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The magazine for the city of Bath
ISSUE 125 ♥ February 2013 ♥ £3.00 Where Sold
www.thebathmagazine.co.uk
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CONTENTS February BATH
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contents
February2013 14
46
6
ZEITGEIST
34
Our top five things to do in February
8
THE CITYIST FACE THE MUSIC
36
NOVEL WAYS Best-selling author, Tracy Chevalier shares her secrets to getting into the mindsets of her characters before writing
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WITH LOVE
46
We delve deeper into the history of the Fashion Museum as it prepares to host its 50 Fabulous Frocks anniversary exhibition
24 BATH AT WORK
26
50
52
INTERIORS Bold and beautiful designs and trends for your home in 2013
84
SPRING SENSATIONS Gardener Jane Moore shares her favourtie places to see snowdrops this month
88
PROPERTY Make a house a home in Bath
BATH PEOPLE
@ thebathmagazine
ON THE COVER
Business news, movers and shakers
62
FAMILY FUN
Whisper it to me by Jessica Palmer
Events to keep the kids entertained
68
FIT AND FAB Beauty news and product reviews
70
WHAT’S ON
74
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76
RESTAURANT REVIEW Graze at The Vaults, Bath
This month’s portrait by Neill Menneer is of Bath Half race director, Andrew Taylor
Your cultural calendar for February
FOOD AND DRINK Delicious morsels of foodie news
Our Valentine’s Day gift guide
20 TRES CHIC
BUMPER ARTS Our special arts and exhibitions section championing local galleries and artists
Artist Nick Cudworth chooses his tunes
14
BATH OPERA We preview the group’s repertoire
The artist behind our beautiful front cover plus My Bath and the short story comp
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20
76
36
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KEEP ON TRACK Bath Half training tips from an expert
THE WALK Follow the Roman road into Grovely Wood FEBRUARY 2013
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Beautiful Homes begin at
SALE NOW ON There is more to TR Hayes than you think...
15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX 01225 465 757 www.trhayes.co.uk • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • CUSTOMER CAR PARK •
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EDITOR’Sletter
W
Best Bridal Retailer 2013 National Winner
hile we all know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, I think our cover image this month, by artist Jessica Palmer, sums up what’s inside – something rather lovely that we hope will put spring in your heart. Award-winning gardening writer Jane Moore heralds the arrival of the snowdrop and suggests some gardens to visit where we can see them in drifts, while our stalwart Face the Music writer Mick Ringham chats to artist Nick Cudworth about his twin careers as a musician and a painter. We always strive to keep you abreast of what’s coming up in Bath, so you don’t miss out on all the wonderful cultural happenings. Look out for the 50 Fabulous Frocks exhibition the Fashion Museum is about to launch (our preview is on Page 20) and have a wander round some of Bath’s public and private galleries to see their latest art collections (from Page 36). We’ve got our usual round-up of what’s on (from Page 26) at the local theatres and concert halls and news from the city’s foodie scene. Interior designers predict some of the trends this year (Page 76) and Dr Rob Grieve, an experienced marathon runner, has wise words for those of us running the Bath Half marathon on 3 March (Page 70). If you enjoyed The Girl with the Pearl Earring you’ll want to read Tracy Chevalier’s latest book, The Last Runaway. I was lucky enough to interview her (Page 14) and she told me she did some of her research among the quilts at The American Museum in Bath and she’ll be talking about that when she comes to the literature festival in March. There’s lots more. Think of this issue, if you like, as a Valentine billet-doux from us to you.
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.
THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel: Deputy Editor Email:
Georgette McCready georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk 01225 424499 Samantha Coleman sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Editorial Assistant Email:
Rosie Parry rosie@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Production Manager Email: Commercial Production Email:
Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Lorna Harrington lorna@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Publisher Email:
Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Car ina Baverstock Couture Luxury Designer Bridal & Occasion Wear
Suzanne Neville • Jenny Packham • Sassi Holford Claire Pettibone • Ritva Westenius • Claire Mischevani David Fielden • Jessica Charleston • Naomi Neoh
Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Liz Grey Email: liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Email:
Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Advertising Sales Email:
Lauren Palmer lauren@thebathmagazine.co.uk
By appointment: MONDAY TO SATURDAY
11 SILVER STREET, BRADFORD-ON-AVON, BATH BA15 1JY 01225 866610 • info@carinabcouture.com www.carinabcouture.com
The Bath Magazine, The Bristol Magazine and West Country are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.
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ZEITGEIST
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things to do in February
Celebrate
Book This is the month to get organised so you don’t miss out on some forthcoming cultural treats. The Independent Bath Literature Festival runs from 1 March, with whatever the collective noun for bestselling authors is, Simon Evans heading for the city and tickets are on sale now. The city’s spring Comedy Festival (29 March – 7 April) has also announced its line-up, which includes stand-up from Simon Evans – acerbic, intelligent, middle class and, yes, with the smallest eyes you’ve ever seen. Anyone nostalgic for the 1970s may want to book tickets to see the iconic Debbie Harry and Blondie when they play a gig in the forest at Westonbirt on 21 June. Book for all three events online or risk being left hanging on the telephone, as Debbie Harry once sang . . .
Visit We’re fortunate to have access to all kinds of art at the city owned Victoria Art Gallery, and the latest photographic exhibition transports the viewer to what almost seems like another country – the past. Photographer Roger Mayne’s major retrospective shows street life as it was lived in the poorer areas of Leeds, Sheffield, Glasgow and even North Kensington. He carried a lightweight camera so his subjects – like these children playing – were at ease with him snapping away. Roger Mayne, born in 1929 travelled the world for his art and spent several years lecturing at the Bath Academy of Art. The exhibition runs until 7 April – entrance is free – and there’s a free tour and talk on Friday 22 February from 1pm with gallery manager Jon Benington, booking is not required.
At just three days long and with only five concerts, Bath Bach Festival may be small but it packs a mighty punch in terms of drama and sheer musical power. And while the mid-winter festival will have the music of JS Bach at its heart it will also feature music by his contemporaries Handel and Vivaldi. The Bach Festival opens on Thursday 21 February with Handel’s Acis and Galatea by candlelight at St Mary’s Bathwick, presented by Baroque specialists the Gabrieli Consort and Players. There’ll be a harpsichord concert at the Guildhall on Friday lunchtime, an evening of five suites by JS Bach at the Assembly Rooms, also on the Friday, while cellist Colin Carr will share more Bach suites to make our Saturday morning feel a little more serene. Finally, the festival will bow out with a massive Venetian extravaganza at Bath Abbey on 23 February from 7.30pm, performed by the period instrument orchestra La Serenissimia. For more information and tickets visit: www.bathbachfest.org.uk.
Run
Enjoy
If you’re one of the thousands who have entered to run this year’s Bath Half Marathon, on Sunday 3 March, you may be beginning to feel pre-race nerves. This is perfectly normal. Just as an actor feels the excitement building before going on stage and giving the performance of a lifetime, so athletes – and that’s what you are if you’re running just over 13 miles – are also entitled to a little apprehension in the build-up. Keep up the training and read experienced runner Rob Grieves’ wise words on avoiding injury, on Page 70.
For those in dire need of seeing signs that winter is almost over, the sight of a pure snowdrop is enough to lift the spirits. Head to the National Trust property Newark Park in Gloucestershire which is encouraging us to take a closer look at this delicate looking yet hardy little flower. Gardening writer Jane Moore has suggestions for more places to see them, Page 84.
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THE CITY
One city . . . one month
The buzz
My BATH We ask Jo Wood founder and owner of Passion, independent florist based at Upper Swainswick, what she’s doing this month What brought you to Bath? I was brought up in Gloucestershire and decided to come back to the west country to start my own business as a florist after working in London for Wild at Heart for six years.
LEARN Our front cover image is by artist Jessica Palmer, who has recently moved to Bath. Jessica is widely known as a visiting artist at galleries and museums, including the Victoria and Albert, the National Gallery and the Holburne Museum in Bath. She combines paper cutting, collage and sculpture to create her work and she has a studio in Widcombe. Jessica is running one-off workshops in Bath this spring, including making vintage Valentine cards on 9 February, vintage paper designs for beautiful and unusual gifts on 29 March and paper cutting pomp, inspired by Jacobean portraits, at the Holburne Museum on 7 March. Follow Jessica on Twitter, @JessCutitout. Her website is under construction but she’d like to hear from any local galleries who could act as an agent for her work.
SUPPORT Bath Aqua Glass is making these beautiful handblown glass baubles for Valentine’s Day, with all proceeds going to the Dorothy House Hospice. Each glass bauble is unique and they’re priced at £22.50, from Bath Aqua Glass shops.
What is on your MP3 player? A really random mix from The Rolling Stones to Paloma Faith. Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? For breakfast it has to be Jika Jika, for afternoon tea you can’t beat the Royal Crescent Hotel and for evenings I’d choose Hudson Bar & Grill. For a sneaky cocktail it’s got to be Circo Bar.
We supply floral arrangements for some of the best hotels in the area, including the Royal Crescent, Homewood Park and Babington House. We also do around 100 weddings every year. I’m proud that our displays have been featured in OK, Hello, World of Interiors, Brides, The Mail on Sunday and a host of other magazines. I’m busy expanding our web shop which has a range of bunches – each of which is illustrated with a photo like the one below – which can be delivered to people anywhere in the UK. I will be adding some lovely products such as vases and glassware, for a range called What we Love. Visit: www.flowersbypassion.com ■
Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? Anything creative... but I would love to try pottery and glass blowing. I haven’t got the time to take up anything new right now as I’m six months pregnant with my first baby and am trying to get the work/life balance right. French vintage bouquet by Passion
Throw a stick anywhere in Bath and you’d be sure to hit a writer – either someone who has already had work published, or those who aspire to forging a career as an author. There’s an incentive to get writing now, with the launch of the Bath Short Story award, which carries a first prize of £500. The competition requires stories of up to
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What’s keeping you occupied this month? We’re busy out in the barn where we work, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with preparing for Valentine’s Day. It’s not the florists who put the price of flowers up for the occasion, but the growers. My advice is to not pick red roses, which will be at a premium, but choose instead a bouquet made in your partner’s favourite colours. We can deliver it to her anywhere in the UK.
What local outdoor activity or event will you be doing or visiting? I’m really looking forward to seeing Paul Weller play at Westonbirt Arboretum in the summer.
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2,200 words to be submitted by 30 March 2013. They can be written on any subject and sent online or by post, with a £5 fee for each story entered. In addition to the first prize of £500 and others, there is an additional prize of £50 for a winning local entry. Find out more, visit: www.bathshortstoryaward.co.uk.
We’re following @BathinFashion, for all the latest and up-to-date information about the catwalk shows, talks, workshops and fabulous fashion-led events being held in the city from the 15 – 21 April. Tickets will sell quickly...
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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY By Bigwig
WE’RE ALL ARMCHAIR CRITICS NOW
I
t seems anyone can be a restaurant or hotel critic these days with the burgeoning number of internet feedback sites. Sometimes this can lead to trouble, as this download from MoaningMinnie.com illustrates: Review: Mr B’s Bijoux B&B, Bourton on the Water, Reviewer: Lovey-dovey: ‘We stayed at this establishment on our honeymoon and were deeply disappointed. Described as a comfy country hideaway, the place generally had a run-down appearance. The so-called rustic furniture was worn and decrepit, the ‘ancient oak beams’ were plastic and there was no evidence of the rural charm we expected. At breakfast the scrambled eggs were powdered and the bacon tasted of fish.’ Management response: ‘I believe I remember this couple. They were really picky. They were good enough to fill in our visitor survey form, where they rated us ‘quite nice to nice enough’ and now they have the effrontery to review us in this way. How two-faced can you get? Re our décor, have they never heard of retro shabby-chic? Our furniture is not worn, it is fashionably distressed and is personally sourced by my wife from the finest car boot sales in the area. The beams in our breakfast loggia are definitely NOT plastic, they are of the highest quality hand finished injection moulded fibreglass. In fact, they gained Best Effort in the English Repro Heritage Awards 2008. Yes, we use powdered egg but we always add water (milk at weekends on request). The fishy bacon is our homage to surf and turf which I am told is all the rage in town.’ Reviewer Lovey-dovey reply: ‘That’s as maybe. But far from being the rural idyll your publicity claims, our bedroom overlooked the nearby motorway and we hardly got a wink of sleep.’ Management response: ‘I know the vicar sometimes drives past at great speed on a Sunday (he has multiple parishes to oversee) but I would be hard pressed to describe Nuthatch Lane as a motorway.’ Reviewer Lovey-dovey reply: ‘Did I mention the Saturday night live ‘entertainment’? The DJ was far too loud and the potty-mouthed drag act wholly inappropriate. My new wife was highly embarrassed by the attentions paid to her by this man in a dress.’ Management response: ‘Our entertainment, usually of the Golden Oldies genre, is supplied by my local am-dram society and while it is true that it is somewhat difficult to regulate the volume of a wind-up gramophone, I can assure you that Mrs Blakethorpe, our chanteuse, is all woman! We have never had any complaints about her Nights in Old Vienna Highlights. I must say, I hardly recognise my establishment in the way you describe it.’ Urgent message from MoaningMinnie.com: ‘We regret to note that due to a typographical error, this review was posted as being of Mr B’s Bijoux B&B, Bourton on the Water when in fact it should refer to Mrs B’s Bonny B&B, Burton on Trent. We sincerely apologise for any confusion.’ Management response: ‘I told you so! Kindly withdraw the review before it has any further detrimental effect on my visitor numbers.’ Note from MoaningMinnie.com: ‘Sorry. No can do. This site is operated from my home computer and as yet we do not have the add-on that would enable us to delete inaccurate or malicious reviews. Suggest you submit a glowing review of yourself ASAP.’ Reviewer Lovey-dovey reply: ‘Golly, what an unfortunate mix-up. Yes, we were referring to the place in Burton on Trent. Though I must say that Mr B’s Bijoux B&B sounds absolutely horrid. We certainly won’t be staying there! Thanks for the warning MoaningMinnie.com!’ Note from MoaningMinnie.com: ‘Thank you for using our services Loveydovey. Your views are valuable to us. Please take a few moments to fill in the customer satisfaction rating survey on our website.’ Management response: ‘I’ll sue the lot of you!’ ■ 10 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Heart Box is £10.95
The Silver Shop of Bath 25 Union Passage, Bath, BA1 1RD (Just down from Ben’s Cookies!) T: 01225 464781 Or visit the online store at www.thesilvershop.eu.com
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A BRUSH WITH ROCK’N’ROLL Artist Nick Cudworth picks his top ten tunes and talks to Mick Ringham about how he’s managed to combine his love of rock and roll with his career as an artist
T
ake a walk through Walcot most days and you can glimpse the figure of an artist, completely absorbed in his world of paint, working away in the ground floor studio at the back of the gallery where Nick Cudworth’s much collected work is displayed. His subject matter varies, from the White Horses of Wiltshire to some stylised pieces evoking the early rock and roll era, of two-toned shoes, fedoras and saxophones, but always retains that distinctive Cudworth style. Nick has been a professional artist with a national and international reputation for the past 35 years. But, what a lot of people don’t know is that he also enjoyed a career in music as a pianist with the band Siren, who recorded several blues/rock albums during the late 1960s on the legendary DJ John Peel’s record label Dandelion. After leaving school in Derby, Nick attended the local art college before moving south and gaining a place at the prestigious Chelsea School of Art, where he took a degree in printmaking, illustration and typography. During this time he became interested in blues and contemporary music, meeting up and befriending Kevin Coyne, who was later to become one of the most influential musicians of the 1970s/80s. He says: “It was Kevin who inspired me and in many respects, was my mentor.” Over two years Nick’s professional musical career saw him simultaneously recording and travelling 12 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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extensively throughout the UK. Siren was held in high regard over that period, so much so, that their albums have been rediscovered and released on Cherry Red Records for a new generation to enjoy.
Listening to this again feels like ❝ the sun coming out through the clouds ❞ Following the rock and roll years, Nick took up teaching art back home in Derby in the city’s college and hospitals, but for financial security he took a job with Royal Mail as one of the city’s postmen. It was while attending a friend’s wedding in Stroud, he and his wife Jenny fell in love with the south west and decided to move down permanently. The Derby postie arranged a transfer to the south west and this future internationally acclaimed artist, became Stroud’s local postman. Many years later when he was exhibiting in a professional capacity, Nick was approached by the Royal Mail and commissioned to design the stamps for the Commonwealth Games. Originally concentrating on drawing, Nick started painting on a full-time basis, working in oil and pastels. In 1999 he
MUSIC LOVER: Nick Cudworth with Let’s Go, a signed limited edition Giclee print
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SOURCES OF INSPIRATION: left to right, Chuck Berry, Deep Feeling and Ry Cooder, Taxes on the Farmer Inset, Mystery Train by Nick Cudworth, signed limited edition Giclee print
moved to Bath, eventually opening his own gallery and studio. His successful reputation as an artist has been gained in group and one-man shows in galleries throughout the world, including London, Milan and New York. His passion for music and art came together as he started on a series of portraits of his musical heroes from Chuck Berry to Elvis Presley, many of which are now in the private collections of a new generation of rock stars. He and Jenny have two grown children, Matt and Jane. Finally I asked him to share his future plans: “Well to be honest, I am not a man to be pigeon-holed, as well as my portraits, I work on still-life and landscapes, seeking out and taking in influences on a daily basis, therefore I’m always sketching and as long as I can keep on drawing and painting – I’m happy.”
Nick’s top ten: ● Chuck Berry – Deep Feeling This was the record that first inspired me to create drawings and later paintings about music. The eerie, lush, slithering electric guitar instrumental is beautiful. Although there have been many imitations, none have ever come close to the sensual feeling of this original masterpiece. ● Malcolm Arnold – Whistle Down the Wind Along with holding memories, music also has the ability to transport you to another time and place. Arnold was a British composer who wrote much of the defining film music of my youth. This is from the Hayley Mills/Alan Bates film of that time. I first heard it when I was 14 years old and this exquisite haunting theme has remained one of favourite pieces of music ever since. ● Little Richard – Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey I have a passion and huge respect for this man. Simply the greatest voice of rock-n-roll. I defy anyone to listen to these few precious minutes of electrifying music and not delight and wonder at the joyful possibilities of the human race. ● Freddy Cannon – Way Down Yonder in New Orleans The strange harmonies of this hit from the early 1960s perfectly WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
encapsulates the breathless discovery of young love and my first proper kiss in the back row of the Majestic Cinema in Derby with Maxine. Where is she now I wonder? ● Elmore James – Dust My Blues This must surely be the definitive rhythm and blues record. My friend Kevin Coyne first introduced me to the sound of Elmore at Derby College of Art back in 1964 and his music became the starting point for us students to begin making our own music and forming our first ever band. ● Ry Cooder – Taxes on the Farmer Feeds Us All It was during the early 1970s that I discovered this amazing musician. This is a seminal album exploring early American music and for me it blew away all that ‘summer of love ‘psychedelic stuff. A plaintive stumbling country song with its gorgeous bottleneck guitar solo provides a perfect symbol of that liberation. ● Steely Dan – Deacon Blues Memories of New York, when I was exhibiting there, at the time this band were on everyone’s lips. This is from their album AJA which is a masterpiece and combines their edgy New York lyrics with a great horn arrangement. Listening to this again feels like the sun coming out though the clouds. ● Captain Beefheart – White Jam He possessed a voice like Howling Wolf with the most modern complex musical themes. This sensuous and highly original recording moves from an almost Bach perspective to a weird country jig. I bet they won’t be playing this on Radio One in a hurry. ● Frederick Delius – Sea Drift I’m a great lover of 20th century English pastoral music. This small but beautiful masterwork of loss and yearning underlines the importance of melancholy as one of the essential emotions for me. ● Thelonious Monk – Something in Blue As a piano player myself I could only ever hope to achieve a fraction of Monk’s effortless magic. This particular recording explores every facet of his unique style and is a classic example of how music has the ability to trigger memories and indeed paint pictures. ■ For more information visit: www.nickcudworth.co.uk or visit the Nick Cudworth gallery in London Street, Walcot. FEBRUARY 2013
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A WRITER’S STITCH IN TIME Best selling author of The Girl with the Pearl Earring, Tracy Chevalier talks to Georgette McCready about the important part The American Museum in Bath played in her latest novel, The Last Runaway
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e’ve heard about method actors, who immerse themselves into the emotions and personality of the characters they’re going to play, but what of the methods used by writers to get under the skin of their fictional heroes and heroines? American writer Tracy Chevalier uses a similiarly thorough research process, turning her hand to a number of different skills, from button making to cemetery guide, for each of her best-selling novels. For The Girl with the Pearl Earring, which was inspired by a painting by Vermeer, Tracy had painting lessons, for Fallen Angels which was set in and around Highgate Cemetery, Tracy volunteered as a cemetery guide for visitors, for Burning Bright it was the almost forgotten art of Dorset button making – and now she is absorbed in the traditional art of patchwork quilting. Her latest historical novel, The Last Runaway, is the first of her books to be set in her native America, but she came to Bath to The American Museum as part of her research into mid-19th century life in rural Ohio. And that visit to Bath, where she found herself fascinated by the museum’s quilt collection, inspired her to pick up her needle and start sewing. At her side, throughout the writing of the book has been Classic Quilts from the The American Museum by Laura Beresford and Katherine Hebert, which she says has been a valuable inspiration to her writing, and to her new-found craft. “If you’d have told me a few years ago that I’d be making a patchwork quilt, I’d have thought you were crazy,” she says, from her London home. “But I always like to do something that the people I am writing about would have done. “I lead a very cerebral life as a writer, either reading, writing or talking, and sewing a quilt is a very contemplative, non verbal skill, which I like. My first quilt was just a lap quilt but it took me a year to make. I love my weekly sessions with the group and we’re planning to all come down to Bath this summer to see the quilt collection at The American Museum.” The Last Runaway tells the story of a Quaker woman, Honor Bright, who leaves her native Dorset for a new life in America. The highly principled Christian is then faced with the fact that in Ohio slavery is accepted by many. She becomes involved in the Underground Railroad, a network of people, white and black, who helped smuggle slaves from the deep south, where slavery is still legal, out to the north and to freedom. The Underground Railroad is to Americans what the French Resistance is to we Brits – we like to think that our own ancestors would have done the right thing, but as Tracy says: “The movement is much romanticised, I have tried to de-mythologise it to an extent, because if everyone who thought their family had been involved, actually had been, there would have been no slavery.” One of the strong themes within the book is the women quilting. They lead hard, unsentimental lives, as Tracy says: “They make us look like bowls of jelly, their lives are centred so much on physical work and outdoor life.” She also re-visited Ohio, where she went to college, and spent time on an Amish farm, where there is no electricity and much is done as it would have been done in the 19th century. At one point in the book Honor is faced with having to produce a dozen handmade quilts in order that she might have respectable trousseau for her marriage. “This was quite normal,” says Tracy, “that a bride would have to present a dozen quilts on her wedding day. One of these would be a white, bridal quilt, not made by the bride, but by her family and friends, ready to place on the wedding bed.” 14 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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HANDS-ON RESEARCH: main picture, writer Tracy Chevalier Left, an example of a Gee’s Bend quilt
She is also enthused by the work of the Gee’s Bend quilters of Alamba, which sprang from Afro Caribbean women having to make bed covers from worn scraps of clothing to keep their family warm, and turning this necessity into a community art form. “I have tried my hand at their method, which is not the careful, pattern led precise way used for other quilting,” says Tracy, “It’s a riot of bright, clashing colours and wonky lines – much harder to make than you’d think. I guess Gee’s Bend is like the jazz of the quilting world.” I asked what her next book would be about and she replied: “I wrote the first sentence yesterday. All I can tell you for sure is that it’s going to have the theme of trees.” Maybe we should look out for Tracy the tree surgeon next? ■ Tracy Chevalier will be talking at the Independent Bath Literature Festival on Sunday 10 March at 4.30pm at the Masonic Hall. Her paperback, The Last Runaway is published on 14 March by Harper Collins. For tickets, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www. bathfestivals.org.uk
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Phase Eight Helen Hearts dress – a lovely heart print dress with 3/4 length sleeves, a fixed wrap front and knot detail at the waist, £79
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Love Heart necklace by Blossom, £77, Fabulous 17 St Lawrence Street SouthGate Bath
Milsom Place, Milsom Street, Bath
Silver and Garnet Crowned Heart Necklace. Was £380, now £190. (50% off in sale) Available from Jody Cory;
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9 Abbey Churchyard Bath
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Earrings, £69, Swarovski, www.swarovski.com
Flower diamond ring, £4,900 Nicholas Wylde, 12 Northumberland Place Bath
Valentine
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Make a romantic gesture for Valentine’s Day Silver, rose gold plated and crushed enamel ring, £370, Silver, rose gold plated and crushed enamel necklet, £1,495 both available from Mallory’s
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Enchanting heart necklace from the Pre-Raphaelite Collection – handmade in Bath by jewellery Peter Kibbles: £28.00, from The Silver Shop 25 Union Passage, Bath
1-5 Bridge Street, Bath
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8 Letterpress printed ‘Be my Valentine’ greeting card, £3.50, designed and printed by Meticulous Ink, 33 Walcot Street, Bath www.meticulousink.com
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For him, the Gold and Platinum Studio has many beautiful handcrafted cufflinks made on the premises 19 Northumberland Place, Bath
10 Lady Godiva chemise, £54.50, available from Aria, 3 George Street, Bath
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Gold & Platinum Studio
Loved forever... Our beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises
19 N or t hum b er l an d P l a ce , B at h B A 1 5A R Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk
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Looking fabulous at The Fashion Museum in Bath celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a new exhibition. Georgette McCready looks at the story of how one woman’s clothes collection grew to become a centre of excellence, attracting students, researchers and fashionistas from all over the world
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t all began with a dressing up session among friends at a country house weekend party which inspired one woman’s dream for a national archive to be set up and dedicated to the way we dress. And that ambition, by Doris Langley Moore has been more than realised with the phenomenal success story that is Bath’s Fashion Museum. This year, that museum in a small, west country city, is proudly marking its 50th birthday with a show to celebrate its remarkable success and reputation on the world stage. The museum, formerly known as The Museum of Costume, was opened by Bath City Council at the bequest of Doris Langley Moore in 1963, who wanted somewhere to bestow her vast collection of historic costumes. Thanks to more bequests, many from wealthy women’s wardrobes, the collection began to grow, now reaching in excess of 80,000 pieces from the 17th century through to the latest designer pieces hot off the fashion show runways. For the birthday exhibition the Fashion Museum manager Rosemary Harden and Iain R Webb, Professor of fashion, were challenged to pick just 50 pieces from the museum’s vast archives to create the 50 Fabulous Frocks show, which runs from 2 February right through to the beginning of next January. Rosemary explained some of the thinking behind the choices: “We haven’t chosen to show them in chronological order but to reflect the depth and quality of the collection. There will be some of the big names in there – Chanel, Schiaparelli, Dior and Mary Quant – but it will also show clothes that were worn by women from all different backgrounds. “We wanted to show that fashion has many facets, from the practical to how we choose to present ourselves to the world. As a collection these pieces are full of stories.”
So, founder Doris Langley ❝ Moore’s fondness for collecting clothes began the story, but like a rich patchwork quilt, it has been added to by many others with a passion for fashion
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It was quite by happy chance that the national museum dedicated to fashion ended up in Bath. Doris Langley Moore had first come up with the idea after borrowing her hostess’s historic family costumes during a jolly weekend house party. As a costume designer – she designed the clothes for Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart for The African Queen film – Doris believed that fashion is more than merely the clothes we pull on without a thought. She opened a small museum initially at Eridge Castle in Kent, before seeking other premises, and considered Brighton for a while. But when that didn’t work out, Bath City Council made her an offer, having heard she was looking for somewhere to show her collection. The council reckoned this tourist attraction would enhance its newly restored Assembly Rooms, which it had paid to repair following bomb damage during the Second World War. The museum opened in 1963 and continues proudly in public ownership to this day. 20 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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So, founder Doris Langley Moore’s fondness for collecting clothes began the story, but like a rich patchwork quilt, it has been added to by many others with a passion for fashion over the last 50 years. Unusually there will be two pieces in the Fabulous Frocks show which belonged to someone you and I have probably never heard of, but whose life story and role as extravagant shopper and fashionista put her among significant figures in the world of 20th century fashion. Esme Mary – known as Molly – Fink, was an Australian woman who won the heart of an Indian rajah, Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman at the turn of the century. They married, but the Australian press frowned on their mixed race union and the pair moved to the prince’s home in India. Here too they suffered disapproval, mostly from the Imperial British rulers. The final straw came while Molly was pregnant and a plot was uncovered in the palace to poison her with oleander leaves. The couple exiled themselves to Australia, where Martanda increased his fortune running a string of racehorses. They decided their cause to gain legal succession for their son would be better served in Europe, so they moved to London and during the 1920s the pair flitted between their villa in Cannes, Paris and London, always partying with the smart set and spending money lavishly. Cecil Beaton photographed Molly and she was presented at the court of George V. After her beloved husband died, life wasn’t so easy for Molly and she was forced to work illegally in a New
STYLE ICON: a classic suit – but not this exact one – by designer Coco Chanel will be among the 50 items in the Fashion Museum’s anniversary exhibition
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THE WAY WE WERE
DRESSING UP: a selection from the new exhibition, including an Erdem dress (centre) and a fancy dress costume in the form of a Champagne bottle (right)
York fashion store during the war. Fortunately for us she didn’t part with her extensive wardrobe, which was given to the museum in 1967, the year Molly died. Visitors will be able to see the fabulous beaded 1920s evening dress by the design house Callot Soeurs, worn by Molly, also a beautiful delicately patterned green and red silk chiffon floral print that she wore in the 1930s. Molly cut the designer’s label out – possibly to avoid paying customs taxes between countries – so Rosemary Harden is doing detective work to see if she can find out who made it. Another wearer whose piece has made the final 50 is a young and unknown student, Joyce Ruby Eales who was studying for a diploma in art at the respected Hornsey College of Art in 1941. She designed and made what she called a Victory Cape, lavishly embroidered with symbols from the Allied countries. Rosemary said: “This is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, beautifully executed. I feel it helps us realise that, like the women who worked at Bletchley breaking codes during the war, there were other women quietly and competently achieving remarkable things.” It’s all the more intriguing, as the war was to continue for another four years – quite a confident gesture for a young woman. There will be something for all interests in the anniversary exhibition. For novelty value there’s the fancy dress costume from 1902, designed to look like a Champagne bottle, with a hat in place of the cork, or a pair of bondage trousers from the Queen of Punk, Vivienne Westwood. Those interested in really historic pieces will be fascinated by the late Regency silk net dress with a pair of extraordinarily large puffed sleeves, or by the 18th century embroidered man’s coat that has been so beautifully preserved it looks as though it’s just been made. Before you dash off to The Fashion Museum to donate your grandmother’s wedding dress, be aware that the museum is unable to take any donations at the moment as it is still dealing with a backlog of items. It will probably be June before it is able to take any more pieces. The museum’s resources are open to all to enjoy. Anyone can book a session at a resource table, looking at genuine pieces of clothing from the past – whether it be delicate buttoned evening gloves, or the development of the modern zip. The study facilities are used by all kinds of people, from students of fashion to writers wanting to get details correct, and from costume designers for theatre or film to people who are simply fascinated to see what sort of clothes their grandmothers wore. Curator Rosemary and her team are currently collecting opinions from users about what we would like to see at the museum in future. You can have your say before 17 February. Visit: ttp://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/contact_us. I’ve already had my frivolous say. I’ve suggested the museum stage an exhibition of costumes from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series of shows. All those sequins – just imagine it . . . ■
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FASHION QUEEN: Molly Fink wearing the dress she wore to be presented at the court of George V
THROUGH THE AGES: top right, detail of a bustle, above, lace dress by Erdem, right, Dior will be represented in the show, as will flamboyant British designer Zandra Rhodes, below right, and the unknown student, Joyce Ruby Eales, below, in 1941
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UNIQUE TREASURES AT BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR The Pavilion, Bath BA2 4EU • 8 – 10 March 2013 The colourful, charming, unique Bath Decorative Antiques Fair takes place for the 24th year at The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath from 8 – 10 March. With more than 45 specialist exhibitors, The Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is carefully designed with flair and panache to emphasise stand displays combining anything from painted furniture and interior fitments to folk art, early pottery, naïve paintings, textiles, glass, metalwork and all kinds of collectables. Now organised by Sue Ede, who runs an extensive range of fairs across the UK, the Bath Decorative Fair will maintain its special appeal and ambience as an enjoyable, relaxed and memorable occasion while now also offering a broader range of art and antiques with wider appeal for private collectors. A sympathetic re-design will also provide wider aisles and more space to stand-back and view the many eye-catching stand displays. Also new for 2013 will be an in-fair restaurant for light meals, treats and refreshments. TV expert Mark Hill will be opening the fair at noon. Mark is well known from several TV programmes and as a very successful author of several books on antiques. He is also exhibiting as a specialist dealer in mid-century modern glass and ceramics, sharing with M. & D. Moir, with 19th and 20th century glass. Also new among the exhibitors will be Nanadobbie from Lostwithiel and Brighton, who were named Best Vintage Shop in the UK 2012 in a nationwide competition. Mike and Nana will be specialising in 20th century Retro furniture, glass, ceramics and the visual arts. From Dorset, Guy Dennler Antiques has 18th and 19th century period furniture and accessories and from Surrey, Candice Horley will be showing French decorative prints and Rosenthal porcelain. Also new will be Larson Antiques from Sweden. Admission Times: Friday 8 March 11am – 6pm / Saturday 9 March 11am – 6pm / Sunday 10 March 11am - 5pm. £5pp Further details visit www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.com or tel: 01278 784912.
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THE REALLY BIG BIG BIG SALE
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Dents merchandise is either discontinued from our international collections, or samples, merchandise is subject to availability.
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Bath@Work Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work
Andrew Taylor Race Director of the Bath Half Marathon
unning has remained a constant throughout my life. I’ve always enjoyed the curious juxtaposition of individual effort and team or crowd experience, from long, calm early morning runs across open countryside to the crowded confines of competitive racing on city centre streets in front of cheering crowds. I first got involved in the organisation of the Bath Half as a volunteer in 1997. The race nearly folded in the late 1990s when City of Bath Athletic Club, which originally founded the event in 1982, struggled each year to find volunteers to organise the event. I’d been with the club for a few years and run the half myself several times, so I felt it was time for me to put something back into the club. I initially worked as course director, and then in the following years gradually took on more responsibilities until I became race director in 2000. A number of changes in my personal and professional life came together and I found myself embarking on a new venture with my wife Mel, setting up a new company initially to manage the Bath Half, and subsequently expanding into management of other participation sports events. I brought skills as a project manager in the construction industry for 25 years, while Mel brought complementary skills from magazine and TV production. There is a curious artistry in event management, conjuring a transient event out of public spaces, on the roads and public parks. At the Bath Half, for a brief moment of just four hours each year the traffic is stilled, and we take over the city centre to create something magical for a migratory ‘flock’ of 12,000 breathless participants, for the entertainment and inspiration of 30,000 spectators. Like an iceberg, only the smallest parts of these events are visible to public eye. People often ask what we do for ‘the rest of the year.’ We have a core staff of four full-time employees, backed by key specialist consultants and advisors, which swells to an army of over 750 volunteers on race day. Planning for the event continues quietly out behind the scenes, working 12 to 24 months ahead, booking contractors and suppliers, recruiting volunteers, working with charity and commercial partners, consulting with the council, emergency services and residents groups. There’s also an informal co-operative of other race organisers who work the circuit, volunteering on each others’ events during the spring and autumn. We get valuable experience working in different roles on races up and down the country.
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Event management is one of the most stressful and challenging businesses in the world, we have to deliver a project to start on a given minute on a given day, in temporary outdoor structures subject to the vagaries of the best and worst of the British weather. Events like the Bath Half unlock incredible emotional responses, from the growing tension experienced by entrants struggling with training in the months before the race, to the inspirational stories of personal suffering that come from our charity partners, to the sweat and tears on the faces of runners as they stumble across the finish line.
Events like the Bath Half unlock ❝ incredible emotional responses, from the growing tension experienced by entrants struggling with training . . . to the inspirational stories of personal suffering
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One year at the Bath Half I was on a cycle escorting a small group at the back of the race, walking and jogging slowly along 10-15 minutes behind the rest of the runners. They were embarrassed at holding up the race and kept urging me to leave them to finish on their own, but I quietly assured them it was my responsibility to see the last runner home. At the finish line in Great Pulteney Street they were met by a group of supporters, and, as the tears flowed, I learnt that one of the runners was terminally ill, and that running the half marathon had been one of her last wishes. It was an intensely humbling moment. But our proudest achievement is in building up the Bath Half into the largest single-day charity fundraiser in the south west. When we took over management of the race in 2000 it was barely raising £25,000 for charity per year. So we set about developing a golden bond charity scheme, partly to compensate the city for the inconvenience caused by the event. The race is now raising in excess of £1.5 million per year through 80-90 charity partners, and punching well above our weight in comparison with other similar sized events. ■
PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic www.capturethespirit.co.uk
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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & OP ERA – listed by venue Fences, Wednesday 20 February – Saturday 2 March, 7.30pm; matinees: Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm
Female Gothic at the The Ustinov
In 2009 Lenny Henry starred as Othello. Following on from his overwhelming success in that great tragic role, he now plays one of the 20th century’s most unforgettable characters. Troy Maxson was once a gifted athlete, denied his chance at the big time by the policies of segregation. Resentful of a world he believes has denied him his chances at every turn, he takes out his anger on his sports-obsessed son and loyal wife. Fences is one of the greatest American dramas of the 20th century, winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Award, two Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize; set between the Korean and Vietnam wars.
VICTORIAN MYSTERY T he atr e R oya l Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Maurice’s Jubilee, Monday 4 – Saturday 9 February, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm Maurice, a retired jeweller, living in a bungalow in Penge, is expecting a visit from the Queen. Sixty years ago, when he took charge of the crown jewels on the eve of the coronation, she promised to find him, should she ever reach her diamond jubilee and he his 90th birthday. Maurice is now 89 and failing fast. Will either of them make it? Maurice’s Jubilee is a funny and poignant exploration of one man’s enduring commitment to a dream. Three distinguished actors – Julian Glover, Sheila Reid and Nichola McAuliffe – join forces in this new comedy which was one of the highlights of the 2012 Edinburgh Festival.
plays as Shakespeare. This, his 76th play was written especially for the London 2012 Festival, and marks a collaboration between two award-winning theatres of international importance – Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough and Chichester Festival Theatre, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This new comedy has its head in the future and its heart in the past. Who is the amorous stranger, Titus, who materialises in Grace’s bedroom? Can lawyer, Lorraine, who prides herself on her infallibility, have finally discovered the ideal partner; and will lonely secretary Sylvia ever find Mr Right?
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T h e U s t in o v Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk The Visiting Company Season
WitTank, Thursday 7 February, 8pm Stars of BBC3’s Live at the Electric bring their lavish parade of inventive characters and sketch magnificence to The Ustinov. WitTank are hotly-tipped as ones to watch for the future.
Shazia Mirza: Cuckooland!, Thursday 21 February, 8pm In Cuckooland anyone can be anything, do anything and say anything. Who cares what anyone thinks? This is a new show from internationally-acclaimed stand-up comedian Shazia Mirza, known for her appearances on the BBC’s Have I Got News For You.
Female Gothic, Wednesday 27 & Thursday 28 February, 8pm
Surprises, Monday 11 – Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm The Theatre Royal Bath showcases the latest work from our greatest living playwright, direct from its recent world premiere. Alan Ayckbourn has now written twice as many
Fences © August Wilson
Surprises © Robert Day
In the unquiet, Stygian darkness between life and death, a lone, haunted woman tells chilling tales of the macabre and terrifying, illuminating the curious frailties of human nature. This dark celebration of female gothic is adapted and performed by Rebecca Vaughan and directed by Olivier Award-winner Guy
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WHAT’Son
I CI A ICIA Arts Theatre, University of Bath. Box office tel: 01225 386777 www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Dance Double Bill, Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm Theo Clinkard’s new group work for six dancers and live piano brims with visceral and eloquent physicality. Ordinary Courage follows a community in repair and harnesses the capacity for movement and touch to communicate when words are not enough. In 2009 Dan Canham (Kneehigh, DV8) made a film in a dilapidated theatre in Limerick, Ireland. He uses that film to produce an original piece of dance-theatre that is an eloquent, heartbreaking elegy for a lost and ruined theatre.
Sherlock Holmes tackles his most complicated case yet when a woman, Alice, vanishes shortly after claiming to have incriminating information about a popular aristocrat. As Sherlock hunts for Alice he is foiled at every turn by the Larabees, a poisonous couple who will stop at nothing to keep Alice quiet.
Ba t h O p e r a The Wroughton Theatre, North Road, Bath. Tickets £20, tel: 01225 463362
Verdi’s Nabucco, Thursday 14 – Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm John Palmer’s innovative, period production of Nabucco (sung in English), set in the round, sees Bath Opera’s chorus and soloists bringing to life one of Verdi’s greatest masterpieces, which includes his most famous work The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves. There is a gala performance on Thursday 14 February with pre-show Champagne and canapés for £30 per ticket.
T h e Br a d f o r d i a n s D r a m a t i c S o c i et y St Laurence School, Bradford-on-Avon. Online booking: www.thebradfordians.com
Little Women – The Musical, Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 February Dance Double Bill
T h e M i s s i o n T h e a t re 32 Corn Street, Bath. Bath Box Office tel: 01225 463362 www.missiontheatre.co.uk
The Beggar’s Opera, Saturday 2 February, 7.30pm The Beggar’s Opera is one of the earliest examples of musical theatre, full of well known tunes such as Greensleeves and Over the Hill and Far Away. Discover the innocent but fiesty heroine Polly Peachum, her wronged rival Lucy Lockit and Macheath, their irrepressible highwayman lover, as a tangled web of lies and deceit blissfully unravels. White Horse Opera is returning to The Mission Theatre after its debut visit in 2011 with Pirates of Penzance.
Th e Ron d o T h e atr e St Saviours Road, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 463362 www.rondotheatre.co.uk
Touched, Friday 15 February, 8pm Set in the near future as Britain plunges further into recession, Touched is a poignant exploration of longing and loss played out against the Government’s regeneration programme, a measure aimed at alleviating austerity. Pilot’s Thumb is a south west-based theatre company formed in 2009 and commited to exploring controversial issues from both personal and social perspectives.
Volpone, Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 February, 7.30pm
The Beggar’s Opera
Sherlock Holmes: A Drama in Four Acts, Thursday 28 February – Saturday 2 March, 7.30pm Bath University Student Theatre presents this play about Britain’s greatest detective. 28 THEBATHMAGAZINE
Little Women is a heart-warming story, based on the novel by Louisa M Alcott, of four sisters growing up in America in the 1860s. The cast is led by Dora Bishop, a recent graduate of the prestigious American Musical Theatre Academy, who plays Jo March.
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Volpone is perhaps Ben Jonson’s best-loved comedy, full of physical and verbal wit which Playing Up, in inimitable style, bring wonderfully to life. The old miser Volpone and his servant Mosca pretend that he is dying in order that they can gleefully fleece his greedy friends, all of whom are desperately hoping to be heir to his fortune. However, with nary a moral in sight it’s not long before they all find themselves exposed, betrayed and then justly punished. This is an updated and highlyphysical version of an Elizabethan classic – guaranteed to make you laugh.
Lit Fest This year’s Independent Bath Literature Festival runs from Friday 1 – Sunday 10 March. Tickets are on sale so don’t miss your favourite author’s event. Here are a few highlights: ● Opening Talk: Sarajevo with Allan Little, Saturday 2 March, 11.15am This talk will be given by BBC world affairs correspondent Allan Little and will focus on the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, as well as what it was like at the time and how it has played such an extraordinary part in the history of Europe. At the Guildhall, tickets £9/£8. ● This Life: Darcey Bussell, Sunday 3 March, 4.30pm The Lit Fest welcomes one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, Darcey Bussell. A Life in Pictures chronicles her career with captivating images by world-renowned photographers, intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal anecdotes. At the Guildhall, tickets £7.50/£6.50 ● Workshop: Helen Cross: Creating Expressive Characters, Thursday 7 March, 10am – 4pm Novelist, Helen Cross will guide you in creating complex, memorable and storysupple characters for all kinds of stories, from novels to radio plays and shows ways of giving these characters bold, brilliant and believable voices. At the Holburne Museum, tickets £50/£48. For a full programme of events and to book tickets, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathfestivals.org.uk. Join the conversation on Twitter @bathfestivals
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DAZZLING YOUNG ARTISTS CORDELIA WILLIAMS
CLAIRE JONES
“I cannot imagine a more perfect performance….superb!” Antony Hopkins
“a sensitivity and panache that enchants the senses.” BBC Music Magazine
28 FEBRUARY, BATH ABBEY, 7:30PM
23 MARCH, ST. SWITHINS CHURCH, WALCOT, BATH 7:30pm
IVES, Variations on America RAVEL, Valses nobles et sentimentales GERSHWIN, Rhapsody in Blue ˇ DVORÁK, Symphony No. 9, From the New World Jason Thornton, conductor tickets £28/21/15/ (£5 unreserved)
Including works by BRITTEN, DEBUSSY, ELGAR, GRIEG, DELIBES, PUCCINI, ˇ MASCAGNI and DVORÁK Jason Thornton, conductor £25/20/15 all unreserved
In February, Cordelia Williams, Piano winner of BBC Musician 2006, joins the Bath Philharmonia in the jazzy and daredevil Rhapsody in Blue. ˇ Add the raucous and witty Variations on America and Dvorák’s masterpiece, the lyrical New World Symphony, and it’s a concert not to be missed. Former Royal Harpist Claire Jones performs with the orchestra in March, playing works from her first album, The Girl with the Golden Harp. Released by Classic FM, it is still in the top 10 selling albums. The concert will include the pieces chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge for her wedding, and Claire will also talk about her instrument and what it was like having the Prince of Wales as her boss! For Tickets: Bath Box Office Tel. 01225 463362 • www. bathboxoffice.org.uk For more information, call the Bath Philharmonia at 01225 444 153 or visit us at www.bathphil.co.uk
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WHAT’Son M USI C – listed by date Catrin Finch: Harp, Sunday 17 February, 7.30pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 or visit: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk A formidable challenge even for keyboard players, Bach’s Goldberg Variations have never previously been played on the harp. Catrin recorded this thrilling new arrangement for Deutsche Grammophon and it’s now winning a respected place in the repertoire.
Hannah Martin, Thursday 21 February, 7.30pm The Stables, The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath. Tickets £9/£7, tel: 01225 386777 or visit: www.bath.ac.uk/icia Hannah Martin is an award-winning singer, songwriter, fiddle and banjo player, representing the new generation of English folk, weaving old and new folklore into melodic pieces of storytelling.
Bath Bachfest, Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 February Various venues across Bath. For a full programme, visit: www.bathbachfest.org.uk and to book tickets tel: 01225 463362 Some of our city’s most beautiful historic
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buildings – St Mary’s Bathwick, the Guildhall, the Assembly Rooms and Bath Abbey – are the settings for a series of memorable concerts and events once again this year. The music of Bach is at the heart of the programme and this year particularly his suites of dances. Guests include the Academy of Ancient Music, The Gabrieli Consort & Players, Colin Carr and Mahan Esfahani.
Vocal Works Gospel Choir, Saturday 23 February, 7.30pm Kingswood Theatre, Fonthill Road, Bath. Tickets £12/£8, tel: 01225 463362 This promises to be an uplifting, high-energy show with the Vocal Works Gospel Choir performing the best soul and gospel tracks from the movies, including Blues Brothers.
Bath Philharmonia, Thursday 28 February, 7.30pm Bath Abbey, 12 Kingston Road, Bath. Tickets £28 from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Piano winner of BBC Young Musician 2006, Cordelia Williams has continued to build an international career. She will perform Ives’ Variations on America and Ravel’s engaging suite for solo piano Valses nobles et
sentimentales before joining the Philharmonia in Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin and Dvorak’s signature work Symphony no. 9 from the New World.
Cordelia Williams
Bath Choral Society, Saturday 9 March, 7.30pm Bath Abbey, 12 Kingston Road, Bath. Tickets £27 from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Bath Choral Society will be joined for the first time by the Southern Sinfonia for a seasonal concert. Faure’s much-loved Requiem with its intimate, mellifluous tone and evocation of paradise is followed by James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross – a deeply contemplative work which blends 20th century string writing with euphoric vocal lines that seem rooted simultaneously in the 16th and 21st centuries. This work is widely thought to be the composer’s masterpiece.
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WHAT’Son OTH ER EVENTS – listed by date
Valentine’s Day
The Fabulous Baker Brothers
Treat your special someone this Valentine’s Day (14 February) with one of our romantic event ideas: ❤ Valentine’s Day Dinner, Thursday 14 February Ston Easton Park is a great venue in which to spoil the special person in your life. Haed chef, Daniel Moon has created a gourmet Valentine’s menu and the cellars are stocked with fine wines and Champagnes. The price includes a glass of Champagne, a four-course dinner menu and coffee with petit fours. £65 per person. Ston Easton Park, Ston Easton, near Bath. Visit: www.stoneaston.co.uk
❤ The Valentine’s Ball, Saturday 16 February, 7pm Former Bath Rugby player, David Flatman presents this ball which includes a threecourse meal, wine and live entertainment, in aid of Help for Heroes, among others. £100 per person. Assembly Rooms, Bath. Visit: www.davidflatmantestimonial.com
❤ Minima presents Dulac’s The Seashell and the Clergyman (1928), Friday 15 February, 7.30pm Join Minima for live accompaniment to three silent movies – cult classic, The Seashell and the Clergyman taking you into a dream world of forbidden passion, Lotte Reiniger’s The Sleeping Beauty (1954) and The Magic Horse (1953). The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 388569.
❤ Twilight for Two at Thermae Bath Spa, pictured, daily from 4pm Enjoy an evening at the spa. The Twilight for Two package includes, a three-hour spa session, use of towel, robe and slippers, a meal from the Twilight menu in the restaurant and a drink. £80. Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath Street, Bath. Tel: 0844 888 0844.
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Charity Cupcake Making Workshop, Saturday 9 February, 10am – noon Coffee at Camden, 2 Claremont Terrace, Camden, Bath. £30, tel: 0117 969 9344 or email: fundraising@greatwesternairambulan ce.com Coffee at Camden will run a Valentine’s Day themed cupcake making workshop in aid of Great Western Air Ambulance which is trying to raise £250,000 to fund a new helicopter. At the class you can decorate six cupcakes and give them as a gift to a loved one. Each person can enjoy a cupcake and a hot drink as well as a goodie bag.
Lunar New Year Extravaganza, Sunday 17 February, 11.45am – 3.45pm The Museum of East Asian Art & The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath. For further information tel: 01225 464640. The Museum of East Asian Art will be hosting its sixth annual Lunar New Year Extravaganza. Once again there will be a series of breathtaking programmes including: lion dances, acrobatic performances, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese dance performances, tea tasting, plenty of arts and crafts activities and more. The celebration of the Year of the Snake will end with a traditional lion dance and spectacular firecracker display. The exact date of the Chinese new year (lunar new year) can fall anywhere between 21 January and 21 February in the Gregorian calendar.
Author Event: Fabulous Baker Brothers, Thursday 21 February, 7.45pm for 8pm talk Topping & Company Booksellers, The Paragon, Bath. Tickets £7 in advance with £7 off a purchase of Glorious British Grub Local bakers Tom and Henry Herbert are back with more fabulous baking recipes in their new book, Glorious British Grub and another series of their popular Channel 4 television show. They will be giving a talk with tastings.
Charity Bath Men’s Walk, Saturday 23 February, 1pm The walk begins at Dorothy House Hospice Care, Winsley and ends at the Rec, Bath. Register online: www.bathmenswalk.co.uk or tel: 01225 721480. For boys aged 12+ & men This is a sponsored men’s eight-mile walk in aid of Dorothy House. It ends with the France v England Six Nations clash on the big screen at the Rec, a pie and a pint.
Lunch at The Priory, Tuesday 26 February, 12.15pm The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath. Contact the Theatre Royal Bath to book tickets, £40 per person, tel: 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk Join the Theatre Royal Bath for another of its special events. Enjoy a two-course lunch in The Priory Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant hosted by executive chef Michael Caines MBE and cooked by Michelin-starred chef Sam Moody.
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OPERAprofile
A ROUSING REPERTOIRE Elizabeth Jeffreys takes a closer look at Bath Opera and its growing family of members
B
ath is often known as a festival city but we should not forget to celebrate its own artists and musicians who do so much to enrich everyday life. Bath Opera, Bath’s only resident opera company, has been bringing opera to audiences for over 35 years. Sung in English and with a repertoire that includes Mozart, Verdi and Puccini, less familiar names like Ponchielli and modern favourites like Gershwin and Bernstein, the company stages its main production in February followed by a touring production and concert performances later in the year. “Operas are chosen principally on what suits the company,” explains Bath Opera’s musical director, Peter Blackwood. “A lot of operas rule themselves out immediately because they have no chorus or they’re mostly male. Others because of the sheer demands on the soloists – Rossini tenors for example are very specialised voices – and you have to consider if you have the principals.”
The music tells you what to do. ❝ All human life is there ❞
Stageability is essential. John Palmer, this year’s guest director of Verdi’s Nabucco opera, says: “Indeed musical theatre is far more than glorious music. It needs to have dramatic possibilities far beyond this, creating those unique moments of emotion we find so moving.” Verdi has what Peter describes as an instinctive grasp of what works. He says: “The music tells you what to do. All human life is there.” Bath Opera does not have an in-house director, preferring to work with directors who have a passion for a project often bringing a design idea to the whole production. This year John was keen to stage Nabucco in the round. The design presented challenges with sound balance and sightlines but working closely with Peter and set designer Neil Kirkman these have been overcome. “But I don’t want to give anything away” he adds. 34 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Many of the Bath Opera group are musically trained and there is a strong core of professional and semi professional singers. Each opera is a new learning experience and the company works hard not only to learn the score but to develop a sense of performance style. Careful attention is always paid to the libretto. Diction and phrasing are essential, says Peter; a composer conveys his intention through words. The company works with a full professional orchestra. Made up largely of professional freelance musicians (they include exVienna Symphony and Birmingham Symphony players), they are booked as soon as Peter has decided on the orchestra’s composition and budget. They are the most costly part of a production, taking up to as much as 70 per cent of the budget, but as he explains, “They rehearse once. And that’s it! That’s why they’re expensive.” While the main production is built around the chorus, the company’s touring productions have a very different feel. Smaller and lighter, they are bought in by venues who want to provide their audiences with a summer evening’s entertainment and usually only involve the soloists, a packable set and a piano. Rather like Elizabethan travelling players they call for ingenuity on the part of the designer and imagination from the audience. Members of the company come from many walks of life brought together by a shared love of the music. Chris Daniels, in his 30s and with a young family says: “I’d done a lot of choral singing but didn’t know any opera, so in every show the music is new to me. And I love the fact we have so many young people, it means there’s a future for the group.” It is this growing core of younger members that newly appointed chairman, Hannah Lockwood is keen to build on. She says: “There’s a lot of music on TV and radio but nothing really that makes opera accessible to a younger audience. One of the ways I want to make it more visible is by using social media like Facebook. Opera can be considered highbrow or stuffy but it isn’t. It appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds and if I could have one wish in the world of music it would be to disprove that rumour.” ■
SPANNING THE GENERATIONS: members of Bath Opera on location
Nabucco runs from 14 – 16 February at the Wroughton Theatre. The touring production of Don Giovanni is at The Rondo, Bath on 21 & 22 June; Great Charfield on 28 & 29 June; and Seend on 13 July. Two charity performances of Britten’s music will be on 3 July at St Swithin’s Church, Bath and at Christchurch, Bradford-on-Avon. Tickets from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362 For more information visit: www.bathopera.org
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Dominic Hills, Grey Bird at Edgar Modern
CITYgardens
Our Spring Collection Rosie Parry brings you the latest evocative exhibitions and a look at some of Bath’s finest artists and established galleries
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ARTIST & GALLERY PROFILE
EXHIBITION: HEADS AND TAILS Edgar Modern Bartlett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 443746 www.edgarmodern.com
Nick Cudworth Gallery 5 London Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445221 www.nickcudworth.co.uk
Until 23 February
Bath artist Nick Cudworth works in his gallery creating oil paintings and prints from the originals which can be requested in various sizes. His current show which runs throughout February features the British coastline and estuaries including Bristol and Dartmouth. Over the 15 years that the gallery has been open Nick has painted various subjects that reflect his many and varied interests including portraits, music and still-life, but the landscapes of Bath and surrounding areas remains a favourite. In November Nick was invited to have a oneman show of his Bath images at The Loft in Bartlett Street which has proved very successful and is still running. The exhibition area complements the delightful experience of spending time in Cafe Lucca or browsing the fashionable designs of Blue clothing for women. Nick’s gallery in London Street is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 5pm and visitors are welcome to browse and discuss the work with Nick, who paints in his studio part of the gallery.
This is a mixed exhibition of portraits and animal studies with an unusual chance to view a vibrant group of contemporary artists displaying their contrasting approaches to figurative and animal subjects, across a variety of media. The show features work by Jessica Cooper, Henrietta Dubrey, Betsy Dadd, Merion Ginsberg, John Harland, Dominic Hills, Kimia Kline, Carl Melegari, Tyler Stone and Janis Ridley.
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Nick Cudworth, extract from Estuary Dawn – Dartmouth
Jessica Cooper, The Bristol Chicken
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EXHIBITION: TRANSPOSE: CONTEMPORARY INK PAINTINGS
The Museum of East Asian Art 12 Bennett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464640 www.meaa.org.uk
Until 30 June
Koon Wai Bong, In Tune with the Silver Grey
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Dr Koon Wai Bong, the well-established Hong Kong ink artist presents his unique vision of contemporary ink art in his first solo show in the UK. In the exhibition, Dr Koon draws inspirations from the museum collection and creates new works that reflect interesting aesthetic notions embraced by the traditional literati. Each of the artist’s painting themes – insects, water, clouds, pine, flowers and bamboo – is reflected in the museum objects. The exhibition is a journey that discusses the tradition of Chinese painting, art making, and challenges the new possibilities for contemporary ink artists. The aim is to look at the making of ink art from a different perspective. Although Dr Koon’s paintings have an obvious Chinese flare, they are in fact hybrids – combining the Chinese medium of brush and ink painting with Western ideas of artistic expression. In this way, the artist reflects upon the cultural fusion of his native Hong Kong while trying to revive Chinese ink painting, breathing new life into an ancient art form. The year 2013 is a milestone for the Museum of East Asian Art as it celebrates two decades of being a beacon in the south west for the study and appreciation of East Asian arts and cultures.
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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS ARTS INSTITUTE PROFILE ICIA University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath. Tel: 01225 386777 www.bath.ac.uk/icia Create textiles, paintings, drawings, photography or write that novel with the creative writing and visual arts classes on offer at ICIA. You can even improve your DJ skills, get fit with high energy African and Caribbean dance or join a Samba drumming class, all under the watchful eye of highly skilled tutors, many of whom are leaders in their field. New for this year is the Pee Wee Ellis Jazz and Funk project, under the tuition of the man himself, by audition only. Also look out for the Reading the City weekend workshop to understand the embodiment of collective desires and dreams that is your home town. Other weekend workshops explore sound, textiles and mixed media. The ICIA’s brilliant and authoritative range of music, dance, theatre and visual arts classes and workshops run from February to May and are open to the general public as well as students and university staff.
▲ Claire Wiltsher, Fragile Forest (series)
A drawing by Onny Thomson
EXHIBITION: SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Bath Contemporary 35 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 461230 www.bathcontemporary.com
Until 2 March Bath Contemporary continues a mixed, rolling exhibition of paintings, bronzes and prints with a strong bias towards unique ceramics that explore colour, shape and form over function.
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EXHIBITION: THE INNER SPIRIT COLLECTION 2013
Lacock Abbey Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. Tel: 01249 730459 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock
9 February – 10 March This is a chance to see a new collection of beautiful wire sculptures by Derek Kinzett in the grounds of Lacock Abbey. Derek first exhibited at the abbey in 2012, to rave reviews. He returns with new wire sculptures and some old favourites, transforming Lacock’s woodland garden into a magical and ethereal world. Discover fairies, dragons and the last unicorn around the medieval cloisters of this National Trust property. Last year, spring flowers added a vibrant extra dimension to the show. Normal admission fees apply, National Trust members and under fives are free.
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Derek Kinzett with one of his fairy sculptures, Serenity
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Peter Joyce, Crossing the GR8 (Le Parracaud)
ARTIST PROFILE: PETER JOYCE Anthony Hepworth Gallery 16 Margarets Buildings, Brock Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 310694 www.anthonyhepworth.com
Recent Paintings: 23 February – 23 March In the words of Peter Joyce: All of the paintings in the exhibition have their starting point in the Marais Breton Vendéen, 250 square kilometres of reclaimed marshland in western France. This flat, low lying land, barely above sea-level, doesn’t appear to alter much in appearance as it’s criss-crossed by foot, bike or car, yet there are many aspects to this man-made landscape and depending on whether you are in an area of fresh water marsh or salt water marsh (fed from the Baie de Bourgneuf) it is deceptively different. Through the last 2,000 years, the uses for this land have changed little. What has changed is the scale of use. The Romans started reclaiming the land for salt production, once there were more than 20,000 saltpans, now only a handful survive. Ports were once 30 kilometres inland from the present-day shore, now just four small ports operate along this new coastline. These are harbours which service the small, family-run oyster farms dotted along the low tide line. As man moved out, wildlife moved in. Countless species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians have made the marsh their home. I enjoy this landscape as much for the evidence of times long passed as I do for the wildlife, the fresh sea air and the tranquility. The remnants of former jetties, hunting hides or gates made with cobbled together pieces of wood, metal, cord and wire feed my work as much as the actual landscape itself. The weather and change of seasons also influence my approach to the making of individual paintings. The work towards this exhibition was started just before the end of the summer in 2012 and the change from summer into autumn then autumn into winter have had a strong effect on the pictures produced. The change in the angles of the sun, decreasing daylight hours, and the dry warmth of summer replaced by the moody and ever darkening skies of winter has had a strong impact on the colour of the exhibition. These paintings also reflect my deepening understanding of how this place works. The moon and the tides, the creek systems of fresh and salt water, and the existence of differing plant species depending on how saturated the land is. My new knowledge of these fundamental aspects enables me to make these works less representational, I’m now composing paintings based on how the Marais Breton Vendéen functions and not just its extraordinary and deceptive appearance.
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Peter Joyce, Boat Cemetery Noirmoutier
Peter Joyce, Exploring les Tendes
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nick cudworth gallery
End of the Pier – Clevedon Oil on canvas/print 20 x 15 inches
Beside the Sea Throughout February Nick Cudworth will be exhibiting a series of his paintings and prints featuring the coastline of the British Isles and estuaries including Bristol and Dartmouth.
5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639 gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com
The Pee Wee Ellis An opportunity to study and practice Jazz & Funk for 8 weeks under the instruction of a master! Open to all playing at grade 8 standard and above, between the ages of 16 and 25.
Jazz & Funk Project
Pee Wee Ellis is a musician of legendary stature; former saxophonist with James Brown, lionised performer and recording artist, renowned and inspirational teacher. 8 Sessions Venue: Hayesfield School, Bath Thursdays, 7pm to 9pm Feb 21 - May 02 £168, £112 Concs, £93 BUSU AUDITIONS: Thu Feb 7 and 14, 7 to 9PM (Scheduled following indication of interest). Drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, horns and melodic instruments across the spectrum. Contact University of Bath, ICIA 01225 386 777 Email: ICIAinfo@bath.ac.uk
www.bath.ac.uk/icia WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS Conor Walton, Tomatoes
EXHIBITION: CONOR WALTON Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464850 www.beauxartsbath.co.uk
4 – 10 February Conor Walton is one of Ireland’s most renowned figurative painters in oil. This exhibition concentrates on his small still lifes, which brilliantly capture the essential nature of the every day. A former apprentice of Edmund de Vaal, Chris Keenan also returns with his beautiful Limoges porcelain ceramics.
EXHIBITION: TAKEN BY TREES
Alecander Calder, Untitled
Patrick Haines, Nocturne II
EXHIBITION: ROSE HILTON: PASTELS Hilton Fine Art 5 Margarets buildings, Bath. Tel: 01225 311311 www.hiltonfineart.com
2 – 23 February This show brings together a collection of Rose Hilton’s latest pastels of figures and landscapes. Never academic, the work is remarkable for its freshness and searching quality. Woman in Red Dress bo.lee Gallery 1 Queen Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 428211 www.bo-lee.co.uk
▲ EXHIBITION: ALEXANDER CALDER
Until 9 March This show invites the viewer to wander through the depths of the forest as bo.lee gallery artists come together to examine what resides at the edge of an indistinct setting; nature and fable intertwine to create an enigmatic, shadowy spectre.
Adam Gallery 13 John Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 480406
22 February – 16 March This show is by American artist Alexander Calder (1898-1976), featuring graphic works, typically highlycoloured. Alexander was best known as the originator of the mobile – a type of kinetic sculpture, the delicately balanced or suspended components of which move in response to motor power or air currents; Alexander’s stationary sculptures are called stabiles.
ARTS CENTRE PROFILE
Rose Hilton, Woman in Red Dress
EXHIBITION: VALENTINES EXHIBITION
Until 28 February With Valentine’s Day on 14 February this exhibition is a chance to buy gifts for your loved one, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, etchings and studio prints.
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Gallery Nine 9b Margarets Buildings, Bath. Tel: 01225 319197 www.gallerynine.co.uk
Elane Marshall, Two Turtle Doves
Chapel Arts Centre St James’s Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Tel: 01225 461700 www.chapelarts.org Chapel Arts Centre is Bath’s alternative arts venue and presents an eclectic array of events. It operates as a community arts centre presenting all kinds of music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, mime, poetry and multimedia combinations. It also offers workshops and spaces for rehearsals and private hire.
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ARTIST & GALLERY PROFILE Catherine Beale Studio/Gallery 7 Widcombe Parade, Widcombe, Bath. Tel: 01225 337734 / 07891 409490 www.catherinebeale.com Catherine Beale
Portrait artist Catherine Beale picked up her watercolour brushes this year to a busy schedule of commissions. Her customers have planned thoughtful birthday gifts for close family and Catherine is painting many portraits, from poised thoroughbred horses to giggling grandchildren – a challenge to capture on paper. Before returning to the UK in 2006, Catherine was well known among the expatriate community in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, where she painted such diverse subjects as rainforest elephants and a former US ambassador’s residence. Since returning to Bath, she has concentrated on portraits and she has submitted a larger-than-life study of her niece and a portrait of a life model from Widcombe to major watercolour societies’ London open exhibitions. Meanwhile, her portrait of two great Danes from Combe Down has been air freighted to the Miami art fair and on to New York. Closer to home, Catherine finds this the season for the most dramatic sunrises and the most exciting cloud patterns. They provide the back drop to her atmospheric tree-scapes which can be seen in her studio/gallery. Catherine wishes all her customers a happy new year and an invitation to view her new works at her lovely new studio in Widcombe. Catherine Beale, Noble Pair
Over 7000 Original Artworks available to buy online UK Based Artists • Free UK Delivery 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Commissions Welcome We offer 10 months interest free credit* through Arts Council England's Own Art interest free loan scheme. You can purchase any artwork on the site between £100 - £2000 and spread the cost over 10 monthly instalments Contact: Michelle Gibbs sales@art2arts.co.uk 023 92699 990
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galleries,ARTISTS&EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITION: ROGER MAYNE: ASPECTS OF A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER
William Larkin, Countess of Oxford
Victoria Art Gallery By Pulteney Bridge, Bath. Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk
Until 7 April The Victoria Art Gallery is host to an exhibition by one of the UK’s major photographers and his first museum show in 22 years: Roger Mayne: Aspects of a Great Photographer. Born in 1929, Roger photographed London’s street life in the 1950s, capturing its vigour and poverty. Later he photographed his own children and people he observed on his travels. His many friendships with artists influenced his approach and resulted in telling portraits plus a photo essay on the Bath Academy of Art. This show surveys his career and includes rare vintage prints for sale. It will also feature, for the first time, some of Roger’s lyrical and expressive drawings of landscapes and nudes. There will be a free tour of the exhibition with manager Jon Benington on Friday 22 February from 1pm.
▲ Roger Mayne, Royal Crescent
▲ MUSEUM & EXHIBITION PROFILE The Holburne Museum Great Pulteney Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 388 569
Painted Pomp: until 6 May Folded Beauty: 2 February – 28 April One of the most important groups of Jacobean portraits in the country forms the centrepiece of the Painted Pomp exhibition. Nine full-length portraits by William Larkin, painted around 1613-18, are displayed alongside rare survivals of dress from the period with live interpretation to reveal the heights of the art and fashion of 400 years-ago. The portraits depict members of an extended family, relatives of Thomas Howard, the first Earl of Suffolk and may have been made to mark the marriage between the Cecil and Howard families, the cream of Jacobean courtly society during a turbulent period of intrigue and social change. To help bring the portraits alive, they will be accompanied by a selection of early 17th century clothing and accessories. These include rare fans, shoes, punto in aria – literally stitches in the air – lace, gloves and gauntlets embroidered in silks and trimmed with gold and silver. Running alongside Painted Pomp will be Folded Beauty, a showcase of the lost art of linen folding that once graced the dining tables of kings and emperors in the 17th century. The Holburne Museum houses an art collection formed by Sir William Holburne in the 19th century, which includes paintings, silver, sculpture, furniture and porcelain of national and international significance. The museum reopened in May 2011 after ambitious renovations and a new extension by Eric Parry Architects and has fast gained a reputation as one of a number of outstanding regional museums in the UK.
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EXHIBITION: TOM LEWIS The White Room Gallery 31 Brock Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 331500 www.thewhiteroomgallery.com
1 February – 1 March This exhibition showcases a collection of work by Tom Lewis including new original paintings and limited edition prints alongside rare and previously sold out prints. It is a chance to see new work and old favourites from this popular artist’s back-catalogue.
Three canvases by Tom Lewis
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FOOD&DRINK
Hot off the hob ■ Michelin starred chef, Rob Clayton, pictured, – who gained his star status during his time at Hunstrete House, and subsequently at the Bath Priory Hotel – has joined The Hare & Hounds pub at Lansdown as executive head chef. Rob’s food is unpretentious and relies on the freshest local ingredients cooked and presented to perfection. In addition to heading up the kitchen at The Hare & Hounds, Rob will also be working with the team at The Marlborough Tavern, helping them develop their menu. ■ Voted best newcomer to the Bath culinary scene at the 2012 Bath Good Food awards, head chef at the Allium Brasserie Chris Staines, pictured, is cooking up menu ideas as the Abbey Hotel prepares to welcome gardeners, lovers, fashionistas and literary lions to a series of themed events. BBC2’s Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein is talking about wildflowers and her new book over lunch on Friday 1 March, while on 16 April fashion journalist Chloe Fox will be speaking about designer Alexander McQueen. For details of these and other themed meals at the Allium call in and pick up a brochure or tel: 01225 461603. ■ Real life Bath policewoman and author Sandy Osborne will be talking about her 21 years as a serving officer in the city over a lunch at the Bath Priory Hotel on Thursday 28 February. Sandy’s novel, Girl Cop, was recently published. Head chef Michelin starred Sam Moody, pictured, and his team will be serving lunch, after Sandy has given a talk over coffee. Tickets, which are £35, are available from the hotel, tel: 01225 478388.
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Café scores on the square Weary travellers tumbling on or off trains at Bath Spa railway station can now take comfort with a freshly baked croissant, made by a Frenchman, to go with their coffee – thanks to the newly opened independent takeout, Jika Jika on Brunel Square. Here at The Bath Magazine, we’re already fans of Jika Jika in George Street, but now its cakes, salads and excellent coffee are available at the bottom end of the city centre too. Jika Jika is owned by rugby duo Matt Stevens and Lee Mears, the latter still playing for home team Bath Rugby. The pair attended the launch of their second outlet recently, where Matt was quick to praise other independent cafés in Bath. He said: “We’ve got some really great cafés, like Colonna & Smalls, The Society Café, Sam’s Kitchen and Made by Ben. I know that when people come down from London they are pleasantly surprised and impressed by what Bath has to offer.”
FRESH DAILY: Jika Jika’s mouth watering array of croissants, fruity muffins and meringues with a gooey interior under their crisp shells
James. Food and drinks will be served daily from 6.30am to 6pm. The new manager at Brunel Square’s take-out is Renée Fielder, formerly at Jika Jika in George Street. ■
Although small, the second Jika Jika will sell cakes and pastries made at the George Street kitchens, along with salads, by head chef Nathan Rees and his team, with croissants by French baker
Three rosettes for hotel Staff at the Royal Crescent Hotel, which recently acquired a new owner, The Topland Group, are celebrating after picking up a coveted AA three rosette accolade for its food – one of only 13 establishments in the country to do so. Head chef David Campbell
and his kitchen team were singled out for creating ‘the best of contemporary dining.’ David was formerly at The Manor House, Castle Combe and has worked at the Ritz and as chef with England Rugby. He likes to use local suppliers, particularly Eades the greengrocer.
The Dower House restaurant
Newcomer wins award The Mint Room Indian restaurant on the Lower Bristol Road, Bath which won the Best Indian category in the Bath Good Food Awards 2012, has now been named Best Newcomer south west, in the British Curry Awards. The awards ceremony was held at Battersea Evolution, in Battersea and co-hosted by BBC presenter Jennie Bond and impressionist Rory Bremner. Moe Rahman, who owns the restaurant with his brother Luthfur Rahman, said: “Each and every one of us at the restaurant, from our kitchen porter through to Luthfur, have all put in our heart and soul into making The Mint Room the success it is now and we are all
very proud of that as well as being eternally grateful to our customers.” The Mint Room’s head chef Mamrej Khan, who trained with India’s renowned Taj Group and used to run the kitchen at Birmingham’s acclaimed Lasan restaurant, said: “In just a little over a year since our launch in Bath, we have achieved a great deal. Winning the Best Newcomer award validates everything we’ve all done, both in the kitchen and at front of house. I try and offer refined though authentic flavours at The Mint Room combined with sound British ingredients. The fact that our customers appreciate it all, makes me very happy.”
■ Good luck to Richard Davies, executive chef at Michelin starred Bybrook restaurant at The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe, who is one of the contestants on the new television series of Great British Menu. The new series goes out weekly, starting on Monday 28 January at 7.30pm on BBC 2. Richard will join chefs from all over the country to compete regionally, and then nationally, to prepare a four course banquet for a high profile diner. The chefs’ challenge is to produce dishes which celebrate the fun of Comic Relief.
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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic, chooses wines for Valentine’s and the Chinese New Year
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’ve chosen some feelgood wines this month, which will work equally well to banish the winter blues, and celebrate the key events of the month, Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. This isn’t the season for delicate whites, and juicy fruity reds; we want a glass of wine with a little more depth, and flavour, round, smooth, and as comforting as it is refreshing. So in with dry, spicy whites, and ripe, fruit-packed, velvety reds.
Champagne Gobillard Brut Rose, NV £28 The red Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes lend a blush of colour to this salmon-pink hued Champagne. Effortlessly stylish, it’s beautifully balanced with a fine mousse yielding up wafts of gentle red berry, laced with a delicate, yet full flavoured, creamy edge. Seductively elegant, poised and fine, it’s the perfect Valentine’s gift, or just enjoy it for its sheer quality. Enjoy with prawns and smoked salmon. Pinot Blanc, Trimbach 2011, Alsace An Alsace wine would definitely be on my desert island list, particularly one from the producer Trimbach, whose wines feature on just about every Michelin starred restaurant list. This one is a great introduction, a fantastic food wine, with fresh lime and elderflower wafting out, with a surprisingly crisp dryness, and lively, peachy fruit – perfect with seafood.
£11.95
Yealands Black Label Pinot Noir 2011, New Zealand £12.95 Duck is a favourite for romantic dinners; and also features strongly on Chinese menus. Pinot Noir is a match made in heaven for duck, which is a naturally sweet flavoured meat, and needs a soft, brightly fruity red to enhance the flavours, but also cut through the fattiness. This is an enchanting Pinot Noir, with silky, violet and raspberry fruit, a hint of mocha, and a delectably smooth, velvety finish, with a spicy edge. Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, California £13.50 I have a weakness for good quality Zinfandels during the winter; a sublime mix of velvety richness, peppery spice, and all-encompassing warmth. Great, as a relaxing glass by the fire, or with rich winter stews, roasts, or some good cheese. It’s quite edgy with a heady mix of morello cherries, blackberries, and a dusting of dark chocolate, mixed with smooth vanilla oak, and a savoury, cardamom and black pepper spice. Moscato d’Asti, Moncucco, Fontanafredda £8.55 This is a little indulgent treat; 50cl of deliciously sweet, yet refreshingly lively, semi sparkling wine, as the perfect end to any evening. Chill it down, and it’s a guilty pleasure, full of tingly, zesty, frothy, sweet, grapey fruit, yet with a lively citrussy edge. Enjoy on its own, or with chocolate or fruit desserts. Forget preconceptions and give it a try.
FEBRUARY’S CHOICE
THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED
Wines to go with Chinese food: Tomero Torrontes 2011, Argentina, £9.95. Chinese food mixes a wild array of flavours, from sweet and sour, through crisp and spicy dishes, to sizzling dishes with chilli. Riesling is a good bet, but explore further with Argentina’s favourite white grape. This is a more restrained, and less full-on version than many, with aromatic honeysuckle and mango fruit, but with a lovely freshness and zesty dry finish.
Great Western Wine is at Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AP, tel: 01225 322810. Visit: www.greatwesternwine.co.uk. 48 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499
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Graze
9 Brunel Square, Bath, BA1 1SX. Tel: 01225 429392
REVIEW
A TENDER ENCOUNTER
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don’t normally start a food review by raving about the pudding, but in this case I will make a glorious exception. A simple gin and tonic sorbet, crystal white and clean tasting, with a definite kick of old mother’s ruin made this mother a very happy woman indeed. You could go along to Graze, one of the new eateries in the just-built Brunel Square next to Bath Spa station, and simply order a coffee and that sorbet (which comes with a slice of delicious French style lemon tart) and enjoy the experience – but I’ve a feeling a lot of Bathonians are going to adopt Graze as a good place to go regularly for just a pint with friends, or for a meal. Graze styles itself as a bar, brewery and – lovely oldfashioned, homely word – chophouse. It’s the latest offering from Bath Ales, which already successfully runs the Salamander and Hop Pole pubs in the city and a Graze each in Bristol and Cirencester. As we climbed the stairs to this top floor eyrie we had a quick debate about when does a successful independent become a chain? I’ll leave that to you to decide. The new restaurant occupies a well designed space – bright, contemporary but without that clattering canteen echo that some big places have. The central bar, with its hanging shiny wine glasses and strips of brass, is very Parisian in feel, although the Bath Ales beer taps remind us this is a resolutely British establishment. At the far end of the room you can watch the army of chefs at work, and beyond the big windows on one side, rather romantically, the brightly lit trains as they slide in and out of the railway station next door. Altogether a much more conducive spot for a romantic tryst than the station café in Brief Encounter. I was a little concerned that this might be a macho, meaty kind of place, and I probably wouldn’t bring one of my militantly vegetarian friends here, but while the groups of guys in checked shirts at the bar were clearly enjoying their pints, there is a welcoming, inclusive feel to the place. There’s a fairly comprehensive menu, from anytime dishes like mushrooms, tarragon and cream on toast, or devilled kidneys, to a superfood salad with pearl barley or winter warming macaroni cheese with spinach and mushrooms. Or you could tuck into a manly Barnsley chop or pork faggots and gravy. They even serve oysters, singly or by the traditional half or whole dozen. But 50 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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central to the Graze ethos is good quality, 28-day dry aged steak, beautifully and simply cooked on the Josper Charcoal Oven. My good companion began with a warming bowl of potato and watercress soup, comforting, soothing and with the peppery tang of watercress. I really enjoyed a crispy salad with pickled mushrooms, sweet nuggets of walnut, all topped with a creamy grilled goats cheese – not as heavy as an oven baked brie and a good combination of textures and flavours. You could wash your meal down with a pint of real ale, as there’s a shiny, micro brewery set up along one side of the room, piping its Bath Ales directly to the bar, which is impressive. But,
BEER ON TAP: main picture, Graze is a bar cum restaurant with its own micro brewery on site Inset, Graze’s pigs welcome new arrivals at Bath Spa station
Perfectly medium rare, as requested it was ❝ as tender as any steak we’ve had anywhere else in Bath ❞ as it was cold and wintry outside, with snow in the air, a bottle of French merlot, Les Clairieres, was ideal for the occasion. Anyone of a delicate demeanor will be pleased to hear that despite those big windows, Graze is delightfully warm and cosy inside. We were both bowled over by the sirloin steak John had ordered. Perfectly medium rare, as requested (this is more unusual than you’d think) it was as tender as any steak we’ve had anywhere else in Bath. Steaks are from £14.95 for an 8oz rump to £27.95 for a massive 14 oz bone-in rib eye. All come with chunky, crisp chips and a sprig of watercress, while steak sauces or butters are an optional extra. I didn’t want anything too daunting and the fish of the day, a salmon steak with bashed new potatoes, peas and hollandaise sauce, was ideal, tasty, moist and perfectly cooked. John finished his dinner more than satisfactorily with a slice of Shropshire blue cheese and oatcakes, although he eschewed the side dish of bloody Mary sorbet, which we both agreed was an acquired taste. Oh, and did I mention that Graze makes a fabulous gin and GMc tonic sorbet? ■
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News in brief ■ Simon Tapscott has left Bath content marketing agency Jack Content to launch Do Good Things, a social enterprise marketing agency based in Bathford. Do Good Things will provide media consultancy and creative marketing services to organisations in sectors such as charity, sports, conservation, education and the arts. Commenting on the launch of Do Good Things, Simon said: “It was during the 2012 Olympics, when I watched all those incredible athletes winning gold medals, I felt sufficiently inspired to take the leap into the social enterprise sector and get involved with organisations that work tirelessly to make improvements to human, environmental and social well-being.” For more information visit: www.dogoodthings.co.uk ■ Only two years since opening its doors, Carina Baverstock Couture in Bradford-on-Avon has scooped the much coveted Wedding Industry Award for Best Bridal Retailer in the country. It was given for outstanding service, individually tailored appointments, in a luxurious environment, unrivalled by any other independent bridal retailer in the UK. Suzanne Neville, Regency
Stephen Venables, far left, with his Everest 88 Anglo-American and Canadian climbing team
Anniversary event for record breaker The first Briton to climb Mount Everest without oxygen is to reunite with his legendary expedition team at a special charity event in London in March. The event will mark the 25th anniversary of the renowned Neverest ascent, when mountaineer Stephen Venables from Bath, reached the summit without supplementary oxygen. The expedition – dubbed “the most adventurous in Everest’s history” by world-renowned climber Reinhold Messner – involved tackling the mountain’s Kangshung face for the first time. Stephen said: “This is a big year in the history of Everest climbs. It’s 25 years since we completed ours, and 60 years since the first-ever ascent, by Sir Edmund Hillary.” A major link between the two famous climbs is the Tenzing family. Norgay Tenzing was the Sherpa
who accompanied Hillary to the summit in 1953, and his son, Norbu, was part of Stephen’s base camp support team 35 years later. Stephen was the only one of the four climbers to reach the summit. Because of bad weather conditions, he was forced to spend an unplanned night in the open at 28,000 feet – still a world record for a solo bivouac. The Rolex-sponsored London event, called Everest 88, will raise money for brain tumour charity Brainstrust. It will take place on 14 March at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Stephen, a patron of Brainstrust, lost his 12-yearold son, Ollie, to a brain tumour. Tickets for the event are available on tel: 01983 292405 or by visiting: www.brainstrust.org.uk/everest88
Knight Frank opens new homes desks
■ An ingenious chair for disabled children who have frequent spasms could be available for use within the next few years. Funding from children’s charity Action Medical Research has supported researchers working on its development. The chair moves with children during spasms, gives relief from discomfort and, for the first time in their lives, the confidence they need to sit independently – bringing new-found freedom both to the children and to their parents or carers. Dr Tim Adlam at the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering is seeking funding to begin manufacture of the chair and further research into its benefits. For more details visit: www.bime.org.uk 52 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Global property company Knight Frank has opened new desks in Bristol and Bath dealing exclusively with the sale of new homes. These two locations are showing green shoots, with the number of construction projects on the up and planning applications for much-needed housing being granted. The two new desks will work closely with the existing teams in the local offices to offer a full sales service to home owners and investors alike, and to developers active in the south west region. Operations will be overseen by Francine Watson, who has been with the firm for 8 years.
She says: “Once again the new homes market is showing signs of strengthening in the south west, with Bristol and Bath leading the region. Knight Frank currently has a pipeline of beautiful, contemporary homes coming to market in both locations. Both the Bristol and Bath offices will sell a range of property types from starter homes and larger family homes, to downsizer properties and retirement homes located in the cities and surrounding areas.” Knight Frank Bristol is based on Regent Street, Clifton, and Knight Frank Bath on Wood Street. For more information tel: 020 7861 1068.
Theatre recruiting board members The Theatre Royal Bath is recruiting new members for its board. The theatre is looking for outstanding individuals with a strong interest in the theatre and is welcoming applicants from a wide diversity of backgrounds and personal circumstances. The role of board members is to provide oversight of the executive team’s activities in the short term and also to aid the
long-term planning of the theatre’s development. It also acts on behalf of the Trustees to ensure that the Theatre Royal is being professionally managed and continues to uphold its remit. The role of a board member is a part-time and unpaid position. Members attend bi-monthly meetings and are expected to be regular visitors to the three Theatre Royal Bath auditoria.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to attend opening nights in London of plays produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions. Submit a CV and covering letter, explaining why you wish to be a board member and the skills you can bring to the organisation to: Nicky Palmer, Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath, by Friday 8 February.
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GET AHEAD OF YOUR COMPETITORS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET Julia Traskas, Owner of CENTURY21 Bath, looks at how to get ahead of the competition when selling your home.
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n these competitive times in the property market which would you rather be; a ring weary middleweigh entering a heavyweight boxing match with the odds stacked against you or a fighting fit middleweight punching at the right weight and winning the belt? Presenting your property in its best light and positioning it correctly in the marketplace by pricing it appropriately is vital and will determine how successful you will be in achieving a sale at the best price.
A strong trend coming to the forefront is that buyers are becoming more analytical with their purchasing decision, taking time to look at all the options in the marketplace, compare the pros and cons, and decide what price they are willing to pay. We are coming out of a season where stock availability has been tight and into the traditional busy season where more vendors will be offering properties on the market.
Make no mistake, it is a beauty ❝ parade. If your property is being pitched in the wrong category it will look worse than its competitors and therefore prospective purchasers will discard it.
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Make no mistake, it is a beauty parade. If your property is being pitched in the wrong category it will look worse than its competitors and therefore prospective purchasers will discard it.
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Most people tend to look to their budget limit. Imagine a buyer is looking for a £350,000 property and will not spend a penny more and your property is a £350,000 property sitting on the market at £400,000. If that person looks only at £350,000 and below, he will not see your property. If they decide to look up to £400,000 with a view to making an offer and still not paying any more than £350,000, your property will be less attractive compared to other £400,000 properties and if that buyer was to make an offer, it would still not be on your home. The trap that vendors often fall into is opting for a higher asking price than the market can sustain with a view to taking a lower offer but still receiving a higher end price than they would otherwise have achieved. In fact, what they end up doing is isolating the majority of their potential market and having to count on the one person who is lost across categories to make them an offer. These are pretty long odds and frequently that person will understand pricing and their negotiating position and take advantage of it. The vendor will ultimately achieve less for their property than if it was exposed to the widest possible audience in the correct price category. As we move into what is likely to be another testing year for the UK housing market, the winners will be those who give serious thought to the pricing and marketing of their property; it pays to be smarter, bolder and faster than your competition. About CENTURY21 CENTURY21 is the World’s largest Estate Agency network with more than 8,000 offices in 77 countries including France, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and China as well as 45 offices in the UK. This allows us to market your property locally, nationally and internationally. Our focus is on you the client; we believe that you should only have to deal with a single professional to market and negotiate the sale or rental of your property. Why is that important? Because it means that you build a valuable relationship with your agent who will listen to your requirements and tailor the marketing and selling of your home to best suit your personal situation. We offer a high level of service to all out clients whether you are buying, selling, renting or relocating within the UK or overseas. With a sales commission of only 1% and a fixed price tenant find service for landlords, why not give us a call and see the difference for yourself? We operate across Bath and West Wiltshire. Tel: 01225 325855
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ADV ERT OR I AL FEATURE
LEAVE A CHARITABLE LEGACY AND REDUCE YOUR INHERITANCE TAX RATE FROM 40% TO 36%!
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n April 2012, in an attempt to encourage charitable giving and in line with the government’s objective of maintaining a fair tax system, a reduced Inheritance Tax rate was introduced for individuals who gift 10% of their estate to charitable causes. The reduced rate of 36% as opposed to the standard rate of 40% saves you a significant amount on your Inheritance Tax bill and in some cases could potentially increase the amount your loved ones receive.
The second component relates to assets owned jointly which do pass by survivorship, automatically to the co-owner. The third element relates to assets you have an interest in as a beneficiary of a trust. All these components are capable of being subject to the reduced rate, but the application can be complex and requires detailed analysis. It is recommended that professional advice is taken to cater for your individual circumstances. Who benefits?
Prior to the introduction of this reduced rate of Inheritance Tax, the 40% rate was applicable on whole of the remaining balance of an estate over the tax free allowance (currently £325,000) less any other exemptions and reliefs applicable. Any gift you make to charity either during your lifetime or in your Will is exempt from Inheritance Tax. The introduction of this additional tax saving tool is a real incentive for you to check that the charitable legacies in your Will or which you wish to include in your Will, make up at least 10% of your estate to allow your estate to benefit from your desire to help others or support a particular cause. Clearly the greater the size of the charitable gift the larger Inheritance Tax saving that can be made. What assets does the Inheritance Tax reduced rate apply to? Calculating whether the reduced rate is available to your estate and its subsequent application, is not as simple as it may first appear and a number of conditions must be met in order to secure the benefit. Whether you can use the reduced rate also depends on the type of assets you own, how you own them and whether you are entitled to any trust assets. There are three components that an estate can consist of and these elements are addressed separately when applying the Inheritance Tax reduced rate. The first component is your ‘free estate’. This includes all assets solely owned or owned with another person but where the ownership does not automatically pass to the surviving co-owner. These types of jointly owned assets are subject to the terms of your Will. WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Following initial consultation, it has been predicted that with the relevant publicity, this tax saving tool incorporating larger gifts to charity will increase charity revenue by an average of £40 million a year. With the correct, well advised tax planning, it is also possible for the application of the reduced rate to free up more of your estate for your noncharitable beneficiaries.
Retrospectively securing the reduced rate Where a person dies with or without a Will and without making provision to secure the reduced rate, their executors and beneficiaries can enter into a deed of variation in order to claim the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax. As long as the death occurred after 6 April 2012 and the deed of variation is executed within two years of the date of death, it is possible to vary the terms of a Will or create a notional Will and redirect the required amount to charity in order to take advantage of the reduced rate. If you would like further information about the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax or the preparation of a Will or deed of variation in light of the reduced rate, please contact Suzy Pawsey, at Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors on 01225 485700 or via email at smp@mowbraywoodwards.co.uk
The reduced rate applies automatically but it is possible that its application will be time consuming for the executors. However, it is not compulsory for them to use the reduced rate and there will be circumstances where for example, the costs for valuing the assets that pass to charity outweigh the potential saving in Inheritance Tax. How can you ensure that the reduced rate will apply? In order to take advantage of the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax the gift must be 10% of your net estate. Your net estate is the balance of your assets after all exemptions and other reliefs have been taken into account and your debts and the administration expenses have been settled. It is also imperative that the gift is made to an HMRC recognised charity. HMRC can advise on whether your chosen charity qualifies. When making large charitable gifts it is recommended that you review your current Will even if you believe you have made sufficient gifts in your Will already. Specific wording can be used in order to gift the requisite amount, as opposed to having to change your Will every time the value of your estate changes.
Suzy Pawsey, Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitor at Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors
Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors, 3 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HG www.mowbraywoodwards.co.uk FEBRUARY 2013
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WHEN YOUR HUSBAND OR PARTNER STOPS SUPPORTING YOU, CRALLAN SOLICITORS WILL.
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ew people welcome the prospect of separating or ending a relationship, whether it’s a marriage, civil partnership or they’ve been living together. Most of us have assets, property or money to divide – not to speak of children to look after and provide for – and it’s hard to be fair or think rationally when you’re distressed or apprehensive about your future. If the situation’s amicable and both partners are prepared to talk and co-operate, mediation is doubtless the best solution, allowing you to discuss and decide important issues to do with finance, property and custody. Ideally it’s done privately, out of court, to avoid added anxiety and costs. And with the help of solicitors like Crallans, which specialises in family law, the process can help to resolve disputes that could otherwise spiral out of control and sabotage the wellbeing of all concerned.
to advise them in exactly the same way that we’d help a close friend or relative – and we share their hope of keeping their legal difficulties and expense to a minimum. Getting divorced is bad enough without being bankrupted by the process. Our success to date has been based upon clients’ understanding our vision and recommending us to their friends and wider networks. So please ask anyone who needs our help to get in touch”.
Crallans recognises that divorce and ❝ dissolution aren’t just about facts, figures and legal documentation. They’re about people, families and lives. And if you’re the one who’s involved – whether filing for divorce or being divorced – the emotional costs can count as much as financial ones.
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But what if mediation doesn’t work for you? What if it proves impossible to reach agreement or your ex-partner – angry, resentful or hurt – refuses to talk, becomes physically or verbally violent or aggressively pursues litigation in the hope of ruining you? Sadly, this happens all too frequently. Solicitors are familiar with this unfortunate scenario. But whereas some treat difficult ex-husbands, wives or partners as par for the course, Crallans recognises that divorce and dissolution aren’t just about facts, figures and legal documentation. They’re about people, families and lives. And if you’re the one who’s involved – whether filing for divorce or being divorced – the emotional costs can count as much as financial ones. Richard Crallan and his team of specialist family law experts aim to look after their clients in a personal, empathetic manner, supporting them in the face of litigious, aggressive or simply unpleasant opponents. “We’re here to protect our clients emotionally as well as in terms of reaching the optimum settlement for them”, he says. “Our clients often tell us that we’ve made the experience a lot easier by being understanding – and kind. We listen to them and stand up for them when their lives seem to be falling apart, or if they’re scared or threatened by their ex’s words or actions”. With offices in Bath and Bristol, the firm represents clients on all family law matters, including divorce and financial remedy (property settlement after divorce); cohabitation and separation; civil partnership dissolution; and related issues affecting children. Crallans’ legal knowledge means that on most cases they’ll be able tell you what a court will be likely to order in your circumstances. And the removal of doubt will make you feel more confident about agreeing terms outside one. “Ten years’ experience as a specialist family law barrister, before setting up this firm, is a great advantage when advising clients about what a judge would be likely to do”, says Richard. “When we see clients we aim 56 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Photograph courtesy of Clickstop Photography
Crallan Family and Divorce Solicitors 01225 471094 www.crallans.co.uk reception@crallans.co.uk 1 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JZ
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A TRUSTED WAY TO FUND SCHOOL FEES
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ayment of private school fees out of income has always been expensive and now in many cases is prohibitively so with fees ranging from £6,000 to £30,000 per annum and a marginal rate of tax as high as 61% for those earning over £100,000 a year (although dropping to just over 50% from April 2013). Establishing a family trust may help. The advantage of a trust is the ability for, say, a grandparent to give early during a grandchild’s lifetime. This can enable the grandparent to reduce his or her own inheritance tax liability on death while retaining control of the funds by acting as trustee. It also allows the grandparent to keep the range of potential beneficiaries as wide as possible by including all grandchildren (including ones not born at the time of the initial gift). There are a number of tax efficient ways that grandparents can fund a new trust: with a lump sum gift of capital, annual gifts of £3,000 or regular gifts of his or her surplus income. Capital gains tax could also be saved by holding over gains into a trust for grandchildren and then making use of the trustees’ own annual exemption. Income tax savings can be made if the
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income generated within the trust is used for the benefit of a child and so taxed at that child’s marginal rate of tax (after taking into account that grandchild’s personal allowance). Apart from the tax benefits, the use of a trust allows the donor to enjoy an on-going involvement in the education of his or her grandchildren. It also gives grandparents the ability to scale their support based on the financial and other circumstances of their individual children. Funds remaining after school fees have been met may be used for other purposes, such as university fees or a deposit on a first home. The 2006 changes to the inheritance tax treatment of trusts have restricted the amount an individual may give tax free to a trust to £325,000 in any seven year period but this limit is unlikely to affect many. Where an individual wishes to give more than this, some investment products are available which mirror the effect of a trust without being taxed as one. For further information about trusts or any other aspect of tax or estate planning, please contact partner James McNeile, head of the Private Client team at Withy King in Bath, on 01225 730100 or email james.mcneile@withyking.co.uk
James McNeile, Partner and head of the Private Client team at Withy King in Bath
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BATHmen’s
walk
PIE... PINT... RUGBY... ... that’s the reward for completing an eight-mile sponsored walk in aid of two great local charities – so sign up now to be part of the first ever Bath Men’s Walk
B
ath lads of all ages will be stepping out for charity later this month, as part of the very first Bath Men’s Walk in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Care and the Bath Rugby Foundation. Men and boys aged 12 and over can take part in the eight-mile walk, starting from Dorothy House in Winsley and ending at the Rec, the home of Bath Rugby. The event was launched at the Rec by Bath Rugby president David Trick and ex-Bath player and BBC rugby pundit Jeremy Guscott, whose mother, Sue, was looked after by Dorothy House. Jeremy said: “I’d like to see hundreds of men and boys sign up for the walk: they’ll be supporting two fantastic local charities. Dorothy House provides incredible care and support for people with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and Bath Rugby Foundation does amazing work with disabled and disadvantaged children in the local community.” Dorothy House events organiser Phillippa Watson said: “We came up with the idea of a Men’s Walk in response to requests
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from husbands and boyfriends who have seen their other halves take part in the annual Dorothy House Midnight Walk. We’ve always had terrific support from the men for the Midnight Walk – they’ve been invaluable as stewards and marshals on the night – but they have often asked for an event they could be fully involved in. So, we got together with Bath Rugby and came up with the idea of this all-new, men-only walk.” The walk, on Saturday 23 February, begins at Dorothy House at 1pm. It finishes at the Recreation Ground, with a pie, a pint and the Six Nations clash between England and France on the big screen in the Clubhouse. Phillippa added: “We hope this joint event will become a regular fixture on the Bath calendar and an important fundraiser for both charities, who are aiming to raise £20,000 from the event. It promises to be a fantastic men-only day out, so do please sign up, and encourage your friends and colleagues to do so too.” Register online at www.bathmenswalk.co.uk or contact the hospice fundraising team on tel: 01225 721480.
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GAME ON: the England v France Six Nations clash will be shown live on the big screen in the clubhouse at the Rec at the end of the walk Photo: iStock The Bath Men's Walk is open to men and boys, aged 12 years or over on the day of the event. The entry fee is £15; in addition, all walkers will be expected to raise sponsorship money or make a personal donation in lieu of sponsorship (suggested minimum £50/under-18s £25).
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Mr/Mrs/Ms....................Forename ......................................Surname .............................. Address.............................................................................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................... Postcode ........................................Daytime telephone No ..............................................
How to split your salary & dividends for 2013/14 to minimise tax The Autumn statement yet again increased the personal tax-free allowance whilst reducing the point at which the 40% tax rate is payable, so it’s time to review the most tax effective split between salary and dividends for owner managed companies (for articles on the benefits of incorporating, please see the download section of our website). This optimum split comes when neither you nor the company pay any NI and yet you earn enough for a credit to be made against your National Insurance record for the purposes of the state pension. Working on the assumption you have no other income, the answer is an annual salary of £7,696 and dividends of £30,379 (value drawn from the company). Where you have other income, you can simply change the dividend payable (rather than the salary). If your spouse (or partner) also works in the business and holds shares, then they would be able to take the same as you, providing a joint income with no further tax to pay of £76,150!
Next month – getting your company to help fund University costs At OCL we have been looking after small businesses (start ups to turnovers of £3 million) for more than twenty years and have clients who have been with us throughout. We would be pleased to meet you to discuss the above and any other tax, financial and accounting matters that would help you, including how we can help you save money. See our website for more on this approach – and download our FREE guides Call Marie Maggs or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting – we’re pleased to help.
Good advice saves money, bad advice costs.... Call Mike Wilcox or Marie Maggs on 01225 445507 to arrange a no obligation meeting – we’re pleased to help. 141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL
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www.oclaccountancy.com
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Leadership Skills for Tomorrowʼs World
University of Bristol offers free places for part-time Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership for senior professionals The University of Bristol is offering free places 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.
Todayʼs 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 free places 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 come along to an open evening at the University on Wednesday 6th March from 6pm – 7.30pm. Contact Helen for details: efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk
For further information about the course please visit www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/new/degrees/ WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FAMILYfun
Family Theatre Festival
There’s a Rabbit in the Moon at the Theatre Royal Bath
The Theatre Royal Bath’s annual family theatre festival is back from Saturday 9 – Saturday 23 February with some great shows. Let your children’s imaginations roam in the comfort of the theatre ... ✻ There’s a Rabbit in the Moon, Saturday 9 – Tuesday 12 February, 11.30am & pm; Tuesday, 11.30am Thomas Snout is a collector of nights. Over the years he has collected long and short nights, with or without moonlight, nights of his own, and other people’s nights. Audiences are invited to wear pyjamas (provided) and enter the Night Collector’s starry, scary and silent world by stepping through a wardrobe, just like entering Narnia. Venue: The egg, tickets £7.50 per adult and £6.50 per child. ✻ The Big Day In, Sunday 10 February, 11am – 4pm This is the open day launch to the festival and all around the Theatre Royal building there will be free events as well as ticketed shows, including animated tours, storytelling, live music and pop-up fiveminute plays from the egg’s nationally acclaimed Young People’s Theatre. ✻ The Queen’s Knickers, Monday 11 – Saturday 16 February, 11am & 2.30pm Based on the book by Nicholas Allan The Queen’s Knickers, pictured, follows Dilys, the Queen’s maid, the royal custodian of her highness’s intimate apparel. But one day the knickers go missing, causing a national state of emergency and a diplomatic incident of catastrophic proportions. Suitable for ages 3+. Venue: Ustinov Studio, tickets £7.50 per adult, £6.50 per child. Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844 or visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
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FEBRUARY ADVENTURES The city has plenty of events and activities on offer for all the family to enjoy this month. Use our guide to help plan quality time with your children
Artastic Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk
Take a tour of the ancient deer park and see the 200 fallow deer in their natural surroundings, view the site of the battle of Dyrham which changed the English language, and admire the fantastic views across to Wales.
Faces from the Past, Thursday 14 February, 10.30am – noon or 1.30pm – 3pm
Get creative
Create faces from different periods inspired by the gallery’s paintings. Suitable for ages 3 to 7 years.
The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 388569 www.holburne.org
Children in the Past, Friday 15 February, 10.30am – noon or 1.30pm – 3pm
Saturday Art Club, fortnightly
Create faces from the gallery through drawing and collage. Suitable for ages 6 to 11 years.
Back to nature Dyrham Park, near Bath. Tel: 0117 9372501 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park
February Fun Trail, throughout February Release some energy around the grounds with the fun February trail at Dyrham Park this half term, and tick off the top ten activities from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ list.
Discover the Deer Park, From 16 February – 27 October, daily
A workshop for aspiring young artists with the option to work towards the nationallyrecognised arts Discover and Explore Awards. Expand your skills and techniques, exploring the museum’s exhibitions with the team of artists.
Out of this world The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 446865 www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk
Special Family Day, Saturday 9 February Download and print your voucher from Groupon Bath: www.groupon.co.uk/deals/bath to enjoy a half price family ticket to the museum. There is plenty to enjoy at the museum with a handling collection and a dolls house.
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FIT&FABULOUS
Get the look: Belle of the ball
F
or a beautiful and seductive style for Valentine’s Day, try Sisley’s Belle de Shanghai winter look which is inspired by Shanghai in the Roaring Twenties. Lips are glossy red, eyes flaunt dramatic smouldering shades and the complexion is flawless with soft blushed cheeks. Think sensuality, beauty and femininity. Available at Harvey Nichols Bristol. From left, Phyto-Blush Eclat, £48.50; Phyto-Ombres Eclat, burgundy, £27.50; Phyto-Lip Gloss, £30.50; Instant Perfect, £41.50
NEWS IN BRIEF • Bath Salsa has a new venue for Tuesday salsa classes: Jika Jika on George Street. Classes for complete beginners are from 8pm and there will be classes for other levels too, followed by DJ Marco until late. Salsa is a great way to keep fit, lose weight, have fun and meet new people. You can start on any Tuesday and there’s no need to book, just turn up with or without a partner. For further information visit: www.bathsalsa.co.uk or tel: 01225 335825. • If you haven’t yet discovered Little Lab, you’re in for a treat. A fresh and knowledgeable cosmetics website and pop-up shop, Little Lab features professional US makeup brands Temptu and MUD which are favoured by top makeup artists all over the world. Little Lab was set up by makeup artist Katherine Spreadbury to make these products available to everyone, along with the knowledge of how to use them correctly to get the very best results. Katherine encourages customers to try out makeup and skincare products, as well as offering training courses to learn how to create a look and professional techniques like air brushing. It will change your makeup routine forever. Little Lab has recently been in Little Southgate and is now moving to a pop-up space in Milsom Place from 1 February to 1 March. For further information, visit: www.littlelab.co.uk
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2
SKIN DEEP The latest health and beauty news and product reviews from Samantha Coleman
1
3 ▲ Just launched ❶
Guerlain’s spring makeup collection is fresh and feminine, featuring pastel and bright colours for a look that is radiant and elegant. The illuminating sparkling powder, £22, available at Jolly’s, adds a subtle shimmer to the skin which instantly lights up the face, making it appear revitalised. The beautifully packaged compact contains pearls in six pastel shades, including correcting colours and reflecting colours so that dark zones disappear, greyness is erased and fatigue vanishes
❷
Luxury chocolatier and cocoa grower, Hotel Chocolat, has launched a new CocoaJuvenate range of beauty products which make full use of cocoa’s natural properties – being rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, with nourishing, softening and hydrating properties. See the whole range in store now at SouthGate
❸
The Kiss (£5.50 from Lush) is a pink and sweet lip gloss that softens, moisturises and nourishes for a perfect pout
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Another spectacular offer! IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Treatments
Valentine Purchase a £50 Gift Voucher for your Valentine and receive a free gift worth
£15!
50% off
This offer is only available until the 14th February 2013
This offer is only available until the 28th February 2013
IPL Treatments also available
the orangery l a s e r
&
b e a u t y
c l i n i c
No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.
Tel: 01225 466851 www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk
10 years younger Known as the “London Lip Queen”, Dr Rita Rakus has made her name as a leading cosmetic doctor through her sensitive approach to aesthetics and her patients Many signs of ageing on the face can be lessoned by the use of “fillers” to restore natural fullness and volume to multiple areas. These products can smooth away the lines and folds that occur. Treatment can usually be performed depending on the filler, with minimal discomfort and downtime. We use various products including Juvederm™ and Restylane™. There is no “one size fits all” and so we invite you in for a free consultation to discuss which of these products would benefit you most as well as fit your budget
the orangery l a s e r
&
b e a u t y
c l i n i c
Tel: 01225 466851 No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.
www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk
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One of Dr Rakus’s associate doctors visits The Orangery Laser and Beauty Clinic, to perform dermal fillers, facial volumisation, hand improvements, muscle inhibitors plus consultations for all our other major treatments. Please visit her website on www.drritarakus.com for information, or telephone The Orangery to make an appointment for your free consultation.
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UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS Dr Rob Grieve who lectures in physiotherapy and sports therapy at the University of the West of England, and has run the Bath Half Marathon many times, has some timely advice for those taking part in this year’s race, on Sunday 3 March
T
he Bath Half marathon is only a couple of weeks away, and you have trained really hard to be there at the start. Apart from all the training miles, there is a strong possibility you may be raising funds for charity, aiming just to finish or running a personal best (PB). In participating in marathons or a half marathon, getting to the start line injury free is often more of a challenge than the race itself. The last few weeks and final days before the race are crucial for smiles all round as you cross the finish line. Below are a series of Do’s and Don’ts for your race preparation in the final week and on race day itself. This guide is essentially for the novice or beginner runner, but some apply to runners of all abilities. The final week before: Ensure that the bulk of your training is completed. DO Tapering (reducing training volume and intensity) in the final 1-2 weeks of a programme will ensure that you are not over trained and tired even before you start. Most importantly in the final weeks, listen to your body even if the training programme you are following states otherwise. A couple of short easy paced runs on the flat of 3-4 miles will keep your muscles and cardiovascular system ticking over. too late to catch up now and try to make up DON’T Ittheismiles and/or speed work that you feel you should have completed in training. Prepare your body physically by gradually increasing DO your complex carbohydrate intake (wholemeal bread, rice, pasta, potatoes) up to about 60-70% towards the later stages of the week, to maintain and increase your glycogen stores (your fuel to keep you going). Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day and rest up to about 7-8 hours a night. overboard on carbohydrate rich snacks such as DON’T Go doughnuts, biscuits and cake or maintain hydration by consuming large quantities of beer and carbonated drinks. Try to eliminate all alcohol a few days before and ensure that you do not overdo the plate of pasta the night before. Prepare mentally by familiarising yourself with the DO route by driving it or reviewing the route map. Check your registration info, colour of your number related to where and what time you start. Think positively about your race, visualise yourself finishing and calculate your time splits (per mile or at five miles, halfway, ten miles). panic, thinking this will be an impossible DON’T Mentally task or give your mental preparation no thought at all. Maintain a calm confidence in your ability and your goal for the day. Purchase new running kit, specifically running DON’T shoes. Make sure you run in the shoes, shorts/top that you have used in your training. Blisters and chaffing are not pleasant companions at ten miles. The day/night before: Organise your race day running gear. Ensure you DO have attached your number to your top and completed the info on the other side. Attach the timing chip to your shoes with the supplied tags. Lay out all your clothes you intend to run in and pack a small bag with a towel, change of clothes, shower gel, deodorant, Vaseline and pre-post race
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drinks/energy bar. Go to bed early and do not worry if you have a restless night, this is common. Make sure you have had plenty of rest the night before to compensate. Race day: Get up early; ensure you have breakfast at least 2 DO hours before the race. Eat normally as you do for your long Sunday training runs. At the recreational ground, hand in your bag to the storage tent with plenty of time before the race and do some gentle jogging and warm up exercises. Rub Vaseline into the areas you may experience chaffing and keep drinking ensuring not to overdo it to avoid continual visits to a crowded toilet. Wear a bin liner or old top to keep you warm and discard as you start the race. During and after the race: Remember to pace yourself and start out slowly. DO Drink regularly and be careful not to trip on discarded water bottles at the water stations. On finishing continue drinking and eat within a couple of hours to replenish glycogen stores. Post run stretching and massage may be beneficial to revive aching muscles. Wear your medal with pride, you have earned it. ■ Dr Rob Grieve is senior lecturer in physiotherapy and sports therapy and rehabilitation at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Rob has run the Bath Half Marathon at least ten times and has completed in an ultra-marathon, numerous marathons and fell races.
PERSONAL CHALLENGE: the hours and hours of training will pay off as you round the corner of Great Pulteney Street for the final yards to the finish line
The Bath Half Marathon 2013 is on Sunday 3 March, starting at 11am. Runners will find mile markers along the course and water stations at miles 2, 5, 8, 10½ and 12½. While dozens of charities will benefit from runners raising funds, the lead charity is CoppaFeel! which raises awareness of the importance of checking for signs of breast cancer. The Bath Magazine is proud to be one of the media partners of this year’s Bath Half Marathon.
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Teeth Whitening
for Men & Women
We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00 To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 P r i n c e s B u i l d i n g s , Ge o r g e S t r e e t , B a t h B A 1 2 E D o r Tel eph o n e 0 1 22 5 42 4 4 9 9 f o r ca rd pa y m ent
Subscription Form Mr/Mrs/Ms ................Forename ..............................................
February offer
£99 normally £199 £189 per couple valid until 28th February 2013
The latest technology in teeth whitening used in America DENTIST APPROVED BB COOL TECHNOLOGY
Zero Sensitivity, Zero pain, Zero peroxide
Surname................................................................................ Address.............................................................................. ..........................................Postcode ............................ Daytime telephone No ..............................................................
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the orangery l a s e r
&
b e a u t y
c l i n i c
No.2 Kingsmead St. Bath.
Tel: 01225 466851
www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk
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Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Treat yourself and a loved one this Valentine’s Day! with a
1 Hour Teeth Whitening Treatment only £199 Per Couple saving over £100 Call The Whitening Professionals on:
01225 839797 to book this exclusive offer or visit www.brightwhitesmiles.co.uk expiry Feb 28th
The way to a woman’s heart is.... Skin peels and medical facials with a free skin analysis for only £25,
a facial a gift voucher Book one of these treatments during February in order to enter Medikas fabulous Valentine’s competition!
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saving £75 (normal cost £60 for peel and £45 for skin analysis)
a skin peel
Medikas Medikas MediSpa, 23 Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LN Tel: 01225 470035 www.medikasmedispa.co.uk
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OUT&ABOUT
WHAT THE ROMANS DID FOR US . . . Head for the Wiltshire countryside this month to explore a historic estate with feudal traditions, a Roman road and an ancient track worn by oxen. Andrew Swift leads the way
E
very year on 29 May – Oak Apple Day – the villagers of Great Wishford in the Wylye valley celebrate their victory over the Earl of Pembroke, who tried to stop them gathering firewood in Grovely Wood. Although the wood formed part of his Wilton Estate, their rights had been enshrined in an ancient charter, which was upheld by royal decree. After being woken by a tin-can band in the early hours, the villagers gather oak branches from Grovely Wood as day breaks, before repairing to the Royal Oak for breakfast. Then it’s on to Salisbury to claim their ancient rights with cries of ‘Grovely! Grovely! And all Grovely!’ and dancing in front of the cathedral. Later comes a banquet, with wild boar and game pie, and the drinking of toasts. Grovely Wood is still part of the Wilton Estate, and, while outsiders aren’t allowed to help themselves to firewood, they are allowed to ramble freely through it. It is one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in southern Wiltshire, criss-crossed by a network of ancient tracks, including a Roman road, an ox drove and a prehistoric earthwork. Starting in Great Wishford, our exploration of Grovely Wood comes in two sizes – a five-mile hike up to the woods and along part of the Roman road, and an 11-mile walk to the far end of the wood, returning via that prehistoric earthwork. There is no parking (except the pub car park) at the Royal Oak, so, once you have turned off the A36 into Great Wishford, take a left turn by the church along South Street. At the end of the street is a small lay-by (SU079351), as well as space for onroad parking. Go under the railway bridge to the left of the lay-by and follow the bridleway straight ahead uphill. Eventually, it levels out, with good views across the valley. Carry on as the muddy track heads into Grovely Wood. After crossing a cross path, carry on until you reach another cross path, a broad drive lined by tall beeches (SU065337). This is the old Roman road, along which you turn right. After 1,400 metres, you come to a metal bar across the drive (SU052341), beyond which the drive veers right. Instead of 74 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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following it, carry straight on, following a path into the woods. When you reach a tarmaced drive (SU048341), you have a choice. If opting for the shorter walk, turn right and follow the drive back to Great Wishford. For the longer walk, turn left. After a few metres, when the tarmaced drive forks, bear left past a No Through Road sign. When it forks again, take the right-hand fork. After 250 metres, you will see Grovely Farm ahead. Just before reaching it, follow the path as it bears right. Carry on past a rutted track curving across grass to the farm, but, when you reach the woods, follow the path as it swings left (SU043336), ignoring a path heading straight on. After 500 metres of walking with fields on your left and woods on your right, the track drops down through open country. After another 250 metres, when you come to a cross track, bear right up it (SU035331). After levelling out for a distance, it heads down to an open space with a barn on the right. Cross a broad path and carry straight on up a restricted byway veering slightly to the left. This is the ox drove. After crossing a tract of open country, it takes on the unmistakable characteristics of one of the old roads
A SENSE OF THE PAST: main picture, a Roman road, straight as a dye Right, on the trail of the lonesome pines above the Wylye Valley
It is one of the largest areas of ancient ❝ woodland in southern Wiltshire, crisscrossed by a network of ancient tracks ❞ along which cattle were driven to market – wide enough to accommodate a large herd, with hedges robust enough to stop them straying. It is a steady trudge uphill, which, as the track narrows, grows steeper before levelling out. Carry straight on as a track swings in from the left, after which the drove dips and rises between fences across open country. After passing woods on your right, you come to a minor road, along which you turn right for 250 metres (SU006348). When the road swings left, turn right along a rough lane. Follow this along the edge of the woods, with open country
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OUT&ABOUT over to your left, for 900 metres. When you see a large barn, you have a choice. If you bear right, you will find yourself back on the Roman road, which you follow for 3,500 metres before coming to the turning on the right with a No Through Road sign which you took earlier. Carry on past it along the tarmaced drive to head back to Great Wishford. For a more adventurous option, following the course of the ancient earthwork Grim’s Ditch, carry on to the left of the barn. You will see traces of the ditch on your right. After passing another disused barn, good views open up northwards across the Wylye valley. Carry straight on past a waymarked byway bearing off to the left and a track swinging right into the woods. After 1,700 metres, look out for a small pond down to the left, with more traces of the ditch on your right. Carry on for 450 metres until, as the path starts curving to the left, you will see a waymark sign on a tree on the right (SU037345). Follow it along a sunken, muddy path into the woods, and, when you come to the Roman road, turn left. After 1,000 metres, you pass the turning with a No Through Road sign. Carry on past it as the tarmaced drive swings left and heads back to Great Wishford. Go under the railway, past the Royal Oak and right up the road to return to the starting point. Terrain: mostly on broad and well-walked, if sometimes muddy, paths or drives. No stiles or kissing gates. ■
FURTHER INFORMATION ■
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■ ■
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Length of walk: short walk, five, miles, full walk 11 miles Approx time: short walk, 2 – 2½ hours, full walk, 4 – 5 hours Map: OS Explorer 130 Refreshments: The Royal Oak, Great Wishford
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INTERIORtrends
The future looks
BRIGHT
We asked some of Bath’s designers – including The Marmalade House and Eton Design – for their predictions of trends for home interiors. We also carried out a bit of research into what’s new in the kitchen, with a visit to Hobsons Choice, the new showroom on London Road
T
here’s a real mix of styles coming through for home decoration and furnishings, but the concensus of opinion seems to be that we’re to turn to colour and a touch of opulence in our homes. We want hi tech, but we also want our living space to feel human, homely and warm. The Bath Magazine has done its own bit of research. Pantone’s home and interiors 2013 book lays out nine palettes for future trends in our homes. Here’s a summary for your delectation: 76 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Connoisseur: celebrate the finer things in life, with a perfect plate or simple, beautifully made table linen. Display a sense of history and elegance. Colours: violets, orchids, liquid pink, mahogany, beechnut green, champagne, beige and white. Glamour: sleek, sensuous, with a dash of Art Deco. Bold and individual. Colours: from a bygone era, Rio red, Monaco blue, tap shoe black, chinchilla, teal, grey, silver, beige and a touch of glimmer. New Old School: raiding the blazers, ties and banners of the old college days. Colours: a collegiate pallete including ribbon red,
DESIGNS ON YOU: Jean Paul Gaultier’s new range, available from Eton Design in Walcot
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GOT THE BLUES: main picture, big, bold botanicals from Harlequin (stocked by TR Hayes) Top, Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint is used to upcycle a bedside table Below, let the light in by hanging mirrors in groups
white, sodalite blue, nautical blue, ultramarine, with grey. Rugged Individuals: take inspiration from the Wild West and the outback, with leather, natural shades of the prairie, weathered wood, animal prints and hides. Colours: earthy sienna tones, vintage indigo and stonewash denim blue. Extract: orange and spice reach new levels. Colours: spiced coral, melon, cinnamon with dusty pink, baked clay and tart, green banana. Footprints: vibrant, bold, forthright tribal colours and patterns. Colours: tango tangerine, peacock blue, solar powered yellow, yellow/green, oasis and Sudan brown. Sojourn: a bit of magic, with intricate, heady colours. Colours: Syrah wine, purply-black plum, foxglove, Baton Rouge fuchsia, pampas and green winter moss. Surface Treatments: textures are important, with the contrast of smooth and nubbly. Colours: vapour blue, tornado grey, birch and agave green with a dash of bronze. Out of the Ordinary: attention grabbing. Colours: golden red, violet, rosebud, pumpkin, chocolate truffle and blue. We’ve been admirers of interior designers Paul and Nicholas since they opened their showroom Eton Design in Walcot last year, so we asked them for their predictions for the drawing rooms of Bath in the coming year. “The new spring 2013 designer fabric collections are showcasing a return to colour with subtle textures, embroideries and printed velvets. Numerous fabric houses are teaming-up with famous designers such as Lelievre with Sonia Rykiel and Jean Paul Gaultier. Both of these new collections are available at
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Eton Design together with Christian Lacroix’s stunning new collection. Beautiful plaids, striped and tartan silks are in, as is fire-stitch, and the aged ethnic look is in decline. Trends are moving away from beige-minimalism with a return to more luxurious and sumptuous finishes. Quality furniture from English and Italian manufacturers is being specified in preference to Far Eastern goods and top quality decorative lighting, wallpapers and wall-upholstery is in growing demand. In some ways, it’s a return to the late Georgian period where simplicity of room design is brought to life with gorgeous decorative items, artwork and soft furnishing fabrics.” Vanessa Sayce has been working with homeowners in and around Bath for some years before recently opening her showroom The Marmalade House in Belvedere, Lansdown. She’s a great believer in upcycling and holds workshops to help people give a new lease of life to existing pieces. Vanessa said: “This year spring brings with it bold, bright and beautiful colours and we paint with the trends, adding accent pieces to our traditionally classical palette of soft muted tones. “Don’t be afraid to add colour to your room – either by painting an alcove, corner shelves, kitchen cupboards, or by refreshing your furniture to bring it to life again. “We’re working with a palette which includes English yellow, Barcelona orange, old violet, duck egg and old ochre. They all work on the same tonal plane and will complement each other. Add dark wax to knock the brightest ones back a bit and you will end up with beautiful, rich tones that blend and enhance. Be brave and celebrate colour this spring.” continued >>>
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INTERIORtrends
The way we like to live
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aybe it’s because we’re used to the theatrical presentation of cookery shows on TV, or that family and couple-time is becoming increasingly precious, but there is definitely a move towards kitchens becoming sociable spaces, where cooking, eating, chatting and entertaining all take place in the same open plan room. At the new state-of-the-art kitchen showrooms of Hobsons Choice in London Road, Bath, customers have the chance to look around the latest German Baulthaup designed kitchens and to see for themselves changing trends. These are the Rolls Royces of kitchens, but as with catwalk fashion, the top designs filter their way down the High Street. Here are some of the key trends as demonstrated to me by Richard Carter, managing director at Hobsons Choice: ● Intelligent storage. Handle-less drawers that open at a touch; removable compartments within drawers to hold cooking ingredients such as oils and spices; flush cupboard doors which conceal items such as toasters and coffee machine; adjustable sections in drawers for different sized items, and built-in recycling units. In short, everything in its place. ● Designed for the cook. Whether it be the man or the woman of the household who takes control in the kitchen, more and more people are priding themselves on producing food that wouldn’t look out of place in a restaurant. Equipment that’s transferred from the commercial world into the home includes; the steam oven, which cooks perfectly, without losing moisture, colour or nutrients; the Quooker built-in top tap to give constant access to almost boiling water; the latest induction
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hobs which boil faster than gas and yet can be kept at a consistent low temperature; teppanyaki style flat grills for onshow fast, healthy cooking of steak, chicken or fish. One oven is not enough for the modern foodie, who likes to be able to use a conventional oven, plus a steam oven and a warming oven, which incidentally is now able to cook as well. ● High tech, low impact. We want up-to-date kitchens but we also want them to be human, with natural surfaces that are easy to keep clean and tidy. A new generation of LED lighting gives out a warm light while using only a fraction of the electricity that halogen bulbs burn up. Built-in ice makers are good for cold drinks, but they also supply filtered cold drinking water with a minimum of fuss. A cool zone in the latest fridges allows fruit and vegetables to be kept fresh far longer than in an ordinary domestic fridge, saving waste. Care has gone into deep drawers for pans, tall spaces for cereals and open-out cupboards where the viewer can see everything at a glance. We don’t all have a large enough kitchen to include an island, a breakfast bar and a dining room table, but this big, shared space is aspirational. The children can be supervised while they do their homework, friends can perch with a glass of wine while the cook shows off their culinary skills, all the surfaces are easy to keep clean and, because thought has gone into the storage, there doesn’t need to be any clutter from breadmakers, food processors or kettles. I could find no microwave in the Hobsons Choice showroom, and that is because the steam oven does a far better job at warming up food. Could this herald the end of the cumbersome metal box perched on the worksurface? Georgette McCready
SITTING COMFORTABLY: main picture, kitchens become sociable places, as seen in this Bulthaup kitchen by Hobsons Choice Top, cow parsley wallpaper and Kitty sofa from John Lewis Below, from the new collection by Sonya Rykiel Maison, available from Eton Design
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ADVERTISING SALES good basic + great commission = £ Excellent We have created some of the UK’s finest City and County magazines and can offer a real career opportunity for a talented display advertising sales person to join our small but gifted team. While the ideal candidate will possess at least 1 years media sales experience, preferably gained from a quality title; the opportunity is there for an intelligent individual who seriously wants to develop a long term media career. Well educated, well spoken, you will be personable, enjoy selling on the telephone and have the drive and confidence to visit clients face to face and build strong, durable relationships. Everyday is different, and the work is hard, you will need to be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have a strong determination to succeed. Good office and computer skills are essential. Our titles are making great progress and we can offer an excellent and rewarding position as well as superb future prospects.
Please send your CV to: Steve Miklos, MC Publishing, 25 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DG email: director@thebathmagazine.co.uk www. thebathmagazine.co.uk
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OLD BANK ANTIQUE CENTRE 14- 17 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath
ING T H LIG ALIST I SPEC
Voted in the top 50 Antiques Shops in Great Britain, in 2010, by the Independent on Sunday.
8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK Union Jack Task Lamp - Original BTC
OLD BANK ANTIQUES CENTRE 14-17 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath. BA1 6AD Situated on the London Road, (A4) just a short walk from the top of Walcot Street. Old Bank Antiques is the largest retailer of antiques in Bath. A hoarders’ paradise, fifteen dealers with showrooms spread through four shops with everything from 17th century furniture to 1970s retro. Professional advice always available. Customer parking at the rear, accessed via Bedford Street. Open 7 days a week. Weekdays 10 - 6 pm. Sundays 11 - 5 pm. Visit our website www.oldbankantiquescentre.com Tel 01225 338813 / 469282. email: alexatmontague@aol.com
Bath’s Flooring Specialist
SALE NOW ON • Wide selection of quality carpets • Free measure & quotation • Knowledgeable staff • Skilled fitters • Leading brands Free customer car park at side of store WALCOT I BATH BA1 5BX TEL: 01225 465 757
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AMAZING WORKTOP TRANSFORMATIONS
we go over the top to transform your kitchen! Our beautiful granite finish surfaces are only 7mm thick and are expertly laid over your existing worktops to transform your kitchen in just one day Also in order to complete your transformation we offer a full range of sinks, taps and appliances too. We offer a free home survey and no obligation quotation, contact us for more information.
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ADV ERT OR I AL F EAT U R E
PETcorner
Pain Detection: A Few Tips
A
s well as maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals veterinarians have an ethical obligation to try to eliminate pain and suffering. Pain is an important aspect in medicine and with recent improvements in pain management we currently have available, there is no excuse not to use some form of pain relief for animals. It is also much easier to treat pain before it becomes established since increased pain perception can reduce the threshold to even the most benign stimuli. Before we can treat pain we must be aware of its existence. This can be a daunting problem for a pet owner since many forms of pain are difficult to detect. Measuring pain with physiological parameters such as heart rate, breathing and temperature are certainly an option although these criteria do not always give us a direct indication of how much pain there is and they also are not specific to painful conditions per se. More importantly are the behavioural changes in animals that owners may find useful. If an owner comes into the surgery and announces that their pet is “not himself” this may be an early indication that discomfort may be present. Behavioural changes are categorized for either acute or chronic pain conditions although the distinction between each condition can be somewhat blurred. Generally in acute pain, that is pain that has just started within the last few hours to a day or so, an animal will exhibit signs of abnormal gait, not wanting to eat, restlessness or immobility, a hunched abdomen or stretching out in what is known as a “praying” position with their forelegs extended whilst sitting on their haunches. Most clients believe that whining or crying will indicate that their animal is experiencing discomfort but it is not always useful as an indicator of acute pain as some animals may not do this. If the painful condition becomes chronic, say for weeks to months with a disease, they will then start to hide (especially cats), changes in sleep and eating patterns, poor grooming or more matted fur, a decrease in daily activities which could lead to obesity, and personality changes, such as increased fractiousness or lethargy. If you see any of these changes in your pet then it would be advisable to consult with your vet. Early detection of pain as mentioned before, is always more advantageous for the long term treatment of any disease. Once the painful condition is diagnosed, treatment can begin. In an ideal world we would try to eliminate the disease altogether but this is not always possible so therefore there will be an attempt to manage the disease and give supportive care such as appropriate diet, therapy, and analgesics for pain. Nowadays there are analgesics for both acute and chronic conditions. Pain relieving drugs are given in various ways (injections, oral liquids, skin patches and tablets) to target specific sites in the body. Other ways for the treatment of pain include acupuncture, physiotherapy, and massage. A word of advice though is to consult with your vet first before undertaking these alternative forms of treatment. Needless to say pain is one of the few conditions that will make an owner take their pet to a vet for immediate advice. Unfortunately many forms of pain are not always that obvious so by using the behavioural guidelines mentioned, you may be able to detect a painful condition earlier. If your pet is just not himself then consider that pain may be involved. You would be surprised how stoic our pets are but once treated it can make a world of difference to them. If you have any questions, local vet Jenny Keen will be pleased to help and can be contacted on 01225 428921. All Bath Vet Group surgery contact details and further information are available at www.bathvetgroup.co.uk.
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LITTLE WONDERS They may be small and delicate looking, but they are the earliest flowers of the year that give us hope of spring to come. Jane Moore savours the first sight of snowdrops
S
imple and diminutive, there’s nothing spectacular about a snowdrop at all. Yet we all love them and I personally can’t wait for their appearance towards the end of January as it signals the start of the next season and the breaking of winter dormancy. I know we’ve got the worst of the weather still to come, but it’s a relief to feel that winter is passing through its cycle of snowdrops, hellebores, crocus and finally the daffodils of springtime. Snowdrops definitely look at their best en masse. I want to see and rejoice in drifts of those dainty blooms with their blue grey leaves and elusive scent scattered under bare-branched trees. But they aren’t the easiest plants to grow – or not where you want them anyway. They have a tendency to move to where they fancy growing, dying out perhaps where you once planted them and migrating gradually to a different part of the garden. I rather like this self determination, even if it means my snowdrops are now non-existent in the spot where I really wanted them to set off my planting of red stemmed dogwoods. Despite Anna and I spending a February day on our knees planting clumps of snowdrops ‘in the green’, they only actually stayed where they were put for a couple of years before upping sticks (or bulbs) and moving to another part of the border where they are flourishing but don’t have quite the same impact. Oh well. Nowadays, I get my fix of drifts of the snowy little blighters by visiting other peoples gardens, of which there are many in this area that do the snowdrop thing so much better than I can even attempt. Take your pick from the list below. I can recommend Newark Park, a National Trust property in a spectacular location with breath-taking views which are, of course, at their best in the winter months when the trees are bare. This year, I’m heading for Great Chalfield Manor, near Melksham, which is opening its gates to raise funds for the Dorothy House hospice for one afternoon only. I might see you there. 84 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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Newark Park Snowdrop week is conveniently the week of half term at this National Trust property and there will be a Snowdrop Trail for children, as well as snowdrops and other flowers carpeting the woodland glade. The estate has three way marked trails to explore too and the house will be open so you can go inside to warm up and enjoy its quirky interiors and spectacular views. For the romantic in you this year its National Garden Scheme day is on Thursday 14 February. Don’t forget to dress warmly as it’s chilly in February and you’ll need sturdy footwear because the garden slopes and is steep in places. Open from 11am – 4pm 9 -17 February but closed Monday and Tuesday. Entry is free to National Trust members or £7.10 for adults and £3.70 for children. Dogs on leads welcome. Address: Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 7PZ, tel: 01453 842644.
Painswick Rococo Garden This is a unique 18th century garden set in a hidden valley with lovely views of the surrounding countryside. There is a fascinating combination of woodland walks, vistas and a large kitchen garden which has been restored. The term Rococo garden is associated with garden design from 1720 to 1760. Its restoration began in 1984 and much of it is now set out in its original form. The garden is especially famous for its snowdrop displays in winter, coming into their best around late January and likely to last several weeks subject to suitable weather. Take time to visit the small town of Painswick with its ancient yew trees in the churchyard. Open daily from 11am – 5pm from mid January onwards. Talks on snowdrops every Wednesday and Friday during February at 12pm and 3pm. Entry, £6.50 for adults and £3 for children. Refreshments, plant sales, shop, some disabled access. Well behaved dogs on leads. Address: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH, tel: 01452 813204.
HARBINGERS OF SPRING: a carpet of snowdrops at Newark Park in Gloucestershire Opposite: PLUCKY LITTLE BLOOMS: snowdrops will flourish equally well in spring sunshine or in snow
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Lacock Abbey Set in the beautiful village of Lacock which is famous as a location and setting for period dramas, the abbey, its medieval cloisters and rooms are steeped in history and make for an interesting visit. The Fox Talbot Museum is also set within the grounds of the abbey and is well worth visiting. In February and early March Lacock Abbey has delightful displays of snowdrops and aconites and you can follow various paths within the grounds to make the most of your time. Make sure you have time to wander around the village, its shops and tearooms. Grounds and cloisters are open daily from 10.30am – 5.30pm from 9 February, 11am to 4pm previously. Entry is free to National Trust members or £8.10 adults and £4 for children. Address: Lacock, near Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2LG, tel: 01249 730459.
Great Chalfield Manor Given to the National Trust in 1943, there are some similarities
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with Great Dixter in Sussex and the layout of the borders to the back of the house is similar. The gardens were designed by Alfred Parsons RA, PRWS in 1905-1912 and lead down to a spring fed moat and fishpond, with water almost surrounding the property. There are unusual yew topiary pavilions in the form of houses. In February the gardens have an open day for snowdrops and hellebores. The orchard leading down to the lower moat is kept for wild flowers and overall the garden has a calming romantic atmosphere. Open for Dorothy House Hospice from 2pm – 4pm on Sunday 10 February. Entry is £4 proceeds to Dorothy House. Wellies or boots advised. Refreshments avilable. Address: near Bradford-onAvon, Wiltshire SN12 8NH, tel: 01225 78223. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel. Follow Jane on Twitter, @janethegardener or read her blog, www.janethegardener.com.
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House & Home
Health, Beauty & Wellbeing
A female run decorating, refurbishment, design and maintenance company
Acupuncture for Fertility, support alongside IVF, Pregnancy and Womens Health.
POOR POSTURE? BACK PAIN?
Holly Woodward (MBAcC, Reg Nurse) is an experienced fertility acupuncturist, having worked for leading fertility expert Zita West. Call Holly on 07759 684552 Address: The Practice Rooms, 26 Upper Borough Walls. Situated above ‘Lush’. E: holly.woodward@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollywoodward.co.uk
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Top Cat Country House Hotel Real Care for the Cat you Love by the owner Diana Dickson Featured on National TV & Radio Bristol
We are a small luxury cattery for those who prefer their cats to have extra special attention Diana sometimes breeds Burmese & Burmilla’s Opening Hours 9am to 1pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays The Old School House Kelston, Bath
Tel: 01225 313099 www.topcathotel.co.uk
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PROPERTYin FOCUS
GREEN PARK BATH • 2nd Floor apartment in grade II listed Georgian building • Central location • Views over Green Park • Communal Entrance, hallway, bathroom, kitchen, beroom, sitting room, • Office/storage room
Price: OIEO £240,000
I
f you are looking for a story to tell at your housewarming party once you are settled in then look no further than this fabulous and luxurious one bedroom apartment that you would undoubtedly be proud to show off. Immaculately presented with pretty views over Green Park you could not have found a more satisfying home or weekend getaway. And the story – once a huge Georgian house now separated into comfortable and sizeable apartments – is that it is just one row of houses remaining. Sadly, during WWII, its twin, that created a ‘V’ effect on the opposite side enveloping the park was so badly bombed that it had to be demolished. What a stunning and impressive effect it must have created. And to be located alongside a natural water feature... the River Avon. For those refreshing walks along the towpath is an added bonus. Close by is Green Park station with its few stores, supermarket and the amazing Green Park Brasserie right on your doorstep. Every month an antiques market is held within the station and each saturday is a wonderful farmers market where you can purchase your locally grown vegetables, cheeses, artisan breads and many other foodie delights. All this within a few minutes level walk to the city centre with its theatre, Thermae Bath Spa and historical landmarks including the famous Roman Baths filled with water by the naturally hot springs. For further information contact The Apartment Company. The Apartment Company, 1 Queen Square, Bath. Tel: 01225 471144 www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk
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pritchard-partners.co.uk
Northampton Street
Upper Midford
An attractive Grade II listed four bedroom Georgian townhouse, conveniently situated within easy walking distance of the City Centre amenities, St James’s Square and Royal Victoria Park. The property benefits from gas central heating, period features, conservatory, private rear garden and no onward chain.
A beautifully presented detached country property set in the most idyllic location with far reaching views, on the fringes of Bath.
3 receptions and conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and study. Pretty garden. Vaults. Residents parking. Total int area: 2287 sq ft / 212.4 sq m.
Kitchen/breakfast room, two reception rooms, cloakroom. Master bedroom with ensuite, three further bedrooms, bathroom and a shower room. Landscaped gardens. Off road parking for 3 vehicles. Total approx. area: 1379 sq ft / 128.1 sq m.
Guide Price: £725,000
Price: £655,000
Marshfield
Nash Gardens, Circus Mews
A most attractive Grade II listed country property, believed to date back to 1675 and retaining many period features.
An attractive, recently refurbished & redecorated modern mews house in a peaceful tucked away position, convenient for City Centre.
Ktchen, dining room, living room with open fireplace, cellar room/family room, 4 bedrooms, bathroom. 2 storey outbuilding with living room kitchenette, utility and a bedroom. Level rear garden. Total approx. floor area: 1496 sq ft/139 sq m.
Private entrance, 2 double bedrooms & en suite cloakroom to bedroom 1, shower room & cloakroom, sitting room & kitchen/dining room. Private parking space. Gross int. area: 822 sq ft/76.4 sq m.
Price: £499,950
Price: £419,500
Scan to access our Website Homepage
PRITCHARDS Feb.indd 1
11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB
Tel: 01225 466 225
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INTERIORstyle
BE BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL Richard Clayton of west country interior design company Jane Clayton, which works with individual homes and developers’ show homes, has advice on fusing classical good looks with contemporary style
I
f you live in the kind of house that resonates the proportions of the Golden Rule, or in an ancient manor with elm boards the colour of toast and honey, or in a solid 20th century home, you should pay attention to the style and the feel of your home when planning its furnishings. You don’t have to be a slave to the period, but it does help to give some thought to style and context. Contemporary furniture can sit very comfortably as part of an eclectic mix within an old house. To make sure that the mix works, there are a few guidelines that are worth following: • Keep it simple: Living space in British homes is on average about 30 per cent less than our neighbours in the rest of western Europe. Some people find it comforting to cram their living space full of ‘stuff’: furniture, decorative objects, magazines and kitchen equipment, to the extent that it is difficult to find a clear surface. Comforting perhaps, comfortable not. Strip out clutter and don’t be afraid of clear space. • Go for quality: the distinction between traditional or contemporary is much less important than the difference between high quality and rubbish. In any interior, a dining table made from an interesting oak board with good figuring and patina set onto simple trestles will outrank a rectangle of photoveneered MDF. • Get the proportion right: the scale of furniture must be right for its space. A big sitting room needs big sofas. Sounds obvious, but people often get this wrong. The space will tolerate lots of differing styles but is less tolerant of differing scale. When shopping for furniture, first draw a plan to scale and mark out a proposed furniture layout. Or cut out sheets of newspaper to size and lay them straight onto your floor, to see how things will fit. • Be disciplined with colour: choose a palette that works closely together for woodwork, walls and floors. Add splashes of drama in furnishings. If you have good pictures, pay these particular attention when planning your palette. They can be a 90 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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good starting point for a colour scheme. Architecture too has a strong influence on colour choice: dark walls that may work in a high ceilinged Victorian dining room with a large bay window, will fare less well in a 17th century cottage with small casements. • Avoid contradictory styles: the fashionable 70s revival fabrics will naturally be very comfortable in a home built around that time or later, but some of the patterns and colours of the period will look ridiculous in other settings. • Light it well: we are sufficiently far north of the Equator to spend much of our waking non-working time in darkness. So good lighting is important. The need to conserve energy has meant that lamps are changing fast: no longer can the house be lit with lots of 100 watt incandescent bulbs (thank goodness). Some of the new alternatives are really good. In particular, LED lamps now give out light of a good natural colour, and are around six times more efficient than ordinary bulbs. Use light to highlight interesting pieces and features. A picture or a piece of furniture can be made to feel really special if well lit. • Explore the market: interiors magazines will give clues about trends and about suppliers. Among interior designers’ favourites are Andrew Martin, whose products look good anywhere, Porta Romana lighting for lamps with a contemporary twist, or Roche Bobois for contemporary upholstery. • Be brave: buy interiors pieces in the same way as you might buy a picture. If it feels right and is good quality, do it. You will pay more than you intended, but in a few years time, you will be pleased you had the courage. If you find yourself uncertain about what to do next, you could get some help from an interior designer. This is not expensive and using an interior designer will save you money. If they have a good eye and suitable experience, they should be able to put together furniture and furnishings that will give you pleasure and fit well in your home. ■ For further information visit: www.janeclayton.co.uk or to make an appointment with one of the 14-strong design team tel: 01761 412255.
WELL CHOSEN CONTRAST: main picture, bespoke bookshelves conform to the rules but sit happily with a modern floor finish Top, contemporary lampshades make a bold statement in a traditional kitchen Below, a bedroom at Homewood Park, near Bath, mixes contemporary style in a Victorian interior
Hamptons Bath 33 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT Lettings 01225 459819 bathlettings@hamptons-int.com Sales 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Church Road, Bath
£2,250 pcm
A charming period detached house in Combe Down with private enclosed garden. Four bedrooms, three receptions, family bathroom, two shower rooms, office and parking.
Lansdown Mews, Bath
£3,500 pcm
A beautiful Grade I Listed mews house set within the exclusive area of Lansdown. Four bedrooms, two receptions, newly fitted kitchen, three bathrooms, conservatory, private garden and parking for two cars.
Hamptons Letting Feb.indd 1
Evercreech, Somerset
£3,000 pcm
A substantial, handsome detached farmhouse, in a rural location surrounded by farm land. Six bedrooms, four receptions, two bathrooms, large country kitchen, utility rooms, outbuildings and stables.
Bloomfield Crescent, Bath
£2,495 pcm
A stunning Grade II Listed Georgian house that has been recently refurbished to exacting standards. Three bedrooms, two receptions, two bathrooms, private parking and panoramic views of Bath.
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Bloomfield Park A stunning and substantial semi-detached five bedroom townhouse situated in a highly sought-after residential area on the southern outskirts of Bath. Arranged over four floors, the house has been finished to the highest standard throughout to tastefully combine contemporary comforts with period features. The property allows very convenient access to Bath city centre and has a number of excellent primary and secondary schools located close by.
Rent: ÂŁ3,500 pcm spacious living room | dining room | feature fireplaces | stunning modern kitchen | conservatory | utility room | family room | 5 double bedrooms (2 en-suites) | modern family bathroom | attractive enclosed garden | off-street parking Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk
RESIDE February.indd 1
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Fidelis
Newbridge Hill
£399,950
A Unique and Particularly Charming Coach House with Pretty Walled Garden and Gated off road Parking Spacious Living/Dining Room Opening onto Garden | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Cloakroom | 2 Double Bedrooms | Bathroom | Delightful Walled Garden | Gated off road Parking
Bathwick Street
£329,950
A Sumptuous and Exceptionally Spacious 3 Bedroom Maisonette Forming Part of a Grade II Listed Georgian Town House Living/Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | 2 Double Bedrooms | 1 Single Bedroom | Bathroom | Fine Georgian Style Detail | Large Sash Sindows | Central Location | Good Access to M4 and Bath Spa Station
www.fidelisproperties.co.uk
01225 421000
134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis February.indd 1
22/01/2013 12:59
Fidelis
Hayes Place
ÂŁ425,000
A Fine 3 Storey Double Bay Edwardian Home Beautifully Appointed Throughout Located in the Heart of Bear Flat Living Room | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Cloakroom | Lean-to Conservatory/Garden Room | Master Bedroom | En-suite Shower Room | 3 Further Bedrooms | Contemporary Bathroom | Enclosed Rear Garden | No Onward Chain
www.fidelisproperties.co.uk
01225 421000
134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH Fidelis February.indd 2
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HOMES FOR HAPPY LOVERS With Valentine’s Day ahead we’re looking at love nests. As Thomas Hardy wrote in Far From the Madding Crowd, ‘at home by the fire, whenever you look up there I shall be and whenever I look up, there will be you’
■ Button Cottage, Bathford This is a delightful two bedroom old stone cottage on Bathford High Street, with views across fields to Colerne and some lovely walks nearby. There’s an open fireplace for cosying up to on winter evenings, while in the summer there’s a small front garden with plants and a secluded garden at the back for growing your own fruit, veg and flowers. Button Cottage has been well looked after and modernised but retains its character and beamed ceilings. Price: £245,000 Contact: Whitfield Nash, tel: 01225 483198
■ Valentine House, Beckington We were really pleased to find this aptly named romantic double fronted stone cottage in the Somerset village of Beckington. This four bedroom house has an en suite shower room for the master bedroom, plus a bathroom. Downstairs there are two sitting rooms, one with a woodburner, the other with an open fire for quiet evenings a deux, closing the working shutters to keep out the rest of the world. For when you want to win your partner’s heart with good food there is a well designed kitchen which was made for the house and includes a gas fired Aga. The walled south facing garden is a suntrap in summer, where long afternoons can be whiled away on the terrace. Price: £450,000 Contact: Hamptons, tel: 01225 312244
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■ The Pink House, Lansdown, Bath Belvedere is one of the most romantic sounding addresses in Bath and The Pink House is a quirky town house perched on the bit of the hill that bears the name, meaning ‘beautiful view’. The two bedroom townhouse has its own little courtyard garden tucked away at the back – complete with an old fig tree which still bears fruit in summer. The interior of the house is filled with light, thanks to the big windows, so although it dates back to 1860 it has a fresh feeling with a beautiful modern fitted kitchen and the luxury of two bathrooms, one of which has a magnificent roll top bath sitting in an alcove. The Pink House is just a few minutes’ stroll into the centre of Bath and Hedgemead Park is literally around the corner. Price: £375,000 Contact: Fine & Country, tel: 01225 320032
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W NE
W NE
“Weavers”, Winsley - £675,0000
“Kintor”, Limpley Stoke - £535,000
Secretly hidden away in the “Old part” of the village we find Weavers; a period home with three bedrooms plus a one bedroom cottage. All of this is set within a glorious walled garden basking in a glorious south facing aspect. The main house has separate sitting room and dining room, both with fireplaces. Kitchen and breakfast room. Bathroom plus an ensuite. EPC E
A handsome individual detached bungalow set on a leafy lane behind a five bar gate just off Midford Lane; a super sought after location. Positioned on a good plot with level gardens to front and rear with a gravelled driveway in front of a proper double garage with workshop! Ideal for those with kids, dogs or "green fingers". We find a comfortable lounge dining room with fireplace, three bedrooms, study area and a conservatory. Potential to extend? EPC D
Unusually Weavers has never been on the open market before. Note there is only pedestrian access to the property, although it has a garage a short walk away. Essential viewing for village house hunters.
Access to Bath, the A36, Freshford station and to Bradford-on-Avon. Great for invigorating walks too.
W NE
W NE
Horse Road, Hilperton - £365,000
Bath Road, Bradford-on-Avon - £325,000
A real Prince Charming amongst cottages. A perfectly lovely four bed semi detached cottage set back in pleasant gardens. Beautifully presented, welcoming and comfortable. The two receptions both have beams & fireplaces. A modern conservatory looks onto the landscaped rear garden. There are four double bedrooms & family bathroom; all nicely presented. As well as the generous accommodation, parking and gardens, there is a garage in a block nearby. EPC D
A semi with an extra dimension! The impressive conservatory creates a large open plan kitchen family room with dining area overlooking the garden from an elevated position, a wonderfully versatile living space linking the house to the garden, keep an eye open for the squirrel! Sitting room, utility and cloakroom. Three good bedrooms and family bathroom. Driveway parking, garage/store and enclosed level lawned garden. EPC D
A very desirable period home with an individual touch; seamlessly blending old & new.
On the Bath side of town with access to schools, town centre amenities & The Castle pub.
☎ 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk
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ASHFORD HOMES REPORTS RECORD NUMBERS OF RESERVATIONS OFF PLAN Ashford Homes (South Western) Limited, a local developer with a great reputation for building quality luxury homes across the region, is reporting a phenomenon which some agents say is only the preserve of a booming property market. Paul Weeks, Ashford Homes Sales and Marketing Manager reports: “This year we have seen a record amount of reservations/ sales off plan for several developments which are either in the process of construction or just even about to be started. “At Holburne Place, Bath, Ashford’s forthcoming beautiful Georgian styled development there are currently only two apartments remaining available from a development of 14 two and three bedroom luxury apartments. This outstanding development offers secure gated parking, a lift, and a superb location which offers easy level access into the nearby city centre. Prices for the two remaining properties here are £275,000 or £515,000 for either a two bedroom apartment or a three bedroom, two bathroom maisonette respectively.” Meanwhile Ashford Homes has in the last few weeks pre-released draft details of two more of its forthcoming select luxury developments in Bath. At Crescent Lane, a delightful, stylish and select development of one and two bedroom apartments with secure gated parking, is situated close to the Royal Crescent and the delights of Victoria Park. “We have taken three holding deposits on the seven apartments available already, responding to pressure from potential buyers who wanted to be in at the earliest stage possible,” says Paul. Meanwhile at Sydney Lawn, a stunning modern development of eight luxury two bedroom apartments offers parking, landscaped communal gardens, a lift and well situated to give easy access into the nearby city centre. “We have taken three holding deposits here with a host of other potential buyers showing interest, subject to the sale of their own homes,” says Paul. Both of these two outstanding developments will be completed and ready for occupation around late summer/autumn. “There are many factors that contribute towards this high level of demand,” adds Paul, “not least of which is the enduring desirability of people to live in 98 THEBATHMAGAZINE
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the World Heritage City of Bath with all it offers in terms of world class shopping opportunities, culture, including theatre, art and cinema, great restaurants and sport, among many others, which make living in Bath such an attractive proposition. Other factors include the short supply of new homes in the city in good locations and an ever increasing market of local and international buyers who buy for investment with a longer term aim to live in the city.” Of course Ashford Homes’ reputation for building a superb quality of home with a fantastic level of specification may also play a part in generating this sort of excitement in the market. On both of the above developments this includes installing gas fired underfloor central heating, luxury kitchens with integrated appliances, Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware and a home network infrastructure which offers amazing entertainment options, making these truly 21st century homes. For those wanting to see what a finished Ashford Home offers in the flesh, there are currently three two bedroom apartments finished plus a two bedroom show maisonette (open Saturdays and Sundays 11am-4pm) at St George’s Place with prices from £265,000-£285,000 including offers of stamp duty paid, the cost of two years parking at Charlotte Street car park, fitted carpets and floor tiles currently available. (The show maisonette is open Saturdays and Sundays 11am-4pm) Alternatively there is one luxury four bedroom detached house finished and available to move into at Rhymes Place, on the outskirts of Bath with an asking price of £529,950, which is currently being offered with the benefit of a £10,000 contribution towards stamp duty, or part exchange considered. There is a special open part exchange open day event being held at Rhymes Place on Saturday 2 February, from 10am-1pm, with no appointment necessary to view. Prices at Crescent Lane are from £395,000-£450,000 while at Sydney Lawn they range from £340,000-£460,000. For details of all these forthcoming and current developments in Bath and across the region visit Ashford Homes’ website at www.ashford-homes or contact Cobb Farr the agents on 01225 333332 or Crisp Cowley (St George’s Place only) on 01225 789333.
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ROMANTIC RETREATS
■ Apartment, Sydney Place, Bath If you told your loved one you’d found an apartment fit for a queen, you wouldn’t be exaggerating in the case of this grand old ground floor two bedroom home in Sydney Place, overlooking the historic pleasure gardens Sydney Gardens. This house was once owned by Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III and as you enter the front door the magnificent cantilevered staircase rises from the hall to what was originally the royal ballroom upstairs. The ground floor flat has a palatial drawing room with three wall-to-floor windows with wall space for the family portraits to be hung and the main bedroom is so big it doubles as a second sitting room, or library. There is a second bedroom, a kitchen, and an en suite bathroom plus a shower room. This is a pleasant spot with a level walk into Bath and just a short stroll from the shops on Bathwick Hill and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Price £539,000. Contact: Pritchards, tel: 01225 466225
■ Church Street, Beckington
■ Honeysuckle Cottage, Upper Midford
The current owners of this charming old village cottage in Beckington have really looked after the place, but it hasn’t lost its quirky period character. It’s just the right size for a contented twosome, with two bedrooms, a kitchen/dining room for candlelit suppers, a sitting room with a welcoming open fire and odd-shaped study and utility rooms. There’s a south facing garden with a lawn, leading through to a productive vegetable patch. What’s more, the house is right next to the church, so you could plight your troth formally with a short walk down the aisle. Price £289,950. Contact: Jeremy Jenkins, tel: 01225 866747
WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
If you wanted to escape prying eyes and have a home in the country yet be just a couple of miles from Bath, then Honeysuckle Cottage might be right up your lovers’ lane. This is a beautifully presented four bedroom cottage with an en suite bathroom, a second bathroom and a shower room (handy should you have guests). There are woodburning stove in both sitting rooms, country views all around and a good local pub, The Hope and Anchor, to walk to. But if you wanted to entertain at home the kitchen/dining room is a pretty room with views from both windows, an oil fired Alpha cooker and a double oven. There’s space outside to park and plenty of room in the gardens, which wrap around the house. A pair of chairs and a table would look good on the decking, where on warm evenings the happy couple could chink glasses and toast their good fortune to own such a place. Price £655,000. Contact: Pritchards, tel: 01225 466225 FEBRUARY 2013
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Bath Office Sales. 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Park Street, Bath
Guide Price £450,000
Located just off one of Bath’s most sought after garden squares, this smart ground and first floor maisonette of a Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse offers excellent accommodation in a very trendy quarter of the city. This is a well designed apartment with retained and added features. Approximate gross sq.ft. 1,249.
Marlborough Buildings, Bath
Guide Price £765,000
A stunning four bedroom upper maisonette within this fine Grade II Listed townhouse located on the lower slopes of Marlborough Buildings with sweeping views across the Crescent lawn. The refurbishment and interior design of the apartment and the communal hall are to exacting standards. Approximate gross sq.ft. 1,851. Bath Office 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com
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Bath Office Sales. 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
St James’s Square, Bath
Guide Price £1.15m
A classic five storey Grade I Listed Georgian terraced townhouse with a wealth of period details, which all add to the appeal of this stunning home. Situated on the east side of this elegant Georgian square, this city home is full of interior style as well as charm. Approximate gross sq.ft. 2,519.
Gay Street, Bath
Guide Price£1.65m
An impressive five bedroom Grade I Listed townhouse with a west facing walled garden situated in the centrally located Gay Street, ideally placed to walk into Bath and enjoy all it has to offer. The well-proportioned and practical layout of the accommodation is enhanced by the smart interior design. Approximate gross sq.ft. 4,510. Bath Office 01225 459817 bath@hamptons-int.com
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PROPERTYin FOCUS
GREEN PARK BATH • 2nd Floor apartment in grade II listed Georgian building • Central location • Views over Green Park • Communal entrance, hallway, bathroom, kitchen, beroom, sitting room, • Office/storage room
Price: OIEO £240,000
I
f you are looking for a story to tell at your housewarming party once you are settled in then look no further than this fabulous and luxurious one bedroom apartment that you would undoubtedly be proud to show off. Immaculately presented with pretty views over Green Park you could not have found a more satisfying home or weekend getaway. And the story – once a huge Georgian house now separated into comfortable and sizeable apartments – is that it is just one row of houses remaining. Sadly, during WWII, its twin, that created a ‘V’ effect on the opposite side enveloping the park was so badly bombed that it had to be demolished. What a stunning and impressive effect it must have created. And to be located alongside a natural water feature... the River Avon. For those refreshing walks along the towpath is an added bonus. Close by is Green Park station with its few stores, supermarket and the amazing Green Park Brasserie right on your doorstep. Every month an antiques market is held within the station and each Saturday is a wonderful farmers’ market where you can purchase your locally grown vegetables, cheeses, artisan breads and many other foodie delights. All this within a few minutes level walk to the city centre with its theatre, Thermae Bath Spa and historical landmarks including the famous Roman Baths filled with water by the naturally hot springs. For further information contact The Apartment Company. The Apartment Company, 1 Queen Square, Bath. Tel: 01225 471144 www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk
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k Mar r o l y a N
OLDFIELD ROAD
ÂŁ830,000
An absolutely gorgeous and timeless semi-detached Victorian villa replete with period character and offering generous family space, delightful gardens and off-street parking. Exceptionally convenient position a stone's throw from Bear Flat shopping parade. Entrance vestibule, hallway, drawing room, dining room, study/library, morning room, kitchen, cloakroom and shower room, 5 bedrooms, bathroom and WC. Cellarage comprising: two large rooms, small garden store room and coal store. Delightful, generous gardens to front and rear with city views. Off-street driveway parking, Gas central heating. Approximate gross internal floor area: 2,980 square feet / 277 square metres.
1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 4QW
01225 422 224
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WESTON
ÂŁ535,000
An excellent detached home, just minutes from Weston Village and the Royal United Hospital. Featuring spacious and smart accommodation, good parking and gardens and the bonus of a rare one bedroom annexe. Storm porch, hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, snug, study, cloakroom, 4 bedrooms (master with en-suite shower room) and bathroom. Large gardens and off-street parking for up to 4 vehicles. Garden annexe comprising: Double bedroom, kitchen/living room, shower room. Approximate gross internal floor area: 1,425 square feet / 132 square metres.
www.mark-naylor.com
email: homes@mark-naylor.com
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Holcombe Manor Holcombe Manor is a grand and historic Georgian house. It is situated in the heart of the village amid two acres of stately grounds bordered by walls and trees and with views of the glorious countryside beyond.The majestic drive to the house is most impressive, featuring a water fountain and to the side a substantial pond and waterfall. One of the striking factors about Holcombe Manor is that it has been sympathetically restored and decorated in keeping with its period and maintaining its traditional features.This is immediately apparent on entering the property through the entrance hall with its well preserved original tiles and stained glass doors.The grandeur continues to impress as one walks through to the amazing main hallway with its winding staircase, a wonderful reception area from which to receive guests. The features typical of the Georgian period at Holcombe Manor include the floor to ceiling windows, which allow light to flood into the rooms, as well as original fireplaces
The accommodation here is indeed extensive because as well as six bedrooms in the main house there are eight studio apartments in an adjoining wing and two one-bedroom flats in what was once the coach house.
Holcombe Manor is an exceptional property with the added convenience of being situated just five minutes from major access roads. HOLCOMBE, NR BATH Grand reception hall, 4 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms (master en-suite), kitchen/breakfast room, swimming pool & outbuilding, separate wing containing eight apartments and two coach houses, EPC Rating = F
Contact: 01225 320032
ÂŁ1,350,000
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Shire End Farm
Shire End Farm is an idyllic rural retreat on the very fringe of the Georgian city of Bath. The property is full of period features and situated in a most sought after hamlet with stunning views across the valley.The house has been extended over the centuries with charming features including stone tiled floors, open fireplaces and exposed beams.The accommodation offers entrance hall, dining room, sitting room and study. The kitchen/breakfast room has bespoke handmade units, wonderful central Aga and French doors that open onto the garden.There is also a utility and cloakroom. In addition there are five bedrooms (two with en-suite facilities) and a family bathroom with free standing roll top bath.
The Gate House is a fully converted property located within the grounds. It has its own access and parking to the front. On the ground floor there is a large open plan kitchen/dining room with full height glazed doors and windows to the front. 2 Bedrooms are also located on the ground floor, along with a bathroom and en-suite. On the first
floor is a spacious sitting room with exposed beams, velux windows and a gable window overlooking the valley. In addition to the ample parking within the drive The Gate House also retains a parking space in the centre of Bath. Mature grounds of approximately an acre extend around the house and consist mainly of lawn. Approximately 6 acres of woodland adjoin the gardens offering stabling and out buildings.
“I commute to Maidenhead on a daily basis, and the easy access onto major roads and motorways makes my journey very convenient and stress free.”
UPPER SWAINSWICK, BATH Three reception rooms, 5 Bedrooms [2 en-suite], Kitchen/breakfast room, Approx 6 acres, The Gate House, Detached barn conversion, Open plan kitchen/living room, Two bedrooms one with en-suite, Own parking, EPC Rating = D
Contact: 01225 320032
£895,000
Cavendish Lodge
£1850pcm
Green Park
£1550pcm
Neo-Georgian residence | Close to the City Centre | Two bedrooms with en suite | Allocated Parking | Spacious living accommodation | Unfurnished | Available immediately
Centrally located Georgian apartment | Three bedrooms | Contemporary kitchen | River Views | Secure off road parking | Communal gardens | No students/smokers | Unfurnished | Available Immediately
Brook Street
Royal Crescent
£975pcm
Georgian apartment | First floor | Two bedroom | Newly refurbished | Central location | Unfurnished | Available immediately
The Apartment Company February.indd 1
£1250pcm
Georgian apartment | First floor | Two bedroom | Newly refurbished | Central location | Unfurnished | Available immediately
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Lansdown Crescent
OIEO £380,000
Park Street
OIEO £335,000
Prestigious location | Spacious living | Contemporary open plan kitchen | Master bedroom with en-suite | Second double bedroom | Luxury bathroom | Fabulous views | Highly recommended
Georgian courtyard apartment | Sought after location | Well presented | Modern kitchen | Two double bedrooms | Stylish bathroom with separate shower | Private Courtyard | Early viewing advised
Summerfield House
Belvedere
OIEO £290,000
Period apartment | Contemporary style | Quiet location | Two good bedrooms | Custom made kitchen | Mature grounds | Parking for two cars | Highly recommended
The Apartment Company February.indd 2
OIEO £190,000
Georgian Apartment | Central location | Private Entrance | Beautifully presented | Period features | Great views | Perfect city pad | Recommended
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The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London
BATH
Lansdown Place East
Price on application
Drawing room • Dining room • Sitting room • Kitchen/Breakfast room • Games/Utility room • Study • Five bedrooms Four bath/shower rooms (three en suite) • Two cloakrooms • Vaults • Rear Garden. (Approximately 4,244 sq ft / 394 sq m)
Bath 01225 747250 david.mackenzie@carterjonas.co.uk
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The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London
carterjonas.co.uk
BATH
Great Pulteney Street
Guide Price: £795,000
A beautifully presented three/four bedroom garden maisonette in an enviable location with a pretty enclosed garden and a secure garage. (Approximately 2,146 sq ft / 199.3 sq m)
Bath 01225 747250 patrick.brady@carterjonas.co.uk
BATH
Great Pulteney Street
Guide Price: £450,000
A newly renovated two bedroom ground floor apartment with grand proportions and its own front door within this exceptional Grade I listed and historic central Bath building. New 999 year lease • Lift Access • Fully Refurbished • Period Features with high ceilings and grand proportions • High specification fittings throughout (Approximately 805.14 sq ft / 74.8 sq m)
Bath 01225 747250 patrick.brady@carterjonas.co.uk
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Lansdown An outstanding detached Victorian house, standing in excellent gardens on the highly desirable northern slopes of Lansdown | reception hall | drawing room | sitting room | kitchen/dining room | utility room | boiler room | shower room/wc | 5 bedrooms | bathroom | separate first floor wc | 2 store rooms | double garage | gardens of about 0.4 acres | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,350,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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Englishcombe Lane An outstanding Edwardian detached family residence with superb views over Bath | entrance hall | stunning reception hall | drawing room | withdrawing room | dining room | morning/sitting room | kitchen/ breakfast room | utility room | cloakroom | master bedroom with en suite bathroom | dressing room and balcony | 6 generous bedrooms (2 with en suites) | family bathroom | further utility room | detached double garage and parking | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,175,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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Widcombe Hill Award winning architect designed house built to exacting standards and providing contemporary living over three floors | hall | open plan family room and kitchen | study | utility room | cloakroom | first floor reception room | 2 bedrooms (1 with en suite shower room) | family bathroom | studio room | master bedroom with en suite bathroom | lawned gardens | off-street parking | Guide Price: ÂŁ895,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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Widcombe A charming, yet grand, Grade II listed house situated in a quiet backwater in this highly desirable part of Bath |entrance porch | kitchen/breakfast room | dining room | 2 reception rooms | utility room | cloakroom | 3 bedrooms | bathroom | garden | outbuilding | off-street parking for 3 cars | views | no onward chain | Guide Price: £600,000
Widcombe Handsome double fronted three storey Georgian listed house | hall | 2 receptions | 3 bedrooms | bathroom | cloakroom | kitchen | utility | pretty courtyard garden | parking space | recently re-decorated and re-carpeted | Guide Price: £545,000
Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333
www.crispcowley.co.uk
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