The Bath Magazine March 2018 by MC Publishing Limited

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thebathmag.co.uk

ISSUE 186 | MARCH 2018 £3.95 where sold

NEW SEASON INTERIORS HOMES AND GARDENS SPECIAL

ELIZABETH AND MARY: THE PLAYING OF TWO QUEENS

INSPIRED IDEAS FOR A SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY TREAT

THE FUTURE OF FOOD: THE TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

TWO FRIENDS AT WAR: BATTLE OF LANSDOWN ANNIVERSARY

COSTUME DRAMA: ROYAL WOMEN'S STYLE

THE CITY’S BIGGEST MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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Contents March 2018 5 THINGS

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LIVING THE HIGH LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Your essential events to look forward to this month

Jessica Hope has a memorable stay at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa

TREATING MUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

EGGS-CELLENT FAMILY FUN

Inspiration for a different kind of gift for Mother’s Day

Ideas to keep the kids occupied over the Easter holidays

RIVAL QUEENS

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THE WIDER COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Royal High’s Zoe Sheffield on the school’s outreach opportunities

Interview with Mary Stuart actress Lia Williams

WHAT’S ON

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Our guide to the top events happening around the city

THE WALK

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Andrew Swift guides us around an English Civil War battlefield

SPECIAL FEATURE DRESSING TO IMPRESS

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A look at the new Royal Women exhibition at the Fashion Museum

BATH AT WORK

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INTERIOR TRENDS

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Discover the home trends that are making their mark this year

Neill Menneer’s portrait of Jane Tapley, the special events organiser at Theatre Royal Bath

GET THE LOOK

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Clair Strong on bringing your interiors up-to-date

GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 ART FOR ART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 A snapshot of the latest offerings at local galleries and museums

Jane Moore celebrates all the stars of the spring garden

HOT PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

A CIVIL WAR AMONG FRIENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

The finest homes to buy or rent

Catherine Pitt marks the anniversary of the Battle of Lansdown

THE FUTURE OF FOOD

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How our food consumption may change in years to come

A DINING DELIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

ON THE COVER

Verdigris porcelain and Mimica Nero Portoro Matt porcelain, at Mandarin Stone. Photographer: Colin Peacock. Get some springtime inspiration with our interiors feature from page 92.

Emma Clegg is enchanted by the menu at The Circus Restaurant

Even more great content and updates online: thebathmag.co.uk

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EDITOR’S PICKS SPRING BLOOMS: “Hellebores you just can’t go wrong with,” says Jane Moore, in her Darling Buds of March feature on page 104. We can’t wait to enjoy their nodding heads, pictured left, along with the lungworts, the daffodils and the other garden stars of March that will now start to make an appearance.

from the

EDITOR

BATH FESTIVAL: The full programme of events at The Bath Festival (11–27 May), has been announced. Those taking part include historian David Olusoga, comedian and writer Robert Webb and musicians Robert Plant (left), Midge Ure and Tears for Fears. Visit: bathfestival.org.uk

arch will be welcomed with open arms in this neck of the woods. The frosty bite of the mornings will mellow, the days will stretch out further so we can rediscover our evenings, and we will start to see some welcome colour in our gardens. Jane Moore is thrilled at the prospect and takes us on her springtime garden journey on page 104. This issue we are also enthusing about new interior trends. You’ll find bold colours, powder pink, butter yellow and minty green pastels and wild botanical wallpapers to choose from in our feature on page 92, as well as dark, moody statements with brooding colours, dark woods and rich velvets. There is something here for everyone – and we have plenty of advice from our local interiors experts. We’ve got an unapologetic historic Lansdown emphasis at work this month. Catherine Pitt recreates the Battle of Lansdown Hill during the English Civil War on page 48, and Andrew Swift offers us a walk following the perameters of the historic battlefield on page 88. The idea of acting in a play where you only find out the character you are playing at the toss of a coin at the beginning of the show fills me with horror. Well, be full of admiration as this is what Lia Williams and Juliet Stevenson are doing at Theatre Royal Bath in a production of Mary Stuart, which arrives here direct from the West End – Jessica Hope has interviewed Lia Williams to get the lowdown on page 22. Jessica also gives us a tempting glimpse of the Royal Women exhibition at the Fashion Museum on page 36, which follows the costumes of four generations, from Princess Alexandra of Denmark in the mid-19th century to Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Food fashions, new diets and inspiring recipes are never far from our minds. Thinking ahead, Melissa Blease takes a critical look at what the food landscape in the future holds on page 54. You may be pleased to discover that we’re not going to be eating crickets just yet. It’s all about a plant-based philosophy; eating wholesome, organic ingredients; following a flexitarian approach (reducing the amount of meat we eat); and avoiding highly processed foods in our diets. Take note, because we can do it all now. March is also special to me because it’s my first issue as editor. I’m looking forward to celebrating the very best of Bath from month to month in these pages, and keeping you reading all about it at every stage!

Emma Clegg Editor 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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KEEP LAUGHING: If you need some cheering up, take a look at the Bath Comedy Festival (27 March – 15 April), with acts including German comedy ambassador Henning Wehn (right), and Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience where the audience become guests at possibly the worst hotel in the world. Visit: bathcomedy.com

It was one of those March days when the sun ❝shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. CHARLES DICKENS (1812–1870)

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ZEITGEIST Celebrate While flowers and a bottle of bubbly is always welcomed on Mother’s Day, which falls on Sunday 11 March this year, how about trying something different? Treat mum to a special present such as a class at Demuths Cookery School, or a voucher to Verve Living’s spring event to discover how to create beautiful natural displays indoors. Get some gift inspiration on page 18. And the celebrations don’t have to stop there – before we know it, Easter will be here. So to keep the kids occupied during the Easter weekend and the school holidays, we’ve put together a guide to the best activities for all the family to get stuck into in the weeks to come. Turn to page 72 to find out more.

things to do in

March

Feel artistic Modern ArtBuyer, the Bath-based online art gallery and consultancy, is showing a selection of contemporary artworks in a vibrant pop-up gallery at 23 Milsom Place until Sunday 11 March. The gallery will showcase exceptional paintings and prints from collectable artists including Maria Rivans, Bonnie and Clyde, Jonathan Barber, Paul Minott, Paul Bennett, Jane Emberson, Chuck Elliott, Kelly O’Brien and Emma Cowlam. Visit: modernartbuyer.com/blog Artwork: Florence by Maria Rivans

Be scientiﬁc Reﬂect Bath’s links to the transatlantic slave trade and slavery have been timidly studied over the last decades. Dr Olivette Otele, from Bath Spa University, will give a talk titled Bath, Slavery and Memoryscape at The Holburne Museum on Thursday 8 March, 7pm, and will look at the legacies and memories of Bath’s colonial past in the urban landscape, including Sydney Gardens. Tickets: £5/£4 concs, tel: 01225 388569, visit: holburne.org

Powered by the imagination of primary school children, My Science Fair 2018 is a free family festival packed with eyeopening projects and activities exploring the amazing worlds of music and science. Delve into fascinating investigations and get stuck into workshops and demonstrations on Sunday 4 March, 10am – 3pm, at Wiltshire Music Centre. Make your own slime, enjoy a free family concert, try your hand at virtual reality or plinky plonk on the fruit piano, and enjoy a day out for the family that is fun, educational and completely free. No booking required, just turn up. Visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Get booking The popular outdoor concert season Forest Live is back for another summer at Westonbirt Arboretum from Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 June with a programme of artists that will surely get your toes tapping – and tickets are now on sale. Selling more than 29 million records worldwide and with four UK No 1 albums, Irish three-piece The Script will be kicking oﬀ the event on Thursday. Paul Heaton, one of the UK’s most successful songwriters, and Jacqui Abbott will take to the stage on Friday as a duo. BRIT-nominated and No 1 album selling soloist Paloma Faith will be performing on Saturday, and George Ezra – one of the biggest selling male artists of the decade – is scheduled for the Sunday. For tickets, tel: 03000 680400 or visit: forestry.gov.uk/music

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Paloma Faith will be taking to the stage at Westonbirt

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ Enjoy A parliament of owls (100 in fact) are to land in and around the streets of Bath this summer. These decorated owl sculptures will take part in a colourful three-month public art event to celebrate Bath’s Roman heritage and raise funds for local charities. Minerva’s Owls of Bath 2018 will be the latest public art sculpture trail from the team that brought the city the Lions of Bath in 2010 and King Bladud’s Pigs in 2008. Visit: minervasowls.org or contact the Owl team at info@minervasowls.org

Megan Witty with Pip the owl and the first painted sculpture, by Jane Callan

Laugh The Bath Comedy Festival is ready to hit the city from 22 March to 15 April. Performers include comedian Jon Richardson, German comedy ambassador Henning Wehn, comedian Rachel Parris, comedian and actress Helen Lederer, the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, Australian comedian Sarah Bennetto, cabaret act Mother’s Ruin, Bath favourite Viv Groskop and impressionist Julian Dutton. Check out the line-up online or pick up a programme around town from the beginning of March. Visit: bathcomedy.com

My BATH Toby Thompson is a young performance poet, a writer and performer of thoughts and feelings. His poetry displays his delight in life’s uncertainties and absurdities. He lives in Lower Swainswick

When I started out as a wordsmith, Dizraeli – a poet/rapper/musician from Bristol – was hugely influential for me. We met at the Fringe in Edinburgh when I was 15 and he took me under his wing. He got me on to the festival circuit and that’s where I found a home in the spoken word scene. My retail paradise in Bath is Topping & Co for books, for the ambience and the tea and biscuits while you browse. For trousers, it’s Gabucci on Milsom Street – everything in there is such good quality, and the courtesy mint imperials don’t hurt. For shirts I go to Gaff on Upper Borough Walls – they have all these amazing patterns and materials from all around the world and there’s traditional Turkish tea practically on tap. Both of those places are always giving me inexplicable discounts. They must like struggling poets. Hunter and Sons does the best coffee for me. There’s also a gorgeous walk I can do from my house, up to Solsbury Hill and then down into Batheaston for coffee or brunch at Gather. In summer, the garden of the White Hart in Widcombe is indescribably idyllic. The egg theatre is my favourite building in the city. I know every little nook and cranny of those five floors. It holds so many memories for me. After eight years of working front of house, it really is a second home. I haven’t read a single one of Jane Austen’s books. But without Jane Austen, that guy who stands opposite Queen Square posing for photos with tourists and waving would be out of a job. And that wouldn’t be right. I think there’s an alright mix of old and new in Bath. If history’s your thing, then you can spend forever indulging your curiosities here. But if it’s not your thing, then I don’t think the past hangs over you in an oppressive way. I just feel very grateful, in a vague way, that everything’s so pretty. It’s nice to always feel like a character in a postcard. Three Billboards is the best film I’ve seen recently. I love anything by Martin McDonagh.

Mother’s Ruin cabaret act

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Also, I’ve been digging into the Woody Allen archives of late, I just love Annie Hall so much, Diane Keaton gets me every time. If I was writing a novel about Bath, the first line (in subversive homage to Peter Gabriel) would be: “Climbing down from Solsbury Hill, I couldn’t see the city lights.” I love Chai Walla on Monmouth Street! It’s a cheap and delicious lunch and the staff are all delightful. Niraj who runs the place and I were in the same year at St Gregs. He was always selling sweets in the playground – he’s a born entrepreneur. For a relaxed weekend in Bath I’d discard my phone, make a picnic, and try to get lost on some public footpaths. Maybe I’ll sing some haikus to the birds if any spring to mind. If money was no object, I’d live half in north London where most of my friends are, and half in a cottage somewhere really rural and solitary in the south of France. I need solitude and silence to write seriously, but after a while I start to yearn for the hustle and bustle and humanity of the city. My favourite season is autumn, because it heralds my birthday. And because if I go to Alice Park for a stroll I can collect a few conkers (mum likes to leave them around the house to repel spiders), catch a few leaves, and feel like a child again. I’ve been ambling about a bit since leaving school, to be honest, but suddenly things seem to be getting very busy! I can’t believe my luck but The egg is producing a new piece of kids’ theatre I’ve just written, I Wish I Was A Mountain, to tour later this year and the theatre is currently crowdfunding for that, and I’ve got a couple of other creative projects in development. I’m also very excited that Edinburgh looks like it may be on the cards. n Visit tobythompson.net, follow on Twitter: @tobythompson__, crowdfunder.co.uk/iwiwam

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See more online www.thebathmag.co.uk

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Emma Clegg 01225 424592 emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production/Web Assistant Crystal Rose Email: crystal@thebathmagazine.co.uk Web Editor Email:

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

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Advertising Sales Email:

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

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

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmag.co.uk ÂŠ MC Publishing Ltd 2018 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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There’s bound to be something for your home in our enormous collection of handsome, hand-selected, hand-made rugs, kilims, furniture and accessories, reasonably priced from £50 to £500. Cleaning • Restoration • Valuation

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CALL IN THE SCULPTORS

Our roving reporter welcomes the owls of Bath but wonders why the city lacks statement street art

attended the launch of the latest pop-up public sculpture trail for Bath, my curiosity piqued by the announcement that it was to be a Roman themed creature and that a real one would be present. I had half hoped for wolves (as in Romulus and Remus), but was delighted to meet the little owl, Pip, who was the real-life representative of the owls of Bath project. Minerva, the Roman goddess, is traditionally pictured with an owl, which is how the 2018 Minerva’s owl project came about. The 100 parliament of owls (you got to love that collective noun), which each stand at just over a metre tall, will be sponsored by local businesses, painted by artists and then will form a trail round the city streets from June to September, before being auctioned to raise money for charity. One of the good causes benefiting from the project is the Little Owl Project, a small Bath-based charity dedicated to help preserve these cute native birds, which are in danger of becoming extinct. You can find out more about the owl project at minervasowls.org. With the news that owls are to be the new pigs, as it were, following on from the success in previous years of King Bladud’s painted swine and then the decorated lions, it set a few people talking about Bath’s public art. Unlike Bristol, where every square or public building seems to have its own statue – with a fair smattering of the traditional male, stale and pale Victorians – Bath hasn’t really gone in for much statutory or even statement pieces. There are a few pieces, such as the memorial angel in Parade Gardens or the obelisks in Orange Grove and Queen Square, but nothing that greets the visitor with that ‘wow!’ factor.

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Isn’t it time the city started to populate its new developments with some striking, bold works of art? It could insist on developers handing over a sum to fund sculptors or fountain makers to create something eye-catching. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Angel of the North near Gateshead, whose outstretched welcoming wings have become such a landmark, loved by many. It would be great to let its creator Antony Gormley loose on the wasteland of the recently developed Sawclose, where there is literally nothing interesting going on between a group of disparate and unrelated buildings, to create something human-inspired to populate the space. Or perhaps ask Sophie Ryder, who creates mystical, beautiful giant hare sculptures, to introduce some graceful creatures into the square. I’d really like to see a fountain put up in Brunel Square outside Bath Spa Station. When visitors arrive in Bath by train they funnel out of the turnstiles into an empty, characterless paved space. The first feature to catch their eye is a bus shelter and a Jehovah’s Witness stand. There’s nothing that calls out to visitors ‘welcome to Aqua Sulis’. A fountain would fit the bill perfectly. On sunny days the water would sparkle in the sun and the spectacle would satisfy the modern need for a selfie at every available opportunity. What’s more, if the fountain were designed with a ledge or steps around it, people waiting for friends or relatives to come off the trains would have somewhere to perch, rather than standing awkwardly around. Turning to another public display, this one less welcome, can we please do something about the practise of hanging black plastic dog poo bags in trees and hedgerows? I took some friends to the picturesque historic village of Lacock the other day, as they wanted to see where Harry Potter had been filmed, so we parked in the National Trust car park, surrounded by fields and ancient trees. All very lovely. Until we spotted the dog poo bags dangling in the hedge. We’ve all been very vocal about the whole plastic straws issue – quite rightly, as they create a huge amount of waste in the world – but could we perhaps now turn our attention and energy to creating a more environmentally and visually less offensive alternative to the single-use plastic doggie bags? n

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Give Mum a treat

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 11 March – here are some gift ideas to make sure the day goes with a celebratory swing!

GET COOKING

Treat mum to something special this Mother’s Day and experience the joy of cooking together. Demuths Cookery School offers a wide variety of vegetarian cookery classes, from vegan to Moorish and 30-minute suppers to one-pot wonders. Evening course £75, halfday course £95, full-day course from £165. Demuths is offering readers 2-for-1 on one of their evening, half-day or full-day classes throughout May, June and July. Book online at demuths.co.uk before 31 March using the code MOTHERSDAY18.

Demuths Cookery School tel: 01225 427938; web: demuths.co.uk

HAVE TREATS FOR TEA

Take mum for Easter afternoon tea at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. Created by award-winning head chef Dan Moon, the tea includes classic staples such as freshly baked scones and finger sandwiches as well as bunny macaroons and edible garden pots. £30 per person or £46 with a glass of Champagne. Easter afternoon tea available from 26 March to 1 April. The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY tel: 01225 358888; web: thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

SAVOUR A CAKE

Get mum something a little different with a delicious and beautifully crafted treat from The Cake Architect. There is a special price on the Classic Buttercream Flowers Cake when it’s bought for collection before Mother’s Day – just £37.50 for this elegant 6in round cake (normally £45). You choose the flavour, and it can be personalised with your own message. They also stock a tempting range of cupcakes. The Cake Architect, 36 Silver Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1JX; tel: 01225 378867; thecakearchitect.co.uk; facebook: @cakearchitect

4 GET A HAMPER The Highgrove Champagne Tea Tour Hamper includes two gift vouchers for a Champagne tea at Highgrove in Tetbury. There’s also a hardback edition of Highgrove: A Garden Celebrated in the hamper, along with a bottle of Highgrove Champagne, two Champagne flutes, and a ballotin of organic Marc de Champagne truffles. £250, available online at highgrovegardens.com Highgrove are offering The Bath Magazine readers the opportunity to win a free Highgrove hamper. For your chance to win the hamper go to The Bath Magazine website and look for the Highgrove Hamper offer.

FIND OVERNIGHT R&R

Here’s a special package from The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant, available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Gourmet Getaway Overnight Stay offers a seven-course tasting menu, overnight stay and a full English breakfast from £149.50 per person. The Olive Tree Staycation offers a seasonal fivecourse tasting menu, overnight stay and a full English breakfast from £132.50 per person (based on two people sharing). For other gifts, see the voucher offerings on the hotel’s website. The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant, 4–7 Russel Street, Bath BA1 2QF; tel: 01225 447928; web: thequeensberry.co.uk 18 TheBATHMagazine

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6 SAY IT WITH FLOWERS Give mum a voucher for Verve Living’s Spring Interiors Event on Thursday 22 March from 6–8pm. Elisabeth Anderson of Amamini Flowers will be talking about how to use spring-flowering bulbs to create simple and natural indoor displays. The voucher, at a suggested value of £15–£25, will give free entry for two to the event along with prosecco and nibbles. The voucher can then be redeemed against a floral display by Elisabeth, or another gift. To book for Verve Living’s Spring Interiors Event tel: 07785 332536 or email: team@verveliving.uk n

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EOS MEDIUM LIGHT GREY/ WHITE CORD BY VITA COPENHAGEN

SPRING INTERIORS EVENT Thursday 22 March 6-8pm for details, visit ver veliving.uk/events or call 07712 467347

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

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68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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THEATRE | INTERVIEW

IT’S ALL IN THE EXECUTION Jessica Hope talks rival queens, Catholic plots and David Bowie to award-winning actress Lia Williams as the critically acclaimed play Mary Stuart comes to Theatre Royal Bath

ith the simple toss of a coin renowned actress Lia Williams could either be hurled into the middle of the stage, the spotlight beating down on her as she begs for her life, or she will serenely walk off backstage to gather her thoughts for the next scene while her co-star, award-winning actress Juliet Stevenson, is thrown to her knees in front of the audience. This concept of flipping a coin to decide who will take which lead part has caught the eye of theatregoers and critics alike since this adaption of Mary Stuart first took to the stage at the Almeida in 2016. At the start of every performance, the cast and the audience watch in anticipation to learn whether Williams or Stevenson will play either the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots, or her politically astute cousin Queen Elizabeth I. “It is genuinely frightening. The play is based on the last few days of Mary’s life, so there is a state of anxiety in the air, and the coin toss adds to that. It’s great because the audience feels the same adrenaline to 22 TheBATHMagazine

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what we’re all feeling onstage,” says Williams. Based on Friedrich Schiller’s play, first performed in 1800, Robert Icke’s adaption burst onto the theatre scene in late 2016 with a sold-out season at the Almeida before transferring to the Duke of York’s Theatre for a limited run in January 2018, mounting up rave reviews as it went. Direct from the West End, Mary Stuart is coming to Theatre Royal Bath at the start of April, before going on tour to Salford and Cambridge. While being based on significant historical events, the play focuses on an imaginary meeting between the two queens after Mary is imprisoned by Elizabeth after she attempts to flee Scotland following an uprising against her in 1568. Suspicious of what Mary might do next, and aware of the numerous plots to put Catholic Mary on the throne of England and overthrow the Protestant queen, Elizabeth kept Mary as prisoner for almost two decades. Following evidence that Mary was implicated in a plot against the English queen’s life,

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Elizabeth eventually signs her cousin’s death warrant and she is executed in 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle. “The director [Robert Icke] has made what could be a dusty history play into one about women in power. It’s a really exciting thriller. This has been a sheer acting challenge playing these two roles, and it is something you really can’t turn down,” says Williams, whose acting breakthrough came when she starred in Alan Ayckbourn’s The Revengers’ Comedies alongside Griff Rhys Jones and Joanna Lumley in 1991. She went on to win the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Newcomer and was nominated for an Olivier Award for this performance. More recently, readers might recognise Williams from starring in the Channel 4 drama Kiri, or for playing Wallis Simpson in Netflix’s The Crown. While Mary, Queen of Scots pleads for her life in her final days, Elizabeth is pressured by her closest political advisors to have her cousin executed, despite this meaning she would be

OPPOSING COUSINS: Main image, Lia Williams and Juliet Stevenson star in Robert Icke’s adaption of Mary Stuart Opposite: Left, Lia Williams and members of the company, and right, John Light playing the Earl of Leicester and Lia Williams as Queen Elizabeth I Images: Manuel Harlan

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for sure. Set and costume designer Hildegard Bechtler has stripped back the characters’ costumes; don’t expect lavish Elizabethan ruffs and wigs. While the leading actresses wear matching black velvet suits with short, sharp hairstyles, the male characters wear crisply tailored, dapper suits. “My Elizabeth is like David Bowie ... she’s a bit of a rockstar,” she says. “The lack of costumes and props shows the emotional ride, rather than just ‘isn’t that a lovely frock?’” Tony Award nominated Williams has made a name for herself over the years as an actress who can take risks and turn the biggest onstage challenges into simply sublime performances. Just some of her stage credits include Harold Pinter’s Old Times and The Homecoming in the West End and on Broadway, As You Like It for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and she last came to Bath in 2009 for the tour of God of Carnage, alongside Roger Allam and Richard E Grant.

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My Elizabeth is like David Bowie ... she’s a bit of a rockstar – LIA WILLIAMS –

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sending an anointed queen, just like herself, to the chopping block. On the surface, both these queens are incredibly different in character. “Mary is romantic, courageous, and not very politically astute. She makes bad decisions and falls in love with the wrong people. Whereas Elizabeth is caged in, almost Machiavellian, and politically driven. She procrastinates, and she is obsessed with the brand of Elizabeth I,” says Williams. “What draws them together is that they’re both women in positions of power. But what is interesting is that their experiences could have happened the other way around. Mary could have been queen, if a Catholic rebellion was successful. “Elizabeth I was never meant to be queen. She shouldn’t have inherited the throne [following the premature deaths of her half brother and sister, Edward VI and Mary I, who did not produce heirs]. She was also seen as illegitimate by a lot of people [many Catholics did not recognise her father Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn], and this is at the centre to the play. Mary, Queen of Scots actually has more entitlement to the crown, and yet she is the one who is imprisoned and fighting for her life.” Gender, power, politics and love – these are all topics central to the play that, despite being written at the turn of the 19th century, explores elements that are profoundly relevant to modern day audiences. “These topics are very much in the air at the moment with the #MeToo campaign and the ongoing discussions about gender politics.” “The themes in the play affect people emotionally. And I think this is down to the brilliance of the director’s writing. You’re not watching a history play about two women in frocks – you’re seeing anguish, and what they have to emotionally battle through. And that really hits the audience.” And there aren’t any frocks in sight, that’s

With such an impressive list of stage credits under her belt, Williams affirms that being part of the Ancient Greek tragedy Oresteia as one of her professional highlights so far. “It was thrilling and the most exciting thing I have done in my career,” she says. The play, which was also adapted by Robert Icke, moved from the Almeida Theatre to Trafalgar Studios in 2015 after audiences lapped up the contemporary take on this ancient, bloody family drama.

“Robert Icke is such an innovative director. He takes great big pieces and makes them incredibly accessible for audiences. I’ve always thought Greek tragedy is incredible, but I’ve never been able to quite access it. But he was able to turn it into absolute sheer drama for the stage – and this is the same with Mary Stuart,” says Williams. Does she prefer the stage to the screen, I ask? “I absolutely loved every part of filming Kiri recently, and screen work can be exhilarating. But there is something about the live experience on stage. The not really knowing what is going to happen is exciting. And there’s something magical about a play happening on one night, on one stage, in front of one group of people.” And is Williams looking forward to returning to Theatre Royal Bath? “I’ve got amazing memories of Bath. When I starred in Oleanna by David Mamet with David Suchet, the play went to Bath after the West End [in 1993]. We had a Q&A after a matinee one day and it was the most feisty Q&A I have ever experienced with the most rowdy audience. One woman stood up and announced: ‘I have never felt anger in my entire life.’ But she then pointed at me and declared: ‘But you have made me angry!’ It was absolutely brilliant to see an audience have such an emotional reaction to a play.” After the tour of Mary Stuart has ended, Williams tells me she has lots of exciting jobs planned that she can’t tell me about just yet. “I’m feeling very lucky at the moment”, she says. Despite learning two leading roles and not knowing who she will be playing every evening, as well as going on tour, Williams surely deserves to put her feet up for a bit. But nothing seems to be stopping this acting powerhouse just yet. n Mary Stuart is on at Theatre Royal Bath from 4 – 14 April. For tickets, tel: 01225 448844, visit: theatreroyal.org.uk

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FIVE MINUTES WITH... Former broadcoast journalist and special adviser to the prime minister, Joanna Nadin has written more than 70 books for children and young adults since leaving politics. She lives in Camden and has just published her first novel for adults

I spent 13 years working in the capital and moved to Bath in 2005. To wake up every morning to views over the valley; to be able to swim at the weir in the summer; to live in a community full of other writers – all these things make me feel lucky to be here.

I worked mainly in radio as a journalist, a brilliant medium for those of us who prefer words to pictures, and who don’t look groomed at four in the morning. I got to meet and interview some incredible people, and I learned to write tight copy to tighter deadlines – a useful skill for the future. I spent six years writing briefs and speeches and ghost-writing articles for the cabinet from 1999. I also used to brief them for TV appearances, at one point having to wait for an overtired minister to wake up mid-briefing. I also, to my utter shame, curtseyed the first time I met the PM. It was a hangover from ballet training, where I was told, aged six, to curtsey to the Queen. He handled it well. I left the world of politics because I had a small child and wanted an easier life. Politics is a 24-7 job – you are never not at work – and I was exhausted. I spend pretty much all my time writing. This is my job, and I treat it like one, so I write every day from nine in the morning. When I’m not at my desk, I’m lecturing in writing at Bath Spa University, or talking to primary school kids about writing. Like politics, it’s a job you take everywhere with you, but it’s rather more fun.

My advice to my 18 year-old self? Whatever you think people are thinking about you, you’re wrong. They’re far too concerned with themselves. Also buy some better bras.

I don’t believe in fate at all, just as I don’t believe in muses. We carve out our own lives, and can’t shake a fist at mystical beings when we fail, any more than we can berate the tooth fairy for not leaving us more money. My three most cherished books are: Arabel’s Raven by Joan Aiken (I have reread this countless times and it never fails to make me howl with laughter); The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend (I read this aged 13 and three-quarters, just like Adrian, and it was the first time I saw myself reflected in a book); The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (this brilliant book prompted my PhD and is the inspiration for the novel I’m working on now). I spend a huge about of time writing in Boston Tea Party on Alfred Street. It’s a bit of a hang-out for writers so, if you’re stuck, there’s usually someone to gossip with instead. And the scones are the best. I also love Corkage on Walcot Street and my local, the King Billy. Jack and Danny’s on Walcot Street is full of wonderful vintage dresses and smells like my Grandma’s house in Cornwall. Without the suffragettes, I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had and I doubt I’d be writing at all, so my admiration is for those women, many of whom gave up their livelihoods, their health, and even their lives for us. My philosophy on life is in homage to Norman Mailer: “Being a real writer means being able to do the work on a bad day.” Also, never underestimate the comedy power of a monkey.

Ideas for my books come from all over the place – from newspapers, TV, old photographs, a name, even. I research mostly using Google, and by spending time in the location I’m writing about (hence I often write about Cornwall). I most like writing for eight to 12-year-olds. You get to play more with language, and can include some darker, more difficult themes.

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My new novel, Where Do You Go, Birdy Jones? for eight to 12-year-olds is out in June. I’ll be working on my second adult novel in 2018, and getting through a lot of tea and toast in BTP. The Queen of Bloody Everything by Joanna Nadin is published by Mantle, rrp £14.99

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The Framing Workshop has been trading as an independent family run business on Walcot Street for over 28 years. We treasure you, our client, and spend time helping you to ďŹ nd the best way to display and protect your cherished objects, artworks and memorabilia. Creativity and respect for each artwork are core to what we do. Every picture tells a story. Come and share yours.

80 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 482748 www.theframingworkshop.com framing@theframingworkshop.com

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WHAT’S ON in March MODERN ARTBUYER POP-UP On until Sunday 11 March n 23 Milsom Place, Bath Modern ArtBuyer, the Bath-based online art gallery and consultancy, will be showing a selection of contemporary artworks in a vibrant pop-up gallery. The gallery will showcase exceptional paintings and prints from collectable artists including Maria Rivans, Bonnie and Clyde, Jonathan Barber, Paul Minott, Paul Bennett, Jane Emberson, Chuck Elliott, and Emma Cowlam. Visit: modernartbuyer.com/blog

The Scummy Mummies at Komedia

SUMMONED BY COLOUR: PAINTINGS BY ANTHONY HOLDEN On until Monday 12 March n Pencil Tree, 5 Cleveland Terrace, Bath Explore the colourful paintings by artist Anthony Holden. For more information, tel: 01225 427008, email: info@penciltree.co.uk, or visit: penciltree.co.uk ENTERTAINMENT IN BATH Open until Wednesday 14 March, daily 10.30am – 5pm n Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath In the 18th century Bath was second only to London as party central, offering its fashionable visitors and residents all manner of entertainment and diversions. This exhibition tells the story of the actors, musicians and artists of Georgian Bath and the venues where they performed, covering everything from the sleazy to the sophisticated. It will also cover the Victorian period, leading up to the modern day. Entry to the exhibition is free to residents with a Discovery Card, £4.50 adults, £4 students and seniors.

Jacqui Dankworth at Wiltshire Music Centre

FORGOTTEN LITTLE CREATURES: VICTORIA HILLMAN On until Saturday 17 March n Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution, Queen Square, Bath This exhibition is the culmination of four years of work researching and photographing the plants, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles within a 40-mile radius of wildlife researcher Victoria Hillman’s home in Frome. The exhibition brings together creative photography, interesting scientific and historical facts and the stories behind the images to celebrate the often overlooked smaller species we have around us. There will be an accompanying book available at the exhibition. Visit: brlsi.org / vikspics.com JERWOOD DRAWING PRIZE EXHIBITION Open until Thursday 29 March, opening times vary n The Edge, The University of Bath The largest and longest-running UK annual open exhibition for drawing returns to Bath for a second year. Works by 65 artists selected from 2,811 submissions from across the UK will be on display featuring hand-drawn, digital and three-dimensional works. Free admission. Visit: edgearts.org

Artwork by Anthony Holden on show at Pencil Tree

COMMUNION – A VISUAL RESPONSE TO THE PSALMS Open until Monday 2 April n Bath Abbey A series of 12 pictures by Bath-based artist Marco Cazzulini that recollects the final journey of Christ to his death in Jerusalem. The pictures are based on Psalms from the Old Testament. To coincide with this, evening talks will be held every Wednesday until 21 March, 7.15 – 9pm. Visit: bathabbey.org ROYAL WOMEN Open until April 2019 n Fashion Museum A new exhibition exploring the fashions worn by successive generations of women in the royal family including Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, 26 TheBATHMagazine

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and Princess Margaret. The exhibition will feature exquisite items of dress from the Fashion Museum collection, as well as a major loan from the Royal Collection. Visit: fashionmuseum.co.uk/royalwomen THE SCUMMY MUMMIES SHOW Friday 2 March, doors 7pm, show 8pm n Komedia The Scummy Mummies, Helen Thorne and Ellie Gibson, are a comedy duo whose wildly popular podcasts are a sanity-saving must for parents. This live stand-up show will cover a wide range of topics, from pelvic floors and play-dates to farting and fish fingers. Ages 18+. Advanced auditorium tickets: £20. Visit: komedia.co.uk WESTON COFFEE MORNING AND SEED POTATO DAY Saturday 3 March, 10.30am – 1.30pm n All Saints Centre, High Street, Weston, Bath Weston Village Garden Club is hosting a coffee morning where there will be a sale of up to 40 varieties of seed potato, onion and shallot sets, planting garlic, heritage seeds, kitchen garden plants and much more. 50p entry per person. BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Saturday 3 March, 7.30pm n Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Bath BA2 3LA Bath Symphony Orchestra explores the expression of contrasting moods with Sibelius’ En Saga, Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn, and Nielsen’s Second Symphony. Tickets: £7 – £15. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk THE ARTS SOCIETY BATH LECTURE: THE DRAMA BEHIND THE TAJ MAHAL Monday 5 March, 1.30pm n The Assembly Rooms, Bath Lecturer Oliver Everett will explore the significance of The Padshahnama – the unique official history of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled India from 1628 to 1658. He is best remembered for the building of the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Padshahnama is illustrated with 44 of the finest Mughal paintings in the world vividly depicting the very dramatic events in the Emperor’s reign and the years before it. All welcome, £10 on the door. Visit: bathdfas.com COLLECTION HIGHLIGHT TOURS Wednesday 7 March, 1 – 1.45pm n Victoria Art Gallery Discover the stories behind the gallery’s principal treasures with Dr Chris Davies. Free session, no need to book. Visit: victoriagal.org.uk BRIDGEMEAD CHARITY AUCTION Wednesday 7 March, 6 – 8pm n The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel Charity auction to raise funds for Bridgemead, a not-for-profit care home on St John’s Road, Bathwick. Auction lots include tea on the terrace and a tour of the House of Commons with Bath’s Wera Hobhouse, and a week in Marbella for eight. The auction is inviteonly, but online bidding for the public closes on 7 March at 1pm, visit: bridgecare.org.uk. Sponsored by Fine & Country.

EDITOR’S PICK BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR Friday 9 – Sunday 11 March, opening times vary n The Pavillion, Bath After 29 years, the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is still the leading regional event to beat, where you can find rustic to refined English country house pieces, mid-century design, Swedish period painted furniture, period portraits and fashionable iron garden furniture, and much more. Visit: bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk Continued page 28

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WHAT’S | ON Bath in its Georgian heyday to make their fortune in this fashionable city. Visitors welcome, small donation (£2) is suggested.

Ensemble 360 at Wiltshire Music Centre

TALK: THE CHANGING FACE OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS Tuesday 13 March, 7.30pm n BRLSI Julie Cooper, chair of the Bath Business Women’s Association, looks at the ways work has changed for women in business over the past century, and discusses the challenges that still lie ahead. Tickets: £4, £2 for members and students. Tel: 01225 312084 or visit: brlsi.org BLUEGRASS AND COUNTRY SESSIONS Wednesday 14 March, 8pm n The Barley Mow, Bathwick Street, Bath The Barley Mow puts on a live music evening of bluegrass and country every second Wednesday of the month. Free admission. Tel: 01225 464845, visit: thebarleymowbath.co.uk / foxymusic.net JACQUI DANKWORTH: BUTTERFLY’S WING QUARTET Friday 9 March, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Critically acclaimed jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth leads ensemble Butterfly’s Wing in a programme of songs from across South America and Europe. Tickets: £22/£11 U18s and students. 6.15pm preconcert European-style Supper Club (to be booked separately). Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH MARK STANWAY Friday 9 March, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath An intimate evening with the former keyboard player of the melodic rock band Magnum. Mark Stanway is embarking on a UK tour to share a lifetime of experiences within the music business with audiences through a night of music and conversation. Tickets: £12 advance, £14 on the door. Tel: 01225 461700, visit: chapelarts.org SONGS OF SPRING Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm n St Luke's Church, Wellsway, Bath The Silver Ring Choir of Bath, also featuring the Welsh voices of Cantorion Cyfartha. Supporting Five Talents UK. Tickets: £8 on the door, or tel: 01179 422205, email: silverringsec@aol.com. Visit: silverringchoir.org.uk / fivetalents.org.uk A HANDFUL OF SINGERS WITH PETER KING Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm n St Mary’s Church, Bathwick Bath’s acclaimed chamber choir combines Duruflé’s much-loved Requiem with the UK première of The Bread of Life, an inspiring work in seven movements by one of the world’s most popular composers of choral music, ex-King’s Singer Bob Chilcott. Joined by Peter King, Organist Emeritus of Bath Abbey and well-known recitalist both at home and abroad. Tickets: £15, £5 under 25s. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk / ahandfulofsingers.org CLIVE CARROLL – A 1000 YEARS OF MUSIC Sunday 11 March, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Clive’s masterful compositions have made him one of the world’s premier acoustic guitar players, who is known for his sublime performances of everything from 16th and 17th century lute music to Jazz standards, Blues, Irish reels and his own groundbreaking compositions. Tickets: £10 advance, £12 on the door. Tel: 01225 461700, visit: chapelarts.org SCULPTORS IN BATH IN THE LONG 18TH CENTURY Monday 12 March, 7.30pm n St. Mary’s Church, Bathwick The History of Bath Research Group hosts David Bridgwater, who will give a talk on the number of notable sculptors who travelled to

TWILIGHT TALK – ROYAL WOMEN: QUEEN MARY Thursday 15 March, 6.15pm n Fashion Museum, Bath Elly Summers, curator of the Fashion Museum’s Royal Women exhibition, will shine the spotlight on Queen Mary and her style. Tickets: £10. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk AFTER HOURS: SOUND Thursday 15 March, 6.30 – 10pm n We The Curious, Bristol Explore the two floors of exhibits at this adults-only late opening with a drink in hand, and take part in some unusual activities around the theme of sound. Plus there will be the chance to see the latest seasonal stargazing show in the UK’s only 3D Planetarium. Tickets: £8.95/£7.95. Visit: wethecurious.org JESS ROBINSON: HERE COME THE GIRLS Friday 16 March, 8pm n Komedia, Westgate Street Join multi award-winner and Britain’s Got Talent 2017 semi-finalist Jess Robinson for an evening of spot-on celebrity impressions, musical comedy and stunning vocal gymnastics, serving up a feast of styles and genres from Billie Holiday and Judy Garland to Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé. Suitable for ages nine and over. For tickets, tel: 01225 489070 or visit: komedia.co.uk SIDE BY SIDE: AMERICA AND WORLD WAR I Opens Saturday 17 March, on until October 2018 n American Museum in Britain, Claverton, Bath 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of America’s first major military engagement in the Great War. The museum’s new exhibition will uncover the relationship between the US and Europe, as well as reflecting on those who went into battle, and those who stayed at home. Visit: americanmuseum.org THE CHANDOS SINGERS: ST PATRICK’S DAY CONCERT Saturday 17 March, 7.30pm n The Magdalen Chapel, Holloway, Bath The Chandos Singers, conducted by Malcolm Hill, are one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs. The choir’s St Patrick’s Day concert will include a dramatic ballad by the Poet Laureate Robert Southey about an ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to St Patrick. The cleric Ernest Hawkins set this text to suitably powerful music by Henry Purcell. Chandos will present one of Stanford’s opus 135 set of three English choral works, little performed in comparison with his three Latin motets. Tickets: £12, students £5, available via Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk EASTER CONCERT – ST. JOHN PASSION, JS BACH Saturday 17 March, 7.30pm n St Stephen’s Church, Lansdown, Bath Bath Cantata Group presents Bach’s most intimate and emotionally Continued page 30

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charged work with world-renowned tenor Rogers Covey Crump as Evangelist and other much-loved soloists. Tickets: £15. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk / ahandfulofsingers.org A DAY OF MEDITATION AND REFLECTION Sunday 18 March, 10am – 4.30pm n Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath Bath Sakya Buddhist Group will host a day of meditation and contemplation. Deepen your understanding by meditating and reflecting on these Buddhist teachings. Each of the four one-hour sessions will comprise a session of calm-abiding meditation followed by a short talk on the topic. All welcome. Refreshments available between sessions. Cushions and mats provided, and you may wish to bring a blanket. £20 for the day or £6 per session. No need to book – just drop in, for one or more of the sessions. Tel: 07842 855790 / 07747 63357, visit: sakyabristol.org/bath CERAMIC SCULPTURES AND DIGITALPHOTO MONTAGES EXHIBITION Monday 19 – Sunday 25 March, opening times vary n 44AD Artspace, Abbey Street, Bath The work in this show has developed out of artist Colin Bell’s lifetime fascination with signs and symbols. The origins and substance of their meanings reveal the power of visual relationships which make metaphors work. Portable shrines, stupas, mandalas and sacred architecture from many cultures throughout history are the main sources for the work. Meet the artist on Saturday from 2 – 4pm. Tel: 07753 378 325 or visit: 44AD.net WINE TASTING – WINES FROM CHILE Monday 19 March, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Phil Cooke will take guests through at least eight different wines from Chile, accompanied by quality selection of breads and cheeses. Tickets: £20. Tel: 01225 461700, visit: chapelarts.org THE BATH ORCHESTRAL GALA CONCERT Tuesday 20 March, doors 6.30pm, performance 7pm n The Guildhall, Bath Marking the centenary of the end of the First World War, this will be an evocative evening of orchestral music and readings heralding the arrival of peace. Featuring Bath Philharmonia and King Edward’s School. Tickets: £14 adults, £5 children. Tickets available from KES, tel: 01225 464313 or email: boxoffice@kesbath.com SCRIBBLE AND SKETCH COFFEE MORNING Wednesday 21 March, 10am – 12pm n Art Studio, The Edge, University of Bath A workshop with experienced tutor Alex Roberts perfect for beginners (or those that want to get back into drawing). Includes fun activities to ease you into all aspects of drawing. Find out about different drawing materials/tools and their uses, learn how to observe and develop your own individual style. The workshops will also explore contemporary drawing techniques on display in The Jerwood Drawing Prize exhibition. £5 per person, includes materials and refreshments. To book, visit: edgearts.org BRLSI MEMBERS ART EXHIBITION Thursday 22 March – Friday 13 April, 10am – 4pm n BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath There will be an exquisite variety of works from professional and award-winning artists, including west country based Victoria Gamberoni who will be raffling one of her paintings from the exhibition. Tickets for the raffle available from the BRLSI reception. Works in the exhibition include oils, watercolours, sculptures, ceramics and other media. Free entry. Visit: brlsi.org MESSIAH Friday 23 March, 7pm n Bath Abbey Performance of Messiah in preparation for Holy Week given by the Continued page 32 ➲ 30 TheBATHMagazine

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Abbey Choir of Girls and Men, accompanied by Canzona playing on period instruments. Tickets: £12 – £20. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk DARK SIDE OF THE MOON: THE FULLDOME EXPERIENCE Friday 23 March, 8.15pm n We The Curious, Bristol A visual extravaganza alongside Pink Floyd’s seminal album from 1973. Grab a drink from the bar and sit back under the dome as you immerse yourself in freaky fractals, retro graphics and one of the greatest albums of all time. £15 per person. Visit: wethecurious.org SCIENCE, SCANDAL AND SOCIETY IN GEORGIAN BATH Saturday 24 March, 10.30am – 1pm n BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath Three historians will be giving talks at the launch of the BRLSI’s latest publication The Journal of Edmund Rack: An Enlightenment Gentleman’s Observations of Georgian Bath. Dr Andrew Swift, Stuart Burroughs, director at the Museum of Bath at Work, and writer Mike Rendell will shed light on Rack’s journal and discuss its relevance in understanding 18thcentury Bath. Tickets from Bath Box Office, £6/£4, tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk SPRING IKEBANA Saturday 24 March, 10.30am – 12.30pm n The Museum of East Asian Art, Bennett Street, Bath Learn how Ikebana became established in Japan and the different styles of this special art form, and make your own flower arrangement. This is a basic level workshop, no previous experience is needed. Floral material included, bring your own vessel (a shallow bowl larger than 6cm diameter). Visit: meaa.org.uk SUPER FLUMINA – A CELEBRATION OF RIVERS Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm n St John the Evangelist Church, South Parade, Bath Paragon Singers presents Super Flumina, a programme featuring music inspired by rivers across the world, from the Euphrates to the Missouri. Expect gorgeous double choir polyphony by Philippe de Monte and Victoria, one of the famous Michael Tippett spirituals from Child of our Time, pieces by Poulenc, Gorecki, Palestrina and James Erb. Plus a world premiere from award-winning composer John Barber, commissioned by Paragon Singers and set to an Emily Dickinson poem. Tickets: £12. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk / paragonsingers.co.uk RACHMANINOV: LITURGY OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey Bath Bach Choir presents two exciting, contrasting works that share a warm and moving sense of humanity – Rachmaninov’s Liturgy of St John Chrysostom and Christopher Wood’s compelling Requiem, composed as a response to the death of The Queen Mother in 2002. Tickets: £8 – £24. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk WYJO, CLAIRE MARTIN OBE AND JASON REBELLO Sunday 25 March, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon For one night only, Claire Martin OBE and pianist Jason Rebello join WYJO as guest soloists for a concert of classic big band numbers, original compositions and special arrangements guaranteed to wow jazz lovers old and new. Tickets: £15/£13 family ticket/£9 U18s and students. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk Continued page 34 32 TheBATHMagazine

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WHAT’S | ON Produced by London West End director of 80s Mania, The Abba Reunion Tribute Show and Abba Mania, Carpenters Gold authentically performs their greatest hits, such as Goodbye to Love, Solitaire, We’ve Only Just Begun, and Top of the World. Tickets: £20. Tel: 01225 461700, visit: chapelarts.org

Gangsta Granny at Theatre Royal Bath

Image: Mark Douet

POP-UP BOWIE Saturday 14 April, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Paul Anthony was voted the UK’s No.1 David Bowie Tribute Act at the National Tribute Awards 2016. With a full band Paul will perform two hours of Bowie’s biggest hits taking the audience on a musical journey, experiencing the masterpieces that made the late, great David Bowie the legend he is today. Tickets: £21. Tel: 01225 461700, visit: chapelarts.org / popupbowie.co.uk PLANNING AHEAD... GANGSTA GRANNY Sunday 25 March – Sunday 1 April, times vary n Theatre Royal Bath David Walliams’ best-selling children’s story is brought to life onstage in the award-winning West End production. It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny. There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake – boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret, and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny. Tel: 01225 448844 or visit: theatreroyal.org.uk

TOM KERRIDGE PRESENTS PUB IN THE PARK Friday 8 – Sunday 10 June n Royal Victoria Park Join Tom Kerridge for a festival of top tunes and amazing food. Razorlight, Squeeze, Tom Odell, Melanie C, and Scouting for Girls top the music line-up, and you can enjoy great food from pop-up pubs – including Tom Kerridge’s The Hand & Flowers and The Coach. See Tom and other top UK chefs including Paul Ainsworth and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown live on stage, plus there’s loads of foodie shopping to enjoy. For tickets, visit: pubintheparkuk.com

BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL Tuesday 27 March – Sunday 15 April, times vary n Various locations Bath Comedy Festival will have you laughing your socks off as big and upcoming names arrive in the city. Star of Live At The Apollo and 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Jon Richardson will be at The Forum on Tuesday 27 March – this is sure to be a sell out, so be quick to get your tickets, and Have I Got News For You and Radio 4’s News Quiz regular Mark Steel will be popping up at St Margaret’s Hall in Bradford on Avon on Friday 13 April. Visit: bathcomedy.com to see the full programme and to book tickets.

FOREST LIVE Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 June n Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire The popular outdoor concert season is back for another year at Westonbirt Arboretum with a programme of artists that will surely get your toes tapping. Selling more than 29 million records worldwide and with four UK No 1 albums, Irish three-piece The Script will be kicking off the event on Thursday. Paul Heaton, one of the UK’s most successful songwriters, and Jacqui Abbott will take to the stage on Friday as a duo. BRIT-nominated and No 1 album selling soloist Paloma Faith will be performing on Saturday, and George Ezra – one of the biggest selling male artists of the decade – is scheduled for the Sunday. For tickets, tel: 03000 680400 or visit: forestry.gov.uk

TEDDY’S EASTER EGG-TRAVAGANZA Wednesday 28 March, 1.30 – 3pm n King Edward’s Pre-Prep and Nursery, Weston Lane, Bath Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of Easter crafts, adorable real chicks and an egg-citing Easter egg hunt. Tickets: £5, payable in advance to secure place, to book tel: 01225 421681. Free off-road parking available. Open to all families in Bath. Visit: kesbath.com GYPSY JAZZ Wednesday 28 March, 8pm n The Barley Mow, Bathwick Street, Bath Every fourth Wednesday of the month The Barley Mow puts on an evening of jazz. Free admission. Tel: 01225 464845, visit: thebarleymowbath.co.uk or foxymusic.net NEON DANCE: MAHAJANAKA Monday 2 April, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Neon Dance artistic director Adrienne Hart and composer Sebastian Reynolds collaborate with musicians and dance artists from Thailand and the UK to retell the story of Mahajanaka Jataka, a shipwrecked prince who survives alone at sea until the goddess of the ocean comes to his rescue. Tickets: £14/£7 U18s and students. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk CARPENTERS GOLD – LIVE IN CONCERT Friday 6 April, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath

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BATHIRON 2018 Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 June n Venues in Bath tbc The National Heritage Ironwork Group is proud to announce its first major event, BathIRON, aimed at heritage professionals, practitioners and the public, it is a unique opportunity to engage in something truly spectacular. Visit: nhig.org.uk RACE FOR LIFE Sunday 8 July n Royal Victoria Park Challenge yourself to a 5k or 10k Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK and help beat cancer. Entry fees: £10 for children and £14.99 for women. To sign up go to: raceforlife.org BATH PRETTY MUDDY AND PRETTY MUDDY KIDS Sunday 23 September n Bath Racecourse Pretty Muddy isn’t like any other fundraising event. It’s a muddy obstacle course that women of any ability can climb over, crawl under, and charge through. For the first time in Bath there will be Pretty Muddy Kids, which is a new exciting obstacle course designed just for children – with added mud, thrills and spills. Pretty Muddy Kids is £10 for kids, and Pretty Muddy is £19.99 for adults. To sign up go to: raceforlife.org n

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ROYAL | FASHION

DRESSING TO IMPRESS

Jessica Hope delves into the royal wardrobe at the Fashion Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest exhibition to discover how the public duties of four generations of royal women impacted on their style 36 TheBATHMagazine

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ROYAL | FASHION

ameras flashed incessantly, people squeezed their way to the front of the gathering crowds, and photographers jostled to get the perfect shot of the royal appearance. All eyes were on Princess Margaret as she stepped out in front of the crowds surrounding the London Coliseum in the summer of 1953. Looking effortlessly glamorous in a strapless evening dress by British fashion designer Norman Hartnell, Margaret was attending a production of Guys and Dolls with her sister, The Queen, and Prince Philip – but you wouldn’t have guessed that her sister and brotherin-law were in attendance that night as all the cameras were pointing at Margaret. This public event took place just weeks after stories were leaked in the press regarding Margaret’s relationship with the supposedly unsuitable Peter Townsend, and everyone wanted a photo of Margaret for their front page. “Everyone was so determined to get a photograph of Margaret on that night that there’s barely any photographic evidence of The Queen or Prince Philip even being there,” says Elly Summers, curator of the new Royal Women exhibition at the Fashion Museum in Bath. “I think Margaret stepping out in this dress just shows how she was determined to put her royal duties first and wasn’t going to hide away about her personal life.” This dress, covered in an elegant black lace in a rose pattern, with a detailed sweetheart neckline, has become almost synonymous with the media frenzy that occurred after this gossip was made public, and is now on show in Bath. The recently opened exhibition showcases items that were all once worn or owned by the wives, daughters, sisters and mothers of monarchs, and draw on the museum’s extensive collection of royal clothing as well as some remarkable donations by members of the royal family and the Royal Collection. The exhibition follows four generations of royal dress from the mid-19th century with Alexandra of Denmark, through to 20th-century icons Queen Mary of Teck, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, finishing with a recent addition worn by Sophie, the Countess of Wessex. Whether they were making a statement to the media after a personal scandal, affirming their position as a queen, or seen as a symbol of hope during the dark days of austerity, these royals took great care in considering the cut, style and practicality of their dress at all times. The exhibition begins by exploring the style of Queen Alexandra, the wife of Edward VII. The Fashion Museum boasts one of the largest collections of her clothing, both formal and informal, in the world. Just three days after arriving in Britain in March 1863, Princess Alexandra of Denmark married Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, and became the first royal to be photographed wearing her wedding dress in British royal history. The dress, made by London dressmaker Mrs James of Belgravia, was covered in details of orange blossom and Devonshire Honiton lace, depicting the emblems of the British Isles, with layers of flowing material and a large, wide skirt which was typical of mid-19th century style in Britain. It could be argued that the symbolism of Alexandra’s wedding dress may have been Queen Victoria’s way of showcasing the princess as a member of the British royal family, in an attempt to mask Alexandra’s Danish family connections following the recent conflict between the Danes and Germans over the rulership of the regions of Schleswig and Holstein in Europe. The dress in question is the first piece on show in the exhibition and is on loan from the Royal Collection, and yet it looks rather different to how Alexandra wore it on her wedding day. Just days after her marriage, she had the dress remodelled – the oversized crinoline was removed, the skirt was shrunk down significantly and the lace was

stripped off, apart from on the neckline and sleeves, leaving THE ROYAL WARRANT: a shimmering cream, more streamlined, skirt underneath. Main image, Queen Alexandra’s tartan silk But why would a young princess have, of all things, her evening dress by wedding dress redesigned? “When Alexandra moved to Madame Elise, around Britain, she may not have had many possessions with her,” 1870, and lilac silk says Summers. “She may have needed more evening dresses dress with pearl to wear to all of the parties and events she would be invited trimmings by Morin to following her wedding, so remodelling her wedding Blossier, around 1893 dress into an evening wear dress seems likely.” Who knew This page, above, that Alexandra was a modern-day up-cycling icon? Princess Margaret’s Another key piece on display is a silk satin dress covered black lace evening in intricate beadwork and Swarovski crystals, previously dress, 1953, and one of worn by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1954. This Queen Alexandra’s ball gown, which was made by Hartnell (one of the The coronation gloves, embroidered in gold Queen Mother’s favourite designers), was worn when she metal thread and red was on tour of New York in November 1954. The Queen silk thread, 1902 Mother donated this dress to the museum when she officially opened it to the public in the 1950s when it was Images courtesy of initially based in Kent, before it moved to Bath in 1963. Fashion Museum Bath There are charming extracts on display from letters and Glove Collection Trust between the museum’s founder, Doris Langley Moore, and The Queen Mother following this donation. As this dress became such a hit with visitors, Langley Moore was thrilled when The Queen Mother agreed to donate another ball gown years later, expressing that it was an “admirable piece” for the museum’s collection, perfect for showing off The Queen Mother’s style and representing 1950s fashion. ➲

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ROYAL | FASHION

A silk satin evening dress designed by Norman Hartnell for The Queen Mother, 1954

Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

Queen Alexandra’s purple silk chiffon evening dress by Doeuillet, Paris, 1910

Arguably not as well known for her dress sense compared to the other royals featured in the exhibition, Mary of Teck’s style was almost formulaic and didn’t change a great deal despite the substantial shifts in fashion in the 20th century. During the First World War, Mary and her husband, George V, needed to realign themselves with the British people, especially owing to the royal family’s connections with Germany. In this sense, it is understandable that Mary’s dress became very tailored to reflect the popular feeling at the time, suggests Summers. Nevertheless, Mary wasn’t afraid to show off her more glamorous side. One dress in particular from the 1930s, heavily beaded and covered in black sparkles with hints of deep purple, with elegant black fur on the collar and cuffs, catches the light and oozes the more regal side of Mary’s style. Another dress donated by The Queen Mother is the one that Queen Mary wore to the wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947. This gold lamé and ivy-leaf design velvet dress originally had long sleeves (ideal for a cold November wedding), however only when putting the exhibition together did Summers and the curatorial team discover that the dress had been altered at a later date to create a short sleeved dress with caped sleeves. The final piece in the exhibition brings royal fashion into the modern day with an ensemble chosen by Sophie, the Countess of Wessex. The ecru dress and matching clutch 38 TheBATHMagazine

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bag, designed by British designer Bruce Oldfield, with wonderful intricate beadwork, and a Jane Taylor hat (a favourite milliner among current royals), was worn to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. The display finishes with a film of extraordinary British Pathé footage of all of the royals featured in the exhibition and, for a local touch, there’s a collection of photographs of these women on past visits to Bath – a personal favourite being a shot of The Queen Mother, with her characteristic beaming smile, stepping out of a helicopter onto the grass of the Royal Crescent. With two royal weddings planned for the coming year, we suspect that the public interest in royal women’s clothing shan’t be wavering anytime soon. Who knows, maybe Meghan Markle or Princess Eugenie’s wedding dresses will be on display in the Fashion Museum in years to come? n Royal Women is on at the Fashion Museum, Bath until April 2019. Exhibition included in admission to the museum, free for Discovery Card holders. Elly Summers will be giving a talk on Queen Mary’s fashion on Thursday 15 March, 6.15pm, and Deirdre Murphy, curator at Historic Royal Palaces will showcase dress worn by royal men on Thursday 29 March, 6.15pm, at the museum, tickets: £10/£8 concs. Visit: fashionmuseum.co.uk

Queen Mary's black and purple sequined evening dress, 1930s

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Bath at Work March Jane Tapley.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2018 17:14 Page 1

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BATH @ WORK

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

Jane Tapley

Special Events Organiser, Theatre Royal Bath

came to Bath from the Midlands in 1968 to study home economics and am still here after 50 years. I was told Bath was the graveyard to ambition, meaning that once you lived and worked here it was very hard to move away. The principal of the all-female college warned us about the dangers of drinking sherry with the opposite sex. Fortunately, I’ve never enjoyed this tipple so have avoided the associated consequences… In the mid-80s, after training as a Blue Badge guide, I offered my services as a volunteer guide at the theatre. I had always loved watching drama in my home town, so this was a good way of reconnecting with my favourite pastime. In 1987 the job of education officer came up and with my teaching and guiding experience my application was successful. Apart from liaising with schools I also visited lots of groups such as WIs in the evenings and promoted visits to the theatre with illustrated talks. Homemade tea and cakes at the end of the evening was always a bonus. After several years I wanted to expand my lecturing beyond Bath while still working for the theatre as it was now in my blood, so I invented the role of special events organiser and began staging literary events during the day. Working with publishers and authors for the last 25 years has given me the opportunity to interview famous actors such as Alec Guinness and Peter O’Toole – who were far more nervous than myself at having to be themselves on stage. A number of politicians and two ex-prime ministers, Ted Heath and John Major, have visited and of course they are never short of things to say and have no nerves. Lord Snowdon, on the other hand, was extremely nervous and needed a lot of TLC to convince him to be interviewed about his book of photographs of famous thespians. One of my favourite authors is Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, who read history at Cambridge and writes fast-paced history books for the layman in a non-academic style. Another is Terry Waite, a giant of a man at 6ft 7in and a brilliant storyteller. His account of his time in captivity in Beirut is one of the best documents of human survival I have ever read. In my 30 years at the theatre I have seen more than 300 plays. During this time I interviewed theatre critic Michael Billington about his favourite 100 plays – he has watched and reviewed more than 900 during his career, so this interview was a fascinating challenge. Over the years I have also been a theatrical landlady and have accommodated many of the performers, their dogs, cats, babies and partners. My late husband Peter was a hotelier and together we enjoyed hosting such a variety of interesting guests. The theatre has also enabled me to develop a series of lectures based on theatrical and literary figures and I have travelled the world doing this. However, I’m always pleased to return to Bath and to the theatre which has been so much a part of my life for half a century. PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic. Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151 THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

THAT SPRING FEELING March brings a burst of colour to Bath’s art scene in time for the new season MODERN ARTBUYER POP-UP 23 Milsom Place, Bath Open everyday, Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm Web: modernartbuyer.com/blog On until Sunday 11 March Modern ArtBuyer, the Bath-based online art gallery and consultancy, will be showing a selection of contemporary artworks in a vibrant pop-up gallery. The gallery will showcase exceptional paintings and prints from collectable artists including Maria Rivans, Bonnie and Clyde, Jonathan Barber, Paul Minott, Paul Bennett, Jane Emberson, Chuck Elliott and Emma Cowlam. Wild Sea by Elaine Jones Mango and Rice Paddies by Anthony Fry

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Open: daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) Web: holburne.org ANTHONY FRY: A RETROSPECTIVE On until Sunday 7 May The first museum retrospective of the painter Anthony Fry (1927–2016), who lived and worked near Bath for 60 years, and who made pictures that expressed his principal inspiration of travel. His early work, dominated by dancing figures, reflects the landscape of Tuscany. From the late 1980s his painting is characterised by strong, intense colour, influenced by the landscapes and culture of India, Morocco and the Sahara Desert, and Andalucía. LIGHTING UP THE STAGE: STARS OF THE GEORGIAN THEATRE On until Sunday 3 June Somerset Maugham’s collection of theatrical portraits was acquired by the Holburne in 2010 and contains key works by Johan Zoffany, including portraits of David Garrick and the 18th-century small scale portraitist Samuel de Wilde. The theatrical portraits immortalise stars of the 18th and 19th century stage, often in moments of high drama.

THE EDGE The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm Tel: 01225 386777 Web: edgearts.org JERWOOD DRAWING PRIZE On until Thursday 29 March The Edge is hosting the Jerwood Drawing Prize for the second year, including hand-drawn, digital and three-dimensional works from 65 emerging and established UK artists. As the largest and longest-running open exhibition of drawing in the UK, it is committed to championing excellence and celebrating the breadth of contemporary drawing practice. Free admission.

Gary Lawrence, First Prize, Jerwood Drawing Prize, photographed by Anna Arca

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS’ ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION Victoria Art Gallery, by Pulteney Bridge Open: daily, 10.30am – 5pm Web: bsartists.co.uk Saturday 24 March – Saturday 12 May This highly popular exhibition showcases the best of the region’s artistic talent. The society has grown from 26 members in 1904 to a membership of around 120 diverse, talented artists. The annual exhibition, which is open to non-members, attracts up to 1,000 entries, with sales doubling in the last few years. Application forms are also available from the gallery. The prizes on offer total more than £3,000. During the exhibition members of the public can vote for their favourite artwork, the winner receiving the Public Choice Prize.

Stormy Sky by Jennifer Davidson

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➲

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Lecture Series 2017/18

The Drama Behind the Taj Mahal: Mughal Paintings and the Life and Times of Emperor Shah Jahan

Join us for a journey through The Padshahnma, The Emperorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique official history illustrated with the finest paintings depicting his life and reign.

lecturer: James Russell at

1.30pm on Monday 5th March 2018 at

The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street Bath Visitors welcome ÂŁ10 at the door (No Booking required)

www.theartssocietybath.com

Celebrating 50 years of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Still Life with Apricots Pear and Coﬀee by Lynne Cartlidge

BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR The Pavilion, Bath Open: Friday 9 – Sunday 11 March, opening times vary Trade preview Thursday 8 March Web: bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk After 29 years, the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is still the leading regional event to beat, where you can find rustic to refined English Country House pieces, mid-century design, industrial chic, Swedish period painted furniture, period portraits and perennially fashionable crusty iron garden furniture. Also on show are farm tables, marine and advertising ephemera, pub signs, expertly re-upholstered antique sofas and large-scale library furniture, all re-imagined by a new generation of decorators and collectors. Complimentary tickets available online.

AXLE ARTS

La Place – 19th century Dutch display cabinet and French canape

Leighton Road, Weston, Bath Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm by appointment Tel: 01225 461230, web: axlearts.com LYNNE CARTLIDGE Throughout March Lynne Cartlidge’s gentle still-life and flower studies with their soft translucent colour and painterly brush strokes perfectly reflect the burgeoning signs of spring. Her supple mark-making is abstracted with sensitive and often feathered lines, revealing influences from Chinese brush paintings and calligraphy gleaned from her travels across China. As a result, her paintings appear to shimmer and vibrate, creating an almost dreamlike experience. Cartlidge was elected a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Arts (RCA) in 2017.

Pimms by Mo Lancaster

VICTORIA ART GALLERY By Pulteney Bridge, open: daily, 10.30am – 5pm Tel: 01225 477233, web: victoriagal.org.uk MO LANCASTER: LINOCUTS Until Wednesday 14 March Mo has always been fascinated by printmaking and specialises in reduction linocut, producing small hand-printed limited editions. She draws and observes women together and is amused by the camaraderie and the way they interact. ENTERTAINMENT IN BATH Until Wednesday 14 March Based on works in the gallery’s collection, as well as loans from the National Portrait Gallery and Royal Collection Trust. The exhibition depicts the creative stars of Georgian Bath and the venues where they performed, and touches upon some of the less obvious pastimes in the city, from gambling and prostitution to learned societies and chapels. 44 TheBATHMagazine

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ADAM GALLERY John Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm Tel: 01225 480406, web: adamgallery.com RICHARD CARTWRIGHT Until Friday 16 March Richard Cartwright studied at Goldsmith’s School of Art and now lives and works in Bristol. Working often in pastel, Richard gives each painting an intensity of colour and atmosphere that radiates from the careful layering of the medium. His use of light is enchanting, giving the pictures a romantic and mysterious atmosphere. The absence of daylight draws attention to the moonlight in the landscapes and the subdued lighting in the intimate interiors.

Beach At Midnight by Richard Cartwright

WALLER & WOOD 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm, Sunday, 12pm – 4pm Tel: 07803 033 629 Web: wallerandwood.co.uk VENICE Throughout March An exhibition of painted cloth for walls, shawls and clothing by Carole Waller inspired by the colours, images and textures of Venice. Waller & Wood is the new name of One Two Five Gallery and specialises in the original clothing and glass work by Carole and ceramics by Gary Wood, with a spectacular collection of unusual contemporary jewellery, including local artist, Annie Beardsley. ➲

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4 Abbey Green Bath open wednesday to sunday

‘VENICE’ - a collection of original clothes for Spring 2018 by Carole Waller in the shop from March 8th www.carolewaller.co.uk

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

BEAUX ARTS

Choices by Nick Cudworth

York Street, Bath, open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm Tel: 01225 464850, web: beauxartsbath.co.uk ADAM BUICK Throughout March Within his spherical canvas, and inspired by the old Korean moon jar form, Adam Buick’s pots are diverse in scale and texture, and exquisite in their making. They reflect the Pembrokeshire landscape and embody its natural rhythms and cycles, its tracks and pathways, its stone and clay. In 2017 Adam was awarded the Creative Wales Award from the Arts Council of Wales, a prize which encourages established artists to experiment in their work. His work is in the collections of Chatsworth House, the National Museum of Wales and The British Museum, among many others.

THE ARTS SOCIETY BATH LECTURE SERIES 2017/18

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY London Street, top of Walcot Street, Bath Closed on Mondays Tel: 01225 445221 Web: nickcudworth.com Throughout March Nick Cudworth will be exhibiting a variety of his original oil paintings together with signed limited edition prints. The images range from buildings and streets within Bath and views of the surrounding countryside. Other interests cover music, portraits and still life. The print of Choices is taken from the original pastel painting and has a relevance to International Women’s Day on 8 March.

THE DRAMA BEHIND THE TAJ MAHAL The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, on Monday 5 March, 1.30pm The Padshahnama is the unique history of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled India from 1628 – 1658. He is best remembered for the building of the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Padshahnama is illustrated with 44 of the finest Mughal paintings in the world, vividly depicting the dramatic events in the emperor’s reign and the years before. Most of the important individuals in Shah Jahan’s court can be identified and the paintings tell the remarkable story of the intrigues of court life as well as the Emperor’s Coronation, bloody battles and hunting scenes. The book was given to King George III in 1797 by the ruler of the north Indian state of Oudh. With lecturer Oliver Everett. All welcome, £10 on the door. Visit: bathdfas.com

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm, closed Wednesday and Sunday Tel: 01225 460189 Visit: davidsimoncontemporary.com

MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART Bennett Street, Bath Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, 12 – 5pm Web: meaa.org.uk DRESSED TO IMPRESS: NETSUKE AND JAPANESE MEN’S FASHION On until Saturday 22 April The museum has teamed up with the British Museum for this unusual exhibition of small but intricate netsuke from Japan. These tiny sculptural creations were made to fasten men’s clothing and tobacco pouches, before becoming highly collectable items. This fascinating museum has some exquisite and delicate pieces and, just inside the main door, there’s free access to the museum shop which is packed with unusual items for presents. 46 TheBATHMagazine

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DIANA MATTHEWS Friday 9 March – Monday 9 April Diana Matthews, who studied at the Bath Academy of Art in the 1950s, has completed a new series of semi-figurative paintings. Using the composition as a vehicle for exploring abstract form and tonal study, this body of work includes still lifes set against backdrops of architectural studies of Bath and Florence; simplified objects and pure abstract paintings. To accompany this, Erica Timothy’s ceramic vessels and abstract forms will be on display.

At the Harbourside by Diana Matthews

THE BATH ROYAL LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION 16 Queen Square, Bath Web: brlsi.org BRLSI MEMBERS ART EXHIBITION Thursday 22 March – Friday 13 April, 10am – 4pm There will be an exquisite variety of works from professional and award-winning artists, including west country based Victoria Gamberoni who will be raffling one of her paintings from the exhibition. Tickets for the raffle available from the BRLSI reception. Works in the exhibition include oils, watercolours, sculptures, ceramics and other media. Free entry.

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nick cudworth gallery

Littleton Wood Barns/Spring

MARCH EXHIBITION 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31 March An exhibition of paintings and prints by Nick which reflect his interest in a variety of subjects including rural views in and around Bath

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

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CITY | HISTORY

A CIVIL WAR?

This year is the 375-year anniversary of the Battle of Lansdown Hill, which took place during the English Civil War. Historian Catherine Pitt uncovers the development of the battle and identifies opposing personal loyalties behind the military displays of warfare...

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These two generals were Sir William Waller (1597–1668) who fought for parliament (the Roundheads) and Sir Ralph Hopton (1596–1652) who fought for the king (the Cavaliers/Royalists). Both had served in the Thirty Years’ War (1614–1648) and it was in 1621 on an expedition that they met and became friends. The English Civil War was a battle of wills and ideologies – political, religious, social and economic. The king believed in his divine right to rule absolutely, and used parliament as a tool to enable his orders. Cromwell and his Puritan parliamentarians believed that the government and the

❝

In June 1643, Bath was in economic flux. On one hand there was a decline of the weaving and wool industry; on the other the healing thermal spring waters were bringing in the leisured, and moneyed, masses to the town

❝

s dawn rose on 5 July 1643, just five miles outside of Bath two armies faced each other on the surrounding hills. These weren’t foreign armies, but ordinary men, brothers and friends, torn apart by a parliamentary conflict created by the king, Charles I, and Oliver Cromwell. These armies were led by two generals, men who had once been friends and who would still have been if the political circumstances hadn’t divided them. In the words of Sir Thomas Knyvett in 1644: “Now there is so much declared as makes all officers in the Kingdom traitors of one side or the other.”

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CITY | HISTORY

religious systems of the day needed some drastic reforms. Civil War was officially declared by the king on 22 August 1642 in Nottingham. By November the same year the king had retreated from London to Oxford after being overwhelmed by the parliamentarian support in the capital. As Civil War was declared, the Somerset Assizes were taking place in Bath. The county’s highest officials were present in the town (as Bath was then) and as such could declare almost immediately that the county was, in the majority, for parliament’s cause. England in the 1640s had no retained army at the king’s (or parliament’s) disposal. The swift decision on which side the county supported gave valuable time for the upper classes to plan ahead and gather men and form armed regiments. Bath had a large Puritan community mainly due to its weavers and merchants, many of whom had fled religious persecution in Europe in the 16th century. There were however political divisions in office. Henry Chapman, a Royalist, sat on Bath Council with his brother-in-law Matthew Clift who supported parliament. Other relations to Chapman also stood for varying factions. The officials in Bath loyally put duty before their personal beliefs and Bath therefore continued to function fairly normally during these exceptional circumstances with weekly markets and regular council gatherings. Bath in the early 17th century was a small town of around 2,000 people, most of whom were contained within just 24 acres inside medieval gates and walls. There were some peripheral inhabited areas such as

Broad Street where the weavers lived, and parishes such as Walcot, Widcombe and Twerton. Bath was the gateway to and from the west country, a strategically important crossroads for both river traffic and road. The Fosse Way from Exeter led through to the Midlands, the Via Julia from South Wales and the main London to Bristol road passed through it too. A healthy army was important and Bath had fresh water springs that supplied the population with uncontaminated water, keeping disease at bay. Other natural resources, food and grazing land made Bath a key site. The local authorities tried to recompense locals for their losses but for some, like Bath butcher John Russell, who had supplied the garrison with beef at a cost of £3.10s.0d (more than £300 today), it wasn’t until the war had ended, after much petitioning, that he got paid. In June 1643 Bath was in economic flux. On one hand there was a decline of the weaving and wool industry; on the other the healing thermal spring waters were bringing in the leisured, and moneyed, masses to the town. The war, however, had put a temporary halt to Bath’s development as a spa resort. The lodgings built to accommodate the growing numbers of spa seekers were now used to billet uncouth and boorish soldiers. This influx doubled Bath’s population. Soldiers occupied any available spaces including churches and the Abbey, and the baths were used to help cure the army’s injured. There was a fear that bored and underpaid troops would cause havoc and disruption to Bath. The Mayor, John Biggs, in 1646 wrote: “We have now 400 in the

town and many more coming… God protect us from pillage.” Money was constantly demanded from the population, by both king and Cromwell, for soldiers’ pay and upkeep. Bath seems to have been spared the worst of troop behaviour, unlike the ransacking and burning of buildings at Gloucester. The only visible damage that can still be seen today occurred during the Royalist occupation of Bath (1643–1645) and was to the effigy of Waller on his first wife’s tomb in Bath Abbey, which had been deliberately defaced. In preparation for war, the walls and gates of Bath were repaired and strengthened where required. The local militia trained just outside the walls on drilling meadows like Butt Hayes which lay just outside of the West Gate. Bath’s armourer, John Gray, was instructed by the corporation to ensure that the arsenal kept at the Guildhall was kept in good working order. After the Battle of Stratton (16 May 1643), which saw victory for the Royalists in what had been a parliamentarian Cornwall and Devon, both armies began to move north. The Royalists under Hopton aimed to take control of the South West on the way to Oxford where they would join forces with the king and march on London. Cromwell’s Roundheads tactically withdrew northward in the hope of protecting the rest of the counties in the West. Waller arrived in Bath around June. By this point Hopton had captured Taunton and Wells and was heading toward Waller. Waller had suffered heavy losses to his infantry at Stratton, so asked General Fiennes at Bristol for reinforcements. Fiennes sent Waller only 500 men, which

OPPOSITE: An illustration re-enacting the famous battle fought on the hills above Bath © Stephen Beck RIGHT: The monument on Lansdown c. 1760, built in 1720 in memory of Civil War commander and Royalist Sir Bevil Grenville

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CITY | HISTORY

SIR WILLIAM WALLER (1597–1668)

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Under a volley of artillery fire from above, the pikemen began to make their slow but determined ascent up Lansdown Hill, followed by the infantry and artillery

SIR RALPH HOPTON (1596–1652)

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• Battle of Lansdown(e) troop numbers: 1,500 foot soldiers, 2,500 cavalry Advantage: • Was positioned at the highest point of Lansdown Hill • Held Bath • Had Sir Arthur Haselrig's Cavalry unit – known as the London Lobsters – the Cuirassiers (rode on horseback in full plated armour). Disadvantage: • Fewer troops than Hopton.

meant Waller was short of 2,500 compared to Hopton’s 4,000 foot soldiers. On 2 July Hopton and his Royalist army had taken Bradford on Avon and were breathing down Waller’s neck. Waller headed to Claverton Down, just two miles from Bath, where pockets of both armies clashed in skirmishes. Hopton realised he wasn’t going to get into Bath via this route so decided to head north so that he could take it from a different position. Waller, anticipating the Royalists’ move to higher ground, marched his men and artillery to Lansdown Hill, five miles north of Bath, where on 4 July he ordered his troops to build earth and stone defences at the summit. As dawn broke on 5 July, Hopton had positioned himself and his troops on Freezing Hill, just opposite Waller’s army. Here these two men stood as enemies rather than as friends. Three weeks before the battle commenced, perhaps in anticipation of its inevitability, Waller wrote to Hopton expressing his regret at the situation. We don’t have Hopton’s reply, if any, to this letter. “God…knows with what a sad sense I go upon this service and with what a perfect hatred I detest this war without an enemy… we are both upon the stage and must act those parts that are assigned to us in this tragedy…whatsoever the issue be, I shall never willingly relinquish the dear title of your most affectionate friend.” [Sir William Waller, 15 June 1643] For around two to three hours the armies faced each other. Small pockets of cavalry and infantrymen were sent out to scout.

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Through the smoke, blood, flying limbs and earth, the Royalists kept pushing onwards. Grenville’s pikemen formed a defensive stand and held back three counter-attacks by Waller’s Cuirassiers

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• Parliamentarian (Roundhead)

There were a number of skirmishes but this just heightened the tension. Hopton decided that although he was at an advantage with numbers the escarpment up Lansdown Hill was too steep to risk his troops on. Eyewitness soldier Richard Atkyns wrote it was as “steep as the eaves of a house.” Woodland also protected Waller either side giving cover for his musket-men. Hopton began to withdraw his troops to nearby Marshfield. Seeing this, Waller ordered an attack. This move caused chaos and confusion to the Royalist cavalry. However, a regiment of Cornish pikemen under the command of Sir Bevil Grenville held their ground until the cavalry had regrouped. Seeing his troops engaged in battle, Hopton ordered his men to push on toward Lansdown Hill. The Cornish pikemen were flanked by the Royalist dragoons and cavalry. Under a volley of artillery fire from above, the pikemen began to make their slow but determined ascent up Lansdown Hill, followed by the infantry and artillery. As they reached the top of the escarpment they were faced with the full force of the parliamentarian arsenal.

Through the smoke, blood, flying limbs and earth, the Royalists kept pushing onwards. Grenville’s pikemen formed a defensive stand and held back three counterattacks by Waller’s Cuirassiers (known as the Lobsters due to their full-length armour plating) under the command of Sir Arthur Haselrige. During the third and final attack. Grenville was mortally wounded – it is his monument seen today at the battlefield site. Faced with the full might of Hopton’s Royalist army, Waller tactically withdrew his army back a few hundred yards behind a stone wall. Fighting continued. Only darkness prevented the battle continuing.

• Royalist (Cavalier) • Battle of Lansdown(e) troop numbers: 4,000 foot soldiers, 2,000 cavalry and 300 dragoons Advantage: • Had Sir Bevil Grenville's unit of Cornish Pikemen • Had more troops than Waller Disadvantage: • Short of ammunition • Needed to deal with the steep escarpment of Lansdown Hill

Although Waller had suffered much fewer losses than Hopton’s army, his army was still at a statistical disadvantage. Under cover of night Waller headed with his army back to Bath, leaving behind burning wall torches to emulate an encampment. Hopton discovered the trick in the morning, but it was too late. Although neither side had declared victory, Hopton chose not to pursue Waller into Bath. The number of dead sustained by the Royalists meant his army needed time to recover and fresh recruits sent in. Hopton also found himself seriously injured by a huge gunpowder explosion on 6 July. Waller sent word that Hopton could make use of the spa waters in Bath for his injuries, but this was ignored and Hopton moved his troops towards Chippenham. The two generals faced each other again a few days later at the Battle of Roundway near Devizes (13 July 1643) which ended with the Royalists definitively victorious. Hopton headed to Bath to take control. The gates were opened with little resistance. Just as before, the corporation got on with the daily matters at hand regardless of which army held the town. After the execution of Charles I in 1649, Hopton chose to flee to the Continent where he died in 1652. During Cromwell’s Protectorate (1653–1658) Waller changed his allegiance and eventually became one of the men who helped negotiate the return of the monarchy in 1660. Despite its declaration for parliament in 1642, Bath became one of the first places in England to declare for King Charles II upon the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. n

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BOOKS | IN FOCUS

A GEORGIAN JOURNAL

A newly published journal edited by Jude Harris holds a rich store of commentary, observations and musings from a Georgian gentleman of Bath, Edmund Rack

dmund Rack (1735–1787) wrote a vivid journal at the end of 1779. His handwritten manuscript, housed in the Bath Record Office, gives a glimpse into Bath during the Enlightenment. Bath was being remodelled in this era – medieval buildings were being torn down and the city was being reinvented with harmonious squares, streets and crescents. Members of society were arriving daily to indulge in balls, card games, concerts and the rituals of convalescence. He noted: “When the country is most dreary this city is most pleasant – every coffee house, billiard room, publick library, long rooms etc is chearful and filld with gentlemen”. Rack roamed the streets, ever observant, often amused by people’s behaviour, and mischievous in his remarks.

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There is more enjoyment in one evenings company with men of sense and learning than in an age spent among blockheads

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This journal is an illustrated account of Rack’s day-to-day movements, an intriguing mix of the humdrum and the consequential. One moment he is protesting at the outrageous price of a new foodie fad in the market, chickens fattened with

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almonds and raisins, the next he is revealing his thoughts on science, morality and civilisation. An enlightened Quaker, he is disapproving of gambling, on which Bath’s economy depended. Through Rack’s eyes we experience an energetic and optimistic age, when the Enlightenment was stimulating new ways of thinking and doing things, investigating the natural world and changing the way that people lived. Knowledge and ideas were being shared and freely debated. “There is more enjoyment in one evenings company with men of sense and learning than in an age spent among blockheads”, he commented. Rack would walk in the valleys around Bath, observing the natural world and finding specimens for his collection of botany and geology. He attended lectures where displays of the new marvel of electricity were staged: “firing pistols, cartridges, etc, and lighting candles by the electrical sparks”. He experimented with light in the company of Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen, and William Herschel, the astronomer who would shortly discover a new planet, Uranus. Endlessly curious, Rack also wrote poetry, essays, letters (more than a thousand in two years) and a book of moral advice for the young. The son of a Norfolk weaver, with a minimum of education, Rack possessed the good manners of a gentleman yet, as was the Quaker way, he did not defer to people of wealth and title. While admiring people of learning, he liked to relax

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with his friends and a pipe in front of the fire, swapping ideas on topics such as: “politics, authorship, shopkeeping, free will, red herrings, the nature of light, and the circulation of the blood in a frogs foot”. This contemporary Georgian account of everyday life in Bath over 200 years ago is an illuminating and engaging guide. n

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Portrait of Edmund Rack by Lewis Vaslet © Royal Bath & West of England Society; illustration by William Hogarth from The Analysis of Beauty 1753, Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution; Illustration, coaches arriving from The Comforts of Bath by Thomas Rowlandson, courtesy of Yale Centre for British Art

LEFT: The new book, edited by Jude Harris, transcribed from an original manuscript by Trevor Fawcett

The Journal of Edmund Rack (£10) launches on 24 March at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution with three talks on Bath in the 1780s. 10.30am – 1pm, tickets £6/£4 from BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HN. Tel: 01225 463362; web: brlsi.org

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We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £40.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £70.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00 To subscribe to receiving the magazine go to our website; www.thebathmag.co.uk and scroll to the bottom of the page where you can click to an instant link Alternatively send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 01225 424 499 for card payment

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

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THE FUTURE OF FOOD

What will be the next big food trend? What will we be wanting to load in our supermarket trolleys in 2018 and beyond? Melissa Blease investigates and encounters some timely advice from our local food experts

owards the end of last year, Tim Lang, Erik Millstone and Terry Marsden – three UK professors and influential food policy academics – published a report suggesting that the UK government is “sleepwalking into a post-Brexit future of insecure, unsafe and increasingly expensive food supplies, with little idea how it will replace decades of EU regulation on the issue.” The authors concluded that the UK is in danger of returning to a volatility around food supplies last seen in the 1930s, calling the scale of the challenge “unprecedented for an advanced economy outside of wartime.” At around the same time, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic after scientists and researchers at the University of Glasgow discovered the strongest evidence yet of a clear connection between the over-consumption of processed meats and certain types 54 TheBATHMagazine

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of cancer. In the lead up to Christmas, demand for Food Bank services across the UK soured to new heights as lowincome families hit crisis point. A plastic food packaging catastrophe is blighting our oceans, killing marine life and entering the food chain; a massive rise in diet-related illnesses are stretching UK health care provision to breaking point... and a rising global population is putting more and more demand on dwindling food supplies. Are we in crisis? It’s certainly looking that way. How on earth can we future-proof our food supply? “Issues around food and agriculture in the UK are at a crossroads right now,” says Ped Asgarian, managing director of the Community Farm: a community-owned social enterprise based in Chew Magna. “As Brexit approaches, we'll be faced with many questions as to how we want to shape farming on this island for the foreseeable future, for the protection of our soil and the countryside,

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A beetroot and radish salad from Demuths Cookery School is a healthy staple; raw, vegan and gluten-free fermented drinks from Bath Culture House; these gözleme are a simple and cleansing Turkish-inspired recipe from Demuths; and delicious vegan cakes full of wholesome ingredients

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for the real cost of unsubsidised farming and food, for food poverty and security – and for our health. Brexit will, without a doubt, change the price of imported produce into this country and withdraw all current subsidies from farming. We’ll address the latter by creating our own system of subsidies which may be less lucrative for farmers, many of whom rely on this as an income stream to make profits. However, we’ll be presented with the opportunity to create a system that rewards good soil health, decreases reliance on the use of antibiotics and pesticides and encourages new entrants into smaller scale agro-ecological farming, which could have the knock-on effect of increasing countryside bio-diversity, addressing the loss of indigenous birds and small mammals, and improving the general health of the population through access to food which is seasonal, fresher and less contaminated.” Ali Wylde, marketing director at Southstoke-based global superfood brand Naturya, recognises Brexit as a serious challenge, too. “We source our superfoods directly from many developing countries across the world, providing a premium to farmers that offers them a better income for their families and local communities over cheaper, commoditised cash crops. “We also preserve and process the foods at harvest, making them more concentrated, lighter to transport and virtually waste-free – at the moment 33% of fresh fruit and vegetables are wasted in the global supply chain. “But Brexit presents a real threat to this model. We’ve already seen prices rise due to uncertainty, which we’ve absorbed as a business to protect our consumers. But as an SME (small or medium-sized enterprise), it’s difficult to sustain. We’re preparing for a range of Brexit outcomes to ensure we maintain our high-quality products and ethical way of doing business, but it’s a struggle for sure.” Ali predicts, however, that positive changes in the way we eat will naturally lead to positive benefits. “The strongest trend impacting food, consumers and retailers right now is the demand for healthier food,” she says. “The rise in diabetes, obesity and heart disease is impacting individual perceptions of health in the UK, and more people are putting preventative measures in place. Simply eating more plants – a more achievable goal than becoming strictly vegetarian or vegan – is an obvious health message, and the benefits are clear. Plants contain an incredible matrix of micronutrients that also help address other health issues such as low energy levels, increased stress and anxiety and the desire to keep fit and active.” Largely thanks to the internet, TV, press and media in general, we’re all more aware of how mass food production works, and how dramatically it affects our health and the environment,” says Lydia Downey, lead chef/head tutor at Demuths Vegetarian Cookery School. “As a result, the majority of people coming to DVCS right now are ‘flexitarians’ – meat eaters who want to reduce the amount of meat they consume while increasing their

intake of vegetables and pulses. We’ve also seen a huge rise in demand for vegan classes as more and more people are choosing to cut back on meat and dairy products too, for both health and ethical reasons.” So little wonder, then, that owner and chef of Acorn Restaurant Richard Buckley’s new book Plants Taste Better (published this month by Jacqui Small) is already hotly tipped to be one of the biggest best-selling new cookery books of 2018, while sales of highly processed ‘meat substitutes’ are predicted to plummet. But despite the predictions about us all soon tucking into Bushtucker Trial-style suppers of crickets, locusts and grasshoppers, edible insects haven't quite trended in the west country... yet. “It's time to stop asking why real food is so expensive and start asking why processed food is so cheap,” says ➲

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ABOVE LEFT: Plantbased food will continue as a strong trend – it’s all about getting farming, and our own bodies, back into a natural balance ABOVE: Our farming techniques need to encourage new smaller scale agroecological farming, which will introduce biodiversity and improve people’s general health

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Lucie Cousins, founder of Bath Culture House and producer of her own Fabulously Fermented range. “We have two homes: our body and this planet – it is our responsibility to look after both. One food subject close to my heart is food waste, which could be reduced right across the supply chain simply by supermarkets selling misshapen fruit and vegetables. So much fresh food is thrown away and money lost by UK farmers due to supermarkets demanding ‘perfect’ produce. But we don’t need catwalk model-style carrots – we just want locally sourced, affordable, seasonal, wholesome vegetables.” FoodCycle – a national, charitable network that has long-established hubs in both Bath and Bristol – uses surplus food donated by local supermarkets to create

WILL HIGHAM Consumer Futurist, speaker, author and CEO of Next Big Thing, Will Higham predicts the shape of food to come in 2018

freshly prepared meals cooked by volunteers and served free (or for a minimum donation from those who can afford to contribute) at weekly supper clubs. “When we were first established in 2012, our first aim was to reduce the impact of food poverty, which has had more of a focus in Bath since the identification of an area of Twerton being classified as being in the top 10% of most deprived areas of the country,” says FoodCycle Bath hub leader Fiona Bell. “Obviously clearly linked to the first aim, we wanted to reduce food waste; it’s well known that perfectly healthy, edible food is being thrown away or passed to anaerobic digesters.” But while good practice regarding food waste is slowly emerging, supermarket support of charities isn’t quite as philanthropic as it seems; while Sainsbury’s donated nearly 3,000 tonnes of food to UK charities last year (up from 1,200 tonnes the year before), that was still is only 7% of its surplus food – almost nine times more than the donated amount went to anaerobic digestion, encouraged by perverse UK government subsidies that promote turning waste into fuel and fertiliser. Until we learn to properly appreciate the true cost of food production and address the issues of food waste and over-production of processed foods, we will struggle to get affordable food to all people,” says Ped Asgarian. “We must look to pioneering projects that are giving people access to food, and learn good practice. The way we approach food and cooking as a society needs a radical re-think too; we need to get better at managing our food budgets, planning meals and decreasing our reliance on cheap, fast food. Change is coming.” It is indeed – and we’re all hungry for it. n

ANCIENT WISDOM Growing concern with today’s society, from AI and automation to Trump and Brexit, has regenerated an interest in pre-modern/ technological ideas, accelerating the growing demand for traditional ways of doing things and leading to an increased focus on ancient herbs, grains and botanicals from millet and sorghum to farro, comfrey and astragalus. SPECIAL TEA Our need to customise and personalise our beverages will extend from coffee to tea in 2018 – we’re set to see growth in sales of cacao tea, dessert-flavoured tea, stone-rolled tea and medicinal teas that claim to boost our brain power. SO LONG SAUSAGES? The recent ‘clean-eating’ trend led to a keener interest regarding what’s in our food, which has promoted a clearer focus regarding how our food is made. Following reports of health risks around overly processed food, we’re starting to shun much-loved favourites such as pork pies and bacon; indeed, one major German sausage manufacturer recently expressed his fear that sausages might become “the cigarettes of the future”.

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LEFT: We have become used to perfectly proportioned vegetables in our supermarkets – food waste could be minimised if supermarkets were willing to take the naturally grown shape of vegetables – in all their glory

MINDFUL EATING Mindfulness was one of the biggest trends of the last five years, and 2018 will see similar principles extend to how we eat. Mindful eating – eating without distractions – is much better for our health than eating-while-watchingTV-and-scanning-Facebook; experts believe it’s also a great way to lose weight. Some even say that the Scandinavian mindful eating trend Fika – taking time out from work mid-morning to sit down with coffee and a pastry – might be the new Hygge. EAT SMARTER, SLEEP SMARTER With greater focus on our sleep patterns and a growing desire to make every moment count, we’ll soon be looking to make better use of the night time. Expect food that resuscitates us while we snooze, such as relaxing juices laced with melatonin or ‘recovery’ yoghurts, or at the very least food that doesn’t get in the way of our getting a good night’s sleep such as low-carb, high-protein bread for a late-night snack, to rise in popularity this year. • next-big-thing.net

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FOOD | AND | DRINK

FORWARD-THINKING FOODIES Melissa Blease meets ten local producers and initiatives who are changing the face of the food industry and tapping wholeheartedly into what’s important right now...

THE ETHICAL HOME DELIVERY SERVICE: FARMDROP This online ethical grocer sources and delivers food from local producers and farmers, bringing the makers and eaters of real food together to provide a better deal for all. Using a fleet of environmentally friendly electric delivery vans, the company can supply pretty much everything you’d buy in your weekly shop. Unlike a supermarket, however, Farmdrop is on a mission to fix and re-humanise what the company deems a broken food chain by only harvesting produce already purchased and giving farmers and producers an unprecedented 75% share of the retail profit. • farmdrop.com

THE ETHICAL, GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURS: NATURYA

THE FORAGING FAIRY: HEAVENLY HEDGEROWS Heavenly Hedgerows makes unique preserves and liqueurs solely using local, seasonal, naturally organic hedgerow berries and wild fruit. All of the awardwinning, preservative free produce is made in small batches in Chris Westgate’s family farmhouse in Keynsham, between Bristol and Bath. The range relies solely on the fruits’ natural pectin to provide clear, perfectly set preserves consistently praised for their unique balance of flavours, ethical production standards and support of sustainable foraging, all of which have earned this tiny little homegrown business national acclaim. • heavenlyhedgerows.co.uk

Based in Southstoke, Bath, Naturya source nutritionally dense vegan superfoods directly from developing countries across the world, forming an inherently sustainable supply chain and providing a premium to farmers for their grown and wild-harvested produce, which the company uses in an ever-expanding range of pre-packed berries, natural supplements, breakfast boosts, conserves and healthy snack bars. As 33% of fresh fruit and vegetables are wasted in the global supply chain, the company preserve and process the produce at harvest, so it becomes more concentrated and lighter to transport with virtually no wastage from ‘ugly’ fruit or spoiled plants. • naturya.com

THE QUINOA QUEENS: BATH FARM GIRLS Quinoa is an ancient, versatile, gluten-free ‘grain’ (which is actually technically a seed, and classed as a vegetable – not many people know that!). Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete, vegan protein source. Emily Addicott Sauvao, head honcho of Bath Farm Girls, is one of only a handful of farmers nurturing and promoting a crop that, until fairly recently, languished in the dusty corners of small independent health food shops without being given the full spotlight moment it so richly deserves. • bathfarmgirls.com 58 TheBATHMagazine

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THE SOCIALLY SIGNIFICANT SUPPER CLUB: FOODCYCLE BATH FoodCycle Bath – part of a national charitable network – aims to reduce the impact of food poverty, end food waste, offer volunteers the opportunity to gain useful skills and experience, develop communities and reduce social isolation. Between January and June of last year year, the Bath hub rescued three tonnes of surplus food donated by local supermarkets and, with the help of volunteers who accumulated more than 1,100 unpaid hours of time between them, served over 750 meals cooked in the kitchen at St Mary’s Catholic Church on Julian Road for people who, for a wide variety of reasons, quite simply needed to be there. • foodcycle.org.uk/location/bath

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THE EGGS FACTOR: NEW MACDONALD’S FARM New MacDonald’s Farm (based in South Wraxall, near Bradford on Avon/Bath) puts a fresh new spin on the age-old, classic nursery rhyme. It is a fully sustainable farm with a low carbon footprint working strictly to priorities based around high welfare. The team feed all their animals on an organic diet while supporting rare breeds that are at risk of dying out. Their hens’ beautiful, pastel-hued eggs have become the stuff of local foodie legend, while the quality, flavour and provenance of their poultry, pork and meat can only be described as superb. • 01225 519820 / 07454 124163 email: newmacdonadsfarm@mail.com

MAKING FERMENTATION FABULOUS: BATH CULTURE HOUSE Bath-born biologist and self-confessed fermentation geek Lucie Cousins produces an artisan, handcrafted range of raw, vegan and gluten-free, fermented food and drink that’s all natural, live and unprocessed. Lucie supplies many local outlets including Harvest Bath, Beyond the Kale and Farleigh Road Farm Shop, and spreads the fermentation and gut health message through public meet’n’greets at local markets and festivals. She also hosts Fermentation Workshops at Demuths Cookery School and is currently developing her timetable to include Tempeh and Tofu Workshops and Vegan Cheese Masterclasses. • Email: info@bathculturehouse.co.uk

BACK DOWN TO EARTH: THE COMMUNITY FARM This community-owned social enterprise grows a wide range of seasonal, organic food to be sold through a box delivery service and/or live and direct from their shop in Green Park Station, Bath. The enterprise also aims to help people develop a better understanding of where their food comes from, reconnect with the land on which their food is grown and learn more about sustainable farming courtesy of a number of events hosted at their Chew Magna base, alongside school visits and learning experiences that all aim to encourage a greater awareness of food and healthy eating amongst young people. • thecommunityfarm.co.uk

THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY INNOVATORS: 3 CAFÉ & KITCHEN Three Ways School (Odd Down, Bath) offers curriculum delivery to children and students with special educational needs aged from four to 19 years, supported by a team of staff and therapists who offer a wide level of expertise, enhanced by excellent facilities and resources. Last year – following a massive fundraising campaign – headteacher Julie Dyer’s vision of opening a communitybased training centre to allow students the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience (including accredited qualifications in subjects such as Food Hygiene) turned into a reality. Today, the lovely, lively 3 Café & Kitchen is a fully accessible café, shop and meeting space/events venue open to the public six days a week. • threeways.co.uk/parents-carer/three-cafe-and-kitchen

THE COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS: TRANSITION BATH This local, voluntary environmental organisation aims to harness the power of the local community in the fight against declining natural resources and increasing food and fuel costs. Three main groups (the Energy Group, the Transport and Built Environment Group and the Food Group) each run their own projects, with the Food Group bringing together all manner of facets from Guerilla Gardening and nuttery projects to courses on permaculture, food security and beekeeping, all actively educating the public about building resilience for a more sustainable future, while promoting and celebrating the multiple benefits of locally grown and sourced produce. • transitionbath.org n

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Food review March (The Circus).qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:50 Page 1

RESTAURANT | REVIEW

THE CIRCUS RESTAURANT 34 Brock Street, Bath, BA1 2LN. Tel: 01249 782206, Twitter: @CircusBath, visit: thecircusrestaurant.co.uk

R E V I EW

CIRCUS ENCHANTMENT

queezed into a gauzy oval, the moon looms above the monumental stone curve of The Circus. We see the gathering evening dusk and the reflected Bath-stone glow of the encircling architecture and feel an ancient connection – the architectural proportions of The Circus were indeed inspired by those of Stonehenge. Breaking away from the circle at the Brock Street entrance we quickly arrive at the other circus, The Circus restaurant. The warm, golden glow of the interior beneath its bottlegreen awning draws us in. Surprised at its size, simply because the restaurant’s reputation looms large in comparison, we are struck by the sense of polished, elegant bistro. There is a background of laid-back chatter and an atmosphere of poise and calm. Owners Ali and Geoffrey Golden, who bought the restaurant in 2007, define their culinary style as rooted in the recipes of classic chefs such as Elizabeth David and Jane Grigson, defined by the use of essential flavours and classic combinations. The menus change every month and, my word, there is a refined choice. I started off in Russia with zakuski (little Russian bites); Rob went to the metropolis with London Particular soup. The zakuski, my vegetarian choice, had multiple components and were a sight to behold. There were Georgian beans in plum sauce (bite and they dissolved in a tang on the tongue), Moldavian peppers (bright flashes 60 TheBATHMagazine

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of dusky flavour), a dome of beetroot and walnut purée, another of aubergine caviar scattered with pomegranate seeds, vodka olives (divine) and dill gherkins (long, thin strips of juicy crispness). The play of tastes was accomplished, just enough to give a starter hit without taking away the appetite. Zakuski are traditionally eaten in Russia to soften the impact of the iced vodka they are served with, but the vodka olives were all that was needed, along with our choice of Bordeaux Château Moulin de Mallet, Serge Couderc red wine. The London Particular soup is so named after the peasouper fogs – typically thick and yellow – that used to settle on London from the 1850s into the late 1950s. This one was made from split peas and home-cooked ham stock. Rob was an instant slave to its charms – it had abundant texture and real presence. I grabbed a spoonful in between a vodka olive and a Moldavian pepper for quality control, and agreed. My main course took me to Sri Lanka with a dal of red lentils, coconut and spinach served with squash and lime pickled rice, charred cauliflower and chickpeas in a chaat masala sweet and sour mango dressing. The squash and lime pickle rice blended immaculately with the dal, creating an overall spice-and-citrus-infused flavour that was light, fruity, uplifting and cleansing. Rob’s fillet steak of 28-day aged beef was pan-fried and served with Café de Paris butter, garlic mushrooms and fat chips. The

steak was tender and moist – it sliced with ease and the mushrooms endowed their garlic flavour with every bite. For dessert I opted for Yorkshire rhubarb crème brûlée and Rob selected posh breadand-butter pudding. The success of a crème brûlée undoubtedly hinges on the first crack of the brûlée shell and I was not disappointed as the deed was done and the creamy sweet interior exploded into the bowl. The rhubarb lurking within was an inspired addition, a delightful hidden texture. The bread and butter pudding was made with brioche, fresh pineapple, Mount Gay rum and vanilla custard, baked and glazed with ginger preserve. So a total reinvention of the Poor Man’s Pudding that this dish was once known as, and executed with finesse. As we left, we felt that our evening at The Circus had caught us up in a golden glow of culinary enchantment. There are no false airs here, just an unpretentious elegance that keeps the food experience pure. The ancient moon gazed down on us as we crossed The Circus once more. n Zakuski (little Russian bites) £6.50; London Particular Soup £6.10; Sri Lankan dal £17.30; Fillet steak with garlic mushrooms and fat chips £23.30; Yorkshire rhubarb crème brûlée £4.90; posh bread and butter pudding £4.90; Bordeaux Château Moulin de Mallet, Serge Couderc red wine £25.30 a bottle and £14.70 half a bottle.

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Bringing a little bit of Colombia to the UK Find us at 6 Abbey Gate Street, Bath BA1 1NP tel: 07534 391992 thecolombiancompany.com

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TRISTAN DARBY Our resident sommelier explores the difference between Syrah and Shiraz

nown in its French homeland as Syrah, the same grape has been cultivated in Australia since the 1830s, but is known there under the name Shiraz. There are legends surrounding its origins, with tales of knights, hermits and Iran’s ancient city of Shiraz, but DNA typing has proven the grape to be indigenous to France, the offspring of two varieties, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. One of the world’s most popular and widely planted grapes, Syrah wines can be found in Chile, Washington, South Africa, California, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Morocco, India, South Africa, Lebanon and Patagonia. There are no hard-and-fast rules about what grape name to pop on the label, but the use of Syrah might indicate a wine closer to France’s trademark black pepper and restrained fruit character, and Shiraz might (although not always) indicate a deeper, lush and intense fruit-forward wine. Here are a few fab bottles in different styles. First up, a light-on-its-feet Crozes-Hermitage from the Northern Rhone. Gilles Robin Papillon 2016 (£17.25, Great Western Wine) is made from this top producer’s best young Syrah vines. It’s a fantastically fruity, vibrant, unoaked expression of Syrah with a pretty perfumed smell of fresh raspberries, violets and black pepper. Silky and round in the mouth, it’s an utterly delicious fresh young Crozes. A pleasure on its own, or perhaps with spring lamb. At the other end of Syrah’s style spectrum is Vina Leyda Syrah Reserva 2014 (£10.95, GWW), dense, expressive and complex. The grapes are grown in Chile’s coastal Leyda Valley where the cooler climate helps retain a healthy amount of acidity to balance the dark fruit, black pepper, black olives, liquorice, herbs and roasted meat character. This Syrah delivers for the money – enjoy it alongside steak or roast lamb. Are You Game? Shiraz 2014 (£12.95, GWW) comes from Australia’s Strathbogie Ranges, 70 miles north west of Melbourne. Just north of the Great Dividing Range, the region’s cooler climate and slower ripening period makes elegant, perfumed and well-balanced wines. Here’s a refreshing and endlessly drinkable style of Shiraz that doesn’t lack in character or depth, with dark berries, plums, cherries, a hint of black pepper and spice. Their Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz (£23, GWW) has an elegant yet richer, more opulent style, with a deserved reputation as one of Australia’s best Shiraz. For a more traditional Aussie Shiraz, try the Heartland Shiraz 2014 (£13.50, GWW). Dense in appearance it is crammed full of aroma and flavour with blackcurrant fruit leading the charge followed by complex dark chocolate, spice, black pepper, eucalyptus and smoky vanilla oak notes. It packs a punch but finds refreshing balance with its juicy bright fruit. Another great wine for the price tag and the ultimate companion for hearty steak or venison. Join Tristan for a ‘Que Syrah, Syrah’ tasting at Great Western Wine on Wednesday 28 March, 7pm. Visit greatwesternwine.co.uk/events for tickets

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS EXPERIENCE TOTAL LUXURY WITH NEW BENTLEY-ONLY CHAUFFEUR COMPANY

NEWCOMERS: Eirian Whitehead and Jane Bamford-Graham

TWO APPOINTMENTS BOOST LAW FIRM MOWBRAY WOODWARDS One of Bath’s leading law firms, Mowbray Woodwards, has strengthened its private client and family team with two new key appointments at its Queen Square offices. Jane Bamford-Graham joins the family team as an associate solicitor. A member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, Jane advises and represents the interests of children through instructions from CAFCASS and the Children’s Guardian in complex care proceedings. Another new arrival is Eirian Whitehead, who joins the growing private client team as a solicitor. Eirian graduated in 2014, completing a training contract in-house at a large national charity before qualifying in January 2018. Eirian will specialise in wills, powers of attorney and estate administration. Visit: mowbraywoodwards.co.uk

Two local enthusiasts have set up a new Bath-based Bentley-only chauffeur company for businesses, the hospitality industry and individuals wanting to experience the comfort and luxury of a Bentley. Willoughby Green has already transferred VIPs from private planes, taken individuals to Londonbased events as well as to local restaurants in Bath. “It all began when I wanted to take my wife out for her birthday,” said Will Whinfrey, Willoughby Green’s director. “I couldn’t find anything as luxurious as a Bentley and so I decided to set the company up with my wife, Emma.” Prospective clients can request a quote by emailing: bookings@willoughbygreen.co.uk or calling: 01225 318591. Visit: willoughbygreen.co.uk

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR JANE AUSTEN CENTRE’S MARTIN AS TOURISM SUPERSTAR Arguably the most photographed man in Bath, Martin Salter from the Jane Austen Centre is currently shortlisted to become Visit Britain’s Tourism Superstar 2018, which celebrates the work of those in the tourism industry who go the extra mile for tourists. Voting closes online on Tuesday 20 March, so there’s still time to get your

Did you Know? The UK is set to welcome an 8% rise in visitors from China during 2018.

votes in for our favourite Regency-dressed chap. The winner will be announced in the Daily Mirror on Saturday 24 March. Last month Martin became the cover star of our February issue, pictured left. To vote for Martin, and to read about the other candidates, go to: visitbritain.org/tourism-superstar-2018 n

BATH BUSINESS BAROMETER

UPDATE: JANUARY 2018

High Street Footfall

provided by

n The first week brought a modest rise of +0.3% across all UK retail destinations, although part of this more stable performance was derived from a comparable week last year when footfall declined by -2.6% overall. What goes up, must come down, as they say and Bath saw footfall decrease by 51% in January, accompanied by 19 days of rain. With time to take stock after such a busy period, the Bath BID began its deep clean programme. Towards the end of the month footfall was at +4.7%. Many exciting city events will continue to boost footfall in 2018 and Bath BID is supporting a number throughout the year. During March why not take part in our Comedy Shopalong starting 1 March, as part of Bath Comedy Festival which takes place from 27 March – 15 April.

(Month on month % change)

Bath

-39.9% South West UK

-30.2%

-20.2% Springboard Research Ltd.

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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

Preparing your accounts – and paying the right tax! Most businesses are required to prepare accounts on an “accruals basis” by taking account of income earned & expenses incurred (regardless of whether received or paid); tax is then calculated on the result but with adjustment for some types of expense e.g. employee costs. Where you pay bonuses based on the company’s performance in a year, they are taken into account as an expense when working out the taxable profit of that year if there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay them i.e. they are contractual or expected because they are regular and you can make a reliable estimate of the amount payable. HMRC accept this, but tax relief for the bonuses isn’t allowed unless they are paid within nine months of the end of the financial year to which they relate and for which the tax deduction is sought. You should also note a different tax treatment for director bonuses: these are treated as having been paid when they are recorded in the company’s records e.g. when approved by the board - and this applies even if the bonuses aren’t actually drawn until later.The company can therefore be liable for the PAYE tax and NI before the directors are paid the money. However this doesn’t apply to employees’ bonuses and so you can accrue them as an expense for accounts and corporation tax purposes and get the saving, even though PAYE and NI aren’t payable until the employees are able to take the funds - usually when included in their pay.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Hannah Pettifer or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting.

We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides. What our clients say: “We are a small, but very busy, independent restaurant in Bath…We couldn't have reached this stage without the help of OCL. I would thoroughly recommend OCL accountants to any small to medium sized business.” “We couldn't have reached this stage without the help of OCL. I would thoroughly recommend OCL accountants to any small to medium sized business.”

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Home buying consultation: how much is likely to change?

he government’s consultation on ways of making the home buying and selling process “cheaper, faster and less stressful” closed shortly before Christmas last year. So how much is likely to change? Buyers and sellers On failed sales, the consultation paper looks at that widely detested problem: gazumping (where an offer is agreed but the seller than accepts a higher offer from another buyer). The consultation suggests a system of reservation or lock-in agreements that would be legally binding. These agreements do in fact already exist, but they are not often used. The consultation proposes making these “routine” – and it seems likely that this will happen, as it is in everybody’s interests to stamp gazumping out. On the buyer side, it seems likely that those requiring financing, i.e. a mortgage, will be increasingly expected to obtain a Decision in Principle (DIP) from a mortgage lender before they start actively looking for somewhere to buy. There is a suggestion that estate agents should prioritise house hunters with a DIP (unless they are a cash buyer). For sellers, it seems probable that there will be a requirement to provide more information upfront. It suggests that key information should be available – for example on leases, service charges/ground rents, boundaries and any disputes – to buyers before an offer is made. The government believes that this will help make a home ‘move ready’ and speed the process up. Harnessing digital technology One of the key issues the consultation looks to address is the time taken for house purchases to go through. As a property solicitor myself, I know that as a profession we try to get the job done as quickly as we can – but it simply does take time when you are waiting for information to come back from different parties. There is also a welcome focus on increasing efforts to digitise information and enable more searches to be carried out electronically. There is also talk of creating a ‘property passport’ which could include information from local searches that is unlikely to change from one transaction to another. Digitisation is not something that is going to happen overnight, even in our rapidly developing technological world. However, a very welcome emphasis on ‘harnessing digital technology’ means we can be hopeful that in the coming years we will see some real progress that could significantly speed house purchases up.

Leadership Skills for Tomorrow’s World University of Bristol offers part-time Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership for senior professionals

The University of Bristol is offering a part-time Masters programme in Strategy, Change and Leadership. This part-time programme is for aspiring senior managers and is designed to fit around the demands of a busy job.

Today’s leaders are facing the most challenging operating circumstances for a generation. The necessary skills and competencies have shifted from the motivation of employees in a buoyant economy to change management and strategic leadership in this landscape of budget cuts, increased hours, more sophisticated technology and leaner workforces. Few organisations have escaped these changes whether they are in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. The University of Bristol has recognised this and designed a bespoke Masters degree in Strategy, Change and Leadership aimed at providing senior managers with the tools and techniques they require in order to navigate their organisations through such demanding times.

Programme Director, Helen Ballard says “I am delighted that we are able to offer this type of programme. Excellent leadership is critical in this challenging climate, and high performing organisations are recognising the need to further develop their managers. This practical Masters degree will offer a return on investment from day one.” To find out more about the programme, come along to our open evening at the University on Wednesday 21st March from 6pm – 8pm. Contact Cheralyn Dark for details: efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk

Cumulative effects There is no one ‘big idea’ in the proposals but there is a series of ideas that taken together could have a helpful cumulative effect. The game changer would be to create a properly digital conveyancing system across local councils and public agencies that property solicitors and indeed the public can access, to create something fit for our online age. That will take some time – but it is coming. If you’re selling or buying a property, please contact Mogers Drewett on 01225 750000 or visit www.mogersdrewett.com Alison Treble is a Partner at Mogers Drewett.

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BARBERSHOPS

3 OF THE BEST BARBERSHOPS IN BATH

From modern vintage to possibly the UK’s smallest barbers, The Bath Magazine has been exploring three of the best barbershops in the city.

FINE AND DANDY Fine and Dandy has been tending the barnets and beards of Bath since it first opened in 2014. Bath-born Robbie Emm started his career at Gary Henri in Clifton, Bristol and honed in skills at various local salons before setting about creating his own unique space in vibrant Widcombe. The salon has an exceptionally laidback vibe with an industrial chic décor and a playlist courtesy of Emm’s vinyl record collection. There are just three chairs, no appointments, and if you want an espresso you can help yourself at the self-serve coffee station. The focus is on maintaining the standard of service but so popular is the Fine and Dandy offering that there are plans to add in another chair and include wet shaves on the menu. Photo by Nell Mallia

4 Prior Park Road, Bath BA2 4NG Tel: 01225 461848, web: fineanddandybarbers.com

TRIMMERS Established in 1993, family run business Trimmers is a traditional barbershop with a modern manner, set in the heart of Bath. Sicilian born Domenico Greco, along with sons Salvatore and Antonio, opened the shop with a view to offering the gentlemen of Bath a new barbering experience. Now, with their years of knowledge, passion for their craft and a highly skilled team the shop continues to grow in popularity. The team at Trimmers realise that your hair is your signature and with an extensive range of barbering styles, there is something for all. 15 Barton Street, Bath BA1 1HQ Tel: 01225 421961 Instagram: trimmersgentshairstylist Facebook: Trimmers Gents Hairstylist

MATCHBOX BARBERS Matchbox is Bath’s newest and smallest barbershop and hair salon. With just 4.7 square metres of floor space, it may well be the smallest salon in the UK. This exclusive, pocket-sized nook is nestled within the Forum Coffee House – a unique location in the thriving city centre. Speciality coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages can be added to your service and delivered to your seat by the coffee house staff. The simple interior creates an atmosphere of calm while organic vegan products line the minimalist brass shelves. Whether it’s on a lunch break, or after-work retreat, this place is a must for taking time out of your busy day. A hair wash and blow dry/finish come as standard, not to mention a relaxing head massage. The salon owner, Faith Barnett, has trained at Aveda salons as well as London’s Bumble and Bumble academy. She specialises in skin fades and tailored short haircuts. 3–5 Forum Buildings, St James’s Parade, Bath BA1 1UG Tel: 07578 794882, web: matchboxsalon.com

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A TOUCH OF LUXURY Jessica Hope escapes to the country and gets a taste of the high life at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa

ave you ever wondered how Jane Austen imagined Bath for her heroines Catherine Morland and Anne Elliot? One idea is to simply wander the streets of the city, weaving from the Assembly Rooms across to The Circus and the Royal Crescent, admiring the Georgian architecture that Austen would have imagined these characters walking past. Another idea, if you’re looking for a taste of what Elizabeth Bennet might have experienced after her marriage to Mr Darcy, then a short drive outside the city to Lucknam Park Hotel might just provide some answers. Standing within 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa is a Palladian mansion dating from 1720 that exudes all the elegance you would expect from an 18th-century novel. Just a 30-minute drive from Bath, you don’t have to travel far to escape the stresses of city life for a weekend of unadulterated luxury – and the hotel certainly lives up to its reputation for being a centre for comfort, relaxation and superb food. On a recent visit, with my bonnet at the ready, I turned back the clock and got a taste of the Pemberley lifestyle… Eagerly peering through the entrance gates as they gently opened, my partner, Russell, and I were transported to the sheer elegance of 18th-century high society as we drove down the mile-long avenue, lined with some 400 lime and beech trees, towards the hotel’s 70 TheBATHMagazine

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grand doorway. The central exterior building hasn’t changed a great deal from when it was first built, radiating the undeniable opulence you would expect from this five-star, awardwinning country hotel. As we entered the hotel, we were suddenly carried away from the dreary, grey skies of late winter to the inviting reception area, warmed by the open, crackling fireplace, and greeted by the friendly staff. After checking in, we had a tour of the hotel and were shown the 3D model of the grounds and facilities near the main doors; a very handy tool for visitors so you don’t get lost finding your way to the spa or the brasserie across the courtyard. Heading upstairs, we were shown to our room – the delightfully named Cornflower Suite. Despite the extensive grounds, the hotel still feels intimate and quiet with just 42 rooms including 13 suites, which are all

named after flowers, a staff member informs me. Each room is individually styled, with sumptuous decor, antique furniture and all the modern amenities you might need. Once in our ornate sitting room, we were greeted with chilled Champagne which we quaffed as we sunk into the sofa and admired our stylish surroundings. With a window-side writing table overlooking the long driveway and rolling views over the countryside, this could easily make the perfect retreat for a budding novelist in need of inspiration or peace and quiet. The sitting room also features a flat screen television, quality magazines, information about what’s on offer at the hotel and local tourist sites, and a substantial guide to Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of more than 500 unique hotels and restaurants from around the world, which Lucknam Park is part of. The showpiece of the bedroom is the kingsize bed with its antique, glossy wooden bed frame and soft Egyptian cotton bedding. The room’s amenities include a Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities (fresh milk can be delivered to your room on request), BOSE CD player, iPod dock, and walk-in wardrobe with plenty of hanging space. The modern en-suite bathroom features a sleek and spacious walk in rainwater shower, a freestanding bathtub, and Jack and Jill style, marble-topped sinks. And to make your stay extra special there are a variety of bergamot, jasmine and cedarwood ESPA toiletries included, plus fluffy towels, snuggly

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COUNTRY | ESCAPE

hotel bed ever, I noticed just how quiet our room was. Having experienced various examples of incessant humming from ventilation systems, stomping along corridors and bright lights from outside, I usually pack a good pair of earplugs and an eye mask when staying in a hotel. However, there was no need for this at Lucknam – this building is three centuries old, but I didn’t hear a creak all night. Fully rested, the next morning we drew back the curtains to unveil an incredible view down the tree-lined driveway where a couple of guests were enjoying a horse ride in the early morning air. A morning newspaper of your choice can be delivered to your room, alongside a daily bulletin of what is happening at the hotel. This could include yoga classes, upcoming courses in the cookery school, and ideas for local walks and attractions. There are two extensive breakfast menus available in the restaurant, which you can have delivered to your room if you can’t bear leaving impressive views. Alongside freshly squeezed juices, tea and roasted coffee, you can choose from an abundance of cereals, yoghurts, pastries and Bertinet toast before tucking into the likes of a full English, an omelette or eggs Florentine.

❝

The hotel certainly lives up to its reputation for being a centre for comfort, relaxation and superb food

❝

dressing gowns and slippers, which you can wear when visiting the spa. After dressing for dinner, we decided a cocktail in the drawing room was necessary (I recommend the raspberry Tom Collins) before dining in Restaurant Hywel Jones, where executive chef Jones has held a Michelin star since 2006. We dined from the seasonal à la carte, which includes three courses for £87 per person. After a selection of canapés and an amuse bouche of quail’s egg in a velvety cream and chive sauce, I had the citrus-cured Loch Duart salmon, which just fell apart at the touch, with smatterings of warming horseradish and sweet beetroot. Russell chose the tender duck liver, which didn’t have a trace of that typical iron taste that liver can often have, placed on a caramelised chicory tart with sharp touches of mandarin and pomegranate. For a main I savoured my delicate sea bass with smoky chorizo from Trealy Farm in Monmouth, served on a bed of moreish creamed sweetcorn, with a scorched spring onion and a crispy crab bonbon. Hywel Jones and his team pride themselves on using high-quality products at all times, and this was evident in these dishes. Russell lapped up his main of lamb cooked two ways, sourced from award-winning producer Andrew Morgan based in the Brecon Beacons. Cooked perfectly pink, the lamb was served with a subtly salty anchovy fritter with spicy hints of cumin, cooling yoghurt, sweet carrot and crunchy pearl barley granola. Following a palate cleanser of sharp sorbet with a white chocolate coating and tangy sherbet, I delved into a perfectly light Bramley apple soufflé, with a deep butterscotch sauce and rich buttermilk ice cream, while Russell raved about his crème brûlée, packed with Madagascan vanilla, served with sharp blackberry sorbet and sweet, glazed blackberries. Comfortably full, we returned to our suite to find our bed turned down ready for us to rest our heads, with charming bedside mats wishing us ‘goodnight’. As we languished on what was arguably the most comfortable

While check-out is at noon, your stay doesn’t have to stop there as you can still make the most of the luxury spa facilities afterwards. Immerse yourself in the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sit back and relax in the various steam rooms and saunas, and get those aches and pains sorted by booking a massage treatment.

You can feel slightly less guilty about your decadent dinner the night before by going for a swim in the 20-metre indoor pool, visit the fitness suite with the latest state of the art equipment, play a game of tennis, or attend a fitness class in the well-being house. And if you get peckish at all, the contemporary styled brasserie offers all-day dining. While you can certainly put all the stresses behind you during your relaxing stay at Lucknam Park, the hotel also offers a range of activities if you’re looking to try something new or rekindle a love for a pastime that you haven’t tried for a while. Just a short walk from the hotel is the cookery school where visitors can try their hands at different cuisines under the guidance of cookery school head chef Ben Taylor – learn how to recreate Michelin starred cooking at home, become a star baker with an introduction to patisserie, or be transported to the regional cuisines of India. Open Tuesday to Saturday, full day courses are £185 per person, and half days are £95. Go online to see the cookery school course calendar in full. If you’d rather explore the hotel’s unspoilt parkland, going on horseback might be the most exhilarating way to see it. Lucknam Park has an equestrian centre with 35 horses of all sizes and capabilities, so if you’re a complete novice or, like me, haven’t ridden in a long while, then you will be well catered for under the guidance of the qualified Equestrian team. Experienced riders also have the opportunity to improve their skills in jumping, dressage or cross-country schooling, and the centre offers group riding and specialist clinics. As we leave the hotel and proceed back down the majestic driveway, we feel refreshed, as if we’ve been on a mini-break, and yet have the comfort of knowing that the journey home won’t be too long. Now I’ve experienced modern-day Pemberley living, I don’t think I ever want to go back to normality… n Classic rooms with use of the spa facilities and gym start at £245. Visit: lucknampark.co.uk

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FAMILY | FUN

EASTER FUN GUIDE!

From Eggs-travagant trails to find those hidden eggs to an exquisite exhibition showcasing the finest geometric fashion from the 1980s, we’ve got all you need to ensure your Easter is full of fun

THE ROMAN BATHS

FASHION MUSEUM BATH

See history brought to life at the Roman Baths. Help yourself to one of its free children’s audioguides or follow its child-friendly trails. There’s the chance to meet with and talk to real life Roman characters who work and play around the Great Bath. This Easter’s family event will be all about Glorious Gardens taking place on Monday 26 March. There is no extra price and no need to book for this drop-in event. The fun doesn’t stop when you get home. The Roman Baths have some great interactive games on the children’s page at romanbaths.co.uk. For anyone living in Bath & North East Somerset, entry is free to the Roman Baths with a Residents Discovery Card. See bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard for further information. Visit: romanbaths.co.uk

A new exhibition exploring the fashions worn by successive generations of women in the royal family is now on view at the Fashion Museum Bath. Royal Women is a family tree exhibition looking at the clothes worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret. Plus an ensemble worn by the Countess of Wessex. For younger visitors there is a themed trail and a dressing-up area where they can see what it was like to wear coats and hats, dresses and bonnets from the past. This Easter’s family event, 1980s Geometric takes place on 27 March and is free with admission to the museum. For anyone living in Bath & North East Somerset, entry is free to the Fashion Museum with a Discovery Card. Evening dress worn by Princess Margaret, 1953 at Fashion Museum Bath

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FAMILY | FUN

THE BISHOP’S PALACE Head on down to The Bishop’s Palace in Wells to take part in a fortnight full of engaging family events. The Easter fun kicks off on Saturday 24 March when the Easter Egg Trail begins. Children can follow the clues to find the coloured eggs all around the gardens, and when they’ve found them all, they can return to claim their chocolate prize from the Shop. On 26 March and 2 April, there will be Make-it Monday sessions in the Undercroft of the Palace. Families can take part in an array of crafting activities including Easter-themed card-making, daffodil windmills, baby animalthemed masks and puppets and making use of spring flowers. Check out the full schedule of events taking place at The Bishop’s Palace this Easter at: bishopspalace.org.uk

BOWOOD HOUSE AND GARDENS Four days of Easter fun awaits you at Bowood House and Gardens. The Bowood Easter Bunny has left clues around the estate to find the chocolate that he left behind. The route will take you around Bowood House, to the lake, before heading back to admissions where your completed activity sheets can be swapped for an Easter treat. Children’s Easter arts and crafts will be taking place throughout the day in the Gardeners Bothy. In Tractor Ted’s Little Farm children can see the chicks hatching. A stone’s throw away you will find the Adventure Playground, aimed at children up to the age of 12, featuring treetop aerial walkways, several thrilling slides and a newly refurbished Soft Play Centre for the 2018 season. Tel: 01249 812102; visit: bowood.org/childrens-activities

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MILL ON THE BRUE Easter holidays should always be fun, maybe a bit crazy, a time to make new friends, discover something about yourself or others, achieve something different. Open from the end of January to the beginning of December, there are more than 40 exciting, outdoor adventure, educational and environmental activities on this 25 acre site in the heart of beautiful Somerset. Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre is definitely different from others. It is a family run, not for profit, educational and environmental organisation which has been inspiring and educating children and adults since 1982. See: millonthebrue.co.uk or call 01749 812307 to learn more.

CORSHAM TOWN CENTRE Come and have some fun in the Easter holidays and track down the little chick-shaped Easter eggs hiding in shops and businesses in Corsham’s historic town centre. It’s eggs-tremely easy to take part – get an entry form, spot a chick, write down where you’ve seen it hiding, pop in the shop and get a star on your entry form (or colour it in if the shop’s shut), and drop the form back to the Town Hall. Everyone who brings their entry back will get a little chocolate treat for taking part – and whoever’s names get pulled out of the Easter bonnet at the end of the holidays will win a big chocolate treat! The Easter Egg Hunt runs from Good Friday on 30 March until Sunday 15 April. Entry forms need to be back by 17 April and the winners will be announced on 18 April. You can pick up an entry form from Corsham Town Hall or the Tourist Information Centre, both on the High Street, or download a copy at: corsham.gov.uk. And if you’re heading to Corsham for the chick hunt then why not check out the eggs-traordinary holiday activities at The Pound (poundarts.org.uk) or Springfield Campus (springfieldcampus.org.uk).

CHEDDAR GORGE & CAVES This Easter, Cheddar Gorge and Caves is hosting an eggs-pedition like no other. It seems the Easter Bunny has made an unexpected visit because clusters of magical, glow in the dark eggs have appeared in all the nooks and crannies of the mysterious chambers of Gough’s Cave. Egg-splore Gough’s Cave between 24 March and 8 April to crack the mystery code and get your paws on a tasty treat. There’s also the chance to get creative in the Museum of Prehistory where younger ones can make their own Easter decoration to take home. Visit: cheddargorge.co.uk

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Easter Eggstravaganza. Whatever the weather, be transported to sunnier climes with fun and creative activities inspired by Anthony Fry’s vibrant, colourful paintings. Decorate an eggstraordinary Easter egg inspired by traditional Indian patterns on 25 March, 12 – 4pm. Free family drop-in. No booking required. visit: holburne.org 74 TheBATHMagazine

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FAMILY | FUN

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE On Sunday 15 April at 3pm, join Wiltshire Music Centre for a folkfilled Easter special featuring storyteller Kate Hadley, guitarist Matthew Forbes, percussionist Tom Gregory and morris dancing Neil Valentine. The ABC Bunny Band will get you into the Easter spirit with a show full of exciting folk music and lots of dancing, singing and jiggling. Clap along to some of the best tunes from the British Isles and join in with the massed Morris Dance. Put on your bunny ears and get ready for an egg-traordinary concert. Easter Bunny Hop Family Show, 15 April. Tickets: £8 / £4 U18s and students. Visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk

VICTORIA ART GALLERY Victoria Art Gallery will be hosting the prestigious Bath Society of Artists annual exhibition from Saturday 24 March – 12 May. Now in its 113th year, this hugely popular exhibition showcases the best of the region’s artistic talent and is a must for art lovers and collectors alike. Entrance to the exhibition is £4.50/£4 or free to children under 16 and holders of a Discovery Card. The gallery’s highlights include paintings from the 1400s, Italian views by British artists and the newly restored portrait of Henry VIII, dating from the mid-1500s. Family activities will also be taking place at the gallery over the Easter holidays at no extra charge. Create some egg themed crafts and cards on 28 March, or use a collage technique to create a historical portrait on 4 April. Visit: victoriagal.org.uk

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Kick-Start Success

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SEPTEMBER PLACES STILL AVAILABLE, APPLY NOW! 76 TheBATHMagazine

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PRIOR PARK SCHOOLS of Bath Independent education for boys and girls aged 3-18 years (boarding 11-18 years)

The Paragon Junior School

❝

The school fully meets its aim to cultivate a love of learning

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The Paragon’s Headmaster, Andrew Harvey works to the same ambition every day: to create an inspiring learning environment where childhood is cherished. Impressive academic results are matched by ambitious art projects

for which the whole school is a gallery. Sporting excellence radiates from a formidable line-up of teaching staff that boasts Olympians and the purpose-built Music Lodge emits the soundtrack to the school day from music classes, parent choirs and orchestras. A mountain of muddy wellies tells the tale of an adventurous outdoor learning experience while pupils pile out of a minibus back from Prior and parents warm up for their weekly sports match with Paragon staff.

Prior Park College

❝

Pupils are excellent citizens within their own community. They enjoy a great deal of success: academic exams; music; drama; sports – all reflect the great deal of talent possessed by pupils

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hile they might be at different ends of Ralph Allen Drive, the teachers at The Paragon Junior and its senior school, Prior Park College are bound by a mission to deliver academic excellence and empower their pupils to be confident, capable, compassionate and independent-minded individuals with strong moral values and social awareness. The vibrant relationship between the two sites benefits the whole school community: from the shared amenities giving Paragon and Prior children access to incredible science and sports facilities, the high calibre year-round music and drama productions and impressive industry speaker line-ups leaving parents in no doubt of their school’s passion to prepare their children for life beyond the school gates. Both schools were awarded Excellent ratings by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in September 2017.

Moving from The Paragon to Prior Park College, the children are ready for fresh challenges and new friendships. Head since 2009, Mr Murphy O’Connor knows all the children’s names and regularly takes time out of his day to visit them in Baines and Brownlow Houses – the heart of pupils’ first two years at Prior.

Open to all faiths and none Prior Park College is firmly rooted in Catholic Christian values. It is defined by its academic rigour combined with creativity and cultural opportunities and Mr Murphy O’ Connor, strives for all-round education adopting a simple approach: “We value each individual and focus our attention on developing their unique talents. Our results reflect our school’s passion, commitment and dedication to providing a truly outstanding education. I am confident that our leavers go into the world and make a positive imprint on their friends, families and all those they encounter”. For further information visit www.priorparkschools.com For admissions: Seniors call Mrs Vicki Quinn on 01225 831 000; Juniors call Mrs Rebecca Braithwaite on 01225 310 837 Open Days: Prior Park College Friday 2 March; Friday 4 May and The Paragon Junior Friday 4 May Twitter @ParagonBath @PriorPark Facebook @TheParagonJunior @Prior.Park.37

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GUEST | COLUMIST

REACHING OUT TO GIRLS

The director of marketing and outreach at Bath’s Royal High School, Zoe Sheffield explains the outreach activities undertaken by the school, providing education opportunities to benefit girls from schools within the wider community

he Royal High School is rooted in the history of the city and has a long pedigree. Today’s school was formed after a merger between two of Bath’s finest girls’ schools – the Royal School and the Bath High School for Girls, the latter having been a direct grant grammar school for many years. The Royal High School is also part of a wider network of UK girls’ schools called the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and our ethos closely reflects that of the GDST, which is a not-for-profit charity educating 19,000 girls in the UK today. Our outreach work at the Royal High is directly related to our place in this unique city and to our place in the GDST network. We consider ourselves not just to be accountable to the many thousands of girls who have been, are and will be educated here but also to the wider community. My role is centred around bringing the outside in, providing free educational opportunities to other girls in the city and beyond, and going out to schools and organisations in and around Bath to offer specialist programmes as well as to simply help out. Our extensive school outreach programme reaches out in a number of different ways. We invite schoolgirls in to take part in a vast array of activities including academic workshops and sports masterclasses. We also invite the community in for talks and lectures and our pupils go out into the community as representatives of the school. For example, girls volunteer at the B&NES Dance Umbrella, Stratton House Care Home, Oakfield Care Home, Woodside Family Centre and local charity shops. Training in sports such as netball and hockey is offered to any primary schools within the local area that respond to the invitation. Similarly, we offer hugely popular sessions in dance and languages to local primary schools. Crucially, all our outreach opportunities are free so they are accessible to everyone. We 78 TheBATHMagazine

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have found that schools from across the region are keen to take part. A recent art outreach saw 34 schools represented from across Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, and girls travel from as far as Salisbury to attend our workshops which are always fully booked. If you have daughters at local primary schools, you might have heard of our Saturday morning programme for girls in Years 4–6. This helps children prepare for senior school by providing curriculum extending opportunities and access to our specialist staff and outstanding facilities. The Saturday morning programme includes technology (food tech, design tech and coding), art school (working creatively in studios), creative dance (this year our theme is the books of David Walliams), Harry Potter themed classics and ancient Greek, languages (new this year), and science detectives (mystery solving). Finally, a summer festival brings music, dance and drama workshops – this feeds into our whole school festival and sees outreach girls perform on our stage. One of our aims is to give primary pupils the opportunity to make new friends and to integrate with different girls of the same age ahead of what can be a difficult and intimidating transition for many into Year 7.

We are also extending our outreach programme this year to younger year groups and holding events at our junior school in Weston. The first junior school Saturday workshop – called Digital Daughters – is already full. In addition we offer Gifted and Talented days in academics and sport. We are often lucky enough to have the help of leading academic experts and sportswomen. Academically, B&NES, Bristol and Wiltshire primaries can nominate two Year 5 girls to attend a day of workshops designed to inspire them academically and provide an opportunity to learn something beyond their school curriculum. We always welcome new approaches from schools asking us to collaborate. Recently, we were delighted to be asked by Batheaston Primary School to help improve their SATs results by delivering a programme of three days – one each term – of maths and PE activities designed to raise achievement. If you are an interested parent, teacher, student or school I would be delighted to hear from you. I love an idea or new project! n The Royal High School Bath tel: 01225 313877 web: royalhighbath.gdst.net

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A.L.F.A. LANGUAGE SCHOOL FRANCE

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED Would you like to host French students? Ages 11-17 Saturday 14th July – Friday 3rd August One Student – £525 Two Students in Room Share – £995 Two Students in 2 Rooms – £1050

For further information please contact Mrs Susie Houston on 0777 379 2866 or email: susie.houston.alfa@gmail.com

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BATH | SCHOOLS

EDUCATION NEWS SUCCESS FOR ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRIGHT A Year 8 student from the Royal High School will have her first play performed at The egg theatre later this month. Miranda Pharoah won a competition for her play Amazing Grace, which is the first play she has ever written. Pharoah took inspiration from the 2008 film Fragments, a viral video depicting the impact of the 2017 tornado in Georgia, as well as The Weir – Conor McPherson’s play which portrays a powerful story of loneliness. Since joining the Royal High School, Pharoah has taken main roles in a range of performance work, but script writing was something she had not considered until she heard about the competition set up by the Theatre Royal Bath Theatre School. Royal High School’s head of drama Mrs Jo Bailey said: “We are all very proud of Miranda, she is an incredible talent and for a Year 8 student to write a play for production is an achievement to be celebrated.” Amazing Grace will be performed at The egg on Friday 30 March. Visit: royalhighbath.gdst.net

STUDENTS BOOST GRADES WITH CONNELL GUIDES BOOTCAMPS Study guide producer Connell Guides has launched revision bootcamps for students wanting to learn how to secure top grades in their English A Levels and GCSEs. The bootcamps offer a mix of lectures by some of the country’s top English teachers, short talks by experienced tutors, a crash-course in literary theory and a Q&A with an examiner. Woven into the day are several student-led seminars, which help students to understand ideas from other Connell Guides founder young peoples’ points of view. Jon Connell Students will leave feeling better equipped and more confident going into their exams. Connell is holding an A Level English Literature Bootcamp on Wednesday 11 April, 10am – 4pm, in Bath, venue to be confirmed. To book on to a bootcamp and to find out more, visit: connellguides.com

HAYESFIELD STUDENTS REFLECT ON 100 YEARS OF THE VOTE We asked sixth form students from Hayesfield School their thoughts on the impact gaining the vote had for women in Britain a century ago

How do you think being granted the vote changed the lives of some women 100 years ago? Kerry: I think it completely changed the way that women were viewed socially and it allowed them to have much more freedom and independence. Alice: Having the vote must have made them feel they had worth. Before the vote they were under the control of men, whereas being given their own vote gave them something they could have control over, so it must have been quite life-changing. Have the stories of the suffragettes and suffragists inspired you in any way? Chloe: Yes, the suffragette movement has inspired women to be more confident in the workplace. Even today, in terms of issues around pay inequality, the rights women now have make them more confident to speak out about these issues. Kerry: I think it’s amazing that they could stand up for something that other people viewed as so different. Scarlett: I think you shouldn’t take things for granted. Even though each vote is only a small contribution to the whole, you should always vote in every election to make sure your right is constantly being upheld. 80 TheBATHMagazine

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Do women have equality in Britain today? Scarlett: I don’t think they do, but they definitely should. I think the government should uphold more laws, especially Left to right: Kerry Sims, Chloe Seward, Scarlett Brimble, Alice Hodges within the workplace because it. We need to make sure that (from a young even though the law may support age) everyone knows that you shouldn’t treat equal pay, it’s the company’s responsibility people differently. to uphold that. Alice: I don’t think we have total equality, Do you think there are gender stereotypes which we have seen recently in the media that are impacting negatively on ideas of with issues surrounding the pay gap, and the equality? How can we change this? way some men don’t respect women through Chloe: Yes, I definitely think there are. name-calling and using derogatory terms. I Gender stereotypes are in everything, and it feel there should be more laws introduced is ingrained in some people to think that that can reinforce the idea of equality. pink is a girl’s colour and blue is a boy’s. Scarlett: Yes, 100% there are definitely How do you think we can inspire younger stereotypes and this should be challenged in generations of girls and boys to champion terms of the branding that is used. Even with equality? Kerry: Just by reinforcing the fact that there’s parents, they shouldn’t teach that blue is for boys and pink is for girls – we should take no difference in being female or male, and it away these associations so it doesn’t matter shouldn’t affect your opportunities. what colours we use. Scarlett: I think we need to promote equality Alice: I feel like the media is a main force in more in schools – I go to an all girls’ school, bringing about change. The media has had a so it’s definitely spoken about more. I think role in reinforcing gender stereotypes and even in all boys’ schools, the history of has a responsibility to change the public’s women’s fight to get the vote should be perceptions. n taught so they have more of an awareness of

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BATH | SCHOOLS

ROYAL HIGH PUPIL WINS PUBLIC SPEAKING GOLD Royal High School year 10 student Ashley Ulaikere was placed first in the prestigious Chrystall Prize public speaking competition and will now represent the Bath school in the final in March. Ulaikere’s speech was written on the question: Is there any magic left in the world? She spoke with great passion about her childhood and the cultural importance of magic in Lagos. Judges praised Ulaikere for her ‘charismatic delivery and instinctive ability to connect with an audience.’ Hiding her nerves, Ulaikere was recognised for her warmth, humour and sheer energy within her public speaking. The Chrystall Prize was named after Chrystall Carter who was the legal adviser to the Girls Day School Trust, which Royal High School is part of, for nine years before her death in 1999. Ulaikere will compete in the final on Friday 9 March in London. Visit: royalhighbath.gdst.net

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE STUDENTS WIN POETRY COMPETITION Three students from Prior Park College received top prizes after winning a poetry competition entitled What Home Means to Me, run by housing development company Bellway. Year 9 student Lydia Crawford won first prize, and her poem will now go on display in the new showhome at the company’s Mulberry Park site in Combe Down in Bath. Bellway sales advisor Emma Grantham said: “As a housebuilder, we were very keen to get the views of young people in Bath about what home means to them, so we decided to the perfect way to do that was to launch a poetry competition for local students.” Lydia Crawford and runners-up Toby Jefford and Kira Tenk received gift tokens for their prize. Visit: priorparkcollege.com

100 APPRENTICESHIPS AND JOBS ON OFFER AT FAIR More than 100 opportunities for apprenticeships and jobs will be on show at the Bath College Futures Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair on Wednesday 7 March, 12 – 6pm, at the Assembly Rooms, Bath. Over 80 employers will have stands at the fair, which is open to schools, young people, parents and members of the public. A wide range of sectors and industries will be represented, ranging from hospitality and catering, finance and engineering, to healthcare, public services, motoring and many more. More than 800 people visited last year’s fair, run by careers experts and employability advisers from the Bath College Futures team. Entry is free and no registration is needed. Visit: bathcollege.ac.uk

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HEALTH | AND | BEAUTY

ALL’S WELL AT THE SPA

Three upcoming wellness events at The Gainsborough Bath Spa give you access to some of the hotel’s spa specialists. Techniques cover mindfulness, yoga practice and exercises to boost your courage THE BODY AGE CHALLENGE, 12 APRIL

MOVEMENT MEDICINE, 10 MAY

COURAGE & DARING, 7 JUNE

We all know our real ages – but what about our body ages, which reflect how well we look after ourselves? The gap between one’s chronological age and biological age can be surprisingly large, and may spur us on to make the changes we know we need in our lives. In this workshop, Heba Al-Zuhair will calculate your true body age (optional), and guide each guest to a happier version of themselves through her recommendations.

The physical, mental and spiritual practices of yoga are a popular form of wellbeing. In this workshop Bex Bridgford will deliver a talk on the history and benefits of yoga. In the following yoga session Bex’s unique style of movement and postures will ensure guests feel at one with themselves and enhance their mindfulness through pure relaxation.

Mindfulness expert and courage coach Jonathan Ward guides his students into learning to lead with their heart to make fulfilling life choices. Using the work of Brené Brown, guests will engage with their own courage by completing a series of exercises, reflection activities and group sharing that will allow participants to see what is getting in the way of living a braver life.

HEBA AL-ZUHAIR Heba is a personalised nutritionist, weight loss expert and healthy lifestyle consultant. After many years of study, extensive training and successful practice, Heba founded a centre of nutrition and wellness in 2012. She helps and advises people on all aspects of their nutritional needs. Visit: nutritionandwellnesscentre.co.uk

BEX BRIDGFORD Bex has been practising yoga for more than 12 years and has created a style of movement and postures through her experience of Hatha and intensive Vinyasa Flow. She has studied with Frog Lotus and completed advanced teaching training courses with teachers Shiva Rea and Ana Forrest.

Each event includes a specialist wellness workshop, a two-course lunch in the hotel restaurant, a wellness goody bag, and a 10% discount off spa days. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY, tel: 01225 355329; web: thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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JONATHAN WARD Jonathan guides his students to lead with their hearts and make more fulfilling, authentic life choices. He believes that our greatest courage comes when we engage with our heart, learn that vulnerability is a strength and embrace our imperfections. n

ABOVE, left to right: Heba Al-Zuhair; the ice alcove at the Gainsborough; and Bex Bridgford BELOW: Dan Moon At The Gainsborough Restaurant

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Could you welcome a child into your home? Foster care means: “being able to provide a loving nuturing home to a child. B&NES Foster carer

”

There are children and young people in Bath & North East Somerset that need you to look after them. If you have: ✓ a spare room ✓ time and energy ✓ experience caring for children

You could become a Foster Carer! Contact us:

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Telephone: 01225 394949 Email: fostering@bathnes.gov.uk Website: fostering.bathnes.gov.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

@FosteringBANES |

MARCH 2018

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HEALTH | AND | BEAUTY

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS

A seasonal saviour, a beauty brand close to home, a barber shop opening and a new name on the beauty block. Crystal Rose shares the latest health and beauty news

SPRINGTIME SOS Jolly’s, 13 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DD Web: clarins.co.uk With the upcoming spring season Clarins has made it its mission to get some colour back into our lives. With the aim to get back to ‘base-ics’, there are six different primers to choose from, priced at £26.50, so any beauty concern is no longer a problem. From boosting hydration to colour correcting, Clarins new release is set to take the priming world by storm.

we love

ARTEMIS BEAUTY ACADEMY Bath’s beauty industry has a new player to contend with. Artemis Beauty Academy opened in January and it promises to bring high-quality treatments to the city while also training the next generation of beauty technicians. L’Oreal Paris is the recently announced product range choice for the Beauty Academy for all things hair. 15 Fountain Buildings, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5DX Web: artemisbeautyacademy.co.uk

TINY BOX OF MOP CHOPS Opening in late January, Matchbox is Bath’s newest hair salon. Boasting just five metres of floor space, it may be the UK’s smallest. Organic products line the minimalist brass shelves, while the glass walls make the room feel light and spacious. Matchbox can be found within the Forum Coffee House, meaning your bespoke hair experience can be topped off with a speciality coffee, tea or even something a little stronger. 3–5 Forum Buildings, St James’s Parade, Bath BA1 1UG Web: matchboxsalon.com

new

ATLANTIS SKINCARE Bath-based skincare brand Atlantis has recently launched. With the entire range handmade locally in Radstock and free from any irritants, brand owner Zane Piese wants to transform everyday beauty routines into therapeutic experiences. Web: atlantisskincare.com 84 TheBATHMagazine

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

Treat someone special this Mother’s Day with an indulgent Clarins Signature Facial (70 minutes) plus a Clarins goodie bag and a beautiful bouquet of flowers from our local florist for just £80. Visit us in store or book & shop online www.frontlinestyle.co.uk 4/5 Monmouth Street Bath BA1 2AJ 01225 478478

11 Broad Street Wells BA5 2DJ 01749 672225

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Free Initial Consultation 07949 240190 www.andreakellyhypnotherapy.co.uk andrea@andreakellyhypnotherapy.co.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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HEALTH | AND | BEAUTY

A colourful tipple from Bath’s The Juice Collective is the perfect way to begin the new season. All its juices are 100% cold-pressed with absolutely nothing added. thejuicecollective.co.uk

Rebuild your hair and protect it from heat. This Glossy Nectar oil from Oway, £12.50 is all about doing it the organic way. All products are free from parabens, synthetic fragrances and artificial colourings. oway.co.uk

Image: The Bathonian

Start the morning with a clean slate using the new Pore Perfecting Cooling Primer from Origins giving an instant cooling effect. Perfect your base before you apply your make-up. £27, Jolly’s, 13 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DD

SPRING

CLEANING With the changing season Crystal Rose rounds up a few health and beauty products that will get you ready for spring

This 100% natural concentrate is ready to revitalise the skin overnight. The Caudalie Vine Activ Overnight Detox Oil, £30 helps to regenerate and refresh your skin. frontlinestyle.co.uk

Scrub-a-dub in the tub with these white cashmere bath salts from Lilou et Loic, £65. Soothe your muscles and relax the mind with these paraben-free salts. lilouetloic.com

Be kind to your skin and recoup with this Rejuvenate and Glow box from MAKE Skincare. The Bath-based company uses all natural ingredients and all products are handmade by the founder Mary Temperley. makeskincare.co.uk 86 TheBATHMagazine

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The Orangery fp March.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2018 16:02 Page 1

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THE | WALK Looking westward from Lansdown

VICTORY ON LANSDOWN

Explore the historic site where the Royalists were at loggerheads with the Parliamentarians at Lansdown in 1643. Andrew Swift guides us around the site of the battlefield

or this brisk springtime walk, we step back in time and visit the site of the English Civil War Battle of Lansdown, as well as taking in an Iron Age fort, a Roman road and a succession of superb views over Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wales. We start not on Lansdown, where parking can be tricky, but in the village of Northstoke. This has two other advantages – you get the serious climbing out of the way at the start and have a chance to look around the village at the end. To get to the starting point, head west out of Bath along the Upper Bristol Road and continue along Newbridge Hill and Kelston Road (A431). Two-thirds of a mile past Kelston, take the first right, following a sign for Northstoke up a steep and winding lane. On entering the village, you come to a Tjunction with an archway leading through a row of cottages ahead (ST701689). Turn left to find a parking spot in the village. While this should not be difficult, take care to park considerately, bearing in mind that tractors and other large vehicles use this narrow lane. Having parked, walk back to the T-junction and carry straight on up a lane which soon degenerates into a muddy track. This was the Roman road from Bath to Portus Abonae (Sea Mills), from where 88 TheBATHMagazine

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soldiers embarked for the legionary fortress at Caerleon in south Wales. As you climb, you will see Saltford Lock and Weir down to the right, and, as you approach the crest of a rise, Kelston Round Hill, topped by trees, comes into view ahead. After 1,100m, the track leads through a gate. Continue up the track for another 200m, before turning left through a kissing gate (KG) with a woodland welcome sign (ST711681). Follow a broad and soggy swathe of grass uphill between the trees. As the views open up over Bristol and North Somerset, follow the track as it curves right. After negotiating muddy springs, Beckford’s Tower comes into view ahead, with Bath laid out below. Carry on alongside the fence, turn left through a KG with a Cotswold Way (CW) sign and head up to Prospect Stile, to which, according to John Wood, writing in 1742: “the curious resort not only to look down upon the cities of Bath and Bristol ... but to behold ... a region that sets paradise itself before one’s eyes.” Today, a topograph has been installed to help identify landmarks including Alfred’s Tower, Cley Hill and the White Horse at Westbury. Go through a KG and bear left along a wall. Bath Racecourse, the highest flat

racecourse in the country, is on your right. After 250m, go through a KG and at the end bear right to follow the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort known as Little Down Camp. After 150m, bear left through the ramparts, head across the fort and go through a KG on the far side (ST707689). Head downhill a little way before bearing right to follow a CW waymark alongside the fence. Continue through a KG, and after another 200m, you join a broader track. Here you have a choice: to cut the walk short and return to Northstoke, turn left to follow the track downhill. Otherwise, bear right up the track. After going through another gate, you will see a slab stile on the left leading into Pipley Wood. Here you have another choice, of carrying on along the level track or of crossing the stile, heading down steps and following a muddy path through the woods before climbing back to up to the track at the end. You could even decide to head further down and explore more of this 60-acre ancient woodland, running with muddy springs before continuing the walk. Whatever you decide, at the end of Pipley Wood, continue along the track across the golf course. At the end, carry straight on along a rough track with woods on your left (ST719694). Go through a gap in the fence, bear left through a parking area and go

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The monument to mark the Battle of Lansdown

through another gap to head diagonally across a field to the main road. Looking across the road, you can see a monument commemorating Sir Bevil Grenville, the Royalist commander who was fatally wounded after leading a successful attack on Parliamentary forces in the Battle of Lansdown in 1643. Bear left along the lane towards the Fire Service Control Centre, and, after it curves left, follow a CW sign through a gate. After going through a KG, turn right along the lane for a few metres before turning left along a track. As a gate leads onto the escarpment (ST716702), views open up

northward over Gloucestershire. After 350m, turn left through a KG and carry on beside a wall. When the waymarked path bears right, carry on, heading to the left of a line of conifers, before going through a seven-bar gate. Head along a muddy track for a few metres, before turning left through a gap in a wall and bearing right alongside it. After 250m, cross a lane and carry on. After another 200m, bear right through a gap in the wall and head across the golf course along the track you walked earlier. Carry on past Pipley Wood and through a gate, but, when the track forks 150m further on, keep straight on downhill to return to Northstoke. As you re-enter the village, you pass a farm which started life as a Roman villa. The original buildings are long gone, but it still has the characteristic villa shape, set around a central courtyard. In AD 758, it was granted to Bath Abbey by Kenulf, King of Mercia, as a monastic grange, and continued as such until the Reformation. Northstoke church, to your left, is from the 11th century and the yew in the churchyard dates from around the same time. At the foot of the churchyard steps is a well fed by a spring said to be so rich in limestone that objects left in it calcify and come out looking as though they have been turned to stone. Petrifying wells were regarded as sacred by the Celts, which suggests this may have been a sacred place

before the Romans arrived. Although there is no pub in Northstoke, there are a couple of nearby hostelries. A right turn at the main road leads to The Swan at Swineford, while a left turn leads to the Old Crown at Kelston. n Andrew Swift is the author of On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks Around a World Heritage City and is co-author, with Kirsten Elliot, of Ghost Signs of Bath. A longer Lansdown walk, with information on the English Civil War battle, can be found in Andrew Swift’s Country Walks from Bath. For more information on Pipley Wood, visit: pipleywood.com

FACT FILE ■ Length of walk: 5 miles ■ Approximate time: 2.5 hours ■ Level of challenge: Muddy stretches, but no road walking. You may however encounter cars and buggies on the tracks adjoining Lansdown golf course, as well as cows and sheep ■ Map: OS Explorer 155 ■ Refreshment stops: The Old Crown at Kelston – oldcrownkelston.com; The Swan at Swineford – swanswineford.co.uk

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THE INSIDE STORY Home is where the heart is, but if your interior is looking a bit â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and you want to give it a new design dynamic what are the options? Emma Clegg takes some local advice and identifies the nine trends that are moving and shaking our local interior emporia...

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INTERIORS | AND | STYLE

T R E N D 1 : MOODY There is a dark and mysterious vibe on the interior scene this year, with shadowy drama, shimmering velvets, gleaming metallics and stand-out wall statements, as well as brooding violet, navy and striking emerald green all key colours for 2018. “We’re loving the ongoing trend for deep rich colours, especially on walls, upholstery and textiles”, enthuses furniture and homeware specialist Michelle Aitken at Verve Living. “On walls, dark colours can act to enhance a moody vibe or – more strikingly – to allow statement pieces, including artwork, to really pop.”

ABOVE LEFT: Gelato Rose Gloss Porcelain and Lavastone Pebble Basin, available at Mandarin Stone © Nick Pope ABOVE RIGHT: Argento Porcelain Chevrons, available at Mandarin Stone © Nick Pope

T R E N D 3 : PASTELS

ABOVE LEFT: Casablanca Base flooring and Casablanca Decor, available at Mandarin Stone © Ben Anders ABOVE RIGHT: Andrea Wright painting, £725, available at Verve Living

T R E N D 2 : BOLD While the moody vibe brings plenty of strong personality, there is also a clear move towards bold, bright colours that pack a punch. Statement pieces, dazzling contrasts, patterns in combination with plains and geometrics all feature strongly here. So you can be brave with your colour choices, often an effective way of transforming your interior for the new season or just for a refreshing change. OPPOSITE: Maree sofa by Brabbu, available at Woodhouse & Law BELOW: Miniforms Lola modern dining chair by Go Modern Furniture

Millennial pink has been out in force, and this trend has now shifted towards light-filled pastel hues to embellish our spaces. We’re seeing them in accessories and in walls that define a paler colour mood. Think powder pink, butter yellows, baby blues and minty greens. Focus on one, or combine them to create an ice cream effect. “We’ve noticed a shift from the ‘barely there’ neutral backdrops of soft grey to pastel pinks and plaster colours which add a lovely sense of warmth to a room and pair brilliantly with pale greens, blues and yellows”, says John Law of Woodhouse and Law. “We work with Pure & Original paints which all use natural pigments and add depth and texture to your walls.”

T R E N D 4 : INDUSTRIAL METALS Metallic touches have been with us for a while. The latest version of the trend has an industrial nature and sees metallic finishes moving away from copper and rose gold and towards the warmth and sophistication of brass. Metallic elements within furniture pieces, mirrors and accessories all help to add a glowing and luxurious finish to a room. “Luxurious metallic surfaces have been part of our Bulthaup kitchen designs for many years”, says Graham Craig from Hobsons Choice. “Anodised and natural aluminium finishes often complement more neutral tones, highlighting a particular area of the kitchen with eye-catching colour that will change depending on the direction of the light.” “Metallics are a quick and easy way to add a bit of ‘bling’ to a room, especially in round or geometric designs”, explains Michelle Aitken at Verve Living. “We’re especially loving our distressed brass sunburst mirror with its nod to the 70s. Tables also feature strongly, both funky vintage pieces and strong contemporary designs, with glass or mirrored tops. Metallics really provide an easy way to give a space a refresh – even if it’s just a couple of brass and glasses boxes.” BELOW LEFT: Distressed brass mirror, £295, available at Verve Living BELOW RIGHT: Geometric gilt nest of tables, £325 to order, available at Verve Living

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T R E N D 5 : DARK WOODS Furniture is moving away from the pale, bleached wood style that has gone hand-in-hand with the Scandi trend. It’s time to welcome darker wood tones in homage to retro glamour, and to reinvent the concept of modern luxe. Dark oak, mahogany and textured walnut pieces are all making themselves felt, adding new depth to a room. “A strong, rough-sawn dark oak surface bestows a great deal of contrast, natural warmth and solidity to a kitchen space”, maintains Graham Craig from Hobsons Choice. “The use of such a striking finish requires a careful hand to ensure contrasting furniture and worktops acquire a harmonious balance.” Michelle Aitken at Verve Living agrees: “Darker tones of wood can add real depth, warmth and gravitas to a space. Dark floorboards in particular are a good option for anyone looking to refresh flooring and it is a great way to instantly transform a space – with or without the accompanying dark walls.” ABOVE: Alape furniture and sit-on basins, Bette bathtub, Vola towel radiator, Dornbracht taps and Keuco accessories, available at Hobsons Choice © Ben Nicholson

T R E N D 7 : SPA BATHROOMS

ABOVE: Schuller ‘Vienna’ Lava Black kitchen with Compac Carrera Glace quartz worktops, Miele appliances and an Elica Belle extractor hood, Hobsons Choice © Ben Nicholson

T R E N D 6 : RELAXED RUSTIC The rustic trend has reinvented itself with panache. Minimal and elegant, it’s less country cottage idyll and more pared-back organic chic. Dress the modern rustic interior with simply styled fresh wild flowers, distressed furniture and worn textures and accents. “Character pieces that add soul and personality to a space, twinned with the hygge vibe which we Brits seem to have embraced with zeal, suggests that the natural rustic trend is one of the lasting ones”, says Michelle Aitken. “Natural materials, especially those with a ‘lived in’ feel, sit happily alongside contemporary accessories to create a warm, relaxed vibe that’s easy to be in and to create.” BELOW LEFT: Verdigris Porcelain and Mimica Nero Portoro Matt Porcelain, available at Mandarin Stone © Colin Peacock BELOW RIGHT: Mimica Venato Matt Porcelain and Xylem Grey Porcelain available at Mandarin Stone © Nick Pope

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Let’s face it, we all aspire to a spa bathroom – they are comfortable, convenient and luxurious. They give us a space in which we can escape from the world, as well as cleanse, buff, pamper and spoil ourselves rotten. The spa bathroom aspiration is top of many homeowners lists, along with a keen appetite for large jacuzzi baths that you can soak in at your leisure, all-one-colour tiles, earthy tones and minimalist accents. This trend is endorsed by Graham Craig from Hobsons Choice: “A relaxing bathroom retreat personifies the wish-list of the majority of our Hobsons Choice clients. We believe true tranquillity is in the detail, perfectly translated from the design into the new room. A considered functional layout, a precise tiling scheme and accurate furniture alignments are just a few of the elements that make a peaceful space without distraction.” Louisa Morgan of Mandarin Stone has noticed the same focus on the luxury bathroom experience: “Luxury never goes out of fashion, but we are certainly seeing an ever-increasing interest in marbles (real and faux) for use in bathrooms as well as bold metallics, stone bathware and stand-alone vanities. These can be combined or used alone to create an opulent spa feel.” BELOW: Carrara Honed Marble, Calacatta Honed Pluto Basin, Chelsea Double Vanity, Carrara Honed Marble Hexagon Mosaic, available at Mandarin Stone © Nick Pope

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CITY | INTERIORS

ABOVE: The succulentus print wallpaper from Mind the Gap, available at Woodhouse & Law

ABOVE: The Hermes sofa by Brabbu in soft cotton velvet, available at Woodhouse & Law

T R E N D 8 : BOTANICAL

T R E N D 9 : NEW VELVET

Florals and botanical references continue to predominate – leaves are everywhere and they are joyous, elaborate and full of greenery and vigour. Having them around us is a way of experiencing the joy of the garden inside. Combine botanical wallpapers with real, growing plants, a crucial part of the picture. Just add a new wallpaper on a statement wall and you have transformed a space. “Everything from ferns to tropical plants, palms, monsteras and aloe are having a moment right now,” explains John Law of Woodhouse and Law. “House plants are great at bringing the outside in and have undeniable health benefits, whether you have space for a small terrarium or two, large-scale palms, or, at the extreme end of the scale, a living wall. Plants of all sizes look amazing when up lit or back lit at night.” “We’ve got some gorgeous tropical wallpapers from Mind the Gap and Arte which have the same calming effects, while also making a bold statement.”

While velvet has always been seen as a luxury classic for autumn/ winter, it’s creeping into an enduring interior must-have as luxury, texture and comfort make their presence felt in place of the lightwood features that have been dominating furnishings and interiors. Velvet comes in a range of rich and pale colours so can be fitted within a rich and sumptuous or a light, pared-back style. As well as using them for chairs and curtains, you can also choose velvet kitchen stools and statement headboards. John Law of Woodhouse and Law backs up the trend: “Velvet was big news at Maison & Objet in Paris this January, and was used in vast swathes in deep smoky blues, forest greens, russets and shades of pinot noir on pieces of statement furniture, in contemporary shapes and adorned with fringing. We saw scalloped chairs edged in gold and the 70s-glam vibe – it came across as a smile-inducing rebellion to Brexit and the more typical, until now, muted shades of grey.” n

BELOW: Amazonia print wallpaper by Mind the Gap, available at Woodhouse & Law

BELOW : Oak Chaise upholstered in teal velvet, available at Verve Living

Hobsons Choice: hobsonschoice.uk.com; Mandarin Stone: mandarinstone.com; Verve Living: verveliving.uk; Woodhouse & Law: woodhouseandlaw.co.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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TIME FOR A NEW KITCHEN?

The decision is made – your kitchen needs a revamp. But what happens next? How do you plan a new space that does just what you need it to? Graham Craig from Hobsons Choice has some useful tips...

t’s always exciting to embark on planning and designing a new kitchen, but the many things you have to consider can feel offputting. Just remember that investing cleverly in the planning stage means that your new kitchen space will be a positive and lifechanging experience.

IDEAS AND RESEARCH There is an incredible amount of information available to anyone looking to change their kitchen, from TV shows and magazines to websites and beautiful showrooms. A word of advice: before you begin poring over the latest styles and schemes, ask yourself the following five questions. These, and the others they are sure to spark, will help you form a basis for the kitchen you want… 1. What do you like about your current kitchen? You might say the layout works well, there is lots of natural light, there are great views into the garden. 2. What do you dislike about your current kitchen? 96 TheBATHMagazine

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Points here might include that the furniture is looking tired, small appliances are cluttering up the work surfaces, and when you cook nothing is within easy reach. 3. What is your budget? Bear in mind you may be thinking about more than simply kitchen furniture and appliances. Flooring, lighting, heating and decoration all need to play a part in your plan, and in your budget. 4. How do you want your finished space to work? Do you want your kitchen to be a social cooking/dining room, an open-plan area, or have you always wanted to cook a certain type of food but haven’t had the right appliances? 5. How do you want your new space to feel? This question covers your taste in colour and style and also the functions of the room and the atmosphere you want to create. Your answers might include words such as warm, textured, light and airy, glossy, matte, social, sleek and rustic.

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When you are collating your ideas and inspiration, mood boards or scrap books are useful for reference. Carefully organised, they can support discussions later in the process. When researching and collating ideas, think about colours and textures (walls, kitchen furniture, worktops and wall panelling), kitchen style (modern, Shaker or classic) and room layout (kitchen/diner, open-plan or selfcontained kitchen). Then you need to decide on your appliances (oven, steam oven, microwave, hob, extractors, fridge/freezer, wine cooler, extractors, hot water tap and dishwasher). Finally there is the flooring, the lighting and the heating.

ABOVE: Bulthaup kitchen in alpine white and clay laminate with a Walnut Island breakfast bartop © Darren Chung OPPOSITE TOP, from left to right: Next125 kitchen in sand grey matte velvet lacquer and bronze metallic matte glass with a Caesar Stone Woodlands worktop © Ben Nicholson; Bulthaup kitchen in black-brown dull matte structured oak and gravel laminate © Darren Chung OPPOSITE: Next125 kitchen in sand grey laser-edged laminate with a truffle brown island bartop © David Barfield LEFT: Bulthaup kitchen in flint and alpine white laminate with an oak breakfast bar © Darren Chung

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CITY | INTERIORS

VISITING A SHOWROOM It’s best to go prepared, so before you step into a showroom create a plan of your space and measure the whole room including windows, doors and wastepipe locations. Take along photos of your current kitchen with a scrapbook or a mood board if you have them. Another useful tool is a plan of the whole property and its compass position. This doesn’t have to be accurate – just a sketch of the layout will help your kitchen designer understand the flow of the property and the direction of natural light. When in the showroom, open cupboards, check drawer alignments and study grout lines and lighting arrangements. A good design company will have considered these details long before fitting.

What services do you offer?

DEALING WITH YOUR KITCHEN SUPPLIER During your initial visit, there are some key questions to ask to help you decide on the company you want to use:

Who manages the installation phase? Companies control their processes in different ways. At Hobsons Choice a client has a single point of contact from the very start, their design consultant. We believe they

Is the design and build done by the same company? If the company offer supply only, how does that work where design elements are required? How can minor remedial works be accommodated? How does the customer journey work? Let the designer walk you through every stage, from design, presentation and payment schedules to project planning, installation and sign off. How long does a design and build take? There are many factors that can speed up or delay a project, however, a designer should be able to give you an idea of how a standard project would progress.

are the best person to see the project management phase through. What after-care and warranties are provided? Check the details of what is covered and for how long. Do you work with architects, builders and interior designers? If your project requires additional building work or is a new-build, find out if the company has experience of working alongside other trades and design professionals. You will know you have found the right company when you have talked to a designer and feel they can deliver what you want. Then you can begin the next phase, shaping your ideas into a real, amazing space that you can enjoy for years to come. n Hobsons Choice, Kensington Showroom, London Road, Bath BA1 6AJ; tel: 01225 433511; web: hobsonschoice.uk.com

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THE LITTLE

HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS OUR GUIDE TO GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES

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HOMES & GARDENS | BATH GUIDE 2018

ELMORE KITCHENS 5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BT Tel: 01225 335600 Web: elmorekitchens.com Elmore Kitchens work with some of the best German and British makers of kitchen furniture, which have been personally chosen because of their high product quality and the level of service offered. Elmore Kitchens firmly believes that getting the design right, however long it takes, is paramount to a successful kitchen installation. Its spacious design studio in Bath (formerly in-toto), has five fantastic displays over two floors that encapsulate the very latest in kitchen design and product innovation. The philosophy of Elmore Kitchens is to make exquisite kitchens affordable.

SOFA.COM Unit 5/6 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP Tel: 0333 006 3262 Web: sofa.com Forget everything you already know about buying furniture. Shopping with sofa.com in Bath is a fun, relaxed and welcoming experience with showroom staff that are passionate and knowledgeable about interiors. Head to the showroom in The Corridor, to find your perfect sofa among the range of traditional, contemporary and mid-century styles. Feel the luxurious selection of 150 fabrics and envisage the completed look of your room with complementing home accessories in a friendly, stress-free environment. Everyone is welcome – bring the whole family, including the dog, and don’t worry about the children; the entertaining kid’s corner will keep them occupied while you browse and enjoy a barista-style coffee or a glass of prosecco.

PLANKBRIDGE HUTS Tel: 01300 348414 Web: plankbridge.com The Master Hut Makers at Plankbridge have been creating unique living spaces for years, producing a wide range of private dens that have been shipped all over the world. A Plankbridge Shepherd’s Hut has always balanced tradition and modernity. Handmade in Dorset with a move-when-you-move promise, a build guaranteed for 20 years and a reputation almost as long, the company is a must for homeowners looking to creatively expand their home without the need for planning permission or the upheaval of an invasive house extension. Whether you’re wanting to create a garden summer house, a party pad, a family annexe or a creative retreat, Shepherd’s Huts has become the obvious choice of living space among homeowners looking for something that bit more special.

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ZERODRYTIME BATH Tel: 0800 180 4992 Web: zerodrytime.com ZeroDryTime is the UK’s number one dry carpet, upholstery and hard-floor cleaners, providing premium, long-lasting cleaning for dry carpets, hard floors, wooden floors and upholstery. Combining highquality products with an exceptional service, the company caters for both commercial and domestic spaces, delivering four types of effective cleaning solutions. The result is fresh, new-looking carpets with ZERO dry time, ready to use straight away with ZERO waiting around. The process uses non-toxic products that are safe for pets, children and the environment, and the quick-drying, odour-free promise means there’s no need to open the windows or to keep the heating on while waiting for carpets to dry.

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TOTAL BATHROOMS Unit 2, Brassmill Lane Trading Estate, Bath BA1 3JF Tel: 01225 462727 Web: totalbathrooms.co.uk Total Bathrooms has been a showroom and supplier of bathrooms, wetrooms and steamrooms since the millennium. Its team of experienced designers can help plan layouts with CAD 3D visualisation software. It has a large showroom with roomsets display Matki, Laura Ashley, Laufen, Hansgrohe, Ted Baker tiles, Thomas Crapper and more. Total Bathrooms also offers a unique range of ex-display and end-of-line products with stock available to take away. It can offer a onestop shop with tiles, flooring, wall panelling, lighting, and extractor fans to complete the project. Site surveys and an installation services are also available.

BONITI

MANDARIN STONE

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire SN14 8JA Tel: 01225 892200 Web: boniti.com

Pop Up Shop (while main showroom is being refurbished) 25 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DG

Run by Giles and Simon Lunt, Boniti is a high-quality interiors (and exteriors) business. The showroom is a destination for all types of natural stone, porcelain and timber flooring, as well as decorative tiles, stoneware, Kadai firebowls, garden furniture, homeware accessories and the highly desirable Everhot range cookers. Boniti has an impressive client list of property developers and offers a specialist bespoke service that will supply and fit worldwide. For large, small, and all projects, the Boniti team are masters of their profession and it shows in every detail. The showroom is easily reached from junction 18 of the M4.

15â&#x20AC;&#x201C;16 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ Tel: 01225 460033 Web: mandarinstone.com Renowned for its comprehensive natural stone collection, Mandarin Stone has gained quite a reputation for its on-trend and beautifully designed porcelains. Ranging from those that cleverly mimic materials such as wood, concrete and marble to striking glazed and patterned tiles, the collection has endless surface design possibilities. Established for over 25 years and with 10 inspirational UK showrooms, its offers dependability for specialist knowledge as well as technical expertise. Almost the entire natural stone and porcelain collection is held in stock in the UK, so lead times are short.

FIAT LUX 8 Bath Street, Frome BA11 1DH Tel: 01373 473555 Web: fiatlux.co.uk Let there be light. Fiat Lux opened its Frome showroom in 2003, and since then it has been the go-to place to see a huge range of superb lighting, from traditional fittings and shades to the most up-to-date trends in contemporary lighting designs. For interior lighting projects there are fixtures and fittings, bulbs, coloured cords and cables in every possible combination as well as a full display of exterior lighting ideas. Fiat Lux work with leading manufacturers such as Vita, Original BTC, and many more and are an established favourite with property developers, architects, interior designers and all lighting aficionados, professional and domestic. Whatever your style, mood or interior desire then a trip to Fiat Lux will really light up your ideas.

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HOMES & GARDENS | BATH GUIDE 2018

VERVE 15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD Tel: 07785 332536 Web: verveliving.uk Located on the London Road in Bath’s artisan quarter, Verve is an interiors store with a difference. This creative hub is all about mixing it up. There is an ever-changing collection of one-off, character furniture pieces sitting alongside carefully chosen contemporary accessories including ceramics, lighting, textiles, glassware and more – sourced and in many cases made locally, and none available anywhere else in Bath. Verve also showcases artwork by local artists, from beautiful framed prints to original oils. Styling advice, regular events and workshops complete the picture. Pop in, a warm welcome awaits and coffee is on the house. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm or by appointment.

CLEARGLAZE

PAINTWORKS DECORATING AND REFURBISHMENT 1 East Lea Road, Bath BA1 3RP Tel: 01225 466237/07970 541989 Web: paintworksdecorating.co.uk Paintworks is a small painting and decorating business in Bath run by Dan Pix. Dan has built up a reputation as one of the city’s most conscientious tradespeople with excellent customer service, taking every care while all work is done efficiently and on time and with competitive pricing. As well as domestic and commercial decorating works, Paintworks offers a full maintenance, refurbishment and property management service, coordinating work with carpenters, plumbers and electricians. So any project, from a simple kitchen or bathroom refit to full period-property renovation, can be completed with the same level of professional care and attention to detail. Call Dan for a quote.

32 Shaftesbury Road, Bath BA2 3LJ Tel: 01225 425211 Web: clearglazewindows.co.uk Since 1980 Clearglaze have been providing high-quality home improvements in the beautiful city of Bath and the surrounding areas. By virtue of its long history, Clearglaze can confidently deliver the very best experience possible. The company offers a wide range of home improvement products designed to be sympathetic to Bath’s architectural and heritage requirements. Clearglaze and its staff are firmly rooted in the city and they understand exactly what it is that makes Bath so very special, and they love being a part of it. The showroom in Oldfield Park has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and is fully equipped with beautiful displays and samples, so feel free to call in for coffee and experience what Bath’s number-one home improvement specialist has to offer.

WOODHOUSE & LAW 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath BA2 4EN Tel: 01225 428072 Web: woodhouseandlaw.co.uk Woodhouse and Law is a well-established full service interior and garden design partnership. From the showroom and studio on Bathwick Hill, the company offers every component necessary in the delivery of a project from concept to completion, ensuring the highest quality throughout. The unique service combines the expertise of inhouse interior and garden designers with that of a highly skilled team of local craftsmen and technicians. So, whether your project is residential or commercial, the team at W&L can help with a wide range of services to transform your space. Services range from making up soft furnishings to a full design service and project co-ordination, all delivered with exceptional service. To arrange an initial consultation, get in touch or pop in to meet the team.

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DAVIES OF BATH 19A Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AY Tel: 01225 423749 Web: rabart.co.uk

ARCHITECT YOUR HOME Tel: 0800 849 8505 Web: architect-yourhome.com Architect Your Home’s service kicks off with an initial design consultation – this is where your project starts. The consultation will include an in-depth discussion to fully establish your requirements and aspirations. You will also be provided with sketch drawings of a properly considered and collaborative design proposal. The practical implications of your design will be explained in detail and you will be equipped with the necessary tools so that you can move your project forward confidently to the next stage. You will also receive advice on issues with planning permission, listed building consents and structures. At the end of the session you will have an agreed proposal and recommendations on the next steps and on how to move the project forward.

Davies of Bath, a family-run business, is a long-established decorating institution. The company has supplied high-quality painting and decorating materials to the city of Bath for over 80 years, to both trade and retail customers. The company is the premier stockist of Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Paint Library, Colourtrend, Zoffany, Mylands, and Earthborn, together with its other trade brands Dulux, Crown, Armstead and Macpherson. Davies of Bath offer a huge variety of decorating materials and specialist problem-solving products, ranging from wood finishes for flooring to French polishing. Customers have a huge choice of products and finishes, and specialist technical advice from the experienced. The store has a designer area offering a range of wallpaper and fabric books. There is a specific focus on colour consultancy and a made-to-measure service. The team can help you get the look you want – book a home visit or visit the store for inspiration.

SHANNON 68 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 424222 Web: shannon-uk.com

THE BATH FRAMER

There’s no stopping Shannon’s love for all things Scandi. Housed in an old town house on Walcot Street, Shannon has possibly the best collection of the most coveted Scandinavian designer furniture and lighting outside London. Explore the impressive line-up of products from acclaimed designers such as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen. The shop is jam-packed with furniture, fabrics, lighting and wonderful finds from the likes of Marimekko, Klippan, Moomin and Iittala. Owner Sue Shannon opened the shop in 2000 and has established a superb reputation with architects and interior designers from all over the UK who rely on her knowledge to source and deliver classic, authentic pieces of timeless design. The shop is an endless source of interesting and unusual homeware gifts at affordable prices.

6 & 7 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD Tel: 01225 920210 Web: thebathpictureframer.co.uk The Bath Framer has recently expanded to accommodate a smart new shop space next door to their newly renovated framing studio. This friendly boutique picture framers offers a bespoke framing service with a strong emphasis on interior design. In the shop you will also find stationery from local and international design brands, including hand-printed cards, wrap, tags, journals and notebooks, alongside many more beautiful and useful items for the desk and the home. Based in the London Road since 2015, the business, owned by Kelly, has gone from strength to strength, building a client list of local residents and businesses based in Bath, Bristol and beyond.

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AVONVALE CARPETS

BEAR INTERIORS

37 Kingsmead Street, Bath BA1 2AA Tel: 01225 427057 Web: avonvalecarpets.co.uk

20 Wellsway, Bath BA2 2AA Tel: 07977 548340 Web: bear-interiors.co.uk

The choice of flooring is vital in transforming any room and the range of options can sometimes overwhelm. Luckily Avonvale Carpets is on hand to assist. It has served homeowners and businesses throughout the city of Bath and Wiltshire for 46 years now, providing an excellent choice of flooring, in-depth expertise and perfect fitting. An independent, family-run business, Avonvale Carpets employs its own professionally trained fitters, and deals directly with major manufacturers, offering customers a great selection of quality flooring that’s truly second to none – woollens, naturals, stain resistant, vinyls and tailor made options, too. You will be amazed at the variety on offer in the shop, located just off Kingsmead Square.

Bear Interiors has been working with clients in the Bath area for over 10 years. It’s a small, approachable company delivering quality interior solutions at affordable prices. Drawing on more than 25 years experience in the industry, it can provide a broad range of services for all types of residential and commercial properties. Bear Interiors has also long-established relationships with some of the UK’s leading suppliers of furniture, lighting, fittings and accessories. For great advice on colour schemes, to renovation and interior design projects and from initial planning to completion, Bear Interiors is the company to help you. To arrange a free consultation call: Lynette Labuschagne on 07977548340 or email: lynette@bear-interiors.co.uk

NU-HEAT UNDERFLOOR HEATING AND RENEWABLES

COOPERS ELECTRICAL SUPERSTORE

Tel: 01404 540700 Web: nu-heat.co.uk Nu-Heat creates tailormade warm water underfloor heating systems, giving you the freedom to enjoy your home. Whatever the age, size or construction of your property, the chances are that it’s suitable for underfloor heating. Whether you’re plannng an extension, tackling a new-build or undergoing a complete overhaul, Nu-Heat believes that your heating should be designed to be a perfect fit. The experts team takes every little detail into account, creating a bespoke design to ensure super-efficient, sensational snugness throughout your home. With 25 years experience and more than 70,000 homes across the country already enjoying a Nu-Heat system, it’s time to say goodbye to restrictive radiators and to reclaim your space.

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13 – 15 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BN Tel: 01225 311811 Web: coopers-stores.com Coopers is a family-owned business that has been trading since 1948. Back then, founder Harry Cooper ran a small shop in south London. His son Paul joined the business in 1973 and now operates from a large showroom right in the centre of Bath. In that era Coopers sold (and repaired) lots of small appliances as well as TVs, radiograms (remember them?), washing machines and cookers. In the early days no-one even dreamt of owning a dishwasher or tumble drier. Today Coopers specialises in all kitchen appliances, built in and free-standing, top-end luxury as well as basic, catering for every taste... even white goods are now multi-colour. Over the years Coopers has built a strong reputation – great products; fantastic, friendly knowledgeable staff; and highly competitive, fair prices. This is independent retailing at its best, it is values-driven and customer focused, this is a real antidote to the soulless online shopping experience.

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HOBSONS CHOICE BATHROOMS

PAUL GREEN HI-FI

Kensington Showroom, London Road, Bath BA1 6AJ Tel: 01225 433511 Web: hobsonschoice.uk.com

Unit 8, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane, Bath BA1 3LN Tel: 01225 316197 / 337955 Web: paulgreenhifi.co.uk

Your bathroom often has to have multiple personalities. In the morning it’s a functional space, getting you ready for the day ahead in the most efficient manner and in the evening it needs to be a relaxing haven into which you can escape. Creating a harmonious bathroom that meets these demands takes clever thinking and craftsmanship. A skilled hand is required to deliver beautiful tiling layouts with millimetre-perfect grout lines and carefully aligned furniture and considered functionality. hobsons|choice has been designing bathrooms for over 40 years. Each bathroom is tailored to the needs of the client. From family bathrooms and master ensuites, to shower rooms and cloakrooms, each unique space is a reflection of the requirements of the homeowner, their lifestyle and style of property. hobsons|choice believe that their focus on customer care, intelligent design and highquality installation and craftsmanship sets them apart. Visit one of the showrooms in Bath, Swindon or Winchester, where one of the talented Design Consultants will be delighted to talk to you about your next bathroom project.

The Green family has served the Bath area with quality audio and visual goods since Ken and Gordon Green opened Green Brothers on Walcot Street in 1946. In 1977, Paul branched out and for more than 40 years has offered an unrivalled service. In these days of cheap internet sales, service has tended to become a thing of the past. But not at Paul Green Hi-Fi. Now based at the Brassmill Enterprise Centre and still a family business, the team offers unbiased advice on the system to suit you. The expert staff can undertake a complete audio and visual equipment installation and there is a full aftersales service including repairs. Products range from LED TV screens to docking stations, wireless hi-fi and headphones through to high-end stereo and surround-sound separates and speakers. Paul Green Hi-Fi stocks most major brands from Audiolab to Yamaha and everything in between. There is free parking, disabled access and ground-floor viewing and listening facilities, and competitive pricing is a priority. Come and relax in the friendly atmosphere in the knowledge that you will receive quality advice and service.

TR HAYES 15–18 London Street, Walcot, Bath BA1 5BX Tel: 01225 465757 Web: trhayes.co.uk

COMBE PARK INTERIORS

TR Hayes has been selling furniture in Bath for more than 100 years, and has a reputation for good quality and service. The large store features many well-respected brands, with an amazing array of furniture of all types on display – you can browse Hypnos beds, Parker Knoll Sofas and Ercol dining room ranges amongst others. Never one to rest on its laurels, there is always something a bit different at TR Hayes to catch the eye. One of the most desirable trends at the moment is velvet upholstery, and the new Venice sofa on display in the contemporary showroom is worth a look. This show-stopping British-made collection is available in a range of sumptuous plush velvet fabrics in colours from subtle neutrals to jewel-like greens and blues.

Tel: 01225 425099 / 07971 234777 Web: combeparkinteriors.co.uk Trained as a professional curtain maker and interior designer, Claire has run Combe Park Interiors for over 10 years. Offering a range of services in the interior world, Claire can help to make your house into the home you’ve been looking for. She specialises in offering a fabric consultancy service and by listening to and understanding each client, she uses her knowledge of fabrics and experience to help guide you through dressing that all-important window or space. With all items lovingly made by Claire herself, you can be assured of the utmost attention to detail and quality craftmanship. Combe Park Interiors works with a number of pole and track manufacturers and suppliers to help provide that all-important finish to a project. With her knowledge of colours and fabrics, Combe Park Interiors can really help to provide those essential finishing touches.

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HOUSE OF RADIATORS 22 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 2AA Tel: 01225 424199 Web: houseofradiators.co.uk House of Radiators is a family run business that opened in 2011 and while it sells throughout the UK and overseas, the team has found that customers in Bath and in the local Bear Flat area have been very supportive. Selling traditional and designer radiators that can be off the shelf sizes/finishes or in bespoke sizes and colours the showroom has more than 70 radiators on display and, due to specific local demand, the store is expanding the range of traditional cast iron and column radiators. With over 45 years experience in the heating and radiator industry, the small team in the showroom offers a friendly and high level of customer service and believes this is key in helping customers choose the right radiator for their home that will not only look amazing but will heat their room and do its job. Working with 20 of the leading manufacturers and distributors in the radiator industry House of Radiators can offer something to suit all budgets and styles. The store offers local customers a personal free of charge home service where they can measure up and work out the correct heat requirements and size up radiators accordingly.

HOMEFRONT INTERIORS 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP Tel: 01225 571711 Web: homefrontinteriors.co.uk The eclectic Homefront Interiors has continued to grow with an ever changing selection of homewares, gifts and cards. This little independent store may be small but it has a wide range and regularly updated stock of new and vintage homewares and tries to follow a simple ethos of sustainability. Whether that means recycled materials, fair trade origin, small scale production or simply showing a little love and care to vintage finds. It is the clever mix of vintage and contemporary alongside an ever growing selection of handmade pieces from local artists including textiles, ceramics, jewellery, art prints and cards that makes Homefront such a great destination shop. Perfect for gifts and unique finds for your own home. Homefront is also the Bath stockist for Grand Illusions chalk paints, which are perfect for upcycling furniture, and if you are unsure where to start why not sign up to one of the store’s workshops?

AVENIDA HOME 27 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN Tel: 01225 571718 Web: avenidahome.com Avenida Home is the most unique destination to shop for home accessories in Bath, so stop by and view its inspirational selection of placemats, table mats, coasters, ceramics, trays, chopping boards, fabrics and wallpapers. Its collections are created in the studio in Bath and are made by skilled people and artisans in small family-owned factories. And the team collaborates with exceptional artists. Each individual item starts out as a painting or as an illustration, before adorning a unique piece of homeware which is then crafted with the best quality materials to reflect the original and to maximise its functionality. The result are always beautiful, practical pieces that can be used and enjoyed for a long time. Colourful, modern and individual – every Avenida Home accessory tells a particular story, and all collections share a contemporary, yet timeless feel. Browse online or visit the store to discover the stunning collection.

SILVERWOOD DESIGN KITCHENS & BATHROOMS Tel: 07715 262227 Web: silverwooddesign.co.uk Having a new kitchen or bathroom is exciting but sometimes daunting. Who will coordinate the trades? Will everything arrive on time? Will the end result be practical as well as stylish? Silverwood Design takes your project personally, looking after you from inception to completion. The highly experienced team can manage the entire project for you but are also happy to work alongside other tradesmen. Silverwood takes pride in its work and customers are truly satisfied, with most coming from referrals. Bespoke, interior design is factored into the price of any new kitchen or bathroom, so there are no additional design expenses. Furthermore, Silverwood are not tied to specific brands or styles. Using Silverwood Design can save you time, stress and money. Their clients pay for excellent service and products, not overheads.

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BATH KITCHEN COMPANY 7–9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS Tel: 01225 312003 Web: bathkitchencompany.co.uk Established in 1987, Bath Kitchen Company is a well regarded, family business based in Bath. With vast experience, it takes great pride in its understanding, close attention to detail and what every client requires; whether individual tastes, home or lifestyle, the team will find a bespoke kitchen that strikes a perfect balance between aesthetic and practical requirements. Consequently every kitchen is unique, beautifully designed and perfectly functional. Handmade, using premium materials and to the highest standards a beautiful kitchen can be carefully crafted to make the most of available space, existing features and the latest technology. Whether designing for Bath’s oldest private homes or cutting-edge city apartments, the principle is same – Bath Kitchen Company will create a place that enhances the lifestyle.

SCHMIDT KITCHENS 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE Tel: 01225 337276 Web: schmidt-kitchens.com Schmidt Kitchens is a relatively new arrival on the Bath scene and is one of Europe’s leading kitchen brands, headed up locally by Leroy McKenzie. Schmidt offers a wide range of colours and finishes with units that look good in both kitchens and living spaces, which suits the current trend for blending the two into one functional environment. Customisation is key to the Schmidt design philosophy, focussing on dimensions, aesthetics and function. Schmidt reports that the company is also seeing a demand for stylish, elegant designs which converge with technology that is revolutionising the way our kitchens integrate with our busy lives.

BUSCOTT WOODWORKING Buscott Farm, Station Road, Ashcott, Somerset TA7 9QP Tel: 01458 210 300 Web: buscottwoodworking.co.uk Buscott Woodworking Ltd is a partnership with a combined 64 years of deep, diverse knowledge in fine joinery and cabinet making, priding themselves on their profound understanding of materials. Craftsmen who talk directly to their clients, the team can make anything from wood: a curved timber frame, a set of traditional box sash windows, a beautiful French polished mahogany dining table and chairs or a stunning bespoke kitchen. Call Adam now for a quote and discussion on how to create your dream piece.

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN Old Orchard, 88a Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 426905 Web: clairstrong.co.uk Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, friendly and creative business based in Bath that provides a wide range of services for residential and commercial projects in the UK and abroad. Its portfolio includes projects of all sizes, from smaller-scale jobs, such as staging a property for sale, to complete interior solutions for homes and businesses. Recent projects have included the complete refurbishment of a listed building in the centre of Bath used as an office for 70 staff, and the design, sourcing and project coordination of a family home renovation. The team enjoys a collaborative approach with our clients, working with them to create a space that meets their needs, improves their home or work life and exceeds their expectations.

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STEPHEN GRAVER Elmsgate, Edington Road, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6HP Tel: 01380 871746 Web: stephengraver.com Stephen Graver Ltd specialise in creating bespoke projects. From original kitchens and handmade bathrooms to commissioned pieces of furniture, they can offer a solution for everything. Also offering a building renovation service they personally visit every client for an initial consultation. The design is the starting point and the team take time and care over every project, ensuring that the functional requirements are met, while always looking for features to make every project personal and unique. At Stephen Graver, they like to think that the end result is beautiful to look at, original and totally designed around your needs and that what makes them stand out is the journey the client goes on to reach that end result. Not only will they spend time advising on the most appropriate designs and appliances, you will be able to see how your design progresses by visiting their onsite workshop. Everything is designed and manufactured at the site in Steeple Ashton, you can arrange a visit and see your project taking shape. The studio, open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

BATH GARDEN DESIGN 88a Walcot Street, Old Orchard, Bath BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 317977 Web: bathgardendesign.com Bath Garden Design offers a unique one-stop service where it can take care of all your gardening needs, from the popular consultation service, design and planning, landscaping and construction through to planting and garden maintenance. Its team members are trained and qualified in Horticulture and have valuable plant and design expertise, Bath Garden Design constantly updates its knowledge and is in touch with the latest trends in garden design. It is also an expert in working with period properties and listed gardens and have worked in some of Baths most prestigious areas. Bath Garden Design is Bath's premier gardening company, offering great customer service and with many happy customers with hundreds of beautiful gardens designed, built and planted by Bath Garden Design.

CATRIONA ARCHER Tel: 07823 884945

Web: catrionaarcher.com

Catriona Archer offers interior styling for holiday rentals, property sale and the home. Enjoy affordable, professional interior styling that is designed to make the most of your existing items, storage and space. A broad range of services are offered, tailored to suit your individual needs. Are you looking for some hands-on styling that repurposes and rearranges your existing furnishings, artwork and accessories in order to make ‘better sense’ of the space? Or, perhaps you are looking for a styling consultation to set you on the right track to make the improvements yourself? Or would you prefer a complete home makeover, with a more in-depth design service, from space planning, interior finish selections through to final furnishings? Catriona works with budgets from £150 to £50,000 to help you achieve your ideal interior.

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ORIENTAL RUGS OF BATH Hallatrow Business Park, Bristol BS39 6EX Tel: 01761 451764 Web: orientalrugsofbath.com For many years Oriental Rugs of Bath had a shop in Argyle Street, Bath, but in July 2013 they decided to move out of town, to Bookbarn International's capacious premises at Hallatrow, ten miles west of Bath and an equal distance south of Bristol. They now have lots of space to display their beautiful Oriental rugs. There are rugs in every colour and size imaginable with different weaves and price points, from affordable Afghan mats right up to gorgeous handmade Persian rugs costing several thousand pounds. You’ll also find homewares, accessories and clothing too. There is plenty of free parking so you can easily take in your rugs for cleaning and drive away with your purchases.

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HOBSONS CHOICE KITCHENS Kensington Showroom, London Road, Bath BA1 6AJ Tel: 01225 433511 Web: hobsonschoice.uk.com Designing a new kitchen is an exciting time and hobsons|choice believe every client should have a great experience when making the decision to enhance their home. On meeting with the Design Consultant you will be offered a tour of the showroom, whilst enjoying a coffee and a piece of fudge. To understand your lifestyle the consultant will begin by getting to know you; talking and listening, exploring your ideas and offering professional guidance. The approach is collaborative from the start and your Design Consultant is dedicated to your project from the initial design phase and presentation, through to project managing your installation and signing off the kitchen with you. hobsons|choice feel this is key to their success, providing you with a consistent contact who knows everything about your project. With over 40 years of experience, their work can be found in homes of varying size and style. They believe their intelligent design, installation craftsmanship and customer care, are what raises their service above that of their competitors. With three showrooms, Bath, Swindon and Winchester, the team would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your next kitchen project.

KNEES HOME AND ELECTRICAL Spitfire Retail Park, Trowbridge BA14 0AZ & High Street, Malmesbury SN16 9AA Tel: 01225 754161 Web: knees.co.uk Knees have been local home experts since 1879. It specialises in selling kitchen appliances, range ovens, sofas, beds, furniture, home accessories and vacuum cleaners. Knees offer the chance to see a wide range of appliances in its Trowbridge showroom, as well as free, regular cooking demonstrations where professionals are on hand to show the latest product features and provide expert advice. Knees prides itself on spending time with its customers to help find the right product for their needs and in their budget. Its exceptional offering includes free local delivery on most items as well as a range of professional installation options. Knees also have a price match promise so that you can be sure you will receive the best price available. Plus buying your appliances from a local family business means that it takes customer care seriously. Its new furniture range is full of modern fresh designs and many of the pieces are modular and flexible and their quality and pricing is hard to beat. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth checking out.

KINDLE STOVES Glenavon Farm, 331 Bath Road, Saltford BS31 3TJ Tel: 0117 924 3898 Web: kindlestoves.co.uk At the heart of your home should be the perfect stove. Kindle Stoves is a local specialist in stoves approved for burning wood in Bristol, with a woodburner to suit every home and every style. The team stock the super efficient Clearview, Contura and Rais models as well as many more, offering a full installation service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from fireplace alterations, to slate hearths and stone fireplaces. Their lovely new showroom, situated just outside Keynsham, has one of the largest displays of wood-burners in the South West and is open seven days per week. Pop in for advice and brochures or to book a home survey. They also sell seasoned logs, gas fires, the Big Green Egg outdoor cooker and Aga Rayburn range cookers.

ZONE YOUR HOME Stanley, Chippenham SN15 3RQ Tel: 01249 740957 Web: zoneyourhome.co.uk Complete smart home systems, tailored to suit your lifestyle. Designed, installed and commissioned for you. Lighting and heating control, CCTV/security, multi-room audio, WiFi and TV distribution. Zone Your Home have undertaken everything from a 1 bedroom annexe to a 6500sq.ft. listed Manor House and every sort of home in between. Their system is suitable for both existing and new installations so they have new builds (and self builds), renovations and retrofit projects in their impressive portfolio. Discuss your individual requirements with the team and find out about their previous projects as the chances are they will have done something similar. Arrange an appointment to view their demonstration system at the National Self-build and Renovation Centre in Swindon and find out how they can smart zone your home.

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JO BERRYMAN INTERIORS The Guild Hub, High Street, Bath BA1 5EB Tel: 01225 560826 Web: joberryman.com Henry Wood House, 2 Riding House Street, London W1W 7FA Tel: 0207 209 5826 Set up in 2009 by Jo Berryman, the interior design studio is famed for its non-formulaic and innovative aesthetic, witty vignettes and harmoniously mismatched accents. Hong Kong born, Jo spent her formative years working in fashion at Elle and Agent Provocateur, and later co-founding one of the first concept stores Jezebell on Marylebone High Street in the early noughties. Based on confident decisions, Jo now leads a team of designers and architects who understand and deliver her creative vision with expertise and conviction – both on projects throughout the UK and internationally.

PIETRA WOOD AND STONE The Old Filling Station, 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX Tel: 01225 783527/782408 Web: pietrawoodandstone.com The recently extended Pietra Wood and Stone showroom in Holt, just outside Bradford on Avon, is the place to visit to choose your new flooring and wall tiling. You will find a comprehensive range of floor and wall coverings to suit every kind of taste and budget, along with knowledgeable staff to help advise you on the best option for your home. You can choose from engineered flooring, natural stone, porcelain and luxury vinyl tiles, which can all be supplied only, or supplied and installed. New for 2018 at Pietra is the Maintenance Programme Initiative. Whether you are an existing client, or the owner of a stone or wood floor, the team can provide you with a programme to bring your floor back to its original splendour and to then keep it looking that way for evermore. This is achieved by using the most up to date technology and specialist cleaners and then an ongoing programme to keep it looking pristine.

FRAMING WORKSHOP 80 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 482748 Web: theframingworkshop.com In 28 years of trading on Walcot Street, The Framing Workshop has framed many weird, wonderful, beautiful and fascinating objects and collections, all of which have their own story to tell. What do you have tucked away that you could have framed and displayed to tell it’s own story? Paper, canvas, fabric, objects, memorabilia, – go and be inspired!

ETONS OF BATH 108 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG Tel: 01225 639002 Web: etonsofbath.com Etons of Bath is an interior design company offering classically inspired interior design, sourcing and project management for luxury residential and hotel clients. Formed in July 2017 via a merger between two specialist and hugely experienced interior design teams in Bath, Latham Interiors and Eton Design, it is the UK’s only specialist Georgian/Regency interior design practice. Etons of Bath helps owners of period properties create classically inspired interiors to add value, make them more beautiful and modernise the interiors of period properties for more modern living. Services include interior design, product sourcing, project management for interiors of houses and hotels. The showroom on Walcot Street houses collections by more than 50 leading interiors suppliers including De Gournay, Porta Romana, Brabin & Fitz, Silk Avenue and Cole & Son and there is an on-site hand-made curtain and upholstery workshop.

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STORM WINDOWS Tel: 01384 636365 Web: stormwindows.co.uk

JUST SHUTTERS Tel: 01225 302599 Web: justshutters.co.uk Beautiful plantation shutters are a striking style statement, while also offering a perfectly practical addition to your home. A versatile window covering, shutters can be used on a variety on shapes, angles and arches, they are easy to maintain, can be used even in humid environments and have a timeless elegance that can last a lifetime. Shutters are the perfect way to make a design impact while retaining the character of a window or door. they maximise the light and enhance the feeling of a space, and by avoiding heavy and cumbersome fabrics you will open the room up and make it appear larger. Unlike less substantial materials, shutters do not bleach or fade in the sun, and they couple practicality with style like no other product available. These are just some examples of how beautiful plantation shutters can give your home a makeover.

Storm Windows is a family run company specialising in the manufacture and installation of bespoke secondary glazing to listed, classic and historic properties around the country. Secondary glazing is the process of creating an internal window on the inside of the original, which is not visible from the outside of the building. Most traditional windows are draughty and thermally inefficient, yet listed status can impose restrictions regarding works and alterations to your home. Storm Windows secondary glazing products can offer a discreet and sympathetic remedy to this issue. They have solutions for many different types of windows including sash, casement and York sliders, along with the shaping of Gothic, Norman and Ogee arches. Storm secondary glazing is only available directly from the manufacturer. From initial contact with the sales and estimating representatives, through to production in the workshop and finally the installation, all orders are dealt with solely by the in-house team, who work closely together to deal with your enquiries and manage the progression of your order.

INTERIORS.FAMILY Devonshire Buildings, Bath BA2 4SU Tel: 01225 445710 Web: interiors.family

GARDEN AFFAIRS Trowbridge Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, Trowbridge BA14 ODT Tel: 01225 774566 Web: gardenaffairs.co.uk

interiors.family specialises in helping families create contemporary, stylish homes which not only look great but also work for everyday family life. interiors.family is passionate about what it does and treats every project as if it’s their own home, whether that’s an entire home renovation or a single room revamp. Each project large or small is carefully planned with meticulous attention to detail to maximise the potential of your home. It develops every design with imagination and creativity whilst focussing on quality and practicality to create a unique design tailored to your family’s individual tastes. The aim is to deliver beautifully finished yet practical interiors which improve the way we use our homes and make a positive impact on family life. interiors.family offers a flexible personally tailored range of design services for any size of project.

Garden Affairs specialises in made-to-measure high quality garden buildings. The extensive display of top-notch garden offices, posh sheds, summerhouses and gazebos can all be made to the size and style you require – flexibility is what it’s all about. Take a look at their range of garden rooms which feature a contemporary concept that solves the problem of space constraints, especially in city gardens. The Linea range of modern Scandi style cabins are perfect for all uses, and comply with most planning guidelines, and look great too. Garden Affairs offers a fixed price installation service throughout the UK, or choose a DIY kit delivered to your door.

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HOMES & GARDENS | BATH GUIDE 2018

SOFA WORKSHOP 21 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE Tel: 01225 442586 Web: sofaworkshop.com Sofa Workshop has been at the top of Milsom Street in Bath for 20 years and is Bath’s first port of call for anyone in search of a very comfortable sofa. All the sofas are handmade in Britain and are available in the greatest choice of fabrics on the high street, including all the best known design houses. Visitors can find a wide choice in the spacious showroom with sofa styles ranging from contemporary to traditional. The experienced team at Sofa Workshop are there to help customers through the process ensuring that they choose the sofa that’s right for them.

NISI LIVING

FIRED EARTH

Tel: 01275 390521 Web: nisiliving.co.uk

11 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ Tel: 01225 471212 Web: firedearth.com

Mediterranean homes are a riot of colour and texture; places where informal gatherings of friends and family happen effortlessly and spontaneously. We may not have the same climate here in the UK, but that needn’t stop us designing vibrant spaces for dining and entertaining in our own homes. Naming their Bristol-based online store after the Greek word for ‘island’, Eleni and Julian Portch provide everything you could need to live a more colourful, more vibrant, more Mediterranean lifestyle. Eleni’s childhood experiences with her Greek relatives feed into not only her own family life here in the UK, but the ethos of the brand. The hand-picked collection is packed with colour, character and quality, sourced worldwide from designers whose work celebrates style and warmth. So many beautiful things can be found over on their website – our Nisi Living wishlist is longer than our arm!

Fired Earth is well known for its gorgeous wall and floor tiles. They source examples from around the world and the very best from right here in the UK. With a wide selection to choose from – including hardwearing porcelain for high traffic areas and decorative hand painted wall tiles – there really is something for every space. The Fired Earth paint collection brings together 120 colours, ensuring there really is a colour for every room. As well as being beautiful to look at, Fired Earth paints are formulated to perform superbly and have a minimal impact on the environment. They also offer a superb range of coordinating wallpapers which totally transform your space. Added to this is the beautiful range of bathrooms, practical and stylish vinyl flooring and of course, their exceptional design service to help you pull it all together.

GARDINER HASKINS Broad Plain, Bristol BS2 0JP Tel: 0117 929 2288 Web: gardinerhaskins.co.uk One of Bristol’s most established businesses, and its largest independent homecentre, Gardiner Haskins has everything you need to make your home your own – all under one roof. Whether your place is undergoing a revamp or you’re starting from scratch, Gardiner Haskins has all the elements to turn your unique vision into a reality for less. From big-brand appliances to classic, contemporary furniture, you can overhaul entire rooms at their fitted kitchens and bathroom departments or enhance your home using their range of DIY and decorating essentials. The luxury home furnishings department, with designer brands and made-to-measure curtain service, will add all the style and the finishing touches to turning a house into a beautiful home. Well worth the visit.

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The Old Filling Station 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX t 01225 783527 / 782408 e info@pwasltd.com

NEW HOLT SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9am – 5.30pm. Sat 9am – 5pm

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Fulham Showroom 196 – 198 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, London SW6 2UE

Tel 0207 610 6111

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INTERIORS | AND | STYLE

FEELING INSPIRED? HOW TO CHASE THE TRENDS Have you been perusing some of the new interior trends and want to know where to start, without spending a fortune? Clair Strong explains how small adjustments can have a big impact

BOLD COLOURS Bold, bright hues are dominating the colour trends this year, with shades like ultra violet (Pantone’s colour of the year), turquoise and hot pink looking especially popular. If you want to dip your toes into this trend, know that you don’t have to completely redecorate to accommodate it. Look at your existing design scheme and choose one or two bright colours that would complement it well. Then pick accessories in these colours: cushions, curtains, bed linen, lampshades, rugs and throws – the options are vast. This is the easiest and possibly most enjoyable trend to adopt, so my biggest piece of advice is to just have fun with it.

ABOVE: Monstera Wallpaper on blush – Woodchip & Magnolia

TROPICAL PRINTS This zesty, retro-inspired trend has grown up in the past few months. In 2016–17 it was all neon colours and pineapple prints. In 2018, we’ll see a more sophisticated take on this trend. Think large-scale palm leaf print wallpapers and fabrics, combined with green velvet sofas, dark wood furniture and brass accents (conveniently combining multiple trends in one). Tropical patterns have become more illustrative and realistic, and the colour palette simplified to shades of green. As a result of its evolution, this trend has become more enduring and is easier to adopt. Tropical print cushions on a sofa, or fabric-covered canvases give a subtle nod to the look, but for something really striking try an accent wall in your favourite print.

ABOVE: Fishbone Coffee Table by Chaplins Furniture RIGHT: Exo Stri Grey Marble Washbasin by Tikamoon

BASIN & SINK STYLE Sinks have long been quite uniform and functional, and while this has served a very useful purpose, it’s great to see designers breaking the mould. In 2018 we’re going to find basins and sinks in an array of experimental designs. Made from materials like copper, granite, marble, concrete and tile, sinks will become a statement feature in their own right. What’s most exciting about this trend is that it encourages people to mix and match – especially in the bathroom. We’re no longer restricted to matching all-white suites; we can mix materials and create an entirely bespoke look. This is especially useful if you’re trying to achieve that ultimate spa bathroom. THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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INTERIORS | AND | STYLE

B I G O N V E LV E T Velvet is a rich and sumptuous fabric that creates enticing warmth in a space. It can be made from a wide variety of fibres including cotton, silk, mohair, viscose and polyester, and so the quality, pile, colour and durability can vary from one velvet to another. In recent years, we’ve seen velvet sofas in an array of vibrant colours (one of the benefits of velvet is that it allows for great depth of colour in the dyeing process). But now it seems people are seeking even more ways to incorporate velvet into the home. I particularly like velvet curtains, hung high so they sweep theatrically from ceiling to floor. Hanging curtains high gives the illusion of taller windows and ceilings which adds to the drama and gives any room an instant, sophisticated lift.

DARK WOODS There’s a definite move away from cool colours and towards warmth and depth. The bleached timber furniture from the Scandinavian trend is slowly being replaced by darker wood. And this is not just in furniture, but in the kitchen and architectural details too. If you like this new, moodier look, update your current furniture affordably with wood stain. Use it to darken existing light furniture, as long as it is made from real wood, not veneer. You can even stain timber flooring, if you’re up to the challenge.

I N D U S T R I A L M E TA L S Metallics are not a new trend; we’ve had numerous popular metallic finishes come and go in the past several years. Right now, the metallic of the moment is brass. I think brass will likely be the most enduring of all the metallic trends. It has been fashionable many times before, and its look is more refined and evolved than that of its counterparts. It has all the same light-reflecting, glamour-adding benefits of other metallic finishes, but is somehow more understated than copper or gold. This means you can go really big with brass. So think floor lamps, side tables or mirror frames to create a really striking feature without having to change anything else in the room. ABOVE: Lucien Sideboard Dark Mango Wood PR07 MADE.com BELOW: Pastel Lustre Occasional Table by Audenza

TOP: Urbanara velvet curtains; ABOVE: The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten

S PA B AT H R O O M S While many of us dream of Jacuzzi baths, built-in saunas and huge waterfall showers, these can be pricey. They’re also not entirely necessary, even if you aspire to creating a spa-like retreat. You can create a luxurious space without a full renovation. It’s all about the details. Details like a gorgeous, light-reflecting chandelier hanging above the bathtub, full-length voile curtains instead of blinds, gold or brass taps instead of chrome and large plants in beautiful pots. And keep your bathroom stocked up with piles of fluffy white towels and toiletries in pretty packaging – no spa would be without either. n Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, friendly, creative business based in Bath and London, providing services for residential and commercial clients. Visit: clairstrong.co.uk or contact: clair@clairstrong.co.uk 102 TheBATHMagazine

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We are a small team, providing a high quality decorating and refurbishment service, at competitive prices. Recent projects include full refurbishments of apartments in The Royal Crescent and Catherine Place. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for one wall to be wallpapered, or a whole house to be refurbished, why not get in touch to talk through your plans, and to view examples of our work.

t 01225 466 237 m 07970 541 989 e info@paintworksdecorating.co.uk www.paintworksdecorating.co.uk

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HOMES | GARDENING

DARLING BUDS OF MARCH Jane Moore savours the start of spring and celebrates all the stars of the garden, from dwarf daffodils, irises and hellebores to pulmonaria, Japanese quince and camellias

arch is a month of promise and anticipation in the garden. Little things which have been thrusting merrily through the soil undeterred by frost and foul weather will grab a few rays of sunshine to burst forth and flower. Dainty daffodils, tiny irises, primroses and cyclamen all belie their diminutive stature and shine out sturdily cheerful in the mixed bag of weather that March has to offer. The weather this month often has a somewhat bipolar feel – with the emphasis on the polar! One day can be glorious with sunshine and temperatures that tempt removal of the thermal vest that has been a constant companion for the past few months. But beware the false sense of springtime, as the very next day will find the day dawning with a sharp lurch back to frost and cold which takes plants, birds and gardeners all by surprise. 104 TheBATHMagazine

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The best thing to do is to embrace all that this month has to offer. Savour the almost daily arrival of another little slice of spring and fill your days with a mixture of tasks to get the garden as ready as possible before April. Time in April has a tendency to speed up and the month hurtles in with its longer evenings and the frenetic onslaught of grass and weeds, signalling the true arrival of spring.

Little darlings Tis the season for bulbs galore and there’s nothing more cheery than a cluster of gorgeous little daffodils or irises strategically placed. I’m very partial to potting a handful of things and gathering the pots together on a table just outside my living room window where I can gaze at them bathed in March sunshine. Favourites for pots include any of the dwarf daffodils such as dainty ‘Minnow’ or elegant white ‘Jenny’. Readily available from a garden centre nearby, you will find the ever jaunty ‘Jetfire’ with its bright

orange trumpet or the ever faithful ‘Tete a Tete’ which is always such a joy in a battered old terracotta pot.

Spring blues What is it about the beautiful blues of spring that pulls us? I think it’s that reminder of summer skies to come and some of my favourite bulbs have just that hue. My current favourite of the little irises is ‘Alida’ with its vivid blue flower but there’s also the lovely Scillas and Puschkinias, dainty little bells of cobalt blue flowers. Of these I’d look for Scilla sibirica, a diminutive cobalt-blue spike of four to five bells that only reaches four to five inches in height. This can be left to self seed without fear of it taking over.

Perennial favourites I have two utter stars for the March show: hellebores which have been my standby for a good month or so and Pulmonaria, a little

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HOMES | GARDENING

Shrubby stars A walk around the garden this month highlights any dull locations that could do with a spot of spring cheer. You can always find a spot for a spring flowering shrub but it has to earn its spot, especially in a smaller garden. The perfect spot is somewhere it can be seen and appreciated

from indoors or en route to indoors such as by the front or back door. Ideally it will have two seasons of interest and my first choice fits these criteria. Chaenomeles or Japanese quince is blessed with beautiful single flowers of rosy red or apple blossom pink dotted with bright yellow stamens in the centre. These appear profusely in March on the bare stems and twigs and are followed by leaves and golden quince lookalike fruits in summer. All in all it’s rather attractive

❝

What is it about the beautiful blues of spring that pulls us? I think it’s that reminder of summer skies to come.

❝

bloomer so often overlooked in favour of bigger, blousier blooms. Hellebores you just can’t go wrong with, so do get some. Pulmonarias are so often passed by as if they’re of little consequence and yet I love them so. These little lungworts flower so reliably and so generously that we tend to take them for granted, but they’re good little doers and add a splash of colour when little else except bulbs are around. I especially love their leaves, often silvered and spotted and producing an excellent foil to other plants later in the season. My favourites are ‘Blue Ensign’ with rich blue flowers and green leaves and ‘Opal’ with the palest ice-blue flowers and gloriously spotted leaves. I must confess a huge fondness for the species too with its spotty leaves and pink and blue flowers – one of the first plants I ever remember as a child. If you want to keep them pure then do deadhead after flowering so they don’t seed and cross pollinate, and cut back the leaves. In May or June new leaves will burst through which look fresh for the summer.

especially when trained against a low wall or fence. Top varieties, with Awards of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society no less, include ‘Moerloosei’, my apple blossom pink favourite; ‘Geisha Girl’ with semi double salmon pink flowers, and ‘Crimson and Gold’ a stand-out stalwart. For those with acid soil, take your pick from all the wonderful Rhododendrons and Camellias. Even with a pH8 soil I can

exploit the fact that Camellias do nicely in containers. At The Bath Priory we have a very nice little collection of Camellias set under trees in a sheltered spot near the tree ferns and hydrangeas. These flower beautifully year after year with a regular dose of slow release feed and really aren’t any trouble. Good ones for pots include ‘Adolphe Audusson’ my favourite red, and ‘Cornish Snow’ a dainty little white. A quick mention too for Forsythia, not my favourite spring shrub but reliable. When I’m looking for early flowering yellow shrubs I opt for Mahonia which ticks the two season box with flowers and evergreen foliage

Take notes Finally keep a little notebook with you this month and make lists. My proclivity for list making has stood me in good stead through the years. I list plants, bulbs, little tricks and ideas and I look out for colourful planting schemes I can steal shamelessly. I know everyone just takes photos with their phones these days but the very action of writing something down tends to fix it in my head, cementing a variety or plant name more securely than any photo ever could. n Jane Moore is an award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at The Bath Priory Hotel. Twitter: @janethegardener

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the directory

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

Electricians

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Chauffeur/Private Hire

House & Home

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Holistic Treatments for Wellbeing

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Trowbridge & Neal’s Yard Bath

issue 186

ONEMagazineONECiTYONEMOnTh • T 01225 424 499

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

ong Cottage is situated in a quite lane in Hinton Charterhouse, convenient for all the village amenities which include a village shop, and Post Office and two traditional pubs. The village itself is approximately five miles from Bath and there is a train service from Freshford Station, just a mile away. The detached cottage is beautifully presented and dates from the 18th century having been originally formed from three separate dwellings. The current owners have restored the property with great care, retaining a wealth of period features such as open fireplaces, beams and door furniture. There are two floors of accommodation: The ground floor comprises a sitting room, study, dining room and bespoke kitchen with Rayburn range, shower room, workshop/possible bedroom four and a garden room/utility. Upstairs there are three charming bedrooms, family bathroom and a cloakroom. At the rear, you will find a very pretty, enclosed garden. Long Cottage is a chocolate-box village house with lots to enjoy and which will appeal to a verity of potential buyers. Viewing is by appointment with agents Pritchards.

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

LONG COTTAGE 16 THE GREEN HINTON CHARTERHOUSE • Chocolate-box, period property • Quiet village location close to open country side • Bespoke kitchen with Rayburn • 3 double bedrooms • Pretty, enclosed rear garden

Guide price: £795,000

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Grosvenor Villas A wonderful 5 bedroom semi detached Victorian house enjoying fine open views to the front and rear with substantial and versatile family accommodation in a desirable residential area on the eastern fringes of the city. Well proportioned rooms retaining a great deal of character. Drawing room, dining room, music room, well fitted kitchen and extended breakfast room. Cellar & cloakroom. Delightful 80ft East facing garden. Driveway parking for 3 cars.

Price: ÂŁ1,200,000

Monkton Farleigh A special and interesting property in two parts: a charming 3/4 bedroom Grade II listed cottage with delightful garden and views across the Vale of Malmesbury and an attached 2 bedroom converted former post office. The Old Post Office has recently been sympathetically refurbished to a high standard to provide a 2 double bedroom self contained annexe ideal for dependent relative or to provide rental income. Total approximate floor area (including carport and the Old Post Office) 2993 sq ft/278 sq m.

Guide Price: ÂŁ795,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB Pritchards March.indd 1

Tel: 01225 466 225

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A busy start to 2018 Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

[SOUTH WESTERN] LIMITED

he Apartment Company (and the industry as a whole) have had a very busy start to 2018, which should be encouraging news for local apartment sellers. Buyer demand has remained robust. From January 1st to mid February, our applicant registrations were up 32%, viewings increased by 47% whilst sales were up 100%, when compared to the same period last year. We’re seeing the highest level of first-time-buyer enquiries we’ve seen in a while, which I think is partly down to The Chancellor’s changes to stamp duty. Therefore, those selling one to two bedroom apartments should benefit in particular at the moment as a result. Meanwhile, new instructions have increased 100% at The Apartment Company. Various housing reports also note a busy start to the year… Rightmove has noted their own site visits rose by over 9%, averaging over 4million visits per day. Meanwhile the south west ranked second place in terms of regional monthly house price growth – up 1.6%.

Crafting beautiful homes

Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswolds | Dorset

Norwood Dene, Bathwick Hill

Seven luxury apartments with unrivalled specification and exceptional quality From £895,000

Meanwhile, Lloyds Bank recently announced Bath is the fifth most expensive city to own a property. This should bring encouraging news for homeowners with a ‘wait and see’ concept, and landlords who wish to reduce their portfolios. Although it means Bath is an expensive place to buy now, it’s important to focus on the long-term perspective… our city has had a good track record of strong house price growth, and there is nothing too alarming going on in the current climate to suggest that that should change any time soon. As ever, it’s important that you are sensible when selling up, in order to have the best chance of a successful sale. Things to think about include; Don’t pick an agent offering the lowest fee, as there’s usually a reason why they are. You need to make sure your chosen agent is doing absolutely everything possible to sell your apartment quickly and for the best possible price. Do your research to make sure an agent is successful at selling your type of property. Buyers are still price sensitive, so make sure an appropriate pricing strategy is set in place. This will decrease the likelihood of you having to reduce your price in order to attract interest. Make sure your agent has all the marketing tools to promote your property online and offline. To include professional photography, advertising, PR, virtual tours and good presentation.

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

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And finally, prepare your home for sale… This means it’s vital you have a really good clean; tidy up; de-clutter and fix minor repairs as remember, first impressions count! You need your photographs to look amazing in brochures and online, but your property also needs to have the wow factor for viewings. The Apartment Company Pg@theapartmentcompany.co.uk or call 01225 471144.

Great Stanhope Street A smart and stylish three bedroom maisonette with its own private entrance, newly refurbished to a high standard throughout, tastefully combining contemporary comforts with period elegance. Occupying a sought-after position in central Bath, the property is a short walk from a wide range of amenities and Bath Spa railway station.

Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

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

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

Display your property’s crown jewels when selling your home

So, if you are thinking of selling, why not open any “boarded up” fireplaces and see what’s behind or lift the corner of the carpet too see what’s underneath, especially in hallways and key show reception rooms.

Two features that really struck me and gave me joy, were the original Victorian fully tiled hallway, which ran from the front door, through the entrance vestibule and beyond. To the potential buyer this is a lovely and welcoming introduction to the house, especially when they say that applicants often make their mind up about a house in the first 10 seconds of entering the home.

If your house is more modern, and lacking in features, do not despair, many people also like a modernist style home, which is uncluttered, light and giving off the feeling of space. I have seen some wonderfully presented modern homes, where the vendors have added some nice attention to detail with for instance “designer style” door furniture and house names, or fittied quality doors with say modern chrome door accessories, as an example.

visited a house today on a market appraisal, which had been immaculately presented by the current vendors. The property had a wealth of original features, and others that the vendors had installed which were in keeping with the period and size of the property.

The second charming original feature and piece de resistance, was a stunning black with white veined marble fireplace surround located in the lounge, a real stunner and a wonderful focal point for the room. Add to this the details and intricate cornice ceiling in the main reception and you are well on the way to grabbing the applicant’s attention!

Duncan Nash, Director Nash & Co

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Like many things in life, if you do your research and preparation, taking the best from each “similar style of home “you see or research, then you can’t go far long.

Nash & Co web: nashandcobath.co.uk or call: 01225 444800

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Bear Flat

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Greenway Lane, BA2 £700,000

A refurbished 1930’s semi detached home situated on Greenway Lane which has been extensively refurbished by the current owners. With three double bedrooms, level walled gardens a gated driveway and garage. Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

01225 805 680 bearflat@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Central

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Thomas Street, BA1 £699,950

01225 809 571

Andrews March.indd 1

An exceptional home in central Bath. Built in 1825, this grade II listed, Georgian townhouse is presented to a high standard. Spread over three floors with drawing room, kitchen/dining room, further reception room and three double bedrooms. There is also off street parking for two vehicles. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

central@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

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Camden

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Worcester Buildings, BA1 Offers in excess of £500,000

The Bungalow, Worcester Buildings has been owned by the same family for over 80 years. The plot extends around the house with the property positioned towards the front. The rear garden is a great size with patio and lawn areas and at the end of the garden is a gate leading to a further section of the plot with a detached garage and parking for a number of vehicles. Energy Efficiency Rating: F

01225 809 868 camden@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Newbridge Andrewsonline.co.uk UNDER OFFER

Lyme Road, BA1 £499,950

A beautifully renovated Victorian terraced home located in the popular Lyme Road. Accommodation includes sitting room, with period fireplace, dining room opening to the kitchen/ breakfast room with french doors onto the garden. There is a utility room located next to the kitchen. Upstairs on the first floor you will find three bedrooms and a family bathroom, moving up to the beautiful loft conversion with ensuite shower room and eaves storage. This beautiful home with its wealth of character is waiting to welcome its new owners. Energy Efficiency Rating: E

01225 809 685 newbridge@andrewsonline.co.uk

Andrews March.indd 2

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

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NEW BUILDS

Farmborough, Near Bath

Prices from

£525,000 Great Bedford Street, Bath

Situated to the west of Bath in the ever popular village of Farmborough is ‘Cherry Grove’, an exquisite development of three, individual, detached homes, built by ‘Rathbourne’. The properties are finished to the highest standard throughout and offer flexible accommodation, along with pretty, landscaped gardens, private parking and garaging.

Somerset Lane, Bath

Guide Price

25 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AP

£1,050,000

A magnificent Georgian garden maisonette, finished to the highest standard throughout, situated in one of Baths most desirable locations, just off St James's Square. The property benefits from light, spacious accommodation along with an abundance of period features as well as a south west facing terrace garden.

£950,000 Bathway Meadows, Bath

A 1960's designed detached home offering light spacious accommodation set behind Somerset Place in Lansdown. The accommodation is mainly on one level but boasts 545 sq ft of lower level accommodation which could be converted in to a further living area if required (Subject to necessary permissions).

OIEO

Guide Price

£1,150,000

This recently constructed, four-bedroom family home has been uniquely designed and immaculately maintained. This stylish home enjoys wide and far-reaching views of beautiful open countryside, and has access to the nearby river and canal.

T: 01225 904 904 for a free valuation www.wentworthea.com

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Cranwells Park, Bath • • • •

£625,000

3 Bedrooms 1960’s detached family house Views over the city and surrounding countryside Large mature garden to the rear

• • • •

Potential to extend subject to the necessary permissions Garage & off-street driveway parking Great access to local schools including Kingswood & Royal High Located in a quiet cul de sac

• • • •

Over 55’s only Communal gardens Southern facing aspect to the front Garage with light and power

Great Pulteney Street, Bath • • • •

2 Double bedrooms Ground floor apartment Drawing room Beautiful period features

£420,000

enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk www.nashandcobath.co.uk Tel: 01225 444 800

NASH & CO

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SION ROAD, Bath

Guide Price ÂŁ595,000

Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom first floor apartment in period house with communal gardens, parking and views, in exclusive Sion Road, Lansdown.

EPC: D

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SYDNEY BUILDINGS, Bath

Guide Price Â£1,100,000

Delightful three storey, two/three bedroomed, Grade II listed Regency townhouse in Sydney Buildings, Bath. Offering beautifully landscaped garden and stunning views of the canal and the city of Bath. EPC: Exempt

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Berkeley Court

£1050 pcm

Unfurnished · Communal gardens · Garage · Agency fees £420inc VAT · Council Tax Band: D · New carpets/new decor · Available Mid April or earlier by negotiation

T D LE EE R AG

Brock Street

£1200 pcm

Unfurnished · Two double bedrooms · No Pets · Central zone parking permit · Suit professional couple · Council Tax Band: D Agency Fees £420 inc VAT · Available 1st March 2018

T D LE EE R AG

Henrietta Street

£1250 pcm

Furnished · First Floor Apartment · Georgian · Central Location · Residents Permit Parking · Council Tax Band: D · Agency Fees £420 including VAT · Available 2nd April 2018

T D LE EE R AG

Station Road

£700 pcm

Park Street

£925 pcm

Henrietta Street

£1400 pcm

Unfurnished · One Double Bedroom · Good Size Sitting Room · No Students · No Pets · Council Tax Band: B · Agency Fees £420 including VAT · Available 31st January 2018

Unfurnished · Georgian apartment · Beautifully presented · Period features · Council Tax Band: B · Agency Fees £420 inc VAT · Highly recommended · Available early March 2018

Grade I listed · Georgian apartment · Three bedrooms · Kitchen/breakfast room · Stunning far-reaching views · Central location · Council Tax Band: D · Agency fees £420inc VAT · Available Now

The Academy

Darlington Street

Lime Grove

£1300 pcm

Part Furnished · Modern build · Two double bedrooms · Open plan living · Close to transport links · Allocated Parking Space · Council Tax Band: E · Agency Fees £420 inc VAT · Available 12th March 2018

SALES

01225 471 14 4 The Apartment Company March.indd 1

LETTINGS

£1500 pcm

Unfurnished · Three Bedrooms · Short Level Walk to City Centre · No Pets · Council Tax: C · Agency Fees £420 inc VAT · Available 19th February 2018

01225 303 870

£1800 pcm

Unfurnished · Victorian · Three bedrooms · Beautifully presented · Private garden · Resident permit parking · Council tax band: E · Agency fees £420 inc VAT · Available 29th January 2018

sales@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

20/02/2018 10:46

Cavendish Place

O.I.E.O

£775,000

Georgian · Grade I listed · Three bedrooms · Beautifully presented · Stunning views · Highly sought after location · Approx 1436 Sq ft

LD O S TC S

Connaught Mansions

Catharine Place

O.I.E.O

£575,000

Georgian · Grade II listed · Two double bedrooms · First Floor · Beautifully presented · Successful Holiday Let · Sought after location · Approx 839 Sq ft

O.I.E.O

£500,000

Modern Build · Two double bedrooms · Top floor · Lift access · Private off road parking · Central location · Approx 805 Sq ft

LD O S TC S

Great Pulteney Street O.I.E.O £650,000

Highgate

Grade I listed · Georgian apartment · Second floor · One bedroom · Lift access · Central location · Approx 436 Sq ft

Georgian building · Grade I listed · Garden apartment · Three bedrooms · Sought after location · Immaculately presented · Approx 1358 Sq ft

New development · Penthouse apartment · Two bedrooms · High specification · EPC rating: B · Private Balcony · Approx 635 Sq ft

Bennet Street

St James Square

New Marchants Passage

O.I.E.O

£220,000

Henrietta Villas

£425,000

Georgian · Grade II listed · Courtyard apartment · Two bedrooms · Central location · Open plan living · Beautifully presented · Approx 872 Sq ft

O.I.E.O

£395,000

Grade II listed · Georgian apartment · Top floor · Two bedrooms · Stunning views · Great location · Approx 574 Sq ft

O.I.E.O

£440,000

O.I.E.O £360,000

Modern build · Two bedroom · Central location · Communal roof terrace · Close to transport links · Open plan living · Lift access · Approx 840 Sq ft

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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