The Museum of East Asian Art reopens with a new look and a new exhibition
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Rebel rebel, and other ways to find your style
From fashion mogul to farming innovator, the story of Roger Saul
Lights, camera, and all the action from the Bath Life Awards
The green green grass of home made greener
It’s the same every year. I worry about my hair, what I’m going to wear, the fact I can’t wear heels, that I look a year older, those extra Yuletide pounds that are still going strong past spring… And then as soon as I arrive, this year at the breath-taking Bath Forum, I realise I couldn’t give two hoots.
The Bath Life Awards really is just a great big party designed to celebrate and support the city’s community, innovators, and businesses. Who cares what you’re wearing when the absolutely delightful son and dad team at MH Tyres steal the night and steal everybody’s hearts with beautiful speech about trust, evolution and family.
Another absolute highlight was the reaction of Kelly Marie of Kelly Marie Kitchens winning her first ever Bath Life Award – gobsmacked, joyous and tearful just about covers it.
Turn to page 13 for all the winners and highlights from the night’s action.
Surprisingly, and probably just as well, there were very few cameras to be seen at the brilliant afterparty at Sub 13 (just like Berlin’s exclusive Berghain maybe?!).
I was far too in the moment, chatty and dance-y to be bothered filtering, tagging, and show reeling. And I’ll admit to being quietly chuffed about wearing those flats as the night turned to AM, and the music, partying and laughing showed no signs of stopping…
SARAH MOOLLA
PHOTO
Issue 528 / Spring 2025
COVER The work of Chinese-born London-based artist Lihong Bai is currently on display at the Museum of East Asian Art. Turn to page 43 for more.
BATH LIFE AWARDS
13 WINNING SMILES! All the fabulous action from Bath’s best and most celebratory Awards ceremony
THE ARTS
43 ARTS INTRO The new In Bloom exhibition at the recently reopened Museum of East Asian Art
44 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go
46 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Katherine Kingsley
53 BOOKS Mr B’s novel ideas
54 BATH FESTIVAL Literature and music comes to town
GARDENS
58 GO GREEN How to make your outdoor space eco-friendly
FOOD & DRINK
72 RESTAURANT We’ve got beef with some boys on Milsom Street
76 NEWS FEED Nuggets from Bath’s foodie scene
LIFESTYLE
79 SHOP LEAD Victoria Topping’s new gallery space
80 EDITOR’S CHOICE Wall flowers for your home’s walls
82 FASHION Romantic and rebellious is a look
EDUCATION
85 SCHOOL GUIDE Learning to ask the right questions
NETWORK
87 NETWORK LEAD The remarkable Roger Saul
92 NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews
95 CAREER PATH The rise of Will Noad and his roofing business
PROPERTY
99 PROPERTY LEAD Jollys gets a new owner
100 PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the market
104 SHOWCASE A home fit for a queen DEPARTMENTS
8 SPOTLIGHT And they’re off!
11 INSTABATH Layers of meaning
39 FLATLINE Flats is off his meds
114 BATH LIVES Meet Simon Gwilliam creator of The Rock’n’Roll Alien
Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robinsderi.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham
More than 11,000 people took to the roads at the new-look et ath alf on ar h with the start flag being dro ed by the ni ersity of ath’s arolina a enaite who will attem t to be ome the first deafblind erson to limb ount erest ne t year arti i ants were de ed out in the olours of more than harities as they raised millions for auses lose to their hearts in luding the three harity artners Al heimer’s o iety an er esear h and the ial N harity of the oyal nited os itals ath
This was the first time the biggest harity fundraiser in outh West ngland was organised by ondon arathon ents oanna Wales e ent lead for the et ath alf says t has been an in redible wee end in ath on luding with the et ath alf We saw the ery best of the ity and its eo le both on the ourse and at the roadside in luding the elite runners who got us underway and the thousands in the mass field who brought olour fun and a feeling of real ommunity throughout We e e t the et ath alf on ar h to be e en more o ular and we are already loo ing forward to ma ing it bigger and better than e er
The day before the ath alf hundreds of families elebrated the first e er edition of the et ath iles resented by ath ollege hildren and young eo le and their families and friends, participated in a one-mile fun run route in the grounds of oyal i toria ar For more: www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk
Jake Smith won the men’s race in 62:20
Abbie Donnelly secured qualification for the half marathon at the championships, which will take place later this year, with a time of 69 minutes 54 seconds
Saturday saw the inaugural GetPRO Bath Miles presented by Bath College
Words of encouragement
Powering on In it together
Jamma de Samba
Inspirational runs
The ever stylish Jamillah Booty raises money for Dress It Forward
Feeling pumped
The stars of the new-look GetPRO Bath Half
A proud moment
@ahappybathonian
@somewhereovermorrow
LAYERED MEANING
The beautiful depths to our city
@travelwithveronicca
@ellisreed
@cgormley_photography
@brilliantbath
@colourinfocus
@bassmanphotography
@wordyelaine
CELEBRATION TIME
As the song goes – we’re gonna have a good time tonight. Let’s celebrate – it’s all right. And actually, it was more than all right. It was uberglamorous...
By Liam Jones
Now very much back to its fighting-fit best, the 20th anniversary and biggest ever edition of Bath’s most prestigious awards show, the Bath Life Awards had the whole shebang: adored old timers, a superstar new venue in the Bath Forum and mega headline sponsor (shout out Five Zeros!), up-and-coming heroes, an uncommon cavalcade of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And beauty, reams and reams of beauty – from the shimmering gowns to the broad happy smiles – this was a space of uplifting positivity.
MediaClash’s Greg Ingham and Steph Dodd co-hosted the night and steered us all through through a sea of speeches, ovations, tears, and cheers, all of which has been captured beautifully by Adam Clutterbuck, Betty Bhandari, Narrated Frames and Boomsatsuma for these pages and our website.
So much went on, so many emotions were spilled, that you’d forgive anyone for heading home afterwards, shattered and exhausted, but it turns out our city’s movers and shakers are
made of sterner stuff – hey, was there any doubt? – and the afterparty rocked on till the wee small hours in Sub 13.
An amazing night then, and a big thank you due to all our winners, but also to our amazing judges, everyone shortlisted, the crowd who turned up to witness proceedings on the day –you’re stars, each and every last one of you. And if you’ve never been a part of this legendary event, maybe the gorgeous, joyous coverage over the next 12 pages will convince you to come along. After all, Bath may boast an astoundingly elegant location, a rich history, and a bright future, but it’s nothing without all the good folk living, working, succeeding, supporting, and loving this city right now. Here’s to all of us, and to next year, when we’ll do it all over again…
With love, thanks, and hi-fives from Sarah, Greg, Jane, Steph, Pat, Bel, Dan, Ruby, Poppy, Annie and all the MediaClash events team who worked so hard to put the evening together.
For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk
CATEGORY WINNERS
Sponsored
EDUCATION
Sponsored by
WINNER: LANGUAGES UNITED
EVENT
Sponsored by
WINNER: CURIOUS MINDS
EMPLOYER
Sponsored by
WINNER: DIALECT
FINANCIAL
Sponsored by
WINNER: LUCRA MORTGAGES
HAIR & BEAUTY
Sponsored by
WINNER: TOWNHOUSE CLINIC
HEALTH & WELLBEING
WINNER: THE SHE COLLECTIVE
HOMES & INTERIORS
Sponsored by
WINNER: KELLY MARIE KITCHENS
LEISURE & TOURISM
Sponsored by
WINNER: THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM
LEGENDS
Sponsored by
WINNER: RUHX
NEW BUSINESS
Sponsored by
WINNER: CAMELLA ESTATE AGENTS
Sponsored
Sponsored
RESTAURANT
RETAILER
SMALL BUSINESS
Sponsored by
CLUB
WINNER: WINNER: MR B’S EMPORIUM OF READING DELIGHTS
WINNER: MH TYRES BATH
TECHNOLOGY
Sponsored by
WINNER: DIGITAL WONDERLAB
Sponsored by
SUSTAINABILITY
Sponsored by
WINNER: PRICE OF BATH
PLATINUM
WINNER
Sponsored by
WINNER: BATH COMMUNITY KITCHEN
AWARDS 2025
If you attended but can’t see yourself on these pages, don’t forget to check out the Bath Life Awards website, under the ‘gallery’ section, to see all the gorgeous pictures taken on the night
FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN
On one
Flats talks books, old man fashion, barbecues, and vacuuming
Ihaven’t taken my meds today, and it’s too late to now do so as they’d stop me sleeping tonight if I took them now. That’s what I think would happen anyway so, despite the doctor assuring me that this presumption is erroneous, I feel I can’t risk it. I tell you this purely to explain why this page may not follow one thread or theme from start to finish As the brain bounces, so do the slow-moving forefingers
Books. Let’s start with books. Recommending books is a perilous endeavour. It’s like when that friend of yours says they’ve got something hilarious to show you on their phone, and that you’ll need to hang on while they scroll through a million hotos on their hone to find it rea rming every seven seconds that: “you’ll love this”. The voice inside my skull always whispers: “I’ll decide that, thanks”. Sometimes what’s produced is lol worthy, sometimes it’s meh. And so it goes with books. If I’m recommended a book I buy it.
“This page may not follow one thread or theme from start to finish”
felt indulgent, like a tasty, quickly-dissolving morsel to enjoy while it lasted. It turns out that some dusty old classics are classics for a reason. I’ll read it again one day.
If you do not yet have a subscription to Audible, what are you waiting for? Please, if you’re still one of those supposed purists who regard the audiobook as the beginning of the end, be kind to yourself by getting over yourself. The books I’ve mentioned above I indeed read in hard copy, but Milkman by Anna Burns simply has to be listened to. You’ll see (or hear) why, and you will never forget it.
I’m reading The Cone-Gatherers by Robin Jenkins this week and something awful is coming, I’m certain of it. I can’t quite work it all out yet, but I do know that so far - despite the ominous vibe - it is quite fantastic.
There and then sually if an find it second hand on eBay. I do not need all of my books to be brand spanking; I’ll only pass them on anyway. In fact I just now ordered Horse by Geraldine Brooks, as recommended by our lovely editor via a ‘ps’ at the foot of her customary ‘Flats, please, we are going to print TODAY!’ email. So we’ll see about this horsey of hers in good time.
ust finished Betty by Tiffany aniel and it was both lip-splittingly harrowing and magnifi ent t is one of those boo s that serves to catalyse and supercharge any compassion lying within the reader, and to remind you that the notion that everyone has a book in them is pure tosh. You can’t write as well as this so sto fibbing to yourself and enjoy a professional at the very top of her game.
In order to impress my mum, whose IQ is roughly four times larger than mine, I read The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. In truth, I expected little, but I was in love with in by about minute, er, one. Every page
Fashion next. For years my dad and I have arrived places wearing very similar – if not identi al outfits ha e friends and a wife who mock me for this, what with my dad being 80 now. For a period of time this got to me, in a funny way, and I’d try to avoid looking like said octogenarian’s sartorial twin. These days, though, I embrace it. Dad arrived today in a lovely petrol blue sweatshirt. An hour later, he was hovering over my iPhone, glasses on the tip of his nose, as sear hed the ar s en er website showing me the exact one. One blue one ordered, and one green. I suppose he’s an influen er now aybe he needs an agent
And finally this is your annual reminder to cook food outside. If you have a garden, oo some food in it f you don’t then find a park or a green and cook some food there. I don’t know why it tastes better, but it does. Please never skimp on charcoal, and never forget that the best vegetables are barbecued vegetables; it ain’t just about the meats. ff to a uum the it hen floor for the second time today. Should’ve taken my meds… .
David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on X/Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman
WHAT DOES A QUALITY KITCHEN LOOK LIKE?
HOBSON’S CHOICE shares how to spot – and experience – exceptional design
Anew bespoke kitchen is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. For many homeowners, especially those planning a renovation or extension, the word ‘quality’ is often used as a benchmark – but what does a truly quality kitchen actually look and feel like?
Charlotte Wright, design consultant at Hobson’s Choice, shares her thoughts on what defines a kitchen that stands apart for all the right reasons.
IT’S MORE THAN JUST STYLE
“Quality is not a feature you can see in isolation,” says Charlotte. “It’s a feeling you experience as you use the space –a sense of calm, comfort and delight.”
A quality kitchen brings together layout,
materials, lighting and functionality to create a space that feels balanced and purposeful. There’s an underlying sense of cohesion – nothing is overdesigned or fussy. Every element has a role to play.
DESIGNED TO LAST –AND BE LOVED
Premium materials are a hallmark of any quality kitchen, but longevity goes beyond a beautiful worktop or solid cabinetry. “A kitchen should remain just as enjoyable to use in ten years as it is on the day it’s installed,” Charlotte explains.
At Hobson’s Choice, this means selecting furniture and appliances from trusted manufacturers like bulthaup, Gaggenau, BORA and Miele, known for their timeless aesthetic and engineering excellence. Handles, hinges and internal fittings are chosen with equal care. The result is a kitchen that not only looks good – it feels right.
EFFORTLESS FUNCTIONALITY
Charlotte believes that a well-designed bespoke kitchen should intuitively support daily life. “You should be able to move easily, store wisely, and enjoy every moment in the space,” she says.
Lighting – both natural and artificial – is carefully considered to create a welcoming atmosphere at all times of day. Thoughtful placement of appliances, storage and surfaces ensures the kitchen works for cooking, entertaining, and everything in between.
Choosing the right appliances also plays a vital role. “The best appliances enhance the way you cook,” Charlotte explains. “They make everyday tasks quicker, easier and more enjoyable –helping you get better results with less effort.”
QUALITY IN THE JOURNEY
It’s not just the finished product that defines quality – it’s also the experience of getting there. Hobson’s Choice offers a fully managed service, from initial consultation through to final installation. For many clients, this is what makes the biggest difference.
“We take care of everything,” says Charlotte. “From design and specification to coordinating trades and resolving any issues, we guide our clients through the process with clarity and confidence.”
A SPACE THAT REFLECTS YOU
Ultimately, a quality bespoke kitchen should reflect the people who use it. “It should feel like home – but better,” Charlotte adds. Whether you’re creating a space for family meals, weekend baking or relaxed entertaining, the best kitchens support your lifestyle with elegance and ease.
To discover what quality could look like in your own home, visit the Hobson’s Choice showroom in Bath or explore their recent projects online.
Hobson’s Choice, London Road, Bath, BA1 6AJ
www.hobsonschoice.co.uk
email: info@hobsonschoice.co.uk
tel: 01225 433511
Chadwicks Interior Architecture & Design consultancy is based in the South West of England founded by award winning interior architect and designer Chad Evans, offering the very best in residential and commercial interior architecture and design.
Please take a look at what we can do for you and contact us with any questions about our services, to discuss your project and book an introductory meeting.
Following a major refurbishment during a three month closure, the Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA) has relaunched with a beautiful new exhibition, In Bloom, on until 20 December. The collection explores how flowers ha e ins ired generations of artists from ast and outheast Asia and features the work of Hiroko Imada, Wen-Hsi Harman, Lihong Bai (see here), and Ieong Tong Pak.
“This is a landmark exhibition for the MEAA,” says exhibitions manager den offey o ram In Bloom has opened at a time of growth and e olution at the museum as we loo to find new and engaging ways to share our unique olle tion of ob e ts with isitors We ha e also had the pleasure of collaborating with a fantastic group of artists, bringing together both local talent as well as internationally recognised names.” For more: www.meaa.org.uk
WHAT’S ON
18 April –17 May
EXHIBITIONS
Until 5 May
ICONIC: PORTRAITURE FROM FRANCIS BACON TO ANDY WARHOL
Featuring major names of 20th-century art including Francis Bacon, Peter Blake, Pauline Boty, and Richard Hamilton this impressive exhibition explores how these artists were inspired by and used photography in their work. Holburne; www.holburne.org
Until 26 May
DIEDRICK BRACKENS: WOVEN STORIES
The Texan weaver threads political and personal themes into large scale vibrant tapestries that merge the te hni al s ills and the influen es of West African weaving, quilting from the American South and European tapestry-making, with rich, nuanced visions of African American life and identity. Holburne; www.holburne.org
Until 15 June
THE BOTANICAL WORLD OF MARY DELANY AND GEORGIE HOPTON
A unique, collaborative project
curated by Ingrid Swenson focussing on the work of two women, Mary Delany (1700–1788) and Georgie Hopton (1967–) and their shared passion for plants. The Gallery at No.1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk
Until 22 June
MYTHS AND MEMORIES: RENAISSANCE MAPS
The curation of more than 40 Renaissance maps demonstrates a range of perspectives and forms on the historical documents, as well as highlighting their incredible artistry. The American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org
29 April – 3 May
BATH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The free exhibition at St. Michael’s Without Church will display a wide variety of the work of our local amateur photographers. Email: ashley_rosengarten@hotmail.com
2 May – 6 July FIRST IMPRESSIONS: PRINTERS’ PROOFS OF WORKS BY GREAT 20TH CENTURY ARTISTS
This new exhibition includes proofs from Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Peter Blake and Frank Auerbach shedding light on the contribution made by the expert printers who work closely with artists and undertake the immensely skilled process of inking the printing plates and putting them through a printing press. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk
3 – 11 May
WYLYE VALLEY ART TRAIL
The award- winning Wylye Valley Art Trail is an inspiring and eclectic festival of visual art and craft set in 82 venues across south west Wiltshire. It includes open studios, galleries, art group exhibitions, student groups, virtual exhibitions, hands on activities, demonstrations, workshops and talks. This year there are over 250 exhibitors, ranging from award-winning artists with international reputations, to those just starting out on their creative journeys. www.wvat.co.uk
11 May / 8 June
BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR
Bringing the best of contemporary
and innovative art to Green Park Station, this monthly fair runs from April until December, and showcases many local creatives including painters, sculptors, and ceramicists. www.bcaf.co.uk
THEATRE / CINEMA
23 – 26 April
CRUEL INTENTIONS
Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, this brandnew hit musical, inspired by the lassi film Les Liaisons Dangereuses, is packed with pop classics including those by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
25 April
MACBETH: THE MUSICAL
Enjoy Shakespeare’s tragedy like never before, as Bristol Shakespeare Company deploy wittily rewritten pop classics, uproariously silly comedy, and an array of highly questionable props to recount the rise and fall of Scotland’s most murderous king! Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk
The Wiggles are bouncing into Bath on 8 May
FROMTOPLEFT: There will be over 250 exhibitors this year at the Wylye Valley Art Trail including Farhad Riahi; Blues and rock songwriter Sari Schorr plays Chapel Arts on 8 May; Stewart Lee and his tough-talking werewolf alter ego comes to Bath Forum on 16 May; The Bath Photographic Society is headed to St. Michael’s Without Church 29 April – 3 May
5 – 10 May
JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES
London Classic Theatre’s new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s lassi omedy about fi e birthdays two unha y marriages and a ossessi e mother Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
9 – 10 May BUFF
After a bad break-up from a sixyear relationshi a lus si ed gay primary school teacher sublets his flat to buff nstagram model amie This funny and poignant soloperformed play tackles body image ressures so ial media ealousy and one gay man’s ourney to self a e tan e whilst na igating the to i uni ersal world of online dating Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
15 May
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED
A comic and fast-paced romp through the master ie es of ane Austen heroes heroines lo e interests and her in isi e so ial satire ta led in ust minutes by three nimble actors from hoolhouse rodu tions Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk
MUSIC
4 May
THE UNDERTONES
erry’s finest with front man aul McLoone present their classic
un tra s with erfe t o hoo s including Teenage Kicks Jimmy, Jimmy My Perfect Cousin Wednesday Week and It’s Going to Happen Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk
8 May
SARI SCHORR
US chart-topping American singersongwriter ari horr deli ers blues rock sounds that tell stories in a heart on her slee e ind of way Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org
10 May
VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR
This Ultimate Soul show features more than oi es in the hoir erforming a s e ta ular s ine tingling repertoire of timeless hits from legendary artists including te ie Wonder ha a han uther andross Aretha Fran lin and tis edding Bath Pavilion; www etter o o e o
COMEDY
Until 21 April
THE BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL
t’s ba bigger better and funnier than with a whole host of top stand-up names and new talent filling the bill and filling enues across the city including Maisie Adam uildhall on A ril ain tirling omedia on A ril and the rand Final of the New A t Competition (Old Theatre Royal on A ril www.bathcomedy.com
PHOTO BY ROB BLACKHAM
16 May
STEWART LEE VS THE MAN-WULF
The deadpan quick-witted comic shares the stage with a tough-talking American werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. Who will win? Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk
CHILDREN
21 April
BASIL BRUSH FAMILY SHOW
As part of the Bath Comedy Festival, the fantastically funny fox conjures up a show full of magic, storytelling and ‘boom-boom’ jokes. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk
8 May THE WIGGLES
This three-show high energy musical extravaganza features all eight Wiggles and their Wiggly pals including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword and TikTok sensation The Tree of Wisdom to bring entertainment and education, in their signature interactive and
engaging style. All together now ‘Fruit salad, yummy, yummy’. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk
Until 11 October PETRIFICATION
A ath oyal iterary and ientifi Institution exhibition aimed at children to inform and inspire interest in the wonderful world of fossils. BRLSI; www.brlsi.org
OTHER
Until 27 September AUSTENS AT THE ABBEY
Explore the many fascinating connections the Austen family has to Bath Abbey through a programme of events that includes after hour tours and a Regency church service. www.bathabbey.org
2 – 5 May LARKHALL FESTIVAL
The annual event run by the community celebrates local art, music and creativity and includes singing om etitions a ba e off quiz and its own parade.
Facebook @LarkhallFestival
CULTURE CLUB with Katherine Kingsley
Three-time Olivier Award nominee Katherine Kingsley stars alongside Anna Chancellor in April De Angelis’ drama Playhouse Creatures at Theatre Royal Bath from 28 April to 3 May, direct from its London opening. TV credits for Katherine, who trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, include Unforgotten, Amandaland, and Black Mirror
The last great film I saw The Brutalist. I thought it was majestic. I loved the long-paced nature of it, the exquisite screenwriting, and the meticulous performances. I also really enjoyed the interval, it felt like an event, and it was such a lovely experience to be in a cinema with that kind of atmosphere.
A film I could watch over and over again
Toy Story 3. I have a five-yearold son and we both adore the Toy Story films. The third one is just so good yet so sad and so beautiful.
A painting that means something to me I come from a family of artists, and my dad was always painting. He did lots of watercolours and was incredibly talented. I have many of his pieces around my home, but my favourite is one he painted of the Palace Theatre in the West End while I was working there. It means the world to me.
Best TV show ever… Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. It was absolutely excellent and
technically brilliant. The fact that they pulled off an hour of content in a single shot was truly remarkable.
My TV guilty pleasure Keeping Up with The Kardashians. Sorry!
The book that changed my life
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing really sticks with me. I read it around 25 years ago. There’s something so dark, creepy, and compelling about it that left a lasting impression.
The book I could happily re-read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I like to dip in and out of it whenever I feel the need to reconnect. It’s a book that always helps ground me.
Last live music gig I went to I went to Wilderness Festival last summer, which was epic, so many brilliant acts and such an amazing atmosphere. And I’ve actually got tickets for Oasis this year. I’m very excited!
My desert island disc Nina Simone’s I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl. I just love her.
Podcast pick
I’m really into podcasts. I love listening to How to Fail by Elizabeth Day, The Rest is Politics, The Rest is Entertainment, and Louis Theroux’s podcast. I think podcasts are brilliant, you can get on with all sorts while listening to something inspiring, thoughtprovoking, or just entertaining.
For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Katherine has picked Adolescence as one of the greatest TV shows ever made
PHOTO BY ELLIE KURTTZ
Catch Iconic – Portraiture from Francis Bacon To Andy Warhol before it leaves the Holburne on 5 May
GET THE PARTY STARTED!
On the 16 May, 150 local children will be opening Bath Festival’s ‘Party in the City’ in Bath Abbey with a dazzling performance of a new Voices for Life commission.
Jools Scott and Sue Curtis’ ‘Song for Hope’ focusses on finding joy in the little things. Be it the beauty of the natural world, the breaths we take or the people who surround us, it tells of how hope and resilience can be built through a mindful attitude.
The theme couldn’t be a better fit for the charity’s mission. ‘Voices for Life gives children the space to breathe, discover their potential, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. That’s ultimately what this song is about,’ explains Founder and Executive Director Tessa Armstrong. ‘We’re really looking forward to showcasing it at
the Party in the City, so do come along!’
Besides the Song for Hope, the young singers will perform classic Voices for Life hit Extraordinary!, also written by Jools Scott and Sue Curtis. The 20-minute song cycle celebrates children’s uniqueness, and featured in a successful album in 2024 starring 100 local children.
Belinda Gifford-Guy (BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2023) will support the event as the charity’s Young Ambassador. The children will also be joined by the ‘Horizons Choir’, providing a delightful mixture of voices to start the party in style.
This performance is non-ticketed, and will be held at Bath Abbey on the 16 May, 6pm. For more information on Voices for Life events, see: www.voicesforlife.org.uk/events/.
Voices for Life is a children’s music and wellbeing charity. For more information, please visit the website: www.voicesforlife.org.uk/
A hidden-away venue above the streets of Bath, The Drawing Rooms is a 3-storey Georgian Townhouse o ering a decadent home from home for those looking for a friendly grown-up crowd- with great cocktails, wine & legendary live piano sessions.
DECADENT COCKTAILS
LIVE PIANO FRI & SAT COCKTAIL MASTERCLASSES KARAOKE ROOM PRIVATE HIRE ROOMS
The Drawing Rooms is open Wednesday –Saturday evenings until late and we welcome locals and visitors alike. We recommend prior booking for our busy weekend piano bar at tdrbath.club/bookings
UPPER FLOORS, BEAU NASH HOUSE, 19 UNION PASSAGE, BATH, BA1 1RD 01225 580552 hello@thedrawingrooms.co www.thedrawingrooms.co Thu 6pm to 11pm | Fri & Sat 5pm to late
THEDRAWINGROOMSBATH
Bath Fashion Festival is back!
Set for the 7th and 8th of June at The Holburne Museum.
Jam packed with fashionable fun, you can expect to see an exciting fashion show, fascinating panel talks, a world class exhibition, immersive workshops, pop-up shopping, our fantastic beauty area, food and drink, and interviews with some industry icons!
Get your early bird tickets now via Eventbrite/ www.bathfashionfestival.com and follow @bathfashionfestival for more exciting updates.
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Ruth Jones 24th
Andy Bell
The Prat Pack
Chris McCausland
The Perfect Setting
Host your next meeting in the refined surroundings of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, where historic elegance meets modern convenience. Our lightfilled meeting spaces provide an exceptional backdrop for board meetings, workshops, and away days, seamlessly blending period charm with contemporary connectivity. Discreet presentation screens, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of understated sophistication make every meeting exceptional.
Impress clients or reward your team with an overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms or suites for a truly memorable experience.
To start planning your next event, visit our website, email, or call us today and speak to a member of our dedicated events team.
BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY
Three books guaranteed to bring about a smile in a reallife world of frowns
“Weird Nick and his far smarter friendneuro-divergent Patrick, are re-cast as an detectiveunlikely duo”
Last time I promised books with some humour or warmth to them as an antidote to what I laughably described as the ‘peak dysfunction’ of global news. Six weeks later it’s clear we are not yet even in the foothills of dysfunction. So I will deliver on that pledge to propose books that, one way or another, will make you smile.
Belinda Bauer’s The Impossible Thing (Transworld, £16.99) has a humorous lilt throughout its cleverly constructed mystery plot set across two time periods. In the 1920s on the North Yorkshire coast ‘climmers’ des end re i itous liff fa es to olle t desirable seabird eggs – doing the hard yards for the olle tors who then rofit from them. One fearless young girl, Celie, bests a famously inaccessible cleft in the rockface and secures a rare bright red guillemot egg. A notoriously sly egg bro er ur hases it and tasks Celie with building him a collection, by annually seeking out the same bird’s eggs. Fast forward to the present day and bumbling Welsh teenager – Weird Nick – is trying to sell off the ontents of his father’s attic to raise funds. His failed attempt to au tion a red egg he finds amongst the junk, unwittingly reveals the precious egg’s whereabouts. A dramatic heist follows and, suddenly Ni and his far smarter neuro di ergent friend atri are re ast as an unli ely dete ti e duo trying to figure out why the egg matters so much, to whom and why they’d be willing to kill for it.
auer’s artly histori al ornithologi al thriller is a treat, as it moves seamlessly from beautiful descriptions of birds and their habitat to murderous plots.
The novels of Austrian writer Robert Seethaler are always full of heart. And yet, somehow, they’re never saccharine. The Café with No Name anongate fits that mould precisely. Set in 1960s Vienna, we follow obert an odd ob man at the Karmelitamarkt, who quits his arduous life
of greasing awnings and lugging vegetables, to open up an empty corner cafe just beyond the market.
This Viennese café is in an altogether different tradition to the re war tem les to offee and a e where intelle tuals bemoaned the death of the empire and fretted over Hitler’s rise. For one thing, Robert can’t even think of a name for his café. And for another, Robert’s regulars are working folk who are trying to cope with the long tail of the second world war and the modernisation of their city.
Over glasses of beer and plates of bread and lard a ast of hara ters find res ite from their troubles. We meet redundant factory wor ers a worn out wrestler who wearily plies his trade by night in the market space and then Mila the seamstress turned waitress with a quick answer to many of the punters’ problems.
Romances are formed, tragedies are weathered and steadily the café becomes vital to the lives of so many local people – in the rich tradition, I might add, of independently owned retail and hospitality institutions.
Lastly, a word about a fun and chaotic portrait of modern life set in Wellington, New Zealand. The eponymous Greta and Valdin – in Rebecca K Reilly’s debut novel (Cornerstone, £9.99) – are from a mixed heritage involving Maori, Russian and Catalan. In alternating chapters we explore the lives and loves of these queer siblings as they try to balance academic pressures, fleeting relationshi s rushes dates and everything else the third decade of life can throw at them.
Diving into the tumultuous lives of these self absorbed hara ters with eilly’s shar and witty writing is just one example of how a book can take you well away from all of life’s other big picture concerns.
Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com
SEEING STARS
As ath Festi al’s musi and literature offerings ollide it brings about a gala y of brilliant e ents
By Georgette McCready
The stars are out in the ity in ay as ath iterature Festival and Bath Music Festi al wel ome the biggest names in books and classical musi The two festi als run from aturday ay to unday ay offering do ens of li e e ents to entertain enlighten and lift the s irits Ti ets are on sale now and under s an ome along for as little as As always ath Festi als begin with arty in the ity an e ening of free li e musi a ross do ens of ity entre enues a e the date Friday ay ere are ust a few of the other musi and literature highlights ha ening o er the eight days
What’s occurin’? Gavin and Stacey fans will wel ome the han e to see Nessa herself Ruth Jones andid le er u roarious and fun hatting about her latest no el By Your Side and more besides on ay m at ath Forum.
elf effa ing modestly hilarious omedian Ivo Graham uts his heart on the line as he shares tales from his memoir Yardsticks for Failure e’ll be at hrist hur h ulian oad on ay at m
Sayeeda Warsi was ritain’s first uslim abinet minister who now uses her e erien es to refle t on the rising tide of slamo hobia In Muslims Don’t Matter we an e e t to hear this forthright s ea er urging us to unite and a t together aroness Warsi will be at the uildhall am ay
Sean Shibe guitar rofessor at the uildhall hool of usi and rama at the age of returns as the ath usi Festi al musi ian in residen e after an e traordinary tenure in in whi h he won raise from The Times for his erforman e elebrating irginia Woolf’s Orlando.
oin ean hibe and tenor en ohnson on ay m for Bawdy Song an energising sele tion of lute song and fol arrangements This intimate concert will be held at Bath i a om any u stairs abo e reen ar rasserie ath ean will also gi e a re ital of lassi al guitar musi at t ary’s athwi m on ay
A fa ourite with ath audien es David Baddiel returns to share stories this time from his own life ngaging honest and relatable he’ll be in conversation about My Family his new memoir on ay m at the uildhall aternity lea e will be under s rutiny on ay from m at The uildhall when ournalist and adio resenter Emma Barnett will be dis ussing the highs and lows of maternity lea e and her new boo Maternity Service with Alex Bollen author of the newly ublished Motherdom: Breaking Free From Bad
Science and Good Mother
Myths. n ironmentalist o in tfi is the rodu er of Ocean
a new a id Attenborough
BELOW: David Baddiel; OPPOSITEFROMTOPLEFTTORIGHT: Emma Barnett; Alex Bollen, don’t miss the free to attend Party in The City, Ben Okri, Jeneba KannehMason, Ruth Jones, Ivo Graham, Sayeeda Warsi, Colin Butfield, Charlotte Proudman, Sean Shibe, Michelle de Kretser
do umentary whi h will be s reened globally from ay to oin ide with ir a id’s th birthday olin will be tal ing about this and the boo Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness whi h he wrote in ollaboration with the greatest natural history broad aster of our times on ay m The uildhall ath Australian author Michelle de Kretser alls in at The ission Theatre on ay at m to tal about her se enth no el Theory and Practice a mesmerising a ount of desire and ealousy truth and shame Also tal ing new boo s is oo er ri e winning author Ben Okri is latest no el Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Broken Hearted is a modern fable about lo e ower and our many sel es ast and future ubli and ri ate whi h he will be dis ussing on ay m at t within’s
Church.
boo
“Live events designed entertain,toenlighten and lift the spirits”
Charlotte Proudman is an award winning ritish barrister and a ademi er He Said, She Said: Truth, Trauma and the Struggle for Justice in Family Court is full of real life stories on erning for ed marriage domesti abuse hild abdu tion and female genital mutilation and highlights the biases and re udi e in our legal system This am aigner for gender equality will be in on ersation with do umentary filmma er Marion Milne at am on ay at the uildhall t’s a leasure to wel ome ba to ath Jeneba Kanneh-Mason a member of the e traordinary anneh ason family eneba made her debut on the international s ene at the roms and has re ently released her debut solo album Fantasie er rogramme for her Bath Music Festival is a combination of gorgeous musi ranging from the high baroque of a h and the lassi al dri e of eetho en to the im ressionisti erfe tion of ebussy’s Preludes with a dash of Ameri an fla our eneba will be laying at ath Forum m on ay For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk
ianist
PHOTO BY MATT STRONGE
JOIN THE LUMINARIES
Become
a modern-day
Bsubscriber in support of BATH ASSEMBLY ROOMS
ath Assembly Rooms was once at the heart of Georgian society and has a long history of being supported by the local community. With ambitious plans to bring the building back to its former glory and return it to the heart of 21st century assembly, it’s asking the people of Bath to help once again.
By joining the ‘Luminaries’ with a minimum donation of £250 you’ll be helping to light up the Rooms again. Every penny raised will go towards the conservation and restoration of this historic building and helps to contribute to the overall fundraising target of £3.2million.
In 1769 the architect John Wood the Younger financed the creation of the ‘New Rooms’ through a ‘tontine’ subscription – an invest plan that individuals were invited to join in return for a say in what happened in the building.
By spring 1769, around £14,000 had been raised from 70 individuals, many of whom lived in Bath. A fifth of those original subscribers were in fact women – so far from a male-only enterprise. After the shell of the building was complete, many of the subscribers also contributed to funding the furnishings, including the chandeliers that remain in the Assembly Rooms today. When the Rooms opened on 30 September 1771, the subscribers could participate in a varied programme of events,
including dress balls, concerts, and cotillion balls (country dancing, later replaced by ‘fancy balls’).
The Luminaries has echoes of this original subscriber model used by John Wood the Younger and feels like a fitting way to connect people with the Assembly Rooms today. Anyone pledging to join the Luminaries will receive exclusive benefits including a welcome pack, a set of limited-edition postcards, a Bath Assembly Rooms pin badge and regular email updates about the fascinating conservation work going on behind the scenes. They’ll also receive two tickets to visit the new Georgian experience when the building reopens.
People don’t need to be a National Trust member, the only ask is for a donation of at least £250 to secure a place as a Luminary for the next 12 months. Every Luminary that joins in 2025 will have their donation matched by a generous local benefactor.
All funds raised will go directly towards the project work supporting the restoration of the ten original Georgian chandeliers, the installation of a Georgian-inspired staircase and the creation of a new oak floor. Once complete, the Rooms will be brought back into the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath and serve as a thriving place for local communities and for visitors far and wide.
To nd out more about the Luminaries and join, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/luminaries.
PLANET EARTH
How to create an eco-friendly garden without compromising on style
By Sarah Moolla
We know that an eco-friendly outdoor s ace benefits the lanet in ulti le ways. It can support biodiversity, conserve resources, and reduce environ ental i act ut the thought o incor orating that into our lovely gardens can be overwhel ing orchards instead o borders, bee hives re lacing flower ots, and a load o weeds running wild ortunately not here our local e erts share sur risingly easy ways to create a wildli e and lanet riendly s ace that don t co ro ise on style or beauty
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
t is worth being aware o the lain acts to hel strengthen our resolve to hel the lanet in our own s all way he 2023 State of Nature Report reveals that the K is a ong the world s ost nature-de leted countries, highlighting the need or each o us to hel re uvenate our natural landscapes,” says Tom Murphy, director and lead designer with Compass Garden & Landscape Design ne effective way to do this is by a ing changes in our gardens to create wildli e corridors or biodiversity hots ots that su ort and encourage local wildli e
And don t thin only having a s all atch o outdoor s ace rohibits your involve ent, as Katrina Sharland of Bath Garden e lains o atter how uch, or how little, outdoor space you have to play with, it is wholly possible to curate gardens that, not only deliver on an aesthetic level, but also provide a diverse habitat for wildlife. ildflower eadows within do estic gardens are an econo ical and effective way o attracting a wide variety o ollinators and creating a wildli e habitat here s no need to have lots o land you could si ly create an island o wildflowers on a atch o ground as a low aintenance o tion
THE POLLINATOR COUNT
he i ortance o bees cannot be over e hasised without the it wouldn t be long be ore our ecosyste colla sed ees ollinate our wild trees and wild flowers, which then support other insects, which in turn su ort birds, bats, a als and everything u the ood chain, with ood and shelter ut we now their nu bers are seriously di inished globally he ongoing decline in the K s bee o ulation has been uch e acerbated by the loss o any o the country s once flower-rich habitats, says Nick Woodhouse, gardens creative director with Woodhouse & Law iven that over three-quarters o our diet is dependent on bee pollination, it is vital that we all do what we can to tend to the health and survival o bees in our own gardens Key to this is roviding honeybees and other ollinators with a su ly o ollen and nectar through the seasons ere it s advisable to avoid lants with double or ulti- etalled flowers such as hydrangeas ees can o ten struggle get ast their abundant etals, to what is o ten already a li ited su ly o ollen and nectar nstead, loo or saucer-sha ed or shallow blosso lants such as asters, and in colours that honeybees are ore drawn to yellows, blues and in articular ur les, which they can see ore vividly than any other colour.
“Providing nectar all year round is key
MAINIMAGE: One of the most important aspects of creating a greener garden is not to rush things says Steve Lannin, head gardener Iford Manor Gardens; INSET: Steve also reiterates that using insecticides damages the eco-system
GARDENS
“Bees are most active between March and September and we’d reco end lanting a co bination o flowering lants that offer a ood source through these months and beyond. Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ is a great o tion here, with its long flowering eriod and ur le bloo s Garden designer Melanie Jackson agrees: “Providing nectar all year round is key, especially for emerging pollinators in early spring, and flowers such as ri roses, ul onarias crocuses, and even dandelions are ideal hrough the year, lant single o en flowers that are easy to access, such as foxgloves, sedums, echinacea, erysiumum, lavender, verbena bonariensis o le flowers with layered etals such as double peony, hybrid tea roses, fuchsias, and some dahlias, are harder for the insects to find the nectar and are not so beneficial to wildli e
WEEDING CELEBRATION
Don’t be scared of embracing weeds either, they can be vital for supporting the eco-system as Tom Murphy explains, “By rethinking our approach to weeding and allowing these native plants to thrive, we support the entire food web because healthy insect populations attract birds, bats, and hedgehogs, enriching our gardens’ eco-systems. or e a le, butterflies are articular about where they lay their eggs, often choosing native plants that many gardeners might consider weeds. Plants like nettles, dandelions, and dog violets serve as essential ood sources or cater illars, which later trans or into butterflies not only do they pollinate the garden, they provide food for other wildlife, and o course they are beauti ul to loo at
CUT IT OUT
As tempting as it might be to cut or prune when a tree or shrub looks overgrown, be careful of the timing. Becky Sibley, Wild Thyme Designs’ director and gardener explains: “A great way to attract wildlife to a garden is to ensure that shrubs are not pruned at the wrong time of year or too aggressively. Shrubs should be allowed to mature so that they can ulfil their growth cycle ully ard runing at the wrong
ti e can re ove flowers or this year or otentially ne t year lant shrubs and trees ensuring they have enough space to mature and let them grow, which in turn will ensure bees and other wildlife can have access to the ood the flowers can rovide at different ti es o the year Too often shrubs are cut back into blob shapes, at the wrong time of year and this will affect wildli e eco-syste s which de end u on it
JUST LEAF IT
Other environmental tricks that might appeal to the lazy gardener include leaving those leaves alone. “Leaving leaves on the ground over winter and keeping the dry stalks of perennials standing allowing seed heads to dry, adds food for winter birds and wildlife and cover for hibernating insects and a als, says Melanie ac son or e a le, the dry tall stalks of evening primrose will attract goldfinches, and a verbascu lu e is a host to the mullein moth caterpillar. Mowing less and having slightly longer grass makes the lawn stronger against weed invasion and reduces the need to add fertilisers or herbicides.
“To get the best habitat, an area should be left that only gets cut once a year, but just having the grass longer allows clover, daisies, plantains to flower which rovides ood, es ecially or bees and hoverflies
“Don’t be scared of embracing weeds”
This approach is echoed by Nick Woodhouse: “We’d also recommend leaving your lawnmower in the shed where and when you can. By avoiding mowing part or all of your lawn for just a month, you’ll be amazed by the busy wildlife habit you’ll create. You may be surprised to find what s already in your lawn, given the rare o ortunity to grow and bloom in this time. Clover is often included in packets of lawn seeds and may be joined in your lawn by other seeds, dropped in by birds, or blown into the garden. Daisies, speedwell, cowslips might appear, and if you are luc y, orchids too
ABOVE: Tom Murphy of Compass Garden & Landscape Design suggests creating biodiversity hotspots; INSET: No matter how small your space there’s always something beneficial that can be done for the eco-system says Katrina Sharland of Bath Garden Design; OPPOSITE: Becky Sibley of Wild Thyme Designs reminds us to prune at the right times of year
GARDENS
TEST THE WATER
“The dry tall stalks of primroseevening will attract goldfinches”
The Grade II listed Caisson House used to have 15 locks supporting the Somerset Coal canal that ran through it until 1895, which then dried out. That was until new owners Amanda and Phil Honey decided to bring the bac to li e e refilled two arts o the canal and also built a third pond close to the house and watching them all come to life has been so thrilling, says hil ur first act was to establish aquatic weed and other aquatic lants to o ygenate the water e had to chuc le when we saw a ingfisher sitting on a wall watching the new ond fill u ure enough, it ca e bac later As the lants grow, they release o ygen into the water, increasing the o ygen content t is antastic on a hot, sunny day to watch the columns of bubbles rising to the surface. Our champagne ponds.” Their water story continued when they stocked two of their biggest ponds with indigenous fish ench are a botto eeding fish and are very good at keeping the water clean, sadly they are rarely seen. Crucian carp are another bottom feeder and also help keep the pond clean. They can get enormous and would never win a beauty contest! he third one is udd, a beauti ul red finned fish which bas s on the surface on sunny days in big shoals.
ince then we have watched as the range and quantity o wildli e that the onds su orts has e loded n the s ring, rogs, toads and newts arrive and all spawn. We have had huge grits of tadpoles resembling oil slicks in the last two years. When they mature into beautiful frogs and toads and leave the water, all mowing stops as they are hopping everywhere a sure this large o ulation has hel ed reduce the
: The smallest of water features can have a vast impact on supporting local wildlife of all kinds says Bath Garden : Amanda and Phil Honey brought the water back to the Grade II listed Caisson House
mel@melaniejackson.co.uk www.melaniejackson.co.uk
Melanie Jackson Garden Design
Melanie Jackson offers a complete garden design service, individual and inspired planting and beautiful wildlife focused gardens in and around Bath. Even with the most derelict of plots or daunting projects, we can find a way to create a garden that is welcoming and relaxing.
Melanie Jackson Garden Design and Matt Devereux proprietor of Grounds and Greens have been working along side each other for the past five years. The successful team have now built around twenty gardens together and are currently working on projects bringing more gardens to life in and around Bath.
At Grounds & Greens we have a passion for combining high quality products, craftsmanship, attention to detail and professionalism to produce truly outstanding gardens.
All our gardens are built to British Industry Standards giving you peace of mind that your garden and investment are built to last.
BY
number of slugs in the garden and increased the number of grass snakes. We see them regularly basking by the water and sometimes swimming in the water. Freshwater mussels have arrived, huge ones, almost the size of a hu an hand erons are regular visitors, a ingfisher co es ro ti e to ti e, various ty es o wild duc s, huge nu bers o dragonflies and da selflies are here which lay their eggs on the weeds and water lilies
TO SCALE
You may not have the scale of Caisson House but the concept can be adapted for all gardens, as Katrina Sharland explains: “Coming in all sha es and si es to fit whatever outdoor s ace is available, effective and visually stunning water features and birdbaths can be created using simple items such as a shallow Corten steel bowl or reclaimed stone or galvanised troughs. The smallest of water features can have a vast impact on supporting local wildlife of all kinds, from birds and mammals to insects and amphibians, and introducing native water and marginal plants to your water feature will enhance biodiversity further.
“The range and quantity of wildlife that the ponds supports has exploded”
“Many of Bath’s gardens have a natural falling landscape, yet a sloped garden can become a real blessing as the contours of the land can be used to create a ‘pond-less waterfall’ through the clever use of boulders and terracing and a simple system that recirculates the water. These water features are easy to install to any scale and create a dramatic effect that is very naturalistic, whilst also reducing ris or a ilies with s all children
PHOTO
GARDENS
CREATURE COMFORTS
Think about the birds as well as the bees advises Melanie Jackson: “Bird feeders, boxes and insect hotels are excellent, providing they are in the right place ie. some insects want sun, others cool shade – bird boxes need north to east facing aspect. Also don’t forget about hedgehogs – holes in fences for hedgehogs work better in a network.”
“Incorporating smaller elements to the garden such as wildlife ponds, log piles, or meadow areas – where native grasses such as deschampsia ces itosa and wildflowers are le t uncut rovides shelter and sustenance for countless insect and animal species,” says Tom Murphy. “These features not only boost biodiversity but also serve as attractive focal points, adding texture and interest to garden designs. These areas will need to be carefully managed and cared for through the year, but the reward o thriving wildli e should be well worth the additional effort
And while plant chomping slugs might not win your heart, they are vital to the health of the garden. Steve Lannin, head gardener Iford Manor Gardens, the Grade 1 listed terraced gardens puts forward the case for the defence. “Logs, decay and slugs; the biggest mistake I see is the labelling of some species as ‘undesirable’. There really is no such thing. Lots of slug species eat only decaying plant matter, and are so important for the garden’s eco-balance. Learn to love them and you will be happier and your garden better. It’s always an imbalance of the food chain that causes problems and unfortunately it’s usually our in uts that have noc ed things off course eaving a ew logs and old leaves in corners of the garden, and generally being a little less tidy will rove irresistible to beetles o all sorts, as well as offering shelter for overwintering insects and hedgehogs.”
CHEMICAL WARFARE
Using chemicals and poisons is an absolute no-no, no matter how te ting it is, and resistance will rea benefits teve annin tells us more: “In one of my earliest gardening jobs, I was faced with a really serious aphid outbreak early in the season which threatened to sap the strength of the roses, in a garden famous for its roses. It was hugely
tempting to reach for a pesticide to control the problem. Instead, I held my nerve for a few days until a small army of ladybirds appeared and mopped up the problem for me. They, in turn, fed some of the birds in the garden and crisis was averted.”
Also instead of using herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides which all impact garden biodiversity, there are more natural methods of deterring pests. “Embracing natural alternatives – think coffee grounds, eggshells or onion s ray to deter slugs increasing the use o native s ecies, and allowing naturally occurring lants to flourish can significantly enhance the ecological health o our gardens, advises Tom Murphy. “By making these conscious choices, we contribute to a broader effort to let nature thrive once ore across our beauti ul country.”
And a final word o wordly advice ro teve annin don t rush it! “Observe what you have; this is the most important thing really. ending ti e doing nothing but loo ing and listening in your garden space will give you a new found appreciation for the micro and macro worlds going on around you. I’m always amazed, and sometimes a little shocked, to see the life and death struggles which go on unobserved around us every day, it’s an incredible world we live in and by creating a few opportunities and sitting back to watch what happens, you can really boost the diversity in your garden. Build it and they will come!”
ABOVE: Caisson House has stocked two of their biggest ponds with indigenous fish; INSET: Nick Woodhouse advises we look for saucer-shaped or shallow blossom plants which allow the bees easier access to the pollen
“Just
“Thanks
A PASSION FOR PLANTS
Natural Garden Design with WILD THYME DESIGNS
I“just want people to love their gardens,” says Becky Sibley, founder of Wild Thyme Designs, a multiple award-winning garden design and maintenance business. And it’s clear she really means it. Based in Wiltshire and working across Corsham, Bath and the surrounding villages, Becky runs a team of eight who create beautiful, plant-led gardens. These are spaces designed to be enjoyed, not just admired. From compact residential gardens to large country estates, the focus is on making natural, wildlife-friendly spaces feel achievable for everyone.
Becky’s love for gardening started early. “I grew up in the garden. My mum taught me all about plants from when I was a toddler,” she says. “I’ve been a gardener for over 40 years, so I really know plants inside and out. I know what works where and how to make it thrive, and what works well together.”
This lifelong knowledge of plants is what sets Becky apart. Her designs have a relaxed, natural
flow and often include prairie-style planting and textured layers. These gardens not only look beautiful throughout the seasons but also provide a rich habitat for wildlife. “For me, it’s all about the plants. I love getting people in touch with their beauty and what they bring to a garden, not just for us but for bees, butterflies and birds too.”
Wild Thyme Designs began six years ago with a simple goal. Becky wanted to make great garden design more accessible. “We look after everyone. It doesn’t have to be a huge budget. We can create something magical in just a couple of days, without it costing the earth. We also make our gardens; we design, then we put the plants in and tend to them afterwards – a very unique combination that suits our clients”.
The business has also received national recognition. In June 2024, Becky’s Showcase Garden featured at BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC next to Adam Frost, where she was awarded a Silver Merit. She now holds two of these awards and was also named Muddy Stilettos Garden Designer of the Year in 2021.
THE BEEFY BOYS
Burgers get millennial – with ‘four great mates have a dream’ origin story and banging patties
By Lydia Tewkesbury
“It was a mouthwatering melting pot of American cheese and creamy Swiss cheese”
It’s a millennial burger place,” my friend recently said to me o ee y oys, the new burger outfit at the to o Milso treet he descri tion certainly fits the laid-wearing, beard-s orting we a e burgers a better way vibe ee y Boys exudes. Step past the restaurant’s grand e terior or erly he Milso n e och yne n e at est an a arently the original vaults are still in the base ent and you ll find an interior that s all etallic finishes, neon lights and corrugated iron contrasting the marble pillars and carved wooden counters which can only assu e are original to the classically ‘Bath’ building. You can eel the care ul consideration in every fi ture to create an environ ent that gives effortless cool t s one o those brands that wants you to a e it your personality (you can buy merch), but in a light touch, we now all o this is silly ind o way the erch includes original ages ro the evil s coo boo , available or , i e any illennial burger lace worth its salt, the Beefy Boys came about apparently by accident. The story goes, our guys ust really loved to a e burgers, and their bac garden barbecuing got out o control when they decided to enter a competition for fun and ended u wal ing away crowned second best burger a ers in the world, with o -u success and then a slew of successful restaurants (Hereford, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham, and now Bath) to follow.
sound li e giving this a little bit o side eye, a nothing about the intensely curated restaurant struc e as accidental t s not a criticis , but in contrast to the oys tri -and- all into success story, when you actually visit, it eels li e they re trying really hard to give you a good ti e, and that s no bad thing.
because your life will be, as the name implies, hell after you eat it), chic en burgers and a whole bunch o sides ro chic en wings to ac and cheese balls, and salads.
Owned by Lee Symonds, Dan Mayo-Evans, Anthony Murphy and Christian Williams Branches Hereford (2015), Shrewsbury (2021) and Cheltenham (2023)
Back story “We are four mates who started mucking about cooking burgers and barbecuing in our back gardens in Hereford about 10 years ago. Our friends and family thought it was great so we decided to enter a BBQ competition in Bristol called Grillstock. As four total novices we literally just entered for a laugh but we won the award for Best Burger and consequently got entered into the World Food Championships in Las Vegas to represent the UK against 50 other teams and came second!”
o ted or he Mac atty oy because a co itted to always choosing the ost cheese-intense o tion available, and this burger really lived u to that tas A breadcrumbed patty of actual mac and cheese including the asta , it was a outh-watering elting ot o A erican cheese and crea y wiss cheese, with a s icy addition o chi otle etchu that gave the whole burger a sur risingly s o y finish My riend, eanwhile, went or he hic en oy, an indulgent east o chargrilled chic en breast to ed with chi otle ayo, bacon, A erican cheese, Swiss cheese and some lettuce and red onion thrown in for freshness. Though there were some struggles with the burger s structural integrity we love a ac ed burger but ee ing the fillings in the bread does get tric y the ore that s in there this too was completely delicious.
Ethos Great quality, world class, dirty burgers and street food, using locally sourced ingredients and authentic cooking methods
Covers 110
Outdoor space Yes, opening in May Prices Starters £7- £12, mains £12 - £15.50, desserts £4.95
Vibe “You’ve got fight, for your right, to paaaaaaaaa-tty! Aw, mom you’re just jealous it’s the Beefy Boys!” type thing
For a burger place with ‘beefy’ in the name, ee y oys had way ore veggie o tions than was e ecting n general, it had way ore o tions than was e ecting the enu is absolutely vast, covering classic burgers, s eciality burgers including the ell oy , which the enu advises you not to order
ides-wise, we went or ries he ries selection is also e haustive, obviously, and in-line with the Beefy Boys’ street food roots, they are deliciously e cessive e tried the Millionaire ries, which ca e s rin led with ar esan and chives and dri led with su tuous tru e oil, to be scoo ed u by the handful with creamy chipotle mayo dip. Sensational. or udding, we had to try the so t serve ice crea sundaes i e a Mc lurry but ancy, went or the sweet and biscuit-y iscoff sundae, which ca e with a generous a ount o addictive iscoff s read and whole iscoff biscuits, which now realise are the er ect vessels or trans orting ice crea ro glass to outh My riend had the classic chocolate sundae thin lashings o rich chocolate sauce and a fla e on ti , Mr hi y-style hen you re in the mood for a burger, Beefy Boys might steal top spot or first choice in ath t s inventive, ust the right side o e cessive, and ost i ortant o all, delicious t s not ust the illennials who are going to be down with he ee y oys vibe this has fir a ily avourite written all over it
FOOD & DRINK
STAR MAN
Lucknam Park’s executive chef, Hywel Jones has retained his prestigious Michelin Star for the 20th consecutive year. “Maintaining a Michelin Star for a milestone two decades is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” says Hwyel. “Consistency at this level requires passion, precision, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved at Restaurant Hywel Jones.” For more: www.lucknampark.co.uk
CORE STRENGTH
Roots Allotment recently coordinated a community apple tree planting event at its Tucker’s Meadow and Avon View sites. Around 30 allotment members volunteered their time and helped sow plant 30 heritage apple trees. These included rare varieties with deep connections to Somerset’s rich fruitgrowing heritage such as the ‘Court of Wick’ – a celebrated dessert apple that originated in Somerset in the 1700s and was once widely grown throughout the county but is now hard to come by.
Paige Daley, Growth Lead at Roots Allotment, says, “The community spirit was wonder ul throughout the day, and we finished with a small celebration at one of our member’s atches Marleen treated everyone to coffee and her homemade cake with damson jam.” For more: www.rootsallotments.com
GOLD GETTERS
Cordiality,the low-alcohol cordial drink co-created by Bath-based friends Jamillah Booty and Tine Stapelfeldt, has recently won gold at the Taste of the West Awards. The win follows the team being awarded gold at the international Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards. “We set out to make the best, most delicious drinks we could and here’s the proof!” says Jamillah.
For more: www.yourcordiality.com
Jamillah and Tine have created an award winning drink; INSET: Cordiality is low-alcohol
LEFT: Exec chef Hywel Jones; INSET: This is the 20th consecutive Michelin star win for the Lucknam restaurant
The Roots Allotment team enjoy a break back at Marleen’s!
More than 30 apple trees were planted
SMOKIN’!
Tom Kerridge is heading to Topping to talk barbecues, the topic of his new cook book The BBQ Book (Bloomsbury Absolute, £25)). The chef, who opened The Hand & Flowers in Marlow in , a ing it the world s first two-Michelin-starred pub, has created 80 recipes featuring everything outdoor, hot-coal and fire worthy ro s o y charred veg to flavourpacked marinated meats.
The evening event is being held at St Swithins on 8 May and costs £30 including Tom’s book. For more: www.toppingbooks.co.uk
BEE THERE
The Pig near Bath is hosting a full-day beekeeping workshop on 10 June. Led by local expert and founder of Knights Beekeeping, Martin Knight, alongside The Pig team, this hands-on experience offers a ascinating insight into the busy, bu y world o bees
The course includes the key basics of beekeeping and how to get started, how to open up a hive and what to look for inside, a trip to the hives to see the bees in action, and a honey and hive product tasting session. Guests will also enjoy a two-course lunch in the hotel’s greenhouse restaurant.
For more: www.thepighotel.com
CREAM OF THE CROP
Lacock Dairy, a family-run business crafting gelato from their fourthgeneration farm in Lacock, is now supplying the new communityowned pub in Limpley Stoke – the Hop Pole Inn.
A key value of Lacock Dairy, which is co-owned by hristo her oel, is sourcing the finest quality ingredients, from real Madagascan vanilla from a sustainable supplier, to candied wild cherries and wild strawberries from the north of Italy, and using fresh milk from their very own dairy herd.
“It’s a perfect example of the exceptional local ingredients we love to champion,” says the Hop Pole landlord Charlie Rawlings. “Lacock Dairy aligns perfectly with our farm-to-fork ethos.”
For more: www.lacockdairy.co.uk |
Tom Kerridge talks bbqs in Bath
Oh honey, honey
Christopher Doel, owner of Lacock Dairy, with four legged pal both enjoying a gelato! INSET: The gelato is now being supplied to the Hop Pole Inn
Visit the beehives of The Pig near Bath
MONDAY
SHOPPING
LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER
The acclaimed Bath artist Victoria Topping has o ened u her first gallery on alcot treet ictoria shares the ellow allery, which ad oins the legendary vintage clothes s ecialists the ellow ho , with riend and ellow artist iberty right
ictoria says, ince ve always wor ed in studios tuc ed away ro the ublic, it s really great to have this gallery and new studio eo le can visit the studio right on alcot treet oth ysel and iberty are using
Athe s ace to dis lay recent large-scale wor s, as well as creating s aller, ore affordable o tions or eo le wanting to in ect a bit o un and colour into their ho e e are ust finding our eet with it all but lan to do grou e hibitions ocusing on local artists and wor sho s in the near uture
I Feel Spring! by Victoria Topping, from £400, The Yellow Gallery, 74 Walcot Street, Bath; www.victoriatopping.com
WILD
WILD WOODS, £159
A painterly wallpaper design by Divine Savages that transports you to a magical place, evoking a sense of cal ing tranquilitree t s ti e to ta e a stroll off the beaten track and appreciate Mother Nature’s unfrequented back garden –explore an undiscovered slice o natural beauty
From Divine Savages, 5 Margaret's Buildings, Bath; www.divinesavages.com
WALLFLOWER
Rewild your home with these botanically-inspired wallpapers
RINGWOLD, £175
his cli bing floral a er by arrow all was adapted from a silk pattern originally created by aster weaver a es e an The unique paint on paper printing method brings an almost fabric like tactility to this botanical design
From Farrow & Ball, 124-126 Walcot Street, Bath; www.farrow-ball.com
RESPLENDENCE BY
GRAHAM & BROWN, £75
BLOMSTERHAV BY BORASTAPETER, £67.20
Designed by Noomi Spange, this evokes the sublime sights of summer as beautiful lupins, lilies, sweet peas and monkshood climb the walls alongside sun-ripened blackberries and strawberries to give freshness to its surrounding cris white s ace
From Jane Clayton, Paulton House, Old Mills, Paulton; www.janeclayton.co.uk
his gorgeous eacoc and floral design takes inspiration from the archives, and adds a conte orary flourish, with a glossy ica fibrous finish
Available to purchase through Dulux Decorator Centre, Unit 13, Maltings Industrial Park, Brassmill Lane, Bath; www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk
BLACKTHORN BY MORRIS & CO, £150 esigned by earle in , the o ing colours and darker background makes this o ular design e cellent or s aller s aces
Available to view by appointment at Perfect Rooms & Interiors Silver Street Showroom, Silver Street, Gastard, Wiltshire; www.perfectrooms.co.uk
CUPID'S BEAU BY SANDERSON WALLPAPER, £159
his original design resents a ca tivating usion o classical elegance and conte orary flair, e ito ising the ti eless char o botanical illustration
Available to order through Davies of Bath, 19A Monmouth Place, Bath; www.rabart.co.uk
NYMPHAEA BY MIND
THE GAP, £219
A floral haven acting as a cradle o serenity, as well as a es erising oint o ocus
Available from Woodhouse & Law interiors consultations by appointment, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk
CAPRICORN BLUSH BY LITTLE GREENE, £262 his ural is ins ired by sections o early th century anels by elay and uber t has been re ainted by hand to create a conte orary re roduction eaturing luscious landsca es with on eys and tro ical birds
Available from The Rose Garden home consultation service, 42 Vallis Way, Frome; www.therosegardenfrome.com
FLORIBUNDA MAGNA BY HOUSE OF HACKNEY, £195
n the ictorian language o flowers, the wildflower sy bolises oy so bring the oy ul o ti is o an nglish country garden into your ho e
Available from Rossiters of Bath Interiors Projects Service by appointment, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com
BINDWEED YELLOW TRUMPET, £185
eaturing a so histicated trellis oti , this hand ade design by ro e based designer Anni a eed ca tures the essence o the ritish countryside From Annika Reed; www.annikareed.com
REBEL, REBEL
In a world of same same, dare to be different
By Marianne Cantelo
We live in times where luxe neutral conformity is aspirational and where plumped up lips, glass skin and smooth foreheads render us indistinguishable and are applauded. However consider the strength to be gained from rebelling against the masses by refreshing yourself from deeper, esoteric wells of inspiration.
t s di cult to ignore the constant river o ‘sameness’ on social media, so easy to become trapped in the echo chambers of what we already know and agree is stylish. Isn’t it in reality a dry, sterile creative environment in which we survive, instead of thrive? The safe spring newness on the High Street, in beige, ca el and white, ight see to reflect the bright sunshine and freshness of coming
showers and sunshine, but on closer inspection, designs see artificial, recycled ro seasons before and barely thirst quenching. It’s all just a bit ‘too nice’, it’s all just a bit ‘everything’s fine, than s Mainstrea loo at y latest haul’ generic fashion is dissonant with the realities of the breathtakingly beautiful and also gut wrenchingly ugly world.
Revolutionary styles have always emerged from people on the fringes of society, people who, through a combination of circu stance and ingenious will ower, flourish and fail, as themselves, co-existing, whilst remaining individual within their movements. Many artists, or bohe ians, scrutinised and connected with their moods and nature on a deeper level, dipping into deeper waters and
then making clothes and dressing themselves in a way that could be joyfully whimsical and very often melancholic-complex and contradictory like all humans.
“Feel your way to colours found in the shadows cast by trees and rushing brooks and streams”
Feel free then, to ignore the pastel brights of previous springs and instead feel your way to colours found in the shadows cast by trees and rushing brooks and strea s Mossy and sage green denim jackets; iris ur le floral blouses dark blue and umber trousers all offering an earthier palette that reconnects us with creation with intensity, without letting go of reality. The deepest burgundy found in the last of the winter hellebores, forming the ground for patterned tiered skirts and peasant tops, romantic drop waisted aqueous dresses, bluebell blue deni flares contrasting with ale ri rose yellow ru ed blouses
Reject the grey marl, taupe and skimmed milk leisure-lounge uniform and choose textures and abrics that reflect your inner world, not your outer prison. Tough leather jackets, softened by rich chestnut and walnut tones, suede if you dare, fle ible but vulnerable, elt and boucl , warm and forgiving and silk, reminding us of our fragility.
Resist the temptation of homogeneity and the ‘dry robe’ as a status symbol and channel your inner oody isfit with a ca e, or oversi ed scar fit or a oorland hi e, in tones of dried pine leaves, or rejuvenated spring heather bscuring your entire ace in a fit o news-hating rage isn’t obligatory but at least it’s optional.
SHOPPING LIST
Mes Demoiselles Betty Trousers, £240, from Square, 12 New Bond Street, Bath; www.squarebath.uk
Handpainted white silk scarf Palimpsest by Carole Waller, £125; www.carolewaller.co.uk
Flame art pink trainers by Hoff, £130, from Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk
Protect your most precious possessions in a bag a wandering poet would be proud of, choosing more unstructured shapes that can be held protectively against the body, large enough to store a journal of unfettered, heartfelt outpourings, or at least a Kindle containing someone else’s novel, with the same within.
And lastly, march against obscurity with footwear that is wholly memorable, allowing your inner child to choose boots and trainers in diverse colours or te tures wild flowers contrasting against fresh meadow green; bulbs defiant against the blue s y, shiny uddled patent against slick stone
Photo by Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com
Model Kundai Nyakunu
Styling Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker Clothes Sourced from Dorothy House charity shops; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND
Question Time
What do parents need to ask when visiting a school in 2025?
Anyone who has sat on a tiny plastic chair at a primary school parents’ evening will know that, on the face of it, classrooms don’t loo that different ut the way our children are learning – both inside and outside school – is changing faster than a playground exit at 4pm on a Friday.
So, the questions we ask when visiting a prospective school need to move with the times. Firstly, old school Qs still need As: what are the class sizes / range of exam subjects / schools clubs / post-school destinations? It’s also always good to take one or two cross examination topics that you won t find answers to on the website. What do you actually do if a child falls behind? How much homework do you really give?
Post-Covid, parents are more up-to-speed on checking SEN provision and levels of pastoral support. Even if extra help doesn’t feel relevant right now as what s on offer ut what else do we need to know when it
comes to nailing our children’s education as the world, and s ecifically the world o wor , changes?
TECH – TO BOT OR NOT?
The debate on the proposed bill for a blanket ban on smartphones in schools has just been postponed to July. This means schools will have a range of individual policies including ‘allowed but used only at breaks’ to a gate-to-gate syste hones are off ro the point pupils enter). Some schools even offer sealable ouches or lockers. Find out current rules and, importantly, sanctions. It’s also worth checking the website Smartphone Free Childhood who are wor ing on a school tra c light system for parents. Also ask about the school’s position on the use of AI including ChatGPT especially when it comes to homework. Don’t shy away from those who actively encourage its use as a tool. It’s brilliant; and the best schools will help our children embrace the power of the bot.
PROGRESS – A TO Z NOT JUST A*S
Schools are now judged by a range of measures; not just pieces of paper with grades on. The way teaching staff add value to a pupil’s journey is key. Do check the school’s progress score (usually on a point scale with a national and local average by comparison) and ask them to identify their most successful methods for bringing pupils on.
“Ask about the school’s position on the use of AI”
FUTURE-PROOF LEARNING
There’s a fantastic YouTube clip of the CEO of LinkedIn, Ryan Roslansky, talking about being asked by his teenage daughter what she should study when the future of the job market is so uncertain. He says, “Learning how to learn is the most important skill that matters right now. Whatever new tools come out; just learn them.” Ask the school about super and extra curricular opportunities that extend and stretch knowledge beyond textbooks. A fancy range doesn’t matter; it’s about a core willingness to oster a fle ibility among pupils – all pupils – to try new things.
S P A C E Finally, this word serves as a visual reminder to mind the gaps when researching a potential school. Not gaps in knowledge; but how important are break time periods in the school day? Research by UCL has shown secondary school pupils have 65 minutes less breaktime per week than in 1995; with some schools offering as little as 35 minutes for lunch. School breaks have been squeezed so teachers have more time to get through the national curriculum and limit poor playground behaviour. Does the school see rest as productive? Space in the day offers vital interaction with eers, the opportunity to develop social skills and gives developing brains the chance to assimilate learning. oung grey stuff atters
Victoria Bond is the founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents explore the best schools in the area, including catchment maps and parent reviews. For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk
Put
NHS and private specialist orthodontic practice
Fixed braces
Clear aligners
Minor oral surgery including mini-implants
Adults and children
01225 481890 | info@bathorthodontics.co.uk
Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NR www.bathorthodontics.co.uk
BETTER CALL SAUL
FROM HANDBAGS TO HARVESTS
Humble, extraordinary, and a visionary. This might go some way to conveying how Roger Saul comes across. He’s the guest at the Bath Life Network Lunch and what a coup it is to have him there. All the speakers at Walcot house hosts are fascinating, knowledgeable and e erts in their field ut oh y, what a field oger, a or er ath schoolboy, has – from founding the global fashion brand Mulberry to now specialising in the growing and selling of mature organic walnuts. Along the way he helped create the luxury hotel Charlton House; built a space of retail tranquillity at Kilver Court with its legendary landscaped gardens, and at his Sharpham Park home led the way for a revival of the ancient grain spelt.
The way he tells his remarkable stories without brag, as he seamlessly glides from hilarious anecdotes to searing business insights to endearing tales of his childhood, he almost makes success sound so easy. What his secret, what’s his motivation? “I think the joy of life is the most important thing. I’m an optimist in every sense, and I’ve set out every day to have a great day. It doesn’t matter what it is, where I am, I want it to be as great as possible.”
Roger was interviewed by MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham; INSET: Sharpham Park walnuts
It’s this positive energy, joyful focus and “continuous restlessness” that appears to have been at his core from a young age. He was an inattentive child at Kingswood school but did manage to secure a scholarship to study Business Studies at Westminster College. It was in London that his entrepreneurial spirit really started to take shape. “This was the 60s, and the Carnaby Street fashion scene, so instead of studying I looked for work. I went to see John Michael, a ro inent figure in enswear fashion and goodness knows how, but I managed to persuade him to take me on e noticed belts had a big arup, so Roger rang his dad, who was a factory manager for Clarks in Street, for advice and soon began making leather belts to sell himself in the shop, and shortly after came his thin leather chokers. “This was the time of Biba and Mary Quant – and well, we couldn’t make them quick enough. They were in all colours from lilac to li e green, with little butterflies stitched on.”
At just 21 Roger set up his Mulberry business, named after a tree at Kingswood school (“My name didn’t have the same ring as Yves St Laurent or Pierre Cardin!’), with the help of £500 birthday money. He had asked his dad to work with him initially but because of his Clarks’ commitments said it didn’t feel it was right and suggested Roger ask his mother instead. “She became the best partner one could ever ask for. When my mum was in charge there was always an a a ing cashflow as she d give a five er cent discount i you paid within seven days. Even you didn’t do that, then you’d get a very, very precise warning.”
“MY NAME DIDN’T HAVE THE SAME RING AS YVES ST LAURENT”
Mulberry really is the kitchen table, cottage industry, origin story with its very roots in the Somerset countryside of Chilcompton, shaping the brand’s identity and beauty. A brand started in 1973 and built around family values, a local manufacturing base and with honesty at its heart. Over the course of the next few decades it became the leading accessory labels in the country, with America emerging as its biggest market with 40 per cent of the turnover. What was it like for Roger as the business grew…? “There were so many disciplines to the business, from design, manufacture, wholesale, retail and product wise and belts to homeware. It was like being in a submarine – your periscope is up and you’re seeing everything that’s going on. You’ve got full vision but you’re underwater most of the time either financially, businesswise, eo le-wise But when you come up, boy is it exciting!”
The ugly ousting of Roger from his own £30million company by Singaporean billionaire Christina
ABOVE: It was a full house at the Bath Life Network
Lunch to hear Roger talk; BELOW: Roger Saul
Ong in 2002 is a shocking one of toughness and alleged duplicity – he got the news the day of his father in law’s funeral – and while Roger makes no bones about how little respect he has for her, he harbours no negativity, anger or bitterness. He’s philosophical and relaxed about the situation, and pleased that those events took him down a different ath
That path being Sharpham Park. t started off with owning ust acres to eventually being sold the entire 300 acre farm by the neighbouring farmer. The land was a thousand years, but the dairy farm made no money. So Roger and his wife Monty, who he met when she was a house model for Dior, set about restoring the historic estate and creating a i ed-econo y ar , managed with modern principles of sustainability. “We were in our dreamland, waking up every morning to a view of Glastonbury Tor.”
Roger started spelt production, having learned about its extraordinary health merits through his late sister who had cancer. The grain, the rice, the flour and the il all beca e huge successes but Brexit and Covid took its toll on the exports and supermarket sales. “Unfortunately we had to close that side of the business but I had planted 300 walnut trees about 20 years prior. Not with a plan as such but just because I like walnuts! They are an absolute superfood.”
Liking walnuts has led Roger to now being the UK’s leading mature organic walnut provider, producing and selling directly to supermarkets, kitchens and hospitality. “I roughly calculated that I can make £100,000 on three acres, which is more than you can make on most farms.” There are companies now trying to ape Roger’s success but or now the field is wide “As a walnut tree takes at least 15 years to mature, it’s a slow race!”
Roger is also committed to raising awareness of the impending food crisis and in January hosted a panel discussion on UK Food Security at the Sustainable Foods 2025. What does the future hold for Roger? “I’m a huge believer in fate and taking opportunities – sometimes things happen because of the most amazing coincidences so we’ll see. But my priorities really continue to be are concentrating on what is vital to life and brings about happiness – that being enjoyment of our family and friends.”
For more: www.sharphampark.com
Elliot Lamb and John Law
Rhys Morgan, Christophe Stourton, Ally Maughan, Ian Lloyd, Monty Saul and Roger Saul
Alice Barron Pippa Russell
Jamie Williams, Helena Taylor and Nicola Hammond
Tom Hogarth and Leonara Stevens
Roger Saul and Sunjay Singh
Patrick Mears
Amanpreet Kaur
It’s another sold out Bath Life Network Lunch at Walcot House
Alex Pilkington
Kirsten Mortimer
ON THE UP
JUST THE TICKET
Bath BID’s Bath Safe Bus initiative has received £20,000 of funding from Bath Spa University and The University of Bath, helping it to continue delivering its crucial late night welfare service. Bath Safe Bus, which launched in March 2023, provides a safe space for the public during the weekends, delivering welfare support and medical care.
Rebecca Schaaf, deputy vice-chancellor at Bath Spa University says, “We know the
difference that having a dedicated sa e and reliable space that is available and accessible to anyone in need, makes to our city centre. We also know how busy emergency vehicles can be, so anything that can relieve pressure on our local services deserves to be celebrated.”
Based on data from The King’s Fund and Hudgell Solicitors, since launching, Bath Safe Bus has saved the NHS nearly £330,000. For more: www.bathbid.co.uk
OFFICE AFFAIR
The co-working space creators Gather Round, who already have two hubs in Bristol, have renovated the Trinity Church near Queen quare into a beauti ul new o ce s ace or creative professionals.
Along with the main co-working area, there’s a relaxed communal area with a marble bar which can also be transformed into a 100-person
venue for industry talks and networking events. Ben Steers, who co-founded Gather Round with Jason Smith, says, “Restoring Trinity has been an honour. It’s not just about modernising an incredible historic building, but about preserving its soul and creating a space where creativity and co unity can flourish e re excited to welcome Bath’s creative professionals into this truly inspiring setting.”
For more: www.gather-round.co
AQUA SANA FOREST SPA has been named ‘Employer of the Year’ for the second consecutive year at the recent Professional Beauty Awards 2025. www.aquasana.co.uk
Law firm THRINGS has welcomed new litigation expert Polly Ridgway to its award-winning agriculture team. Polly joins the firm from Clarke Wilmott as a legal director, bringing more than a decade of legal experience that has seen her act for clients on a wide range of agricultural matters. www.thrings.com
KINGSWOOD SCHOOL in Bath has been recognised as a Top 10 school in the south west region by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 This ranking – based on the combined performance of A-levels and GCSEs – cements Kingswood’s position as the best performing 11-18 co-educational day and boarding school in the area. www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
RANGEFORD VILLAGES continue to expand its specialist team at WADSWICK GREEN, the retirement village for the over 60s in Corsham, Wiltshire, with the appointment of Rachel Gittins as events and community coordinator. She says, “The village is spectacular and I’m looking forward to working closely with the residents, to ensure village life is uplifting and fulfilling.” www.rangefordvillages.co.uk
Rachel Gittins
The award winning Aqua Sana Forest Spa team
Recognition for Kingswood School
Thrings Polly Ridgway with Robert James
The new co-working space in Bath
Bath Safe Bus has received funding from both the city’s universities
RIPPLE EFFECT
Bath-based bathroom retailer Ripples has recently completed a brand-new girls’ toilet block at the Government Higher Secondary School in P. Pudupatti, India. The facility, built in partnership with the sanitation charity The Cycle, will provide 140 female students and 15 e ale teachers with sa e, dignified and hygienic sanitation acilities or the first ti e
The initiative was made possible thanks to over £20,000 raised by Ripples through a Mount Snowdon charity hike in June 2024. More than 30 participants, including franchisees, designers, suppliers and friends of the brand, braved harsh weather conditions to ascend more than 1,000
Students from the Government Higher Secondary School in P. Pudupatti, India; INSET: The toilet block Ripples helped fund
metres to the highest peak in Wales in support of The Cycle’s mission to improve sanitation in underprivileged communities.
Paul Crow, managing director of Ripples, says, “We are incredibly proud to see this life-changing ro ect co leted and o cially o ened aving supported The Cycle for over a decade and raised more than £85,000 to aid their crucial work, we know just how transformative these sanitation solutions can be. These new facilities will improve the health and education of young girls for years to come.”
For more: www.ripplesbathrooms.com | www.thecycle.world
PRESS HERE
The Bath based, personalised gift book specialists From You To Me have won the South-West England Small Press of the Year award for this year’s The British Book Awards.
Neil Coxon, founder of the family run business which publishes in nine languages, says, “Our team loves everything about this news. To be recognised for what we do and to be amongst the UK’s best publishers gives us the confidence to astound even more. Being creatives, we are trying to think of a better name than ‘Small’, what about ‘Pint-Sized Powerhouse Publisher’?!”
For more: www.fromyoutome.com | www.britishbookawards.org
MAKE IT RIGHT
The annual Inspiring Makers event is taking place on 8 May at the uildhall in ath he not- or- rofit day is co-organised by interiors brand Artichoke and The Furniture Makers’ Company, the charitable livery company for the furnishing industry.
Themes to be discussed include the advent of AI and what it means for the legacy of craft, gender inclusion and diversity, grassroots education and sustainability. The event, which runs 9am to 5pm, aims to inspire future generations of designers and furniture makers as part of an educational outreach initiative to preserve traditional hand skills and support young people within the industry.
Tickets cost £15 and can be bought through Eventbrite. For more: www.artichoke.co.uk | www.furnituremakers.org.uk
The recent Bath Boules launch at the Boom Battle Bar
The Guildhall is hosing an event on 7 May designed to inspire and support future makers
From You to Me, the small but mighty, award winning publishers
From You to Me specialises in personalised and special event gift books
WILLIAM NOAD CAREER PATH
NOAD ROOFING’S managing director on why the company is flying high
Roofing and lead s ecialists oad oofing is the er ect e a le o a true a ily business with roots in the city going bac decades ere the co any s anaging director illia oad tells us why co unity, a ily, and reserving history atters so uch to hi
Tell us a little about your background…
As so eone who was born and raised in ath, y roots run dee in this re ar able city rowing u alongside y other, ather, and three sisters, was surrounded by the hustle and bustle o a ily li e, all while being ins ired by y arents who ran a s all roofing co any together
So the small roofing business, was that the start of Noad Roofing?
es, y ather was the s illed trades an, while y other handled the a erwor and o ten donned her wor wear to assist hi on the roo heir dedication laid the oundation or y assion or the trade
How did they begin the business’s journey?
ur a ily history in the construction industry dates bac to the s he oad a ily has been synony ous with quality cra ts anshi in ath or generations, roudly assing down nowledge and s ills through at least five generations ro grand athers to athers, sons, and even daughters, we ve established our ar in the
roofing industry, continuously odernising our techniques and ada ting to new roducts his heritage has equi ed us with a ro ound understanding o ath s unique roofing needs and regulatory require ents
Tell us about your own start with Noad
My ourney into the business began at a young age, wor ing wee ends alongside y ather be ore transitioning to ull-ti e wor u on co leting y education absorbed his wisdo and e erience throughout his long career, while also ursuing additional training and seldirected learning to ee our ethods and offerings current
Was it always your intention to be in the family roofing business?
i e threw a challenge y way when y ather aced a severe illness that ade it i ossible or hi to continue wor ing n that di cult ti e, co itted ysel wholeheartedly to the co any, wor ing tirelessly to honour the a ily legacy and ensure the business continued to flourish
What has running a business taught you?
hile have aced any challenges throughout, have no regrets only invaluable lessons Mista es are art o growth, and have learned to e brace the as o ortunities or i rove ent ur orwardthin ing vision encourages us to continuously strive or e cellence, leveraging e erience, eedbac , and industry develo ents along the way
“I HAVE NO REGRETS – ONLY INVALUABLE LESSONS”
What are some of the benefits of working in Bath? erating ro the city centre offers us nu erous advantages, including greater accessibility or our custo ers, enhanced visibility, and a central hub or our e loyees ur location allows us to aintain strong co unity connections, enabling us to artici ate in various local events and su ort charities and businesses within ath
What would you say motivates your work ethic?
My ri ary ins iration has always been to u hold and advance the a ily trade Maintaining our strong re utation within ath is o ut ost i ortance to e want uture generations to inherit, not ust a business, but a legacy o quality and integrity
How important is community to your work?
e are roud to continue our o erations in the area where oad oofing was ounded t s a rivilege to wor in the icturesque city o ath and contribute to the reservation and restoration o its rich heritage currently live within co uting distance o our o erations, as fir ly believe that a res onsive and accessible wor orce is ey to delivering high-quality service
What does the future hold for yourself and the Noad Roofing company?
ur ocus will continue to be on the unique roo s o ath, ensuring we reserve and restore the city s history or the ne t generations e re eager to create ore e loy ent o ortunities or local talent My ersonal ho e is that the co any will thrive and eventually be assed down through the a ily
or ore oad oofing ol ell ld ngs la erton treet ath noadroofing co
NEW BUSINESS THINKING
Architect DANNY HARRIS tells us how the University of Bath, School of Management Executive MBA gave him the building blocks to elevate his career.
Idecided to study an Executive MBA at the University of Bath, School of Management because Bath is well connected to local businesses in the South West as well as a leading business school in the UK. As an architect, I love visiting the School. The teaching and learning facilities are incredible and create an environment that’s always busy with activity.
I’ve worked at one company my whole career, which is Stride Treglown – one of the largest architectural and design consultancies in England and Wales.
I value loyalty and Stride Treglown empowers employees to take on responsibility. I started as a graduate architectural assistant and worked
“ THE DEBATE IN CLASS, POSITIVE CHALLENGES AND RESOLVING CASE STUDY WORK AS GROUPS OFFER PERSPECTIVES FROM DIFFERENT BUSINESS CULTURES AND INDUSTRIES”
my way up to lead the organisation’s education sector nationally and oversee the ristol o ce as regional director. I will join the board of directors in April, with a remit to develop innovation and AI into our processes.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) played a huge part in my desire and ambition to be on the board at Stride Treglown and I used my learnings from the EMBA to develop my ersonal offer when a lying or a board position.
I have honestly loved every minute of the course. The debate in class, positive challenges and resolving case study wor as grou s offer ers ectives ro different business cultures and industries. The quality of teaching has been exceptionally high.
Being on campus once a month packages the course into a manageable schedule. It works well with my busy work/life schedule – with a demanding day job and two small children. It’s a great way to see my course mates in-person and build my network.
Through the programme’s focus on contemporary challenges like innovation and entrepreneurship, I have gained good insight into successful models of driving transformation. Architects are sometimes referred to as jacks of all trades and masters of none we see the breadth o different s ills and
trades involved in designing buildings. Gaining insight into all the aspects of management and leadership contained in the EMBA modules does the same thing for business.
If you’re considering enrolling on the Bath EMBA, my advice is to be open-minded and humble. The cohort is full of amazing people with diverse backgrounds and you can learn from every one of them.
The School of Management ethos is ‘Think Ambitious’. Ambition to me is striving for positive change and excellence in everything you do. By getting things done, you will achieve your ambitions.
o
PHOTO BY GUY TRAYNOR
PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
Retail
JOLLY GOOD NEWS
Jollys on Milsom Street is to undergo refurbishment and reopen under the same name thanks to Morleys Department Stores
Morleys Department Stores has announced plans to reopen the Jollys store on Milsom Street, following its surprise closure by previous owners House of Fraser.
Morleys, which has eight department stores including in i bledon, ri ton, nfield and Newbury, is committed to restoring Jollys to its former glory and will create a space that features fashion, beauty and homeware, alongside a ood and beverage offering
Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores, says, “We are thrilled to be bringing Jollys back to life and to be part of the vibrant retail landscape in Bath. Our approach is to treat each of our stores as a unique independent department store, ensuring we create an exceptional shopping experience tailored to the local community. We are especially pleased to confir that we will be ee ing the ollys
name, honouring its deep-rooted legacy in the city.”
Bath and North East Somerset Council and Morleys will immediately begin a major refurbishment of the historic building, with the store opening planned in two phases: an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October 2026.
For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk
ABOVE: Jollys has been rescued from closure by Morley’s Department Stores; RIGHT: Councillor Mark Elliott, council leader Kevin Guy, Jolly’s store manager Jess Merritt-Johns, and Morley’s chief executive Allan Winstanley
Residential HISTORY MAKERS
Development GROUND BREAKING
Independent housebuilder City & Country has begun the building work at the headquarters of Pitman Press. he site, which is ust over five acres, will become Bath Press, a mixed use development featuring a range of traditionally built apartments and townhouses. The redevelopment includes the preservation of part of the print work’s classical and Art Deco façade and chimney, that will be incorporated into the final design
he first hase will co rise a total o 146 new homes. The mainly four-storey apartment blocks will be set among landscaped gardens, with a mix of internal courtyards, surrounding green
A Grade I listed Royal Crescent apartment with a famous past has just come on to the market with Savills Bath. Number 2 Royal Crescent was once home to British politician and philanthropist, William Wilberforce (born in 1759), who famously led the campaign to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire.
Extending to in excess of 1,070 sq ft, the apartment, which has a guide price o , , offers s acious and well laid-out accommodation, including two generous double bedrooms.
“The Royal Crescent is one of the most prestigious addresses in Bath, boasting a rich and vibrant history and many notable former residents,” says Matthew Pegler of Savills Bath. “This beautiful self-contained ground floor a art ent is a rare o ortunity to acquire a notable piece of architecture, and to live in a worldclass location.”
For more: www.savills.co.uk
Bath Property Awards RAISE THE ROOF
ath s oofing are bac on board as the headline sponsor for 2025’s Bath Property Awards (BPA). he industry-s ecific As are recognised as a great way to build a co any s rofile and generate business, and are backed by multi-channel, multi-month marketing. The celebration is due to be held later this year, with date and venue to be confir ed
For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk
spaces, roof terraces and a playground. Meanwhile, on the ground floor ronting Lower Bristol Road, there will be 16,200 sq t o new odern o ce s ace
Shelley West, group sales and marketing director at City & Country, says, “Pitman Press has a famous history, both for the development of shorthand and for more modern printing – bestsellers Andrew Morton’s Diana: Her True Story and Margaret Thatcher’s The Downing Street Years both rolled off the presses here. Now it is time to turn a new page, and transform the area into new homes and businesses that will bring the buzz back.”
For more: www.cityandcountry.co.uk
The Rengen team celebrating their BPA win in 2024
A famous Royal Crescent address has come onto the market
Work starts at the Pitman Press site
At Flower Property we turn property aspirations into lasting flourishing legacies. Whether you’re looking to buy, invest, sell or let, we will guide you through your property journey with deep market insight, integrity, and long-term thinking. Together, we can create flourishing futures.
As we settle into Spring, let’s have a look at what happened last month in the Bath residential property market.
RESIDENTIAL SALES
March was a strong month with 303 new instructions, 205 sales agreed, and 77 exchanges. These numbers are largely similar to 2024.
The average property price in Bath (STC) was £589,847 and £477 per square foot. This is modest growth from March 2024, where the average price per square foot was £470.
The average time from an offer being agreed to completion is 123 days, or 4.04 months.
Overvaluing remains an issue in the residential sales market. Homes listed for £650,000 in Bath will actually sell for £633,862. The average property in Bath is therefore overvalued by around 2.9 per cent.
MARCH PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE
Jack Flower, founder of FLOWER PROPERTY, crunches the numbers to check out the sector’s growth
To get an accurate valuation for your home, make sure your estate agent provides a detailed list of comparable properties to support their valuation. Overall, the market seems resilient and steady – with growth, but no sign of an impending boom.
RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS
Lettings remains incredibly competitive, with little stock available and high demand. Last month there were 272 instructions, 235 lets agreed, and 157 move-ins. These numbers are largely similar to last year.
The average rent achieved for a let agreed in March was £1,931pcm and £2.36 per square foot (up from £2.12 in March 2024).
This increase in price per square foot may not seem it, but in fact represents huge growth in the sector.
In March 2024 an 1000 square foot flat would cost £2,120pcm, and as of March 2025 this rises to £2,360pcm. This shows an increase of over 11 per cent in rental prices in Bath in the last year.
Lettings will likely remain this way for the foreseeable future. The number of new instructions is not enough to address the imbalance between supply and demand, so rents will continue to rise.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COMING MONTHS
There are no immediate indicators that the market is about to dramatically change. The stamp duty changes (which took effect on 1 April) had a more modest effect on the market than we might have predicted, as March 2025 transaction levels were largely the same as March 2024.
Expect modest growth and prices to continue to rise slowly in the sales market. In lettings, expect a continuation of low stock levels and quickly rising rents.
For more market insights and property guidance, get in touch with Flower Property below.
A A BRIDGERTON SECOND STOREY
ath is awash with a ous e -residents ust chec out the bronze plaques! – but for real bragging rights, how about an apartment once occupied by a genuine queen?
By Paul Marland
Not every grand Georgian building in these parts was designed by a John Wood – Elder or Younger, pick your favourite – and the Pinch family offered u a rival dynasty ohn inch the Younger gave us the west side of Queen Square and assorted local churches, while his dad – yes, the Elder – dominated much of the late Georgian building in the city, notably in Bathwick, where Daniel Street, Raby Place and New Sydney Place are all his. In these mighty Grade I listed buildings near the end of Great Pulteney Street, and with the Holburne Museum-to-be a near neighbour, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – Queen of Great Britain and Ireland as the wife of King George III, to you and me – lived for a time in 1817, during an extended visit to Bath to take the waters. She engaged 93 Sydney Place for her immediate retinue and 103 for
“Yes, know.you Her out of Bridgerton”
the extended entourage, her bedroom suite occupying the second floor o which ust ha ens to be the exact location of the vast two-bedroom lateral apartment you see here. Buy it, and you’ll be able to clai with so e confidence that you slee in ueen harlotte s bedroo es, you now er out o Bridgerton.” It’s not a bad claim to fame.
But even without the QC link, this is quite some lace a sy athetically re urbished a art ent alive with period features (think beautifully restored original ti ber floors throughout, and lenty o sash windows with shutters while at the sa e ti e offering u a luxurious and entirely reimagined use of its acres of space. The proportions are spot-on, the natural light i ressive, and the s ecific usage o ost o the roo s entirely and use ully fle ible
You come in via a sweeping and rather lovely ornate staircase in the communal hallway, entering the
apartment through imposing double doors into the entrance hall – once a receiving room – with tall ceilings and ornate cornices. (What you do with this initial space, of course, is up to you – but it would make a natural reception area or a rather wonderful study or reading room.)
traight ahead is a agnificent drawing roo or could it be a bedroom? The choice is yours), which runs along the front of the building, with double sash windows and a beauti ul fire lace, and to the right a double dual-aspect bedroom, also to the front of the property. There are wonderful views from both of these over Sydney Gardens and the Holburne.
At the rear, a superb kitchen-dining room. The working part of this space is by Tom Howley – bespoke Shaker kitchens a speciality – utilising a range of highend fitted a liances and revolving around a central island unit; naturally, there’s plenty of space for a
dining table too. Bedroom one is adjacent and features a well-designed ensuite shower room, while the main bathroom for the apartment is pure luxury, featuring a large walk-in shower, bath, loo and sink with vanity unit. From this side of the building the views are, if anything, even more special, taking in rooftops, gardens, the rather handsome St Mary’s Church and the entire south side of Bath.
HOUSE NUMBERS
Meanwhile, separate from the bulk of the apartment but accessed from the communal hallway – it’s actually on the half landing just before you reach the apartment – is a further space, which could be a study, a utility room, or simply storage.
All in all, then, this is quite the place: airy, beauti ully finished, in one o the ost attractive and, well, ‘Bathian’ – corners of the city, and a short, flat wal into the iddle o town r should we say ‘ton’? For it’s got that in its history too.)
A NEW RIVERFRONT DESTINATION IN THE MAKING, FOR WORK, PLAY AND RELAXATION.
• Highly characterful site, with a rich heritage dating back to the 19thcentury
• A fantastic town centre destination, on the banks of the River Avon
BOOK A VIEWING
• Home to over 30 businesses
• A growing community of creators, makers, and other uses that include office, health and fitness, food and drink including a distillery, woodfired pizza restaurant and micro brewery
• Wide range of unit sizes available, from 300- 7,000 sq ft, available on a refurbished or unrefurbished basis
• Flexible tenancy terms with access available typically within 7 days
For an opportunity to tour the site and view available units, please visit WWW.AVONSIDEWILTS.CO.UK
HOT PROPERTY!
Melissa Anderson from the ethical estate agency CAMELLA says winning the Bath Life new business category is a triumph
The Bath Life Awards judges commented “Big impact in a short space of time for this technology-led estate agency, already with two branches. Built market share at pace. Look out for Camella”
Melissa Anderson, founder of Camella, tells her story: “For every entrepreneur out there, starting a new business is a daunting task. The risks are high, the challenges relentless, and the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. When I made the decision to leave a well-paid career and take the plunge into entrepreneurship, I knew I was stepping into the unknown. Heading towards 50, I told myself it was now or never. That leap of faith led to the creation of Camella, an estate agency founded on the principles of integrity, transparency, and ethical business practices.
Winning Bath Life Awards’ New Business Category is an incredible honour, not just for me but for the entire Camella team. It validates
the hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief that we could do things differently in an industry that often gets a bad reputation. From the outset, my vision was clear: to build an estate agency that prioritises people over profit, honesty over hard sales tactics, and customer experience over commissions.
One of the biggest factors contributing to our success has been our commitment to ethical agency. We have created a culture where clients trust us to handle one of the most significant transactions of their lives with care and integrity. We don’t rely on high-pressure sales techniques or empty promises – we focus on delivering an
“ WINNING THE NEW BUSINESS CATEGORY IS AN INCREDIBLE HONOUR, NOT JUST FOR ME BUT FOR THE ENTIRE CAMELLA TEAM.”
exceptional, stress-free experience.
But Camella’s success is not just about ethical agency; it’s about the people behind it. I am incredibly proud that 75 per cent of our workforce is made up of women, many of whom have faced barriers in their careers simply because they chose to have families or took alternative career paths. Too often, talented, hard-working women are overlooked in the professional world because employers fail to recognise their full potential. At Camella, we see things differently. We champion talent, regardless of background, and we give our team the flexibility and support they need to thrive.
Winning this award is not just a recognition of what we have achieved so far – it’s a celebration of the values we stand for and a testament to the incredible people who make up Camella. To every entrepreneur out there contemplating taking that leap: if you believe in your vision and are willing to work relentlessly for it, success will follow.
This is just the beginning for Camella, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey – this win is for you!”
Around 100 local residents and property professionals gathered at the wonderful Farleigh House estate earlier this month to hear the latest property market insights from Savills at its Home Truths event.
Coinciding with the spring sunshine making its first appearance, the property market has also started to warm up, and Bath residents were keen to understand how they can get the best out of the market.
Savills had assembled an expert line-up of residential experts to present an update on the national and local market, and discuss and advise guests on how to navigate it, whether buying or selling.
Lucian Cook, Savills UK head of residential research, was the first to take to the stage. In his overview, Cook explained how the various
“ WHILE WE ARE UNLIKELY TO SEE THE SAME SURGE IN DEMAND FOR RURAL LIVING AS WE DID DURING LOCKDOWN, THERE HAS BEEN A POSITIVE SHIFT…”
events of the last five years have shaped the property market at a national level.
Honing in on Bath, he went on to paint a cautiously optimistic picture, noting that prices have been relatively stable in 2025 so far, indicating an easing of the downward pressure which saw values dip 0.4 per cent in the city and 1 per cent in the country in the previous 12 months to March.
In his presentation, Alistair Heather, head of Savills Bath, agreed that 2025 was shaping up to be a more positive year to make a move, highlighting that the strength of the market in Bath is dictated by demand, and he had seen more activity in the first three months of this year, than in the last quarter of 2024.
He also discussed education as an important driver in Bath, thanks to the city’s reputation for excellent state and independent schooling. He noted that over 70 per cent of sales secured by his team last year were on family houses valued between £750,000 and £2million.
Mathew Pegler, a director in the Savills Bath team who specialises in the sale of homes in the local countryside, talked about the uptick in buyers looking in the towns and villages around Bath in recent years. Presenting sales data split between city and country, he showed that before Covid, 32 per cent sales were in the surrounding countryside, increasing to 50 per cent in 2024.
He said that while we are unlikely to see the same surge in demand for rural living as we did during lockdown, there has been a positive shift,
as Somerset and Wiltshire have received more attention as destinations, bringing many more family buyers into the local market.
A lively Q&A session followed the presentations, with the Savills team answering questions on a broad range of topics from planning policy to interest rates, and much in between. Once the presenting was concluded, guests stayed on to soak up the beautiful surroundings and to speak to the Savills team.
Alistair Heather said: “Home Truths was designed to cut through the noise and provide people with a clear understanding of what is happening in the property market as it relates to Bath. With the spring market already blooming, we were anticipating the event to be popular but the level of interest and positive engagement far exceeded my expectation. We really enjoyed the opportunity to meet everyone and provide as much information and advice as we could on the day. Bath is a fantastic part of the world within which to sell homes and I am looking forward to a busy year ahead.”
Lucian Cook
Matthew Pegler
Alistair Heather
FOR THE HOME
Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for spring
SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local Bath Stone properties. It can supply and fi all stone require ents or new builds or e tensions he tea s heritage s ills qualified stone asons are also e ert in re airing and restoring e isting stone on listed ro erties in order to ulfil lanning require ents o ndar ar err field el sha el www.sandridgestone.co.uk
NO17 INTERIORS offers a range o bes o e interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast e erience in designing and installing develo er show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, u date e isting urnishings or si ly co ission new curtains. e a l l sa no nter ors co tel www.no17interiors.co.uk
BATH KITCHEN COMPANY
Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. orth arade ld ngs ath el www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk
JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO
A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service ada ted to each client s needs, enni er s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients li estyles and ersonalities el www.jennifermosse.com
BATH GRANITE & MARBLE LTD has over years e erience honing their s ills in cra ting e quisite itchen wor to s, bathroo cladding, vanity units and ore ith their e cellent re utation or high quality and delivering e ce tional service they are confident in bringing the natural beauty o stone into your home. Mention ‘ ath e’ to secure a 5% discount on your ne t order el e a l n o athgran te co www.bathgranite.co.uk
CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN
lair trong nterior esign is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services or both residential and co ercial clients er ort olio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, s orts clubs, o ces and other co ercial venues. ontact la r on or www.clairstrong.co.uk
MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH
ath s leading fire lace, wood burner, gas fire, chi ney and flue s ecialist ro classic to conte orary, conce t to co letion, their tea o e erts can wor with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, arbas ellfire, estfire, tova , a co and unter et in touch or visit the showroom. end re laces on ton o e ath n o end fire laces ath co el ; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk
TILE & FLOOR or over years, ile loor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services ur co it ent to quality has orged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction ro essionals serving the ro erty industry citing news e are now also conveniently located at hi enha M el www.tileandfloor.co.uk
NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other ro erty restoration e us have built a re utation or the highest standards o wor anshi with e erience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety el ; www.nexusofbath.co.uk
SIMON GWILLIAM
How the
wilds
of Walcot Street helped shape a life in music
As creator and producer of The Rock’n’Roll Alien, the West End show that innovatively celebrates the music of David Bowie, Simon Gwilliam is responsible for the visuals, musical arrangements, extra music, sound effects and general creative direction. Here he tells us more about his Bath upbringing and his extraordinary production.
I was originally born in London but moved to Bath when I was two. I grew up on Walcot Street, where my mother, Shelia Gwilliam, still has one of the longest running vintage shops in Bath, Jack and Danny’s – it’s been there for 50 years.
Being around Walcot Street in the 70s and early 80s was amazing – it was a very colourful period with the Bath Arts
“My first paid gig as a youngster was at the infamous Hat and Feather”
I started off as a keyboard player in various bands, touring and recording. After I had children, I concentrated more on composing and ended up doing a lot of work for adverts including global campaigns for Saatchi & Saatchi. My career has been as varied as working for Doctor Who and Lego, to creating a jingle for Morrisons. I’ve had a top 20 hit with Temple Cloud’s One Big Family, which was then featured on a KFC advert, and I have also been commissioned to record orchestras at Abbey Road.
The Rock’n’Roll Alien. It took three years of relentless hard work.
One of my life’s highlights, besides my kids, is recreating Mike Garson iconic piano solo for Bowie’s Aladdin Sane, for which he personally contacted me to say how deeply impressed he was with it and he had never heard someone play it so accurately.
or sho influence, and a real community spirit in and amongst the derelict buildings.
I had a very colourful upbringing. My father was the famous jazz musician Bobby Mickleburgh of Temperence Seven. This was where my love of music came from. I would be taken to gigs and parties by my dad. I once got to meet Tommy Cooper at Cleo Laine’s birthday party. I learnt classical piano but hated it and couldn’t get my head around reading music. I still can’t read sheet music.
I didn’t particularly like school. didn t eel li e fitted in to the school system particularly well. They didn’t place any importance on the arts and all I wanted to do was create usic My first aid gig as a youngster was at the infamous Hat and Feather.
The Rock’n’Roll Alien, which was originally called The Bowie Show, come about when one of our dear friends sadly died. We decided to put on a David Bowie tribute show at Komedia to raise money to support her children, as she had a profound love of Bowie. There was such a great reception it sparked the idea of making something bigger. The Bowie Collective was then formed and we toured the UK and Europe until unfortunately Covid hit and we all went our separate ways.
During lockdown I decided I wanted to do something that wasn’t just a tribute show and was more a celebration of Bowie’s life and work, hence the birth of
Creating a production of this size on a very limited budget meant doing the work of ten people, which definitely had its highs and lows. The highs have been the whole family getting involved and being a part of the creative process – from my wife doing costume design, my daughter doing the social media, and my son being the videographer.
My secret talent is I am a British taekwondo champion. But the secret to that success is that there was only one other opponent in my category!
My most prized possession is my Beckstein piano.
My ambitions are to keep expanding the show and eventually get a run on Broadway. For more: www.therocknrollalien.com
