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THEBATHMAGAZINE THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH www.thebathmagazine.co.uk
ISSUE 111 • DECEMBER 2011
Winter
n r a l e d d n o W
KING ROLFEY Bath’s Best Loved Antique Dealer Chooses His Music
FINE FROMAGE The Fine Cheese Company
FESTIVE FEASTS Celebrate with Locally Sourced Food
VINTAGE IN VOGUE Dressing for a Country House Party
MAGIC MOMENTS Childhood Memories of Bath’s Traditional Toy Shops
READER COMPETITION win a
£500
Shopping Spree
The very best of local writing, what’s on, arts, lifestyle, property and so much more in your guide to life and living in Bath
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contents
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TALK OF THE TOWN
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An independent approach to Christmas shopping
13
BIGWIG
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FACE THE MUSIC Mick Ringham talks to the King of Bear Flat, David Rolfe about life, love & music
20 28
32
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WHAT’S ON ARTS & EXHIBITIONS For a truly original gift this year, visit one of Bath’s glorious galleries
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DECEMBER 2011
THE INTERVIEW
RESTAURANT REVIEW
FAMILY FUN Treat the children by taking them out
84
BARBER OF BROAD ST In search of the perfect close shave
92
INTERIORS At home and sitting pretty this Christmas
100 WREATHED IN SMILES Jane Moore offers natural inspiration
107 PROPERTY The pick of the finest homes in and around Bath
KEEP IT LOCAL
COFFEE CULTURE perculator perfection
72
CUPCAKE CHALLENGE A new hands-on way to produce goodies fit for the Great British Bake Off table
Christmas concerts – plus the start of the panto season
49
BATH BUSINESS
We meet the pioneers in search of
Award-winning Topping & Co pick some great books to give as presents
40
78
A round-up of the best places in and out of town for ordering your Christmas goodies
DRESSING UP BEST READS
MOTORMOUTH
Seasonal and sensational: that’s the award-winning Chequers
Our fashion shoot shows why vintage is the chic way to recycle
36
74
A profile of Ann-Marie Dyas, founder of the Bath Fine Cheese Company
FESTIVE FUN A round-up of events to get you in the mood for Christmas
62
Two pages of who’s doing what in this busy little city
CHRISTMAS PAST Getting nostalgic about toys
92
TBM test drives the family-friendly Peugeot 508 SW
World travel with our esteemed columnist
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NUNNEY SO FAIR Andrew Swift has a country amble suitable for all the family this Christmas
ON THE COVER Get festive with the Bath Magazine. Image courtesy of shutterstock.com
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EDITOR’Sletter
E
very year I always intend to get Christmas organised in good time, buying presents in summer when I’m on holiday, spending my autumn evenings lovingly hand-making gifts for everyone and having them wrapped and ready weeks before the big day. Needless to say, it invariably ends up with me in a last minute flap, rushing round the shops and queuing crossly to get in and out of some overcrowded supermarket. I do hope your Christmas preparations are smoother than mine. In this issue we’ve set out to give you inspiration for a great Christmas, from gift ideas to how to decorate your home. Being an independentlyminded magazine, we think everyone should do a large proportion of their Christmas shopping from the artisans, artists and one-off traders who help make Bath such a special place. And while the Christmas market is a great asset, don’t neglect all those fabulous little shops that are dotted round our city and contribute to making it such a great place to live. We’ve gone a bit foodie this month, what with learning how to decorate cupcakes so they look professional and talking to the doyenne of cheese, Ann-Marie Dyas at the Bath Fine Cheese Company, a remarkable woman who is such a great world ambassador for west country cheese. We’ve a round-up of places where you can order your local produce for Christmas, which should help make your preparations easier too. Oh, and there was that rather splendid dinner at the award-winning (and independent) Chequers that I enjoyed so much, too. On top of all that, The Bath Magazine’s sparkly Christmas issue has a comprehensive round-up of festive entertainment and things to do in Bath in the lead-up and during the Christmas break, so you and your family won’t miss out on the fun. Now, I’m off to start my shopping. Time for the first mince pie of the season I think . . . Wishing you a very Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones!
GRASSE
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
Georgette McCready Editor All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.
THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel:
Georgette McCready georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk 01225 424499
Deputy Editor Email:
Samantha Ewart sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Contributors
Jane Moore, Mick Ringham, Lindsey Harrad, Andrew Swift, Ralph Oswick, Charlotte Stone, David Parmiter, Ann Armstrong
Production Manager Jeff Osborne Email: production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Publisher Email:
Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Liz Grey Email: liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Email:
Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Advertising Sales Email:
Jodi Monelle jodi@thebathmagazine.co.uk
The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
DECEMBER 2011
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TALKofthe TOWN
WIN
BOOK OF THE MONTH
My Cultural Life
Agatha Raisin Kissing Christmas Goodbye by MC Beaton Read by Penelope Keith, £15.30 (six CDs) from AudioGO at www.audiogo.co.uk, tel: 0800 136919 Review by Valerie Ferguson For my first encounter with the somewhat prickly detective Agatha Raisin it seemed appropriate to choose a festive setting. The idyllic Cotswold village, with its charming cottages, pastoral landscape and kind-hearted vicar’s wife, is not all it seems. While Agatha is focusing on arranging a spectacular Christmas dinner for her friends she finds herself embroiled in a nasty murder case which features the mother from hell poisoned by hemlock, a brood of dysfunctional children and their spouses, dark secrets from the past, and enough red herrings to stock a fishmonger. Tough yet endearingly vulnerable Agatha is determined to find the culprit, despite being almost upstaged by her bright and attractive new assistant, Toni. The writing is well-paced with elements of humour and romance, and keeps you guessing right to the denouement. The story is marvellously read by Penelope Keith who manages to imbue at least two dozen characters with distinctive personalities. AudioGO is offering five The Bath Magazine readers the chance to win a CD of MC Beaton’s previous mystery – Agatha Raisin and The Deadly Dance. Simply answer this question. MC Beaton created another well-known fictional detective. What is his name? Email your reply, marking it Raisin, to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk or enter by post to: The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED by the closing date of noon on Friday 16 December.
The Lantern of the West
NEWS IN BRIEF
A
She’s behind you!
shimmering chandelier of light reflective tubes has been hung like a lantern in Bath Abbey to celebrate Advent. The Advent installation has been designed by artist Jane Sergeant, an illustrator who lives in Bath with her husband and three children. She said of the piece, pictured: “The challenge lies in a desire to make the viewer stop and consider part of their surroundings they might not have considered before. The pieces I have created for the Abbey provide focal points for quiet contemplation, a chance to stop and think.” See Page 28 for details of services in Bath Abbey in the run-up to Christmas.
THEBATHMAGAZINE 2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499 Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2011 Every month The Bath Magazine is circulated free to over 20,000 selected homes and businesses in Bath and the surrounding areas. A certificate of print and publisher’s statement are available on request. Published by MC Publishing Limited Printed by PCP Limited Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.
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Window shopping takes on a life of its own as the Natural Theatre Company launches its live panto dame installation in the former Habitat shop in Bath every Thursday from 6.30pm to 7pm, beginning 1 December until Christmas and sponsored by Bath Improvement District with the support of B&NES.
Helping cancer sufferers Macmillan Cancer Support has a stall at the Bath Christmas Market, just for one day, on Monday 5 December, where you can pick up some stocking fillers and homemade gifts and help people living with cancer this Christmas.
A fair trade in knickers Christine Snow has worked tirelessly for years in Bath running a fair trade project which sells products made in Kerala, southern India. This month she has a stall at the Bath Christmas Market on Saturday 3 December where shoppers can pick up a bargain pair of cotton knickers in a pretty drawstring bag for £4.50.
Have you got the write stuff? Make 2012 the year that you actually finish the book you’ve started writing. Bath writer Diana Cambridge and therapist Sally Gillow are hosting a threehour workshop in the city on January 14 called Write Your Way to Happiness. Diana, who is agony aunt for Writing magazine and author of three books on writing, is encouraging people to bring along unfinished pieces and enjoy one-toone sessions alongside the workshop. Places, which must be booked in advance, are £55, to include two free books by Diana and Sally. Email: dianacambridge@tiscali.co.uk
This month we ask Annette Martin (pictured with her late mother Dorothy and daughter Angelique) of Bath Aqua Glass and a Bath Christmas Market stallholder What are you reading? The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
What’s on your MP3 player? Leonard Cohen.
Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? The Tasting Room, Green Street.
Which museum or gallery will you be visiting? Victoria Art Gallery.
Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? I’m always working on glassmaking.
What local outdoor activity/location will you be going to do or visit this month? Walking my dog Digger in the Wiltshire countryside.
Film or play? What will you be going to see this month? After a long day’s work at the Bath Christmas Market I’ll probably stay in the warm to watch Ricky Gervais’ new comedy series Life’s Too Short. Bath Aqua Glass has created the Dotty bauble to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice. Annette said the Dotty was made in loving memory of her mother who died earlier this year. She said: “My mother’s name was Dorothy and she is the reason we wanted to raise money for Dorothy House. Without their support I would have found it very difficult to nurse my mother in her own home.” The Dotty Bauble is £12.50 from Bath Aqua Glass in Walcot and Orange Grove and at the Bath Christmas Market, which runs until 11 December.
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TALKofthe TOWN
An independent state of mind
I AND THE WINNERS ARE . . . The Bath Magazine’s publisher Steve Miklos and editor Georgette McCready were delighted to be asked to judge a children’s Christmas art competition sponsored by Hamptons International in conjunction with St Stephen’s CofE Primary School in the city. You can see all six winners’ artwork in their full glory on Page 110. Above, Matilda Zanelli, age six, was the winner in the six and under class, while nine-year-old Lillie Baker Smith created this intricate work, below. Hamptons has given art sets to the winners and £200 to school funds.
t has been claimed that a decisive person – wearing a comfortable pair of shoes – could do all their Christmas shopping in Bath city centre in the space of one day. We’d like to extend that claim to say that you could meet all your gift needs from the city’s independent shops. The city has dozens of jewellers to suit every taste and budget and a handful of chic boutiques where you can pick up a designer label. We’ve got two award-winning independent bookshops in Toppings and Mr B’s and some wonderfully unique one-off establishments, such as Tranters’ smokers’ shop and Hansel & Gretel with its cuckoo clocks, Alpine toys and strudels. Take time to get off the beaten track – call in to Found off Pulteney Bridge, or the genuinely retrospective Yellow Shop in Walcot. The city’s museum shops, at the Museum of East Asian Art, the Fashion Museum and the Holburne all make good hunting grounds for cultured presents too. Bartlett Street is celebrating its independent spirit with a Christmas extravaganza on Thursday 1 December from 5.30pm – 8.30pm, but even if you’ve missed that, this is PICTURE: Jodi Monelle one of those little corners of Bath where you can find unusual and beautiful gifts from places such as Blue women’s clothing, Obi and Moo homeware, pictured, Lux shoes and accessories and Mee boutique clothing. We’ve also got one of the finest Christmas markets in Europe, with us this year until December 11. If you can’t find something you like from the traders at the 130 plus chalets lined up this year then it’s probably time you stopped for a glass of mulled wine before setting off back into the fray. You might opt for a unique voucher instead. Buy a day’s breadmaking workshop with The Bertinet Kitchen or a hands-on session in all kinds of meat-free cuisine from all over the world at the Vegetarian Cookery School. That’s Christmas wrapped up then. . .
Faversham large sofa WAS £1699 NOW £1359
Hand Crafted Upholstery
15 - 18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX • Tel: 01225 465 757 • www.trhayes.co.uk • • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • CUSTOMER CAR PARK •
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A Gift that is Loved Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises
Gold & Platinum Studio 19 N or t hum b er l an d P l a ce , B at h B A 1 5A R Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk
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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY By Bigwig
YULETIDE
on the beach T
he strangest Christmas I ever spent was on the tiny Bahamian island of Eleuthera. I say tiny: Eleuthera is 100 miles long, but mostly only one mile wide. You could walk from the Atlantic beach to the Caribbean beach in your swimming togs. On most days the Atlantic side was blissfully calm and the Caribbean fearsomely rough. At one point the island narrowed to just the width of a single carriageway, with waves from both sides growling at each other as they made attempts (sometimes successful) to cross to the other side. Due to the shallowness and the pure white sand the Caribbean was your classic blue whatever the weather. The Atlantic was indigo and was said to be three miles deep. This island was certainly perilously perched on an edge. Anyway, we managed to find a shiny new Italian hotel that served up the full works on Christmas Day. Turkey, stuffing and even sprouts. It was bizarre to sit munching roast parsnips as a school of dolphins obligingly plunged by out on the bay. We even pulled crackers on the beach. On a less glorious occasion, we found ourselves stranded in a Berlin airport hotel over New Year. It was part of a chain, and hopes were not high for a knees up. The only other party in residence was a group of evangelical American students. They sang a couple of hymns in the bar as they sipped their orange juice, then retired to an early bed. Somehow, the kitchen managed to find a goose in the back of their pantry and rustled up an almighty feast. And jolly good it was too. I followed this up by distributing great chunks of chocolate from a giant Toblerone I had bought in town earlier. I thought the huge triangular box would contain enough bars for all my chums, but it contained just one. Quite the biggest and hardest in the world. Once again chef came up trumps by providing an axe with which to chop it into bite-size segments. We hoped it wasn’t the same axe used earlier to dispatch the goose.
It was bizarre to sit munching roast ❝ parsnips as a school of dolphins obligingly plunged by ❞ The worst (and in retrospect maybe the funniest) Christmas I ever spent was in a cheap bed and breakfast establishment in Hamburg. Brekky consisted of a hard bread roll, a margarine portion and a tiny tub of jam. This was put outside your room at an unearthly hour every morning. Ten minutes later there would be an angry rap on the door if you hadn’t replaced the empty basket on the threshold. We received our Christmas Day breakfast the night before, along with a curt note saying there would be no staff on duty over the festive period. The only concession to joy to all mankind was a silver sprayed pine cone nestling next to the marge. What we were supposed to do on Boxing Day wasn’t explained. What, no turkey sandwiches? Not on your Nelly, not even a stale bread roll. To make it worse our agent was staying in the five star establishment directly opposite. If I stood on tiptoe and peeped over my grubby net curtains I could just see the top-hatted commissionaire standing next to the brass plate reading One of the Top Hotels of the World. But to give her her due, after many hints were dropped, said agent invited us over the road on Boxing Day for a slap-up dinner, albeit with the miserly proviso ‘Don’t pick the most expensive thing on the menu.’ Needless to say, we all went for the second most expensive item. ■ WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Wine Coolers... just part of a brilliant range of gifts from the Shannon Christmas Collection
S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D
68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222
www.shannon-uk.com
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CITY FACEgardens theMUSIC
KING ROLFEY of Bear Flat Mick Ringham talks to Dave Rolfe about his years as a DJ, why collecting antiques and bric-a-brac has given him a whole new lease of life and his top ten favourite tunes
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SOUNDTRACK TO ROLFEY’S LIFE: left to right, The Oldest Swinger in Town by Fred Wedlock, Kiri Te Kawana sings O Mio Bambino Caro and Eric ‘Slowhand’ Clapton with Wonderful Tonight
I
don’t know about you, but I find it difficult passing a skip without having a quick look inside to see if there’s anything interesting. Over the years there have been a number of shows including Cash in the Attic and Antiques Roadshow, which have encouraged many of us to re-evaluate auntie’s old dressing table or cousin Fred’s stuffed parrot. Dave Rolfe, known affectionately as Rolfey, is one of those lucky people who have turned a hobby into a thriving business. He buys and sells antiques, bric-a-brac and in his own words “interesting junk” from his shop in Bear Flat. Born in Birmingham he moved to Bath with his parents at the age of 13, and after leaving school he followed his passion for horse racing by getting a job in a betting shop. Later, looking for a more secure future, he settled behind a large desk at the Ministry of Defence, where he stayed for 24 years. However, Dave’s evenings were a different story. He became a semi-professional disc jockey, running a mobile disco during the 1970s and 80s, carrying his speakers, records and amps around in an old van. He says: “I loved the life I was leading at the time, having the security of a day job as well as enjoying myself and having fun in the evening. I did all kinds of venues and even DJ’ed on HMS Ark Royal.” Like many things in life, big changes sometimes happen by accident and this was the case when a friend asked him to help clear out a house, using Dave’s van. Rather than take payment Dave agreed to settle for the contents. He takes up the story: “I just had one of those ‘Eureka!’ moments. I thought there were some interesting bits and pieces, so I did my research and later took them to an auction room. The outcome was a rather nice profit.” After some more success, he took the big step, opening a shop at the weekends, literally crammed to the ceiling with a treasure trove of collectables. Dave was still working full-time for the Ministry when he became ill and, after various tests, he was told he had cancer and the prognosis was bad. “I thought to myself if it’s going to finish me off, I’m going to have one good year to enjoy myself. I quit the day job and when I wasn’t being treated at the hospital, opened the shop in Bath full time. I wanted to focus my mind on other things than my illness.” This must have had a positive effect on him, as after many months of treatment he was given a clean bill of health. During this time Dave’s infectious enthusiasm for the business came to the attention of the ITV show Beat the Dealer which he copresented with Melinda Messenger, for 22 episodes. Dave is now happily celebrating over 20 years in the world of objets d’art – what you might call a truly vintage performance.
Dave’s top ten: ● Kiri Te Kanawa – O mio Babbino Caro My dad was always singing this around the house and as a kid I hated it. Strangely enough over the years I’ve grown to love the song and no matter where I am, when I hear it played it always seems to bring a tear to my eye. He was a great influence on my life. ● Harry J and the Allstars – Liquidator Living in Birmingham as a kid I had to support West Bromwich Albion. There was very little choice in the matter. WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Before every game on Saturday they would always play this record and 30,000 fans would sing along. I’ve so many memories of growing up with friends and family around. ● Edwin Starr– Contact This takes me back to my disco days. I chose this particular record for a rather strange reason. The record happened to be the 12-inch version, so when I played it I had just enough time to nip to the loo and hopefully grab a pint on the way back. You could say it’s an essential choice! ● Elgar – Pomp and Circumstance Again it’s back to my time as a DJ. I would play this at the end of every night and people by that time would be a little mellow. They would sing along and the noise would be fantastic. I got to the stage of giving out small Union Jacks and many a village hall turned into a mini version of Last Night of the Proms.
I thought to myself if it’s going to ❝ finish me off I’m going to have one good year to enjoy myself ❞ ● Monty Python – Always Look on the Bright Side of Life These lyrics struck home during the time of my cancer. I had a good friend who wasn’t as lucky as me and he had this played at his funeral. It’s a great uplifting piece of music and incidentally, West Brom sing this when they’re losing – which is often the case. ● Fred Wedlock – The Oldest Swinger in Town I did discos with Fred when I first started in the business. Many years later when I worked with ITV in Bristol, I got to meet up with him again. We became really good friends and our families would go on holiday together. He was a great bloke and is sadly missed. ● Gabrielle – Sunshine This was a dark time in my life when I didn’t appear to have any direction. My first marriage had failed and I left home along with my son. We would put this on and dance in the kitchen to it. It helped put a smile back on our faces. ● Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Somewhere Over the Rainbow The first time I heard this amazing number was at the end of a film called Meet Joe Black. It’s basically a very mellow reggae version of this lovely song and never fails to lift me up. ● Laura Critchley – Cheltenham This was released as a charity single sung to the tune of Downtown. She was accompanied by the trainers, jockeys and commentators at Cheltenham racecourse. It’s an anthem for anyone who loves National Hunt Racing. My good mate David Price and I go to Cheltenham every year. After the Gold Cup we have a smashing party for all the family at his restaurant. ● Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight I think Clapton is really great. This track in particular is one of my favourites. I re-married some years ago to Kate and every time I hear this I naturally think of her. ■ DECEMBER 2011
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SET THE SCENE These little people are called Tomtar and cost from £6.95. Shannon boasts one of the best Christmas gift ranges in Bath. For Moomin mugs, Iittala tableware and Marimekko bags and fabrics a visit is a must. Shannon. 68 Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com
THE WARM WATERS OF BATH
A HOLDALL THAT TRAVELS
Thermae Bath Spa Gift Vouchers make a great treat for friends, family or colleagues. Relax in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters and take in the fabulous views of Bath from the open-air rooftop pool. Some gift vouchers include a choice of treatments and the option to enjoy a delicious meal in the Springs Restaurant. Choose from the 10 Spa Gift vouchers ranging from £26 - £188. They can be purchased from Thermae Bath Spa Shop, or online: Reservations: Tel: 0844 888 0844. www.thermaebathspa.com
Moquette luxury holdall, in RT, (named after the post war ‘RT’ type buses) from the London Transport Museum, made with the hardwearing moquette material used to upholster the seating on London’s transport system, price £250. Visit the website for many more great gift ideas. London Transport Museum. www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk
Christmas Presented Stuck for inspiration? TBM’s mini guide to Christmas gifts
VERMONT FLOWERS
THE BEAUTY OF FINE PAPER
Real flowers frozen in time. A beautiful small rose comes in a variety of vibrant colours for your perfect Christmas decoration or as an unusual present for loved ones. (only £9.99). For these and an inspiring selection of bespoke handcrafted floral designs are exclusively available from Vermont Gallery in Bath.
Gardening enthusiasts will love starting 2012 in style with a rifle paper botanical calendars, beautiful! £17.95. Meticulous Ink has become Bath’s destination store for it’s delightful selection of exquisite stationery. There’s a perfect present for everyone.
Vermont Flowers. Natural Preserved Flowers and Foliages 9 Saracen Street, Bath. T: 01225 571 395 www.vermont-flowers.co.uk
A CLASSIC CAR EXPERIENCE Indulge someone you love with a great classic car driving experience from a bygone era. Based near Bath. Full details, a list of cars for hire and gift vouchers available from www.theclassicexperience.com
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Meticulous Ink, 33 Walcot Street, Bath, Tel: 01225 333 004
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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Glamorous • Timeless • Gifts. All at low Factory Shop Prices.
SPECIAL OPEN DAYS
Thurs 1st Dec 9.00am to 8.00pm. Fri 2nd & Sat 3rd Dec 9.00am to 5.30pm. Extra 10% off any purchase on these 3 days only. Mince pies and drinks. Opening Hours - December Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm Sunday opening up to Christmas 11.00am to 4.00pm. Closing Christmas Eve at 2pm
✼ GLOVES ✼ HANDBAGS ✼ PURSES ✼ ✼ JEWELLERY ✼ SCARVES ✼ UMBRELLAS ✼ ✼ WALLETS ✼ BELTS ✼ OUTER WEAR ✼ and MUCH MORE! GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE ➤
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CITYchildhood
ALL I WANT for
Christmas
December is a time when we get nostalgic for the Christmases of our childhood. Georgette McCready looks at what gifts young Bathonians have wanted from Santa
D
o you remember as a child, pressing your face against a shop window, round-eyed with longing at the toys inside. Even if you knew in your heart of hearts that you were more likely to get a new dressing gown than a train set or dollshouse under the tree on Christmas Day, that didn’t stop you dreaming about owning it. Depending on your age you’ll have your own special memories of the toy shops of Bath, with all that they had to offer. Some will recall granny taking them to Woolworths in Southgate Street, treating them to a bag of pick’n’mix, while you dithered and lingered over choosing which sweets to have? Or going with Dad to Hamleys in Milsom Street to look at the latest Hornby railway engines? Or accompanying Mum to Tridias in Walcot Street and dropping massive hints about wanting to own a castle and a set of knights?
in those pre-CRB check days, ❝ children would sit on his knee and lisp their secrets to him ❞ Older readers will remember Monks in Broad Street, which originally sold Bath chairs before eventually diversifying into selling prams and then, in logical progression, toys, including the boys’ perennial favourite, Meccano sets. What we now know as The Golden Cot, or Snooks, was once in Southgate Street where it started life as the Bath Pram and Toy shop. You can follow the social hierarchy of Bath topographically in the history of where Bathonians used to buy their children’s Christmas presents in pre and post war Bath. In the streets nearest the river, the families saved their pennies to buy dolls or
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toy soldiers from Woolworths in Southgate or the Co-op in Westgate Buildings. As we progress up to Union Street, Colmers department store (‘sterling value, small profit, no credit’) had its own toy section too, while round the corner on the end of the Corridor was JS Common & Son, where small boys were transfixed by the latest electric train sets and collections of lead soldiers stood to attention, ready to be marched into battle across the nursery floors of the middle classes. Further up, on the genteel slopes of Milsom Street, Jollys department store’s food hall was a treat for the eyes, while in its toy department orders were made for Christmas presents that nannies would wrap. The families of Lansdown would take their chidren down to Bartlett Street to Evans & Owen, where many a small child was entertained by the sight of the metal tube containing a customer’s payment whizzing its way around the store at ceiling height. One of the big treats to look forward to for any child in Bath was visiting Father Christmas – he was never known as Santa in those days – in his grotto. Hundreds of families would turn out in the streets to welcome him to Bath each year. He’d arrive in the city centre, splendid in red and even pulled by real horses some years, while children stood silently in awe, hoping to have their photograph taken with him. Huge areas of department stores were given over to Father Christmas’s magical grotto, where in those pre-CRB check days, children would sit on his knee and lisp their secrets to him, safe in the knowledge that he was the real deal. In the days before TV advertising blitzed us from Halloween through to Christmas Eve with dancing,
CHRISTMAS PAST: this photograph has been donated to Bath’s Public Record Office. Does anyone recognise where in Bath Father Christmas was setting up his grotto? We think it dates sometime between the 1930s and 1950s Below, a view of Southgate Street in the days of trams From the Museum of Bath at Work
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CITYchildhood prancing Santas trying to flog everything from sofas to frozen prawns, Father Christmas was a large and meaningful figure in so many children’s lives. We dared not voice that he may be a fictional character, lest a grown-up hear and our supply of Rupert annuals or felt pen colouring sets be cut off. While some people feel that the golden age of childish toys has been usurped by the computer screen, toy sellers say there will always be a place in the family home for traditional toys. Eric Snook, owner of The Golden Cot and Snooks, says recent years have seen a resurgence in demand for crafts that children can make at home. He adds that perennial favourites, such as bicycles are still very much to the fore, as witnessed by the current craze for the latest generation of scooters. Dawn Burden, who runs My Small World, says: “At the end of October every year the Dream Toy List is announced – the toy industry’s guess at what will be the big, ‘must have’ toy this Christmas. (This is always a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy, as these toys are always so hyped that everyone feels that they better get their hands on them pretty darned quick – remember Hamster Zhu Zhu’s of last year?) We seem to stand alone, unaffected by the hysteria. And this is mostly because we can almost guarantee that it won’t be the Doggie Doo (this really is the Dream Toy winner of 2011) which will be up in the attic when your children leave home, ready to have you scrambling up the ladder again in a wave of nostalgia to retrieve it as soon as the grandchildren are born.
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We are always so heartened by the fact that so many modern parents have become impervious to the fleeting fads foisted on children by clever PR companies. And this is because the classic favourites that parents want for their children just don’t change. These are the great toys which really stand the test of time, and which encourage us to get down on the floor and play with our children. They guarantee that, years from now, when we gently blow the dust from the turrets of wooden castles, or when we sweep away the grime of 20 years from the ground floor of our old dolls house, or add a few new pots and pans to our sturdy old play cooker and watch a new generation discover them all over again, that we’ll be transported back to the joys of Christmases when our children were tiny – and how precious is that?” ■
These we have loved Star Wars, Monopoly and Lego have been best selling toys and games for generations of children – but who remembers Katie KopyKat or Hot Wheels cars, both big hits in Christmases past? Other big sellers from our collective childhoods may ring a bell. ● Plasticine. Invented in Bathampton by William Harbutt, it went into commercial production from 1900. At first available only in grey, this popular modelling material then went on to be made in four, then a rainbow of colours. ● TV and film spin-offs. Muffin the Mule toys were on sale in Bath in 1951, while you could get your hands on – and in – Sooty the glove puppet in 1954. James Bond’s Aston Martin was Toy of the Year in 1965 and Transformers topped the best sellers in 1985 and 86.
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TRULYgifted PERFECTLY WYLDE DESIGNS This is a solid silver Duck with chain necklace, £97. It’s part of a wonderful ‘Wild’ collection designed by jeweller and acclaimed goldsmith; Nicholas Wylde. With other animals available, you can see the full range with a visit to his Bath showroom.
PRETTY AND VERY THOUGHTFUL This silver, rolled gold & freshwater pearl bracelet is just one piece from a great range of lovely gift ideas that can be found at The Silver Shop of Bath. Handmade in Israel, and at only £55.95 it makes the perfect present. Also available to buy online at: www.thesilvershop.eu.com The Silver Shop. 25 Union Passage, Bath
Nicholas Wylde. 12 Northumberland Place, Bath Tel: 01225 462826
A TINA ENGELL RING Here’s a set of three 18ct gold ‘Cup Rings’ with blue topaz, peridot and smoky quartz, made to order in size and stone requirement from £800 each. Tina Engell. 29 Belvedere, Bath Tel: 01225 443334 www.tinaengell.com
Something for the LADY Stuck for inspiration? TBM’s mini guide to some of the best gift ideas. SPARKLING SAPPHIRES Bath based Jeweller Christopher Milton Stevens creates beautiful jewellery from his studios using the most superb gemstones. This is a 2.2ct pink sapphire and brilliant cut diamond ring set in a Palladium mount, £2,850. www.cmsjewellers.com Tel: 01225 840976
A TOUCH OF LUXURY Dents ladies classic leather gloves in a variety of styles and colours, from black to hot pink are available from Jollys of Bath, £52.
LINGERIE FROM THE DRESSING ROOM LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL AND SPA GIFT VOUCHERS A perfect solution to all your gift idea worries; you don't even have to leave home. Browse through the extensive selection of luxury gift idea and experiences, from spa days, to afternoon tea to a gourmet dinner, horse riding or a luxury weekend for two. To view the gift voucher collection or to buy on line, visit the Lucknam Park website at www.lucknampark.co.uk
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See the Sabotage range by Andres Sarda. The bra is £136, shown here with slip; £90. The Dressing Room. 7 Quiet Street, Bath Tel: 01225 330563
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16 MILSOM PLACE (next to Jamie Oliver), MILSOM STREET, Tel: 01225 329 212 SHOP ONLINE at: www.quadri.co.uk
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TRULYgifted A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
NIKON COMPACT SYSTEM
JUST IN CASE Bespoke vintage leather cases by Vintage to Vogue. Lovingly restored and updated with a fun twist these cases are perfect for displaying your prize possessions or storing your chattels. Each case is carefully restored and polished whilst still retaining its natural vintage look and feel. The interiors are then given a bespoke makeover, shown here with a saucy 50’s pin up girl look, but there are a choice of others. Prices start from £125. www.vintagetovoguebath.co.uk Vintage to Vogue, 28 Milsom Street, Bath
Nikon joins the compact system camera market with its superbly advanced, show-stopping Nikon 1 V1 range of components. With optional lenses and add-ons; this is the perfect balance between the handy compact and a professional SLR. The groundbreaking shooting modes such as the ‘motion snapshot’ and smart photo selector, full HD movie recording and high resolution viewfinder are just some of the features that will propel your photography forward in ways you could never have imagined. As a junior to the V1 range, Nikon have also launched the J1 range which will be their entry level compact system. For details and prices visit LCE in Bath. London Camera Exchange, 13 Cheap Street, Bath.
Bon Bon keyring and coin holder is great for gym-goers and shoppers! It is a tactile egg-shaped, polished stainless steel key-ring, which opens up and contains a locker (or supermarket trolley) token inside. Packaged in a smart, black gift box this makes a great stocking filler. Designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof. £9.50. Quadri of Bath, 16 Milsom Place, Bath. www.quadri.co.uk
Something for the MAN TBM’s mini guide to some of the best little treats for the chap in your life THE PEN IS MIGHTIER... The LAMY dialog 3 is a revolutionary fountain without a cap. Thanks to a fascinating twist mechanism the nib slides elegantly out of the interior of the barrel, while the clip retracts onto the shell. The twist-action fountain pen is then ready to write. When the fountain pen is twisted closed, a ball valve automatically moves in front of the opening and protects the retracted nib from drying out and getting dirty. The clip lifts up and the fountain pen can be clipped into a pocket or bag, £183. www.woodsthestationers.co.uk Woods the Stationers. 12 Old Bond Street, Bath.
QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH Recognised as the finest traditional gentlemen's barber in London and known throughout the world for its range of gentlemen's fragrances and grooming products. Geo F Trumper produces over 20 colognes that are a class above the celebrity scents. Available in Bath from: A.H. Hale Chemists, 8 Argyle Street; Lifetsyle Pharmacy, 14 New Bond Street, and Rossiters of Bath, Broad Street.
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‘PLUGGED IN’ BUT STILL IN CONTROL With a Bose® MIE2i Mobile headset you’ll enjoy enhanced audio quality and convenience from your iPhone, iPad or iPod. Take calls on your iPhone with one-touch ease. Switch back to your music at the touch of a button. With an integrated inline remote located on the back of the microphone, you can adjust volume, play/pause tracks, skip tracks forward/backward, fast forward/rewind and change playlists — and you need never miss a call. And enjoy it all in Bose-quality sound. Price is £119. Paul Green Unit 8, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane Bath. Tel: 01225 316197. www.paulgreenhifi.co.uk
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STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Skagen's Danish styling is outstanding as you can see for yourself. The substance is in the fact that Skagen offers a life long guarantee on the movement of every watch that we sell.
Beat that!
Black label model 581XLSXM £299. Stainless steel case and links/ Swiss quartz movement/ Chronograph function/ Sapphire coated glass
See an extensive range of SKAGEN watches at YOUR QUADRI – ONLY IN BATH
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16 MILSOM PLACE (next to Jamie Oliver), MILSOM STREET, Tel: 01225 329 212 SHOP ONLINE at: www.quadri.co.uk
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engell
bespoke jewellery shop
For a beautiful range of silver jewellery and unusual gift ideas this Christmas, visit The Silver Shop of Bath. For nearly 60 years, this family-run independent shop has a provided a unique choice of presents with friendly & reliable service and great value for money. Visit their online shop at
www.thesilvershop.eu.com
The Silver Shop
tina engell 29 belvedere, bath ba1 5hr 01225 443334
www.tinaengell.com
IN
W
of Bath 25 Union Passage, Bath BA1 1RD T: 01225 464781 Near Ben’s Cookies, behind Monsoon
McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet &
OSPREY LONDON Reader Offer To celebrate the re-launch of OSPREY LONDON at McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet the store is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a dream £500 luxury shopping spree. The lucky winner will receive the ‘red carpet’ treatment, celebrating with a glass of bubbly on arrival and a personal tour of the latest A/W collections by Swindon’s OSPREY LONDON store manager. The OSPREY LONDON store offers a wide range of luxury leather goods by designer Graeme Ellisdon, whose highly desirable vintage-inspired designs for men and women are perfect for both business and pure pleasure. Highlights include The Twist, an A4 compatible workbag in Polished Croc leather outlet price £265, The Tango, a beautiful statement bag in Dress Croc leather outlet
price £345, The Compton Clutch, a stunning evening bag in a selection of premium leathers outlet price £125. McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet - offers leading designer and high street brands such as Aquascutum, Hobbs and Jaeger as well as LK Bennett, Ted Baker and Kurt Geiger, at up to 60% less. To guide shoppers with their essential handbag purchase, McArthurGlen’s Swindon shares their top tips to finding the perfect bag for every occasion. • For any stylish lady, the clutch is the ultimate party bag, often making much more of a statement than the dress. Let your bag do the talking by choosing embellished, satin or velvet clutches for an expensive, elegant look. • Inspired by the likes of Céline and Miu Miu, oversized handbags are back and here to stay. Rather than going for last year’s laidback, sporty approach, choose roomy and structured
bags for an on-trend look. With up to 60 per cent off recommended retail prices, you can find all these styles and more at OSPREY LONDON Swindon Designer Outlet. For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the OSPREY LONDON founder/designer? Please send answer on postcard with your name and address to The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED
For more information on McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet or to book a free style consultation, please visit: www.swindondesigneroutlet.com or call: 01793 507625 Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/swindondesigneroutlet Closing date 30.12.2011
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SEASONAL INSPIRATION Organica Jewellery Box. Handmade in Colombia. £118
Ayala Bar Necklace Mineral stones, fabric, pearl and glass beads. £250
Skagen watch. Black label, swiss movement, blue goldstone dial and diamonds. £255 Silver and gold plated earrings by Marcin Tyminski. £125 Suede bag made in Somerset by Owen Barry. £75
Michel Herbelin watch. Swiss movement, sapphire crystal glass, brown leather strap. £299
Tri colour wires fine collarette, 9ct gold, rose gold and silver by Jane Watling. £755
Etnika floral wool scarf. £38 Anodised aluminium bangle by Michael Peckitt. £29
YOUR QUADRI – ONLY IN BATH 16 MILSOM PLACE (next to Jamie Oliver), MILSOM STREET, Tel: 01225 329 212 SHOP ONLINE at: www.quadri.co.uk
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CHRISTMASevents
Celebrations Events THE CHRISTMAS DIARY Christmas at the Winter Palace From 2 December
Christmas Tree Festival 4 – 18 December, 11am – 4pm
A Georgian Christmas Until 11 December, 10.30am – 4pm
Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath. Tickets from tel: 0845 367 0020 Bubble Christmas Parties is once again holding its Winter Palace in a unique and lavish venue based at Bath Racecourse. It will be around for nine nights of festive fun, delicious food and great entertainment – the perfect place to go for a Christmas party with a difference.
The National Trust’s Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire. Tel: 01249 730459 Experience hundreds of twinkly lights and the joy of seeing over 20 Christmas trees in the abbey’s medieval cloisters. View the handiwork of local community groups and businesses who have decorated their own tree for your enjoyment.
No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath. Tel: 01225 338727 The Georgian townhouse will be decorated in a traditional style for the festive season with holly garlands, wreaths, floral displays and a terrific display of Christmas foodstuffs.
Shoppers’ Carols 3 & 10 December, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
Carols and Readings 8 December, 7.30pm Westonbirt School, near Tetbury. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance on tel: 01666 880333 Westonbirt School hosts its annual community celebration of carols and readings in the magnificent Great Hall. The candlelit evening promises to deliver a magical, music Christmas journey interspersed with readings and poems.
The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath. Tickets cost £125 per person and can be booked on tel: 01225 331922 This festive black tie evening will commence with a champagne and canapé reception in the Drawing Room, where, by the glowing log fire, The Bath Chorus Choir will sing under the choral direction of Grenville Jones with songsheets so guests can join in. Then enjoy a delicious four-course dinner with wines specially selected to accompany the seasonal menu.
Christmas Craft Fair 10 & 11 December, 10am – 4pm
Christmas at Stourhead 18 December, 11am – 7pm
The National Trust’s Stourhead, Wiltshire. Tel: 01747 841152 An array of local crafts, festive mulled wine and warming mince pies in the Stourton Memorial Hall.
The National Trust’s Stourhead, Wiltshire. Tel: 01747 841152 A full day of festive celebrations. See the house decorated for Christmas, enjoy carols and songs performed by local choirs, and watch Father Christmas turn on the Christmas tree lights.
Bath Abbey. www.bathabbey.org An informal 20 minute service with traditional carols, ideal for weary shoppers.
Box Christmas Market 3 December, 2pm – 5pm Selwyn Hall, Box, near Bath. Entry: £2.50 per adult including a drink A wonderful array of stalls from the eclectic mix of businesses in the area providing a one-stopshop for Christmas presents. There will also be a Christmas café and a variety of children’s entertainment, including a Santa’s grotto.
Christmas at the Blathwayts 3, 4, 10 & 11 December, 12pm –4pm The National Trust’s Dyrham Park, near Bath. Visit William Blathwayt’s home set to welcome you for a Victorian Christmas. Marvel at the tall Christmas tree in the Great Hall and see some of the main rooms decorated for the festive season. There is a Christmas spotter trail inside the house for families as well as carols in the church and a visit from Father Christmas. 28 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Carols for Choir and Audience 10 December, 7pm Bath Abbey. Tickets available from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463 362 A festive evening of favourite carols, introduced by Imogen Sellers (BBC Points West), with audience participation and items from the abbey’s boys’ and girls’ choirs.
Christmas Carol Concert 15 December, 6.45pm
Bath Vintage & Antiques Christmas Market, 18 December Green Park, Bath. There’ll be over 60 vintage and antique traders offering some unique and special pieces alongside regional artists, carol singers, a gift wrapping service and mulled cider.
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CHRISTMASevents
Enchanted Christmas Until 18 December, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 5pm – 8.30pm Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire. Advance tickets can be booked online at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt The spectacular annual Enchanted Christmas event returns once again to Westonbirt Arboretum, thrilling winter visitors with the onemile illuminated trail through the trees. A new route is created each year to take in different specimens, paths and vistas in the tree collection. Families can also enjoy a new winter wonderland in the education centre where, in a snowy setting, children can meet Westonbirt’s green Father Christmas and make festive crafts. And don’t forget to visit the forest shop where you can buy gifts and enjoy warming festive fare.
Film Screening: Holiday Inn 22 December, 7pm Merlin Theatre, Frome. Tickets £10, including a glass of mulled wine and mince pie. Tel: 01373 465 949 Frome Selwood Rotary Club and the Merlin Theatre present a gala evening of mulled wine, mince pies and the showing of this classic Christmas movie to help raise funds for Positive Action of Cancer and other Rotary charities.
Christmas at Longleat Until 2 January Longleat, near Warminster, Wiltshire. Tickets from tel: 01985 844400 or visit: www.longleat.co.uk/christmas For the first time, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has been transformed into a winter
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wonderland as part of a major new Christmas celebration, bringing together the magic of the festive season. Visitors will be able to enjoy the experience of skating on real ice on a huge outdoor ice rink located in front of Longleat House. Inside the Elizabethan stately home will be transformed into an enchanted world where fairytales come to life. There will also be a giant singing musical Christmas tree with hundreds of lights dancing in time to the festive tunes. The stable yards will feature an array of festive food with plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping with everything from Christmas trees to wreaths and decorations. And don’t miss the opportunity to hop on board the Santa Train and journey deep into the woods to meet Father Christmas in his snowy log cabin.
Winter Wonderland at The Mall The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. www.mallcribbs.com Winter Wonderland provides a magical place to skate and soak up the Christmas atmosphere , featuring the south west’s largest outdoor rink, Santa’s castle, traditional Christmas stalls and late night shopping at The Mall until 10pm. After a spin on the ice you can wander through the festive stalls which will be offering a selection of handmade gifts, crafts and stocking fillers, and this year you’ll also find a range of foods from around the world too.
Christmas at the Zoo Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol www.bristolzoo.org.uk There’s a host of festive fun at the zoo throughout December. Visitors can meet Santa in his grotto and take a ride around the zoo on the Santa Express which journeys every day until 28 December. Santa’s Grotto will be open every weekend until December 18, and then every day from 19-23 December. The magic really begins from Saturday 17 December when Santa’s reindeer fly in for the Christmas season and visitors will be able to get up-close to Jingle and Belle, stroke their velvety noses and feed them their favourite food, every day until 28 December. The zoo is also offering two evenings of festive frolics at its Fantabulous Christmas events on Monday 19 December and Tuesday 20 December, 5.30pm – 8pm, where you can join in with carol singing, listen to a merry brass band and be entertained by the Snowball Sprites and the Lost Elves as they roam around the zoo, listen to story-telling around the bonfire and visit the animals in the heated Aquarium, Reptile House and Bugworld. The grounds will be lit up by animal-shaped lights, which can be admired while warming yourself by the fire and enjoying a selection of festive treats including mulled wine and cider, hot mince pies and roasted chestnuts. Sustainable, locally-sourced Christmas trees will also be on sale in the zoo’s west car park, in College Road, until Christmas Eve.
A Regency Christmas Until the end of December The Jane Austen Centre, Gay Street, Bath. www.janeausten.co.uk The Jane Austen Centre will be decked out in Regency decorations and the staff will be on hand to offer visitors samples of plum pudding and mulled wine made to an authentic recipe
Images, left to right: see the National Trust’s Dyrham Park decked out for Christmas; enjoy festive fayre at Stourhead’s Christmas Craft Fair; visit Santa in his castle at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway’s Winter Wonderland; celebrate Christmas in style at the Winter Palace; and get into the Christmas spirit with carols and dinner at The Bath Priory
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THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499
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BYWORTH & NOWELL Fine Modern & Antique Jewellery
Open: Mon, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm or by appointment CHRISTMAS WEEK 19TH - 24TH DEC Open every day 10-5pm We would be delighted to open for evening appointments
Please phone or email We actively seek to purchase: • Antique & Modern jewellery • Gold coins • Silver • Broken (or items of) gold, silver and platinum Transactions are held in the strictest confidence and offers are backed by immediate payment home visits available The Coach House, Beryl, top of Hawkers Lane, Wells, BA5 3JP • (T) 01749 673999
(E) Jewellery@byworthandnowell.com www.byworthandnowell.com
A Magical Christmas Trollbeads Event at Nicholas Wylde Bath from 5th to 11th December* You are sure to find the perfect Christmas present as there will be special offers, free gifts† and a wonderful competition prize. All displayed in a fun, colourful theme in aid of Cancer Research UK. A relaxing occasion where you can also enjoy a glass of mulled wine and mince pie. 12 Northumberland Place, Bath. For more information call the Bath shop on 01225 462826, or visit: www.nicholaswylde.com
*Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9.45am to 5.15pm, Sat 9.45am to 5.30pm, Sun 11.00am to 4.00pm † Terms and conditions apply. Please go to www.nicholaswylde.com for details
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VINTAGEinVOGUE
MAKING AN ENTRANCE: Katie wears two-piece Bouche shirt uit, 1980s Bus Stop silk cream scarf, 1960s sunglasses and driving gloves. John wears an original 1940s RAF flying jacket, 1960s Ray bans and trapper hat in Harris tweed. Vintage car from The Classic Car Experience
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VINTAGEinVOGUE
he traditional country house party is a quintessential English experience. Guests, hand-picked by the host to ensure the most entertainment for all concerned, descend on the estate for a weekend of good food, games, gossip, dressing up and partying. Made popular in Edwardian times, our story takes in the decadent days of the 1920s with the bright young things in their flapper dresses and daring women shocking their elders by donning trousers. We then move on to the more austere years of the 1940s when women wore tea dresses and fur tippets while their men cut a dash in uniform or pin stripe demob suits and trilby hats. The house party was still popular in the Swinging Sixties, where politicians mixed with film stars and all sorts of tabloid scandals were born. This was the era when women’s fashion was inspired by Jackie Kennedy, later Onassis, while classic British car design led the world with head-turners like the E Type Jaguar and the Austin Healey convertible. All the clothes and accessories for our country house party are from Vintage to Vogue, a treasure house of clothes from the wardrobes of the past. Each of these pieces is a one-off and, of course, sizes vary, but there is much fun to be had in dressing up in the style of previous decades. It’s the ultimate in chic recycling. The picturesque Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe makes the perfect setting for our guests, who arrive in a selection of vintage cars which are available to hire from Bath-based The Classic Experience.
T
LET THE FUN BEGIN: clockwise from left, Milly wears 1940s tea print dress, chocolate felt hat, mink wrap and leather court shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo. Scott wears 1940s demob pinstriped suit with cotton shirt and wool tie and 40s Trilby hat Georgie wears 1950s silk taffeta cocktail dress and ermine cape from the same era. Uniforms and jewellery all from Vintage to Vogue
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‘The guests were usually oblivious to the hard work that went on in the grounds and house while they were busy amusing themselves’
POPPING INTO THE VILLAGE: Georgie wears 1940s tweed skirt suit, Hermes silk scarf with brown leather 1940s bag, Scott wears 1940s tweed plus eights hunting suit, baker boy style hat and long knee socks with Church’s leather brogues and Milly wears 1940s herringbone tweed two-piece skirt suit, Jacqmar silk scarf and Cordings tweed hat
LAND ARMY GIRL: Milly wears 1940s corduroy Land Army britches with cable-knitted over the knee socks, home-knitted 1940s cardigan with flower embroidered detail and glass buttons
‘The principal purpose of a weekend in the country is to dine well, drink copiously and flirt outrageously – all at someone else’s expense’
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‘When lovely woman stoops to folly, the evening can be rather jolly’ COCKTAIL HOUR: clockwise from top left. Katie wears 1970s Bill Blass white wing-tipped shirt with black bow tie and 1920s tuxedo jacket customised by Vintage to Vogue, while John sports a 1940s morning suit, a 1930s black silk top hat and carries a silver tipped walking cane Milly in a 1930s black wool crepe dress with handsewn gold thread and Georgie wears 1930s black silk taffeta evening dress Milly wears a 1930s chiffon and black lace evening gown, while John wears a Gieves and Hawkes wingtipped shirt, 1940s frock coat and black satin tuxedo Georgie in original flapper dress in peach silk from the 1920s with hand stitched detail and Milly’s original flapper dress from the same era has hand stitched jet beaded detailing
Thank’s to: All clothes and accessories by Vintage to Vogue, shop just off Milsom Street The staff of the Manor House and Golf Hotel Castle Combe for their hospitality and location use Tim and Sally at The Classic Experience classic car hire company for the loan of the cars Photography by Benjamin Shelmerdine Hair by Rob Cartwright, Director at Artizan Hair Salon, Bath Make-up by Katie Fishlock Models: Camilla Watson, Georgina Crawshaw, Scott Chalmers and John Lowin
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DECEMBERreading
Books For Christmas
A selection of books handpicked by staff at Topping & Co Bookshop to treat you or your loved ones this Christmas, whatever their taste 1. The
True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean by David Almond, £12.99
From the award-winning author of Skellig and Kit’s Wilderness comes Billy Dean, David Almond’s first novel is aimed at adults as well as children. Billy, the enigmatic young hero, tells the story of his life in Blinkbonny, a world changed forever when the mysterious ‘bombers’ arrive in town. In the shadows of this ruined city, Billy discovers that he has the power to bring comfort to a troubled world – until one figure, who is beyond healing, returns to Blinkbonny. Fierce, tragic and wise, Billy is an amazing character, drawing you into his world with his strange speech and his compassion. Almond’s writing is intensely personal – simultaneously moving and disturbing – and his portrait of a semi-apocalyptic world, narrated by Billy himself, is haunting. I couldn’t put it down. Robyn Drury
2. Worth
Dying For by Lee Child, £7.99
If you’ve never read a Jack Reacher novel, this is a damn good place to start. Lee Child writes like a prizefighter; his dialogue deals out sharp left and right jabs and his prose delivers the KO – the cruel denouement will leave you floored. Child really doesn’t mess about; you’ll find no flab here. Nor will you be willing to get off this ride before the hurtling trajectory of the plot reaches its shattering destination. This is a new breed of thriller, merciless, compelling and extremely satisfying – you will be crying out for Reacher to enact revenge on the truly vile pack of villains Child offers up. Just don’t expect humour or happy characters, and you’ll be fine. Mick Lewis
3. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David firrst editition, £35) Mitchell, £7.99 (signed fi If you’ve yet to read anything by David Mitchell, you’re missing out. In fact, you might as well be hibernating in a cave, with cotton wool in your ears and a brick wall over the entrance. It’s that bad. Previous novels by this British author have been highly praised, and this latest shows Mitchell breaking new ground with great relish. Jacob de Zoet is a young Dutch
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clerk who arrives at the tiny man-made island of Dejima with hopes of making his fortune; fortune, however, is set firmly against him, in the forms of war, exile, and a doomed love interest. Epic in its scope, marvellous in its detail, it will especially please fans of historical fiction, and is highly recommended for any reader who likes their characters three dimensional and their plots suspenseful. Sam Drew
4. Adrian
Mole:The Prostrate Years by Sue Townsend, £7.99
If you’re feeling that life can be hard, and especially stressful at this time of year, you can be reassured that things could be worse; you could be Adrian Mole. After years of forgetting all about poor Adrian, I’ve found being reuinted has been wonderful, refreshing and yet familiar. Now 39 years old, he is exactly as I would expect approaching middle age (simultaneously hilarious and despairing). Although Adrian is having treatment for prostate cancer, his son is in Afghanistan, his marriage is on the rocks, it is an oddly heartwarming and uplifting read. Perhaps it is Townsend’s wit, or the Britishness of it all, or the way that Adrian’s trials echo our own. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more...and then I bought the backlist to make up for lost time. Natalie Marshall-Shore
5. Matilda by Tracy Borman,
£20 (hardback)
Tracy Borman brings a feisty and powerful woman to life in this book, the first major biography of Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. Borman’s research on her subject and the times in which she lived is meticulous but it is her ability to translate this into a gripping story that really marks this book out. To pick up Matilda is to be transported to a world of courtly intrigue, familial infighting, conquests and rebellions. Exploration of Matilda’s character and personal life are perfectly balanced with discussion of the political changes that swept accross northern Europe during her lifetime. This is a fresh, readable account of a fascinating woman who has been neglected by history for too long. Rebecca Sayer
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where life is precious Portrait sessions from ÂŁ30 Portrait Vouchers also available
Call Marko on 01225 428881
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WHAT’Son THEATRE – listed by venue The Surprise of Love, Until Thursday 22 December, contact theatre for times The beautiful Marquise has been left a widow tragically young. The handsome chevalier has been deserted by the love of his life who has decided to take holy orders. Both have sworn never to lose their hearts again. Neither had reckoned with the surprise of love. This will be the first time Marivaux’s The Surprise of Love will have been seen by a British audience.
T h e R o n d o T h e a t re Saint Saviour’s Road, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 463362 www.rondotheatre.co.uk
Biggles Flies A Fokker Home, Tuesday 6 – Sunday 11 December, Tuesday – Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 5pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm
PANTO TIME Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal
T he atr e R oya l Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Beauty and the Beast, Until Sunday 4 December, Wednesday – Saturday, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 2.30pm Bath Light Operatic Group presents one of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told in Disney’s musical. Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will transport audiences to the heart of life in a lovely French town. This tale as old as time is filled with spectacular costumes and dazzling scenery, and promises to be an enchanting and unforgettable show for all the family.
Season’s Greetings, Monday 5 – Saturday 10 December, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm Further to the play’s recent sell-out season at the National Theatre, Bill Kenwright presents a brand new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s hit comedy Season’s Greetings, starring Jenny Funnell, Denis Lill, Ricky Groves, Mathew Bose and Christopher Timothy. It’s Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house, a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the festivities. Take one frustrated wife, add a seductive stranger, two eccentric uncles and a mechanical monkey, and watch the hilarity unfold in Ayckbourn’s explosive festive treat.
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Dick Whittington, Thursday 15 December – Sunday 22 January, please contact theatre for times This year Dick Whittington promises a traditional family pantomime with a fantastic cast and the much-loved story of a poor boy who sets off to make his fortune in London and all the adventures he encounters along the way. Starring children’s television presenter Naomi Wilkinson as Dick, Chris Harris returns to play the role of Sarah the Cook, Holby City’s Mark Moraghan is King Rat, Jon Monie returns to play Idle Jack and the delightful dancers from Bath’s Dorothy Coleborn School will be joining the cast.
T h e U s t i n o v S t u d io Monmouth Street, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk
The Phoenix of Madrid, Until Friday 23 December, contact theatre for times A comedy by Calderon De La Barca. Don Pedro has it all – high position, wealth, a beautiful family – and enjoys the good life in the heart of the Spanish capital. But he faces a challenge – it is time to marry off his daughters. A hilarious comedy that reaches out effortlessly across the centuries.
Iphigenia, Until Tuesday 20 December, contact theatre for times The Greek fleet bound for Troy is becalmed. For the sake of a wind, Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces, is persuaded that he must sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia. But as the priest raises his knife to slit the child’s throat, the goddess Diana spirits her away...
Live Wire Theatre returns to The Rondo with their hilarious new comedy Biggles Flies A Fokker Home. A spoof of the WE Johns novels, hero Biggles and his lifelong chums Algy and Ginger must win the war for King and Country by flying the prototype for the Fokker AKE fighter plane out of Nazi Germany under the noses of a crack regiment of SS storm troopers. Inspired by Monty Python’s famous sketch Biggles Flies Undone, Dougie Blaxland’s parody of the ace aviator premieres at The Rondo as the first ever stage version of Biggles.
T h e M i s s i o n T h e a t re 32 Corn Street, Bath. For all ticket information contact the theatre on tel: 01225 428600 or visit: www.missiontheatre.co.uk
The Merry Widow, Thursday 1 – Saturday 3 December, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm Melt into the enchanting world of Viennese Operetta. The beautiful score from Franz Lehár is filled with waltzes, marches, solos, duets and glorious choruses. The storyline, at times romantic, at others comic, concerns vicomtes, counts, barons and baronesses ... and a ridiculously rich peasant girl made good. Following its own successful production of The Yeomen of the Guard in June, Bath Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents another sparkling evening.
H a y e s f i el d A u d i t o r iu m Hayesfield Girls School, Upper Oldfield Park, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 427108 or email unitytickets@btinternet.com
Aladdin, Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 December, 7pm; matinees: Saturday & Sunday, 2pm Bath Unity Players and the Curtis School of Dance present its annual traditional pantomine, this year Aladdin, promising fun for all the family.
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WHAT’Son M U SI C – li s t e d b y d a t e Handel’s Messiah, Friday 2 & Saturday 3 December, 7.30pm Bath Abbey. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk The Acclaimed guest conductor and renowned founder and Musical Director of the Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly joins Bath Choral Society for its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah in what promises to be a truly memorable experience. They are joined by the Bristol Ensemble and four award-winning soloists: Helen-Jane Howells, Kitty Whately, Peter Davoren and Alex Ashworth.
Marshfield’s very own Anthony Nowlan. Opening the programme will be Mozart’s inspired Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola and orchestra, featuring two young soloists who have already embarked on promising professional careers. The Apollo Ensemble contributes two pieces for string orchestra, while the Marshfield Bach Singers add a seasonal touch with Rutter’s Nativity Carol and Handel’s For unto us a child is born. Mince pies and mulled wine round off this festive evening in Marshfield’s historic church.
Christmas Music in Freshford, Saturday 10 December, 11am St Peter’s Church, Freshford. For further information contact tel: 01225 723324 The Freshford Singers, conducted by Bernard Wight, present an unusual and varied programme of seasonal music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century including carols. Donations to Dorothy House Hospice.
Bath Choral Society
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight, Sunday 11 December, 3.30pm & 7.30pm
Matthew Shipp, Saturday 3 December, 8pm The Coach House, American Museum in Britain, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 386777 A solo piano concert by leading American free-jazz pioneer Matthew Shipp; one of the most respected and influential musicians of his generation. Following his performance, Matthew will talk about his musical career with author and composer Philip Clark.
A Christmas Concert with Carols, Friday 9 December, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Bradford-on-Avon. Tickets £8 from Ex Libris bookshop or on the door Bradford on Avon Choral Society presents a programme that includes Mozart’s Missa Brevis in D, with soloists.
Snorting Dogs & Bohemian Embassy, Friday 9 December, 8pm Widcombe Social Club. Free entry, donations to Widcombe Rising. Live music from headliners The Snorting Dogs and their classy compadres Bohemian Embassy in support of the Widcombe Rising.
Celebrating 15 Years of Bach at Marshfield, Saturday 10 December, 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Marshfield. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 and on the door This year’s Bach cantata is Schwingt freudig euch empor – uplifting Advent music for chorus, orchestra and soloists including 42 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath. Tickets from tel: tel: 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk A recreation of Handel’s Messiah as it would have sounded at its 1741 premiere.
Bath Philharmonia, Friday 16 December, 7.30pm St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath. Tickets from Bath Box office on tel: 01225 463362 Bath Philharmonia accompanied by violinist Callum Smart and Cosmos Children’s Choir present Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Tchiakovsky’s The Nutcracker.
where old and new worlds collide in lively dances, soulful tunes, vibrant rhythms and colourful instrumentation. With soloists Kate Semmens, Aaron Burchell, Rupert Drury and Bradford Baroque Band, conducted by Keith Bennett.
Mediaeval Carols: Opus Anglicanum, Monday 19 December, 7.30pm Prior Park College Chapel, Bath. Tickets from www.opus-a.co.uk Mediaeval English carols from the 15th century, liturgical music for Christmas by Obrecht, Leonel Power, and William Cornysh, two wonderful processional chants from the Sarum tradition, and a context of narration from Chaucer and the Wakefield Mystery Plays. A popular annual candlelit evening’s entertainment of meditative reflection together with joyful celebration.
New Year Viennese Spectacular, Saturday 31 December, 3pm Bath Forum. Tickets £11.50- £26.50 from Bath Festivals Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 This intoxicating show recreates all the magic of 19th century Vienna with a heady mixture of glorious music, romantic songs, pyrotechnics and a champagne lottery. Joining the London Gala Orchestra will be soprano Paula Sides and Welsh Singer of the Year tenor Andrew Rees. This unforgettable programme includes the Blue Danube, Radetzky March, Tritsch Tratsch Polka and Morning Papers Waltz. Conducted by David McCallum.
Christmas Gala Concert, Saturday 17 December, 7pm Bath Abbey. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 A gala concert featuring the Abbey’s choirs of boys, girls and men, plus the brass ensemble, organ and harp and the traditional candlelit performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony if Carols by the girls choir.
Bristol Choral Society, Saturday 17 December, 7pm Colston Hall, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 922 3686 or visit: www.bristolchoral.co.uk A Bach Christmas oratorio featuring a quartet of fine soloists including Mark Padmore.
Christmas in Cuzco, Saturday 17 December, 7.30pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk Paragon Singers return to the exotic world of 17th-century South America for their everpopular Christmas concert. This is music
Paula Sides
New Year’s Eve Gala, Saturday 31 December, 10pm Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath. Tickets from tel: tel: 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk The annual Theatre Royal New Year’s Eve Gala in the company of Bath Philharmonia has become one of the most enjoyable dates in the Bath calendar. The orchestra returns with one of the UK’s most gifted violinists, Tamsin Waley-Cohen, playing Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding violin concerto. See out the old year and welcome in the new in spectacular style with a Last Night of the Proms style finale of popular classics and rousing music.
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Xufei Yang Photo Neil Muir
Box office 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
WORLD CLASS MUSIC ON YOUR DOORSTEP New series features:
BRADFORD ON AVON
WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE
CLASSICAL FOLK JAZZ WORLD MUSIC
SPRING SUMMER 2012
National Youth Jazz Orchestra Xufei Yang Muzsikas Genticorum ensemblebash London Community Gospel Choir Gould Piano Trio Breabach European Union Chamber Orchestra Zoe Rahman Quartet Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Pasadena Roof Orchestra Talvin Singh & Niladri Kumar Leon McCawley George Washingmachine Calefax Doric String Quartet Ensemble 360 Fapy Lafertin, Lollo Meier & Tcha Limberger Britten Sinfonia Powerplant Stile Antico Megson Eduardo Niebla Series Sponsor
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WHAT’Son O T H E R E V E N T S – l i s te d by date Artisan Market, Sunday 4 December, 11am – 4pm
20th Century Foxes Christmas Show Friday 16 December 16, 8pm
Widcombe Mummers, Sunday 1 January, from noon
St Catherine’s Hill, Frome. A blend of independent designer makers, artisans and food producers will be selling a wide range of locally made produce.
Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Book on tel: 01225 461700 or visit: www.chapelarts.org Take yourself back to the golden age of glamour for an evening of lively cabaret that whisks you smoothly from smoky 50’s New York clubs to 60’s Sunset Strip on the strains of swing music driven by a superb six-piece band and the finest crooners. Relax in vintage style with the Foxes unique brand of laid-back, off-the-cuff humour and rousing musical performances. Dress to impress, because there’ll be prizes for the best glad rags.
Various locations around Widcombe. For further information visit: www.widcombeassociation.org.uk The Widcombe Mummers will be giving their traditional performances in Widcombe telling the story of the first Widcombe Olympicks, which will feature contests in shin-kicking, pole-bashing and possibly some cheese-rolling.
Christmas Lecture, Friday 16 December, 7.30pm BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 An illustrated talk by Professor Jonathan Bate, Provost of Worcester College, Oxford, on Shakespeare and the Theatre of the World.
Talk: Gainsboroughs at the Holburne, Tuesday 13 December, 3.30pm The Holburne Museum, Bath. Cost: £5, book on tel: 01225 388569 When the Holburne fist opened in 1893, it contained only two Gainsboroughs. Now, thanks to generous gifts and loans, the museum holds eight oil portraits, a drawing and two letters. This lecture by Amina Wright, senior curator, looks at the development of Gainsborough’s career through the works at the Holburne, particularly his use of landscape in portraits. It will include the chance to see letters from Gainsborough to close friends, offering a glimpse into his personal life.
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Pick & Mix, Saturday 17 December, 8pm Rondo Theatre, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk The Rondo’s regular lords of revelry return with yet another instalment of their hugely popular variety night. This is the last show in the theatre before Christmas and New Old Friends are determined to send 2011 out with a bang. Last Christmas saw their huge sell-out hit show Anti-Panto! and this year they return for one night only, and they’ve brought their friends for a monster blow out. Crackers and cracking times guaranteed.
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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITION: KATE FLOOD – THE LIGHT WITHIN
Sutton Taylor, ceramic bowl Kate Flood, Smoke
▲ EXHIBITION: MIXED SHOW
EXHIBITION: CHARLOTTE MOORE
Hilton Fine Art 5 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath.Tel: 01225 311311 www.hiltonfineart.com
The Gallery 3 St James’ Street, Bath Tel: 01225 424300
Until 18 February
Until 24 December
A mixed show of paintings, etchings, sculptures and ceramics featuring Alice Mumford, Simon Carter, Simon Casson, Bo Hilton, Rose Hilton, Rachael Kantaris, Henry Kondracki, Michael Sheppard, sculpture by Reece Ingram and ceramics by Sutton Taylor.
A changing exhibition highlighting new developments in Charlotte Moore’s work over the past two years. The show features Charlotte’s unique mesh pictures and carborundum prints, complimented by paintings relating to the mesh pictures in style and subject.
EXHIBITION: KEVIN HUGHES RWA
Victoria Art Gallery By Pulteney Bridge, Bath Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk
3 December – 5 February Bath artist Kate Flood’s radiant landscapes convey transient moments and a sense of stillness. Sometimes the view is from a window or a shaded enclosure, looking out towards the light or onto a glade; her aim being to explore the contrast between stillness and the shifting patterns of foliage, light and shade. All works are for sale.
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Gallery Nine 9b Margaret’s Buildings, Bath. Tel: 01225 319197 www.gallerynine.co.uk
Until 24 December Gallery Nine presents an exhibition of new paintings ,watercolours and pastels, by Kevin Hughes. For the past 25 years he has concentrated on painting mostly in water colours and occasionally pastel. Landscapes, buildings and interiors are favourite subjects and his work is known for its quality of light and atmosphere. Gallery Nine will also be exhibiting handmade British jewellery by Polly Wales, Anne Finlay, Beth Legg and Fionna Hesketh; ceramics by Stephanie Black and textiles by Ekta Kaul. ART SALE: SUSANNAH CRITCHLEY Bath Christmas Market Abbey Churchyard, Bath.
Until 11 December Bath based photographer Susannah Critchley will be selling her stunning images of Bath at the Christmas market.
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Charlotte Moore, Geistas
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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITION: EMMA ROSE Demuths Restaurant and Wildoak Residential Bath. www.emmaroseartworks.com
Throughout December Unusual, original and affordable land/seascapes and abstracts in Indian ink and mixed media exploring the artist’s obsession with colour and patina. Must-see pieces of work that will make beautiful Christmas gifts.
Pascale Reymond, Think of Me Too
▲ EXHIBITION: MIXED EXHIBITION OF SMALL WORKS Bath Contemporary 35 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 461230 www.bathcontemporary.com
EXHIBITION: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF CHRISTMAS Black Swan Arts 2 Bridge Street, Frome, Somerset. Tel: 01373 473980 www.blackswan.org.uk
3 – 24 December An exhibition of paintings, ceramics and sculpture on a smaller scale. The gallery also introduces six new artists: John Brown RSW with landscapes and still-lifes capturing the essence of Tuscany; Pascale Reymond features her emotive paintings of the female figure; floral still-life studies by Jackie Philip; landscapes and cityscapes by Benedict Doonan; Edward Bell brings a selection of small nude studies; and unique ceramics in earthenware and porcelain by Ros Perton. EXHIBITION: WENDY MCMURDO – CHILDHOOD, FANTASY & PLAY ICIA Art Spaces University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath.
Emma Rose, Aubergine Dreams
EXHIBITION: JOY WOLFENDED BROWN
3 December – Saturday 28 January Black Swan Arts has been established for 25 years, and to commemorate, it is being marked by a special festive exhibition. This mixed media event will showcase the work of numerous artists who have exhibited at the centre over its history, including Bruce Munro, Michael Bennett, Kate Noble, Annette Gabbedy and Kate Lynch. All proceeds of this exciting show go to the Black Swan Arts 25th anniversary appeal, which supports the programme of exhibitions in the gallery, associated education and the development of excellence in the arts.
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Until 16 December Wendy McMurdo’s photographs explore the psychological world of the child, expressed through play. Specially selected from her past 15 years of work, this comprehensive exhibition includes many pieces never before exhibited in the UK.
Joy Wolfenden Brown, Girl with a Book
CHRISTMAS ART SUPERMARKET Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath.Tel: 01225 464850 w.beauxartsbath.co.uk
Bath Artists’ Studios The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Bath, Tel: 01225 482480 www.bathartistsstudios.co.uk
Throughout December The third solo show at Beaux Arts by Joy Wolfenden Brown showcases her tender portraits of adolescence and family life that are both charming and poetic.
2 – 4 December Find original Christmas presents from over 30 artists’ work including Lucie Sheridan, Caroline Waterlow, Howkapow and Natasha Rampley.
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26 November - 18 February 2012 Pomegranates and Anemonies, Alice Mumford, Oil on canvas, 71 x 91cms
Mixed Show featuring Alice Mumford
Mixed show of paintings, etchings, sculptures and ceramics featuring Alice Mumford with Simon Carter, Simon Casson, Bo Hilton, Rose Hilton, Rachael Kantaris, Henry Kondracki, Michael Sheppard, sculpture by Reece Ingram and ceramics by Sutton Taylor.
ART
An Enduring Christmas Gift Unique • Personal • Affordable • Beautiful
Emma Rose
Exhibition of gorgeous figurative and abstract artwork at Demuths Restaurant, 2 North Parade Passage (off Abbey Green), Bath BA1 1NX
www.demuths.co.uk • 01225 446059 Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
Invest in your senses . Affordable prices from £75
www.emmaroseartworks.com
Work also on display at Wildoak Residential, 3 Fountain Buildings, Bath BA1 5DU, 01225 442020 and Emma Rose's studio at Knight's Barn, Wellow, Bath BA2 8QE 01225 837 809
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PEUGEOT 508 SW the estate of things to come Peugeot's 508 saloon and SW estate continue to win back the UK audience with smart styling, impressive economy and emissions, competitive pricing and quality equipment. What was good for fleets is now also very good for families.
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BACK IN THE DRIVING SEAT TBM test drives the Peugeot 508 GT and finds there’s a new determination by the French maker to really impress the UK market with a seriously good car. THREE IN ONE: there are three ways to drive the 508 GT. The default setting is automatic mode, with a Sport button for the revs and engine noise to rise. Or change gear WRC-style by pressing forward for upshifts and back for downshifts. Should this not be enough for you, then you can use the steering wheel mounted paddle shifts Test car courtesy of Robins and Day, Lysander Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. Pictured on location in Queen Square, Bristol.
F
or many years now nearly all family-sized Peugeots have dissapointed in the UK market, mainly because, while the mostly-German opposition was growing in prestige and polish, the French (prefering to wow their home market) were giving us family saloons that were distinctly below par. The 406 was okay but lacklustre. The 407 was badly packaged and its styling was so wrong that no thinking man could imagine parking it on his driveway. However the new 508 is very different from the previous Peugeot family models. With its latest executive car – whose name-change to include the 5 from 5-series is significant – Peugeot has left the old days behind at a stroke. The new look is svelte and modern, and best of all, it now proudly shows what its predecessors never had – real class. Gone is the awkward, big-nosed, gaping-mouthed look of the Peugeot 407 for a far more cohesive, balanced style. The 508 is a solid, premium-looking machine. It’s a night-and-day improvement over its predecessor, with the more upmarket feel and look being carried over to the interior, too. The impressive bonnet lines give a powerful nose to the car whilst a bulging shoulder line carries this through to the rear. The rear end with the twin exhaust pipes look like a little monster. And the 508 is a genuinely good car to drive. It’s more of an A-road cruiser than a B-road weapon, but 99.9% of the time, this is what will be demanded from it. The ride is perfectly set up to suit the driver and passengers, with the handling very good for a front wheel drive execution saloon. Steering feedback is actually better than I found in the RCZ and puts me in mind of big Peugeots of yesteryear. The 508 GT could be a latter day 405 Mi16. The 508 gets off to a bad start because it doesn’t have a BMW, Mercedes or Audi badge on the front grille and for some this is a disadvantage. But for the enlightened and open minded driver, the 508 presents a strong case for kerbside appeal. During my weekend with the car, I was amazed by the attention it attracted, the 508 genuinely received more head turns and glances than the RCZ. My theory for this is that the 508’s styling is a real departure for the brand, perhaps more so than the RCZ, which is ironic considering the different sectors the cars will play in. The 508 GT isn’t a cheap car to buy, but the ongoing running costs should be quite attractive. The road tax is only £130 per year and if my experience is anything to go by, the 508 is an easy car to drive economically. The combined MPG figure of 49.5 seems easily achievable and I often saw figures knocking on the door of the claimed 64.1 MPG. For a car that doesn’t set its stall out to be green and considering the level of power sapping kit, the 508 GT needs to be applauded. The 2.2 litre diesel engine is one of the quietest, most refined diesels I’ve recently experienced. When coupled with virtually zero wind and road noise, it is almost whisper-quiet at motorway speeds. This hides the fact that it has the ability to push the car along at quite a rate, helped in no small part by the 450 Nm of torque. With the engine mated to the automatic 6speed ‘box, you effectively have three ways to drive the 508 GT. The default setting is automatic mode, with a Sport button available should you want the revs and engine noise to rise. But push the lever to the left and you can change gear WRC-style by pressing forward for upshifts and back for downshifts. It’s a lot of fun and very precise. Should this not be enough for you, then you can use the steering wheel mounted paddle shifts. This is the best way to drive the 508. The Peugeot 508 GT has an excellent Connect Navigation
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RT6 multimedia system, heads up display which projects essential driving information onto a glare-proof translucent polycarbonate pop-up panel that appears in the driver’s line of sight. This conveniently provides information on vehicle speed, cruise control/speed limiter setting and satellite navigation instructions. The GT has 18 inch Electra alloy wheels, Nappa double stitch leather, xenon directional headlights, LED daytime running lights and the clever Peugeot Connect SOS system to an already generous level of kit. This option includes an automatic SOS feature that, in the event of the airbags being deployed, contacts the emergency services and pin points the exact location of the accident. The GT also has intelligent lighting too. The adaptive main beam system fitted to selected 508 models has been designed to optimise main beam use, and therefore enhance driver vision. It employs a camera on the back of the rear-view mirror to analyse aspects such as approaching or following vehicles, brightly lit urban areas and the like, and then activates or deactivates the main beams accordingly. Allure and GT versions of the 508 are equipped with an electric parking brake which offers convenient operation. On start-up, the handbrake releases automatically when the driver pulls off, while the handbrake is automatically activated when the engine is switched off. The handbrake can also be manually activated using the push-pull next to the start/stop button. The 508 is the first Peugeot model to offer hands-free access and start-up on selected models. The system replaces a conventional key with an electronic unit that employs recognition technology to allow convenient unlocking and starting of the vehicle, without the need to insert a key, or to press any buttons on the key fob. The electronic key can be detected by the car from a distance of 1.8 m and can be kept in a pocket or handbag. A start/stop button on the fascia is used to start up or stop the engine, while brushing a hand over the door handle locks or unlocks the vehicle. Another plus point about owning a 508 GT SW is the glass roof, never have I driven a hard top car with so much interior light. If it does become too light a twist of the control and the interior cover emerges. Both fronts seats are heated and the driver’s seat has a lumber massage button, adding total relaxation while driving. In short, the 508 is loaded with a level of standard kit that shames the likes of Audi and BMW and it has a high level of presence on the road. However, the gleaming paintwork and relative newness of the 508 helps to give it a standout quality. I tested the range topping GT HDi 200 model with its 2.2 diesel engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox. At £29,050 plus options, the GT model isn’t cheap, although 508 ownership starts at £18,450 for the basic 1.6 Access model. By emitting just 150 g/km of CO2, the 508 has a combined MPG figure of 49.5. It will accelerate to 60mph in a little over eight seconds and will go on to a top speed of 145mph. The 508 achieved a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating, including a 90% and 87% rating for adult and child safety respectively. The 508 GT is a genuinely satisfying, if not fun car to drive and is a sure signal that Peugeot is once again back on form. If the RCZ was a sign that that the lion is waking up, the 508 signals that the cat is back on the prowl. ■ To arrange a test drive contact: Robins & Day Bristol Lysander Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7TS Tel: 0117 301 1700 DECEMBER 2011
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BUSINESSnews
Free mentoring service gets south west businesses off to a good start A Bath-based marketing and communications agency has launched with advice, coaching and support from Business West. The Big Story, run by Jon Dunbar and Paul Gillow, aims to offer a flexible, tailored approach to marketing communications. Both former directors at McCann Erickson, Jon and Paul spotted a gap in the market. “We are well aware that budgets are getting tighter and it is increasingly necessary to justify every penny of marketing spend,” explained Jon. “True added value is becoming harder to come by, so we developed a different model, based around a network of highly skilled, specialist partners that we can bring in to projects as and
News in brief ■ Big-hearted customers and staff at the four branches of the Bath Building Society have been adding a couple of tins and packs of dry complete cat and dog food to their shopping baskets each week to help sustain the animals at the rescue centre through the winter. Tracey Pemberton and Gemma Sharman, Branch Supervisors from BBS, organised the collection for the Claverton animal centre which costs more than £3,500 to run and cares for 3,000 animals a year. ■ Hoteliers Guy and Clare Hungerford, owners of the picturesque Guyers House Hotel and restaurant near Corsham, are celebrating winning a best breakfast award from Visit England. The hotel prides itself on sourcing its fresh ingredients locally to offer guests the best full English breakfasts. ■ Crest Nicholson, developers behind the Riverside project in Bath has been awarded Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year at the 2011 Housebuilder Awards in recognition of its ongoing commitment to sustainable development, along with the extent to which it succeeds in balancing economic, environmental and social considerations. ■ A free weekly surgery for creative enquirers has been launched by a firm of patent and trademark attorneys in Bath. Handsome IP Ltd, which is based off Queen Square, is setting aside 2pm– 3pm on Fridays to talk over intellectual property issues without charge. Three 20 minute appointments are available, which are pre-booked by emailing info@handsomeip.com or calling 0845 643 5799. Managing director Lewis Hands says the idea is give enquirers time to discuss their queries face to face.
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when we need to. Essentially, we build a team for each client based on our sector and channel expertise – and no client pays for a resource they don’t require.” In need of specialist advice, The Big Story contacted Business West in early 2011. Sue Marchant, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Growth Coach for Business West, advised the pair to apply for the Starting a High Growth Business programme. Starting a High Growth Business offers coaching and mentoring support to firms trading less than 12 months with the scope to achieve strong growth. Funded by the ERDF, the initiative is delivered by Business West and its
partners across the South West. The service, which is free for local firms that meet key criteria, comprises a minimum of 12 hours of support from a business coach or mentor. They work with the business leader and the management team, offering advice on various aspects of growing the business, for up to 12 months. Speaking of his experiences, Jon said: “Businesses have nothing to lose, there’s no cost involved and the results are incredible. Within a month of the official launch we had already secured our first paying clients.” For information on Business West’s support services tel: 01275 370 760.
LATEST BUZZ
Accolades for garden centre Lowden Garden Centre near Atworth, has been honoured in the UK Garden Centre Retail Awards which took place at the Grosvenor House, London. In the category UKs Best Garden Centre Restaurant, Lowden finished top as best Independent Restaurant, pipped at the post only by Britain’s largest garden centre operator, Wyevale, The Garden Centre Group, while in the category UK’s Medium Sized Garden Centre, it was Highly Commended. Owners Jonathan and Alison Sinclair are delighted and said it was thanks to all their staff and customers for their support over the years.
BATH BUSINESS news & views
A round up of achievements and events from the city’s business community
Record-breaking contract for carers
Circle, the employee co-owned social enterprise that runs CircleBath, the awardwinning hospital at Peasedown St John which treats private and NHS patients, has won a contract to run Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust in Huntingdonshire for ten years. The Strategic Health Authority with responsibility for the Huntingdon region, NHS East and Midlands Strategic Health Authority, selected Circle following a rigorous 14 month tendering process involving 19 bidders. Circle will be the first non-state provider ever to deliver a full range of NHS district general hospital services when the contract begins in February. NHS East and Midlands chose Circle on the back of its track record at CircleBath for both NHS and private patients. Over 99 per cent of patients treated and surveyed in Bath have said they would recommend the CircleBath hospital to family and friends. Circle’s turnaround team for Hinchingbrooke will include consultants, nurses and management from CircleBath. The five star hospitality team from CircleBath has already been working with Hinchingbrooke on improving patient experience, with CircleBath’s head chef Andreas (who joined Circle from a Michelin starred restaurant) working on the menus to provide tasty and nutritious food.
Giving an hour’s wages can make a difference The Foundation for Mother and Child Health, based in Bath, works to help poor communities by treating and preventing malnutrition; providing health, hygiene and nutrition education; medical services; preschool education; income generation through skills training; and microcredit. It was established by nurses Barbara Jayson and Rosie Penrhyn Jones, now a Bath resident. Projects include working in the slums of urban Jakarta and Mumbai, and in rural West Timor, to help hundreds of families. This Christmas, people are invited to make a gift by donating an hour of their salary once a month. Visit: www.motherandchildhealth.org, or email rpj.fmch@gmail.com for more information and to arrange Payroll Giving. Giftaid adds 25 per cent to donations made by UK taxpayers.
HELPING FAMILIES: direct help for mums and babies in the slums of Mumbai and Kakarta
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LEGALmatters
ADV ERT OR I AL FEATURE
‘One for the Road?’ I
t’s that festive time of year again when we all probably drink a little more than we normally would. Many of us make judgements as to how much alcohol we can drink and yet still be below the limit when we drive. This is far from easy and all too often people get it wrong. Some people consume alcohol the night before and feel fine the next day and do not realise that they are still over the limit. Very often people are shocked to discover that they have failed the roadside breath test. Such mistakes can cost people their livelihoods and leave their personal lives in tatters owing to the driving disqualification that is imposed. The question is what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation and what are your rights? What happens if you are pulled over? Often the first time the police come to a driver’s attention is when they see the flashing blue lights in their rear-view mirror. The police do not need a reason to pull you over. However, it should be borne in mind that the police must follow strict procedures when they do so. The police can only ask you to give a roadside breath test if the officer is in uniform and reasonably suspects that you have been involved in an accident, committed a road traffic offence or that you have consumed alcohol. If any of these procedures are not complied with, then you may have a defence if you do not carry out the roadside breath test. If the roadside breath test has been lawfully requested and you fail to provide a sample of breath, then you will have committed an offence which carries four penalty points or a discretion to disqualify. If you are found to be over the legal limit on a roadside breath test then normally you will be arrested and taken to the local police station. What is the procedure at the police station? At the police station you will be booked in and then breathalysed normally fairly quickly. Before being breathalysed the police should warn you that failing to provide a specimen of breath may mean that you will be prosecuted. If no such warning is given then you may have a good defence in relation to the drink driving allegation, even if the police go on and take a specimen of breath that shows that you are over the limit. The police should record the warning on a specific form while going through the breath test procedure. This can be checked to see if it mentions whether the WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
warning was given. Also almost all police stations have CCTV systems which have an auditory record. This can be requested from the police and often shows conclusively whether or not the warning was given. The limit on the breath is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. Two samples of breath are normally taken on the breathalysing machine. If the lower sample is no more than 50ugs in 100ml of breath then you should be given the option to have the breath test replaced by a sample of blood or urine. If you are not given this option then this again may provide a defence in relation to an allegation of drink driving. The reason why a blood or urine test should be offered is because they are considered to be more accurate than a breath test. It is strongly advised that if you are found to be in this position that this option is taken up. Where a specimen of blood is taken we would urge that you ask the police for a sample of that specimen. The police have to give this to you and if they refuse then this may also constitute a defence. Such a sample of blood can be independently analysed at a later time to check the alcohol content and to see if the police analysis is correct. The limit in relation to blood is 80mg in 100ml of blood. Once more, before the blood is taken, the warning that you may be liable to prosecution if you fail to give a sample must be given by the police or again, you may have a defence.
should be answering police questions or not. The solicitor will also accompany you in the interview itself and check that the police questions are fair. At Motoring Law Defence we specialise in representing clients in relation to all motoring matters including drink drinking. As well as assisting you at the police station level, we can also assist you if you are charged with drink driving and due to attend court. We can advise on whether you have a defence or whether you should plead guilty. Even if a guilty plea is appropriate, we can help obtain a more lenient sentence by explaining to the Magistrates in great detail the devastating effect that a long ban would have upon your life and others. For free initial advice on any motoring law matter please telephone Philip Hatvany, specialist road traffic solicitor at Motoring Law Defence on 01225 442925 or via email at advice@motoringlawdefence.com
Why should I use a solicitor? The sentences for drink driving can be severe. If you plead guilty or are found guilty then there is a mandatory minimum ban of 12 months for a first offence and a possible fine. However, for people well over the limit they could also receive a community order or even a prison sentence of up to 6 months. At the police station, the police will not normally delay the breath test procedure in order for you to seek legal advice. However, where the police are looking to interview you, you will be entitled to have a solicitor present. We would strongly suggest that you take this option up, as the solicitor will be able to give advice on important issues such as whether you
Philip Hatvany, Road Traffice Solicitor at Motoring Law Defence
2-4 Henry Street Bath, BA1 1JT T: 01225 442925 www.motoringlawdefence.com Motoring Law Defence is a division of Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors DECEMBER 2011
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BUSINESSnews
Natural products bring sense of wellbeing to Christmas shopping Bath retailer Aranais has re-launched its range of specialist skin care products which it sells in the Guildhall Market and online. Owned by husband and wife team Robert and Anna Morgan, pictured, and launched last year, Aranais sells its own range of natural face and body care products made using natural plant extracts as well as a range of holistic health and ethical products. Robert says: “The Christmas market was a great success for us last year and an extremely useful way to launch our business. However, this year we wanted to offer our returning customers something new and different and the redesign was a great way to do that as well as providing
Baroque on a roll
us with better stand out appeal. Our new look really emphasises the natural and ethical aspect of our business and clearly differentiates Aranais products from the mass market. It is a big investment for us but we believe in our product range and the feedback from our customers gives us great confidence in our business.” Special for Christmas is The Three Kings bath oil, which contains frankincense and myrrh to calm and focus the mind. Aranais’ creams are suitable for all skin types including acne, eczema, sensitive and mature skins. It also has an extensive range of natural body care products sourced from small specialist manufacturers. Visit: www.aranais.co.uk
LATEST BUZZ
Memories are made of this
● Brothers Rod and Max Johnson, pictured with Caroline Entwistle, have launched Baroque nightclub (formerly Back to Mine) in Bladud Buildings with the support of Bath law firm Withy King. Rod said: “It took a long time to get the financing in place and pull the deal together, but we felt we had the right idea and could make a venue like this flourish. “We benefitted from solid commercial advice, and believe that things are looking better economically and people are more willing to spend on a night out. We are optimistic about the future of Baroque.” Caroline Entwistle, commercial property expert at Withy King, said: “We are seeing a definite growth in entrepreneurs’ confidence compared to 12 months ago. As well as large national chains, Bath is well positioned to offer opportunities for independent businesses.” The club is aimed at locals and students and has private karaoke rooms.
A Bradford-on-Avon business which produces journals designed to capture people’s stories and memories, has won the export rights to sell to five international markets. From Me To you was launched in 2007 by Neil Coxon and has gone from strength to strength. Beginning in Australia the business then established distribution partners in Ireland, Canada, the USA and South Africa, with 25 per cent of sales now overseas. From Me To You journals include 17 titles for all the family, friends and for Christmas memories and are priced at £12.25 each from shops or visit: www.frommetoyou.com
BATH BUSINESS news & views
A round up of achievements and events from the city’s business community
Longleat adds to its hotel portfolio
The Longleat estate has bought Homewood Park Hotel and Spa at Hinton Charterhouse and Bishopstrow House in Warminster and has pledged to spend money on both hotels. Set in ten acres of landscaped gardens and grounds, Homewood is just six miles from Bath. The award-winning country hotel hosts weddings and other tailor-made events and its Lime Restaurant has been voted Country Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide. Bishopstrow also has a spa and has four AA stars. Longleat plans to invest £1m upgrading the hotel.
Perfect timing
Bath businessman Dan Daly, who launched Tick Tok, a range of brightly coloured slapband watches into the country earlier this year, is celebrating winning a product listing in Easyjet’s inflight magazine. Dan runs his business from his office in Camden, importing the collectable timepieces from China. The larger Tick Tok is aimed primarily at adults, while the Tick Tok Tiny is for children. Both are available in eight bright colours and have interchangeable faces and straps. The product is already stocked in Toys R Us and with Amazon and Dan has high hopes for the future of the business.
Personal and professional achievements for company founder Neal Slateford, co-founder of Bath-based adult toy business Lovehoney, has raised more than £4,000 for the Dorothy House Hospice by completing the New York Marathon. The 48-year-old completed the 26.2 mile course in 4 hours and 52 mins. It was Neal’s second marathon, having run his first in Maui, Hawaii last year, He said: “Running the event was a real personal achievement however I am absolutely delighted that I was able to use the occasion to raise money for Dorothy House, a charity that provides a truly outstanding service to the local community.” There was a personal significance for 58 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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choosing the Winsley-based charity and Neal said that he ran the event in memory of his partner Bonny’s mother Inka Hall, who died recently, aged 57, after suffering cancer. “Dorothy House Hospice is an incredibly worthy charity and I witnessed the fantastic work they do to help support those with cancer and their families during what can be a very difficult time.” Lovehoney’s staff are also celebrating the company’s recent acquisition of erotic retailer Coco de Mer, which has its flagship store in Covent Garden and which will now give the Bath mail order business a presence on the high street.
MARATHON MAN: Neal Slateford of Lovehoney
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TOP Sp e fro nd £ m ran o 100 u g an e a r fu or m dis extr nd r rni ore co a 1 ec tur un 0% eiv e t e
Christmas Offers from
Discount applies through-out December 2011, whilst stock lasts Promotions running throughout the store on general stationery.... see instore for details!!! Test Office, 18 Union Passage, Bath, BA1 1RE. Tel: 01225 444224 • Fax: 01225 311871 • www.testoffice.co.uk
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Incorporate your business and save tax! If you are starting a new business – or own a small business - you should consider incorporating the business (setting up a limited company) to take advantage of the favourable tax situation. Owners of limited companies can pay themselves dividends from the profits of the company and so save paying national insurance at ever increasing levels. The structure of a limited company also provides the opportunity to include other people (particularly family members) as shareholders, allowing them to benefit from dividend payments in addition to perhaps receiving a small salary (and utilising personal allowances that might otherwise be wasted). Corporation tax starts at 20% and is very attractive for higher rate tax payers; amongst other benefits the ‘limited’ structure allows them to ring fence the profits from their higher rates and choose when to distribute them - or to have them available for reinvestment in the business without having suffered tax at higher rates and national insurance contributions. Given that the latest increases in national insurance contributions have taken them to 12% for employees and 13.8% for the employer, the savings can be considerable. The cost of incorporation is around £100 and takes less than 24 hours; the savings are available to any business making profits where drawings, by whatever form, are subject to national insurance contributions; the benefits can therefore be seen even with low profit and turnover figures. We’ve been looking after small businesses (turnovers from £20,000 to £5 million) for more than twenty years and have clients who have been with us throughout; we would be pleased to explain this opportunity to you in less than an hour, covering the main points including what benefits you can see and how you can save money.
Call Mike Wilcox or Marie Maggs on 01225 445507 to come in for a discussion – no obligation – we’re pleased to help. 141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL www.oclaccountancy.com
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CITYprofile
SAY cheese PLEASE Georgette McCready talks to Ann-Marie Dyas founder of the Bath Fine Cheese Company and world ambassador for west country cheese
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TIRELESS AMBASSADOR: main picture, Ann Marie Dyas in her Walcot shop at the cheese counter PICTURES: Jason Lowe Photography
eople visiting the Fine Cheese Company’s excellent and generously stocked shop and deli in Walcot Street often feel moved to offer advice: “You should expand – open another shop or something. You would do well to grow the business.” Owner AnnMarie Dyas may smile politely, but what these wellmeaning supporters don’t know is that the Bath shop is merely the tip of the Fine Cheese iceberg. The brand, labelled Bath England, is sold throughout the world and supports hundreds of jobs, including chutney makers, a bakery business dedicated to making biscuits for cheese, and a legion of artisan cheesemakers labouring away in their small farm dairies. Ann-Marie and her husband John Siddall founded the Fine Cheese Company 20 years ago. And although she says she is reluctant to be interviewed, if you can persuade her to talk about her beloved cheese, the anecdotes keep coming. Regular customers often find themselves being served by Ann-Marie, who has great respect for those who request samples to try before they buy. “Of course I like people to taste the cheese before they buy it!” she is adamant. And if you spend any length of time with her she can’t resist taking you to the shop, where more than 100 cheeses are laid out, to share samples as she talks. While I am admiring the gooiness of the Waterloo – a Brie-like British cheese made on the Duke of Wellington’s estate – Ann-Marie draws my attention to a medium sized curiously shaped cheese. West country cheesemaker, Mary Holbrook, was originally a historian and curator and she applied her inquiring mind to researching how to make soft cheese by travelling Continental Europe. She found they used basket moulds to make the cheese in, but when she got home to Timsbury she decided to improvise with the local materials available. This turned out to be a cheap plastic colander from a local shop, but it served its purpose very well. If you look very closely you can see the marks of the colander on Sleight Farm’s soft cheeses and on the soft cheeses of several other British cheesemakers. Ann-Marie and the Fine Cheese Company do much to champion cheesemakers. Once a year she hosts a cheese festival in Milsom Place, where dozens of cheesemakers gather to sell their wares and meet their public. And, at the end of the day’s selling they all get together for a party. It is a rare chance for them to get together as most are tied to the seven-days a week business of milking and cheesemaking. So, along with the cheese selling, the Fine Cheese Company sells pickles and what it calls Fruits for Cheese, densely flavoured purees that accompany different cheeses perfectly. And if you’re tucking into cheese with fruit puree you’re naturally going to need a cracker to complete the experience. The Fine Cheese Company began commissioning crackers from an artisan bakery in Derbyshire. You can find these elegantly labelled and packaged goodies in the Walcot shop and in delicatessens across the nation. Every single one of them bears the words ‘Bath, England’ on them. But where you
won’t find them is in supermarkets. Ann-Marie is a woman of principle, a shining example of standing by your beliefs. She says of the supermarkets: “They have asked many times. But I want to support the independents. It’s a moral thing.” So when the bakery in Derbyshire was threatened with closure with the sale by the owners, Ann-Marie and John decided boldly to borrow the money to buy the bakery. It’s another aspect of the business that the average customer doesn’t see. We also don’t see Ann-Marie travelling the world promoting British cheeses. “My advice is to do what John and I do, buy the cheapest air tickets and the best hotel you can afford.” As well as being a judge in the British Cheese awards, she travels to food fairs and cheese shows the world over. The Japanese, not known for their dairy products, are taking to the Fine Cheese Company’s selections. They like to take their cheese in tiny delicate slithers, says Ann-Marie, as to their palates it is an acquired taste. The Fine Cheese Company exports to 35 countries, including Australia and surprisingly to France too. She tells the story, complete with photograph, of how to sell a waxed Cheddar to the French. “We were the only Brits at the Salon du Fromage, so we made a joke out of it because we know how chauvinistic some Frenchmen are about their cheeses. Our sign read “Fromage Anglais – ce n’est pas mal.” At Christmas time the Walcot shop is stocked with all sorts of delicacies, many of them from France and Italy. The mail order business, with its catalogue filled with mouth-watering food porn photos of cheeses posing provocatively, is doing brisk trade in this country and abroad. When you look at the cheeses in the shop it does actually make you feel ashamed that you’ve ever bought a shrink-wrapped orange slab of some generic cheese that’s been so refrigerated it’s lost most of its flavour. Ann-Marie is happy that the British artisan cheesemaking industry is thriving – and it is clear when you meet cheesemakers that they have a huge respect for what she does for them. She has story after story of how the unbroken chain, from animal to cheesemaker to the shop and then to the customer is what her business is all about. She visits farms in far-flung Switzerland, France and Italy to meet the families who have been cheesemaking for generations and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of who makes what and which awards they have won. The Fine Cheese Company has won accolade after accolade because it does what it does professionally, skilfully and is fiercely independent. For anyone starting out in business, this would be an ideal role model. It now employs more than two dozen staff – plus the Derbyshire bakery – and supports the livelihoods of many more. It wasn’t planned like this. Of her growing and successful empire Ann-Marie just smiles expansively and holds out her arms: “We’re like Topsy – we just growed.” ■
We were the only Brits at the Salon ❝ du Fromage, so we made a joke out of it – our sign read ‘Fromage Anglais – ce n’est pas mal
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FOOD&DRINK
Dyrham’s in festive mood Dyrham House, just a few miles north of Bath, will be decked out in traditional Victorian finery for the return of the popular Love Food Festival. On Sunday 11 December the deer park and 17th century stately home, which is owned by the National Trust, will be offering visitors the chance to get into the mood for Christmas, while picking up some presents. With chestnuts roasting, mince pies, a decorated tree and carol singers in full song, even the flintiest heart will feel a pang of nostalgia for Christmases past.
The National Trust is generously offering free entry to the house and garden to children that day. Activities will be laid on for youngsters, such as Christmas cracker making and gingerbread decorating, to keep them happy while their parents shop. Outside in the grounds the Love Food Festival market will be packed with stalls selling local produce and gifts. Choose from wine, cheese, puddings, pies, fruit and veg, chocolate and chutneys. You can even order your turkey or goose and have it home delivered in time for the big day.
Three weekends of wine tasting For three weekends in the run-up to Christmas, Great Western Wine is hosting a series of wine and Champagne tastings at its store at the foot of Wellsway, Bath. Visitors can call in at any time to taste Champagne over the weekend of 3/4 December, while the wines of
the New World and northern hemisphere, including Bordeaux and Burgundy, will be availabe for tastings on the weekends of 10/11 December and 17/18 December. The wines will range from seasonal essentials for the Christmas table to treats of £50 plus.
Santa’s brunch The annual Dorothy House Christmas Fayre and Gingerbread House display begins on Thursday 1 December, between 7.30pm and 9pm at the Winsley based hospice, when the judging of the sweet houses will take place. This will be followed by the chance to shop for Christmas presents, which will then continue from 10.30am on 2 and 3 December. On Saturday 3 December there will be the chance to see whether Father Christmas is a messy eater as he hosts brunch for guests. Book Dorothy House to reserve a place, tel: 01225 721480.
Ben Sibbald, who runs Made by Ben café in Walcot Street, has got Christmas all wrapped up – quite literally, in his newly created pie. Ben’s Christmas Dinner Pie contains everything you’d expect, from meat and roast vegetables to potatoes and stuffing, all contained in a traditional cold water suet pastry. Ben is now taking orders for his Christmas Dinner Pie, which serves eight to ten hungry people and costs £40. Readers of The Bath Magazine who call in to place an order will be entitled to two free cinnamon cappucinos from Ben. The pies are available in five fillings, including vegetarian, and he’s making gravy to order too.
TASTE and the
TABLE Morsels from Bath’s food & drink scene
Sweet treats at chocolate festival Everyone expects a bit of chocolate in their Christmas stocking, and the annual Chocolate Festival in Bath on Saturday 3 December will provide the ideal opportunity to pick up an unusual or handmade treat. Award winning chocolatiers will gather at Milsom Place from 10am to 5pm with samples and special gift presentations. The mouth watering line up includes Damian Allsop, Rococo, Baruzzo, Chococo, Philip Maes Fine Chocolates, and James Chocolates. Damian Allsop is a real life Willy Wonka re-inventing the ganache using only water to create a lighter, fresher tasting treat. His magical Flavour Changers truffles alter their taste up to three times in your mouth with
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huge bursts of flavour such as passionfruit and fresh basil. Indulge with offerings from Rococo. Founded by a woman with a passion for chocolate, Rococo is perfect for gifts from cheerful chilli chocolates to hand-painted chocolate art. James Chocolates’ treats include adventurous flavours such as their award winning Strawberry and Pepper, tangy Lemonzest and Poppy, and cute Honeycomb Bees, Milk Piglets and Spotty Frogs – perfect for kids. You’ll only be left with one challenge – not to eat everyone’s treats before you can give them.
Dress to thrill See in the new year in style as the Bath Priory hosts a James Bond themed New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. Tickets are on sale now for the black tie gala, which begins with a shaken not stirred Martini and canape reception, followed by a five-course celebratory menu prepared by award-winning head chef Sam Moody. Dancing in a heated marquee will then be followed by a firework display to welcome in 2012. Executive chef Michael Caines MBE is hosting a festive wine dinner at the Priory on Thursday 8 December, which will include matching wines for each course. Call 01225 331922 to book for either event.
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The Chequers 50 Rivers Street, Bath BA1 2QA. Tel: 01225 360017
REVIEW
TIS THE SEASON
A
t some point during the next month many of us will be planning to meet up with friends or family for a meal out. We’ll want somewhere that does good food (including something for the veggies), reasonably priced, with a convivial atmosphere and good service. I’d say, give The Chequers in Rivers Street a whirl. It ticks all the boxes and has a few surprises on the menu that will keep the gastronomes happy. Don’t be put off by the fact that The Chequers was once one of Bath’s local pubs and has been given a new lease of life as a gastro pub. It’s still a good old-fashioned local, as I can bear witness, when on a busy Friday evening a guy with his dog was welcomed by staff and stood happily at the bar with a pint. I often wonder what these dog walking men tell their partners when they get home after these little jaunts. Do they make out they’ve walked miles and only stopped to pick up a packet of Polos on the way? But I digress. Diners can sit downstairs in the bar, which is all lively buzz, candlelight and gentle music, or upstairs in what used to be the restaurant. The same menu is now served both upstairs and down. Chalk boards display classics such as haddock, chips and mushy peas or venison sausages with mash and sweet onion jus. We were seduced by the list of half a dozen starters on the menu, which range in price from £5.50 for spiced pumpkin soup, to £9.50 for seared Scottish scallops, which I enjoyed. They were slightly smoky on the outside and sweetly juicy on the inside and enhanced by a little crisp pork belly and a smidge of cauliflower. Nice to see local suppliers Eades get a mention on the menu, but then the independently owned Chequers prides itself on serving seasonal and locally sourced food whenever possible. J enjoyed a generous portion of plump prawns in chilli and garlic aioli, with a couple of slices of homemade sourdough bread which he appreciated to mop the juices up. When it came to choosing the main course, I dithered. I loved the idea of the seared Cornish monkfish with sticky lentils, Bombay potatoes, onion bahji and braised fennel, a sort of EastWest fusion which really appealed. But then I thought the very
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to be merry
seasonal vegetarian dish of curried butternut squash casserole with spiced lentils and toasted homemade focaccia might serve the same purpose. This was a truly special dish which went down very well on a chilly evening. The warm, rich orange casserole was easy on the eye and the palate and married happily with the black, spicy lentils. Tasty and filling but not overpowering. J was tempted by the Chequers own burger and chips but tried instead a sirloin steak medium rare with fat hand cut chips. All the Chequers steaks are 35-day, dry aged steaks. The Chequers has an extensive wine list, along with ales and ciders and we enjoyed a couple of glasses of good wine with our dinner. If you’re thinking of coming at Christmas time there is a special festive menu available. From two courses at lunchtime for £20, or £25 for three, and £25 or £30 for dinner, this includes a complimentary amuse bouche of a shot of roasted squash with chestnut bubbles and a pre dessert mulled wine sorbet with lemon sherbet. And while there are traditional dishes on the menu, including free range roast Wiltshire turkey with pigs in blankets and Christmas pudding served with a glazed brandy sauce, there is also a delicious sounding hake with smoked chowder, potatoes and sauteed cabbage and a particularly yummy sounding pudding which combines a whisky and chestnut pannacotta with spiced plums, chocolate mousse, macerated satsumas and honeycomb. Speaking of delicious sounding puddings, make sure you save room for a Chequers dessert if and when you visit. I had a really good one, which was a chocolate mousse with warm cherry sauce, vanilla ice cream and included a surprise element which I didn’t notice at first – the bowl was made from the thinnest, crispest dark chocolate. It was like eating the finest quality Easter egg, offering a few minutes of real indulgence. The Chequers is hosting a New Year’s Eve tasting menu (£95 with wine for a comprehensive feast of a menu) and which includes an invitation to dance the night away at sister pub the Marlborough Tavern. A recipe for a great New Year, I’d say. ■ GMc
AWARD-WINNER: The Chequers is popular with regular clientele and recently won the public vote for the best Sunday roast in Bath at the independent Bath Good Food awards
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Yo Ho Ho! Merry Christmas Dinner and Disco Celebrations at Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant!
GUYERS HOUSE
Hotel &Restaurant Please ring for reservations: 01249 713399 Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant Pickwick, Corsham Wiltshire SN13 0PS
www.guyershouse.com WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Come and celebrate a Great Christmas evening on Friday 9th, Friday 16th or Saturday 17th December with a superb traditional Christmas menu prepared by the renowned Guyers House Restaurant Chefs followed by the fun of a disco in this lovely old English House. Alternatively get in the mood for the holiday with a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner with friends and colleagues throughout December. Private rooms available for private parties. Open for lunches and dinners between Christmas and New Year. Quick and delicious bar meals now available in the panelled Stable Bar. Guyers House Hotel is a lovely place to stay recommended by Mail on Sunday, Best Loved Hotels, and Alistair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay.
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KEEPitLOCAL
THE BEST FESTIVE
fare
This Christmas, as we tuck into the ritual feast of plenty, show support for the local growers, producers and artisans who make the west country great for good food. Here’s a round-up of some of the best places to shop local
S
upermarkets in the run-up to Christmas are hell on earth. Shoppers end up walking miles in the aisles in search of pickled walnuts or glace cherries, only to find themselves rammed in trolley traffic jams while they queue to pay. There’s also the sneaking feeling that your hard-earned pennies are going to some faceless monster of an international conglomerate. There is a solution. We can turn instead to local food producers, interact with the people who actually grow the meat, potatoes and sprouts, and go home with wholesome and delicious ingredients for our family’s Christmas feasts. There’s usually the chance to pick up recipe ideas and discuss where the ingredients have come from. Many of them are taking orders now, which means you can just call in and collect your Christmas in a box. It’s also worth comparing prices against the supermarkets – in at least three local stores we visited we noticed the prices of some goods were cheaper than the big brands. We’ve picked some great places in Bath and the surrounding countryside to shop locally this winter.
PJ’s Farm
Neston Park Farm Shop
Shoppers stopping by at PJ’s regular market stall at the Bath Farmers’ Market on Saturdays in Green Park Station are greeted with a cheery smile and hello from Mike and his daughter Becky, who are always happy to talk about where their bacon and sausages are made. They’re produced on the Wright family farm at Beach, where Mike and his son Jamie raise rare breed British Lop pigs and carry out the butchery and sausage making. Becky’s husband Ross works at the adjoining Thoughtful Bread Company, which produces all sorts of unusual bread. PJ’s is making up hampers of local produce for Christmas and will be at the Sunday markets in Green Park Station on 4 and 11 December.
The shop at Neston Park on the Bath Road near Atworth was originally opened to sell the estate’s fabulous home-raised organic beef, but has expanded over the years to offer pretty much everything you might need for the Christmas pantry. Qualified butchers are on hand to dicuss different cuts of meat and how to best cook them, there are cheeses, bread, free range eggs and locally grown fruit and vegetables. The deli has any number of goodies suitable for Boxing Day’s cold collation, including awardwinning smoked duck breast, Scotch eggs and salami. Enjoy home cooked lunch while you shop and sample the produce at first hand.
The growing selection of country stores and other services at Beckington all started with a pig and arable farm, with the shop offering the chance to sell pork products direct to the customer. But its services, like its reputation, have grown over the years and this month sees the shop, café, fishmongers and deli being joined by hot fish and chip suppers. Alongside an excellent butcher’s shop, the Scallop Shell fishmonger has won national acclaim, with customers being able to buy fish fresh from the coast as well as homemade crabcakes and fish pie for the home freezer.
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White Row Country Foods, Beckington
GOURMET TREATS: main picture, a display of tracklements and treats from Seasons at Holt, where you can pick up everything for the Christmas table from sprouts and meat to the gravy, wine and cheeseboard PICTURE: Al Brunker
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KEEPitLOCAL
SEASONAL AND LOCAL: main picture, a display of vegetables at Farringtons which can be found at Home Farm, just off the A327 between Bath and Wells Top right, colourful caulis at Beckington’s White Row Farm Shop Right, locally made sausages
Manor Farm, Upton Cheyney The English countryside might seem an unlikely place to grow hot and spicy chillis, but the Upton Cheyney Chilli Company, based at Manor Farm, does a roaring trade in chillis mild to fiery and even hosts an annual chilli festival. Its range of chilli sauces and jams – with the aim of making you ‘hot and happy’ – are available at the Manor Farm shop. The organic farm produces free range pork, beef and lamb which it sells in the shop, along with its homemade sausages and homegrown veg. There’s also a café serving winter warmers such as homemade stews and soups.
Hartley Farm Shop, Winsley The Bowles family have been farming at Winsley for generations and their Aberdeen Angus and Hereford beef and Gloucester Old Spot pork along with free range eggs and locally shot game are on sale at the Hartley Farm Shop just outside Bradford-on-Avon. Along with Hobbs House Bakery bread, there’s locally made fudge, marmalade and cakes, while the farm also runs a microbrewery producing Willy Good Ales.
Darling Deli, Combe Down We can rely on the skills of owner/chef Sarah Britton in the kitchens for taking a lot of the hassle out of cooking at Christmas. Chef Sarah prepares dishes for her customers to take home and enjoy, along with her homemade festive range of mince pies, Christmas cake and puddings. Her own special recipe Darling Deli Christmas pudding sells by the hundred and this year one lucky customer will find a winning token in their pudding box, worth £25 to spend at Darling Deli.
Seasons, Holt Tis the Season to be cheerful as Holt based Seasons cooks’ country store prepares to celebrate its first Christmas by extending its range of what it calls ‘grown-up goodie bags’. These consist of all the ingredients needed for the home cook to make Christmas puddings and cake. All you’ll need is eggs, water and a hot oven. Seasons also has a range of home-made chutneys, jams WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
and jellies, game and fish patés and traditional pies. The shop, behind the Tollgate Inn, also specialises in gourmet prepared meals for single portions, which are ideal for people living alone. Chef Alex Venables and his team have got all the meat, vegetables and trimmings needed for the perfect Christmas dinner – all available to order. They’ve even made the gravy too. Seasons does a nice line in themed gift boxes, containing west country produce such as honey, artisan cheese or Melksham grown chilli jam.
Farrington Farm Shop, Farrington Gurney This country shop was named earlier this year as British Champion – Local Food by the Countryside Alliance. Owners Tish and Andy Jeffery know that customers return because of the service they receive, as well as the quality of the food. The run-up to Christmas sees the shelves groaning with all sorts of goodies, from organic vegetables from the farm to more than 50 kinds of cheese. In-house butcher Jon Thorner, recently won the title Somerset’s best butcher, and has all the locally raised meat needed for a traditional Christmas. Save hours in the kitchen at home by picking up ready-made soups, pies, puddings and cakes at the shop. There’s also The Thoughtful Bread Company’s bakery, the Pink Prawn Fishmongers, a gift shop, florist, beauty clinic, hair salon and café.
Larkhall – the butcher, greengrocer & Goodies Delicatessen Larkhall is where you can find a mighty triumverate of shops selling practically everything you’ll need for the 12 days of Christmas. There’s the Larkhall greengrocers, run by the Rich family, who grow much of the seasonal produce you’ll find in the shop – great for sprouts on a stalk and low food miles. Over the road Gene at the Larkhall Butchers is so dedicated to his customers that he’ll be open at 4am on Christmas Eve for them to pick up their orders. He sells free range Norfolk Bronze turkeys raised at Faulkland, bacon from Bromham and venison raised at Ashton Court. He’s also proud that much of his locally raised meat is cheaper than the supermarkets’ offerings. From there it’s just a few yards to Goodies Delicatessen, whose shelves are positively groaning with Christmas delights, from mince pies and chestnuts to Bath Ales, Hobbs House Bakery bread and the Ultimate Plum Pudding, sold for the last 22 years by popular demand. Goodies takes orders for Christmas boxes and will make them up to be collected at customers’ convenience. ■ DECEMBER 2011
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FOOD&DRINK
FULL OF
beans
Lindsey Harrad meets a bath coffee connoisseur who is on a mission to get us to take a fresh approach to enjoying our daily pick-me-up
W
e are all creatures of habit, relying on our familiar routines and comforting rituals to get us through the day, and for many of us, this also involves popping into the corner coffee shop to pick up a grande latte every morning. “Most people are familiar with the typical roasted bean aroma and flavour of their usual caffeine-fix,” says award-winning Bath barista Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood. “But actually, that roasted flavour means the coffee is tainted.” Maxwell and his wife Lesley run Colonna & Small’s, which has quickly become a well-established independent hang-out for coffee-connoisseurs. Their previous premises had a certain poky charm, but now the café has relocated to the former Six Chapel Row Gallery, the light, airy space is all the better to showcase the remarkable science that takes place behind the baristas’ counter. It seems appropriate that Maxwell has opened up shop in a former gallery, because his mission is to prove that there is an art to making great coffee, in a similar tradition to fine wine-making. Sure, we’re all familiar with the concept of the ‘theatre of coffee’, but in most of the big chains, this seems to involve making a lot of irritating noise, while using the same generic coffee for every cup. In fact, despite the lengthy menus on the wall, when you choose your coffee in a multinational chain, the only real decision you have to make is the volume of milk added – americano versus latte or macchiato for example – and not the type or flavour of the coffee itself. But it seems we are missing out on the potential for a deeper and more satisfying coffee-drinking experience. “Coffee is becoming purer and purer, which means the flavours can be more complex than wine,” says Maxwell. “There are so many variables that determine flavour, including how the farmer has grown the beans, to the processing method, the roasting, storage, the age of the beans and eventually how the coffee is prepared in the café.” Colonna & Small’s has tapped into some of the mystique of wine tasting and applied it to the coffee drinking experience, but without being too pretentious about it. However, the tricky issue is that they want people to learn and experiment, but how best to
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do this without patronising the customer? People accept this kind of advisory approach at a wine tasting, because wine has an inherent ‘snob factor’ and people readily admit they don’t know much about wine, but coffee is seen as a more everyday product, and you don’t have to be a specialist to have your own preference for Costa espresso over Starbucks latte. “The hospitality industry is usually all about giving the customer what they want, so we have to strike a delicate balance between educating people, without telling them what to do,” admits Maxwell. “For example, we brew our coffee to achieve a perfectly balanced flavour, so we encourage people not to add sugar as it’s not necessary.”
Colonna & Small’s has tapped into ❝ some of the mystique of wine tasting and applied it to the coffee drinking experience, but without being too pretentious about it
❞
Many of us add sugar and milk because that ‘tainted’ flavour caused by excessive roasting needs to be smoothed away. Overroasted coffee beans also lose all their subtle variations in flavour. “People become accustomed to the harsh, standardised flavour of commercial brands and our coffee can be a shock to them at first, because it’s much more delicate with a range of subtle flavours, from fruity to herby,” explains Maxwell. “In a typical commercial americano, for example, the espresso is watered down, which washes all the natural oils away, so there’s no intensity of flavour. Then the milk diminishes the fruity flavour, so it ends up bitter – which is why people then add sugar.” Maxwell believes there are three routes to coffee perfection: a freshly brewed filter coffee (which must be served black); an espresso, or finally, an espresso with steamed milk (heated to 65°C for optimum sweetness and texture). He says that a freshly
COFFEE CULTURE: main picture, Colonna & Small in Chapel Row is dedicated to the art of making excellent coffee
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FOOD&DRINK
METICULOUS: Colonna & Small’s secret of success includes good ingredients and careful filtering processes
brewed filter coffee is the furthest away from what you’d expect a coffee to taste like, with a flavour more akin to a delicate fruit tea. “A properly brewed filter coffee should taste better without milk, it should not be darkly roasted and will have plenty of complex flavours that are fruity, sweet and light. This delicate balance will be disrupted by adding milk – it’s like adding milk to a glass of peach juice. Completely wrong!” Espresso is prepared by a meticulous process that strips out the natural oils in the beans and pushes them into your cup, resulting in a drink with fuller, aromatic flavours. “Eighty per cent of the coffee market is for milky coffee drinks, it’s what people are used to,” says Maxwell. “So we try to choose espresso beans that will work well with the milk and still bring out the wonderful natural flavours of the coffee.” Coffee is a seasonal crop, and beans from different regions have varying properties and flavours, just like grapes for wine. The type and nationality of beans available at Colonna & Small’s changes from month to month, depending on what’s drinking well
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
at the time. “Understanding what makes a perfect cup of coffee can be complex, but we want to make it easy for people,” says Maxwell. “In fact, we strip the coffee experience back to the essentials. We have three beans for filter coffee, three for espresso, and we don’t offer a huge menu of cup sizes, syrups and choice of milk volumes. The complicated bit is about sourcing the best beans and brewing the coffee using the optimum method to get perfect results – but that’s our job to figure out.” So, maybe it’s time to break out of our comfort zone and create a new coffee ritual, by enjoying a cup freshly made with passion, skill and, perhaps most importantly, the best ingredients. “We’ve tried to create an experience that’s as accessible as possible and we hope our customers will trust us. People shouldn’t feel intimidated because they are not a connoisseur, we’re still learning new things about coffee all the time.” ■ Colonna & Small’s, 6 Chapel Row, Bath. www.colonnaandsmalls.co.uk. Follow @Colonna_Smalls on Twitter
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A cupcake decorating school in Bath could be just what you need to transform your everyday fairy cakes into works of art, as Georgette McCready found out
Putting the icing on the cake T
he Great British Bake Off has inspired a frenzy of cake making up and down the land as we rediscover skills our mothers and grandmothers traditionally excelled in. One lesson we’ve learned from the competitive baking competition is that taste isn’t everything – the cakes that win hearts, and prizes, have got to look, well, good enough to eat. And that’s where professional bakers like Bath’s own Celia Adams can give the rest of us a helping hand. Celia bakes cakes commercially out of her bakery in Lansdown Mews under the title the Bake Cake Company, for customers who include Café Lucca and the Egg Theatre café. But at weekends she also runs the Country Cupcakes school at Bailbrook House Hotel. I went along to an afternoon’s session with a friend, who is a dab hand at the art of cupcake decorating. I knew she would be more than capable and felt I could hide my bungling behind her skills. Fellow classmates were all enthusiastic bakers keen to expand their repertoire of decorating tricks and effects. We sat round a large table, immediately put at ease by Celia and presented
with six naked cupcakes. Spread across the table were jars and bottles of all kinds of goodies for adding to cupcakes, from ready made edible daisies to chocolate buttons and from silver balls to multi-coloured sprinkles. During the afternoon we were taught how to create marvellous twirls with butter icing, how to dye sugar paste icing and how to build up our
cakes into lavish and lovely works of art. Celia demonstrated each style then encouraged us as we made our own creations. She was at my elbow making helpful suggestions as I wielded an icing bag with all the finesse of a toddler, but even my finished results were worth putting out on the afternoon tea table. Everyone attending the workshop was chatty and supportive, sharing artistic inspiration with each other, with Celia on hand to advise when designs didn’t exactly go to plan. By the end of the afternoon we each had a gift box, tied with ribbon and filled with our own creations to take home for our families to enjoy. We all agreed we’d picked up skills we hadn’t known before and there was a bit of a shopping spree at the end from Celia’s stock of cake decorations. Cupcake school would be a great way for a group of friends or a hen party to get together, but solo visitors are made to feel equally at home. Sessions are £65 to include all materials, with a discount for parties of six or more. Visit: www.countrycupcakes.com or call Celia, tel: 07801 280910.
A fresh take on modern Indian cuisine Those of us who love curry and Indian food may think we are spoiled for choice in Bath – but a new arrival in the city has given us a fresh take on our favourite tasty cuisine. The Mint Room near Sainsbury’s on Lower Bristol Road (where the Bombay Nights restaurant used to be) has been opened by Luthfur Rahman’s business which
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already runs restaurants in Yeovil, Axminster, North Petherton and Dunkswell. Its menu is designed to be tasty but light, each plate a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. The Mint Room’s Christmas menu includes some seasonal ingredients, such as roast turkey in wine and cranberry sauce, alongside Indian dishes such as barbecued aubergine in spicy
tomato, onion and tamarind sauce. The year-round menu has unusual dishes such as scallops in a sweet basil flavoured broth wih paprika mash and a dish made with Welsh lamb shank. The Mint Room’s opening night party was oversubscribed, an indictator of how much Bathonians enjoy Indian cuisine.
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the perfect festive tipple Richard Lecoche of Great Western Wine has a few suggestions for what to enjoy on Christmas Day
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hen it comes to drink at Christmas, I always want to start with some fizz. At the moment I’m in the mood for English sparklers, and award-winning Camel Valley Sparkling Brut is floral, crisp and local – a perfect match for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. When we get closer to the main event however, only Champagne will do, and I will have a magnum of Henriot Brut Souverain waiting in the fridge. Henriot are a Grande Marque House, one of the best, so you get the fantastic expertise and top quality that you don’t get in cheaper brands and own-labels. People don’t always want Champagne. If you prefer bucks fizz, I wouldn’t use Champagne – the orange flavour dominates. Use Cava or Prosecco and add a dash of Cointreau. It makes a massive difference, and most of us have some knocking about in the back of the drinks cupboard. With the bird, you need a full-flavoured wine with a broad appeal. I particularly like Kooyong Haven Pinot Noir from Australia’s Mornington Peninsula. It’s bursting with red berry fruit flavours and has a lovely weight and a peppery brightness to it; it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Oldvine Garnacha wines from Spain are the best bargains for a bright and lively red wine that packs a bit of a kick and has a juicy strawberry or raspberry, herb-strewn flavour. I particularly like the Principe de Viana Navarra Red. It is made from the same Grenache grape used for Châteauneuf-du-Pape – there is not much oak appearing, which is good when you’ve got a big day of eating and drinking ahead. Oak adds an extra heaviness and headiness that doesn’t really help on Christmas Day. The best thing with Christmas pudding is an ice-cold Asti Spumante like the Fontanafredda Asti, because the Muscat grape can cope with pud very well. It is only seven per cent alcohol, is full of bubbles and has a lovely bright and flowery, grapey flavour. When you are full of turkey, thinking you can’t move and must go to sleep, this will wake you up. If you’d rather drink something richer with the pudding, go for the Rutherglen Muscat, Victoria, Australia, made with sweet, overripe, brown and shrivelled but gorgeously rich Muscat grapes. It is one of the great fortified wines of the world, and nothing is as good with Christmas pudding as a liqueur Muscat. Featured wines: Camel Valley Brut Sparkling: £22.50 Champagne Henriot Magnum: £75 Principe de Viana Navarra Garnacha: £7.50 Kooyong Haven Pinot Noir: £25 Fontanafredda Asti: £12.25 Rutherglen Muscat: £6.95. ■ www.greatwesternwine.co.uk DECEMBER 2011
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A FAIRY TALE castle Andrew Swift recommends a seasonal walk which offers something for all the family, with the prospect of tales of battles, knights and ladies to entertain the children, while adults can enjoy a post-turkey ramble in this quiet corner of Somerset
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ists of Somerset’s top attractions never seem to include Nunney Castle. Most visitors to the county – en route to Cheddar, Wookey or Wells – aren’t even aware it exists, and the same probably goes for many residents. True, there are no sideshows, amusement parks or funfairs – just a ruined castle surrounded by a moat, and set down, somewhat incongruously, in a pleasant but otherwise unremarkable village. Instead of being guarded by mighty ramparts or set high on a craggy promontory, it stands in the middle of the village, not far from the pub, in the sort of place you’d normally expect to find a manor house or school. And don’t let the word ruin fool you. Knocked about a bit it may be, but, over six centuries on, most of it survives, looming over the village like an enormous child’s fort or an illustration from a fairy tale come to life. It was built in the 1370s by Sir John de la Mere, who was so impressed by the castles he saw in France while fighting in the Hundred Years War that, when he returned home, he decided to build one himself. You can still see Sir John’s effigy – along with those of several of his descendants – in Nunney church. After being modernised in the late 16th century, the castle fell victim to Cromwell’s troops in the Civil War and the interior was gutted. A cannon ball also shattered part of the north wall which, after standing for over 250 years, collapsed into the moat on Christmas Day 1910. The rest of the walls, however, along with the towers at each corner, are still largely intact. Nunney is the starting point for a short but fascinating riverside walk ending at the castle. Although it may be muddy in places – and there is one stretch where care needs to be taken along a steep bank with tree roots ready to trip the unwary – for getting back to nature without straying too far from the car it is hard to beat.
Directions: To get to Nunney head south from Bath along the A36. After 12 miles turn right at a roundabout onto the A361 (signposted to Frome and Taunton). Continue along the A361 for 7.5 miles 74 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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before turning right at Nunney Catch roundabout into Nunney village. In the village square, just before the George Inn, turn left along a road (signposted to Mells and Shepton Mallet) across a bridge. After 150 metres, just after leaving the 30mph zone, turn right into a large car park. On leaving the car, go through a gap in the fence to the right of the picnic area and follow the footpath to the right. After 50 metres turn left along another footpath and go through a kissing gate. Follow the path through another kissing gate and carry straight on through a field with horse jumps, keeping to the left of the tree in the middle. When you reach a pond with an alligator and a large wooden duck, bear right and walk down to a footbridge over Nunney Brook (ST736462). Go through a kissing gate and turn left to follow the brook through a meadow with more horse jumps. At the end of the meadow, carry on along a muddy track. The valley narrows dramatically before broadening out again. Here the brook becomes sluggish and seems almost to come to a standstill, the result of it being dammed further on. The sound of rushing water indicates the dam isn’t far away. When you come to a parting of the ways – with one path leading straight on uphill – turn left across the dam to see the waterfall (ST738469). From here you could carry on, taking a circular route back to the starting point, but all the options either take you through muddy fields or along roads, so it is better to turn round and retrace your steps along the valley. Seeing the valley as you walk in the opposite direction will produce new surprises, and the way the stream changes from a sluggish, deep and dammed body of water to a babbling brook, running brightly over a rocky bed, is fascinating. Look out as you return, too, for an old lime kiln, half-hidden by ivy, on your left at the start of the horse-jump meadow. Built of large blocks of stone, it is surprisingly intact – but be careful if you want a closer look. There is a large, deep hole in the top, and it has not been maintained for decades, so keep well away to
LINK WITH THE PAST: the 600-year-old battle-scarred Nunney Castle, seen through the trees
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OUT&ABOUT
BOOTS REQUIRED: left to right, the going gets a bit muddy by the river, the ruined interior of Nunney Castle, and the effigies of the de la Mare family in the church
avoid disturbing any loose stones. Instead of retracing your steps across the brook, carry straight on. Go through a kissing gate and follow the drive straight ahead, which leads into a lane bordered by high walls and grand houses. At the T junction, turn right and walk along the road to where the brook broadens to the width of a river – much appreciated by the local ducks. Here too is the old market cross, with its chequered history described on a plaque. The church, on the left, is well worth a visit as well. On the far side of the brook you can glimpse the castle through the trees. Continue on past a couple of buildings before turning right across a footbridge into the castle grounds. As you turn right around the moat, look over the wall to see old farm buildings, including a 15th-century tithe barn, on the right. A bridge across the moat leads into the castle, entry to which is free. You can still make out where the Great Hall, kitchens and private quarters were, along with the remains of a spiral staircase and the chutes which served as toilets. When you leave the castle, head through the main exit along Castle Street, at the end of which is the Café de la Mare, which
welcomes families for hot and cold drinks, salads and refreshments. From here turn right up the road and right again through a gate onto a footpath leading back to the car park. Level of difficulty: There are no stiles or significant obstacles, and the walk should be suitable for all but the smallest children. It is muddy in parts, however, and generally unsuitable for pushchairs. Wellingtons or sturdy boots are essential. ■
FURTHER INFORMATION ■
Length of walk: 2½ miles
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Approximate time: 1½ hours
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Map: OS Explorer 142
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Refreshment stops: families are welcome at the Café de la Mare, open till 5pm (4.30pm, Sundays) The bar at The George Inn is open noon-3pm, the restaurant, noon-2pm. Dogs welcome but not children under 14.
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THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499 76 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Give your child a Christmas present that will last a lifetime Sing, dance and act your way through the most exciting time of your life!!
Curtain Up Theatre Schools
01761 239185 www.curtainup.biz WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FAMILYfun
Detective he French T in ry te e mys is season? gure out th g theatre th Can you fi eg e th at e Dog and the Blu
Get cr ea Holbu tive and mak rne Mu e your seum’ s proc own lantern ession for th e to the Abbey
ILLUMINATING IDEAS There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied in the run-up to Christmas – here’s a round-up of all things fun and festive, from theatre and storytelling to music and crafts
Family-friendly theatre
Music and movement
Childrenʼs story on stage
The French Detective and the Blue Dog, Friday 9 December – Sunday 8 January, please contact theatre for times
Toddler Workshop, Tuesdays 9.30am – 10.30am or 10.45am – 11.45am; Thursdays 9.30am – 10.30am
The Wind in the Willows, Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 December, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm
From Olivier-award nominee Hattie Naylor comes a brand new musical comedy for the whole family. As a mysterious crime wave strikes a small village in France, meet the love struck French Detective and his sparky niece, Le Chat. He’s a hopeless romantic and she is a petite Poirot, but who is the real detective? As strange things start to happen and people disappear overnight, the only suspect is a small blue dog. Will our mismatched duo uncover the village’s secret before it’s too late?
Toddler Workshop is a lively medley of dance, drama, music and movement for toddlers and pre-school children aged 18 months+. The imaginative sessions are designed to encourage and develop children’s creativity, language and expression. Taking bookings for the spring term.
Alan Bennett’s delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s story about the capers of Ratty and Mole as they attempt to control the increasingly madcap escapades of Toad. Next Stage Youth’s production beautifully captures Grahame’s rural idyll and their adventures are accompanied by a charming musical score provided by Carl Speck.
The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Family concert
Illuminating fun
The Holburne Museum, Bath. Tel: 01225 466 669
Lantern Workshops, Monday 5 – Wednesday 7 December
Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk
The Chimpanzees of Happytown, Sunday 4 December, 3pm Based on the lively and colourful story by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, this touching story celebrates the importance of happiness, freedom and living life to the full.
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Sessions held in Bathford Parish Hall, Bathford. Tel: 01225 852889 www.toddlerworkshop.co.uk or
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Make your own willow lantern for the Holburne Museum Lantern Procession. 10.30am – noon for 2-5 year olds in the Clore Learning Space and 3.30pm – 5pm for school-aged children in the Gardener’s Lodge.
Lantern Procession, Thursday 8 December, 4.30pm Bring your lantern and join the procession along Great Pulteney Street to Bath Abbey for carols. Meet at the museum to set off at 5pm.
Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, Bath. For ticket information contact te: 01225 428600 or visit: www.missiontheatre.co.uk
Bundles of fun Bath Central Library. www.bathnes.gov.uk
Baby Bounce & Rhyme, Friday 16 December, 11am – 11.30am Songs and rhymes with a Christmas theme for up to 3-year-olds.
Storytime, Tuesday 20 December, 11am – 11.30am Listen to Christmas stories and a enjoy a visit from Father Christmas. Also at Weston library on Wednesday 14 December, 10.30am – 11am.
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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
Excellence is at the heart of Jelf’s proposition Working with businesses and individuals on matters relating to financial planning, insurance, employee benefits and healthcare, Jelf provides clients with a level of service and support that is rarely found in the market
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aising the bar for professionalism and best practice is something that is ingrained in the Jelf culture. Jelf Financial Planning is one of less than 300 firms in the UK to hold the prestigious status of Chartered Financial Planners by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) – the hallmark of quality within the financial services sector. According to Louis Fleury, South West Regional Sales Director: “Delivering a professional and individually tailored service is at the heart of our proposition. We enjoy a strong and growing presence throughout Bath and the South West, so individuals and businesses of all sizes can be assured of receiving top flight financial advice.” Further demonstrating the great service and value it provides to clients, Jelf was awarded the two star “Outstanding” rating from Investor in Customers for the third consecutive year in 2011.
Charles Bailey, Chartered Financial Planner adds: “Jelf has had a presence in Bath for over 10 years. During that time, we have built up a number of professional connections throughout the city, who we work very closely with for the mutual benefit of Members of the Bath Jelf Financial Planning team (from our clients. Here at left to right) Charles Bailey, Sarah Preece, Andrew Cook, Jelf, we understand Mike Gough and Louis Fleury. the importance of building strong relationships with both our professional connections and our clients – particularly in the current economic climate, we know how vital it is to keep in close contact with our clients to provide them with all the support they need.” Jelf Insurance Brokers recently joined Jelf Financial Planning in obtaining Chartered Status. Roger Smith, Director of the Bath based insurance team comments: “This is an important milestone for us and means that our clients can rest assured they are obtaining market leading service and advice. It underscores Jelf’s commitment to providing outstanding levels of service and technical knowledge whilst adhering to an ethical code of practice. It begs the question: why would you want to deal with a firm that wasn’t Chartered?” For advice or further information, please call 01225 572000 or visit www.jelfgroup.com for additional details on the services provided by Jelf. 82 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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$ SHUIHFW VWRFNLQJ ƪOOHU Ř )5(( VSLQDO DVVHVVPHQW Weston Chiropractic Centre 01225 423333
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Very Best Wishes for the Festive Season From all the team at
THEBATHMAGAZINE Advertisers Please Note: The deadline for receiving copy for the January 2012 Issue is Wednesday December 13th
Telephone 01225 424 499
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The Hollies Care Centre, Dursley
• A purpose built Care Home offering the highest standards of Nursing Care and retirement living • Luxury hotel style accommodation, with all bedrooms having en-suite wet rooms, lovely views, sat T.V. broadband internet and many other convenient adaptations • Independent family run with a highly trained, friendly team of staff • Wholesome home cooked food using fresh home-grown produce • Wide range of daily activities with our own minibus for accompanied outings • Short Respite Care service available (Christmas bookings now being taken) and a new Day Care service is also available • Other in-house services on offer include: Hairdressing, Physiotherapy, Chiropody, visiting Beautician, Newspapers and periodicals • We are conveniently located for easy access to surrounding towns such as Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester For more information: Contact Gill Lee 01453 541400 Or visit our website: www.littlecombepark.com
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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ADVERTORIALF EATURE
Treat your legs... A quick and effective, minimally invasive treatment to remove varicose veins, which is clinically proven to give less post-operative pain is now on offer at CircleBath.
A
under local anaesthetic, where appropriate, but many patients prefer a general anaesthetic.” explains one of the Consultant Vascular Surgeons at CircleBath
Before treatment some patients talk about having to cover up with trousers because the veins in their legs look so unsightly; or even report missing a days’ walking because they couldn’t face aggravating their condition.
There is a dedicated team of Surgeons and Nurses who will guide you through the process from first consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have. You should be able to go home on the same day as your treatment and return to work within a week. You will need to wear support stockings and you will be up and about as normal the next day.
Specialist nurses Michele Philips and Gillian Jones
“Varicose veins are normally seen in the calf and the thigh. They are a common problem which tends to be hereditary and is often made worse by pregnancy. The condition is usually caused by faulty valves. When the valves fail, blood will pool causing back pressure and discomfort. The legs may ache, feel heavy and be uncomfortable. In severe cases, the skin over the veins becomes dry, itchy and thin and some patients may experience skin discoloration, inflammation, and ultimately develop skin ulcers”, explains a Consultant Vascular Surgeons at CircleBath.
lthough varicose veins are generally thought of as a cosmetic concern, they can cause aching and discomfort when standing and walking, along with itching and swollen ankles. In the worst cases they cause skin pigmentation and ulcers. As the party season approaches it may be the perfect time to consider their removal.
“VNUS Closure is a relatively new, minimally invasive treatment and involves inserting a probe into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. When triggered the probe will heat up and obliterate the varicose vein. To treat the main varicose vein may take just a few minutes and recent studies have shown this technique produces the least post-operative discomfort and quickest return to work. The procedure can, on occasions, be performed WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE
Circle Health.indd 1
At CircleBath hospital the Consultant Surgeon you meet at your consultation will also be the same Surgeon who performs your operation. As part of this consultation you will undergo an ultrasound test to investigate your veins and determine the most appropriate choice of treatment.
of the Specialist Nurses before you come in for your procedure. Uniquely at CircleBath, the reassuring, friendly face of our Specialist Nurses can, if you wish, accompany you into the operating theatre and through into postoperative recovery, as one of our Specialist Nurses is also a trained theatre nurse. All treatments are carried out using our state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, allowing you to receive the most up to date treatment. CircleBath’s Vascular Unit brings together specialist Consultant Vascular Surgeons Professor Michael Horrocks, Mr John Budd and Mr Mahesh Pai supported by Senior Sonographer Vicky Davis and our team of Specialist Nurses. The team also offers comprehensive services for surgical treatment of strokes, aneurysms and occlusive arterial disease as well as treatment for excessive sweating. To find out more about varicose vein treatments or to arrange a free initial consultation with CircleBath’s Specialist Nurses contact: Michele Phillips on 07514 286 578 or 01761 422222, email michele.phillips@ circlebath.co.uk or visit circle.bath.com
With a treatment plan decided upon and agreed by you and your Surgeon, a preoperative check will be carried out by one DECEMBER 2011
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FIT&FABULOUS
Party perfection Feel like a star this festive season and make sure all eyes are on you with the help of the Party Collection from Bobbi Brown which has been inspired by the glitz and glamour of screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall. To make eyes dazzle, try the Onyx & Silver Eye Paint Palette (£36) which features four shades of the exclusive Long Wear Eye Paint formula which can be applied wet or dry and lasts throughout the night. Perfectly complementary is the Party Rose Lip Colour (£18), a creamy matte formula which gives full coverage and a wonderful rich colour. It’s also made of a unique blend of beeswax and vitamins to ensure lips are protected, moisturised and ultra-kissable for that moment under the mistletoe.
■ If you are tired of spending lots of money on expensive skin care and beauty products, why not make your own? Anna Christensen offers workshops in central Bath where you can learn how to make natural skin are and cosmetic products. It’s really easy and one you know how, you can do it yourself at home. All ingredients are supplied and you can take home what you make. Half day weekend courses cost £49 and can be booked through Anna on tel: 07811 956685. Gift vouchers for the course are also available. For further information visit: www.annachristensen ■ If you’re going skiing this winter, it’s not too late to start getting your body in shape for what is likely to be the most physically demanding week of the year. Whatever your ability level, skiing places a huge physical demand on the body, requiring strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and core stability. RJS Fitness will be running Ski Fit throughout the winter at their brand new personal training studio in Larkhall, Bath. For more information visit www.rjsfitness.co.uk/ski_fit.html or tel: 01225 571255 ■ A new city centre physiotherapy clinic, Physioimpulse, is offering foot massages at £15 for 20 minutes for Christmas shoppers in need of relaxation and rejuvenation for tired feet. The clinic is based at Shearstep, Union Passage, Bath. To book tel: 01225 464361 or just pop along
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For the ultimate preparty preparation before you don your little black dress and heels, apply a bit of Lustre Dusting Powder (£10) from Lush to your skin. fragranced with sensual jasmine, this light powder has a very fine gold shimmer to give skin a beautiful glow
SKIN DEEP A selection of tried and tested health and beauty products that we love
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NEWS IN BRIEF
People have been enjoying the soothing and healing experience of bathing in salted water for centuries, and now thanks to Bath-based therapist Annie Lindridge of Re:treat, we can enjoy its benefits in our own bathrooms. Annie’s stall in Green Park Market on Saturdays, and on Sunday 4, 11 and 18 December, stocks her Salt Yourself Out range of treatments. A 1kg bag of pink Himalayan bath salt is £8 – add half a pack to a warm bath, sink back and enjoy a detoxifying, relaxing wallow. Visit: www.retreatmassage.co.uk
If you’re looking for a beautiful perfume to give to someone special this Christmas, the new limited Christmas edition of Nina by Nina Ricci, called Snow Princess, is just perfect. It celebrates winter, romance and elegance with a light and delicate floral fragrance of peony and moonflower mixed with apple wood and white cedar and swathed in soft musks. The appleshaped bottle is a special pearly white with gold leaves. Available at Jollys and Boots
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01225 484938
Phil Mattingly LHA E.Hyp Registered Hypnotherapist www.philmattingly.com
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Clinics are held at Fairfield Park Health Centre, Camden Road, Bath BA1 6EA Lyndhurst Upper Rooms 16a Upper Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 3JZ
Specialising in non surgical facial treatments Including • Wrinkle reducing injections • Restylane and Juvederm dermal fillers • Skin peels • Medical Microdermabrasion • Cosmeceutical skin care products • Treatments to reduce excessive sweating • Sculptra • Genuine Dermaroller All treatments are with Dr Marie-Claire Hamling MBBS (Guys) MRCGP an approved Restylane & Juvederm Practitioner with advanced training in the medical & cosmetic use of Botox For more information visit www.bathbotox.co.uk phone 01225 335033 or email info@bathfacialaesthetics.co.uk to book a free consultation
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
DECEMBER 2011
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REVIEW
THE TRADITIONAL WET SHAVE
cool & suave
Dara Foley enjoys a “Manpering” experience at Dappa Bath
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or most men, shaving is part of the daily routine, tedious but necessary, just one of the three “Sh’s’’ , best done quickly to allow more time for other things. I let my wife have a go once, someone I thought I could trust with a sharp blade near my face… and then there was the time when I let my six-year-old daughter draw a safety razor along my jaw line, but she was more interested in covering me with squirty foam. So when I was invited by Yvonne Del Greco from Dappa Hairdressers in Bath to come along and experience one of their traditional wet shaves, I thought it was about time that I enjoyed a little ‘manpering’ at the hands of someone who really knew what they were doing. And so, armed only with three days growth I made my way up Broad Street to the Dappa Hairdressers and barber shop. I have often walked past Dappa, most recently stopping to wonder at the Sinclair c5 that’s currently in the window…what else should a gents’ barbers put on display? – it’s certainly a conversation piece, and its renaissance interest fits nicely with the romantic barbershop ethos of appreciating everything stylish and cool. Although, in the early 80’s if you drove a c5 on the open road you might have been labelled as something else. As I enter Dappa there’s a welcoming atmosphere, the traditional infusion of colognes and grooming products that fill the air, is countered by modern plasma TVs offering Sky news. There’s also a warm greeting by the staff, and I’m led to the shave area where I’m offered a really good espresso. I meet Yvonne who settles me comfortably into a leather barber’s chair. Nowadays, the modern chairs are motorised and Yvonne gently elevates me into the perfect shaving position. The proceedings start with a pre-shave oiling; expert and relaxing, followed by the iconic hot towel treatment that many men will associate with the opening sequence of the film Scarface or perhaps Ray Winstone’s Sweeney Todd. The steam from the towel opens my pores and my stubble rises to attention. I was expecting a bristle brush with heaps of lather to come next but Yvonne prefers to use shaving oils, and who am I to argue as she starts to prep the straight cut-throat razor? She explains that the razors these days are legal versions of the old Hollow cut-throats and the long blades are now single-use disposable. Nevertheless it looks just as dangerous as the Sweeney Todd one to me. Next, Yvonne gently applies the oils to the neck, chin and face, pleasantly massaging to work up a balm, she uses American Crew products which smell great and as she makes the ‘first pass’; as it’s
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known in the trade, the sound of bristle being spliced by cold steel reminds me that this is an art and skill to be appreciated. Most interestingly there’s no apprehension on my part, as I know I’m in very safe hands. From sideburns to chin, and following the contours around my lips the first pass takes around five minutes, then a second hot towel is applied with light facial massage and then more oils are worked in for the next stage. This time Yvonne uses a safety razor to cut against the direction of growth, but occasionally she consults the straight razor if any stubble is showing signs of misbehaving. While she expertly works, (I’m feeling warm and relaxed,) she tells me that it’s very common for customers to nod off during their shave and this has to be testament to her skill, experience and delightful touch, it’s also a cue for me to duly oblige. A while later, I’m nudged back into consciousness by further towelling and a slightly more vigorous facial massage, followed by a light astringent that soothes, calms and tightens up the skin. Another towel follows, this time colder, cleans me up and brings me fully round, and Yvonne smiles approvingly as she returns the chair back into sitting position. Cologne is applied as a final treat, and as I look into the mirror I perform the standard manly check for smoothness. Of course, and as to be expected, there’s no razor burn, nicks or soreness, this is not only the smoothest my face has been since childhood but also this was the closest shave I have ever had, and one I could never hope to achieve at home. In a post shave chat, Yvonne explains that wet shaves are becoming more and more popular. She alone will do 25 – 30 per week on average, and men are also enjoying the manpering experience with friends too; later that day she was doing shaves for all the men in a wedding party. As traditional male grooming continues to appeal to an ever appreciative market, the old-fashioned wet shave is certainly a great experience, and one I would definitely enjoy again. As I leave, I take another look at the Sinclair c5. Yvonne and I muse whether it would ever be considered really cool retrospectively... like 60’s Vespas, the original Scalextric or Daleks? We like it, but cannot decide, we are just happy that it’s there and makes life fun and interesting. ■
Dappa’s Wet Shave, with hot towels and cut throat razor, £19. Dappa Hairdressers, 24 Broad Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 329800. www.dappa.co.uk
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A smile a day goes a long way Our friendly dental practice can help you to maintain healthy teeth and really give you something to smile about. • Private and Denplan • Dental Implants • Sedation for Nervous Patients • Tooth Whitening
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CITYinteriors
A CONTEMPORARY
CHRISTMAS Take one state-of-the-art city home, add the talents of one of the west country’s leading floral designers and you’ve a got a stylish, understated and elegant approach to decorating for Christmas
TRICKS OF THE TRADE: this seasonal romantic bouquet in dusky shades is fastened to the front door with a ribbon, secured by a drawing pin discreetly pushed into the top of the door Left, the family room and kitchen has a central focal fireplace 92 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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CITYinteriors
SAY IT WITH FLOWERS: above, deep red roses and berries form the centrepiece for the Christmas table Top right, the mantelpiece display in the sitting room Right, the spacious kitchen at Damson Orchard Photographs by Charlotte Stone Flowers by Johanne Shipp of Passion
F
loral designer Johanne Shipp, founder of Passion, is responsible for the flowers that adorn some of the west country’s top hotels, including Babington House and the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath. So we knew she was a good person to ask for some top tips on creating some sophisticated displays for Christmas in a contemporary home. The house we chose is a detached family home, one of only a handful in a quiet cul-de-sac in Bannerdown on the edge of Bath with far reaching views. Built in stone with cedarwood and designed with spacious living accommodation and five bedrooms, along with a walled garden, 3 Damson Orchard is an ideal venue for hosting a family Christmas for all the generations. Johanne began with the front door, where our Christmas visitors are welcomed. Circular wreaths are always popular, but for a change, she created a layered spray bouquet of dried hydrangeas, rosehips, eucalyptus pods and leaves. Tied with a simple ribbon bow this can be hung from the front door without damaging the paint work if you simply put a drawing pin into the top of the door and suspend your bouquet from there. The mantelpiece in the sitting room is where we might traditionally place a vase of flowers at Christmas time, or opt for the cheerful clutter of cards, candles and the occasional bauble. Instead, Johanne opts for a selection of identical little stone jars, a bunch of deliciously scented creamy white Norma Jean roses, which really do smell of garden roses picked in June. She splits the bunch, adding one or two blooms to each jar, along with smaller, peony-like ranunculus and some dark, fluffy grasses. With a handful of jewel-bright glass tea light holders and some plain pine cones, the overall effect, as you can see, is visually impressive yet understated. Preparing the dinner table for Christmas is always a challenge for the host or hostess. A dramatic centrepiece of dark red roses and berries echoes the colour of the deep red curtains in the dining room, and while eye-catching, is still low enough for the diners to see over the top. The floral display will
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look equally good during the daytime or in the evenings. If you have such a display, either that you’ve made yourself, or ordered from a florist such as Passion, it can be moved around to where your guests are. For instance, for a Christmas drinks party, which would be easily accommodated in the walkthrough kitchen/family room at Damson Orchard, with its central fireplace and wodburning stove, the floral display could be brought through from the dining room next door for the occasion. There is still room for a Christmas tree in this long family room, which is filled with natural light from picture windows and french doors looking out into the gardens. And if the children wanted to indulge in a colourful spectacle of paper chains, tinsel and glitter, there’s always the playroom off the hall opposite the sitting room. From the spacious ground floor an elegant glass staircase leads to the first floor. The master bedroom has an ensuite shower room and a balcony, which is plenty large enough for a table and chairs, from where the adults could enjoy a few minutes peace and quiet looking at the stars before joining in the fray of turkey basting and cracker pulling downstairs. There are four more bedrooms, one of which also has a balcony, and two more bathrooms. Damson Orchard takes its name from a picturesque fruit orchard which is jointly owned and enjoyed by the houses in the cul-de-sace. The property lies behind electrically controlled gates, has a large parking area and a double garage which can be reached from the hall. Hamptons International is the agent and the guide price for the property is £1,195,000. ■ To book a consultation with Johanne Shipp of Passion flowers tel: 01225 859994 or email: hello@flowersbypassion.com. Hamptons International is handling the sale of 3 Damson Orchard, Bannerdown, Bath, tel: 01225 312244. Photography by Charlotte Stone. For commissions visit: www.charlottestonephoto.com or email: charlotte@charlottestonephoto.com DECEMBER 2011
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CITY INTERIOR gardens style
A COUNTRY
CHRISTMAS Ann Armstrong visits a Georgian house which interior designer Alison Riva has restored to create a Stylish and environmentally friendly home. Photographs by David Parmiter
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INTERIORstyle
SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE: Alison’s sociable kitchen was once the village shop. She has scoured antique markets and junk rooms for many of the beautiful household objects the family uses every day. Keeping it green, she uses a potted Christmas tree from Trees Direct, while decorations have been handed down through the generations
A A NEW LEASE OF LIFE: main picture, Alison has created a calming sitting room with practical cotton covers on the sofas, the walls are coloured in Pawprint made by Earthborn, and the floor is covered in natural wool cord from The Alternative Flooring Company Left, the natural festive table decoration, featuring snowberries, white orchids, green thistles, silver brunia, and eucalyptus leaves, was created by Amba Tyson of Blooming Scrumptious at Mipo Minnie May, the cat is soon to star in her own book
lison Riva, her daughter Isabella, and their beloved British Blue cat, Minnie May, live in a Grade II listed Bath-stone house, built in 1830. Alison, internationally known as a successful film set designer, is also the founder of Riva Interiors. A few years ago, Alison Riva decided to abandon the bright lights of London, to live amid a peaceful, yet thriving village community in Somerset, where she, and nine-year-old daughter, Isabella, have happily settled. “I still enjoy visiting London for the buzz, but I love it here. It’s a far healthier place to live,” enthuses Alison. Home is a double-fronted Regency house, which, at one stage, served as the local shop. She says: “It is a beautiful building that must have been a hub of village activity for generations. When we bought it, though, it had already been converted to domestic living. It was, however, in a rundown state, definitely ready for renovation. There was some damp and the décor was very dowdy. “I don’t think it had been touched for 15 years,” explains Alison, a renowned film set designer, who also runs her own interior design company.
‘Recycling,’ observes Alison ❝ ‘is good for the soul’ ❞ The house, built over two storeys, stands at the top of a hill, a stone’s throw from a weathered old church. It’s a location which wouldn’t look out of place in a dramatisation of a Jane Austen novel, and the interior of the house comes very much into its own at Christmas, when the decorations are elegantly understated – not only in sympathy with the fine but unfussy architecture but with Alison’s keenness to be environmentally friendly. She likes to make fragrant wreaths from what she finds in the hedgerows, and mother and daughter also design their own Christmas cards which are printed on eco-friendly paper. Their organic turkey is cooked in an energy efficient cooker. “Our electricity is as ‘green’ as possible, supplied by Ecotricity, and it is reasonably priced,” stresses Alison. The spacious, classically –shaped kitchen, installed against a backdrop of walls covered in a soft white natural paint, and a sustainable oak floor, is arranged at the front of the house, occupying the floor space once used for retailing groceries. It is north facing but it feels warm and welcoming. Some ornamental plasterwork, most likely installed in Victorian times, adds a touch of grandeur. “The previous owners used it as a bedroom, and had their kitchen at the back, whereas I felt
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this space was crying out to be the kitchen because, on the other side of the open plan hallway, we have an informal sitting room with a wonderful Jetmaster wood burner, which heats the whole house. I’ve tried to make the kitchen as environmentally friendly as is possible at the moment. “There was quite a lot of building work needed in here; joists had to be ripped out and the floor had to be levelled,” adds Alison, who asked a local craftsman Roger Spiller to provide cabinetry made from sustainable ply and an eco version of MDF. The new kitchen is now unquestionably the hub of the house. Immediately above it, on the upper floor, there’s a formal, taupe-painted sitting room graced with an elegantly carved wooden fire surround. It is carpeted with cream wool cord and furnished with sofas made from natural fibres and covered in washable cotton. “It’s a pale canvas, and typically me. I like a classic look with soft, earthy colours. I have never been led by fashion but I do like eclectic details,” smiles Alison, who mixes English and French antiques, vintage finds, and contemporary furnishings with aplomb. Hunting around antiques fairs, auction rooms, junk shops, and reclamation yards is one of her favourite pastimes. The flea markets held at Kempton Park are a regular haunt, as are French brocantes. She is a devotee of anything that has been hand-crafted by ethically-aware artisans, and she particularly likes searching for old fabrics which can be given a new lease of life. “Recycling,” observes Alison, “is good for the soul.” The curtains in the master bedroom – like those in the sitting room – are second-time-around textiles which have been remodelled to suit Alison’s lovely sash windows. “Initially, I used the master bedroom as a studio because it has such good light. I’ve also been testing a new paint on the walls. Mainly, I use paints made by Earthborn but the biscuit-tinged shade in here is from a collection of water-based paints by Farrow and Ball,” she explains. The colour creates a perfect background for Alison’s bedroom furnishings which include a very heavy, paintfinished mahogany armoire which came from France. “After falling forwards and nearly killing me, that armoire is now well and truly battened to the wall,” asserts Alison. Parts of the house are still a work in progress. The two bathrooms, for instance, are awaiting a new look, and there are plans to plant a roof garden. After those projects are completed, Alison, Isabella, and Minnie May, the spirited family cat (the latter is soon to be the subject of a book) will surely enjoy their home to the full for years to come. ■ Riva Interiors, tel: 07767 371337, www.riva-interiors.com. Blooming Scrumptious at Mipo, tel: 01225 866610, DECEMBER 2011
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CITYgardens
WREATHED in smiles Raid the garden and the woods for seasonal greenery then get busy with the glue and glitter for Christmas, advises Jane Moore
I
’d love to be one of the crafty people that have copious collections of buttons and beads, ribbon and raffia always on hand ready and waiting for a fabulous fit of ‘making things’. But, sadly, I’m not. Nor am I one of those that make their own cards or fashion magical tea-light holders from paper or jam jars or suchlike. However even I can get crafty pangs around about now, especially when it comes to decorations around and about the house. My Christmas tree, poor thing, is positively bowed down under the weight of shop-bought tinsels and baubles – I could get away with just a bare stick for all you can actually see of the tree once I’ve finished with it. But I do tend to keep all that glitz and glitter concentrated in one place allowing the tree to take centre stage, rather like a precocious infant in a sparkly party dress. With room decorations less is definitely more and simple, more natural elements that I find in the garden make for a more elegant and fashionably Scandinavian look, even if I do add a few sparkly things such as baubles and whatnot if the mood takes me.
❝
allowing the tree to take centre stage rather like a precocious infant in a sparkly party dress
❞
Aside from all that most of the schools break up quite a few days before Christmas which, if you have children or grandchildren to look after, means a few days of containing their excitement as they count the number of sleeps left until Father Christmas comes. Keep them – and yourself – busy making some natural Christmas decorations. Besides it’s fun to get out and about collecting pine cones and ivy and then let your creative urges take over and get all Blue Peter with glue and ribbons. 100 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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• Pine Cones Try scouring your local park or woods for pine cones that have fallen from the trees. Big ones, small ones, they’re all good. Then dry them out at home and either leave them as they are, and simply tie a piece of metallic string or ribbon to them, or give them a slight spray of gold or silver for a more vibrant look. If you leave them plain then sprinkle them with natural oils – a few drops will do the trick – to scent the room. Stick gold and silver ones into oasis to form table pieces, wire them onto wreaths, or, if you want to be really classy, pile them in a glass bowl, preferably red. Or why not scatter a few pine cones around church candles on the dining table for a simple yet oh-soelegant Christmas display. If you have a real fire, then dip a few pine cones in egg whites and roll them in cinnamon and other spices. Throw them onto the fire just before guests arrive and they’ll scent the room beautifully.
• Ivy Leave collecting ivy it until a few days before Christmas as it will dry out indoors. Try picking lengths of ivy that trail, as these can be woven together around picture and mirror frames, candles or draped over mantelpieces in swags, keeping tendrils well away from the fire, of course. Brighten it up with small clusters of baubles or a few of your sprayed pine cones. Sprigs of holly, conifer or mistletoe also look great bunched together and hung
PROFESSIONAL TOUCH: Passion floral designers of Upper Swainswick, created these wonderful woodland door wreaths. Left, sage green satin ribbon, lavender bundles, walnuts and dried beech leaves are garnished with everlasting blackberries. Right, deep red satin ribbon with dried orange slices, pine cones, pine branches and bundles of cinnamon sticks. To order a door wreath contact Passion, tel: 01225 859994 Below, left and top right, library images
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CITYgardens from door frames or doorknobs with generous ties of brightly coloured ribbon.
• Holly Like ivy, holly dries out quickly, although you can cut it and leave it somewhere cool like the porch or garage, bringing it into the house as late as possible. Bunches of holly adorned with a cluster of baubles tied up with ribbon makes a great alternative to a wreath on the front door.
• Other bits and pieces Leafy evergreens such as Aucuba and bay are brilliant for winter flower arrangements, as are herbs such as rosemary and sage. Their lush leafiness makes a brilliant backdrop to wired golden pine cones or dried Allium heads sprayed with silver paint. You can also collect attractive bits of twiggy shrubs such as hazel and alder, spray them silver or gold, and cluster them together in a large dramatic vase. One year our florist did a lovely display on the drawing room mantelpiece of miniature gourds sprayed in gold, silver and bronze – very simple but very designer, I thought.
• Orange and lemons Bring some gorgeous spicy Christmas fragrance into your house
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by making your own pomanders from whole satsumas or oranges. Simply press the sharp end of whole cloves into the skins and cluster them on the mantelpiece or wrap a ribbon around them and hang them up. Or you could add some dried orange slices to your pine cones along with cinnamon sticks and star anise to make a festive pot pourri. Drying your own orange slices is easy. Slice the oranges to a thickness of just under 1cm, then very, very slowly dry them out in the oven on a low temperature setting. But be careful as overheating too quickly will make the fruit brittle and darker. Sprinkle with sugar for a sparkling affect.
Edible decorations These are so easy and so much fun to do with children. All you need is a recipe for gingerbread men, seasonal pastry cutters in tree, bell and star shapes and a skewer or chopstick to push a hole through the top of each shape, before you bake it. When they are cooked and cooled decorate with icing and silver balls. Finish off with a piece of ribbon through the hole and hang them anywhere you can think of. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning gardener at The Priory Hotel, Bath.
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THE PERFECT LITTLE CHRISTMAS GIFT A 12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO
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PETcorner
Perils of the Pantry
T
he festive season is upon us once again and it’s time to get cooking tasty treats. Amidst all the mayhem in the kitchen our pets can easily be ignored and so I thought I’d take the time to remind you of the perils in the pantry, common foods that can potentially be very toxic to our pets. Chocolate – A common festive treat which many of us are well aware as being dangerous to dogs. The toxic agent is theobromine which acts as a stimulant. Dark chocolate, as opposed to the milk or white variety, is particularly lethal in small doses. Chocolate toxicity can eventually lead to heart problems, seizures, and kidney failure if left untreated. Grapes or Raisins – They contain a chemical, as yet to be isolated, that can cause kidney failure in dogs. Their lethal dose varies with each individual dog, some only experiencing gastrointestinal disturbances. So watch out with the Christmas pudding! Onions –Toxic compounds called organosulfoxides affect the red blood cell of both cats and dogs but especially in cats, altering haemoglobin found inside these cells leading to dysfunctional oxygen uptake, destruction of red blood cells and anaemia. Xylitol – This is an artificial sweetener found in low calorie foodstuffs such as chewing gum. It leads to a rapid life threatening decrease in blood sugar called hypoglycaemia in dogs. Nutmeg – A hallucinogenic compound which will cause neurological signs in large doses Mouldy foods –Old cheese or composted foods contain mycotoxins which cause tremors and fits. Beans, peanuts, and rice have a mould which releases aflatoxin also causing central nervous system disorders. Alcohol – ethanol is a toxic product that can cause weakness, unsteady gait and low body temperature Raw bread dough – The toxic compound is once again ethanol which is produced by yeast. In addition, raw dough can cause a gaseous gut and also lead to obstruction in the intestines too. Macadamia nuts – These contain an unknown toxin which cause tremors and increased heart rate in dogs similar to chocolate toxicity. If chocolate and macadamia nuts are eaten together their toxicity is greatly enhanced Avocados –These are poisonous to birds, dogs, and rodents. The active toxic ingredient is Persin which causes vomiting, diarrhoea and fluid congestion within the lungs and heart. Keeping these dangerous goodies around the house at this time of year is one thing, but what is often overlooked is the generosity of guests with their titbits that can inadvertently put your pet in peril. So, as well as barring the pantry door it’s a good to politely request that you guests refrain from giving any human treats to dogs and cats. If you know your pet has eaten any of these foodstuffs my advice is to see your vet within 20 minutes of ingestion since this period of time is when the food may not have been totally digested and absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach. Your vet will have medications specifically designed to induce safe and effective vomiting. If you attempt to make your pet vomit at home it may be unsuccessful and precious time will be ticking. Therefore remember that when you are whipping up tasty titbits in the kitchen stop and think about what you are giving to your dog or cat for a treat as it can be potentially perilous. And however busy you are in the kitchen don’t forget to stop for a moment to enjoy the festive season! 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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PROPERTYin FOCUS
3 CAMBRIDGE TERRACE, WIDCOMBE, BATH
Guide Price: ÂŁ850,000
Four bedrooms Two bathrooms, one vaulted Superb city views Georgian features Delightful walled garden Garden room
S
et in a quiet, tucked away no though road, this charming Grade II listed Georgian townhouse has fabulous city views and is just a short walk from the city centre. There are many period features including sash windows and a stone cantilevered staircase. At garden level the spacious kitchen opens into the dining/sitting room and the garden room beyond. There is also a utility room and plenty of storage but the main point of interest on this floor must be the unique bathroom in the vaults of the building which is perfect for singing in the bath. On the ground floor there is a study and an elegant drawing room with marble, period style fireplace, tall corniced ceiling and full height sash windows with those magnificent views. On the first floor is the master bedroom with built in wardrobes, a second double bedroom and family bathroom. Two further double bedrooms and a WC can be found on the top floor. This excellent property is ideally placed for both state and private schools, local amenities in Widcombe as well as the centre of Bath and National Trust and canal walks are on the doorstep. For an early viewing, contact agents Pritchards. Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225
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pritchard-partners.co.uk
Russel Street
Sydney Buildings
A beautifully presented Georgian Townhouse with a self contained apartment. Elegant proportions & versatile accommodation in this prime central location. Walled garden. Residents’ parking permit available. Storage vaults.
An impressive & elegant Grade II Listed semi detached period town house enjoying a wonderful semi rural outlook & far reaching City views over Bath Abbey - less than 1m City Centre. Double garage & parking area
Principal bedroom with fabulous bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, drawing room with bridal doors into withdrawing rm. Wonderful bow shaped kitchen/dining rm & family rm. Spacious apartment: Living room, kitchen, bedroom & bathroom. Total approx int. area: 3795 sq ft/353 sq m.
4 bedrooms, bathrm & en suite, 2 receptions kitchen & utility. Self contained Lwr ground floor apartment. Sun terrace. Large most attractive double width, west facing walled gardens. Vaults. Approx int. area: 3403 sq ft/316.14 sq m.
Price: £1.6 million
Price: £1.5 million
Bathford
Fairfield Avenue
A beautifully presented detached family home in a quiet location with outstanding views & accommodation over 3 floors. In gardens just under 1 acre including tennis court, stable with tack room & store.
A substantial detached family home situated on the outskirts of Bath, elevated above Larkhall village & set in landscaped gardens. Recently the subject of extensive renovations including new kitchen and bathrooms.
Kitchen/dining room, living room, study, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, shower room, playroom/ family room, utility & cloakroom. Carport for 2 vehicles. Off road parking. Floor area approx 2843 sq ft/264.4 sq m. No chain.
Large kitchen/breakfast room with attached dining room, two further receptions rooms, four bedrooms - one with en suite, family bathroom, utility & WC. Driveway with ample parking & garage. Views. Approx floor area: 1434 sqft / 130 sq m.
Guide Price: £850,000
Price: £525,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB
PRITCHARDS December.indd 1
Tel: 01225 466 225
23/11/2011 10:39
Bath Office Sales. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
WI N Ma N E R tild Za n a e age lli d6
RU N A li NER ce C U P age reed d4
RU NN E Jos R UP Ben hua e Tho dict rn age ton d6
We invited St Stephen’s Primary School to take part in a competition to draw a house for Santa! There were two categories: Age 4 - 7yrs and Age 8 - 11yrs. The winners will receive a prize and Hamptons International is donating £200 to the school for books and equipment. Winners chosen by Georgette McCready and Steve Miklos of The Bath Magazine.
WI Lill NNER ie B Sm aker i age th d9
RU NN E Jos R UP e Ha ph r r is Bru age ce d9
RU N
NE O sc R U P Mo ar x age on d9
In the bleak midwinter Hamptons International is busy wrapping up flats and houses! If Yule consider asking Santa to come down a new chimney next year, we have wise men and women who can help bring joy to your world!
Hamptons Sales would like to wish all our clients old and new a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Hamptons Competition.indd 1
25/11/2011 12:39
Bath Office Sales. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Bannerdown
Guide Price £1.195m
Allington
Guide Price £860,000
Cambridge Terrace
Guide Price £850,000
A stunning contemporary home beautifully designed with a stylish interior and spacious accommodation, which effortlessly flows inside and out creating a superb family home.
A wonderful and versatile Grade II Listed country home comprising of two separate barns beautifully presented and potential to link if required.
A handsome Grade II Listed four bedroom townhouse offering versatile accommodation across four floors with period features and magnificent views of the city just a walk away.
Upper Camden Place
Tadwick
Bloomfield Avenue
Guide Price £750,000
Guide Price £750,000
Guide Price £715,000
A fine Grade II Listed four bedroom Georgian townhouse beautifully presented and situated in an elevated position with south facing views across the city.
A Grade II Listed attached home full of period features and situated in the most sought after hamlet with stunning views across the Charlcombe valley yet so close to Bath.
An imposing four bedroom Victorian home situated in a commanding position, overlooking a fabulous garden square complete with lawn tennis courts.
Seend
Beckington
Pickwick
Where will you be hanging your Christmas stocking next year?
Guide Price £650,000
A four bedroom detached family home standing in pleasant gardens including a wooded area plus a pool and all enjoying panoramic views across the Vale.
Guide Price £440,000
A four bedroom period home situated in the heart of this popular village with beautifully presented accommodation including a bespoke kitchen and a detached office in the garden.
Guide Price £285,000
A pretty semi-detached stone cottage situated on the edge of this historic market town enjoying many period features, flexible accommodation and an enclosed rear garden.
Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com
Hamptons Sales would like to wish all our clients old and new a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
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Bath Office Lettings. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
West Littleton, Near Bath
£4950 pcm
Brock Street, Bath
£4950 pcm
A handsome 6 bedroom detached period farm house in a A beautiful 5 bedroom A stunning 5 bedroom Georgian town house with a lovely landscaped garden. barn conversion with gardens, paddock and stables.
Where will be you hanging your Christmas stocking next year?
Bitton, Near Bath
£4500 pcm
A super 6 bedroom period family home set within a large garden.
Hilperton, Wiltshire
£1250 pcm
An historic 4 bedroom cottage with a large garden and parking.
Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bathlettings@hamptons-int.com
Hamptons Lettings would like to wish all our clients old and new a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
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Bewley Barn, Lacock beautiful glass entrance hall | 3 reception rooms | a beautiful handmade oak & stainless steel kitchen | elegant drawing room | 5 good sized double bedrooms (2 en-suites) | large living room with tall patio doors | modern family bathroom | cloakroom | utility room | exposed beams throughout | attractive private central courtyard | large driveway | panoramic views
Rent ÂŁ3,950 pcm A stunning barn conversion forming a spectacular five bedroom single storey house wrapped around a beautiful and private courtyard, this property has been newly refurbished throughout to the highest possible standard and benefits from attractive panoramic southerly views.
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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Fidelis
Selling? Thinking of
Premium and Professional Marketing Experience Without the Premium Fees
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Milton Avenue
£459,950
Kipling Avenue
£395,000
SALE AGREED WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS.
ANOTHER PROPERTY SOLD BY FIDELIS IN POETS CORNER.
MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED IN THIS AREA FOR DISAPPOINTED BUYERS.
THREE AND FOUR BEDROOM HOUSES IN HIGH DEMAND.
www.fidelisproperties.co.uk
01225 421000
134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis December.indd 1
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Horseshoe Walk
£625,000
A Wonderful Family Home with Scope to Convert to Much Larger Accommodation Subject to Usual Consents
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Spacious Accommodation Throughout | Living Room | Dining Room | Kitchen | Cloakroom | 3 Bedrooms | Bathroom | Large Undercroft | Good Size Garden | Off Road Parking | Offered for Sale with No Onward Chain
Milton Avenue
£209,950
2 Bedroom Garden Apartment Rarely Available in Poets Corner Living Room with Large Bay Window | Modern Kitchen/Breakfast Room | 2 Bedrooms | Bathroom | Lovely Garden
www.fidelisproperties.co.uk
01225 421000
134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis December.indd 2
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The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London
NR. BATH
Wick
Guide Price ÂŁ650,000
A spacious and versatile detached family home boasting generous gardens which extend to approximately 1.5 acres and occupying a private position on the outskirts of this popular village
Bath 01225 747250 patrick.brady@carterjonas.co.uk London Country Department 020 7493 0676 jasper.feilding@carterjonas.co.uk
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Catharine Place
OIEO £450,000 Northfield House
Bath’s No. 1 Apartment Specialist
OIEO £400,000 Northanger Court
100% of our buyers are looking for apartments
OIEO £390,000 St James Square
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We have an excellent database of apartment buyers
We attract London & overseas buyers
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OIEO £350,000 Tramshed
We offer high profile or discreet marketing
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We offer first class presentation
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Russel Street
OIEO £400,000
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Portland Place
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OIEO £275,000 Great Pulteney Street
We are offering free professional photography
OIEO £264,000
Selling your apartment? Call the experts on 01225 471144
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Letting an agent do the work for you
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f you’ve got a property to rent but haven’t got the time to devote to being a full-time landlord, you need the help of an experienced lettings agent. Peter Greatorex, Managing Director at The Apartment Company explains how to choose the right agent and service for you.
“When landlords rent out a property for the first time many may not have considered just how much work it involves. As a private landlord you are responsible for finding tenants, running background checks, advertising your property, organising repairs, collecting rent Peter Greatorex, Managing Director at The Apartment and being the direct line of communication Company with your tenant whenever they have issue at whatever hour of the day. That’s just the start of a long list so it’s not surprising that many property owners would rather step back and get a management company to look after almost everything.
already have properties similar to yours on their books? How will your property be presented to tenants? How will they advertise your property? Discuss fully with an agent what you would require them to do and the kind of tenants you want so you can rest easy.
Beaufort West £1300 pcm - Successfuly Let
It is also worth remembering that lettings agents may have a database of people actively looking for your type of property, thus saving you money on advertising for tenants. The Apartment Company has just opened a lettings department in its Bristol Office and welcome Deborah Emery to their team. Peter Greatorex says “We are delighted that Deborah has joined the team, her 15 years lettings experience and her market knowledge will really strengthen our service and deliver excellent value to our growing client base, we wish her every success!” Whichever agent you decide to use it is always a sensible decision to select one who is targeting your market and who is a member of professional organisation, such as The Guild of Professional Estate Agents. This will give you greater peace of mind as these agents adhere to The Guild’s own code of practice.” For advice on letting an apartment, please contact Peter Greatorex or Deborah Emery, The Apartment Company, Tel: 01225 471144 Website: www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk
Green Park £1350 pcm - Successfuly Let Before you sign up with an agent, know your requirements. The service offered by lettings agents will greatly depend on what type of landlord you want to be, from simply finding tenants all the way up to a fully managed service where the agent acts as a buffer between you and tenants. Obviously, the fees involved increase the more the agent does.
Camden Crescent £950 pcm Successfuly Let
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Quiz any potential lettings agents on how they will fulfil all your requirements and market your property. For example, do they
Hayes Mount £1000 pcm - Successfuly Let
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£1800 pcm Park Street
Bath’s No. 1 Apartment Specialist
£1500 pcm Cavendish Crescent
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£1200 pcm Portland Place
We offer to manage your property
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£1100 pcm Park Street
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Brock Street
£1000 pcm Queens Parade
Accompanied viewings
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Friendly and efficient customer service
£850 pcm
Thinking of letting your apartment? Call the experts on 01225 471144
24/11/2011 15:43
Darlington Place A fine Grade II listed town house situated in one of Bath’s most desirable streets with superb views across the City and offering wonderful potential | entrance hall | drawing room | study | dining room | kitchen/breakfast | cloakroom | 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2 spacious cellars | 2 large vaults | enclosed gardens with sun terrace | Offers in excess of £1,000,000
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 Grade II listed Regency house, attributed to John Pinch the Elder, with the advantage of having Listed Building Consent to refurbish and re-model |entrance hall | kitchen | dining room | sitting room | utility room | drawing room | 6 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2 lower ground floor reception rooms | numerous vaults | garage | gardens | planning and listed building consent to construct a garden studio | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,350,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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Wellow A charming three bedroom family cottage, presented to an excellent standard in one of Bath’s finest south side villages | entrance hall | 2 reception rooms | dining area | kitchen | utility area | cloakroom | office | master bedroom with en suite shower room | 2 further bedrooms | bathroom | south facing rear gardens | extension potential | Guide Price: £560,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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Priston An attractive, unusual and deceptively spacious home. Extended and modernised detached home with many commendable and attractive features, located in the heart of this picturesque village | versatile accommodation, mainly on one floor | entrance area | light and bright open plan living space including living room, dining room and well equipped kitchen | utility room | 4/5 bedrooms | family bathroom | 2 en suites | central heating | double glazing | delightful south facing garden with privacy | Guide Price: ÂŁ650,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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KnightFrank.co.uk
Widcombe, Bath
Guide Price £635,000
A charming Victorian house in the heart of Widcombe Entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen / living room. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite). Approximately 1,896 sq ft. South facing garden. Garage. Resident’s parking.
KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com
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KnightFrank.co.uk
Farleigh Wick, Bath
Offers In Excess Of £799,950
A spacious family house in a quiet and convenient location 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms. Approximately 2,524 sq ft. Large garden, off street parking for several cars.
KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com
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KnightFrank.co.uk
Audley Park Road, Bath
Guide Price £1,100,000
A beautifully presented family house in a sought after location 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 5 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms. Approximately 2,835 sq ft. Large garden and off street parking for several cars.
KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com
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