The Bath Magazine September 2023

5 THINGS Great things to look forward to this month• 10

CITYIST We meet Emily Dellow, winger at Bath City Women’s Football Club • 12

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

Columnist Richard Wyatt investigates an architectural feature that came to light during work on Sydney Gardens• 14

POWER DRIVE Zoë Power and her colourful creations in the Milsom Quarter• 46

FLAVOUR GIRL Cookery writer and blogger Fliss Freeborn chats to Melissa Blease about her first book and why her Mussel Linguine is the best • 56

BOOKS Isabelle Blakeney reviews The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese • 60

INTERVIEW Stephen and Anita Mangan on weird names, drawing horses, children’s books and working together • 16

COUNTRY STYLE A breathtaking showcase of the fashionable country clothing of Wadswick Country Store, now based in the city • 18

INTERVIEW From Stranger Things to Stranger Sings! How did that work then? Melissa Blease investigates• 28

WHAT’S ON Our monthly guide to all the things to enjoy in and around the city • 30

STRINGS OF PASSION Viola player Paul Cassidyof the Brodsky Quartet explains to Emma Clegg the power of Shostakovich• 38

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Here’s our monthly round-up of artistic goings-on• 40

THE ART OF SILENCE Aidan Quinn of Beaux Arts profiles some of the artists in the gallery’s latest exhibition • 44

EDUCATION SPECIAL Do your schools and college research with the help of our guide to the outstanding places of learning in our region • 64

WATER WORKS Emma Clegg meets with Paul Simons ahead of the opening of the restored and transformed Cleveland Pools • 80

BAROQUE REIMAGINED Eilidh Auckland on the project to revitalise, restore and reimagineDyrham Park • 88

THE WALK Andrew Swift brings us a scenic, riverside walk in deepest Mendip• 92

INTERIORS John Law on transforming interiors at the Royal Crescent Hotel• 94

LIGHT LIVING Here are bright products aplenty, from show-stopping pendants to elegant desk lamps • 98

GARDENS Ellie West considers where best to forage for soft berries and juicy fruits

• 102

Farting Bernie’s real name is Winston Bernard Alfonso Charles Gordon Gideon Demerol Smitherington-Piffle. So Stephen Mangan informs us, describing a character in his book The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge. He and his illustrator sister Anita Mangan are appearing in Bath on 1 October as part of the Children’s Literature Festival and on page 16 they give us some insights into their relationship and the imaginative, highenergy, wildly funny and brilliantly silly adventure stories that they have created together.

There’s more madness in the musical parody of the Netflix hit Stranger Things, called (yes, you’ve guessed it) Stranger Sings! which is at the Forum on 12 September. So if you’re a ST fan, or even if you’re not, let Melissa Blease tempt you into the idea of getting tickets for this award-winning sci-fi spoof –see page 28.

I was thrilled to visit the Cleveland Pools this month and see the astonishing transformation that has taken place to restore and refresh the oldest Georgian lido in the UK. From 10 September it’s open to the public, thanks to years of stalwart work from initiators, managers, volunteers, and most of all the local community who couldn’t conceive of losing this one-of-a-kind local resource. See page 80.

You can also read Melissa Blease’s interview with Jay Rayner’s protégé, cookery writer and blogger Fliss Freeborn (and sample one of her recipes) on page 56; enter the world of the string quartet with viola player Paul Cassidy on page 38; and on page 46 meet the artist behind the colourful Art on the Street project in the Milsom Quarter.

Finally, September always equals education and new starts and we have a specially compiled array of useful and inspiring information about our local schools and colleges for your consideration on page 64.

Back to school, but also madness, outdoor swimming, food flavours, quartets and bright colours –who says September isn’t going to be exciting?

Emma Clegg, Editor

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days, the largest volunteer led festival in the country, and the UK’s biggest free celebration of heritage and culture is back this 8–17 September with over 5000 events across the country.

Locally 16 September sees free entry to Bath Abbey with talks and tours and to the American Museum & Gardens and their landscaped gardens. You can also join a tour of the Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre from 11–15 September (3.30pm–4.30pm); gather for games at the Bath Assembly Rooms from 14–17 September (12pm–6pm); discover creative activites at BRLSI in Queen Square on 9 September; and visit the Magdalen Chapel in Holloway on 9, 10, and 13-16 September. You can also pay a visit to Prior Park Landscape Garden on 9 September; join a special guided tour of St Alphege Church in Oldfield Lane on 9, 14 and 16 September; discover Southcot Burial Ground at the bottom of Lyncombe Hill in Widcombe and

the Eyre Chantry Chapel in Perrymead Cemetery, Blind Lane, Bath on 9 and 10 September; and discover how Bath’s Guildhall was designed with Bath Record Office at the Guildhall on 11 September.

See all the events with full details in the Heritage Open Days leaflet, downloadable from romanbaths.co.uk (or search on Bath and North East Somerset heritage open days leaflet).

The Bath Magazine 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED; 01225 424499 www.thebathmag.co.uk

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Clore Learning Centre at the Roman Baths

Play with layers and textures to showcase your personal style

Our bespoke rugs are perfectly made to measure

THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER 5

Get into character

The Natural Theatre Company’s Youth Theatre is enrolling new members. If you are aged between 11–18 you can learn performance, confidence and improvisational skills from professional actors and directors, and have a lot of fun along the way. Create characters, improvise and wear costumes while making friends and gaining comedic flair.

See the world

Luke Jerram’s world-renowned Gaia artwork is arriving at Bath Abbey on 18 September as part of the Treasuring Creation Festival.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and provides the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions. Gaia will be suspended underneath the tower in the centre of the Abbey, providing an aweinspiring view as people enter the building. The artwork was previously on display at Wells Cathedral.

Gaia is only available to see during Abbey opening times. Please check before you visit for last-minute variations. bathabbey.org.uk

Feel the love for vintage

Join Bath’s Retro Thrift Fair on 3 September at Green Park Station in Green Park Road. Get ready for groovy garments, retro treasures, and awesome vendors with the best vintage clothing. Dive into racks of nostalgia, find those hidden gems, and feel the love for vintage fashion all over again. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, mingle with fellow fashion lovers, and let nostalgia transport you to another era.

Who knows? You might discover that perfect one-of-a-kind piece that will make your wardrobe truly unique...

Instagram: @retrothriftfair

Running weekly from Wednesday 20 September at Natural Theatre HQ, Widcombe Institute, Widcombe Hill, Bath, book your place at: naturaltheatre.co.uk/nts-youth

Pay tribute

The Darkside of Pink Floyd proudly presents The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Show, complemented by classic Floyd songs from the band’s updated repertoire. Featuring the authentic and immersive sounds of Pink Floyd, new expanded light shows, spectacular laser effects and video screens, the show will provide a truly memorable experience to take away and treasure for old and young alike. Performing with passion and emotion, these shows incorporate drama, humour and stunning visuals. The Darkside of Pink Floyd are performing at Komedia Bath, 22–23 Westgate Street on 7 September at 7pm. komedia.co.uk

Give generously

Calling all fashion and compassion enthusiasts – this is your official invitation to September’s Strength in Style Fashion Show on 28 September. Taking place at the Assembly Rooms, the Strength in Style Fashion Show is an exclusive and collaborative fashion show supporting Children’s Hospice South West, Dorothy House and We Get It. The evening will be a fusion of fashion and compassion and is an exciting opportunity to see the latest designs from independent Bath-based retailers, as well as a fabulous sustainable set styled from local charity shops. Tickets are £25, including wine, canapés and your very own goodie bag. Find out more at wegetit.org.uk

City updates Free community music at Komedia

Miu Miu miniskirt named Fashion Museum’s Dress of the Year 2022

A Miu Miu micro miniskirt that took the internet by storm has been named the Fashion Museum Bath’s Dress of the Year 2022. The Fashion Museum holds one of the world’s greatest museum collections of historical and contemporary dress, and each year the collection is reinvigorated with the addition of the Dress of the Year, a standout outfit selected by an industry expert to capture the prevailing mood and trends in fashion.

The announcement comes as the museum prepares for the next chapter in its history, with planning underway for a flagship new fashion museum in Bath. The collection is currently housed in heritage glove-maker Dents' headquarters in Warminster, with highlights from the vast collection available to view online.

The 2022 Dress of the Year has been chosen by Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK, to represent the past year in fashion. First seen on the Spring/Summer 2022 runway, designer Miuccia Prada’s low-waisted micro miniskirt created a viral fashion moment, becoming iconic for its extreme proportions and reworking of the classic foundations of dress. fashionmuseum.co.uk

Wild Wonder at Westonbirt

The memory of a book we have read as child, or that has been read to us, stays with us for life. The 2023 ‘What Kids Are Reading’ report, which surveyed children in the UK and Ireland, says the number of books read by children increased by 24% more than the 2020–2021 academic year. Having plenty of books in the home is also associated with reading enjoyment and confidence. Of children who report having fewer than 10 books in their homes, 42% say they do not like reading and only 32% say they are ‘very confident’ readers. This is why book events have a crucial role to play.

Featuring an all-star line-up of children’s authors, TV personalities and illustrators, ‘Wild Wonder at Westonbirt’ children’s book festival returns to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum from 15–17 September. This festival is all set to celebrate and encourage children’s joy of reading, inspired by nature and wildlife!

This exciting, activity-packed event is hosted by Forestry England and Events of Wonder in association with Waterstones

Booksellers and sponsored by The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, Kingswood School Bath, Westonbirt School and Norland Nannies. eventsofwonder.com

The first two events in a series of Free Community Live Music nights at Komedia have been scheduled on Friday 13 October and Friday 10 November.

Supported by funding from Arts Council England and Bath Spa University, and in partnership with Bath Festivals, Bath College, MUW Shed, 3SG and Bath Radio, these events are free to attend and open to all. With the aim of bringing together multiple strands of the musical community, the events will feature a mix of local and national talent as well as up-and-coming artists from the Bath Spa University Commercial Music course and young musicians from Bath College.

By putting on these Free Community Events, Komedia Bath hopes to provide not only top-notch nights of live music that are available for anyone and everyone to come and enjoy, but also a nurturing ground for up-and-coming artists to hone their craft, perform alongside more established acts, and play to larger audiences.

Each event will take place across two stages, with acts playing in Komedia’s recently refurbished and fully kitted-out Electric Bar, as well as the Main Stage. For the full festival experience, there will be a fully stocked bar with local beers and ciders from Bath Ales, Korev Lager and Rolling Hills Brewery as well as delicious pizzas and festival fayre all night long! The events will take place between 5.45pm–10.15pm and all ages are welcome, with under 16s accompanied by an adult. komedia.co.uk/bath

Local charity calls for better access to education for Ethiopian girls

Ethiopia remains one of the countries in the world where girls are most likely to miss out on an education. And while Ethiopia has made huge improvements in recent years, still girls struggle. There is still a preference to favour sending boys to school and girls are often faced with the burden of household chores – all hindering their ability to attend and perform successfully in school.

Ethiopiaid –a small fundraising charity based in Bath –believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Investing in girls’ education contributes to the nation's growth and brings change in a generation. With small interventions, such as free school meals, period packs (75% of girls don’t attend secondary school, with lack of menstruation support and stigma being key) and removing barriers to education, girls can continue to learn and become confident, independent and fulfilled.

By helping girls stay in school Ethiopiaid are ensuring the next generation of leaders and decisionmakers reach their full potential. You can be part of long-term change. Please donate this September. ethiopiaid.org.uk

The cityist

Insect of the month by Marian Hill

Emily Dellow

Emily Dellow is a winger at Bath City Women’s Football Club. She first played for Keynsham Girls and then moved to Bath City Girls as far as U16s. She once scored seven goals in a single game.

Name: Geotrupes stercorarius or British Dung Beetle. Also known as Burrowing Dung Beetle or Dor Beetle Length 16–26mm

These beetles provide vital ecological waste processing services. They dig tunnels under a pile of dung and line their nest with poo, on which the offspring feed. This spreads nutrients underground and helps improve drainage. Dung beetle numbers have recently been in sharp decline. They seem to be harmed by worming medicines found in the poo of many farm animals.

See more of Marian’s insects at buzzandscuttle.com

New stadium sponsor for Bath City FC

I was born at the RUH in Bath and lived in Timsbury until I was four years old. We then moved to Compton Dando where I grew up until I left home to go travelling at 18.

I first started playing football when I was six. My Gramps (who was Treasurer at Keynsham Town Football Club) had a big influence on me joining Keynsham Town Girls at the age of seven. My dad had also bought my brother and I Leeds United kits when we were younger and we’d regularly play family tournaments in the garden with my mum too. Unfortunately for dad, I’ve moved on from Leeds and support Chelsea.

When I started playing for Keynsham Girls I remember it being fairly popular, however in junior school it was perceived as a ‘boys sport’. I’d be the only one joining the boys games in the playground. At secondary school I met a few other girls who loved to play, so we set up a Bath City Girls team that became a huge success. During my time with Bath City I also got selected to play for Wiltshire County which I had to decline due to school sport commitments and exams approaching, which also led to giving up football altogether. So, my biggest hurdle was football not being an option as a girl.

However, the difference is narrowing with the increased investment in and recognition for women’s football, which will lead to higher levels of skill and athleticism.

The Lionesses winning the Euros last summer and reaching a World Cup Final has played a huge part in the sport’s popularity. They have certainly inspired me and so many individuals of all ages with their passion, talent and resilience. Increased funding has opened up so many opportunities for young girls to start their footballing careers.

Going into a higher league this season will mean a tougher set of fixtures, but we’re ready for the challenge. We’ve had a solid summer of pre-season training so we go into the season feeling fit, strong and ready to give 100% in every fixture.

We all get along really well as a team which is very important when it comes to playing and having that balance between being friends and team mates during games.

Bath Spa University has announced a historic partnership with Bath City FC as official sponsors of the club’s home, Twerton Park.

Although the stadium will keep the name Twerton Park, the official title of the club’s ground will be ‘Twerton Park sponsored by Bath Spa University.’ This announcement signifies the start of an ambitious ongoing partnership between Bath Spa University and Bath City Football Club which includes work and volunteering opportunities for students and University staff, community engagement programmes, curriculum development and student experience initiatives.

Bath Spa University will also co-sponsor Bath City Women’s teams for the 2023/24 season. bathspa.ac.uk; bathcityfc.com

Ammi majus (Queen Anne’s Lace), Cosmos, Gaura, Nigella, sweet peas and Phlox ‘Cherry caramel’

I have played for Bath City since July 2022 when they announced the beginning of the new squad. We had a very successful first season, finishing 2nd in the league and gaining promotion. Due to the increased exposure of Bath City Women’s football and their success, we now have the ability to run a first team and development squad for the 2023–24 season.

I play as a winger and I’d say my fitness is my biggest attribute – being a personal trainer I must make sure I practice what I preach! I focus a lot on speed, agility and power in my training programmes so I’d like to think that plays a part in my game.

The physiological differences will always influence the way men and women play football. I believe the women’s game has more emphasis on technical skills, ball control, positioning and precision whereas men focus more on aggression and utilising their physical attributes for pace and power.

I’ve been a personal trainer for almost four years and have a private gym just outside of Bath – The Fit Pitt where I offer 1-1s and private group training. I’ve always loved sport/exercise so running my own business and having a job where I never feel as though I’m working is ideal. It’s extremely rewarding to know that each day I’m improving individuals’ physical and mental health. I’ve always been very driven, disciplined and enjoy meeting new people so running my own business whilst positively impacting others’ day to day lives is a win win.

I feel extremely lucky to have grown up in Bath as I know it’s a popular and historic city to visit. I attended Kingswood School, so spent a lot of my younger years in the area. I love exploring new coffee/brunch places and I enjoy a scenic (flat) run along the canal.

I’d love to support the Women’s team after I retire. I’d love to contribute my knowledge and coaching in sport-specific training to improve individuals as players – but hopefully retirement is a long way off yet!

bathcityfc.com/bathcitywomen; emilyrosefit.com; @thefitpitt_

Peter Headington (Bath City FC), Hannah Whiting (Bath Spa University), Jerry Gill (Bath City FC Manager), Tom Gardner (Bath Spa University). Image: Niklas Aarre, Bath Spa University

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

Richard Wyatt

Columnist Richard Wyatt loves to unearth new local stories and this month, courtesy of the Friends of Sydney Gardens, he’s found out about a unique architectural feature that came to light during the recent restoration and building work in Sydney Gardens

Jane Austen didn’t have far to walk to enjoy the delights of Bath’s newly opened pleasure gardens. Closing the door of Number 4 Sydney Place, she only had to lift her skirts and –carefully avoiding the horse-drawn traffic –cross the road to pay her entrance fee and enjoy an evening’s ‘grand gala’ entertainment of music and fireworks.

The Sydney Gardens Vauxhall, opened in 1795, was laid out for the cream of society to promenade in their fine clothes, to get lost in the labyrinth, admire the Sham Castle ruin –with a moat and fake watermill fed by nearby springs –enjoy trees and flowers, and even the odd hot air balloon taking off.

The main entrance passed through the newly built Sydney Hotel, complete with ballroom, and –fanning out on either side of the main building (now the Holburne Museum) –were two arrays of dining cubicles or ‘supper boxes’ for people to enjoy a meal outdoors.

Much has changed in the 228 years since this 18th-century enterprise opened its gates, although most of the acreage remains a park and is now, of course, freely open to the public.

Although a shadow of its former Georgian glory –and with many of its original attractions lost to changing tastes and having to accommodate a canal and railway cutting through the parkland –a Heritage Lottery Fund grant has helped fund a new children’s playground, revamped tennis courts, the restoration of Edwardian loos and other historic buildings and landscape and garden restoration work.

Alongside all the professional contractors and in tandem with B&NES, the local authority who own the park, a group of volunteers came together to form the Friends of Sydney Gardens. They are currently celebrating their 10th anniversary, and while the HLF funding helped pay for the major works, this group of dedicated volunteers have a couple of exciting projects of their own.

One involves a ruin in the council’s park compound which has been identified as what remains of the last supper box in England. The Friends want the ruin stabilised –maybe even restored –and the compound reopened to the public. This was an objective during the programme of restoration, but with extra money needed to pay for contaminated soil removal, and the discovery and careful removal of a

Roman burial, there wasn’t enough in the kitty left over to pay for it.

I went to look at this historic feature in the company of three of the Friends. Wendy Powney told me: “This is (the remains of) the only remaining supper box in the UK. It is a unique, historical feature of the pleasure gardens which should be open to the public and enjoyed by future generations.

“Supper boxes were the precursor to our modern-day restaurants. Paying for meals and eating in public were new developments which formed part of the pleasure garden experience.”

The Sydney Gardens supporters will be teaming up with the Friends of the Holburne Museum to try and raise awareness and funds, in the hope the compound can be returned to the rest of the gardens, and the supper box with it. However, l hear the Parks Department are not too keen to give up their depot, although they would allow organised guided walks in to view the ruin, the origins of which are still contested.

Parks and Greenhouses Team Manager Keith Rowe told me:

“There are safety issues associated with allowing unrestricted access to the ruin and we are finding that from a maintenance and operational perspective, the depot is a much-needed facility. However, I recognise the desire for the Friends to open it up and allow the public to view the ruin, so we’ve agreed to do this via guided walks.”

Meanwhile the Friends have other physical ‘echoes’ of Bath’s Georgian past they want to restore and highlight. At the top of Sydney Gardens are two doorways that lead to underground reservoirs, fed by natural springs, which predate the Vauxhall gardens. They once fed the water features in the pleasure grounds, and even supplied water for the Laura Place fountain at the other end of Great Pulteney Street. Sprucing up the entrances with an explanatory board to explain where they lead is next on their list of things to do.

Oh, and did I mention the campaign to bring back the long-vanished bandstand? Nothing seems impossible for these guardians of one of Bath’s best-loved parks.

The Friends have a Historic Guided Walking Tour, starting at the Sydney Gardens Community Pavilion, which includes a visit to the ruin on Sunday 10 September at 2.30pm. Book via eventbrite.com n

Richard Wyatt runs the Bath Newseum: bathnewseum.com

Sydney Gardens and rear of Sydney House (now the Holburne Museum), Bath 1805, showing the supper boxes fanning out from the main building

L to R: Gill Gazzard (Secretary of FOSG), Wendy Powney and Caroline Greenwood

Stories from Stephen & Anita Mangan

Brother-sister duo Stephen and Anita Mangan have always been close. It was Anita’s idea for them to work on a book together and their fourth is publishing this October. They are both appearing at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival on 1 October. Here they answer our questions about their books and their relationship...

Escape the Rooms, your first book together, has been described as “a cross between Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Crystal Maze. Is this a fair description?

• Stephen: Yes, it’s a fair description. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was one of my favourite books as a child. I loved the upside-down world where the child is the sensible one and the adults are bonkers. I’ve always enjoyed puzzles and quizzes, so I added lots of these for my characters (and readers) to solve throughout Escape the Rooms. I like to make my books as surprising as possible.

Whose idea was the murderous polar bear in Escape the Rooms? Isn’t this

giving polar bears a bad name? After all, they’ve got quite a bit to deal with already, what with the ice melting.

• Stephen: Haha! Mine! Gregory the polar bear takes on the role of bouncer in Escape the Rooms and actually there’s probably more danger coming from the frog, Maverick and the teeny tiny, yet ferocious, lions.

• Anita: Gregory is one of the many animals that appear in Escape the Rooms and because they are wearing clothes that takes the scary edge off them a bit. Gregory is super cool with dark sunglasses and a burgundy jumper. Oh, and one tooth!

How do you come up with the character names in your books? We’re liking Gloria Squat-Further, Huxley

Beeline, Jonny Mould, Gossamer Fountain and Harry Sponge.

• Stephen: Making up outrageous character names is one of my favourite things about writing children’s books. Sometimes they relate to the person –Gloria Squat-Further is a champion athlete. But most of the time, they are completely random and just make me laugh – one of the goats in The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is called Rodney Dangertubes.

Why does the prime minister Farting Bernie (in The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge) have a problem with farting?

• Stephen: Farting Bernie’s real name is Winston Bernard Alfonso Charles Gordon Gideon Demerol Smitherington-Piffle, but

Photograph Billie Charity/Hay Festival

he insists that everyone calls him Bernie. He’s mean and nasty but thinks Bernie makes him sound fun and cuddly. His farts come from a fart machine which he carries everywhere. Whenever anyone asks Farting Bernie a difficult question, he presses a button on his machine to distract everyone and make them laugh, rather than giving them an answer.

• Anita: Farting Bernie was one of my favourite characters to draw as he’s such a big character. I couldn’t resist drawing the fart machine and invented the fart noises too, like ‘Trumpet’, ‘Ferry Horn’, ‘Hissing Sid’ and ‘Squelchy Mud’.

Is Harry Sponge your favourite hero?

• Stephen: I always like having a character to root for in my books. The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is about a very old king who needs to choose his heir from the best kids in the kingdom. He holds a wild contest called the Crown Duels to find the next king or queen. Harry Sponge is quiet and thoughtful – a classic underdog. All the other contenders are louder and more boastful. Never underestimate the underdog!

Whose idea was it initially for you both to work together on a book?

• Anita: Mine! I’ve been an illustrator and designer for years and have wanted to work with Stephen for a long time. Stephen is brilliant at writing but can’t draw (his words!), so it’s a great match! I convinced him to consider it. Initially he thought we’d be doing picture books, where I did most of the work … but no, I said ‘40,000 word chapter books please!’ I got my way, mwahahahaha.

Stephen, would you say you have always been a storyteller? And where did your first idea for a book come from?

• Stephen: I have always wanted to write stories, but it took Anita to get me to take the plunge. The idea for my first book, Escape the Rooms , began from a bungee jump incident experienced by our younger sister, Lisa… I’ll tell that story at our event in Bath.

Tell us about your relationship as brother and sister. Have you always been close?

• Anita: We have always been close and have been making each other laugh since we were children. Now we’re still making each other laugh – and our readers too (hopefully!). I always look forward to reading the first draft of Stephen’s books to see what drawing challenges there will be. I once told him that drawing horses is hard, so he put horses in The Fart that Changed the World , goats in The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge and The Great Reindeer Rescue is full of reindeer.

• Stephen: Well, I am the big brother – that’s what we do. I love working with Anita. It’s a treat to see how she illustrates my characters, and she always makes me laugh.

You have chosen different boy heroes in your first three children’s books together. Do you have plans for a female hero?

• Stephen: The heroes in my first three books are named after my sons – Jack, Frank and Harry. The hero of The Great Reindeer Rescue is a girl called Holly. She has to save Christmas with a reindeer called Dave.

How does the improbable play a part in making a good children’s story?

• Stephen: One of the best things about writing for children is that I can let my imagination run wild. Children will go anywhere with you and that means I can add improbable ideas. The Christmas light explosion at the start of The Great Reindeer Rescue gave me the chance for a round-theworld race against time to save Christmas with lots of comedy and adventure in the different locations.

How are you both planning your event at the Children’s Lit Fest in Bath?

• Stephen: It’s one of the best parts of creating the books, when we get to meet our readers at events and signings. We can’t wait to come to Bath Children’s Literature Festival. Our show includes silly games, jokes, storytelling and chances to shout … very loudly. You’ll also get to see Anita draw live.

• Anita: I’ll be revealing some fun drawing tips and tricks. There will be chances to draw along with me too, and we always love seeing everyone’s drawings at our book signings.

Do you have young (or older) members of your family that give you feedback on your characters and ideas?

• Stephen: I occasionally run ideas past my kids. They generally either laugh or think I’m really weird.

• Anita: My husband is a graphic designer and illustrator too, so I often run my drawings past him for some feedback – it’s so helpful.

If you both had to choose a character from the books you’ve done together to identify with, which would you choose?

• Stephen: I think there’s a bit of me in ALL the kids in Harry Sponge. Each character is exaggerated though, so I’m not like one individual. At least I hope I’m not...

• Anita: : I love Wanda Full from Escape the Rooms and can identify with her. Silly dances, a little bit bonkers and interesting outfits. n

Anita, why were you drawn to illustration and books in particular?

• Anita: I have always enjoyed drawing and did a lot of staring out the window as a child. I like to think that was ‘artistic observation’ ☺ . I was working at Comic Relief doing more and more designs for them when I decided to train as a graphic designer and illustrator so I left to do a degree at Camberwell College of Arts. The first book I worked on was a cookbook for Leon restaurants ... that really kicked off my book designing career – I’ve now designed or illustrated over 70 books.

Anita, what media do you use? And how do you develop an illustration for a character?

• Anita: I have a few different art styles, but all of them involve comedy in one way or another. For Stephen’s books, I draw in black and white, using a very fine black pen in a small sketchbook, then I scan the drawings and tidy them up in Photoshop. Some of Stephen’s characters are described in a lot of detail and others are more open to ideas, but I’ll always have an idea in my head of how they should look. Occasionally, I base characters on real people – including from our family and friends! But yes, characters definitely evolve once I start drawing them.

Stephen Mangan and Anita Mangan’s The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is out now and The Great Reindeer Rescue is out in October (Scholastic). Book tickets to their Bath Children’s Literature Festival event on Sunday 1 October at 12am and join them for a book signing afterwards.

bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature

We have always been close and have been making each other laugh since we were children

Holland Cooper Charlburyc Quilted Jacket, £189c

Anna Lascata Soldier Suede Coat, £440c

Holland Cooper Buttoned Knit Roll Neck, £99c

Anna Lascatax Philippa Shirt, £85x

Fairfax & Favorc Shearling Lined Angleseyc Boots, £345c

Fairfax & Favor - The Frances c Navy Suede Jacket, £495 c

The Primrose Gilet c Tan Suede, £395 c

Fairfax & Favor Mahogany Leatherx Regina Boots, £405x

Festival vibes

Wellington Boots by Le Chameauc

Field fashion

Weekend escapes

Fairfax & Favor : Mini Windsor Handbag, £290;c Explorer Boot, £450; Tetbury Dog Collar, £50 c

Holland CooperBroderie Lace Shirt, £149c

Man at Wadswick

For all action, all weather and all occasions, the Wadswick Bath store offers a superb range of great styles and quality brands

R.M. Williams Script0 Crewneck, £850

R.M. Williams c Script Cap, £35c

Wadswick Pampeano c Bath Blues Belt, £70

R.M. Williams0

Men’s Comfort Craftsman0 Ankle boots, £3990

Schöffel Aviemore c Alpaca Zip Jumper, £179.95 c

Wadswick. 1 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2. Wadswick.co.uk

Barbour Crossfell c cTailored Shirt, £67.95c

Schöffel Oakham Fleece Gilet, £159.950

Schöffel St Ouen c cNavy Sweatshirt, £74.95c

HONEY WILLOW

8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AX Open: Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm and Sun 11am-4pm

Honey Willow is a Bath family run jewellery business. We make meaningful, personalised jewellery celebrating loved ones and life’s milestones. Jewellery that customers love to give and receive. All handmade to order in our Bath workshop.

Visit us on Pulteney Bridge or find the full range online: www.honeywillow.com

Discount code for 10% off : BATHMAG7

You will have use of the Club’s bar, dining room and meeting rooms and you can join in a varied programme of events throughout the year such as in October a Game Dinner on 5th October, wines inc; Sunday Lunch on 8th October; and the Trafalgar Dinner on Friday, 20th October – to which visitors are invited.

As a member you will be welcome to visit and stay at more than 100 reciprocal clubs in the UK & around the world, and enjoy their privileges.

Another strange affair

If you are a fan of the Netflix hit Stranger Things, then head into town to try the five-star irreverent twist on the hit series – in all its hair-raising, blockbuster glory. Singing is involved. Melissa Blease chats to producer Susannah Bond.

If you’re a fan of the Duffer Brothers’ sci-fi/fiction/horror drama series Stranger Things (the most-streamed Netflix series of 2022, don’cha know, starring charismatic screen icon Winona Ryder as complex, quietly feisty single mom Joyce Byers), there are multiple ways to indulge your passion and flaunt your allegiance to Joyce, Lucas, Nancy et al while you’re waiting for Season 5 to drop. From books, podcasts and VR games to comics, action figures, Lego sets, hundreds of variations on the T-shirt/beanie hat/wallet/water bottle/jewellery theme and even bicycles, the massive demand for Stranger Things’ spin-offs confirm and formally endorse the show’s cult status; all we need now is an all-singing, all-dancing, live on stage parody to come along! Oh, hang on...

This month, Stranger Sings! lands at The Forum, Bath for one night only. Part of a UK premiere tour following a nine-month stint in New York and three-month sell-out run at The Vaults in London, this award-winning stage show is described as “a wild, irreverent twist on the hit Netflix series in all its hair-raising, blockbuster glory”, and already, it’s garnering cult status on these shores. But as philosophical aspiring photographer Jonathan Byers told his timid, troubled little brother Will in Season 3 of Stranger Things itself, “you shouldn’t like things because people tell you you’re supposed to” – so, let’s question why Stranger Sings! is supposed to be so good.

“Even if you’ve never seen or followed Stranger Things on TV there’s so much here, for everybody,” says Stranger Sings! producer Susannah Bond. “The set, the lighting, the music, the storyline – it’s a visually wonderful experience, packed with infectious joy! It’s parody, yes, but loving parody: a loving take on the whole world of Stranger Things and, of course, those amazing characters. We felt as though we knew the fan base well and we were really taken in by the original offBroadway production, so we never really worried about how the show would be received here. Having said that, getting the production off its feet had it’s challenges, for sure...”

Susannah and The Vaults team came across the original Stranger Sings! back when it was a fairly small off-Broadway show in New York, written by US writer and producer Jonathan Hogue. “The show had only done a six-week run at the time, but it had already won lots of awards and earned five-star reviews,” says Susannah. “At The Vaults, we’re mostly known for producing our own immersive shows within our own, totally unique environment [if you’re not familiar with the

totally unique environment that is The Vaults, see link at the end of this feature]. But there’s lots of theatre out there and we wanted to explore the joys of making more, say, lighthearted productions – and, we wanted to try our hand at producing a musical, which we hadn’t done before. So I sent the Stranger Sings! team a very informal message on Instagram saying how much we liked the show and explaining that our theatre is, quite literally, underground, so we thought it would make the perfect upside-down venue for them, and the Stranger Sings! world. And they jumped at it! They were really great to work with, and were happy to give us a fair amount of creative freedom. We kind of made it our own, with them, and it did really, really well in The Vaults, so we decided to take it on a wider tour.”

Now then! If you’re one of those dedicated Stranger Things fans who have the beanie hat, Lego set and bicycle to prove it, your dedicated feathers aren’t going to be ruffled by the Stranger Sings! remix. “Our show is very much based on Stranger Things Season 1, following the initial story of finding Eleven, and losing Will”, says Susannah (talking directly here to those in the know). “You’ll see all the characters in all their absolute glory, such as detective Jim Hopper – a really loveable figure, we all love him! – and heartthrob Steve Harrington, who has that moment of really coming into himself and becoming a nicer person. But for us, the slight tweak is that there’s a big focus on Barb, who was only ever in Season 1; there’s sort of justice for her in our show, and she’s quite a driving force in the storyline.”

Oh, lovely Barbara ‘Barb’ Holland! As you may remember, she was last seen disappearing off the diving board of Steve Harrington’s pool as he and Nancy Wheeler (supposedly Barb’s best friend) ‘studied’ upstairs – are we about to discover what really happened to her? Let’s not get tangled up in all that right now because, according to Susannah, full knowledge of Stranger Things’ backstory details are

You’ll see all the characters in their absolute glory, such as detective Jim Hopper and heartthrob

Steve Harrington

definitely not necessary to the Stranger Sings! audience. But surely Stranger Things virgins are in danger of getting just a little bit lost along the way?

“I can honestly, genuinely say no, they definitely won’t get lost,” Susannah confirms. “Whilst it is, in so many ways, written for fans, it’s got a much wider playing field. View it as a homage to the 1980s, for example, and/or a love letter to musical theatre – it really covers a lot of bases, and there’s definitely something for everyone: the story, the characters, the songs; it’s campy, and funny, and uplifting. It’s a standalone joy!”

And there’s yet more to draw non-Stranger Things devotees into the Stranger Sings!

world; the clue as to what that draw may be made clear in the title of the show. “Taking on a musical project has been so much fun,” says Susannah. “We’ve worked with musical directors that we’ve never had the opportunity to work with before. The music in the American production was probably quite recognisable as being American, but ours is much more British 1980s – heavy synth, and all the wonderful stereotypes of music from that time. There are little nods to British icons such as Kate Bush and lots of other 1980s musical references in there too. Awful mullets? Perhaps!”

Going by reviews alone, things are going very well indeed for Stranger Sings! in the UK

(“Funny, observant, clever and inventive”: Musical Theatre Review; “One of the best satirical shows I’ve ever seen”: Lost in Theatreland) with or without the presence of awful mullets.

As Stranger Things’ geeky, quick-witted Dustin Henderson (all seasons to date) said in Series 1, “why are y’all keeping this curiosity door locked?” Why indeed? Stranger Sings! is a chorus that sings out to the curious; stranger things have happened... n

Stranger Sings! Tuesday 12 September, The Forum, Bath; bathforum.co.uk

The Vaults: London's home for immersive theatre and alternative arts: thevaults.london

WHAT’S ON

MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE

n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park

Enjoy live jazz/funk/soul/swing at Green Park Brasserie on Weds and Thurs from 6.30–8.45pm and Fri and Sat from 6.30–9.45pm. Music includes dynamic duos, modern trios and a Hot Club style quintet. greenparkbrasserie.com

SUMMER DJ NIGHT

1 September, 5.30pm–8.30pm

n Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath

Come and enjoy an evening of live music on the terrace with laid back summer vibes from Select Sounds and a new drinks menu from the team at Montagu's Mews. Bar and terrace menus will also be available –try a sharing plate as a perfect pairing for afterwork drinks or Summer cocktails. royalcrescent.co.uk

WAG WALK

3 September, 9am

n Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Claverton

Join in this sponsored dog walk with (or without) your four-legged friends to raise funds to support rescue animals in need. Two walking routes of 2 miles and 5 miles start and finish from the home and take in the stunning National Trust Bath Skyline. Refreshments and stalls available. Sign up at bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/events

THE GOOD LIFE

5 September, 7.30pm–9pm

n BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath, or online

Are you living the best life you could be? If not, an upcoming talk from the philosophy programme at BRLSI suggests you do it with a little help from Socrates. £3–£6. brlsi.org

U3A LECTURE: BRISTOL PORT: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

7 September, 9.45am coffee, 10.30am talk

n The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath Bristol Port has developed to be a successful business enterprise and strategically

important national asset. The Port deals with deep-sea, short-sea and coastal shipping and provides a multi-modal hub linked to the national strategic road and rail networks. The presentation by John C Chaplin will outline the history of the Port before describing current operations and activities. It will conclude with a discussion of future challenges, threats and opportunities. Free for members and a donation of £2 for nonmembers. u3ainbath.uk

GARDEN GROOVES – JOHN LAW QUARTET

8 September, 5.30pm–9.30pm

n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down

An evening of jazz in the beautiful gardens at the American Museum. John Law (“one of the UK’s most imaginative and versatile jazz pianists” – International Piano Magazine) presents Re-Creations: creative arrangements of some of the world’s most familiar music, interpreted in a new way. americanmuseum.org

SELVEDGE MAKE-DO FAIR

9 September, 10am–5pm

n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down

The team behind the textile magazine

Selvedge brings a curated collection of 30 merchants and makers to the Stables at the American Museum & Gardens. Traders will present a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. Normal admission applies. americanmuseum.org

ALDRIDGE’S OF BATH AUCTION

12 September, 9am–12pm

n Online

Decorative and household sale, including Victorian, Edwardian, 20th-century and

modern household furniture and furnishings, decorative china and glass, pictures and prints, mirrors, rugs, etc.; also garden furniture, tools and general household goods. aldridgesofbath.com

DOUGHNUT ECONOMICS: CAN BATH

THRIVE LIKE AMSTERDAM

12 September, 7.30pm–9pm

n BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath

Join Carra Santos MSc for a snapshot of 21st-century Doughnut Economics insights. From the Repair Café movement to ‘rainproofing’ urban areas, active inspiration is taken from Amsterdam, the first city to formally embrace the Doughnut as a strategy for economic development, as a springboard for ideas and conversation. £3–£6. brlsi.org

PHENOMENAL WOMEN: BELINDA BROWN

14 September, 5.30pm–7.30pm

n Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath

The next in the Gainsborough Bath Spa’s 2023 series features Belinda Brown, the Global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Performance Director at Diageo Plc, based out of London. Diageo is the leader in beverage alcohol –operating in around 180 countries with over 200 brands. Belinda is a role model who uses her platform to listen to and amplify marginalised voices, taking action to use her influence and her privilege to help break down barriers. £15. eventbrite.co.uk

BATTLE OF BRITAIN DINNER

14 September, 7 for 7.30pm

n Bath & County Club, Queen's Parade, Bath

Speaker: Air Commodore Martin Palmer, Black tie/lounge suit/decorations. £40. Contact secretary@bathandcountyclub.com or tel 01225 423732.

Selvedge Make-do Fair at American Museum & Gardens

ARETHA & THE SOUL SISTERS WITH LISA

GRAND & THE JEZEBEL SEXTET

15 September, 8pm

n Chapel Arts, St James’s Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls

Experience the music of Aretha Franklin and James Brown’s Funky Divas played live by one of the most exciting funk and soul bands in the UK. £19/£21. chapelarts.org

LUCKNAM PARK SPA PROMOTIONS

From 15–17 September

n Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham

Celebrating the Wellness Weekend from 15–17 September, Lucknam Park are offering two Spa Promotions, available until 15 December. The Deluxe Hydrafacial (£550) is a course of four facial treatments which include cleanse, extraction and hydration. The other is the Floating Meditation Spa Day (£125) when, following a CBD infused, mineral-rich foot soak and balm application, you will be left cocooned in a warm, weightless, and peaceful dry floatation bed. lucknampark.skchase.com

MONUMENTAL LIVES: HERITAGE

OPEN DAY

16 September, 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm

n Bath Abbey

A day of free activities to explore the Abbey’s remarkable memorials and the fascinating life stories behind them. bathabbey.org

AMERICAN MUSEUM: HERITAGE

OPEN DAY

16 September, 10am–5pm

n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down

It’s free entry to the stunning Grade-II listed landscaped gardens, children's garden and the deli at the American Museum & Gardens on 16 September. No booking required. americanmuseum.org

GAIA ARTWORK AT THE ABBEY

18 September –29 October

n Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey is hosting Luke Jerram’s touring Gaia artwork as part of the Treasuring Creation Festival,. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and provides

the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions. Gaia will be suspended underneath the tower in the centre of the Abbey, providing an awe-inspiring view. bathabbey.org

PURPLE ZEPPELIN

22 September, 7pm

n Komedia, 22–23 Westgate Street

As featured in the BBC TV documentary The Joy of the Guitar Riff, Purple Zeppelin pay tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. You’ll hear more than 30 classic songs, as Purple Zeppelin take you back to the magic, the excitement and the sheer raw energy generated by those incredible musicians. The accent is firmly on entertainment with Ritchie Blackmore’s on stage antics, Jimmy Page’s twin neck guitar, and a very special violin bow solo. Tickets £20. komedia.co.uk

MARTIN TURNER EX WISHBONE ASH –LIVE DATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

22 September, 8pm

n Chapel Arts, St James’s Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls Martin Turner and his band return to the concert stages during 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wishbone Ash’s seminal double live album “Live Dates” (1973). £20/£22. chapelarts.org

TETBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Between 23 September and 1 October

n The Goods Shed Arts Centre, Tetbury and St Marys’ Church, Tetbury

The Tetbury Music Festival, always a highlight of the autumn calendar, brings a week of fine music and meeting friends. Includes pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason on 28 September, The Doric Street Quartet on 29 September, and cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Connie Shih on 30 September. tetburymusicfestival.org

YOGA IN THE CHAPEL AT THE GAINSBOROUGH

24 September, 10am–12pm

n Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath This yoga workshop is a light-hearted experience that offers time for every individual. You will start with QiGong and

Breath, followed by a Yang to Yin-style yoga practice and close with the sounds of the crystal bowls, renowned for their deep healing qualities, and a guided sleep meditation. The two-hour journey will encourage your body and mind to find a state of relaxation. £25. eventbrite.co.uk

BATH FILM SOCIETY PROGRAMME

Bath Film Society is launching its autumn programme of films on 15 September. Ones to look forward to in September are 7 Boxes (2012) on 15 September directed by Juan Carlos Maneglia where teenage porter Victor jumps at the chance to earn $100 simply by transporting seven boxes across a busy street market. Soon it seems that all eyes are on him. But is the prize worth the price? Then on 22 September comes Five Easy Pieces (1970) directed by Bob Rafelson, a powerful meditation on families, alienation, loss and a picture that announced Jack Nicholson’s arrival as an actor of complexity and depth.

Bath Film Society Screenings are held at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16–18 Queen Square, 7.30pm on Fridays.

Visit The Bath Film Society website for more information: bathfilmsociety.org.uk; membership secretary: mail@bathfilmsociety.org.uk

Five Easy Pieces, Bath Film Society

and Victoria Art Gallery

From left: Purple Zeppelin at Komedia; Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano, at Tetbury Music Festival; and Yoga in the Chapel at The Gainsborough

WHY SHOULD HAMLET DIE? MORTALITY IN ELIZABETHAN WRITING

27 September, 7.30pm–9pm

n BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath

‘To be, or not to be,’ How exactly does the poetry of Hamlet actualise the cultural awareness of death in Shakespeare’s time? In this talk, BRLSI Poetry Convenor Duncan McGibbon discusses the role of death in one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies. Exploring how a play encompassing mourning, a haunting, an offstage assassination, and a suicide, has come to be seen as singular rather than a representation of the cultural landscape of its time.£3–£6. brlsi.org

A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER

28 September –7 October

n Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close, Bath BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett stars in John Mortimer’s autobiographical play. Growing up in the

LOOKING AHEAD

LOST SUMMER SEA SHANTY SUNDAY

1 October, 12.30pm–5.30pm

n The Boathouse, Newbridge

Enjoy a family afternoon of sea shanty fun, hosted by the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew, for a charity fundraiser in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Guest appearances from local shanty groups including the Barnacle Buoys and the Frampton Shantymen. The large garden and riverside location at the Boathouse make this the perfect location to unwind and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. pobshantycrew.co.uk

THE ARTS SOCIETY BATH | LECTURE: GOYA PORTRAITS

2 October, 11.30am

n Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, and live-streamed Goya, as painter to the King, was a prolific portraitist. An astute and unsparing observer, his portraits of aristocrats, liberals, despots and friends map out a portrait of a Spanish society fluctuating between Enlightenment and repression. Lecture by Lydia Bauman. To attend as a guest (£10 in venue or £7 on Zoom), reserve a place by emailing bath@theartssociety.org by 30 September. theartssocietybath.com

THE ALCHEMIST

4–7 October, 7.30pm

n Rondo Theatre

Bath Drama’s autumn show is Ben Jonson’s classic farce, The Alchemist, cleverly updated to Victorian London. Three schemers intend to cheat the wealthy and greedy with a con involving alchemy and the Philosopher’s Stone. As their schemes and mockery of their marks

shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, the son continually yearns for his father’s love and respect. A Voyage Round My Father shines a light on this delicate relationship between a young man and his father who adored his garden and hated visitors, and introduces us to world of hilarious eccentrics, bumbling headteachers and exasperated relatives. Directed by Richard Eyre. Tickets from £28. theatreroyal.org.uk

HARVEST FLOWER FESTIVAL: HARVESTING FOR HOPE AND GROWTH

From 30 September

n St Stephen’s Church, Bath

Includes harvest crafts with cream teas and cakes on 30 September and 7 October, an illustrated talk on 7 October, A Year on the Farm, with Rev Debbie Pow, and a bring and share harvest lunch on 8 October. All proceeds to St Stephen’s Building Fund. Contacts: Carolyn Cowley (07813 792481) and Penny Cracknell (07811 066253).

become more absurd, will their deceit get found out, or can Face, Subtle and Doll steal from the rich and give to… themselves? Featuring a talented cast of comedic wit and skill, you're sure to be laughing along with them! Tickets £14. rondotheatre.co.uk or 03336 663366

U3A LECTURE: ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN THE POST-COVID ERA

n The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath 5 October, 9.45am coffee, 10.30am talk Lecture by Dr Graham Cope. Admission free for members and a donation of £2 for non-members. u3ainbath.uk

BATH YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

2023

11 October, 7.30pm

n The Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath Bath Young Musician of the Year returns with a group of highly talented young local musicians promising an evening of outstanding performances. This prestigious annual event is always a much anticipated part of Bath’s musical scene and the MidSomerset Festival takes great pride in knowing that many competitors over the years have gone on to enjoy successful musical careers. The five young performers taking part are Alex Bichard (violin/viola), Dorothy Hodge (saxophone), Rebecca O’Shea (violin), Indira Pandit (cello) and Amelia Wise (clarinet). Tickets £15/£10. Find out more at midsomersetfestival.org

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE

17 October, 7.30pm

n The Forum, Bath

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is the country’s principal orchestra and recognised as one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe.

EXTRAORDINARY EARTH DAY

30 September, 10am–5pm

n Bath Abbey

A day for residents, visitors and families to see what’s going on to help combat climate change and support the city in living more sustainably. Eco-group stalls, family activities, the Climate Choir and exhibitions of Abbey and student artwork, make for a wonderful all-round experience, leaving people better equipped to get involved. bathabbey.org n

The orchestra’s visit to Bath Forumpresented by Bristol Beacon –is the first date in a 17-concert tour of the UK – its biggest UK tour in 100 years. Includes a specially selected piece by Ukrainian composer Boris Lyatoshynsky (1895–1968). Tickets £15. bathforum.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE LIVE: TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

17–18 October, 8pm

n The Mission, 32 Corn Street, Bath

An early play, Two Gentlemen of Verona has feisty heroines, lovelorn and bickering young men, dictatorial parents, foolish suitors, cross-dressing, letters galore, wild outlaws, witty servants, a big fight, and a lugubrious clown with a dog. Directed by Gill Morrell and featuring well-known Shakespeare Live actors and talented newcomers, including Bernard the golden retriever, as well as fabulous medieval costumes and live original music. Tickets £14. shakespearelive.com

A Voyage Round My Father, Theatre Royal Bath

The Brodsky Quartet

Since its formation in 1972 the Brodsky Quartet has performed over 3000 concerts on the major stages of the world. A natural curiosity and insatiable desire to explore has propelled the group in many artistic directions and continues to ensure them a place at the forefront of the international chamber music scene. Emma Clegg talks to Paul Cassidy...

The Brodsky Quartet – formed in Middlesbrough in 1972 by brother and sister Michael and Jacqueline Thomas with friends Ian Belton and Alexander Robertson – is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary. The group is named after the eminent Russian violinist Adolf Brodsky (1851–1929), who was a dedicated quartet player. Original members Ian Belton who plays second violin and Jacqueline Thomas who plays cello, still play for the group. Paul Cassidy playing viola joined in 1982 and Krysia Osostowicz joined as first violin in 2021.

Over those years, with some different combinations of players in viola and first violin, the Quartet has performed and recorded classical music, specialising in the string quartet repertoire of composers such as Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Bartók, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel and Shostakovich. But they have also become wellknown for their groundbreaking performances and cross-genre collaborations. The Quartet has experimented widely with the quartet form, including collaborations over the years with rock and pop figures such as Elvis Costello, Sting, Björk, Katie Noonan and Paul McCartney. The Quartet has also commissioned many contemporary composers and championed new work from composers.

In October the Quartet is bringing a selection of Shostakovich’s string quartets to the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon. Three concerts played over a day on 14 October – at 1pm, 4pm and 7.30pm – will see groupings of a selection of the composer’s 15 quartets representing different periods of his life. Shostakovich (1906–1975) was an outstanding composer in the Soviet Union and a patriotic Russian and loyal communist, but privately he questioned the cultural restrictions of the political system, and as a result some of his compositions were denounced and censured by the State.

When I spoke to viola player Paul Cassidy, I first wanted to find out why the string quartet is such a powerful and widely appreciated classical musical form. Paul told me that quartets originate from the mid-18th century, with the form first established by Austrian composer Joseph Haydn (1732–1809).

“Almost all the heavyweight composers saved their best for the quartet. It was recognised as a highly challenging form. Mistakes don’t get hidden within a quartet and it’s also an incredibly personal medium. There is something about four people that is powerful – a lot of rock groups, for example, are four. It is something in the chemistry of the number – if you’ve got a trio it can very easily be two against one. And if you have five or more people, then it gets diluted.

“People are often quite shocked, you know, when they come to a live concert and get close to us when we’re actually performing, because it’s a very physical thing. And because we don’t have amps, we can’t just turn a knob to increase the volume; if you want to get louder or more passionate, you have to perform it like that.”

Paul, who is from Derry, Northern Ireland, started playing the violin when he was around eight and later took up the viola. The move from violin to viola is not a case of the same technique on a bigger instrument – it requires a transition because viola uses the alto clef instead of the treble. “The viola is quite a different ballgame to the violin,” says Paul. “It goes a fifth lower and it’s not the same because the physics are all wrong. And so you have to kind of coax the sound out on a viola whereas on a violin, you just kind of play away.”

The Brodsky Quartet has become known for writing their own music arrangements. Paul explains, “Arranging has always been in our blood. Many string quartets will finish the concert and for an encore, they’ll play one movement of a quartet. But we thought that an encore should be something surprising. So very gradually we started arranging things using orchestral pieces, piano pieces and songs, things that we loved and we felt would work well. Every 10 years or so we do an album where we cherry pick the most recent additions to that repertoire and we’ve now got five albums that reflect that journey. I also just enjoy the process of taking an amazingly beautiful piano piece by, say, Debussy and making it into a quartet. It’s kind of cool and fun.”

During the 1980s, in an era when the accepted clothing for classical musicians was formal tailcoats and dresses, the Quartet were keen to find clothes that were more comfortable. This led to a relationship with Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. “I met Miyake, and he had these whacky and wonderful imaginative creations, but he also had this line called Permanente, a more classical line,” says Paul. “I said to him ‘what could be better than a string quartet to show this classic line to your work’, and he really liked this notion.” The Quartet ended up playing on the catwalk, playing live for Miyake’s Men’s Show in Paris in 1986.

Another innovation from The Quartet happened in 1992 when they started to perform standing, unlike all other groups at the time. After the first attempt they never looked back, released from the constraints of chairs, inspired to project to the audience in a spirit of inclusion. Paul says, “We started standing up because we had become excited about the combination of string quartet and voice and we started to play with singers. When you play with a singer the singer will always be standing, so we thought we’d better join in, and then we got used to standing up to play. Weirdly it was a very underused and undervalued combination, but we loved it and we started getting heavily into it. It became so obvious that you can be so much more expressive standing, and within the group you can be so much more communicative. But within the classical music world 35 years ago that was a huge decision.”

The Quartet have become known for their love of Shostakovich and the performance of Complete Shostakovich Cycles – meaning playing each one of his 15 string quartets one after the other. They were also unusual for championing this master composer in an era when he was not widely recognised. Paul explains the ensemble’s connection with the composer and his music: “When the Quartet started in 1972, Shostakovich was still alive. And there were still about four quartets that he hadn’t written. So they were aware of these quartets as they appeared.

These quartets of Schostakovich, there is nothing like them in music; nothing comes close. Because they are like a personal diary...

“Those quartets of Shostakovich, there is nothing like them in music; nothing comes close. Because they are like a personal diary –he would turn to the quartet when he had something personal he wanted to say. So, for example, the first quartet was written after the birth of his son and he called it ‘Spring’; there’s one for his first wife who died tragically young; he wrote his own epitaph in number eight; there’s one for his mistress, who he was madly in love with, but it was unreciprocated. He wrote a quartet for each of the members of the Beethoven Quartet, his friends who premiered all his quartets; and the last quartet is an extraordinary experience because he was literally dying. He was in bed and could barely get the energy to write the notes down. But it is like a requiem for all of us, for mankind. So the journey within the quartets is just incredible.”

“The first concert we are playing is String Quartet Nos 1, 2 and 3. It shows Shostakovich finding his way into the medium – it’s kind of beautiful with the first quartet very tentative, almost like a little étude. But then the second quartet is this huge virtuosic, which is just amazing. These two see him entering the world very carefully. He feels Beethoven, you know, looking over his shoulder. But with the second quartet, he really opens the door and arrives. And then in the third quartet it is very recognisably him.

“The second concert is String Quartet 7, 8 and 9. The eighth quartet has his own epitaph and is one of the most powerful pieces of music written by anyone, ever. And the ninth quartet is him finding love again, joyous and beautiful. For the final concert, we’ve chosen two of the four that he dedicated to the Beethoven quartet. So 11 is for the second violin 13 is for me, the viola, and then we finish inevitably with number 15.”

‘So what is the magic that has kept the ensemble together for 50 years?’, I ask Paul. “We have a kind of never-ending curiosity. And we’re very open. We’re not cynical beings that have been browbeaten into the classical dark, because classical music can be horribly restrictive, and we don’t buy into that for a second. That could be a reason why we’re still around 50 years later.” n

The Brodsky Quartet perform three concerts with selected string quartets by Shostakovich at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avonon 14 October: Birth and Early Life (No 1, No 2, No 3) at 1pm; the Brodsky Quartet The Man – his life and loves (No 7, No 8, No 9) at 4pm; and Requiem (No 11, No 13, No 15) at 7.30pm. £16 for each concert, with a 20% discount if booking all three, free for under 25s. brodskyquartet.co.uk; wiltshiremusic.org.uk

From left: Krysia Osostowicz, Ian Belton, Paul Cassidy and Jacqueline Thomas

Image, Sarah Cresswell

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

The Art of Silence, 11 September –7 October, Beaux Arts Bath, 12-13 York Street

For their first show of autumn Beaux Arts have put together a selection of stilllife works. It includes perennial gallery favourites Helen Simmonds and Nathan Ford, as well as Jo Barret, Alex Callaway, Comhghall Casey, Mark Entwisle, Atsuko Fujii, Katherine Jackson, Jennifer McRae, Rob Pittam, Harriet Porter, Lotta Teal, Simon Wright. Soda-glazed porcelain is by ex Head of Leach pottery Jack Doherty. beauxartsbath.co.uk

Breath and Bones: An Exploration of Connectives, The Walcot Chapel, Walcot Street, Bath, 19–23 September, 12pm–6pm

Breath and Bones features the work of women artists from the southwest - Sarah Taylor, Sally Tripptree, Jacky Fox and Emily Player. The work considers the themes of memory and how we hold onto the past, as a way of reconnecting with the spiritual and the physical sense of place. Their practice covers a wide range of disciplines and is often experimental, raw and engages with the crossover between the spiritual body of the earth and the interconnectivity with our physical being.

@sarahtaylorartist; sarahtaylorartist.co.uk

@sallytripptreeartist; sallytripptreeart.com

Jacky Fox @ejplayer_art

Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair, Sunday 10 September, 10am–5pm Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath

The award-winning monthly Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) is back on Sunday 10 September. Committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond to the heart of Bath, the fair has created a regular space where artists can network, share ideas, connect with the public, and where the public can connect with art. Visitors can browse the works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station. For updates and exhibiting artists visit the website: bcaf.co.uk

Connecting Threads: Fashion Inspired by the MEAA Collection, Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath; meaa.org.uk, until 22 December

Taking inspiration from objects in the Museum’s collection, students from the Art & Design department of Bath College were challenged to create garments which would appeal to their generation. The exhibition features a selection of four of the fashion students’ designs alongside the objects which caught their imagination. Their designs reflect this journey of discovery and highlight the themes, techniques, and cultural aspects that most inspired them.

meaa.org.uk

Combe Down Art Trail, throughout the village of Combe Down, Bath, 9–10 September, 10am–4pm

This year the Combe Down Art Trail has 33 artists showing their paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and sculptures in studios and for the first time in St Andrew’s Community Centre. The trail is the most inclusive ever with dozens more artworks from ages 2 to 103 in its village gallery of posters lining the streets. The trail encourages ideas and themes, from clouds and fossils to endangered species and memories.

Enquiries to: cdarttrail@gmail.com

Walkers in Blue by David Wood

Image: James Lord

Guardian Vessel by Jack Doherty,32 x 32 cm

Image by Sarah Taylor (1985)

Painted Love: Renaissance Marriage Portraits, until 1 October

This lavish exhibition explores the role of portraiture in the process of marriage in Renaissance Europe. Marriage portraits not only documented the legal union of spouses, capturing that key moment in the sitters’ lives, intimate and personal as well as public and formal, but also celebrated the union of families, their wealth, power, land, and the forging of political alliances. The exhibition includes prestigious loans from the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Royal Collection Trust, the Ashmolean and the V&A, alongside numerous works from important private collections.

Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery, until 7 January

This major exhibition celebrates Lucie Rie (1902–1995), one of the most accomplished and influential potters of the 20th century. Featuring work produced across six decades, this display follows the evolution of Rie’s distinguished career, from some of her earliest ceramics made in her native Vienna to striking pieces from the last years of her life. holburne.org

Kaffe Fassett: Timeless Themes – New Quilts, until 1 October

This vibrant exhibition showcases 23 large new quilts and ties in with Kaffe's forthcoming book, Timeless Themes. Kaffe has searched through his print archives to demonstrate the different motifs that people love to return to in patchwork designs which delight and intrigue.

Candace Bahouth: Enchanted Visions, until 1 October

Candace Bahouth, celebrated fine artist and long-term collaborator with Kaffe, creates grand rococo mirrors decorated with porcelain and china pieces. Also on display are charming and fanciful candelabras adorned with birds and romantic figures.

victoriagal.org.uk

Brick America: An Adventure in LEGO® Bricks, until 31 December, American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Claverton Down

This off-the-scale, super-fun, creative exhibition celebrates favourite icons from across the USA and invites visitorsl to build and play. Come and discover famous buildings, cityscapes and vehicles, plus models inspired by movies, history, NASA, iconic people and much more, with many models and mosaics built specially for the American Museum & Gardens by LEGO artist Warren Elsmore and his team. There are 40 LEGO brick models to get inspired by, including a large replica of Claverton Manor. americanmuseum.org

Bath College Student Exhibition, until 30 September, Art at the Heart of the RUH, Central Gallery, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath

Sandra Higgins Art is delighted to exhibit the work of Roy Osborne painter, educator, historian and writer on colour compositions. Visit the online gallery to see more or email sandra@sandrahiggins.com to view, in person, by appointment.

sandrahiggins.art; sandra@sandrahiggins.com

A showcase of student work from Bath College including students from the Art and Design courses. The display also showcases exciting student work from the Printmaking and Ceramic Love to Learn courses at Bath College.

bathcollege.ac.uk bathcollege.ac.uk/love2learn

Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath Salad Days Quilt

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Roy Osborne at sandrahiggins.art

Bends 73, oil on canvas, 50 x 50cm

The Art of Silence

Aidan Quinn profiles some of the artists on show at Beaux Arts Bath during September

The Indian philosopher Krisnamurti said, “When the mind is utterly still without being forced or trained into quiescence, when it is silent because the self is inactive, then there is creation.” In their autumn exhibition The Art of Silence, Beaux Arts brings together a selection of still-life painters, some new to the gallery, others who will be eagerly anticipated by regular visitors. Also on view in is an impressive array of sculpture, including the work of local artist Beth Carter, whose work is to be featured during the month of September at the prestigious Louvre-Lens in northern France.

Despite its long intertwining with the history of art and its currents of wealth, religion, patronage and power, still-life is perhaps overly familiar as a genre amid the tumult of modern life, and is often served cold and hyper-real. There has, to say the least, been an evolution in the art world in terms of medium, subject matter and concept. Our modern digital age makes an artist like Helen Simmonds something of a revolutionary. She paints mainly seasonal flowers and blossoms from her own garden, and her paintings are of a stunning simplicity and restrained delicacy. As she puts it herself, her paintings are an act of hope, and embody an ongoing attempt to lead a kinder, more responsive life, jettisoning all that is superfluous and keeping in focus the critical elements of connection. And oh my how they do just that.

Another favourite with the art cognoscenti and beyond is Nathan Ford. Already well-known for his large-scale panoramic street scenes Nathan’s recent still-life series are the continuation of an idea begun during lockdown; weeds and flowers gathered during a time when daily movement was restricted. The artist has commented that he feels an affinity with these little flowers –blossoming as they do in such an

One Yellow Nasturtium by Helen Simmonds

Spring Salvage IV by Nathan Ford

unlikely environment, a stony and windy Welsh hillside near his adopted home. He sees the little still-lifes as a celebration of the natural world. To someone born and raised in South London, you take nature how and where you find it. He would, he remembers, marvel at seed pods that were able to germinate in the oily pools of his Dad’s scrapyard where he served a brief apprenticeship as a panel-beater before going to art school.

Three sculptors

Jung described dream animals as frightening, or minatory; how they would appear to the subconscious out-sized or engaging in strange behaviour. This, he claimed, was connected to how we deal with our raison d'être. Walking among Beth Carter’s incredible shape-shifting creatures is akin to wandering in a Jungian dreamscape.

As part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, Beth’s work is to appear at the Louvre-Lens, as part of the Fantastic Animals exhibition, which begins on 15 September and continues until January 2024. Her minotaur sculpture will take its place alongside work by Salvador Dali, Ingres, Paolo Uccello, Gustave Moreau and many others. Three of Beth’s bronzes are also currently on show in southern France at the invitation of the Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins. Picasso spent his last 12 years in Mougins, in a villa named L’Antre du Minotaure (The Minotaur’s lair), next to the exquisite Notre Dame de Vie Chapel. Two of Beth’s giant bronze sculptures are now in the grounds of the Chapel, with a smaller scale minotaur inside, displayed beneath Picasso’s Dying Minotaur drawing.

A long-time Beaux Arts favourite is Anna Gillespie. Anna was trained as a stonemason and her first bronze sculptures were moulded from masking and packing tape originals. One branch of Anna’s work is particularly distinctive to gallery visitors – namely the Gathering Project sculptures, which use natural materials such as beech nuts, acorn cups, twigs and galls – and casting where possible these somewhat ephemeral materials into the more immutable bronze. The act of gathering each autumn the artist considers a meditation; on the beauty of nature and our human place within it. Anna’s public works include the Maid of the Bridge which stands overlooking the River Avon in Bath. This is an example of one of the ‘blown’ series of works, where the robustness of the material contrasts the movement of the pose, with the long bronze fronds sweeping dramatically to one side in the teeth of a tempest.

Surrounded as we often are by a plethora of generic machines, objects and furniture which scarcely draw a second glance, the impact of Paul Mount’s sculpture is immediate. Light plays on every plane, glittering off one, slanting off another, challenging our very consciousness of space. Mount’s work preserves elements of the

precision of geometry, but the logic of his work is intuitive and adventurous, favouring asymmetrical balance over predictable form. A love of music and dance, his time in West Africa, a passion for Romanesque art; all are manifest in his sculpture, as is his instinctive feeling for his materials –the brilliance and precision of the stainless-steel pieces, and the subtle elegance of the patinated bronzes. Paul attended the Royal College and lectured at Winchester School of Art. His commissions include the Spirit of Bristol in St. James’s Square Bristol. His work has been shown in Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the US, as well as numerous galleries and sculpture parks in the UK, including Marlborough Fine Art and the New Art Centre. Paul died in 2009, but has left a legacy in sculpture that will be familiar to visitors to Beaux Arts of the last four decades. n

The Art of Silence, Beaux Arts, 11 September –7 October; beauxartsbath.co.uk

Giant Standing Minotaur by Beth Carter

Cadastre by Paul Mount

In Extremis by Anna Gillespie

Power to the people

The recently installed Art on the Street project at Milsom Quarter and Kingsmead Square was created by local artist Zoë Power. Funded by the West of England Combined Authority the Love Our High Streets programme features overhead flags, decorated planters, contemporary bunting and window designs. We ask Zoë about the project...

Tell us about the Art on the Street project and the pieces you created for Milsom Quarter and Kingsmead Square.

I was approached by Macgregor Smith, an architect firm working with Bath Council, with the brief and was asked to apply. I found out that my application was successful midJune, so the project had a super tight turnaround as they wanted to go to print in July. The aim of the ‘Love Our High Streets’ programme is to increase footfall, revitalise and bring a sense of identity to the high street with bold and joyous artwork. The brief was totally up my (high) street!

How did you plan your ideas for the overhead flags, decorated planters, bunting and window designs?

There was certainly a lot of ground to cover! The aim of the artwork was to to highlight the city as a fashion and foodie hub and to mark some of the celebratory events that happen here, like Bath Carnival and The Great Bath Feast, which I used for inspiration. I wanted the artwork to feel consistent and bring a unifying identity to the city, so there was some repetition with certain design elements. I also wanted it to feel uplifting, playful and organic, so there are a fair amount of randomness, jazzy patterns and squiggles in there too!

Tell us about the concepts and motifs you used in the designs. Milsom Street is a fashion, design and shopping destination, so the artwork there focuses on that and features sassy fashionistas and dancing carnival-goers. Kingsmead Square is such a summery hotspot for eating and drinking as well as watching street performers, which provided plenty of inspirational material to work with. I want my artwork to feel energetic and fun, so my characters are often jumping, dancing and posing. We can all get bogged down with our worries, jobs, to-do-lists –if I can inject a bit of silliness and play into someone’s day, then that’s a win.

How do you decide on the colours you use?

Making work for a public space is very different to work that’s framed in your living room. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake (my house is verging on garish!). These flags and planters really needed to pop against the urban concrete, limestone and –all too frequently –grey weather. Lots of the colours I’ve used here are tried and tested colours that I use in my murals. Bright purples, pinks and blues always look great and make us feel great too.

How do you create and produce the artwork?

I always start off in my sketchbook as I find it the best way to get ideas down, squiggle and explore. I then moved these sketches on to my iPad and worked them digitally, which was the best medium for this project as the final pieces were printed on a large scale and needed to be bold and crisp.

Your bright, stylised work seems to suit public spaces. What is the appeal of producing work for such spaces?

I love people! I really get a kick out of talking to people, hearing their stories and bringing art to the masses. It’s so satisfying to transform a space from a run-down, unloved wall to become a free, public piece of art. It really does change how people feel about where they live and work, can bring communities together and encourage a local sense of pride and belonging. I enjoy sitting down designing, but getting out, meeting people and painting really makes my heart sing.

Our visual environment often depicts us (and particularly women) as passive consumers rather than active agents of change

What sort of other illustration work do you do?

I particularly enjoy working with socially and environmentally conscious brands and businesses. My work can be adapted to anything from T-shirt designs, beer-can labels, murals and window displays... the possibilities are endless. I’m currently exploring working in 3D and wood, and am keen to collaborate with architects and fabricators on urban interventions and sculpture.

Is your work more effective at a large scale?

Hmmm... not necessarily. I love making linocut prints and screen prints, which are a much smaller scale but these tend to be more muted. Bright colours and bold shapes are very eye-catching and memorable, which is what you want a mural to be, which has gradually led my style to adapt to the medium.

You always have people at the heart of your work. Has this always been an important element of what you do? When did this fascination begin?

I’m more of an extrovert than an introvert –I love a chat and meeting people, which is why mural painting suits me. As long as I can remember I’ve been curious about people, cultures and belief systems, which is what drew me to study an undergraduate degree in Anthropology. In terms of public art, I just felt that our visual environment often depicts us (and particularly women) as passive consumers, rather than active agents of change and I wanted to address that.

By presenting people in active poses, depicting a range of skin tones and body types, your work aims to be joyous and body positive.

My style is constantly evolving as I gather inspiration. My work has got bigger over time –amazing as I never dreamt I’d paint on such a huge scale. I want my art to be accessible and for people to connect to my artwork, to feel empowered and uplifted when they see it. After all, if we all felt better about ourselves, we’d probably act better towards each other and our environment. Making work in public is such a powerful platform and I want to make the most of that, to re-write the narrative and the beauty standards we often see slapped across billboards and TV screens. Power to the people! n zoepower.com

The Value of Independents

RON PRINGLE Founder, Beau Nash

Good old-fashioned shopkeeping embodies a sense of community, personalised service, and a connection to the past that stands in stark contrast to the digital age’s click-andbuy frenzy.

It conjures images of a corner shop where the shopkeeper knows customers by name, recommends products based on individual preferences, and engages in genuine conversations that extend beyond mere transactions.

In the era before big-box retailers and online shopping, shopkeepers played a pivotal role in curating their inventory, carefully selecting items that catered to the unique needs and tastes of their local clientele. This bespoke approach fostered a strong bond between the shopkeeper and the community, as trust and loyalty formed the backbone of these relationships. Everyone has fond memories of Albert Arkwright (Ronnie Barker) setting up the pavement display in his corner shop each morning on the BBC TV programme “Open All Hours”. Those were the days; there days when retailers washed the pavements in front of their shops each morning before setting up for the day’s trading.

The tactile experience of walking into a shop, feeling the textures of fabrics, smelling the aromas of fresh produce, and hearing the gentle chime of a bell as you entered, cannot be replicated by virtual shopping carts and search algorithms. Shopkeeping was an art, an intricate dance of displaying goods in an inviting manner, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and offering a level of customer service that went beyond the exchange of money for goods.

Though modern retail has evolved, there’s a yearning for the days of good old-fashioned shopkeeping. The values of authenticity, personalised attention, and a deep connection to the community remain as relevant as ever.

As we look at history we know that Bath’s independent retailers helped put Bath on the map. Going forward, it’s important that Bath independents continue to flourish and set Bath apart from other cities competing for visitors. n

beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; 01225 334234 @beaunashbath

We deliver to over 15,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family, we offer a magazine mailing service.

The Blossoming of the Bloomsbury Group

The renown of The Bloomsbury Group arises principally from the versatility of those who worked within it: the boisterous talents of Roger Fry, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Dora Carrington, Henry Lamb, Lytton Strachey and many others brought literary skills, design styles, inventive artistic technique and skilful compositional motifs to their work.

They laboured together in a form of brittle harmony that produced complex relationships within and outwith the Group and there were numerous inevitable disagreements woven into joyously productive years that have come to define the Group’s distinctive but chaotic legacy. At its heart, there lay a delight in the sensuous artistic temptations to be found in the everyday objects that filled the accommodation and the everyday lives of the group’s members. This quotidian inspiration could so easily have become domestically trivial. However, a bold joie de vivre introduced themes of abstraction, fantasy and exuberant design and all these were imbued with rich colour, a lavish abandonment of strict rules and a cavalier attitude to `academic` technique. In truth, the Group aligns more closely with the Fauvist movement in France than with any comparable artistic union in Britain from 1910 onwards. At a time of upheaval in the post-Edwardian era that brought a terrible War as well as all the attendant political, social and economic upheaval, the breezy approachability of The Bloomsbury Group deserved to be just the tonic that it proved to deliver.

The Group excelled in finding something poetic, something eyecatching, something memorable in the humdrum routine of life. A beautiful still life painting caught bidders’ eyes at Lawrences Crewkerne on July 10th. It had been painted in 1929 by Duncan Grant (1885-1978) and depicts a cluttered mantelpiece with a lidded urn, books and a clock (or jardiniere) alongside. This picture was appealingly early in date (Grant worked tirelessly for another half century after he had completed this work); it had been exhibited at the London Artists’ Association; it had been owned by the writer and keen Grant collector Sir Hugh Walpole (18841941); and it was sold by his executors at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in London during the period of almost reckless hedonism after VE day in May 1945. In addition, it was appearing on the market for the first time in over 75 years. Measuring 32 x 42cm, its modest scale belied an irresistible allure. It caught browsers’ eye from across a crowded saleroom and its numerous blends of brilliance helped it to a price of £11,250

Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their Autumn Fine Art sales to include:

Silver | Vertu | Pictures | 19th/20th Century Design | Ceramics

Oriental Works of Art | Jewellery | Watches | Furniture | Clocks | Rugs

Militaria | Coins | Medals | Collectors | Sporting | Textiles | Wine | Spirits Books | Maps | Manuscripts | Photography

Free valuations are available online at lawrences.co.uk.

Home visits also available throughout Bath and the West Country without charge or obligation.

Lawrences

AUCTIONEERS

Head Office and Salesrooms:

The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB. T: 01460 73041 E: enquiries@lawrences.co.uk

Wessex Salerooms:

1A Woodlands Estate, Westbury, BA13 3QS

T: 01373 822337 E: wessex@lawrences.co.uk

Be well informed with our newsletters

Our weekly e-newsletter, which comes out every Friday, is full of stories from the city. With local news and events, fashion, food, wine and special offers –it’s just like a mini Bath Magazine! Here’s a selection of recent highlights... Sign up on our website or scan the code to enjoy.

WEEKEND RECIPES | ITALIAN CLASSICS

MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Roast Tomato Risotto

This light, fresh, summery Italian classic moves from stove to table in less than 30 minutes; by the time the tomatoes have roasted in the oven, the rice is ready for them to join the party.

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped

1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

½ tsp dried red chilli flakes (or to taste)

Around 5-600g vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered

1 heaped tsp caster sugar

1 splash balsamic or red wine vinegar

300g arborio risotto rice

100ml white wine (optional)

1l vegetable stock

100g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), finely grated

1 handful fresh basil, finely chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°c/gas mark 4. Tumble the quartered tomatoes onto a baking tray and top with 1 tbsp oil, the caster sugar and the vinegar. Season well and roast for 20-30 minutes until tender, jiggling them around a bit halfway through the cooking time.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and gently sauté the onion for 5 minutes or until soft and translucent, adding the garlic and chilli flakes for the last minute or so of cooking time. Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat in the fragrant oil. Add the wine (if using) and allow to bubble down for 1 minute before slowly adding the stock one ladle at a time, stirring after each addition, until all the stock has been absorbed by the rice (this process will take about 20-25 minutes).

Add the roasted tomatoes, the cheese and most of the chopped basil and stir well. Season to taste before serving in warm bowls scattered with the reserved basil, more grated cheese and a smattering of freshly ground black pepper.

Our weekly recipes are rustled up by Melissa Blease

South Korean brand documentary guide Magazine B has reached Barbour in its survey of the world’s leading brands and labels. Fans of this bible swear by it and we know they – and waxed jacket anoraks – are going to be thrilled with issue No 94 which delivers an illuminating tale about a business that has remained in family management for five generations and has successfully transitioned from traditional outerwear to a lifestyle brand by adjusting to the needs and tastes of today and cleverly accessing a new generation through focused collaboration with a number of fashion brands. The centrepiece is an interview with Dame Margaret Barbour, current chairman of J. Barbour and Sons Ltd | £23. Visit : store.magalleria.co.uk

GAIA | SEE THE WORLD

World Famous Gaia artwork comes to Bath Abbey

From 18 September to 29 October 2023, Bath Abbey is hosting Luke Jerram’s touring Gaia artwork as part of the Treasuring Creation Festival. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and provides the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions. The Treasuring Creation Festival will focus on appreciating and caring for our planet.

18 September - 29 October | Bath Abbey, Bath BA1 1LT More details are available on Bath Abbey’s website at bathabbey.org

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Step into a world ofculinary delight at our new Greek and Turkish restaurant, nestled within the walls ofa charming chapel. Immerse yourselfin the ambiance of our chapel-turned-restaurant, where history meets the mediterranean in a perfect harmony of flavours.

Delight in a 2-course meal for just £15.95 Or 3-course at only £18.95

From savory kebabs to time-honoured moussaka, our menu pays homage to both Greek and Turkish traditions, offering a diverse palette of tastes.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or an unforgettable meal with friends and family, Pomegranate Meze promises a warm and friendly dining experience.

We’re also thrilled to accommodate large parties and celebrations in our private rooms.

To reserve your table, contact us at 01225 462992 or visit www.pomegranatebath.co.uk for bookings and inquiries

FOOD NEWS

Vegan market at Green Park

The Vegan Platform, Bath’s new monthly vegan market, opens on Sunday 3 September and then every first Sunday of the month. Located at Green Park Station, Green Park Road, this is a haven for all things plant-based and sustainable. The Vegan Platform offers a one-stopshop for all your vegan needs, from delicious plant-based street foods, clothing, beauty products, and even household items. And it's free to attend. theveganplatform.co.uk

New menu at the Mill at Rode

The Mill At Rode in Frome –a historic cloth mill reimagined into a country eating house and bar, with an outdoor riverside terrace –has welcomed new head chef, Cory and operations manager, Connor to the team. Their new menu will be launching from 1 September, bringing local and home-grown flavours. Think Lamb and Mint Burgers, Pancetta-wrapped Tenderloin, or flavour-filled Horseradish Gnocchi. There are also discounts for local diners, and wine pairing is available. It's also a celebration of the one-year anniversary for the landlord and lady, Sam and Rachael. The Mill at Rode, Rode Hill, Rode, Frome BA11 6AG. Call to make your reservation 01373 673112 or visit themillatrode.com

Knoops in Bath

Knoops, the British brand that is revolutionising chocolate drinks, is opening its 13th store in Bath. Opening on 12 September at 21 Old Bond Street, Knoops will bring a point of difference to the café scene, the only brand to boast a customisable chocolate percentage menu. The brand was founded by international chocolatier Jens Knoop, who created the concept around Knoopology: the art of crafting the perfect chocolate drink. In each of its stores Knoops has different drink choices for every mood and season, from warming Hot Chocolates and Mochas to decadent Milkshakes and Iced Chocolates as well as a menu of teas and coffees. Customers can choose from the full range of chocolate percentages for their bespoke hot chocolate experience. knoops.co.uk

Flavours with Fliss Freeborn

"Fliss Freeborn is one of the best young writers I have ever come across." These are the words of Jay Rayner –so be in no doubt that the Fortnum & Mason Cookery Writer 2023 has flavours aplenty in her new book Do Yourself a Flavour. Words by Melissa Blease. Photography by Luke Albert.

I’m a student and I don’t know a single person who uses their student cookbook for anything other than a laptop stand. Because of their inherent uselessness (the cookbooks, not the students), hundreds are transported, unused, from one flat to the next and, upon graduation, are taken to a charity shop, where some aunt will erroneously deem it the perfect gift for the unsuspecting fresher.”

That’s a direct quote from a feature by award-winning cookery author, food journalist and more Fliss Freeborn, as published in The Guardian in 2021.

Compare and contrast that quote with this one, published on Ebury Books’ website just two short years later: “If you’re a young(ish) person who wants to expand their kitchen repertoire beyond pesto-pasta and beans on toast, then you’re in luck: Fliss Freeborn’s new book Do Yourself a Flavour is full of 75 recipes to take your cooking to the next level.”

Hang on! Isn’t that just another way of saying that Fliss has written... a student cookbook? “No it is not!” says Fliss, in a tone that’s emphatic as a denial can get.

“When my agent asked me if I wanted to write a student cookbook, I said absolutely not, for all the reasons outlined in that feature. Students have a reasonably tight budget and probably a small kitchen, but that situation is applicable to many people! I believe that mine is the first cookery book written for young people that’s not deeply, deeply patronising”. And if anybody has the skills, experience, genuine love of food and personalityladen, enthralling style to write such a book, it’s Fliss.

Having grown up in Cornwall, Fliss –now aged 24 – flitted up to Edinburgh University in 2017, and has lived in Glasgow with her partner since 2022. During her time in Scotland, she considered quitting university (but didn’t), considered undertaking a social media and marketing internship with an outdoor company (a plan that was interrupted by the Covid crisis), churned out content for a “battery company” in Dundee and lived in a van travelling around Europe with her boyfriend for six months. But throughout it all...

“All the time, my food writing thing was bubbling away under the surface of everything I did, or wanted to do,” says

Fliss, who started her blog Student Cuisine for the Gloomy Teen (studentcuisineforthe gloomyteen.com/author/flissfreeborn/) in her first year at university.

“I’d been writing my blog for a number of years, just for me, just for fun, and just because I loved it,” says Fliss. “I had the link to my blog on my Twitter bio, and one day I retweeted something that Jay Rayner had posted with something snarky underneath it – just a little joke, nothing bad. And he clicked on my bio, saw my

blog, read it, and shared it to his, like, 373,000 followers. He tweeted, “I read a lot of food blogs, most of them are rubbish, you should check this one out”. And then he sent me an email and said, “Fliss, you need to do this for a living.” And then, he put the links to my blog in front of a literary agency who asked me if I wanted to write a book and here I am, about to publish one! It’s been an absolutely mad journey, but it was genuinely the most exciting thing ever,

ever!” But surely there was a lot of hard work to tackle, in the midst of all the excitement?

“Actually, the book sort of fell out out of me,” says Fliss. “My parents never explicitly taught me how to cook, but I learnt by osmosis; never anything fancy, just variations on pasta bolognese, shepherd’s pie, that kind of stuff. My dad used to do a lot of cooking but then my parents split up, and I took over in the kitchen from around the age of 13 or 14. I wasn’t the primary cook but I used to do

there, but many of the recipes on TikTok or Instagram simply don’t work”, says Fliss. “Meanwhile, Food Tech has been absolutely decimated in schools, parents don’t have the time or the resources available to cook ‘properly’ at home, and loads of those overwhelmingly beautiful social media images or choreographed TV shows are just perfomative. My book explains recipes in a way that’s funny and entertaining, but also practical and useful”.

to be asked: might a TV show be the next obvious step? “I’m one of those people who are constantly on the go and looking for the next thing to do, so I feel like I could do it,” says Fliss. “But it would have to be done my way! My absolute food hero is Keith Floyd; there were even a couple of programmes where he’d eat what he’d made and say, ‘oh actually, that’s not very nice’ – you’d never get that on TV these days; it all has to be, ‘oh, this is the most orgasmic, delicious thing I’ve ever put in my mouth’ every time, and I really hate that! But whatever happens, I’m psyched about what’s next; as Jay Rayner said to me, ‘remember Fliss, what you’re doing is a marathon, not a sprint’...”.

And we all know how important food as fuel is, don’t we? Fliss Freeborn has her future in food fuelled up. n

a lot of the shopping with my mum too, so I was used to checking prices and planning meals from an early age. As a result, I was very practised at cooking when I got to university, where I discovered all kinds of things like halloumi and hummus that I’d never had before. I really got into the freedom of cooking, and experimenting, so the book is full of all the recipes that I’ve made my own, for years; they’re kind of failsafe, really!”

Now it has to be said – and forgive me for this, Fliss – Do Yourself a Flavour would indeed be a great gift to tuck into that starter box of coffee, pasta and tinned tomatoes that every student takes off with them to pastures new at the start of a new university term; given student budgets, they’re not going to be able to rely on Deliveroo for sustenance... nor social media for inspiration.

“There’s an abundance of food content out

Of all those recipes, Fliss cites her Mussel Linguine as an enduring favourite. “It takes a not-too-expensive supermarket ingredient that a lot of people look past because it feels really fancy: those mussels that come pre-cooked in white wine and cream,” she says. “I fry off garlic, cherry tomatoes and some lemon zest in a bit of olive oil, then add the mussels to warm through while the pasta cooks and serve it with more lemon juice and fresh parsley. It’s really simple, but it feels really glamorous –great date night food! I kind of have this compulsion to experiment and eat different things all the time, but that’s one of my recipes that I go back to, time and time again.”

Given Fliss’s refreshingly super-friendly, distinctly down-to-earth skill for enthusing even the most seasoned of home cooks, it has

Fliss will be introducing Do Yourself a Flavour: 75 Easy Recipes to Feed Yourself, Your Flatmates and Your Freezer (Ebury Publishing, £17.99) at Toppings Books, Bath on Tuesday 26 September: toppingbooks.co.uk

From left: Krysia Osostowicz, Ian Belton, Jacqueline Thomas and Paul Cassidy

I really got into the freedom of cooking, and experimenting, so the book is full of all the recipes that I’ve made my own, for years

Above, left to right: Spatchcocked Chicken in the Dead of Night, Limerick Seafood Linguine and Bastard Raspberry, Lemon and Pistachio Eton Mess

Warm Bulgur Wheat, Halloumi & Harissa Salad

Bulgur wheat is one of those things that looks suspiciously expensive. But worry not, as if you go to the right place – specifically, your local Middle Eastern shop – you can pick up a kilo, dried, for around £1.25. This will make approximately 3 tonnes’ worth when cooked, which, in my mind, is excellent value for money. That said, although still fairly budget-friendly, this recipe actually comes out as one of the most expensive in the book, because it uses lots of fresh herbs and a whole

block of halloumi. You can substitute the bulgur wheat for rice, and the halloumi for tofu, but it’s the fresh herbs and harissa that really make it, so I’d not want to substitute those or it’d be something else entirely. You know what you can afford best. I’ll leave it up to you if you feel like adding something Ottolenghi-like, such as pomegranate seeds or a grated aged artisan chopping board, but a little bit of sweetness from some dried fruit does make this pop.

RECIPE BY FLISS FREEBORN

Serves 2 generously, takes 20 minutes

•¾ mug of coarse bulgur wheat (150g)

•a block of halloumi

•olive oil, for frying, plus extra slug to serve

•a tin of chickpeas, drained and tipped onto a pile of kitchen roll to soak up extra moisture

•2 tablespoons of harissa paste

•½ cucumber

•½ packet of parsley (25g)

Method

•½ packet of coriander (25g), use double the parsley if coriander tastes soapy to you, poor thing

•a tablespoon of lemon juice (from a real- life lemon or a bottle – it doesn’t matter)

•salt

•2 tablespoons of either raisins, roughly chopped apricots or pomegranate seeds

Start by cooking your bulgur wheat in a medium sized pan over a high heat with around 2 mugs of boiling water and a big pinch of salt for about 10 minutes. Think of it like rice if you’re unfamiliar.

While that’s cooking, chop your halloumi into slices, then halve each one so you have a nice stack of squares. Fry off these squares in a large, shallow frying pan over a medium-high heat with a little splash of oil, working in batches if your pan is only wee.

Drain any water that comes off the halloumi, as that’ll massively slow down your browning, then increase the heat to high and fry the halloumi until golden, turning when you need to. Once both sides are golden, keep the pan on the heat but remove the cheese and set aside.

Add a little more oil to the now-empty pan if you need to, then tip in the chickpeas, followed by the harissa paste. Fry for 4–6 minutes, stirring to coat the chickpeas all over with the paste. Hopefully the chickpeas are dry enough not to spit, but watch out and stand back if that does happen.

Leave this mixture over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, while you dice your cucumber and very finely chop your herbs. By this time, your bulgur wheat should be cooked through – try it. It should have a little bite but still be soft.

If there’s any water left in the pan, drain it. Add the grains to a big serving bowl or mixing bowl. Next add the hot harissa chickpeas, stirring to coat everything nicely, then toss in your halloumi, your cucumbers, your chopped herbs and your fruit, if you’re using it.

Drizzle over a tiny slug of olive oil, followed by the lemon juice, and serve.

Fliss Freeborn is holding a cookery demo, talk and tastings at Topping & Co on 26 September at 7.30pm. toppingbooks.co.uk

Baked Plums in Red Wine is another recipe from Do Yourself a Flavour: 75 Easy Recipes to Feed Yourself, Your Flatmates and Your Freezer by Fliss Freeborn published by Ebury Publishing, £17.99

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Book review: The Covenant of Water

by Abraham

Verghese

Abraham Verghese, author of the critically acclaimed Cutting for Stone (2009), is well versed in the writings of love, family, politics, and the relationship between the body and soul. His most recent novel, however, is perhaps his most ambitious: the 700-page epic details the lives of numerous individuals and families over the course of seven decades, following them as they navigate the joys and hardships of life during the political and social turmoil of 20th-century India. The story battles with notions of race and class, of love and redemption, all with the underlying question: how to retain hope in the face of tragedy?

Despite its length, The Covenant of Water is not a slow burner. We are introduced to our protagonists in the only way that Verghese seems to know how –through powerful, lifechanging events that immediately set in motion the course of the tale and immerse us in the lives of his characters. The novel opens in 1900 with our protagonist, a 12 year old girl from Kerala, clutching on to her mother as she awaits the boat that will carry her to her new life as the wife of a 40 year old widower. This scene in itself sets the tone of the novel- not as a tragedy, as one might expect, but as a story of faith in the face of tragedy. Despite the fear conveyed by Verghese’s emotional prose, the allegorical undertones of these traumatic events uphold a sense of hope that runs throughout the story.

We follow this child, who comes to be known as Big Ammachi (meaning Big Mother), as she becomes the matriarch of the estate called Parambil where she has two children and acts as mother to her husband’s son from his previous marriage. The novel progresses and she grows to be the beating heart of Parambil as her family and community is repeatedly struck both by blessings and disasters.

The story’s crux comes at Big Ammachi’s discovery of ‘The Condition’: a hereditary curse that causes one family member from each generation to die in a water-related incident, and for which no doctor can find a cure. The curse plagues the family and the community, leaving fear, but also resilience, in its wake.

Running in tandem to the tale of Big Ammachi and Parambil is the story of Digby Kilgour, a Glaswegian doctor seeking refuge from a traumatic past. He has moved to Madras, modern day Chennai, to practise medicine, but his work is tainted by the internal struggle of his own privilege as a British man in colonial India. When the doctor is stuck by tragedy, his story is forced in an unforseen direction that tests his own limits of personal faith and redemption.

Though the narratives initially run parallel to one another, with chapters alternating between Parambil and Madras, as the story progresses they begin to converge, overlap and intertwine. While many of these interactions feel, at times, a little too coincidental,

Verghese uses the notion of interconnectivity to illustrate the central message of his story: that life is like the ‘covenant of water’.

Despite their differences and physical distance, the characters have fated bonds to each other. Their lives run on paths that are fluid and unpredictable, but that meet suddenly like the confluence of rivers, raising questions about the bounds of community and belonging.

Verghese also engages with the ever-changing political contexts in which his characters find themselves. While continuing to centre lived experiences, the author elegantly portrays how individual lives are subtly shaped by the tensions of decolonisation, the Naxalite revolution, the formation of Kerala, and Indian independence.

It is here, however, that The Covenent of Water verges on the cliché. In their unwavering faith, Verghese’s characters seem be attached to fixed and rigid destinies; characters that are ‘good’ remain good, in the same way that their ‘bad’ counterparts remain bad. Similarly, only those who are seen to deserve redemption and forgiveness receive it. The constant awareness of his protagonists of their own privilege –whether that be with the white privilege of the colonial health-workers, or of the caste privilege experienced by Big Ammachi –sometimes feels a little self-virtuous, and oftentimes unconvincing.

But despite the slight underdevelopment of character complexities, little can be done to distract from Verghese’s beautifully absorbing narrative. His personal experience as a physician and medical professor plays to his favour here. His in-depth, graphic knowledge of the body is illustrated through lyrical descriptions that transform the body from its physical state into something of wider social significance. The novel is full of medical tragedies, but each refuses to confine itself to the status of the individual body –for Verghese, a scar becomes a mark of a tragedy survived and overcome, an abscess sparks a political uprising. The body affects the individual –through what it inherits, what it’s marked with, and what it represents –in a way that has the power to change the course of not only the individual’s narrative, but also of the world that the characters inhabit.

Telling 70 years worth of stories is an impressive feat, and Verghese does so without faltering in his tender and moving narrative style. His third generation of characters is introduced with as much care and emotion as his first, and through the intense familial and communal love that threads itself throughout the book, he beautifully portrays the human capability for faith and compassion in the face of hardship and tragedy, and pays homage to the passage of time itself.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, £20, available from local bookshops n

Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water is a modern epic. The 700-page novel transports the reader to the beautiful but politically charged setting of 20th-century India, constantly testing the bounds of love, faith, and redemption. Isabelle Blakeney reviews...

When is a car not available for private use?

A taxable car benefit arises when a car is available to an employee (including a director), their family or household for private use, regardless of whether or not it’s actually used for that purpose. The Upper Tribunal recently decided a longstanding and contentious question regarding employer-owned cars, especially where company directors have access to them.

Tim Norton Motor Services Ltd owned two prestige cars, a Maserati and a rare Ford which were used by Tim Norton. HMRC disputed the figures the company reported for car benefit on Forms P11D. The dispute involved the periods the company declared that the cars were available for Tim’s private use.

Tim’s argument was that there were periods when the cars were not available for private use because the company had lodged a statutory off-road notification (SORN) with the DVLA.

During the periods covered by the SORN no road tax was due or paid for the cars,Tim considered this to mean that it would be illegal to use the cars on the road and in effect for that reason they were not available.

HMRC’s counter argument was simply that the legality of using a car on the road was not a factor in deciding whether it was available. The word “available” has no special meaning for tax and so the legal consequences of driving an untaxed car were irrelevant. Where a car is physically available the only let out is where “...the terms on which it (the car) is made available prohibit...” private use. A car is available unless physically prevented or prohibited by the employer.

In the Tribunal’s view there was no question of the cars being physically prevented from being used as they were capable of being driven on the road. The issue was whether there was a legal restraint prohibiting their use.

The Tribunal accepted that in this case there was a prohibition in the company’s employee handbook that required permission from the company for the vehicles to be used for private journeys. However, on the facts presented, the judges concluded that approval by the other director of the company had been given, albeit tacitly in some instances.Therefore, the contractual prohibition was removed and the cars were available.

The moral of this story, especially for directors of small companies, is if they wish to prevent a company car benefit charge they must make the car physically unavailable. Alternatively, they must prohibit private use clearly in a letter or agreement (at the very least the staff handbook) and have a system where express permission, preferably written, is required before using the car privately. For example, a log showing when the car is made available signed on each occasion by a third party, e.g. senior employee or other director.

For more information contact us – call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Taylor or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507

The importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney?

A recent survey of 2,000 UK residents by Which found that while 85% of respondents knew what a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) was, only one in seven people had one in place.

In her latest article Qualified Paralegal, Kate Norris discusses LPAs, the misconceptions, and the benefits of having an LPA.

The misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about the use of LPAs but the two most common are that people incorrectly believe they lose access to their financial accounts once the LPA is registered and that an LPA can be created at any time during a person’s lifetime, not realising that it cannot be done once mental capacity has been lost.

There are two different types of LPAs. Under the LPA for Property & Financial Affairs, while you still can make your own decisions, you can ask your attorneys for help with your financial matters, for example, to sign documents for you or go into the bank on your behalf. Your attorneys would only take over if you were ever to lose the ability to make your own decisions about your finances.

With an LPA for Health & Welfare, your attorneys would only be able to act if you were unable to make health and welfare decisions yourself.

If you lose mental capacity to make your own decisions without an LPA in place, your loved ones will have to apply for a Deputyship Order at the Court of Protection. It is a significantly more costly and complex application than making LPAs. The Deputy is accountable to the Court on an ongoing basis and an annual supervision fee applies. Applying for a Deputyship Order also takes considerably longer than registering an LPA.

The benefits of an LPA

You can appoint someone you trust

An LPA gives you peace of mind that someone you know, and importantly trust, oversees your affairs. Without an LPA in place, it is left up to the Court to approve who should make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.

Access to money when needed

If you are the primary earner and you became incapacitated it is likely that your partner, children, or friends would need urgent access to your bank accounts to ensure essential bills continue to be paid. An LPA protects your loved ones from entering a legal limbo where they cannot make these crucial decisions.

You can leave instructions

Having an LPA in place means you can leave instructions for your loved ones. If an attorney is presented with a choice, they can follow any instructions you have left in your LPA, which would be legally binding. Peace of mind

Think of LPAs as if they were an insurance policy. Once you have made LPAs and the documents have been registered, you can simply file them away and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if anything should happen, they are in place to make things easier for you and for your loved ones.

We insure all aspects of our daily lives in case the ‘worst’ should happen, so why not our ability to make decisions?

To discuss making a Lasting Powers of Attorney or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Kate Norris on 01225 750055 or email kate.norris@mogersdrewett.com.

Call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Taylor or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting

CITY NEWS

The Deca Doctor

RUH Head and Neck Surgeon Stuart Gillett will be taking part in the Deca-Ironman in Mexico on 24 September. This continuous race comprises of 10 times the standard Ironman distance (decaultratri.com). The challenge involves a24-mile swim, a 1120-mile cycle and a 262-mile run.

Stuart, who is already the current UK record holder for 3x and 5x Ironman distance triathlon, said: “At present I’m trying to get up at 4am to fit in my training before work, with the objective of raising £10,000 towards this new AI software that will save our Consultant Oncologists a large amount of time allowing them to spend more time with the patients.”

computer radiotherapy AI software for the new RUH Dyson cancer centre. This software will provide cutting-edge radiotherapy planning to benefit patients being treated for cancer by freeing up the time of Consultant Oncologists to concentrate on patient-facing care.

Do you need a Will? If so, make or update your Will in September and lend your support to the Royal United Hospitals, Bath.

RUHX, the official NHS charity for the Royal United Hospitals Bath, is offering the public the chance to make or update their Will throughout September for a reduced fee, so that the charity can continue to provide extra extraordinary care for everyone in Bath and beyond.

Solicitor firms across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire are providing their professional services for free by donating 100% of their fees to the hospital in a bid to raise the importance of planning for the future and helping to raise funds for patient care. The costs for a professional Will writing service are £195 for a standard single Will, or £295 for a standard Joint Will.

Visit ruhx.org.uk to find a participating solicitor or contact jan.witt@nhs.net

Stuart is raising money in conjunction with trust charity RUHX (ruhx.org.uk) to buy

Mito Awareness Week

World Mitochondrial Awareness Week from 18–24 September will see landmarks across the UK lit up green in support of this rare genetic disorder. Mitochondrial disease, or mito, is an incurable genetic disorder that affects people in different ways. It often affects babies and young children, the longterm prognosis is poor, and there is currently no cure.

The Lily Foundation are the UK’s leading mitochondrial disease charity, and the largest charitable funder of the disease in Europe. Sarah Moore from Bath is the corporate fundraiser for the charity and has also experienced her own personal tragedy of mito with the loss of her two daughters,

Make or update your Will Conservation work at VAG

Royal Crescent Hotel partners with Amethyst Trust

The landmark 5* Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath has partnered with The Amethyst Trust, creating a specially adapted treatment menu of TEMPLESPA treatments that are suitable for guests who are medically frail, recovering from illness or are suffering or recovering from immune compromising diseases such as cancer. These adaptable and

customisable treatments allow therapists to create bespoke treatments for patients.

The partnership has launched to meet the needs of people who have experienced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses who are seeking massage, relaxation and pampering therapies in the spa.

Therapists have been trained to enable clients to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy, knowing that their therapist understands how to safely treat them.

The hotel has chosen the British skincare brand TEMPLESPA for its product range, which contains the highest quality ingredients to make sure skin is truly cared for. Everything TEMPLESPA creates is inspired by the Mediterranean; the products combine Mediterraneaninspired botanicals with the latest dermascience to deliver visible results. royalcrescent.co.uk

You can donate, follow and see more about Stuart’s story on Instagram (@thedecadoctor), or Just Giving (justgiving.com/page/stuartgillett-thedecadoctor)

Harriet aged 18 months and Kimberley aged 4 years. She says, “There are lots of people who have never heard of this genetic disorder. Spreading the word is a powerful way of helping everyone affected by mito.” If individuals or businesses would like to help the charity, email Sarah at sarahmoore@thelilyfoundation.org.uk

The Upper Gallery of the Victoria Art Gallery will temporarily close to visitors from the 4 September for conservation work over the autumn. The gallery team will put the collection of artworks into storage before work begins to replace the glazing of the historic roof above the gallery. At the same time work will begin to create ‘The Studio’, a brand-new creative learning space for schools and the local community. While work is ongoing, the Lower Gallery of the museum will remain open to the public for a programme of inspiring temporary exhibitions.

victoriagal.org.uk

Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH

to host both short-term and long-term students.

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

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

Sarah Wringer

Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB

Direct Line (01225) 448840

Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

Education in Bath

Bath & North East Somerset has an exceptional number of high-class schools –both independent and state schools –and on the following pages we provide a collection of fascinating insights into those in our area, including messages from the head, and practical outlines of what gives each school its individual character.

Choosing a new school for your child is no mean feat, whether they’re about to start primary school for the first time or make the jump up to secondary education. As a parent the best way to ensure you find the right school for your child is to do your own homework. Now is a good time to start looking ahead to next autumn and researching the options available in the Bath area.

Schools are aware of the need to offer an all-round education and a broad range of extra-curricular activities to engage pupils outside the classroom. Most parents will be looking for a school that balances a strong academic reputation with this extra-curricular provision and the result is schools with an ever-growing list of clubs and activities to offer.

If your child isn’t particularly academically minded, then opt for a school strong in its extra-curricular offering, one that can provide the opportunity for your child to really engage at school, shine in their own field and become part of the community.

While some schools may be highly selective there are plenty that cater for all abilities, or even specialise in helping children in need of individual attention. Other considerationsshould include the size of a school – while some children may thrive in a more competitive environment, others will benefit from being able to progress at their own pace without pressure from peers.

Pastoral care is an important factor, especially if you are looking at full-time or part-time boarding. Will the school nurture and emotionally support your child, while also teaching them the skills to become a confident, independent individual?

Equally as important is the social aspect. Children will be hoping for a school where they can make plenty of friends and develop a wide and welcoming social circle.

Open days for parents and prospective pupils provide the best opportunity to really get a feel for a school –the staff, facilities, current pupils and the general atmosphere. These visits will enable you to see which school is the best fit for your child’s skills, personality and educational needs.

The Bath area is home to a number of schools which offer a unique combination of facilities and opportunities. In our education guide you can discover a little more about what each school offers and find out what they think makes them stand out above the rest. n

Image courtesy of Marks & Spencer

SCHOOL TALK

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

Mr Tim D Markall, Headteacher of Beechen

Cliff School:

“Beechen Cliff is a high achieving state day and boarding school for boys in Years 7-11 with a large, vibrant, academic mixed Sixth Form.

Our vision is to enable our pupils and students to achieve their aspirations and become wellrounded, confident and compassionate individuals who go on to live fulfilled lives and make a positive contribution to society.

We are committed to providing an exceptional, all-round education both in terms of high academic standards and an incredible range of extra-curricular opportunities.

We have high expectations of our pupils in terms of their learning, conduct and appearance and encourage all to take advantage of the opportunities available to them at school.

Our pupils benefit from high quality teaching and pastoral care through working with a committed, experienced and caring team of staff, which leads to examination results above the national average and successful progression to the next stage of education.

We also aim to develop character and an understanding of values with much of our work based around our Core Values of aspiration, compassion, independence and respect”. www.beechencliff.org.uk

ABOUT WHAT WE DO

Monkton Combe School

What is different about Monkton? Aside from the stunning views, outstanding academic exam results and passionate teachers which many schools boast, Monkton focuses on the journey of each individual in a way that is tangibly different. As pioneers in pastoral tracking, Monkton holds true to the belief that self-discovery is the key to success; not only do happy children learn but they also explore their strengths and weaknesses, develop resilience and face challenges with greater strength. The school believes in the power of failure of taking on challenges, accepting this will mean you get some things wrong and become better people because of that. No writing, no booklet, no website will ever capture something so hard to describe; you have to come and meet them yourselves.

www.monktoncombeschool.com

KINGSWOOD SCHOOL: 275 YEARS OF INSPIRING EDUCATION

When John Wesley was questioned about his motives for travelling the length and breadth of the country on horseback and on foot, teaching and preaching to people, his answer was beautifully simple - he wanted people to be happy, to be virtuous and to be useful to others. As we celebrate our 275th anniversary, and look to the future, we draw strength from our history as the first Methodist School.

We are proud of our Wesleyan heritage which calls us to be a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community, recognising that education is about the acquisition of wisdom and humility as well as academic qualifications. Kingswood is a school where individuals are helped to develop their own talents while encouraging others to do the same. Kingswood pupils excel in themselves whilst making a real difference to the lives of others. Through the power of holistic education, we will transform lives, enabling our younger people to grow in mind, in body and spirit, and to leave us ready to make their mark on the world. www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

SCHOOL TALK

A NEW HEADTEACHER AT OLDFIELD

Oldfield School

Oldfield School are delighted to welcome our new Headteacher, Mr Andy Greenhough. A well-known name in the Bath schools’ circuit, Andy has been Headteacher at Ralph Allen School for 6 years. The smooth transition to the new Headteacher will be helped by the fact that Ralph Allen follow similar ethos and values to Oldfield; providing an exceptional education in an environment that challenges all students and fosters ambition.

The outgoing Headteacher, Steven Mackay, has established a high-attaining, inclusive school with a great reputation locally and in the wider community for academic excellence and quality of pastoral care and support.

Andy Greenhough comes with a wealth of experience and is a well-loved teacher and leader. He believes in open and honest communication with parents and the importance of engaging with the local community. “We will continue to celebrate all aspects of school life, ensuring students make the most of the opportunities during their time at Oldfield”.

www.oldfieldschool.com

EXPLORE PRIOR PARK

Prior Park College

At Prior Park College, every child is known, valued, and cared for. The school offers its 600 students wonderful opportunities to explore who they are and find the adult they wish to be. Prior Park provides an outstanding, rounded education for each of its students and encourages them to embrace all the opportunities on offer; acting and singing in first class performances; competing for their team or House; producing impressive works in art and design; leading the school's charities work.

Students emerge from Prior Park with a character that is well-rounded, and an academic profile that allows them to take the next step in life with confidence –whatever that step might be.

Visit priorparkcollege.com or call 01225 835353 for further details or to arrange a visit.

Next Open Morning: 30 September 2023.

www.priorparkcollege.com

Mr Philip White, Headteacher of Hayesfield School:

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

“Choosing the right school for your daughter is a big decision. You want your daughter to be taught in a nurturing environment where she feels both valued and challenged. A school where excellence is encouraged and she is supported to reach her full potential. That school is Hayesfield Girls’ School.

Hayesfield provides an inspirational environment where girls achieve the highest academic standards and develop their own sense of identity and enjoy freedom from stereotyping. Our vision is to develop the ‘whole student’. Academic success is only achieved when our students feel nurtured, encouraged and self-confident. We encourage all our students to take on leadership roles and participate in a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.

At Hayesfield our focus is on providing the best resources, support and guidance to help every young woman who joins us to grow and achieve beyond her expectations. We look forward to welcoming you to our school”. www.hayesfield.com

Bath Academy

THE COLLEGE FOR ALL STUDENTS

Bath Academy is a small, friendly independent tutorial college that offers personalised tuition in small classes. The college environment is diverse, inclusive, and nonselective with a focused aim of personal attention to individual students being central to our academic vision. We believe that taking time to know students and adapting to their individual needs leads to effective teaching, better learning and a positive day-to-day community experience. This makes Bath Academy educationally distinctive and appeals to students of all levels of ability. The college offers a wide range of academic subjects for A Level, GCSE, Revision and Resit courses. Bath Academy is committed to helping each and every one of its students reach their full potential and incorporates a tailored enrichment and student development programme to achieve this. www. bathacademy.co.uk

Mr Barnaby Ash, Headteacher of St Mark’s School:

“St Mark’s promotes self-worth in students to inspire them to live well, achieve their goals and be a force for good both in school and the world beyond.

The school’s curriculum enables learners at all levels to achieve their personal best. We create young adults ready for the world of work, possessing the skills and personal qualities to become healthy, resilient individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

There is a remarkable range of additional activities organised by staff and relished by pupils to extend their learning and enrich their life experiences.

Our students benefit from outstanding support through their educational journey. We work tirelessly to ensure our students have access to a caring environment in which they can readily turn to us, and each other, for support”.

www.st-marks.org.uk

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

Our schools in Bath are better together

At this time of year many parents are looking to find the right secondary school for their child. In Bath, you have many choices of schools - both state and private. There is also a family of secondary schools in Bath that work together so that every young person can experience an excellent education.

Beechen Cliff School, Hayesfield Girls’ School and St Mark’s School are all proud to be part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership (MNSP), a multi-academy trust of 30 schools with over 12,000 pupils on roll. The Trust’s strength is how it celebrates each school’s individual character, while offering support and challenge.

The Bath Hub enables the three schools to work closely together and share a common goal, ensuring that every child in the city has an excellent secondary education.

The schools are now entering their third year of collaboration, with

students from all three schools enjoying opportunities to work and collaborate together.

Behind the scenes, leaders at the schools work to ensure that no students are disadvantaged by the longer term effects of the national pandemic; teachers share high quality teaching strategies that meet the needs of all learners in all schools. This collegiate support saw St Mark’s and Hayesfield achieve a secure Ofsted ‘Good’ rating in their most recent inspections. The report for St Mark’s noted that the rise in academic standards is a direct result of the expertise offered by staff across the Trust.

Last summer, students in all schools sat GCSE and A Level examinations. Combined results for students across the three schools was significantly above the national average and we look forward to a similar set of outstanding outcomes this summer.

To find out more about our schools and how we work together, please come to the Open Evening events, as detailed in each school’s website. We look forward to meeting you there.

From left to right: Emma Yates, Deputy CEO and Bath Hub Lead; Alun Williams CEO; Barnaby Ash, Headteacher St Mark’s; Philip White, Headteacher Hayesfield and Tim Markall, Headteacher Beechen Cliff

Students from St Mark’s, Hayesfield and Beechen Cliff schools

A school full of pride and ambition

This is an exciting time to join St Mark’s School, a school that has rapidly improved over the last two years since joining the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership, which consists of 29 schools within Bath and North East Somerset and neighboring counties.

Set in picturesque grounds on the outskirts of Bath, St Mark’s is a smaller than average sized mixed secondary school where students can quickly establish themselves and develop their true identities, in a setting where the staff know every child and value their contributions in the school. This helps ensure that our students develop a strong sense of belief in themselves and encourages them to be masters of their own destiny. But our smaller size doesn’t limit what we can offer. Through our collaboration with Hayesfield Girls’ School and Beechen Cliff School we provide excellent opportunities both in and out of the classroom, so that students have high aspirations and experience personal growth through a high quality curriculum offer and a wide range of exciting and engaging personal development opportunities.

We were visited by both Ofsted and SIAMS in the 2021/2022 academic year and both of these inspections resulted in a ‘Good’ grading in the new challenging frameworks.

If you would like to see why the inspectors were so impressed, come and visit us this autumn to experience our positive learning environment full of young people who are supported in their learning, motivated to work hard together and who would be happy to share their personal stories of success with you. We look forward to being able to welcome you to our aspirational and friendly school community.

Open Evening

19th September 2023, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Presentation at 6:30pm

Doors open from 6:00pm

Tours from 7-8:30pm

Open Mornings

29th September 2023

9:00-11:00 am

Welcome at 9:00am

St Mark’s School

Bay Tree Road, Bath BA1 6ND 01225 312661

Info@st-marks.org.uk

Stonar School

Stonar is a co-educational, day and boarding school (ages 2-18) in Wiltshire, delivering an excellent, nurturing education that yields fantastic results. Set in 80 acres of rural grounds, with 430 pupils, Stonar is an environment where every pupil is known. Everyone is encouraged to get involved in all aspects of school life and the school has a hard-working academic environment, enabled by teaching that treats pupils as individuals. You don't have to be a rider to come to Stonar but the school is renowned for its Equestrian Centre. With stabling for up to 65 horses and ponies we offer an unequalled equestrian curriculum to suit complete beginners, through to experienced competitive riders. www.stonarschool.com

REASONS TO VISIT

Millfield Prep School

Five reasons to visit Millfield Prep School:

• Independent Prep School of the Year, 2022/23

• Sport School of the Year, School Sport Magazine 2023

• Independent School Inspectorate rating of double Excellent

• Best of the Best Prep Schools for Pastoral Care, The Week 2023

• Top Good Schools Guide Review

Millfield Prep is a co-educational day and boarding school for ages 213 in Somerset. The school offers a diverse range of subjects, sports, arts and activities, supported by outstanding facilities. The schools’ aim is to ensure every child discovers their brilliance. Everyone lives by the school values: Be Kind, Be You, Be Challengers, Be Curious and Be Brilliant. Millfield Prep offers boarding from ages 7+, with full boarders enjoying weekends filled with activities.

Open Days on Saturday 7 October 2023 and 2 March 2024. Book online at millfieldschool.com/admissions/open-days.

SCHOOL TALK

A FAMILY OF THREE SCHOOLS

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

King Edward’s School

King Edward’s School has held a special place in the city for well over four and a half centuries and is now firmly established as one of the leading schools in the south-west of England. As a family of three schools, the Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior sections of King Edward's offer an inspiring and supportive environment for children

Melissa George, Headteacher St. Gregory’s Catholic College:

“Saint Gregory’s is an incredibly special community. Everyone talks about the school being like a ‘family,’ and it truly is. Upholding its ethos and spirit of family is central to my role,” says Melissa George, Headteacher at Saint Gregory’s Catholic College.

DISCOVER MORE

Paragon School

The Bath based Paragon School offers outstanding independent education for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. Situated in 8 acres of woodland, lawns and playgrounds in a beautiful Georgian country house and converted stables, the school offers a wonderful environment for learning and adventure both inside and out of the classroom.

age 3 to 18.

Our pupils are bright, inquisitive and aspirational, but they also have their feet firmly on the ground. All pupils are encouraged to be the best they can be and all are nurtured along the pathway to leading happy, fulfilled and successful lives at school and beyond.

www.kesbath.com

“There is an unwavering commitment to the young people in our care. We encourage students to live the values of ambition, virtue, respect and responsibility, ensuring that they thrive and flourish as well-rounded, reflective and caring young people ready to take their place in society.

“The atmosphere is calm, purposeful, industrious and creative, making it a nurturing environment for both students and staff. It’s a happy and vibrant school and I look forward to building on its ongoing success.”

www.st-gregorys.org.uk

Rosie Allen, Head of School since 2020 says: "The Paragon journey is one of limitless discovery. Each child enjoys a fully immersive educational experience, rooted in our school values of Kindness, Compassion, Honesty, Self-Belief and Aspiration, whilst exploring and developing their attributes as learners. Adventures are wide and varied, centering on the beauty and joy of childhood alongside preparation for the world beyond. Pupils blossom and grow as individuals who feel they have something to offer wherever they may be. Our approach goes well beyond simply seeking academic success. Instead, this comes as a biproduct of each child focusing on their own growth."

Onward journeys are to Prior Park College and other independent and state schools, with a high number of scholarships and awards offered to Year 6 pupils each year.

Visit www.paragonschool.co.uk or call: 01225 310 837 (term time only).

Next Open Morning is Friday 22nd September.

Alastair Tighe, Head Master, Wells Cathedral School:

“Wells is a familyorientated coeducational boarding and day school for 2-18 year olds, which provides an allround education alongside worldclass Specialist Music and Chorister training. Their vision is to inspire every individual pupil to nurture their talents in a vibrant, creative, spiritual and stimulating environment to become a responsible global citizen.

The school provides an encouraging and ambitious education for every child based on their underlying values of Creativity, Aspiration, Responsibility and Endeavour (CARE).

Their strategic vision is driven by the school motto: ‘Esto Quod Es’. This has been the motto since at least the 19th century when the school was re-founded. The adopted translation ‘Be what you are’ succinctly and powerfully represents the school’s belief in the individuality of each pupil. The school is very conscious that pupils discover who they are and equip all of them with the ability to enjoy a lifetime of discovery. The journey begins here at Wells”. www.wells.cathedral.school

A PIONEERING SCHOOL

Royal High School

Unique within the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) family of schools, Royal High School Bath is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18 with all the power of a GDST education.

GDST schools are pioneers in, and shapers of the future of girls’ education.

Our teachers inspire each girl, with a strong focus on developing the skills, knowledge and character your child needs for the future. Royal High School Bath students benefit from all that GDST offers combined with an approach where every child is known and can flourish. Every voice is heard and every opinion matters.

We have a strong history of specialising in girls' only education; our pastoral care is exceptional and all our lessons and extracurricular programmes have been tailored to the way that girls learn and develop.

The balance of a nurturing but challenging environment is the key to our students testing themselves and growing in confidence. We help girls be the best that they can be, and provide the springboard they need to develop a fearlessness for life – our students leave ready for the world’s challenges and equipped with skills for their future – set to make their mark on the world. www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

Pools with community

Cleveland Pools, the oldest surviving lido in the UK, has never been just a swimming pool; it’s been a place to meet friends, for many years the only place to learn to swim, and its history traces the culture of the times, the values around swimming and health and above all the importance of community. Emma Clegg meets with Chair of Trustees Paul Simons ahead of the reopening of the fully restored Pools

Paul Simons has established connections with heritage and with water in Bath. He was the one who put a team together in 1994 and persuaded the Council to support them to speculate on getting a bid together to build the Thermae Spa as a landmark millennium project. The Thermae opened its doors in 2006, a little later and more expensively than planned, but it is now seen as one of the destination jewels in Bath’s tourism crown, providing a modern-day experience of its famous thermal waters.

It’s a good job then that Paul has continued his water-powered heritage career into retirement, having for nine years acted as just one of the stalwart trustees for Cleveland Pools Trust and their project, launched in 2007, to restore Bath’s Cleveland Pools in

Hampton Row – the country’s only surviving Georgian open-air swimming pool.

Paul, who has run the contracting side with the builder, contracts, architects and designers, with other trustees taking on different roles including fundraising and PR, explains that the campaign and the restoration have been beset by challenges and delays. But at all stages the project has been ferociously supported by the people of Bath, many of whom remember learning to swim in its waters in the 50s and 60s, at a time where there was limited public swimming.

The geographical location for the Cleveland Pools, originally known as the Pleasure Baths, was adjacent to the river in Bathwick and a result of the natural bend in the river where people used to bathe. In 1815 the casual swimming taking place there was formalised

with the building of the first pool with accompanying buildings, funded by public subscription, which opened as a simple diversion of the river. “The Pleasure Baths site represented a secluded, romantic-style sanctuary for those in Regency Bath who desired privacy and the benefits of a freshwater, open air bath,” says Linda Watts in her Swimming Through History book, about the history of the Pools.

“The baths as constructed were a convenient and comfortable adaptation of swimming in the Avon, river water being diverted to flow through the original main pool, with steps for access. A filter was designed for the incoming river water and it is possible that springs came up from the base of the pool, mixing spring water with the river water flow. The original pool was half-moon

shaped and was fed directly from the river. Changing rooms in the form of a crescent were created with a cottage at the centre, featuring an archway where visitors could be received.”

The symmetrical architectural design with its distinctive crescent shape has been attributed to John Pinch the Elder (1769–1827), who was working on elements of the surrounding Bathwick Estate and was also among the original subscribers to the Cleveland Pools.

A significant milestone in the Pools’ development was the 1827 refurbishment, which saw the inclusion of a Ladies’ Pool with its ‘Perpetual Shower Bath’, with high walls obscuring the bathers from unseemly public view. The early female bathers at the baths were likely to have worn restrictive clothing

that would have only been practical for immersion and little movement, but not active swimming. Mixed swimming was introduced in June 1913, seen as progressive and recognising the advantages of families being able to swim together.

Other notable dates included the construction of the Upper Pool in 1852–61; and the main pool being cut off from the river inlet in 1886, with a sluice gate to the outlet and a brief closure from 1898–89. In 1900 Bath Corporation’s Waterworks Committee bought the Pools for £100 to replace Darlington Wharf bathing space. Years later

There were also many transitions of ownership, constant financial pressures, and numerous additions, improvements and repairs undertaken throughout the Pools’ lifetime, but for considerable blocks of the 20th century, particularly in living memory during the 50s and 60s, the Pools were used regularly for swimming by local families and children. The Cleveland Baths were seen as a social hub, a place to meet up with friends. Jenny Wyatt remembers her husband proposing to her one day in July 1963 after he emerged from the pool – she accepted! In the following years their children were to be regular swimmers at the baths.

Then in 1978 – despite a petition with over 1,000 signatures – the Pools closed, after the opening of the Leisure Centre and its swimming pool in 1975. The Pools were for a short time used as a trout farm, and were then threatened with demolition as an alternative to repair. In 2003 the Pools were completely derelict, hidden and overgrown, and Bath and North East Somerset Council – who still own the site – put it up for sale, when it was also added to the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register.

in 1967 the Bath Spa Committee took over from the Waterworks Committee when the main pool was given a concrete floor and the semi-circular cascade was constructed at its eastern end.

There were many characters who populated the history of Cleveland Pools – including Captain William Evans, proprietor of the baths in the mid-Victorian period, who was well known for owning a pet baboon; Lofty Harris, well over six feet tall who became superintendent in the late 1950s and was renowned for keeping order with ‘just a look’; and John Dagger, the Pools’ last superintendent who taught large numbers of Bathonians how to swim and whose outstanding contributions to swimming coaching and teaching was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1970s.

“The local community, and particularly older Bathonians, those who in the 1950s, and 60s were children and who had learnt to swim here every summer, were outraged at the possibility of losing the Pools”, says Paul. There was a community uprising and thanks to the determination of three local people, Ann Dunlop, Janice Dreisbach and Roger Houghton, the Cleveland Pools Trust was formed in 2004 to rescue the pools from dilapidation. In 2006 its listed building status was raised from II to II* as the Pools were considered ‘particularly important… of more than special interest.’

After an 18-year campaign to save the Pools, a National Lottery Heritage Fund £6.8 million grant was awarded to help the site back into use as a community pool. Over this period The Cleveland Pools Trust has also raised more than £9 million towards the restoration, including additional funds from

Cleveland Baths circa 1910 including Samuel Inkerman Bailey. Courtesy of his family descendents.

The restored Pools includes a children’s pool where part of the main pool used to be.

Photograph Anthony Brown

The original pool was half-moon shaped and was fed directly from the river

the National Lottery, Historic England, WECA and government agency Salix Finance. Funding was also secured for a full-time project manager for three years.

Thousands of supporters from far and wide, many of whom have happy memories of swimming here before closure, joined the campaign and today Cleveland Pools Trust has many volunteers who have given their time towards fundraising, local engagement, organising events and publicising progress. “It’s been a long, long haul of community activity, community engagement, and a fantastic volunteering effort from hundreds of local people over those 19 years,” says Paul.

As an open air, unheated facility, the popularity of Cleveland Pools in the past would have been defined by the weather conditions. Indeed it did have a reputation as being very cold (Ivor Gibbs remembers swimming there in the early 1950s and describes the water as freezing cold, but “warmer than the river”). The restoration, with the proposal developed by architects Donald Install Associates, is based on using the natural, bacteriological filtration of the pool water and employs a water source heat pump to extract heat from the adjacent river to allow bathers to swim in much warmer water.

The logistics of the building restoration were considerable. Paul explains, “It became a very complicated project. The Pools are

tucked away behind terraced housing on Hampton Row, a residential cul-de-sac, and can only be reached via a small pedestrian gateway opening on to a steep and narrow pathway. So 80% of all the building materials came on the river, and 100% of all the waste was taken away on the river. So we had to deliver things to Avon Rugby Club, and unload them with a crane. Then a boat would push a floating pontoon with the materials on it all the way down here, so we were handling materials five times on average when the average building site does it once or twice at the most.”

The main renovation, which started in 2018, was completed in September 2022 with a celebratory opening swim taking place. In June 2023 Cleveland Pools was announced as a winner of the prestigious European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards, honoured as an ‘outstanding heritage achievement’; and were named Restoration Project of the Year’ at the Museum and Heritage Show Awards.

The final elements of the project, the installation of a water pump and a floating

pontoon on the river, allowing the regular riverboats to stop at the Pools for people to swim, are now complete, ready for the Pools’ official opening on Sunday 10 September.

“The floating pontoon is suspended in the river by the bank and anybody coming in a canoe or a boat, particularly the big doubledecker river boats that go up and down every 20 minutes in summer from Pulteney Weir, will be able to stop there as a regular stop on the river”, explains Paul.

“But it's not just a floating deck. It has two huge pipes underneath it with motors and they will pump the river water all the way around the site up to where all the equipment is, which is underground at the higher level, and they will bring the river water in there. And this water source heat pump will then take heat out of the water and then send it back through the other pipe.”

The Pools will be open and heated from March to September, or when the weather turns cold. The original proposal in the early 2000s had planned that the pools would be closed for the rest of the year, but that has

It’s been a long, long haul of community activity, community engagement, and a fantastic volunteering effort from hundreds of local people

Photograph Kitty Dimbleby

now been adapted. “Since that time there has been a massive boom in wild swimming and cold water swimming, and people think nothing about swimming up and down the river in a wet suit. It’s also established beyond doubt that it’s good for both your mental and physical health. And therefore there will be organised swims throughout the winter for wild swimming and other groups when it won’t be heated,” says Paul.

The day-to-day management of Cleveland Pools has been taken on by national operator Fusion Lifestyle, who operate existing outdoor swimming pools including Saltdean, Brockwell Park and Shepton Mallet lidos. Facilities include the main pool, a children’s pool, hot showers, a kiosk selling snacks and drinks, an open air terrace with tables and chairs, 12 changing rooms in the original crescent-shaped building, and fully accessible toilets. There will also –still in the planning –be a buggy to ferry wheelchair users down the steep entrance slope. Plus a hydraulic lift so that wheelchair users can enjoy the Pools. At the far end of the crescent building near the first aid room is the heritage learning space within the former ladies pool. Inside is some information about the history of the Pools. Tickets for swimming, costing from £4.50–£6, can be purchased under the archway of this building. n

Swimming at the Pools will be free on Sunday 10 September. Tickets will be available to book on the Cleveland Pools website from 10am on Saturday 2 September.

Find out more about the history of Cleveland Pools by getting a copy of Swimming Through History by Linda Watts, Lightmore Press (lightmoor.co.uk). clevelandpools.org.uk

FROM TOP: View of the Cleveland Pools original buildings, showing the separation from the river by a low bank. Courtesy of Alan Travers

William Evans walking the ‘greasy bowsprit’, modern sketch. Courtesy of the artist, one of the fun games he devised in the 1860s. Evans was a believer in cold water swimming at all times of the year and would break the ice to dive in for his daily swim

Young bather on the pool steps in the 1960s. Photograph from the Wessex Water archive. Courtesy of the Museum of Bath at Work and Matthew Croft

notebook beauty

PENHALIGON’S new Potions and Remedies Collection

William Penhaligon laboured for his legacy to be delightful. One to cure all ills, one that he and future generations would be rightly proud of! You are about to discover the result of his travails… Discover five new fragrances filled to the brim with miraculous ingredients to boost your mood. Shop at: Penhaligon’s Bath ; or online at penhaligons.com

CHANEL Rouge Coco Bloom

For the ultimate touch of sophistication, the Chanel Makeup Creation Studio created six new shades of Rouge Coco Bloom that coordinate with two new shades of Le Vernis nail polish for the Fall- Winter 2023 Collection. Hydrating and plumping, Rouge Coco Bloom combines a high concentration of pigments with Hydraboost complex, composed of natural waxes and oils, for spectacular shine and long-lasting lip colour. From luminous coral to brownish rosewood and sienna, lips are enhanced by a range of shades that brighten up the complexion. £37. Shop the new Chanel Fall-Winter 2023 Collection in Bath at Boots or visit chanel.com/gb/

HARVEY NICHOLS Indulgent Bathing Gift Set,

Designed to soothe the body and soul, this hand-picked collection boasts blissful bodycare favourites from ESPA’s Bath Oil and OLAPLEX’s cult hair mask for top-to-toe wellbeing. There’s even a Skandinavisk’s scented candle to create a true moment of calm. £150. Shop at: Harvey Nichols Bristol; or online at harveynichols.com.

MOLTON BROWN

The Wild Mint & Lavendin collection

Molton Brown would love to take you on a refreshing and relaxing journey with the launch of its new herbal fragrance, the Wild Mint & Lavandin Collection. This new fragrance is Molton Brown’s unique twist of blending wild mint and distinctive lavandin – a greener and more herbaceous scent, with refreshing green tones, that leaves a natural, addictive, and enlightened finish to the skin. The fragrance is wearable all year-round and is the brand’s first iteration amongst the Fougere scent family. Eau de Toilette, £85; Eau de Parfum, £120 and Bath & Shower Gel, £25. Shop the collection at: Molton Brown in Bath or visit moltonbrown.co.uk

JO MALONE LONDON’S English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne

Jo Malone London has long celebrated the beloved English pear through the timeless fruity-floral fragrance, English Pear & Freesia. This most-loved scent is now available in a special-edition cologne with a fluted bottle design and, as a new floral partner to take this mellow and juicy ingredient in a fresh direction, the brand have just launched English Pear & Sweet Pea. . 100ml, £118. Shop at: Jo Malone in Bath or online at jomalone.co.uk

From luxury fragrances to magical serums, here’s some new and thoroughly gorgeous products to help you feel good and achieve your best self this Autumn

Outstanding Care in Weight Management

Weight management is a topic on which everyone has an opinion, but these opinions can often be overgeneralised and actually detrimental rather than helpful. Stereotypical views of weight as a reflection of laziness and greediness, combined with diets that have been unsuccessful in the longer-term compound a personal sense of failure and shame. And the more times a person goes around the cycle of weight loss, the harder it is to believe that anything can change.

The tide is changing, however, from old messages of ‘you just have to eat less and move more’ to recognising the complexity of factors that influence weight. Sleep, stress, endocrine disturbance, gut hormones, nutrition and physical activity levels all have a part to play, as well as genetic factors which can be activated under certain physical and environmental conditions.

What we offer

At Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, we provide a range of different interventions to meet an individual’s needs. Our specialist weight loss team is made up of consultant bariatric surgeons James Hewes, Alan Osborne, Hari Najeswaren and Dimitris Pournaras, dieticians Dafydd Wilson-Evans, Jeanette Lamb and Beth Greenslade, and consultant clinical psychologists Vanessa Snowdon-Carr and Emma Shuttlewood. Between them, they offer a multidisciplinary approach which begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand when difficulties with weight developed, eating habits, physical and emotional health and wellbeing, before suggesting the options for treatment.

Wellness interventions

Because many people want to refocus on weight management, we offer a number of different options, including tailored nutritional support from dietitians, group interventions for dietary change, or a focus on habits and behaviour change with a clinical psychologist. We offer more specialised psychological help if needed for disordered eating and mental health difficulties, as these issues are likely to have an impact on how food is used.

Weight Loss Medication

Medication for weight loss is now more effective than ever, working by replicating the gut hormones that are linked to hunger. Feeling less hungry and more satisfied after eating, we will support you to focus on your nutrition and lifestyle habits, helping you to manage your weight in the long term. On average people lose 10% of their total body weight over a period of 12 months.

Gastric balloons

At the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, we use the Allurion Balloon, which does not require surgery, endoscopy or anaesthesia and is placed in a 20-minute appointment. The balloon is filled with saline and remains for approximately 4 months before passing naturally. Typically, people lose 13-15kg by also focusing on habit change supported by the specialist team. We also give you a set of smart scales linked to an App to track your progress.

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric, or weight loss surgery remains the most effective intervention for both weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss in the longer term. Our team meets the highest standards of recommended practice by offering a multi-disciplinary approach from surgeons, dietitians and psychologists as a standard. This is rare within private practice, and we are proud of our approach at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, providing comprehensive support with specialists in their field.

We provide the following surgeries, all performed laparoscopically using keyhole surgery:

•Gastric Bypass – this procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach which is then connected to the small intestine. As a result, the rest of the stomach is bypassed. By doing so, it not only reduces the amount that a person is able to eat but it also changes the gut hormones which are linked to hunger and feeling of fullness. It results in rapid weight loss in the first 6-months before stabilising over time.

•Sleeve Gastrectomy – this procedure removes a large section of the stomach, leaving a ‘bananashaped’ section that is closed with staples. As with the bypass, it reduces appetite in the short-term, reduces the amount of food able to be eaten at any one time, and affects the gut hormones.

•Gastric Banding – this uses a device that is placed around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch. It is connected to a port placed under the skin so that fluid can be added to the band to adjust the pressure. It helps to make changes to the way a person eats, as well as enabling an earlier sensation of fullness.

•Revision surgery – sometimes people need to have their gastric band or sleeve revised to a gastric bypass.

Help after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is a very powerful tool for weight management, but long-term success requires a person to make changes to how, what and why they eat. We provide support for 18months following surgery as standard, and also offer consultations for individuals who have had their surgery elsewhere.

For more information, contact the Enquiries team at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital by calling 0117 911 5339, or visit our website.

Meet our team of weight loss specialists: James, Hari, Jeanette, Vanessa, Dafydd, administrator Abby, Alan and practice manager Lucy.

AESTHETICS

• Dermal fillers

• Lip enhancement

• Wrinkle treatments

• Profhilo

• Non surgical skin tightening & lifting treatments for face, eyes & neck

EYE TREATMENTS

• Micro-pigmentation for brows, eyes & lips

• HD Brows

• HD Brow lamination

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Dyrham Park reimagined

Dyrham Park is sparkling with 17th-century life once more thanks to a massive project to revitalise, restore and reimagine the baroque house. Following the roof replacement in 2016, plans have been underway to re-present the house as created by owner William Blathwayt in the late 1600s by telling its stories, showcasing its collection and highlighting its historic features. Here, Dyrham Park’s Property Curator, Eilidh Auckland, takes us inside...

Tell us about some of the main features that have been restored and conserved at the 17th-century baroque house, including the trompe-l’oeil screen that has been created to represent Blathwayt’s ornate long-lost Japan Closet...

The historic interiors have been transformed, with the removal of the 1930s and 1970s wallpapers and paint, and the reintroduction of beautifully painted walnut and oak panelling. The Japan Closet, which was created in the 1690s, but removed by the Victorian owners, has been re-imagined with a large-scale installation of a partition decorated to evoke the long lost interior. This small room was the inner sanctum of William Blathwayt, owner and creator of Dyrham Park in the late 17th century. The Japanese and Chinese influenced décor was highly fashionable and expensive to achieve. The room would have been furnished with Chinese porcelain, lacquered cabinets and silk wall hangings.

Experiencing the house now appears to be multi-sensory. What can visitors expect to see/feel/hear/smell when they visit the house?

A visit to the house will involve all the senses. From bird song and harpsichord music to viewfinders, buttons to press and objects to pick up from newly installed information stands. Visitors will have the chance to follow their own self-led trails, speak to volunteers, read the room information, or just wander and enjoy the fascinating rooms.

Following the restoration, how has the history of the house been brought to life, and the artefacts within it properly

represented, shared and interpreted?

The most significant period in the history of the house is the late 17th century, during which time the country was experiencing turmoil, both at home and abroad. Events such as the Glorious Revolution in 1688 leading to a new form of monarchy and parliament; the growth of overseas colonies and trading routes; wars being funded by the newly formed Bank of England; and the development of the stock exchange in Britain are all stories that can be told in the house. Through objects, exhibitions and tours, the events of this pivotal period of history are brought to life. The National Trust is researching the history of William Blathwayt and his role as a senior colonial administrator, Secretary to War and acting Secretary of State, to understand the connections between Dyrham Park in the late 17th century and how those events led to the Britain we know today.

What does the new adjoining exhibition include and what are some of the must-see collections and items?

The exhibition focuses on the life and career of William Blathwayt and can be found in a suite of rooms on the ground floor, accessible from the garden. In the display, visitors can see Blathwayt’s pistols, the architect’s drawings of his house and some of his finest Delftware ceramics. Within the house you can see the paintings and furniture of the late 17th century, along with later paintings of the Blathwayt family.

What activities are now available for visitors?

In one room, visitors are invited to try on a selection of wigs and pose behind an opaque screen to have a silhouette photograph of their profile. This was a popular art in the 18th century, just beginning to take hold at the time Dyrham Park was completed. We also welcome visitors to leave their comments in the form of a note to William Blathwayt. What would you like to say to the owner of Dyrham Park?

What changes have been made to the gardens, play areas and the café at Old Lodge?

The Old Lodge farm buildings are midway between the car park and the house in the middle of the 270 acres of parkland. Now visitors can spend time relaxing in the new café, which sells sandwiches, snacks, cakes and drinks whilst their children burn off some energy in the play area. An ice-cream kiosk provides extra refreshment to visitors before they head out to the park to enjoy the far-reaching views over to Wales. The renovations included the introduction of toilet facilities so there is no need to rush back to the car park after your coffee.

What work is taking place on the secret passage that links the house to the village church and to the walls in the house’s Gilt Leather Parlour?

The Gilt Leather Parlour is the largest of the parlours in the house and is the home of the library collection. Blathwayt once owned over 2,000 books, many of which have been sold over the years. In 2022, we re-acquired some of those books and these will be on

The east front and evening light at Dyrham Park © National Trust Images James Dobson

display along with copies of the Blathwayt atlas and replicas of books from his collection. There are also two new globes which are replicas of globes from 1688s, made for King Louis XIV. These show the world as William Blathwayt knew it, when vast tracts of Australia and America had yet to be mapped. Beyond the Gilt Leather Parlour is a passage that connects the house to the parish church of St Peter. The passage has recently had the roof repaired and re-plastered and it is hoped that in future we will be able to open the space up to enable visitors to enjoy the lovely views of the garden.

What are some of Dyrham Park’s best autumn walks?

Dyrham Park in autumn is a must see, with hundreds of mature trees, newly planted avenues and misty vistas across the fields. You can enjoy the autumn colours and get some fresh air on the circular walks. The best walk features views over to Wales, a topographic point on a hilltop to identify the distant hills, as well as the handy café at Old Lodge in the parkland. There are set walks to follow, downloadable from the website or set out in a leaflet which you can pick up on arrival. Alternatively, you can wander at leisure or join a guided walk through the parkland, around the garden or around the village of Dyrham. Please check the website for details and times. n

The work in the house is part of a site-wide project called Dyrham Park Rework’d, which aims to create an engaging and meaningful journey into the 17th century. Next on the list is the laying of a 17th-century parterre, topiary and paving on the West Terrace, creating a striking approach to the house.

Dyrham Park is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. The house is open from 11.30am. Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/dyrham-park; Dyrham Park, Dyrham, South Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY.

Visitors exploring the newly presented rooms at Dyrham © National Trust Images James Dobson

The gardens in autumn at Dyrham Park © National Trust Images James Dobson

Vallis Vale and the Wadbury Valley

This month Andrew Swift heads to deepest Mendip for one of the most scenic riverside walks in Somerset, following the course of the Mells Stream through a wooded valley which today is a haven for wildlife.

Not so long ago, this wooded valley was a hub of industry. The fast-flowing stream powered a chain of woollen mills, some of which were later converted to produce iron and steel for making edge tools – scythes, billhooks and the like. The steep-sided walls of the valley were also quarried for stone, in such quantities that a network of tramways and later a railway had to be built to carry it away.

Today, the scars of industry have healed, and, far from having despoiled the valley’s natural beauty, the legacy of all this activity has made it an even more fascinating place to explore. Quarrying has revealed some remarkable geological formations, while the crumbling remains of old lime-kilns alongside the stream add a further layer of intrigue. And industry still makes its presence felt in the shape of a railway line, opened in 1974, which cuts a swathe through the valley en route to the huge quarry at Whatley.

So there is plenty to see, although the main attraction is the rugged, wooded valley itself, popular with walkers and with children netting crayfish from sandy beaches and dogs paddling in the stream’s pools. There is also the option, before returning along the valley, to carry on into Mells, one of the most attractive villages in Somerset.

To get to the starting point, head south to Frome and, having driven through the town centre, turn right along the A362 (signposted to Radstock). After a third of a mile, at Broadway Roundabout, take the left fork, signposted to Whatley and Mells. Carry on for a mile and a half and, after descending a hill, turn right along Elm Lane. When the lane swings left, less than a quarter of a mile further on, drive into a parking area ahead, at the end of which a path leads into Vallis Vale (BA11 3JA; ST757485).

After 100m, as you cross a stile, the Egford Brook swings in from the left. To your right, hidden by dense undergrowth, is the abandoned Vallis Quarry. Continue alongside the brook and after 500m carry on across a bridge over the Mells Stream.

A right turn leads to an open space, on the far side of which you should be able to make out a rough, overgrown path heading steeply uphill. It leads to a forsaken and little-visited spot where quarrying has revealed one of the most celebrated geological formations in the south west, where the horizontal strata of sedimentary rocks have settled on the tilted layers of earlier carboniferous rock (ST755492). It is known as the De La Beche Unconformity, after Sir Henry De La Beche, the first director general of the British Geological Survey, who recognised its importance in 1846.

From here, head back to the bridge – not to recross it but to bear right and carry on alongside the stream. After 100m, look out for a ruined limekiln, cloaked in vegetation, on the right, followed by another, 50m further on, which is much easier to spot.

The path you are following was the route the tramway and later the railway took through the valley. As it crosses a bridge, look to your right to see houses perched on the brink of the stream. On your left, just after crossing the bridge, is another limekiln.

After 200m, the path goes through a cutting bridged by another footpath. The cutting was blasted through in 1943 when the railway was built. If you look to your right after walking through it you will see the bridge through which the tramway it replaced once ran. To your left, again hidden by vegetation, is the face of another quarry.

After 250m, as you pass the remains of an impressive weir, look across to see the former Bedlam woollen mill on the far bank. After 150m, the bridge carrying the line to Whatley Quarry crosses the valley. As the valley narrows, look for another limekiln on the left before the sound of rushing water signals another weir. This powered an iron and steel mill, established here in 1792.

Continue through a kissing gate, across a lane and through another kissing gate. A gravel track leads to the railway line, and, if you look to the left when you reach the gate, you will see it disappearing into a 300m tunnel. Turn right over a bridge and right again on the other side to follow a rough path alongside the stream. Boulders bestrew the path further on, as you pass a sheer quarry face, until, after 500m, a bridge with steps takes you across the stream.

Continuing along the valley, turn left to follow a rough lane until, by the gate to Treetops, you rejoin the path. You soon find yourself walking along a wide and impressively engineered cart track high above the stream. This marks the approach to the biggest mill of all, and, if you look over the wall, you will see the leat through which the water that powered it was funnelled.

The high wall you come to on the left hides the ruins of Fussell’s Iron & Steel Works. In 1744, James Fussell took over a disused woollen mill to make edge tools. His company prospered and by the early 19th century was employing 250 men. Five more mills opened to cope with demand, but in 1894, after a series of financial crises, it was declared bankrupt. For years, it was possible to wander freely through the ruined works, but now it is off limits, with the main building being converted to a house.

The De La Beche Unconformity

Corsham High Street

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 3 hours plus

Terrain: Some rough and boulderstrewn paths; one stile near the start, a bridge with steps; sections may be muddy

Map OS Explorer: 142

Refreshments: Mells Cafe BA11 3PF , 9am–3pm; mellsvillage.co.uk/mellscafe; Talbot Inn BA11 3PN, 11am–11pm Wed-Sun; talbotinn.com

The impressive cascade a little further on is the outfall from Whatley Quarry, from which around six million tonnes of stone is extracted a year. You may well hear the distant rumble of blasting, preceded by wailing sirens, as another chunk of Mendip is blown to pieces.

Further along are the remains of Fussell’s Upper Works, built around 1800, with an impressive sluice gate still in situ. After Fussells ceased production, the works were converted to a water-powered sawmill, which, according to an inscription on a stone, was last repaired as recently as 1952.

Shortly after this you come to a lane (ST733490), a left turn along which leads to the village of Mells. You will find the café down by the bridge, while if you continue uphill you will find the Talbot Inn near the church.

After exploring the village, you can vary the route as you return along the valley by carrying on along the left bank of the stream when you come to the bridge with steps and

following the path uphill. This leads to the village of Great Elm, where a lane leads down to a bridge, after crossing which you can turn left to rejoin the tramway path. n

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

Church Street Folly

Ruined weir along the Mells Stream

Curve appeal

The Royal Crescent Hotel has had a very big interiors facelift in recent months, and interior designers Woodhouse & Law have played their part transforming the lobby, dining room and bedrooms. John Law tells us all. Photographs by

Pete Helme Photography

We were thrilled to be appointed recently by one of Bath’s grandest addresses, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, to transform its lobby, drawing room and bedrooms. Under the leadership of General Manager, Lorraine Jarvie, the hotel has recently seen the launch of a new indoor-outdoor dining concept in Montagu’s Mews, as well as a chic new bar and the renovation of its largest suites. We hoped to complement this recent modernisation with our own schemes and signature style; schemes that would be sympathetic to the building’s history and original architectural features, whilst feeling vibrant, playful and contemporary at the same time.

The hotel is made up of two Grade I listed townhouses set in the centre of arguably the world’s most iconic crescent. Designed by John Wood the Younger, the curved terrace of 30 houses was built between 1767 and 1775. With uninterrupted views over The River Avon, and close to the recently opened Upper Assembly Rooms, the crescent soon established itself as one of the city’s most desirable addresses for those visiting for the season. It was not until 1950 however that a guesthouse was to open at Number 16 Royal Crescent and a further 21 years until it was combined with Number 15 to become The Royal Crescent Hotel.

Today, guests to this very hotel are welcomed from the iconic crescent to The Lobby, with architectural features such as the original fireplace and handsome pediments. Looking to better connect this room to the adjoining reception spaces, we turned to the hotel’s beautiful and unexpected gardens for inspiration. Running to an acre and nestled between the crescent and The Dower House to its rear, the garden is informally divided into a

series of individual spaces, each with their own intricacies and unique style; the afternoon tea gardens, the spa garden, and the wedding garden.

We were keen not only to bring this outside in, but also to pay homage to the much-loved magnolia previously occupying the façade and sadly removed due the damage it was causing to the Grade I building. In our search, our team fell in love with the Italian Promenade fresco design by London based duo IKSEL, reminiscent of the rural scenes so enjoyed by Georgian homeowners. The sylvan design is also a reference to the influence that Italian architecture, with its emphasis on symmetry and proportions, had on the architects of the time.

Looking to provide a fresh, vibrant palette to lift the space, we contrasted this classical mural with a vibrant orange ottoman detailed in brass, a contemporary mid-century style desk and bespoke armoires for either side of the fireplace. To complete the look and to create an impactful, welcoming entrance to the hotel, architectural lighting was then introduced to highlight features such as the pediment over the entrance to the Drawing Room.

We were keen not only to bring this outside in, but also to pay homage to the much-loved magnolia previously occupying the facade

Royal Crescent lobby Royal Crescent lobby

Drawing Room

This adjoining drawing room is a wonderful space, so it was key to bring the original detail of the ornate plasterwork and triple sash windows to the fore here. Walls were painted in Zoffany Quarter Mushroom and complemented with Zoffany Mushroom for subtle definition. Against these sit original, antique portraits, now contrasted with a bold, contemporary piece by British artist Debbie Goldsmith to bring a fresh, new energy to the room. New upholstery - in blues, warm neutrals and oranges – was layered with colour and pattern from the likes of Zinc, Osborne & Little and Casamance to provide further interest and depth.

The room is undeniably a grand one, so we were keen too to create cosy, intimate seating spaces; occasional tables were added, while fringed ottomans offered versatile, additional seating when required. New treatments were also designed to dress the window neatly, without obscuring the views out across the Royal Crescent. Further softer touches were added to offset the grandeur of the space, among them hand-picked accessories and a new lighting scheme that saw a contemporary pendant by Porta Romana, alongside wall lights and table lamps to add gentle warmth in the evening hours.

It was important to us that our designs for the hotel’s bedrooms offered the same understated playfulness; a luxurious, comfortable place for guests to escape to. The hotel is renowned for the wonderful uniqueness of each of its bedrooms - from grand suites with triple sash windows overlooking the Royal Crescent at the front of the hotel, to cosy attic rooms with verdant garden views. So, we relished the opportunity to refresh and modernise each space.

Inspired by the views beyond, those rooms looking out to the gardens now enjoy palettes in vibrant greens and blues. In smaller spaces with less natural light, there’s a bolder use of colour to provide depth and interest. From bright sunshine yellows to a

striking Iris Apfel fabric on an oversized headboard, we adopted a playful approach to each scheme, with contemporary furniture and lighting sitting alongside restored antique armoires. A local maker was also commissioned to provide bespoke new cabinetry in which to house refreshments, while USB ports enable quick and easy tech charging for guests.

We’re very much looking forward to working with Lorraine and the team at the hotel in the next phase of this ongoing renovation and modernisation of this iconic landmark and feel honoured to be part of its ongoing story - one steeped in history but also looking very much to the future. n

Woodhouse & Law, 4 Georges Place, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EN; woodhouseandlaw.co.uk; royalcrescent.co.uk

Guest room

Guest suite

Simply beautiful floors you’ll love for a lifetime

LIGHTBULB MOMENT

From show-stopping pendants to elegant desk lamps, we shine a light on some of our favourite designs in interior lighting...

Junit Lampe “Copla”, £306;e schneidstudio.come

John Lewis Tara Ceiling Light, Walnut Stained Ash, £525; johnlewis.com

Hector Bibendum Table Lampe Natural White, £275;e hollowaysofludlow.come

Acid Marble Table Lampe £2,900;e hollowaysofludlow.come

Adrianne Cluster Pendante Light, £359; made.come

Camberwell Standard Lamp e £227; jim-lawrence.co.uk e

Kaskad Lamp Big Ruste from £682;e schneidstudio.come

Balmoral Pendante Light in antiqued brass, £114;e jim-lawrence.co.uke

Ilaria Pendant Light,e £60; made.come

Finders keepers

With the late summer and early autumn comes the opportunity to forage for soft berries and juicy fruits. Elly West looks at where best to find armfuls of delicious treats...

Atrip to the supermarket isn’t what it used to be with soaring prices meaning many of us are having to rethink our shopping list and spending habits. Free food is an appealing prospect, and it’s there for the taking if you know where to look. What’s more, it involves a lovely walk in the countryside, rather than a stressful trip to a crowded shop.

What’s not to like?

Foraging for food has been the way we’ve survived throughout human history. Looking to the great outdoors for food means walking the path of our most ancient ancestors, and keeps us in touch with nature. It’s good for our mental and physical health, and is something the whole family can enjoy. Blackberry picking is something I remember doing as a child growing up in Somerset, walking along a disused railway line, but armed with a bit of knowledge, there’s much more than blackberry and apple pie to be had.

(A disclaimer is probably needed sooner rather than later, but never, ever pick or eat anything that you’re not one hundred percent sure about. Take responsibility for your own safety and check with your GP if you have any doubts, for example if you are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions. If you’re not sure, don’t pick!)

This month is a great time to find food in abundance, so go armed with your essential kit and see what you can find. Long trousers, long sleeves, gardening gloves and walking shoes or boots are recommended, as you’re likely to encounter nettles and brambles. Take a basket, sandwich boxes or bags to bring home your spoils, secateurs, and a stick with a hook on the end will prove useful for pulling down higher branches for those out-of-reach fruits.

Responsible foraging means considering where you go and what you

take. If you’re looking to forage on private land, always get permission from the landowner. If you live in the city, avoid busy roads because of pollution. Parks, tow-paths and areas with lots of weeds are good places to start – weeds indicating that pesticides haven’t been used. Otherwise, travel out to the countryside for fields, embankments, cycle paths, woodland and hedgerows along public footpaths. Forage in moderation and only take what you need. Avoid harvesting the whole plant or digging anything up.

This month is a great time for collecting wild berries, particularly blackberries. Look out for the black shiny ones that are easy to pick and leave the red ones to ripen for longer, so somebody else can pick them. Eat them fresh, or freeze them for later. Add them to smoothies, or make blackberry jam, or syrup. They’re also great for baking in pies, muffins, cakes and puddings.

Rowan berries are also fairly easy to find, and are rich in vitamins A and C. They are bitter and can cause stomach upsets eaten raw, but perfectly fine when cooked and added to crab apples to make jellies to accompany meat and cheese. Sloes are another treasure I remember from childhood. These dusky grey-blue fruits grow on blackthorn, and can be used to make sloe gin. Rinse 500g of sloes and prick them with a fork, then add 250g of caster sugar and a litre of gin, or enough to cover the berries. Seal the mixture in a jar and shake well once a day for seven days, then leave in a cool dark place for two to three months before straining. The gin is then ready to drink, but will improve over time, so pour it into bottles and enjoy at your leisure. Other berries to look out for include elderberries to add to pies, crumbles and for sauces or syrups; rosehips for fruit teas; and wild strawberries if you’re really lucky.

September is also the start of nut season. Look out for hazelnuts if you can get to them before the squirrels, sweet chestnuts for roasting, and even acorns and beechnuts can be roasted and ground to make a hot drink similar to coffee.

If you like mushrooms, there are around 15,000 types of fungi in the UK that can be found growing wild, many of which are edible. Always use multiple sources of identification before picking and eating any wild mushrooms as there are also some deadly ones out there. The giant puffball is a good starter for novice foragers, as it doesn't have any inedible look-a-likes, save for an actual football. Sliced and fried, it tastes a little like an omelette. The hedgehog mushroom is also fairly easy to recognise. It is light-coloured and grows from the ground with a stem and little spines on the underside.

Leaves are also a great source of free food, whether it’s young nettles for soup, dandelions for tea, or wild garlic for pesto. If you want to find out more, or aren’t sure where to start, then a local foraging walk or workshop led by an expert is a great opportunity to discover some good spots, as well as making sure your spoils are edible. Bristol-based Martin Bailey will be hosting a walk around Odbury Court Estate and Eastville Park on 9 September.

For more information, other walks further into autumn, and to book, visit goforaging.co.uk. For other events in and around Bristol, try also healingweeds.co.uk, or steveengland.co.uk. n

• ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the Month: Rowan (Sorbus)

These beautiful trees, with their Latin name, Sorbus, but also known as mountain ash, are at their prime in late summer and early autumn when the berries ripen, hanging in brightly coloured clusters that are generally red, orange or yellow. They are good contenders for smaller gardens, as they don’t get too large, and offer interest through the seasons, with fresh green growth and white blossom in spring, followed by the berries and good autumn colour. Their open habit and airy canopy create dappled shade that’s not too dense, so won’t dominate the space. Autumn is a good time to plant a new tree. An open, sunny site is best, but they are also tolerant of shade and most soil types. Water regularly for the first two years or so, until well established. ‘Joseph Rock’ is a popular variety with yellow berries and particularly good autumn leaf colour. Sorbus cashmiriana has unusual white berries. They are also good for attracting wildlife to the garden, the flowers attract bees and butterflies, and the berries will be enjoyed by birds including thrushes and blackbirds (and by you, if you decide to cook them and turn them into jelly). Rowan have historically been considered symbols of protection and planted near homes for good luck and to ward off evil spirits.

This pretty cottage which has a wealth of period features offers well presented accommodation has elegant proportions and is arranged over 3 floors.

The house is approached via a pretty courtyard with flagstoned path leading to the front door and uniquely to 34, iron steps leading to the vault and access to the lower ground floor and kitchen.

The ground floor comprises two generously proportioned rooms, one of which being the rear aspect sitting room enjoying a fine view of the garden and a horizon vista to the countryside beyond. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, both with a lovely outlook and a bathroom.

The lower ground floor has a dining room with a handsome stone fireplace, a light kitchen with Poggenpohl units, ceramic flooring and opening out to the conservatory and garden beyond.

The near level garden is enclosed to all sides and offers plenty of seating spaces along with well stocked borders and espalier hornbeams.

Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath; Tel: 01225 333332

Richmond Place, Bath

•3 double bedrooms

•Bathroom and shower room

•Conservatory

•Generous drawing and dining room

•Well fitted kitchen/breakfast room

•Beautiful well stocked gardens

•Vault storage

•Highly sought after residential location

OIEO £1,000,000

This Richmond Place property is a charming 3 bedroom Grade II listed artisan cottage, one of 56 in this highly sought after terrace, over-looking Richmond Green.

Keevil, Wiltshire

£850,000

An idyllic, 4 bedroom detached “chocolate box” thatched cottage bursting with character and charm, nestled within the scenic village of Keevil and boasting generous mature gardens, private driveway for parking and double garage.

• 4 bedrooms

• Grade II listed village home

• Private and generous gardens

• Double garage and driveway

• Wealth of character

• Inglenook fireplace

Cold Ashton, Nr Bath

£2,850,000

An impressive Grade II listed Thatched House of approximately 3600 sq ft having been sympathetically eco rebuilt, architect designed, extended and comprehensively refurbished throughout with high quality contemporary finishes that blend beautifully with fine period detail.

• Comprehensive rebuild and sympathetic extension of a fine period home

• 4 bedrooms and 5 bath and shower rooms, 4 reception rooms

• Beautiful gardens and sun terraces

• Adjacent building plot available by separate negotiation

camella.co.uk

Bath's only independent female estate agent. Helping you find your perfect place for making memories. We cover Bath and surrounding and villages.

Rose Cottage Colerne

£450,000

• Abundance of period features

• Handcrafted bespoke kitchen

• 120ft (approx.) garden

• Woodburning fireplace

• Views of Box Valley

• Summer garden room

Dahlia Gardens, Bathwick OIEO £425,000

• Less than 1 mile to Bath Spa Station

• Overlooking Sydney Gardens

• Garage and off-street parking

• Share of Freehold

• Achieving a rental yield of 4.69%

• Ground floor

www.camella.co.uk

We offer viewings 7 days a week 8am – 8pm

01225 255321

hello@camella.co.uk

Autumnal appeal: advice for preparing your Bath luxury home for sale

transform a room into an inviting and comforting sanctuary. From wools to the tactile texture of bouclé, these simple additions can instantly make potential buyers feel right at home.

Embrace the colours of the season by incorporating autumnal accents into your décor: think warm oranges, deep burgundies and rich browns.

Bring in the scents of the season

As the autumn season arrives, it's not just about the visual appeal of your home but also about the sensory experience. Bring in the scents of the season to captivate potential buyers.

One of the easiest ways to infuse your home is through candles; choose fragrances like pumpkin spice and cinnamon to fill the air with comforting aromas. Place them strategically throughout your home to create a cosy ambience. Make sure you find subtle aromas – you don't want them to overpower a room, as this can be offputting for buyers.

Autumn can be a great time to put your luxury Bath home on the market. With the beautiful autumn colours rich and warm, it is the perfect time to capture the attention of potential buyers and get your property sold. But before you do, there are some key steps that you can take to ensure that your home has maximum appeal. At Peter Greatorex Unique Homes we have put together some top tips for preparing your luxury home in Bath for the autumn property market.

Highlight your home's autumnal features

As the leaves change colour and the crisp autumn air settles in, your home can truly shine with its unique autumnal features. One of the best ways to capture the attention of potential buyers is by highlighting the natural beauty of your property during this season. Take advantage of any trees or foliage on your property by ensuring they are well maintained and vibrant. Showcase the stunning colours of the season by strategically placing outdoor seating or creating cosy nooks with autumnal accents, such as a warm throw blanket or decorative plants.

Don't forget about your indoor spaces. If your home boasts large windows, let in as much natural light as possible to illuminate the rich autumn hues outside. Consider incorporating an occasional autumn-themed decor, such as rustic centrepieces or candle holders, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Add warmth with cosy textiles

As the temperature drops and the nights grow longer, adding cosiness can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers. The autumn season provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the comfort and charm of your property with luxurious textiles. Consider swapping out lightweight summer fabrics for thicker, more textured materials, like chunky knit blankets and soft velvet pillows. By carefully curating your home's soft furnishings, you can

Another option is to use essential oils. Diffuser scents like cedarwood, clove or bergamot evoke the essence of autumn. You could also add natural elements that have a pleasant aroma, such as bowls of fresh apples or dried autumnal herbs and flowers.

By introducing scents into your home-staging plan, you can create an immersive and inviting experience, making your Bath home even more appealing.

Emphasise energy efficiency

In recent years there has been a growing demand for energyefficient homes, especially by buyers who prioritise sustainability and by the wider market due to the cost of living. Before you consider selling your home, are there any upgrades you can make that could improve your property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating? An EPC is required when selling and measures the quality of your home's energy efficiency on a scale of A to G.

Your home may have some eco-features which are important to include in any marketing material, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, or ground source heating. By emphasising the energy efficiency and ecofriendliness of your luxury home, you can create a strong selling point for your property.

Unique Home

We understand the complexities of selling unique and beautiful Bath homes. If you are looking for an estate agent who understands the importance of preparing your home for maximum benefit, please give us a call.

Peter Greatorex. Managing Director of Peter Greatorex Unique Homes

2 ST JAMES’S PASSAGE, BATH, BA1 1QS

on Saturday 16th September 2023 between 10am and 12pm A luxury maisonette with mezzanine level, large private terrace and separate home office featuring:

● Two bedrooms both benefitting from opulent en suite bathrooms ● Open plan kitchen/living room

● Mezzanine floor level creating space for a study/occasional bedroom/reception room

● Separate home office ● Double volume ceilings ● High specification ● 2068 sqft in all

● Leasehold 250 years ● 10 year ICW build warranty ● Underfloor heating

● Asking price £995,000 ● Ask about parking options by separate negotiation

To find out more or to book your appointment, please contact: Hunter Harling, +44 (0)1225 474 591 hunter.harling@savills.com

UNDEROFFER

Notton, Lacock Wiltshire

Offers in excess of £2,750,000

A beautiful 18th Century Grade II listed Cotswold Stone country house with separate coach house accommodation, outbuildings, heated swimming pool, tennis court and garage, surrounded by gardens with orchard, woodland and paddock in approx. 5 acres. EPC Rating F

New Instruction

Axbridge, Somerset

Offers in excess of £2,250,000

An elegant Grade II listed Georgian residence in the heart of the picturesque mediaeval town of Axbridge, on the edge of the Mendip Hills, with 8 bedrooms, beautiful gardens and indoor Spa with swimming pool. EPC Rating D