The Bath Magazine August 2012

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH £3.00 where sold

SOMERSET PLACE The grandest designs ROMANTIC STEAM A vintage train journey AVON CALLING Do more with our waterway FACE THE MUSIC A belly dancer’s top tunes

LIFE IN TECHNICOLOUR COLOURSCAPE COMES TO THE HOLBURNE www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

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contents

August2012

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28 31

37 8

ZEITGEIST

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Five must-do things for August

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TALK OF THE TOWN Interview with toymaker and artist Robert Race plus Book of the Month, a dark thriller by Bath writer Tim Weaver

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FACE THE MUSIC Glamorous belly dancer Carmen Jones talks about the music that moves her

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PORTRAIT OF BATH

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AN UNEASY TRUCE A special report into the city’s ambiguous relationship with the River Avon

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44 CITY PEOPLE News and views from around Bath

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WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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INTERIORS A look at the restoration of an entire Bath Georgian crescent

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CITY GARDENING Open gardens and cream teas

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PROPERTY For the finest selection of beautiful homes in the Bath area

CHARITY APPEAL Help Julian House support the homeless

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MUM - WE’RE BORED Ideas for things to do in the holidays

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EDUCATION NEWS

www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

What’s happening in our schools

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OUT & ABOUT

ON THE COVER

A walk on the downs of Cranborne Chase

Colourscape walk-in sculpture installation at The Holburne Museum runs from 18 August and is sponsored

by Mogers

FOOD & DRINK Learn to cook like a Michelin star chef

COMPETITION Win a family weekend at the Bank Holiday Castle Combe festival of cycling and motoring

A BATH INSTITUTION We take a peek behind the distinguished doors of a treasure trove in Queen Square

A BYGONE AGE Why travelling by steam train still appeals

GALLERY GUIDE

HEALTH & BEAUTY The latest products and treatments

Discover the latest art exhibitions

Photographer Neill Menneer’s subject is sign maker Dick Major

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58

Bath’s cultural highlights for August

BIGWIG In which our esteemed columnist muses on the legacy, comic or otherwise, of the London Olympic Games

WHAT’S ON

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EATING OUT

@ thebathmagazine

The Bridge Brasserie in Chippenham AUGUST 2012

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THEBATHMAGAZINE 3

KITCHENS BEDROOMS BATHROOMS STUDIES FREESTANDING

Tel: 01656 841 942 Visit our website to see more:

www.jeremydavies.co.uk

View examples of our work at

Mandarin Stone 15-16 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ

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EDITOR’Sletter

O

n sunny days in Bath we might fancy a stroll by the river, and given that the Avon flows right through the centre of the city, you’d think that would be easy enough to do. But for years I have wondered why one can’t access a footpath by the water between the back of the Podium and Cleveland Bridge, or why pedestrians can’t pootle along a riverside path in preference to the petrol fume-filled London Road. While the stretch of water between Churchill Bridge and Weston island is open for walkers, it’s not the most salubrious of strolls, with a great deal of concrete and mostly the backs of light industry’s warehouses to look at – although, to be fair, the new Riverside development is doing its best to turn some of it into a leisure area.

Perhaps the centuries of flooding from the river has created an understandable mistrust and dislike of the unpredictable Avon in the Bath people, but thanks to modern flood prevention schemes we can now surely move on to a new chapter and make more of this natural asset.

In this issue, on Page 24, Bath historian and walking guide Andrew Swift takes a close look at the city’s relationship with its river, and why we haven’t made more of it.

It may be peak holiday time, but we’ve got plenty for you to read in the park, or even on the beach if you’re so inclined. Clare Reddaway goes behind the scenes at the BRSLI museum, we take a close look at the restoration of an entire Georgian crescent, in Somerset Place, and there’s news of how we can all do our bit to help society’s most vulnerable people, thanks to the work of Julian House. These, plus our regular features, the walk, gardening, Face the Music et al, are all here to amuse and divert.

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

THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel: Deputy Editor Email:

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

Editorial Assistant Email:

Rosie Parry rosie@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email: Commercial Production Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Catriona Stirling cat@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Liz Grey Email: liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

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ZEITGEIST

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things to do in August

Plan

Listen Bath residents are entitled to apply for a free Discovery card, which gives them free entry or discounts to a number of attractions – including the floral delights of Parade Gardens by the River Avon. Every Sunday afternoon from 3pm in the summer, a series of free band concerts will be held. Pull up a deck chair and let the worries of the day disappear as you enjoy the music. The concerts for August are: Sunday 5 August, BJ Big Band; 12 August, Cricklade Band; 19 August, Bristol Concert Wind Band, and on Bank Holiday Sunday, 26 August, it’s the turn of the Portishead Town Band. The Bath Spa Band plays on Sunday 2 September and the Keynsham Brass Band on Sunday 9 September. The Parade Gardens café is open all afternoon, there is a ramp suitable for wheelchairs and there are public conveniences too.

Visit

Shop It cannot have escaped your notice that vintage is a big scene in Bath, with enthusiasts dedicated to dressing up in retro costume and filling their homes with the sort of things their grandparents used to own.

The latest addition to the vintage vibe is a monthly free fair held on the first Tuesday of the month at Green Park Station. There are around 40 stalls selling pieces including furniture, accessories, silverware, ceramics, cameras and, of course, fashion. The next VA Trade Market is on Tuesday 11 September.

Milsom Place is staging a Vintage Weekend with The Secret Tea Party, over the weekend of 29/30 September, using The Octagon as an open-to-all pop up tearoom. There will also be a vintage market and the chance to see what you’d look like with 1940s or 50s style hair and make-up.

Mrs Stokes, of Secret Tea Party fame, will also be hosting one of her ticketonly gatherings from 5pm on the Sunday, with dancing and cocktails. Visit: www.secretteaparty.com

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Ladies Day at Bath Racecourse is one of the major events on the city’s social calendar.

This year’s meeting is on Saturday 1 September, with the first race at 4.35pm and the last at 7.40pm.

There will be prizes for the best dressed lady racegoers, live music into the evening followed by a fireworks display.

This annual gathering sees the ladies of Bath dig out their best hats, prettiest frocks and smartest shoes to watch the races – and to be seen watching the races.

AUGUST 2012

One of the city’s finest landmarks, Bath Abbey, is staging an exhibition this month to show local people ambitious plans for improvements to the medieval structure which will make it more accessible for its users. The Footprint project is at consultation phase at the moment. Plans include a new choir school, a better visitors’ information area, meeting spaces, a

Out of town The Olympics will provide all sorts of once-in-ourlifetime experiences, but few can be as downright bizarre than an invitation to bounce around on a life-size inflatable version of Stonehenge. This wacky work of art, called Sacrilege will be on College Green, Bristol on Saturday 18 August and free bouncing for all runs from 10.30am to 6pm.

modern refectory and a new heating system which would harness the city’s hot springs in an eco-friendly way.

More of the abbey’s vaults would be opened up and improvements made at Kingston Buildings, just across from the abbey. The exhibition is open daily in the abbey until 5 August, and again from Thursday 30 August to Thursday 6 September.

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TALKofthe TOWN

Book of the month Vanished by Tim Weaver Published by Penguin Paperback £7.99 Reviewed by Georgette McCready

H

ow refreshing to discover a Bath author who doesn’t want to set all his books in our golden city. But rather Tim Weaver takes us underground to the London Tube, where his hero David Raker is investigating the disappearance of a husband on a train. You might think that these days with mobile phones and CCTV that people couldn’t just vanish, but that seems to be exactly what Sam Wren has managed to do – or did somebody make him disappear?

This is Weaver’s third thriller featuring the character Raker, but the first time I’ve encountered this ex-journalist turned finder of missing persons.

I wouldn’t go as far to say I liked him as much as I like Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie (which is a lot if I’m honest) but I do have a soft spot for a

My Cultural Life flawed hero and will go back and read Chasing The Dead and The Dead Tracks, Weaver’s first two Raker novels, after reading Vanished.

Tim Weaver takes his reader to some pretty dark and grimy places deep in the heart of London’s underbelly, where violence is a casual part of life. If you’re of a sensitive disposition you might not want to take this book on the Tube, or you could find yourself peering anxiously into the tunnels and wondering what, or who, is hidden in the darkness.

But all in all, this is a cracking page-turner, well crafted and deserving of success for its creator.

Seven marathons in a week – all for Dad A 21-year-old student from Bathford is training to run seven marathons in seven days, taking him from London to Paris. Josh Bone is undertaking his gruelling challenge in memory of his father Ron, who died of cancer last year. He will be fundraising for Cancer Research UK and Dorothy House Hospice, and hopes to raise at least £10,000. Last year he ran the Brighton and London Marathons a week apart. This year he hopes to complete the route from Trafalgar Square to the Arc de Triomphe between 2 and 8 September.

Dorothy House fundraiser Emily Knight said: “What an amazing challenge Josh has taken on, and what a wonderful tribute to his father. We are very impressed by his dedication and wish him all the very best with his marathon effort.”

His family are organising an auction of promises at the Crown pub in Bathford on Tuesday 14 August from 6.30pm. Items include signed shirts from Bath Rugby and Somerset Cricket Clubs, a holiday in an eco-cottage near Land’s End, and lunch for two at the Royal Crescent Hotel. To sponsor Josh visit his fundraising page: MARATHON MAN: Josh Bone http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/joshbone1

Musical medics

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2012 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.

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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AUGUST 2012

Nurses, doctors, managers, a director and a professor at the Royal United Hospital have joined forces to sing songs such as Stand By Me, Moon River and You are the Sunshine of My Life, in aid of the Forever Friends Appeal’s Cancer Care Campaign.

The CD, which has gone on sale at £5 each, was recorded thanks to the support of the Real World Studios at Box. Howard Jones, chairman of the RUH choir, said: “We feel very privileged that we have been able to record in this wonderful setting. Not only with all the technology at hand, but the beautiful surroundings that really foster a sense of wellbeing. Our families and friends are truly envious of us and have promised to purchase lots of copies of the CD.”

We ask toymaker and artist Robert Race, what he is doing this month What are you reading?

I’m reading Bring Up The Bodies, sequel to the remarkable Wolf Hall.

I’ve always enjoyed Hilary Mantel’s writing and I have been saving this one up for a holiday treat.

What’s on your MP3 player?

I don’t have an MP3 player. If I did there would be a plenty of tracks by Massilia Sound System: crazy French reggae with lyrics in Occitan – what’s not to like?

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I’ll be visiting the Holburne Museum with friends who haven’t seen it since the new extension was finished, but also popping over to Automata, my exhibition in the Victoria Art Gallery, which runs until 2 September. It’s very hands on, and running repairs may be necessary.

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

I wouldn’t entirely rule out a visit to the seaside to beachcomb for the driftwood and other findings that I use in my automata, but that is a business trip for me rather than a hobby, and August is not the best time to go. I am more likely to be in my garden, hopefully constructing some subtle barrier that allows both the chickens and the vegetables to thrive.

What local outdoor activity will you be enjoying?

I’ll be cycling with friends along the canal towpath from Bradford-onAvon to Bath. I do this trip quite often and always rejoice at the beauty and variety of the Limpley Stoke valley. It has to be said that it only just qualifies as activity, since it is level all the way.

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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

By Bigwig

GAME FOR A REALITY SHOW

T

hat hilarious telly programme 2012, which spoofed the preparations behind the Olympic Games, was spot on. I was flicking channels between it and a genuine Olympics discussion on Newsnight and I swear I got confused as to which I was watching, so close to reality was the satire. Or was it reality which was so horribly funny?

At one point the term ‘legacy’ was used in almost perfect unison on both channels. This reminded me of the picture I saw recently of the beautiful Chinese garden which was a feature of the Liverpool Garden Festival in 1984. The festival was supposed to create a legacy of tourist, residential and leisure facilities on a huge derelict site. Seems it’s still not developed, with the Chinese pavilion now covered in graffiti and surrounded by weeds, rubbish and the obligatory abandoned shopping trolley. The latest news is that the pavilion is at last to become the centrepiece of a housing development.

My company provided some of the entertainment at that 1984 festival and at many similar projects worldwide. I wonder how many of these events have had a permanently positive effect on the places where they

happened. The phrase ‘bread and circuses’ inevitably comes to mind.

The Olympics is supposed to be different. Or so the authorities say. Or was it the satirical telly programme that promised rejuvenation of the area and the re-use of all the facilities? Now I’m confused!

Reality became even more confused with comedy when the day after we laughed our heads off at the spoof discussion about lack of ticket sales for the women’s football games taking place, ludicrously it seemed, in Cardiff, my colleague excitedly announced that she’d got some tickets for the Olympics, only to sink into deep despair when she realised they were for…yes, you’ve guessed…the women’s football in Cardiff!

Mind you, Bigwig had a VIP tour of the Olympic Park, and truly impressive it is too. It does seem that a future use really has been found for most of the structures, though if the Liverpool Garden Festival is anything to go by, the landscaping is only inches deep. At that event, we needed to dig a hole to bury a small treasure chest as part of a pirate promenade event. After many exchanges of memos and several high powered meetings, our request was refused. Something to do with methane and buried prams and bicycles I seem to remember.

I’m sure land reclamation has moved on since then. In fact, on our tour we were shown the multi-million pound soil sterilisation works. No rusty old prams buried at the 2012 Olympics I feel.

The concourse at London Bridge station ❝ is not exactly the beating heart of the Olympics ❞ Having entertained the crowds at most of the international expo-type events worldwide, everyone expected my company to secure a big contract at this Olympics. Well, in a way we did. We are being employed to entertain the queues at several London rail termini for the duration. Just as I’m not really supposed to use the word Olympics in this context as it’s not them booking us, I’m not supposed to use the word ‘queue’ either. I think, to put it correctly, we are ‘enhancing the waiting experience’.

The concourse at London Bridge station is not exactly the beating heart of the Olympics, but it’s a darn sight closer to the real thing than the women’s football in Cardiff. ■

Gold & Platinum Studio Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises

Shown here: silver stacking rings set with sapphires and right, hammered finish silver and gold bangles

1 9 N o r t h u mb e r l a n d P l a c e , B a t h B A 1 5 A R Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

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AUGUST 2012

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Quality Furniture at SALE PRICES Sitting comfortably on a great saving...

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AUGUST 2012

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GRASSE - SUMMER SALE NOW ON -

Luxury Items for Home and Garden | Truly Tempting Skincare A unique shopping experience with fresh style and approach 3 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA 01225 444260 | www.grasse.me.uk

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AUGUST 2012

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CITYgardens FACE theMUSIC

HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES?

Egyptian belly dancer and teacher Carmen Jones talks to Mick Ringham about how she came to take up her fascinating career and what music stirs her soul and her body to dance

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FACEtheMUSIC

HAPPY MEMORIES: Elvis, Reconsider Baby, Led Zeppelin with The Rain Song, and Stray Cats, Runaway Boys

E

gyptian-style belly dancing to the haunting strains of Middle Eastern music – it’s a long way from Carmen Jones’ upbringing in the West Midlands, when Elvis and rockabilly were her main musical influences. If music is a journey, then Carmen’s has been an interesting, even exotic, one. Just how exotic becomes apparent as soon as we enter the uniquely decorated room in her home which she uses as a dance studio.

A variety of musical instruments are arranged in one corner, radiant colours decorate the walls and ceiling and a large blue glass chandelier provides a focal point. The whole space has a decidedly seductive Arabian Nights ambience.

I ask Carmen the inevitable question: “Why belly dancing?”

She explains: “It’s not just a flight of fancy, I’ve always loved to dance; in fact, most women do. But it wasn’t until the birth of my third child that I took it to another level and started dancing professionally.”

Carmen’s top ten:

quiff and I had found my feet. This particular song encapsulates real teenage spirit. This is when I first began to dance. ● Oum Kalthoum – Laylat Hob She is without doubt one of the most incredible Egyptian singers.

I will confess that I don’t understand all the lyrics but the sheer emotion in her voice can move me to tears. This is an all-time favourite of mine and a true classic. ● Love – Alone Again Or It never ceases to amaze me that music can conjure up so many memories and feelings. This goes way back to the late 60s. I was a tiny little thing when this was being played in my parents’ home. It sums up the hippy era that I was born into, yet after all these years it’s still a wonderful piece of music and just waiting to be rediscovered by future generations. ● This Mortal Coil – Song to the Siren Even though I’m not a great lover of 80s music, this version, which was originally recorded by Tim Buckley, is just amazing.

The lyrics and melody are incredibly haunting and moving. I never tire of listening to it. ● Elvis Presley – Reconsider Baby Wow, this was nearly impossible for me as there were so many Elvis tracks I could have chosen. I guess this captures his true essence. His vocals were immense and the atmosphere intense.

He was such a force in life as well as in music. I would have loved to have danced with him! ● Led Zeppelin – The Rain Song Again, this is only one of the many tracks that I could have chosen. I feel I can relate to Led Zep quite easily. The chords, melody and lyrics of this particular song sum up for me the feeling of being happy in love. To put it simply, it’s just beautiful. ● Various Artists – Baladi Baladi is basically Egypt’s answer to the blues. This track has a marvellous atmosphere to it that transports you to another time and place. I really love to dance to this kind of music as it’s a real journey of emotion and expression which the artists manage to achieve. ● George McCrae – Rock Your Baby The disco days . . . This was recorded many years ago but still enjoys a timeless rhythm and the ability to make you get up and dance. It holds beautiful memories of love and laughter that I share with a very special man in my life. ● Jeff Buckley – Last Goodbye What a talent this man possessed. Unfortunately he was taken from us at such a young age. This is a wonderful song, which is both romantic and uplifting, and along with all of his other records will continue to inspire artists for years to come. ● Sunny Jones – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

I’ve always loved this Carol King song, especially the one recorded by The Shirelles. But then one day out of the blue I heard this version on Soundcloud and knew that there could never be one better. I suppose I may have a vested interest as I am the proud mum of Sunny Jones! ■

● Stray Cats – Runaway Boys This takes me back to my youth. One day I was a young girl prancing around on a pony, the next I had a bleached blonde

For more details about Carmen’s belly dancing classes and workshops, visit: www.raqsarabia.co.uk

Growing up, I was lucky enough ❝ to be surrounded by a variety of sounds including Middle Eastern music

❞

She talks with passion about the influences on her career as a dancer and teacher. “Growing up in my parents’ house, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a variety of sounds, including Middle Eastern music – which obviously had an effect on me, even at a young age.”

Carmen is quick to point out that the popular ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink’ perception of belly dancing bears little relation to the Egyptian style that she practises. “This kind of dancing is about women of all shapes and sizes coming together, having fun and celebrating the joy of music though the art of dance,” she says.

She does some work on a one-to-one basis, but also performs and teaches larger groups, holding workshops and classes around the country, including all the main festivals, such as Glastonbury and Womad. She works mainly with musicians living locally who are skilled in the art of Middle Eastern music.

I ask her how, as a single working mum, she manages her busy professional schedule. “Well, as you can imagine, it’s not easy, but I suppose it’s all a question of balance. I’m lucky enough to have three fabulous children: Sunny who’s 17, Cassidy who is 15 and Floyd who’s just seven.”

Her musical taste is eclectic and varied.

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AUGUST 2012

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JACK THE LAD: 2012 Union Jack heart studs, £55, Links of London.

Tel: 0845 1202922. www.linksoflondon.com

ENGLISH ROSE: Sterling silver rose pendant and snake chain, £128.95, The Silver Shop. 25 Union Passage, Bath. Tel: 01225 464781. www.thesilvershop.eu.com

GOING for GOLD As the summer heats up for the 2012 Games, we’re supporting Team GB and going for gold, silver and bronze with some of Bath’s best jewellery

▲ HIGH ACHIEVERS: Hug pendant (left), £2,510 and Hug necklet (right), £2,925, both in 18ct rose gold and silver both

by Fope. Mallory, 1-5 Bridge St, Bath.

Tel: 01225 788800. www.mallory-jewellers.com

ALL TIED UP: the Knot ring, cast in 22ct gold, £3,000 by Bath-based jewellery designer Tina Engell.

29 Belvedere, Bath.

Tel: 01225 443334. www.tinaengell.com

▲

COVER ALL BASES: the number stacking set, £5, Accessorize. 21/22 Union Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 463500. www.accessorize.co.uk

HIGH HOPES: create your own personalised bracelet with a unique combination of Lovelinks. Pictured: five Lovelinks on a white leather bracelet, £181.75.

Jody Cory Goldsmiths, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath.

Tel: 01225 460072. www.jodycory.co.uk

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AUGUST 2012

SCORE A HAT TRICK: Calvin Klein’s triple ring, £85, is a modern take on the traditional Russian wedding ring. Available at Fabulous, 16 Southgate Place, Bath.

Tel: 01225 330333 www.fabulouscollections.co.uk

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LE N A O S W NO engell

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Bath’s Flooring Specialist

• Wide selection of quality carpets • Free measure & quotation • Knowledgeable staff • Skilled fitters • Leading brands

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tina engell 29 belvedere, bath ba1 5hr 01225 443334

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AUGUST 2012

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Quality Furniture at SALE PRICES EVERYTHING

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Bath@Work Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work

Dick Major Sign maker y business Sign Post started years ago when I made a sign for a bakery in Frome. The owner was interested in a complete re-fit for his shop; I was a salesman for a shopfitting company, and when he mentioned that he wanted a sign in the shape of a baker holding a blackboard I saw an opportunity to help close the deal. I stood my son against a sheet of plywood and drew round his silhouette, then painted in the detail. The baker was thrilled with the result and I got the re-fit contract.

Years later, having noted that on the continent they had much more adventurous signs, I began as a sideline making Aboards for pubs etc, using cut-out shapes and including handpainted pictorial elements. It took off from there. One of the best signs I did was a cut-out image of a canoeist plunging over the fascia of a sports shop – it was really eye-catching.

I haven’t always been in signmaking. It was the late 60s when I left college, and decided to have a good time. Well, what else would you do? Over the next few years I had many diverse jobs, and was always attracted to any chance of travelling.

I was a roadie for the singer Edwin Starr for a while, when his hit song Stop her on Sight was in the top ten, doing gigs all round the country. Later I drove buses all over the continent, and in 1970 set off with five friends to drive overland to India.

We got as far as Pakistan when war broke out, so India was out of reach. Although we had amazing adventures I still wish we had reached India. Well, maybe that’s the next target.

We moved into our shop next to Cleveland Bridge about eight years ago. We make signs for almost every application, and specialise in 3D lettering and waterproof printing.

A major step forward was the acquisition of a waterproof print machine. In the early years it could produce prints 30cms wide and almost any length. For larger areas we would tile the image – print several strips and apply them overlapping rather like wallpaper. The results seemed good at the time, but a few years later the industry took a huge leap and a new generation of wide format printers entered the market. We were one of the first to get on board. We now have an impressive machine which can print huge banners and waterproof prints up to 10m wide, and the quality is immaculate.

Ten years ago most of the work we were asked to do was not very imaginative, with clients being concerned more with cost than quality and effectiveness. Fortunately now more people appreciate that their signs are often the first impression their customers have, so they are willing to invest more time and energy, and often to employ designers to produce effective branding and advertising.

It remains a fascinating business to be in.

M

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic

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WHY BATH DOESN’T GO WITH THE FLOW Andrew Swift, historian, walker and writer with a passion and in-depth knowledge of Bath examines the city’s relationship with the River Avon and wonders why we haven’t made more of this beautiful stretch of water SHUNNED: left, Norfolk Crescent is firmly cut off from access to the river, while, right, the new city bus station has no links with the Avon, which runs below and under Churchill Bridge

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erhaps the most celebrated view of Bath is that of Pulteney Bridge and weir. It is one of the best-known riverscapes in the world. Yet, for most visitors and many residents, the 300-metre stretch of the Avon below Pulteney Bridge is their only encounter with the river. They can, of course, take a boat trip, but if they want to explore the banks of the river on foot they will find it inaccessible upstream and distinctly uninspiring down. It is as though Bath, apart from the tourist honeypot of Pulteney Bridge, would rather the river didn’t exist.

This antipathy goes back a long way. Most cities built on a river are there because of the river. Bath, however, is where it is because of the hot springs. The river was, at best, an irrelevance.

By the early Middle Ages, mill owners downstream had built weirs across it, making navigation impossible. Goods into and out of the city had to travel on packhorses. With wool – the cornerstone of Bath’s economy for centuries – that was not a problem. With stone it was a different matter.

It is as though Bath, apart ❝ from the tourist honeypot of Pulteney Bridge would rather the river didn’t exist

❞

In 1727, at the instigation of John Hobbs, a Bristol developer keen to get his hands on stone from Ralph Allen’s quarries, the Avon downstream from Bath was made navigable by the building of cuts and locks bypassing the weirs. A stone wharf was built at Widcombe and a quay for other goods below the old bridge. Bath failed to develop as a major inland port, however. In 1819, Pierce Egan, visiting the quay, reported that ‘no bustle is experienced at this place, and it might be termed a river without any business.’

The 18th century also saw the river developed as a tourist attraction. Spring Gardens was established alongside the river in Bathwick; developments such as North and South Parades, Green Park and Norfolk Crescent were built to take advantage of their riverside setting.

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For Bathonians, as opposed to well-heeled visitors, however, the river was not a pleasing object in the landscape but an unmitigated nuisance. By now, the low-lying land outside the city walls had been covered with buildings which regularly flooded when the waters rose. One of the worst floods, in April 1809, was witnessed by Mrs Jordan, mistress to the future King William IV. ‘Bath looks as if it was encompassed by a muddy sea,’ she wrote to him. ‘It is indeed a melancholy sight to see nothing in the lower part of the town but the miserable tops of the cottage chimneys appearing above the water, which is so rapid in its course as to carry everything it meets with it.’

In the 1960s, however, Bath embarked on a major flood prevention scheme. The banks of the river were reprofiled, a new weir was built and massive sluice gates installed. It was so successful that, while other parts of the UK have seen floods increase as weather patterns have changed, the floods that once plagued Bath are a distant memory.

The completion of the flood prevention scheme should have ushered in a new era, but old ways of thinking die hard. All that looks set to change, however. Bath is finally waking up to the underused and underappreciated asset that flows through the heart of it. Other cities have had similar Damascene moments.

Birmingham’s canals and Bristol’s floating harbour, once unregarded and unloved, are now the focus for economic and social regeneration.

Not that Bath hasn’t lost a lot of opportunities along the way.

The relocation of the bus station to a prime riverside site, which could have been developed as a leisure hub, is a good example.

More encouraging is Western Riverside, which incorporates landscaped walkways and a landing stage.

The most positive sign of a sea change in Bath’s relationship to the river is the growing prominence of the River Corridor Group, an advisory body set up in 2010 to explore ways in which the economic, social, cultural and environmental potential of the river can be harnassed.

Some of the group’s recommendations, such as the removal of hedges at Green Park and Norfolk Crescent to open up access to the river, should pose few problems. Others, such as the establishment of a riverside walkway between Pulteney and Cleveland Bridges, long campaigned for but opposed by some ➡ AUGUST 2012

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local residents, are more problematic. There can be little doubt, however, that such a walkway would be a superb facility for visitors and residents, as well as the incentive for a river-oriented redevelopment of the cattle market car park.

Underutilisation abounds in many other places. One of the most shamefully neglected sites is the long-abandoned colonnade under Grand Parade, linked to the East Gate and Slippery Lane, with enormous tourist potential.

Downstream, Newark Works, one of Bath’s old industrial giants, has even greater potential as an engine for regeneration.

Plans to make it the hub of a cultural quarter, with a Museum of Bath and Heritage Centre alongside exhibition, gallery, studio and meeting spaces, is finally being given serious consideration.

Ultimately, it could be linked via a pedestrian bridge with another area ripe for redevelopment and now largely occupied by car parks.

Another location which could benefit from the provision of a pedestrian bridge is Parade Gardens. This could unlock the potential of the recreation ground area, already earmarked for redevelopment, as an extension for a part of the city that can

become unbearably overcrowded.

The group is also keen for the river to be used to solve transport problems. One suggestion is for a park and ride on Weston Island, which could be linked by water taxis and ferries with the city centre. Another is to use the river to ship waste out of the city.

Birmingham’s canals and ❝ Bristol’s floating harbour once unregarded and unloved, are now the focus for economic and social regeneration

❞

The agenda is an ambitious one. But, with general agreement that Bath has for too long turned its back on an extraordinary asset, there is no doubt that the river is set to take its rightful place at the heart of the city’s social and economic life. ■

WALKING GUIDE: On Foot in Bath by Andrew Swift is published by Akeman Press, £15

EXPLORE THE CITY IN GOOD COMPANY When visitors come to Bath they should see more of it than the well-worn path between SouthGate and Milsom Street and many of them must wonder, as they pass by on the top deck of the tourist buses, what lies beyond and round the corner.

What they need is a guide and who better than The Bath Magazine’s own freelance walks writer, Andrew Swift, who knows this city and its past better than most? Fortunately, for them, and for the legions of locals who enjoy his informative walk descriptions, Andrew has just brought out a new book of 15 walks, called On Foot in Bath.

They’ll be as enjoyable to we locals as they would be to a newcomer, as he includes photographs of hitherto overlooked corners or buildings, along with an explanation or titbit about their history. It’s a fairly weighty tome, but it could provide a useful companion on a walk, with its detailed descriptions – which helpfully include the locations of the nearest public lavatories, or as Andrew calls them, public inconveniences.

As always he advises us of how many miles each route takes and how many hours it might take.

Here he writes about The Rising Sun in Grove Street: “The

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A HISTORY OF FLOODS: main picture, the Old Bridge (where Churchill Bridge now stands) in November 1963, photographed

by Geoffrey Hiscocks.

Clockwise from top left, crowds gather in James Street West to look at the waters spreading, rowing along Lower Bristol Road, and similar scenes in the old Southgate in 1895 and 1968, the latter photographed by Bruce Crofts

Left, the footpath through Hedgemead Park

Rising Sun Inn on the other side of the road opened in 1788, with a view over the river. From here, visitors could hire boats to carry them upstream to the pleasure gardens of Grosvenor.”

The walks explore every part of the city, including the suburbs of Larkhall, Bear Flat and East Twerton, as well as the historic crescents.

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TRANSPORTS OF DELIGHT Georgette McCready enjoys a nostalgic day out aboard a train hauled by a restored steam locomotive

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o recreate that classic tear-jerking scene in The Railway Children when Jenny Agutter sees the figure of her father materialising in the steam on the station platform and runs towards him calling: “Daddy! Oh, my Daddy!” you’d first have to elbow your way through a crowd of trainspotters, camera in hand who gather like bees round a honeypot the moment any engine hoves into view. There is something emotionally engaging about the romance of steam that’s deeply engrained in our national psyche – which must be why people come out of their houses at the sound of the whistle to stand in their gardens to watch and wave.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel a little bit royal and special, I’d recommend a day out on a steam train. As the fields and hedgerows spin picturesquely past the carriage window, so does an endless cast of onlookers, drawn to the sides of roads, climbing on to garden walls and crowding the length of station platforms to get a closer look at the ‘chuff chuff’ passing by. As a passenger you just can’t help smiling and waving back, delighted to bring so much pleasure.

The men who run the engines . . . ❝ are the heroes of the footplate whose position of power is deeply envied

❞

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a day out aboard an old-fashioned steam engine thanks to the Railway Touring Company which organises trips from Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa stations. We joined the crowds aboard the first of the summer season’s Weymouth Seaside Express jaunts. Hauled by the venerable Tangmere, a Battle of Britain class steam locomotive, the train makes its way in a stately manner down to the coast, all the while with that satisfying nostalgic whiff of hot smoke and steam and the thought of all that solid fuel being stoked by a coal-faced boilerman upfront.

The men who run the engines are volunteers, but judging by the crowds around them, they are the heroes of the footplate whose position of power is deeply envied. Even the most jaded types turn into excitable little boys at the chance of getting up close and personal with a real live restored steam engine.

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WATCH THE WORLD GO BY: main picture, the Tangmere pulling the Weymouth Seaside Express Left, the Nunney Castle at work

Passengers can travel standard or first class and are served with refreshments in carriage while they travel. We settled down to a very pleasant three-hour journey and there was plenty of chat among those on board, who ranged from babes in arms being taken on three-generation family outings, to elderly couples reliving the transports of delight from their youth.

We arrived in Weymouth in time for lunch and then had a few hours to while away before the return trip. If you wander far enough away from the seafront bars and slot machines you can enjoy the historic old harbour and its pretty backstreets, and if the weather’s warm there’s plenty of people watching to be done from a deckchair and the sandy beach is spotlessly clean.

There were a fair number of disabled and elderly on board our excursion train and I could see that if sitting in a car for any length of time would cause discomfort, the train would provide a stress-free alternative. The only thing I would caution is that there can be a big gap between platform and train, so be prepared for that. Take along a friend with a strong pair of arms to help you get on and off safely. ■ The Weymouth Seaside Express runs on Sundays throughout August and September – but during the Olympics, there is an alternative day trip to Devon and Cornwall instead. Those trips run on 5 & 12 August, 2, 9, 16 & 23 September, with standard return tickets from £69.

For details of The Railway Touring Company journeys all over the UK visit: www.railwaytouring.net or tel: 01553 661500

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COMPETITION

WIN A WEEKEND OF SPORTY ACTION

astle Combe Cycling Festival on Sunday 26 August is set to be one of the great cycling events of the year. Add this to a spectacular day of motor racing on Monday 27 August and you really have a weekend of sporting entertainment for all the family. And ten lucky families will be enjoying this festival of wheels for nothing, as winners of this month’s competition.

Whatever your age, whatever your cycling ability; the Sunday cycling festival focuses on grass roots cycling right the way through to the 56 and 100 mile Severn Bridge Sportives (and plenty of fun cycling in between).

The race circuit will be open for the Circuit Challenge when visitors can pedal the historic 1.85 mile track to see how many laps they can accomplish. Savage Skills will be providing stunt bike displays and there will be plenty of have-a-go cycling experiences with the stunt bike skills participation area, toddlebikes try outs, Strider adventure zone, Go Ride, Cyclo-Cross and much more.

On August Bank Holiday Monday 27 August come along and feast your eyes on some of the best motor sport in the UK and, with spectator viewing just feet from the circuit this is your chance to get really close to the action. See the Porsche Club Championships, Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic, Thoroughbred Sports Car Championship, Morgan Championship and more thrills.

And we have ten family tickets, each worth £35, entitling entry to both Castle Combe Cycling Festival and August Bank Holiday Race Meeting to give away. The cycling festival family ticket is valid for two adults and three children (although please note that it excludes entry to the Severn Bridge Sportive) while the Monday race meeting is valid for two adults – children under the age of 17yrs go free.

For a chance to win one of these great prizes, all you have to do is simply answer the following question: How long is Castle Combe Circuit? a) 1.65 miles b) 1.75 miles c) 1.85 miles Email your name, address and telephone number with the subject line Castle Combe, via email to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk, or by post to: The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED. The closing date is noon on Monday 13 August. The usual magazine rules apply, the editor’s decision is final and there is no cash alternative offered.

Full details of the Castle Combe Cycling Festival can be found at www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk. Details on the August Bank Holiday Race Meeting can be found at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk. Early bird discounts apply for Family Festival tickets purchased online up to Sunday 19 August.

Entry to the Severn Bridge Sportive is online only.

C

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & COMEDY – listed by venue B r i s t o l H i p p o d ro m e

Hysteria at the Theatre Royal Bath

St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

The Lion King, Friday 31 August – Saturday 17 November, contact the theatre for times Disney’s The Lion King begins its first ever UK tour this month and first stop is the Bristol Hippodrome. Involving 52 performers, 150 people in production and 700 costumes, the show has been ingeniously adapted from Disney’s classic film and this spectacular production explodes with colours and effects, all set to the enchanting rhythms of Africa.

With impressive staging and highly imaginative costumes, masks and puppets, The Lion King uses theatrical magic to tell the story of Simba’s journey to reclaim his kingdom.

MODERN MINDS T he atr e R oya l Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Hysteria (1993), Until Saturday 18 August, please contact the theatre for times Starring Antony Sher and written by Terry Johnson, this comedy is part broad farce, part case history and brings together two of the world’s greatest and most eccentric minds. In 1939, 82-year-old Sigmund Freud, who has fled from Nazi-occupied Austria, settles down in a quiet Hampstead suburb where he aims to spend his dying days in peace. But when surrealist painter Salvador Dali unexpectedly turns up in his study, along with a young woman who finds it impossible to keep her clothes on, all hell breaks loose.

The Tempest, Thursday 23 August – Saturday 8 September, please contact the theatre for times The isles of wonder are brimming with romance, magic and humour in Shakespeare’s extraordinary lyrical final work. Here on a distant island Prospero, played by Tim PigottSmith, has been marooned for many years with his daughter Miranda. When he learns that a ship bearing his old enemies is sailing near the island, he uses magic to conjure up a torrential storm.

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M e r l i n T h e a t re Bath Road, Frome.

Box office tel: 01373 465949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk

Henry V, Sunday 5 August, 7pm Illyria presents Shakespeare’s stirring play in an open air performance. Full of patriotism, pageantry and poetry, Henry V tells the gripping story of an inexperienced king who leads a small and weakened army into the battle of Agincourt against the mighty French battalions. With odds stacked against them the English win a sweeping victory. But after such an extraordinary military conquest, how will Henry fare with the greatest challenge of all – the conquest of Princess Catherine’s heart?

Footloose, Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 August, 7pm Performed by tri.art theatre summer school students, Footloose explodes onto the stage with classic 80s anthems including, Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the title track Footloose.

Life in small town Bomont is peaceful until city boy, Ren arrives, breaking every taboo and bringing dance back to the heart of a town held back by the memory of tragedy.

Based on the hit 80s film, Footloose has become a stage musical phenomenon, from Broadway to the West End.

The Lion King

T h e M a n o r H o u s e Ho t e l The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, Castle Combe, Wiltshire. Tickets on tel: 01249 784830 or visit: www.manorhouse.co.uk

Romeo & Juliet, Monday 27 August, doors open 4.30pm for 5.30pm performance The Manor House Hotel hosts the greatest love story ever told as Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of romance and passion is presented in breathtaking surroundings by Chapterhouse Theatre. Gather family and friends on the rolling Manor lawns and enjoy this production, alive with magnificent costumes and original music. Picnic hampers are available, as well as a barbecue and bar while watching the tale of the star-crossed lovers unfold.

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WHAT’Son M USI C – listed by date Bath Spa Band, Sunday 12 August, 2pm Royal Victoria Park, Bath. For further information visit: www.bathspaband.co.uk or www.bathnes.gov.uk The Bath Spa Band plays at concerts throughout the year, in churches and halls, on park bandstands and at village fetes. This brass band concert will be at the Royal Victoria Park bandstand and you are invited to bring a picnic and blanket.

Centre as part of her tour. Originally from Wiltshire she now sings around the world with her eight-piece jazz band.

Harpeth Rising, Sunday 2 September, 2pm The Coach House, American Museum, Bath.

Box office on tel: 01225 386777 A remarkable group of young, classically trained musicians, this bluegrass/country/folk quartet is making a rare return visit to the museum.

National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, Tuesday 14 August, 7.30pm Bath Abbey, 12 Kingston Buildings, Bath. Tel: 01225 422462 or visit: www.bathabbey.org The National Youth Training Choir for young singers aged 13-18 visits Bath Abbey for the first time. The concert focuses on music by some of the most individual voices of the early 20th century – Warlock, Howells, Poulenc and Bartòk – as well as Shakespeare’s Songs, Eric Whitacre’s Water Night and music by Victoria.

others, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Piccadilly Dance Orchestra and the Nick Ross Orchestra. She is now touring with her own trio performing songs by Peggy Lee – regarded as one of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time.

City of London Sinfonia, Friday 21 September, 7.30pm

Gabby Young

Gabby Young & Other Animals, Friday 17 August, 7.30pm

The Peggy Lee Songbook, Friday 31 August, 7.30pm

Chapel Arts Centre, St James’ Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 461700 or visit: www.chapelarts.org Gabby Young performs at the Chapel Arts

Chapel Arts Centre, St James’ Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 461700 or visit: www.chapelarts.org Catherine Sykes has performed with, among

Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon.

Box office tel: 01225 860100 Book early for the opening concert of the 15th anniversary series of the City of London Sinfonia. Prokofiev’s popular and widely-loved Classical symphony will open the programme.

The charm and technical brilliance of Crusell’s Concerto will showcase conductor and clarinetist, Michael Collins’ splendid playing.

The concert also includes Beethoven’s 4th Symphony as a rich and dazzling finale.

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 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

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WHAT’Son OTH ER EVENTS – listed by date Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 August

Castle Combe Cycling Festival, Sunday 26 August

Ashton Court, Bristol. For further information visit: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk This is Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon event with more than 150 balloons lifting off at 6am and 6pm each day during this fantastic weekend. Nightglow ascents can be enjoyed on Thursday and Saturday evening and there will be more than 250 trade stands, caterers and a variety of entertainment. New for this year is Friday Night Illuminair in which silence twister airplanes will perform a breathtaking display of aerobatics.

Castle Combe Circuit, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire. For further details tel: 01249 782417 or visit: www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk Whatever your age or cycling ability you can join in at the Castle Combe Cycling Festival to celebrate all things on two wheels and have fun as a family. There will be a stunt bike display team, vintage bikes, a circuit lap challenge and you can bring your own bike.

The Colourscape Music Festival, Saturday 18 – Monday 27 August

Castle Combe Circuit, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire. For further details tel: 01249 782417 or visit: www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk Feast your eyes on some of the best motor sport in the UK, with spectator viewing just feet away from the circuit so you can get really close to the action.

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath. For further information tel: 01225 388569 or visit: www.holburne.org A labyrinth of inflatable interconnected chambers flooded with intensely coloured light forms a walk-in sculpture of colour, light and sound. Colourscape is a magical experience for all ages and has been described as like being wrapped in a rainbow. In this extraordinary space enjoy ten days of performances, events and workshops. You’ll discover far Eastern instruments, dance and percussion, as well as talks about the nature of colour and light.

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staging another free cinema under the stars event. In Sherlock Jr, a film projectionist dreams of becoming a detective. He puts his meagre skills to work when he is framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend’s father’s pocketwatch with hysterical consequences. The second film, The Play House was made famous by the opening scene, a dream sequence prior to the vaudeville routines which follow.

Sherlock Jr

August Bank Holiday Race Meeting, Monday 27 August

Bath Film Festival, Monday 27 August, 8pm picnics for 8.45pm film Parade Gardens, Bath. For further information visit: www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk Bath Film Festival and B&NES council are

The National Gardening Show, Friday 31 August – Sunday 2 September Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Tel: 01749 822200 or visit: www.bathandwest.com/national-gardening The show is a great day out for gardeners and features numerous displays, advice and tips from experts and competitions.

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CITYgardens OLYMPIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT

John Gray, extract from Watercolours

Olympic Schools Community Arts Project, Flying Horse

RUH Combe Park, Bath.

Tel: 01225 824987 www.ruh.nhs.uk/art

Until 27 September This exhibition is a showcase of work created from a series of art workshops based around Olympic themes such as Greek mythology, sport and abstract art. The community arts project worked with various schools and community groups including working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and with learning difficulties across the south west. The project was created by Bathonian, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst and Olympic artist Kevin Whitney.

CHRISTINA HOLVEY Rostra Gallery George Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 448121 www.rostragallery.co.uk

Until 24 August This exhibition comprises illustrations and paintings by Christina Holvey from the new book My Garden & Other Animals by BBC 1’s The One Show wildlife expert, and her fiancee, Mike Dilger.

Quirky, light-hearted and evocative, Christina’s work is inspired by her Somerset garden.

▲ JOHN GRAY

RE-FIGURED

The Royal Photographic Society Fenton House, 122 Wells Road, Bath.

Tel: 01225 325733

1 – 30 August 60 Years Behind The Camera showcases John’s technique of projecting slide images into puddles of water, as well as his impressionist effect works as he approaches his 80th birthday.

ROBERT RACE Victoria Art Gallery

By Pulteney Bridge, Bath.

Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 2 September This amusing show by Robert Race complements the large donations box he created for the gallery, with its model of an artist painting a portrait. Robert’s cleverly designed and witty automata are fashioned from re-used and recycled materials. Graham Dean’s Fitter, Quicker, Longer exhibition also continues.

John Wragg RA, Nerves Man

Hilton Fine Art 5 Margarets Buildings, Bath.

Tel: 01225 311311 www.hiltonfineart.com

Until 25 August

Christina Holvey, Fox Illustration

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Robert Race, Talking Birds

With some 30 paintings accompanied by a range of sculptures by seven different artists, this exhibition explores the different ways the figure has been used in painting and sculpture.

Artists include John Wragg RA, David Inshaw, Rose Hilton, Arthur Neal, Clive Jebbett, Jon O’Connor and Jake Paltenghi.

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS THE ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANNUAL AWARDS EXHIBITION

SUMMER SHOW

Julia Fullerton, Batten

Becky Buchanan, Hare and Tortoise

Edgar Modern Bartlett Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 443746 www.edgarmodern.com

▲ Rook Lane Arts Bath Street, Frome.

Tel: 01373 468 040 www.rooklanearts.org.uk

Until 30 August The Association of Photographers awards is one of the most prestigious and highly respected competitions for professional photographers worldwide. This is the first time an awards exhibition will come to Somerset and is a unique opportunity to access this exceptional body of work.

EMMA ROSE

Ring O’ Bells 10 Widcombe Parade, Bath. www.emmaroseartworks.com

Until November This is a solo exhibition of Emma Rose’s artworks – following a successful London show; she returns to Bath to showcase her new work. The exhibition includes colourful figurative gardens, water and light alongside abstract flights of fancy. The alchemy of Indian inks and acrylics produce unusual pigments and nuance.

MIXED SUMMER SHOW SARAH BROWN Gallery Nine 9b Margarets Buildings, Bath.

Tel: 01225 319197 www.gallerynine.co.uk

Until 1 September The west country is the subject of Sarah’s work on display at Gallery Nine. She uses the versatility of pastel to convey light, atmosphere and ambience.

1 – 28 August Edgar Modern continues its series of mixed summer shows with a glorious new collection of paintings

by Becky Buchanan, beautiful new pieces by John Harland and a selection of new works from Henrietta Dubrey and Heath Hearn.

BY WAY OF THESE EYES

The American Museum in Britain Claverton Manor, Bath.

Tel: 01225 460503 www.americanmuseum.org

Until 28 October

By Way of These Eyes: The Hyland Collection of American Photography is an exhibition showcasing textile designer Christopher Hyland’s comprehensive collection of American photography. The collection comprises photography from the early 20th century; picturesque to abstract expressionism, as well as iconic images.

MARK ELLIOTT SMITH

Sally Stafford, Foxgloves

Bath Contemporary 35 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 461230 www.bathcontemporary.com

BRLSI 16-18 Queen Square, Bath.

Tel: 01225 312084 www.markelliottsmith.co.uk

Until 1 September

11 – 27 August

Continuing Bath Contemporary’s celebration of summer through landscape and café culture, a selection of work is on show exploring the diverse expressionism and materiality of paint

by Brian Dennington, Tessa Houghton, Boo Mallinson, George Morgan, Mike Service and Sally Stafford alongside ceramics by Anna Barlow and Susan O’Byrne.

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Sarah Brown, From Zennor Head

Bath-based artist Mark Elliott Smith will be showing his large scale paintings in his first major solo show, Out of this World. Mark’s work is prompted by a collection of his childhood drawings, which show a playful approach to the monsters of the imagination.

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ECLECTIC COLLECTORS Clare Reddaway goes behind the scenes at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution in Queen Square, and finds a treasure house of diverse objects from all over the world, from fossils to artefacts from battles, from rare books to religious relics

F

or those who enjoy eclecticism and eccentricity, there is an institution in Bath which provides a cornucopia of delights. The BRLSI, or Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution is based in an elegant Georgian building on Queen Square. The institute runs an extensive programme of lectures covering subjects as diverse as the dress of early women mountaineers, the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur and India as a rising power – typically all within a few days of each other. The building houses a collection of artefacts which range from the strange, like the bottle containing some of the brandy in which Nelson’s body was pickled – to the internationally significant, such as Charles Moore’s spectacular fossil collection.There is also a reference library of over 10,000 volumes, some of which are unique. So what is the BRLSI and why is it there?

The origins of the BRLSI lie in the 18th century when it was fashionable for men of science to set up philosophical societies in order to discuss and share their mutual interests. There were three attempts to set up Bath Philosophical Societies. Despite such eminent subscribers as William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and Joseph Priestly, who discovered oxygen, none of the societies thrived.

In 1824 the Bath Literary and Scientific Institution was founded. Its aim (then and now) was the promotion and advancement of literature, art and science in Bath. It was housed in a grandiose building that stood on Terrace Walk with what is now Parade Gardens as its grounds. It had museum 40 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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space, lecture and reading rooms and a library, and attracted members such as Leonard Jenyns, the renowned naturalist, and geologist Charles Moore. The Royal tag was added by Queen Victoria.

In the late 19th century, literary and scientific institutions began to lose popularity across the country. Many folded, and their collections formed the basis of city museums, such as Bristol City Museum. But happily, this did not happen in Bath.

But BRLSI was plagued by financial problems, and in 1932 was forced to move premises to its current home. Its old building was demolished to make way for a road, then, in 1944 the Admiralty requisitioned the new building.

The Ministry did not return the building until 1959, at which point the BRLSI was considered by most to be moribund.

These were dark days for the institution. The Corporation of Bath and then Avon County Council neglected the collection, some of which was dispersed, some given away and some, like half of the book collection, was sold. The premises in Queen Square became a reference library. It was only due to the efforts of amateur geologist Ron Pickford that more of the collection was not lost, and that a geological museum was opened.

However, the BRLSI had not been forgotten. When Avon Council found new premises for the library at the Podium, a group of dedicated shadow trustees began work towards a relaunch. In 1993, the BRLSI became independent once more, with the first new members for 50 years. There are now about 500 members, and a programme of 150 lectures a year which

GLOBAL TREASURES: main picture, the old library rules and small wax figures of ancient sages and devils, made for 19th century Chinese street entertainment Left, a Zulu woman’s belt

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CITYarchive CURIOS: right, a six shot percussion pepperbox revolver made by Clough & Son in Bath, c1850 Below, a stuffed eagle and an alabatross gaze at each other

attracts world class speakers, experts in their field.

There is no doubt that the collection suffered from the decades of neglect. Many items lost their associated information.

Curator Matt Williams has a Jurassic Ichthyosaur forelimb on his desk (it looks like a fossilised flipper to the layperson). It is a beautiful piece, but it has no label so he doesn’t know where it was found, in what strata and who collected it – therefore it is scientifically invalid and becomes merely a curio.

Heroic detective work has been done by Matt and a dedicated team of volunteers. Much of the collection had to be re-identified, each piece presenting a challenge.

For instance, a fist-sized wooden object has recently been recognised as a Masai Mara ear-stretching plug.

Many objects had been sent to other museums. A few years ago, the BRLSI retrieved from Nuneaton Museum a Laplander sledge, a wooden Burmese bed, a stone statue of Ganesh, a Native American fur coat and a Nepalese temple shrine.

The collection is a full of treasures. In the storerooms, mantraps nestle against resuscitation bellows from 1805 (effective, apparently, at saving lives). There are giant Irish elk antlers, Persian tiles from Afghanistan, and the 150,000 year old skull of a Rissos dolphin found in Twerton gravel pits, a creature which once frolicked in the River Avon. There are two stuffed Passenger pigeons – a bird which has been extinct since 1914 – and a seven foot long narwhal’s tusk, priceless in the Middle Ages when the slender,

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twisted ivory was believed to be the horn of a unicorn. Then there is a glittery, spiky palm-sized meteorite which is 4.2 billion years old . . . the curiosities and treasures would take days to describe.

This is not, however, just a collection of curiosities, but a living collection, where real science and real research are taking place. The fossils collected by Charles Moore at Strawberry Bank, Illminster, are studied internationally by researchers, and are part of a three-year joint venture between the BRLSI and Bristol University. The fossils are of exquisite quality (there are fish so perfectly preserved their gill covers and scales are visible), and will undoubtedly further our understanding of the Jurassic period.

Like all museums, very little of the collection is visible at any one time.

Volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure that much of it is accessible online, and the Institution holds talks and exhibitions to display some of its most interesting pieces. From 1 September to 27 October, there is an exhibition of Crimean Relics, including satirical cartoons from Punch and battlefield relics from the Siege of Sebastopol. Also in the autumn, Matt Williams is giving two talks using objects from the collection to take audiences on a journey through time. The talks, on 11 October and 13 November at 2pm, are highly recommended.

The BRLSI is a hidden jewel that can be enjoyed by any resident or visitor to Bath. It is a centre of learning and intellectual rigour. Check out its website for up and coming events. You might well find yourself both delighted and enlightened. ■ Visit: www.brlsi.org

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BUSINESSmatters

Are you ready for RTI? ayroll is one of the most critical functions for a business and making mistakes can cause problems and tension with employees. At Richardson Swift we operate a dedicated payroll service run by a specialist department, and many of our clients have benefitted from outsourcing this function to us. One of the imminent changes on the horizon is “Real Time Information” (RTI) and this article summarises the practical impact for your business.

P

RTI is a new system that is being introduced

by HMRC to improve the operation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and is one of the biggest changes to PAYE since it was introduced in 1944.

Under the HMRC RTI system, employers will be required to send data about PAYE, NIC and student loans every time they pay their employees. Rather than submit these details at the end of the tax year through a P35/P14 return, HMRC will collect this data every time a payment is made to the employee, which is a significant change from the current system. Additional information may also be required when the employer remits the tax and National Insurance to HMRC.

HMRC has confirmed that it will go live with RTI in April 2013.

RTI will impact on three key areas of your business: DATA HMRC have identified a number of pieces of information about employees that are critical to RTI. An employer will not be able to make RTI submissions to HMRC without providing the employee’s surname, forename, address and post code, gender, date of birth and normal hours worked per week. The National Insurance number is desirable.

However not knowing it for some of your employees will not stop submission to HMRC. SYSTEMS RTI will require employers to transmit details about the tax and National Insurance treatment of payments to HMRC each time a payment is made. Additional employee data, (such as the number of hours they worked) will need to be acquired for inclusion into the payroll system. Your payroll software will need to be RTI compliant.

COMPLIANCE Under RTI, HMRC will automatically be aware of the tax, National Insurance and student loan liability each month. The employer will have to make an additional monthly submission if there is any adjustment to the payment made to HMRC. Adjustments may be due for Statutory Maternity Pay recovery and compensation.

Richardson Swift can deal with these submission issues for your business as part of our payroll service. If you would like more information on RTI or would be interested in considering Richardson Swift to run your payroll function then please contact Sam Cole or Dave Hull on 01225 325580 or email info@richardsonswift.co.uk.

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

C U S T O M E R C A R E PA R K I N G

Y O U F LY W E D R I V E Hassle free, VIP parking service at Bristol Airport We provide a unique and tailored ‘Meet & Greet’ parking service at Bristol airport.

One of our team will meet you at the Express Drop Off Zone near the departures entrance. Your car will be parked on a secure site, with CCTV cameras in operation.

On your return, your vehicle and member of staff will greet you at the Express Drop Off Zone ready for a speedy turn around to get you on your way.

Whether you are taking a family holiday, business trip or simply a quick get away – our service will ensure your car parking at Bristol airport is quick, easy and hassle free....no more waiting for shuttle buses!

As well as a full range of valet services, we can also organise many complimentary conveniences, from providing a pint of milk, a loaf of bread or just a newspaper for you when you return.

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Little touches to make your life that little bit easier.

Above all, you will love our competitive prices. See our website for full details.

FR E E M I N I VA L E T + 1 0 % OFF with your parking service: quote BAM 03

C O N TA C T U S O N : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 1 7 9 8 5 7 4 3 1 BOOK ON LINE: w w w. c u s t o m e rc a re p a r k i n g . c o. u k H AV E A P L E A S A N T J O U R N E Y

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Rallying call to the bar

News in brief ■ It is estimated that around 88 per cent of all UK property searches start online, so, with this in mind local estate agent The Apartment Company has developed its new website. The updated website: www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk has been designed to help viewers search for apartments with ease by presenting their properties in a modern and engaging way. Property searches on portals such as Rightmove and Primelocation providing property details to more than 16 million people per month.

Peter Greatorex, managing director at The Apartment Company said: “With the number of home hunters searching the internet on the increase, I felt it necessary to implement new technologies that would allow us to present key information to them quickly and easily. I am delighted with the results.”

■ Installing the largest solar roof of any

surgery in the UK is paying dividends for Dr Patrick Eavis and his partners at their practice in Bath with reduced energy bills and a zero payback cost.

The 128 photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of Oldfield Surgery, installed

by Solarsense, have generated more electricity in their first year than forecast. The system takes advantage of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) that rewards homeowners and businesses investing in renewable technologies with a payment from their electricity supplier for the power they generate and use, as well as a guaranteed payment for electricity they export to the grid. The solar roof installed on one of his father’s barns in 2010 inspired Dr Eavis to equip the surgery with PV. Michael Eavis, founder of the Glastonbury Festival, has one of the UK’s largest private solar PV systems at his Somerset farm.

■ Bath independent boutique, Mimi Noor, of Milsom Street, has launched a new website: www.miminoor.com, to add to its existing customer service.

Miminoor.com has several features to enhance the shopping experience: ❃ Six key looks of the season rotate at the top of the homepage. Click on the look you like to expand the view. ❃ Outfit builder enables customers to play around with the items they like to mix and match various outfits. Three looks can be seen alongside one another. ❃ Shop the look allows customers to add a complete look to their basket without leaving their current page.

This minimises the effort and time a customer would ordinarily have to spend trawling the website.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: one of The Bath Magazine’s favourite photographers, Marko Dutka, has picked up two awards for a fashion shoot he did with us at the Holburne Museum.

This photograph, which was used on the front cover of the magazine, won first place in the Master Photographers’ Association (Western Region), Fashion Category. Another image from the same shoot won second place in the same category. View Marko’s work at: www.studiomarko.com

Mark Birchall, the landlord of The Inn at Freshford, has launched a campaign, Save Bath’s Historic Pubs, drawing up a petition and having written to Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES).

He’s calling for draft new guidelines to help better protect the city’s historic public houses from developers – ensuring they can only close and be redeveloped for housing or offices if they are no longer used by the community.

Mark’s quest to safeguard the future of the city’s pubs follows the recent closure of The Packhorse Inn, in South Stoke.

He said: “There are far too many opportunistic developers feeding off the temporary downturn in the pub trade,” said Mark, who has worked behind bars in Bath all of his working life.

He is hoping publicans in the Bath area will support this campaign.

“In the early 1980s councils protected historic buildings through the listing process. I now think it’s time historic businesses such as pubs were given the same protection.”

There are more than 100 pubs in Bath and the surrounding villages, with at least nine having closed since 2007.

For further information on the campaign, visit: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bath/ or follow @InnatFreshford on Twitter.

VIP service takes stress out of parking A new service has been launched to help air passengers in the south west. Customer Care Parking is a VIP parking service at Bristol Airport.

You simply turn up – having booked – at Express Drop Off Zone where you will be met by a member of CCP staff. Then all you have to do is trundle your bags through the doors to your plane, while your car is whisked away and secured in parking with CCTV coverage. If required, you can also have help carrying your luggage from the car to inside the terminal. It is a service that’s already popular

with elderly travellers and business people.

At the end of your trip you’ll be met and your car will be conveniently in the Express Drop Off Zone.

You can even have your car valeted while you’re away if you wish.

If you manage to fly with just hand luggage, it’s possible now to cut even more off your travel time.

Visit: www.customercareparking.co.uk or call Jamie Bishop, tel: 0117 9857 431. The first day is charged at £20, plus £4.50 a day for the next six days, dropping to £3 a day after that.

National charity appoints new head Bath woman Sonya Chowdhury, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Action for M.E., the UK’s leading charity for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and their carers.

She will take over from the current chief executive Sir Peter Spencer, who is standing down as CEO at the charity, which is based in Bristol.

Sonya, 37, is currently working in senior management roles for children’s charity Barnardo’s. She was previously

NEW ROLE: Sonya Chowdhury is the new head of Action for M.E.

assistant director for Barnardo’s in the south west.

She said: “I see this role as an ideal opportunity to bring together my experience both at work, where I have been heavily involved in policy, politics, fundraising and strategy, and my personal life.”

“My father was the first black Asian councillor in Bath and was in line to be the next deputy Mayor when he died.”

A saxophonist, Sonya is chair of the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, in St Paul’s. She lives in her home city with her husband and sons aged nine and 14.

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LEGALmatters

ADV ERT OR I AL FEATURE

DISPELLING A FEW COMMON MOTORING LAW MYTHS We have all heard the stories bandied around about ‘easy’ ways to avoid the law concerning road traffic offences. Unfortunately, these statements of opinion normally do more harm than good for the person who attempts to put the advice into practice.

Philip Hatvany, head of Motoring Law Defence and a solicitor with over 15 years of experience, addresses some common myths surrounding motoring law.

It is not an offence to use my mobile phone if my vehicle is stationary

justice and may face a prison sentence if found guilty.

Wrong! If you hold your mobile phone whilst making or receiving a call, text or email you are guilty of this offence even if you are stationary in a traffic jam, if your engine is running. This offence carries three penalty points and a discretion to disqualify.

I cannot be identified by a fixed speed camera

If I am accused of speeding, I can get away with it by refusing to complete the form asking for the identification of the driver Wrong! If someone is accused of speeding they will usually be sent a form asking them to identify the driver. It used to be argued that the obligation to provide self-incriminating information naming yourself as the driver was a breach of human rights and people would refuse to co-operate. This simply will not now work. If you fail to properly complete the form you will be guilty of a separate, often more serious offence and this carries six penalty points and a discretion to disqualify.

I can only be in trouble with the law if I was driving my car at the time of an allegation

Wrong! Whilst some speed cameras only take pictures from behind, there are plenty of others that takes pictures from in front or which are operated at the roadside by police officers. Many drivers think that the camera won’t be good enough, but they might well be wrong.

If I am asked to give a breath sample, I can refuse to do so until my solicitor arrives at the police station Wrong! People often attempt to use this excuse to try and delay the process so that their alcohol level will drop before they give their breath sample.

This will not work, however, as the police are under no obligation to wait for the arrival of a solicitor at the police station. If you try this approach you are likely to face the charge of ‘refusing to give a specimen of breath’ which carries a mandatory driving ban of at least 12 months and potentially up to six months in prison.

automatically be disqualified. This isn’t the case.

You might be able to argue that a driving ban will cause you or another exceptional hardship. If the Magistrates’ find exceptional hardship then they do not have to ban you at all. At Motoring Law Defence, we specialise in representing clients at such hearings.

In conclusion, if you do find yourself on the wrong side of the law concerning a road traffic matter, please do not rely on popular misconstrued beliefs. Instead, call Motoring Law Defence for free, initial, expert advice from experienced solicitors.

For further information, please contact Philip Hatvany on 01225 442925 or via email at advice@motoringlawdefence.com

If I have an accident, I have 24 hours to report it Wrong! If you are the registered keeper of a vehicle then you have all sorts of obligations. If someone else was driving and gets caught on a speed camera you will have to nominate them as the driver within a strict timeframe. It may not be good enough to say that you don’t know who was driving. If it is your car, it will probably be up to you to prove that you did everything you could to get the paperwork right, whether you were driving or not.

I can get a friend or family member to take my points without any real risk Wrong! This is perhaps the most dangerous myth of all. If you tell the authorities that it was someone else speeding when you know it was you, you may well be perverting the course of justice.

Chris Huhne, the former energy secretary, is accused of persuading his ex-wife to take points that should have been placed on his licence. Both of them are accused of perverting the course of WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Wrong! If you are involved in an accident and you do not manage to give your details to the owner of the other vehicle, you must report this to the police. The question is how long have you got to report? The law is often misunderstood. Reporting an accident must be done ‘as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours’. In reality, this normally means as soon as possible, and you must do it in person to a police officer – a telephone call may not be good enough and just informing your insurance company won’t be. You simply don’t have as much time as most people think. The penalty for failing to report an accident carries between five and ten penalty points or a ban and you can even receive up to a six months in prison.

If I get 12 points I will definitely lose my licence Wrong! One of the biggest myths is that if your penalty points add up to 12 or more then you will

Philip Hatvany, Road Traffic Solicitor at Motoring Law Defence

Motoring Law Defence 2-4 Henry Street Bath BA1 1JT www.motoringlawdefence.com AUGUST 2012

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CHARITYappeal

SHELTER FROM THE STORM Bath charity Julian House, which provides shelter for the city’s homeless, has launched a campaign to improve its accommodation – with the hope that in future it will no longer have to turn away as many vulnerable women from its shelter

T

he current economic climate and ever- changing shifts in society has led to more people than ever finding themselves without a permanent home.

Bath’s homeless charity, Julian House, has a vital role to play in providing somewhere out of the physical danger of the streets for men and women to stay. In order to continue to help people back into mainstream society, the charity needs to update its accommodation and has launched a £420,000 improvement project.

One of the biggest impacts of improving Julian House’s night shelter will be to be able to offer overnight accommodation to more women. At the moment the shelter only has beds for three women and, as a result in the last 12 months 28 women had to be turned away at the door.

Julian House was founded in 1987. It opened its emergency night shelter accommodation in Manvers Street in 1993. The semi basement premises have served the charity well over the years and undoubtedly helped to save lives – particularly during the bitterest cold nights of winter. However, staff and management are aware of the shortcomings of the building.

People are sleeping in public dormitories, which doesn’t allow them any privacy. It can also make some feel nervous about their belongings, so despite the very positive work that goes on there, the environment can have a destructive effect.

dormitories are not the best way ❝ to support homeless men and women in the challenging journey from the streets back into mainstream society

❞

With such poor levels of privacy and only three beds for women this means some of the most vulnerable clients spend longer on the streets and even those who can access the facilities are deprived of their dignity. Some people are very reluctant to use dormitory accommodation because of their vulnerabilities.

It was originally hoped that a new building could be found but this has not proved possible. Instead a four-month refurbishment will turn what is essentially a large dormitory and small female ante room into individual client sleeping quarters.

There will also be better space for client key working, improved kitchen facilities and a day area/refectory with more natural light than at present. Julian house’s chief executive, Peter Denning, said: “It has long been recognised that dormitories are not the best way to support homeless men and women in the challenging journey from the streets back into mainstream society. Indeed this is one of only a handful of dormitory style hostels anywhere in the country. We know for sure that some of the most vulnerable clients won’t come into Julian House for that reason.

“Another problem with the existing building is that we can only accommodate three women – when we know that there are many more who need our support. Last year we had to turn away 77 different individuals – of whom 28 were women. That’s a desperate statistic.

“A lot of consultation has gone into the planning for the new facilities. This will mean fewer rough sleepers risking their lives 46 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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on the streets, improved quality of support and speeding up the process of getting our clients into sustainable accommodation.”

Even though the upgrade works will be a massive improvement on the existing facilities, four months of construction will cause considerable disruption to the charity’s work. During this time the emergency night shelter facility will move next door to the basement of Manvers St Baptist Church.

Peter Denning is full of praise for the church’s support: “We are indebted to Manvers Street Baptist Church for hosting the night shelter during the building works. Finding another building of the right size and location would have been a massive headache for us, on top of everything else.”

During the time when the charity was looking for a new building, investment in the existing premises was held back. The fact that alternative accommodation was only available during

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CHARITYappeal Supporting Julian House There are all kinds of ways for individuals and businesses to support Julian House. You can donate items to the charity shop in Walcot Street, use the charity’s bicycle workshop to get your bike repaired, or perhaps sign up to run the Bath Half Marathon in March 2013 to raise funds.

The annual Brain of Bath quiz in which city businesses field teams to pit their wits against each other, raised more than £8,000 this summer. The quiz was compered by Dynasty star Emma Samms, pictured.

AT RISK: main picture, some of the rough sleepers who are out on the streets of Bath every night Above, the current dormitory arrangement – Bath is one of the few shelters left in the UK which does not provide the privacy of individual sleeping cubicles

the summer months meant that the works had to be done now or deferred for a year.

Funding manager, Cecil Weir, is hoping that trusts, businesses and the public will rally round:“Julian House has committed £250,000 from its own reserves and buildings’ maintenance fund to get the project off the ground – a massive commitment for an organisation of our size which is over and above our day-to-day running costs. We’ll be asking for donations towards the £170,000 shortfall – £40 would buy a mattress for one of the sleeping quarters – while £4,000 would build a complete unit.

This project isn’t just about giving clients a proper night’s rest – it will save lives and provide a better chance for some of the most marginalised members of society.” ■ Visit: www.julianhouse.org.uk

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Enjoy the views from the hills surrounding Bath and take some healthy exerciseat the same time by taking part in the Circuit of Bath walk on Sunday 23 September to raise funds for Julian House. Walkers can choose to tackle as little as a two-mile section of the route, or push themselves to walk the entire 20-mile circuit. To sign up for the Circuit of Bath sponsored walk, or to find out about giving to Julian House, visit: www.julianhouse.org.uk.

Individuals can pledge sums to the charity, or give their time as volunteers. Businesses can sign up to payroll giving. Julian House’s administrative headquarters are at 55 New King Street, Bath.

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FAMILYfun AUGUST ANTICS: left, go on a fantastical journey with Peter Pan; below, head to Lacock Abbey and munch on delicious treats with your teddy at the teddy bears’ picnic; right, have a go on all the interactive displays at At-Bristol’s new exhibition

© Nick Spratling

COME RAIN OR SHINE The city has plenty of events and activities on offer for all the family to enjoy this month; from a scientific exhibition to singing and dancing and outdoor theatre to a traditional summer day out. Use our guide to help plan quality time with your little ones

Take to the stage

Traditional festivities

Seriously good science

New Oriel Hall, Bath. Tel: 01249 655900 www.stagecoach.co.uk/bath

Withymead Playing Field, Withymead Road, Marshfield. Tel: 01225 891503

At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

Tel: 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk

Summer Workshop, Monday 13 – Friday 17 August, 10am – 4pm

Marshfield Village Day, Saturday 18 August, 1.30pm – 5pm

Stagecoach and non-Stagecoach students are welcome to take part in this workshop week and there will be a presentation to parents on the last day. The week will include a selection of West End shows from the Lion King to Shrek and students will work with professional teachers on dance routines, chorus lines and dramatic scenes.

Teddies & theatre

Art attack Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath. To book tel: 01225 464640

MEAA Summer Fun, Tuesday 7, 14 & 21 August, 2pm – 3.30pm Make origami fans, hats and flip-flops from China, Japan and Korea and discover your creative side.

Film for all the family Pound Arts, Pound Pill, Corsham, Wiltshire.

Box office on tel: 01249 701628

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Friday 10 August, 5pm This family adventure begins when Sean receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island.

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After a parade of 40 vintage vehicles down the historic high street join the villagers on the Withymead Playing Field for kids’ competitions, fun fair attractions, ice-cream, tea and cake, musical entertainment, a horticultural show, dog obedience competition and buy some local products at the many stalls.

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Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Nr Chippenham.

For further information tel: 01249 730459 Booking for The Twits on tel: 0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org/lacock

Our World: No More Waste Exhibition, Throughout August Discover all the amazing ways in which in AtBristol’s world nothing goes to waste and everything is recycled into something new. The exhibition explores how volcanoes and bacteria made the air we breathe, how oceans make sand from rocks and how plants are made from the gases we breathe out. You can use the interactive globe to track real-time weather patterns, play with critters in the Jurassic period or present a weather forecast.

Outdoor show

Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Tuesday 14 August, 11am – 2pm

Ball Court, Prior Park College, Bath.

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

Your teddy will love having a parachute jump off the top of the tower (optional to avoid tears).

Go on a teddy trail, see Fez and Jezter perform funny magic tricks and make balloon models.

Peter Pan, Wednesday 22 – Sunday 26 August, 8pm; matinees: Saturday & Sunday 2.30pm

Outdoor Theatre: The Twits, Thursday 23 August, 6pm picnics for 7pm performance A slimy, stickily, revoltingly funny show, from the most popular children’s author in the world, Roald Dahl. Cheer the monkeys on as they get their own back on Mr and Mrs Twit.

Ever since Peter Pan flew in through Wendy Darling’s nursery window and took her off to Never Land, JM Barrie’s classic adventure story has delighted and thrilled generations of theatregoers with its wonderfully dream-like locations and charming characters. 60 young people work with a team of professionals to create this magical land of fantasy.

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CITYeducation

Girls triumph in IB diploma The Royal High Sixth Form College, the only sixth form in Bath to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma, are once again celebrating truly exceptional results, with a high average point score of 40, greatly above the IB Diploma global average point score of 30.

A third of this year’s cohort will be going up to Oxford and Cambridge universities, which is a 100% success rate for the girls who applied to Oxbridge. Bethan Macdonald (modern and medieval Languages at Robinson College, Cambridge) who achieved the maximum level of 45/45 points. She is one of only a handful of students in the UK to achieve perfect marks.

Other successes include: Jennifer Brennan who will be studying PPE at University College, Oxford, and Eleanor Grundy who will read biological sciences at Magdalen College, Oxford. Rachel Francis will read medicine at King’s College, London; Isabelle Mackay, will be reading biomedical science also at King’s College, London and Sarah Bannister is going to The University of Birmingham to study geography and urban and regional planning.

“The students have once again proved their outstanding abilities,”said the head, Rebecca Dougall, “and we are enormously proud of them all. The average points score is up four points from last year and in individual academic subjects at Higher

MOVING ON: headteacher at Westonbirt girls school Mary Henderson is leaving at Christmas

Change of leadership SUCCESS STORY: left, Eleanor Grundy, back IB co-ordinator Anna Weston, front, Bethan Macdonald, and Jennifer Brennan

Level, 67% of the students taking the IB Diploma this year achieved 6s and 7s, which, if you were to measure against an A Level, would equate to A and A* respectively.”

Anna Weston, IB co-ordinator, said: “Universities look for the competitive edge in their prospective students. The IB Diploma is an enriching, holistic approach that expands students’ personal opportunities and involvement on a wider stage through creativity, action and service and develops the kind of ‘thinking on your feet’ that is needed beyond school walls.”

The Governors of Westonbirt School near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, have appointed a new headteacher, following the decision of Mary Henderson to step down after 14 years at the top. Natasha Dangerfield will join the school in January 2013.

Mrs Dangerfield, who will relocate with her husband and three children, joins Westonbirt from Harrogate Ladies’ College where she is currently deputy head and head of boarding. She is also an excellent sportswoman and is currently a Yorkshire County lacrosse coach.

Chair of Governors, Dermot McMeekin, said: “Mary Henderson has made an immense contribution to the school and we are extremely grateful to her for her dedication and commitment over the years.”

Mrs Henderson is leaving to pursue personal interests.

News in brief New term promises a whizzpopping time ■ A Bath senior school is making its sound recording facilities available to infant and primary choirs by producing professionally made CDs for them at no cost. The first recording session took place when 60 children from Widcombe Infant School visited the West Wing Roper Theatre, Hayesfield Girls’ School. Erica Draisey, Hayesfield head teacher said: “Thanks to the generous support of Brian and Margaret Roper we are inviting infant and primary schools from Bath and North East Somerset to come into our Roper Theatre for a recording session.

Each school can then sell copies with all proceeds going to help their individual fundraising.” The school welcomes enquiries from other infant and primary schools.

■ Bath business people can now strengthen their links with China, thanks to a new course in Mandarin Chinese being launched by Bath College. The ten-week evening course will give companies the essential language and cultural skills needed for doing business in China. The course will include tips on how to greet people, making appointments, etiquette at dinner, visiting business associates’ homes, attending trade shows and contract negotiations.

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King Edward’s Pre-Prep and Nursery School will be celebrating children’s literature next term with an early years Festival of Children’s Literature.

On Thursday 13 September children will be celebrating Roald Dahl Day on the birthday of one of the most popular children’s authors. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s book The BFG, and to celebrate the theme for this year is BIG Dreams. Children will be dressing up as a character from their favourite Roald Dahl book and entering their ideas into the BIG Dream competition. They will be fundraising for CLIC Sargent, the charity which provides support for young people with cancer and their families.

On Monday 1 October Kim Donovan, author of St Viper’s School for Super Villains, will be running workshops on writing as well as reading to the children.

There will also be a book fair from 2 – 9 October.

The school would be delighted to welcome other local children’s authors and illustrators to take part in the festival. Tel: 01225 421681 for more details.

Deputy takes up the reins at country school Stonar, the day and boarding school for girls aged two to 18 and boys aged two to 11, in Atworth, Wiltshire is to have a new head teacher from January.

Toby Nutt, who has been deputy head of the school for the past six years, will be taking over the role from current head, Elizabeth Thomas who is to take up the post of headmistress of Abbot’s Hill, a girls’ day school near Hemel Hempstead. This will enable Elizabeth and her family to live together again, which has not been possible during her tenure at Stonar.

Before joining Stonar, Toby was at Tanglin Trust School, Singapore. Prior to that, Toby’s roles included housemaster, head of biology and head of upper sixth at Reading Blue Coat School.

Chair of governors, Janet Morgan said: “Elizabeth Thomas has led Stonar with distinction since September 2010, and her legacy at Stonar will be considerable, ranging from overseeing outstanding developments in sport, music, drama and riding to the impressive academic achievements of our pupils.” The handover period next term will ensure a seamless transition for the school.

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THEBATHMAGAZINE 51

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OUT&ABOUT

PATCHWORK LANDSCAPE Andrew Swift heads to the Wiltshire borders and the wide open spaces of Cranborne Chase – take your pick from a five or an eight-mile walk, both with far-reaching countryside views

W

e’ve a choice of two walks in the same area this month – both offering superb views and the choice of stopping off at two excellent country pubs. We’re heading out to Cranborne Chase, an hour’s drive south of Bath. The shorter route involves no road walking and is on clearly marked tracks with no stiles. The longer walk is a little less straightforward, but presents no real challenges.

What both versions will reward you with are far-reaching views, unspoilt countryside (this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and a choice of two pubs.

To get to the starting point, head south from Bath along the A36 for 21 miles, before turning right onto the A350. After 14 miles, when you reach Shaftesbury, turn left at the third roundabout onto the A30, and immediately get into the righthand lane to make a right turn onto the B3081 (signposted to Tollard Royal). After a mile, take a left turn for Tollard Royal along a road with a notorious zig-zag hill. After three miles (just after a sharp bend), take a left turn at a crossroads (signposted to the Donheads). After 350m turn right along a rutted by-way to Win Green, and park 500m further on (ST922204).

Having gathered your bearings by the interpretation board on the east side of the car park, head north across the cattle grid along the Ox Drove. The views westward are superb, and, as the drove curves to the right, the views eastward open up as well.

After 600m, just before a cattle grid, you will see a wooden stile on the left (ST927208). Here you have a choice.

For the shorter walk, carry on along the Ox Drove.

For the longer walk, cross the stile and follow a green track across the field. This eventually leads downhill to a stile by a metal gate. A few metres further on you come to a lane along which you turn left. After 200m, when the lane swings left, bear right along a drive leading through a gate (ST932213). Despite 52 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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the Private sign, this is a bridleway.

After 300m follow the track as it turns right. Go through a five-bar metal gate and carry straight on along an overgrown track. Just past a memorial stone, turn left along a stony track (ST936219). Follow this as it swings right and then left. When you reach a lane turn right.

At a T-junction (ST942221), you have another choice. To visit the Talbot Inn, a splendidly low-beamed hostelry with an excellent choice of ales and food, turn left at the T junction and walk into Berwick St John. On leaving the inn, retrace your steps to the T junction and carry straight on. If you want to press on without visiting the inn, turn right at the T-junction.

When the lane swings left downhill, 200m past the T-junction, bear right along a farm track (ST942219). Carry on between a rookery and an assortment of old vans and trailers, and, when you emerge into the open, carry straight on with the hedge on your left.

At the end of the field, you will see two tracks ahead. Take the one on the left with the bridleway marker and climb slowly up through the woods. The path gradually narrows and the banks close in on either side. When you reach a lane, turn left and almost immediately right and left again to rejoin the Ox Drove, 1,000 metres on from where you left it. (ST937206) Here those who opted for the shorter walk pick up the route once more. After another 2,750 metres, the Ox Drove, having dropped steeply downhill, arrives at the outskirts of Tollard Royal. At the bottom of the hill, as you reach the first buildings, turn right – almost doubling back on yourself – along a path (ST944179). (An optional extension here is to carry on into Tollard Royal, where you will find the King John Inn.) The path leads through a kissing gate as it threads its way along the valley. After 1,000 metres it leads through a six-bar metal gate and curves left downhill. Here you will see several gates and a couple of signposts ahead. Ignoring a small metal

UP ON THE DOWNS: the views from Win Green

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OUT&ABOUT PLEASURE GARDENS: Tollard Royal was home to General Pitt-Rivers, founder of modern archaeology and the man who inspired Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum. He also created a marvellous Victorian playground, the Larmer Tree Gardens, near Tollard Royal, dotted with follies, such as this one dedicated to PittRivers, with specimen trees and inhabited by peacocks – it’s certainly worth a detour. The gardens and tea rooms are open 5, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 19 August

Right, the Talbot Inn at Berwick St John

gate on your right, carry on to a wooden kissing gate (ST936185). Go through it and carry straight on uphill, following a signpost to Win Green.

As the path continues to climb, carry on through a seven-bar metal gate. It isn’t the views ahead but the views behind you, to the south, that distinguish this part of the walk. After 2,500 metres you will find yourself back at the starting point.

Level of challenge: straightforward with some climbing: the first part of the shorter walk, along the Ox Drove, is on a reasonably hard surface, with no obstacles to impede pushchairs or heavy-duty wheelchairs. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Length of walk: the shorter walk is five miles, the longer one, eight miles ■ Approx time: 2½ or 3½ hours ■ Map: OS Explorer 118 ■ Refreshments: Talbot Inn at Berwick St John (01747 828222); King John at Tollard Royal (01725 516207) ■

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS FROM £10,000

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FOOD&DRINK

Bitesized news

■ Work has begun on the former Italian restaurant premises of Bottelinos in The Paragon, Bath, where Bristol restaurateur Adam Denton is planning to open The Cowshed – similar to the restaurant he already runs in Whiteladies Road, Clifton.

Adam said: “The concept will be the same as in Bristol, but with a slightly different format to ensure our approach is in keeping with Bath and is tailored to its diners.” The restaurant will serve British food that has been locally-sourced. The restaurant is expected to open at the end of the year. Adam says: “Bath has a fantastic breadth of restaurants, and ours will be a perfect complement to what is already there – as well as offering something not currently available in the city.”

■ Jamie’s Italian has responded to customer’s requests asking if they can buy its olives, mozzarella, terracotta and wooden anti-pasti planks by opening a deli in Milsom Place, Bath. Jamie’s Deli is opposite the restaurant and is designed to be a small café and a shop. It is open from 8am until 9pm and you can pop in for coffee and pastries, sandwiches, tea and cake or a glass of prosecco and olives. Along with sauces, cheeses, salami, fresh vegetables and pasta there are easy-cook boxed meals to take away.

■ The judges of the 2012 Bath Good Food awards are currently busy tasting their way through the short-list of restaurants, pubs and cafés which have been nominated for the second annual independent awards. The ceremony will be held at the Bath Guildhall on Sunday 23 September, at which the winners will be announced.

Learn to cook Michelin star style

C

ountry house hotel Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa is launching a new cookery school in the autumn.

This offers a unique opportunity for anyone who enjoys cooking to perfect their skills and master new techniques through a variety of innovative courses – under the guidance of chef Hrishikesh Desai and Lucknam Park’s Michelin-starred executive chef, Hywel Jones.

Hrishikesh Desai will be heading up the cookery school.

Hrishikesh, who is 32, has been at Lucknam Park for seven years and already has many accolades to his name, having won the Roux Scholoarship in 2009, followed by the coveted National Chef of the Year Award in 2010.

Guests will be able to choose from a wide selection of 26 oneday courses varying from Michelin starred cooking at home, or Indian street food to health is wealth or the perfect afternoon tea. Offering intimate classes with a maximum of 12 participants and six cooking stations, guests will be able to benefit from individual attention and guidance.

Each participant will take home a folder of menus including useful culinary techniques and a certificate.

The cookery school will be located in a small house on the

AWARDWINNING TEACHER: Lucknam Park chef Hrishikesh Desai will be leading the classes, which range from creating the perfect afternoon tea to the secrets of preparing fresh Indian street food dishes

estate, just a short walk from the hotel. The kitchen is being designed by kitchen designer, Stephen Graver and it will have state-of-the-art appliances supplied by ATAG and Fhiaba.

Hrishikesh is passionate about flavours, as his love of food stems from his childhood travelling around India and his mother’s home cooking.

His courses will feature a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and nutrition, and many of the dishes will include home-grown seasonal produce from Lucknam Park’s kitchen garden and fresh herbs picked from the cookery school’s own

herb garden.

Claire Randall, managing director, says: “This is an incredibly exciting new project for Lucknam Park and we are thrilled to have Hrishikesh at the helm.”

Six miles from Bath, Lucknam Park is one of the UK’s leading country house hotels and a member of Relais & Châteaux.

The cookery school courses cost £175, including breakfast, lunch and refreshments and will run daily, Monday to Friday.

For further information on the cookery school, visit: www.lucknampark.co.uk

Search is on for young vegetarian chef of the year Bath’s Vegetarian Cookery School is on the search once again this year for talented young chefs with a flair for vegetarian cooking.

Rachel Demuth, chef at the Vegetarian Cookery School and founder of the award-winning vegetarian restaurant Demuths, was impressed with last year’s entries.

She said: “These motivated young people have inspired us to make this competition, an annual event to encourage and reward keen young chefs with a passion for cooking exciting, original and delicious vegetable-based food.”

The competition is open to anyone aged between 11 and 16 and will be judged in two

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groups: 11-13 and 14-16. You must write a recipe for a main course meal which is seasonal, creative and meat and fish-free.

You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enter the competition, just be interested in creating meat-free recipes.

The deadline for applications is 1 September. The best three recipes in each age group will be picked and the lucky chefs will be invited to spend the day at the cookery school in Orange Grove, Bath, on 30 October.

On that day, dishes will be judged and prizes awarded.

Application forms for the competition can be downloaded from: www.vegetariancookeryschool.c om

AUGUST 2012

2011 WINNERS: Zipporah Santer and Eve Singleton with their winning dishes last year

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

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The Bridge Brasserie 8 New Rd, Chippenham SN15 1HH, Tel: 01249 444522

REVIEW

BRIDGING THE GAP

F

riends who don’t live in Bath say that it’s all very well my raving on about all the good restaurants in the city, but what about the appalling traffic and lack of parking for those coming from out of town? These same friends are always on the lookout for great places serving interesting food at reasonable prices. So, when an old foodie colleague of mine who lives in Chippenham, mentioned that she’d found a hidden gem in the town, I ventured out into the mild west with her as my native guide to check it out for myself.

The first good omen was that Sara managed to park right round the corner from The Bridge Brasserie (that’s called a miracle if it ever happened in Bath). New Street doesn’t look anything much, with its fried food outlets and charity shops, but there on the corner are two welcoming beacons – the newly opened Bridge Deli, stocked with cheese, relishes, cured meats and other deli delights, and The Bridge Brasserie itself.

Both are owned by entrepreneurs Chris Bonsor and chef Steve Smith. They have already made their mark on Chippenham by consistently coming in at No 1 on the local TripAdvisor website, with an enthusiastic band of new and loyal followers.

The brasserie is small and simply decorated in contemporary style, with leather dining chairs and modern wooden tables. The menu offers a choice of a la carte or set menu. I chose my dishes from the set lunch menu, with the addition of the special starter of the day, air dried ham with cornichons and salad (£6.50), a simple combination of thinly sliced meat with dressed leaves and piquant little gherkins. Sara chose the mackerel escabeche with beetroot and horseradish cream (£4.50) – even though we had to ask what escabeche meant. Never be embarrassed to ask, a good restaurant will not be sneery, and so it was at The Bridge. The mackerel had been soused and was, Sara declared, delicious and unusual.

Following the theme of trying something new, I enjoyed a very light, herby venison burger, made with free range meat from nearby Stanton St Quintin, served with chef Steve’s homemade onion compote and some salad. All the bread in the brasserie is homemade too, which is another nice touch.

Sara’s frittata was also very light and fresh tasting. We could have had the fresh pasta of the day, with chilli and tomato, for 56 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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£7.25. If we had strayed on to the a la carte menu, starters such as risotto with broad beans and peas, were priced between £5.50 and £6.95, while main courses, which included venison hot pot with truffle mash, or whole lemon sole with caperberries, came in at between £11.95 and £19, for a rib eye steak. Side dishes, such as fries, salad or sauté potatoes, are £2.65.

My dark chocolate mousse was ❝ the sort of pleasure you want to curl a protective arm around, warding off any incoming spoons

❞

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, but the service and the food ensure you feel a sense of occasion – which after all is what eating out should be. Sara says the evenings she has visited were similarly cheery and enjoyable.

We relished the chance to try some of Chris’s more experimental dishes. He says of his cooking career that he’s worked at McDonalds and in Michelin-starred kitchens, which has made him both unflappable and adventurous. Sara spotted the small bright green jelly discs next to her strawberry parfait and spooned one down before squeaking in surprise. Alongside the red pepper ice cream the green jelly turned out to be made from basil – quite a savoury surprise, but a pleasant one. My dark chocolate mousse was the sort of pleasure you want to curl a protective arm around, warding off any incoming spoons, and its little frisson came in the form of a very delicately flavoured lavender jelly.

A three course lunch for two, with decent coffee and four glasses of wine came in at under £50. Young, positive-thinking guys like Steve and Chris, running independent businesses like The Bridge, deserve a trip out of town and our continued support. ■ GMc

FULL OF SURPRISES: beautifully presented dishes at The Bridge Brasserie, Chippenham

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FIT&FABULOUS

Top tips for a blushing bride Bridal makeup is about looking like yourself at your most beautiful and the key is to keep it natural, simple and feminine... ✽ In the lead-up to the big day it’s important to prep your skin with your favourite skincare products to make sure your skin is in tip-top condition. Skin care preparation is vital to achieve a natural look that lasts all day. Try using Sanctuary Spa’s Lipid Recovery Facial Oil (£22) at night to firm, tone and nourish the skin, leaving it looking glowing and bright. ✽ Your makeup should look smooth, fresh and flawless. Try Estee Lauder’s Invisible Fluid Makeup (£27). Its innovative lightweight formula perfectly matches your skin tone and reflects light to create dimension and contour, so your skin appears natural and beautiful in all lighting. ✽ Every bride will be glowing with happiness on her big day, but for a little extra radiance, try Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Finishing Powder (£40). This all-over sheer and silky powder instantly illuminates and gives skin a healthy-looking glow. For an instant brightening effect, dust lightly all over the face. ✽ For lips to out-sparkle your ring, try Bobbi Brown’s lightcatching lip Brightening Gloss infused with shimmer (£17). The reflective formula wakes up the face and instantly helps create the illusion of fuller lips. The lilac pearl and pink opal shades are soft and ethereal and leave lips looking perfectly pearlescent.

News in Brief • Bath Cats and Dogs Home is appealing to Bathonians to take part in a bike ride from the heart of the city to the beautiful Chew Valley, in order to raise vital funds for animals in need. The organised bike ride takes place on Sunday 7 October and is open to both experienced and nonexperienced cyclists, with a 25 and 60 mile route to choose from. Participants are being asked to pledge to raise £75 – to coincide with the home’s 75th anniversary this year, and this sponsorship money will go towards caring for the increasing numbers of animals bought to the home in need of help.

For further information or to sign up, visit: visit www.bike-events.com or tel: 01179 252726 • SportsMed, a locally-based consultancy, is helping sufferers of sports injuries, arthritis and musculoskeletal problems to get back to active life through its dedication to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. With so many people suffering from joint problems, both complex and minor in nature, SportsMed offers extensive experience in treatment, from diagnosis to recovery. Knee surgeon Neil Bradbury and his team of experts at SportsMed use a combination of physiotherapy and, where necessary, modern surgery techniques to treat a range of conditions, but they say that early intervention is key – SportsMed offers screening to identify the problem quickly.

For further information tel: 01761 422256 or visit: www.sportsmedeurope.co.uk 58 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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SKIN DEEP

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The latest health and beauty news and product reviews from Samantha Ewart

1 2

3

▲ SUMMER ESSENTIALS: ❶ After a day in the sunshine, soothe your skin with Korres yoghurt cooling after-sun gel, £16 – you’ll wake up with fresh feeling skin in the morning ❷ Out and about or camping? Treat insect bites with Elemis tea tree SOS spray, £19.50 ❸ Using a high factor SPF lotion is very important if you’re out in the sun in the hottest parts of the day – Sisley Fluid Body Sun Cream SPF30, £82.50, is a very good option ❹ Wear a sensual fragrance on balmy summer evenings out – it’ll make you feel special and fabulous. I love Dior Addict Eau Sensuelle, £49 (50ml) for a floral and harmonious scent All products available from Harvey Nichols, Quakers Friars, Bristol

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Dental Veneers Call us on 01225 447600

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DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY REVIEW

Try hypnotherapy or Bowen Therapy with Christian Dunham to make positive changes for a happier life, says Samantha Ewart

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Personal Trainer Sports Massage Therapist Outdoor Group Training Specialist Offering a fun, inspirational and effective approach to training, my mission is to provide you with the tools, knowledge and confidence to be healthier, happier and fitter in a way that suits your lifestyle.

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Free consultation!

Save 10% on your first 121 training session or sports massage if booked before 31st August.

here are many misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy – I for one was very sceptical about the idea of being putting into a trance, but having spent a morning with professional therapist, Christian Dunham, I am completely convinced by its power to affect positive change.

When you meet Christian, you can’t help but feel uplifted – his positivity is infectious. Originally from Australia, Christian gained his diploma in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy at the renowned Clifton Practice in Bristol.

He also holds the nationally-accredited Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma awarded through The National Council for Hypnotherapy, and now practices from his home in Bath.

Suitable for all ages, hypnotherapy can help many conditions including stress and anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, weight management and smoking and sports/stage performance enhancement. Unlike in counselling, Christian does not focus on the past and why the problem has occurred, he uses Solution Focused Hypnotherapy to focus on the positivity of change and having the confidence to affect change. Christian says: “My job is to get you back in control of your life. By focussing on the present and moving forward positively we can achieve major changes and improvements in our lives through gaining control of our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.” And I think that’s what I found so inspiring and refreshing – the important focus on proactively moving forward.

Sessions are held in a comfortable light room in relaxed surroundings and Christian always begins with a consultation, focusing on the good things that have happened in your week, in an attempt to create a trigger of positivity.

You will then move onto the couch, where you can relax to the calming music playing in the background while Christian puts you in a trance – this does not involve a swinging pendulum or such nonsense; being in a trance simply means being in your most relaxed and calm state. Christian was keen to emphasise that you are in complete control the whole way through the session: “I’m the facilitator, you’re in control,” he says.

Through deep relaxation and uplifting language techniques used by Christian, where he will make indirect suggestions using change as a metaphor, he will bring the conscious mind and sub-conscious mind into balance and focus on how you want things to be, in order to enable positive change quickly and effectively. The neuroscience behind it, as Christian explains, is to create new pathways in the brain to adapt to new things.

Christian says: “Once you’re calm, relaxed, confident and happy, life’s OK.” Christian can also offer Bowen Therapy – a gentle technique using hand movements over certain pressure points to stimulate the nervous system and help the body to balance itself, promoting pain relief and the recovery of energy. Like the hypnotherapy, it is appropriate for all ages and can help a wide range of chronic physical conditions including back and neck pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, headaches and migraines, knee and hamstring injuries, sports injuries, chronic fatigue and IBS and digestive problems.

Christian’s long client list including GPs and therapists speaks for itself. ■ For further information visit: www.christiandunham.net or to book a consultation, tel: 07910 332393

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TIPS FROM A TRAINER Our resident fitness and nutrition expert, Paul Isaacs, follows up on last month’s article to look at ways that adult office workers can lead a healthier lifestyle

I

t seems that last month’s article got a lot of people talking. Last issue, we looked at ways that a sedentary lifestyle is causing problems for existing and future generations of young people. The feedback we received was that this is also a problem affecting millions of adults too, particularly those that spend most of the day chained to their desks or hooked to their PCs in office environments.

Recent research from retailer High & Mighty found that 42 per cent of office workers have gained up to a stone in the last year as they graze on snacks such as cake and biscuits during their working hours. Boredom was cited as the biggest factor in workers reaching for a treat, while others needed a sugar rush to get them through the working day. It seems that men are the worst offenders, with half of those questioned admitting to a snacking addiction in the workplace.

For those in city centre locations, the dangers of boredom, physical inactivity and unhealthy snacking are further exacerbated by the stresses of the daily commute. Not a good mix for the mind or the body.

Try to find ways of incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine. A lack of time is normally cited as the reason why most people don’t get around to it.

While it’s true that our lunch hour is over by the time most of us have even processed the thought of changing into our gym kit, there are alternatives to consider. Try a brisk walk around town – without the window-shopping.

Get the heart pumping, maybe choose a healthy deli 20 minutes away and walk to fetch your lunch. Trust me, you’ll feel energised and won’t be yearning for a chocolate bar to give you the same boost. The net result is that by changing this simple part of your daily routine, you will likely have shed a fair few calories during your walk, and saved yourself another few hundred by avoiding the snacking option.

For those with a more energetic bent and a little flexibility in their schedule, try a 40-minute lunchtime workout in a city centre gym or fitness studio. For those with little time to spare at the end of a working day, how about getting up half an hour earlier and going for a run or workout to set you up for the rest of the day? You’ll take great delight in having the ‘points in the bag’ while you watch those around you eat and loaf their way through the day.

In terms of nutrition, try to eat a healthy, protein-based breakfast. Don’t make the mistake of taking that to mean a small breakfast. Take a portion of fruit or a bag of nuts to work each day and keep them on your desk or in your bag to tackle the mid-morning munchies – a much better alternative to chocolate or cake. Try a healthy option for lunch… and don’t kid yourself. That healthy chicken salad wrap may taste a whole lot better with the tempting side order of fries, but do you really need them? Also, go steady on sauces. They may seem pretty harmless but can be packed full of hidden nasties and bags of calories. If you’re feeling peckish in the afternoon, reach for those nuts or fruit again. There’s plenty of variety when it comes to pre-packed options. Any decent supermarket or grocer will stock a great selection. ■ For further information, contact Paul Isaacs on tel: 07712 454074 or visit: www.paulisaacspt.com 62 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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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

Treat yourself

When it comes to non-surgical cosmetic treatments, there’s one name literally on the A-list’s lips. As one of the most in-demand 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, PELLEVE, ULTHERA, FRAXEL, LIPOSONIX, FILLERS, PELLEVE and MUSCLE RELAXANTS.

Dr Rakus or one of her associate doctors visits the Orangery Laser and Beauty Clinic, 2 Kingsmead Road, Bath BA1 2AA. Tel: 01225 466851 to perform dermal fillers, facial volumisation, hand improvements, muscle inhibitors plus consultations for all our other major treatments. Please visit her website on www.drritarakus.com for information or telephone the Orangery to make an appointment for your free consultation with her.

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CITYarchitecture

A MOST DESIRABLE PLACE For the first time in its 200 year history an entire Georgian crescent in Bath is being restored.

Georgette McCready enjoyed a look at work in progress on Somerset Place

O

ne of the first things one discovers when starting to explore Somerset Place – aside from how quiet and leafy this little corner of Bath is – is that there is no Number One in this crescent. Ah, you think sagely, I expect it was bombed during the war, and if you look very carefully the houses at the end of the row are built from newer Bath stone and they were indeed hit during the Bath Blitz of April 1942.

But Numbers One, Two and Three were never built in the first place, and Somerset Place will forever remain incomplete, it’s handsome pediment sitting askew from the centre.

People will talk of how they went to parties, or lectures as students when Somerset Place was an art college and part of Bath University. The crescent was occupied as an educational establishment and student accommodation from the 1950s until a few years ago when the entire Georgian crescent was put on the market.

What is unique about Somerset Place is that it hasn’t been the subject of home ‘improvements’ over recent generations. Because it was a college some boxy, ugly partitions were set up inside to form offices and classrooms, but because the houses weren’t in private hands there were no over-zealous householders armed with a Reader’s Digest guide to DIY, a packet of polystyrene ceiling tiles in one hand and a sledgehammer in the other, to rip out fire surrounds.

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Inside the houses is like a fascinating time capsule of period features. Stephen Green, director of Bath-based Future Heritage, gave me a tour of work in progress on Somerset Place.

The crescent was built between 1790 and 1820, until its designer John Eveleigh ran out of money. The individual homes – mere shells at the time – were then sold to individuals, who were largely artisans and craftsmen. They then set about creating homes behind the facade, adding their own architraves and other features. As a result of this each of the interiors is unique, from the ceilings in the halls, through to details such as a pair of ornate columns in one ground floor room.

John Eveleigh’s design included creating the off centre pediment for the crescent. When the end of the terrace was directly hit by the Luftwaffe, there was also considerable damage to Numbers 10 and 11, which carry the ornate pediment. The war artist John Piper captured that dramatic night in a painting which shows smoke billowing from the front. Only concerted efforts by firefighters saved this piece of history from desctruction.

Another legacy left by Eveleigh are the pair of stone icemen, who gaze sternly out from over the front doors. It is not certain why Eveleigh chose these icicle covered faces – you can also see them in his work at Grosvenor – but it may be a Masonic link, as he was a Freemason.

Once the team of experts and modern-day craftspeople started restoring the crescent there was such a clamour of interest in the

BESPOKE: some of the houses in Somerset Place will be sold as beautifully retored but empty spaces, for the new owners to choose bathrooms and kitchens to suit

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AMBITIOUS: main picture, work is underway on the complete crescent Right, Marianne Cotterill’s imaginative styling in the show homes

properties from potential buyers that it was decided that a handful of the houses – once restoration was complete – should be sold simply as they are. The new owners will have the pleasure of choosing how they will configurate their five storeys.

Since the modern household doesn’t have servants, as the Georgians did, they may choose to install a kitchen and dining room next to each other on the ground floor, rather than tucking the kitchen away in the basement, as is traditional. The first floor rooms, with their magnificent triple windows and fine views, would then become drawing rooms, with a library or study behind, while the bedrooms would be above that. There is still space in the basement for whatever the 21st century family requires, from wet room to home cinema.

The shells of the show homes have been simply but stylishly dressed by stylist Marianne Cotterill, who has mixed up the classical with the whimsical and included pieces that make the viewer smile, while at the same time taking nothing away from the sense of space and light within these big rooms.

When you look out of the back of the houses the gardens behind are interrupted by some utilitarian blocks plonked there by the university. They are being demolished and the long, walled gardens will be re-instated.

Nine of the houses will be sold complete, while eight more will be cleverly divided, each into five apartments. The garden flats will have bridges over into the back gardens, and the designers WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

have created enviable spacious apartments on the first floors which will span two houses. There will also be decked roof terraces for almost all the upper floor maisonettes.

To the back of the crescent, along Somerset Lane, will be half a dozen mews houses, each one with their main rooms facing south and south west, and having private gardens and parking. There will be additional parking behind the crescent too, so the residents’ parking won’t overflow from Somerset Place.

As may be imagined for such an ambitious project, this could not be realised without the skills of many businesses. The main team players are: Strategic Iconic Assets Heritage Acquisition Fund (known as SIAHAF), Future Heritage, ORMS architects, Paul Davis & Partners for interiors and Redbook, which sources professional services.

The new occupants of Somerset Place should be able to start moving into the first phase of homes later this year, with the whole project expect to be finished in two years.

Somerset Place is in an enviable spot. Hidden away in a cul-desac it doesn’t suffer the daily public scrutiny of the Royal Crescent or the Circus. Being elevated it has views, peering through mature trees and with the countryside beyond. There is also a handy footpath down to Park Street and the delights of St James’s Square and Margarets Buildings are just a few minutes’ walk away. ■ Visit: www.somersetplacebath.com AUGUST 2012

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SUMMERgardening

A BUSMAN’S HOLIDAY It’s the holiday season, but Jane Moore finds plenty to keep her busy, both in the garden and out and about

W

e are truly a nation of garden lovers and when we’re not pottering about happily in our own patch we like nothing better than looking at someone else’s garden.

August can be something of a flat month garden-wise: the grass stops growing so fast (as do the weeds, we hope) and other than keeping up with the watering and harvesting in the kitchen garden, there’s a nice lull in activity which gives time for a few days out in search of inspiration and a really good cream tea. The cream teas you’ll have to suss out for yourselves – sadly my research has dropped off lately, due to waistline issues – but here’s my prescription for a satisfying month of gardening and garden-related activity.

Great days out Thinking of growing some more veg? Look no further than Pretoria Road Allotments in Bristol, which is opening for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 19 August from 2 – 5pm.

Expect vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers as well as knowledgeable plot-holders. There are children’s wildlife workshops to entertain the kids, as well as teas for the grownups and lots of plants, produce, home-made jams, and handmade cards for sale.

Take a trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens and you’ll see a lot more than simply animals. The gardens covers 12 acres and has been established for 170 years so some of the trees are well worth seeing. It’s also home to the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) collections of caryopteris (Bluebeard) and hedychiums (ginger lilies), which should be looking good in August. The garden is open every day from 9am to 5.30pm.

Get away from the city and coo over the cutest thatched cottage and its accompanying plantaholic’s garden at Farndon Thatch at Puckington near Ilminster. This NGS (National Gardens Scheme) garden is open on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 August from noon to 6pm and features banks and borders 68 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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brimming with shrubs and perennials plus pots, sculpture, vegetables and jaw-dropping panoramic views.

Devotees of Gertrude Jekyll’s billowing borders style will love Barrington Court in Somerset. This National Trust property is open every day from 11am – 5pm and features garden rooms, an arboretum, craft workshops and cider and apple juice produced on site.

The garden isn’t as manicured as many Trust properties and is all the better for it, while the sparsely furnished house is currently home to sculptor Antony Gormley’s Field for the British Isles.

This consists of thousands of little clay figures and covers the entire floor area of three rooms. Well worth a visit – but navigate carefully as Barrington is hidden in a warren of country lanes.

Last but by no means least, I have to get in a plug for our own NGS afternoon at The Bath Priory Hotel on Thursday 16 August from 2pm to 5pm. Do come and say hello – I can vouch for the cakes. We have dahlias, asters and rudbeckias to delight in the borders, the kitchen garden is bursting with fruit and vegetables, and the meadow is usually looking lovely and wild.

Great days in Watering is the routine job of August. Concentrate particularly on containers which are impossible to water once they dry out completely but don’t forget any new plants that you put in during the spring as they won’t have settled in properly yet and will need nurturing for this summer. Ideally, use ‘grey’ recycled water or stored rainwater from water butts.

My other routine job this month is deadheading. Nearly all flowering plants look better and flower more when deadheaded regularly. Bedding plants like pelargoniums, petunias, osteospermums and so on need attention every week if not practically every day. But border plants such as dahlias, sweet peas, persicaria and penstemons all benefit from a spot of deadheading. There are just a few plants that we don’t deadhead because they look so fantastic in the autumn frosts: grasses, sedums, verbena bonariensis and any thistle-type plants.

BILLOWING BORDERS: main picture, Gertrude Jekyll’s classic planting scheme for flower beds can be found at Barrington Court Picture courtesy of The National Trust/John Millar

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SUMMERgardening

SUMMER MAGIC: Bristol Zoo Gardens will be looking spectacular this month

Photos: Bob Pitchford

With a little spare time on my hands, August is a great month for doing some propagation, which I love.

The easiest plants in the world to root have to be pinks, or dianthus, but penstemons come a close second – so if you’re flexing your propagation muscles, try them first. You’ll quickly expand into taking cuttings of favourite pelargoniums and osteospermums, not to mention dahlias, fuchsias and many rock garden plants like helianthemum and aubrietia.

Hand in hand with creating new plants comes collecting the seeds of some of my plants for sowing next year. Not only does this save money but it also allows me to do a little judicious selection too. So if I have a really large-flowered pot marigold, or one with particularly deep orange petals, then I collect the seeds

from that plant and sow it exclusively next year. I’ve been doing the same thing with runner beans for years – so long that I’ve forgotten what the original variety of bean was called so it’s now renamed Jane’s Plot.

Most of the time I’m not so particular and just collect envelopes full of seed from annuals such as nigella, or love-in-amist, amaranthus (love-lies-bleeding), sunflowers, cosmos, nasturtiums … Truth is that the list is endless and I’m only stopped by weather or simply running out of time – or envelopes. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at The Priory, Bath. Follow her on Twitter, @janethegardener or read her blog, www.janethegardener.wordpress.com

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PETcorner

WAGING THE WAR ON FLEAS

A

fter these humid summer months the flea population increases and gradually reaches its peak. Just thinking about it makes me itchy!

Fleas are as old as the dinosaur. Their evolutionary development has made them superior beings, able to survive less than favourable environments for months. Understanding the flea lifecycle may enable us to have the necessary tools to eradicate these pests. After all, knowledge is power in the case of the flea.

The thirsty adult flea will light upon a dog or cat and have a blood meal, whereupon within a matter of hours they will start to produce up to fifty eggs per day. Those eggs will roll off your pet and settle into the dark cool parts of the house. Once the larvae has hatched from the egg stage they will feed on flea faecal material composed mainly of digested dried blood, getting stronger until they are mature enough to pupate. Pupae form cocoons where they will isolate and protect themselves from any adverse environment, lying low until conditions are just right, to hatch into adults.

This pupae stage can be suspended for up to two years waiting for a warm body to come along. With the right environment they will then erupt and become fully formed adults, ready to feed hungrily and continue the cycle of infestation. The entire life cycle can take as little time as two weeks if conditions are right and as long as two years if they are arrested at the pupae stage. That is why fleas are successful as a species; they adapt well to less than ideal conditions.

And it’s not only because flea infestations are unpleasant to live with, biting humans as well as our pets, that we would like to rid them, but also because fleas can carry serious diseases. Fortunately fleas cannot survive on human blood alone, preferring dogs or cats, but for our pets they can multiply, transfer tapeworms, blood borne diseases which cause anaemia and viruses, and are responsible for severe skin allergies from sensitivity to their saliva. So it is in our best interests that we completely eradicate fleas from our home.

Don’t despair because we have resources available to rid you of these nasty little pests. Much research has been done to alleviate the flea by stopping its egg development, attacking every life stage of the flea, or killing the adults. The best advice I can give you is to have a chat with your vet if you think you have a problem, or indeed before a problem starts.

There are many products on the market ranging from “spot-on” treatments to injections, all designed to eliminate their life stages and stop their reproductive cycle. You are now able to actually tailor make your flea prevention program for ease and convenience. One notable important point is that cats are quite sensitive to insecticides such as permethrines so whatever you do ensure that your cat has a product made for especially for cats and if you have both dogs and cats in your home ensure that the cat doesn’t come into contact with your treated dog directly afterward. And you can be assured that for every live flea you see, there are two hundred eggs are lurking somewhere in the house ready to hatch. In these circumstances, clean the house as best as you can and apply a house spray with a long acting chemical to kill the larvae and pupae stage. Don’t forget to throw away the vacuum bag after using as well.

The flea will never be completely eradicated from our lives but we know how to control their numbers. With a little forethought, by treating the house and effective year round products to place on our pets we will at least be ready to take on the growing numbers of fleas by August. So I say, let the war on fleas begin!

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

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DESIGN & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ÂŁ15,000 The Bristol Magazine, The Bath Magazine and West Country This is a superb opportunity for a bright and talented person to become fully involved in all aspects of our magazine production process.

This all round role includes everything from picture and copy research, to designing and laying out product pages and special features, to helping create, co-ordinate and check the finished pages to press.

Working with our sales and editorial teams you will also be liaising with advertisers and PR companies, as well as assisting the production manager and supporting the publisher on other projects.

The ideal candidate will possess good office and administration skills, be incredibly organised and able to work on their own initiative.

A knowledge of design software such as Quark Xpress, InDesign, as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is a must. A knowledge of web design and internet applications would also be desirable.

Well educated, well spoken, you will be highly personable, and able to communicate at all levels.

As well as all the above - an eye for aesthetics, and passion and interest in magazine media is a must.

Please send your CV and covering letter to: Steve Miklos, The Bath Magazine, MC Publishing Limited 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED email: director@thebathmagazine.co.uk www. thebathmagazine.co.uk

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

C

hurch House is a stunning Grade II listed detached former farmhouse dating back to the 16th century. The property is set in idyllic grounds of approximately an acre in a tranquil location in this picturesque village. The house has been sympathetically extended, and comprehensively refurbished throughout with complete rewiring, new plumbing, a pressurized water system and under floor heating through the entire ground floor. On the ground floor the open plan drawing room and sitting room have attractive open fireplaces, and the dining room has French doors leading to the rear sun terrace. The newly extended bespoke kitchen has been hand painted and built to a very high specification. There is also a generous utility room, guest cloak room and a boot room. At first floor level, the elegant master suite has a spacious en suite bath and shower room, and there is a further en suite bedroom, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. On the top floor there is a large en suite bedroom and an additional single bedroom/study. The house boasts a lovely solid wood staircase with a galleried landing and a further ‘hidden’ 17th century spiral staircase accessed from the drawing room and master bedroom. Outside the property is set in mature grounds which include an orchard, a double tandem garage, free standing parking for several vehicles and outbuildings with full flexible planning permission in place. This beautiful and tastefully presented period home is at the heart of a sought after village with excellent transport links and is certain to appeal to a variety of house hunters. Further details are available from agents Prichards.

CHURCH HOUSE DUNKERTON, Nr BATH • Grade II listed former farmhouse • Picturesque village location • Fully refurbished • Six bedrooms, impressive master bedroom • Large kitchen with Aga • detached stone outbuilding • Idyllic and tranquil gardens and Orchard • detached stone outbuilding • Ample parking on private driveway

Price: £1,050,000

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225 WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Limpley Stoke

Powlett Road, Bathwick

A most attractive 5 bedroom, 3 reception room, detached, Grade II Listed house with potential to update and/or extend (subject to necessary consents).

An impressive Edwardian property set in the sought after location of Bathwick just a few minutes from the city centre. Int area: 1413 sq ft/131.2 sq m.

Large plot with gardens approaching an acre and driveway parking. Close to village amenities & nearby Freshford (with Station). Int. area: 245 sq m / 2638 sq ft.

Kitchen/diner, living room, family room, 3 double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Gardens to front and rear.

Price: £450,000

Price: £425,000

Chilcompton

Woolverton

An impressive 5 bedroom, detached modern home set in this popular village only 7m from Wells and 13m approx from Bath.

An exquisite period cottage with origins dating back to the 1600’s with many period features. Int area: 1472 sq ft/136.8 sq m.

2 reception rooms, superb contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, 2 en suite bedrooms, gym/ office. Large garage, driveway parking and a private rear garden.

No onward chain. Int. area: 1860 sq ft/172.8 sq m.

3 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, 2 bedrooms with en suite, 2 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Off road parking. Gardens. PP for a two storey extension and a double garage.

Price: £395,000

Price: £389,950 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

PRITCHARDS August.indd 1

Tel: 01225 466 225

24/07/2012 13:28

Bath Office Sales. 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Biddestone, Wiltshire A 17th Century Grade II Listed farmhouse situated in the heart of the quintessential village of Biddestone. The house is full of period charm as well as offering spacious and versatile accommodation.

There are five well proportioned bedrooms as well as a super drawing room and dining room.

Within the garden there are three self-contained rooms currently used for Bed and Breakfast.

Approximate gross sq.ft. 2747.

Guide Price ÂŁ950,000 5 Bedrooms Detached Farmhouse Early 17th Century Full of Period Charm 3 Self-Contained Bedrooms Enclosed Garden

Bath Office 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com

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Bath Office Sales. 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Gay Street, Bath An impressive five bedroom Grade I Listed townhouse situated in the centrally located Gay Street, ideally placed to walk into Bath and enjoy all it has to offer. The well-proportioned and practical layout of the accommodation is enhanced by the smart interior design. The west facing walled garden is just beautifully planned to create the perfect spot to relax in the heart of the city.

Approximate gross sq.ft. 4510.

Guide Price ÂŁ1.65m 5 Bedrooms 5 Receptions Grade I Listed Stylish Interior Central Location Impressive Walled Garden

Bath Office 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com

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Walcot Riverside £1200pcm

Walcot St. £925pcm N

Modern 3 bed terraced house in a secluded riverside location. Gated parking, lounge, kitchen, bathroom with shower and 3 double bedrooms with southerly views over the River Avon. Wood floors throughout, gas CH.

Purpose built 2 bed furnished flat with parking and communal riverside gardens just a few minutes walk from Bath centre. This super flat is ready to move into with its stylish furniture and even a coffee machine.

Large lounge, open-plan kitchen, 1 double and 1 single bedroom, bathroom with shower and store cupboard. Gas heating.

South Bath £1400pcm

Kensington Place £650pcm

Large and luxurious 4 bed detached house available with or without furniture. Huge lounge, study, dining kitchen, utility room, WC, 2 double and 2 single bedrooms (2 en-suite) family bathroom, driveway parking and garden. Available from the start of August.

This immaculate 1 bed unfurnished flat enjoys lovely views to the South and has it’s own parking space. Lounge, double bedroom with wardrobe, kitchen with NEFF appliances, tiled bathroom with shower over and utility cupboard with washer/dryer.

Bath Office Lettings. 01225 445646 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

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Camden Crescent, Bath

ÂŁ2500 pcm

This stunning basement apartment offers spacious accommodation over two floors and has been presented to a really high specification. Dining room, kitchen, guest cloakroom, sitting room, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room. Large lower ground double bedroom with en-suite shower room. Approximately 1951 sq ft. Available Now.

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Brock Street, Bath

ÂŁ1200 pcm

A beautifully presented ground floor apartment with private courtyard garden. Furnished to a very high standard the apartment has a fitted kitchen, dining conservatory, sitting room, double bedroom and contemporary bathroom. An ideal turn key or furnished rental in which to enjoy one of Baths best locations. Approximately 710 sq ft. Available 1st October.

Hamptons Office 01225 445646 bathlettings@hamptons-int.com

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Sydney Place A beautifully refurbished one bedroom apartment occupying the first floor of a Grade II listed former Georgian Town House that was once lived in

by Jane Austin herself. Located at the end of Great Pulteney Street and overlooking the attractive Sydney Gardens, the apartment is a short level walk from Bath City centre and the Kennett & Avon Canal.

Rent ÂŁ1,100 pcm entrance hall | drawing room | high ceilings | oak floors | feature fireplaces | intricate cornicing | views over Sydney Gardens | open plan kitchen | granite work surface | stainless steel appliances | double bedroom | fitted wardrobes | writing room / study

Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

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Kipling Avenue

01225 421000

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis August.indd 1

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PROPERTYnews IMPECCABLE: the kitchen is filled with natural light and is equiped with a central island unit and an Aga

Sales team sells more than half city centre apartments

A new lease of life in the country HERE TO HELP: The Residence, Southgate new sales team steps out, left to right, Irene O’Connor, Celine Wells and Vicky Dudbridge

Interest in Bath’s city centre apartment development, The Residence at Southgate, has been so high that the onsite sales team have had to recruit a helping hand.

Irene O’Connor, from Bristol, joins the other sales advisors, Jacqueline Hepplewhite and Celine Wells, to help staff at the busy marketing suite at the development on Southgate Street, which is now almost 60 per cent sold out.

Vicky Dudbridge of property agents Jones Lang La Salle, said: “Since our new marketing suite opened earlier this year the level of footfall has increased substantially, so the added ‘woman power’ means we can now cater for this.”

The combined team of four have close to two decades of sales experience between them, having worked on many different city centre schemes across the south west.

Irene said: “I am joining at an exciting time and heading into the summer holiday period we can expect an influx of new visitors. I immediately fell in love with the development on my first visit, it’s such a fantastic location and I’m looking forward to making the most of it myself.”

The properties are within a couple of minutes’ walk of the train station and bus station and right in the heart of the city, with access to shops, restaurants, theatres, cinema and Bath’s vibrant cultural scene.

The Residence at Southgate comprises a development of one and two bed apartments spread across Philip House, Southgate House, Marchant House and St Lawrence House. In total there are 13 apartments in Southgate House, seven in St Lawrence, 26 in Marchant and 28 homes in Philip House. Prices start from £160,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £225,000 for a two bed. For more information or to arrange a viewing, tel: 01225 480228 or visit www.theresidenceatsouthgate.com

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Sometimes when house-hunting potential buyers will make a mental note that a property needs a new kitchen, or that the drawing room could use a makeover. But there’s nothing of the sort at Greytiles in Ashley near Box, where the owners have carried out a thorough and complete renovation to improve and extend this detached, family home.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Greytiles are the fabulous views across the Bybrook Valley, and yet with the nearby A4, there is quick and easy access to the village of Box and Bath is just six miles away – giving you a place in the country without feeling isolated. There is a handy Budgens store at Ashley Garage where you can pick up the basics.

Greytiles has been given a contemporary interior, with an open and airy feel. The large atrium hall opens out into the sitting room, with a generous study at one end and doors off the snug which lead out to a decked terrace, from where one can admire the landscaped gardens. There’s a superb kitchen,

fitted with an Aga and plenty of beautifully made cupboards, drawers and storage space. The kitchen opens on to a balcony and is large enough for a table and chairs too. Attention to detail has been paid throughout the house.

There are four good sized bedrooms, the master having an en suite shower room. In addition to the family bathroom there’s a ground floor cloakroom.

Greytiles is on the market for £995,000. To view, call the agent Carter Jonas on tel: 01225 747251.

Business backing for school sports Bath and Bradford-on-Avon estate agent Cobb Farr has become the official sponsor of sport at King Edward’s School in the city.

Philip Cobb said: “I have always loved sport and, as a father, I’ve seen how it builds a teamwork ethic in children, encourages community and builds confidence. I think sport also teaches children about life, winning and losing, and how to work hard to improve your skills.”

Cobb Farr has sponsored various events at King Edward’s School for a number of years on an ad hoc basis.

With the continuing success of sport at the School, Cobb Farr felt the time was right to

become an official sponsorship partner at King Edward’s School. The investment from Cobb Farr will be used to support sporting initiatives at the school.

The new sponsorship partnership has already provided £1,000 for new gym equipment, supported KES Rugby Sevens, the Old Edwardians’ Rugby Club and the Girls’ Senior Netball team during its third National Schools Netball Finals Campaign earlier this year.

Headmaster, Mr Martin Boden, said: “Philip Cobb has had a long association with King Edward’s School, both as a parent and a governor, and is a passionate supporter of

sport. We are very grateful to Cobb Farr for this generous financial support which will be used to fund sporting initiatives, which will benefit KES pupils of all calibres across a wide range of sports.

Cobb Farr is also a prolific sponsor of small sporting clubs and events in and around Bath; among others, the company sponsors Freshford Tennis Club and Hinton Charterhouse Cricket Club.

Philip Cobb said: “I would encourage all businesses in Bath to consider sponsorship.

It’s a great way to get involved with something you are passionate about and helps the development of sporting talent locally.”

hunter french estate agents, valuers and surveyors

Devizes, Wiltshire - Offers in excess of ÂŁ465,000 Capturing the splendour of the Georgian period, but built in the classical Italianate style by renowned architect Thomas Wyatt in 1848. This elegant Bath stone town house forms the central portion of a unique conversion of a former Victorian hospital. Stunning communal grounds with outstanding rural views. No onward chain.

Stunning arched entrance portico | Dramatic 33’ dining hall | Bespoke breakfasting kitchen | Magnificent galleried landing with study area | South facing drawing room with an outstanding rural outlook | Three bedrooms, two en suite | Principal bathroom | lower ground floor with arched storage and two large central areas, approached from reception hall | Set in beautifully maintained parkland in an almost semi-rural setting | Two private parking spaces |

Devizes: 01380 722784 Corsham Office: 01249 715775 Bath Office: 01225 444454 e: devizes@hunterfrench.co.uk • www.hunterfrench.co.uk Hunter French August.indd 1

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North Road, Bath Hill House is a home that has evolved over the past ten years into an exceptional property. Originally built in the early 19th century, it has undergone extensive refurbishment over the years and the result is a spacious and inviting home that successfully blends the traditional with the contemporary. Facing away from the road - one of the most sought after residential streets in Bath - it is extremely private, with the majority of rooms overlooking the garden, with stunning views to the south and west.

The house has character and charm in abundance with interesting features that reference its origins as a coach house but it also has many modern touches. One particular innovation is the creation of extra living space that can easily be used as a home office or transformed into a family annexe for an elderly relative or teenager.

The lay-out and proportions of the rooms - all very spacious - are of particular note, having

aspects to the rear of the property that allow light to flood in making for bright and cheery rooms.

The landscaped, south-facing garden measures around two thirds of an acre and steps down onto three different levels designed to capture the feeling of the Mediterranean.The centrepiece to the well-stocked and mature garden is a magnificent cedar tree. It is the ideal place for some peace and quiet – a secret garden away from it all.

With its close proximity to an historic city and access to road and rail links, everything you could possibly need seems to be within easy reach..

HILL HOUSE Stunning Views, Detached Family Home, 4 Bedrooms/Master with en-suite and study, 2 Reception Rooms, Family Bathroom, 2 Cloakrooms, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Utility, Mature South facing gardens, Garage

Contact: 01225 320032

ÂŁ995,000

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Ashlar House Ashlar House stands amid eight acres of glorious South Gloucestershire countryside.Tucked away and screened from view by beautiful mature trees and shrubs it has seamless views over open countryside to the rear of the grounds. From its origins as Victorian farm cottages the house was cleverly converted in the 70’s into the spacious family home that it is today.With quick and easy access to Bath, Bristol and fast routes to London.

The outdoor life and all it has to offer can be experienced with ease here, whether it be horse riding in the pastures, riding bikes or swimming in the pool. Situated and secluded from the house, the pool is ideal for parties and socialising.The property is incredibly versatile and lends itself to entertaining family and friends both inside and out.

Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, Ashlar House has proved a delight for its owners all year round. .

A golf and country club is just a few miles away and the village of Wick with its nature reserve known as The Golden Valley, a haven for wildlife, is only three minutes’ drive in the car. Here there are also convenient facilities and amenities including traditional country pubs, a post office, and a primary school with an excellent reputation for high standards.

WICK, NR BATH Four bedroom master with en-suite and dressing room,Three reception room, Kitchen breakfast room, Utility room and cloakroom, Stables and paddocks, Heated Swimming pool, Double garage and ample parking, Super views

Contact: 01225 320032

£995,000

Moravian Place

Prices from ÂŁ155,000 to ÂŁ275,000

1 and 2 bedroom apartments | Converted Moravian Church | Stylish interiors | Some with outside space | Parking | Great investment | Close to amenities Stunning apartments are situated in a former Moravian Church that has been recently converted and offer contemporary living. The apartments will appeal to professionals, investors, parents buying for children going to university. 30% of the development is already under offer so be quick and arrange your viewing today. Call 01225 471144.

The Apartment Company August.indd 1

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Great Pulteney Street

Offers in Excess of £425,000

Cavendish Place

Offers in Excess of £420,000

Georgian apartment | Two bedrooms | Lift Access | Extremely well presented | Off road parking | Viewing highly recommended

First floor Georgian apartment | Two bedrooms | Luxury bathroom | West facing balcony | Prime location | Super views

A stunning second floor apartment (with lift access) situated in a prime location affording fine views of Great Pulteney Street and Laura Fountain.

This stunning first floor Georgian apartment is located in the beautiful and ever popular Cavendish Place overlooking the golf course.

Henrietta Street

Lower Oldfield Park

Offers in Excess of £270,000

Offers in Excess of £230,000

Grade I Georgian Apartment | Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Fabulous location | Immaculately presented | Level walk to city centre

Victorian apartment | Spacious accommodation | Two bedrooms | Upper maisonette | Immaculately presented | Viewing advised

Situated in a fabulous position just off Great Pulteney Street is this stunning two bedroom apartment.

This well presented Victorian upper maisonette is situated in the popular Lower Oldfield Park area and is just a short walk from the city centre.

The Apartment Company August.indd 2

24/07/2012 16:00

The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

Ashlety,

WILTSHIRE

Ashley, Box

Guide Price ÂŁ995,000

A newly renovated and extended four bedroom detached residence that sits in a lovely landscaped garden, enjoying far reaching rural views across the valley.

(Approximately 248 sq m / 2,669 sq ft)

Bath 01225 747250 bath@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas August Sales.indd 1

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carterjonas.co.uk

BETWEEN BATH AND BRADfoRD oN AvoN

Winsley

Guide Price ÂŁ615,000

A beautifully refurbished three storey, four bedroom terraced house in a secluded and highly sought after location.

It has gardens to the front and rear, garaging and off road parking.

(Approximately 172.3 sq m / 1855 sq ft)

Bath 01225 747250 bath@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas August Sales.indd 2

24/07/2012 13:38

The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

s G ail et IN d M N more O C OuOire for Senq se

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BATH

COMING SOON

Great Pulteney Street A selection of exceptional new 2/3 bedroom apartments with lift access within a beautiful Grade I Listed townhouse in a highly desirable location with stunning views. *New 999 year lease *Lift Access *Fully Refurbished *Period Features with high ceilings and grand proportions *High specification fittings throughout

Bath 01225 747250 bath@carterjonas.co.uk

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carterjonas.co.uk

CITY CENTRE

Henrietta Place

ÂŁ3,500 pcm Unfurnished

End of terrace modern townhouse in central Bath. The contemporary accommodation is arranged over 3 floors and includes 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There is also the rare benefit of a double garage.

Bath 01225 747250 sharon.hunter@carterjonas.co.uk

CITY CENTRE

Pulteney Mews

ÂŁ1,650 pcm Furnished or unfurnished

Pretty mews house tucked away just off Great Pulteney Street in a quiet mews street. With 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a garage, this really is the perfect city pad.

Bath 01225 747250 sharon.hunter@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas August Letting.indd 1

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Towards Kelston A magnificent Grade II listed villa with stunning views across the Avon Valley | entrance hall | drawing room | sitting room | study | kitchen | breakfast room | cloaks/shower room | 6 bedrooms | bathroom | annexe: sitting room | kitchen/diner | 2 bedrooms | bathroom | parking | paved terrace | tiered gardens | orchard | in all, approx. 1.5 acres | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,200,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Bathwick Hill A beautiful Georgian style house built in 2000 to exacting standards and providing over 2700 sq ft of well balanced accommodation | outer hall | spacious entrance hall | drawing room with balcony | Mark Wilkinson designed kitchen/breakfast room | dining room | 2 cloaks/shower rooms | utility room | 3 bedrooms (all en suite) | dressing room | 2 further bedrooms | study | double garage | beautifully designed gardens by award winning Nick Williams-Ellis | Guide: ÂŁ1,300,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Great Pulteney Street A simply superb maisonette providing approximately 3000 sq ft of accommodation spanning the top three floors of this exceptional Grade I listed town house | drawing room | master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing area | kitchen/breakfast room | reception room/ bedroom 5 | family bathroom | cloakroom | 3 further bedrooms | bathroom with separate shower | storage room | Guide Price: ÂŁ950,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Sydney Buildings A handsome late Georgian listed town house providing over 2500 sq ft of accommodation in one of Bath’s most desirable streets | hall | drawing room | study | studio | kitchen | breakfast room | garden room | cloakroom | 4 bedrooms | spacious family bathroom | snug | shower room | utility | 2 store rooms | fine gardens | westerly views | Guide Price: £1,300,000

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Chelsea House London Road Bath BA1 6DB Tel 01225 447971

88 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2QN (Opening Soon) Tel 0117 973 1144

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