Bath Life – Issue 452 by MediaClash

TAKE ME

ISSUE 452 / 10 – 23 SEPTEMBER 2021 / THE AGE OF AQUARIUM

ISSUE 452 / 10 – 23 SEPTEMBER 2021 / £3

NEWS FEED

A HIDDEN GEM

FROM POLDARK TO PEACOCKS, EXPLORING CORSHAM

IN GREAT SHAPE WELLNESS IN OUR SPA CITY, BOTH THEN AND NOW

THE GLORIOUS GREAT BATH FEAST IS BACK

SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT EDUCATION SPECIAL

VALLEY GIRL

ANN HIATT ON WORKING WITH THE SILICON GIANTS

A STEP UP

THE MANY GOOD-CAUSE WALKS OF BATH

GORGEOUS HOMEWARE YOU’LL FALL FOR – HOOK, LINE AND SINKER

PLUS LUNAR LOVE CHOCOLATE / THE CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL / D’ORO HOUSE

EDITOR’S LETTER

Corsham (page 70)

BELOW: There’s something fishy about

our editor’s choice (page 68)

chools are back. This can mean many things to many people. If you’re a on-theroad commuter it means a rant about the traﬃc. If you’re under the age of 18, it’s whining about having to get up before noon. If you’re a parent it means the pop of a Champagne cork, huge gulping sighs of relief, and an undying gratitude to an incredible and forever evolving education system. We feature just a few of our great local schools over on page 18, and you might be able to guess which category I’m in if I tell you I read the article whilst swigging copious amounts of Champagne. I actually now have a new type of favourite Champagne thanks to the Bath restaurant Bar Breton – an apple ‘champagne’ which I sampled during a visit (page 62). We also took a trip to nearby charming Corsham and whilst we didn’t get to see a dashing Poldark, as this is the location for the BBC drama, we got better than that – a proud peacock strutting about like he owned the place, which, if you turn to page 70, turns out he does. There’s also a ﬁsh themed editor’s choice shopping page starting on page 67 (inspired by the aforementioned back to school special – geddit?!) along with round ups of the upcoming Children’s Literature Festival (page 52) and The Great Bath Feast (page 64), and Bath’s Wellness Weekend (page 56). All this plus word from the arts scene, inspiring business interviews, and the latest property news. All in all an A* issue. Behave at the back please, and see me in two weeks.

ABOVE: We go roaming around

SARAH MOOLLA

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Issue 452 / 10-23 September 2021 COVER Aquarium Lush wallpaper by Graham Brown, £65 per roll, stockists Davies of Bath, 19A Monmouth Place, Bath; www.rabart.co.uk

EDUCATION

18 BACK TO SCHOOL Teachers on what they’re most

looking forward to this term

THE ARTS

39 ARTS INTRO Rosetti’s inspiring women 40 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, family stuff, comedy and art

in Bath and beyond

49 FILM September is here, and with it, at long last, the next

installment of James Bond

51 BOOKS Anticipated new season releases 52 CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Our must-see

author picks

56 WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND How to make the

most of our spa city this month

FOOD&DRINK

59 FOOD & DRINK Milsom Place welcomes two exciting

new eateries

60 TAKE 5 Kirsty Smith on hormones, health and chocolate 62 RESTAURANT Newbie on the scene Bar Breton 64 GREAT BATH FEAST Renowned local chefs are taking

the demo stage for the return of the popular foodie fest

SHOPPING

67 INTRO Buy our fishy cover art 68 EDITOR’S CHOICE Catch of the day 70 CORSHAM Locals share why they love this market town

BUSINESS

83 BATHWORKS News, views, and interviews from our

successful local businesses

86 BIZ Q&A GA Energy’s Helen Rumford 87 BIZ CLUB Leadership consultant Ann Hiatt on what she

learned working at Amazon and Google

18 62

PROPERTY

95 PROPERTY LEAD To the lighthouse 96 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 98 SHOWCASE Explore a luxurious contemporary

masterpiece

DEPARTMENTS

7 SPOTLIGHT Raise funds for charity with a number of sponsored walks in support of good causes 17 FLATLINE Flats discovers the pitfalls of home renovation 106 LIVES Author Joanna Nadin on her school days, and

pretending to be John Prescott

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Nic Bottomley, Chris Daw, David Flatman, Emma Ingledew, John Mather and Matilda Walton Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash. co.uk Account manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash. co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT Bath on foot

STEP UP In Bath, in September, we walk. Whether you’re looking to get fit, explore the local area or raise some money for a local good cause, this month there is something for you

Antony Gormley’s new work can be seen on the west front of Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral

BEYOND DOUBT

A new work by British sculptor Antony Gormley has been installed at Wells Cathedral. The west front of the Anglican cathedral is made from local stone, and centuries of weathering has resulted in a number of vacant niches. One, niche 338, is now occupied by the sculpture, named DOUBT, which is on loan from the artist for 18 months. “I am very aware of the paradox of placing an object called DOUBT on the façade of a building devoted to belief, but it seems to me that doubting, interrogating, questioning, are all part of belief. For me doubt can be a positive force and the imaginative engine of future possibility,” says Antony. For more: www.wellscathedral.org.uk

BATHSCAPE WALKING FESTIVAL, 11– 26 September The popular annual walking fest returns with a programme of themed walks for small groups, along with self-guided trails. Walks vary in diﬃculty, so there’s something for all abilities. New for this year are walks tracing the story of Bath’s LGBTQ+ lives, activism and community, uncovering the city’s links to the Transatlantic slave trade, and telling the history of the Southdown housing development, seen as a model neighbourhood. www.bathscapewalkingfestival.co.uk BATH MARCHES, 18 September All about promoting a healthy active lifestyle while raising money for good causes, the Bath Marches oﬀers a nine and 16-mile route that takes walkers on a historical adventure through Bath and the surrounding countryside. www.bathmarches.co.uk

CIRCUIT OF BATH, 26 September Julian House’s sponsored walk is now in its 20th year. A 20-mile circular route that takes in spectacular views of the city from points like Little Solsbury Hill and South Stoke Millennium Viewpoint, it also allows for walkers to choose their own distance from the five checkpoints along the route. Thanks to event partners Bathscape and Cotswold National Landscape, walkers will also find coffee and cake stops along the way. www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk

Walks like the Circuit of Bath are a great chance to catch up with friends in beautiful countryside

WALK OF LIFE, 18 September Walk for the RUH at this popular walking marathon organised by the Forever Friends Appeal. With three routes to choose from – the full marathon, a 10-mile walk or a virtual marathon throughout the entire month of September – there’s no excuse not to get involved. www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

Perfectly Instagrammable routes

Fashion Museum

IN THE BAG

The Fashion Museum is raising funds ahead of its big move out of The Assembly Rooms in 2023

The Fashion Museum has launched a new fundraising campaign. The Buy-a-Bag campaign aims to raise £17,500 for 1,400 archival garment bags to help get the collection ready for its move out of the Assembly Rooms in 2023, when the National Trust will take over care and management of the building. “The Buy-a-Bag campaign is one of the ﬁrst ways the public can get involved in this once-in-a-generation move of the collection,” says Rosemary Harden, Fashion Museum manager. “Your help will have a lasting impact. Packing and protecting the collection properly now means we can share more of it, and in new ways, after the move.” Donors can choose from a range of rewards including private tours, the Fashion Museum guidebook and tote bag, and their name on the garment bag itself. You can donate now on the Fashion Museum website. For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

Our Lives

UP IN THE AIR

A new BBC documentary showcases Somerset daredevil, Chris Bullzini. The gripping film tells the story of how Chris, from Evercreech, became one Britain’s top high wire artists. Since the summer of 2019, cameras have followed Chris as he prepped for his greatest challenge to date – a 230-metre length tightrope walk, 20 metres high over Norwich city centre, with no safety net. “It’s so real and you’re so alive when you’re up there. I spend all of my time training not to die,” says Chris. “I like to keep death in my mind, the more that you are aware that you’re going die, the better you live.” The episode is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. For more: www.bbc.co.uk

Somerset-based Chris Bullzini is one of the UK’s top high wire artists

RUH

The RUH will take the spotlight for a new BBC Radio 4 series from the hospital’s own Dr Phil Hammond – doctor, journalist, broadcaster and comedian. The show is all about the personal side of healthcare – the relationships, connections and humour that are the lesser discussed parts of life in a hospital. “It’s been a real privilege to be involved with this series. I’ve met so many wonderful people across all levels of the NHS and heard so many incredible stories,” says Phil. “One of the programmes focuses specifically on the RUH and it was wonderful to meet with so many people in the Trust – many that I hadn’t had the opportunity to speak to before. “I hope people will like the series. It’s an affectionate look at the people that make the NHS the incredible organisation that it is, and how humour plays a vital part for staff when communicating with their patients and colleagues.” In every episode, Phil Dr Phil Hammond has a new learns what makes staff radio show about life in NHS laugh and cry, and what hospitals including the RUH makes them so proud to work for the NHS – and ends with a stand-up performance with content based on stories he heard. The four-part series broadcasts on Thursdays at 6.30pm. The episode about the RUH went out on 8 September, and you can listen again via the BBC Sounds app. For more: www.bbc.co.uk

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Theatre Royal Bath

TREADING THE BOARDS The Theatre Royal Bath has announced two exciting new productions for 2022. The Homecoming by Harold Pinter starring Mathew Horne and Keith Allen will come to the city 30 March – 9 April ahead of a UK-wide tour. Then, from 18-23 April, Bath favourite Penelope Keith returns to the Theatre Royal stage for the first time in a decade in a new production, Two Cigarettes in the Dark, also part of a UK tour. Tickets for both are on sale now. The new staging of The Homecoming is directed by Jamie Glover and produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions. It’s a bleakly funny exploration of family in which a man returns to his childhood home to find his father, uncle, and brothers all still living there. Two Cigarettes in the Dark, meanwhile features Keith in the starring role and slowly reveals one woman, Isobel’s secrets, as she attempts to get her house in order. For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Mathew Horne

Keith Allen © HUGO GLENDINNING

TAKING OVER THE AIRWAVES

Penelope Keith

SPOTLIGHT

GOLDEN HOUR

When honey hues meet golden rays, Bath turns magical

@_sam.hulbert

@ahappybathonian

@benreed1986

@dunkablebath

@thebathexplorer

@jesperekelundphotography

@rhianwirtz

@edwrightphotography

@tobypentreath.photography

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SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Zoe Gibbon and Helen Bassett

Emily, Liv, and Ruby Chloe Fear, Emeline Nelson, Killian Vick, Lewis Vick, Amy Lees, Harry Flower, and Billie Hilsdon

Twinnie Ben Hutcheson, winner of Bath Introduces Talent competition

Seth Lakeman

GRAND FINALE

Harriet and Adam

Bath Recreation Ground was the scene of a spectacular two-day musical event on 7 – 8 August, the Bath Festival Finale. Along with a bar and food stalls, headliners on the Saturday included McFly, Gabrielle and Scouting For Girls, while the Sunday saw Seth Lakeman, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and Billy Ocean bringing joy to the upbeat Bath crowd. Photos by Lloyd Evans and Ellis Reed www.lloydevansphotography.com / Instagram @ellisreed

Lea Kennedy, Charles, Natalee Bullimore, Abbey Thompson and Sharon Mays

There was a proper party atmosphere at the Bath Rec

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Plumbing the depths

Flats despairs that there’s more to renovation than just buying a lovely plush sofa

“It all feels a little bit like lobbing some money into the air at high speed on a boat”

aving snuck inside Rishi’s stamp duty window in June and completed on a new house in town (well, an old house), things are starting to settle a touch and we’re starting to think a little more constructively about its renovation. There is a lot to do. The house isn’t actually in bad nick at all, yet still there’s lots to do… It didn’t even need verbalising that the plumbing should be the first big job to be tackled; the ScrewFix plunger waiting with ominous intent next to every loo tells its own story, as do the laminated instructions prohibiting heavy work in certain areas that cannot quite cope in the aftermath. So what you do is get a plumber in. Or in our case get an experienced builder in who could potentially manage the thing and ensure we don’t mess it up and end up wasting time and cash. But it’s not so simple as choosing the cheapest of three quotes. The first expert said the house needs totally replumbing, top to bottom, floorboards out, move into temporary accommodation, the lot. The next one said that was completely unnecessary and that he could get it all sorted in two days, and the last one said it was impossible to know how far the plumbing fix needed to go without a professional coming in to spend a day conducting various efficiency and pipe-based tests, effectively declaring the first two expert opinions guesses and nothing more. So we’re not much further on, to be frank, as the two-day option that is fully three quarters cheaper than the possibly unnecessary Full Metal Jacket option seems hugely appealing but we’ve now been scared into thinking the whole house will fall over if we don’t do the big job. It’s a bit like taking your car into the garage because it’s making odd noises and losing power. There are plenty of areas involved

in house renovations that we know a bit about, but a plumber – like a car mechanic – could tell us roughly anything. Not one of these men is ﬁbbing; they’re all lovely and they all believe absolutely in their own prognoses, but that makes it harder. If only the most expensive quote had come from a dodgy geezer with shifty little eyes and a misspelled business card. The fun bit is picking new showers and loos and taps and sinks, but that’s really the work of moments once the truly disruptive work has been done. There are Pinterest boards and a hundred WhatsApped photographs, but there is as yet no instructed plumber. We’ll take the plunge, so to speak, but it all feels a little bit like lobbing some money into the air at high speed on a boat. You don’t quite know how much you’re going to lose. To alleviate the nagging, lowlevel weighing up of said diﬀerent options that might as well all be written in Latin, I have indeed been doing some fun bits. A lovely blush pink sofa bed has been ordered from Cox & Cox, as has a big French blue corner jobbie. I’m not entirely sure where these sofas are going to go, but I am sure that I want to sit on them a lot so this felt like reason enough to plough on. This uncalculated approach to a renovation where every pound counts is probably the wrong one, but ordering some big things has also served to accelerate the decision making process with regards the loos that don’t work as loos, so I’m seeing it as a positive. Here’s to taking time with every decision, until I see something pretty. This could all go wrong…

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. You can find more Flats on Twitter @davidflatman and Instagram @ dflatman

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LIVE AND LEARN Finally, back to school with some normality. Bath’s teachers look ahead at what to expect this autumn By Lydia Tewkesbury

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EDUCATION

“We have a fantastic outdoor learning space that has been completed over the holidays”

There’s so much to look forward to in the new school term, from the St Margaret’s Prep new outdoor learning space (pictured) to the return of extra curriculars in their full glory

or the first time since the pandemic began, students are starting a new term with a degree of normality. There are no more bubbles, entire year groups will no longer have to isolate in response to a case, students can start enjoying extra-curriculars as normal once again. Though uncertainties and concerns remain, the return to routine is an unambiguously good thing for students. Here, we chat with a few of Bath’s schools about their hopes and fears for the new school year – as well as some of the lessons they learned teaching under restrictions.

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EDUCATION

At All Hallows School, rather than pressure kids to catch up, they are taking a long-term view to inspire a passion for learning and avoid cognitive overload

FORWARD THINKING

Yes, we’re all still living with all kinds of uncertainty – but there remains a shiver of excitement about the start of a brand-new school year. With restrictions finally lifted, for the first time in getting on for 18 months, Bath’s schools can be fully together again – and they can’t wait. “We are really looking forward to welcoming all of our pupils back to school and in particular to having whole-school assemblies, through which we can continue to build our strong sense of community and shared values,” says Rosie Allen, head of The Paragon School. It’s about returning to school life at its fullest, and all of the magical moments that can only arise when students are free to mix within the school community, something that became difficult to achieve with the bubble system. Though schools soldiered on with their bubbled plays, trips, and even musical performances regardless, it wasn’t the same. “We are really looking forward to reintroducing many of our extracurricular clubs, sports fixtures, concerts, trips and activities that have had to be paused or restricted over the last year,” says Tim Markall, head teacher of Beechen Cliff. “We know how much pupils benefit from these wider opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom, and they are such a crucial part of the all-round education we offer.”

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“It feels like a family here, and our older children are amazing role models for our younger children” From the All Hallows School student councils to the burgeoning House system at St Mark’s, this school year will be all about engagement and making the most of the extra-curriculars we often used to take for granted. Some schools are even starting entirely new ventures heading into this academic year. “We are launching the Bluebird Nursery and taking children from the age of two for the first time,” says Luke Bromwich, headmaster of St Margaret’s Prep. “Coupled with this we have installed a fantastic outdoor learning space that has been completed over the holidays. These are all exciting developments that we can’t wait to see evolve in the new academic year.”

EDUCATION Sixth formers at King Edward’s School have missed being able to socialise between years 12 and 13

Abbot Alphege Academy view catch up as a marathon, not a sprint

GOING DEEPER

While schools do their utmost to provide mental health support, sometimes, and especially as a result of the pandemic, children require additional help. Biodynamic craniosacral therapist and reflex integration/neuro developmental practitioner Jacqui Ellis offers movement-based therapy to address the effects of trauma. The extremities of the pandemic have brought a lot of subconscious emotions to the surface, Jacqui believes, and for many children this has resulted in some difficult and troubling behaviours. Following a detailed assessment, she aims to provide an energetically safe space for children and parents to begin practising an individual programme of exercises based on the natural movements typically made during the first year of life. For more: www.deepconnexions.co.uk

MIX IT UP

Freeing the different year groups to mix outside of their bubbles is a crucial part of a school’s sense of community. “We are a small school and it feels like a family here, and our older children are amazing role models for our younger children,” says Vicky Dupras, head teacher of Abbot Alphege Academy. “We can’t wait to have them all playing together, reading together and learning together again.” The bubble system has been felt particularly hard among some sixth forms, which have traditionally always seen greater contact between years 12 and 13 – it’s why the separate sixth form centre exists, after all. “Keeping year 12 and year 13 apart is a very unusual experience for our sixth formers,” says Claire at King Edward’s School. “In our school there is much more vertical mixing between year 12 and year 13 in a way that hasn’t been possible since Covid. That’s a shame, because we’ve got a really lovely sixth form centre and only one year group at a time has been able to use it – so it will be great to have that back.” Tim Markall agrees, “We are looking forward to pupils from different year groups working together again, including events led by students such as our Sixth Form Prefect Team, mentoring programmes, and collaboration between schools on events and activities.”

TRANSITION TIME

Transition back into school post-lockdown, and now post-restrictions is exciting, but a nerve-racking process. With such varied experiences of the pandemic suddenly converging on a single institution, it’s inevitable that unexpected scenarios will arise. Some schools are tackling this with the assistance of outside experts. At Abbot Alphege, they work with MITOS, which offers emotion coaching to their students. MITOS provides one-to-one support and intervention with the aim of dealing with the children’s emotional needs first so they can fully engage in their learning. For some of the children this will be a short burst to support them as they process their experiences since the pandemic began, and for others this will be more longterm work. Meanwhile staff at King Edwards School have trained with Dr Pooky Knightsmith, a specialist in child and adolescent mental health and emotional wellbeing. At every stage, it’s been about making the transitions as seamless as possible. For many schools, this has meant providing additional activities for students. “We are committed to supporting our young people socially and emotionally as they have all had different experiences throughout the pandemic,” says Hannah Fleming, assistant head teacher at Ralph Allen School. “We will be supporting them to make sense of the events of the last year in a fun and positive way through our tutoring and pastoral programmes. Our current year 7 students have already embarked on an intervention programme ‘Same Sea, Different Boats’ run by mental health professionals to support their transition and integration back into school after the extended lockdowns.”

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EDUCATION New at St Margaret’s Prep is the Bluebird Nursery, which will take children from the age of two

STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN

“At the moment we know there is significant ‘pandemic fatigue’ and we are all hoping that we are through the worst,” says Beechen Cliff’s Tim Markall. “However, depending how the months ahead go, we accept we need to be prepared for further issues to arise. The impact of the end of the furlough scheme, future rises in cases and the impact of government debt on school funding may still provide challenges and we are prepared for uncertainty ahead.” As prepared as schools make sure they are, there are still a lot of unknowns heading into the autumn term. “I think challenges will continue to emerge. What are they going to look like?” says Claire Losse, deputy head pastoral at King Edward’s School. “Pupils have been remarkably adaptive. Will they continue to be as resilient? Although there have been issues and collectively we’ve all been through something, it’s really hard to know what it’s going to look like eventually. “Next summer’s exam cohort have had that teaching disrupted as well. It isn’t as straight forward as let’s just get back to normal in September.”

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Going forward, working together will be key, not just within schools, but across institutions. “We are excited to be working closely with other schools in the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, particularly those in the Bath Hub, to share good practice and make sure that our students have an excellent experience of secondary school,” says Alice Boys, assistant head of St Mark’s School. “As a small hub of schools in the city of Bath, St Mark’s, Beechen Cliff School and Hayesfield Girls’ School support and challenge each other so that students achieve their aspirations and personal growth through a high quality curriculum offer and a wide range of exciting and engaging opportunities and experiences.”

“Let’s not feel we need to rush to a pre-determined timeline”

St Mark’s School partner with a number of other schools in the area to share best practice; below: Ralph Allen School are using fun pastoral activities to help students process recent events

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EDUCATION

“Technology has the power to democratise knowledge”

GOING THE DISTANCE

And what about catching up? Despite the very best efforts of schools, learning has still been missed and many students have fallen behind. According to Vicky Dupras, head teacher of Abbot Alphege Academy, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Dr Trevor Richards, CPsychol, head teacher of All Hallows School, very much agrees. “We were quick to challenge the movement to accelerate the children’s learning to ‘catch up’ on missed learning,” he says. “Attempting to do so on top of learning new information is likely to lead to cognitive overload and as a result, the children would struggle to transfer both missed and new information into their long-term memory and wont ‘properly’ learn either. “So let’s not feel that we need to rush to a pre-determined timeline, take a slightly longer term view, avoid cognitive overload, and keep student wellbeing strong. If we do this, not only will our children continue to enjoy school and have a passion for learning, but may well also exceed previous expectations of their outcomes.”

LOCKDOWN LESSONS

above: Kingswood School is embracing the potential of technology

to innovate the education sector; this image: At Beechen Cliff, they’re very ready to get back to their extra curriculars in full force

Some schools even started new practices during the pandemic that they’ll carry forwards into school life without restrictions. The most obvious changes are to wellbeing care – which all schools are keen to up in the coming months. “We have adapted our safeguarding procedures to help us identify issues that may have arisen from or been exacerbated by the pandemic so the appropriate support and intervention can be provided,” says Tim Markall, head teacher of Beechen Cliff. Meanwhile at King Edward’s School they have rebranded the medical centre – from the new term it’ll be known as the Health and Wellness Centre instead, and comes with additional school nurse capacity. New school groups were also born to enhance wellbeing during tough times. “Whilst Downside is well known for its excellent pastoral care, the pandemic put a spotlight on what more we could do to support our pupils during such a unique and challenging time,” says Beck Ward Murphy, marketing manager at Downside School. “And so was born the school’s Oscar Romero Community. This Community is a

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EDUCATION youthful, faith-based movement led by Downside pupils which aims to identify and promote the importance of faith in sport at the school based on our Benedictine values. Sport carries such huge importance and influence at Downside so this combination of faith and sport was a natural one.”

FOR THE FUTURE

The use of technology, too, has been impacted by the lockdowns – and not all for the worse, as Andrew GordonBrown, headmaster of Kingswood School explains, “For a long time in education circles, people have discussed the ‘disruptive’ potential of technology, and up until now, this disruption largely failed to materialise. “I don’t think this is just about style, The Paragon can’t wait to have but rather the structure and form of all the students together again the learning process itself. Technology for school assemblies has the power to democratise knowledge and enhance connection, giving students more autonomy and agency over their learning. I hope that one product of this difficult period is that educators will emerge with new confidence to rethink curriculum design and learner engagement.” At King Edward’s School, they even found that the bubble system had some surprising benefits. “We don’t want bubbles for the academic teaching, but we’re keeping that for the pastoral bases,” explains Claire Losse. “We’re going to continue to group year groups in particular geographical spaces around the school, because we really noticed throughout the year that they developed a sense of ownership over particular spaces, it was good to help them rebuild their community and their relationships within their peer group.” For Luke Bromwich, headmaster of St Margaret’s Prep, it’s important to keep the community engagement up. “At St Margaret’s we are considering how we can impact our wider community for the better in the new academic year and as a result we are hoping to launch a number of projects with local schools in areas such as sport,” he says.

At Downside, they launched a new faithbased community to help students cope with the effects of the pandemic

YOU HAVE BEEN READING

Abbot Alphege Academy, Beckford Drive, Lansdown, Bath; www.abbot-alphege.org.uk All Hallows School, Cranmore Hall, Somerset; www.allhallowsschool.co.uk Beechen Cliff School, Kipling Avenue, Bath; www.beechencliff.org.uk Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock; www.downside.co.uk King Edward’s School, North Road, Bath; www.kesbath.com Kingswood School, Lansdown Road, Bath; www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk The Paragon School, Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath; www.paragonschool.co.uk Ralph Allen School, Claverton Down Road, Bath; www.ralphallenschool.com St Margaret’s Prep, Curzon Street, Calne; www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk St Mark’s School, Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath; www.st-marks.org.uk

OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE

Bath is utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to great schools. Whatever children want to study, from the academic to the vocational Sheldon School, Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham; www.sheldonschool.co.uk Hayesfield Girls School, Upper Oldfield Park, Bath; www.hayesfield.com Calder House School, Thickwood Lane, Colerne; www.calderhouseschool.co.uk Wells Cathedral School, The Liberty, Wells; www.wells.cathedral.school Bath College, City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath; www.bathcollege.ac.uk IKB Academy, 68 Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol; www.ikbacademy.org.uk Royal High School Bath, Lansdown Road, Bath; www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Monkton Coombe School, Monkton Combe, Bath; www.monktoncombeschool.com Prior Park College, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath; www.priorparkcollege.com

28 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Where learning comes to life...

SPONSORED CONTENT

Pioneering girls’ education in Bath Providing an outstanding and contemporary, girl-centred education, ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL BATH is a day and boarding school for ages 3-18.

oyal High School Bath is the only boarding school in the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools. Royal High School boasts exceptional academic results and their girls are adventurous in both their thinking and ambitions. With a reputation as supportive and stimulating, their students realise new talents and fulfil their potential. The new £2m Steinway Music School and renovated boarding houses highlight their commitment to students’ success. Student wellbeing is a key priority, and the school’s pastoral care aims to nurture each student throughout their academic career, making sure every girl has a positive experience. Students have access to in-house counselling, as well as a wellbeing coordinator who is on hand to listen and support. The Pastoral Hub is a new development for September, which includes 'The Hive', a

peaceful area for quiet reflection, a contemplation room and quiet study zone. All students from Years 8-11 have their own dedicated common rooms, built to the WELL standards. Royal High School are proud to be the only school in Bath to offer a choice of A-level and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways at Sixth Form. This year’s IB students achieved an outstanding total average point score of 40 out of a possible 45 and in A-levels, students excelled. 86 per cent of students have a place at university and their destinations are as varied as the subjects they are choosing to study. In September, the school celebrates the appointment of Luke Benedict as Head of Sixth Form. Luke, previously Head of English since 2019, said “I am so excited to lead the Sixth Form – it is the culmination of our mission to nurture and empower the next generation of young women.” With an extensive network of bus routes across Bath, boarding options, Holiday Club and toddler

group, Royal High School Bath has something to suit every family’s needs. Sign up to attend an Open Event on 14 September, 22 September and 9 October at www.royalhighbath.gdst.net/whats-on ■

Senior School, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ; Tel: 01225 313 877 Nursery and Prep School, Weston Park East, Bath BA1 2UZ; Tel: 01225 422 931 royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net www.royalhighbath.gdst.net  @RoyalHighBath; f  l Royal High School Bath

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Grade-A resilience MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL celebrates an outstanding set of exam results

nder the most unusual circumstances, Monkton students have recently celebrated an outstanding set of A-level and GCSE results this summer, results which hold the very same status as those which came before and those which will follow – even though they were arrived at in quite a different fashion. We're very proud of our pupils' A-level results and following a rigorous external moderation process, none of the grades which we submitted were changed. 64 per cent of grades were awarded at A or A* and 95 per cent were A* to C. Over a third achieved an A*. As ever, these results, although hard won, represent just the launchpad for our pupils' next adventure. We take pride in the diversity of paths which our pupils choose to take beyond Monkton. 'Monkton thinks differently' applies just as much to making sure each individual finds their own path. This means we have students like Kiera and Kemi both heading off to the prestigious

University of the Arts London to read Costume for Theatre and Screen, and Creative Direction for Fashion respectively, while others like Ibim head to Loughborough to read Robotics, Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Issy to Nottingham to read French with Contemporary Chinese, and Polly and Kit to Edinburgh to read Physics and Ancient History respectively. Our GCSE pupils also had to find depths of resilience and perseverance as they charted unknown waters – and their good humour and willingness was testament to them all. Their results vindicate those efforts with so many of them receiving well-earnt and impressive grades across the board. More than 50 per cent of candidates in Art, Business, Drama, English Language, Further Maths, Chemistry, History, Music, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, and Photography gained either grades 8 or 9, the equivalent of the old A* grade. Chris Wheeler, principal, says, "I send heartfelt congratulations to all pupils who received results in this toughest of seasons. This cohort have

seen disruption unlike any who have gone before them and have learned tremendous courage and resilience which no results will ever capture." If you would like your child to be a part of a school which helps put them on the path to their next adventure through a journey of self-discovery, then please come along and see what makes Monkton so special at our open mornings at our Senior School on Saturday 2 October, or our Prep School on Saturday 9 October. Register now at www.monktoncombeschool.com n Monkton Senior School, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG; 01225 721100; reception@monkton.org.uk; www.monktoncombeschool.com

Is your child struggling with:  Reading and writing  Concentration  Anger issues  Low conﬁdence and self esteem

 Balance and Coordination  Being attentive  Sitting still  Feeling diﬀerent

Call Jacqui Ellis on 07790 783280 to find out how a Reflex Stimulation & Integration Programme could help with all of the above and more.

info@deepconnexions.co.uk www.deepconnexions.co.uk

Our Philosophy Both nursery delivers the early years foundation stage through a purely child centred approach. ‘Our planning for each child is carried out in the moment and is based on award winning Anna Ephgrave’s approach of ‘planning in the moment’.

A great start for your child’s learning and development in the heart of Bath. The Bath Nursery Company is a small family run business that owns and operates two nurseries in Bath and one at Marble Arch in central London. Parents chose us because we provide high quality childcare and pre-school education for children aged from three months to ﬁve years over 51 weeks of the year. Our nurseries are open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, our ﬂexible range of schedules,

include term time only placements and bookings for families who wish to use the universal entitlement (15 hours) and/or extended entitlement (30 hours). For more information on help with childcare costs please go to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

What do we oﬀer? • Opening hours from 7.30am-6.30pm • Spaces for children from 3 months to 5 years • Full days, school days, mornings or afternoon sessions that can be taken all year round (51 weeks) or term time only (38 weeks) • Fees that are all inclusive of meals, nappies, creams and extracurricular activities • Freshly prepared snacks, lunch and tea that are cooked on site by our nursery chef

• Flexible spaces for parents wishing to use their 15 hours universal entitlement or 30 hours extended entitlement • Short term / temporary places available • Emergency childcare spaces • Forest school session led by qualiﬁed practitioners • Regular trips out in the local community

We also support all of our children’s important life skills, such as serving their own meals, children are respected and trusted at our nurseries, all children have china plates and real cutlery to use, all meals are served in serving dishes and children make choices about how much they would like to eat. All of our meals are cooked on site by our Chef’s. We cater for all children’s diets and preferences, good early years nutrition is what fuels young children’s bodies and minds and is something we take

very seriously, we are acrredited by the early years nutrition partnership, and continue to work alongside them to further ensure that our catering is second to none.’ Helping parents stay in touch – ParentZone, is an innovative Smartphone App which allows you to view a time-line of your child’s day in nursery, read observations and assessment summaries, view photographs and videos of your child’s activities and experiences, access your nursery accounts, invoices, payment history and make payments. The app also allows you to comment on any observations that your key person has added and to upload your own photos and observations to add to your child’s learning journal.

Located just a mile and a half form Bath city centre, this lovely village nursery provides the ideal environment for your child to safely play grow and learn.

Nestled into a quiet, residential corner by Hedgemead Park, Guinea lane Nursery oﬀers exceptional childcare and pre-school education in a cosy but lively environment.

At Combe Down we believe a children’s nursery should be more than a safe, warm and welcoming environment. It should be a place that stimulates young minds, promotes creativity and lays exceptional foundations for a blossoming education both social and curricular.

Guinea Lane has been one of Baths favourite children’s nurseries for 10 years. Working closely with children and parents alike to provide high quality childcare and education that closely embraces our proximity to the city centre, using the local environment to enhance the children’s cultural experiences.

Combe Down Road, Bath, BA2 5HY 01225 840575 • combedown@tbnc.co.uk

Conveniently located for the Landsdown Park and Ride with stops Belevedere and Alfred Street being just a few short minutes walk from the nursery. Guinea Lane, Bath, BA1 5NB 01225 487858 • guinealane@tbnc.co.uk

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Let your light shine ST MARK'S SCHOOL is going through an exciting period of development, and there's never been a better time to join

his is an exciting time to join St Mark’s School, a school that has rapidly improved over the last eighteen months since joining the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership, which consists of 28 schools within Bath and North East Somerset and neighbouring counties.

As well as benefiting from its involvement with the trust, St Mark’s School works closely with Hayesfield Girls’ School and Beechen Cliff, as part of the Bath Hub. All three schools share good practice so that students achieve their aspirations and personal growth through a high quality curriculum offer and a wide range of exciting and engaging opportunities. Our common goal is to ensure our students have an excellent experience of secondary school. Our young people are able to quickly establish themselves and develop their true identities in a setting where the staff know every child and value their contributions in the school and wider community. This helps ensure that our students develop a strong sense of belief in themselves and encourages them to be masters of their own destiny. Our committed team of staff inspire our students through a curriculum that is rigorous, challenging and motivating so that our students find joy in learning, and learn to value the

commitment they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Come and join us at our open events this autumn. We look forward to being able to welcome you to our aspirational and friendly school community. n Open Evening Thursday 16th September, 6.30-8.30pm Open Mornings Wednesday 22nd September & Friday 1st October, 9-11am

St Mark's School, Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6ND; 01225 312661; info@st-marks.org.uk; www.st-marks.org.uk

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

SILK SCREEN

The first ever exhibition dedicated to Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits is coming to the Holburne Museum on 24 September. Rossetti’s Portraits features some of his most celebrated artworks, including The Blue Silk Dress (Jane Morris), 1868, as seen here. Exhibition curator Sylvie Broussine says, “We’re thrilled to be able to share with the public this fresh look at one of the leading figures of 19th century British art. Though a lesser-known aspect of his body of work, nonetheless portraiture is present throughout

Rossetti’s career, from his informal, private drawings of his family and friends to his celebrated oil paintings of the women who inspired him. “Rossetti is at his best when capturing the likenesses of those closest to him, and we hope that this exhibition draws attention to this important part of the artist’s work.” For more: Rossetti’s Portraits runs from 24 September until 9 January 2022 at the Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

WHAT’S ON 11 September – 7 October

Magician, wizard, and liar, Billy Kidd is back conjuring every Saturday at the Ale House

EXHIBITIONS

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

GROUP EXHIBITION Paul Wright, Cecilia Cardiﬀ, and Millena DeMille are the three artists featured in this exhibition, plus there’s a focus on local artist Ben Hughes. Art Salon; www.artsalon.co.uk

landscape artist at Black Swan Arts in Frome reﬂects on connections with nature, place and home. Most of the work – a mixture of dramatic, sometimes almost abstract, watercolours and striking monochromatic monoprints – was created during the lockdowns. www.blackswanarts.org.uk

Until 19 September

Until 28 September

Until 15 September

FREUD, MINTON, RYAN: AN UNHOLY TRINITY This exhibition celebrates the life of Adrian Ryan, and his friends John Minton and Lucian Freud. In the art world of pre-war London, the three artists were friends. As ambitious ﬁgurative painters with promising career trajectories, all three explored a relaxed intimacy behind closed doors. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 26 September

DAVID A. PARFITT 20 Miles, an exhibition of paintings and prints by the Somerset

40 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

STARING FROM A THOUSAND YARDS The new exhibition on display at Corsham’s Pound Arts centre from Salisbury-based artist Prudence Maltby features more than 40 mixed media collages responding to the extraordinary events of 2020. www.poundarts.org.uk

Until 7 October

FLIGHTS OF FANCY An exhibition by six local printmakers, Kate Bernstein, Dominique Coiﬀait, Charlotte Farmer, Polly Gough, Liz Saunders and Sarah Targett, who all make

original limited edition prints using a variety of techniques. Many of them met whilst printing at Marshﬁeld Screen Print, a local screen print studio owned by Dominique. The art work is available to buy at aﬀordable prices with a commission paid to the RUH. www.artatruh.org

Until 10 October

MY KID COULD’VE DONE THAT! The Holburne Museum has staged this exhibition at The Edge arts centre at the University of Bath. It consists of brand-new work by 15 contemporary artists and their children, which then invites art lovers to determine just who created the work? Creative participants include Harriet Bowman and her son Len, Dickon Drury and son Cosmo, and Kate Owens with daughter Trudy. www.edgearts.org/ www.holburne.org

Until 31 October

OUCH! This online exhibition draws on the

themes of pain as explored by the University’s Bath Centre for Pain Research. It is made up of an interdisciplinary team who examine how pain aﬀects people’s lives. The ‘in person’ exhibition of Ouch! is now rescheduled at 44AD’s Abbey Street gallery next month. www.44ad.net

Until 31 October

SHOOTING STARS: CARINTHIA WEST, BRITAIN AND AMERICA IN THE 1970S Features a collection of 63 intimate natural and lifestyle portraits of the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, taken in the 1970s in America and the UK by journalist and photographer Carinthia West. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 2022

SHOEPHORIA! Discover the fascinating evolution of shoe style over the last 300 years, from the actual footwear worn by

WHAT’S ON artworks, including The Blue Silk Dress. The exhibition also explores the artist’s intimate relationship with his muses and their influence on his depiction of beauty. Turn to page 39 for more. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

24 September – 9 January SUNIL GUPTA: THE NEW PRE-RAPHAELITES To accompany its major new exhibition of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits, the Holburne is displaying the photographs by Sunil Gupta who was born in New Dehli and is now living in London. His ten photographs reference the struggle against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code instigated during British rule in the 1860s, and criminalised gay sex. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org above: See Showtime by Cecilia Cardiff at the Art Salon left: Jax Jones is helping promote new DJ talent at Moles on 30 September below: Olive Webb is just one of the artists featured in the Combe Down art Trial

Queen Mary and Queen Victoria, through to the recent contemporary designers, such as Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

11 – 12 September

COMBE DOWN ART TRAIL Artists living and working in Combe Down will be opening their studio doors to the public for live demonstrations and the opportunity to buy work direct from them. Part of Bath Open Studios, the Combe Down Art Trail is in its fifth year and has been designed to cover all eventualities including an online exhibition, work on show at local landmarks such as The Museum of Bath Stone, the King William IV pub, and the Peggy Dodd Centre, as well as turning the streets into a village gallery, with posters of artwork fastened to railings and lampposts. www.cdarttrail.com

11 – 19 September

PEACOCK ARTS TRAIL 2021 Peacock Arts Trail flies again with more than 70 artists and craftspeople from Corsham, Chippenham, Melksham and surrounding villages participating in real life, online and in person exhibitions. www.peacockartstrail.co.uk

24 September – 9 January

ROSSETTI’S PORTRAITS A unique show devoted to one of the giants of Victorian art – the first ever exhibition dedicated to Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits featuring some of his most celebrated

THEATRE / CINEMA

Until 18 September

THE DRESSER A twelve-strong cast, led by Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly, and directed by multi award-winning Terry Johnson, tell the story of a war-torn provincial theatre. An ageing actor manager known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his 227th performance of King Lear. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

18 & 25 September, 2 October

KROWD KEEPERS MAGIC THEATRE Promising no rabbits, cheesiness or top hats this is an every Saturday night magic show featuring resident magician, conjuror, wizard and liar Billy Kidd, along with guest stars who also happen to be world renowned magicians. Held upstairs at The Ale House on York Street, doors open at 7.30pm. www.krowdkeepers.com

22 September

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL A brand-new selection of films from all over the world, for audiences to dive right into and be thrilled by. Among the many tales of marvellous marine-life and extreme seafaring voyages, is the acclaimed and powerful The Sea & Me, which is part of an Australiawide filming project documenting the science and the experiences of locals, who live beside marine reserves. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

WHAT’S ON 23 – 26 September

THE LUNA CINEMA AT LONGLEAT Look out over Longleat’s safari park’s Half Mile Lake with the stunning Longleat House as the backdrop while enjoying Star Wars, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman and, of course, The Lion King. www.longleat.co.uk

25 September

ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH Exposing the earth’s fractured state, this film offers a cinematic meditation on the way human activity has reshaped the earth. From the harsh industrial landscapes in Siberia, to the towering white mountains of marble in Carrara, Italy, to the uneven plastic peaks of Dandora Landfill in Kenya, watch the aggressive extraction of the planet’s resources in astonishing scale and devastating beauty. Little Theatre Bath; www.picturehouses.com

29 September

QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin Crisp spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for his refusal to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day. Written and performed by Mark Farrelly and directed by Linda Marlowe. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

MUSIC

13 September

SCOTT LAVENE Distinctive lyrical linguistics and a deadpan delivery makes post-punk bluesy rocker Scott Lavene, a masterful musical storyteller. The Bell; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

16 September

RÓISÍN MURPHY The ex-Moloko singer and Mercury Prize-nominated Irish singer songwriter brings her sophisticated and distinctive disco and hot jazz pop sounds to Bath. The Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

30 September

JAX JONES Ivor Novello, Grammy and BRIT nominated DJ, producer and multiinstrumentalist JAX JONES will be joined at Moles on George Street by specially selected upcoming local DJ talent. It’s not too late to try your hand – DJ mix submissions can be submitted via demos@wugd.

42 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

co.uk. Entries must state: Moles 30 September, and also include a name, a short introduction, social media links and a streaming link to the mix (but no download links please); www.moles.co.uk

COMEDY 23 September / 2 October

KRATER COMEDY CLUB Kick-oﬀ your weekend with some proper good laughs and discover the best in live comedy, featuring Jojo Sutherland and Andrew O’Neil on 25 September, and the following week sees Josh Howie and Vicki Stone. The cabaret style seating comes with several dining options, as well as table service. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

2 October

SARA BARRON A powerhouse live act and fast rising star, Sara’s previous shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and across multiple runs in London’s Soho Theatre have sold out to major critical and audience acclaim. Blisteringly funny and no-holdsbarred, in her new tour, Enemies Closer, the US comic examines kindness, meanness, ex-boyfriends, current husbands, all four of her remaining friends, and two of her twelve enemies. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN 11 – 18 September

THE LIVING TREE In partnership with Forest of Imagination The Egg is transformed into a living forest, with fantastical outdoor indoor light and sound installation created by Andrew Amondson which includes a real forest ﬂoor. The Egg Theatre; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

24 September – 3 October

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival returns with a huge and entertaining variety of readings, talks, workshops, and panels from poets, authors, illustrators, being held at venues all over the city. Turn to page 52 for the full literary lowdown. www.bathfestivals.org.uk

ABOVE: The Living Tree is an indoor installation at the Egg Theatre created in collaboration with Forest of Imagination RIGHT: The latest work of Prudence Maltby which was created in response to the events of 2020 is currently on display at Corsham’s Pound Arts centre BELOW: The Dresser starring Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly comes to Theatre Royal Bath

Bath's best kept secret Bath, BA2 7BD

americanmuseum.org

WHAT’S ON 26 September

UP IN THE AIR Join Mini BSO at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon for an afternoon of interactive games, fantastic music and great entertainment. Featuring hits including Let’s Go Fly a Kite and Come Fly with Me as well as themes from Star Wars and Doctor Who, this family concert is an easy and enjoyable way to introduce children to classical music and the instruments of the orchestra. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

OTHER

Until 19 September

THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL The annual celebration of the author resumes. There’s walking tours, lessons in ball etiquettes, and best of all, ladies pretend to be Lizzie Bennett and the men Mr Darcy, and together they parade the streets of Bath. There’s also a special Jane Austen immersive exhibition happening at No1 Royal Crescent. www.janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk

11 – 26 September

BATHSCAPE WALKING FESTIVAL Celebrate Bath by walking the city. This festival thanks to its organised walks, downloadable maps, podcasts and tours will help uncover hidden valleys, iron age forts, picture perfect villages, and amazing views. Turn to page 7 for more Bath walking news. www.bathscapewalkingfestival.co.uk

18 September

WELLNESS IN BATH As part of World Wellness Weekend, Visit Bath is working with local spa and wellbeing partners and businesses to bring a programme of free events such as The Soul Spa which is delivering demos and classes in support of Bath Mind. Turn to page 56 for more details www.visitbath.co.uk

24 September – 26 September

THE GREAT BATH FEAST The Great Bath Feast, in association with The Bertinet Kitchen, celebrates the best food and drink in the South West. The festival kicks off with a buzzing market on Milsom Street in Bath with chef demos, pop-ups and a food and drink trail. Turn to page 64 for the full list of specials! www.greatbathfeast.co.uk

44 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

top:

The Sea & Me is just one of the many films that makes up the Ocean Film Festival coming to Komedia on 22 September For ex-Moloko Róisín Murphy’s appearance at The Forum, the time is now

bottom:

24 September

TRISTRAM HUNT Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum and one of Britain’s best-known historians will be talking about his new book, The Radical Potter: Josiah Wedgwood and the Transformation of Britain. In it, Tristram describes Wedgwood as ‘the Steve Jobs of the 18th century’ thanks to his revolutionary approach to making ceramics a mass consumer product. The event has been organised by Toppings

and is being held at Christ Church on Julian Road. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

routines, leisure time, and entertainment of the aristocracy. www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

26 September

SECRETS OF BATH WALKS Explore history on our beautiful Bath doorstep with expertly guided walks that, not only reveal the background of some of the finest Palladian architecture in the world, but also introduce the daily

CIRCUIT OF BATH WALK Join Julian House for the Circuit of Bath Walk and take a stand against homelessness. Book your place for the full 20-mile route, or a distance of your choosing, and get sponsored to help enable the charity to help others. www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk n

BSc MRICS Chartered Surveyor

mark@mvsurveying.co.uk 07922 557100 01225 581591 www.mvsurveying.co.uk 1-07, 3 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2FJ

It’s all about peace of mind… Bath based since 1992

BATH RUGBY FIXTURES 21/22

TAKEAWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE WITH UP TO 15% OFF WE ARE NOW BACK OPEN FROM 12PM – 2PM FOR LUNCH Open: Mon–Sat 12 noon–2pm & 6pm–10.30pm. Closed Sundays.

DATE

K.O.

COMPETITION

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10 Sept