.uk BEDECK 1951 World leading luxury bedding and home accessories store, Bedeck 1951, is now at McArthurGlen. Shown here the Atara range makes an elegant statement featuring a jacquard with an opulent pattern in fashionable chambray hues.

Contrasting geometric patterns in rich colour accents feature across the range to create a glamorous setting. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Swindon.

ENLIGHTEN - A NEW LIGHTING SHOWROOM A beautiful new lighting showroom has opened in Walcot Street. Enlighten, by Bath based interior designer Anne Fisher is a great source for home lighting solutions from traditional and contemporary designs including chandeliers, pendants, wall lighting, floor and table lamps as well as bathroom and outdoor lighting.

Visit Enlighten at Bath Sofa and Curtain Company, 78 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 424424 BEDS FOR PETS - THE CECIL DOG BED With a removable, washable cover and a hardwearing, beechwood frame the Cecil stands up to muddy paws and sharp claws. For a fancy piece of furniture for your four-legged friend, choose from a range of colourful brushed linen cottons or a limited edition print by designer Fenella Smith. Sofa.com The Corridor, Bath. Tel:0345 400 2222

IT’S CURTAINS New in at Shannon in Walcot Street, the home of original Scandi design in Bath.

These bold and colourful Vallila curtain panels; Aalto blue/orange (left), Vallila curtain Miranda (right) are priced at £60 per panel .

Shannon, 68 Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 424222 shannon-uk.com

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Enlighten

Beautiful New Lighting Shop

• Designer Contemporary and Traditional

Lighting

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floor and table lamps

• Outdoor and bathroom lighting

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We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom and extending an extra 10% discount off your order!

10% Off

At Bath Sofa and Curtain Company 78 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD 01225 424424

All orders before 31 May

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THE ICEMEN ARE THAWING Georgette McCready visits Somerset Place, one of Bath’s great Georgian crescents, which is undergoing a remarkable renaissance

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he word ‘unique’ is bandied about, often with the – ungrammatical – qualifier ‘almost’ or ‘virtually’. But here’s a property story that really is that. An entire Bath Georgian crescent midway through a dramatic transformation to create a set of the most desirable city homes.

Somerset Place, lying as it does high up on the slopes of Lansdown and on a no-through road, is a beautiful curve that presents itself to the viewer as a classic row of 18th century townhouses.

But, thanks to the vision of Bath-based restoration experts Future Heritage – the group behind other sensitive projects, including Seven Dials and the Post Office in the city centre – a set of remarkable homes has been created behind that handsome Georgian facade.

I first visited the project four years ago, when work had just begun on converting what used to be an art college. Stephen Green, director of Future Heritage, gave me a tour and shared the plans for 18th century designer John Eveleigh’s buildings.

In those four years nine complete townhouses of the crescent of 17 have been exquisitely restored, sold and are now inhabited. A new community is growing in Somerset Place as a mix of people, from couples with children to active retirees downsizing, make their home in this sunny, south facing spot.

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one’s eye is always drawn to the far reaching views, over the western slopes of Bath and out towards Kelston and beyond. This is a view to lift the spirits, whatever the weather and season. And it’s not blighted by traffic, so you can hear birdsong.

But we’re here on this occasion to look at the second stage of the Somerset Place transformation, due for completion next summer. There are show apartments ready for viewing.

Taking advantage of the crescent being stripped back to bare bones, it was decided to create lateral apartments in eight of the properties, ie taking the first floor of adjoining houses to make four large apartments. Three of the four have already sold and the fourth has, tantalisingly, not yet been released on to the open market. This is very rare to find – there are only a handul of lateral apartments in the whole of Bath.

There are eight garden apartments and eight upper maisonettes, each featuring a roof terrace tucked away between the pitches of the roofs.

Last time I visited, these buildings had

been filled with partitions and corridors, all the detritus left from its days as an educational establishment. Entering the front door of Number 12, to a garden apartment, is now a revelation. This home retains the generous proportions of the Georgian original and is filled with natural light, but the decor is cool, calm and contemporary, all sleek lines and simple elegance. The interior design is by Emma Sims Hilditch of West Kington near Chippenham. Emma has been named as one of the UK’s top interior designers by the Sunday Times and is one of House and Gardens magazine’s leading 100 interior designers.

This garden apartment has a large drawing room overlooking the street, while at the back there’s an impressively large kitchen/dining room. A central glazed door leads out to a light steel and glass bridge across to the walled, terraced garden. This is a charming outdoor space, with room for tables and chairs on the terrace and steps leading up through walled beds to a lawn and subquently to the garage at the top. Not every home here has a garage, and that is reflected in the differing prices.

I particularly admire the pair of dark, pencil-slim cypress trees that lend an elegant Italian feel to the garden. They are, I’m told, one of Stephen Green’s favourite aesthetic flourishes. Like the initials of an artist, justly proud of his work.

Back inside the garden maisonette and modern wooden stairs, with a leather

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE: main picture, Somerset Place, one of Bath’s handful of great Georgian crescents Inset, one of John Eveleigh’s inscrutable icemen carved over the doors

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BATH | PROPERTY

balustrade, lead us down to the bedrooms. There’s plenty of storage everywhere at No 12, with flush cupboards, a utility cupboard for washing machine and dryer, and a vault where bikes and skiis could be kept.

The master suite at the back of the house is a generous space with a large bathroom. Through all the properties the spec is high, as you’d expect. The large free standing baths are placed in prime position in front of the window and there are discreet opaque glass doors sliding back to screen the lavatories from view. The buyers are given a tablet from which to remotely control heating and lighting, sockets abound and the kitchens are Italian made and fitted with all manner of Miele appliances.

The garden apartment has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a cloakroom.

We slip back through No 12’s private front door and enter the shared hallway of No 13. Here there’s another surprise and another facility that sets Somerset Place apart – there’s a lift. Now, how many other Georgian homes in Bath do

CLASSIC YET CONTEMPORARY: the interior design of the apartments at Somerset Place is by Emma Sims Hilditch.

The estate agent handling the sales is Savills in Bath, tel: 01225 282979

you know of that boast that?

So, no lugging of shopping bags up to the second and third floor maisonette.

This home has ingeniously been wrapped around the central stairwell, creating fluid space.

There’s a good sized sitting room, then a few steps take you through and up to a space that’s really got the wow factor. This is the epitome of modern living, an open space with a kitchen and dining area at one end and a sitting room at the other. The ideal space for convivial entertaining of family or friends. No one is shut away in the kitchen and the kitchen itself is so good looking you wouldn’t mind your guests gazing at it as they eat.

The third floor bears no resemblance to the accommodation once offered to the original homeowners’ servants.

Again, the design has made the most of natural light.

The master suite can be gently shut away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the apartment. Two more bedrooms share a bathroom and there’s also a utility cupboard.

But, imagine coming home on a

sunny summer’s evening and fancying a Bath made gin and tonic while you watch the hot air balloons float through the blue skies overhead. A short flight of stairs leads up to the fabulous decked roof terrace, large enough for a set of outdoor sofas or loungers and completely private as you’re screened from your neighbours, while the rooftops protect you from the wind, creating a perfect sun trap.

Savills in Bath is handling the sale of properties in Somerset Place. Prices on the current properties start from £1.7m.

As we find ourselves back on the pavement I glance up at the pair of white, carved faces over the doors of the central two houses. These are John Eveleigh’s famous icemen. Inscrutable chaps whose meaning is a mystery. One theory is that they may have something to do with Eveleigh’s love of Masonic imagery. Their presence has never been really explained or fathomed.

Inscrutable and expressionless this pair may be, but I’ve got the feeling they’re inwardly smiling at the remarkable renaissance taking place on their patch. n

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FEELING THE HEAT

A little hothouse space makes your garden bigger and means you can grow some tropical lovelies, says Jane Moore

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here is nothing like a little bit of glass to broaden your horticultural horizons.

Whether it’s a little greenhouse, a nice conservatory or a full blown orangery styled upon those at Versailles, I’m all for bringing the outdoors indoors in whatever way you can.

With a bit of glass to call your own you can have even more fun in the summer garden, not to mention giving you some cosy pottering space for the winter months. For one thing you can overwinter lovely things like lemons, Brugmansias and tropical delights such as Strelitzia, aka the Bird of Paradise flower which can add a certain stylishness and chutzpah to the parochial patio. You can also use your glass to start off your dahlias, tender seedlings and even a spot of propagation should the mood take you.

But best of all you can sit back and enjoy the scenery, cocooned in the ambient serenity of the conservatory or greenhouse. This is armchair gardening at its finest. Wicker is de rigeur for conservatories whereas you can take a more rustic approach to a greenhouse with garden benches and wirework more in keeping.

LESS IS MORE When it comes to plants for your microclimate, don’t go too mad on the benches, plant stands and Auricula theatres to start with – you might find that it’s not as big as you thought. A few well chosen pots with key statement plants may be all you need. My parents had the most beautiful sun room which was furnished with the essential 80s wickerware and simply styled with a couple of Chinese style dragon pots planted with giant succulent jade plants and a lovely rich purple bougainvillea which I propagated at college.

MAKE AN IMPACT Palms are a good look if you tend towards the days of the Raj look with tiled floors and tablecloths. Seriously, palms can cope well if you tend to keep the conservatory on the dry side due to soft furnishings. There’s a lovely blue fronded palm called Brahea armata which makes a good conservatory feature but be a little wary of palms in a small space as they can get big and tend to be a bit hard and spiky. I love all succulents in the greenhouse or conservatory as they’re so well behaved but look exotic. Go for the spectacular 94 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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black leaved aeonium Schwarzkopf and the blue cabbagey rosettes of echeveria as well as cacti and living stones. Not seen those? They look just like a speckled pebble lying in a pot until they flower when they produce vivid daisylike blooms in bright golds and pinks.

EXOTIC CLIMBERS I’m still a fan of bougainvillea as a climber for a conservatory but you could also choose one of the striking hybrid passionflowers or the fragrant stephanotis with its waxy white flowers and glossy foliage.

Not quite a climber but more of a sprawling unruly shrub, plumbago makes up for its rather raggedy nature with its beautiful sky blue flowers. Keep it pruned hard – and I mean hard – to keep it manageable and to keep the

summer sky flowers coming. It’s wise to keep all your climbers under glass pruned regularly as they can get a bit carried away with all that shelter and light.

SCENTED LOVELIES Bear in mind that fragrance is a must as the warm temperatures and restricted air movements will make for some heady scents. I love scented pelargoniums as they’re so very easy to grow, look beautifully lush in pots and often have lovely dainty flowers. There are quite a few varieties available including clove scented types, peppermint foliage and even some with an orange scent.

BIG IS BEAUTIFUL When it comes to larger plants, olives could be a good choice as are lemons.

IN GLASS HOUSES: main picture, palms work well but be wary of letting them get too big and spiky Opposite page, it’s possible to grow lemons in conservatories, as our gardening writer has done in her greenhouse, and far right, the weird and wonderful living stones plants which burst into colourful flower

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GARDEN | NOTES

These can be kept indoors in the winter adding a lushness to the conservatory in those dank dark days, but come the summer, when you want to call your conservatory all your own, they’ll take centre stage on the patio and will flourish in the fresh air.

SMALL AND SPICY Finally, for those inclined towards the Tom and Barbara Good style of gardening where every square foot is required to be productive, there are some brilliant choices of greenhouse or conservatory plants. Peppers and chillies are where good looks and cropping meet beautifully. I love the strong sturdy growth of

bell peppers grown in pots and they will produce a good few fruits in red, green, orange and even chocolate brown colours. There are also masses of chilli pepper varieties around these days and many of them look great in pots.

They will produce masses of fruits which are ready at hand when you’re making a fiery salsa to go with that summer barbecue.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN Personally I love my greenhouse and have filled it with all sorts of odd but interesting objects and bric-a-brac or ‘rubbish’ as my partner would probably call it. I love the fact that it’s an area where rustic old terracotta pots filled with

pens and string sit side by side with my lemon trees, cosmos seedlings and books on garden design and vegetable growing. Mine is a greenhouse that comes with my job so I don’t tend to be chilling out in it come the evening.

So, if I were you, I’d be making my little bit of glass something along the lines of Tom’s greenhouse in The Good Life, a little haven for the weary gardener at the end of the day, complete with a glass of sherry or perhaps even some homemade ‘peapod burgundy’ to sip. n Jane Moore is the award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. She writes for the Telegraph and can be followed on Twitter @janethegardener.

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to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

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House & Home

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Bringing People Together Call today 07584 250285 Just Introductions Group is a personal and confidential introduction agency that offers you the chance to meet your 'someone special’

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THINKING PROPERTY Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

What questions should you ask in a viewing?

Y

ou have found a beautiful property that you would like to view, the day arrives and even though you have prepared a list of questions in your mind, the door opens and all is forgotten.

The reality is when you step inside a property for a viewing you hope to get that feeling, and when you do you're swept away to a place where you are starting to make this property your home. But before you put passion before reason, you really need to ask some important questions so you are in best position to make an informed decision.

1. Why is the owner selling? This will give you a guide of their situation and thus their timeline for moving.

2. How long has the property been on the market? This may impact on any offer you may wish to submit.

3. How many viewings have they had? This will give you a guide to the interest in the property within the current market.

4. What is included in the sale? This can vary dramatically from property to property, so it is always wise to check. You could also use any ‘must have’ items as part of negotiations.

5. Has there been any structural work recently? If yes, it is imperative to ensure that all the appropriate certificates are in place.

Crafting beautiful homes In and around Bath

6. What are the terms and conditions of the lease? You need to know the length of the lease and also any conditions that may affect your plans for the property or your future lifestyle.

7. Is there an annual service charge? Most apartment buildings have an annual fee to cover the maintenance and decoration of communal areas.

8. Have the owners found somewhere? If the owners have not made plans should the property sell, this could cause long delays so you may wish to make conditions in your offer.

9. Can you tell me about the neighbours and the area? A new home is far more than the four walls, it’s about the community around you and the lifestyle the property can give you.

Don’t leave a viewing thinking, “I wished I’d asked……..”, place these questions in your phone now so you are ready and prepared for your next viewing.

01225 79115 5

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If you are looking to buy or sell an apartment make sure you choose Bath’s apartment specialists, The Apartment Company. Please contact us on 01225 471144.

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

L

ower House Farm is situated in the heart of Bathford and stands in beautifully maintained landscaped gardens with breathtaking and far reaching views. The accommodation is mostly over two floors and is a charming mixture of period features including beams, fireplaces, panelling and an elegant galleried landing, along with contemporary touches such as the wonderful, well equipped ‘Mark Wilkinson’ kitchen/breakfast room and a stylish and luxurious shower room. It is a substantial, fantastic family house with a 34’ conservatory garden room, games room and a snooker room (lower ground floor), providing plenty of space to relax or let off steam both indoors and out. In total there are six bedrooms, two en suite bathrooms and four shower rooms. The ground floor reception rooms include the drawing room, living room, dining room and there is also a studio room and utility. Outside there are impressive landscaped gardens, a lovely patio area which is quiet and secluded, a large garage and driveway with ample parking for several cars. The farm house makes a perfect semi-rural home and should be seen to really appreciate all its potential. For full details and viewing contact Pritchards.

LOWER HOUSE FARM CHURCH STREET BATHFORD

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

Price: £1,950,000

• Six bedrooms • Six bath/shower rooms • Popular village location with good transport links • Versatile and spacious living • Garden room, games room, snooker room, office/studio • Impressive landscaped gardens • Garage and ample parking

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Bathampton An elegant and substantial double fronted 6 bedroom period home set within 6 acres of formal gardens and pasture land. Bath City Centre – 3 miles, Bristol – 23 miles, London Paddington via Bath Spa Station – 90 minutes, Bristol International Airport – 22.5 miles (Approx. distances and times).

• 6 double bedrooms 4 with en suite facilities. Master dressing room and separate family bathroom • Kitchen/breakfast room, utility & cloakroom • Sitting room, large drawing room, library/family room • Substantial garage & ample parking for many vehicles • Flexible accommodation with annexe potential (subj to the nec approvals) • Internal area: 4618 sq ft/429 sq m

Guide Price: £1,975,000

Midford Lane, Limpley Stoke A most impressive & incredibly versatile 4/5 bed detached property which enjoys an enviable position with panoramic views over miles of countryside. The property has been thoughtfully remodelled & completely refurbished into a beautifully presented home.

• 4/5 bedrooms (2 en suite), family bathroom & cloakroom • Fabulous open plan living space opening onto rear garden • Private, level garden enjoying breathtaking views over the stunning Limpley Stoke & over to the Salisbury Plain • Double garage & driveway parking • 5 miles Bath • EPC: C • Internal area house 2076 sq ft/193 sq m

Price: £1,275,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Freshford An enchanting country residence with breathtaking views overlooking the Avon Valley. Approached via a long private driveway, dating back to 1724 in parts, lovingly improved and extended by the current owner to create a most wonderful family home. Virtual tour online.

• 5 bedrooms (1 currently office/study & bed 5/sitting room) • 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) • Sitting room & dining room with woodburners kitchen/breakfast room, lg entrance hall • 2 garages, stores, large greenhouse, extensive kitchen garden below. Summer house • Extensive grounds approx 14 • Within 5 miles of Bath • Int area 2565 sq ft/238 sq m. Outbuildings 1734 sq ft/161 sq m

Guide Price: £1,950,000

Richmond Hill, Lansdown A superior quality 4 bedroom Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse that forms part of a most attractive terrace situated on the sought after northern slopes of the city. The property has been lovingly maintained and benefits from a number of period features including fabulous fireplaces, intricately detailed ceilings and exquisite cornicing.

• 4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room • Drawing room, sitting room, kitchen with Aga/breakfast room, dining room, cloakroom • Fabulous views across the city of Bath • Attractive south facing garden • Highly sought after residential area close to good schools • Floor area approx: 2479 sq ft/230.3 sq m

Guide Price: £1,500,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Box A most impressive, well presented and spacious 4 bedroom family home, quietly and conveniently located in a glorious riverside setting with in a breathtaking valley close to the villages of Box & Corsham & the City of Bath.

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, attic room • Ent. hall, sitting room, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, games room, study, utility & cloakroom • Gardens (approx. 4.37 acres) with tennis court • Adjoins By Brook & enjoys fishing rights • Integral garage, 2 further garages, workshop & garden store • Int area 3023 sq ft/281 sq m

Guide Price: £1,500,000

Bloomfield Road An exceptional and particularly well presented, detached Edwardian House, circa 1906, standing in attractive, landscaped gardens in a desirable residential area within walking distance of the city centre, station and close to amenities on Bear Flat.

• Fine vestibule, hallway & 3 reception rooms • 5 good sized bedrooms, study/bedroom 6, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite) • Well fitted kitchen/breakfast room • First floor balcony • Excellent utility, pantry & boot room. Cellar with extensive storage/workshop • Secure, delightful walled gardens principally facing west • Detached double garage & further parking for 3 cars • Int area has approx: 3969 sq ft/368 sq m (excl. cellar, storage voids)

Guide Price: £1,400,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Southstoke A deceptively spacious detached house, built in 1936, standing in large mature gardens and enjoying wonderful, far reaching views on the desirable southern fringes of the city. Internal area hs: 2535 sq ft/235 sq m. Garage & artist's studio 683 sq ft/63.45 sq m • 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms - 1 en suite • Dual aspect sitting room, impressive kitchen/dining room with AGA, study & additional snug • Large mature gardens. Detached 26' timber studio. Detached garage & driveway parking • Spacious light & airy family accommodation • EPC rating F

Guide Price: £950,000

Sydney Buildings A fine detached house standing in good sized attractive west facing gardens enjoying wonderful city views. Now in need of some refurbishment, these properties are rarely available in this desirable residential area.

• 3 bedrooms, shower room • Through living room leading onto sun terrace, additional study • Tremendous scope for updating (subj to nec consents) • 1st class residential area just a short walk from Bath Spa station & city centre • EPC F • Fabulous west facing gardens & outstanding views • Driveway parking • Int area:1093 sq ft/101.5 sq m

Guide Price: £769,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Marshfield A substantial double fronted Cotswold freestone late 19th Century attached property. Substantial off street parking & garaging & is being marketed for the first time in almost 100 years.

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • 2 receptions • Requiring refurbishment throughout • Ample off-street parking • Large garage/workshop shortly to benefit from planning permission to create additional accommodation • Approx: House: 1700 sq ft/158 sq m Outbuilding 968 sq ft/90 sq m

Offers In Excess Of: £750,000

Northend, Batheaston A most attractive Grade II Listed 5 bedroom house which dates back to the 1600s. The property has been lovingly restored by the current owners and is offered in excellent order throughout.

• 4 bedrooms, bedroom 5/study, bathroom, en suite shower room • Fabulous feature fireplaces, exposed beams and Bath stone walls • Predominantly lawned gardens to the front & rear • 3 miles from Bath city centre • Floor area approximately 1286 sq ft/119.5 sq m

Price: £650,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Cheltenham Street, Bath A rare opportunity to obtain an impeccably designed newly built townhouse with a garage just a few minutes' walk from Bath city centre. Each townhouse, by Greensky Developments, benefits from a particularly high specification throughout and offers spacious accommodation offering 4 bedrooms and a garden, all with an additional elevated roof/dining terrace.

• EPC 'A' ratings. 10 year Buildzone warranty • Energy saving solar panels for hot water & photovoltaic cells for electricity • Under floor heating & heat reclaim ventilation • Garaging & Residents parking • Pre-wired for Sky, BT & Virgin throughout • Floor area of houses range between approx. 1588 sq ft/147.5 sq m - 2126 sq ft/197.5 sq m (inc. garage)

Prices From: £595, 000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NEW SHOW HOMES PROVIDE TASTE FOR LIFE DOWN BY THE WATER

H

ouse hunters in Bath wanting to get an idea of what it would be like to live at the city’s leading property development will be interested to know that two brand new show homes have just opened their doors.

Once there they will then be able to take a look around the properties which provide a true taste of the lifestyle now being enjoyed by many who have already made the development their home.

The two new show homes are located at Crest Nicholson’s impressive Bath Riverside, and showcase why the development has become one of the most sought after places to live in the city.

In addition, Albert Crescent, which also includes two distinctive show homes, is being relaunched to those looking for a unique new home on the banks of the River Avon.

Private sales at the waterside development have steadily increased over recent months and now exceeds 300 properties as buyers, including many from the local area, have come to realise the variety of properties on offer as well as the quality of the specification and build.

now on the market at the waterside development are no exception. Softly warmed by under floor heating it’s the perfect sanctuary for those who enjoy a living space that comes with plenty of room and is light and airy.

Many local buyers have also been attracted by the prospect of living in a more modern home which affords lower running costs and less maintenance - unlike a lot of the classic Georgian properties so typical across the city.

Unique properties on edge of the river

Stunning new show homes The first of the new show homes is a stunning penthouse apartment in Leopold House.

Differentiated from other properties by their luxury features, the penthouse apartments that are

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Boasting spectacular views out across the rooftops of Bath, the specification is of the highest quality and demonstrates admirably all the trappings Penthouse living brings from al fresco dining, soaking up the sun on the decked terrace and the peace and security of the top floor retreat.

The second show home is a beautifully appointed four-storey, four-bedroom townhouse on Percy Terrace and will appeal to those wanting to live in a Regency-styled property, but with the advantage of having a much more modern design.

Representing a more contemporary take on the classic Bath terraces, this particular show home, which has been designed by Bristol-based Andrew Henry interiors, showcases the benefits of townhouse living and the flexibility these properties provide.

Designed by award-winning architect Alison Brooks, the properties located on Albert Crescent are unlike anything ever seen before in the city.

Priced from £900,000 they are the only new houses in Bath to be built by the River Avon while the combination of the water views, luxury specification and fact that they are totally brand new makes these properties hard to resist.

The two show homes on this phase provides those looking for something a little different a

great chance to see how the space can be used alongside the very latest furnishings, colours and textures.

Christine Hamilton, Crest Nicholson Regeneration sales advisor of the year is now looking forward to showing potential buyers around and explaining why Bath Riverside has become the development of choice for those looking to move.

Christine said: “The opening of just one new show home usually creates a high level of interest so to have two open at the same time, plus the relaunch of Albert Crescent will send house hunters into overdrive!

“Each will appeal to a varying range of buyers but the underlying theme being they demonstrate why Bath Riverside has proved so popular.”

A further attraction of Bath Riverside is its location which is an easy 15 minutes’ walk from the city-centre along the car-free, pedestrian tow path. It means residents can easily access all that the city has to offer without using a car and also get to the train station should they need to travel further afield.

Christine added: “Seeing is believing and those looking for either a townhouse or penthouse apartment in Bath need to pay the development a visit.

“The reactions of those who haven’t been here before is one of total amazement as they just didn’t realise what has been achieved.”

For further information please call 01225 463 517 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/bathriverside

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Hampton House, Bathampton A spectacular two bedroom apartment that has been tastefully redecorated throughout and benefits from breath-taking panoramic views across Bath and the surrounding countryside. Situated on the eastern outskirts of Bath, the property enjoys convenient access to the A36, Bath Spa railway station and the city centre.

Rent: ÂŁ1,600 pcm* spectacular views over Bath | high ceilings | tall sash windows | private balcony | spacious living room | dining room | contemporary kitchen | integrated appliances | 2 double bedrooms | fitted wardrobes | stylish bathroom Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

*An administration fee of ÂŁ420.00 inc. VAT applies.

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Beaufort East, Bath

ÂŁ3995.00pcm

An exquisite example of Georgian architecture.

Are you looking for the full Bath experience? This truly beautiful Georgian town house is full of history and is presented with a gentle balance of contemporary design mixed with stunning period features; from the cosy period fireplaces, to full length sash windows which flood rooms with natural light. Offering substantial accommodation over five floors. The high ceilings and capacious accommodation leave you with a sense of space and indulgence. The property has a landscaped garden which is walled and well stocked with trees and shrubs. There is also a courtyard terrace which make and an ideal place to entertain. In addition the property includes a private garage plus one parking space. If you are looking to gain the real Georgian experience of Bath life with all the benefits of modern luxury this property may suit your requirements.

Available 31st July 2016

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

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Hansford Square, Bath

Guide Price £575,000 Whiteway Road, Bath

A well presented extended 1930’s semi-detached family house located in a popular residential area in Combe Down.

• Sitting Room • Family Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Conservatory • Cloakroom • Five Bedrooms • Master En-Suite & Family Bathroom

Seymour Road, Bath

Guide Price £450,000

A stunning four double bedroom terrace town house situated on the southern slopes of Bath, with stunning panoramic views of Englishcombe Valley and beyond.

• Two Reception Rooms • Spacious Kitchen/Diner • Utility Room • Master En-Suite • Plus Two Further Bathrooms • Two Seperate WC's • Two Private Parking Spaces • Stunning Countryside Views

Guide Price £450,000 Blenheim Gardens, Bath

Guide Price £575,000

Set in an elevated position with stunning city views is this fabulous end of terrace Victorian home with well balanced, flexible accommodation spread over three floors.

A fabulous opportunity to purchase an immaculately presented, extended, family home in the desirable location of Fairfield Park, to the north of Bath city centre.

• End Terrace Period House • Three/Two Reception Rooms • Kitchen • Two/Three Bedrooms • Modern Bathroom • Stunning Views • Courtyard Gardens

• Detached Family Home • Living Room • Open Plan Kitchen/Diner • Home Office • Four Bedrooms • Family Bathroom & Master En-Suite • Enclosed South Facing Rear Garden

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NASH & CO

Newbridge Hill, Bath

£875,000

A substantial Victorian semi-detached family house located in the highly desirable residential area of Newbridge on the North West side of the world heritage city of Bath. This property has been lovingly restored by the present owners and includes many of its original features including some attractive exterior wall mouldings at the front of the house, which are unique to the house and the adjoining semi. Accommodation includes: Large and open plan living room and reception area, dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, 5 double bedrooms, 1 large single bedroom, two bathrooms, and en-suite. The property also benefits from family sized rear garden and off-street parking to the front.

£750,000 • 5 bedroom, detached, family home • Fantastic extended kitchen/diner • Beautiful, large and well-kept garden • Off street parking

enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED

• Over 2,600 square feet • Victorian, 6 bed, house • A wealth of period features • Ornate and level rear garden

Morris Lane, Batheaston

A beautifully presented and spacious detached family home on Morris Lane. Offering over 1800 square feet of versatile accommodation comprised of: 3 double bedrooms with two slightly smaller rooms in the loft, en-suite, large bright and airy living room, extended modern kitchen/diner, utility room, family bathroom, and office. One of the best features of the property is the extensive - and mainly level - rear garden which benefits further from a raised sun deck at the back of the house, which offers beautiful rural views towards Bathford. The front of the house offers ample parking space, and the generous front garden space could be further landscaped.

www.nashandcobath.co.uk Tel: 01225 444 800

.co.uk

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NASH & CO

Summerleaze, East Harptree

A beautiful and characterful period property located in extensive gardens in the village of East Harptree. This 5 bedroom, 3 reception room, family home offers not only a fantastic opportunity to buy a substantial house, but a lifestyle as well. There are well stocked gardens, a detached double garage within a former school house and outbuildings including a detached barn which could be converted (subject to planning) with a further 2 acres of pasture land. Offered with no onward chain, the house could do with some modernisation but could be a real gem.

£750,000 • Grade II listed • Pristine condition • 3 storey Georgian townhouse • Desirable Widcombe location

£895,000

● No onward chain • 5 double bedrooms • Characterful period property • Circa 2 acre paddock

Prior Park Cottages, Bath

A three storey, Grade II listed, townhouse refurbished to a very high standard but retaining its period features. The accommodation includes: entrance hallway, living room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, bathroom, 3/4 bedrooms and gardens to front and rear; there is the flexibility to have a drawing room on the first floor and three bedrooms if preferred.

Tucked away in a very desirable Widcombe location, the property benefits from easy access into the city centre and its local amenities and transport links.

enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED

www.nashandcobath.co.uk Tel: 01225 444 800

.co.uk

CENTRAL GARDEN FLAT

UNIQUE COACH HOUSE

Rochfort Place

St Marks Road

Beautifully Appointed Period Apartment Converted From a Grade 2 Listed Town House, Located within Walking Distance from the Railway Station. Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Diner, Bedroom, Bathroom, Courtyard Garden.

Finished to a High Standard Including Oak Doors and Flooring, This Unique Three Bedroom Property is Hidden Away in a Highly Sought After Area of Bath, Offering Easy Access to the City, Bath Spa Railway Station and Close To Local Shops In Widcombe. Hall, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Ground Floor Bathroom, Shower Room, Parking.

EPC - Exempt

EPC Rating C

£279,950

£665,000

STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS

PANORAMIC CITY VISTA

Bennetts Road

Bloomfield Road

Detached Four Bedroom Chalet Bungalow Set in an Elevated Position with Stunning Country Views & Gardens. Hall, Sitting Room, Conservatory, Kitchen/ Breakfast, Shower Room, Large Detached Office Space.

An Extended and Much Improved 1930’s Four Bedroom Semi Detached Family Home Enjoying Stunning Panoramic Vistas across the Georgian City of Bath.

Additional Features Include Three Receptions, Refitted Kitchen, Modern Bathroom, Two Shower Rooms, Off Street Parking, Gardens and Undercroft.

EPC Rating D

EPC Rating C

£510,000

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

Fidelis June.indd 1

£560,000

01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

Fidelis June.indd 2

01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Bear Flat Combe Road, BA2 ÂŁ600,000

Camden Road Beaufort Mews, BA1 ÂŁ399,999

A detached bungalow sat within a generous and level plot conveniently tucked away behind Combe Road in the heart of Combe Down. The open plan, light and airy living accommodation is perfect for those looking for a comfortable lifestyle. The established gardens have been landscaped with lawn areas and a productive vegetable garden. A double garage to the side of the bungalow coupled with a double driveway also provides no fuss parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

This charming property was constructed in 1793 and is one of a number of mews coach houses built on Beaufort East in the heart of Larkhall village. It has been converted and extended to create a bright modern interior with some striking original features. The garden to the rear is a particularly attractive feature of the property. Energy Efficiency Rating: Awaiting

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Bath Central Morris Lane, BA1 ÂŁ500,000

A detached three bedroom home with gated parking situated on the fringes of Bathford and Batheaston.

Views to valleys from garden and delightful Scandinavian timber home office. Constructed just after 2000 with well-presented living spaces and excellent upstairs accommodation. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Newbridge Penn Lea Road, BA1 ÂŁ525,000

This fantastic semi-detached family home will make you walk in and smile. Accommodation includes sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, conservatory with bi fold doors opening onto a fantastic level rear garden. Upstairs the accommodation consists of three bedrooms and bathroom. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

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Flowers Hill, Combe Hay • Adjoining 17th century cottages with productive sized gardens • One house has four bedrooms, its neighbour three • Set in desirable, sought after Combe Hay • Could be sold as one for offers in the region of £950,000, or separately by negotiation • Larger property in need of renovation

est friends, inseparable sisters and devoted grandparents – you’ll love the sound of this opportunity to stay closer than ever, with the chance to buy two adjoining cottages, put on the market at the same time.

Even more remarkably, this pair of neighbouring homes in the popular small village of Combe Hay, about five miles south of Bath, hasn’t been on the market for 70 years.

Smithy House and Smithy Cottage lie side by side on Flowers Hill, surrounded by farmland and hilly countryside, giving them both pleasant open views.

The larger house, Smithy House was originally the village blacksmith’s house and both cottages are believed to date back to the 17th century, although neither is listed. The house is in need of renovation and modernisation.

The larger house is double fronted, and entered via a porch. This opens into the dining room, with the sitting room to one side and the kitchen to the other.

Farmhouse style, the dining room opens into an oldfashioned larder room. There’s also a big storeroom, accessed from the outside. Upstairs are the four bedrooms and a bathroom.

Next door, Smithy Cottage has been the subject of modernisation. This pretty cottage has a big, 16 square foot sitting room, a kitchen to the side and a dining room looking over the back gardens. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a shower room.

Both plots have been lovingly tended for generations. Some areas are laid to lawn and flowerbeds, but there are also generous spaces for raising your own fresh produce. There’s already a greenhouse on site, perfect for growing all kinds of seedlings and vegetables.

B

Mark Naylor, 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath. Tel: 01225 422224

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k Mar r o l y a N

local • trusted • independent

Combe Down

Price Guide £695,000

This fine family home is a distinctive 1920s semi-detached house situated in a large level plot with generous gardens, garage and off-street parking. The property has huge potential for further modernisation and extension (subject to regulations and planning).

• 3 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms

☎ 01225 422 224

• Large level gardens • Garage and off-street parking

• Large kitchen / breakfast room • Great family location

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Lansdown This wonderful Grade II Listed townhouse is in a most desirable address in Lansdown, high enough above the city for far reaching views, but still within walking distance to Milsom Street. The stylish interior includes six bedrooms plus a wonderful open plan kitchen/dining and living area. EPC: Listed

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LAST TWO AVAILABLE

FRESHFORD FIELDS

OPEN HOUSE: 18TH JUNE, 12 NOON TO 4PM

Prices: ÂŁ750,000 and ÂŁ1,100,000

Freshford Fields is a beautiful new development of six elegant properties by Cotswold Homes Ltd, in the village of Freshford. Using natural stone and timber detailing, each spacious new home benefits from a bespoke design with some incorporating galleried landings and feature windows. All offer an impressive contemporary internal specification. Manor Barn and Fair Oaks are on view at an open house on 18th June from 12 noon to 4pm.

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HONEYSUCKLE HOUSE, Colerne, Wiltshire

ÂŁ1,150,000

Honeysuckle House is a charming five bedroom detached stone period house tucked away in its own 3 acre plot, in a friendly Wiltshire hamlet equidistant between Bath and Chippenham. The house was originally two Victorian estate cottages and was converted into one house some years ago. It comprises five bedrooms, kitchen/family room, drawing room, study, stable, 3 acres of gardens and paddock, with planning permission to extend house and convert garage. EPC Rating: G

Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Northanger Court

OIEO £590,000

Modern Building Second floor Lift access Three bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Allocated garage parking • Communal garden • City centre • Great views • Approx 950 Sq Ft •

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Set within close proximity to the City Centre, we are offering a superb second floor apartment situated in a modern building. The apartment comprises: spacious sitting room, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom with luxury en-suite, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom with a large bath and separate shower.

The property also has the rare advantage of a lift, private parking within a garage and communal lawns which are beautifully maintained throughout the year.

Grosvenor Place

OIEO £550,000

Grade I listed • Georgian • Lower ground floor • Maisonette • Two double bedrooms • South facing garden & balcony • Allocated parking • Approx 2,200 Sq Ft A unique garden maisonette in the highly sought after Grosvenor Place which is accessed via two private entrances. The property boasts a balcony which can be accessed via the kitchen. On the same level you will find a spacious sitting room, a separate dining area, second bedroom and a shower room. Stairs lead down to the master bedroom, a large en suite, office/study area, utility room/store room and access to the garden.

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Haygarth Court

OIEO £440,000 Park Street

Victorian property • First floor apartment • Two bedrooms Modern kitchen • Well presented • South facing • Mature communal gardens • Garage • Approx 647 Sq Ft

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This first floor apartment offers an entrance hall, sitting room, modern kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom and contemporary bathroom, mature communal gardens and garage.

Widcombe Crescent

OIEO £350,000

Grade II Listed • Georgian apartment • Ground floor • Two bedrooms • Period features • Kitchen/breakfast room • Well presented • Central location • Highly recommended • No chain

Superb opportunity to purchase a two bedroom ground floor apartment situated close to shops and cafes.

OIEO £300,000 Old Orchard Street

OIEO £250,000

Georgian apartment • Grade I listed • Second floor • Fabulous views • Large sitting room • Immaculately presented • Residents parking • Approx 646 Sq Ft

Grade II Listed • Georgian apartment • Ground floor • One bedroom • Newly refurbished • Central location • Communal courtyard • No chain • Highly recommended • Approx 354 Sq Ft

A charming second floor Georgian apartment located in the highly sought after Widcombe Crescent.

Centrally located bijoux apartment offering a double bedroom, newly refurbished kitchen and bathroom in the heart of the City Centre.

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Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Camden Crescent

£1,850 pcm Cavendish Lodge

£1,650 pcm Camden Crescent

£1,750 pcm

Georgian Second floor apartment Newly refurbished • Three bedrooms • Bathroom • South facing views • Central location • No pets • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

Prestigious residence Second floor apartment Two double bedrooms both with en-suites • Gated entrance • Beautifully communal areas • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

A superb three bedroom apartment that has been newly refurbished to a high standard.

An apartment offering fantastic communal areas, In a much sought after location is this stunningly allocated parking, visitors parking and mature gardens. presented apartment offering two bedrooms.

Georgian Penthouse apartment Newly refurbished • Two double bedrooms • Study • South facing views • No pets • Permit parking • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now •

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£1,500 pcm St Georges Place

£1,250 pcm St James’s Parade

£1,200 pcm

Georgian Lower ground floor apartment Two double bedrooms • Dual aspect • No students • Central location • Well presented • Furnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

Georgian style New build First floor apartment Two bedrooms • Permit parking • No pets • Bright and airy • Stylish interior • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

Georgian First floor apartment Two bedrooms • Open plan living area • Sought after location • Well presented • Gas CH • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

In the highly sought after address of Great Pulteney Street we are offering a two bedroom apartment.

A short walk from the City is this two bedroom apartment in a modern building.

First floor unfurnished apartment with two bedrooms in the City Centre.

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£900 pcm Alfred Street

£850 pcm

Period property • Two double bedrooms • Study • Communal gardens • Private entrance • Allocated parking • Countryside setting • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

Georgian • Top floor apartment • Double bedroom • Stunning views • Permit parking • Central location • Council Tax Band: C • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

In the heart of the countryside is this quaint two bedroom apartment.

Good sized one bedroom apartment located closely Good sized one bedroom apartment located close to the Assembly Rooms and all Bath has to offer. to the Assembly Rooms and all Bath has to offer.

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Georgian • First floor apartment • One bedroom • City Centre location • Period features • Bright • Council Tax Band: C • Unfurnished • Agency fees £420 inc vat • Available now

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£1,550 pcm Russel Street

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£1,150 pcm Rivers Street

Georgian • Top floor apartment • Two double bedrooms • Period features • Suit professional couple or sharers • No pets | Council Tax Band: C Central location • Well presented

Stunning apartment refurbished to a very high specification with three double bedrooms.

Well presented top floor apartment in the heart of the City Centre.

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Georgian • Lower ground floor apartment • Two double bedrooms • No pets allowed • Off street parking • No children • Suit professional couple or two sharers

A short walk from the Centre & the train station is this well presented first floor apartment.

Spacious apartment offering two double bedrooms on the lower ground floor of a Georgian townhouse.

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A short walk from the City is this newly refurbished two bedroom apartment.

£995 pcm Grosvenor Place

Georgian • First floor apartment • Two bedrooms • New kitchen & bathroom • Central location • Gas central heating • Period features • Well presented • Close to train station

£915 pcm Philip Street

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Spacious garden maisonette a stones throw away from the City Centre.

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Georgian • Third floor apartment • Two bedrooms • Newly refurbished bathroom & kitchen • No pets Parking permit • Council Tax Band: D • Prestigious address

£1,150 pcm

Georgian • Garden apartment • Maisonette • Two bedrooms • Well presented • City centre location • No pets • Period features • Bathroom • Council Tax Band: C

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Victorian property • Top floor apartment • Three bedrooms • Newly refurbished • Open plan sitting room • Luxury bathrooms • Garage and parking • Stunning views • No pets

£875 pcm The Hexagon

£850 pcm

Georgian • Second floor apartment • Open plan living area • Period features • One double bedroom • Fabulous views • Centrally located • Council Tax Band: C • Furnished

Modern building • One double bedroom • Bike storage • Council Tax Band: B • Close to local shops • Furnished • Conveniently located • Luxury bathroom • Communal gardens

Period property • Two bedrooms • Unfurnished Council Tax Band: B • Electric storage heaters • No pets • Close to Combe Down shops • Open plan living area

A spacious apartment boasting a wealth of period features and a superb location.

Situated in a modern building this apartment offers one double bedroom and communal gardens.

Spacious two bedroom apartment with all local amenities situated closely.

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FOR SALE

A SUPERB GRADE II LISTED 2/3 BEDROOM GEORGIAN TOWNHOUSE WITH WONDERFUL VIEWS SYDNEY BUILDINGS, BATH Approx 1,983 sq ft beautifully presented accommodation including 2 receptions, large kitchen/dining room, cellar and vaults ◆ Landscaped terraced garden overlooking Kennet and Avon canal and over Bath ◆ No chain Offers in excess of £975,000 Freehold

FOR SALE

ABBEY LODGE, A UNIQUE AND MAGNIFICENT GRADE II GEORGIAN VILLA LYNCOMBE HILL, BATH

A rare opportunity to create one of Bath's finest homes, combining Abbey Lodge with the adjoining 30a Lyncombe Hill ◆ In one of the city's premier locations ◆ In need of refurbishment ◆ Accommodation in all approx 6,658 sq ft ◆ Spectacular views ◆ Four car garage and workshop ◆ Private walled gardens of over half an acre Offers in excess of £2 million Freehold

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FOR SALE

A WONDERFUL GRADE II LISTED FAMILY HOME WITH 2 DETACHED COTTAGES WEST LITTLETON, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

5 bedroom farmhouse ◆ Approx 3,998 sq ft ◆ Beautifully presented accommodation combining period features with contemporary furnishings and fixtures ◆ Approximately 2.12 acres private gardens and large paddock bordering open countryside ◆ 2 additional 1 bedroom cottages ◆ Tennis court ◆ Picturesque edge of village location Guide £1.65 million Freehold

FOR SALE

A MAJESTIC COUNTRY HOUSE IN EXQUISITE GROUNDS FRESHFORD, BATH

A magnificent house with exceptional accommodation including 5 sumptuous reception rooms and Smallbone kitchen/dining room ◆ Spa complex including indoor pool and sauna ◆ Heated double garage ◆ Beautiful gardens and parkland grounds in all approx 3.7 acres ◆ Infinity rill and breathtaking panoramic views ◆ EPC - D Guide £2.9 million Freehold

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