The Bath Magazine January 2016 by MC Publishing Limited

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ISSUE 160 • JANUARY 2016 £3.95 where sold

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH

www.thebathmag.co.uk

PANTONE PASTELS

GRAYSON PERRY

INTERIOR IDEAS TAKE ON FRESH HUES

HIS RICH TAPESTRIES OF BRITISH LIFE

BREATHE DEEPLY

HOLBURNE ONE HUNDRED

LESSONS IN MINDFULNESS

A CENTENARY AT THE MUSEUM

THE

A E Y R W E N UE ISS

R E A D E R DINE AT THE BATH PRIORY OFFER THE CITY’S FINEST MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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THE | CONTENTS

JANUARY

2016

20 8

5 THINGS TO DO Plan your January essentials

40 BATH AT WORK

10 MY BATH

42 EAT FOR THE SEASON

12 GUEST COLUMNIST

43 READER OFFER

The Everyday PA can fix it for you

Why we need a women’s equality party

14 CHAPTER & VERSE Highlights of the lit fest ahead

16 FACE THE MUSIC Zita ‘Bootcamp’ Alves

Profile of Grayson Perry

48 MOVERS & SHAKERS 54 EDUCATION NEWS

Bath’s rich cultural calendar

32 THE HOLBURNE @100 The man behind city’s oldest museum

34 CITY AS SUBJECT What’s hanging in city galleries

Learning for all ages

58 COMMUNITY SPIRIT The good life on Bath City Farm

60 TRAVEL AND LEARN

INTERIOR TRENDS Clair Strong looks at 2016 style

GARDENING Jane Moore: inspiration for mid-winter

PROPERTY Beautiful homes to buy or rent

ON THE COVER

Painting by Philip Bouchard of the Royal Crescent, one of his 52 views of Bath for the exhibition opening at the Victoria Art Gallery on Saturday 9 January

Try an adult residential course

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk JanUaRY 2016

THE WALK Explore the countryside east of Bath

Lovejoys suppliers of fresh produce

46 6 OF THE BEST

HEALTH & BEAUTY Beat the winter blues

Dine at The Pantry at Bath Priory

News and views in Bath

24 WHAT’S ON

Foodie news and titbits

44 FOOD HEROES

IN THE MOMENT Explore the art of mindfulness

Cosy corners for midwinter

20 LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY

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Neill Menneer’s portrait of the month

Like us on Facebook.com/ TheBathMagazine

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from the

EDITOR

CURIOUS: Frog photographed by Robin Moore - from Fragile at the RUH

f one of your new year resolutions is to get more out of life – and that’s certainly a more achievable goal than all that ‘new year, new you’ propaganda that’s spouted at this time of year, I think this January issue may hold some inspiration for you. I’m not claiming it’s going to change your life, but it might help nudge you in the right direction. For those who are single and keen to expand their horizons in 2016, writer Tamsin Treverton-Jones recommends trying a residential course (Page 60). It may seem daunting, she says, but spending time with others who have a shared interest, be it creative writing, yoga or art, can be very rewarding. Or perhaps you’re seeking peace of mind, a still small voice of calm in an increasingly frenetic world? Have a look at Hannah Newton’s piece on mindfulness (Page 62) – it might just be your springboard for change. Perhaps you’re keen to make a difference to other people’s lives? Bath City Farm goes into its 21st year providing support, contact and learning for all kinds of people from toddlers to pensioners, and it could do with a handful of volunteers to fill key roles. Turn to Page 58 to see how you could help. Art and Bath’s rich cultural life is pretty much at the core of what we do, and that’s not going to change in 2016. In this issue we take an extensive look at the new major Grayson Perry exhibition coming to the Victoria Art Gallery (Page 20) and examine the life and work of William Holburne, the man behind Bath’s oldest museum, which celebrates its centenary this year (Page 32). We celebrate the city’s art galleries and offer a round-up of upcoming theatre, talks, comedy, music and festivals so you can plan your leisure time. Last year the Bath Priory ran an exclusive dining offer for our readers, which proved popular, so this year it’s back with a deal to lunch or dine in The Pantry at The Priory. Take a table in the informal, relaxed Pantry (I recommend the table in the window overlooking the award-winning gardens) and treat yourself to some delicious British food. Details of how to take advantage of this offer, Page 43. We’ve lots more besides . . . Look which celebrities are coming to the Bath Litfest in February, find out what colours and styles are on trend for interiors in 2016 and follow Andrew Swift’s plotted walk around Batheaston and St Catherine’s. Meet Neil Mortimer, food hero of the month, who runs Lovejoys, providing locally grown produce to our shops and restaurants, and admire the talent of photographer Neill Menneer with his portrait of Bath at Work. I’ll be back with more good stuff from this grand little city in February – I’ll look forward to seeing you then!

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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EDITOR’S PICKS ART AT THE HEART: if you’ve had cause to stalk the corridors of the Royal United Hospital, either as a patient or visitor, but almost inevitably with a feeling of trepidation, your eye may have been caught by the changing display of original and engaging art on the walls. The latest exhibition, Fragile, which opens on 22 January, sees work by some of the world’s finest wildlife photographers and is organised by Bristol-based charity Wildscreen. NATIONAL RECOGNITION: we’re delighted that our gardening columnist Jane Moore, pictured, the head gardener at the Bath Priory, was one of the finalists in the national Dr David Hessayon Garden Columnist of the Year award, organised by the Guild of Garden Writers. Jane’s longrunning monthly column in The Bath Magazine was shortlisted alongside writers including Carol Klein, Bob Brown and Jane Perrone, with Alys Fowler of The Guardian the eventual winner. Jane’s contribution was the only one from a regional publication in this category.

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A GOOD READ: the debut novel by Claire Fuller, Our Endless Numbered Days, has been picked for the Independent Bath Literature Festival’s Big Bath Read in February. The plot has a post-apocalyptic air, as James runs away to a remote forest to live as a survivalist with his eight-year-old daughter Peggy. But what happens when she finds a fresh footprint in the snow?

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Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: GERMAN PHYSICIST

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ZEITGEIST

things to do in

January

Enjoy

Think We predict that you’ll be hearing a lot more about the art of mindfulness in 2016. For starters, there’s our feature on Page 62, which looks into why we might want to address ourselves to this mental exercise and why it’s being taught in our schools. Ruby Wax, actress, comedian, observer of the human condition, is coming to Christ Church, Julian Road, Bath, on Saturday 9 January at 11am to talk about her latest book Mindfulness for the Frazzled. She has become a mental health advocate, having spoken about her bouts of depression and shared with other sufferers her own struggle. Mindfulness, she says, may not be a cure but it is a coping mechanism and a solution to the modern problems we all face today. For tickets to hear Ruby speak call Topping & Co bookshop which is hosting this event.

Book A so-called dead language is set to come alive against the backdrop of the Roman Baths with the chance to learn Latin for beginners in a oneday workshop, on Saturday 20 February. The course will be led by George Sharpley from Latin Qvarter and will offer a chance to learn about classical authors and discover the Latin words behind many English ones. George Sharpley said: “People will be shown how the language works, and will trace the Latin words behind so many English ones. It’s also a chance to sample some of the loveliest things ever written, to hear lines read aloud from poets like Virgil, Horace and Ovid, and learn more about these writers and the world they knew.” Participants will investigate Latin inscriptions on objects in the Roman Baths museum – including curse tablets thrown into the Sacred Spring for the goddess Sulis Minerva, tombstones, and altars where you can trace the Latin script with your fingertips. Places are £45 (or £35 for Discovery Card holders and concessions), to book tel: 01225 477773.

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The nation’s favourite pub landlord, as immortalised by Al Murray, is just one of the highlights of the Independent Bath Literature Festival, which is already taking bookings for the programme, which opens on Friday 26 February. In addition to laughter there’ll be talks and debates on science, world politics, history, nature, and, of course, great writing. Visiting guests include comedian turned writer about science, Ben Miller, broadcaster Joan Bakewell, journalist Mark Lawson and authors Sebastian Faulks and Marian Keyes. Turn to Page 15 for more festival highlights.

Create Let 2016 become the year you make something – whether that be a vegetable patch, a crochet scarf or an original painting. We take inspiration from Bath paper artist Jessica Palmer, who has been encouraging people to pick up scissors and create beautiful works of art. She’s been at the Holburne Museum, where her giant Tangled Wood window drawing celebrating the Gold exhibition can be seen on the large window near the cafe until 4 January, free of charge.

Admire

This year sees the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who made an enormous and lasting contribution to the British landscape. His legacy includes the lakes, wooded vistas and artfully placed follies and bridges so beloved of visitors to stately homes. There are plenty of examples of his designs and his influence on landscape design in the Bath area, including the National Trust’s Prior Park gardens, Lacock Abbey, Bowood, Corsham Court and Stourhead. There is hot debate about which projects are directly attributable to him. To find out more about the Capability Brown Festival and upcoming events, visit: capabilitybrown.org. Prior Park gardens

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

My BATH We asked Georgina Wilson of the Everyday PA what she’ll be doing this month

A fresh view

Our attention was drawn by these unusual photo montages that Bath artist Amanda Brown creates. She calls them photages and this one was a recent commission she’s done for Martin Tracy at The Framing Workshop. Amanda and Simon Brown recently opened Flamingo in Widcombe, an independent shop selling interesting and original gifts and art. The collection includes Amanda’s photages and a range of Bath themed tea towels, including one dedicated to Bath Rugby.

Get involved

If you’d like to get involved in this year’s Bath Fringe Festival you’re invited to attend an open meeting on Monday 11 January from 6pm in Burdall’s Yard (by the traffic lights at the foot of the Paragon steps on London Road, Bath). If you’ve got a show and want to talk about it, want to see how the Fringe works, how the Fringe organisers can help – and how you can help, then it’s worth attending for that valuable face-to-face conversation and the information that’s shared. There will be details about this year’s programme information process and other information on how to get involved. Burdall’s Yard is taking applications from performers, the deadline is the end of January for that, while the general open Fringe programming has its deadline in March. Please note, this is not a meeting for visual artists, who will be eligible for the FAB festival.

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What brought you to Bath? I moved to Bath in 1996 to study teaching at Bath Spa University. While choosing which universities to apply to a friend suggested Bath, its course looked good and she said it would be a nice place to visit. As soon as I got off of the train I instantly fell in love with the city, spending the afternoon wandering around the streets taking in all of the wonderful and eccentric shops on Walcot Street. As a teenager I spent much of my time in Canterbury and so Bath felt like a home from home and the only possible place I could live. What are you reading? I adore reading books and can’t get to sleep at night without curling up with a good story, whether it’s a classic or a modern easy read. I’m reading JK Rowling’s novel The Casual Vacancy which a friend recommended, I am finding it particularly interesting as I’ve spent much of my life living in villages. I have joined the electronic book world and have enjoyed hunting out titles I know so well, like The Three Musketeers or Les Miserables but have never taken the time to read. What is on your MP3 player? I feel a bit behind the times to admit this, but I haven’t got an MP3 player! I used to live within walking distance of work and walked with my two children, so finding time to listen to music became very minimal. Now that I am spending more time driving around on my own I have decided that it is time to join the modern world. But the last three CDs I took in the car to listen to were; The Killers – my children’s current favourite, Pulp – to reminisce about my teens, and Diana Ross and the Supremes – great to sing along to. Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? I love to have any excuse to spend time in The Cosy Club. As a family we can happily loose a whole afternoon, the boys play and attempt to master chess, while we relax, eat great food and drink coffee. It’s also a great place to meet friends in the evening and treat yourself to a cocktail. Whenever we have a child free evening out, we will generally choose to eat at the Thai Balcony. If nearer home then it has to be our new cafe Gather, a fantastic addition to Batheaston. Which museum or gallery will you be visiting? My husband is an artist and we often pop into one of the numerous galleries in Bath to take in a new exhibit, or to visit some old favourites at the Victoria Art Gallery. I have been very impressed with the Holburne Museum since its refit. It is now far more interactive and family friendly, which means we can spend some time taking in

the wonderful paintings and artifacts, while the children are completing the different puzzles and quizzes hidden in drawers. Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? This is a very relevant question in my life at the moment. I have found it challenging to have a hobby over the past few years, being a full-time teacher and a mother of two took up most of my time. Once I decided on my new life and business I also became determined to build in some me time. So far I’ve managed to fit in a weekly swim, setting myself mini challenges, but 2016 will definitely involve returning to the Ragtang aerobics sessions in Weston All Saints and a determination to learn to sew. What local outdoor activity or event will you be doing or visiting? We love to visit Dyhram Park and never tire of exploring the grounds and house. The recent roof renovations were a big hit – how often do your get the change to stand above a building and look down on the chimneys? We are also lucky living in Batheaston as we are surrounded by wonderful countryside to explore, the early dark evenings give plenty of opportunity for wrapping up warm and using our torches. Film or play? As a mother of two boys I will be joining much of the country to go and watch the new Star Wars film. I didn’t really begin to love these films until my late teens, but both of my children were drawn into their magic as soon as they saw the first light saber! I am looking forward to seeing what 2016 brings and to watch my business grow. As part of The Everyday PA I will be working alongside a friend to provide some events in Batheaston. This will begin with Our Night: An Evening Out for Ladies on Saturday 6 February from 7pm at Batheaston Village Hall, and will be a chance for women to come along, socialise, get pampered, have a drink, listen to live music and shop. The Everyday PA is a service which can be tailored to any client’s needs. From the Life PA to run errands. research the best deals on the internet or find the perfect plumber, the Work PA to be hired as a drop-in secretary, or, the OAPA to support more elderly clients with form filling or internet shopping. For a complete range of services visit: theeverydaypa.co.uk or contact me at: georgina@theeverydaypa.co.uk.

We’re following loud-shirt wearing comedian and master of clever wordplay @miltonjones whose one-liners are perfect tweet-sized jokes. This recently: “New Stars Wars disappointing. Maggie Smith good but spaceship looked like a van.” With 359,000 followers he brightens our day too.

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CITY | BUSINESS

THE | COLUMNIST

DIVERSITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS BATHONIAN CHARLOTTE HANNA ON WHY SHE’S JOINED THE NEWLY FORMED WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY IN BATH

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TAKING ACTION: the Women’s Equality Party was co-founded by, left to right, author and journalist Catherine Mayer, broadcaster and author Sandi Toksvig and its now elected leader Sophie Walker to become an MP; where little girls feel inhibited to study STEM subjects; and where, despite the 1970 Equal Pay Act women in work are still earning 19% less than men. So when I heard, last spring, that Sandi Toksvig and Catherine Mayer were founding a new nonpartisan party whose aim was to achieve women’s equality, I was compelled to get involved. Within days like-minded people from Bath had got in touch and together we set up our local branch of the Women’s Equality Party (WE). So far WE has more than 45,000 members and supporters, and almost 70 local branches operating across the UK. We are fed up with asking nicely and waiting patiently for politicians to get their act together. WE will stop talking about equality and take action. The party is proud to be neither left or right wing.

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For every 10% increase in gender diversity, earnings before interest and taxes rose by 3.5 %

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t is 40 years since the Sex Discrimination Act came into force, establishing a legal framework under which women and men single or married - should be entitled to the same protections against bias and harassment in the workplace and in other areas of life. But sadly, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, discrimination against working mothers is still rife, with as many as 54,000 new mothers pushed out of their jobs each year. This comes as no surprise to me as I have first-hand experience of the harsh choices a new mother is forced to make. Following the birth of my second child I gave up a job I loved because the cost of childcare for two children was more than I was earning. A quick search of organisations in Bath has revealed that many key decision-making bodies and boards in the city (Council, BID, Bath Tourism Plus, LEP) are led by a handful of white, middleaged men; there is little or no diversity at all. This is not good for business. The findings of the McKinsey report Diversity Matters are clear: ‘Companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. In the United Kingdom, greater gender diversity on the senior-executive team corresponded to the highest performance uplift in our data set: for every 10 percent increase in gender diversity, earnings before interest and taxes rose by 3.5 percent.’ There are legions of reasons why I, like many others, feel that now is the time to have a political party with gender equality at the core of its manifesto. It was as a teenager that I realised that I thought of myself as a feminist. We were in the middle of a discussion about gender equality and the general everyday sexism I experienced, when a male friend remarked: “The thing is that women like you forget that a man can always rape you.” If I hadn’t thought of myself as a feminist before this moment, I certainly did from then on. Today, I live in a society where young women in this country are still subjected to FGM despite it being illegal; where women give up their hard-won careers when they become parents, or are judged for returning to work too quickly; where most businesses are headed by men; where the number of male MPs sitting in the House of Commons today outnumbers the total number of women ever

The party’s six policy objectives are: • pushing for equal representation in politics, business, industry and throughout working life. • equal pay and an equal opportunity to thrive. • equal parenting and caregiving and shared responsibilities at home • an equal education system that creates opportunities for all children and an understanding of why this matters. • equal treatment of women by and in the media. • an end to violence against women. The Women’s Equality party exists to bring

about positive change for the good of everyone and to enrich society because, as research shows, equality is better for everyone. But for me it is about not being judged just because I am female. Not being put in a box labelled ‘woman’ and not being underestimated, under-valued and misconstrued purely because of my sex. I just want women to be allowed to be respected and valued without gender ‘getting in the way’. I want all the unsung heroines to be sung about, loud and clear; for their contribution to our society to be honoured and valued, for our world to be a world for everyone and not just for one half of it. I want a world where men and women can live in harmony, where people’s strengths and idiosyncrasies are valued and celebrated and where everyone has equal opportunity to pursue their interests and goals. Wouldn’t it be great if men felt they could express their emotions openly and honestly without being considered weak, could be sensitive, scared, play with dolls, dress up, not like football, be homemakers and have an equal share in parenting and caring – all without judgement or preconceptions. But I also want it to be OK for women to like pink, be princesses, wear make-up, nail varnish, high heels, the burkha, a veil, dye their hair, pierce their nose, enjoy sex, get drunk, shout, fight, dance, play, sing, study, preach, and basically be the person they want to be without judgement or prejudice or fear of attack. That is why I am a feminist and that is why I am a member of the Women’s Equality Party. If you’d like to know more about the party or the Bath branch – which has regular meetings – visit its Facebook page, facebook.co.ukWomen’sEqualityPartyBath or follow on Twitter @WEP_UK, or visit the WE’s website: womensequality.org.uk. n

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BATH | LITFEST

Ben Miller

Isy Suttie

Dom Joly

Viv Groskop, artistic director

Brian Blessed

FESTIVAL’S COMING OF AGE

CELEBRITY GUESTS The man with the loudest voice in showbiz, actor Brian Blessed, will be bringing his stentorian tones to The Guildhall, while comedian Al Murray will turn The Forum into an impromptu British boozer as he brings his Pub Landlord to the city. Actress Celia Imrie, comedian and actor Ben Miller and comedian Dom Joly, star of Trigger Happy, will all be talking about books they’ve penned. Isy Suttie, comedian and star of Peep Show, will be talking about the trials and tribulations of modern single women finding ‘the right one.’ And bringing the flavour of Radio4’s Woman’s Hour to the stage, presenter Jenni Murray will be in conversation with American feminist Gloria Steinem, on her first visit to the UK in over 20 years. The 81-year-old’s views have been much quoted over the years and she’s still as full of fire and purpose. VISITING WRITERS Bath audiences will get the chance to hear some of their favourite authors discussing their work.

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Think of this year’s festival as a sort of intellectual facelift, where you leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated

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estival artistic director Viv Groskop is about to treat her audiences to a fabulous ten-day coming of age party for the Bath Independent Literature Festival’s 21st birthday this spring. And, like any celebration, among the guests there will be a sprinkling who are great conversationalists and others who are fun, guaranteeing a few laughs. We got our hands on an early copy of the festival programme for a sneak preview of this year’s literary salon.

The hugely respected author of Birdsong and many other works, Sebastian Faulks, will be at The Forum, while Pat Barker, author of Regeneration and other First World War novels, turns for the first time to the Second World War for her latest work, Noonday and will be in conversation at The Guildhall. Tracy Chevalier, last at the festival to talk about The Last Runaway, will be returning to Bath to talk about her new novel, At the Edge of the Orchard, set in the swamps of 19th century Ohio. Other favourites to delight their legions of fans include hilarious Irish raconteur and author Marian Keyes and Deborah Moggach, whose keen eye for humour and pathos in human relationships has been depicted in work such as The Exotic Marigold Hotel. THE BIG TOPICS For all those who dismiss literature festivals as little more than writers selling their books, Viv Groskop has programmed in some heated debates, themed events and hot topics of our time. She says: “Think of this year’s festival as a sort of intellectual facelift, where you leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated.” Politician Vince Cable is among the heavyweight line-up

for The Great Bath Euro Debate: In or Out? while broadcaster Mark Lawson will invite opposing sides to discuss whether Britain is still a world leader when it comes to culture and the arts. Evergreen broadcaster Joan Bakewell will be inviting her audience to consider ageing and how society views it. To mark the 400th anniversary of the death of arguably the greatest writer in any language, William Shakespeare, there will be various events, including a free promenade performance of his sonnets at the SouthGate shopping centre by students from Bath Spa University. Bath’s favourite writer is feted by Austentatious: An Improvised Novel, a show which is returning to the festival by popular demand, and because of its spontaneous nature is never the same. Even at the age of 21 people look back over their lives and contemplate what has shaped them in their growing up. To reflect this universal concern we’re invited to nominate our favourite coming of age novels. Will Great Expectations, Little Women or Catcher In the Rye be voted Bath readers’ top choice? We shall wait and see. n

The Independent Bath Literature Festival 2016 runs from Friday 26 February to Sunday 6 March. The central theme is Coming of Age. Tickets go on general release from Monday 18 January. Pick up a brochure from the Tourist Information Centre in Abbey Church Yard or visit: bathfestivals.org.uk. To book tickets tel: 01225 463362.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

5 reasons to spend this summer on Scilly

#TravelLocal

Scilly’s white sands and picturesque harbours might well be enough to tempt you to hop on a flight, but beyond the postcard perfect beaches you’ll also find a vibrant and welcoming community. When you travel to Scilly there’s a real sense that you’re not just a tourist, you’re part of island life, and it’s this feeling that entices visitors back to the islands year after year. Read on for the top 5 reasons to travel local and choose Scilly this summer... ➊ FOR THE WARM WELCOME Scilly is home to just a couple of thousand full-time residents, but visitors become honorary islanders for the length of their stay. You’ll be immersed into the Scilly way of doing things, leaving your car on the mainland and getting around by boat, bike, on foot or in a golf buggy. ➋ FOR ITS AUTHENTICITY Beach BBQs, buying homemade fudge from honesty box stalls, fishing for your own mackerel. If your idea of the perfect holiday is experiencing a different way of life, a stay on Scilly might just have you hooked. As you get to know the islands better, you’ll find yourself slipping into the islands’ calmer pace and you’ll soon get used to planning your schedule around the tides.

Fly Having been welcomed aboard an eight or nineteen seat aircraft by your pilot, you’ll kick-start your holiday with a scenic flight over the coast of Cornwall. Skybus planes have the added bonus of an open cockpit, so you’ll enjoy the rare treat of watching your pilot fly. Sail Once you’ve collected your retro travel token, you can relax on the deck enjoying views of St Michael’s Mount, the Minack eatre and Wolf Rock Lighthouse. You might even spot a pod of dolphins following the ferry during the crossing. ➌ FOR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES Island living is all about making the most of the great outdoors and there are so many ways you can enjoy Scilly’s spectacular landscape. You could lace up your walking boots and head to the coastal paths. Breathe in the fresh sea air and seek out secluded beaches and caves. Water lovers can try standup paddleboarding, swim with grey seals or visit the uninhabited islands by boat. ➍ FOR A TASTE OF ISLAND LIFE Wherever you are on Scilly, you’re never more than a short walk or boat trip away from freshly caught fish and seafood. From pop-up crab shacks to lively gastropubs and food festivals, you can easily spend a week letting your taste buds do the exploring.

Take me there Travel to Scilly and you can enjoy a slice of island life without the long haul. e islands are a mere 60-minute ﬂight from Exeter Airport, 30 minutes from Newquay and 15 minutes from Land’s End. You can also sail from Penzance in under three hours on the Scillonian III passenger ferry.

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➎ FOR THE JOURNEY Whether you choose to ﬂy to Scilly by Skybus or sail on the Scillonian III passenger ferry, Isles of Scilly Travel goes to great lengths to make sure the journey is part of the island experience. You’ll be travelling just as the locals do, with the company they started nearly a century ago.

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

january 2016

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FACE | THE MUSIC

JUMPING INTO JANUARY

Mick Ringham talks to Zita Alves, the Bath fitness instructor who knows exactly how it feels to come out of Christmas feeling sluggish – and how to turn things round for the better

hen the final mince pie and the last crumbs of the Christmas cake have been devoured, the chocolates scoffed and the Prosecco downed, many of us will be regretting our festive feasting and its effects, particularly on our waistlines. And so the guilt starts to kick in and you realise it really is about time you did something to get into shape. You might start thinking about cutting out the carbs, giving up the ciggies and shelving the Pinot Grigio for a few weeks. But not only does this take willpower and a strong resolve but a commitment to get fit and stay fit – and not all of us manage it on our own. Zita Alves can easily relate to this as by her own admission, she says: “I was asthmatic, overweight, unhealthy and stressed out. I never exercised and in all honestly was becoming the original cake monster. It began to become a Catch 22 situation with me and I started to become thoroughly miserable and suffer from low self esteem.” So at the age of 28 she made an all important career change and became a personal trainer. This was quite a transformation for Zita, from years working at desk-bound jobs to setting up and running her business, Zest Bootcamps. I asked her how this lifestyle change came about: “I was working in various marketing agencies around the west country; finally obtaining what I thought was a safe and secure job as a marketing executive in Bath. However, due to a downturn in the market at the time, the last-in first-out principle applied and I was made redundant. After a short holiday, which helped me reassess my life, I decided to get into shape and pursue a personal fitness regime.” That led her to her first job as a personal trainer at the Bath Spa Hotel, where she stayed for over ten years before moving on to brief stints at the Royal Crescent and Combe Grove Manor. It was in 2009 that she had the idea of setting up Zest, an outdoor group exercise class here in the city and since that time has never looked, or should I say, jogged back. Zita grew up in Berkshire, later moving to Bristol to study at the then polytechnic. She talks enthusiastically about her love of her work in Bath and 16 TheBATHMagazine

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her passion to ‘get more people moving’ and helping them to regain their feelgood factor. “It really doesn’t matter what age you are, I have clients from 18 to 60 plus with all different abilities.” She runs her outdoor classes three times a day, three times a week at times to suit her clients and holds them in Alexandra Park, where she says “The view over the city lifts the spirit as well as taking in all that fresh air.” As for a time to start getting that healthy glow back in your cheeks, Zita insists the perfect time to start is now, or as she says “just do it, get your body moving and start feeling great.” As I am sure most people are aware sensible nutrition helps play its part in any exercise routine, it’s not just a case of jumping up and down. What Zita aims to achieve is a holistic

approach to physical fitness, taking in diet and ultimately, lifestyle, within a fun and friendly environment. On the personal training side of her business, she has worked privately with a variety of celebrity clients including the French actress Juliette Binoche. Zita is married to Colin but says they have little time these days to go to concerts or clubs. She says that they are trying to fit in a few dates to see some of their favourite bands, but in the meantime she always has music playing at home and in the car. For many of us who are tired of carrying that extra weight as we go huffing and puffing up those Bath hills, this new year could be the right time to get a little more active and put the spring back in your step. You just might surprise yourself!

INSPIRATIONAL: Zita Alves, fitness instructor, uses a holistic approach to getting her clients to enjoy a healthy lifestyle

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FACE | THE MUSIC

ZITA’S CHOICES: Duran Duran – Girls on Film New Romantics rocked back in the 80s and I loved them all, but this band was the one for me. They were the first band I went to see when I was twelve back in 1983 and I can still remember what I was wearing. Over 25 years later I went to see them again in Cardiff with The Scissor Sisters as support; it was a really great night. I listen to Absolute 80’s radio at home and this is one of the songs I love to sing out loud to my long suffering husband!

INXS – Never Tear Us Apart At school I was a huge INXS fan and I went to see them several times in the UK and also when I was studying in Holland, as part of an exchange programme at my polytechnic. The course I was on was for international students so when it finished some of us went on a bit of a trip around eastern Europe and just by chance I saw them playing in Berlin. I went to see them on my own which was a little out of my comfort zone, but I still enjoyed myself.

Guru Josh – Infinity 1990 This takes me back to Cairns, Australia. After my A levels I spent six months travelling Australia with a couple of school friends. Dancing in clubs was a regular feature in most towns and cities we visited and this particular number reminds me of a club in Cairns. I was offered a dancing job in Airlie Beach but sadly I had a plane ticket back to the UK that was due to expire, so my career as a podium dancer never got off the ground.

Massive Attack – Unfinished Symphony Having been made redundant during 1997 and before I started my training and therapy diploma, I went travelling to South America. This song takes me back to that time and reminds me of sitting on a roof terrace in Colombia and watching the sun go down. One of my fellow travellers had this Bristol based band on her old walkman. I loved it then and it still sounds great today. WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

James Brown – This is a Man’s World His music reminds me of good times with my school friend Melanie who sadly died a few years ago. I wanted to choose Sex Machine for the funky beats but I love the lyrics on this record. In all honestly how could I not have the Godfather of Soul not on my list of great music.

Ella Eyre – If I Go I love a good strong female voice and this lady possesses one of the greatest. I remember watching on TV her acapella version of this number at Glastonbury. I wanted to go and see her despite the thought of the toilets, but alas it didn’t happen. Colin my husband suggested that as I often sing in the shower, I take a few professional lessons, but I know my limits. If I could sing better, Eyre is an artist whose songs I would love to sing, as the passion she has in her voice is really amazing. Let’s just say that I am more of a dancer than a singer.

FEELGOOD SOUNDS: above, Duran Duran Girls on Film and Ella Eyre, If I Go Inset, members of the Zest bootcamp in Alexandra Park, Bath, where they train

and this is one of the pieces he’s learning. He is lucky in possessing a huge amount of patience as well as having the ability to learn new things, so I’m naturally very proud of him. He also is a rather good drummer and has a set at home. A few years ago he started to play the violin but thankfully he took lessons elsewhere!

Bee Gees – Night Fever One of the first films I watched and still my all time favourite. I really love dancing to this and watching John Travolta do those steps, he really knew how to move. Hearing this record makes me want to strut my stuff on that illuminated dance floor. If we hadn’t moved house a few years ago we were going to extend it and one thing I wanted was a Saturday night dance floor in the kitchen. Well a girl can dream – can’t she! Visit: zestbootcamp.co.uk or zitapersonaltraining.co.uk. n

Moby – God Moving Over the Face of the Moon I love a good movie and Heat with Al Pacino and Robert de Niro is one of my all time favourites, so this was an easy choice. The relationship between these two characters is immensely powerful and this track encapsulates the film for me. It’s played during the last scene but would mean nothing to me if not for this remarkable film.

The Ramona Flowers – Tokyo They are a Bristol/Bath based band and as I help them to keep fit and healthy; I thought it would be a great chance to share their music with people. They have spent the last two years touring with the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs and Bombay Bicycle Club, as well as playing several European Festivals including Glastonbury. They are such talented guys and this track is just terrific.

Bach – Prelude in C Major I often listen to classical compilations when I am working at home, but I chose this for a different reason. This year Colin decided to teach himself the piano JANUARY 2016

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WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE? This month sees the first exhibition in the south west by Grayson Perry. Georgette McCready examines The Vanity of Small Differences tapestries and the artist’s unique take on the British way of life

t the time of writing crowds were queuing in Sydney in the Australian sunshine to see Grayson Perry’s blockbuster retrospective exhibition, My Pretty Little Art Career at the Museum of Contemporary Art – showing work from the British artist’s 30-year career. Perry was in the news there after running into controversy for his comments on Aboriginal art, but had apologised, and as always, had disarmed his critics with his ready charm and intelligent comments. We may not have the Australian sunshine here in Bath but the city will be hosting a major Grayson Perry show, which opens this month. The half dozen pieces – enormous brightly coloured tapestries – The Vanity of Small Differences, will be on show at the Bath & North East Somerset Council owned Victoria Art Gallery from Saturday 9 January until Sunday 10 April. As soon as news of the exhibition in

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Bath was announced there was a flurry of interest on social media. People not normally known for hanging out in art galleries expressed an interest in seeing his work for themselves. The gallery is bracing itself that this is going to be very popular. I guess, if you had to name a contemporary British artist, after Banksy and Damien Hirst, the chances are that the image of a flamboyantly dressed transvestite might flash through your mind. Perry is a man who manages to simultaneously send himself up and yet ask direct and penetrating questions about the big issues of the day. Issues that obsess the British. Class, taste and gender stereotyping – subjects that we all have views on. He is both fun and serious. His alter ego is Claire and he attended Buckingham Palace dressed in a motherof-the-bride outfit, with his wife Philippa and daughter, to collect his CBE. While Claire used to dress quite demurely (he has said that she was a

cross between Camilla Parker-Bowles and Katie Boyle) these days he has let Claire have more creative rein, with costumes such as a Little Bo-Peep outfit complete with bonnet, or a day-glo smock teamed with orange tights, his make-up applied clownlike. Under this pantomime demeanor Perry talks seriously about gender, masculinity and transvestism. Alongside his art he has written and presented documentaries, including Why Men Wear Frocks, in which he looked back at his largely unhappy childhood and at the role of men. The programme received a Royal Television Society award for Best Network Production. Perry has also made guest appearances on Have I Got News for You and The Culture Show. He was notably the first ceramicist to win the Turner Prize for his pots back in 2003. It is these, and his tapestries which have invited debate about the difference between so-called craft and art. Traditionally fine artists have tended to

COPYRIGHT: The Vanity of Small Differences collection from the Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre London and British Council. Gift of the artist and Victoria Miro Gallery with the support of Channel 4 Television, the Art Fund and Sfumato Foundation with additional support from AlixPartners © Grayson Perry Photography Stephen White

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ARTIST | PROFILE

GRAYSON PERRY ON THE ADORATION OF THE CAGE FIGHTERS Inspired by William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress, the six tapestries, follow the rise and fall of ‘our hero’ Tim Rakewell. ‘The first scene is in Tim’s great-grandmother’s front room, where he’s sitting on his mother’s knee trying to get her mobile phone, because that’s his main rival for her attention. She’s just about to go out with her mates on the lash and they’ve just arrived to pick her up. His grandmother’s in the background, and it’s about showing the taste of that nan’s front room: the nick-nacks and the associations. And the big thing about working class taste is that it holds this ghost of heavy industry still, the social emotions are hangovers from a time when we had heavy industry, and they’re changing very slowly, so they're not necessarily appropriate to the modern world but they're still there. The scene is called The Adoration of the Cage Fighters because it depicts two cage fighters coming up to Tim and giving him the symbols of membership of the tribe, which are the Sunderland football shirt and a miner’s lamp.’ There are many items in this room that evoke nostalgia for things our grandparents might have owned and displayed. The graduation photograph on the wall – symbol of the younger generation doing well – the hand crocheted green and yellow cushion from the days when craft work was mostly made by women at home, and the china Staffordshire horse on the mantelpiece, from a time when people prized such items.

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THE ADORATION OF THE CAGE FIGHTERS: main picture in the first of the tapestries our hero, Tim Rakewell is in his greatgrandmother’s front room, when the two cage fighters offer him the symbols of membership of the tribe, a Sunderland football shirt and a miner’s lamp Right, Claire is Grayson Perry’s feminine alter ego

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I can’t resist having a joke. Artists I like, such as Breugel, put jokes in their work. I think it’s part of reflecting human life

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look down on craft, as something homespun, but Perry has politely and cheerfully thrown that conception up in the air and danced on the pieces. He thinks humour in art is important: “I can’t resist having a joke. Artists I like, such as Breugel put jokes in their work. I think it’s part of reflecting human life.” He’s very clever at being outside the Establishment: “I didn’t go to Oxbridge” and yet he’s respected enough to have been invited to give the prestigious Reith lecture for the BBC. The references in the tapestries to famous works of art are apparent to those who know their classics. Perry is able to communicate directly with his public through his art. Yes, it’s good for us to hear the stories behind his pieces, but it’s also perfectly possible for the viewer to simply stand in front of them and enjoy the detail for yourself. The Bath exhibition will be the first time The Vanity of Small Differences have been shown in the south west of England. Their sheer size will dominate even the cavernous main exhibition space at the Victoria Art gallery. The tapestries were made in 2012 for the BAFTA award-winning Channel 4 series All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry, in which Perry explored the notion of British taste. The Vanity of Small Differences tells

the story of class mobility and the influence that social class has on our aesthetic taste. Grayson has a very finely tuned ear for picking up the subtle nuances of differences in the British class system. In the tapestries, as in the TV series, he throws a colourful spotlight on people, from the working class families of Sunderland to the Agaowning residents of Tunbridge Wells. And the great thing about Perry’s work

is that he’s able to hold a mirror up to us and ask: “What do you make of that?” Sharp-eyed he may be, but he’s never offensively rude in his observations. Guardian readers will, for instance, give a wry smile at their own lives reflected in the organic allotment jam, the Cath Kidston bag and the Birkenstocks beside the sofa in The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal. Continued > JANUARY 2016

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Photoshop and they were woven at dazzling speed on a computer-controlled loom.” The travelling tapestry show is like a contemporary snapshot of Britain. We Brits can look at it and enjoy the references, but I can imagine it also being fascinating to foreign visitors, entertained by our strange fetishes and habits, intrigued by the possessions that we value. In some way it also helps explain the British class system in the 21st century. In years from now will historians be poring over these pieces to discover how people used to live? n

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MIRROR ON THE MIDDLE CLASS: The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal Far right, Grayson Perry Portrait, 2014, Photography © Pål Hansen Below, Grayson as Claire, when she was less flamboyant, taken in 2007 by Eric Great

Claire is a central plank of my creative drive. . . she’s a cross between Camilla ParkerBowles and Katie Boyle

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Inspired by William Hogarth’s 18th century A Rake’s Progress, the six tapestries, measuring 2m x 4m each, chart the class journey made by young Tim Rakewell. They include many of the characters, incidents and objects encountered by Perry on journeys through Sunderland, Tunbridge Wells and The Cotswolds for the television series. He visited each of three areas of Britain which he felt epitomise their class; Sunderland (working class), Tunbridge Wells (middle class) and Cotswolds (upper class). The working classes were all about expressing individuality and strengthened community through a shared working class background. He found, in particular with the middle classes, that wealth was the most insignificant defining factor and that taste and its degree of subtlety was what defined you. To some degree, there was a sense of insecurity: either to show that you were an individual while conforming to the middle class rules of subtle branding – showing that you could afford designer brands enough to conceal them. The upper classes tended to cling on to past times and possess a sense of nostalgia. He started to make tapestries, back in 2009, sketching out the designs and having them woven in Flanders. He says of using this medium: “Tapestry is the art form of grand houses. On my television taste safari I only saw tapestries hanging in stately homes. They depicted classical myths, historical and religious scenes or epic battles like Hannibal crossing the Alps. “I enjoy the idea of using this costly and ancient medium to show the commonplace dramas of modern British life. Like many of the tapestries I came across in lovely saloons, mine are woven in Flanders. Unlike their centuries old forbears, I designed them using

ON THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE VIRGIN DEAL The artist on the fourth in the series of tapestries: ‘Tim is relaxing with his family in the kitchen of his large, rural (second) home. His business partner (in yellow) has just told him that he is now an extremely wealthy man, as they have sold their software business to Richard Branson. On the table is a still life demonstrating the cultural bounty of his affluent lifestyle. To the left, his parents-in-law read, and his elder child plays on the rug. To the right, Tim dandles his baby while his wife tweets. This image includes references to three different paintings of the Annunciation by Carlo Crivelli (the vegetables), Matthias Grünewald (his colleague’s expression) and Robert Campin (the jug of lilies). The convex mirror and discarded shoes are reminders of that great pictorial display of wealth and status, The Arnolfini Portrait (1434) by Jan van Eyck.

The Victoria Art Gallery, by Pulteney Bridge, Bath is holding lunchtime exhibition tours for visitors to learn more about the tapestries, the work and life of Grayson Perry, every Thursday, from 14 January to 31 March inclusive, 12.30-1pm. The tours are free to Discovery Card and ticket holders.

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ON THE EXPULSION FROM NUMBER EIGHT EDEN CLOSE AND LAMENTATION Grayson Perry on talking about The Expulsion from Number Eight Eden Close: ‘They’re on a nice private estate in a new development. One of those places with PVC clapperboarding. It’s called The Expulsion from Number Eight Eden Close. It depicts our hero Tim with his girlfriend who he’s met at university – a nice middle-class girl – having rowed with his mother because she thinks she’s turned him into a snob. He’s passing through that sort of miasmic barrier between the lower and upper middle classes to a certain extent, which is very much about education and culture and an understanding that yes, there are rules, but to be a true member of the middle classes we play with them to a certain extent. So he’s moving through to a dinner party in a nice bourgeois home with William Morris wallpaper and mid-century British paintings on the wall. Below, writing about Lamentation. The scene

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is the aftermath of a car accident at an intersection near a retail park. Tim lies dead in the arms of a stranger. His glamourous second wife stands stunned and bloodstained amongst the wreckage of his Ferrari. Paramedics prepare to remove his body. Police and firemen record and clear up the crash scene. Onlookers take photos on their camera phones to upload onto the internet. His dog lies dead. The contents of his wife’s expensive handbag spill out over a copy of Hello magazine featuring her and Tim on the cover. At the bottom of Rogier Van de Weyden’s Lamentation, the painting which inspired this image, is a skull. I have substituted it with a smashed smart phone. This scene also echoes the final painting of Hogarth’s A Rake's Progress where Tom Rakewell dies naked in the madhouse.’

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WHAT’S ON in January EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Until Sunday 10 January, times vary n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath EastEnders’ Nick Wilton plays the dame and suave Nigel Havers the villain in the annual Theatre Royal panto. Laugh, boo and his your way through this seasonal treat. For ticket details visit: theatreroyal.org.uk, or tel: 01225 448844. Also at the Theatre Royal this month LORD OF THE FLIES Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 January, times vary William Golding’s thought-provoking tale shows what happens when a group of schoolboys is marooned, their veneer of civilisation wearing off as they face the challenge of survival – with no Bear Grylls to guide them. This production comes direct from London, presented by the Regent’s Park Theatre Company. This promises to be gripping stuff.

EDITOR’S PICK HETTY FEATHER Tuesday 19 – Sunday 24 January, times vary n The Theatre Royal, Bath One of Bath’s favourite children’s authors, Jacqueline Wilson, created the plucky heroine Hetty Feather, who’s travelled succesfully from page to West End stage. Under the creative vision of the brilliant Bristol director Sally Cookson – champion of the active heroine, Bath audiences will be in for a great experience. Recommended for age seven and over. STEWART LEE Monday 18 January, 7.30pm A one-off show with fresh material from this British comedian, ahead of his new BBC2 series Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle. Enjoy his routine weeks ahead of the television transmission. Tickets: £23. ST PETERSBURG CLASSIC BALLET Tuesday 19 – Sunday 24 January, times vary The company, which has won acclaim in Russia, Scandinavia and the States, is touring the UK for the first time, bringing Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to Bath. The entire company will put on a spectacular display of classical ballet, accompanied by a full orchestra.

Hetty Feather at the Theatre Royal Picture: Helen Murray

Gordie Tentrees at Chapel Arts

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Bath Drama at The Rondo

St Petersburg Classic Ballet

Amy Wadge at Chapel Arts

JanUaRY 2016

CLIVE FRANCIS IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 January, times vary n Ustinov Studio, Bath Actor Clive Francis returns to Bath following previous sell-out visits to reprise his acclaimed one-man version of the Charles Dickens’ classic in the intimate setting of the Ustinov. Tickets: £15. Also at the Ustinov in January TAYO ALUKO IN CALL MR ROBESON Saturday 9 January, 2.30pm and 8pm Tayo Aluko takes on the life and music of African-American singer/actor Paul Robeson in a show that he’s taken to New York’s Carnegie Hall, the West End and sold out at the Ustinov in 2012. NEL Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January, 8pm Scratchworks Theatre Company presents a joyous and surreal production about Nel, a foley artist, who creates sound effects for films. FAKES AND FORGERIES, COPIES AND REPRODUCTIONS Monday 4 January, 7pm n Top Gallery, Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Bath Evening Decorative and Fine Arts Society Lecture, with lecturer: Paul Harris speaking about the perils of the Chinese art room. Skyrocketing prices for Chinese art have been a feature of the salerooms. Paul Harris collects Chinese art and visits China regularly. He explains pitfalls in seeking to acquire these beautiful objects. He distinguishes between fakes, forgeries, copies and reproductions

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and explains the basics of markings, faults etc. Pre-booked visitors £7 but full-time students free (tel: 01225 742819), visit: bedfas.co.uk. MY FATHER AND OTHER SUPERHEROES Tuesday 5 January, 8pm n University Theatre, Bath Spa University, Newton St Loe, Bath The day that poet and writer Nick Makoha learned he was going to become a father, he also realised he had no idea how to be one. This show narrates Nick’s life, from being smuggled out of his home country of Uganda to the UK, Saudi Arabia and Kenya. Having spent most of his life without a father figure, Nick had filled the role with Superman, Luke Skywalker and Spider-Man (among others) as he grew up. Now with such important shoes to fill and a distinct lack of special powers, he discovers what it takes for a man to become a real hero.Tickets: £12 (£10 concessions), visit: bathspalive.com. Also at Bath Spa University this month LOCUS AMOENUS Monday 25 January, 7.30pm From Atresbandes, the Spanish company that created the Be Festival winning Solfatara comes a new show exploring ideas of paradise through the meeting of three strangers on a train that’s about to crash. Through a series of conversations and situations, efforts to understand and be understood, the show asks what paradise means to each person and, as the train speeds towards its fatal conclusion, do we pay enough attention on the journey there? Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £5 Bath Spa University students COULROPHOBIA Tuesday 26 January, 7.30pm Bristol-based Pickled Image theatre company return with their latest, production. Lifting ‘fear of clowns’ to a terrifying new level, Coulrophobia unleashes theatrical madness as two traditional clowns find themselves in a strange situation. Unsuspecting clowns Dik and Adam have entered a world where everything is made of cardboard. They have no idea why they are here or what they are supposed to be doing.Through sketches involving slapstick, mime and much audience participation, the clowns discover that they are trapped and are being controlled by a diminuative yet terrifying, Send in the clowns: Coulrophobia evil presence. The only way to escape is to dupe two members of the audience into taking their places. Will this be possible? Tickets: £12 (£8 concessions). FAMILY WORKSHOP Sunday 10 January, 2.30pm – 3.30pm n Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Artist Jessica Palmer will be leading a workshop, suitable for all ages, to make a decorative paper fan. Discover how Jessica uses paper cutting, paper collage and paper sculpture to make beautiful images, objects and illustrations. Places are £3 adults/£2 children. To book call 01225-388569 or visit: holburne.org/events. Also with Jessica Palmer Thursdays from 18 February, 7 – 9pm Bookings are being taken artist for a new five week course Drawing Life with a Knife. Working over five weeks with a life model, take a contour drawing approach to life drawing using a scalpel knife or scissors in place of charcoal or pencil. Classes will be at the Fine Art Studio, ICIA, University of Bath, where there is parking. Places for the five-week course are £70/£56 concessions. Tel: 01225-386777 or visit: icia.org.uk. MOTHER GOOSE AND THE BABES OF TOYLAND Wednesday 13 – Sunday 17 January, 7.30pm (weekend matinees, 2.30pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Bath Drama presents its pantomime, Mother Goose and the Babes of Toyland, based on the 1903 US operetta. All the elements of traditional pantomime in a story with a difference. Tickets tel: 0333 666 3366 or visit: ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre. Continued Page 26 WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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WHAT’S | ON

CORB LUND AND THE HURTIN’ ALBERTANS Thursday 14 January, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Corb Lund, joined by his long-time band brings a rousing mix of Americana, honky tonk and al-country for an airing of his new album Things That Can’t Be Undone. Tickets, £10, tel 01225 461700 Also at Chapel Arts Centre, AMY WADGE AND LUKE JACKSON Friday 15 January, 7.30pm One of the country’s most successful female singer-songwriters, Amy Wadge is joined by rising young roots singer-songwriter Luke Jackson on a national tour. Tickets: £12 ( £14 on the door). GORDIE TENTREES Sunday 17 January, 7.30pm From an Ontario farm Gordie has transformed from boxer to teacher to successful folk recording artist, delivering songs that are deeply personal and moving. Tickets: £10 ( £12 on the door). WORDPLAY Saturday 16 January, 2pm and 7.30pm n Burdall’s Yard, Anglo Terrace, London Road, Bath Over the last three years Burdall’s Yard has been gradually transformed by Bath Spa University staff and students from dingy nightclub into a place of laughter, music and all things artistic. Get behind the scenes of new theatre at this rehearsed reading event that introduces audiences to new writers and their work. It’s an opportunity to discover new gems of writing and playwright’s stories – you can truly say you saw it here first. Tickets £6 (£4 concessions) For tickets visit: bathspalive.com Also at Burdall’s Yard this month THE POETRY HUB: LAURIE BOLGER Thursday 21 January, 8pm London based spoken word poet Laurie Bolger will be performing a selection of her work. Laurie hosts the stand-up poetry night Bang Said the Gun in London. Her most recent show was featured at the Edinburgh Fringe and she has been shortlisted for Young Poet Laureate of the Year. Tickets £5 (£3 concessions). JAZZ NIGHT: JOSHUA CAVANAGH-BRIERLEY NONET Friday 22 January, 8pm Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley’s Nonet is a forward-thinking and energetic group which performs original compositions in a wide range of styles and dynamics. The group is steadily rising up the jazz rankings with performances at Manchester Jazz Festival and airplay on Jazz FM. Tickets £7 (£5 concessions). MONOLOGUE KNOCKOUT! Saturday 23 January, 4pm Bath Spa University acting students go head-to-head with monologue performances and the audience, votes its favourites through to the final, taking place at Bath Fringe Festival in May. Tickets £3 (£3 concessions)

Corb Lund at Chapel Arts

Laurie Bolger at Burdall’s Yard

Lord of the Flies at the Theatre Royal

Pooja Angra at the Wiltshire Music Centre

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BRADFORD ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL Saturday 16 11am – 10pm, Sunday 17 January, 11am – 4pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon Welcome in the new year by celebrating Bradford on Avon’s rich and diverse music scene with this extraordinary weekend festival: 40-plus music acts, family activities, open mic sessions, workshops and more, plus local products, real ales and great food. Weekend pass: £18 adv. (£20) / £14 under-18s, Day passes: Saturday: £13 adv. (£15) / £9 under-18s, Sunday: £8 adv. (£10) / £6 under-18s. Free under-12s. Proceeds in support of Wiltshire Music Centre charitable trust, Zone Club and Wiltshire Young Carers. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month RAPHAEL WALLFISCH CELLO / JOHN YORK PIANO Saturday 23 January, 7.30pm Raphael Wallfisch is one of the most recorded classical artists in the world. This recital features some of the greatest works for cello and piano coupled with works arranged by their respective composers. The idiosyncratic late Sonata No 4 of Beethoven is balanced by Schumann’s whimsical set of fairy tales, Opus 102 and set against Rebecca Clarke’s 1919 Sonata. Tickets: £22 / £11 Under-18s / £21 multibuy, 6.30pm preconcert talk. There’s also the chance to see a cello masterclass with Wallfisch working with three oustanding young musicians in the afternoon before the concert, places are £5 for that event. BOLLYWOOD SHOWCASE Saturday 30 January, 7.30pm A spectacular musical journey through Bollywood. Gaata Rahe Mera Dil (My Heart Keeps Singing) is a celebration of songs by legendary

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WHAT’S | ON

Bollywood music directors of yesteryear to the present day featuring leading British Asian vocalists Pooja Angra and Karan Rana. Accompanied by four musicians and a mix of harmonium, tabla, saxophone and octopad, this is a glittering showcase of the classical compositions, poetic tracks and upbeat numbers that underpin some of India’s greatest cinematic hits. Tickets: £16 / £8 under-18s / £15 multibuy / Bring your kid for a quid. There’s an additional hands-on workshop with Pooja Angra on vocal and instrumental Indian style. Places are £5. WILL HAY IN OH, MR PORTER! Wednesday 20 January, 6.30pm n The Little Theatre cinema, St Michael’s Place, Bath Enjoy a one-off showing of this 1937 black and white classic starring Will Hay as the unfortunate inept station master at a sleepy Irish railway station. For tickets call 0871 902 5735. BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATIONS Saturday 23 January 7pm n The Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, Bath Enjoy this celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns. The evening begins with a drinks reception beside the torch-lit Roman Baths, followed by a four course dinner. There’ll be a piper, a toastmaster and poetry readings by Leonard Pearcey, a charity raffle in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation, live band Skara Brae and ceilidh dancing. Tables for dinner are round tables of up to 10 guests. Tickets, £58, tel: 01225 444477.

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Dominic West BATH CEILIDHS Saturday 23 January, 7pm doors open, dancing from 7.30pm n St Gregory’s Catholic College, Combe Hay Lane, Odd Down, Bath This a great way to get fit and meet new people and is suitable for families too. Bath Ceilidhs are held monthly at this venue, always with a different live band playing traditional British music and with a caller to guide the dancers through their steps. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been barn dancing before, or if you make mistakes – its all about having a go. Tickets: £10 adults, £2 children, under sevens free. On the door or tel: 01225 311634 for more information.

LIVE SCREENING: LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES Thursday 28 January, 7pm n The Pound Arts Centre, Pound Pill, Corsham, Wiltshire Live from the Donmar Warehouse theatre this production, starring Janet McTeer, Dominic West and Michelle Dockery, will be screened to venues throughout the UK. The Pound is lucky enough to be one of them. Tickets: £15/£14 concessions. Tel: 01249 701628, visit: poundarts.org.uk. Also at the Pound this month TOBIAS BEN JACOB AND LUKAS DRINKWATER Saturday 30 January, 7.30pm Check this outfit out on YouTube. The duo have won accolades on BBC Radio6 and BBC Introducing. Tickets: £10/£9 concessions. ADULT ORIGAMI WORKSHOP: YEAR OF THE MONKEY Friday 29 January, 6pm – 7.30pm n The Museum of East Asian Art, Bennett Street, Bath To celebrate the Year of the Monkey, join in the Monkey Challenge to make 100 origami monkeys. Learn to make a monkey, which will be displayed together with an artist commissioned giant origami monkey at the Lunar New Year Celebration on 14 February. Materials and drinks are included, but if participents bring their own recycled paper it will help the environment. Places are £6, or £3 for students and friends of the museum. To book tel: 01225 464640. Continued Page 30

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WHAT’S | ON MARK STEEL: WHO DO I THINK I AM UK TOUR Thursday 28 January n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Comedian and writer Mark Steel tells the extraordinary story of how becoming a father led him to trace his birth parents. It’s a fascinating story, told in his inimitable style. For tickets visit: komedia.co.uk/bath. Coming soon to Komedia Between January and April, the Westgate Street comedy-slash-live music venue has a plethora of talent. There’ll be music from Fascinating Aida’s Dillie Keane, the vintagely tinged Puppini Sisters and mistress of the perfect top note, Eddi Reader, formerly of Fairground Attraction. Laughs come from the super bright, selfdeprecating Omid Djalili, acerbic bluffer Rory McGrath and oddball funny bone tickler Tony Law. See the website for more details. PLANNING AHEAD BEAUS AND BELLES GALA EVENING Saturday 6 February, 7.15pm n The Banqueting Hall, the Guildhall, Bath The Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Ian Gilchrist is holding a themed event which will draw its inspiration from the different eras of the Georgian period and the famed entertainment held in Bath during that time. The dress will be black tie or Georgian costume. The event will raise money for the Chairman’s charities; Bath Cancer Support Unit Group, Julian House and the Quartet

Puccini’s Your Tiny Hand is Frozen and They Call Me Mimi, with Baz Luhrmann’s visuallyimpressive film Moulin Rouge starring Nicole Kidmann, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent. This film is based on three great opera libretti, all sharing as a backdrop, the sights and sounds of Paris. Offenbach’s Orpheus conjures up the atmosphere of Toulouse Lautrec’s Can Can Girls, while the great tragedies of Traviata and La Bohème are set against the back drop of the life of the Parisienne courtesan. A unique opportunity to encounter the combination of live opera in the first half and a feature film in the second. Tickets £25/£20/£15/£5(under 16s), Bath Box Office tel: 01225 463362, or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk or tel: 08448 889991, visit: bathforum.co.uk.

Mark Steel at Komedia Community Foundation. Tickets, £45 – to include a cocktail reception, a three course dinner, entertainment, music, an auction and a raffle – from the Chairman’s Office in the Guildhall, Bath, tel: 01225 394235 chairs_office@bathnes.gov.uk. A SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR! Saturday 6 February, 7.30pm n The Forum, SouthGate, Bath As we approach Valentine’s Day, Bath Philharmonia combines the romanticism of the greatest moments in opera, sung by soprano Ania Jeruc and tenor John Hudson, including

A HANDFUL OF SINGERS Saturday 6 February, 7.30pm. n St John’s Church, South Parade, Bath A Handful of Singers, accompanied by baroque chamber orchestra, Quorum, complete with trumpets, perform an all-Bach programme featuring three works to warm the heart and lift the spirits: the joyful cantata Gloria in excelsis Deo; the earliest and most symmetrical of his six motets, Jesu, meine Freude; and his exquisite setting of the Magnificat – exuberant, reflective and lyrical, packed into 12 short movements, each one a musical gem, all under the baton of conductor Christopher Finch.Tickets £15, £5 under 25, Bath Box Office tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk, or ahandfulofsingers.org or tel: 01225 311773. n

Looking to have your event listed? You can now submit your What’s On events on our website. Visit: thebathmag.co.uk

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MUSEUM | CENTENARY

WILLIAM’S LEGACY

As Bath’s first museum, the Holburne, celebrates its centenary in 2016 historian Catherine Pitt looks back at the history of the man who founded it

homas William Holburne, otherwise known as William, was born in 1793 near Swansea into a minor aristocratic family who had a Baronetcy in Menstrie, Scotland and land in Nova Scotia, Canada. He had three younger sisters, Sophy, Catherine and Mary-Anne Barbara (otherwise known as Barbara), as well as an older brother, Francis. The family moved to Bath in 1802, living at No 7 Lansdown Place West. The Holburnes had a long association with the Navy. Admiral Sir Francis Holburne, the 3rd Baronet (1704-1771), not only had a career at sea, but was also Governor of Greenwich Hospital in London and stood as an MP. William, at the tender age of just 11 in July 1805, chose to follow his grandfather’s footsteps and joined the Royal Navy. In October 1805, William found himself at the heart of one of Britain’s greatest naval victories, the Battle of Trafalgar. Under Captain Edward Codrington, William fought on HMS Orion, which took the French ship Intrepide. His Trafalgar medals are on display in the museum today, along with a wooden snuff box said to be made out of the wood of a ladder from HMS Victory down which Nelson’s body was carried. William’s career in the Navy took him as far afield as Brazil and the West Indies as well as around the Mediterranean, and he would have continued in this career if it hadn’t been for one significant incident. William’s elder brother, Francis, had chosen to become an Army officer, rather than fight at sea. In April 1814 Francis died from injuries sustained at the siege of Bayonne, France. William left the Navy, with the rank of Commander, the same year. He was now the sole surviving heir to the Baronetcy, although he didn’t inherit the title until 1820. Frustratingly little is known about William’s adult life. He seems to have lived as a gentleman of means in Bath and enjoyed the pursuit of sports, for he was patron of Bath’s Gun and Archery Clubs. We might have known much more about William Holburne the man, had not the Holburne Museum’s Trustees in 1886 decided to destroy “all letters and accounts which were not worth retaining.” Who knows what diaries and 32 TheBATHMagazine

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documents may have disappeared? However, through the art collection he left behind, and documents in the archive, glimpses of the man shine through. Holburne’s travels around the world during his naval career may have sparked an interest in other cultures and their art. He filled in any gaps there may have been in his formal education by embarking on a series of Grand Tours to Europe in the 1820s. The Grand Tour was once the traditional educational rite of passage for many upper class European men and women. Delightfully, William’s passport survives from one of his tours. Between 1824-5 he spent 18 months exploring Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the Low Countries. Surviving sketch books and trade cards from Rome and Florence reveal that William visited mosaic-workers, picture dealers, booksellers and sculptors. It was expected of Grand Tourists to purchase artwork to bring home. These pieces were not only a proof of wealth and status but also an educational talking point. Although William was from an aristocratic family, he did not inherit a

AVID COLLECTOR: main picture, the miniature of William Holburne by Charles Jagger, 1827 and, right, a photograph of William Holburne in later life Both images courtesy of the Holburne Museum, Bath

grand house with art works in situ. His family were moderately well-off, but they were by no means able to lavish thousands on frivolous knick-knacks. The funding of his collecting hobby came via auspicious means. In 1834 his aunt, Catherine Cussars died, and William and his sisters found themselves the beneficiaries of several trust funds, including one for £1,600 per year (the equivalent today of around £80,000). William expanded his collections through purchases from local shops, auction houses and posthumous sales, such as that of Sir William Beckford in the 1840s. His passion for collecting is evident in a 1925 newspaper article which recalls an incident between

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MUSEUM | CENTENARY

POPULAR: above, the Holburne Museum, which occupies a commanding position at the head of Great Pulteney Street, Bath Top right, The Young Girls, 1885, by Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collections

William and a Mr Robert Walker at a shop in Stall Street some 60 years earlier. Both men were interested in purchasing some silver Apostle spoons, but Mr Walker was the successful party. William was so incensed by what he felt was an injustice “that he called the other a thief, for which he received a blow in the face which caused him to lose a quantity of blood.” William’s collecting bug must have been influenced not only by his travels and tours, but perhaps also inspired from childhood visits to Harewood House in Yorkshire. Harewood was the seat of the Lascalles family to whom William was related via his grandfather. This grand house had (and still does have) a spectacular collection of art, furnishings and ceramics. After their mother’s death in May 1829, William and his sisters moved into Number 10, Cavendish Crescent. This modest townhouse restricted the type of items William collected, but he made use of every available space in the house. Miniatures were much favoured, as were pieces of porcelain and silver, including 400 silver spoons. The cramped nature of the house is reflected in an inventory made in 1874. Within the Front Drawing Room alone it was recorded that there were 21 chairs, nine footstools, 15 tables, five pedestals, three cabinets, 100 pieces of china, a score of paintings, plus a grand piano. His ceramic collection consisted of 1,300 pieces spread over three rooms. Even during William’s lifetime he was aware of the significance of his collection, for he lent objects for major exhibitions in Leeds, South Kensington and Paris. He was also recognised in the art world through election to the Burlington Fine Arts Club. Although William seems to have been meticulous in his collecting, it appeared after his death that he had been duped over the provenance of some purchases. Two hundred items were rejected from

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the museum’s collection in the early 20th century, including a fake Leonardo da Vinci and a phony Roman vase. Despite this, William’s collections, such as his Post-Classical bronzes and Italian and Dutch paintings are considered as some of the best in Europe. After William’s death in 1874, his sisters continued to live in the claustrophobic conditions at Cavendish Crescent. Neither William, nor his sisters had married or had children. On the death of the last sister, Barbara, in 1882, the contents of Number 10 were, as per William’s wishes, bequeathed to the city, to be on permanent display for education and enjoyment. A board of trustees was set up and a suitable building sought. Although Barbara favoured the Sydney Hotel on Great Pulteney Street, legal issues over this site delayed the purchase. Just to find somewhere for the collection in the interim period was to take 11 years. In 1893 a temporary site was found at the old Bath Savings Bank on Charlotte Street. In 1912 the Trustees were able to purchase the old Sydney Hotel and transform it, with the help of architect Reginald Blomfield, into a permanent museum befitting the memory of William. The Holburne of Menstrie Museum opened its doors to the public on 6 June 1916, and was the first official public art museum in the city. Visitors could view the collections in the Ballroom and Watercolour Gallery on the first floor, and in the Picture Gallery on the second floor. On the ground floor there was the trustees’ meeting room and apartments for the curator and caretaker. Today the Holburne is a well-loved building, hosting many activities and exhibitions for adults and children. It reflects the passion one extraordinary Georgian gentleman had for collecting art, and his desire to share this with the world. n

NEW FOR 2016 The Holburne is curating three major new exhibitions this year. Jennifer Scott, director of the Holburne Museum, said: “2016 is an exciting moment in our history as a vibrant cultural hub at the centre of Bath. We are delighted to mark this with three original exhibitions of outstanding quality, curated in house to celebrate the best of Britain’s national and regional collections.” Impressionism: Capturing Life (13 February – 5 June) unites 28 masterpieces from British public collections to celebrate the Impressionists’ observations of humanity, curated by museum director Jennifer Scott. Artists include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley. Stubbs and the Wild (25 June – 2 October). This exhibition delves into the 18th century world of George Stubbs through his animal studies and fantasy pieces. The exhibition presents the early encounters between polite Georgian society and the wild creatures and places depicted in Stubbs’ work. The uneasy relationship between the domestic and the exotic is explored through important paintings, prints and drawings by this artist, curated by Amina Wright. Silver: Light and Shade (22 October – 22 January 2017) tells a new story about the properties of silver, conveying its visual impact and its infinite potential for creative, design-led objects. Curated by Catrin Jones and Vanessa Brett, the exhibition will include significant loans from UK collections to reveal the aesthetic potency of silver from the 16th century to today. n JANUARY 2016

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

The Fountain at Terrace Walk by Philip Bouchard

THE CITY AS SUBJECT

Visitors and locals will be charmed by paintings from Bath artists which show the historic city at its beautiful, beguiling best VICTORIA ART GALLERY By Pulteney Bridge Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, 1.30pm – 5pm, closed Monday PHILIP BOUCHARD: 52 VIEWS OF BATH Saturday 9 January – 21 February Three years ago visitors to the public gallery were charmed by a myriad of small oil paintings beautifully and delicately depicting the sky over various Bath landmarks. Now painter Philip Bouchard has returned with the 52 Views of Bath exhibition, to delight locals and visitors. All works are for sale and if you can’t run to an original, packs of playing cards

EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885235915 / 01225 424 424 Visit: emmaroseartworks.com FRESH START Throughout January New work from award-winning artist Emma Rose celebrating the fresh start to the year. Evocative landscapes draped in snow, dappled sunlight and mists. Poetic, literary and musical allusion abound. The Caterpillar Skyline by Nick Cudworth

Snow at the Royal Crescent by Emma Rose

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of the 52 views are available in the gallery shop.

JanUaRY 2016

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath. Closed on Mondays Tel: 01225 445221, visit: nickcudworth.com BRANCHING OUT 5 – 30 January Nick Cudworth has long entertained his fans with his paintings of Bath and the surrounding countryside. This is an exhibition of paintings and prints of trees that can be seen in the countryside around Bath throughout the seasons. The work includes a lone tree in a field on a summer’s day and small groups of trees on Freezing Hill and Kelston Round Hill.

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nick cudworth gallery

Lone Tree Oil on Linen

BRANCHING OUT 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 January Paintings and signed edition prints of trees that can be seen in the countryside around Bath. Trees that stand alone, in a small group or in abundance.

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

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Ablaze by Kathryn Stevens LANE HOUSE ARTS 5 Nelson Place East, Bath Tel: 07767 498403 Visit: lanehousearts.co.uk WINTER TREASURE Until the end of January A mixed exhibition featuring gallery regulars and introducing work from new artists. Paintings and ceramics to evoke strong emotional responses and invite the viewer to contemplate their beauty. Deep, richly layered oil paintings from Gina Brown, Kathryn Stevens, Beryl Robinson and Allan Martin sit alongside seductively glazed bowls from Janice Tchalenko, Sara Moorhouse and Louisa Taylor.

Monet Glass by Carole Waller ONE TWO FIVE GALLERY 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm, or by appointment Email: carole@carolewaller.co.uk, Tel: 07803 033 629 SALE Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 January The sale will be running alongside a show

highlighting Carole’s new glass furniture and glass panels. Bespoke pieces, in which paintings on silk are laminated between glass and can be commissioned as freestanding outdoor or indoor panels, or as tables, balustrades, doors, windows and light boxes. Installations have been commissioned by schools, hospitals and private clients for courtyards, indoor screens and outdoor water features.

Honey Bee by Nahoko Kojima HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) NAHOKO KOJIMA: HONEY BEE Until Sunday 24 January Japanese paper cut artist Nahoko Kojima creates spectacular sculptures from single sheets of paper cut by hand. Nahoko Kojima has created Honey Bee for the Holburne which is on show in the Wirth Gallery. The intricate gold three dimensional piece hangs – like a perfect spiral of an apple peel – in the centre of the room. Visitors can walk all round it and admire its delicacy and detail, with those golden bees hard at work, their shadows thrown on to the surrounding walls. The Holburne’s collection includes a number of historical paper cut works including a bear cut by Mary West c1709. Free admission.

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Land Sea 1 by Boo Mallinson BATH CONTEMPORARY 35 Gay Street, Bath Email: gallery@bathcontemporary.com Visit: bathcontemporary.com Tel: 01225 461230 Opening times: 10am – 5pm, Mon – Sat WINTER SHOW Until 23 January The year begins with a mixed exhibition of new work from a variety of the gallery’s favourite established artists. There is new work from Boo Mallinson with her palette of refreshing and calming blues alongside a vibrant new selection of delicate, porcelain bowls by Peter Wills, featuring his newly developed rich, teal glaze. Also showing is new work by Malcolm Ashman, Endré Röder, Nicholas Turner, George Tute, Frans Wesselman, Ken White and Iryna Yermolova.

Journey from Hunting by Francois Maréchal BATH ROYAL LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE Queen Square, Bath Free entrance SOCIETY OF WOOD ENGRAVERS ANNUAL EXHIBITION 5 – 23 January The Society of Wood Engravers is holding its 78th annual exhibition in Bath, giving us the chance to admire the intricate work. There will be more than 100 pieces on show, from the traditional to the contemporary. Worth a look.

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Dreaming of somewhere hot? Choose from a wonderful selection of fine, decorative and rare maps, plans and charts of all parts of Britain and the World. These series cards published in 1890 were offered free with Arbuckles' Coffee, and distributed across the USA. This charming card of Italy includes a map of the country along with an image of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, and costs £70. Visit our lovely gallery in Margarets Buildings, Bath, contact us directly or via the website to discover affordable and impressive treasures.

5 Margarets Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP +44 (0) 1225 300573 • www.jpmaps.co.uk • info@jpmaps.co.uk

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The Art Gallery

‘Devon Light’ By David Shiers £595

Memb

er Galle

home of ArtGallery.co.uk

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

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JANUARY 2016

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

New Way of Seeing by Wu Lan-Chiann THE MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART 12 Bennett Street, Bath www.meaa.org.uk Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday noon – 5pm REFLECTIONS: CONTEMPORARY INK PAINTINGS BY WU LAN-CHIANN Until 15 May

Reflections is the first UK solo exhibition of Wu Lan-Chiann, Chinese ink painting artist. At the core of Wu Lan-Chiann’s work, is a deep personal contemplation of universal themes and values that connect people across time and place. While continuing a tradition that is centuries old, her paintings are distinctly contemporary. This show consists of a selection of her work from the past 20 years.

PETER BROWN Messums, Cork St, London Visit: peterbrownneac.com LONDON SHOW Wednesday 13 January – 12 February We’re used to seeing Peter Brown out on the streets of Bath painting different views of the city. But Pete-the-Street has cast his canvas further afield to produce a series of atmospheric paintings of London. There’s an exhibition at Messums and a beautiful coffee table book, London: Paintings by Peter Brown. The book is available at Mr B’s, Toppings and Victoria Art Gallery in Bath and in London at Tate Britain, Waterstones, Foyles, Blackwells and Heffers.

Andrew Crocker; All My Life BEAUX ARTS York Street, Bath BA1 1NG Tel: 01225 464850. Visit: beauxartsbath.co.uk SEEING IN THE NEW YEAR Throughout January Winner of the 2013 National Open Art Competition, Joy Wolfenden Brown joins. Sarah Gillespie and other gallery favourites, including Andrew Crocker.

Rain, Piccadilly Circus by Peter Brown

ROSTRA GALLERY George Street, Bath Open 10 am – 5.30pm, Sundays, 11am – 4.30pm

Peloton by Eliza Southwood

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FRESH TALENT Saturday 9 January – 1 February Highlights of the new year show include bold colourful work by Sean Alexander, who previously worked in collaboration with Paul Weller on the cover of his album Illumination. Sarah Cox adds a splash of colour to the gallery with her hand built ceramic sculptures. Local artist Samuel Lindup brings his collection of original ink drawings and colourful acrylic paintings. Samuel’s work takes a quirky look at the world adding humorous touches to animals and everyday objects. Also introducing Adam Ross with a collection of thrown tableware and decorative pottery and Eliza Southwood who trained as an architect but is now a full time artist and illustrator enjoying great success, with her cycling screen prints selling out fast.

The Drinking Trough by Peter Lloyd-Jones DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath Tel: 01225 460189 Visit: davidsimoncontemporary.com Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sunday afternoons MIXED WINTER EXHIBITION Until 16 January An eclectic exhibition of paintings, sculpture and ceramics featuring new work by artists including Julian Bailey, Diana Matthews, Mike Service, Julian Paltenghi, Tony Scrivener and Mary Kaun-English. It also brings two established painters to the gallery – Peter Lloyd-Jones and Jackie Philip. The exhibition continues through to the gallery shop Article with limited edition wood and lino cut prints with gold-leaf by Olivia Clifton-Bligh.

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NOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS OVER. Duncan Campbell HAS BEEN DEALING IN ANTIQUE SILVER SINCE 1986.

Starting with a stall on Portobello Road while still at university, he (wisely) resigned from his job in the corporate finance department of a city merchant bank in 1993 to pursue his obsession full time. Having served his apprenticeship in the London silver trade Duncan has been based in Bath since 2001.

Aside from the day to day business of running a shop, Duncan appears regularly as a silver specialist on BBC1’s Antiques Roadshow and is retained as a silver consultant with various institutions, museums and livery companies.

inging out the old and in the new is not necessarily good news for an antiques dealer. I always try to encourage people to do the exact opposite! So what happens in the antiques trade during the slow months after the excitement of Christmas? In truth, not much, although, as with any other business, its a good time to re-group and look carefully at what is selling and what is not in preparation for the new season. Things that might have seemed like a good buy in June might not look so clever come the harsh chill of January. One of the strange quirks of the antiques trade is the effect that all the enforced inactivity of the Christmas holidays has on auction prices. It is a not so well kept secret that the first auction sales of January often seem to generate interest and prices way in excess of expectations for the quality of the actual goods offered. The combination of a week or two’s idleness and a bank account, hopefully, well into the black as a result of Christmas sales makes the dealers’ bid much more enthusiastically than usual.

Auctioneers are not unaware of this phenomenon and some will schedule sales in the first week of January deliberately to take advantage of this New Year feeding frenzy. I have often enough been, frustratingly, on the wrong side of this phenomenon, found myself outbid on every lot and ended up going home empty handed from early January sales. This can be particularly annoying if the auction is a long drive away, both in terms of the cost of petrol and the non-refundable day of my life. If there ever was a good time of year to sell antiques at auction, it has to be in early January - too late for 2016 but worth perhaps bearing in mind for next year. Though I will not be attending the sale! n Duncan can be contacted on; duncan@beaunashbath.com www.beaunashbath.com, 01225 334234

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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

Rachel Bowers Film commissioner at the Bath & North East Somerset Film Office

grew up in an old miner’s cottage in Blagdon, nestled on the side of the Mendips. Back then, going into Bath was a special day out. I used to love going to Parade Gardens to watch the Punch and Judy shows. Mum took me one visit to see the Royal Crescent. I couldn’t quite believe it was real. Bath still feels like a film set to me. I always knew I wanted to work in television. My dad was a TV engineer and he used to take me to the BBC in Bristol. I remember seeing photos of him being winched onto a navy boat to do an outside broadcast and thinking I want to be involved in that world. Like many people I started working for free to get my foot in the door of a production company. I then worked at the Open College, making videos for distance learning courses. I left to go freelance and used my earnings to travel in Central America and Australasia. After travelling I focused on getting a job at the BBC. I joined as a researcher in the education department, working my way up to producer. I was there for 10 years, working on a variety of programmes. My longest stint was on See Hear, a programme for deaf and hard of hearing people. Programme makers generally make films that appeal to their own sensibilities. That’s why getting more cultural diversity behind the camera is so important. Working with deaf people taught me to see the world from a completely different perspective, which I really valued. Work led me to London, but I always planned to come back to the west country. When I made the move I thought I would have to re-train and start over. I saw the Bath Film Office job advertised, and thought it was a great opportunity to use my TV skills in a new setting. Now I get to ask “what can I do to help?” – which I love. The Bath Film Office is a liaison service with three part-time staff. If a film maker wants to film on a street, park or council property they come to us and we contact all the relevant council departments on their behalf. We also spend a lot of our time trying to minimise the impact of filming on local residents and businesses. Filming is big business. Crews can spend thousands a day when they film on location. One of the reasons the Film Office was originally set up was to maximise this spend. That work still continues. I recently set up a Film Friendly Partnership with local businesses so we can market what B&NES has to offer more effectively. It’s an industry that moves fast. I work three days a week and a lot can change on the days I’m off. I really look forward to seeing what’s waiting for me on a Monday morning – it could be anything. There’s more information on the Bath Film Office at: visitbath.co.uk/bath-film-office

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic. Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151.

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FOOD | NEWS

FOOD&DRINK Titbits

n Demuths Cookery School, founded and run by meat-free chef Rachel Demuth, pictured with some of her team, has made it to the final of the Best Cookery School category in the 2016 Food magazine reader awards. Tens of thousands of readers nominated their favourite restaurants, hotels, suppliers and cookery schools, including Demuths. The winners will be announced later this month. n Ben Howlett, MP for Bath, has presented The Mint Room in the city with a highly commended award from the annual House of Commons Tiﬃn Cup, the MPs’ national hunt for the best curry houses in Britain. The cup raises money for Water Aid and World Vision. n Welcome to two newcomers on the Bath food and drink scene. Marty, owner of Gascoyne Place, has teamed up with chef Richard Knighting to run Corkage in Walcot Street, serving small plates with the option of wine-matching from an extensive selection. In Kingsmead Square Louis Lewis-Smith has opened uber-cool speakeasy style bar The Dark Horse, where he and bar manager Sam Kershaw are already shaking and stirring for Bath’s cocktail cognoscenti. n The Hare & Hounds in Lansdown, arguably the pub with the best views in Bath has beaten oﬀ competition from 1,100 other pubs to be named Best Food Pub in national awards run by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars. Joe Cussens, who with Justin Sleath is also co-owner of the Marlborough Tavern and the Chequers in Bath, received the award from celebrity chef Simon Rimmer at a gala celebration in Liverpool.

EAT THE SEASON

In January most of us are on a double mission – namely to eat healthily while at the same time, trying not to spend any money. The editor’s recommendation is to make what she calls Fridge Soup.This always begins with base of chopped softly fried onions, then adding whatever vegetables are knocking about – usually some limp, leafy celery, the odd bendy carrot and an about-to-sprout potato. Add finely chopped garlic, back pepper and either a heaped teaspoon of Marigold bouillon or a teaspoon of Marmite to a jug of boiled water. Variations include adding beetroot or sweet potato for a sweeter, earthier flavour and, if after simmering it all for 40 mins or so you’re left with an unappetising shade of sludge (like when you mix all those brightly coloured shades of Plasticine together) you can always add a generous handful of frozen peas and turn the soup a pleasing alien green. Then render it smooth with a hand-held blender and serve hot with the best bread you can afford and unsalted butter. Have a look at our feature

Photograph by Aaron Geis, visit: aarongeis.com on local produce grower and supplier Lovejoys (Page 44) and visit Lovejoys’ website for monthly bulletins about what’s trending on the fresh food charts. In season this month are; leeks, sprouts, parsnips, celeriac, kale, swede, celeriac, salsify and beetroot. Away from the vegetable patch, clams, cockles, oysters

and mussels are all good, while goose and venison are still at the top of their game and whiting, lemon and dover sole, coley and pollock are also making a splash. If you fancy some wintry comfort food, how about fish pie topped with parsnip mash accompanied by a side dish of roasted leeks. n

KALE WITH LEMON AND GARLIC FROM TENDER: A COOK AND HIS VEGETABLE PATCH BY NIGEL SLATER Serves two as a side dish Ingredients 2 large handfuls of kale or any tender young greens 2 tablespoons butter a little olive oil 2 cloves garlic a little lemon zest juice of half a lemon Method: Wash the greens and set them aside. Bring a pan of water to a boil, salt it lightly, and cook the

greens for no longer than a minute or two. They must retain their cripsness and vigor. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, warm the butter and oil in a shallow pan, peel and crush the garlic, and soften it in the butter and oil. Add a little grated lemon zest (a couple of teaspoons should suffice), then, as the butter starts to froth, squeeze in the lemon juice. Lower in the greens and toss them gently in the hot, lemony garlic butter. Correct the seasoning and serve immediately.

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

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READER O F F E R

THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic suggests some wines to see us through the frugal days of January

I TREAT YOURSELF Indulge in The Pantry at The Bath Priory with our exclusive reader offer

ast year a special promotion launched by The Bath Priory especially for readers of The Bath Magazine proved very popular, with people enjoying lunch or supper in the intimate surroundings of the informal Pantry at the hotel. We recieved such positive feedback from that, so we’re delighted to be able to bring you another new year offer to eat at The Pantry in the Priory for the opening months of 2016. Our exclusive offer for readers allows you to treat yourself to a complimentary dessert when you enjoy a two course lunch for £15 or dinner for £17.50 at The Pantry. Set amongst beautifully manicured, award-winning gardens, a pleasant walk through Royal Victoria Park from the city centre, tucked away discreetly in Weston, The Bath Priory is one of Bath’s most luxurious hotels and the ideal location for a leisurely lunch or dinner this spring. Offering a casual yet refined dining experience in cosy, warm surroundings, The Pantry is known for its exceptional food and drink, locally sourced and offering great value. The service is impeccable, as you would expect of this award-winning Brownsword hotel. With a changing menu, starters could include grilled Cornish mackerel with tomato compote on toast, or charred purple sprouting broccoli, goats cheese and walnut salad. And for a main course choose from seasonal favourites such as braised beef cheek with celeriac compote and red wine jus or fresh tagliatelle with wild mushrooms. Options for your complimentary dessert could include treats such as dark chocolate mousse, apple and sultana crumble with clotted cream, or hot sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream. While you’re there, why not enjoy a stroll around The Bath Priory’s gardens, which offer year round displays, tended by The Bath Magazine’s own gardening columnist Jane Moore. The flowerbeds will be enjoying the first buds of spring during your visit and there are some fine specimen trees and shrubs to admire. Visitors are also more than welcome to explore the country house hotel’s elegant public rooms, which are home to much of the owners’, Andrew and Christina Brownsword’s superb private art collection of beautiful paintings. The Bath Magazine offer is valid every day of the week until 31 March 2016, with lunch served between noon and 2.30pm and dinner between 6.30-9.30pm. The offer is subject to availability and readers are therefore encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Please mention The Bath Magazine when making your reservation. For further information or to book, visit: thebathpriory.co.uk, call 01225 331922 or email info@thebathpriory.co.uk. n WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

like January. The chaos of the Christmas festivities are over, the shortest day of the year has passed, we’ve all had a little time to regroup over the holiday period, and we’re heading towards spring. A clearing of mind and a sense of new energy prevails. But it’s also the coldest, barest month of the year, and the time when crackling fires, comforting stews and a little bit of R&R is needed. Many people view January as detox month, and also a month for tightening the purse strings. It’s tough to do both at the same time! It’s bleak out there, and we need a few home comforts. Rather than eschew wine, or opt for the generally ghastly low alcohol versions, I’d suggest one glass of something decent, which isn’t going to break the bank, but also is more moderate in alcohol, as a more gentle way of cutting back. Therefore my January wines are all under £12, and less than 13% alcohol. Malvasia del Salento 12 e mezzo 2014, Puglia, Italy (GWW £9.95). It does what it says on the tin (in Italian) – it’s a moderate 12.5% alcohol, yet delivers fully on flavour. It’s an unusual white, especially as it’s from the hot, sunny climes of Puglia, in the heel of Southern Italy, better known for their succulent reds. I discovered this wine last year, and was so impressed I immediately added it to a couple of wine lists in Bath restaurants. It wafts fragrant scents of orange blossom, peaches and jasmine, and has a beautiful, gentle flavour – dry, yet with a hint of delicate acacia honey; lively tropical fruit; and a fresh, citrus tang. This is more than a match for midwinter seafood curries and spiced fish dishes. Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2013, Alsace(GWW £9.95). Alsace, on the far east of France, nestled against Germany, produces some of the most divine white wines on earth. It’s best know for its worldclass, legendary aromatic, yet fully dry whites, from grapes such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer, which love the cooler climate and growing environment. But it’s also pretty good with a more humble, lighter-style white grape Pinot Blanc. And when it’s made by one of the region’s most renowned wine producers, Trimbach, it’s a recipe for success. Bone dry, crisp and refreshing, this is packed with vibrant, citrus flavours. With hints of ripe pears and elderflower on the nose, it has a delicious brightness and freshness with a lovely, green apple tang. Try this with the freshest of seafood, and Asian style chicken. Negroamaro del Salento12 e mezzo 2014 (GWW £11.50). The red partner to the 12 e mezzo Malvasia, and absolute proof that you can find rich, full-bodied reds from Southern Italy, which are less than 13% alcohol. Salento is a region in Puglia ( one of my favourite parts of Italy), Negroamaro is the grape. This ticks all the boxes for January in terms of style; rich, velvety, and surprisingly soft, it’s bursting with character, and full of expressive aromas and flavours of blackberries, wild cherries, and baked plums, with a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg thrown in, and a hint of mocha on the finish. It’s a fabulous and versatile food wine – equally at home with a lasagne, or slow roast lamb shanks. Vigne Lourac Braucol, Vin de Pays des Cotes du Tarn 2013 (£8.95). My final wine choice is a little known red from south western France, which is friendly, honest, a moderate 12.5% alcohol, and full of vibrant, lively berry fruit. Braucol is a local grape variety, which makes delicious, juicy, expressive reds. I usually recommend this soft, lighter style of red in the spring or summer, but it’s spot on for those who are looking for a fresher style of red for winter. It perks up the tastebuds with its bright, red cherry and raspberry character, overlaid with hints of rosemary and sage. It’s fabulous value and just the right wine for a glass on its own, or with lamb chops or good old-fashioned, comforting bangers and mash. n All of the above, plus a mixed case can be ordered through our website. Enjoy a 10% Great Western Wine discount by entering the code on Angela’s wine column. Visit: thebathmag.co.uk

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MEET MR EVER GREEN Melissa Blease talks to Neil Mortimer of Lovejoys, who has been growing and supplying seasonal produce to restaurants, hotels and cafes for 21 years

ominations, anticipation, announcements, gongs, celebrations: we all know how awards ceremonies roll. And as a brand new year dawns, many folk in the food industry will be keeping their fingers crossed that 2016 is going to be their year, either in their own town or city (January/February seems to have become local awards season), or setting their sights higher (the Michelin men are rumoured to be particularly active during the spring; votes for the Observer Food Monthly awards usually open in April and are collated in June). But without the local growers, producers and suppliers who underpin the foundations for the success of any modern restaurant or – of course – chef, no amount of wishing, hoping and finger-twisting will get any wannabe food world superstar within chopping distance of the charts. On these pages of The Bath Magazine, it is our aim to applaud the brilliant efforts by the high profile names who are doing wonderful things for Bath, and to perhaps more importantly – recognise and introduce our readers to the folk who are quietly making a huge difference away from the limelight... and Neil Mortimer is one such unsung local hero. Neil is the head of wholesale local produce specialist Lovejoys, based in Melksham. The lively Lord of the Green Stuff has spent more than half his life growing, supplying and sourcing produce that has adorned many a restaurant table in the Bath/Wiltshire 44 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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area for many years, and boasts a CV that incorporates two decades running a 250 acre family farming business before he lay down permanent roots for Lovejoys 21 years ago this year. As a result of Neil’s experience, his company’s roots are firmly planted in the locally sourced ethos, striving to support the local economy and keep food miles low by largely using growers based within a 10-mile radius, and aiming to only supply produce to businesses in an approximately 90minute radius of its Melksham base. As well as supplying the region’s top restaurants, including the famous Bath Pump Room, Lovejoys ensure students at Monkton Combe School and patients at Circle Hospital get their fresh, healthy five-a-day. So, Neil: are menus that boast about provenance and seasonality a relatively new phenomenom? “Actually, no,” says Neil: “In my early years as a grower, most people were automatically aware of what fruit and vegetables were in season in this country, and cooked accordingly. But when the supermarkets started stocking all kinds of produce all year round, the seasons were forgotten. The return to using seasonally sourced produce and a growing awareness of how far food has travelled is, to me, the end of a round trip back to basics – for many reasons, it had to happen.” But demand, awareness and our increasingly sophisticated palates means that Neil has to keep moving with the times. “My experience as a grower and the personal contacts I have with others in the region who have a real knowledge

FIELD TO FORK: main picture, Neil Mortimer at Lovejoys’ depot in Melksham Inset, packing freshly picked carrots for same-day delivery Photographs by Aaron Geis, visit: aarongeis.com Contact Lovejoys on: 01225 708838

and passion for the industry we’re in has been of the greatest value to my business today, and the secret to our longstanding success. “We can respond to a particular request from a chef for a certain specialist crop like ruby red chard, stripy beetroot or pink fir apple potatoes, and arrange to have it grown to order, just down the road. We’re on hand to fulfil emergency last-minute deliveries, and our on-site prep room keeps chefs with limited time and/or no budget for a full brigade very happy indeed – we can supply peeled potatoes, fully prepped mixed vegetable selections, hand-cut chips, all to order. But I always offer my time to discuss future menu plans with the chefs we work with and offer advice on cost effective produce, as we have the expertise to know when prices will be affected by the weather, or high demand – there are a lot of behind the scenes factors that go into creating those perfect menus that arrive at the restaurant table looking effortlessly simple!”

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FOOD | HEROES

AN EXPERT IN HIS FIELD: Neil Mortimer checks on the cabbages as they grow Right, Lovejoys can grow specialist crops such as stripy beetroot

Alongside a lovely opportunity to ‘meet’ Neil yourself via the unique Why Choose Us video on the Lovejoys website, there’s a raft of rave reviews and testimonies from the restaurants, hotels, farm shops, village shops and school kitchens that rely on Neil’s service, including a glowing personal endorsement from Lucknam Park’s Michelin-starred executive head chef Hywel Jones. But Neil’s hands-on approach to a job

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that’s really a vocation is far removed from any kind of glamour. Mother Nature can be a tough boss. “By necessity, my day starts very early, often way before dawn in the winter,” he says. “But I like that time of the day the most – it’s always beautiful, whatever the weather, and there’s no traffic on the road. The worst part of the job is getting the vans to everyone on time in the mornings – negotiating roadworks, dealing with congestion; it’s all a very

long way away from the peace of the fields where it all begins.” And a very long way from the relaxing, cosy table for two where Neil’s produce eventually ends up. That produce is not all and only about the great green growing stuff, either; there’s dairy produce on the Lovejoys menu too (all sourced from farms in Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Somerset), alongside eggs laid just three miles away from Lovejoys HQ and fresh bread courtesy of The Bath Bakery – and everything Neil sources and supplies revolves around his absolute commitment to the service Lovejoys offers. “I love the food industry, and in particular I love working with chefs who care about sourcing local produce with great taste,” Neil says. “My personal food heroes are the growers who get out in all weathers, all year round, for very little reward, but still remain passionate about what they grow – I know that this is how they work, because I’ve been one! There are a lot of threats to deal with too, what with so many ‘deals’ being thrust upon us in the supermarkets every day, and the worrying prospect that many local producers will be forced to start diversifying into crops for the bio fuel market too. So, I urge everybody reading this to appreciate our growers more and buy local – or at least English – produce wherever possible.” n

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The Diner’s Digest SIX OF THE BEST

Cosy winter retreats

Melissa Blease picks half a dozen eateries where you’ll find culinary comfort on even the chilliest days of winter

THE PULTENEY ARMS

We’re off the beaten track and far from the madding crowd, in a characterful hostelry established circa 1759. But we haven’t escaped to the country; we are just off Bath city centre at the Pulteney Arms, supping a CAMRAendorsed ale at a bar warmed by a log fire. After our pint, we’re tucking into fish and chips or, on a Sunday, the Pulteney’s slow-roasted Doruc pork belly, and afterwards, we’re going to extend our escape from the world by playing Scrabble, chess, cards, or darts, all of which are stored behind the bar. On the last Friday of every month, there’s a Tasting Menu, offering all manner of locally-sourced dishes, but never detracting from what this place is all about: a warm, welcoming pub that sums up the meaning of snug. . . without ever being smug about it. The Pulteney Arms, 37 Daniel Street, Bath BA2 6ND Tel: 01225 463923; web: thepulteneyarms.co.uk

THE CHEQUERS

Not only has this charming, well-heeled gastropub hotspot got a fire by the street level bar to snuggle up next to, but recent changes have brought yet more reasons to check out the Chequers’ charms this winter. Superchef Tony Casey recently took over in the kitchen, taking the already highly-acclaimed menus up a notch. A recent revamp of the upstairs dining room – formerly a rather formal affair – has also proved that a good thing can get even better, with tables laid out in such a way as to make large groups or snuggle-up twosomes welcome, all laid up in an unfussy manner. Diners can even spy on Tony and his team bustling around in the open kitchen through the large peek-aboo window while they get busy sinking a glass of Shiraz and tucking into a Sunday roast, offering wannabe domestic gods and goddesses a unique opportunity to pick up tips from one of Bath’s brightest culinary stars as they settle down for a fabulous feast. The Chequers, 50 Rivers Street, Bath BA1 2QA Tel: 01225 360017; web: thechequersbath.com

THE GEORGE

Our dearest Lady Editor (who is rather aptly named for the task in hand) recently went on an explorative foray to the recently-refurbished George at Woolley Street and declared it to be gorgeous indeed, not least of all because it offers some rather novel twists on the whole concept of BYO (well, on the locally-grown food front at least) and the owners (Alex Venables and Alison Ward-Baptiste, formerly longstanding owners at the award-winning Tollgate Inn at Holt) provide an extremely tasteful experience. You can read Georgette’s review on The Bath Magazine’s online food and drink pages for the full lowdown, but for our purposes we’re heartily endorsing The George. It’s a great stop-off after a walk around lovely Bradford on Avon, plus it’s got that proper

community pub vibe and warming open fires. The food coming out of that open kitchen is mouth-wateringly good and seasonal and the Sunday lunch options include the prospect of a whole roast chicken carved at the table for a family to share, which is sure to brighten up many a bleak midwinter weekend in a delightfully harmonious manner. The George, 67 Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1AQ Tel: 01225 865650; web: thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

THE GRIFFIN INN

I recently visited my favourite city centre BYO curry diner for a cosy curry. But although it has its various charms, my favourite city centre BYO curry diner doesn't exactly invite you to linger long after the last grains of rice have been swept from the table. But we fancied a nightcap. And so it came to pass that we were drawn to a candlelit table at The Griffin Inn: the smart, recently refurbished, dinky little pub-withrooms on the corners of Monmouth Street and Princes Street. And what a gloriously affable, super-convivial oasis of snuggery I’d happened to stumble across! Low beams, thick stone walls, plush leather armchairs in the front bar room and softly lit dining tables to the rear; cool brews, classic ales and lush wines at the bar; the promise of classic gastropub greatness on the menu – all very smart and modern, but effortlessly mellow to the max. Next time I need to warm myself up on the Monmouth Street side of town, I’m thinking I might just scurry past the curry house and hole up here instead. The Griffin Inn, Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AP Tel: 01225 420919; web: thegriffinbath.co.uk

RAPHAEL

Raphael is such a familiar passing-point on the well-beaten track that links Saw Close with the city centre main drag that it’s easy to forget that it’s there. Slow down after sunset, though, and take a moment to peek through the windows and I promise you’ll be seduced by the view: soft candlelight reflected in sparkling glasses on highly polished wooden tables laid up for a laidback party; plushly upholstered banquette seating that just begs to be relaxed into... if there was a name for the point where glamorous meets cosy, it would be Raphael.

TILLEYS BISTRO

Think late 1960s-era Brasserie Lipp meets mid1980s Bibendum, and you’ll get the vibe. Food revolves around a European chic theme, with seafood often given a starring role in the starters, and locally-sourced meaty marvels for mains. Early diners can enjoy a pre-theatre twocourse/£16.50 menu which offers relief to the post-Christmas bank balance, too. Raphael, Gascoyne House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RN Tel: 01225 480042; web: raphaelrestaurant.co.uk

Those in-the-know scurry away from the tourist hotspots and head straight for cover in Tilleys Bistro: the cheerful, longstanding, welcoming neighbourhood diner packed with cosy comfort charm. Once beyond the muntin windows, don't be fooled into thinking that a street-level table at Tilleys is where it’s at; downstairs, stone flagged floors, country cottage furniture and eclectic knickknackery gives a subterranean vault a homely, farmhouse kitchen feel, and the menu follows suit, inviting you to mix and match from a range of around 36 dishes

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varying in size for you to mix'n'match according to hunger or desire. Included are dishes that take you back to when Marguerite Patten and Fanny Craddock ruled the kitchen roost, such as oeuf a la Lorraine, French onion soup, medallions of pork Dijonnaise or roast guinea fowl with Madeira sauce – all well executed classics. Tilleys is welcoming. What’s more it’s a fine place to seek culinary comfort on a winter’s day. Tilleys Bistro, 3 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX Tel: 01225 484200; web: tilleysbistro.co.uk

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS WORKSHOPS FOR TEAM BUILDING

News in brief

PIC: Julian Foxton

■ Congratulations to Bath businesswomen Kate Austin and Emily Ingram, founders of the innovative and independent toy and children’s clothes shop Spotty Herberts, which has been awarded Best New Store in the Independent Retail awards. The Queen Street shop took the national prize after judges examined every aspect, from customer service to visual merchandising.

■ Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon has announced that Bath-based commercial property company HPH Ltd is to sponsor both the Youth Orchestra and Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra for three years. The centre took over responsibility for running the orchestras in September, with support from Wiltshire Music Connect, Arts Council England, Swindon Music Hub and Bath & North East Somerset Music Service. With the increasing pressure on public funding for the arts it is all the more important that private companies such as HPH Ltd, oﬀer this kind of help.

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The latest way for businesses to get their team bonding and relaxed is to invite them to take part in something creative. Heidi Laughton and her team at Bath based The Workshop Cabin ran a Paint Brunch: Palettes and Prosecco workshop for Innocent Drinks, who were on a staff trip to the south west. The 17-strong team set to, painting images of fruit, naturally, to adorn their office walls in London.

EASEL DOES IT: Innocent Drinks staﬀ enjoy The Workshop Cabin run art session

AMBASSADORS FOR BATH TOURISM Tucking Mill Self-Catering, owner of five award-winning cottages and apartments in and around Bath, has made a shortlist of just five for the Luxury Travel Guide’s UK Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year 2016. The guide has almost two million worldwide subscribers and highlights the best travel destinations Featuring two apartments in the city centre and three cottages in the Midford Valley, Tucking Mill was last year awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and currently enjoys a 9.1 or higher rating on Booking.com. Ann Stewart, owner of Tucking Mill, said: “What an honour! To be nominated by our guests for this prestigious award is

beyond my expectations. It will certainly ensure the Tucking Mill team work even harder to give our guests a great holiday they will remember for years to come.”

TEACHER TRAINING GETS STAMP OF APPROVAL Bath Spa University is celebrating after receiving high recognition for its Teacher Education programmes by Ofsted inspectors, who awarded the teacher training institute the highest grade, outstanding. This is the second successive Ofsted inspection resulting in a grade 1 score. The report followed a two stage inspection during which all aspects of the university’s teacher education programmes were examined, along with follow-up visits of newly qualified Bath Spa teachers in their first year of teaching. The report commended the excellent way in

which “Bath Spa University has established very close partnerships with local schools and contributed to the design of new routes into teaching” and in particular highlighted “the seamless relationship between the university and its diverse range of partnership schools.” It also emphasised that employment rates are high for those training at Bath Spa University, and made it clear that “these newly qualified teachers are very much the first choice for employers in the local and wider area.” Bath Spa University works closely with 335 primary and secondary schools in the region to deliver the training programme.

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“Seven Slip Ups to avoid on Separation & Divorce” By Richard Sharp, Sharp Family Law - Bath Divorce Solicitors. Producing Resolution not Prolonging Conflict

1. Rushing ahead or lagging behind The message behind the Hare and Tortoise fable is that slow and steady wins the race. Whilst neither separation nor divorce is a race, running too fast into a divorce or burying one’s head against it, can exasperate the transition. Much more can be achieved by you working with than apart from your ex. 2. Being unprepared before the jump During this emotionally stressful time there will be a lot of paperwork and negotiations over them. Divorce is a business transaction, so treat it as such. Be prepared to discuss relevant facts about your financial situation before meeting with your solicitor. Make a detailed account of what you own and owe. Obtain the documentation on your income, expenses, credit card, mortgage, house and other investment information. Knowledge will empower you. 3. Taking legal advice from family and friends Well-meaning family and friends are emotional rocks to lean on during the rollercoaster of separation and divorce, but they are no substitute for legal advice from a specialist lawyer. Your situation is unique to you as will be the solutions to your issues. The family solicitor you retain knows you and your legal situation better than anyone. You will maximize your results if you listen to your solicitor’s advice.

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4. Resorting too soon to litigation Divorce is not a revenge story and court litigation is rarely a victory. The vast majority of couples can and do settle issues away from the divorce court. More often than not dispute resolution processes such as mediation or collaborative practice fit better the needs and objectives of a couple and can result in the “good divorce”. Do not miss the opportunity to pursue the process that is right for you. 5. Expecting too much or giving away too little

promises may not hold up in court. Divorce is no time for oral agreements. Talk to your solicitor about how best to make a settlement stick The specialist solicitors at Sharp Family Law are devoted to helping separating and divorcing couples to find creative solutions to their issues, which, with the help and support of the required professional at an affordable cost, are crafted by them - and not the divorce courts. For more information on separation and divorce, contact Richard Sharp on 01225 448955 or email him at richard@sharpfamilylaw.com

The process will be more positive and cost effective and the legal result more satisfactory if throughout you work with your solicitor to identify and prioritise first, your genuine interests and needs, and secondly, your reasonable legal objectives. Make sure that your settlement aspirations are realistic.

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any separating and divorcing couples are decent, well-meaning and intelligent individuals making a challenging transition in their lives. It can be hard to manage emotions, co-parent the children involved and fairly address the financial realities. Consequently they are not always at their best. Rational thought and common sense are frequent casualties of the emotional rollercoaster that follows a separation or divorce. As a result, mistakes are made that later turn into regrets. During my years of practice as a family and divorce solicitor in Bath, I have seen the following slip-ups that could have been avoided:

Much more can be achieved by you working with than apart from your ex

❝ Richard Sharp 6. Not actively participating in resolving the issues The only people who are going to be living with the results of your divorce are you and your family. Not your solicitor. Make sure it is you who makes the choices and decisions and that they work for you all. 7. Making agreements without written settlements The moon can be promised to you by your ex, but without clarification in legal papers, such

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Helping clients to reach solutions 5, Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH, UK email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07798 606740 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com

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PAYROLL - THE PERILS AND PITFALLS!

Providing payroll services for many clients, Sam Cole at Richardson Swift explains that there are several areas of misconception that clients need additional guidance on. These are discussed below: Christmas bonuses/gifts When rewarding staff with an additional ‘festive’ payment for a job well done, it is important to ensure care is taken on the practice around giving bonuses and gifts. It is entirely up to the employer to decide how best to hand out bonuses and gifts, which may well alter from year to year depending on how the business is performing. It would be advisable to always note that these additional payments are at the discretion of the employer to avoid staff thinking they are routine annual payments. HMRC will view a monetary bonus as ordinary taxable earnings to be put through the payroll and vouchers are treated in a similar way with the voucher value being taxable on the employee. Small token items such as bottles of wine and gift baskets will be tax free provided the gift value is no more than £50, otherwise these will need to be reported as a benefit in kind on the employee’s P11D or employers can pay the tax as a PAYE settlement agreement (PSA). Real Time Information (RTI) - Reporting PAYE on or before paying staff A common misconception is that all employers with nine or fewer employees (micro employers) can always report their Full Payment Submission (FPS) on a monthly basis even though they pay their staff more frequently. However, his relaxation only applied to existing employers on 5 April 2014 that had fewer than 10 employees and this exemption is due to come to an end on 5 April 2016. Treatment of tips and gratuities The hospitality and service sector employers also have the treatment of tips to consider when meeting their reporting obligations to HMRC. Some employers and employees may think that cash tips paid to staff are free from tax and national insurance but it depends on the circumstances - if the customers give cash tips

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directly to the employees and the employees keep them without the involvement of the employer then PAYE does not apply. However, it is the responsibility of the individual employee to advise HMRC of the amount of tips received per annum and account for any tax due. If the employer is involved in distributing the cash, cheque or BACS tips to all staff then PAYE and NI will apply. When considering staff pay rates, tips, gratuities and service charges are not included for National Minimum Wage (NMW) purposes. Staff must be paid at least the NMW for every hour worked before tips, gratuities and service charges. Internships and work experience Internships have no legal status on their own – the rights they have depend on their employment status and whether they are classed as a worker, a volunteer or an employee. If an intern does regular paid work for an employer, they may qualify as an employee and be eligible for employment rights. An intern is classed as a worker and is due the National Minimum Wage if they are promised a contract of future work. Exemptions from the National Minimum Wage will be: • Student internships required to do an internship of less than one year as part of a UK-based higher education course • School work experience students of compulsory school age • Voluntary workers if working for a charity or voluntary education and if they don’t get paid (except for limited expenses) • Work shadowing i.e. if no work is carried out by the intern and they are only observing by shadowing an employee The key point therefore is to identify the intern relationship from which the employment status can then be determined.

Casual wages Many employers have workers who are called “casual” workers. These are often people who do not work regularly but who are called on when the employer has the work, perhaps during the times of peak production or trading. These must be treated as all other regular employees for PAYE purposes. They should be asked for a P45 when they start and, if they cannot provide one, the HMRC Starter Checklist must be followed. For PAYE purposes, a “casual” employee is someone who • does not produce a current P45, and • is engaged to work on a single occasion for a period of not more than one week (or two weeks in the case of harvest casuals engaged by farmers), and • is not expected to be employed again within the current tax year. Regardless of whether an employee is referred to as ‘casual’ they must be treated the same as all other employees. If you are finding that the increasingly complex rules around payroll are a worry for you, outsourcing your payroll is a cost effective solution. If you’d like a quote for processing your Sam Cole payroll, please contact Sam Cole at the office sjc@richardsonswift.co.uk

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

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

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Email Cheralyn Dark at eﬁm-scl@bristol.ac.uk or Tel: 0117 954 6694 for details www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/programmes/strat-change-leadership.html Come along to our Open Evening on Wednesday 20 April between 6-7.30pm. To register, please email Cheralyn at eﬁm-scl@bristol.ac.uk

*Selection criteria will apply. Contact Cheralyn for details.

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 one of the best things we have done as a business”

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Linguarama Cheney Court is looking for a host family in Bath to accommodate a business English student and very keen golfer from Japan.The student will stay from Sunday 3 January to Saturday 5 March. Half board required during the week and full board at weekends when not away for the weekend.

We offer very competitive rates! Contact James Davis 01225 743557 • jamesdavis@linguarama.com

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 52 TheBATHMagazine

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Cheney Court, Ditteridge, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8QF T: 01225 743557 www.linguarama.com

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EDUCATION

DIG DEEP AND DISCOVER NEW SKILLS Bath College has started offering a new series of part-time adult leisure courses in gardening, animal care, arboriculture, horticulture and gardening for the new year, at its Somer Valley campus. Courses range from tree climbing for adults and chainsaw maintenance, to lessons in how to grow your own food and encourage wildlife in the garden. On January 12 a first aid course in caring for small animals begins, while Rob George, from Brean Down Tropical Bird garden, will also be at the Somer Valley Campus on February 6 to teach people the basics of keeping parakeets and parrots. On February 11, award-winning garden designer Christine Pritchard will start teaching Introduction to Garden Design – a new six week course on Thursday evenings. Students will be testing out designs on their own gardens, as well as learning about paving and boundaries, water features, shrubs and perennials. There’s also a series of property maintenance courses, including decorating and plastering. A new decorating courses starts on April 4 and will teach people wallpaper and painting techniques.

BOOK A PLACE ON REVISION COURSE To help prepare students for examinations in the summer, Clifton College in Bristol will be holding revision courses from Monday 4 to Friday 8 April. The courses target students keen to top up on their subject knowledge in order to maximise their chance of exam success. Courses focus on three specific areas: subject revision, exam technique and exam practice. These will be checked by the course tutor, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The courses are made up of small class sizes of a maximum of ten students, with tutors delivering personal and interactive teaching methods, with students enjoying one-on-one attention. With small

class sizes comes the worry that each student will be required to learn the same topic, regardless of their capabilities. The courses aim to eradicate that problem by encouraging parents and students to inform staff beforehand about specific educational needs and demands. Holding the classes are an array of highly qualified, experienced and motivating course tutors, who are also experienced examiners. If you would like to book a place on the Clifton College Easter Revision Course for your child, please visit: ccslcliftoncollege.com, or contact the Course Manager, Brad Clark, on 0117 3157 143, or email: bclark@cliftoncollege.com.

AN INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC An introduction to the Arabic language and culture is being offered by Languages in Bath with evening classes at St Gregory’s Catholic College, Odd Down, Bath. Egyptian teacher Gihan Ismail, pictured, is a native Arabic speaker who has been teaching Arabic to adults since 2000. She can speak different dialects, in addition to standard Arabic and is able to offer a good all-round introduction. For further information tel: 07894 913322 or email: info@languagesinbath.co.uk. 54 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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New year, new goals?

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STUDY LANGUAGES IN BATH Beginners and Continuers Evening Classes starting in January • ARABIC • GERMAN • • FRENCH • SPANISH • • ITALIAN • St Gregory’s Catholic College, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 8PA For information contact 07894 913322 or email: info@languagesinbath.co.uk

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Recreational courses for members of the public. Enrolling Now!

Foreign Languages Centre Daytime, lunchtime and evening foreign language classes

Arabic • French • German • Greek • Italian • Japanese Korean • Mandarin • Chinese • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish We offer a wide range of foreign languages at beginner through to advanced level. To find out more about the courses available, or to enrol, visit our website www.bath.ac.uk/flc and apply online or call 01225 383991.

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CITY | FARM

SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT Georgette McCready visits Bath City Farm to learn about the work it does with all kinds of visitors

have to admit that I was ignorant until recently of the therapeutic benefits of chicken cuddling. But to see the smile of joy on an elderly woman’s face as she held a hen on her lap, stroking its feathers, while the bird gently chucked away with apparent pleasure, I am now convinced. Chicken cudding is an actual thing, and a good therapy it is too. The Feathered Friends project, which brings elderly residents from Bath care homes and live chickens together for these close encounters, is just one of the many heart-warming and positive things to come out of Bath City Farm. The hens clearly relish the attention and for the elderly, particularly those with dementia, it evokes happy memories, while at the same time creating new experiences for them to enjoy. But this green lung of the city, on the slopes above Twerton, has benefits for so many local people. Any of us is free to head on up to the farm to wander the fields and woodlands as we please, admire the views across Bath, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the open spaces. There’s no charge to enter the farm and the only rules are commonsense ones, like keeping dogs on leads near livestock and not feeding the animals. There has been a farm on this spot for hundreds of years and we’re fortunate that the 37 acres have been saved from development for our enjoyment. The Kelston View site was acquired, after pressure from the local community, by the charity Bath City Farm 20 years ago, and thanks to the hard work of its staff and band of volunteers it goes from strength to strength. Why would we need a city farm, you may wonder? It’s a vital living classroom 58 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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for so many, teaching children – and often adults too – where our food comes from. Deputy farm manager Helen Fisher says: “You’d be surprised how many adults look at one of our pigs, like Mathilda our Gloucester Old Spot, and say, ‘oh, how could you eat that, she’s so cute?’ and you look at them and ask if they’re vegetarian. Suddenly it brings it home where their ham and sausage comes from.” There are groups of visiting toddlers who delight in throwing special bird food for the hens and ducks, afterschool clubs which combine learning and fun, and valuable sessions for unemployed and disengaged young people who come to appreciate the nonjudgemental nature of animals and the pride in a hands-on task being accomplished. Some of those who come and help with vital jobs, such as mucking out the pigs, are people with mental health issues or are long term unemployed. It gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The first thing that strikes the visitor – once you’ve admired the view – is the happy and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone says hello as they pass, or look up from their work to smile and greet you. In the communal kitchen a huge pot of homemade vegetable soup stands ready for lunch, when everyone who’s working that day sits down together to eat and chat. There’s a real sense of it being a community, where all are welcome. For those living alone it provides the chance to take part in working alongside others and to sit down over tea and cake for a friendly chat. Helen is at pains to point out that the farm is not a toy farm merely filled with

FEATHERS AND FUR: top toddlers and pensioners get equal joy from getting up close to Bath City Farm’s friendly chickens Inset, Hawthorn the pygmy billy goat with some of his growing familu

petting animals. Those chickens who enjoy a cuddle are also working away laying eggs which are sold, and each year’s litter of piglets provides meat for the farm shop. A sign in the shop reads: ‘Happy Meat Tastes Great.’ One of the working parties is Grow it, Cook it, Share it. Participents develop valuable life skills, from growing their own vegetables and herbs, to making quiches and savoury bakes, then sharing them with others. While Bath has a world image as a prosperous place it still has pockets of poverty and many people living isolated lives. As chairman of the trustees Mike Collins points out: “Although Bath might seem a wealthy city, one in four children here are living in poverty.” With free admission and a high ratio of people in need of one-to-one attention visiting and volunteering, funding is, predictably, a big issue. The farm survives on donations from supporters, grants from trusts such as the local Quartet Foundation, and recently from some significant funding from the Lottery fund. Recent Lottery funds were used to create a ten-part heritage trail around the park for visitors to enjoy. This includes a

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CITY | FARM

A FARM FOR ALL SEASONS: the open space above Twerton is used for bonfires, open air cinema and for Bathonians wanting to stretch their legs, get some fresh air and enjoy the far reaching views

dinosaur hillock to climb on, medieval inspired gargoyles in the woods and a replica Anderson air raid shelter – all reminders of the site’s history. For 2016 there’s funding for the Healthier Lives, Healthier Communities project which will involve and engage vulnerable people of different ages and backgrounds. Taking a stroll round the farm is a tonic in itself. You’re taken away from the digital age as you contemplate Hawthorn, the billy goat, sitting on his wooden platform gloating over his

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harem of two female goats, or watch the hilarious antics of Bart the high-jumping sheep, who rather than follow the flock to get to the food bucket, will simply propel himself, like a woolly rocket, over any fence in his way. There’s the Crater, an open-air amphitheatre for music, the Fort playground, a pizza oven, a carpentry workshop and a polytunnel for potting and planting out. This isn’t one of those charities where the staff enjoy palatial suites of offices. The staff communal office is cosy, to put it politely, so it’s as well they all get on

with each other. Helen would like to extend a big thank you to Bath Rugby and the Green Park branch of Sainsbury’s, who have adopted the farm as their charity of the year. All the 5ps from carrier bag sales at Sainsbury’s Green Park will be donated to the farm. For 2016 Bath City Farm is looking for new trustees and volunteers, particularly with expertise in accounts, IT and administration. There is always time and space for skilled cooks too. To register an interest please call: 01225 481269. n

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ADULT | LEARNING

GET LOST AND FIND YOURSELF Writer Tamsin Treverton-Jones is part of a growing number of people – many of them single – embarking on learning or developing skills on residential courses for adults

wouldn’t describe myself as a team player, in fact I’ve always been something of a grumpy lone star who steered clear of any kind of group activity. I’d listen to tales of book groups, tennis fours and girls’ nights out with absolute horror, politely refusing invitations to gatherings that meant I might have to subsume my identity to the crowd. ‘Self sufficient,’ is how I described myself. ‘Antisocial control-freak’ muttered others. But my experience of joining adult residential courses has altered my perception.

CREATIVE WRITING On a blustery Saturday morning in November, I left Bath and hammered up the M5 in my battered Subaru, headed west along the M56 and hit the North Wales Expressway, driving west towards Chester, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction. My destination: a farm in a wooded Welsh valley near Rowen, four miles south of historic Conwy Castle, where Cinnamon Press, a small, independent publishing house runs creative writing courses. I arrived in the dark to a windblown welcome from Cinnamon’s founder Jan Fortune: poet, novelist, editor, mentor, expriest, mother of four, course tutor and as warm and generous as she is insightful and brave. Her conviction and dedication to writers is inspiring. She also makes a mean vegetarian chilli. Over supper that evening, as the relentless Welsh rain threw itself at misted panes, I met my course mates: three women, three men, a retired school mistress, a chemical engineer, an ex-civil servant, a tax man, a kinesiologist from Cardiff and me. Brought together by poetry and a love of words, we were, nevertheless, an eccentric and unlikely bunch. After wordplay workshops in the morning, we were free to write in the afternoon and had private tutorial sessions with each of the three tutors in turn. Rowdy group suppers, plenty of wine from a box and a good-natured roster of cooking and clearing duties, meant that after five days of sharing and critiquing each others’ poems, walking the steep, stony skirts of Snowdonia and chatting over pints of local beer in the village pub, we finally grew into ourselves. YOGA IN SPAIN At a low point in my 40s, a spring yoga break in Spain was a revolutionary experience for me. I thought I was signing up for silent sun salutations at dawn, pranayama and vinyasas at dusk and plenty of soul-searching me-time in between. What I got was an intense, uplifting and supportive experience in the company of like-minded individuals and I returned home calm and balanced, supple in mind and body, 60 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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ready to face the issues I’d run away from. Suppressing that (mythical) anti-social urge, I’d integrated, found common ground and formed amiable relationships, with the yoga mat as a conversational springboard. “The course group dynamic can be unreliable, but that’s what makes it exciting,” says Tina, who spent a week on an Arvon crime-fiction course in Devon. “When you get to a certain age lots of things in your life are predictable: home, job, relationships. This is a low risk way to challenge yourself, see if you can cope with something new and if it all goes wrong, you’ve only invested a week.” Sharing work in progress and receiving feedback is a feature of writing courses and can be nerve wracking and intimidating. “I worry I will be the weak link or that I’ll find the comments that course mates make on my work unhelpful,” says George, a Cinnamon poet. “However, I’ve found that I really can trust my tutors and my fellow writers.” For those who have the time and the money (and inevitably this means people in their 40s and older), there are a burgeoning number of courses in the UK and abroad, seducing and challenging people to broaden their interests, hone their writing, cooking, language or

painting skills in gorgeous locations or simply to try something new. COOKING IN ITALY Sarah signed up for a cooking holiday in Tuscany over New Year: “It was a Flavours holiday and three-quarters of us were there for the same reason: to avoid being at home over the festive season. For me it was the first Christmas after my marriage broke up and although I wasn’t lonely, I didn’t want the enforced jollity and pity that was being lobbed my way by well-meaning family and friends. Running away to a different country with a group of strangers to improve my love of cooking was perfect.” Flavours reassures that its courses are ideal for the single traveller. The website proclaims: ‘You’re not alone – 70% of our guests travel solo’ and that unlike other holiday companies, they do not charge a single supplement, asking visitors to download its guide to solo holidays. Demuths, Bath’s vegetarian cookery school, is running a sunshine filled cooking week in Apulia in September, based in the Palazzo Bacile di Castiglione, surrounded by ancient olive trees, citrus groves and figs, close to the sea and unspoilt villages.

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ADULT | LEARNING

NEW EXPERIENCES: main picture, a cookery course in Italy includes time to swim and explore, while, above a yoga holiday in Spain proved a turning point for the author

Participants will cook every day with Rachel Demuth, Helen Lawrence and Ottavia Mazzoni to create delicious meat-free Italian meals. Holiday treats will include shopping for vegetables, fruit and herbs in the local market, wine tasting and enjoying a picnic after bathing off a hidden cove The six night course costs £1,595 per person, although there is a single supplement of £250, so you might want to sign up with a friend. For more information visit: demuths.co.uk.

ETHICAL COURSES Hawkwood College in Gloucestershire has a quintessentially different offer. A manor house surrounded by 42 peaceful acres of sustainably managed land overlooking the Severn Vale, this ‘ethical centre’ programmes courses in four categories: arts, nature and sustainability, spirituality, health and well-being. “Our courses are accessible, inclusive, non selective and open to all age groups,” explains programme manager,

Katie Lloyd Nunn. “We offer day, weekend and residential activities that are carefully and consciously crafted, encouraging people to uncover and expand their interests and life skills in a safe and holistic environment’. Originally founded on anthroposophical principles, Hawkwood has a unique spiritual energy that strikes you the minute you enter its gates and make your way up the winding drive. The new brochure entices with course titles such as The Sacred Clown; Mindful Drawing; The Naked Voice; Cloud Appreciation and Life and Quality in a Biodynamic Garden and clearly speaks to people for whom conscious living is as important as leisure learning. “Hawkwood certainly attracts people whose ethos matches our own,” says Katie, “and we aim to help human beings reach their potential. But it’s not just about learning, it’s the whole experience, from the beautiful setting and the excellent tutors to the truly delicious food.” Back in North Wales, with promises to keep in touch, I say goodbye to my course mates and drive back the way I came. I’ve been welcomed, included, heard, encouraged, nurtured and enabled. I don’t need the radio for company on the journey home; I’m energised, eager to experiment with what I’ve learnt. Ready to write. n

arts & crafts • sustainability • well being • courses & venues

HAWKWOOD

Mindful Drawing Meaningful Work—Fulfilling life Winter Rest-ival Folk & Ukulele Orchestra Early Music Emma Kirkby DBE Flute weekend Japanese Embroidery Discovering Wine Laughter Yoga retreat OPEN DAY 2 MAY Creative Arts Summer School

Residential & day options Venue hire Centre for Future Thinking Hawkwood College, Stroud GL6 7QW 01453-759034

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LESSONS IN MINDFULNESS Breathing is central to our survival: it is our very life force. Hannah Newton finds out more about mindfulness – and why it’s being taught in our schools

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In…Breathe Out… Indeed, for many it may seem utter utter hogwash, but the research surrounding mindfulness is compelling. Studies have found that benefits can include; decreasing stress levels, reducing anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia, an enhanced ability to pay attention and people can simply feel happier and more positive. Huw Griffiths, of Mindfulness Bath, who runs mindfulness courses, is a practising Buddhist. He has been meditating for more than 30 years and is on a mission to share how enlightening daily practice of mindfulness can be. He says: “It is far more profound than a trend, we can physically show the difference between the beginning and the end – you will become less anxious.” “People believe that it is about emptying your brain and being relaxed but it is nothing like that – it is about focusing your mind on the present moment.” The people who attended Huw’s course, the one with the flowers, agree. This arbitrary group of people came together every Friday night to sit quietly and learn, from Huw, how to be in each moment. They were positively in awe of the tranquility they had begun to find within themselves, using breathing patterns to find peace during stressful times, they felt a clarity in their understanding of themselves. It was quite extraordinary to witness. So, when did we begin to take our breathing for granted? This unassuming tool we use every moment – it is central

to our survival, it is our very life force. Have you ever sat and just breathed in and out and by counting each breath focused on that tiny moment of your life? Try it. I dare you. Then sit in the silence that follows and see how you feel. Do you notice the sensation that arises and the sense of peace it brings just for you to give yourself permission to sit quietly in a busy day? But, that was just for a moment – imagine what could happen if you were brave enough to open the door to mindfulness and walk through?

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Benefits can include; decreasing stress levels, reducing anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia

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s the outside world continues about its sometimes unspeakable business, deep in the bowels of Bath Central United Reform Church, in a basement room, strip-lights overhead, rain pitterpattering beyond, stillness reigns over a seemingly random collection of people. On the floor in the centre of the group is a vase of flowers and each person is staring straight at it, in absolute quietude, nothing but the lowbuzzing of the lights overhead and the rain outside can be heard. Many minutes later the group suddenly break out of their flower staring reverie; look up at each other and, smile, with a sense of peace and breakthrough. A tea break is declared. This random assembly, which includes a teenager, a grandmother and others of varying ages, creed and class in between, have joined together to learn the art of mindfulness. You many have heard of mindfulness? It’s the buzzword across the NHS, in psychotherapy clinics across the country and is even being taught in our schools. But, what exactly is it? In it’s simplest form: mindfulness is a form of mediation which focuses on being in the moment, concentrating your mind on one thing at a time. So the vase of flowers, for example, the group were simply looking at, being aware of, the flowers. “Utter hogwash!”, I hear you cry. But wait… Breathe In…Breathe Out…Breathe

In the US, Marines and veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been introduced to the benefits of mindfulness, after research found that Marines who had undergone a course recovered far more quickly from trauma and stress, compared with peers who had not. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation maintains that by 2030 mental ill-health will be the biggest burden of disease in developed nations. What with the impact of technology, the future for the current generation keeping up with high tech, social media,

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MENTAL | WELLBEING

STILL SMALL VOICE OF CALM: main picture, we are so small between the stars so large against the sky Right, mindfulness is being taught in British schools as a way of teaching young people how to take time away from the screen and to observe thought

pressures of education, jobs, housing, not to mention climate change and terrorism, it is no wonder our minds are riddled with anxiety. Katie Norton, head of PSHE at The Corsham School, explains why the school began to offer students mindfulness courses in 2012. She said: “Schools across the country are reporting more instances of poor emotional and mental health and a rise in self-harm and depression. Mindfulness, helps us to view all experience – physical sensations, emotions, thoughts and behaviours – from a slightly elevated, observer’s point of view. “In one mindfulness lesson a group of students were worried about the upcoming sports day. As they explored this, they observed their thoughts: ‘people are going to laugh at me’, or ‘I’m going to fall over’. Through such an awareness activity, participants can learn to self-regulate better. They start to understand that they don’t have to follow the habitual reactions that these thoughts and feelings can lead to, and have freedom to make other behaviour choices, thus lessening reactivity.” At Corsham, staff are also offered the opportunity to take the course with one member of staff commenting: “I am much more positive and much better able to cope with daily stresses and anxieties.” King Edward’s School in Bath offered mindfulness to its sixth form students after the school’s chaplain, Reverend Caroline O’Neill, suggested it. Later, after consulting with local child and adolescent psychologist, Linda Blair, and teen gaming and gambling expert, Stephen Noel-Hill, who both

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recommended the practice, PSHE coordinator, Lisa Bowman, decided to introduce mindfulness throughout the entire school. The course is offered to staff – who also enjoy a 15 minute peace session each week. Psychotherapists, Philippa Vick and Nigel Wellings, have been teaching mindfulness in Bath and Bristol for the past ten years. Nigel said: “Nature has given us two ways to be with our emotions: One: to push them away because they are too painful. Two: to be overwhelmed by them and simply not cope. The third position, is what mindfulness provides, it allows us to step back a little from our emotions, but still remain in touch with them, which gives us the possibility to choose – and that is the key.” It is the key: through regular practice, you learn not to be swept up in each reactive emotion as it arises. But, rather, notice it: anger, stress, worry, panic etc and then decide how to react, if at all, as Nigel says: “exchange reaction for response.” Philippa said: “It is important to realise this is not therapy – no one shares emotional traumas or experience. But what is essential to the course is that people share their experience – it is fundamental to discover we all have the same neurotic minds. We all share these basic human sufferings.” Huw has launched a free app (search: Calm Mind in the App store) around his teaching, to support his clients and to provide everyone with the opportunity to build mindfulness into their lives. Huw believes that if he can get a million people to download the free app then he will be able to change the world in just a few generations. (Watch Huw’s video,

filmed in Bath, to find out more: mindfulnessbraintraining.com.) “I want to make a series of apps focused on children, then we can transform the world in three generations. Imagine a calmer, kinder, happier and more compassionate human race . . . now that would be a gift to give our grandchildren.” That, Huw, would indeed be the ultimate gift. n

HAVE A GO Extract, from Nigel Wellings Book, Why Can’t I Meditate: Calming our Restless Minds – Rest your attention on your breath and simply follow it as you breath in and out for five breaths. Let the breath be as relaxed as possible, so you can feel that it breathes itself in and out without you having to do anything to help. It may naturally slow and deepen, but this is its job, not yours. And stick to just five breaths for the moment – resist doing more.

COURSES IN BATH Find out more about mindfulness courses in Bath: Huw Griffths, Mindfulness Bath: mindfulnessbath.co.uk Philippa Vicks and Nigel Wellings: bath-bristol-mindfulnesscourses.co.uk Nigel Wellings Books on Meditation: whycantimeditate.com The Well Being College Bath: wellbeingcollegebath.co.uk or themindfulschool.co.uk

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

HEALTH& BEAUTY

A NEW YEAR PICK-ME-UP

AWARD FOR CITY SALON

LIGHTEN UP: left to right, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30 50ml, £29, infused with naturally derived ingredients, for a clearer and brighter complexion, Benefit Sunbeam, £19.50, dot this golden bronze highlighter on to cheek and brow bones for a natural, sunkissed radiance, Laura Mercier’s Blush and Glow Trio, £45, creates the perfect sunny glow at any time of the year, with three travel-size baked powders and a brush, finally re-energise dull skin with Elemis' deep-cleansing skin buﬀ, 50ml, £28.50.

LEARN MEDITATION WITH BUDDHIST GROUPS

n our hectic modern lives so much time and focus is spent on our physical health and yet it is our minds that are responsible for our sense of happiness and well-being. Tibetan Buddhism is known for its powerful mindtraining techniques, helping people learn how to control their thoughts, feelings and behaviour in a way that is of great benefit to their own lives and the lives of others. The Bath Sakya Buddhist Group is a branch of the Sakya Buddhist Centre, one of the leading centres of Tibetan Buddhism in the UK. Founded in Bristol in 1977 by Karma Thinley Rinpoche and Lama Jampa Thaye, the centre has flourished since that time, enabling people from all walks of life to learn the systems of meditation and study of the Sakya tradition, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. For anyone who wishes to find out more about Buddhism and to practise meditation, the Bath Sakya Buddhist Group holds friendly and informal meetings every Tuesday at 8pm at the Museum of Bath at Work in Julian Road, Bath. Each session provides an introduction to a

simple method of tranquility meditation and includes a short talk on the basic teachings of Buddhism. The group is also holding a day of meditation at the museum on Sunday 24 January. Everybody is welcome and no previous experience is required. Details can be found at: dechen.org/centres/bath or contact Liz Godfrey at the Bath Sakya Buddhist Group on 07747 633577 or email liz.godfrey@dechen.org.

Frances Urwin and her team at Frontlinestyle hair and beauty salon in Monmouth Street are celebrating being awarded Bath’s Best Independent Hair and Beauty Award 2015 This bijou spa in central Bath is spread across three floors, offering everything from hair styling to men’s and women’s skin care, including Clarins beauty and skin care products. Frances said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won. We take great care in offering customers a high-end, professional service, time after time. As a long standing family business this award, celebrating the best independent retailers in Bath, is really a huge honour.”

COMING TO A COMMUNITY NEAR YOU: Bath artist Samuel Lindup has generated a lot of interest in his adult colouring book The Colouring Mind, with groups including Bath University Students’ Union and Knightstone Housing inviting him to host one of his sociable colouring clinics for them. The Colouring Clinic brings people together with giant posters of Bath and brightly coloured pens, inviting people to get stuck in and express themselves. Samuel and creative whizz Annie Lingridge are planning more colouring projects for 2016, including POP, an art-based festival. On Twitter look out for #colouringrocks and #artforall, or visit: colouringmind.co.uk

REMY ISSUES A BREAKDANCE CHALLENGE Remy Suzanne has been breakdancing for 20 years and teaching for 15. His dance style draws on influences from Latino, African, contemporary and street to name but a few. Having grown up in Reunion Island, a unique, multicultural multi-faith community in the Indian Ocean, 175k off the coast of Madagascar, Remy intends to celebrate his community by combining dance styles from the world over and incorporating them into his teaching. He’s joining Funky Monkey Studios in Bath and various other venues in Bath and Bristol, hosting workshops and teaching classes in breakdance this year. Remy says that almost anyone can have a go at breakdancing, he says: “It’s the perfect way to

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strengthen your core, increase flexibility and build stamina. At the same time you won’t even realize how hard you are working because it’s so much fun! I’ve discovered through my teaching that many people see breakdancing and wish they could do it – but thought for some reason that it wasn’t for them, I’m here to say that breakdance is for everyone who enjoys movement, music and dance. It takes hard work and dedication, but it’s great fun and we can all do it. I welcome everyone of all ages and backgrounds to my classes, my aim is to break boundaries through the medium of dance .” You can contact Remy tel: 07927 062169 or email him: remyxtsf@hotmail.fr.

DANCE TEACHER: Remy Suzanne

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A SMILE SAYS IT ALL The Bath Magazine talks to Philip Pettemerides, Principal Dentist at Edgar Buildings Dental Care, George Street, Bath

gums and supporting structures form the foundation for our teeth. Unfortunately gum disease can, in many cases, be pain-free until the latter stages and can go un-noticed by patients. Regular periodontal examinations are always required and referral to Ines sometimes indicated.

1. When was Edgar Buildings Dental Care established? As far as we can tell, records of a dental practice being at Edgar Buildings go back to the mid eighteen hundreds. And in fact I found a toothbrush with Edgar Buildings Dental Practice etched in to it in a museum in Wells. 2. What treatments are available at Edgar Buildings Dental Care? We undertake all aspects of dentistry and have a ‘one stop Shop’ solution for the various types of treatment that are available. These include periodontics, orthodontics, implant dentistry, aesthetic dental solutions and of course regular dental care including hygienist appointments. We have also recently introduced aesthetic correction of facial fine lines and wrinkles. 3. What is Periodontics? This is the prevention and treatment of gum disease. We are very fortunate in having the services of Specialist Periodontist, Ines Fortes, who trained at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. It is most important that gum health is maintained and treated where necessary as the

Before

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4. You mentioned Endodontics. What does this mean? Endodontics is the field of dentistry where root canal treatment is undertaken. In many instances the life of a tooth can be prolonged where it may have seemed doomed due to an abscess. Ray Bellamy is our endodontist at Edgar Buildings Dental Care and he comes with a wealth of experience, having trained in Boston USA and he is one of the very few Board Certified Americantrained dentists working in the UK. 5. So what happens if you are unable to save a tooth? If a tooth has to be extracted we can use dental implants to replace them. These are small titanium posts that are inserted in to the jawbone and used to carry a crown, a bridge or even to retain a removable denture. We are also fortunate in having a cone beam CT scanner which enables us to plan the accurate placement of implants, sometimes using a keyhole surgical approach. A CT scan gives us a very accurate three dimensional image of the jawbone and we are able to place virtual implants in to the scan. Surgical guides are fabricated in Stockholm and allow keyhole surgery to be used to place the implants with minimal trauma. I undertake all implant surgery in the practice and as you can imagine having the CT scanner is very useful in placing implants in the optimum area.

After

6. You mentioned the correction of fine lines and wrinkles; what is this? We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan Janson to Edgar Buildings Dental Care. Jonathan is an experienced dentist and also uses facial aesthetic injections to correct small lines or wrinkles to give a more youthful appearance. 7. Are there any new innovations in Orthodontics? Yes, our orthodontist, Jay Wilson has the experience and training to place lingual braces. These are braces that are placed on the inside of the jaws and therefore aren’t visible, except to a dentist. Many celebrities have had these placed without anyone knowing! A further option is the use of Invisalign which uses a series of clear aligners fabricated in the USA to align the teeth where discrepancies are minor to moderate. For more extensive tooth correction, lingual orthodontics, or ceramic brackets on the outside of the teeth are often used. To find out what Philip’s patients told us of the service at Edgar Buildings, go to www.smileofconfidence.com/video-testimonials To book a consultation at Edgar Buildings, call 01225 466086

Edgar Buildings Dental Care, 7 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2EE

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Ancient Wisdom Modern Beauty

Experienced facial acupuncturist Stacey Beckitt BSc (Hons) LicAc provides her clients with an elegant bespoke treatment combining facial acupuncture with holistic collagen induction therapy. Together these complimentary techniques work to promote a glowing complexion and enhance wellbeing.

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU AT FRONTLINESTYLE Nestled in the very heart of Bath, our Grade II listed Boutique Beauty Spa and Hair Salon offers the perfect ambience in which to start your New Year’s resolutions with our highly skilled, knowledgable and friendly team. Whether you are looking to lose inches and combat cellulite with Ionithermie body wraps, try the award-winning CACI non-surgical facelifts and skin procedures or choose permanent hair removal and skin rejuvenation with the latest Ellipse I2PL we can help tailor the right treatments for you. Book a free consultation today! Frontlinestyle Bath 4/5 Monmouth Street Bath BA12AJ 01225 478478 bath@frontlinestyle.co.uk

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day spa for men and women 14 green street, bath BA1 2JZ tel: 01225 426000 www.greenstreethouse.com

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B A T H

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HAUNTS OF ANCIENT PEACE Andrew Swift picks a winter walk that you could enjoy on a rainy day – as it sticks largely to country lanes

uch of this month’s walk follows the St Catherine’s Valley north of Batheaston, which, as anyone familiar with it will know, can be muddy at the best of times. In a winter as wet as this – as I discovered when I set out to reconnoitre it – parts become almost impassable. Add to that the cows which graze many of the fields along the valley, and you will understand why this walk sticks largely to country lanes. These lanes, although narrow, see relatively little traffic, and are well used by walkers. Indeed, at least as far as St Catherine’s there are signs giving pedestrians priority. There is much of interest along the way as well, including many 17th century houses and cottages, and some superb views. The second part of the walk, by contrast, heads for the high ground of Charmy Down before following a little-known valley down past Solsbury Hill. The walk starts in Batheaston, served by the No 13 bus from Bath. Alight at Vale View Terrace, carry on along the High Street and turn left up Penthouse Hill, following a sign for Northend and St Catherine’s (ST777674). After 250m, you pass the church on the left. Opposite is Pine House, with a datestone of 1672. A little further on is Middlesex House, built two years earlier. Both were built for wealthy clothiers when this valley was a centre of the weaving industry. After passing the Northend Inn – closed in 2010 – at No 41, look for a ghost sign on the wall of the Cooper’s 70 TheBATHMagazine

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Arms, closed in the 1950s, at No 63. Northend House, on the right, was built sometime before 1642. A little further along on the left is Eagle House, where the Suffragettes used to take refuge. Although the tradition that it was built by John Wood has long been discounted, his son, John Wood the Younger, did live here in his later years. The pavement, which now switches to the right-hand side of the road, is part of a causeway, built by the monks of Bath Abbey, to St Catherine’s, which was owned by the abbey. After passing Eagle Farmhouse the lane climbs past a pound once used to impound stray livestock. Carry on past the turning to Hollies Lane, and at Myrtle Cottage the causeway moves to the other side of the road. After passing Radford Farm, it disappears before re-emerging from undergrowth and encroachments, establishing a pattern that continues until it finally disappears for good. There is a particularly impressive stretch a little further on, where a raised section of the causeway passes Upper Northend Farm. When the lane forks, bear left uphill. When you pass Ranscombe Lane, look along it to see another long-lost pub, the Sandy Bank Inn, closed in 1966. The road now drops down to Sandy Bank Farm, beyond which you pass the site of the once popular Mead Tea Gardens. Virtually all sign of the causeway has now disappeared. After passing more ancient farms and cottages, you come to St Catherine’s. Although the court, originally built as a monastic grange by Prior Cantelow of Bath around 1500, is private, you can

walk up the steps to visit the church. Carry on along the lane, ignoring a turning to the right, and after 1250m you will pass The Hermitage. From here, the lane climbs into woodland before dropping down and winding through the woods. After passing Cripp’s Farm, with a large corrugated shed, the land climbs again, passing a dogs’ daycare centre and St Catherine’s End House. Just past the house, bear left up a bridleway (ST761709). Head straight up, go through a gate, up steps and through a kissing gate (KG). Continue on up with a high hedge on the left – and a superb view behind you. Go through a KG, follow a path up through woodland to another KG, and follow a path as it bears steeply up to the right. When you come to a farm track, bear left up it and follow it as it curves right to a metal gate. Go through the gate and follow a waymark diagonally to the left to head across what was, between 1941 and 1945, RAF Charmy Down, with some of its ruinous

HIDDEN GEM: main picture, St Catherine’s and the church Inset, St Catherine’s photographed in 1887 Opposite page, Sandy Bank Farm

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THE | WALK waymark to the left through the woods, heading in roughly the same direction. On leaving the woods, follow another waymark downhill to the right. Go through a KG, bear left alongside a fence, and after going through another KG turn right along a lane. After 50m turn left along a footpath (ST765675). After climbing steps, you come to a lane. Look for a public footpath to the left, head along it, and, when you come to Bailbrook Lane, bear left. After passing the tin church, go through a KG on the right and head down past Bailbrook House to Batheaston to catch a bus back to Bath. For the second option, carry on down the lane, bear left at the end, and, just before going under the dual carriageway, bear left along Swainswick Lane. After 650m, turn right along a path by a fence and follow the directions in the previous paragraph. n

FACT FILE structures still standing. Ahead you will see two clumps of trees – head just to the left of the right-hand one. Go through a metal gate, carry on beside a fence, and, on the far side, when you come to a fence, turn right alongside it. Follow a gravel track as it swings left through a gate. When you come to another gate, squeeze past it and follow the lane ahead downhill (ST760694). As you walk down the tree-lined valley, with the outline of Solsbury Hill to your left, Larkhall comes into view ahead. After passing Uplands Farm, you have a choice – of a muddy route via

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Solsbury Hill or of continuing down the lane. For the first option, go through a KG on the left, follow a waymark sign across the field and turn right alongside the hedge. Go through a KG and carry straight on between hedges. After going through another KG (ST766681), the ramparts of Solsbury Hill – which you may want to explore before continuing – lie ahead. Turn right and follow an indistinct path across tussocky land. After a while, you should find yourself walking along a track beside a fence. After passing a metal signpost, fork right down a muddy path. After a few metres, follow a

■ Length of walk: 6½ miles ■ Level of challenge: off road sections may be muddy, particularly on the route via Solsbury Hill ■ Map: OS Explorer 155 ■ Refreshments: Gather is a new café at 280 High Street, Batheaston, serving organic food, coffee, beer and wine

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STYLISH | INTERIORS

MAKE A FRESH HUE AND CRY

Bath interior designer Clair Strong gives us her thoughts on interiors direction for the coming year

antone announced its colour of the year for 2016 back in December. For the first time, its chosen hue is actually a blending of two colours: Rose Quartz and Serenity. Not so far away from the traditional shades we know as powder pink and baby blue. The two shades have been paired together to evoke feelings of mindfulness and well-being, something that’s really important in the home, particularly in the bedroom. Pantone says: “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion

PLAYING WITH COLOUR: Sofa.com is running the whole gamut, from this Whitby modular sofa in Blush pure belgian linen, to right a Bluebell daybed in Saffron smart velvet

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and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.” Pantone’s annual decision always influences the year’s colour trends in fashion and interiors, and I expect this year to be no different. We’re already seeing gorgeous pale pink and hazy blue sofas from Sofa.com and matching accessories from brands like MiaFleur and Oliver Bonas. I predict a return to soft, pale hues across the board for Spring/Summer 16.

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ARTISAN GOODS As cottage industries go from strength to strength, more people are choosing artisan goods. There’s a really strong community of designers and makers offering beautifully crafted items, from furniture and textiles to pottery, tiles, glassware and everything in between. If you went to the Bath Christmas market, you’ll have seen this community in all its glory! Our love of handmade will continue to grow and I think we’ll see greater interest in local and globally sourced handmade items. There are so many benefits to buying handmade; the quality, the originality and the great feeling that comes from supporting a small business to name just a few. Don’t be afraid to mix artisanal items with goods from the high street and antique finds to create a unique space that reflects your personality. The Winchester Tile Company handmade tiles

BOLD AS BRASS I first noticed the resurgence of this decidedly retro metal at the autumn 2015 Design shows. Brass was everywhere. It’s a deeply warm and inviting metal, so I’m pleased to see it back. Brass won’t be alone, I think gold and copper will continue their reign of popularity but I can already see designers favouring it over these two elements. From accessories, like pendant lamps and trays to tableware and furniture, brass has worked its way into every area of interior design. This metal is great because it can be used in so many different ways, and it ages beautifully. I look forward to seeing more innovations using this material. BOLD AS: Idyll brass pendant lamp by idyllhome.co.uk and LoandBehold brass salad servers by FermLiving

SMART FURNITURE

HIGH CONTRAST Creating contrast will be at the forefront of many designers’ minds this year and they’ll be using colour, shape and texture to create depth and drama. Contrast is an interesting design technique because it builds atmosphere, evokes emotional interest and creates instant impact. But it can be quite jarring, and it takes a skilled eye to make opposing elements work together. It’s easy to over-do it, but is so effective when it works. It really brings life to a space. I hope we see more people take the brave step of introducing contrast in their homes.

Homeowners are becoming increasingly tech savvy, using smartphones and tablets to control things like the temperature or lights at home. I think we’ll see an increase in this sort of technology use in 2016, but we’ll also see more high-tech furniture reaching the mainstream market. IKEA has launched a range of furniture with in-built wireless charging, making the process a natural part of home life, so its designers chose the kind of furniture that’s used frequently (like side tables and lamps) and turned them into wireless chargers. I think we’ll see furniture with all sorts of hidden talents designed to make our homes and lives more seamless and flexible.

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, friendly, creative business based in Bath and London, providing services for residential and commercial clients. Visit: clairstrong.co.uk or contact: clair@clairstrong.co.uk. WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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INTERIOR | DESIGN

A ROOM OF one’s own

Could this be the year to finally realise that ambition to build a home office, a garden retreat or a studio to create your masterpiece? We’ve been eyeing up Moss Designs’ pods

FOR WORK, REST AND PLAY: left, the Dartmoor is a four by two bay pod, giving 12 sq metres of floor space internally. Above, the Quantock design sits happily alongside historic buildings and with 18 sq metres of floor space is suitable for use as a home office, complete with built-in bookshelves and desks Below, evoking the spirit of the backwoodsmen is this cosy Pembroke Fishing Hut

here may have come a point over the Christmas and New Year holiday, where, fermenting in the close confines of the family, one of you has felt the need for more space. Room to think, if you like. West country based Moss Design produces a range of bespoke modular designs for all sorts of home projects, from the simple kitchen/dining room extension off the house to the palatial, deluxe guest suite or home office, complete with bathroom pod, that can be tucked away at the end of the garden, alongside a lake or overlooking the rolling hills, should your plot run to such delights. Each pod can be designed as you wish as far as windows, doors and solid walls are concerned, making the most of function, light and privacy. They can be in situ on minimal foundations within a matter of weeks, although you will need planning permission if you live in a conservation area. As the Moss pods are deemed temporary buildings, planners tend to look more kindly on them when it comes to erecting them in rural locations, and they appeal to buyers who want natural, eco-friendly materials. Past projects have been as diverse as a yoga studio, a hair salon, summerhouses, swimming pool pavilions, kitchen extensions and home gyms. They’ve been used as tourist accommodation – handy for the AirBnB contingent – as classrooms, business headquarters and as home cinemas. The smallest, simplest designs range from around £25,000 for a sweet little summerhouse just large enough to take chairs and table, out of the wind and rain. Larger and more ambitious designs see more pods fixed together in a variety of combinations, rectangular or L-shaped. To see more visit: mosspods.com.

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GARDEN RETREAT: left, this sweet little Mendip summerhouse provides shelter and a quiet place from which to enjoy the garden

VIP ACCOMMODATION: right, sleeping out just got very glamorous, as this Snowdon cabin demonstrates – bathroom pods can be added for added comfort and pods can be lit and kept cosy and warm all year round

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GARDEN | NOTES

BANISH THE WINTER BLUES

Jane Moore’s guide to starting out the new year with gusto in the garden

egular readers will know that I’m not a fan of January. Indolent and lazy after the Christmas indulgences, I lack lustre generally and the weather often agrees with me which does not incline one to great garden activity. You may be one of those cheery sorts who embrace 2016 with good resolutions galore and gusto to match – in which case stop reading now and turn to one of Andrew Swift’s lively walks. However if you’re more like me, regarding the New Year as it limps onto the horizon as somewhat akin to a post party Patsy in AbFab, then read on for my motivational tricks to get me in the mood for 2016. BUY SOMETHING NEW Yes, by all means hit the sales but buy something new for the garden too. Of course garden centres and suppliers often have January sales but there’s also Ebay, Gumtree, Preloved and whatnot where you could find just that obscure objet d’art that you needed for the vista from the gazebo. Failing such fanciful ideas, it’s a great time to treat yourself to a new bench/ bird table/ Himalayan white birch tree. A mild January is a great time for planting in general but especially shrubs and trees and it’s also a good time to put up a new shed or build yourself a pergola if you’re getting in the swing of things. This January at the Priory I’m planning to make an arbour of green oak and rope which will be planted with swags of roses – I’ve always wanted swags of roses. Now I’ve committed this to print I have to do it and that’s how this motivation works – get an idea, elaborate on it and then tell everyone you’re doing it. The result is impressed friends and an obligation to fulfil your extravagant ideas or risk ridicule. TRY SOMETHING NEW Constructing an oak arbour is certainly trying something new for me – not to mention the rope and rose swags. After all gardening is all about experimentation. You could start simple and indoors by building a bird box or two in the shed. I know you’ve probably already done that from your RSPB download but some people haven’t and you more experienced carpenters could take it one step further and get creative with bird tables, planting boxes or raised beds. For beginners look no further than www.rspb.org.uk for great tips, advice and plans on building nest boxes, generally helping birds out and also 80 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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making all sorts of homes for all sorts of wildlife. Don’t forget it’s also the Big Garden Birdwatch over the weekend of 30-31 January, 2016 too. You can request a free pack for the Big Birdwatch on the RSPB website so it’s got to be worth a look. I’m also planning to get creative with willow this winter. I did a spot of willow weaving in our Chelsea garden back in 2003 but haven’t woven since and it seems like a good time to refresh those Somersetian skills. All you need is a good book, some imagination and a supply of freshly cut willow which is readily available on the Somerset levels. The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre at Stoke St Gregory near Taunton is owned and run by the Coate family, who have been growing willow on the levels since 1819. The centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm and you can see the willow industry from the withy bed to the finished basket as well as buy willow for garden projects. READ SOMETHING NEW In my case required reading will be that willow weaving book but I’m also hoping for something inspiring in my

Christmas stocking. If Father Christmas doesn’t oblige, I may have to treat myself to either a Piet Oudolf book so I can really get to grips with this ‘new perennial’ thing that Piet does so very well. I’m hoping for either Planting: A New Perspective which looks at his larger scale designs for parks and their planting or Hummelo which is an exploration of Piet’s ideas in the context of his own garden. Or perhaps Arne Maynard’s recent book about all the gardens he’s designed which should be an utter delight. If you don’t already have it I’d heartily recommend Christopher Lloyd’s Colour for Adventurous Gardeners which is guaranteed to make you think of summer and sunshine on a gloomy January day. Of course I’ll also be poring over the David Austin Roses catalogue and Peter Beales’ too which are by no means new to me but always feed into new ideas. Time spent planning and reading up about plants for your latest project is always time well spent and I can think of nothing better on a wet, dank January day than having a good read and daydreaming a new border into being.

MAKING PLANS: climbing roses blossoming in swags along ropes is one of Jane’s projects Inset, if you’re going to grow vegetables, why not seek out unusual varieties, such as the Sunstripe yellow courgettes, heritage purple carrots or purple mangetout

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GARDEN | NOTES

EAT SOMETHING NEW Well, perhaps not immediately, but you can plan ahead. January is a great time to plan your kitchen garden as you can really devote some time to it. I love reading through the seed catalogues and websites, finding new varieties that I haven’t tried before or ones that the seed suppliers recommend particularly. Go for some of the smaller seed suppliers and you’ll be surprised at the range they offer, along with personal advice and comments. I love Simpson’s Seeds over near Longleat with their lovely selection of tomatoes, chillies and peppers. For

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DESIGN AND FORM: landscape gardener Piet Oudolf’s books are full of ideas, while if you want to get hands-on, a trip to the Somerset Levels could supply you with willows to make your own hurdles and low fences for the garden

unusual and heritage varieties I’m buying a great deal from Pennard Plants these days including the beauteous Crimson Flowered broad bean and the wonderfully stripy Chioggia beetroot, as well as my latest favourite potato Cherie, a little pink lovely which rivals Charlotte in flavour. If you’re feeling a bit lazy, drinking tea and browsing through catalogues and websites, just remember that if you leave it until spring it’s too late. You’ll just end up buying the same old tried and tested varieties yet again and that won’t do – this New Year is all about the new. n

Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. She writes regularly for the Telegraph and can be followed on Twitter @janethegardener.

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

elieved to be the oldest property in the popular village of Northend, this is a Grade II listed semi detached house in a quiet and elevated position on the lower slopes of Little Solsbury Hill and just beyond the Church of St John the Baptist. The cottage oozes period charm with a wealth of character and period features including beams, an enormous fireplace and mullioned windows. There are two main floors of accommodation with a sitting room, living room/dining room and kitchen on the ground floor and three bedrooms with family bathroom on the first floor. In addition, there is a good sized attic room and a useful cellar/storage room. The pretty gardens are well stocked and designed for sitting out and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The property comes with a detached stone built garage and driveway parking for several cars. This traditional country cottage offers a delightful retreat yet within easy reach of Bath centre, Batheaston village shops and with good access to the motorways.

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

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CHURCH LANE NORTHEND BATHEASTON • Character property set in a quiet location in highly sought after village • Three bedrooms, sitting room, living room /dining room, kitchen, family bathroom. • Pretty and tranquil cottage garden • Courtyard with garage.

Price: £595,000

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Winifreds Lane, Lansdown A spacious split level detached bungalow, on the market for the first time since 1964, with tremendous scope for potential development/refurbishment subject to nec. consents. • 4 double bedrooms, 2 en suite, bathroom • Study/bed 5, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room • Double garage with utility/boiler room & parking • Attractive gardens, store & workshop. Swimming pool • EPC rating D • House 1741 sq ft/162 sq m.

Price: £1.195 million

Corsham A delightful end of terrace period property situated on a sought after road and occupying a good sized, level plot. • Master bedroom with en suite & 3 bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom • Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, office/bedroom 5, boot room • Outbuilding • Garage & ample off road parking • 10m from Bath • Int floor area 2,420 sq.ft. 225 sq.m

Guide Price: £695,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Oldland Common, Bitton A fine detached Edwardian family house with attractive well proportioned, South facing level gardens conveniently placed for both Bath & Bristol. • 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) & further shower room • Reception porch & hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast/family room, utility & cloakroom • Ample driveway parking for 4/5 cars • EPC rating E

Guide Price: £565,000

Castle Combe A charming G II Listed cottage dating back to the 1500s and situated in the heart of this enchanting village. Excellent access to M4 and 15m from Bath. • 2 double bedrooms, bathroom study/landing & cloakroom • Kitchen/breakfast room, reception with inglenook & woodburner • Conservatory into garden • Walled garden • Outbuilding & GARAGE • Total int area 1198 sq.ft (111.3 sq.m)

Price: £475,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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How to get ready for moving 2016 Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

t’s mad to think another year is coming to a close and I don’t know about you, but I can’t stop thinking where this year has gone. Each year there are numerous reports predicting how the property market will perform in the coming months. Although national influences can have an impact locally, we know and understand the Bath market and we can tell you that the outlook will remain strong. The idea of putting your property on the market now is the last thing on your mind but you may be shocked to hear that Christmas is when many potential buyers start looking for their new home. Rightmove has stated that over 1 million of us were viewing property on Rightmove during Christmas day with a huge peak on Boxing Day. Whilst people will not want to view your home over the festive period, they are getting ready to launch their property search when normality hits the New Year again. If you are thinking of putting your house on the market in early 2016 it maybe worth having it listed online. Is your agent responsive? We too have been getting ready for 2016 and recently launched our new website. We have worked with a variety of experts to create a beautifully designed responsive website that is easy to use and provides you with all the information you need whether you're in front of your computer or on the move We are so proud of our Christmas video and it seems to have captured your imagination too! Posting on our Facebook page alone the video has to date been viewed close to 30,000 times. Remember help is available

Crafting beautiful homes In and around Bath

01225 79115 5

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If you are looking to buy in Bath, remember there is support available through two of the Government’s Help to Buy schemes. Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme This is available for new build and existing homes. Help to Buy: ISA The ISA can help boost your deposit savings by 25%. Why not take a moment to research these two schemes whilst you’re off work over the Christmas period. Who knows you could be one step closer to you next home in 2016 than you think. Make 2016 the year you find your next home with The Apartment Company. n

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Demand for quality city apartments remains high

Camden Crescent

£1,400 pcm

Hamptons International are delighted to offer this exceptional lower ground floor Georgian apartment located in Camden Crescent. This lovely apartment is accessible via the basement court yard and benefits from it own private entrance. The apartment will suit the professional market and offers fantastic living space complete with quality fixtures and fittings throughout. Available January 2016

Claverton Lodge

£1,150 pcm

Do you enjoy the countryside views mixed with the convenience of the city? if so this fabulous apartment may suit your needs. The property is located on Bathwick hill and offers allocated off street parking, private patio overlooking the beautiful countryside and maintained communal grounds. Available February 2016

LET AGREED AFTER FIRST VIEWING

Lansdown Place East

£1,050 pcm Rivers Street Mews

Lovely Georgian one bedroom apartment located in the heart of Lansdown. The apartment is based on the second floor and has fantastic city views. Due to increased applicant demand similar apartments required.

£1,795 pcm

Looking for a smart, city centre mews house? Rivers Street Mews is a peaceful centrally located mews made up of six similar properties, the apartment benefits from a designated parking space and is situated in a fantastic central location. Available immediately.

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

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Southbourne Gardens, Fairfield Park Forming part of a brand new development, this four bedroom townhouse with private gardens and parking has been beautifully finished throughout to create a contemporary and spacious home with a high specification of design. Located in a highly sought-after residential area, the property is within walking distance of local amenities whilst a wide range of highly reputed schools are just a short drive away.

*An administration fee of ÂŁ420.00 inc. VAT applies.

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CITY | BUSINESS

PROPERTY | 2016

THINKING PROPERTY The Bath Magazine asks three property experts for their market predictions for 2016

NEAL WOOD (MNAEA) ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL

The past 12 months saw the housing market pick up pace as low mortgage rates and the increasing availability of finance began to show up in mortgage lending and sales activity. But the lack of available stock for sale has been disappointing and held activity back somewhat. Looking ahead, a robust economy and continued low interest rates will support the housing market, although the outlook isn’t without risks. Economic recovery will support wages and support demand for homes, which should, in turn, encourage a faster pace of housebuilding. But the UK isn’t insulated from less rosy economic conditions in the rest of the world and that could take some of the wind out of the UK’s sails. Interest rates are likely to stay as they are for most of 2016, but a rise is unlikely to upset the housing market recovery much given assurances of slow and gradual increases and very few signs of mortgage distress which makes the market more resilient. The investor market will clearly be upset by the new stamp duty surcharge and its effect will be felt most in the markets where yields are most compressed. With higher stamp duty, the sums won’t add up for some would be landlords, but with Help to Buy extended, an improving economy and rising wages, the demand from traditional buyers should grow. n Neal Wood, Hamptons International, 32 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 459817

PHILIP COBB DIRECTOR COBB FARR ESTATE AGENTS

It’s fair to say that has in terms of income 2015 was definitely our most successful year in 26 years of operating. The market for the third year running, in our experience, has remained steady and consistent. There is no doubt that prices of certain types of property have accelerated faster than others. In particular apartments and medium sized town homes, located centrally in Bath, have been very much in demand. It is difficult to predict what 2016 will bring, but one aspect that will be affected, with the advent of the addition of an extra 3% stamp duty on second homes from April, is that there will be a surge of demand for cecond homes/investment property in the early part of 2016. Cobb Farr would suggest that anybody considering selling, has their property valued as soon as possible, as following this change in April, we may experience a lull in the sales levels of this type of property. As a company we have a high degree of expertise and experience in selling both apartments at all prices and medium sized period town houses and modern mews houses. n Philip Cobb, Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath. Tel: 01225 333332.

WAYNE KEENAN CPEA (FNAEA) AREA MANAGER BATH ANDREWS ESTATE AGENTS

It is the season for New Year predictions and the housing market is always a hot topic for such discussion. Although there are few certainties in life it is a reasonable assumption that activity will continue to grow, even the traditional month of December saw a mighty 44% increase in buyers registering with our offices across Bath. Halifax has forecast 4-6% house price inflation for next year, and with speculation on interest rates suggesting they will remain relatively low for some time to come, the outlook remains positive. The family market in Bath is always buoyant, and as many of our clients are aware, finding the right home is a challenge with Rightmove suggesting available property on the market has been at historically low levels in 2015. That all translates into the opportunity to achieve a strong price for your home and looks set to continue. Investors may also see a different picture next year with changes to stamp duty adding additional cost to some investment purchasers, although given how strong the Bath market is, demand will continue. So, I think an exciting year awaits us with the simple and certain prediction that it will be another active Bath market in 2016. n Wayne Keenan, Andrews Estate Agents, 1 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466 182

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Fidelis

Residential Sales & Lettings

Grand Proportions

Newbridge Hill

£3,500 pcm

A Period Family Home Offering Spacious Living Accommodation Close to Local Amenities.

City Centre

Marlborough Street

£1,350 pcm

Georgian Family Home situated on the edge of St James Square close to Royal Crescent, Victoria Park and the City Centre.

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

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01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Fidelis

Residential Sales & Lettings

Church Conversion

Moravian Place

ÂŁ210,000

Unique Contemporary One Bedroom Apartment in Converted Edwardian Church.

SOLD stc - more properties required

Shakespeare Avenue Classic Example of a Fine Edwardian Home Nestled in a Tree Lined Avenue in the Popular Area of Poets Corner.

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

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01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Instruct Wentworth to sell your home before 31st January and receive 20% off our standard selling fee.*

*Terms and conditions apply

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

W ION N E CT U TR S N

Tormarton

Guide Price £1,500,000

A handsome period village home comprising six bedrooms and three reception rooms which flow effortlessly to provide the perfect layout for the growing family. The attractive façade faces a level walled garden which wraps around to the side and in all is just over 2.5 acres with outbuildings which include a garage and a home office. EPC : F

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6 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms 4 Bathrooms Detached Period Un-Listed Orchard and Gardens of 2.5 Acres

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

W ION N E CT U TR S N

Englishcombe Lane, Bath

Guide Price £1,000,000

Elevated on the southern side of the city, this Edwardian five bedroom home has been recently refurbished and decorated to enhance the fine period detail of the era whilst creating a wonderful family space. The all-important open plan kitchen/living space with doors out to the neat garden is of particular point as are the two smart reception rooms as well as practical off street parking and a garage. EPC : E

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5 Bedrooms 2 Reception Rooms Open Plan Kitchen/Living Front and Rear Garden Parking and Garage Views

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NETTLETON, The Priory

ÂŁ800,000

Double fronted detached period home in the sought after Wiltshire village of Nettleton. This Grade 2 listed nineteenth century property comprises six bedrooms, four reception rooms, attic/office, three bathrooms, double garage and gardens. EPC Rating: Exempt Grade II listed

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BITTON, Hunters Hall

ÂŁ1,050,000

This delightful Georgian property, built in 1828, and with over 4000 square foot, has five bedrooms with two en-suite, a games room, conservatory, lovely gardens and is located in the vibrant village of Bitton. EPC Rating: Listed

Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Great Pulteney Street

OIEO £695,000

Grade I listed Georgian apartment First floor Stunning refurbishment • Two double bedrooms Approx 1,061 Sq Ft •

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Prestigious address • Two luxury bathrooms

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A beautifully renovated first floor apartment in the highly renowned, Great Pulteney Street with a level walk into the city centre. The stunning accommodation comprises large drawing room with three full length sash windows to the front enjoying a delightful outlook, modern open plan kitchen with high spec appliance’s, master bedroom with luxury en-suite shower room, second double bedroom and bathroom. Apartments of this nature are very rare and generate huge interest, therefore early viewings are always recommended.

Northanger Court

OIEO £595,000

Modern building • First floor apartment • Riverside • Three bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Communal garden • Allocated off street parking • Lift • Viewing highly recommended Set within close proximity to the river and the City Centre, we are offering a wonderful first floor apartment situated in a modern building. The apartment comprises: spacious living room, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom with luxury en-suite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. The property also has the added benefit of a lift, private parking space and communal lawns which are well maintained throughout the year.

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Park Street

OIEO £500,000

Grade II listed Georgian apartment Lower ground floor Spacious sitting room • Two double bedrooms one with en-suite • Delightful rear garden • Modern kitchen • Study •

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A fabulous two bedroom garden apartment located in a prime position - just off St. James’s Square. The apartment has spacious accommodation that comprises: large reception hall, cloakroom, sitting room with feature fireplace and twin sash windows overlooking the garden, modern fitted kitchen, two large double bedrooms, utility room and a luxury bathroom. The apartment is presented in excellent decorative order and also has the advantage of its own front door. A rare opportunity - early viewing is highly recommended.

Cleveland Court

OIEO £395,000

Modern • Ground floor apartment • Two bedrooms • Contemporary kitchen • Modern bathroom • Stunning views • South facing balcony • Communal garden • Extra long garage Nestled on Bathwick hill boasting stunning views of the Georgian rooftops of Bath, is a well balanced and particularly bright apartment which benefits from all day sun. Externally, there is an extra long garage which is undercover, visitors parking and a communal garden. Once in the apartment itself you will find an entrance hall with storage cupboards, a spacious sitting room with a dining area and a door leading onto the south facing balcony, contemporary kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom, second bedroom and modern bathroom.

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Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Great Pulteney Street

OIEO £385,000 Victoria Bridge Court

Grade I listed • Georgian • Ground floor apartment • Dine-in kitchen • One double bedroom • High ceilings • Generous room sizes • Excellent communal areas * City centre • No Chain A superb opportunity to purchase a newly refurbished ground floor apartment with two bedrooms in the heart of the City centre with all Bath has to offer on your doorstep.

St Georges Place

OIEO £350,000

Modern • Ground floor apartment • Two bedrooms • Spacious • Open plan • Secure development • Communal outside space City Centre • Approx 840 Sq ft

This delightful apartment, situated on the ground floor of a secure development comprises: entrance hall, sitting room, fitted kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms, en-suite and bathroom.

OIEO £325,000 Walcot Parade

OIEO £265,000

Modern Building • Second floor apartment • Two double bedrooms • Open plan kitchen/dining area • Level walk to the city centre • No chain • Viewing highly recommended

Grade II listed • Georgian • First floor apartment • Two bedrooms one double| City Centre location • Far reaching views Period features • Highly recommended

Well presented apartment within close proximity of the City Centre, where you will find all of Bath’s amenities. This bright apartment offers an open plan living area, with a stylish dine-in kitchen, sitting room, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom.

This delightful first floor apartment situated in a convenient location for shops and all local amenities. The accommodation comprises: spacious hallway, sitting room with views, fitted kitchen, two bedrooms with one being a double and finally a bathroom with shower.

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Bilbury Lane

£1,295 pcm Berkeley Court

Lift access • High ceilings ,large windows • Stunning views from apartment • Top of the range appliances and features • Underfloor heating • No parking permit/No pets • Unfurnished Agency fee £350+vat • Available Now

This stunning accommodation comprises: communal entrance via courtyard, lift, entrance hall, fully equipped kitchen, dining area, double bedroom and bathroom all with luxury features.

Crescent Gardens

£995 pcm

Two bedrooms • New boiler • Communal gardens • Garage No pets • Council Tax Band D • New carpets • Fabulous far reaching views across the City • Furnished/Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available now

• •

A newly refurbished apartment comprising: hallway, sitting room with views to the front, fitted kitchen, bedroom one with stunning City views to the front, second bedroom, bathroom.

£995 pcm The Hexagon

£850 pcm

Garden apartment • One bedroom • Central location • Period features • Gas CH • High ceilings • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available 6th January 2016

Two bedrooms • 1.5 miles Bath Spa T/Station • Close to Combe Down shops and amenities • No pets • Council Tax Band B • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available January 11th 2016

The nicely presented accommodation comprises: hallway, sitting room, one double bedroom, bathroom, utility room and well equipped fitted kitchen-dine

Spacious ground floor apartment offering a large open plan sitting room and fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroom all presented to a good standard.

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