The Bath Magazine July 2022

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ISSUE 233 | JULY 2022 | thebathmag.co.uk | £3.95 where sold

THE COLOURS OF LIFE – NATALIE BEDFORD Immerse yourself in garden theatre, vibrant artworks and summer fun, and discover the vision behind Bath’s ongoing heritage developments

PLUS...

S O M U C H M O R E I N T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B AT H

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FROM THE EDITOR

T

here is about to be some serious activity in the gardens of the Holburne Museum. King Arthur, Guy Fawkes, Julie Andrews, Kate Bush and Toad are all making an appearance, along with a smattering of Shakespeare, tea and cucumber sandwiches and other foody mayhem. That’s all courtesy of the Garden Theatre Festival, which is returning this summer with a selection of high-spirited, fast-paced, musically charged thespian fun for all the family (see page 22).

There’s more theatre in the form of an interview with the new Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio, Deborah Warner, as Melissa Blease uncovers Deborah’s ambitious plans for Bath’s intimate 126-seater theatre on page 30, which will include regular productions of opera, dance and song. The Tempest will be Deborah’s first production, a play that is close to her heart: “The play spins its magic every time I return to it, and catches me in its spell. I wanted to begin in Bath with a highly ambitious project on a big scale – and that's exactly what this is!”

We also take stock of the many recent and ongoing developments to Bath’s heritage sector on page 46, as the visitor experience of our World Heritage Site moves dynamically with the times, appealing to new generations, and continuing to unlock the potential of our city’s great destinations. This includes a contribution from Geoff Rich, Managing Partner of architectural and urban design practice FCB Studios, which has been a crucial part of both the Footprint and Archway projects.

There’s also a look at pattern in the interior on page 64, which offers a versatile vocabularly for expressing the inner character and ownership of our homes, and on page 14 a chance to meet the new Mayor of Bath, Councillor Rob Appleyard.

See what magic you can spin in Bath this month...

Emma Clegg, Editor

View the Lit Fest programme Bath Children’s Literature Festival has revealed a varied and vibrant programme for its tenday celebration of books, which opens on 23 September. The festival will welcome household names, debut authors and a host of illustrators, with a few highlights including Alice Oseman, Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson and Richard Ayoade.

The festival runs from Friday 23 September until Sunday 2 October. In addition to live events for families, there is a full programme of schools events attended by hundreds of local school children. From live story telling sessions for pre-school children, through a wide mix of events for middle grade readers, to events aimed at teen and Young Adult (YA) audiences, there is plenty to get stuck into with over 100 events. Tickets go on general release on 1 July. bathfestivals.org.uk 4 TheBATHMagazine

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2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED. 01225 424499 www.thebathmag.co.uk Editor Emma Clegg 01225 424592 emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk Assistant Editor/Web Editor Daisy Game daisy@thebathmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk To advertise tel: 01225 424499 Publisher Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact us at thebathmag.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine and Instagram @thebathmagazine The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. We are independent of all other local publications.

The Bath Magazine is delivered free, every month, to more than 15,000 residential addresses as well as businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area.

We also have special distribution units in many of Bath’s supermarkets

© MC Publishing Ltd 2022 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.

ON THE COVER January Roses by Natalie Bedford, who is exhibiting at Burdall’s Yard until 5 August. bynatalie.co.uk

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

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ZEITGEIST

THINGS TO DO IN JULY Take a look at what’s to come Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival in August, enjoy a selection of preview shows at Komedia. On 5 July see Edinburgh comedian Eleanor Morton, observational comedian Stuart Laws, and multiinstrumentalist comedian and performer Ed MacArthur. Visit Komedia later in the month (19 July) for Joz Norris, who wants a show so perfect it will make his audience blink in unison and Jessica Fostekew talking wrapping your arms around time.

These shows and many more are at The Electric Bar, Komedia, Bath, 7.30pm; £10 or buy three tickets for £20. komedia.co.uk

Photograph : Jonathan Stewart

Listen up Musician Matt Owens first came to prominence as a founding member of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale, which achieved huge success in the UK and overseas, selling over one million albums in the UK alone. Multi-award winning Robert Vincent is one of the most acclaimed voices on the UK Americana scene. On 21 July (8pm-10.30pm) Matt Owens & The D.V.P and Robert Vincent will both play at Chapel Arts Centre. Tickets (£15 Advance, £17 Door Price) available from chapelarts.org

Swing into summer Idyllic Iford Manor is hosting its first Jazz Festival from 22–24 July with world-class musicians, curated by Claire Martin OBE. Experience the gardens and champagne bar pre-concert, then head to your picnic rug or the cloister to enjoy the music. Treat yourself to food from the Argentinian Asado on Friday and Saturday night. This is an experience not to be missed. Tickets (from £35) can be purchased from ifordmanor.co.uk

Jess Foteskew | image credit Matt Stronge

Join the Carnival Why not join the free party celebrating carnival arts in the centre of Bath on Saturday 9 July?

Each year Bath Carnival is transformed with a new theme, inspiring fresh costume designs, dance choreographies and musical compositions – this means that the creative workshops always offer something new and the carnival procession takes on a new character.

Plans for this year’s Carnival inculde a free, COVID-safe combined-arts festival in Sydney Gardens, and a carnival procession through the city centre. The event includes live bands, DJs, food and drink, licensed bars, walkabout acts, a Super Pirates Play Area and a Community Village. The event runs from 10am–10pm and there will be an official (ticketed) after party at Komedia from 10.30pm–3am. bathcarnival.co.uk/festival

Tantalise your tastebuds Visit The Smoked and Uncut Festival (smokedanduncut.com) on Saturday 9 July at The Pig: an open-air English summer party with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Headliners include Jools Holland and Sister Sledge, and you can enjoy street food stalls, all kinds of drinks and Pop Up Feasting experiences. The foodie-fun can also be enjoyed at the Bath Food Festival (fantasticfoodfestivals.co.uk) in Royal Victoria Park from 29–31 July, where you can sample produce, talk to producers and chefs and pick up new skills. Celebrity chefs (including The Dirty Food Guy Mark Studley, DIY Chef George Egg and Bake-Off star Karen Wright) will offer live demos, Q&As and workshops.

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The cityist MY BATH

NEWS BITES

THE BUZZ

BATH & COLONIALISM The Bath & Colonialism Archive Project has launched a website containing information on Bath’s links to the transatlantic slave trade.

Bath Abbey, Bath Record Office and Bath Preservation Trust have worked together following a grant from The National Archives to research Bath’s links to the transatlantic slave trade over a 20-year period. Over 25 volunteers were involved in the research, uncovering many newspaper articles from The Bath Chronicle 1760–1780 with the potential for wide use in research, interpretation and learning. These will be published as an online searchable database in phase two of the project.

It became apparent that guidance was needed on how to record the often racist language and distressing content, including descriptions of violence and exploitation of Black people. The partner organisations wanted to share the data with as wide an audience as possible, to communicate a more inclusive history of the World Heritage Site. There was a need to create protocols for description when recording these articles, as well as training to enable staff and volunteers to discuss racist legacies with honesty.

The resulting written guidance called ‘Finding the Words’ has now been shared with the UK heritage sector to allow others to do similar necessary research.

To inform the second phase, public feedback is being compiled via the contact page on the new website, bathandcolonialism.org.

The Slave Trade (Slaves on the West Coast of Africa)

by Auguste Francois Biard, 1833

Julian Stirling Dr Julian Stirling is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Bath. He is also a volunteer at Claverton Pumping Station, a rare example of the technology of the Georgian Regency period, which uses the River Avon to drive a waterwheel.

Where do you live in Bath?

I have lived in and around Bath for about four and a half years and I currently live in Fox Hill. My wife and I love that this gives us access to go on walks through the countryside out towards Midford or Combe Hay. Bath makes me feel comfortable because you are never far from a field – I get very uncomfortable in big cities too far from nature.

houses a huge waterwheel that was used to keep the canal topped up with water. Despite the importance of this building, it is run by volunteers on a shoestring budget. Whenever I can be I am down there – it is a labour of love keeping the 200-year-old machine functioning.

Last year I took over the leadership of the volunteer group, and I am thrilled to be doing my part maintaining this unique part of our heritage for the next generation.

What childhood memories stand out for you?

I grew up in Norfolk, near Norwich. My view was just fields from my bedroom window.

The house is almost 300 years old and my strongest childhood memories were helping my parents maintain the house and garden.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I am not working or volunteering, I run a small business that sells 3D printed microscope kits (we don’t really make any money, but we want people to have access to microscopes!). I am also a Parish Councillor in Claverton, and occasionally I sleep!

What is your training and career?

My degree and PhD are both in Physics.

Throughout my career as a physicist I have always bounced between fields as what really interests me is building and improving the instruments that we use. During my PhD I worked on instruments that can image individual atoms. After that I moved to the USA for four years working on ultra-precise measurements of incredibly small masses and forces, including working on an instrument to measure the Universal Constant of Gravitation.

I now work at the University of Bath where we are working with partners in Tanzania to build a largely 3D printed microscope that can be used for malaria diagnosis. So many medical devices in subSaharan Africa are not functioning because people cannot get the components to maintain them. Our approach is to work with local businesses to create a microscope that can be built and maintained locally. It is very rewarding to be able to use the skills I have learned measuring esoteric quantities in a way that I hope will help people.

Tell us about Claverton Pumping Station.

When I returned from four years in America I felt disconnected from old buildings and heritage. I lived in a fantastic Georgian building, but I was renting, so I was not able to get involved with the upkeep. I started looking for volunteering opportunities on the weekend and when I found Claverton Pumping Station I was suddenly home! This is a totally unique Grade I listed building that

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What is your experience of Bath as a city?

I love the architecture of Bath, the stupendous Georgian town houses with sub-basements, basements, multiple stories, and even vaults under the roads. I love that wherever you are in the centre you can always see a green field on a hill, and you are always a short walk from a real pub with real cider, and hopefully a shove ha’penny board.

What do you see as the challenges of our city?

We need to resist the ever-growing pressure to modernise and ‘improve’ things like the roads.

Getting stuck in traffic is not fun, but chewing up the countryside for bypasses and shopping centres is worse. It’s also important to me that Bath (being in Somerset) needs to improve access to real local cider!

Where does your energy come from?

I think my sense of community spirit comes from my Grandpa, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany. After coming to this country he dedicated his life to making the world a better place, through local politics and supporting local charities. If I can do one tenth of the good for my community as my Grandpa did for his, then I will be happy.

Claverton Pumping Station has open days on the second Tuesday and the second Saturday of each month from April to October, and visitors can see the pump running on the Saturday. ■ Find out more about Claverton Pumping Station at claverton.org

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The cityist NEWS BITES

OPEN-AIR ART

BATON RELAY IN BATH The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay journeys to Bath on 5 July and will be welcomed at the Royal Crescent at about 9.30am before making its way through the city, to the Roman Baths at around 10am, before leaving the city from outside the Guildhall. Year 6 pupils from St Andrew’s Church School in Bath will sport Roman togas and form a guard of honour when the baton arrives at the Roman Baths.

B&NES Council has launched a dedicated webpage with details of the route, including a map to help people plan where to watch the baton’s journey through the city.

Two of the confirmed community Batonbearers in B&NES are Ed and Lois Jackson who were nominated for setting up ‘Millimetres 2 Mountains’, an initiative taking people with physical and mental ill health on mountain expeditions to aid recovery. Ed, a former rugby player, was left quadriplegic after a diving accident. After extensive surgery and rehabilitation he took on a climb of Mount Snowdon, and during lockdown climbed the equivalent height of Everest by walking up and down the stairs, raising more than £50,000 for ‘Wings For Life’. He and his wife Lois set up a foundation to help others facing adversity undertake similar climbing challenges.

The Relay began on 7 October 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, and its journey in England culminates at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July. The baton is making a 294-day long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth. birmingham2022.com/qbr

TALKING ABOUT HOCKNEY To coincide with the David Hockney Love Life Drawings exhibition at the Holburne Museum, Bruno Wollheim is in conversation with Chris Stephens on 14 July at 7pm. Bruno has has made two films with David Hockney, notably the award-winning A Bigger Picture that documented the artist’s return to Yorkshire and his painting of its landscape from 2004 to 2009. Join Bruno in conversation with Holburne Director Chris Stephens, as he explores David Hockney – the man and his art – using clips and out-takes from the films. £15 holburne.org

Production still from David Hockney: A Bigger Picture, (dir. Bruno Wollheim, Coluga Pictures 2009) Photo: Jean Pierre Gonçalves de Lima © David Hockney

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Use the summer weather to peruse an open-air art gallery in Walcot Street showcasing an array of local artists. Walcot Street has a longstanding history of being a quirky and arty area of Bath with its unique restaurants and independent shops – it’s a fantastically creative community and this art exhibition reflects that. The artworks include pieces by Bronwyn Williams-Ellis, Darren Johnson, Tamzin Moloney, Luke Carter, Jake Coates, Paul Jackson, Aleks Byrd, Athena Cauley-Yu, Brenda Parry and Annette Dolan.

Adrian Dolan, Chair of The Walcot Street Traders Committee, who organised the exhibition, said, “Walcot Street has an enormous heritage of traditional artisan crafts and creative activity and being able to enhance this reputation has been an ambition of mine for many years. I’m delighted to have been able to gather this eclectic mix of artworks with a group of enthusiastic and passionate local business owners and artists and display them along this iconic Walcot Wall!”

PLANS FOR HISTORICAL MAP Members of the History of Bath Research Group (HBRG) are collaborating with the Historic Towns Trust to produce a new historical map of the city that will help fill a gap between Roman times and the Georgian period.

The Trust has already successfully produced and published more than a dozen historical maps of cities around the UK, including Medieval London and Bristol in 1480. These maps sell through book and map retailers and have proved very popular.

The map will be double sided similar in format to Ordnance Survey Land Ranger maps but at 1:2500 scale with a background plan of about 1900 and the main sites and buildings of interest throughout Bath’s history highlighted in colour on the front. The reverse will show more detail of the 17th century and will be illustrated with pictures of the city and descriptions of the main buildings and areas of interest The Research Group need to raise £15,000 to pay for the cartography and printing of the map. The group is contributing some of this initial capital and profits from sales will be split between the HBRG and the Trust. However, in order to help them achieve this target they are asking for contributions from supporters. historyofbath.org/Maps/MapOfBathsHistory

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CITY | NOTEBOOK

NOTES ON A SMALL CIT Y

Richard Wyatt

Columnist Richard Wyatt once worked as a Mayor’s Guide – he looks back to when these walks started and recollects some other international guiding experiences.

There is naturally a balloon involved...

B

ack in 1934, Alderman (and ex-Mayor) Thomas Sturge Cottrell hit on a brilliant idea for giving his guests something positive to do on Boxing Day. After all that Christmas-fuelled feasting, he was not going to let the 26th day slip by in armchair slumbers. “Let me show you around my amazing city,” he said. “Let’s go for a walk!”

Apart from having already organised a grand pageant of Bath’s history in 1909, and introduced the city’s commemorative plaques marking where people of note once lived, his trips around town caught on, with a growing awareness of how important our heritage and social history was in terms of tourist revenue.

His town tour grew into an organised and voluntary ‘Corps of Guides’ which went from strength to strength. By the 1970s these trained and knowledgeable local history-loving buffs were giving walks twice daily and every day of the year except Christmas.

The recent pandemic played havoc with the service when all activity came to a halt, but it is back in business and at this time of year are offering special Summer Walks on subjects as diverse as ‘Feisty Females’ and ‘The Back Side of Georgian and Victorian Bath’. The mind boggles.

Arriving in this World Heritage city ten years ago I trained as a guide and enjoyed – as do all the 85 current members – meeting people from around the world. Apart from a global virus, it takes really bad weather to call a halt to a free and fascinating twohour stroll around the city.

I once set out on a hot and humid day with all of us in cotton and linen summer wear – and then the heavens opened, and we sheltered from the downpour under a tree in Queen Square. I had to 12 TheBATHMagazine

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call a halt as we were all soaked.

Obviously a walk on a sunny day is better for pointing out how well the yellow Bath stone architecture is set off by a blue sky. Complementary colours of course.

Following a regular walk I used the same material over and over again, but of course each tour involved different people so it was news to them. Occasionally there was an added bonus thrown in. For example, if you were explaining the sculpted West Front of Bath Abbey while the church was holding a graduation ceremony and a Royal just happened to pass by. In this case the Queen’s son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who is Chancellor of Bath University!

My online blog has more recently taken over my life and so I stopped guiding. I did, however, re-discover the joys of ‘Shanks Pony’ during the lockdown, taking a daily circuit into the nearby countryside as my hour of exercise. The pandemic also had a less positive effect on my waistline, so I am determined to put more walking back into my day. With motoring costs rising ever higher maybe there will be many more swapping four wheels for two legs, if only for shorter journeys.

I think I was a little ahead of my time, back in HTV land, as I presented a regular spot called Wyatt’s Walks. I was a lot slimmer of course in those days...

“Let me show you around my amazing city,” he said.

“Let’s go for a walk!”

My husband and I have been on quite a few overseas guided tours during holidays in places such as India and Egypt. Our guide in Delhi wished us ‘shubh yaatra’ ( that’s ‘bon voyage’ in Hindi) by asking me to take a package back to the UK for him, to post on to his relations. I have often wondered if I was being a little naive!?

Another guide, this time in charge of our balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, gave us an extended time in the air after I noticed his balloon had been made in Bristol by an aeronaut called Don Cameron. “I know him,” I said. ‘You know Don Cameron? he replied incredulously.

We were treated as though we were reincarnations of Rameses the Great and, if you have never done it, lifting off as the sun rises over the Nile is a must. Just say you know Don Cameron! n

JULY WALKS Here are a selection of the Mayor’s Guides’ Summer Walks in July. All walks need to be booked.

6 and 11 July, 6pm Music in Bath: Past Present & Future – walk to the beat of musical Bath from Roman times to the present. Start: West Door of Abbey; finish: Johnstone Street.

11 July, 2pm Feisty Females – women in Bath through the ages.

Start: West Door of Abbey; finish: Stall Street World Heritage Symbol.

18 July, 2pm Watery Wanderings: River and Canal – listen to tales of the riverbank. Start and finish: river entrance to Rugby Ground.

20 July, 6pm and 22 July, 2pm Bath and its Shadowy Side – Murders? Riots?

Bath has not always been polite and law-abiding.

Start: Laura Place; finish: Bath Abbey.

25 July, 2pm Bath Rocks: Geology in the City – explore the Jurassic seas using the buildings of Bath. Start: West Door of Abbey; finish: Royal Crescent. bathguides.org.uk Richard Wyatt runs the Bath Newseum: bathnewseum.com

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CITY | FIGURES

Welcoming the new mayor

Councillor Rob Appleyard has recently taken up office as the 795th Mayor of Bath – here he shares his thoughts about local politics, his new role, and why he’s lucky to have his Mayoress by his side What was your training and career?

I was in retail for many years and moved into corporate sales with a national telecommunications company. I have always loved working with people.

How did you first become involved in local politics?

My family has a deep-rooted connection to politics, and although my parents weren’t heavily involved it was interesting with my mother a Tory and my father a Labour supporter. When I lived in Westfield I was asked if I would like to stand for the Town Council – they threw in the old line, ‘it’s just four meetings a year’, and being nosey and wanting to be part of the conversations I said ‘yes, why not’.

You have represented Lambridge Ward as a Liberal Democrat since 2015. What are the best qualities for a Councillor to have?

To listen and always respond even if the message is not what is wanted, but explain why.

What do you feel most proud of during your time in local politics?

There are many elements that I reflect on and where I have contributed to a positive outcome. There are ceremonial elements such as leading the citizen ceremonies during my term as Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, but I think a stand-out moment is leading the Council’s response to the Covid crisis in its first two years when holding the Adult Care and Public Health portfolio. Everyone in the NHS was quite rightly acknowledged for the work they were doing, but I felt a slight frustration that the hundreds involved in the care side of our community didn’t enjoy the same recognition. In many cases they were putting themselves right in the front line as well looking after all our existing residents with care needs.

You used to be a Councillor for the Labour party. How do you look back on this period of your life and your switch to the Liberal Democrats?

As the 795th Mayor of Bath I am non-political, but I recognise my journey and the opportunity derives from my political positions.

I value my association and work within the Labour Party and now the Liberal Democratic Party as part of my journey. It really is about your personal contribution and behaviours that will resonate with residents and the political badge only serves as an initial indication of where most of your thoughts sit... but not all at a time of election. Once that is over you focus on all the resident; never when asked for help do you even touch on the subject as to whether they supported you at the ballot box. Once elected you represent all your Ward and look to support the whole of the Council area with your contribution to the collective progress of any strategic work.

You were Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council in 2012/13 and Deputy Mayor of Bath in 2017/18. Has this provided you with a good training for the forthcoming year?

Yes those experiences have been invaluable, and in fact only go to further my appetite to spend the next year promoting the many good works and organisations in the city of Bath who provide not only support but opportunities.

Is it a good feeling to be Mayor?

Of course it’s nice to know you can use the position to make a positive contribution. I have always said that anyone going into 14 TheBATHMagazine

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politics and the further opportunities this throws up has an element of ego and enjoys to be involved and recognised… but it’s how you use that for the good which is important. I recognise that I am extremely fortunate to hold the position and for an ‘Essex Boy’ from a working class background to become The Mayor of Bath demonstrates that opportunities are open to all and not just, as in the past, those that are privileged and well resourced.

Do you have a particular issue that you are supporting as Mayor?

My theme is the ‘Roots and Canopy of the City’ – the aim is to be inclusive to as many groups and organisations as possible to champion and further promote their efforts and outcomes. There is also a specific focus on the ‘Child and their Voice’, as our current cohort are facing unique challenges and for them to recognise and establish their feeling of self worth is something we should all contribute to. You only have to look at the mixed bag of activities on social media to understand the challenges.

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I have a great wife who is on this journey with me and we are enjoying our first granddaughter who I am looking forward to creating mayhem with, and together with a strong group of friends there is no shortage of activities… just time in which to do them.

How does your wife, Amanda Appleyard, feel about becoming Mayoress?

My perception is that as a Bath girl it’s an amazing role and she is enjoying the opportunity to meet so many residents. I am continually amazed when she lets me know who I am speaking with and which school they went to and the extended network they enjoy. The countless conversations I hear when Amanda is reminiscing with residents about growing up in the city, celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Silver Jubilee, working in Woolworths, and countless other stories. I suspect the question should be is how lucky am I to have Amanda by my side!

To follow connections with the community and support the Mayoralty please follow them on Twitter @MayorBath

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FASHION

sunshine Hello

Mulberry sunglasses with chain effect sides, at Ellis and Killpartrick, £263 ellisandkillpartrick.com

Get into summer with some light, bright, chilled accessories with a strong hint of floral, and start both soaking up the sun and taking shade from it.

From a speckled straw hat and a sunshine scarf to a daisy anklet, add some dazzling jewellery; here’s how to relish the seasonal rays – and the warm breezes – with unsurpassed, never-to-be-forgotten flair

Maglila, knitted crochet mini crossbody bag, Ted Baker, £150 tedbaker.com

18ct white gold pear-cut aquamarine and diamond pendant, £11,995 mallory-jewellers.com

Speckled straw sun hat

by Paul Smith, Grace & Mabel, £140 graceandmabel.co.uk

18ct yellow gold, tanzanite & diamond dress ring by goldsmith Stephen Thomas for Marchbank Jewellery, £6,800 marchbankjewellery.com

Pearl Lowe rose swimsuit. £195 pearllowe.co.uk

Flower anklet from Anthropologie, £22 anthropologie.com

Small (3cms) gold hoops with morganite, £120 honeywillow.com

Rundholz Black Label shopper bag from Blue at The Loft. £129 bluewomensclothing.co.uk

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Intertwined woven leather belt. £29.95 seasaltcornwall.com

Silk feel lightweight ocre scarf with abstract print, Dents, £25 dentsgloves.com

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The Wabi collection Silver with a diamond set in yellow gold

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SUMMER FUN | GUIDE 2022

Summer is here!

Looking for things to schedule now the holidays are stretching ahead? We’ve got a selection of ideas here for a summer of family fun, including yoga in areas of outstanding natural beauty, museums, action packed days out, concerts and rocket fuelled adventures.

AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS

WAKE THE TIGER, THE WORLD’S

Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD americanmuseum.org; 01225 460503

127 Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol, BS2 0YA wakethetiger.com. Instagram / Twitter: @wakethetiger_

There’s a wealth of things to do at the American Museum & Gardens this summer: Brilliant Beasties Tues 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 13 Sep. Under 5s. SInging, rhyming, storytelling and making, while learning all about the Brilliant Beasties, our animal friends.

Forest of Imagination: Sun 24 Jul. The team return to the gardens for a free day of workshops for all, encouraging young visitors to engage with nature and explore their surroundings.

Children’s Yoga in the Gardens. Sats until 11 Sep.Ages 4-7. Children can enjoy the uplifting surroundings of the gardens, with these classes in designed to introduce yoga and mindfulness around a story or a theme that changes each week, ending with relaxation.

The creative masterminds behind the hugely successful immersive festival Boomtown Fair, announce Wake The Tiger, the world’s first Amazement Park®. The brand new, thrilling experience coming to Bristol this summer has been produced by a collection of over 100 artists including storytellers, poets, scenic artists, robotics experts, fabricators, costume makers, architects, videographers and prop makers. The Amazement Park® encompasses interactive environments and daring new experiences blurring the lines between an art gallery, theme park and film set, with a playful psychedelic twist throughout. Step through the secret portal into the amazing world of Meridia; a multi-layered maze of immersive environments, secret passageways, hidden rooms and so many fantastical wonders to lose yourself in. Within the labyrinth many stories are told or untold; all that is known is you will not be the same person you were when you entered, igniting the imagination of all ages.

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FIRST ‘AMAZEMENT PARK®’

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SI,MMER FUN | GUIDE 2022

BATH PRESERVATION TRUST – MARVELLOUS MUSEUMS

CAMP TEEPEE AT THE PARAGON

No1 Royal Crescent. The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Beckford’s Tower bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/

The Paragon School, Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath, BA2 4LT paragonschool.co.uk/holiday-clubs

Bath Preservation Trust has plenty to keep young minds busy this summer. The immersive experience at No 1 Royal Crescent tells the story of a family in Bath for the season, following their lives and those of their servants. There is plenty for families to enjoy with the new children’s trail, app for kids as well as access resources for those with additional needs. Each week through the summer holidays the museum will be running handling sessions in the museum gallery. At The Herschel Museum of Astronomy you can explore the constellations with activities taking place in the museum gallery and planetarium shows at the Percy Community Centre. At Beckford’s Tower they’re getting crafty! Weekly drop in sessions for craft activities are taking place in the museum and landscape.

The Paragon School's popular day camp for 611 year olds returns this summer for more actionpacked adventures in the great outdoors. Camp Teepee encourages children to learn new skills, develop confidence and have a great time in a safe woodland environment.

A typical day will involve fire lighting, outdoor cooking, wood crafting, wild drumming, woodland detective games, shelter building, clay creature crafting and much more. The camps don't go completely back to basics –there is access to the school toilets and fresh drinking water, but camps operate whatever the weather so prepare to get muddy!

Dates for summer 2022: 18th - 21st July and 22nd - 25th August.

The cost per day is £40 per child. To find out more and to book a place visit: paragonschool.co.uk/holiday-clubs

AEROSPACE BRISTOL SUMMER OF ROCKETS

BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ aerospacebristol.org Get ready to blast off on a rocket-fuelled adventure at Aerospace Bristol, with daily rocket activities to enjoy throughout the summer holidays.

The rocket-themed fun includes launching water rockets, testing your aim on the rocket firing range, and helping to build and decorate a giant rocket.

Plus enjoy fascinating talks and science shows, and learn more about Bristol's amazing aerospace history, before stepping aboard the incredible supersonic Concorde.

Adults £18, children (aged 4+) £10, under-4s FREE. Family discounts available & all tickets include free return for 12 months.

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College Road, Bristol, BS8 3HA bristolzoo.org.uk; 0117 4285300 Bristol Zoo Gardens is inviting people to celebrate its 185-year-plus history, ahead of its final opening day on 3 September.

The Zoo is marking its last summer season with the ‘BIG Summer Send-Off’, a collection of fun-filled interactive activities and attractions, open for the duration of the school summer holidays.

The centrepiece of the celebrations is a giant interactive sculpture, Wilder the gorilla, and her baby Monty-Alan.

A collaborative timeline exhibit will evolve as visitors add their own thoughts and memories.

And families can enjoy the fabulous theatre show, starring animal puppets and the audience as conservation heroes!

Summer tickets are expected to sell fast. Book yours now.

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Summer at our Bath Museums

V

isit No. 1 Royal Crescent, the only dressed Georgian House in Bath.

Our immersive experience tells the story of a family in Bath for the season, following their lives and those of their servants. There is plenty for families to enjoy with our new children’s trail, app for kids as well as access resources for those with additional needs.

Visit our website to find out more and book https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/

Summer family event programme: Join us at No. 1 Royal Crescent for handling collection days. Each week through the summer holidays we will be running handling sessions in the museum gallery.

At the Herschel Museum of Astronomy we are exploring the constellations.

Throughout the summer holidays we will be running constellation activities in the museum gallery.

At the Percy Community Centre the Herschel Museum of Astronomy is running planetarium shows throughout the summer holidays.

At Beckford’s Tower we’re getting crafty! Weekly drop in sessions for craft activities are taking place in the museum and landscape.

Visit our website for details of all events. www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/

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CITY | THEATRE

An Evening Without Kate Bush by Sarah-Louise Young and (right) King Arthur by The Last Baguette theatre company

Open-air drama

King Arthur, Guy Fawkes, Julie Andrews and Toad all make an appearance at The Garden Theatre Festival in the gardens of the Holburne this summer. Emma Clegg chats to Creative Director Matt Emeny about what’s in store

T

he Garden Theatre Festival first made an appearance in 2020 when theatre producer Matt Emeny brought two nights of outdoor theatre to the city, one in the gardens of the Holburne Museum and one at the American Museum & Gardens. He did this by collaborating with Three Inch Fools, an innovative touring theatre company known for their fast-paced and musically driven approach. At this time, scarcely out of lockdown, Matt was determined to find a way of bringing theatre back, and open-air performances felt the best way to stay safe. “I was super keen to bring art back to the city, and outdoor art was always going to be the way to do it,” says Matt.

In 2021 the open-air theatre festival returned to the Holburne, with five nights of performance and it’s shifted up another gear this summer with 13 different productions and over 20 performances in the gardens of the Holburne from 29 July – 13 August. The theatrical atmosphere of many of the pieces – established from the beginning with the work of Three Inch Fools who this year are performing The Gunpowder Plot and Twelfth Night – is high energy, with fast-paced action, comedy, songs, music, jokes, and multi-roling. Matt explains that the approach to the festival has always been as much about packaging an experience for visitors as about bringing theatre to outdoor spaces.

“It was the environment that we were creating – a garden location where people could bring their picnics and have a wonderful time,” explains Matt. “This is what we are continuing to do with The Garden Theatre Company – come and see a brilliant show but also come for the experience and atmosphere. It’s feel-good, it’s not pretentious, you can bring your own food and booze, or you can buy 22 TheBATHMagazine

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food and drink from our bar.”

Matt has a theory about how our psychology changed in lockdown, driving a new love for outdoor theatre. “When we were only able to meet in a group of six, outside, perhaps around a campfire, we almost went back to prehistoric times, and the outdoor ritual of telling stories around a fire. And that ritual is easy to pass on with an outdoor theatre experience, with people gathering in outdoor spaces in town squares or parks or green spaces and hearing entertaining stories.

I really want to create work that makes adults feel like children again “That’s been a real plus for us outdoor theatre makers because we’ve always been the ugly cousin of the theatre world. Because of the way we work, our budgets are limited, we don’t have all the glamour and lights of an indoor theatre, and actors sometimes need to set up the stages in the pouring rain. But our big advantage is that we go into communities – we go to that village or town and we go into people’s spaces, where they feel comfortable, and give them a family experience.”

The productions on offer this year have a strong regional emphasis: Matt says, “We are really keen not to import all our work from London, so like to focus on artists and companies from the south west. There is a fresh take on Wind in the Willows by Matt’s outdoor

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CITY | THEATRE

THE GARDEN THEATRE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME AT THE HOLBURNE Julie Madly Deeply by Sarah-Louise Young 29 July, 2pm. This charming yet cheeky cabaret takes an engaging look at fame and fandom with Julie Andews’ songs from musicals intertwined with stories about her life. £16/£11 An Evening without Kate Bush

by Sarah-Louise Young 29 July, 7pm. Acclaimed performer SarahLouise Young and theatre maker Russell Lucas explore the music and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. £16/£11 The Importance of Being Earnest by Slapstick Picnic 31 July, 6pm. Join Slapstick Picnic’s summer tea party where over tea and cucumber sandwiches, you will see Oscar Wilde’s classic play of manners, affairs and handbags performed by two entertainers. £16/£11 Wind in the Willows by Calf2Cow 2–6 August, 2pm, 6pm, 7pm.

Join Mole, Ratty and Badger in a floor stomping, live music, hilarious re-telling of this woodland adventure as they save Toad from deep trouble. £16/£11

Hero & Leander, Or, I Love You, But Everything’s Under Water 5 August, 8.30pm. Six multi-instrumentalists tell an epic seaside tale through songs encompassing folk, indie, sea shanties and choral music. £16/£11 King Arthur by The Last Baguette theatre company 7 August, 2pm, 7pm. An anarchic and anachronistic re-telling of the Arthurian Legend with live music, physical comedy and lo-fi acrobatics. And some silly jokes… £16/£11 Charlie Locke and the Quest for Confidence 8 August, 2pm. Join Charlie and (his) Brain as they navigate through primary school life, friendships and the beauty of finding a voice. Come, see and hear Charlie’s tale and his quest for confidence! Suitable for children. 5+, £12 Misfits by Fourth Monkey 8 August, 7pm. Here is a collection of stories of people who don’t fit in, stories about people you might consider weird, and stories that colour outside of the lines. This evening is brought to you by the MA Collaborative Theatre Students at Fourth Monkey. £10/£8 Twelfth Night by The Three Inch Fools, 9 August, 7pm. Prepare for an evening of mischief and hilarity, as five actors present an inventive take on this rip-roaring

theatre company Calf2Cow, a hilarious re-telling of everybody’s favourite woodland adventure with a rock ’n’ roll rhythm; and King Arthur by The Last Baguette theatre company, who are based in Corsham, taking on the Arthurian Legend with knights, wizards, mist and magic, along with physical comedy and plenty of jokes. Matt says about King Arthur, “This is a silly family clowning show, fun for all ages, big kids and small. And that is the vibe we’re going for. I really want to create work that makes adults feel like children again.”

Another production at the festival is Much Ado About Murder by Heartbreak Productions, an original murder mystery that sets five suspects under the spotlight, and asks the audience to help find the answers; and Julie Madly Deeply by Sarah-Louise Young who is joined at the piano by Michael Roulston. The audience will be treated to Julie’s songs from musicals including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady and these are intertwined with stories and anecdotes about Andrews’ own life. This is one of two performances

by Sarah-Louise (the other, also performed at this festival) that she is taking to the Edinburgh Festival in August.

There is a thrust stage for the use of the visiting productions, which was designed and created by students from Bath Spa University, and some companies bring their own stages. This includes LASTheatre who are doing one of the children’s shows, The Rascally Dinner – they are coming with a huge caravan, which unfolds to create a kitchen with big monsters emerging from it.

Ticket holders can bring their own blankets, cushions and camping chairs, and come with picnics and drinks or get refreshments from the bar. They can also relax in the Holburne’s beautiful gardens after evening performances, with the bar open until 10pm, and there are

comedy, fit for all the family. Expect fastpaced drama, endless costume changes, and much music-making along the way! £16/£11 The Gunpowder Plot by The Three Inch Fools 10 August, 2pm, 7pm. Cue an explosive evening of short fuses and tall tales, as five actors try to pull off the most infamous conspiracy in history. £16/£11 Much Ado About Murder by Heartbreak Productions 11 August, 7pm This original murder mystery will set five suspects under the spotlight, and it will depend on the audience to find answers.

Who was lurking in the corridor carrying a candlestick? When did the third gunshot go off? £16/£11 The Beast Will Rise by Philip Ridley, 12 August, 7pm An evening of two monologues (Cactus and Star) written in lockdown by playwright Philip Ridley, directed by Wiebke Green. £16/£11 The Rascally Dinner by LASTheatre, 12 August, 11.30am Cook up a stink as part of Rufus Skumskins O’Parsleys’ kitchen crew or bring a pot to bang and ward off evil cakes in this fun-filled, messy performance about food.

For ages 5+, £12

also some evening, pop-up music acts on certain dates. Premier ticket holders can access the Holburne 30 minutes before main doors open, with prosecco or soft drinks, and luxury nibbles included.

The Garden Theatre Festival runs from 29 July – 13 August, in the gardens of the Holburne Museum; gardentheatrefest.co.uk 2020 2010 THEBATHMAG.CO.UK THEBATHMAG.CO.UK THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | january | nOVeMber | july 2022

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LOCAL | EVENTS

What’s on in July The Tempest at the Ustinov Theatre

The Magic Numbers at Americana Fest

Creating Spaces 2022 at the Gardens at Miserden

MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park, Bath Enjoy live jazz/funk/soul/swing at Green Park Brasserie on Weds and Thurs from 6.30– 8.45pm and Fri and Sat from 6.30–9.45pm.

Music includes dynamic duos, modern trios and a Hot Club style quintet. The kitchen will be open from 5–10pm Weds–Fri, and 12–10pm on Sat, serving local produce. greenparkbrasserie.com

THE TEMPEST 1 July – 6 August, 7.30pm and matinees n Ustinov Theatre, Saw Close, Bath Deborah Warner opens her inaugural season as Artistic Director of the Ustinov Studio with an epic new production of The Tempest. Nicholas Woodeson as Prospero and Dickie Beau as Ariel lead a stellar company of actors. Tickets from £24.50. theatreroyal.org.uk

SUMMER SUNDAYS Sundays throughout July n Various locations Take part in the events running on Sundays throughout the summer, including Science Magic from Irish comedian and scientist, Donal Vaughan on 3 July; Flamenco Express at Chapel Arts on 10 July; the Brissboro Flute Trio playing at Parade Gardens Bandstand on 17 July; and free balloon modelling from a balloon artist at SouthGate on 24 July. Find out more at: welcometobath.co.uk/summer-sundays

AMERICANA FEST 1–3 July, 12–4pm n The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down This three-day festival of American culture takes place in the museum’s spectacular hilltop estate. Four stages see 40+ acts across the weekend with an all-American comedy bill, with Reginald D. Hunter headlining on the Friday; Robert Vincent & Band on the Saturday; and folk-rock legends, The Magic Numbers on Sunday. americanmuseum.org/americanafest

CREATING SPACES 2022 Until 31 July, Wednesdays to Sundays (including bank holidays) 10am–5pm n The Gardens at Miserden, near Stroud GL6 7JA Sculpture exhibition showcasing over 200 pieces, indoors and outdoors. Work is from members of the Cotswold Sculptors Association, including professional, semiprofessional and keen amateurs. Pieces are figurative and abstract, in bronze, glass, metals, ceramics, stone, resins and multimedium. All art is for sale. £9 per adult, children under 16 free. cotswoldsculptorsassociation.com; miserden.org/garden

PHOTO FROME: THE INDEPENDENT EYE Until 15 July n Rook Lane Chapel Gallery; Round Tower, Black Swan Arts; 23 Bath Street; Gallery at the Station; Maker’s Yard; Town Hall; and Frome Library The Photo Frome project brings all types of work from local, national, and international photographers – including Olga Karlovac, James Ravilious and Robert Huggins, to name just a few – at six exhibition venues.

The inaugural theme is The Independent Eye, celebrating photography as an art form and Frome’s own spirit of independence.

Photo Frome will also present talks offering

captivating insights into the photographic work, and workshops such as Polaroid-based photowalks and cyanotype photography. All exhibitions free. photofrome.org THE FROME FESTIVAL 1–10 July n Various locations in Frome Ten days of performances, exhibitions, walks, talks and workshops. The many events include a lecture from historian David Olusoga, a performance from the Terry Hill Big Band, tours of the Frome Tunnel, the Frome Open Art Trail, a Festival Quiz, a Morris Dancing Workshop, the Oakfield Choir performing Vivaldi Gloria, a lecture about Elizabeth Row (the poet of Frome), a performance from contemporary folk duo the Fellow Pynins, a traditional Choral Evensong in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist and an experience of beauty, meditation and mindfulness in ‘Renaissance’ from pianist John Law. fromefestival.co.uk BUGSY MALONE 2–23 July, 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and selected matinees n Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close Alan Parker’s world-famous movie, which launched the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, becomes an unforgettable theatrical experience in this revival of the universally acclaimed Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production. Tickets from £25. theatreroyal.org.uk MONTEVERDI VESPERS 2 July, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine of 1610, more often known as the Continued page 26

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LOCAL | EVENTS

Wag Walk organised by the Bath Cats and Dogs Home

Monteverdi Vespers, is a piece of groundbreaking early 17th-century music that lifts the soul with its emotional depth, sensuality, and joy. Bath Bach Choir and conductor Nigel Perrin are joined by early music specialists I Fagiolini (director Robert Hollingworth) and the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble for an interpretation of this masterpiece of early Baroque expression. Tickets £10–£20. bathbachchoir.org.uk; bathboxoffice.org.uk TWELFTH NIGHT 4–9 July, 7.45pm and 2pm n Cleeve House, Seend, Wiltshire SN12 6PG Shakespeare’s best loved romantic comedy Twelfth Night will be performed in the grounds of Cleeve House. Directed by Pat Cannings, with outstanding local talent and sumptuous Elizabethan costumes, this is a tale of mistaken identity, love, frivolity, music and cross-dressing. The audience are under cover in reserved seats and can picnic on the lawns before the show begins. £12.50–£17.50. Book tickets by calling 07780 938107 or go to shakespearelive.com CHLOE HANSLIP & BATH PHILHARMONIA 5 July, 7.30pm n Bath Forum A musical celebration that basks in the warmth of the summer sun; featuring Chloë Hanslip, one of Britain’s finest violinists, performing Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, the perfect musical description of the English countryside. Tickets £35/£30/£25/£5 under 18s. bathphil.co.uk U3A: ZEPPELIN: SHIP OF DREAMS 7 July, 10.30am – 12pm n Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road In this talk David Skillen will show how the Graf Zeppelin and the Hindenburg provided luxurious travel across the Atlantic, learn how Great Britain tried, and failed, to match them and how the United States built two flying aircraft carriers. Admission free for members and a requested donation of £2 for non-members. u3ainbath.org.uk

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The Ham Farm Festival

OUTLANDISH: WALKING EUROPE’S UNLIKELY LANDSCAPES 7 July, 7.30–9pm n Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 18 Queen Square, Bath Nick Hunt talks about his travels through four of Europe’s ‘unlikely landscapes’: Britain’s only patch of arctic tundra in the Cairngorms Mountains; the primeval forest of Bialowieza in Poland and Belarus; Europe’s only desert in Tabernas, Spain; and the grassland steppes of Hungary. £2–£5. brlsi.org SMOKED AND UNCUT FESTIVAL AT THE PIG 9 July, midday–11pm n THE PIG near Bath, Hunstrete,

Pensford, near Bath BS39 4NS This open-air party for the family is an English summer party with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Headliners include Jools Holland and Sister Sledge, and you can enjoy street food stalls and all kinds of drinks. There are also Pop Up Feasting experiences hosted by Chef Angela Hartnett and her chef friends and THE PIG’s Field Kitchen hosted by Chef Director James Golding and the PIG Chef Apprentices. smokedanduncut.com BATH CONCERTINO 9 July, 7.30pm n St Luke's, Hatfield Road, Bath A concert of classical masterpieces from Bath Concertino including Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, ‘The Emperor’, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 6. Soloist Brenda McDermott has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Mozart Players, and last year she joined the orchestra for Beethoven’s rousing Triple Concerto. Entry by programme on the door, £10 cash. All proceeds will support the work of the Dorothy House Foundation.

BOTH SIDES NOW – A CELEBRATION OF JONI MITCHELL 9 July, 8pm n Chapel Arts, Lower Borough Walls Of all the West Coast singer-songwriters, Joni Mitchell remains its most influential figure, with a body of work running the gamut from folk to mainstream pop, right

The Herschel 200 Exhibition

through to modern jazz. Both Sides Now perform some of the many musical highlights of her career. £18.50/£20. chapelarts.org BRUNO WOLLHEIM IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS STEPHENS 14 July, 7pm n Holburne Museum, Bath Bruno Wollheim has made two films with David Hockney, notably the award-winning A Bigger Picture that documented the artist’s return to Yorkshire and his painting of its landscape from 2004–2009. Join Bruno in conversation with Holburne Director Chris Stephens as he explores David Hockney – the man and his art – using clips and out-takes from the films. £15. holburne.org BLACK SWAN ARTS OPEN 2022 15 July – 11 September n Black Swan Arts, 2 Bridge Street, Frome This year’s Open Show features cutting-edge work from established art practitioners through to avant-garde young graduates.

190 artworks are on display covering a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, sculpture, ceramics and video.

Every piece is for sale, with a top price set at £1,000 to encourage collectors and firsttime buyers. blackswanarts.org.uk THE HERSCHEL 200 EXHIBITION 16 July – 31 December n The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King St, Bath To commemorate the bicentenary of the death of astronomer William Herschel (1738–1822), Bath Preservation Trust is hosting a major exhibition to highlight the important contributions he made to our understanding of space. This exhibition, organised in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society and the Herschel family, will reveal the family’s remarkable story through original artefacts. herschelmuseum.org.uk

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LOCAL | EVENTS BELOW, FROM LEFT: John Hastings, Jessica Fostekew, and John-Luke Roberts

HATCHING THE PAST: AMERICAN DINOSAUR EXPLORERS 16 July – 31 December n The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down Take a rare and exciting look at the life of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos. A captivating experience for all ages, Hatching the Past invites visitors to touch real dinosaur bones and reconstructed nests, dig for eggs in our interactive dig pits, and view animated video presentations. This fully multi-media experience helps give credence to long debated theories that dinosaurs and birds are closely related. americanmuseum.org THE LAZY PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO ETHICS 22 July, 10am–4pm n Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 18 Queen Square Formerly philosophy was the preserve of PhDs and the intellectually precocious, until now. This day course will disinter a little of philosophy’s hermetic meaning as it tackles the question: How should we live? £48. brlsi.org FOREST OF IMAGINATION 24 July, 10–5pm n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath The Forest of the Imagination team return to the Museum to offer a free day of workshops to all visitors. Workshops will take place in the Museum’s gardens, encouraging young visitors to engage with nature and explore their surroundings. There will also be installations around the grounds from the Forest of the Imagination Team to allow for further discovering in a magical environment.

Free entry. americanmuseum.org BATH FOOD FESTIVAL 29–31 July, Fri 12–8pm, Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 10am–5pm n Royal Victoria Park

Come to the Bath Food Festival to sample produce, talk to producers and chefs and pick up new skills. Celebrity chefs and culinary experts will offer live demos, Q&As and workshops – chefs include The Dirty Food Guy Mark Studley, DIY Chef George Egg and Bake-Off star Karen Wright. £12 adults, under 18s free if accompanied. fantasticfoodfestivals.co.uk HAM FARM FESTIVAL 28–31 July n Ham Farm Cottage, Emersons Green BS16 7AT This exciting yearly cross-genre music festival is held in a stunning half-acre private garden just outside Bristol. Daytimes offer open rehearsals and educational workshops by top professional musicians for community musicians of any age and ability.

Evenings offer two concerts, with a mix of local community ensembles, and headline concerts by professional groups, all selected for their creativity and collaborative approach to music making.

This is a festival for everyone – concert-goers, families, neighbours, amateur and professional musicians and young musicians.

Get tickets for individual events or buy a festival pass. hamfarmfestival.com

LOOKING AHEAD WAG WALK 2022 4 September, 9.30am start n Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7AZ Join in the Wag Walk sponsored dog walk, open to all with or without dogs. Starts and finishes at Bath Cats and Dogs Home and features the stunning National Trust Bath Skyline with breath-taking views over the city. Two- or five-mile routes to choose from, followed by goodie bags, refreshments and activities to enjoy on the field. Entry £15pp or free for 16 years and under. bcdh.org.uk/wagwalk

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KOMEDIA: EDINBURGH FESTIVAL PREVIEWS

Enjoy a selection of hour-long preview shows ahead of the Edinburgh Festival in August. All shows are at The Electric Bar, Komedia, Bath, 7.30pm, £10 or buy three tickets for £20.

On 3 July Aaron Simmonds brings the positive side of being disabled; and Welsh funnyman Morgan Rees brings fast gags and rolling stories. On 4 July Australian Alice Fraser turns time inside out and back to front. And Irish comedian Anna Clifford focuses on positivity versus the world.

On 5 July come and see Edinburgh comedian and reluctant online hit Eleanor Morton; observational comedian Stuart Laws; and multi-instrumentalist comedian and performer Ed MacArthur.

On 6 July Olga Koch brings a roller coaster romcom you aren’t tall enough to ride; and rising star Rajiv Karia speaks gently, jokes hard and wants to be your friend.

On 11 July see Sunil Patel on his way to Edinburgh with some faster horses...; and Tom Ward returning with a new construction of offbeat observations. On 12 July encounter Alex Kealy tackling Silicon Valley, advertising and addiction; Alice Spittle who likes to watch people fight in chip shops; and Red Richardson questioning his life choices after a police incident.

On 13 July get your fill of Helen Bauer on self-confidence, selfesteem and self-care; and Tessa Coates on how we got here and where we’re going next. On 18 July meet John Hastings, who got a standing ovation with no audience thanks to Covid; and awardwinning stand-up comedian and writer Sarah Keyworth.

On 19 July come along to see Joz Norris, who wants a show so perfect it will make his audience blink in unison (this is the dry run) and Jessica Fostekew talking private things, public things and wrapping your arms around time. 20 July sees Jack Barry healing your soul like a hearty dose of magic mushrooms; and musical comedy double act Shelf, one of whom is tone deaf.

22 July welcomes the DUMBELLES with Jessie Nixon, Dani Johns & Millie Haswell, a silly exploration of life as three young women.

26 July brings Kwame Asante with a witty introspective on religion in modern life, love and medicine; and Hal Cruttenden whose life has been turned upside down, but he’s sticking a finger right back at it.

27 July sees Julia Masli with an absurd homage to migration; and John-Luke Roberts debating the worlds we don’t live in, and the one we do. And 28 July brings Andy Field (he’s an ideas man and he’s got ideas, man); and there’s a rambunctious debut from Lily Phillips.

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ARTS | INTERVIEW

Centre stage

Deborah Warner, the new Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio, talks to Melissa Blease about how her father’s antique shop first inspired her love of theatre and the ambitious projects she is bringing to the Ustimov

I

n January 2020, Deborah Warner was announced as the new Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio, taking over from the theatre’s former AD Laurence Boswell. At the time, the Ustinov was – way too over-optimistically, as it happened – planning to unveil details of Deborah’s inaugural season in the autumn of the same year. But that was then and this is now, some 30-ish strange, difficult months later... and at last, we can finally pick up where Covid so cruelly forced us to leave off and officially welcome Deborah to Bath.

“The Ustinov is a very exciting space; the moment you walk in, you feel that excitement,” says Deborah, just days before her epic new production of The Tempest opens at the theatre on 1 July. “For several years, the theatre has offered audiences theatre work at the highest standard; my aim is to continue to offer that high standard in terms of acting, direction and design, and in addition offer productions of opera, dance and song. Each season there’ll be a production of a classic theatre text, an opera, a song cycle or cantata, and a further piece of ‘new’ theatre, as defined in the broadest sense of new writing, new performance, etc.”

Phew! That sounds like an ambitious programme for Bath’s intimate 126-seater theatre... until you take a glance at Deborah’s CV, and you just know that if anybody can turn the theatre magic that her opening statement promises into reality, it’s her.

Having founded The KICK Theatre Company in 1980 at the age of just 21, Deborah went on to work with leading companies and highly acclaimed talent worldwide, holding prestigious positions including Resident Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Associate Director of the National Theatre and Associate Director of the Barbican. Her long-standing, multiple award-winning creative partnership with actor Fiona Shaw spans over three decades and she’s worked extensively in Paris with performances at Bouffes du Nord, MC93 Bobigny, l’Odéon, Chaillot, Châtelet, Opéra Comique and Théâtre des Champs Elysées.

Enough? Oh, very much nowhere near! Deborah has regularly worked for the leading opera houses and conductors of the world, and has produced a number of devised installation works (including Peace Camp for the London 2012 Cultural Olympics). There’s film work on the list too, including a John Banville adaptation of Elizabeth Bowen’s novel The Last September; little wonder, then, that

Edward Hogg (Caliban) and Gary Sefton (Stephano) in rehearsal for The Tempest.

Image © Hugo Glendenning

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in 2006, Deborah was created CBE for Services to Drama in the Queen’s 80th Birthday Honours. But having digested all that, what I really need to know is... where and how did the origins of Deborah’s long-standing love of theatre and the arts begin?

“I was born in Burford, Oxfordshire, where my father ran an antique shop,” she says. “That doesn’t sound like such an exciting prospect these days, but back in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, antique shops were Aladdin’s Caves of possibility. My father sold everything from doll’s houses, children’s life-size merry-go-rounds, ship’s figure heads and Elizabethan clothing to 18th-century shop signs, the handkerchief Charles I dropped at the scaffold, American quilts, highwayman’s pepper shakers, sedan chairs, penny farthing bicycles, totem poles – you name it, he sold it! And he ran the shop like a theatre with ever-changing scenery, and he told the story of all the things for sale to the customers who came into the shop; I think my love of theatre began then. Of course, we also lived near Stratfordupon-Avon and my parents took us there from a young age; I saw Judi Dench as Portia when I was nine years old, and Peter Brook’s famous Midsummer Night’s Dream when I was twelve.”

“The Ustinov is a very exciting space; the moment you walk in, you feel that excitement,” Deborah’s done so much between then and now; we’ve already skimmed over a scant collection of her career highlights to date in my heavily condensed version of her extensive CV. Is it possible for her to define her own personal highlights so far?

“There are so many!,” she says. “Taking Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Greece, and witnessing Fiona Shaw’s Winnie play to a full crowd in that wondrous 12,000 seat amphitheatre. Playing Benjamin’s Britten’s Death in Venice at La Scala in Milan. Playing the Madrid premiere of Britten’s Billy Budd at the Teatro Real; having the thrill of the run of the empty and dilapidated Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras for my St Pancras Project installation; taking Fiona Shaw and John Lynch to Derry to play at the height of the troubles; casting Fiona Shaw as Richard II the first woman to play the role... these are just a few.”

So, to bring us bang up-to-date: why the Ustinov – and why The Tempest as Deborah’s first production? “I haven’t worked with any of the three Theatre Royal auditoria yet, but the name and weight of reputation is so strong,” she says. “As for The Tempest in particular: I love this play! It’s considered by many to be Shakespeare’s last play and it’s also, to my mind, one of his most enigmatic and magical, with its extraordinary collection of characters from the supernatural to the all-too-earthly. The play spins its magic every time I return to it, and catches me in its spell.

“But really importantly, I wanted to begin in Bath with a highly ambitious project on a big scale – and that’s exactly what this is! The intimate confines of the Ustinov will be pushed to the limit in the most exciting way. But the intimacy of the space and the epic scale of the programming is what my first season is all about. An intimate space is always exciting for an audience and, of course, not unusual in the theatre. But nowadays – often for reasons around economics – it’s quite rare to find Shakespeare programmed in such a space, and certainly you’d never expect to experience opera in such close quarters. But when Christine Rice, one of the greatest of our British

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Deborah Warner, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio.

Image by Claire Egan

singers, sings Phaedra here in August, it’ll be simply mind-blowing.

Similarly, to hear and witness Dido’s Lament or to see Kim Brandstrup’s dancers this close – oh, just you wait! For sure, there are challenges such as stretching the finances to meet the vision; that’s tough on a small budget, but so far it’s possible. But overall, the freedom to programme big works for a small-scale theatre feels so new and exciting to me, and I think audiences will really have something to be excited by too.”

Away from the bright lights of theatre, how does Deborah feel about the prospect of spending her downtime in Bath?

“I feel very good indeed about spending so much time in your city”, she says. “I was often brought here as a child as my parents loved it, and my father had an early involvement with the American

Museum, which is such a glorious place. It’s so very, very beautiful here; it comes as no surprise to me that the Romans were so taken with the city, nor that the great and the good of so many centuries have revelled here. And it’s so wonderful, too, that you have a theatre on the scale of a National Theatre to call your own.”

And it’s wonderful for us to have Deborah Warner on our doorstep: yet another great and good name to add to the city’s roll call is ready to take to the stage. n The Tempest, Ustinov Theatre, 1 July-6 August.

For full details (and to read more about the Ustinov’s new season), visit theatreroyal.org.uk/your-visit/ustinov 2010 THEBATHMAG.CO.UK THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | JanUarY | JULY 2022

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

ARTS AND EXHIBITIONS David Simon Contemporary 37 High Street, Castle Cary BA7 7AW

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Peter Ceredig-Evans: The Shape of Time 2–30 July

Love Life: David Hockney’s Drawings, until 18 September Hockney’s drawings in the late 1960s and 1970s show his extraordinary power of observation and skill in using tiny, mundane details to help capture a situation.

holburne.org

Beyond Beastly: Creatures Natural and Imagined Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), 16–18 Queen Square, Bath, until 1 October

Ossie Clark in a Fairisle Sweater, by David Hockney, 1970 Coloured pencil on paper 43.18 x 35.56 cm © David Hockney. Photo credit: Fabrice Giber

As new continents were explored, a rich array of extraordinary new animals and plants were formally described. Here were creatures quite as weird as the ones in medieval pictures, but now they were being illustrated in vivid and accurate detail.

Come and meet some familiar fantastical creatures (and quite a few natural ones) extracted from the pages of the historic books and boxes of specimens in Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution Collections. brlsi.org

Postcards from Kenya East Lambrook Manor Gardens, East Lambrook TA13 5HH Until 23 July

moishsokal.co.uk

Maasai women by Moish Sokal

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Artist Moish Sokal brings the colour of Africa to East Lambrook Manor Gardens.

After landing in his hometown of Sydney following a long absence during the pandemic, Moish was caught up in the severe flooding that hit the eastern coast of Australia in 2021. When he returned to his home, however, he found that his precious paintings of Kenya had been spared, showing subjects such as his visit to an elephant orphanage and the famous Maasai Mara wildlife park. Alongside Moish’s exotic paintings of Kenya, his work also shows the English countryside – staying put for a while there made him appreciate the changing seasons.

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Point Lookout, Stradbroke by Peter Ceredig-Evans

Marvellous Makers, Wondrous Worlds: Raised Embroidery from the 17th Century until 11 September A show of the exceptional raised and 17th-century embroideries from the museum’s collection – a jewel-like show allowing visitors to look closely at these exceptional objects.

A graduate from Bath Spa University, Peter Ceredig-Evans, who hails from Cornwall, moved to Australia six years ago. His work is the result of his complex painting practice; an intense fascination of building layers of oils and washes to create a rich depth and subtle surface finishes.

Kit Andrews: The Cornish Potter 2 July – 30 August Experimenting with a variety of vase and bottleforms, Kit Andrews’ work uses pit-firing and smokefiring techniques.

Working in stoneware clay, he creates beautifully balanced forms. His ‘bottle’ shaped ceramics have a wonderful tension within the slender necks which counter the main body.

Allure by Kit Andrews

Margaret Lovell: Leaves of Bronze 2 July – 30 August A retrospective exhibition of sculpture in bronze relating to the theme of leaf and blade forms, for which Margaret Lovell is internationally renowned.

Marine Flow 2 by Margaret Lovell

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Vessels by Robyn Hardyman

Summer Exhibition Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath, until 31 August

Gallery Nine’s exhibition showcases five exciting artists. Celia Dowson works in ceramics and cast glass. Her work reflects the colours, the changing light, and mystery of the natural world.

Inspired by classic oriental ceramics Robyn Hardyman’s contemporary porcelain vessels are thrown thinly on the wheel. Charmian Harris creates jewellery in gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones.

Artist and jeweller Helyne Jennings uses mixed media on paper and fabric to create tiny earrings through to large-scale wall pieces. Her husband Trevor Jennings is a sculptor who works with a variety of metals to create sculptural pieces.

Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair, Sunday 10 July, 10am–5pm Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath The award-winning monthly Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) continues its season on Sunday 10 July. Committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond to the heart of Bath, the fair has created a regular space where artists can network, share ideas, connect with the public, and where the public can connect with art.

Visitors can browse the works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station. For updates and exhibiting artists visit the website. bcaf.co.uk

galleryninebath.com

Hardy’s Wessex – the landscapes that inspired a writer, until 30 October Wiltshire Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NS Hardy’s Wessex exhibition is also at the Dorset Museum, The Salisbury Museum and the Poole Museum

A major exhibition exploring the life and work of Thomas Hardy, and the landscapes that shaped his view of the world. A short journey from Stonehenge, one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in the world, this exhibition will explore how Hardy’s writing merged his present with the past. Within this ancient landscape, old beliefs died hard and Hardy’s plots are set against a background of superstition.

Hardy felt that these past ways of life were important, helping us understand ourselves and our relationship with the environment.

Includes the largest collection of Hardy objects displayed at one time. wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

Altered Land States, Walcot Chapel, Bath BA1 5UG 14–17 July , 11am–6pm An exhibition of paintings and ceramics by artists Louis Miles and Milly Stephen showing elemental forms and psychic visions of the landscape. Louis and Milly are alumni of the Fine Art Painting course at the Brighton School of Art, and are both now based between Bath and Bristol.

@louimiles @millyrosestephen

Ouarzazate, oil on canvas by Louis Miles

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Painting by Isabel Rossitter

David Ringsell: Contemporary Art Prints and Paintings of Classic Bath Architecture “I aim to present a contemporary perspective on some familiar places.

I often focus on the darker side of Bath architecture; peeling paint and stained stonework.”

David’s work is being exhibited at The Artery Art Café in Richmond Place; at The Claremont Pub, 5 Claremont Road, Bath; and at The Old Crown Pub, Weston, Bath.

Custom prints are available online in a range of sizes – see the website: real-images.com Image: Bridge of Shadow, A2 framed giclée print by David Ringsell, showing the time-worn back of Pulteney Bridge

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What's the next Big Thing?

DUNCAN CAMPBELL

Fashionable Antiques

Antique silver specialist

All the Old Things When it comes to predicting what decorative style is going to sell, there is a useful nugget of antiques trade wisdom, the answer being “What your grandparents had and your parents threw away.”

I think it is possible that this mercenary information might be backed up by a more universal truth about the seductive power of nostalgia. Can it really be that we subconsciously surround ourselves with the furniture and trappings of the golden days of our childhoods?

The evidence is quite compelling. Over the last couple of centuries, every 70 years or so, there seems to have been a revival.

For example, the fashion for rococo decoration began around 1730 and was largely gone by 1760, then in 1810 to 1830, it came back. The revamped gothic style of the 1750’s then reappeared in the 1830’s and 40’s.

The Pre-Raphaelite and arts and crafts movements in the 19th century were both deeply nostalgic in their outlook, trying to recapture a more perfect, bucolic age long passed. Turn of the century Art Nouveau, though slightly shocking at the time, was also recycled enthusiastically, in Carnaby Street and then the world in the early 1970’s.

More recently, post war modernism has been the most fashionable choice. I recently watched the 1954 version of A Star is Born for the first time and was struck by the interior of James Mason’s apartment. The entire set would have looked ‘cutting edge’ in a Bond Street gallery only a couple of years ago.

As a new generation begins to emerge onto the market, with new tastes and prejudices, the New Georgian interiors of the 1980’s may well see a comeback. I don’t have grandchildren, but perhaps at some time in the future, if/when I do, they will feel drawn to recapture my twisted aesthetic - what a thought! n beaunashbath.com; 01225 334234

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ART | EXHIBITIONS Mary Fedden: Simple Pleasures Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 9 July – 16 October Mary Fedden (1915–2012) is well known as a colourist who celebrated her favourite places, things and people in joyous compositions that delight the eye as much as the mind. This exhibition explores her life and work, from her childhood and young adulthood in Bristol, to her marriage with fellow artist Julian Trevelyan and their decades working in adjoining studios at Durham Wharf on the Thames.

Over 110 paintings and works on paper are featured, covering all periods of Fedden’s career, drawn from both private and public collections across the UK. The exhibition will shed new light on the artist’s working practices by including her easel and some of her favourite still life objects in the installation – the simple things that inspired her. The show also explores the development of her sensibility for bright colours via graphic panels and a well-illustrated catalogue.

Born in Bristol Mary Fedden attended the city's Badminton School. At the age of 16, she studied at the Slade School of Fine Arts, London from 1932 to 1936 where she was a pupil of theatre designer, Vladimir Polunin. When she finished her studies, she taught, painted portraits and created stage designs for Sadler's Wells Theatre. She then returned to Bristol where she painted and taught until World War II broke out.

After the war Fedden developed her own style of flower paintings and still lifes, reminiscent of artists such as Matisse and Braque.

There will be guided tours of the exhibition on Fridays at 1.30pm–2pm throughout the show. These are included in the ticket price, and advance booking is not required for the tours. victoriagal.org.uk Spring in Bath 1981 and Gallery Cat 1989 Colours of Life Burdall’s Yard, London Road, Bath BA1 5NH Until 5 August, open Tuesdays and Fridays 11am–4pm Natalie Bedford’s new work depicts flowers, plants and people and a scattering of landscapes. The work is fresh and joyful, full of expression and life, every piece unique and original.

Creating art is Natalie’s way to see, interpret, and understand; it is a sensory exploration of her world, and her expression of that journey. This language is one of energetic line, texture, and colour, interpreting a subject. Pink and orange meet and ooze together, pushing petals out of the vase and off the canvas; shapes of cheeseplant leaves bow out of the frame; and delightful nudes are drawn with an energetic line have attitude and elegance.

Natalie’s work features in Saatchi Online, and reached the shortlist for the prestigious NEAC exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. Two of her pieces were recently shortlisted for the Bath Society of Artists’ Annual Exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery. bynatalie.co.uk Crazy Big Tulips (left) and Jiggety (below)

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Shades of Green Central Corridor, The Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath Until 24 July Shades of Green is an exhibition inspired by the Somerset landscape near the picturesque village of Englishcombe, Bath.

Curator Sandra Higgins has gathered together a group of artists and asked each to Country Coded by Richard Walker respond to the landscape view from her home after visiting the location. The artists range from the figurative to the abstract, as illustrated here in the work of Richard Walker in what he calls his ‘constructed landscape’. All works are available to purchase, and guided tours are available by appointment. For further information contact sandra@sandrahiggins.com sandrahiggins.art Pop-Up Exhibition, The Drawing Rooms, Beau Nash House, 19 Union Passage, Bath Curator and art advisor Sandra Higgins has been filling the walls of this quirky Georgian venue with artworks by outstanding contemporary British artists.

Currently exhibiting in this pop-up show are John Ball, Belinda Crozier, David Ferry, Pete Hoida, Marguerite Horner, Marq P. Kearey, Susan McDonald, Fiona McIntyre, Roy Osborne and David Walsh.

Living by Marguerite Horner Sandra is available for appointments throughout July to show you this exciting selection of the work on show, or pop in and ask manager Sam Walker to give you a plan to guide yourselves around. To make an appointment or enquire about purchases email at sandra@sandrahiggins.com and come in for a coffee or a cocktail, and maybe you’ll find the perfect piece of art for your home. sandrahiggins.art Ramona Carraro, 23 Bath Street, Frome Until 15 July, 5pm to late Wednesday – Friday; 12pm to late Saturday; 12–8pm Sunday Ramona Carraro’s mood-laden portraits of musicians complement high-energy portrayals of live gigs, where everyone is having fun and the musicians are giving it all they have. With over 20 years’ experience in music and live event photography, paired with a lifetime of growing up at festivals, Ramona’s natural habitat with her camera is on the stage, or among the crowd capturing the wonderful world of events. Part of a series of Photo Frome exhibitions. photofrome.org THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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A Special Single-Owner Collection of First World War Medal Groups and Memorial Plaques.

To Be Sold 16th September This sale will comprise an extensive and far-ranging private owner collection of First World War Medals.

Over 500 lots of Great War medals, the vast majority to men who served on the Western Front, many of them casualties buried in an array of different cemeteries in France and Belgium.

The sale includes gallantry groups, numerous 1st Day of the Somme groups, a casualty group to a boy soldier who signed up at the age of 15, examples from the famous ‘Pals Battalions’ and pairs and trios to almost every Regiment and Corps who took part between 1914 and 1918.

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A full team of specialists are available to advise and assist with FREE valuations: IN PERSON | AT HOME | ONLINE | EMAIL | PHONE | WHATSAPP Please contact their team if you would like to sell in their auctions to include: Silver | Vertu | Jewellery | Watches | 19th/20th Century Design | Oriental Works of Art | Ceramics | Pictures | Furniture | Clocks | Rugs | Militaria | Coins Medals | Collectors | Sporting | Textiles | Automobilia | Motoring | Literature Historic Cycling | Wine | Spirits | Books | Maps | Manuscripts | Photography

Lawrences AUCTIONEERS The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB.

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FoundUK Email: jeffosbo@hotmail.com

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ELICIOUS EXTRA D

THE DELICIOUS GUIDE TO BATH 2022

Here’s some new additions to our Delicious Guide 2022 - a showcase of all the best local places to eat, drink and enjoy. Scan the QR code to view

BOHO MARCHÉ The Francis Hotel, 6 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HH Web: francishotel/dining Offering a delicious twist on gourmet dining, Boho Marché is a popular foodie destination with Bath locals and visitors alike. Enjoy flavoursome dishes with a Mediterranean-meets-Morocco influence, served in a beautifully designed space. Watch our mixologists create magic with their cocktails or perhaps enjoy a sharing platter with a great glass of wine. A culinary journey along this Bohemian trail is the perfect way to spend your evening as you relax and allow our team to look after you.

BOSCO PIZZERIA 1–2 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ Web: boscopizzeria.co.uk/restaurant/bath Bosco is a family owned and run neighbourhood Italian restaurant and Pizzeria serving wood fired Neapolitan style pizza and classic regional Italian dishes all inspired by the best pizzerias of Naples and New York City. Using the best Italian produce available, sourced directly from the markets of Milan and Naples with everything from Bosco’s pizza dough, porchetta and famous zeppole doughnuts made in house.

The restaurant is always bustling and always full of energy, playing great music while the staff focus on service with personality.

Expect negronis and amaros, a carefully curated, all-Italian wine list as well as great food from the heart of Italy.

MOLLIE’S DINER

A GREAT OUT OF TOWN DINER

Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7TL Web: mollies.com Mollie’s Diner is a modern all-day hang-out serving up contemporary, seasonal cooking for solo travellers or families, friends and lovers. With interiors designed exclusively by Soho House, the setting hints at a classic diner style, but is reinvented with elegant vintage inspired lighting, sleek tiling, comfortable banquettes, warm wood and chrome fittings and lots of natural light. Early-riser or late-nighter, Mollie’s all-day diner culture has guests covered. From build-your-own breakfast waffles and pancakes to downright decadent burgers and rotisserie chicken; from healthy salads and plant-based options to a wildly extensive dessert menu and bottomless cups of Mollie’s own artisanal house coffee blend. Mollie’s is a place for guests to gather and enjoy great food with quality ingredients at the right price in a fun and cool atmosphere.

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QUENCH IT | BATH’S BEST PUBS & BARS

BATH’S BEST PUBS & BARS

We are adding these great pubs and bars to our Delicious Guide - our online showcase of all the best local places to eat, drink and enjoy.

GREEN PARK BRASSERIE AND BATH PIZZA CO Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB Web: greenparkbrasserie.com Soak up the laid back vibes on their alfresco terraces and watch the world go by with 2 for £12 cocktails 7 days a week. Local beers, ciders and craft spirits are all part of the bar's regular menu alongside their live jazz/funk/soul and swing music that fills the stunning old train station booking hall every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. From Espresso Martinis with a twist to fruity Pale Ales and local Gins, this is one certainly not to miss.

TIMBRELL’S YARD 49 St. Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DE Tel: 01225 869492 Web: timbrellsyard.com Timbrell’s Yard, the award-winning boutique hotel, has a contemporary bar well stocked with craft beers, West Country ciders, regularly changing local ales and intriguing wine list. The wonderful riverside terrace offers the perfect spot for a sundowner. Grab a fabulous cocktail (the Grapefruit and Thyme Martini and non-alcoholic English Garden with Seedlip Gin, come highly recommended) and watch the mellow river Avon winding by. If the night is chilly retreat to the covered courtyard and a seat by the crackling wood burner. Pretty lighting and a view of Bradford on Avon’s iconic medieval bridge set the tone.

TOWN+HOUSE

BY ALWAYS SUNDAY 36 Thomas Street, Bath BA1 5NN Instagram: @always_sunday_townhouse A contemporary, yet cosy gastro pub situated on the bustling London road, Town+House is one of Bath’s newest culinary gems serving locally sourced British food, curated wine and cocktail lists as well as premium beers. Set in a Georgian public house you’ll find something for everyone including local events, brunch, set menu, à la carte dining and Sunday roast. Monday– Thursday, 2pm–late; Friday–Sunday, 10am–late.

To book: www.opentable.co.uk/r/town-and-house-bath

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QUENCH IT | BATH’S BEST PUBS & BARS

THE TAPROOM AT ELECTRIC BEAR BREWING CO Unit 12 The Maltings, Brassmill Lane, Bath BA1 3JL Tel: 01225 424088 Web: electricbearbrewing.com

THE GRAPES 14 Westgate St, Bath BA1 1EQ Web: thegrapesbath.co.uk

Electric Bear, Bath’s only independent craft brewery, is home to it’s very own Taproom situated in the heart of the brewery. Open from Thursdays to Sundays, the popular Taproom features 10 of Electric Bear’s latest, freshest craft beers of all styles on tap and regularly sees queues around the block to its unique sun trap spot off Brassmill Lane, Newbridge. Every Friday and most Saturdays hosts a rotating selection of some of the best street food vendors from Bath, Bristol and surrounding areas. What’s more, Taproom manager Will also brings in his passion for music, making the most of the space for live music, DJs, stand-up comedy and more.

Check out their events by visiting their website at: www.electricbearbrewing.com/pages/taproom-and-shop

The Grapes in central Bath is an award-winning bar with a focus on local produce, music, beer, wine and spirits made in the South West. Their incredibly popular upstairs pop-up Japanese restaurant will be spreading its wings and opening in its own dedicated venue in July and will be relishing the chance to expand its menu and bring a bit of Japan to Bath - watch this space for more information. The bar itself is a music lovers' destination, with live music being played almost every day of the week. The popular Sunday sessions run with the 4 Bars to the Beat group (https://4barstothebeat.com/) often packing out this eclectic-looking venue. Outdoor seating away from the crowds and within view of the Thermae Spa makes The Grapes pub ‘garden’ a hidden gem in summer. On the bar you can find excellent, local breweries on tap, wines by Dunleavy Wines in Bristol, spirits from Scout and Sage in Bath and a cocktail list that will have even the fussiest connoisseur smiling.

THE COMMON ROOM 2 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP Web: commonroombath.co.uk One of Bath’s original late-night bars, The Common Room has been an institution on the city’s party scene since the 1960s. These days, it’s open from 5pm, six days a week (and 10pm on Sunday) and the retro glam surroundings are infused with a tiki vibe. With a love for rum, you’ll find over 100 variations on the pirate’s tipple of choice, alongside a fully vegan cocktail list, an extensive spirits selection, draught beers, cider, fine wines and more. There’s DJ action at weekends, with regular music nights showcasing local up-and-coming bands.

You can find these and many more of Bath’s great drinking, dining and foodie heroes in our Delicious Guide. Scan the QR code to view the guide online and save to your faves

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Cocktail masterclass

QUENCH IT | BATH’S BEST PUBS & BARS

By Johnny Hunt Bar manager at Hudson Steakhouse

12 Green Street, Bath BA1 2JZ

BEE’S KNEES This simple classic cocktail is best enjoyed from Spring through Summer. Despite the combination of lemon and honey, the result is more refreshing than remedial.

I add rhubarb bitters to give it a lift. I use Fee Brothers here, but any brand will do. These are easily found online or at your local retailer - try Independent Spirit or Amathus.

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50ml Tanqueray gin 20ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed 20ml honey syrup* 2 dashes rhubarb bitters

*This is easily made by combining 2-parts acacia honey with 1-part warm water. Mix thoroughly and allow to cool. It will keep in your fridge at home for a week.

Method: Shake all the ingredients over ice and double-strain into a coupe, martini glass, or whatever you’ve got! No garnish.

ENGLISH GARDEN This cocktail does exactly what it says on the tin; it tastes like you are basking in sunshine in an English garden on a lazy summer afternoon, even if you’re not!

I like to get the cucumber and mint involved straight away to maximise their impact.

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25ml Hendricks gin 25ml St. Germain 40ml good quality apple juice 10ml lime juice, freshly squeezed cucumber, 5 slices 6 mint leaves soda

Method: 1. Muddle the cucumber and mint with the lime juice, saving the sprigs of mint to garnish.

2. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the soda, and shake over ice.

3. Strain into a tall glass over crushed ice and top up with soda.

Garnish with a couple of mint sprigs and/or any leftover cucumber.

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This is a traditional, small and very cosy oak-panelled English pub dating from the early 1700s. It has two rooms with seating and a standing bar area. Always popular, The Old Green Tree serves a range of real ale beers from local micro-breweries including Green Tree – a bitter ale made exclusively for the pub

by Frome based Blindmans Brewery - There’s also Belgian beers and the excellent local farmhouse cider: Honey’s Midford. The bar is well stocked with a fine selection of white and red wines along with several single malt whiskys and premium spirits. At Weekends, lunchtime bar food is served too. Historic, unspoiled and welcoming, The Old Green Tree is a friendly place and makes a great local.

THE MARLBOROUGH TAVERN 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY Web: marlborough-tavern.com Located just a stone’s throw from the Royal Crescent, The Marlborough Tavern combines the atmosphere of a local pub with the food quality of a top restaurant, making it a firm favourite in Bath.The menu uses local produce to create greattasting, simple dishes where the quality of the produce speaks for itself. The Marlborough has held two AA rosettes for food quality since 2009, and features in the Michelin Guide. While it holds accolades for its food, it’s still very much a pub and offers local ales and craft beers. Outside, it boasts a beautiful pub garden – a walled courtyard space that’s just perfect for alfresco lunching and drinking with good friends.

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QUENCH IT | BATH’S BEST PUBS & BARS

DOS DEDOS Edgar Mews, Bartlett Street, Bath BA1 2QZ Web: dosdedos.co.uk Dos Dedos is a lively Mexican cantina in the heart of Bath, with a focus on tequila, mezcal and creative cocktails. You’ll also find signature street food staples of Mexico City, with a small selection of tacos and nachos, which are great to share. A cool city hangout, with a reclaimed vibe, bartenders are supremely knowledgeable, there’s a dogs-allowed policy and children are welcome till 6pm. They don’t take advance bookings due to the size of the venue, so simply rock up to get your margarita and taco fix.

THE HIDEOUT 1 Lilliput Court, Bath BA1 1ND Web: hideoutbath.co.uk Opened in 2016, The Hideout is a whisky den which takes its cue from the lawless thieves, highwaymen and opportunists who might have met there in the past. It was the perfect hideout. Five years on, it still has the feel of one of those ‘secret’ places you don’t want to share, with its cosy, vaulted feel, 250 odd whiskies on the shelf and a forwardthinking team with larger-than-life personalities and a fondness for hip-hop. Of course, you don’t have to be a whisky aficionado to love The Hideout, there are crazy good cocktails – which put it at No.35 in the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK list – beers, ciders and top-notch wines to sip outside in the sunny courtyard too.

THE HARE & HOUNDS Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5TJ Web: hareandhoundsbath.com Situated in a beautiful location high on Lansdown Hill with stunning views over the Bath countryside. Open daily from 8am (9am Saturday and Sunday), the Hare & Hounds serves homecooked seasonal food all day, every day. With sun terraces, outside bar and decking on the lower garden it’s a glorious place to spend a sunny day. Enjoy the likes of pea and mint arancini, followed by pan-fried duck with dauphinoise potatoes, heritage carrots, raisin puree and damson jus. The new dessert menu features showstoppers like chocolate ganache with a hazelnut tuile, fresh raspberry and white chocolate crumb – as well as crowd-pleasing favourites like sticky toffee pudding.

Only a mile from town, it feels like a world away in beautiful countryside. Its location is perfect for visitors heading to or from the M4 motorway to the north of Bath.

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CITY | AGRICULTURE

The Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre – used for pre-booked school and community groups – offers three state-of-the-art learning rooms

Bath’s modern heritage

Bath has some exceptional heritage offerings, but how imaginative and visionary are they in the way they are presented? Emma Clegg focuses on recent, ongoing and imminent developments and finds that they are moving dynamically with the times to provide multiple ways of unlocking the potential of our city’s priceless places to visitors of every background and age

W

hy do people travel to visit cities? Why, to experience them in all their diversity. Bath, established as a World Heritage Site in 1987 – alongside international wonders such as The Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza – welcomes up to 1.3 million annual visitors and maintains a city-of-note profile way above its size. In 2001 Bath was added to the transnational World Heritage Site known as the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Taking a whirlwind historic tour of four of our great heritage assets (on the opposite page), we can see not just some of the outstanding heritage and cultural features of a city, but also defining points in the history of a nation. Every town and city has a history all of its own, 46 TheBATHMagazine

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but everything is connected, forming a coherent part of a national whole, and Bath is lucky to be rich in the assets that mark significant stages in our country’s history.

All Bath’s city landmarks were created in a specific historical era and that’s what draws the crowds, but they all continue to evolve through time. Museums have always adapted around the culture of the era, notably in 1793 when The Louvre Palace was declared a public institution (after the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789) and for the first time the royal collection was available for all to see its riches. More recently as decolonization, anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ have made their mark on the social consciousness, museums and historic venues have had to scrutinse themselves,

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CITY | HERITAGE

BATH’S HERITAGE UNDER DEVELOPMENT The Roman Baths – once a centre of Celtic worship, the site of the Baths became a spa in 60 AD, tapping into hot springs from the Mendip Hills, used by the Romans until 5th century AD. From the 12th century it was remodelled as curative baths; in the 18th century it was the central attraction of a fashionable resort, driving the city’s rapid growth. The first Pump Room opened in 1706. In 1878 the Roman remains were discovered and then uncovered, opening to the public in 1897. The Archway Project was launched in 2016. In 2022 the Baths were confirmed as the 50th most visited attraction in the UK. Bath’s World Heritage Centre features a host of interactive exhibits and displays

espousing the idea of democratic, participatory, and accessible provision as well as openness about a venue’s past.

This has been a definitive factor in the reimagining and planning of our heritage assets in recent years. The Roman Baths first opened to the public in 1897 and they have been excavated, extended and conserved throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. In the process they have been able to take on all these modern perspectives to make history accessible, including the uncovering of the Temple Courtyard in 1981, the introduction of costumed characters in 2012, and audio tours in 2017 (a sophisicated system providing additional layers of commentary for people who want to find out more, and special adaptions and alternatives for people with a wide range of special needs). Most recently we’ve seen the the Archway Project and the opening of the Clore Learning Centre, the Roman Gym and the World Heritage Centre.

The Clore Learning Centre, which opened in June, has sensitively renovated a former Victorian spa laundry building and an area of Roman remains beneath street level to create a centre for schools and groups to find out about history and heritage in a hands-on and accessible way. It includes a space called the Investigation Zone, an atmospheric underground environment set amidst real Roman remains. Here children can explore, investigate and record archaeological materials, becoming mini-archaeologists and minicurators among real Roman remains.

These structural changes to the visitor experience are all part of protecting our city’s assets and making them relevant to a modern audience. Unless you are a stalwart heritage fiend, history is not well represented by items enclosed in a cabinet in an air-conditioned museum or by a staged historic interior. Fashions in design, presentation and audience experience also shift from decade to decade, never so quickly as in our age of ever-developing technology, constant news feeds and the dominance of social media, all of which have brought seismic changes in the way we communicate and digest information.

These are not just fashions, however; they are adjustments around a modern consciousness. This is particularly true when appealing to an audience of children and young people who have never known life without a mobile phone and broadband on tap, and for whom encountering artefacts behind glass assisted only by typed labels, a dry information guide, and something to colour in no longer fits the bill.

The dramatic changes that have been happening – and are continuing – in our city’s heritage sector cannot be categorised simply as modern updates in a city of note. Architect Eric Parry’s 2011 transformative extension to the Holburne Museum not only brought more exhibition space, disabled access, a café and room for education, but a highly imaginative and whimsical modern back exterior (which had to navigate its way through endless planning applications and considerable local opposition). The extension was built up in layers of glass and moulded ceramic, integrating softly with the greenery of Sydney Gardens beyond, a symphony of old and new.

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Bath Abbey is sited on the sacred land of a convent built in 675 AD. In 973 AD the Saxon Abbey on the same land saw King Edgar crowned King of England. In the 7th century Bath Abbey was founded and in 1088 a new large cathedral was built.

Closed by King Henry VIII in 1539, the Abbey was restored in 1620 and again in 1863 by George Gilbert Scott.

It was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973 to mark the coronation of Edgar 1000 years before. The pioneering £19.4 million Footprint Project launched in 2010.

The Abbey receives half a million visitors annually.

The Upper Assembly Rooms saw the building’s foundation stone laid by architect John Wood the Younger in 1769, and it opened in 1771. It was designed in a U-shape with the central aisle linking the Ball Room, the Octagon and the Tea Room.

The hub of social activity in the 18th century, it was attended by hordes of wealthy visitors, playing cards, going to balls and promenading. Jane Austen visited the Assembly Rooms during 1801–1805 and wrote about them in Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The National Trust is taking over the management from 2023, and has plans to provide a transformed experience of this notable building.

The Museum of Costume (renamed the Fashion Museum in 2007) opened in the basement of the Assembly Rooms in 1963, founded by Doris Langley Moore, who gave her private costume collection to the city. The museum focuses on fashionable dress from the late 16th century to the present day – including work by Mary Quant, Giorgio Armani and Alexander McQueen – and has more than 100,000 objects. The museum welcomes 100,000 visitors annually. It will be leaving its current location in 2023 and will create a new home at the Old Post Office in New Bond Street, opening in 2024.

The stone and tile floor of the Norman cathedral – on the same site as the current Abbey – was uncovered in 2018 during works to reinter burials that had been uncovered

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CITY | HERITAGE

RIGHT: Bath Abbey’s Footprint project restored the Abbey’s collapsing floor, harnessed Bath’s hot spring waters to power eco-friendly underfloor heating and removed the fixed pews to make a more flexible space OPPOSITE: The new Clore Learning Centre offers a hands-on Investigation Zone set among real Roman remains BELOW: Showing a detail of the threestorey extension to the Holburne Museum, opened in 2011. This provided an extra 800 sqm of gallery space to house the collection, and the use of materials and layering to the façade created a striking visual spectacle

Then there is the work that has taken place in the Abbey as part of its Footprint project since 2010, which has solved problems and created new facilities in a visionary way. The restoration of the Abbey’s collapsing floor, a precious part of the city’s Georgian heritage; the harnessing of Bath’s hot spring waters to power eco-friendly underfloor heating; the reimagining of a flexible space with the removal of fixed pews; and the creation of a new centre to tell the story of the Abbey’s history (coming this September) is brave, ambitious, inclusive and innovative.

These changes are forward thinking, designed to appeal to and engage all ages, all interest groups, all backgrounds, and all types of visitor in our modern, representative, eco-aware world. And so they should. But because each development has its own vision and brings so many new experiences, there is a danger that each project – run and presented by its own focused team – is considered as an isolated peak of achievement. But this is not the case; they are all connected.

This is not only because they are in Bath and offer visitor experiences, but because their aims are collaborative and overlapping.

The Archway Project and the Footprint Project both harness the city’s

hot springs to generate their underfloor heating. The World Heritage Centre, which opened in May this year, offers learning experiences for visitors about the history of the city, and sends people in all directions – discovering hidden details in the Circus and Royal Crescent and the house where Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein to walking to Sham Castle and the ‘hanging bogs of Bath’ that back on to Cavendish Road.

The coherent vision behind all these plans is about rethinking experiences The World Heritage Centre’s new mobile app allows people to build bespoke itineraries, collect augmented reality characters and even find golden acorns located around the city. What would our historical figures have thought of this? Ralph Allen, Beau Nash, the John Woods, Jane Austen? I suspect they would all have approved, because these are innovations to preserve the city’s legacy and to give visitors an engrossing experience and a new understanding of the past.

These projects all also recognise the need to push, explore and uncover – the Roman Baths’ new Roman Gym reveals an area that was previously hidden, taking visitors into the courtyard where Romans worked out to keep fit prior to heading into the Baths, and includes projections showing the exercises they would have done, helping visitors to visualise the life of those times.

The coherent vision behind all these plans is about rethinking experiences. Making them modern, imaginative, interactive, fresh and relevant. Looking ahead, the National Trust is taking on the management of the Assembly Rooms from March 2023, once the Fashion Museum has relocated, and the organisation wants to create an experience that goes right to the heart of why the Rooms were built, transporting visitors to Georgian Bath, as well as exploring the role that the Assembly Rooms can play in the city today.

The Fashion Museum will move from the Assembly Rooms at the end of October this year to the Old Post Office in New Bond Street using grant funding secured from the West of England Joint Committee. The collection will then move to temporary accommodation until the new museum and a purpose-built collections study centre are ready.

These future projects certainly have exemplary standards to follow.

While they will bring new vision and energy to a building that exemplified the life of high society in Georgian Bath, and create a new imaginative space for a rich collection of fashion history, both are part of a whole city vision. Bath’s heritage is in the process of updating itself and it is casting its light firmly towards the future. n

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CITY | HERITAGE

RECOLLECTIONS ON THE FOOTPRINT AND ARCHWAY PROJECTS FROM GEOFF RICH OF FCB STUDIOS It has been such a privilege for FCB Studios to be involved in these projects for our home city – two great schemes that are fully focused on sustaining wonderful historic buildings and opening up their amazing heritage and stories to current and future users in radical ways. Additionally here we were dealing with very important layers of Georgian, Saxon and Roman archaeology - and employing the heat of UK’s only thermal hot springs too! Of course proposing this level of intervention and change to important heritage buildings creates immense challenges in the very centre of a World Heritage City. The

technical complexity is very high, the projects are expensive, access for construction teams is difficult, and there are many important consents and permissions to secure. The realisation of these projects has only been possible through the sustained efforts of many people over the past decade including designers, engineers, contractors, and of course brave and committed clients! At the end of the process a lot of the effort is invisible; however hopefully all the effort put into these projects will help to change peoples’ lives for the better in Bath for generations to come.

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CITY | NEWS

CIT Y NEWS

BRAND NEW CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC OPENS Bath Chiro, a new Chiropractic clinic, has opened its doors. The clinic is owned and run by two experienced chiropractors, who have come full circle: meeting in Bristol four years ago before their return to Bath.

Rosie has a particular interest in new and expecting mothers, the stress and anxiety associated with supporting a growing family, and the aches and pains which often accompany that. Alistair is interested in supporting the active person as he or she grows older. “We are excited to finally be in the city that will be our forever home, and with time we hope and expect to be the go-to place for many in our community”, said Rosie. bathchiro.co.uk

A BIG WIN FOR BATH

Adrian Logan and Ron Pringle On 26 May, Bath Rugby teamed up with Hilton Hotels and the Bathavon Rotary Club and produced a spectacular fund-raising result. A total of £20,000 was generously donated and this will now quickly provide vital water sanitation equipment for Ukraine.

Even with such an urgent and worthy cause, everyone involved was astonished by the generosity of both guests and sponsors. Over a dozen tables were sponsored by individuals and companies, including Arbuthnot Latham, Bailey Cook Financial Planning, Bath Rugby, Investec Wealth and Investment, OCL Accounting and Farleigh Performance Management.

The stars of the evening were the Bath Rugby Players (both Mens and Ladies) as well as the Hilton Hotel’s hospitality and superb dinner. The main charity events were a raffle and an auction of prizes, which prompted some deep digging into pockets. The event was the brainchild of Ron Pringle, who doubled up as a most entertaining auctioneer. Ron also interviewed both Tom Dunn and Sarah Burgess of Bath Rugby and drew out some very interesting insights. Unsurprisingly most of those who took tables this year have indicated that they would take a table should the event run next year.

Find out more about Bathavon Rotary’s work at rotary-ribi.org

FUNDRAISING TARGET DOUBLED A team from Bath-headquartered law firm Stone King completed a 22.5km hike in the Peak District to raise funds for two charities and more than doubled their original £1,000 fundraising target. The walkers pledged to raise £500 each for the charities through the seven-hour hike, but have so far raised £822.50 for food bank charity The Trussell Trust and £900 for Refugee Action, which supports refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. The Stone King Foundation has voted to award an additional £250 per charity, bringing the fundraising total for both to more than £2,200. Donate to the cause at justgiving.com/team/ SKCSRHIKERS

A typical water sanitisation kit

NEW FINANCIAL YEAR, NEW PROMOTIONS Law firm Mogers Drewett has announced the promotion of three of its team: John Osman, Simon Walker and Jenna Allsop all started the new financial year on 1 June in their newly promoted roles. Former Senior Associate, John Osman – who joined the Litigation and Dispute Team last year – has been promoted to

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Partner; family solicitor Simon Walker is promoted from Associate to Senior Associate, and Jenna Allsop from Mogers Drewett’s Commercial Property team is promoted from Associate to Senior Associate as she continues to develop the commercial property offering from the law firm’s Bath office. mogersdrewett.com

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

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

www.oclaccountancy.com

Sole traders - basis period reform The way trading profits are allocated to tax years is changing in April 2023, this is called the basis period reform. This will affect you if your accounting period ends on a date other than one between 31st March and 5th April.

Generally, businesses draw up annual accounts to the same date each year, called their ‘accounting date’. Currently, a business’s profit or loss for a tax year is usually the profit or loss for the year up to the accounting date in the tax year, called the ‘basis period’.

With effect from the tax year 2024/25, a business’s profit or loss for a tax year is the profit or loss arising in the tax year itself (6th April to the following 5th April), regardless of its accounting date.

The tax year 2023/24 will be the transitional year between the old method and the new method and the reform may increase the profit on which you’re taxed for 2023/24.

If so, the extra profits taxed in 2023/24 as a result of the reform will be automatically spread over a period of five years.

You will be able to elect to accelerate when some or all of the extra profits are taxed. The balance of the extra profits are then evenly spread over the remainder of the five-year period.

There are various reasons why you might want to accelerate when the extra profit is taxed. For example, in 2023/24 your profits aren’t sufficient when added to your other income to make you a higher rate taxpayer.

However, a big new contract means that for 2024/25 and later years you expect to be liable to higher rates. You can elect to bring forward some or all of the extra profit so that it’s taxed in 2023/24 at the basic rate instead of in 2024/25 to 2028/29 at the higher rate.

If your accounting year end doesn’t coincide with the tax year you’ll probably have “overlap profit”. This is profit that’s been taken into account for tax purposes twice as a result of the current basis period rules. Because of this you’re entitled to claim a deduction for the twice-taxed profits. This is known as “overlap relief ”.

Under current rules the relief is allowed when your business ceases or you change your accounting basis period. As such a change is being forced on you because of the basis period reform any overlap relief you’re entitled to must be used for 2023/24 or earlier.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Sheldrake, Matt Bryant or Samantha Taylor on 01225 445507

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Why you need a Lasting Power of Attorney

A recent study carried out by Office of the Public Guardian concluded that while 40% of the UK population have a Will, only 1% have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place.

In the last of our series of podcasts, Sarah Dodd, Head of Legacies at Dorothy House talks to David Hill a Partner in the Private Client team at Mogers Drewett Solicitors about the importance of having an LPA in place.

What is an LPA? LPAs are documents which allow you to choose the persons (called Attorneys) who will have the authority to look after your affairs if you are unable to do so yourself.

What types of LPA are there?

There are two separate LPA documents you can put in place: • Property & Financial Affairs – this document deals with financial decisions, i.e., operating bank accounts, making investment decisions, liaising with pension providers, paying bills, buying or selling a property; and • Health & Welfare – this document deals with decisions such as day to day care, what medication should be taken, where you should live, and also includes decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

RECEIVE THE BATH MAGAZINE BY POST NEVER MISS OUT We deliver to over 15,000 addresses every month. 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.

Who can make an LPA? Anyone over the age of 18. LPAs can only be made if you have the necessary mental capacity and if, for whatever reason, that capacity is lost, you will not be able to make LPAs, so the advice is not to wait.

How to put an LPA in place Once completed and signed LPA’s need to be registered with the Court to be valid, and the registration process itself currently takes 12-14 weeks.

What happens is no LPA is in place?

If no LPA is in place and you are unable to deal with your own affairs, an application will have to be made to the Court to appoint someone (a Deputy) to act for you. Deputyship applications are very time consuming, expensive, and complicated.

Peace of mind for you and your loved ones Think of LPAs as if they were an insurance policy. We insure all aspects of our daily lives in case the ‘worst’ should happen, so why not our ability to make decisions?

Listen to the full conversation between Sarah and David here https://dhpodcast.podbean.com/ and put your LPA’s in place today.

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ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST £33 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT thebathmag.co.uk/subscribe or Tel: 01225 424 499

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Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students.

We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation.

For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Student Services Manager:

Sarah Wringer Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 448840 Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

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Introducing RUHX, the official NHS charity for the Royal United Hospitals Bath Rhyannon Boyd, Head of RUHX explains why The Forever Friends Appeal has now rebranded as RUHX: “Alongside our new name and updated logo, this fresh new look and feel will help us stand out from the crowd, share what we do with a wider audience, and gain greater support than ever before.

That means better care for our patients, more advanced developments at our hospitals, and bigger events for all our amazing supporters.”

What makes RUHX special?

“At RUHX, we’re more than a hospital charity. We go further to give every patient the extra extraordinary care they deserve, while supporting our staff to do what they do best and furthering innovation within our hospitals. We’re out there in our community, collaborating with the people and organisations who drive real change. And we’re making sure that every penny we raise goes towards improving health, happiness and wellbeing for everyone in Bath and beyond.”

fundraisers and donors that gives us the power to do more.

“The ‘X’ in our new name is designed to focus people’s attention on the ‘extra’. The extra extraordinary work the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) can do with our support. These are projects like the Breast Unit Expansion, Compassionate Companions for our End of Life team, or our arts programme helping to provide activities on the children’s and older people’s ward that are not funded by the NHS. The ‘X’ also highlights what happens when people work together for our cause, the health and happiness of our community in Bath and beyond.

How does the new Breast Unit Expansion give patients more space to breathe?

“We are extremely proud of this £1million project funded by our charity, thanks to 850 generous supporters. We created an extraordinary space which includes a new waiting area, dedicated treatment room, consultation room and courtyard garden. We wanted to give patients space to be able to take a moment of calm when they receive the sudden diagnosis of breast cancer. We’ll also shortly be building an additional dedicated breast ultrasound room and enhanced radiology reporting room.

“Charly McNelis and her daughter Phoebe were invited to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. Charly was treated for breast cancer at the RUH and said: ‘I recall the diagnosis emotions; shock, confusion, being overwhelmed and struggling to process the information. The physical space that you are in whilst going through this does have an impact.

‘You need a sense of space to breathe and think in, and run away to. That’s why the changes at the Breast Unit, the openness and space that have been created, especially with the option to be outside within the courtyard, will hugely benefit anyone’s mental ability to process the sudden and unexpected cancer curve ball which has invaded their lives.’”

What are RUHX’s plans for the future?

Why have you changed?

“We’ve spent a long time thinking hard about who we are, why we’re here and what we want to do to help our hospitals provide even more extra extraordinary care. Although we loved our connection with Forever Friends, after listening to our supporters we felt it was time to give ourselves a refresh that reflected what makes us special.

“Our new look and feel is fun, exciting, and eye-catching – all the things that will help us show the world we’re here to make a difference and change lives for the better.”

Why did you change your name to RUHX? “We’ve changed our name to RUHX to capture the extraordinary commitment and exceptional generosity of our

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“We’re really looking forward to what’s coming next, and we would love to have you on the journey with us. Visit our website, ruhx.org.uk, sign up to receive our regular e-newsletter to keep up to date on all our news and success stories, or check out our exciting upcoming events.”

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New chiropractic couple arrives in town When you’re in a world of pain, Bath Chiro has got your back - literally!

B

ath Chiro is a new and innovative Chiropractic clinic which has opened right here in Bath. Run by a (soon to be!) husband and wife team: Alistair and Rosie. Bath Chiro’s aim is to provide a welcoming, relaxing space which is easy for clients to visit and as such they have transformed their front room into a beautiful clinic space- with easy parking right outside located in the Richmond area of Bath, on the Lansdown side of the city.

Rosie and Alistair have returned to the South-West after spending 3 years in the Scottish Borders where they have been honing their craft: how to help anyone get out of pain and get their life back.

Their approach is centred around assessing and improving the movement and function of the cranium, spine and the pelvis, and all the structures associated with it.

But how does Chiropractic care work?

Chiropractic, and indeed Bath Chiro, is founded on the principle that a person’s ability to resolve pain and heal is related to the health and wellbeing of the nervous system. The nervous system is the delicate network that transmits tiny electrical signals around the body both to and from the brain. The system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and the peripheral nerves. Although commonly associated

with pain, only about 10% of the system is involved with the perception of pain, the rest is dedicated to the control and function of all the other systems.

From both a Chiropractic and Medical perspective; if the nervous system becomes impaired, for whatever reason it can disrupt the way we move and how we feel.

At Bath Chiro the main focus is unwinding the tension created through the spine, which is both affected by our head and our pelvis. This is done through breath and movement along with small gentle inputs into locked up areas of the spine- this is called an adjustment.

The intention behind a Chiropractic adjustment is to use energetic inputs of movement into the spine, cranium and pelvis which can then facilitate a change in the system. The goal is to help a person get out of pain and move better.

Chiropractic has been shown to be particularly effective for: back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, migraines, easing of general tension, shoulder pain and hip pain.

With over a decade of experience between them, there is not much Rosie and Alistair haven’t seen. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend an appropriate plan to help a person get back to feeling themselves. Bath Chiro takes a holistic view of health, pain and injury. By asking the right questions they work to establish not only what the health of the nervous system is (established through a series of movement, balance and postural tests) but also what could be driving the problem.

To book a consultation or if you would like to discuss a problem with Bath Chiro please visit www.Bathchiro.co.uk or call 01225 592 133 to see what we can do to help.

By Quoting BATHMAGAZINE you can receive a saving of 40% off of your first booking!

If you have any questions Rosie and Alistair would be very happy to talk. You can email them at hello@bathchiro.co.uk

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Join our Distribution team – Part time Delivery Jobs in batH

Every Month, usually the last week of the month, we deliver copies of The Bath Magazine directly to select residential areas across the city. The Bath Magazine is one of the best things our readers receive through their letterbox.

Jaime Brain Dip CDT RCS (Eng) GDC 142490

Kevin Milne BDS

Jaime and Kevin can help you regain your confidence and your smile by offering:

NEW TEETH WHITENING • Free Consultation • New Dentures Direct • • Denture Repairs • BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION ON

01225 311 681

27 Walcot Buildings (Weymouth Street), Bath, BA1 6AD

www.jbdentureclinic.co.uk

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We currently have a few areas that have become available and can offer a minimum of 5 hours work for individuals looking for a little work. Depending on the area – the average number of magazines is around 500. Each area takes around 5 – 8 hours to complete.

The magazines can be quite bulky, so you will need to be fit and active as well as trustworthy, and very reliable.

You will need to have use of a car, and a mobile phone.

You will also be based in or very near Bath.

We currently pay £9.50 per hour – (rising April) which is taxable depending on circumstances – and we do include ‘drive time’

Additionally – we are always interested in hearing from husband and wife, or family teams prepared to cover larger areas or work longer hours. sorry no children.

CALL STEVE on 012 2 5 4 2 4 4 9 9 o r e m ail:

steve@thebathmagazine . c o . u k

Nuffield July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2022 16:20 Page 1

Are you struggling to book a GP appointment?

Although things are gradually returning to normal following the pandemic, you may still be finding it difficult to schedule a GP appointment. Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital offers a private GP service, with minimal waiting times for appointments, prescriptions and referrals.

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he GP service at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital offers patients the opportunity to see a GP face-to-face for 30 minutes in a relaxed environment.

There are three GPs at the hospital, each working on different days to ensure cover across the week; Dr Claire Winstanley, Dr Gill Jenkins and Dr Sonia Mann.

Meet the team Dr Claire Winstanley has a diverse interest in medicine, and is fascinated by all aspects of health and wellbeing, with a particular interest in diet, lifestyle and alternative therapies.

Having worked as a GP in the NHS for over 20 years, Dr Winstanley is experienced in treating a wide range of acute and chronic problems. She enjoys the variety that general practice offers, as well as its challenges, and continues to work in the NHS, based at the Whiteladies Health Centre in Clifton, and for 111.

Dr Gill Jenkins has over 35 years of medical experience, and a career that has spanned several areas of medicine. She has a particular interest in diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but has experience in family planning, accident and emergency, psychiatry, weight management and travel medicine. Dr Jenkins also works as a freelance medical writer and broadcaster, working with a variety of magazines, medical newspapers, websites and on local and national TV and radio.

Dr Sonia Mann began her medical career in London before relocating to Bristol with her family in 2010. Her main areas of interest are women’s health, mental wellbeing and integrative medicine. Dr Mann’s travels abroad and study of alternative health systems has helped her develop a more holistic approach to care, where time is taken to work with a patient’s individual needs, especially incorporating mental wellness and how this relates to their physical health, and vice versa.

Seeing a GP at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital Appointments with a GP at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital are usually available within 48 hours, and sometimes on the same day you call. Appointment slots are 30 minutes, giving you a good amount of time to discuss your concerns or your ongoing medical condition. Our GP will also review your medical history, examine you, and talk with you about medication and lifestyle changes that may be advisable.

With 30 minutes available to discuss your options, you can feel reassured that your GP appointment at Nuffield Health is providing the help you need. The GP team cannot access your NHS notes. Therefore, if you are able to bring along a summary page of your NHS GP notes (available from them on request), along with any blood test results, scans or letters from previous consultations relating to your condition, this can save time during the appointment. Our GP can also oversee and coordinate your healthcare if you need to see multiple consultants for multiple problems.

Diet is also very important to our health but we all have different dietary needs, which can be made more confusing with the knowledge and advice, often conflicting, available on the internet. Sometimes the internet can be very helpful for our health, but sometimes it can cause unnecessary worry. We are here to have those conversations and signpost you, if needed, to respected, evidence-based websites to help you get well and stay well.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more aware of the importance of our health, both physical and mental. As general practitioners, the team at Nuffield Health see a wide variety of acute and chronic problems, as well as those “odd problems” which might not be so straightforward. Dr Winstanley says: “Our job is to talk to you about your symptoms (we love a list!), examine you as needed, organise the appropriate investigations and prescribe the necessary medication. Gill, Sonia and I have a wealth of knowledge in all areas of medicine. While we are generalists, not specialists, we know what tests may be necessary and can refer you for diagnostics and then, if needed, to the appropriate specialist.”

A 30-minute GP appointment at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital costs £110. If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Winstanley, Dr Jenkins or Dr Mann, call our Bookings team on 0117 911 6062, or visit our website: www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol/privategp-service

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital 3 Clifton Hill, Bristol BS8 1BN nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

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THE | WALK

The Old Roads of White Sheet Hill

Milestone on Whitsheet Hill: 23 miles to Sarum

Andrew Swift walks in a figure of eight, following ancient trackways, prehistoric earthworks and panoramic views and encountering disused chalk quarries in the hillside, which are a rich natural habitat for wildlife

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ost people head for Stourhead to walk through the gardens laid out by Henry Hoare in the mid 18thcentury. This month’s figure-of-eight walk, however, although it passes within 150m of Stourhead House, goes in search of landscape features that are considerably older, following ancient trackways around White Sheet Hill and exploring prehistoric earthworks on the hill’s summit, with skylarks trilling above and panoramic views over the plains of south-west Wiltshire.

To get to White Sheet Hill, head south from Bath along the A36.

After 11 miles, at the second roundabout, turn right to follow the A361 for another 4.5 miles, before turning left at the Blatchbridge Roundabout along the B3092 (signposted to Maiden Bradley). Carry on through Maiden Bradley and after 7.5 miles (shortly after passing a turning to Kilmington on the right) take a left turn along an unsignposted lane beside a closed pub. Continue along it for twothirds of a mile before pulling into a car parking area on the right (ST 797350; BA12 6RP). From here, there is a superb view southward over Blackmore Vale, with the conical hump of Zeals Knoll in the middle distance.

At the far end of the car park, turn right to head west along a track called The Drove, along which sheep or cattle were once driven to distant markets or moved between summer and winter pastures.

The Drove leads to a prominent clump of beeches into which a Dakota, which had just taken off from RAF Zeals, plunged on an afternoon of low cloud in February 1945. A memorial to the 21 men who died lies amid the beeches (ST 791347).

On the far side of the beech clump, The Drove drops down to continue along down a broad, beech-lined green lane. When you reach a busy road, cross with care to Drove Lodge, turn left along the verge for a few metres and follow a track into woodland. When you come to a stile, cross it and head west across a field towards Stourhead House.

After 200m, just past an old oak, when you come to a track, turn right along it (ST 779343). Continue in the same direction when you

Looking out from the viewing point

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come to a rough drive, go through two gates at the end and cross a stile in the hedge on the other side of the lane.

Carry on, heading for a metal drinking trough on the far side of a thistly field, and just beyond it cross a couple of stiles. Carry straight on with a hedge on your right. At the end, cross another stile, head down rough steps and turn right along an overgrown holloway (ST779354).

Known as Long Lane, this byway was once part of the main road from London to Exeter. It must already have been an important highway by the end of the 7th century when Wessex was divided into counties, for it formed part of the boundary between Somerset and Wiltshire. In AD 878, legend has it that King Alfred came this way after mustering his forces a few miles to the west and marching to meet and vanquish the Danes at the Battle of Ethandun. The road continued to mark the border between the two counties until boundary changes in 1896.

After 700m, when you come to the main road, cross with care to head up the lane you drove along earlier. The closed pub on the corner was the Red Lion, which failed to reopen after the 2021 lockdown, since when its closure has assumed an ominously permanent look. As it was not only an ancient hostelry but also one of Wiltshire’s most resolutely traditional pubs, it can only be hoped that appearances are deceptive and its revival is imminent.

When you reach the car park, carry on uphill as tarmac gives way to gravel. After 350m, proof that you are still on the old road to the west comes in the form of a milestone informing you that it’s 23 miles to Sarum (Salisbury) (ST 800352). It was erected in 1750, but only a few years later a new road was built to the south through the town of Mere, which subsequently became an important staging post, with several inns, while the road over White Sheet began its slow decline.

A little further on, after the old road swings south-eastward, if you look to the left you should be able to make out the ramparts of a neolithic camp. Looking ahead, over to the right, is the unmistakable outline of a Bronze Age barrow. This whole area is extraordinarily rich in ancient sites, which suggests that the road you are walking

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Looking south from the edge of the escarpment

The Drove near Stourhead

along is thousands rather than hundreds of years old.

A few metres further on, look out for a stile on the right with an information board beside it, describing aspects of White Sheet Hill’s history (ST 803350). Cross the stile, carry on in the same direction and after 450m climb up to a trig point on the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort – 245m above sea level. From here, bear right to follow a rough track through the hillfort, until, after crossing the final rampart, with the vale spread out beneath you, and the land shelving steeply away, the rough track veers right.

As you head north along the edge of the escarpment, the views are sublime, and after about 500m, as the escarpment curves westward and starts to drop down, you should be able to make out The Drove and its clump of beeches straight ahead. On your right, disused chalk quarries, scooped out of the hillside, are now a rich natural habitat, where rare butterflies such as the Chalkhill and Adonis Blue, which breed exclusively on Horseshoe Vetch, have been seen. At one point, with the path along the edge of the escarpment blocked by vegetation, you need to divert into the quarries before rejoining the path a little further down and continuing down to a stile which leads back into the car park. n

THE

KI TC HEN PAR TNER S DESIGN STUDIO

FACT FILE Length of Walk: 5 miles Approximate time: 3–4 hours Level of challenge: Some rough and steep sections, with seven stiles.

Map: OS Explorer 142 & 143 Facilities: No facilities en route. Walking Wiltshire downland in high summer is thirsty work, and carrying a supply of water for yourself and any dogs you take along is essential.

Many more walks can be found in Andrew Swift’s Country Walks from Bath, published by Akeman Press; akemanpress.com.

www.thekitchenpartners.co.uk 102 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QY 01179 466433

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INTERIORS

Pattern & design

The decoration of human spaces started way back in time with mark-making, where hand-drawn notations and images were used to create narratives of the creators’ lives. The use of patterns and pictures on our walls has continued to dominate, because these are ways of expressing our inner character and ownership of the places we call home. It is also a way of capturing the fashions of the day, and more unconsciously the values of an era. Here four of our interiors gurus tempt us with their own approaches to pattern.

Louisa Morgan, Mandarin Stone Using patterned tiles in the home is an instant way to add character and style. In bathrooms, for maximum impact choose one patterned tile and use on both floors and walls. Consider tying in the style of patterned tile with the age of your property or overall interior scheme. Perhaps a more vintage, floral style for a country home or a bold, geometric design for a contemporary feel. Whilst there's plenty of choice, don't be tempted to use multiple shades of patterned tiles in one space, just one or two shades will feel far more timeless and sophisticated. Alternatively use patterned floor tiles and opt for a plain wall tile in a complementary shade. For a more subtle approach use patterned tiles in feature areas such as in the shower area or as an eye-catching splashback. Hallways are a great place to use patterned tiles for packing a punch when you enter a property. Whether that's more decorative Moroccan 64 TheBATHMagazine

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inspired designs or classic black and white chequerboard.

If actual patterned tiles seem too much, more subtle pattern can be achieved in other ways. Marble, or marble effect porcelain tiles have their own patterns of veining and shade variation or perhaps using a textured tile or chevron or hexagon shape could create just the right amount of interest. Other ways to create pattern is by using mosaics or simple brick-shaped tiles that can be laid in many ways to create stylish patterns. From herringbone to staggered brick layouts, creating your own bespoke tile laying patterns is an easy way to personalise a space with pattern.

Thinking visually, you can paint the back of the shelf in a different colour or wallpaper it to give added interest. Flat-pack units can also be easily customised, for example by adding a wood trim to the top or sides. mandarinstone.com

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CITY | INTERIORS

John Law, Woodhouse and Law People often ask what makes an interior design scheme successful; this is never an easy question to answer. There are so many components to a scheme, working together to evoke the overall emotion we take away from a space. Lighting, for example, can make or break what would otherwise be a great scheme; colour and texture are hugely important and immediately have an effect on our mood; effective spatial planning and the form of a space give a sense of balance.

Then there’s the question of pattern; a word that elicits a range of emotions, from panic to excitement. At Woodhouse and Law, we very much view pattern as a source of energy within a scheme and something you can dial up or down as appropriate to give a space a real sense of depth and character.

People often hang on to analogies such as ‘never more than one pattern in a room’ but the reality is that’s not the case. Pattern can be evident not only in a conventional sense in fabrics, say, but also in the brush strokes of a painting or framed print.

Within a smaller space, it can be that bit more daunting when considering the prospect of bold pattern within a scheme; often people are fearful that this will somehow make a space feel smaller.

In a design for a cloakroom we wrapped Cole and Son’s Fornasetti wallpaper over the ceiling, where the design’s rolling pattern of clouds disguises the break between the walls and ceiling, giving the effect that the space is bigger than it actually is. In the same cloakroom we used monochromatic tiles in the same palate to avoid the feeling of several patterns competing. woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Lux and Bloom Chrysanths Nuit wallpaper

Lola Swift, Lola Swift Interior Design A great way to distinguish or zone an area in an open-plan space is to use a patterned wallpaper (see image opposite). Using it as a backdrop in an open-plan kitchen helps create zoned sections in the busiest room of a house.

Have fun in your decoration and use a wallpaper with a printed tile giving an impression of an actual ceramic tiled wall to trick the eye, creating a trompe l’oeil effect that is playful and creates texture and depth. Adding open shelving with plain coloured accessories on shelves in front of the wallpaper makes the whole area stand out. lolaswift.co.uk

Geo Mono Porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone

In this small bedroom scheme by Woodhouse & Law, a statement, oversized, shaped headboard was chosen in a bold floral pattern to create depth

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CITY | INTERIORS

PATTERN CATEGORIES are the most basic pattern. They • Stripes go with pretty much anything, so you can mix them with other patterns without fear. Stripes can be sophisticated or rustic and everything in between. patterns work well with other • Checked patterns and with stripes. Checked designs traditionally give more of a country look. Gingham is a classic checkerboard fabric which gives a traditional look.

Spots and polka dot patterns are really • versatile and work well with other patterns. Spots (and their backgrounds) can be any size and any colour. designs featuring shapes like • Geometric triangles, ovals, circles, or squares can be symmetrical or abstract. They are versatile but tend to work best in contemporary spaces. and herringbones with • Tweeds traditional zigzag patterns and muted tones often work best in more traditional country houses. is based on traditional • Chinoiserie Chinese designs and features florals, birds, people, and scenes. I love using them in bedrooms and bathrooms where I want a pretty feminine look. with its intricate teardrops, • Paisley, originated from Persia and is an opulent design which often adds dramatic colour to a scheme. prints can work well to mix with • Animal other neutral fabrics. Leopard print, with its rock’n’roll appeal, is great in maximalist interiors where the neutral tones ground your scheme. brocade, and damask are • Jacquard, designs with raised embroidered patterns. It’s a very traditional fabric but looks wonderful in Georgian houses in Bath with their subdued colours. designs – from pretty • Floral and romantic to classic or contemporary, these are a timeless favourite. There are four main groups – small florals, large florals, vintage florals, and bold modern florals. Which floral pattern you choose will determine the overall feel of your room.

Words by Clair Strong

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Interior detail of design by Lola Swift

Clair Strong, Clair Strong Design Patterns can seem intimidating at first, but once you have a few guidelines, they’re not difficult to work with — and they’re guaranteed to add life and joy to a space. From subtle accents and statement features to full-on layering and clashing prints – go as bold as you dare. Patterns can be modern or traditional and the joy of using pattern lies in the way it adds energy to a space. Using a statement wallpaper or a bold fabric changes the whole look of the room and turns it from bland to beautiful.

In interior design there are many different ways to use pattern so don’t be scared - you can use patterns in any room. Think about gorgeous Moroccan tiles in your bathroom, a stunning floral wallpaper in your living room, pretty spotted bedding, a vintage Persian rug in the kitchen and cushions everywhere!

Pattern is coming back into fashion in interiors after many years of a more neutral aesthetic and perhaps as a joyful celebration after two years of lockdowns and uncertainly. You can use just one pattern in each room or go for it and mix it up for a more maximalist style. Maximalism is a reaction to the clean lines, sleek furniture, and pared-back colour palette of Scandi-style minimalism that’s dominated interiors for so long. It is all about ‘more is more’: more pattern, more colour, and more texture.

In your home, there are so many ways to use pattern, from window dressings to cushions and wallpaper. When you use patterns, you need to use the right combination of shape, colour, shade, and size to create a harmonious space. The patterns you use also determine the overall feel of your room. You just need to know your patterns and a few rules before you start. There are hundreds of different patterns, but I group then into a few broad categories to help plan my look and get started (see left). clairstrong.co.uk n

LEFT, from top: Quill Weave Jacquard fabric by Liberty; Coniston fabric by Clarke & Clarke; Sanderson Cashmere Paisley wallpaper; Wellbeck fabric by Clarke & Clarke; Chinoiserie Hall wallpaper by Sanderson; Very Rose and Peony Fabric by Sanderson; and Chennai Fuschia tartan check by Designers Guild

CARPETS | VINYLS | DESIGN FLOORING | RUGS | COMMERCIAL

Asiatic Harrison Sage Rug

New Season Rugs in store now

Visit our Showrooms: 4 Kingsmead Street, Bath, BA1 2AA 01225 471888 Flooring@bathcontractflooring.co.uk For your Home: www.carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk For your Business: www.bathcontractflooring.co.uk

b c f bath carpets and flooring

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GARDENING

Eco-friendly gardens

Already we’re starting to see our gardens animated with the activity of butterflies and bumblebees. Lindy Booth – owner of Eco-friendly Garden Solutions – shares her top tips on how to make your green space wildlife-friendly

T

here are many challenges associated with climate change and this will increasingly affect everyone, including gardeners. The good news is that warmer weather means that we’ll be able to spend more time outside, there will be a longer growing season and we’ll be able to grow a wider variety of unusual and exotic plants in our gardens. However, there are some other things we will need to think about too, if we are to maintain a happy, healthy and resilient garden.

The natural world around us is continually adapting and, as humans, we have a role in supporting, nurturing and enabling beneficial change, which is what we can help people achieve at Eco-friendly Garden Solutions. For instance, introducing more native wild plants and those with different shapes and sizes of flowers means that new and useful creatures will start to frequent your garden.

Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are easily attracted by the right kind of nectar-rich blooms and this will help to preserve and increase the insect populations that we rely on for producing much of our food.

Challenges such as heavier rainfall – as we’ve already seen – is increasingly causing flooding, but we can all help to mitigate this by introducing water storage measures. From planting more trees, hedges and other plants in our gardens (that take up excess water) to installing a water butt, there are many ways in which we can help minimise local flooding.

More planting also helps to reduce temperatures – from providing shade in our towns and cities to capturing carbon from the atmosphere. It also provides food and shelter for wildlife, which is

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such an important part of our food chain.

By making our gardens as wildlife-friendly as possible, we can help insects and animals to adapt and survive in greater numbers. For example, due to climate change, some flowering plants may not bloom for as long as they used to, or not at the time when pollinating insects need them to provide food, so the more diverse the plant species that flower at different times of year, the better.

Pest and predator populations may become out of ‘sync’ with each other too, and this disruption could lead to increased pest infestations, so we need to do what we can to keep the nature in our gardens in balance. We also need to watch out for new invasive plant and pest species that are favoured by new weather conditions.

Changing the way we water our gardens and look after our soil is also very important – as is how we power our outdoor equipment and lighting – and making a few changes to these things will probably save us money too.

Whether we are designing a new garden, introducing new features or carrying on in much the same way as we always have, there are lots of decisions we take as gardeners that can have far-reaching effects on our planet – and we can often make better choices. Just some of these include re-using things we already have, buying new materials from a sustainable and/or local source and growing at least some of our own food.

Recycling garden waste, composting, avoiding buying peat and plastic products, choosing new paving wisely and stopping or reducing the use of fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides, are also vital.

planet friendly gardening - July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2022 15:54 Page 2

GARDENING

Butterflies – this one a Red Admiral – love to collect nectar from Buddleia (Buddleia davidii)

ECO-GARDEN TIPS to know your garden; understand and appreciate its • Get unique conditions and character. plant, plant: fill your garden with as many different plant • Plant, species as you can. digging to a minimum and add as much organic matter • Keep as possible. re-use and recycle: think carefully before bringing • Reduce, anything new into your garden, or throwing anything away. tried-and-tested varieties of plants and buy from • Choose reputable suppliers. eco-friendly choices when considering new garden • Make features and equipment.

The good news for some, perhaps, is that while a perfectly manicured garden can be aesthetically pleasing, leaving things a bit less tidy will greatly benefit wildlife. Hearing that will be quite a relief for some of you. For others, it’ll be good to know that the soft fruiting season will probably be longer, and more repeat sowings of salad and vegetable crops will be possible.

However, despite the new gardening opportunities, much of this advice may sound a bit daunting. That’s where we at Eco-friendly Garden Services come in – we’re here to help you make some simple

changes to your garden and to give you a few ideas on how best to put them into action. n Lindy Booth moved to Bristol from Somerset three years ago and completed her horticultural training at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens; contact Lindsay at efgs.co.uk Enjoy a 30% discount for Bath Magazine readers, according to location, and for appointments booked before the end of August 2022 – please enquire for details.

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the directory

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IS AVAILABLE TO PICK UP FOR FREE AT

Cobb Farr PIF.qxp_PIF Full Page 22/06/2022 15:45 Page 1

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

T

his is a fine period first floor apartment set in a Grade II listed building with well present accommodation including 2 double bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite shower and the other use of the main bathroom.

The main feature of the property is the wonderful drawing room to the front with period detailing, fireplace and a partial view over the Royal Crescent Lawns.

The property also has the benefit of a spacious hallway and well fitted kitchen with the majority of the appliances having been recently renewed.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very special apartment in a quite superb location within the city of Bath. Please contact the sole agents Cobb Farr for a viewing.

No. 16 Marlborough Buildings is located very close to the west end of the Royal crescent and as a consequence the property has a partial view to the front over the Royal Crescent lawns. Marlborough Buildings is a magnificent terrace of 32 handsome Grade II listed Georgian town houses, adjacent to the world-famous Royal Crescent and enjoying fine uninterrupted westerly views to the rear, overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

A viewing is strongly recommended by the sole agent Cobb Farr.

Marlborough Buildings, Bath • First floor period apartment • 2 double bedrooms, one with en suite • Partial views to the front over the Royal Crescent lawns • Perfectly placed for easy access into Bath city centre • Wonderful drawing room to the front with period detailing

OIEO £650,000 Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath. Tel: 01225 333332

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Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire Guide Price £1,250,000

A fantastic and well appointed Grade II listed house set in the heart of the village offering ample accommodation and generous gardens.

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Grade II Listed detached property

6 bedrooms

4 reception rooms

Stunning gardens with outdoor kitchen

Garage, carport and ample driveway parking

No onward chain

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

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Horsecombe Grove, Bath OIEO £1,000,000

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a spacious detached bungalow positioned beautifully in a magnificent south facing plot of 0.6 acre, enjoying stunning elevated, uninterrupted panoramic views over open countryside, across the Horsecombe Vale towards Midford Castle.

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Generously proportioned level accommodation

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Development potential subject to the necessary planning

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Quiet cul de sac with stunning views

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consents

Magnificent mature well stocked .6 acre plot

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

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Why Bath remains a hot spot for home buyers “Initially, the supply of homes available kept up with some of this surge in demand, steadying asking prices. Now, we’re still seeing really high buyer demand for cities like Bath, Plymouth and Truro, but the number of new homes coming onto the market hasn’t been able to keep up with the buyers enquiring, which has led to asking prices accelerating over the last year.”

The Country Times reported that there is an increased demand in cathedral cities such as Bath, and some of that is believed to be due to the ‘Bridgerton effect’. We are very used to homebuyers being attracted to the splendour of this glorious Georgian architectural display of crescents, squares, the Circus and terraces.

Yes, for some there is a fascination with the period, in particular the reference to Jane Austen, but for most it is much more than that. It is the feel of the city, the warm welcome you feel due to our beautiful open spaces, the river passing through and the village-like streets lining the city centre. Its vibrancy is alive and kicking yet not overpowering, therefore, it attracts both those seeking a calmer and also a busier lifestyle, it’s the perfect balance of culture and heritage “In a nation packed with pretty cities, Bath still stands out as the belle of the ball.” Tourism guide Lonely Planet

T

he pandemic saw a wealth of changes, one of which was lockdown and the stresses and strains that caused. Our homes, places of relaxation, suddenly became multifunctional spaces – whether they were designed for that purpose or not. They were no longer just a place to live, but also where we worked, exercised, and played; it’s no wonder many felt claustrophobic. The tensions this caused made some people make life-changing decisions and many fled the city in search of space.

Two years later, things have changed again as we look at why Bath remains a hot spot for homebuyers.

“Men come and go, cities rise and fall, whole civilizations appear and disappear—the earth remains, slightly modified.” Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness

A change of scenery According to data analysed by Dataloft for Property Academy, one of the key drivers for home moves has been the desire for a change of scenery or lifestyle. Over the last two years the property market has been extremely busy, with buyer demand outstripping supply, changed priorities and, therefore, a desire to lead a different kind of life defining their searches. We saw city dwellers moving to the countryside, and having a piece of outside space becoming ever more essential. Yet, as Bath opened up its doors, there was something in the air; people started to realise how much this incredible city offered, and, as such, homebuyer eyes turned our way, creating a hot spot once more.

Hot buyers One thing I can guarantee is that the quality of buyer is particularly strong, due to the nature of the housing marketing in the city; buyers know that they have to be in a position to move forward should they wish any offer to be considered. We are seeing buyers not just returning to the city but also those coming from overseas who can see it as a strong place to invest, especially with its transport links to London. We have seen an influx of London money too, as buyers realise they can access more space yet still be in easy distance of the capital, should they need to commute.

Locally, nationally, internationally We are proud that our city remains a buying hot spot and look forward to helping all those looking to make it their home in the future. Whether they live locally, nationally or internationally, my team of exceptional agents and I are always on hand for honest and realistic advice.

At Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, we’ve listed some beautiful homes that we’re actively promoting offline. To find out more, call us 01225 904999

Scan here and see what the market is like for your home

The love is still there Research by Rightmove back in April found that the average asking price of a property in Bath had rocketed by 15% over the past year: that’s an increase of nearly £75,00 from a year ago. Demand really soared in places such as Bath when the property market reopened after the 2020 lockdowns according to Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data, because it has “easier access to the coast and countryside”.

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Red House Farm, Broughton Gifford

A collection of six beautifully designed homes ranging from two to four bedrooms, including five bungalows and one detached house.

01225 791155 | ashford-homes.co.uk | THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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Chewton Keynsham, Nr Bath | Guide Price £3,550,000 An outstanding country house of manageable proportions within a parkland estate, nestled on the edge of the River Chew; with exceptional further development potential.

Stunning Grade II Listed family home | Circa 7.07 acres of parkland gardens and grounds | 6500 sq. ft of principal family accommodation | Comprehensively and meticulously refurbished | Separate two bedroom guest lodge of circa 775 sq. ft | Further cottage (598 sq. ft) with planning consent | Additional consent for a new build Coach House | Wonderful riverside walks along the River Chew | Private bathing pool | Further refurbishment work and development potential

In all circa 7877 sq. ft (731 sq. m)

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The Empire

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£625,000

Two double bedrooms · En suite · Communal garden · Fitness suite · Cinema room · Billiard room · Views over the Weir · Lift access · City Centre location · Exclusive allocated parking bay and guest parking · Approx. 1076 Sq. Ft.

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£1,600 pcm

Furnished or unfurnished · Two bedrooms · Riverside views · Fabulously refurbished · Close to the city centre · Council tax band D · EPC Rating E · One allocated parking space · Available 29th July

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Wells Road

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£350,000

01225 471 14 4

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£510,000

Modern build · Two double bedrooms · Open plan living · Stylish déco · Underfloor heating · Four balconies · Great views over the river · Lift access · Outside bike storage · Allocated parking space · Approx. 690 Sq. Ft.

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Duke Street

£1,100 pcm

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Portland Place

O.I.E.O

£300,000

O.I.E.O

£550,000

Georgian · Grade ll · Two double bedrooms · Stunning reception room · First floor apartment · Close to local amenities · No chain · Approx. 1087 Sq. Ft.

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Royal Crescent

£1,000 pcm

Furnished · Abundance of storage · Central zone parking permit · Fabulous views · Council tax band B · Immaculately presented · EPC Rating C · Light and airy · Available 14th August 2022

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Ground floor with mezzanine level · Sitting room · Kitchen · Bedroom · Bathroom · Permit parking · Easy access to the Georgian City Centre · Approx. 772 Sq. Ft.

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Portland Place

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Furnished · Period features · Council tax band B · EPC Rating E · Ground floor · Central zone parking permit · No students - Post Grads Considered · AVAILABLE early July 2022

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First floor apartment · Beautifully presented · Generously sized rooms · Stunning views over Bath · Communal garden · Private double garage · Short walk to Bear Flat amenities · Approx. 680 Sq. Ft.

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South Building

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Waterfront

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Weston Lodge

O.I.E.O

£315,000

Georgian · Grade ll listed · Two double bedrooms · En suite · Allocated parking space · Large communal garden · Close to local amenities · Approx. 840 Sq. Ft.

LETTINGS

01225 303 870

sales@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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Alexandra House

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£550,000

Modern apartment · Two double bedrooms · Second floor apartment · Fabulous riverside views · Bathroom and en suite · Close to Elizabeth Park · Lift access and bike storage · Allocated gated parking · Approx. 897 Sq. Ft.

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Abbey Green

Henrietta Street

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£365,000

Georgian · Grade I listed · Second floor apartment · Spacious master bedroom · Central location · Beautiful period features · No onward chain · Approx. 509 Sq. Ft.

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£600,000

Grade ll · Georgian · Spread over four floors · Two large double bedrooms · Two bathrooms · Prestigious location · Holiday lets · Approx.

957 Sq. Ft.

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Cavendish Crescent

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Great Pulteney Street

£525,000

O.I.E.O

£300,000

Grade l · Georgian · Top floor apartment · Original features · Prestigious location · Level walk to town centre · Communal garden · No chain · Approx. 509 Sq. Ft.

Georgian Apartment · Period features · Crescent location · Private terraced garden · Two double bedroom · Ground floor · Approx. 882 Sq. Ft.

Russell Street

Fountain House

O.I.E.O

£300,000

Georgian · Grade ll listed · One double bedroom · Second floor · Fabulous views · Central location · Lift access · Gas central heating system · Share of Freehold · Approx. 513.7 Sq. Ft.

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Park Street

O.I.E.O

£400,000

Georgian · Two double bedrooms · Beautiful views · Newly refurbished · Private area of a large garden · Close to local amenities · Ground level bike storage · Approx. 609 Sq. Ft.

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£400,000

Georgian · Lower ground floor apartment · Two spacious double bedrooms · Stylish décor · Private courtyard · Private storage vault · Central location · Approx. 862 Sq. Ft.

Widcombe Crescent

O.I.E.O

£400,000

Grade l listed · Georgian · Beautiful private garden · Amazing views over Bath · Double bedroom · Recently renovated to a high standard · Private storage vaults · 10-minute walk to the town centre · No chain · Approx. 658 Sq. Ft.

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

Wedmore - OIEO £900,000

Winford - OIEO £1,200,000

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East Harptree - OIEO £1,100,000

Clifton - OIEO £1,600,000

Bleadon - OIEO £1,650,000

Peter Greatorex Unique Homes 01225 904999

www.petergreatorex.co.uk Peter Greatorex Managing Director

Sharon Clesham Head of Sales

Compton Bishop - OIEO £900,000

Wrington - OIEO £1,350,000

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Wedmore - OIEO £800,000

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Englishcombe Lane - OIEO £1,850,000

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Mark, Somerset - OIEO £1,600,000

Langford - OIEO £1,100,000

A fine detached Victorian former vicarage, set in gardens of just under

A well-presented four bedroom Arts & Crafts style detached family home

acre in the thriving Somerset village of Mark with adjoining cottage.

with just under an acre of gardens and a tennis court. EPC E

EPC D

Brent Knoll - OIEO £950,000

Hallatrow - OIEO £695,000

An attractive 6 bedroom period family home in the popular village of

An impressive Georgian Grade II listed 5 bedroom villa beautifully

Brent Knoll with walled garden, driveway & parking, garage and studio.

updated with high attention to detail, with private garden

EPC TBC

and a garage with a room above. EPC D

Peter Greatorex Unique Homes 01225 904999

www.petergreatorex.co.uk Peter Greatorex Managing Director

Sharon Clesham Head of Sales

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