The Bath Magazine November 2015

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ISSUE 158 | £3.95 where sold

NOVEMBER 2015

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

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THE | CONTENTS

NOVEMBER

2015

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62 10 5 THINGS TO DO Bath essentials for November

100 64

50 BOOK REVIEWS 54 ART EXHIBITIONS

14 GUEST COLUMNIST

62 BATH AT WORK

Holly Tarquini on F-rating in film

18 FACE THE MUSIC Illustrator Peter Maloney

68 6 OF THE BEST

The annual chalet fest arrives

Where to enjoy British produce

30 BATH FILM FESTIVAL

70 RESTAURANT REVIEW

The silver jubilee line-up previewed

32 CITY OF SONG

The George at Woolley Street

40 OUR MATE MOLES The bands who played in Bath

44 WHAT’S ON

Scene of an English Civil War battle

92

INTERIORS The latest from the London shows

94

RE-IMAGINED HOME A new home store on London Road

100 GARDENING Jane Moore visits Hauser & Wirth

103 PROPERTY Beautiful homes to buy or rent

Picks for those festive parties

78 FAMILY FUN Things to do with the children

86 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Our helpful guide to Bath events

Find peace of mind

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk

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THE WALK

71 ANGELA ON WINE

A celebration of Bath’s choirs

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90

Neill Meneer’s portrait of the month

64 FOOD HEROES

CITY PEOPLE Women who offer support

What the galleries are showing

The Kingsmead Kitchen

22 IT’S MARKET TIME

88

A round-up of interesting reads

12 MY BATH

Oliver Adams, art gallery assistant

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Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

ON THE COVER

Glassware by Stella Wain – see more of her work at Widcombe Craft Fair at St Matthew’s Church, Widcombe on Saturday 21 November

Like us on Facebook.com/ TheBathMagazine

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EDITOR’S PICKS

She Eloped with the Spring Wind (detail) by Mick Lindberg at the Anthony Hepworth gallery

STITCHED STORIES: I’m a big fan of Swedish model turned textile artist Mick Lindberg who’s having a new show at the Anthony Hepworth gallery, Margarets Buildings, opening on Saturday 14 November. She breathes life into fabric to create characters.

from the

EDITOR

B

efore I plunge into blethering on about what delights lie in our November issue, I wanted to mention the tremendous response we had to last month’s guest columnist Otto Bathurst. His thought-provoking piece about the role of the modern man got people talking after they’d read it in the magazine – but when the column went on to our website it reached a whole new audience. In just a fortnight we had thousands of hits and Otto’s story was shared 1,800 times.

I like that The Bath Magazine can be a place where serious ideas can be shared and we’re able to do that by offering a platform to guest writers to talk, in their own words, about matters close to their hearts. This month Holly Tarquini, producer at the Bath Film Festival, talks about the F-rating certification for films.

This – like Otto’s piece – is another look at gender. How we do view women in film? Are they there to be likable, beautiful and adored by the hero? Or do they have rounded characters and lives that don’t rely on their relationship with a major male character? If we want our daughters to grow up to be engineers, explorers, film directors, pioneering scientists we need to show women on screen playing these roles. Read Holly’s column on Page 14. It will make you think.

This month too we celebrate the hundreds of men and women who sing in Bath’s many choirs. I swear that if you called out at any social gathering in the city “anyone here in a choir?” that a dozen hands would go up. Our tribute to the city of song stretches to seven pages (from Page 32), taking in 21 choirs – and I’m fully aware that this is merely the tip of the choral iceberg. With the Christmas concert season upon us now is a great time to hear these ensembles in beautiful harmony, and maybe take the plunge and join one yourself?

November sees the opening of the Bath Christmas Market and the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights. There’s not going to be a big song and dance about the latter this year. Instead, why not take part in the lantern procession on Thursday 19 November, through the streets of Bath, from the Holburne Museum to Parade Gardens? This annual participatory event has gone from strength to strength – last year it took an hour to pass and this year no less than three sets of musicians will be called in to take part in the parade. As the lanterns, born aloft by adults and children, bob their way in the darkness through the city centre it’s a magical sight that, for me, more than makes up for seeing some American actor throw a light switch.

I’m going to make my lantern and I’ll look out for you on the night!

Georgette McCready 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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MASTER SHOE: one of Bath’s most talented adopted sons, Manolo Blahnik, will be making a very rare public appearance this month to talk about his new book, Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions. He’ll be at St Swithin’s Church in Walcot on Wednesday 25 November from 7.30pm in conversation about his life and his beautifully designed and coveted shoes. Tickets: £20 to include a book voucher, from Topping & Co.

A HELPING HAND: fed up with carrying an overstuffed handbag I was delighted to find this new small-size British range, bagsy at Debenhams. These handbag heroes, range from £6 and include a double-sided highlighter and concealing pen and lip moisturising lip pencil. On grey wintry days, let’s face it, a person needs all the help she can get.

ARRESTING GAZE: this fine looking young man, Arthur Atherley can be seen at the Holburne Museum, Bath.

The preparatory oil sketch of the 19-year-old was made in 1791 by Thomas Lawrence, who is strongly linked to Bath. The picture is now being sold. The Holburne needs to raise a £61,209 share of the asking price to acquire the piece permanently for the city.

Donations of all sizes are being sought, by January.

SAVE THE HEDGEHOG: in the last decade the hedgehog population in the UK has declined by a third, down to fewer than a million – they’re disappearing at the same rate as tigers globally. This month gardeners are being asked to help protect the real-life Mrs Tiggywinkles by making them welcome in the garden. If you want to feed them put out water (not milk which is bad for them), mealworms or meat-based cat or dog food. Visit: hedgehogstreet.org for more hints on helping save our hedgehogs.

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If I cannot fly, let me sing

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STEPHEN SONDHEIM: COMPOSER AND LYRICIST

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ZEITGEIST

Shop Bath Christmas Market has been described as a bit of a Marmite event. Some love the excitement of getting in festive mood and browsing the dozens of stalls to find unusual and original presents for loved ones. Others see the invasion of the little wooden huts, which bring thousands of visitors to Bath, as a nuisance that impedes their progress through the city centre streets. Whatever your view, you’ll want to know that this year’s world famous Bath Christmas Market opens on Thursday 26 November and runs for 18 consecutive days, until Sunday 13 December.

More than 170 wooden chalets will fill Abbey Church Yard and line the streets of the city centre. New for this year is The Christmas Lodge, an indoor venue on Stall Street, serving hot food and local beer and run by Bath Ales.

To find out what the market is worth to the local economy, see Page 20 for more details of this year’s market and other pre-Christmas events.

Remember This year Remembrance Sunday falls on 8 November and there will be church services and civic acts of remembrance taking place all over Bath and in surrounding towns and villages. The morning service at Bath Abbey is at 10.50am. At the same time, 10.50am in Victoria Park the main wreath laying will take place at the city cenotaph. There will be a parade of dignitaries and representatives of the armed forces and others at 2.20pm which finishes at 2.50pm outside the abbey where they gather to lay their wreaths in the Field of Remembrance.

After the wreath laying the procession continues into Bath Abbey for the traditional Royal British Legion Service at 3pm.

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5 November things to do in

This will be the tenth year for the fabulous Bath lantern procession, which sets out from outside the Holburne Museum on Thursday 19 November, and wends its way through the darkened streets to end up at Parade Gardens. And while it is a family orientated event, you don’t have to be a child or a parent to take part. Simply turn up with your lantern for 5.30pm.

The theme is Enchanted Forest, so expect birds, trees and beasts of all kinds. A dozen artists are making giant lanterns and Bath schools are also creating portable art - all lit by LED lights. To take part in a workshop tel: 01225 388569 or buy a lantern kit from the museum shop, £5.

Take part

Film

A very happy 25th birthday to Bath Film Festival, which is taking bookings now for screenings at the beginning of December. The 11-day film festival offers a smorgasbord of movies from around the world – some funny, others provocative. If you’re fed up with the schlock served up like so much mass produced popcorn at the multiplexes, Bath Film Festival will be a delightful and refreshing cultural tonic. For a few of this year’s festival highlights see Page 30.

Janis, image courtesy of Getty Images

Watch Bath’s annual big public fireworks display takes place on Saturday 7 November on the Recreation Ground. Gates open at 5.30pm, with the main firework display at 7pm. This yearly charity event is run thanks to the hard-working volunteers of Bath Rotary Club with the sponsorship of Bath Building Society. Adult entrance is £5 in advance, £6 on the gate, children £3, and £4 on the gate. To book yours tel: 01225 463362. Even if you’re watching from pavements around the city please give generously to the official bucket shakers and help some local good causes.

PICTURE: Alan Denison

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

My BATH We asked Oliver Adams gallery assistant at Bath Contemporary what he’ll be doing this month

British institution The Bath and North East Somerset Council owned Victoria Art Gallery is to hold a Grayson Perry exhibition next year. The Vanity of Small Differences, which opens on 9 January and runs until 10 April, will show six very large tapestries which were made in 2012 for the BAFTA award-winning Channel 4 series All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry, in which the artist explored the notion of British taste. The Vanity of Small Differences tells the story of class mobility and the influence that social class has on our aesthetic taste. Inspired by William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress, the six tapestries chart the class journey made by Tim Rakewell. They include many of the characters, incidents and objects encountered

by Perry on journeys through Sunderland, Tunbridge Wells and The Cotswolds for the television series.

Floating studio Spotted on the River Avon in Bradford-on-Avon is something we’d like to see in Bath too – an artist busy painting at his easel, while afloat in a canoe. Sculptor turned painter Jonathan Mulvaney even built his own canoe to realise this peaceful approach to capturing the landscape. See his beautiful views of the River Avon, as seen from a fresh perspective, at an exhibition which opens at the Fat Fowl restaurant in Bradford-on-Avon from 27 November.

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What brought you to Bath?

I moved to the city in 2012 when my partner began an MA in Textiles at Bath Spa University.

Having graduated from Bournemouth with an MA in Fine Art the previous year, I was keen to broaden my own artistic practice in a new environment. It didn’t take long to feel welcomed within the city’s culture, with creative hubs like 44AD ArtSpace and Fringe Arts Bath eager to support and promote artistic production.

Another important appeal of Bath was (and still is) the surrounding landscape. Currently based in Batheaston, cycling along the canal into work is a far more effective start to the day than caffeine.

What are you reading?

Since working at Bath Contemporary I have developed an admiration for ceramics, which has recently diverted my attention back the literary works of contemporary ceramicist Edmund de Waal. De Waal’s interest in architecture, art and history are explored with such wholesomeness in his 2010 memoire The Hare with Amber Eyes, I find myself hooked on every word. I often use books as a source of inspiration for my own art and end up with several books on the go at once.

I am currently between de Waal and a book called Trickster Makes this World by Lewis Hyde.

What is on your MP3 player?

My computer holds an eclectic mix gathered over the years, but in all honesty I listen to very little music at the moment. But I do treasure a lazy Sunday afternoon with a backdrop of Classic fm.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

So many places in Bath offer a quality service with great character and a fine attention to detail.

A particular favorite of mine is Colonna and Hunter, sister establishment of coffee specialists Colonna and Small’s, tucked away in Milsom Place. With a cool, relaxed and sociable environment, they serve their renowned quality coffee, as well as craft beer with exceptional flavour. And for those special occasions, there is little that can beat the creativity of vegetarian restaurant Acorn.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I am keen to see the beautiful objects on display in the Holburne Museum’s new exhibition Gold.

As well as being a beautiful attraction, the museum also acts as a community; within my first few months in Bath I began volunteering at The Holburne, which introduced me to a diverse

range of artists, curators and art lovers. It was through this work at the museum which led me to my current employment at Bath Contemporary.

Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

I worked as an assistant wood sculptor throughout my time at university, which inspired my love for sculpture. Since moving to Bath I have had a studio with 44AD ArtSpace, followed by a space in Bradford-on-Avon (it was in fact a shipping container, which was ideal for making larger scale works), both of which challenged and pushed my work forward. Bath offers a huge range of opportunities for artists to flourish, and indeed working closely with Bath Contemporary’s Director Bridget Sterling has extended my interests in curatorship, gallery management and the whole idea of collecting.

What local outdoor activity or event will you be doing or visiting?

With the temperature dropping and the landscape subtly slipping into winter I find November a great month for long runs. There are so many scenic routes around this area that we really are spoilt for choice.

Film or play? What will you be going to see this month?

The latest James Bond. The classic Bond films have tremendous nostalgic value to me, and I am always keen to see the Bond storyline adapted into modern cinema. I am also excited to see Christoph Waltz’s appearance in this film too, his acting comes with a sense of precision and ease that I hugely admire.

Our latest exhibition at Bath Contemporary presents the work of Ukrainian artist Alina Maksimenko. One of the great things about this gallery is that although it’s a commercial space, our exhibitions are based around conceptually driven themes. Alina’s practice in particular is driven with an intellectual rigour; her work engages with deeply philosophical ideas about the world, resulting in beautifully thoughtful and challenging work. Alina Maksimenko runs from 6 – 28 November Visit: bathcontemporary.com.

We’re following @Workshopcabin, an exciting Bath project that invites people to sign up for workshops centred round different topics, from lino cut art and Italian conversation to foraging, painting and ‘how to’ sessions at venues around the city. It’s a great way to meet new people too.

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CITY | BUSINESS

THE | COLUMNIST

‘IF SHE CAN SEE IT, SHE CAN BE IT’

PRODUCER AT BATH FILM FESTIVAL HOLLY TARQUINI PIONEER OF F-RATING IN FILM TALKS ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF ITS FIRST 12 MONTHS

L

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WOMEN IN FILM: Anne-Marie Duff, Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter in Suffragette – the film was triple F-rated but 90 per cent of the film crew was male, as was the composer colleges. She wrote: “I’m over trying to find the ‘adorable’ way to state my opinion and still be likable! **** that. I don’t think I’ve ever worked for a man in charge who spent time contemplating what angle he should use to have his voice heard.

It’s just heard.”

The brilliant Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media has been running a campaign for the last seven years called See Jane, with the tag line, ‘if she can see it, she can be it.’ The institute recently carried out a significant survey and discovered

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Women now make up 75% of forensic science students in American colleges because they saw women do these roles on TV and thought ‘I can do that.’

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ast year The Bath Magazine was the first publication to carry a story about the F-Rating campaign, launched by and at the 2014 Bath Film Festival. The movement began in a bid to support women in film, and change the stories we see on screen. The F is for feminist and the rating is an attempt to balance out the storytellers and the protagonists we see in film.

Since that time the F-Rating story has gone global. It’s been the subject of features and news stories in The Telegraph, the BBC, the Daily Mail, The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, Elle and Marie Claire. The story also got coverage in China, where, as in South Korea, interestingly women get the same amount of screen time as men in films.

The issue has also been widely debated on Twitter – and no doubt the F-Rating in this year’s Bath Film Festival programme will see fresh discussion on the subject.

“If it’s not 100 percent universal to see life as a story, it’s at least extremely common . . . People take the stories that surround them – fictional tales, news articles, apocryphal family anecdotes – then identify with them and borrow from them while fashioning their own self-conceptions. It’s a Möbius strip: Stories are life, life is stories,” writes Julie Beck in her excellent article in The Atlantic.

One of the most influential forms of storytelling in 2015 is, of course, cinema and what we see on screen. I was reminded of this recently when talking to a friend. She is in her mid 30s and wants to have children, but is waiting to find ‘The One.’ Brought up on Disney princesses, she believes in True Love, Happily Ever Afters, being rescued by a man and, I am sad to say, in a life where she seems to be in a supporting role and not the protagonist.

I am hopeful that the inner narratives of my own daughters – aged ten and eight – will have them centre stage in multi-layered, interesting lives where their worth comes from their interests, actions and relationships with friends, family and partners, rather than predominantly from how they look under a male gaze, and their significance in relation to a male lead.

I have reason to be optimistic. The noise around women in film, on and off screen has been getting louder over the last few years, with Jennifer Lawrence as the most recent actress to announce that she has had enough of being judged more harshly and paid more meanly than her male

that, ‘women are now [making up] 75 per cent of forensic science students in American colleges because they saw women do these roles on TV and thought ‘I can do that’.’

In other words, the stories we see on screen make a difference to the lives of the audiences. If the stories are predominantly told by one kind of person (currently a white-cis-male-hetero-middleclass one) then we only have one option for our inner narratives, one in which frequently the women are only in supporting roles and their main attribute is their beauty.

The F-Rating was developed to highlight films which are:

l Directed by a woman and/or l Written by a women and/or l Have significant women on screen in their own right.

Last year’s festival programme was 35% FRated, this year 40% of the films are F-Rated – a stark contrast to the London Film Festival, which despite all their pro-women hype, only had 20% of films directed by women in its programme.

The F-Rating is about to move on to its next phase: we are inviting all of the independent cinemas, film festivals and distributors in the UK to join the F-Rating revolution and ask their audiences to ‘vote with your seat’ by pro-actively choosing to watch films which tell women’s stories.

It feels as though we are in exciting times, a tipping point where studio heads and film funders are being forced to support female filmmakers – not because films with female leads make more money, or films with massive budgets helmed by women make more at the box office (both of which are already true: it’s never been about the money) but because we, the audiences, the exhibitors, the actors and the filmmakers are demanding it. Loudly. n Find out more about F-rated on Facebook, on Twitter, @F__Rating, Holly Tarquini on Twitter @hollytarquini The 2015 Bath Film Festival runs from Thursday 3 – Sunday 13 December. Follow on Twitter, @bathfilm BFF Facebook. Visit: bathfilmfestival. org.uk.

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FACE | THE MUSIC

A JUKEBOX OF MEMORIES

Mick Ringham talks to Bath illustrator Peter Malone about his varied career and how he fell in love with his adopted city

P

eter Malone may not be a name that the public are over familiar with, however many of us would have seen his work and recognise this Bath based illustrator’s distinctive and individual style.

Peter was born in Hampshire, where he attended grammar school and later enrolled in an art foundation course at Winchester. He studied for a degree in fine art at Lancaster Polytechnic where, over the portraits and landscapes of the art class, he met his future wife Helen.

After graduating Peter came to Bath, where he joined a friend who had rented a flat in the then soot black exterior of 1970s Rivers Street.

To keep body and soul together Peter held down an eclectic mix of jobs at various places, including Cater, Stoffell and Fortt, the record counter of Woolworths and what was then the DHSS at Kingsmead House in James Street West, which was recently demolished. He says: “I worked chasing documents in that dreadful DHSS eyesore of a building for six months and I’m so happy to see its demise at long last.”

During this time Peter continued to paint and show at the Festival Gallery.

But he left Bath at the end of the 70s to teach drawing at Bournemouth College of Art. When Helen got the chance to do a three year postgraduate diploma at the Courtauld Institute at Somerset House, he moved to London and the pair married in 1985. On the birth of the couple’s second daughter, Peter felt he needed a change of career and taught himself the art of illustration. In 1997 Peter and Helen moved from Hackney to Bath in search he says, “of a little more fresh air and our daughters’ education.”

By this time soot had been cleaned from many of Bath’s honey coloured Georgian buildings, all that is except a handful. One such had caught Peter’s attention in Country Life some 17 years earlier in a feature on the threatened houses of Bath, and by chance this particular one, partially renovated was now for up for sale.

Peter says: “I have always had a soft spot for things brought back from the brink; this property definitely was.

Maybe buying the house was in a way, destiny fulfilled.”

It has clearly been a creative environment for Peter. He has illustrated more than 20 books and covers, undertaken commissions for Royal Mail 18 TheBATHMagazine

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including the successful Magical World of Children’s Literature range of stamps.

His work has been chosen frequently for exhibitions with many past clients as diverse as Penguin, The Folio Society and Decca. As well as painting in gouache and watercolours he collects plaster casts, as he says, “the sort of things art schools were chucking out in the 1960s and worse still smashing.”

His latest project is an enormous painting depicting the American Museum with a garnishing of allegorical and historical figures.

Peter says he dislikes the ‘rugby scrum’ of blockbuster exhibitions and would rather spend his time visiting an

obscure provincial gallery, finding a really good painting and taking time to appreciate it. “Teaching drawing is largely about teaching students to learn to look. We often get swamped with too many images until we are in danger of forgetting how to actually read them.

That takes time, like slow food I believe in slow art.”

To relax, Peter has traded in his rather ancient push bike for a state-of-the-art and sporty number which helps keep him in shape and enables him to tackle Bath’s hills.

As far as his musical tastes are concerned they unsurprisingly, are as varied as his illustrations.

A BELIEVER IN SLOW ART: Peter Malone To see more of his work visit: petermaloneillustration .com

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FACE | THE MUSIC

PETER’S CHOICES: Sibelius – Intermezzo (The Karelia Suite) Around 1961 my father bought one of those record players on which you stack six singles. Alas, the record player has long gone but I still have this record. He also bought an Austin A40 in which we did most of Hampshire and West Sussex on Sunday afternoons. The habit therefore of church-crawling has thankfully never left me.

Handel – Water Music I remember this played on one occasion at morning assembly in primary school. I took to it like a duck to water; a child to chocolate. 18th century music is already in you and I believe part of human DNA; you just have to, oh so slightly, reach out to it, like Michelangelo’s hand of Adam.

The Kinks – Come Dancing I have a collection of old vinyl records from The Beatles to Elvis Costello.

They’re OK in my head but now rarely work for me on the turntable. It’s like when I’m looking for an image for reference purposes: the reality, when found usually disappoints. This song doesn’t.

Joni Mitchell – Hissing of Summer Lawns It must have been about 40 years ago when I first listened to this number and it still sounds fresh, each time. I have never tired of it.

Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention – Peaches en Regalia An exuberant instrumental mix of not quite definable parts. The BBC programme, Juke Box Jury c1965, offered for the considered opinion of Katie Boyle and Pete Murray among other pundits, a single by the Mothers of Invention. It was voted a resounding miss. My friends and I whiled away precious GCE O level revision time playing pontoon for penny stakes, to the WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

accompaniment of this particular record; therefore it was a hit as far as we were concerned.

Mozart – Don Giovanni I saw Joseph Losey’s film of this at the long vanished Academy Cinema in Oxford Street during the 1980s. Until then, largely out of ignorance, I loathed opera. Truly a damascene conversion.

Henry Purcell – Funeral Music for Queen Mary Taking time out from my usual state of confusion at Winchester School of Art, I went to see A Clockwork Orange at the local cinema. This was on the soundtrack. The school at that time included a music school and a little later on, I wandered into a rehearsal of the same piece played by the school orchestra. For some strange reason I had forgotten the original sound track but then it instantly came back to me.

Michael Nyman’s Purcell inspired music for The Draughtsman’s Contract set me off in pursuit of more Purcell. I believe he got to the heart of Englishness. It was played at his funeral the year after Queen Mary’s.

MUSIC FOR ALL OCCASIONS: left to right, Frank Zappa Peaches en Regalia, Joni Mitchell, The Hissing of Summer Lawns and Tom Lehrer Poisoning Pigeons in the Park Below: one of Peter’s illustrations

premiered one winter evening in 1808 at Vienna, by a second rate and under rehearsed orchestra. All that, brand new on one bill. It is an unusual combination of choir, orchestra and piano that could have been a precursor of the 9th Symphony. This never fails to make me shiver.

Tom Lehrer – Poisoning Pigeons in the Park Lehrer taught maths at Harvard while moonlighting as a satirist and pianist.

Who else could have written ditties about plagiarism among Russian mathematicians and fitted the periodic table into Gilbert and Sullivan’s I am a Very Model of a Modern Major-general?

I particularly like the line ‘We’ll slaughter them all with much laughter and merriment except for a few we take home to experiment’ – the last word delivered in a German accent. All this to an uplifting jolly piano accompaniment.

Seagulls are now public enemy number one in Bath but not too long ago, this song would have struck a chord. n

Jacques Brel – Amsterdam The name was familiar to me in the 1960s but I probably thought he was a Belgium cyclist, like Eddie Merckx.

Childhood TV featured Tales From Europe and Maigret. A Yorkshireman called Jake Thackray used to do plausible Georges Brassens impressions on the old BBC Tonight programme.

Europhilia was definitely in the air. We nearly fell in love with Francoise Hardy – but not quite. The French tried pop of their own with Johnny Hallyday but what they always did best was this sort of thing. It’s on You Tube and I can assure you, well worth watching.

Beethoven – Choral Fantasia I can’t remember the time when I didn’t know that name. This with symphonies 5 and 6 and piano concerto No. 4 was NOVEMBER 2015

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CHRISTMAS | MARKET

CITY’S £20M BONANZA Ahead of the arrival of 170 plus wooden chalets opening for the 2015 Bath Christmas Market on Thursday 26 November we’ve found some reasons why you’ll want to visit the annual festive event

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andmade and British are the key themes for the 2015 Bath Christmas Market, with more than 76 per cent of this year’s city centre stalls selling products made in the UK. Whether you’re looking for unusual and beautiful Christmas presents, regional and artisanal produce, or simply fancy meeting up with friends after work for a mulled wine and a bite to eat, the market has something to offer.

The market is carefully put together each year to cope with the hundreds of thousands of people who will attend, and with due diligence to providing an interesting mix of products on sale. It’s always over-subscribed by businesses wishing to take a stall – despite the physically demanding challenge of being outdoors for the 18-day stint – so priority is given to south west regional applicants.

This year a quarter of all the stalls are new to the market, which gives shoppers lots of new items to discover. Of the 170 plus stalls, 82 per cent of stallholders are businesses from Bath or the surrounding region. Those stalls which do feature products from abroad are generally there because they’re offering a speciality that’s not made in the UK. As you watch the crowds arriving on our city streets you might want to consider the economic impact the market has on Bath. Last year it was worth £20.2m to the local economy. This breaks down to a £5.2m spend at the market itself and a further £15m spent across the city in hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops. At the time of writing we’re told that you’ll be hard pushed to book a hotel or B&B room at weekends during the Christmas Market period.

If you’re visiting the market as a local this year there are a few key things to note that should enhance your Christmas Market experience: l Local residents who hold a Discovery Card (free to Bath and North East Somerset residents) are entitled to a special offer at every stall. This may in the form of a free taster when you buy, a discount or a reduction on bulk buys. l This year for the first time the market has teamed up with Bath & North East Somerset Council to run a pilot scheme testing high speed public Wif-fi in the city centre for the duration of the market. l Support local charities by visiting the stall on the corner of Orange Grove by the abbey. This will be run each day by a different charity – last year an impressive £8,000 plus was raised by the groups running this chalet. l When meeting friends or family there 22 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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are plenty of places to get something to eat or drink. The Abbey Hotel in Bog Island will be running its annual ski themed bar, while Bath Ales will be setting up the pop-up Lodge outside the Roman Baths, where the carousel usually stands. This will go on serving food and drink into the evenings. You’ll also be able to graze as you shop. Green Park Brasserie, The Herd, Pieminister and Orchard Pig, the Bath Waffle Company, Gascoyne Place and the Great Stone Baker will all be catering for shoppers’ needs – of course you could also take the weight off your slingbacks in any number of Bath’s welcoming pubs, cafes and restaurants around the city.

Locals are also in a good position to make the legions of visitors to our city welcome and to encourage them to go off the beaten track. They might be interested to visit Green Park Station, particularly at weekends for the farmers’ market (Saturdays) and mixed theme markets on Sundays, or to stroll up to the Bath Ice rink in Royal Victoria Park by way of the delightful little parade of shops in Margarets Buildings. Or perhaps they’d like a mix of culture and shopping. The city’s museums have fantastic shops that are always good for sourcing unusual and beautiful Christmas gifts. n

BRIGHT LIGHTS: clockwise from the top, Emma Leith’s felting decorating kits will be exclusively available at Bath Christmas Market; Inspired Lanterns’ Bath Abbey lantern, and the tree in the centre of Abbey Green, one of many corners of Bath that will be filled with chalets

MEET THE MAKERS The Christmas Market gives shoppers the chance to find products that they might not see anywhere else. It also gives new businesses the chance to market their wares direct to the public and to get honest feedback, which may be useful for business development.

Annette Bergen and Isobel Frampton have launched Inspired Lanterns and will be at a stall on Abbey Gate Street for the duration of the market.

The lanterns are handmade from printed cotton featuring designs inspired by the British landscape in winter.

One of our favourites lanterns is this tall, elegant lantern printed with images of Bath Abbey. Lit it provides an elegant freestanding decoration that needn’t just be confined to Christmas time.

Emma Leith, local artist and maker, known to many for her community yarn bomb projects for Bath festivals, is returning to the market after seven years. She’s selling Paper Pets, a collection of papier maché kits designed by her and her mother Carol and suitable for children to make themselves.

So many people commented on Emma’s bright felted decorations that she’s made a kit that will be exclusively available at the Christmas Market.

Emma says: “The market is by far the most exciting event in my calendar because it’s where I get to meet my customers face to face and learn from them about what to make next. The market is very busy which means you don’t really have time to think too much about being cold.”

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5 Margarets Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP +44 (0) 1225 300573 • www.jpmaps.co.uk • info@jpmaps.co.uk

This Christmas, give a loved one the World Choose from a wonderful selection of fine, decorative and rare maps, plans and charts of all parts of Britain and the World. This map published in 1637, shows England and Wales in Saxon times and costs £400. Visit our lovely gallery in Margarets Buildings, Bath, contact us directly or via the website to discover a unique and lasting gift.

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CITY | OF | FESTIVALS

FESTIVAL’S SILVER JUBILEE Organisers of the 2015 Bath Film Festival sat through more than 700 films before selecting their choices for the festival’s 25th birthday – popcorn in hand, we take an early peek at the programme

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wenty five years ago, Chris Baker and the Bath Film Society launched the first ever Bath Film Festival, screening classics as such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Doctor Strangelove and The Manchurian Candidate.

Now, a quarter of a century later the festival has become a keenly anticipated fixture in Bath’s cultural calendar, bringing over 30 features, 20 shorts and exclusive post screening Q&A events to our glorious city from Thursday 3 – Sunday 13 December.

Every year, the festival’s dedicated programming team, headed by Philip Raby, watch more than 700 films to bring audiences the very best selection of premieres, previews, family films, F-Rated delights, sci-fi, documentaries and art house movies. The rich diversity and high quality of film on offer at Bath Film Festival means there’s always something for everyone.

In fact with so many good films on over the festival’s 11 days, it can be a bit tricky to choose which ones to go and see. To help you navigate your way through the programme, here is a quick guide to three strands of the festival:

WORTH WATCHING: main picture, Dear White People. Inset, Lily Tomlin stars in Grandma – ‘could have been made for Bath’

• Fidelio: Alice’s Journey Wednesday 9 December, 9pm, ODEON This triple F-Rated gem is the antithesis to Hollywood’s standard fare: where the blockbusters clunk along with gender stereotypes and predictable scripts, director Lucie Borleteau’s globe-trotting romantic drama successfully navigates through the standard clichés of a woman in a very masculine world.

tribute to trailblazer Janis Joplin, though Amy Adams is halfway through such a feature (halted earlier this year by a law suit concerning the film’s script). Director Amy Berg’s film is a celebration of Janis’s life and work, splicing reams of archive footage with voiceovers from friends and letters written by Joplin. The Hollywood Reporter describes Janis as ‘a wellrounded, deeply admiring picture of a maverick talent who paved the way for countless female rockers.’

• Güeros Monday 7 December, 9pm, The Little Theatre Cinema If you like your films dark, moody and profound, then look no further. This Mexican beauty has had critics clutching for new hyperboles with which to praise it, though rogeregbert.com just stuck with ‘best’: “best debut feature I’ve seen in the last year, best Mexican film in recent memory, and best (black and white) cinematography since Pawel Pawlikowski’s Ida.”

• Speed Sisters Monday 7 December, 6.30pm, The Little Theatre Cinema “The smell of teargas reminds me of my childhood,” says one of the all-female, Palestinian speed car racing team that this film follows. A superb exploration of women in the Arab world, the Palestine/Israel conflict and the sheer joy of speed, summed up beautifully by Screen Daily as ‘nicely spikey.’ If you like your films fast, fascinating and eye opening then this one’s for you.

• Ice and Sky Monday 7 December, 9pm, The Little Theatre Cinema Looking for jaw-dropping shots of the Arctic and a fresh take on climate change? From the director of the mega-eco hit, March of the Penguins, Ice and Sky is the story of Claude Lorius, an 82-year-old French glaciologist who first visited Antarctica over fifty years ago. This was the closing film at Cannes and ‘is a powerful testament, and one that ought to have a considerable impact,’ said The Guardian.

• Palio Friday 4 December, 6.30pm, ODEON Described by The Guardian as ‘Renaissance Rollerball’, this sumptuous documentary prowls through the underworld of one of the oldest and most renowned horse races in the world.

Director Cosima Spender will take part in a Q&A after the film to talk about how she wove together the stories of cunning strategies and dodgy dealings that go on behind the race.

WANT TO EXPAND YOUR MIND?

FOR F-RATED WOMEN IN FILM • Janis: Little Girl Blue Friday 4 December, 6.30pm, ODEON It seems bizarre that Hollywood has yet to pay 30 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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NEED SOME LAUGHTER THERAPY? • Grandma Saturday 5 December, 9.15pm, ODEON It’s almost as though this film was made with Bath audiences in mind. A gloriously funny cross-generational comedy staring the

outstanding Lily Tomlin as grandmother to Julia Garner of Martha Marcy May Marlene fame.

Directed by Paul Weitz (About A Boy) the film deals with the trials of getting older, the difficulties of being young and the ways in which people connect across generations.

• Dear White People Tuesday 1 December, 9pm, The Little Theatre Cinema It’s hard not to be excited about a film that manages to mix humour and satirical bite with an edgy take on racism. Set in a fictional college, the film follows student Sam White, a bi-racial woman, as she attempts to open the hearts and minds of her fellow students to the everyday realities of racism. ‘Non-stop fun, the hype is justified,’ said Rolling Stone • Tangerine Wednesday 9 December, 9pm, Chapel Arts A charming transgender buddy comedy about LA prostitutes, this was a big hit at Sundance, immediately scooped up by distributors and lauded by critics and audiences. ‘Gorgeous. A perfectly cast, beautifully directed movie’ said NY Times, ‘what’s important about Tangerine is that it’s so cathartically hilarious,’ SF Weekly.

Prime Bath Film Festival tickets always sell out fast. If you would like free priority booking (from 30 October) sign up for the festival’s newsletter. Normal booking opens on 6 November. Download a programme from: bathfilmfestival.org.uk. n

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SPECIAL FEATURE | CHORAL CITY

IN TUNE: Bath Choral Society

CITY OF SONG

Long before choirmaster Gareth Malone graced our television screens Bath had a long tradition of choral singing. With the festive season of concerts approaching here’s an ensemble of some of the city’s choirs

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ath is a city of singers. It is said that Bath has more choirs per head of population than any other city in the country. Hundreds of people meet each week in churches, schools and community halls, to sing all sorts of music from the purely classical to contemporary pop. Aside from giving pleasure to their audiences, why do they sing? You can count the reasons. Singing forces you to breathe properly, which makes you feel better. Joining a choir is a sociable thing to do, it builds teamwork and friendships too. It also fosters the trust and courage needed to stage

a public performance. It’s a test of one’s musical ability, and a way to improve it. It’s for the showman in us all. It brings you as close as you can be to the genius of the composers of some of the world’s most beautiful music – and that’s nothing short of a privilege.

We’ve asked more than a dozen local choirs to contribute what they do to our seasonal roundup. We have only asked adult choirs, but we are aware that there are more out there. Whoever you are and wherever you sing, we salute you and hope you enjoy this brief tour of the city’s choral scene.

BATH CHORAL SOCIETY The choir was founded in 1887 and is now a lively amateur mixed choir of about 105 voices. The choral society engages professional orchestras and soloists to perform a wide range of sacred and secular repertoire.

It performs four or five concerts a year in Bath, including two performances of Messiah in Bath Abbey during early December.

Will Dawes has been the musical director since September 2011, following in the footsteps of Matthew Bale. The most recent performances have been of Elgar’s The Music Makers, Mozart’s C Minor Mass and Tippett’s A Child of our Time. In June 2015 the choir performed a mixed programme of pieces by Bach, Sibelius, Nystedt and others at Prior Park College. The programme was then taken for a successful tour to Paris, with a concluding concert in Chartres Cathedral.

The society released a recording of Messiah in 2010 which is available, along with a book The 32 TheBATHMagazine

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Bath Messiah, through the website: bath-choralsociety.org.uk Bath Choral Society’s next performances will be of Haydn’s The Creation at The Assembly Rooms on 31 October, Handel’s Messiah at Bath Abbey on 4 and 5 December and Stainer’s The Crucifixion at Bath Abbey on 23 March 2016.

By encouraging all ages the choir has been particularly successful in attracting younger singers and has in place a bursary scheme for singers under 25 which helps with membership and music costs and contributes to individual singing lessons.

The choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7.20pm to 9.30pm at Manvers Street Baptist Church and is always interested in recruiting new singers for whom there is a simple audition.

For more information contact: registrar@bathchoral-society.org.uk, on Twitter: @bathchoralsoc and Facebook: BathChoralSociety. n

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Benjamin Goodson took over the baton from Nigel Perrin at Bath Camerata BATH CAMERATA This summer saw Bath Camerata give a moving rendition of Porgy and Bess with Sir Willard White and GwynethAnn Jeffers, perform with jazz icon Mike Westbrook, and stage its first concert under the direction of new conductor Benjamin Goodson.

Other recent highlights include joining forces with The Tallis Scholars in Sherborne Abbey and I Fagiolini in Bath Abbey (concert of Tallis and Striggio broadcast live on BBC Radio 3), and presenting Mozart’s Requiem in a new edition with conductor Paul McCreesh.

The choir’s Good Friday concerts in

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CHORAL | CITY THE BATH BACH CHOIR It may be 330 years since J S Bach was born, but his music continues to unite and inspire choirs and audiences – not least if you are lucky enough to be at the heart of a performance, with professional soloists and orchestra in front, and a choir of teammates behind.

The London Bach Choir was formed in 1876 to give the first performance in Britain of Bach’s B minor Mass; and in 1946 Bath got its own Bach Choir, formed by Cuthbert Bates to sing the same work in the Bach Festival. Vaughan Williams was its first president, and its most recent president, the late Sir David Willcocks, neatly linked it with the London choir which Willcocks directed for many years. One of Willcocks’s protégés from Kings College Cambridge, the former Kings Singers counter tenor Nigel Perrin, became Bath Bach Choir’s musical director 25 years ago.

Intensely musical, fiercely perfectionist, but always with an eye to entertaining an audience (a hangover from his BBC and touring days), Nigel has put an indelible mark on the choir, whose roll today hovers around 90 singers.

Everyone has passed an audition to join. It helps to have a clear tone – but a feature of a

Wells Cathedral and appearances in the Bath International Music Festival and Bath Mozartfest have become regular fixtures of the region’s musical calendar.

It started in 1986 when former Kings Singer Nigel Perrin gathered together a group of singers from the Bath area.

Bath Camerata continues to thrive, performing to a professional standard throughout the UK and abroad. From concerts in Wiltshire villages that blend serious and light music, to sacred performances in iconic venues like the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, to crossover collaborations with Brian Eno and Paco Peña, the variety of music performed is one of the identifying features of the choir.

In April, after 29 years of inspired leadership, Nigel Perrin stood down from Bath Camerata and Benjamin Goodson was appointed musical director. Under Benjamin’s spirited direction a new and exciting era has begun and the choir is working on a programme of concerts in Bath and further afield.

Bath Camerata has a core of 24 singers, plus a register of reserves for occasions when extra voices are required. Benjamin is keen to build on the choir’s reputation for quality and musicianship and has recently auditioned a number of potential new members with the aim of combining youth and experience to maximise the beautifully warm blend and impressive range that characterise the choir.

Forthcoming concerts: Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Day Concert, St Mary’s Church, Bathwick.

Saturday 19 December – Christmas Concert, Christ Church, Julian Road, Bath. For tickets visit: bathcamerata.org.uk n

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typical rehearsal is that a lot of vocal technique is taught. Everyone improves as a singer during the two-hour Monday evening singing lesson at King Edward’s Junior School.

Bach is a tiny part of what the choir takes on.

Rachmaninov or Tchaikovsky in Russian; Italian operatic arias; contemporary motets by Whitacre: all are as likely to appear as Handel’s Messiah. James Macmillan’s St John Passion – famously deemed too difficult for amateur choirs – was performed twice in 2011, once to Macmillan himself. Bath Abbey is the choir’s spiritual home, but it also sings at Wiltshire Music Centre, Prior Park Chapel, the Roper Theatre and Malmesbury Abbey. Every two years a foreign tour is arranged: Bath’s twin city of Aix en Provence, Rome, Barcelona (recently returned), or Bach’s home city of Leipzig, singing to his memorial stone in the Thomaskirche. At Christmas the choir volunteers carol singers for Milsom Place, the Holburne Museum and the Bath Rotary Club.

The choir is to be found at the Pump Room maintaining the tradition of Carols by Candlelight, complete with mulled wine, conductor’s banter and audience participation.

It’s the start of the Christmas feeling for audiences who get a chance to sing arrangements of White Christmas and other numbers.

Bath Bach Choir will perform Rutter’s Requiem in Bath Abbey on November 7, along with unaccompanied motets by Macmillan, Jenkins and Whitacre. Tickets: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

Carols by Candlelight will be performed on December 16, 17 and 18 in the Pump Room.

Tickets: bathboxoffice.org.uk n

BATH SPA UNIVERSITY CHOIR The main choir at Bath Spa University has had a busy 2014-15 season. Since its musical director, Francis Faux, took over the helm in 2012, the choir has enjoyed something of a renaissance. Recent concerts have embraced a more contemporary repertoire, in particular exploring the work of Ola Gjeilo and new arrangements by video-game legend, Nobuo Uematsu, which was showcased at the Bath International Music Festival this year.

At the end of 2014, the choir was delighted to welcome Will Todd to the Michael Tippett Centre, where he talked to the students about his career (Todd has worked with many of the leading choirs, including Tenebrae and The Sixteen) and delivered a workshop on his Mass in Blue, which the choir

later performed at St George’s, Bristol.

Recently, the choir successfully auditioned for a chance to perform The Armed Man in Carnegie Hall with DCINY’s artistic director Jonathan Griffith, composer-in-residence Karl Jenkins, and other choirs around the world, including Bath choir, Lucis.

The focus for the time being turns to its upcoming performance of Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass on 11 November at St Swithin’s Church in Walcot, followed by a carol service in Bath Abbey, where the ensemble will be singing music by Darke, Rodney Bennett, Todd and other festive favourites.

Follow the choir on Facebook to hear its performances and keep track of future events. n

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CHORAL | CITY

A HANDFUL OF SINGERS Under the direction of its musical director, award-winning conductor Christopher Finch, A Handful of Singers has developed from small beginnings into a larger Handful, now numbering 20 – 24 singers, and has established a reputation in and around Bath for purity of tone, musical understanding and variety of repertoire.

The choir rehearses in Bath on Tuesday evenings in term-time preparing for a programme of four concerts each year: a celebration of Advent and Christmas in early December, major works with orchestral accompaniment in February, a concert of substantial a cappella works in April and a summer concert in June, in which, alongside choral items, talents hidden within the choir are revealed in solo and group items ranging from folksong and arias to barbershop.

The variety of the repertoire is an attraction for members and in recent years has stretched from Purcell and Schütz to 21st century American and European music, via well-known, major works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Fauré and Rachmaninov, and double choir masses by Vaughan Williams and Frank Martin.

Following a successful collaboration with conductor Ben Hoffnung in 2013, in a concert in the presence of the Duchess of Cornwall in

Marlborough College Chapel, Handful was invited to sing Handel’s Messiah in the Wottonunder-Edge concert series in November 2014 and will return this year for an all-Bach programme, including the Magnificat and excerpts from the Christmas Oratorio, accompanied by Ben Hoffnung’s baroque orchestra, Instruments of Time and Truth.

Handful has responded to invitations to sing for other occasions including the annual Bath Roadpeace memorial service, weddings and carol singing for charity and to mark the

opening of a new housing development. The choir released its first CD, Sing… Be… Live…

See… (4-part Music 4PM/12174) in 2013.

The choir has a friendly atmosphere and in May enjoyed its first tour in Ireland.

Forthcoming concerts: Saturday 28 November, Wotton-under-Edge, 7.30pm, Bach at Christmastide, Saturday 5 December, St Luke’s Church Wellsway, 7.30pm, Music for Advent and Christmas, Saturday 6 February, St John’s Church, South Parade, 7.30pm. Visit: ahandfulofsingers.org n

CITYSOUND CitySound comprises around 30 singers who decided in 2012 that they wanted to form a new choir.

The name CitySound indicates the choir is not rooted in any particular musical tradition, singing everything from Monteverdi to Bohemian Rhapsody The group was determined to be as good as possible, and prepared to work hard at rehearsals. Australia-born Ruth McKibbin, now an enthusiastic resident of Somerset, is the musical director, bringing her own experiences as chorister, operatic soloist and teacher.

She inspires the singers to give their all, and they often emerge from rehearsals reeling and exhausted, but exhilarated.

Although happy with the intimacy and controlled sound that a smaller choir can make, the group will always welcome new members. Like other choirs there’s an unaccountable need for more tenors.

CitySound meets at 7.45pm on Wednesdays, except in August, in the basement (side door) of St Stephen’s church, Lansdown Road. Visit: citysound.org.uk n

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NOCTIS Founded by Francis Faux in 2011, Bath’s awardwinning chamber choir has quickly established a niche in the city’s thriving music scene and developed a reputation for its versatility and excellence.

One of Noctis’ first public appearances was at a Longleat pageant, where the octet, adorned in full Tudor regalia, was asked to escort King Henry VIII around the grounds while singing Dowland’s ditty, Fine Knacks for Ladies, at the tops of their voices. Although the group hasn’t had a royal endorsement since then, it has been busy: recording a debut album, singing at the 2013 Bath Great Feast in the Abbey and providing backing vocals for Cathal Smyth’s (bass guitarist for the band Madness) debut album, A Comfortable Man. Noctis has also performed to capacity audiences at the Wiltshire Music Centre and St Mary’s Redcliffe Church, Bristol and have supported a number of charities through their concerts, especially the Royal British Legion,

Penny Brohn Cancer Care and the Genesis Trust.

The 2014-15 season has been a period of expansion as the group has welcomed three new faces into the fold: soprano, India Gilborson; baritone, Sam Young; and bass, Ben Collings, all recent graduates from Bath Spa University.

During this time, the choir secured funding from the New Brew Artist Development Scheme to finance an upcoming second album and performed a programme of madrigals and show tunes for a concert at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham.

Its next concert is at St Bart’s Church on Saturday 5 December. Tickets are on sale at the Bath Box Office. The highlight will be Charpentier’s captivating Messe de Minuit and there will also be carols by Durufle, Todd, Stopford and Howells, all performed under the glow of candlelight. The choir will also be singing at Bath Christmas Market. Visit: noctischoir.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter. n

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LUCIS Lucis is a large mixed-voice choir drawing members from Bath and its environs. Formed in 2014 under conductor Francis Faux, the group is comprised of two former choirs who forged a reputation for the high standard of choral singing in a number of their joint ventures.

Lucis has had a successful first concert season with its inaugural performance being Haydn’s The Creation, in Malmesbury Abbey. A tour to Bohemia was next, where it performed two concerts to capacity audiences and joined forces with violinist, Lizz Lipscombe. Lucis has been selected to perform Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man in Carnegie Hall with

BATH MALE CHOIR Bath’s Bath Male Choir was started by Grenville Jones in 2007. It rehearses on Tuesday evenings at Beechen Cliff Methodist Church from 7.45pm until 9.30pm. A year after setting up the group with 40 singers on its books, Grenville was invited to enter his choir in the BBC’s Last Choir Standing Saturday night prime-time series. The rest is history with the boys from Bath reaching the final stages, with ringing praise from the judges including Russell Watson who dubbed it The Wall of Sound.

Since that time Bath Male Choir has toured Europe and completed a tour of Japan in 2014.

This included a performance at a major music festival where the men sang before a packed audience of 3,000. Bath Male Choir has concerts in Staffordshire and Oxfordshire but, nearer home, will be performing at the National Osteoporosis Society Christmas Concert on Wednesday November 25 in Bath Abbey.

The singers are aged 23 and over and new members are always welcome. Grenville says; “Don’t just sing in the car or in the shower guys, join Bath Male Choir, it could be the best thing you’ve ever done.” Visit: bathmalechoir.org n THE BATH CHORUS When Grenville Jones announced in 2009 that he was starting a new auditioned mixed-voice choir over 150 people applied to join.

Since that time the Bath Chorus has developed into one of the leading mixed-voice choirs in the west of England. It rehearses on Mondays at St Bart’s Church from 7.45pm until 9.30pm. It has sung at Bath Abbey on a number of occasions and at concerts around the UK. In October the choir performed in Bath Abbey with the King’s Singers, in support of the Three Ways School Teacup Appeal.

Bath Chorus includes many young singers, music teachers and former music students. It is a concert choir performing traditional and contemporary choral music. New members are welcome to attend rehearsal and a high proportion of the membership are new arrivals to Bath. They sing in Bath Abbey on Wednesday November 25 at the annual

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DCINY’s artistic director Jonathan Griffith.

Christmas will see Lucis performing works by Saint-Saens, Gabriel Jackson, Warlock and Parry at St Andrew’s Church, Chippenham on 12 December, and in January, the choir will begin working on a programme for the Wiltshire Music Centre in April, which will include John Rutter’s Requiem.

For a choir that has been in existence for less than a year, it was an impressive feat to attract the attention of Sue Fink, the artistic director of the Los Angeles based Angel City Chorale, who invited Lucis to participate in a unique collaborative project. In July next year Grammy award-winning composer Christopher Tin will be travelling to the UK, to work on a new collaboration, culminating in a performance of movements from Calling All Dawns, A Drop That Contained The Sea and a new commission, at the Cadogan Hall, to be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

If you would like to join Lucis visit: lucischoir.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter. Rehearsals are held at St Luke’s Church on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.

There are no auditions – all that’s required is a passion for choral singing. n

AS SEEN ON TV: Bath Male Choir

National Osteoporosis Society’s Christmas concert, organised by Grenville Jones. Visit: thebathchorus.org.uk n THE GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIRS These choirs began in 2009 with the Bath group meeting on Thursdays from 2pm in the Argyle room in the United Reformed Church in Argyle Street. This is a non-auditioned choir of 90 people who perform popular melodies, folk songs and tunes from popular musicals. The membership comes from across the Bath area.

Bath Good Afternoon Choir’s Christmas concert is at St Michael’s Church on Friday 19 December. A retiring collection will support the Three Ways School Teacup Appeal. Visit: goodafternoonchoir.org n THE WELCOME CHOIR The Welcome Choir meets on Wednesdays from 7.45pm-9.30pm at Bath Community Academy in Rush Hill, Bath. This is a non-auditioned choir with a growing membership which currently stands at over 80.

Members are aged from 20 upwards and the choir performs popular music in four-part harmony as well as more traditional choral

pieces from arrangers such as John Rutter and Bob Chilcott. The choir also has a busy social life and its free admission Christmas concert takes place at St Michael’s Church on Saturday December 19. There will be carols for all to sing and a retiring collection will support the Three Ways School, a school proving a wide range of special educational needs, and its 2015 Teacup Appeal to help develop its Workskills Centre, a project offering qualifications and life skills.

New members are welcome at Wednesday night rehearsals. Visit: welcomechoir.org n THE GOLDEN OLDIES CHARITY Known fondly as ‘Goldies,’ singing is at the heart of the charity’s daytime sessions for older people, encouraging the enjoyment of joining in with others and of evoking memories through pop songs of the 60s onwards.

Grenville Jones started Goldies in 2007 with four daytime sessions in and around Bath.

There are now 15 in B&NES and as the charity has grown it has more than 30 dedicated session leaders leading singing groups at 150 locations. For many older people attending Goldies is the only time they meet with others.

Sir Cliff Richard is the supportive Patron of Goldies. Visit: golden-oldies.org.uk n

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BATH MINERVA CHOIR Bath Minerva Choir was formed in 1994 from ex-members of the former Bath Georgian Festival Chorus. It has always been a non-auditioning choir and accepts new singers of all ages. Membership is now around 136 singers.

Between 1997 and 2007 both membership and performance steadily improved under the baton of Jason Thornton, who is also musical director of Bath Philharmonia. Performances included Haydn’s Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah with Sir Willard White, and the Mozart, Verdi and Durufle Requiems.

Ten years later, Jason stepped down to concentrate on his career as an orchestral conductor. Gavin Carr was appointed in January 2008. In 2009 Minerva joined with the Athenaeum Singers of Warminster for a performance of Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony in Wells Cathedral, raising over £9,000 for the RNLI. Later performances included Beethoven Mass in C, Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem in the piano version, a selection of music by Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein in Wiltshire Music Centre, and Venetian Splendour, an evening of early music by Monteverdi, Gabrieli and Lotti.

Spring 2012 saw the first of an annual series of two-day summer masterclasses and workshops. These started with Bach St John Passion and continued with Britten’s War Requiem and Tippett’s A Child of our Time. In 2014 there were two concerts commemorating World War One. In this, Minerva’s 21st year, Minerva joined Bournemouth Symphony Chorus to give two performances of Mahler’s 8th Symphony in Poole

Lighthouse and Exeter Cathedral. The choir has been rehearsing Mozart’s Requiem plus scenes and arias from The Magic Flute for the 21st Birthday gala on 21 November in Bath Abbey. Tickets from Bath Box Office.

Plans for 2016 include Bruckner’s E Minor Mass in April and a Summer Workshop in June on Bach’s B Minor Mass. New members are welcome, contact Joanna Wiesner on 01225 444190 or jmwmusic@icloud.com n

BATH COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR AND SUNRISE GOSPEL CHOIR Bath Community Gospel Choir is an allaccess choir with a mission to bring gospel music to everyone in Bath and beyond.

Launched nine years ago by professional vocalist and choir director Jo Sercombe, this lively, friendly choir, has up to 100 members aged 16 – 80, raising the roof at rehearsals and gigging in and around Bath throughout the year. From Oh Happy Day! to Jerusalem and Seasons of Love from Rent, uplifting gospel classics, thumping anthems, pop and RnB gospel have all made it into the choir’s repertoire.

Highlights for BCGC have been performing with Bazil Meade of the London Community Gospel Choir, recording tracks for a CD of Bath choirs with Grenville Jones at The Roper Theatre and performing with Young Carers South West and Bath Philharmonia at Bath Abbey at Party in the City this year.

See the choir at Winter Wonderland Night at Arnos Vale Chapel, Bristol, Friday 11

December, 7.45pm, and a charity evening in aid of Christian Aid’s Big Sing at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Tuesday 15 December, 7.30pm.

BCGC meets Tuesdays in term time, 7.459.30pm in the Ballroom at The Forum, Bath.

Led by vocalist Jo Sercombe, the atmosphere is fun and friendly. There are no auditions.

Term fees are £48 (or £40 concessions).

Enjoy a free taster session at the start of the spring term. Visit: bathcommunity gospelchoir.com.

Sunrise Gospel Choir is BCGC’s sister choir for those who want to sing gospel in the daytime. The choir gets together on Tuesdays in term time, at 10am for coffee before rehearsing 10.30-12pm at Manvers St Baptist Church, Bath. Sunrise Gospel Choir will be performing alongside BCGC in the Arnos Vale and Big Sing concerts.

Term fees are £35. For more information, email admin@bathcommunity gospelchoir.com n

CAPPELLA NOVA Cappella Nova is a chamber choir conducted by Tony Shield, specialising in Choral Concerts in Wessex Churches. Founded in 2001, the group has around 25 experienced singers with a mixed age range. It is are based in Bath with singers from as far afield as Devizes, Frome and Bristol.

Cappella Nova has a wide repertoire including sacred music, madrigals, folk-songs and jazz and popular numbers, usually a cappella (unaccompanied) or with organ accompaniment. There are around four concerts a year, often in support of charity, with more than £10,000 raised for good causes.

Cappella Nova also sings for church services, from Choral Evensong at a local village church to a weekend away as visiting choir at a cathedral, providing music for all the services while the cathedral choir is on holiday. Two successful visiting weekends were held at Christchurch Priory in 2012 and at Portsmouth Cathedral in 2014. Next year the choir will sing Choral Evensong at Wells Cathedral in April, and will spend a weekend in September as visiting choir at Exeter Cathedral.

Cappella Nova can be hired to sing at weddings, offering items suitable for church and civil ceremonies.

Rehearsals are in two venues: the Methodist Church in Box and the Church Centre at St Luke’s Church, Wellsway, Bath. Rehearsals generally

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alternate between Thursday and Friday evenings. New singers are invited to attend a couple of rehearsals to get to know the group before having a short audition with the conductor.

Cappella Nova’s next concert is A Celebration of Christmas - music and readings to inspire, illuminate and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It is on Friday 18 December, 7.30pm in St Alphege’s Church, Oldfield Park. Tickets at £10 are available from Bath Box Office 01225 463362.

To find out more visit: cappellanova.org.uk n

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CHORAL | CITY WALCOT STATE CHOIR This is an especially colourful choir which began as part of a millennium project and has been singing since 2000. Its inclusive philosophy, where every voice enhances the whole and every member matters, creates a beautiful uplifting sound.

It is not just the flame colours the singers perform in that give it brightness, but its interest in diverse material from many cultures. This rich mix of traditional songs in many languages and from many ages, as well as commissioned contemporary songs, make this an interesting choir to hear.

Over the years Walcot State Choir has welcomed many guest teachers. Some have been talented UK-based choir leaders and composers, others international a cappella artists. Choir leader Su Hart has met many artists in her other role as lead singer of international touring band Baka Beyond. Su also collects songs, bringing back a broad and unusual repertoire for the singers. The choir’s performance aims to involve its audience. The local deaf community have taught signing for some songs. Concerts have benefitted charities at home and abroad.

The group has visited and welcomed into members’ homes singers from Auch, in the South of France and Kaposvar in

Hungary. A multi-cultural choir visited this year from Vienna and the two choirs performed together and devised a singing walk of Bath as part of the Fringe Festival.

Walcot also hosted a concert by Shallaway Youth Choir from Newfoundland and made a DVD of performances in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Walcot has around 50 regular attendees, but welcomes newcomers.

There are no auditions and reading music in not a requirement. Sue says: “We work on getting a confident, professional live sound and enjoying the music. We have found that to be tone deaf is extremely rare, even our hearing impaired members sing well. Our inclusive, supportive listening based approach has created a first class choir composed of ordinary people, many whom started out with the erroneous belief that they couldn’t sing.”

The choir meets at Claremont Methodist Centre, Eastbourne Avenue, on Tuesdays in term time, 7.15pm to 9.15pm.

The first week is a free taster session.

There is a performance and a singing social gathering each term.

The winter performance is on Saturday 28, 8pm November at BRISLI Queen Square, Bath. Tickets: £5 from tel: 01225 463362. Visit: walcotstatechoir.com n SOUTH WEST FESTIVAL CHORUS

SASSPARELLA Sassparella was originally formed and named by a group of women who came together with the intention of performing sassy and fun material and musical directors Marius Frank and Cindy Stratton were recruited to steer them in this direction four years ago. It’s been a match made in heaven for the 45 strong all female ensemble and the directors ever since.

The age range of members is from 20s upwards. The choir recruits new members from time to time, usually at the start of the new season in September, but places are limited.

Sassparella enjoy a great reputation for putting on an entertaining show wherever they perform and have the distinction of singing original arrangements provided by Marius Frank.

The choir perform locally at various functions and events (including the Mid Somerset Festival) and are intending to travel further afield in the near future.

Upcoming concerts include one on Saturday 28

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November at St Barts Church in Oldfield Park.

Expect a mixture of festive, seasonal material along with new arrangements and a few old favourites. Tickets: £10 on the door and include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie!

On Sunday 17 January 2016 catch Sassparella on the main stage at the Wiltshire Music Centre performing as part of the Bradford-on-Avon Roots/Acoustic Festival.

Sassparella also run community singing workshops ("Sing with Sassparella") which are popular with both women and men. Past events have included a Magic of Motown day as well as a celebration of the music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

For bookings or more information about the choir (including details of Sing with Sassparella days), or for advance tickets for 28 November visit the choir website www.sassparella.net contact Marius or Cindy at sassparellauk@gmail.com n

In spring 2002, Jason Thornton, music director of Bath Philharmonia, suggested to Martin Bax, founder and director of the Frome Festival, that a choral concert of Carmina Burana might be a good finale to the festival.

Experienced concert organiser, Joanna Wiesner recruited the chorus and Jason Thornton conducted. It was a huge success and everyone wanted to do it again, so Frome Festival Chorus Summer School – later South West Festival Chorus – was born. All concerts are rehearsed over one highly intensive weekend.

The next project was Berlioz’s monumental Grande Messe des Morts, requiring tremendous forces, including offstage brass bands, and 16 sets of timps. With Jeffrey Skidmore as chorus master, choral forces increased, student players gave place to established orchestras and the following seasons saw performances of Verdi’s Requiem, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, and Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, sung in Frome and Leipzig. In 2007, when choral conductor Gavin Carr became chorus master, Brahms’ German Requiem was toured to France.

From then onwards, other performances included Bach B Minor Mass in Wells Cathedral, a programme of Vaughan Williams and Elgar in Bath Abbey, and Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, performed first in Wells Cathedral and then toured to Beijing and Shanghai – the first Gerontius in mainland China. Subsequent concerts have included Berlioz’ Grande Messe des

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Morts, then Walton’s Belchazzar’s Feast, and the concert setting of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with bass Sir Willard White. Then came Rachmaninov’s Vespers, with international pianist Peter Donohoe in the 2nd Piano Concerto and many more. Last spring, the choir was invited to perform Handel’s Messiah in Goa Cathedral and in Mumbai, with the Symphony Orchestra of India in the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

The choir welcomes new singers; there are no auditions - just a commitment to an intensive rehearsal weekend. Plans for 2016 include Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast in March and Carmina Burana in July. Contact Joanna on 01225 444190 or 07973 326350, or email: Sjmwmusic@icloud.com n Bath Abbey Choir

BATH ABBEY CHOIR The Abbey Choir was established over 200 years ago, and was a male preserve until the 1990s; now girls alternate with boys in singing the soprano line, which adds to the richness of the sound.

There are around 15 adult male singers who come from many walks of life and include Choral Scholars from the two Bath universities.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Friday evenings.

Being a member of the Abbey Choir demands musicianship, loyalty and commitment, and is rewarded with camaraderie and the opportunity to sing fine music - ranging from medieval to contemporary - to a high standard in exquisite surroundings, in so doing inspiring and

rewarding congregations and audiences.

See the choir in action at the two choral services held in Bath Abbey on Sundays: a morning service of Holy Eucharist or Matins and an afternoon service of Choral Evensong – together with services at major religious festivals.

Apart from singing at regular services for about 40 weeks each year, the choir performs a number of concerts; it also broadcasts Choral Evensong regularly on Radio 3.

In recent years it has had airings with special performances for on Radios 2, 3 and 4, as well as Radio Bristol. The choir also makes commercial recordings – its CDs are available

from the Abbey shop and include Christmas carols and favourite hymns. The choir appears on TV as well: it has often featured in BBC’s Songs of Praise. A highlight this Christmas will be a live broadcast from the Abbey on BBC1 on Christmas morning.

The Abbey Choir is one of Bath’s finest traditions and represents the city at lots of national and international occasions. The choir has travelled to churches in Bath’s twin cities: Braunschweig (Germany), Aix-en-Provence (France) and Alkmaar (the Netherlands). It has also sung for members of the Royal Family, including the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. n

orchestra Quorum giving the performance a most authentic feel. Tickets can be purchased from Bath Box Office, Sharps & Flats Music Shop and Music Dynamics Music Shop.

The singers will join Oakfield Choir, Frome and Beckington Village Choir on 5 December for a second performance of the oratorio by Handel in the Frome Memorial Theatre.

Many more great concerts and events are

lined up for 2016, including Walton’s fantastic Belshazzar’s Feast with Bradford-on-Avon Choral Society and Paragon Singers.

The group is always happy to welcome new members and could currently do with one or two additions to the soprano and tenor lines.

It’s an extremely friendly choir and members enjoy a good chat over tea/coffee in the break during rehearsals. n n

BATH CANTATA GROUP Bath Bath Cantata Group (BCG) is Bath's longest-running chamber choir, directed by Neil Moore. Founded in 1955 by Beresford King-Smith, BCG has given countless concerts in and around Bath as well as toured abroad.

Early collaborations saw global stars such as Dame Janet Baker, Sir Michael Tippett and Sir Yehudi Menuhin perform and direct concerts.

The group rehearses in St Stephen’s Centre, below St Stephen's Church, Lansdown Road, Bath on Thursday evenings, from 7.45-9.45pm and many of its concerts are held in the church. The group aims to be around 40 members and although small, often tackles some music usually reserved for the larger choral societies.

The singers are fortunate to enjoy the luxury of having an orchestra to accompany our concerts. Recent performances have included Purcell’s opera Dido & Aeneas with The Bath Consort, Duruflé’s Requiem and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

Bath Canata Group also helps charities and good causes when possible. Recent community events have included singing carols around Lansdown for the fabric of St Stephen’s Church, Lansdown; singing carols every year for the residents of a care home in Bath and singing for Help for Heroes in June 2015.

In this Diamond Jubilee year the ensemble is busy preparing for a performance of Handel’s Messiah in St Stephen's Church on 28 November, accompanied by the period

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THE PHEONIX RISES

Picture courtesy of Soul Media 2015

THE RETURN OF MOLES

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Historian Catherine Pitt joins the legions of music lovers who’ve have good times at Moles Club and celebrates its imminent return with memories of some of the acts which have played there over the last three decades

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THEY PLAYED IN BATH: clockwise from top, Oasis, Ed Sheeran, Cerys Matthews, DJ Annie Mac and The Cure

Cure chose for their warm up gig before heading on their US tour; one out of only three venues in the whole of the UK that the guitarist, Snakefinger, from The Residents, would play; and is where artists such as Blur, The Smiths, Bastille and Mumford and Sons, cut their teeth before hitting the big time.

The brainchild of Bath based entrepreneur Phil Andrews, the initial conception of Moles was as a vegetarian café with a jazz and folk club beneath.

In 1970s Bath there were few nightclubs, and none in the city that

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T

he subterranean nightclub in George Street, Bath, known affectionately and simply as ‘Moles’, has dominated the live music scene in the south west for the past 37 years; but it almost came to an untimely end. At 9am on 8 March 2014 a small electrical fire in the basement led to extensive smoke and water damage throughout the club and building above which forced the club into temporary closure.

There was a sense of loss among its legions of fans, would their beloved club recover from this blow? Well, music lovers can rejoice once more, however, for the club will re-open its historic doors on Friday 27 November, making a more than welcome return to the Bath – and UK – music scene.

Dubbed ‘one of the coolest music venues in the UK’ by Shortlist, and voted BBC Radio 6’s and NME’s Best Venue for Upcoming Bands, Moles’ rollcall of past performers, DJ’s and bands reads like an A-Z of music history; and includes artists such as Ed Sheeran, Geno Washington, Peter Green, The Smiths and Radiohead.

Making live music accessible to all is entrenched in this club’s ethos, and the essence of the acts who have played here seems to have seeped into the very sweat-dripped walls, making history seem almost palpable.

This is the venue that in 1983 The

when The Smiths played in 1983 there were only around 30 people in the club that night

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catered for the music tastes of Phil and his friends. Seeing a potential gap in the market for a live music venue, he began seeking a suitable location. It was only through a series of coincidences that led him to 14 George Street.

Previously at this address there had been a casino, and later a strip club; but by 1978 the site was vacant. Phil said he was on holiday with friends chatting

about his plans and mentioned the potential George Street site. By sheer chance this discussion ended up feeding back to the landlord, via one of his friends’ brother’s dates who knew the owner. Numbers were exchanged and suddenly Phil found himself faced with just ten days to get the money together, as the landlord was considering selling the venue for flats.

He not only met the deadline, but through sheer hard graft, a lick of paint and with the help of family and friends, after a few months Phil had a club and cafe ready to open. On New Year’s Eve 1978, Moles Club opened its doors to the general public for the very first time.

Despite heavy snow the club was packed with Phil’s friends and family, including his mum, who saw in the birth of a new year together, as well as Bath’s first live music venue.

Despite a promising start, it was initially a struggle to keep Moles going.

Phil recalls that the first proper club night in January 1979 saw only ten people turn up. Even when The Smiths played in 1983 there were only around 30 people in the club that night. He admits that the vegetarian café housed above the club, run using Bath College Catering students, kept the whole business afloat for quite a long time.

In its early days Moles had no stage, no PA system and only a 300 watt stereo in the club. But Phil soon became savvy to the fact that it was cheaper to hire NOVEMBER 2015

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bands if they didn’t have to bring their own PA. Taking out a loan and installing the club’s PA system was one of the first major improvements in the club.

The second most important change to Moles Club was the arrival of disco.

Despite wanting Moles to be a jazz and folk club Phil realised he needed to diversify. He took a gamble on one of his regulars, Derek Pearce, who had approached him about bringing his decks to the club. Soon Wednesday nights were packed out, and Derek’s Mutant Disco was born.

Rock music saw its launch at the club with the arrival of Phil’s friend, Max Cann and his band Spoons. As word spread that the club was playing live rock music more and more bands approached him to play, and things spiralled from there.

By 1989 the club was well established on the live music circuit in the UK, the café had long since gone, and Phil had the opportunity to extend into the building above, whereupon he opened Moles’ Recording Studio.

This studio has been used by artists such as Elbow, The Horrors, PJ Harvey and Portishead.

By 2009 Phil wanted to concentrate on his other business ventures in Bath and sold Moles. But, by 2012, he was back at the helm, this time joined by the club’s long-term manager, Tom Maddicott.

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FAVOURITE VENUE: Moles gives audiences the chance to get up close and personal with the acts.

Above right: a young Morrisey Pictures courtesy of Soul Media 2015

as assistant manager and promoter. He also dabbled in DJ’ing as a hobby. He was really plunged in at the deep end when one fateful night in 1994 the DJ didn’t turn up. Tom, who lived next door, ran home and grabbed his decks and found himself following on from the main act – Oasis! He hasn’t looked back since, playing as resident DJ most weeks.

Nights at Moles go down in legend; from Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac’s set blowing the club’s speakers which led to the audience having a sing-a-long until they were fixed, to the singer Cerys Matthews of Catatonia who finding herself caught short immediately before a gig was forced to use the sink in the band dressing room, loosening it in the process. On their return, the band found the sink had separated itself from the wall and the room had flooded!

Everyone who has been to Moles, whether to perform or as a punter has their own stories to tell. It is this that continues to give the club its magic and sees people return time and again. Going to Moles is almost like a rite of passage in Bath.

The appeal of Moles is that the audience is not just made up of teenand tween-agers. Whatever your age, you will find yourself mixing with likeminded people who are all there simply to enjoy the best music. It is also probably the only club in the UK where the audience can have an up-close and personal interaction with their favourite

band or artists. The club only has a capacity for around 200 people, and along with its small stage and lack of barriers means there is an electric, exciting and intimate atmosphere.

The sound system may have improved considerably since 1978 but another factor that makes Moles so unique is the breadth of genres its embraces and the plethora of artists who have stepped on its stage. As Tom Maddicott says, “if people will come and listen, we will put it on”, whether that be soul music, pop or thrash metal.

With the renaissance of Moles come new exciting line-ups planned, including Simian Mobile Disco, Bad Sounds, Eat and Groove Armada; as well as the continuation of the regular set music nights, such as Cheese Nights on Tuesdays and Indie Nights on Thursdays.

A new music bar above the club will also open, which will house a record shop which Tom hopes will see vinyl signings and acoustic sets by artists and bands. The newly revamped recording studio will also be back in action.

The feeling in Bath and across the UK since the closure of Moles and the news of its re-opening can be summed up simply by the Club’s unofficial motto, spread online during the past 18 months – #LongLiveMoles!

Moles Club will be re-opening on Friday, 27 November with Don Broco, DJ Alkan and a Special Guest. Tickets available, visit: moles.co.uk n

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WHAT’S ON in November EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER A SEASON OF FRENCH FARCE: MONSIEUR POPULAR Until Saturday 7 November, times vary n Ustinov Studio theatre, Bath The UK premiere for Jeremy Sams’ newly translated 19th century French farce. Middle aged lothario Celimare keeps his mistresses happy while at the same time befriending their husbands. But who’s most reluctant to lose his company when he decides to leave the past behind and marry his 18-year-old sweetheart? Tickets: all seats £12. Tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Ustinov this month THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY Thursday 12 November – Saturday 19 December, times vary The French farce season continues with George Feydeau’s farce which contains all the elements you’d expect from this genre – from illicit rendezvous and people hiding in closets to bungling policemen and dropped trousers. Tickets from £12.

An Inspector Calls at the Theatre Royal

EDITOR’S PICK SHOW OF HANDS Thursday 10 November n The Forum, SouthGate, Bath The Editor’s only happy to put this in as her pick because she’s already bought her tickets to see multi-award winning British folk act Show of Hands. Consummate performers Steve Knightley, Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes sing a mixture of traditional and contemporary, original folk.

They’ve filled the Albert Hall several times and have a loyal following, so expect the rafters of The Forum to be lifted in song. Tickets: £21.50 (plus £2 fee) from: bathforum.co.uk.

Show of Hands BATH YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2015 Tuesday 3 November 3, 7.30pm n The Pump Room, Bath This competition features five young local musicians, all high achievers in the Mid-Somerset Festival. This year’s contestants are: Fiona Boddington (flute), Angharad Harris (French horn), Sebrina Lambert-Rose (cello) Seren Nickson (violin) and Freddie Redding on piano. The 2014 winner, Lizzie Daniels will perform while the judges make their decision. Hannah Conway, who won in 1992 and is now a composer, presenter and musical director is one of three adjudicators. Tickets: £10, £5 under 18s Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362, or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk

Bath Light Opera: Sister Act

English Touring Opera

Rachel Joyce at Topping & Co

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BRUCE ROBINSON ON JACK THE RIPPER Wednesday 4 November, 7.30pm n Topping & Co, the Paragon, Bath Bruce Robinson was the director and screenwriter of Withnail and I. Now he turns his attentions to the unsolved, real-life mystery of the Victorian serial killer, Jack the Ripper. Does Robinson have a convincing theory? Tickets: £7/£8, to include a book voucher. Tel: 01225 428111.

Also hosted by Topping & Co this month COFFEE WITH RACHEL JOYCE Saturday 21 November, 10.30am n The Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath Rachel Joyce, the best selling author of the very engaging The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, comes to talk about her writing at the launch of a new collection, A Snow Garden and Other Stories. Tickets: £6/£7, includes book voucher.

HARRIET BEVERIDGE Friday 27 November, 7.20pm n Topping & Co, the Paragon, Bath Best-selling author, Bath mum and semi-finalist in the National Funny Woman contest, stand-up comedian Harriet Beveridge offers laugh-outloud observations on child-rearing as she releases her book Turnip-Led Weaning. Tickets: £5/£6 to include book voucher

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CAFE PHILO Tuesday 3 November, 7.20pm n Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Queen Square, Bath Join the discussion, chaired by Dr Gerard Kilroy, Professor of University College London: What is the use of history? Our view of the Tudors, the French Revolution, the First World War, Hitler and Stalin have all settled into grotesque stories as comfortable as our armchairs and as threadbare as our slippers. Can history teach us uncomfortable truths? Entrance: £4, students/members £2.

The Real Macguffins

HUMBLE BOY Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm n The Mission Theatre, Corn Street Platform 8 Productions follow its sell-out ‘Allo ‘Allo with this tale that manages to be sad and very funny. We meet Felix Humble, the son who returns to the family home after the death of his father, where his domineering mother reduces the grown man to a stuttering, faltering boy. Tickets: £12/£10 concessions. Tel: 01225 426039.

Also at the Mission Theatre this month BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL PRESENTS: THE REAL MACGUFFINS & FOL ESPOIR Tuesday 10 November, 2.30pm and 8pm A night of joyous laughter as Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain attempts to explain the quirks and customs British life in wartime. Tickets from £8, tel: 0800 411 8881.

HELL HATH NO FURY Wednesday 11 & Friday 13 November, 7.30pm Part of the Mission’s Shakespeare season, this contemporary take on Lady Macbeth is brought to us by RumDoxy Theatre Company.

Tickets: £10/ £8 concessions.

BATH GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY PRESENTS THE MIKADO Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 November, times vary This has been described as an animated concert version of this G&S favourite featuring Three Little Maids, the Wand’ring Minstrel and more. Tickets: £10/ £8 concessions. Tel: 01225 400295.

BATH LIGHT OPERATIC GROUP PRESENTS SISTER ACT Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 November, times vary n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath An amateur production from this accomplished company that celebrates local talent, is based on the hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Deloris is put into a convent on a witness protection scheme and soon her effervescence and showbiz ambitions affects the nuns.

It’ll have the feelgood factor for sure. For ticket prices and details tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month ENGLISH TOURING OPERA PRESENTS PELLEAS ET MELISANDE AND THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Monday 9 – Tuesday 10 November, 7.30pm The highly acclaimed company will be in Bath for just two days. On the Monday it’s Debussy’s Pelleas et Melisande, a UK premiere and sung in English, while the Tuesday’s performance is of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann. A real treat for opera fans.

AN INSPECTOR CALLS Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 November, times vary The director of this National Theatre production, Stephen Daldry, also directed Billy Elliott and The Reader, so expect a dramatic spectacle.

JB Priestley’s thriller is given heightened emotion, from the tension in the dining room to the rain lashing down outside in the real world.

KING CHARLES III Monday 23 – Saturday 28 November, 7.30pm Mike Bartlett’s award-winning play comes to Bath from the West End The future is imagined after the death of the Queen, when William and Kate mount a coup against Charles the king in waiting. It has been described as audacious and provocative.

HANDBAGGED Monday 30 November – Saturday 5 December, times vary Susie Blake stars in another West End transfer, and another production featuring the Royal Family. The Queen and Margaret Thatcher come face to face in this imaginery behind-the-scenes encounter.

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POLICE DOG HOGAN Thursday 5 November, 7.30pm ■ Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath With eight members in the line-up and instruments including guitar, accordion, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and trumpet, Police Dog Hogan draws influences from many sources including Americana, country-folk, folkpop or even urban bluegrass, but it’s difficult to do justice to the sheer range of styles this band is willing to take on and, if necessary, transform.

This is going to be a standing gig, with seating down the sides. Tickets: £15. Tel: 01225 461700.

Also at Chapel Arts this month SON YAMBU CUBAN BAND Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm Son Yambu play authentic Son Cubano'or Cuban son - the essential AfroCuban music that originated in the streets of eastern Cuba at the turn of the last century. Son is a fusion of Spanish and African rhythms and is the root of all salsa music. Formed in 2011, Son Yambu feature a new generation of Cuban musicians who are all passionate about maintaining the traditions of the genre, continuing the Buena Vista legacy that put Cuban music back on the map in 1997. This is a dancing gig, tickets: £13.

SHERRY BABYS: JERSEY BOYS TRIBUTE Friday 13 November, 7.30pm The Sherry Babys (sic) recreate the iconic sound of the Four Seasons. The first part of the show the boys will take you back to where it all began, performing the classic 50s songs as the Four Seasons once did. Hits included; Still of the night, Oh Carol, Teenager in Love and Why do fools fall in love? Tickets: £20.

MARTIN SIMPSON Thursday 26 November, 7.30pm One of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin Simpson is at the top of his game right now, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling.

Authentic Cuban music from the Son Yambu Cuban Band

EDITOR’S PICK Simon Callow

Nicola Benedetti at the Mozart fest

BATH MOZART FEST Friday 13 – Saturday 21 November ■ The Assembly Rooms, Bath BA1 2QH Michael Morpurgo and Simon Callow will join this year’s festival for some master storytelling, while international musicians descend on Bath for this hugely popular celebration linked to the music of Mozart. This year’s other featured composers include Monteverdi, Schubert, Brahms, Haydn, Bartok and Tchaikovsky. At time of writing some events had sold out, so be quick. Pick up a programme or visit : bathmozartfest.org.uk, for tickets call: 01225 463362.

WOODLANDS AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR Saturday 7 November, 11am – 3pm ■ Bath & North East Somerset Council Carers’ Centre, Lower Bristol Road, Bath Handmade and bespoke arts and crafts on sale. Free entrance.

BATH BACH CHOIR: LUX AETERNA Saturday November 7, 7.30pm ■ Bath Abbey 7.30pm The programme features: John Rutter Requiem; Karl Jenkins Motets; Eric Whitacre When David Heard; James MacMillan Lux Aeterna and Ralph Vaughan Williams Valiant for Truth.

Conductor: Nigel Perrin. Tickets: £8 – £25, tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

Claire Lloyd at the craft fair at the American Museum

Gaz Coombes at Komedia

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BATH ARTISAN MARKET Sunday November 8 ■ Green Park Station, Bath This is the Remembrance Day market which will be honoured with two minutes’ silence at 11am in addition to selling poppies for the Royal British Legion. Following this there will be nostalgic music from local musicians including Marmalade Swing and lots of stalls, so shopppers can start Christmas shopping.

Also at Green Park Station this month BATH ARTISAN MARKET Sunday 22 November The Christmas markets kick off with an Early Bird shopping special,

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starting just before the Bath Christmas Market in the city centre..

CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR Sunday 8 November, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon A Remembrance Day concert of vocal music.

The programme includes work by Schumann and Elgar, with conductor Mike Daniels and lyric tenor Peter Kirk. Tickets: £16/ £10 under 18s. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month ELIZA CARTHY, JACKIE OATES, LUCY FARRELL AND KATE YOUNG Friday 13 November, 7.30pm Four British singing violinists have been brought together, offering a range of music from early English folk through to 1940s American pop. Tickets: £19/ £9.50 concessions.

JOSS ARNOTT DANCE & EVELYN GLENNIE Saturday 21 November, 7.30pm Internationally renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and musical director James M Keane are joined on stage by five dancers for a triple bill of music and contemporary dance.

Tickets: £22/ £11 under 18s.

ORLANDO CONSORT Saturday 28 November, 7.30pm The silent film La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc will be shown with a new soundtrack provided by the Orlando Consort. Tickets: £18/ £9 u18s.

BATH CAMERATA/BENJAMIN GOODSON Sunday 8 November, 7.30pm

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Homegrown: Bare Knuckle Parade at Komedia n St Mary’s Church, Bathwick Lest We Forget – a Concert for Remembrance Tickets: £15; £5 (U25s) from: bathcamerata.org.uk or tel: 01225 463362.

THE PROCLAIMERS Tuesday 10 November n The Forum, SouthGate, Bath Scottish twins Charlie and Craig Reid are on a UK tour, as they promote their new album Let’s Hear it for the Dogs. Tickets: £28.50 + £2.85 handling fee.

Also at the Forum this month BELLOWHEAD Friday 20 November, 7.30pm The ultimate party folk-rock band is on its long farewell tour, stopping off in Bath so fans can Roll the Woodpile Down one last time. Tickets: £24.50 plus fee.

COMEDY: NISH KUMAR Wednesday 11 November, 8pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Stand-up from Nish Kumar, the comedian nominated for the best show at this year’s Edinburgh Comedy awards and now on his first solo tour. Tickets: £10 from: ticketsource.co.uk Also at the Rondo this month AN EVENING WITH ANITA HARRIS Thursday 12 November, 7.30pm Entertainer Anita Harris has a varied career that spans more than 50 years – and she’s still sparkling away. This is an intimate evening of stories of her life, interspersed with songs.

Tickets: £14, £12 concessions.

RONDO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS STILL LIFE BY NOEL COWARD Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 November, 8pm This is the bitter-sweet story that the film Brief Encounter was based on. Tickets: £10, £8 concessions.

GAZ COOMBES Wednesday 11 November, 7pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes has gone solo, to great acclaim. Tickets from £14, tel: 0845 293 8480, visit: komedia.co.uk/bath.

Also at Komedia this month COMEDY: HENNING WEHN Thursday 12 November, 8pm It takes a very clever German to make the British laugh at ourselves. Tickets from £16.50.

WHOLE LOTTA LED Friday 13 November, 7pm Let your hair down and get your air guitars out Continued Page xx>>

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WHAT’S | ON Taylor-Davies will talk about her ongoing research into Georgian embroidered court mantuas, including a dress that is part of the Fashion Museum’s collection and on display in the Georgians exhibition at the museum.

Tickets: £10.

to enjoy the UK’s best Led Zeppelin tribute act.

Tickets: £14.

BARE KNUCKLE PARADE Tuesday 17 November, 7pm You may have seen these guys busking on the streets of Bath. Formed at Bath Spa University, this highly entertaining Celtic folk/punk/rock influenced band are worth catching for a good time. Tickets: £8.

NOSFERATU THE VAMPYRE Friday 13 November, 7.30pm n Weston Studio, The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath The ultimate arthouse fright-night from 1979, directed by Werner Herzog, one of international cinema’s leading and most imaginative filmmakers, and starring the irrepressible Klaus Kinski as the vampire and Isabelle Adjani as his muse/victim. A rare theatrical outing for a masterly telling of the Dracula story. Tickets: £8.50, £6 concs, tel: 01225 386777 or visit: icia.org.uk.

Also at The Edge this month ALEXANDER BALANESCU: NEW WORK IN MUSIC AND LANGUAGE Saturday 21 November, 7.30pm A premiere of work, produced by Alexander Balanescu during his residency at the university, in which he explored the idea that sounds in the environment affect and shape us. Tickets: £16.50, £12 concs and UOB staff, £8 students.

GARETH PUGH IN CONVERSATION Tuesday 17 November, 6pm

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Bellowhead: ‘the best live band in the country apart from the Who’ – the Independent n The Fashion Museum, The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath Designer Gareth Pugh, whose designs are worn by celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and Lady Gaga, will be in discussion with fashion PR Mandi Lennard, who was named by the Evening Standard as one of the most influential Londoners for her contribution to fashion. A plastic ensemble from Pugh’s Autumn/Winter 2014-15 collection was selected as the Fashion Museum’s Dress of the Year 2014 by Katie Grand, Editor in Chief of LOVE magazine, and is on display at the museum. Tickets: £12.Tickets for all talks are available from bathboxoffice.org.uk or tel: 01225 463362.

Also at the Fashion Museum this month THE ART OF THE EMBROIDERED MANTUA Thursday 26 November, 6pm Dress historian, and former head of workroom at the Royal School of Needlework, Rosie

SIMON WESTON Thursday 19 November, 7.30pm n Roper Theatre, Hayesfield Girls School, Bath Welsh Guardsman Simon Weston overcame serious burns sustained on an attack on a troop carrier during the Falklands War and has dedicated his life to charitable work with veterans’ groups and young people’s organisations. He became a successful author, businessman and public speaker. Hear his story and his subsequent triumph over adversity.

Tickets £15, Park Pets, 01225-316509, Beau Nash Antiques, 07891 868410.

MAGIC AND MAYHEM FESTIVAL Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 November n Various venues in Corsham, including The Pound Arts Centre, Pound Pill, Corsham A rich mix of entertainment, including ghost stories, live music with silent film from Minima Music, comedy from Richard Herring, music from jazz star Jacqui Dankworth, some of the UK’s top burlesque performers, Tim Burtonesque theatre from The Human Zoo Theatre Company, magician Paul Dabek and an afternoon of vintage music and swing dance.

Visit: magicandmayhem.org.uk or pick up a copy at The Pound arts centre.

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WHATS | ON presents a programme of Beethoven, Dvorak and Sibelius. The soloist is cellist Alice Neary.

Tickets: £14/£7 students u18s. tel: 01225 463362 or on the door.

SWING DANCE BOOK LAUNCH Friday 20 November, 7.30pm n The Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath One of the world’s leading swing dancers, Scott Cupit is extending a metaphorical hand to lead us on to the dancefloor as he explains more about this popular dance movement and will encourage people to have a go. Scott has written Swing Dance, about the history, style and steps involved. Wear your dancing shoes.

Tickets: £10 to include a book voucher, from Topping & Co bookshop in the Paragon.

THE FABULOUS FAIR Saturday 21 November, noon to 4pm n St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, Bath A group of local businesswomen will be setting up stalls to sell art, crafts and beautiful handmade items to help Deki, a Bristol based charity which offer micro-loans and business training to would-be entrepreneurs(mostly women) in Africa and India in order to start their own businesses to get out of the poverty trap. Entry is free, mulled wine and other refreshments are on sale, with a charity raffle.Visit: deki.org.uk for more details.

BATH MINERVA CHOIR Saturday 21 November, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey Bath Minerva Choir celebrates its 21st birthday joined by professional soloists and the Southern

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Saturday 28 November n St Stephen’s Church, Lansdown Bath Cantata Group presents this majestic piece, with musical director Neil Moore.

Tickets £15; Students £5, children free, tel: 01225 463362 and on the door.

Gareth Pugh’s Dress of the Year 2014 at the Fashion Museum Sinfonia in an evening of Mozart. This includes Scenes and Arias from The Magic Flute followed by the glorious Requiem. Tickets: £10 – £28 from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362.

BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Wednesday 25 November, 7.30pm n The Guildhall, High Street, Bath Bath’s only amateur symphony orchestra

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, noon – 4.30pm n The American Museum, Claverton, Bath The annual Christmas craft fair offers the chance to buy unique presents, from ceramics and textiles to jewellery and prints. Meet the makers, discuss their techniques, and buy some British made hand-crafted Christmas gifts. Free entry to the fair and parking is available.

CHRISTMAS WITH CITYSOUND VOICES WITH SPECIAL GUESTS KES SOUL Saturday 28 November, 7.30pm n St Michael’s Without Church, Broad St, Bath CitySound’s repertoire ranges from Monteverdi to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Tickets: adults £10, children £5, family £25. For more details visit: citysound.org.uk. n

Looking to have your event listed? You can now submit your What’s On events on our website. Visit: thebathmag.co.uk

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A GOOD READ

We’ve picked six of the best current books suitable for chaps*

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVEN KILLINGS

By Marlon James Published by OneWorld, £8.99 Partly based on the reallife assassination attempt on Bob Marley, Jamaican writer Marlon James picked up the Man Booker Prize for this barnstormer of a novel.

Set in 1970s Jamaica and 1980s New York, it’s been described as a powerful story packed full of action, characters and humour. It’s got music, politics and violence – like a Tarantino movie with a Bob Marley soundtrack. This is one for the guys who enjoyed The Wire and like well written, intelligent and absorbing fiction.

THE SECRET WAR

The Secret War: Spies, Codes and Guerrilas 1939 – 1945 by Max Hastings, published in hardback by William Collins, £30.

There is a species of man who can talk knowledgeably about the 1966 football World Cup and who never tires of learning more about the intricacies of the Second World War. If you know one of these types, simply hand them this 600 plus page tome and expect him to disappear for many hours. Hastings is a renowned writer of history and a thorough researcher. For this book he’s looked at the men and women who fought their enemies not on the battlefield but underground and in closeted rooms, where they toiled to crack the enemy codes. He measures the British clandestine operations against those of Germany, the Soviet Union, Japan and the US, giving us more of a global picture of what went on behind the scenes.

* we think women will like them too

DON MCCULLIN

Published by Jonathan Cape in hardback, £50.

The cover of this weighty coffee table book shows one of the war photographer’s classic black and white shots of a war-weary soldier.

His is the 1,000 yard stare of the traumatised squaddie and a powerful reminder that McCullin was one of the pioneers in bringing the horrors of war to our living rooms. His lens is unflinching, almost making us want to look away as man’s inhumanity to man is played out in dozens of dramas from conflicts all over the world. He recorded events during the Troubles of Northern Ireland, the civil war in Lebanon, and famously the wars in Vietnam and Cambodia. He was also one of the first to show the world the starving families of Biafra – changing people’s views and stirring them into action. His photographs are technically fascinating, his composition and cropping brilliant. This would be a compendium for those who seriously aspire in this most challenging of fields, the photo-journalist in war.

BAKE IT YOURSELF

By Richard Burr, published in hardback by Quadrille, £20.

A finalist in the 2014 Great British Bake Off builder turned baker Richard won our affection with his blokeish charms as, pencil behind his ear, he turned out perfect bake after bake. He holds the record for being the Star Baker no less than five times, so it’s good to be able to pick up some of his recipes and tips.

He writes his instructions clearly, laying out his tool kit and the level of skill needed for each of the 80 recipes. These range from making a simple loaf (a deeply satisfying challenge to accomplish) to making the most exquisite six layered peach and white chocolate cake (‘my wife’s favourite’ he says) This would be a great present for a man who likes cooking for family and friends and who’d enjoy being able to knock out a tasty fish pie using his own catch, or serving chilli con carne pasties on Bonfire Night.

NORWEGIAN WOOD

Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way by Lars Mytting, published in hardback by MacLehose Press, £20.

This is a book for a man who likes the heft of an axe in his hand, the grain on a length of wood and who prides himself on keeping a mighty fine log store. It’s not just a guide to the ancient skill of looking after wood, with wisdom passed down

through the ages, but also a thoughtful treatise on survival and man’s place in the world. Lars Mytting was already a successful novelist before this book became an international phenomenon. It was only published in the UK in English at the beginning of October but has been flying out of the bookshops likes sparks from burning larchwood. One to enjoy by the woodburning stove.

THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING: MORE NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND

By Bill Bryson Published by Doubleday, hardback £20 It took an American to show we British how we live, to hold a mirror up to our little foibles, our beliefs, customs and manners. Bill Bryson in Notes from a Small Island managed this so accurately and yet in such a charming way that we warmed to him. He repaid the compliment by making Britain his home, even becoming president of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. He invites us to step out with him again in a poem to the English countryside, litter warts

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and all. He can be waxing lyrical about the scenery: ‘to my left were bosomy hills of green and gold, to the right a spangled plane of bright blue sea.’ – then he makes a sharp observation ‘a big layby where coach parties of schoolchildren can get off and scatter a little litter around – it’s a kind of tradition, I guess; school groups come from all over to put their crisp packets and chocolate-bar wrappers in the gorse and bracken.’ Buy this for your grammarian, middle aged patriot and you’ll be rewarded with snorts of amusement from the other end of the sofa.

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ART | SCENE

A VOTE FOR PEACE

At a time of remembrance two artists are inviting viewers to contemplate war and peace in art

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et against the backdrop of current world conflicts – and those past – is an exhibition by two artists. War and Peace is a shared show by Brian Goodsell and Deenagh Miller.

Brian Goodsell talks about his work: “With the powerful theme of the effects of modern warfare on civilian populations as well as combatants, it is critical that my paintings should provide a counterbalance to the unflinching realism that Deenagh has to deploy to be faithful to her subject. I have known her for some years and indeed she was my mentor and tutor when I first took up water colour painting. She gave me space and encouraged me in my experiments.

So we both have mutual respect for our endeavours.

Having been involved for many years as a part time serial student in oil painting, sculpture and ceramics I counter balanced my own senior executive and business consultant’s stress by maintaining my lively interests and practice in the arts. I have always enjoyed the challenges of the painting projects I set myself. I have been inspired by painters from the Impressionists to the Modernists, from Monet, Bonnard via Gaugin to Arshile Gorky and Mark Rothko. A more local influence has been William Scott via John Eaves, one of his Corsham Court proteges.

I have likened my painting practice to modern jazz. The tenor sax blows subtle variations on a standard and takes a journey into the unknown or unknowable. I assemble my standards from selected sites which I record by various means, including drawing and photography. Then in the studio I work at resolving, interpreting and exploring the visual possibility of this material. It all sounds rather cerebral but in fact intuition and instinct play a major part in the process and colour provides the gift wrapping.

My paintings therefore are a vote for peace through visual harmony and the excitement of colour.”

Deenagh says of her work: “Since the 9/11 2001 atrocities and the invasion of Iraq in 2003, I have painted images of war. I can’t leave it alone and I can’t do it all the time, in between I return to landscapes and imagination.

War repels and attracts – its cruel violence, injustice and suffering is horrific, but it also brings out other qualities – acts of sacrifice, courage and bravery, acts of kindness, generosity and compassion made by ordinary people, nurses and doctors and often soldiers.

I’d have difficulty describing myself as a war artist. I’ve never wanted to be a war artist, or go to a war zone. Perhaps 52 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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CONTRASTS: main picture, Rock and Rolling Stock by Brian Goodsell Inset, images of war by Deenagh Miller

it’s morbid, but given that humans can be empathetic – when reading, hearing or seeing the news of wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Gaza I’ve wondered what it feels like to be a victim of war – injured, bereaved, homeless, stateless, with nothing. It must feel indescribably unjust, particularly to women and children. Soldiers too suffer dreadful injuries, death, and the loss of comrades. But with few exceptions, most politicians, although deeply involved in making decisions about war, rarely have direct experience of it.

My work is based on images collected from the internet and newspapers of dramatic action, torture as in Abu Ghraib, people fleeing, those mourning and burying their dead; mundane times

when families wait for food and water, children talking to soldiers, nurses and doctors tending the wounded. I’m grateful to the photographers who took them. The most challenging are from the internet, ones newspapers won’t publish.

Looking closely into the faces of children in physical or emotional pain isn’t easy, nor is seeing the expressions of bereaved parents or soldiers caught up in the horror or war.

This leads to the perplexing question raised about what any of us should or could do, given how much we know about war going on somewhere in the world. I hope the paintings, which are about the consequences of war, provoke the viewer to ask questions about the reasons we go to war.”

War and Peace runs from Thursday 12 – Tuesday 24 November at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, Queen Square, Bath. Admission is free. n

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

THE ART OF GIVING

They say you should be guided by your heart when buying art. The galleries and artists of Bath certainly have plenty to woo you with - whether you’re buying for a loved one or self gifting WIDCOMBE CRAFT FAIR Saturday 21 November, 10.30am – 5pm St Matthew's , Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA Local makers show their work at this festive fair, now in its ninth year. More than 40 stallholders from Widcombe and nearby will be selling beautiful and unique gifts, including ceramics, jewellery, mosaics, textiles, glass, cards, pictures, handmade soap and more.

Exhibitors include Widcombe paper artist Jessica Palmer who will be there with her recently published books, and also with original works. Bridget Baker is a virtuoso with wire, capturing the character of small animals with the minimum of lines – often of much loved pets.

Lorelei Hunt works in mosaic, and is often inspired by giving broken or discarded items a new identity. Jo Willis finds flowers her biggest inspiration. She makes delicate brooches, necklaces and flower sculptures.

Sue Porter creates her artwork from ink drawings and photography of local architecture and landmarks. Stella Wain-Heapy produces vibrant glassware and, like most of the exhibitors, is happy to undertake commissions.

Entry is free. The Widcombe Choir will be making a visit and refreshments, including light lunches, will be served all day, in aid of St Matthew’s refurbishment.

Visit: widcombecraftfair.com for a list of all those taking part.

Bath artists Sue Porter and Jessica Palmer are among those taking part in Widcombe Craft Fair 44AD GALLERY 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 4pm

James Jean byPeter Blake

Green Park Station by Jane Riley, best in show at the April exhibition BATHAMPTON ART GROUP SHOW Bathampton Village Hall, Holcombe Lane, Bathampton SHOW AND SALE Saturday 14 November, 10am – 4.30pm Bathampton Art Group exhibition and sale of paintings in a variety of media. There will be demonstrations throughout the day by the artists. Cards designed by members of the group will be on sale. Artist Nicki Coats of Minerva Artist Supplies is to judge the work on show. The public will be invited to vote for their favourite. Refreshments will be available.

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LOST AND FOUND Monday 9 – Sunday 15 November Lost and Found showcases artists who put found objects at the centre of their work. The impulse to collect can be as strong as that to make work. Which comes first is often unclear.

The great box artist Joseph Cornell trawled the junk shops of Manhattan for ephemera – cigarette cards, rubber balls, shells – before he thought to put things from his collection together. Peter Blake whose work, including a previously unseen piece, is in this show, has been a collector for as long as he has been making art, hoarding and then integrating into his work the flotsam of popular culture. Artists taking part are: Peter Blake, Robert Lee, Dean Patman, Michael Pell, Ali Holloway, Duncan Cameron, Catherine Phelps and Tom Buchanan.

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

Closed on Mondays Tel: 01225 445221, visit: nickcudworth.com BOOK LAUNCH Wednesday 18 November, 7pm Nick Cudworth is one of the unique blend of Walcot’s Independent Traders. He started his own gallery over 15 years ago at the top of Walcot Street where he exhibits his original paintings and limited edition prints while working in the studio to the rear of the gallery. In recent years Nick has published two books of his work, Bath Landscapes and The Master Class – inspired by the works of Vermeer. His third book Bath City Paintings is to be launched at Topping & Co bookshop, The Paragon. The book contains highly detailed realist paintings exploring the passage of time over the interiors and exteriors of Bath city, and has been beautifully designed by the award winning designer Howard Brown. The book is signed by the artist and includes work dating from 1996 to 2014. The detailed text is accompanied by full colour reproductions. Figures are gradually introduced into some paintings to enhance the atmosphere.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885235915 / 01225 424 424 Visit: emmaroseartworks.com

ADORN Saturday 7 November – 3 December The gallery’s annual contemporary jewellery showcase features original pieces by leading contemporary designers. There will be collections by Adele Brereton, Megan Collins, Grace Girvan, Emmeline Hastings, Rhiannon Lewis, Heather McDermott, Karen Parker, Penny Price, Fran Regan, Emma Teale and Jessica Turrell. There will also be a new collection of sculptural wooden vessels by Adrian Mitchell, plus contemporary prints and paintings.

MATT WAITE: NEW FORMS AND GLAZES 20 November – 3 December Glazed Cornish stoneware ceramics by established Wiltshire-based potter Matt Waite. This display presents one-off pieces and a new collection of tableware created exclusively for Quercus Gallery.

HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Tel: 01225 388569 Daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) NAHOKO KOJIMA: HONEY BEE Saturday 24 October – Sunday 24 January Japanese paper cut artist Nahoko Kojima creates spectacular sculptures from single sheets of paper cut by hand. Nahoko Kojima has created a new work – Honey Bee – for the Holburne to be displayed in the Wirth Gallery. The Holburne’s collection includes a number of historical paper cut works including a bear cut by Mary West in about 1709. Look out too for Jessica Palmer’s new piece at the Holburne. Free admission.

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The Secret of the Sea by Emma Rose

Snowflakes Quietly Descending by Wu Lan-Chiann

QUERCUS 1 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE Tel: 01225 428211. Visit: quercusgallery.co.uk Tues – Sat, 10.30am – 5.30pm (Sunday 4, open 11am – 4pm

PRINT LAUNCH Throughout November Award winning artist Emma Rose introduces her new range of affordable signed limited edition prints, framed and unframed. Embracing the sea, mountains, valleys, gardens, flowers, forests, abstract work and Bath. Emma is the recent winner of the Best Artist at the Independent Bath Awards. The judges said of her: “she is a tour de force.”

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART 12 Bennett Street Bath BA1 2QJ, UK www.meaa.org.uk Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday noon – 5pm REFLECTIONS: CONTEMPORARY INK PAINTINGS BY WU LANCHIANN 28 November – 15 May 2016 Reflections is the first UK solo exhibition of Wu Lan-Chiann, Chinese ink painting artist. At the core of Wu Lan-Chiann’s work, is a deep personal contemplation of universal themes and values that connect people across time and place. While continuing a tradition that is centuries old, her paintings are distinctly contemporary both in concept and execution. This show will exhibit a selection of Wu Lan-Chiann’s work from the past 20 years.

Displayed in reverse chronological order in the museum’s galleries, the exhibition has three themes; early career work, dusk to dawn, and current directions. Wu LanChiann lives and works in California.

BATH CONTEMPORARY 35 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT Email: gallery@bathcontemporary.com Visit: bathcontemporary.com Tel: 01225 461230 Opening times: 10am – 5pm, Mon – Sat ALINA MAKSIMENKO 6 – 28 November The hugely talented Ukrainian artist Alina Maksimenko, recognised internationally for her large, hauntingly powerful Cherry Garden XI by Alina Maksimenko figurative paintings.

Maksimenko encapsulates graceful female studies through exquisite observation. Her work explores ideas of control, transformation and the fragility of life, opening the door to an intellectually engaging world sewn with intrigue and uncertainty.

Maksimenko has exhibited extensively across Ukraine, as well as in Russia and throughout Europe.

Her work is included in the Museum of History of Kiev, the Museum of Modern Art, Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture. Maksimenko recently completed a residency in Paris, where a number of the paintings for her solo exhibition in Bath were created.

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nick cudworth gallery

Through the Looking Glass-Walcot Street. Signed Edition Prints

BATH CITY PAINTINGS 3 – 28 November

An exhibition of paintings and signed prints from 1996 to 2014 to coincide with the launch of Nick’s new book of the same name at Topping Bookshop in Bath on 18th November

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639

Andrew McNeile ‘In the Quiet of the Day’ (£1950) 26” x 34” (framed)

gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

The Art Gallery, Tetbury home of ArtGallery.co.uk

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

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Robin by Suzanne Breakwell

VICTORIA ART GALLERY

By Pulteney Bridge, Bath The council owned gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 1.30pm – 5pm KURT JACKSON: PLACE Until 3 January Kurt Jackson collaborated with 32 writers who wrote about their favourite places. He then visited each location, from the Isle of Lewis to Worthy Farm, to create pieces for the show. The exhibition and accompanying book reveal the diversity of Britain, while providing an insight into the concept of ‘place’ – that collective sense of identity, meaning, longing and nostalgia.

Admission: £3.50, free to under 21s and Discovery Card holders.

ROSTRA GALLERY George Street, Bath Ted’s Hut by Kurt Jackson

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath BA1 2QZ Tel: 01225 460189 Visit: davidsimoncontemporary.com Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sunday afternoons HALLOWED GROUND 14 November – 12 December The paintings by Dion Salvador Lloyd are powerful and emotional responses to landscapes and seascapes, not capturing landmarks or recognisable features but recording the atmosphere, mood and experience of a place.

Accompanying this new body of work are ceramics by Sarah Purvey which have a similar intention to Dion's paintings and are landscapebased vessels constructed with a raw and muted palette.

Autumn by Dion Salvador Lloyd

THE AUTUMN COLLECTION 3 October – 9 November From golden fields to fallen leaves this show takes a look at the beauty of the outside world and how each artist responds to this time of year. Graham Carter’s new screen prints offer a quirky look at animals, from the mighty silverback gorilla to the birds and bugs closer to home. Hilke MacIntyre’s lino prints and ceramics have a sense of charm and nostalgia, capturing moments at home, in the garden or on holiday. Jane Walker’s lino prints are bold and colourful, her inspiration comes from everyday objects and the patterns they create when placed together. Suzanne Breakwell transforms wire and paper maché into delicate sculptures celebrating her love of the natural world. Tracey Benton’s sculptures feature Britain’s mammals using needle felting and ceramics.

Dark Flowers by Beryl Robinson LANE HOUSE ARTS 5 Nelson Place East, Bath Tel: 07767 498403 Visit: lanehousearts.co.uk

UNIVERSITY OF BATH Galleries 1, The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down BA2 7AY Free admission, all welcome RAVI DEEPRES: THE GAIN LINE Until 19 December, Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm A moving-image installation by Ravi Deepres, commissioned to coincide with the Rugby World Cup. Beneath the high-impact challenges that take place along this notional frontline, there is another ‘gain line’ players and coaches aspire to reach – one that parallels the rush of competing players with a swarm of chaotic, sometimes conflicting data, captured by a new generation of sensors that players wear in training, and in matches.

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BERYL ROBINSON Saturday 7 November – 5 December In these new paintings, space is the subject.

Dark flowers float on surface marks. The tidal river Thames is evoked by layers of transparent colour drawing the eye into deeper water. These paintings have stability and quiet contemplation at their heart. The canvas is not a window on to the world but an object in its own right. The paintings are close in tone, and the colour holds the spectator as the eye becomes used to the subtle shifts.

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CITY | ART

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

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Jewellery by Helen Noakes

allery Nine in Margarets Buildings, Bath houses one of the finest collections of handmade British arts and crafts in the city. Artists with work on display include leading jewellery designers Jane Adam and Guy Royle.

Jane, who is based in London, has an international reputation for unique jewellery in dyed anodised aluminium and precious metals.

Guy Royle who spent 25 Yellow Twist by Matthew Chambers years as an apprentice to Breon O’Casey, uses the simplest of tools and methods. He works mainly with sheet silver, which is cut, bent, beaten and formed. His metal work compliments his use of natural pebbles and semi precious stones, which are ground, shaped and drilled into beads.

Studio ceramics feature strongly in Gallery Nine, covering the whole spectrum from functional to sculptural, exemplified by the traditional styling of Richard Batterham and the highly decorative works of Lara Scobie to the sculptural pieces of Paul Philp. While the gallery does show watercolours, it specialises in original limited edition prints, lino prints, engravings and lithographs by artists such as Richard Bawden, Breon O’Casey, Paul Cleden and Howard Phipps.

A range of textiles can also be found, in particular Margo Selby’s scarves and cushions in silk, cashmere and lambswool.

The Christmas Exhibition, which starts this month, has Angie Lewin’s linocuts, inspired by the clifftops and salt marshes of the Norfolk coast and the Scottish Highlands. Jack Doherty and Lara Scobie are leading potters.

Jack works with porcelain,which is thrown on a potter’s wheel and then carved and shaped before soda firing.

Lara has been making ceramics for over 20 years, her work is hand built layered, enhanced and finally polished with wax polish. Jeweller Helen Noakes works in resin and silver with miniature figures incorporated into the designs. Surprise and humour are integral – her subjects include everything from penguins to nuns, to circus performers and many more.

Gallery Nine: 8 – 9 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5.30pm MEET THE GALLERY OWNER Sarah Denholm inherited her father’s appreciation of 20th century design as he purchased studio ceramics and furniture from Heals of London and Dunns of Bromley during the 50s and 60s, for daily use in their home.

Sarah studied interior design at the Brixton School of Building and applied her skills at Harrods Design Studio and the South East Thames Health Authority, where she designed the interior for the new hospital in Eastbourne. While at college Sarah started to develop her interest in studio ceramics, purchasing items, when funds allowed, from the Craftsman Potters shop in London.

She started to make her own pots which were exhibited with the Kent Potters Association, and made jewellery at Goldsmiths College.

A burgeoning family and a move to Bath in 1990 saw Sarah take a position at St James’ Gallery in Margarets Buildings. After 14 very successful years the owner Ron Sloman, on his retirement offered the gallery to Sarah, she saw this as an opportunity not to be missed and so Gallery Nine was born.

Sarah says: “The gallery is now ten years old and for the past four years I have been fortunate to be running it with my life partner Stephen Chapman. His business experience has been invaluable and he has also developed a keen interest in and increasing knowledge of the arts.

What we love about running the gallery is that we get to meet some amazingly talented artists and we are able to select the best of their works to be purchased and enjoyed by our customers.” n WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

BEAUX ARTS York Street, Bath BA1 1NG Tel: 01225 464850. Visit: beauxartsbath.co.uk

Somerset painting by Margaret Micklewright ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH Main corridor gallery, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am – 8pm daily

Climbing Sand Dunes (detail) by Dan Parry-Jones ADAM GALLERY John Street, Bath BA1 2JL Tel: 01225 480406 Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm DAN PARRY-JONES: LIFESEEN Until13 November Bristol artist Dan Parry-Jones’ vivid and nostalgic mixed media landscapes have attracted a worldwide fan base. As well as his signature theme of coastal scenes with children playing, the exhibition demonstrates a recent shift in subject matter and style to grittier, more panoramic, urban landscapes – inspired by his travels and his home city of Bristol.

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Everything is the Same by Akash Batt

From 8 November A mixed show opens, with Christmas in mind.

Winner of the 2013 National Open Art Competition, Joy Wolfenden Brown returns for her fourth solo exhibition at Beaux Arts.

Her distinctive and touching paintings are a meditation on the concept of 'home'.

The Bridge (detail) by Joy Wolfenden Brown

TIME AND PLACE Until 15 January Contemporary artists inspired by Somerset.

SAW (Somerset Art Works) and Art at the Heart present an exhibition which explores how artists have been inspired by landscapes, seasons and nature, real and imaginary. The exhibition features works by Somerset Art Works members living and working in Somerset. Art at the Heart would like to thank Friends of the RUH and Monahans, chartered accountants for sponsoring this exhibition.

AKASH BATT until 7 November Previous winner of the BP Travel Prize, the Villiers David Prize, London Lives Prize, in September 2015 Akash was awarded the Sunday Times 2015 watercolour award, for the wonderful portrait of his mother. Hs long canvasses depicting street scenes in India are a visual extravaganza. Above, 14 January. Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in India, the only one where the Gregorian and solar calendars coincide to produce the same date each year. This painting depcts a scene in a street in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Absence by Sarah Gillespie Sarah Gillespie will be displaying new mezzotint and dry-point etchings at Beaux Arts.

Also on display will be the tools used in the ancient craft of producing these wonderful prints.

ONE TWO FIVE GALLERY 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm, other times by appointment Email: carole@carolewaller.co.uk Tel: 07803 033 629 FIRE AND ICE Friday 20 November –24 December Artists Carole Waller and Gary Wood have opened a city centre gallery. Carole’s painted fabrics have formed the basis of her label I’m No Walking Canvas – timeless, easy-to-wear clothes and scarves previously seen in Liberty, Harvey Nichols and Bergdorf Goodman. She also creates free-hanging paintings on unstretched fabrics and glass panels which incorporate her fabric paintings. Ceramic artist Gary Wood makes pots for food and drink,

wall pieces and sculpture in subtle, painted stoneware. Fire and Ice includes pieces from jewellery artists Annie Beardsley, Jenny Turtill, Michelle Keeling and Emmeline Hastings, as well as new works from Carole and Gary.

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THE | COLLECTOR

PUT TO GOOD USE Duncan Campbell HAS BEEN DEALING IN ANTIQUE SILVER SINCE 1986.

Starting with a stall on Portobello Road while still at university, he (wisely) resigned from his job in the corporate finance department of a city merchant bank in 1993 to pursue his obsession full time.

Having served his apprenticeship in the London silver trade Duncan has been based in Bath since 2001.

Aside from the day to day business of running a shop, Duncan appears regularly as a silver specialist on BBC1’s Antiques Roadshow and is retained as a silver consultant with various institutions, museums and livery companies.

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n order to survive the generations... antique objects really need to be more than just ornaments. Being useful has to be the best way to stop our heirlooms from getting wrapped in newspaper and stuffed into the attic. For this reason I am constantly looking for new ways to use old things. The other day a very charming Lady came into the shop and mentioned that she uses an antique sugar caster to sprinkle chocolate onto her cappuccino - brilliant! I have been doing the same ever since with a choice George I 1726 sugar caster that, since I don’t have a sweet tooth, was being rather neglected.

While it might be an ugly word, in my line of work, I find the idea of ‘re-purposing’ quite inspirational, and not only for silver. I use an old ship’s trunk as a coffee table at home, not exactly a unique idea, but it works, and provides lots of valuable storage for all those bits and pieces that have a habit of making their way into the sitting room. I have seen old leather and cork military cordite carriers being used as umbrella stands, old cracked teapots used as flower pots and cigarette cases as business card holders.

The great advantage of recycled usage is that, not only does it add a dash of elegance to coffee time for example, but it makes heirlooms turn from being a burden as they can sometimes be, to being part of our everyday life.

I am guessing that there are legion ways of making the most of antiques that has little reference to their original function. I would very much like to hear from anyone kind enough to share their ideas. I cannot offer any prizes but rest assured, any good advice will be shared with as many others as are prepared to listen, in order to spread the joy. n Duncan can be contacted on; duncan@beaunashbath.com, www.beaunashbath.com, 01225 334234

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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

Sunny-Jim Warman Tyre fitter

I

was born in ‘92 and went to St Saviour’s and Beechen Cliff schools. I grew up in Larkhall but was actually born while my mum was living in Beaufort Square. All I remember from those days was sawing wood in the basement – I am so surprised I never became a carpenter.

Larkhall was fun. It was easier in those days and all the kids used to roam much freer than is possible now. As long as we came back home by the time the street lights came on we were OK. We used to muck around on our bikes and make ramps and stuff in the back fields. We even tried to catch fish in the little brook than runs along the main street towards Swainswick but we never caught anything!

I was a very naughty boy at school and didn’t flourish.

I’d always had a lot of energy. My mum tells me that I hated even going in the push chair but preferred to cartwheel down the street. Thankfully I got a place at The Cherokee Project in Odd Down which sorted me out as they were able to focus this energy in more positive ways.

I got pretty good at gymnastics and even entered a couple of competitions. I was also in a band called the Passengers for a while as I’ve always loved 60s Motown and BritPop bands like Oasis and Blur. I went on to study music at Bath College which was great as it gave me the time to explore other styles and ponder the future. It couldn’t be in music so I just got a job like anyone else – although my first job wasn’t that conventional. I ended up packing ‘certain items’ for Lovehoney. It was a different kind of education I guess!

I’ve been working at Bathwick Tyres for nine months now and really enjoy it. It’s all about the people really. We have a lot of banter, so of course they teased me a lot when Neill was taking his pictures. People come and go pretty regularly in this kind of job as it’s not something you want to do for ever.

I’m feeling pretty confident right now as I’m saving money and have plans to start a new life in South America.

My girlfriend, Kitty who works in Sainsburys is half Bolivian, so I’m going out there to get work in the music/ events business which her dad’s involved in.

My future’s not in the UK as the opportunities for guys like me are limited, I think. Either you know someone to get ahead or you have to work hard for years to get on any sort of ladder.

You’re not so pigeon-holed when you work abroad and people don’t label you in the same way so you can progress faster. That’s what I hope anyway!

Right now though my life is pretty uneventful but I enjoy going round to my friend’s house after work where we just chill and listen to music.

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

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

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FROM PASTURE TO PLATE

Melissa Blease heads down to Kingsmead Square to find the much loved Jazz Café is playing some new tunes, as Kingsmead Kitchen, offering street food with rural roots

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t’s a delight to watch Kingsmead Square’s transformation from the mundane thoroughfare that it was when I first moved to Bath 15 years ago to a thriving, vibrant, independent, characterful destination.

But despite the fact that regeneration of this historic square has only been given the attention it deserves since the Bath BID team turned the spotlight on redevelopment plans in recent years, a couple of longstanding businesses have thrived on the square for years – the Jazz Café being a case in point.

The corner café was once a fruit and vegetable shop which also specialised in game. Piers Milburn’s parents Michael and Penelope, in partnership with his aunt and uncle Ann and Charles, took over at the café in 2008. With head chef Dan Jones, they devised a straightforward menu that appealed to a wide audience – the all day Jazz breakfast in particular enjoying something of a cult status in Bath.

But last year, Ann and Charles decided it was time for a change and left the business. By that time Edi Rosic and Geraldine Jacob had joined the team and, with their management expertise and flare for front-of-house skills, Michael and Penelope were able to continue a partnership with them. Then, in July 2015, Piers and his wife Sophia brought their Field, Fire & Feast concept to the square.

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concept to the Jazz Café – the Kingsmead Kitchen – is an organic process. We won’t be offering a radically different menu overnight. Seasonal foods will be introduced and this will start properly from next spring.

“If you go to the cafe now, there are one or two dishes using Elcombe ingredients but we can’t claim to be completely ‘farm to plate’ yet.”

Elcombe Farm, the Field element of the three Fs, lies in the Chalke Valley in Wiltshire, around an hour’s drive from Bath. The farm specialises in homegrown produce, from the beef and lamb raised in the pastures, to kitchen garden fruit and vegetables and the wild food that grows naturally around the fields.

It’s a small-scale operation that’s big on the greatest possible care and love in production – and it’s all very much a family affair with a strong Bath history.

“My grandfather was a baker from Sunderland who also had a small chocolate factory,” Piers says, “My father took over the family business at a young age but, while working as a cook at the original Hole in the Wall restaurant, he fell in love with a waitress – my mother. The Sunderland company spread south and, during the 1980s and 90s my parents ran restaurants, including those at The Pump Room at The Roman Baths and No.5 Argyle Street.

“Sophia and I have been running a very popular fully catered camping experience at Elcombe Farm (Elcombe

Copse Camping) where we host romantic candlelit banquets under the stars and barbecues from our converted Golden Tractor, using our own ingredients and seasonal wild foods. It was only a matter of time before we took this concept to street level; getting involved with The Jazz Café seemed the perfect opportunity.”

Sophia adds: “Now the time has come to bring a little bit of what we know, love and go wild for to Bath – a little slice of the countryside to the streets.

Field, Fire & Feast will illustrate elements of where we come from and what we’re about. We want to tell the story of the farm and the natural world around it.”

“We’ve been serving our camping guests using this approach for a few years now, and eventually decided that the concept would work in the city as well as under the stars in the middle of a field,” says Piers.

The pair are putting a whole new spin on their version of street food too: Field Food – street food with a farm twist – courtesy of the Field, Fire & Feast Golden Tractor BBQ has already proved to be popular for weddings, parties and festivals.

“When we did the Secret Garden Party festival in July we took five whole lambs from the farm and sold out,” says Piers. “The tractor will be outside the Kingsmead Kitchen four times a year for the Kingsmead Square seasonal markets, serving full pasture-to-plate dishes such

THE THREE Fs: Piers and Sophie Milburn, pictured with the Kingsmead Kitchen team at the newly revamped Jazz Café Opposite page, cafe culture is alive and well outside and inside the Kingsmead Kitchen Photography by Laura Mallet Instagram and Twitter: thelauralamb Website: laurarosemallet.wix. com/lauralambphotog raphy

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FOOD | HEROES

Photograph by the Kingsmead Kitchen as our famous burger which is almost 100% homegrown. The watercress is grown a mile or so down the valley and the brioche... well, we’re working on the brioche!”

But fans of the original Jazz Café needn’t worry about missing out on all the elements that have kept this corner of Kingsmead Square so popular.

“Dan Jones has been at the cafe longer than any of us and is responsible for the no nonsense

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style of cooking that our customers love – we all agree that some things, such as the classic all day breakfast, should never change,” says Piers.

He assures us to that the keen price-point (c£10 for a main course plus a drink) will remain solidly down to earth, and he remains a staunch supporter of fellow foodies in the city.

“There are some fantastic delis and cafés offering proper food with a real story and a local provenance in Bath, while café culture is

alive and kicking. You can grab the best sandwich ever on your lunch break in this city and, while you eat it in a beautiful park, plan which top restaurant to take your loved one to later in the evening.” Field, Fire & Feast at the Kingsmead Kitchen will be keeping us all loved up well beyond the Jazz Café’s new dawn.

The Kingsmead Kitchen, 1 Kingsmead Square, Bath, tel: 01225 329002 Web: fieldfireandfeast.co.uk. n

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FOOD | NEWS

FOOD&DRINK ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Titbits

■ Two wine tasting evenings are being held at The Chequers pub in Rivers Street, Bath, on Thursday 5 November and Thursday 26 November, both from 7pm and hosted by Ben Franks Wine. The first session is devoted to tasting six luxury wines, while the second one is Christmas themed and includes a welcome glass of English bubbly. This is aimed at inspiring your choices for wine to serve over the festive period. Tickets: from £25, visit: benfrankswine.com, email: ben@benfrankswine.com, tel: 07545 353 147.

Bath Rugby players, city MP Ben Howlett and loyal supporters of the Rajpoot restaurant in Argyle Street, Bath, were the guests of owner Ahmed Chowdhury, pictured, at an evening to celebrate the Rajpoot’s 36th year in the city. Guests were treated to a delicious supper, and a slice of celebratory cake. A raffle in aid of the Forever Friends Cancer Care Appeal raised several hundreds of pounds towards the Royal United Hospital appeal to build a new cancer unit at the Bath hospital.

■ Tucked away on Grove Street, Bath, just around the corner from Pulteney Bridge, is a little corner of the Caribbean, serving up hot and spicy dishes to take away.

The family-run Caribbean Kitchen has a menu of a dozen authentic Caribbean dishes, including jerk chicken, pulled pork and goat curry. The takeaway also delivers in Bath, tel: 01225 920360. Bookings are being taken for buffet evenings at The Earl in Manvers Street on 8, 9, 15 and 16 December for £21, followed by a DJ. ■ A new hotel and restaurant school at Bath College will give hospitality and catering students the opportunity to work with top employers. Fifteen businesses have signed up to be part of the Bath Hotel and Restaurant School, these include the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Apex Hotels, The Pig near Bath, The Abbey Hotel, The Bath Priory Hotel and Homewood Park. Students will undertake work placements, which will help employers to identify future talent and will make sure students are getting the right training early on in their careers.

ALL CHANGE AT PUB

Wiltshire country pub, the Pear Tree at Whitley, formerly run by Marco Pierre White, has been acquired by Punch Taverns. Some refurbishment has been carried out, as can be seen in the garden room, above. The new hosts Jackie Cosens and chef Adrian are both experienced, having run The Three Daggers at Edington. The new menu is seasonal and British and includes dishes such as pulled lamb shoulder, south coast mussels served with perry and bacon, or duck shepherd’s pie. The pub – which had been closed following the celebrity chef’s departure, is open again for breakfasts, coffee, lunch and evening meals. The 17th century building also has a lovely garden.

SUPPORT A SOUPER NOVEMBER

With a hard winter predicted, charities working with the homeless and vulnerable are appealing to people to lend a hand. The Genesis Trust of Bath is launching its annual Souper November campaign, in which it’s asking people to hold soup parties and donate to its coffers.

Some 13 Bath restaurants and farm shops are donating a share of their soup profits to Genesis throughout November. They will also be selling a soup cookbook for £4, featuring recipes from award-winning chefs in Bath, including Richard Bertinet and Sam Moody.

Genesis has just marked 25 years of its soup run in Bath with a party for volunteers who serve soup to homeless people 365 nights a year.

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Volunteers from 15 city churches last year served up 11,800 portions of soup in the Cattle Market car park, Walcot.

In 2014 Souper November raised over £8,000 and this year’s target is to top the £10,000 mark. The charity is suggesting people serve soup at Bonfire night parties and has devised a tasty pumpkin soup. Bath’s own top chefs have also created recipes. Rachel Demuth, Chris Staines and Rob Clayton have contributed soup recipes, which are available at: genesistrust.org.uk/soupernovember.

Those taking part in Souper November are: Allium Brasserie, Clayton’s Kitchen, Chapel Arts Café, Bath Brewhouse, The Bear Pad café,

TIME TO DECORATE

Celia Adams, founder of the Bath Cake Company is getting people in the mood for Christmas with a range of festive decorating classes. On Saturday 5 December, from 10am, enjoy a chocolate truffle themed class. Learn how to fill truffles, flavour ganache and how to create professional looking decorative finishes.

This class is suitable for beginners and costs £38.50 per place. If you can’t make this date but know someone who’d love to learn more about cake decorating, the Bath Cake Company now offers gift vouchers for classes.

To book visit: shop.bathcakecompany.co.uk or tel: 01225 446094.

The Green Bird Café, Beyond the Kale, Best of British Deli, Farleigh Road Farm Shop and Café, Hartley Farm Shop and Café, Newton Farm Foods Café, Manor Farm Shop and Café Retro.

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The Diner’s Digest SIX OF THE BEST

For British beef (and fish)

If you’re going to eat meat, it’s responsible to ask where it’s been sourced, says former veggie Melissa Blease – who adds a fish course to this month’s menu

HUDSON STEAKHOUSE

Richard ‘Firehouse-Rotisserie’ Fenton skilfully predicted what a new generation of foodies were in search of when he staked his claim for a US style steakhouse at the end of Walcot Street.

Hudson’s is the now the godfather of the Bath steakhouse scene, specialising in smart classics on a Californian theme (grills, salads, surf’n’turf) beautifully presented in cosy but stylish surroundings. Well-sourced, well-hung, slow-matured beef sourced from a farm assured co-operative in Staffordshire which specialises in Angus and Limousin beef, is the kitchen’s primary superstar. The double cut strip loin is lush, while the tasty flat iron is served as part of the early evening (Monday-Friday, 5pm-7pm) special menu, for £15.95, which includes a glass of wine and Fenton’s fabulous frites, making super-chic an affordable treat.

Hudson Steakhouse,14 London Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 332323; web: hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk

THE HERD

I grew up as a vegetarian. Whether it would have been easy to carve out a niche as a food writer that eschewed meat, however, remains to be seen, as both my tastebuds and my quest for new sensations developed; by around the age of 25, meat was definitely on my menu. But I was mindful of considering where my meat had come from. Today, provenance and welfare are the dual priorities for any contemporary carnivore, whether or not you’re in the mood for a hot dog or a full-on steak-out. I eat meat – but I do it thoughtfully, with all due regard paid to the responsibility that comes with indulging my whims. And The Herd ticks all tasteful boxes. All the beef comes from a butcher in Devizes, courtesy of a herd of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford crosses reared in Coulston. The meat is matured for between 21-28 days before the kitchen does wonderful things with it – the rib-eye with extra marbling in particular is phenomenal, and if you’re looking for burger gold, you’ve reached the end of the rainbow.

The Herd, 12a Argyle Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 316583; web: theherdrestaurant.co.uk

THE KING WILLIAM

Downlands Farm (Melksham); Bartlett’s Butchers (Green Street); Larkhall Butchers (Larkhall) – the shopping list that pub owner Charlie Digney uses when selecting meat for his three glorious gastropubs (the Garrick’s Head and the Oakhill Inn, near Radstock, completing the line-up) is a paean to British beef bounty.

“We only use British beef because we know it’s the best,” says Charlie. “It’s a totally different product to imported beef, which is often quite wet due to being stored in a vacuum packed bag, and ends up stewing in its own juices.”

Taste the difference? We most definitely can. A passionate advocate of the nose-to-tail, ‘whole beast’ ethos, Charlie enjoys doing a bit of butchery himself too. But while we can’t guarantee that the sumptuous steaks and joyful

MENU GORDON JONES

He may revel in his reputation for being Bath’s most cutting-edge, innovative superchef, but Gordon Jones’ shopping list is as firmly rooted in local British shopping tradition as our grandmothers’ were.

The beef, pork, lamb and poultry on Gordon’s menus come courtesy of Walter Rose family butchers, who have been supplying locals and some of the UK’s top chefs from their Devizes HQ since 1847.

Walter Rose beef is mostly from Stokes Marsh Farm’s herd of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford crosses, renowned for consistent succulence and flavour. Also in Gordon’s address book of local producers, the legendary, Bath Eades greengrocers, Everleigh Farm Shop, Mr Tee's Wild Mushrooms and Dorset Snails are all on speed dial. While this may or may not be the only feature ever published to put the words 'snails' and 'speed dial' in the same sentence, I'm confident in saying that only at Menu Gordon Jones would you find beef tendons on the menu (at the time of writing). But whatever Gordon may conjure up on his daily-changing menu we can be sure we're enjoying an authentic taste of the west country.

Menu Gordon Jones, 2 Wellsway, Bath. Tel: 01225 480871; web: menugordonjones.co.uk

COWSHED

British food with an emphasis on locallysourced produce: that’s the Cowshed ethos. All Cowshed meat is supplied by longstanding master butcher Ruby and White, who struck up a tasty collaboration with Cowshed owner Adam Denton in 2009 – and thus, a legendary partnership was born. As R&W enjoys a roaring wholesale trade too, you’ll spot its meat on the menu in several of Bath’s best restaurants and pubs. the Bath branch of Cowshed opened in 2014, and has gained a rollicking reputation.

R&W grass-fed beef is sourced from a small

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number of west country farms who specialise in rare cattle breeds including Ruby Red Devon and British White and the Bristol shop is well worth a visit. If you’ve yet to try Cowshed’s legendary steak-on-a-stone tasting plate, the TRex T-bone or its west country sirloin 31 day dry-aged roast beef on Sundays, you’re in for a treat – and you can’t beef at us for not telling you so.

Cowshed, 5 Bladud Buildings, The Paragon, Bath.Tel: 01225 433633; web: cowshedrestaurants.com

THE SCALLOP SHELL

Seeing as many meat-themed kitchens tend to offer a surf'n'turf option, we've decided to give responsible sourcing of the Nephropidae family a bit of support. In the mid-19th century USA, lobster (‘the cockroach of the sea’) was a pauper’s dish. But the popularity of the poor beleaguered creatures has been been tossed around on the fickle waves of fashion for decades now, topping the luxury food charts before eventually settling down in the chiller cabinets of even the budget supermarket aisles in convenient, ready-toserve format. In order to keep prices down,

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joints (plus trotters, kidneys, liver, et al) on the King William menu are actually prepared by Charlie, one thing is guaranteed: the meat served is all from local farmers that Charlie knows, trusts and respects. Free range and/or organic ingredients are pushed to the fore, seafood is delivered daily direct from the Cornish coast and everything except bread, butter and cheese is homemade on the premises.

King William, 36 Thomas Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 428096; web: kingwilliampub.com.

much of the lobster in chain and franchise restaurants and supermarkets in the UK is imported from North America. In order to keep standards up, the Scallop Shell takes delivery of fresh lobster live from Portland, Dorset (subject to availability), alongside all manner of locally and ethically sourced, sustainable fish and seafood sumptuousness that supports the local economy, fits in with our budgets and offers a top-notch, feelgood experience to all who dive in.

Scallop Shell, 22 Monmouth Place, Bath. Tel: 01225 420928; web: thescallopshell.co.uk

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FOOD | REVIEW

THE GEORGE 67 Woolley Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1AQ. Tel: 01225 865650

R E V I EW

A HEARTY WELCOME, BY GEORGE

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probably because you recognise them from their successful years at the Tollgate in Holt, or from their sojourn running a fresh fish cafe at Farrington Gurney. And, as you would expect given their long careers in hospitality, their staff are well trained and service is exemplary.

Alex serves up a tasty menu with a range of traditional classics, such as omelette Arnold Bennett or the much raved about beef Wellington served with a side of allotment greens and dauphinoise potatoes, each bursting with flavour and beautifully presented.

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It was a taste of English autumn summed up in one dish

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he newly refurbished George pub at Woolley in Bradford-on-Avon, has come up with a novel way of keeping food miles to virtually zero by encouraging local people to bring seasonal produce to its kitchens, where chef Alex Venables (who achieved Michelin-star status during his time at Lucknam Park Hotel) creates dishes incorporating them.

The last few months have seen local gardeners and allotment growers beating a steady path to their local pub as they enjoy exchanging bags of freshly harvested fruit and veg with pints and discounts off. The night we called in for dinner Alex’s partner, Alison Ward Baptiste was chatting with a woman in the bar who said she’d got a good crop of cooking apples in her garden. “Bring them in,” Alison enthused. Her enthusiasm is infectious: “Even marrows, handled right, can be made into tasty chutneys for our cheese plates,” she says.

All around us people were happily supping pints or sipping glasses of wine in the cosy bar.

It’s apparent that drinkers are welcome to use The George as their drop-in local. It may serve food but that doesn’t mean it’s turned into one of those sniffy gastro pubs.

You could just call in, as many mums do, on Friday afternoons after school for the children to enjoy high tea, or for a bowl of delicious soup, such as a homemade pea and mint served with ham hock bruschetta (£5.50) or share a mezze sharing platter for £8.95 for two people.

Or you could do as we did and move through to the subtly lit dining room looking on to the open kitchen and watch Alex and his brigade at work. This is an entertainment in itself and you get a close look at tempting dish after dish heading out to the eager diners.

If Alex and Alison’s faces look familiar it’s

Starters, which range from £5.50 to £7.50, include French onion soup, topped with a Cheddar and parsley crust, a game terrine with cranberry and chestnut chutney or crab and lobster boudin on minted pea puree. The twice baked goats cheese souffle was delicious and a generous portion that would suffice, with a nice glass of wine, for a mid-week supper.

Main courses, which range from £10.50 to £24, for a magnificent sirloin steak, include dishes perfect for warming the cockles in winter, like slow roast confit of brisket of beef, with bubble and squeak and onion gravy, roast pheasant with a miniature game pie, red cabbage and port and juniper sauce, or cod fillet topped with Lancashire rarebit, served with sweet roasted tomatoes and potato confit.

I really enjoyed the confit of duck leg, teamed

with a pot of rich venison casserole topped with apple-tinged mashed potato and an unctuous fruity sauce made with wild blackberries. It was taste of English autumn summed up in one dish.

And while the locals are doing a brisk tradein of autumnal produce much of The George’s meat is also locally supplied, with sausages and steak from Church Farm at Broughton Gifford.

You’re in no danger of going hungry at The George as hearty appetites are catered for. But, if you do have room, the pudding menu offers the chance for some serious self indulgence.

Those wholesome local fruits are transformed into apple, pear and berry crumble with creme anglaise, or baked apple stuffed with spiced fruits, in rich butter pastry, with fresh Calvados custard, or sticky toffee pudding, with hazelnut shard and salted caramel ice cream.

The autumn/winter season has some special events. There’ll be a game and gamay gourmet dinner, featuring Alex’s speciality fresh game recipes matched to the gamay grape from around the world, including Burgundy, at a date in November which will shortly be confirmed.

On 4 December The George is to hold an Italian supper. Choose from classic dishes such as risotto and carpaccio to pasta and osso bucco, polenta cake and marsala pears with gorgonzola. This will be £30 per head. The price includes a glass of Prosecco with dessert.

On Saturday 21 November the open fires will be lit and mulled wine and mince pies served, while a range of local producers and artisans will display their wares for Christmas. There’ll be the chance to order a Christmas tree and try dishes from the new Chef to Shop take home range, including the Christmas in a Box – everything you need for the festive meal, prepared and ready for the oven.

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic offers some choices to get the party started – all in the best possible taste

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s with fashion, wine tastes change with the seasons, as we shift our choices from skinny whites, and gossamer-pale rosés, to richer, more satisfying and warming wines, better matched to hearty stews, and comfort food. … and the festive season. It’s time to face the inevitable, and embrace the Christmas season with gusto, which means a high degree of planning and preparation. Next month, I’ll be focusing on the ideal wines for the Christmas feast, but, it’s all about party wines this month.

Prosecco has been the sparkliest of sparkling wine stars for the last few years, but how long can its stardom continue? Just as in fashion, trends come and go, and this one isn’t helped by a demand craze, which has brought a sea of cheap, nasty, soapy versions of the original – I’ve tasted some pretty horrible ones recently. So buy wise, buy smart, because good Prosecco is delicious. Prosecco Argeo Ruggeri NV (GWW £11.95 to end December) Ruggeri is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the area and prides itself on using grapes only from the top Valdobiadenne part of the region. It’s well worth using this as your party fizz of choice – with a delightful peach and lemon freshness, it is elegant, enchanting, with a gentle fizz, subtle perfume, and delicious, creamy flavours.

I’ve picked a few whites and reds, which should fit the bill from drinks parties, to more substantial entertaining.

Pinot Grigio, the most popular white wine in the UK, has received a similar battering to Prosecco, and in many cases, quite justifiably so. It’s like the anti-Chardonnay lobby all over again.

But please don’t dismiss this over-publicised white, there’s bargain basement, and there’s A list, produced, with love, care and passion, by family producers, who have nurtured this grape variety for centuries. Pinot Grigio Colterenzio 2014 (GWW £13.50, but £10.95, 11 November till Christmas) is one such example. Grown up on the slopes of the Dolomites in southern Tyrol, this is grown up Pinot Grigio, which would grace any party – gently aromatic, with floral perfume, and a cool, elegant, lemon balm and peach-infused style with length, body and sass.

Alternatively, for Sauvignon blanc die-hards, here’s one to get your tastebuds tingling. Strandveld First Sighting Sauvignon blanc 2014 (GWW £11.95 but down to £9.95, 11 November to end December). Wine is all about stories, and this is a great one. Perched on a cliff 10km from Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, buffeted by cold winds, and rains, this the most southerly winery in South Africa, and about as far from the image of hot, sunny South Africa as you can get. This wine is squeaky clean, a refreshing white – crisp, bright, full of gooseberry and passionfruit freshness, you can almost smell the sea breezes.

Reds for parties need careful choosing – avoid harsh, tannic reds, and opt for rich, smooth, yet balanced wines that fit the season, but won’t be too overpowering. If you like the hearty, rustic, yet often beguiling soft red wine styles of Southern France, my vote would go to Chateau du Vieux Parc l’Heritage Corbieres (from 11 November, £8.95 till end of year) – gorgeous, and a million miles away from the hefty, tannic southern French wines of old. Packed with scents and flavours of blackberries, damsons, dark chocolate, licorice, wild herbs, and sweet, rich, soft fruit.

If southern hemisphere red is your destination of choice, then my pick would be Heartland Spice Trader 2013 (GWW normally £11.95, £9.95, 11 November to end December) – this is as good as it gets in a glass of Australian red at this price. Made by top Aussie winemaker Ben Glaetzer, it’s a bucketload of rich, velvety, sumptuous, irresistible warmth. Of all the wines I recommend here, I beg you – latch on to this glorious delight. Overflowing with gorgeous blackberry, dark chocolate, cinnamon-sprinkled spice, it’s a Christmas red all wrapped up. n

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All of the above, plus a mixed case can be ordered through our website. Enjoy a 10% Great Western Wine discount by entering the code on Angela’s wine column. Visit: thebathmag.co.uk

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Jam today, jam tomorrow?

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s the economy improves, attracting the best staff can be difficult even for established companies, often leading to demands by existing and potential employees for their remuneration “package” to include shares in their employer company. Start-up companies often find it especially difficult to recruit the best talent, but retaining key staff can be just as problematic. In this article we focus on an established tax approved scheme that can overcome these issues depending on your specific situation.

Why not simply give employees shares now?

Well, sometimes this might be appropriate, but it can result in heavy up front tax bills without cash to pay, compliance issues and in extreme cases, a loss of control for the majority shareholder.

Understandably, employers (especially of smaller privately owned companies) often shy away from this.

As an employer, are you torn between allowing employees to hold shares in your company and the potentially unpleasant tax and commercial issues that could follow? Fortunately there is a solution in the form of Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) – a statutory, tax favoured, highly flexible arrangement designed for smaller trading companies. This can act as a powerful tool to attract or retain key staff. Essentially, it is a share option arrangement that allows selected individuals to buy some of the company’s shares at a future date but at a price that is fixed now (up to a value at grant of £250,000 per individual, subject to an overall cap of £3 million). Usually that price is heavily discounted so if the value of the company increases over time, employees could make a significant capital profit when they sell their shares. But this hope of “jam tomorrow” comes with other benefits too: No income tax or National Insurance charges arise when options are exercised (turned into real shares). Instead capital gains tax will apply when the shares are actually sold. This can result in attractive cash flow benefits because if there is a tax bill, there are sale proceeds out of which to pay it. That is not

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always the case with other types of share schemes!

The capital gain - which is the difference between the sale price and how much it cost the employee to exercise the option - is currently taxed at a very favourable 10% tax rate.

A deduction is available in calculating your corporation tax bill if the company has increased in value between grant and exercise of the options.

Although EMI options (a legal promise to award shares) have to be capable of being exercised within 10 years (and often lapse after that), exactly when they are exercised can be designed to suit you. This opens up the possibility of “jam today” – an immediate exercise of some options, giving you the choice to reward staff with dividends if the company has a good year but based on a slightly different sort of ordinary share, reserving control of the company’s affairs to you.

Exercising a share option can be determined by a host of pre-set factors decided in advance such as profitability, net assets, meeting appraisal targets or typically a sale of the company. At the same time protection can be built into the scheme to address what happens if an option holder dies, is sacked or leaves. Even if targets are not met, a discretionary ability to permit the exercise of options reinforces just how flexible EMI can be.

Of course, not all companies prosper and grow in value but your employees have no obligation to exercise options granted to them.

Therefore, if the company falls in value, even if pre-set targets are met, the option holders may decide not to exercise their EMI options. For many growing companies though, the ability to share in the proceeds of the company when it is sold is very appealing, as is the special 10% capital gains tax rate, but underpinning an arrangement like EMI is the expectation that the company will be sold at some point in the future.

Most companies employing less than 250 employees will qualify for EMI but there are other tests to meet, which do not have to be as daunting as they might seem. We have a lot of experience advising on share schemes generally and can help you through the following processes: • deciding if your company meets the basic requirements • work with you through all stages of creating and implementing a tailored scheme • meet with prospective option holders to answer any questions EMI schemes are a great way for employees to share in the growth in value of your company that they help to achieve and if you would like to chat through how one might work for you, or if a different form of share scheme might be more appropriate, then please phone us for a free no obligation meeting.

Geoff Don

www.richardsonswift.co.uk 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL T: 01225 325 580

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CITY | BUSINESS

BUSINESSNEWS News in brief

■ The American tradition of Black Friday – a massive sale which marks the last pay cheque before Christmas, is being marked at Clarks Village in Street over the weekend of Friday 27 – Sunday 29 November. The 90 shops on the site will have even more special offers than usual. But before that there’s the big Christmas Lights switch on event from 5pm on Thursday 12 November. Expect traditional carols, music, a huge tree and thousands of lights at this free event – with late night shopping until 9pm ■ Congratulations to the Georgian home museum, No 1 Royal Crescent, run by the Bath Preservation Trust and its team of volunteers, which has been promoted to the exclusive Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame. The five star visitor attraction was elevated because of positive comments online, such as this one: ‘The museum recreates the house as it would have been at the peak of Bath's spa popularity. The guides in each room were knowledgeable, very friendly and informative.’

■ Bath solicitor Daniela Nickols of Mowbray Woodwards has been named Solicitor of the Year for Bath and Bristol at the Law Society’s annual dinner. Daniela, who is accredited by the Law Society as a Child Representative and a member of the Wiltshire Family Justice Board, was nominated due to her innovative approach and commitment to her clients who are predominantly children and children’s guardians. She has also served as a trustee at the Citizens Advice Bureau and championed the rights of young people.

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YOU’VE BEEN (BEAUTIFULLY) FRAMED

The Framing Workshop on Walcot Street has won a national best dressed window competition run by leading industry supplier, Arqadia. Martin Tracy and his staff at The Framing Workshop consistently create exuberant shop front designs based around themes, from the celebration of Bath in Bloom to the Olympics.

An event for the three finalists was held at the Fine Art Trade Guild head office in London. The prize was a £250 Arqadia voucher and a professional shop window photoshoot.

ART LOVERS HELP LEADING YOUTH CHARITY Bath’s art lovers gathered for an exclusive auction of work from some of the country’s best artists in a fundraiser for The Prince’s Trust – raising £94,000 for the youth charity.

An Evening of Art took place at the Assembly Rooms with more than 200 guests bidding for work by some 50 artists including Quentin Blake, Nick Park, Peter Blake, Ken Howard and Peter Brown. TV presenter Paul Martin hosted the night and tenor Wynne Evans provided the entertainment.

Jenny Bower, chair of The Prince’s Trust Evening of Art committee said: “We are thrilled to have raised over £90k for The Prince’s Trust to support young disadvantaged people in the local area to turn their lives around. We are proud to have been supported by many famed and local artists, without their donations we would not be able to put on such a wonderful fundraiser. Thank

WINNERS:Francis Ondoro, Young Ambassador, tells how he was helped by the Trust you to all the sponsors and guests for supporting this event.”

All proceeds from the auction will go directly towards helping disadvantaged young people in the South West. Sponsors and supporters of the event were Withy King, Coutts, Reside

and Pritchards. The Prince’s Trust works with 13 to 30year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. Three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.

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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

Saving tax ahead of the new dividend taxation rules The tax treatment of dividends will change on 6th April 2016 and although this means that shareholders receiving modest dividend income will be better off, many owners of small and medium sized businesses who take a large part of their income by dividends will pay more tax.

For this reason many owner managers are planning to take bigger dividends in the 2015/16 tax year, ahead of the change - bringing the tax bill forward for those dividends but paying less tax overall in the longer term.

We might expect HMRC to look more closely at owners receiving disproportionately larger dividends in 2015/16 - plus there is the possibility that the November budget might contain measures to bring the deadline forward in some circumstances.

It's important therefore to make sure that timing of dividends is fully considered and that dividends are paid in accordance with company law, to minimise problems in the event of an enquiry by HMRC.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten 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:

“Thank you for your excellent customer service, OCL has been one of the best things we have done as a business” “For us, in our 30 years experience OCL Accountancy is the best fit we have found”"

Boost your profits - Reduce your tax Maximise your wealth

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!

By Sharon Giles, Sharp Family Law - Bath Divorce Solicitors. Producing Resolution not Prolonging Conflict

Often a business is seen as the proprietor’s baby and certainly not something to be shared out upon divorce! In situations where the business produces little other than an income stream the protestor may be right and often the sensible solution is to leave the business in tact and share out the income instead... why shoot the goose that lays the golden eggs?

In other situations there may well be an obvious business interest to address, for instance, where couples operate in business together in a Partnership, or as Directors or Officers of a Limited Company. In such cases one party may have the option of buying the other out, or it may be possible to break up the business into independent units with each party taking their part forward. In some cases the couple may even decide to continue working together post breakdown of their personal relationship.

Matters become complex where other business colleagues are involved and, more so, where there is acrimony between the divorcing couple…

Whilst it is rarely appropriate, or even possible, for a business interest to be simply cashed in, a value needs to be attributed so that options for overall settlement of the family assets, (property, savings, investments and pensions etc) can be properly explored.

Where it is agreed that a business valuation is needed the company’s own accountant should be the first port of call. It is also always worth checking the provisions of any Nuptial, Partnership or Shareholders Agreement in case provision has already been made for the method of valuation and even settlement arrangements in the event of a divorce. In the absence of prior written agreement, and continued dispute over valuation, the joint instruction at joint cost of an independent, forensic accountant may be necessary.

At Sharp Family Law we are committed to bringing value to our clients in all we do by providing a customised solution for each client and their family’s unique situation. We look to address all aspects of a client’s life, including their business interests, and focus upon the long term perspective so they can move forward successfully after their divorce.

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D

ivorcing couples frequently come to blows over the settlement of any business interests.

Often a business is seen as the proprietor’s baby and certainly not something to be shared out upon divorce?

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Any valuation will be subject to tax considerations and expert advice in this area can lead to huge savings, particularly where parties are eligible for entrepreneurs relief or where a company is in a position to buy back its own shares.

Business interests come in all sorts of shapes, forms and sizes and the very nature of the interest should determine the time and money spent in establishing its relevance. For instance, a 51% shareholding in the family business will bear much more relevance than a 2% shareholding, though of course it depends what the family business is!

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Sharon Giles

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Helping clients to reach solutions 5, Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH, UK email: sharon@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07950 173992 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com

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FAMILY | EVENTS

FAMILYDIARY FUN IDEAS FOR CHILDREN WITH CURIOUS MINDS

16 SINGERS Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 November, three shows daily n The egg theatre, Sawclose, Bath Introduce your baby to live theatre with this engaging show. The 16 performers move through the audience capturing little ones’ attention with movement and song. Suitable for babies up to 18 months. £12 admits one child and one adult. Tel: 01225 823409.

Also at the egg this month OUR TEACHER’S A TROLL Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 November, times vary Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe comes this tale of a pair of twins with a terrible talent for turmoil. That is, until a new head teacher arrives with green scaly skin, sharp gnarly fangs and a long, spiky tail. Suitable for age seven plus. Tickets: £7.50 children, £8.50 adults.

THE EGG YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE PRESENTS: OUR TOWN Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 November, times vary The egg runs a popular theatre group for aged nine to 18. Its latest production is of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer prize winning American play set in a small town. Suitable for age 12 and over. Tickets: £7.50 children, £8.50 adults.

SIR SCALLYWAG AND THE BATTLE OF STINKY BOTTOM Saturday 7 November, 3pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon An afternoon of fun and music for families and children aged between three and eight. A rudely hilarious musical adventure with musicians from Ensemble 360 and narrator Polly Ives. Tickets: £10/ £5 under fives. Tel: 01225 860100.

Also at the music centre this month DO YOU KNOW HOW TO GROOVE? Saturday 14 November, 2pm This is Jazz4Kids – a riotous insight into the world of jazz. Mark Armstrong, artistic director of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra explores the instruments that play jazz and how they all come together. Expect inter-active fun. Suitable for families and children aged eight to 12. Tickets: £8/ £4 under 18s.

TINDERBOX Saturday 14 November, 3pm and 7.30pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall Award-winning Asone Theatre Company gives Hans Christian Anderson’s tale an illuminating Jurassic Coast twist. Great story telling using puppetry, shadow-play, animated imagery and music and song. Tickets: £11 adults, £8 children. Visit: ticketsource.co.uk.

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DINOSAUR ZOO Sunday 15 November, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm n Theatre Royal Bath This Tyrannosaurus Rex of a prehistoric inspired live show comes to Bath direct from a successful run in the West End. Life-like dinoasaurs take to the stage in a treat for families. Suitable aged three plus. Dare you book a ‘danger seat’ in the first two rows?

What a treat for children who are endlessly fascinated by dinosaurs. Tickets from £14.50.

Tel: 01225 448844.

Dinosaur Zoo PIC: Robert Day STORY TIME CRAFT CLUB Every Thursday, 10.30am n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Parents are invited to take their children (ideal ages four to eight) along to this craft and reading club, with the latest best-selling children’s books from Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. Sessions are £5 per child, to include a drink. Parents can drink coffee in the café while the session takes place at the other end of the room.

BATH ON ICE Friday 20 November – Sunday 3 January n Royal Victoria Park, Bath The annual Christmas ice rink provides open air skating for people of all ages. This year it also features Glow in the Dark adventure golf and the chance to buy wood fired pizzas and drinks from the rinkside bar. Off-peak prices, £8.75 adults, £7.25 children, peak prices, £10 adults, £9 children. For more information, visit: bathonice.com.

ST MARK’S SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR Wednesday 25 November, 6.30pm – 9pm n St Mark’s School, Bay Tree Road, Fairfield Park, Bath All manner of beautiful handmade Christmas gifts for all pockets, from local artists, companies and shops. There will be a chance to browse and choose from a plethora of locally made festive fancies, whilst sipping heartwarming glasses of spiced mulled wine and eating tasty Christmas snacks, in a twinkly atmosphere. Entry: £1, children and senior citizens free. To book a stall for £10 contact Vanessa from St. Mark’s PTA for further details vanessa.williamsgrey@yahoo.co.uk.

CREATE: ART Saturday 28 November, 10.30am-12.30pm all ages Fine Art Studio, The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath Do something different with your family on a Saturday by booking yourselves in to one of the University of Bath’s Create Club sessions.

Art is led by Dorcas Casey, with a session suitable for children and adults of any age.

Activities vary from making, sticking, collage and drawing to exploring other ways of art making such as digital drawing or sound. £5 per child, £3 per adult, to book tel: 01225 386777 or visit: icia.org.uk Also at The Edge CREATE: MUSIC Saturday 28 November, 10.30am-11.30am for seven – 12 years and 11.45am-12.45pm for under sevens An introduction to playing music for the whole family. Using drums and a range of percussion instruments, the team will lead an exploration of rhythm and international drum patterns.

Create Music also adventures into drum language, storytelling and culture. Places: £5 per child, £3 per adult CREATE: THEATRE Saturday 28 November, 10.30am-12.30pm all ages Fun drama activities for adults and children are directly inspired by the current ICIA exhibitions and tailored for all ages, varying from games to the creation of characters and stories. Places: £5 per child, £3 per adult.

CHIPPENHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Saturday 28 November, 5pm n Chippenham town centre Actor and TV presenter Warwick Davis is the celebrity switching on Chippenham’s Christmas lights this year, launching a weekend of themed events in the town centre. Among other attractions are a Christmas market, a roller disco rink and a Santa phone for children to call and put in their Christmas wishes.

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FAMILY | EVENTS

LOOKING FORWARD TO CHRISTMAS FAMILY TREATS PETER PAN Monday 7 – Saturday 12 December, times vary n The Mission Theatre, Join Next Stage Youth Theatre Company for a magical flight to Neverland with Wendy, John, Michael and Peter Pan. Meet the Lost Boys and Captain Hook – and be ready to clap along to show you do believe in fairies. Tickets: £12, £10 concessions. Tel: 01225 428600.

HANSEL AND GRETEL Saturday 19 December, 7pm n The Pound arts centre, Pound Pill, Corsham Audiences will be encouraged to join in, providing sound effects and practical help as Hansel and Gretel make their way through the forest in this family-friendly production from Forest Forge in association with Bumblefly Theatre Company. Suitable age four and over.

Tickets: £10, £9 concessions, £7 children. Visit: poundarts.org.uk.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Thursday 10 December – 10 January, times vary n The Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath Nigel Havers joins Bath comedian Jon Monie, who will be full of beans for this annual family theatrical treat. Tickets from 01225 448844.

LITTLE SURE SHOT Thursday 3 December – Sunday 10 January, times vary

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n The egg theatre, Sawclose, Bath An action-packed adventure filled with comedy, romance and country music. It’s loosely based on the real-life rags to riches tale of Annie Oakley, Queen of the Wild West. For tickets tel: 01225 448844.

SNOW MOUSE Thursday 10 December – 3 January, times vary n The egg theatre, Travelling Light’s production is a Christmas show for little ones (up to age four). Deep in the woods, disturbed from a winter sleep, Snow Mouse wakes up to a world of white . . .

THE SNOW CHILD Wednesday 9 – Saturday 19 December, times vary n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall Last year’s The Blue Bird by the Butterfly Psyche Theatre was so well received that there’s already a good buzz going for this year’s show, which is based on the old Russian tale of the couple who fashioned themselves a muchwanted child made from snow. For tickets and times tel: 0333 666 3366.

WHERE HAS RUDOLPH’S RED NOSE GONE? Sunday 13 December, 3pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon,

Take your little ones along for 2pm and join in the make and sing workshop, so they can really get stuck in to the inter-active show wearing their own handmade antlers. The accomplished Galliard Ensemble will make this a fun session for children aged three to eight, as well as their grown-ups. Tickets: £8 adults, £4 under 18s. tel: 01225 860100.

THE LIGHT PRINCESS Thursday 26 November – 10 January, times vary n The Tobacco Factory, Southville, Bristol Once upon a time there was a princess who didn’t have any gravity – she was light as air.

Productions in the round at this theatre are engaging and delightful. For tickets tel: 0117 902 0344 n

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EDUCATION THE TINY DRESSES THAT MEAN A LOT Children at The Paragon School in Bath have been busy making miniature dresses to help a local charity which works with families in Ethiopia.The charity, Ethiopiaid has launched an appeal to support women in Ethiopia suffering from life changing injuries which occur during difficult childbirth; an injury completely eradicated in the UK. Bath craft shop The Makery is also supporting the appeal to fund surgery for these women.

During recovery, the women are taught dressmaking so they return home with a new craft with which to earn a living and start a new life. You can make a miniature version of these dresses using the pattern on the Ethiopiaid website: ethiopiaid.org.uk, leave a donation and share your finished dress on social media.

RECREATING THE NATIONAL GALLERY History of Art students at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College were able to experience the National Gallery without travelling to London, as the college transformed its corridors into a home for some of the world’s best known paintings.

This year students were unable to make the usual trip to the National gallery in London as the gallery was only partially open on the planned trip date. So staff and students decided to recreat part of the collection at the Brislington college. Images of paintings by Botticelli, da Vinci and Titian were among those on show for students to study and there was a lecture by art historian David Moxon, lecturer at the college, also an artist and writer and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

FAMILY PORTRAIT IN EXHIBITION Former King Edward’s School student Callum Aitken, pictured, returned to the school to see his work displayed in the New Horizons art and photography exhibition. He was joined by his grandparents, Audrey and Cairns Aitken, whose portrait he painted. The exhibition was attended by parents and members of Bath’s art community and guest of honour, British artist Kurt Jackson. He spoke abut his long career ahead of the opening of his exhibition Place, currently showing at the Victoria Art Gallery.

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SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Thursday 26th November 2015

For more information, please contact the Sixth Form Office on 01249 766036 or email sixthform@sheldonschool.co.uk

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6.30-9.00pm

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Ancient Wisdom Modern Beauty

Experienced facial acupuncturist Stacey Beckitt BSc (Hons) LicAc provides her clients with an elegant bespoke treatment combining facial acupuncture with holistic collagen induction therapy.

Together these complimentary techniques work to promote a glowing complexion and enhance wellbeing.

Gentle - Safe – Natural – Holistic Gift Vouchers Available To contact Stacey please call 07929 956984 staceybeckitt@gmail.com www.staceybeckitt.co.uk

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

WELLBEING NOTEBOOK IDEAS FOR FINDING PEACE OF MIND

MAKE NATURAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

THE HOME SPA Rather than plunge into a G&T after a stressful day, why not treat yourself to an evening of pampering? Run yourself a bath and sink back into the beautifully subtle scents of the Aromatherapy Associates products as used in the Thermae Spa treatment rooms. You can buy the range from the spa’s two shops, the Thermae Bath Spa shop in Hot Bath Street and the No 8 shop in the main reception at Thermae Bath Spa. We have tried and tested these products and can vouch for their uplifting and calming properties.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath and Shower Oil, fortifying and inspiring. £45, 10% of proceeds from the sale of Inner Strength products will be given to Defence Against Cancer, a charity that is helping pioneer new treatment. Aromatherapy Associates Perfect Partners Bath and Shower Oils, £19. Two of the most popular oils are Revive Morning and Deep Relax.

TREAT YOURSELF We like Littlelab on Broad Street, with its calm, modern and welcoming atmosphere. As well as selling a fabulous range of beauty products owner Katherine Spreadbury also offers treatments.

Littlelab now offers reflexology and head massage, to help unwind, centre and rebalance. Therapist Becki has worked at some of the most exclusive spas and now she is offering a five star pampering service to Littlelab clients, so they can treat themselves before they treat others for Christmas. If make-up is not your forte, Littlelab runs a skin and make-up workshop to get you to a no fuss three-minute makeup routine all ready for the party season.

Tel: 01225 310849 or pop in for a chat.

GO ON RETREAT

AWARENESS: combining yoga poses and meditation

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If your Christmas preparations cause your stress levels to rise then a yoga and meditation retreat may be just what the alternative practitioner ordered. The recently formed Bath Traditional Yoga Meditation group came together following a series of lectures in Bath and an awareness meditation weekend course at Dorothy House lead by Dr ALV Kumar, an award winning Yogi based in Hyderabad. Bath resident and Yoga Healing Foundation member Helen Aylward-Smith has subsequently organised a retreat lead by Dr Kumar which will take place at SwaSwara Sanctuary in southern India at the end of this month, followed by a 15-day meditation retreat at Banyan Tree Resort near Hyderabad at the beginning of December.

Do you sometimes read the ingredients on your favourite beauty products and wonder why you’re putting all these chemicals on your skin? Even more so, when you’re contemplating treating your children or babies’ skin?

Danishwoman Anna Christensen, who lives in Bath, was taught by Sumos Lotus, a Danish mother who was concerned about the toiletry products she was using on her children, so started to make her own skincare products. After a long career in international IT Anna has retrained and is enjoying running workshops in Bath. Her next halfday workshops are: Monday 2 November, an introduction to baby products; Sunday 29 November, creative natural skin care; Monday 30 November, organic body care and spa products and Sunday 6 December, learn to make natural soaps.

To book a place or find out more contact Anna via her website: annachristensen.eu.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH Facial and women’s health acupuncturist Stacey Beckitt is launching a wellbeing and beauty treatment in Bath. Stacey started her facial acupuncture practice in Harley St in 2009 and is now combining the wisdom of traditional medicine with Collagen Induction Therapy. This treatment helps people to look and feel their best.

Stacey uses facial diagnosis, pulse taking and palpation in order to plan each treatment.

She selects acupuncture points to restore balance and others that are known for their cosmetic effects. Gold needles are used on certain points for their traditional anti ageing qualities. The Collagen Induction Therapy is performed in gentle strokes. This stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanism and collagen production is increased resulting in smoother and firmer skin.

The treatment experience is deeply relaxing and includes an acupoint face massage and a back treatment using jade and rose quartz stones. Together these work to stimulate blood flow, promote lymph drainage, release tight muscles and promote detoxification.

Clients typically report changes such as improved digestion, better sleep and feeling better within themselves. A course of 6 -10 treatments is recommended.

For more details visit staceybeckitt.co.uk or call her for a chat on tel: 07929 956984

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CITY | PEOPLE

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS Mothers-to-be in Bath are enjoying the professional care of a modern day doula. Georgette McCready talks to the former NHS midwife who offers parents support up to and through labour

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or the first time the number of women giving birth over the age of 35 in the UK has exceeded the number of mothers under 25s, according to the Office for National Statistics. This national picture is reflected in Bath, where professionals typically leave childbearing until they’ve managed to make some headway in their career path and get on the property ladder.

They may find they’re approaching childbirth many miles from their support network of their mothers, best friends or sisters, with a partner who may be commuting, or working away from home. It’s notoriously difficult to predict a baby’s exact arrival time to arrange for a birth partner to be available at short notice, adding to the unknown factors our first-time Bath mums face.

More families are opting to employ the services of a doula, who supports the mother through the end of her pregancy, is at her side through labour and is there after the birth, if needed, to settle parents and baby into their new life together.

Bath doula Charlotte Brown is very well qualified for her role. Not only is she a mother, but she has more than a decade’s experience, first as a general nurse then a midwife and has delivered numerous babies. Her career in midwifery included a stint as sister in the prestigious Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Paddington, where Royal babies are born. Charlotte moved to Bath from London because of her husband’s work and is a volunteer at National Childbirth Trust’s groups in Larkhall.

It was at the Lindo that Charlotte first experienced the role of a doula. “We had a woman in labour and she was clearly anxious. We did our best to keep her calm but there was a feeling that she was going to find the experience very difficult,” recalls Charlotte, “Then her doula arrived and you could see the mother visibly relaxing. Here was someone she knew, who she trusted. She gave her a gentle massage, comforted her

and the woman went on to have a natural birth.”

Charlotte exudes an air of quiet competetence and understands the importance of knowing when to lend a hand, offer a sip of water, a back rub, or encouraging word, and when to disappear into the background. She stresses that she’s not there to deliver the baby: “The NHS midwives are brilliant.

I think local women are fortunate that Bath’s services are very forwardthinking. The RUH is great and there are five local birthing centres which recreate a relaxed homely atmosphere. But midwives are busy, they have all the medical paperwork to do, shifts change and they can’t always stay for the entire labour process.”

REASSURING PRESENCE: main picture,Bath doula Charlotte Brown with newborn Matilda Top right, new mother Helen with baby Matilda To find out more about Charlotte’s work visit her website: bathdoula.com.

Email: charlotte @bathdoula.com tel: 0772 261 9441

Charlotte is on call from week 37 of the pregnancy, guaranteeing to be there – whether it be a hospital or home birth – as soon as the woman begins labour. This is particularly reassuring for women who are anxious about their imminent hospital experience, or for partners who fear they won’t get back from work in time to support their woman through the whole of her labour.

“I’ll be there for as long as it takes,” says Charlotte, who emphasises that she’s there to make the partner at ease as well as offering comfort and support for the mum-to-be. For this reason she can only take on one family a month.

She stresses that while she is there to offer practical and emotional support, she is not there to offer medical advice – she leaves that to the NHS professionals.

Charlotte refers to studies which have found that mothers who feel confident on going into labour, and being kept calm, need less pain relief and generally have a more positive, experience. It has also been found that babies scored better in Apgar tests immediately after birth.

Charlotte is very much involved in the caring services for women in Bath. She sits on the Positive Birth Forum at the Royal United Hospital and working with the Birth in the Community project that’s linked to the RUH. n

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR BUSY LIVES Georgina Wilson spent 15 years as a teacher in Bath while bringing up her two young boys with her husband Mike. She found that the twin demands of a vocational career and family life was undermined by the stress of ensuring everything else was run at the same high standard.

She said of the typical preChristmas period: “What is meant to be a joyous, family affirming

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time becomes an organised month of panicked-precision. It becomes a ‘ticking off the to do list’ exercise rather than absorbing and enjoying the special moments. It was one of the reasons I turned the challenge on its head and The Everyday PA was created. The Everyday PA is designed to give you space, time and peace of mind.”

Visit the website: theeverydaypa.co.uk. Click on Life

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PA – from researching holidays to birthday parties to sourcing trades people. Click on Work PA if you are looking for informal, ad hoc, administration help. Click on Family OAPa for support for your loved ones, especially if you are not local to Bath, but they are.

Feel free to call Georgina for a chat on 07810 486 645. The Everyday PA is also on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Please contact us or visit our website for further information including details of clinic locations and prices for this private service

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THE | WALK

STORIES IN OUR LANDSCAPE

Andrew Swift visits Roundway Hill near Devizes, with its far reaching views and historic sites

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f you’ve been up to Lansdown and visited the Sir Bevil Grenville Monument, which marks the hilltop site of the English Civil War battle of 5 July 1643, which the Royalists won, you may like to try this figure-of-eight circuit of Roundway Hill high above Devizes.

It was here that on 13 July 1643 two armies of the Parliamentarians and the Royalists engaged in a bloody battle – with a particularly nasty end for many of the Parliamentary cavalry.

The Battle of Roundway Down was one of the greatest cavalry victories of the English Civil War, when the Royalists routed the Parliamentary forces, who fled westwards, towards – and down – the precipitous slopes below you. Many were killed, many more injured, and an area at the bottom is still known as Bloody Ditch today. Stand on the escarpment in a blustery wind (it’s an exposed spot) where it’s only a short leap of imagination to see the drama playing out down the slopes.

Although this walk is only 2½ miles long, it delves deep into woodland, strides high along an escarpment, encounters some extraordinarily venerable beeches. It takes in the site of the battle and that of an Iron Age fort.

The going is, for the most part, relatively easy, if occasionally muddy, and the views on a clear day are fantastic – but be warned: the escarpment is very exposed and, on a blustery day, the winds can be ferocious.

To get to the starting point, head east from Bath along the A4. At Box, bear right along the A365, and carry on through Melksham towards Devizes.

Five miles past Melksham, shortly after passing a turning to Foxhangers Marina, just after the road becomes dual carriageway, take a left turning to Rowde. At the end, turn right by the Cross Keys, and, after half a mile, take a turning on the left signposted to Rowdefield and Roundway. As the lane curves right, you will see, high in the distance, the woods of Roundway Hill Covert, where you will shortly be walking.

The lane climbs through woods, becoming ever narrower and more winding, before dropping down to the village of Roundway, where you turn left by a phone box along a lane with a no through road sign, and the climbing starts in earnest. After half a mile, fork left by a sign for Leipzig Plantation. After another third of a mile, the lane levels out and degenerates to a rough gravel track (which needs to be taken gently), and half a mile further on you come to a 90 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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parking area (SU005648).

On the south side of the parking area, you will see a gap in the fence beside a metal gate leading into woodland, which is where the walk starts.

This is Roundway Hill Covert, established to provide a cover for pheasants but now a nature reserve. It is criss-crossed by a labyrinth of paths, some man-made, some badger-made, and, while the woods are hardly large enough to get lost in, it is best to avoid the temptation to follow any of the badger paths down the precipitous slopes of the escarpment.

On entering the woods, bear left past an old beech tree, and after 150m, with plantings of box much in evidence, bear right down a short and very rudimentary set of steps. Follow the path as it curves left at the bottom of the steps and starts climbing between box bushes, with the hillside shelving away ever more steeply on the right.

You soon arrive at an open area with a spectacular view – one of several which the dense woodland suddenly clears to reveal. Carry on as the narrow path reenters the woods – with box below and beech above – before coming to another clearing with a seat. Carry on into the woods once again, and, after passing through another clearing, steps lead up to an open space with a view southwards to Devizes.

Follow the path as it curves left to follow the escarpment, and, when it forks, fork right and right again to a grove with some enormous and very venerable beech trees, with a blue rope dangling from one of them.

Take a path curving left and then left again – you will see a field beyond the fence on your right – to start heading back. Follow the path as it curves right alongside the fence, and either carry on along this path or branch left to retrace your steps along the escarpment.

AN UNCIVIL WAR: main picture, Roundway Down, the site of a bloody battle between the Parliamentarian and the Royalist armies of the 17th century English Civil War Opposite page, the trees at Oliver’s Castle and the view from the summit

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THE | WALK

When you come to the parking area, head straight across it, passing a kissing gate (KG) on your left, and carry on past a metal gate along a path between fences. The fields to your right are the site of the battle.

After 300m, turn left through a gate. Carry on along a rough track following the edge of the escarpment with a fence on your left, and after 350m you will come to the ramparts of the Iron Age fort known as Oliver’s Castle.

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Follow the path along the edge of the escarpment as it swings back eastward, with views across to Roundway Hill Covert, to return to the parking area.

Head back along the gravel track and down the lane to Roundway village, where you can, if you wish, bear left and then right at the main road into the redbrick market town of Devizes, where pubs, cafés and much else can be found. n

FACT FILE ■ Length of walk: 2½ miles ■ Time: 1 – 1½ hours ■ Map: OS Explorer 157 ■ Refreshments: Visit nearby Devizes

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

THEY’VE GOT DESIGNS ON YOU Bath interior designer Clair Strong visits the shows at the London Design Festival for inspiration

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ondon Design Festival (LDF) is one of the most important events in the design calendar. It’s a huge, weeklong celebration of creativity and innovation, drawing in some of the biggest and brightest names in design from across the globe. I headed to the shows to scope out the trends for the coming seasons.

There are hundreds of events, all over

the city, from major design shows in grand buildings to small pop-up shops and exhibitions in every corner. It’s a really exciting and inspiring time to visit, the city buzzes with the thrill of all this ingenuity coming together. I go to the shows to source new products and materials and check out the latest trends, a vital part of my job as an interior designer.

Here are my highlights from this year:

DECOREX INTERNATIONAL

Featuring 400 hand-selected exhibitors, Decorex is one of the more exclusive shows.

The Future of Luxury was this year’s theme, and visitors got a first look at new collections from some of the finest names in British design. Renowned designers and salvagers, Bert and May, launched Bert’s Boxes – a new standard in pre-fab, modular living.

There are four models, from large and spacious two-bed homes to small but seriously well-designed garden office spaces.

For more visit: box-9.co.uk/portfolio/berts-boxes/

100% DESIGN

100% Design has been running since 1994, making it the longest running contemporary design event for industry professionals in the UK. This year, the show moved to Olympia London and covered 20,000 square metres over two floors. It’s an enormous event featuring exhibitions from groundbreaking brands and designers and a programme of talks for a truly inspirational experience.

One of the most interesting stands at 100% Design was Joined + Jointed, a collective of celebrated designers and makers. J+J have created a collection of original furniture pieces. The collaboration features one of my favourite designers, Simon Pengelly, so I was especially pleased to have the opportunity to see his recent work in the flesh.

I liked the large format designs of Porcelain Tiles, these giant tiles are striking and unique. Porcelain Tiles supply tiles to some of the most prestigious homes and commercial properties in London. There was quite a buzz around the stand.

Norse chair and Concave bookcases, below, by designer Simon Pengelly.

Based in Brixton or visit: simonpengelly.com

ROTHSCHILD AND BICKERS

The company that really struck me at Design Junction was Rothschild and Bickers, which creates beautiful lights. Behind the designs is a dedication to keeping a dying craft alive. All the pieces are made by hand by glassblowers.

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

DESIGN JUNCTION

Design Junction is a platform for commercial and cultural design.

The event relocated this year to The College (formerly Central St Martin’s) and Victoria House. Design Junction is renowned for hosting exhibitions in beautifully raw, industrial spaces and this year did not disappoint.

Another favourite was French furniture brand, La Chance; beautiful high-end design. Its work is distinctively cosmopolitan, very modern and fresh. I love championing British design but it’s also great to see what designers around the world are creating.

And finally . . . modular shelving from Swedish company String.

As homes get smaller, furniture gets smarter and String’s shelving concept is no exception. I really like the idea of furniture you can play with and adapt to your own space. String’s design-your-own system was originally designed in 1949, and is made from high quality materials intended to last a lifetime.

La Chance, Paris. Visit Lachance.fr String shelving, Visit: string.se

STICK WITH THIS

Wallpaper has had a revival in recent years. Sian Zeng, creators of fun and whimsical magnetic wallpaper, launched its beautiful Seasons Collection. This range captures the ethereal beauty of the changing seasons with dramatic designs that will immerse your home with the wonder of each season.

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.

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THE RE-IMAGINED HOME A new Bath showroom mixes furniture, occasional pieces and artwork, all of it British, to inspire people to create their own home styling. Georgette McCready went to meet the duo behind Verve Living

H

ome styling is a bit like musicality. Most of us can manage to place a sofa and coffee table in a room without too much trouble, but not all of us possess the skills to create a harmonious arrangement of colour, form and functionality that impresses and inspires others.

Michelle Aitken is such a person. She doesn’t like to call herself an interior designer, preferring the title interior stylist. But I would rather describe her as a fixer, and a very approachable one at that. Her clients – many have become friends – appreciate her ability to be able to cut through the clutter, spot the treasures and help people move on, either literally with a house sale, or simply by making the best of what they already have.

I went to see her in the new showroom, Verve Living in London Road, Bath, where she and business partner Jacqui Edmiston have gathered an eclectic mix of furniture, art and interesting objects. The big showroom features all kinds of interesting and covetable pieces, from a family-sized dining table to an old farming wooden stable trough used as a display unit for greetings cards and prints. There is also a varied collection of original pieces by local artists.

Michelle, who lives just outside Bath with her family, is clearly one of those people with an eye for style. She’s reupholstered an old darkwood rocking chair with a vibrant contemporary green seat, turned a child’s push-along trolley into the ideal magazine rack and transformed what she calls ‘found’ 94 TheBATHMagazine

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objects into desirable pieces.

Much of Michelle’s work in recent years has been with people needing to sell their homes but finding themselves daunted at the prospect. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to even begin on such a project. A typical case is a recently widowed woman, faced with the prospect of selling her late husband’s home to meet the dictats of his will, but daunted by room after room of his belongings and collections, gathered over years. With soothing and hands-on support from Michelle the collections in the house were assessed and a concerted campaign launched on Ebay to sell as much as possible.

Michelle set about collating the items in the house and finding out which were valuable or sought after by collectors. So successful was the Ebay and auction campaign that the house was able to be de-cluttered and styled ready to sell at a good price – the buyers not being deterred by the sight of over-crowded rooms. The widow was able to add the money raised from the sales to her share of the house sale and secure her future with a small home of her own.

There came a point when Michelle had several clients all needing items selling on Ebay, so she and Jacqui launched a pop-up shop for a few weeks last summer in Broad Street. She says of this experiment: “We enjoyed the interaction with people, the selling and the fact that every piece came with a story.

It inspired us to want to open a showroom and a studio where we could run classes.”

The light and airy double fronted shop, by the Snow Hill traffic lights, came up and Verve Living was launched,

DESIGNER DUO: main picture, a corner of the Verve showroom Inset, Jacqui Edmiston and Michelle Aitken Photos by Laura Mallet Instagram and Twitter: thelauralamb Website: laurarosemallet.wix. com/lauralambphotog raphy

by Michelle and Jacqui this autumn. It joins an array of interiors-themed shops popping up along this stretch of Walcot.

Canny shoppers on the hunt for prize items park at the Weymouth Street car park just around the corner.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we source from British designers and artists, and that many of them are local,” says Michelle. While Jacqui has been busy liaising with local artists and scouting talent, Michelle has been talking to local craftspeople about running a series of workshops in the studio off the showroom.

“One of the classes we’ll be offering is to inspire people for their own homes by talking about the key trends for 2016, then exchanging ideas and sharing so people can create their own moodboards to adapt these trends into their own homes,” Michelle says. “I very much like inspiring people to do their own thing.”

She is keen to share with other people and is a firm believer in connections between people with ideas and contacts to pass on. A large noticeboard in the showroom is starting to be filled with

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INTERIORS | STYLE

Pic: Laura Mallet

JUXTAPOSITION: unusual cards, contemporary art and textured cushions sit alongside found objects, such as this old wooden cattle trough used as a display unit in the London Road shop

cards and photos from some of the artists, designers and makers Michelle and Jacqui admire. Among the works they’re selling for artists are the arresting plaster face casts, an unusual form of living portrait by Somerset artist Hans Borgonjon and wooden turned lampstands by Natajaq, Bath designers and makers.

One of the welcoming aspects of Verve Living’s showroom is that it’s not just stocked with big ticket items. You

Fraser Stone can just pop in to buy Pic: an original greetings card, a limited edition print or a ceramic votive. There are also gloriously textured tactile cushions, starting from £15, and knitted by Michelle’s mother.

The showroom is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm and at other times, including on Sundays, by appointment. Follow Verve on Twitter @Verve_Living, or visit its Facebook page. n

Pic: Fraser Stone Verve Living Artists and makers currently at the London Road showroom: Andrea Wright, paintings Hans Borgonjon, face casts Val Brien ceramics Anna Gahlin, paintings Natajaq lampstands

LIMITED OFFER ORDER ANY SIX CHAIRS AND ONLY PAY FOR FIVE

CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE WEGNER CHAIR Carl Hansen & Son presents a unique and special promotion.

Offer applies to any chairs or stools designed by Hans J Wegner and you can mix and match. 6 for 5 Offer runs until 10th December.

S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

Contemporary interior furniture and lighting from Carl Hansen and Son, Fritz Hansen and Swedese. Homewares from Marimekko, Iittala and Arabia with fabrics, and throws from Finland and Sweden.

68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com NOVEMBER 2015

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CITY | INTERIORS

Interior

NOTES

LOGS OF STYLE

The new ironwork log holders range from Garden Requisites complement their handmade traditional and contemporary fireguards. Available in three sizes, and a stylish solution for your fireplace.

From £350 (incl. VAT). Garden Requisites Ltd, The Forge, High Street, Batheaston, Bath, BA1 7EL. Tel 01225 851577. garden-requisites.co.uk

HEDGEROW INSPIRED From Farrow and Ball, Hornbeam celebrates the hedgerows of the British countryside. Made popular by English gardener Tom Stuart-Smith, hornbeams are often cloud pruned into the shapes seen in this design.

Farrow and Ball, 124 - 126 Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466700

SIMPLY THE BEST Bestlite, The famous table lamp, was designed in 1930 by English designer Robert Dudley Best. Best was heavily influenced by the German Bauhaus movement - creating artisan crafts with fine arts, and his creation quickly became an established national icon, seen on permanent display at the design museum and is much loved by style aficionados world wide. The new BL2 is produced by Gubi and seen here in charcoal and brass. £459

THE WISHLIST This month we take a look at some of the stylish new products and most covetable items appearing in stores across the city

Visit Shannon for details 68 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD. Tel: 01225 424222. shannon-uk.com

EVERHOT ON THE RANGE

BLAZE WOODBURNERS A lovely showroom based between Bath and Bristol has all the popular, traditional and contemporary wood and multifuel stoves on display. They are HETAS approved specialists so are able to provide you with solid technical advice and the perfect installation. Shown here: the chic Consort 5 Compact makes for perfect company on a cold night in. Well worth a visit. Blaze Woodburners, Ashmead Business Centre, Keynsham, BS31 1SX (nr. Waitrose). Tel: 0117 239 5375

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The Everhot traditional electric cooking range consists of eleven different products, in six different sizes so there really is an Everhot cooker to fit all styles and sizes of kitchen.

All products are handcrafted using traditional methods in Dursley, England. Exclusive to Boniti, visit their showroom at Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, ( nr J18 M4) SN14 8JA. Tel: 01225 892200

BRIGHT STRIPES FROM HABITAT It’s great to see Habitat back in Bath (in-store at Homebase) and the current collection is as stylish and sophisticated as always.

We are loving the stripey Shadi bathroom range, from face towels to bath sheets, shower curtains, mats and robes, the bright stripes make it easy to complement any bathroom.

Habitat. Homebase, Pines Way, Bath BA2 3ET

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Gardening Nov.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2015 16:17 Page 1

FIELD OF DREAMS

Jane Moore is swept away by a garden in Somerset newly created by garden guru Piet Oudolf

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here is always something magical about a brand new garden. Where once there was just open space and bare earth, there rises, in seemingly no time at all, a garden of maturity and subtlety, depth and imagination. I remember this feeling, this magic, from the Pollards’ gardens in Wiltshire and I felt it again here at Hauser & Wirth.

HERO WORSHIP I am also totally over excited at the prospect of seeing my first Piet Oudolf garden in the flesh. But that isn’t necessarily a good thing – I could be horribly devastatingly disappointed. You see, one way or another I’ve been writing, reading and generally thinking about Oudolf and his fellow members of The New Perennial Movement for 20 years.

As an earnest reporter for trade magazine Horticulture Week in the 90s, I attended a symposium (no I’d never been to such a thing before and never have again) arranged by several influential young landscape architects in London. There, all the talk was what we now call sustainable planting, permanent planting that sits more naturally in the landscape, softening the urban environment and gelling with more rural locations. I felt on the cusp of something rather special and so it has proved to be.

Oudolf has since risen to the surface as the highest profile exponent of this new way of thinking about horticulture and its function.

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THOROUGHLY MODERN Oudolf’s gardens, here in the UK and all over Europe, are generally regarded as the cutting edge of modern garden design providing a strong emphasis on plants rather than hard landscaping and a wonderfully long season of interest, potentially looking good all year round.

All is fluid and natural, structure comes from plants rather than walls or paving, and yet the whole effect is brilliantly modern without being minimalist.

Oudolf seems to champion the less showy plant, using it en masse as a sweeping statement and partnering it with grasses and prairie plants such as echinacea to dramatic effect. This is not garden planting in ones and threes but more in tens and 15s. It’s not about hidden nooks and crannies but more wide vistas and views and sinuous paths that snake through the garden. It’s bold and yet very gentle at the same time.

Clever, yes, but so surprisingly artistic too – no wonder that Hauser & Wirth wanted him for their new Somerset gallery.

LANDSCAPE ART The gallery and its sizeable plot sit on top of a hill just above the picturesque market town of Bruton. The classic old stone Somerset farm buildings have been beautifully but sparingly restored and are now home to a cutting edge art gallery. While the art was slightly brutal and uncompromising when I visited, it’s nonetheless thought provoking. The shop is an expensive emporium of good taste and the restaurant is an art installation in its own right with food to

match. It’s so busy we can’t get a table at all.

But it’s the setting that really makes it and that’s down to Mr Oudolf. Even the little courtyards between buildings are a lesson in ‘less is more’. For a jaded old gardener like me it’s a breath of fresh air.

From the buildings you catch tantalising glimpses of the Oudolf Field, just enough to whet your appetite. Then you’re out onto the edge of the garden, heading towards the giant clock, your eyes straying away towards some strange Dali-esque pavilion in the distance. With this garden its not so much about individual show –stopping plants or plantings, it’s more that the variety of species and combination of plants creates a looseness, softening any formality. Well placed trees have been planted between the gallery and garden to frame the view of the garden for visitors as you leave the buildings.

The surrounding hedges provide a sense of enclosure, while the views of the hills and fields beyond remain visible. And the garden seems to meld into the landscape. Paths snake through the

GET MY DRIFT: main picture, bold planting creates a tapestry effect in the gardens at Hauser & Wirth Below, the giant clock is one of the elements that adds a surreal air to the gardens

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INSPIRING | GARDENS

tall borders, inviting visitors to meander through the garden.

MASS PLANTING Most of us regard our gardens as elegantly arranged collections of plants, but here the planting is less about the plants as individuals and more about them as colonies, mass plantings of things like helenium, echinacea, rudbeckia and sanguisorba interspersed with grasses. I always think the effect is something like a tapestry, the coarseness and thickness of the wool – or the plants – adding substance and depth to the overall picture or garden. Oudolf

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

INSPIRING: left to right, Oudolf creates bold sweeps using collections of plants and interesting buttons of lawn like punctuation on the landscape Entry to the gardens is free

has plenty of room to play that effect to the full here and most of us don’t have that space or open aspect to our gardens. But there are still ideas to take away: the use of plants en masse to create drama, the lack of hard landscaping yet there is still an overall sense of structure, the long season of interest. But even if you don’t find anything to use in your own garden, even if you just go and look, I guarantee you’ll see a garden that is unlike anything else you’ve seen before.

Hauser & Wirth Somerset is open Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays

except Bank Holidays) Gallery and garden: 10am – 5pm, March – October and 10am – 4pm, November – February Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL. Email: somerset@hauserwirth.com Tel: 01749 814 060. Roth Bar & Grill Tel: 01749 814700. n Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. She writes regularly for the Telegraph and can be followed on Twitter @janethegardener.

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THE BATH DIRECTORY - NOV 2015.qxp_Layout 31 19/10/2015 15:10 Page 1

the directory

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

Electricians

Gardening

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Health & Wellbeing

Holiday Rental

House & Home

Acupuncture for Fertility, support alongside IVF, Pregnancy and Womens Health.

RHS Silver Medal winner 2012

Holly Woodward (MBAcC, Reg Nurse) is an experienced fertility acupuncturist, having worked for leading fertility expert Zita West.

• Award winning Garden Design • • Expert planting • • All aspects of Garden Construction • • Attention to detail • Reliability of service • • Highly experienced •

Call Holly on 07759 684552 Address: The Practice Rooms, 26 Upper Borough Walls.

Situated above ‘Lush’.

E: holly.woodward@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollywoodward.co.uk

Mob: 07967 078 058 Tel: 01225 789990 www.bretthardylandscape.co.uk

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Mindfulness

KEIKO KISHIMOTO

Eight Week Courses Start Monday 8th November 2015

Aromatherapy Deep Tissue Massage Japanese Cosmo Facelift Reflexology/Facial reflexology

For Stress, Anxiety & the Pressures of Life

House & Home

Holistic Treatments for Wellbeing

&

Monday 11th January 2016

For more information, please visit:

Introductory Workshop Sunday 6th December. 2.30pm

www.keikokishimoto.co.uk

07787870841 / 01225445605

New Oriel Hall, Larkhall. Bath

www.mindfulnessbath.co.uk

07739 827186

contact@keikokishimoto.co.uk

Trowbridge & Neal’s Yard Bath

Bored of feeling Anxious?

Sick of feeling depressed?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapist Viv Kenchington

HPD, DHP, MNCH (Reg), AfSFH

provides a relaxing space for clients to discover their real potential, find solutions and accelerate positive change

EFFECTIVE AND PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS IN ATWORTH WILTSHIRE AND BATH FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION & PARKING t: 07974 153487 e: info@hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk w: www.hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk

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IS AVAILABLE TO PICK UP FOR FREE AT

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

3A IRELAND, NORTH BRADLEY. WILTSHIRE • 5 bedrooms, 7 receptions, 2 kitchens

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reland is a pretty hamlet close to the village of North Bradley and within easy reach of Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon. Brokerswood Country Park is also near by. The main house is a superior quality five bedroom home with versatile accommodation on the ground floor which includes seven reception rooms and two kitchens one of which is outdoors and therefore ideal for entertaining. There are also large level gardens, a gym/office and an indoor swimming pool/sauna/Jacuzzi complex which offers lots of options for enjoying leisure time or working from home. The property is ideal for a family with a dependant relative or for those looking to generate income as there is also a two bedroom house with garden and garage which adjoins part of the main house. This is available by separate negotiation as are approximately nine acres of land. This is a fabulous, spacious home in which to relax and spend time. Viewing is advised and is by appointment with agents Pritchards.

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

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

• Spacious accommodation • Indoor pool & gym/office • Option to purchase separate 2 bedroom cottage • Option to purchase additional land • Ample garaging

Guide Price: £1,000,000 with option to negotiate for additional property & land

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pritchards-bath.co.uk

Corsham A delightful end of terrace period property, set in beautiful landscaped gardens of approx half an acre. (Main image shows rear of property).

Garage, ample off road parking & outbuilding.

• Master bedroom with en suite, 3 further bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom • Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, office/bedroom 5, boot room • Beautiful landscaped gardens of around half an acre • Garage & off road parking for several cars • 10 miles from Bath • Total approximate floor area 2,420 sq.ft. 225 sq.m.

Price: £695,000

High Littleton A well presented & highly versatile extended, detached house in a quiet 'no through' road enjoying pleasant open views over adjacent countryside in a popular village. Well placed for both Bath & Bristol.

• Currently arranged as 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) & shower room • 5 receptions • Low maintenance attractive landscaped gardens • Double garage & parking • Quiet no through road enjoying lovely country views • Internal area: 2594 sq ft/240.9 sq m

Price: £499,500 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Timsbury An attractive 3/4 bedroom period village home which offers the rare benefit of a delightful detached 1 bedroom annexe suiting those looking to work from home, accommodating a dependent relative or a rental investment.

• 3 bedrooms, attic room, 2 bathrooms (1 en- suite) • Sitting/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room • Self contained annexe comprising sitting room, bedroom, kitchen & shower room • Front & rear sunny, enclosed gardens • 8 miles from Bath • Internal area house 1521 sq ft/141.3 sq m. Annexe 293 sq ft/27.2 sq m

Price: £399,950

Bathford A beautifully presented 3 bedroom end of terrace cottage, centrally located in this popular village. The property offers a wonderful blend of period charm and the modern benefit of gas central heating, recently refitted kitchen & bathroom with white suite.

• 3 bedrooms, bathroom with white suite, open plan reception sitting/dining room • Well enclosed terraced garden • Open views to the front • 4 miles from Bath City Centre • Floor area approximately 797 sq ft/74.1 sq m

Price £399,950 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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The Apartment Co - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2015 10:23 Page 1

Landlords, are you meeting the needs of the fashionable renter?

Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company discusses the virtures of making a video your property

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t’s not very often that renting a property and fashion are brought together, but this week an article in London’s Evening Standard caught our eye. London is seeing and increased demand for dog friendly apartments due to the celebrity craze for ‘Handbag Dogs’. Landlords have responded by requesting huge upfront payments to agree a tenancy with a dog.

We too are starting to see an increased need for pet friendly apartments.

Not only are ‘Handbag Dogs’ growing in popularity but also due to major stars such as Taylor Swift constantly sharing photos and videos of her beloved cats on social media, cats are also a must for many young professionals.

Crafting beautiful homes In and around Bath

01225 79115 5

ashford-homes.co.uk 106 TheBATHMagazine

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As a landlord you have a need to protect your investment but in our experience there can actually be some positives to renting your property to animal loving professional tenants. We can’t deny that there are bad experiences with tenants with pets, but this is mainly down to the tenant and not the animal.

Are you tired of having void periods? Pet owners are looking for a home; a long-term solution as they know that moving can be extremely stressful for their animal. Therefore a pet owner is more than likely looking for a long-term renewable let rather than a short or one off rental.

Owning a pet of any kind is a commitment; they are completely dependant on their owner. Therefore pet owners, on the whole, are conscientious; knowing and fully understanding the risk the landlord is taking allowing them to rent their property.

Due to this growing need for homes for tenants and their pets many landlords are now starting to relax their rules. As with all tenancies we will undertake all the necessary checks and conduct regular inventories to ensure your investment is protected.

As the need for pet apartments continues, you maybe ‘wagging’ yourself out of an excellent tenancy if you’re not meeting the needs of the new bread of fashionable renter.

Landlords, let us introduce you to our highly regarded management service for your property. n

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Southwick Nr Bath

£2,800 pcm

Detached modern six bedroom property which has been beautifully designed around family living and positioned within an acre of private grounds. Forge House has a contemporary modern feel throughout and is finished to a extremely high standard. The house is constructed over three floors, has fantastic entertaining space inside and out complete with panoramic countryside views.

Sion Hill Place, Bath

£2,400 pcm

Unique three bedroom maisonette located within a beautiful south facing Georgian terrace. Sion Hill Place is a highly sought after peaceful location on the Northern slopes of the City. The maisonette is accessed via the lower ground with its own private access via a lift which takes you directly into the maisonette. The property offers beautiful period features which complement the contemporary décor throughout.

LET SIMILAR REQUIRED

Perrymead

£2,300 pcm Lullington, Nr Bath

Hidden away on the southern slopes of Perrymead is Bell Tower House a fabulous four bedroom furnished property set within private grounds boasting exceptional views of the city.

£2,995 pcm

A true rural retreat. New Court Park Farm is a well presented five bedroom contemporary family home with the added benefit of a two bedroom annexe. This fabulous property is perfect for all the family especially of your a passionate Equestrian. Paddocks available by negotiation.

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

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Rivers Street, City Centre A smart and contemporary one bedroom apartment occupying the ground floor of a handsome Grade II Listed former Georgian townhouse built in 1770 by John Wood the Younger. Located in the very heart of Bath, the house is within easy walking distance of The Circus, The Royal Crescent and the city centre.

Rent: ÂŁ900 pcm* entrance hall | elegant living room | high ceilings | tall sash windows | cleverly hidden fitted kitchen | wooden work surfaces | stainless steel appliances | good-sized double bedroom | contemporary bathroom | fitted storage | period features throughout 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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SUMMER LANE, COMBE DOWN - GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ650,000 OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2015 - Enquiries invited for this unique coach house in one of the prime locations in Combe Down Village. Exquisite accommodation, great location and viewing a must! PLEASE RING TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT - 01225 422224.

Entrance hall, drawing room with vaulted ceiling, dining room, kitchen, downstairs bedroom with bathroom, dressing room/study. First floor suite with home office/study area, bedroom with dressing area and en-suite shower room. Charming patio gardens and off-street parking.

EPC RATING: D. Approximate gross internal floor area: 1,268 square feet / 118 square metres. Outbuilding: 90 square feet / 8 square metres.

Joint Agents.

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01225 422 224 www.mark-naylor.com

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BRADFORD ROAD - GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ635,000 This great detached home would make an ideal family residence and is believed to have been built circa 1949. One of its main attributes is a purpose-built ground floor annexe complete with its own services and independent heating system. It was designed for a dependant relative but could easily be let out on a professional basis or simply included within the family home itself.

Entrance vestibule, hallway, sitting room, dining room, conservatory, kitchen, downstairs cloakroom. 4 double bedrooms (2 with en-suite showers) and sumptuous family bathroom. Separate ground floor annexe with living room with kitchenette, shower room and double bedroom. Off-street parking for several cars, garage and attractively landscaped gardens. EPC RATING: E. Approximate gross internal floor area: 1,760 square feet / 163 square metres.

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Jeremy Jenkins FP SEPT.qxp_Layout 4 19/10/2015 12:02 Page 1

It’s been an electrifying year for sales thus far! We have sold lots of houses like these and have customers demanding many more! For an utterly confidential chat about your move, call or pop in to see us we would be delighted to hear from you.

Avoncliff - £365,000

Bradford-on-Avon – £1,100,000

Bradford-on-Avon - £375,000

Bradford-on-Avon - £565,00

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

Bradford-on-Avon - £475,000

Upper South Wraxall - £525,000

Limpley Stoke - £425,000

Bradford-on-Avon - £550,000

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

Bradford Leigh - £700,000

Freshford - £310,000

Wingfield - £575,000

Kingsdown – £625,000

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

Bradford-on-Avon - £475,000

Bradford-on-Avon - £525,000

Limpley Stoke - £435,000

Bradford on Avon - £375,000

SOLD Similar required

SOLD Similar required

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☎ 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

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NASH & CO

Sion Road, Lansdown

Price on Application

A unique and stunningly refurbished detached, five bedroom property, which has been sympathetically renovated throughout to provide light and airy accommodation over three floors in a premier location in Bath. Virtually secluded in a mature natural landscape and within short walks of excellent schools, countryside of outstanding natural beauty and the City. Providing over 3350 square foot of internal living space including garaging, this inspiring interior design layout includes a double height ceiling, with a galleried walkway over at first floor level.

£395,000

• Grade II listed cottage ● Convenient Larkhall location ● Period features ● Two bedrooms ● Southwest facing garden ● Beautifully presented throughout enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED

● Passive house technology ● Siberian Larch cladding ● Garage with further off street parking ● Under floor heating downstairs ● Bi-folding glass doors in Lounge

Brookleaze Buildings, Larkhall

A gorgeous Grade II listed, mid-terrace cottage. Located in the popular Larkhall village area of Bath. Truly enchanting and beautifully presented, this 2 bed property benefits from the following accommodation: entrance hallway; open plan living/dining room with arched alcoves, period fireplaces with decorative tiled surrounds; kitchen/breakfast room with Rayburn oven and Velux skylight; two double bedrooms, also with period features; family bathroom; front garden; southwest facing, sun trap, rear garden with lawn, social area, garden shed and rear access to Salisbury Road.

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

.co.uk

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

NEW INSTRUCTION

Combe Down A classic Georgian Grade II Listed home arranged across just three floors with versatile and well apportioned accommodation including six bedrooms and four reception rooms.

The handsome Bath stone façade is decorated with a first floor wrought iron balcony complete with leaded canopy. EPC:Listed

Guide Price £1,350,000 • • • • • •

6 Bedrooms 4 Reception Rooms Beautiful Georgian Façade Grade II Listed Front and Rear Garden Double Garage

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

SALE AGREED

Rockliffe Road, Bath An attractive bay fronted Edwardian terrace home within the most sought after residential area of the Bathwick Estate. This stylish home dates back to the 1900’s and benefits from four bedrooms, two separate reception rooms and the most impressive open plan kitchen/dining and living area. EPC: D

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Guide Price £635,000 • • • • • •

4 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms Superb Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living Beautifully Presented Walking Distance Of The City Centre Pretty Enclosed Garden

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The Grange, Bathampton

new price ÂŁ1,249,950

'Regency' style house built in 1989 of Bath stone in desirable village of Bathampton. Comprising four reception rooms, four bedrooms, master en-suite, double garage, parking, conservatory, lovely gardens.

EPC Rating: D

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HOLCOMBE, Hop House

ÂŁ895,000

Former brewery that is steeped in local history. Open plan reception room with enormous windows, study, kitchen/dining room, four bedrooms, master en suite. Exposed stone walls. Hop House would make an excellent family home and benefits from level garden and parking.

EPC Rating: D

Cavendish Place Grade I listed

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Georgian Crescent

OIEO £975,000 •

Ground floor

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Three double bedrooms

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Modern kitchen

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Two Bathrooms

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Private garden

This stunning ground floor three bedroom apartment is set in one of Baths finest crescents. Boasting its own front door this laterally converted property is a rare find. To the front of the property is the small ‘private to residents’ crescent garden with stunning views of the City. The apartment consists: Drawing room, Kitchen with room to dine, Master bedroom with en suite, second bedroom with en suite, large hallway and private rear garden. A short walk to the City centre and views of the city and the Golf course. A unique property and one we feel will be of huge interest to people looking for a home or investment in Bath.

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Brompton House

OIEO £445,000

Grade II listed • Period property • First floor • Beautifully presented bedrooms • Views • Communal garden • Private parking spaces

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Two

Brompton House is an attractive Grade II listed property located in the heart of Bath, whilst incorporating quiet and secluded surroundings. The apartment comprises: large sitting room with a feature fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with space for a dining table, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. This stunning apartment, is expected to generate a considerable amount of interest, especially with the rare advantage of a charming well maintained communal garden, two private parking spaces plus visitors parking.

New King Street

OIEO £435,000

Grade II listed • Ground and lower ground • Beautiful kitchen • Immaculately presented • Limestone flooring • Rear garden

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Two bedrooms Two vaults

A truly unique property set in the heart of the City Centre a short distance away from all Bath has to offer. The property is accessed at ground floor level, where you will find two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom with a fabulous marble wash hand basin. Stairs will take you down to the lower ground floor which boasts stunning limestone floors.

On this level, to the front of the property there is a high specification kitchen, a wellproportioned sitting room, shower room and third bedroom/study that leads out onto a delightful private garden. The apartment also benefits from two private vaults, one with lighting and electricity and one for storage.

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Bath’s Number 1 Apartment Specialist

Victoria Bridge Court Modern gardens

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OIEO£385,000

Ground floor Two bedrooms Covered parking space • Communal Bright and spacious • Approx 840 Sq ft • Short walk to City Centre •

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Victoria Bridge Court was constructed in 2002 as a secure gated development close to the City centre. This spacious apartment, situated on the ground floor, comprises: entrance hall, sitting room, fitted kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms, en-suite and bathroom.

Accessed via a communal entrance with an allocated covered parking space; this property boasts natural light, fantastic space and access to a delightful rear courtyard. An ideal home, investment or pied-a- terre, with Royal Victoria Park just minutes away and all shopping and amenities on the doorstep.

Sydney Place

OIEO £365,000

Grade I listed • Georgian • Ground floor apartment • Modern kitchen bedrooms • Period features • Newly refurbished • Approx. 663 Sq Ft

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Two

A superb opportunity to purchase a newly refurbished apartment in the heart of the City Centre with all Bath has to offer on your doorstep. Located on the ground floor of a Georgian Townhouse, the apartment comprises: entrance hall with two helpful storage cupboards, spacious sitting room, modern fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom, second bedroom and contemporary bathroom. The apartment also benefits from stunning period features throughout including, high ceilings, working shutters and ornate cornicing and a well maintained communal garden.

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Lansdown Place West

£1,250 pcm Portland Place

£1,200 pcm

Two bedrooms • Large sitting room • Fitted kitchen • Modern bathroom • Stunning views • No pets • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available October 2015

Two bedrooms • Period features • No pets • Newly decorated/ refurbished • Cellar for storage • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available 20th November 2015

An opportunity to acquire am unfurnished First Floor period apartment in the much sought after area of Lansdown Crescent with far reaching views to be enjoyed from the front elevation across the City.

This is a spacious two double bedroom apartment offering wellproportioned accommodation within close proximity to the City Centre, where you will find a variety of shops and award winning restaurants.

Solsbury Way

£1,100 pcm Belvedere Villas

£850 pcm

Two/Three bedrooms • Off street parking • Professional couple only • No pets/no children • Council Tax Band B • No students/non smokers • Unfurnished • Agency fees £350+vat • Available Now

Private courtyard • Private vaults • Communal garden • Central location • No Pets • Council Tax Band B • Part Furnished - Sofa Agency fees £350+vat • Available 16th December 2015

A beautifully presented spacious and well maintained three bedroom first floor apartment in a tucked away elevated position with wonderful far reaching views across to Bathford.

A delightful and well-presented one bedroomed apartment within a short walk of the city centre with the addition of a small courtyard area and two vaults with power.

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Lullington An exceptional range of Grade II listed converted barns and an annexe set in an idyllic rural setting with gardens and grounds in excess of 6.25 acres Main house – 3,659 sq. ft. | reception hall | drawing room | family/dining room | kitchen/breakfast room | 5 double bedrooms | en suite shower room | family bathroom | guest bathroom | Mews house - 2,372 sq. ft. | living room | kitchen area | family room | 3 bedrooms | bathroom | wet room Annexe - 969 sq. ft. | reception room | kitchen area | 2 bedrooms | bathroom Guide Price: £1,450,000 Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Woolverton A very special family home situated in a delightful setting with the benefit of outbuildings, stabling and outdoor manège with gardens and grounds in excess of 11 acres

| spacious dining/reception hall | drawing room | kitchen/breakfast room | garden room | study | utility room with store | cloakroom | rear lobby | 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) | family bathroom | fine entrance with long drive | large gravelled yard | garaging for 3 cars | stone barn providing potential ancillary accommodation | large modern barn providing secure HGV parking with mezzanine storage | workshop | secure tack room | 4 stables | outdoor manège | 4 paddocks | 3 bay hay/tractor/implement shed | Guide Price: £1,350,000 Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Shepherds Walk A substantial detached house providing over 3,000 sq. ft. of accommodation, wonderfully positioned on the edge of Bath with approx. 5.3 acres and valley views

| spacious entrance hall | sitting room | study/bedroom 5 | dining room | conservatory | kitchen/breakfast room | utility room | cloaks/shower room | master bedroom with en suite bathroom | 3 further bedrooms | shower room | s/c studio flat | large workshop | double garage | greenhouse | triple loose box and tack room | gardens and grounds extending to approx. 5.3 acres | Guide Price: £1,250,000 Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Lower Shockerwick A handsome stone built Grade II listed house dating from the 1740s providing 2,400 sq. ft. of accommodation in this highly sought-after location

| entrance hall | drawing room | snug | kitchen/dining room | utility | cloakroom | 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | cellar | garage and parking for 2 cars | established gardens with stone gazebo and stone outbuildings | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,100,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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