The Bath Magazine March 2016

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£3.95 where sold

INSPIRED DESIGNS: CREATING THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE LAST TANGO: ACTOR ANNE REID IN CONVERSATION CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF CAPABILITY BROWN EASTER TREATS: ACTIVITIES AND WHAT’S ON IN MARCH WIN: FLIGHTS FOR TWO TO THE ISLES OF SCILLY

MEET THE ARTISTS, CURATORS AND COLLECTORS BEHIND BATH’S ART SCENE

ARTISTIC CITY

ISSUE 162 | MARCH 2016 thebathmag.co.uk

T H E C I T Y ’ S F I N E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I F E A N D L I V I N G I N B A T H

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THE | CONTENTS

MARCH 2016

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5 THINGS TO DO

100

86

50

58

48 FOOD HEROES

What’s up in Bath in March

79

The culinary stars of the future

10 MY BATH

50 THE WAR ON SUGAR

12 GUEST COLUMNIST

58 RESTAURANT REVIEW

Solicitor and runner Robin Phillips

Edward Bayntun-Coward, outgoing chairman of the Bath Preservation Trust

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£250 TO SPEND McArthurGlen shopping spree

WIN

18 FACE THE MUSIC 22 WHAT’S ON 30 FLIGHTS FOR 2 Escape to the Isles of Scilly

WIN

32 IN THE PICTURE Meet Bath’s gallery owners

44 ARCHIVE: BATH POLICE History of the city’s long arm of the law

Even more great content online: thebathmag.co.uk 4 TheBATHMagazine

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THE WALK Climbing up on Cley Hill

86

The Boston Tea Party

GARDENING Celebrating Capability Brown

60 BATH AT WORK

92

Neill Menneer’s portrait of the month

62 BUSINESS PROFILE 70 EASTER FUN

THE SHOFFICE On working from home

98

INTERIORS The latest trends for the home

103 PROPERTY

Things to do with the children

A packed cultural diary for March

82

Interview with writer Calgary Avansino

Louise Prynne CEO of Bath BID

Last Tango in Halifax star Anne Reid

GOOD HAIR DAY The Bath salon that fixes the frizz

Beautiful homes to buy or rent

74 WRITTEN IN THE STARS The night sky this month

77 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT The Bath Half runners’ good causes

78 HEALTH & BEAUTY

ON THE COVER

A splash of colour heralds the arrival of spring as we celebrate Bath’s art scene

Pamper your mum for Mothering Sunday plus soothing students with hypnotherapy

Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

THE BATH MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A MEDIA PARTNER OF THE INDEPENDENT BATH LITERATURE FESTIVAL

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TREETOP HIDEAWAY: tempted to escape from the world? The Old Mill Treehouse hidden among the trees at Norton St Philip can be rented out by the night for an idyllic romantic retreat

from the

EDITOR

T

he March issue heralds the arrival of spring, as we bring you page upon page of activities and events to enjoy in and around Bath this month. You could say that it is our USP (unique selling point) – no one else brings such a varied cultural smorgasbord to your door every month.Whether you’re planning a romantic date with your beloved, a solo trip to an exhibition or show, or a day out at Easter with your children, we’ve got ideas and inspiration for you.

Indeed, ideas and inspiration are twin themes for this issue. We invited a group of Bath’s leading gallery owners, curators and artists to take us on a behind-thescenes tour of the local art scene. Hear, in their own words, about their collections and the artists they admire, starting on Page 32.

I was lucky enough to interview actor Anne Reid, star of Last Tango in Halifax.

At 80, she’s a great role model and great company to boot. She’d agreed to talk to us ahead of her cabaret show coming to Bath as part of her UK tour, but sadly she’s had to cancel that date. We’ve decided to run the interview anyway, and you can read about her early days at the Theatre Royal in Bath and what’s next for Last Tango, on Page 18.

To say that Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was inspired is somewhat of an understatement. The landscape designer left his distinctive mark on so many country estates in the 18th century, which we still enjoy today. Jane Moore, our garden columnist explores his legacy as celebrations of the 300 years since his birth are launched nationwide (Page 86). While our historian Catherine Pitt brings us the story of the Bath police force, one of the first in the whole country (Page 44).

If you’re about to start a project in your home, before you pick up that paintbrush, have a look at our interiors features. From books on decor and colour and advice on the latest trends, to how to create the ideal environment in which to work from home, there’ll be something here to fire your imagination.

Feeding the family can be a joy, but it can also be a challenge. Mother of three and Vogue contributing editor, Californian Calgary Avansino is among the vanguard of food writers extolling the virtues of clean food and plant-based eating.

We chatted to her about the nation’s worryingly high sugar consumption – see Page 98 – but you can learn more about her lifestyle tips when she comes to Topping & Co bookshop on 9 March to launch her book, Keep It Real.

Don’t forget it’s the Vitality Bath Half marathon on Sunday 13 March. There will be road closures as the Lycra-clad army of runners prepares to surge through the city streets. I’ll be pootling along in my running shoes, so I’ll see you there!

Georgette McCready Editor All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

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EDITOR’S PICKS SPRING MOOD: it may still be chilly outside but some of us are already looking forward to shedding our winter coats. Instant Vintage in George Street has this pretty floral skirt, £40, teamed with, Florida blouse £40, Oklahoma knit £48, and floral statement necklace £25

CLASSIC COMBINATION: in spring a young man’s thoughts may well turn to love, but the middle aged are more inclined to daydream about creating the perfect place to relax and enjoy a book. This fresh looking blue and white colour scheme comes from Blue and White Style

by Gail Abbott. Books on interiors, Page 84.

❝

If you took one tenth the energy you put into complaining and applied it to solving the problem, you’d be surprised by how well things can work out . . .

Complaining does not work as a strategy

❞

RANDY PAUSCH: US PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, LIVED 1960 – 2008

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ZEITGEIST

5March things to do in

Change

STYLE ICON: designer Coco Chanel – cigarette aside, she would still look fashionable were she around today

Book Justine Picardie, editor in chief of Harper’s Bazaar and biographer of Coco Chanel will be talking about the legendary fashion designer, her life and legacy as part of next month’s Bath in Fashion festival. Justine, who wrote the bestselling Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life, will also be signing copies of the book at the event on Monday 18 April at 3pm in the tea room at the Assembly Rooms, Bath – a fittingly stylish venue for the ultimate Empress of style.

Tickets are £12. For details of this and many other events – from catwalk shows to exhibitions and an advice session with the professionals, for anyone wishing to work in fashion – visit: bathinfashion.co.uk. Look out too on Twitter @BathinFashion and the hashtag #bifloves for all the latest news of events.

Spring is traditionally the time we start making changes around the house, decorating and maybe even acquiring a few new pieces of furniture or art. Our eye was taken by this rare Marilyn sofa, one of the exhibits at this year’s Bath Decorative Antiques Fair at the Pavilion in North Parade Road, which runs from Thursday 10 (for trade) to Saturday 12 March. The sofa was made as a limited edition in Germany in 1990, inspired by Salvador Dali’s Mae West installation of 1937. If you wanted a talking point for your drawing room this would set you back £3,450. It’s just one of hundreds of unique and interesting objects and artworks on display at the fair, which is now in its 27th year in the city. Admission to the fair on the Friday and Saturday is £5, doors open 11am until 5pm.

Watch At 9am on Sunday 13 March 15,000 runners will set out from Great Pulteney Street to take part in the 2016 Vitality Bath Half marathon.

They’ll be pounding their way round the city centre on a 13.1 mile route, supported by thousands of cheering family, friends and wellwishers. Car owners and residents need to be aware that there will be road closures on the day, but also bear in mind that sponsorship and money made on the day amounts to in excess of £2m for charity. This year there’ll be a record nine live bands dotted around the route to motivate the runners. Spectators and participants are being invited to vote for their favourite in this Battle of the Bands contest.

Visit: bathhalf.co.uk for more information.

Enjoy There’s talk of making the date that Easter falls on the same each year, but meanwhile we can enjoy a good old British grumble about it being too early this year. Good Friday falls on Friday 25 March and many workers will be lucky enough to get four days off, as Monday 28 March is also a bank holiday. Children will be on holiday, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities for days out and to taking part in the traditional Easter egg hunt.

This little fellow, the golden chocolate bunny, will be making a welcome appearance in many a Bath household – we like to hide them where the children can’t reach them . . .

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Listen He may be an international star, with a string of hit albums and a Radio 2 jazz show, but we’ll always think of Jamie Cullum fondly here in Bath, where he played some of his early gigs. As part of the Bath Literature Festival (which runs from Friday 26 February to Sunday 6 March) there’s a chance to hear about a different side to Jamie as he talks to festival artistic director Viv Groskop about his love of the written word. He’ll be at the Guildhall on Thursday 3 March. Jamie is just one of a stellar lineup for the litfest which includes china designer Emma Bridgewater and actress turned writer Celia Imrie, presenter John Suchet and comedian Dom Joly. For more details visit: bathfestivals.org.co.uk.

Jamie Cullum

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

Visit:

American Toy Story, celebrating games, toys and memorabilia from our collective childhoods, is the theme of the big summer exhibition which opens at the American Museum in Bath on Saturday 19 March, from noon to 5pm. For the opening day the museum at Claverton is inviting visitors to dress as their favourite film characters, in return for free entry. There’ll be the chance to meet your favourite film characters, check our some vehicles you’ve seen in films and to visit the exhibition which will evoke many happy memories for people of all ages. Marc Allum and Lisa Lloyd of the BBC Antiques Roadshow will be on hand to give valuations on toys and collectables.

See:

The Fashion Museum is to unveil its exhibition A History of Fashion in 100 Objects on Saturday 19 March, celebrating fashion throughout history. From a late 1500s man’s shirt to a ‘body-con’ Galaxy dress of the early 2000s, the exhibition will present garments and accessories spanning five centuries of fashion design. The Fashion Museum is run by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Sleep out: There’s still time to sign up for the Big Bath Sleep Out on Friday 4 March to help raise funds for homeless charity Julian House. Sleep without a tent for one night in Alice Park to gain a tiny insight into what it’s like to be without a bed, or home, of your own – although, of course, one night doesn’t come close to the stark reality. Visit: bigbathsleepout.co.uk or call Cathy: 01225 354656.

Plant:

Weston is holding a Potato Day, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 5 March, at the All Saints Centre, giving gardeners the chance to buy potatoes and seeds for this summer’s vegetable harvest.

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My BATH

We asked Robin Phillips partner and head of residential property at Mowbray Woodwards solicitors, what he’ll be doing this month What brought you to Bath?

I’m originally from Hampshire but finished my legal training in London. After visiting friends in Clifton in the 1980s, I decided that I’d had enough of living and working in London and made the move west. I have worked in Bath ever since and joined Mowbray Woodwards in 1995. I have lived in Bradford on Avon since 1996. It is a great town to live in with lots of nice pubs and eateries.

What are you reading?

I usually have several books on the go at any one time. At the moment I’m reading Stalin, The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore, Armageddon, The Battle of Germany 1944-45 by Max Hastings. For some light relief I am about to start A God In Ruins by Kate Atkinson. I have finally taken the plunge and bought a Kindle which I am enjoying, but I still prefer a proper book.

What is on your MP3?

What isn’t?! I have a collection of more than 6,000 LPs and CDs at home. At the moment I’m listening to a lot of Steven Wilson, Frank Sinatra and I am never far from listening to something by Steely Dan. It has been suggested to me that I am obsessive about another of my favourites, namely Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. I have recently purchased from the Oklahoma Historical Society some rare transcriptions. Apparently mine is the only copy they have sold to England, which might suggest something. When I’m running I also like to listen to radio show podcasts from Danny Baker or Clare Teal.

Book of the month The Aliens Are Coming

by Ben Miller Published by Sphere The comedian and actor, returns to his academic roots in physics for this factual exploration of what life there might be out there in the universe. If you’ve ever pondered the efficacy of the human voice sending messages of peace to the vastness of space, or wondered why so many aliens

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

The new steak place CAU in Milsom Place is fantastic, and Café Martini on George Street is an old favourite. If I can get out of the office at lunchtime I like to hide with a newspaper, away from the computer and telephone at Yen Sushi on Bartlett Street, the best sushi in town.

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

Music is a real passion of mine. I enjoy listening to and collecting all sorts of genres on vinyl, CDs and 78s. I play classical guitar and also enjoy running and have been taking part in half and full marathons for the past 15 years.

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

This year I will be running my ninth or tenth Bath Half Marathon! As a solicitor I spend hours and hours each week sat at a desk, so running helps keep me fit and helps me to unwind after work.

Film or play? What will you be seeing this month?

Definitely film. This month I’ll be watching the BAFTA winning The Revenant and I’m looking forward to the release of Hail Caesar! from the Coen Brothers.

What’s your latest project?

I’ve been running a lot over the past couple of months as not only am I running in the Bath Half, I’m also taking part in the Brighton marathon in April as well. n

chose to descend on farm workers in the States, or indeed a myriad of other mysteries about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, then this is the book that will . . . well provoke more thought. It’s well written, clever and funny too. With British astronaut Tim Peake in space until 5 June, this is a timely topic. You can hear Ben Miller talk about the book on Friday 4 March, 8pm in the Guildhall, as part of the Bath Literature Festival.

We’re following @Sulis_Project a newly set up photographic archive of stories from Bath. Founded by photographer James Arthur Allen @J_ArthurAllen who’s keen to document social history in the making. Subjects to date include striking junior doctors and Bathampton Meadow protestors.

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Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

See more online www.thebathmag.co.uk

Contact us: Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

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

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

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmag.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2016 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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CITY | BUSINESS

THE | COLUMNIST

THE CONSCIENCE OF OUR CITY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BATH PRESERVATION TRUST, EDWARD BAYTUNCOWARDS REFLECTS ON HIS TEN-YEAR TENURE AS HE STANDS DOWN

I

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PRESERVING AND ENHANCING: the Bath Preservation Trust’s flagship museum, No 1 Royal Crescent More often, I’m glad to say, our influence is respected. A past chief executive of B&NES once told me that the Trust was the conscience of Bath, which I take as a compliment. For over 82 years, through good times and bad, we have sought to do the right thing. And we are mature enough to learn from our mistakes. We certainly have unrivalled collective knowledge within our archives, committees, our staff, volunteers and membership.

And during my tenure I decreed that no trustee should serve more than 12 years without a break, effectively clearing the old board.

❝

History will be the judge of many of our decisions

❝

succeeded Michael Briggs as chairman of Bath Preservation Trust ten years ago, having sat on its architecture and planning committee and been a trustee for a number of years before then. I’ve grown to be its proudest advocate. It has been the greatest honour and experience to be at the helm of such a profoundly important organisation in my beloved city.

One of the many things I’ve learnt is that our suggestions for the preservation and betterment of Bath often take considerable time – years – to come to fruition. Conversely, sometimes we can make an important and immediate impact, such as our work behind the scenes with Network Rail to install appropriate railings and fittings through our World Heritage Site.

I grew up in Dunkerton, near Bath, and left home in 1979 returning 21 years later. I’m back where I belong. I remember how proud my parents were to support the work of Bath Preservation Trust, which at that time was halting the Sack of Bath in the 70s. Perceptions of the Trust began to change from that point, from mere do-gooding and being quick to object, to being an important arbiter for change.

Arguing the case for preservation in not an easy job. But on balance change is good and it is the positive influence we can have on steering Bath through it which counts. Sometimes this can border on farce. I was very amenable to the woman who telephoned wanting the Trust to object to a proposed mobile telephone mast in her neighbourhood. It was a very bad line, for which she apologised – “the problem is there is no blooming reception around here.”

Sometimes we got it wrong, which I believe was due to the entrenched attitudes of the old-guard.

Many years ago, when a temporary ice rink in Queen Square was mooted the trustees objected – not because of the risk of damage to the obelisk or railings, but because there would be noise and disruption. Similarly when the Dyson School of Design was under negotiation over 10 years ago an argument was put forward that the city didn’t need more students. The old craneworks remains derelict and at risk to this day.

Sometimes we tried but failed. The Hilton Hotel is still standing, the old King Edward’s School in Broad Street is still empty. The site of the old Fuller’s Earth Works remains an eyesore and a shameful violation of the Green Belt and an entrance to the World Heritage Site. The streets are still cluttered with bins, boards and poles, some of them festooned with redundant signs.

The Trust is at its most effective when it attempts to educate. Rather than just saying “no” to UPVC windows we try to set out the case for wood – and it is a convincing one. Ditto to doubleglazing in sash windows, or solar panels on roofs; we have been exploring ways to make them unobtrusive and acceptable. We inform new councillors (there were many last year!) on Bath’s architectural history and suggest ways in which we can advise or assist them in the process of preserving and enhancing the city, and, of course, its environs. It is after all the elected councillors who make the final decisions.

I know that our architecture and planning committee uses its best judgement when it unanimously condemns or commends an application – but we must always consider how we convey this. It is not about politics or PR, it is about communication, common sense and consistency. We must convince the powers that be, and the public, that we are as concerned about the

future as the past. Three teenage children have taught me that praise and encouragement are more effective than chastisement. I believe that most people want to do the right thing by their property.

We may have to advise them, but come on, let’s support and applaud the schemes that we like.

We own and run four of Bath’s best museums, and I am very proud that during my chairmanship the Trust has reunited No. 1 Royal Crescent with its original servants’ wing, taken on the full management of the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, and has commenced feasibility studies for grand plans at both Beckford’s Tower and the Museum of Bath Architecture, which I will leave to my successors to announce. Each museum is dynamic, with exciting and enlightening events and exhibitions, supporting our mission of education and inclusion for all.

One of my best decisions as chairman was appointing Caroline Kay as chief executive. She and the staff and volunteers are right up there with the museums in terms of assets. I leave the Trust in complete confidence that it is a force for real good with a positive and purposeful future. I urge Bathonians – and people more widely – to become members and display their cards with pride; tweeting, gossiping and talking about us in the nicest possible terms. n Edward Bayntun-Coward owns and manages George Bayntun bookshop and bindery in Manvers Street. He chaired Bath Preservation Trust’s architecture and executive committees before being elected chair of trustees in 2006. This month Edward will become High Sheriff of Somerset. His successor as chairman of BPT is Thomas Sheppard, who has over 40 years’ experience as a lawyer including being managing partner of Thrings LLP until 2013. Thomas first became a trustee of Bath Preservation Trust in 2002 and served as chair of the architecture committee for a number of years. He retired as a trustee in 2012 but was re-elected in June 2014.

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FACE | THE MUSIC

LIFE IS A CABARET

Georgette McCready talks to actress Anne Reid about her second career, as a cabaret artist

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© Catherine Ashmore

H

er face is familiar to millions. She’s made us laugh, as Jean in Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies, she’s warmed our hearts in Last Tango in Halifax and she’s even shocked us a little with a love scene opposite Daniel Craig in The Mother.

She’s also known for her role as Valerie Barlow in Coronation Street, the wife of Ken Barlow, who was killed off in dramatic fashion by a faulty hairdryer back in 1971.

And now Anne Reid is delighting live audiences with her cabaret show, which is currently in the middle of a national tour. If you didn’t know that the 80-yearold British actress was also a singer, you’re not alone – but to be fair Anne only took up singing in public five years ago.

From her flat in central London she tells me how it all began. “I’ve always loved to sing. Ever since I was a little girl and my father used to play the piano I’ve loved music. We were brought up with music in the house, my mother and I dancing to records.

“I’ve always sung around the house, in the kitchen, but never in public. I had some singing lessons and used to get a friend of mine in Manchester, about 40 years ago, to do musical arrangements for me of songs I liked.”

She used a tape recorder for her private singing, but one evening, at a friend’s house she looked round the table after dinner and asked if anyone would mind if she sang.

“They all looked down at their plates and I could see what they were thinking, but I wanted to see if I could get through it without fainting. Oh, I was so nervous! They were very kind, but then they’d eaten a good dinner and had some wine.”

From that after dinner impromptu performance Anne trialled her act in the South of France – ‘I was terrified’ – and developed a routine which combines songs, with a pianist, and anecdotes and tales from her show business life. Given that she has starred in numerous television, stage and film productions over the decades, there is plenty of rich material for entertaining tales, from meeting royalty to THAT sex scene with a much younger Daniel Craig, in his preJames Bond days. Anne knew that in The Mother she was playing an older woman who has an affair with her daughter’s partner – but had to phone a friend to ask about Daniel. “Is he good looking?” she asked. When the friend made swooning noises at the other end

of the phone, she got her answer.

Anne speaks affectionately of Bath, where in her early days after leaving stage school Rada, she was a stage manager for a rep theatre company at the Theatre Royal. “No, I didn’t see the ghost, the Grey Lady isn’t it? But I know every inch of that theatre and I feel very affiliated to Bath – although parking is a nightmare!”

One of the venues she’s played recently is Crazy Coqs, a tiny cabaret bar just off Picadilly Circus. The intimate nature of the venue means the audience is very close to the singer. “I treat it like a party, as if we’ve all had dinner together. It’s very informal. My friend Barbara Cook (the American singer) who I’ve watched many times in cabaret, advised me not to try and be

something I’m not. She told me ‘you are enough. Be yourself and you can’t go wrong.’ I think that’s such good advice.

Strangely, I’m not nervous. It’s such fun and the pianist is the Tony awardwinning Jason Carr, who is simply a genius. Really this is a dream come true for me.”

Her current cabaret show is named after one of the songs she sings, I Love to Sing. Her set also includes Makin’ Whoopee, When in Rome, Cockeyed Optimist, Feeling too Good Today Blues and Isn’t it Romantic.

“Some will be familiar to the audience some might not. But they’re all good songs and songs I love.”

I ask her the question everyone wants to know, about Last Tango in Halifax, the comedy drama series in which Anne,

ON TOUR: Anne Reid has embarked on a 20-date tour with her cabaret show I Love to Sing

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FACE | THE MUSIC

as Celia, is reunited after 60 years with her first love Alan, played by Derek Jacobi. Can we expect another series?

“Sally (Wainwright) the writer, has been busy with Happy Valley, but we have just been told we’ll be filming from September for a two-hour Christmas special, so that’s exciting!”

Interviewing Anne is like talking to someone you’ve known for years. She’s interested and interesting and her chat is filled with funny and poignant observations. She tells me she would have told her younger self to ‘practice the piano, pass the exams and study at the Royal College of Music’. “Then I could have been a jazz pianist, like Blossom Dearie.”

But a piano performance as a schoolgirl that went horribly wrong put Anne off playing the instrument in public again. “I was up on stage playing Debussy and in the middle I started hitting the wrong notes. I panicked and started crying. My teacher had to run up on stage and help me get through it. I vowed then that I would never play on stage again.”

She also regales her cabaret audiences with the time she forgot her lines in a play and the management had to bring the curtain down . . . although, thankfully that didn’t put her off acting.

“Oh nobody died!” she laughs, “It’s meant to be entertainment for goodness sake. People can be so grandiose about acting. But it’s the writers I admire, for creating these wonderful characters for us to play.”

Anne has just come back from filming in Norway, but can’t tell me any more about that project, which is shrouded in secrecy. “I’ve signed so I can’t disclose anything.” But she can tell me she’s just played a small role in a film with Orlando Bloom and is looking forward to working with Toby Jones in another, and to appearing on stage this summer at Chichester Festival Theatre with James Bolam. He was one of the original cast of New Tricks, about a group of retirement aged detectives brought back

to investigate old crimes. Like Last Tango, it was a formula that showed older characters living rounded lives.

“People want to see older characters – people like themselves on screen. They used to try and write to attract younger viewers, but in reality it’s older people like me who are at home in the evenings watching the telly. Wasn’t War and Peace marvellous?”

While we’re talking about older people, Anne seems to have the energy and lifeforce of a woman half her age.

Her cabaret tour takes in 20 dates and she’s got a run at Crazy Coqs in the West End later in March. She’s also hoping to take her show to New York. Does she go to the gym to keep fit?

She laughs: “No, let’s skip that! I have a very small trampoline which I jog up and down on for a bit, but there is nowhere to put it in my flat.”

She is a great role model. Widowed many years ago, she adored her late husband, who died in 1981, but has remained single. Talking to Kirsty Young on Desert Island Discs two years ago, she spoke with love of her son and daughter-in-law and her grandchildren.

She has a circle of good friends and enjoys having the freedom to travel. And, of course, she keeps her brain sharp by learning scripts and song lyrics.

You get a great sense of her joie de vivre, that she’s always planning things to look forward to.

“Do you know, I think I’d love to learn to tap dance. If I could find a class where I could stand at the back, I think I’d enjoy that.”

George Gershwin – Our Love is Here to Stay Paul McCartney – Blackbird Leonard Bernstein and Comden and Green – Some Other Time (from On the Town) Leonard Bernstein and Comden and Green – Lucky to be Me (also from On the Town) Frank Loesser – More I Cannot Wish You (from Guys and Dolls). n

FOND MEMORIES: left to right, Paul McCartney Blackbird , Hoagy Carmichael Old Buttermilk Sky and Charles Trenet La Mer Inset, in Victoria Wood’ s Dinnerladies and with Derek Jacobi in Last Tango in Halifax

ANNE’S TOP TEN FAVOURITES: Hoagy Carmichael – Old Buttermilk Sky Jerome Kern – Long ago and Far Away Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg – If I Only Had a Brain (from the Wizard of Oz) Charles Trenet – La Mer Michel Legrand – What Are You Doing for the Rest of your Life?

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MUM’S | THE WORD

SHOW MUM

SOME LOVE Sunday 6 March.

Time to say so many thank yous to the first person in your life MINI GARDEN HOUSE A thoughtful Gardener Mini Green House gift by Wild & Wolf. This little greenhouse is ideal for growing plants from seed. It also makes for a decorative terrarium or cloche for air plants and succulents. Perfect for the outdoorsy mum.

Bloomsbury. 15 New Bond Street, Bath.

Tel 01225 461049 bloomsburystore.com

JUTE SHOPPERS

By Seasalt, these jute bags (make ideal gift bags as well as shopping bags) and can be found at the Seasalt outlet at Clarks village, from £3.

Clarks Village, Farm Road, Street, Somerset. BA16 0BB.

PIXI ROSE OIL BLEND This nourishing face oil from Pixi by Petra is an extra luxe face oil rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. It works to deeply hydrate, protect and replenish the skin, £26.

Available online at pixibeauty.co.uk or from Marks and Spencer beauty department.

ORCHIDS ON SHOW The Alessi La Stanza dello Scirocco orchid cachepot, is a perfect vase cover for an orchid or any other flower that stands erect, opens the way to some surprising typological extensions of the La Stanza dello Scirocco family, £70.

Quadri, 16 Milsom Place, Bath.

Tel: 01225 329212 quadri.co.uk

THE SCENT OF CUT GRASS

By Osprey London, this lovely cut grass fragrance candle is just one of many great Mum’s day ideas to be found at the Osprey outlet at Clarks Village. RRP £29, Now £14.99.

Clarks Village, Farm Road, Street, Somerset. BA16 0BB.

ALESSI ANNA CORKSCREW A best seller since it was first produced in 1994, the Anna G. corkscrew is a tongue-in-cheek homage to a real woman. Her smiling face has become something of a cult figure over the years, giving birth (so to speak) to a rich family of objects for the table and kitchen in a wide range of materials... Oh, and she likes a glass too! £29.95.

Quadri, 16 Milsom Place, Bath.

Tel: 01225 329212 quadri.co.uk

NEOM REED DIFFUSER From Neom Organics, the Feel Refreshed reed diffuser in Sicilian lemon and fresh basil is a stimulating and zesty citrus blend to energise the body and encourage clear thinking.

Enjoy its therapeutic benefits throughout your home, £38.

DENTS LADIES GLOVES Dents classical leather glove with side vent and three traditional hand sewn points, fully lined, available in a wide range of sizes for a perfect fit, Shown here in Berry, £39.

Dents, Available at Jollys, 7-14 Milsom Street, Bath, and from the dents online shop. dents.co.uk

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Grasse, 3 Argyle St, Bath.

Tel: 01225 44260 grasse.me.uk

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WHAT’S ONIN MARCH EVENTS ARE LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Singer Dillie Keane

THE INDEPENDENT BATH LITERATURE FESTIVAL Friday 26 February – Sunday 6 March n Various venues in Bath This is the 21st anniversary of the festival dedicated to books and the great themes of life, in the company of guests including feminist Gloria Steinem, politician Vince Cable, comedian Al Murray, actor Brian Blessed and writers Tracy Chevalier, Marian Keyes and Deborah Moggach. Pick up a programme or visit: bathfestivals.org.uk. Tickets tel: 01225 463362.

Comedian Omid Djalili

EDITOR’S PICK COMEDY: OMID DJALILI Tuesday 15 March, 8pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Omid Djalili has one of the sharpest minds on the comedy circuit. He’s energetic and energising, always engaging and often thoughtprovoking. You’re certain to come away feeling uplifted and inspired.

Tickets: £22, tel: 0845 293 84840 or visit: komedia.co.uk/bath.

HOBSON’S CHOICE Wednesday 24 February – Saturday 5 March, times vary n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath Martin Shaw and Christopher Timothy star in this classic comedy, this year marking its 100th anniversary. For ticket details visit: theatreroyal.org.uk, or tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Theatre Royal in March TOAST Monday 7 – Saturday 12 March, times vary Matthew Kelly has come a long way since Game for a Laugh, proving himself to have a powerful stage presence, winning an Olivier award for his role in Of Mice and Men. Team his talent with Richard Bean, writer of One Man, Two Guvnors, and Toast, a tale of trouble at t’bakery, and it’s no wonder this show is bound for the Brits of Broadway festival in New York.

PRIVATE LIVES Monday 16 – Saturday 19 March, times vary Actor Tom Chambers (who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2008) is joined

by Laura Rogers for this Noel Coward masterpiece.

WEST SIDE STORY Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 March, times vary This promises to be a lovely family treat, as Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society return to the Theatre Royal Bath to stage the musical inspired by Romeo and Juliet. They’re a talented bunch who never fail to impress.

Laura Rogers and Tom Chambers in Private Lives at the Theatre Royal

Glitterknickers at the Rondo

Matthew Kelly in Toast

First World War recruiting posters on show at the Victoria Art Gallery until 16 April – entrance is free

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GLITTERKNICKERS Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 March, 8pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Gill Kirk’s one-woman comedy show described as ‘a must-see gem for anyone staring (early) middle-age in the hairy eyebrow.’ Tickets: £14/£12 concessions. Tel: 0333 666 3366 or visit: ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre.

Also at the Rondo in March LOVE THE RONDO! Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 March, 7.30pm Do support the celebrations of the work of this fabulous Bath theatre, which year after year produces original, entertaining and memorable productions. For this many theatre companies will be putting on excerpts from past shows. All money raised will go towards helping the Rondo continue to entertain the city. Tickets: £10/£8 concessions.

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN Saturday 19 March, 7.30pm Award-winning theatre company The Foundry and BBC4 sketch group The Ornate Johnsons have joined forces for this story of pioneering aviators Alcock and Brown. Strap yourself in, shout: “Chocks away!” and be prepared for a night of thrills, spills and laughter. Tickets: £14/£12 concessions.

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SKERRYVORE Wednesday 2 March, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon Skerryvore was formed on the tiny Isle of Tiree off the west coast of Scotland in 2005 and the band has gone on to take the world by storm, touring and picking up awards along the way. A folk-rock band whose style is described as: ‘the real thing, as wild and beautiful as the island they come from.’ Tickets: £16/£8 under 18s. Tel: 01225 860100 or visit: wiltshiremusic.org.uk Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month SCHUBERT ENSEMBLE Saturday 5 March, 7.30pm These world leaders in their field – regularly heard on BBC Rado 3 and with a back catalogue of more than 30 CDs – return to Wiltshire for a programme which comprises; Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor Op 34, Saint Saens Piano Quartet in B Flat major Op 41 and Hellawell’s The Building of Curves for piano quartet. Tickets: £22/free under 25s.

LONDON SINFONIETTA: A MAGICAL MUSICAL TOUR OF MODERN MUSIC Sunday 6 March, 7pm Professor Jonathan Cross will guide his audience through a selection of 20th century music, to excite, challenge and entertain. What a great opportunity to expand our knowledge. Tickets: £16/£8 under 18s.

MATT RIDLEY QUARTET Friday 18 March, 8pm Live in the bar at the Wiltshire Music Centre is this jazz group, comprising bassist Matt Ridley, pianist John Turville, drummer George Hart and saxophonist/composer Jason Yarde. The quartet will be playing jazz, with cutting edge grooves, beautiful melodies and improvisations. Tickets: £10/£5 under 18s.

EMPATHY: NEON DANCE COMPANY Sunday 20 March, 7.30pm Choreographer Adrienne Hart brings this new work, performed by an international cast of dancers and musicians, which explores the theme of empathy among people. There will be a pre-performance talk at 6.30pm. Tickets: £14/£7 under 18s.

ANGEL SNOW AND MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES Thursday 3 March, 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Nashville singer-songwriter Angel Snow is joined on her UK tour by another Nashville singer for a real Americana treat. Angel is due to release her new single I Need You, in April. Bath audiences will get a preview. Tickets: £8 (£10 on the door). Tel 01225 461700 or visit: chapelarts.org.

Also at Chapel Arts Centre this month FRED’S HOUSE Saturday 5 March 8pm An award winning band based in Cambridge who mix folk/pop, country, classic rock and West Coast sounds. The five piece have racked up 400 gigs in five years and won two awards at the NMG Awards in 2013 and been championed by Radio 2’s Bob Harris when they were invited to perform on his Under the Apple Tree sessions. Tickets: £10 (£12 on the door).

OYE SANTANA: TRIBUTE TO CARLOS SANTANA Saturday 12 March 8pm Milan Webb is the talent behind this authentic sounding Santana act.

Oye Santana draws on more than four decades of hits from Jingo, Evil Ways and Soul Sacrifice right through to Smooth, Maria Maria, Corazon Espinado and Saideira. This event is a standing gig with seating down both sides of the auditorium. Tickets: £12 (£14 on the door).

MAZ O’CONNOR Thursday 17 March 8pm BBC Folk Award nominee Maz O’Connor performs songs from her new album The Longing Kind, exploring themes of longing, belonging, home, family and identity. Performing a mixture of traditional, reworked folk songs and her own thoughtful, poetic compositions, Maz accompanies herself on guitar, tenor guitar, piano and shruti box.

Tickets: £10 (£12 on the door).

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WHAT’S | ON

Indonesian music at Bath Spa University

Also at Chapel Arts this month WES FINCH BAND Saturday 19 March 8pm Wes is a singer songwriter, brought up in the Midlands, who makes his living playing his own songs and those of other writers he admires. Fans of Paul Simon, John Martyn, Richard Thompson and Tom Waits will enjoy his selection of cover songs and lovers of a good story and a well delivered tune will enjoy his original work. Tickets: £8 (£10 on the door).

GRAYSON PERRY: THE VANITY OF SMALL DIFFERENCES Until 10 April n Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Grayson Perry’s vast, brightly coloured and detailed tapestries have proved the most successful show in years at the council owned public gallery, attracting around 1,000 visitors every Saturday. Lunchtime exhibition tours, every Thursday, until 31 March inclusive, 12.30-1pm. Free to Discovery Card and ticket holders.

Tony Law at Komedia

Caitlin Moran at The Forum

EDITOR’S PICK

Emily Sanders plays Iford this summer

Conductor Jason Thornton with the King Edward’s School choir and orchestra at the Assembly Rooms, Bath

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MAGIC OF MOTOWN REACH OUT 2016 TOUR Saturday 12 March, 8pm n The Forum, Southgate, Bath This show sees 36 classic hits revived, from artists including the Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more. Tickets: £25, concessions £22.50. Box Office tel: 0844 888 9991, or visit: bathforum.co.uk

WORKSHOP CABIN Throughout the year Workshop Cabin’s creative sessions in all manner of skills and crafts give people in Bath the chance to get hands-on, learn something new and meet new people into the bargain. This month sessions include book binding, an open craft session, pyrography and easy cut lino. They’re mostly held at St James’ Wine Vaults in the evenings. To find out more and to enrol visit: workshopcabin.com.

TONY LAW Thursday 3 March, 7.30pm n Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Zany Canadian comedian with great hair, Tony Law has starred at the Edinburgh Festival and is bringing his brilliantly surreal comedy in frillemorphesis to Bath as part of his tour. Here’s a sample of his Twitter feed: ‘Dogs still remember a time when Hoovers seemed likely to take over their world.’ Tickets from £12. Tel: 0845 293 8480 or visit: komedia.co.uk/bath.

Also at Chapel Arts this month FASCINATING AIDA’S DILLIE KEANE Sunday 13 March 8pm Dillie takes time out from singing with the trio to enjoy some solo shows.

There’ll be new songs, plus tunes for love and laughter. Tickets: £16.

PUPPINI SISTERS Sunday 20 March 8pm Rocking the vintage vibe with their mix of songs from the 1930s to the 1950s, plus a few originals, the Puppini Sisters launch their new album.

Tickets: £25, and a good chance to air your stylish retro threads.

EDDI READER Tuesday 29 March 8pm Hers was the amazing voice of Fairground Attraction, and she’s still perfect. She’s since developed her own unique contemporary musical and emotionally engaging style. Tickets: £23.50.

PARAGON SINGERS: STABAT MATER Saturday March 5, 7.30pm n Church of St Alphege, Oldfield Lane, Bath The Paragon Singers directed by Keith Bennett present three settings of the Stabat mater text. John Browne’s late 15th-century setting is a glorious example of late medieval polyphony; Palestrina’s double-choir setting a beautiful, plangent lament; and Domenico Scarlatti’s ten-voiced setting a baroque masterpiece, a complex and varied interpretation of this powerful text. Also Purcell’s Funeral Sentences and Arvo Pärt’s lovely lament of Babylonian exile. Tickets: £12/£6 from Bath Festivals Box Office, tel: 01225 463362.

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BATH CONCERTINO Saturday 5 March, 7.30pm n St Bartholomew’s Church, King Edward Road, Oldfield Park, Bath Bath Concertino presents a concert in aid of the Dorothy House Foundation, with pieces by Grieg, Krommer, Fauré and Bartok. Entry by programme on the door £10. Accompanied children free.

OPEN GARDENS: HELLEBORES Sunday 6 and 20 March, 2pm – 4pm n The gardens at Kapunda, Southstoke Lane, Combe Down, Bath The garden, with its celebrated collection of hellebores, aka Lenten roses, will be open in aid of Dorothy House Hospice on Sunday 6 March and in aid of the Wessex MS Therapy Centre on Sunday 20 March. Entrance is £4 and refreshments are avilable. Please no dogs. Car parking is signposted.

PAINTERS IN PARADISE: VISIONS OF FRENCH INDOCHINA Monday 7 March 2016 7pm n Top Gallery, Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Lecturer Denise Heywood will be the guest speaker for Bath Evening Decorative and Fine Arts Society Lecture. Old Saigon, elegant Hanoi, mystical Ha Long Bay, these places captivated French artists of the 19th century colonial regime in Vietnam where they taught painting at the School of Fine Arts. Their sensual portraits and exotic landscapes evoked an idyllic world of gracious people. Pre-booked visitors £7, students free. Tel: 01225 742989, visit: bedfas.co.uk.

AN EVENING OF INDONESIAN MUSIC & DANCE Wednesday 9 March, 7.30pm n Michael Tippett Centre, Bath Spa University, Newton St Loe, Bath The university’s Indonesian Gamelan orchestra’s programme brings both traditional Javanese dance and song and new music for gamelan. The concert will also feature a performance by Indonesian dancers Ni Madé Pujawati and Dewi Ariati. Bath Spa University graduate music students who have been studying in Java will be sharing the stage with the Bristol Community Gamelan and guest gamelan players. Tickets £7/£5 concessions. Visit: bathspalive.com.

THE NORLAND NANNY AND THE GREAT WAR Thursday 10 March, 7.45pm n Topping & Co, The Paragon, Bath Bath writer Louise Heron has written the true story of a group of highly trained Edwardian nannies and what happened to them as they got caught up in the First World War, fleeing enemy territory and working behind the frontline. This is the launch of her book, British Nannies and the Great War. Tickets: £5/£6, with £5/£6 off the book. To reserve a place call: 01225 428111 or call in to the bookshop.

CAITLIN MORAN Thursday 10 March, 7.30pm n The Forum, Southgate, Bath The award-winning critic and columnist for The Times, feminist and inveterate Tweeter comes to Bath as part of the launch of her new book

Learn a new craft with Workshop Cabin Moranifesto. Tickets: £20 (includes copy of book) from, tel: 0844 888 9991, or visit: bathforum.co.uk.

HENNING WEHN Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 March, 7.30pm n The Pound arts centre, Pound Pill, Corsham Bath Comedy Festival audiences will be familiar with the German comedian Henning, who manages to gently mock the British and the Germans at the same time. His delivery is impeccable and he takes irony to hilarious heights. Tickets: £14/ 313 concessions. Tel: 01249 701628 or visit: poundarts.org.uk.

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Join us on Tuesday 19 April at ‘Bath in Fashion 2016’ Magical Millinery - Exclusive make your own headpiece workshop, given by our expert tutors Stitch in Fashion - Lecture by the RSN Chief Executive Venue: The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath

Canvas Stitches by Sara-Jane Dennis

RSN Bristol: Day Classes for beginners to advanced and the Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery throughout the year visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk or call 020 3166 6932 The international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery Registered charity 312774

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WHAT’S | ON BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST & WEST SIDE STORY Friday 11 March, 7.30pm n The Forum, SouthGate, Bath Bath Philharmonia is joined by Bath Spa University Choir and South West Festival Chorus for one of the most epic classical music productions of the year. Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast is presented with an ensemble numbering nearly 300 musicians. Music director Jason Thornton highlights the orchestra’s virtuosity with Britten’s poignant Four Sea Interludes and Bernstein’s urban remake of the Romeo and Juliet story in Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. The concert is dedicated to British baritone John Shirley Quirk. Tickets £25/£20/£15/£5 (u16s), Bath Box Office or tel: 01225 463362, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk, or Ticketline, tel: 08448 889991, visit: bathforum.co.uk.

VIA CRUCIS: EXHIBITION Wednesday 16 – Saturday 26 March, 11am – 5pm, daily n Walcot Chapel, Walcot Gate, Bath An interpretation of the 14 Stations of the Cross by Caroline Waterlow. Prints from a touring exhibition. Some

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evening events, for details, tel: 07899 923 803.

THE BATH 200 GALA CONCERT Tuesday 15 March, 7pm n The Ball Room at the Assembly Rooms, Bath This is the third partnership performance by Bath Philharmonia and King Edward’s School.

The concert will feature 200 orchestral and choral musicians, drawn from the Bath Philharmonia and King Edward’s School community. The concert will include performances of Orff’s O Fortuna from his Carmina Burano and Faure’s Élégie, as well as works by John Williams, Haydn, Vanhal, Whitacre and a new piece by King Edward’s resident composer, Mark Boden, inspired by the school’s trip to Kenya last summer in support of Wagwer School in western Kenya. Introductory talk by Mark Boden, at 6.30pm. Tickets: adults £14, children £5, from the school box office: 01225 464313, or email: a.budgett@kesbath.com.

BATH AUDIOFEST 2016 Friday 18 March, noon to 6pm and Saturday 19 March, 10am to 5pm The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, Queen Square, Bath and the Bath & County Club, Queen’s Parade Bath AudioFest is a celebration of the best of hifi, including the latest turntables and digital gear.

Visitors will be able to take their favourite records and CDs, and hear them played on different systems. Meet fellow music lovers and talk to the experts. There will be records to buy

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and advice on cleaning vinyl. The weekend is hosted by Bath-based hi-fi retailers Cool Gales.

Admission: £5/ £3 students, which will be donated to HelpMusiciansUK, a charity providing support for professional musicians.

Visit: coolgales.com/bath-audiofest.

AN AMERICAN TOY STORY Saturday 19 March – 30 October, noon to 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays n The American Museum, Claverton, Bath An exhibition telling the story of the toys and games that inspired and were inspired by popular films. Visitors can enjoy remembering their favourite toys as they see examples of 20century favourites. Slightly worn residents of old toy boxes will be displayed alongside mint condition treasures and movie props that motivated their production. Exhibits include merchandise from Disney’s Frozen. For more details visit: americanmuseum.org.

RIGHT NOW Until Saturday 19 March, times vary Ustinov Studio, Bath Let it not be said that Bath doesn’t have any ground-breaking theatre. The Ustinov continues to make waves and stir audiences with yet another UK premiere. Written by playwright Catherine-Anne Toupin and directed by former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company Michael Boyd, this is a dark comedy centring on a couple whose neighbours get just a little too close for comfort. Tickets: from £12.

Tel: 01225 448844.

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BATH CANTATA GROUP Saturday 19 March, 7.30pm n St Mary’s Church, Bathwick, Bath Haydn Nelson Mass, Handel Zadok the Priest, Mendelssohn Hear my Prayer and Elgar Give Unto the Lord.

Musical director: Neil Moore. Tickets £12.50/ students £5, children free. (six for the price of five in advance) from Bath Box Office 01225 463362, Sharps and Flats, Orange Grove, tel: 01225 469655, Music Dynamics, Broad Street, tel: 01225 332014 and on the door.

BATH BACH CHOIR: RACHMANINOV VESPERS AND Comedian John Robins at PRELUDES The Rondo for Bath Comedy Festival Saturday 19 March, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey International concert pianist Peter Donohoe is to share a platform with Bath Bach Choir, who will also be joined by the Exeter Festival Chorus for a dramatic, a cappella performance of Rachmaninov’s Vespers, sung by 150 voices. Tickets: £28/£25/£20/£15/£8 through Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463 362, or visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk.

BATH CHORAL SOCIETY: STAINER, THE CRUCIFIXION Wednesday 23 March, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey Bath Choral Society presents John Stainer’s Victorian oratorio for Holy Week. Tenor: James Oxley, baritone: Marcus Farnsworth, organ: Peter King, conductor: Will Dawes. Tickets: £10 – £27 and £8 unreserved. Tel: 01225 463362, visit: bath-choral-society.org.uk.

CORSHAM 52: EXHIBITION Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 March n 44AD gallery, 4 Abbey Street, Bath Conceived as a way to unite alumni while helping to raise funds for students, and supported by Bath Spa University, Corsham 52 celebrates the work of alumni from the Bath Academy of Art (now the Bath School of Art and Design), who attended between 1964 and 1967. The exhibit will run at 44AD, with an auction at the Gainsborough Hotel on Thursday 24 March. The artists will donate at least half of the proceeds from any art sold to support students at the Bath School of Art and Design.

BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL: DOG SHOW Wednesday 30 March, 8pm n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath Comedian and puppeteer Sylvia Hunt explores the relationships people have with their dogs. Expect tail-wagging antics, more than a few laughs and some eye-moistening poignant moments too. Tickets: £8/£5 concessions. Tel: 0333 666 3366.

Also part of Bath Comedy Festival this month JOHN ROBINS: SPEAKEASY Thursday 31 March, 8pm Comedian John Robins brings his critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe 2015 show to Bath. He’s been described both as a firebrand and as selfdeprecating. You may have seen him on Russell Howard’s Stand-Up Central on TV or heard him on Radio 4’s The News Quiz. Tickets: £14/£12 concessions.

PLANNING AHEAD – IFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL Tickets go on sale from 27 February for this annual festival, which brings world class opera, sung in English, to one of the most beautiful places in the countryside. Productions for this season include Macbeth and The Magic Flute. There’s also a series of summer prom concerts, among them featuring Bath born Emily Saunders. For ticket prices and a full programme visit: ifordarts.org.uk or tel: 01225 448844.

BATH MINERVA CHOIR MASTERPIECES OF THE ITALIAN BAROQUE Saturday 2 April, 7.30pm n St Swithin’s Church, Walcot, Bath The choir is joined by the Southern Sinfonia and professional soloists.

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PLAYING FOR LAUGHS: Above, The Travelling Sisters and Hardeep Singh Kohli

COMEDY CAPERS

Bath Comedy Festival director Nick Steel gives us a preview of April’s citywide celebration of humour

I

can’t wait for everyone to see the amazing line-up for the 8th Bath Comedy Festival, which runs from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 April. The festival is becoming an essential part of Bath’s cultural landscape as well as steadily gaining a national reputation for quality and innovation.

Some events are already on sale, with more appearing every day and the full programme featuring over 100 events is due out imminently at the time of writing.

This year’s programme promises to be even bigger and more wide ranging than before, including as it does everything from avant garde stand-up to family friendly comedy shows, the now famous New Act Competition, the outrageous Wine Arts Trail mystery tour, international comedians, music and sketch comedy.

Once more the festival will use new and unusual stages, whether it be the back room of a pub, the new Widcombe Social Club or the streets of Bath, as well as more established venues. There will also be a burgeoning pay-what-you-feel ‘free’ festival running alongside ticketed events.

Confirmed headline acts include Dead Ringers and Impressions Show star Jess Robinson with Kirsty Newton, Radio 4 favourites Hardeep Singh Kohli and Arthur Smith, Steve Frost’s Improv All Stars and Patrick Monahan. Peter Richardson will be in town showing his new Comic Strip film at the Little Theatre Cinema and The Wine Arts Trail is back, bigger boozier and more bonkers than ever!

There will be touring shows and Edinburgh previews at the Ring O Bells from the likes of Stuart Goldsmith, Tom Neenan, Diane Spencer, Matt Green, Lewis Schaffer, Tamar Broadbent, Seymour Mace, Spencer Jones and The Travelling Sisters. The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre is back and Norwegian comedian Dag Sørås comes fresh from supporting Doug Stanhope, as well as German Paco Erhard. Anna Morris brings her loveable bridezilla creation Georgina and the creators of the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience bring a new show, with dinner, The Wedding Reception.

The Rondo Theatre presents a week of comedy and the Mission Theatre hosts a five day run of Murder She Didn’t Write. There’s a comedic music night at Moles, two comedy walks and shows at The St James Wine Vaults, The Bell, the YMCA and even a Bath resident’s front room!

The Kids’ Comedy Fest is back, in partnership with Fezziwigs Fun Club and will be held every weekday at Widcombe Social Club. The festival also continues its F-Rating, with more female performers than ever, including at least one per day and on every bill. Bath Brew House is host to pay-as-you-feel festival fayre and welcomes shows from the likes of Joz Norris, Neil McFarlane, Sam Carrington, Zahra Barri and James Dowdeswell as well as hosting Saturday night bills headlined by Sean Hughes and Mark Dolan.

Opening night kicks off on 1 April with an April Fools’ Stand-up Showcase hosted by Silky and featuring Bethan Roberts who won Bath New Act of the Year 2015 plus a couple of headline circuit acts. Visit: bathcomedy.com. n THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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WIN Fly and Sail tickets to the Isles of Scilly The Bath Magazine has got together with Isles of Scilly Travel to treat yourself to something completely different this year. Fly out of Land’s End Airport and Sail back onboard the Scillonian III. #Travel Local with Isles of Scilly Travel. www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk @IOSTravel 01736 334220

By entering you will agree to be kept up to date with news, offers and events by joining the Isles of Scilly Travel mailing list

To enter the competition email your name and address to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Terms and Conditions The price is for 2 adults’ tickets, flying out of Land’s End Airport and returning onboard the Scillonian III. The winning party must agree to Isles of Scilly Travel standard terms and conditions. By entering the competition all participants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions. Only one entry per household. The competition closes on 31/3/2016. No cash alternative is available. Winner must hold a valid passport.

If, due to circumstances beyond their control (Isles of Scilly Travel) are unable to provide the stated prize, they reserve the right to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value • This prize is valid for the 2017 holiday season and can be taken between Tuesday - Thursday with the following exclusions: 1.Excludes travel on school holiday dates and bank holiday weekend’s. 2. Excludes travel on Tuesday and Thursday that is adjacent to the two bank holiday weekends in May • Tickets come under the standard terms and conditions as stated on www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk • By entering the competition the winners agree to take part in any publicity. Entrants must be over 18 • This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and promotions • This prize cannot be exchanged for cash or other equivalent and is non transferable

CLASSICAL RECORDS WANTED Top prices paid for clean Classical Music vinyl LPs (Beethoven, Mozart etc.) from the 1950s onwards.

Labels include Columbia SAX, HMV ASD and Decca SXL. CD collections and vintage hi-fi equipment also of interest.

Call Tim: 07502 331438 or Adam: 07738 772381 or email: adam@viva-tonal.com

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IN THE PICTURE

We’ve invited some of Bath’s finest curators, gallery owners and artists to throw open their doors to share their unique role in the city’s vibrant art scene

A

ny leisurely stroll round Bath city centre will take one past the doors of at least one art gallery or studio. Its art community thrives on the creative genius of its original artists and on those who know an interesting and appealing piece when they see one, often trawling studios worldwide to bring work to their customers’ attention.

With this in mind we set up a photoshoot for posterity in which we brought some of those experts and talents together, and then asked them to tell us in their own words about their galleries and collections.

ONE TWO FIVE GALLERY Carole Waller and Gary Wood Local artists Carole Waller and Gary Wood opened their contemporary gallery in late August 2015 – close to Bath Abbey on the charming, cobbled square of Abbey Green.

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and Gary and they are often to be found there in person to explain their work and to discuss sales and commissions for clothing, ceramics, wall based work, and glass installations.

Carole’s one-of-a-kind painted fabrics have formed the basis of her label I’m No Walking Canvas – timeless, ageless easy-to-wear clothes and scarves previously seen in Liberty, Harvey Nichols and Bergdorf Goodman.

Individual works of art; each piece is as unique as the person who wears it.

Carole says: “I believe that people want to have a personal connection to their clothes, their art, the things that inspire them. People want to be able to express their creativity and individuality and my clothes let them. Its alchemy between the garment and the wearer, the clothes make people feel special – and because each piece is unique, you won’t see someone else in the same dress as you!

“I make clothes to wear every day and bespoke commissions for special events.”

Carole also creates free-hanging paintings on unstretched fabrics, as well as glass panels, which incorporate her fabric paintings. The glass panels can be

used as freestanding artworks or integrated into architecture, landscape or furniture. She is currently showing glass and stainless steel tables and freestanding panels.

Ceramic artist Gary Wood makes pots for food and drink, wall pieces and sculpture – all in subtle painted stoneware and porcelain. Gary’s work is vigorous, contemplative and distinctive.

His pieces include drinking vessels, serving bowls, and sculptural artworks.

Gary has exhibited in Europe, America and Japan.

“We’re delighted with our new space in the centre of Bath,” says Gary. “The location is perfect, it is close to the station and the centre of town without being in its most commercial streets – the gallery has two floors and allows us to also feature guest artists and special events alongside our own new work.”

Current guest artist Annie Beardsley creates stunning, colourful, printed aluminium necklaces, cuffs and earrings.

Live events are planned during Bath in Fashion in April.

The Easter exhibition, Good Friday, opens on Thursday 24 March, the gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday 11 – 5pm.

HISTORIC MOMENT: main picture, left to right, artist Nick Cudworth, Sarah Denholm and Steve Chapman of Gallery Nine, artist Emma Rose, director of the Holburne museum Jennifer Scott, artist Carole Waller and her daughter and gallery assistant Georgina, artist Catherine Beale, gallery manager at the Victoria Art Gallery Jon Benington, director of Bath Contemporary Bridget Sterling and Jenny Cudworth of the Nick Cudworth Gallery PHOTO: Anna Barclay

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LANDSCAPES: Across the Land of the Ever Young by Stewart Edmondson at Beaux Arts NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY Nick and Jenny Cudworth In 1995 my wife Jenny and I moved from Stroud to rent a flat in Camden Crescent to see if we liked Bath enough to want to buy a house here.

After a couple of years we decided it was definitely for us so set about looking at houses. Some months on we stumbled across our current property and had the scary thought that maybe we could open our own gallery and live above it in the good sized flat which had a huge roof garden that Jenny would love knocking into shape. Up till then all my paintings had been sold in a gallery in London who obviously took a commission and somewhat dictated their requirements for exhibitions.

Once we moved in, everything seemed to fall into place. I set up my easel and scouted around for artists materials suppliers, framers and eventually found an excellent photographer/print maker who enabled me to open up my horizons by reproducing my original paintings as limited edition prints. All within a few minutes walk. Perfect!

At this time a lot of my work was inspired by a previous career in the 60s playing piano and writing with the band Siren that I helped start up with the late, brilliant singer Kevin Coyne.

Subjects for my paintings and pastel drawings grew to be quite eclectic as I found the freedom to follow my inspirations.

In 2001 Jenny gave up her job to work for the business and holds it all together doing the accounts, advertising, and anything that happens on a computer (not my strong point).

Over the years we have found living in Bath

to be a wonderful experience, especially having unwittingly moved into the best artisan area of Bath that is Walcot Street (although we sit just at the top in London Street ) The Walcot traders come and go, but there is a hard core of us that work to keep the artisan reputation to the fore and feel delighted when new folk arrive who can offer up their creative skills.

Bath’s unique architecture and landscapes have woven their magic into a lot of my paintings though I also continue with my eclectic mix of subjects. When asked to describe my work I suggest people look at my website and decide for themselves. At the end of the day it’s all in the eye of the beholder.

VICTORIA ART GALLERY Jon Benington, gallery manager Occupying a purpose-built Victorian building next to Pulteney Bridge, the Victoria Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1900. Its permanent collection ranges from the 15th century to the present day.

Among the star items are an Adoration of the Magi from the 1480s, Silence by Sir Howard Hodgkin and Thomas Gainsborough’s Portrait of Sir Thomas Rumbold and his son. The latter reflects Bath’s history as a centre for art in the late 18th century, when many of the visitors who came for the spa also sat for a picture or took away a print or watercolour of the city.

The collection extends to artists who worked at Bath Academy of Art in the 1940s/1950s such as Walter Sickert, Peter Lanyon and William Scott. Elsewhere, displays of decorative art include coloured glass perfume bottles and Delftware from Bristol.

With visitor numbers buoyant at 130,000 a year, we are extending our opening hours from

April to daily from 10:30am to 5pm, including bank holidays. These timings catch the end of our current exhibition, The Vanity of Small Differences, which comprises six huge tapestries

by Grayson Perry and is set to be our most popular show ever. It runs until 10 April. The Bath Society of Artists Summer Open follows, now in its 111th year. We process more than 1,000 entries but love it because there’s so much variety and often controversy too, with the allocation of prizes hotly debated (23 April to 4 June).

From 11 June to 4 September our big summer show is A Room of Their Own: Lost Bloomsbury Interiors 1914 – 1930, with ceramics, furniture, textiles and paintings by Roger Fry, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and others (Vanessa was Virginia Woolf’s sister). In 1914 when modern artists struggled to sell their paintings, the Omega Workshops brought employment by supplying handmade, gorgeously coloured items for the home. Soon the artists were designing entire decorative schemes but sadly few have survived, so we are recreating several for this landmark show. In the autumn we switch to sculpture with a retrospective marking the centenary of the birth of Kenneth Armitage, who was head of sculpture at Bath Academy of Art. The exhibition (10 September to 27 November) profiles an artist who created metal sculptures inspired by Brunel’s engineering wonders.

Armitage belonged to the new breed of postwar sculptors who responded to the anxieties of the arms race and the Cold War. THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Jennifer Scott, museum director The Holburne has announced a 2016 centenary programme to mark 100 years since Sir William Holburne’s collection moved to its current home on Great Pulteney Street in Bath.

Throughout the year, the museum is curating three major new exhibitions as well as organising contemporary commissions and public events in the Grade I listed building, which was fully restored with the addition of a glass and ceramic extension by Eric Parry Architects in 2011.

There are three major shows; Impressionism: Capturing Life, Stubbs and the Wild and Silver: Light and Shade, complemented by new work from artist Djordje Ozbolt, whose incisive responses to the collection will appear around the museum, as well as focussed shows in the Davidson and Wirth galleries.

Jennifer Scott, director of the Holburne Museum, said: “2016 is an exciting moment in our history as a vibrant cultural hub at the centre of Bath. We are delighted to mark this with three original exhibitions of outstanding quality, curated in house to celebrate the best of Britain’s national and regional collections.”

Impressionism: Capturing Life (13 February – 5 June) unites 28 masterpieces from British public collections to celebrate the Impressionists’ observations of humanity, curated by Jennifer Scott. The show centres on figurative paintings by (and depictions of) the artists who exhibited at the first Impressionist

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exhibition of 1874, including, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley.

Significant loans from, among others, Tate, The National Gallery, London and The Scottish National Gallery feature alongside the Holburne’s works on paper by the important but often overlooked British Impressionist Sir George Clausen, founder-member of the New English Art Club.

Stubbs and the Wild (25 June – 2 October) delves into the visionary 18th century world of George Stubbs through his realistic animal studies and sublime fantasy pieces. The exhibition presents the early encounters between polite Georgian society and the wild creatures and places depicted in Stubbs’ work.

The uneasy relationship between the domestic and the exotic is explored through important paintings, prints and drawings by this extraordinary artist, curated by Amina Wright.

Silver: Light and Shade (22 October – 22 January 2017) tells a new story about the properties of silver, conveying its visual impact and its infinite potential for creative, design-led objects. Silver can be turned black or white, it goes red under heat; it can be combined with base and other metals, enamel or precious stones. Curated by Catrin Jones and Vanessa Brett, the exhibition will include significant loans from UK collections to reveal the aesthetic potency of silver from the 16th century to today.

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Songs and Matches by John Russell and James Nelthorpe by Jean Etienne Liotard. Due to their delicacy, these works on paper are rarely on display.

Linda Brothwell (4 June – 4 September) this pioneer of contemporary British craft skills will create a playground of textures and colours in stone, wood and metalwork in response to the most intricate works in Holburne’s collection.

EMMA ROSE ART WORKS Emma Rose runs her gallery from the first floor at 78 Walcot Street (above the Bath Sofa and Curtain Company). Here one can see her original artwork, limited edition prints and unique canvas prints.

By appointment she also meets people at her country art studio in Wellow.

Along with a handful of other artists in Bath, Emma runs her space while representing herself. There are advantages to buying directly from the artist. This is proving very popular, and after two years in Walcot Street, the word is spreading and sales and commissions are flooding in. Winning the best artist/illustrator award in the Bath Independent Awards and making it to the final in a few other competitions for best new business and best arts award is putting Emma on the map.

Emma specialises in contemporary, semi-abstract painting with an emphasis on colour and texture. Her style is distinctive and original – she uses Indian inks and acrylics producing vibrant and

arresting work. Landscape, sky, sea, nature and memory are her inspiration, reflecting her interest in the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi – the process and beauty of ageing which creates irregularity and imperfection. Paintings often reflect Bath architecture, visions from travels abroad, or flights of fancy.

She loves other people’s tales and often takes inspiration from them. Emma is working on commissions as diverse as gardens, a contra-bass, tulips, Italian lakes and spiritual abstract work - from either conversations, photographs or imagination.

Emma Rose is currently working in collaboration with Bath based developer, Kersfield, to create original artwork for its flagship property on the Ensleigh South development on Granville Road in Lansdown, which will create 35 new homes.

Emma worked for many years in London, with a career spanning theatre, film, photography and choreography – all these elements work well within her art. She photographs obsessively the world around her, dances while she paints – particularly with her sea scenes that have such rhythm in the waves, and brings a certain theatricality to her private views and filmic quality to her finished work.

She also exhibits in London at least twice a year, and this year in Frome twice too. Her exhibition launch parties are always very sociable occasions.

THE CATHERINE BEALE PORTRAIT STUDIO Catherine Beale Catherine’s big, watercolour portraits are painted wet-in-wet with pigments

ECLECTIC MIX: clockwise, The Adoration of the Cage Fighters by Grayson Perry at Victoria Art Gallery, Nightlights by Nick Cudworth and Und Dich by Hester van Dapperen at David Simon

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dropped into water and running free. She has termed this method “gravity painting” and pushes the medium further in her semi-abstract landscapes which depict the hillsides of verdant Bath.

Her 20-year passion for portraiture thrives on client contact, from intimate family groups to institutions such as Monkton Combe School, from local personalities, like the president of Bath Cricket Club, to foreign banks. She finds the client-led structure of painting to commission suits her method of working.

Catherine’s early commissions began in Asia in the 1990s with a mural project created deep in the Malaysian jungle for an elephant sanctuary. Another of her recollections was passing through tight security to work on an architectural portrait for the US Embassy of Singapore.

At the time of her move back to the UK in 2006 she is honoured to have her works for the British High Commission of Singapore gifted to royalty and the President.

Catherine specialises in big watercolour portraits which have hung with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and Royal Watercolour Society. “I work to create a strong, personal encounter in my portraits” she says, “trying to make the meeting between subject and viewer reach across time and feel real”. Her latest project depicts the dancers of Bath Dance College and she is finding that the performing arts students makes for energizing subject matter. The resulting canvases will soon be submitted to the

MIXED MEDIA: ceramics

by Paul Philp Matthew Chambers and Walter Keeler at Gallery 9, Paisley Lawn Tennis Club 1889 by Sir John Lavery at the Holburne Museum and Flute Player by Paul Wadsworth at Bath Contemporary

Society of Women Artists where she is an Associate Member.

Catherine’s landscapes of Bath can be found in the city’s galleries and at the Royal United Hospital from 1 March until the end of June.

Her choice of saturated colour reflects the improving performance of modern professional pigments and her interest in their differing properties. She writes about these in The Artist Magazine and enjoys explaining them through her expanding programme of adult watercolour workshops in Bath and regional art centres, as well as at festivals and in schools.

Catherine recently moved her portrait practice from her shop at 7 Widcombe Parade, to a purpose built studio in an idyllic setting on the edge of Bath. There she accommodates her growing commissions portfolio. Meanwhile, she maintains her connection with Widcombe and is busy co-organising May’s Widcombe Art Trail. More information can be found at: catherinebeale.com DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY David Simon Representing some 45 artists from all over the British Isles, David Simon Contemporary aims to show a vibrant programme of exhibitions of work from both established artists of international repute as well as new emerging talent.

Specialising in contemporary art with a focus on the semi-figurative, the gallery promotes the work of painters, ceramicists, sculptors, printmakers and glass-makers from all over England and also Scotland, bringing some of the best Scottish artists to the south west.

Some of the more established artists represented include Peter Randall-Page RA, an internationally acclaimed sculptor and printmaker with work in the Tate, The British Museum and Dulwich Picture Gallery; Hugh Buchanan, one of the most successful watercolour painters in Great Britain, with many works in the Royal Collection, commissioned by the Royal Family; Catharine Davison winner of the Lynn Painter-Stainer Prize 2014; painter Julian Bailey, and the ceramicist Moyra Stewart (Gold Award Winner of the Craft & Design Magazine’s Maker of the Year Award 2015). Each month the gallery also presents a solo exhibition by leading ceramicists and glass-makers, such as Sarah Purvey, Jane Wheeler, Keith Varney and Gillies Jones; carefully curated to complement each exhibition of paintings.

David Simon has been involved with contemporary galleries in London and Bath for over 15 years. Throughout this time he has participated at numerous art fairs in the UK and the USA, as well as collaborating on projects with major public galleries and museums. This year’s exhibition programme at the gallery features no less than twelve shows, including three solo exhibitions and a special two week Fashion Show exhibition to coincide with the Bath In Fashion Festival.

The gallery is committed to showing work of the very best standard and accessible to all, for those wishing to start or expand their collections. David Simon Contemporary is situated in Bartlett Street, a bustling pedestrianised street running between the top of Milsom Street and the Assembly Rooms.

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GALLERY NINE Sarah Denholm and Steve Chapman Gallery Nine specialises in limited edition artist prints, studio pottery, jewellery and textiles.The timeless prints of Richard Bawden and David Gentleman rub shoulders with the wood engravings of Howard Phipps and George Tute. Studio ceramics range from the traditional works of Richard Batterham and Lisa Hammond to the more contemporary pieces of Lara Scobie and Sasha Wardell.

The gallery has a permanent display of outstanding jewellery, both precious metals and acrylics, designed by some of the leading jewellers including Jane Adam, Poppy Dandiya, Marlene McKibbin and Lesley Strickland.

Three exhibitions are held each year.

For six weeks, until 15 April the gallery is featuring Walter Keeler, Paul Philp and Matthew Chambers in a Master Potters themed exhibition.

Paul Philp has been making pottery for 40 years His work seems ancient and modern at the same time. He does not coil or use slabs, each piece is built by hand and often subjected to multiple firings. A slow process, but one which allows the work to evolve naturally. He often combines a mixture of clays, sand and combustable materials which, because of the different shrinking ratios, 36 TheBATHMagazine

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cause cracking and fissures.

Matthew Chambers’ sculptures are made using separate thrown sections and then constructed together to form one piece. He doesn’t do any drawings or designs and all the experimentation with different forms is done during the making process. He enjoys seeing how one form leads to another and how the different forms fit together.

All the pieces are highly finished – he sands them at different stages of the process and polishes them with diamond pads after firing.

Wally Keeler makes functional wares – jugs, mugs, teapots – with a craftsman’s skill that could not be faulted by the most extreme of brownmuggers. His aesthetic shows a refined modernism – precise, pure shapes, tending to the geometric. The pots are tactile: crisply made, with luscious dark salt-glaze, more recently grey ink wash, majolica, cream and acid yellow glazes.

His work can be found in museum collections around the world, as well as our kitchens and dining rooms. For many Walter Keeler’s pots represent the very best in contemporary studio pottery.

BATH CONTEMPORARY Bridget Sterling As society’s pace of living speeds up through digital connectivity and technological relentlessness, so too does the nature of our communication.

At Bath Contemporary we seek to provide a space of contemplativeness in which contemporary art can be

viewed and absorbed through a slower pace of observation. Our success as a gallery thrives from the vibrant conversation that is created through thoughtful and culturally engaging contemporary art, as visitors, staff and artists express their views on the changing dialogue of today. We strongly believe in art as a support structure within community, as it goes far beyond mere visual representation to bring people together and communicates through a much deeper level of interconnectivity.

I and gallery assistant Oliver Adams have academic backgrounds in fine art and both of us are driven by enthusiasm for promoting and supporting creative practice. The gallery represents the work of exceptional contemporary artists both emerging and well established, with a particular emphasis within an intelligent curiosity of materiality and storytelling.

The gallery also has a very strong educational arm and works closely with Bath Spa University’s fine art department, offering three students on an annual basis through an application and interview process, a two-month period of work experience which is incorporated into their studies.

In March the gallery is exhibiting the work of Cornish-based artist Paul Wadsworth. His exuberant colour palette and expressive mark making are thoughtful, celebratory and immersive reactions from ongoing research trips throughout the Middle East and India.

He captures a vibrant sense of cultural energy and reflects upon integrations of culture, colour and landscape.

Wadsworth expresses a bold sense of joy and discovery, and with this we aim to shake off the tail end of winter and stride into the regeneration of spring.

BUY WHAT YOU LOVE: left, Timeless Land by Emma Rose Right, covetable and collectable Carole Waller painted silk top and skirt from her Sienna Collection, spring 2016

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‘The Kiss’ 36”x 36” By Peter Mason £2000

Memb

er Galle

The Art Gallery home of ArtGallery.co.uk

ry

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

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BEAUX ARTS Aidan Quinn First opened in 1979, Beaux Arts is the longest established and most renowned commercial gallery in Bath and is the sister gallery to Beaux Arts in Maddox Street, London W1. The gallery is situated in York Street near the Roman Baths and adjacent to the Abbey, in a grade II listed Georgian building, and specialises in the very best in contemporary painting, sculpture and studio ceramics.

Works by well-known artists of the 20th century, such as Elisabeth Frink, Lucie Rie and Lynn Chadwick, rub shoulders with new luminaries such as Nathan Ford, Anna Gillespie, Sarah Gillespie and Simon Allen.

The gallery has a programme of eight annual exhibitions, half of which are dedicated to promoting new talent.

Beaux Arts was established by Reg

and Patricia Singh when they moved to Bath from St Ives, bringing with them the work of artists they knew as friends and neighbours who were based in the Penwith peninsula, and who formed the vanguard of the British post-war art scene. These included Barabara Hepworth, Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton and Terry Frost. Nowadays there is a new generation of talented sculptors, painters and potters making a name for themselves at Beaux Arts.

Among these is the 2015 Sunday Times watercolour artist of the Year Akash Bhatt, also a previous winner of the Villiers David Prize and the BP Travel award, among many other accolades.

Nathan Ford is another artist of great talent and promise, much lauded by the late Brian Sewell who compared his portraiture to the great Russian painter Ilya Repin. Ford’s most recent exhibition

OUT OF TOWN The Art Gallery, Tetbury, is a lovely contemporary art gallery in the splendid Georgian property, Spencer House, at 34 Long Street in Tetbury. It is home to ArtGallery.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading website art galleries with more than 2,000 artists and over 30,000 artworks.

Aileen Mitchell, and her husband, Mike, acquired the embryonic ArtGallery.co.uk in 2008 and have built it up to the successful business it is today. Spencer House was purchased a little later, in 2010, and it became Aileen and Mike’s home, as well as a gallery.

The on-line gallery is at the heart of Aileen’s business but if you visit in person you are sure of a warm reception – Aileen and her team believe that original art is for everyone and visitors are very welcome.

Aileen manages the on-line and high street businesses with a small team, and personally selects 15 or so artists from the website gallery

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drew an audience from far and wide, as well as being a sell-out for the gallery.

Sculptor Anthony Scott is another favourite, his beautifully rounded, tactile bronze animals inspired by gods and fighting men of Irish mythology.

There is also a wealth of local talent to be seen at Beaux Arts, among them the popular Bath-based Anna Gillespie, with her indefatigable bronze figures.

Painter Helen Simmonds also lives locally and her wonderful, tranquil still lifes are highly sought after. Sculptor Beth Carter, is also a firm favourite with gallery-going visitors.

The gallery is a wonderful space in which to have work exhibited.

The domestic features of the gallery, with its high ceilings and old fireplaces lend it a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere, where a visitor is free to be inspired by the high standard of work on view. n

whose work is exhibited in the gallery.

These include: l award-winning Mariusz Kaldowski, who was the artist in residence at Regent’s Park until recently, and paints delightful landscapes.

His interpretation of the colours and shapes of trees and flowers is breathtaking. l Andrew McNeile Jones, a graduate of Ruskin College, Oxford, who specialises in modern “lifestyle” works in oils and wonderfully presented. Typically, Andrew’s work will comprise a life scene in a home setting, and he captures light and shade brilliantly. His career as a film-maker is brought to bear on his paintings and there is usually a story that sits behind the image. l Gillian Luff recently turned professional and her gorgeous, dynamic abstract paintings have proved a hit with ArtGallery.co.uk customers. l Peter Mason’s stamp art combines his love of art, with his stamp collecting bug. Peter has produced artworks of many celebrities. His work has been sold by ArtGallery.co.uk far and wide, including a number to the Ripleys

A WEALTH OF TALENT: left, a portrait of Beaux Arts’ Aidan Quinn by painter Nathan Ford and right, the David Simon gallery in Bartlett Street

Believe it or Not business in the United States.

Aileen is proud of the success of the business, and its membership of the Arts Council’s art scheme is testimony to its reputation – this means customers can buy with the help of interest free loans from £100 to £2,500.

If you are in Tetbury, do pop in to The Art Gallery and say hello or visit: artgallery.co.uk.

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nick cudworth gallery

Cutting the Corner (Queen Square-South East) Oil on Linenn

NEW PERSPECTIVES 1 – 31 March Paintings and limited edition prints exploring the geometry of views from the interior of rooms, looking out through windows and doorways onto architectural features of the city of Bath

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

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The Essential guide to collecting silver (the same rules apply to other antiques too!)

Duncan Campbell has been dealing in antique silver since 1986

Starting with a stall on Portobello Road while still at university, he (wisely) resigned from his job in the corporate finance department of a city merchant bank in 1993 to pursue his obsession full time. Having served his apprenticeship in the London silver trade Duncan has been based in Bath since 2001.

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

1. Focus – decide what area of antiques interests you most, and having researched the subject, stick to it. For both dealers and collectors, trying to become expert in too wide a field is doomed to failure. A little knowledge can be both a dangerous and worse still an expensive thing in the world of antiques.

2. Learn – the first purchase to be made by anyone interested in collecting should be a good text on the chosen subject. There in a vast amount of published information out there which will explain the basics and cover all the pitfalls both the obvious ones and the not so obvious.

3. Identify – become familiar with periods and styles. Dating silver is pretty straight forward and just involves gaining a basic knowledge of hallmarks. Learn the difference between the various decorative styles through history and try to understand the design elements that define the style. Just because something was made in he 1930’s doesn’t mean its Art Deco. If you wanted to focus on Art Deco for example, try to become familiar with the “vocabulary” of design of that period – you will be glad you did. Art Deco is all about geometry and modernism. A 1930’s teapot with ball and claw feet is not Art Deco despite what the seller may be telling you.

The most relevant style in Bath has to be the Neo-Classical (1760’s to 1790’s) which will always look great in a late Georgian interior.

4. Examine – do not be afraid to examine pieces thoroughly. No reputable dealer or auctioneer will have a problem with a potential buyer taking their time to have a very good look. Avoid anything with repairs, damage or signs of alteration regardless of the price, there is a very good reason why collectors pay a premium for first class condition. The cliché goes that when you come to sell your collection, if the only thing you need to excuse is the price you are doing well.

5. Ask – always always ask! A good dealer or auctioneer will be only too pleased to share information. If the vendor seems unable to provide satisfactory answers be wary!

Good luck! I hope you enjoy hunting down old treasures even half as much as I do. n Duncan can be contacted on; duncan@beaunashbath.com www.beaunashbath.com, 01225 334234

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Jonathan Potter has been dealing in fine, decorative and rare antique maps and atlases for over 45 years and built up an internationally recognised business. Jonathan has been advising private collectors, national libraries and institutions all over the world so whether you are looking to buy your first or fiftieth map, a gift, or memento of a special place, you should be able to find it at his gallery.

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

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Archive March V2.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2016 16:18 Page 1

ARCHIVE | THE POLICE

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU Now the police in Bath have left the Manvers Street station Catherine Pitt looks back at 180 years of policing in the city

B

ath was one of the first cities in England to create its own professional police force, one of the first to allow women on the force, and had the honour, in 1931, of being run by England’s youngest chief (Captain Jonathan Peel) at its helm, who was also a relation of Sir Robert Peel, the founder of London’s Metropolitan Police.

The first Bobbies on Bath’s beat stepped out into the city streets on Monday, 15 February 1836. Prior to this Bath had relied on teams of unregulated and untrained watchmen made up of local free men and members of authority who policed separately the parishes of Walcot, the City and Bathwick. It was hoped their mere presence on watch would act as a deterrent to any criminals. The areas of Lyncombe and Widcombe were a no-go zone, considered un-safe, due to their lack of street lighting and their notorious reputations as areas of vice and crime.

The first organised police force in England is considered to be the Bow Street Runners, set up in 1748 by the author and magistrate Henry Fielding and his brother, John. Due to high levels of corruption and mistaken arrests, Henry decided to regulate and legalise the activity of officers working from his magistrates court in Bow Street, London.

It was to become the guiding principle for the way policing was to develop.

Inspired by the Runners in 1829 the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, launched the Metropolitan Police.

Following its success the Government passed the Municipal Corporations Act in September 1835 which required all boroughs in England to set up regulated professional police forces.

In January 1836 Bath Corporation wrote to the Metropolitan Police Force to request copies of their regulations. A notice of recruitment was also displayed outside The Guildhall. Requirements were that men should be between 25 and 34 years of age, could read and write, were taller than 5 feet 7 inches without shoes on and they were “strong and free of bodily complaint.”

The men initially recruited appear to have been a mix of ex-watchmen and exmilitary personnel. Pay in 1836 for starting Constables was 15 shillings per week, around the same as a labourer.

Turnover was high, not only because many skilled men used the job as a stopgap when regular work ran dry, but also as a number of men were dismissed on the grounds of drunkenness or debauchery on duty.

The strict rules and regulations of this new force soon weeded out unsuitable

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men. Constable James Connolly didn’t even make a day of duty, his absence was explained to be due to his drunkenness, while Constable George Turner was charged in June 1839 with not only being off his beat but being found on Bathwick Hill “behind a public house in Lilliput Alley assaulting a woman named Freelove Flower.”

The 132 men who began duty on that February morning in 1836 were overseen by Chief Constable, Captain William Farebrother Caroll RN, and a Watch Committee. The area Bath Police Force covered amalgamated the previous three watch districts, but also included Lyncombe, Widcombe and an area seven miles beyond these boundaries.

The original uniforms of Bath Police were based on those of the Metropolitan Police Force – white trousers, blue tunic, cape, and stove-pipe top hat. Blue was chosen so as to distinguish the officers from the military uniform of red. The jackets had a high collar to counter garrotting, while the cane-reinforced hat could be removed from the head and used as a step to see over walls. By 1863 the white trousers had been replaced by blue and the top hat by the more familiar “custodian” helmet shape.

An initial teething problem was the fact that the uniforms could not be made in time for that first day of duty in 1836, and when made were not necessarily correct: “He was a tall lanky fellow whose height, he having joined late, the tailor had not taken into account.”

(William Tyte’s description of a Widcombe Police Officer, 1837) Every police officer was issued with handcuffs, a wooden truncheon, plus a rattle that could be used to call for assistance. By the 1850s the rattle had been replaced by a whistle; however the handcuffs and truncheon have remained

a mainstay of police equipment, if somewhat modified over the years.

Each officer’s beat covered a set number of streets and each beat was timed to the nearest second and its length to the nearest yard. During the 19th century two-thirds of patrols were at night. Any observations Constables made on duty were reported to their Sergeant who would write up a report for the Inspector who would present this to the Chief Constable.

To fund the new police force money had to be obtained by raising public rates, which met with some opposition.

The working classes also resented the interference of this new organisation on their personal freedoms and pleasures.

The “move-on” policy of the beat officers meant hawkers and costermongers could no longer sell their wares on the streets, and a close eye was kept on public houses known to be frequented by prostitutes and thieves.

To be a policeman was a full time job in the 19th century. Officers had to wear their uniform even when off-duty and they could not eat or drink when on duty. They could not take bribes or gifts, were required to become members of the Bath Friendly Society, and, if not on duty on Sundays, they had to attend church services. Unmarried officers had to live in barracks at the police headquarters

ON THE BEAT: above, Bath city police station in Orange Grove in the 1960s Courtesy of the Bath in Time archive: bathintime.co.uk Below, in the 1960s Bath police drove Hillman Imp cars Opposite, left to right, a police photograph from 1894 of James Bond, arrested in Bath for larceny; centre, the city’s force lined up for an official photograph in 1897, and Walter Hawkins, pictured in 1904, having been arrested for larceny from a church.

Criminal shots courtesy of Bath Records Office at the Guildhall

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ARCHIVE | THE POLICE

based in the old gaol in Grove Street.

By the 1860s better facilities for officers and prisoners were required. City architect, Major Charles Davis designed a new building in the Orange Grove which opened its doors in 1866 as Bath’s new central police station and cells. It also housed Bath’s Magistrates Court. Today the site is a restaurant, the cells now lavatories, although the arch where criminals once passed through still remains.

Most prisoners in the Bath cells were debtors, vagrants or petty thieves. More serious crimes were dealt with at the County Gaols in Ilchester and Shepton Mallett. By the 1960s, improvements at the Orange Grove site were needed. In 1966 a purpose built central police station in Manvers Street was created.

Bath police were not just responsible for safe-

guarding the public, and property, in the city, but in the 19th century they were also called upon to act as firefighters. Bath’s fire engine was kept in a shed behind the Orange Grove Police Station and each new constable was trained in the use of hosepipes.

In the early days patrols were on foot, but in 1897 Bath Police acquired its first bicycle. In 1909 Bath’s first mounted division was formed and in 1932 Bath police purchased its first patrol car, an Austin Seven costing £128. By 1968 they had upgraded to eight blue and white striped Hillman Imps, fitted with two-way radios. In 1912 England’s first ever Women’s Police Volunteers Unit was set up in Bath. This unit was organised and run by women as an unofficial street patrol but didn’t last much beyond 1918. The circumstances of the First

World War however led to Bath’s first ever female police constable, Miss Florence Glover.

She had to leave though when war was over.

Numerous calls were made over the following years for women to be re-instated in the police, but it wasn’t until 16 July 1939 that Bath saw its first two permanently employed police women – Dora Hay and Doris Sterry.

In 1967 Bath Police Force was amalgamated with Somerset Constabulary, followed by the merger with Bristol and South Gloucestershire Forces on 1 April 1974 resulting in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The name, uniform, equipment and regulations may have changed, but the police continue to uphold their original orders of 180 years ago – to patrol and protect the people, buildings and businesses of Bath. n

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Jon Baines ad March.qxp_Layout 23 19/02/2016 09:38 Page 1

Ishak Paşa Palace, Ağrı province of eastern Turkey

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Discover Northeast Turkey and Georgia with specialist operator Jon Baines Tours The news tells us that Turkey is in trouble. But in the country’s remote and lovely northeast, drinking glasses of tea among walnut trees at a riverside café, it doesn’t feel like it.

My name is Jeremy Seal. I’m a Bath-based travel writer and cultural guide who has been exploring Turkey for most of my adult life. In all that time I’ve learned a great deal about this fascinating land, but in this period of particular uncertainty here’s what travellers will want to

Jeremy Seal

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know: so vast and diverse is Turkey that the troubles affecting some regions simply have no bearing on others. That means that life among the mountains of the country’s northeast continues reassuringly undisturbed despite the deteriorating situation in the Syrian and Iraqi border regions of the Kurdish and Arabic southeast.

That’s because we’re in another part of Turkey’s extraordinary cultural patchwork; these are the Georgian, Armenian, Persian and even Russian borderlands. We fly into Van, with its vast and unearthly soda lake, its islands topped by cylindrical Armenian churches with carved friezes of singular beauty. We enjoy insights into the ancient Urartian culture at Van’s new museum, explore the spectacularly located pleasure palace of eighteenth-century tribal warlord Ishak Pasha at Dogubeyazit, and pass close to the foot of holy Mount Ararat as we drive north through demonically beautiful lava fields close to the borders of Iran and Armenia.

From Kars, where the nineteenth-century architecture reveals that this was once a Russian border town, we take special border passes to visit the wildly desolate ruins of tenth-century Armenian Ani. Beyond Turkey we cross into Georgia beneath the swooping peaks of the Caucasus. Here we find a culture steeped in Orthodox Christianity, alpine traditions and wonderful earthy wines. We visit vineyards, remote villages, exquisite

cathedrals and discover an enduring cult to Stalin in his homeland.

It promises to be an adventure rich in insights and discoveries, and in excellent regional cuisines. I do hope you can join us.

Visions of the Caucasus: NE Turkey and Georgia tour 9 – 22 June 2016. Prices start from £2,250 (ground only) and £2,560 with flights from London Heathrow.

Jon Baines Tours do more than escort you to a country and show you round its history and culture. We also make sure that you engage with each country as it is today, experiencing contemporary society on all levels. We are passionate about travel that takes you beneath the surface, revealing authentic life and society.

For more details, call Jon Baines Tours on 020 7223 5618 / 9485 Email: info@jonbainestours.co.uk Web: jonbainestours.co.uk/caucasus Jon Baines Tours Ltd 1A Salcott Road London, SW11 6DQ

Isle of Scilley fp THIS ONE.qxp_Layout 23 19/02/2016 16:25 Page 1

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

5 reasons to spend this summer on Scilly

#TravelLocal

Scilly’s white sands and picturesque harbours might well be enough to tempt you to hop on a flight, but beyond the postcard perfect beaches you’ll also find a vibrant and welcoming community. When you travel to Scilly there’s a real sense that you’re not just a tourist, you’re part of island life, and it’s this feeling that entices visitors back to the islands year after year.

Read on for the top 5 reasons to travel local and choose Scilly this summer... ➊ FOR THE WARM WELCOME Scilly is home to just a couple of thousand full-time residents, but visitors become honorary islanders for the length of their stay. You’ll be immersed into the Scilly way of doing things, leaving your car on the mainland and getting around by boat, bike, on foot or in a golf buggy. ➋ FOR ITS AUTHENTICITY Beach BBQs, buying homemade fudge from honesty box stalls, fishing for your own mackerel. If your idea of the perfect holiday is experiencing a different way of life, a stay on Scilly might just have you hooked. As you get to know the islands better, you’ll find yourself slipping into the islands’ calmer pace and you’ll soon get used to planning your schedule around the tides.

Fly Having been welcomed aboard an eight or nineteen seat aircraft by your pilot, you’ll kick-start your holiday with a scenic flight over the coast of Cornwall. Skybus planes have the added bonus of an open cockpit, so you’ll enjoy the rare treat of watching your pilot fly.

Sail Once you’ve collected your retro travel token, you can relax on the deck enjoying views of St Michael’s Mount, the Minack eatre and Wolf Rock Lighthouse. You might even spot a pod of dolphins following the ferry during the crossing. ➌ FOR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES Island living is all about making the most of the great outdoors and there are so many ways you can enjoy Scilly’s spectacular landscape. You could lace up your walking boots and head to the coastal paths.

Breathe in the fresh sea air and seek out secluded beaches and caves. Water lovers can try standup paddleboarding, swim with grey seals or visit the uninhabited islands by boat.

Take me there Travel to Scilly and you can enjoy a slice of island life without the long haul. e islands are a mere 60-minute flight from Exeter Airport, 30 minutes from Newquay and 15 minutes from Land’s End. You can also sail from Penzance in under three hours on the Scillonian III passenger ferry.

➍ FOR A TASTE OF ISLAND LIFE Wherever you are on Scilly, you’re never more than a short walk or boat trip away from freshly caught fish and seafood. From pop-up crab shacks to lively gastropubs and food festivals, you can easily spend a week letting your taste buds do the exploring.

www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk Tel: 01736 334220 #TravelLocal

➎ FOR THE JOURNEY Whether you choose to fly to Scilly by Skybus or sail on the Scillonian III passenger ferry, Isles of Scilly Travel goes to great lengths to make sure the journey is part of the island experience. You’ll be travelling just as the locals do, with the company they started nearly a century ago.

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STARS IN THE MAKING Melissa Blease meets Bridget Halford of Bath College catering department

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he Shrubbery Restaurant in Avon Street is one of Bath’s best bargain culinary experiences. Here diners can enjoy splendid, three-course lunchtime feasts and fine dining banquets prepared by some of Bath’s best chefs.

You won’t know their names, but these chefs – most of them very young – are the culinary equivalent of the talent on The Voice. These are the restaurant stars of the future, all studying catering and hospitality at Bath College.

Bridget Halford is head of department for the college’s hospitality, hair, beauty and floristry industries courses. She says: “Bath College has run catering and hospitality courses for a long time now, certainly in excess of 30 years.

“Like many of our students I decided, at around 16 years of age, that I wanted to be a chef. But I didn’t particularly enjoy school and didn’t want to stay on and do A levels, so I applied for a place at Henley College in Coventry instead. It was a fantastic experience; I really, really enjoyed my time there.”

After leaving college, Bridget took up a front-of-house role in a restaurant in Oberammergau in Germany, before returning to the UK and working in all areas of the catering industry in Leicester, Bristol and London for another decade. She went on to become a partner in her family’s bakery 48 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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business, taking part in numerous competitions and learning about the bakery industry across the world.

While still working in the family business, Bridget returned to further education in a class of her own, teaching part time at East Devon and Exeter Colleges for two years before taking a full time role at East Devon College, where she was eventually promoted to curriculum leader. And now – fortunately for us – Bridget is based in Bath.

“When I first came to work at Bath College, my main aim was to put catering and hospitality courses back on the map, enhancing our students’ learning experience and trying to enthuse and excite them into the opportunities available to them in the industry,” Bridget recalls. Today, she oversees a department that runs a range of City and Guilds certified courses from level 1 through to level 3 and, from this September, a new two-year BA in Hospitality Enterprise with Bath Spa University.

All the courses are practical and industry-focused to ensure that students are as well prepared as possible for future careers in catering and hospitality.

They offer broad appeal to school leavers aged 16 –19 and to mature students who want to refresh their existing skills.

Changes have been made to meet industry demands, says Bridget: “The

food scene in Bath has grown immensely over the last five years and we’ve also had an influx of big hotels, leading to a serious shortage of kitchen and front-ofhouse professionals locally and nationally.”

“To offer our Level 3 students the best possible experience, we’ve established a hotel and restaurant school in partnership with 16 employers across the city, including high-quality establishments such as the Bath Priory, the Royal Crescent, the Abbey Hotel, Searcy’s Pump Rooms, Woods Restaurant, the Gainsborough Bath Spa, Lucknam Park in Colerne, the Pig at Hunstrete, the Manor at Castle Combe, to name but a few. They offer work experience, masterclasses, visits and other opportunities for students to participate in.

“Just recently, Lucknam Park took two of our students with them to a cheese farm, and the Bath Priory’s executive chef – and Michelin star holder – Sam Moody took our students with him to help prepare and serve food for a private fund raising event with Jamie Cullum.”

Imagine if you’re an employer in search of the right person to fill your next vacancy and you come across a fledgling trainee with that kind of experience in the pile of applicants!

Meanwhile, our local superstar chefs including Sam Moody and Lucknam Park’s Hywel Jones regularly appear in

CHEF TO CHEF: student chefs Loseff Sambrook, Liam Cook, Oliver Dunn, Jessie Ball, George Ormond and Maria Parker-Cook took part in a cookery competition at The Shrubbery Restaurant.

The judges were chef Martin Blunos, Gary Jones (head chef at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons) and Stuart McLeod (from sweet and pastries company Zuidam)

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FOOD | HEROES

the Shrubbery Restaurant’s kitchen, overseeing pop-up gourmet events.

“Our students love working with chefs such as Sam and Hywel – they inspire them, they motivate them, and the chefs really enjoy working alongside our students too.” And Bridget herself plays a key role in shaping her students’ future and is proud that 100% of the Level 3 students find employment in the industry.

“I’m so proud of what we offer our young people, and the way our students develop during the course over the one, two or three years they are with us,” she says. “We watch them go out and flourish in the industry after their time here. I’m excited about the autumn, too, and the degree course which starts in September.”

Former students can be found in some of the country’s top hotel and restaurant kitchens.

Andre Garrett is at Cliveden house, Stuart Ash is head chef at Woods and Mark Hardiman was head chef at Bovey Castle and is now working in Australia. Closer to home, Andrew Dennehy is head chef at the Cowshed, for the Bristol and Bath restaurants and Claire Wilkins is chef de partie, at the Queensbury Hotel’s Olive Tree restaurant in Bath.

Who motivated and inspired Bridget, I ask her? “My own food hero has to be my dad. He was a chef and baker by trade, and for me, growing up in the family business meant always being around food, always getting involved... even if dad sometimes accused me of getting in the way when I first started learning to bake cakes. I also have to credit my own first tutor at

college who believed I could do what I wanted to do, and pushed me to do even more.”

And in years to come, we know that’s exactly what the next generation of chefs will say about her.

The Shrubbery Restaurant is open for lunch, Monday to Friday during term time, offering a three-course seasonal lunch for £8.50. Dining events include the Spring Gourmet Dinner with Lucknam Park head chef Hywel Jones (Thursday 17 March, £55), a St George’s Day Feast on Thursday 21 April (£18.50) and the unique Taste of the West Country Dinner on Thursday 5 May (£18.50) – visit the Bath College Shrubbery Restaurant website for booking information and more dates for your diary: bathcollege.ac.uk/shop-and-services/theshrubbery. n

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FOOD | NEWS

FOOD&DRINK TITBITS

W n The traders of Kingsmead Square in Bath are doing their bit to support Sport Relief charities with a cake sale. They’ll be setting up stalls in the historic square on Saturday 19 March from 11am - 4pm in aid of Sport Relief. Cakes donated by businesses and homemade by local star bakers will be on sale for a small donation. Emma Savage, organiser and business owner of Grace & Ted said: “I wanted to do something to support Sport Relief however, not being particularly sporty I thought the businesses in Kingsmead Square could team up to bake and sell cakes instead. Every little helps and we’d love to see as many locals as possible in the square to enjoy a cuppa and some cake for this brilliant cause.” n The unique delivery service, Taste of Bath, which showcases the best of south west produce, has created a new service in which customers can make their own bespoke hampers. Crate Your Own allows customers to pick from a wide range of food and drink, from macaroons and cheese to beer and gin and to fill the distinctive wooden Taste of Bath crates from as little as £20. A group of producers is getting together to host a launch event – which is open to all. It’s at the Electric Bear Company HQ at Brassmill Lane Trading Estate, Unit 12, Newbridge, Bath from 7pm on Wednesday 16 March. Taste of Bath sources artisan produce from within a ten mile radius of the city. The crates of food can be despatched to visitors renting holiday accommodation in the area, for individual gifts or as corporate offerings. n Rachel Demuth, founder of the Demuths Cookery School in central Bath, is challenging people to give up meat for March, on the grounds that it would be good for our health and for the planet. Citing facts such as the statistic that a single acre of land can produce ten times as much protein by way of growing legumes, as the same space put to meat, she says: “Some people believe that giving up meat means that you have to give up your favourite foods but that doesn’t have to be true. Our courses teach people how to make everything from delicious Indian curries to Middle Eastern Street Food to hearty pies, elegant canapes and indulgent desserts.”

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SUGAR: THE NATION’S ADDICTION

e Brits have got an addiction which is slowing us down, impairing our intellect, making us fatter as a nation than we’ve ever been – and we need a gentle helping hand to break the habit that could be making us ill.

Journalist Calgary Avansino, a contributing editor to Vogue and mother of three children, is on a mission to help us break our addiction to sugar. In her first book, Keep It Real, she offers a combination of chilling statistics about sugar in our everyday diet, along with some practical advice about how we can learn to live without it and still enjoy our food.

Sugar is an empty bunch of calories, she observes, and yet in this country we consume an average of 140 teaspoons of sugar. Each. Every week.

“Our palate has become so dependent on tasting sweet things and food manufacturers pander to that,” she says ahead of her visit to Topping & Co bookshop in Bath on Wednesday 9 March as part of the launch of her book on healthy eating for all the family.

“We all know that eating cookies and drinking cola is bad for us, but do we know how much hidden sugar we are eating in our everyday food? It’s in ketchup, cereals, sauces, salad dressings, even in bread.”

Reading the labels in the supermarket is one way of finding out how much sugar is contained in manufactured food. Calgary has helpfully included a list of all the hidden guises, from agave nectar to xylitol, so we can look for ourselves.

“It would be much simpler to show the number of teaspoons of sugar contained in a product on its packaging, so then busy mums in the supermarket could make an informed choice about whether to buy or not,” she says.

But Keep It Real is more than merely a handbook on how to cut down on unhealthy foods. Calgary, who was raised as a vegetarian in California, understands that we lead busy

lives, so she shows us ways of planning ahead so we – and our children – never need to reach for junk food.

In addition to tips on stocking the store cupboards, the book also has a raft of beautifully photographed recipes for all the family. For breakfast, for example, there’s overnight oats made with coconut milk rather than cow’s milk. A sweeter alternative to the orginal adds banana and peanut butter.

After school treats to replace sweets and cakes include a blueberry and coconut oatmeal bake, again using coconut milk.

Sweetness is obtained from blueberries, grated apple and a little maple syrup.

Calgary tests all her recipes on her children. She understands that kids can be fussy: “you shouldn’t think you’re a failure if your kids won’t eat quinoa on the first go, or even the second or third – and please don’t expect miracles in the first week.” She advises that parents make small changes, and that one of the

simplest steps towards healthier eating is not to buy the biscuits, cakes and sugary cereals. If you don’t have them in the house nobody can ask for them.

Calgary is looking forward to coming to Bath to meet other parents interested in feeding their families healthier, more plant-based foods. She is also keen to explore new superfoods that we’re discovering and finding ways of incorporating them into our everyday lives.

Keep It Real by Calgary Avansino, includes 100 easy to follow, beautifully photographed recipes, published by Yellow Kite, price £25. n

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READER OFFER

A SPRING TREAT Indulge in The Pantry at The Bath Priory with our exclusive reader offer

L

ast year a special promotion launched by The Bath Priory especially for readers of The Bath Magazine proved very popular, with people enjoying lunch or supper in the intimate surroundings of the informal Pantry at the hotel. We recieved so much positive feedback from that, we’re delighted to be able to bring you another offer to eat at The Pantry in the Priory. The offer runs until the end of March.

Our exclusive offer for readers allows you to treat yourself to a complimentary dessert when you enjoy a two course lunch for £15 or dinner for £17.50 at The Pantry.

Set amongst beautifully manicured, award-winning gardens, a pleasant walk through Royal Victoria Park from the city centre, tucked away discreetly in Weston, The Bath Priory is one of Bath’s most luxurious hotels and the ideal location for a leisurely lunch or dinner this spring.

Offering a casual yet refined dining experience in cosy, warm surroundings, The Pantry is known for its exceptional food and drink, locally sourced and offering great value. The service is impeccable, as you would expect of this award-winning Brownsword hotel.

With a changing menu, starters could include grilled Cornish mackerel with tomato compote on toast, or charred purple sprouting broccoli, goats cheese and walnut salad. And for a main course choose from seasonal favourites such as braised beef cheek with celeriac compote and red wine jus or fresh tagliatelle with wild mushrooms.

Options for your complimentary dessert could include treats such as dark chocolate mousse, apple and sultana crumble with clotted cream, or hot sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream.

While you’re there, why not enjoy a stroll around The Bath Priory’s gardens, which offer year round displays, tended by The Bath Magazine’s own gardening columnist Jane Moore. The flowerbeds will be filled with a spring flowers and there are some fine specimen trees and shrubs to admire. Visitors are more than welcome to explore the country house hotel’s elegant public rooms, home to much of the owners’, Andrew and Christina Brownsword’s superb private art collection of beautiful paintings.

The Bath Magazine offer is valid every day of the week until 31 March 2016, with lunch served between noon and 2.30pm and dinner between 6.30-9.30pm. The offer is subject to availability and readers are therefore encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Please mention The Bath Magazine when making your reservation.

For further information or to book lunch or supper, visit: thebathpriory.co.uk, tel 01225 331922 or email info@thebathpriory.co.uk. n

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6 of the best March version 2.qxp_Layout 1 15/02/2016 14:14 Page 1

The Diner’s Digest SIX OF THE BEST

Off Bath’s beaten track

Melissa Blease heads away from the mainstream maelstrom and recommends some eateries in more unsual environs

THAI CAFÉ GOLDEN MOMENTS

Those who are familiar with the A4 between Bath and Bristol will know that there’s a convenient little grab’n’go pitstop at roughly the halfway point, home to a couple of smallsupermarkets, a Chinese takeaway and a car showroom. Next time you’re thinking of picking up a takeaway or a meal deal from a supermarket, instead head for the Thai Café, the diner that lives up to its claims of offering “authentic Thai food without the long-haul flight.” Really? In Saltford? Yes indeed – at bargain prices to boot. And there’s another exotic adventure to be had in this neighbourhood. Bengali-themed hotspot Golden Moments has curried favour from those in the know. And you thought you were just picking up a pint of milk on the way home . . .

Thai Café, 489 Bath Road, Saltford BS31 3BA Tel: 01225 874789; web: thaicafesaltford.co.uk Golden Moments, 507 Bath Road, Saltford BS31 3HQ Tel: 01225 873108; web: goldenmomentsbristol.co.uk

THE BEAUFORT

This super-smart little gastropub on the Balustrade is either a healthy walk from the city centre, or a short stroll down the hill from Larkhall/Camden, depending on where you’re heading from. The Beaufort is well worth a visit, not least because it offers a warm welcome under the capable ownership of brothers Robbie and Jamie Tack – the dynamic duo responsible for some excellent work at the GPT Smokehouse – with head chef Jack Scaterfield in the kitchen. This socially adaptable hostelry has a big, recently-revamped dining room and a cosy bar area which makes drinkers equally welcome. But then again, you’d be a fool to miss out on the food: menus offer unpretentious upper-crust pretensions based around superseasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Top tip: Sunday lunches here are out of this world, and well worth getting out of town for.

The Beaufort, 1 Beaufort, London Road, Bath BA1 6QB Tel: 01225 422033; web: thebeaufortbath.com

THE KING WILLIAM

London Road is no stranger to reinventing itself, often on an almost weekly basis, as shops, offices and pedestrian crossings come and go faster than the constant stream of traffic can keep up with, and the concept of what’s a “good” address in the vicinity changes according to the whims of the chattering classes. But since 2004, the King William has remained an enduringly popular, welcoming little oasis of good taste, home to a lively bar and several cosy dining areas (including a pretty supper room upstairs). Snug but never smug, smart but never ostentatious, it’s a bit like going around to your mate’s house for supper – if, that is, your mate happens to be a bit of a whizz in the kitchen of their tastefully eclectic home. As one would expect from a venture

overseen by Charlie and Amanda Digney (the couple also responsible for The Garrick’s Head and the Oakhill Inn), food is super-seasonal, locally sourced and fashionable in a way that cleverly always avoids any notion of pretension.

Perhaps the same could be said of London Road itself... if only somebody, somewhere could sort out those traffic jams.

The King William, 36 Thomas Street, Bath BA1 5NN Tel: 01225 428096; web: kingwilliampub.com

THE RICHMOND ARMS

Who didn't breathe a sigh of relief when news broke that the future of the characterful, historic Richmond Arms was finally secured back in 2014, when local residents who launched the Save the Richmond Arms campaign attracted the interest of a team of entrepreneurs who bought the pub? Today, this little pub – tucked away in a residential road in leafy Lansdown – is thriving under independent ownership, offering a warm community vibe and flavoursome food that artfully walks the tightrope between proper pub grub and cheffy dynamics. Prices are accessible, service is charming and, when the sun finally starts doing its job again, the lovely little garden to the front of the pub comes into its own. Be warned, though: parking around here can be challenging, but the Sunday roasts in particular make the on-foot haul up the hill well worthwhile.

The Richmond Arms, 7 Richmond Place, Bath BA1 5PZ Tel: 01225 316725; web: therichmondarmsbath.com

THE MINT ROOM

If you go by location alone, a trip to the Mint Room – between the Holiday Inn Express, the Sainsbury’s petrol station and the Homebase car park – doesn’t bode well. All credit to the restaurant’s owners for turning what’s ostensibly a breezeblock box into a subtly chic, understatedly glamorous haven of upper-crust foodie fabulousness that’s more W1 than BA2 in ambience… and, compared to the familiar provincial curry house experience, feels like it exists in another galaxy altogether. Starters rank among the best you’re likely to encounter in an

Indian restaurant in Bath, while mains can only be described as positively stellar – a sentiment aided and abetted by the kind of artful presentation that’s almost criminal to disturb.

Competent, confident and audaciously inspirational, the chefs are masters of the art of modern Indian cookery at its best, leading us to conclude that this gastro hotspot deserves to be parked up for rather than driven past.

The Mint Room, Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB Tel: 01225 446656; web: themintroom.co.uk/bath

MENU GORDON JONES

Since he fired up his tiny open kitchen just a few short years ago, charismatic super chef Gordon Jones has turned Bath’s formerly rather, erm, static foodie reputation upside down by offering a cutting edge, exceptional dining experience at an affordable price in a rather unlikely location: a tiny former café on an unassuming corner of the city. Who could have predicted that foodies from far and wide (including That There London) would be beating a path to Bear Flat? Dishes from the set menu of the day are presented and explained by staff who seem to be as

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delighted to be in the restaurant as you are, while a refreshingly unsnooty sommelier acts as a pilot who ensures that you never hit turbulence during your wine flight. Gordon presides over every service from the open kitchen, keeping a watchful eye over his domain as he works his magic and earns every whisper of the tasteful praise his restaurant has earned. If you’ve yet to discover MGJ for yourself, you're seriously missing out. Menu Gordon Jones, 2 Wellsway, Bath BA2 3AQ. Tel: 01225 480871; web: menugordonjones.co.uk

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RECEIVE THE BATH MAGAZINE BY POST AND NEVER MISS OUT We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month, and there’s plenty of pick up points around town. 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.

Make sure you never miss an issue... all 12 issues from just £30*

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST £30* SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.thebathmag.co.uk/subscribe or call: 01225 424 499

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THE WORLD’S BEST SPARKLING WINE ferrari

AT THE IGLOO • ABBEY HOTEL With: Dean Lapthorne from Cantine Ferrari Where – The Igloo, Abbey Hotel, Bath

When – 10th March, 6pm start for 8pm finish

Ticket price is £20 per person, to include a flight of six sparkling wines and canapés to match. To book your ticket please visit:

www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/events

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

BOSTON TEA PARTY 8 Alfred Street, Bath BA1 2QU. Tel: 01225 425318

R E V I EW

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

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Then have one. There’s no Fawlty Towers reticence about giving the customer what she wants when she wants it. You want bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, tomatoes, baked beans and toast at 3pm? You got it.

You can bring your veggie chums, your vegan pals and your gluten intolerant friends. There’s clear labelling on everything – which gets a big tick from us.

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Everything is made on the premises and clearly, the joy of creativity is in the finished dishes

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hen word went out a few months ago that Bath was to get another café I cynically thought ‘good luck with that then’, in light of the city’s already well populated coffee scene. Surely, I thought, Bath has enough places where you can grab a flat white and we must have reached peak caffeine by now?

How wrong could I be. I popped in to the new Boston Tea Party on Alfred Street a week after it opened. It was buzzing with people.

I went back again a few days later. Still bustling. And every time I’ve gone since, whether it’s been for a work meeting or for lunch, it’s been busy every time.

If you’ve been in Bath a long time you’ll recall Old Orleans the burger’n’ribs place that used to occupy this building. It was a dark, wood panelled barn of a place as I recall. The newly refurbished building is filled with natural light. It’s spacious and stylish. There are booths for quiet, serious talk, sofas for lounging and chatting, tables for two and four and even a long shared table down the middle, where solo diners can grab a place without feeling uneasy.

Last week Missy B and I called in for an early lunch. The laptop brigade were just wrapping up their earnest briefings and the mummies with their little dears were just settling themselves at tables and into high chairs. The little dears were soon busy colouring in on specially designed children’s menus, with crayons provided. There was even a brace of beautiful dogs posing in the window. No, that wasn’t us. We were at the other table in the window. A great people-watching place.

The menus are simple but beautifully done, giving off a cool New York vibe. You want one of BTP’s legendary west country breakfasts?

The other thing we like about BTP, is that despite being technically a chain, it retains the air of an independently run cafe. The staff are mostly young and stylish and very friendly too.

Our waitress recommended the raspberry and chocolate flapjack, as she had baked this batch herself and was particularly pleased with them.

Everything is made on the premises and clearly, the joy of creativity is in the finished dishes.

BTP prides itself on offering up locally sourced good quality produce, with 80 per cent of its suppliers being based in the south west.

Vegetables are grown in the Chew Valley by A David & Co, free range meat is from Devon Rose Farm and the organic milk comes from Yeo Valley cows, while award-winning family business Hobbs House bakery supplies the bread.

So what do we recommend? I’ve tried the eggs Benedict and the toasted sandwich delightfully named the Get your Goat, You’ve Pulled! containing a winning combo of goats cheese, thyme and onion marmalade. I would also recommend the teriyaki salmon, which feels incredibly healthy, with its mix of brown rice studded with red pepper, pak choi, spring onion and coriander.

My table companion chowed down, as she would say, on a veggie burger. Essentially a sweetcorn fritter with feta, avocado and a hint of chilli, she pronounced it deliciously light yet filling. There was some creamy fresh coleslaw which she devoured appreciatively and a huge mound of skinny fries we’d have needed a teenage appetite to polish off.

The prices are not extortionate for freshly prepared dishes. An energy boosting super salad of avocado, mango, radish, sprouting seeds, sugar snap peas, leaves carrots, nuts and seeds is £7.50, the toasted goats cheese sandwich is £4.95 and the veggie burger is £8.50.

It is one of those places where you have to remember your table number when you’re ordering at the main counter. I’m sure they’ve laid it out like this so as to seduce you into one of the cakes, scones and flapjacks which beckon seductively as you place your order.

We can’t leave without answering the unasked question: what’s the coffee like? It’s really good. It’s hand roasted in Bristol by Extract Coffee Roasters and I thoroughly recommend it. The healthy smoothies (£3.25) are pretty good too.

If you’re running the Bath Half on Sunday 13 March and can manage to hobble up the slope to Alfred Street, this would be a good place to book a table to re-charge your batteries. n

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

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

RECEIVE THE BATH MAGAZINE BY POST NEVER MISS OUT We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month, and there’s plenty of pick up points around town. 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.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST £30

Today’s leaders are facing the most challenging operating circumstances for a generation. The necessary skills and competencies have shifted from the motivation of employees in a buoyant economy to change management and strategic leadership in this landscape of budget cuts, increased hours, more sophisticated technology and leaner workforces. Few organisations have escaped these changes whether they are in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors.

The University of Bristol has recognised this and designed a bespoke Masters degree in Strategy, Change and Leadership aimed at providing senior managers with the tools and techniques they require in order to navigate their organisations through such demanding times.

Programme Director Helen Ballard says “I am delighted we have the funding available to offer scholarships on our parttime Masters programme. Excellent leadership is critical in this challenging climate, and high performing organisations are recognising the need to further develop their managers.

This practical Masters degree will offer a return on investment from day one.”

To find out more about the programme and the scholarship places available, come along to an open evening at the University on Wednesday 20th April from 6pm – 7.30pm.

Contact Cheralyn Dark for details: efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.thebathmag.co.uk/subscribe or call: 01225 424 499

For further information about the course please visit www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2016/ssl/msc-strategychange-leadership 58 TheBATHMagazine

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Network Rail is taking another significant step towards electrification of the Great Western Mainline with work planned 2nd April – 10th April 2016 overhead electric equipment to fit under and through. As you might expect, this involves completing a number of complex work streams to create what we call the space envelope.

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Can you give us more details of what you are doing this April?

During the time when the railway line between Bath and Bristol is closed, Network Rail’s orange army will be undertaking a range of work at Keynsham station, which includes track lowers, platform alterations, the replacement of waiting shelters and the installation of parts of the overhead line equipment.

e spoke with Andy Haynes from Network Rail, programme director West of England, to find out more about the Great Western Route Modernisation programme and the electrification works planned this April.

So, Andy, what are you doing and why?

As part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan, we are modernising and transforming Brunel’s railway from London Paddington to Swansea to make it fit for the 21st century. Part of these works is the electrification of the line which will pave the way for a fleet of brand new greener, quieter trains with more seats.

Following on from the successful programme of work around Bath last summer, this April we will be working at Keynsham and Oldfield Park stations to prepare the line for electrification. The benefits of this programme will be seen for generations to come.

What do you need to do to electrify the line?

We need to make enough space under each bridge and tunnel for the new trains and the new

We encourage everyone to stay on public transport as it will still be the quickest way to get to between Bath and Bristol.

It is important for people to know that Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads stations will remain open throughout the nine days. We realise that this work will cause disruption to rail users, but we have been working closely with all the relevant parties to minimise that disruption.

I would encourage everyone travelling between 2nd and 10th April to check before they travel.

Information is available both at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.gwr.com/bristolbath2016 For more information about the programme do have a look at these dedicated websites: www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-routemodernisation/banes and www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-routemodernisation/city-of-bristol ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Between Bath Spa and Oldfield Park stations we will be replacing crossing and switching equipment and carrying out preparatory activities in readiness for further work on the line during April next year.

CONTACT DETAILS: Network Rail, 1 Eversholt Street, London NW1 2DN Web: www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-routemodernisation Tel: 03457 11 41 41 Twitter: @networkrailgwrm

What effect will this have on people living in the Avon valley?

During the period of work, both Keynsham and Oldfield Park stations will be closed and a comprehensive rail replacement service will be in operation. This service was very successful last summer and will keep you moving, whatever your reason for travel.

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

Mark Archer Music writer and saxophone teacher

L

ike so many people I came to Bath by accident. My dad worked in Bristol and I had a friend who lived in North Parade. I ended up staying there for a while so I haven’t moved far!

After studying European Business at Trent Poly I got a job for an American company as a business consultant. Their work ethic was a shock and pretty full-on. The early starts took a bit of getting used to but it was challenging and I learnt a lot. However, my life ultimately took a different direction and away from working for others.

I have a great relationship with my dad who was a big influence in my life. He was a solicitor but his passion was making musical instruments like spinets and clavichords which he did from old pianos and other spare parts. We were always looking for The One or the Ultimate Instrument and, to cut a long story short, I was drawn to the saxophone, which in those days were very expensive.

I found one in a shop called Windblowers in Nottingham and my dad kindly paid half which set me on my life-path and my love affair with the sax. I now run the Blow Out Sax school based in the old toll house on North Parade. We teach anyone who wants to learn and try to make it as fun as possible without too many technical barriers. After all some of the greatest musicians never read music at all. Frank Sinatra, Lennon, Hendrix and Louis Armstrong never used notation. They played by instinct, ear or the heart.

Our greatest moment was when we broke the world record for the most people playing ensemble sax. With the help of others including Will Gregory of Goldfrapp we coordinated 529 musicians and performed in front of The Royal Crescent in 2004.

Wow what a day that was!

My work regime suits me but is a bit unorthodox. I have one week teaching (between 50-60 lessons) and then the next week ‘off’ to pursue my other passion which is writing music and/or teaching materials.

I have written three musicals including one on David Beckham and The Devil’s Horns based around the Orpheus myth. My most current books are Blow Out Sax which is a unique teaching manual, Sax Madmen, about the history of the sax, Show Man, my own life story and Sax Masters. This traces careers of great players like Stan Getz and analyses what makes them special.

I’ve had the good fortune to work recently with a really special musician called Jypie Mayo who some of you may know from his Dr Feelgood days. We have collaborated and co-written many new songs which has been really exciting. He has so many ideas and I just do my best to catch them as they fly past. Three years ago we performed some of these numbers at The Bell including Demonise and Why a Bird Sings, which is a great note to end on.

Visit: blowoutsax.com

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

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

ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL Tel: 01225 445507

www.oclaccountancy.com

Make the most of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme!

The VAT flat rate scheme (FRS) allows you to charge your customers VAT at the full rate, but pay a lower amount to HMRC. In return you waive your right to reclaim VAT on some of your purchases.

Whilst this is supposed to be cost neutral for businesses, we often find that it can save a business thousands of pounds.

FRS targets small businesses, but big businesses often begin small so don’t dismiss using the scheme for an initial period. If you can reasonably expect your turnover, excluding VAT, not to exceed £150,000 for the next year, you can join the FRS; on the upside you generally don’t have to leave until your turnover for the previous year exceeds £230,000 including VAT. There’s also incentive to join the scheme when you register for VAT; you are allowed to keep another 1% of the VAT you collect from your customers for a twelve month period.

The FRS works on the basis that you can’t reclaim VAT on purchases. However, where you spend £2,000 or more on capital assets, you can still recover the VAT you’ve paid – and you can group purchases made from the same supplier at the same time so if you buy a range of assets that exceed the limit in a single transaction, you can reclaim VAT on the lot.

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting.

We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides.

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

Boost your profits - Reduce your tax Maximise your wealth

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

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CITY | BUSINESS

CITY | PROFILE

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CITY | PROFILE

CITY CLOSE TO LEADER’S HEART Louise Prynne is the newly appointed chief executive for the Bath Business Improvement District.

Georgette McCready asked her about her plans

Inset, she admires the example of Bath Rugby using imagery on its shop window

I

t’s not really fair to ask someone to share their vision for a ‘better Bath’ when they’ve only been in their job a matter of weeks. But Louise Prynne, the newly appointed chief executive of the Bath Business Improvement District (or Bath BID, as it’s known) is no stranger to Bath and is excited about her new role. As she says: “I had four of the happiest years of my life here as a student, so Bath holds a special place in my heart.”

Louise graduated from the University of Bath in economics and government before leaving for London to follow a career in accountancy. Eventually she returned to her Welsh homeland, where she worked on several high profile projects, including the creation of the £650m St David’s Shopping Centre by Land Securities and Cardiff city centre management. In this role she worked to promote the Welsh capital city as a place to invest, work, live, study, shop and visit, helping to promote Cardiff from 10th to 6th top UK retail destination, and increasing visitor numbers from 14 to 18 million between 2009-2011.

In her 30-year career Louise has been a director at Cardiff Business Council; head of Commercial Operations at Cardiff and Co, and a member of the Board of Trustees at Millennium Stadium Trust.

Why does this energetic, lively Welshwoman want to work on making Bath a safer, cleaner, more successful city?

Leading an organisation that represents some 700 businesses in the Bath BID community, Louise is excited at the project ahead of her. She has five years in the role, after the business community voted last autumn to retain Bath BID’s services, which are paid for by a business levy plus some government support.

Louise says: “A lot of the skills I learned while working in Cardiff have given me the experience to transfer that knowledge to this role. Now my kids have grown up and have left home, I am a bit freer to take on more challenges.

“Also, I have a long and happy relationship with Bath, visiting often over the years. I’m lucky to have a small circle of very close friends here too, which gives me personal support.

“I am committed to building on the success of the first five years of the BID by delivering on the business plan and identifying those areas on which we can give renewed focus.

“One of those areas is the office based business community. I believe Bath has

the potential to further grow its reputation as a business centre within which new business can thrive. I will also be looking at how we can build on the well established programme of events to attract footfall and at ways in which the BID can work closer with the universities and colleges.”

Louise has spent the first few weeks of her new role doing three things. Firstly, she’s been busy meeting all the key people, in the private and public sector, who make things happen in Bath and listening to their views. Secondly, she’s been scouring all the information about what’s being planned for the city and the surrounding area, so she’s aware of overall strategy and the details of what projects are on their way.

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The key words about Bath are ‘independent’ and ‘elegant’ so it’s important that we stay true to its brand, but that we build on it

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MEETING KEY PEOPLE: Louise Prynne, chief executive of Bath BID, has a great track record of improving city life for locals and visitors.

Lastly, Louise has been out and about on foot revisiting all the corners of the city she grew to love as a student and reacquainting herself. “Hasn’t Walcot Street improved?” she says, as if talking about an old friend who’s done well for themselves. “And I like the cluster of restaurants in Milsom Place, that works very well.”

She recognises that some areas, such as Westgate Street, are not looking at their best, “but I really value those community shops there, the stalwarts of every day life, like Shaws, Poundland, Superdrug and Boots.”

There are other aspects that she’s not so happy about. “I think we need to do something about Union Street to make it more inviting to retailers and to visitors.

Maybe we need to look at the human placard holders. Are they really reflecting the brands they’re promoting in the best way?

“Is the city using its empty shop windows as best as it can? It might be better to put vinyl covers in the windows, as Bath Rugby does with its ticket office, to promote events such as the Theatre Royal programme.

“We should be talking with developers about fulfilling aesthetic

guidelines while they’re working on city centre buildings. And yes, if that means dropping a scrim, or banner, down the building’s facade as they do in Venice, then let’s do it.”

Louise and the rest of the Bath BID team are very keen to see the Corn Market area, off Walcot Street and between the Tramshed and the Hilton Hotel, developed sympathetically.

She’s a big supporter of what she describes as an animated street scene, but says the market stalls should be monitored to ensure that they’re in keeping with Bath’s character.

She says: “The key words about Bath are ‘independent’ and ‘elegant’ so it’s important that we stay true to its brand, but that we build on it.”

Louise also believes in promoting the region to the outside world, bringing Bristol, Bath and parts of Wiltshire together to offer a mix of top places to work, live and go to school. “We can attract people by offering a very good quality of life. Bath particularly is a leading destination on a very human scale.”

Key tasks performed by Bath BID include: l Supporting the 700 or so businesses who are BID members, plus associate members. l Mobilising a team of rangers to help keep the city centre clean and tidy. l Keeping the city a safe environment, particularly between the hours of 5pm and 6am. As a result of its efforts, in conjunction with the police and local authority, Bath holds Purple Flag status, which means its percieved as a safe city. l Marketing the city to visitors and incoming business through events including Bath in Fashion. l Providing an environmentally and cost effective rubbish and recycling collection to Bath businesss, especially for food waste, cardboard and glass.

Find out more about Bath BID and whether your business is eligible to take advantage of its services, visit: bathbid.co.uk. n

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS News in brief

■ Illustrator Aidan Meighan launched a bespoke map business, Whereabouts Maps, with the help of the Prince’s Trust two years ago. He provides detailed, hand-drawn maps of a street, town or village, in birds-eye view – as depicted above – adding landmarks or favourite places, chosen by the customer. An A2 framed, individual coloured map is £300. To find out more visit Aidan’s website: whereaboutsmaps.com.

■ Bath illustrator and paper artist Jessica Palmer, who last year successfully launched a colouring book for adults, Tangle Wood, is to publish a second book, Tangle Bay. Jessica is a former BBC producer who was made redundant and took an MA in illustration.

She’s since gone from strength to strength, running workshops in Bath in the art of paper cutting.

■ With volatile markets and ongoing low interest rates, coupled together with Inheritance tax and income tax concerns, there are many challenges facing investors. Queens Square Wealth Management is holding two investment and tax planning seminars in the coming months to cover these key topics.

The first is at Great Chalfield Manor on Monday 25 April , the second is at Chavenage House on Tuesday 17 May. For further information call 01225 742644.

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PROFESSOR LEADS HER FIELD Carole Mundell, Professor of extragalactic astronomy and head of astrophysics at the University of Bath is one of the finalists in the everywoman Technology Awards sponsored by IT services giant FDM. A world-leading astrophysicist, with awards from the Royal Society and prizes such as the Times Higher Research Project of the Year Award 2007, Carole leads an international team of research scientists working at the interface between observation, theory and technology development to study the most powerful explosions in the universe. She has led a major innovation in the study of magnetic fields in the distant universe by developing new instruments and opening a new area of international astrophysics research. Her instruments are

world leading, and are used by the international community.

Her innovative approach to research technology has attracted £1.5m of research funding.

Carole is an inspirational example for young women; through her TV and radio appearances, public talks and visits to schools and she has used her position to protect young women scientists from sexual harassment.

MP’S BEST OF

Bath MP Ben Howlett has launched his own awards for local independent businesses.

The inaugural Ben’s Best of Bath Business Awards has seen more than 50 businesses nominated in ive categories: best independent retailer, best independent café, best independent restaurant, best window display and best independent newcomer – launched since the General Election (7 May 2015). The awards are supported by the Federation of Small Businesses and a panel of judges including Angela MacAusland from the FSB and Louise Pryn CEO of the Bath BID and Martin Tracy of the Framing Workshop.

Nominate an independent Bath business, with no more than 100 words via email to: ben.howlett.mp@parliament.

Closing date is 31 March.

COMPOSERS IN FILM SCORE CONTEST Young composers, aged 14 – 19 are putting the finishing touches to soundtracks they have composed for a short film, chosen from a selection provided by Bath Film Festival for the FilmScore competition. The final of the competition is on 24 March at Komedia, when the audience will have a chance to see the films with their newly created soundtracks and to hear a panel of judges from the film industry give its verdict.

This year the judges include Alistair King and Mark Russell. Alistair King studied music at Bath Spa University and is known for the

orchestration of music on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge.

Mark Russell’s work has included music for Cold Feet, Murder City, The Bill and Kingdom. Aside from composing, Mark has written an acclaimed book Film Music.

Bath Film Festival launched the project last year and 40 original soundtracks were submitted. These were reduced to a shortlist of seven. One of the finalists is now being mentored by composer Gary Yershon.

Bath Film Festival is hoping to develop the project

over the next five years. It has the capacity to be transformative for the young people who take part: in terms of their creative abilities, it can give their selfconfidence a boost. It can also provide a stepping stone to their future, not just composing music for cinema but also television, computer games, documentaries and advertisements.

This promises to be an exciting evening with the chance to hear work from some rising stars of music composition. To buy tickets, which are £7.50/£5, tel: 01225 463362 or: bathfestivals.org.uk.

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“SPRING CLEAN YOUR TAX AND FINANCES”

Calvin Healy from Richardson Swift provides a summary of the current topical tax planning areas requiring attention in the next few months.

Owner managed incorporated businesses Major changes to the taxation of dividend income are set to be introduced from 6th April 2016. The changes are primarily directed at the owners of small companies and have been designed to bring the tax cost of operating as a limited company more into line with the charge on a similar business run as a sole trader.

The outline of changes are as follows: • Abolition of the tax credit.

• A dividend tax “free” allowance of £5,000.

• Dividends in excess of the allowance taxed at flat rates of 7.5% in the basic rate band, 32.5% in the higher rate band and 38.1% in the additional rate band.

If you are affected by the changes it is essential that you obtain appropriate tax planning advice in order to ascertain the cost benefit of dividend extraction between now and 5th April.

As we have experienced over the last few months there is no “one size fits all” recommendation as there are many different factors which need to be considered. For instance, the abolition of the tax credit means that the amount of taxable dividend income will be comparatively less going forward and will reduce the impact of abatement of personal allowances.

Buy-to-let investors If you let a property with sufficient furnishings

that the tenant can move in with just a suitcase, this is the last tax year for which you can claim an allowance to cover the wear and tear on furniture and other contents. The allowance is calculated as 10% of the net rents.

From 6th April 2016, landlords will only be able to claim for the actual amounts they spend on replacing furnishings during a year. Therefore, deferring replacement of furnishings until after 6th April is likely to be beneficial.

Changes are also being introduced to restrict tax relief on loan interest. Currently, full tax relief is available for interest on a loan used in a buy-tolet rental venture. The funds may have been used to purchase the property, to make repairs or improvements, or just fund working capital.

From 6th April 2017, tax relief on interest will be restricted so that by 2020 interest will no longer be an allowable expense but instead will attract relief at 20% as a reduction to your tax bill.

This change will have a major impact on owners of let property. Therefore advice will be required to assess the tax impact in order for tax planning opportunities to be explored.

The rules are complex but in essence everyone will have two pension input periods for the current tax year, one ending on 8th July 2015, and the other ending on 5th April 2016. A total annual allowance of up to £80,000 is available for the year (i.e. potentially twice the standard contribution limit). The £80,000 limit is first used against contributions made during the period ending to 8th July. Any unused balance, up to a maximum of £40,000 is carried forward to use in the period 9th July to 5th April.

For personal contributions, basic rate tax relief is given at source and higher or additional rate taxpayers must claim additional relief through their tax returns.

For further information and guidance please contact either Calvin Healy or Jon Miles Calvin Healy

Pensions Tax relief on pension contributions will be restricted for 45% taxpayers from 6th April 2016. However, transitional rules have been introduced for the current tax year which give a wider group of taxpayers the opportunity to make extra pension contributions and claim full tax relief.

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

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Divorce does not have to be a financial minefield

By Clare Webb, Sharp Family Law - Bath Divorce Solicitors. Producing Resolution not Prolonging Conflict

Here are three points to help you navigate through this period: Step 1: Know your figures.

Now is the time to be organised. Organisation of your paperwork will help you keep on top of often complex financial discussions.

Knowing the answers to the following questions is a good place to start: • What is the value of your home?

• How much do you hold in bank accounts or investments?

prioritize your goals, educate you on your options and assure you have the information needed to make important decisions.

An experienced family lawyer will look at all aspects of your life, including children, property, business valuation, pensions, etc. to make sure you have the right resources and professionals to enable you to successfully move forward after your divorce.

outcome for separating and divorcing clients.

We will guide you safely through the potential financial minefield towards a constructive outcome that helps you and your family move on with life For further information please call Clare Webb on 01225 448 955 or email clare@sharpfamilylaw.com.

❝

F

or many couples that make the decision to divorce, the financial practicalities of ending a relationship are almost as painful as the emotional impact.

However, divorce, with all its complexities and emotional upheavals, does not have to be a financial minefield.

focus on what is most important to you, not just today but also in the future

❝ Step 3: Focus on what matters most.

• What is the value of your pension fund?

• What is your debt?

• What are your sources of income and • How much do you need to be financially independent?

Gathering this information carefully and the papers to support it will help you make wellinformed decisions about your future.

Step 2: Take appropriate advice.

Seek appropriate legal guidance early. A good family lawyer will give you confidence about your future and support you through this difficult transition. Your lawyer will help you

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At a time when you are feeling your most financially insecure and vulnerable, your instinct may be to withdraw, protect yourself and make hasty decisions that are not in your long term best interest. It is essential at this time to focus on what is most important to you, not just today but also in the future.

Listen to the advice provided by the team of professionals around you and be prepared to let go of those issues that they suggest you should.

Do not throw good money after bad by letting your emotions get the best of you. Do make sure that you take proportionate and measured steps to secure your finances for your future.

The specialist solicitors at Sharp Family Law are dedicated to finding the most secure, long-term

Clare Webb

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Helping clients to reach solutions 5, Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH, UK email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07766 107527 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com

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PROFESSIONAL | BUSINESS CARDS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDANCE FROM THE EXPERTS

in a new series we select six of Bath’s finest professional services to tell us a little more about themselves, what they do, and update us on their recent activities and successes. here’s the brief...

MOWBRAY WOODWARDS 3 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HG Web: mowbraywoodwards.co.uk Tel: 01225 485700

BECKFORD JAMES Queen Square House, Queen Square Place, Bath BA1 2LL Web: beckfordjames.com Tel: 01225 437600 Beckford James are Independent Chartered Financial Planners based in Bath, with other offices in London and the Midlands.

They aim to provide an easy to understand approach to financial planning, giving clients confidence and a clear understanding of what it takes to achieve their financial goals.

Their specialist areas include long term care and later life planning; pension and retirement planning (including occupational and auto enrolment schemes); inheritance tax planning; lifetime cash-flow modelling and holistic financial planning.

Mowbray Woodwards are passionate about providing successful outcomes for their clients. They understand that every legal matter is unique and they tailor their service to meet each client’s individual needs.

They have been based in Queen Square for 70 years and today they continue to take a ‘one firm’ approach where each team works closely together. This enables them to build strong and long-lasting relationships with their clients that are built on trust, and their clients return to them time and again.

Their highly acclaimed solicitors provide a full range of legal services to individuals and businesses including: family law, residential and commercial property, wills and estate planning, tax and trusts, powers of attorney, elderly support, mental capacity, dispute resolution, commercial services, motoring law and criminal law.

They also work with clients and professional partners in areas such as clinical negligence, matrimonial and trust/trustee advice.

RICHARDSON SWIFT 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL Web: www.richardsonswift.co.uk Tel: 01225 325580 Richardson Swift are one of the few remaining independent firms of accountants and tax consultants that concentrate specifically in the Bath and surrounding areas. They believe that by keeping their business direct and local they can supply the service that their clients need. They specialise in advising clients about all of their options, and they believe that it is the client that should make the decision based on full facts rather than the advisor.

Richardson Swift have a team of 24 experienced specialist individuals, so they are large enough to have the expertise to handle complex affairs but small enough to give great personal service.

They are also up to speed with current technology, offering cloud accounting solutions for clients, giving them immediate up to date knowledge of their numbers.

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PROFESSIONAL | BUSINESS CARDS

PEARSON MAY Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisors, 37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA Tel: 01225 460491 Web: pearsonmay.co.uk As a leading firm of Chartered Accountants in Bath, Pearson May provides a complete range of accountancy services to companies, partnerships and individuals.

SRA ARCHITECTS Recently moved to Queen Square House, Charlotte Street, Bath BA1 2LL Web: sra-architects.co.uk Tel: 01225 827444 SRA Architects have over 20 years’ experience designing award-winning projects throughout the UK. They take time to listen to their clients, enabling them to fulfil their vision by applying SRA’s creative approach.

They enjoy working together to deliver the most suitable creative solution.

They will often challenge initial ideas, believing they can be refined and made better; for them the process of architecture is as important as the end result.

SRA specialise in automotive, workplace, education, retail, residential, community, and science sectors. Even though their work spans the UK for global brands, institutions and developers, they enjoy working with their many local clients such as the RUH, the University of Bath and AB Dynamics. SRA design spaces to delight and inspire.

This pioneering Great Pulteney Street practice can trace its origins in the city back to 175 years ago. Pearson May has built its venerable reputation for tax advice on the back of its ever professional, helpful and friendly personal service.

As Nick Oliver, a Partner at Pearson May, explains: “Successive governments have increased the tax burden in recent years to unprecedented levels, and with more qualified members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation than any other local firm we are able to guide our clients through all the complexities and help our clients pay less tax.”

Pearson May has a total of six Partners, with ten of the Partners and staff being qualified members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and three who are Trust and Estate Practitioners. The firm has 50 staff located across three offices and represents a wide clientele, both locally, in and around the Bath area and internationally – from private clients including Trusts, to public limited companies and professional firms.

In addition to taxation and VAT, core services provided include accounting, auditing, book-keeping, budgeting, financial/pension planning, along with a comprehensive range of services covering business consultancy, new business start up advice, taxation and personal financial planning, raising finance, cashflow and profit forecasts, company formation and secretarial, computer consultancy, management services, litigation support and payroll processing.

COMBINED FINANCIAL STRATEGIES LTD 38 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT Web: cfsorg.com Tel: 01225 471462 Combined Financial Strategies Ltd is an award-winning firm of Chartered Financial Planners offering independent financial advice tailored to their client’s specific circumstances.

The majority of their clients tend to be focussed on when and how they can afford to retire.

Unfortunately, retirement has become increasingly complicated with many changes to legislation and the increasing number of available financial products to use. Therefore Combined Financial Strategies Ltd offers their clients a joined up approach to their financial plans covering investments, pensions and tax planning.

Jonothan McColgan is Combined Financial Strategies’ director and is an award-winning Chartered Financial Planner receiving nine national industry awards over the last year, including At Retirement & Estate Planning Adviser of the Year, Multi Asset Planner of the Year, and he was runner up as Financial Adviser of the Year.

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FAMILY | EVENTS

FAMILYDIARY FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN THIS MONTH BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK FAMILY ACTIVITIES HANDS ON SCIENCE n Roman Baths 14 March – 18 March, 10 – 1pm & 2 – 4pm Handling tables by the Roman Baths with a different topic each day. Entry is included in admission price.

Also at the Roman Baths this month SCIENCE BUSKING 12 March 2016, 2 – 5pm Find out more about the science behind the Roman Baths. Entry is included in admission price.

EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: ROMANS – HEALTHY AND HAPPY? Monday 4 April, 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm Discover how the Romans stayed fit and healthy at this Easter workshop. All included in admission price, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: FRUITY FUN n Fashion Museum Tuesday 5 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30 – 3.30pm A chance for your children to get creative with this fashion workshop. Invent a fruity design for a hat, a print for a dress, jacket or shirt.

Included in admission price, no need to book.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

SPRING SUNSHINE n Victoria Art Gallery 6 April, 10 – 11am & 11.30am – 12.30pm Free drop-in session where children can create some spring flowers and make a spectacular collage to take home. For three to six year olds.

Also at the Victoria Art Gallery this month POSTER POINTS 8 April, 10 – 11am & 11.30am – 12.30pm What makes a good poster? Create artistic designs using a variety of images and words.

For five to 11 year olds. Free admission.

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD n Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath Tuesday 8 – Sunday 13 March, times vary Following on from the success of The Gruffalo, Tall Stories Theatre Company returns to tell the magical tale of the Gruffalo’s daughter in this stage adaption. Recommended for ages three and over. Tickets: £13, or £10.50 for schools. Visit: theatreroyal.org.uk or tel: 01225 448844.

TODDLER TRAILS Tuesdays in March, 10.45 – 11.30am n Dyrham Park National Trust property, north of Bath on the A46 Garden trails designed for toddlers; learn about shape, colour and numbers while exploring nature. Meet on the lawn in Stable Court at 10.45am. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Trails lasts approx. 30-45mins. Arrive in

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Get hunting for eggs at Dyrham Park this Easter the car park by 10.30am to catch the bus down to the house. Trails may be cancelled in bad weather. Normal admission applies.

Also at Dyrham Park this month EASTER EGG HUNT Friday 25 – Monday 28 March, 10am – 4pm Explore the parkland at Dyrham with an Easter hunt trail and claim a Cadbury chocolate prize. £2 per trail. Normal admission.

FAMILY NATURE TRAILS Tuesday 29 and Thursday 31 March, 11am – 12pm Join other families in wandering around the park on a guided discovery trail. From spotting the deer to completing some 50 things activities, discover the wild side of the parkland. Normal admission.

THE HOMELESS PANDA Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 March, times vary n The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road Larkhall, Bath The Rondo Theatre Company presents a new piece of theatre for all the family. Follow the adventures of Xiongmao the giant panda as he searches for a new home. Tickets: £10, £5 for under 16s. Tel: 0333 666 3366 or visit: ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre BATH SPA UNIVERSITY PRESENTS: SHAKESPEARE PROJECT Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 March, 7pm (and Saturday 2pm) n The egg theatre, Sawclose, Bath This world premiere produced by OnSet productions takes a playful, comic and bold look at some of the untold stories behind Shakespeare’s characters. This will be performed in the egg foyer to allow inter-action with the audience. Suitable for ages 8+.

Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children.

Also at the egg theatre this month RED EARTH PRESENTS: THE REMARKABLE TALE OF OLIVER TWIST Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 March, times vary Set in a Victorian music hall, Red Earth’s adaption of Charles Dickens’s novel brings the

characters of Oliver Twist to life through a series of variety acts and performances.

Suitable for ages 6+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children. Box office: 01225 448844 M THEATRE PRESENTS: TADPOLES Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 March, 11.30am and 3pm This energetic play tells the story of two rival superheroes – Captain Clever and Captain Conker – who must overcome their differences to complete a tadpole catching competition in order to save the world. Suitable for ages five and over. Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children.

BATH SPA UNIVERSITY PRESENTS: WHERE THERE’S A WILL Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 March, 7.30pm (and Saturday 2pm) Did William Shakespeare really write The Complete Works? Marking the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death, this comical play explores the weird and wonderful identities of the people who may have actually written Shakespeare’s famous plays. This is a new commission from Bath Spa University’s OnSet Productions. Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children. Visit: theatreroyal.org.uk or tel: 01225 448844.

THEATRE ROYAL BATH THEATRE SCHOOL PRESENTS: A SHAKESPEAREAN CABARET Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 March, 7pm (and Saturday 2pm) The Theatre Royal Bath Theatre School takes The Complete Works of Shakespeare and performs it as a cabaret. Suitable for ages 12+.

Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children.

KITE Saturday 2 – Monday 4 April, 11.30am and 3pm Without using words, this play uses kites, originally composed music, puppetry and dance to tell its tale. Presented by The Wrong Crowd in association with Soho Theatre.

Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children. Suitable for ages seven and over.

SMILEY COYOTES Thursday 24 March, 10.30am – 12pm n The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath Join other families for a crafts workshop and a variety of fun activities, including singing and storytelling, in the museum’s beautiful grounds.

For children aged 0-5. £8 per family. Must be booked in advance. Visit: americanmuseum.org or tel: 01225 820866.

TRB ENGAGE PRESENTS: THE DOGS OF WAR Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 March, 7pm (and Saturday and Sunday 3pm) n Burdall’s Yard, Anglo Terrace, Bath Taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s descriptions of warfare, this play follows the

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FAMILY | EVENTS

lives of a small community after war is declared. Suitable for ages 12+. Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 children. Visit: theatreroyal.org.uk or tel: 01225 448844.

JUST SO Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 March, 7.30pm (and Saturday 2pm) n Bath Spa University theatre, Newton Park, Newton St Loe, Bath Based on Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, Bath Spa students will tell the story of the Elephant’s Child as he travels on a quest to defeat a terrifying crab. This musical includes a colourful chorus of wildebeests, wallabies and elephants. Tickets: £12/£10 concessions/£6 Bath Spa University students. Visit: bathspalive.com or tel: 01225 875875.

RAISED EYEBROWS THEATRE COMPANY: THE LITTLE BOOKSHOP BOY Wednesday 30 March, 2pm n The Pound arts centre, Pound Pill, Corsham Using puppetry, music and storytelling, Raised Eyebrows Theatre Company tells the tale of a boy who falls out of a story book and can’t remember which story he belongs in.

Recommended for ages five and over. Tickets: £7/£6 concessions/£24 family. Box office: 01249 701628. Visit: poundarts.org.uk Also at The Pound arts centre THEATRE UNDERTOW: IN THE BELLOWS Saturday 2 April, 9.45 – 11.30am With a mix of live folk music and puppetry,

Theatre Undertow presents their new storytelling show In The Bellows. Shown as part of Theatre Fest West 2016. Performed at 15 minute intervals. Tickets: £5/£4 concessions.

EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: LEGO FAMILY FUN Tuesday 5 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm Get creative and build something spectacular this Easter. The Pound provides a mountain of lego and it is your family’s challenge to create an impressive building. Free, donations welcome. No booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: FUN FAMILY CRAFTS Wednesday 6 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm Have some messy fun this Easter at this family craft workshop. Free, donations welcome. Age guidance five and over, with a colouring corner for pre-schoolers. No booking required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: FUN DAY Tuesday 29 March, 11am – 2pm n Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Twerton Join other families for a range of craft activities, games and an Easter egg hunt. Free entry. No booking required. Visit: bathcityfarm.org.uk Also at Bath City Farm this month EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: MEET THE ROMANS Thursday 31 March, 11am – 2pm The whole family can explore what life was really like in Roman Bath. Children can make their own mosaic, handle artefacts and learn

The Homelss Panda at The Rondol about some of the remarkable characters from Aquae Sulis. Free entry. No booking required.

COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING DAY Saturday 12 March, 10.30am – 3pm Help make the farm’s orchard and copse grow by planting apple and hazel trees. Refreshments and soup will be provided. Free entry. No booking required.

EASTER TRAIL Friday 25 – Monday 28 March, 8am – 5pm n Bowood House and Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire Explore Bowood’s impressive grounds and take part in an Easter trail. Complete the activity sheet to win a prize. Meet the new additions to Tractor Ted’s Little Farm before heading to the adventure playground. No extra charge to normal admission price. Visit: bowood.org or tel: 01249 812102. n

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A Level and GCSE Easter Revision Courses

Monday 21st March – Friday 8th April

“

One to One tuition also available

Staff have extensive subject “ knowledge and ” actively engage the students in learning ” OFSTED

For more information, please contact Aaron Berry on: 01225 334577 | revision@bathacademy.co.uk www.bathacademy.co.uk 27 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HX @BathAcademy

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Supporting disabled children, young people and their families.

Reg Charity No: 1068862

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Make a DIFFERENCE

SUPPORT a disabled child and their family We run social groups and a 1:1 befriending service which links disabled children and young people with a volunteer. Both services enable young people to develop friendships, feel less isolated, undertake fun activities, learn new skills, build confidence and d develop independence.

We need people with a passion for supporting young people’s development to

volunteer 2 or more hours a week with us.

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exists and the g e wonderful people who dedicate their time voluntarily to help our kids flourish and grow in confidence” Parent

Time 2 Share, Unit 35 Easton Business Centre, Bristol, BS5 0HE Tel: 0117 9415868 hello@time2share.org.uk C is a Limited Company registered in England and Wales Time2Share Company no.3424738 Charity no.1068862

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CITY | BUSINESS

SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

THE DARK SKY DIARY - MARCH Jenny Hayes visits At-Bristol Science Centre to find out more about the spring equinox

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

Main image: The blue planet in space, an artist’s impression © Denis Tabler This page: An eruption of heat and radiation from the surface of the sun © NASA

H

urray! It’s that time of the year when we can cast off our coats, scrunch up our scarves and step out in shirtsleeves because spring is all set to arrive on Sunday 20 March. Why this date, I hear you ask?

Could it not show up a little sooner?

Saturday 5 March would be more convenient… Well no, I’m afraid not, because you see a very special event marks the arrival of spring each year, and that is the vernal equinox. This phenomenon only ever takes place between 19 and 21 March, when the sun is directly over the earth’s equator resulting in an equal amount of day and night.

This wasn’t always the case, however.

When Julius Caesar established his calendar back in 45 BCE, he decided that 25 March should be the date of the spring equinox. Unfortunately, because he has miscalculated the length of the solar year – by just a teeny tiny 11 minutes – the date of the spring equinox began to drift on his calendar. By 300 CE it had retreated to 21 March, and was all the way back on 11 March by 1500 CE. Irked by the effect of such inconsistency on the date of Easter, Pope Gregory XIII set about creating a more accurate calendar in 1582. To conform with the edicts of the Council of Nicea of ADE 325, which stated that Easter must always fall on the Sunday after the spring equinox, the Pope wanted to ensure the spring equinox fell on the same date each year. It was nigh on impossible to ensure this level of accuracy given the complexity of the solar cycle, but clever Italian scientist Aloysus Lilius did develop a calendar system for Pope Gregory that balanced common years with leap years to ensure the equinox would always fall between 19 and 21 March, thus ensuring Easter Sunday could be celebrated shortly afterward.

Thus the Gregorian calendar was born, which we still adhere to today.

So, in Christianity the vernal equinox carries with it great significance. As light begins to win the battle over darkness in the sky, and life emerges from death as the earth reawakens from winter, the tableau of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection plays out. A similar story can be found in ancient Egyption mythology, where the spring equinox marks the day that Osiris – god of the dead and ruler of the underworld – rose again to bestow the gift of fertility on the land. The Great Sphinx of Giza was stationed to watch out for him rising as the Sun on the horizon, a duty she still performs to this day.

One of the most famous ancient

festivals was the Mayan sacrificial ritual at the great pyramid in Chichén Itzá, Mexico. The pyramid was built to honour Kukulcán, the divine creator and god of resurrection and reincarnation who took the form of a plumed serpent, and every year at the spring equinox it performs its own miracle. As the sun of the late afternoon falls in the sky, it creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase, as if the god himself is descending to walk again among his people.

The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century ADE, is also constructed around the celestial phenomenon of the equinox.

The main tower of the complex symbolises Mount Meru, home of the gods, and each year at the spring equinox the sun rises to crown the tower to show that the Hindu god Indra has once again ascended into the sky and returned to his rightful place as King of Heaven.

Elsewhere, the perpetual battle between light and darkness is illustrated in a giant stone mural that depicts devas (angels) and asuras (demons) locked in an eternal tug of war.

A famous reminder of the importance of the equinox to people in pre-Christian England exists not far from us here in Bath, in the form of Stonehenge.

Whatever religious, mystical or spiritual are hidden within this Neolithic site are still open to speculation, but there are clear indicators that the arrangement of the stones served as a celestial observatory. For thousands of years, druids and pagans have gathered at this site on the vernal equinox to celebrate Eostre, the Saxon goddess of fertility and new beginnings.

But the spring equinox isn’t fun and games for everyone here on Earth. At the south pole, it will be the day on which the sun sets for the first time in six months, and the start of the slow descent toward 24 hours of darkness three months later. Closer to home, some of us may experience a complete communication breakdown – in the astronomical as opposed to astrological sense. For a few days around the equinox, all the geostationary satellites that orbit the Earth will be disrupted as the Sun passes directly behind each for a short period each day. When this happens, solar radiation swamps the signal from the satellite causing an outage that can last anything from a few seconds to an entire hour.

There’s no doubt that this can be irritating in the extreme if you happen to be in the middle of a call on your mobile, but when you stop and think about

what’s happening, it’s also completely amazing. After all, there’s something rather wonderful in knowing that the equinox still has the power to interrupt our lives and make us pause for just a moment to reflect on the wonders of our solar system, just as it did our ancestors.

With thanks as always to Lee Pullen for sharing his time and knowledge. If you’ve been inspired to learn more about the stars then book your tickets for the new Spring Stargazing show in AtBristol’s incredible 3D Planetarium – from Tuesday 8 March.

For more details, tel: 0117 915 1000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk n

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

Look out for...

There’s loads to see in our skies this month, including: ● Jupiter in opposition, Tuesday 8 March – the mighty gas giant takes its position directly opposite the Sun, at its nearest to Earth and brightest in appearance in our sky.

It will rise in the constellation of Leo as the Sun sets, and then disappear below the horizon again at dawn. Don’t forget to get your binoculars out to spot the Galilean moons. ● The Pashcal Full Moon, Wednesday 23 March – this is the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which sets the date of Easter. It will rise in the constellation of Virgo and, although it’s later in the month, you’ll still be able to see Jupiter shining brightly to the right of it.

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THE RACE OF THE GOOD CAUSES

We highlight some of the charities supported by runners in the Vitality Bath Half marathon on Sunday 13 March, so if you’re in the crowds of spectators you can cheer them on

I

f you’re on the streets of Bath on Sunday 13 March cheering and applauding the 15,000 runners as they pass you at various speeds, you may wish to give a shout-out for specific runners who are running to raise funds for charity and sporting t-shirts or vests proudly bearing the name of their good cause.

Last year’s race made in excess of £2m for charity and the 2016 Vitality Bath Half looks as if it may top that figure. Here are some of the charities being supported this year.

GLOBAL PROJECTS We’ve all heard of Oxfam, which helps people in need all over the world on both long-term and emergency basis. But there are other international charities, for instance Frank Water, which campaigns for people to have access to clean, safe water, and People Against Poverty, which has projects in Romania, Nepal, Haiti and the UK working with families who live in appalling conditions. Then there’s our local favourite charity, Send A Cow, which provides healthy dairy cows for families in Africa so they can help themselves make a living. The Newton St Loe based charity, which recently welcomed Prince Charles to its headquarters, is fielding 70 runners.

HEALTH CHARITIES You’ll see a lot of distinctive green Macmillan Cancer vests on the day, but there are other health-related charities too. These include the

Stroke Association, the Alzheimer’s Society, CLIC Sergeant, Prostate Cancer UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, Action for M.E and Anorexia Bulimia Care. There are some charities that we rarely hear of, such as Bloodwise, which supports people with blood cancer, which sees 38,000 new diagnoses each year, or DEBRA, which looks after so-called butterfly children, who suffer from the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa. EB causes the skin to be so fragile that it comes off at the slightest touch, leading to pain, disability and often death in infants.

SOCIAL GOOD CAUSES Jamie’s Farm near Box uses kindness and therapy to help troubled teenagers from inner city schools and gives them the chance to spend a week working on a farm. Mentoring Plus in Bath pairs local youngsters who are finding life a challenge, with mature adults who spend time with them on a regular basis, listening and supporting them. Off the Record is another local project offering a confidential counselling service for young adults and teenagers. The Bath Rugby Foundation works in the community, also with young people who may be excluded from the mainstream or find it difficult to engage with education.

The Bath and North East Somerset branch of Age UK works with older people, many who struggle with loneliness. The charity offers practical and social support for pensioners and their carers, including running day care centres and lunch clubs.

If your eye is caught by the sight of runners dressed as giant boobs, don’t be alarmed. This is part of the annual contingent of those raising funds for the charity Coppa Feel! which works to encourage people – and especially young people – to check themselves for the lumps which could be the early signs of breast cancer.

There will be fast runners, slow runners and you may even see some who end up walking – but every one of those people has their own reason for taking part and will appreciate your support. n

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HEALTH | BEAUTY

HEALTH

& BEAUTY

TREAT YOUR MUM 1 2

MAKE HER DAY: British spring flowers from Common Garden Flowers’ online delivery, paired with traditional blue and white Cornish ware

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3

5 1. They say that beauty is skin deep, and that’s why Bobbi Brown – superstar of good quality makeup – has launched a range of face masks to add to its collection. Choose from Radiance Boost, Instant Detox or Skin Nourish, depending on the care that your skin needs, for a custom rejuvenation regime. They are packed with ingredients including Amazonian white clay, coral grass and orange oil, designed to remove impurities and help reset, restore and re-energise the skin’s appearance. Each mask tube costs £33 (available at Jollys) or you can buy a pack of mini versions of all three for £10 – perfect for travel.

2. In support of International Women’s Day on 8 March, L’Occitane has launched a limited edition ultra-soft balm (£4, from L’Occitane, New Bond Street) that should live in every handbag. This shea butter balm is a rose scented multi-purpose moisturiser that you can use on your lips, body and hair. Handy for dry hands and cracked lips.

3. If you’re looking for a super-indulgent bath cream to treat mum with, look no further than M&S. The Fleurs de Mimosa Bath Cream from La Maison De Senteurs (£7.50) is truly luxurious with a delicate floral fragrance, including mimosa extract to calm and unwind.

4. Give hard working hands a break with Origins Make A Difference Hand Treatment (£19.50 from Jollys). Thanks to its natural ingredients,

it helps skin recover from dramatic dehydration, minimises the appearance of UV damage and leaves a softer, more youthful look and feel. Just the ticket.

5. For a total mind and body rejuvenation, try The Body Shop’s Dead Sea Salt Scrub (£20).

Packed with sea salt from the Dead Sea, known for its high mineral content, it helps stimulate circulation when massaged onto the skin and leaves it looking revitalised and fresh – and you’ll feel instantly re-energised.

EXAM JITTERS SOOTHED BY EXPERIENCED HYPNOTHERAPIST Bath-based hypnotherapist Christian Dunham is busy helping students deal with the stress and anxiety of impending exams.

‘In today’s highly competitive market for university places and jobs,’ he says, ‘trying to achieve the best exam results can make many young people feel like their whole future is on the line. There is a huge weight of expectations; from parents, teachers and, most of all, from themselves.

‘Some students deal with this pressure very well, but others can find themselves suffering physical symptoms such as headaches, panic attacks, insomnia, and loss of appetite, as well as emotional symptoms such as feeling angry and frustrated.

‘All these conditions are symptoms of anxiety,

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a state of mind that can be resolved through Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. This unique and powerful combination of psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy can bring about positive change quickly and effectively.

‘Students who are stressed and anxious find it hard to concentrate and even harder to retain information. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps to regain focus and motivation, leaving the person feeling calm and prepared. Going into the exam room feeling relaxed and confident will make all the difference to their performance.

‘So many of the students I see are suffering from chronic anxiety about their exams, which can easily be addressed through Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. Young people respond very quickly to treatment but intervention at the earliest opportunity is really important so that they can get back on track and fulfill their real potential. ’ Visit: christiandunham.net

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BEAUT Y R E V I E W

MAD ABOUT THE CURL Georgette McCready enjoys a re-style at Bath family-run salon Frontlinestyle in Monmouth Street

Y

ou might not think, at first glance, that Jennifer Aniston and I would have much in common.

But it turns out that she and I have both had our battles with frizzy hair. To be fair, she’s pretty much conquered hers, while I gave up without much of a fight.

But Jen An is the face of and co-owner of a range of hair products which seem to do the trick, whether you’re curly or straight – and her Living Proof range is available here in Bath.

I’d booked in for a much-needed cut and colour with Frontlinestyle in Monmouth Street. Manager and master stylist Amie Brown is hugely experienced with all kinds of hair. She exudes an air of friendly calm, which extends throughout the salon. Frontlinestyle is one of those unexpected Tardis places, with an upto-date suite of luxurious treatment rooms on the first floor. I was interested to hear that owner Frances Urwin, whose father founded the family business in the west country back in the 1950s, and Amie together run a discreet wig clinic and specialise in hair/scalp conditions. This is proving invaluable to women suffering hair loss, for whatever reason, or thinning. Clients are able to slip in to the hair salon and are then taken to a private room for consultations and fittings from a whole host of wigs from: wigsboutique.co.uk.

A hair cut is a very personal thing and Amie was good at putting me at my ease and making me feel special. We chose some blonde and warm tones from the wide range of Wella shades available, that were more flattering to my skin colouring than the cheap’n’cheerful unsubtle dyes I usually resort to to cover the emerging grey. Amie used Living Proof shampoo and conditioner on my hair, finishing off after my cut with some very light but effective styling cream. Living Proof is silicone and sulphate free and has different ranges for all types of hair. It’s available to buy off the shelf from Frontlinestyle – from £9 for 60ml shampoo. My new cut has allowed me to embrace and enjoy my curls and I’m happy with the natural looking colour.

The salon is holding a Nioxin Event by Wella on Friday 11 March, which will be an opportunity for anyone suffering from hair loss or thinning to find out more about what they can do to minimise it and get thicker, more volumnious hair. Places need to be booked. There will be a £10 booking fee redeemable against Nioxin products on the day.

The salon has a deal for customers throughout March. When you book an hour long facial or body treatment you’ll be treated to a free blow dry or mini manicure. It’s worth noting, busy folk, that the salon opens late on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Frontlinestyle is at 4/5 Monmouth Street, Bath, tel: 01225 478478. n THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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THE | WALK

FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD Climb to the summit of one of Wiltshire’s best known natural landmarks.

Andrew Swift charts a path to the top and looks at sites of interest en route

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Although I have always managed to find a parking spot, it is likely to fill up quickly at sunny weekends.

Another thing to bear in mind is that, once you get to the summit, what was little more than a gentle breeze on the lower slopes may have turned into a howling gale – so be prepared.

It takes around half an hour to get to Cley Hill from Bath. After driving south along the A36 for 19 miles, turn right at the Cley Hill Roundabout towards Longleat. After two thirds of a mile, turn right at another roundabout towards Frome. The National Trust car park is a quarter of a mile further along on the right (ST839442).

From the car park, follow a muddy track towards Cley Hill for 500m and go through a kissing gate at the end. From here, you could once head straight up the hill, but, although the path is still there, it has been fenced off to prevent further erosion. You need, therefore, to turn left or right and take a more leisurely – and more rewarding – route to the summit.

There are numerous tracks to choose from, none of them tarmaced or manicured, and varying from the wide and gentle to the steep and slippery.

As it is advisable to avoid the worst of the latter, we will start by heading left alongside the fence. After 250m, as the hill starts to curve right, bear right along a track along the contours. After 200m, when it starts curving into a fold of the hill, take a track – clearly defined by two deep ruts – heading diagonally uphill.

When you meet a broad path curving

along the contours, turn left to follow it.

This surprisingly wide grassy track – one of several you will encounter – may date from when the hill was fortified in the Iron Age. The views from here northwestward to Frome and beyond on a clear day are spectacular.

The track soon rounds the flank of the hill to reveal the view north-eastward, with Little Cley Hill, part shrouded in beechwood, far below. On the eastern horizon can be seen the long chalk ridge beyond which the vastnesses of Salisbury Plain stretch far away. Beneath the bluff at the northern end of the ridge lies the town of Westbury.

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FAR HORIZONS: main picture, Little Cley Hill and the view eastwards Opposite page, old quarry workings on Cley Hill

they created a surreal contorted landscape that will delight dogs, children and anyone with a penchant for rough terrain

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C

ley Hill is one of Wiltshire’s best-known landmarks, towering as it does some 80m above the surrounding land west of the Warminster by-pass. It is as distinctive in its way as Glastonbury Tor, yet few, apart from a loyal band of local dog walkers, seem to beat a path to its grassy slopes. This seems curious, for this National Trust owned hill not only affords superb and at times challenging walking with magnificent views, but, like Glastonbury, it teases the mind with questions of what once went on here and why.

Its broad summit is home to two Bronze Age burial mounds, some 4,000 years old, set within the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort, dating back around 2,000 years. Legends naturally abound.

John Aubrey thought Cley Hill was created by an earthquake – it is actually an outlier of the chalk downland so characteristic of Wiltshire – and in AD878 King Alfred is said to have rested here before his victory at the Battle of Edington. In 1588, Armada beacons were lit on the summit. More recently it has acquired a vaguely sinister reputation as a hotbed of UFO activity.

Sinister Cley Hill certainly isn’t, however, and not only is it easy to get to, but, for a brisk walk, with plenty of climbing, that children and dogs will love, it is unbeatable.

There is one caveat, however. The only place to park is a NT car park which, even at quieter times, can be busy with the aforementioned dog walkers.

The track soon dwindles to a narrow sheepwalk, with the land shelving precipitously away to your left, before descending slightly and broadening as it rounds another corner and the view opens up southward towards Warminster.

As the track narrows once again, look back to see how Little Cley Hill now appears almost conical, while ahead the conifer plantations of Longleat fringe the south-western horizon.

As the track curves, hugging the

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THE | WALK

contours, round another corner, a broad track cuts diagonally across it. Bear right along it, but instead of following it gently uphill, branch off to climb a steep trail of footstep-like indentations heading for the summit.

When you come to the crest of the ramparts, look back, taking a last look southwards to Warminster, before forging on, past two Bronze Age burial mounds, to a trig point, which at 239m above sea level, is 5m below the summit.

After taking in the view, turn round to head back, keeping to the right of the tumuli and following an indistinct track which, as it curves

right, leads to the brink of an abandoned quarry.

If that sounds alarming, don’t worry – the view is dramatic, but the quarry face is a grassy slope – too steep to scramble down but far from sheer.

Most of these quarry workings date from the 19th century. The chalk was fed into a limekiln at the bottom which supplied mortar and plaster to build houses in Warminster. Not only were the quarries carved through the Iron Age ramparts, they created a surreal contorted landscape that will delight dogs, children and anyone with a penchant for rough terrain.

Follow a path across what can be described

as a knife edge between two deep gouges in the hillside – again much safer than it sounds – and continue on down in roughly the same direction.

A multitude of tracks weave through this jumbled land, and it is up to you whether you choose the steep and slippery or the more gently sloping.

When you come to a broad path running along the edge of the escarpment, where the quarrying comes to an abrupt end, bear left, heading south. Warminster soon comes into view again ahead, as does the uphill path you took earlier. This time, however, bear right, doubling back to follow a path down to a hedgerow, alongside which you walk to return to the kissing gate and the muddy track back to the car park.

Level of challenge: Care needs to be taken on steep and slippery paths. Lack of waymarks, safety fences, etc, means that in places care needs to be taken, but, with a modicum of discretion, Cley Hill is ideal for children and dogs, although dogs may have to be kept on a lead if livestock is grazing the slopes. n

FACT FILE ■ Length of walk: 2½ miles ■ Approximate time: 1½ hours ■ Map: OS Explorer 143

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BOOKS WHICH HELP FURNISH A ROOM Looking for inspiration for your home? The Bath Magazine takes a peek through the latest interiors books on the shelves of independent bookshop Topping & Co

FOR ARTISANS

The Shopkeeper’s Home by Caroline Rowland, published hardback by Jacqui Small, £25 The author has toured shops and homes of independent businesses in London and Europe to examine how these independent minded people live and work. The first half of the book is devoted to ideas, while the second is a series of photographic case studies. There is also a useful directory of sources at the back.

If you’re thinking of opening a craft shop, a trendy bar or a café and are looking for ideas on how you might best display your stock, this book is a good source of stylish and practical solutions.

FOR COLOUR

Every Room Tells A Story by Kit Kemp, published in hardback by Hardie Grant Books, £30 A glorious coffee table tome full of interiors created by British designer Kit Kemp. Projects include hotels in London, a project for a luxurious Caribbean retreat and a challenge to create a room using wool, for Somerset House. Kemp has more than 30 years experience designing for personal and commercial projects. She and her husband run the Firmdale hotel group and founded the uber cool Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, with a fabulous roof terrace.

Kemp’s style is summed up as colourful and carefree. She has a talent for pulling colours, textures and styles together and bringing a room to life. The book shows us how to display art and how to use various colours, including the current trend for red. If you’re bored of beige and tired of neutrals, Kemp’s pops of brilliant shades will wake you up.

FOR TRADITION Spit and Polish: Old-Fashioned Ways to Banish Dirt, Dust and Decay,

by Lucy Lethbridge, published by Bloomsbury, hardback £12.99.

This delightful little practical handbook by social historian Lucy Lethbridge gives us a (clean) window into the domestic world of our great great grandmothers. Long before there were labour saving devices, housekeepers, butlers and housewives had their tricks and methods for keeping their homes clean and in good repair. She shares tips on how to remove stains from polished surfaces, when to use a damp cloth and when to deploy a dry duster. Household ingredients such as lemon juice and vinegar are as effective as modern chemical based commercial cleansers.

FOR ARCHITECTS

This is not a house by Dan Rubenstein, published by Rizzoli International Publications, hardback, £45 A heavyweight anthology of features on various recent architectural projects all over the world, collected from Mark magazine. These explore ways of living for the 21st century in cities around the globe.

The intricate and innovative designs and photography that accompanies them will have you reaching for the sketch pad and dreaming up schemes for your very own Grand Designs project. Now who’s got a number for Kevin McCloud?

FOR HARMONY

Blue and White Style by Gail Abbott, published by Cico Books, hardback £19.99 Interior designer Gail Abbott is inspired by the classic combination of blue and white, used the world over, from Greece to Delft and from the Willow pattern to the simple gingham check beloved of picnickers. Beautifully styled, her book takes us through various combinations. The whites range in hue from dazzling porcelain through to creamy linen, while the blues come in shades of chalk to dark denim and from summer sky to jewelbright kingfisher. If you’ve a room project some of these schemes would be a good starting place – just ensure the light is right for your blue-min lovely home.

FOR WOMEN

A Woman’s Huts and Hideaways by Gill Heriz, published

by Ryland Peters and Small, hardback, £19.99 For generations men have had their sheds and studios where they’ve happily pottered and tinkered on their own. Nowadays they’re more likely to look out of their man-shed window down the garden to their partner’s own retreat. Gail Heriz visits she-sheds in the UK and the States, each with their own character. Some are purpose built, others adapted from existing structures.

There are airy summerhouses with sofas and big windows, perfect for star gazing, while others are purely functional, lined with pots of paint and

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canvases. Some are minimal, no fuss places to simply be, away from others, while others are decked out with rich Eastern fabrics and lanterns. There are retreats in gardens, cabins in woods and even a converted ice cream van that doubles up as a festival performance space. A particular favourite is a wooden cabin tucked away in the trees in Norfolk. Close by this romantic hideaway is a polytunnel equipped with a bath tub and shower rigged up to deliver sun warmed water. If Mum’s looking for five minutes’ peace you could do worse than build her a shed and stand back while she kits out her own private palace.

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A MAN FOR MODERN TASTES Jane Moore weighs up the influence of Capability Brown in the tercentenary of the landscape designer’s birth

F

ame is a strange and fickle thing. Many of those who are famous today are literally legends only in their own lifetime and their fame and significance will only last as far as next week once they’re gone. Others are decidedly big fishes in small ponds, their influence only touching those who specialise in their chosen field.

Gardening is like that – there just aren’t that many stand-out figures. Mention even such greats as Christopher Lloyd or Gertrude Jekyll to non-gardeners and they will simply look nonplussed. But Capability Brown is a name that they will recognise, even if they’re not entirely sure why.

A SELF–MADE MAN Back in my college days, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was something of a divisive figure.

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for singlehandedly decimating some of the greatest country estates of England in the space of a few short years. But he was also responsible for creating some of the finest parks and gardens for which England is now justly renowned.

The superlative Blenheim Palace, the staggeringly beautiful Stowe, Chatsworth, need I go on?

Just listing the parks in this area reads like a who’s who of the best: Bowood, Longleat, Dyrham, Dodington, Prior Park, Badminton… and there are more, many more, within striking distance of us in Bath.

THE MAN HIMSELF You can’t help but admire Lancelot Brown, born the fifth of six children to a yeoman farmer and his wife. He became a gardener at the big house and ended up as head gardener at Stowe for 10 years before setting up for himself.

Brown offered a number of different services to his clients: for a round

number of guineas, he could provide a survey and plans for buildings and landscape, and leave his client to execute his proposal; more frequently he provided a foreman to oversee the work, which would be carried out by labour recruited from the estate.

In 1753, when he opened his account with Drummond’s Bank, Brown was employing four foremen and by the end of the decade he had more than 20 foremen on his books. The aristocracy fell over themselves to commission work from him.

Every bit the mercenary designer, you might think, except he seems to have been anything but that; in fact he would sometimes allow his client to determine the value of what he had done and seems frequently to have submitted plans and surveys without a bill.

Brown had suffered from asthma all his life, and his habit of constant travel, together with his practice of not always charging for work, affected both his

PLANTING FOR POSTERITY: the Cedar of Lebanon tree at Blenheim Palace features in the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, in which is featured Snape’s Worst Memory with Daniel Radcliffe and Alan Rickman

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GARDEN | NOTES

NATURAL ARTIFICE: the grounds at Croome Court, National Trust property in Worcestershire Right: portrait of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, c1770-75 by Richard Cosway Private Collection/Bridgeman Images

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Can you imagine what a change it made from the trussed up, tightly controlled formal gardens of the previous generation

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health and finances.

As for that distinctive nickname, Lancelot Brown acquired the ‘Capability’ handle from his habit of telling clients that their gardens had ‘great capabilities’. In his talented hands, they certainly did.

FORWARD THINKING So was he a vandal or a man of rare vision? He did make some bold decisions, wiping out the formal gardens of a previous century with seemingly no hesitation, deviation or second thoughts.

He also moved an entire village high street on more than one occasion, hiding the humble houses from the view of the grand house so as not to spoil his Lordship’s vista.

But I don’t regard that as destructive necessarily. I’m not averse to bold new gardens – I don’t think that they should be preserved in aspic as the very nature of plants and gardens is about change, growth and renewal. I can also think of a few houses and streets that I would cheerfully move to open up a view, given half a chance.

PROLIFIC AND PRACTICAL It’s probably a shame that we don’t have a few more of these ancient gardens still remaining, such as the great topiary gardens of Levens Hall and Hampton Court, but there are plenty of those on the continent for devotees of this style.

And it’s probably just as well that CB, given his speedy and prolific work rate, spent 10 years honing his style as head gardener of Stowe before he went freelance. He was obviously hugely influenced by William Kent’s work on the grounds at Stowe and in the 32 years after that he created some 260 or more landscapes, of which more than 150 are still much as he laid them out.

A NATURAL STYLE I think landscape designer is the correct term to use for Brown, rather than garden designer. His gardens are really best described as parklands of artfully naturalistic copses of trees, elegantly positioned lakes and curving, softly sweeping driveways.

The grass parks are dotted with sheep and cattle but there are no fences to keep the

livestock away from the house, only a ha-ha which can barely be seen, leaving the charming view uninterrupted. Can you imagine what a change it made from the trussed up, tightly controlled formal gardens of the previous generation? Not to mention the fact that the formal gardens demanded vast numbers of staff to manage them, while Brown’s landscapes were infinitely less trouble.

Next time you’re at Dyrham Park take a look at the Kip engraving of the original terraces and gardens – it’s simply incredible to imagine all that detail and intricacy instead of the park that exists today.

MIXED FEELINGS In 2016 we’re embarking on a celebration of all things Capability Brown in this tercentenary of his birth. There are festivals and exhibitions galore, but I find myself returning to those mixed feelings I had in my college years nearly 30 years ago.

I think, on the whole, I’m a fan although not without some reservations. He’s been accused of using an Identikit formula for creating his

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landscapes but, honestly, show me a garden designer that doesn’t have trademark themes. I would love to have seen Dyrham as it once was – it must have been glorious in its heyday and Brown did not improve on that one iota. But I’ll always treasure Madingley Hall, a CB garden near Cambridge which I worked in during my college middle year. There he had moved the high street, created a ha-ha with sheep dotted park and carp filled lake. And it was beautiful, really beautiful.

CAPABILITY BROWN IN 2016 The first ever celebration of Brown’s extensive works, the Capability Brown Festival 2016 brings together a huge range of events, openings and exhibitions. Website: capabilitybrown.org.

Take a look at how the revered landscape gardener, transformed the Blenheim Palace landscape in a new exhibition. Admission: adult £14.90, concession £10.90, child £6.90, park and gardens ticket. Website: blenheimpalace.com.

The Historic House Association (HHA) has launched an online trail exploring some of Brown’s most famous garden projects, such as Burghley House and Blenheim Palace, as well as lesserknown properties such as Kirkharle in Northumberland. For more information about the 26 sites visit: hha.org.uk/CBtrail n Jane Moore is the award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. She writes regularly for the Telegraph and can be followed on Twitter @janethegardener.

PUNCTUATION ON THE LANDSCAPE: the East Lake Pavilion at Stowe in Buckinghamshire, owned by the National Trust

The Lamino chair and footstool by Yngve Ekstrom 1956, Oiled oak and charcoal sheepskin, also available in other colours or wool upholstery

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

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

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CITY | INTERIORS

Interior

VIFA HELSINKI Fill your home office with music and style. Nordic design is a distinct characteristic of all Vifa audio products - the Helsinki is an award-winning, petite, powerful bluetooth loudspeaker with incredible sound... It should be, Vifa components are used by many big name, high-end manufacturers. Cool looks and there’s a choice of colours. Visit the Woodhouse and Law designer showroom for a demonstration, £299.

NOTES

Working from home is professional choice - it takes motivation, discipline, and focus. Surrounding yourself with beautiful, cool, inspired things will help define you and your workspace to achieve greater productivity.

THE AIR TASK CHAIR The applied science of ergonomics is as important in the home workplace as it is in the city office. Optimise your well-being and performance with the Air Task chair - fully adjustable seat , rake and arms to adapt and support virtually every body shape.

A mesh back will also help to keep you cool.

Find out more from Bear Interiors.

20 Wellsway, Bath.

Tel: 01225 330124 bear-interiors.co.uk

Woodhouse & Law, 4 Georges Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath. Tel: 01225 428072. www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk or www.vifa.dk

THE PEN Mightier than the sword; the Cross ATX has a sweeping symmetry that's a pleasure to have and to hold. It’s available in matt and shiny finishes, and will grace the desk in your home office, £61.

Woods The Stationers, 12 Old Bond Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445347 woodsthestationers.co.uk

NEWGATE BRIXTON WALL CLOCK Tempus fugit, so don't waste it...

This clock looks great in both contemporary and classically decorated rooms, nicely bridging the gap between retro/vintage and modern contemporary design. You may be working from home, but good scheduling, and timely tea breaks are essential. £89 Bloomsbury & Co, 15 New Bond Street, Bath BA1 1BA. Tel:01225 461049. bloomsburystore.com

TASK S MASTER

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THE ANGLEPOISE Designed by George Carwardine (of Macauley Buildings, Bath) in 1932. The Anglepoise 1227 is the original posable task lamp and has earned its place at the Design Museum. Available in so many colours. £175 Fiat Lux. 8 Bath Street, Frome.

Tel: 01373 473555 fiatlux.co.uk

THE BESTLITE BL2 The first Bestlite was designed in 1930 by the English designer Robert Dudley Best. The lamp became hugely popular and was proclaimed the first Bauhaus manifestation in the UK by the leading British publication Architects Journal. Churchill had one on his desk in Whitehall... the original ‘home office’ worker! £459 Shannon, 68 Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 424222 shannon-uk.com

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THE KAISER IDELL Designed by the German Silversmith Christian Dell in 1931, the Kaiser Idell desk lamp was a significant representation of the Bauhaus era. Famous for many appearances in TV detective series in the 60s, and now making a welcome comeback in all those cool Scandinavian dramas. £536 Shannon, 68 Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 424222 shannon-uk.com

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SPECIAL | HOME OFFICE

COMMUTE TIME - 10 SECONDS

Affectionately known as the Shoffice (shed + office) - A garden office or studio is the perfect solution for those wishing to work from home. The Bath Magazine talks to Poppy Squire at local garden buildings specialists - Garden Affairs for their tips on how to achieve a better work / life balance CREATIVE WORKING: Opposite: the secluded Emily Log Cabin is one of Garden Affairs larger ranges and its inside (middle left) is a versatile space Middle right: a smaller log cabin is the perfect place for inspired thinking Bottom left; a flat roofed garden studio under 2.5 metres high is space saving and conforms to the latest planning regulations. It measures 2.4m x 2.4m in 44mm timber with a bi-folding door. Starting price, delivered for self assembly £2,427.

Assembly from £700 Bottom right: For those on a limited budget, a mini garden office.

Priced at £2,251 delivered for self assembly. From £650 for installation

W

e’ve all done those weeks at work: five or six 12-hour days on the trot, pushing to get something done. Many of us regularly work well over 8 hours a day, and have long and punishing commutes either end. The UK has one of the longest average working weeks in Europe at nearly 43 hours. It isn’t healthy: NHS Choices says we lose 131 million working days to sickness and injury every year in the UK. Stress is the number one cause, followed by back pain. A 13-year University of Massachusetts study in 2005 found a steadily rising risk of workplace injury with amount of overtime worked. Bad enough, but now a UCL study published in 2015 says a working week of more than 55 hours increases our risk of stroke by 33% and of coronary heart disease by 13%. Should we be pausing to think about this? Most of us need to work, and many are lucky enough to enjoy it. But if long, sedentary hours in the office mean we’re living with daily stress, poor diet and not enough exercise, we’re risking more than a few days off with a bad back...

The shoffice could be the perfect answer to many workaday problems: commuting, home clutter, city centre noise, distractions and those annoying colleagues. Based on over a decade of designing and installing we talk to Poppy Squire at Wiltshire based specialists Garden Affairs Ltd. about creating the perfect workspace at home.

Here are their five golden rules to help you ensure you get the very best from home working.

Rule 1.

A garden office means no hassle – but think through your options. It’s so much quicker to have a garden office installed in your garden than extend your home, usually without needing planning permission (but do check). Still, it’s important to take good advice and think through all the things you want from your garden office before you decide.

Size, design, specification, heating, utilities, built-in storage – there are plenty of options and your decisions depend on your budget and what you need, now and in the future. It also has to fit in with your garden, and enhance the view from your house. Visit a display centre like Garden Affairs has in Trowbridge to see the quality of a building for yourself and be wary of buying cheaply from a picture on the internet. It’s a good idea to check the

quality of the timber plus the doors and windows before you buy.

Rule 2.

A garden office means no commute – so plan to use your time effectively. Not spending two hours a day in traffic or on the train is always a winner, so think about how you use that time instead.

You might choose to work more hours in the morning or evening, if that’s when you’re most effective, and take a break when your brain needs it.

Few of us would choose a run to the bus to keep fit, but working from the garden can limit the exercise we take as part of our daily routine, so use your extra time to do active things you do enjoy, like gardening, or taking the dog out. “I decided to book a daytime exercise class and treat it as an appointment that I won’t miss,” said one customer. “I might as well make the most of working flexibly, and I want to make sure I don’t get lazy!”

You could spend the hours you’ve gained on work, or other tasks in the home or garden, being with family, doing a hobby or reading. If you’re focused about it, other people won’t take up your time with their own ideas about what your priorities should be!

Rule 3.

Your garden workspace reduces conflict with home – but guard your space and time. Anyone who has worked in a back bedroom or at the dining table knows it’s near impossible to fit work and home into the same space and preserve sanity! It’s hard to keep things tidy, and it’s tricky to leave work behind for the evening.

A garden office means you’re separating work and home, which is better for everyone. Garden Affairs can assist at the design stage and advise on the best use of space to maximise this advantage.

One customer wrote in with some photos of a recently installed garden office, he writes; “There are still a few bits to organise inside but most of it is sorted out now; it just takes longer than expected with a new baby in the house!

Anyway, I love my office / library space and the storage area is fabulous – the house feels bigger again!”

Being close to family is great, but you will need to establish some basic ground rules, like only being called on in an emergency during working hours, no small children in the office, and finishing work to re-join the family at a

reasonable hour.

A business consultant who has one of Garden Affairs offices in a courtyard garden said it made both working and parenting easier. “When I’m working, I’m working, and when I’m being dad, I’m being dad. Lock the door, walk away, it makes it so easy."

Rule 4.

A garden office is quiet – but you don’t need to be isolated. Making a move from a busy workplace to homebased working is often a welcome break.

No more interruptions, no more office politics, no more catching colds from the air conditioning.

Still, plan for times when you get to meet people you do like. There are bound to be friends nearby who’d also enjoy meeting up, or you might prefer connecting with local business networks, social media meetups or community organisations to bounce ideas around and even spot new work opportunities.

Then when you’ve had enough of your fellow man, you can come back to the welcoming workspace nestled in your garden and carry on quietly!

Rule 5.

A garden office is yours – so don’t compromise! How many times in your life do you get to design your very own space, just to meet your own specifications? For most of us, it’s a rare opportunity to stamp a bit of personality on a room which will also help us be efficient and enjoy our work.

Even on a tight budget you can create a garden office that says something about you, be it Zen minimalist, shabby chic, quirky or practical, sleek or traditional. Yes, you’ll need deskspace, lighting, seating and storage, but they come in every style and shape. The pictures on the walls and inspirational objets d’art are all about the busy worker who’s looking at them.

You’re going to be spending a lot of time in here, so your garden office is the place to express yourself. Follow these golden rules and look forward to happy and productive times in your own beautiful garden office.

For further details contact: Garden Affairs Ltd, Tel: 01225 774566, or visit its display centre at: Trowbridge Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0DT. or visit website: gardenaffairs.co.uk

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INTERIOR | DESIGN

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Georgette McCready talks to Bath interior designer Lynette Lasbuschagne of Bear Interiors about creating the right space to work from home

T

he notion of working from home is a dream for many of us. We have visions of ourselves in bare feet and comfortable trousers, cosied up on the sofa with a mug of tea, the laptop perched on the coffee table and all that creative energy flowing uninterrupted by colleagues.

That’s the dream. But the reality is that after a day or two of this you’ll notice some niggling aches in your shoulders and back. And the paperwork that you’ve neatly stacked has been scattered and buried beneath the Sunday newspaper supplements.

So how to fix this without having to rent an expensive office space in town?

Cue interiors designer Lynette Lasbuschagne who has more than 20 years’ experience in planning workspaces and knows more about the practicalities of transforming a room than most.

“The most important thing is not the desk but the chair,” she says. “so many people value themselves so little that they don’t take time and trouble to invest in an ergonomically designed chair that’s kind to their body.

“A chair you’re going to spend hours working on needs to have the following: adjustable height, a tilt mechanism and lumbar support. A good chair will be from £200 and you should get five to ten years out of it, depending on how hard you are on it in terms of wear and tear. I like to give my clients chairs to try for themselves, it’s a personal thing, picking the right chair.”

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things at home before you fully commit.

One couple, planning a re-jig of their attic snug, strung a sheet from the sloping ceiling and took photographs of each other beside it. This gave them – and Lynette – a visual to enable them to decide whether a stud wall bearing a TV would be too intsrusive in the space.

You’ll notice too when you look at Lynette’s project portfolio, that she tends to work in neutral shades. That’s not because she doesn’t love colour. “To those clients who want colour, I suggest that they paint an A3 size of the colour they’d like on each of the walls in the room, then look at it in the changing light of the day and evening. Live with it for a few days before you choose. It’s a very good way of deciding whether you want to commit to that particular shade.

“As for white,” she sighs and then laughs, “don’t get me started on whites.

There are so many hues of white to choose from. I sometimes think that we have too much choice and that can hinder people when they’re making changes at home.”

The first thing wannabe home workers are looking for is space. This could be a simple matter of designing a built in desk and shelves under the stairs. Or it might be as ambitious as building a pod in the garden.

Experience has taught Lynette that a dual use of space is a great way for people to get the most out of their homes. How often do you use your dining room as a dining room, for instance? If the family tends to eat round the kitchen table then the dining room may only get used on high days

and holidays. A clever bespoke unit, containing shelves, cupboards and a sturdy fold-down desk, instantly creates a home office. And when the in-laws come to dine, simply wheel the chair away and fold that desk back into the unit.

Bear Interiors’ portfolio features projects all over the UK, managed from the light and airy studio cum showroom on Bear Flat in Bath.

Current projects on the go include the re-modelling of a suite of rooms in a bungalow for a couple who want a dressing room, next to their main bedroom, to be able to become an occasional guest room. Sketches for this re-imagining of the space include a new shower room and even a small home office, with a built-in curved desk overlooking the garden. On Wellsway a busy family have asked Lynette to improve their entire ground floor. And, because she has the contacts in building, bespoke furniture, electrics and plumbing, she is able to project manage the entire thing, easing the stress for the clients.

DUAL USE: main picture, this home enjoys two lives. By day it’s an office, contained in a bespoke unit. By night the desk folds up and the children pile in to the room to watch television and films Inset, Lynette creates visuals for clients to realise how the finished project will look (see top right)

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INTERIOR | DESIGN

How many self-employed people get home, put on the coffee and then dump incoming paperwork on the kitchen worktop, only to create more filing work for another time? One solution would be to allocate a section of the kitchen to a home office. The doors below this workstation conceal cupboards and drawers for filing and paperwork.

By contrast a couple working from home as graphic designers wanted the room to double up for family use. The desks allow their children to study in peace and there’s a window seat where

people can take a screen break.

Lynette is the main designer at the business, so clients deal with her from the off. She’s a great believer in talking through what her clients want from the brief and both parties visualising how the finished project will look. Helpful, sketches by Lynette, which can be amended to suit the client’s wishes, give a clear view too of the three-dimensional project.

I learned a lot from my morning with Lynette. Did you know that hanging your TV over the mantelpiece might not be such a bright idea after all? Try

DESIGNED FOR LIFE: left, a corner of the kitchen is devoted to paperwork – neatly tucked away behind the cupboard doors Right, a parents’ home office doubles as family space, where children can do homework. There’s even a window seat for reading on

sitting looking up for half an hour and your neck will soon tell you that craning up at the screen is not the best way to enjoy that box set of Breaking Bad or Luther.

Finally, Lynette says: “Sometimes people ask me if something is acceptable – ‘is this OK to do?’ – I tell them ‘it’s important that it’s right for you and your family because you’ll be living with it.”n Contact Lynette Lasbuschagne at Bear Interiors tel: 01225 330124, or visit the showroom at 20 Wellsway, Bath BA2 2AA. Visit: bear-interiors.co.uk.

Creating Perfect Spaces

Design

Planning

Orangeries

Installation

Conservatories

www.CoastAndVale.com

Construction

Glazing

Bath 01225 459 574 | Sherborne 01935 872 640 | Marlborough 01672 890 606

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Eton Design fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2016 12:46 Page 1

A Knight’s Tale.......

Many years ago the streets of Bath bustled with sedan chairmen struggling to deliver their heavy loads to the Baths whereas Beau Nash organised the fun. In a leafy street there stood a beautiful house, windows ablaze with light each evening. Could that be the same building we see today? A very nasty 1970’s conversion has left it forlorn, threadbare carpets, old woodchip abounds and the boiler grunts in the cellar. Can anything be done? Oh yes! There is a knight in shining armour. He leads an army of interior designers and local specialist craftsmen eager to understand and listen to the needs and aspirations expressed. The house can be restored and transformed. Sir Galahad is the only contact necessary, he will organise everything required and even the regular cleaning throughout the operation. The renovation will be delivered on time, on budget and ready for new occupation.

Where is this knight of miracles? Eton Design, 108 Walcot Street, Bath.You don’t believe in magic? Give it a try and call Sir Peter on 01225 639002 or peter@eton-design.com

Interior design -o0o- Architectural services -o0o- Planning -o0o- Kitchens Bathrooms -o0o- Flooring -o0o- Furniture -o0o- Curtains -o0o- Lighting -o0o- Gardens

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create @ Feb 28*

up styling furniture & more

Mar 4 & 5

mother’s day floral creations

Mar 10

hot trends & cool styling [event]

Mar 31

décor: colour & flow

Apr 7 - 9

ways with willow

Apr 15 -17

sculpting with wire

Apr 21

décor: mood board creation

May date tbc

creating silk flowers

May 12

décor: pattern & texture

May 26

the art of display [event]

June 03

inside out lampshades

June 09

décor: window treatments

June date tbc

create your own scent [event]

June 30

décor: floors & doors

*and last Sunday of each month

to book, please visit: verveliving.uk/classes

“such an attractive, original and beautifully creative space, with loads of integrity”

DICKIE BERGE FROM ELEMENTRI SHARES HIS TOP 10 TIPS FOR DESIGNING THE PERFECT WORKSPACE Is your ideal study/‘home-office’ an environment for concentration and productivity or a haven of tranquility? Whatever your preference, here are some points we consider when designing spaces for our clients… n Location A dedicated room is ideal, but even under-stairs cupboards or landings have potential.

Concealing the work-space behind doors at the end of your day helps the work/life balance. n Natural Light If you have a window, make the most of it, even the best desk lamp can be tiring on the eyes. Consider concealed lighting. n Work-surfaces Choose durable work-surfaces (coloured lacquers might need protecting with glass).

Determine a comfortable height with the chair you plan to use. n Electrics and Technology Provide enough accessible power sockets. Our designs conceal cables, adaptors and chargers. Think ‘future-proof’ when locating computers and printers, which you might upgrade. n Storage Shelves Height adjustable shelves are more convenient than fixed. n Filing Design around readily available A4 magazine and suspension files – foolscap sizes waste space. n Drawers A mix of shallow and deep drawers gives the most flexibility. n Pin Boards Are great for notes and reminders, and are a colourful way of personalising your space.

1 5 w a l c o t b u i l d i n g s. l o n d o n r d. b a 1 6 a d free parking in weymouth st.

07785332536 – verveliving.uk furniture – styling – artworks – classes

n Secret compartments Plinths can conceal safes. n Style This is the easy part – as minimal or outrageous as you wish, to complement your personality!

Elementri is a Bath-based furniture design and manufacturer with over 35 years experience in both domestic and commercial environments. To find out more, visit www.elementridesign.com or call 01225 446442

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INTERIOR | TRENDS

REFRESH & REVIVE

The arrival of spring, and the newest interior trends, make this the perfect time to re-imagine your home.

Catherine Mallorie takes notes from Bath designers

S

unshine is back! But, alas, it’s not all good news. Around the house, the spring sun may show what winter has hidden from view.

Colours, fabrics and furnishings look faded and worn, even out of date. Not so much ‘tired’ as ‘spent’. Which means now may be the time to reinvent your home. But how? Where to go for inspiring design ideas this year?

Leading up to 2016, there’s certainly been no lack of interior styles to choose from. And Bath interior designers know what’s what when it comes to trends.

Michelle Aitken of Verve Living says: “Vintage, retro, shabby chic and minimalist approaches have been big influences recently.” And, says Catriona at Catriona Archer Design, Danish and ‘mid-century modern’ styling continue to be major players. She says: “I think we’re attracted by the philosophy of good design they share and the way they match with a fun and easy-going lifestyle. But style-wise we can really select from a melting pot of ideas and inspirations from around the world.”

How best to choose from this melting pot? Interior design professionals say focus on what you love.

“In 2016 we’re seeing a new approach that gives people permission to mix things up according to their personal taste,” says Michelle. Catriona agrees.

“The home should be a place for us to express our individuality,” she says.

“Somewhere to showcase our treasured memories and finds we’ve made along the way.”

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seen for too much ‘stuff’ around the house. The answer? (Deep breath) Take time to de-clutter.

“De-cluttering can be hard to do, but it’s so important,” says Amanda Habisrittinger at Inspired Interiors.

“You need to look as objectively as you can at your current space. What do you really want? Are particular pieces of furniture cluttering the room? What is taking focus from things you love?

“Think how you place and position things you especially prize. Are you giving them proper focus? One common mistake is to ignore architectural features in a home. Restored period cornicing for example, is a beautiful feature in its own right.”

Michelle says: “The aim when restyling your home should be to keep the things you treasure, in a context that’s fresh and new. And to get that fresh, new approach, say designers, the latest interior trends encourage you to refresh and reinvent, using the power of contrast.

Think now about mixing the traditional with the contemporary, plains with patterns, neutral tones with vibrant colour, natural fibres with sumptuous fabrics. “You can create contrast in small details around your home,” says Sarah Thomas at Jane Clayton Design. “For example, with textured, tactile products used on smooth, rounded edges of furniture.”

Libby at Eton Design agrees. “At Maison Objet Paris this year we saw lots of textured surfaces – for example on walls and mirrors – with woven textures and traditional basket weaving

techniques applied to lighting design and furniture. Bohemian objects d’art were big, with displays of plants creating dramatic effects indoors.”

‘Layering’ and ‘texture’ are muchmentioned words for 2016, fitting perfectly with the need to renew your home on a budget.

Layering can mean something as simple as adding carefully chosen throws and cushions to a sofa. “A client of mine has transformed her Victorian chair by simply adding a contemporary geometric throw,” says Michelle. And Amanda at Inspired Interiors

BE CONFIDENT: colour blocking and lush tropical fun take flight this season, says designer Catriona Archer. Main image: Eton Mess paint by Fired Earth Above, create contrast with layered fabrics and metallic finishes

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See

Dawn Elizabeth Kitchens at www.thesaturdayshop.co.uk Telephone 01373 461858

We are a local kitchen company offering quality solid wood kitchen cabinets.

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recommends mirrors as a great way to transform a space.

And then there’s colour. “Colour trends for 2016 are bold, dramatic and exotic,” says Libby. “With fabrics that incorporate tropical palms and birds. I’d encourage people to be adventurous when choosing textiles for their home. There’s a lot of rich colour and tropical prints this year that you can use to express your individual tastes in a more daring way.”

“Neutral tones have been very popular recently,” says Amanda Habisrittinger. “But vibrant colour is making a comeback now, especially red. Used in the right way, colour can give your period home a completely new feel.”

Sarah Thomas agrees. “There’s an appetite now for moving away from white gloss and chrome towards more natural textures and colours. People can opt for ‘rusty’ patterns, ageing edges or soft feather effects. And natural materials like cork, copper and marble are as popular as ever.”

“There are softer colours and layered fabrics this season,” says Catriona, “With plenty of blossoms and birds taking flight, CHERISH: showcase personal treasures it’s a wonderful way to let spring into your home.”

New developments in technology mean there are great ways to create beauty and contrast around the house with creative use of light.

“Developments in light are very exciting now,” says Michelle, “And even the high street stores have embraced that fact.” Libby agrees. “It’s not just about lighting to see any more. Think instead how you can create different lighting zones to add extra drama and interest. For example, can lights are perfect to create ‘splashes’ of low light on the wall.” “And,” says Amanda at Inspired Interiors, “Now that old-style bulbs are being phased out, look for warm LED lights to replace them.

Create atmosphere using table lamps and bulbs with a nice glow, with dimmers to vary the mood.”

“In Bath we have wonderful places to shop,’ says Catriona.

“The markets are second to none, and on London Road and Walcot Street there are wonderful, eclectic finds to suit all budgets.” “And, with the world so 24/7 hectic,” says Michelle, “Our homes are more important than ever for bringing wellbeing and calm.” “Interiors have the power to influence how we feel,” says Catriona.

Which means, as the sun breaks through, there’s an armful of reasons to begin to refresh and KEEP CALM: make space for every day living revive your home. n

* valid until end March 2016

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Call us today to build your dream garden.

www.classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk Gardening Services, Landscape Design and Installation.

Bradford On Avon, Wilts.

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THE HEIGHT OF COOL The conversion of the Victorian Tramshed in Walcot provides space for a huge penthouse apartment.

The Bath Magazine enjoys a tour and takes in a bird’s eye view of the city

S

o busy are we praising Bath’s beautiful Georgian architecture that it’s easy to overlook the majestic and imposing legacies in the city from its noble industrial past.

As I write, there’s still hot debate on what should become of the old Bath Press building in Lower Bristol Road – an almost temple-like structure from the days when Bath was a proud manufacturing centre – and question marks still hang in the air over the old Newark Works Stothert & Pitt buildings. Other industrial heritage sites, like the glorious glass arched railway roof at Green Park Station, have been saved for posterity.

Within living memory the Victorian tramshed off Walcot Steet was pretty much just a hollow shell of a place, used as a shelter for the much-loved flea market. Few gave it much thought and some even considered that it should be demolished and the riverside site developed for something new.

This distinctive redbrick building dates back to 1903 when it was put up in Beehive Yard (the Beehive pub was where Yammo! Italian restaurant is now) as the headquarters of the Bath and District Light Railway. Its ground floor was the depot for the trams that used to carry people around Bath at the time. For many those were the glory days of public transport, and you still hear calls for the tram system to be reinstated. After all, it works for 100 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Manchester and hilly San Francisco.

We’re confident that whoever buys the magnificent penthouse apartment in the Tramshed, Beehive Yard, will be eternally grateful that a dozen or so years ago Future Heritage had both the imagination and the tenacity to take the old husk and lovingly preserve it, creating two dozen apartments and a restaurant within the space.

And now that top floor property has to be one of the most desired addresses in central Bath. Who doesn’t love a penthouse whose balconies command views in all directions, and yet is just a ten minute walk from Bath Spa Station, and fewer steps to all of Bath’s main attractions? Restaurants, shops, the Theatre Royal and the legendary Rec, home to Bath Rugby, all within striding distance. Oh, and you can boast to visitors that you live in Bath’s artisan quarter Walcot, where people have made beautiful and useful things since the Romans occupied the city.

If stats are your thing, you’ll know that the average size of a modern British house is shrinking. A three bed newbuild comes in at around 947sq ft {source the Royal Institute of British Architects}. Let me tell you, fact lovers, that this spacious three bedroom home comes in at 1,380sq ft. And that’s not including the three balconies.

So let’s go inside and explore. You arrive in the apartment by stairs or by lift, having left the car in a private underground car park. The apartment

PRIVATE EYRIE: main picture, the living space in the penthouse Inset, the historic Grade II listed Tramshed as seen from Beehive Yard, Walcot

has its own private hall and, once you’ve shut the front door, the two top floors are your own private eyrie. The sitting room is a big space filled with light, opening via floor to ceiling French doors onto the decked balcony. There’s enough room for a long dining table and the living space is open plan to the kitchen.

The latter has two windows, so you can enjoy those views out to the hills as you cook. It’s a well stocked kitchen with a gas hob, space for fridge, freezer, washing machine etc, along with lots of storage.

One of the three bedrooms is on this level, with its own shower room, with loo, and more fabulous views. But pop upstairs to the main bedroom and you’ll get a seagull’s view over the rooftops of Bath, out towards Camden and Solsbury

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CITY | PROPERTY

LOFTY ASPIRATIONS: left to right, the main bedroom and the kitchen Inset, this photograph of trams in the Tramshed was taken c1935, courtesy of Bath in Time archive of historic photos of Bath bathintime.co.uk

Hill one way, to Bathampton the other – all under big skies. The main bedroom has an en suite shower room, again with a loo, and opens onto two balconies. In fine weather these make great outdoor rooms, ideal for working in the fresh air, or for simply lounging about, soaking up some rays.

The third bedroom has access to one of those balconies and to the apartment’s main bathroom, with bath and shower. The whole place is warmed by underfloor gas heating.

If uber urban cool is your style and you like big, open spaces, this apartment may be right up your tramline. n

FACT FILE ■ Location: The Tramshed, Beehive Yard, Walcot Street, Bath ■ Accommodation: three bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms, three balconies, open living/dining/cooking space ■ Guide price: £1,100,000 ■ Agent: Cobb Farr, tel: 01225 333332.

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

F

osse House is a lovely example of a detached Edwardian family home.

The house is within easy reach of Midford, Southstoke and the amenities of Combe Down Village, and is set in lovely level gardens with far reaching views. As you would expect from a house of this period, the rooms are all well proportioned and the accommodation is on two floors.

There are lots of period features in the form of decorative glass, cornicing, fireplaces and a large welcoming entrance hall. To the front on the ground floor is a large formal, bay-windowed dining room, but there is also plenty of space to eat in the kitchen/breakfast room which also has an attached utility room. The sitting room has French doors leading to a sunny, south-facing garden room and there is also a study and downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs there are five bedrooms served by two very spacious family bathrooms. Outside there is lots of opportunity for all ages to let off steam in the large lawned gardens with swimming pool. Parking is in the detached double garage or on the ample driveway. A wonderful place to bring up a growing family, Fosse House is available to view by appointment with agents Pritchards.

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

FOSSE HOUSE 142 MIDFORD ROAD BATH • Fine detached Edwardian family home • Five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms • Pretty garden room • Swimming pool • Fabulous countryside views

Guide price: £1,000,000

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Horseshoe Walk A beautifully presented 3 bedroom detached property located in one of Bath’s most prestigious residential areas. The property has been improved over the years to provide excellent accommodation.

• 3 bedrooms & bathroom • 2 receptions with wood-burning stove & French windows to balcony/decked area • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility & undercroft rooms • Off road parking space • Superb location for all local amenities, rail & bus station & centre • Internal area 1141 sq ft / 106 sq m

Guide Price: £739,500

The Normans, Bathampton A spacious well presented, detached 3 bedroom detached bungalow, quiet cul de sac location in this much sought after village with views towards Solsbury Hill.

• 3 bedrooms, en suite shower room & bathroom • Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility & garden room • Gas central heating & double glazing • Roof mounted solar panels • Lawned & bordered garden with summerhouse, views, paved/gravelled driveway and parking • Single garage • Good village location • EPC rating B

Price: £520,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Queens Parade An elegant, light and airy city maisonette within this imposing Georgian Townhouse located centrally in a most sought-after location, just off Queens Square.

• 3 bedrooms, 1 en suite bathroom, cloakroom & further bathroom • 2 reception rooms including elegant drawing room, kitchen • Far reaching views across the city • Walking distance to city centre, park and railway station • Internal area: 1580 sq ft/146.8 sq m.

Guide Price: £675,000

Sydney Place A light and spacious 2 bedroom second floor Grade I Listed apartment with views across Sydney Gardens.

• 2 bedrooms • Sitting room • Kitchen & bathroom • Situated within close proximity of the city centre • Internal floor area approx. 544 sq.ft (50.6 sq.m) (Note: no private parking with this property)

Guide Price: £325,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Combe Park, Bath

Guide Price £950,000 Norton St Philip, Nr Bath

Guide Price £795,000

A substantial bay fronted 8 bedroom semi detached Victorian family home situated in Combe Park to the west of Bath City Centre.

A beautifully presented executive family home situated in the ever popular village of Norton St Philip to the south of Bath.

• 2924 Sq Ft of Accommodation • Three Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Eight Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Two Shower Rooms • Enclosed Rear Gardens • Driveway Parking For A Number Of Cars

• 1992 Sq Ft of Accommodation • Four Double Bedrooms • Two En-Suites • Family Bathroom • Detached Studio • Private Parking & Garage • Gardens • No Onward Chain

Clanger Lane, Heywood

OIEO £899,950 Marlborough Buildings, Bath

A magnificent, fully renovated and extended family home/ equestrian property set in approximately FOUR ACRES of land.

• Five Bedrooms • Family Bathroom & Master En-Suite • One Bedroom Annexe With Lounge/Diner, Kitchen & Bathroom • Landscaped Gardens • Stable Block • Good Size Paddock • No Onward Chain

Guide Price £550,000

A stunning two double bedroom, grade II listed Georgian apartment, situated in the highly desirable location of Marlborough Buildings, adjacent to the Royal Crescent.

• 763 Sq Ft of Accommodation • Living/Dining Room • Modern Kitchen & Bathroom • Two Double Bedrooms • High Quality Finish Throughout • Stunning Views • New Sash Windows Throughout

Cavendish Lodge, Lansdown A light and spacious south-west facing 2 double bedroom apartment located on the first floor of a prestigious and highly sought-after purpose-built gated development opposite Bath Approach golf course. Finished to a high standard throughout, the apartment also benefits from attractive communal grounds, a secure single garage and off-street visitor parking.

Rent: ÂŁ2,100 pcm* gated development | light & spacious living room | triple aspect | feature fireplace | dining room | modern kitchen | 2 double bedrooms | fitted wardrobes | 2 en-suite bath / shower rooms | cloakroom | garage | off-street visitor parking Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

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

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Meadow Bank, West Ashton

ÂŁ3100.00pcm

Hamptons is delighted to market this beautify presented six bedroom detached family home. Meadow Bank has been designed to a high specification both internally and externally. You will appreciate that there is real focus on meeting the needs of modern family life, without compromising on luxury. The property provides fantastic living accommodation over three floors. This property meets the requirements of both the busy professional life style and that of larger families. The property offers quality fittings such as a mix of solid wood & ceramic tiled flooring, bespoke designer kitchen, luxury bathrooms, and double garage. Meadow bank is discretely hidden behind an electronic gated entrance and well kept grounds providing a sense of privacy and security. The property has a substantial rear garden over looking the countryside. Off street parking is available and can accommodate a number of vehicles plus an attached double garage.

Available 1st April 2016

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

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SMART HOMES There’s been a lot of talk about smart homes and smart systems.

Matthew Blower of Fine & Country has advice on what to consider when making your property smarter

T

he smart home is still in its infancy, although the number of smart home products – devices that let you control your lighting, thermostat, or even your home security from your smartphone – is on the rise. There are so many smart gadgets on the market to choose from, how do you decide what will work for you? And is it worth it?

Not only can smart upgrades make your home more convenient and efficient, but they also have the potential to make it more attractive to potential buyers. There’s a reason that many of the big brands – Apple, Samsung, Google – are jumping on the smart-home bandwagon. A 2015 survey by Better Homes and Gardens found that in America 64% of millennials surveyed were interested in having smart technology in their homes. Given that this generation represents a large share of potential home buyers, it’s a market you don’t want to ignore. The trend is growing and in the UK, the market is predicted to double to 7.7 million homes by 2019.

Smart technology home systems have taken design and convenience to a new level. Look at which technology is worth investing in and what’s going to last the distance – it’s an evolving market and you don’t want to fork out a fortune only to find your tech is quickly obsolete. Don’t integrate. Instead aim for free-standing pieces where possible.

Smart thermostats should be your first consideration. Programmable thermostats have been around for a long time, but they can be confusing to figure out and difficult to use. The newer, smart thermostats take all of the guesswork out of the process, sensing whether you are at home or away and adjusting your home’s temperature controls accordingly. Most popular smart thermostats are the market-leading Nest Learning version or the ecobee3.

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Both these devices carry most of the same benefits. They’re capable of learning your preferences and schedule and adjusting the temperature.

They’re both design-led, and they’ll make you more conscious about saving energy, meaning they can pay for themselves over time. If you live in a larger household, the ecobee3 may be more convenient, provided you purchase a couple of additional remote sensors. Having these gives you granular control over the temperature in different rooms, while the Nest’s measurements are largely limited to the area in which it’s installed – which works in a smaller property and the Nest is straightforward and easy to use.

Nest Protect smartens a device most of us take for granted. The connected smoke and carbon monoxide detector gauges potential dangers, alerting you if there’s a problem. If you’re not home when something goes awry, it’ll send alerts to your phone. For parents, the Dropcam is worth looking at. It works alongside Nest, so you can keep an eye on your kids with two-way video and audio from your phone, iPad or TV. Smart lighting systems can also be a bright choice. Smart lighting dimmer and sensor systems can allow you to easily turn lights on and off via your smart phone, and can be customised in certain areas, like growing brighter as you wake up or switching off automatically whenever you leave the house. Smart outdoor lighting can also help increase security and like thermostats, can result in energy savings, paying for itself over time.

The Philips Hue is almost synonymous with the smart lighting concept.

The market-leading bulb requires a hub and doesn’t come cheap, but it offers a rainbow of colours and Siri voice control for iOS users, backed up by strong third-party integrations. It’s fairly easy to set up and use too. For a cheaper trail of adjustable lighting, the Cree Connected LED bulb might be a better fit. It requires a hub to work and isn’t as colourful, but it can still be dimmed from a phone, potentially making you savings.

From music systems to robot vacuum cleaners, smart door locks and sprinkler systems, almost everything home-related can now be automated.

There’s no doubt that convenience is a major driver, but if you’re looking beyond your use of the home towards the time you want to sell, focus on the devices that have near-universal application and represent cost savings for your buyer. That’s the smartest move. n For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Fine & Country Bath on 01225 320032 or visit www.fineandcountry.com

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Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

10 unwritten rules to help sell your home

S

elling your home is not only about the things you can see, but also, those you can’t. If you want your property to make a statement in a viewing, check out our 10 unwritten rules to help sell your home.

1. Finishing touches: Before every viewing you should make sure you have added some finishing touches, such as a vase of flowers, fresh towels, or a bowl of lemons and limes in the kitchen.

2. Pet-less: As much as we all love our pets, when it comes to viewings your apartment should be pet free. Pets can distract, and buyers could also be allergic or may not be a pet lover.

3. Down is best: This may seem like a simple and a rather petty rule, but your toilet seats should always be closed.

4. Check the temperature: No matter how stunning your apartment is the temperature can influence how a buyer feels about your home.

5. Aromas: The night before a viewing, think about you are cooking, as strong fragrant scents could remain the morning after. Other aromas to be aware of are pets, and strong scented fresheners.

6. Say goodbye: At The Apartment Company we undertake all viewings on your behalf, therefore there is no need to be present. Being present may also make buyers feel uncomfortable.

Crafting beautiful homes In and around Bath

7. Think about the parking: Think about the parking for your potential buyers, if you have a parking space with your apartment keep it clear as lack of parking can be a turn off.

8. Tempt them: If you enjoy baking why not leave a couple of treats for your potential buyers, not only will this be a kind gesture but it will also give them an opportunity to spend longer in your home.

9. Don’t take it personally: Any feedback you receive from your estate agent should be seen as constructive, they are working hard to sell your home.

10. Be flexible: Should your potential buyers request another viewing or information on your property, try and adhere to their request as soon as possible.

When selling your home don’t forget about these unwritten rules, as every little detail helps make your home stand out. n

01225 79115 5

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Whether renting, buying or considering selling, at the Apartment Company, we want to understand your needs to be able to find you the perfect solution. Please contact us on 01225 471144.

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NASH & CO

Sion Road, Lansdown

£1,500,000

A unique and stunningly refurbished detached, five bedroom property, which has been sympathetically renovated throughout to provide light and airy accommodation over three floors in a premier location in Bath. Virtually secluded in a mature natural landscape and within short walks of excellent schools, countryside of outstanding natural beauty and the City. Providing over 3350 square foot of internal living space including garaging, this inspiring interior design layout includes a double height ceiling, with a galleried walkway over at first floor level.

£439,950

• Newbridge Location ● Period Home ● Access to Newbridge Primary School ● West facing garden ● 3 bedrooms ● Character ● Potential for loft conversion enquiries@nashandcobath.co.uk 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED

● Passive house technology ● Siberian Larch cladding ● Garage with further off street parking ● Under floor heating downstairs ● Bi-folding glass doors in Lounge

Lyme Gardens, Newbridge

A characterful and spacious, Edwardian end of terrace, family home in Newbridge. This charming property has probably the best situation in the street; with a west facing back garden and church yard to the side, this house is light and not overlooked. The property benefits from: 3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen (with scope to extend at the side), rear and front gardens, downstairs WC and garage (without vehicular access.) The location, as well as being close to local facilities also allows a mainly level walk into the city via the Royal Victoria Park.

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

.co.uk

FAMILY HOME WITH GARAGE

The Hollow

£345,000

Built in the 1980s, this Stylish Three Bedroom Linked Detached Family Home will be hard to beat.

Comprising Spacious Bay Windowed Sitting Room and Open Plan Contemporary Kitchen/Diner with Integral Appliances & Access onto to Good Sized Gardens Enjoying Splendid City Views. EPC- tbc.

MODERN DEVELOPMENT

VILLAGE LOCATION

Breachwood View

Newmans Lane, Timsbury

Fantastic Two Bedroom End Terraced Home Situated in a Cul-de-Sac which Forms Part of a Modern Development of Mixed Style Housing Conveniently Situated on the Southern Slopes of the City. Offered for Sale with Good Sized Garden to the Rear. EPC - C.

Spacious Modern Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Family Home in the Heart of this Popular Village with Local Amenities within Walking Distance. Generous Gardens to both Front and Rear with Driveway Parking and Garage. Well Presented with Gas Fired Central Heating and Double Glazing. No Onward chain. EPC - D.

£260,000

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

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OIEO £280,000

01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Shoscombe, Near Bath

£1,500 pcm

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE LOCATION

Detached Four Bedroom Barn Conversion set in a Beautiful Countryside Location. Positioned at the end of a Private Road and Tucked away in a Quiet Valley Location yet so close to Bath. The Property is Set in its Own Grounds, has Gentle Sloping Lawns and a Sunny Decked Terrace making it perfect for alfresco dining. EPC – C.

Local & Independent Serving Bath & Villages

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et well above the Wellsway, and just above Bear Flat, this stunning early 1920s detached home enjoys elevated views and a light and airy East/West aspect. The property has been lovingly refurbished by a local interior designer who has juxtaposed the gorgeous Arts and Crafts character with elements of modern style and chic. In brief, it comprises of three lovely double bedrooms (two with ensuite bath/shower rooms), a formal sitting room with an Arts and Crafts style fireplace and original William De Morgan tiles, and a breathtaking, communal live-in kitchen – the hub of the house. Generous and rolling gardens, together with views of Georgian Bath and the Lyncombe Valley complete the picture. And Wellsway itself is proudly situated just minutes from the city, Bear Flat and the open countryside beyond Combe Down.

S

Mark Naylor, 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath. Tel: 01225 422224

WELLSWAY • An early 1920s detached home • 3 double bedrooms, formal sitting room, communal kitchen • Large gardens • Views of Bath and Lyncombe

£565,000

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k Mar Naylor

local • trusted • independent

Newbridge Hill • A late 1950s semi • Garage and off-street parking

☎ 01225 422 224

Price Guide £550,000 • 4 bedrooms • Offered with early vacant possession

@ mark-naylor.com

• Large, mature gardens • Much favoured location

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Lansdown Place East

Guide Price £1,250,000

This elegant Georgian townhouse with Bath’s trademark honey coloured Bath stone and Georgian sash windows is a superb opportunity to acquire a complete yet manageable Grade II Listed city home. This family home offers versatile accommodation over five floors and benefits from some fine retained period features, a walled garden and the most glorious city views. EPC: Listed.

• • • • • •

4 Bedrooms 4 Reception Rooms Grade II Listed Townhouse Elegant Period Features Walled Courtyard Garden City Views

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BATH, Marlborough Buildings

ÂŁ1,400,000

Grade II listed Georgian garden maisonette located in Bath city centre. This beautifully presented property comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen/dining room, drawing room, private garden and vaults storage. 3000 sq.f.t.

EPC Rating: Exempt Grade II listed

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BATH, Monmouth Place

ÂŁ500,000

Grade II listed two bedroom courtyard maisonette currently under full refurbishment in a city centre location. Offering a unique opportunity to have input into the finish including individual designer options for the kitchen, bathroom and flooring, the property also boasts holiday let potential.

EPC Rating: Exempt Grade II listed

N EW

Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Combe Park

OIEO £950,000

Victorian Property • Approximately 3,630 Sq Ft • Period features throughout • Off road parking • Currently divided into three apartments • Impressive garden • Private balcony • Excellent investment • Perfect family home • Highly recommended

N

EW

A fantastic and rare opportunity to purchase a complete house in the Combe Park area.

The property has accommodation that measures c. 3630 sq ft and is currently arranged as a spacious four bedroom garden maisonette (over two floors), a two bedroom first floor apartment and a one bedroom attic apartment. With further investment, there is of course scope to return the property to a single dwelling if desired. Externally there is off road parking and generous gardens to the rear.

Cavendish Crescent

OIEO £625,000

Grade II listed • Georgian apartment • Lower ground floor • Courtyard • Open plan living • Two double bedrooms • Period features • Well presented Vaults • Approx 1,003 Sq Ft

•

Offering spacious living in one of Bath’s most famous Crescents. The property boasts open plan living comprising: large sitting room with a feature fireplace, dining area, fitted kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, bathroom and a shower area.

To the front of the property is a courtyard area with large vaults, and to the rear is a small courtyard perfect for alfresco dining.

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Henrietta Street

OIEO £475,000

Grade I listed Georgian apartment First floor Contemporary kitchen • Two double bedrooms • Modern bathroom • Well presented • City centre Approx 744 Sq Ft • Highly recommended •

•

•

•

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EW

Situated on the first floor of a Georgian townhouse, we are offering a stylish two bedroom apartment. Upon entry, you will find the hallway with a few steps leading up to the sitting room boasting large windows, contemporary fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms to the rear and a modern bathroom.

Park Street

OIEO £375,000

Grade II listed • Georgian apartment • Top floor • Two bedrooms • Views of the surrounding area • Sought after location • Period features Approx 690 Sq Ft

•

In a superb location we are offering a two bedroom apartment occupying the top floor of a Georgian Townhouse. The well proportioned apartment comprises: entrance hall, spacious sitting room to the rear with the kitchen to the side, two bedrooms which are located to the front of the property and finally a shower room.

This property would make an ideal first time buy, investment or home.

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Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Manvers Street

OIEO £340,000

Georgian apartment • First floor • High spec modern kitchen • Spacious sitting room • Two double bedrooms • Luxury bathroom • Beautifully presented • City centre location • Approx 861 Sq Ft

N

EW

A newly refurbished, stylish first floor apartment in the heart of the City Centre. The beautifully presented accommodation comprises: entrance hall with space for a dresser, contemporary high specification kitchen with integrated appliances, spacious sitting room with large sash windows and period features, two good sized double bedrooms and a luxury bathroom. This apartment benefits from close proximity to the train and bus station making it a perfect city base.

Longfox Manor

OIEO £320,000

Grade II listed • Georgian • Open plan • Two double bedrooms • Newly refurbished • Private roof terrace • Superb communal facilities • Allocated parking • Approx 1,125 Sq Ft Combining country living with close proximity to Bristol and Bath, located in the beautiful surroundings of Longfox Manor, we are offering a two bedroom apartment with dual aspect windows and a large private roof terrace. The Manor sits within ten acres of communal gardens, with extensive facilities, including: tennis court, outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and hot tub, gym, bar, ballroom, cinema and ample parking.

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West House

£1,800 pcm Great Pulteney Street

Victorian • Top floor apartment • Large sitting room • High specification kitchen • Two bedrooms • Stunning refurbishment • Beautiful far reaching views • Unfurnished • Agency Fees £350+vat • Available Now

Offering spacious and beautifully presented accommodation that has been completely refurbished including, luxury bathrooms, spacious modern kitchen, two double bedrooms and located in a highly sought after location.

Henrietta Court

£1,600 pcm

Georgian • Ground floor • Open plan living • Period features • Two bedrooms one with en suite • Bathroom • Prestigious location • Unfurnished • Agency Fees £350+vat • Available Now

A stunning ground floor apartment that boasts spacious and luxury living in a Georgian Town House located in the City Centre. With newly decorated communal hallways, you will not be disappointed when entering the apartment itself.

£1,075 pcm Bathwick Street

£1,025 pcm

Modern development • Sitting room/kitchen • Two double bedrooms • Study • Modern bathroom • Newly refurbished • Central location • Allocated parking • Unfurnished • Agency Fees £350+vat • Available Now

Georgian • Second floor apartment • Sitting room • Modern kitchen with integrated appliances • Two double bedrooms • Bathroom • Unfurnished • Agency Fees £350+vat • Available Now

The apartment is located on the ground floor and has accommodation comprising open plan living room with new luxury high gloss fitted kitchen, two bedrooms, a study and a new luxury bathroom.

A well proportioned apartment boasting period features and spacious accommodation comprising: entrance hall, sitting room, modern kitchen, two double bedrooms and a bathroom.

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FOR SALE

Brock Street | Guide £3,750,000

FOR SALE

Northampton Street | Guide £1,395,000

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FOR SALE

Weston Road | Guide £1,750,000

FOR SALE

Hamilton Road | Guide £3,000,000

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