The Bath Magazine April 2011

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£3.00 where sold

THEBATHMAGAZINE THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

ISSUE 103 • APRIL 2011

GREAT BRITISH INTERIORS

design special

TBM IS AVAILABLE ON iPAD & MOBILE

FLORAL FLOURISH Bluebells on Show at Westonbirt

ROYAL CITY

Bath Gets Set to Party

SPORT of KINGS

The Going is Good at Bath Racecourse

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Spring Holiday Things to Do and

&

TOWN COUNTRY PROPERTY

READER COMPETITION WIn a Spending Spree at Country Casuals and Viyella

FACE THE MUSIC Tunes that Inspire Artist ‘Pete the Street’

The most desirable homes in and around Bath The very best of local writing, what’s on, arts, lifestyle, property and so much more in your guide to life and living in Bath

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TALK OF THE TOWN News and views from the city

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BIGWIG Nobody loves a practical joker

12 FACE THE MUSIC Artist Pete Brown who specialises in paintings of streetscenes talks life, love and music to Mick Ringham

14 MUSEUM AT 50 The American Museum in Britain celebrates an important milestone

16 GET OUT THE BUNTING How Bath will be celebrating the Royal wedding with street parties and cake

18 BATH RACECOURSE Tales from the turf as the Lansdown course turns 200

22 A WEEKEND AWAY The delights of St Ives

24 WHAT’S ON With four bank holidays ahead, we’ve got a round-up of things to do to keep you entertained WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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33 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Everything arty in April

36 OUT AND ABOUT A ramble through the Wiltshire hills

38 INTO THE WOODS On the wildflower trail at Westonbirt

40 BATH AT WORK

65 YOU’RE AT HOME Sit down and enjoy the finest objects of desire for your home in our interiors pages

76 BLOSSOMING OUT Gardening writer Jane Moore cherrypicks the best of the spring flowering trees

83 PROPERTY For the best houses on sale this spring

News from the city’s business community

44 FAMILY FUN Where to take the children for Easter holiday days out

55 SWEET CHARITY We meet the people behind one of south west’s longest serving cancer care charities

Need to refer to something you have read previously? Archive copies of TBM can be viewed with the online edition on our website: www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

56 FOOD & DRINK A seasonal recipe and news and events from Bath’s restaurants and foodies

59 RESTAURANT REVIEW A jolly good meal at The Hop Pole

60 FIT & FAB A selection of products and health and beauty news

ON THE COVER Courtesy of anangelatmytable.com.

Image shown is oversided armchair with Union Jack flags, priced at £845. Union jack stool £350.

Order online from www.anangelatmytable.co.uk

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EDITOR’Sletter

T

here’s a lot to celebrate this month, with four bank holidays between now and the beginning of May, as well as the school holidays, so many of us will have more leisure time to enjoy all that Bath has to offer.

The month kicks off with the Bath Comedy Festival and we talk to festival director Nick Steel, who’s a very funny guy (page 6). If you’re in need of a good laugh, get yourself tickets to see some great acts.

Anyone who doubts that Bath is a royalist city should remind themselves of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit a few years ago when Bathonians turned out in their thousands to cheer and wave. So we’re fully expecting a great turn-out for the free Royal wedding party in the park on Friday 29 April, when Kate and Wills’ wedding is being screened live, followed by a Fab Four show from the Bootleg Beatles.

We hear a lot of people are preparing to hang out the bunting. At the time of writing Bath & North East Somerset Council had received 26 requests for street parties across the city, so look out for Union Jacks fluttering in your neighbourhood. See page 17 for a round-up of local events.

With leisure time in mind, I went up to Lansdown to the racecourse, to see what it’s doing to mark its 200th birthday. Bath Racecourse is the city’s favourite playground – last year attracting record attendances of more than 80,000 racegoers – and it plays an important role in the local economy.

We also celebrate the Bath-based American Museum on its birthday, looking fab at 50, and hosting a dazzling display of Marilyn Monroe dresses. Look at the size of her tiny waist and you’ll wonder where the myth came from that she was a size 16.

This April issue is really all about people. We meet Pete the Street, now a successful artist, but who for many years has been a familiar sight with his easel on the city’s pavements, painting in all weathers (page 12). And two local charities, Dorothy House and Macmillan Cancer Support, salute the people who support them. As we do – they really couldn’t do it without you.

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

THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk 01225 424499

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Ewart sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Jane Moore, Mick Ringham, Andrew Swift, Nichola Owen

Production Manager Jeff Osborne Email: production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Email:

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.

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TALKofthe TOWN

My Cultural Life

BOOK OF THE MONTH Review by Georgette McCready

Bath History XII Published by The Bath Preservation Trust and available from Topping & Company, Mr B’s Emporium, The Oldfield Bookshop and online at www.bathhistory.org.uk

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t read Volumes I to XI in the Bath History series as each chapter in this absorbing volume is discrete. Some of the city’s best known historians have contributed chapters on such diverse subjects as literary entrepreneur and character William Meyler; Prior Park’s strong Catholic links; and the four girls from the Walcot Workhouse who were shipped out to Australia and whose fate is unknown. Pat Hase explores the life and work of an ancestor of hers, Bath-born painter Edwin Long, while Dr Cathryn Spence tells the story of a group of friends who also happened to be influential in the 18th century. What is also pleasing about Bath History is the number of institutions and individuals who have collaborated on this project.

PICTURE: John Lloyd

This month we ask Nick Steel, the Director of the Bath Comedy Festival What’s on your MP3 player?

Appeal for pets launched

NEWS IN BRIEF Listen to the voice of Bath What has Bath got in common with Venice? Both are designated World Heritage Sites, and to celebrate this status the city is launching a new World Heritage Walking Tour audio guide narrated by Amy Frost, curator at Beckford’s Tower.

The audio tour can be downloaded free from www.visitbath.co.uk. It will be launched at noon on Sunday 17 April, World Heritage Day from Stall Street, all are welcome.

Walk as a way to remember

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he cats and dogs’ home at Claverton is full to bursting with 160 dogs and 140 cats, as it has been for some time, but this month sees a double celebration at the animal shelter. The 75-year-old charity has just housed its 100,00th animal and launched an appeal to raise £100,000, backed by rugby star Matt Stevens. The home, which takes in unwanted rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and ferrets as well as cats and dogs, needs more than £1.2m a year to continue its good work.

THEBATHMAGAZINE 2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499 Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2011 Every month The Bath Magazine is circulated free to over 20,000 selected homes and businesses in Bath and the surrounding areas.

A certificate of print and publisher’s statement are available on request.

Published by MC Publishing Limited Printed by PCP Limited 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.

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People taking part in Dorothy House’s Walk to Remember on Sunday 17 April will have a choice of venues this year.

The sponsored walks will take place at Southwick Country Park, near Trowbridge. and at Westonbirt Arboretum. Both walks are roughly two miles, and are suitable for all ages, including wheelchair-users. For more details visit the Dorothy House website: www.dorothyhouse.co.uk or tel: 01225 721480.

Variety is the spice of festival From Scottish pipers on the roof of Bath Abbey to a BBC film critic singing songs about transport, the 2011 Bath International Music Festival programme has music for all tastes. Artistic director Joanna MacGregor has picked some real treats, including wonderful Russian wedding music and jazz rapper Soweto Kinch. Plan what you’re going to see, visit: www.bathmusicfestival.org.uk

A helping hand for the Fringe Make a note in your diaries for Wednesday 11 May for a Bath auction to raise money to allow this year’s Fringe Festival to go ahead in its customary fine style. To kick off donated items, Martin Tracy of The Framing Workshop has given a limited edition print by Pete Brown.

Wielding the gavel will be our columnist Mick Ringham.

My prog rock band The Locust Recipe’s new demo of course. Or it would be if our recording engineer hadn’t had a mishap with his hard drive – we’ll have to go back and record it again.

Which book are you reading?

The long awaited new Thursday Next novel by Jasper Fforde. I couldn’t finish his last book, but I can devour a Thursday Next volume in one go.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I tend to go to galleries when on trips abroad, although I will visit the Holburne when it reopens.

Film or play?

Anything at Bath Comedy Festival, naturally.

What local outdoor activity will you be enjoying this month?

The White Hart beer garden, which starts to come into its own in the spring.

Favourite Bath restaurant or café?

If it’s Friday, it’s Hon Fusion with the Widcombe gang. If it’s to impress, it’s the Lackham beef at the Ring O’ Bells. If it’s curry, it has to be the Bengal Brasserie in Milsom Street.

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

I am an avid collector of 78s. In another life I am the Wind-up Merchant. I have the world’s only Pramophone – two wind-up gramophones mounted on a Silver Cross pram – parties, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs catered for.

Bath Comedy Festival runs from 1 to 10 April. Visit: www.bathcomedy.com for details.

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15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX Tel: 01225 465 757

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• FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • CUSTOMER CAR PARK •

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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

By Bigwig

JOLLY JAPES

that end in tears

I

’m not a big fan of April Fools jokes. I’m old enough to remember the huge success of the Treacle Mines stunt (ask your mother) which certainly entertained the nation and I used to be a devil where practical jokes were concerned. But these days I’ve come round to the view that there’s something inherently spiteful in them.

Many years ago we decided to take a group of city-born youth club members on a camping trip to Wales. We borrowed a removal van, shoved a couple of old three piece suites in the back and loaded up with troublesome teenagers. Health and Safety would have a fit these days. Of course the old van broke down before we’d gone even 50 yards. It dawned on me it was April 1st so I filled the time waiting for the breakdown truck by phoning one of the organisers and pretending to be an angry Welsh farmer’s wife. I made out the kids were running wild, had lit fires, were chasing livestock and had even unloaded a piano. I thought this was

Some of my fellow patients managed ❝ to persuade a bloke who was waking up from a minor operation that he’d been in a coma for a week

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hugely funny, but he became increasingly upset. It was quite difficult to extricate myself from the jape.

Revenge was sweet, because as we finally drove off in the direction of the Severn Bridge some joker ran up behind the lorry, pulled down the roller shutter and clipped a large padlock onto it. We spent the next two hours waiting for the fire brigade to arrive with some bolt cutters, while inside the lorry it was getting hotter and hotter.

We did finally arrive in Wales, where of course the youths did run wild, chase livestock and light fires. Two boys absconded and were caught trying to break into a deserted cottage because they didn’t fancy a night under canvas. Several others demanded we drive them into town so they could stock up on mountains of crisps rather than eat our rubbish hippie food. I don’t recall a piano, but there might well have been one.

On another occasion I hid behind the curtains in a colleague’s hotel room. It soon became apparent that I’d left it too long and that he’d be genuinely frightened if I suddenly appeared. I decided to wait until he’d fallen asleep, which seemed to take an eternity. Then I went to tiptoe from the room but of course he woke up, and having turned out the light didn’t realise it was me and absolutely freaked out!

When I was in hospital once some of my fellow patients managed to persuade a bloke who was waking up from a minor operation that he’d been in a coma for a week. For once the victim of the jape seemed quite excited. He particularly liked the bit about his family and friends holding a bedside vigil. He seemed pretty disappointed when the ward sister told him the truth and gave all of us a severe reprimand.

But on the whole, such escapades end in tears. And even when successful and the victim joins in the laughter with gusto, there’s always a lurking feeling that he or she is going to get you back sometime. After all, being the perpetrator is always far more pleasurable than being the victim.

In fact nothing upsets a trickster more than being tricked.

By the way, someone who was there all those years ago has just told me there was indeed a piano. Happy days. ■ WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FACEtheMUSIC

on the street OUR MAN

Pete Brown has gone from being a virtually invisible figure painting on the streets to a highly collectable artist. He talks to Mick Ringham about his work, love and music

Y

ou may have seen him at work, out in all weathers on the streets with his easel, painting the scene in front of him. And it is this style of working on the spot that has earned this popular artist the nickname Pete the Street.

Pete Brown, who is perhaps best known to Bathonians as part of our street furniture, takes his inspiration from architecture and bustling urban life.

As a teenager growing up in Berkshire, Pete began his artistic career copying from art books, at first just for fun but later he took things a step further. Moving west in the mid-80s, he signed up for a foundation course at Bath College of Higher Education. This in turn took Pete to Manchester Polytechnic where he graduated in the early 1990s.

He says: “After leaving I shared a garret flat in a rundown area of Manchester, painting as much as I could between shifts at a sausage factory.”

Pete went on to complete a teacher training course in London, later moving to Bath and working for a TV aerial firm, a rather ironic job for him as he suffers with vertigo. But working up on city rooftops and painting at down street level enabled him to finance a formidable portfolio of work.

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As he says: “People kept coming up to me as I was painting in the street, I had a few compliments and a couple of sales, these eventually spiralled to a stage where the local council got involved and read me the riot act.”

As is so often the case, necessity is the mother of invention and Pete managed to secure a rare ‘roving artist’s licence.’ Little did he realise at the time, but this was the start of a professional and hugely successful career, which has seen him become a member of various art societies throughout the country, as well as becoming artist in residence at the Savoy Hotel and winning the Prince of Wales award for portrait drawing.

Pete can be seen out painting in other towns and cities throughout the UK, sometimes in the foulest of weather and in various mediums to suit his work, which now sells for thousands of pounds. So what artist from history does this

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impressionist landscape painter most admire? “Without any doubt it would Whistler, I really have great respect for his work.”

As for the musical side of Pete’s pallet, there are many influences as one would suspect, however, he credits his wife Lisa and their five children, who live in Bath, with keeping him up to date with what’s happening on today’s music scene.

Peter’s top ten: ● Pete Seeger Little Boxes This takes me back to growing up in Berkshire with my parents.

I guess you could say that we were not what you would call a musical family; in fact the only 45rmp record at home was this one, written by Malvine Reynolds. Hearing it again brings back so many memories of that time and place. I still know the lyrics today.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: top, left to right: Frank Sinatra, Let It Snow, Oasis, Champagne Supernova and David Bowie, Starman

● Dexys Midnight Runners Come On Eileen Ah! Those wonderful sixth form school discos. Here’s a song you can jump up and dance to, or indeed end up running on the spot. It has very special memories for me, as I met my wife Lisa at this time, when she was the head girl at Saint Jo’s Convent.

Love was in the air that night, and we’ve been dancing together ever since. ● The Stone Roses Waterfall After leaving school I went to Manchester Poly and as any student will tell you, as well as work, there is often some playtime to be enjoyed. This particular track evokes just that – the infamous Hacienda Club, Wally Range and curry. All the things a delicate young chap should experience! ● David Bowie Starman I know all the lyrics to this number and can literally sing them backwards, but I still don’t understand them. At school in Reading I collected all of Bowie’s albums and after all this time, I still think they’re great. This particular song I sing to our son Ned at bedtime and used to sing to our daughter Ella, so it’s in my head most of the time. ● Vivaldi Gloria in D: Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Main photo: Peter Brown on his way to work on the streets of Bath. Left: Summer on Gay Street by Peter Brown

I would like this sung by King’s College Choir. This music really does paint a picture of Cambridge in my mind’s eye. It reminds me of staying there and painting during the winter of 2002/3. I remember the snow, King’s College Chapel, Trinity and the market. It sums up the atmosphere and beauty of the architecture of Cambridge.

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This reminds me of one ❝ particular day in 2009, when I was painting in St James’s Park, London and it started to snow – heavy and wet

❞

● Oasis Champagne Supernova Just hearing this again, conjures up great memories of two fabulous holidays driving around France in Lisa’s old Vauxhall Corsa, with a tent in the back, smoking fags and drinking wine. ● Mika Sucking Too Hard On Your Lollipop Truly a mad song! This drives me crazy but it’s great fun. The family and I went to stay in this large house in Dunster. It was a fabulous place, there were five other families there and 16 kids, who were so excited to be there. We put on this CD and did an impromptu conga all around the house. ● The Dubliners Whisky in the Jar My father-in-law played in Irish bands over the years and that’s just one reason I chose this wonderfully uplifting version of this traditional song. The other is of the craic and supporting London Irish. ● Bruno Mars Billionaire I am aware this is a rather strange choice but so what. This record reminds me of the kids and being subjected in the car to a succession of Now that’s what I Call Music. These CDs of current chart hits were always playing and to be honest were completely alien to a 45-year-old – but this one grew on me. ● Frank Sinatra Let it Snow Well I had to have a weather painting as obviously this is a huge part of my life. This record reminds me of one particular day in 2009, I was painting in St James’s Park, London and it started to snow – heavy and wet. I tried to capture the scene before weather conditions made it too difficult to paint and went into a café in Trafalgar Square. You could tell everyone was excited about the thought of snow and they stopped the music they were playing and put on this track to smiles and a silent round of applause – a great moment. ■ Pete Brown’s one man show, Bath Between the Snows, is at the Victoria Art Gallery from April until 2 June. Entry is free.

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STATESIDE

celebration Exciting treats lie in store for visitors to the American Museum in Britain as it commemorates its 50th birthday says Samantha Ewart

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ver the last 50 years, The American Museum in Britain has firmly established itself as a Bath institution, with an average of 40,000 visitors a year flocking to see the remarkable collection of folk and decorative arts of America displayed in the large period rooms of the historic Claverton Manor.

What makes it so special is that it’s the only museum outside of the United States to showcase such pieces, taking visitors on a journey through the history of America, from its early settlers to the 20th century.

The American Museum in Britain opened to the public in 1961 – the achievement of three friends: Dr Dallas Pratt (an American psychiatrist and collector), John Judkyn (a British born antiques dealer, who had become a United States citizen) and Nick Bell Knight (a furniture restorer employed at nearby Freshford Manor, Judkyn’s business base in Britain). It was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe, and many decades on, The American Museum in Britain still continues to show and inform visitors of the diverse and complex nature of American culture. From furniture, paintings and quilts, to silver and glass, each piece in the collection testifies to the artistry of Americans and how they lived in the past.

To celebrate it’s 50th birthday this year, the museum has a whole host of special events and activities on offer as well as an intriguing trail around the house, two new facilities, a new publication and a very exciting exhibition.

Not only does this exhibition ❝ wow, it also dispels the myth that Marilyn had a plus size figure

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The only way to mark a milestone birthday is with a big celebration, and you can’t get bigger than an exhibition about one of Hollywood’s greatest stars. Entitled Marilyn – Hollywood Icon, the museum celebrates the enduring legacy of Marilyn Monroe with a new show in the main exhibition room featuring 20 of the screen goddess’s gowns and outfits, original photographs and posters and personal items, all loaned by David Gainsborough Roberts, who has one of the largest collections of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia.

The collection includes the famous red sequined gown that Marilyn stunned the world in with her co-star, Jane Russell in Gentleman Prefer Blondes (1953), the pink “wiggle” dress from Niagara (1952) and the iconic cocktail dress from Some Like it Hot (1959) in which Marilyn crooned ‘I’m through with Love’ sitting atop a piano.

Not only does this exhibition wow, it also dispels the myth that Marilyn had a plus size figure. Contrary to many accounts about her weight, visitors will see how petite Marilyn’s outfits and costumes were, with tiny waistlines and small shoulders.

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costumes, evident by the visibly worn stitching in the seams, so she couldn’t have been very comfortable at all. But as they say, it’s all in the name of fashion. And indeed, Marilyn was a very glamourous and fashionable lady, from her swimwear and nightwear to her jewellery and headwear, all of which are on display.

However, beneath this dazzling facade was a vulnerable and self-destructive woman, and the intimate items of memorabilia in the collection give a real insight to the insolated, mundane and trapped life that she led.

David Gainsborough Roberts, owner of the collection, says: “I am delighted that so wide a range of items in my collection can be placed on view at the American Museum for its fiftieth anniversary celebrations. Marilyn is, for me, the quintessential Hollywood figure – beautiful, glamourous, talented, and yet so human, so tragically vulnerable at the same time. How appropriate that her legend can be celebrated by so many people in such a magnificent setting at the American Museum.”

But Marilyn isn’t the only treasure celebrated in the museum – 50 special items have been selected to tell not only the fascinating story of America, but also that of the museum itself in the Fab@50 display.

Until 30 October, these items will be put on spotlight and displayed in an engaging trail throughout the rooms. Look out for books, documents and Renaissance maps to clothes, quilts, coverlets and rugs, paintings, prints and sculpture which each tell a story and reflect the breadth of the decorative arts collection. The earliest pieces are Native American birdstones that were used for hunting in 400BC and yet have a remarkably modern decorative quality. On the other end of the scale is a wonderful collection of colourful 20th century prints designed

by American-born artist Edward McKnight Kauffer for clients including the London Underground and American Airlines.

Main image: the Lady Liberty weathervane which was specially commissioned by the museum to celebrate the opening of the folk art gallery.

Opposite page from clockwise: the satin leotard worn by Marilyn for a pictorial feature by Richard Avedon; a silver ring with two small diamonds given to Marilyn by her mother; and a wardrobe shot of Marilyn in the pink “wiggle” dress from Niagara (1953)

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Whilst it is a celebratory trail, it does not shy away from the darker events in America’s history. Slavery and gruesome battles are addressed and a letter written by a member of the 7th Cavalry at Fort Riley, Pine Ridge, gives a graphic account of events before and after the Battle of Wounded Knee on 29 December 1890, when it is estimated that between 200 and 300 men, women and children were massacred.

In partnership with the display, a commemorative edition of America in Britain (the museum’s annual academic journal) has been published, in which scholars, cultural commentators, museum colleagues, celebrities and local schoolchildren have written about their favourite piece from the museum’s collection.

Two new facilities have also been unveiled as part of the celebrations: The Coach House, in the former stables, has great space and acoustics and will be used for lectures, corporate retreats, musical events, films and educational purposes; and located in the manor’s original picture gallery is the new folk art gallery.

The museum is acclaimed for its folk art collection and the specially dedicated gallery aims to introduce visitors to a distinctly American aesthetic. Quilts, paintings and standing figures reveal the art of preindustrial America, with pieces crafted for constructive use such as bird decoys, weathervanes and trade signs.

Laura Beresford, museum curator, says: “These exuberant pieces of art and craft – of the people, by the people, for the people – deserve to be better known on a world stage.”

The gallery is full of eclectic and energetic pieces: carved and cast beasts vie for wall space alongside painted faces and stitched stories. Miniature rooftops have been created on which to display the weathervanes, and new technology shows the portraits merging together and catching the visitor’s eye.

“We want people to connect with the art so we’re trying to have fun with it,” says Laura, who has written a book to accompany the pieces on display.

In celebration of the opening of the new folk art gallery, the museum has commissioned a monumental weathervane from internationallyacclaimed coppersmiths and sculptors Karen and Gordon Green. The striking eight-foot high, hollowed piece shows Lady Liberty in robes holding the American flag and greets visitors as they enter the gallery.

The museum’s celebrations offer something for everyone. As well as the main exhibitions and displays on show, over the year adults can join courses and attend musical events while children can join in with activities in the grounds and get creative – see them dress up in cowboy hats, design a quilt and play in the teepee. Help the museum celebrate its birthday in style. ■ Marilyn – Hollywood Icon runs until 30 October. For further information about the museum and for a full programme of events, visit: www.americanmuseum.org or contact tel: 01225 460503.

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ROYALwedding

A very British OCCASION

It’s party time as Bath prepares to celebrate the Royal Wedding. join in the fun whether it’s with a big street party or in your own back garden

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engell bespoke jewellery shop

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ath is pulling out all the stops this month to mark the Royal wedding in style. Anyone who witnessed the crowds three and four deep in Bath city centre when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited a few years ago will know that there’s a huge enthusiasm for the Royal Family. So whether you’re closing off your road to make way for the trestle tables and hungry hordes, or planning a quiet day in front of the television with close family, The Bath Magazine has suggestions on how you might mark William and Kate’s big day.

THE STREET PARTY At the time of going to press, the city council had recieved 26 formal applications for street parties across Bath – and that doesn’t take into account all the neighbourhoods or community groups that have decided to take over someone’s garden or a hall for their own celebrations. Making decorations is cheaper than buying them. Print off colour Union Jacks found online and use them to make paper bunting or to wrap around cakes.

PARTY IN THE PARK A free family-friendly event is being held in Royal Victoria Park on Friday 29 April. You can arrive with your picnic from 10am, and from 11am giant screens will show live BBC coverage of the wedding ceremony. One of the greatest tribute bands of all time, the Bootleg Beatles will perform, accompanied by orchestral musicians in a programme which spans the complete Fab Four history. Supporting the headliners are Will and the People and Rainy and the Dust: two of the UK’s most promising young bands. Bath Philharmonia will be joining the celebrations, playing a themed programme that includes Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance, Mendelssohn’s Wedding March and a selection of wedding favourites.

WOMAD will also be leading a series of wedding-themed crafts and activities.

tina engell 29 belvedere, bath ba1 5hr 01225 443334

www.tinaengell.com

THE VILLAGE CELEBRATIONS It’s been many years since the people of Weston in Bath enjoyed a traditional village carnival, so it seems fitting that the villagers have chosen the day after the Royal wedding to hold Westfest. The village festival, on Saturday 30 April, will see the High Street closed to traffic, a barbecue by the Old Crown and live music provided by The King’s Head.

Children from Weston All Saints Primary School will be hosting a wedding reception. This is a joint event by the local churches, schools and community groups. All are welcome, the fun starts at 11am, entrance is free and if it is dry there will be parking on Weston Recreation Ground.

HISTORIC CELEBRATIONS At No 1 Royal Crescent visitors will be invited to enjoy a Georgian wedding feast between 16 April and 2 May, where the drawing room will be laid out in readiness for a wedding breakfast. Also at the museum there will be a talk on Tuesday 19 April at 6pm entitled Wedlock: how Georgian Britain’s worst husband met his match. The talk will be given by Wendy Moore, whose book on the subject was a Channel4 Book Club choice. ■ For a full list of activities and events in Bath, log on to www.VisitBath.co.uk. Visitors can also contact Bath’s tourist information centre on 0844 847 5256.

FIT FOR A PRINCESS: The Bath Magazine gets in the party mood as young Evie tucks into our Royal Wedding tea, main picture.

Flowers from florist Barry Toogood, Coldharbour Road, Bristol, cakestands and styling by Made@HomeByMaggie.co.uk.

Photography: Gavin Thurston

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CITYracecourse

TALES Bath racecourse celebrates its 200th anniversary this year with a series of celebratory events. We look back at the Lansdown course’s early days and its role today as Bath’s favourite playground

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olly Glover recently took over as general manager at Bath Racecourse and is looking forward to hosting a successful racing season in the course’s 200th anniversary

year.

The racecourse plays a vital role in boosting Bath’s local economy but it only hosts 19 racing fixtures a year. I asked her why the racing season at Bath is so short. She said: “We only host 19 race meeetings a year, this is due to the pressure that racing puts on the track that we have. Being the highest racecourse above sea level in the UK we are only able to race during the fairer weather.

“Our season stretches from April to October each year, as fog and poor weather conditions would make racing impossible. Due to the altitude we are also unable to water our track therefore Bath is renowned for its firm going throughout the racing season.”

But the course is building up its non-raceday activities, which have become increasingly important for it as a business over the past five years. It has made a virtue out of the sheer size of the place, with plenty of room for parking, large exhibition halls and small meeting rooms. There is also a marquee which will seat up to 350 banqueting style.

You can even get married up here, making the most of those fabulous views and big skies. There is now a dedicated events team for the various types of functions staged at Lansdown and it is predicted that this part of the business will grow over the next 12-24 months.

Bath Racecourse has a handful of signature racedays including a cider festival featuring the Wurzels, a Super Saturday in June and the popular Ladies Day in August, when Bath’s women get out their best hats and treat the meeting as a special occasion. Each event attracts a very different crowd.

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And since Bath is such a popular tourist destination a lot of weekend visitors make a day at the races part of their entertainment, spending money within the city itself as well as at Lansdown.

Holly aims to build on the racecourse’s reputation as a playground for Bathonians, saying: “I am very keen to develop the racecourse’s relationship with the local community and encourage it to embrace the facility that we have on our doorstep.”

Last year was a record year for ❝ the course, attracting more than 80,000 racegoers, a 17 per cent increase year on year

❞

Last year was a record year for the course, attracting more than 80,000 racegoers, a 17 per cent increase year on year.

Themed racedays are continuing to prove very popular by offering punters added extras, such as live music after the racing has finished. Bath’s Cider Festival is proof of that – this sell-out event brought in a crowd of 9,000 in 2010, an increase of 16 per cent on 2009.

Holly says: “I was always brought up with horses as a child, my mother rode and we had a couple of ponies. Racing was a new venture for me though. After leaving university I was determined to work within the sports and leisure industry and took a temporary job as a telesales executive at Hereford

A DAY AT THE RACES: coming down the home straight at Lansdown – Britain’s highest racecourse and one of the smallest

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CITYracecourse Racecourse, which was ideal as it was close to my family home – it was great fun and when I was offered a full time position I jumped at the chance.

“I have taken on different roles within the industry at a number of venues including Chepstow Racecourse. I am delighted to be at Bath Racecourse and am committed to raising its profile in the local area. I often attend Cheltenham Festival and have been to Aintree for the Grand National – I am no expert but I have a keen interest.

The most exciting part of my role is seeing racedays and events being delivered. The team work tirelessly all year round to ensure that we deliver memorable events and seeing this being achieved is so rewarding.”

There is a series of 200th anniversary events including a birthday lunch, the launch of a book about the history of the racecourse, and the Ladies Day event in August which will include live music and a fireworks display.

The race season begins with a Wedding Warm up raceday on Thursday 28 April, the day before the Royal wedding, which will be the kick-start of a four-day weekend for many workers. The racecourse promises to provide a street party atmosphere to put everyone in holiday mood – and that’s a dead cert, as they say in racing circles. ■ For more information visit: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

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LADIES DAY: far left, Holly Glover, who took over as general manager of Bath Racecourse in January. Main picture, dressing up for Ladies Day at Bath races is an integral part of the city’s social calendar

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CITYracecourse

SPORT Clockwise from above: racegoers at Bath in the 1920s, Lord Baxendale who was a familiar figure at Bath, the crowds look down the straight, and Kenneth Robertson

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Jim Beavis looks back over 200 years of racing at Bath for The Bath magazine, as a taster for the new book he has written to commemorate the Lansdown course’s anniversary

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acing at Bath began in the early 18th century at Claverton Down, but meetings were intermittent until the 1770s. A few meetings were held on Lansdown before a 15 year gap around the turn of the century. Racing resumed in July 1811, courtesy of the Blathwayt family, the local landowners who owned Dyrham Park.

The original Lansdown course used to be nearer the site of Beckford’s Tower. In the 1840s annual steeplechases were held in the area too. For most of the 19th century there was just one meeting a year in May, lasting two days. This was usually a week before the Epsom Derby and for a time contenders for that classic race ran in the Somersetshire Stakes, Bath’s biggest race.

After the First World War the Blathwayts sold the course to a syndicate who owned Newbury racecourse. Gradually the number of meetings increased. In 1954 Bath hit the headlines with the famous Francasal case, where a superior horse ran in the name of an inferior one. The telephone wire to the course was cut, so that the racecourse bookmakers did not know about all the bets being placed around the country, which meant the starting price was a tasty 10/1. It was one of the great scandals of British racing.

The course has often served a useful purpose for trainers with young or promising horses. Its steady uphill finish provides a good test. A notable example was Gilt Edge Girl, who won at Bath in April 2010 and climaxed her season by winning Europe’s top sprint at Longchamp in Paris.

It was often used by trainers for exercising their horses prior to a big race.

Famous Horse: Gordon Richards rode Tudor Minstrel at Bath before going on to rid him to win the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in 1947 by eight lengths.

Famous Races: The Somersetshire Stakes was first run in 1823, and became important quite quickly but slow decline after 1870. It was last run in 1998. It was traditionally held in May, a week before the Derby.

Famous Jockeys: 26 times champion Sir Gordon

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Richards (1904 – 1986) rode lots of winners at Bath. He is the only jockey to have been knighted. Not until 2002 was his record number of victories in a season exceeded by jump jockey and 2010 sports personality of the year Tony McCoy. Lester Piggott rode very few winners at Bath (just 30); he had a run-in with the stewards in 1968 and rarely took rides after.

Going down to the start he felt his horse was about to go lame.

He asked permission to withdraw it. The vet said it was OK, the starter refused permission. Piggott said he would pull the horse up as it wasn’t fit to run, and he did, immediately after the start.

He was booed, there was a stewards’ enquiry, and he was referred to the Jockey Club. They fined him £100 but didn’t suspend him.

It transpired the horse was physically unable to gallop and never ran again.

Pat Eddery rode many, many times, and he rode at Bath the day after he won the Arc on Dancing Brave. Frankie Dettori has ridden and won at Bath. His last outing to Bath was in October 2008, where he ran in three of the seven races on the afternoon’s card. He won his last race of the afternoon on Godolphin’s horse Alexandros and delighted racegoers by performing his famous ‘flying dismount’ in the winner’s enclosure. ■ The History of Bath Racecourse book by Jim Beavis is availabe to pre-order from the racecourse. It will be launched on July 14, price £10.

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WEEKENDbreak

PICTURE

Samantha Ewart spends a long weekend in St Ives taking in the relaxed lifestyle and discovering the quiet beauty that inspires so many artists

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olourful boats moored in the harbour, sun shining on the yellow rooftops and seagulls circling overhead: a familiar scene of St Ives portrayed by many artists, and a very true depiction. After a weekend stay in the the small Cornish harbour town, it’s easy to see why it’s such a great source of inspiration for creative types.

The arts, culture, lifestyle and scenery of St Ives appeals to holiday makers from all over the country and beyond, and not just in the summer months – it’s a place you can go at any time of the year. Spring in particular is a lovely season in which to visit as the beaches and streets are quiet, allowing you to stroll around at your leisure, taking in the sights, scenery and lifestyle with the luxury of mild temperatures and (fingers crossed) sunshine.

The whole ethos of St Ives is as a place to relax and unwind and there’s plenty on offer to satisfy different tastes. The town boasts three sandy beaches, a picturesque harbour, boutique shops, fine restaurants, cafés and coastal walks with breathtaking scenery.

As we sauntered through the charming cobbled streets, passing houses awash with colour and hidden doorways, we really got a feel for the place and the community: small businesses supporting each other, a friendly atmosphere, and around every corner a gallery showcasing the work of some of the most talented artists in the area, from paintings and ceramics to crafts and prints. It’s an ideal opportunity to find an original, one-off piece of artwork or a unique gift. We found a gem in the Sloop Craft Market – a little enclave of studios displaying a wonderful mix of local, handmade goods that you won’t find anywhere else.

On the theme of art, a visit to the Tate St Ives is a must.

Opened in 1993, it presents an eclectic mix of exhibitions of modern and contemporary art with an association to Cornwall throughout the year. Until Monday 2 May, 2005’s Turner Prize winner, Simon Starling’s Recent History is on exhibition, showcasing a number of important works made over the last five years, almost all previously unseen in the UK. Simon presents intriguing and thought-provoking allusions to various histories through the mediums of video, film, slide projections, 22 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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photography and sculpture.

At the top of the striking, modern building which stands high above the Porthmeor beach, you can enjoy coffee and cake in the café which boasts unrivalled views across the town and harbour to the east and Porthmeor beach to the north. The adjoining terrace is the perfect place to get that winning photograph too.

Allied to Tate St Ives and just a short walk away is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, a memorial to the great sculptress who lived and worked in St Ives at her Trewyn Studio. Her workshop has been carefully preserved and made accessible to the public, showcasing examples of her work, while the house and beautiful gardens contain some of her finest pieces, with sculptures in bronze, stone and wood, along with paintings, drawings and archive material. It’s a remarkable insight into one of Britain’s pioneering modern artists.

Main photo: the picturesque view of St Ives harbour; below: the kitchen area of the Harbour apartment in the Sail Lofts luxury complex; and right: the modern building of the Tate St Ives For further information about the Sail Lofts visit: www.thesaillofts.co.uk For information about The Loft restaurant, visit: www.theloftrestauranta ndterrace.co.uk

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A weekend in St Ives can easily be spent just strolling around taking in the amazing scenery. Everything is in walking distance so you don’t have to worry about public transport – very refreshing. You can munch on a Cornish pasty while appreciating the view across to Godrevy Lighthouse, immortalised by the novelist Virginia Woolf, or take a short boat trip to watch seals basking on the rocks.

As the disappearing sun turns the sea to a glistening moonlit blanket, there’s a real variety of fine food and wine to indulge in. Bars, cafés and restaurants line the harbour, offering something for everyone. For locallysourced fresh food in a quality establishment, you will not be disappointed by the Michelin guide-listed restaurant, The Loft. Greeted with friendly service, a merry atmosphere and a mouth-watering menu, we relaxed into what was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Cornish goats’ cheese with a beetroot and tomato salsa for me and a seasonal soup for him was to start, followed by baked cod fillet wrapped in parma ham with parmesan mash and a rich thermidor sauce, and pan-fried Cornish beef with mustard mash and a port and blue stilton sauce for main. Obviously, we couldn’t leave without sampling a dessert, so we shared a warm sticky toffee pudding served with clotted cream and strawberries – divine. We were utterly delighted with all the dishes and savoured every delicious mouthful.

The whole ethos of St Ives is as a ❝ place to relax and unwind ❞ Our apartment in the Sail Lofts’ luxury complex was ideally situated within a stone’s throw from the harbour, beaches and town. Twelve stunning apartments have been created through the renovation and refurbishment of former sail loft buildings offering the freedom of a fivestar self-catering holiday with hotel-style concierge services. Every apartment in the Sail Lofts is furnished to the highest standard and varies in size, so there’s accommodation suitable for couples, families and groups.

We stayed in the gorgeous two-bedroomed Harbour apartment spread over two floors with beamed ceilings, sky lights and a spacious open plan living, kitchen and dining area complete with a welcome hamper filled with delicious Cornish treats. The wooden floorboards and pastelcoloured interiors created a natural and earthy feel, suitable for a seaside holiday cottage and the colourful artworks decorating the walls cemented the apartment’s place in St Ives. With a generously equipped kitchen and comfy sofas, it’s the perfect place to return to after a leisurely day on the beach.

In addition to the apartments, the Sail Lofts has recently opened the Ocean Spa on the St Ives harbour front. This small haven of tranquility hidden amongst the cottages offers a wide range of spa treatments including facial, back, neck and head massage, Reiki healing, thermal basalt stone therapies and reflexology using products from the awardwinning Cornish organic skin care experts, Spiezia (whose handmade products can be found gracing the shelves of Harvey Nichols). I indulged in the spa’s signature treatment, the Sail Lofts Ocean Spa Sensations which involved a stress releasing massage using Thai herbal-compresses and an enlivening head, neck and facial massage with contrasting hot and cold stones, combined with anti-ageing facial techniques to leave you feeling invigorated and ready for the world.

The spa treatments proved to be the icing on the cake for our relaxing weekend in beautiful surroundings. ■

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WHAT’Son THEAT RE, OPER A & DANC E

A KINGDOM divided

Guys and Dolls, Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 April, Tuesday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm Set in 1940s New York and filled with colourful characters, this fast-paced show features breathtaking dance routines and is bursting with classic songs such as Luck Be a Lady, Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat and of course Guys and Dolls. After opening on Broadway in 1950, Guys and Dolls became one of the greatest successes the stage has ever known. Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons starred in the famous MGM film based on the show in 1955. This production is presented by Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society.

Evita, Monday 2 – Saturday 14 May, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm

Derek Jacobi stars in King Lear at the Theatre Royal

THEATRE ROYAL Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

King Lear, Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 April, Tuesday – Saturday, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm. Please note: this performance is sold out but there will be a limited number of stand-by seats available An ageing monarch. A kingdom divided. A child’s love rejected. As Lear’s world descends into chaos, all that he once believed is brought into question. King Lear explores the very nature of human existence: love and duty, power and loss, good and evil. Following a sell-out run in the West End, Derek Jacobi will return to the Theatre Royal to play King Lear in this prestigious production. The cast also includes Pippa Bennett-Warner, Ron Cook, Michael Hadley, Paul Jesson, Gina McKee and Justine Mitchell. The winner of numerous awards, Artistic Director of the Donmar, Michael Grandage directs.

Journey’s End, Monday 11 – Sunday 16 April, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm In the days leading up to the last great German offensive of the First World War, Raleigh, an 18 year-old soldier joins a besieged company

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of soldiers in the British trenches at St Quentin. There he finds his new comrades being led by his old school friend Stanhope, but discovers the man in army greens much changed from the boy he left behind in cricketing whites. Journey’s End is the Oliviernominated, Tony and Drama Desk award-winning production directed by David Grindley that won critical acclaim in the West End and on Broadway. Based on the author’s own experience of the Front and life in the trenches, Journey’s End remains an important reminder of the horrors of war and the heroes who fought it.

To Kill a Mockingbird, Monday 18 – Saturday 23 April, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm This much loved and widely-read Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which has just celebrated its fiftieth year since publication, tells the unforgettable story of life in the American South through the inquiring eyes of a child.

Brother and sister, Jem and Scout Finch, are growing up during the 1930s depression but their idyllic childhood is shattered with the realisation that bigotry and prejudice rule in their small Alabama town. Following his critically-acclaimed performance in the 2007 production of To Kill A Mockingbird, Duncan Preston recreates his role as the iconic lawyer in a new production of this gripping classic.

Featuring some of the most famous and inspiring stage music ever written, including the classic songs Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, You Must Love Me and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical, Evita, embarks on a national tour.

Bringing to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita tells the story from her young and ambitious beginnings to the enormous wealth and power she gained and her ultimate rise to sainthood.

THE USTINOV THEATRE Monmouth Street, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Johnny Boskak is Feeling Funny, Thursday 21 – Friday 22 April, 8pm A love story, a quest for faith and a car chase that takes you across South Africa from Durban to Secunda to Hillbrow to Hell and back again. From the award-winning Greig Coetzee, this piece has been performed internationally and has won many awards.

Another Someone, Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 April, 8pm This Fringe First Award-winning drama questions if anybody could be happy being nobody? Combining drama, live music and passionate physicality, RashDash look at young people living in a world where ordinary isn’t good enough.

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WHAT’Son M U SI C RONDO THEATRE

UNIVERSITY HALL MUSIC ROOM

St Saviours Road, Larkhall, Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 463362. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

University of Bath. Tickets £9 from the box office on tel: 01225 386777.

Singularities, Thursday 14 April, 8pm

Under Milk Wood, Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 April, 7.30pm Bath Drama have taken Dylan Thomas’s classic radio play and turned it into a vibrant visual feast. Immerse yourself in pre-war small-town Wales as the 22 strong cast populates the mythical village of Llareggub, bringing the extraordinary swathe of frequently hilarious and occasionally monstrous local characters to life over a single spring day. Live music and atmospheric lighting add to the power of this imaginative and entertaining interpretation.

John Peel’s Shed, Saturday 23 April, 8pm In 2002, John Osborne won a competition on John Peel’s Radio One show. His prize was a box of records, which took eight years to listen to. This is an ode to radio, those records and anyone who’s ever sought solace in wireless. Featuring live airings from Peel’s record collection.

Tamworth Two, Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 April, 8pm This fun-filled family play is based on the true story of two intrepid Tamworth pigs, who escaped from the slaughterhouse and went on the run. Nicknamed Butch and Sundance by the Daily Mail, their adventures gripped the media for over a week. With just three actors playing 43 roles, Playing Up have created a fast, physical and funny piece of theatre.

ICIA ARTS THEATRE University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 386777.

Head of the Institute of Sonology, State University of Utrecht, Kees Tazelaar teaches composition and lectures widely on electronic music. His work includes tape compositions teeming with complexity, with the placement of multiple loudspeakers in and around the audience.

AMERICAN MUSEUM IN BATH Jamie Cullum

THE FORUM Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath.

Tickets available from the Bath Festivals Box Office on tel: 01225 4633623.

The Silver Ring Choir of Bath with Special Guest Appearance by Jamie Cullum, Saturday 30 April, 7.30pm The Silver Ring Choir of Bath celebrates its 60th year with a celebration concert including works representative of the choir’s repertoire over six decades. Guest Star Jamie Cullum and his brother Ben Cullum have written and donated a piece entitled Silver. Jamie will perform this with the choir as well as featuring with his own group.

BECKINGTON MEMORIAL HALL Beckington, near Frome. Tickets £8 on the door and from the booking office on tel: 01761 417250.

Three Piece Suite, Saturday 30 April, 8pm

Claverton Manor, Bath. Tickets £12 from the box office on tel: 01225 386777.

Dominic Frasca, Friday 1 April, 6.30pm Dominic Frasca, the finest new exponent of contemporary guitar in the USA, makes his debut UK performance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Museum in Britain. Frasca is increasingly mentioned in the same breath as Robert Fripp, Michael Hedges, Richard Thompson and Adrian Belew, and championed by minimalist composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass.

BATH ABBEY

A unique mix of jazz piano, classical and folk guitar and fiddle with guest musicians classical pianist Finn Shields and flautist Rob Drape.

All proceeds will be donated to the work of the bereavement support charity, Cruse.

Abbey Church Yard, Bath. Tickets from Bath Festivals Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

A unique journey of encounters experienced through a set of video goggles. Replace your point of view by someone else’s. When you look down you see a new body, a body through which you will move and encounter mysterious ghostly presences.

CHAPEL ARTS CENTRE

Bath Minerva Choir and Bath Philharmonia with soprano Eleanor Bowers-Jolley and baritone Derek Welton present Paul Carr’s Requiem for an Angel and Fauré’s Requiem.

Conducted by Gavin Carr.

CHAPEL ARTS CENTRE

Music from films and classical favourites performed by Shannon Gallant-Richards in aid of Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

When We Meet Again, Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 April, please contact the theatre for times

St James Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Tickets on the door or in advance from: www.chapelarts.org

Bellylicious, Saturday 30 April, 8pm A comedy, cabaret and belly dance show written and performed by professional belly dancer and comedienne Galit Mersand. Find out what’s behind the shimmies, hip circles and chest drops and experience an authentic Cairo style cabaret.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

St James Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Tickets £5 and £7 on the door.

A Night of Classical Tails, Wednesday 27 April, 8pm

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH Bathampton, Bath. For further information contact tel: 01225 465454.

Spring Concert, Friday 8 April, 7.30pm The Freshford Singers perform Dvorak’s Mass in D Major and Handel’s Coronation Anthem My Heart is Inditing with conductor Nicholas Thorne and organist James Scott.

Bath Minerva and Bath Philharmonia, Saturday 9 April, 7.30pm

Bath Choral Society, Saturday 16 April, 7.30pm Bath Choral Society will be joined by the Lorian Chamber Orchestra and soloists to perform Duruflé’s Requiem and Haydn’s Nelson Mass.

Bach: St John Passion, Wednesday 20 April, 7.30pm A Bath Abbey Concert Series promotion to mark Holy Week with Bath Camerata, Music for Awhile (leader Margaret Faultless), Nigel Perrin (conductor), Neil Jenkins (Evangelist) and Craig Bissex (Jesus).

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WHAT’Son OTHER EV ENTS CRAFT FAIR

VINTAGE BAZAAR

ANTIQUES AUCTION

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, High Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire. Free admission.

The Cheese and Grain, Frome. www.thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath.

Vintage and Handmade Fair, Saturday 9 April, 10am – 4pm Over 40 stalls of fine vintage wares and handmade arts from a talented collection of makers will be on show where you will find vintage haberdashery, kitchen ware, toys, fine linens, textiles, stationary, jewellery, books and much more. There will also be a tearoom serving homemade cakes and tea and coffee on vintage tea ware.

Spring Bazaar, Saturday 30 April, 10am – 4pm This lovely bazaar will be hosting over 40 stallholders and designers selling affordable quality vintage fashion, textiles, homeware and gardenware plus handmade delights.

CABARET NIGHT Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath. Tickets from the box office on tel: 0845 293 8480

Alive & Swinging with Marilyn Monroe, Thursday 28 April, 8pm Marilyn returns for a night of fun, with old showbiz fling Frank Sinatra and rock legend Elvis Presley.

BOOK FAIR The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath.

The Illustrated and Children’s Book Fair, Saturday 9 April, 10am – 4pm Specialist dealers will be selling a wide range of books, from the rare illustrated volumes to the delights of children’s literature. There will also be a valuation table from midday.

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Auction of Antiques and Collectables, Friday 15 April, viewing from noon, auction at 6.30pm An auction of antiques and collectables including picture, porcelain, glass and silver alongside a view of Great Pulteney Street by Bath artist Peter Brown, silver-gilt spoons once owned by William Beckford and many more fascinating and decorative lots. Organised by the Friends of the Holburne in aid of the museum’s redevelopment scheme.

BOOK LOVERS UNITE Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, John Street, Bath. Tickets £14 from tel: 01225 331155.

Theft, Wednesday 20 April, 7pm For one night only, Mr B’s turns the searchlight onto literature’s craftiest thieves. The Bookshop Band will playing and special guest Rebecca Scott will talk about how she created her nineteenth century Parisian mystery, The Coral Thief. After some delicious food, the Mr B’s team will then put on trial some of literature's other great snatchers.

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Bath Abbey Concert Series 2011 JS Bach

ST JOHN PASSION Bath Camerata & Music for Awhile Margaret Faultless - Leader, Neil Jenkins - Evangelist, Nigel Perrin - Conductor

Wednesday, 20th April • 7.30pm, Bath Abbey Tickets: £10 - £25 (Concessions Available) Box Office: 01225 463362 www.bathboxoffice.org.uk All profit from this event goes to Abbey funds

B AT H A B B E Y-

where earth and heaven meet

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Bath from Beechen Cliff by PETER BROWN NEAC Original Oil Painting and Prints For Sale Available from The Atrium Gallery The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AL 01225 443446 print@theatriumgallery.com www.atriumgallery.com

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Original Oil Painting, Framed £13,000 Size framed 1950mm x 900mm Signed Limited Edition Print £45 unframed Image size 950mm x 390mm Certificate of authenticity.

Fine Art Trade Guild Approved.

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WHAT’Son

LIVE MUSIC

beneath the trees

A variety of acts will be taking to the stage in the woodland setting of Westonbirt Arboretum as part of the Forestry Commission’s concerts this summer. Take a picnic and friends and enjoy a long balmy evening of melodies.

Simple Minds and special guest James Walsh, Friday 17 June. Tickets £35.

Classic songs like Alive and Kicking, Sanctify Yourself, and Don’t You (Forget About Me), established Simple Minds with a global audience with a run of number one albums in the UK. Special guest support will be Starsailor front man James Walsh.

Erasure with special guest Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Saturday 18 June. Tickets £34.50.

After more than four years away from recording and live performance, Erasure are back to coincide with the release of their brand new album in the summer.

Scouting for Girls, Sunday 19 June. Tickets £28.

Scouting For Girls’ eponymous debut album generated a clutch of infectious hits, including She’s So Lovely and Elvis Ain’t Dead. Last year saw the release of their second album continuing the form of the first with more pop anthems and the number one single This Ain’t a Love Song.

Bryan Ferry, Friday 15 July. Tickets £36.50.

Bryan Ferry has enjoyed a highly successful career as a solo artist dovetailed with that as part of a band, being the singer, lyricist and principal composer for Roxy Music. He has a catalogue of chart hits and last year saw the release of his 13th solo album, the critically acclaimed Olympia.

Westlife, Saturday 16 July. Tickets £37.50.

During their 12 years, Westlife have sold over 43 million records around the world. In the UK alone they have scored 10 multi-platinum albums and 14 number one hits including Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, Uptown Girl, World Of Our Own, Unbreakable, and You Raise Me Up. Texas, Sunday 17 July. Tickets £33.50.

Texas have had a string of hits including I Don’t Want A Lover, Say What You Want, Black Eyed Boy, In Our Lifetime, Halo and Summer Son and the song-writing duo of singer Sharleen Spiteri (pictured) and bassist Johnny McElhone have won a Ivor Novello Award.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/music or tel: 03000 680400

LARKHALL OPEN STUDIOS April 30th - MAY 2ND

After the enormously successful Larkhall Open Studios last year, artists will be opening their doors to the public again. Over 14 artists will be giving an intimate glimpse into their private studios.

You will be able to walk along the quiet streets of this quirky corner of Bath, visiting the studios of printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, painters automat makers and more. Imagine tea and cake in an artist’s garden in May. You may even find yourself tempted by one of the many original artworks that will be on sale, from the tiny and affordable to the rather more imposing.

The Larkhall artists have even set up a website where you can see their work and download a map to guide you around the backstreets of Larkhall. www.larkhallopenstudios.weebly.com

‘People Places’ Jack Davis The Octagon, Milsom place Opening night Tuesday 5th of April 7pm – 9:30pm I am pleased to be holding my exhibition ‘People & Places’ at ‘The Octagon’, on Milsom Street.

Wednesday 6th – Sunday 17th of April This exhibition features new paintings and sculptures Mon-Sat 10am-6pm that explore the relationship I have with the natural environment and contemporary society.

Sun 10am-5pm

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IDYLLIC SPOT: the lawns at Chew Valley Lake – but seclusion and wildlife are to be found just a few minutes’ walk from here

ENJOY A FIELD DAY

by the lake The annual Chew Valley Bird Fair provides nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers with a great day out in the country

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he only shooting they’ll be doing down by the tranquil waters of Chew Valley Lake this month are with long lenses, as photographers and bird watchers gather to share their interests and enjoy the annual Bird Show.

This year’s show, which takes places on Saturday 9 April, is sponsored

by London Camera Exchange and Lakeside Optics. The show brings together representatives and some seriously smart kit from the big optical companies.

It takes place on the lawns outside the Chew Valley Lake tea shop, giving visitors the chance to view, get expert advice and buy, while testing out the equipment against this spectacular backdrop. Top binocular suppliers such as Swarovski, Zeiss and Leica will be joined by Opticron, Bushnell, Steiner, Hawke and others while Nikon and Canon will be showing their latest cameras and lenses. There are also deals where the part exchange of old equipment will be welcome in exchange for state-ofthe-art new equipment.

Local groups such as the RSPB Bath group and the Bristol Ornithological club will be recruiting new members, while the Hawk and Owl Trust will have Chris Sperring OBE with his owls on site.

Alan Davies, who is the world’s greatest twitch co-record holder will be on the Leica stand and the Bustard re-introduction group will be represented. Visitors can also have a go at making their own nest box for birds.

The show is open from 10am to 4.30 and further details are available from Lakeside Optics on tel: 01275 332042. ■

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS WHITE ROOM DARK ROOM The White Room Gallery 31 Brock Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 331500

17 April – 13 May An exhibition showcasing work from two contrasting contemporary photographers: Bill Jackson FRPS and Ray Spence FRPS. The show will also feature the gallery’s new range of dark room photography, an exclusive collection of images by the gallery’s in-house photographers.

THE YELLOW WALLPAPER Anna Gillespie, To the Limit

Bo.lee Gallery 1 Queen Street, Bath.

ANNA GILLESPIE

Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464850 www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 16 April An exhibition that pays homage to narrative with unique works that reference escape, exploring both freedom and entrapment through installation, photography, painting and sculpture.

11 April – 7 May Eagerly anticipated in April is the second show for Bath sculptor Anna Gillespie, at Beaux Arts. The show will feature life size environmental sculptures, involving the use of acorn and beech nut cups, bronze sculptures and a group of works using found objects which incorporate cast bronze figures.

25TWENTYFIVE

Black Swan Arts 2 Bridge Street, Frome, Somerset. Tel: 01373 473980 www.blackswan.org.uk

Until 8 May 2011 is the 25th anniversary of Black Swan Arts and to celebrate this milestone, photographer Tim Mercer has curated an exciting print exhibition in conjunction with Bath Spa University. 25 artists have produced 25 silkscreen or letterpress posters. Artists exhibiting include Kevin McCloud, Luke Piper, Mark Karasick and Day Bowman. Each poster will have a limited run of 25 and will be for sale for £25. All the proceeds from the exhibition will go towards the Black Swan Arts 25th Appeal.

JACK DAVIS: PEOPLE AND PLACES

Exhibitions in the ICIA Art Space at the University of Bath: University of Bath & Photosoc, until 21 April A chance to see the winning entries and runners up from the university’s photography competition. Categories include: landscape, documentary and portraiture.

The Octagon Milsom Place, Bath.

6 – 17 April An exhibition of painting and sculpture that explores the relationship with the natural environment and living in contemporary society, with landscape paintings of the sea.

Rose Sanderson, Tranquility

Tom Marshman, until 21 April As part of his residency on campus, performance artist Tom Marshman creates a multi-media installation that changes and develops over time.

Janek Schaefer, 6 April – 17 June Janek Schaefer is a sound artist, musician and composer. As the Olympics approach, Schaefer explores the University’s Sports Training Village via his camera lens and microphones to create a mixed-media installation that responds to ICIA’s 2011 theme set in play.

Jack Davis, Behind the Sky

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Visual Arts Workshops – Book on tel: 01225 386777 Stitch, sew, thread, draw, Saturday 2 April, £45.

Printmaking: learn how to lino-cut, Sunday 3 April, £45.

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS BETWEEN THE LINES

LARKHALL OPEN STUDIOS Various locations in Larkhall Download a guide map on www.larkhallopenstudios.weebly.com

30 April – 2 May After the enormously successful Larkhall Open Studios last year, artists across Larkhall have decided to open their doors to the public again. As part of the Larkhall Festival, taking place over the Bank Holiday Weekend, over 25 artists in eight locations will be giving an intimate glimpse into their private studios. This event has quickly become a regular feature of the local art scene, and this year the small hall in Oriel Hall will also host a group show of local artists. You will be able to walk along the streets, visiting the studios of printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, painters, automata makers, photographers and more. You may even find yourself tempted by one of the many original artworks that will be on sale, from the tiny and affordable to the rather more imposing.

Wonky Bowls

Walcot Chapel Walcot Street, Bath.

RICHARD ALLEN IN THE ’60S AND ’70S

13 – 16 April An exhibition of work from 10 local artists in a variety of mediums including print, sculpture, ceramics, drawing and photography.

Victoria Art Gallery

By Pulteney Bridge, Bath. Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk

9 April – 5 June MARIETTE VOKE: RECENT OILS

Demuths Restaurant 2 North Parade Passage, Bath. Tel: 01225 446059

A farmer’s son, Richard Allen left Worcester in 1957 for the Bath Academy of Art. After embracing the school’s progressive ideas, he embarked on Pop and Op art phases before developing a form of abstraction based on scientific systems. This exhibition, supported by Offer Waterman & Co, charts the early career of this artistic pioneer.

Until 30 April An exhibition of work that reflects Mariette’s passion for the texture and language of fabrics. She links garments with objects to tell evocative stories.

AL GREENALL: THE BEGINNING AND THE END

The Octagon Milsom Place, Bath.

18 – 24 April Transforming Bath’s Georgian heart into an artist’s studio for one week only, Al Greenall invites you to explore painting-in-action as he creates one giant new work in public. Al will also be exhibiting selected works from over five years, which explores the nature of abstracted painting and Bath itself as a platform for modern artistic expression.

Richard Allen, Untitled 1962, paper collage

ART @ THE HEART SPRING EXHIBITION The RUH Combe Park, Bath.

1 April – 12 May Art @ the Heart of the Art of the RUH presents The Royal Photographic Society’s 2011 Members’ Print Exhibition in the newly refurbished central corridors. The Members’ Exhibition was established in 2003 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Society and has been held biennially since that date, providing an opportunity for members to showcase their work.

Al Greenall, Desiderium

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■ Bathampton Art Group is holding its spring exhibition on Saturday 16 April between 10am and 5pm at Bathampton Village Hall. Artworks will be on sale from members of the group and demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Vote for your favourite painting and enter a raffle too. For further information visit: www.bathamptonart.co.uk

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QUEST GALLERY IS ON THE MOVE

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pecialising in contemporary fine and applied arts for over five years the Quest Gallery has delighted art lovers and collectors with over 50 exhibitions at its gallery in St James’ Street. In the applied arts the gallery has become known for its exhibitions of fine glass, sculpture, ceramics, silver and Jewellery.

From late April the gallery is moving to Bath’s gallery quarter in Margaret’s Buildings. With more space and greater accessibility owner Maggie Steele will be able to bring larger exhibitions and more diverse artists to Bath and show them in an exciting and dynamic environment. In early May the gallery will exhibit the stunning sculptures of Nigel Hall RA. Described as one of the finest sculptors of his generation, Nigel’s structures of great beauty based on cubes, triangles and circles which interlock and change with the light.

Nigel Hall, Han River II

FOUR BY FORTY BY FOUR Gallery LeFort Fine Art 5 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath. www.gallerylefortfineart.com

16 April – 8 May The gallery presents four of its well-established artists exhibiting over 40 paintings over a period of four weeks: Felicity House, Paul Banning, Chris Forsey and Nicholas Turner. The exhibition explores the urban metropolis of Greater London as well as showing national landscapes and still life.

Apricot Jam

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OUT&ABOUT

ON HOMESPUN safari

A walk through the Wiltshire hills may be rewarded with a glimpse of wild deer, as Andrew Swift discovered

W

ith Easter and the Royal wedding bringing us to consecutive weekends of bank holidays this month, many of us will have a bit more leisure time so April’s walk gives us the opportunity to take a longer route.

Our ten-mile route heads for the high hills and two spectacular Iron Age forts, before dropping down to the pastoral tranquillity of the Wylye Valley.

It’s a half-hour rail journey from Bath Spa to Warminster. On leaving the train, don’t cross the footbridge but go into the car park and turn left. Take the path up a ramp on the right and carry on up to a road. Cross and head straight on up the memorial path, through a lych gate and up a flight of steps (ST878455). For the official route, bear left and follow a track diagonally across a meadow and through a kissing gate in the far corner (ST879458). Turn right along a road and right again after 350 metres. Carry on for 650 metres and at the T junction turn left onto Imber Road.

For the unofficial route (which entails less road walking), bear right up steps, following a path through beech woods. Go through a kissing gate, follow the path as it curves left, and carry straight on. When the path forks, bear right and carry on, ignoring a path doubling down to the right. When you reach a fence, bear right alongside it for 350 metres to emerge onto Imber Road (ST886457). Cross and turn left to rejoin the official route.

After 800 metres, follow a signpost on the right onto the Imber Range Path (ST896462). Climb two flights of steps, bearing to the right, and follow a path diagonally across a field. Go through a kissing gate and carry straight on, heading for a gap in the ramparts of Battlesbury Camp. After passing through the outer rampart, turn right up onto the inner rampart.

Carry on for 1100 metres, until you are facing north, looking towards Salisbury Plain, now (as far as civilians are concerned) out of bounds. When you reach a breach in the ramparts (ST901456), drop down to a track, turn right and carry on through a gateway, keeping the fence on your right.

After 350 metres, another footpath crosses the track, but we carry on, heading for the strip lynchets scored deeply into the side of the hill ahead by medieval farmers. Just before reaching them, turn right up a concrete military road for 75 metres, before turning left and following a track round to the right (ST907452).

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Follow a faint track heading diagonally up the field. When a fence comes into view ahead, head for it and carry on, keeping it to your right. After the fence ends, continue past a copse and follow the path as it heads downhill towards a lane straight ahead (you may need to negotiate a couple of low electric fences).

At the lane, follow the sign for the Imber Range Path heading uphill to the right. Go through a kissing gate (ST910445),

From Scratchbury Camp whose ❝ turfed and cowslip’d ramparts seems more hilll than history, ageless and oblivion-blurred

❞

surrounded by slippery mud, and bear left uphill to the outer rampart of Scratchbury Hill, along which you turn left. The poet Siegfried Sassoon, who lived at nearby Heytesbury House, wrote a poem in 1915 on Scratchbury, which reflects the beauty of the place, but with the military ever present.

After 700 metres, go through a kissing gate on the left (ST913441), follow the fence downhill to another gate and bear right, following a track across the field.

Go through another kissing gate and carry on. After passing a large tumulus on the right, the Imber Range Path branches off to the left, but we carry straight on along a well-worn track which soon starts to descend towards an impressive stand of beech trees.

A gate and stile at the bottom lead onto a road (ST917429), with a roundabout to the left. Cross the road, turn left along the verge and take the next turning right down a minor road. After 100 metres, cross a railway bridge, turn right down steps and follow a path diagonally across a field. Carry straight on, with a hedgerow on your left, and cross a stile by the Old Bakery (ST910431). Carry on along a lane, ignoring a turning to the left, and, when you reach a T junction, head straight on along a footpath. After 200 metres, you pass the surprisingly Frenchlooking Norton Bavant House (ST906434). The avenue of trees on your right, lined up on a tumulus on Scratchbury Hill, is home to deer, which you may glimpse if you are lucky.

ANCIENT STRONGHOLD: looking north from Scratchbury Hill, where an encampment was built during the Iron Age

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OUT&ABOUT

Above, left to right: beech woods near Warminster, deer leaping from cover at North Bavant, and a tranquil scene near Bishopstrow Mill

After another 170 metres, go through a gateway (ST905435) and, diverting slightly to follow the left bank of a stream, carry on in the same direction. After passing to the right of a house, cross a stile into a field of horses and head for the far corner (crossing another couple of stiles en route) (ST899439).

Cross the main road and turn left along the pavement for 100 metres, before crossing back and heading down Mill Lane. Carry on past Bishopstrow Mill and over a couple of footbridges.

Where the path forks, bear right. When you reach the churchyard wall, walk alongside it, and turn left along the lane.

When you reach a road, turn left down a cul de sac. At the end, turn right along a muddy lane (ST894435). At the main road, cross and turn left along the verge for 250 metres, before turning right along Eastleigh Wood Lane.

After 1000 metres the lane descends to another mill. Carry on along a footpath, crossing bridges over the mill stream. Continue past Hunters Moon Lodge and, when you reach a T junction with a thatched cottage on the corner, turn right along the road.

After 500 metres, cross a bridge over the ditch on your left (ST877440) and follow a path through Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve. After 500 metres, you reach the end of the

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reserve, with the boating lake ahead. Turn right across a footbridge and carry on up a flight of steps (ST876445). Go through a kissing gate and turn left along a path leading to East Street, where you turn left. After passing the Masons Arms, cross the zebra crossing, carry on and take the next right to the station.

Some sections will be muddy and slippery after rain. Due to the exposed nature of the Imber Range Path, this walk is not recommended in inclement conditions. Dog owners should also be aware that sheep will be encountered en route and dogs should be kept on leads. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION ■

Length of walk: 10 miles

■

Approximate time: 4 to 5 hours

■

Map: OS Explorer 143

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From Bath trains run hourly to Warminster

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Refreshment stops: The Masons Arms in East Street is open all day

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SPRINGflowers

Out of the BLUE Katrina Podlewska takes a stroll through the woodland glades at Westonbirt to discover a wildflower that is being rescued from near extinction

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SPRINGflowers

Above: the elusive Campanula patula, otherwise known as the spreading bellflower and ‘take pictures not blooms’ the new way to collect flowers’

T

here can be few more uplifting sights than a carpet of bluebells in an English wood, with the bright green new leaves unfurling above them.

And the scent of Hyacinthoides non-scripta – to give the bluebell its correct name – released by the sun’s warmth is simply evocative of springtime. It is now that we can go in search of our native wildflowers, so often neglected and endangered in the past but now, happily, thriving in certain habitats.

A day at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum perhaps more usually celebrated for its specimen trees and May-time rhododendron display, brings back the simple delight in discovering these homegrown beauties for oneself. They’ve kept a record of the wildflowers at the Forestry Commission managed arboretum on and off since the 1880s.

But, thanks to work to restore wildflower habitats across Westonbirt, the number of wildflowers, including rare species, is increasing. From now right into summer, wildflowers can be found in huge numbers across the Grade I listed landscape; on the Downs, in the Old Arboretum and in Silk Wood. Species

A biennial, illusive and ❝ challenging plant, in July 2009 a riot of blue flowers appeared . . . but not in the prepared plot

❞

Main picture: bluebells in Silk Wood at Westonbirt.

Below, the little white starry flowers of the wood anemone

vary depending on whether an area has been largely left as native, ancient woodland, or was planted with introduced species during the arboretum’s creation in the 1850s.

The iconic signs of spring in the arboretum, such as wood anemones and bluebells, are followed in the summer by an exciting and rare find in the form of the endangered Campanula patula; the spreading bellflower.

During the last four years, a volunteer Westonbirt Wildflower Group has been making a significant impact on the wildflower habitats at the arboretum, including that of the spreading bellflower.

The group, of around 24 staff, Friends of Westonbirt members and volunteers, was founded in 2006 and includes retired botanists. The wildflower group meets once a month to record identifications, plan surveys and work to restore the rich wildflower and grass habitats.

The spreading bellflower, with its pale blue or white flowers is one of the group’s successes. It is noted on the Red Data list (published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee) as ‘facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.’ In Great Britain, the spreading bellflower’s population is thought to be less than 10,000 in size.

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However, due to careful protection the rare wildflower can, from July until November, be found at several sites across Westonbirt’s Silk Wood.

We know that the spreading bellflower has been seen at Westonbirt since 1939, thanks to careful records.

Over the subsequent decades it has popped up around Concorde Glade, Sand Earth and Willesley Drive. Most often spotted in Wales, Oxfordshire and Herefordshire, Westonbirt’s Silk Wood is the only recorded site east of the River Severn in Gloucestershire.

The wildflower group came across the spreading bellflower in August 2006, when one plant was found growing under a Klosters blue spruce in Sand Earth. The next year it flowered there again, on sites across the path and two further sites on the opposite side of Willesley Drive. Several were also found bordering Concord Glade.

Working alongside PlantLife and the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the Westonbirt Wildflower Group has successfully encouraged the spreading bellflower’s reemergence in several areas.

A plant of open woodland, rides and roadsides, this last year has shown a spectacular crop. Effort has been made to open up ancient woodland through a coppice restoration project, and this, with the wildflower group’s conservation plans has contributed towards the plant’s success.

Rosemary Westgate, leader of the Westonbirt Wildflower Group said: “Spreading bellflower was recognised as a plant that we should conserve but no information was available when we first found it. We invited Tim Wilkes from Plant Life to view the plants and advise us on how we should best work to protect it.”

On Plant Life’s recommendations, two plots were prepared by the group in 2008 in the scrub area off Concord Glade.

A biennial, illusive and challenging plant, in July 2009 a riot of blue flowers appeared in the coppice area behind Concord Glade, but not in the prepared plots. The group invited Natasha de Vere from the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Tim Wilkes back (Natasha was making a study of the plant in Wales). Both were overwhelmed at the display.

Last July brought another fine show, with the plant popping up on the badger path from Concord Glade to Palmer Ride and profusely in an area higher up Willesley Drive.

Two volunteers have taken the spreading bellflower as a specific project, excited by the encouraging signs of growth and three new sites have been prepared.

Although the Westonbirt Propagation team have tried to propagate harvested seed, success has not yet been achieved.

But this does not dampen spirits. The wildflower group is to continue the monitoring and recording of experimental work around the resident population of the spreading bellflower. ■ Westonbirt, near Tetbury, is open weekdays 9am - 5pm, weekends 8am - 8pm (or dusk if earlier).

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News in brief

■ It might be miles from the sea, but that

won’t stop shoppers in Bradford-on-Avon enjoying a new shop with a nautical air.

Phia Surf and Ski has opened in Market Street selling technical sports wear as well as casual yachtie clothes and accessories.

As the weather warms up it will stock flip-flops, sun hats, tankinis and, of course raincoats for the great British summer.

Prize-winning portrait of a young gardener Bath photographer Neill Menneer of Spirit Photographic has won a gold award from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers for a portrait he took of six year old Elise Lambern. Neill created a scene that conjures up a Victorian portrait, after chatting with Elise’s mother Claire about Elises’s hobbies. When he discovered she was a keen gardener, he used some of the fruit and vegetables she’d grown on her allotment. Neill’s winning image will now go through to the end of year finals for photographer of the year 2011. For more of Neill’s work visit: www.capturethespirit.co.uk.

■ BMI Bath Clinic, in Claverton Down

Road, has been awarded an overall satisfaction score of 98 per cent by its patients. The score was based on an independent survey of the hospital’s patients, conducted by market research firm Howard Warwick Associates Ltd during 2010. The survey measured patient satisfaction across a broad range of criteria including patients’ overall impression of admission, nursing, consultant care, X-ray, anaesthetists, theatre staff, accommodation and whether patients felt they were treated with respect and dignity. Bath Clinic employs approximately 220 staff and has around 140 consultants. Richard Foulkes, executive director at Bath Clinic, said: “Our patient survey is an important indicator of how well we achieve this and we monitor the results very closely.”

■ Accessories brand Radley of London

was very quick to fill a vacancy in Old Bond Street, Bath – one of the city’s prime shopping locations. Radley’s summer collection includes pastel sachel bags, colourful wedge sandals and wide brimmed sun hats.

■ A Bath man has a blindin’ future ahead

of him after signing a franchise agreement to bring Britain’s biggest blinds store chain to the city. Stuart Roberts is part of a national Apollo Blinds network which offers a wide collection of window blinds, awnings and plantation shutters. From his mobile showroom, he will cover Bath and the surrounding area, including Frome, Wells, Shepton Mallet and Longwell Green. Apollo Blinds has more than 70 other franchises across the UK. For more information about Apollo Blinds visit: www.apolloblinds.co.uk/bath.

■ Bath & North East Somerset Council has

won a national award for developing Excellence in Access at its Roman Baths & Pump Room in Bath. It was recognised in the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards.

Roman Baths & Pump Room Manager Stephen Clews said: “Wheelchair users can now reach the centrepiece of the site, the Roman Great Bath, despite the fact that it is 15 feet underground, a scheduled ancient monument, a Grade I listed building and used to have 13 sets of steps between the entrance and the exit.”

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JUST THE TICKET

Bath Rugby Club is opening a shop in May on Pulteney Bridge to sell match tickets, replacing its existing ticket office behind the West Stand. It will allow fans and visitors to the city the chance to wander in and find out more about matches and the game. The shop has been let by Bath commercial property agents Carter Jonas.

BATH BUSINESS news & views

A round up of achievements and events from the city’s business community

Royal wedding books abound

A new online bookshop dedicated to The Royal Wedding, where half the profits are being donated to The Diana Award, has been launched by Bath ecommerce firm, Eclector. The Royal Wedding Bookshop (http://www.royalweddingbookshop. com) aims to collate every book connected to the event, plus other books on Prince William, Kate Middleton, and The Royal Family.

The shop also carries a large selection of wedding titles from wedding planning and guides on making a speech to books on wedding dresses.

The new shop is the latest of a number of online bookshops created and managed by Eclector (http://www.eclector.com).

The Bath-based business helps charities, schools, bloggers, and small businesses set up their own online bookshops for free and then earn 50% of the profits.

Yankee doodle candles make scents A Bath family has opened a new shop in Terrace Walk – better known to locals as Bog Island – stocking the popular American brand Yankee Candles.

Helen and Steve Bennett launched Roman Candles as they were big fans of the range and Helen, who had been an HR manager, wanted a change of career direction. The stock includes scented sachets, potpourri, car fresheners and the candles start from little tarts with eight hours burning, for £1.10, to large jar candles. There are all kinds of fragrances to choose from, including Soft Blanket, Island Spa and Midsummer Night.

The Bennetts have twins boys of 24, a daughter, a grandson who is nearly 3 and a granddaughter who is 9 months old. Helen’s son Garry works with her in the shop.

Their customers are a mix of locals and tourists. They run a free loyalty scheme for regular customers and this month have we have a suitaby topical Royal Wedding gift set and candles.

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Taxation and costs are destroying our wealth and reducing our income.

Some basic rate tax payers buying goods and services which attract VAT are effectively being taxed at 43% and a higher rate tax payer at 52%

If you are not sure how taxation and costs are really affecting you a professional adviser can check this for you and you could start to save thousands immediately.

Every time you spend £1 on petrol another, 75p – 84p goes to the Treasury.

Knowing how and when you will be taxed enables planning to mitigate or remove taxation. Knowing where excessive costs drag down the value of your investments can easily be identified and put right.

This is where Mike Bond of Rutherford Wilkinson Chartered Financial Planners can help.

But what does Chartered status mean for you?

Capital gains you make on assets may get taxed at rates between 18% and 28%.

When you die part of your estate may be taxable at 40% Whichever way you look at it, we pay a lot of tax......... think about that for a moment.

The chances are that if you have investments, including pension funds, you are being charged too much as well. The combined effect could be destroying your wealth.

You can do something about reducing costs and taxation and keep more of your money. With our professional advice and planning you can legally avoid taxation and reduce costs

It means we have satisfied rigorous criteria relating to professional qualifications and ethical good practice. It means you can be confident that you are dealing with one of the UK’s leading firms that are wholly committed to providing you with the best possible advice, service and support.

This is the industry’s gold standard for firms of financial planners. Out of the many thousand financial planning firms in the UK only 300 have chartered status (Source the PFS). We are privileged to be one of only 3 firms with chartered status with an office in Bath.

For a free initial consultation please contact Mike Bond on 01225 444707 or e mail mike.bond@rwpfg.co.uk Rutherford Wilkinson Ltd is regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority.

Tax advice is not regulated by the FSA

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FAMILYfun Springtime at Westonbirt Arboretum Image: Rob Cousins

EVENTS ACTIVITIES THE EASTER GUIDE

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Tel: 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Easter Challenge, Friday 21 – Monday 25 April, 10.30am – 4pm Spring forth to discover the awakening forest – from buds bursting and rising sap, to colourful blooms and wildflower carpets. Explore with microscopes, get creative with spring crafts, solve the Easter challenge for a sweet reward and enter the Easter prize draw.

Spring Guided Walks Across the Easter weekend take a guided walk to discover seasonal highlights such as the weeping white mulberry, which fires pollen at half the speed of sound – one of the fastest plant movements in the world.

GO ON SAFARI

Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire.

Tel: 01985 844400 www.longleat.co.uk

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park Explore Jungle Kingdom: go walkabout in the UK’s first walkthrough meerkat enclosure, hand feed the rainbow lorikeets in the Lorikeet Feeding Station and enjoy the antics of the monkeys in Monkey Temple! Meanwhile… the monkeys are back. Love them or hate them, the Longleat monkeys have always been one of the most memorable experiences of a Longleat visit and they’re back and ready to create monkey mayhem. The animal experience is not just limited to the Safari Park however as Hunters of the Sky, a birds of prey show brought to Longleat by the Hawk Conservancy Trust will be

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Visit the Longleat monkeys

showing later this year and a new parkland deer feeding experience will also be launched soon.

From Saturday 9 – Monday 25 April Tractor Ted’s Easter Watch joins the Longleat menagerie: see lambs, get to meet Tractor Ted, go on a tractor and trailer ride and much, much more.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Sessions held in Bathford Parish Hall, Bathford.

For further information visit: www.toddlerworkshop.co.uk or contact Amy on tel: 01225 852889

Toddler Workshop, Tuesdays, 9.30am – 10.30am or 10.45am – 11.45am ; Thursdays, 9.30am – 10.30am A lively medley of dance, drama, music and movement for toddlers and pre-school children aged 18 months +. Imaginative sessions designed to encourage and develop children’s creativity, language and expression. Unusual themes, interesting props, fun songs and music bring stories to life.

ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Bowood House & Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire.

Tel: 01249 812102 www.bowood.org

Bowood House and Gardens In addition to the usual thrills of its Adventure Playground, Bowood House and Gardens will be staging lots of fun Easter-related activities over the holiday weekend. Each day from Good Friday to Easter Monday, there will be arts and crafts opportunities, various outdoor activities and an Easter trail. There’ll also be indoor games to look forward to and on Easter Monday there will be an Easter-themed fancy dress competition with prizes to be won. Visiting families have the chance to stay overnight too at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort – a mile

away from the House and Gardens. On the morning of Easter Saturday, the whole family can enjoy The Bowood Experience together from 10.30am-12.30pm when staying at Bowood Hotel. Two hours of outdoor activity will be staged with archery, laser skeet shooting and nature trail activities featured. A larger than life bunny will be expected to join in the Easter egg hunt at the hotel on the Sunday.

GET OUTDOORS

The National Trust’s Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath.

Sensory Dawn Walk, Saturday 16 April, 5.30am – 7.30am Experience the garden at this magical time of day on a walk with the head gardener. Adults £11, children £6, including a continental breakfast.

Booking is essential on tel: 01225 833422.

Easter Eggstravaganza, Friday 22 – Monday 25 April, 11am – 4.30pm Follow the Easter egg trail to claim your chocolate prize. £1.50 per trail.

GROW YOUR OWN

Bag Garden starter kits cost £12 from www.sendacowgifts.org.uk/growing or tel: 01225 874222.

Send a Cow Send a Cow is encouraging families in the UK to get growing veggies the African way by planting up a Bag Garden. This simple technique is helping thousands of poor farmers in Africa to produce food for their families all year round.

Making the Bag Garden is a fun job and you’ll have a water-saving, space-saving, weed-free multi-storey garden to grow whatever vegetables you like.

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FAMILYfun Dyrham Park

Bowood

Furry Tales

Prior Park

EAST ASIAN ACTIVITIES

FUN AND GAMES

DROP-IN ACTIVITY

Rabbit Activity Workshop, Thursday 14 April, 2pm – 4pm

Activity Day, Saturday 9 April, 11am – 4pm

One Special Day, Tuesday 12 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Not only is it Easter, but it’s also the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. Learn some paper-cutting, origami and more, all with a rabbit theme. Cost: £2. Must be booked a week in advance.

Indoor and outdoor activities for children aged three – 11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Rabbit Pottery Workshop, Friday 15 April, 2pm – 4pm

The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464 640

Learn about the ceramic and jade rabbits in the museum’s collection and make your own pottery rabbit to take home. Cost: £5. Must be booked a week in advance.

GROUP WALK

Meet in front of the Bath National Trust Shop.

Free event.

City to Countryside Walk, Saturday 30 April, 10am

St Swithin’s Café, St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath.

FAMILY THEATRE

Furry Tales, Monday 18 – Tuesday 19 April, 11.30am & 3pm Fairytales are explored and explained by the wonderful Theatre of Widdershins with the help of fun, laughter, some gorgeous puppets and a soundtrack that will stick in your head long after you’ve left the theatre.

A six-mile guided walk of the Bath Skyline. Wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a picnic to enjoy.

The Little Red Hen, Friday 22 – Saturday 23 April, 11.30am & 3pm

The Wroughton Theatre. Box office tel: 01225 463362

This ingenious adaption of the nursery school favourite from Stuff and Nonsense features a host of animal puppets, audience interaction and madcap comic routines.

MUSICAL SHOW

Curtain Up Theatre School presents Guys and Dolls Junior, Thursday 7 – Saturday 9 April, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm The show is filled with classical songs and dances including Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat and Luck be a Lady. Directed by Tristan Carter, this toe-tapping show will be a treat for the whole family.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EASTER EGG HUNT

American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath. www.americanmuseum.org

Bunny Trail, Friday 22 – Monday 25 April, 12noon – 5pm Search the grounds to find all the enormous eggs and win a chocolate egg of your own.

Fashion Museum, Bennett Street, Bath.

Create Easter bonnets using ideas from the museum’s special exhibition.

ART CLUB

Victoria Art gallery, Pulteney Bridge, Bath. £3.75 per child in advance. Must be booked on tel: 01225 477244

Eggstravaganza Art, Thursday 14 April, 10.30am – noon and 1.30pm – 3pm Explore eggy art and create and eggstravagant hat. For three to seven year-olds.

What a Picture!

Friday 15 April, 10.30am – 12noon and 1.30pm – 3pm Create a good view using mixed media. For six to eleven year-olds.

CLOSE TO NATURE

Dyrham Park, Dyrham, near Bath.

Tel: 0117 937 2501

Nature Trails, Tuesdays 12 and 19 April, 2pm Explore the nature in the park with fun activities on the children’s guided trails. From bark rubbing to bug hunting, explore the wild side of the parkland.

Tulip Time, Throughout April See the displays of tulips throughout the garden and visit the tulip exhibition.

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Competition

Sculpt Tone & Balance in Elegant Style!

City Centre Ballet Classes in Central Bath

* Adult Beginners & Improvers * All ages welcome * Private classes

NEW Childrens Classes Starting Soon

* Safe, Quality Tuition * Fully Qualified Teacher * Exam Options *

ALL ENQUIRIES

cityballet@hotmail.co.uk Telephone 01225 722075 Cabot Circus in Bristol is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a family day out at some of its best attractions

H

ere’s your chance to win a fun-packed family day out at Cabot Circus – the south west’s leading shopping and leisure destination, offering the perfect way to spend time together as a family during the school holidays. From fashion to books and toys, there’s something for everyone, whether your family has a fashionista, film fanatic, golf enthusiast or foodie, or even one of each? One lucky reader will receive the following: • a family ticket to see a film of their choice at Showcase Cinema de Lux • a family ticket for Jungle Rumble adventure golf centre • a £50 meal at Gourmet Burger Kitchen Showcase Cinema De Lux has 13 screens and 3,000 seats offering cinemagoers an experience that is unrivalled in both size and luxury, while its luxurious auditoriums add a new dimension to the cinema experience.

Carry on the fun at Jungle Rumble adventure golf centre which features two astro-turf multi-themed 18-hole golf courses, and is reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film set, with an interactive ‘landscape’, complete with a live volcano, waterfalls and a secret swamp!

The winner will also receive a delicious meal at Gourmet Burger Kitchen, which has elevated the humble hamburger into a nutritious, sophisticated meal, using the best ingredients available. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question: How many screens does the Showcase Cinema De Lux in Cabot Circus have? A) 13, B) 30 or C) 3000 Email your answer, along with your full name, address and telephone number to competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk or alternatively, send it to: Cabot Circus Competition, The Bristol Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED. Closing date: Friday 22 April.

Terms & Conditions: 1) Transport costs are not included in the prize. 2) A family ticket to Showcase Cinema de Lux admits two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. 3) A family ticket to Rumble Jungle Adventure Golf Centre admits two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. For further information about Cabot Circus, visit: www.cabotcircus.com

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www.puma-uk.com • 0845 600 1967

Our classes follow a structured syllabus learning self-discipline, respect and other important life skills together with self-protection.

Come and join our family orientated martial arts school - get fit, have fun and make new friends.

New KING EDWARDS SCHOOL - WEDNESDAY Beginners Juniors & Little P.U.M.A.s 6.00-7.00pm Course starting Adults 7.00-8.00pm FRIDAY - Mixed 7.00-8.00pm NOW! BATH SPORTS & LEISURE CENTRE - SUNDAY Juniors & Little P.U.M.A.s 5.30-6.30pm • Adults 6.30-7.30pm

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Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre

Easter Holiday activities 2011

The Museum & Heritage Centre will be running a full series of fun, family activities throughout the Easter Holidays.

We shall be running sessions on activities such as: Willow Weaving; Easter Egg decorating and bonnet making; ceramic tile and card making – For full details and booking information please contact the Museum or see our website:

www.chippenham.gov.uk 9 -10 Market Place, Chippenham, SN15 3HF 01249 705020

heritage@chippenham.gov.uk

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

A Chippenham Town Council Facility

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THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499 Are you hosting International students?

We are currently looking for caring hosts who can welcome one or more students aged 13 – 18 in Bath during June, July and August.

Please contact Tom and Verna Sutton on 07771 279608 or email bathelacacc@hotmail.com

Accredited by the VACATIONS

www.elac.co.uk

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Churchill House is a well established and highly respected English Language School catering to thousands of international students from all over the world every year

We are looking for warm, welcoming

HOST FAMILIES

To host International Students studying at our Summer School in Prior Park 6 July 2011 for 3 to 6 weeks We will pay £240 a week for 2 students £120 for one student and £360 for 3 students If you feel you would like to offer a home from home to our students we’d like to hear from you as soon as possible.

Contact the Accommodation Office at Churchill House on 01843 582622 or email annie.yeoman@churchillhouse.co.uk

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DOROTHYhouse

BEST FOOT

forward

The Bath Midnight Walk 2011 takes place on Saturday 10 September – sign up now to take part and raise much-needed funds for patient care

M

ore than 1,000 women from across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire will be taking to the city’s streets this autumn – to turn a spotlight on the vital services provided by Dorothy House Hospice Care.

This year’s walk will raise money specifically to fund the Dorothy House specialist nurses, who visit people in their own homes, providing expert care and support for patients and their families.

Speaking at the Bath Midnight Walk launch at SouthGate, director of nursing Alison Stevens stressed the importance of the event. She said: “As a community-based hospice, we care for our patients mainly in their own homes, looking after about 700 patients and their families at any one time.

“We have to raise £7,000 every day of the year, just to keep our services running at their present level – which is why our nurses will be joining the walk this year, and hopefully helping to bring in a record amount of sponsorship.”

anyone being supported at ❝ home, whether they have cancer or any other life-threatening illness, will be under the care of a Dorothy House specialist nurse

❞

Specialist nurse Olwyn Hughes, team leader for the Warminster area, said: “One of the reasons we’ll be taking part in the walk this year is to raise awareness of the service we provide. Many people assume that specialist nursing in people’s homes is done by Macmillan nurses – but that hasn’t been the case in this area for more than ten years.

“When I originally joined the team at Dorothy House in 1994, I was employed as a Macmillan nurse by the old Bath & West NHS Trust, but the Macmillan name was dropped in 1999 and our employment was completely transferred to Dorothy House Hospice Care in 2001.

“It’s something that people have found confusing – especially as some GPs and consultants still refer to us as Macmillan nurses. But anyone in this area who is being supported at home, whether they have cancer or any other life-threatening illness, 52 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Dorothy House specialist nurses, pictured above at the launch event in SouthGate, will be joining the Bath Midnight Walk on 10 September

will be under the care of a Dorothy House specialist nurse.”

Most Dorothy House patients are cared for in their own homes because it is where people feel most comfortable, and where most say they would prefer to die. Hospice care in your own home is provided by Dorothy House specialist nurses and Hospice at Home carers – the latter mainly providing a night sitting service that allows regular carers to get a good night’s sleep. This service continues to expand – for example, four families had Hospice at Home support over Christmas.

Providing such comprehensive services is, of course, costly – which is why fundraising events such as the Bath Midnight Walk are so important. So why not sign up and help Dorothy House to continue helping patients and families at the most difficult time of their lives?

The Bath Midnight Walk is now the hospice’s biggest annual fundraiser – making more than £120,000 in both 2009 and 2010. It is open to women aged 16 and above – but men are also needed to act as marshals and stewards on the night: contact the fundraising team on the number below if you can help. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION ■

■

The 10km women-only walk on 10 September will start at midnight from SouthGate.

For more details, to download an entry form, or to register online, go to www.bathmidnightwalk.co.uk or call the Dorothy House fundraising team on 01225 721480

Photo: Freia Turland

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How do you choose?

Crossroads Care Wessex launch New Consumer Guide to finding a Homecare Agency in response to recent research.

More and more people who need support to maintain their independence are realising the benefits of staying in their own homes. Finding a residential care home is difficult enough and engaging a homecare agency presents a different set of hurdles. One of the problems is that you can’t go along and look at this service in the same way that you can visit a home.

For many older people and their caring relatives, this is a stressful and difficult process and they often feel completely at sea, particularly if they are arranging and paying for their own care. A new national research study published by ‘Putting People First’ has shown that people struggle to find homecare agencies that will meet their needs. The report states that “Initial approaches to providers are often made by adult children or other relatives, and they often don’t know what it is they are looking for, beyond a general idea that they need some help.”

As part of a respected national charity Crossroads Care Wessex are often asked for this kind of advice and have produced a helpful guide that people who are looking to engage personal homecare can use. It steers people through the process from finding agencies that operate in your area, right through to a comprehensive list of questions that are useful to ask when researching them. The guide can be found on their website, www.crossroadscarewesssex.org.uk or you can call them on 01761436676 to receive a free copy in the post.

Could you Foster? local families for local children We are recruiting foster carers in the Bath & North East Somerset area who are willing to care for children of all ages. Carers receive an excellent support and training package, as well as a competitive allowance – those caring for older teenagers are likely to receive up to £390 per week.

We are also keen to recruit people who could provide short breaks for disabled children as part of our Family Link scheme particularly people with experience of working with autism.

For find out more, call The Family Placement Team 01225 394949 or email fpt_duty@bathnes.gov.uk www.bathnes.gov.uk WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Bybrook House

Avon Care Homes Ltd

Middle Hill, Box Near Bath, Wiltshire

Residential, Nursing & Respite

Care is offered in this elegant country house with 7 acres of gardens, in the beautiful Bybrook Valley.

Tel: 01225 743672 www.bybrookhouse.co.uk

Avon Care Homes Ltd

Residential, Nursing & Respite Catering for older people seeking residential nursing care in their retirement in a relaxed, friendly and warm environment.

Sutton Veny House Sutton Veny Warminster,Wiltshire

Sutton Veny House is set in a wonderfully rural location, with outstanding beauty and breathtaking surroundings.

For more information please contact the matron Tricia Gronow

Tel: 01985 840224 www.suttonveny.co.uk

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MACMILLANcancerSUPPORT

100 years OF CARING Jacqui Loates-Haver traces the history of the cancer support charity launched a century ago and meets some of the people in Bristol and Bath who are involved with Macmillan Cancer Support

C

ancer is a word, not a sentence,” said writer and broadcaster John Diamond, husband to Nigella Lawson and father to two young children, after his own diagnosis with the disease. And with every year which passes, cancer for many can become less of a sentence and more of a word, as treatment and care advances – a far cry from the often hopeless situations people faced 100 years ago when Macmillan Cancer Support was founded.

At Macmillan’s 100th anniversary now is an apt time to think about what’s been achieved for people living with cancer, not least in the Bath and Bristol areas, where every day eight people are diagnosed with the disease.

Macmillan Cancer Support was founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan, who had endured watching his father die from cancer of the oesophagus. The affect was so profound that Douglas set up the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer.

Douglas wanted advice and information to be provided to all people living with cancer. He wanted homes for patients at low or no cost, and voluntary nurses to attend to patients in their own homes. Today, although the name may have changed, much of Douglas’ legacy lives on. Macmillan Cancer Support is still a source of support for people living with cancer and a force for improving cancer care.

Bristol and Bath have played an integral part in the success of Macmillan. In 1934 the first-ever fundraising group for the charity was set up in Bath, a tradition which continues in the city to this day. In 1941, the Bishop of Bristol launched a BBC radio appeal and raised more than £7,000 which equates to a whopping £200,000 in today’s money.

Currently there are over 60 Macmillan nursing and specialist medical posts set up and funded within Bristol and Bath hospitals. There are also Macmillan centres and teams of welfare and benefits advisors. The charity has also given many thousands of pounds to assist local cancer patients with travel, heating and household costs. ■ Macmillan Cancer Support for Bristol and Bath can be contacted tel: 0117 967 0975 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk .

Practical help: Karen’s role Karen Gough’s desk is covered in thank you cards from people she has supported. She’s been a Macmillan Welfare and Benefits Advisor at the Bath Citizens’ Advice Bureau for four years. She’s helped more than 1,500 people, gaining over £3.5m in benefits for them. Karen, pictured, said: “For most people cancer diagnosis is not just a time of health and emotional crisis. With it comes a

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Macmillan is now recruiting walkers to take part in the second annual Raise at Blaise sponsored walk, on Sunday 22 May. The walk starts at 10am and is suitable for all ages, with a choice of a two mile or nine mile route starting and finishing at the Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol. To register, or find out more information, tel: 0117 967 0975 or visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/raiseatblaise.

It costs £8 to enter (under 16s are free) and the minium sponsorship is £25

A mother’s story In 2004 one of Wendy Morgan’s three sons, David, was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of 17. He received support from his family and friends and from Macmillan. After treatment he went into remission until 2008. He died in 2009 aged 21.

“David was a gentle giant, over sixfeet tall. He was quite private, a bit of a home-bird and he liked his own company. He was also kind and generous and was well-liked by so many people.

Macmillan came into our lives after David had been at the Bath RUH having treatment and had gone over to the centre and met Karen Gough (see story below). Although David had been trying to work, Karen

whole barrel of money worries.

In Bristol Macmillan are funding five Macmillan Welfare and Benefits Advisors.

In Bath there are two, and one of them is me!

My job is about supporting and empowering people affected by cancer. People should never feel

arranged for him to get financial help, including some money to replace clothes which didn’t fit him anymore due to his weight loss.

The cancer experience can be very lonely and Macmillan felt like a big comfort blanket. David was adamant that he would pay the money back to Macmillan, which is why my husband Huw and I hold one of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events at Frenchay Hospital. We’ve raised £1,200 so far and I know David would be so pleased and proud about that.”

ashamed to ask for help. I visit people in their homes or at the CAB and support them over the phone. At any one time I’m looking after about 50 cases. Clients are guided to us through Bath RUH, Dorothy House Hospice, Macmillan’s cancer support line and our website. Our services are over subscribed, which is why we really need people to support Macmillan. ” Welfare and Benefits advice visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/financialsupport or call Macmillan’s support line on tel: 0808 808 0000.

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FOOD&DRINK bread. Then our family had a nice holiday each year.”

After earning the title Young Baker of the Year ten years ago, Tom started working for the bakery. Now he’s the company’s sales and marketing director, has helped propel the business into the Independent newspaper’s list of the top 50 food shops, and has become an ambassador for the Real Bread Campaign.

He says: “By and large, we have lost our bread heritage, but I’ve inherited 90 years of skill and passion for bread and I’m determined to change attitudes and encourage people to stop buying bread in plastic bags from the supermarket.”

So what’s wrong with supermarket bread? “Where do I start? It seems cheap but it’s poor value. They take everything good out and put lots of rubbish back in. I’m actually offended by it. It’s loveless, thankless and when you compare it to a simple, homemade loaf, it just doesn’t stand up.”

Tom says that one of his signature products is a £21 loaf, which he developed for his BBC4 documentary last year, In Search of the Perfect Loaf. It sounds improbable, scandalous even, at first, but the Shepherd’s Loaf is a 2-kilo sourdough loaf made with locally milled spelt flour, Cornish sea salt and water.

“It’s the king of loaves and takes two days to make, and uses our famous sourdough starter,” he explains. “A normal size

I’m actually offended by supermarket bread. It’s loveless, thankless . . .

❝

THE upper crust KING OF LOAVES: Tom Herbert of Hobbs House Bakery with his Shepherd’s Loaf, made with the finest ingredients and which sells at £21 a loaf

Lindsey Harrad meets baker Tom Herbert, who wants to do for bread what Rick Stein did for Fish

L

ike his famous 55 year-old sourdough starter, fifth generation baker Tom Herbert bubbles with potential, dreaming up new recipes, concepts for TV programmes and other creative ways to get more people eating real bread.

Baking is in his blood, and after eight years of shift work in the bakery, alongside a slick team of 30 bakers, Tom is busy plotting to take Hobbs House Bakery, which supplies many of Bath’s cafés and restaurants, to another level.

Bruce Springsteen is playing in the background at Jika Jika, where I meet Tom for coffee on one of his regular trips to Bath to visit his wholesale customers (including Jika Jika, The Fine Cheese Company and Colonna & Small), and he says the music transports him back to his childhood, when music was always playing in the bakery on the ground floor of his family home in the Cotswolds. “Even as a kid, it always seemed to be a simple equation for me. We took flour and water, baked some bread. A queue formed outside the door every day to buy the

Image courtesy of SWNS.com

■ Next time you go for a canalside walk out to Avoncliff, check out the delights of Troughs, a cafe in what was once a pig sty (hence the name) that serves superb food. On Sunday 17 April it is hosting a spring food event with food tastings, fun and games.

Local food suppliers will be there offering a chance to sample their wares. Troughs also runs gourmet evenings and cookery workshops. The head chef and manager is Gary Say, who has joined Troughs from The Fat Fowl in Bradford-on-Avon.

NEWS in BRIEF

■ As the food production of food has been transformed the kitchen has

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❞

sourdough loaf costs £3-4, so £21 reflects the quality of our ingredients, the time it takes to make and the much larger size, the awesome packaging and the overnight delivery service. We sell loads of it, especially by mail order. It comes in a beautiful black bag with gold lettering.”

His ambition is to do for bread what Rick Stein did for fish and he has started making regular appearances on TV. He popped up in the Mary Queen of Shops series in which Mary Portas set about reviving independent retailers – Hobbs House was used as an example of how a good bakery should operate – and Tom was then invited to co-present on the BBC show Turn Back Time: The High Street.

Being a father of four children under ten, Tom is keen to encourage the next generation to embrace real bread too.

“They love to invite their friends round to make bread at our house, in fact there’s a bit of a waiting list.”

It may seem like a lot of effort to make your own bread, but as Tom says, pick the right recipe and you will surprise yourself. “Making your own bread and sharing it with friends and family, it’s one of the most simple, beautiful things you can do for the people you love.” ■ For more information about Hobbs House Bakery visit: www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk

become an extension of the classroom at Beechen Cliff School, where the pupils have taken on pig rearing.

Head chef Tim Fletcher said: “I see our role as much more than just providing ‘fuel’ for the pupils. We have a great opportunity to educate the children about food and where it comes from.”

So it’s perhaps not surprising that Tim and his brigade have taken ownership of a pair of 12 week old British Lop pigs. They were donated by Mike and Jamie from PJs Farm; Jamie is a former student and performs the butchery side of the business and between them they run a stall at Green Park station. In time they will create the Beechen Cliff

Banger which will be made by Jamie and sold from his stall. Local company Longcross Arks have built and donated an ark to house the pigs. The pupils can be involved with looking after the pigs.

■ The family-friendly chain Giraffe is opening a new restaurant in SouthGate, Bath, this month, offering an all-day dining experience which takes in everything from breakfasts and brunch through to burgers, salads, pies and beers, wine and cocktails. There is also a children’s menu, complete with puzzles and games to keep them entertained.

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Enjoy the tranquillity of the Kennet and Avon Canal, on the oldest electric launch in existence.

Built in 1890, Lady Lena is believed to be the oldest electric launch in existence and still powered by electric.

If you are looking for something truly memorable or unique, private charter of this magnificent historic boat is ideal for a romantic cruise for 2 or for a party of up to 10 people, year round.

journey anywhere from Bath to the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley • trips tailored to your own needs • complimentary glass of champagne on arrival • bring your own picnic or our caterer can provide • cream teas available to find out more about Lady Lena tel: Jenkyn: 07963 834828 Helen: 07791 511611 01225 834250

www.ladylena.co.uk

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FOOD&DRINK

Rustic Asparagus Tartlets with Goats’ Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes

C

hef Tiffany Goodall, who is championing the British asparagus season, which begins on St George’s Day, 23 April, has a host of recipes using the vegetable. She says of this simple dish, which would be perfect for an al fresco lunch with friends: “I fancy these as a healthy summer lunch, and you can substitute the goats’ cheese with Montgomery cheddar or some rich blue cheese such as Roquefort. It’s hugely versatile as you can add almost any topping to it and use the oven/grill as your vehicle to make it wonderfully gooey and crispy.”

Ingredients: Serves 4 1 tbsp flour 375g ready rolled puff pastry Half a bundle (approx 125g) British asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces Salt for seasoning 3tbsp sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, plus 1tbsp oil from the jar 125g goats’ cheese crumbled 2 handfuls of rocket leaves Balsamic vinger to drizzle

Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 230°C. 2 Cut the pastry into 4 rectangles and place onto a floured baking tray. Score the edge of each rectangle with a sharp knife.

3 Mix the asparagus with the sun dried tomatoes and a little of their oil. Divide the asparagus and tomatoes between the four pastry rectangles and top each with goats’ cheese.

A weekend of wine tasting

G

reat Western Wine is hosting a weekend of wine tasting at its store at the bottom of the Wellsway in partnership with Enotria World Wine.

During the weekend of April 16 and 17, from 11am, there will be the chance to sample old favourites, including Vina Leyda, Glaetzer, Chablis Defaix, which are being joined by Henschke, Trimbach and Planeta to name a few – the combined portfolio coming in at over 1,000 wines.

Most of Enotria’s range had previously only been available in the best restaurants, but now these wines are available to private buyers through the Bath shop.

This showcase weekend tasting will feature 50 of the best of the 500 new arrivals, presented in the newly expanded Great Western Wine shop.

No ticket is needed for the wine tasting weekend, just a nose for a good wine.

Great Western Wine welcomes new arrivals

Chef is wild about game Richard Knighting, who has been head chef at The Marlborough Tavern in Bath since 2004, has won the title Game Pub Chef of the Year at the Great British Pub Food awards 2011.

The finalists took part in a cookoff, where they had to prepare their game dishes in 75 minutes as well as producing a second dish using mystery ingredients from a box. The awards are run by pub industry magazine The Morning Advertiser and are now in their seventh year, with hundreds of chefs competing in the various categories.

Richard’s winning dish was Neston Park pheasant, served with savoy cabbage in a bacon and Crabbies cream sauce, with roast Jerusalem artichokes and chestnuts.

Jo Bruce, deputy editor at The Morning Advertiser, said: “Our industry has been badly hit by the recession but the licensees are adapting and innovating to survive.

Offering food as well as drink is a proven recipe for success for many pubs and the future looks bright for them and for the chefs who are able to produce the tasty, value for money meals demanded by customers.”

4 Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes.

5 Remove from the oven. Toss the rocket in a little balsamic vinegar and place on top of the tartlets.

Tiffany adds: “The British asparagus season lasts for about eight weeks from late-April to mid-June. While imported asparagus is available from different parts of the world all year round, British asparagus has a distinctive subtle flavour and freshness.

One of the simplest methods to prepare asparagus is to steam for around 3-4 minutes until just tender and toss with a knob of butter, a little grated lemon zest and a light sprinkle of sea salt. The asparagus can be cut into 2-inch size pieces or left whole for steaming. Then just pick up with your fingers and enjoy. Another favourite is to submerge the asparagus in a large pan of boiling water for 3-5 minutes (depending on the thickness of the spears), while cooking a soft boiled egg. Simply dunk the cooked spears in the runny egg yolk – bliss.” ■ For more asparagus recipes visit: www.british-asparagus.co.uk.

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NEWS in BRIEF

■ Liven up your lunches, give your salads a boost and your soups the ideal partner with a hunk of freshly baked bread. Chandos Deli in George Street now stocks a full range of breads from the Bathbased Bertinet Bakery, including the award winning Bertinet Bakery Sourdough.

■ Mothering Sunday, on 3 April at The Priory Hotel in Bath will be a real treat for mums and their families. Adding to the relaxed ambience, classical guitarist,

Daniel Gerrard, will be playing. The Mothering Sunday lunch menu with three courses, coffee and petits fours is £45 per person. Pre booking is essential, tel: 01225 331922. The hotel is also hosting an Italian wine tasting with head sommelier Victor Amaro, on Saturday 9 April, from 5pm. Victor will be inviting guests to enjoy the experience of learning in an informal environment. The tastings last one hour and cost £18 per person.

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The Hop Pole 7 Albion Buildings, Upper Bristol Road, Bath Tel: 01225 446327

Review

...

Fowey River mussels in a thai curry and coconut sauce, served with basmati rice

Enjoy 2 courses for £9.09* The Hop Pole

Visit www.themillatrode.co.uk for details

the mill at rode

Rode, Somerset, BA11 6AG 01373 831100 Mon - Sat 12 noon - 11pm Sun 12 noon - 10.30pm *on selected lunchtime dishes Monday - Friday (except Bank Holidays) Regional Winner Perfect Family Pub Daily Telegraph

Est. 1980

®

Highly recommended by food Guides and critics Recipient of

for four consecutive years as the best in South West and one of the 10 best in Britain OPEN DAILY including Holidays 12-2.30pm and 6pm to 11pm • Friday and Saturday till 11.30pm SPECIAL LUNCH £8.25 - (Monday to Friday)

4 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA www.rajpoot.com Tel: 01225 466833 / 464758 • www.rajpoot.com

THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499 WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

I

’m about to blow a secret that I may regret sharing with you. One of the best pub gardens in Bath can be found opposite the children’s playground at Royal Victoria Park, tucked away behind The Hop Pole.

It is protected from the wind which makes it something of a suntrap and in summer drinkers squeeze together in wooden shelters in search of shade.

And although The Hop Pole, one of Bath Ales’ stable of pubs, has a reputation as a gastro pub, serving great British food, I like the fact that drinkers aren’t discriminated against. You can go and put the world to rights or enjoy an old-fashioned board game (there’s a shelf of them in the bar) while supping a pint and the wine is far superior to the usual pub plonk, which can be pretty filthy.

We sprang out along the river path recently, full of seasonal joie de vivre, to sample The Hop Pole’s new menu. You can dine at a simple wooden table in the bar, where the atmosphere is convivial, or out in the long room at the back which serves as a restaurant and is handy for private parties.

Settled comfortably in the bar with our simply written menus – no fussy foodspeak here, very River Cottage – we approved the selection of eight starters and mains. What was not to like, we agreed, as we dithered over whether to pick a Caerphilly, pea, broad bean and mint salad starter or potted duck with piccallili and toast.

While sipping a glass of chilled Lagaria Pinot Rosado, I began with thinly sliced salami topped with a fan of fine smoked venison, their salty meatiness set off perfectly by tiny dill pickles and a serving of homemade beetroot slaw. Opposite me, as pretty as a picture, was a platter containing two, juicy, tender perfectly cooked scallops perched pertly on a slice of crispy bacon and set off by an artistic smear of cauliflower puree. If we weren’t both ladies, we’d have licked the platters clean.

The main courses went down just as happily. The pastry crust on the wild rabbit, bacon and apple pie was thin and crispy and, once cracked open, released a delicious meaty steam from the filling that would have had Mr McGregor in raptures. My pair of fishcakes were crispy on the outside and satisfyingly fishy on the inside and accompanied by new potatoes and a small jug of moreish beurre blanc. Let’s hope the Government doesn’t get round to putting the calorific content on menus any time soon, as that would have taken the edge off my pleasure at lapping up of all the beurre blanc. A healthy portion of seasonal mixed greens set the dish off perfectly.

We were happy bunnies by now and on a second glass of rosé (a bottle was £13.45) and our dinner came to a perfect conclusion as, with two spoons we shared a marmalade bread and butter pudding with pale, creamy homemade custard.

Starters range from £3.25 to £5.50, main courses start at £8.25 for macaroni cheese with spinach and mushroom hash, to £13.50 for a mixed lamp dish with spinach, potato and a fried egg. Puddings ‘made with love’ as it correctly notes on the menu, are £4.75. As Arnie used to say in The Terminator ‘we’ll be back.’ ■ GMc APRIL 2011

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FIT&FABULOUS Inspired by the timeless, elegant photographic collection by John French (1906-1966), the new Bsq. Natural Couture by Berkeley Square Cosmetics Company is a unique collaboration of art and fragrance combined in a luxurious range of bath and body products. The product range includes eau de toilette, shower cream, body lotion and hand and nail cream all in three gorgeous fragrances – white bergamot, white amber and white muguet. The products range from £4.95 – £35 and are available from House of Fraser.

Eve Lom, one of the world’s leading facial therapists is renowned for creating a ‘less is more’ approach to skincare, and this is certainly true of two new serums that have been launched.

Lightweight and combining ingredients in their purest form, the Intense Firming Serum and the Intense Hydrating Serum (£75 each from Space NK) are suitable for all skin types. We love the hydrating serum – a moisturising treatment that gives long-lasting hydration for smooth, healthy-looking skin with only two drops.

Origins’ Quick, Hide! long-wearing concealer (£12 from John Lewis and House of Fraser) quickly and effectively masks imperfections and helps brighten and conceal the look of dark circles without sliding or melting away. It’s suitable for all skin types and is available in six shades offering medium to full coverage that lasts all day long.

SKIN A selection of tried & tested products that we love & the latest health & beauty news The seductive new Miss Dior Cherie fragrance (£60.50, 50ml from department stores nationwide) will make you feel like a Parisienne goddess. It’s a fresh, feminine fragrance with topnotes of Jasmine mixed with a citrussy zing for a timeless elegant scent that just oozes sophistication.

■ TeamBath has launched a new Health and Fitness in the Workplace initiative to help businesses ensure they have a fit, healthy and happy workforce. Packages can be tailored to the requirements of individual companies and can include one-toone health and exercise screening, postural screening and massage, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Packages start at £500 a month which can cover a monthly visit covering a range of activities or weekly visits. For further information contact tel: 01225 385378.

NEWS in BRIEF

■ If you’re looking for a new way to keep fit and have fun, pop along to Chapel Arts Centre on Sunday 1 May for two dance workshops held by professional belly dancer, Galit Mersand. In the first (£15), from 12pm – 1.30p, you will learn basic jazz steps and combine them with belly dance; and in the second (£30), learn Arabic jazz choreography using the technique from the first workshop. To book your place on either or both of the workshops, visit: www.galitmersand.com 60 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Bare Minerals has started a revolution – a new way of caring for your skin that’s simple and super effective.

The company has just launched a skincare range of products made from ingredients extracted from mineral-abundant soil which work to energise the skin leaving a glowing radiance and a softer, smoother and younger-looking appearance.

The Purely Nourishing Moisturiser (£27 from Debenhams) is our favourite – it hydrates while improving firmness, radiance and overall skin texture.

■ Remember or celebrate the life of a loved one by taking part in the 21-mile Walk of Life along the Kennet and avon canal from Devizes to Bath in aid of the Forever Friends Appeal. The walk, which takes place on Saturday 21 May, will help raise funds for equipment and amenities to care for cancer patients at the RUH. For further information or to sign up, contact tel: 01225 821535 or visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk ■ It has been proven that regular stretching could help to improve posture, movement, flexibility and minor aches and pains. On Saturday 7 May, New Oriel Hall in Larkhall will be host to a stretching workshop that aims to teach people of the benefits of stretching. The workshop, which runs from 10am – 12noon, is an opportunity to try a number of different stretches and movements with qualified instructor, David Rawlings. The cost of the workshop is £10 and spaces are limited. To reserve your place, contact David Rawlings on tel: 07815 60 60 51 or email: david.james230@yahoo.com

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April foolishness! £50 off

IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Treatments

now

£130

Beauté Neuve is a peeling treatment that gently removes the dead skin cells revealing healthy new ones.

Hydradermie Plus Facial. This 3-in-1 treatment will help diminish specific ageing problems associated with the delicate eye and neck areas.

This heavenly facial results in a youthful, glowing complexion.

This offer is only available until the 30th April 2011

...another spectacular offer from now

£399 the orangery

now

£499

Due to popular demand this offer is now available until the 30th April 2011

The Studio... just for women 2-4-1 power plate offer only

£180

(Saving £180)

Achieve a better body on the PLATE

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Increase muscle tone Reduce cellulite Improve muscle tone Low impact

l a s e r

th The Ba e Quote iv to rece e n zi a g Ma ffers these o

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No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.

Tel: 01225 466851 www.theorangerylaserclinicbath.co.uk

THE HALO CLINIC

“Safety and quality is our priority” The Halo Clinic at Hathaway Medical Centre in Chippenham offers a wide range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments to enhance the way you look and feel. Our friendly team of medical practitioners is committed to recommending the best treatment programme and advice.

Before any treatment, they will meet you for an initial consultation to check that you are medically suitable and discuss your needs. They will explain all aspects of the procedure including benefits, what to expect before and after, as well as costs.

“Safety is paramount” says the clinic’s Dr. Wright, “that’s why the initial consultation is so important. It gives people safety, confidence and trust.

Safety and quality is our top priority.”

Treatments available at the Halo Clinic include:-

• Intense Pulsed Light for Permanent Hair Reduction • Acne Treatments • Stretch Mark and Scar Reduction • Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing • Photorejuvenation to Reduce Facial Redness and Rosacea

SPRING OF FERS SEE WEBSITE

www.thestud

iobath.co.uk

Fully supervised sessions with a qualified personal trainer 6 week course 2 x 40 mins

The Studio... just for women

7 Trim Street, Bath BA1 1HB 01225 758383 www.thestudiobath.co.uk info@thestudiobath.co.uk

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

• Agera Skin Peels • Sclerotherapy for Leg Thread Veins • Anti-wrinkle Injections • Dermal Fillers

DR. ELLEN GOEDBLOED DR. TONY WRIGHT To find out more about our range of treatments or to book a consultation please telephone us on 01249 454545 or email us at info@thehaloclinic.co.uk The Halo Clinic at Hathaway Medical Centre, Middlefield Road, Chippenham SN14 6GT

01249 454545 www.thehaloclinic.co.uk APRIL 2011

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Get yourself known!

THEBATHMAGAZINE The Bath Magazine has all the treatments and all the wonderful therapies to help your business feel fantastic!

Health and Beauty advertising in Bath’s brightest & most widely delivered magazine really works.

Telephone 01225 424 499

Lose Weight Effectively With Hypnotherapy

‘Being guided to think about things in a new, different way was unexpected but delightful... thank you for all your wonderful help.’

- Weight Control Client, Weston Bath

For your free consultation call

01225 484938 Phil Mattingly LHA E.Hyp Registered Hypnotherapist www.philmattingly.com

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The Rakus touch Known as the “London Lip Queen”, Dr Rita Rakus has made her name as a leading cosmetic doctor through her sensitive approach to aesthetics and her patients.

When it comes to non-surgical cosmetic treatments, there’s one name literally on the A-list’s lips. As one of the most indemand cosmetic doctors in London, Dr Rita Rakus has had many famous faces in her skilled hands and has been fulfilling her motto ‘to make someone happy every day’ for many years.

Over the past 15 years, her sensitive contouring and subtle volumising has made her facial and body rejuvenation treatments legendary. And her philosophy that aesthetic medicine needs to consider the emotions as well as physical needs of her clients has brought a new holistic approach.

Add in her commitment to safety and professional practice – she co-founded the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors – and you can understand why she is often asked to lecture and set standards in her field.

SIGNATURE TREATMENTS INCLUDE THERMAGE, FRAXEL, LIPOSONIX, FILLERS, PELLEVE and MUSCLE RELAXANTS.

TREAT YOURSELF Dr Rakus or one of her team regularly visit The Orangery Laser and Beauty Clinic to perform injectables including Restylane LIPP, Vital, Juvederm Ultra, Hydrate and Voluma plus Muscle Relaxing Injections. Please visit her website on www.drritarakus.com for more information or telephone The Orangey to make an appointment for your FREE consultation.

The Orangery Laser and Beauty Clinic, 2 Kingsmead Street, Bath BA1 2AA Tel: 01225 466851 www.theorangerylaserclinicbath.co.uk

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■ The Wallpaper Tracy Kendall wallpaper is part of ‘The Best of British’ collection, available from Woodhouse & Law, the interior and garden design company at their Boniti showroom.

Call 01225 892 054 or go to woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

TRACY KENDALL PROFILE ON PAGE 66 >>

INSIDE STORY We Brits love to make our homes as stylish and as interesting as possible.

The Bath Magazine reviews some new trends and totally covetable ideas to inspire our interior world.

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DESIGNERprofile

TRACY KENDALL

Daring to be different Tracy Kendall is one of the hottest wallpaper designers on the interiors scene today. Her striking, highly individual designs have won her critical acclaim and her work now adorns super-stylish homes and boutique hotels alike. Local interior designer John Law (woodhouseandlaw.co.uk) explains what makes Tracy Kendall such hot property and, more importantly, how a spoon makes the transition from the dining table to the living room wall

Flying in the face of fashion In the late 1990s Britain’s love affair with wallpaper seemed to be dying a death. The nation was hooked on Changing Rooms and a multitude of paint techniques. Perhaps not the best time, you might think to launch an independent wallpaper collection? Well, thank goodness Tracy Kendall didn’t let a little thing like fashion get in the way.

Pushing the boundaries After a long, frustrating and unsuccessful search for wallpaper to use in her own home, screen printer Tracy decided there was only one solution.

And it wasn’t a spot of stencilling.

Wallpapers by Tracy Kendall.

Main picture on page 65: Cutlery. Above: White Room Text. Left: Books Pages

Instead, she capitalised on her capabilities and skills and set about designing and producing her own collection, pushing the boundaries of existing machinery and traditional wallpaper printing techniques in her quest to create something truly unique.

Driven by the detail The rest, as they say is history. Tracy’s painstaking attention to detail and uncanny ability to draw inspiration from the most mundane objects paid off.

Her first collection was a hit with designer crowds and she has never looked back.

Offbeat Elegance Tracy is now an accomplished designer, boasting a versatile collection of graphic prints, such as ‘cutlery’ and ‘books’ together with incredible textured wallpapers featuring sequins, stitched and folded paper, jigsaw pieces, and fringing to name but a few.

Tracy continues to be celebrated by designers, architects and specifiers looking for stylish and offbeat designs. Tracy’s wallpapers can be incorporated successfully into new and period room schemes alike. What’s more, each design is not only stylish but jam-packed with personality too.

Tracy Kendall wallpaper is part of The Best of British collection, available from Woodhouse & Law, the interior and garden design company at the Boniti showroom. Call 01225 892 054 or go to woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

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■ Claire Strong Interiors Clair Strong Interior Design Limited is a company employing a network of people with a range of experience and skills who believe that good design adds to the quality of life. The company is based in Bath and London, working mainly in the UK but also abroad. Their services include the residential and commercial sector and can range from small-scale projects such as ‘staging’ a property for sale to a total interior design service in a range of settings such as homes, bars and shops, hotels or company premises. They can source a wide range of materials, fittings, furniture and accessories for any project at competitive prices. Clair Strong Interior Design Limited, Tel: 01225 426905 or 07855 797311 www.clairstrong.co.uk

■ PMC Interiors Bath-based business PMC is an established and unrivalled name for achieving exceptional standards on every property project by working with the most reliable and skilled professionals. For all painting, decorating and refurbishment projects; domestic and commercial, they are led by highly experienced project manager Paula McHenry.

PMC Interiors, Tel: 01225 743461. www.pmc-interiors.co.uk

■ Bath Kitchen Company

INTERIOR experts

IN VOGUE Bath has a lot of brilliant tradespeople Here’s a round up of the best

This is a Bath-based, small family business that enjoys an impeccable reputation for their lovely kitchen installations. Having been in the industry for over 27 years their experience means that whatever the customer requires, they have the depth of knowledge to deliver all projects to the highest standard without hiccup. Nationally recognised too, Bath Kitchen Company is a regular top entrant in Beautiful Kitchens magazine.

Bath Kitchen Company, 22 Hensley Road. Bath. Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

■ Rags to Riches Rags To Riches is an award winning kitchen and bathroom design and installation company with an outstanding reputation and many customer references available. Their service is second to none and they can carry out work on any room in your home where they will work sympathetically and skillfully to ensure your total satisfaction on completion. They guarantee all their work and are proud to be members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. They are happy to offer a no obligation quote. You can contact their project manager; Steve or visit their website for a full gallery of excellent previous work.

Tel: 07980 790434. www.ragstorichesrestorations.co.uk

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LIGHTING

SP

AL ECI

IST

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

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■ Quick Hit

■ The Kaiser Idell Lamp This beautiful table lamp by Fritz Hansen is the original interrogation lamp used in all those old movies. It is available in white, ivory, green, red and Black. Heavy and authentic, it’s a real beauty in brass and chrome. £599.

Shannon, 68 Walcot Street, Bath Tel: 01225 424222

Instantly transform the mood in your room with a fresh Thyme scent diffuser. £28 The White Company, 15 Northgate Street, Bath Tel: 01225 445284

■ Water on Touch The ‘Identity’ range by VADO has digital touch screen technology integrated seemlessly with contemporary brassware to provide the user with the most advanced of bathrooms.

Ambiente, 8-10 St. James's Parade, Bath.

Tel: 01225 444430

■ Shutter Style Apollo Blinds Bath offers a wide range of shutters, from cost-effective to more expensive hard wood. They’re available in white, chalk white, soft white, dark roast, walnut, golden oak and natural, as standard, or they can also be colour-matched to almost any Dulux or Farrow & Ball paint shade. Apollo Blinds.

Tel: 01225 436209 www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/bath

INTERIOR finishing

TOUCHES Looking for some interior inspiration?

TBM’s pick of the latest trends

■ Bare Metal from Bisque

■ Designer Blinds

A new and highly unusual lacquered bare metal finish is now available on the floor-mounted Classic, Bisque’s most popular and versatile radiator. The effect is a raw, industrial look that celebrates metal in its natural form. Weld marks and the bare metal of the radiator are visible beneath a smooth lacquer and no two look exactly the same.

Bisque, 15 Kingsmead Square, Bath Tel: 01225 466 367

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Creativleydifferentblinds.com have pioneered the bespoke designer blind market, and with over 5,500 images to choose from there should be something for everyone. There’s even a range by Bath artist, Nick Cudworth. They can also make up designs too. www.CreativelyDifferentBlinds.com Tel: 0800 085 2055

■ Magis Magic These colourful and visually stunning chairs were designed by Pierre Paulin.

The Flower Chair from Magis is a generously proportioned side, lounge or occasional chair, made from polycarbonate its gentle flowing form reminds us of an arum lily; hence the name. The chairs are available in transparent clear, transparent smoke grey or transparent light brown and come with a choice of fabric seat pad cushions. £599.00 TR Hayes, 15 - 18 London Street, Walcot, Bath. Tel: 01225 465757

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THEBATHMAGAZINE We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00 To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 Princes Buildings, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 01225 424 499 for card payment

Subscription Form Mr/Mrs/Ms ................Forename ..............................................

Surname................................................................................

Address.............................................................................. ..........................................Postcode ............................

Daytime telephone No ..............................................................

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KAISER idell™ Iconic Bauhaus design table lamps, manufactured in Denmark superb materials with precision engineering available in white, ivory black, green and ruby red.

S annon

F U R N I T U R E LT D

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Contemporary Interior products including furniture from Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen and Sons, Swedese,Varier, Vitra, Louis Poulsen lighting, Marimekko fabric, Iittala and Kosta Boda.

68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com APRIL 2011

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INTERIORstyle

COME DINE

with me

A couple who love to cook are finally enjoying their dream kitchen. Nichola Owen visited them in their newly refurbished room

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ristol couple JP and Helen van Hoeve are well known not only for the two boutiques called Sense and About Face that they run in Clifton Village, but also for hosting delicious suppers for groups of friends.

And in spite of both Helen and JP being passionate about cooking they put up with the existing kitchen in their cottage for four years. JP explained: “The kitchen that we inherited was a strange affair. It looked like two designs stuck together. There were different types of wooden cabinets and different handles, and very basic appliances but it was serviceable. So we put up with it.”

But for JP and Helen putting up with it was no bad thing. Helen said: “After four years of that kitchen I knew exactly what I did not want, a stone sink for example was a no-no. The existing one stained so easily.”

It was only when the couple were ready to tackle major building works to the ground floor lay out of their home did they decide to install a new kitchen.

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“We were building a conservatory at the side of the existing kitchen which would join up with the garage, and we were installing under floor heating and new windows, so it was the time to go for it, and create a complementary scheme for the kitchen and the conservatory/dining room,” said JP. Finding their kitchen designer turned out to be easy. “We were at some friends’ house and their new kitchen was by The Kitchen Man. It was both beautifully finished and super practical, plus they were singing Nick Mitford at The Kitchen Man’s praises so he was our first port of call. Personal recommendation is always a very persuasive recommendation,” said JP. After a first meeting the couple decided to commission Nick Mitford, The Kitchen Man to design and build the kitchen. JP said: “Nick is a cook himself and immediately made practical and knowledgeable suggestions about how the space could work. We were very comfortable with his approach.”

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INTERIORstyle THE HEART OF THE HOME: main picture, the finished kitchen.

Right, everything in its place and a place for everything, from cookery books to cocktail glasses Photography: © Mark Bolton.

Visit: mark@markbolton.co.uk

If you would like to see your home or work on the pages of a national magazine contact Nicky Owen on tel: 0796 659 2203

While the couple had some strong ideas about what they wanted, the design process was very much a joint effort.

“Helen has a fantastic eye for design and colour, she creates schemes for our shops all the time so naturally she took on that part of the design process while I had clear thoughts on what appliances I thought I needed,” said JP. “I thought I wanted an Aga but I am really pleased that Nick took into the account the style and amount of cooking we do and suggested the four separate ovens. He was spot on with his advice.’

I am also thrilled with the larder ❝ cabinet. The spice racks in the doors are really useful because you can see everything you have

❞

Both Helen and JP wanted an island unit, as JP said: “The old kitchen did not have an island and we knew how useful it is to have a large work surface, for food preparation and plating up.

But Nick’s design makes it more practical still by incorporating a breakfast bar and butcher’s block. It has surpassed our expectations in terms of usefulness. I am also thrilled with the larder cabinet. The spice racks in the doors are really useful because you can see everything that you have. It saves you from buying the same things over and over because you’ve lost sight of them at the back of the cupboard. I also like that it is not too deep so everything is easily visible and easy to reach.”

He says there is just one thing he wished he’d known before embarking on the project, and that is how long it would take.

“I wish I had known that the building works would take five

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months. I was cooking on barbecues for the whole time and the weather was awful. If I had known how long it would take I would have bought a cheap cooker to save me being outside under a brolly cooking for months.”

But now that it is all finished the couple could not be more pleased. JP said: “Nick asked us to outline what we wanted and then he went all out to achieve it for us within our budget. I thought our wish list was too long for our budget but he proved us wrong. We’ve got more than we wished for and as result we’re cooking and having people round more than ever. We are thrilled with it.” ■ The Kitchen Man, Nick Mitford, can be contacted on tel: 07970 099454, or visit: www.thekitchenman.co.uk

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CITYgardens

Bring on the BLOSSOM

Jane Moore cherry picks her favourite trees for a display of confetti-like blossom every spring

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sk anyone, gardener or not, what spring means to them and you’ll get any or all of the following list: daffodils, primroses, newborn lambs, longer days and blossom.

You can’t beat a blossom tree to make spring really something.

There’s nothing quite like the sheer sugariness of all those pink and white blossoms festooning the sweeping branches and tumbling down like confetti.

I remember being absolutely entranced by it as a child, scooping up handfuls of petals and gathering the small clusters of candy floss-pink flowers. Then it was definitely a case of the pinker the better as far as the young Jane was concerned and I still have a huge soft spot for that totally over-the-top pinkness of a full-on cherry tree. Nowadays, though, my tastes have refined somewhat and I tend towards the white flowering varieties or occasionally a shell-like soft pale pink. If you fancy something that will shout ‘spring’ good and loud, then go for one of the really pink ones and savour that sugariness.

The great thing about cherries is that they’re very forgiving of soil and site, flowering every spring and usually lighting up the autumn with their fiery leaves too. They’re all relatively small trees so you needn’t worry too much about them getting too big for the average garden.

My top cherries Prunus ‘Kanzan’: This is one that you’ll see out and about as a street tree and in parks. It’s the classic sugar-pink, made-forlittle-girls cherry tree with masses of blossom and a sturdy, slightly spreading habit. The young leaves are an attractive coppery red and it flowers in mid to late April.

Prunus ‘Shirotae’: One of my favourites, this has perfectly white, large, scented blossoms on sweeping, low-slung branches. If you only have room for one cherry, this is the one, especially as it’s small although bear in mind that it spreads widely. It too flowers from mid to late April.

Prunus ‘Shogetsu’: Another small spreading tree with large, feather-edged double flowers that are pink in bud opening to white and hanging from the branches like garlands. This variety mostly flowers from late April through to mid May. 76 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Prunus ‘Tai Haku’: The Great White Cherry is a truly majestic specimen tree for the larger garden. It grows up to 12m tall producing huge, pure white flowers from mid April.

Prunus ‘Ukon’: A large cherry with upward reaching branches and flowers of an unusual creamy yellow-white tinged with a touch of mint- green. Flowering from mid April it’s too big for a small garden but it makes a fine show in the autumn too.

Prunus sargentii: Some may say that this isn’t as spectacular as the others in bloom but it’s one of my top three. The single flowers are a lovely clear pink and rather large, appearing from late March or early April. But its moment of glory is really in the autumn when the leaves turn to shades of fiery reds.

Prunus serrula: The ‘wow factor’ of this variety lies in the polished, gleaming mahogany bark that looks as if someone has

Loveliest of trees the cherry ❝ now Is hung with bloom along the bough ❞ been diligently buffing up the shine. It’s a stunning winter specimen but really it looks good all year round, especially if that bark catches the sun. It is a lovely small tree with fine leaves and delicate small white flowers in late April.

There are other blossom trees and you may prefer the stateliness of magnolia or the charm of a flowering apple.

Malus floribunda is one of the prettiest spring trees with abundant classic apple blossom pink and white flowers on a small, shapely tree. Although it’s an apple tree don’t expect a nice crop of Cox’s – this one is purely an ornamental tree.

Amelanchier canadensis or the marvellously named Snowy Mespilus is a brilliant tree for the smaller garden. In April the branches are studded with starry white flowers followed by the fresh green, dainty leaves which turn a brilliant fiery red in autumn. Magnolia soulangeana is the elegant choice for spring

Main picture: a classic flowering cherry tree. There’s the chance to see the collection of cherries at the Bath Priory Hotel on 12 April when the gardens are open to visitors PHOTO: by Nina Miklos

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CITYgardens Open gardens to visit in April

Above: Snowy Mespilus, or Amelanchier canadensis, with its showy star-like blossom is a good specimen tree for a smaller garden

flowers. It’s lime tolerant and the strong, waxy petals seem to cope with all but the coldest of temperatures.

Places to see flowering cherries: ■ Batsford Arboretum, Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh, Goucestershire GL56 9QB, www.batsford-arboretum.co.uk The National Collection of flowering cherries is held in a 55 acre arboretum containing nearly 3,000 trees.

■ Bath Botanical Gardens, Royal Victoria Park www.bathnes.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/parksandopensp aces. A 19th century botanical garden with a lovely collection of mature flowering cherries.

■ Bath Priory Hotel, Weston Road, Bath BA1 2XT Tel: 01225 331922 www.thebathpriory.co.uk.We have a small collection of young cherry trees which should be in flower for our National Garden Scheme open afternoon, 2-5pm on Tuesday 12 April. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory

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● The Friends of the Holburne Museum in Bath are delighted to return to the grounds of the museum, pictured, – which is about to reopen after a massive refurbishment – on Saturday 7 May from 11am to 2pm for a plant sale. There will be a secondhand gardening bookstall and tea and homemade cake. ● The planting scheme at Barrington Court, near Ilminster, was suggested by the doyenne of English garden design, Gertrude Jekyll. Enjoy a stroll around this 1920s garden on Saturday 16 April from 11am to 5pm. Highlights include a white garden, irises and a large kitchen garden. ● On Saturday 30 April, from 2pm to 5.30pm,

the woodland gardens at The Caves, Downside Road, Blackwell, near Bristol will be open to visitors. The two-acre site is stocked with unusual trees and shrubs and – badgers permitting – a display of spring flowers. Teas are served. ● The City of Bath Lions are holding an open evening at the Prior Park Garden Centre on Thursday 7 April from 6pm, with 20 per cent of proceeds to CLIC Sargent which cares for children with cancer.

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A DVERTOR IA L FEATURE

Latest News from The Solar Power People We talk to Ace Energy’s founder Alan Seviour on why having solar power on your roof is better than money in the bank.

With slow growth in the economy set to continue for this year and The Bank of England base rate at a record low, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to boost their income and make their savings work for them - and solar power might just be the answer.

Install solar onto your roof and you automatically register for the government’s Feed-In-Tariff scheme which was introduced 12 months ago. This returns a guaranteed regular income of between 8% and 12% for 25 years. What’s more it’s tax free and will rise with inflation. The other major advantage of installing solar is that while you are generating your own free electricity, you are also adding to the value of your property. The Feed-In-Tariff, being so generous, is likely to pay for the full cost of the installation in just 8-10 years leaving another 15 years of steady income and free electricity. At present even the VAT payable on an installation has been reduced to only 5%. So taking your savings out of the bank and putting them onto your roof is a great way of investing in the future.

Ace Energy are based in Bath and are fully accredited with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). They offer a free survey and quotation.

www.ace-energy.net 01225 729005

Alan Seviour MD of Ace Energy

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Get your bunny in tip-top condition for Easter!

Jenny Keen, Senior Vet, Station Road Veterinary Surgery, Bath Veterinary Group

R

WE ALSO PRODUCE BRISTOL’S BIGGEST GLOSSY MAGAZINE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BRISTOL THEN...

Why not subscribe!

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abbits can be the most adorable pets with their stubby noses and soft coats.

They are very popular children’s pets, often considered a good ‘starter pet’ before moving to more demanding cat or dog ownership. Rabbits, however, can be time consuming, and they do require daily care and attention to help them stay happy and healthy. So here are my top tips for ensuring that your rabbit is in tip top form for Easter.

Housing – Rabbits can be housed in groups but care must be taken.

Bucks and does will fight if housed together unless they are introduced gradually. The most stable pairing is a neutered buck with a spayed doe.

Generally, rabbits should not be kept with guinea pigs as they will often bully them. Rabbits can also harbour Bordetella bacteria in their respiratory tract which can cause serious illness in guinea pigs.

Diet – Rabbits need lots of natural high fibre in their diet as they are hindgut fermenters. Their lower digestive tract takes insoluble fibre such as hay and converts it into a food stuff that they will digest in two stages. The first stage is consumption of the fibre. The second stage is called caecotrophy, where the rabbit takes a special form of faeces directly from their rectum and consumes it during the early hours of the morning to obtain any nutrients missed the first time (a form of recycling faeces). The best diet for a rabbit is grass and hay, supplemented with small amounts (a third or less of daily intake) of commercial pellets and vegetables. A diet too high in pellets can lead to a sluggish, hypo-motile intestinal tract, dental disease, and obesity.

Teeth – For rabbits, most visits to the vet are due to teeth problems and dental disease. Unfortunately modern rabbit breeds do not comply in their skull conformation for optimal dentition and rabbits are being bred for more of a snub nosed appearance which doesn’t leave much space for their teeth to grow. Problems arise due to overcrowding of teeth causing malalignment and overgrowth, especially of the front incisors. Rabbit’s teeth grow continually, so they need chewable fibre such as long hay to wear them down. If your bunny has chronic eye problems, a wet mouth, and the so called bunny hanky (wetness over their front paws), it’s time to see your vet for a dental check up before they stop eating.

Neutering – Female rabbits should be neutered to prevent cancer of the uterus which is quite common later in life. Bucks should be neutered to prevent aggression and territorial urine spraying. It goes without saying that rabbits can be prolific breeders so if you don’t want too many bunnies you should be neutering them by the age of five months.

Vaccinations – If your rabbit lives outside then vaccinating them is important. The disease Myxomatosis is a pox virus which is transmitted by fleas from wild rabbits. It causes swollen eyes and lips, and pox-like lesions on the head. Myxomatosis is ubiquitous in Britain today, having originally spread from the continent in 1953. Another viral disease that rabbits should be vaccinated against is called Viral Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea. Both of these diseases can lead to high mortality rates in unvaccinated rabbits.

Ask your vet for more information about vaccination.

Caring for a pet rabbit can be hugely pleasurable and very rewarding for adults and children alike. Try to follow these basic rules and remember that, as with most health issues, prevention is so much better than cure. If you are a new rabbit owner, or are thinking of getting a rabbit, talk to your vet or vet nurse for more information and guidance. ■

All Bath Vet Group surgery contact details and further information are available at www.bathvetgroup.co.uk. If you have any questions, local vet Jenny Keen will be pleased to help and can be contacted on 01225 428921.

Alternatively contact Rosemary Lodge Hospital on 01225 832521.

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to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499 Gardening

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to advertise in the directory call Kathy on 01225 424 499 Business to Business

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Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

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ALEXANDER LESSONS Hellie Mulvaney MSTAT Oldfield Park

01225 353397 helliemulvaney@blueyonder.co.uk www.helliemulvaney.co.uk

Acupuncture for Fertility, support alongside IVF, Pregnancy and Womens Health.

Holly Woodward (MBAcC, Reg Nurse) is an experienced fertility acupuncturist, having worked for leading fertility expert Zita West.

Call Holly on 07759 684552 Address: Centre for Integrated Therapies, Kingston House, 6 Pierrepont St, Bath, BA1 1LA. E: holly.woodward@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollywoodward.co.uk

Computer Services

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Learn to Nordic Walk

Electricians

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A fun, safe and sociable way to get fitter.

Baths first weekly group with FREE taster sessions - contact instructor Alison James T: 01225 344552 W: alisonjames.webs.com

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Home Security

Host Families

House & Home

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Living Rooms

Husband & wife business offering:

HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED To help successful agency look after Luxury holiday homes in Bath.

• Flexible Hours • • Pay according to experience • • Car Preferred • Please contact Alexa Simms at Bath Holiday Rentals on 01225 482 225

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House & Home

Pet Services

Top Cat Country House Hotel Real Care for the Cat you Love by the owner Diana Dickson Featured on National TV & Radio Bristol

We are a small luxury cattery for those who prefer their cats to have extra special attention Diana sometimes breeds Burmese & Burmilla’s Opening Hours 9am to 1pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays The Old School House Kelston, Bath

Tel: 01225 313099 to advertise in the directory call Kathy on 01225 424 499

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

LOWER SHOCKERWICK LODGE, BOX ROAD NEAR BATH

Price: ÂŁ485,000

B

uilt around 1858, this delightful lodge house enjoys wonderful country views over the adjacent fields and woodland. The property is not listed and offers flexible and particularly light and airy living space. The ground floor comprises a reception hall with a large adjacent cloakroom, an elegant sitting room with windows to the front and rear and a working fireplace. The well fitted kitchen/dining room has a farmhouse feel and leads through to the conservatory which in turn has French doors to the garden. Bedroom three completes the ground floor and could serve equally well as a third reception room if required. Upstairs there are two good double bedrooms. The master bedroom has a very well presented en suite shower room, and the main bathroom doubles as an en suite to the second bedroom. There is a large attached garage/utility room with timber worksurfaces a sink and plumbing for a washing machine. The gardens are particularly pretty with lawned areas, rockery, decorative flower beds a natural garden area, greenhouse, timber shed and woodstore. This magnificent and secluded family home is a delight and may be viewed by appointment with agents Pritchards. Lower Shockerwick Lodge is extremely well situated for access to Bath, local amenities in Batheaston and for travel to the motorway or Wiltshire. Viewing is by appointment with agents Pritchards.

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

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pritchard-partners.co.uk

Bathford

Foxcote

Elegant rooms and graceful design, Listed Grade II* in a delightful village location. Bath 4m, London Paddington (90mins) from Bath Spa Station, M4 Motorway (Junc 18) 11 miles. Bristol Airport - 23.4 miles.

Total int area main house: 7511 sq ft/698 sq m.

Reception hall & 4 reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room, 9 en suite bedrooms, 2 further bedrooms sharing bathroom. Lg cellar/workshop/stores. Established gardens.

Tennis court. Summer house. Driveway & parking. Separate 2 bed garden cottage.

An outstanding detached period former farmhouse with 16th Century origins superbly restored & set in 4 acres approx. Small rural hamlet and only 1.5 miles approx. distant from neighbouring villages.

Total floor area main house: 4621 sq ft/429 sq m.

5 receptions, most attractive farmhouse kitchen, utility & further utility/kitchen 2, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 2 storey Detached stone coach house - potential for developm (subj to nec consents). Further stone outbuilding. Gardens and paddocks.

Guide Price: £2 million

Guide Price: £1.65 million

Prior Park Buildings

Penn Lea Road

An outstanding example of Grade II Listed Georgian town house forming part of one of the most elegant terraces in Bath arranged over 4 floors.

Approx gross int. floor area: 2471 sq ft/229.6 sq m.

An impressive and substantial semi detached period house in a quiet and highly sought-after road on the popular western outskirts of the City.

Total approx floor area: 2536 sq ft/235.59 sq m.

Kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, drawing room, withdrawing room/bedroom 4, 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cloakroom with utility. Pretty landscaped terraced garden with cover patio area. Double garage with additional parking space to the front of garage.

5 bedrooms, box room/study, sitting room dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, bathroom and cloakroom. Cellar. Lean-to/storeroom. Gardens to the front and rear. Driveway parking for three cars.

Price: £895,000

Price: £775,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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pritchard-partners.co.uk

Bathampton Lane

Ston Easton (Bath 13.8m approx) Bristol airport 35 mins drive

A stunning and innovative conversion arranged over three storeys of this picturesque, 18th Century former coach house with excellent access to central Bath (within 10 minutes).

3 bedrooms (1 en suite), family bathroom, large open plan sitting/living room, dining room, family room & fitted kitchen with breakfast room & garden room. Stunning views to rear across the Avon valley. Attractive enclosed gardens to front and rear, off road parking.

Total approx floor area: 1509 sq ft/141 sq m.

An individual attached property standing in large delightful private landscaped gardens.Village location & easy access toWells.

Approx gross int area 3673 sq ft/341.2 sq m.

Price: £750,000

Price: £725,000

Park Street

Woolley, Bradford on Avon

An outstanding ground and first floor apartment forming part of a Grade II listed townhouse. Excellent location close to City Centre.

Total approx floor area: 1249 sq ft/116 sq m.

A superb period cottage retaining a wealth of character with potential for extending (subject to the necessary consents).

3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms - master with balcony, dressing room/bed 5, 3 bathrooms, study, utility & 2 cloakrooms. Underfloor heating. Double garage & parking.

Kitchen, living room with dining area, two bedrooms, bathroom, bedroom three/dining room.

Kitchen/breakfast room, garden room/dining room, boot room, sitting room, study/ bedroom three, two double bedrooms, bathroom. Pretty south facing garden. Single garage.

Approx gross int. area 1022.3 sq ft/95 sq m.

Price: £495,000

Offers in the Region of: £375,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Bath Office Sales. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Prior Park Buildings, Bath This principal Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse is situated in the most sought after address of Widcombe just a walk away from Bath and retains a wealth of period features.

Approximately 2520 sq ft.

Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

Hamptons International won the Best for Innovation award at the 2010 Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising its innovative marketing approach and launch of the Hamptons International app for iPhone and iPad. Call us to find out how we can use our market-leading approach to help you.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,000,000 Freehold 4 bedrooms 3 reception rooms 2 bathrooms Beautifully presented period detail Garden Garage

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Bath Office Sales. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Daniel Street, Bath

Guide Price ÂŁ995,000 Freehold

This beautifully proportioned townhouse is situated within a short level walk of the city centre. Arranged over five floors it offers versatile accommodation and retains lovely period features. Approximately 2800 sq ft.

Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com

4 bedrooms 3 reception rooms 2 bathrooms Enclosed garden Private parking Level walk into town

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

Hamptons International won the Best for Innovation award at the 2010 Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising its innovative marketing approach and launch of the Hamptons International app for iPhone and iPad. Call us to find out how we can use our market-leading approach to help you.

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■ St James’s Square, Bath The residents of St James’s Square are doubly blessed as they have all that the city has to offer nearby, and they wake up to trees and grass right outside their front doors. A particularly fine home has come on the market that enjoys views of the square to the front and the undulating slopes of the Approach Golf Course to the back, along with its own walled garden. The house, which is magnificently presented, has many rooms, including four/five bedrooms, a superb light and airy kitchen/breakfast room complete with Aga, and both a drawing and a withdrawing room.

Price: £1.8m Contact: Kinght Frank 01225 3225999

■ Chatham Row, Walcot This two bedroom second floor apartment has one foot in bustling Walcot Street but its eyes also on the distant hills of Claverton.

Watch as the coming spring and summer bring green to the woods, while getting on with enjoying all that city life has to offer – and a walking commute to work if you’re lucky. Price: £185,000 Contact: Tim Bennett & Associates 01225 325857

A HOUSE in the

TOWN Enjoy a room with a view from townhouses which have a vista

■ Camden Terrace, Bath You feel you are lord of all you survey from the windows and front garden of this fine four bedroom Georgian townhouse high above the city centre in trendy Camden. But if you can tear your eyes away from the view, the interior is worth admiring too. The light, airy rooms across four floors include a kitchen/breakfast room which opens through glass doors to the courtyard dining area, and a pretty south facing front garden. Price: £735,000.

■ Broadmoor Lane,Weston Right on the edge of the city and with enviable views across rolling farmland and hills is this four bedroom detached house in Weston. It has a good sized sitting room/dining room, kitchen breakfast room, study and utility room, while upstairs the master bedroom has an ensuite. The gardens are secluded and delightful, as befits a home called The Old Orchard. Price: £435,000 Contact: Whitfield Nash 01225 480444

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Contact: Pritchards 01225 466225

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■ The Old Chapel, Stanton Drew A Victorian Methodist chapel conversion in the Somerset countryside has been cleverly designed in a bold and contemporary style so the first floor open plan living room and kitchen overlooks the view. There’s also a balcony from where you can enjoy a sundowner while looking across the Chew Valley. The old chapel now has four bedrooms – one of them with a top-of-the-range en suite bathroom – plus parking, gardens and a useful two-acre paddock.

Price: £725,000.

Contact: Tim Bennett & Associates 01225 326420

■ Meadowside, Box

■ Rabley Meadows, Bradford-on-Avon Across the south facing wide lawns of this contemporary family home in Bradford-onAvon there is a commanding view over the town and the countryside beyond. The detached house has a big sitting room, a reception hall with an impressive staircase, a separate study, dining room and kitchen/breakfast room plus utility room.

The master bedroom, with its en suite bathroom, also enjoys the views, as does the second of the four bedrooms. The double garage is integral. Price: £595,000.

Contact: Jeremy Jenkins 01225 866747

A HOUSE in the

COUNTRY TBM’s pick of country properties within easy commute of Bath city centre

Enjoy fabulous big sky views and country walks on your doorstep from this chalet bungalow in Henley Lane, Box. The kitchen opens out into the breakfast room and conservatory, providing a really good family space. There are three bedrooms, a big sitting room and a studio for the creative members of the family who may be tempted to paint that view.

Box is a great village with a proper sense of community, shops and a primary school. Price: £350,000.

Contact: Tim Bennett & Associates 01225 326420

■ Ranmore Cottage, Norton St Philip It’s hard to say which is finer, the village and countryside views outside Ranmore Cottage, or the interior of this delightful and unique 18th century cottage. The house, which has four bedrooms, has some fine old features including a window seat in the sitting room and antique Delft tiles around the fireplace, while the kitchen is fitted with Shaker style units and a smart blue Aga. There is also a dining room with a Regency style ceiling and a sunny breakfast room. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a good sized en suite bathroom and the bedrooms at the front have fantastic views towards Faulkland. The gardens are south facing and well stocked, with an old stone patio, a cedar summerhouse and a sundial that dates back to 1726 and is said to have come from Hinton Priory, as did the stone for the arched entrance. Norton St Philip is a historic village, its cricket pitch at Church Mead having been described as one of the most idyllic in England.

Price: £765,000 Contact : Crisp Cowley 01225 789333

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

APRIL 2011

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The Estate Agents People Recommend For Bath & Surrounding Villages

w ion Ne uct str In

Frome, Somerset

Guide Price £675,000

A beautifully appointed seven bedroom detached residence situated in a generous plot with a wealth of period features.

Detached family home • Four bathrooms • Six reception rooms • Original features throughout • Large landscaped rear gardens • Ample parking to front and side • Short stroll into the market town of Frome • Main line railway link to London Paddington

w ion Ne uct str In

Dovers Lane, Bathford

Guide Price £630,000

Orchard Cottage is conveniently located in the popular village of Bathford, which provides easy access into Bath, the M4 and surrounding villages.

A detached country cottage • Beautifully updated • Three bedrooms • Three reception rooms • Bath stone fireplaces • Period features • Lovely country garden with terrace area • One bedroom annex

Bath Office 01225 904 904 www.wentworthestateagents.com • 1 Harrington Place, Bath BA1 1HF rightmove .co.uk 01225 904• 904 • www.wentworthestateagents.com

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Bloomfield

£575,000

Spacious Family Home with Separate Garden Flat and Stunning Views

Spacious Four Bedroom Home | Two Reception Rooms | Kitchen | Utility | Bathroom and Shower Room | Separate Two Bedroom Garden Flat | Stunning Views to Rear | Gardens to Front and Rear | Driveway Parking | Garage

LD O S TC S

Lower Weston Substantial Three Bedroom Semi Detached Family Home

We require more quality City Centre properties for waiting applicants. Sold subject to contract

£345,000

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T LE

TO

Great Pulteney Street

£1250pcm

Stunning Apartment in Central Bath Location

We require more quality City Centre properties to let for waiting applicants.

Preferential rates apply during April 2011

T

LE

Winsley

£900pcm

Modern Detached Family Home in Village Location

Three Bedooms | Two Reception Rooms | Large Corner Plot | Gas Central Heating | Double Glazing | Garage | Off Road Parking | Ideal for Local Schools | Available End of April

Relax and enjoy

0%

Full Property Management

for 3 months with our Platinum Service includes * FREE Inventory, check-ins and check-outs * FREE Gas Safety Certificate * FREE EPC and no hidden extras

We do it all so you don’t have to...

For a free market appraisal call us today 2 Northumberland Buildings, Queen Square 10 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park 01225 422 888 01225 758 379

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Wingfield £995pcm

A really lovely property set in beautiful open countryside between Bath, Frome and Bradford on Avon. This attractive modern bungalow has 3/4 double bedrooms, a family bathroom, additional shower room, large lounge, dining room, large breakfast kitchen, spacious lobby and large front porch. It has been extensively renovated and has double glazing throughout and is in excellent decorative order

Bath Larkhall £850pcm

Lots of character in this smart, unfurnished 2 bed flat. 2 good double bedrooms, large kitchen with all appliances (and a well!), large lounge, family bathroom and patio with lovely water feature.

Available end March.

Colerne £650pcm

Bath Odd Down £995pcm

Quaint, two bedroom property in the heart of this popular village. The accommodation comprises one large double bedroom, bright bathroom, utility room with washer dryer, kitchen with dining area, cosy lounge with log burning stove and second bedroom/study. There is also a small rear garden area. The property is comfortably furnished and has from GCH.

This is a large and very well maintained unfurnished house in Odd Down.

Accomodation comprises entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen and GF wc. Upstairs are 2 double and 2 single bedrooms and a large bathroom.

The property has gas central heating and double glazing throughout a driveway and small front garden and rear patio garden with shed.

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L E T T I N G S & M A N AG E M E N T

ate Upd ... m fro

Well this year has flown by... I just got back from a short but magical trip to Morocco - whilst I was there, I visited a girls school house in the Atlas mountains set up by Education for All which has as its aim to provide schooling for girls whose families would otherwise not be able to send their children to Secondary School. We're now looking at how Zest can support this worthwhile initiative.

At Zest we've also signed up again for this years' Bath Boules tournament where we aim to go one better than our dazzling Quarterfinal success last year!

Also, some more good news just in... We have recently been selected by 'The Best of Bath' to be showcased in recognition of our exceptional customer service to both landlords and tenants. From next month you will be able to read reviews from landlords on 'The Best of Bath website about the unique Zest brand of service.'

Glenn Perry, Director, Zest

Soon becoming available at Zest

We have several exciting 3 and 4 bed family homes in Bath during April and May, some with spectacular views.

Prices ranging from £895 upwards to £2300 pcm

Several properties coming up at the Royal Crescent and central areas nearby. Studios £595 pcm to expansive and luxurious apartments £2000pcm.

In April we have three beautiful 2 and 3 bed homes in popular Larkhall! These properties range between £895pcm and £1000pcm.

Recently converted top floor studio apartment in the beautiful period building just £525 pcm. For all our properties please visit our website for more details.

T: 01225 481010

www.zestlettings.com

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Residential Lettings

HomeLets

www.homeletsofbath.co.uk

Ushers Court

£495

Property Management 01225 484811

of Bath

Newbridge Road

£600

Lathom House

£650

• 1 Bedroom • Unfurnished • • Open Plan Lounge/Diner •

• 1 Bedroom • Furnished •

• 1 Bedroom • Unfurnished •

• Private South Facing Garden •

• Communal Gardens and Parking •

Available Now

Available from 11.04.11

Available from 22.04.11

Grosvenor Place

Available Now

Stanway Close £1800

Henry Street £800 • 2 Bedroom •

• Student • • Unfurnished • • 6 Bedroom • •

Private • Entrance

• Courtyard •

Available 18.05.11

• 2 Bathrooms •

Bridge Street

£875

Pulteney Road

£2650

• 2 Bedroom • Furnished • • Located in the City Centre •

• 4 Bedroom • Unfurnished • Gardens • • Garage • Parking for 6 Cars •

Available Now

Available Now

• Parking •

Available 01.09.11

MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED - CONTACT HOMELETS NOW info@homeletsofbath.co.uk • 1 Edgar Buildings. George Street. Bath. BA1 2EE Working with you since 1992 96 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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£725

• 1 Bedroom • Unfurnished • • Free On Street Parking

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Your property is a bit special... so is our letting service CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS WHAT MAKES RESIDE DIFFERENT

www.residebath.co.uk

01225 445 777

OUR PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH

Church Lane Cottage, West Kington

Bennett Street, City Centre

A beautiful detached 17th century Grade II Listed house in a delightful Wiltshire village located 10 miles North East of Bath, allowing excellent access to the M4 motorway and the railway at Chippenham Station. Church Lane Cottage is an enchanting home which has been the subject of thoughtful and stylish renovation, enlargement and overall improvement. None of the inherent period character has been. The front of the house retains the original living rooms with their open fires, deep set window seats and beamed ceilings. However the rear of the ground floor has a superb beach and stainless steel kitchen which opens into a large dining room which has a glazed gabled elevation opening onto the garden and open truss ceiling. A utility room, a small shower room and a large boot room complete the ground floor. On the first and second floors the 4 bedrooms all promote the property’s history whilst the 3 bathrooms offer the best of modern design. To the side of the house is a gravelled driveway leading to a single garage with internal access. Behind the house is a beautifully landscaped garden, with a level lawn area and a number of small patios.

A beautifully refurbished one bedroom garden apartment, carefully modernised throughout to combine a wealth of period features with a stylish and contemporary finish. Located on Bennett Street, just off of The Circus, the apartment is a stone’s throw from Bath city centre and allows excellent access to the M4 Motorway. With brand new carpets throughout the apartment has a spacious living room overlooking the garden with a beautiful feature fireplace, high ceilings and two fitted cupboards. A spacious brand new fully fitted kitchen, a large double bedroom with high ceilings and an intricate cornice, a contemporary en-suite shower room, a spacious office / garden room with patio doors, an additional w.c. plus a private enclosed south facing garden.

Unfurnished. Available Early May. £3000 pcm

Unfurnished. Available Now. £1050 pcm

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Fidelis R e s i d e n t i a l

Kilmersdon

£595,000

A Delightful 4/5 Bedroom Village Home including a 1 Bedroom Annexe Standing in Secluded Grounds of approximately 0.65 of an acre.

4/5 Double Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Open Plan Sitting Room | Kitchen/Dining Room | Office | Reception 2 | Double Garage | Workshop | Aga | Oak Flooring | Parking for several cars | Offered for Sale with No Onward Chain

Cleveland Place East

£142,000

Vane Street

S a l e s

£235,000

A Top Floor Apartment in a Desirable Location in the Heart of the City 2 Bedrooms | Light and Airy Living Room with Views | Fully Fitted Kitchen with Breakfast Bar | Contemporary Bathroom | Convenient Location for City Living | Views toward Bathwick Hill | Walking distance to City Centre

Tunley

£499,950

Fabulous 1 Bedroom First Floor Flat Beautifully Appointed Throughout

A stunning individual 5 bedroom detached house with breathtaking views and versatile accommodation

Central Location | Chain Free | Recent Refurbished | Open Plan Large Living Space/Kitchen | White Goods Included | Double Bedroom | Luxury Bathroom

Large kitchen/dining room | Sitting room | Reception 2/Office | Master bedroom suite with decked balcony | 2 en-suites | Luxury family bathroom | Large mature gardens | Double garage | Parking for several cars | Village location | Breathtaking views | Wood flooring throughout

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk

01225 421000

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Fidelis R e s i d e n t i a l

Kilmersdon

£595,000

A Delightful 4/5 Bedroom Village Home including a 1 Bedroom Annexe Standing in Secluded Grounds of approximately 0.65 of an acre.

4/5 Double Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Open Plan Sitting Room | Kitchen/Dining Room | Office | Reception 2 | Double Garage | Workshop | Aga | Oak Flooring | Parking for several cars | Offered for Sale with No Onward Chain

Cleveland Place East

£142,000

Vane Street

S a l e s

£235,000

A Top Floor Apartment in a Desirable Location in the Heart of the City 2 Bedrooms | Light and Airy Living Room with Views | Fully Fitted Kitchen with Breakfast Bar | Contemporary Bathroom | Convenient Location for City Living | Views toward Bathwick Hill | Walking distance to City Centre

Tunley

£499,950

Fabulous 1 Bedroom First Floor Flat Beautifully Appointed Throughout

A stunning individual 5 bedroom detached house with breathtaking views and versatile accommodation

Central Location | Chain Free | Recent Refurbished | Open Plan Large Living Space/Kitchen | White Goods Included | Double Bedroom | Luxury Bathroom

Large kitchen/dining room | Sitting room | Reception 2/Office | Master bedroom suite with decked balcony | 2 en-suites | Luxury family bathroom | Large mature gardens | Double garage | Parking for several cars | Village location | Breathtaking views | Wood flooring throughout

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk

01225 421000

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THE MAYOR OF BATH AND BATH RUGBY STAR OFFICIALLY OPEN FINE AND COUNTRY’S NEW BRANCH IN BATH The Mayor of Bath and Bath Rugby Flanker Andy Beatie officially opened the new Bath branch of prestigious new estate agents, Fine and Country on Friday 11th March.

Cllr Shaun McGall cut the ribbon alongside player Andy Beatie, Bath Rugby Business Development Director, Matt Powell and Management from the Bath branch including Partner - Julian Knops, Associate Matthew Blower and other selected local business contacts. Fine and Country, Bath also donated £100 to the Mayor’s Relief Fund which helps vulnerable people in the City.

The Office at 36 Gay Street, Bath is the latest in 300 linked branches worldwide for the brand. Partner Julian Knops, 52, a former president of the Bath Auctioneers and Estate Agents Society and former director of a leading estate agency group, brings with him over 30 years experience in the residential property sector. Julian, an Old Edwardian, has lived in Bath with his family for almost 50 years.

Fine & Country’s approach to property is bespoke and personal, using a dynamic marketing package to sell the high-quality lifestyle of its clients’ premium homes – including professional photography, lifestyle interviews with journalists and even videoettes, to capture the true essence of its properties.

Julian said:“At Fine & Country, we will be combining our extensive knowledge of the local market with innovative and powerful lifestyle

marketing, which has won numerous industry awards. Bath and the surrounding area has some of the most prestigious properties for sale in the UK and our new Fine & Country office is perfectly placed to provide the quality of service that these deserve.”

He added:“A major strength of Fine & Country is the powerful ability to market property on a local, regional, national and even international level.There is far more mobility in the world today and we’re able to offer a huge breadth of marketing fire power for this type of customer and property, supported by our extensive local knowledge.”

Working closely with Julian will be Associate Matthew Blower, who has over ten years’ estate agency experience in Bath and lives in the Bloomfield area of the city. Matthew explained:“Fine & Country in Bath will offer a fresh approach to customers – providing a more proactive and personal touch, combined with a large amount of local knowledge and a worldwide award-winning marketing strategy.We’re looking for properties of local and national importance in Bath, and within a 20 mile radius, that deserve the Fine & Country service.”

Photo Caption: From Left to right: Andy Beatie, Bath Rugby Player, Mille Kent, Customer Service Manager, Partner of Fine and Country Julian Knops, Associate of Fine and Country Matthew Blower,The Mayor of Bath Cllr Shaun McGall and Business Development Director of Bath Rugby – Matt Powell.

Call 01225 320032 bath@fineandcountry.com

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hunter french estate agents, valuers and surveyors

Ditteridge, Wiltshire £695,000 A delightful period cottage surrounded by the Wiltshire countryside yet just minutes from the centre of Bath.

St Christophers is set in beautifully landscaped gardens with a large flagstone patio, walled terrace, raised vegetable beds, mature trees and ample parking. Dating back to the 17th century and offers well balanced accommodation with a wealth of period features combined with modern country living Includes entrance hall, large sitting room, snug, hand built kitchen with integrated quality appliances, laundry room, four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Siston, South Gloucestershire £475,000 Situated in the peaceful hamlet of Siston is this well presented semidetached cottage. The property has great ground floor living space and four bedrooms. There are well maintained gardens, off street parking and a garage.

Shortwood, South Gloucestershire Offers In Excess Of £800,000 A 19th century converted Coach House now offering family living with five bedrooms and grounds reaching to over half an acre. There is also a detached double garage with gym and an office.

Bath Office: 01225 444454 Corsham Office: 01249 715775 e: info@hunterfrench.co.uk • www.hunterfrench.co.uk

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hunter french estate agents, valuers and surveyors

NORBIN, BOX £950,000 A beautifully converted barn with large garden, 2 acre paddock and two semi detached barns each with three bedrooms currently providing additional income as holiday lets.

Entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, utility room, cloakroom, three reception rooms, master bedroom with en suite bathroom/shower, 3 further bedrooms, bathroom. Approx 2397 sq ft. Paddock of approximately 2 acres. Garden and parking. 2 semi detached 3 bedroom holiday let barns.

CORSHAM £449.950 An imposing and spacious four bedroom detached home on the sought after Pickwick Road within minutes walking distance to the picturesque town centre.

Entrance hall, cloakroom, dining room, study, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, four bedrooms, shower room and bathroom.

Attractive and private gardens to the rear.

Corsham Office: 01249 715775 Bath Office: 01225 444454 e: info@hunterfrench.co.uk • www.hunterfrench.co.uk

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residential sales

Fairfield £599,950

Middle Lane £439,950

A well presented detached property situated in the Fairfield area of Bath elevated above Larkhall village with far reaching views.

This family home has spacious and versatile accommodation comprising of the following; large kitchen/breakfast room with attached dining room, two further receptions rooms, four bedrooms, one with en suite, family bathroom, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, gardens driveway and garage.

A deceptively spacious 4 bedroom home located in Upper East Hayes with good access to both Bath city centre and Larkhall village.

A light and airy property with far reaching views over Bath the accommodation comprises of the following; entrance porch, entrance hall, living room, dining area, conservatory, kitchen, downstairs WC, master en-suite, bathroom, garage, parking and gardens. Internal viewing highly recommended.

Lower Swainswick £425,000

Nailwell £325,000

A 3 bedroom double fronted detached property located in the east of the World Heritage City of Bath in Lower Swainswick.

This 1920’s property is in need of some updating but has the potential to be a great family home. With far reaching views to the front, the house includes the following accommodation; entrance vestibule, entrance hallway, sitting room, lounge, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, gardens and in/out driveway.

A 2 bedroom period cottage located south of Bath in the hamlet of Nailwell, which has immediate access to the countryside and is within reach of Priston village.

This character property offers Lounge, kitchen/dining room, whilst outside there is a detached double garage with integral study/conservatory and utility room.

Early viewing advised

2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED

T 01225 480444 F 01225 483198 E enquiries @whitfieldna sh.co.uk W www.whitfieldnash.co.uk

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Queens Parade

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ440,000

Large living room | Separate dining room | Modern and fully integrated kitchen | Master bedroom with en-suite shower room | 2nd double bedroom | Luxury bathroom | Lovely garden A unique and very stylish 2 bedroom Georgian garden apartment located in a prime central location.

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Camden Crescent

Offers in Excess of £320,000 Grosvenor Place

Offers in Excess of £270,000

Drawing room | Modern kitchen | Two double bedrooms | Luxury shower room | West facing garden | Fantastic views

Southerly facing drawing room | Kitchen | Office area | Master bedroom with en-suite | Second double bedroom | Bathroom | Courtyard

Well presented two bedroom ground floor Georgian garden apartment located within one of Bath’s famous crescents.

This two double bedroom lower ground floor Georgian courtyard apartment is situated in the ever popular Grosvenor Place.

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St Peter’s Chapel

Offers in Excess of £245,000 Rivers Street

Offers in Excess of £240,000

Large open plan living space | Stylish kitchen | Two large double bedrooms | Modern bathroom | Roof terrace

Sitting room with period feature fireplace | Kitchen | Two double bedrooms | Bathroom | Lovely views | Share of the freehold

Contemporary two bedroom chapel conversion with a roof terrace.

This delightful south facing top floor apartment is situated in the ever popular Rivers Street offering some of the most stunning views over Bath.

Combe Hay An exquisite Grade II listed home, dating in part from 1660 and set in the heart of one of Bath’s most soughtafter villages | entrance hall | kitchen/breakfast room | utility room | cloakroom | sitting room | drawing room | sun room | study | master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing area | 3 further bedrooms | shower room and bathroom | open fronted double garage | gardens of approx. 0.6 of an acre | Guide Price: £1,250,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Combe Hay Striking mid 18th Century listed detached house in splendid position above protected valley | impressive hall | 2 receptions | kitchen | 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | garage and parking | lovely garden | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,000,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Norton St Philip An exquisite 18th Century village house set in an elevated position with far reaching westerly views | entrance hall | sitting room | dining room | kitchen | breakfast/family room | cloakroom | master bedroom with en suite bathroom | 3 further bedrooms | shower room | south facing gardens | Guide Price: ÂŁ765,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Sydney Buildings An exquisite Grade II listed Regency house in this highly desirable location | entrance hall | sitting room | drawing room | dining room | kitchen/breakfast room | utility | cloakroom | 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | shower room | roof terrace | landscaped rear garden | garden room | vault | views | Guide Price: £1,350,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Kensington Villa, Bath

Guide Price ÂŁ1,350,000

Viewing Now. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, cloakroom, games room/gym. Approximately 3,400 sq.ft. Double garage, ample parking, level garden.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

Joint agent with

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Prior Park Road, Widcombe

Guide Price ÂŁ795,000

A delightful semi detached Victorian house in a very popular area of Bath.

Entrance hall, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, utility room. Master bedroom suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Approximately 2,187 sq.ft.

Garden and o street parking.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Upper Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Guide Price ÂŁ440,000

A charming period cottage on the edge of a beautiful village in the heart of Wiltshire.

Entrance hall, Sitting room, Kitchen/breakfast room. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 shower room), Snug/attic room. Approximately 967 sq.ft.

Separate oďŹƒce, enclosed garden.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Allington, Nr Chippenham

Guide Price ÂŁ1,200,000

A beautifully presented barn conversion in a rural location with excellent communications.

Galleried reception hall, drawing room, cinema/sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, utility room. 4 bedrooms and 4 bath/shower rooms, study/bedroom 5. Approximately 3,689 sq.ft. Extensive garage, store and machinery barn with potential (subject to the necessary consent). Garden, paddock with field pond and land planted with young native woodland. In total approximately 6.5 acres.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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