The Bath Magazine January 2024

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ISSUE 251 | JANUARY 2024

thebathmag.co.uk | £4.25 where sold

Time to find your balance

THEBATHMAGAZINE

• City visions of what’s in store for 2024 • Go really wild with Simon Reeve • Seek out ‘undone maximalism’ for your interior • History and community at The Hop Pole Inn • Get fitter and happier with our health and wellbeing experts

PLUS... S O M U C H M O R E I N T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B A T H

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Editors Letter Jan.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 14:40 Page 1

FROM THE EDITOR

B

limey, it’s January. Hurrah, though, because we’re putting our best foot forward and have collected together a fair few ideas for the new year (btw we’re not using the ‘R’ word ending in -tions). First of all we have some new year predictions and hopes for the future from 12 figures from the city (see page 18).

Finding your balance is our keynote on the cover – and that’s the theme of the second ReBalance festival organised by Bath BID, a threeweek celebration of feel-good activities, mindfulness and motivation starting on 25 January. That means you could give yourself a good run up to launching into a new healthy lifestyle. Or just do some wholesome things without all the -tions pressure. We’ve also got some healthy lifestyle tips on page 58.

The start of the year has other responsibilities, like checking if your interiors are on trend. On page 68 we assess the style guidance for 2024 from interiors style experts, considering everything from Pantone’s colour of the year Peach Fuzz to palettes of blue, brown, green, golden autumnal hues and yellow, coming to the conclusion that there’s no need to feel hemmed in by colour restrictions. And in terms of adopting a style, the good news is that Undone Maximalism is cropping up everywhere, and you may (without knowing) already have this style in the bag.

We’ve got news of the new TV drama about the Great Post Office Scandal on page 54, starring actors Toby Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh, along with an update from journalist Nick Wallis on this, one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in legal history.

There are two Simons on page 24 and they are both saying things about travelling in wild places. One is Simon Reeve the traveller who has made four films with the BBC called Wilderness; the other is Simon Horsford the journalist who practically haunted the first Simon’s agent in order to secure this interview with an astonishing man. Simon Reeve explains how he tries to follow the advice of the young sadhu, described in his book Journeys to Impossible Places, who said, “You people are in a labyrinth. Just be”.

Now there’s a -tion for us all to take to heart.

Emma Clegg, Editor

Looking good in paper This foldable bench in yellow by Paper Lounge represents one of the themes within our interiors feature on page 68. That’s the idea of reducing the environmental impact of new products on the market. The bench seats up to six people (when you add circular felted seats) and can be neatly folded away into a discreet book-sized shape when not in use. Its unique honeycomb construction gives it strength and durability and the cool design and sharp lines also create an urban yet chic look.

The bench takes up to 300kg in weight and also comes in recycled, white, green, red, orange, blue and brown. From £107.99. paperlounge.co.uk 4 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | iSSue 251

The Bath Magazine 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED; 01225 424499 www.thebathmag.co.uk Editor Emma Clegg 01225 424592; emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk Assistant Editor/Web Editor Jasmine Tyagi jasmine@thebathmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk To advertise tel: 01225 424499 Publisher Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact us at thebathmag.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine and Instagram @thebathmagazine The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. We are independent of all other local publications.

The Bath Magazine is delivered free, every month, to more than 15,000 residential addresses as well as businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in many of Bath’s supermarkets. © MC Publishing Ltd 2024 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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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Contents – Jan 24.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 09:32 Page 1

Contents 5 THINGS_____Great things to look forward to this month • 08 CITYIST_____We meet bus driver Andy Evered, officially the second best driver in England and Wales • 10

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY_____ Richard Wyatt explains his aspirations for the new year and sports a red nose • 14

SAVING THE HOP POLE_____Historical highlights of the Hop Pole Inn in Limpley Stoke as its supporters rally and make the final charge to save this community pub • 44 CITY NEWS_____Local news in and around Bath, as the city welcomes The Cotswold Company and Coopers launches a dramatic rebrand • 50

56

24

FASHION_____Fancy a cable knit jumper?

Get all wrapped up for January with Finisterre • 16 WHAT’S UP IN 2024?_____12 figures from Bath give us their forecasts on how the city might look this year • 18 INTERVIEW_____Simon Reeve talks walking on the wild side as he chats to Simon Horsford about his new BBC series Wilderness • 24 WHAT’S ON_____Our monthly guide to all the things to enjoy in and around the city • 26

MR BATES VS THE POST OFFICE_____Read about the Post Office Scandal

68 44

and the new ITV drama, with updates on the story from journalist Nick Wallis • 54

TRAVEL_____Scandinavia, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Oman are some of the destinations on F&P Travel’s hit list this year • 56 HEALTH AND BEAUTY_____Where can you find a new you? Why right here – from massage and personal training to osteopathy and yoga • 58 TWELFTH NIGHT_____When exactly is that again? asks Andrew Swift • 64

EXHIBITION_____Holburne Museum curator Layla Gatens reflects on a new exhibition by Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid • 32 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS_____Here’s our monthly round-up of artistic goings-on • 34

INTERIORS_____Get in the 2024 groove with some advice drawn from style leaders and local experts • 68 GARDENS_____Elly West whisks us away on a trip to some of her favourite far-flung gardens • 74

EXHIBITION_____We hear from Catherine Ducker whose vibrant floral paintings are coming to the walls of Victoria Art Gallery • 38

Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

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Follow us on Instagram @thebathmagazine

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ON THE COVER Local artist Andy Goodman’s illustration sets the note for a colourful (and spirit-levelbalanced) new year.

More content and updates discover: thebathmag.co.uk

Andy Goodman: @fivebargate_design_studio making-pictures.com/ artists/andy-goodman

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ZEITGEIST

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THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY

Learn how to perform The Natural Youth Theatre returns with its usual dose of fun, comedy, drama, and theatre skills in the iconic Naturals style. Participants will try out some of its famous street-theatre pieces, learn improvisation and comedy skills, and make new friends along the way.

Pick up performance skills from professional actors and directors in these fun and stress-relieving evening drama classes.

There are a range of courses available, including a youth theatre course for ages 11–18 and adult theatre courses for ages 18 and above. Both courses will work towards a pop-up performance in the city centre in the spring term. naturaltheatre.co.uk/theatreschool

Feel revived In the cold, gloomy days of January and February, comes ReBalance Bath, hosted by Bath BID, a three-week celebration of feel-good activities, mindfulness and motivation. Running from 25 January–18 February the events – featuring practitioners, spas, hotels, restaurants, organisations, and different businesses in Bath’s city centre – will invite the general public to (re)discover the city through the prism of wellbeing and to celebrate the city’s connections to its thermal spa waters.

Instagram: rebalance_bath welcometobath.co.uk

Enjoy the show Use January to discover Bath’s local pantomimes with children and adults alike, family shows packed full of music, dance and fantastic costumes.

Don’t miss West End star Neil McDermott play Prince Vincent in Theatre Royal Bath’s Sleeping Beauty (until 7 January). Or experience one last childhood adventure in Wendy: a Peter Pan Story, James Baldwin’s adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic story, showing at The Egg in Saw Close until 13 January.

Other local shows include Wind in the Willows presented by Bath Drama at the Rondo Theatre between 17–21 January, and the traditional family pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk showing from 24–27 January at St Philip and St James Church in Odd Down.

Sleeping Beauty and a Peter Pan story: theatreroyal.org.uk; Wind in the Willows: bathdrama.com; Jack & the Beanstalk: ticketsource.co.uk

Listen to local sounds

Immerse yourself (literally) Pay a visit to the historic Cleveland Pools, the UK’s oldest public outdoor swimming pool., now open to the public for swimming.

Built in 1815, the site first opened as a river-fed pool, before being developed for public swimming.

The pools eventually closed in 1984, but after an 18-year campaign, a National Lottery Heritage Fund £6.8 million grant was awarded to help bring the site back into use as a community pool. The restored pools opened last autumn. Open from Mondays to Thursday 8am–1pm and Saturdays 9am–12pm. Cleveland Pools, Hampton Row, Bath.

Booking: fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/clevelandpools; general info: clevelandpools.org.uk

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Enjoy a true feel-good weekend of local music from 20–21 January with the iconic Bradford Roots music festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre. Roots is synonymous with community spirit, local talent and an inclusive atmosphere and the space will be filled with local bands and musicians over the whole weekend, with events and activities that create an inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Each day kicks off at 11am.

Single day ticket for £17/£9.50 (under 18s and students) or two-day pass for £32/£17. wiltshiremusic.org.uk

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Cityist news Jan.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 14:10 Page 1

City updates

Right: Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution’s present-day home in Queen Square. Photo by David Hall

Bath’s best-kept secret turns 200 One of Bath’s oldest centres of culture and learning, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, is launching 12 months of festivals, talks and exhibitions to mark its Bicentenary. So this year everyone is invited to celebrate its two centuries as the city’s premier public space for debate and enquiry into science, literature and the arts.

The institution came into being in early 1824 and held its inaugural lecture in January 1825 – in a magnificent new building on the burnedout site of Bath’s first assembly rooms, overlooking today’s Parade Gardens. Thanks to the generosity of Victorian scientists, photographers, travellers, war veterans and other collectors, it is custodian of 9,000 historic books and manuscripts and over 150,000 objects, ranging from a 4.2-billion-year-old meteorite to a first edition of On the Origin of Species, hand-inscribed by Darwin. Highlights from this internationally renowned collection, including items never displayed before, will feature in a dedicated exhibition, The World Revealed, from March to October.

Other Bicentenary plans include a science fair, several major festivals and symposia, family events, further exhibitions and a vibrant programme of talks, some drawing in Professor Ian Gadd, Chair of younger organisations from across Bath. the board of the BRLSI. Celebrations will take place mostly at the Photo by Joel Isaac institution’s current home in Queen Square,

where it moved in 1932 when its first home was demolished to make way for a road scheme.

“We’re often described as Bath’s best-kept secret,” says the Chair of the Board, Professor Ian Gadd. “But we want as many people as possible to discover us during our Bicentenary year.

We’ll be highlighting the institution’s place at the cultural heart of Bath while also celebrating our city’s rich creative, economic and scientific life over the past 200 years – and into the future.

“As always, we have a fantastic programme of quality talks by experts on subjects ranging from science through literature, history and heritage, to philosophy, world affairs and more – which will be enhanced by special Bicentenary topics and guest speakers.”

One key difference since 1824 is that the institution now also offers its extensive programme online, and Professor Gadd points out further exciting plans for the year. “We’re also organising larger and more ambitious events. For example, in February we are bringing together local engineering companies for an exhibition, public talks and workshops for schools, and in March we will celebrate ‘Extraordinary Women’ through lectures and a symposium.

“We welcome everyone as we make 2024 a year to remember.”

The Holburne reframed

Want to conquer your fear of public speaking?

Looking for a new year uplift? Then find connections with the Holburne Museum’s popular Up Late 2024 programme, which launches on Friday 26 January with an ‘art after hours’ evening.

The evening is curated and led by a team of Holburne volunteers, who will be offering their very individual statement of what the Holburne and its collection means to them. The aim is to tantalise and entice visitors with a multi-faceted ‘re-frame’ of this Bath icon, a unique combination of art gallery and museum.

Entry is free with discounted special exhibition tickets.

The evening will offer a full programme of talks, creative activities and food and drink in the café. This includes ‘New Perspectives’, a timed series of volunteer-led pop-up talks in various galleries, focused on each volunteer’s favourite object, and ‘New Holburne’ offering visitors the opportunity to share their views on the future of the museum with ideas for the kinds of objects, exhibitions, displays or workshops they’d like to see. Two themed activities run throughout the evening, based on a textile display

by Turner prize winning artist Lubaina Himid.

The Holburne Reframed, 26 January, 5pm–9pm; holburne.org/events

For further details visit brlsi.org

Standing up to speak to a roomful of people is daunting for most of us. But anyone can conquer their fear and become a confident speaker, according to a group of Bath locals who meet up twice a month to practise the art of public speaking.

At the Bath Spa Toastmasters club, members get the chance to make speeches in a friendly and supportive setting. Some come along to get over a lifelong dread of speaking in public. Others want to hone their presentation skills so they can make an impression in the workplace. And some are preparing to speak at a wedding or other big event.

Mike Lloyd, president of the club, says: “You might think that the ability to speak confidently in public is a gift, but the truth is that it’s something you can develop through practice. “Our aim is to create an environment where everyone can improve their communication and leadership skills while having fun.”

Toastmasters, founded in 1924, has more than a quarter of a million members in 14,700 clubs worldwide. At a typical meeting, three members take turns to stand up and give prepared speeches lasting 5–7 minutes. They then get detailed feedback.

Later on, everyone gets the chance to speak for 1–2 minutes with no preparation. Typical questions might include: “Would you rather have more time or more money?” or “Are cats better than dogs?” The club welcomes guests to its meetings for free so they can decide if it’s something that might help them. meetup.com/BathSpaToastmasters; email bathtm@gmail.com

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Cityist news Jan.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 10:58 Page 2

Bath Medical Museum’s new home Once located in the Chapel of the RNHRD when it was in Borough Walls, the Bath Medical Museum (BMM) has since had to reinvent itself. Some of its collection is on display in the 'new' RNHRD waiting room and corridor at the RUH, including the iconic painting of Dr Oliver by William Hoare. Other paintings and items are on show at The Pulteney Street GP Surgery.

The BMM spent nearly three years looking for alternative premises and since October last year, thanks to a partnership with Bath Thermae Spa, there is a small museum showing some of the collection in The Hetling Pump Room at 1 Hetling Court, Bath, in an exhibition called Wellbeing and the Romans. The premises have generously been provided rent-free for the next five years. Now the BMM is seeking to find storage for its collection because the current is unable to Victorian Blood accommodate this. separators In 2024 the exhibition The Three Dr Olivers of Bath can be seen at The Little Theatre from 8–21 January (1pm–8pm). Another exhibition from 10–25 February Enabling the Less Abled coincides with Bath BID’s ReBalance Festival.

From 8 January the BMM at the Hetling Pump Room opens on Mondays from 12pm–4pm and Tuesdays form 2pm–4pm bathmedicalmuseum.org

Mapping out the new year The Bath 5k Map is a collection of circular 5k walks in and around Bath for residents and visitors to engage with nature and community activities with a focus on improving mental health and overall wellbeing. It helps you discover wonderful new things in the countryside from wild swimming spots and woodland to pubs and cafés for refreshments along the way.

The map was created by Bath resident Annie Legge – the initial purpose of the project was very personal, to feed a curiosity to deeply explore the hills, valleys and surrounding countryside of Bath, and to find ways in which to share this with others who are living in, or visiting the city. However, early in 2023 Annie’s 24-year-old niece Cerys took her own life. This brought about a renewed passion and focus to bring the map to life and a focus on mental health and wellbeing for all our young people, residents and visitors.

The Bath 5k Map supports the wellbeing of young people, with 100% of profits from the sale of each map going to two charities Mentoring Plus and Off the Record Bath and North East Somerset, who support the mental health of young people in Bath and beyond. The 5K Bath Map is £12.99. bath5kmap.org

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The cityist Insect of the month

by Marian Hill

MY BATH

Andy Evered Andy Evered has been a bus driver with First Bus for almost 36 years. He was recently named the runner-up best driver in England and Wales at the bus industry’s prestigious Bus Driver of the Year awards.

Name: Blaps mucronate Churchyard Beetle or Cellar Beetle, length 20–30mm These long-legged nocturnal beetles can live much longer than most other beetle species; one beetle was recorded surviving for eight years! Adult beetles can be found scuttling around dark, damp habitats such as barns, cellars, sheds, caves and churches feeding on decaying plant matter.

See more of Marian’s insects at buzzandscuttle.com

Pupils move sustainably

Staff and pupils from Weston All Saints C of E Primary School after completing their Bikeability training Pupils and staff at B&NES schools have been recognised for supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.

Weston All Saints Primary has achieved accreditation for their School Travel Plan that aims to reduce car use and encourage active, safer and sustainable travel.

B&NES Council uses Modeshift STARS to help schools to create their travel plans, with schools achieving an accreditation for each level they reach with five stages from Approved to Outstanding. Weston All Saints Primary School achieved Approved (Green), with a plan that includes implementing a 5–10 minute walking zone, encouraging families to park further away from school and walk the final distance. Chew Stoke Church School has achieved Accreditation for the last two years for its School Travel Plan initiatives and has been the STARS Local Authority and South West Primary School of the Region for two years. beta.bathnes.gov.uk

Ammi majus (Queen Anne’s Lace), Cosmos, Gaura, Nigella, sweet peas and Phlox ‘Cherry caramel’

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Where do you live and what do you like about it?

I’m Bath born and bred. All my family and friends live here. I live in the Oval – it's a good house with all that you need ... shops, transport, schools and good neighbours.

Why did you become a bus driver and why have you stuck fast to this profession?

Driving buses means that you get out and about instead of being stuck indoors and you get to work with some good people.

Shifts can be a pain, but I was one of the only fathers to be able to attend my children’s school events when they were young.

How did you feel when you discovered you had won the award for the second best driver in England and Wales at the Bus Driver of the Year Awards?

It’s a good feeling when you do well and all your efforts and hard work pay off.

Over 100 drivers took part on the day from all around the UK, but many more took part in the qualifying rounds.

The awards took place in Blackpool on the seafront. What did you have to do to prove your bus driving skills?

The tests are challenging but fair – they include highway code, driving hours, driving regulations knowledge, in-service and off-road driving tests, working on a points system for each manoeuvre.

How many different routes have you driven?

I have driven more routes than I can remember over the years.

How dramatically have the buses changed since you started 36 years ago?

Buses are much more environmentally friendly than they used to be. There has been the change from cash to card, and the amount of cars, bikes and scooters on the road make the job much harder than it used to be.

Do you like to drive in your spare time, or do you spend enough time at the wheel?

I like to drive, but the car is a tool to get me to the places that are out of the way – for example I like going hiking with my friend from work.

Tell us about a memorable moment in your career as a bus driver.

A man got on my bus in Kingwood – very drunk and carrying a large holdall – and asked for two singles to Bath. When we arrived, he had gone to sleep and could not be woken. After about an hour we asked two policemen to help us remove him from the bus. When they checked his bag for ID they arrested him – he had robbed a post office and had gone out to celebrate (he was carrying about £10,000 and a very large gun). I was known as the slowest getaway driver for some time!

What are good qualities for a bus driver to have (apart from being good at driving)?

Mostly lots of patience – it’s also important to have an enjoyable hobby away from the job.

What is Bath like as a city to drive around? Do you have a favourite part of the city?

Bath can be difficult to get around, with its narrow streets, difficult parking and so many tourists enjoying our city. Alexandra Park is my favourite part of Bath, with its dramatic view of the city.

Is the First Bus bus-driving community a close-knit one? Have you made some close friends during your time there?

There is always someone who will help you whatever your needs are. I have been lucky with the people I've met. I've got some good memories to look back on, with more to come, I hope.

What is your favourite kind of bus traveller?

Chatty people, young children excited to travel on the bus, and older people with stories of their lives and what they did. firstbus.co.uk

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Richard Wyatt Jan.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 14:28 Page 1

CITY | NOTEBOOK

NOTES ON A SMALL CIT Y

Richard Wyatt

Columnist Richard Wyatt has taken up our January theme of aspirations for the new year.

He’s not short of ideas, but highlights are safer roads for cyclists to avoid more red noses (see left); maintenance, ranging from grouting to surface restoration; and the introduction of green areas to offset pollution, encourage wildlife and restore the soul.

T The absence of kerb stones on Westgate Street

Royal Victoria Park is an escape from the urban fray, but our parks could also give over a bit more space to wild rather than cultivated beds

The colonnades by the Thermae Spa

he Met Office isn’t the only place where you will hear people talking about highs and lows. The meteorologists are referring to pressure systems, while we tend to use such terminology to describe the good and bad happenings in our day-to day-lives.

The year 2023 ended on a big personal low for me, because I lost my elder sister, who, I am thankful, at least found peace after pain.

Not long after this my bike engaged with a rut on Sydney Road and sent me over the handlebars to a hard landing on my nose.

Luckily my Dutch bell took most of the impact and no bones were broken – although for a week or more I hid away with a red nose to rival Santa’s leading reindeer.

Here’s a quick thank you for the sympathy and help I received from a passing couple who were walking their dog, and the wonderful medics at the RUH’s A&E department. Maybe at my age a small electric car might be a better idea for winter travelling, swapping two wheels for four? I am seriously investigating the idea and have booked a test drive in a very small car.

As I step – still on two legs – into 2024, I am determined to be positive in engaging with the future, but of course a change of year makes no difference to the continuing problems the world endures. War and famine, disease and poverty, climate change and pollution, all brought about by humankind. There’s no magic to make it all go away, so I’m planning to concentrate my efforts on speaking up for my own little corner of the planet.

A number of local figures with a strong Bath profile have been asked to comment in this January edition of The Bath Magazine on their specialised aspirations for the new year – and no doubt there will be much positivity in their forecasts.

I take an encompassing view and for something like 12 years I have highlighted the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Bath’s past, present and future. Through my bathnewseum.com blog I offer a dip into daily life, but make no claims to be a newspaper – it’s just my personal view on the immediate world around us.

So what would I like to see happen in Bath in 2024? Well, first of all, if I had a magic wand, every central city road would be re-surfaced to smooth the way and make cycling safer.

It’s also the little things that make an

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impression that matter to me. Let’s finally get someone to re-grout the Guildhall steps, currently not a good first impression of our City Hall.

Please let’s also put the kerb stones back in Westgate Street, which is the most ugly road in the central area of the city, and such a shame for the traders who have to operate beside tarmac pavements and under-par road surfaces.

Now I’m in my stride, I suggest temporary canopy coverings to ease the discomfort from rain or sun for those queueing for the Roman Baths and the Abbey.

Let’s also get the city’s second World Heritage inscription up under the first one outside the Stall Street side of the Pump Room.

Surely it wouldn’t cost that much?

Now shimmy over to the Bath Street colonnade, and admire the columns which have been expertly returned to a more authentic state after its unofficial repainting.

Then look over to the other side because the Thermae Spa need to restore the columns outside their entrance, where it looks like patches of filler are on display.

Now let’s chivvy up Network Rail to get the station clock reinstated above the entrance to Bath Spa Station. It’s been too long without its familiar face as you walk (or run if you are late for your train) down Manvers Street.

Then let’s head north west of the city and plant wildflowers in those artist-made, deliberately rusted planters on the London Road. Then we’ll have a natural pollinator’s highway beside that more polluted manmade route into the city.

My general hope is for a greener city.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see more meadowland and less lawn? For example, even though Great Pulteney Street is an artificially raised avenue with no depth of soil, shrubs or small trees could be planted in containers along those wide pavements. Maybe our city parks could also give over a bit more space to wild rather than cultivated beds of flowers.

Call me grumpy if you will. but having lived here now for 15 years, l’ve rather fallen in love with the place.

My 2024 wish for Bath is for all of us to look after the city’s heritage and also look forward to helping it find new pathways to prosperity in the future. n Richard Wyatt runs the Bath Newseum: bathnewseum.com

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‘New year sale!’

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | TheBATHMAgAziNe 15

Finisterre fashion Bath.qxp_Fashion 18/12/2023 14:14 Page 1

FASHION

Give the year a warm welcome Keep cosy in the great outdoors with some help from Finisterre – products range from cable knit jumpers and hiker boots to tote bags and fisherman beanies, so you’ll be primed to brave the elements...

Shop at 27 High Street, Bath or online at finisterre.com

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Men's Hegen 1/4 Zip Wool Fleece, £1750

Finisterre fashion Bath.qxp_Fashion 18/12/2023 14:15 Page 2

FASHION

Women's Rainbird Waterproofe eJacket, Papaya, £135e

Fisherman Beanie in extrafine merino wool, £35c

Men's Cabet Jumper, wool cablee knit jumper in olive green, £165e

Orion In sulatede Blanket, £75e

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Women's Yarrel Canvasa Trouser in organice cotton, £95e

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Orion Insulated Slinge Tote Bag, £50e

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | January 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 17

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What’s up in 2024?

This illustration by local artist Andy Goodman – called ‘Curiosity’ – sums up how we felt when we started to think about this feature. What does the new year hold for our city? Fortunately we found 12 figures who are immersed in the ways of Bath to tell us about what will be happening in their sector – and in their wildest dreams – next year.

Andy Goodman is an artist and graphic illustrator who observes and interprets the world through everyday language and visual punnery. making-pictures.com

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Co and Green P a rk Br

“Bath’s dining scene is more competitive than ever... This forces all businesses to raise their game”

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’m optimistic – we’re located in a stunning building in a thriving city that has a loyal local food following. Throw into the mix a strong visitor economy with an appetite for great food and drink experiences and you can see why Bath’s dining scene is more competitive than ever. It might be our competitive nature but this forces all businesses to raise their game – a good thing for any city, which I love. We’re fortunate to have great people promoting the city at the Bath BID and Visit Bath, which businesses should see as reasons to be positive for the future.

For us, the next 12 months will see the continued evolution of Bath Pizza Co. and Green Park Brasserie. Come and enjoy our Cocktail Happy Hours, an award-winning pizza menu, an All Day Brasserie menu, Sunday Roast, Bottomless Brunch and all round good times with live jazz/funk/soul/swing every Wednesday through to Saturday night.

We’re proud to offer excellent value and we’ve a unique space with two stunning terraces that are great year round for watching the world go by, especially in the summer, when the place comes into its own with a continental café-culture feel.

The year has lots going on with the ReBalance Bath Wellbeing Festival kicking off 2024 and I want to do more with the fantastic Bath Comedy Festival and Bath Festivals. We’re Food also launching a new venture soon (watch this space!)....” rie se as

greenparkbrasserie.com; bathpizzaco.com

18 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | iSSue 251

ny Moar, Di heatre Royal Bath Dan rec to has recovered rT extremely strongly from the pandemic and at the time of writing all three venues – the Main House, Ustinov Studio and The Egg – are firing on all cylinders. It is as if the absence of live entertainment for such an extended period has made it prized even more now it is back.

Looking ahead to 2024, our highlights are an astonishing run of shows in the Ustinov Studio between February and May. The initial allocation of tickets to see Dominic West in Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge sold out in an hour! It is followed by a scintillating double bill of Pinter one act plays, The Lover and The Collection starring David Morrissey and Mathew Horne and then by Tamsin Greig in Terence Rattigan’s heart-breaking The Deep Blue Sea. We are expecting all three shows to transfer to the West End but you can see them first here in Bath in the 123 seat Theatre Ustinov Studio. theatreroyal.org.uk

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“It is as if the absence of live entertainment for such an extended period has made it prized even more now it is back”

Jan predictions.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 13:05 Page 2

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LOOKING AT OUR CITY

jeweller

Retail

“Bath has the opportunity to become the best shopping city in the south west, but there needs to be a plan in place to do this”

Peregrine Falcons can be seen in Bath on St John’s Church

City Landscape

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Ba th his year is a big one for the Bathscape as we draw together the habitat improvements, access works and events we’ve been delivering in the green setting of Bath, helping wildlife and encouraging people to get out and explore. There’s certainly plenty to discover this year, with Beckford’s Tower reopening in the spring after a significant overhaul, and Cleveland Pools switching on its heat pump for heated summer swimming.

New trail guides and videos on our website (bathscape.co.uk) make it easy to plan walks while our ‘Bathscape Footprints’ podcasts preview hidden attractions of the area. And with tightened purse strings, free events such as the Forest of Imagination (returning in June to the grounds of the Holburne Museum), the Festival of Nature and of course our Bathscape Walking Festival in September, are sure to again prove popular.

To see wildlife you don’t even need to leave the city centre, with Peregrine Falcons on St John’s church and otters in the river, while through a mix of climate change and reintroductions, you can now see animals that simply weren’t here a decade ago. Beavers swimming in the River Avon, Red Kites flying over Whiteway and Southdown, Wasp Spiders catching grasshoppers … the list goes on and will likely be added to in 2024. More importantly, I hope this year through better management of sites we see our existing wildlife thrive once again, more people get back in touch with the joy of being out in nature, and more volunteers join us to help lead our growing walks programme! bathscape.co.uk

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Left: Dominic West stars in Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge at the Theatre Royal; Below: David Morrissey stars in two of Pinter’s oneact plays, The Lover and The Collection at the Theatre Royal

Ba tt, e r

&

aving Wylde Jewellers stores in two very different cities (Bath and Bristol), I see two sides of the retail high street and what lies ahead for us next year and beyond. The high street is seeing one of its most challenging periods, with large anchor stores closing, footfall down as more people are working from home, the competition of the internet and both councils actively discouraging cars from the city centres and not providing any alternative solution for independent drivers, even in the foreseeable future.

Town centres need more independent shops back, specialising in service and items that are not necessarily easily attainable on the internet. Bath has the opportunity to become the best shopping city in the south west, but there needs to be a plan in place to do this, or we will end up like every other city with lots of coffee shops, half-full restaurants and empty storefronts. By comparison, in Clifton Village (where our Bristol store is) almost all of the shops are independent retailers with excellent variety, and barely any unoccupied buildings.

To thrive in the year ahead – and to survive the next five years – we must be forward thinking and much more interactive with our current and future clients, and this is where Wylde Jewellers works very hard to keep the brand at the top of anyone’s jewellery wish list, with exciting new collections and our unique bespoke jewellery. When I started out 36 years ago, I wanted to be at the forefront of our industry for presentation, service and creativity – and I still aspire to do so. Support all independents, please! nicholaswylde.com

“To see wildlife you don’t even need to leave the city centre, with Peregrine Falcons on St John’s Church and otters in the river...”

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 19

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Bath Comedy F es tiv al

especially in beautiful historic venues coupled with exciting pop-ups (or perhaps it’s a generous supply of Tunnock’s Wafers backstage?).

Many of this year’s shows are confirmed and tickets are on sale.

Future predictions: More new stars of tomorrow, more variety, more brilliant female performers and more surprising new venues.

Many events are free – if you enjoy it, pop what you can afford in the bucket at the end (or wave your smart watch at the card reader!). And more business sponsorship. Calling captains of industry: please get in touch to see how your company could benefit from various exciting sponsor and partner opportunities.

In these times I think we can all agree that laughter is the best medicine (unless, as Dr Phil Hammond would say, you have syphilis – then it’s Penicillin!).

Bath Comedy Festival 2024 runs from 1–21 April. The next show is at Bath Comedy Club at Nowhere (Lower Bristol Road), on Thursday 15 February. bathcomedy.com

Bath Comedy, headed by myself promotes and produces a cornucopia of comedy including stand-up, sketch shows, street theatre, magic, mystery tours, comedy walks, family shows and workshops, showcasing up-and-coming new talent alongside famous faces.

This takes a heck of a lot of organising, from negotiating and creating small venues in pubs to juggling slots in the busy programmes of the Forum and other stages. Comedians’ schedules can be somewhat fluid, but artistes love performing in Bath,

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t’s always hard to resist looking back as well as on forward at this time of year and in sharing the Bath BID’s goals and aspirations for next year, I am proud to recall the amazing work our team carried out this year.

Last year, we launched Rebalance Bath, a festival celebrating different aspects of wellbeing in the Business city of Bath. Last year was to Business huge, culminating in a national support news headline stating that Bath is the new capital of wellbeing. Our first task of the year is Rebalance Bath 2024, starting in January. My aspiration is that visitors and more importantly residents and all the people who work in the city, try something new, create new habits and experience the historic and modern culture of wellness which makes Bath unique. See you at the Laughing Yoga in the Roman Baths, anyone?

We launched the Bath Safe Bus in 2023 and have helped almost 300 people since April. Next year we will be fundraising to carry on the brilliant work in the nighttime economy, working with our marshals and volunteers helping people who are injured or find themselves in a vulnerable position. Every medical incident we deal with on the Safe Bus helps the NHS and local emergency services to provide the care that we all rely on.

The Bath BID works with almost 650 different businesses in Bath, and we love telling their stories. This year we have seen lots of new openings and my ambition for next year is to get to know them all as they bring their unique contribution to the overall experience of the city centre. bathbid.co.uk

“My aspiration is that visitors, residents and those working in the city try something new... and experience the culture of wellness which makes Bath unique” 20 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | iSSue 251

“I think in these times we can all agree that laughter is the best medicine”

L

Eco ast year was a fine year for Transition Bath.

Charity It attracted more committed volunteers and started some fine new low-carbon projects. I hope and expect the trend to continue as more and more people realise that, in the middle of a climate crisis, business as usual or doing nothing is no longer an option.

Let’s also hope that 2024 is the year that the new building regulations, of which B&NES Council are rightly proud, are rigorously enforced. Also that the penny drops that we urgently need more affordable, warm and cheap-to-run houses to buy and rent for actual people who want to live and work in Bath.

I have a faint hope that the tiny minority of car-obsessed residents finally realise that a 20 mph limit and a clean air zone (CAZ 4 anyone?) doesn’t mean the end of civilisation – climate change is doing its best on that front – but that it actually leads to less pollution, fewer childhood respiratory diseases and fewer serious accidents. All of which helps to take the pressure off our wonderful, but overstretched, NHS. Finally I expect that 2024 will see that the idea of ‘ecooperation’, (a coming together in a spirit of cooperation of 35 local, low carbon, organic and environmental groups to share information), will continue to expand and flourish. And that this in turn will make Bath an even more pleasant and healthy place to live and work. transitionbath.org

“I hope that the tiny minority of car-obsessed residents realise that a 20 mph limit and a clean air zone doesn’t mean the end of civilisation”

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“I’m optimistic – we’re located in a o sooner has April’s Bath Comedy Festival reached its finale, workbuilding begins on thein next alongsidecity regular stunning a one, thriving that comedy events year-round including Bath Comedy Club a loyal following.” shows,has one-off specials local plus an food Edinburgh Fringe preview season.

Jan predictions.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 13:06 Page 4

LOOKING AT OUR CITY

“My advice to everyone would be to look after yourselves...

Make it your resolution to eat well, sleep well and exercise”

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Combe Down allotments, which Bharat Pankhania wants to protect

Jonathan Bailey as Lord Anthony Bridgerton, with Prior Park Bridge in the background e have seen the Managing Dire is, cto v emergence of r, Da V n screen tourism, or ‘set-jetting’, being featured as a major source of travel inspiration in the UK. With the critical acclaim of Wonka, Season 3 of Bridgerton on its way, and Season 4 of McDonald and Dodds, we will continue to see visitors coming to Bath inspired by these productions, and others, with Bath’s rich heritage of being seen on screen. Beckford’s Tower and Museum is also high on my list of must-sees this year, when it reopens this spring after huge investment.

One of the benefits of the work we do at Visit West is getting to know what’s happening ahead of time, as we develop content for our Visit Bath site and our work with the travel industry, so getting to plan ahead is always a bonus. Bath has an outstanding line-up of exhibitions and performances coming in 2024. I am particularly looking forward to The Victoria Art Gallery’s The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists and Toulouse Lautrec – Masters of Montmartre and the Holburne’s Henry Moore in Miniature and Mr Doodle, bringing a huge energy to Bath this summer. As always, the Theatre Royal has an incredible line-up, (I will be getting my tickets for Bouncers and Blue Beard) plus the Forum, which celebrates its 90th birthday this year, and Komedia have a whole programme of top stand-up throughout the year.

Finally, I am going to be compiling my new list year of foodie places to try, and am especially excited for the new vineyard tours at Minerva Wine this spring and Flourish Food Festival in June. visitwest.co.uk; visitbath.co.uk

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st We it is

he last few years have been extraordinary; we are still living with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic which has altered our world, and continues to do so, especially a new condition, long covid.

The last year also saw the continuing war in Ukraine and the tragic conflict in Gaza and Israel. The recent Conference of Parties meeting (COP28) saw global leaders dragging their feet over fossil fuel use reductions, and saw our own government lying to us that it is cheaper if we drill for oil and open a new coal mine, too.

Amongst this feeling of hopelessness, I aspire to bring positivity.

While we are not able to control global events, we can make small positive differences which translate into giant acorns.

I would like our beautiful city to continue to thrive as a World Heritage City. As Deputy Mayor of Bath, I now have a better insight about our heritage and diversity. We have many exciting, challenging, and enriching societies plus amenities, and I would like everyone here to have a share of this beautiful, multilayered cake.

Green issues are also our future. While the time to plant trees, to green and cool our avenues and streets was 30 years ago, it is not too late, and I would like to have as many of our roads planted with shade-giving, cooling, life-giving trees. Locally I am troubled that our beloved allotments in Combe Down are under threat further to the end of the land lease. I will do all I can to garner support and my best present for 2024 would be to save the allotments.

Our city is a great place to live, but it is also expensive and we must not forget that many people cannot afford public transport fares. My long-term aspirations would be to reverse the deregulated, free-for-all providers offering transport only as they see fit and when it’s profitable; it will be a good day when we can control and provide good public transport for everyone. I can aspire and dream.

Our NHS is not in robust health, and my advice to everyone would be to look after yourselves. Prevention is the best possible action you can take. Make it your resolution to eat well, sleep well and exercise.

Make sure you give yourself and your children the best protection possible by being up to date with your vaccines. Take your seasonal influenza vaccine and, if invited, take the COVID-19 vaccine. Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful and – with more trees planted – 2024. bathneslibdems.org.uk

Visitor Economy

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“We have seen the emergence of screen tourism or ‘set-jetting’ ... and we will continue to see visitors coming to Bath inspired by productions... [such as Wonka and Bridgerton]” THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 21

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LOOKING AT OUR CITY

aging Direct Man or, roperty is a hard business b, Co b o to forecast. Around b C Bath there is definitely more demand than supply in the rental market and I think that will stay the same. The rental prices have gone up a lot everywhere, and in Bath there is a shortage of supply. This is a result of all the measures the government have brought in, and because the interest rates have gone up many landlords have been Property selling properties.

Selling and buying property next year depends on what’s happening with interest rates. At the moment the Bank of England are unlikely to bring them down. If they do come down in the latter part of 2024 lenders will reduce the interest rates a bit. They are, however, likely to offer long fixed deals, which means buyers will get tied into a high interest rate.

There is a reasonable demand for buying properties, particularly family homes. A fair amount has come on to the market, but it’s not necessarily what people want and I think that will continue. This year prices have come down, there’s no question, perhaps by 5% in the past year. Small apartments aren’t selling as easily as they normally do, because there haven’t been so many people looking to buy to invest, although that has begun to change. That’s because people are looking to invest money in property, because prices have come down – and with rentals so high it’s quite a good time to buy. The other point is that people want to buy new homes and the new homes’ stock around Bath is not going to be as significant.

My dream would be for somebody to review the whole property legal system and try and make it a lot easier. It just gets more and more complicated and so much time is wasted. cobbfarr.com

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“Selling and buying property next year depends on what is happening with interest rates”

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Museum urne

“Some of our most important work supports people experiencing challenges and social isolation”

Museum

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his year promises to be a really exciting year for the Holburne. We are working on a capital project which will considerably expand and enhance what we offer and all going well construction work will begin in the summer for completion in 2025. This won’t affect our programme of thrilling exhibitions, from Turner-Prize winner Lubaina Himid through Henry Moore to Paula Rego and Goya, and including the first

22 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | iSSue 251

Office design

“Working culture and inclusion have never been more important”

T

Sarah Ba squ all ,

S

hinking about the future of office and workspaces, many businesses want to attract people back into the office, but they’re having to encourage them in. There has been a huge drive to create more welcoming and flexible work environments with an emphasis on people’s mental health and wellbeing. Employees also want to work for companies that share their ethical and environmental concerns. So the trend towards more inclusive and sustainable workplaces that offer healthy spaces will continue to grow this year and beyond.

When we design workspaces, we adopt a people-first approach and try to involve all employees and stakeholders in the process to create a sense of ownership of the space. Providing a variety of configurable spaces for all types of working styles and personalities is also important when attracting people back into the office. Pods of desks for focussed working need to be balanced with r, Intera ctio signe social and collaborative areas where teams De n r o i can come together. The aim is always to en create an inclusive workplace that’s better than home, with real domestic comforts. Having cuttingedge technology and acoustics is also crucial to ensure hybrid working is seamless.

Working culture and inclusion have never been more important for companies that truly value their people. A great shared office space is a really effective way to demonstrate a commitment to both in a way that allows everyone to work to their full potential. interaction.uk.com museum show of internet sensation Mr Doodle. Do Google Mr Doodle.

Much of what we do goes unseen by many people. Some of our most important work supports people experiencing challenges and social isolation, especially those in the least affluent areas of the city. We offer creative opportunities, safe spaces to develop skills and improve wellbeing. It is this work which delivers against our ambition of ‘Changing lives through art’. We do this with no public funding, relying on ticket sales and the generosity of donors. I worry about how precarious that situation is, but the Holburne has survived, cash-strapped but independent, for almost 150 years.

I find some solace in that fact as many cultural organisations are facing the toughest time in living memory. With costs continuing to climb and increasing demands on us all, government support for the arts is at an all time low, and more and more local authorities are getting close to bankruptcy.

At the same time, we have to look to the future and think how we can adapt to meet the needs of new audiences and do our bit to mitigate the climate crisis through making our organisation as sustainable as possible. For the Holburne at least, the future is looking bright. holburne.org n

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Simon Reeve.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 14:29 Page 1

NATURE & EXPLORATION

Walks on the wild side

Television presenter and author Simon Reeve, who has visited over 130 countries, has filmed a new BBC series, ‘Wilderness with Simon Reeve’, which took him to four areas of the world where nature was largely still in charge. Simon Horsford gets the low-down.

I

“

love being out of my comfort zone,” says Simon Reeve. “It doesn’t happen so often now, as a lot of weird stuff has happened over the years and I’ve banked those experiences and learnt and built on them but definitely when filming this year, we all pushed ourselves a lot farther than we normally would.”

We are talking ahead of his new series Wilderness With Simon Reeve, which starts on BBC Two later this month, and Reeve is detailing some of the exertions of the trip. In the first episode, deep in the Congo rainforest, this entailed a gruesome experience for one of the crew as a jigger flea is cut out of his foot (they bury their eggs under the skin) by the team’s medic, an ex-Marine. “There is a lot of risk involved and it was just luck it wasn’t me,” reflects Reeve.

Reeve has filmed numerous globetrotting series around the world from Meet The Stans (in four Central Asian states, back in 2003) and travelling along the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer to programmes about Australia and North and South America, to name but a few. But this time, the intent was different. “What I normally try and find are places that are populated with every form of life and where people immediately think ‘that’s got a buzz about it, or an issue about it’. Now we set out to find wild and remote parts of the planet, but it turns out that with eight billion people there are human beings in the wild parts

as well.” He uses the phrase “where nature has the upper hand” to give more of an approximation of what they were defining “as nowhere is completely untouched – there’s plastic particles at the bottom of the ocean and at the top of Everest.”

This entailed looking for areas where nature was largely still in charge and that meant “proper expeditions, which took more time to organise and cost more money.” The result is four fascinating films, which take in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving on to the Coral Triangle in the Western Pacific, the Kalahari desert and Patagonia. “They are four contrasting ecosystems – we didn’t want them to fit together in a neat jigsaw but wanted them to stand alone as different programmes.”

Nature, people and wildlife feature heavily in the various regions, some of which Reeve believes are some of the most important places he’s ever been to – quite a claim for a traveller who has notched up around 130 countries. The Congo rainforest, for instance, is vital “because it is part of the eco-system of the planet that helps to control the climate and the eco-system of not just the tropics but of the Earth [as a whole] and on that basis it’s critically important. More than that though, I think the Congo is so unknown and unacknowledged. It doesn’t really factor into our thinking. I would guesstimate I’ve heard maybe a thousand

Simon Reeve in the Congo rainforest (Image: BBC/The Garden/Jonathan Young)

I hope what comes across is that humans have always lived in the wildest parts of the planet [and have] helped to shape and create them

Simon Reeve.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 14:29 Page 2

NATURE & EXPLORATION references to the Amazon for every one to the Congo. That feels like a collective madness because it’s such a critical climactic and environmental feature of the world and so important for us as a species.”

He feels the same about the Coral Triangle, a vast area which covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. “In my view it is the most important patch of ocean on the planet.” Not only is it home to 75% of the world’s coral – nearly 600 different kinds – but 37% of the world’s coral reef fish and six of the seven species of marine turtle.

“I really believe we need to have wild nature on our planet [and] in our lives as humans,” muses Reeve, “without it, our planetary ecosystem would not function as it does and if you took it away unpredictability and disaster would result.”

It is Reeve’s ability to connect with people that also makes his films so enriching, but in this series of films that knack has an additional potency and reasoning. “Too often people have identified wilderness areas as being absent of human beings, or needing to be absent of them.” He suggests that there is a long history in conservation of believing that humans don’t fit into their particular image of how a wilderness should be. “I hope what comes across [in the films] is that humans have always lived in the wildest parts of the planet and haven’t just lived there, but helped to shape and create them in the first place.

“We are creatures of remote wild places as well as bustling cities and it only helps in the protection of these places if we acknowledge that. It also helps in the protection of those people as well, who are also under threat from logging and ranching.”

As for his own encounters in the series, Reeve says there was almost an embarrassment of riches on journey after journey, “my brain is flooding with memories of the wonderfulness and humour and warmth of the people [we met].”

In the Congo, Reeve stays with the Baka, the nomadic, huntergatherers. “They were very special, their culture is so very different and their mentality too in quite fundamental ways. Their life is focused around the community, rather than the individual. They believe in ‘we’ rather than ‘me’ and that [has been] their guiding principle of success for tens of thousands of years. They have a ludicrously small footprint compared to us and live, exist and work in harmony with nature around them.” The Baka’s philosophy is essentially about sharing and protecting.

He is well aware of the relative poverty and difficulties of their existence but suggests “Of course, we can’t all live like that, but we can still look at them as one of the most successful human civilisations and identify how they have made that work.”

Elsewhere in the series Reeve hangs out with the Bajau, sometimes referred to as ‘sea gypsies’, who live nomadically on their boats in the Coral Triangle; while in Patagonia, he meets a gaucho who spends much of the year living in a rustic hut on the edge of the South Patagonian ice field in the Andes Mountains; and in the Kalahari, he is in contact with the indigenous San people, the original inhabitants of southern Africa.

Reeve’s current success – he also does theatre speaking tours talking about his exploits and his life (he visited the Bath Forum last year) – is a long way from his well-documented struggles with depression and mental health issues as a teenager, about which he has been searingly honest, talking in his book Step By Step, of his “chaotic youth” and “fragile head health.” He also stated that at one point “things were so bad that by the age of 17 I stood on a bridge and looked into the final abyss.” But he came through it and admits standing on stage and talking about his life is an “bizarre leap….and quite a transformation”. The one qualification is when he admits that his Dad never got to see his TV programmes. “He died in 2001, a few months before 9/11, which is what catapulted me on to TV, initially as a pundit because I’d written a book on Al-Qaeda [The New Jackals: Osama Bin Laden and the Future of Terrorism]. [So] he didn’t know his lad had sorted himself out enough to do be able to do that.”

The travel documentaries were the spark for the speaking tours (initially suggsted by a theatre promoter), and are seen by Reeve as another “challenge”, but were also the result of his experience “building confidence”. The shows are fun too as he mixes tales of his adventures with honest reflections on his struggles, while also being a passionate advocate for the beauty and future of our planet.

In the past Reeve has suggested “travel is part of our make-up; we need it in our lives, and we lose it at our peril.” But rather than the sunbed and flop kind of holiday, he believes that travel can be

Below: Gauchos, Juan and Taibo with Simon Reeve in Patagonia.

(Image: BBC/The Garden/Piers Leigh)

Simon Reeve diving with whale sharks in the waters of the Coral Triangle. (Image: BBC/The Garden/Kelvin Morris)

transformative, if you so choose. “If you are not controlled by your fears, if you are not kept in check by your nerves, if you don’t believe in the worst-case scenarios, you can create a slightly newer you. Everyone can benefit from having experiences and their senses tweaked. I would always urge people to push themselves. So try to avoid those siren voices, which we all have – ‘this lounger is so comfortable’ – and get up and get out there. Eat some local food, go to a local bar and get some memories. Go for a walk, whether it’s the middle of the city, or the Outback.”

As for himself, he adds: “I’ve gone beyond the stage where travel is a therapy and now it’s a bit of an addiction, and when I couldn’t during lockdown I thought, ‘Oh I’ll be fine,’ but then, selfishly, I started to feel I needed the experiences of being in these places and that’s what I missed.

But I’ve been such a lucky bloke and had those so many times and this all helped resolve some of the issues I had in the past. But now I’ve created some new ones [problems] and I need the rush and thrill of meeting people and being in these situations. When you’ve walked into a flipping Mafia nightclub in Kazakhstan, that sets a new a bar for your local pub,” he laughs.

Despite his wanderlust, Reeve, who is married and has a 12-year-old son, admits he is at his most content “around a lunch table with family and friends at home in Devon,” and hasn’t a clue where he is off to next.

Reeve also still tries to follow the advice of the young sadhu, described in Journeys to Impossible Places: “You people are in a labyrinth. Just be”, he advised. “I’m in a fairly good place at the moment and try not to be upset by minor life problems and to recognise that I am one of the luckiest human beings who has ever lived,” he reflects. “To be alive now, on our island with fresh water coming out of our taps and still [have] a health service and dentistry. These are major things that we take for granted and then you travel and realise they are not.” n Wilderness with Simon Reeve starts on BBC Two on 21 January; Simon Reeve: To The Ends of the Earth is at Bristol Beacon on 7 May. THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | janUary 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 25

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JANUARY EVENTS

WHAT’S ON MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE

n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Enjoy live jazz/funk/soul/swing at Green Park Brasserie on Weds and Thurs from 6.30– 8.45pm and Fri and Sat from 6.30–9.45pm.

Music includes dynamic duos, modern trios and a Hot Club style quintet. greenparkbrasserie.com

BELLY LAUGHS, RETURNS TO BATH Throughout January n Various Bath locations, ranging from The Locksbrook Inn and The Abbey Hotel to Sally Lunn’s and The Mint Room Throughout January, enjoy the delicious combination of food and comedy while raising much-needed funds for local homeless charity Julian House. Taking part are 20 venues hosting a total of 23 gigs over 10 nights. Take your pick from a hearty hearty homemade fare at Sally Lunn’s to an Indian feast at The Grand Eastern, or simply a nice round of drinks from Bath Cider House. Tickets £5–£35 depending on location. yuup.co/belly-laughs

BATH JAZZ WEEKEND 5–7 January n Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill This uniquely co-operative annual event begins on Friday night with the film Ascenseur pour l’Echafaud featuring Miles Davis’ groundbreaking soundtrack.

Appearances across the three days include South African trumpeter Claude Deppa with the quintet Middle Eye; French

Claude Deppa, Bath Jazz Weekend

baritone saxophonist François Corneloup; pianist Sophia Domancich in quartet with master-saxophonist Paul Dunmall, bassist Olie Brice and drummer Miles Levin; vocalists Julie Tippetts and Maggie Nicols in duo partnership; and quartet EscherSteps, a dive into rock, jazz and improvisation.

Find out more at bathjazzweekend.com; bathboxoffice.org

NEW YEAR CONCERT – A CEREMONY OF CAROLS 2024 6 January, 7pm n Bath Abbey As part of Candlemas, in January we celebrate Epiphany, the time when the wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem. Welcome the New Year with a magical evening of enchanting music sung by the acclaimed Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir. Music includes Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece, A Ceremony of Carols and John Rutter’s Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day accompanied by the harp. bathabbey.org

THE VEGAN PLATFORM 7 January n Green Park Station, Bath The Vegan Platform is Bath’s monthly vegan market located at Green Park Station in central Bath. Here you will find a wide variety of vegan or sustainable products, including food, clothing, beauty products, and household items. The market takes place every first Sunday of the month.

There is also a Retro Fit Fair so you can find vintage pieces for your wardrobe. theveganplatform.co.uk n

THE CIRCLE BY SOMERSET MAUGHAM Belly Laughs at Bar + Block, photo by Julian Preece

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10–20 January n Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close, Bath In Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy Jane Asher plays Lady Kitty, a society

BATH FILM SOCIETY PROGRAMME On 12 January Bath Film Society is showing I'm Your Man, directed by Maria Schrader. This German film posits the idea of “an AI rom-com”.

Pergamon Museum archaeologist and AI sceptic Alma agree to test robot capabilities in return for a research grant and are soon introduced to ‘Tom’.

Alma never thought she'd meet her perfect man. Has something just clicked?

Then on 26 January comes The Quiet Girl, directed by Colm Baireread, where most of the film’s dialogue is in Gaelic.

Nine year old Cait is sent to spend a summer with “her mother's people”.

There she finds a tender welcome tinged with a mysterious sadness. Fine, subtle performances prove, as one critic noted, “the smallest stories can have a global impact”.

Bath Film Society Screenings are held at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16–18 Queen Square at 7.30pm on Fridays. Enjoy a drink from 7pm before the film. Visit The Bath Film Society website for more information: bathfilmsociety.org.uk; membership secretary: mail@bathfilmsociety.org.uk

beauty who abandoned her stuffy husband Clive (Clive Francis), and eloped with the handsome Lord Porteous (Nicholas Le Prevost). Thirty years later, they have descended into non-stop squabbling...

Meanwhile their son faces the same marital fate, as his wife threatens to elope. Tickets from £22.50. theatreroyal.org.uk Continued page 28

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JANUARY EVENTS

14 January, 12.30pm for 1pm n The Bath & County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath Enjoy a Sunday roast dinner at the Bath & County Club. £29. bathandcountyclub.com/events

From A Child's Book of Stories by Penrhyn W. Coussens, illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith

BATH & COUNTY CLUB: SUNDAY CARVERY

UNIVERSITY OF BATH GARDENING CLUB: ALYS FOWLER: POLYCULTURE – EAT WHAT YOU GROW

BATH PROBUS CLUB 11 January n Bath and County Club, Queen’s Parade The Probus Club is offering a talk on ‘Policing in the Sixties’. Membership of the club is open to professional and business people who are aged 55+ and are wholly or partially retired. The club has recently voted to welcome female members to the group.

Talks take place on the second Thursday of each month. You can also enjoy a twocourse lunch with coffee, priced at £22.

Tel: 01225 469722; Email: brianwebber3@outlook.com

JAZ DELOREAN 13 January, 8pm–10.30pm n Chapel Arts, St James’s Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls Jaz Delorean is a London-based British singer with the European touring band Tankus the Henge and also on his own at the piano. The songs that he sings and plays take inspiration from bar-room piano players of the Old West, and the mournful melodies of his Cypriot ancestry. Advance tickets are £16, door price £18. chapelarts.org

Jaz Delorian at Chapel Arts

17 January, 7.30pm–9pm n University of Bath, East Building, Claverton Down Alys is a gardener and writer, now living in Wales. This talk explores the art of polyculture, growing a variety of different plants together, resulting in an intricate garden design that celebrates biodiversity as well as deliciousness. Open to all. Annual membership £25, visitors £8. ubgc.org

ALDRIDGE’S OF BATH AUCTION 16 January, 10am (viewing on Saturday 13 January) n Online Decorative and household sale, including Victorian, Edwardian, 20th-century and modern household furniture and furnishings, decorative china and glass, pictures and prints, mirrors and rugs; also garden furniture, tools and general household goods. aldridgesofbath.com

NICOLA BENEDETTI AND BATH PHILHARMONIA 16 January, 7.30pm n Bath Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath Start your new year facing a brighter future with Bath Phil in a concert that shimmers in the moonlight and embraces the warm glow of home, featuring superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti performing Bruch’s gloriously romantic evocation of Scotland, Scottish Fantasy, along with works by Dvorjak, Vaughan Williams, Dani Howard and Joan Tower.

Tickets from £25, under 18s and students £5. bathforum.co.uk

BATH DRAMA: THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS 17–21 January, 7pm Wednesday to Saturday, 2pm Saturday to Sunday n Rondo Theatre, St. Saviours Rd, Bath The adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and the unforgettable Toad are told in this magical adaptation which stays close to the original story and appeals to adults and children alike. A Bath drama production adapted from the original book and directed by Gill Morrell. Tickets £14/ £12/£10. rondotheatre.co.uk

WINE DINNER AT LA TERRA 17 January, 7.30pm n 2 John Street, Bath This exclusive wine dinner will treat diners to a four-course meal and a matching wine 28 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | iSSue 251

Jack & the BeanStealk at St Philip & St James Church

flight to accompany each course, designed around wine from one of the most prestigious Italian red wine areas, the Valpolicella region of Verona. The three subzones of Valpolicella will all be featured in the wines – Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Valpantena and Eastern Valpolicella. Arrival drinks at 7.30pm. £78 per person. laterra.co.uk

WORKSHOP: INTRODUCTION TO FERMENTATION 24 January, 9.30am-3.30pm n Iford Manor Kitchen, BA15 2BA Perfect for anyone interested in fermenting their own drinks, or vegetables, and reducing food wastage. Learn about making your own tepache, kimchi and more under the tutelage of head chef Matthew Briddon. The day includes refreshments, a delicious lunch in Iford Manor Kitchen’s restaurant and all materials and ingredients. ifordmanor.co.uk/fooddrink

JACK & THE BEANSTALK 24–27 January, Weds – Fri 7.30pm, Sat 1pm and 5pm n St Philip & St James Church, Odd Down Family pantomime by St Philip & St James Church Drama Group. Packed full of music, dance, larger-than-life characters and a few surprises, this is one not to be missed! Tickets adults £10, under 18s £6. Tel: 01225 835228 ticketsource.co.uk/spsjdrama

DELICIOUSLY ELLA: HEALTHY MADE SIMPLE 25 January, 6.30pm n Komedia, 22–23 Westgate Street Ella Mills, known as ‘Deliciously Ella’, brings us a brand new cookbook featuring simple, vibrant, plant-based recipes that take less than 30 minutes to make. Early bird price £8, or £22 including a copy of the book. komedia.co.uk

BATH & COUNTY CLUB: BURNS NIGHT 26 January, 6.30pm for 7pm n The Bath & County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath Burns Night marks the anniversary of the poet Robert Burns’ birth. Black tie and tartan. £40 bathandcountyclub.com/events

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FEBRUARY EVENTS

LOOKING AHEAD NIGEL WEARNE 1 February, 8pm (doors open 7.30pm) n Chapel Arts, St James’s Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls Hot on the heels from playing the Cambridge Folk Festival and UK Americana Music Week in 2023, Australian singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne returns to the UK. Wearne is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with diverse influences such as Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones. Blending blues, jazz and Americana-noir, he’s a songwriter at heart. His new album The Reckoning has received early praise with the first three singles earning him a nomination for Best Blues Work at the Music Victoria Awards.

The Reckoning is a full band explosion of songs, stories and musical mayhem. Tickets £16/£14. chapelarts.org

THE ARTS SOCIETY LECTURE ON UNDERSTANDING ABORIGINAL CULTURE 5 February, 11.30am–12.30pm n Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill and online The indigenous population of Australia occupied the land for over 60,000 years in relative isolation. Discover their ancient

Understanding Aboriginal Culture, Arts Society lecture

traditions and how they have adapted to modern times since the arrival of Captain Cook. To attend as a guest the lectures are £10 in the venue and £7 over Zoom. A place must be reserved by emailing bath@theartssociety.org by Friday 2 February. theartssocietybath.com

LARA MELDA & BATH PHILHARMONIA 14 February, 7.30pm n Bath Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath

Fill your hearts with music at a concert exploring the many facets of love and joy, featuring award-winning pianist Lara Melda performing Chopin’s elegant but unrequited second piano concerto. Tickets from £25, under 18s and students £5. bathforum.co.uk n

For updates and new events subscribe to our weekend edition newsletters.

See thebathmag.co.uk to sign up.

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HONEY WILLOW 8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AX Open: Tue-Sat, 10am - 4pm and Sun 11am - 4pm

Honey Willow is a Bath family run jewellery business.

We make meaningful, personalised jewellery celebrating loved ones and life’s milestones. Jewellery that customers love to give and receive. All handmade to order in our Bath workshop.

Visit us on Pulteney Bridge or find the full range online: www.honeywillow.com

Discount code for 10% off : BATHMAG11

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ARTS

How do we see multiple things at once?

How do we thread different histories through a space?

How do we open up conversations to engage with the complicated history of colonialism today?

Lubaina Himid’s Lost Threads exhibition at Gawthorpe Hall in Burnley, Lancashire

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ARTS

Lubaina Himid: Lost Threads

Layla Gatens, Curator of Contemporary Programmes at the Holburne Museum, reflects on a new exhibition opening there in January by Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid

S

ince 2018, the Holburne Museum has been delivering an ambitious programme of contemporary art, presenting new commissions and exhibitions by artists Grayson Perry, Sunil Gupta, Alberta Whittle, Aaron Angell with Steven Claydon and Nalini Malani. I’m excited to be building on this dynamic programme in 2024 with a new exhibition by artist Lubaina Himid, opening on 19 January.

Born in Zanzibar in 1954, Lubaina Himid is a British artist who has dedicated her career to uncovering marginalised and silenced histories, figures and cultural expressions. In a practice that includes paintings, prints, drawings and installations, her work addresses histories and legacies of colonialism and slavery, and engages with political questions and artistic traditions from the 18th century to the present day.

In her own words, Lubaina’s approach to art-making, education and curating is about “changing systems and highlighting what is missing.

It’s a strategic practice.” This can be seen and felt across her work as an artist, curator and professor. It’s hard to summarise the depth, breadth and impact of her 40-year career – she trained in theatre design, and began curating exhibitions of her own work alongside other black artists in the 1980s, bringing black histories and identities to the forefront of the British art scene.

Lubaina has developed a distinct visual language which challenges forms of institutional invisibility and often makes powerful interventions centring the narratives and experiences not often presented in museum and gallery spaces.

Lost Threads, her new exhibition at the Holburne, will see 400 metres of vibrant Dutch wax fabric pieces weave and flow across the front façade and in and around the permanent collections in the Ballroom and Picture Galleries. First exhibited at Gawthorpe Hall in Burnley as part of the 2021 British Textile Biennial, the exhibition reflects the movement of the oceans and rivers that have been used to transport cotton, yarn and enslaved people throughout history. The installation traces the paradoxes of textile production and circulation by engaging with its material implications, and asks the following questions: How do we see multiple things at once? How do we thread different histories through a space? How do we open up conversations to engage with the complicated history of colonialism today?

Although the vibrantly coloured and intricately patterned fabric is seen as African, it was originally developed by Dutch colonial companies attempting to mechanically reproduce handmade Javanese batik cloth in Holland. When the material failed to take off in Southeast Asia, Dutch traders began to sell the cloth in West African markets where it became interwoven with the history, artistry and identities of the African diaspora.

The exhibition continues Himid’s exploration into the making of clothing histories of colonisation, female labour, migration and globalisation and exposes the role of colonisation in the formation of cultural heritage and identities. Displaying it in the Holburne in this striking installation brings this complicated history to our attention, inviting us to think of the unexpected people and the places which have shaped this material, and all of the hierarchies and relationships it represents.

It’s a desire at the Holburne to bring different perspectives and histories to our audiences through our Contemporary Programme, and as a curator my work has come to centre around how art and creativity enables us to dream and imagine different futures. I’m grateful to work with artists such as Lubaina who for many years has been demonstrating how art can be a tool for change and transformation, and whose long artistic practice embodies and supports forms of resistance.

Her work makes me think of a quote by scholar and activist bell hooks, who has influenced my approach to curating and working with others. She writes about building and sustaining community through education and the importance of working collectively and with love for societal change. I often go back to her writings and videos for inspiration and hope.

“The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is – it’s to imagine what is possible.” (bell hooks, Outlaw Culture: Resisting Representations, 2012) n Lost Theads by Lubaina Himid is at the Holburne Museum from 19 January – 21 April Below, from top: Nalini Malani: My Reality is Different was at the Holburne from October 2022 to January 2023; Sunil Gupta: The New Pre-Raphaelites was at the Holburne from September 2021 to January 2022

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

The Last Ride by Lydia Corbett

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Exhibition, from 3 January, Beaux Arts Bath, 12-13 York Street Beaux Arts kicks off 2024 with a selection from the gallery stable – Jo Barrett, Helen Simmonds, Nathan Ford, Atsuko Fujii and Anthony Scullion. Includes sculptures by Beth Carter, Anna Gillespie, Patrick Haines and Nichola Theakston (see left) and ceramics by Jack Doherty, Chris Keenan, Akiko Hirai and Adam Frew. Open 10am–5pm Monday to Saturday Resting with Ancients by Nicola Theakston

Mixed Winter Exhibition, David Simon Contemporary, 37 High Street, Castle Cary BA7 7AW 4, 5, 6 January, and 18–29 January This popular and anticipated annual Mixed Winter Exhibition includes a large variety of paintings, ceramics and bronze sculpture by gallery artists. Works may be taken at any point during opening days in January. Highlighted is a collection of ceramics in Raku by established and nationally renowned ceramist Elizabeth Raeburn, who exhibits with the gallery for the first time. The Cornish Potter has created a select group of Moon Jars. Open Monday – Saturday (except Wednesday), 10am–5.30pm.

beauxartsbath.co.uk The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists, Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, 19 January – 14 April

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris, until 14 April 2024 This exhibition brings together paintings, watercolours, drawings and sketches to trace Gwen John’s career. The exhibition will place her art in relation to the two cities where she chose to live and work: from her early years at the Slade School of Fine Art in London to her move to Paris in 1904 and the life she built as an artist there.

Gillian Lowndes: Radical Clay, 26 January – 21 April Gillian Lowndes (1936-2010) was one of the most daring and original artists of the post-war period.

Focusing on work from the 1980s to the 2000s, the exhibition showcases a small number of tabletop and wall pieces which reflect the breadth of her practice in the last few years of her career. holburne.org 34 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | iSSue 251

Kaori Homma at sandrahiggins.art

Still Wondering in the Woods IV, by Kaori Homma

This colourful, family-friendly exhibition includes rare books, original artwork and artefacts, and reveals how illustrators contributed to Ladybird’s extraordinary success. The company’s story is recounted over Ladybird’s ‘golden years’ – 1940 to 1975. Visually rich and varied, the exhibition will evoke many memories of childhood. Hundreds of Ladybird books are available for visitors to browse through and share in themed retro reading areas. There’s lots for children to enjoy, with a free exhibition ‘I Spy’ trail and a quirky ‘Coco the Caravan’ reading den. victoriagal.org.uk

davidsimoncontemporary.com

Sandra Higgins Art is delighted to exhibit works by Kaori Homma. Born in Japan, Kaori’s fire-etchings are known as Aburidashi in Japanese. They reflect the artist’s ability to play with the element fire, using lemon juice as an invisible ink, once heated these delicate images come to life.

A Corner of the Artist’s Room in Paris (detail), Gwen John, oil on canvas 1907–9 © Sheffield Museums Trust

To view works by Kaori, visit the online gallery or email Sandra to arrange a private view. sandrahiggins.art; sandra@sandrahiggins.com

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Latest art commission for the Dyson Cancer Centre The light, airy space of the Atrium entrance to the Dyson Cancer Centre (DCC) at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) is the perfect backdrop for a large-scale mural by artist Mark Sands, who was born and raised in Compton Dando near Bath.

Mark specialises in the technique of Chinoiserie, a style inspired by art and design from China, Japan and other Asian countries in the 18th century. He first approached Art at the Heart of the RUH with initial studies for Bee Eaters in Olive Trees almost ten years ago, when the art and design for the DCC was being considered. The concept simmered on the back burner until the arts commissioning programme became active, following the overarching theme of Land, Water and Sky. Bee Eaters in Olive Trees has been inspired by the landscape that surrounds the artist’s smallholding in Portugal. The mural is painted on three six-metre long canvases – when it came to joining each section, the artist rolled them up and took them to Fabrica Creatividade in Castelo Branco, a European funded arts initiative. They had a large flat floor and a tower ladder, which allowed Mark to climb up and look at the whole piece together. The artwork will arrive in February, and will be installed by the artist with the

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Coming soon Bath Art Fair, Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU. 24–25 February

assistance of a scissor lift.

Mark says, “Making a mural for the new cancer centre has been a spirited affair. It has been an honour, sometimes emotional and enlightening. It brought an opportunity to find a closer connection to the ancient tree of hope ... its magic and its healing power.

“The birds I’ve depicted are bee-eaters (the French call them wasp-eaters); they are agile, swift flyers and a joy to watch – for several years now you have been able to spot them on the south coast of England.”

The Dyson Cancer Centre is due to open in spring 2024. ruh.nhs.uk

Bringing together over 90 of the most innovative and exciting professional independent artists from Scotland to Cornwall, including many from the south west, the Bath Art Fair is the place for customers to discover new original art. Visitors enjoy meeting the artists and find an emotional connection with their work that galleries just can’t offer. Created by Somerset artist Alce Harfield, the fair is now in its seventh year.

Alce is once again donating an original Glastonbury Festival painting for the charity raffle, with proceeds going to the charity Bath Welcomes Refugees.

Opening times: Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm. Tickets £7 online, £8 on the door. bathartfair.co.uk

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ARTS

Exhibition profile

Catherine Ducker’s luminous and vibrant floral paintings have found a home in Victoria Art Gallery from 9 January, shedding pinnacles of light on the dark winter days. Here Catherine talks about her style of painting...

W

hy is painting your choice of art media?

I am an observer like most artists – it stems from my childhood. A lot of dysfunction and misunderstanding led me to be quiet as a child, and internalising. I therefore needed an outlet for the rest of my life. I felt at peace conversing with the 2D surface, and it’s been my way of being for a long time. Paint is like gardening or cooking for me. It’s a way of putting ingredients together to make something as a way of personal expression. It has to be personal because that’s how we make genuine, individual work.

What types of paint do you use and why does this suit you?

I use whatever I can get hold of; it doesn’t really matter to me. It’s an expression of moments. However, when I left art school in the 1990s I loved the beauty in watercolour and other water-based media – it’s the way it flows into the paper and the freedom that resonates with me. I was trained at Central St Martins over four years. This was great as you are challenged on all levels, to carry on for the rest of your life.

Water-based mediums give me the fluidity I want to splash about with if I need to, without the toxicity.

What is it about the language of flowers that appeals to you?

My inspiration used to be magical landscapes – the fog rising or the

growth of plant formations, the sky, the season, the berries in the hedgerow. It’s really what moves me inside. Flowers really work for me because I grow lots of them. I am a keen soil person, focusing on bio-diversity and the micobiome. Flowers are magical, representing the beauty of species in the UK. I want to find beauty in the world and bring it on to a surface with emotion too.

You have grown biodiverse wildlife corridors around your home in Oxfordshire. How does this feed into your work as an artist?

I have been working in conservation and systems as a way to earn my living when I haven’t been able to do this from my art. Monocultures are not good for ecology or humans and therefore I have taken time to get involved in making wildlife corridors and wild flower margins – it’s beautiful. It eases my soul to know nature can get a safe place alongside farming systems. This work is ongoing.

Your flower paintings are defined by light and are full of energy. Do you work intuitively when you paint?

I totally work intuitively. Sometimes I will sketch and sketch and that helps me know what to do. Because I draw and paint most days, and so how it should be comes to me, with experience telling me how much space there should be around the subject. I love everything about the negative spaces around the objects in the painting, in this case the flowers. My energy flows onto the surface; there are tempos and, yes, a sense of light is important to me.

Tell us about the backgrounds of your flower studies, which tend to be very abstract The backgrounds of all my paintings are where a lot of free emotion and my experience as an abstract painter evolve from. I love texture, so this is where I get to play with that.

What artists past and present inspire your practice?

I love so many artists, ranging from Hockney, Bacon, Gillian Ayres, William Kentridge, Barbara Rae, Gillian Wearing and Yoyoi Kusama.

I also love Eastern art like Thangka painting. I seek out artisis who have very strong emotions but are in control of them and you don’t feel despair when looking at the works, but that ‘it will be ok!’ I love that. Paintings that last the test of time, not rushed.

How would you like observers of your paintings to feel when they visit the gallery?

I would love the viewers to look up close at the paintings and lose themselves in the depths of the colours. And hopefully find a bit of magic and connection. To look at again and again. They don’t work on one level – they aren’t just flowers but parts of me. Energy with positive intensions and emotion. They are also gifts of love. n Catherine Ducker: Emotion in Colour, at Victoria Art Gallery, from 9 January – 21 April, in the foyer gallery; victoriagal.org.uk

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Thank you for 5 years on George Street

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e are not going anywhere but we’d like to thank our customers who have entrusted us with their items which have been consigned to us for sale over the last few years. We’ve sold some wonderful items and collections over these few years which have now been dispersed to keen buyers and collectors around the world. Pieces which have been sat in local Bath homes for numbers of years occasionally unbeknownst to the owner, their history or monetary value.

I’ve chosen a few sold items which I personally have an interest for and were consigned to us from local homes.

A Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Balsam Pear Bowl, Daoguang Mark and Period (1821-1850)

A Chinese Embroidered Silk Blueground Nine Dragon Robe, Qing Dynasty

It’s not too often a piece of Imperial Chinese porcelain comes to the market.

Chinese porcelain is split into categories.

‘Export ware’ porcelain which was produced for export to the west between the 16th and the 20th century. ‘People’s ware’ which was not intended for Imperial use but for the wider China population, and finally ‘Imperial ware’ specifically manufactured under the reign of the Chinese emperor for the Imperial household or palace use. This bowl could have well been used in the Imperial palace but was probably traded after the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911.

This bowl was consigned to us this year and sold through for £19,500 to a Chinese mainland collector.

We have consigned many Chinese textiles over the years from local Bath homes and surrounding areas. Chinese textiles are easy to fold up and pack into a suitcase and were often bought over by missionaries, military, doctors etc. who worked in the east from the early 20th century. By the end of the seventeenth century, the Qing court decided to redesign the dragon robes of the Ming dynasty and from the early eighteenth century, the Qing court has established a dragon robe with nine dragons, wherein four dragons would radiate from the neck on the chest, back and shoulders to symbolize the cardinal directions. This robe which sold for £8500 in 2021 is an example of this.

A pair of Chinese Zitan Horseshoe-back Armchairs ‘Quanyi’, Qing Dynasty

The Chinese name for this type of chair ‘Quanyi’ literally translates to 'chair with a circular back' or 'circle chair'. The English name for this form however refers to the overall shape of the back and arm rests, which resembles a horseshoe. These chairs were purchased in Hong Kong in the 1970’s by a local family and went on to sell through us for £39,000 to the very welcome surprise of the vendor. Chinese furniture prices vary dramatically based on the wood type used.

Certain varieties of hardwood such as ‘Zitan’ and ‘Huanghuali’ fetch the greatest prices compared to softwoods such as elm.

If you have any potential items at home which you’d like to learn more about, do feel free to contact us at Ma San Auction for a free valuation.

Ma San Auction, 2 Princes Buildings, George St. 01225 318587 enquiries@masanauction.com

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FOOD & DRINK

High expectations, low alcohol

FOOD & DRINK A TASTY DISH FOR ANYONE EMBRACING VEGANUARY

Our favourite non-alcoholic libations This month, we’re exploring some of the most delicious drinks on the market that have very little or no alcohol in them. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a sophisticated drinking experience, fuelled by complex blends of botanicals, while keeping a clear head; just the thing for Dry January and beyond. Discover more at

greatwine.co.uk First up is this winter-only blend from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Co., which is available between November and March. The low-ABV Vinter is made by blending spiced chai and Earl Grey teas with riesling wine, giving a complex gingerbread and citrus impression, with a balance between restrained sweetness and tea tannin. It’s made in Denmark, and is certified organic. It’s fantastic on its own, as a low-alcohol alternative to Champagne, but it also forms the basis for some beautiful cocktails. £15.50

Next on our list is Three Spirit’s Livener. It’s a UK-made, naturally invigorating botanical drink that can be served on its own over ice or used as an ingredient in a non-alcoholic cocktail. This fiery elixir is powered by guayusa, schisandra and energising plants used for centuries in ceremonies and potions. The flavour profile is lifted by vibrant berries, bright aromatics and heat for a lively, euphoric feeling. £31.50

Heading south-west to the Cornish coast, we have Pentire’s Seaward. This is a bright, zesty, verdant botanical non-alcoholic spirit made by distilling unique plants native to Cornwall's coast, including sea buckthorn, sea rosemary, wild seaweed and woodruff. Simply serve with ice and a tonic of your choice. £28 42 TheBATHMagazine | janUaRY 2024 | issUe 251

Recipe by Melissa Blease

Vegan miso soup for the soul Feeling jaded at the start of January is all part of the annual mood-swing calendar; the bills have rolled in, the pounds have (probably) rolled on and the bleak midwinter weather is in full force. But it's most definitely not all doom and gloom in the kitchen...

We're going to kickstart the new year with a simple soup that nourishes, soothes, cleanses overladen digestive systems and revitalises our senses all in one deeply umami, personality-laden pot.

White miso – a nutrient-loaded fermented paste made from rice, barley and soya beans – is a key ingredient here; there is no substitute, but fortunately it's readily available in high street supermarkets (as is silken tofu), while the rest of the ingredients are probably already lurking at the bottom of your fridge.

Ingredients (serves 2) 750ml vegetable stock 3cm fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into matchsticks 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and chopped 1 generous handful shredded savoy cabbage 1 carrot, grated 2 tablespoons miso paste 200g silken tofu, diced Chopped spring onions, to garnish; dark soy sauce, to season Method Pour the stock into a pan and bring to the boil. Add the ginger, garlic, chilli, cabbage and carrot and simmer (partially covered) for 5 minutes.

Add the miso paste and stir well before adding the tofu and simmering (uncovered) for a further 1–2 minutes. Serve hot, topped with splashes of dark soy sauce and a sprinkling of chopped spring onions.

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LA TERRA R E STAU R A N T Mediterranean

Valentine Day Wednesday 14th February (our full à la carte available) Wednesday 17th January wine Dinner Amarone Tenuta Brigaldara Veneto

La Terra Restaurant 2 john street Bath BA1 2JL 01225 482070 • booking@laterra.co.uk • www.laterra.co.uk

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CITY HISTORY

Saving the Hop Pole The Hop Pole Inn in Limpley Stoke is a building with a past that represents a microcosm of a broader history. At one extreme it has witnessed the aftermath of the Dissolution of the Monasteries and at the other has provided the lodgings for Anthony Hopkins in the 1993 film ‘The Remains of the Day’. Here are some historical highlights as the pub’s supporters rally and make the final charge to save this much-loved community pub. that year two individuals, Henry Hill and William Ford, were brought before the sessions by PC Matthews for being drunk and disorderly and not leaving when requested. They were discharged with a caution.

Like other pubs The Hop Pole was also used to hold inquests into local deaths. One such case was in February 1862 when Merina Cottle, a cook in service in the village, delivered a baby secretly in her bedroom and was suspected of the child’s murder by her employer.

The inquest found that she was only guilty of the concealment of the birth. An inquest in 1906 looked into the death of an engineer at Limpley Stoke Rubber Works who fell onto the GWR line as a goods train rattled through the station. The jury said it was a death trap and recommended a bridge or subway to come up level with the road.

The Hop Pole was also used as a forum for public auctions for lots, such as The Old Tolls House in Limpley Stoke Gate in 1875 and the sale of oak and ash timber trees in 1856.

The Hop Pole and Post Office Limpley Stoke c. 1910

T

he name ‘Hop Pole Inn’ has its origins in medieval times when landlords placed a hop pole or ale stake (used to stir the beer) out over their door into the street to attract patrons.

The Hop Pole Inn in Limpley Stoke is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1580, shortly after the first licensing laws were introduced. Any details of its history leading up to the first Census in 1841 are hard to trace.

From this point the names of those who lived there are recorded and local newspapers document some of their stories. The first Census saw 45-year old John Sheppard as the publican, living there with his wife Mary Ann and their three children Edwin (15), Alfred (13) and Sarah (9). Ten years later there was a new publican, Richard Bryan, who was 38 and born in Tadwick, near Bath. He had a wife, Anna, a daughter Elizabeth (12) and a son Richard (11). This propels the building into real history, and starts to animate the human stories of those who lived there.

Early alehouses, taverns and inns provided food and beer, wine, and cider to their guests, with inns offering accommodation. They also provided a connected social centre, which was invariably the focus of all aspects of community life in villages such as Limpley Stoke. In a world without technology and with limited travel options, these were places to relax, socialise, eat and drink, but also to meet, discuss local politics, exchange news, campaign, even hold legal sessions.

Stories of local colour Newspapers such as the Trowbridge and North Wilts Advertiser and The Bath Chronicle give extra colour to the lives of those who called The Hop Pole their home. In this way we discover that in 1865 William Stride was granted the licence at the pub, and in February of 44 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | issue 251

Upper Borough Walls showing

The first Census in 1841 saw 45-year old John Sheppard as the publican, living there with his wife Mary Ann and their three children An expanding brief In the late Victorian period from 1865–1909 life in the village would have changed significantly with the coming of the GWR railway. The 1871 Census shows the first entry for the new GWR railway with a stationmaster living in Lower Limpley Stoke, Joseph Liddiard and his sister Anne. By 1876 Charles Stride had taken over at the Hop Pole – Charles can also be found in The Trowbridge Chronicle when he was summoned to appear for assault on his wife Sarah Stride in 1874.

Other notable residents included William Henry Weston (1881), recorded as innkeeper, who had served as a colour sergeant in the Royal Marines, held medals for long service and had served in the Baltic Campaign in 1854. James Male took over the pub in 1883 – he was a Crimean War (1853–1856) veteran and probably one of the longest serving landlords with a 26 years’ tenancy.

During Male’s tenancy The Hop Pole hosted clubs and activities, from The Heart and Hand Benefit Club, where members covered the costs of sickness and death of local members by a small subscription in a time where there was no welfare state. In 1894 The Constitutional Association had a Smoking Concert at the Hop Pole with the vicar, Dr Fleming playing the piano for the songs, as well as at the annual Aquatic Sports meeting held at Limpley Stoke on the bank of the River Avon.

In 1888 the Bristol Mercury covered the Aquatic Sports at Limpley Stoke: “People came from all over to see the competitions. There was music from the Bradford band and Mr Male of the Hop Pole provided refreshments.”

Less salubrious activities are also recorded. In 1877 John Bowles was charged with suspicion of having broken into The Hop Pole, stealing a wooden box containing money. Next day the landlord’s son had seen that the smoking room window had been forced and there were greasy finger marks and footmarks on the window ledge. The box was a charity box for the RUH and was supposed to contain 20

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CITY HISTORY

shillings. The man charged was an engine driver at the Avon Rubber works nearby: he had a knife in his possession and nails on his boots corresponding to marks on the window sill and garden. The Salisbury Times documents that he was committed for trial at the assizes at Winchester.

Another example of poor behaviour was William Gerrish and Robert Humphries who were summoned to a session at The Hop Pole in 1877 for being disorderly. Alfred Stride the publican said he knew the defendants, who wanted a quart of beer but he refused to serve them. Gerrish used bad language and wouldn’t leave but claimed Stride threatened to “shake his liver out”. The Bench fined each defendant 10s and costs of 8s 9d.

The merger of small breweries In 1889 The Hop Pole was transferred to the ownership of Bath Brewery Co., part of a merger of six small breweries in Bath and close to the city. In 1894 there was an investigation into the finances and failures of the company with the conclusion that far too much had been paid for the six breweries it owned as they did not make the profit suggested. Many breweries benefitted from personal trade from locals, when the brewery was local, but this trade was lost. Bathwick Brewery lacked space, had inefficient plant and no proper water supply which made it impossible to provide pubs like the Hop Pole with sufficient beer in uniform quality. There was then a ‘scheme for reconstruction’ including the erection of a new brewery with a good supply of water.

The Great War and The Depression The period leading up to the Great War (1914–18) saw the publican Ernest Marchant in 1912 file for bankruptcy, after which the pub was advertised to let. The Great War often saw public houses’ opening hours restricted by magistrates and in October 1914 all pubs were required to close at 10pm. The duty on beer was increased to raise prices; the aim was to encourage work commitment and avoid drunkenness in the war. After the war, normality returned and there was a period of focus on improvements within pubs.

In the 1920s the pub was a hub for ramblers as shown in 1926 when the Bath and Cooperative Society organised rambles beginning at the Combe Down tram terminus and finishing at the Hop Pole.

The Depression from 1933 put pressure on public houses with unemployment and falling wages. Many pubs did not survive. Beer consumption was halved during the period and pubs also faced competition from cinema, radio, sports, rambling and sport societies.

The Hop Pole went through many publicans in these years – it’s likely there was so much movement of landlords at this time as people were trying to make a decent living. Publicans were also likely to be older as conscription meant that younger men would have been in the war. The publican from 1935–37 was Frederick Childers whose short proprietorship saw him install a telephone line to the pub with the number ‘148’.

The Depression was also a time of pub improvements by breweries to fend off competitors and to keep customers. The

Limpley Stoke Railway in the early 20th century, with small signal box and water tower at the end of the platform.

The Hop Pole Inn today

Wiltshire Times tells how housing plans for alterations at The Hop Pole were not seen as satisfactory by Wiltshire Council in October 1934, but the plans must have gone ahead as the pub began to advertise as a small hotel in 1940. the 1940s and ’50s During the years of World War Two (1939–1945) The Hop Pole faced a rise in beer duty but drinking increased as people wanted camaraderie and to meet in the pub for local news of the war. This was especially true during the Bath Blitz. Equally with so many items rationed, people could at least spend their money on beer in the pub.

John Green who lived at the Hop Pole as a teenager from 1953– 1955 remembers how when his father obtained the licence he had to have his name above the entrance door, was required to open every day of the year and children under 12 were not allowed in the bar – with the village bobby often coming in to check. Apart from drinks, income came from cigarettes, bar snacks such as crisps (plain only with salt in a twist of blue paper) nuts, pickled eggs, ham and egg pie, sandwiches and what the pub was then known for, hot dogs – and B&B for one or two people.

Green also remembers how the cellar had no refrigeration and keeping barrels of beer cool was a challenge in the summer – beer was only ‘real ale’ and was only drinkable up to about a week. Bottled beers were popular, along with scrumpy from a small barrel kept behind the bar. The family only stayed there for two years, but his father ended up working for 25 years for Simonds the brewery (later becoming Courage, Barclay & Simonds and then Courage), ending up as free trade manager for the West Country.

A starring role for The Hop Pole The Hop Pole also stepped into the limelight in 1993 when it was used as a location for the (eight-time) Academy Award-nominated film The Remains of the Day with Anthony Hopkins as Mr Stevens and Emma Thompson as Miss Kenton, based on the book by Kazuo Ishiguro. The pub where Mr Stevens stays is The Hop Pole Inn and the shop featured was also in Limpley Stoke.

Keeping the star shining In 2018 the Hop Pole was forced to close, but in 2022 with the generous support of almost 600 investors, The Hop Pole Inn was saved and acquired by the community. After decades of neglect, considerable refurbishment work has been required to future-proof this listed building. To date, £900,000 has been raised from a successful community share issue and from a variety of grants. In addition, £200,000 of donations and volunteer time has been pledged.

Many of those volunteers and donations have come from within the solid local community.

A second community share issue was set up in October 2023 to raise the remaining £300,000 needed. If the money is not raised by early this year the community will be forced to abandon the project and The Hop Pole Inn will be lost to the community forever. n For more information and to buy shares, visit limpleystokecbs.org/get-inn-volved THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 45

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Pastoral care that helps girls reach their full potential Elizabeth Cunningham, Deputy Head Pastoral at Royal High School Bath, talks about the importance of pastoral provision in today’s education system and how it can have a profound effect on children’s mental health and academic success.

At Royal High School Bath, we understand the importance of providing strong pastoral care to our students. We believe that academic success and pastoral care go hand in hand, and that without a supportive and nurturing environment, students can struggle to reach their full potential.

Our aim is to provide all the support our girls need to flourish academically and socially. We want our students to truly believe in themselves and their abilities, and to value their contribution to the wider school community. We believe that by providing a safe and inclusive environment, we can help our students to develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed both in school and in their future endeavours.

The risk-taking part of the brain is the dominant force in a teenager, therefore young people sometimes behave in ways that adults would not. It is, therefore, inevitable that they will get things wrong. Growing up is harder for young people nowadays, particularly with the constant pressure of social media and its portrayal of unattainable perfection. Our pastoral team challenges these ideas with students, so that their views are rooted in ‘normality’ - the pursuit of perfection is highly detrimental to mental wellbeing and something we work very hard to counter.

Our students have ready access to a network of pastoral support in school starting from the day they join us in our Nursery or Reception classes, all the way through to Sixth Form – at each stage, girls are encouraged to challenge themselves, make mistakes and learn how to put things right.

We have developed a special area of the school dedicated to

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wellbeing, known as The Hive. This is an area for students to have quiet time, relax, gather their thoughts and reflect, and comprises a quiet cross-year group common room, a silent contemplation room and a study zone. Some students simply do not thrive in the noisy and energetic atmosphere of a busy school, so having a quiet space to escape to is restorative and enormously beneficial.

Conversely, it is important that students have outdoor areas where they can run off their energy and, quite simply, play. These creative and physical outlets for young people are of paramount importance in our digital age of technology and social media.

Any opportunity for students to be away from screens and out in the fresh air will do much for mental wellbeing. We are really fortunate to have wonderful outdoor spaces at both our Prep and Senior Schools and students take full advantage of them all.

At the root of our pastoral care is a specialist team of Tutors and Heads of Year; experts in guiding girls through the rocky terrain of teenage life. This system is underpinned by a team of Wellbeing Angels, available to support those experiencing tougher times and who may be in need of a more regular touchpoint.

We want every girl to enjoy her time at Royal High School Bath and achieve her potential. We know girls achieve their best, and are most motivated to learn, when they are happy and feel supported and valued. Mental and physical wellbeing is of paramount importance at Royal High School Bath, and our comprehensive pastoral offering is testament to this.

Royal High School Bath Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ T:01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

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BUSINESS

CIT Y NEWS Royal High School Bath supports RUHX Staff and pupils from Royal High School Bath presented RUHX with a cheque for £2,855 at their Prep School site, located just five minutes away from the Royal United Hospital.

The money will go towards Artsparks on the children’s ward – part of the RUH’s Art at the Heart campaign – which helps to provide art workshops for young patients and their families and carers.

Royal High hosted two fundraising events – one at the Senior School in Lansdown and another at the Prep School in Weston – where staff, students and their families, came together to organise summer fayres with music, food, stalls, craft and activities. The events attracted families from the school, neighbours and members of the local community. royalhighbath.gdst.net

Accessible play unit at Royal Victoria Park An inclusive play unit that has been specially designed for children who use wheelchairs has been installed in the centre of Royal Victoria Park in Bath.

The unit has two generous ramps which enable children to access an exciting off-ground play platform, without having to negotiate stairs or be lifted out of their wheelchairs or buggies. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks play team designed the structure after consulting with families who use the park and with wheelchair users. It replaces a play unit which was not fully accessible, although popular features from the old unit have been incorporated into the new one, including the slide and steering consoles.

Earlier this year the council also added an ability swing accommodating a wheelchair next to the standard swings at the park, helping to ensure that children of all abilities can play alongside each other. beta.bathnes.gov.uk

The Cotswold Company comes to Bath The Cotswold Company has opened a new store in Bath.

Located at 12 Northgate Street, the space, which spans over 4000 square feet, promises to immerse customers in an atmosphere communicating the brand’s Cotswolds inspired aesthetic. Brimming with character, the store – the ninth of the brand’s retail spaces in the UK – boasts stunning Georgian architecture, complete with beautiful skylights and a remarkable arched ceiling at the rear.

The position in Northgate Street is a premium shopping location with neighbouring high-end retailers and views of Bath Abbey.

Lisa Coppin, Chief Creative Officer at The Cotswold Company, says, "Opening a store in Bath is a proud moment – we are delighted to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to discover and explore our everexpanding quality homeware and handcrafted furniture collections, whether they are new season additions or our much-loved classics covering all areas within the home.” cotswoldco.com/stores/bath

Coopers Home Appliances rebrand

Walk of Life returns in May

Dolce and Gabbana Smeg kettle, £529

RUHX’s flagship fundraising event the Walk of Life returns on Saturday 11 May. The walk started in 2005, and since then has raised over £750,000 for RUH Bath.

The Walk of Life is a walk for everyone, offering a 10-mile and marathon 26.2-mile option along the beautiful Kennet & Avon canal. The route takes on a scenic journey down the canal towpath, from Wiltshire to Bath. The marathon starts in Bishops Cannings, near Devizes and is joined by the 10mile walk at Bradford on Avon, with everyone coming to finish together at The Holburne Museum. From stunning countryside to historic aqueducts, there is plenty to spot along the way as you enjoy your day and complete your challenge.

Tickets £20/£8. Register for your Walk of Life place at ruhx.org.uk/events

Coopers Home Appliances in 13/15 Walcot Street, Bath will soon be sporting an all-new look following its rebrand by AgencyUK, a Bath-based integrated brand communications agency.

The family-run Walcot Street store has specialised in high-quality home and kitchen appliances since 1947. Looking to bring the company into the modern age, AgencyUK’s rebrand reflects the store’s heritage, expertise and personal service, including a new logo, brand look and feel and van livery design. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks to see the new look coming to life! coopershomeappliances.com

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

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

www.oclaccountancy.com

Gifting shares and saving tax on company profits To prevent parents gaining a tax advantage by shifting income to their children HMRC has tough anti-avoidance rules. Is there legitimate tax planning that company owners can use to work around them?

For decades schemes have been devised to shift profits from company owners to their minor children in an attempt to save tax. Typically, they involve a company owner transferring some of their shares to their children. HMRC can’t prevent the transfer, but it applies tough anti-avoidance rules (the settlements legislation) to prevent any income tax advantage.

Trap.The settlements legislation makes the parent liable to tax on the income, e.g. dividends, arising from the shares (or other assets) gifted to their minor children.

As well as the settlements legislation separate capital gains tax (CGT) anti-avoidance rules cause the gift of shares to be treated as if it were a sale at market value, i.e. the amount an unconnected third party would pay. If this is more than the shares cost the transferor, the difference is a taxable capital gain.

Think long term: Despite these anti-avoidance rules, giving shares to your children can produce tax savings - you just have be patient. While your children are minors and you pay the tax on the income (dividends) paid to them, you’ll be no worse off in tax terms than had you not transferred the shares. The tax magic happens when your children cease to be minors, which is usually on their 18th birthday. The income tax anti-avoidance rule ceases to apply and your children will then be taxable on the dividends.

Tip.While they are minors consider investing the money on your children’s behalf tax efficiently, say in a Junior ISA. Options for adult children: When your child becomes 18 they have a number of options.They could continue to receive dividends to give them income on which they pay little or no tax, depending on whether they have other income. Alternatively, they might turn the shares into a cash lump sum.

Example. In December 2023 Sarah gives her one-year-old son, Jo, shares in her company with a market value of £3,000.The shares cost Sarah £3 when she started the company. The anti-avoidance rules means Jo is taxable on a capital gain of £2,997 but as this is less than her annual CGT exemption there’s no tax for her to pay. By the time Jo reaches 18 and goes into further education the accumulated dividends plus growth amount to £50,000. Jo sells the shares back to Sarah, or possibly to Sarah’s company. The resulting CGT would be around £5,500 (assuming tax rates stay the same and Jo has little or no other income).This would leave him £44,500 to help with his tuition, etc.

Tip.The tax plan works best if you give shares to your children while your company is relatively new or even at formation. That way their market value is likely to be relatively low, so you can give more away without triggering a CGT bill.

While your child is a minor the anti-avoidance rules apply, so giving shares to them doesn’t save any tax. But the rules cease to apply when they reach 18. From that point you have effectively shifted income to them. This could provide your youngsters with a low tax income or a capital sum just when they need it, say to help with further education.

For more information contact us – call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Gillham or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507

Call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Gillham or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | TheBATHMAgAziNe 53

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TV DRAMA

Mr Bates vs The Post Office

The Great Post Office Scandal has been described as one of the most widespread miscarriages of justice in legal history. We hear from Gwyneth Hughes, screenwriter of the forthcoming ITV drama and journalist Nick Wallis who has been reporting on the scandal for 13 years...

Toby Jones plays subpostmaster Alan Bates, shown here with other members of the cast of Mr Bates vs The Post Office

Julie Hesmondhalgh plays Suzanne Sercombe, Alan Bates’ partner – together they bought a Post Office in Craig-yDon, north Wales

Will Mellor plays Lee Castleton, sub-postmaster at East Bridlington Post Office in Yorkshire

Katherine Kelly as Angela van den Bogerd, former Post Office Director

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C

oming to our screens this month is the four-part ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which tells the story of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history. Hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud, and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Many of the wronged workers were prosecuted, some were imprisoned for crimes they never committed, and their lives were irreparably damaged by the scandal.

Toby Jones, Monica Dolan, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Lia Williams, Alex Jennings, Ian Hart, Katherine Kelly, Shaun Dooley, Will Mellor, Clare Calbraith, Lesley Nicol, Amit Shah, and Adam James star in the new drama, written by screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes and produced by ITV Studios and Little Gem. Gwyneth Hughes explains: “Every storyteller has to make choices, and anchoring our narrative with Alan Bates [the sub-postmaster who fought for decades to expose the Post Office Horizon IT scandal] was an easy one. But how to choose our supporting cast, among the thousands of lives ruined, over a quarter of a century… As we started work, the country was in lockdown, so we got on the phone. Lockdown ended, I got on the road. Drank a lot of tea and made new friends. These were painful choices; in the end we had time to tell eight stories. But every bruised and battered subpostmaster has a jawdropping story to tell. Every one of them deserves to be heard.

“On the Post Office side, perhaps unsurprisingly, fewer doors opened. I have not met Paula Vennells [chief executive officer of Post Office Limited from 2012 to 2019], though I did get a good look at her astonishingly glamorous legal team on the first day of the Public Inquiry. What was she thinking? What did she know, and when? Will we ever find out? I spoke to people who worked with her, and I tried to navigate fairly between their multiple insights into her conduct and personality.

“It’s the question I am asked most often: what on earth was going on inside the management of the Post Office? What were they on, these people? Was it group think?

Lack of imagination? Confirmation bias? A belief that as public servants they were somehow too virtuous to do wrong? Poor training, plain stupidity, or rank villainy?

“It is of course for the Public Inquiry to find definitive answers. But every subpostmaster has a view, and so does every member of our production team! As played

by Toby Jones, our hero Alan Bates faces this question in the final episode.

Asked to say if the Post Office is evil or incompetent, Alan replies: “It amounts to the same thing, in the end.”

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Nick Wallis on the real story

Lia Williams plays Paula Vennells, the former CEO of the Post Office

Journalist Nick Wallis has reported on the Post Office Horizon Scandal since 2010. Most of the work he has done on the story has been crowdfunded. He has presented, produced and consulted on three BBC Panoramas about the Post Office scandal. He has written about it for Private Eye and presented a BBC Radio 4 series on the subject. He has also written a book called The Great Post Office Scandal. Here Nick brings us up to date with progress on what has been achieved and how the search for justice continues.

You have reported on The Post Office Horizon Scandal since 2010. What has kept you engaged with the story?

The sub-postmasters. I realised quite early on that if what the subpostmasters were saying was true, this was a huge story. It’s appalling that one innocent person should be convicted of a crime, but I was being told about dozens. I checked their stories, their background and their documents, and while they couldn’t, in those days, prove there was a serious problem with the Horizon IT system, there was nothing to suggest they had committed a crime. The problem was trying to persuade news outlets that this was as big a deal as I thought it might be. Thankfully a few brilliant editors got it and tried to give the story the exposure it deserved.

How do the sub-postmasters feel about The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, which has been taking place since 2020?

There is remarkably little frustration around the progress of the Inquiry, which surprises me, as it is a very slow process. One of the reasons for this is because it is doing an incredibly professional and empathetic job. Although Sir Wyn Williams (who chairs the Inquiry) gives the impression of a twinkly eyed old cove, he has a sharp mind.

His team of barristers seem very able, across the enormity of this multifaceted scandal. By contrast, some of the witnesses, especially those from the Post Office, have been disastrous. The parade of human incompetence on display has been staggering. It’s now possible for anyone to see just how this disaster came about.

How many of the victims have received adequate compensation?

The short answer is too few. We know at least 63 sub-postmasters have died while waiting for full and final compensation and it is inevitable that more people will die. Many sub-postmasters bought a Sub-Post Office as a last job before retirement. Instead of being able to enjoy their retirement, hundreds, possibly thousands have been left in desperate financial straits because the Post Office robbed them of their savings. Now, despite four compensation schemes, their lawyers are arguing over how much they should have to give back.

Do you feel that the Post Office will be held properly to account over the Horizon Scandal?

It’s a tricky one, this. Think back to all the big scandals in British public life – Windrush, Hillsborough, Grenfell, the Mid-Staffs NHS hospital scandal, the infected blood scandal, the banking crisis… has anyone properly been held to account? A vanishingly small number of people may have been sacked or moved sideways, or asked to resign, but I don’t think anyone responsible for any of the above has been given a criminal conviction, save the former club secretary at Hillsborough, who was fined £6,500 for a safety offence.

This suggests that everyone involved in the Post Office Scandal will likely get away scot-free, BUT… I am less cynical than I was. There is already a criminal investigation underway by the Metropolitan Police, on hold while the Inquiry is ongoing. Lawyers for subpostmasters are openly suggesting there was a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice at the heart of the Post Office. Next year we will hear from the most senior executives at the Post Office who were there at the time of the alleged conspiracy. Their evidence will be fascinating and may prompt the police to make charging recommendations to the Crown Prosecution Service.

What about the failures in the criminal justice system?

In 1999 the Post Office supported the removal of the requirement for authorities using computer evidence to prove their IT was working

adequately. This duty was replaced by a legal ‘presumption’ that if a machine (including a complex, sprawling electronic eco-system like Horizon) looked like it was working properly, then it was.

The burden of proof was reversed. Sub-postmasters were required to prove the Horizon system was not working correctly when they had discrepancies and sadly this legal beartrap is outside the Inquiry’s scope. There is going to be a section on access to justice for subpostmasters trying to draw attention to Horizon problems, and there is another section on the bargaining which the Post Office used to secure guilty pleas, but nothing which calls into question the criminal justice system’s almost unblinking institutional support for the Post Office (until the Court of Appeal judgment in 2021) or bone-headed approach to IT evidence.

What was your involvement the ITV drama?

I am a series consultant on Mr Bates vs The Post Office. I put former sub-postmaster Alan Bates in touch with the production company, provided contacts and background information to the production team, including various documents which haven’t yet seen the light of day, but I stayed out of everything else!

Does the drama stay true to the real and harrowing experiences of the Scandal’s victims? Did you feel strongly about the need to avoid Clockwise, from above left: Julie Hesmondhalgh and Toby Jones; and selected cast of sweetening elements for dramatic purposes? the Mr Bates vs The Post Office ITV drama; Monica Dolan I don’t think any of it has been sweetened. At times it is bleak. I think the series brings the scandal to life, while staying very faithful to the spirit and facts of the story. n

The Great Post Office Scandal by Nick Wallis (paperback, £13.99) is the first definitive account of the scandal. Nick and the publishers Bath Publishing Company donate 5% of the income from sales of the book to the Horizon Scandal Fund, which directly helps sub-postmasters in need bathpublishing.com The first episode of Mr Bates vs The Post Office airs on ITV on 1 January.

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 55

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TRAVEL

Where will 2024 take you?

Perhaps the time has come to take a break, to explore some new parts of the world and to blow the cobwebs away. Take some advice from the experts at F&P Travel, who divulge the destinations on their hit list this year...

M

ake 2024 the year for exceptional travel. F&P Travel (formally known as Fish&Pips) has curated its top six travel hot spots that should be on your radar this year. From camping in the desert to charting a yacht or canoeing up the Lower Zambezi River, these experiences are not to be missed...

by those who know it best – the locals. F&P Travel has recently launched a raft of exciting culturally immersive experiences for some inspiration.

British Virgin Islands Even the most seasoned sailors are bowled over by the charm of the British Virgin Islands with its surreal blue waters, lush tropical greenery and ivory white sands.

These islands are a veritable treasure trove of culture, wildlife, phenomenal food and off-grid adventure and there is no better perspective than by sea. F&P Travel’s monohull yachts or catamarans come complete with skipper, host and chef with watersports galore to keep everyone happy.

France The Paris Summer Olympics (taking place from 26 July until 11 August) is definitely putting France on the map for 2024. Paris alone is expecting up to three million additional visitors this year, which will increase tourism spending by €4 billion.

F&P Travel has a stunning collection of Parisian hotels right in the heart of the action, but what’s more, for those hoping to escape the stampede, the team highly recommends the glittering Cote d'Azur for a touch of glamour, or cycling around the Ile de Ré, an island off the Atlantic coast near La Rochelle.

Zambia With a member of F&P Travel’s team just back from travelling across Zambia, this wild and rugged part of Africa is fresh in their minds and etched in their hearts. Perhaps one of Africa's best kept secrets, the team loves it for its huge swathes of untouched wilderness, offering raw and authentic adventure. F&P Travel loves that visitor numbers are low so you have it all to yourself. And they especially love the remote (romantic) lodges reachable only by boat.

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, dubbed ‘the comeback kid’, has had a tough few years and despite interest being on the rise there are still so many relatively unexplored areas. It’s easy to get off the beaten track and get under the skin of this vibrant and fascinating country, guided

Photo: Fabien Maurin

Oman This is a phenomenal country all about off the beaten track adventure – from self-drives and sailing holidays to discovering remote wadis, village-to-village trekking along ancient paths to wild swimming and learning about the night skies from private astronomers. Whether you choose serene mountain resorts, luxury mobile camping or oasis retreats, Oman is a complete stunner and will forever be on our bucket list – no matter what year it is.

Greece One of the hottest countries to visit in 2023, its popularity will only continue to rise in 2024 with gorgeous new hotels popping up all over the place (F&P Travel has its eyes set on Gundari on the enchanting island of Folegandros). With guaranteed sun, hidden away coves and crystal clear waters, fascinating Byzantine and Roman ruins and some of the best food in the Med it really is no surprise everyone wants to go there.

Scandinavia If you're anything like the F&P Travel team, the combination of thrilling outdoor adventure and fresh air is always a winner. And Scandinavia stands out for the purest air, its vast expanses of untouched wilderness and pristine landscapes.

This region's commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation is staggeringly impressive and ensures skiers not only enjoy the thrill of the slopes but also benefit from crisp, clean air people’s lungs so desperately yearn. n Follow F&P Travel on Instagram @fandptravel for inspiration on where else is hot in 2024. WhatsApp or speak to one of the expert team on 01306 264005 or email hello@fandptravel.com to plan your tailor-made trip. fandptravel.com

56 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | issue 251

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Sailing the British Virgin Islands

Swedish Lapland Wahiba Sands, Oman

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

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WELLBEING | ACHIEVE MORE IN ’24

The power of positive change

A new you needs positive goals. As January brings an opportunity for a fresh start, we look at what some brilliant Bath businesses are offering this year that will work wonders on our body and mind

The Bath Massage Company Established in 2010, The Bath Massage Company is renowned for its professionalism and exceptional experience.

A specialist wellness clinic, right in the centre of Bath providing personalised holistic massage and reflexology treatments that address specific concerns to help promote relaxation and wellbeing, including the very best in Swedish massage, for overall body relaxation as well as Remedial Massage and Deep Tissue Massages to relieve muscle tension and effectively alleviate problem areas and stubborn aches.There’s also a specialised Acupressure Facial treatment to help you feel grounded, focused, light and rejuvenated.

Another popular area of treatments is the Bump, Birth & Baby service, which offers maternity support including prenatal and postnatal massage designed to relieve aches and pains, and promote wellbeing during pregnancy, Hypnobirthing and Baby Massage courses.

• Seasons Natural Health Store, 10 George Street, Bath BA1 2EH Tel: 07790 007263, web: thebathmassagecompany.com

White Line Coaching

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New to Bath : The Barre Fitness Studio

White Line Coaching provides high-level holistic personal training and small group training. Based at the picturesque countryside location of Well Bath Yoga and Wellbeing Centre, the high-level personal training team can help you transform your health and physical fitness. Headed up by former international sprinter, and Bath native, Dan Cossins White, White Line Coaching is a fusion of his experience in top class sport and his own personal journey in holistic health and wellness. Make 2024 the year you prioritise your body, and let White Line Coaching help you do it

This specialist barre studio from Bristol is now offering its exciting workouts in Bath.

There’s a great range of specially designed workouts to support clients at all stages of life.

There are barre and fusion classes, for example, Pilates Fusion and Flow, yoga inspired mat workouts both in person and On Demand plus plenty for pre and post natal women – all are designed to be highly effective using low-impact exercises. Wellbeing is at the core and stepping into the Barre studios, situated in the heart of Bath, should offer a little bit of calm, a fantastic workout, and leave you on a natural high. Open seven days a week.

There’s a special offer for The Bath Magazine readers: 15% off all class packs or memberships.

Use code: TBMA15%

• For more information visit: whitelinecoaching.com or get in touch at: 07508 722 345 or email: info@whitelinecoaching.com

• 2–3 Bath Street, (in Fly Fitness), Bath BA1.

For more information visit: thebarrefitnessstudio.co.uk or email: bath@thebarrefitnessstudio.co.uk

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WELLBEING | ACHIEVE MORE IN ’24

The Laura Place Clinic Located in central Bath, The Laura Place Clinic occupies a site with a long history of complementary therapy going back decades. Operating out of two rooms, one is dedicated solely to Osteopathy, both structural and cranial, with a specialism in women’s health and pregnancy problems. The other room hosts an acupuncturist and TCM therapist, a child NLP therapist, a homeopath and dietician, a counsellor and LaHoChi practitioner, and an adult, child and family integrative and EMDR psychotherapist. They pride themselves on their friendly, personal, and professional approach to helping patients and clients overcome their physical and mental health challenges.

• The Laura Place Clinic, 7 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BJ. Web: lauraplaceclinic.com

Robyn’s Yoga Studio At Robyn's yoga studio, inclusivity is at the core of their philosophy.

A diverse timetable caters to individuals at all stages of life and ability.

From gentle beginners’ yoga to invigorating flows, tailored for seasoned practitioners. This demonstrates their commitment to the belief that yoga is for all. The studio offers a haven for connection and community. It's a place where you can step out of your head and into your body, all within a welcoming environment, right in the heart of Bath. Use code JAN50 for 50% off your first class (valid only in January 2024).

• 28 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DG. Web: robynsyoga.co.uk

Relax and recharge with Therapies with Grace Rejuvenate the way you feel in 2024. Based in Bath, Therapies with Grace offers a range of relaxing beauty treatments to take your mind off the stresses of daily life. Reconnect your body and mind with a range of relaxing, deep tissue massages, treat yourself to a luxury Natural Spa Factory facial aiding deep relaxation, enjoy a professional service when getting your nails painted, or shape, tint and lift your brows and lashes using advanced systems.

• For the full list of treatments visit: resultsbodymind.co.uk/therapieswithgrace Tel: 01225 551202 Results Body+Mind, 73 Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3BG

Well Bath, yoga and wellness studio Well Bath, Yoga and Wellness studio have various weekly classes, accommodating beginners to more advanced students. They also offer a variety of holistic therapies, ranging from subtle to deeply transformational. Monthly workshops are hosted by expert practitioners, offering unique experiences for your mind, body and soul. The highly qualified team can support you on your journey to a pain-free, healthy life, helping to maintain your wellbeing day by day.

Well Bath is situated in the stunning location of Charlcombe, just above Larkhall. With a wonderful view over the Bath countryside, this is an oasis where you can find some space and stillness for yourself.

• For more information visit: wellbath.co.uk or to get in touch, contact Joe on: 07986 380 327 email him at: joe@wellbath.co.uk

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WELLBEING | ACHIEVE MORE IN ’24

Find unique ways to relax at The Soul Spa Choose from a Guided Relaxation and Sound Bath, where you can nestle into a reclining chair and be guided by voice and the sounds of the crystal bowls into a deeply relaxed state of mind and body. Or try The Soul Spa’s brand-new virtual reality Dream Odyssey relaxation journey where you can immerse yourself into alternate realities through beautiful visual landscapes and healing sound frequencies.

Located in the centre of Bath The Soul Spa is open 7 days a week and the team are always ready to welcome you and soothe your soul!

• For more information visit: thesoulspa.co.uk or email: hello@thesoulspa.co.uk 2 Hetling Court, Bath. BA1 1SH. Tel: 01225 318 226

Image: Anthony Brown

Take a cold swim at Cleveland Pools If you've been considering getting into cold water swimming then a good place to start is Cleveland Pools where the winter water temperature is now down to around 8 degrees. While cold water swimming does have its benefits, there are also risks and debut swimmers are encouraged to take a gradual approach as well as explore the Pool’s podcasts and What’sApp group where you can find lots of great advice before you swim. The Pools’ team are a very helpful and informative bunch and you are welcome to come along to chat to them where they can provide you with lots of good advice and support before, during and after taking the icy plunge!

• Find out more at: clevelandpools.org.uk Hampton Row, Bath BA2 6BJ

Revitalise your skin with the ‘magic' of the M3 Matrix at The Orangery The Orangery Laser and Beauty Clinic in Argyle Street has recently introduced this cutting-edge breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. In the ever-changing world of beauty and skincare, innovation is key to achieving the radiant, youthful complexion we all desire. M3 Matrix transforms the way we approach skincare – offering non-invasive and highly effective solution for achieving healthier, more youthful skin.

This machine offers a range of different treatments including Cavitation Peeling using ultrasonic waves used for deep-cleansing and exfoliating which also aids product absorption. There’s no-needle mesotherapy – so no needles means no pain or discomfort – and this unique technology allows specific nutrifying ingredients to penetrate the skin, combined with ultrasound for lifting, toning and tightening. The M3 Matrix uses radio frequency, utilising specific wavelengths to tighten and lift the skin, while stimulating collagen and elastin. And there’s Microdermabrasion, known as a great exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and aiding with new collagen production.

M3 matrix treatments are suitable for all skin types and address a range of skin conditions. So if you are considering skin rejuvenation book an appointment/consultation with the expert therapists at The Orangery.

• Find out more at: theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk No. 1 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA Tel: 01225 466851

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Unlocking Success: A Solution-Focused Blueprint for Conquering Fears and Achieving Goals in 2024 As we welcome in a new year, the prospect of setting and achieving new goals may be exhilarating to some, daunting for many and paralyse others with fear. I wonder what would be different in 2024 if one adopted more of a solution-focused approach; to not only confront any fears head-on but to transcend them and pave the way for transformative success! So here are some suggestions of what could be done!

Define with Precision: Begin your journey by crystallising your goals.

Make them specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant. Precision in defining your objectives sets the stage for a solution-focused mindset, directing your energy towards actionable steps rather than vague aspirations. Our minds like direction, it's like fodder for the brain.

Illuminate the Fear: Fear can be a formidable opponent, lurking in the background of our ambitions. Solution-focused thinking invites us to illuminate these fears by facing them with curiosity and asking questions that empower us to overcome, transform, and ultimately conquer.

Shift from Problems to Solutions: The essence of solution-focused thinking lies in its transformative power to shift focus from problems to solutions. Instead of dwelling on barriers, channel your energy into answering the question, "What steps can I take today to move closer to my goal?" This shift in perspective transforms obstacles into opportunities.

Take Incremental Steps: Monumental goals are best achieved through incremental steps. Break down your goals into manageable steps, and celebrating each accomplishment along the way is important, give yourself a metaphorical pat on the back or a quick punch in the air!

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Cultivate Positivity: Surround yourself with positivity. Affirmations, visualisations, and a support system that embodies solution-focused thinking are invaluable assets. A positive mindset not only attracts success but also helps us to build that all-important resilience.

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Thinking of promoting your business?

In the canvas of 2024, let solution-focused thinking be the brushstroke that paints your journey towards achievement. Confront fears with curiosity, set clear and precise goals, and cultivate a positive mindset that fuels your determination, Welcome 2024!

Our 2024 media pack can be viewed online

SCAN THE CODE TO READ THROUGH OUR 2024 MEDIA PACK Viv Kenchington

www.hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk Contact: 07974 153487

viv@hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk

62 TheBATHMagazine | JanUaRY 2024 | issUe 251

OR CONTACT US ON 01225 424499 or EMAIL: SALES @ THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Twelfth Night Andrew Swift Jan.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2023 13:29 Page 1

SEASONAL TRADITIONS

The Twelfth Night debate

Andrew Swift ponders the past traditions of Twelfth Night – which were a great deal more vigorous when peasants were released from their labours to enjoy merrymaking – and places a particular focus on exactly when it falls...

Left: ‘Twelfth Night Merry-making in Farmer Shakeshaft’s Barn’ by ‘Phiz’, an illustration from 1852 for Harrison Ainsworth’s Life and Adventures of Mervyn Clitheroe

A

fter New Year, as things start to return to normal, there is still one last seasonal tradition to observe – the annual debate as to whether Twelfth Night falls on the 5th or 6th of January and when we need to take our decorations down. It’s a controversy that goes back a

very long way.

Those who favour the 6th point out that this coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. Epiphany was an important festival for early Christians, and in 567 the church decreed that the period from Christmas Day to Epiphany should be a time of celebration.

By medieval times, the 12 days of Christmas, as they came to be known, were treated as a holiday. Peasants were freed from their labour and there was feasting and merrymaking. Naturally, the final night of these festivities was – for those still standing – a last hurrah, and a host of traditions, with echoes of the Roman Saturnalia, became associated with it.

Twelfth Night feasts featured the cutting up of a lavishly decorated cake in which a bean and a pea were hidden. If a man ended up with the slice containing the bean he became king of misrule for the night, overseeing a gallimaufry of masques, games and charades. If a lady ended up with the bean, she decided who would be king. The pea meanwhile determined who would be queen of misrule.

At the Tudor and Jacobean court, Twelfth Night feasts were often accompanied by lavish tournaments or masques. Plays were also performed in other grand houses, one of the most popular, unsurprisingly, being Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. On 6 January 1663, Samuel Pepys recorded that he went to the Duke of York’s house where he “saw Twelfth Night acted well, though it be but a silly play and not relating at all to the name or day”. Two years earlier, after calling on various friends and relations on Twelfth Night, he ended up at the house of his ‘cousin Stradwick’, where, “after a good supper … we had a brave cake brought us, and in the choosing, Pall was queen and Mr Stradwick was king”. In Pepys’ day, Twelfth Night 64 TheBATHMagazine | january 2024 | issue 251

Upper Borough Walls showing

fell on the 6th of January – unless this happened to be a Sunday, as in 1661, when he recorded that the 7th was “kept as Twelfeday”.

By the 18th century, with Hanoverians on the throne, Twelfth Night feasts at court continued as before, but masques and tournaments were replaced by country dancing and games of Hazard. Vast sums were won and lost; on Twelfth Night in 1731, for example, it was reported that the Earl of Portmore won about £900. Seven years later, when the players included Princess Amelia, the Duchess of Dorset, the Duke of Grafton, the Duke of Marlborough, Lord Harrington and Bath’s MP, General Wade, it was recorded that “his majesty lost”. In 1773, George III decided that enough was enough, and announced that gaming at court on Twelfth Night would be abolished, with ‘the money usually expended on that occasion’ used ‘to relieve the necessities of the poor’.

The 18th century also saw Britain abandon the Julian calendar in favour of the Gregorian calendar, which was already in use throughout most of Europe. To resolve an eleven-day discrepancy between the two calendars, in 1752 it was decreed that 2 September would be followed by 14 September. Losing 11 days like this went down so badly that some diehards stuck to the old calendar regardless. Although most soon fell into line, even today, in the Gwaun Valley in Pembrokeshire, New Year’s Day is celebrated according to the Julian calendar on 13 January. In the West Country, it’s Twelfth Night that’s still celebrated according to the old calendar – possibly in a crafty ploy to extend the festive season. Twelfth Night festivities in these parts included wassailing, which involved singing, blessing the apple trees, firing the odd gun to ward off evil spirits and drinking cider. It’s a tradition which is still very much alive today, taking place on or around Old Twelfth Night.

At the Tudor or Jacobean Court Twelfth Night feasts were often accompanied by lavish tournaments or masques Other Twelfth Night traditions have not stood the test of time so well. They were already fading by the early 19th century, and, although in A Christmas Carol Dickens mentions ‘immense twelfth cakes’ and a children’s Twelfth Night party, there is no hint in his writings of the boisterous junketings of earlier times.

Some did keep up old traditions, however. In 1826, the Bath Chronicle reported that ‘on Twelfth Night, Lacock Abbey was the scene of much festivity. At one o’clock a party, about 60 in number, sat down to an elegant supper, after which the mazy dance was kept

Twelfth Night Andrew Swift Jan.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2023 13:29 Page 2

SEASONAL TRADITIONS

up with spirit till past four in the morning’. Ten years later, on 6 January 1836, it ‘being Twelfth Day’, the members of the Pump Room Band ‘partook of the usual cake and wine, ordered under a bequest of the late John Baverstock, Esq, their generous and distinguished patron for a period of 40 years’.

Twelfth Night Dances were still occasionally held in Bath well into the 20th century. On 6 January 1926 the Bath Playgoers’ Society held a masked ball at the Pump Room, and on 6 January 1928 the Bath & West of England Motor Club organised a Twelfth Night Ball in the Assembly Rooms. All comers were invited to a Twelfth Night Dance in the Pump Room on 6 January 1931, with tickets costing 2/6. Most glorious, though, was a Twelfth Night celebration organised by the City Police at the Forum in 1939, in which the ancient spirit of misrule lived on. Dancing was followed by a cabaret in which ‘some of the heaviest members of the force’ took part in a spoof of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, while ‘at midnight an octet of police, attired in country smocks assembled on the staircase … and with punchbowl admirably prepared … vociferously sang a Somerset Wassail song’.

Today, for most of us, Twelfth Night is remembered, if at all, only as the time to take our decorations down – and to wonder, as we seem to do every year – whether it falls on the 5th or the 6th of January. In Samuel Pepys’ day, when it was celebrated with gusto, it was definitely the 6th, but today the 5th is just as popular a choice. It all depends whether you consider the Twelve Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. As for when we should undeck the halls, though, a poem by Robert Herrick, vicar of Dean Prior in Devonshire in the 17th century, suggests we shouldn’t even be thinking about it for another four weeks. In Herrick’s day, decorations consisted of holly, ivy, mistletoe and other assorted greenery rather than flashing lights and inflatable Santas, but he was adamant that they needed to stay up until Candlemas, which falls on 2 February and marked the traditional end of the Christmas period.

If that seems far too long, that’s probably because we put our

Gathering Holly depicted on a Christmas card from the early 20th-century, when decorations weren’t put up until Christmas Eve

decorations up so early. From the 17th century until well into the last – it was considered unlucky to put your decorations up before Christmas Eve. So it seems there are no hard and fast answers.

Perhaps the best advice is that given by Shakespeare in the alternative title of Twelfth Night – do ‘what you will’. n Andrew Swift has written extensively on the Victorian and Edwardian periods. He has written many books including a recently revised edition of On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks around a World Heritage City. This covers the whole of the city, including the suburbs, and the new edition also includes a postscript looking at the momentous changes in Bath over the last 20 years. It is available from bookshops or from akemanpress.com.

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 65

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Interiors Jan 24.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2023 13:25 Page 1

INTERIORS

Wonky, undone, and often blue Keeping up with interior trends can be a tough call, but after Big Ben’s bongs have sounded to hail the new year, it really is time for some serious style research. You know we’re right. Because you want to start the year with a plan to keep things fresh, to stretch your design muscles, to update, get creative, express yourself within your surroundings and (yes) show how on the interior pulse you are to any more lacklustre-in-style friends. Read on to help you make the transition...

This ‘Undone’ interior sums up many of the style predictions for the year. Salon Drab paint by Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com) 80 TheBATHMagazine | noveMber 2023 | iSSUe 249

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T

he awesome thing for those feeling a bit jaded after the festivities – who might prefer to focus on other things, like not dwelling in the past, giving up processed food, researching tracks on Spotify, deleting unwanted apps, or just hibernating – is that we’ve done the what’s-the-stateof-play-in-the-interiors-world (?) work for you. We have cornered the latest news about 2024 from interior publications, style gurus and style predictors, and sought out some specialist commentary from local experts, so that you can put your feet up while feeling tantalised and inspired. Whether or not you decide to actually implement changes in your abode – like purchasing a statement curvy sofa in a shade of pistachio, introducing coloured concrete walls in a tint of Blue Nova, collecting asymmetric (wonky) handmade vases, or applying fabric wallpaper to your hallway (while wondering how on earth you might get the paper off when 2025 brings a new zing to proceedings) – is another question altogether. But remember, it’s the knowing that counts.

Colour zeitgeist It can be confusing, however. Pantone’s Peach Fuzz colour of the year jostles with House Beautiful’s advice to embrace the energising qualities of the zesty green Chartreuse, and with House & Garden’s recommendation that yellow is the colour, with its optimistic vibe.

The latter is endorsed by heritage paint company Farrow & Ball whose India Yellow is making itself felt as a statement mustard shade (although they are also offering shades of Sardine, Chinese Blue and London Clay). Then there’s paint and wallpaper company Lick who are pointing to the use of warming neutrals with energising reds, zesty oranges, refreshing blues and revitalising greens. Whereas Elle Décor say it’s all about brown: “Browns are definitely happening – like really warm browns that might be a play on a 1970s palette, and those caramel colors, along with coral and persimmon.”

Comfortingly there is some consensus on blue. Paint manufacturer Sherwin Williams’ colour trend report centres on blues and greens for calmness and resting, with their colour of the year being Upward, a breezy, sky-blue shade. Insights from Houzz with their Home Design Predictions 2024 include existing trends, like the use of warm neutrals over stark whites, but also newer ones, like adopting soothing blues as a primary shade in home interiors. Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year is Blue Nova 825, described by one commentator as an ‘intergalactic blue-purple’, whereas paint supplier Valspar has opted for a more green-toned shade called Renew Blue.

Skipper Blue by Earthborn is a versatile, mid-toned blue in a clay-based, breathable paint (earthbornpaints.co.uk)

Atelier Ellis’ Peach Rose is a dustier, more subtle version of Pantone’s colour of the year, Peach Fuzz (atelierellis.co.uk)

Royal Grass Green by Edward Bulmer has drama and leaf-like luxuriance (edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk)

Back on this side of the Atlantic Little Greene has curated a collection of paint in warm, neutral shades of honey, caramel and chocolate, each colour inspired by delicious desserts and sweet treats. Enticing names such as ‘Madeleine’, ‘Galette’, ‘Affogato’, ‘Muscovado’ and ‘Ganache’ bring these mouthwatering colours to life.

Sustainability in production is also making an impression on the paint market, including companies such as Edward Bulmer who provide ‘paint made just the way it should be’ with unrivalled pigment rich colours and superior breathable coverage.

Also Bath’s Atelier Ellis who make quiet, beautiful, breathable, handmade paint – these are virtually VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compounds), full of natural materials, and have an underlying simple-useful-beautiful aesthetic.

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CITY | INTERIORS

Min or max? – that’s the question If you’ve lived a long and rewarding life in interiors you will have seen a metronome-like movement from minimalism to maximalism and back again, often leaving you perplexed in terms of the required style emphasis. Thus go fashion trends.

On the whole we prefer the maximalism side of the debate, not because it’s a whole lot less work (which it is), but because having personal things on display – precious-to-you hand-me-downs, upcycled furniture and shelves of miscellaneous glass and china – shows character, and profiles the life of the person who lives there. Fortunately the interiors know-how is currently on this side, too. (With the exception of Minimaluxe, as suggested by Living Etc, a pared-back palette that still allows the ‘showcasing of your favourite things’, which they say is set to take over the design world.)

One.interior.mag labels the erring towards the busier state of affairs ‘Undone Maximalism’, which seems to be another way of describing not putting things away, piling up books and magazines and having cats sprawling over your unmade bed. We’re liking this. House & Garden takes up the refrain with their ‘Undone Interiors’ – meaning the opposite to over-styled and overdone. So it’s a big NO to karate-chopped cushions, intensively curated accessories and push-to-open kitchen cabinet doors. Instead relax, make-do, upcycle if you feel the urge, and embrace imperfection.

Fitted furniture specialist Hammonds talk of Dark Maximalism, because interest trend data has shown a 600% spike for the search term in the past three months. They explain, “this is a particular branch of maximalism which focuses on a dark, moody colour palette of black and gemstone colours such as ruby red, emerald, and sapphire.” This also features hard finishes using wood and marble. Warning: it can get messy, so seek to create cohesion and then it will look rich and purposeful rather than untidy.

Above: Hannah Chair with backrest – walnut

by Loop and Twist, £359 (loopandtwist.com); Right: Abbas Leopard Garnetdining chair by AND OBJECTS , £2800 (andobjects.com)

Welcome texture and curves Maximalism also allows you to focus on texture which adds charm and detail to a space. Think fluted surfaces, herringbone patterns, and stylish vintage finds from lamps to faded nostalgic textiles.

Wavy wood is a thing now – Living Etc say there is a ‘new wave’ of fluid, curvy forms that will generally be dominating the conversation in furniture this year. Living Etc also talk of ‘Curvaceous Cabinetry’, where curved, decorative storage boxes are “evidence of the quest to put everything away and live in an uncluttered space”, a sentiment not necessarily borne out by other sources.

Textured wallpapers are in vogue too – take Curious Egg’s Grattage Wallpaper in terracotta, a design inspired by the Surrealist’s technique of ‘Grattage’ which involved laying a canvas painted with thick oil paint over an uneven surface and then scraping back the paint in areas to reveal interesting textural effects. There’s also fabric wallpaper to add richness and tactility – and it absorbs sound and

Kanoko Grasscloth 2, a hemp grasscloth wallcovering in 17 colours, Osborne & Little (osborneandlittle.com)

makes a room feel cocooning (House & Garden). An example is Konoko Grasscloth wallpaper by Osborne and Little, a beautiful, natural grasscloth available in a choice of colours, made from the finest authentic hemp and with a beautiful linear texture.

Here-to-stay looks Tall Jugs by Kate Semple by Unpolished, £100 (unpolishedspace.com)

Lucywilliamshome recommends Farmhouse Chic for 2024, which can’t fairly be described as a new thing, and Australian Vogue is elevating Rustic Textures to the top tier, but I suppose we’re all still dreaming of escaping to the countryside, and if you can’t do that then you can steal the muddy-boots, apples-stewing-on-the-stove, wornfarmhouse-table experience. It’s the same for Biophilia (bringing nature into your interiors), which is still on trend and all part of the same earthy hankering.

Another style that’s not going anywhere is Artisanal, endorsed by Elle Décor among many others, with the idea of welcoming in pieces showcasing the incomparable skill of human hands. “Our clients are craving the handmade – whether it’s ceramic tile or hand-carved wood furniture or handblown glass, human irregularity is soothing.”

Australian Vogue call this “character over cookie cutter”, the latter meaning safe colour palettes and homogenous finishes. At which point take a look at Kate Semple’s wonky handmade ceramic collection for Unpolished, profiling pieces in utilitarian guise (jugs, flagons and vases) but with a lot of asymmetry thrown in. It’s the defining ‘wonk’ that’s the main attraction here.

Interiors Jan 24.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2023 13:26 Page 4

Noelle Modular Curved Sofa by Solar Home, £5590 (sohohome.com)

Final thoughts

Original BTC Blossom Portable Light, Green, £489 (hollowaysofludlow.com)

Advice from designer Clair Strong “Furnishing your home in an environmentally friendly way has been a huge trend for some time, but in 2024 we’ll see more people choosing eco-friendly paints that are VOC-free or have minimal VOC, made using sustainable methods. Natural paint companies like Edward Bulmer, Graphenstone, Earthborn and Bath’s Atelier Ellis all produce beautiful highly pigmented colours using natural materials.

“Painting woodwork, walls and ceilings the same colour will also continue to find favour. Farrow & Ball have brought out ‘Dead Flat’ paint which is perfect for colour drenching as it can be used on any surface. In terms of colour, one will outshine the others. Early rich olive green will dominate – it has a softness and warmth that works well with natural materials. It alsoworks well with other muted tones as well as brights and neutrals for a sophisticated look.

“Rechargable lights are a gamechanger and more brands will bring them out in 2024. The Blossom from Original BTC (see left) was one of the first to come on the market. A portable, cordless light it can be recharged and moved.

“I can’t wait to use the Found Rug from top design studio Louise Roe Copenhagen. It comes in four earthy hues and is handwoven in pure New Zealand wool. It will add warmth and chic Scandinavian style to any room.” clairstrong.co.uk

Affogato is one of Little Greene’s Sweet Treats paint collection (littlegreene.com)

... and from designers Woodhouse & Law ”The year 2024 will definitely mark the end of the long-standing rule of the established grey regime in the home. In its place, expect to see the return of more soothing brown tones in fabrics, wall treatments, furniture and accessories alike. No longer a throwback to the seventies and eighties, the colour is back, this time accompanied by equally earthy hues such as terracotta pinks, warming rusty oranges and this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, peach. This change of colour palette will be accompanied by a movement towards a more maximalist design approach in 2024 – a softer one, with more colour, more pattern, more layers.

Passementerie will be key to this; think fringing on cushions and heavy adornments on window treatments. This more whimsical approach to the design of our homes will, however, be different to previous evolutions – less throw-away and with a greater emphasis than ever before on natural materials, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

To reduce the environmental impact of new products on the market, expect to see traditional materials being used alongside waste products from other industries. We have recently seen surplus sheep’s wool used in place of plastic upholstery foam, waste hemp fibres used to fortify bioplastic in compostable chairs and acoustic panels featuring a by-product of rice production. This move to greater sustainability in the industry is likely to be accompanied by a greater understanding of the importance of natural elements in improving our wellbeing and creativity. We expect therefore to see pieces made from natural stone and wood coming to the fore in 2024 – with curved lines and soft shapes to instil a more natural, organic feel to a scheme.

This will extend beyond accessories and on to statement furniture pieces such as living edge tables. woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 71

Foldable paper bench, recycled, from £107.99 (paperlounge.co.uk)

In the same vein, House Beautiful mentions ‘Dumb Homes’ as a big turnabout in 2024, meaning the opposite of Smart Homes, with their harsh blue lights and bright touchscreens that illuminate as you pass.

This leads to an enthusiasm for mechanical controls: old-school buttons, switches that toggle up and down, and simpler toilet washlets (toilet bidet combinations) and vintage fittings.

This is a mere fraction of what’s out there. We haven’t mentioned pop-art inspired florals; chrome accessories; bouclé fever; ruffles; cosmic motifs; arches; contemporary trompe l’oeil; characterendowing curtain trims; classical details, from tapestries to ceiling medallions; rattan; gold-plated ceramics; and Victorian-era details.

What’s for sure is that there are so many options that you’re bound to be able to chivvy up your resources and welcome in a selection.

Alternatively just go for Undone Maximalism, a style that may already be familiar to you. n

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Church Farm, Hilperton, Wiltshire 12 beautiful homes in an eclectic mix of designs ranging from three to five bedrooms.

Show home now open

01225 791155 | ashford-homes.co.uk |

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P73.qxp_Layout 23 21/12/2023 11:22 Page 1

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THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | TheBATHMAgAziNe 73

Elly's Wellies, Bath Jan.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2023 13:24 Page 1

Gardens around the world

Dreaming of your next getaway? Elly West whisks us away on a trip to some of her favourite far-flung gardens, from the Netherlands’ expansive carpets of tulips to a full-sized airoplane made of flowers in Dubai

T

his is the time of year when many of us are dreaming of some sunshine. Unsurprisingly, it’s the busiest month for holiday bookings, with travellers thinking of fresh starts and new adventures. We all want something to look forward to during the cold, dark, short days of January, planning getaways early in the year now that the hubbub of Christmas is out of the way.

One of the things I love about visiting unfamiliar places is the different flora, whether it’s the bright-red geraniums grown against white-rendered houses in Spain, olive trees the size of our ancient oaks growing en masse in Greece, or the tulips of Keukenhof in the Netherlands. There are many, many places on my bucket list still to see. For example, the golden canola flower fields of China, or the Zen gardens of Kansai, Japan. But perhaps the most jaw-dropping place I’ve ever seen plants grown was at the Dubai Miracle Garden.

As with much of Dubai, no expense is spared, and the result is like Disneyland on steroids. Nowhere else have I seen a full-sized airoplane made of flowers. Described as the ‘world’s largest natural flower garden’, there is nothing natural about this place in the desert.

The colourful exhibits are interspersed with giant Smurfs and as much colour as any retina can absorb. But I loved its ability to transport the imagination, and there is no denying the beauty and unique experience of being surrounded by so much colour. More than 150 million flowers are blooming at any one time during the cooler months when it is open, from October to April. You can wander through a series of heart-shaped arches (covered in flowers), see a giant castle (covered in flowers) and a quadruplet of enormous cats (variation: topiary).

While the Dubai Miracle Garden may not have much in the way of direct takeaway ideas for our gardens back home, it does show us that anything is possible. It can motivate us use our imagination in the 74 TheBATHMagazine | January 2024 | iSSue 251

garden and choose things we like, even if they may not pass the taste test. Gardens should be personal, and a bit of fun can go a long way.

Other gardens closer to home and with similar climates can be great sources of more practical inspiration for our own spaces. I love visiting botanical gardens whenever I can. They are often in urban areas, providing a calm oasis on an otherwise busy city break, and offering a chance to immerse the senses in greenery and nature.

No expense is spared at Dubai’s Miracle Garden

Elly's Wellies, Bath Jan.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2023 13:25 Page 2

GARDENING GARDENS Botanical gardens are great places to learn about plants and see rare specimens and collections of a particular species. I was lucky to live very close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for many years, and I love going back when I can. There is always something new to see, along with the natural seasonal changes.

In Bath we have the Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park. Free to visit, within their tranquil nine acres are beautiful trees, shrubs, herbaceous borders, rock gardens, a pond and replica Roman temple. Constructed in 1887, the paths wind in and around the planting and in summer one of the highlights is the collection of antique scented shrub roses.

The University of Bristol Botanic Garden is another ever changing location. In winter it’s nice to head to the warmth of the tropical glasshouses, while in summer the main attractions for me are the grove of tree ferns and the peonies.

In Amsterdam at the end of last summer, I dragged my teenage son to the Hortus Botanicus and spent an hour or so exploring. Takeaway design ideas included beds in concentric circles edged with metal and low, clipped euonymus hedging – a great alternative to box hedging – plus stumpery-type woodland areas full of ferns and logs.

A tour of a botanic garden raises appreciation for the important work that they do in terms of the study and conservation of plants, as well as being good for our wellbeing, keeping us in touch with nature, and helping to introduce us to the diversity of plant species around the world.

If you’re visiting a botanical garden, take water, comfy shoes and a camera. Many of the plants are labelled, which makes it easier if you want to replicate what you’ve seen at home.

Stay on established paths and walkways, and avoid the planted areas. n

Plant of the month: Winter Cyclamen These tuberous perennials provide a welcome splash of jewel-like colour when little else is flowering in winter through to early spring. The delicate-looking nodding flowers come in shades of pink, red, white and purple, and the leaves are also attractively marbled with silvers and multiple shades of green.

Ideal for woodland-type gardens, they will be happy under deciduous trees, where they will self-seed, spread and naturalise, as long as the soil isn’t too dry. They’re also suited to a shady border, along with early-flowering bulbs such as snowdrops, and perennials such as hellebores.

They are good for pots and window boxes, and with regular deadheading should keep flowering for weeks on end. They are surprisingly fragrant as well if you get up close.

Although you can buy the tubers dry for planting in autumn, they tend to fare better when bought actively growing in a pot, and prefer shelter and shade to full sun.

ellyswellies.co.uk

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january 2024 | TheBATHMagazine 75

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the directory

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Nigel Dando 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

76 TheBATHMagazine | JANUARY 2024 | issue 251

Cobb Farr PIF January.qxp_PIF Full Page 18/12/2023 14:53 Page 1

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

A

unique and impressive Regency Villa extending to more than 3,500 square feet, set in a magical, secluded valley within a 10 minute-walk of Bath Spa Station. This semi rural idyll - offering the very best of town and country living - occupies an elevated quiet south facing position surrounded by green woodland views and with the benefit of parking and a swimming pool.

This elegant and imposing Grade II listed villa is believed to have been built around 1760 and was then added onto in the early 19th Century, including a stunning regency facade.

The accommodation is set over three floors with some wonderfully proportioned rooms, with large sash windows on the first floors providing a light and airy feel to the property. This is enhanced by period detailing, exquisite modern touches, and features such as fireplaces and the attractive staircase rising from the large reception/dining hall.

The property lends itself to both cosy winter evenings and summer outdoors living.

It benefits from a wonderful south facing outlook to the front from the Italianate terrace, with steps leading down to a well enclosed pool and pool house.

Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath; Tel: 01225 333332

Paragon House, Bath • 4 generous bedrooms • Study/home office (potential fifth bedroom) • Stunning Ben Argent kitchen featured in The Bath Magazine • Italianate terrace with views • 2 en-suites and two further bathrooms • Heated out door pool and pool house with planning permission to extend

OIEO £2,600,000

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | TheBATHMAgAziNe 77

Cobb Farr January.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 14:24 Page 1

Oldfield Park, Bath OIEO £425,000

An attractive Bath stone, beautifully presented, mid terrace property benefiting from 3 bedrooms, open plan living / dining room, light and partially vaulted kitchen with a south west facing garden and off road parking.

•

3 bedrooms

•

South west facing garden

• • •

Open plan living / dining room Off street parking

Kitchen with integrated appliances

Marlborough Buildings, Bath £595,000

An exceptionally light and spacious third floor apartment, situated in an unrivalled location in Marlborough Buildings. Superb views in both directions, including over the Royal Crescent. This third floor apartment has an internal area of over 1000 ft.

•

2 double bedrooms

•

Wonderful views over the Royal Crescent

• •

Large and spacioius third floor apartment Internal area of over 1000 ft

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

Cobb Farr January.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2023 16:32 Page 2

LD O S

Upper Lansdown Mews, Bath

LD SO

LD SO

Widcombe, Bath

Lansdown, Bath

Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire

Leigh Road, Bradford on Avon

LD SO

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

LD SO

The Apartment Company fp.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2023 12:53 Page 1

PROPERTY

The Apartment Company celebrates its 20 Year Anniversary Over the years, The Apartment Company has successfully sold a diverse range of properties, including Georgian conversions and contemporary new builds, with a particular emphasis on the vibrant Bath Riverside area. This diverse portfolio speaks to the company's adaptability and ability to cater to the evolving demands of the market.

“

Peter Greatorex. Managing Director of The Apartment Company and Peter Greatorex Unique Homes

F

ounded in 2004, The Apartment Company is marking its 20th anniversary with a rich history of achievements, resilience, and evolution in the dynamic Bath apartment market. Established by Peter Greatorex, the company has navigated through significant milestones, shaping its identity as a leader in apartment market.

The journey began with the listing of the first apartment in 2004—an impressive 2-bedroom ground floor apartment in Caxton Court, priced at £235,000. This inaugural listing set the stage for The Apartment Company's focus on delivering exceptional service in the apartment market, emphasising specialisation and a keen understanding of the unique dynamics within this niche.

The resilience of The Apartment Company was put to the test during the challenging period of the 2008 credit crunch.

Fortuitously surviving the economic downturn, the company not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger. In response to the necessity of diversification, The Apartment Company expanded its services to include lettings, establishing a robust business that complemented its sales operations.

80 TheBATHMagazine | JanUaRY 2024 | issUe 251

Reflecting on the evolution of marketing strategies, The Apartment Company has proactively adapted to these changes since its inception, recognising the evolving landscape of property marketing. This foresight and adaptability have been crucial in maintaining the company’s competitive edge. We’ve witnessed significant shifts in marketing dynamics, prompting us to enhance our strategies by expanding our presence across various platforms, with a particular emphasis on leveraging the power of social media, which is key to building a strong presence.

This forward-thinking approach and adaptability have played a crucial role in keeping the company at the forefront of the competitive Bath market. Additionally, our keen awareness of market trends has allowed us to navigate and capitalise on price increases in both sales and rental values, reflecting our commitment to staying ahead in an evolving industry.

What truly sets The Apartment Company apart is its invaluable database of apartment-specific buyers and tenants.

This extensive network serves as a significant draw for prospective sellers, providing access to a targeted audience with a genuine interest in apartment living. The company's commitment to delivering a first-class service further reinforces its appeal to clients looking for a seamless and personalised real estate experience.

If you are considering selling or letting a Bath apartment, contact us on 01225 471144 or email info@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

Camella January.qxp_Layout 23 21/12/2023 09:10 Page 1

Camella, the kind and ethical way to sell your home, with a bespoke service Melissa Anderson formally a Director at Rightmove launched Camella estate agents in the summer of 2023, since then her business has grown with the opening of her new High Street branch in Batheaston. Here she shares why in 6 months her business has been a considerable success.

Five-star service From the get-go, it was important that everyone within the business works within our 3 core values and remove any preconceptions that home-movers may have of estate agents.

Kindness – Your home is our home; We will care for you and your property.

Integrity – We do the right thing. We never settle for less than you deserve.

Noticeable – We want your property and our service to stand out.

In practical terms what does this mean: • • • • • • •

Extended opening times. Being available to speak to us in person when other estate agents are closed.

Viewings on evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays to fit in with people’s busy schedules.

Lengthier viewings to allow buyers the time to really take in the property.

Honest conversations around the value of homes.

Regular communication with sellers including reviews on their property’s performance.

Technology to allow potential purchasers to book viewings 24/7.

Confidence in our service with no long contracts or hidden fees.

Exceptional property marketing Whether you are selling a studio apartment or a large family home, to gain the maximum asking price and enquiry levels, presentation is key. We offer professional photography, personalised video, 360 virtual tours, advertising in the Bath Magazine and enhanced marketing on Rightmove to boost leads.

We take the time to ensure our property descriptions are detailed and informative to include a vendors’ view (what sellers have enjoyed about living in the property) and ‘setting the scene’ which describes the local area and community.

We offer all of this within our fee, and we will not ask you to pay extra for marketing.

Sales progression When you secure a buyer, it does not stop there, that’s when the hard work begins. Many home-movers do not understand the conveyancing process, and some find it overwhelming.

We guide people throughout and regularly communicate with solicitors to aide a smoother completion.

Of course, moving home provides its challenges. We have had surveys that have uncovered some nasty surprises, but having an understanding ear, open dialogue, and good relationships with all parties we have worked collaboratively to provide a resolution.

If you are thinking about selling in 2024 and want a personal service that goes above and beyond, then we should be your agent of choice. We cover Bath and all the surrounding villages.

Call us on 01225 255 321 www.camella.co.uk hello@camella.co.uk 246 High Street Batheaston Bath BA1 7RA

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | TheBATHMAgAziNe 81

TI

Park Street

OIEO £850,000

Exceptional split-level apartment available with vacant possession · Impeccable presentation throughout · Three generously-sized double bedrooms · Strikingly beautiful kitchen dining room · Inviting and cohesive ambiance · Abundant natural light, creating an airy feel · EPC Rating TBC

O

N

Cavendish Lodge

OIEO £700,000

Two double bedroom apartment · Large living room and dining room · Popular gated location · Two ensuites & WC · One parking space and visitors parking · Council Tax: Band G · EPC Rating C

Great Pulteney Street

OIEO £300,000

NO ONWARD CHAIN · Prestigious central location in Bath · One bedroom · Listed Georgian Apartment · Period features · Neutral décor throughout · Council Tax Band C · EPC Rating D

01225 471 14 4 The Apartment Company January.indd 1

info@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

18/12/2023 17:48

T LE EE R G A

Cleveland Walk

£2,950 PCM

Available January 2024 · Stunningly furnished · Three double bedrooms · Two bathrooms · 1,163 sq ft - Spacious with stunning views over Bath · Min 12 month tenancy · EPC Rating D · Council Tax Band D

New Marchants Passage £1,875 PCM Two double bedrooms · Furnished & decorated to a high specification · Suitable professional couple or two professional sharers · Superb views across the City · Open plan living Approx 840 Sq ft · Minimum 12 month tenancy · Council Tax Band C · EPC Rating C

Weston Park

£2,100 PCM

Detached 3 bedroom house · Two bathrooms · Set in the grounds of a larger house · Small private garden · Wood burner in living room · Garage & parking · Council Tax Band D · EPC rating D · Minimum 6 month tenancy

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

The Apartment Company January.indd 2

18/12/2023 17:49

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