The Bath Magazine December 2020 by MC Publishing Limited

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A party of six

ISSUE 216 | DECEMBER 2020 | thebathmag.co.uk | £3.95 where sold

MUSICAL MEMORIES

Mick Ringham digs into the archives and finds Lulu and Babs

PANTO FOREVER

Oh yes it is! A historic tradition that will live on

NATURAL MOVES

Andy Burden on 50 years of the Natural Theatre Company

MARINE BLUES

Get with the ocean-based interior rhythms

T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T M O NTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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Contents – dec.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2020 13:44 Page 1

Jon Monie in Beauty and the Beast, 2019. Photo by Freia Turland

38 Contents December 2020 5 THINGS

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Essential events to look forward to this month

MUSICAL MEMORIES

A PERFECT DEFENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Emma Clegg talks to Simon Gould, managing director of BMT in Bath, about the company’s work in the maritime and defence industries

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22 HOUSE OF BOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Mick Ringham digs through The Bath Magazine archives and finds 10 notable songs chosen by interviewees from over the years

Read about the dramatic plans for a literary relocation to the Friends’ Meeting House

FINDING LUXE LOOKS FOR LESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 CHILDREN’S PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Dorothy House launch their new online shop

PANTO PERSPECTIVE

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John McLay recommends six dreamy books for bright minds, to wrap and put under the tree

Melissa Blease peruses the history of panto and adds some local flavour

A WALK WITH A VIEW

NATURAL PERFORMERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Andrew Swift recommends a four-mile hike with social distancing in mind

Andy Burden celebrates 50 years of The Natural Theatre Company and maintains that laughter is a great solace

BLUE’S THE COLOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

CITY ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Interiors in ocean blues are the clear way forward for those needing calm and solace, says Emma Clegg

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Find out what our city’s art spaces have to offer

CLIMATE CONNECTIVITY

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Producer Keith Scholey talks to Millie Bruce-Watt about incentivising change with the Earthshot Prize

FOOD REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Millie Bruce-Watt visits Plate Bathwick’s Restaurant and Bar and dines royally on parfait and parsnips

CITY NEWS

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The latest stories from the city

More content and updates discover: thebathmag.co.uk

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LOOKING SHARP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Elly West talks of cacti, succulents and air plants, which are enjoying a massive revival

HOT PROPERTY

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The finest homes to buy or rent

ON THE COVER

Christmas birds handmade by artisans in Kashmir using traditional decorative techniques, from Artisan Homeware: artisanhomeware.co.uk Photograph by Chris Lucas

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FROM THE EDITOR

Laughter is a great coping ❝ mechanism. It can ward off anxiety and QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

confusion and help us make sense of the world. It is one of the few emotions we show and share readily

❞

ANDY BURDEN Editor photograph by TBM

his year is an odd one to look back on. Certainties have shifted, creative plans foiled, business initiatives quashed, meetings prevented and events and travel plans cancelled. We’ve been disconcerted, disorientated and disconnected since April, and some of us have known heartache at first hand, in business setbacks, frontline work, and through the illness and loss of those close to us. Our December holiday this year is likely to be different, too. But let’s summon up the character, determination, big-heartedness and positivity that we’ve seen endlessly in action this year. As humans we depend on social interaction, so we’ve been phased by its curtailment, but we are also eminently resourceful, always spinning with inventive ideas for finding a way through. Take The Natural Theatre Company. Their director Andy Burden tells me on page 38 how, like all businesses, the company needs to be agile and responsive to the needs of a new world. He explains how comedy needs constant critical reassessment, and how the arts will always survive, whatever crisis stands in the way. What about that seasonal stalwart, pantomime? Like all theatre, it’s had to adapt dramatically around the circumstances, but Melissa Blease, who looks at the history of pantomime on page 34, discovers that it’s been in constant evolution since the Romans first performed their versions. Nothing is static – it is constantly reinvented. And so this time too will pass. Turn to page 36 for information on adapted panto performances this year. Creative invention is also at play at Dorothy House, who have launched a new online clothing shop where you can buy premium garments and accessories, so saving beautiful things from going to landfill and supporting health and social care in the community. See some of their glamorous sartorial offerings on page 26. To bring some musical shimmer to the issue, Mick Ringham reaches back into The Bath Magazine archives on page 22 and selects 10 personal favourite tracks nominated by 10 starry names over the years, ranging from Lulu to Ken Loach. There’s an environmental focus on page 44, with Millie Bruce-Watt’s interview with founder of Silverback Films, Keith Scholey, who has witnessed the devastating effect of climate change at first hand and sees the next 10 years as our last chance to deal with the environmental crisis. I also interviewed Simon Gould of engineering, science and technology consultancy BMT, one of 17 Bath Unlimited companies – he enlightened me about their work to do with defence and marine technology – see page 50. Christmas might be different this year, but presents are not affected by social distancing, and so we’re also tempting you with a wonderful selection of local gift ideas… Keep the sparkle uppermost this month, and chin-chin to you all.

Emma Clegg Editor

SING SONG MERRILY

The Bath Abbey Choir has released a new Christmas album, a recording made in January with the Abbey Choir of Girls, Boys and Lay-clerks conducted by Huw Williams, the Abbey’s Director of Music, and accompanied by the Abbey’s Assistant Director of Music, Shean Bowers. Titled ‘Gaudete’ it features 21 choral classics for the festive season including old favourites such as Hark the Herald! and some new surprises such as Whitacre’s luminous Lux Aurumque. Another highlight is an original arrangement of Away in a Manger written by Huw Williams, while he was Director of Music at Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’ Palace, and first performed at Buckingham Palace in December 2015 for Her Majesty The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast. The album is available to purchase from the Abbey Shop. bathabbey.co.uk

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

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ZEITGEIST

things to do this

Shop

David Baddiel will be at The Forum on 12 December

A new Christmas Market is coming to Trowbridge on 18–20 December, where historic buildings at the Innox Mills development will be opened to the public for the first time in over a decade. Organised by the Innox Mills site owners in partnership with The Anonymous Travelling Market, the Christmas Market will offer a wide selection of products including artisan gifts, local ales and spirits, plus decorations, holly wreaths and Christmas trees. Refreshments will include delicious street food, spiced cider and mulled wine, with live music adding to the festive atmosphere. innoxmarket.co.uk

Laugh Comedian and bestselling author David Baddiel’s wildly entertaining adventure stories for young readers have sold over a million copies in the UK and been translated across the globe. David will be in Bath to introduce his new book for young readers on 12 December at The Forum. Future Friend is a terrifically entertaining time-slip adventure that combines action, humour and the importance of friendship, in a story that asks the question – what would happen if your best friend came from the future? bathfestivals.org.uk Another Round

Watch Undeterred, FilmBath will be returning to Green Park Station from 11–16 December. The 30th edition of the much-loved festival will create a cinema experience inside the station, with a top-end projector and a BIG screen. Everyone will bring their own headphones and be given a radio for crystal clear audio. The programme offers a brilliant selection of premieres, as well as Bath debuts including two screenings of the much-anticipated Frances McDormand in Nomadland; Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci playing an aging couple in Supernova; and Another Round, starring Mads Mikkelsen, which won the top prize at this year’s London Film Festival. filmbath.org.uk

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December

Wander

See the sensational projections light up Longleat House this month

From 3 December to 10 January 2021, visitors can enjoy Longleat’s Land of Light event and see sensational projections light up the iconic Longleat House. Specially created for the Wiltshire estate, the event’s mix of technology, art and interactive installations will provide a magical festive experience for visitors of all ages. Longleat’s Santa train will be back to whisk guests away to Father Christmas’ magical woodland grotto. There’s also a brand new storytelling experience on offer. Enter Santa’s cosy den to hear a whimsical story told by the man himself; of course, he will also have special gifts for all the children on the nice list. During the day, guests can enjoy all of Longleat’s animal and adventure attractions. Admission to the Land of Light event is by pre-booked online ticket only. longleat.co.uk

Learn This month, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) is hosting a selection of unmissable online events, exploring some of the world’s most prominent thinkers. On 15 December, Professor Robert Morrison of Bath Spa University will give a live lecture about Christmas in the Regency, as experienced Christmas Academics Playing a Rubber at Whist (1803) by some of its most notable figures, by Thomas Rowlandson including poet John Keats and novelist Walter Scott. Viewers can also tune into a lecture with Professor Joanna Bryson on 17 December, Untitled Artificial Intelligence and Human Lives: Looking forwards 2025–2070, which is about wealth, power, and intelligence, and how we are communicating these due to the digital transformation. brlsi.org

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The city

ist

THE BUZZ

LIFELINE GRANT

My BATH

A regular performer at the Natural Theatre Company, Amy Vickers has been entertaining the people of Bath for four years. Here she shares her journey and explains why it is so important that we continue to show our support for the arts Claverton Manor near Bath, the home of the American Museum and Gardens, is set to receive a lifeline grant towards essential restoration from the Historic Houses Foundation. The foundation is a major beneficiary of the Heritage Stimulus Fund, which will provide invaluable support for restoration work on some of England’s most important and vulnerable historic buildings. Repairs to the roof are required immediately to prevent further damage to the interiors of the museum and its special exhibitions. Work will begin straight away and continue over the winter months before the start of the tourist season in Spring 2021. americanmuseum.org

GARDEN INITIATIVE

The Allotmenteers, a debut children’s book by local author Theo Moore and illustrated by Sarah Van Dongen, tells the story of Tom and Sally who are sad at the thought of having to give up their family allotment as their mum is going back to work and they have really enjoyed spending time there over the summer. So they offer to take on looking after it themselves. They get the hang of things pretty quickly and are soon able to supply friends and neighbours with the surplus veg they grow. This is a charming tale of community spirit showing how children can easily rise to meet challenges when given the opportunity. £5.99 toppingbooks.co.uk

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I’m originally from Nottingham but moved to Bath in 2006 after leaving Dartington College of Arts. Apart from one year where I lived in London and returned back to the Midlands for a short time, Bath has been my home ever since. It’s where I trained as an actor and where I met my wonderful husband. The Temple of Minerva in the Botanical Gardens is where I got married so this place holds special memories for me. My husband and I love eating out and PINTXO on Barton Street is one of our favourite spots to enjoy some really good food and wine.

The Natural Theatre Company makes the arts inclusive and accessible to everyone. From community theatre projects, collaborations with DHI (Developing Health and Independence) charity, Diversions and the youth/adult theatres schools, they’re creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to the arts or don't feel creative enough to get involved. The arts aren’t exclusive – they’re for everybody and people are missing them.

Bath has some great theatres, but as a street-performer with The Natural Theatre Company the whole city is our stage. We get to perform everywhere from the Roman Baths to the Christmas Market and the Jane Austen Festival, interacting with a diverse audience from all over the world.

Dirty Bath was a sell-out show that we created and performed at The Rondo in March this year. It takes you on a journey behind Bath’s beige facade and throws a light on the scandalous aspects of the city’s history – not the stories you’ll find in the guidebooks. Dirty Bath is set to return in 2021!

I always wanted to be an actor but didn’t train until I was in my late twenties and didn’t go down the drama school route. I graduated from Bath Spa University in 2015 and have been a jobbing actor ever since. I auditioned for The Natural Theatre Company in 2016 where I am now a regular company performer.

While there are positive steps going forward to help keep our industry afloat there are many that will have fallen through the cracks. For Bath, I hope it means we can see our theatres open their doors as soon as it's safe, and with it see local theatre companies and creatives bounce back, bringing our city to life again.

To have all work cancelled for months has been tough. I’m very grateful to have been one of the first performers back working for The Naturals in July when the Roman Baths re-opened its doors. The Naturals are doing a great job at keeping the creative juices flowing and securing us work. Having that support network has done wonders for my mental health. Working for a theatre company that has been making people laugh around the world for 50 years is an honour and I’m proud to be a part of the company’s future. What I most enjoy, though, is the people. Being surrounded by such a wonderful and talented bunch on a regular basis (many of whom have become close friends) is such a blessing.

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Everybody loves the arts and everybody needs the arts! I can’t imagine a world with no film, theatre, TV, music, documentaries, or art – it would be an unbearable place. The arts are so much more than entertainment, they nourish the mind and soul. The arts have to and will always exist, so let’s support them! All being well our characters will be hitting the city’s streets in December for the Bath At Christmas Campaign in collaboration with Bath Festivals and Bath BID, and we obviously want to be back performing in the Roman Baths as soon as we can. My philosophy in life is to treat people how you want to be treated. Be kind. ■ naturaltheatre.co.uk

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The major importance of minor things History and a new Bath menswear company prove sartorial interest is still alive...

n essence 2020 has been the hardest year that most of the existing population has ever faced and at their best the public is unenthusiastically clothing their upperhalf to take a Zoom call. Is this the end of dressing up as we know it? We say ‘No, this is not the end of dressing up’. Dressing is a truth that may be hard to imagine at this point. Dressed not for the comfort of a Facetime call. Dressed not for the 10th morning in a row sitting in your home-office desk chair. Dressed not for your weekly visit to the grocery store, or the isolation of the park on your own. No, we mean Downton Abbey levels of dressed, dressed-for-dinner dressed, stare-at-yourself in the mirror dressed.

Looking back at the past only strengthens the notion that this isn't the end. We will be aching for something more when we come out of this on the other side. Something romantic, something idealised, something that harks back to better times. You would think that the Covid-19 pandemic has given us enough rules to last a lifetime. Aren’t there enough rules as it is? Some, however, are there to help. Men’s dressing has been governed by a set of rules 14 TheBATHMagazine

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that go back hundreds of years. Many of these rules are often either overlooked or simply forgotten about. The fit and tailoring on your favourite suit, investing wisely in a watch, and choosing the right colour for your complexion are all small details but the sum of them adds up to sartortial perfection. As stated in Dressing the Man – Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion, accessories exist to exemplify “the major importance of minor things” (Alan Flusser p.210). Knowing when and how to execute men’s accessories perfectly is a rule that all men should follow. Thomas Fortin, Bath’s newest menswear accessories company, takes this rule to heart. Their 100% British-made pocket squares, ties and evening scarves allow men, who are still capitol-D Dressing, to indulge their dapper side and purchase hand-finished goods to augment their tailored wardrobe. Neil Fortin and Andrew Thomas, both Bath residents, are the co-founders of this new venture. What began as an unrealised dream for the pair has materialised into a viable online marketplace. As the online menswear outlet grows Thomas Fortin will be there offering 100% silk pocket squares, printed and woven neckties and evening scarves to eager dressers. All their men’s accessories will be produced using UK printers, weavers and makers. Neil is a costume designer and milliner specialising in period shows and operas and Andy has a background in graphic design and photography. Between the two of them and their passion for menswear, their excellent designs and bold graphics will give new light to men’s accessories in this new world. Their first offering, entitled The 1st Earl Collection, joins together early 20th-century illustrated tailoring renderings with bold modern patterns and colourways. The resulting aesthetic is both classic and modern with a decidedly dapper flair. In choosing the printers and weavers for Thomas Fortin silks both Andy and Neil wanted to make sure they were all UK based with a history of beautiful, hand-finished

issue 216

craftsmanship. They have chosen from the top firms in the country, using Adamley printers in Macclesfield, Vanners weavers in Sudbury, and Mustard Ties in Gillingham. It was important for the partners to use firms with a strong history of artisanship and creativity. Celebrating the history of men’s sartorial interest is at the centre of Thomas Fortin's mission. This idea of history informing the way we dress relates back to our original question, what will our post-pandemic selves look like? We use clothing to inform and to educate and when we emerge from this year, what do we want to say to the world? In Thomas Fortin’s eyes this emergence is not going to be in joggers and hoodies, it will be a fully fledged return to the idea of dressing as an art form, a statement to the world, “Yes I have changed for the better, and here’s how”.

For now the company will stick to accessories but the future is wide open for other forms of men’s fashion. After the Spanish Flu in 1918 came the Flapper movement, and after The Great Depression and World War Two Dior emerged triumphant with the New Look. This is not an example of indulgence after a period of sadness but the perfect example that beauty and creativity are needed to battle the trauma of everyday life. Thomas Fortin is sure that their permanence in the annals of menswear will march in time with a Covid-free world. To shop any of the Thomas Fortin items you see here, go to www.thomasfortin.com. To get in touch with the owners please email info@thomasfortin.com.

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See more online www.thebathmag.co.uk

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Emma Clegg 01225 424592 emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Assistant Editor/Web Editor Millie Bruce-Watt Email: millie@thebathmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. We are an 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

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmag.co.uk ÂŠ MC Publishing Ltd 2020 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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Bath Goldsmith Company ANTIQUE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

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CITY | NOTEBOOK

Richard Wyatt: Notes on a small city Columnist Richard Wyatt thinks of sparkling lights, Christmases past and present, and how love conquers all. Illustration by Brian Duggan

his time last year my partner and I were busily engaged, along with others on our tourist minibus, in an early-hours-of-themorning sub-zero search for the Northern Lights. Stopping endlessly to gaze at the star-filled heavens in an Icelandic no-where, this was an unsuccessful search for the elusive aurora borealis. A year on, and much closer to home, one thing IS for sure. There will be no missing the shimmering lights above all our heads throughout Bath’s shopping quarters this December. And don’t we need some festive sparkle to cheer us up after the year we’ve been through? I am hoping that this finds you currently enjoying a more relaxed set of safety rules, in terms of free movement, so that you now have time for Christmas shopping and supporting the city’s local businesses. While we pray 2021 will bring an end to the pandemic nightmare – as the world hopefully benefits from a host of potentially successful vaccines – our yuletide celebrations help illuminate a year-long darkness. One that for many has been full of mental and physical pain, solitude and loss. This year’s celebrations are going to centre much more on the home – Christmas baubles and bubbles – and may be positive in reminding us that no number of parties or presents can replace the people we love and care for. At the time of writing I have no idea how many of us might be allowed to gather around the family table but I do remember ours – in the long ago days of Christmas past – was a tight squeeze. We shared the seasonal spoil with parents and both our widowed grandmothers, tactfully seated at opposite ends, each trying to outdo the other when it came to fussing over the grandchildren. Yours truly, as the only grandson, was singled out for extra attention. We had our own family tradition to go with the more established ones. Yes, there was the ritual of wishing on the turkey’s wishbone and trying to avoid cracking a tooth when you found the silver three pence piece in Nan Pope’s unique, brandy-fired pudding. We also had a home-grown one, waiting with anticipation for Nan Wyatt to put down her knife and fork, and then with a sigh to rival a sudden gust of polar wind she’d say. “Well, that’s Christmas over for another year.” Maybe it was for the grown-ups, who were struggling to stay awake for the Queen’s Christmas message, but we had new bikes, scooters, ray guns and my sister’s baby-packed doll’s pram to show off to our friends in the street. These days youngsters have a wider and more The Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland

Arctic tundra in Reykjavik, Iceland

sophisticated way of comparing gift ‘notes’ with their friends – just post the pics online! It’s amazing how modern technology has helped keep people in touch with each other this year, with social media being an electronic window to the world outside and a way of maintaining contact with our family and friends around the world. We have shared our hopes and fears for the future and so at this time of year we can at least spread a little love, even if we cannot all be together. A couple of years before she passed, we persuaded our octogenarian mother to record her own little YouTube Christmas Message for the daughter of one of her best friends (who had recently died) who lived in Australia. Lynne was delighted to receive it and for us on this side of our amazing world it will remain, locked in its own cyberspace, to be shown to the great great grandchildren she never lived to see. I have one other piece of video footage of my mother. Back in 1976 after my encounter with a low-flying aircraft, l was sent from hospital to stay with her for a couple of days before returning to my own home. An HTV crew came down to film her bringing me in a cup of tea while I sat there showing off my black eye and thanking the viewers for their messages. She did it in one take, too! That’s where I must have got it from. I hope light shines on your world this Christmas, and do spread a little love where you can. n Richard Wyatt runs the Bath Newseum: bathnewseum.com Nan Wyatt

The 1976 cup of tea

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MUSIC | INTERVIEWS

Facing the music

Over the years Mick Ringham has asked a variety of celebrities and local personalities to share with readers of The Bath Magazine their ten favourite pieces of music and explain the reasons behind their choices. “One of the many joys of music is that it’s like a time machine – it can take you back to a moment in time like nothing else can,” says Mick. Here he picks ten record choices from ten of the many colourful characters he has interviewed. These are choices made in the moment, but they offer a very personal insight into the lives, past and present, of these well-known faces

LULU, singer What’d I say, Ray Charles Published April 2016

RICK WAKEMAN, musician I Still Love You All, Kenny Ball and his Jazz Men Published July 2010 This was one of the first three records I bought – I think the year was about 1961 and I’ve admired Kenny and his band ever since. I love trad jazz and Dixieland, of which this record is a great example. His next recording Midnight in Moscow topped the charts in the UK and the States simultaneously, but this record remains very special to me. When I hear it I’m transported back to my then bedroom and my old record player. I guess it’s about growing up in a world before pop music really took hold; it’s also great dancing music for us grumpy old men!

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I was fifteen when I signed a record deal and recorded Shout. Up until that time I was listening to a station called Radio Luxembourg, because they were playing the type of music I wanted to sing. I would sometimes bunk off homework and go to a local gig and I thought – that’s for me! There were so many musical influences around at that time, but for me Ray Charles still remains one of my all-time heroes. He combined gospel, jazz, blues and Latin music and I just love listening to him.

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NIGEL HAVERS, actor Sympathy with the Devil, The Rolling Stones Published December 2015 My father defended Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on drugs charges during the 1960s. He managed to get a release from jail for both of them. It also helped when William-Rees-Mogg the then editor of The Times wrote the headline ‘who breaks a butterfly on a wheel’. My brother Phil and I would drop by my Dad’s chambers to catch a glance of them. They were really cool to us kids and so well dressed and we envied their long hair. At the time Mick told me that he was going to write a track on their next album called ‘Havers Chambers’, however I’m still waiting for that to happen!

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MUSIC | INTERVIEWS

SHARRON DAVIES, athlete Back to Black, Amy Winehouse Published March 2012

ALEXANDER THYNN, 7th Marquess of Bath Les Oignons, Sidney Bechet Published August 2010

I was in Shanghai at the world championships a few years ago, when on the hotel’s news channel I was watching they reported the dreadful news of the death of Amy. It came as a real shock, as so many people including myself loved her style of music. She had such a great voice with a stunning delivery and was a real trail-blazer for female singers throughout the world. She’s sadly missed and a great loss to contemporary music.

I had recently left school at Eton and was living in Paris. I had started learning to play the guitar and this was the first song I just about managed to play. Bechet was a great inspirational force in the jazz movement during that time. In fact he was among the most thrilling sounds in early jazz. In France he was regarded as a national hero – although he was born in New Orleans. In the late 1950s Paris was alive with his music and I enjoyed every minute of my time there.

ALEX LOVELL, TV presenter Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, Rachmaninov Published November 2011 This has been my favourite piece of music for as long as I can remember. It was used for a film in 1980 called Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. I saw it when I was very young and it was extremely romantic and took my breath away. Also my older sister decided to leave home for London and as my parents and I drove away, having settled her in her new life, this music came on the car radio – we were all literally in bits.

LYNDA BELLINGHAM, actor Rhythm of Life, Sammy Davis Junior Published 2014 My first TV role was playing a nurse in an ITV soap opera filmed at Elstree Studios. In those days some of the big American spectacular musicals were filmed there and starred artists the likes of Barbra Streisand. I adored musicals and would sit in my nurse’s costume and watch them perform. On one particular day Sammy Davis was filming and during a break for lunch and with all the confidence of youth, I walked up to him and confessed that I had always wanted to sing with him. He looked me up and down and to my surprise and delight he gave a nod to the orchestra and – we did it! So every time I hear this song I’m taken right back to that wonderful day.

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MIDGE URE, musician Telstar, The Tornados Published February 2010

BARBARA WINDSOR, actress Your Song, Elton John Published December 2010

KEN LOACH, filmmaker We’ll Meet Again, Vera Lynn Published November 2010

I was doing a paper round when I first heard this record and it struck me then as really strong basic pop music. It was produced by the legendary Joe Meek, who contributed so much with so little technology. From a small one-bedroom flat in North London, he recorded some of the greatest early pop records, including Lonnie Donegan and Screaming Lord Sutch, who recorded in Meek’s bathroom as it served as an echo chamber. This is a classic example and goes to show what can be achieved with energy, enthusiasm and self-belief.

I’ve known Elton for years now and he has such a great talent and is a major performer. To see him in concert is an absolute must. I had a rather strange phone call from a friend of his who asked me if I would be prepared to jump out of his mock 60th birthday cake as a surprise. I know I’m a little on the short side but it was still such a tight squeeze; however, I did it on cue and the crowd went wild – I can still see their faces, it was such a happy time.

This song takes me instantly back to my childhood. We were living near Coventry and sheltering from The Blitz during the Second World War. The vision of that famous city engulfed by fire is a sight that I will never forget. There were so many popular songs around at that time such as As Time Goes By. Obviously certain music can reflect moods or in fact change them and sentimental numbers like this and the memories they evoke can stay with you forever.

Guess the song from the lyric... 1. I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss Well, a few of the verses, well, they’ve got me quite cross 2. Here come old flat top, he come groovin' up slowly, he got ju-ju eyeball, he one holy roller 3. It's on America's tortured brow that Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow 4. I don’t like this day It makes me feel too small

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5. If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now, It's just a spring clean for the May queen

8. The moon and the stars are nothing without you Your touch, your skin, where do I begin?

6. I’d go hungry, I'd go black and blue And I'd go crawling down the avenue

9. And trust me I’ll give it a chance now Take my hand, stop, put Van the Man on the jukebox

7. A Summer’s Disregard, A Broken Bottle Top And A One Man’s Soul They Follow Each Other On The Wind Ya’ Know

10. You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye And I got that red lip, classic thing that you like ... for answers, see above right

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1. Your Song, Elton John; 2. Come Together, The Beatles; 3. Life on Mars, David Bowie; 4. Birthday, Blur; 5. Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin; 6. Make You Feel My Love, Adele; 7. Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson; 8. Lay Me Down, Sam Smith; 9. Shape of You, Ed Sheeran; 10. Style, Taylor Swift

MUSIC | INTERVIEWS

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DECEMBER 2020

ThEBATHMagazinE 25

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CITY | INTERIORS

Refashion yourself

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CITY | FASHION

...and find luxe looks for less

Lovers of thrifted, sustainable fashion can now find gorgeous, curated style at Dorothy House’s new online shop. There’s a triple benefit – you can save money, support the environment and the work of a local hospice charity

isit Dorothy House’s new online shop and find sartorial treasures to look great and feel good, knowing that your clothing choices save beautiful things from going to landfill and support health and social care in the community. The enterprise was a recognition of the huge surge in young people shopping in charity shops, a new generation keen to find unique pieces within their budget, that no-one else has and which tell a story. With online shopping as the growing choice of many consumers, DorothyHouse.Shop now provides an opportunity for people to get their fashion fix in a way that is friendly to their pocket and meets their desire for originality, while supporting a great cause. The Dorothy House team have done all the hard work, sorting the most unique and special items and putting up new finds every day, with garment prices at a fraction of High Street prices. The images here by fashion photographer Egle Vasi were commissioned to inspire contemporary consumers to be unique and playful in their day-to-day choices, with make-up artist and hair stylist Chantelle Moody creating modern and original looks and stylist Anna Power pulling together fun outfits which show that clothing is part of our personality and also our armour – creative but strong, fun but powerful. Second-hand clothing has endless possibilities and can compete with the new, any day. All profits go to charity Dorothy House which provides holistic care and support to people with a life-limiting illness, the dying, their family members and carers. dorothyhouse.shop

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

’Tis the season to be jolly... Generous The festive season is upon us – and yes Boris, we will be careful and stay ‘elfy’ – but let’s express our love and appreciation to those who have been in our thoughts all year. Here’s a little show of gift inspiration A PORTRAIT OF YOUR PET The perfect gift for Christmas (or any special occasion) is to commission North Somerset artist Andy Lowe to create a beautiful, bespoke hand-drawn portrait of your much-loved pet in pastel. Prices range from £80-250. Tel: 01275 853258 or email: info@thepetportraits.co.uk or visit: instagram.com/the_petportraits

WOOLLEN LUXURY Luxury socks and accessories brand, Corgi Socks, has been hand-crafting luxury woollen goods for more than a century. The Donegal Wool Gift Set pairs a classic beanie and matching rugby-inspired striped socks. Crafted from Donegal yarn, and super soft to touch, these flecked blue and cream accessories are a perfect cosy Christmas treat. Price £55. Available online at www.corgisocks.com

A SPARKLING SPRITZER Nania's Vineyard started life as passion project on an allotment vinyeard in Bristol with just 30 vines. The wine they produce is so good they have now upscaled and source grapes from other counties. The English Rosé Spritzer, with spring water drawn from Glastonbury and a dash of Raspberry from the Bristol Syrup Company is a joy. £4 per can. Christmas special box offers available on the website, www.naniasvineyard.co.uk

STELLAR STARS Always a popular destination for gift ideas, The Silver Shop of Bath never fails to inspire. We love this dazzling, Sterling Silver Starry Night necklace, £62, and these matching triple star stud earrings, £34. There’s plenty more starry ideas to be found too. Shop at 25 Union Passage, Bath. www.thesilvershopofbath.co.uk

IT’S 6 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE The 6 O’clock Sloe Gin is made in small batches using handpicked, wild, hedgerow sloes. The intense fruit flavour of this traditional classic is achieved by using a high sloe to gin ratio, plenty of sugar, then patiently waiting for it to mature slowly for at least 6 months. A thoroughly festive and traditional tipple (try saying that after a tot or two!) 70cl bottle, £35. Order online or see local stockists at: www.6oclockgin.com

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ARTISAN CRAFTS & DECORATIONS Artisan Homeware is an independent Bristol-based homewares business bringing traditional craftsmanship to contemporary interiors. Besides handmade Boleslawiec Stoneware from Poland and UK-made luxury merino wool blankets and cushions, they have a whole web shop section dedicated to fairtrade and eco-friendly Christmas decorations. These vibrantly coloured Christmas Birds are handmade by artisans in Kashmir using traditional decorative techniques and are Fairtrade certified. £28.95 for a set of six birds. Visit the Christmas shop at: www.artisanhomeware.co.uk

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

BERRY CHRISTMAS KIDS Hats off to Up to Seven! Designed and handmade at their workshop in Bath, these adorable, roll-edged hats are all knitted in anti-tickle wool, and can be machine washed at 30 degrees. Available in five sizes (and also in navy), they are priced at just £16, making them the perfect gift. They can be matched with Up to Seven’s beautiful handmade cardigans, baby shoes and mittens. 6 Pulteney Bridge, Bath. www.uptoseven.co.uk

A DAZZLING SNOWFLAKE From Nicholas Wylde’s exclusive Dazzle Collection,this 18ct white gold, large Snowflake diamond pendant is a dramatic and sparkling winter treasure. Including chain. The brilliant cut, claw-set diamonds weigh in at a total of 0.30ct and are assessed as clarity SI, colour G/ and the 18ct snowflake is suspended from an 18 inch, 18ct white gold trace chain. £3,580. 12 Northumberland Place, Bath. www.nicholaswylde.com

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LUXURY ECO DESIGNS Staying in? Cosy nights call for exceptional lighting. Add warmth and style to that comfy corner or home office with Priormade’s sustainable and contemporary homewares. Kirstie Allsopp thinks these Geo Pendant lamps are “genius”...We agree. See them and so many more über cool ideas at www.priormade.store

A POSITIVE POWER Homefront Interiors in Margaret's Buildings is one of Bath’s most appealing independent shops offering a carefully curated treasure trove of beautiful sustainable living and artisanal homeware products from local artists and makers. This gorgeous Aery reed diffuser £35, is just one of the many popular items from an impressive, varied and covetable range. 10 Margaret's Buildings, Bath. www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

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LUXURY GIFT BOX Perfectly timed for Christmas, The Bath Collective have launched a brand new gift box full of products handmade in Bath to delight the women in your life. The Bath Collective is a group of local independent makers specialising in designing and creating affordable, luxurious handmade gifts. Within this beautifully packaged Gift Box you will find of a pair of sterling silver star earrings from Design Vaults, a framed 'Snowy Sheep' print from Emma Taylor Art, a black and white line design makeup bag from Lucy Jane Illustrations, a porcelain dove with a touch of gold from Yvonne Elston Ceramics and two beautiful blank greeting cards. Introductory price of £75. Purchase from two sites via www.instagram.com/thebathcollective

WHAT SWEETER MUSIC Everyone deserves good design in their lives and the elegant R3 system from Ruark will certainly not disappoint. The R3 is a world-class audio system with superb, enhanced stereo sound. It features AptX Bluetooth and includes comprehensive Wi-Fi streaming that will support Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music. Radio is still one of the best ways to enjoy music and talk shows and the R3 has been designed to make smart radio even more enjoyable. DAB/DAB+ and FM tuners provide quick access to local and national broadcasts but with an Internet tuner also included, R3 allows you access to stations and podcasts world-wide, including many listen-again services. Whatever your audio tastes the R3 will quickly find stations new and old and if you live abroad you can stay in touch by still enjoying your favourite shows from home. Incorporating a Multi Format CD player, DAB/DAB+, FM and Internet Radio, this remarkable all-in-one system will fulfil the needs of even the most discerning listener and give pleasure for years to come. Unit 8, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane Bath. www.paulgreenhifi.co.uk

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Mockingbird Spirit is a brand-new, alcohol free, Tequila inspired, Agave based spirit. Locally produced, this unique addition to the mocktail scene makes a delicious gift for anyone off the booze. Made using authentic, vegan and gluten-free ingredients, you can expect ‘Earthy Blue Weber Agave, sweet vanilla & cinnamon with a healthy hint of habanero. Passionately produced with the adaptogen Ashwagandha to support health and happiness. The Perfect Pour: In a margarita – naturally! Available in 50cl & 5cl bottles. Visit: www.mockingbirdspirit.com

BLANKETS FROM BATH The Natural Blanket Company’s blankets are impeccably stylish, luxurious, inspired by Bath and the west country and made from 100% natural Merino and pure wool. the company believes in the environmental sustainability of their products, longevity and preserving the heritage and tradition. The Natural Blanket Company’s products are sourced and woven in the British Isles with a strong belief in supporting British manufacturers and artisan producers and with a commitment to quality and value. Prices from £40.00; See the full range at: www.thenaturalblanket.co.uk Instagram: # the_natural_blanket

ART PRINTS OF BATH Custom prints of original paintings by local artist David Ringsell will give you a different perspective on the striking classic architecture of the city. Unframed Giclée custom prints can be ordered in three sizes: A2 - £120, A3 - £90, A4 - £75. The beautiful pieces come with narrow white border. The full gallery of David’s artwork and all the contact and ordering information can be found at: www.real-images.com

FINE STATIONERY AND FRAMES The Bath Framer, owned by Kelly, is a friendly boutique picture framers that has a beautifully quirky front of house and a workshop, stacked with all kinds of frames. It’s a joy to visit not only to see beautiful print and frames but also to watch how frames are created. As well as a bespoke framing service, there’s an whole selection of unique cards, gift wrap and some very interesting traditional Brass stationery (shown below) – a perfect gift for a maker or creator with prices starting from £15. Brass stationery, prices starting from £15. 14–15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath. www.thebathpictureframer.co.uk

STARS FROM THE EAST Oriental Rugs of Bath is home to an eclectic collection of authentically handcrafted rugs, kilims and furnishings from the Middle and Far East. Visit the showroom to discover a fine range of cushions and beautifully handwoven rugs. This Afghan veg-dye kilim cushion, £45 is just one fine example of a vast range, it will last for years and add a touch of eastern magic to any room. Bookbarn International, Hallatrow Business Park, Hallatrow, Bristol. www. orientalrugsofbath.com

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CAROLE’S CHRISTMAS COVER-UPS Highly acclaimed Bath based textile artist, Carole Waller sells her designs and painted fabrics at top stores across the globe. Her online shop features her painted clothing, accessories and so many gorgeous things. It may be a sign of the times, but her equally beautiful face coverings are things to be desired. For Christmas, Carole has created a special hampers: each with a hand-painted silk velvet circle scarf with a matching machine-washable face covering and protective drawstring bag. Available for £150, see this and many more at: www.carolewaller.co.uk

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

FINE CRAFTED JEWELLERY The Gold & Platinum Studio is one of Bath’s most beloved independent jewellers. On display in the studio are many unique and beautiful pieces while upstairs in the workshop client commissions are being designed and created by a team of highly skilled goldsmiths. The studio is owned by renowned goldsmith and designer Michael Parsons. Michael has always been fascinated by gemstones and is a qualified gemmologist. He specialises in sourcing gemstones and crafting bespoke, one-off fine quality pieces. Shown here are a selection of Michael’s highly desirable sapphire stacking rings in 18ct gold - starting from £875 each and below are his diamond stacking rings in 18ct gold and platinum from £925 each. Visit the Studio at: 19 Northumberland Place, Bath or online at: www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS The sensual fluid shape of the Cobra candleholder is undoubtedly one of Georg Jensen’s most recognisable and iconic designs. Seemingly defying gravity, the lustre of the candleholders has a magical effect – one that is doubled when the flickering candlelight is reflected in the surface. This set of three candlesticks – small (160mm), medium (200mm) and large (240mm) – form a beautiful natural group that, like a cobra, seem to sway this way and that. Made from stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish, the three candlesticks are durable, weighty and stable. £150 for three. Mallory, 1-5 Bridge Street , Bath. www. mallory-jewellers.com

WRITTEN IN THE STARS The Talisman Collection by top designer Simon Harrison.There’s one Talisman charm necklace for each of the 12 zodiac signs. Made from gold plated sterling silver, each pendant shows two symbols of its Zodiac sign. It’s the perfect gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself. Can be worn stacked with one of Simon Harrison’s Zodiac East sign pendants to show your true cosmic DNA. Shown here Capricorn pendant £75 coupled with the Sterling Silver Ox pendant, £75. 2021 is the year of the Ox... A good year. Shop online at: www.simonharrison.com or see more of his work at Alexandra May, 23 Brock Street, Bath.

STARS THAT SHIMMER Offering high-quality, beautifully designed jewellery, Jody Cory is an established independent designer goldsmith with over 30 years experience, and her shop in Bath is not only home to her work but also displays a range of wonderfully inspired pieces by many local and national designers. Often taking top slots at jewellery awards and most recently the Retail Jeweller of the year 2020, it’s easy to see why Jody’s work and the great service of the friendly team are in such demand. Not only are there are beautiful pieces on display to cater for all budgets but Jody’s fine individual creations and her commission work makes her shop a popular destination for the highest quality jewellery. Shown here a 9ct white gold, diamond and pink sapphire ring, £1770. Jody Cory, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath. www.jodycory.co.uk

A TRUE GENTLEMAN Thomas Fortin menswear brings to the world its hand-finished accessories crafted from beautiful fabrics woven and printed in England. Shown here: a fabulous ‘Oscar’ large medallion pocket square is part of Thomas Fortin’s range of printed silk pocket handkerchiefs ranging from £38£52. Also the ‘James’ silk twill gentleman’s scarf which is an amazing accessory to a winter coat. Printed in England on 100% silk twill this handsome scarf features fashion plates from early 20th century tailoring guides. It is part of a range of scarves and other men’s silk accessories which can be found online at www.thomasfortin.com

A WORK OF ART This piece is called Greek Default by sculptor Sara Ingleby-MacKenzie, who trained at Bath Academy of Art. Made of bronze, and from a limited edition of just 10. Measuring 37cm high x 32cm wide x 13 cm depth. £3,500. On show with many more superb artworks at the David Simon Contemporary Gallery. The Gallery’s 'Mixed Winter Exhibition' runs 3 - 24 December. David Simon Contemporary, 37 High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset. www.davidsimoncontemporary.com

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

THE NAME OF THIS ROSE... From luxury British perfumers, Floris, this is an elegant scent from its unisex collection and is described as, 'an oriental rose of striking beauty, inspired by the affiliation of intense fragility yet powerful scent within the flower. 'A Rose For…' The fragrance is accompanied by a gold pen, allowing each owner to complete the individual naming of their scent. The characteristic warm woody notes of patchouli, sandalwood and amber in the base give the fragrance strength, refinement and depth. Named by you, a rose for you. Available at: Frontline Style, 4-5 Monmouth Street, Bath www.frontlinestyle.co.uk

TIME FOR RELAXATION From the British CBD company, these amazing CBD bath bombs provide the ultimate in relaxation. Available in four scents, Cherry, Lavender, Rose and Berry with each bath bomb containing 50mg CBD, £10 each. Throughout December, customers who purchase three items will receive 15% off and their products will be nicely packeged into a gift box. British CBD company , 5 Queen Street , Bath. www.thebritishcbdcompany.co.uk

SUSANNAH WAY CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY Having worked with a number of the west country’s top goldsmiths and jewellers, Susannah Way now creates her own range of contemporary jewellery, primarily working in silver her designs are charming and inspired. We love these sterling silver, holly stud earrings with a lace pattern for understated Christmas glamour, £25, and this lovely sterling silver heart charm bracelet, with a textured finish. The perfect gift for a loved one, £65 and made locally by a top designer. Visit her Etsy online shop (SusannahWayJewellery) or find more details at: www.susannahway.com

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SUNNIER SHADES Established in 1979, Ellis and Killpartrick is one of the south west's leading independent opticians, and as well as a loyal following of patients the shop boasts a fabulous display of designer sunglasses from the most desirable brands. How about Mulberry for Christmas (shown below)? – with so many elegant designs in both sunglasses and in the optical collection Ellis and Killpartrick are well worth a visit. 18 New Bond Street, Bath. www.ellisandkillpartrick.com ARTIST DESIGNS AT GALLERY NINE How sweet and how beautiful. These Gabo earrings , in black, acetate and silver with 18ct gold plate are an exquisite piece. £168. Designed by Lesley Strickland – just one of the many talented jewellery designers whose work is on show and available to buy at Bath’s contemporary arts & crafts gallery – Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret Buildings, Bath. www.gallerynine.co.uk

TO DINE WITH THE FINEST Shown here is just one place setting from a rare and complete George II canteen of cutlery serving 18 persons. The very last word in posh dining, and a highly prized and very useable piece of history, £22,000. Visit Beau Nash, Bath’s specialist antique silver shop to see this and an ever impressive range of beautiful artifacts. 31 Brock Street, Bath. www.beaunashbath.com

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ORTON FOR SPARKLE ...and brilliant colour. This splendid 18ct yellow gold diamond and coloured sapphire ring with vibrant, intense coloured sapphires set across the finger with a delicate Diamond set halo surrounding them. Just exquisite, £,2695. Orton Jewellery, 6/7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon. www.ortonjewellery.co.uk

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SOAPS The Christmas shop at Article in Somerset is a lovely place, full of decorations, candles, body and bath gift sets and lots of joy to raise the spirits. Made by an Italian soap maker near Milan, these large Italians soap sets are superbly popular and come in a box of three, individually wrapped and in a stylish, nostalgically designed box. Choose from Vetiver (shown) or Violet or Rose scents. £19.50. Article, 37 High Street. Castle Cary, Somerset. www.articlesomerset.com

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Most of our clothes are designed and made in our studio workshop here in Bath. We make and sell them exclusively in our shop on Pulteney Bridge. OPENING HOURS Monday – Saturday 10am – 5.30pm Sunday 11am – 4.30pm

01225 422333 info@uptoseven.co.uk 6 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX

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“If there’s one thing we all need right now, it’s a pantomime fairy to wave her magic wand...”

Nigel Havers as Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk, Theatre Royal Bath, 2015

Perusing panto

Pantomime – based on mingling and interaction with a crowd – doesn’t thrive on social distancing, but it’s not going away. Melissa Blease takes stock of its history, evolution and enduring appeal and gives an overview of our local venues’ offerings over the years. And turn to page 36 for details of the adapted panto action that is taking place this year...

egardless of your feelings on musical theatre, slapstick comedy, weary jokes, princesses who always get their prince and crossdressing Prima Donnas, pantomime is an annual tradition that – even in these strange, troubled times – refuses to go away. Typically a child’s first experience of live entertainment, pantomime inspires hundreds of thousands of young people to consider a career in the creative industries. It’s also the life blood of professional theatre, accounting for around 20% of box office revenue across the UK. And it’s jolly good fun (oh yes it is, etc). But pantomime is not new, and the origins of this very British tradition aren’t actually very British. Pantomime has roots firmly planted in ancient Greece and Rome; indeed, the very word pantomime was adapted from the Latin word pantomimus: panto roughly translating as ‘all’ and ‘mimos’ referring to a dancer who undertakes several roles in one story. Performed everywhere from private households to huge outdoor theatres within the Roman empire, Roman pantomimes, their storylines largely based on Roman myths and legends occasionally embroidered with references to the notable figures of the day, were immensely popular between the first and sixth centuries AD. 34 TheBATHMagazine

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Hundreds of years later, the 16th-century Italian Commedia dell’arte tradition involving troupes of actors who travelled around the country improvising stories with a moral message via the medium of an instantly recognisable cast of characters – the lovers, the patriarch, the soothsayer, the loyal servant – who we all know and love today eventually influenced 18th-century English theatre producer John Rich. Rich’s penchant for slapstick humour, lavish productions and larger-than-life (or even other-wordly) characters were heavily criticised by detractors who accused his work of causing cultural and moral decay... but the public couldn’t get enough of them. But after his death in 1761, even the legendary theatrical practitioner David Garrick acknowledged that Rich’s pantomime performances were unmatched in his time and his Harlequinades (typically comic chase scenes telling the story of the lovers Harlequin, Columbine, Columbine’s grumpy dad Pantaloon and Pantaloon’s servant Clown) dominated pantomime for decades, with the last London Harlequinade staged at the Lyceum Theatre in 1939. By the Victorian era, pantomime had become an established part of UK theatrical tradition. The 1843 Theatres Act lifted

restricted use of spoken word in performances allowing witty puns and audience participation to be added to the already heady mix of extravagant costumes, derring-do and spectacular transformations while outrageous storylines involved satirical social satire, subtle product placement on behalf of advertisers – and a Principal ‘Boy’ (always played by a woman) who offered the Victorian gentleman the rare opportunity to look at a well-turned ankle. The genre wasn’t, however, a strictly seasonal treat until the late 19th century when it became customary for pantomimes to open on Boxing Day – and an intrinsic part of Christmas tradition was established. Around the same time, the popularity of music hall performances was starting to give way to the more modern ‘variety theatre’: an eclectic mix of live music, comics, mimics, acrobats, jugglers, and comedy sketches. Pantomime adapted accordingly, with scripts adapted from classic fairy tales and variety show stars in the leading roles. Dazzling costumes, hi-tec special effects, Hollywood superstars: today, the biggest pantomimes can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to produce, and headline stars can demand £100,000+ to

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appear in a five-week season. But whether staged by the local am dram group in a tiny village hall or engulfing a vast city centre arena, woe betide the pantomime production that doesn’t pay heed to a handful of ancient superstitions. Theatre folklore dictates that the last lines of the pantomime finale should be delivered in rhyming couplets never to be uttered until the opening night, even in rehearsal; if the rule is broken, disaster will strike. Meanwhile, the pantomime fairy must always enter stage right and the baddie stage left, because right signifies Heaven, and left represents Hell. As for that dear old beloved Pantomime Dame: these leading men/ women were familiar figures in ancient midwinter festivals such as Twelfth Night, Samhain (Halloween) and Saturnalia, where the natural order of things is reversed to create general mayhem before order and rightness are restored – and if there’s one thing we all need right now, it’s a pantomime fairy to wave her magic wand and restore order and rightness for all. Despite the adversities and hardship that 2020 has thrust upon us, pantomimes will, can and do go on, sprinkling a uniquely seasonal magic across the land.

Theatre Royal Bath Home to an opulent, richly decorated 900seat auditorium complete with a glittering chandelier, the Theatre Royal Bath offers a suitably magical pantomime backdrop – and as one of the oldest working theatres in Britain, it’s created many thousands of festive season memories for many thousands of families down the years. In 1938, the TRB’s lease was taken over

by Reg Maddox, whose family were involved with the theatre for the next 40 years. Between 1945 and the early 1970s, Maddox’s lavish Christmas productions consistently put the popular Scottish comic Jimmy Mac in the spotlight, earning Mac the illustrious theatrical accolade of having his name placed above the title of the show on the posters outside the theatre. Where Mac led, a diverse roll call of legendary theatre world stars followed including Frankie Howerd, Arthur English, Anita Harris, John Pertwee, Dora Bryan, John Nettles, Eric Sykes, Danny LaRue, Wayne Sleep, Lionel Blair, Derek Nimmo, Britt Ekland, Nigel Havers and even Postman Pat, while both Ian Botham (in Dick Whittington, 1993) and Gareth Chilcott (in Cinderella, 1995) have kept the panto flag flying for sports fans. Meanwhile, the TRB’s egg theatre has, since it opened in 2005, earned a solid reputation for its highly imaginative, super-creative smallerscaled productions including Rapunzel, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Little Mermaid, all of which garnered national critical acclaim.

Bristol Hippodrome Ever since The Bristol Hippodrome opened on 16 December 1912, Bristol’s glitziest commercial theatre has bought the West End to the West Country. The theatre didn’t, however, stage a pantomime until 1931, when Dick Whittington and His Cat (starring Peggy Rhodes in the title role alongside ‘eccentric dancers’ Al and Billy Gold) thrilled and delighted audiences from Bristol and beyond. The Bristol Hippodrome has since produced

pantomimes on an (almost) annual basis putting stars and entertainment icons including Jimmy Edwards, George Formby, Norman Wisdom, Mickey Rooney, Charles Hawtry, Arthur Askey, Morecombe and Wise, Mike Yarwood, John Inman, Rod Hull and Emu, Su Pollard, Frank Bruno, Little and Large, Lionel Blair, Ronnie Corbett, Larry Grayson, Bruce Forsyth, Lily Savage (aka Paul O’Grady), Shane Richie and Julian Clary in the spotlight.

Bristol Old Vic The oldest theatre in Bristol (est. 1776) also holds the record for being the oldest continuously operating theatre in the English-speaking world – but time hasn’t stood still for this elegant old monarch of the theatre world. Today, the BOV is renowned for supporting pioneering, inspirational 21st-century theatre, resulting in a fascinating voyage of enlightenment for all in a unique environment that brings Bristol’s heritage bang up-to-date – not least at Christmas, when national critics laud and applaud BOV seasonal productions with reviews focusing on myriad ingenious revisions, revolutionary insurrections, and captivatingly fresh perceptions on the Christmas story theme. Adding a really interesting twist to BOV’s intelligent tradition-meets-contemporaria updates: the theatre’s 1956/57 production of Sleeping Beauty featured Peter O’Toole – who was based at the BOV from 1956–58 – doubling up in the role of Alderman/Mate. In 2015 director Sally Cookson turned the same classic tale on its gender-based stereotypical head, bringing the whole tale bang up-todate for a completely new generation. n

THREE LOCAL PANTO HEROES Jon Monie photograph by Freia Turland

Photograph by Anna Barclay, © UK Productions Ltd

PANTOMIME

Randolph Sutton The popular stage entertainer, music hall and variety show star Randolph Sutton (born in Clifton, Bristol in 1888) is believed to have been one of the earliest male principal boys of the modern era, first appearing at the Theatre Royal, King Street in Babes in the Wood in 1911 before going on to star in and produce pantomimes in Bristol up until the 1940s. Sutton died in 1969 and, in 1989, Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society honoured his legacy with a green plaque outside his former home in Anglesea Place, Hotwells.

Chris Harris British actor, director and writer Chris Harris was a worldwide authority on the subject of pantomimes – and the West Country's best-loved pantomime dame. Born in Bridgwater, Somerset, Harris starred in and co-wrote nine pantomimes for the Bristol Old Vic before his 15 year ‘residency’ as director and performer in the Theatre Royal Bath's traditional Christmas shows. Following his death in 2014 at the age of 71, hundreds of Harris’ friends, family and

Randolph Sutton, Chris Harris and Jon Monie

colleagues gathered together for a memorial service to celebrate his life at Theatre Royal Bath, where the stage was decorated with many of the costumes he had worn over the years, panto routines were performed, a slideshow screened images from his life, and career and a standing ovation of rapturous applause lasted for almost 20 minutes.

Jon Monie On 8 January 2018, award-winning comedian, actor, writer, workshop facilitator and TV presenter Jon Monie (who lives in Holt, Wiltshire) made record

book history when he appeared in his 1000th Theatre Royal Bath pantomime performance as Smee in Peter Pan. The following year, Monie won the Best Script gong at the 2019 Great British Pantomime Awards for Beauty & the Beast, which went on to be the Theatre Royal Bath’s best-ever selling pantomime. But this year, in a complete break with Bath-based tradition, Monie has written Pantomonium! – a unique, one-act pantomime about pantomime, adapted to follow Covid-secure guidelines – to be performed at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.

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WHAT’S ON in December A Christmas Carol at The Egg

The egg’s Snow Mouse and Squirrel ‘s Countdown to Christmas

Gabriel Latchin Trio BATH THEATRE SCHOOL n Throughout December, term time Saturdays, Oldfield Baptist Church Bath Theatre School is inviting dramaenthusiasts aged 6–18 years to join the multi-award winning Bath Theatre School for a free taster with action-packed lessons in singing, dance and drama. Participants will learn a range of performing skills while working towards nationally recognised exams in musical theatre. baththeatreschool.com GLASTONBURY AND STREET MUSICAL COMEDY SOCIETY n Throughout December, online Working with Flying Tiger Productions and script writer Matthew Maisey, one of Somerset’s amateur dramatic groups is streaming performances of its three most recent pantomimes, each premiering on selected dates in December. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Jack and the Beanstalk and Three Amazing Bears are free to watch on GSMCS’ dedicated YouTube channel, but the society is always grateful to receive support and donations. gsmcs.co.uk VIRTUAL ARTISAN MARKET n Throughout December, online Wells Food Festival with Charlie Bigham’s is offering Christmas shoppers the chance to discover and buy delicious treats from local food and drink artisans, in an online alternative to the traditional Christmas market. The festival was originally held as a virtual event in October and the online market is open until 31 December, as a way of helping growers and producers promote their wares to a wider audience of food lovers and Christmas shoppers. wellsfoodfestival.co.uk STREAMING BEAUTY n 9–19 December, online Sharp Teeth Theatre and Tom Marshman 36 TheBATHMagazine

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CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES n Throughout December, Bath A host of Christmas festivities will be taking place to get us in the festive spirit. From 5 December, stilt walkers and street performers will be entertaining shoppers and visitors. There will also be wreath decorating and lantern making, activities to do with Bath Carnival. To keep people safe, the lanterns from the lantern parade, originally scheduled for December, will be on display in shop windows in Milsom Street and New Bond Street. present what they describe as “the pantomime of your dreams”, but be warned: letting little people in on this one – billed as a “filthily fun pantomime for adults only” – could turn into a bit of a nightmare before Christmas. £10pp. bristololdvic.org.uk GABRIEL LATCHIN TRIO n 11 December, Chapel Arts Centre Gabriel Latchin Trio’s new album I’ll Be Home for Christmas is released on 4 December, with a gig at Chapel Arts on 11 December. The new album imagines festive songs through his musical idols. chapelarts.org THE FAST AND THE FOODIES n 13 December, 10am–2pm, Trowbridge A brand new car exhibition is set to feature everything from the newest Lamborghinis, Porches and Ferraris to classic British and American cars such as the Capri, Mustang, an American hot rod and a 1933 Austinsuper cars. The event is complete with a variety of street food stalls. innoxmills.co.uk A CHRISTMAS CAROL n 17–20 December, the egg A new adaptation of Dickens’ atmospheric ghost story of Christmas brought to life

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Soak up the atmosphere with Bath BID’s much-loved Christmas trail and illuminations, which will be open and operating for all to enjoy. Although Christmas in Bath is looking slightly different this year, the city’s beautiful festive lights have been adding some much-needed colour to our city’s streets since 21 November. welcometobath.co.uk/christmas-lighttrail; visitbath.co.uk; bathbid.co.uk

through Box Clever’s characteristic cocktail of textual accuracy, fun, lively action, music and socially distanced audience participation. Suitable for 10+ theatreroyal.org.uk THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG n 17 December – 16 January, Theatre Royal Bath The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! theatreroyal.org.uk HIBERNATION n 24 and 27–30 December, the egg Come and be transported to a magical forest full of mirth, live music and marvellous creatures. Suitable for 3–7s. theatreroyal.org.uk SNOW MOUSE AND SQUIRREL’S COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS n Until 31 December, online Two of the egg’s most popular early-years Christmas plays come together in an online advent calendar. Open the window on a mini adventure film each day or watch all 24 films together. Each film runs for 60–90 seconds per day, and is mobile, tablet and laptop friendly. £10pp; theatreroyal.org.uk n

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MERR XMASY

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Shakespeare Undone 2019

Natural performers

When you specialise in immersive performances, how do you reinvent yourself in a post-Covid world? Andy Burden, Artistic and Executive Director of The Natural Theatre Company, considers the future as they celebrate 50 years

his year was going to be a celebration of 50 years of The Natural Theatre Company. We had many fabulous performances and community projects planned. However, 2020 has turned into something very different. Like many arts organisations we have had to reboot in ‘safe mode’. It’s been a time to rework our admin systems, and to work with social distancing. We are proud to have been one of the first companies working again after the first lockdown as our performers reappeared at The Roman Baths on 6 July. We were also one of the last companies to perform before lockdown with the sell-out Dirty Bath at The Rondo. But 2020 has also been a chance to reflect on where we have come from and where we will be going in a new post-Covid world.

In the beginning The Naturals appeared in the late 1960s when the city was a sootcovered, blitz-damaged mess. But its heritage, its natural beauty and its cheap rents meant there was an influx of artists. A number of them got together in 1969 to create Bath Arts Workshop which gave birth to The Natural Theatre Company. They would perform anywhere, in theatres, at festivals, in ‘happenings’ and community fayres, and from this their iconic street theatre evolved. During the 1980s the Arts Council and the British Council supported the company and through the 1990s performances at corporate events increased. Our lottery-funded building was purchased in the mid-1990s and, in 2000, the Naturals became resident at The Millennium Dome. Then came the wilderness years – work slowed, cheaper copyist companies appeared, the 2008 crash reduced corporate income and in 2011 the Arts Council withdrew its funding. With key founders and staff retiring, had the Natural Theatre Company come to a natural end? 38 TheBATHMagazine

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In 2014, I was appointed as Artistic and Executive Director and had to write a new plan on a blank piece of paper. Bringing in new staff and performers, we started more work in community arts, the heritage and tourism sector and built new immersive shows. The company had always been driven by visual impact, but now we were carrying stories with the characters and spinning an interesting narrative. We have developed new wandering shows that are a hilarious mashup of classic authors’ plotlines, Austen Undone and Shakespeare Undone. We recreated a First World War field hospital in a community project in Queen’s Square and performed to celebrate 250 years of the Royal Crescent. We are at the Roman Baths every day presenting characters that bring the site to life. Our community work has given birth to our Theatre School, a place for adults and young people to gain confidence, get creative and have fun by giving hilarious performances in strange places. Our classic core pieces such as The Coneheads, The Flowerpots, and Pink Suitcases continued, but we added some new scenarios such as the Cabin Crew, the Ghosts of Festivals Past and the A La Carte Waiters, and often created bespoke characters especially for an event. It has been interesting to reflect on those old pieces. The Coneheads were originally tourists to Bath, but became aliens visiting earth. Looking at them, you can see the time from which they were born: many were inspired by the comedy icons of the 1970s. The Housewives were a tribute to Monty Python, Businessmen were straight out of Dick Emery and the Jobsworths seem based on Ronnie Corbett’s costume in the classic Four Candles sketch. The company was taking its inspiration from the best, which is why the Naturals have stood the test of time. But in the 1970s it was easy to make satirical comment by poking fun at the uptight establishment from the 1950s.

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Moving forward In 2020 we are asking ourselves what do we laugh at now. Like all businesses, we need to be agile and responsive to the needs of a new world. Amid the Covid pandemic, serious challenges have come to the fore. We all have a responsibility to act on the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter Movement. We have seen the effect of our actions on our environment during the spring lockdown. We are aware of the danger of polarised opinions in America and have to negotiate the changes of living outside the European Union. There are a lot of serious matters in a serious world and this can be frightening for a business that trades in laughter. But we have never needed to laugh as much as we do now. After all, laughter is a great coping mechanism. It can ward off anxiety and confusion and help us make sense of the world. It is one of the few emotions we show and share readily. I think comedy is one of the highest forms of art. It is often belittled or taken for granted, but there is huge creative artistry in making someone crack a smile. With so many new sensitive issues and changing taboos, comedy has never been more artistically challenging.

A La Carte waiters 2018

❝

One of the great things about the arts is that we always survive... we are improvisers, problems solvers and team players

❝

We have to ask ourselves, is comedy necessarily offensive? How close to boundaries do we go? We don’t have the answers yet, but we know we can experiment and find new ways of being funny. Our next planned performance – if lockdown ends – is to perform a series of Lost Pantomimes on 12–13 December, wandering the streets of Bath as if they have been kicked out of the theatres. We must seriously ask ourselves if a cross-dressing Ugly Sister is offensive to the LGBTQ+ community. Or is it acceptable because this is a well-loved tradition, borne from the ban on female performers in the 1600s. Is it OK because it also celebrates women performing as men? We will try it and see. We have already found it is less important to make people howl with laughter all the time. We can now build a story with humour along the way. We know we can create characters that contemplate serious subject matters, but just happen to be funny people. How will we address the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter Movement? Our heritage work needs to explore more uncomfortable stories covering slavery, racial hatred and people sidelined because of their colour or ethnicity. Our new Hidden Heroes community project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund will celebrate unsung characters who have had an impact on local history. Celebration is the key word – celebration is joyous and empowering and fuels a laughter that honours rather than denigrates. There is a lot for us to do while the pause button is pressed. We are trying to do as much as we can. The challenge of working in a socially distanced world is considerable, especially as we put on immersive performances: our audiences aren’t distanced from the performers...we mingle. One of the great things about the arts is that we always survive whatever crisis tries to knock us down. We are improvisers, problem solvers and team players. We can think out of the box and we can always come up with a new idea. I have read about how the world has changed forever and how working at home and communicating through video conferencing will be more mainstream. But how many of us prefer a life lived through a screen in the same space every day? I think the vast majority of us will want to get together again and celebrate. People are desperate to see live performances again. The very withdrawal of live performance art has proved how we need to come together and share through the arts. When the nation gets out on the streets again and we can rub shoulders with strangers; when we can feel the shared joy of the crowd and throw our arms around our friends; when the nation can have its much needed group hug, The Natural Theatre Company will be there to entertain you. n

Ghosts of Festivals Past at Glastonbury, 2018

Celebrating 250 years of the Royal Crescent, 2017

Cabin Crew, 2018

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART

This month, art-lovers can once again admire the work of our city’s beloved makers and creators up close in art spaces and galleries around Bath as well as pick up a piece and enjoy their creations online... Tea bowls by Gary Wood

MODERN ARTBUYER Milsom Place, Bath Open: Mon-Sat 10am – 6pm; Sun 11am – 4pm Tel: 07941 301687 Web: modernartbuyer.com

WALLER & WOOD One Two Five Box Road, Bath BA1 7LR Tel: 07803 033629 Web: wallerandwood.co.uk CHRISTMAS PRESENT EXHIBITION The annual Chiristmas exhibition at Waller & Wood is ready to enjoy online. The exhibition includes a fantastic collection of unique tea bowls by Gary Wood made in October 2020; a collaboration between jeweller Annie Beardsley and Carole Waller; and a collection of small scarves and painted cotton velvet cushions, also designed by Carole. For the perfect Christmas gift, find her ‘Christmas hampers’ filled with velvet circle scarves, face coverings and a velvet purse.

WINTER POP-UP GALLERY 3–13 December Online art gallery and consultancy Modern ArtBuyer is launching a pop-up art gallery in Milsom Place for a pre-Christmas group show. Visitors will be able browse a curated selection of affordable and collectable artworks representing the best of Modern ArtBuyer’s portfolio, including contemporary limited edition prints and original paintings.Artworks on show include Maria Rivans’ wonderful ‘Pin-up’ prints, Bonnie and Clyde’s cool urban prints, Paul Bennett’s moving seascapes, Hatty Butler’s striking portraits and Trudy Montgomery’s vibrant abstracts, alongside respected Bath artists Paul Minott and Kelly O’Brien amongst many others.

ABBEY HOTEL BATH North Parade, Bath BA1 1LF Tel: 01225 461603 Web: abbeyhotelbath.co.uk RUH HEROES Until 4 January The Abbey Hotel’s ‘RUH Heroes’ exhibition has been extended until 4 January. The exhibition is an opportunity to raise money for the RUH as well as a way of marking the remarkable work and sacrifice staff at the hospital have made for us on a daily basis. The exhibition includes work by many local artists including Royal photographer Joe Short and Bath’s ever-popular David Ringsell. All work is for sale and the Abbey Hotel has agreed to donate 40 per cent of all sales – its total share of the proceeds – directly to the RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal with the remaining 60 per cent going to the artist. The auction ends on 6 December at 6pm. Image: Bridge of Shadows by David Ringsell

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Web: holburne.org

Porcelain ceramics by Adam Frew

GRAYSON PERRY: THE PRE-THERAPY YEARS Until 3 January 2021 One of the Holburne’s most eagerly anticipated shows of the year, this follows a successful public appeal to source Perry’s early ceramic pieces, made between 1982 and the mid-1990s. Here are a broad range of Perry’s early works, including pieces from the artist’s own collection and works not seen publicly before. For his legions of fans, The PreTherapy Years will bring a new perspective to the 2003 Turner Prize-winner’s influential and inspiring outlook. Essex Plate by Grayson Perry

GALLERY NINE 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP Tel: 01225 319197 Web: galleryninebath.com WINTER EXHIBITION Gallery Nine’s winter exhibition showcases Adam Frew’s porcelain ceramics, Wallace Sewell’s vibrant hand-woven textiles, and Clare Conrad’s hand thrown ceramics. The exhibition also displays brilliant new paintings by Andrew Pavitt and the latest jewellery collection from Disa Allsopp.

Image: Paddling by Exhibitor Rachel Wright

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS’ FAIR Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB Open: 10am–5pm Web: bcaf.co.uk DECEMBER FAIR 13 December Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair is committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond right to the heart of Bath. Following on from their successful and popular inaugural October fair, the next event is on 13 December, where visitors can browse the brilliant works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture and textiles, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station.

Tel: 07976 380147 Web: bsaorg.uk ANNUAL EXHIBITION Until 3 January The Bath Society of Artists has been running its annual exhibition for 115 years. The exhibition is usually held in the Victoria Art Gallery and is open to both members and non-members. This year, however, for the first time the exhibition is going online. Art-lovers can marvel at the online gallery, where a total of 294 pieces of art have been selected for the online show. Image: The Lighthouse Path by Florence Grieve. This linocut piece is Florence’s firsttime entry in the Young Artists Category 18–25.

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DUNCAN CAMPBELL HAS BEEN DEALING IN ANTIQUE SILVER SINCE 1986

Kashmir drinks measure C.1880

Champagne, Pirates & Civil War Straight from the bottle

A large one or a very large one

he French are famously proud about their vintage wines and champagne. In fact, dusty old green bottles, with or without wire around the cork, might be seen as icons of Gallic culture. Although the Romans understood that the taste of good wine could be improved with age, the method of storage that they used was lost to vintners during the dark ages. Wooden barrels let in too much air to keep wine for more than a few months and allow any carbon dioxide produced by fermentation to escape. Vintage wines rely on no air getting in and champagne production relies on no air getting out. There is a passage in the bible suggesting that new wines should not be kept in old skins, no doubt lest these old skins rupture under pressure. Enter Sir Kenelm Digby, courtier, diplomat, philosopher, astrologer, pirate and the inventor of the wine bottle. In around 1630 this english polymath, among his many other achievements, developed a glass flask strong enough not to explode when CO2 was released during secondary fermentation. Though the French already had the flat stuff, fizzy champagne was a novel English invention. Using cork to seal his new bottles, Digby could also preserve wines for years, allowing the flavour to develop. In short, vintage wine is also an English invention. The French took many years to catch on to this new method, though they got there in the end. The British drinking public were thrilled by this breakthrough and with good reason. However, King Charles I was less happy. Bottles were not standard sizes and so were difficult for the Crown to tax. As Charles loved his taxes, in 1638 he forbade the retailing of wine in bottles and commanded that only standard barrels should be sold. This meant that most wines spoilt after a short time causing outrage among retailers and drinkers alike. There are many factors that lead to the English Civil War, this little known detail is certainly one of them. I have only recently become aware of Sir Kenelmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extraordinary life, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d urge anyone interested to google him, a classic swashbuckling tale of derring-do. n beaunashbath.com; 01225 334234

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David Ringsell

Art Prints

A contemporary take on classic Bath architecture A2 - £120, A3 - £90, A4 - £75

tmas Gifts

Ideal Chris

It’s time for a creative 2021…

Art Prints of Bath for Sale Get an original take on the striking classic architecture of the city. Order an unframed Giclée custom prints of original paintings in various sizes: A2 - £120, A3 - £90, A4 - £75. Come with narrow white border. Affordable custom Giclée prints of original paintings

Email: david@real-images.com • Call 01225 469127 Prints, originals & exhibitions. Art prints for sale on www.real-images.com/shop www.real-images.com

Choose from a range of creative and vocational classes taught to a professional standard at the Traditional Upholstery School Upholstery Taster days

6 Feb, 19 March, 17 April

French mattress cushions

12 & 13 February

Gathered lampshade making

26 & 27 February

Tailored lampshade making

12 & 13 March

Chair caning for beginners

5 & 6 March

Make a deep buttoned footstool

22 & 23 April

To book, visit: www.traditionalupholsteryschool.co.uk traditionalupholsteryschool@gmail.com

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ENVIRONMENT

A global mission

Silverback Films is producing a series documenting the Earthshot Prize’s quest to save our natural world. Millie Bruce-Watt caught up with co-founder Keith Scholey, whose stark but optimistic message fills us with hope in the face of the new decade A communication crisis Keith makes it clear that we are tackling a communication crisis just as much as an environmental one. Although the science is clear-cut, the world’s population is struggling to understand the fragile state of our natural world. “We have to trust the science. The scientists know exactly what is going on with a huge level of detail. I’m immersed in it and I see it – it’s scary. David Attenborough interviewed Greta Thunberg the other day and he asked a question that I always get asked: ‘What should I, as an individual, do?’ Greta’s response was really interesting. She said; ‘the first thing you must do is immerse yourself in understanding the nature of the environmental crisis because, once you understand it, everything else follows.’ That’s right – you’ll tell your friends about it. You’ll do something about it and it is down to people like me to help as many people as possible to understand it.”

Co-founder of Silverback Films, Keith Scholey

‘A tragic scene’

n October, Prince William and The Royal Foundation launched the Earthshot Prize – the most prestigious environment prize in history – with the aim of improving life for us all, now and in the future. It is centred around five main goals, or ‘Earthshots’: protect and restore nature, clean our air, revive our oceans, build a waste-free world and fix our climate. Inspired by President Kennedy’s ‘Moonshot’ speech, which united millions of people around the dream of “landing a man on the moon”, the Earthshot Prize is designed to incentivise change. The goals are simple but ambitious and, if achieved by 2030, will see us living in a radically healthier environment. Every year for the next 10 years, five winners – one per Earthshot aim – will receive £1 million, a global platform and a prominent profile, all with the hope that their environmental solutions will lead to mass adoption and replication. The initiative not only recognises the connection between the world’s most pressing challenges but also the urgent need to tackle them. To support the launch, Silverback Films – the brains behind Sir David Attenborough’s latest documentary, David Attenborough: A 44 TheBATHMagazine

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Life on our Planet – was commissioned by the BBC to make a landmark TV series about the Earthshot goals. The series will be delivered ahead of the first annual award ceremony in October 2021. Silverback’s cofounder Keith Scholey knows better than most just how crucial it is that we find solutions to our environmental crisis in the next decade, having witnessed first-hand its heart-breaking effects. “We’re extremely honoured and excited to be doing this series,” Keith tells me. “The prize is aspirational – it’s saying, ‘Yes, we can fix these things’. That’s the bit that’s often missing from a lot of the gloom and doom around the environmental crisis. There is a way out but we haven’t got long. What we’re going to be trying to do in the series is explain why each of these issues is so huge and why it is very urgent that we fix them. “We are probably the most important generation of humans that have ever lived on this planet. What we do in the next two decades will not just affect a decade to come, not 100 years to come, but probably 10,000 years to come. The whole idea of the Earthshot Prize is about doing something spectacular in the 10-year period.”

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In Silverback Films’ most recent production, we saw David Attenborough step away from the role of observer to one of environmental activist, outlining the issues and pleading that we take action. “David was born into pretty much a pristine planet. He’s now 94 and at a point where the planet has been so destabilised that the whole thing is out of balance. That all happened in his lifetime, in less than a century, which is just terrifying in its own right.” Keith’s long and illustrious career as a filmmaker has seen him travel to all corners of the globe, witnessing the devastating effects that climate change is continuing to have on ecosystems and habitats. As a keen diver, Keith has spent many hours filming underwater, capturing the raw beauty of the coral reefs. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, between 2014 and 2017, around 75% of the world’s tropical coral reefs experienced heatstress severe enough to trigger bleaching. For 30% of the world’s reefs, that heat stress was enough to kill them. “One of the things that really struck me was the demise of the coral reefs. They are beyond belief; this whole array of millions of creatures coming together in this beautiful habitat. These have been around for 200 million years; they survived the last extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs. In one human lifetime, the full lot could disappear and that is a shattering thought but it is actually happening. Half of the Great Barrier Reef has now been bleached and has been lost forever. Any coral reef scientist will say that, in 40 years, coral reefs will be gone just because

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they can’t cope with the speed that we’re changing the ocean temperature.” While filming around the world, film crews often witness nature’s cruel sting. They capture the trials and tribulations of the hunters and the hunted and document the unforgiving, unyielding conditions that the young and vulnerable must battle to survive. More recently, wildlife documentaries have exposed the devastation that humans have wreaked on the natural world. Plastic pollution, deforestation, the ivory trade, trophy hunting, and wildlife tourism, and the direct effects of climate change, have all contributed to the disappearance of species. Keith recalls one particular moment a film crew, with his son among the witnesses, watched on helplessly as pacific walruses suffered fatal injuries as a direct consequence of our warmer waters. “We had a film crew which went to shoot walrus in Russia. They filmed one beach with 100,000 pacific walrus lying on it – the whole population of pacific walrus is about 130,000, so most of one species was there. They are there because the ice is gone. They normally rest on the ice and feed from below. This beach is a tragic place. The walrus crawl up the cliffs and fall to their deaths. It was absolutely shattering for the crew; if you want to see natural climate refugees, go to the arctic in Russia. I found this and the bleaching of the coral reefs two of the most distressing and shocking scenes. “People say ‘climates always change’ and they have, but the only time they haven’t changed is in the last 10,000 years. The earth’s climate has not varied plus or minus one degree in the last 10,000 years. It’s interesting because, before that, we were going in and out of ice ages. They say Homo sapiens have been around for about 200,000

years and for 95% of our history we were hunter-gatherers in small bands. Then, in 10,000 years we invented agriculture and put a man on the moon. What is it that allowed that? This Holocene period of stable climate. So we, our civilisation, our society, everything is geared around a stable climate. We have no experience of running an agricultural economy outside the Holocene. So suddenly banging the temperature through the roof in one century, our society isn’t going to work. Human society is addicted to the stability of earth. When it gets too hot here, the trains have to go slower because the railways bend – the railways were built for the Holocene when it never got that hot. Of all the creatures on this earth that need stability, it’s us.”

Searching for solutions The search for the first five winners of the Earthshot Prize began on 1 November and nominators have been selected for their ability to identify the most impactful solutions across all countries and sectors, from grassroots to businesses. CEO of the Royal Foundation, Jason Knauf, told those at the launch that the nominators are “an unprecedented coalition of NGOs, academics and leaders who will be looking for inspiring innovators at all levels of society – from local communities through to the biggest players in the global economy.” Keith hopes the prize will bring forward solutions that we can all incorporate into our daily lives, making small changes on a global scale that will have a positive effect on all of our futures. “Nations can meet and agree to stop subsidising fishing fleets in the open ocean, which is one way of solving something but, on the other hand, people changing their diets will have an effect. From the individual to businesses to governments, there is

innovation and change. I hope the Earthshot Prize is going to be a mixture of those things and that some of the solutions they come up with will be incredibly personal, that all of us will engage with.”

A united global mission What is going on in the Great Barrier Reef is the direct impact of industrial sites’ carbon emissions thousands of miles away. The environmental crisis does not discriminate and it will take a global effort to repair our planet. “We are all joined together by this crisis,” says Keith. “The Royal Foundation has been really concentrating on making the representation completely international and that’s going to be really exciting. We don’t know who the runners and riders are going to be yet but I know the judges have got a very open mind to what could be viewed as a winner. Who knows what it could be! These people will end up being the heroes of our time.” Keith’s message is focused on the urgency of action but it is also full of optimism and anticipation. The prize endeavours to inspire the world to effect change in the hope of our children and grandchildren living on a healthier planet. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the next 10 years are the most important years in the history of mankind,” says Keith. “That sounds crazy but the science all points to the fact that the people living in the next 10 years are the most important people to have ever lived. What happens in that period is going to be the most important thing that mankind does. By 2030, I hope we’re looking at a very different world and a very different outlook. We can change the world, we are inspired by it and it’s an aspirational thing to do.” n silverbackfilms.tv

Coral reefs have been around for 200 million years and could be gone in 40 years

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“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the next 10 years are the most important years in the history of mankind”

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

Plate Bathwick’s Restaurant & Bar The Bird, Bath, 18–19 Pulteney Road, Bath BA2 4EZ; Tel: 01225 580438; thebirdbath.co.uk/starplatestar-new-restaurant

Review

Millie Bruce-Watt finds the perfect place to keep the world at bay at The Bird Bath’s new restaurant Plate…

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parsnip soup with parsnip crisps and warm crunchy bread and punchy devilled Brixham whitebait with lemon mayonnaise – all of which more than showed off Leon’s magical culinary prowess. A cleverly considered wine list complemented the menu perfectly and we enjoyed a glass of white wine as the mains arrived. In keeping with Plate’s core values, which focus on celebrating our local talent, the wines are supplied by The Great Wine Co.

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Leon and his team brought so much depth and care to the dish

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was the night before lockdown and all around the city we were met with familiar sights from a not-toodistant past. Shop lights were dimmed, the streets were bare and abandoned masks blew in the wind as a reminder that dining out would soon be coming to an end. But here, on Pulteney Road, a sign of life. Even on this quiet night, Plate was thrumming with a certain optimism... Tucked away inside The Bird, Bath – an impressive boutique hotel – our safe haven lay in wait. True to it’s name, Plate is a crockeryobsessed restaurant, bursting with quirky hand-drawn designs adorning the walls as well as the tables. And best of all, the colourful, playful interior perfectly reflects a menu bursting with uncompromising flavour. Once settled, our waiter recommended that we tease the taste buds with tapas. Head chef Leon Smith is the exciting talent in the kitchen. Having established his reputation at some of the UK’s finest establishments, including Tom Aikens in Chelsea, Wild Honey, Berwick Lodge, The Pony and Trap – one of the few Michelin-starred pubs – and The Royal Oak at Paley Street, where he achieved three AA Rosettes, we knew we were in for a rare treat. With three plates of tapas being the optimum amount for two people to share – and excited by the revelation that we were about to dive into a dish that Leon once prepared for Her Majesty the Queen – we tucked into a selection of West Country delights. A chicken liver parfait with pear chutney and brioche – which I can safely say has the seal of appoval from both The Bath Magazine and the Queen herself – a spiced

Leon and his team have also hand-sourced the very best ingredients from local producers, meeting with each and visiting regularly as part of their determination to create a showcase of food heroes. Tender beef and lamb are sourced from the team at familyowned Beeswax Dyson, less than five miles from The Bird. Organic eggs are collected from Neston’s New MacDonalds Farm and rainbow platefuls of vegetables are grown with care by fifth-generation farmers at Lovejoys. Leon and his team will be adding new items to the menu on a weekly basis to reflect true seasonality and to bring a new experience to diners every time they visit. For mains, ‘The Bird’ pie is the restaurant’s signature dish. With a choice of chicken or venison, I opted for venison, and it was truly

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magnificent – an elegant twist to a beloved British gem. The Cornish cod, with roasted cauliflower, sea vegetables and clams is also the kind of dish that you fork away and miss when it’s gone. Packed with flavour, Leon and his team brought so much depth and care to the dish with such fresh ingredients. The vegans and vegetarians among us should not be discouraged by the sizeable meaty menu. The squash gnocchi with toasted pumpkin seeds and truffle is an exquisitely imaginative take on the Italian classic. Then there was dessert. Enticing us with indulgent sweet treats and big flavours, we could not resist. From the stickiest of toffee puddings to an indulgent blackberry cheesecake, we dug into the finest panna cotta around and the Valrhona chocolate mousse – of which we easily could have enjoyed seconds. And just as we thought our journey at Plate had come to an end, our waiter brought a selection of whisky to our table, remembering a short conversation with my partner from the beginning of our meal. This gave a personal touch to the experience and one that shows the true values of Plate – it prides itself on celebrating our local talent, producers and food heroes but, most of all, Plate cherishes the people that live and dine here. Inside Plate, all is right with the world. n

A fixed price menu is available from Wednesday – Saturday for lunch and Tuesday – Friday for dinner from 6pm–7pm, with two or three courses for £20/£25. A two-course or three-course Sunday lunch is available from 12.30pm–4pm

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Sarah Wringer Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502 Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

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CITY | NEWS

CITYNEWS FORTIN FLAIR

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERS

Co-founders Neil Fortin and Andrew Thomas have launched their new men’s accessories company, Thomas Fortin Ltd. The online menswear outlet will offer 100% silk pocket squares, printed and woven neckties and evening scarves. All accessories will be produced using UK printers, weavers and makers. Neil is a costume designer and milliner specialising in period shows and operas and Andy has a background in graphic design and photography. Their excellent designs and bold graphics will give renewed elegance to men’s accessories. Their first offering, The 1st Earl Collection, combines early 20th-century illustrated tailoring renderings with bold modern patterns and colorways. The resulting aesthetic is both classic and modern with a decidedly dapper flair. The duo has printed an illustration of ‘Thomas Fortin’, their first Earl, onto a stunning array of silk pocket squares, using his image to further cement the unique brand. The printers and weavers for Thomas Fortin silks are all UK based with a history of beautiful, hand-finished craftsmanship. thomasfortin.com

PLATE’S PLATES Plate, Bathwick’s Restaurant and Bar at The Bird, Bath has a penchant for crockery. The restaurant team has searched high and low to find interesting, colourful and beautiful plates. Many are created especially for the restaurant, either displayed on the walls or used for serving food. There is a dessert plate by artist Grayson Perry, where guests will need to wait to finish their dish to reveal the full wording on the plate below. Another featured artist is Tom Rooth, creator of fine dinnerware inspired by the ocean. Every illustration is sketched in pencil, from the ‘Octoplate’ where it was a challenge to fit all the tentacles on one plate, to the crab plate where Tom drew around the crab before returning it to the Devon sea. thebirdbath.co.uk

IN DISCOVERY OF GREEN A project has been launched to encourage people to explore Bath’s green spaces and visit its historic landmarks. Our Landscape City connects Bath with its landscape and champions the city as a walking and cycling destination as well as a heritage one, encouraging visitors beyond the city to support the local economy. A map showing walking or cycling routes from the centre of Bath to green spaces including Limpley Stoke, Charmy Down and Prospect Stile has been installed in a shop in Cheap Street. The map shows the duration of each walk, and the facilities available at each location. QR codes direct people to the Bathscape website and an area on the council website highlights the walking opportunities available across the district. bathscape.co.uk; bristolbathparksfoundation.org.uk 48 TheBATHMagazine

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DoubleTree by Hilton Bath have announced their entertainment offerings over the festive period. For Sunday to Thursday stays at the hotel and from 3–30 December, guests receive free car parking and 20% off their food and beverages at the hotel (all drinks, meals and afternoon tea included). And from 3 December, head chef Simon Stevens is offering new festive sharing platters and festive cocktails for £25 based on two sharing. Details of the hotel’s festive menu will be announced soon. To book a table email bathn_fb@hilton.com; hilton.com

FUNDS FOR HOSPICE Despite the pandemic, Bathavon Rotary Club is actively supporting projects in the community and has donated £5,000 to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). Frances Kenneally a Fundraiser at CHSW, delivered a ‘virtual’ talk to Bathavon Rotary Club and subsequently its members donated £5,000 to benefit CHSW’s local hospice, Charlton Farm in Wraxall. Charlton Farm cares for more than 220 families from Bath, Bristol, Somerset and West Wiltshire. The hospice remains open but the only families staying in house are those requiring end of life, emergency and symptom control stays. The multidisciplinary care team continues to provide ongoing support to families in their own homes, virtually, and via the phone. rotary-ribi.org; chsw.org.uk

NEW QUEENSBERRY AWARD Bath’s Queensberry Hotel has received industry-wide recognition, announced as the Independent Hotel of the Year at the 2020 Cateys Awards. For owners Laurence and Helen Beere, receiving one of the highest awards in the UK hospitality industry provides an added glow to the already heaving awards cabinet. Due to lockdown restrictions in England, this year’s event took place as a live virtual ceremony and was watched by operators up and down the country. The Caterer magazine, who mastermind the event, went ‘all out to celebrate those that are the peak of their powers despite the challenging conditions.’ The category judges, including industry heavyweights from across the UK, cited The Queensberry as ‘the epitome of a well-run, independent hotel’. thequeensberry.co.uk

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CITY | GLOBAL BUSINESS

The noble art of defence “

We reported last month on the recently launched Bath Unlimited initiative, celebrating 17 world-class businesses operating in Bath. One of these was BMT, a multidisciplinary engineering, science and technology consultancy. Emma Clegg talks to Simon Gould, Managing Director of BMT Defence and Security UK in Bath, to get an insight into their work, and meets two of his colleagues, who Simon describes as future stars of the company

e’ve had some involvement in pretty much every ship and submarine in the Royal Navy’s fleet,” says Simon Gould. “Some of them we’ve designed; others we’ve worked on with the Ministry of Defence to buy the equipment.” You might not have associated such a level of influence and maritime sway with a company based in Bath. But Simon is the managing director of BMT Defence and Security, who have three offices here. And they have been working on the UK’s maritime defence for over 35 years. One of BMT’s major projects has been their work on the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. “We were involved 20 years ago when the original concepts and designs were produced, right through to creating a Virtual Reality walkthrough to mock up an image of the ship for those that would be working there, and then when the Queen Elizabeth was launched we had people on board when she set off on her first sailing. We’ve been there from start to finish.” BMT was established as a business in 1985, but its heritage can be traced back to the start of the 20th century. One of the organisations that merged to form BMT owned the water tanks where the famous 'bouncing bomb' was developed and tested. “That was cutting edge at its time and that remains part of our DNA today, whether it is designing new ships for the Royal Navy or testing and improving the design of the world’s tallest ships or designing systems to reduce the threat of cyber-attacks to organisations,” says Simon.

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“We’re located in Bath as it became the home for warships when the Admiralty, as it was then known, moved its entire warship design operation from London to Bath in World War II as a relative safe haven. Although the Ministry of Defence has now departed Bath, our main customers today are in Bristol, Keynsham, Corsham, London and around the south coast, so Bath remains a central location for our business as well as a beautiful place for our people to work and live.” It’s an impressive past and present. BMT has 1,500 professional staff in 47 offices worldwide, from Adelaide to Singapore. Simon’s role is to look after the business that delivers to defence and security customers in the UK. “The defence and security side of the business has around a £75 million revenue, which represents around 40 per cent of BMT’s revenue, and includes just under 600 amazing people.” Around half of those are Bath based, although many of them work from customer sites or other offices and often staff are working away from BMT offices for years. An example of this is BMT’s work with the Ministry of Defence in Abbeywood in north Bristol. “About 4,000 MOD employees and close to 100 of our people work there. They buy equipment for the armed forces – everything from ships to tanks to aircraft to bullets – and we work with them to improve the way they do that in terms of their project management or to help them define the specification or requirement for that equipment.” There’s a split of 60 per cent of BMT staff who work offsite and 40 per cent who are based in BMT’s offices. That’s a dramatic number of staff not on site. Does this mean that off-site BMT staff lose their connection with the company and identify more with the one they are in? “We have to work hard to maintain the connection through communications, through IT to connect with each other, which is actually easier now that we are operating from home,” Simon explains. That is very much a part of my role, getting out to see them in the work space.” “You also have to trust people to operate independently from the business, otherwise we couldn’t operate. That’s why we need a

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culture of independence and free thinking,” explains Simon. “BMT is not beholden to external shareholders or owned by a larger parent company. This engenders a culture that is people-centric, giving our people the freedom to think without limits and create ground-breaking solutions.” In terms of repeat business, Simon says that roughly 80 per cent of BMT’s business is from existing clients, and 20 percent from new business, but despite the long-term contracts with large organisations, there is also an emphasis on finding smaller companies who are innovating in the technical sector. “We work with smaller companies too and we value that input, particularly when it comes to new ideas and innovations. One of the great benefits of being in Bath is that there are an awful lot of small companies hidden away that work in new technologies and digital technologies and they are born out of the universities, particularly the University of Bath where they encourage new start-ups, so we try to work with as many as possible.” “That’s some of the messaging we’re trying to get across with Bath Unlimited. It’s not about the bigger businesses like BMT, it’s actually the diversity that’s important – the economy needs a mix of large companies and small start-ups but they all need to work together. So we’re always keen to hear from individuals with cracking ideas or new businesses starting up, particularly in new areas of technology like artificial intelligence and virtual reality. They will play a bigger part of our work in the future.” Another important priority for BMT is their graduate selection. “We are really committed to maintaining our graduate intake this year. We run internships and we have year-in-industry graduates joining us. It’s important for our own recruitment as a lot of these people end up joining us. We like to help youngsters with their first step on the career ladder.” That culture has changed and refocused in recent years, says Simon: “When I first joined BMT, the typical route into the company was as a graduate engineer or as an ex-sailor or civil servant. Today, the business recruits a much broader range of people – engineering and science remains at our core, but we value the diversity of

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CITY | PRIDE

“If you want to generate new ideas, don’t keep employing the same people. Because we need a diverse workforce with diverse thinking”

HMS Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier – BMT was involved in the original concepts and designs

police officer wears on their uniform, or finding ways of maximising the information supplied through that. “The Metropolitan Police are also changing the way they recruit. Instead of a new recruit starting as an officer on the beat and working their way up, they now bring people in with different experiences to change the culture. And they also have the challenge of restructuring and cost savings to deal with. So our project managers try and help them do more and be more effective with less money. “Some of them go out on operations so they understand how it works, driving around London in a fast response vehicle. That shows our people the benefit of what they are delivering and what a difference it

thinking provided by others with a background in everything from software engineering to the arts. I’m delighted that we maintained our commitment to developing future talent throughout the pandemic, recruiting 15 new graduates and apprentices despite the uncertainty all businesses face.” Diversity is another priority. “We want to encourage more under-represented people into our business. We are way out of kilter in the defence industry with gender imbalance, with way more males than females.” “We’ve been doing a lot of work around diversity and inclusivity, whether it’s for the ethnic under-represented groups or the LGBTQ+ community or people with disabilities. The benefit of that, as well as being ethically and morally the right thing to do, is that we get diversity of thought. If you want to generate new ideas, don’t keep employing the same people. Because we need a diverse workforce with diverse thinking and that gives us better decisions. “In my role as MD I’m the sponsor and the champion for diversity in the business. It’s been important for as long as I can remember – it’s just getting more sophisticated in terms of how we understand it. The pace of change in the world today has been faster so it’s more important to have that diversity.” One of BMT’s ongoing projects is with the Metropolitan Police. “We have a team of about 30 people based in London working with them. They are helping with a number of projects that do everything from making better use of technology, perhaps in terms of the digital cameras that every THEBATHMAG.CO.UK THEBATHMAG.CO.UK| NOVEMbEr 2010 | jaNuary 2020

makes to the way that policing is delivered. “That’s what gets people up in the morning, working on a defence project or a policing project that is trying to make a difference in the world, making it a safer place. And ultimately saving people’s lives.” “Simply put, it is the people across the business that drive our success. We work across the globe in industries as diverse as oil and gas, defence, renewable energy, ports, risk management and maritime transport – but the common success factor is technically excellent and independently minded people who are driven to make a difference to their customers and to help solve their most complex and difficult challenges.”

BELOW: Vanguard Class Submarine, HMS Vigilant – BMT is involved in maintaining the Royal Navy’s in-service nuclear submarines OPPOSITE: BMT has a growing strategic relationship with the UK MOD’s defence digital organisation

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RFA Tidespring, designed by BMT, is one of four Tide Class tankers operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilianmanned fleet which provides support for warships

CAREER INSIGHTS AT BMT James Campbell: Human Factors Engineer and Innovation Catalyst

Laura Star: Graduate Consultant, Naval Architecture

I am a Bath resident and joined BMT about five years ago as a Human Factors Engineer. Human Factors Engineering is about studying the interaction between a design and the human user so that performance is optimised. I usually work as a member of a project team that may involve anywhere between five and 20 colleagues, each with their own specialism. I have perhaps four or five projects on the go at the same time. I love that my role is never the same two days in a row. One day I could be contributing to a BMTfunded project to design a new concept vessel, and partnering with a university on fascinating new research for unmanned air vehicles, and the next day advising the Ministry of Defence on the procurement of a new body-worn gadget for the Army. It is my responsibility to make sure that the design fully meets the needs of the person who will end up using it. That means exploring exactly who they are, what training they have, what they are trying to achieve, and the challenging environmental conditions they may be working under. It is very rewarding work and I look forward to a future at BMT spent expanding my professional knowledge, mentoring junior employees, and growing as a team. In addition, about half my time is dedicated to BMT’s Global Innovation Strategy. As BMT started life as a state-owned research agency, innovation remains fundamental to the way we work today as an Employee Benefit Trust. Rather than paying out dividends to shareholders, we invest more of our profits back into employee training and technical research and development. What has impressed me most about BMT is that the leadership team really value employee ideas so that we can solve our customers’ most difficult problems in new and better ways. My love for innovation stems from my Human Factors work. Although it often relies on cutting-edge technology, innovation is fundamentally a human behaviour. I work within a team that ensures the pipeline of ideas is running smoothly, from setting the conditions that encourage employees to generate and share high quality ideas, through the necessary technical development, to the eventual implementation that makes a real difference for end users. Before getting into Human Factors I had a broad career in the Royal Air Force. Initially I flew as a navigator in fast jet Tornado interceptors where my main role was responding to passenger airliners in trouble or investigating unauthorised aircraft in UK airspace. That was followed by flying Hercules transport aircraft supporting ground troops, mostly in Afghanistan. I then joined the Royal Marines as an Air Liaison Officer. My experiences during that time gave me a real appreciation of how important it is that military kit is designed with a comprehensive understanding of how it is going to be used. Before that, I thoroughly enjoyed studying Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Reading, another growing area of importance within BMT.

I joined BMT in the Naval Architecture team as a graduate engineer in January 2019. My academic training is from Loughborough University in chemical engineering. Although my engineering background may not have a direct link to naval architecture, many of the engineering fundamentals I learnt are transferable. I have received an incredible amount of support, training and guidance from the team and wider business, which has helped me to succeed in my role. I have been involved in a variety of interesting projects such as weights management for the HMS Prince of Wales (Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier), I have investigated cyber threats to commercial maritime industry and I supported the creation of a structural survey guide for the Daring Class Destroyer (Royal Navy warships). Alongside my technical work, I spent six months in BMT’s Capability and Business Planning team. Throughout my placement I supported a variety of capability leads with market research tasks. I was the author of a fortnightly market report, which provided senior management with a regular update, insight into BMT’s targeted markets and supporting business decisions. I really enjoyed my time spent with the team and gained a greater understanding of how the business functions at a higher level. As a graduate, I have a responsibility to seize every opportunity to learn and develop myself. BMT has recently launched an exciting global apprentice and graduate programme which provides a fantastic training opportunity to develop key skills such as project management and interpersonal communication. The programme will support my development aspirations and allow me to meet and collaborate with other BMT graduates across the world. In addition to my role, I am a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) lead for BMT in the Bath and Bristol area. Since taking on the role a year ago, I have absolutely loved every minute. I get to share my passion for STEM, create and deliver exciting new activities for students to engage with and inspire future generations of engineers. I aspire to continue to seize every opportunity and I am excited to see where a future at BMT takes me. n

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

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

www.oclaccountancy.com

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Everyone at OCL would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients & friends for their support and business in 2020 and to wish all of them success in the New Year. We would also like to wish all Bath Magazine readers the same and hope to meet more of you in 2021! Have a safe, healthy and happy time!

Call Marie Sheldrake, Tom Hulett or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting

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CULTURE | NEWS

New premises

Here’s something to look forward to – Topping and Company Booksellers are planning a big move and it’s going to mean more space, more books and more literary events held under the same roof. There will even be a mezzanine level...

n 2021 independent booksellers Topping & Company will move from the bookshop on The Paragon to the beautiful and impressive Georgian building on York street, formerly known as the Friends’ Meeting House. Operating as a bookshop will be the latest chapter in the building’s rich, historic legacy: initially designed as a Masonic Hall in 1817 by William Wilkins, architect of The National Gallery, it was used as an assembly room and non-conformist chapel during the 1830s and has since been in the hands of the Religious Society of Friends. It is a listed building of significant architectural heritage, being one of the few examples of the Greek revival style remaining in Bath. The move will mark the biggest independent bookshop opening in England for many decades, and will bring a new injection of energy to York Street. The location – opposite the Abbey – places Topping & Company booksellers right in the centre of Bath. Operating as a busy, dynamic space will give the building the attention it deserves and illuminate its architecture and history. Bookseller at Topping & Company, Saber Khan explains that the plan came about when the building became available earlier this year: “The Friends’ Meeting House has only recently come on the market. It is such a beautiful building, and we were immediately drawn to it as a fitting space for our books. In terms of shared values and history heritage, it feels right for that much-neglected space to be used as a bookshop for the community of Bath.” The bookshop will have a mezzanine and multiple floors lined with handcrafted bookcases and Topping & Company Booksellers’

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Having such a vast space will allow the bookshop to host many of the biggest names in the literary world in the building itself, placing it right at the heart of Bath’s cultural scene

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Architectural visualisation of the new interior

Architectural visualisation of the new bookshop’s exterior

signature rolling library ladders, allowing a stock of over 75,000 titles and offering the best selection of fiction, children’s books, cookery writing, history and much more. It will provide an unparalleled experience for readers, with complimentary pots of fresh tea and coffee as you browse and friendly, bookish advice. What’s more, having such a vast space will allow the bookshop to host many of the biggest names in the literary world in the building itself, placing it right at the heart of Bath's cultural scene. Saber elaborates,“It’s a much larger space, an increase of 80 per cent and we will have a broader and deeper range of stock. Having been at our present location on The Paragon for 14 years, we are gradually running out of space as every year more and more good books are being published. Centrally located, and very close to the Abbey, we will be more easily discoverable. “The additional gain in space means that we can hold larger events instore, with greater resources for cookery demos, as well as customised AV (audio-visual) for events. We will increase our coverage of contemporary writings, in fiction, politics and history. Our celebrated cookery section will also benefit from the increased space.” Robert and Louise Topping opened their first bookshop in Ely, Cambridgeshire in 2002, followed by the Bath bookshop in 2007, the St Andrew’s bookshop in 2014, and a large bookshop in Edinburgh last year. A team of independent-minded booksellers runs each bookshop, with Hugh and Cornelia Topping – aged 11 and 8 respectively when the first bookshop opened – currently running the bookshop in Edinburgh. As Robert Topping says, “There was an age where the independents were the great bookshops – Hatchards and Dillons (and even Foyles where I worked) in London, Austicks in Leeds, Willshaws in Manchester, John Smiths in Glasgow and Thins in Edinburgh. We aim, where we are, to re-create this and in our cities become the major physical bookseller.” The new shop in York Street will be ready for business in the summer or autumn next year, and will be the largest independent bookstore to open in England in the last 30 years. n toppingbooks.co.uk

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BOOKS

Christmas books for children A good book opens up new worlds, and this selection of six covers gorillas and yaks, adventures and explanations, and reimaginings of two classics, all of them poised to entertain young minds, says John McLay “On the tip of the top of a mountain all snowy, where the ice-swirling, toe-curling blizzards were blowy, in a herd full of huddling yaks, big and small, lived Gertie . . .the littlest yak of them all.” So begins this winning wintry tale that is perfect for fans of Rachel Bright and Julia Donaldson. The Littlest Yak by debut author Lu Fraser is a joyous, rhyming adventure about Gertie who is feeling stuck in her smallness. She wants to grow UP and have bigness and tallness! It turns out that there are some things that only Gertie can do and she comes to see that she’s perfect just the way she is. The witty art and characterful creatures by local illustrator Kate Hindley make this a rollicking and heartwarming tale. The whole book has the feel of a story perfect for the colder season now upon us. Simon & Schuster, £6.99 We need funny books in our lives right now and The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, a middle grade adventure by Jenny Pearson, is as funny as they come. Fact-loving Freddie Yates sets off on a secret adventure with his two best mates that ends up being not so secret. He’s looking for his biological dad but the trio get side-tracked by an onion-eating competition, bus rides, loo-exploding pear-and-potato turnovers, and an antique jewellery theft. The joy of this hilarious and heart-warming novel of three boys, one summer holiday, and a few miracles along the way is that nothing goes to plan. We laugh, we cry and we enjoy this dazzling debut for what it is – a book that could be read more than once. Usborne, £6.99 Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist could lay claim to being his most popular novel and now Bath author Catherine Bruton has written a brilliant sequel aimed at children aged 9+. Another Twist in the Tale is the tale of Twill Twist, a girl brought into this world moments ahead of her more famous brother – Oliver, the rags-to-riches orphan who became heir to the Brownlow fortune. Twill has her own, thrilling adventure as she journeys through the gambling dens and workhouses of London, attempting to uncover the mystery of her past, make a life for herself, and rescue her friends. There are new friends and villains and definitely some old favourites in this brilliantly imagined, rip-roaring story. The author’s descriptions of Victorian London are exciting and feel real. There’s also an audio version, read by Miriam Margolyes of Harry Potter film fame. Nosy Crow, £7.99 56 TheBATHMagazine

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Another classic gift for Christmas is Chris Riddell’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a brilliant full-colour illustrated edition. Many great artists have drawn Alice, but I think this sumptuous hardback and jacketed version by the ex-Waterstones Children’s Laureate is my personal favourite. Lewis Carroll’s story is more than 150 years old, but the drawings are brand new and quite stunning. Every page has something to look at – from the map of Wonderland at the beginning to the amazingly detailed and amusing depictations of favourite characters such as Alice herself, White Rabbit, Cheshire-Cat, the Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts. We famously follow Alice down the rabbit hole to a world full of crazy creatures, magic… and danger. Decapitation-crazed queens must be avoided at all costs! It’s a very readable story for young people – a bit mad, but still great after all these years. Macmillan, £25 There’s a reason why David Walliams is the bestselling children’s author in the UK – his books are brilliant for children. And I think adults secretly like reading them, too, making the voices come to life and telling fart jokes to their kids. Legitimately! Code Name Bananas goes back in time for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots – and tells of the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla. It’s 1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there’s one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. But with bombs falling all over London, Eric must save Gertrude! Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot… It’s another winning story with cracking illustrations from the genius Tony Ross. HarperCollins, £14.99 The human body is extraordinary, fascinating and – undoubtedly – pretty weird. Kay’s Anatomy, the hilarious first children’s book from bestselling non-fiction author Adam Kay is all about the body and is a sure-fire present hit. Bath-born writing legend Jacqueline Wilson says the book is “totally brilliant” and David Baddiel wishes it had been around when he was too embarrassed to teach his kids about bodily functions. It’s funny, informative, gruesome, repulsive, extraordinary and engrossing. This book tells you what’s actually going on inside all of us and answers the really big questions, like: Are bogeys safe to eat? How much of your life will you spend on the toilet? Henry Paker’s illustrations should not be missed, however. They make the book look attractive, readable and add a lot of laughs. Puffin, £14.99 n eventsofwonder.com

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION NEWS GREAT PERFORMANCE

Wells Cathedral School have won Independent School of the Year 2020 in the Performing Arts category. The drama department’s Trinity Speech and Drama flourishes, with all pupils receiving a merit or distinction in recent examinations. As well as a newly refurbished Drama Studio, teaching space, new dance studio, many music rooms and recording studios, productions and concerts are often performed in Cedars Hall, their state-of-the-art performing arts venue. Last year they took a riotous production of Grease to Strode Theatre, with each show ending in a standing ovation. wells.cathedral.school

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HOLOCAUST HISTORY Royal High School Bath has joined 23 schools committed to developing the way the Holocaust is taught in England’s secondary schools, in this year’s Beacon School Programme. Royal High School Bath will receive 1–1 and small group mentoring opportunities, engage in research, and participate in a rich programme of speakers. Ben Lacey, history teacher, says: “We are excited to be working with the Centre for Holocaust Education. We strive to refine our teaching and will benefit from their expertise in teaching this complex part of history.” royalhighbath.gdst.net

COVID EDUCATION

With the disruption to education and the unpredictability of exams this year, students are faced with uncertainty. By offering a short revision course over the Christmas holidays, as well as a six-month intensive revision course for A-levels starting in January (with online options), Bath Academy provides flexible solutions so students can reach their academic goals. If you would like educational advice, students and parents are encouraged to ‘drop-in’ for a discussion – please initially contact sam.hollingshead@bathacademy.co.uk or call 01225 334577 for a chat or to set up an appointment. bathacademy.co.uk

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Studying nutrition has been so life changing; knowledge truly is power! Alicia Cooper, CNM Nutritional Therapy Graduate

aving suffered from a period of ill health myself, I began to notice that everyone I spoke to – friends and family – all had an ailment of some sort. It got me thinking about the importance of nutrition and the role it plays in our physical and mental health. This was the driving force that made me want to study nutrition; I wanted to help people understand their bodies so they can nourish themselves from the inside out. I’ve always worked in the food industry, in my own business and as a freelance development chef, so my decision to study nutrition at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) was to continue my learning and progress further in my profession. As a recipe developer I became really interested in nutrition and I wanted to know more about the impact food has on our health.

I’m the owner and curator of Lifebox Food, one of the leading health and wellbeing subscription boxes in the UK and Europe. With so much misleading information out there and dubious advertising from food brands, I felt it was really important to embark on a nutrition qualification to help ensure our customers could trust Lifebox and my judgement on the products included in the boxes. I also wanted customers to feel enriched by the health and wellbeing information we give out with each box. Studying nutrition elevated my business credentials. After struggling with my health in the past, learning about how our bodies work on a physiological level and the impact that nutrition and lifestyle choices have on the body has been so eye-opening. It has totally changed my mentality towards food and health, and this will never change. It’s also awakened my desire to work with clients in a therapeutic capacity to help people feel their best. Establishing relationships with clients has been more rewarding than I ever could

have imagined, and this all started in the CNM clinic. I was really impressed when I visited the college for a tour; I also liked the setup of weekly lectures and observing the nutrition clinics. The syllabus was very comprehensive and the course content was amazing; I never expected to learn so much. Every module was incredibly riveting and enriching. I’m now seeing clients for nutritional therapy and corporate nutrition, as well as continuing to do freelance recipe development and running Lifebox. What I love most about practising is being able to establish therapeutic relationships with clients and feel like I am making a difference to their quality of life and outlook. Educating clients to understand their bodies more and seeing them feel so empowered is such a wonderful thing!

CNM Online Open Events Discover how natural therapies promote true health and vitality. Our events are packed with inspiring tips on how to nurture yourself in natural, sustainable ways. And if you are thinking of turning your passion into a career, an Online Open Event will also Geoff Don cover what you need to know about studying at CNM.

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OPPOSITE, from left: The Octagonal Lodge; a panorama of the city of Bath; Raby Place THIS PAGE: A track down which Bath stone was carried

Keeping an urban distance December is far from being the best of months for country walking, but, given a dry and sunny day when it’s not too wet underfoot, this four mile hike has much to recommend it, says Andrew Swift

oming up with a walk suitable for all – or at least most of – the family at this time of year is always something of a challenge, as mud turns low-lying land to quagmire and hilly tracks to a succession of slip hazards. In previous years, I’ve tended to opt for largely urban routes, on pavements and tarmac paths, but this time round there’s a new and even greater imperative – the need for social distancing – which makes this problematic. The walk I’ve come up with, while inevitably being something of a compromise, offers a little of everything – hidden corners, fine buildings, woods and fields, Bath’s most famous folly, and, above all, fantastic views from the National Trust-owned hills to the east of the city. With the exception of Pulteney Bridge and North Parade Bridge – which are crossed on the way out and the way back (if you’re starting in the city centre), I’ve tried to avoid anywhere likely to be busy, as well as any narrow paths between fences, where you can’t get out of people’s way. A word of warning, though – while I’ve avoided any particularly slippery paths, it simply isn’t possible to walk on the hills around Bath at this time of year without encountering some challenging terrain. Stout walking boots – and walking poles if you use them – should be more than capable of dealing easily with anything you’re likely to encounter, although lightweight 62 THeBATHMagazine

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shoes almost certainly won’t be. From the city centre, head east across Pulteney Bridge, carry on through Laura Place and head along Great Pulteney Street before taking the first right down William Street. Turn left at the bottom along Pulteney Mews, many of whose buildings are modern, although an original building survives on the right at the end, still with a Victorian ghost sign for Strange’s Stables. Turn right and follow the road as it curves left up to Vane Street. Turn right, follow the pavement as it curves round to Pulteney Road and cross at the pedestrian lights. Bear left and follow the pavement as it doubles back to head up Bathwick Hill. This area is home to some of the finest buildings in the city, many of them designed by John Pinch the Elder. Raby Place, across the road, was built between 1818 and 1825 and bears one of his trademarks, with string courses and entablatures flowing gracefully uphill. The house at the top, though, was a replacement for one pulled down when the railway was built in 1840. The line runs directly beneath it. The imposing building on the opposite corner is a retirement complex built in the 1990s on the site of a canal wharf. After crossing the canal a little further up, turn right along Sydney Buildings, keeping to the left-hand pavement. After 250m, when the pavement drops to road level, turn left up a stepped path which emerges alongside

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Bathwick Fields. Carry on up the path for another 120m, before turning left along a path, crossing the road and heading along Cleveland Walk. At the end, turn right up North Road, and after 50m cross and go through a gate onto National Trust land. Walk up a broad and in places muddy track down which Bath stone was once carried in wagons from quarries on Bathampton Down. After 250m, when you see a bench on the left (with a quotation from Alexander Pope carved into it), bear right to go through a kissing gate (KG). Bear right to follow part of the Skyline Walk through woods in which lie abandoned quarries, some dating back to Roman times. After 350m, a short flight of steps leads up to a bench with a view over the city. Cross a drive and follow a rough track uphill past a small stone structure which may have been used for storing gunpowder used in the quarries. The track emerges in front of Sham Castle, a folly built in 1762 for Ralph Allen and commanding a superb view. Bear right to go through a KG and follow the track as it swings left alongside the fence. Carry on at the end of the field over a slab stile and across a high footbridge. Continue in the same direction for 400m, with the university on your left, and, after going through a car park, turn right along a drive. This leads past an octagonal building, often mistaken for a turnpike house, but more likely

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THE | WALK

built around 1820 as a lodge for Claverton Manor – now the American Museum – which lies at the far end of the drive. Cross the main road and carry on along Copseland, turning right at the end down Widcombe Hill. On your right is Smallcombe Wood, the only surviving tract of ancient woodland in Bath. As the wood ends, the views over Bath open up. A little further down, you come to Macaulay Buildings, built in the 1820s – seven semi-detached villas, joined by their entrance lobbies, with two larger villas at the top. Macaulay Buildings also continues down Widcombe Hill, although here the three semi-detached villas, with their shallow full-height bays, are spaced well apart. Prospect Road, the next turning on the left, is, like Macaulay Buildings, a dead end, but is well worth a detour. Although little known, it is one of the most delightful byways in the city. Apart from the views, which get ever better as you climb, there is the

18th-century splendour of Violet Bank Farm, and, at the end, a mid-Victorian mansion called Fairstowe and a white-stucco Regency house called Beechwood. From here you can survey the fields below, which seem to resemble the parkland of a great estate. Head back down Prospect Road, cross Widcombe Hill and go through a kissing gate into Smallcombe Vale. Turn left through another kissing gate and, as you follow a track across a large field, one of the finest panoramas of the city opens up. Go through a kissing gate Woods on Cotswold Edge by a water trough in the far corner – where the going may be slippery – head straight down a stepped track and go through a KG at the bottom. Turn left along a lane, left at the end, and after 300m, the road leads back across the canal, where an ornate chimney – once part of a pumping station – can be seen on the right. Carry on and at the end turn right along Pulteney Road. Cross at the pedestrian lights

and head along North Parade Road to return to the city centre. n Andrew Swift’s books include Country Walks from Bath and On Foot in Bath, a revised edition of which has been recently published by akemanpress.com

Fact file n Distance: 4 miles n Level of challenge: Mostly on pavements, but with some steps, as well as sections through woods and fields which are likely to be muddy, and one section (in Smallcombe) which is also steep.

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Indoor pool in Sand Dunes, Cornwall

Water power

We’re lucky in Bath because we have a thermal spa to visit when the fancy takes us. But, says Emma Clegg, have you ever dreamed of having your very own spa and wellness facilities, so that wholesome living is imbued within your home?

he first sauna experiences took place in caves hung with animal skins with a fire burning inside beneath a pile of stones. After the fire was extinguished, the stones would warm the cave into the night for those who basked in the steam from the stones when water was poured on them. While the sauna continues to be relished worldwide as a wholesome and restorative experience, the styling and application has understandably had significant adaptations over the years. No one knows this better than Ursell Pools & Wellness (UP&W). The company offer pools, spas, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs, and has adapted through the industry’s technical and fashionable iterations over their 30 years of business. They offer advice, design, installation and maintenance services for high-end projects from thermal rooms to relaxation pools. Working for both domestic and corporate clients, Ursell Pools & Wellness – who rebranded from BOS Leisure in 2019 to better reflect their position in both sectors – have received many industry awards for their work, including Commercial Project of the Year 2019 at Beaverbrook Golf Club, UK School Pool of the Year 2018 at Exeter School, and Natural Pool of the Year 2019 for a private client in Bristol. The company, based in Saltford, has a spacious showroom (over two floors), which once featured a swimming pool, and is constantly adapted with the latest wellness options and a workshop in the back for construction. We were enchanted by the outdoor sauna with deck module (see right), decorated with twinkling lights and styled with table and chairs, which would easily fit in a small to medium 64 TheBATHMagazine

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sized garden and establishes a lifestyle setting for the sauna. So saunas are not only for those with big spaces, big time and big budgets. This demand also taps into the idea of enabling restorative experiences in the outdoors, in the garden and within nature. You may point out that this works well if you have a home with significant acreage and a heartstopping view of green cliffs and the sea, but it can also be brought to more moderate gardens and homes, where the addition of a sauna or a small outdoor pool will reinvent the space and make it feel spectacular. It’s even possible to site a sauna in the understairs area typically used for brooms, wellingtons and coats. In this case, the sauna is made part modular and part site specific, as it can’t be fitted as a single piece. “Every project has different challenges,” explains company director Adam Neill. “Nothing is ever square in a house, nothing is level, but the construction of a sauna works by building a new room inside a room, and this allows the air flow and the ventilation process to work.” Adam goes on to explain how people’s expectations of wellness experiences have shifted over the years: “What has changed the most is the demand for something unique. Twenty years ago saunas and steam rooms were more standard, and much less focused on design. But now people don’t want just a sauna box, they want something that’s personal and special.” A sauna can be more flexible in its positioning than a steam room, which requires access to mains water, but a steam room with its tiled finish means that you can take the treatment and experience of the

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Outdoor sauna with deck module, private client, Bristol

room in any direction – from dark, atmospheric and moody to glazed, airy and light. The lighting is key in a steam room, with options including LEDs and fibreoptics in the ceiling, walls and benches. Adam and his team will advise on the design options, but are equally used to working with their clients’ design concepts and finding the solutions that will bring them to life. The trend in swimming pools, Adam tells me, is increasingly for low-chlorine pools, with customers seeking a more gentle, natural experience. The chlorine system used in standard swimming pools sanitises the water effectively, but chlorine is a harsh product and there is a demand for something less aggressive. UP&W can offer an ultra-low chlorine system, allowing a swimming pool to be run with chlorine levels that are lower than tap water, meaning that the water feels far softer and much gentler on the skin. The natural pool in Bristol that UP&W won the award for last year uses no chemical treatments at all – it is simply a natural pool, with a pump, filter and minerals automatically added to the water to maintain the balance.

Boringdon Hall Hotel, Devon

Two hot tubs at Aqua Sana, Center Parcs Longleat Forest

“It has been crystal clear since installation,” says Adam. A no-chlorine pool is also better for the environment because the natural pool water that is discharged from the system can be reused. UP&W are also experienced in harnessing renewable energy, with options for pools heated using air source or ground source heat pumps. Smaller pools are another growing area. The award-winning natural pool is just 6 x 3m, and has a little alcove to put the cover and the swim jet, so it has a counter current unit in the pool, allowing the owner to swim for hours in a small space. Another recent project in Bristol was for a 25 x 3m domestic pool, used expressly for swimming lengths. If you like the idea of having your own personal steamy or waterbound experience, one that you can access whenever you like, then you know how to get with the flow. n Ursell Pools & Wellness, 476 Bath Road, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3DJ; tel: 01225 874 874; ursell.com

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CITY | INTERIORS

This Marbled Topaz wallpaper from Ionian Interiors mimics the swirling of the surface of a swimming pool catching the light in the summer breeze Inset, peacock blue brings the depths of the ocean to these bedroom cabinets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; touches of soft olive and coral combine with it well. Interior by Architect Your Home; architect-yourhome.com

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Ocean blues

There’s something calming about the sea, in all its shapes and shades, and every blue associated with the ocean now has its chance to shine in the interior, says Emma Clegg

These Alsace Large Lattice tiles from Mandarin Stone in a chalky sky blue show how a simple, uncluttered styling maximises the relaxing impact of the colour; mandarinstone.co.uk

cean blues are poised to wash through our interior spaces next year. You can see why, because blues in most shades can be depended on to endow a room with a sense of calm and serenity – much needed right now – especially if the shade is reminiscent of the big and psychologically healing natural elements of sea and sky. Our ocean blues interiors party is very inclusive – teal, aqua, turquoise, cerulean, sky, ocean, Aegean, airforce, cyan, powder, robin’s egg – and can be applied to any room, as plain paints, decorative wallpapers or tiled statements on walls and floors. Note that these shades are always safer in rooms with south, south-east or southwest facing windows as all blues love the sunshine and natural light and can become chilly and less uplifting in a northern light or a darker room. Another advantage of ocean blues is that they mix well with other colours in the interior and in large expanses, in imitation of sea and sky, make a space feel bigger and less enclosed. Experiment with pacific blue depths offset with chalky teal and cornflower; steel blue and baby blue with powder puff pink; and Swedish blue with resonant aquamarine and chalky white highlights. Keep your colour links balanced because darker marine blues have power in a big space, and will contribute to a room’s mood, introducing energetic and dramatic vibes that need softening and offsetting with subtler shades. Because these sea shades of blue are associated with stability and reliability they can be effective in bedrooms (softer blues are best here), study areas or reception areas. So prepare to reach for ocean blues to calm your mind and open up your spaces. n The large size (80 x 31cm) of these Groove Navy Porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone in Prussian blue combine eﬀectively with the pistacchio shade cupboard doors; mandarinstone.co.uk

Mid-blue and chalk pink sets a calming scene in a busy kitchen. Ground Blue from Farrow & Ball; farrow-ball.com

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GARDENING

Looking sharp

Cacti, succulents and air plants are enjoying a massive revival says Elly West, as we spend more time at home than ever before and see the health and wellbeing benefits of greening up our indoor space

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now sells at pop-up markets and shops in the North Somerset area. He also has an at-home nursery, open by appointment, for those who want to find out more or buy from his vast collection. “Around 35 per cent of our stock is homegrown from seed or propagated from cuttings,” he says. “We’re aiming to offer a broader range of more specialist products that you can't get elsewhere.” Chris sources plants and seeds from all over the world to add to his collection, which includes the rare and elegant ghost euphorbia – a variegated form of Euphorbia ingens – plus the enticingly named mermaid’s tail, string of turtles, and bear’s paw, alongside just about any other kind of cacti, air plant or succulent you can imagine. “They appealed at first because they’re so low-maintenance,” he laughs. ‘But I like to research and understand everything about a subject, and there’s always more to know. A collection can never be complete – there are literally thousands of plants with so many unique things about them. I love their architectural forms.”

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There’s something strangely addictive about cacti. Maybe it’s because they are so easy to personify – they somehow have character, with their unusual body-like shapes

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may not have the official statistics to hand to back this up, but I reckon just about everybody has owned a cactus at some point in their lives. And again, I’m not sure of the actual, exact percentage, but a large number of these so-called indestructible plants have probably turned out to be destructible. The less green-fingered among us joke about not even being able to keep a cactus alive and it’s true they are tough, easy-care plants that thrive on neglect, but give them the wrong conditions and just like any living thing, they won’t survive. Cacti, succulents and air plants are enjoying a massive revival right now, along with other houseplants. We’re spending more time at home than ever before and many of us are seeing the health and wellbeing benefits of greening up our indoor space. Plants make us feel connected to nature and are an instant way to add mood-boosting impact to our homes, especially when arranged in groups. There’s something strangely addictive about cacti. Maybe it’s because they are so easy to personify – they somehow have character, with their unusual body-like shapes. This unique group of plants contains a huge number and variety of forms and colours, and it’s easy to see how collectors become hooked. There’s always something new to discover. A cactus is officially defined as a succulent plant, typically with spines, and fleshy leaves designed to store water. The family has nearly two thousand known species within it, without even starting to count all the many cultivated varieties created by enthusiasts through crossbreeding. Let it not be said they are dusty and boring! I chatted to Chris Rixton – of Coastal Succulents, Cacti and Alpines, based in Uphill near Weston-Super-Mare – who is a self-confessed nerd when it comes to his passion for these fascinating plants. What started as a hobby around six years ago quickly grew into a business, and he

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GARDENING

Chris has noticed their increase in popularity over recent years, particularly among younger people. “Many of my customers are in their teens and early 20s,” he comments. “Anything that gets young people engaged with growing plants is a good thing.” When it comes to keeping these tough little specimens alive, Chris says a little common sense is needed, with thought to their native arid environment. Although they do need moisture, overwatering is by far the biggest killer. Cacti hate soggy roots, so free-draining soil is essential. He creates his own special growing medium – a mixture of multi-purpose peat-free compost, horticultural grit, perlite and sharp sand – and recommends watering every seven to 10 days from March to October, then leaving them alone over winter, their natural dormant season. If in doubt, err on the side of caution as it’s very hard to underwater a cactus. Evolution has given them the ability to survive weeks, if not months, of drought, by storing moisture in their leaves, but look out for signs of stress; the leaves will start to wrinkle if they are drying out. They also need lots of light, so a sunny windowsill or conservatory is ideal. During their winter rest they like to be kept slightly cooler, so avoid placing them above a radiator. Cacti make great houseplants for beginners, and may well reward you with summer flowers in vibrant colours. They can also be stood outside during the summer, with some of the plants Chris grows being hardy enough to stay outside all year round. The front of his house has a newly planted eight-metre ‘living wall’ that passers-by can admire, created during lockdown from sandbags planted with a mixture of aeoniums, echeveria and other succulent plants. • Coastal Succulents, Cacti and Alpines has a stand in the Weston Collective, Sovereign Shopping Centre (Weston-Super-Mare). Email coastalsucculentsandcacti@gmail.com to visit the Uphill nursery or find out more. Visit ellyswellies.co.uk or @ellyswellies1 on Instagram for Elly West’s own work.

Plant of the month: Echeverias Echeverias are among my favourite succulent plants as they can be grown indoors or outside in a sunny and sheltered spot, where a happy plant will throw out beautiful summer flowers on long stems – somehow particularly rewarding given their exotic nature. In true succulent form, they form spiralling rosettes of fleshy leaves typically in beautiful soft shades of grey-green, but there are also dark burgundy and almost black forms, plus oranges, pinks, greys and those with multi-coloured leaves. As with all succulents, avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again, and don’t leave indoor plants sitting in a wet saucer. Outdoor plants will need protection from freezing temperatures with a covering of fleece, or move them to a warmer spot such as an unheated greenhouse or cool windowsill during cold snaps. Echeveria are also extremely easy to propagate. New baby plants will be produced, nestled in against the main plant, so just pull one away and pot it up separately. Or simply break off a leaf and lie it flat on top of some compost mix in a sunny spot, and it will root and produce a whole new plant from the leaf base. Magic!

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the directory

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

Home Care

Handy Man

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Email: annadesign@btinternet.com

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Jewellery

Aromatherapy • Reflexology/Facial reflexology Japanese Cosmo Facelift • Deep Tissue Massage

Nigel Dando

For more information, please visit:

WE BUY

Holistic Treatments for Wellbeing

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Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition.

Nigel Dando Trowbridge & Neal’s Yard Bath 72 TheBATHMagazine

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issue 216

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

Cobb Farr PIF.qxp_PIF Full Page 27/11/2020 19:23 Page 1

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

quite exceptional and unique Grade II listed property overlooking 1 acre of beautiful gardens with a millpond and views beyond.The Old Tannery is believed to have existed since the 17th century and possibly as far back as the Domesday. The present building dates back to the late 18th century and was converted in the late 1950s to provide a private residential property. Set in a superb, elevated location this Grade II listed house has been modernised and extended by both the previous and present owners. The combination of many retained period features such as exposed beams throughout and feature arched windows together with modernisation including solid oak interior doors has created a unique village residence. The light and airy accommodation is laid out over 4 floors including a superb kitchen with range cooker, and a terrace leading off it overlooking the main lawn and millpond. A wonderfully spacious sitting room is at garden level with 3 sets of French doors leading out to south and east facing terracing. On the upper 2 floors are 5 spacious bedrooms with modern bathroom facilities, all of which have a wonderful aspect over the gardens and beyond. The property also has the flexibility for a number of possible self-contained annexes. The property has a double carport, above which there is a separate office and storage. The house is set within the 1 acre of beautifully landscaped gardens featuring the millpond and a number of specimen trees including Planes, lining the driveway, Whitebeam, Acers, Magnolia and Silver Birch. This is a very special property and to fully appreciate it a viewing is recommended by the sole agents Cobb Farr.

The Old Tannery, Turleigh • Period features including oak beams throughout • Superb kitchen/dining room with balcony • 5 bedrooms • 3 receptions, study and office • 1 acre garden including millpond OIEO £1.7M

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

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Woolverton, Bath £525,000

A stunning newly built period style cottage with 3 double bedrooms set within this select development of just six properties in Woolverton. The property has been built to an exceptional specification by Ashford Homes who have been building luxury homes for over 25 years.

• 3 double bedrooms • Stunning Kitchen

• Double carport and additional parking • 1622sq ft

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

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Henrietta Road, Bath £1750,000

An impressive 4 storey semi-detached Italianate early Victorian villa, dating back to 1849. Positioned in a wonderfully quiet residential location with beautiful views over-looking Henrietta Park and within 5 minutes level walk of Bath city centre.

• 4 double bedrooms • 2 lovely bathrooms

• Formal drawing room • Family room

• Conservatory

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

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MARDAN, BATH’S BESPOKE REMOVALS AND STORAGE COMPANY, DEVELOPS NEW TALENT

Mardan have a wealth of experience within the removals and storage industry, spanning over 30 years, ensuring customers have a stress-free and seamless move. Mardan are family run and bespoke with the experience, knowledge, skills, equipment and capacity to complete removals of any size; locally, nationally for domestic or commercial customers.

Marcus, Mardan’s founder, has always held fast, with confidence, to his belief that he can deliver a high standard of removals, exceeding that of his competitors. Marcus knows to do this he must have trust and confidence in the skills of his staff, which he does. So when a new office position was required within Mardan instead of recruiting externally Marcus looked to develop a team member which he already had extreme confidence in and who he knew would develop into the role seamlessly, Nik. The role would include; liaising with customers, completing quotes, emailing quotes, planning the removals diary, logistics and managing the storage yard. Nik, had worked with Marcus within removals for over 10 years having a strong knowledge of all aspects of removals and with the skills necessary to lead a team from Mardan on removals. Nik has risen to the challenge and is thriving. Marcus and Nik work extremely well as a team thus ensuring all customers have a personalised service and a positive move experience. Both Marcus and Nik enjoy completing the physical removal and Marcus truly believes that to do the ‘office’ role well it’s important to continue to complete removals, thus maintaining the in depth knowledge developed throughout their earlier careers. Marcus and Nik are able to be flexible with their roles and keep their ‘hand in’ the hard physical work of removals. Mardan continue to grow their self-storage facility, offering safe, secure and reasonable storage to upward of 100 domestic and commercial customers. “We used Mardan following a recommendation from a friend. They moved us in and out of storage and then into our renovated house. I would highly recommend them. The service was super efficient and the guys were quick, polite and courteous. Nothing was too much trouble and all of our possessions arrived safe and sound” Emma Webster, Moon Client

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DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL MOVERS • PACKERS • STORERS • SHIPPERS

76 TheBATHMagazine

DeCeMBeR 2020

issue 216

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winkworth.co.uk/bath for every step... SALES

BATH RIVERSIDE £895,000 Leasehold

FORESTER LANE £675,000 Freehold

CONNAUGHT MANSIONS £495,000 Leasehold

A beautifully presented townhouse overlooking the river. 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2 reception rooms.

A well presented house in highly sought after location. 3 bedrooms | 1 bathroom | 2 reception rooms.

A delightful 2 bedroom apartment, central location. 2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom | 1 reception room.

Contact our Sales team on 01225 829000 bath@winkworth.co.uk Matthew Leonard

Lucy McIlroy

Lotte Veale

Director

Sales Negotiator

LETTINGS

DEVONSHIRE BUILDINGS £4,250 pcm

DANIEL STREET £3,500 pcm

THE CIRCUS

An impressive 5 bedroom house on Bear Flat. 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2 reception roo

A superb Georgian townhouse in wonderful position. 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1 reception room

A beautiful apartment on the Circus. 2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom | 1 reception room

£1750 pm

Contact our Lettings team on 01225 829000 bath@winkworth.co.uk WINKWORTH BATH bath@winkworth.co.uk 13 Argyle Street, Bath, Somerset BA2 4BQ Follow us on

Denise Latham

Fleur Hawken

Lettings Manager

Lettings Assistant

P78.qxp_Layout 23 27/11/2020 16:32 Page 49

Your Space. Redesigned.

A state of bliss, elation or happiness. www.cloudninecreate.co.uk

Norwood Dene, Bath A magnificent development of seven luxurious two and three bedroom apartments, secured by gated access with outside private space.

78 TheBATHMagazine

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The Apartment Co - December 20.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:19 Page 1

Peter Greatorex managing director of The apartment Company

The importance of Christmas and home this unique year “ I don’t want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need Don’t care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree”

hese words resonate more than ever this year. As Christmas is fast approaching, we are all dreaming of spending some special time with the ones we love. With the government’s Christmas bubble plan now announced, many of us are working out the logistics of what Christmas this year will look like. But one thing we know for sure is that our homes will be the centrepiece of our festivities. At The Apartment Company, every day we are welcomed into people’s homes. We see apartments of all shapes and sizes, those that are steeped in history and the ones that still have that scent of fresh paint. Yet regardless of the owners, and the reason they have or are purchasing their abode, what they all agree on is that this apartment feels like home. But what does home really mean? A ‘home’ encompasses so many things, but above all it is a place that makes us feel secure – and how we have needed that feeling of safety this year. Homes are places filled with laughter; their walls may have seen many tears, but at the heart of it all is love. As you wander along the streets of Bath and look around, you may gaze at the houses and apartments that surround you, and that could be all that you see. But when you work in property you see more than the bricks and mortar, you see homes filled with stories and memories, places that are cherished and adored. You can see how precious our homes have become. Like a member of our family, we take care of them and can’t imagine our lives without them. What has become absolutely apparent this year, as we see the abundance of lights sparkling in the night sky and decorated trees adding colour and beauty to many a room, is that we are needing Christmas to start earlier. A traditional Christmas built around family, one centred on what is truly important and not material things, making memories that will last for generations to come. What would we be without our memories, and our quirky family traditions? They form who we are. Our memories and homes are wrapped together, filled with our hopes and dreams, and where would we be without dreams? So cherish every memory this year, and make some new ones too. Because this Christmas, more than Christmases past and future, will be unique in so many ways, but we know what your home’s wish is:

“More than you could ever know Make its wish come true All it wants for Christmas is you” The Apartment Company. theapartmentcompany.co.uk

80 TheBATHMagazine

DeCeMber 2020

issue 216

Just released for viewing - new penthouse show apartment at Belvedere House Lansdown

enthouse apartments are invariably the crowning glory on any development, and these two stunning duplex penthouse apartments on this select development certainly live up to expectation. Both enjoy spectacular roof top terraces with open views, and a host of design features, including a spectacular bespoke staircase that leads up to the sun lounge and roof terrace. Developer Juniper Homes’ uncompromising vision for this luxury development is apparent from the moment you step inside. There are just eight apartments on this private development, each making the most of its unrivalled position; Belvedere House is perfect for discerning buyers. Set in a delightful landscaped environment, apartments are at ground and first floor levels. All four ground floor apartments enjoy private courtyard space. Two of the first floor apartments have a private balcony and the remaing two apartments are the exceptional duplex penthouses. There is also a residents garden with two charming arbours. Internally nothing has been left to chance. From the open plan living space with high-specification kitchens through to superbly specified bathrooms and bedrooms that include thoughtful finishing touches such as walk in wardrobes, in a nutshell the interiors are stunning and Juniper Homes’ meticulous attention to detail and bespoke design shines through. Anna Fairman, head of residential development sales for Savills in Bath, said: “With far reaching views across the Charlcombe Valley, Belvedere House is an exclusive development offering eight apartments in the sought-after community of Lansdown. Residents will enjoy large open plan living spaces, uncompromising in style and quality. Contrasting clean modern lines with the softer tones of Bath stone, the apartments strike an architectural balance that offers the best in contemporary living offset by the comfort of a warm and inviting space.” With open countryside on your doorstep and Bath City Centre a little over a mile away, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds; great gastro-pubs and Lansdown Golf Club on your doorstep and easy access to Bath with its culinary expertise and cultural events. Belvedere House is ideally positioned to make the best of both worlds. Prices start at £575,000 and reservations are now being taken. Each apartment includes two dedicated private parking spaces. The Show Apartment is open to view by appointment, please call: Hunter Harling at Savills on 01225 474591 or visit www.belvederehouse.co.uk

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Bathwick Street

O.I.E.O

£400,000

Neo-Georgian · Three double bedrooms · Upper maisonette · Luxurious finish · Easy access to Bristol and M4 · EPC rating: D · Garage available for space for one car inside and one in front · Approx. 1,274 Sq. Ft.

LD SO TC S

Claverton Lodge

O.I.E.O

£525,000

Queens Parade

O.I.E.O

£375,000

Georgian · Grade I Listed · Two double bedrooms · Fabulous city views · Close to city centre · Spacious and modern · Superb location · Approx. 793 Sq. Ft.

Kensington Chapel

O.I.E.O

£320,000

01225 471 14 4

O.I.E.O

£435,000

Fountain House

Druids Garth

O.I.E.O

£325,000

Victorian · Two double bedrooms · Luxury bathroom · Well maintained communal gardens · Garage · Allocated parking · Fabulous views · Approx. 826 Sq. Ft.

LD SO TC S

Penthouse apartment · Two double bedrooms · Beautifully decorated · Lift access · Private parking · Short walk from the city centre · Outside space · Approx. 1,161 Sq. Ft.

Georgian · Grade II Listed · One double bedroom · Second floor apartment · Beautiful views across Victoria Park · Spacious living area · Central location · Approx. 727 Sq. Ft.

SALES

Camden Crescent

LD SO TC S

Georgian · Grade II Listed · Three double bedrooms · Light and airy · Private parking · Unrestricted parking on the road outside · Approx. 1,390 Sq. Ft.

Nelson House

£275,000

£300,000

Third floor apartment · Two double bedrooms · Fabulous views · Prime location · Bike storage · Lift access · Allocated gated parking · Approx. 688 Sq. Ft.

O.I.E.O

Isabella House

O.I.E.O

£200,000

Georgian · Grade II Listed · Top floor Georgian · Grade II Listed · First floor apartment · Beautiful views · Two bedrooms · apartment · Refurbished to a high standard · Lift access · Central location · One bedroom · In the heart of the village · Approx. 625 Sq. Ft. Heat and sound insulation throughout · Approx. 478 Sq. Ft.

LETTINGS

01225 303 870

sales@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

Bartlett’s Court

£1,800 pcm

Penthouse apartment · Three bedrooms · Large sitting room · Allocated garage · Modern apartment · Approx 1,114 Sq Ft · EPC Rating: C

T D LE EE R G A

Portland Place

£2,400 pcm

Brunswick Place

Great Stanhope Street

Unfurnished · Close to The Royal Crescent · Central location · One bedroom with occasional second bedroom/study · Council Tax Band D · Approx. 829 Sq. Ft. · EPC Rating: D

First floor apartment · One bedroom · Gas central heating · New carpets to be fitted throughout · Approx. 603 Sq. Ft. · Available now · EPC Rating: C

Camden Court

Unfurnished · Georgian apartment Close to all local amenities · No pets · Council Tax Band B · Available 11th December 2020 · EPC Rating: D

£1,500 pcm

Walcot Parade

£1,000 pcm

T D LE EE R G A

Complete and extensive renovation throughout · Two double bedrooms and two Bathrooms · Sharers considered · Newly fitted gas boiler · Stunning views across the City · EPC Rating: C

£975 pcm

Marlborough Buildings £1,150 pcm

T D LE EE R G A

Stunning three bedroom apartment · Fully furnished to a high standard · Three bathrooms (2 ensuites) · High spec throughout · Beautifully decorated · No corporate lets · Sorry no students · EPC Rating: D

Brunswick Place

Furnished · One double bedroom · Residents parking permit · No students · Suit professional person or couple · No agency fees · EPC Rating: E

£950 pcm

Close to City Centre · Two bedrooms · Night storage heaters · Council Tax Band C · Unfurnished with white goods · Available 18th December 2020 · No Agency Fees · EPC Rating: E

£900 pcm

Bathwick Street

£850 pcm

Unfurnished · One bedroom · Central location · No pets · Suit professional person or couple · Available Now · EPC Rating: D

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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