THE CITYIST

THE BUZZ THE BUZZ

ANTONY GORMLEY IN WELLS

Just over life-size and named DOUBT, a new sculpture by Sir Antony Gormley OBE has been installed on the West Front of Wells Cathedral. Gormley is bestknown for his 200-tonne Angel of the North installation near Gateshead.

Wells Cathedral’s magnificent West Front, completed in the mid-13th century, has one of the most impressive collections of medieval sculpture in the western world. Over the centuries weathering and damage has occurred to the statues, resulting in a number of vacant niches. It is one of these, Niche 338, which will be occupied by Gormley’s sculpture, on loan from the artist for a period of 18 months. The work has been installed on the lowest tier, beneath the North Tower. antonygormley.com; wellscathedral.org.uk

BATH CHOIRS, REJOICE!

Bath Minerva Choir is a large, lively and welcoming choir that has been a central part of the choral scene in Bath for nearly 30 years. It is led by charismatic musical director, Gavin Carr, who focuses on good singing technique and positive reinforcement to achieve the highest musical standards. The choir hires fine orchestras as well as top international soloists and its concerts are renowned for a feel-good atmosphere.

As a non-auditioning choir, it welcomes new members of all voices –from experienced choral singers to those wanting to try something new. The choir’s next major concert is at Bath Abbey on 27 November and will feature the world premiere of Paul Carr’s beautiful Four New Seasons, along with Braimah Kanneh-Mason performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. bathminervachoir.co.uk

My BATH

Chloe Turvey, 25, is preparing to complete a Masters in Songwriting at Bath Spa University. She recently lost over four stone in six months –Chloe shares her success story...

What’s your connection to Bath?

My connection to Bath is mainly through Bath College and Bath Spa University. I grew up in the nearby town of Melksham and decided to go to Bath College when I was 16 to study music, and here I am almost 10 years later, still in Bath and still studying music.

Where’s your favourite place to visit in Bath?

My favourite place used to be the Hobgoblin Pub –the best place for alternative people in Bath. But that shut down a few years ago, so now Moles is probably my favourite. It’s the best place for live music in Bath for sure.

How did your musical career begin?

My musical career started around the age of 14 when I started going to open mic nights in Melksham with my acoustic guitar. Then it really kicked off when I joined Bath College and started playing in bands and playing gigs around Bath and Bristol.

I’m currently almost at the end of my Masters degree in Songwriting at Bath Spa, where I am in the middle of recording my first solo album. My music is on the heavier side of things, a bit of rock and a bit of metal. Harsh vocals and loud guitars are my favourite!

Why did you want to start your weight loss journey and how did it come about?

I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life, being put on my first diet when I was still in secondary school. Like most people, it’s been a very up and down journey. However, it got so bad and I got so heavy that it was starting to affect my movement and walking started to hurt. I have a very active job where I’m on my feet all day, so I was pretty much constantly in pain. I first saw the advert for Lloyds Medicated Weight Loss service when I was shopping for my grandparents in the first lockdown. It was very much a final option. I thought I’d give it a go, and if it didnt work, then I guess I‘d just stay like this forever.

What's your advice to other people thinking about losing weight?

My advice is to not be so negative about yourself, don’t start a weight loss journey because you hate yourself or because you hate how you look. Start a weight-loss journey because you love yourself, and you want to treat your body better. The reason why I failed with weight loss so many times is because it started in a negative place.

Where are your favourite places to run?

My favourite places are along the canal towards Bradford-on-Avon, and along Two Tunnels.

Which Bath-based organisation deserves praise for their efforts during the pandemic?

I feel like Bath Spa Pole Society deserve a shoutout. Despite most of us spending the pandemic in different places around the world, the committee members still kept us connected by arranging online social events, and stretch sessions to help us improve our splits.

What music have you been listening to recently?

I’ve been listening to a Bath-based band called Fangs of the Dodo –an amazing band! If you like rock music, definitely give them a listen.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I’d probably have to pick Amy Lee from the band Evanescence –it was because of her that I realised girls could sing in heavy music. She’s been my biggest inspiration from a very early age.

What were your goals?

Firstly, my goals were to be able to walk without pain, then to run without pain. I can now run 5km, and I can finally go upside-down on the pole at my pole fitness classes.

What is your philosophy in life?

Just to realise that everyone is struggling with something or other, so always be respectful of people –you never know what they’re going through. ■