The Bath Magazine March 2014 by MC Publishing Limited

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH £3.00 where sold

GAJA by Paul Wright at Edgar Modern Bartlett Street

ISSUE 138 • MARCH 2014

HAVING A LAUGH

FOOD HEROES

The stars of Bath Comedy Festival 2014

Trumpeting the bakers of Bath

NOT SO GRUMPY JUMBO PACKAGE A trunk call with Arthur Smith

Art, music, theatre in our What’s On

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CONTENTS

March

www.thebathmag.co.uk

2014

@ thebathmagazine

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

THE CITYIST Comedian Jon Monie on ‘My Bath’ and an exclusive book event offer for readers

MRS STOKES ‘How I escaped a #cakegate situation’

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FOOD & DRINK NEWS

22 WHAT’S ON Take your pick from Bath’s rich cultural calendar of events in March

30 ART & EXHBITIONS What – and who – is hanging in the city’s galleries this month

EDUCATION NEWS What’s going on in our local schools

THE WALK Out and about in the Savernake Forest

FIT & FABULOUS Beautiful skin products for spring

A SPA PICK-ME-UP The Royal Crescent’s retreat reviewed

FOOD REVIEW The Biddestone Arms is on to a winner with its clubs dedicated to pies and puds

THE WINE COLUMN

STAR OF THE KITCHEN Silvana Tann interviews the Indian chef who’s an expert in modern British cuisine

A KNEAD TO KNOW Lindsey Harrad checks out the new Thoughtful Bread cookery school

INTERIORS Accessories and ideas for the home

GARDENING Why the humble auricula got those Victorians hot under the collar

Angela Mount picks the perfect fizz to toast your mum this Mother’s Day

BEHIND THE COVER Profile of Paul Wright, the artist who painted the colourful elephant

6 OF THE BEST Melissa Blease joins the craft beer revolution in the bars of Bath

W IN

We preview Kaffe Fassett’s fabulous show at the American Museum in Bath and there’s the chance to win tickets

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

OUR CULTURAL YEAR

FUN WITH SCIENCE Things to do with the kids this month

Looking ahead to festivals and events

BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL

20 WORLD OF COLOUR

Tasty titbits from the restaurant scene

A look at this year’s stand-up stars, plus we give Arthur Smith a gentle grilling

FACE THE MUSIC Ralph Oswick, a natural talent tells Mick Ringham about his favourite music

BATH AT WORK Neill Menneer photographs Bath clock repairer Alistair McClement

Five things to do in Bath this month

HOT PROPERTY Find your next home in the city or country Cover picture: Gaja by Paul Wright, courtesy of Edgar Modern gallery, Bartlett Street, Bath

CITY PEOPLE News from the movers and shakers MARCH 2014

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EDITOR’Sletter

he sun is shining as I write and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that spring is finally on its way, which will shortly see Bath’s traditional display of banks of golden daffodils welcoming visitors to the city. There’s a lot to look forward to in Bath in March, beginning with the Bath Half marathon on Sunday 2 March. As media partners to this massive sporting and fund-raising event we’d like to wish all the runners well and urge anyone not running to get out and line the course to cheer them on. Having run it last year I can testify that a friendly voice calling encouragement really does help you get round – especially on that second long loop out through Newbridge and back along the Lower Bristol Road. The first week of March will also see the Independent Bath Literature Festival in full flow. If you haven’t already got tickets to see your favourite writers, check out the website: www.bathlitfest.org.uk and don’t miss the fun. Speaking of fun, Nick Steel, the man behind the Bath Comedy Festival has been taking his duties very seriously, checking out the talent in advance of this year’s festival, which opens on Friday 28 March. There are some big names coming, including Barry Cryer, Hardeep Singh Kohli and TV favourite Lorraine Chase. We grabbed five minutes with Grumpy Old Man Arthur Smith ahead of the festival (see Page 16) and he had us smiling in anticipation of what’s coming up. Do support this mirth making festival as it goes from strength to strength. It’s fitting that our Face the Music subject this month is Ralph Oswick, one-time columnist of this esteemed organ. He may have recently retired from the Natural Theatre Company but he’s far from retiring from the business of bringing the people of Bath fun and laughter. Find out what Ralph did next . . . Page 14. This month’s magazine is postively bulging with events of all kinds, from an alternative celebration of the works of Shakespeare to the Sport Relief mile which we’re all invited to take part in. There are guided walks, informed talks and some fabulous concerts of music of all kinds. Tickets go on sale for the acclaimed annual Iford music festival and for the Theatre Royal’s summer season too. A Londoner told me confidently the other day that there’s nowhere decent to eat in Bath. After I’d picked my jaw up off the floor, I started mentally listing some of the fabulous, diverse and nationally acclaimed restaurants and pubs we’ve got in and around the city. And I’ve got say, quite vehemently, that I think he’s wrong. We’ve also got some pioneering food heroes, like Kesh Desai, the much garlanded chef at Lucknam Park, who talks to Silvana Tann (Page 46) about his culinary journey from India to modern British cuisine. And Lindsey Harrad attends a bread making workshop at Thoughtful Bread’s new cookery school (Page 48). You may recognise baker Duncan Glendenning from his TV appearances championing the growing artisan bread movement in this country. Last, but not least, don’t miss out on our treats for you. There’s the chance to win tickets to Kaffe Fassett’s major retrospective exhibition at the American Museum at Claverton (Page 20) and on Page 10, there are details of an exclusive offer from Topping & Co bookshop for readers of The Bath Magazine.

Georgette McCready Editor

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

MARCH 2014

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Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Coleman sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Web Content Editor Email:

Dulcie Carey dulcie@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Commercial Production Lorna Harrington Email: lorna@thebathmagazine.co.uk Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

The Bath Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in the following city centre stores and coffee shops

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2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk ÂŠ MC Publishing Ltd 2014 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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ZEITGEIST

things to do in March

Support

Visit A remarkable collection of 3D photographs taken of the great Spanish artist Pablo Picasso has opened at the Holburne Museum in Bath. They were taken at his request by photographer Robert Mouzillat, who with his father, had perfected a 3D camera in the 1940s. The pictures, taken in 1957, show Picasso’s studio and garden as well as his friends, family and admirers. Guitarist and collector Brian May has been personally involved in the presentation of the images which have been lent to the museum by Mouzillat’s daughter Elizabeth Mouzillat Jowett. Admission to the exhibition is free and it will run until 1 June. There are no plans to show the images publicly anywhere else.

Run Recapture the pleasure of running, as enjoyed by children, by signing up to take part in this year’s charity Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 23 March in Bath. Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting people of all ages and abilities to join in with Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile which takes place at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit. Last year the Bath Mile saw over 1,000 people take part, raising money to provide help to vulnerable people in the UK and in some of the world’s poorest countries. Choose to run one, three or six miles on the day. Log on to: www.sportrelief.com and search for the Bath Mile. For updates on the day specific to the Bath Mile Like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/getactivebathnes. 8 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Celebrate This year sees the 450th anniversary of the birth of William Shakespeare, arguably Britain’s greatest and most enduring writer. And while his birthday isn’t until 23 April, the Theatre Royal Bath and Engage, the adult education programme run by the theatre, have teamed up to stage a three-week mini festival of events. Shakespeare Unplugged will run from Saturday 1 March to Saturday 22 March, ranging from a lively quiz centred round the Bard to a dramatic immersive theatrical event beside the Roman Baths, exploring Antony and Cleopatra and Cymbeline. There’s a screening of the Japanese take on Macbeth, Throne of Blood, a primary school Shakespeare marathon of performance and a cabaret which includes a new work called As You Likeish. There are a dozen events on the programme, which will be staged at five different venues round the city – including a night at The Bell in Walcot with Edinburgh acclaimed Midnight at the Boar’s Head, a knees-up with a Shakespearean theme. Pick up a leaflet from the theatre or the Tourist Information Office or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Watch

The old lady of Milsom Street is undergoing a makeover. Bathonians will have noticed that Jollyʼs department store has been looking a little tired in recent years, with some areas looking distinctly shabby. Work has begun on bringing the shop up to date, with improvements on the shop floors, better lavatories and lift. The historic fabric of the building will be respected, with plans to restore shutters to some windows and pulldown awnings on the facade. Owners House of Fraser intend to keep the store open throughout.

Illustration by James Read

PICTURE: Robert Mouzillat

For those running the Bath Half marathon on Sunday 2 March, good luck! We’re proud to be media partners of the race which raises over £2m for charity. Those of us who aren’t taking part will be out on the streets on the day cheering the runners home. The race starts at 11am in Great Pulteney Street – make some encouraging noise.

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THE CITY

One city . . . one month

The buzz Listen Learn the secrets of filming African cats in Kenya’s Masai Mara from BBC wildlife producer Keith Scholey on Thursday 20 March, 6.30pm for 7pm at a talk organised by animal protection charity TUSK and sponsored by Savills, at Wessex Water, Claverton Down, BA2 7WW. Tickets £15 from eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-cats-lecture-tickets10449451591. Wine and canapés included.

Write

The Bath Short Story Award, now in its second year, invites people to write a short story on any topic up to 2,200 words. The closing date is 31 March. The first prize money has doubled to £1,000 with 2nd/3rd prizes of £200/£100. An attraction for local writers is a local (based on home post code) prize of £50 and this year an Acorn award of £50 for an unpublished writer. For entry details visit: www.bathshortstoryaward.co.uk.

Give

The TK Maxx Bath store is hosting a Give Up Clothes For Good campaign for Cancer Research UK throughout March, inviting people to bring in their unwanted clothes, toys and homeware. Each filled bag (available to collect in store) is worth around £30 to Cancer Research shops which will sell the items on. TK Maxx has raised over £13.5m for cancer research in the last nine years.

It’s exciting to be in at the start of something big, as we were with Nathan Filer’s Costa Book of the Year winner Shock of the Fall, which we first got our hands on last April. It was one of those books that you urge your friends to read. Following the news that Nathan has deservedly been recognised for this powerful first novel, Bath independent bookshop Topping & Co has invited him back to the shop, on

BATH

We ask Jon Monie comic actor, writer and TV presenter what he is doing in March What brought you to Bath? As I live just outside Bradford-on-Avon it was the B3108. Sometimes the A363 but it very much depends on the time of day. What are you reading? The instructions on a tube of Superglue. I can’t put it down. What is on your MP3 player? Annoyingly I recently dropped my MP3 player, causing the sound to become distorted and unpleasant to listen to. It’s perfect for Madonna. Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? In springtime nothing beats a picnic in Victoria Park; a chance to see rare birds, unusual plants and, maybe, the lesser spotted parking space. Which museum or gallery will you be visiting? I do love the Roman Baths although they are taking an age to finish the changing rooms. I genuinely once overheard an American tourist ask: “Is that the original water?” Brilliant. Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? I’m currently learning the art of mime but I really mustn’t talk about it. What local outdoor activity or event will you be doing or visiting? I shall be taking some time out to recover

Wednesday 9 April at 7.45pm, to talk about it. And the shop has an exclusive offer for readers of The Bath Magazine. Secure your place at this evening by reserving a ticket for just £4 at the shop. Call in at the Paragon or tel: 01225 428111. Nathan is an engaging speaker on the art of writing and on the sensitive subject of mental illness. Here is the review we ran of his book last May:

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MARCH 2014

The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer, published by HarperFiction, paperback £7.99, reviewed by Georgette McCready A debut novel by Bristol writer and poet Nathan Filer is already getting rave reviews, and having read it, I can see why. If you enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time you’ll be immediately gripped by the story of Matthew. He’s a brother in mourning, a

from the Bath Half Marathon. Not that I ran it, but due to sponsorship of many friends my wallet is absolutely exhausted. Film or play? What will you be going to see this month? Muppets Most Wanted is released at the end of the month; all the regulars plus Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey. Just thinking about it makes me with giddy with joy. Our double-act Avent & Monie are bringing our pre-Edinburgh Festival show Back to Front to the Wroughton Theatre, King Edward’s School, Bath on 14 and 15 March. Tickets are £8 (£5 concessions) tel: 07739 398 565 or visit www.aventandmonie.com.

friend who tries to be supportive, a loving grandson – but he’s also a troubled schizophrenic, struggling with his illness. The story is engaging, in turns both sad and funny. It may also help that the author is a trained mental health nurse, giving the scenes in the psychiatric ward an added realism. We see events unfolding through Matthew’s eyes, as he is overtaken at times by his condition.

We’re following @qikipedia, aka The QI ELves, who live at the bottom of Stephen Fry’s garden and bring us eclectic facts about all manner of things. Sample: ‘The oldest human footprint outside Africa is in Norfolk.’ The elves have 530,00 followers.

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Mrs Stokes

©www.robbiddulph.com

takes a sideways look at life in Bath

Lessons in customer service

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e’re all very nice in Bath aren’t we; smiling sweetly as someone’s child starts ruining – sorry crying – our me-time flat-white and we never, ever bitch in public. Partly we’re courteous, but partly we suffocate our irritation because we know that living in a small community means your words come back to taunt you. Remember the ruinous viral campaigns concerning the angry busker, Gary Millhouse or the road rage knitwear shop owner, Sarah Duncan? However, mad you feel, you need to be as diplomatic as our Russian Ambassador, particularly if you’re a business owner. I should know. Last summer I temporarily took on a café at a farm shop just outside Bath. I had no experience but wanted some and hit the ground at the speed of Lizzy Yarnold’s skeleton. It was a six week baptism of cooking gas fire: I learnt how to make ‘proper’ coffee using a grown-up machine (frothy nozzle and all) and to control my rising panic when more than four people ordered at once. Most significantly I learned that people like to feed back, which is great when they’re lavishing praise but harder when they’re sharing their unique wisdom when you’re trying to feed and water people on time. My nerve was tested one busy Saturday morning when the café was welcoming a steady flow of customers, including a young family – trendy haircut Dad, pretty wife and adorable tiny tot. Now Dad was understanding as I explained I’d only just taken it on. But his wife channelled The Hotel Inspector by pointing out all kinds of areas for improvement: how to wrap cutlery, which brand of ketchup to buy, how I should emulate Colonna and Small and so on. All this while people streamed through the door, asking for cakes, salt and pepper, love life advice . . . Just as I was pushing my damp fringe back off my perspiring face while wiping down a table of sticky baked beans, she cornered, eyes narrowed. “And one final thing, because you want feedback don’t you?” she snarled. I smiled politely: “I mean you really do don’t you?” Again I acquiesced, but this seemed to make her as menacing as The Godfather. Leaning into me she jabbed her finger as she spat the words: “You. Need. Better. Sausages.” And proceeded to tell me in depth about her local supplier, how to cook one to perfection etc etc. In that moment I imagined taking a string of the finest pork sausages wrapping them round her body like an anaconda, singing “Ding dong the witch is dead!” But instead I thanked her and then fake-screamed in the loo. Now, I’m not saying I am a saint – everyone is entitled to their opinion, especially when they’re giving you money. I handled it like most business owners would and two months later I had to leave anyway when a couple stumped up enough cash to rent and renovate the entire site. So I was interested to read a Facebook review that a friend shared recently. A woman had given a local café a three star review (out of five) because although she thought the cakes looked amazing, she was concerned about the way they were displayed. What followed was extraordinary. The owner replied: “Please don’t come back – your feedback is b******s! You’d have to be a midget with the neck of a giraffe to be able to breathe over them – stupid woman!” The comments escalated around the internet and now the story of the spat dubbed #cakegate has featured in The Daily Mail (“The Great Twittish Cake Off!”) and Daily Telegraph websites, not to mention local press and the countless negative reactions from the public. The name of the café? The Shed at Bathford. And the café I was running last summer? You guessed it. There but for the grace of God go I. Although to be honest, I like to think I’m smart enough to keep my opinions to myself. ■

@mrsstokeschina

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Unikko 50th Anniversary fabric designed for Marimekko by Maija Isola & Kristina Isola.

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Smile Jewellery Jo Downs handmade glass Heaven Scent candles Jellycat cuddly toys Caroline Gardiner cards Scarves, funky gifts etc 34 Wellsway Bear Flats, Bath, BA2 2AA 01225 422225 silverbearjewelleryandgifts@gmail.com (In the former Flat Out Ironing shop)

MARCH 2014

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That’s why this Lady is a gent Ralph Oswick, actor, pioneer of street theatre and supporter of many of Bath’s best social gatherings, talks to Mick Ringham about his long theatrical career, the life and times of his alter ego Lady Margaret and picks his top ten tunes

wasn’t aware of it at the time but I first encountered Ralph Oswick while strolling through the Abbey Church Yard many years ago. I didn’t recognise him manly because he had a flower pot on his head and was wearing a frock that would have put Dame Edna Everage to shame. It was one of those surreal moments when the old grey matter has to decide whether this is real life or a rather curious dream. After the initial shock, I realised that I had come face to face with one of Europe’s most outrageous and imaginative theatre companies. Ralph was one of the founder members of Widcombe based Natural Theatre Company and has now officially retired after celebrating 45 years of, as he says “community service.” During that time he has been responsible for some of the funniest, interactive and professional performances here in the UK and in more than 80 countries worldwide. As an actor and former artistic director of the Naturals, Ralph is surprisingly modest about his achievements. He was born in Essex and after leaving school enrolled in a three year course at the Wimbledon School of Art before moving west and joining the then Bath Arts Workshop. He takes up the story: “My intention was to stay for a few months to see how it would work out. However, from the word go things seemed to click into place and I was enjoying working with creative and innovative people and although things have changed dramatically over the years I can happily say that the Naturals’ ethos remains the same.” As well as street theatre, comedy festivals and touring theatre productions, the company’s 32 performers, run workshops in schools and have their own successful youth theatre at their Widcombe studios. Along with such creations as the flowerpots and the Coneheads. I asked him how one of his best loved characters and alter-ego Lady Margaret came about. “She came from a play we were performing decades ago and she became an instant hit with the audience, to this day I still enjoy frocking-up and getting into the role, opening fetes and judging the odd dog show, I’m still going to continue with Margaret, although these days she’s gone private.” Far from drifting into quiet retirement Ralph has become a patron of the Bath Comedy Festival along with fellow funnymen Barry Cryer, Arthur Smith and Terry Jones. He will also be involved in co-organising 14 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Widcombe Rising 2015 and writing for Visit England magazine. He said: “I can now concentrating a limited number of projects including being an active patron of the Bath Comedy Festival and trying to build up viewing figures for my blog, while boosting my meagre income by coaching fathers of the bride in speechmaking (or terror management as I like to call it) and delivering after dinner talks about my unique and highly comical theatrical experiences around the globe.” I asked Ralph who he would most have liked to have met: “It would have to be Noel Coward, not only was he a singer but a great actor, writer and director.” And how would he wish to be remembered himself, I wonder? After a long theatrical pause he smiles: “a good bloke perhaps who put some fun into people’s lives and hopefully gave them a few laughs.” This just maybe the understatement of the year...

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HAPPY MEMORIES: left to right, The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Weather Girls It’s Raining Men and Arthur Brown’s Fire Opposite, top, Lady Margaret in full flow Inset, Ralph Oswick, famous for his brightly patterned shirts Right, the Flowerpot Men in formal garb

Ralph’s top ten: ● The Beatles – Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Controversially reviewed by The Times’ classical music critic William Mann at the time who said The Beatles were the best songwriters since Schubert. A college chum lodged with William and managed to get a pre-release copy for my 21st birthday along with 21 Mars bars. It would be worth a fortune today – if only I still had it! ● Rocky Rickets and the Jet Pilots of Jive (along with the Fabulous Rockets) – Live at the Pav This was an outrageous Arts Workshop/Naturals theatre band in the 70s and I played Vince Pube, Rocky’s exotic manager. Despite being pure spoof it toured rock venues and supported big names. The band’s only album was recorded at Bath Pavilion but the actual applause sounded muted so we dubbed on some wildly enthusiastic audience reaction – crafty.

It was the sadly missed ❝ Miles Kington who first got her Ladyship singing on the wireless

❞

● Arthur Brown – Fire Arthur always did his signature finale suspended from a trapeze in a spectacular ring of fire. At Bristol’s long gone Tiffany’s Club, we were employed to provide these effects live on stage wearing silver asbestos suits. When the time came to for the finale we made a great show of throwing the switch and nothing happened. He never employed us again. ● Roxy Music – Virginia Plain Before they were famous Roxy Music promised to do a benefit gig for us. Then suddenly they went global, but they kept their word and did a superb free show at Charlie Ware’s Bath Theatre Royal. ● Franz Liszt– Liebeslust Before Lady Margaret there was Auntie Margaret. She used to do a sad little street mime to a scratchy 78 rpm version of this piece, involving a dead robin and various cleaning materials. An Arts Council observer declared it to be the most moving piece of

theatre he had ever seen. One day some kids sprayed me with Harpic. Whenever I hear this piece played on Classic FM I get a burning sensation! ● Rossini – The Barber of Seville A colleague and I blagged the massive job of writing a new libretto for a touring opera company, even though I can’t read music and neither us speak Italian. We felt sick at the premier, but it went down a storm. I even gave a pre-show talk, though I didn’t know what the hell I was on about – phew! ● The Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men We appeared with them in a Berlin circus. Lovely, luscious, laughing ladies, their act mainly consisted of reprise after reprise of their greatest hit. They were so generously upholstered they could barely squeeze through the door of their caravan dressing room. ● Domenico – Sonatas for the Harpsichord I gave around 1,000 performances in the title role in the Natural Theatre’s series of musicals about the baroque composer, each night threatening to play every single one of his 555 sonatas. In the final show, we had the harpsichord blown up to protect the audience from such a ghastly fate. ● Lady Margaret – One Lump or Two It was the sadly missed Miles Kington who first got her Ladyship singing on the wireless. The brilliant Chris Dickins played her nephew and co-wrote the songs. We ended up with a hit Edinburgh fringe show, a CD and our own Radio 4 series. ● Vivaldi – The Four Seasons This beautiful piece has been completely ruined by becoming the universal default choice for telephone ‘on-hold’ musak. Having moved house in the last couple of years, I’ve spent hours queuing for an operator with all the major utility providers and I feel I know every flipping note. ■ For father-of-the-bride speech coaching and other social engagements contact: www.ralphoswick.com. Read Ralph’s blog: www.ralphoswick.wordpress.com, or to get involved with Widcombe Rising 2015, email: Ralph@widcomberising.co.uk.

Now you can listen to the Face the Music tunes thanks to a link on : www.thebathmag.co.uk WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

MARCH 2014

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YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH Georgette McCready talks to Nick Steel, artistic director of the Bath Comedy Festival about this year’s programme and the mix of old and new faces performing stand-up in the city

ome big stars hide behind agents and publicity machines, others are like Barry and Arthur, has been a talking head on the TV series Grumpy Old delightfully approachable, as Nick Steel, organiser and artistic Men and has recently been signed for a Radio 4 series of his own. And cricket director of the Bath Comedy Festival found out when he wrote to commentator, Henry ‘Blowers’ Blofeld, teller of tall tales from the crease on Monty Python star Terry Jones to ask if he would consider being a cricket and celebrity will also be entertaining us with his idiosyncratic style. patron of the festival, now in its sixth year. “He said yes Another familiar face is Hardeep Singh Kohli, a journalist, broadcaster and immediately,” said Nick, “But later when I spoke to him he got worried chef, who brings his Edinburgh Fringe show to the south west. He’ll be about what he’s agreed to do. This is one of his busiest years, what with bringing his on own take on life, love and finding romance in middle age, directing the movie Absolutely Anything starring Simon Pegg, and getting Hardeep Is Your Love? to Bath Cricket Club on Saturday 29 March. ready to put on the big Python reunion show at the 02. But we’re delighted Involving the city to have him as patron and to have his support.” For the first time the Bath Comedy Festival is holding an evening of laughs laid So, while Terry might not be at this year’s festival on by the joint talents of students at the University of in person, his patronage is very much appreciated, Bath and Bath Spa University at Bath Rugby Club. as is the support of the other new patrons, This will be a great chance for town and gown to comedians Barry Cryer, Arthur Smith, Ralph come together. And there’ll be a strand of the festival Oswick and Sir Peter Hendy and stalwart supporter for children, with child-friendly shows by John Robert Brinkworth. They were welcomed to their Moore and Silky, both of them also putting on adult new roles with a drinks reception in London. Nick shows too. Also new is a series of fringe events at the said at the time: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive Assembly Inn in Wood Street, where the basement the support of such a group of respected comedy becomes an intimate comedy club peopled by acts greats and wonderful people. I hope that together including Geordie comic Gary Coleman, who’s we see the festival continue to grow from strength bringing his family on holiday to Bath so he can to strength in the coming years. perform more than one gig during his stay. Nick has Terry Jones said he was delighted to become a recruited a small army of Bath volunteers to help staff patron because, as he said: “Comedy is what makes the events through the festival, thanks to the ever the world a bearable place.” efficient and affable Alan Cassé and his powers of Nick takes his comedy seriously, attending the persuasion. Edinburgh Festival each year and taking in a Finding new talent staggering 50 to 70 shows in a bid to catch the One of the Bath Comedy Festival’s strongest themes is cream of the comedy crop, and then persuade them its annual New Acts competition, which this year to visit this corner of the south west for the PICTURE: Cambridge Jones attracted more than 400 entrants from unsigned delectation of Bath audiences. comedians competing for just 40 slots in the heats,

Veterans of stand-up Nick has managed this year to secure some of the stalwarts of the British comedy scene. Coming to the Bath is Barry Cryer, a regular of Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. Cryer could reasonably be described as a national treasure. He’s written gags for all the greats, from David Frost and Beyond the Fringe, to Dave Allen, Tommy Cooper, Rory Bremner, the Two Ronnies and Morecombe and Wise. Also appearing in Bath is festival regular, Arthur Smith with his own unique style of slightly surreal humour, offering a walking guided tour of Alexandra Park. Another stand-up, with more than 20 years’ experience and a mantelpiece of awards is John Moloney, who,

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and nine in the final competition. Matt Richardson, the 2010 winner, was signed to a professional agent just three days after his Bath triumph and is now hosting The Xtra Factor on TV. Last year’s winner, Larry Dean, is also coming back in his own right to wow Bath audiences again – so a ticket to the New Acts heats could win you the chance to be in at the career launch of the next John Bishop or Micky Flanagan. Nick paid tribute to Geoff Whiting, the man who has the unenviable task of whittling down the entries to 40 for the heats. He said: “The competition is a real delight. It’s great to see all these fresh ideas up there on stage, proving that youngsters have imagination.”

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CITYofFESTIVALS RAISING A SMILE: opposite, left to right, Lorraine Chase, Hardeep Singh Kohli and Matt Richardson Inset, festival patron Terry Jones Right, Arthur Smith

Expect the unexpected TV favourite Lorraine Chase, survivor of I’m A Celebrity, will be wafted to Bath from Luton Aiport to take part in the comedy festival’s Red Wine Arts Trail. This annual magical mystery tour sees passengers boarding a big red bus for a wine-fuelled tour of obscure venues. Lorraine will be taking on the role of clippie on the bus and she’ll be joined by renowned wine bore Godfrey Spittoon, played by Ralph Oswick. Tickets are on sale now for two trips, both on Sunday 6 April. Jem Roberts is the big daddy of The Unrelated Family, as he says: “Bath’s premier comedy-troupe-cum-ukulele-pop-combo. But when we first began our sketch shows at The Mission in 2006, it seemed like we were offering the only arena for any south west comics in Bath. After we were forced to take a hiatus for me to write my first book (The official I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue Bible), suddenly we had not only Komedia, but this new Bath Comedy Festival thing. Seemed a bit unfair. “Despite the stress and honour of my subsequently becoming the Blackadder chronicler, with The True History of The Black Adder, The Unrelated Family has played a part in every festival since.” April is the deadline for Jem’s third book, an officially authorised celebration of Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker’s Guide. He will be doing a solo hour of musical filth, Songs That Do Eventually Stop, on Saturday 5 April at 7pm at the St James’ Wine Vaults, and two Thursday night Playgroups at The Bell. Also at The Bell is Unrehearsed Blackadder at 2pm on Sunday 30 March, with Richard Curtis’ blessing. All you need to join in with Unrehearsed Theatre is a tablet or smartphone, the scripts are online, and the assembled company will perform any episode in return for a donation to Comic Relief. The True History of The Black Adder is out in paperback from Preface Publishing, The Frood will be released this autumn. A final word of reassurance about the Bath Comedy Festival for anyone who’s experience of live comedy has involved them shrinking under the spotlight of the comedian’s vitriol from the stage, making them the butt of cheap gags. “This is not a bear pit,” says Nick, “but a chance to enjoy some live, intelligent comedy in small spaces rather than in a big stadium.” ■ For details of all 80 plus events visit: www.bathcomedy.com

Five minutes with Arthur Smith What first attracted you to the Bath Comedy Festival? I was doing the Bath Comedy Festival before it existed – my parents retired to Bath from London so I was a frequent visitor and used to try shows out here in the late 80s and 90s. Over the years quite a selection of actors and comics stayed with my parents – Rachel Weiss, Caroline Quentin, Ben Miller, Paul Merton, Jo Brand.

We see you’re planning a tour of Bath’s Alexandra Park. Is there really an evil ghost in the park or are you just scaring people with the climb up the hill? Can you tell us any more about the tour? I cannot say too much because I know the FBI are reading this but there is not an evil ghost in Alexandra Park, there are several. I shall be telling a tale of lust, murder, redemption and sherbert. Anyone wearing odd socks gets a prize.

How does Bath’s festival compare to Edinburgh (aside from the fact that it’s obviously much smaller)? Edinburgh is unique because anyone can do a show there whereas in Bath one is invited by the unflappable Mr Steel, but what Bath shares with Edinburgh is that it is a good place to experiment – audiences in Bath are up for something different. . .

How do audiences react when you sing the songs of Leonard Cohen and which are your favourite Cohen songs – as sung by you and as sung by the man himself? It’s hard to see the audience from under stage lights and with my Leonard hat on but they don’t heckle the songs. My fave ones to sing vary but my current crushes are Famous Blue Raincoat and Take This Waltz.

Are there any up and coming comedians that you’d recommend we see this year? Timandra Harkness is clever and thoughtful as well as funny, the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Company are great

■ Arthur Smith is performing at the Bath Comedy Festival opening night gala on Friday 28 March, 8pm at Bath Cricket Club and leading the evil ghost walk of Alexandra Park on Saturday 29 March.

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what Bath shares ❝ with Edinburgh is that it is a good place to experiment – audiences in Bath are up for something different

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PLAYING FOR LAUGHS: Kate Smurthwaite, right, is leading workshops to hone people’s comedic skills, far right, Lucy Porter has performed under the What the Frock banner

Stand up for funny women In a traditionally male-dominated field women comedians are enjoying a fresh platform for their talents. Now What the Frock is coming to Bath as part of the comedy festival

t was when local arts journalist Jane Duffus was planning a night out at a comedy club with friends that she realised there was a serious lack of women on the stand-up circuit. And the more she looked into it, the more aware she became of this misrepresentation. “Typically only four in every 48 comedians booked for live comedy in the UK is female, which does not reflect the number of enormously talented women on the comedy circuit,” says Jane. “It’s not that there aren’t women comedians out there, or not enough funny women. There are loads. It’s just that they didn’t have a platform to make a name for themselves. The female comedians are there, they just haven’t been visible.” So in 2012 she presented Bristol with What the Frock, a comedy event at the Arnolfini, as part of the Bristol Festival of Ideas, featuring only female stand-up comedians, in an attempt to prove that there are funny women out there. The gig was so popular that What the Frock became a successful regular event, launching a monthly comedy club at the Mauretania on Park Street in Bristol and one-off shows at Colston Hall. Now What the Frock has expanded to put events on in London, Manchester and Exeter, working with women’s charities to raise money for the excellent work they do. And this year Bath audiences will be able to get a taste of What the Frock with an all-female line-up at The Bell in Walcot Street on Friday 4 April from 8pm. Cerys Nelmes, resident compere for the Bristol gigs, will be compere and the acts include Bethan Roberts (who won the What The Frock! Newcomer Award 2013 ), Annabel O’Connell and Helen Thorn (who were runners up in the What The Frock! Newcomer Award 2013), plus Miranda Dawe, Sandi Smith, Sonja Quita 18 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Doubleday, Imogen Palmer and Becky Brunning. At every What the Frock show you’ll get to see at least three female comedians, four including the compere. But don’t worry men, it’s not all about periods, menopause and pregnancy, and Jane is keen to emphasise that it’s not about hating men, as some people think. There are strictly no hen parties allowed too. Jane says: “It’s just a comedy night – funny jokes and stories told by very funny women. “It should go without saying that we positively welcome men in the audience (we’ve even had a few on stage before now!). And just as there will be lots of women in the audience of a male comedian’s show, there are also plenty of men in the audience of our all-female shows.” What The Frock is a one-woman business – Jane does pretty much everything except perform the comedy. “I never imagined I would be running a comedy night,” she says. “I just kind of fell into it and I never imagined it was going to be a regular thing, but I really enjoy it. The important thing is that it’s not just about my little project, it’s about getting the message out that there’s lots of funny women out there.” Jane has launched the What The Frock Award, one of only two all-female comedy awards in the UK; hosted solo shows by some of the group’s favourite acts; put on improvisation theatre shows and will also be publishing a book in the summer of an A-Z celebration of funny women through the decades, featuring stand-ups, actors and writers along with more than 30 guest contributions. She said: “I’m hoping that What the Frock will bring more female comedians to do stand-up and encourage more women and performing arts students at university to get into comedy. This is a different outlet for females in the arts.”

And her efforts have not been in vain, for as well as a growing popularity for the stand-up nights, What the Frock has been nominated for numerous awards, has featured on Women’s Hour and has notched up column inches in the national media and press including the Daily Telegraph and Red Magazine. “We’ve grown phenomenally and have lots of grand ideas for the new year,” says Jane. “Some people still have daft ideas that female comedians don’t exist, but we’re going to keep proving those people wrong. We’re delighted to see an ever-growing number of men in our audiences.” Jane has also introduced What the Frock workshops, hosted by professional comic Kate Smurthwaite who has appeared on more than 500 TV and radio shows, written for Bafta award-winning show The Revolution Will Be Televised and is the head of comedy teaching at City Academy in London. These workshops are aimed at those who’ve always wanted to try stand-up and those who have done a few gigs but are keen to develop their skills, whether you’re looking for a new career or just a speedy confidence boost. Covering comedy writing techniques, crowd control and dealing with hecklers and performance skills, the workshops will provide an opportunity to ask questions and pick up tips from a full time professional comic. After the workshop there’ll be a showcase where all the participants do five minutes in front of a warm friendly audience. What are you waiting for? The next one is in Bristol on 16 March. ■ For further information, tickets and details of all upcoming events, visit: www.whatthefrockcomedy.co.uk. What the Frock’s Bath event is at The Bell, Walcot, Bath, on Friday 4 April, 8pm, £6 in advance, £8 on the door. For tickets visit: www.bathcomedy.com

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LIFE IN COLOUR: samples of Kaffe Fassett’s work, left to right, needlepoint duck egg chair, detail from a needlepoint vegetable rug and detail from a jewel squares blind quilt

Kaffe’s kaleidoscope Like a burst of Californian sunshine on a rainy English landscape, Kaffe Fassett’s collection of work from over his long career in textiles will bring vibrant colour to the American Museum at Claverton this month. To mark the exhibition’s opening we have five pairs of tickets to be won plus two copies of his autobiography

orld-renowned knitwear and textile designer Kaffe Fassett returns to the American Museum at Claverton near Bath to celebrate his 50 years of working as an artist and colourist, and his 50-year-long association with the museum. When he came to live in Britain in the early 1960s, Kaffe stayed in Bath and was inspired by its collection of antique American quilts and fascinated by the block patterns created in these textile masterworks and by their audacious use of juxtaposed colours and printed fabrics. The exhibition, The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett amply demonstrates how Kaffe lives by his maxim to “find colour in a grey world.” It’s been designed by theatrical designer Johan Engels with over 100 sumptuous works of textile art – a kaleidoscope of knitwear, needlepoint, beading, and quilts. There’ll also be vibrant mosaics and still-life paintings by Kaffe. Nearly all the objects on view are from his personal collection, the much-loved pieces that surround him as he works. Part of the exhibition will be a recreation of his studio space, giving visitors a glimpse of the private man behind the public façade. The exhibition features works spanning Kaffe’s creative life, including drawings he made as a boy in California. These monochrome pictures are a far cry from the explosions of colour that made Kaffe a household name from the 1970s. The exhibition is presented in zones, each showcasing a variety of materials by colour, from knitted shawls to gorgeous coats inspired by Shakespearean heroines and cushions decorated with his detailed needlepoint designs. As Kaffe has captivated generations and transformed the textile industry, it is only fitting that he – an American in Britain – should return to the Museum that so inspired him during those halcyon days in the early 1960s. Complementing the show will be pen drawings that Kaffe made of the American Museum’s period rooms in 1964. These delicate drawings have not been publicly shown before and are a reminder that Kaffe began his career in the visual arts as a painter and illustrator. Four years after making these drawings, Kaffe went on a train trip to Scotland with the Scottish fashion designer Bill Gibb and other friends. It was a journey that would change his life. While in Scotland, Kaffe became enthralled by the hand-dyed woollen yarns he discovered there – in terms of their texture as well as their colour. He purchased bundles of yarns and knitting needles. On the long train journey back to London, he persuaded one of his travelling companions to teach him to knit.

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Working with pattern in wools became a passion. “I paint in yarn,” Kaffe said famously. When he began knitting, Kaffe recalls that he searched the decorative arts for inspiration. “The one art form that gave me not only an approach to colour, but the exciting geometric forms to hang any colour scheme on, was the patchwork quilt . . . The American Museum was one place that collected these inventive compositions of patterned fabric, as America is one country that celebrates this craft. It connects us with the hands of our forebears.” Kaffe now travels the world, teaching and giving workshops. As a painter, designer, teacher, and author, he has brought colour into the lives of more people than perhaps any other artist working in Britain today. He is the acknowledged king of colour and pattern, whose longstanding design philosophy is still current. The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett runs at the American Museum in Bath from 22 March – 2 November. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Meet the king of colour ■ Bookings are now being taken for places on a Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably patchwork workshop on Saturday 21 June. This daylong workshop is an opportunity to work with textile designers Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, who will lead the group through their own design process, helping them create an overlapping squares patchwork design. No sewing takes place during the class. Places are: £135 (£120 for museum members). To book tel: 01225 820866 or email: workshops@americanmuseum.org. We’ve got five pairs of tickets to give away for The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett at the American Museum. Each ticket is worth £9. And two of our winners will also be sent a copy of Kaffe’s autobiography Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Colour, published by Stewart Tabori & Chang, £25. To enter is answer this question: In which decade did Kaffe Fassett first come to Bath? Send your answers, marked Kaffe Fassett, to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk or on a postcard to The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED by the closing date of noon on Friday 21 March.

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WHAT’S ON in March Events are listed in chronological order To promote your event visit: www.thebathmag.co.uk

The Independent Bath Literature Festival Friday 28 February – Sunday 9 March Various venues around Bath There are more than 180 events in this year’s festival. Guests include: Germaine Greer, Lionel Shriver, Hanif Kureishi, Gyles Brandreth (and daughter) comedian Mark Watson and top chef Mark Hix. For full programme details pick up a brochure from the Tourist Information Centre in Abbey Church Yard or visit: www.bathfestivals.org.uk.

Blathwayt’s Hidden Water Walk Sunday 2 March (also Mondays 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March) 11.30am The National Trust’s Dyrham Park, A46 north of Bath Join a guide for a walking tour that takes in the natural springs around the site and learn about the ‘curious water works’ at Dyrham Park. No need to book; simply turn up on the day. Please meet at the visitor centre. Normal admission applies.

★Editor’s pick

Iford Arts Festival 2014: tickets go on sale Saturday 1 March, 8pm Booking via Theatre Royal box office, tel: 01225 448844 or online from 3 March: www.ifordarts.org.uk Three glorious months of opera, proms and cloister concerts six miles from Bath. The 2014 programme includes Puccini’s La Rondine, Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment and Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses. Plus proms bands including Bestival favourites Molotov Jukebox, Polly and the Billets Doux, Maia, Zen Hussies and many more.

Also at Dyrham this month Mother’s Day at Dyrham Park Sunday 30 March, 12 – 12.50pm and 1.30 -2.10pm Join a mothers-only tour of the house. Discover how women throughout the ages made their mark on Dyrham, passing their portraits on your way. Tickets available on the morning from the visitor centre, not pre-bookable.

Iford Festival

Arrivals and Departures/Time of My Life/Farcicals written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn Monday 3 – Saturday 8 March Theatre Royal, Bath The Stephen Joseph Theatre returns to Bath with a triple bill, which can be enjoyed separately or as a trio of darkly comic domestic dramas by the Master himself. For tickets call 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw Monday 24 – Saturday 29 March

Dyrham House

Impressionist, writer and BAFTA award winning actor Alistair McGowan takes on the mantle of Professor Henry Higgins in this latest incarnaton of Shaw’s classic, which sees the professor take a poor girl off the streets of London and prepare her for high society.

Coming soon . . . Former Neighbours star and singer Natalie Imbruglia is to make her UK stage debut starring in Things We Do For Love by Alan Ayckbourn, which will be at the Theatre Royal Bath, Wednesday 16 April to Saturday 26 April prior to an eight-week UK tour.

Beryl Bainbridge Tuesday, 4 March, 7pm Art by Beryl Bainbridge Visit our website for more events and things to do. To promote your event log on and get listed. www.thebathmag.co.uk

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Bath Central Library, The Podium Psiche Hughes wrote Beryl’s biography, Artist, Writer and Friend. In this talk, she shows how Beryl used her art to depict scenes in her novels. There has been an exhibition at the Liverpool Museum and soon at Somerset House, London. Tickets: £2 from the library or tel: 01225 394041.

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Decorative Antiques Fair

25th Decorative Antiques Fair Friday 7 – Sunday 9 March The Pavilion, North Parade, Bath Dealers from across the country gather to create a marketplace for decorative, unusual and inspirational art and antiques. Browse among painted furniture, interior fitments and garden statuary, folk art, early pottery, naïve paintings, textiles, glass, metalwork and all kinds of collectables, as 45 specialist exhibitors make this event for interior designers, home decorators and collectors. Organised by Sue Ede, who runs fairs across the UK, the Bath Decorative Fair is widely admired as a prime source for decorating in the antique and vintage style. Entrance £3.

The Big Bath Sleep-Out Friday 7 March Alice Park, Bath Bath based homeless charity Julian House is inviting people to ditch the comfort of their warm beds for one night and spend a night in Alice Park. No tents allowed – just cardboard, plastic sheeting and as many warm clothes as possible. Alice Park Café will be open for paid snacks until 11pm and in the morning a hot drink and a bacon roll or muffin will be available for those taking part. Pre registration is essential. Visit: www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk or tel: 01225 354656 or email: cathya@julianhouse.org.uk

Emily Maguire: singer/songwriter Friday 7 March Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Emily’s songs have been played regularly on Radio 2 and her latest album Bird Inside A Cage was released in July. Tickets £10, www.chapelarts.org or tel: 01225 461700, www.emilymaguire.com.

Also at Chapel Arts this month Phil Beer Band Saturday 8 March, 8pm Phil Beer is the multi-instrumentalist half of England’s foremost acoustic duo Show of Hands. He was for many years lead guitarist and singer with the Albion Band and co-wrote many of their songs. Tickets from £15.

Sweet Baby James: James Taylor Tribute Friday 21 March, 7.30pm Brian Dales (guitar/voice) and Jon Chamberlain (keyboards) play his music, from his first album right through to his most recent, encompassing a mix of folk, pop, and blues. The set list can include many favourites, including: Fire and Rain, You’ve Got A Friend, Carolina In My Mind, and, of course Sweet Baby James. More info at www.sweetbabyjames.co.uk

The Selector Thursday 6 March, 8pm Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath. Box Office: 0845 293 8480, visit: www.komedia.co.uk/bath Singer Pauline Black heads up legendary ska band The Selecter, celebrating their 35th anniversary with a 26-date UK tour performing their debut album Too Much Pressure in its entirety for the first time.

Brazilian percussonist Adriano Adewale Friday 7 March, 8.30pm Pound Arts Centre, Pound Pill, Corsham, Wiltshire. Box office tel: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk Adriano Adewale is a Brazilian percussionist and composer known for his unique and creative style. Adewale’s sounds range from the subtle and delicate to the most funky and vibrant Brazilian grooves. Free, no ticket required. Continued on page 24 WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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The Rondo Theatre Company: A Doll’s House

Above Bored by Owdyado Theatre Saturday 8 March, 8pm The Rondo, Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Box office tel: 01225 463362 www.rondotheatre.co.uk A woman is held for questioning by police after her boss is found dead in suspicious circumstances. In a room down the hall her colleague is also being questioned . . . routine questions, or has someone been bored to death? Tickets: £12/£10 concessions.

Also at the Rondo this month We Will Be Free from Townsend Productions Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March, 8pm From the same theatre company which brought The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists to Bath, comes a new play of the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. It tells the true story of a Dorset couple who were transported after forming a trade union. Tickets: £12/£10 concessions.

Emily: The Making of a Militant Suffragette Saturday 15 March, 8pm This is the story of Emily Wilding Davidson, the suffragette who famously died under the hooves of the King’s racehorse in 1913. An inspiring tale about the struggle for women’s rights, protest and sacrifice. Tickets: £12/£10 concessions.

Ibsen’s A Doll’s House Wednesday 26 – Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm The Rondo Theatre Company’s production is set in 1950s Britain, when the country was emerging from post war austerity. Its themes, of marriage, power and money are as relevant now as they were 140 years ago. Tickets: £10/£8 concessions.

Song for Athene concert with the Paragon Singers Saturday 8 March, 7.30pm Church of St Alphege, Oldfield Lane, Bath The choir, under conductor Keith Bennett, will play Bach motets: Komm Jesu komm, Lobet den Herrn and Furchte dich nicht; Caldara: Crucifixus; Victoria motets: Vere languores, O Domine Jesu, Versa est in luctum and Super flumina Babylonis; Lotti: Crucifixus and John Tavener’s Song for Athene. Tickets: £12/£6 under 18s, from tel: 01225 464362.

Views of Lansdown Tower Saturday 15 March and throughout the summer at weekends, 10.30am – 5pm Beckford’s Tower and Museum, Lansdown, Bath Shortly after William Beckford died in 1844 the book Views of Lansdown Tower was published revealing the extraordinary building, interiors and collection he had created at his Tower in Bath. This exhibition brings together the original watercolours of these views for the first time in the distinctive building that they illustrate.

Tcha Limberger’s Budapest Gypsy Orchestra Saturday 15 March, 7.30pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon A glorious gypsy-folk romp featuring blind violinist Tcha Limberger, one of the unrivalled masters of the 19th century Magyar Nota Gypsy orchestra tradition. Mixing exuberant Csárdás – their brooding slow passages juxtaposed with almost impossibly fast playing – and yearning laments, his orchestra plays with raw emotion and intensity. Tickets: £17 (£16) / £8.50 under-18s. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk. Continued on page 26

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WHAT’Son Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month Sam Carter Trio and Sam Sweeney Saturday 22 March, 7.30pm Winner of the BBC Folk awards Best Newcomer in 2010, Sam Carter sets astonishing, no-nonsense song-writing against earthy vocals and impossibly intricate finger-picking guitar work, with ringing endorsements from Jon Boden and Eliza Carthy is matched in intensity by a breath-taking rhythm section. His special guest is Bellowhead’s fiddler Sam Sweeney. Tickets: £16 (£15) / £8 under-18s. Tel: 01225 860100.

Pulling the plug on Bath: lecture by Jonathan Glancey Tuesday 18 March, 6.30pm

Master of light and shade: Joseph Wright

The Building of Bath Collection, the Paragon Architectural writer and broadcaster Jonathan Glancey follows up his successful BBC Radio 4 programme The Politics of Architecture by discussing the impact of politics on the design of mass housing in England and the future of housing in Bath. Tickets £5, students £4 on door.

Also at the Building of Bath Collection this month The Countess of Huntingdon Room In 1765 Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, built a chapel to fight the decadence of Georgian Bath. This newly opened room is dedicated to the history of the building and the devoutly determined woman who created it. Open Tuesday – Friday, 2 – 5pm, weekends 10.30am – 5pm

★ Editor’s pick

Helen Dunmore

Helen Dunmore: The Lie Monday 17 March, 8pm

Sam Carter

Topping & Co, the Paragon, Bath Helen Dunmore’s The Lie is a tender, haunting, and ambiguous tale of two boyhood friends on the battlefields of the First World War, delving into the horrors of war and post traumatic illness. Dunmore’s previous books include The Siege and her writing has a quiet power. Tickets £6/£7 tel: 01225 428111.

City of Bath Bach Choir: Spring Concert Saturday 22 March, 7pm Bath Abbey Enjoy the iconic Handel’s Messiah in the majestic setting of Bath Abbey. The choir, known for its precise and exhilarating singing is ideally suited to the fluent semi-quavers and triumphant choruses of this well-loved work. Margaret Faultless and her baroque orchestra Music for Awhile add an authenticity to this piece. Soloists are soprano Mhairi Lawson, Michael Chance, male alto, Nicholas Mulroy, tenor and Matthew Brook bass. Tickets: Bath Box Office 01225 463362.

On the Table: Kathy Dalwood A Ballroom Banquet Until 21 April The Holburne Museum, Bath Artist and designer Kathy Dalwood has transformed the ballroom table with her surreal all-white figurines and objects that make up an otherworldly feast for the eyes.

The Building of Bath Museum

For more information about events and what’s happening in Bath visit our website which is updated daily

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Also at the Holburne this month Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath and beyond Until Monday 5 May An exhibition of the 18th century painter, Joseph Wright, who lived and worked in Bath for 18 months.

Bath Philharmonia and King Edward’s School Partnership Performance Monday 24 March , Bucks Fizz and canapes, 6.30pm, performance, 7pm The Guildhall, Bath The two ensembles will perform together in a programme that ranges from classical masterpieces, such as Hector Berlioz’s Marche au Supplice, to contemporary film and video game scores which include Star Wars: The Phantom Menace – The Duel of Fates and Pirates of the Caribbean. Bath Phil will be accompanying three of the school’s top instrumental soloists. Includes a première of Fusion, by KES resident composer, Mark Boden. Tickets: £12 concessions £8, tel: 01225 464313 Email: j.rossi@kesbath.com. Black tie optional.

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Antonio Carluccio

Phoenix Piano Trio Wednesday 26 March, 7.30pm Michael Tippett Centre, Bath Spa University, Newton St Loe The Phoenix Piano Trio is making its debut performance in Bath, following on from its Wigmore Hall debut in 2012 and the release of a CD based on its Beyond Beethoven project, which saw the three young musicians perform all of Beethoven’s piano trios alongside newly commissioned works. The trio consists of violinist Jonathan Stone, cellist Marie Macleod and pianist Sholto Kynoch. The programme will include: Beethoven’s Archduke Trio in Bb, Op.97, Schumann’s Piano Trio No.2 in F, Op. 80 and Fugue in F major, Op. 72 No 4, and Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in C major, BWV 870. Tickets: £10 (£8 conc) visit: www.michaeltippettcentre.org or tel: 01225 463362.

Italian Lunch with Antonio Carluccio Saturday 29 March, from 12pm lunch for 12.45pm talk & demo St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, hosted by Topping & Co, the Paragon Enjoy lunch with the godfather of Italian gastronomy Antonio Carluccio: revered Italian cookery writer, and champion of fresh ingredients. His new book is a celebration of pasta with innovative and exciting recipes for soups, main courses, salads and even desserts. Enjoy Topping’s Louise and Kathleen’s buffet lunch from 12pm, followed by a talk and demonstration by Antonio Carluccio at 12.45pm. There will be a book signing afterwards. Tickets: £12 from tel: 01225 428111.

Also hosted by Topping this month Alan Titchmarsh Monday 31 March, 7.30pm Christ Church, Julian Road Gardener, author, affable TV frontman, Alan Titchmarsh has a natural charm. His passion for the world of horticulture, classical music and his engaging style of presentation makes him good company for audiences of all sizes. He’s in Bath to talk about his latest novel, Bring Me Home, a family tale of betrayal, mystery and romance set in a castle in the Scottish highlands. A perfect treat for Mother’s Day. Tickets: £7 (redeeemable off the book price).

Book launch: Batstone’s Memories Saturday 29 March, 10.30am Bath Central Library, the Podium, Bath Self-published Bath author and historian Colin Alexander-Jones has researched the pictorial history of Bath’s fashion and transport from the 1890s, using photographs which belonged to his late mother, from the Batstone family. His ancestor James Arthur Batstone was the first man in Bath to own a motor car. All are welcome to attend the launch of Batstone’s Memories with sales going to Cancer Research and the street pastors of Bath.

Bath Choral Society Concert Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm Bath Abbey Will Dawes conducts, with music from Southern Sinfonia. Mozart’s C Minor Mass is a magnificent mixture of operatic arias and monumental choruses, and shows how much he was inspired by the music of Bach and Handel. In contrast, Bath Choral Society is offering Stravinsky’s neoclassical Mass. Tickets: £8 – £27 from tel: 01225 463362. Visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or www.bath-choral-society.org.uk. Continued on page 28

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Thank You for the Music

Georgians: Dress for Polite Society Until 1 January 2015 The Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath 18th century outfits, including a trio of court dresses from the 1750s and 1760s. Plus 18th centuryinspired fashions by: Anna Sui, Meadham Kirchhoff, Vivienne Westwood, Stephen Jones, and AlexanderMcQueen. Admission £8/free

for residents with a Discovery card.

Thank You for the Music: Abba tribute Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm The Forum, St James’ Parade, Bath Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Abba’s Eurovision triumph is this allnew, Spandex and sequins spectacular. The cast will take us back to 1974, to the night when Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida arrived as pop music superstars by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their selfcomposed song Waterloo. The rest, as they say, is pop history. Tickets: £21/ concessions: £19. Box office: 0844 888 9991 or: www.bathforum.co.uk, www.easytheatres.com.

Vocal Works Gospel Choir: Anthems Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm Kingswood Theatre, Kingswood School, Lansdown, Bath Following the success of its Gospel Rocks sell out shows and CD release, the choir is back with a new show, celebrating the best anthems from the soul, pop, rock and gospel genres. This promises to be an evening of inspirational and uplifting performances from one of the UK’s leading soul and gospel choirs, under the musical direction of Tim King. Tickets: £12/£8 from: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk, or tel: 01225 463362.

Bath’s historic Tompion Clock: talk Sunday 30 March, 9am Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Pump Room. To coincide with the annual ritual of putting the clocks forward an hour for British Summer Time, the Pump Room will be serving breakfast with a talk about its Tompion clock. Thomas Tompion, widely regarded as the father of English clock making, made the clock for the Pump Room in 1709 and is still in working order. The talk, by Stephen Clews, manager of the Roman Baths and Pump Room, will include a demonstration of the workings of the clock. Tickets: £15 (including two-course breakfast) tel: 01225 477773 or email: romanbaths_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk.

Call to artists The Roundabout Art Trail 2014, working with Keynsham Music Festival, is looking for artists to join them on June 28/29th. Go to www.roundaboutarttrail.co.uk for more information and an application form.

Planning ahead The International Bath Music Festival 16 – 26 May Jazz enthusiasts will be cheering the news that festival artistic director Alasdair Nicolson has re-instated the Bath Jazz weekend element of the festival. Booked to play this year is New York-based ensemble The Harlem Quartet, who have played all over the world including for President Obama. Other acts include Stacey Kent and The Hilliard Ensemble which will be playing with jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek. Keep your eye on developments, visit: www.bathfestivals.org.uk.

Visit our website for more events and things to do. To promote your event log on and get listed. www.thebathmag.co.uk

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS EXPERIMENT WITH FLIGHT 3 by DAVID BROOKE

GEORGE STREET (DETAIL) by PETER BROWN

Victoria Art Gallery By Pulteney Bridge, Bath Tel: 01225 477233 Closed Mondays and Sunday mornings

Peter Brown: Keeping the Home Fire Burning Until 27 March Pete the Street, who earned his nickname for his habit of working outdoors in all weathers, will delight Bathonians and lovers of Bath with this collection of paintings and drawings celebrating Bath. Despite being in demand globally, undertaking projects in Udaipur, Paris and Barcelona, Peter never tires of painting his home city in all seasons. All works will be for sale. Exhibition supported by Knight Frank. Tickets £2; catalogue available.

Artists’ audition time The invitation has gone out for artists to submit work for the annual Bath Society of Artists summer exhibition at the council owned Victoria Art Gallery. The 109th show takes place from 5 April - 31 May this year, with more than 300 works on show. Any artist aged 18 or over may submit work for possible selection and winning of a prize. For a submission form visit: www.bsartists.co.uk. They will be invited to take their work along to the gallery for hanging on Saturday 29 March.

Also this month Anna Dougherty: What’s Inside Until 27 March Admission free. In her jewel-like paintings, Bathbased artist Anna Dougherty explores how everyday objects hold many kinds of meanings. She is particularly interested in ideas of memory and residual traces. She works from life and uses drawing, alongside other techniques and media, as a means to study a subject thoroughly.

Art Store Tours ALPINA by NIGEL ADAMS Quest Gallery in association with the Royal Academy of Arts and Bath Abbey Margaret’s Buildings, Bath

Michael Kenny The Crucifixx at Bath Abbey Stations of the Cross at Quest Gallery 3 March – 20 April On loan from the RA, these extraordinary works have been described as one the of the finest examples of genuinely religious art within the Christian tradition, made since the Reformation. This joint exhibition features Kenny’s Stations of The Cross, 1998-99 which will be on show at Quest Gallery in Margarets Buildings and his 1976 sculpture Crucifixx which will be on display at Bath Abbey. There will also be a panel discussion at BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, on Saturday 15 March, from 2.30pm. It will be chaired by arts journalist Ian Wilson, with panelists: sculptors Ann Christopher, Gerry Judah and Philomena Davidson, with past President of the Royal British Society of Sculptors Brian Falconbridge. Admission is free. 30 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Explore the parts of the gallery other people don’t reach by enrolling for a conducted tour of the vaults. Free, but book in advance on 01225 477232. Wednesday 19 March, from noon. Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464850 www.beauxartsbath.co.uk Spring Show 3 – 29 March Wonderfully dramatic landscape and seascape paintings from the River Dart and the Devon and Dorset coast by Stewart Edmondson. Also featuring Simon Allen with his gold and white gold sculptures on carved wood, pictured, lighting up the gallery for the coming of spring. New ceramics are by rising star Adam Buick.

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS CERAMICS by AMANDA POPHAM Rostra Gallery George Street, Bath

Amanda Popham: solo show 7 – 31 March The exhibition will show more than 28 new pieces by this collectable British artist. Amanda’s unique sculptural pottery includes creatures with huge sharp teeth, distinctive toby jugs with searching eyes, pieces inscribed with quotations, animal shaped bottles and articulated birds. Popham’s reputation was established with an exhibition at Liberty of London in the 90s. Since then she has gone on to exhibit in London as well as Rostra Gallery and is a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. With a waiting list of collectors all over the world and sell out solo shows, Popham’s work sells sight unseen; this is a chance to see her new pieces here in Bath. LEMONS by BERYL ROBINSON

CLEVELAND TERRACE by NICK CUDWORTH

Lane House Arts Nelson Place East, Bath, BA1 5DA Tel: 07767 498403 www.lanehousearts.co.uk

Nick Cudworth Gallery London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445221, visit: www.nickcudworth.com

Mixed Spring Show Until the end of March

Windows of Opportunity 1 – 29 March The history of Bath can be told by its windows. Many retain their original design yet display the traditional talents of Bath’s contemporary artisans. Nick Cudworth will be exhibiting his original paintings and prints which portray such windows. HORIZON by CLAIRE WILTSHER

A mixed show of gallery regulars and new artists. See beautiful layered oils from Beryl Robinson, vivid abstracts from Susanna Lisle, Trudy Montgomery and Kathryn Stevens and new ceramics, sculpture and prints. New artists will be introduced throughout the season.

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

Claire Wiltsher 14 March – 5 April Claire Wiltsher’s new works embody nature’s force with masterful turbulence of mark. Wiltsher beautifully captures the unpredictability of wilderness as her energy of paint whips across canvas and threads through her storm filled skies. Email: gallery@bathcontemporary. com

Catherine Beale 7 Widcombe Parade. Tel: 07891 409490

Watercolour Portraits Catherine specialises in contemporary portraits of people and pets and can immortalise your cat, dog, horse or even chicken for posterity.

Visit our website for more exhibitions and gallery information To promote your exhibition, log on and get it listed: www.thebathmag.co.uk 32 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD LYME REGIS by RICHARD PIKESLEY

THE BUCK STOPS HERE

Hilton Fine Art 5 Margarets Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 311311

Selected artists from the New English Art Club 8 – 29 March Bo Hilton the director of Hilton Fine Art has long had a connection with the New English Art Club that goes back to his working alongside the artist Ken Howard. This show brings together six artists: Fred Cuming RA, Bo Hilton, Richard Pikesley, Salliann Putman, Ann Shrager and Arthur Neal. It exemplifies everything that Bo loves about tonal painting which is figuration painting that has strong abstract qualities and that pitch perfect tonal ability that gives the picture such a feeling of light. The lower floor of the gallery will have a collection of modern British paintings including Sandra Blow, Terry Frost, Trevor Bell and previously unseen work by Roger Hilton.

STILETTO by HUGH TURVEY

44AD ARTSPACE 7b Lower Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1QR. Tel: 07753 378325 Monday to Saturday 12 – 6pm, Sunday, 1pm – 5pm www.44ad.net. www.melissawraxall.com

The Buck Stops Here Wednesday 19 – Sunday 23 March CERAMICS by MELANIE KEW

Royal United Hospital Combe Park, Bath

The International Images for Science Exhibition A free exhibition offering many images showing the applications of photography in modern- day science.

Adam Gallery John Street, Bath, tel: 01225 480406 Open Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm

Also the Royal Photographic Society’s Members’ 160th anniversary exhibition

Bath Artists’ Studios The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath

Melanie Kew 13 – 16 March, 11am – 5pm

The Royal Photographic Society will also be showing the RPS Members’ Biennial Exhibition. It provides an opportunity for RPS members to showcase their work.

Artist in residence Melanie Kew will invite schools to take part in workshops to highlight our overuse of plastic and discuss alternatives, all the while providing a creative experience through clay. Melanie’s next emerging body of work is inspired by the cyclical motion of the sea and concerned with the vast quantities of plastic debris left in our oceans. She will be exploring facts and themes that arise from them.

LOBSTER by ROBIN PARKER Quercus Gallery Queen Street, Bath. Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pm

Fujio Akai Throughout March Japanese artist, Fujio Akai uses waterbased media on paper to produce translucent layers of vibrant and luminous colour. ICIA ART SPACE The University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath

Parasite Until Friday 21 March, Mon – Friday. 10am – 5pm Admission free

Out of the Blue Part II Until 22 March Paintings by Joan Doerr, Miranda Goode, Robin Parker and Peter Rush with jewellery by Corrie Williamson and textiles by Holly Berry. Also work by Helen Booth and William Reardon. 34 THEBATHMAGAZINE

Work by nine Buckinghamshire artists, well known in their home county and beyond, having sold work to local, national and international buyers. One of the group was trained by Sir Anthony Caro, while another was a furniture designer for brands including Ercol and G Plan.

MARCH 2014

Malaria remains the world’s biggest killer. Deborah Robinson presents an audio-visual experience that evokes awareness of the cyclical, recursive elements of malaria. It includes film from the Wellcome Collection interact with data from patients, accompanied by a soundtrack using mosquito recordings.

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THEMES: Paul Wright’s work from top left, clockwise, The Interview, Lives within a Life, and The Orange Door, centre image, The White Chair.

Displaying the Wright stuff A Bath gallery is to host a major exhibition by of the country’s most significant contemporary painters. Edgar Modern welcomes Paul Wright’s Portrait of an Icon show

n explosion of colour is about to hit a gallery in central Bath, with the arrival of an exciting new show by contemporary British painter Paul Wright.Edgar Modern curator Rachel Read has secured some of Wright’s previous work plus some new pieces for the exhibition, Portrait of an Icon. The show is previewing at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea from 13 – 16 March before coming to the Bartlett Street gallery in Bath from 6 – 25 April. Wright has said of his new work that he concentrated on creating: “a new set of strong, focused, punchy and explosive pieces.” There will be around 20 works on show and they will certainly attract attention. Wright was born in Leicester in 1973 and his studio is still in his home city. He trained as an illustrator at the renowned Falmouth School of Art in Cornwall, but turned his back on illustration as a career, preferring to concentrate on fine art. He has spent the last 14 years developing his distinctly painterly style and has exhibited all over the world, including in the States and India and at the National Portrait Gallery in London. He refers to his portraits as ‘heads’ and some of these will be on show, along with two other important strands of his work – objects, and his latest obsession, interiors. Some of these pieces WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

have been created specifically in response to the gallery space. Although Wright’s subjects can be recognised, he seeks to break the rules using challenging colour in unexpected ways which make the viewer look again. He believes that for painting to be relevant today the artist needs to push their representation beyond merely creating a likeness of their subject. The work must go deeper, he says, revealing experience and emotions and capturing a moment in time.

He says: “For me a work is successful if, however flawed it is, the artist has exposed something of themselves.” And he says of the art of portrait painting: “I wanted to find a different way to describe an ear or nose or an eye. To create a new set of strong, focused, punchy and explosive pieces. I deal with traditional subjects, which come with unwritten rules, so using colour in the way I do is unusual. For example portraiture still holds on to those kind of traditional values concerning colour, sticking to flesh tones and creating a strict likeness to the sitter. I always say. ‘I don’t make portraits, I paint people’, I feel think this statement comes with a sort of freedom; the idea of painting a portrait for me is inhibitive. The word portrait pigeonholes a work in a way that you don’t feel when painting people. I know these are just words but they have a real influence on the perception of a work.” Rachel Read said: “This is an unmissable exhibition at a key moment in the career of a significant British painter. Paul Wright’s Portrait of an Icon is sure to be an exceptional collection which Edgar Modern is excited to present.” The gallery is exhibiting Paul’s work in Hong Kong and New York. ■ Edgar Modern Bartlett Street Bath BA1 2EE. Tel: 01225 443746, Mob 07517 601357. Visit: ww.edgarmodern.com

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Bath@Work Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work. View a gallery of our Bath@Work subjects at: www.thebathmag.co.uk

Alistair McClemont Clock repairer began my five year apprenticeship in Scotland in 1959, and almost immediately became fascinated by the logic and precision of the clocks I worked on. Their variety of appearance seemed endless although each timepiece had the identical purpose of telling time and striking the hours accurately. With my apprenticeship completed I gained employment at British Steel’s Lanarkshire’s works, servicing and adjusting industrial instrumentation. The mid 1970s saw the contraction of heavy industry in Central Scotland as the mines and the steel industry began to close down. I therefore found a job in the oil industry fitting and adjusting measuring instruments on offshore oil platforms. After three years in the North Sea I heard of opportunities in the Middle East and gained a position in the Arabian-American Oil Corporation (ARAMCO) in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. In this job I maintained and adjusted controls on oil production plants. I subsequently worked with a group of Americans who had designed the digital control systems on General Electric gas turbine engines and became what ARAMCO called a “a gas turbine start up specialist. “I completed five years in Saudi Arabia and a year in the Sinai, again working on gas turbines before returning to the North Sea. At the age of 50 I felt I had had enough helicopter flights and “retired” to Bath where my parents had settled in their retirement. I returned to my original trade and began working on clocks for local jewellers, after a year or so I leased the little shop on Newbridge Road and have now been there for 18 years, working on clocks of all types, from elegant Georgian bracket clocks to modern Quartz clocks. People these days tend to take clocks for granted. Like the family washing machine, as long as it functions correctly they aren’t given much further thought. It wasn’t always though so. In the early 18th century a squire would order a clock and a few months later would take delivery of a wonderful piece of engineering. There were a number of clock makers in and around Bath at that time, many of whom were highly skilled blacksmiths. If these men could complete say four clocks a year, they could move up the social ladder. I have worked on many 18th century timepieces which were made in many small towns such as Marshfield, Temple Cloud and Newton St Loe. It pleases me greatly that with the correct attention these clocks are still keeping remarkably good time 200 years later. I feel privileged when I complete an overhaul of a clock which first kept time in 1760. The modern time keeping industry is just as amazing, when you think a factory in China can mass produce watch movements for around £1 each, resulting in perfect timekeeping. They won’t be around in 200 years though. And nor will I!

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic www.capturethespirit.co.uk Tel: 01225 483151 WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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ON THE WEBSITE THIS MONTH GUINEA LANE NURSERY

VIBE FITNESS

Dave has been hand painting furniture for more than twelve years, and has freelanced to most of the top recognised names in bespoke kitchens. There are many benefits in having your kitchen hand painted. Cost and the choice of colour are obvious attractions. Also during work, no cabinets need to be emptied, cooking can continue as normal as all products used are fast drying Any surface can be painted using products specifically designed for furniture.All doors and drawer fronts painted inside and out. All of Dave’s work is clean and tidy and he is a very trustworthy professional to have in your home .

Children’s day nursery in the city centre, open from 8am – 6pm “Here at Guinea Lane we offer a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities with our new secure outdoor areas which adds to the safe and secure setting for this nursery. We realise that all children are individuals and are treated that way so all their needs are met. You are welcome to come and visit our nursery. For more information or to make an appointment at Guinea Lane nursery please feel free to contact us.” Tel: 01225 487 858 Business website address: www.thebathnurserycompany.co.uk Email: guinealane@thebathnurserycompany.co.uk

THE CABINET PAINTER

The team at Vibe Fitness Bath offers one to one and group training experiences that will unlock your true potential and have you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking at triathlon, table tennis, skiing or living pain free, Vibe Fitness Bath can cater for you. Find them on Twitter @VibeFitBath

Tel: 07775773446 Business Website Address: www.thecabinetpainter.co.uk

Tel: 01225 571616 Website: www.vibefitnessbath.co.uk

MY SMALL WORLD

NGBOWEN THERAPY Physical hands on therapy for all sorts of muscular skeletal aches, pains and injuries; both chronic and acute. Ideal for back pain and sports injury and maintenance.

My Small World is an award winning toy store in the heart of Bath. Established in 2005, it has an amazing reputation across the UK for its fantastic service, in the store itself and through the website, which ships hundreds of toys and gifts out across the UK every day. The My Small World toy store is a two minute walk from Bath Spa Train Station and Bath Bus Station. Now with the new addition of My Small World Cafe, parents can sit and relax with a cuppa while their tots play with their new toys. Tel: 01225 938338 Business website address: www.mysmallworld.co.uk

NGBowen is run by Bath based therapist Neil Gibson who is qualified to treat humans and horses. Neil has a background as a professional sportsman and he uses his experience to treat athletes, sportsmen and women, from Olympic medallists to recreational sports lovers. He specialises in injury prevention as much as treatment of symptoms. Neil works with horses from international eventers and racehorses to those who just like to go out for a hack. Tel: 07774 010963 Business website address: www.ngbowen.com

HEALING MASSAGE FOR WOMEN Leora Sharp offers safe and supportive treatments for women during bereavement, illness, anxiety and stress. Leora works to your needs, with appropriate techniques for each client. Treatments are deeply relaxing, restorative, therapeutic, nurturing and healing. For further inforamtion and treatment, visit Leora at Neal’s Yard Remedies Therapy Rooms, Bath Tel: 07887 612 242 Business website address: www.freemyself.net

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FESTIVALcity

Cherries from the culture tree Bath’s Fringe celebrates an injection of cash from the Arts Council, while the Royal Bath and West Show rounds up some stunt horseriders as part of this summer’s 151st country show – and just look at who’s coming to the Theatre Royal this summer

The Royal Bath and West Show The original daddy of all other festivals, this annual celebration of all that’s best about country life in the south west is celebrating its 151st anniversary this summer, with a line-up of some familiar favourites alongside some new features. Expect to find some of the best cheese and cider at the Shepton Mallet showground between 28 and 31 May, while in the entertainment arena acts include motorcross and The Devil’s Horsemen, pictured, a team of expert horse stunt riders whose dramatic stunts have featured in films such as The King’s Speech, The Eagle and The Duchess. Early bird tickets for the show are on sale until 31 March, after which the price goes up from £17 (adult) to £19. Gate prices are £22 for an adult ticket.

Bath in Fashion Fabulous jewellery of SouthGate and The Allium Brasserie are hosting a lunch and talk at the Abbey Hotel as part of the week long Bath in Fashion festival in May. The Bath BID Company organises the week to promote Bath as a fashionable place to shop and visit. The lunch on Wednesday 7 May will cost £25 and include a two course lunch with a glass of wine, plus welcome glass of fizz and styling talk copresented by Jo Stroud of Fabulous and Lyn Bromley, managing director of image consultancy First Impressions. To book tel: 01225 461603.

paid for doing it; and it’s also good to know we’re taken seriously nationally.” This year’s Street Weekend will feature new work by emerging companies, with contingents from Bristol’s Circomedia and the University of Winchester, performance students from Bath Spa University and Bath College. Local performers will be working with street people and professionals under the direction of Natural Theatre’s Mark Bishop. Ric Jerrom will be recreating as a live event, a piece based on writing by Bath arts enigma and creator of Radiohead’s cover, Stanley Donwood, along with more Donwood work on the streets.

fashion festival which brings visitors to Bath. The project will be co-ordinated by textural artist Emma Leith, who will be running free rose making sessions. It takes 15 minutes to make a rose and for every one submitted Cloud Direct, a Bath based company, will pledge 10p for Kids Company. Bath in Fashion is offering an opportunity to hear Camila Batmanghelidjh, the founder of Kids Company, talk. See www.bathinfashion.co.uk. Contact Emma Leith for a free crochet pattern emma@emmaleith.co.uk or visit: www.bathinfashion.co.uk. Follow @BathinFashion on Twitter. Dates for crochet sessions: Wednesday 3 March 10am – 1pm at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (sponsors of Bath in Fashion 2014) and Wednesday 12 March 10am1pm at Carluccio’s, Milsom Place. Send your finished rose to Emma Leith, White Cottage, Devizes Road, Box, Wiltshire SN13 8DY or drop it into Wool 19 Old Orchard St, Bath.

Bath Fringe

To celebrate Bath in Fashion 2014 the city will be decorated with crocheted roses, giving people the chance to get hands-on with the making of a

Bath Fringe’s street arts weekend Bedlam Fair, which will take place over the weekend of May 30 – June 1, has been given a £31,000 Arts Council grant to enable it to present this year’s free street programme, and to support newer artists appearing there. Fringe joint organiser Steve Henwood said: “Street arts are usually free to the audience, that’s their nature, so it’s good when we get Arts Council money and sponsorship, because that means the artists get

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Felicity Kendal

Theatre Royal Bath The summer season is always looked forward to by theatre goers and this year’s four big titles are no exception. Actress Clare Higgins and Bath favourite Tim Pigot-Smith will star in the great American drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and there’ll be French inspired high drama from Emila Zola’s classic Therese Raquin with the most versatile British actress, Alison Steadman. Alan Bennett’s own brand of wry observational humour can be enjoyed in Kafka’s Dick, in which the long-dead author turns up in a house in Leeds. We can also enjoy laughter of a different kind with Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, welcoming Felicity Kendal back to Bath for a new production of the Coward play in June. ■

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FOOD&DRINK

Tasty bites ■ The Bath Pub Company, which owns The Chequers in Rivers Street, the Marlborough Tavern in Marlborough Buildings and the Hare and Hounds, Lansdown, has achieved its fifth AA rosette. Following a visit from an AA restaurant inspector The Chequers was awarded a second rosette for food. It joins the Marlborough Tavern with two, with the Hare & Hounds currently holding one. Bath Pub Company co-owner, Joe Cussens said: “It’s richly deserved recognition for our head chef, Leigh Evans (pictured) and his team who work incredibly hard to deliver such great food. I’m really delighted for him and all the team at The Chequers.” ■ Lucknam Park country house hotel near Colerne is hosting a lunch and talk about beautiful, healthy looking nails on Monday 10 March, with the Leighton Denny Expert Nails team. Book your place on tel: 01225 742777. ■ The Slug and Lettuce in George Street, Bath has created a selection of Bollywood inspired cocktails to spice up your life. Choose from half a dozen drinks including the cheeky Kiwi Sutra – a blend of Smirnoff Apple, elderflower cordial, and kiwi puree. If you can bag a window seat this is the best spot for people watching down the length of Milsom Street.

That’s the spirit for independent award-winner The Tasting Room in Green Street, Bath has won National Independent Spirit Merchant for 2014 for the range and variety of spirits that it offers and as the independent spirits retailer that has done the most to champion spirits. The Drinks Retailing Awards bring together the leading lights in retail. The judging process is one of the most rigorous of all the industry awards, and covers the entire breadth of the takehome market across UK.

The awards took place at the Dorchester in London, where OLN editor Rosie Davenport, who co-hosted the event with comedian Miles Jupp, said: “We had a record number of entries across some 20 categories and the standard was unprecedented which gave judges a real challenge. The calibre of all the winners demonstrates just how much innovation and passion exists in the UK retail scene.” Customers of Tasting Room enjoy wine matching menus in

the brasserie upstairs, while downstairs wine merchant Will Baber, pictured, helps people choose wine and spirits for enjoyment at home.

Michelin star chef’s dishes from The Pantry One of Bath’s top hotels, The Bath Priory in Weston has launched a new dining area and bar to be known as the Pantry. The Pantry, which overlooks the celebrated award-winning gardens overseen by The Bath Magazine’s own gardening writer and hotel head gardener Jane Moore, offers Bathonians and hotel guests a new environment in which to enjoy the Priory’s excellent hospitality. The menu has been created by Michelin starred chef Sam Moody, and ranges from a simple but delicious classic BLT

to The Pantry’s signature dish of potted shrimp. Diners can complement the fare with local ciders, ale and cosmopolitan cocktails. Andrew Foulkes, general manager at The Bath

Priory said: “We pride ourselves on creating a unique dining experience for all and the Pantry is no exception. We very much look forward to welcoming guests.”

Learn a set of new skills for the home kitchen If you’re looking for an original present for a foodie, The Bertinet Kitchen’s 2014 programme of hands-on workshops has plenty of choice to whet the appetite. Breton baker Richard Bertinet’s breadmaking courses always prove popular, but now cooks can extend their repertoire with daylong workshops which range from Indian spices to simple modern British cooking, led by Charlie Digney of the awardwinning King William pub in Bath. On Saturday 29 March

■ While we were sad to hear that The Sausage Shop in Green Street has closed (too many of us buying our bangers at supermarkets?), we’d like to draw your attention to the fact that Bath’s independent burger maker, Schwartz Bros is still going strong after 37 years. Founded in 1977 and still in the same ownership. Pick up a takeaway from Walcot Street or Sawclose. The Ed’s favourite is a veggie burger with Schwartz’s own homemade garlic mayo.

Valentina Harris, pictured, a renowned expert in Italian cuisine and President of the London Chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier, will be leading a tour of Italy, using Italian recipes and wine, at the Bath cookery school. And those who enjoy throwing dinner parties may want to sign up for a Michelin starred masterclass with top chef Sam Moody of the Bath Priory, on Friday 11 March. Details of these and other workshops at the Bertinet Kitchen from: www.bertinetkitchen.com.

A Serial Award winning Restaurant with International reputation Recent Awards: November 2013 British Curry Awards November 2013 Asian Curry Awards Connoisseurs choice for 33 Years. Open Daily.

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4 Argyle Steet, Bath BA2 4BA Tel. 01225 466833 / 464758 www. Rajpoot.com

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Six of the best: Bars for the

Ale ‘n’Arty Food writer and blogger Melissa Blease is called to the bar to join the craft beer revolution

❶ The Raven It’s hardly a new kid on the block and this venerable Bath institution will be amazed to find itself shouted about here for artfully riding the crest of an on-trend beer-wave. But The Raven offers much to crow about when it comes to real ale, credited by many folk as the godfather of the craft beer revolution. The term real ale solely relates to live, cask-conditioned British brews, whereas craft beer artisans embrace cutting edge contemporary technology, revel in stylistic diversity, thinks globally and occasionally (whisper it if there’s a real ale fan close by) recommend their brews are best served cold. Make your own mind up on the real vs craft debate at The Raven, which has served over 200 ales from independent British breweries in the past year alone, including Raven and Raven’s Gold, both available only in the Raven pub itself. Customers are encouraged to sample taster shots before they commit themselves to a full-sized drink, and the staff are confident that they can recommend a suitable slurp for even the most sceptical ale-avoider – yes, really. The Raven also serves the excellent Pieminister range of pies. The Raven, 7 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE Tel: 01225 425045; web: www.theravenofbath.co.uk

❷ The Porter The Porter’s dedicated craft beer bar (the first in Bath) has done for real beer what their sister venture Circo has done for cocktails: revamped the whole genre and presented us with a lively reintroduction to the tipples that Britain do best. There are eight craft beers on draught in this chic but welcoming hangout (please note, glamoristas: this experience is about as far removed from the traditional real ale pub vibe as you can get) and plenty more bottled varieties to cruise your way through once you’ve got the beer bug. Personally, I can happily replace my caffeine fix with a sup or two of the Bristol Beer Factory’s coffee – and chocolatey– tinged Milk Stout or my Horlicks with Moor Brewery’s decadent, rich Amoor. But don’t let me influence you; the friendly, knowledgeable bar staff are happy to advise on the brew to suit you – before you know it, you’ll be singing the praises of sups from companies such as Anarchy and Quantum and lining up Tiny Rebel as a nightcap. The Porter, 15a George Street, Bath BA1 2EN Tel: 01225 585100; web: www.theporter.co.uk

❸ Bath Brew House The clue to what goes on inside this recent addition to the Bath merrymaking scene is in the name. Or is it? So far, most people singing the praises of the Bath Brew House are waxing lyrical about the food: a downhome, eminently satisfying array of contemporary pub grub classics along the lines of pulled pork, home-smoked hunks of meat and all manner of updated takes on the upmarket barbecue theme. But if you want to do head chef Gareth Burgess’s menu serious justice, order a beer with your burger. Bath Brew House head brewer Anna Schwable oversees the onsite James Street Brewery. If you want to know more about the house beers (which range from light, malty and refreshing to dark and intense by way of springy citrus flavours), give Anna a shout and she’ll take you on a tour. A limited range of quality local superstar ales make regular appearances too, while a 4-tap Craft Keg font features an ever-changing array of beers from both down t’road and across the globe. Sign up to the Bath Brew House Beeronauts club and earn discounts, invitations to exclusive tastings and more hoppy times. Bath Brew House, 15 James Street West, BA1 2BX Tel: 01225 805609; web: www.thebathbrewhouse.com

Tasting ales at the Bath Brew House

❹ Graze Bar, Brewery and Chophouse The long-established Bath Ales brewery is renowned for blending cuttingedge technology with time-honoured techniques. Their ales, meanwhile (Gem, Dark Side, Rare Hare, et al) trip off west country tongues faster than you can say “Make mine a pint of . . . ” But Graze represents a flagship venture for this local team: in bold contrast to the cosy, traditionally-styled Bath Ales pubs we all know and love (in Bath, the Hop Pole and the Salamander), standing brazenly flamboyant in its brave modernity. Some folk head for the suntrap balcony at the front – the one that offers views across super-modern SouthGate and the full-on Heritage City vista. Others head for the trainspotters’ paradise at the rear from where you can watch the commuters bustling in and out of Bath Spa station. Most people are just happy to find a table in the buzzy, busy dining area or bar. But those in-theknow grab a stool directly adjacent to the fully functional, gleaming onsite microbrewery and settle down to while away an hour or two sampling a selection of unique tipples that can most definitely be filed under the Crafty heading, all of which maintain Bath Ales’ position at the forefront of fashionable barflying. Graze, 9 Brunel Square, Bath BA1 1SX Tel: 01225 429392; web: www.bathales.com

❺ The Stable Craft beer and real ale aficionados alike will be after my blood for this recommendation. But the hard fact is, plenty of folk, specially those with a Somerset pedigree, prefer their alcoholic tipples to be apple-based; Bath is, after all, at the heart of cider country. Oddly enough, however, modern Bath hasn’t really maxed out its cider heritage. But in its own sweet way, The Stable has given Bathonians the cider-centric HQ they so richly deserved courtesy of a massive cider list that changes on a regular basis. Friendly, inhouse cider guru James Frenchy French has a passion for fermented apple juice that verges on the obsessive, and constantly seeks brews from new producers to add to his repertoire. James can make recommendations that suit all tastes, and loves to talk all-comers through his cider tasting boards, which offer five different mini measures (around 1/3 of a pint each) for £7.50, of the tipple he believes represents the ultimate nectar. The Stable, 16 George Street, Bath BA1 2EN Tel: 01225 429851; web: www.stablepizza.com

❻ Independent Spirit Take the revolution home with you.What Chris Scullion and Christian Morrish don’t know about top tipples isn’t worth knowing – and if there are any gaps in your knowledge, a trip to their lively emporium will sort you out. Last year, Chris accurately predicted that craft beer was set to be the Next Big Thing and set up a Wall of Beer in his shop, now home to a range of around 115 brews, none of which you’ll find in a supermarket. “Of the ten top new independent breweries in the world, we’re the only shop in the south west that stocks brews from three of them,” says Chris. Independent Spirit, 7 Terrace Walk, Bath.Tel: 01225 340636; web: www.independentspiritofbath.co.uk.

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The Biddestone Arms

The Green, Biddestone, near Corsham, Wiltshire. SN14 7DG Tel: 01249 714377

R E V I EW

Keeping the customer satisfied

ne of the many things I would consign to Room 101 (aside from Bath’s wobbly paving stones – a leg soaking nightmare in the rain) would be ‘a selection of seasonal vegetables.’ Why is it that chefs who have taken so much time and trouble over the main dish then serve it with a side dish of naked cauliflower, boring broccoli and cubes of swede? But one Wiltshire chef has addressed the issue of these bland offerings and come up with a tasty way to tempt his diners to eat their five-aday. James Hedges, head chef and owner of The Biddestone Arms, has created a green veg combo which is going down a storm – a neat little bowl packed with shredded mangetout, little gem lettuce and spring onion, studded with peas. Fresh tasting, easy on the eye and the fork, and I’ll bet they’ve seen their waste reduced in the kitchens at the pub. We were recommended to try The Biddestone Arms by my mother, who since moving to Corsham has become something of an expert on eating out in north Wiltshire. She was impressed by the pub’s Wednesday night Curry Club, where you can tuck into a plate of curry, with naan and rice with a Cobra beer or glass of wine for £10 a head. And the pub also does a good line in fresh fish dishes, was her other top tip. The evening we arrived – the day of the fiercest storms – the car park was busy, as was the pub. The good news for those who think a pub should be somewhere you can just enjoy a pint, is that there is a bar dedicated to the proper pursuits of the great British pub, namely drinking and putting the world to rights. The old pub has been tastefully modernised, with exposed stone walls and big plump comfortable dining chairs at the tables. We took our seats, with a pint of Doombar for J and a glass of sauvignon blanc for me. The service was 44 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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good throughout the evening. We were brought a blackboard of Curry Club dishes to read, along with the a la carte menu. It’s not a long menu, but there seems to be something for everyone, as well as a specials board. We began with, for J, a perfectly cooked poached egg, with golden runny yolk, atop a slice of black pudding and Sandridge Farm bacon on a crumpet. A breakfast inspired starter which worked very well and J said it was a very fine, non-fatty black pudding. Turns out it was no less than award-winning Stornoway black pud. My haddock soufflé was a pretty sight, all

the gorgeous melt-in-the❝mouth golden haddock soufflé was wrapped in smoked salmon

❞

golden and puffed up, a ramekin sized appetiser. The gorgeous melt-in-the-mouth golden haddock soufflé was wrapped in smoked salmon and served with a light, creamy sauce. Starters are priced from £4.95 (for soup) to £6.85. Main courses range from £10.50 to £24.95 for fillet steak with vegetables. You can see why the Biddestone Arms is popular. James and his wife Louise know what their customers like. The pub holds regular Pie Club nights and there are always three or four of the house specialities on the menu. You can even buy their pies to take home and heat up yourself. Another genius touch is the Pudding Club, a treat for the sweet toothed. Sunday lunchtimes are very popular, perhaps because the carvery of freshly prepared meat and vegetables are well presented and cooked, and partly because there’s a three-tier price system.

A two course children’s Sunday roast lunch is £8.25, a small carvery plateful (another dish recommended by my mother) is £8.95 and a full main course carvery is £11.95. But meanwhile, back on our dark and stormy night, all was calm inside the pub as we enjoyed main courses of a classic cod and chips for himself and, from the specials board, Cornish fillet of sea bream in a caper and lemon sauce. Light, fresh and perfectly cooked and presented. I like the choice of potatoes too. You can have chips, mash, new potatoes or dauphinoise. And a big thumbs up for those unique green veg, thanks Chef. They’ve pretty much got all the customers’ needs covered. There are veggie friendly dishes for the non-meat eaters, and a gluten free menu which will be popular with wheat intolerants and their families. What about slightly overfull journalists whose greed makes them crave a pudding but whose sensible head says they’ve eaten enough? Simple. There’s a mini dessert menu alongside the main pudding menu, where for £2.95 (rather than £5.25 – £6.50 for a full portion) the greedy one’s appetite was more than sated with a serving of homemade caramelised white chocolate ice cream, nicely presented in a coffee cup with a chocolate flourish on top and a plate patterned in icing sugar and cocoa dust. The next Pudding Club evening is on Thursday 24 April, while the next Pie Club will be on Thursday 20 March – but you’ll need to book. Everything we saw come out of the kitchen was visually pleasing. And when you hear that James was an apprentice to the Roux brothers in London, that comes as no surprise. Long may the Biddestone Arms continue to keep its customers satisfied. Georgette McCready

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic, recommends wine and Champagne for spring and Mother’s Day

GREAT FOOD • GREAT SERVICE • GREAT VALUE

’m writing this with the winds howling and the rain lashing down, but, ever-hopeful of a change, my theme this month is the new season – with springtime just around the corner, in theory at least, and Mothers Day this month, I’ve pulled together a selection of new wines that have just arrived to tempt jaded winter palates, and offer a spark of something new. Yealands Black Label PGR 2013 (GWW £12.95) If you’ve been reading this column for a while, you’ll already know all about Yealands, one of the newest New Zealand kids on the block. With only three vintages, but already a clutch of awards under their belts, the team at Yealands have brought out this new, vibrant, aromatic white, from their Seaview vineyard. From a blend of scented Pinot Gris, voluptuous Gewurztraminer and racy Riesling, this is a deliciously bright, fruity, yet restrained white. Supremely elegant, combining exotic wafts of ripe melon and nectarine fruit, with a searing citrus freshness, and zesty lime on the finish. It works perfectly with all manner of Asian dishes. If there’s spice in what you’re cooking, this is the right wine. Mas Delmera Monastrell Reserva, Jumilla 2008 (GWW £9.95) This rich, indulgent, smooth Hispanic delight, has only just sashayed its way into the Great Western Wine shop. Like many dark, mysterious Spaniards, it has an interesting background – it’s produced in the south east of Spain, close to Alicante; but it’s made by a Scottish woman winemaker, Pamela Geddes. From the dark, dusky Monastrell grape, with a hint of Rioja’s favourite the Tempranillo, it’s a dense, brooding, sumptuous red, full of intense, yet soft, ripe blackberry and hedgerow fruits. There are hints of dark mocha and a waft of coconut and vanilla on the nose, which is due to the barrel ageing of this mature, velvety red. Ideal for rich stews, roast lamb, or for when the weather warms and the barbecues come out . . . so hold that dream.

Torello Malvarel-lo 2013, Spain (GWW £13.50) This is bristling with youth, exuberance and freshness. It also has to be one of the most eye-catching wines, with its stand out label. It’s refreshingly different, and perfect for this time of year, when we still crave warmth and texture in our whites. A blend of fresh, zesty, citrusy Xarello and smooth, fragrant Malavasia, grapes, which mingle happily to provide a lively, edgy dry white, with a bit more depth than many – there’s honeysuckle and lemon peel on the nose, bright lemony fruit, edged with fresh herbs, ripe melon, and a touch of aniseed. Try it with baked salmon steaks, buttery roast chicken, or a creamy, warming bowl of mussels. Gonet Medeville Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs NV (GWW £39.50) I’m always excited about trying new Champagnes and this is a delicious new find from a tiny grower near Epernay. The family-run Gonet Medeville, who own just three hectares of land, produce tiny quantities of individual Champagnes. This is one of the best in the new range, produced entirely from the black Pinot Noir grape, rather than the normal blend of three grapes – Blanc de noirs means ‘white from black’, explaining the way that black grapes are pressed and the juice drawn away before it becomes coloured by the grape skins. They only make 30,000 bottles of this Champagne, which is full-flavoured, ripe and bold, with rich, rounded flavours, and inviting toasty, hazelnut and freshly-baked bread aromas. It has a welcoming, attractive style, with a stream of tiny bubbles, with flavours of baked apple, red fruit and a hint of milk chocolate. A champagne that’s full enough to work well with food, such as smoked salmon, and other seafood . . . or just a perfect Mothers’ Day gift. ■ All of the above, plus a mixed case can be ordered through our website. Enjoy a 10% Great Western Wine discount by entering the code on Angela’s wine column. Visit : www.thebathmag.co.uk

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One free starter or dessert from the Specials Menu, when two courses are purchased. Specials Menu is available all day, Sunday – Friday. Offer excludes Mondays after 5pm (Monday Madness). Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount promotion. Offer applies to the £11.95 Specials Menu only. Offer valid from 04.03.14 until 29.03.14. Valid at Frankie & Benny’s in Bath Spa. Voucher must be surrendered upon redemption and data capture must be completed to redeem offer. No cash value.

For your chance to win a meal for 4 please visit our website: www.thebathmag.co.uk www.frankieandbennys.com Kingsmead Leisure Complex, James St, Bath, BA1 2BX

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FOODheroes

A quietly ambitious star Silvana Tann explores the Indian childhood of award winning chef Kesh Desai and finds out what led him from the spices of his mother’s kitchen to a quintessentially English country hotel, where he is passing on skills from both cultures at a state-of-the-art cookery school

esh – full name Hrishikesh – Desai is something of a culinary record breaker. The popular chef, who has worked at Lucknam Park Country House Hotel near Colerne since 2004, won the Roux Scholarship in 2009, and then went on the following year to win 2010 National Chef of the Year – both hotly contested accolades. He is now just one of three chefs in Britain to have won both of these awards and the only chef to have won them back-to-back. In 2012 Kesh was made head of Lucknam Park’s Cookery School in the grounds of the country house hotel. He was actively involved in the planning and design of the state-of-the-art school and currently teaches nearly all of the cookery courses at Lucknam. I was curious to find out a bit more about Kesh, what sparked his love of food, his career so far and information on the courses that he now teaches. Enrolling on one of his courses gave me this opportunity to do just that. Originally from Pune in India, some of Kesh’s earliest recollections of food are of home cooking. He said: “My mother is an incredible cook. She would often cook feasts for large groups of family and friends. I would watch her deftly put many dishes together, usually when I got home from school.” There are also boyhood memories of surreptitious visits to Indian street food vendors with his mother. “Street food is quick, cheap and well spiced. Occasionally I was allowed to indulge in some of these delights, although the hygiene of street food stalls could be a bit of a lottery. It is much better these days,” he said. As a child Kesh was also influenced by regional Indian cuisine. His father is a businessman, enabling his family to travel to different regions in India. “One of my most impressionable food memories is the food of Southern India, Kerala food is fresh and the spices used are delicious.” When it comes to discussing his culinary achievements and accolades Kesh is modest. At the same time, it is clear that he is driven by an ambition to succeed at whatever he embarks on. Interestingly, his original career plan did not involve food. “In truth, I didn’t really want to be a chef when I started my training,” Kesh explained, “My intention was to work in the front of house, work in hotels and eventually own my own establishment. So I enrolled on a course in hotel management.” This ambition all changed when Kesh won a one-month trip to France to study at the Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon, where he instantly fell in love with French classical cooking. Going home to India after this short sojourn to France was not an option for Kesh. He very quickly enrolled on the two46 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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year diploma course at the Institute. A year of his training was spent under the tutelage of Michelin starred chefs; six months at the one Michelin star restaurant, Chateaux de Bagnols in Beaujolais, followed by six months at Les Maison des Bricourt where Olivier Roellinger held two Michelin stars. “Both of these experiences really had a great impact on how I cooked. Olivier Roellinger used a great deal of spices in his cooking. Working in his kitchen was a good education.” The culinary journey continued, first to Surrey to work in a two-AA– rosette kitchen for 12 months before working for Lucknam Park’s Michelin starred executive chef Hywel Jones. Starting as a commis chef in the kitchen, he progressed to head chef of the restaurant, followed by the Brasserie. Kesh credits his achievements in the kitchen and success in both the Roux Scholarship and National Chef Competition to the support and training that Hywel Jones and Lucknam have given him. “The Roux Scholarship gave me the added opportunity to work in Thomas Keller’s French Laundry Restaurant in California during 2009. It was an incredible insight in to another style of food. I then came back to the Brasserie at Lucknam.” It is his talents and those of the rest of the staff at the hotel which have recently won Lucknam the Gold Award for South West Large Hotel of the Year at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2013-14. Kesh’s breadth of experience in kitchens has fuelled an irrepressible urge to cook and teach. His ethos is that food should be bold on flavours, and a dish should not be over complicated; every dish needs to have a bit of structure and some thought. The courses at Lucknam adhere to these principles. Kesh has an infectious smile, exudes an inner calm and makes cooking tremendous fun, making you feel like a competent chef whatever your skill set. He is a natural teacher. “I want people to enjoy the courses and be inspired to cook when they get home replicating some of the skills that they will have learnt. There are a huge variety of courses at the cookery school from seasonal courses, to more technical courses. We have courses on fish, shellfish, meat, bread, pasta and knife skills.” Although the majority of the courses are based on European cuisine, inevitably there are some wonderful Indian cookery courses such as the Spice Route of India. I enrolled on the Street Food of India course where clever collaborations of spices and ingredients sing on your palate like a chorus line of Bollywood film stars. The dishes we cooked certainly offered us a better glimpse of authentic Indian subcontinent cuisine and possibly of Kesh’s past.

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TALENTED: main picture, Hrishikesh Desai of Lucknam Park Inset and above, examples of the different cuisine he teaches at the cookery school, and top right, some of his students enjoying the fruits of their labours

We surprised ourselves making a menu of crispy samasos; chutneys; plates of curry and were introduced to puffed puri based dishes, all beautifully balanced with spices. He also runs a three-course Michelin Star Cooking At Home workshop whose focus is to teach a number of kitchen skills such as how to fillet a fish, to learn what a velouté is and indeed how to make one, or to know how to dexterously chiffonade your vegetables – and no, that’s not a dance with your veg, it’s thinly slicing it. There is also some direction on how to plate your food, using an eye for detail. For those who would rather sit and observe there are a number of demonstration evenings, where guests can watch food being prepared, relax with a glass of wine while eating the carefully

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crafted dishes, before finally taking a booklet home with all of the recipes covered. The next one, with executive chef Hywel Jones is on Wednesday 12 March. Another option is one of the regular Wine Club evenings run in collaboration with the hotel’s sommelier, enabling participants to swirl wine in glasses, learn about different grape varieties and match wine with food. Open to hotel guests and day visitors, the courses at Lucknam Cookery School offer a broad range of skills and cuisine for every level of cook. Without doubt Chef Hrishikesh adds his talent, vast knowledge, passion for good ingredients, creativity and fun to all of the courses encouraging us all to find our inner chef. ■ More information on Lucknam Cookery School visit: www.lucknampark.co.uk/cookeryschool.

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A knead to know Lindsey Harrad visits the new Thoughtful Bread bakery in Bath for a masterclass in home baking and finds out that the same four simple ingredients can produce surprisingly different results for each baker

or all the interest in buying and baking better bread, and the proliferation of conversations about sourdough starters, spelt flour and live versus dried yeast, after a workshop at the Thoughtful Bread bakery, I’ve come to the conclusion that although ‘real’ bread is undoubtedly a far better choice, either homemade or from an artisan bakery, making your own daily loaf isn’t actually that easy. It may be controversial to say this, especially given that our grandmothers probably pulled a daily loaf out of the oven without even thinking about it, but baking decent bread is a skill. Sure, bread is a simple combination of very few relatively cheap ingredients – flour, water, salt and yeast – but if I learnt anything from attending a one-day workshop at the new Thoughtful Bread bakery and school on Barton Street, it’s that micro bakeries, and the bakers who run them, have a very tough job. But, anything worth doing is worth doing well, as they say, and it’s well worth ditching the additive-filled, under-fermented supermarket stodge for real bread. So if you want to learn how to make the perfect loaf, then a Thoughtful Bread workshop led by bakery founder Duncan Glendinning is the perfect way to pick up a few tips and tricks to make baking your own bread a regular and stress-free part of your routine. Despite the relatively short list of ingredients, our workshop group discovered there are so many variables that affect the quality, flavour and appearance of your finished loaf. At the end of a session of making our own fairly straightforward white bread recipe – all made with the same ingredients from the same suppliers and weighed out for us by the same person in advance of the workshop – it was astonishing to see the difference between our batches of dough after kneading and proving – some rose to great heights like a pillow, others remained determinedly flat within the confines of the bowl. When kneading, for some of us the dough had worked easily and lightly in the hands, for others (myself included) it was sticky and harder going, at least until we got the hang of it. Among the group, which included a mix of keen beginners and intermediate home bakers, we debated the merits and advantages during the kneading process of extra height, large and small hands, hot and cold hands, even the best material for the worktop you knead on – and realised that numerous small variables can result in an entirely different product every time. And that’s even before you factor in the idiosyncrasies of your oven. 48 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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And yet, that’s part of the magic of homemade bread. From the supermarket, every homogenous loaf looks the same, tastes equally of nothing, and remains spongy for a suspiciously long time before going stale. By contrast, at the end of a busy day baking a variety of different breads in the Thoughtful Bread kitchen, we’d each put our own spin on the recipes, refined our individual techniques and each bun, loaf and muffin was easily identifiable as our own work when it came out of the oven. Yet, while each bake was unique, every single one could be considered a success. Although the idea of investing so much time in making bread – even though kneading only takes around ten minutes and it’s perfectly possible to leave dough to prove for an hour or so while you go off and do something else – doesn’t appeal to some, baking bread doesn’t always have to involve lots of energetic kneading and waiting around. Duncan also showed us a quick and easy Irish soda bread, which uses bicarbonate of soda to achieve the rise instead of yeast. Before baking we pressed delicious extra ingredients into the finished dough – including local ewe’s milk feta-style cheese from Homewood, roasted red onion, colourful peppers and braised white onion for delicious savoury bread that would make a meal in itself and muffins that would be an ideal alternative to a sandwich in the kids’ lunchboxes. Taking just half an hour to 40 minutes to bake, you could easily pop a loaf in the oven to bake while you prepare a homemade soup to go with it – who said making bread had to be a laborious task? However, one type of baking that very few people bother with at home is sweet dough, and with a few variations in the ingredients, this can be used for anything from brioche loaves to hot cross buns and cinnamon swirls. We used ours to make a choice of small buns (including a local speciality, the Bath bun) and fruit loaves. Using vibrant Kenwood kMix stand mixers, it was easy to see why it was better not to use our hands for this recipe – a rich buttery dough is inevitably wetter than a standard bread dough, and harder to handle. We filled our loaves and mini buns using a variety of ingredients such as dried fruits, chocolate chips and spices from Bristol-based Bart Ingredients for a delicious array of sweet treats. The day at the bakery was great fun, and included a fascinating tour of the bakery equipment in the basement – where the real work happens – and we learnt a wealth of useful, practical techniques to take home with us, from how to use steam to get a better crust from a domestic oven, how to shape buns, how to make and nurture our own sourdough starter, and how the autolyse

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FOOD&DRINK

RISING TO THE OCCASION: main picture, give us this day our Thoughtful Bread Above the class, led by Thoughtful Bread’s Duncan Glendinning – who you may recognise from his appearance on the BBC’s Big Bread Experiment

method allows the dough to hydrate naturally and saves time in the kneading phase. But importantly, the day also included opportunities to relax, to chat with other participants and share stories of baking, and life in general. Lunch was a spread of fresh bread with local cheeses, cured meats, delicious roasted vegetables and fresh houmous. Later we sampled homemade cake and more of the shop’s fabulous coffee, and after the big ‘reveal’ of all our hard work, it was time to bag up the bread and head home. It’s also worth mentioning the goody bag that comes as part of the course fee. There’s no hard sell of Duncan’s cookbook, it’s included in your branded bag for life so you have all the recipes to take home with you, along with a handy dough scraper, a linen couche cloth and a membership to The Real Bread Campaign – Duncan believes it’s as important to support local bakeries as it is to bake your own bread when you can.

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

A basic bread dough may only be a simple combination of four ingredients, but for some reason it’s more intimidating to work with than cake batter. There’s certainly a science to getting the mixture right, an art to understanding and handling the dough (it is a living substance after all) and a little bit of indefinable magic to achieving the perfect bake that only comes with practice. So yes, I still think baking bread isn’t ‘easy’ – but what Duncan and this workshop give you that’s even more important than having a foolproof recipe, or the best quality ingredients you can afford, or even the best kneading technique, is confidence. The more bread you make, the more confident you will be, and the better your loaves will look and taste. A workshop costs £160 and includes nine hours of hands-on baking, lunch and refreshments, plus a goody bag including the Bread Revolution cookbook and membership of The Real Bread Campaign. Visit: www.thethoughtfulbreadcompany.com. ■

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CITYpeople

News in brief

Changes in city’s developing spas

■ Oliver Jones, pictured, has joined Creativity Works, an arts and health charity which works with people in Bath and North East Somerset and is based in Radstock, as director. Oliver was until recently creative learning manager at Cambridge Junction in London. Previously he spent five years as associate director of Trestle Theatre Company. Creativity Works is an Arts Council England funded National Portfolio Organisation, which runs arts projects, increasing health and wellbeing for those living with mental health challenges, and from disadvantaged sectors of society. Oliver said: ”I hope to bring my experience of socially engaged arts practise, along with my experience of working with young people and communities in the UK and abroad to the company.” Visit: www.creativityworks.org.uk.

The day-to-day running of Bath’s famous Thermae natural spa has been handed over to YTL Hotels, owners of The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and Wessex Water. It takes over the contract from the Thermae Development Company. Jobs at the award winning Thermae Bath Spa, which employs more than 170 people, will be safeguarded. Henk Verschuur, who has been involved with the successful operations of Thermae Bath Spa said: “This heralds the start of a very exciting future. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved

■ Oliver Tollit, pictured, has joined Travis Perkins as the Endeavour Bathroom Showroom manager based at Sydenham Wharf, Lower Bristol Road, Bath. Olly, who has lived in Bath for more than 25 years, has over 20 years’ experience working closely with interior designers, architects and regular clients. Travis Perkins can provide a free home measurement and bathroom design service for the trade and the public. Olly, who is married with a young family is a rugby coach for Combe Down Minis RFC. ■ A graphic design firm which works with many Bath firms held a reception for clients in the city’s Victoria Art Gallery to mark almost 20 years in business, and its new website. Ninepoint Design Consultants was founded by Justin Folker 19 years ago and has worked with clients across region as well as national organisations such as the School Food Trust, Royal Institute of British Architects, the NHS and the National Osteoporosis Society. The website: www.ninepoint.co.uk, allows Ninepoint to update it regularly with new projects and showcase a much larger portfolio of work.

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HAND OVER: left to right: Henk Verschuur, Thermae Bath Spa; Dato Mark Yeoh, Executive Director YTL Hotels and Resorts; Colin Skellett, chair of Bath Hotel and Spa Limited

at Thermae Bath Spa since opening and am confident that its future is in safe hands.” Colin Skellett, chair of Bath Hotel and Spa

Ltd said: “YTL Hotels has worldwide experience in managing spas and hotels and look forward to making a positive contribution

to the future wellbeing of Bath.” Cllr Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “This is great news for Bath. It is a statement of confidence in the city of Bath and fulfils our ambition of boosting the local economy and securing jobs. It is a key element in the vision for Bath as a leading spa destination and an important building block in the creation of a spa quarter.” The buildings and the waters are still owned by B&NES and a percentage of the profits will still go to B&NES.

Surveyor joins firm

First woman chair after 840 years The centuries old Bath charitable institution St John’s Hospital is to appoint its first woman chair of its board of trustees. Elizabeth Brooks, pictured with Mick Macklin of the Mayor of Bath’s guides, was among those who attended St John’s 840th birthday

party. The former director of the Dyslexia Instutute will take on her new role in 2015. Among the guests at the party were representatives from local community groups and charities who have benefitted from St John’s Community Grants.

Experienced chartered building surveyor Martin Walker, pictured, has joined Bath property firm Carter Jonas from Jones Lang LaSalle, following the closure of its Bath office. Martin, who points out that he has worked through four recessions, has been involved in commercial and residential projects on some of the city’s historic buildings since his career in Bath began in 1976. Past projects include Jolly’s department store, St John’s Hospital Trust’s almshouses and a Mexican restaurant opening in Bluecoat House, Sawclose. Martin is re-united with his former colleague Mike McElhinney, who moved to join Carter Jonas in October.

Museum boss heads off to Ashmolean Dr Alexander Sturgis – better known to Bathonians as Xa – who has been the Holburne Museum’s Director since 2005, has been appointed as Director of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. He will take up the appointment on 1 October. Richard Fleck, chairman of Trustees, said: “During his time at the Holburne, Xa has overseen the much admired renovation of the museum, including the design and building of the new extension. He has ensured the development of the museum’s reputation for exceptional exhibitions, such as Presence, Rembrandt and his Contemporaries and Joseph Wright of Derby: Bath and Beyond; balanced by displays of the innovative and exciting work of young artists and craftsmen.” Xa said: “It is a huge honour to be given a chance

to lead the Ashmolean however hard it will be to leave the Holburne after eight exceptionally happy and eventful years. There is much I will miss about the Holburne perhaps above all, its MOVING ON: wonderfully committed Dr Alexander Sturgis and energetic staff and volunteers who have helped the museum achieve so much in the time I have been here.” A successor has yet to be announced.

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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. Incorporating your business is very quick and costs around £100; 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. You might even be able to use losses made as a sole trader against profits / income generated in your limited company. We’ve been looking after small businesses (start up to £5 million turnover) for more than twenty years and have clients who have been with us throughout.

Good advice saves money, bad advice costs….

Call Mike Wilcow or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no obligation meeting – we’re pleased to help.

www.oclaccountancy.com

141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL

Plan now for a stressfree, comfortable retirement Simon Ewings of Monahans Financial Services believes that many over 50s are sleepwalking into their old age, as people are over-optimistic about their retirement income.

t is likely that people’s pension provisions are inadequate compared with their expectations and we believe that people aged between 50 and 64 need to save a significant amount more than they are currently to gain the income that they might need. The introduction of work place pensions in October 2012 may go some way to alleviating this problem, but it is important to try and pay in more than the minimum required. Many people who approach us in their 50s cannot offer a rough estimate of what their private pension retirement income might be. Simon Ewings says: “Many people that are within 10 years of their state pension age have still not thought about how long their retirement might last. It is worrying that so many over 50s are approaching their old age and are expecting to be better off than they will be.” WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

It is important everyone shops around for an annuity – a pension income for the rest of their life – which is bought with their pension pot. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions as you may get an increased amount. Generally people underestimate their life expectancy in retirement and, in order to receive the income they would like, investors need substantially more money in their pensions. This means starting to save as much as you can as early as you can.

•

Monahans Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

If you would like a no obligation discussion about how Monahans Financial Services Ltd could help you to achieve more from your pension, call Simon Ewings on 01225 785570 or email him at Simon.ewings@monahans-fsl.co.uk. Visit www.monahans-fsl.co.uk. MARCH 2014

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

PRE-TAX YEAR END PLANNING ARE YOU ONE OF THE NEW 1.4 MILLION HIGHER RATE TAXPAYERS? Figures from HMRC have revealed that an extra 1.4m Britons have become higher rate taxpayers since the current government came to power so planning in the last quarter of the current tax year has greater relevance to more individuals.

ow that the 31 January tax return deadline is behind us, it is time to start thinking of what can be done before 5 April 2014 to maximise your personal tax efficiency.

Property Transactions Even the previously safe area of selling your home requires more planning and concise record keeping than before. In more recent times HMRC has won victories at Tribunal level due to poor documentation by taxpayers and their inability to demonstrate intent over property transactions. The loss of the last 36 months deemed occupation, tighter rules over time to elect principal private residence and the new Capital Allowance regime from April 2014 will make future property transactions a tax and legal minefield requiring careful planning. Tips: - If you are considering selling your main home in the near future and have not lived there recently, you may be better off selling before 6 April 2014; - If you spend most of your time abroad but own a UK property, you may have to pay UK tax upon its sale if this occurs after 5 April 2015.

Pension contributions - Annual Allowance dropping to £40,000 from 6 April 2014 Maximising your pension contributions for 2013/14 can save tax by extending your basic rate tax band. In addition, if you have unused pension allowances from the preceding three years, it could be more beneficial to use them before 5 April 2014.

Gift Aid donations As with pension contributions, additional rate tax payers can benefit by claiming Gift Aid relief when you give to charity. As with pension contributions gift aid donations can reduce your “Adjusted Net Earnings” – or the point at which Child Benefit entitlement starts to be withdrawn. For those at the marginal incomes between £50,000 and £60,000 careful planning can safeguard against some or all of the loss of Child Benefit (which can be a significant household contributor).

Bonuses and Dividends Careful consideration should be given in the last quarter of the current tax year to the timing of bonuses and dividends with reference to your basic rate band and current financial requirements.

This is an area where we can help.

Capped Income tax reliefs

Income tax planning - So what can you do?

With new caps on certain tax reliefs (the greater of £50,000 or 25% of total income) greater care must be taken in the order of loss offset and carry back. If you have current year 2013/14 or potential losses in the next tax year please contact us to discuss since the earlier you address this the clearer the solution will be. Leaving these issues until the January deadline could prove costly.

All of the following planning measures should be considered by most before 5 April 2014. In addition, you should try to maximise the use of your personal allowances and basic rate bands. For those of you who have been paying tax at the higher rates for income and investments there are additional savings available if action is taken.

Capital gains tax planning If you have not used your 2013/14 Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Annual Exemption (£10,900), it may be worth reviewing your assets now to see if any gains can be taken to use those allowances or whether you should make an inter-spousal (tax neutral) transfer of certain assets before sale. With current rates of CGT at 18% and 28% and a combined couple exemption of £21,800, the potential saving could be substantial. If you made a loss on an investment during 2013/14 or own shares which now have a negligible value, it may be possible to claim a capital loss (by making a negligible value claim). In some instances it is possible to offset the loss against your income to provide a greater and more immediate relief.

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), EIS and Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) As highlighted in previous articles these investor schemes (though not without risk) have valuable Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax planning potential. For instance if SEIS shares are issued in tax year 2013/14 you may claim SEIS Income Tax relief as if all or part had been issued in 2012/13. The recent Budget statement introduced an extension to 2013/14 for the capital gains tax (CGT) relief for re-investing gains in SEIS shares, providing the gains are reinvested in 2013/14 or the following year. The extension of the relief is for half the qualifying re-invested amount. If you would like to talk to someone about your tax planning needs, please contact Jon Miles jm@richardsonswift.co.uk, or Terry Cheesman tc@richardsonswift.co.uk or call us on 01225 325580.

ISAs With the loss of personal allowance for income of £118,880pa (a marginal rate of 60% between £100,000 and £118,880) and the clawback of Child Benefit for higher earners starting above £50,000, pension and gift aid planning can play their part to redress these imbalances. 52 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Utilising your ISA allowance each year is a very common sense on-going tax planning strategy. These investments (currently capped at £11,520 and £3,720 for Junior ISAs) do not need to be reported on a tax return as they are tax free and are a great way to obtain tax relief.

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

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Left to right: Postman Pat, Science and Engineering Week and Motherʼs Day

A healthy sense of curiosity Join a national campaign to encourage young people to take up careers using science and maths by taking part in this month’s National Science and Engineering Week, which sees some free hands-on events taking place in Bath Creating Stories Out of the Blue Wednesday 5 March, 4.15pm Keynsham Library Local children’s writer Fleur Hitchcock, author of Shrunk! and The Trouble With Mummies, talks to young writers about storytelling with tips and writing games. Free and suitable for ages eight to 11. Book a place tel: 01225 463362. Firestation Children’s Book Swap Saturday 8 March, 1 – 2pm Old Theatre Royal, Orchard Street,Bath As part of the Bath Literature Festival children aged seven and over are invited to meet authors Scott Pack, Andy Statton and Marianne Levy and to swap books. Described as a cross between a book group and a public reading this family event should see some frenzied book swapping. Take along something you really enjoyed so you can share it with other readers. Tickets £5 from tel: 01225 463362. Howard Read: Little Howard’s Big Show Saturday 8 March, 3pm The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham Howard Read: Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids.Animated standup comedian Little Howard stays true to his live gig roots but things keep going wrong. With live animation and lots of jokes and songs, this is a show that all the family can enjoy. Tickets: £7.50 (£6.50 concessions), £24 family. Tel: 01249 701628 or visit: www.poundarts.org.uk Also at Pound Arts this month Crafty Saturday Saturday 22 March, 12pm - 2pm Drop in to a free crafty workshops with Mazy Bartlett, The Corsham School’s artist in residence. Join in the fun, get creative and messy. Somerset Storyfest: Myths and Legends of the Holburne Sunday 9 March, 3pm The Holburne Museum, Bath Free family event at the museum to encounter the 54 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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secrets the Holburne has hiding in its corners. Let storyteller Simon Blakeman unlock your imagination with the power of his tales.

A mini exhibition of work by pupils of The Royal High School, Juniors, Bath as part of National Science and Engineering Week.

Mid-Somerset Drama Festival Wednesday 12 – Thursday 13 March The Mission Theatre, Corn Street, Bath The theatre annually hosts the competitive speech and drama events which are part of the Mid-Somerset Festival, which sees mainly young people competing in the performing arts. Visit: www.midsomersetfestival.org.uk for more details.

Postman Pat Live: It’s Showtime! Sunday 23 March, 1pm and 3.30pm Theatre Royal, Bath Aimed at children aged between three and six, everybody’s favourite postman gets involved in the Great Greendale Talent Show. When the karaoke machine breaks down can Pat save the day? Songs, laughs and audience participation. Tickets: £10.50 children, £12.50 adults. Tel: 01225 448844.

National Science and Engineering Week 14 – 23 March Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Roman Baths Get hands-on with engineering, science and archaeology – volunteers will be running handling tables beside the Great Bath each weekday afternoon (2-4pm) from Monday 17 to Friday 21 March. These will cover various topics, such as glass, mortar, flints and coins. On Saturday 15 March, the Roman Baths will be open late for a science and engineering extravaganza, from 5.30pm to 8pm (last entry 7pm). There will be science and engineering buskers leading demonstrations and experiments throughout the site. Take the temperature of the water, explore how the Romans used aqueducts, or build a Roman arch. Volunteers from Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution and the University of Bath will help visitors understand water facts. Find out about the extraordinary snails which live in the Great Bath. On Sunday 23 March, from 10am to 4pm, you can join the Roman Baths team at Green Park Station and Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution for Bath Taps into Science which also offers a range of hands-on science activities. Just turn up and join in. Bright Sparks 14 – 23 March Herschel Museum, New King St, Bath

Catching the Gypsy’s Tale family concert Sunday 23 March, 3pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon Spellbinding Romani Gypsy storytelling and music for families and children aged 6+. Captivating storytelling, stirring music, enchanting song (and a little snake-charming), three tall-tale tellers (Rebecca Smart, Michael Loader, Martin Solomon) craft the traditional folk stories of those whose home is everywhere and nowhere, following the Roma migration from the desert homelands of Rajasthan to the Balkans and beyond.Tickets: 01225 860100. Martin Mor – Funny Stuff for Happy People Sunday 30 March, 1.30pm Bath Cricket Club This family show is part of Bath Comedy Festival. Martin Mor, a professional entertainer for almost 30 years, invites children to bring their adults ‘without them getting bored and going in to a huff.’ For tickets visit: www.bathcomedy.com. Mother’s Day Sunday 30 March Today is the time to show your mum how much she means to you and thank her for all she does for you. Say it with a homemade card, breakfast in bed or a cake you’ve baked. But do say it. ■

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THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499

Beautifully refurbished children’s day nursery offering high quality childcare and education for children 3 months to 5 years. E: guinealane@thebathnurserycompany.co.uk T: 01225 487 858 St Mary’s Church Hall, Guinea Lane, BA1 5NB. W: www.thebathnurserycompany.co.uk

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MARCH 2014

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News in brief ■ Barnaby Ash has been appointed headteacher of St Mark’s Church of England School in Bath, taking up his post in September. He is currently Headteacher of Blackheath Bluecoat Church of England School, which he joined in 2009, working with an executive headteacher to turn round a very challenging inner-city school in south east London. Mr Ash was subsequently appointed to the substantive headteacher role in September 2012, when the executive headteacher retired. The governors of St Mark’s said: “We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by Mr Friel, who has led St Mark’s, as well as also leading St Gregory’s Catholic College, as part of a federation between the two schools, since 1 September 2011.” ■ St Mark’s is also hosting two open events for prospective parents this month. These are on Thursday 13 March, from 6.30pm to 8pm and on Friday 14 March from 9.15am to 11am. For details call: 01225 312661. ■ Booking has begun for the many courses on offer for young people at Marlborough College Summer School, which is this year celebrating its 40th anniversary. Courses this summer include: building a thatched Iron Age roundhouse, introduction to dog agility, Middle Eastern cookery, drawing on your iPad, drama and performance skills, popular social sequence dancing and aromatherapy: essential oils. Courses, which are tailored to different age groups, encompassing three to 16 years old include young clayshot, theatre making, rock school, ultimate frisbee, squash academy, making a film, design and make your own cyber pet, lacrosse and the art of jewellery making. Friday evenings will see a weekly gala concert. Visit: www.mcsummerschool. org.uk or tel: 01672 892388.

OUR HONOURABLE FRIEND: Ollie Middleton, pictured, who is to stand as Labour candidate for Bath at the next general election, paid a visit to his old school, Calder House, where he spoke to current pupils. Ollie, who is 18, is hoping to make the record books as the youngest MP in centuries. As a sufferer of dyslexia Ollie praised Calder School, which is based in Colerne, as being supportive and building his self esteem. He said: “Being dyslexic can feel like a curse – but it shouldn’t. I was really struggling in a mainstream school but then I came to Calder House and everything changed for me.”

Friendship Steps link old and new The Royal High School’s Junior School has moved into the newly refurbished Cranwell House, where girls aged 3-11 will be educated and nurtured. The listed house and its surroundings include extensive parkland to explore and to use in the future, with girls learning about the ecology of the site, which includes wildlife; planting and growing their own food. The new Hope Building is made

from Welsh slate, seasoned timber and glass with windows which make the most of the view of the grounds. The new and old buildings are connected by an external courtyard with a staircase, known as The Friendship Steps, leading down to the garden. Pupils will be able to enjoy a discovery room, a creativity zone, an outdoor playground and a new nursery in the renovated Vine House.

INSPIRED: photography student Vitali Lazitski from Keynsham with his pictures taken on the streets of Bath as a homage to street photographer Vivian Maier

The Royal High Junior School at Cranwell House, Weston Park East, Bath is holding a series of open days, as is the senior school. Junior School and Nursery, Thursday 24 April, 9.30am to noon. Senior tours from 1pm. Saturday 10 May, 9.30am - noon. Email: d.rejiester@rhsb.gdst.net Senior School and sixth form, Tuesday 4 March, 9am – 12.30pm and Thursday 24 April, 1pm – 4pm, email: l.bevan@rhsb.gdst.net. Creative arts students from St Brendan’s Sixth Form College exhibited work from their Alevel coursework at Paintworks in Bristol. The exhibition was attended by friends and family of the artists, photographers and designers; and gallery owners, college governors, teaching staff from St Brendan’s and other schools and colleges and members of the public. Graphic artist Ian ‘Swifty’ Swift opened the show. St Brendan’s is the biggest sixth form provider in Bristol and Bath and is the only sixth form college in the area.

Rugby star lays foundation for generations of future sportspeople Work on the construction of a sports centre for Prior Park College has begun with rugby player Lewis Moody MBE, ex England captain and Bath stalwart performing the ceremony, along with Kate Allenby MBE, 2000 Olympic Bronze medallist. They were joined by Prior Park College headmaster, James Murphy-O’Connor, Paragon headmaster, Andrew Harvey and the sports staff and captains of the Prior Foundation schools. The £5m building is due for completion next year and will include four badminton courts with capacity for tennis, netball, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, five-a-side football and hockey practice as well as a fitness suite, classrooms and a viewing balcony looking over the cricket pitches. 56 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Moody, who is a Paragon Junior School parent, interrupted his Six Nations Rugby Championship commitments to be present at the ceremony. He said: “As a Prior Foundation parent I am really excited about the new Sports Centre at Prior Park College which will have benefits for all three schools within the Foundation. I believe it is vital that students are able to gain exposure to a whole variety of sports, and this facility will offer them that.” Headmaster James Murphy-O’Connor said: “This is an exciting time for us as we demonstrate our confidence in the future and make a substantial investment in the sporting lives of our students. ”

FOUNDATION: ex-Bath player Lewis Moody with headmaster James Murphy-O’Connor

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OUT&ABOUT

The forbidden forest? Andrew Swift finds exploring the delights of Savernake Forest, the only privately owned forest in Britain, isnot as easy for walkers as it was and urges us to visit this ancient woodland while we still can

ur spring walk takes in one of England’s oldest forests, green lanes, a canal, railways (both operating and abandoned), panoramic views and unspoilt countryside, before ending at a thatched country inn. Unfortunately, as I discovered when I visited a few weeks ago, access to part of it – after being open for generations – now has a question-mark hanging over it. The problem is that ownership of Savernake Forest, the only privatelyowned forest in Britain, with over 7,000 trees listed by the Woodland Trust as ancient, veteran or notable, is in dispute. Nominally it belongs to the Earl of Cardigan, but it is currently held in trust. The estate’s website (www.savernakeestate.co.uk) states that ‘the forest’s owners permit extensive public access.’ That may be about to change, however, as the trustees are reported to be planning to sell the estate without the earl’s consent. The battle between the earl and the trustees is long-standing, but, even as litigation and legal challenges continue, security firms have been hired to patrol parts of the estate, access to forest car parks has been blocked, gates padlocked and warning signs put up. What this means for the future of the estate is anyone’s guess. There are no public footpaths through the forest and no legal right of access. The prospect of parts of the forest being closed to the public for the first time in living memory cannot be discounted. If you’ve never visited Savernake, it may be wise to visit now, while there is still time. The walk starts at Wootton Rivers, 3½ miles north-east of Pewsey and five miles south of Marlborough. There is parking at the village hall (SU197629) and on the road north of the canal. From here, head north along the road through the village. 250 metres past the Royal Oak, just after a house called Tregarthen, when the road swings right, carry straight on, following a bridleway along a green lane. After 750 metres, the bridleway, having climbed steeply uphill, leads into a large field (SU199642). Turn right alongside the hedgerow. At the corner of the field, bear left for a few metres, go through a gap in the hedge and bear left up a green lane. After 250 metres, turn right at a crossroads along another green lane (SU201644). Although this is known as Mud Lane, it is fallen trees rather

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than mud that are the real problem along here. After 800 metres, you will see the embankment of the long-abandoned Midland & South Western Junction Railway (M&SWJR) swinging in from the left. At the road, turn left past the abutments of its bridge. A few metres further on, there are more abutments – far less visible – which carried a Great Western Railway (GWR) branch to Marlborough across the road. Carry on up the road for 600 metres. Shortly before the main road, you will see the entrance to a car park – now barred off – on the right (SU216647). Bear left past the barrier on the opposite side of the road and carry on along a broad track. After 600 metres, follow the track as it narrows and swings right towards the road (SU214655). After crossing the road, you will see a milestone marking the distance to Tottenham House, the now derelict ancestral home of the Earl of Cardigan. Follow the track past it into the forest. After 250 metres, turn right at a crossroads. After another 250 metres,turnleftat a crossroads by a sign for the Cluster Oak (SU216653). Carry straight on along this broad track and eventually, as it starts to climb, you will see a tall column ahead. Erected by the Earl of Ailesbury, it bears tablets celebrating George III’s recovery from madness and the earl’s own good fortune in inheriting the estate. Carry on past the column. After 250 metres, the path leads out of the forest and continues along a broad strip of meadow called Column Ride. Ahead is Tottenham House, where in 2006 Radiohead recorded much of In Rainbows. The venue was chosen because of its ‘weird ambience’. At the road, climb over a gate – which until recently was always left unpadlocked – and turn right along the road (SU239643). Although wide enough to present no significant hazard for pedestrians, it is a good idea to cross as necessary when approaching bends so that oncoming traffic can see you. After going through the village of Durley, the road crosses a bridge over the M&SWJR. The remains of Savernake High Level station are on the left, with a pool in the gap between the platforms. Another bridge takes you over the GWR West of England main line, where passengers once changed at

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OUT&ABOUT

ALONG THE WAY: main picture, climbing up to the George III column Inset, on the Kennet & Avon.

Above left to right, the bridge at Burbage Wharf, the view across the Kennet & Avon Canal

Savernake Low Level station for trains to Marlborough. Just past it, turn right along a footpath (SU235632). The building on your left is the former Savernake Forest Hotel, now converted to flats. Follow the steps under the railway to emerge on the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, beside the western portal of the Bruce Tunnel. From here, it is a straightforward – if sometimes muddy – 2½mile walk along the towpath to Wootton Rivers. Beyond the first bridge is Burbage Wharf, with a recentlyrestored crane. Further on is Cadley Lock, which marks the end of the summit level and the start of the long descent to the River Avon at Bath. After two more locks – Brimslade and Heathy Close – comes Wootton Rivers Lock, where a right turn across the canal leads to the Royal Oak. ■

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

FURTHER INFORMATION ■ ■ ■ ■

Length of walk: 8 miles Map: OS EXplorer 157 Approximate time: 4 hours The Royal Oak at Wootton Rivers (SN8 4NQ) serves food from noon – 2.30pm and from 6.30pm. It’s closed between 3pm and 6pm, but open on Sundays until 4.30pm. Tel: 01672 810322, visit: wiltshire-pubs.co.uk

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&beauty

HEALTH

FIT & FAB Do the towpath walk

Sign up to take part in May’s Walk for Life to help raise £8.5m towards a new cancer centre for the Royal United Hospital in Bath.The Forever Friends Appeal is inviting people to walk 21, 12 or nine miles along the Kennet and Avon Canal on Saturday 17 May.The full 21 miles is from Devizes to Bath, or choose from 12 miles in the morning from Devizes to Bradford-On-Avon, or nine miles in the afternoon from Bradford-On-Avon to Bath. Open to men and women, entry to the Walk of Life costs £15 per person. This will be the seventh annual Walk of Life event, which was created with and in memory of Vanessa Kyte – a mum, daughter, sister, wife and friend who died from cancer in 2007.To sign up visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or tel: 01225 821535.

Find peace of mind

Everyday life in the 21st century, with its increasing demands and challenges, can be frenetic and stressful. More and more people are turning to meditation to help give them some space and serenity in their busy lives.As an introduction to Buddhism, you can experience the benefits of practising a simple meditation technique with the Bath Sakya Buddhist Group. Meditation classes are run on Tuesday evenings at 8pm and Wednesday mornings at 10.30am at the Museum of Bath at Work in Julian Road. Everyone is welcome to attend and no previous experience of meditation is necessary. Contact Liz Godfrey at the Bath Sakya Buddhist Group on 07747 633577 or email bath@dechen.org. The Bath Sakya Buddhist Group is a branch of the Sakya Buddhist Centre, Bristol’s oldest Tibetan Buddhist centre which was founded in 1977 by Lama Jampa Thaye. On Thursday 2 October Lama Jampa is coming to Bath to give a talk at the Assembly Rooms.Tickets are £10 (concessions £6.50), from Bath Festivals Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or online at www.bathfestivals.org.uk. More information can be found at: www.dechen.org.

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Get naturally beautiful skin for spring

Clockwise from left: The new Aveda spring/summer 14 limited edition make-up collection, Culture Clash (featuring eyeshadows, liners and lip colours all made with plant extracts, available from Jolly’s and the Aveda shop in SouthGate) sees a palette of rich, earthy tones and delicate pastels that work on all skin tones; help skin escape the ravages of wind and rain with Bristol-based Amphora Aromatics Borage Oil Cream (£4.80 from www.amphora- aromatics.com) which is developed with essential oils and herbal extracts to soothe and rejuvenate dry and flaky skin; MooGoo is a natural skincare brand from Australia and its latest edition is the Fluffy Shea Butter, great for fine lines, scars and stretch marks as well as to relieve cracked hands and feet (£20.50, from Lifestyle Pharmacy, Milsom Street); Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Face Oil (£44 from Space NK, New Bond Street) is a nourishing blend that works to soothe irritated skin with German camomile to reduce the appearance of redness and evening primrose oil for softness and comfort

The 100-mile challenge The Bath100 cycle challenge, will take place on Sunday 13 April in aid of children’s charity Action Medical Research. There is a choice of Cool (40 miles,) Classic (61 miles) and Champion (100 miles) routes setting out from the Fry Club and Conference Centre in Keynsham. The routes take in the countryside surrounding Bath including, the Chew Valley, Cheddar, White Horse at Westbury, and Longleat Estate. This event is part of the charity’s RIDE100 series of one-day bike rides that take place across the UK. All include chip timing, food and water stations, lunch, marshals and mechanics. Cyclists participating in the Bath100 will be raising money to help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children. Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952. The charity supports work around Down syndrome, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, diabetes and other conditions. For more information and to register, visit: www.action.org.uk/bath100.

Ready for a hot date? There’s still time to sign up for the Dorothy House Hospice Care charity firewalk, on Friday 28 March held in its grounds at Winsley near Bradford-on-Avon. The event will see 50 people given an intensive one-hour briefing to psyche them up to walk across hot coals – an experience of a lifetime. In return they’ll be asked to raise a miniumum of £100 for the hospice. The good news is – it doesn’t hurt at all, we’re told. Sign up at: www.dorothyhouse.co.uk/firewalk.

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Shelter from the storm Georgette McCready finds sanctuary in the newly refurbished Spa at the Royal Crescent Hotel

R E V I EW

here’s a common misconception that much of an editor’s life is spent quaffing prosecco at sparkling social events and sending minions out to fetch coffee, in between organising photoshoots for friends down from London who’ve opened boutiques in Bath. Would that it were. *shakes head sadly.* But into every life a little rain must fall, and just as the storms raged outside across the Somerset skies, so I experienced my own series of personal squalls which trembled the ground under my feet. All very unsettling, but we all go through troubled waters in this life. So, an invitation to sample the newly refurbished Spa at the Royal Crescent Hotel was seized on gratefully. Before you could spell Jacuzzi, I’d battled through the near hurricane level wind and rain in search of showers of a warmer, more soothing kind. The hotel’s Spa, which lies tucked away at the end of the pretty gardens, feels like sanctuary from the moment you arrive. Sink into a welcoming sofa, slip off wet coat, hat, scarf and boots. Oh, I find the rain has soaked right through to my socks. No problem, every guest is supplied with a fresh pair of Spa flip-flops, so the floors of the inner sanctum remain uncontaminated by the outside world. The staff are unflappable and professional. I’ve been booked in for a 90 minute Hero treatment. I think they took one look at my hunched shoulders, winter-grey pallor and clenched jaw and thought, hello, here’s a challenge. Visitors who book one of the Spa’s special packages also get use of the Spa. The good news is that this is never busy. The day I visited there was only one other person in the pool, and although we could faintly hear the storm raging outside, inside was all peace and quiet. There’s a simple monastic air about the Spa which helps calm the mind. Try floating about in the pool, warming your bones in the steam room and then sitting in a hot tub for a bit – I guarantee you will feel tension begin to lift. Teresa was my friendly Spa therapist and we retired to one of the newly fitted treatment rooms, now equipped with big comfortable couches which can be electronically raised or lowered to make sure you’re as cosy as a baby in a cot. The Hero treatment (£99 for 90 minutes) is a thoroughly absorbing stress-busting treatment which begins with a back exfoliation and hot stone massage. If you spend too much time at a screen (hands-up editors) this is bliss itself, as all those knots are soothed away. Wrapped in warm towels, my muscles relaxed, it’s almost tempting to nod off to the gentle music, but Teresa then treats my weathered face to some seriously intensely moisturing. At the start of the session she’s offered up various ESPA aromatherapy oils for me to do a sensory test to choose which one suits my mood best. I like the fact that ESPA’s beautiful products are made just down the road in Frome. So, back straightened, face soothed and skin plumped out, we finish with a scalp massage which sees the last of the tension out of my system and I emerge for a quiet time with a herbal tea before slipping, a new woman, back into the maelstrom of real life. There are various packages available at the Spa, including a Mother’s Day Treat (£49) which includes use of The Spa for two two hours, a Shellac manicure and a glass of Champagne or a cocktail, or there’s Relax and Rejuvenate (£89) which includes use of the Spa and a lift and firm hip and thigh detox or a deep muscle massage. The Spa Experience is £80, includes use of the Spa and a 60-minute aromatherapy ESPA massage or a facial. There’s also a Twilight Retreat for £79 a head, in which you use the Spa then enjoy dinner. There’s a similar half day package, with lunch, or you could opt for the Romantic Hideaway, for £150 a head, which includes a couples massage, three course dinner and glass of Champagne. For full details of available treatments and packages for day visitors tel: 01225 823367. 64 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Concorde: How it helped shape the world of Laser Eye Surgery Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Phil Jaycock explains how the science and engineering behind Concorde lives on in the world of Laser Eye Surgery and introduces the Bristol Laser Vision Clinic at Bristol Eye Hospital.

s you walk into the Bristol Laser Vision Clinic at Bristol been involved in pioneering research which has helped shape the science Eye Hospital, you are instantly struck by the iconic picture behind the laser eye surgery procedures that we trust and undergo today. that hangs in pride of place above reception. The Phil goes on to explain that “by using pioneering laser optical photograph which captures the once in a lifetime scene of engineering to look at composite structures, we were able to adapt the Concorde’s last flight as it soars research that measured the structural strength across the skyline over the and integrity of the Concorde tyre to measure Clifton Suspension Bridge is the epitome of the strength of the cornea. This work has Bristol, of engineering and is something which is enabled us to determine the safest and most very close to the heart of Mr Phil Jaycock, NHS effective laser eye surgery treatments for our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Specialist patients.” in cornea, cataract and laser refractive surgery. Over recent years, laser eye surgery has These are exciting and busy times for Phil become an increasingly popular procedure for Jaycock and his team at Bristol Laser Vision as a individuals looking for freedom from their lifelong vision to set up a South-West regional glasses and contact lenses. The rise in refractive surgery unit comes to fruition. popularity of this procedure almost certainly “Having qualified from Bristol University has a positive correlation with increased patient Medical School, I wanted to bring something confidence in the success and safety of laser eye back to the region,” he explains, “so my idea surgery, which has progressed alongside this was to develop a patient-centred service scientific research and development work. intertwining three key elements; the treatment The service at Bristol Laser Vision prides of private patients, and of NHS patients with itself on providing patients with the safest and Mr Phil Jaycock, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, research, development and teaching elements.” most effective laser eye surgery procedures, MB ChB BSc FRCOphth MD Of course his love of Bristol radiates from the using state-of-the-art technology delivered photo, but the relationship that it has with his career isn’t immediately within a unique consultant led model. For further information, or to book obvious and runs much deeper. Having worked with Professor John a consultation call: 0117 342 1600, email: info@bristollaservision.co.uk Marshall (MBE), the founder of laser refractive surgery, Phil Jaycock has or visit: www.bristollaservision.co.uk. WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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CITYinteriors

Feeling at Home What says home to you? Is it a warm, cosy interior where you can reach out and wrap yourself in a throw, stroke a cushion or sit in a pool of gentle light, or does your heart lift at the sight of a clutter-free space, a tribute to modern design and peace of mind? CURL UP: a home can never have too many throws, draped over sofas or beds to add another layer of warmth on chilly evenings. This soft chenille fringed throw is £80, from Laura Ashley, New Bond Street

TACTILE PLEASURE: cushions made with silks by James Hare, Fabric Mills, London Road, Bath

▲

PRESERVING MEMORIES: people have always treasured objects which remind them of happy times. Whether it’s a child’s first shoes, a wedding bouquet or simply, as above, a collection of pretty shells gathered from a beach on holiday,The Framing Workshop in Walcot Street can arrange and present them in a beautifully framed memorabilia three dimensional display

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TREASURE TROVE: already a firm favourite with shoppers on Milsom Street in central Bath is Savannah Home, an interiors shop which stocks all kinds of gorgeous bits and pieces for the home, from tiny liqueur glasses to glittering chandeliers and sturdy wooden cabinets.These large silk velvet cushions are just asking to be stroked, the square ones are £135, the bolsters are £250. Savannah Home is a one-off shop stocked by Candida Molyneux who uses her years of experience as an interior designer and an antiques dealer to search and find unusual and original items for her customers’ pleasure

LEASE OF LIFE: Revivals is a new ▲ NEW shop in Cleveland Place which takes old

▲

pieces and delightfully restores them

OPULENT EXTRAS: still life with white roses is from India Jane in Milsom Street and includes Romana glassware, inspired by the imperial courts of the Russian Tsars, a Rutland hammered nickel plated bowl and a hand blown Paron glass bell jar dome

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CITYinteriors SOLID FOUNDATIONS: Mandarin, the family run tile business, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and now has ten showrooms across the UK, including its Bath shop in Broad Street, providing surfaces for the home and garden. Right, Baroque floor tiles, a new range based on an ancient Mediterranean design, £143.33 per sq metre. Far right, new Emperador marbles from Mandarin, which each month offers a 25% discount on a different stone

ROMANTIC LIGHT: Windrush candlesticks £98 from fine cutlery shop Robert Welch Designs, Broad Street, Bath www.robertwelch.com

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STYLISHLY LIT: polished copper pendant light, £275, and Caravaggio matt grey pendant, from £178, also available in white from interiors and accessories design shop Shannon in Walcot Street

AN AIR OF CALM: enjoy time in a quiet corner with a coffee and a book. Portia armchair, £699, and task floor light, £129, from Marks & Spencer’s homeware range, available from Stall Street, Bath

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MAKE SCENTS: make mother’s day with a luxurious scented candle.This one is by Neom, from £14.99, at Grasse, Argyle Street, Bath

TAKE IT EASY: put your feet up with this plump footstool, £115 from Grasse, Argyle Street, Bath

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PEACEFUL NIGHTS: create an oasis of calm in the bedroom. Arles bed, from £750, by Sofas and Stuff of Hungerford. www.sofasandstuff.com

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A lesson in light and space A beautifully modernised former chapel provides the perfect retreat from the demands of the outside world, as Georgette McCready discovers in a unique home in a Wiltshire village

or the same price as a flat in the city, you could buy yourself some perfect peace with this beautifully designed one bedroom retreat. Being detached, once you’d closed the front door, the world would be firmly shut out and if you wanted to lose yourself in Mahler or practice air guitar to Guns’n’Roses, there’d be nobody the other side of a partition wall demanding you turn the music down. The Reading Room, as its name implies, has long been used by the people of the village of Broughton Gifford as a haven from the humdrum. The stone building is believed to have been built around 1828 as a Wesleyan chapel. But when a larger chapel was built down the road it was converted into a reading room for the villagers in around 1907. It remained as a reading room until 1937 when it was sold at auction. The Reading Room then fell into disrepair until its restoration and conversion into a one bedroom home a few years ago. It really is an ideal home for one, or possibly two tidy people. The front door opens into the living room, with a contemporary feel and lots of natural light from the big windows. The ceiling is high and there’s a cosy corner fitted with a modern woodburning stove and round the corner there’s a dining area which doubles as a study. Step through from the living/dining area into the smart fitted galley kitchen, which has a sash window by the sink, and from here a door leads out to the secluded south facing decked courtyard – a great, private spot for catching a few rays and tending herbs and perhaps some tomatoes in pots. Up the spiral staircase is the double bedroom, again demonstrating a cunning use of space and design, looking down over the living area. The bathroom has also been neatly fitted in up under the eaves and the bedroom also benefits from natural light from the window. The Reading Room’s other benefits include underfloor heating and its own parking space. The total internal floor space is 585sq ft. Broughton Gifford is ten miles from Bath and the nearest town is Melksham, which has a branch of Waitrose. The village has a large open green and two pubs. It’s also well placed for walking, cycling or running, with a network of foopaths criss-crossing the Wiltshire countryside. Nearby Chalfield Manor and The Courts at Holt are worth visiting. ■ The Reading Room Broughton Gifford, nr Melksham,Wiltshire Detached one bedroom home with south facing courtyard and parking. Price: £215,000. Agent: Jeremy Jenkins, 27 Market St, Bradford-on-Avon,Wiltshire Tel: 01225 866747 email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk

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CITYgardening

Give fancy plants a chance Jane Moore gets swept along in one man’s passion for the diminutive auricula

alk to most keen gardeners and there’s usually one plant or group of plants that got us hooked in the first place. For me it was native wild flowers, which are still among my favourite plants. My partner Paul got obsessed with his tomato plants and Anna, my assistant gardener, got hooked on growing cabbages. For Andy Kemp it’s auriculas, you know, those showy little alpine primulas so beloved of the Victorians. “I saw a picture in a book on gardening just after we moved to Bath and they just said ‘Hello – look at me!’ How could I resist?” says Andy. “They’re great because they are generally easy to grow but they’re also hard to grow well so they present a challenge.”

back in Victorian times it was fiercely ❝ competitive and gardeners would be very secretive. Nowadays there’s a healthy rivalry but we do help each other out too

❞

That was in 2004 and he’s never looked back. Buying his first few plants from Pop’s Plants, a specialist auricula nursery, he found out he’d just missed a show around the corner in Saltford and was encouraged to enter the following year. That show was one of the largest in the country so in 2005 when Andy took along his two best plants he was astounded to come away with 2nd and 3rd prizes in the Beginners section. His showing career had begun and has gone from strength to strength until last year he won the coveted copper kettle (yes really, a copper kettle) top prize of the National Auricula and Primula Society. “I’m now the guy to beat so they’ll all be after my blood at this year’s shows,” says Andy. “Back in Victorian times it was fiercely competitive and gardeners would be very secretive, nowadays there’s a healthy rivalry but we do help each other out too.” 72 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Shows take place throughout the country during the spring when the auriculas are in flower with the Western Area show taking place in Saltford on 19 April. “When I first started I grew all types of auriculas including the border ones which are great for the garden but my garden and greenhouse are tiny so I’ve specialised and now grow only the show and striped types,” says Andy. The show varieties are the ones that tend to grab your attention. These are frequently green and coloured with a ring of white in the centre, often with dusty looking, grey-green leaves. In auricula expert terminology the green is ‘virescence’ with a ring of white ‘paste’ and ‘meal’ or ‘farina’ on the leaves. According to Andy, one of the great things about growing auriculas is that you don’t need lots of money or equipment to get started. Ideally you need a small greenhouse or cold frame for overwintering and a few plants to start off with. “It’s not Tulipomania, although some prize plants can be expensive as they’re not always easy to propagate,” says Andy. “I’m now bringing on my own varieties with some success although you can wait years for them to produce an offset.” The fashion for auricula growing started in 1750s with Florists Feasts, exhibitions of auriculas which took place in pubs and for which copper kettles were awarded to the top exhibitors. One of the most sought after kettles dates from this time and is promptly put back into the bank vault as soon as it’s been awarded and photographed with the recipient each year. Until recently Bath Library held the only copy of the 1782 Treatise on the Culture and Management of Bears Ear or Auricula Ursi written by A Florist until it was moved to the Natural History Museum in London last year. After their heyday in the Georgian period auriculas fell from favour until the Victorians took them up with gusto, creating Auricula Theatres for their display and featuring them in fabrics, wallpapers and tapestries. And now it seems that auriculas are back with a vengeance. “There has been a resurgence of interest in the past 10 to 15 years,” says Andy. “There are active societies in Germany and Japan, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the USA. But Britain is where auricula growing has all that history – it’s the heart of it all.”

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CITYgardening And with one more month to hold onto his title Andy is hoping his little auriculas will have what it takes for him to bring the copper kettle home to Bath again.

Andy?s Top Tips for Growing Auriculas

FULL OF SURPRISES: left, auriculas are traditionally displayed in shelves known as a theatre Above, right champion grower Andy Kemp’s auriculas

1. These plants originate from the Alps, so treat them like any other alpine. They are bone hardy, but some enthusiasts grow them in cold greenhouses to keep the rain off mealed leaves and blooms. 2. Compost should be open, at least 30% grit. In pots, they should be re-potted annually, when offsets (babies) can be pulled off and potted up. If planted in the ground, divide when the centre of the clump becomes open. 3. Auriculas grow vertically from a rhizome or “carrot.” This is a natural defence from being buried by scree. New roots sprout each year from just below the collar, so if your plants look like mini palm trees, re-pot or mulch up. 4. The two important seasons of growth for auriculas are in the spring and in the autumn. When they are not in active growth, they like to be kept cool in the summer, and not waterlogged in the winter. 5. Auriculas do not come true from seed, and are extremely diverse, genetically. Raising auriculas from seed is thrilling, as you never know quite what you will get. Sow seed thinly and lightly cover with grit; they need some light to germinate. •Look for specialist auricula nurseries on the internet. Pop’s Plants (www.popsplants.co.uk) and Reginas Cottage (www.reginascottage.com) are the closest to Bath. • Alpines and Doubles are the easiest to grow, Shows are more fickle. Boarders are the most suitable for the garden. •All NAPS (National Auricula & Primula Society) shows have plant sales. •Specific cultivars can only be propagated by cuttings or 'offsets.' This means that you may see a named variety, but the only way

✱

to get a plant of it is to try exhibiting yourself, and then beg the bloke who grew it for an offset. National Auricula and Primula Society website: www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk. They can be seen at the West of England Show in Saltford Hall, on Easter Saturday, 19 April, 2 to 4.30pm. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel, you can follow her on Twitter @janethegardener.

For more gardening tips and gardening services visit our website.

Or to promote your business, log on and get it listed. www.thebathmag.co.uk WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

MARCH 2014

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19th century workspace becomes an object of desire Who hasn’t dreamt of owning their own retreat? Somewhere where you can sit and think, work on a project, philosophise or daydream away a few hours? It’s no wonder that the humble shepherd’s hut is seeing a huge revival in sales. So much so that one Somerset based business has seen a 200 per cent global demand in the last 12 months. Blackdown Shepherd Huts, launched in May 2011 by cousins, William Vickery and George Bannister, is enjoying a surge in sales of self-build, flatpack and pre-built huts. The huts, which range in price from £3,700 for a self-build hut kit, then from £11,995 to £25,000, for a finished, luxuryfitted, pre-built version, are being used as everything from writers/artist retreats to shooting lodges, gastro-food huts, overflow guest bedrooms, offices, playrooms, visitor centres, garden rooms and holiday homes. Since May 2011, the company has supplied 56 self-build units and 35 finished huts. It’s now added Complete Living and road-towable huts to its range, which can be fitted with industry-certified gas installations, fitted kitchens and bathrooms. George Bannister said, “We’ve seen a flood of orders come in from the UK, Australia and around the world. Demand has been so great, we’ve increased our range of self-build and pre-built hut options and creating a talented employment hub for traditional Somerset skills and cutting-edge Blackdown® innovation. “A 19th century shepherd would never have imagined the luxurious grandeur of a modern shepherd’s hut, with its bespoke electrical and plumbing systems.” The company won the New Business of the Year Award in the 2012 Somerset Business awards. Visit: www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk. ■

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

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Gardening Advertise your Business in this space for as little as £55 per month and get 2 FREE. To advertise in the directory call us on

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MARCH 2014

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

his exceptional five storey Grade II listed Georgian townhouse is beautifully presented and rich in period detail including large sash windows, shutters and fireplaces. The terrace is set back from the road behind a well maintained lawned area and has attractive views to the rear. The centre of the city is a level walk or cycle ride away and all the amenities of Larkhall are on the doorstep. The elegant proportions and tall ceilings of the property are enhanced by contemporary styling and there is an abundance of space with an approximate internal area of 3850 square feet including the vaults. In brief there are three reception rooms, a well equipped kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and a separate dressing room, four further double bedrooms and a very spacious family bathroom. Additionally there is a self contained apartment which offers lots of opportunities for use by a dependant family member or for rental. To the rear there are very pretty views of St Saviour’s Church and there is a level enclosed garden which has been landscaped to make the most of the space and privacy. Agents for this classic Bath property are Pritchards. Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

3 BEAUFORT EAST BATH • Close to city and local amenities • Beautifully presented • Five bedrooms • Self contained apartment • Level enclosed garden

Guide price: £1,150,000 MARCH 2014

THEBATHMAGAZINE 77

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THINKINGproperty

Spring into Action! Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of The Apartment Company gives 6 Steps to Sell Your Home this Season

he dark wet (very!) days of winter are here with us now, but Spring is just around the corner – that time where traditionally, sellers think about selling, and buyers thing about buying. On the plus side, this means plenty of activity, but it also can mean a lot of competition, with lots of other properties all fighting for the best buyers.

Peter Greatorex

Here are The Apartment Company, we have some tips to help you make sure your home is in the best possible position to sell quickly, for the best price. Read on to discover our Top Five Steps to sell your home this spring:

1. Make those Windows Sparkle – with low spring light streaming through your windows, any dirt or finger marks will be easily noticeable. Book your window cleaner, and polish the insides too, to make them really sparkle. While you’re focusing on your windows, why not have all your curtains washed too, for a fresh smell and bright look. When viewers come round, open the windows to let the fresh air in, making sure that your apartment is still comfortably warm.

2. Show off Green Fingers – if your apartment has communal gardens, check that they will be looking their best in time for you to put your home on the market. What’s the gardening schedule like? Will new flowers be planted so that your photographs look colourful? If you have window boxes, now is the time to get them planted with pretty seasonal flowers; pansies and daffodils look lovely at this time of year, and if sheltered, should survive any frost.

Dreaming of Buying Property in ‘La Belle France’? On 5 March, Hamptons International hosts a ‘French Property Seminar’ at its Gay Street branch in Bath.

eading residential property agency Hamptons International has today announced a ‘French Property Seminar’ on Wednesday 5th March from 7pm at its branch in Bath.

France is one of the most sought after second home destinations for British buyers looking to purchase abroad due to ease of access from the UK, value for money and the range of properties available. Hamptons International has over 5,000 properties available to buy in France ranging in price from £50k right up to £15 million in a range of popular locations from Aquitaine, Dordogne and Brittany to Cote D’Azur and Corsica. Neal Wood, Associate Directior of Hamptons International in Bath says: “Over the past year, we’ve seen a 20 per cent increase in local people looking to purchase a second home in France and due to the strength of our international network, we are delighted to be bringing both our expertise and these properties to our local investors first hand. We would urge anyone who is interested in buying a second home in France to attend the seminar. It is set to be a very informative evening with some true experts on hand!” At the event where drinks and nibbles will also be provided, Hamptons International’s French partner will present information on the buying process in France as well as tips on choosing the best location to buy.

3. Tidy First Impressions

– whilst is may not be your responsibility, it’s worth having a sweep round outside so that any dried-up leaves, kicking around from the previous seasons, are banished, and the outside areas look smart. It’s important that your whole building has great kerb appeal for anyone driving past, as buyers tend to do before booking a viewing

4. Carpets and floors – If you have hardwood flooring, ensure that they are cleaned to perfection, and look their very best. If your carpets and rugs are looking a bit jaded after the winter, have them professionally cleaned for a show-home finish. 5. Weather – As much as we would like to hope spring will bring a welcome respite to all this rain, remember the saying ‘Ne’er cast a clout ‘till May be out’! Prepare for the worst weather, and hope for the best. Have a good mat at the door for people to wipe their feet, and somewhere to put an umbrella. If your apartment is close to the main front door to the building, consider buying some shoe protectors, and keep them in a little basket by the front door. Not only will it keep your carpets clean, your visitors will be thankful not to have to remove their shoes! 6. Let in the colour – Bring spring colours into your home; modest splashes of bold colour brightens a room; add different coloured towels and cushions to your bathrooms and living areas, and celebrate the spring season in your home. Why not spend some time this weekend looking at how you can prepare your home for a quick sale? At The Apartment Company, we often see a big surge of buyers registering with us in February and March, and we want to help make sure you don’t miss out on an early sale. Why not get in touch; we can pop round and give you some fresh and helpful advice about how to sell your apartment and move on before summer comes. The Apartment Company: 01225 471144. twitter: @apartmentco

French escape: A beautifully renovated farmhouse; Saone et Loire, France £244,000 Joanna Leggett, a British national who has lived and worked in France for the past 10 years will also be giving potential buyers top tips on choosing the right property, integrating into the community and the buying process. Joanna Leggett comments: “I am delighted to be involved in the property seminar and am looking forward to meeting with British based clients to offer them advice and guidance on the French property market. “2013 saw a real surge in British buyers purchasing property in France and for those who are considering acquiring property I will be outlining how purchasing works for the foreign buyer and the important pointers to look out for.“ “France is undoubtedly a great choice for British investors - over the last 12 months prices have fallen by 1.7 per cent, with bigger falls in more rural areas. Perceived value aside, France is a country which offers a beautiful array of properties, great weather and a relaxed way of life and should be top of any buyers list!” For more information on the event, please contact your local Hamptons International branch in Bath on 01225 312244. Hamptons International, 32 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT.

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pritchard-partners.co.uk

Perfect View, Camden An impressive detached house enjoying pleasant open views over the City, in a quiet no-through road on the popular northern slopes of Bath. Well presented to a high standard with a contemporary feel with well proportioned attractive gardens. Private off-road parking for one to two cars. Covered entrance porch, principal bedroom with en suite dressing area, shower room & private balcony, 4 further bedrooms, bathroom & 2 shower rooms, sitting room, dining room, cinema room, kitchen/breakfast room. Gas fired heating - partly underfloor. Total approx floor area: 2542 sq ft/236.15 sq m.

Price: ÂŁ1.1 million

Newbridge Hill An impressive & beautifully refurbished semi-detached Victorian house enjoying wonderful open southerly views to the rear in a sought after residential area with tastefully presented & particularly flexible accommodation. Int area: 2849 sq ft/265 sq m. Elegant reception hall, sitting room, fabulous kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, 5 double bedrooms, 1 en suite & 2 bathrooms, study, utility/cloakroom. Garden level with 2 additional rooms, kitchen and shower room - poss Self Contained Apartment. Delightful south facing garden. Driveway parking for 3.

Guide Price: ÂŁ835,000

Scan to access our Website Homepage

PRITCHARDS MARCH.indd 1

11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00 To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 P r in c e s B u il d i n g s , G e o r g e S t r e e t , B a t h B A 1 2 E D o r Te le ph o ne 0 1 22 5 4 2 4 4 9 9 f or c ar d p a y me nt

Subscription Form Mr/Mrs/Ms ................Forename .............................................. Surname................................................................................ Address.............................................................................. ..........................................Postcode ............................ Daytime telephone No ..............................................................

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Queen Square, City Centre A contemporary and spacious two bedroom maisonette, occupying the top two floors of a handsome Grade I Listed former Georgian townhouse, located at the heart of Bath city centre overlooking the beautiful square below.

*An administration fee of ÂŁ350.00 + VAT applies.

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1 Harrington Place Bath The Estate Agents People Recommend BA1 1HF

NEW INSTRUCTION

Henrietta Villas, Bath

Guide Price £1,600,000

This stunning grade II listed semi-detached period home affords 2743 square feet of stylishly presented accommodation arranged over four floors. The home combines the best of period charm mixed with state of the art modern fixtures and finishes. • Original Features Throughout • Optional One Bedroom Apartment • Stunning City Views • Double Garage • Enclosed Walled Gardens • Central Location • Stylish Interior Finish • Four Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms

904| 904 • www.wentworthestateagents.com T: 0122501225 904 904 E: bath@wentworthea.com | W: www.wentworthea.com rightmove

.co.uk

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2014 has started with a BANG! I need more houses like these to sell to my growing waiting list of local, national & international buyers. If you are serious about selling this year I’d be delighted to hear from you. Call 01225 - 866747 for a confidential chat about your move.

Woolley Street, Bradford-on-Avon, £585,000

Similar properties required. This smart facade conceals three cottages joined up to create one of the quirkiest yet most comfortable homes we have dealt with. Outrageously rich in character features which buyers just love. Quiet central location too!

The beautiful exterior and seductive gardens attracted an awful lot of interest in this four bedroom home tucked away on the Bath side of town. Flexible reception space is always popular especially when well proportioned and so well presented.

SO LD

Coppice Hill, Bradford-on-Avon, £650,000

Holly Cottage, Winsley, £325,000

By the canal, Bradford-on-Avon, £249,950

This pretty character home is in the picturesque older part of ever popular Winsley between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon. What attracted so many buyers was the superbly vast ensuite to the master bedroom on the top floor – pure “bubble bath bliss!”

This modern mews style home looks out onto the busy wharf scene on the Kennet and Avon Canal from the first floor sitting room with balcony. Easy access to the town centre & station, local pubs and invigorating walks complete the picture.

☎ 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

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hunter french

town and country specialists

Neston, Wiltshire

ÂŁ1,300,000

Sands Farm Barn is a magnificent six bedroom barn conversion of stunning proportions extending to approximately 4,365 sq ft. The entire property commands an exceptional level of finish. All improvements have been undertaken with faultless taste, style and meticulous attention to detail. The barn dates back to the 18th century and is constructed of stone elevations under a stone tiled roof. Sands Farm Barn succeeds in combining contemporary fixtures and fittings along with many architectural details typical of the period.

Corsham Office: 01249 715775 www.hunterfrench.co.uk

e: info@hunterfrench.co.uk

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Fidelis

Residential Sales & Lettings

01225 421000 wwww.fidelisproperties.co.uk

SALES AGREED IN 2014 LD

L SO

Instruct Fidelis Estate Agents to Sell Your Property in 2014 and Join in Our Success Fidelis Estate Agents 134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis March.indd 2

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BEECHEN CLIFF

ÂŁ675,0000

This charming Victorian villa is situated just south of the City Centre, in the highly desirable location of Beechen Cliff. Fairlea has been subject to considerable modernisation and upgrading over the last ten years and is now a charming family home. Entrance porch, hall, drawing room, dining/sitting room, kitchen, utility room, downstairs shower room. Small cellarage under the hall. 4 bedrooms, bathroom and separate cloakroom. Pretty, well established level gardens, garage and off-street parking. Approximate gross internal floor area: 1,515 square feet / 141 square metres.

1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 4QW

01225 422 224

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BLOOMFIELD ROAD

ÂŁ525,000

This good sized Victorian detached house is situated in generous gardens that adjoin open woodland towards the top of Bloomfield Road. There are fantastic City views from the front elevation overlooking Georgian Bath towards Lansdown and beyond, which are a remarkable feature of the property. Porch, hallway, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen, cloakroom, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite shower room) and family bathroom. Large gardens and good sized garage. Approximate gross internal floor area: 1,490 square feet / 138 square metres.

www.mark-naylor.com

email: homes@mark-naylor.com

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Bath An 'upside down' converted chapel, dating from 1870's, with open plan living on the first floor, and two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study/bedroom three downstairs and a private garden. A unique and delightful property just over 1 mile from the centre of Bath. "With the open plan living area on the first floor, we not only get the privacy we desire, but have the added bonus of taking advantage of the fabulous light, which floods into the space through the magnificent mullioned windows. During the summer we can throw open all the windows and it is absolutely lovely, so peaceful and quiet. One would never know we were so close to the city centre."

Downstairs there is a study, plus two double bedrooms, the master is en-suite and also benefits from having direct access to the garden, whilst the second benefits from a separate shower room. "I'd spent a nomadic life in the military travelling around and then I found Chapel House," says David. "It was so unique and full of character, and although it required some work; we knocked down a wall, installed central heating, log burner and a new kitchen and upstairs we stripped the wooden floors, I knew that this would be the place to finally put down some roots. Its wonderful location was also a deciding factor - just through Victoria Park and the Royal Crescent, and we find ourselves in the centre of Bath."

CHAPEL HOUSE,AUDLEY LODGE UNIQUE PERIOD PROPERTY • THREE BEDROOMS • STUDY/BEDROOM THREE • OPEN PLAN LIVING • PRIVATE GARDEN • PARKING • EASY ACCESS INTO CITY CENTRE • EPC RATING: E

Contact: 01225 320032

£575,000

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Bath This stylish detached property is in the sought after location of Perrymead, in the popular Widcombe area.The property benefits from three bedrooms, glass balcony, stunning views, terraces and orchard. Words can never adequately describe the stunning views of Bath and the countryside around from the balcony of this very stylish and special property. A long leisurely lunch on the amazing glass balcony, which can accommodate 12 people round a table, feels like sitting amidst the tree-tops.The owners often find lunch drifts into late afternoon and evening as the sun goes down - guests cannot tear themselves away from the incredible setting.

"We used to live in a Georgian house but I couldn't go back to that now.We thought this house had the 'wow' factor as soon as we saw it. Going upstairs to the open plan living area of the house, where the space is flooded with light, always lifts the spirits. It was built in the early 1970s, and work to modernise it had already begun when we moved in. But we have carried out more major refurbishment, doubling the size of the balcony, adding two wet rooms, an indispensable utility room and have used smart fixtures and fittings throughout. The open plan living area is a fantastic space for entertaining, as well as everyday living, and of course it is a short step through the double doors out on to that balcony."

PERRYMEAD DETACHED HOUSE • DESIRABLE LOCATION • STUNNING VIEWS • 3 BEDROOMS • GLASS BALCONY • TERRACES AND ORCHARD • NO CHAIN • EPC RATING = D

Contact: 01225 320032

£799,995

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

New INstRuctIoN

Prior Park Road, Bath

Guide Price £975,000

A most handsome Grade II Listed Regency semi-detached villa situated in the popular area of Widcombe. The house offers a smart interior with super living space on the ground floor with an open plan kitchen and dining room plus formal drawing room. There are four bedrooms on the upper floors whilst the lower ground can be self-contained or add a further reception room and fifth bedroom.

• • • • • •

Classic Regency Home Grade II Listed 5 Bedrooms Front and Rear Garden Parking and Single Garage A Walk to City Centre

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

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UNDER OFFER IN FEBRUARY

UNDER OFFER AND SOLD IN 2014

Prior Park Cottages Guide Price £585,000

Prior Park Road Guide Price £795,000

This pretty terrace cottage is elevated above Prior Park Road, a sought after address south of the River Avon. The cottage is arranged across three floors with an open plan kitchen and dining room, a sitting room, drawing room and three double bedrooms. Included in the sale is a single garage.

This modern five bedroom home is situated in a leafy cul-de-sac on Prior Park Road and within walking distance of Bath City Centre. The spacious interior has open plan living as well as a separate dining room and study and is complemented by gardens to the front and back. EPC:D.

UNDER OFFER AND SOLD IN 2014

UNDER OFFER IN FEBRUARY

St Andrews Terrace Guide Price £795,000

Gay Street

Situated on a pedestrian street in the heart of Bath, this elegant 21st Century three storey townhouse offers city centre living and stylish accommodation over three floors. With 3/4 bedrooms, ensuite and family bathroom, impressive drawing room and dining room with integrated kitchen and garden. EPC:C.

An impressive five bedroom Grade I Listed townhouse situated in the centrally located Gay Street ideally placed to walk into Bath and enjoy all it has to offer.

Hamptons Sales March.indd 2

Guide Price £1.65m

18/02/2014 09:17

OIEO £335,000

G IN M ON CO SO

Rivers Street

Upper Oldfield Park

OIEO £250,000

A delightful first floor Georgian apartment situated in a highly desirable location overlooking Catharine Place and adjacent to the Royal Crescent.

A stylish Victorian first floor apartment located in a popular residential area on the south side of the city.

OIEO £250,000

G IN M ON CO SO

Grosvenor Place

St. Martin’s Court

OIEO £245,000

Contemporary apartment | Open plan living | Two double bedrooms | Modern kitchen and bathroom | Allocated parking

An attractive two bedroom ground floor apartment located in the highly popular Grosvenor Place, close to Larkhall village.

A beautifully presented second floor two bedroom apartment located to the south of the city.

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Park Street

OIEO £495,000 Royal Crescent

OIEO £375,000

Georgian Apartment | Newly renovated | Beautifully presented | Lift access | Ideal city base

A fabulous two bedroom garden apartment located in a prime position - just A newly renovated, stylish one bedroom Georgian apartment in Bath’s most off St. James’s Square. famous address.

G IN M ON CO SO

Caxton Court

OIEO £285,000

Norfolk Crescent

OIEO £215,000

Georgian apartment | Well balanced accommodation | One bedroom | Period features | Highly recommended

A well-presented two bedroom maisonette with easy access to City Centre and private balcony overlooking the river.

A spacious second floor apartment with period features and views towards the green and the river.

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Kingsley House

OIEO £450,000 Henrietta Street

OIEO £440,000

A newly refurbished two bedroom courtyard apartment in the highly sought after location of Russel Street, close to the Assembly Rooms.

A newly refurbished two bedroom 1st floor apartment in the highly sought after location of Henrietta Street, close to city centre.

G IN M ON CO SO

Connaught Mansions

OIEO £400,000 Darlington Street

OIEO £360,000

Spacious Grade I Listed Georgian apartment situated on one of Bath’s most A large three bedroomed ground floor lateral conversion just off Great Pulteney Street, close to Sydney Gardens and the Holbourne Museum. famous addresses in the heart of the City Centre.

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Crisp Cowley Ralph Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Crisp Cowley Ralph Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Crisp Cowley Ralph Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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