City updates

Garden inspiration for the Dyson Cancer Centre

The new Dyson Cancer Centre at Royal United Hospitals, due to open this autumn, is now in its final stages of construction and fitting out. The use of natural light, external spaces, greenery and artwork are all known to have a positive effect on healing and patient experience and have been incorporated into the design. Artist Kate Bond has drawn inspiration from the concept of the garden design (which is still at an early stagei) for her art commission in the Chemotherapy Suite. She has brought a sense of the ‘Green Heart Garden’ into the clinical environment of the Cancer Centre, drawing inspiration from other beautiful gardens in our region, including Piet Oudolf’s ‘Field’ at Hauser & Wirth. The artwork was printed onto SDS wall protection panels, in keeping with this highly clinical environment. Kate needed to consider many other details, including clinical equipment and patient treatment chairs. It was agreed that the themes should reflect the changing seasons from spring to autumn and cover a large wall area of the main chemo suite, plus five single treatment rooms.

The centre is funded in part by a £4m donation from The James Dyson Foundation and will open towards the end of the year. artatruh.org

New Programme Director

The University of Bristol has welcomed a new Programme Director for its part-time MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership course at the Business School. Dr Rushana Khusainova, SFHEA, Lecturer in Marketing, will be leading the 11th cohort of executive students for the practical master’s programme.

The part-time MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership is for mid-career to senior leaders and managers who want to progress further in their career, seek promotion, change industry or career pathway or start their own business. The programme is designed with busy working professionals in mind, enabling students to gain a Masters degree alongside their full-time job.

Programme Manager Cheralyn Baines-Dark says: “We are delighted to welcome Rushana as Programme Director to our executive part-time MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership. Excellent leadership is vital when facing a challenging and uncertain future, and organisations from all industries recognise the importance of investing in their future leaders and managers by developing their management and leadership teams in unpredictable times. This practical master’s degree offers value for money and will offer a return on investment from day one.”

For more information, and to sign up to the programme, visit: bristol.ac.uk/strategy-change-leadership-2023

Frome Festival returns

From 7–16 July Frome will come alive with music, art and culture as the Frome Festival returns for its 22nd year. With over 200 events taking place across 10 days, the festival aims to celebrate the best of Frome, with events and activities taking place in so many places and spaces across the town –from venues and galleries to pubs and parks.

Headliners include a stellar comedy line-up starring Miles Jupp and Sophie Duker; big music acts including Asian Dub Foundation and Newton Faulkner; fascinating talks including John Hegley, who presents Biscuits of Destiny; and celebrated historian William Dalrymple, who will give this year’s annual Bob Morris lecture.

Popular fixtures of the festival return including the Hidden Gardens, Open Art Trail and the famous Festival Food Feast. From the traditional opening procession by the Street Bandits to a great selection of bands on the outdoor stage, enjoy fantastic music throughout the evening and sample foods from around the world. Get the full listings and book tickets at fromefestival.co.uk

Get active to help the homeless

Local charity

Julian House is giving you two chances to step up for homeless and vulnerable people. First of all there’s the brand new cycling event The Bath Beast, where Julian House has joined forces with Pulse Events to challenge hundreds of cyclists. It takes place on Sunday 17 September and features three incredible routes. The 100mile (160km) and 70-mile (112km) distances are both designed to challenge the most dedicated of riders and the 25-mile (40km) route will provide a fantastic opportunity for cyclists wanting to discover the undulating hills around Bath. With three feed stations along the way, riders will receive a finisher’s medal with food and refreshments available when they arrive back at the Bath Racecourse. Tickets are available from £30. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship so that Julian House can support more people who have fallen into difficult circumstances. To find out more visit julianhouse.org.uk

There’s also the 20-mile Circuit of Bath Walk, which since its inception in 2001 has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Julian House to support homeless and vulnerable people across the south west. This year’s event takes place on Sunday 24 September. Participants will walk a circular route that takes in stunning views overlooking the historic city, including the gorgeous vistas from Little Solsbury Hill and South Stoke Millennium Viewpoint. The charity is also thrilled to announce a new partnership with Achieve Breakthrough, sponsors of this year’s walk, who already have a long-standing relationship with Julian House. Tickets £10 adults, £5 child, £22 family. For further information and tickets visit circuitofbathwalk.co.uk