The Bath Magazine February 2017

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thebathmag.co.uk

ISSUE 173 | FEBRUARY 2017 £3.95 where sold

Love& the Arts THE FIRST SHOWS OF SPRING EXCLUSIVE

THE BATH FESTIVAL

WE REVEAL THE LINE-UP

CRAZY ABOUT KIMCHI A REVOLUTION FOR FOODIES

BATH’S BEST

INDEPENDENT COFFEE SHOPS

BATH’S WORST

ACTOR - ROBERT ROMEO COATES

NOVEL AWARDS

WHAT CAROLINE AMBROSE IS READING THE CITY’S BIGGEST MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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F R E E N E W Y O R K B R E A K*

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Contents February 2017 5 THINGS

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Your essential events in the city this month

MY BATH

BATH@WORK

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FAMILY DIARY

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Emilie Giotti, photographer on How To Lose Weight Well

Fun with this kids this half-term

GUEST COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

HEATH & BEAUTY

Rotork, the Bath engineering company with a global presence

Time for two: spas with double treatment rooms

A LIFE IN BOOKS

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Caroline Ambrose, founder of the Bath Novel Award

BATH FESTIVAL

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Bath’s packed cultural calender

FITNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

THE WALK

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GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Columnist Jane Moore has inspiration for the coming year

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The latest exhibitions in the city’s galleries

PROPERTY PORTFOLIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Beautiful homes to rent or buy

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Is your favourite café one of our hotspots?

BACK IN TIME

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Enjoy a breath of country air in Freshford

WHAT’S ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

BATH’S BEST COFFEE SHOPS

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We visit Pilates Quarter studios

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An exclusive peek at some of the highlights

ART

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Neill Menneer’s professional portrait of the month

MEET THE AGENT

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Philip Cobb, managing director of Cobb Farr

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The hilarious antics of history’s worst actor, Robert ‘Romeo’ Coates

BEHIND THE MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The secrets of creating the perfect pizza

FOOD HEROES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

ON THE COVER

Detail from Jan Brueghel the Elder, A Stoneware Vase of Flowers, from an exhibition at the Holburne Museum ©The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Why we should be crazy about kimchi and mad about miso

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk

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EDITOR’S PICKS SNOWDROP DAY: the romantic gardens of the 15th century moated Great Chalfield Manor will be open on Sunday 12 February, from 2pm – 4pm, to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The National Trust property just a few miles from Melksham, is familiar to many as a magnificient backdrop in TV series Poldark and Wolf Hall. Visitors to the open day will be able to enjoy drifts of snowdrops as they wander through the garden, which are set in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. Admission is £4 and there will be a stall selling homemade cakes, also to raise money for Dorothy House. If you’re using Sat Nav to find Great Chalfield Manor the postcode is SN12 8NJ.

from the

EDITOR

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s the flower buds begin to emerge on the magnificent magnolia tree behind Bath Mag headquarters, so the city begins to reveal its promise of beautiful things to come in the next couple of months.

This issue offers tapas-style taster of what’s to come in terms of exhibitions and festivals, which will whet your cultural appetite for what’s ahead.

The jewel in our crown, as media partners, is to be the first to share with you some of the highlights of The Bath Festival 2017.

From revered writers Salman Rushdie and Fay Weldon, to TV cooks Mary Berry and Lorraine Pascale, from kings of cool Georgie Fame and Charley Boorman, to queens of style, Madeleine Peyroux and India Knight, all sorts of talented types are heading our way at the end of May. See highlights from Page 22 and start booking your tickets.

The visual arts are well represented in Bath this spring. The Holburne Museum is hosting a major show looking at the work of the Bruegel dynasty, which we’ve cheekily sampled for our cover – but we’ll be looking more closely at that exhibition in next month’s issue. The Museum of East Asian Art in Bennett Street is one of only three British venues showing work by acclaimed Japanese painter Hong Ling, while over at the Victoria Art Gallery the great Peter Brown show comes to an end (catch it if you haven’t been yet) and a selection of great news photography featuring some stand-out moments in 20th century history takes its place.

We’ve nourishment too for the inner man and woman. Melissa Blease discovers some surprising facts from Dough about how to make a good pizza (Page 56) and talks to Lucie Cousins of Bath Culture House about the joys and health benefits of fermented food (Page 58).

In need of a bit of a laugh? Have a good chortle as you read about amateur thespian Robert ‘Romeo’ Coates (Page 50) whose stage appearances in Bath had people clamouring to see him perform – for all the wrong reasons.

Unpublished writers – of which Bath has many – will want to read our chat with Caroline Ambrose, founder of the Bath Novel Award, and campaigner to save Bath’s main library (Page 18).

Our homes and property content is highly regarded, so it’s been a pleasure to kick off a new series in which we talk to local estate agents and hear their thoughts about the market. Meet the agent, Page 94.

There’s much more besides, researched and written for your entertainment and information. I remain, as they used to say, your obedient servant.

Georgette McCready Editor

UPCYCLING: in a twist on the beating swords into ploughshares a pair of entrepreneurial brothers have taken a bomb – a 1970s cluster bomb to be precise – and turned it into a gleaming cocktail cabinet. Ben and Harry Tucker of Plane Industries based on their family farm near Trowbridge, spent more than six months in their workshop fitting new shelves and lights and polishing the bomb case into this glossy work of art. The pair have also created a range of laptop cases and weekend bags made from recycled, cleaned airplane seat covers – each piece bearing its unique ‘passport’ of miles travelled.

Find out more at: planeindustries.co.uk.

WINNER: congratulations to Carole Boardman, winner of our Christmas treasure hunt. Here she is with Mike Noakes, Andrew Butterworth and David Stubbs enjoying her prize of afternoon tea at The Pump Room

Far too many people are looking for the right ❝person, instead of trying to be the right person ❞ GLORIA STEINEM

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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American feminist, journalist and activist, born 1934

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ZEITGEIST Wonder

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things to do in

February

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A treat for children this half-term. Take them into Bath Abbey (you just need to make a donation of what you can afford) to peer up at a swarm of colourful paper butterflies. iMigration 2 by sculptor Anthony Head first showed his fluttering display for Forest of Imagination last summer. Now the exotic visitors are back and can be seen from Wednesday 8 February right through to 8 February next year.

Listen Actor Tony Robinson is to be the narrator at the world premiere in Bath Abbey on Saturday 4 March, of a new work by American composer Peter Ash, setting Roald Dahl’s The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me to music. The new piece is called The Pelicantata and it will be performed by Stroud Choral Society with children’s voices by the Minpins, the society’s children’s choir.

Tickets are on sale from Bath Box Office, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

Booking begins this month for the new-look Bath Festival, which takes place in May, offering a programme of literature and music events. Those who hanker after classical music by internationally renowned musicians will be satisfied, as will those who enjoy a debate about what impact Donald Trump’s presidency has had on the world.

There’ll be stars aplenty in the festival line-up, including household favourite, Bathonian Mary Berry, pictured here with her dog Darcey. She’ll be at The Forum on Saturday 20 May to talk about her life in cooking. There will also be a dog-themed event – a first, we think, for The Bath Festival – led by writer India Knight.

We’ve picked 30 festival highlights to whet your cultural appetite, see Page 22.

Create An artist who wants people to throw water at her and an appeal for Bath people to lend their homes as exhibition spaces are among the unusual requests of Bath’s annual visual arts festival, FaB Festival, which takes place from Friday 26 May to Sunday 11 June.

Submissions are being sought now – the deadline is Thursday 27 March – and ideas from artists and creative people are all welcome. There are a variety of themes to submit projects for: l Embodied Cartographies: in other words exploring concepts around walking, with a series of events and an exhibition. l FaB art market: makers and artists can rent a stall for £20 at the street art market on Sunday 4 June. l Gender Fluid: the festival invites submissions that challenge convention on

this contemporary topic. l From Artist’s to Child’s Hand: looking for original illustrations from published books for an exhibition showing that books (particularly children’s books) are collections of works of art. l Refuge: in search of safety. Another topical subject, in which artists are invited to explore what seeking, finding, giving or losing a place of safety really means. l Proposals for the Public: come up with small acts or interventions into people’s everyday lives. There is no charge to enter ideas for this project, although most of the exhibitions carry a £20 admin charge per artist, per show.

To find out more about these – and other projects in the 2017 FaB Festival (run entirely by volunteers) visit: fringeartsbath.co.uk.

Witness Modern history unfolds itself in news photographs. Victoria Art Gallery is showing more than 75 images – from as diverse events as the Spanish Civil War, the so-called Troubles of Northern Ireland to young men protesting in Tiananmen Square in China. History Through a Lens: Iconic Photographs from the Incite Project, will be at the gallery from Saturday 25 February until Wednesday 10 May. Each photograph will have an explanatory caption, forming a journey through the past.

Admission £4, but free to under 21s and to Discovery Card holders.

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SOLDIERS IN THE STREETS: photographer Don McCullin captured this dramatic scene in Northern Ireland 1970/71

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THE CITY THE BUZZ

Heritage The people of Bath are being invited to get behind a citywide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the building of the Royal Crescent this year.

Heritage Lottery funding of £69,200 has been awarded to the Bath Preservation Trust, which runs No1 Royal Crescent and other historic museums in Bath. The trust was formed in 1934 by volunteers dedicated to protecting Bath’s unique architectural heritage – a mission it continues to pursue today.

The foundation stone at the Georgian masterpiece was laid on 19 May 1767 and since then it has become one of the most famous buildings in Britain.

The project will include exhibitions, debates, community events, guided walks and artworks exploring the enduring power of a single building. Primarily focused in and around the Trust’s three museums, there are also activities in partnerships with Bath Festivals, RIBA South West and The Natural Theatre Company. The hashtag #royalcrescent250 will be used on social media.

The Trust’s celebrations include: • Six exhibitions at No1 Royal Crescent, The Museum of Bath Architecture and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy through which the Royal Crescent, its architecture, social history and influence will be interpreted and explained.

• A programme of 60 plus events, including walks, talks, tours, workshops, debates and activities.

• New digital resources to enable a wider range of people to learn about the Royal Crescent and its legacy.

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My BATH

We ask Emilie Giotti, photographer and assistant studio manager at Divine Divas Boudoir Photography what she’s up to You and your colleague Harriet were recently featured on ITV’s How to Lose Weight Well.

How did you enjoy the experienc?

Living on the green smoothie diet was fantastic for the first week, very miserable for the second. It’s a great way to get some fruit and veg into your diet quickly. For dinner I was allowed a vegan meal which was worth coming home to – one of my absolute favourites was a delicious butternut squash coconut curry packed with veg, the best bit of all was it was a good portion size. I still make the evening meal recipes now.

It was great until the second week hit and I just couldn’t stomach another smoothie, my desire to not cheat meant that I was only taking in half a smoothie instead of two big flasks and half of my evening meal a day, so I was starving and working full-time as well was tough. Luckily working with Harriet kept me going as she knew exactly how I felt. I had no energy and felt low at times, which was a big turnaround from the first week. Harriet did the opposite and felt great on the second week. If you are going to do it, I would suggest you stick to one week.

It was a very expensive diet, as even if you buy lots of fruit and veg you find it’s gone in a matter of days. It was a nightmare for your teeth, I felt like I had a woolly jumper in my mouth for months.

Did you lose weight on the TV diet?

Harriet lost 9lbs and I lost 6lbs in two weeks.

We’ve have both managed to keep the weight off. I’ve lost just over a stone since by not eating so many carbs, but more importantly stopped worrying so much about it and learning to love ourselves a bit more. I can safely say I haven’t even touched my blender since I did the diet but it completely changed how I ate. I was in a rut before the show, stuck in carb hell. I now love cooking and don’t see it as a chore.

Did appearing on TV gain you attention?

We’ve had the most amazing positive response from people, especially women wanting their own boudoir session. The studio phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I don’t think I’ll ever live it down that I dream about mash-potato sandwiches! No one has asked me on tips for

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the green smoothie diet yet but I’ve heard a lot of people are now trying the bone broth diet, which Harriet was on.

Where do like to go out to eat and drink?

I’m coeliac so it can sometimes be tricky, but we’re very lucky that Bath has such a variety of places to go. I tend to go to Cosy Club, they have the best cocktails – I recommend the English Garden. I also love to go to The Stable, Yak Yeti Yak and Koh Thai Tapas.

What is your passion or hobby?

I work as a photographer and photography is also my hobby as well as make-up. My passion is surreal fashion portraits, I love playing around with different concepts and bright colours. I work closely with various make-up artists and models. Harriet has also worked with me on several shoots doing creative hair and make-up.

What outdoor activity are you taking part in?

I decided last year that I needed to exercise more so spontaneously decided to sign up for the Bath Half Marathon, I’ve only ever run the Race for Life so this will be a big challenge but I needed to set myself a goal or I’d never do it.

What’s the worst that could happen?

What projects are you currently working on?

I adore working for Divine Divas. I love being able to give women the confidence boost they deserve. So many women need a boost, from mums to newly single women or just wanting to fall back in love with yourself. At Divine Divas, we do their hair and make-up and guide them fully during the shoot. Most women find the experience really empowering and liberating. Valentine’s Day is one of our busiest times of year with people ordering gift vouchers for their partner, or in some cases with their partner, as we also do couples shoots. Harriet and I each did a boudoir shoot at the end of the diet, it helped us feel happier in our own bodies and made us forget about all those little hang-ups we had. Everyone deserves to be pampered and feel beautiful. It’s so important to me to have photographs of yourself that you’re proud of. n

We’re following @popupdocs – a Bath-based touring cinema taking film to audiences in unusual settings. A series of events is planned, beginning with a pre-Oscars screening of some of the world’s best short films on Friday 24 February.

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2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 thebathmag.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2017 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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Celebrate February Birthdays with a gift of this month’s Birthstone – Amethyst Restore, Repair and Wear

Have something new made from old, repair a piece you treasure or have a loved piece cleaned and restored.

Our Goldsmiths will be delighted to help, no task too small with our ‘2017 Spring Clean’ service.

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GUEST | COLUMNIST

KEEPING THE WORLD FLOWING SARAH KELLETT ROTORK’S COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST HIGHLIGHTS THE GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BATH BASED BUSINESS

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ince the time of the Romans, flow control has played an important role in the culture of Bath and been a major contributor to the prosperity of the city. It was the Romans who first used valves to control the flow of the hot springs to create what we now know as Aquae Sulis.

Today, when you turn on a tap or switch on a light, turn on a gas hob or put fuel in your car, a flow control product is being used somewhere in the process of delivering that service. There is a good chance that it is a flow control product manufactured by Rotork and therefore still part of Bath’s heritage.

Sixty years ago in 1957, engineering entrepreneur Jeremy Fry began the business of designing and manufacturing the first Rotork valve actuators in a workshop at his Widcombe Manor home. From this beginning the company has grown into a FTSE 250 listed market-leading international flow control business. Headquartered at Brassmill Lane, the Rotork Group now encompasses 27 manufacturing plants in 11 countries and employs over 3,750 people worldwide.

Rotork is firmly rooted in Bath and recognises the importance of its loyal local workforce to the company’s success. Several hundred are employed at Brassmill Lane, which has always been a manufacturing plant for one of the company’s flagship product ranges as well as the worldwide administration centre. The company will soon embark on a complete redevelopment of its Brassmill Lane site to replace the existing buildings with a purpose built modern factory incorporating extensive research and development laboratories.

The Rotork apprentice scheme is further evidence of the value that Rotork places on local employment and the importance of investing in its own talent in order to succeed.

The award-winning scheme has been running almost since the company began and during this time many of these apprentices have become well-known figures in Rotork, some rising to senior management positions. The range of apprentice programmes is designed to develop each individual in order for them to progress and, as a truly international company, Rotork offers its apprentices the opportunity to work around the world.

Rotork is also actively involved with local schools, colleges and universities, and was a

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RIVERSIDE HQ: an artist’s impression of the new purpose-built Rotork factory planned for Brassmill Lane, subject to planning permission founding member of the Bath Education Trust that was set up with the aim of developing employability of local students.

Rotork chief executive Peter France, himself born and educated in Bath, comments: “We are very proud of our apprentice scheme with the programme designed to develop each individual in order for them to progress to their full potential. Each year we take on new apprentices and we currently have 15 at the Bath site.”

Rotork products and services support the global oil and gas, conventional and renewable power generation, water and waste treatment and environmental protection industries, helping to ensure that the benefits of modern technologies such as clean energy, safe drinking water and improved environments are available to an increasing proportion of the world’s population.

You don’t have to look very far to see Rotork products in action. For example at Wessex Water sites Rotork actuators control the processes that filter the water we drink and clean up the effluent that we put into the sewers, keeping the holiday beaches clean.

The fuel in our cars is delivered to the filling station in a road tanker that has probably driven from the tank farm in Avonmouth.

This tank farm is the last link in the production chain involving onshore or offshore production in the North Sea, Middle East or further afield, transportation by ship and pipeline, storage and refining in Europe or the UK. At every stage, Rotork flow control equipment and instrumentation has a role to play; as well as improving the efficiency and safety of the production and transportation processes, Rotork intelligent technologies monitor the plant to optimise performance

and recognise and isolate potential problems that could interrupt routine operations.

In our power stations Rotork actuators control the dampers that ensure that boilers operate efficiently and the valves in the circuits that deliver superheated steam to the turbines which generate the electricity. Rotork equipment is also a vital part of the desulphurisation, LoNox and other specialised emission reduction processes now installed on conventional power stations to minimise their environmental impact. Other industries served by Rotork include surface and underground mining applications, ship building, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), pulp and paper, food and beverages, medical equipment and general manufacturing.

The list of projects that Rotork is currently involved with includes the world’s largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant, under construction in Morocco. This site will cover 6,000 acres and will be capable of generating up to 580 MW of electricity from the power of the sun.

In India, hundreds of specialised emergency shutdown Rotork actuators are being installed at sites throughout the country as part of a worldwide programme to improve the environmental and safety standards at oil storage installations. In the Middle East, where Rotork equipment has been an integral part of the oil and gas industries for over half a century, Rotork products are now also installed at large new desalination plants that convert seawater into fresh water for the benefit of the local population and environment alike.

The above is just a tiny snapshot of all the activity that emanates from Brassmill Lane.

Visit: rotork.com to find out more. n

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LIFE | IN | BOOKS

FEEL THE FEAR: DO IT ANYWAY Georgette McCready talks to Caroline Ambrose, founder of the Bath Novel Awards, campaigner for Save Our Library and successful TV game show contestant

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wo centuries after Jane Austen, Bath continues its tradition as a city of literary success. Each year, hundreds of writers from all over the world nervously submit their manuscripts to the Bath Novel Awards, in the hope that it will change their lives forever.

Caroline Ambrose, founder of the awards, launched them in 2013 after her own experience of being an unsigned novelist. She says now: “My book was pretty awful, but it was long-listed for awards and it made me think that some of them weren’t serving these writers well.”

Now the Bath Novel adult award attracts around 1,000 entries and rewards its winner with a £2,000 first prize and an introduction to a suitable agent. Since its inception unsigned novelists across the globe have found themselves literary agents, and some have gone on to win traditional publishing deals.

The latest success story from the awards is Baby Doll by Hollie Overton (published by Penguin Random House), which is on the current Richard and Judy reading list and in The Sunday Times top ten bestseller lists. Look out too for Friend Request by 2016 runner-up Laura Marshall and Rainbirds by 2015 winner Clarissa Goenawan, due to be published next year.

Caroline, who is married to Bathbased landscape architect Andrew Grant, reads around 2,000 manuscripts a year for the awards.

The couple live on the rural outskirts of Bath, at Lyncombe, with their two young daughters and although Caroline insists she leads a quiet, secluded existence, her life story and experiences are every bit as fascinating as some of the books she selects for the awards’ shortlist.

She says: “We didn’t have much money when I was growing up in Macclesfield and my escape was through books. I spent a lot of time in the local library, reading and doing what so many other kids in my situation did, exploring the world through books.”

After university Caroline went to work for The Body Shop. Rising through the ranks Caroline gained experience at all levels, becoming a development manager and later working for some global names, including the British Aiports Authority.

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“But everything changed for me after a close friend died tragically young, then 9/11 happened and suddenly I found myself thinking about my long absent dad, who’d set off alone to sail the world. He was an eccentric and I’d never spent much time with him. So, I managed to track him down and joined him for two three month stints sailing together.”

She says now that this was the best of times and the worst of times. She was terribly seasick, the pair of them were living in a confined space, coping with basic living conditions.

But they also visited all kinds of interesting places and experienced life enhancing adventures.

So what brought Caroline to Bath in 2001? She smiles: “I came here for the love of Mr A Grant.”

And here she’s made her own happy ever after, busy raising her family.

Caroline enjoys taking her children to Bath Central Library, which is how she became aware of cost-cutting plans by Bath and North East Somerset Council to move the library from its purpose-built space above Waitrose in the Podium, to the council-owned One Stop Shop building in Manvers Street.

Caroline, her friend Dionne Pemberton and a group of other

library users were galvanised into action by a 78-year-old volunteer Julie Hazelwood, who raised concerned about the loss of professional librarians’ jobs and of a diminished service for readers. And so the Save Bath Library campaign was born, with an online petition and a mass protest outside the library which caught the attention of national TV and press.

At the time of writing Caroline and her fellow campaigners were pressing councillors and officers for more facts about the new library, which has been described as a modernisation of services.

She said: “The central library was purpose built in an ideal accessible location and used by 500,000 people a year. Yet there has been no meaningful consultation with locals and a woeful lack of specifics behind the £800k a year savings claim.

Turning the Podium library into council offices seems like a game of musical chairs and waste of public funds in terms of avoidable refurbishment and relocation costs.

I’ve yet to hear one good reason why the library and offices can’t be made to work in their existing sites. There is also a rather vague statement about the “replacement” space in Manvers Street being largely bookless with a

LITERARY EXPLORER: main picture, Caroline Ambrose, founder of the Bath Novel Awards Entries are now being taken for the next Bath Novel Award.

There is a £25 entry fee and the deadline is 24 April. For full terms, conditions and entry criteria, visit: bathnovelaward. co.uk

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LIFE | IN | BOOKS facility to order books online for collection at a future date, without explanation of how and where this has been tested and proven to work.”

The campaign group will continue to try to persuade councillors to vote against the changes in the library service. A protest is being planned for Tuesday 14 February outside the Guildhall from 5pm as Bath and North East Somerset Council is due to make its vote on the subject at its budget meeting, which begins at 6.30pm.

In talking about decision making in life Caroline confesses that she’s learned that if she’s afraid of something then it’s generally something worth saying yes to. This worked to her advantage when a friend asked her to accompany her to an audition for TV show Countdown. Over the space of a couple of years Caroline followed her win on Countdown with another on Pointless and a successful appearance on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? which brought home £50,000.

With a ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ approach we watch with interest to see what Caroline will achieve next. Meanwhile, she shared her favourite book choices with us.

CAROLINE’S TOP TEN BOOKS The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid Blyton This was a favourite childhood book and I read it now with my own children who long to taste toffee shocks, pop cakes or ride the slippery slip. It’s the story of four children who discover a gigantic magic tree in the woods inhabited by characters such as Moon-face, Silky the fairy and a Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, high in the clouds, is a ladder leading to a magic land which changes all the time and can be good, bad and everything in between. My work feels a bit like that now. A typical day starts with four hours of reading, with just the sound of the wind in the trees in the background, opening each new manuscript without knowing what I’m going to find, where the writer is going to take me, whether this will be one of the magic ones.

Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit – Jeanette Winterson The book of my teenage years. I grew up in the north west in poverty and the most dysfunctional family imaginable and completely identified with this tale of a girl from a working class family every bit as odd as mine, whose life was changed by her local library full of words she could trust.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare English was always my favourite subject by far but I never dreamt that my love of books could ever be a career. One day a teacher took me aside after she’d read an essay I wrote on Hamlet and said: ‘you do know, this isn’t just A level standard, it’s university

standard,’ and that lead to me going on to study literature at the University of Birmingham, including a memorable term at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford Upon Avon.

Body and Soul – Anita Roddick Straight out of university, I was offered a graduate management trainee post at The Body Shop and worked my way from the shopfloor to business development manager. This was the late 80s, when The Body Shop went through a massive transformation and expansion from a few branches to a global franchise. I spent six exciting years managing stores and campaigning on issues such as cosmetic testing on animals and a range of environmental issues. Anita was a daring, principled and often unpredictable trailblazer, a force of nature and role model in terms of combining social responsibility and commercial creativity.

Chambers Book of Facts I read this book for an hour every day for five years not long after I moved to Bath for love in 2001. I’d just returned from a six months’ career gap sailing the Atlantic with my late dad and stumbled into the extraordinary world of TV game shows as a contestant. Going on the telly terrifies me to the point of having a kind of out of body moment where I go completely blank and then find I can remember facts I wouldn’t normally know. I did 14 shows and managed to win on everything from The Weakest Link to Who Wants to be a Millionaire and clung to this book like a life raft.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night – Mark Haddon A perfect example of what I love in a novel.

A voice you’ve never heard before that stops you in your tracks, character-driven plot, clean prose and tightly layered plot that makes me cry and laugh. It’s a little masterpiece and I can’t wait to see it at the Theatre Royal in March.

The Northern Lights trilogy – Philip Pullman These are probably the novels I most wish I’d found in our entry pile. I think about Lyra’s story often and always feel a pang of envy when someone tells me they’re about to read it for the first time.

The Casual Vacancy – JK Rowling Not my favourite of hers but is one of the things I would grab from my house if it was burning down because she signed it for me.

It’s nothing to do with the value, it’s what it represents. I’m part of the team who look after author events and signings for The Bath

Literature Festival so have a collection of many lovely signed books, but this is the one I treasure most. I admire her enormously – as an author and as a person. From a famously poverty-stricken beginning, she changed the face of children’s literature while staying principled and never afraid to speak out against prejudice and ignorance of any kind.

Eyam Parish Register, 1630 – 1700 – edited

by John and Francine Clifford This is my current library book and so is here as a symbol of all the hundreds of books I’ve borrowed. This book is out of print and incredibly rare, but was tracked down for me by the wonderful Bath Central librarians for a research piece I’m doing about a Peak District village I’m deeply fond of and after Bath, the place I’d most like to live.

Precocious – Joanna Barnard I could have made a whole top ten just from the novels we’ve discovered at The Bath Novel Award, but this book was the first time we had the thrill of seeing someone’s life changed by our prize. Jo’s multi-rejected manuscript won our inaugural prize in 2014 and was promptly signed by a leading literary agent and sold in a heated four-way publishing auction. It’s such clever book, received as a ‘modern day Lolita’ and it never gets old to know you’ve made a big difference to someone else’s life. Publishing is incredibly hard to break into, with many agents taking on only one or two writers a year from thousands of submissions. We shine a light on new talent and all our winners now have great agents and signed book deals.

I’m so proud of them all and can’t wait to see what we’re going to discover next. n

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GIFTED | IDEAS

THE TRUE

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

ROMANTIC

Fantasme du Roi, suspender tanga set by Aubade, one of France’s finest lingerie companies, £197.

LITTLE GIFTS TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’

The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath, BA1 2JU. Tel: 01225 330563 or visit: dressingroombath.com

GIFT GUIDE

THE LOVING SPOONFUL ’Big Love’ spoon by Alessi, £4.95.

Quadri, 16 Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ. Tel: 01225 329212 or visit: quadri.co.uk

DIAMONDS (and rubies) ARE FOREVER Handmade in Bath, this dazzling ruby and diamond eternity ring set in 18ct gold and platinum, £2,695.

The Gold & Platinum Studio, 19 Northumberland Place, Bath, BA1 5AR. Tel: 01225 462300 or visit:goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

THE GENTLE TOUCH The soft leather gloves shown here in coral red are the perfect romantic touch. Made by Dents, £59, Available at Jollys, Milsom Street, Bath, or visit: dents.co.uk

LOVE AND BUBBLES

ETERNAL LOVE

Celebrating love deserves a great quality moment to be remembered. This Champagne Laurent Perrier, Brut Cuvée Rosé NV will turn a moment into a real occasion, £60.

Platinum ruby and diamond pave set half eternity ring, £1,950.

EP Mallory & Son Ltd, 1 - 5 Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AP. Tel: 01225 788800 or visit: mallory-jewellers.com

Great Western Wine, Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AP. Tel: 01225 322810 or visit: greatwesternwine.co.uk

EARRING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE “You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.”

– Audrey Hepburn.

These beautiful cup earrings will really make a sparkling, romantic gift, from £160.

Tina Engell, 29 Belvedere, Bath, BA1 5HR. Tel: 01225 443334 or visit: www.tinaengell.com SWEETEST HEARTS

ROMANTIC THRILLERS These super stylish black and white diamond drop earrings in 9ct gold (£485) and matching pendant necklace (£540) make the most glamourous gift set.

Jody Cory Goldsmiths, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY. Tel: 01225 460072 or visit: jodycory.co.uk

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For the sweetest treat we found these delicious milk chocolate hearts in a ‘Little Box of Love’ at the San Francisco Fudge Factory, £3.50 per box.

6 Church Street, Bath, BA1 1NL. Tel: 01225 425714 or visit: sanfranciscofudge.co.uk

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Rare

WIN a piece of Wylde jewellery and a romantic stay in Bath for two, worth £3,000+

and

Beautiful

in the #WyldeatHeart Valentine’s Competition to launch their 30th Anniversary celebrations!

N

icholas Wylde celebrates 30 years of business in 2017 and has launched a year-long programme of special events, promotions and exciting ways to mark the occasion. Having started in Bath in 1987, Nicholas has always been at the forefront of innovations to ensure his business is continually moving forward in what’s known as the ‘Wylde Effect’!

18ct White gold 0.34ct Diamond Ring £895

To start their anniversary promotions, They are holding a special competition from 16 January – 13 February where one lucky couple can win a luxurious stay in Bath, sampling the delights of the Georgian city and also win an exquisite piece of Nicholas Wylde jewellery, which could even be a unique Wylde Flower Diamond®!

The Joel Pendant

The prize includes an overnight stay in the illustrious Royal Crescent Hotel which is currently celebrating its 250 year anniversary, they will also enjoy breakfast and champagne for two, a visit to Bath Thermae Spa, flowers, a professional photo shoot and a piece of Nicholas Wylde jewellery of their choice (up to a value of £2,000). The total prize value £3,000+.

How to enter: To be in with a chance of winning this spectacular prize couldn’t be easier and you can enter a total of four times to increase your chances...

• Online: Simply head over to www.nicholaswylde.com, fill in the entry form online, then follow instructions to submit your entry.

• Or with the ‘Lucky 3’ Nicholas Wylde social media platforms Follow and watch out for special ‘Competition Posts’ enabling you to ‘Like & Win’.

Facebook: facebook.com/nicholaswylde.jeweller.and.goldsmith/ Twitter: twitter.com/NicholasWylde Instagram: instagram.com/wyldepix/

LIGHTING SPECIALIST

The competition is open to all UK residents 18 years and over and runs from January 16th – February 13th. The winner will be notified on Valentine’s Day. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Nicholas Wylde website. Good luck! n

Nicholas Wylde, Goldsmith & Jeweller, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR Tel: 01225 462826

8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9.30AM – 5.30PM, SATURDAY 9.30AM – 5.00PM

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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS The Bath Festival 2017 programme is unveiled this month, but as media partner we’re pleased to offer you a sneak preview of some of the most exciting events

COMING TO BATH: top, Lorraine Pascale, Sir Salman Rushdie, above, Sam Sweeney, Charley Boorman, Harriet Harman Below, Georgie Fame, a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho which will be accompanied by live music, Fay Weldon and Madeleine Peyroux (picture courtesy of Marina Chavez)

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BATH | FESTIVAL 17

T

he advertising campaign for the new-look Bath Festival invites us to ‘Jump in.’ From the Party in the City opening night of free live music at venues all over Bath, on Friday 19 May, right through to the closing notes of US a capella group Naturally 7 on Sunday 28 May, the new multi-arts festival offers a celebration of music and words, written, spoken and sung.

Whatever your passion in life, be it gardening, politics, pets, children, jazz, folk or even murder, there’ll be an event at The Bath Festival 2017 to tickle your fancy. Organisers of this year’s programme have arranged a smorgasbord of musical and literary happenings, with all sorts – and all ages – of audiences in mind.

Sir Salman Rushdie, Thursday 25 May, The Forum. A giant of modern literature, Salman Rushdie, approaching his 70th birthday, is making his only UK appearance outside London this year.

The author of such ground-breaking novels as Midnight’s Children and The Satanic Verses and the remarkable memoir of his time in hiding, Joseph Anton, will be talking to festival artistic director Alex Clark.

A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN John Cullum, chair of Bath Festivals, said: “We will celebrate the city of Bath with The Bath Festival over ten days in May by creating a more visible arts festival building on Bath’s heritage of successful music and literature festivals. The festival will have an accessible and vibrant programme that embraces the wider performing arts, with broad appeal for our city, engaging the wider community and our valued visitors.

The events will take place across the exciting range of social and community spaces that our city offers.

Leading thinkers, writers and musicians will perform with the most gifted new talent emerging on the global stage. The festival will also provide a platform for the year-round extensive learning and participation programme that Bath Festivals runs for over 6,000 young people, many with few opportunities to engage with the arts.”

The programme has been put together by artistic directors Alex Clark (literature), David Jones and James Waters (music) – inviting audiences to enjoy performances, exchange ideas, enable discussions and stop the world for a moment to listen to one another.

1

US politics: Trump’s First Months in Office, Saturday 20 May, St Swithin’s Church.

American author Lionel Shriver (best known for We Need to Talk About Kevin), academic Sarah Churchwell and Tim Dowling will be joined by guests to assess Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office as American President. We’ve all got a view about this much-talked about US President, so this promises to be a lively and informed discussion.

2

Moxie: Silver Screen Goddesses, Saturday 20 May, Assembly Rooms. In the 1930s and 40s Hollywood had a love affair with bold, outspoken female stars. Writer Sarah Churchwell pays tribute to these sassy – the meaning of the word moxie – women.

3

Bob Dylan: A Celebration, Saturday 20 May, The Forum.

He didn’t turn up to receive his Nobel Prize for Literature so it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see Mr Zimmerman at The Forum.

Nonetheless this is a chance to join with fellow Dylanologists for an evening of music and discussion and to mull over his power both as a musician and as a poet. Chaired by Danny Kelly, ex NME and Q magazine editor.

4

Killer Women: a discussion on women and crime fiction, Sunday 20 May, Assembly Rooms. The majority of readers of crime are women and yet some people deride the genre as being misogynist, on account of the high female body count. Guardian crime reviewer Laura Wilson will be joined by Bath based thriller writer Sarah Hilary (creator of the Marnie Rome series), Erin Kelly (author of The Poison Tree) and Mel McGrath (who as MJ McGrath wrote The Bone Seeker) – all members of the Killer Women writing group.

5

Ali Smith: Autumn, Sunday 21 May, Assembly Rooms. Ali Smith evokes Charles Dickens in her new novel Autumn: “It was the worst of times, it was the worst of times” It was written last summer as global and national events unfolded and invokes Dickens’s famous lines to bring us a country in crisis – and yet one where love, beauty and art still thrive. In conversation with Alex Clark.

6

From Your Ever Loving Son Jack, music and readings, Monday 22 May, Assembly Rooms. Teenage soldier Jack Ellicott wrote letters home from his time at the front in the First World War. His great nephew, tenor singer Joshua Ellicot, will read from those letters and will sing songs from the period – a poignant reminder of every mother’s son who went to war at that time.

7

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho with live orchestra, Monday 22 May, The Forum. This promises to be an atmospheric screening of the classic thriller as Jason Thornton, conductor for the Bath Philharmona, adds Bernard Herrman’s original soundtrack music to the film as it unfolds.

8

UNDER DISCUSSION: The Bath Festival looks Stateside to consider the music and lyrics of Bob Dylan and the first 100 days of US President Donald Trump (picture courtesy of Michael Candelori)

Brexit: What next? Tuesday 23 May, The Forum. Everyone has an opinion on the vote which split the nation last summer. Join Politics.co.uk editor Ian Dunt, who believes Brexit will make us poorer, will be debating with pro-Brexiteer Telegraph columnist Liam Halligan who sees it as an opportunity for Britain. Hear what your fellow Bathonians have to say about these uncharted political waters.

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BATH | FESTIVAL 17

Charley Boorman: Long Way Back, Tuesday 23 May, Assembly Rooms. Popular adventurer and motorcylist, some-time travelling companion to his friend Ewan McGregor, Charley’s life took a turn for the worst last year when he was involved in a major traffic accident. Long Way Back tells the story of his recovery as well as delving into his childhood (he’s the son of film director John Boorman), plus his enduring love of motorbikes.

10

Georgie Fame and the Guy Barker Big Band, Tuesday 23 May, The Forum. One of the biggest names in British popular jazz, pianist and singer Georgie Fame made his name in the 1960s pop charts and has continued to wow audiences ever since.

11

Martin Carthy and Sam Sweeney, Tuesday 23 May, Masonic Hall at the Old Theatre Royal. Martin Carthy is one of the giants of contemporary British folk and hugely respected. In a historic first he’ll be joining ex-Bellowhead violin player Sam Sweeney and audiences will be treated to the pair of them playing together.

12

Kate Summerscale: The Wicked Boy, Wednesday 24 May, Assembly Rooms.

The story of the Somerset Rode House murder, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, was a bestseller. Now Kate Summerscale has turned her forensic eye to another real-life case. The Wicked Boy explores the facts behind two Victorian children living in London’s slums who murdered their mother.

13

The Last Royal Rebel: James, Duke of Monmouth, Wednesday 24 May, Assembly Rooms. Anna Keay’s account of the ‘very dissolute and

14

irregular life’ (his words) of James, the illegimate son of Charles II, will be of particular interest to west country audiences, as this was very much a regional rebellion. Somerset in the 17th century saw a series of skirmishes and battles (including the Battle of Sedgemoor near Bridgwater), ending in James’ capture and subsequent execution for treason.

Lorraine Pascale, Wednesday 24 May, Assembly Rooms. The popular TV presenter of Baking Made Easy and How to be a Better Cook comes to Bath to talk about her latest book, Bake. She’ll be talking about her career move from model to TV chef and talking about her recipes for successful baking.

15

Caleb Femi and Vanessa Kisuule, Thursday 25 May, Moles. One of Bath’s coolest venues fittingly plays host to one of the country’s coolest modern poets. Caleb Femi treated The Bath Festival to a taster of his powerful spoken word grime at the festival launch by the Roman Baths a few months ago, leaving people wanting to hear more. London’s first Young People’s Laureate will be joined on staged by Roundhouse Poetry Slam winner Vanessa Kisuule.

16

The Big Bath Debate: Food, Friday 26 May, Assembly Rooms. Modern man and woman face an onslaught of conflicting information about the food we eat. On the one hand, we hear about world food scarcity and rising prices, on the other hand chefs and bakers entice us to indulge. Telegraph food columnist Xanthe Clay joins fellow food writer Joanna Blythman and Dead Zone author Philip Lymbery to discuss the big subject – whether the food we buy and eat is about pleasure or pain.

17

Dan Pearson: Natural Selection, A Year in the Garden, Friday 26 May, Assembly Rooms. Popular gardening writer and landscape designer Dan Pearson will talk us through 12 months in the garden, from his city plot in Peckham to the 20 acres of hillside he gardens in Somerset. He brings infectious enthusiasm and knowledge about the natural world and plants.

18

VARIETY OF TOPICS: left to right, Victoria Hislop on Greece, Ed Balls on politics and ballroom dancing and Dan Pearson on plants

Victoria Hislop: Cartes Postales from Greece, Friday 26 May, Assembly Rooms. The author of best-selling novels set in Greece, The Island and The Thread, she brings us Cartes Postales from Greece, a delightful tour of the lesser known corners. Unusually for a novel, this includes photographs, adding another dimension to her story telling powers.

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The Good Immigrant, Friday 26 May, Komedia.

In his introduction to this collection of 21 essays by black and ethnic minority writers, editor Nikesh Shukla states: “The biggest burden facing people of colour in this country is that society deems us bad immigrants – job-stealers, benefitscroungers, girlfriend-thieves, refugees – until we cross over in their consciousness, through popular culture, winning races, baking good cakes, being conscientious doctors, to become good immigrants. And we are so tired of that burden.” JK Rowling has acclaimed this book as both timely and important. Join the debate with readings and a panel discussion, plus music from DJ Tone.

20

India Knight, Saturday 27 May, Komedia. Novelist and Sunday Times columnist (and prolific Tweeter) India Knight has written a paean of praise to our canine companions. The

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Goodness of Dogs combines her love of dogs with a guide to choosing, caring for and living with them.

Bryony Gordon: Mad Girl and Beyond, Saturday 27 May, The Forum. Bryony Gordon has won admiration and followers, not only for her regular newspaper and magazine columns but for her candid, and funny confessional books, The Wrong Knickers and Mad Girl. She’ll be in conversattion with Cathy Rentzenbrik, author of The Last Act of Love. Expect some honest, articulate and sympathetic talk about how to negotiate life’s trials and tribulations.

22

John Simpson: We Chose to Speak of War and Strife, Saturday 27 May, Komedia. The veteran war correspondent will bring first hand accounts of what it’s like to be on the front line of history. He’ll be talking about his profession, sharing experiences and those from others, including Ernest Hemingway and Marie Colvin.

23

Colm Tóibín, Saturday 27 May, the Assembly Rooms. Irish novelist, journalist and poet Colm Tóibín, whose 2008 book Brooklyn won the Costa Novel of the Year, is to talk to festival artistic director Alex Clark about his new novel. House of Names is a re-telling of the bloody and revengeful tale of ancient Greek couple Agamemnon and Clytemnestra – a timeless story of betrayal and infidelity that still resonates today.

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Madeleine Peyroux, Saturday 27 May, The Forum. Simply a beautiful singer with great emotional interpretation, the American jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux won legions of British fans when she released Careless Love in 2004. Her latest album Secular Hymns, was recorded in a church in Oxfordshire. She is equally powerful delivering her own material as her exquisite covers for writers from Dylan and Cohen to Tom Waits and Jacques Brel. This is her only west country tour date.

25

Harriet Harman: A Woman’s Work, Sunday 27 May, Assembly Rooms.

Britain now has its second female prime minister in Theresa May, but what really has changed for women in politics in the last 50 years? And what impact can they make on the lives of the women they represent? Join former Acting Labour Leader Harriet Harman to explore these and other pressing questions.

26

Sophie Hannah, Sunday 27 May, Assembly Rooms.

Imagine being asked to follow in the literary footsteps one of your favourite authors, and imagine if that author was Dame Agatha Christie, doyenne of Golden Age detective fiction. Acclaimed crime writer Sophie Hannah rose to the challenge in two new Hercules Poriot novels, The Monogram Murders and Closed Casket. The Sunday Times bestseller shares some of the story of how she donned the mistress of crime’s mantle and the genre of the murder mystery.

27

Ed Balls: Speaking Out, Sunday 28 May, Assembly Rooms. Fresh from his triumph – at least in the entertaining stakes – on Strictly Come Dancing – the former Labour front bencher is coming to Bath to talk about life in and out of politics as charted in his memoir. Will this be our chance to ask him what he’s going to do next or will we simply want to ask him about his gangnam style?

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Margaret Drabble and Fay Weldon, Sunday 28 May, Masonic Hall at the Old Theatre Royal. On past experience expect some fireworks from this pair of legendary British women writers.

Margaret Drabble talks about the joys of growing old disgracefully and on having a good death in her novel The Dark Flood Rises. Fay Weldon, who is Professor of creative writing at Bath Spa University, will talk about her sequel to 80s feminist novel The Life and Loves of a She Devil, The Death of a She Devil, due out in April.

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Opera from Georgian Bath, Sunday 25 May, Masonic Hall at the Old Theatre Royal. We all knew that William Herschel was a pioneering astronomer who lived in New King Street, Bath. But how many of us also knew that he wrote music? In the atmospheric Masonic hall of the Old Theatre Royal in the city, enjoy music

by Herschel, along with two more 18th century composers, Venenziano Rauzzini (who also lived in Bath) and Charles Dibdin. The musicians recreating the Georgian sound will be from Bath Spa University. n

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PARTY IN THE CITY: The Bath Festival’s free night of live music will take place on Friday 19 May Pictured, above is poet Caleb Femi at the launch event for this year’s festival. He is returning to Bath, where he’ll be performing at Moles Picture courtesy of Julian Foxon

TICKET SALES: the full line-up for The Bath Festival goes live online on Thursday 2 February.

General ticket sales begin Wednesday 15 February.

Visit: thebathfestival. org.uk or call the box office, tel: 01225 463362 .

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WHAT’S ON in February EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

ALL THE HITS: The Bootleg Bee Gees have toured all over Europe – they’re coming to Bath to the Chapel Arts Centre

AIRSWIMMING Wednesday 1 – Saturday 4 February, 7.30pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Old Bag Theatre Company kicks off 2017 with a darkly funny story of two women and how they support each other through 50 years in an institution. Actor and playwright Charlotte Jones, whose play Humble Boy opened at the Royal National Theatre in 2001 and who created and co-wrote the ITV series The Halcyon, wrote Airswimming after being inspired by a newspaper article on the reallife Miss Kitson and Miss Baker. Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions, from: ticketsource.co.uk or tel: 0333 666 3366.

EDITOR’S PICK STEVE KNIGHTLEY: LANDLOCKED TOUR Friday 24 February, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls Catch one of Britain’s finest contemporay songwriters, Steve Knightley, on his latest solo tour. Usually seen with awardwinning Show of Hands, Steve will be performing original and traditional songs of the land in the first half of the show, followed by songs with a nautical theme. Enjoy an evening in the excellent company of the very talented Mr Knightley.

Tickets: £16 ( £18 on the door). Tel: 01225 461700.

Jo Harman soul blues singer will be at the Wiltshire Music Centre

Maverick of modern dance Wendy Houstoun is coming to Bath Spa University

Wille and the Bandits at Chapel Arts

Steve Knightley at Chapel Arts

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WILLE AND THE BANDITS Thursday 2 February, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath A classic blue-rock three-piece in the style of Cream or the Jimi Hendrix Experience but pushing the boundaries with the addition of more bizarre instrumentation and more eclectic influences. Radio1 listeners voted Wille and the Bandits one of the top ten bands to see at Glastonbury 2014, Bob Harris speaks highly of them too. Tickets: £10 (£12 on the door), visit: chapelarts.org, or tel: 01225 461700.

Also at Chapel Arts this month JIM MORAY Friday 17 February, 7.30pm For 15 years Jim Moray has been at the forefront of a new movement in English folk, with his unmistakeable soulful and yearning voice singing old songs in a new way. His sixth album Upcetera has received the best reviews of his career, including five stars from Mojo, fRoots and R2 magazines. Tickets: £13.50 (£15 on the door).

BOOTLEG BEE GEES Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm The Bootleg Bee Gees have played all over Europe for the past 15 years. All the greatest hits are featured, from the disco sounds of Saturday Night Fever to Sixties classics Massachusetts and Words and Bee Gee songs made famous by other artists such as Chain Reaction (Diana Ross), Tragedy (Steps), How Deep is Your Love (Take That) and Grease (Frankie Valli). Tickets: £14 (£15 on the door).

ROB HERRON AND THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA Saturday 25 February, 7.30pm One of the hardest working bands on the UK roots circuit, playing a unique brand of western swing, blues, gypsy jazz and country, or north eastern swing as they’ve coined it. Tickets; £10 (£12 on the door).

MATTHEW BOURNE’S EARLY ADVENTURES Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 February, times vary n Theatre Royal, Saw Close, Bath The UK’s most successful choreographer Matthew Bourne brings a programmes of hit pieces from his career that show style, wit and

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entertainment. Tickets, tel: 01225 448844 or online: theatreroyal.org.uk.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month THE MISER Wednesday 8 – Saturday 18 February, times vary Comedian Griff Rhys Jones is joined by fellow comedian Lee Mack and actor Mathew Horne for a production of Moliere’s 17th century classic comedy about a penny-pinching miser. It opens in Bath ahead of a run in Lee Mack, Griff Rhys Jones and the West End. Mathew Horne in The Miser THE WINTER’S TALE Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 February, times vary Bath audiences are in for another treat ahead of a run in the West End, as Cheek by Jowl theatre company brings fresh life to Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Co-artistic director Declan Donnellan was awarded a lifetime achievement prize at this year’s Venice Biennale.

SEMI-MONDE Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 February, 7.45pm, matinee Saturday, 2pm n Ustinov Studio, Saw Close Bath Students from Bath Spa University revisit Noel Coward’s decadent comedy – considered so scandalous in the 1920s that it wasn’t staged until the 1970s. Tickets: £14 (£10 concessions), visit: bathspalive.com.

JO HARMAN Friday 3 February, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Jo Harman was voted Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2014.

She’s performed alongside Joan Baez and Patti Smith and is now bringing her own work to the south west, to coincide with the launch of her latest Nashville recorded album. Tickets: £17 / £8.50 u18s. Tel: 01225 860200 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk.

Also at Wiltshire Music Centre this month BETH PORTER AND THE AVAILABLES Sunday 12 February, 7pm An intimate gig in the centre’s bar by cellist and singer-songwriter Beth Porter, who has played with musicians from Eliza Carthy and Bellowhead to Newton Faulkner. Tickets: £10 / £5 u18s.

DAVID BOWIE IS Friday 17 February, 7.30pm A year on from his untimely death, the centre will be showing the documentary film about the sell-out exhibition staged at the Victoria and Albert Museum and which looks at Bowie’s remarkable life and talent. Tickets: £10 / £3 u18s.

IFORD NEW GENERATION ARTISTS Wednesday 22 February, 1pm A lunchtime operatic treat from soprano Bethany Kallan Remfry, pianist Oliver Gooch, who is also Iford Arts musical director, and bassist James Corrigan. The programme will include arias and duets by Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Korngold and Gershwin. Tickets: £10 / £5 u18s.

PACT WITH POINTLESSNESS Friday 3 February, 8pm n University Theatre, Bath Spa University, Newton Park, Newton St Loe, Bath Pact with Pointlessness is a new work by acclaimed performer and choreographer Wendy Houstoun. It’s a mix of comedy, spoken word and performance and offers a frank demonstration of how it feels to be knocked sideways by death, renegotiate and then carry on. It won the Critics Circle National Dance Award 2014 for Outstanding Female Performance (Modern). Tickets: £12 (£10 concessions), visit: bathspalive.com.

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WHAT’S | ON

Classical guitarist Craig Ogden joins Bath Philharmonia at the Assembly Rooms

A HANDFUL OF SINGERS Saturday 4 February, 7.30pm n St John the Evangelist, South Parade, Bath ‘Laudamus!’ is something of a celebration, the common theme of the three Te Deum settings by Handel, Charpentier and Haydn. Whether commissioned by the wife of the Holy Roman Emperor, Empress Marie Thérèse (Haydn), written to celebrate the Anglo/Austrian victory at Dettingen (Handel), or with an opening Rondeau, also the theme tune of the European Broadcasting Union and frequently played at victory celebrations (Charpentier), they provide a joyful programme. Handel’s anthem for the coronation of King George II, Zadok the Priest, gets the party started. A Handful of Singers is directed by conductor Christopher Finch. Quorum, a periodinstrument ensemble, is led by Alison Townley. Tickets: £15, £5 u25s, Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362, or tel: 07885 509813, or visit: ahandfulofsingers.org.

LECTURE: LEGENDS OF CZECH GLASS Monday 6 February, 1.30pm n The Guildhall, High Street, Bath Mark Hill, known to many as one of the experts on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, is this month’s guest lecturer. He’ll be speaking to members of Bath Decorative and Fine Arts Society afternoon group (non-members are very welcome) about the work of seven influential glass designers of the 20th century. Visitors £8 on the door, no booking required. Visit: bathdfas.com.

Singer Kate Dimbleby at the Ustinov

Singer Gabrielle Aplin at Komedia

Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures at the Theatre Royal PHOTO: Roy Tan

SPILLIKIN Tuesday 7 – Wednesday 8 February, 8pm n Ustinov Studio, Bath Pipeline Theatre’s uniquely touching love story visits Bath as part of a nationwide tour, following its success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Featuring a ‘robothespian’, Spillikin follows the relationship between an elderly woman, Sally, who has Alzheimer’s and her live-in robot companion, made by her late husband. As Sally’s mind fades, will the robot be more of a comfort or a threat? Moving and funny, Spillikin poses big questions about love, death, and technology.

Tickets: £14 / £10 concessions. Tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Ustinov this month KATE DIMBLEBY: SONGBIRDS Friday 17 and Saturday 18 February Professional singer Kate Dimbleby comes to Bath as part of a national tour centred on pieces from her sixth album Songbirds – a unique recording of original self-penned songs featuring nothing other than Kate’s voice without any musical accompaniment. Tickets: £14 / £10 concessions.

BATH PHILHARMONIA Thursday 9 February, 7.30pm n The Assembly Rooms, Bath Fire, passion and fantasy to warm a February evening. The programme comprises: De Falla Ritual Fire Dance, Rodrigo Guitar Concerto and Ravel Mother Goose Ballet. It features leading international classical guitarist Craig Ogden and the orchestra will be conducted by Jason Thornton. Tickets: £15 – £25 (under 16s £5) from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

LITTLE COMETS Friday 10 February, 7pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Little Comets is a five piece from north east England. From early releases on larger labels, the band now favours a model of total selfreliance. They’re the only act inside the top 200 to self-produce, record, release, market, distribute and publish an album.

Tickets: £14 from: komedia.co.uk/bath.

Also at Komedia this month GABRIELLE APLIN Wednesday 15 February, 7.30pm Gabrielle Aplin returns home to Bath with new material from her forthcoming EP. Already the 23-year-old singer who captured the

Comedian Seann Walsh at Komedia

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New Look suit by Dior at the Fashion Museum

Great Expectations by Next Stage Youth Theatre at The Mission Theatre, Corn Street

nation’s hearts for That John Lewis ad, has sales of more than two million singles, 150 million Spotify streams and 125 million Youtube views. Tickets: £16.50.

SEANN WALSH: ONE FOR THE ROAD Friday 17 February, 6.30pm With a keen observational mind, Seann Walsh can spot the absurdity in everything and convert it to perfectly delivered standup comedy. You might have seen the Lie-In King on TV, but he’s something else live – working the room and reducing crowds to hysterics. Tickets: £15.

THE HISTORY OF BATH RESEARCH GROUP: THE LOST CHURCH OF ST MARY DE STALLES Monday 13 February, 7.30pm n St Mary’s Church Hall, Bathwick Peter Davenport from Cotswold Archaeology will present a report on the latest research findings on the Lost Church of St Mary De Stalles, which once stood close to Bath Abbey. Visitors are welcome, a donation of £2 is suggested.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm (matinee Saturday, 2pm) n The Mission theatre, Corn Street, Bath Next Stage Youth brings Dickens’ classic tale Great Expectations to life through a stage adaptation by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Travel with Pip from the marshes, where he meets Magwitch, the escaped convict, to the house of the rich eccentric Miss Havisham, where he falls in love with Estella. But will Pip’s love ever be requited? A great story delivered by a talented young cast. Tickets £12 (£10 concs) Next Stage box office, tel: 01225 428600, or 01225 463362, visit: missiontheatre.co.uk, email: nextstagebath@aol.com.

JEKYLL AND HYDE Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee n Kingswood School Theatre, Kingswood School, Lansdown, Bath Zenith Youth Theatre Company presents a musical version of Jekyll and Hyde, based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring hits from award-winning Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse. A tale of two men, one a doctor, passionate and romantic, and the other, a terrifying madman. Tickets: £12 / £10 conc (Weds and Thurs), matinee all tickets £8, from tel: 01225 835301 or email: tickets@zenithytc.co.uk.

TALK: DIOR BY DIOR Thursday 16 February, 6.15pm n The Fashion Museum, Bennett Street, Bath Soizic Pfaff, chief archivist at the House of Dior, offers an insight into the Paris couture house. The museum is offering mini tours of three ensembles from the collection by the House of Dior. Arrive at 5.30pm with a ticket to the Twilight Talk if you would like a tour.

Tickets: £10 adults / £8 students, including wine reception, from the museum or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

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BATH BACH FEST Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 February n Various venues in Bath The world renowned Tallis Scholars are among the internationally acclaimed musicians descending on Bath for the annual Bach festival, which in fact encompasses work by many other great composers. Bath Decorative Antiques Fair in March Tickets sell fast, visit: bathbachfest.org.uk.

BONBON CABARET: BONBON’S LOVE-IN Thursday 16 February, 7.30pm n Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath Romance is not dead . . . but alive and well in Widcombe. A cuddlesome compere leads a kissy-kissy compendium of comedy cabaret and rib-tickling repartee. Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions, from: bathcomedy.com.

BEATRICE AND BENEDICT Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm n The Wroughton Theatre, King Edward’s School, North Road, Bath Bath Opera opens 2017 with a colourful, witty production of Beatrice and Benedict by Hector Berlioz. This comic opera is Berlioz’s take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in which two soldiers return home from the wars. Julia O’Connor sings the role of Beatrice; Benedict is sung by Rupert Drury.

Tickets: £25 Friday and Saturday; £20 Thursday, £10 students. On Friday 17 at 6.30pm there will be a talk by the director and music director. Tel: 01935 475219 or Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362.

ORGANIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS WORKSHOP Sunday 19 February, 9.45am – 4.30pm n BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath Make organic skincare products at this workshop led by senior international trainer Anna Christensen. Create personalised skincare products which suits you. Be natural, feeling good, and looking radiant and healthy. Places, to include recipes, ingredients, products to take home and lunch, are £145. More information and bookings, visit: annachristensen.eu/workshops or tel: 07811956685.

ROAD CC LIVE Sunday 26 February, 9.30am – 4.30pm n Odd Down Cycle Circuit, Chelwood Drive, Bath Enjoy exclusive use of the 1½k smooth tarmac track as you test ride some of the top brands in road and mountain bikes. There will also be electric bikes to trial. Goody bag for all attendees.

Admission: £10 in advance. Book at: roadcclive.com.

PLANNING AHEAD . . .

STUART GOLDSMITH: COMPARED TO WHAT Thursday 2 March, 7.30pm n Widcombe Social Hill, Widcombe Hill, Bath Fresh from appearances on Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central on Comedy Central, As Yet Untitled on Dave and a month of packed houses at the Edinburgh Fringe, Stuart Goldsmith presents a new hour of funny, not entirely about becoming a parent. Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions, from: bathcomedy.com.

BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR Friday 3 – Sunday 5 March, 10am – 5pm n The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath The annual fair comes to Bath for its 28th year, with more than 45 dealers offering a range of unusual pieces, from furniture and decorative household objects to original art and ceramics. Apply for free tickets from: bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk. n

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SIGNATURE | TOURS

MAKE YOUR VALENTINE’S ONE TO REMEMBER Make some memories that will last forever with Signature Bath Tours this Valentine’s Day

T

his year, treat that special someone to a priceless gift! A new and unique service is brought to you by Signature Bath Tours; a private tour and photoshoot. A day tailored around you and your loved one.

Discover the hidden history and gems of Bath.

Enjoy a two course lunch with Prosecco at one of Bath’s finest restaurants. All the while getting beautiful, candid and creative photos taken of you both. Treasure your memories from the day with the most wonderful souvenir – your own bespoke hardback photo book. n Visit: signaturebathtours.com. For enquiries and bookings, email: signaturetours@hotmail.com.

7.30pm Feb 16, 17, 18 2017 The Wroughton Theatre, King Edward’s School, North Rd, Bath BA2 6HU Bath Box Office – 01225 463362 Bath Opera Ticket Hotline – 01935 475219 Online – www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

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Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution Forthcoming events:

ART TALKS

MERCURY RISING

Friday 3rd February

GEORGE CRUIKSHANK 8TH FEBRUARY

CONSTABLE & TURNER 22ND FEBRUARY

ARTISTS & ENGINEERS 7TH MARCH

GOSSIP, POWER & CULTURE

Tuesday 7th February

CYBER SECURITY Tuesday 21st February

MEMBERS 2017 PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 17th to 31st March

Bath at Work and Play

Email: paulcrezz@hotmail.com for an application form.

Return completed form to reception by 6th March with a cheque for £10 www.brlsi.org 16 – 18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN 01225 312 084

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

TACTILE TEXTILES AND TEXTURES

February heralds the arrival of some major exhibitions in Bath, from the Bruegel dynasty to a celebration of lace making

44AD GALLERY Abbey Street, Bath Open daily, noon – 6pm A IS FOR DONKEYS . . .

Until Friday 24 February ‘A is for donkeys, and frolicking in. B is a black and gold buzz with a sting,’ so begins this intriguing, beguiling joint project of an alphabet book and exhibition by Bath-based writer Jonathan Hope and Italian illustrator Riccardo Guasco. Riccardo, whose work has featured in The New Yorker and Vogue, and his wife befriended Jonathan and his partner, Yvonne.

Yvonne and Riccardo initially created the book for a surprise party for Jonathan’s 50th birthday. Bath-based children’s literature expert Dr Alison Waller describes the work as ‘a gem of a book for all phonetics-phobic adults, linguistically curious children and funseeking English language learners and teachers.’ Signed copies are available at 44AD, Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and Oldfield Park Bookshop.

ALL CREATURES: A Cockchafer, Beetle, Woodlice and other Insects with a Sprig of Auricula by Jan Van Kessel at the Holburne

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Open daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) BRUEGEL: DEFINING A DYNASTY Saturday 11 February – Sunday 4 June This will be the UK’s first exhibition exploring the work of the Bruegel dynasty.

It follows Antwerp’s artistic dynasty across four generations through 35 works, including masterpieces lent from the National Gallery, Royal Collection Trust, the National Trust, the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

A key work in the exhibition will be Wedding Dance in the Open Air, an oil painting from the Holburne’s own collection which, following conservation

work and technical examination, can be conclusively attributed to the hand of Pieter Brueghel the Younger. It was previously thought to be the work of a copyist or follower of Brueghel, but now takes its place as the only version of this popular scene in a UK public museum. Together with Robbing the Bird’s Nest and Visit to a Farmhouse, this new discovery makes the Holburne Museum’s the leading collection of Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s work in the UK. A book Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty by Amy Orrock will be on sale in the gift shop for £16.95. Entry to the exhibition is £10 / concessions £9, free to Friends of the Holburne.

There will be many events in conjunction with the exhibition, of which more in the March issue of The Bath Magazine.

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath Tel: 01225 460189 Visit: davidsimoncontemporary.com Open: Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm and Wednesday afternoons

Long Forties by Andrew Lansley

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IMPRESSIONS ON PAPER Friday 3 – Monday 27 February The gallery’s latest exhibition is devoted to works of art on paper, through watercolour, drawing, etching and linocut prints.The show includes watercolours by Hugh Buchanan, widely considered one of the UK’s leading exponents of this medium. His work will be joined by Lydia Corbett’s watercolours with pen and ink, landscapes by Bath-based painter Andrew Lansley and etchings by Mary Jane Jones. There’ll be linocut prints by Steven Hubbard focusing on household objects, drawings and etchings inspired by natural forms from Peter Randall-Page and figures in dance by Caroline Waterlow. Alongside these works are ceramics by Keith Varney. Prices for pieces range from £80 to £10,500.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Ullswater Steamer

by Nick Cudworth

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY London Street, top of Walcot Street, Bath.

Closed on Mondays. Tel: 01225 445221 Visit: nickcudworth.com

A WINTER WORKS

Throughout February Paintings and prints from the originals which capture the light and beauty found in winter landscapes. Inspiration has come from the Cotswolds and winter visits to the Lake District.

BATH CONTEMPORARY 35 Gay Street, Bath Email: gallery@bathcontemporary.com Visit: bathcontemporary.com Twitter: @BathContemp Tel: 01225 461230 Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Sculptures and hydraulics by James Capper

THE EDGE University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath Open Tuesday to Thursday, 11am – 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am – 5pm, closed Sunday, Monday. Free admission.

Tel: 01225 386777 Visit: edgearts.org.uk JAMES CAPPER: SCULPTURE AND HYDRAULICS Friday 10 February – Saturday 8 April This free exhibition showcases sculptures, drawings and films from James Capper, one of the UK’s most exciting young sculptors. Recognisable yet other worldly, Capper’s machine-like sculptures suggest an interplay between art, technology and the natural world. The exhibition features the largest number of Capper’s works shown in the UK to date.

BOO MALLINSON Until Thursday 9 February Soft, contemplative abstracts from Boo Mallinson explore the realms of memory with an air of atmospheric weightlessness.

With a reduced palette and sensitive mark-making Mallinson expresses the essence of journeying through the south west, of countryside and coastlines, interweaving the evanescence of light and the shifting physicality of the environment with the undulating currents of human emotion.

SUMI PERERA Friday 10 – Thursday 23 February International award-winning printmaker Sumi Perera RE subtly fuses the expertise of traditional printmaking techniques with contemporary graphics. She creates beautifully constructed images and multimedia assemblages, questioning how we perceive and interpret thought and space with intelligent experimentation.

To Be or Not To Be XVI by Sumi Perera

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART 12 Bennett Street, Bath Visit: meaa.org.uk Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, noon – 5pm

Gundry Lane by Kit Glaisyer

KIT GLAISYER 48 Great Pulteney Street studio For an appointment email: kitglaisyer@gmail.com or tel: 07983 465789.

To view portfolio or for regular open events visit: kitglaisyer.com BATH RESIDENCY Bridport artist Kit Glaisyer continues his Bath studio residency, showing a new series of paintings of Bath streets and views alongside his evocative cinematic series of paintings of the west Dorset landscape. His studio is open to view by appointment, as well as at regular open events.

HONG LING: SELECTED Saturday 25 February – 2 July MEAA is delighted to host a small selection of paintings from the Hong Ling touring retrospective exhibition. The Bath museum is one of only three UK venues to show paintings by the celebrated Chinese painter Hong Ling, from different stages of his career.

The touring exhibition follows the artist’s recent retirement from the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), Beijing, where he taught oil painting since 1987.

Hong has had a fascinating life. He was born in Beijing in 1955. His father was an historian and his mother a language teacher.

When he reached his teens, the Cultural Revolution was getting into gear and he and his contemporaries were sent off to the countryside to be re-educated in the virtues of agrarian labour. He lived and worked in an agricultural commune for three years, eventually becoming a cook. As normal academic life resumed, he went to study art at Beijing

North Jin Pear Blossom Tree by Hong Ling

Capital Normal University and then the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, where he went on to teach.

Little of his work survives from the unsettled political era of the Cultural Revolution (1966 – 76).

The exhibition begins with early works from the late 1980s. In the 1990s, his work was informed by his travels across China, Asia, and many remote parts of the world. During this time, Hong also started setting up his studio in Mount

Huangshan, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Anhui Province in eastern China. Since then, he has focussed exclusively on landscapes.

There are a series of exhibition related events.

Film: Hong Ling’s Art and Life on Friday 17 February, 7pm at BRLSI, Queen Square. This will be introduced by Dr Nicole Chiang, curator at MEAA. Lecture: Chinese painting – an Introduction, Friday 3 March, 7pm by Dr Nicole Chiang, at BRLSI.

THE FASHION MUSEUM

Warm Earth by Emma Rose

EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Open: Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885235915 or 01225 424 424 Visit: emmaroseartworks.com WARM EARTH During February An exhibition of land, sea and sky celebrating the power of colour and its ability to work with subtlety on our spirit and emotions. Semi-abstract paintings by Emma Rose are inspired by an emotional response to the natural world, in particular to the quality of light. A strong sense of place, intimacy and intensity abound, with the idea of a glimpse into a remembered reality. Originals, limited edition giclée prints along with canvas prints and cards.

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Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath Tickets: £9 / £8 for over 65s and students. Entry to the Bath & North East Somerset owned museum is free to holders of a residents’ Discovery Card Opening times: Daily until March, 10.30am – 4pm, then until 5pm LACE IN FASHION From Saturday 4 February It has taken two years of meticulous work at the museum cataloguing its extensive archives of lace, which date from the 1500s to the present day. This new exhibition for 2017 will feature 50 historic treasures and designer dresses, as worn by royalty, celebrities and ordinary people. Pieces on show include a dress dating back to 1805 worn by Queen Charlotte, wife to King George III and mother to his 15 children, and a dress featured in a James Bond film.

There will also be designer pieces from fashion houses including Burberry.

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nick cudworth gallery

Cotswold Stile – Limited Edition Print on paper and canvas

WINTER WORKS 1 – 28 February A exhibition of paintings and prints by Nick that capture the light and beauty that can be found in Winter landscapes

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639 gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

Return of the Seven by Paul Burgess. 48” x 36”. £2950

Memb

er Galle

ry

The Art Gallery home of ArtGallery.co.uk

Spencer House, 34 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8AQ Tues-Sat. 9.30-5pm. Tel: 01666 505152 help@artgallery.co.uk artgallery.co.uk

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

GALLERY NINE 9b Margarets Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 319197 Visit: gallerynine.co.uk Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm ANDREW TEMPLE SMITH: CERAMICS Throughout February Andrew Temple Smith’s creates minimal ceramic forms which embody elements of spontaneity and chance. He works mainly with porcelain which allows him to produce a palette from white to primary colours. He enjoys the technical challenge of porcelain and the tactile quality of the finished surface.

ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH Main corridor gallery, Royal United Hospital, Bath. Open: 8am – 8pm daily HILARY PAYNTER: AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Until 28 April A new body of wood engraving by Hilary Paynter on the subject of ageing inspired by interaction run through Daisi, with people from different generations.

VICTORIA ART GALLERY

By Pulteney Bridge Open daily, 10.30am – 5pm Tel: 01225 477233 Visit: victoriagal.org.uk PETER BROWN: A BATH PAINTER’S TRAVELS Until 19 February A last chance to see this wonderful collection of paintings by Pete ‘the Street’ Brown, arguably Bath’s best loved contemporary artist.

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Ray coat by Carole Waller

ONE TWO FIVE GALLERY 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm Tel: 07803 033 629 Visit: onetwofivegallery.co.uk SALE AND VALENTINE’S Ongoing exhibition of Bath based artists, including ceramics by Gary Wood, jewellery

by Annie Beardsley and art to wear clothes

by Carole Waller. Special silk scarves for Valentine’s Day and prior to the launch of her spring collection in March there will be a short sale of last season’s painted clothing by Carole Waller from Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 February. There is also a collection of work by other contemporary artists in the gallery.

VICTORIA ART GALLERY

By Pulteney Bridge Open daily, 10.30am – 5pm Tel: 01225 477233 Visit: victoriagal.org.uk TOM HICKMAN: FOLLOWING THE THREAD Saturday 25 February – Wednesday 10 May If you love textiles, you’ll enjoy this small show of raised needlework by a most unusual artist. The Holburne Museum has a beautiful, intricate 17th century basket of what used to be called stump work, in its collection and it’s worth going to view that in conjunction with a visit to the Victoria Art Gallery to see this contemporay collection.

Self-taught artist Tom Hickman lives in a small coastal village of New Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis. He takes his inspiration from the landscape, from dry stone walls to sheep. Whatever the material, he follows his impulse to capture the whimsical, embellish the practical and express the

Peaceable Kingdom (detail) by Tom Hickman

emotional. Using reclaimed Harris tweed wools he stitches complex high relief embroidery, embracing both allegorical and naive themes.

Tom Hickman will be giving a free talk at the council owned gallery on Friday 10 March, from 11am until noon.

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COFFEE | SHOPS

THE TOP SPOTS FOR COFFEE The Bath Magazine picks its favourite places for a good pick me up and delicious spot of lunch

A

re you a fan of a flat white? Or are you more of a caramel macchiato kind of person?

Maybe you’re always in search of your morning espresso, or a mocha is your daily indulgence. Either way, everyone has their preferred brew and it seems that the coffee market doesn’t show any signs of slowing in the UK. It has pushed past the recession at great speed and sales are increasing year on year, with an estimated 2.2 billion cups of coffee being consumed annually in this country, according to the World Coffee Portal, resulting in a turnover of £7.9 billion in 2015.

While there are plenty of coffee chains out there, artisan coffee shops are opening across the UK in their thousands. In Bath, if you’re in need of a caffeine hit, then you just need to walk around the corner and you’ll find an independent outlet serving speciality coffee, tea and hot chocolate, plus delicious cakes, snacks and lunches. Consumers now prefer their cups of high quality coffee with the option of an appetising variety of salads, soups, pastries and cakes, made from local produce. With that in mind, we round up some of our favourite spots for a hot beverage or two . . .

THE GARDEN CAFÉ The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB Tel: 01225 388572 Visit: holburne.org The Garden Café at the Holburne Museum has been run by Benugo since the museum reopened in 2011. The company specialises in serving great tasting food in beautiful surroundings.

Benugo has partnered with some of the best cultural and historic institutions in the country, if not the world. Operating in amazing locations like the British Museum, V&A, Natural History Museum, Ashmolean Museum and of course the Holburne, and a collection of castles which are part of Historic Scotland.

The Garden Café has fresh food that changes with the seasons, with delicious light salads, pasta, cakes and tarts which can be enjoyed in the café or taken out under the trees for an impromptu picnic.

If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’ll know that Benugo is famous for its coffee credentials, having picked up two London Lifestyle Awards for London’s Coffee Shop

of the Year. This espresso culture is reflected in the new barista-brewed drinks, which include flat whites, macchiatos and soft brew.

Benugo’s coffee has a 85/15 split between Arabica and Robusta beans, and is sourced from Brazil, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia and Vietnam – flavours ranging from tropical sweetness to red berry.

If you are visiting the Holburne Museum, be sure to drop by. Don’t forget too that the museum and café are open until 9pm on the last Friday of the month for drinks, nibbles and pop-up events.

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COFFEE | SHOPS

CHANDOS DELI

Try the award-winning sandwiches or chorizo sausage rolls at Chandos Deli

12 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH Tel: 01225 314418 Visit: chandosdeli.com Housed in a beautiful building on George Street, Chandos Deli is just around the corner from the Royal Crescent. This independently owned café-deli opened its doors in 2001 and has been a haven for both the George Street community and visitors to the city ever since.

Every day the team freshly make their award-winning sandwiches, baguettes, salads and renowned chorizo sausage rolls from recipes and combinations they have spent many years perfecting. Chandos supports local suppliers such as Hobbs House Bakery, Chew Valley Dairy, Bertinet Bakery and Brian Wogan Coffee.

Every cup of coffee bought at Chandos supports the Teach A Man To Fish charity backed by Brian Wogan, helping workers of the La Bastilla estate in Nicaragua gain a valuable education. As well as supporting local suppliers, Chandos also sources the finest ingredients and deli products from Spain, Italy and France – meaning you’re sure to find something out of the ordinary.

With an array of fantastic wines by the glass and local beers, you can easily while away an afternoon in this cosy little café.

PICNIC COFFEE 9 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR Tel: 01225 330128 Visit: picniccoffee.co.uk Those at Picnic strive to make everyone feel welcome, including furry canine friends. With its speciality coffees, from artisan UK roasters, you can rest assured that your coffee is in safe hands. Picnic uses Union Hand Roasted, which is ethically sourced, as are all of its teas from Canton Tea Co, so Picnic does its utmost to ensure traceability as well.

Not only do the baristas at Picnic source your drinks carefully, but also select only the best ingredients for the café’s gourmet sandwiches. From Bertinet sourdough breads, locally grown vegetables from Lovejoys and free range meats from the award-winning Larkhall Butchers, the sandwiches are put together with thought and care. The daily freshlymade soups also prove quite a hit to warm up your cockles, and don’t miss

THE BRIDGE COFFEE SHOP 15 – 17 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AY Tel: 01225 483339 A Bath institution, The Bridge Coffee Shop situated right on the world-famous Pulteney Bridge has been a coffee shop for more than 50 years and has a loyal following of regular customers. It’s not hard to see why with glorious views from inside over the weir, it boasts that its the coffee shop with the best views in Bath. The staff are friendly and the coffee shop is inviting and cosy with a lovely aroma of freshly ground coffee while you wait.

The owners expanded their family business in 2012 into the shop next door which offers its own menu and seating and is renowned for its display of incredible cakes, a favourite

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being the cherry and rhubarb slice.

Ever popular for takeaway lunches with local workers and rugby fans in need of a hot pasty or jacket potato and for those who fancy a picnic in the warmer months in one of the local parks or down by the river. The coffee shop offers freshly filled baguettes, with the bread baked every morning, and a range of tasty treats to take away.

Well known for an excellent full English breakfast, it is recommended you arrive early to avoid disappointment as the seating gets taken up very quickly. For an afternoon treat you can’t beat enjoying a cream tea with warm scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and a pot of tea while you watch the world go by. Open 8.30am – 6pm Monday – Friday, 9am – 6.30pm Saturday, and 9.30am – 6pm on Sundays.

trying a Bertinet almond croissant.

Picnic often hosts private gatherings and meet-up groups during the evening, and being fully licenced is also available to book out.

The Picnic UnPlugged music nights have been very popular, both with guests and musicians alike, due to the intimate atmosphere, so keep an eye out for the posters letting you know which Fridays the events are on.

A few plans are afoot for Picnic Coffee in 2017, with a variety of improvements which it hopes will make your break or lunchtime all the more enjoyable.

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COFFEE | SHOPS

BATH COFFEE COMPANY 14 Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AD Tel: 01225 314881 Visit: bathcoffeecompany.co.uk The Bath Coffee Company offers a spacious place to sit back and relax over a cup of coffee made from expertly prepared espresso.

Owner and master roaster of Square Root Coffee Adrian Smith roasts his arabica beans in small batches, meaning there’s usually something new and seasonal for visitors of Kingsmead Square to try all year round.

After working in the brewing industry for 20 years, Adrian turned his hand to speciality coffee, using his experience to identify certain flavours and aromas obtained from different beans.

Adrian says: “We work very closely with a

number of speciality green bean importers who ethically source all the beans that we roast. We are therefore able to track the bean from field, through farm, processing, storage and shipment to ensure that only the freshest and ripest are being sourced.”

Using Square Root Coffee’s blend, The Bath Coffee Company has a range of different coffee for everyone to enjoy, from flat whites to lattes, mochas to espressos – even little ones can enjoy a babyccino.

There is also an array of delicious daily specials, juices, pastries and cakes available to eat in or take away. Plus, with a variety of board games at hand, you can challenge your friends to a game of Cluedo when you visit.

You can also pick up a bag of Square Root’s superb blend, named The Solution, in store.

NESTON FARM SHOP & KITCHEN Bath Road, Atworth, Wiltshire, SN12 8HP Tel: 01225 700881 Email: hello@nestonfarmshop.co.uk Visit: nestonfarmshop.co.uk This new farm shop and kitchen on the beautiful Neston Park Estate opened its doors in 2015 after being taken on by Wiltshire farmers the Bowles Family.

The team are on a mission to produce and serve the very best food and drink. They are passionate about the provenance of their ingredients – what they can’t grow, rear or make themselves is sourced from as close to home as possible.

In the kitchen you’ll be treated to an amazing selection of homemade cakes and freshly ground coffee from Easy José. Neston Farm Shop produces home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and an afternoon tea menu which celebrates the great ingredients on the farm’s doorstep and the seasons too. The Sunday roasts are worth trying as well.

Open seven days a week. Monday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. The café closes 30 minutes earlier on each of the days.

JACOB’S COFFEE HOUSE 6 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY Tel: 01225 758132 Visit: jacobscoffeehouse.com Jacob’s Coffee House is one of Bath’s original and much loved independents. Situated in the iconic Abbey Churchyard, Jacob’s has been trading for over six years, working with many of Bath’s other local businesses and suppliers. The café focuses on serving beautifully balanced espresso blends and light delicate filters along with carefully chosen food offerings. Jacob’s makes its own exclusive range of interesting and indulgent cakes including lemon and rosemary, apricot and lavender, and its new raw cacao vegan cake – all can be enjoyed from the Georgian rooms upstairs that provide a unique view of Bath Abbey and its surrounding churchyard.

Definitely one not to miss if you're local or visiting the city.

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COFFEE | SHOPS

HARTLEY FARM SHOP & KITCHEN

Delicious lunches available at Hartley Farm

Winsley, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2JB Tel: 01225 864948 Email: hello@hartley-farm.co.uk Visit: hartley-farm.co.uk

CAKE CAFÉ 3 York Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EB and 2 Quiet Street, Bath, BA1 2JS After six successful years in SouthGate, this popular coffee shop has relocated to larger premises on George Street into a lovely shop between Revolution and Loch Fyne, boasting an array of character and Bath charm. There are seating areas on the ground and first floors, housing comfy sofas as well as more traditional café style granite tables.

Expansion in 2016 also led to the opening of a second outlet in Bath, situated in Quiet Street.

The coffee is excellent; Brazilian beans that are locally roasted and made by trained baristas, ground in front of the customer so as to offer the freshest, tastiest cup of coffee. A range of different

coffees are available including the café’s signature latte. There is a choice of beautiful loose leaf teas, packed full of flavour and subtlety – we challenge you to find a nicer Earl Grey blend anywhere else. The rose garden fruit tea, with whole rose buds, is an unusual and luxurious alternative.

The range of homemade cakes is vast, favourites include: carrot cake, rock cake, triple chocolate brownie, Bakewell cake and Oreo cheesecake, all made daily in the onsite bakery. There are filled baguettes and toasted paninis for lunch as well as bakery favourites, such as Cornish pasties and sausage rolls.

Takeaway coffees are reasonably priced and the café’s loyalty card offers a free croissant after four coffee purchases and a free cake slice after you’ve collected 10 – who could refuse that?

For a rural, foodie retreat, Hartley Farm Shop and Kitchen in Winsley is the perfect spot. This family run farm is nestled in the Wiltshire countryside just a short drive from Bath.

The owner’s passion grows from producing, sourcing and serving the very best food and drink. The kitchen bakes cakes from scratch every day, and serves them alongside freshly ground coffee from the café’s resident coffee guru, Easy José.

The café menu, served all day, includes breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea that is prepared from scratch by the brilliant chefs with the finest ingredients produced on the farm or sourced locally. The café also has an ever changing specials board taking influence from dishes all over the world. Whether you’re looking to revitalise with a healthy stop off or indulge for a well-deserved treat, Hartley Farm has you covered.

Open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. The café closes 30 minutes earlier on each of the days.

MOKOKO 7 Dorchester Street, Southgate, Bath, BA1 1SS Tel: 01225 333444 Visit: mokokocoffee.com Mokoko opened the doors to its small but perfectly formed premises in the summer of 2014 and immediately became a huge hit with locals for its simple focus on great coffee served by professionals in the field.

Located in Southgate opposite the bus and trains stations, Mokoko stands proud as an independent business among chains and multinationals. While the team pour every bit of their knowledge and effort into their coffee offering, they always maintain a

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friendly, welcoming and open approach. The team believes coffee should be available to everyone, to be enjoyed and embraced for its variety. Mokoko sources coffee from some of the world’s best roasters and loves to develop the characteristics of each type. Mokoko opened its second branch in Bristol in 2016 with an open-plan bakery where the café’s unique cakes are created for both the Bath and Bristol sites. You won’t find these offerings anywhere else. A gem of a find and recently voted one of the UK’s top 25 coffee businesses by The Sunday Times.

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COFFEE | SHOPS

CASTLE FARM CAFÉ Midford Road, Midford, Bath, BA2 7BU Tel: 07564 783307 Visit: castlefarmcafe.co.uk Castle Farm Café is a rustic, homely barn nestled within the beautiful rolling hills of Midford, only a 10 minute drive from Bath city centre. Situated on an organic vegetable farm, there are stunning views over the valley and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the countryside.

Passionate about using fresh, seasonal produce from local suppliers, the café owners pride themselves in using premium coffee from Roundhill Roastery, exquisite tea from Comins Teahouse and fabulous cakes from The Organic Cake Company.

Well known for its pizzas and rustic

vegetarian/vegan fare, the café’s wonderful chef Vic produces all of the dishes from fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, alongside locally sourced produce from around Somerset. With organic cheese from Westcombe dairy, organic milk from Ivy House, fresh organic British mozzarella, to name a few.

The café prides itself in offering vegan and gluten-free dishes, cakes and bread to suit everyone’s needs, but never compromising on quality. Rob and Sarah really pour their heart and soul into making you feel welcome when you arrive, like long lost friends, creating a relaxing, cosy space for you to grab a journal, sip on a speciality coffee made with love, and nibble some of the delicious snacks, treats and dishes that they have on offer.

WIDCOMBE DELI 18 Widcombe Parade, Claverton Buildings, Bath, BA2 4LD Tel: 01225 313037 Widcombe Deli has recently undergone a transformation, moving into new premises a few doors up from the original shop on Widcombe Parade.

Having worked in the corporate food industry in the past, owners Jon and Nicky took the opportunity to run this charming local deli and engage with the tight-knit community after moving to the area.

The couple prides themselves on independence when it comes to the deli – everything is home baked from locally grown produce and sourced goods from independent companies in the south west.

The deli also has its very own brand of coffee called J.J Beano’s.

Everything is made to order, so customers

can get exactly what they desire, and a firm customer favourite is the home baked quiche with a deliciously fresh salad.

Don’t just expect wonderful food and coffee, Jon and Nicky love to chat to customers and share local knowledge and stories, making each visit personal and unique. They want people to feel they are coming into their kitchen at home, so they have really worked hard on bringing a bit of their personality when decorating the new deli.

“Anyone can be taught to make a cup of coffee, but we want people working here to engage with customers and know how to have a chat,” says Jon. Talking to customers and hearing what they want has shaped the transformation of Widcombe Deli, giving local people a place to meet and talk in the company of fantastic local produce and delicious food.

THE BEST OF THE REST ST JAMES CAFÉ DELI 5 – 6 St James's Street, Bath, BA1 2TW Tel: 01225 336106 Instagram: st_jamescafedeli

TIME OUT Bath Guildhall Market, Bath, BA2 4AW Tel: 01225 424672 Visit: bathguildhallmarket.co.uk

SOCIETY CAFÉ 4 – 5 Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AB and The Corridor, 19 High Street, Bath, BA1 5AJ Tel: 01225 442433 Visit: society-cafe.com

CAFE AU LAIT 12 – 14 Dorchester Street, Bath, BA1 1SS Tel: 01225 571808 Twitter: @CafeauLait_Bath

CHELSEA CAFÉ 8E Chelsea Road, Bath, BA1 3DU Tel: 01225 333688

FRIENDS OF THE RUH COFFEE SHOP B18, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG Tel: 01225 824046 Visit: friendsoftheruh.org.uk

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CITY | ARCHIVE

ALAS! POOR ROMEO

Historian Catherine Pitt tells the story of a man considered to be the worst actor in history, yet Bath audiences queued to see him perform

B

ath, 1808 – genteel, sedate, elegant. Quietly the social season began unhindered, the glorious colour and buzz of the Beau Nash years a faded memory. Into this calm stepped an exotic character – the selfstyled Amateur of Fashion, a man who was soon to be considered “the worst actor in English theatrical History”. Ladies and Gentleman, allow me to introduce to you – Robert ‘Romeo’ Coates.

Born in 1772 in Antigua, the only surviving child of plantation owners, Coates was schooled in England but returned to the West Indies after his parents refused to allow him to pursue a military career. When he wasn’t travelling, Coates would dabble in amateur dramatics. After his father’s death in 1807, Robert rapidly headed for England, first to London and then to Bath.

When Coates appeared on the peaceful city streets in 1808, few had seen his like before. Even in the period of Regency dandyism his appearance raised more than a few eyebrows. He was wont to wear vast furs in all weathers even during the day, and at the height of summer. In the evenings he would appear in the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms resplendent in a sky blue coat, yellow breeches, a multi-coloured cravat and a feathered hat. If this wasn’t enough, Coates embellished every accoutrement of his attire – from his shirt buttons to his garter and shoe buckles, with hundreds of diamonds. Even his walking cane was topped with a vast sparkling jewel. He was, as one observer noted, surrounded by a “halo of rainbow-changing colours like those of the Antiguan moonlight” and almost immediately gained the moniker of ‘Diamond’ Coates.

To add to his outlandish image, Coates chose to travel in a carriage of his own design. This two wheeled chariot, known as a curricle, was shaped like a shell or kettle drum, and was pulled by two white horses. Atop the curricle was Coates’ mascot and motto – a crowing fighting cockerel, wings outstretched, and underneath the boast: “Whilst I live I’ll Crow”.

Despite his noticeable presence in Bath, few knew who he was or where he was from; all they knew was that he must be a man of wealth to indulge

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in such eccentricities.

There are conflicting views as to where exactly he lodged in Bath, but what is certain is that he could be found, daily, enjoying breakfast and lunch at York House on George Street, a large coaching inn (and still a hotel today). It was here that, according to Pryse Gordon, a man who takes the claim (or blame) for introducing Coates to the Bath stage, he approached Coates when overhearing him rehearsing passages from Shakespeare. Apparently correcting Coates on a line, he was met with the words, “Aye, that is the reading I

know . . . but I think I have improved upon it.”

On further enquiry Gordon discovered Coates’ passion for Shakespeare and for amateur dramatics, and currying favour with this wealthy eccentric, Gordon offered to introduce Coates to the manager of the Theatre Royal, William Wyatt Dimond. Coates declared that he was “ready and willing to play Romeo to a Bath audience.”

Dimond was unwilling to risk the theatre’s reputation on an unknown, but much reassurance from Gordon that seats would be filled (Gordon had

CORRECTING SHAKESPEARE: Robert Coates told Theatre Royal manager Pryse Gordon that he’d improved Shakespeare’s original text – © Trustees of the British Museum Opposite page, The Gay Lothario on stage – © Trustees of the British Museum – and the Old Theatre Royal in its heyday

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CITY | ARCHIVE

amusing gait. Half way through the play, during the rendition of an impassioned speech, the seams at the seat of his red breeches could take no more and burst open, revealing a “quantity of white linen sufficient to make a Bourbon flag!”

On appearing at the tomb of Juliet, crowbar in his hand, the audience thought there couldn’t be more to this tragedy turned farce, but before proceeding with his death scene, Coates took out a silk handkerchief, laid it on the boards, put his hat down to act as a pillow and then went through a most lengthy and, apparently from his grimaces and groans, agonising ‘death’ before carefully laying himself out on stage.

❝

Convulsed with laughter a number of members of the audience shouted out: ‘Die again Romeo’ and happily Coates obliged, not once but twice more

❝

persuaded a number of his friends to purchase theatre boxes prior to the performance) and probably some monetary reassurance from Coates, Dimond agreed to a date. Playbills were plastered throughout the city announcing that on 8 February 1809 a new production of Romeo and Juliet was opening and that the male lead, Romeo, was to be played by “an amateur actor from the fashionable world”.

As word spread of Coates’ acting debut, seats began to fill up fast. On the evening of the production the Theatre Royal was packed with curious Bathonians, with many more turned away at the door. Inside the anticipation was palpable. Bejewelled necks craned to the stage and excited murmurings were heard in the packed house.

On Coates’ entrance the audience were at first dumbfounded at the vision stood before them, described by an observer as “one of the most grotesque spectacles ever witnessed upon the stage”. Romeo wore “a spangled coat of sky blue silk, crimson pantaloons,” the usual diamond additions; plus a huge baroque wig. Balanced on top of this was a white trimmed hat with plumes of ostrich feathers. Coates took a nervous bobbing bow, grinning away, and the audience burst into peals of laughter and roars of applause in equal measure.

Unfazed Coates proceeded, though it was like no version of Shakespeare’s play ever seen before or since. Coates had a tendency to forget his lines, add in his own where he thought they needed improving, and would alternately whisper sections to just one box in the theatre. During the famous balcony scene, Coates turned away from Juliet, pulled out his snuff box and proceeded to take a pinch.

As the public roared their approval he took this as a sign and ended up offering it to a number of ladies and gentlemen in the audience.

As if that wasn’t enough to amuse the Bath audience, Coates’ costume was so tight, it made him move about the stage in an awkward and what must have been highly

Convulsed with laughter a number of members of the audience shouted out “Die Again, Romeo” and happily Coates obliged, not once but twice more. He was about to attempt a third encore when Juliet appeared from the wings and stopped him. Dimond, unsure on what to do at this juncture, and fearing retribution from the public, hastily dropped the curtain bringing the play, finally, to an end. Meanwhile on stage Coates ran around, hanging off boxes, shouting “Haven’t I done well?”– so Robert ‘Romeo’ Coates was born.

It seems that the jeers and heckles that Coates received made little impact on him – in fact he could give back as good as he got and thought nothing of turning to the

offending heckler and giving them a piece of his mind. He was positively buoyed by what he considered his success in Bath, so much so that he decided to tour his production of Romeo and Juliet around the country, including playing the Haymarket Theatre in London, as well as in Brighton and Stratfordupon-Avon.

Although a subject of mockery and satirisation around the country, Coates still considered himself just an amateur actor and did not take a wage. In fact he probably had to pay actors and actresses to appear alongside him. His reputation preceded him so theatres were packed. Any profits Coates would request went to charity.

By 1816 Coates decided to forgo the stage, and in December he headed to the city, and theatre where it had all began, for the final act. Over three days in Bath he decided to perform another of his favourite plays, The West Indian, but for the final public performance Coates went full circle and chose Romeo and Juliet.

It was said by audience members who had seen him seven years previously that he was much improved but by how much is not implied. As before, Coates was jeered, but this time he didn’t ignore the jibes; but paused and declared that people could request their money back if they were not happy with his performance, but that his intention was that the money from this play, and his performance the following day, were to go to the local Pierrepont Street Charity.

Shamed into silence, a more reverent crowd allowed Coates to continue.

After 1816 he would do the occasional private charitable performance, but it was the last the public would see of ‘Romeo’ Coates.

Dogged by debt collectors during the financial troubles of the 1830s, Coates took refuge in Boulogne for a few years where he was often spotted in his furs. His death, in February 1848, was as bizarre as his life had been – he was crushed between two carriages in London’s Covent Garden after a night at the Opera. Alas, Poor Romeo! n

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TITBITS

WINE FLIGHT: a Lebanese menu at The Clifton Sausage ■ Delicious spicy Lebanese makanek

sausages will be one of the culinary stars of the show on Thursday 2 February (7.30pm) as The Clifton Sausage restaurant on The Paragon, Bath, hosts a Lebanese Wine Tasting menu with winemaker Faouzi Issa (Domaine des Tourelles). Each of the five courses will be accompanied by an appropriate wine. Dinner, with wine, is £49.50 a head. To book tel: 01225 433633.

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD

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estaurant owners who feel they’ve cracked the London market and are moved to stretch their wings outside the capital have made Bath one of the hottest out-of-town spots for provincial launches of successful brands.

We’ve witnessed the likes of Jamie Oliver, Antonio Carluccio and Raymond Blanc extend their empires to Bath in recent years, in company with Côte Brasserie and more recently Bistrot Pierre and Burger and Lobster. The latest big name to hit the south west is celebrity favourite The Ivy Restaurant and Grill, which recently opened a beautiful brasserie in Bristol. Plans have been submitted in Bath for The Ivy Bath Brasserie to take over the historic building in Milsom Street, formerly occupied by Nat West bank.

And while Bath diners enjoy supporting our excellent and diverse range of independent eateries, they also like having brands that have won followers on the London scene (and the national press) to they have more choice.

A new foodie quarter has been rapidly established in Little Southgate where Comptoir Libanais, Thaikhun and Absurd Bird offer a range of cuisine from Lebanese to the Deep South of America via way of the street food of Asia. This ‘no passport required’ global dining will soon be extended

■ Newton Farm Foods is to hold a Thai

gourmet food evening, prepared by its chef Raquel Kneeves, on Friday 3 March from 7pm. Places at the dinner, which takes place at Newton St Loe, are £37.50 a head. Raquel, who is from the Philippines, runs the farm café kitchen with partner Ashley, formerly pastry chef at the Royal Crescent Hotel. To book, tel: 01225 873707 or email: kirsty@newtonfarmfoods.com.

■ Michael Nizzaro has been appointed as

the new permanent executive chef at The Bath Priory, following the departure of Sam Moody, who held a Michelin star for the hotel. He joins the Brownsword owned hotel in Weston, Bath, from The Ritz where he was premier sous-chef to executive chef John Williams. Belgian born Michael formerly worked at the Waterside Inn in Bray and during his time as head chef at the Relais and Chateaux property Hostelliere La Briqueterie he gained and held a Michelin star for its restaurant for the first time in its history.

■ Syrian refugee families who have settled in Bath will be cooking and serving food at Twerton Park football ground on Saturday 18 February at a Bath Trades Union Council celebration of immigrant workers.

Entrance is free and the gates are open from 3pm – 9pm.

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REVOLUTIONARY: Omar Allibhoy is coming to Bath

to Spain as Tapas Revolution – another success story from London – is due to open up.

The chef behind Tapas Revolution is Omar Allibhoy, a man who is passionate about Spanish cuisine. We’ll be able to see the socalled ‘Antonio Banderas of tapas’ in action next month when he comes to Topping & Co bookshop to share the secrets of successful Spanish cooking and offer some tapas tastings. He’s in town on Friday 17 March, where he’ll be firing up his fans from 8pm.

Bath’s home cooks are vociferous in their views on how to make the best risotto. To stir continually? To use butter or olive oil? Is adding cream a crime?

Queen of Italian risottos and author of the classic cookbook Risotto! Risotto! Valentina Harris will be able to answer these questions as she is coming to Bath to share her food philosophy, techniques and stories.

Descended from the Renaissance Sforza family, Valentina is a great source of anecdotes.

Valentina, who has recently revamped her own risotto book, will be giving a demonstration and a talk at Topping & Co bookshop, the Paragon, Bath, on Wednesday 8 March from 8pm.

FOOD FOR FRIENDS: Thaikhun in Little Southgate

A MOST ELEGANT SUNDAY ROAST

Find out what a five star Yorkshire pudding tastes like as The Gainsborough Hotel in central Bath launches its Sunday lunch menu, from the kitchens of head chef Daniel Moon.

A three course lunch, including a main course of either roast beef, chicken or fresh plaice, is £30 a head.

There is also a vegetarian option for each course. That includes a glass of Prosecco, which gives diners the chance to toast themselves while enjoying the elegant surroundings of the hotel restaurant.

Diners can also avail themselves of the concierge service to park their car for them, so long as they request this ANGUS BEEF: a Gainsborough roast is impeccably presented at the time of booking.

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SPECIALITY PIZZERIA OP E N I N T H E CO R R I D O R , BAT H The only Italian pizzeria that lets you choose your dough, from traditional sourdough to hemp, gluten free, kamut and more

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic suggests some intriguing Iberians to try

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his month is all about delights from the vast and varied Iberian peninsula, from sun-baked plains, to wild and wet mountainous terrain. Spain and Portugal’s wine regions offer a smorgasbord of styles, colours, and price levels. But you won’t find one mention of rioja, cava or port in this column. Instead, I want to take you on a Hispanic wine tour outside your comfort zone – trust me.

Nestled among the arid fields between Madrid and Valencia lies Cuenca, best known for its sheep farming. Cue a white wine with, appropriately, a sheep on the label; Oveja blanca Dry Muscat 2015 (Great Western Wine, £10.75, down to £8.60) is the brainchild of a family wine producer. This is dry muscat, and when it says dry, it really is. Floral, fragrant, it smells of pink grapefruit and fresh green grapes, with a hint of delicate acacia honey. For those who love super-dry wines, don’t be put off by the muscat name – this is bone dry, with ripe peach fruit and a searingly crisp finish. I tried this with a Lebanese sweetly-spiced fish dish, and a Middle-eastern mezze with tahini dip – spot on, and fabulous value.

Skipping over the border to Portugal, let’s head first to the northern region of the Minho. The words ‘vinho verde’ may cause shudders in some who remember the old guard of Mateus Rosé and insipid sweet Portuguese whites. Fast forward three decades, and authentic vinho verde is making a comeback. Crisp, bone dry, with an edge of spritz, these wines are at their best drunk very young. Quinta da Lixa, Vinho Verde 2015 (GWW £8.95 down to £7.88) sits at a refreshing 10.5% alcohol, and is as fresh as a daisy.

Moving south, the Dao, one of Portugal’s oldest, most traditional regions, lies south of Oporto and the Douro Valley. Until recently the red wines had a reputation for being tough and chewy, but styles are softening, as exemplified by International Wine Challenge Silver medal winner A Descoberta 2013, Casa da Passarella (GWW £10.50 down to £ 9.24). Dark, rich and brooding, flavours of ripe blackberries, mulled wine spices, black cherries and dark chocolate trip across the tongue. I can’t think of anything better with slow-cooked roast lamb and rich game dishes.

No wine piece about Spain is complete without including sherry, which is having a well-deserved revival, especially in tapas bars, after years of being relegated to the drinks cupboards of great aunts. From Jerez, in the deep south, the land of flamenco and heat, this golden wine is unique. There are several styles – fino and manzanilla are searingly dry, and simply the best aperitifs on earth, to be drunk ice cold – ideally with a bowl of olives or salted almonds. Best bought in half bottles. La Guita Manzanilla NV (GWW £5.75 down to £5.06) is mouth-wateringly crisp – once smitten, never forgotten.

Luscious, treacly-sweet La Luna PX (£8.95 down to £7.88 for 37.5cl) is another fabulous sherry, as intensely sweet as the Manzanilla is dry. If you fancy a spot of wine and chocolate matching, come and try this, and other wines, at an early evening tasting at the Igloo, Abbey Hotel, on Thursday 16 February, with Spencer Hyman, founder of artisan chocolate company Cocoa Runners, and me, book at: greatwesternwine.co.uk/wine-and-chocolate.

All Spanish and Portuguese wines will have at least 12% off the normal price at Great Western Wine throughout February, with 20% off case purchases. n

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BASE Melissa Blease goes behind the menu of Dough Pizza to find a few surprises – which begin with seven different bases to choose from

I

s there any problem in this world that can’t be solved by a slice of pizza? – so said Homer Simpson, patriarch of modern America’s most infamous fictional dysfunctional family, in response to the news that his hometown was about to be invaded by aliens.

But the aliens changed their plans and Springfield – and The Simpsons – survived for another series. It’s unlikely, though, that the pizza that Homer turned to for solace was anything like the kind of pizza he’d have encountered in Bath over the past 11 months or so, for the pizzas to be found at Dough Pizza pretty much destroy all previous perceptions of a familiar genre.

Take a little Roman holiday in Bath’s historic shopping thoroughfare The Corridor, at Dough Pizza. It was founded by friends Emiliano Tunno and Massimo Nucaro. Prior to settling in Bath, Massimo had worked on the festival circuit for 15 years, while ‘pizza acrobat’ Emiliano had worked in restaurants around the world.

“My love affair with pizza began when I took a summer job in a restaurant in Puglia, my hometown, when I was 13,” Emiliano recalls.

“The owner of the restaurant was Luigi Stamerra, president of Associazione Pizzaioli Professionisti (Italy’s highly regarded academy of 56 TheBATHMagazine

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pizza), so I learned all about the pizza process, from dough to finished product. Over the next 15 years, I continued to research everything there is to know about every single component of pizza, from inspiration to creation.”

You would, however, be forgiven for thinking that you know rather a lot about pizza too – after all, isn’t it basically a dough base with a tasty topping? Well, no. The pizza selection at Dough Pizza boasts a range of seven different doughs (seaweed, hemp, kamut, multi-grain, turmeric, grano arso and gluten free) alongside the traditional sourdough.

Now I’m happy to admit that I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in my lifetime, but never have I been presented with an array of so many bases to choose from. Heck, there’s even a chocolate

dough option on the dessert menu!

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the menu, there’s the popular pizza fritta (fried pizza, a hit on the Neapolitan street food charts) and the star-shaped Poker Pizza – each segment filled with different toppings. And as we’re in authentic Italian territory, there’s a succulent starter/sharing board antipasti selection, a tempting array of pasta and gnocchi for those strange, pizza-averse folk to indulge in and all manner of sweet treats to finish off your feast.

But in a neat tie-in with our opening quote: Dough Pizza takes the d’oh! out of dough . . . and does something very special with it indeed.

“The dough selection we work with today started with the development of our gluten free variety and grew from there,” says Emiliano. “We wanted to offer customers more choice, and healthier options: less gluten, less sugar, more vitamins, more minerals.

You can add different flavours and use different toppings to create unique combinations, but the textures all depend on the flour. With the multigrain, for example, you can detect the sweetness of the grains, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds – it tastes really good. With the seaweed flour, you can really taste the sea! There’s spirulina in it too. And the hemp option is laden with omega-3 and omega-6 – there’s a lot of health benefits going on in all our combinations.”

PIZZA THE ACTION: this page, Emiliano Tunno in action at Dough Pizza’s open kitchen Opposite page, a selection of Dough Pizza’s different bases and toppings Photos courtesy of Paola Ferla

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BEHIND | THE | MENU

And therein lies yet another challenge to our pizza presumptions: adhering to a healthy eating regime doesn’t mean that classic Italian comfort food is off the menu.

“We like to think we’re revolutionising the pizza business by proving that pizza doesn’t have to be full of carbohydrates or unhealthy to eat,” says Massimo. “We’re bringing our expertise into the market so that pizza can be offered to everyone according to their needs.

Still, we’ve found that people tend to like what they know, so unless they have a specific dietary requirement they’ll quite often steer clear of the alternative doughs, even though they can be healthy and delicious – but they’re missing out on something very special.

“I really love our multi cereal dough because it offers loads of flavour and extra

crunch and, as it’s made from over seven types of flour and seeds, it’s rich in fibre, vitamins, proteins and minerals. But all our pizzas are light and easy to digest; they melt easily in the mouth and don’t make you feel heavy and tired after you’ve eaten. We can offer vegetarian and vegan options too – there really is something for everyone to explore.”

Emiliano suggests that all the toppings work well with the classic sourdough base, but some toppings work better than others with the more specialised varieties: grano arso is lightly smoky, making it perfect with pepperoni; hemp works best with fresh toppings rather than cured or smoked meats; seaweed works well with light or piquant options such as sun dried tomatoes and seafood.

If you’re not sure, just ask for a recommendation. And while we may have been concentrating on bases, Dough Pizza’s toppings are just as carefully considered.

“We use mozzarella and flour from Napoli and import our tomatoes and olive oil from Puglia, because I think they’re of a slightly higher quality,” says Emiliano. “I’m familiar with the fields where our tomatoes are grown, the people who have picked them and the local factory where they’re canned without preservatives – you can’t beat our produce, or the way the producers we work with treat the ingredients we use.”

But there’s still one element of a visit to Dough Pizza that we’ve yet to focus on.

Being a pizza acrobat, Emiliano’s spectacular dough-tossing antics have made him something of a local legend, known for his theatrical preparation displays in the restaurant’s open kitchen.

He says of this piece of pizza theatre: “To open the pizza (the technical term for efficiently extending the dough) it’s all about mastering one quick, confident movement from the wrist. It’s a bit like cocktail flairing, but easier and faster. And it looks good!”

We really don’t need Bath to be threatened by an alien invasion to work out how many of our problems could be solved by a visit to Dough Pizza. n Dough Pizza, 14 – 16 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP. Tel: 01225 443686; web: doughpizzarestaurant.co.uk.

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FOOD | HEROES

TIME FOR A TASTE OF CULTURE Melissa Blease meets Lucie Cousins of Bath Culture House, a champion of the benefits of eating fermented food

W

hat have yoghurt, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi and fish sauce got in common? Stand down all those who leapt up shouting about how fashionable they all are – that may well be true, there’s another f-word that links the list together.

Alongside kefir, a classic sourdough starter, tempeh, certain pickles and many more umami superstars, we’re talking about fermented foods. And putting Lucie Cousins, of the Bath Culture House, in our Food Heroes spotlight, most notably for bringing her Fabulously Fermented products, including fresh sauerkraut and Jasmine Flower Kombucha (a gently effervescent, refreshing healthy tipple) to our attention. But there’s more to Lucie’s passion than off-the-shelf availability. She also hosts hands-on workshops where she shares her knowledge about gut-friendly food.

“Basically, I’m a food geek,” says Lucie. “I’m a Bath-born biologist, and a lover of all things organic and living, whether microbes, plants or animals. The Bath Culture House brand is a double entendre. Bath is a cultured city, I love microbial cultures, and the products I create are all cultured/fermented. My Fabulously Fermented range aims to share the fun and energy I get from fermented food with other people.”

Lucie started fermenting in her early 20s when she moved to north Cornwall to produce Cornish bries and Camemberts. “That’s pretty much when my passion for incorporating microbes into food products began,” she recalls. “I started learning and discovering how bacterial cultures are responsible for so many of the products we consume, whether sourdough bread, wine, vinegar, cheese, beer, pickles or yoghurt. I like to break down foods and work out how to make them myself at home.

I’m currently growing gourmet mushrooms from spent coffee grounds and straw, but that’s going off at a bit of a tangent . . .”

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to a fascination with tofu and the realisation that the tofu-making process is similar to cheesemaking, and can be produced at home using soya milk. This in turn, led her to Indonesian tempeh, also made from soya but fermented before a mould culture is added.

“I often describe tempeh as similar to the mould that grows on the surface of a Camembert, but rather than growing on cheese it grows around the soya beans, forming a white fluffy brick. It started to dawn on me that my cheese experience was transferable into other fermented food and my collection of incubators and bubbly pots began to grow.”

Today, Lucie supplies her Fabulously Fermented range to local businesses, including Beyond the Kale, Harvest and Castle Farm Café at Midford. She also leads workshops at Demuths Cookery School.

But good taste and fashionable foodie fixes aside: what are the health

benefits of incorporating fermented food into our daily diets? Lucie’s out to stimulate us with science.

“Fermented food and drink is produced by natural and beneficial bacteria and yeasts which break down carbohydrates (sugars) into organic acids or alcohol. The action of breaking down carbohydrates and predigesting foods prior to eating makes it easier for our bodies to absorb nutrients.

“The bacteria and yeasts which are

HUBBLE BUBBLE: main picture, Lucie Cousins making kimchi and below, a healthy jar of fermented vegetables Opposite, jars of kombucha, made to ease digestion

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FOOD | HEROES present in fermented foods are highly beneficial to our digestive system, which is often historically referred to our ‘second brain’. A happy stomach equals happy mental wellbeing. As we consume bacteria and yeasts, we improve our gut flora, aiding digestion and helping us take up nutrients, remove toxins, prevent certain diseases, improve our immune system and all kinds of other good things. If you can see eating fermented foods as tending a lawn within our digestive system, you’ll sort of get the picture.

“Fermented foods are natural, live and unprocessed, and the process of fermentation increases the amount of B vitamins, folic acid, choline and glutathione.”

So, we’d be foolish not to join the fermentation frenzy. But Lucie has more good news. “Everyone is able to ferment at home. There’s no expensive equipment required – just enthusiasm. Take sauerkraut, for example, loosely speaking it’s a tangle of finely-cut cabbage fermented by lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a distinctly savoury flavour. But the ingredients are simply cabbage and salt. You’ll need a Kilner-style jar, a mixing bowl, a knife and a chopping board – and that’s it.

“You don’t need an incubator as it happily ferments and bubbles away in an airing cupboard or kitchen. But even if you don’t want to start chopping, it’s relatively easy to introduce fermented food into your diet

without any hassle or extra expense. Change your daily bread for sourdough. Choose natural yoghurts rather than those full of sugars, and replace the fruit flavours with homemade fruit compotes or fresh fruit.

Replace fizzy drinks with kombucha, which I often describe as an alcohol-free scrumpy – the fermentation process breaks the sugars down into beneficial compounds. And miso soup makes a good substitute for coffee and tea. Do be cautious around mass-produced sauerkraut and kimchi though; when sold unrefrigerated they’re not live as they’ve been pasteurised, undertaking a heat process which kills the bacteria and yeasts and sterilised using vinegars rather than fermentation.”

“Once you start introducing fermented foods into your diet you find that your tastebuds develop and you crave less sweet and processed foods and start to appreciate and detect flavour, spices, complexity and quality. Beyond the Kale is my favourite vegetarian café in the city centre for the most delicious warm falafel wraps I’ve ever encountered. I have a lot to thank Beyond the Kale for too, as they encouraged me to launch my Jasmine Flower Kombucha – they were the first business to stock my products.

I also adore Indian Temptation – I often dream about their dosas. Oh, and I love Yak Yeti Yak too, for their beautifully seasoned fresh food. My personal food hero was my granddad, who taught me to grow fruit and

vegetables, re-use materials and water, compost efficiently and collect seeds.”

Lucie is currently launching another flavour in her Kombucha range (Hibiscus Flower), hosting workshops at Castle Farm Café and continuing to teach with Rachel Demuth at her cookery school. “I hope one day to work with young adults too, promoting a healthy diet and sharing my passion and skills about creating and eating live food and drinks at home. I’m really excited about the future. I believe we all have, within ourselves, the tools to make our dreams happen.”

Bath Culture House/Fabulously Fermented Food and Drink, Lucie Cousins, info@bathculturehouse.co.uk, Twitter: @fabfermented. n

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Do you want to become a better leader?

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

Part-time MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership

Jeremy Johnson

Scholarships now available*

Chef at The Richmond Arms

I

’m lucky enough to be now running one of the cutest pubs in Britain, on the hill at Lansdown, Bath, but my journey here was not straightforward. Quite a meander in fact. I was born in Lincolnshire (my father worked in the RAF) but grew up in East Yorkshire near Beverley.

I went to secondary school in Leek, Staffordshire. I didn’t like it at all and left after three years, when I was 16. I wasn’t a local lad so the other pupils didn’t know what to make of me. When I left school I enrolled in the Youth Opportunity Scheme and did what would now be called an apprenticeship with an engineering business.

After various day release courses in Newcastle studying construction and estate management I got a job in Wales for the Ministry of Defence in the estate department. The world of construction, surveying or property appeared to be my life direction, especially after I added to my NOC and HNCs with a degree in estate management at Bristol University. I developed my career from there working for the DSS in Birmingham and then slid into private practice and consultancy.

I worked as a surveyor for a number of corporate clients including Tesco, Pizzaland and KFC. So far, so predictable, but things were about to change. My wife sadly and unexpectedly died and things started to get pretty rocky with my business partners having, shall we say, ‘different priorities’. I was saved by a good friend who supported me through those difficult times offering me a job as property director of a large retail chain.

Sometimes we need an angel in our life.

Much as I appreciated his help, that business went bust in 2011 so I was forced to re-evaluate my life and its direction especially as I was now a single parent with two boys (Max and Marcus) to consider. I know it sounds like the Lumberjack song from Monty Python but I had always had a desire to live in New Zealand and be a chef. I couldn’t get a work Visa but I could go there as a student. So my cunning plan was to enrol in the Cordon Bleu school in Wellington, which ticked both boxes.

I completed the Cordon Bleu course but a heart attack on my 50th birthday delayed the graduation. I then worked for two top restaurants, Hippopotamus and Logan Brown, where the management structure was flat, flexible and friendly. The third restaurant in Wellington, Lorettas was fun but by then I had a big urge to work for myself and return to the UK. This brought me eventually to The Richmond Arms.

Lorettas in New Zealand inspired me to focus on the social side of sharing food so here in Richmond Place we offer many small dishes, tapas style, and sharing plates. We have a short menu with classic English or European dishes. Venison casserole (with chocolate) is one of my signature dishes but we also serve pastas, currys and other heart-warming recipes like schweinshaxe (roast ham hock). Ben Franks has said we have the best wine list in Bath with a large range at very good prices. I wouldn’t argue with him.

We’re steadily building the business with music and quiz nights and although we’re definitely off the beaten track it’s worth the small effort when you’ve found us. n

Designed for busy managers to fit around a demanding management role, this part-time programme will help you to:

• enhance your impact as a leader • understand organisational complexity and issues affecting success • improve your ability to manage change and uncertainty • make better choices about growth and strategic direction

Email Cheralyn Dark at efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk or Tel: 0117 954 6694 for details www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/programmes/strat-change-leadership.html Come along to our Open Evening on Wednesday 22 March 2017 between 6-7.30pm.

To register, please email Cheralyn at efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk

*Selection criteria will apply.

Contact Cheralyn for details.

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151.

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Business Feb.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2017 12:52 Page 1

CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS PARK AND RIDE: COUNCIL VOTES YES

News in brief

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet has voted to proceed with a Park and Ride for the east of Bath. Councillors have earmarked land west of Mill Lane for an 800 vehicle car

park.

Campaigners against the development protested long and hard against the proposals but B&NES argued that the future development of Bath relied on improvements to local transport and projects to tackle congestion.

The new site was chosen because it is well placed for cars coming from the A4, A46

and A363. Its development as a Park and Ride is subject to the purchase of the land and securing agreement from Highways England over access from the bypass.

The council has agreed that more signs are neeeded to encourage greater use of Lansdown Park and Ride to those arriving in Bath from the north.

Members of the public will be able to put forward their views as part of the formal planning process.

More information is available at: bathnes.gov.uk/East-of-Bath-Park-and-Ride.

CARING SERVICE: some of Dorothy House’s staff celebrate

n Dorothy House Hospice Care staff and volunteers have received an 'Outstanding' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Outstanding is the highest available rating and places Dorothy House in the top 6% of adult social care providers nationally. The inspection in September and October 2016 included an unannounced three-day visit by four inspectors to Dorothy House Hospice Care in Winsley and its centres in Trowbridge and Peasedown St John. The inspectors talked to patients, carers, family members and staff about all aspects of its service, from the standard of the catering to end of life care, as well as measuring the hospice’s performance against five essential standards of quality; that it is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Dorothy House provides specialist, palliative and end of life care across 700 square miles and serves a population of 550,000 people in B&NES and Somerset and Wiltshire. n The talk around the workplaces of Bath has focused recently on splits, fartlek and fitbits as hundreds of people train to run the 13 and a bit miles for March’s Vitality Bath Half marathon, as part of the Corporate Challenge.

This year 36 businesses and organisations have entered teams for the race on Sunday 12 March and every team member will be running to raise money for charity. Among those taking part are Komedia, Topping & Co, Royds Withy King, Mowbray Woodwards, Relish Catering and Shoon Trading.

FIRST PHASE ATTRACTS LOCAL BUYERS The houses under construction at Holburne Park, the new development of former Ministry of Defence land at Warminster Road, Bath, have been put on the open market.

The mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses are priced from £480,000, £545,000 and £900,000 respectively. The first phase of the development is being marketed by Savills estate agents, who report that there has already been a high level of interest in Holburne Park.

Vicky Dudbridge, associate director at Savills, said: “Interestingly, a large proportion of the enquiries have come from people in the villages surrounding Bath who are looking to relocate back into the city centre, while they encompass

CITY HOMES: Holburne Park is a 20 minute stroll from Bath city centre

a real mix of types of purchasers, from downsizers to families with young children or teenagers, and from professionals to first time buyers. This paves the way for the creation of a balanced, communityfocused neighbourhood.”

The overall development will be constructed in phases over the next three years and

THANKS TO ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS

n Bath’s Victoria Art Gallery’s display cabinets can be upgraded this year thanks to a grant of £31,500 from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport / Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund. The grants are jointly funded through a partnership between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Wolfson Foundation. The grant to Victoria Art Gallery – which is owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council – was one of five made in memory of Giles Waterfield, former director of Dulwich Picture Gallery.

WHEELS IN MOTION: Cyclescheme’s offices near Queen Square, Bath

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when complete, will provide over 200 homes for Bath.

Hardrock Developments is using Bath and west country suppliers wherever possible.

The first homes are anticipated to be ready for their new owners to move into later this year.

For more information contact Savills on: 01225 302888.

In January’s issue of The Bath Magazine Bath interior designer Clair Strong shared one of her recent refurbishment projects – a workspace renovation for Grass Roots’ Cyclescheme business at Queen Anne House.

In the original article, Clair neglected to give credit to the builders, Newgate Construction and the architects, Esmond Murray.

Without the help of both excellent teams, the project simply would not have been the success it was. With that in mind, Clair would like to extend a huge thanks to both, and a sincere apology for missing them out.

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Introducing... ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

Michelle Goreham, Home Admissions Advisor at the new luxury care home Gracewell of Bath

M

y links with Bath are long and strong. I love the city for its beautiful historic buildings and I enjoy wandering around the eclectic mix of boutique style shops it has to offer, as well as taking a scenic trip along the river.

I have many connections with the local churches, schools and businesses in Bath, and with the Royal United Hospital and St Martin’s Hospital. I am also a dementia champion in the area.

One of the many things I love about Gracewell of Bath is the incredible location. Our home is in an elevated area, and on clear days we have beautiful views across the city - even as far as the Brecon Beacons from the top floor. It is also situated at the centre of a thriving community.

What makes Gracewell of Bath so special is the personalised care programme that we offer to each resident, which focuses on the individuals’ personal interests, social life, former working life and their personal companionship. Our rooms are beautifully decorated, our lounges are modern and comfortable and residents’ can enjoy their favourite meals, which are freshly prepared onsite by our dining team.

Personal care, nursing and support needs are a priority, and residents are kept busy spending time with family and friends, as well as taking part in organised visits and activities.

After living in New Zealand, I have recently moved back to support my own elderly parents with their own needs. The care of the elderly and embarking on a new career in the care sector just felt like the natural choice for me. Making a difference to the way life is lived and enjoyed in the latter years is a particular passion.

Gracewell offers unique and personalised care with a feeling of luxury that I believe everyone deserves to enjoy.

For more information, please contact Gracewell of Bath on 01225 435870.

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

www.oclaccountancy.com

VAT Flat Rate scheme changes The VAT flat rate scheme has been used by many businesses to simplify VAT reporting but has also provided them with a saving – or extra profit – at the expense of HMRC. In the Autumn Statement the Chancellor sought to reduce this benefit & announced changes which affect businesses with a very low cost base, called "limited cost traders" after 1st April 2017.

These can still use the Flat Rate Scheme, but the percentage they apply will be 16.5%. So if they sell £240 of work, including £40 of VAT, the new flat rate amount will be £39.60 (£240 x 16.5%).

A “limited” cost trader is one that spends less than 2% of its sales on goods (not services) in a period and when working out the amount it spends on goods, it can’t include: • capital goods (such as new equipment used in a business) • vehicles or parts for vehicles (unless it is a vehicle hiring business) • food and drink (such as staff lunches) It will also be classed as a limited cost trader if it spends less than £1,000 a year, even if this is more than than 2% of its turnover on goods.

The change will increase VAT paid by labour-intensive businesses that spend little on goods, such as consultants & IT contractors, but can also impact construction workers who supply their labour, but where materials are supplied by the main contractor.

For help & advice contact us – call Marie Maggs, Hannah Bratten or Lesley Allen on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting.

We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides.

What our clients say:

“Believe it or not, in the 25+ years that we have been trading, the meeting with you was the first one ever where we went through accounts - very refreshing” “For us, in our 30 years experience OCL Accountancy is the best fit we have found”

Boost your profits - Reduce your tax Maximise your wealth

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 66 TheBATHMagazine

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Call Monahans Financial Services now on 01225 472800 Lennox House, 3 Pierrepont Street, Bath BA1 1LB www.monahans-fsl.co.uk

With Monahans Financial Services you’re in safe hands.

Our Family Wealth Transfer Advice can help to ensure your wealth is passed on through the generations to those you care about the most.

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FAMILY | EVENTS

FAMILY DIARY IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN THIS MONTH THE CHIMPANZEES OF HAPPYTOWN n Wiltshire Music Centre Saturday 4 February, 3pm Join narrator Polly Ives and musicians from Ensemble 360 for a fantastic afternoon packed full of vivid story-telling, live music and bright illustrations from the story book The Chimpanzees of Happytown. Find out how Chutney the chimpanzee transforms gloomy Drabsville into colourful Happytown and puts a smile on everyone's face. Suitable for ages three and over. Tickets: £10 adults, £5 students and under 18s. To book, visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk or call: 01225 860100.

YEARLINGS WORKSHOPS n The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street Mondays and Tuesdays, 10.30am – 12pm In this popular weekly workshop Chrissie Weltike will guide parents and children aged 12 – 24 months as they play and learn together through stories and creative activities inspired by the museum’s collection. All places must be booked and paid for in advance. Block bookings only.

Visit holburne.org or call: 01225 388568 to find out more.

Also at The Holburne this month ART CLUB: FEASTS AND FESTIVALS Saturday 25 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm Taking inspiration from the museum’s new exhibition Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty, children can explore the idea of celebrations to make pieces of art using mixed media.

Suitable for five – 13 year olds. Booking essential. There is also the option to work towards the nationally recognised Discover Arts Award.

The Chimpanzees of Happytown

AMAZING ARCHES n Roman Baths Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 February, 10am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm Children can discover how arches work at this half-term activity for the family.

Included in admission price, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit: romanbaths.co.uk.

production is one of storytelling, folk music, and instrument-swapping. Suitable for ages seven and above. Visit: theatreroyal.org.uk or call: 01225 823409 to book.

Also at The egg this month BEASTY BABY Thursday 16 – Sunday 26 February, times vary Deep in the forest lives a mischievous Beasty Baby. Expect plenty of laughter and mayhem as this production follows the lives of three people as they bring up this cheeky child.

Uses puppetry and live music to create a hilarious experience for all the family.

Named one of Lyn Gardner’s top 10 theatre shows of 2015. For three – six year olds.

LANTERN FESTIVAL The Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QJ Monday 13 February, 2.30 – 4pm A fun afternoon of making lanterns from different Asian countries using recycled materials to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival. Drop-in session, no booking required. £3 per child, accompanying adult goes free. Visit: meaa.org.uk or call: 01225 464640.

TAPED UP n Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms Monday 13 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 3.30pm Children an create abstract patterns inspired by the museum’s collection using brightly coloured tape and design a fashionable outfit. Included in admission price, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit: fashionmuseum.co.uk.

BENEATH THE BLIZZARD n The egg Friday 10 – Tuesday 14 February, times vary The city has been abandoned – no one dares visit after the disaster that struck so long ago – except for a small group of survivors that live beneath a secret bolt hole. This

Also at the Fashion Museum this month SATURDAY SKETCHING Saturday 4 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm Get the chance to sketch the beautiful objects on display in the museum’s A History of Fashion in 100 Objects exhibition, with suggestions of key spots of interest from the

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museum’s curators. Use the #SaturdaySketching hashtag and tag @Fashion_Museum and @minervaartshop on Twitter, and the museum will post visitors’ sketches on its online image gallery. Free with normal museum entry.

MUCH ADO ABOUT PUFFIN n Pound Arts Centre, Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Saturday 11 February, 2pm Join Open Attic as they travel the stormy seas in this funny tale about a man, all alone on a small island, and how his world is turned upside down when he meets a friendly puffin. Suitable for ages four and above. Tickets: £7, concessions £6, family £24. Visit: poundarts.org.uk or call: 01249 701628 / 01249 712618.

Also at Pound Arts Centre this month BYBROOK DUO: AN INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC Wednesday 15 February, 1pm This interactive family concert includes wellknown classical pieces, plus favourites such as The Jungle Book and Teddy Bears Picnic.

Tickets: £7, concessions £4.

FOREST SCHOOL n Dyrham Park, near Bath, SN14 8HY Monday 13 February, 10.30am – 12pm Learn some bushcraft, identify plants, build dens, cook over an open fire and create some crafty artwork outdoors at Dyrham Park's new woodland school. £10 per child.

Clothing suitable for outdoor activities must be worn. Suitable for five – 11 year olds. To book, call: 0117 9371353.

Also at Dyrham Park this month STAR PARTIES Dates vary throughout February and March Wrap up warm and get the whole family together to enjoy some stargazing in the countryside with the Bristol Astronomical Society. Weather depended. Register your interest now and the organiser will send you an email to confirm the exact date and time of the event. Tickets: £5 per person, payable

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FAMILY | EVENTS at the event. Suitable for ages eight and above. To book, call: 0117 9371353.

costume inspired by The Edge’s current James Capper exhibition which features large sculptures of animals and insects. £35 per child. Suitable for seven – 11 year olds. Pre-booking advised. Call: 01225 386777 or visit: edgearts.org.

The Brainiac Live! team

GREAT EXPECTATIONS BY CHARLES DICKENS n The Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, Bath, BA1 1UF Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm Next Stage Youth Theatre Company brings this unforgettable Dickens tale to life, following the story of Pip as he grows from a poor orphan to a gentleman in the hope of winning Estella’s cold heart. Tickets available via Bath Box Office. £12 adults, £10 concessions. Call: 01225 463362 or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

THE ANIMALS WENT IN TWO BY TWO n Victoria Art Gallery Wednesday 15 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 3.30pm Three to six year olds can explore the animals in the paintings throughout the gallery and create an animal collage to take home. Free activity, no need to book. Visit: victoriagal.org.uk.

Also at Victoria Art Gallery this month A BIRD’S EYE VIEW Friday 17 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm Taking inspiration from Bath-based artist Peter Brown’s exhibition, children can create a landscape picture of their favourite place –

maybe they will make a picture of Bath or a recent family holiday destination. Suitable for ages six – 11. Free activity, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit: victoriagal.org.uk.

MAKE n Fine Art Studio, The Edge, University of Bath Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 February, 9am – 4pm Children can spend one or two jam-packed days playing games, getting messy with arts and crafts activities and creating stories and characters. They can even make an animal

Also at The Edge this month CREATE: ART Saturday 18 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm Hands on creative workshop led by artist educator Dorcas Casey. Children can try their hands at sticking, drawing and making collages, as well as printmaking and using textiles. Plus pick up some useful tips about making art at home. £5 per child, £3 per adult. Suitable for five – 11 year olds.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-booking advised. Call: 01225 386777 or visit: edgearts.org.

BRAINIAC LIVE! n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP Thursday 16 February, 2pm and 4.30pm Back by popular demand and based on the multi-award winning TV show, Brainiac Live! will take audience members through the weird and wonderful world of science.

Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and even some live daredevil stunts. Recommended for ages six and above. Tickets from £14. Family tickets available. Visit: komedia.co.uk or call: 0845 293 8480.

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EDUCATION NEWS BOARDING SERVICES EXTENDED Prior Park College is extending its boarding opportunities, from September, for students in all year groups, including Years 7 and 8. Currently boarding starts from age 13 plus.

Headmaster James MurphyO’Connor, pictured, says: “As a result of an increase in demand for boarding in Bath and the unprecedented number of applications to the college, I and the governors believe it is the right time for boarding to be available on an occasional, weekly or full time basis, across all of our year groups.”

Boarding students represent approximately a third of the

pupil numbers at Prior Park, which in this academic year stands at 602, its highest roll to date.

Prior Park College’s next Open Door Day is on Friday 3 March, 9.30am – 11.30am when prospective families are welcome to visit and have a tour of the school. Visit: priorparkcollege.com.

ENTERING CARING PROFESSION Students from Bath College received advice and experience from health and social care professionals at a recent employability day.

The day marked the launch of the college’s Care Academy, designed to link students with a employers in the south west.

Last year Bath College was awarded £40,000 of government funding to kick-start the Care Academy and recruit an academy coordinator. The college has been working with its Care Academy partners to strengthen training, increase work experience

opportunities, and help students find employment in the health and social care sector.

Students met representatives from Sirona care and health, Creativity Works, BANES Youth Connect and Health, Dorothy House, Bath Mind, Action on Addiction, healthcare company Dimensions and the Red Cross.

A new eight-week pilot course for students and care home workers in partnership with Creativity Works, explores the benefit of using the arts in care homes, including drama, visual art, dance and poetry.

BE PREPARED TO SUCCEED With sixth form students facing the challenge of new-style A level exams this summer, Bath Tutorial College (BTC) brings A level, GCSE, and IB Revision Courses to Bath Spa University this Easter at a vital time.

“Our courses address student concerns and convert classroom knowledge into exam success,” says Andy Thompson, academic director.

“We also offer study at halfterm breaks.”

A level and IB courses, day and residential, run for a week per subject, while GCSE students can revise two subjects per week. Groups are small (five to six students), with a teaching day involving over six hours’ contact time.

Individual tuition is

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available throughout March and April. Students can come all holiday or for just one day.

Andy says: “We want to offer the best revision preparation, ensuring our students enter the summer exam room ready to deliver their best.”

For more information about BTC tel: 01225 313076, email: info@bathtutorialcollege.co.uk.

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• Co-educational day school for pupils aged 5-13 with

dyslexia and other specific learning/language difficulties.

• Located in Wiltshire between Bath and Chippenham.

CReSTeD approved.

• Fully qualified specialist teachers with maximum class size of eight - reducing to one-to-one as required.

Call 01225 743 566 or visit www.CalderHouseSchool.co.uk

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

TIME for TWO ENJOY SOME COUPLE THERAPY BY BOOKING A DOUBLE TREATMENT AT ONE OF BATH’S SPAS

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re too many of our menfolk missing out on the physical and mental benefits of a massage because they feel awkward finding themselves stripped down to their boxers and alone with a female therapist?

While some men are at ease with idea of going for a facial or a massage, others still have a traditional British reserve about their bodies and physical contact. Being given a professional massage generally induces great feelings of peace and relaxation in a recipient, so it could be useful as a therapy for the increasing number of men suffering from anxiety and depression.

More spas are installing double treatment rooms where partners can enjoy simultaneous therapies administered by two therapists. And if you’re single they’re happy to book a room out for mums and daughters or friends. Add in a wallow in a warm pool and the chance to lounge about in a fluffy robe – without access to your phone – and this may best the best couple therapy your relationship has had for a long time.

Frontline Style salon in Monmouth Street, Bath, offers a spa session for two for £100.

The pair will recieve a full body massage each, with the chance to spend time together in a hydrotherapy pool then relaxing in fluffy slippers and robes while sipping a chilled glass of Prosecco. On leaving they’ll be given a Clarins goodie bag of products to take home. To book, tel: 01225 478478.

The newly refurbished L’Occitaine Garden Spa at The Priory has a sumptuous double treatment room. Opt for a deep tissue intense relief massage – a 50 minute treatment that’s ideal for sports people or for

GOOD HABITS HELP FERTILITY

THERAPY: above, the Royal Crescent spa and top, The Garden Spa at The Priory Hotel

relieving jet lag – or a verbena relaxing massage that’ll have you sleeping like a baby come bedtime. Massages are from £95 and sessions include the chance to use the spa pool, sauna and relaxation lounge. To book tel: 01225 478395.

Spend some time together at The Spa & Bath House at The Royal Crescent Hotel.

Relax under candlelight in the spa and treatment rooms. A couples’ massage will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated before a romantic dinner in The Dower House Restaurant. The romantic package includes an hour spa use, a 60 minute massage each and three course dinner with a glass of Champagne, £320 per couple.

The spa also offers a Roman Roses Retreat for £150 per person, Monday to Friday. Enjoy use of the spa, followed by a 1-hour treatment of your choice in the couples treatment room. Complete your day with afternoon tea and a glass of Taittinger Champagne.

To book your retreat, tel: 01225 823367.

Couples hoping to conceive are being encouraged to keep up with their healthy New Year’s resolutions into February. Bath Fertility Centre says people have a much greater chance of a successful conception if they lead a healthy lifestyle, which may include losing weight in addition to quitting smoking and drinking less.

Men who smoke are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, a low sperm count and hormonal imbalances.

For women, smoking speeds up ovarian ageing. Quitting alcohol can also help men to improve their sperm count and fertility.

Senior medical director at the centre, Nick Sharp said: “Aside from ditching the cigarettes and excessive alcohol, other lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and regular exercise can also have a positive effect on fertility. We offer a free initial appointment at our open evenings for anyone who feels they may be having trouble conceiving. We can offer advice on the best way for them to proceed, whether that’s through lifestyle changes or specialist support from our dedicated team.”

Bath Fertility Centre moved to its purpose-built facility at Peasedown St John in 2013 and recently released its success rate data. In women up to the age of 35, the success rate for those undertaking up to three cycles of IVF is 89 per cent, with over 180 babies born and more due.

Visit: Bathfertility.com or call: 01761 434464.

NEW SAUNA AND ICE CHAMBER FOR CITY SPA

KEEP YOUR COOL: an artist’s impression of the new ice chamber

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A makeover is taking place at Bath’s famous Thermae spa this month to re-use the space on the steam room floor of the ten-yearold spa building.

In place of the former transparent steam pods on this middle floor will be a wellbeing suite comprising two new steam rooms, an infrared sauna, an ice chamber and a relaxing suite. The work is being carried out by specialist company Dale Sauna.

The new suite will be open in

March. Meanwhile the rest of the Therma Bath Spa is open as normal and visitors are being given vouchers for a return visit when the new space is ready.

While the refurbishment is underway the double treatments service for massage and facials, has been temporarily suspended.

Bookings for Thermae Together double spa and treatment sessions (£198 for two, including lunch) for from March onwards, can be made, tel: 01225 331234.

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CITY | FITNESS

YOUR FLEXIBLE FRIEND Pilates Quarter offers exercise sessions to increase suppleness and strength, reports Georgette McCready

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here are very few forms of exercise that are suitable – and effective – for everyone, from top athletes through to those with dodgy knees, feeble lungs or stiff backs.

I have a friend who’s an elite runner, who confided that his Pilates sessions are his secret weapon in keeping fit to keep his pace up without succumbing to injury.

Taking my post-Christmas cheese and wine waistline down to the newest exercise studio in Bath for an introductory session, I admit to be a little apprehensive. I’d seen the benches and what looked like ropes and pulleys inside the new Pilates Quarter studios – visible from the traffic lights on the London Road if you crane your neck – and wondered if using the world famous Joseph Pilates designed Reformers would be a pleasure or a pain.

Thanks to expert tuition by

Elaine Dowsett, who runs the studio with her partner Phil Ward, my introductory session was not painful, but we touched on long-unused, forgotten muscles which for 48 hours afterwards gently reminded me of their existence. “Wake me!

Use me!” they seemed to say.

An introductory session takes you through a series of exercises, both on the mat and using the equipment, with your instructor carefully guiding you through each movement. At the beginning Elaine or Phil will ascertain what it is your body needs, whether that be strength, suppleness and co-ordination, or like the 80-something great grandmother who’s just enrolled, the chance to move a little more freely, loosen those hips, ease the spine and generally walk a little taller.

Under Elaine’s gentle but firm guidance my whole body is engaged in the most quietly

Photo: Pete Stone STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN: Phil Ward leading a class at Pilates Quarter

concentrated effort. You really have to think about what you’re doing and you can’t let your attention wander for a single second, so intent are you on making the stretch. There’s the tummy muscles to pull in (a tough call for me), the spine to gently, slowly curl down, the breathing to co-ordinate and then there are all those little extras to pay mind to – shoulders down, toes unclenched, head not tilted to one side like a budgie (guilty).

I have tried since my session to take on some of Elaine’s sound

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advice and would certainly recommend her encouraging teaching methods.

During February Pilates Quarter is offering private introductory sessions for £25.

Also this month, anyone joining as a member can sign up a loved one for half price membership for two months. To book a session tel: 01225 444525.

The studio runs small classes as well as individual sessions and is open 7am – 8.30pm, Monday to Thursday, 7am – 3.30pm Friday, 8am – 5pm Saturday and 10am – 3pm Sunday. n

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HEALTH | & | BEAUTY NEW FULLY EQUIPPED STUDIO IN BATH OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

READER OFFER

HIGHLY QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

A TREAT FOR WINTER As the UK’s first L’Occitane spa opens at The Bath Priory, be among the first to enjoy it with this special reader offer

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e are now able to step straight into the sunny, restorative Provençal heat of the South of France, thanks to the opening of the new L’Occitane spa at the award-winning hotel, the Bath Priory. In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the atmosphere and welcome at the newly refurbished Garden Spa is reminiscent of arriving at a private country house. The staff and the ambience are adept at making you feel relaxed, encouraging you to make yourself at home.

What nicer way than to see off the late winter blues than with a session at The Garden Spa by L’Occitane? This is an exclusive offer for readers of The Bath Magazine and it’s available until the end of February.

For £95 per person you can while away a couple of happy hours.

Enjoy the full use of The Garden Spa by L’Occitane facilities with complementary use of robe, slippers and towel. Float in the tranquil waters of the indoor pool, steam yourself warm, or toast those winterchilled bones in the sauna, while between dips refresh yourself poolside in the shower, using deliciously fresh smelling L’Occitane products.

Following your wallow you can enjoy a 25 minute treatment, which you’ll have booked in advance. The mini treatment menu options are: a revitalising aromachologie massage to re-invigorate the body and mind; a relaxing back massage to help ease tension and stress; a mini manicure to nourish, soften and protect or a mini pedicure to leave the feet relaxed and soft. All the therapists at The Garden Spa have been trained by L’Occitane, offering a professional, calming and friendly service.

Finally, indulge yourself in a Bath Priory special, taking full afternoon tea, with sandwiches, cakes, tea and scones served in The Pantry, with a glass of Champagne to toast yourself. There is also a shop in The Garden Spa stocked with wonderful L’Occitane natural products, just in case you would like to buy a gift before you leave.

Readers who take advantage of this offer will also be offered 20% discount on any additional treatments booked. This offer is available Monday to Thursday, until 28 February. Booking is essential and is subject to availability.

To book call The Garden Spa by L’Occitane, tel: 01225 478395 and quote The Bath Magazine when you book. For more information on the spa visit: thebathpriory.co.uk. n

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T O RY IN T R O D U C 25 S E S S IO N £

POSTURE CORE FLEXIBILITY STRENGTH REHABILITATION PRIVATE SESSIONS SMALL GROUPS

BECOME A MEMBER IN FEBRUARY AND A LOVED ONE WILL GET THEIR MEMBERSHIP HALF PRICE FOR 2 MONTHS

TEL: 01225 444525 1 CLEVELAND PLACE EAST, BATH, BA1 5DJ WWW.THEPILATESQUARTER.CO.UK

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the orangery l a s e r

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b e a u t y

Hydra Peel Infusion

Hydra Peel Infusion is a treatment that combines dermabrasion, hydration, chemical peeling and non-needle mesotherapy to infuse different vitamins into the skin. Treatments have no down time and are suitable for all skin types. It can be used to target fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, scarring, rosacea, sun damage and pigmentation as well as problematic skins.

c l i n i c

Specialists in Ellipse IPL Permanent Hair Reduction treatments

• Permanent Hair Reduction • • No more shaving, waxing or depilatory creams • • Safe and effective, even on fragile or delicate areas • • FREE CONSULTATIONS AND PATCH TEST •

No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath • Tel: 01225 466851 • www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

style Boutique Salons & Spa Winner of Best Hair Salon & Best Day Spa in Somerset 2016

Valentine’s Day Spa Package for two only £100 • Hydrotherapy Bath for two • Bespoke Full Body Massage each • Glass of Prosecco each • Clarins goodie bag to take home • Relax in the lounge afterwards

BOOK ONLINE www.frontlinestyle.co.uk 4/5 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AJ 01225 478478 bath@frontlinestyle.co.uk

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THE | WALK

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MONKS Andrew Swift charts a walk around Freshford, where traces from centuries past can be seen

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n 1222, William Longspee, Earl of Salisbury, established a Carthusian priory at Hatherop in Gloucestershire. After Longspee’s death the monks, finding that the estate was insufficient to maintain them, petitioned his widow for further endowments. She granted them the manors of Hinton and Norton St Philip in Somerset and in 1232 they established a new priory at Hinton, calling it Locus Dei, or ‘God’s Place’. It was an apt expression of their delight in having landed in such an enviable spot.

Under their stewardship, the wool trade flourished, mills were built to harness the power of the fast-flowing River Frome and stone was quarried for buildings that still stand today.

After the priory was dissolved in 1539, the wool and weaving trades continued to grow, wealthy clothiers built grand houses, the mills were enlarged and cottages were built for the weavers who came to work in them.

Today, with the weavers long gone, the mills have joined the cottages and grand houses as country boltholes in a part of Somerset that still lives up to the name bestowed on it almost 800 years ago. And it is the setting for this month’s walk, as we follow country lanes, riverside paths and beech-wood trails to glimpse, through the trees, the last surviving fragment of the Carthusian priory.

THE WALK The walk starts at Freshford, where parking is at a premium, although there is a lay-by which usually has spaces. You can also get there by train – of which more anon.

To get there by car, head south from Bath along the A36. One mile after Limpley Stoke Viaduct, turn left down Church Lane, following a sign for Freshford. After two-thirds of a mile, turn right just before Freshford school, following a sign for the village hall.

After 90m park in a lay-by on the left.

Go through a gate before the lay-by, head straight up a field and turn right along a lane which leads past weavers’ cottages and grander houses. The grandest is the Hermitage, dating from late medieval times but much altered.

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Horse, nine miles away. After passing Abbotsleigh, look out on the right for Golden Lion Cottage – once the Golden Lion pub. At the end, turn right uphill and then left by Walnut Cottage along a narrow footpath.

After going through a kissing gate (KG), there is a muddy stretch between fences. Carry on through two more KGs to emerge into a glade called the Vilet, which led from the priory down to the river. Carry on up to a metal KG, where dogs need to be on a lead as the steps beyond lead up to the A36.

At the top, you can see the chapter house of the priory through the trees.

Turn left along the pavement for a few metres, then left into a parking area and through a gap in the hedge to follow a track into Friary Woods.

After passing a tumbledown hut, the track descends past an old quarry.

When another track joins from the left, double back along it. Depressions in the ground here indicate further quarrying. If you look over to the right

you will see a weir beside which a hydro-electric turbine has been installed.

When you come to a T junction with a fence ahead, turn right down a muddy path. The garden beyond the fence is a continuation of the glade you saw earlier. Its water features were originally fishponds for the priory, before being converted to millponds.

At the bottom, you come to Dunkirk Mill, built around 1795 with five storeys. After closing in 1912 it lay derelict until the 1970s, when the top two floors were removed and it was converted to housing.

Carry on past the mill and follow the lane as it swings left past a redbrick pillbox, built in 1940 as part of a defence line to protect Bristol in the event of a German invasion. At a T junction, turn right and follow the lane as it runs alongside the River Frome.

As the lane swings right across a bridge, you can glimpse the shell of a 16th-century building at the heart of

MADE BY WOOL: main picture, the fast flowing River Frome at Freshford Opposite, left to right, The Hermitage dates back to medieval times, a pillbox serves as a reminder of the fear of a German invasion during the Second World War, and the 16th century vestiges at Freshford Mill

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THE | WALK

Freshford Mill. After closing in the 1930s, the mill became a rubber factory, which closed in 1995. The site is now being converted to residential units.

As you carry on alongside the river, look out for another pillbox on the far bank, with Abbotsleigh – which you passed earlier – high above. Follow the lane as it turns right and after 25m go through a kissing gate on the left. The official footpath heads straight across the field – in which there may be sheep – but many people bear left to follow a more scenic route along the river bank, where kingfishers are often seen.

Over to the right is Freshford Hall, built around 1790, with wings added around 1885.

If you look across the river, you can see how steeply the land shelves on the far bank. After

passing another pillbox, go through a KG and turn left along a busy lane. After crossing a bridge, described by Leland in 1540 as having ‘faire new arches of stone’, you come to the Inn at Freshford, once the New Inn, with a datestone of 1713.

To return to the starting point, turn left through a KG before you reach the inn and follow a track as it curves right uphill. Go through a KG, cross the lane ahead and follow a track leading diagonally down a field to the gate you came through earlier.

If you decide to take the train, on arrival at Freshford station head along Station Road, turn right at the end, and, when the road swings left, carry straight on downhill towards the chimney of the old Freshford Brewery.

At the bottom, follow the road as it bears left and continue along Dark Lane past a ghost sign for the old Greyhound Inn. At the end, carry on along Freshford Lane and go through the gate on the left 90m along to start the walk. At the end of the walk, when you reach the inn, carry on along the road as it curves uphill before turning right along Station Road.

Length of walk: 3½ miles, approximate time: 1 – 1½ hours. Level of challenge: Some muddy sections, robust footwear essential.

Map: AA 1:25000 Walker’s Map 25 (Bristol, Bath & the Mendips) recommended. n Andrew Swift is the author of On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks Around a World Heritage City and co-author, with Kirsten Elliot, of Ghost Signs of Bath.

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INTERIORS | EXPERTS

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

We spend an average of 26 years of our lives in bed, so it pays to make sure yours is comfortable and offers the right level of support. Richard Hayes of Bath furniture specialists TR Hayes has advice for a good night’s rest

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hen it comes to choosing a bed, people can be left confused by the types of mattress available and the benefits they provide. Bath independent furniture shop TR Hayes has the largest selection of beds in the city and welcomes visitors to its showrooms in Walcot.

But how to decide which kind of mattress will be best for you to ensure a good night’s sleep?

POCKETED SPRUNG These traditional mattresses feature individual springs which mould to your body, meaning a partner’s movements will not be felt. The number of springs and quantity/quality of filling have a bearing on the quality, and natural fillings such as lamb’s wool and hair tend to mould better with the springs, retain their shape and provide more comfort. These have been sold for over 100 years and are still the most popular type of bed.

FIND PEACE AND COMFORT: main picture, a super soft mammoth divan, below, useful storage inside an ottoman base

MEMORY FOAM Developed by NASA, memory foam mattresses are extremely supportive and are made of a visco-elastic that varies in thickness and degree of elasticity. The thickness affects quality and a higher grade visco-elastic gives excellent support. Memory foam mattresses do not need to be turned and are also hypo-allergenic.

MEMORY FOAM ON POCKETED SPRINGS This is a hybrid mattress that combines the support of memory foam with the traditional feel of pocketed springs. These mattresses feature over 1,000 springs and are topped with memory foam.

MAMMOTH These mattresses are made from medical foam and are scientifically proven to enhance sleep. TR Hayes partners with the Chiropractic Patients Association, so they are great for all ailments as well as giving you a wonderful night’s sleep.

In recent years different types of beds have come on the market, and it is wise to consider these before making your purchase. Most of these have removable

covers and are temperature regulating, so they never get too hot or too cold.Compliment your perfect mattress with a base. Many people choose a divan base which has the options of drawers and matching headboards. These now come in a wide range of stylish fabrics meaning you don’t need a valance. If you need to maximise storage then an ottoman base is the answer. With the help of pistons the base lid lifts to make the whole base area available for storage. Bedframes with slatted bases in wood, metal or fabric are also extremely popular.

TR Hayes stocks the leading brands in beds and mattresses, including Tempur, ViSpring, Mammoth, Harrison and many more. The beds used in Premier Inns (and as advertised on television by Lenny Henry) have attracted a lot of interest, with hotel guests saying they found them so comfortable they’d like to buy one for their homes. You can try a range of these Hynpos brand beds and mattresses here in Bath at the TR Hayes showroom.

TR Hayes also offers free local delivery and there is a customer car park next to the store.

PERFECT SUPPORT: try lying on a mattress before you buy

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For more information on beds and mattresses visit the TR Hayes website: trhayes.co.uk. The TR Hayes showrooms are at 15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath.

Opening times 8.45am – 5.30pm daily, closed Sundays. Tel: 01225 465757. n

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY The Which? consumer guide has advice on choosing the right mattress for you and your partner.

Always try before you buy. We spend an average of 26 years in our lifetime in bed (fact from the National Centre on Sleep Disorders) so it makes sense to lie on a mattress with your partner before you buy it.

Shop together (but not when you’re tired, as then all mattresses will feel comfortable) and wear comfortable clothes.

Take off your coats, slip off your shoes and lie on the bed in the positions that you normally sleep in.

Take ten minutes, including turning and sitting on the side of the bed, to test how it feels to you both.

This will help you decide whether you want a pocket sprung or a memory foam mattress.

To sign up for Which? consumer reports on a variety of topics visit: which.co.uk.

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Furniture – Art – Styling – Homewares

15 Walcot Buildings. London Rd. BA1 6AD free parking in weymouth st verveliving.uk 07785 332536 07712 467347

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WE’VE GOT IT COVERED Enjoy the best views of your beautiful flowers from your own sheltered garden room.

We talked to indoor-outdoor experts Garden Affairs about creating a space to play, rest or even work . . .

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ndoors-outdoors. Whether it’s a reviving and warming cuppa enjoyed in the gazebo as a break from weeding, or a refreshing G&T sipped from the comfort of the veranda at a day’s end, there’s something about covered outdoor spaces that’s a bit special.

They offer shelter from the rain and wind, or welcome shade on sunny days and are a nice place to sit alone in contemplation, or to gather friends and family all under one informal roof. But if a covered terrace is too difficult to attach to your house, you can still conjure up a bit of that magic elsewhere in your garden, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors many more days of the year.

It’s possible to create good looking sheltered outdoor areas in the same high-quality, long-lasting timber that you’d get in a garden office or summerhouse, with much more flexibility and ease of installation than an extension to your home. Garden Affairs, a company which specialises in summerhouses, gazebos, garden lodges and what they call posh sheds, have a range of outdoor rooms suitable for all kinds of gardens. And 82 TheBATHMagazine

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GARDEN RETREATS: main picture a Corsica design gazebo by Garden Affairs left, a poolside changing room and sheltered seating area GARDEN LIVING: Opposite page top left, a traditional gazebo is just large enough to house a small table and a pair of chairs, while right, the Prima Capri design allows for a separate, lockable store room beside the seating area because they’re under 2.5 metres in height they comply with planning regulations.

Depending on how you’ll use the space, you might create an attractive extended roof or linked overhang to a garden building just big enough for a couple of chairs. Think of a covered patio for a summerhouse, perfect for soaking up the sun and making a garden cabin even more attractive.

Or your garden retreat might be a

bolthole to sit and sketch in, or to crack on writing your book. Being away from the house means you can leave distractions like loading the dishwasher or sorting the laundry, and concentrate on the task in hand. If there’s a work report to write or lines to learn, a garden room is a discrete space to sit, pace or even lie – just make sure you’re not found dozing when you’ve told everyone you’ve gone there to work!

Below, two examples of where Garden Affairs’ designs allow their owners added privacy in their gardens, as well as giving them somewhere sheltered to sit

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CITY | GARDENS

You might prefer your outdoor room to be devoted to entertaining. You could have a little lock-up cabin next to a more generous al fresco covered area. This could be used as an outdoor dining space, using the enclosed room to securely store chairs, tables and other equipment needed for outdoor entertaining. Keep cushions, lanterns and a set of boules out here, always on hand for when they’re required.

Another option is to create a stand-alone gazebo or covered loggia that isn’t linked to a garden building at all. With or without some screening timber walls, it’s the kind of outdoor living room we all love in a holiday villa, and now can enjoy at home. How about an outdoor log burner with chimney to create an après-ski feel? A relaxing hot tub?

Or brackets to string up hammocks for lazy reading afternoons?

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor swimming pool, a garden room makes for a handy pool house and changing room for towels, robes and dry clothes.

Weatherproof garden living isn’t constrained by decorative style. From crisp contemporary to cheerfully traditional, you can choose the perfect look for your outdoor space, and accessorise with the right furnishings. Underfoot you can choose from timber decking, stone or composite slabs, brickwork or even a fashionable industrial finish such as galvanised metal or rubber tiles.

Timber inside and out can be left visible in a soft and welcoming style, freshened up with beach-hut pastels or given maximum impact with bright contrasts. With a good-quality exterior wood finish, your covered area will look the part with minimum maintenance for years to come.

There’s also the option to design in a green roof, planted with sedum, which adds insulation, keeping the structure cool in summer and warm in winter.

If you’re going to stay outside after the sun goes down you’ll need to factor in lighting.

Lanterns and candles in jars are atmospheric

and romantic but building in electrics for dining, reading or task lighting means you can make full use of your covered area in the twilight. Lighting on the pathway to the house (especially any steps) will keep everyone safe from stumbling along in the dark too. With electricity you can also extend the use of the space on chilly days, installing an electric convection heater.

The Garden Affairs staff help customers consider all aspects of their new outdoor space, whether they are opting to assemble it themselves or get the experts to do all the hard work. Keep it simple, or if you fancy yourself as full-blown outdoor caterer, you could incorporate power outlets, plumbing and a sink, gas bottle storage, a fridge, wine racks . . . you name it.

Chill the drinks, flick on the fairy lights and relax. Rain may never stop play again. n Garden Affairs has a showroom at Trowbridge Garden Centre, Frome Road, Trowbridge, BA14 0DT. Visit: gardenaffairs.co.uk or tel: 01225 774566.

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THE BEST LAID PLANS Jane Moore starts the gardening year as she means to go on

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always find February a good month in which to take stock and plan ahead. After the Christmas season has dissipated, the gloomy fug of the January blues tends to set in. This, coupled with my headlong dash to get my tax return in on time, which of course I have put off until the last possible moment, means I start the year in a dreadful state and only really get myself back under control by February.

Contradictory as it may seem, I am by nature a planner, an inveterate list maker, and I’m always looking ahead.

Even though I know that tax return needs doing I’m still a true last minuter. So February is the perfect time to map out my year, both personally and horticulturally speaking. No doubt you would be fascinated to hear about my holiday plans (Venice hopefully) but here and now I shall confine myself to gardening matters.

WINTER WORK PLAN February and March are my months for really making big changes to the garden. The light is better, there are pockets of milder weather (we hope) for planting and all is still and quiet enough at The Bath Priory for me to make some mess in the garden. There are a couple of projects which sat at 84 TheBATHMagazine

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the planning stage before Christmas, evolved in January and are now about to come to fruition. The biggest is the arbour/covered seat in the shadiest corner of the garden. This spot is planted with hydrangeas, ferns and other shade lovers but it’s the tree ferns that really make it a spot where you’d want to sit on a hot day. Our construction of a little covered arbour with a paved base and stepping stone path leading to it means you can do just that. We’re building it rather than buying off the shelf because we want it to fit the spot perfectly and we fancy a bit of a challenge. I just hope that it turns out to be more Highgrove than Heath Robinson in the end.

MIND THE GAP Our other big project is a planting one, and this is more familiar territory than carpentry, thank goodness.

Those of you that know The Priory will recall that we took down an enormous but very youthful leylandii a year or so ago. The resulting woodchip mound has taken some time to disperse but it’s now finally time to fill in the gap with, you’ve guessed it, another tree. This time a rather more elegant and manageable birch called rather appropriately given the season, Polar Bear.

TO DO LIST Yes of course I have one – it’s in my work diary and never, ever seems to get any shorter despite my best efforts. I am good at doing the easy things and crossing those out with great satisfaction but it’s the many things which fall perennially to the bottom of my To Do list that get me down. February is all about tackling just those things.

HOARDING MENTALITY Short of expensive therapy I can’t change my personality and it is that of a hoarder. I’m one of those people that keeps every little catalogue or article of interest, useful bits of string/wire/wood; labels and old broken tools with a view to mending them one day. But no more. Top of my list is to go through and sort out all the catalogues I get sent. If they’re interesting I’ll keep them for a week and then ditch ‘em in my new regime, unless I am actually going to order something from them. Colleagues Anna and Dom mutter about my ‘corner of doom’ in the greenhouse, or so Anna has christened it.

Admittedly in 2016 it did span several teetering mounds of mouldering papers but I have now obtained a sturdy blue mushroom box from the kitchen which represents my in-tray.

GETTING ORGANISED: Jane Moore head gardener at The Bath Priory, pictured at work in sunnier weather, has invested in a notebook to jot down plans, ideas and plant names

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CITY | GARDENING This will be emptied once it reaches its brim, roughly once a fortnight or so. Yes it will.

THE IDEAS NOTEBOOK Innovative as always I’ve also invested in a nice hardback notebook to replace all the scraps of paper with phone numbers, gardens I should visit, random ideas and plants I like written on them. Yes I have to transfer them from the odd bits of paper I find in my coat pockets but if I can be bothered to do this then its worth having, if not it’s in the bin with the paper.

Since I got the notebook it comes in handy all the time for sketching out rough plans of an area or idea and actually taking on garden visits with me so I can jot them down there and then.

THE LOST CORNERS This encompasses every area of my life – home, garage, greenhouse and garden. The shed itself is a muddle residing in a lost corner of abandoned pots and broken sun loungers from the outdoor pool. There are piles of paving stones, granite sets and random other assorted not-so-useful stones, along with odd plants and the almost dead ones which we hope to revive. It all needs the state of order inspired by the likes of Mary Berry combined with the ruthless streak of Henry VIII. Off with the lot of it, I say. Or else let’s organise it a bit more.

Other corners are wildernesses of rampaging ivy and vigorously colonising elder bushes and cherry laurels which need a sturdy pair of gloves and a steely determination to conquer nature. During the season we keep these corners in check and their unsightliness disappears behind more attractive specimens strategically planted in the foreground. But in the winter the truth is literally laid bare and it’s time for a reckoning or at least a good attempt at control.

THE SHED This is the domain of much of my hoarding and there Anna is as bad as me. She keeps cheap spades which are bent and buckled to near uselessness long after I would have dumped them. We also have a giant sledgehammer which did me an injury some ten years ago and I promptly brought a smaller one which we always use – both of us. There are broken flares from the front car park which are neither use nor ornament and packs of long out of date grass seed which wouldn’t even germinate in laboratory conditions I suspect. It’s all going this month I can assure you. Well maybe not the big sledgehammer as we do have Dom on the team now. n Jane Moore is the award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. Find her on Twitter @janethegardener.

EVERY MONTH THE BATH MAGAZINE IS PERFECTLY DELIVERED TO OVER 20,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES AN INSERT IN OUR MAGAZINE WILL REACH MORE QUALITY READERS THAN ANY OTHER BATH MONTHLY

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IS AVAILABLE TO PICK UP FOR FREE AT

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RECEIVE THE BATH MAGAZINE BY POST NEVER MISS OUT We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month, and there’s plenty of pick up points around town. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family, we offer a magazine mailing service.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST £30 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.thebathmag.co.uk/subscribe or call: 01225 424 499

Attention lAndlords!

We are always happy to welcome new landlords and tenants alike to our portfolio.

We recognise that the personal touch and attention is required for a successful partnership between Landlord and Agent. So, confident of the continued buoyancy of the Bath Rental Market, our Spring Offer for 2017 is 50% discount on fees for six months.

Allow us to tailor a package to suit your personal needs and take the pressure out of letting your property.

29 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2DL 01225 326412 www.fountainresidential.co.uk

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

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averton is a tranquil hamlet nine miles south of Bath with amenities available in nearby Norton St Philip, Faulkland and Beckington.

Dating back to the 17th century, Hollytree Cottage is a handsome, double fronted Grade II listed house with wonderful views over adjacent farmland. The property is currently run as an established Bed and Breakfast with accommodation over three floors and an approximate gross internal floor area of 334sq.m (3,599sq.ft) including the garage. The house is double fronted and so the well proportioned rooms on the ground floor flow off of the entrance hall. There is a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room, all having charming period features such as fireplaces, exposed beams and brickwork etc. On the first and second floors are five bedrooms and three bathrooms (two en suite) and a further en suite shower room. In addition to the main accommodation there is extensive cellarage, a double garage and driveway parking. Tea on the lawn would be an absolute delight as Hollytree Cottage is blessed with particularly lovely south facing gardens which border onto Duchy of Cornwall farmland. Full details of this beautiful home are available from agents Pritchards.

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

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HOLLYTREE COTTAGE LAVERTON, NR BATH • Traditional detached village house • Five bedrooms, three bathrooms & shower room • Fabulous countryside views • Cellars, driveway and double garage • Pretty south facing gardens

Guide price: £895,000

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pritchards-bath.co.uk

Uplands Road, Saltford A 4 bedroom detached property which has been extensively refurbished to a very high standard, popular location with a large Westerly facing rear garden.

• 4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, 3 reception rooms • Spacious living accommodation with open plan kitchen/living/dining area • Westerly facing, level rear garden in excess of 120 ft(37m) • Parking for several vehicles as well as garaging • Internal floor area approximately 1687 sq ft/156.7 sq m.

Offers In Excess of: £750,000

Greenland Mills, Bradford On Avon An attractive and well presented 4 bedroom town house benefitting from garaging, off street parking and pretty garden backing onto the communal lawns with river views.

• 4 bedrooms, 2 with en suite shower rooms, bathroom • 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot room • Small integral garage & driveway parking • Private garden backing onto beautiful communal lawns • Convenient location within walking distance of the town centre • Internal floor area approx. 1716 sq ft/159 sq m

Guide Price: £525,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

Follow us on

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Fairways, Lansdown A smart and contemporary three bedroom house forming part of a brand new development, benefitting from off-street parking and a private garden. The property is situated in a highly sought-after residential area on the slopes of Lansdown, close to several highly regarded schools and just over a mile away from Bath city centre.

Rent: ÂŁ1,500 pcm* sizeable entrance hall | spacious reception room | open plan kitchen / dining room | integrated stainless steel appliances | 3 good sized double bedrooms (1 en-suite) | modern family bathroom | cloakroom | enclosed rear garden | off-street parking Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

*An administration fee of ÂŁ420.00 inc. VAT applies.

RESIDE February.indd 1

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NEW | DEVELOPMENTS

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME An iconic new building that is transforming Bath’s city skyline and includes a unique collection of luxurious apartments is about to be launched.

stunning demonstration on the shape of things to come in terms of living in the heart of the city, Royal View is the exciting new phase at Bath Riverside.

Located next to the historic Victoria Bridge, it will comprise 45 apartments including eight one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom and three stunning penthouse apartments.

Incorporating a series of soft curves, the eight-storey building blends effortlessly with its landscape and waterside setting.

Those keen to be ahead of the curve by purchasing one of the select new properties and live on the banks of the River Avon can now register their interest with the Bath Riverside sales team before the phase launches in March.

A

Built predominantly from Bath Stone, Royal View fits well within the local surroundings. Thoughtfully considered features capture the distinctive character of the city’s Georgian past, safeguarding its place within the historic Bath landscape.

Providing spectacular views out across the city, residents will be able to take in and enjoy renowned settings such as the Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park.

A number of special design features, both inside and out, are also set to impress, adding to the unique nature of what is going to be a stunning addition to the development and city.

Marcus Evans, sales and marketing executive at Crest Nicholson said: “Inspired by some of the city’s most famous landmarks Royal View heralds an exciting chapter in the Bath Riverside story.

“Each property has been beautifully designed with high specification interiors and energy efficient features. I don’t want to give too much away, but there are some uniquely special features that are sure to delight.

“The curved nature of the design is a real talking point and is unlike anything that has ever been seen in the Bath skyline before.

Close to Victoria Bridge means it acts almost like a gate house on the crossing point of the river.

“Another key aspect of the phase is its location. It’s right next to the river and being next to Victoria Bridge allows residents to access the Upper Bristol Road and walk into the centre of Bath in about 10 minutes.

“Royal View is a stunning new addition to both Bath Riverside and the city of Bath. With the building work progressing well it has already created a lot of interest from passers-by and potential buyers.

“Those who want to be part of this iconic and unique new building should get in touch now so that when we launch they will not miss out on what is a significant addition to the Bath city scene.”n

Bath regenerated: main picture, an aerial view of Bath Riverside and a representative image of the interior

To register interest for Royal View please contact the marketing team on 01225 463517 or visit: crestnicholson.com/bathriverside

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RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES WANTED With or without planning permission • From Single Plots to multiple Unit Schemes • Strategic Land • Unused Public Houses, Hotels and Commercial Units

CALL : 01225 444 800 enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk | www.nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings | George Street | Bath | BA1 2ED

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MEET | THE AGENT

AGENT AT WORK: Philip Cobb pictured at the offices of Cobb Farr, Brock Street, Bath.

Image by TBM.

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MEET | THE AGENT

‘I always knew I wanted to be an estate agent’ Georgette McCready talks to Philip Cobb managing director of independent estate agents Cobb Farr, which has branches in Bath and Bradford on Avon

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first met Philip Cobb in 1989 when he and his then business partner Tony Farr opened their new estate agency in Brock Street, between the Circus and the Royal Crescent.

Since then Cobb Farr has established itself as one of the cornerstone independent agents in Bath, extending its local expertise to Bradford on Avon, where there is a second branch. Philip is now sole managing director, with a team of ten in Bath and seven in Bradford on Avon, most of who have been with the business for at least a decade, while a couple have worked for Cobb Farr for more than 20 years.

I asked Philip a few questions about his time on the local property scene.

How, and when, did you get into the property business?

This might sound odd, but I always knew I wanted to be an estate agent. I went to work for a container company in London, and while I loved London, the job was boring. So I went to work for Pearsons estate agents in Frome, following a degree in estates management at Bristol Poly. After five years Tony Farr offered me a job in Bath with Lalonde Brothers and Parham. I was living in a flat in St James’ Square, when many of Bath’s buildings were still black and dirty, a lot of them looked pretty grotty.

Then after five years we were bought up by the Prudential, which was a shame. Tony and I said: ‘Shall we open our own business?’ and Julian Beresford was selling his office in Brock Street, so we bought that.

What’s the proudest moment of your career?

It must have been when we opened this office in Brock Street. We worked hard to get it ready, and it was great to see our names up there on the front. It was a perfect position so near the Royal Crescent, where we used to attract quite a few overseas buyers. But when we first opened in 1989 – in the biggest recession anyone could remember – most of our business was local people moving.

I’m also really proud of 28 years of service Cobb Farr has given our vendors and buyers.

In a fast-paced world I think we, as a team, are aware of what an emotional business selling a home can be and we like to show empathy, allowing people time during what can be a very stressful experience, particularly following a divorce or bereavement.

How has your job changed?

The biggest change to the property market, as in so many other businesses, has been the rise of the internet. The upside of this is that

we can use Zoopla, Prime Location (which is owned by Zoopla) or Rightmove and a property can go straight out for the world to see. Last year around 30 per cent of our buyers were from London, who’d done a lot of their property hunting online.

We are still seeing a lot of families from London moving to Bath because we have such good schools. It used to be for our secondary schools but now that it has got nigh on impossible for parents to get the primary school of their choice in London, it makes sense to move here for our primary schools. If you sell a quite ordinary house in London you can get a really nice townhouse down here and families do enjoy the lifestyle that this area has to offer.

The downside of the internet is that everyone wants an immediate response to their email. But I don’t miss having to physically stick photographs of properties on to sales brochures. Having digital cameras has made a difference, it means you can be sure you’ve got some good site shots – not like when you had to wait for the film to be developed.

What changes in Bath have you welcomed, or regretted, seeing over the years?

As I mentioned, in the late 80s there were many buildings that looked pretty rundown.

I think we should be grateful to all the home owners and developers who have taken such care to restore these historic properties, which makes Bath look so beautiful today.

There are developers like Ashford Homes, one of our biggest clients, who build two to 15 homes at a time, producing wonderful, exclusive developments in the area.

Of course we’ve also seen these big developments taking place on the old Ministry of Defence sites. But it does concern me that the city is not doing enough in terms of infrastructure – particularly roads – to cope with this expansion.

I think the proposed park and ride scheme to the east of the city is a waste of money. I use the A36 daily and can bear witness that we’ve seen an enormous rise in the numbers of lorries using the road. They’re not coming to Bath, they’re on their way to Southampton. They’re bringing unecessary traffic through Bath and Bradford on Avon.

The answer must be to build a link road. I know that will be expensive, but it’s needed.

Bath’s traffic has got much worse. One solution to us all sitting in traffic jams, trying to get from one side of the city to the other, would be to grant residents permits to cross Pulteney Bridge by car. It’s been argued that the car ban is for weight restrictions, but they’re permitting buses and taxis to cross so that argument doesn’t stand up.

What do you think is going to happen in the property market in the next 12 months?

London has already seen a bit of stickiness in terms of movement over the past year, partly due to foreign investors holding back. So, following a three year period in Bath when it’s been very consistent, we are already beginning to feel the ripples of that London wobble. If someone has a house to sell in London and it takes a while that slows everything down in the chain.

We’ve also seen a bit of a dearth of property going on the market in Bath and Bradford on Avon and that looks to continue and be self-perpetuating. If you can’t see something you want to buy you’re not going to put your property on the market.

I suspect we will also continue to see a rise in the numbers of local people who can’t afford to buy in Bath or Bradford on Avon and are buying in Frome and Trowbridge.

Frome is pretty fashionable already and I can see that parts of Trowbridge are also coming up as people move out, while still commuting in to work in Bath.

Do you have a favourite street in Bath?

My wife Rachel and I live out on a farm near Frome, so I drive in to Bath every day. And as I come down Widcombe Hill, at that bit where you pass Macaulay Buildings and you get that incredible view over the meadows and right over the city in the bowl, I never fail to get that feeling of amazement. It makes me happy to be working in this wonderful city.

What – if anything – moves you to move house?

I love where we live and couldn’t imagine moving, unless perhaps it was to France. I enjoy walking our spaniel and simply all the aspects of life in the country.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I love my sport. I’m a regular at Bath Rugby.

I used to watch my sons play, although our eldest is now working in London and our younger one is at university. I’m also proud that we sponsor school sports. I enjoy playing golf and tennis too.

Is there anything you look back at that makes you laugh?

Years ago Tony and I went out to a house in Twerton to do a valuation. The lady owner had all these tiny jumps set up in the sitting room and wanted to show us all her pet guinea pigs and rabbits going through their paces. We sat there watching these little animals going over the jumps, trying not to catch each others’ eye and fighting to hold the laughs in. n

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Bear Flat Shelley Road, Bath, BA2 ÂŁ750,000

Camden Chilton Road, Bath, BA1 ÂŁ575,000

An elegant family home with an abundance of period features blending with contemporary interior design.

Three reception rooms, five bedrooms, bathroom, utility, south facing garden, garden room, city views.

Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

A three bedroom Victorian terrace house in an impressive elevated position with stunning views across the city. Located on the Camden slopes with excellent access to Bath city centre, south facing gardens and a garage. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Bear Flat sales 01225 805680 Camden Road sales 01225 809868

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Newbridge Leighton Road, BA1 ÂŁ425,000

Central Northanger Court, Grove Street, BA2 ÂŁ534,950

Extended and beautifully presented, this semi-detached family home has stunning views over Dean Hill.

With three bedrooms and family shower room upstairs, the extension allows for two reception rooms, kitchen, utility and shower room downstairs. Garage and off-street parking Energy Efficiency Rating: E

This top floor penthouse apartment offers views over the city and the countryside beyond as well as the neighbouring river Avon. Internally apartment would benefit from some modernisation and could be the perfect opportunity to put your own stamp on and make it your own. The accommodation offers a large reception hall, sitting room with panoramic views and spiral staircase to the mezzanine bedroom, fitted kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom with en-suite shower room. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Newbridge sales 01225 809685 Bath Central sales 01225 809571

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ACHIEVING BEST PRICE ON YOUR HOUSE SALE. Duncan Nash, of Bath estate agents Nash & Co asks a big question

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he good news for all you would be buyers and sellers is that Nash & Co have had a busier December and January to date than was expected, after a slow Autumn. Already as I write our new instruction levels this year are up on 2016, hoorah! So if you are looking to move, keep your eyes firmly set on agents websites and property portals in particular, the house of your dreams may be out there?

One of the questions I believe you should be asking yourself, (if you are thinking of selling), is how do I possibly get the best price for my home?

In bringing your property to the market, you will I am sure get at least one valuation, maybe three and then agree a price with a preferred agent. Then the marketing begins! This is a great start, however I do believe that the effort you put into your home, in terms of presentation, before marketing is crucial and is firmly linked to the end sale price you achieve. As agents, we have a big responsibility to our clients to achieve best price, but I also believe our clients have a responsibility to themselves and to a lesser extent to their agents to present the house to the market as best as they can. After all we are dealing with your biggest asset!

So rather than swamp you with several ideas, here are three top tips which may be of help to you from my experience as an agent for thirty years.

Firstly, be proactive and start to de-clutter your home as soon as you start thinking about moving. Sometimes you may need to be ruthless, thinking “will I ever use this again”? Also, look at your current furniture and think what will we not take with us? This could be a great place to start, so why not dispose of unwanted furniture now rather than later?

Secondly, think of your home as a show home for future viewings when you are on the market and try to present your home beautifully and to as wide an audience as possible, (even if it’s not necessarily your taste). An example would be to use fashionable and lighter colours around the house, rather than more personalised colours. Another would be to have complimentary bed coverings and curtains which don’t look like they have seen better days. Buying “Home Lifestyle” magazines will be a good starting point.

Lastly, complete a thorough snagging list of your home, and get through as many of the points on the list as you can. If a viewer can not see anything that requires attention or needs upgrading, then you are more likely to get a full asking price offer. On the flip side, the viewers will take any perceived work into account when they offer.

If you have found the above helpful and would like a more detailed discussion on how Nash & Co can help you achieve the best price in 2017, then please do not hesitate to call us on 01225 444800.

Wishing you all well.

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www.hunterfrench.co.uk hunter french

A selection of six, newly converted, luxury one and two bedroom apartments situated in the stunning Kelseys redevelopment. These are a real lifestyle purchase being located in the trendy and popular Catherine Hill area of Frome, with the incredible Sam’s Kitchen deli on the doorstep. The apartments are beautifully presented and offer rooftop views of the surrounding area. Four of the apartments offer either a roof terrace or balconies, a real treat in this area! This is a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to downsize or have a second home in this most enviable location. EPC = TBC.

JUST OFF CATHERINE HILL, FROME

PRICES START ÂŁ280,000

19 Paul Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1DT Telephone: 01373 464040 Email: frome@hunterfrench.co.uk

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THINKING PROPERTY Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

Essential advice for first-time buyers

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Crafting beautiful homes in stunning locations Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswold | Dorset

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

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he property market may have been challenging for many, but according to figures just released, there was a rise in first-time buyers in 2016, 335,750 to be exact according to the Halifax. Halifax state that low mortgage rates and high employment have been contributing factors to seeing the increase in first-time buyers rise to a number not seen since 2007.

“Government schemes such as Help to Buy have improved affordability enabling more first-time buyers to buy their own property,” said Martin Ellis, Halifax Housing Economist.

If you’re thinking of taking that first step onto the property ladder in 2017, here are a few things you need to consider when buying an apartment.

Finances – You will be close to or have overcome your first hurdle in raising your deposit. But before you start your property search ensure you have extra in the pot to cover the additional expenses such as stamp duty, solicitors fees, removal costs, insurances and not to mention any appliances and furnishings you will need for your new home. Also bear in mind when you are doing your calculations that most apartments will have monthly service charges, these go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the building and communal areas.

Leasehold – When you buy a house you typically purchase the freehold, which means you own the land on which it sits. Buying an apartment is different, as you’re buying the leasehold of your apartment, in other words, you’re leasing the land from the freeholder for the duration of the lease agreement. Not all leases are straight forward, especially when you’re buying one of our city’s stunning period properties. It's therefore, beneficial to use an estate agent who is highly experienced in this field such as The Apartment Company. As we specialise in apartments we know how to navigate through what can often be a leasing minefield.

Keep an open mind – You may have dreamed about your first home for months, even years, therefore it’s easy to get fixated on this ideal. We know it’s not very sexy to say ‘be realistic’, but you need to be, what you can afford in one area will be out of your budget in another. Allow yourself to see apartments that are suggested by an estate agent, even if it’s not for you, it will help to cement what is important in your property search. At The Apartment Company, we understand your desire to find your dream home, and that we will do although it may be packed slightly differently to what you initially imagined.

Choose wisely – You know you need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the sale. But what many people don’t realise is the importance of their choice and as a result, they fail to undertake the necessary research. The right solicitor and conveyancer will ensure nothing is missed, your purchase moves forward swiftly and smoothly and will also keep you informed at all times. We can recommend those professionals we have worked with over the years and who are well regarded by our clients.

Being a first-time buyer can be a daunting experience but when you use an apartment specialist you will not only know, but also feel you’re in safe hands. The Apartment Company. Tel: 01225 471144

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Oldfield Road • In sought after location • Five bedrooms • Large Victorian semidetached villa • Large gardens • Views towards Lansdown • Opportunity to update • Good community on the doorstep • Price guide: £850,000

his generous sized Victorian semi-detached villa in Oldfield Road, upper Oldfield Park, Bath absolutely oozes with a happy, family atmosphere. Many good times have been had here by the family which has owned it for nigh on a century.

But now the house is now ready for a new owner to stamp their own character on the property.

There’s bags of space in this five bedroom house, which in true Victorian style has good sized rooms, with big windows and high ceilings. There is a traditional hall with stairs rising, off which lie the bay windowed sitting room, a study, and on the other side of the hall, a dining room, kitchen, utility and a ground floor cloakroom. Four of the five bedrooms on the first floor are doubles, there’s a family bathroom and a shower room.

It’s fair to say the house could do with modernising, although it does have central heating, so any makeover could be carried out while living in it. A prospective buyer looking for a work-from-home option may also rub their hands in glee at the prospect of converting a pair of basement rooms (with windows) into a studio, workshop or treatment rooms.

Outside, there’s a garage and parking on the drive for three or four cars. The large gardens slope down from a lawn near the house, to a vegetable garden and greenhouse and this is a lovely sunny spot from where you can enjoy views across Bath towards Lansdown.

The house is well placed for primary and secondary schools and for amenities such as doctors’ surgeries.

A healthy walk down Holloway takes you to Bath Spa station and the city centre, while a stroll just up the hill will take you to the shops and cafés of Bear Flat with its buzzing community vibe.

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Mark Naylor, 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath. Tel: 01225 422224

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k Mar r o l y a N

local • trusted • independent

Norton St Philip

Price £520,000

Built approximately 13 years ago, this property is situated in a superb corner plot location that commands stunning south facing rural views • Detached property • Good sized south facing rear gardens

☎ 01225 422 224

• 3 / 4 bedrooms • Historic village location

• Off-street parking • Superb country views

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LANSDOWN CRESCENT, Bath

ÂŁ750,000

Stunningly located with astounding views all round and all the convenience of city life just a short walk away, this Georgian three bed, third floor maisonette on one of Bath's finest crescents is an opportunity not to be missed.

EPC Rating: Exempt Grade II listed

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BOWDEN HOUSE, Chilcompton

ÂŁ560,000

This charming five bedroom period property in the village of Chilcompton is the ideal family home, full of character and enjoying an idyllic location with beautiful, expansive hilltop vistas over the Somerset countryside.

EPC Rating: E

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Stanton Drew £1,150,000 A fine grade II listed 3/4 bedroom Georgian townhouse. Flexible accommodation over 3 stories with an abundance of period features. Benefits from: open plan reception rooms on ground floor; galley kitchen; utility room; fantastic south facing drawing room on 1st floor; additional 1st floor reception room/double bedroom; back garden boot room; mezzanine level bathroom; 3 additional bedrooms on the 2nd floor. The back garden is tastefully landscaped. The front garden is traditional in style. The entire house is beautifully presented and oozes character and charm.

Duncan Gardens £495,000

Malborough Buildings £595,000

This lovely three bedroom family home is immaculately presented and fresh throughout. It would suit a family well, being close to schools and located in a quiet, friendly cul-de-sac. The property comprises a living room, kitchen, dining room, downstairs cloakroom, three wellproportioned double bedrooms, bathroom with bath and shower and a separate lavatory. At the rear of the property is a beautiful secluded garden. There is a garage at the front of the property and a private drive for further parking. Pleasant country walks can be enjoyed along The Cotswold Way which one can see from the rear bedroom.

A lovely garden maisonette (ground & lower ground floors) located in one of the finest addresses in Bath. Close to the city centre and the beautiful Royal Victoria Park this property must be viewed. CHAIN FREE, early viewing advised. Accommodation includes: 2 double bedrooms, spacious sitting room, west facing garden, bathroom & en suite, vault and front courtyard. 1120 sq. foot of living space. The property benefits from private west facing rear garden with gated access to rear allotments Very well presented communal areas, leasehold property (remains of 999 lease) and in-house management company. Owner occupier suited.

enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk www.nashandcobath.co.uk Tel: 01225 444 800

NASH & CO

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SAY GOODBYE TO WINTER BLUES WITH UP TO

3O OFF KITCHENS & APPLIANCES’