Bath Life – Issue 456 by MediaClash

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ISSUE 456 / 5 – 18 NOVEMBER 2021 / £3

ISSUE 456 / 5 – 18 NOVEMBER 2021 / GREEN LIVING

GREEN HEROES THE CITY’S ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATORS

FOREVER GREEN

ARCHITECTS ON THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

CHEER-BRINGING RECIPES FROM THE COCONUT TREE

GETTING CHOPSY

MEET THE AWARD-WINNING LARKHALL BUTCHERS

SHARE & REPAIR

THE CAFÉ THAT MENDS AND LENDS

SPORTING CHANCE

TOUCHING BASE WITH PLAY SPORTS NETWORK’S SIMON WEAR

REGULARS BEAUTY BY ANÉ / BOOKS WITH MR B / FILMS AT THE LITTLE THEATRE / WISE WORDS FROM DAVID FLATMAN

EDITOR’S LETTER

BELOW: Sip it the right way (page 62 & 64)

ABOVE: No waste with Refillable (page 13)

ow green is your valley? Mine, on the whole, I thought was pretty good. I dislike fast fashion, fast food, and fast cars. My motor isn’t electric, it’s petrol but we rarely use it. I religiously disguise leftovers into a whole new mediocre meal for my children to moan about. I recycle, turn down the thermostat and have reusable bags galore. But compiling this issue has me determined to be even more eco-conscious and environmentally friendly. Our cover stars the Bathampton-based Middle Ground Growers are utterly inspiring and convincing in their work to ensure we eat local and organic (page 64). It’s the realisation a climate changing carrot is never going to be as tasty or life-enhancing as one that these guys have nurtured into being. (Turn to page 25 for our columnist David Flatman’s retweetable take on sky polluting meat – just don’t @ him). We also interview local architects on how the need for sustainability is shaping changes in the construction industry (page 26), plus there’s a green editor’s choice that looks to the small print to check the sustainability credentials and claims. Okay now excuse me while I go and rewild my garden and don’t do the dishes…

SARAH MOOLLA

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13 Issue 456 / 5-18 November 2021 COVER Marcus Rees, Olivia Rhodes, Xavier Hamon, Hamish Evans, Samuel Elmore and Naomi Lander of Middle Ground Growers, picture by Xavier Hamon

BUILDING BETTER

26 ARCHITECTS The eco-friendly future of construction

THE ARTS

41 ARTS INTRO Rugby player James Haskell is coming to Bath

with his one man show

42 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, family stuff, comedy and art in

Bath and beyond

49 BOOKS Reads that celebrate visual history 51 FILM This month The Little is set to screen the greatest film of

all time

FOOD&DRINK

53 FOOD & DRINK Bath’s new make-your-own waffles experience 54 RESTAURANT Bosco Pizzeria takes pizza to the next level 56 TAKE 5 Bath Life Award-winners Larkhall Butchers 58 RECIPES Deliciously seasonal meals from The Coconut Tree

SHOPPING

61 INTRO The paint to use in your child’s bedroom 62 EDITOR’S CHOICE Your eco-friendly shopping list

LIFESTYLE

64 GREEN LIVING The Bath businesses with green credentials 71 BEAUTY Ané tries out the celeb-backed Hydrafacial

BUSINESS

73 BATHWORKS Business news, views, and interviews 76 BIZ Q&A Alec Yull of Gardiner Haskins Interiors on his new

favourite kitchen in the showroom

79 AWARDS Q&A Environmental winners Share and Repair on

how they’re putting Bath on the eco-tourism map

80 ENTRECONF Play Sports Network founder Simon Wear

shares his experiences launching a business, selling a business and dealing with investors

58 90

PROPERTY

85 PROPERTY LEAD Homes for bats 86 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 90 SHOWCASE A home on Camden Terrace with views to die for

DEPARTMENTS

10 SPOTLIGHT The Sinking House at Pulteney Weir 13 INSTAGRAM Celebrating Bath’s green spaces 17 SOCIETY A month of musical and bookish festivities 25 FLATLINE Flats is stirring the pot 98 LIVES Lulu S is living her dream job

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 Amy Bennett, Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Emma Ingledew, John Mather, Sophie Phipson and Matilda Walton Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@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

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

SPOTLIGHT #SinkingHouseBath

THE TIPPING POINT Bristol Wood Recycling Project at the installation’s end. “We at Stride Treglown are conscious of how we have a responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment but also be a catalyst for positive change,” says Rob Dellus, Stride Treglown’s head of sustainability. “As a B Corp and a carbon neutral business, we wanted to use the piece to highlight the severity of the climate emergency. Ahead of COP26, we encourage world leaders to recognise the importance of this opportunity to take meaningful action. We hope that this installation, which has been a collective community effort, helps that message to sink in.” Turn to page 26 for more on this installation in our architects feature. For more: www.stridetreglown.com

Did you spot the sinking house? Bath and Bristol-based architects Stride Treglown and Format Engineers created the 5.5m by 3.5m installation – a small house half submerged in front of Pulteney Bridge, with a human-like figure holding a lifeline that reads ‘COP26’. The art installation represents the tipping point of the climate emergency, and appeared just ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which began on 31 October. Strike Treglown partnered with Format Engineers, also based in Bath, and local sculptor Anna Gillespie and Fifield Moss Carpentry to create the piece, which is made of timber and sourced from local suppliers to minimise carbon emissions, and with a plan in place to donate the timber to nearby

Poppy Appeal

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

Bath fundraisers for the Poppy Appeal have a city centre home, thanks to Bath & North East Somerset Council. The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign, held every year in November during the period of Remembrance, and this year marks 100 years since the nation’s collective Remembrance traditions were first brought together: the poppy, two-minute silence, Armistice Day, the service for the Unknown Warrior, and the march-past at the Cenotaph in London. “I’m glad that we were able to respond quickly and accommodate the Bath Poppy Appeal,” says councillor Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES Council. “As an ex-serviceman and the council’s Armed Forces Champion, I know how important this campaign is to the Royal British Legion in raising vital funds for the Armed Forces community. The collectors have been at the heart of the Poppy Appeal for 100 years and after two years it will be good to see them back out on the streets of Bath selling poppies. The money they collect will continue to support people in urgent need of help.” For more: www.britishlegion.org.uk

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The sinking house art installation is a project from Stride Treglown

Tom Toolis, Jo Muir, Kate French, Joe Choong and Jamie Cooke

Roman Baths

TEAM SPIRIT Pentathlon GB athletes got a sneak preview of the newly revealed Roman Gym at the Roman Baths. Bath-based team members Tom Toolis, Jo Muir, Kate French, Joe Choong and Jamie Cooke learned how Romans used to exercise and keep healthy during their tour of the brand-new attraction. “It was really exciting to be the first to see the new exhibit at the Roman Baths,” says Tom Toolis. “It’s always a joy to attend but it was extra special having the staff show us around the new Roman Gym and learning about how the Romans exercised. Being from a sport with its own historical roots, it’s a great crossover of our interests as a team.” The new Roman Gym is open now – never before seen by the public, it features a Roman exercise yard, and a laconicum (a type of sauna) brought to life by vibrant projections and interpretation. For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk Kevin Guy and Poppy Appeal co-ordinator Pearl Shaw

BATH’S FIRST LUXURY SPARKLING WINE LAST CHANCE TO BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER Limited availability of only 3,000 memberships. Sign up here (using the QR code below) for your one-time-only opportunity to be part of the exclusive Minerva family. Member benefits will be published to all those who sign up for pre-sale newsletters.

The Romans produced wine from these very fields in Bath, at Minerva we’re bringing back to life what the Romans created in this terroir in the middle ages.

Imagine if you had the chance to own the very first Moët and Chandon or Dom Perignon vintage, and get to know the people that make them?

As a Bathonian, this is your chance to be part of something special in your neighbourhood, joining us right at the very start of a journey.

You will also have a very special chance to win Bottle #1 of our very first Vintage. This will be labelled and signed by winemaker Emma Rice and artist Victoria Topping.

You now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a founding member of Minerva. The first founders will enjoy incredible benefits, centred on creating a community interested in the enjoyment of winemaking, food, art and the local countryside. This will include exclusive access to special events (we can’t wait to announce these!) plus discounts and priority on future products, vineyard experiences, tasting days and much more!

If you’d like the opportunity to be on the priority list to own the very first Minerva Vintage being released for pre-sales this November 2021, and be part of our new community sign up for our Newsletter at Minervawine.com/BathLife

Corston Fields Farm, Bath, BA2 9EZ. Founder: Eddie Addicott-Sauvao @Minerva_wine | www.minervawine.com Email eddie@minervawine.com

SPOTLIGHT

PARK LIFE

Bath’s parks have been officially recognised among the best green spaces in the country with Green Flags for the third year in a row. The award from Keep Britain Tidy celebrates spaces that boast the highest environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities. It’s not hard to see why Bath won…

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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 Matt Owens and Johnny Morgan

Ellie Gowers Alex Lipinski

Vicki Cheadle and Liam MacAuley Denise and Chris Rogers

SEVENTH HEAVEN

Production team: Kat Whiffen, Becky North, Faith Trew and Rhiannon Woodhams

Emma Russell

At the inaugural 7 Hills Music Festival, music lovers ﬂocked to a secret former pleasure garden at Lyncombe Court to enjoy 13 consecutive performances of exceptional American-inﬂuenced music, with performers drawing on musical traditions ranging from blues to bluegrass, folk to country, gospel to rock’n’roll. Beth Rowley, who has sung with Burt Bacharach and Jools Holland, along with special guest Robert Vincent, who won the UK Americana Association’s 2021 Award for best performer and best album, graced a line-up of supremely talented artists with predominantly south western UK origins. The 7 Hills will return in 2022. Photos by Chris Cook www.the7hills.com

Lady Nade performed with her band

Alice Herve, Angela Hill, John Roberts, Shehana Gomez and Ian Herve

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SOCIETY

Cressida Cowell met her fans

Kristina Stephenson

Stuart Lawrence

LEAP OFF THE PAGE

Thousands of children came to the city for the Bath Children’s Literature Festival to see their favourite authors and illustrators. Young fans asked questions about the writers’ characters, their next adventures and how they got started. They learned to draw dogs, eyes, aliens and genies in lamps. They put their hands up, they put their hands together, they cheered, whooped and laughed. Among the authors taking part were Cressida Cowell, Greg James and Chris Smith, Liz Pichon, Rob Biddulph, Joe Wicks and the Bath Rugby team, who hosted a fun-ﬁlled storytime. Photos by Bath Festivals www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Martha, Lucia and Bethany, Junior Journalists 2021

Catherine Bruton Museum of Marvellous Things

MG Leonard and her fans

Sue Hendra, Paul Linnet, Rachel Morrisroe and Steven Lenton

Sophie Henn

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SOCIETY

Emma Emmerson, Jo Keightley and Tara Robertson Mary and Adura Akinboroye

Kelly Ash and Sarah Pridham

FACE TO FACE

Emma Rose Jules Lowrie and Abi Strike

Fifty guests attended the launch of Dr Lucy Facial Aesthetics, a new clinic in Widcombe that offers a full range of facial aesthetic treatments. The launch was hosted by Dr Lucy Middlefell, clinic founder, along with local artist and Bath Life Award-winner Emma Rose, who styled the space with her paintings, prints and cushions. Guests enjoyed free manicures and reflexology sessions along with tasty canapés, Champagne and elderflower cordial, and Dr Lucy was on hand to provide insight on her plans for the new aesthetics clinic, which is downstairs from Widcombe Deli. Photos by Emma Curtis; www.emmiec15.wixsite.com and Emma Rose; www.emmaroseartworks.com

Rob Middlefell, Sarah Asprey and Abi Strike

Lisa Fisher, Julie Skailes and Jo Lord Amy Williams and Joanna Palmer

Astrid Siddorn and Claire Derrick

Dr Rebecca Wignall and Dr Lucy Middlefell

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SOCIETY

Ellen Kythor and Brenda Fisher

Dale Handley

Emma Davey

SHARING IS CARING

Bath Life Award winner Share and Repair launched its new premises on George Street with an open evening for city partners and supporters. The guests were given tours of the new Share and Repair space and introduced to the four services on oﬀer: repair cafés, The Library of Things, HowTo workshops and the charity’s latest initiative, HomeKIT, where good quality donated electrical items are shared with partner charities to be redistributed to low-income households. For more on Share and Repair’s experience at the Bath Life Awards, head to page 79. Photos by Bethany Barlow www.bethbarlow.co.uk

Sarah Kendall

Isobel Michael Peter Green

Nicky Green

Lorna Montgomery Ian Walker

Owen Rodgers

Graham Moult

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“They could just unfollow me but where’s the fun in that?”

Post it notes

Flats has got beef with social media

here is an awful, invisible line that now exists on social media over which nobody must ever step, should they wish not to be abused and called names and accused of horrible things. In social media’s early days, that line was much like the lines we always trod at dinner parties or in pubs or on buses. As a child, I remember vividly my friend’s dad making the joke that: “Hitler might have had a point” during a fun, chaotic, loud dinner. He made this joke as he knew that within my family tree lie some Jewish roots, and he felt safe to make it as we were all best mates. Still, it

went down badly, he was told so, he held up his hands and we all cracked on with the fun. We knew he’d been kidding and we knew that he loved us, so it was forgotten (well, until now) and pudding was served. Line crossed, apology offered, moved on. Of course, a supposed gag like this would never be a wise thing to tweet, no matter to whom you tweeted it, but offering an example so extreme as this to describe Twitter’s apparent social rules would be to misrepresent its sensitivity – or rather its lust for the apparent errors of others on which its ultra-offended mob might pounce – as Twitter will assassinate you for a mere trifle. This is why, despite being part of that world and being expected

to contribute, I’ve all but stopped bothering. Except, that is, until I took my digital life in my hands recently and tweeted about meat. Not about eating it (though every time I post BBQ photos there will be someone sending me ‘vomit’ emojis or telling me I’m awful for eating it. I mean, they could just unfollow me but where’s the fun in that?), but about buying it. I was watching the news and it was telling us about the government’s new trade deal with New Zealand and that they will be sending us their meat to eat. Now I’m sure their meat is extremely tasty, but what? Sorry? We are being sent meat from the other side of the world? In 2021 this just seems insane. Anyway, I tweeted that I get my meat from Somerset, not Dunedin. Many agreed and, predictably, a few told me I was a horrid middle class monster who couldn’t relate to those who struggled to pay for higher quality meat. Lines drawn, et cetera. I am not a rich man – divorced men with three children rarely are – but I am indeed fortunate enough to be in a position to buy and eat nice meat, and to sometimes feed that meat to said infants. Does that mean I must never comment on the subject? Surely this qualiﬁcation process will serve to eliminate millions of potentially useful voices? My position isn’t: “You should all have more money to buy better sausages.” Of course it isn’t. My position is that the notion of eating signiﬁcantly less meat but making that meat you do eat much higher quality is a worthy one, and one that ought to be looked into more closely by many. I also believe that,

rather than putting millions of tons of animal into vast containers and crossing the planet in them, the government should themselves look more closely at working with and even subsidising the great many farms in the UK who produce outstanding meat and who do not destroy or damage the environment while doing so. There are plenty, but they are far too readily written off as a luxury for the rich. This, they are not, unless you simply have to eat steak five days a week, and even the rich don’t do that, I’m told… I just think we’re getting it wrong for the sake of haste. It’s quick win after quick win and it feels like the sort of short term governing designed to win votes now over anything else. It’s the same with the inexorable rush for every car to be electric. If you’re terribly bored, just take half an hour to read around the whole thing and you might find your assumptions (or those you’ve been fed) to be questionable. Read a bit about the internal combustion engines being developed by JCB that run on hydrogen. Read about the environmental impact of mega-scale battery production and eventual battery disposal. Read about how free they truly are to run (spoiler: they’re not, as power isn’t free). I’m not declaring myself to be correct on these matters, I just think we’d do well to know more and to not just swallow the chickens we’re told to swallow. God, have a I crossed a line? David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

The Sinking House installation by Pulteney Bridge is a collaboration led by Stride Treglown and Format Engineers, with artist Anna Gillespie and Fifield Moss Carpentry

ECO MINDED How Bath’s architects are committed to sustainability practice in their work By Sarah Moolla

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ARCHITECTS

ost of us recognise the need to make changes to our lives to help reduce our collective negative impact on the planet – whether that be stopping our consumer waste, curbing our excessive energy consumption, or switching to renewable energy. Small but vital changes. On a much larger scale, the global construction industry, which is accused of being a major culprit in the acceleration of climate change – from excessive concrete use and carbon dioxide emissions to generating waste and not optimising renewable energy technologies – has been working towards making radical changes. To ﬁnd out more, we ask six local architects to share their expert knowledge on the importance and the future of sustainable construction.

SHEILA WARDLAW, ARCHITECT, STRIDE TREGLOWN, 33 Oldﬁeld Road, Bath; www.stridetreglown.com

“As architects we need to be using the building codes as benchmarks and seeking to improve on these as much as we can. However, there is more that we can do to understand the impacts of our designs, and there are tools available that can help us to deepen our knowledge. Life Cycle Assessments for example, give us an understanding of the environmental impact of the construction processes and the buildings as a whole, whilst regulations focus on operational energy. These tools available to us will allow us to find better detailing and materials and that knowledge will help us to improve our designs. I believe research and education of the issues around building green need to be prioritised. There is a real need to tackle these issues now, but there is a danger of rushing into solutions that later might prove to be somehow detrimental to our health or the environment. We have seen this in the use of materials such as asbestos, which were groundbreaking technologies at their time but have since damaged the health of millions around the world. Learning from these and implementing these lessons into the way we develop solutions is a real challenge for all of us in the industry and for the government’s implementation of building codes. The beauty of renovation or adaptive reuse is the creativity behind being able to repurpose an existing structure or building. It is in my opinion, one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and landfill, and there are some stunning examples showing how buildings can be re-used to benefit the communities in which they lie. One of the difficulties arises in attempting to use current practices on older buildings. The fabric of these older buildings has been designed to ‘breathe’, whilst our current practices seek the opposite. Merging these two philosophies can be detrimental to the fabric of the building, weakening its structure and even at times affecting the health environment of the internal spaces. We have worked closely with companies who have carried out a lot of research into using natural insulation to better the detailing around retrofit of older building fabrics whilst still improving its overall carbon emission.”

“Research and education of the issues around building green need to be prioritised”

STRIDE TREGLOWN’S COLLABORATIVE INSTALLATION “The current installation between Pulteney Weir and Pulteney Bridge of the Sinking House is a representation of how the industry is coming together and partnering with others to raise awareness and act now. The installation has been led by Stride Treglown and Format Engineers, with artist Anna Gillespie and Fiﬁeld Moss Carpentry. The collaboration of the community of local people and organisations has been essential to make it happen; those involved include Bath and North East Somerset Council, The Environment Agency, City of Bath Sea Cadets, Greenman Environmental Management, Bridge Coﬀee Shop, Sydenhams, Kellaway Building Supplies, Minuteman Press, RIBA, Wessex Water, Architecture Is.”

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ARCHITECTS

ELEANOR RISIUS, PROJECT ARCHITECT, HETREED ROSS ARCHITECTS, Attika Workspace, Bath Brewery, Toll Bridge Road, Bath; www.hetreedross.com

“Architects have the biggest opportunity of any member of the design team to shape the environmental impact of a building as they are often the first to be involved and make the fundamental design moves. Starting with optimal solar building orientation and compactness of form will pave the path towards an energy efficient building; get these wrong and it is an uphill battle to achieve energy efficiency. Architects are in the position to design out energy intensive details from the outset; steel can be avoided if there are no large cantilevers and unsupported spans; minimising thermal bridging is easier if details like balconies are excluded; the optimum window configuration can reduce heating and lighting bills. I am hugely excited by the resurrection of natural building materials, such as wood fibre insulation, timber structures and lime renders. Such materials are normally inherently low embodied carbon, help to regulate internal environments and don’t contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Many will degrade naturally at the end of their life. The materials are becoming more accessible as savvy manufacturers start to supply products which can be integrated with modern construction methods bringing them from the fringes of construction into the mainstream. The construction industry is made up of many small firms, some of whom will embrace the new standards while others will struggle or be unmotivated to adapt to the new methods. Without incentives, cooperation and training of all parties it will not be possible to realise these ambitious targets. While low energy design, materials and systems slowly establish themselves as the norm, building costs and professional fees will be higher than simply following the status quo. We try to help our clients to understand the benefits of committing what may only be

Hetreed Ross recently completed this energy efficient poolside pavilion

“Architects are in the position to design out energy intensive details from the outset”

a relatively small additional cost outlay for the long-term benefits of lower heating bills, a more comfortable environment and the knowledge that they have done right by the planet.” HETREED ROSS ARCHITECTS RECENT PROJECT “We recently completed a small and efficient poolside pavilion which replaced a sprawling and inefficient internal pool building. The initial plan to renovate the structure proved not possible but we successfully based the layout around reusing the existing pool shell thus saving a huge volume of new concrete. The new pavilion is a sustainably sourced timber frame and is a third the size of the old building meaning it is a much smaller volume to heat. Heat for the building is provided solely by a small wood burning stove in winter and large south facing glazing. Overheating is controlled by deep overhangs to shade the glass in summer and large opening units to release heat. Solar panels on the roof have the ability to provide all the power required for the air source heat pump which heats the pool water and hot water in the building, although until battery storage becomes viable the building does rely on power from the grid. Clear Water Revival were the swimming pool specialists on the project; they specified an insulated lining to the pool shell and an insulated cover to minimise heat loss. The water is cleaned using a natural treatment process which avoids the use of chemical treatments.”

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ARCHITECTS SAM PERRY, ARCHITECT WITH DKA, The Malthouse, Sydney Buildings, Bath; www.dka.co.uk

“The construction and use of buildings is a huge contributor to climate change, around 40 per cent of the total carbon emissions in the UK. While the de-carbonisation of the UK’s power network is starting to bring this down, the construction and use of buildings has a long way to go. However, in the past few years I’ve noticed a change in the conversation around climate change, local authorities in particular are requiring that their new buildings are net zero carbon and the demand for buildings to be constructed to standards such as Passivhaus is significantly increasing. The next big challenge is going to be addressing our existing building stock, as 80 per cent of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. Sadly, there are no new buildings codes for compliance, and exceeding the baseline regulations is very much a choice not a requirement. Achieving a net zero carbon in-use building doesn’t have to be difficult; with high levels of insulation, an air-tight fabric, careful consideration of orientation, really high-quality windows and an efficient heat recovering ventilation system. Sourcing the remaining electricity needed to run the building from zero carbon sources and properly training occupants to use the buildings should achieve net zero carbon in use. I’m looking forward to the outcome of COP26, not so much for what the political leaders will commit to, but for the opportunity for local DKA’s Integrated Care Centre for the NHS in Devizes, which is currently under construction, shows that net zero carbon in-use is achievable in a commercial building.

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authorities and businesses to make agreements to work together. At previous COP meetings it’s been the alliances and commitments made behind the scenes that have made huge advances in the fight against the climate crisis. We need this to change the regulations so energy efficiency becomes a legal requirement, not a choice.” DKA RECENT PROJECT “DKA’s Integrated Care Centre for the NHS in Devizes (currently under construction) shows that net zero carbon in-use is achievable in a commercial building. It uses high levels of insulation, carefully considered detailing, an MVHR (mechanical ventilation heat recovery) system and has a solar panel array on the roof. Before the client committed to this uplift in specification, our team produced a report to set out the best way to deliver net zero carbon through the architecture, structure and services to ensure the client was as educated as possible about the expected outcomes.”

“We need to change the regulations so energy efficiency becomes a legal requirement, not a choice”

MARK WOODING, SENIOR ARCHITECT, AARON EVANS ARCHITECTS LTD 3 Gay Street, Bath; www.aaronevans.com

“In the race to build higher, build faster, build more, we often become blind to the environmental cost of our decisions in our haste to ‘get the job done’ and maximise profits. That time must now come to an end, as we are out of time and need to change our outlook and actions as we head towards 2050 and recognise the need to minimise carbon emissions to 1.5 per cent. How have we have strayed so far from ‘living lightly off the land’? The evidence has become overwhelming: extensive use of concrete requires large amounts of water and energy, and is an environmentally expensive material (finite resources); the heat loss from buildings due

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to low levels of insulation is huge, requiring more power stations as a result and resulting in higher fuel consumption (operational energy); certain construction materials (e.g. aluminium components) have a very high extraction/ and manufacturing cost (embodied carbon) which can only make sense if they are recycled again and again at lower cost (the circular economy). There are many more examples. However, there is growing response to this at the grassroots level, even while politicians continue to debate. In other countries, more and more manufacturers, suppliers and contractors in the building industry are reforming their methods to address these issues, and Britain also needs to play its part. Britain still has much to learn from Germany and other countries in terms of dismantling rather than demolishing redundant buildings to reuse as many construction materials as possible. We should be reducing waste on site by insisting that suppliers collect all packaging

ARCHITECTS

left: The three detached eco-houses on the Kennet and Avon Canal is a residential project by Aaron Evans Architects; above: They have also recently completed the Breeam-rated library in Calne, Wiltshire

“Our practice has been promoting sustainable architecture for more than 30 years”

from site after delivery to dispose of themselves – we need to move away from giving the impression that you could build another house from the materials thrown away in skips after building one house.” AARON EVANS ARCHITECTS PROJECTS “Our practice has been promoting sustainable architecture for more than 30 years. Our recent new buildings include the Breeam rated library in Calne –Breeam being the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. And there is the refurbishment and conversion of Grade I listed buildings. In 2010 we secured planning and listed building consent to install slimline double glazing into the Grade I listed John Wood House (1727) which we believe to be the first installation of its type in England. This year we have secured Listed Building Consent for the conversion of the Royal Mineral Water Hospital which will deliver a 39 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and provide a new biodiverse green roof on the building itself. Residential projects include energy efficient affordable housing at Avonside in Chippenham and three detached eco-houses on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Alongside this we are currently preparing a masterplan for a 200-house development targeting net zero carbon We are also involved in two highly energy efficient, self-build projects locally at the moment. Currently under construction is a new house in Bath that utilises battery storage, a heat pump and rainwater harvesting. We are also working on two projects to provide temporary accommodation for the homeless. One of these, part new build, part refurb is designed to meet the Association for Environment Conscious Building energy standard.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

ARCHITECTS

The Nash Partnership has been working on a number of projects using sustainable and durable charred timber

KEVIN BALCH, PROJECT DESIGN DIRECTOR, NASH PARTNERSHIP, 23a Sydney Buildings, Bath; www.nashpartnership.com

“As with many sectors, we have seen an explosion of ‘things’ you never knew you needed. For example, creating envelopes has become increasingly complex over the years with multiple components, tapes, sealants and membranes. Most of this has high embodied carbon and isn’t easily recycled; there is a direct relationship between complexity, cost and energy use.

“Insulate well, and control ventilation, and re-use where possible before getting excited about new things”

Recycling is often seen as a good thing, but in reality, we just need to be using less, and making what we have last longer. Also we need to be doing better than the codes. The building regulations are of course minimum values and we should all strive to exceed these whenever possible, but clients have a big role to play in this as much as the architect. Using local materials and selecting products which are inherently durable is an easy route if cradle to grave analysis or detailed lifetime carbon assessments are too complex. I was shocked to learn that glass with a low emissivity coating cannot be recycled, and the lifecycle carbon emissions from triple glazing can be greater than those of the energy it saves. Replacement double glazing obviously saves energy by reducing heat loss, but plastic windows can’t be recycled or repaired easily. These are cheap initially, but the long-term cost can be more dubious. The most effective things are the simple things: insulate well, control ventilation, and re-use where possible before getting excited about new things. That said, there are some interesting developments in the use of timber. Charring timber, also known as Shou Sugi Ban, to preserve it has recently become fashionable, but it has been used in Japan for centuries. We’ve been working on a couple of projects that use this charred timber. It’s a beautiful, sustainable and durable material, with lots of great qualities for construction. Plant-based building materials are something I am really fascinated by and these can make a real difference.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35

ARCHITECTS

“It’s fascinating to look back at historical buildings and how these were often inherently sustainable”

SRA Architects’ project for AB Dynamics in Bradford on Avon was highly commended in the sustainability category of the Construction Excellence South West Awards

EMMA MCDERMOTT, ARCHITECT AND PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER, SRA ARCHITECTS, Station House, Ashley Avenue, Bath; www.sra-architects.co.uk

“We are in a climate emergency and urgently need to reduce carbon emissions across the board. In the UK, 49 per cent of annual carbon emissions are attributable to buildings. Over the next 40 years, the world is expected to build 230 billion square metres of new construction – adding the equivalent of Paris to the planet every single week. This puts architects in an extremely influential position to make a significant contribution towards the UK meeting its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. We’re looking at measuring, tracking and justifying where we use carbon intensive resources to make changes to the built environment, but we need to be doing a lot more. Part of the problem solving has to be determining if a new building is the answer at all. Sustainable design isn’t all about looking forward. I find it fascinating to look back at historical buildings and how these were, often, inherently sustainable and used the climate to the benefit of the internal environment. It’s significant that the shape of your building, its orientation and how you design the elevations to manage light, shade and air can have a significant effect on the energy they require to run. After we have reduced the energy required to run the building, we can then use exciting newer green technologies to make up the required energy use that we haven’t managed to reduce. As a certified Passivhaus designer, I specialise in buildings which are designed to be incredibly low energy in use. A Passivhaus building has to be built with meticulous attention to detail according to principles developed by

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

the Passivhaus institute in Germany. We balance the heating gains and losses to minimise the amount of additional energy a building needs to run. Quality of construction is key to delivering buildings that perform at this high level. For a long time I think we understood that building ‘green’ was to build flexible buildings which can be reused in the future. Of course this is still true, but at some point, flexibility comes at the expense of embodied carbon. Achieving extremely long spans means increasing the size of the structure. We have to balance the spatial gains with the carbon consequences. We must also balance where it’s appropriate to use oil-based products, such as super insulation or waterproof membranes, with the opportunity to use more natural materials or design out the need for the products that are carbon intensive. In terms of embodied carbon, it’s always better to reuse existing structures where possible. It’s even better if the renovation work is increasing insulation, airtightness and balancing internal comfort levels to reduce the energy the building requires going forward. The UK’s housing stock is the oldest in Europe, so we have a huge task ahead to renovate the existing housing stock to reduce the associated energy loss.” RECENT PROJECT WITH SRA ARCHITECTS “We approach each project with the ethos that we reduce energy demands first and then look to offset what is left over with green energy technologies. This year our project for AB Dynamics in Bradford on Avon was highly commended in the sustainability category of the Construction Excellence South West Awards. We used passive design principles, energy efficient measures and low carbon technology to achieve a low energy in-use building.” ■

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WHAT IS INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE? “Interior architecture is a skill that blends the art of interior decoration, interior design and architecture together,” says Verity. “It is the balancing of the art and science of designing an interior space, taking into account every element of a building and the era in which it was built. It takes a technical approach to the spatial arrangement of home interiors.”

WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR ARCHITECT DO? Verity explains that, “They will consider the building’s fabric, from staircases and internal doors, to cornices, panelling and built-in joinery, so that every detail of the interior of a building is considered and connects together beautifully and seamlessly. They embrace the innate, unique character and era of each building, often looking in detail at ways in which contemporary owners of period properties will live in them and make them fit for purpose.”

scope of services, a detailed fee structure, the timescale and broader ’s interior architects then create bespoke anticipated project costs. plans for each space within your home, articulating the spatial flow throughout the property, focusing on creating exceptional layouts for bathrooms, kitchens, furniture, lighting and electrical planning. Spatial design and functionality are established in the initial design phase and are then developed into detailed interior technical drawings.”

SPECIALIST CONSULTANTS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT Experienced interior architects collaborate with expert specialists and consultants, such as acoustic designers, mechanical engineers and architectural ironmongers. Collaborative work is essential to the success of streamlining an interiors project. “At we take a meticulous approach to project management, coordination of construction programming, scheduling and cost engineering. Our role in sourcing artisans, makers and manufacturers is essential for designing unique and stunning interior spaces,” says Verity.

BESPOKE DESIGN Verity explains “At we see the design process as an emotional and collaborative journey, built upon a concept of the client’s ideal, to deliver their vision. In the course of a design program, we draw upon on a variety of influences and unexpected visual cues to create richly layered, beautifully tailored luxurious interiors, that are cherished by our clients. We are acknowledged for our specialist skills creating designs for Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and are accredited historic interior designers.” n

HOW WOOLF APPROACH INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Interior architects will initially look at the layout and flow of a space. “At , following our initial appraisal of a project, we provide a complimentary design proposal outlining the proposed spatial planning,

have studios in Bath & London and would be delighted to discuss your project with you. 01225 445670; www.woolfinterior.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

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

NICE TRY

Former England and British and Irish Lions rugby player, podcaster, and Sunday Times bestselling author James Haskell is coming to Bath Forum on 16 November with his one-man show. James has had an extraordinary global experience of the game, has boatloads to say about rugby life, enjoyed a stint in I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here and isn’t adverse to stirring up the occasional controversy here and there. He also happens to be a big fan of Bath, and of our columnist and fellow former rugby player David Flatman. “I absolutely love him, he’s a really good friend,” he says. “I think Bath is an amazing city. It is where I had my ﬁrst England training session and the last time I was there, I visited my F45 gym on Avon Street, then called in at the Indian street food Chai Wallahs for a bite to eat.” For more: www.bathforum.co.uk

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

WHAT’S ON

See the original Iron Man artwork at the Victoria Art Gallery as part of their new Myths and Monsters exhibition

6 November – 2 December

EXHIBITIONS Until 20 November

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 116TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION Now in its 116th year, this hugely popular exhibition showcases the best of the region’s artistic talent including Denise de Cordova. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 30 November

H2O The Bath Photographic Society online exhibition features more than 30 photographers getting creative with water in its various guises including frost, ice, snow, mist and clouds, as well as water as found in rain, lakes, and waterfalls. www.bathphotographicsociety.org.uk.

Until 3 January

HORNET, HAILSTONE, CRAB EYE, AERODROME… (ETC.) Hornet, hailstone, crab eye, aerodrome… (etc.) presents the fruits of a recent anagama kiln ﬁring by

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Aaron Angell and Steven Claydon. These two leading British artists share an anachronistic approach to historical inﬂuence, in this instance in the vernacular of ceramics from late-medieval rural Japan from where anagama kilns originate. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 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 artworks, including The Blue Silk Dress and The Blue Bower. The exhibition also explores the artist’s intimate relationship with his muses and their inﬂuence on his depiction of beauty. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 9 January

SUNIL GUPTA: THE NEW PRE-RAPHAELITES To accompany the exhibition of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits,

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

the Holburne is displaying the photographs by Sunil Gupta, who was born in New Delhi and is now living in London. The ten images reference the struggle against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code instigated during British rule in the 1860s, which criminalised gay sex. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 2022

SHOEPHORIA! Discover the fascinating evolution of shoe style over the last 300 years, from the actual footwear worn by Queen Mary and Queen Victoria, through to the recent contemporary designers, such as Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

13 – 24 November

RACHEL ROSS Rachel Ross is an Edinburgh based artist. Her compositions encapsulate thoughts and memories suggested by the placement and intrinsic beauty of seemingly mundane objects. Also

on display is ceramicist Katharina Klug and painter Ruth Brownlee. Beaux Arts; www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

14 November

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS’ FAIR Visit Green Park station to see a wealth of local talent exhibiting and selling their work. Artists who belong to the collective include Melissa Wishart, Georgina Peters and Francis Cooley. www.bcaf.co.uk

20 – 28 November

GOLD A seasonal exhibition of ceramics by Gary Wood, jewellery by Annie Beardsley, and painted clothes and scarves by Carole Waller in their Box Road studio. Waller & Wood; www.wallerandwood.co.uk

20 November – 24 December

MUSEUM OF THE MOON There’s a host of exhibitions, activities and concerts at Bath

WHAT’S ON Abbey in the run up to Christmas including the chance to stargaze with the Bath Astronomers, a Cosmic Wonder Trail, Mindful Art Workshops led by Stephen Magrath, and the Melody Makers performing Mission to the Moon. Taking centre stage is the breath-taking Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram – An inflatable installation artwork that is a near exact spherical replica of the Moon, with a diameter of 7 metres. Bath Abbey; www.bathabbey.org

24 November – 5 December

MODERN ART BUYER POP-UP Visit Milsom Place and explore some exciting new collections. Alongside collage queen’s Maria Rivan’s new works, you’ll see fresh screenprints by London-based Chris Keegan and the latest urban prints by muchloved Bonnie and Clyde, and the gallery’s newest artist, Sam Peacock. www.modernartbuyer.com

above: The luminous Nigella Lawson is in conversation at Bath Pavilion on 25 November left: Cool Water by Tim Locke is part of The Bath Photographic Society H20 online exhibition below: Denise de Cordova is just one of the artists on display as part of the Bath Society Of Artists 116th Annual Exhibition

27 November – 27 February 2022

MYTHS AND MONSTERS A colourful celebration of children’s book illustration featuring the art work of family favourites such as The Gruffalo, Iron Man, Little Ogre, and Monsters in Underpants, along with 3D models and interactive craft activities. Alongside are the paintings of Victoria Topping representing the mythological aspects with her depictions of Midas, Pan, Pegasus, Phoenix and Poseidon. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 13 November

BLUE/ORANGE In a play that won the Olivier, Critics’ Circle and Evening Standard awards for Best New Play in 2001, privilege and power are explored when a mysterious patient wants out of a psychiatric hospital. The problem is that, to him, oranges are bright blue and Muhammed Ali is a whole lot more than just a boxer. As his doctor and senior consultant debate whether to section or release him, an extraordinary new claim causes the pair to become more and more divided in their diagnosis. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

9 – 21 November

MAGIC GOES WRONG A hapless gang of magicians stage an evening of grand illusion to raise cash for charity, and in the process

conjure up mayhem. Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields and Penn & Teller Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

10 – 13 November

ABIGAIL’S PARTY Platform 8 Productions invites you to spend an uncomfortable evening in the company of Beverly and Laurence’s for a drinks party and a suburban situation comedy of manners by Mike Leigh. Also in attendance is new neighbours Angela and Tony, and Sue, whose teenage daughter Abigail is throwing her own party. The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk

17 November

WOMEN WHO GAVE NO F*CKS Stand-up tale-tellers slam down stories of the super-women and unstoppable goddesses who stalk through the world’s myths and legends. These include an Irish pirate queen, naughty Greek pig-wife belly goddess, Japanese Sun deity, and Maud Stevens Wagner, an American circus performer and the first celebrity female tattoo artist. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

23 – 27 November

THE MIDNIGHT BELL Matthew Bourne’s new world première for New Adventures explores the under-belly of 1930s London life where ordinary people emerge from cheap boarding houses nightly to pour out their passions, hopes and dreams in the pubs and bars of fog-bound Soho and Fitzrovia. Step inside The Midnight Bell, a tavern where one particular lonely-hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

CHILDREN Until 8 November

JOSEPHINE Fifty years after her death, Café Josephine, a down-at-heel New York diner that is dedicated to the dancer, actor, activist, campaigner, spy and mother to the multicultural Rainbow Tribe, faces closure. Nobody remembers Josephine or what she stood for. It’s time to change that. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC

13 – 20 November

BATH MOZARTFEST The Assembly Rooms will be hosting a live audience for a packed programme, with the eight-day, 15

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 43

WHAT’S ON concert, festival which is also being live-streamed online. La Nuova Musica, conducted by David Bates, will present a compelling all-Mozart programme following the composer’s own musical symphonic development, featuring soloists Rachel Podger and Alec Frank-Gemmill. Also appearing are Barcelona-based Cuarteto Casals, the Belcea Quartet and Nash Ensemble. www.bathmozartfest.org.uk

17 November

PAUL WELLER Paul Weller has just released his 16th solo album, which comes in just under 12 months following June 2020’s magnificent, charttopping On Sunset. Fat Pop (Volume 1), which is a diverse selection of sounds. There’s the synth-heavy, future-wave strut of Cosmic Fringes, the stately balladeering of Still Glides The Stream (co-written with Steve Cradock), and the chunky percussive groove of Moving Canvas, all illustrating why the former Jam member has hooked in generation after generation of devotees. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

25 November

EMMA STEVENS Bringing a refreshing glimmer of hope and an abundance of heart and positivity, is singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist folk singer, Emma. She has achieved four consecutive play-listed singles on BBC Radio 2, and supported Take That, The Feeling, Wet Wet Wet, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Train, Albert Lee and Simply Red. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

27 November

BATH CANTATA GROUP Handel’s Messiah tops the bill in a celebration of music-making from the Bath Cantana Group who, with 60 years of singing, are Bath’s longest running choral chamber group. They are a non-auditioned choir and are happy to hear from anybody interested joining. St Stephen’s Church; www.bathboxoffice. org.uk

1 December

JASON DONOVAN This Even More Good Reasons tour sees Jason singing his greatest pop hits along with a few of his favourite songs from his career in musicals, all accompanied by a full live band. There’s the chart-toppers Too Many Broken Hearts, Especially For You of course, plus songs from his musical

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

stage career including Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Rocky Horror Show and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

COMEDY 7 November

AL MURRAY: LANDLORD OF HOPE AND GLORY Turmoil is the norm. The world stands on the brink. Questions have been asked and none answered. What we need is one man, to step forward, one man with all the answers. Well you’re in luck, ladies and gentlemen – Al Murray, The Pub Landlord, is stepping his way to Bath. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

27 November

RACHEL PARRIS The BAFTA-nominated comedian Rachel Parris delivers a brand-new show (rescheduled from the Bath Festival) about big life changes. The star of BBC’s The Mash Report, she performs stand-up and songs about sudden love, the highs and lows of relationships, family, weddings, kids, going viral, going mental, and the baffling state of play in society right now. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

OTHER

12 November – 3 January

BATH ON ICE Get your skates on and head to Royal Victoria Park for some festive fun on the rink. Bath on Ice’s Moguls Bar will be serving delicious food, spicy mulled wine and hot chocolate; ideal to warm up and get into the festive spirit. Located right next door is the Glow Golf with its twinkling fairy light displays and litup mini-putts. www.bathonice.com

18 & 19 November

TEDXBATH INTERCONNECTED 2021 A two-day event of inspiring evening talks from 12 speakers including former chief interpreter for the UN, Ewandro Magalhaes, international economist and best-selling author, Kate Raworth, and Dr Andy Georgiou, the former director of the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospital. www.tedxbath.co.uk

20 November

DAVID GRAY IN CONVERSATION Multi-award-winning singersongwriter David Gray, whose album White Ladder sold seven million copies and remains in the

above: The exquisite work of Rachel Ross is on display at Beaux Arts until 24 November right: David Gray will be at St Swithin’s Church to talk nature, conservation and the influence it has on his music; below:The legend of tattoo artist Maud Stevens Wagner is just one of the stories being told at Rondo Theatre on 17 November

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WHAT’S ON top 30 best-selling British albums of all time, is in conversation with multi-award-winning conservationist, author and broadcaster, Mary Colwell at St Swithin’s Church, on The Paragon in Bath as part of the New Networks for Nature programme. David will be sharing his passion for the natural world and some of his music ahead of his world tour in 2022. www.newnetworksfornature.org.uk

25 November

AN EVENING WITH NIGELLA LAWSON Spend an evening with the scrumptious Nigella at the Bath Pavilion as she shares the rhythms and rituals of her kitchen to celebrate her latest book Cook, Eat, Repeat – a delicious and delightful combination of recipes intertwined with narrative essays about food, all written in Nigella’s engaging and insightful prose. For those who are unable to attend the live show, the event will be live-streamed via Fane Online. www.fane.co.uk

26 November – 19 December

ARTISAN MAKERS A selection of local artisan makers will be on show for browsing and buying in Bath’s city centre Abbey Quarter, displaying their unique crafts. From blankets and Christmas decorations, to festive food and jewellery – all ideal for some support local and lovely Christmas shopping. www.welcometobath.co.uk

26 November – 2 January

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT STOURHEAD This family-friendly magical festive trail in the Warminster countryside will be flooded with enchanting illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music from Sony Music. There will be neon strings stretched between towering trees, a walk through a tunnel of hearts and onto larger-than-life mistletoe, a flotilla of festive, brightly coloured boats bobbing on the lake, and a giant colour changing flora. Stourhead; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

27 November

THE BATH CHARITY AND COMMUNITY FAIR Get ahead of Christmas, and explore a treasure trove of gift ideas, and help raise money for a good cause at Widcombe Social Club. The local organisations

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above: Theatre Royal Bath is visited by a gang of hapless magicians in Magic Goes Wrong right: Multi-instrumentalist folk singer Emma Stevens performs at Chapel Arts on 25 November

involved include Cleveland Pools Trust, Friends of Bath Life Group, Research Institute for The Care of Older People, Achieve together Educational Day Services, Wheels for All Bath and West, Genesis Trust, The Urban Gardener and The Peggy Dodd Centre. www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk

November

BRADFORD ON AVON BOOK FIESTA 2021 Along with some real-life events there are plenty of online interviews and discussions to access including BBC television critic Tina Baker, who worked as a journalist and broadcaster for 30 years before publishing her debut novel (and winning the ITV show Celebrity Fit Club). She talks about her bestselling psychological thriller Call Me Mummy and her new work, Nasty Little Cuts. www.facebook.com/BoABookFiesta n

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Looking back

Three beautiful books that visually celebrate historical designs, castles and inventions

“The dodgy moniker coﬀee table books implies they’re going to sit there looking pretty rather than being read”

s we’ve been preparing our annual Christmas catalogue – an exercise in internal negotiation and debate that would make the United Nations proud – I’ve been particularly struck by a trio of large books that bring very different aspects of history to life. I hesitate to call them coffee table books, because that dodgy moniker implies they’re going to sit there looking pretty rather than being read, but these are titles that would certainly enhance any book-ready surface. And, more importantly, that actually stand up to being read, cover-to-cover, not in one hit maybe but as indulgent reading treats on peaceful weekends. Let’s do near-history first, with Extinct edited by Barbara Penner, Adrian Forty, Olivia Horsfall-Turner and Miranda Critchley (Reaktion, £29). Don’t be fooled by the title – this is no exploration of extinct creatures, rather it’s a collection of 85 essays paying homage to extinct inventions and pieces of design. Organised alphabetically from the Acoustic Location Device to the Zeppelin, each essay has a different author who revels in exploring their chosen subject’s history and legacy and, ultimately, demise. Each entry is placed alongside a photograph or historic illustration so that you can reminisce about the Sinclair C5, Minidisk, or Flying Boat whether or not you were there at the time. Whilst there are many familiar slices of design history here, there are also some obscure and mind-boggling ones. Take the 75m high moon towers that shone fiendishly bright arc lamps high above the streets of many American cities. Too bright for homes, they remained controversial when dotted around extensively in outdoor settings, often being blamed for sleep deprivation or the fact they blurred the difference between night and day. But next to mammoth civic experiments like that, there are plenty of former everyday friends here too – the 1920s serving hatch, the flash cube, Kodachrome, and Fisher Price Peg Figures. Part of the fun of reading the book is realising what subsequent developments or inventions rendered these examples obsolete. It all makes for a magical jaunt down the cul-desacs of progress. The colossal Stone Age by Frederic Chaubin

(Taschen, £50) deals with altogether more substantial and ancient memories of the past, in the form of Europe’s medieval castles. This stunning book takes us on a tour of more than 200 examples of medieval fortification in various states of decay or residual splendour. Chaubin considers the legacy of the buildings on the architecture of the future but also what they mean to us now and our romanticised view of the life and legends of castles from the medieval era. The photography is superb throughout, all taken by Chaubin on his Linhof film camera (proving film isn’t quite ready to form a chapter in the Extinct book) and shows off buildings across the breadth of Europe. From the 15th century Rocco Calascio, which clings perilously to a mountainous outcrop to fairy-tale constructions in Germany, and further East in Europe where turrets added over the centuries hide medieval beginnings. This is a seriously impressive tome that will make you want to road-trip to our continent’s fortresses just as soon as such jaunts are more plausible. Lastly, I want to shout out for a book that, whilst it does contain illustrations, is primarily about the writing. Bath-based Victoria Finlay wrote a magnificent blend of art, travelogue and history nearly two decades ago, called Colour (Sceptre, £12.99). Now she has returned with Fabric (Profile Books, £25) which is a fabulously wide-ranging, yet personal journey into the world of cloth, that again combines memoir, history and travel. Travelling around the globe in search of traditional manufacturing and design techniques, every fabric has a unique and important story to tell. Finlay tries to spin cotton in Guatemala, and travels to Gee’s Bend Alabama to seek out the history of the legendary 1930s quilt-makers of that tiny community who created stunning works of art that reflected the environment around them. As she tells these stories, and gives insights into her own, Finlay demonstrates why certain fabrics continue to elicit such a strong emotional response in us. It’s another in this strong current crop of books that celebrate visual history. Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; tel: 01225 331155; www.mrbsemporium.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 49

THE REEL THING EMMA INGLEDEW CLOCKWISE: Anything Goes has been described as the ‘musical equivalent of sipping one glass of Champagne after another’; Kristen Stewart plays Diana in the new film Spencer; This Japanese film Tokyo Story was initially considered too Japanese for the Japanese; Sope Dirisu and Odessa Young star in Mothering Sunday

Mothers, musicals and Princess Diana are all just a taste of what to expect this month at The Little Spencer

Princess Diana has certainly had a resurgence in popular attention lately. Some of it has been good (Emma Corrin’s fantastic portrayal on The Crown) and some of it has been… Well Diana: The Musical on Netflix won’t be winning any awards any time soon. When we first heard about Kristen Stewart being cast as the late Princess, first instinct was that this may fall into the latter category of borderline inappropriate tributes to the life of Diana Spencer. However, we are happy to report this prediction completely wrong. Kristen Stewart is fantastic in the role, as the film follows one fateful Christmas in the life of Diana. Director Pablo Larraín previously released the wonderful Jackie, following Jackie Kennedy in the aftermath of the assassination of President John F Kennedy, and his careful and considered direction is once again filled with empathy and consideration for the famous women he is portraying – rather than simply profiting off of their personal tragedies. Spencer is a brilliant biopic, and surely a firm contender in future awards races.

“The three families are all shackled by their grief and losses from the horrors of the war”

Mothering Sunday

Director Eva Husson has assembled an all star cast for this fantastic new release. It sees the reunion of The Crown’s Josh O’Connor and Olivia Coleman, as well as starring the criminally underrated Odessa Young as the central Jane Fairchild in this delicately balanced drama. Adapted from a novella of the same name, Mothering Sunday is a moving portrait of grief, survivor’s guilt and forbidden love in the aftermath of World War One. The film follows the affair between a young maid and a wealthy young man as they have their final meeting before he must be married. The three families followed are all shackled by their own grief and losses from the horrors of the war, which in turn affects their relationships with one another in this moving portrait of grief and love.

Anything Goes

Described in a five star review by The Times as being the ‘musical equivalent of sipping one glass of Champagne after another’, Anything Goes is a sure fire way of beating those November blues. Since its 1934 debut, this mad musical adventure has remained widely beloved and this fantastic version, directed by the multi-award winning Broadway director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, makes it easy to see why. Starring the legendary Sutton Foster, filmed live at The Barbican, and now sailing into our cinema screens, this film

is a testament to the golden age of musicals, and how love always ﬁnds a way… albeit with the help of some tap dancing sailors.

Tokyo Story

When we say that, this November, we may be showing the greatest film ever made, it would be easy to accuse us of hyperbole. Luckily there are facts to back this up. Tokyo Story was voted The Greatest Film of All Time in a poll of film directors by Sight & Sound magazine in 2012; was named The Greatest Japanese Film of All Time by Japanese film magazine Kinema Junpo in 2009; and in 2010 The Guardian ranked the film 4th in its list of 25 Greatest Arthouse Films Shockingly, upon initial release Tokyo Story was considered ‘too Japanese’ to be marketable by film exporters. Fortunately, they were proven wrong and the story of an ageing couple visiting their grown up children has remained prescient and, well, pretty great. Emma Ingledew is a life long film fan who graduated with a BA in Film Studies to become manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; tel: 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

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Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HH Tel: 01225 424 105 | H6636@accor.com francishotel.com

FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S F O O D S C E N E

The Great Bath Feast (GBF), which took place at the end of September, broke records for footfall on Milsom Street since records began back in 2018. The celebration of delicious food and drink from the South West featured an artisan market, chef demos and the Bath Bites Trail that guided visitors around 40 foodie spots in the city. “We’re delighted to have brought The Great Bath Feast back to the streets of Bath and we are grateful for the support from the council to make this event happen,” says Lee Bater, GBF event organiser. “It has been incredible working with Richard and Jo Bertinet, and to also partner with The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School, Visit Bath and Bath BID.” For more: www.greatbathfeast.co.uk

There’s a brand new tapas spot in town

ON THE RECORD

ME CASA TU CASA Bath has a brand-new tapas spot. Casa De Tapas is the latest venture from Tim Coﬀey and Francesca Addabbo (The Herd, Joya, Real Italian Pizza Co) and oﬀers a delicious authentic menu of home-made dishes, Spanish beers, wine, spirits and cava, as well as house sangria. “The inspiration for Casa De Tapas came from many years of visiting Spain and enjoying the idea of being able to eat and drink as you feel without feeling the pressure of having to order main meals or bottles of wine, unless you want to,” says Tim. “The idea is that you can come here for just a couple of Spanish beers and some patatas bravas or you can order a bottle of our award-winning cava and make a meal of a selection of the amazing tapas.” For more: Instagram @casadetapasbath

A LITTLE SWEETNESS

The Great Bath Feast drew recordbreaking numbers to Milsom Street

Beverly Dolan is teaching Bath how to make our own Belgian waffles. Bev’s Waffle Workshop is a career change for Beverly, who previously spent 12 years as a hairdresser. She first fell in love with a proper Belgian waffle during a trip to Brussels six years ago and has been making them at home ever since. When the UK first went into lockdown, Beverly had time to rethink her business. “I asked my husband what he thought of this new idea of making waffles,” explains Beverly. “He said we should do it – and it grew from there into what we have today. We both put our hearts and souls into making Bev’s Waffle Workshop.” Beverly offers workshops for adults and children age 13 and above – no cooking experience necessary. The workshop includes everything you need to make your waffles, and

Learn how to make your own Belgian waffles at Bev’s Waffle workshop

mouth-watering toppings to eat with them. You can find Bev’s Waffle Workshop on the first floor of 13 Northgate Street. For more: www.bevswaffleworkshop.co.uk

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BOSCO PIZZERIA

Lydia Tewkesbury tries out the newest pizza place in town

ver since the doors of Bosco Pizzeria opened for the first time, I can’t count the number of people who have told me – you need to try this pizza place. The Bristol import launched its first Bath restaurant back in August, and the consensus is in: we’re big fans. It’s not just the expertise of the pizzas themselves – although I will get to that – but dining at Bosco is an entire elevated experience where nothing is left to chance. When we weren’t exclaiming over our food, it was the décor, the vibes of the playlist. Like our server said when we commented on it – at Bosco, they’re all about refining the details, and it shows. There’s a buzz to the place – young families sit happily alongside the post-work pizza crowd, with space for larger parties too. There’s an effortless cool to the restaurant, which is all shiny wood and marble surfaces with industrial-style metal finishings – it’s sleek, but it has edge.

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Milsom Place can be a tough nut to crack, but the addition of Bosco to the stylish quadrangle of Le Vignoble and Bandook on the Broad Street side gives it a renewed sense of energy, a buzz that I hope to see pull people out of the stomp down the centre of town to this cool quarter. The thing about Bosco is the smell hits you the second you step over the threshold – doughy, cheesy, spicy goodness. Even if you aren’t already hungry, I dare anyone not to feel immediately starving met with the overwhelming pizza-ey aroma. The glow of wood-fired pizza ovens and bustle of busy chefs are the backdrop to your meal – at least if you’re sitting downstairs – a style of working I’ve always loved. Nothing makes you feel connected to your meal like witnessing the hustle of talented chefs turning out pizza after perfect pizza. I opted for a Funghi from the pizza bianca options (means no tomato sauce, don’t you know). In recent years, I’ve been going through something of a mushroom renaissance. As a veggie growing up in the

RESTAURANT

nineties before it was trendy, over the years I have been served many a sad mushroom option. As a child there was nothing I resented more than a slimy, fungi-based risotto. I don’t know if I changed or the mushrooms did, I suspect a little of both, but these days, even in the presence of other options – give me mushrooms. The Funghi did not disappoint – cremini mushrooms and porcini with mozzarella, mascarpone and white truffle oil formed the creamiest, most luxurious pizza I think I have ever eaten. I savoured every rich, flavourful morsel. My meat-eating friend ordered the Fresca, which featured prosciutto di parma, rocket, tomato, mozzarella, basil and parmesan. It went down a treat. She had just returned from a holiday in Italy – and even after a spell in the pizza homeland, she agreed the offering at Bosco was some of the best she’d had. Sides-wise we went with garlic bread – a requirement, surely – which was crispy and delicious. The real crowdpleaser though, were the zucchini fritti with lemon and sea salt – basically, courgette chips. My only complaint is that there were not enough of them per serving – salty and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, much like the traditional potato-based chip, they are created to inhale, even as you try and force yourself to take your time over each tasty mouthful. Even my friend, who is not a courgette fan (it’s a texture thing), couldn’t get enough of them. By the end, we were utterly stuffed. Bosco does have a delicious-looking dessert menu, but I’ll have to save that for next time. And there will be a next time. I can’t stop thinking about that pizza. ■

“The creamiest, most luxurious pizza I think I have ever eaten” DINING DETAILS Bosco Pizzeria Bath, 1-2 Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ; Tel: 01225 690001; www.boscopizzeria.co.uk Opening hours 12pm-10pm Owner Miles Johnson Executive chef Richard Brooman-Gannon Established August 2021 Type of food served Italian and Neapolitan Pizza Covers 180

Disability access Yes, downstairs Outdoor space Yes Specialities / recommendations Pizza, Arancini, Zeppole Prices Starters £3.50-£7.50, mains: £9-£18, desserts £1.50-£6.00 Vegetarian options Lots – but make sure to ask for veggie mozzarella Atmosphere Buzzing – great playlist, open kitchen and utterly amazing pizza smells to get your stomach rumbling

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TAKE 5 Peter Beddow, Peter Milton and Jack Perry celebrating their Award, before they broke it!

“Making the effort to use local producers and suppliers really makes a huge difference to the city”

LARKHALL BUTCHERS

Peter Milton, director of Larkhall Butchers on winning – and breaking – a Bath Life Award

Retail Award-winner Larkhall Butchers is a traditional butchery with shops in Larkhall and Widcombe offering a well-stocked butcher’s counter, a selection of cured and cooked meats and fresh fish alongside a range of groceries. What was it like to win a Bath Life Award?

It’s fantastic and means a lot to the whole team. It really validates the huge amounts of effort that they have been put in over this turbulent period. We heard there was a little Awards accident on the night.

How did I know you would ask this? So yes, the rumours are true, after one shandy too many there was a slight mishap on the evening of the Awards... The Award is currently residing with

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What makes you the best butchers in town? It’s tough to say. In truth there has been such a decline in our industry over the last few decades that I wouldn’t describe there being any real ‘rivalry’ between the few remaining shops in Bath. Perhaps the rivalry is the good old battle between shopping local or going to supermarkets. What’s your ‘stay-away-fromsupermarkets’ pitch?

the wonderful Julian at Bath Stonemasons undergoing some much-needed repair work – hopefully it will be given pride of place in the shop soon.

We all do it from time to time for the convenience, but making the effort to use local producers and suppliers really makes a huge difference to the city – not just pennies in a shareholder’s pocket. The added quality and freshness has to be a plus too.

Why do you think the judges chose you?

What’s the best part of your job?

I couldn’t possibly say, there have been so many companies out there doing so much during these dark times. For our part, we just always tried to stay ahead and to do the right thing. It’s been such a rollercoaster of a year that I can’t even keep up with all of the drastic changes and U-turns we have had to make at only a moment’s notice. How did you cope with all the change as a team?

Old and new, the team have come together like never before and rolled with all of the punches thrown. I couldn’t be prouder.

It certainly has its perks, foremost amongst them has to be the produce... I must have the best stocked pantry in Bath. As any foodie will appreciate, access to a huge variety delicious food round the clock is the dream. On the other hand, what gets you most frustrated?

Can I say the Cleveland bridge? Traffic in the city makes what we do a nightmare. From the connection to our shop in Widcombe, to delivering to cafés and restaurants – it’s almost impossible to manage. Particularly right in the centre, when there

simply isn’t enough time to get to everyone before everything grinds to a halt at 10am. With the exception of the traffic... what do you love about Bath?

Though there are many places round the world I love, none come close to Bath for me – that amazing feeling of coming back after a long stint away. I grew up here and cannot imagine calling anywhere else home. The architecture is simply stunning, the people are – for the most part – amazing, you have delicious food available with incredible produce and attractions a Bath stone’s throw away. What makes it the best place to do business, in your opinion?

Many people curse the city being such a tourist trap, but it is with their help that Bath is put on the map – they give us better shows to go and see, better quality shops in the centre to visit, better galleries to take in. Our city is a thriving hub that punches far above its weight – long may it continue.

What’s coming up?

Hopefully we will soon be able to reintroduce the classes and demos that we began just before lockdown. There may also be a possibility of running our own events on the horizon – I’m pleased to say that our first one recently was a resounding success. We’re also in the process of adding a wonderful range of wines to our offering, so it’s all very exciting here. For more: www.larkhallbutchers.co.uk

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THE COCONUT TREE

raveen Thangiah is known as the Big Chef at The Coconut Tree, which specialises in the Sri Lankan food and has a restaurant on Bath’s Broad Street. He says, “My mum used to run a catering company back in Sri Lanka so I grew up in an environment around cooking and food, though I had only ever been a home cook until The Coconut Tree. “Sri Lankan cuisine is vibrant and full of flavour, which really does offer something for everyone; some of the dishes are spicy, some are really mild and comforting and whether you’re vegan, veggie, love meat, fish – there’s plenty of choice.” Here he selects two of his favourite autumnal dishes.

VEGGIE KOTTHU Makes 2 servings

“Our veggie Kotthu is a classic example of Sri Lankan street food – a real crowd pleaser, and a perfect side dish for friends and family to share with our other small plates. It perfectly represents Sri Lankan hybrid food, and is served all over the country as luxury street food. It’s made with ﬁnely chopped roti, cooked with egg, vegetables, and of course meat can be added if so wished.”

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Ingredients Coconut oil Finely sliced red onion Pinch of salt Mixed chilli ﬂakes Ground black pepper 2 free range eggs 150g sliced roti 25g thinly sliced carrot 25g thinly sliced leek

Method 1 Heat a wok until hot. Add the coconut oil and swirl the wok until it covers the base. 2 Add the onion, salt, chillies, black pepper, and eggs. 3 Toss and cook until the egg has slightly scrambled, then add the roti, carrot and leeks. 4 Toss the pan rapidly on high heat for several minutes, until the vegetables are cooked but still crisp. 5 Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

RECIPES FAT SISTER PUMPKIN CURRY Makes 6 servings

“The ‘fat sister’ pumpkin curry, which is pumpkin cooked in coconut cream, with curry leaves and mustard seeds, is completely vegan which means everyone can enjoy it. It’s the perfect warming dish for this time of year – and bang in season right now.” Ingredients 2 tbsp coconut oil 2 medium red onions, ﬁnely sliced 2 sprigs curry leaves 4 garlic cloves, ﬁnely sliced 3 long green chillies, sliced ½ tsp black mustard seeds, ground ½ tsp fenugreek seeds

1 kg pumpkin, cut into cubes, skin left on 1 tsp ground turmeric 500 ml coconut milk 2 tbsp short grain rice 100 g fresh coconut Method 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the onion, curry leaves, garlic and green chilli. Fry for 5 minutes, until the onions are golden brown, then add the mustard and fenugreek seeds and continue frying for another 5 minutes. 2 Toss the pumpkin in a bowl with the seeded mustard and ground spices and season with

salt. Add to the pan along with the coconut milk and bring to the boil. Turn down to a simmer and cover. 3 Meanwhile, heat a small frying pan over a medium heat and dry fry the rice and coconut until brown and fragrant (about 10 minutes). Grind to a powder in a mortar or blender. 4 Add the ground rice and coconut powder to the curry. 5 Season the curry with salt and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin is cooked – soft but still holding its shape. Serve with rice or ﬂatbread. For more: www.thecoconut-tree.com

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Winner . BEST CREATIVE BUSINESS . Bath Life Awards COMMISSIONS . ORIGINAL CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE PRINTS . CARDS

The Art Studio . Knight’s Barn . Wellow . Bath BA2 8QE www.emmaroseartworks.com . 07885 235 915 . 24/7 by appointment Plenty in stock, however order by 15.11.21 for guaranteed Christmas delivery

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Bath Life team 01225 475800

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

CHILD’S PLAY You don’t want chemical nasties anywhere in your home when decorating, but it becomes even more important in a child’s room or nursery. All Farrow & Ball paints have a minimal VOC content, low odour, don’t contain nasty fumes. Being water-based they are kinder to the environment, plus brushes are easier to clean with no need for harmful solvents. Seen here the walls are painted in James White, Dutch Orange, and Sap Green, which all cost £56 for 2.5L . For more: Farrow & Ball, 124-126 Walcot Street, Bath; www.farrow-ball.com

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MICROFARM SUPER POWERS KIT, £27.95 From Wiltshire, these organic grow kits are completely biodegradable and will provide ﬂourishing superfoods of rocket, kale and brocolli for even the most inexperienced of food growers. From Teeny Greeny; www.teenygreeny.co.uk

LOVE IN A MIST HUSKUP, £9.45 Made using natural biodegradable rice husk, so with these dishwasher-safe and microwavable cups there is no melamine, BPA or toxins. From huskup; www.huskup.com

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN It’s not all mung beans and biomass – simply shop with a conscience and read the sustainable small print

SUNSHOWER BRASS EARRINGS, £150 Both the casters in Scotland and the Emma Aitchison Frome studio run on renewable energy only. Only natural alternatives to traditional jewellers chemicals are used, and any waste metal generated during production is then made into other jewellery. For more: www.emmaaitchison.com

ORANGE BLOSSOM AND FIG CANDLE, £38 These luxury hand-poured candles are made locally from a blend of mineral and non-GMO coconut wax and contain no palm oil. Plus none of the waxes or fragrances are tested on animals. From Collingwood of Somerset; www.collingwoodofsomerset.co.uk

BAMBOO MULTIMEDIA WIRELESS KEYBOARD, £67.20 This multimedia wireless keyboard is made from sustainable bamboo and hand assembled close to the bamboo crop. The letters are carved into the hard wearing buttons and the high quality bamboo material feels smooth to the touch. It also comes in a cardboard box without plastic packaging. From The Green Stationery Company, 2 Cleveland Cotts, London Road, Bath; www.greenstat.co.uk

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EDITOR’S CHOICE EXTRA LARGE ROUND GREEN GLASS LAMP, £175 Handcrafted in the UK from recycled glass, this extra large green lamp is a true statement piece. Featuring an oversized bulb-shaped base with a white fabric cord running through the middle. From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

MINTY NATURAL LIP BALM, £2.95 Benecos is a natural cosmetic brand that provides the best of glamorous conventional cosmetics with certiﬁed, resourceconserving organic ingredients, and no use of mineral oils, paraﬃns, or silicones. From Harvest, 37 Walcot Street, Bath; www.harvest-bath.coop

LAST ROUND REUSABLE MAKEUP REMOVER PADS, £12 The seven pads provide up to 1,750 uses and are the perfect reusable alternative to makeup pads and rounds, made of a shapeshifting fabric that feels just like regular cotton rounds when liquid is applied. From Consciously You, 1 Kennington Road, Bath; www.consciouslyyou.co.uk

RAINFOREST RESCUE BLEMISH SERUM, £23 Evolve Organic Beauty products are handmade in small batches in Hertfordshire to ensure the freshness of the precious antioxidants in the natural oils, butters and extracts. All their products are vegan, cruelty free, and eco-friendly. Stockists Little Lab, 20 Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

REFILLABLE COPPER WATER BOTTLE, £24.99 This water-purifying bottle is made from 100 per cent ethically sourced copper. Copper is naturally anti-bacterial and purifying and is one of the most renewable and sustainable materials in the world. From Reﬁllable.shop, 3 Cleveland Place East, London Road, Bath; www.reﬁllable.shop

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GREEN

THE GREEN TEAM Meet the Bath trailblazers committed to a lower carbon world Words by Lydia Tewkesbury

ith COP26 finally taking place this month after delay of a year, all eyes are on the climate crisis. It’s a scary time – in the summer of 2019, 400 all-time high temperature records were set in the northern hemisphere, and with each year, ever more extreme weather events dominate the news. While the push for systemic change seems never ending and those in charge slow to react, it’s worth looking to the local businesses pioneering creative, eco-friendly approaches who are showing us how it’s done, and how it can be done right now.

EAT YOUR GREENS

Marcus Rees on the Middle Ground Growers farm

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We all know we should be buying local produce when we can, and in Bath, it doesn’t get much more local than Middle Ground Growers CIC (who feature on our cover), a Bathampton-based market garden that offers a veg box scheme, supplies top Bath restaurants like Oak and Landrace, and shops including Harvest Natural Foods and SCOOP Wholefoods.“Just a few decades ago, Bath was surrounded by market gardens producing the majority of the city’s fresh food supply through buzzing farmer’s markets, independent shops and a thriving local food scene,” says head grower Hamish Evans. “Market gardens are an efficient way to meet our fresh food needs at an appropriate scale and provide local employment. An ecological market garden is designed to work in harmony with nature – a farm that not only does no harm to its environment but actually improves it, demonstrating the ability of humans to have a regenerative impact on earth rather than a destructive one. Farming with ecology works and is more productive per acre of land cultivated. “Agriculture can either be a great environmental threat or solution. Currently, the sector accounts for 25 per cent of global emissions, but by switching to environmentally-friendly growing practices has the potential to sequester carbon – basically, a process that removes it from the environment.”

Refillable is run by mother daughter team leny and Stamena

“We want to make it accessible to switch to a sustainable way of shopping for groceries”

GREEN Middle Ground Growers has recently purchased 15.5 acres in Weston Village to upscale their mission, and have launched a crowdfunder to finance the project and key elements of the farm, including a solar barn, mixed fruit orchard, market garden, wetland and ecological restoration. For more: www.middlegroundgrowers.com

MATERIAL WORLD

Thanks to the proliferation of fast, disposable clothing, the fashion industry is now the second biggest polluter in the world – beaten only by the oil industry. It accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions due to the energy used during production, manufacturing and transportation of the millions of garments made each year – most using synthetic fibres that rely on fossil fuels. It’s not a pretty picture, but there are sustainable brands out there role-modelling a better way. Bath-based fair trade clothing company BIBICO is one such brand, committed to making clothes with respect for the planet. When it comes to creating an eco-friendly wardrobe, the materials our clothes are made of are an important consideration as BIBICO founder Snow Ruiz explains, “Since 2008 nearly all of BIBICO clothes have been made with natural fibres, in fact this season’s autumn/winter collection is made from 100 per cent natural fibres. Natural fibres are better on every level than synthetic fabrics. They don’t contain microplastics, they tend not to require the use of chemicals in the production process and, unlike synthetic fabrics, they biodegrade quickly.” But not all natural fibres are created equal – when it comes to cotton particularly, it’s important to go organic where possible to tackle what is otherwise a water and chemical intensive process. “Organic cotton uses 91 per cent less water than standard cotton, produces less carbon emissions and does not contain the harmful

“With an abundance of sustainable resouces at our fingertips, it is the right direction to head”

above: The huskups are made from leftover rice husk; left: BIBICO Robin Cable Knit Sweater, £95 with Sitges fine wool scarf, £69 and Mina Cord casual trousers, £75

chemicals that degrade the soil, pollute our waterways and harm cotton farmers,” says Snow. Look for linen, made from the flax plant, hemp and Tencel, a soft, drapey fabric made from the pulp of trees. Another major way smaller brands like BIBICO offer a more sustainable alternative is so simple it’s almost incidental – they make less clothes. Whatever the professed eco-credentials of massive high street brands, the rate of turnover of hundreds of new garments each week simply is not compatible with sustainability goals. Like Snow says, “buy less, but buy well” – and make less, too. For more: www.bibico.co.uk

COFFEE TALK

Single use coffee cups are a massive source of waste around the world, with pre-pandemic figures showing Britain throwing away over 2.5 billion plastic coffee cups every year. The answer is simple: switch to a reusable instead. Bath-based reusable coffee cup brand huskup is made using rice husk, one of the most abundant food waste materials in the world, and a by-product that is often simply burned. “Creating huskups from natural waste, not plastic, made total sense to us,” says founder Richard Milton. “With an abundance of sustainable resources at our fingertips, it is the right direction to head. Not only are these products available, but they are natural and made from the earth, so they can easily return back to the earth once their purpose has been served without creating harmful chemicals, polluting our oceans or turning into microplastics in our soil.” You can pick up a huskup at Cassia, Taylor’s Bagels, Dexter’s Coffee Shop, Refillable, RE:Store and Bath Spa University, or via their website. For more: www.huskup.com

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GROUND ZERO

When it comes to filling the kitchen cupboards, it’s time to look at your waste. Refillable is a zero-waste shop and café on London Road offering a range of staples from pasta to dried herbs, fresh produce, skincare, gifts, coffee and treats – and they just celebrated their first birthday. The family-run shop has seen a phenomenal first year of growth, most recently with the expansion of their café space, including a new counter in the window for seating and an exciting partnership with Bath Spa University, which sees Refillable host a weekly pop-up on the campus to help tackle student waste. “Many students and parents think that if they buy in bulk that will help them, but the fact is that big bulk buying is a big waste too,” explains Stamena Milusheva, Refillable’s founder. “Food goes stale, students get fed up eating the same, and there is no variety, which is very important in healthy eating. What we are bringing now is bulk buying but in smaller sizes, fresher items and a big variety with no waste and no packaging.” They’re altering their offering for the student population, including containers students can borrow and a special pricing model available only on campus. “We understand the challenges that students face with budgets and we want to make it accessible to switch into a sustainable way of shopping for groceries. “We all understand the very limited time we all have as humanity to take rapid actions and do whatever each of us can do to reduce our personal waste generation and impact on the environment.” For more: www.refillable.shop below: Refillable now has a pop-up shop at Bath Spa University;

right: Take advantage of a cycle to work scheme with Take Charge Bikes

WATCH AND LEARN

Education is a vital tool in fighting the climate crisis. The Institute for Policy Research (IPR) is a leading public policy research institute, based at the University of Bath. It aims to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making, build links with the worlds of policy and practice, and increase public understanding of policy research through public events and publications. Most recently, the IPR has produced a film in collaboration with student volunteers and Cambridge Zero. “Act Now showcases the views of 16–30-year-olds, and is drawn from films submitted by over 140 young people from 32 countries,” says Amy Thompson, head of policy programmes and communications. “In the film young people from across the world share their lived experiences of climate change, their hopes and ambitions for the future and their ‘asks’ of the climate change negotiators, as well as their own climate pledges.” The IPR is also hosting a public lecture series. Our Oceans: A Deep Dive engages with experts, advisors, policy makers and the public to address ocean warming, fishing, and ocean biodiversity. For more: www.bath.ac.uk/ipr

EASY RIDER

It’s high time those who can, drive less, and with the rising popularity of cycle to work schemes where employers offer incentives like partpayment for bicycles, it’s easier than ever. “There are two very good schemes in B&NES where you can try an electric bike for free for two weeks,” says David Tod, founder of electric bicycle company Take Charge Bikes. “One is with the University of Bath set up for its employees so they can try an alternative, and healthier way of getting to the University. The other is with B&NES, which is accessible to anyone who lives or works in B&NES area.” Take Charge has been part of both schemes for eight years, and coaxed many commuters out of their cars and onto two wheels. “With e-bikes, you have all the well-versed benefits of traditional cycling but with help for the hills when you need it,” says David. “A lot of e-bike riders fall back in love with cycling after perhaps putting two wheels aside for years. Few things give you the feeling of freedom and headspace as a ride out in the countryside. It’s reassuring to know that when faced with a climb you’ll be able to conquer it, and ride on.” Hopping on the bike instead of taking out the car is an eco-friendly swap as good for your health as it is for the environment – and with the e-bike option, the hills needn’t put you off. For more: www.takechargebikes.co.uk

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GREEN

left: Co-forest will plant 10,000 trees this winter;

above: Co-forest takes a holistic approach to creating new woodland

INTO THE WOODS

GOING FOR GOLD

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa in Malmesbury is on a mission to decarbonise. The Bronze Earthcheck award-winning hotel has set a goal for net zero carbon by 2028, and sustainability factors into every aspect of life there. “We’ve swapped to certified renewable electricity and transformed our waste area into a recycling centre, which has reduced our waste by 49 per cent,” says Sue Williams, general manager at Whatley. “We have also measured our carbon footprint, and learned that 37 per cent of our carbon is generated by our supply chain, so we’re collaborating with our suppliers on the journey to decarbonise this element of the business.” Coming up next spring, Whatley will have a wildlife audit with a view to understanding the local environment and how they can improve its biodiversity in line with their sustainability goals. Their work is getting noticed – the Earthcheck mark is the number one scientific accreditation for travel and tourism, and Whatley is now working towards their Silver Award – and the hotel has won a Gold Award from the Sustainable Spa Association and been named ‘Most Sustainable Hotel’ by Condé Nast Johansens two years in a row. “We have woven sustainability into our team culture, delivering training and encouraging the team to be fully involved,” says Sue. For more: www.whatleymanor.com

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Trees are utterly vital to meeting net zero carbon goals by 2050. In fact, we need 1.5m hectares of new woodland to meet the goal – which is roughly the size of the whole of Yorkshire. Co-forest brings together local companies and people looking to offset their carbon to purchase land and plant a new forest just outside of Bath. “Planting trees is a key tool for carbon offsetting,” says Katrina Kelly, co-founder and trustee of Co-forest. “Trees take carbon out of the air as they grow, fixing it in their timber and in the soil.” It’s a useful tool for tricky-to-reduce emissions that is basically investment in activities that reduce carbon in the atmosphere at the rate you are emitting it. “While carbon offsetting is a key goal of Co-forest, we’re taking a far more holistic approach to the creation of our woodlands. It is cheaper for companies to send money to an overseas organisation to plant trees to offset their carbon, but we encourage them to question how and where that planting is happening – is it working with local communities, are planters fairly treated, is local biodiversity taken into account?” It’s about more than offsetting carbon – the mission is increasing local biodiversity, achieving ecosystem services woodland provides (food mitigation, for example), and improving public access to green spaces. “Carbon offsetting is just one tool to help us achieve carbon zero, it is by no means the answer to our carbon problems. It is essential for companies and individuals do everything they can to reduce their carbon emissions – from reducing how often they fly or use vehicles, to switching to green energy tariffs and thinking carefully about where they buy products. However, for those emissions that are particularly challenging to reduce, carbon offsetting is a useful tool.” After opening their first site in Almondsbury, where they are planting 10,000 trees this winter, Co-forest is planning a second site. n For more: www.coforest.co.uk

The team at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa are on a mission to achieve net zero carbon by 2028

“We have woven sustainability into our team culture”

The Malmesbury hotel has earned a prestigious Bronze Earthcheck Award

BEAUTY ANÉ AURET

Junk the gunk! Ané visits Orchardlea Clinic, the beauty specialists in Melksham, for the renowned, celebrity-loved Hydrafacial treatment

nly a short drive away from Bath, tucked away amongst the beautiful Melksham countryside you’ll find Orchardlea – a state-of-the-art, medical cosmetic and skin clinic. From the moment I walked through the door I was welcomed like an old friend and instantly felt I was in safe hands. Led by Charlotte, clinic director and registered nurse, and Wendy, skincare specialist with over 35 years’ experience, you can be sure to get the best personalised, customised in-clinic treatments and at-home protocol for your particular skin and aesthetic concerns. With my own skin in much need of extra TLC I was delighted to have the opportunity to try out the globally famous, celebrity-loved Hydrafacial. I’m told one is performed every 15 seconds somewhere in the world as it can be customised for all skin types and concerns. The details

A 6-in-1, multi-step medical grade skin health experience that uses patented Vortex Fusion technology to target the most common skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, texture, tone, large pores, congestion, discolouration, below:

The Hydrafacial treatment is adapted to suit the individual; right: Ané visited the Orchardlea Clinic in Melksham

elasticity and firmness. It can also be successfully combined with other aesthetics treatments like collagen stimulation therapy or injectables. The Hydrafacial combines six individual steps, each one a treatment, in one time-saving, costsaving and efficient treatment with visible results. It includes: Lymphatic drainage to improve circulation of the lymph system and eliminate toxins, excess fluids and reduce puffiness. Deep cleanse and gentle exfoliation, which reveals a new layer of skin with the patented Vortex Fusion delivery system that delivers a specific combination of ingredients while cleansing. An acid peel involving customised glycolic and salicylic acid concentrations to brighten and soften the skin. Extraction to remove debris from pores with painless suction (not manual extractions). Hydration, whereby the skin’s surface is saturated with a customised cocktail of protective antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. LED Light Therapy to finish, with customised LED light therapy to reduce redness and further stimulate collagen.

“My skin felt incredible – smooth, soft and silky”

4 5 6

The delivery

You’ll come to the end of your hour-long treatment with baby soft, nourished and smooth skin, the famous ‘Hydrafacial glow’ and the contents of what was extracted out of your skin collected in what’s also referred to as the #gunkiejar – a quick search on Instagram will reveal many proud owners of their own Hydrafacial gunkiejars. It’s painless, relaxing and feels as if you’ve given your skin a really good workout. I was left with some minimal redness that was gone by the time I got home, and no downtime at all. The denouement

I love that ‘Skin Health for Life’ is the Hydrafacial motto and can see how this treatment (with consistent use of course) can help you invest in

the long-term health of your skin. It’s a great gift for yourself or someone special. I actually can’t remember the last time my skin felt this smooth – if you’ve ever wondered what ‘dolphin skin’ feels like (yes it’s a thing) then the post-Hydrafacial skin is probably the closest you can get. It felt incredible – smooth, soft and silky, plus also nourished and hydrated at the same time. Absolutely perfect for making sure have you have your end-of-year celebratory glow ready to go. Combining six treatments into one while saving the time and expense involved is a major plus in my book. It may be more expensive than a more regular type facial, but the impact, investment and pay-off is worth it over the long run. Orchardlea also offers an extensive range of injectables and aesthetic treatments for face and body – an excellent and private retreat with professional, experienced staff, state-of-the-art equipment and reasonable prices in my experience. Orchardlea Clinic is an excellent facility so close to Bath that provides options not easily found outside bigger cities. For more: www.orchardleamedicalclinic.co.uk Ané Auret is a self-confessed beauty obsessive and founder of Bath-based skincare brand Ané. Learn more at www.beautybyane.com and follow her on Instagram @beauty_by_ane

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It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS

THIS ISSUE >>CRESCENT CLUB NEW MEMBER’S CLUB (74) >>BIZ Q&A ALEC YULL (76) >>ENTRECONF PLAY SPORTS NETWORK FOUNDER SIMON WEAR (80)

The grand tour

Nigel Huddleston MP, minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society; Lindsey Braidley, learning and participation manager for Bath Heritage Services; Tony Crouch, World Heritage manager; Penny Jenkins, commercial manager for Bath Heritage Services; Simon Addison, heritage business manager; and Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture

Tourism minister Nigel Huddleston visits Bath

ourism minister Nigel Huddleston visited Bath in October to hear about the city’s exciting plans for recovery from the pandemic. The visit was organised by Visit West to showcase developments in the region and oﬀered the minister an opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities the hospitality and tourism industry faces right now. He took a tour of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths during his visit, during which he also spent time in Bristol at The Wave. “We are delighted that the Tourism Minister is

BUSINESS CLUB

taking time to visit some of our region’s most iconic attractions, to learn more of their exciting plans for the future,” says Kathryn Davis, director of tourism at Visit West. “From walking in the 2,000-year-old footsteps of the Romans to celebrating cutting-edge technology providing inland surf experiences, the West of England has a wealth of attractions and experiences that make our region one of the mustvisits for both domestic and international visitors. “The West’s visitor economy is worth an estimated £2.33bn and it is vital that we support businesses to recover.” In line with trends seen around the country,

the greatest challenge facing the hospitality and tourism industry in Bath right now is staffing across roles from entry-level to managerial positions. The problem, Kathryn believes, is multi-factorial – a consequence of a mix of Covid-19, workers forced to find alternative employment during lockdowns, and the impact of Brexit – points impressed upon the minister during his visit. “There’s not a quick fix,” she says. “But there are opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers in the sector, with many opportunities for training and progression.” For more: www.visitwest.co.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bath Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115

Dr Layla Guscoth, Cllr Ian Ward who is leader of Birmingham City Council, and the Official Birmingham 2022 mascot Perry at the Queen’s Baton Relay departure

Sian Bentley, vice president of welfare and community at Bath Spa University Students’ Union with Kane Wollen, general manager at V Cars

RIDE SAFE

RELAY THE NEWS Commonwealth Games and Team Bath netball star and doctor at the RUH, Layla Guscoth recently joined the oﬃcial delegation at Birmingham Airport for the start of the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, in which she’ll join the England netball team to defend their 2018 Gold medal – in her home city. “This is such a surreal and proud moment for me as an athlete with strong Birmingham roots,” says Layla. “There’s been so much buzz and excitement in the West Midlands and the start of the Baton Relay has now brought all of this wonderful energy to life. The countdown has truly begun, and I can’t wait to see the Baton arrive back in Birmingham in 294 days’ time!” Layla has also joined Team Bath Netball for the new Vitality Superleague season in 2022, her second spell with the Bath netball team. “I’m really excited for the new season,” says Layla. “I think 2021 was a great season for us and it was great to make the ﬁnal but hopefully we can go one better next year – and we get to do it in front of a home crowd, which will be really nice.” For more: www.teambath.com

John Irving, founder of The Crescent Club wants to connect Bath’s professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs

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V Cars has pledged to support university students in Bath with its Safe Taxi Scheme. The taxi company is working in collaboration with the Student Unions at Bath Spa University and the University of Bath to implement the scheme, which allows all students access to a taxi home after a night out, even if they don’t have money for the fare. “Moving to a new area and starting university can be daunting, even more so for freshers this year who are beginning their higher education experience in unusual circumstances,” says Kane Wollen, general manager of V Cars. “We are here to help students in Bath ﬁnd their feet; our emergency service will ensure they get home safe without worry over ﬁnding the fare. Our precautionary safety and hygiene measures against Covid-19 will also provide students with peace of mind that their journey will be as safe as possible.” The service allows students at Bath Spa and University of Bath to book a journey to the value of £20, and pay via their Student Union within 48 hours – they just need to call 01225 464646 and quote either ‘Bath Spa University Safe Taxi Scheme’ or ‘Bath University Safe Taxi Scheme’ and have a valid student card as proof of ID. For more: www.v-cars.com

JOIN THE CLUB The Crescent Club is a new membership community launching this month to connect professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs in the city. “After a pandemic inflicted period of isolation, many professionals are missing connection,” says The Crescent Club founder John Irving. “With so many no longer commuting to an office, team bonding events cancelled and a dramatic move to virtual meetings, there is a gap for meaningful conversations and joint experiences.” The Crescent Club is on a mission to fill that gap, partnering with a range of local businesses to offer member exclusive benefits and hosting events including weekly after work meet-ups, monthly professional talks, fortnightly curated walks around Bath and experiences hosted by some of their partners. Announced businesses the Club is partnering with so far include Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Makery Kate, Bath Yoga Studio, Pixie App, Rengen Clubhouse, and official charity partner Julian House. “I’ve lived the expat life and I know what it’s like to feel isolated. Now I’m home, for me The Crescent Club is an opportunity to bring people closer together and to share the best of our beautiful city of Bath,” says John. For more: www.thecrescent.club

BATHWORKS You can watch the talk with Jens Nordfalt again on Bath Life’s YouTube channel

The front of house team at The Royal Crescent has been nominated for an award for great service

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC CRESCENT AND CORRECT

The team at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa are being recognised for their ﬁvestar service with a nomination for Front of House Team of the Year at the Hotel Cateys Awards. This latest nomination is yet another nod to the exceptional quality of The Royal Crescent, which is also named among the Pride of Britain’s Top 50 Hotels and boasts AA 5 Red Stars and AA 3 Rosettes. “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award,” says Lorraine Jarvie, general manager of the hotel. “It’s been a challenging time for the industry and for our employees, and so we’re incredibly grateful to all of our staﬀ for their dedication to the job, passion, enthusiasm and patience through the tough times. We continue to maintain high standards and are thrilled to be continuing to welcome guests again as normal. Thank you Hotel Cateys for shortlisting us, it means everything to the team here at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.” For more: www.royalcrescent.co.uk

BOWING OUT

Martin Dimery, creative director of the Frome Festival has announced he intends to retire after the 2022 festival. “Directing the Frome Festival has been immensely rewarding and I’ve been greatly honoured to have maintained the position for 15 years,” he says. “Following a year off in 2020 due to Covid, we came back this year with one of the most challenging but widely-appreciated festivals I can recall.” Martin has had quite the career since arriving in Frome in 1983, including stints as director of The Bath Festival opening night, manager of the Meyer Theatre at Millfield School, and parttime programme manager at Frome venue The Cheese and Grain, from which he retired in 2017 after being elected one of the first two Green Party councillors in Somerset County Council. For more: www.fromefestival.co.uk

TALKING SHOP The University of Bath School of Management Professor Jens Nordfalt joined Greg Ingham at the latest Bath Life Business Surgery to share his expert insight on retail. Professor Jens’s particular area of study covers consumer behaviour, and he introduced the weird and wonderful world of retail psychology during the discussion, which you can watch again online on Bath Life’s YouTube channel. Jens shared some peculiar truths of customer behaviour observed in his studies, like how raising prices by 10 per cent actually draws more customers than it puts oﬀ, that products sell more when placed against a blue background rather than a red background, and why shop layouts are designed to appeal to our lazy brains – as well as his own experiences in retail in the grocery shop he owns in Sweden. The conversation is a hopeful one for bricks and mortar retailers – who, according to Jens, aren’t going anywhere as he outlined our need for shops – for social interaction, for community cohesion and for inspiration. He also spoke of an omni-channel future, where online sales and stores are complementary rather than competitive oﬀerings. To keep up with all the latest Bath Life Business Clubs and Surgeries, follow us on social media. For more: Instagram and Twitter @bathlifemag

THE CREATIVE TYPES The Creative Bath Awards are back. The joyful celebration of local creativity and innovation will take place at the newly refurbished DoubleTree by Hilton Bath on 7 December. The Creative Bath Awards recognises our region’s rich creative, tech and cultural sectors – encompassing everything from the arts to agencies, designers to creative spaces, photography to websites and beyond. Greg Ingham will return It’s an awards ceremony to host this year’s for the many faces of Creative Bath Awards creativity – following a time where it’s been put to the test as never before. The Creative Bath Awards is a much-needed party just as the festive season gets into full swing – and a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow Bath creative types. You can ﬁnd ticket information on the website, and if you have any further questions please email events@mediaclash.co.uk. See you there. For more: www.creativebathawards.org

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BATHWORKS

“WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FORWARD AND INVESTING” ease, creating a beautiful kitchen that really fits the home, and the owner truly loves it. What’s been some of the challenges of the lockdowns? We had to close the showroom. It didn’t stop us working though. We adapted to customer’s needs using good old Zoom and phone calls, which enabled us to continue virtual appointments where we could still show customers the kitchen showroom displays and plan kitchens.

BIZ Q&A

Alec Yull

The Gardiner Haskins Interiors kitchen designer and assistant store manager on how a heritage brand keeps things fresh

ardiner Haskins Interiors has been in business since 1825. Things have changed a lot over the years, from its origins as an ironmonger, to its modern-day incarnation as a destination for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Alec Yull has been with the company for 22 years, and here offers his insight into the business. Tell us about your work, Alec A day in the life of a kitchen designer is varied and no two days are the same. From home measures, to designing the kitchens in 3D and showing customers around the showroom for inspiration, to coming up with design features and ideas. How much influence do you have on the final look of the kitchen? Customers have some ideas in their head but my role as a kitchen designer is to bring those ideas to life with a

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sprinkle of magic – adding those extras in they would not have dreamed of but make their future kitchen design amazing. Gardiner Haskins Interiors has a long heritage reaching back centuries. How do you keep things fresh? We are constantly looking forward and investing in our showrooms bringing our customers the latest designer trends that will inspire. To meet the demands of our growing business, we are excited to be expanding our design and installation teams. What’s new in the showroom? Stoneham Kitchens – our new fitted kitchen displays, which we added during 2021 and which look absolutely stunning. Stoneham is also a heritage business, with a history that dates back over 190 years. We see this new partnership as a fantastic opportunity to support another British manufacturer.

What are the kitchens like? The new, luxurious Stoneham Kitchens provide our business with a unique, high-end, quality, and bespoke fitted kitchen offering that affords our customers with almost unlimited colour choice and design unit options to suit individual tastes. We also love the Stoneham drinks pantry with pocket doors, which forms part of our new Stoneham window display. There’s an opulent feel of quality, detail, and individualism which our customers have really responded to. You’ve been with the company a long time. What are you proudest of? Despite lockdowns, we have managed to design and install some beautiful kitchens. A real highlight would be a kitchen we installed in a basement of a home – it was a tricky project as there was half-height retaining walls to work around. The beauty of Stoneham’s bespoke design meant we could overcome the challenges with

Did the business have any lockdown projects? We have spent them designing and investing in four new Stoneham fitted kitchen displays. Our showroom is a journey which never ends. We have just updated one of our kitchen displays featuring Crown Handleless Textura Halifax Oak & Textura Ceramic Anthracite. Handle-less kitchens are very popular with the warm textured colours of the kitchen display complimented by bronze handle-less profiles and a Caesarstone topus concrete worktop. What’s the showroom style philosophy? Our aim is always to ensure our showroom stays at the forefront of design trends and provides an inspirational destination to anyone considering a new kitchen. What has been one of the biggest career lessons you’ve learned over the years? Always listen to customers, they are the reason we are here today. By listening to our customers, we understand what level of help they need to turn their ideas to reality. Some need a designer to take the lead through the project in every aspect, while others have a vision and just need our help to exact that vision. Only by listening can we help our customers in a way that gives everyone the care and assistance they need. For more: Gardiner Haskins Interiors, Brunel Rooms, Bristol, BS2 0FQ; www.gardinerhaskins.co.uk

BATHWORKS

Alistair Smith, Lucy Illes, Stephanie Ring, Ian Tarr, Kartini Sutoto, Amy Grant, Elliot Cotterell, Lottie Bull and Hollie Markham

Heart of the community Get involved in the 2022 Bath Life Awards – while you still can

he Bath Life Awards is, without a doubt, one of Bath’s glitziest events of the year; a night when the city’s best and brightest throw on their glad rags and gather to celebrate the community focus, creativity and tenacity of Bath’s businesses across all industries – from creative to pro-services, hospitality to hair and beauty. But the Awards offer so much more, with opportunities to get involved via sponsorship. Our Bath Life Awards sponsors benefit from months of promotion in the marketing materials for the Awards – which reach thousands around the city – the networking opportunities provided by the night itself, and by association with an event that has earned its place as a staple of the

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Bath business community calendar. Sponsorships vary, with opportunities including category sponsorships and feature sponsorships (including sponsoring the epic Awards after party) to even more exclusive Gold, Silver and Platinum sponsorships that come with a range of benefits from bespoke marketing assets, to your own company table and the opportunity to present an award on the night. You can contact annie.kelly@ mediaclash.co.uk and pat.white@mediaclash. co.uk for more information. The Bath Life Awards are all about celebrating the heart of Bath: its community. It’s an event filled with positivity, fun and hope – and an invaluable opportunity to connect and collaborate with other businesses in the city. Sponsorships are filling up fast – the time to get involved is now. For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Madeline Wibberley, EmmaMarie Smith, Rebecca Harvey and Karoline Chesterman

The Bath Life Awards celebrates the best of Bath’s businesses, from professional services to cafés, retail to charity

TESTIMONIAL

“It was an extremely proud moment to have received a Bath Life Award, especially being nominated in such a competitive category!” Rebecca Harvey, head of people at Seccl, 2021 Legal & Financial Winners

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2021

Ellen Kythor, general manager of SHARE AND REPAIR BATH shares her Bath Life Awards experience ENVIRONMENTAL WINNER

hare and Repair has bought the circular economy movement to Bath. At their one stop shop on George Street (which recently launched – flip to page 23 for more on that) they provide mending services alongside a Library of Things where users can borrow everything from camping gear to tools, toys and kitchenware. How did it feel when you won your Bath Life award? Absolutely thrilling! At the ceremony, the adrenaline was really ramping up during the countdown to our category – it was a genuine surprise and we were absolutely over the moon for Share and Repair to get this accolade. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to all our services this year, even during the pandemic, but we know that many local people will not yet have discovered us, so receiving a Bath Life Award is unbeatable recognition for our hard-working volunteers and an incomparable boost to our cause. Where do you keep the Award? At the moment, it is proudly on display in our shop window in George Street, nestled among our beautiful autumnal window decor. In the future, we plan to build a shelf so it stands pride of place. What are your winning qualities? Share and Repair is unique and innovative in offering a simple, accessible and affordable solution to a huge environmental problem. We aim to change mindsets and behaviour to have a lasting impact: mend it, don’t end it, and borrow not buy. Combining a Repair Café and a Library of Things model in a high street shop offers a practical way of making a difference, inspiring the community to make small changes with a big impact.

Ellen Kythor, general manager and Lorna Montgomery, founder and chair of trustees

What do you think set you apart from the rest of your category? It must have been nearly impossible to compare us directly with other brilliant environmental projects in our category. Share and Repair is a young charity that has really made its mark over the pandemic year, so the timing was right. In 2020, we grew and flourished and are incredibly proud of how our team responded to serve the community and use every opportunity to keep going safely, to offer environmental, social, community, and economic benefits to make lasting change. What’s your favourite part of your job? Meeting all the brilliant people: our volunteers, our supporters and all the visitors. It’s such a positive, sociable atmosphere, as everyone is pulling together to improve the environment in a practical way. And every day is so varied: we see all sorts of items to repair

“SHARE AND REPAIR IS PUTTING BATH ON THE ECO-TOURISM MAP”

– from clocks to toasters to puppets to drills – and stories about why people have borrowed DIY or garden tools or party bits and bobs. Any frustrations? There's never enough time to do everything we want. But many hands make light work, and it's fantastic to have more and more people getting involved in our projects. What’s the best part about working in Bath? I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people and places through our projects and seeing all the links between them – for example, we've fixed items for local cafés and businesses, volunteers are friends of friends. Let’s face it, Bath is a village with all the benefits of a vibrant city. How do you think Share and Repair is impacting on the city as a whole? It has been interesting to find out that Share and Repair is putting Bath on the eco-tourism map: our unique combination of repair and reuse on the high street has made Bath a leading light in the national circular economy, repair and lending movement, and we often get visitors from across the country popping in to learn more.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given at work? Every single interaction counts. We want everyone who visits us to feel positive afterwards, whether it’s a volunteer or a Library of Things borrower or an owner of an item for repair. Any exciting plans we should know about? Share and Repair’s HowTo workshops are ﬁnally coming back, returning for the ﬁrst time since the pandemic. Look out for practical group classes including HowTo use a sewing machine, HowTo use power tools, and HowTo maintain your bike. Finally... tell us something surprising Share and Repair is volunteer-run and volunteer-led, so when you visit us in the shop or our Repair Cafés, almost everyone (except me and my co-manager) is an individual volunteering their time and skills to help mend or lend.

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BATHWORKS

Simon and Greg in conversation at the Avon Gorge Hotel

PEDAL TO THE METAL SIMON WEAR, founder of Play Sports Network on taking an idea to a multi-channel, multi-platform, multi-billion-pound business

ollowing the success of its inaugural digital event in the summer, EntreConf returned last month for a special dinner with 50 entrepreneurs and advisors at the Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton. Headliner of the night was Simon Wear, founder of Play Sports Network, the world’s largest cycling media company delivering original content across multiple channels and platforms. He took the stage with MediaClash’s Greg Ingham to share how he grew one idea into a multi-billion-pound business in just a few years. Here is some of that conversation: After 18 years with Future, where you started as a sales exec and later became chief operating officer, you left to launch your own business. What was that like? I remember day one so clearly – it’s bizarre. I remember buying an Apple Mac and peeling oﬀ the cellophane, 80 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

having a blank computer and no business and thinking – well, go on then. It was exciting and terrifying. I knew I wanted to do something with video, to distribute content on social platforms. Most media businesses want viewers to come to them, their channel, website, etc, but I wanted to create content to serve social media platforms, which was a diﬀerent way of thinking about things – but I had no idea how I was actually going to do that. How much funding did you have at the start? I put £230,000 into the business the ﬁrst day. I sold my house and my car. I was very fortunate to have the most incredible, supportive wife – her general view was we’d end up getting divorced if I carried on in my corporate life, so it was a good thing really! I didn’t pay myself for two-and-a-half-years, and then I paid myself £20,000 for the next two years. I wanted to use the revenue created to employ people with skills that I didn’t have.

Tell us about seeking investment I spent a year raising £1.6 million from nine angel investors – it took a lot of meetings to ﬁnd them. There are two types of investment – there’s smart money and there’s dumb money, and I didn’t just want money, I really needed help. I met a guy called Andrew Croker, who became my chairman – he’s the most connected person I’ve ever met – he was the catalyst to meeting the other eventual investors in the company.

So... what did you do? We’ve built an OTT (over the top) app for streaming sports online, which we’ve since invested about another £25 million in over the last two years – before Discovery that would have been ridiculous, even if I could have borrowed the money, it would have been ridiculous. You get to a point where the risks are too high to take on alone, because you could end up with nothing – and you could also put a load of important, brilliant people out of work, which was not for me.

How have the investors helped – other than their money? One angel investor, Oli Slipper was key to the second round of investment. He was brilliant because while I was in the middle of doing the everyday work, he said – these numbers are amazing, let’s go and raise a load of money, let’s go and get £5 million. He had the experience of having been through it to have the conﬁdence to say – you can do this. That was in 2017, and Discovery (owners of Eurosport) invested £5 million for 20 per cent of the company.

When you were still at Future, wondering about starting your business – what made you think ‘I can do this’? I had a lot of imposter syndrome for the ﬁrst ﬁve years or so at Future. I worked with so many smart, hardworking, fantastic people, and I didn’t have a degree or an amazing education or anything. That pushed me to work really hard. The great thing about those experiences being around loads of smart people is, you learn so much all the time, and the value of that is way more than your salary. All the things that I needed to build my business, truthfully came from that period of time, learning from them – including Pete Stothard and Mia Walters, two really key people who then joined me at Shift, plus Jim Smith who came from Imperial as our CFO.

Then, in 2019, Discovery took a majority stake. How was that experience? Incredibly stressful. This was the most important thing other than my kids in my life. What did you do when the deal was done? Cried. It was so much bottled-up tension and stress of the most important thing you’re working towards for a sustained period of time – it was just exhausting. Then the next day we said – right, let’s go. We’ve got all this capital, now we can do stuﬀ!

If you had the chance to start over, would you do it all again? Yeah, totally. It was the best fun.

EntreConf will return on 30 June 2022. You can still watch talks from the successful July EntreConf on the website. For more: www.entreconf.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

THE ENTREPRENEUR SERIES EXPLORE, EMPOWER, EXPERIMENT Helena Hills, co-founder of TrueStart Coffee, on her journey from Bath to brewing her own business

met my husband and business partner, Simon, at the University of Bath. I was studying International Management with Spanish – a degree that opened my mind to the vastness of the world of business and all sorts of possibilities. The breadth of subjects covered – from entrepreneurial skills and getting an idea off the ground (just do it!), to organisational behaviour and accounting – are things I dip in and out of and use every single day in my business. As part of the degree at Bath, I did a placement in South America, which taught me a huge amount about people, life skills and self-confidence. Who knew it would be where we’d later source the coffee to grow our business? We founded TrueStart Coffee in 2015. We were training for a triathlon, working busy

jobs and drinking lots of coffee. I noticed that sometimes I’d feel no effects at all, and other times I’d get jitters from one cup. It turns out that caffeine content varies wildly from cup to cup, from 20mg to 700mg! That gave us the idea to create a reliably caffeinated, clean coffee that makes you feel amazing – not just the taste but the ethics and the brand, too. Based in Bristol, we now have two young children, and the business is growing too. Being your own boss isn’t the easy choice it’s sometimes made out to be – it’s another level of stress and hard work, so resilience and perseverance are crucial. If you don’t have a true passion for what you do, it will be very difficult to get through the tough times. To me, ambition is following your gut towards what you want to do and putting yourself in an environment that gives you the energy and the courage to do it.

Are you a graduate of the School of Management with a story to share? Connect with us: alumni@management.bath.ac.uk or via social media @bathsofm Interested in studying a business or management course? Find out more on our website: www.bath.ac.uk/management www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

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MEET THE PEOPLE EXPERTS There’s nothing more important to a business than its people

LUCY COTTERELL

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT, MOGERS DREWETT 01225 750000; www.mogersdrewett.com What trends do you think you will see in employment conditions post pandemic? The most common trend currently is implementing a hybrid working arrangement. Many employers are looking at maintaining high levels of productivity, whilst reducing overheads and enabling employees to have more work/life balance. In addition, we might start to see changes to financial, physical, and mental health support provided by employers such as amounts of sick pay, enhanced family-friendly policies, promotion of employee assistance programmes, offering fitness and wellness benefits.

Do you think employees really prefer working from home or in the office? The last 18 months have shown just how adaptable people can be when it comes to changes in their working environments. Many of us have gone from enjoying the solitary peace of working from home, to craving to be back in humdrum of the office. As a result, many employers are deciding to trial the hybrid working model to see what works best for them. How can clients currently contact or meet with you? We also take a blended approach to where and how we work as led by our client’s preferences. Our offices are open for business, so we can meet in person (with Covid-secure measures in place) or have virtual meetings online or by phone.

businesses are micro businesses with less than 10 employees per organisation and according to Forbes, micro businesses have significantly high levels of job satisfaction. With the working world focused on employee wellbeing, job satisfaction ranks highly for prospective talent. This could ultimately give Bath the edge.

DAN BARFOOT

OPERATIONS MANAGER, CMD RECRUITMENT 01225 805080; www.cmdrecruitment.com What do you anticipate for the Bath jobs market for the next six months? We’ve seen a very unpredictable market underpinned by a lack of candidates actively seeking new employment. The hope of a new wave of candidates in the post furlough world has not materialised and ultimately left many companies questioning how they will fill their vacancies. Over 88.8 per cent of Bath’s 82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What’s the best bit of advice you can give employers at the moment? Focus on your company’s EVP (employee value proposition). Your EVP is your unique selling point to prospective talent and can support the retention of key talent whilst prioritising your HR agenda. An EVP will create a strong employee-centric brand, helping to re-engage any disenchanted workforce, which will ultimately reduce hiring costs. From a recruiting perspective, a strong EVP will allow your company to break through the crowd in an already very competitive market. The further you can communicate the value of working for your company, the more you can tap into a passive labour market who may be swayed by the proposition to work for you. How can employers make returning to the office attractive? Not perks but value. By this I mean the pandemic has made many re-evaluate their working priorities raising the question “what is it I want from my job?”. The importance has shifted from pure financial benefits or basic offer perks like free coffee to what the company can offer in terms

of value, inclusion, flexibility, and sustainability. Creating an employee-centric culture will allow your team to want to be present, ultimately resulting in more time at the office. What trends do you think you will see in employment conditions post pandemic? With hybrid and remote working taking centre stage, I think we are likely to see rules and regulations changing across the country. Rolling out hybrid and remote working on a large scale is likely to have teething issues and raise some complexities, furthering the need for legislative guidance. It is also likely we will see some further developments on the IR35 front after its initial rollout in 2021. What’s the most common issue you think employers will encounter moving forward over the next six months? Throughout 2022, I believe we will continue to see challenges surrounding candidate attraction and retention with 70 per cent of employers commenting that they expect challenges with candidate attraction and 61 per cent with retention. Inflation and wages will also come in to play. 30 per cent of companies are revising salaryincrease budgets upwards from their original projections to ensure workforce retention and many job seekers are currently holding out for a higher wage and often getting it. This will put pressure on companies to raise salaries to remain competitive in the market.

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FOR THE HOME Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for Autumn

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731 www.clairstrong.co.uk

ETONS OF BATH

KUTCHENHAUS

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

CHEVERELL

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

www.cheverell.co.uk

Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space. Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

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. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003

WESTSIDE DESIGN

FLOORING BATH LTD

Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors. Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk www.westsidedesign.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES

Kutchenhaus have opened a brand new showroom in the heart of Bath bringing their beautifully designed and highly engineered German kitchens to the city. Owner Rob Cash and his experienced and talented team look after every customer through the journey from enquiry to completion, creating kitchens of the highest standard at affordable prices. 5 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR; Tel: 01225 634025; www.kutchenhaus.co.uk/showroom/bath

Flooring Bath Ltd has decided to bring a flooring show home to you. They will visit the space that requires flooring (commercial or residential), measure it, go through samples and work out your best option. They pride themselves on sourcing quality products and the ability to work with all trades and conditions with a can-do attitude. Call James or Nick on 07761 663492 /07704 062181 info@flooring-bath.com; www.flooring-bath.com

Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722;

BONITI

Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

BATH LIVES

“I am a Bath nerd! I was born and bred here, and I love it”

obstacles within my musical journey. For example, bands

LULU S

I also became a PRS Pulse Artist for Paul Reed Smith guitars thanks to the Instagram

The local musician on releasing her first single, the progression of female lead guitarists, and Bath’s lovely walls

account. This is a dream come true for me, as this is the only brand of guitar I play. I have also recently been endorsed by Ernie Ball, the best guitar strings in the game.

Lulu S is a lead electric guitarist from Bath, and has been playing guitar for 13 years. She studied music first at Bath College, and then later at Bath Spa University. After graduating she secured a job as a guitar tutor at The Rock Project music school. She now also composes her own songs and sings, and has just released her first ever single, Runaway.

It took me almost a year to release my first single Runaway. The initial writing

I am a Bath nerd! I was born and bred here, and I love it. I spent one year in Brighton and while I did enjoy it, it’s not as good as Bath. The first instrument I ever played was the piano at the age of three. There is a home

video of me jamming my elbows on the keys and pretending my colouring book was sheet music that I was reading from.

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

The reason I got drawn to guitar was because of the film School of Rock. I was

completely obsessed with that ﬁ lm, and would watch it up to three times a day. I even used to style my hair like Jack Black (I wish someone told me I actually looked awful). Music has such an impact on our lives, and to be part of the

performance of that is such an amazing feeling.

During Covid, and frustrated that I couldn’t perform, I decided to start my first Instagram account. I would

post guitar clips of me playing famous solos, popular songs and original material. Turned out to be one of the most productive things I have done as I drew in a whole new fanbase from all over the world, and this is where I found all my connections.

process was easy and I have my own recording studio set up at my mum’s house (sorry mum). But the amount of times I recorded and re-recorded was unbelievable. I also wanted to do a music video alongside this release, so organised everything – the venue, the dancers, lighting, musicians to play in the video – it was tiring but worth it.

I was sitting in Komedia Bath, hearing my song through the speakers and

directing the musicians and dancers on stage for the fi nal take of the day, and thinking to myself: Wow, I cannot believe I’ve pulled this off ! So that was defi nitely a huge moment for me.

As a female rock lead guitarist, I have faced many

looking for members, but refusing female guitarists, and only wanting female vocalists. There will always be people who try to put you down, but as a guitar tutor, I am proud to say there are more and more female instrumentalists, which is great.

My main inspiration is the Australian musician Orianthi.

She was the ﬁ rst girl electric guitarist I discovered, and she played for Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper before becoming a singer/songwriter herself. The plan is to keep songwriting. My next release

is a seasonal song called Oh It’s Christmas. I want to keep building on my following and keep doing what I love. I have no hobbies really – I live and breathe music. At school

I loved basketball but was so terriﬁed I might break a ﬁ nger and not be able to play the guitar, I stopped. The thing I love most about Bath is how safe it makes me feel, and its beauty. I was on

holiday in Spain, and was asked where I was from and when he heard it was Bath his enthusiastic response was “Aah, lovely walls!” I love how we’re known for our lovely walls! ■ For more: Instagram @lulu_s_music