Bath Life – Issue 480

AUSTEN POWERS

THE BEAUTY

THE

RUN

THE MILL

THE

ARTISAN QUARTERS

ALICE IN HER WONDERLAND

BLUSH HOUR

GETTING PRETTY IN PINK CORE BELIEFS

VERITY GENCO IN PRAISE OF THE APPLE MUSIC LESSONS FROM SENEGAL TO BUSKING IN BATH WITH AMADOU DIAGNE

Ibet the Germans have a word for it. One of those directly untranslatable words that end in ‘keit’, ‘icht’, ‘fuhl’ or ‘limmbessern.’ A word that sums up that feeling, wistfulness, longing to go back to your home town and actually propels you in that direction. It’s not quite homesickness, which implies an ineffectuality in the place you are now – it’s something much more active, uplifting and positive than that. So many people I know have been brought up here, wander off to a few places for learning, living and / or love, and have then ended up back here – myself included. It’s the call of the wild, mild West –and our cover star the designer Alice Temperley has heard it too. Over on page 12 Alice reveals why she upped sticks and moved her family along with the HQ of her global luxury fashion brand back to Ilminster, the place where she grew up. From Dorothy House fireflies to fashion swap fundraisers, on page 72, we also explore how Bath’s charity sector contributes to the good of our society. There’s also a dining visit to the gorgeously revamped Bathampton Mill (page 42); a wear-pink editor’s choice special to help highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month (page 49); a trip over the bridge to enjoy a dockside spa and stay at voco St. David’s Cardiff (page 70); plus a wander down Walcot Street (page 54); the latest from Bath’s property market including this year’s finalists for the Bath Property Awards (page 89); and an inspiring interview with musician Amadou Diagne over on page 96. Originally from Senegal, Amadou has now made Bath his home – someone else who understands the siren song of Somerset.

SARAH

ABOVE:

COVER FEATURE

THE ARTS

FOOD&DRINK

PROPERTY

Arts MASTERS OF THE CRAFT

From 8 ctober a pop up craft shop will take over the Commercial Hub at ew Bond Street. Local makers Ingrid Johannesson, James Hourigan, Sally Harker and Ed Harker, both husband and wife pairs and neighbours, have joined forces to bring their artworks to the city centre. he pop up will feature a range of intricate handmade artworks from the talented group including ceramic trinket bowls and larger bowls with leaf imprints, mugs, sculpture, natural limestone stone carvings, hand printed pictures, cards, purses and tea towels and vibrant pencil and watercolour depictions of Bath – all created in Ingrid and James and Sally and d’s respective home studios. he event offers a rare opportunity to see the artists’ work on display in public and take home a piece that is truly unique.

For more: www.colebrookestoneandclay.com | www.blockhousebath.com | www.mostlydrawing.com

Arts DANCING ON AIR

Bath based artist i ing has won a oyal Academy of Dance ( AD) portrait competition. Her vibrant, colourful imagining of ballet dancer and founding AD president Dame Adeline en e will take pride of place in AD’s new global headquarters.

he spirit of a dancer lies in their movements and rhythm, says i. was inspired to paint Dame Adeline because of her distinctive mark on our history and society. n order to capture her beauty as well as her talent, the final portrait will be created in a water based and pastel medium as a tribute to Degas and his famous ballet dancer paintings. he judging panel of singer song writer Sophie llis Be tor, royal portraitist alph Heimans and Shevelle Dynott, former nglish ational Ballet dancer alongside AD president Dame Darcey Bussell praised i’s work for capturing the essence of Dame Adeline en e with her bold, e pressive, and contemporary interpretation. For more: www.l-ing.co.uk

History HORRIBLE HISTORIES

Get into Bath history this autumn with a new series of day courses and online lectures from the Roman Baths. The new series kicks off on ctober with an arts and crafts course followed by a day course on ovember on reco Roman medicine, which uses artefacts found at the baths to discuss the e cacy of reco oman healers and whether modern doctors can learn anything from

their oman forbears.

The online lecture series also features a talk on the Sydney Gardens excavations on ctober, and an e ploration of the fascinating oman curse’ tablets on ovember, when Dr Stuart c ie will e amine the physical and emotional e perience of making a curse tablet in Roman Britain.

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk

Explore the fascinating histories of Roman ‘curse’ tablets on 17 November

Zi’s winning portrait of Dame Adeline Genée

Bath-based artist Zi Ling

Ingrid and James throw pottery in their home studio

Ceramicist Ingrid Johannesson

Hand-printed fabrics by Sally Harker

Ed Harker’s pencil and watercolour depictions of Bath

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN SOMERSET

The globally renowned fashion designer Alice Temperley on returning to her West Country roots

By Sarah Moolla

Hailed as “the designer making the biggest waves in British fashion” by the US edition of Vogue in 2006, Alice Temperley is still one of the brightest and most influential names in the design world. Her clothes, defined by ethereal, timeless silhouettes and inspired by the romance and decadence of a bygone era, are worn by, and loved by, the likes of Kate Middleton, Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and Sarah Jessica Parker. She founded her fashion house Temperley London in 2000, just one year after graduating from the Royal College of Art, and in 2011 was awarded an MBE for services to the fashion industry.

It was October 2020 when Alice brought her empire to Somerset, a place she had been brought up in alongside her three sisters on a cider farm in Ilminster. It was here she set up World of Temperley, a multi-purpose studio housing the brand’s atelier, training workshop, warehouse and pattern cutting room, alongside a flagship boutique selling the brand’s bohemian embroidered dresses, bridal range and loungewear collection.

This year Alice collaborated with Anthropologie, and the collection named A Life in Print, which was revealed in September, draws on Alice’s timeless, eclectic style. Here we talk to Alice about why she returned to her roots and how Somerset has influenced and inspired her work.

What was your childhood here in Somerset like Alice?

I grew up on my parents’ Burrow Hill Cider farm overlooking the Somerset levels. I had a very free and wild childhood. We spent as much time as we could outside, surrounded by nature, animals, and the people that worked the land. My siblings and I always helped on the farm – picking apples, feeding the sheep and helping to serve cider at festivals.

In what ways to do you think this shaped the creative in you?

We had so much freedom to choose what we wanted to do as children. I was always creating things – drawing, painting and sewing. We didn’t have a TV or any gadgets until I was 11 so there were no

Alice moved back permanently to Somerset in October 2020

©ALICE

Coming back to her roots as given Alice a sense of belonging along with a creative freedom

Alice, right, with Mary one of her sisters, pictured on her parents’ farm

distractions. Being surrounded by nature and the changing seasons inspired me and still does to this day. I studied textiles and have my BA and MA in print – I never studied fashion as I loved the process of working into fabrics and the whole creation.

After leaving the farm, what areas did you live? And how do these places compare to here?

After school I went to London to study, and then spent some time in Hong Kong and New York. After returning to the UK I settled in London, splitting my time between the city and Somerset for about 20 years. Hong Kong, New York, and London are all creative hubs – they are fast paced and exciting. Now I am happily living in Somerset full time – it’s really where I have always called home – living close to all my family and being surrounded by rolling hills and the countryside.

What made you move back to this region? Was the longing always there, was it a series of incidents, or maybe a single eureka moment?

Space, family, the feeling of belonging. I love the change of seasons, being close to the farm and the creative freedom Somerset gives me. I bought my own house in Somerset when I had my son 13 years ago –but I was spending most of my time in London for work and he was at school there too.

Did the pandemic infl uence your decision at all?

Before the pandemic I moved him to a school in Somerset and when the pandemic hit, I moved my headquarters to Ilminster. There was no doubt in my mind – I just can’t believe it took me so long.

Was it an easy decision?

Yes, it was an easy decision – being a working mother I knew I had to put my child fi rst and wanted him out of ondon but didn’t want to be away from him. My partner Mark and I bought a 28,000 sq. foot building in the centre of Ilminster in 2020 as a freehold for the same price as my company was paying in rent per year on a 5,000sq foot building in London.

And how has that transition been work-wise? was worried initially about fi nding people with the e perience needed, but I have found some amazing local talent and suppliers and a few key people re-located or work remotely. Somehow we have made it work.

How did the Anthropologie collaboration come about?

It’s a perfect partnership – a shared love of print, pattern and colour – the name Life in Print really captures the story behind this collection. It’s so rewarding to collaborate with brands like Anthropologie – we worked seamlessly with their creative team and really had a unified vision from the outset.

There seem to be whispers of a Somerset infl uence in this collection – are we right?

f course the floral prints that we used from my archive for the collection were originally inspired by my love of nature and the countryside. Also the rela ed, effortless feel of the collection embodies the way of life down here. Plus we shot the campaign actually at Burrow Hill parents’ farm, where I grew up.

Would you say you’ve grown creatively in the last few years? And also as a person?

To be honest I have never been more slammed or rattled after the last few years with Covid, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine. But even amongst all this moving my H to lminster has defi nitely been a very positive move. I can focus on what I want to do.

What’s in the pipeline for you, again creatively and personally?

I tattooed ‘22’ on my arm back in February – as this is the year of change and hopefully clarity on all fronts. We have worked to re-launch our Somerset by Alice collection and we have some exciting projects in the pipeline, so, as they say, watch this space... ■

For more: www.temperleylondon.com | www.anthropologie.com

The Temperley x Anthropologie campaign was shot at Burrow Hill farm, where Alice grew up

©ALICE TEMPERLEY X ANTHROPOLOGIE

“The floral prints wereoriginally inspired bymy love of nature andthe countryside”

Alice

Anthropologie

A

“I think of books as I think of people: I remember how they made me feel”

Mind reader

If there were one thing I could teach my children it would be to love reading books. I mean, it’s not, obviously. There are plenty of things I’d rather have them master at the click of my fingers, like the fact that tidying up a tiny bit helps a lot, like the fact that social media and smartphones will only make them less happy, not more, like how beneficial it is to do your homework on time, every time, and to like karate. Just because that would be cool. But the reading thing sounds worthy, so let’s go with that. The love of reading came to me quite late, and still I drift away from it for periods of time, knowing all the while that it makes me happier than whatever else I’m doing before bed, and that it always improves the depth and length of my sleep. Not doing it every single day is probably a deep seated form of mild

self-sabotage. Should read a book on that at some point.

It’s a shame, then, that my lifelong inability to retain information has not been cured by the written, fictional word. think of books much as I think of people: I remember how they made and make me feel, rather than precisely what they said. I could act all clever and list here my five favourite books so far, but if anyone asked me what happened in them or how they ended, there’s at least a fifty per cent chance ’d have no idea. think there’s a hole somewhere in my brain, and it’s always been there.

Recommending books is, therefore, an even more dangerous game for me than it usually is. A mate asked me last week for a list of favourites. sent him five books ’ve loved and told him not to come at me if they’re not what he wanted, mainly as I can’t quite remember what they were. I see the sort of

people on Instagram whom not only do I not want to have dinner with, but also whom I frankly do not believe, letting the normal people know that they take copious notes whenever they read books, in order to get as much out of them as the human brain can possibly manage. Christ, unless it’s a text book and you’re at school, what’s the point? That’s like going to the pub for a few pints and taking bloody notes on each one. I prefer the “I liked that pint of Moretti, so I’ll have another one of those” approach. Why so serious?

As for my children, though – who seem to be allergic to books – every bit of research I’ve done tells me that it’s my fault they don’t want to read. Annoying, but apparently true. What I’ve done is shout: “READ!” at them and wonder why that hasn’t worked. And I’ve pleaded with them, listing all the benefits that reading brings, only to be ignored and called boring. It’s hard to disagree – I’m boring myself as I write it, to be honest.

No, what I need to do is dedicate an actual slot of time to reading together. Make it communal. Lead by example. I know this and I know that it sounds simple enough but the next battle then becomes how to persuade said quite contrary Marys to buy in, without my having to again forcibly dictate how they spend their time.

Anyway, as I was saying, if there were one thing I could instantly teach my children, it would to do as I say and not as I do, and to do as I bloody say.

That’s two, I know, but it’s my game.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter davidflatman and nsta dflatman

Flats loves to read but don’t be asking for his all-time top-five book recommendations...

SCENE

THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS BATH

SCREEN STARS

The IMDb Script to Screen Awards hosted by Holly Tarquini recently saw a night of dramatic script readings that culminated in one screen writer winning £5,000 and £1,000 worth of hire kit from isual mpact to make their film a reality. he five scripts were judged live by the judging panel, featuring producer ate Byers, director Philippa Lowthorpe and IMDb CEO Col eedham. he winner was iriam arvis, who will now produce her film While Time Is Away in time for the FilmBath Festival in ovember.

Photos by Anna Barclay; www.annaweddingphotos.com

Col Needham and winner Miriam Jarvis

Asier Santiago and Savannah Hall

Biba Tarquini, Anu Anand and Tazi Tarquini

Holly Tarquini and Martin Haigh

Phoebe Harris and Marley Joyner

Goodness Grazers supplied the food

Gloria Spiegel and Toby Ineson

Felix Morton, Billy Morton and Phil Morton

Tim Johnson and finalist Frances Eva Lea

Alex Medley and Ellie Williams

IN THIS TOGETHER

Bath-based charity We Get It, which provides support and information to people going through cancer, recently collaborated with award-winning photographer Sophie Mayanne to create Scars for Life. The photographic project consists of a series of portraits of the We Get It community showing off their scars and sharing their cancer stories. Its two-month House of St John’s show launched with a special event for the We Get It Community. For more turn to page 72.

The exhibition took place at House of St John’s

We Get It is a support charity where people dealing with cancer can meet people who share their experiences

Rachael Crow

Leigh Page

Photos by Heffer Studio; www.heffersstudio.com

Jenna Haskins and Gemma Duff

Julie Horner

Maria Honeker

Lizzie Heffer

A NEW CHAPTER

he omen’s Chapter est hosted its first event in association with Storm Consultancy recently. The lunch at Clayton’s Kitchen was a chance to bring together women in business in Bath and Somerset to connect, share, inspire and be inspired. 25 high impact women from across a diverse range of business sectors enjoyed the three-course lunch, which also included speeches from The Women’s Chapter founder, Michelle Pughe-Parry De Klirk, and Rebecca Morely, the Bath-based leadership coach who spearheaded the event.

Michelle Pughe-Parry De Klerk, Claudia May and Rebecca Morely

Shannon D’Arcy

Sasha Watkins

Photos by Beata Cosgrove Photography; www.beatacosgrovephotography.com

Claire Harris

Raising a glass to new connections

Dee-Anne Bruce

The lunch was The Women’s Chapter’s first event in Bath

Approximately 15,000 attend the Salisbury festival

LEFT FIELD

Salisbury’s Larmer Tree Gardens were the picturesque setting for the End of the Road. Running 1 – 4 September, it is traditionally seen as the last festival of the summer and is heralded by many as the best having been saved ‘til last. Amidst the big name acts of the Pixies and Fleet Foxes was a plethora of soon to be bigger and better names including Lynks, Grove, Yard Act, The Umlauts, and Porridge Radio. End of the Road returns next year 31 August – 3 September.

Sorry sir, even if you do live here you still need to show me your wristband

Pixies Grove

Fleet Foxes

Photos by Parri Thomas; www.endoftheroadfestival.com

Ural Thomas and The Pain

Lynks

Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs Pigs, Pigs

THE ARTS

VINTAGE MODEL

Society Café in Kingsmead Square is currently hosting an exhibition depicting the Pendine Sands Hot Races in Wales by Bath photographer and former Bath College student Maisie Walker.

The annual racing event is held on the south coast of Wales showcasing vintage hot rods, and is close to Maisie’s heart, as she explains, “My parents have always had old hot rods and customs, so my family are very involved with the community and events around the country. We go to the VHRA Hot Rod Races on the Pendine Sands every year.

“My dad races his 1929 Model A Roadster, and my mum races her 1933 Ford Pickup at the event, which means I’m lucky to have a spot in the pits. I always bring my camera as I’m close to all the action.

“All the cars are vintage, pre-1949 so it’s amazing to see them running. t’s almost like being on a film set For more: www.maisiewalker.co.uk | www.society-cafe.com

The award-winning and utterly terrifying FEAR has returned to Avon Valley Scream Park

WHAT

EXHIBITIONS

Until 23 October A VOCABULARY OF MAKING REVEALED

This new exhibition at Black Swan Arts by artist Cath Bloomfield features collagraph and collaged prints inspired by the human form and landscape. Bloomfield believes that deep in the making something hidden is released through the process of construction.’ www.blackswanarts.org.uk

Until 30 October YOU CHOOSE

his is a community led e hibition with the pieces selected by seven local residents, Bath Spa niversity fashion design students, and children from ldfield Park unior School. he displays each tell the stories of their personal appreciation and interpretation of the fashion works, and include a s man’s worsted wool banyan and an 88 beetle wing embroidered day dress. Fashion Museum www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Until 31 December HATCHING THE PAST: AMERICAN DINOSAUR EXPLORERS

his remarkable hands on exhibition at the American Museum

offers an astounding array of dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe, with focus on the importance of American fossil sites in our understanding of dinosaurs. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 31 December HERSCHEL 200 EXHIBITION

To commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Bath based astronomer William Herschel ( 8 8 ), this major e hibition at his former home on New King Street highlights the hugely important contributions both he and his sister Caroline made to the world’s understanding of space, including the discovery of ranus. www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 8 January 2023

MY REALITY IS DIFFERENT BY NALINI MALANI

n this the first ever ational Gallery Contemporary Fellowship e hibition ndian artist alini alani has created an e traordinary deep black exhibition space in the Holburne Museum with one monumental artwork. t encompasses more than metres of wall, with striking animations in a panorama of nine large video projections, played in a continuous loop. www.holburne.org

Until 8 January 2023

ELISABETH FRINK:

STRENGTH & SENSUALITY

Featuring themes such as storytelling, animals, humour and violence, this Holburne e hibition displays a selection of Dame lisabeth Frink’s bron es and works on paper. he works included depict her unique take on some of the most loved and well known tales from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and classical reek mythology, in her Children of the ods series of etchings. www.holburne.org

Until 8 January 2023

RODIN – DEGAS: IMPRESSIONIST SCULPTURE

Bringing together two towering figures of modern uropean art Auguste odin ( 8 9 ) and dgar Degas ( 8 9 ), the Holburne useum’s brand new e hibition focuses on the artists’ equally radical representations of the human body. www.holburne.org

Until 25 October PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE

The Bath Society of Botanical Artists is years old and to mark the occasion this exhibition at the Bath oyal iterary and Scientific nstitution has been designed to emphasise the importance of

gardens for the natural world. he artists have investigated and illustrated the diversity of beneficial plants and habitats which provide ecosystems where wildlife can thrive. www.bsba.co.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA

20 October AUSTENTATIOUS

Before Bridgerton there was Austentatious! The smashhit Fringe sell-out Regency improvised comedy romp with live musical accompaniment returns and is stuffed with rakish dukes, swooning ladies, and romantic entanglements aplenty. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

25 – 29 October THE TWO POPES

Starring Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, The Crown) and icholas oodeson (Baptiste, The Danish Girl), this is a gripping and entertaining new production of Anthony cCarten’s play, which was made into the 9 film of the same name. t tells the biographical story of two unlikely atican buddies. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

TOP: Elesha Paul Moses takes on the role of the late singing legend in Whitney – Queen of the Night at Bath Forum on 20 October;

MIDDLE: Explore the incredible and fascinating world of dinosaur fossils and remains at the American Museum; BELOW: Artist Nalini Malani has created a deep black exhibition space in the Holburne Museum which can be experienced until 8 January

CHILDREN

8 – 9 October ATOM AND LUNA

Atom and Luna, left home alone by their mother, are saved from starvation by the arrival of their magical child minder, y Sney. But y falls terribly ill and only the twins can save him. Created by BBC usic regular and children’s author urray achlan oung. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

29 – 30 October BABBLE

ik and in are sound collectors. Boxes of their favourite noises have been checked, ready to take home. But the boxes are not behaving –naughty giggles are slipping through the cracks and causing chaos. Suitable for ages years old. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC

13 October VICTOR LIM –CHOPIN’S LEGACY

In this lunchtime recital at the iltshire usic Centre, South orean British pianist ictor im presents a creative reflection of Chopin’s legacy, pairing some of the classical giant’s finest works with pieces by later composers inspired by his unique sound world. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

20 October WHITNEY – QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

Do you wanna dance with somebody? Go enjoy this powerhouse of a critically acclaimed production at Bath Forum, starring Elesha Paul oses as the late, great hitney Houston. he night promises to be a celebration of one of the greatest voices ever known and covers three decades of hitney’s hits including I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, Saving All My Love, and How Will I Know. www.bathforum.co.uk

22 October SONGS & ARIAS WITH SIR BRYN TERFEL

elsh bass baritone Sir Bryn erfel CB has established an extraordinary career, performing regularly on the prestigious concert stages and opera houses of the world. He is a rammy, Classical Brit, and ramophone Award winner, with a discography encompassing the operas of o art, agner and Strauss. Sir Bryn also has solo discs including Lieder, American musical theatre, elsh songs, and sacred repertory. Bath Forum; ww.bathforum.co.uk

27 October BEN WALKER AND KIRSTY MERRYN

BBC Folk Award winner Ben alker joins forces with highly

acclaimed singer and pianist Kirsty Merryn to create a fresh take on a tradition ripe for rediscovery. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

COMEDY

Every Sunday DRAG KARAOKE

AT MANDALYNS

Most days of the week the welcoming and upbeat LGBTQIA+ Mandalyns bar has always got something upbeat and fun happening, and Sunday nights are no exception. Their drag karaoke nights are in fact so darn good, they’ve made Sunday the new Saturday. www.mandalyns.co.uk

12 October

NICK HELM

Critically acclaimed and multiaward-winning comedian brings his What Have We Become? tour to the Bath Forum. It’s been said he’s embarked on a show so insightful, so honest, so legitimate, that it will fi all of society’s problems and lead the way to a new plane of existence. Nick is also looking forward to showing off the new pills he’s on. www.bathforum.co.uk

13 October WIG!

Showcasing the finest in local and world-famous drag, Wig! is a queer cabaret like no other – with headliner, Ginny Lemon of RuPaul Season 2 fame, and fabulous host, Mother. Expect camp comedy, quick wit, lip sync, and fierce looks. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

15 October ROB AUTON

Rob Auton, the award-winning writer, actor and podcaster who was named the ‘Brian Cox of Comedy’ by the Guardian brings The Crowd Show to the Rondo. It is aimed at anybody who has ever been part of a crowd, or wanted to be a part of a crowd. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

15 & 22 & 29 October

KRATER COMEDY CLUB

More up and coming and established talent providing the weekly comedy club laughs. On the 15th comics include Mickey P Kerr and Sally Anne Hayward. On 22nd it’s the turn of Ria Lina, Angela Barnes and James Ellis. And catch Javier Jarquin and Jenny Collier. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

2 November SOFIE HAGEN

Edinburgh comedy award winner and Bad People podcaster presenter

Sofie Hagen brings her new stand-up tour to the Rondo. Fat Jokes, she says, is a show bursting with big jokes and fat punchlines. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

HALLOWE’EN

Daily GHOST HUNTERS

SILENT DISCO TOUR

Join Bath Adventures on an immersive journey as they follow in the footsteps of the nameless ghost hunter through the streets of Bath.

All that was left of the hunter was a mixtape on a Walkman and some eerie research notes. Be warned, you may find yourself dancing as if your life depended on it. Suitable for 13+ www.riveradventures.co.uk

21 – 31 October

HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN –AFTER DARK: PURGATORY

An intense multi-sensory horror event for those aged 15 and above.

Set over five floors in a period town house in the centre of Bath,

visitors navigate the house in darkness encountering the horrors of ‘Purgatory’, featuring live actors, special effects and disturbing aromascapes. Steady your nerves before and after in the Bloody Mary’s Bar. Turn overleaf for the Culture Club life of resident Dr Cleaver. www houseo ran enstein com

22 – 30 October

AMERICAN TRICK OR TREAT

The American Museum and Gardens is hosting a real American Trick or Treat experience. Along with a trail for potions made by visiting witches and wizards, there’s the autumnal outdoor experience. www.americanmuseum.org

29 October

FRANKENSTEIN

The Little Theatre and House of Frankenstein have combined forces to present the cinematic horror event of the year. The Little Theatre will be screening James Whale’s 1931 adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel starring Boris arloff in the title role. As part of the ticket, guests will also have access to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein across the Halloween weekend. www.picturehouses.com

Until 31 October FEAR

The award-winning event FEAR at Avon Valley Scream Park is gearing up for its biggest scare experience this year called #ABloodyGoodNight. Along with thrilling fair rides, creepy street performers, the famous fire display, and the properly frightening scare shows, is a brand new chilling experience called Exorcism. Suitable for 16+. www.avonvalley.co.uk

OTHER

9 October MICHAEL PALIN

Monty Python legend and intrepid globetrotter Michael Palin brings to the stage of Theatre Royal Bath two of the most extraordinary journeys he’s ever made, in a new solo tour, From North Korea Into Iraq Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Every Friday and Saturday KROWD KEEPERS

Upstairs at The Ale House on York Street every Friday and Saturday night, some of the world’s best and most innovative magicians take to the stage. The intimate 35-seat venue run by resident magician

LEFT: A Vocabulary of Making Revealed by Cath Bloomfield is the current Black Swan Arts exhibition;

RIGHT: Nicholas Woodeson and Anton Lesser star in The Two Popes coming to Theatre Royal Bath 25 –29 October

© MANUEL HARLAN

Billy Kidd promises award-winning performers who have also featured on the stages of Hollywood’s Magic Castle, including Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, and Wizard Wars, among many others. www.krowdkeepers.com

Every Saturday

BATH FARMERS’ MARKET

Between 9am and 1.30pm a whole array of foodie traders from Bath and surrounds gather together under the Green Park roof, including Bath Soft Cheese, Janifa’s Kitchen, Scout & Sage Micro Distillery, Seven Hills Chocolate, Botanica Studios, Glastonbury Ferments, Pullins Bakery, and the Thoroughly Wild Meat Co. www.bathfarmersmarket.co.uk

Last Sunday of every month

BATH VINTAGE & ANTIQUES MARKET

On the last Sunday of every month the Bath VA visits Green Park Station, with its wide array of vintage and antiques offerings, which include decorative antiques, collectables, retro, furniture, fashion, jewellery, sculpture, curiosities, gardenalia, salvage, carpentry, art, and vinyl. www.vintageandantiques.co.uk ■

Dr Cleaver is both deranged and complex

CULTURE CLUB

With Dr Cleaver

Dr Cleaver is one of the resident scientists at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Gay Street, Bath and dwells mostly in the basement. He was born in 1818, and has no intention of retiring yet. His principal field of interest is Mary Shelley and her astonishing legacy, and also his collection of lost property, ostensibly human remains carelessly left by visitors to the house. He has been classified as deranged by what he calls “so-called professionals” but says, “what would they know?”

The last great film I saw

The original 1910 Frankenstein movie showing in the House of Frankenstein’s screening room. There’s something timelessly terrifying about a monster in pixie boots and leg warmers.

A film I could watch over and over again..

All the Frankenstein adaptations, obviously. I watch a different movie every night just before bed, to ensure the sweetest of dreams.

A painting that means something to me

There is some fine original art in the house. My particular favourite is Mary Wollstonecraft’s Head in a Bell Jar. For someone who has been decapitated she has a lovely enigmatic smile.

My lockdown boxset

Scrubs, because it shows that during every major surgery, there’s always time for a laugh. In fact this show made me laugh so much I lost a lung. Not my lung you understand, but I lost one nonetheless.

Best TV show ever…

The Addams Family. Oh, to have been born into that wondrous brood!

The book that changed my life. Again, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It gave me hope, insight, wonder and a job for life!

The book I could happily re-read.

The Last Man by, guess who, Mary Shelley, in which she prophetically writes about 21st century pandemic and the economic collapse of the world thereafter. Spooky huh?

What would be your desert island disc?

Mah Na Mah Na by the Muppets. There are hidden inspirational messages that fill me with joy and loathing. I’m a complicated man

This Hallowe’en the creepy house is hosting After Dark specials for those brave souls who dare to try – see page 30 for more details.

For more: www.houseoffrankenstein.com

Enjoy a night of comedy at the Komedia’s Krater Club with Ria Lina on 22 October

CURIOUS ABOUT CODING?

For those readying themselves to jump from full-time education to the workplace, unsure about their professional future, or simply unsatisfied with their current role, the prospect of a lucrative and rewarding career in tech is hard to ignore. Despite demand within the industry for quality software developers, data scientists and machine learning specialists, the challenge for many individuals is how to build the necessary experience and connections to land their first role.

Bath-based tech education experts iO Academy, recently recognised with wins at the TechSpark SPARKies

and the Creative Bath Awards, offer the solution. Their innovative full and part-time courses in disciplines including software engineering, data science and machine learning, are designed to meet the needs of the industry and offer a proven route to employment while addressing the limitations of traditional education.

Unlike conventional higher education courses, which typically require a minimum of three years’ study and fees of £27,750, iO Academy’s flagship Full Stack Track, delivered in-person in Bath or remotely, equips learners with the knowledge, skills and industry connections to begin their career as a software developer in just 16 weeks at a fraction of the cost of an undergraduate degree.

While computer science degrees often prioritise theoretical, academic knowledge, iO Academy’s practical, industry-led curriculums, devised and delivered by trainers with substantial real-

world experience as software developers, are uniquely designed to support learners in the transition from course to career. Likewise, the Academy’s extensive community of alumni and partner businesses provide an invaluable industry network for graduates seeking junior roles.

For those intrigued by the world of programming but unsure whether to pursue a career in tech, iO Academy’s free online taster sessions run regularly throughout the year. Delivered by experienced trainers, these twohour online workshops provide an ideal first introduction to coding for prospective learners. ■

The next coding taster session takes place on 9 November. Register now at www.io-academy.uk/free-taster-session to attend.

Experience your first taste of tech at IO ACADEMY with an award-winning coding bootcamp that offers an alternative to traditional higher education

Adventure capital

Nic reports from the Bath Children’s Literature Festival and finds thrilling themes abound

At three of the events I spent time at on the opening Saturday of the 2022 Bath Children’s Literature Festival, the themes of escape and distant adventure emerged.

he first escape Bath’s young readers heard about was as urgent and dramatic as they come. In Escape Rooms (Nosy Crow, £7.99), Christopher Edge told us that we’d meet 12 year old Ami who goes to what she believes is the ultimate escape room game called, understatedly, The Escape.

But from the first click of the key in the lock, the newly incarcerated Ami and her four team-mates realise that this is far from just a game and that not just their own escape, but the safety of the whole world depends on them figuring out the clues.

The rooms that the challenges lead them through become gradually more daunting, as Ami and her fellow contestants contend with having to defeat chess masters, tracking down a single tome in an infinite library and then navigating Mayan temples, deserted shopping malls populated by extinct and animals, and even a spaceship headed for Mars. As Edge explained to his audience, half of the fun for the reader comes in seeing if they can beat the book’s heroine to the answers she needs to escape The Escape.

he Bath oyal iterary and Scientific Institute seemed the perfect setting for an event by Teddy Keen, curator (or perhaps creator?) of the books of the Unknown Adventurer. His stunning Journey to the Last River (Frances Lincoln, £14.99) is an annotated adventurer’s notebook and diary depicting a dangerous journey through the Amazon in search of a river that had been seemingly sketched in a partially erased map. The adventurer sets off with local specialist companion Bibi and his diaries describe their dramatic journey, complete with capsizing canoes and encounters with deadly stingrays and oversized spiders.

The illustrated journal not only has the diarised story itself but also pictures of their equipment inventory, the creatures and flora encountered and all kinds of inserts, fold outs, stains and annotations, making this a truly immersive and escapist reading experience.

Meanwhile, over at the Bath Forum, we got to witness the majestic return to Bath of reading and creativity champion and allround guardian angel of children’s literature, Cressida Cowell. Her new book Which Way to Anywhere (Hachette, £12.99) sees her switch to a modern-day setting for the first time. wo sets of recent step siblings are in the process of getting used to life with each other, which is proving surprisingly complex given what Theo and Mabel see as some very suspicious behaviour from K2 O’Hero and his mischievous sister Izzabird.

We soon learn that K2 and Izzabird possess magical powers which they try to keep hidden from a less than accepting world. likes to draw maps of imaginary and unfathomable worlds that may yet prove to be real; Izzabird has a penchant for bringing things to life – such as a family of toothbrushes! he link between the families is baby Anipeck, and the action really starts when she is stolen by a dastardly substitute geography teacher, along with K2’s Alternative Atlas. The mismatched family (toothbrushes included) are thrust together in a portal-powered journey through bizarre otherworldly landscapes, peppered with robots, beasts and much more, to try and retrieve their beloved Anipeck.

Cowell ended her talk by reminding the parents and kids in the audience of the importance of reading together and leaving space for imaginations to roam. And Which Way to Anywhere is another inspiring example of just what can happen when creativity is given free reign.

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

“The action reallystarts when she is stolen by a dastardly geographysubstitute teacher”

BATHAMPTON MILL

he Bathampton pub has a brand new look and a brand new menu

By Lydia Tewkesbury

Bathampton Mill has gone through a serious glow up. Think make-over montage, girl takes her glasses off at the end of the movie, Cinderella all magic ed up and ready for the ball stakes glam. t was always a lovely spot, a short drive out of town, or even better, walk down the canal, past the bright and eclectic houseboats, the gaggle of goats, pigs and chickens that live beside the water and into the tranquil, picturesque village proper. nside you’d find a typically rustic affair e posed wood panelling, homely hand woven baskets beside the open fire, and chunky, antique looking old cart wheels on the walls.

t was cute, but traditional. A little beige.

ow, it’s remarkable. hey’ve taken the colour palette and turned it up to eleven, the twinkle of fairy lights replaced by the rainbow glow of strategically placed neon lighting giving sultry, date night feels. hey’ve really

leaned into the hedonistic tendencies of Bath’s eorgian heritage with vibrant golds and yellows contrasted by rich, dark blue hues; period portraits of glamorous women adorn the walls, throwing the viewer off with unusual touches such as glamorous insects. Si legged beasties are a common motif throughout, with bold, colourful butterflies cropping up across the artworks, a nod, apparently, to the history of collecting such creatures common in times past.

e visited on the o cial opening night for Bathampton ill . , which began with a build your own gin bar. ot only was this fun select your gin, select your toppings (think fro en yoghurt situation but make it adult) and even your tonic but it looked simply beautiful. ittle jars of delicate peppercorns, rose petals, juniper berries and more beckoned alongside glasses filled with brightly coloured fruit, fresh herbs and cucumber. went down a fairly traditional cucumber route while my friend

opted for a rose and berries affair was immediately jealous of, and we headed outside to spend a while in the pub’s picturesque waterside gardens as the sun sank into golden hour.

e moved inside to the cosy restaurant to dine and soaked up the gin with a satisfying, carb filled starter. hick, fresh, crusty bread to dip in oil with a balsamic vinegar tang, squeaky halloumi fries and a garlic pi ette, which we ordered imagining it would be on the small side. t’s not, a pi ette is pretty much a pi a it would work better as a side than a starter, especially if you’re a small party but it was so delicious, si e was not an obstacle. Freshly stone baked, it was perfectly garlic y and creamy with mo arella; we tucked in greedily.

After such a smash bang starter, for mains wanted a lighter option and ordered a salad, and the nourish bowl that arrived was utterly delicious but also completely enormous. Piled high with hummus and avocado, pillowy giant cous cous, a flavourful bite of roasted cauliflower and squash scattered with tart pomegranate seeds, it was beautifully presented and seasoned but, for me, too big. y friend’s meal, on the other hand, arrived the perfect si e, a vibrantly spiced coconut curry with chewy, flavour packed aubergine, enderstem broccoli and a satisfying helping of sticky jasmine rice. e rubbed our rapidly inflating bellies happily.

e ended on the chocolate iest option on the dessert menu. ike the party animals adorning the pub’s walls we’re all about a little well chosen e cess. And the otus Biscoff chocolate bomb that arrived was hedonism on a plate. Chocolate brownie and Biscoff encased in a light chocolate shell, to be melted with a hot, gooey toffee sauce it was the sort of dessert that makes you forget anything else e ists, and brings on an instant satisfied food coma.

he Bathampton ill has upped its game with the new look and menu it has a stylish and atmospheric vibe with food to match, and makes for a perfect retreat on the chilly nights of autumn. ne tip though, arrive hungry here, the dining style is go big or go home. ■

DINING DETAILS

The Bathampton Mill, Mill Lane, Bathampton, Bath; tel: 01225 469758; www.thebathamptonmill.co.uk

Opening hours Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun 11am-10.30pm

Owned by Mitchell and Butler Established In its current iteration in 2015, but the pub was built back in the 1700s

Head chef Simon Hayden

Covers 180 in the restaurant

Outdoor space Terrace and garden with a riverside view

Prices Starters cost between £2.95 - £13.25

Mains £10.25 - 29.50 Desserts £5.50 - 8.95

Recommendations For the meat and fish eaters, the pan roasted lamb rump with dauphinoise potatoes, carrot and red pepper purée, tenderstem broccoli, basil pesto and Bordelaise sauce is completely sumptuous, and the smoked haddock florentine fishcakes poached with copper maran egg with lemon velouté and sauteéd spinach are also divine

Vegetarian options Loads – a plant-based burger with Beyond Meat vegan patty, a margarita pizza with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil, and a whole vegan menu Disability access yes

“It was garlic-yperfectly andcreamy with mozzarella”

FOOD & DRINK

the exciting native apple varieties that the has on offer.

IN SEASON APPLES with VERITY GENCO

October is a splendid time for the succulent squash, adding flavour and body to warming dishes while bright orange pumpkins carved into ack ’ anterns fill window sills, doorways and dinner party tables. For the naturalist and keen forager, rose hips, sloes and blackberries are free to forage in the hedgerows, and apples are in peak condition.

he British climate is well suited to growing and storing apples. t’s strange, then, that although we might be spoilt for choice for apple food and beverage recipes, when it comes to buying them, we need to look beyond the supermarket shelves to e plore

On average we see the same three types of apple varieties in stores, over 60 per cent of them imported from France, a sadness on both an ecological and gastronomical level. hether your preference is for sharp apples, sweet ones, the crunchy kind, the softer fleshed apple, red, yellow or green, there are many more British varieties out there that go far beyond the supermarket’s offering so let’s take a look closer to home to see what’s really apple ing’.

Newton Farm shop and café have an impressive selection of locally grown cooking and eating apples, while Dyrham Park celebrates autumn in style with seasonal activities, including the chance to e plore their apple orchard, pick apples and pears, view how they press them into cider, juice and perry, and even enjoy warming mulled cider in the tea rooms. Apples are packed with nutrients, rich in fibre, low in sodium, fat and cholesterol, a good anti o idant and source of vitamin C hence the popular saying an apple a day keeps dull skin at bay. his refreshing,

healthy, energy boosting snack can also be magically transformed into a dessert as well as paired with savoury flavours other than the much loved humble crumble. here are far too many delicious apple recipes to try. his year ’ll be making herb cheese and apple scones, a perfect pairing with a winter warming soup; am yet to find anyone to turn down one of my cinnamon apple and blackberry fritters; and pork chops slow cooked in cider and whole apples is among one of my favourite easy, no fuss autumn stews.

Verity Genco is the food stylist, cook, baker and caterer behind nstagram fortheflavour where she creates recipes inspired by the seasons

There’s a lot more to do with apple than a simple crumble

FOREVER BUBBLES

here’s a chance to lean into your lu urious side at the oyal Crescent Hotel Spa coming up in ovember. he bespoke aittinger dinner on ovember kicks off with a champagne and canap reception, followed by a painstakingly crafted, e quisite five course meal from head chef artin Blake. Best of all very dish is paired with different aittinger cuv es. or more www royalcrescent co u

Get tickets to the Taittinger dinner at Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa on 4 November

Newton Farm shop and Dyrham Park are great local sources of UK apples

©

VERITY GENCO

©

GENCO

BLOSSOMING

The Old Crown Kelston has been named Gold and Overall Champion Business Winner at the Bath in Bloom Awards.

“Our Bath in Bloom win means so much to us, winning this award was a fantastic way to top off the summer, says eve Plenty of he ld Crown. ur flowers are something we are very passionate about, a lot of hard but enjoyable work has gone into growing and maintaining our floral displays since spring. any people have said it brightens their day when they pass the pub on the road and over the course of summer our blooms have attracted passers by wanting to pop in and have a better look whilst enjoying a drink in our garden.

For more: www.oldcrownkelston.com

SHAKE IT UP

The days might be growing darker and colder by the minute, but Turtle Bay Bath is holding onto the summer with a vibrant new tropical cocktail menu. hatever the weather, get your fill of amaican style beach bar vibes with the new drinks, which include the Dessert Island cocktail, a sumptuous salted caramel martini of dark rum, ia aria, cold brew coffee, tongue smacking salted caramel sauce and vanilla; and the fruity ackrock Punch, an e plosion of sharp and sweet flavours of gin, passionfruit, strawberry, apple, grapefruit and fresh lime. hey’ve also added two Steel Bottom Beers to the menu, which take their name from the shot of rum at the bottom of the glass.

For more: www.turtlebay.co.uk

HIGH STEAKS

The Cotswold Meat Company has collaborated with PGI West Country Choice to provide delicious, locally sourced beef. It’s already drawing attention, with PGI’s West Country Choice dry aged rib on bone picking up two Great Taste stars for outstanding quality. PGI stands for Protected Geographical Locations, an accreditation given to produce born and raised on assured West Country farms, areas of grazing enriched by the natural seasoning of the wind and rain of the North Atlantic, resulting in the beef’s delicious, unique taste and flavour.

“We’re consciously invested and committed to working with carefully selected independent British farms and artisan breeders, which is why we’re so pleased to be able to supply premium quality beef which really delivers a truly authentic taste of the West Country,” says Nick Passmore, owner of the Cotswold Meat Company.

There are a range of fresh cuts to choose from, which can be delivered locally by refrigerated vehicle, or nationally via courier.

For more: www.cotswoldmeatcompany.co.uk

Cotswold Meat Company has joined forces with PGI West Country Choice

Turtle Bay is holding onto summer with a vibrant new tropical cocktail menu

The Old Crown Kelston

The Old Crown’s award-winning garden

LADY

oversized bucket hat, both crafted in faux fur, are archetypal of the expertly designed, high fashion pieces from Stand Studio.

Founded by Nellie Kamras in 2014, the brand looks to deliver duality between something chic, striking and special, but also genuinely durable for day-to-day wear.

Carter faux fur blazer, £500 and Wera oversized bucket hat, £120, both by Stand Studio, are available from Square, 12 New Bond Street. Bath; www.squarebath.uk

ANCIENT COLUMNS HEADBAND BY ONE HUNDRED STARS, £15

This handy hair accessory is made from the off cuts of kimonos and gowns, with a design inspired by classic French Toile De Jouy fabrics.

From Spirit Fashion; 3 High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk

TICKLED PINK

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, 21 October is Wear it Pink day, and best of all you can wear these beauties all year round. And that’s a pinkie promise

CULOTTES IN AZALEA PINK BY NAMIKO, £199

Fully lined wide-leg culottes with a ip fly and elasticated waistband at the back, with deep side pockets.

From Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

PINK SEQUIN DETAIL JACKET, SIZE 14, £9.99

Wear over a sharp tailored black dress or pair with high waisted jeans and a white tee. Either way you’ll be helping raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care.

From Dorothy House online shop; www.dorothyhouse.shop

NARUTO HAIR CLAW BY WINONA IRENE, £20

The Naruto hair claw, in a new design by Winona, features swirls of pink and opal with a curvy finish, and is ideal for a quick and elegant up do.

From Found, 17 Argyle Street, Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk

MUD SATIN LIPSTICK IN FLIRT, £19

This luxurious satin lipstick with an emollient-rich, non-drying formula, leaves lips feeling soft, smooth and supple.

From Little Lab, 20 Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

AMENDA PULLOVER BY OSKA, £219

The cloudy jacquard pattern with the colour gradient detailing makes this wool, alpaca, and mohair blend jumper a true statement piece.

From Bath Oska, 30 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.oska.com

MARIE JO ELIS PADDED BALCONY BRA, £96 AND MARIE JO ELIS RIO BRIEFS, £45

Dare to show off your lingerie with this smooth, padded balcony bra with ultrafeminine lace at the back and on the straps, and the briefs with the same lace detailing on the bottom and at the hips.

Stockists of Marie Jo Elis, The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www.dressingroombath.com

MADELEINE COAT DRESS, WAS £575 NOW £230

Made from a beautiful seersucker cotton with a delicate pale pink floral print, this easy to wear coat is double breasted, front fastened and the fitted style is waisted and flares out into an A line shape. From Cabbages & Roses 3 West End, Bruton; www.cabbagesandroses.com

OXYGENATED NAIL LACQUER BY NAILBERRY, £15

Each polish in the L’Oxygéné range, seen here in Pink Tulip, is formulated with a breathable complex that allows air and water to penetrate through the lacquer. n addition, a filter helps to minimise yellowing of the nail and discolouring of the lacquer.

From Space NK, 10 New Bond Street Place, Bath; www.spacenk.com

BILLIE MINI POUCH WITH TOP HANDLE BY MULBERRY, £315

An elegant alternative to an evening bag, this youthful zipped silhouette has a practical top handle. From Mulberry, 38 Milsom Street, Bath; www.mulberry.com

SA

he ilsom Place hair and beauty salon you must try

By Lydia Tewkesbury

Noi Salon is the cool new kid on the Bath beauty scene. The place has a bright, stylish look textured, unpainted plaster walls and reclaimed wood shelving all assembled by co-owners Giuseppe Garzia and ellie oody with a little help from iuseppe’s dad, in the four weeks they had from signing the lease to opening the doors in ilsom Place in August . Salon dog, uca, can be found curled up in a chair, never far from ellie’s side. iuseppe and ellie first met when ellie still lived ondon, and she never imagined they would end up running a business together. She ended up moving to Bath for love, first with iuseppe but then with the city, she jokes but still regularly ventured out of town for her work as a make-up artist for television and weddings. Then 2020 rolled around, lockdown hit and Kellie and Giuseppe, a hair stylist, found themselves trapped at home along with the rest of the world. Kellie launched into diversifying, using the time to train for a range of beauty treatments, all skills she could add to her wedding offering, she figured. iuseppe, who has two decades of experience as a hair stylist behind him and had been working freelance in salons, was also re evaluating. For the first time, opening their own place started to make sense, and just over a year later Noi, which means

we’ or us’ in talian, is thriving. hey have a small team, and Giuseppe has a long list of hair clients while Kellie heads up the beauty offering, which includes HD brows, lashes, the Noi signature facial and occasion make up and hair services with, ellie says, lots more to come. She still does her work too, a busy juggle she absolutely loves.

’m there to get my hair done, and when arrive, Kellie sweeps me downstairs for a hair wash. She tells me all about the salon’s Davines products. he talian brand is a B Corp renowned for sustainable practices. All about regeneration of hair and planet’, Davines products are filled with natural ingredients farmed using organic, regenerative methods, they’re Certified Plastic eutral, and they even offer refills, which you can pick up in oi, at a discount. All that and, can attest, the products are excellent. Kellie washes my hair with the gorgeous Davines Solu, which leaves my hair fresh and free of any product residue, followed with Davines elu shampoo, a rich, creamy wash with anti breakage effects, and the elu conditioner, a lighter formula which moisturises, softens and nourishes the hair.

nce that’s done along with ellie’s e cellent

head massage, always my favourite part of a hair appointment, we go back up the stairs to Giuseppe for my cut.

Giuseppe is the type of hair stylist who puts you at ease right away, his sense of humour and two-decades of experience soothing away any pre-cut anxiety. We chat through my hair problems first it’s straight ish but struggle with te ture and fri in the Bath humidity, ’m la y, so need something low maintenance but with the ability to style on occasion, and want to keep it long. He gets to it, working Oway smoothing cream through the length of it to control the electric copper wire effect suffer with on humid days, and cuts in long, choppy layers, which will give me the option for a messier, windswept look in place of the sleek finish opt for, should want it. ven 20 years in, Giuseppe loves his work, and it’s obvious.

ou’re only as good as your last cut, he says. That means there’s always something at stake when you’re cutting hair, and it keeps it interesting. t’s an approach to the craft that’s working for him and his clients ’m thrilled with the cut and shape of my hair, softened with artfully placed layers and lightly feathered ends, and thanks to a generous helping of Davines his s A Shimmering ist’ looking shiny and velvety and most important of all, fri free. All finished, climb the stairs and emerge into ilsom Street above to begin the walk home with a confident spring in my step, and a vow to return.

■

For more: Noi Salon, 20 Milsom Place, Bath; www.noisalon.co.uk

“The cool new kid on the Bath beauty scene”

LEFT: The stylish salon; BELOW: Guiseppe Garzia and Kellie Moody, owners of Noi Salon; INSET: at Noi, they use ethical and sustainable Davines products

MOVEMENT

by Sarah Moolla

by Derryn

There’s not an outlet on alcot Street that doesn’t come with an element of creativity, artistry and innovation. t’s just that kind of place nothing is ordinary, run of the mill or predictable. he alcot Street grocer is Harvest, independent, organic, vegan friendly, and Fair rade; the local is the brilliant Bell nn a characterful pub that is for the people and owned by the people; for clothes think the vintage, retro, on trend ellow Shop; there’s also internationally acclaimed contemporary art by ick Cudworth in the late artist’s gallery, now run by his son and daughter; homeware specialists raham reen house an emporium of treasures; and antique oriental rugs along with collectable tribal carpets can be found in Haliden. here’s also the flea market, it’s the home of the Bath Fringe Festival, and has its own chapel. e suspect there’s simply no way you could establish your business here and not be part of the cool kid collective’ or find yourself being influenced by it. Here we ask a few of the local traders how the wonder of Walcot has helped define their work.

UNIQUE WINDOW DISPLAYS

t’s the atmosphere of alcot Street which really attracted me, it has a bu of creativity, and no two shops are the same, says Darrin Christan, director of Coopers Home Appliances which is

a specialist kitchen home appliance retailer. “It’s always inspiring to see the display windows everyone makes the effort to keep our street looking e citing and fun. here’s also a family together feel with other stores, we recommend and support each other, which helps make it a motivating and caring area to work.

e feel that we are a good fit for the alcot area as we have an eye for quirky home appliances such as our colourful Smeg retro products or handmade bespoke range cookers, which blends in with alcot’s fun and vibrant vibes. ou can see our creative flair through our recently refurbished shop floor and our renowned window displays.

e always feature unique looking appliances in our display windows and allow creativity to flow. especially love the team’s effort when we create a window display, this is where we can really let our artistic side shine. ecently we had a display titled; plore the world of colour in your kitchen’ e hibiting a vibrant orange iebherr fridge and a sleek China blue coloured range cooker with an intricate ribbon backdrop. e really like a good kitchen colour pop here at Coopers!”

CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS

here’s also the collaborations with other alcot Street traders that keeps the business evolving creatively as Darrin e plains, e have teamed up with many local traders in the past, especially during the holiday season. ast Christmas we collaborated with Bath Aqua lass, the independent glass production company just up the road from us.

e worked together to produce a beautiful winter display filled with snow, a stunning angemaster range cooker, and a tree decked out with

“Everyone makesthe e ort to eepour street lookingexciting and fun”

OPPOSITE: Broadleaf’s Vanessa Garrett says the creative focus of Walcot Street suits her wooden flooring company’s brand and ethos;

: The recent refurbishment at DoubleTree by Hilton Bath sought to embrace the city’s literary influences, says general manager Gavin Ethridge

the most gorgeous Bath Aqua glass baubles. Everyone had a lot of fun, and I felt a real sense of Walcot Street community spirit.

“We’ve also recently teamed up with The Looking Glass of Bath to produce two huge gold guild frames to show off a s inspired Coca Cola fridge and the most ama ing pink range cooker with quart trim. he appliances almost looked like they were floating in the window. Collaborating with local traders supports one another and creates unity, and we will be doing lots more of this in the coming months.”

IN TUNE WITH OUR ETHOS

Vanessa Garrett, founding director of Broadleaf who make and design wood flooring, says, he creative focus of alcot Street is in tune with both our brand and our ethos. Being surrounded by other interiors focussed businesses is a great way for us to connect with what is going on in other parts of the industry, and we are often inspired by trends we see as we work together on projects or browse other showrooms.

“We often work with other interiors specialists on projects for local clients, and we chose the paints of our near neighbour Farrow & Ball for the creation of our Painted Distressed flooring range.

BUILD IT UP

There’s also something about the actual aesthetic of the road – the stone, the murals, and the architecture influencing traders as llie Webb, store leader with the interior and kitchen design retailer Neptune, explains. “Neptune loves to work with beautiful, historic and architecturally interesting buildings and One Tram Yard, which we moved into in , is definitely that.

And in the same way that we find inspiration in all parts of life a visit to a museum, a restaurant, a colour seen on a nature walk –we find inspiration here.

ABOVE: Ian Pittman of The Framing Workshop finds having paint specialists Farrow & Ball in the Street very useful; BELOW: S&J Roofing opened on Walcot Street in April

© PHOTO BY S&J ROOFING BATH

“Walcot Street is rich with inspiring interiorsbusinesses”

Ellie Webb explains how Neptune loves to work with beautiful, historic and architecturally interesting buildings

“Walcot Street is also rich with interiors businesses, and the classic eptune style fits in well with some of the other eccentric businesses. We are always looking to collaborate with local and international artists and creatives, and most recently we created a cushion with interiors artist Beki Bright, and a lampshade with artist ane cCall.

THE AREA IN BATH FOR INTERIORS

ark verett knew immediately alcot Street was the right place to found his business Capitol Carpets Cotswolds back in . “I couldn’t see another area in Bath which would have suited our business as well as alcot. Along with the interiors and art shops, there’s the bu ing restaurants, caf s and pubs all of them creative and all of them independent.

e have worked with many local interior designers, other flooring suppliers and decorating outlets. Farrow Ball is a good fit for our clients, they are often popping between showrooms with colour charts and samples. t’s great to have such a wide range of suppliers, knowledge and e pertise all in one area. he street has been on the up for a while now and is the best place in Bath and the surrounding area for interiors and homes.

Another person who cites Farrow Ball as being an ideal companion’ to their business is an Pittman of The Framing Workshop. Having Farrow Ball in the Street is very useful as we use their paints in many of our painted and hand finished frames. alcot has always been creative centre and as a maker it is an obvious

ABOVE: Darrin Christan of Coopers Home Appliances is inspired by the Walcot Street display windows; BELOW: tiles by Bronwyn Williams-Ellis

“ veryone ma es the e ortto keep our street lookingexciting and fun”

“Every shopI passed independentwas and quirky”

place to be and I can’t think of any other part of Bath that would suit us as well as here. There is also a good traders’ association which is often doing something positive and productive.”

INDEPENDENT AND QUIRKY

hen first moved to Bath, was e ploring the area and was intrigued by the signs saying ‘Welcome to Walcot Street – Bath’s Artisan uarter, recalls uray orris. very shop passed was independent and quirky knew would fit right in. So she founded her ethical, eco friendly and family run Tilian Kids at the top end of the street in ctober . early all my products are one of a kind and have been specifically designed for sale in the shop and online. y products are individual, characterful, and offer something special that is hard to find elsewhere in these respects think they reflect the unique character of Walcot Street.

Being surrounded by like minded people is very important to me. I feel a genuine sense of friendship and camaraderie with those other businesses I am fortunate to share the area with. We had to ‘hunker down’ through the recent di cult times but we have come through, and now there is a genuine bu up and down the street as we find our feet again and my lovely customers walk back through the door.”

Bath Aqua Glass first moved to the ld rchard, now the studio of artist Bronwyn illiams llis, on alcot Street in 99 and relocated to its current home alcot Street in . verything we do is about creativity, collaboration and community,’ says the centre’s marketing manager Carly c eever. e have recently opened a café on site so our dining visitors get to watch the glass blowers for free.

“We are constantlyinspired by our fellow artisans who work

alongside us and frequently we support and collaborate with each other. his has included hiring Bronwyn illams llis to tile a bathroom, using the framing shop, interior caf styling with Design Decor, hosting an aster pop up in our caf for ilian ids, and collaborating with ild Fig Bath, who are based in nearby Beehive ard, for corporate events. e have also helped spearhead the current onster Parade, the Bee Corridor’, ild alcot and several other art projects all designed to raise the profile of this Artisan uarter.

he recent . million refurbishment at DoubleTree by Hilton Bath was utilised as an opportunity to embrace even more of the alcot Street’s identity, as general manager avin thridge e plains, ith alcot Street being known as the city’s artisan quarter, it was important to us that the arts were included and recognised within the hotel refurbishment programme, with this in mind, guests will see an eclectic and engaging range of art on display throughout the hotel’s corridors and within the restaurant, bar and caf , much of which has been created by local artists, with certain pieces highlighting some of Bath’s most recognisable locations. This is also demonstrated by the name of our food and beverage outlet, mma’s which is of course in honour of Jane Austen’s famous novel Emma, and to celebrate one of our city’s most famous literary residents.”

INTERESTING AND DIFFERENT

Bronwyn Williams-Ellis, whose studio is based in the ld rchard, is one of those artists who is constantly named checked by other traders of what makes alcot Street so special. She specialises in ceramics, both two dimensional and wall mounted, and recently her Mythical Beasts e hibition was shown at ictoria Art allery. veryone here is doing something interesting and different. o be independent means

The artistic surrounds of Walcot definitely suits Didicakes, says owner of the artisan bakery, Andrew Pocock

PHOTO © CHRIS LAW

Julia Le Parmentier Everett of Capitol Carpets Cotswolds, which was established

Walcot

not to be standardised and that epitomises Walcot Street.

“I regularly use the stationery and paper goods store Meticulous Ink, and the mirror specialists Looking Glass of Bath, and have enjoyed working with Bath Aqua Glass. I have also decorated two of the King Bladud’s Pigs for local businesses, and helped design some of the street furniture including the gates of Beehive Yard.”

VIBE ON THE STREET

e’ve been on alcot Street for five years now, says Andrew Pocock owner of Didicakes, the artisan bakery and cake makers. “What brought us here was that we love the independent vibe on the street –you’ll find great shops run by passionate people. he artistic surrounds definitely suit us every day our team are using design skills to come up with unique beautiful cakes. We’ve not yet found the time to work with our other traders but hope one day we could work together on some sort of joint wedding services.”

A FRIENDLY SUPPORTIVE STREET

Lee Shellard, company owner of S&J Roofing Bath which was established in 1981, says, “We just opened our showroom in April 2022 so we are fairly new to the lovely Walcot Street. We love how diverse it is and also how welcoming it is. Already, from our experience, it strikes us as a friendly, supportive street with each trader striving and having a passion for success, which suits our aspirations and helps to continue to inspire us.”

ABOVE

Nuray Morris knew immediately Bath’s Artisan Quarter would be a good fit for her ethical eco-friendly Tilian Kids;

Bath Aqua Glass does is about creativity, collaboration and community

PHOTO

CHRIS

DAW

PHOTO

TILIAN KIDS

MEET THE HEADTEACHER

Local head teachers on creating inspiring educational environments

ALASTAIR TIGHE

HEAD MASTER, WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

01749 834 200; www.wells.cathedral.school

Where did you begin your career?

Having graduated from Cambridge, I began work at Oundle School in Northamptonshire where I was Deputy Director of Music and an Assistant Housemaster. Since then I have been Director of Music at Eltham College and Deputy Head (Academic) at Bedford School.

What is your school’s ethos?

Our school motto was originally the motto of an Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Wells from around the time of the school’s foundation, but it is wonderfully contemporary and relevant: ‘Be What You Are’. We want this to be a call for all pupils at Wells to not only feel comfortable in their own skins but to also aspire to be the best that they can be, both as people and in their endeavours. Aligned to this, we encourage everyone in our community to be kind and live by our CARE values of Creativity, Aspiration, Responsibility and Endeavour.

How does your school differ from others?

Wells Cathedral School is genuinely unique because of the way it combines its various elements. We are a 2-18 years co-educational boarding and day school; we are a Cathedral Choir School; and we are one of England’s four Specialist Music Schools, but we believe that we are the only specialist music school that is set within the context of a school providing an all-round education. This, coupled with our 1,000 year history and beautiful location, sets us apart from all other schools.

What exciting things are coming up at the school?

There is always something exciting happening at Wells – even in the summer holidays, when we are hosting a new range of language, sporting and music summer schools. Our brand new Director of Music, who started at Easter, has some thrilling plans, so watch this space! Our sporting teams are making use of our brand new Multi Use Games Area. And I don’t know if this is ‘exciting’, but we are working towards accreditation for a Wellbeing Award, to recognise the deep care we take of all of our pupils. Nothing is more important than that.

we had a number of Commonwealth athletes attend including Old Millfieldian swimmer Brodie Williams, who came home with three medals and hockey player Stu Rushmere, who gained bronze. We are looking forward to the ever-popular House Song competition in November, regional and national sports tournaments and our annual production, Matilda, which will be performed early in the new year.

What do you enjoy about the job?

MR DAN THORNBURN

HEAD

MILLFIELD PREP SCHOOL

Is this your first appointment as a head? Millfield Prep is my third headship. Prior to this I was head of Edgeborough near Farnham and before that I was head of St Petroc’s in Bude –this is therefore a return to the Westcountry for my family and me.

What exciting things are coming up at the school?

There is always something exciting around the corner. We recently hosted a Commonwealth Games event for local primary schools in which

As a head, it’s hugely satisfying to talk to pupils and parents who have been through your school and remember their time fondly there. It’s also amazing when your school gets a bit of recognition. We recently learnt that we are finalists for the Independent Prep School of the Year Award – that was a great moment for the brilliant team around me and it certainly made me smile too.

How does your school differ from others?

We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional, all-round education that enables each child to discover their brilliance. Every pupil gets the opportunity to try something new and find out what they really enjoy and are good at. The

capacity to engage children at many different levels is central to life at Millfield Prep and we offer countless opportunities and activities both inside and outside the classroom. Children can excel in all three areas; academics, sports and the arts, supported by world-class facilities.

What facilities do you offer?

Our facilities include an equestrian centre, cricket, football, rugby, netball and hockey pitches, a tennis bubble and courts, purposebuilt music department, assembly hall and fully-equipped classrooms and boarding houses, housed in over 200 acres of Somerset countryside. Millfield Prep is tremendously diverse in terms of the academic, cultural and sporting backgrounds of its children, with 22 nationalities represented within the pupil body.

What is your schools ethos?

The Millfield community work and live by the school’s values: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Challengers, Be You and Be Brilliant. Our aim is to discover brilliance in every child and be the world’s best at immersing students in limitless academic, artistic and sporting opportunities. Outstanding pastoral care is at the core of everything we do.

ROSIE ALLEN

HEAD OF THE PARAGON SCHOOL, BATH 01225 310 837 www.paragonschool.co.uk

Tell us about your role as head of school…

As head of an independent prep school, my role is to have absolute belief in the potential of young people and to ensure that we are doing our very best to nurture each child academically, as well as fostering their passions and aspirations.

Tell us more about outdoor learning at The Paragon…

We are lucky to be able to use our woodland surroundings as a ‘classroom without walls’. Timetabled outdoor learning sessions give pupils a sense of independence and confidence as well as initiative which they can then apply in the classroom. When I welcome visiting families to the school, typically shy children come alive as soon as we step outside. Questions about the trees, plants, animals, sunlight, playgrounds or woodland abound, and my tour for the parents is taken over by the delight of their child, eager to explore, invent and innovate.

How does this influence the education your students receive?

Our boundless outdoor adventure is not at the cost of robust ‘academic’ learning, but in support of it. Our curriculum is balanced and exciting, and we seek to bottle the energy, enthusiasm and passion with which a child tries again and again to light a fire, to construct the ultimate woodland den or to grow their own produce. Once captured, we bring that energy back into the classroom, and unleash it on maths equations, French verbs, creative story writing and philosophical thinking.

How would you sum up life at The Paragon? We’re a happy and aspirational community. A parent once said to me that life at The Paragon is ‘childhood bottled’. High praise indeed!

ANDY GREENHOUGH HEADTEACHER, RALPH ALLEN SCHOOL 01225 832936; www.ralphallenschool.com

Tell us a little about yourself...

My name is Andy Greenhough and I am the headteacher of Ralph Allen School. Before moving to Bath, I worked in Nottingham for 18 years. I joined Ralph Allen in 2012 as Deputy Head

and this Christmas I will have completed 5 years leading the school.

I believe very firmly in building relationships with staff and students that are supportive and at the same time challenging. It is the trust we create together that allows us to develop in a safe and nurturing way. People matter and our interactions define us.

What is your school’s ethos?

Ralph Allen is a high performing school built on a culture of support. We believe in the development of the whole child to support their improvement. When students are happy and secure they can thrive and develop. As a school we strive to help students reach their personal best, whether this be a place at Oxbridge or employment in a field of their interest.

What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?

I consider myself fortunate that a long time ago I found my purpose and vocation. The first lesson I ever taught, despite being nearly 30 years ago, is still clear in my memory. It may not be a profession for everyone but for me it is the best job in the world. Being able to guide and support young people with their learning and

development is such a privilege. I always leave the classroom with a buzz. I continue to teach because this is the best part of the job.

How would you describe a typical day at the school?

A typical day for me includes interactions with staff and students. My day starts with greeting the students as they get off the bus. I might then tutor individual students or have meetings and discussions with staff on a wide variety of topics from strategies that will best support learning through to heating or school food.

At break and lunchtime I am on duty around the site which gives me the opportunity to talk to students about their lives and interests. This is absolutely my favourite part of the day.

I always make time to walk around lessons and interact with learning. This helps give me a picture of progress across the school and a chance to reflect on how our initiatives are being embedded.

It is a great pleasure to work at a school whose high performance is built on a culture of relationships, care and nurture. I am very proud that I work in education and that I lead such a wonderful school. It is not always an easy job but it is always an extremely rewarding one.

Tell us why you love working at the school... I have had the enormous privilege of leading Sheldon for the past ten years. It is a thriving 11-18 comprehensive school with some 1650 pupils, including nearly 350 in the sixth form. The students are a joy to work with: proud of their school, keen to learn in a place where it is cool to achieve. The 200-strong staff are the best I have worked with: supremely committed and always going the extra mile, whether that be in the classroom or contributing towards the huge number of extra-curricular activities we have. We have continually invested in our facilities, and any visitors to the site are always impressed by what we have on offer. Ultimately, it is a school with a happy,

purposeful atmosphere, firmly rooted in strong relationships between all who come here –children and adults – where students achieve highly, but doing so through exposure to so much more than just the academics.

In recent times education has been through the mill and the spotlight has been well and truly been on schools. The past two years have also put schools to the test, but in that time, the fantastic pastoral support, the measured approach we have had towards managing education in a global pandemic and the continued positivity demonstrated by our staff and students has ensured that Sheldon’s vibrancy has been maintained.

What are the qualities of a good teacher?

At Sheldon our main priority has always been on what happens in the classroom, ensuring that lessons are stimulating, enjoyable and give our students appropriate challenge. The best teachers are those who have a genuine love of their subject and a real interest in inspiring young people. I am delighted to say that Sheldon is full of these. Recruiting high-quality staff is amongst the most important aspects of my job – and being prepared not to appoint when the candidates are not right is also something I do. Students only get one chance at their education, so we have to get it right.

How has school changed since you began teaching?

Undoubtedly in my 30+ years in the profession,

the quality of teaching has improved immeasurably. That’s not to say there weren’t fantastic teachers back in the early 1990s –there were – but since then, so much attention has been devoted to what makes a great lesson and the training and resources available to the profession have developed tremendously. The spotlight on schools has also shifted with much greater accountability in place. We should be held to account for young people’s outcomes and I welcome greater scrutiny; however, we should never lose sight of doing what is right for our communities and should not do something just because it scores us a few more percentage points in league tables.

Describe your school’s ethos...

This is a fantastic school. It is rooted in strong relationships – between staff and pupils and between the pupils themselves. We have a strong community feel where everyone is valued and a wonderful pastoral system that ensures that all students are well cared-for and looked after. We are a forward-thinking and outward-looking school where aspirations are high and ambitions unlimited. In each of our students we instil strong personal qualities including honesty, integrity, kindness, respect, courtesy and tolerance – and commit to equipping them with the wider life skills needed in an ever-changing world. If you came to visit, you would see a calm, purposeful school where staff and students are happy. It’s a school I am immensely proud to lead.

NEIL

JAYNE DAVIS

PRINCIPAL AND CEO

AT BATH COLLEGE

01225 312191

www.bathcollege.ac.uk

Tell us about your role

It’s an exciting time to be a college Principal - I truly believe that right now it is Further Education’s time to shine. With more Level 3 programmes than ever before, the introduction of T-Levels (working directly with local employers) and the introduction of Higher Technical qualifications, the pathways to university and higher technical skills has never been so varied.

What do you find most satisfying about the job?

A passionate FE educator and ex-teacher myself, I am proud of all provision we offer at Bath College. Most people know us for vocational courses, which we will always offer, but perhaps don’t always think of us for courses such as Cyber Security or Criminology, or even be aware that we work with local partners such as the Theatre Royal Bath for our Performing Arts provision – The Bath Theatre Academy.

How does College differ from other education providers?

I have an immensely rewarding job and I love seeing learners progress across such a

wonderfully wide range of provisions from fulltime 16–18-year-olds, apprentices, part-time adults, international learners, HE, our learners in the community, those online, learners with special educational needs and those enjoying leisure courses. The College can have up to 10,000 learners in a good year and this just shows the great contribution and impact we have in our local and regional communities.

How many schools/colleges have you worked at?

This is my second appointment as Principal and CEO. My first was at The Henley College in Oxfordshire. That was a short tenure as I needed to move west to be closer to my family at the time. It’s a great college though I was particularly excited to get this role at Bath College at the beginning of last year. Prior to becoming Principal I worked for 6 years as Deputy, so I already loved the College.

How does your college differ from others?

What’s great about Bath College is that its size and scale mean we are large enough to impact on thousands of learners, but we are also able to have a close working and learning community where we know each other well.

MARK BREAREY

HEAD OF KINGSWOOD PREP SCHOOL

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Tell us a little about your role at the school... I am delighted, and very proud, to have been Head of Kingswood Prep School for over 10 years. Supported by Simon Morris and Andrew Gordon-Brown (Principals of the Foundation)

and Governors, we have invested heavily in the facilities on our fabulous site.

What are the qualities of a good teacher?

The key to a school’s success are the teachers. Having high expectations but removing anxiety from learning is our aim and our staff are kind, nurturing, dynamic, reflective and continually go the ‘extra mile’ for the children. The teacher is the ‘dream keeper’. We all remember our favourite teacher and I know our children in the future will have the very happiest memories from their most formative years.

What exciting things are happening at KPS?

Over the Lockdown period we developed a truly magical Forest School, with a Yurt, outside kitchen and plenty of different learning experiences. The children love it! We have expanded our EYFS provision and now have preschool rooms that are benefitting for a truly preschool experience, with swimming, art, music, PE, games and languages, as well as Forest School, as part of their rich experience.

We have also developed our STEAM area. All children are becoming problem solvers, critical thinkers and we are developing the mindsets of engineers, scientists and artists as a central

part of our daily curriculum. It is challenging and hopefully reflecting the skills that will be needed in the future.

What is your school ethos?

Central to all we do is children’s happiness and their love of school. If you are happy at school, and with outstanding teaching and a positive culture – anything is achievable. Being truly comfortable with the young people they are growing into and proud of all the things they can do is key. Celebrating your child’s unique qualities and discovering and nurturing a passion is what we do best.

Where did you begin your career?

We are all shaped by previous experiences, but my working on building sites, bakers, lawnmower factories, in offices and factory floors to pay my way through university were pivotal in dealing with people and realising just how lucky we are to work in schools of our type. My first teaching experience in a Prep School was eye opening and truly gave a flavour of the transformational benefit of such an education. Working overseas and at three other excellent Prep Schools shaped most of my thinking about what defines an excellent school.

Hey Bath, can we get one of these?

With one of those sail thingies on the top?

BAY

Fancy an overnight stay at a swish hotel with a luxurious spa, overlooking the former docks? Well, as Bath doesn’t have a dock, nor is it likely to, we’re heading over the bridge to Cardiff, where Lisa Evans enjoys the full panoply of delights on offer at voco St David’s

PHOTO BY TOM DAVIES, @TOMAESH

Things that are good for the soul: total relaxation, full-body pampering, delicious food, and four strong margaritas in a row. I experienced a full day of this luxurious combination yesterday at voco St David’s Cardiff hotel.

It’s now the morning after; there’s a warm glow running through me (that’s probably the tequila), a satisfied smile is smudged across my face and my fingers are at half speed while typing this. I am content, I am chilled – no easy state to reach as a constantly wound-up mum to a chaotic preschooler.

Upon arriving at the hotel with my lucky plus-one (the husband), we were shown through to the treatment area for massages; my choice was the hot stone variety, and his was deep tissue. I wanted to swap – mainly because I was worried he’d landed the better treatment – but before I had a chance to weigh up both options, our respective masseuses whisked us away (into separate rooms thank god; I’m not one for the awkward romance of a couple’s massage).

The hot stones were, in fact, piping hot – not gently warmed as ’d e pected. t’s a shock when they first touch you just know my back must have turned a Pantone-worthy shade of pink – but the therapist moved swiftly across the skin; you get used to it and the heat fades pretty quickly. When they did start to reach an ordinary, more soothing temperature, I actually found myself looking forward to them being reheated, ready to glide over and scorch the next section of my body – a heavenly ‘hurts so good’ feeling, and a far more pleasant way to ‘feel the burn’ than when my PT demands back-to-back Bulgarian split squats.

My masseuse worked my body like she was Paul Hollywood preparing focaccia, stretching out the knots in my back, neck, and legs, and kneading deep into the muscle layer with those smooth pebbles until my body felt unrecognisably relaxed and supple.

Upon drifting out of the treatment room in a doughy daze and into the softly lit relaxation lounge, cucumber-infused water in hand, I spotted the husband lounging in one of the armchairs in his dressing gown, looking rather smug. I casually enquired about his treatment –eager to compare and to check if I’d won. “Probably the best of my life, he said, hands behind his head, chest inflated. She used her elbows the entire time and put her full weight on me.”

That sounds like my paradise; I do love a kindly man-handling once in a while. I couldn’t complain though, I was in too blissful a state for that; but I did manage an eye-roll and a tut.

We then took our yawning bodies to the spa, a luxurious playground

complete with an invigorating 15m pool, bubbling water beds, a hot tub, a hydrotherapy pool, a dry-heat sauna, a warming water corridor, massaging swan-neck fountains, and a gym – the latter I respectfully ignored in the name of respite.

After being thoroughly steamed, baked and simmered until suitably prune-like, we were glad we didn’t have to think about driving home; our spacious king bedroom awaited upstairs. And what a view to be greeted with when opening that third floor door; sunlight coruscated on the surface of the water in the Bay surrounding us, panoramic views of which were offered through the wall of floor to ceiling windows. We headed straight onto the balcony, gazing out over the boat-studded expanse where millions of moving sparkles danced.

Although weary, it all looked so inviting that we decided to pop back downstairs and into the heart of the Bay for an hour. Mermaid Quay – packed with bustling restaurants, bars, businesses, pop-up street food stalls and entertainment hubs – while tempting, wasn’t the vibe we needed; instead, we took a 30-second stroll from the hotel to the Wetlands Reserve on its doorstep, and immersed ourselves in the calm of nature.

Come evening, it was time for a faultless three-course meal at voco’s restaurant, The Admiral. Crab cakes and cured salmon to start; pea and mint ravioli, and garlic and herb Welsh lamb for mains; and dessert was Bara Brith bread-and- butter pudding and honeyed Welshcake cheesecake, all washed down with plenty of ice-cold Olmeca Blanco cocktails while taking in more of those luscious waterside views. If you’re craving a reset as much as I was, you should give voco St David’s a try too. Braggart plus-ones optional. ■

For more: www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

THE DETAILS

THE LOCATION: voco St David’s Cardiff, a landmark luxury five-star hotel, with striking ship’s sail architecture, sits right on the water’s edge in Cardiff Bay, about an hour’s drive from Bath

THE PRICE: An overnight stay, with breakfast and use of the spa facilities included, starts at £109

OUR TREATMENTS: Ishga hot stone massage, 50 minutes, from £85; Ishga deep tissue massage, 50 minutes, from £85

DINNER: Starters £7- £18.95, mains £10-£38.50, desserts £7-£18.50

coruscated“Sunlighton the surface ofthe water in the Bay”

LEFT: Meander through the warming water corridor and experience the powerful swanneck massage fountains ABOVE: A suite at voco, featuring panoramic views of Cardiff Bay

PHOTO BY SIMON

COMMUNITY MATTERS

By Matilda Walton

Dorothy House fireflies allow supporters to dedicate a light to a loved one

How Bath’s charity sector is working to make Bath better every day

Bath is a beautiful and remarkably privileged city, but it is also home to some of the greatest inequalities in the country. Fortunately, there are people in the community working to improve the situation. Bath’s charities are the heart of our city, providing support where the need is greatest so we can all live safe, happy and healthy lives.

“In and around Bath we are lucky to have so many incredible and resilient charities that support and enrich our community in innovative ways, particularly in these challenging times when their services are needed most,” says Tim Rutherford, Charity partner at Bath law firm Stone ing, longtime sponsor of the charity category at the Bath Life Awards. “Each of the projects demonstrate charities who are aiming their support at tackling the underlying causes of need in a preventative manner, as opposed to simply providing support to those in need, which is a significant shift in attitude.

“There is also a fantastic collaborative spirit in Bath, with charities often working together or with other partners to achieve common aims, as opposed to competing against each other, and we must support them wherever we can.”

Here, we learn more about some of the exciting projects making a difference in the city today.

Developing Health and Independence (DHI), 14 St James’ Parade, Bath; www.dhi-online.org.uk

DHI is a charity which supports people with issues linked to homelessness, problematic alcohol or drug use and poor mental health. t’s just launched a new initiative, the Fashion Swap Fundraiser, which offers supporters the chance to clear out their closets and refresh their wardrobes without harming the environment or spending lots of money. The idea is really simple, gather a few friends together for a coffee morning, afternoon tea, evening drinks or even at work in the o ce one lunchtime. Ask people to bring a few items of pre loved clothing along and add to the clothes rail, which you can borrow from DHI. Encourage friends to make a donation to DHI to help vulnerable

Bath Rugby Foundation’s summer BreakOut programme supported 2,000 children

people in our communities. Then, each guest chooses a few items to take home and love. t’s a fun way to socialise and get some new to you clothing, while raising invaluable awareness and money for the great work that DHI does in Bath.

If you interested in hosting an event for DHI at home or in your o ce, then please check the website for full details. Alternatively call atie awlings on 8 98 99 .

Bath Rugby Foundation, Bath Rec Sports Hub, North Parade Road, Bath; www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

Since its inception in , Bath ugby Foundation has supported tens of thousands of children and young people who need all kinds of emotional, practical, and physical support, but don’t get it. ecently, the Foundation was able to support , children via a project combating holiday hunger. he , Break ut programme saw the Foundation lead other charities and likeminded organisations in providing daily holiday camps for the poorest children in Bath and orth ast Somerset.

The Foundation has also started a new partnership with Bath College and local secondary schools, working with 9 year olds as part of The Alternative Learning Hub at The Rec, which opened its doors in September. t provides an incredible opportunity for disengaged young people to find their way back into education, apprenticeships and work. he Hub has students this year and are confident that will grow to over the ne t two years.

DHI volunteer Lily Peters at a clothes swapping event in support of the charity

Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, Bradford on Avon; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

n

uly, Dorothy House launched the Firefly Appeal, a beautiful light installation nestled amongst the woods at Dorothy House, insley. he artist, Bruce unro, has said that when you walk amongst the fireflies they create a feeling of calm, and empathy, where Dorothy House supporters can dedicate a light in celebration of their loved one.

Dorothy House supporter, Sue dedicated a light in celebration of her daughter o, who was cared for by Dorothy House, and says that when she is amongst the fireflies, she feels closer to her.

We Get It; www.wegetit.com

e et t is a different kind of cancer charity providing support, resources and social events bringing people dealing with cancer together to share their e periences.

e et t’s recent Scars for ife photography project was born from a desire to change the narrative around cancer; to enable people to talk openly and honestly about how they have been affected by the disease. n the e et t community, there are many who have scars from cancer some physical, some mental and some both. e et t joined forces with award winning photographer, Sophie ayanne to create Scars for ife, a collection of images of the scars left behind from cancer to provide a rare opportunity to talk about scars, process the depth of their effects and celebrate their beauty. n addition, videographer ames Stapleton and film maker, att Paish created a film in which the models talked about their cancer e periences, from diagnosis to where they are now. ore on the e hibition on page .

Genesis Trust Bath, 31a West Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath; www.genesistrust.org.uk

enesis rust supports disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the Bath area. heir newest programme, ife Connect is all about encouraging renewed social connections over a meal by bringing people together to eat every week.

Clients are encouraged to get involved in the preparation of the meal, setting and clearing the table, learning basic food skills, and then to sit down and eat a nutritious meal of protein and vegetables while enjoying connecting with one another. eaningful social interactions form meaningful relationships, which are key in developing social skills, confidence and respect, and shows us how to care for ourselves and each other. ith ife Connect, enesis rust aims to replicate a family dinner table, and create a place of community and inclusivity.

Mentoring Plus, Riverside Youth Hub, York Place, London Road, Bath; www.mentoringplus.net

very summer entoring Plus host activities for the young people they support, who are matched up with a local volunteer on their year long mentoring programmes.

his year’s summer activity for primary aged young people took place at its iverside outh Hub base, and its fantastic facilities all of which are available to hire. here’s a basketball court, a garden, a big kitchen and a variety of indoor and outdoor games like air hockey, pool, and table tennis. So much positivity comes out of having fun and being playful, with young people who are facing significant challenges in their lives working in pairs to make pi a, chatting about starting secondary school in September and trying out new activities. Simple moments can have the biggest of impacts, and as one young person said of the day out, had so much fun the pi as were really yum’.

Share and Repair, 3 York Buildings, George Street, Bath; www.shareandrepair.org.uk

he borrow and mend charity’s et Bath Borrowing’ Crowdfunder raised an incredible 9, to e pand the quality of its ibrary of hings based on eorge Street a diverse range of household items available for customers to rent and return. hey’ve added more of their most popular items, including an additional new professional carpet cleaner and great quality pre loved Bosch garden shredder, and they are currently adding to their party ranges with a glitter ball, outdoor

Mentees and mentors made pizza at the Mentoring Plus summer day out

Share & Repair’s ‘Get Bath Borrowing’ Crowdfunder raised £9,500

CHARITIES

fairy lights, disco light and bubble machine.

The remaining funds from the Get Bath Borrowing campaign have been earmarked for tool sharpening equipment to add to the repair service offering, fun items like pasta makers and portable pi a ovens so people can try before they buy, and missing parts for some of the items already donated to the Library’s collection.

St John’s Foundation, 4-5 Chapel Court, Bath; www.stjohnsbath.org.uk

St John’s established the Foundation Fund in 2020 to level the playing field across Bath and orth ast Somerset and help provide all children with the same chances to live happy, healthy lives. The ambition of the Foundation Fund is to significantly reduce the educational attainment gap in BA S by 9 it’s currently one of the worst in the whole of the UK.

While equality of access to a good education is critical to reducing inequality, it is only part of the story, so support is focused as much on addressing the physical, behavioural and emotional needs of children to ensure they are better prepared and ready to learn when they are in the classroom. his means giving support in a range of different areas including providing nutritious food every day and safe places outside of school; additional reading, writing, oracy and mathematics support; as well as emotional and behavioural support.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Outmarsh, Semington; www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk

Wiltshire Air Ambulance carries out a life-saving service in Bath at least three times a week on average. From its base it can fly to the city centre in just four minutes, and regularly airlifts or transports patients to the Royal United Hospital. The Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s yellow and green Bell 9 helicopter is the first of its type to be used as an air

ambulance in the , and can fly at a top speed of 8 miles per hour. It has space for a pilot, two paramedics, a patient and a passenger, and has all of the equipment found on a regular land ambulance, all paid for by donations.

Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath; www.bathcityfarm.org.uk

Bath City Farm has launched a new work placement programme that aims to develop peoples’ skills and confidence in retail, catering and hospitality, site maintenance or horticulture. Trainees choose an area of work that interests them and attend once a week for weeks to gain real on-the-job experience in a busy but welcoming and nurturing environment. he project is funded by est of ngland Combined Authority as part of the Community Support Fund.

here are currently trainees at the farm, all at different stages of life. he programme identifies an individual’s strengths and interests to offer bespoke training and support to suit their needs, which ultimately raises their self confidence and work based skills.

Trainee Mick joined Roots to Work after visiting the café for breakfast one day. He had been experiencing loneliness and isolation as a result of Covid and was looking for an opportunity to develop skills for work and to make new friends. Supported by Community Café job coach Sarah, he has come on leaps and bounds. At first he felt he could only attend for half an hour, but six weeks later he’s doing half days in the café plus an extra day of cookery.

For more information on how to apply or refer someone, please

Young Carers Development Trust (YCDT), The Carers Centre, Woodlands, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; www.ycdt.org.uk

he CD works with young carers in est iltshire offering a four year programme of support. Young carers have missed out on all sorts of opportunities, from basic education to social and developmental activities. heir childhoods have been very different to their peers, having had responsibility from a young age. YCDT nurtures the qualities of resilience, resourcefulness and dedication young carers have had to develop with a four-year programme of targeted support to help them realise their potential into young adulthood. n the last years, young people working with YCDT have seen their grades increase, 88 per cent have gone to university, per cent into meaningful employment in line with their aspirations, and per cent are in education, employment or training.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance carries out a life-saving service in Bath every week

Bath City Farm Roots to Work project helps trainees grow in confidence and gain employment skills

CHARITIES: THE GLUE THAT BINDS OUR COMMUNITIES

STONE KING works with hundreds of charities in Bath and across the country to support their vital projects, and is proud to be the longstanding sponsor of the Bath Life Awards Charity category

The last few years have been a challenge for everyone in a myriad of ways and the immediate future feels uncertain. In these times more and more people turn to charities for support, and charities respond by giving just that, even whilst facing the same challenges.

In and around Bath we have an abundance of extraordinary, hard-working charities that go above and beyond for the people and programmes they support, enriching our communities every single day. We could not do without them.

All our Bath charities deserve to be recognised and celebrated, which is why Stone King is the longstanding sponsor of the Bath Life Awards Charity category, to shine a spotlight on some of the vital work taking place in our communities.

Some of the challenges ahead for charities include maintaining their services whilst

facing financial pressures themselves such as high inflation and ever-increasing energy costs and service demands. Alongside these, charities need to manage the perennial task of complying with governance and charity law duties. The changes in the new Charities Act, being implemented over the next 12 months, are aimed at helping charities by reducing some of the administrative burden and may provide greater flexibility to navigate the difficult path ahead.

At Stone King we are privileged to work with many hundreds of charities, large and small, in Bath and across the country to support and advance their crucial work. We are independently recognised as a leading, top three law firm for charities in the UK and care deeply about doing the right thing. We offer free monthly training to charity trustees alongside many other resources. ■

If you have a query for our Charity team, please do get in touch on: www.stoneking.co.uk/contact-us

Tel: 01225 337599

Or visit us at: Stone King LLP, Upper Borough Court, Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RG

“AT STONE KING WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO WORK WITH MANY HUNDREDS OF CHARITIES, LARGE AND SMALL, IN BATH AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Partner Luke Watson presents the Stone King Award to Bath Rugby support staff

The Stone King employment team getting involved by volunteering in the city

Partner Tim Rutherford on stage at the Bath Life Awards presenting the Charity Award

Total care delivered with expertise and compassion for your loved ones

A personal and fully tailored service to suit your situation and wishes.

Mulberry Live in Care is a small family-run care company based in Wiltshire who offer some of the best value care packages available anywhere in the UK. So if you or a loved-one requires specialist at-home care, we are here to help. We understand that looking for the right care solution can be daunting and you will have lots of questions. Please contact us to discuss how we can build a package specifically targetted to meet your loved one’s requirements.

Since October 2017 my parents have had continuous 24 hour care in their own home all arranged by Sam. The lady we got first is still the primary carer and when she has breaks another carer swaps over until the primary carer returns. At no point have we been concerned for my parents welfare.

David Chambers

It’s the city’s

BATH WORKS

University of Bath has been named University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times ‘Good University Guide’ 2023.

The guide scores universities using a number of criteria, and Bath had a strong performance across the board, ranking fourth in the UK for undergraduate university e perience and fifth for graduate prospects, and the best-ranked

university in the South West – increasing score in almost every category from last year.

“I’m truly honoured that the University has received this award, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all in our University community, and our partners and supporters, all of whom continue to enable our community to flourish, says Professor Ian White, president and vice chancellor of the University of Bath. “It is wonderful to see our strong focus on both excellent learning and student experience recognised in this way, especially given the challenges that we have

all faced in the last couple of years.

“This is an exciting time for the University of Bath, and we are building from our strong foundations for the future, whilst enhancing partnerships locally and globally to progress research and education priorities.

Overall, the university is now ranked eighth in the country, with 15 subjects in the top ten by subject ranking, including Social Policy and Criminology, which are ranked as best in the country.

University of Bath has topped The Times and Sunday Times rankings

TOP OF THE GAME

etwork ’s flagship Bath o ce is in the running for a prestigious global design award. he showpiece o ce created by workplace design and build company nteraction made the finals of he Society of British nternational nterior Design’s (SB D) nternational Design Awards for the space, which was created to reflect etwork ’s position as a leader in the games advertising industry, and its growing team.

he striking o ce features co working spaces and collaborative areas, as well as spaces for focused working, and bespoke creden as where staff can play their gaming consoles. here’s an on site gym, meeting rooms

named after famous gaming cities and furniture has been chosen for its appropriateness and moveability to create fle ible work ones.

etwork ’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of astonishing and we’re proud of the fle ible new workspace that we have created for them which reflects their vibrant working culture, says Dieter ood, managing director of nteraction, designers of the o ce. hey put their talented team at the heart of their business and have given them the home they need to thrive and grow and play the occasional video game For more: www.network-n.com

OPEN HOUSE

There’s even space to play video games in Network N’s award-nominated office

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Bath and North East Somerset Council has announced new framework contracts for Christmas lights provision for the ne t four years. Setting the city all aglow in festive season for the foreseeable will be Field awn, a leading independent provider of traditional Christmas lights, with Fineline ighting td a lastonbury provider for the last years bringing popular projected animations and illuminating historic buildings.

n the current climate we need to do everything we can to support visitors and businesses. I am delighted the council has secured these new, fle ible Christmas lights contracts for the ne t four years, says councillor evin uy, leader of the council. ight projections have grown in popularity and we can now complement the traditional lights with innovative, sustainable, fle ible, illuminations to create a truly magical Christmas for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

he new contracts allow the fle ibility for partners such as town and parish councils, businesses and sponsors to contribute to enhance Christmas lights. For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Sulis Hospital Bath is opening its doors to anyone considering cosmetic surgery this October. On the 19th, the hospital is offering free minute appointments with its team of consultant surgeons specialising in everything from cosmetic breast surgery to ophthalmology. These appointments are not in place of the full consultation Sulis provides to cosmetic surgery patients, but instead give a one to one chance to ask any burning questions, e press fears, and get to know the options available. For more: www.sulishospital.com

Field & Lawn and Finline Ltd will provide Bath’s Christmas lights

Sulis Hospital is having a free information evening

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

SMALL AND MIGHTY

In September the Biddestone ‘Biddy Boules’ raised £2,000 for two local Bath charities. The day of boule games and fancy dress saw 40 teams try their hands at a few rounds, with team Pearl Exec emerging as the overall winners. The day was in support The Genesis Trust, who support the needs of hungry, homeless and vulnerable people in Bath; and Springboard, a pre-school for children under five with disabilities and special educational needs. www.genesistrust.org.uk

TENDER LOVING CARE

RWK Goodman has been selected by the judges as a finalist in the egal Advisor – Independent’ category in this year’s aingBuisson Awards for the social care industry.

The award is for excellence in the provision of legal services to the independent social care sector (both for profit and not for profit).

“I’m proud that our specialist health and social care team continues to be recognised for its excellence across all aspects of providing legal advice to care providers,” says Hazel Phillips, partner at RWK Goodman with a focus on health and social care. “We genuinely enjoy working in the sector and working with our clients to help build and protect their businesses.” www.rwkgoodman.com

REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH

Paul Dodd, co-founder of Huboo, tells EntreConf how his ecommerce logistics company is taking on Amazon

We’ve all heard of those chance meetings of minds, the ones that can strike at anytime and anywhere, and result in lightbulb moments and multimillion pound business. But do we really know of any? Well we do now thanks to the EntreConf dinner that took place 12 September at the Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton, Bristol. Paul Dodd was trying to encourage his young son to enjoy playing youth club football on a freezing cold day up by the university, when he met Martin Bysh doing exactly thing. The sons lasted at the Saturday football club for about eight weeks but Paul and Martin’s friendship was for the long haul.

Martin was a tech entrepreneur, who had also been a computer game coder and Paul had worked for 20 years at Procter and Gamble, where he’s progressed to become the multinational corporation’s global physical distribution manager.

Together they created Huboo, an ecommerce logistics company. Huboo began its journey in 2017 in a idcombe garage with their first client selling chocolate and now in 2022, it is a multi-million pound business and a leading name in its field thanks to its unique micro-hub model, seamless dashboard, and a well-established network of delivery partners.

Paul recalls the bu of that first transaction.

hen the first bo came in, knowing that someone just trusted us with it– well, that was a big moment.” Another huge moment early on was getting the call that PayPal would like to use them. “They’d been struggling for ages to get a partner in the UK that could handle small-to-medium enterprises, so the PayPal representatives actually came down to visit us. And how did PayPal find this small Bath based start-up? “I think we were page three on a Google search,” laughs Paul. From there on their reputation, and their enterprise continued to grow, in part says Paul “because there was no competition, especially at

that time, for doing that what we do.”

The logistics business of distribution, such as minimum wage and the harsh physical set-ups, have been notoriously grim. But Huboo has looked to be the very antithesis of this as Paul explains, “We’ve built the whole tech and warehouses around the human and that makes it highly e cient. he other’ model is the other way round, which means putting humans in the gaps do the repetitive jobs. Our miniunits actually look and feel like retail stores so the manager there will know the offerings, the brands –and it also means they care more.”

One of the acknowledged challenges has actually been Huboo’s success, and the concern that the firm’s rapid growth the company has now taken on 99 people and are based in five countries with eyes on the United States – would mean the loss of his and Martin’s core beliefs. To overcome this, the pair remain hands-on and have appointed only the best people, who they treat equitably and pay fairly. ur best head o ce staff now actually started as managers in the warehouses. We look for the right skills and capabilities, are always happy to train and promote, we invest in well-being, and every single employee gets shares.”

Paul won’t be drawn on whether the company will go public at any stage, but one thing he’s quite upfront about: “I want to take on Amazon.” Don’t think for one minute this gently-spoken, quite shy, consciousminded entrepreneur means Huboo being taken over by Bezos own giant – he actually does really mean ‘take on Amazon. And at this rate, there’s every chance him and Huboo might just succeed.

EntreConf, the region’s leading conference for entrepreneurs and partners, which has featured talks with TED Conference owner Chris Anderson, and Reggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur Levi Roots, is back in June 2023.

For more: www.huboo.com | www.entreconf.com

Andy Champion, Brian Fisher and Paul Vowles at the Biddy Boules

Greg Ingham interviews Paul Dodd (left) of Huboo

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM

cocktail cabinets are truly bespoke, each can look entirely different from the ne t, contain different features and are configured to fit any space.

Is this new approach a threat to the traditional site joinery?

Digital fabrication is not the end of the craft. he robots only do what they are told to do, and nothing more. he crafting of the digital models used to generate the instructions for the machines is hugely complex and requires a thorough understanding of the material, the machining process, the joints and how each element fits together. e believe it enables greater customisation on small, complex projects whilst ensuring the highest quality of manufacture and reducing material wastage.

BIZ Q&A

Rob Stiles

The creative company disrupting the interiors industry

Future Joinery Systems (FJS) is an award-winning creative digital fabrication company offering specialist manufacturing of bespoke interior joinery, including kitchens, staircases and fitted furniture. t works primarily with architects and designers, but also directly with clients. Chartered architect and director Rob Stiles tells us more…

Tell us about your career as an architect to date, Rob am a chartered architect with over years of practice e perience. F S was set up following first hand frustrations in the delivery of joinery elements on architectural projects. We help architects and interior designers provide their clients with bespoke joinery solutions on-time and on budget using configurable models and modern digital fabrication. he technology behind these innovations has been developed in-house, on the back of two consecutive D funded technology grants.

What are some of the problems you set up to solve?

he e isting procurement route for architectural joinery can be ine cient, wasteful, slow and e pensive. e are looking to disrupt

this area of the industry, providing digital tools that benefit designers, manufacturers and makers, and connect the parties together.

How does it work?

Designers and architects can use our software to configure endless design variations and push them directly to digital manufacture with local C C (computer numerical control) fabricators and makers at the highest levels of quality. here is complete freedom of si e, features and material. Furthermore, a designer is able to know how much a project will cost, while they configure the joinery and then press make’, not just print.

What are some of the problems you’ve encountered while developing the technology?

think our most challenging project has been the D grant project to build parts of the technology that powers the strategy. t’s a comple tech stack, linking our app with CAD (computer aided design) packages and databases in the cloud. Coming from an architectural background, there has been a lot of software knowledge to acquire, and we have had to build a tech team to help deliver this.

Talk us through a recent project you’re proud of

We are particularly proud of our

Brockeridge Staircase in Bristol, which won the nterior Category at the ood Awards. he staircase rises four storeys from basement to attic, and is a blend of digital fabrication using machining data from our configuration tools, and traditional site joinery by Silverthorne oinery.

Why should a customer go bespoke with their design?

his is a great question because it drills into the meaning of bespoke, which is often misused. Bespoke means made to fit’ which is not always the same as a one off unique design’. So, for e ample, our

Do you have any regular local collaborators?

Collaboration plays a key role in our work. e work with many local businesses from architects and interior designers on one hand, to C C enabled workshops, small joiner shops and other delivery partners on the other. ne such e ample is South West Upholstery in Bristol, where our technology powers the fabrication of their upholstered sub frames of their banquette seating projects.

Are there any exciting plans and projects on the horizon we should know about?

We are currently working with Bath-based interior company Richardson Studio and maker King and Webbon for a very exciting kitchen collaboration, using a full blend of digitally fabricated custom veneered panels, and hand-made solid hardwood elements.

For more: www.joinerysystems.com

Rob is particularly proud of what FJS achieved at Brockeridge Staircase in Bristol

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins, founder and managing director of Clearly PR on bouncing back, becoming a B-Corp and winning a Bath Life Award

BUSINESS SERVICES WINNER

Where do you keep the Award?

The Award takes pride of place on the mantelpiece in Clearly’s meeting room, which coincidentally overlooks The Assembly Rooms.

What are some of Clearly’s winning qualities?

makes a great business is having people who are motivated to be the best that can be, which in turn motivates others to do the same for themselves. When that happens, great things inevitably come.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

A few years ago, I interviewed two people whose words have stayed with me ever since. One was Sir John Timpson, chairman of Timpson’s. He told me to always make sure there is cash in the till. He is also proof that you can e tremely successful in business and still be a nice person.

And the second?

That advice came from Nick Wheeler, founder of Charles Tyrwhitt. His advice to me was to focus on one thing and try your hardest to be the absolute best at it. If you do, he said, you will have more chance of business success.

What are you excited about right now?

Clearly is stepping up its digital P , creative and content marketing offering to support our e isting public and media relations services for clients, and we now have four people working e clusively in this area. This area of the business was key to our recovery in and demand for these services is accelerating in already.

Clearly P is a public relations, digital, and creative content marketing agency based in Bath and serving clients throughout the UK, and the winners of the Business Services award. Here, MD Paul ac en ie Cummins shares his thoughts on why Clearly stood out to the judges.

How did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

The whole team was buzzing like a bunch of eejits he Bath business community is incredibly supportive of one another, and to receive so many congratulations from a plethora of our peers and fellow finalists has been e traordinarily wonderful and equally humbling, too.

There is no single reason why this has proven to be the best in our eight-year history, it is a combination of factors. First, the business suffered heavy losses during but bounced back strongly and made a significant leap forward in .

What did that bounce-back look like?

A record-billing year that saw Clearly become ranked as one of the op B B P Agencies in the UK and crowned the South West Medium Si ed P Consultancy of the ear. And second, Clearly became a Certified B Corporation, one of only seven P agencies in the out of over , to gain accreditation, and one of just two in the South West.

What do you really love about your work?

For me on a personal level, I love that I get to work with some great people. The secret to what

Tell us about the moment when you knew Clearly PR was heading in the right direction… From a fast start in when we launched to almost going out of business following a disastrous partnership two years later, it has been a heck of ride to get to where we are today. But knew was on the right track on the very first day.

How do you hold onto that feeling?

One of the greatest frustrations that I have is too many people give up on the entrepreneurial journey too soon. t is when things seem like they couldn’t get worse that things invariably take a positive turn. ou have to believe in your vision and recognise that there will be umpteen number of obstacles to navigate, but more often than not they steer you onto a slightly different and better path.

For more: Clearly PR, 1 Saville Row, Bath; www.clearlypr.co.uk

Clearly PR’s Meg Palmer, Steph Brown, Natalie Robinson, Olivia Evans-McCaffrey and Helen Fripp celebrate their win

The Young Carers Development Trust was created following the incredibly low statistics of young carers in West Wiltshire accessing higher and further education. Today we operate across the South-West and beyond, with webinars that reach across the UK.

We aim to inspire and nurture young carers to achieve their potential. Our approach is to work with local young carers services to identify young carers with real potential who are unlikely to succeed without targeted support. We empower young carers to strive for ambitious goals, to advance in life and to become active, inspiring role models for others from backgrounds similar to their own.

Young carers are at the centre of everything YCDT do, from involving them in the future direction of the charity to ensuring we have Trustees and staff with first-hand experience of life as a young carer.

“It’s been really nice to have someone to talk to and get advice from outside of my family. It’s good to know there’s someone there just for me”

Tilly shares her experience of working with her Development Mentor.

Bristol

Bath

Sammy

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I know I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for YCDT”

PROPERTY

A MASTER PLAN

The Milsom Quarter Masterplan is awarded £2.4million in funding

Plans to regenerate Milsom Quarter in Bath have taken another step forward after being awarded more than £2.4m in new funding.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has secured the money from the West of England Combined Authority, which approved the £2.475 million award.

The Milsom Quarter Masterplan sets out a vision for the next 20 years to revitalise the north part of the city centre including Milsom

Street and the Walcot area.

Up to 180 new residential properties would be created in new development, alongside re-purposing vacant spaces above shops to accommodate employment space, leisure and residential use, increasing the mix of uses and vibrancy in the area.

A new public square at St Michael’s Church and restricted vehicle access would make the Quarter greener and give priority for walking,

wheeling and cycling, with through ways maintained for public transport, for servicing and deliveries, and for other exemptions.

Bath’s MP Wera Hobhouse says, “This exciting 20-year project has been developed in close cooperation with local businesses and other key organisations.

“The plans would make the Milsom Quarter greener and more pedestrian-friendly.” For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Artist impressions of the new look Milsom Street Quarters – Milsom Street; Broad Street Yards; new look Walcot Street; St Michaels neighbourhood

Pub for sale

LAST CHANCE SALOON

Following the current owner’s retirement after years, the ed Post pub in Peasedown St ohn is up for sale with a market price of 9 , . he detached pub is rade listed, dates back to 8 , and currently brings in a profit of , per annum. Along with two bars, a skittle alley, a function room, a basement and cellar, and half an acre of garden, there are si bedrooms on the first and second floor.

For more: www.sprosen.com

The pub is on the market for £695k

Bath

THE END GAME

he Bath Property Awards finalists have been revealed with many inspiring e amples of how businesses have utilised property for good, from a civic responsibility point of view but also as smart business and property thinkers. Among those who made the shortlist include Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in the Architect category and Stride reglown in Sustainability.

For the full list of finalists turn to page 9 .

Partner tables are now on open sale with single tickets currently available e clusively to finalists for the prestigious event happening Friday ovember at the Ape City of Bath Hotel. o learn more about opportunities connected with the Bath Property Awards including branding, networking and promotion contact annie.kelly mediaclash.co.uk and pat.white mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

Commercial interiors

AN INSIDE JOB

Commercial interiors specialists Paramount have been appointed to create the workplace interior for financial services consultancy and software provider, Altus, who are the first tenants of the new workspace o ce block, o Bath uays.

Applauding the BPA finalists

Paramount client lead Carly illis says, Paramount create places where people want to be; workspaces that inspire employees and embrace well being. e have relished working closely with Altus to create an inspirational, attractive, sustainable, and eco friendly workplace for a company at the forefront of bold local authority plans to revitalise Bath as an economic hub. ur objective for the new Altus o ce is to create an uplifting workplace that is both a showcase to clients and a joy for staff a high end destination space that encourages positive interactions. For more: www.paramount.com | www.altus.co.uk

Paramount are designing the interiors for Altus’s offices in No 1 Bath Quays

The current owners of the Red Post are retiring after 20 years

P

P AC

At Percy Place, a Grade II listed eorgian terrace off the ondon oad, sits a five storey town house of unusual elegance and almost an embarrassment of retained period features, from shutters to fireplaces, painted panelling to ceiling details. But though the look is traditional, the use of space and home comforts are right up to date, most obviously on the basement floor. Accessed via a cantilevered stone stairway, you’ll find a huge, stone flagged Shaker style kitchen, all neutrals and greys with a big steel range, plus a separate bar area and your very own spa, complete with hot tub and sauna making perfect use of the under pavement vaults. All wood and blue lighting, it’s as well finished and seductive as anything you’d find in a boutique hotel, and almost guaranteed to lower blood pressure and improve quality of life simultaneously.

From the kitchen, wide doors lead out into a long garden, with lawn, patio and a couple of small outbuildings, ideal for storage of bikes, BB s and mowers. ogether with the basement level, it’s enough to up your entertaining game dramatically, a versatile space to accommodate any number of guests in impressive but low key style.

Wendy Lyne e plores the perfect year round house, with a cosy womb like feel but uninterrupted vistas to let the imagination soar

You could quite happily spend all of your time down here, but that would be foolish considering the delights up those handsome stairs. he ground floor, for instance, has an impressive entrance lobby, large dining room and even bigger sitting room, with glorious views over Kensington Meadows, the River Avon and out across the valley beyond.

hen, across the first, second and third floors, you’ll find no fewer than si bedrooms, many with fireplaces and deep sash windows, and all with generous built-in storage space. he master bedroom on the first floor is particularly spectacular, with an ama ing fireplace, old wooden floors, and near floor to ceiling windows enjoying the most bucolic views. (This place currently contains a proper, Georgian-style four poster bed, and it doesn’t look out of place at all.) pstairs, on the second floor, are two more bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room, and with a family shower room also on this floor, while a good si e family bathroom is to be found on the third floor, including a separate bath and shower, along with two further bedrooms.

hough only a mile or so’s flat walk from the city centre, Percy Place is very handy for arkhall, with all its shops, pubs and cafés, and even the tennis courts of Alice Park. Access to the motorway is easy from here

too. t’s a fascinating part of Bath, this full on city on one side, miles of countryside on the other, and a fascinating history that saw it once home to a short-lived but spectacular au hall’ style pleasure garden, to rival the firework displays, swings, grottos, acrobats, gambling and music of Sydney ardens in Bathwick. rosvenor ardens was an ambitious but ill financed project of the 1790s based right behind Percy Place, and was by all accounts quite the sight in its pomp. t’s long gone now, of course, but never fear; with a home as welcome and versatile as this one, party central for the 21st century can be right here.

HOUSE

For

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

FOR THE HOME

ASPECT WINDOW STYLING

Inspiration for windows. Based in the heart of Bath, Aspect Window Styling are suppliers of top quality shutters, blinds of all types, curtains, poles, and awnings. Visit their showroom for inspiration and advice from e pert staff on how to transform your windows into something gorgeous. Full design, measuring and fitting service. Tel: 01225 469559 www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk

WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE &

DESIGN create unique, client-focused contemporary and traditional interiors, valued for their individual, beautifully tailored characterful design. With 25 years of expertise delivering space planning, detailed design, procurement, art curation and project management. An award-winning practice with studios in Bath & London, WOOLF are accredited designers of historic, period, listed houses and hotels. Tel 01225 445670; woolfinterior.com

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

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 etmaster. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk

VIRTUOSO FLOORING

ffering stylish, innovative flooring solutions to meet the needs of the savvy Bath homeowner. Virtuoso employ the largest team of e perienced fitters in Bath. Their dedicated team are ready to turn your dream floor into a reality. Call now for a free consultation or visit their new show room on Moorland Road. To enquire, email info@virtuosoflooring.co.uk or call 01225 972715; www.virtuosoflooring.co.uk

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, ennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, 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 hotels, sports clubs, o ces and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

SCHMIDT BATH

Providing bespoke kitchens and made-to-measure interiors across the Bath area for more than 35 years, Schmidt Bath offers lu ury solutions for the home at affordable prices. ith a dedicated in house fitting team, your project will be completed to the highest standards. Visit their showroom to see the latest ranges and more of what they can offer. 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com

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

“I sing in English and Wolof, the language of Senegal”

AMADOU DIAGNE

The Bath-based musician on life in Senegal, busking in Bath, and learning to read as an adult

Amadou Diagne is a musician living and working in Bath, and can often be seen busking in the city centre.

Originally from Senegal, Amadou moved to the UK in 2004 and has been pursuing his career as a multiinstrumentalist, most recently playing the kora, also known as the African harp. Amadou has collaborated with many musicians from diverse backgrounds and musical styles. He also works as a tailor and a chef.

I come from a family in the Griot tradition of music and praise, with two brothers and five sisters. As a family we would be invited to local parties to help them celebrate with storytelling, food cooked by my mum, and music. would be given a tiny

drum to play and that was my fi rst musical instrument.

I left school at ten, after my mother died, which meant didn’t learn to read as a child. o help support my family, learned tailoring skills at the local market. still do tailoring today, doing alterations for local businesses in Bath including ohn Anthony and aff.

It was diffi cult not being able to read. was always asking people for help. hen started my music career, did everything by phone.

I nearly missed my big break because, when was busking someone gave me a business card. couldn’t read it so put it in my pocket and left it for months. y friend found it and realised

it was important. hey emailed the contact for me, which led to me being entered in a music competition, winning, and getting my fi rst record contract.

Over the past year I have been learning to read with a voluntary group called ead asy Bath. have had one to one lessons with my reading coach, Sarah. t’s making a huge difference, opening up opportunities, making me more confident and able to run my own life. can arrange gigs using email now.

If anyone is struggling to read and thinking about trying to learn, would say, ry to learn Don’t be shy ’

My ambition is to write a fi lm about my life one day, telling my own story and featuring my music.

My biggest inspiration musically has been Salif Keita, a alian singer and musician. He is albino, and has overcome challenges and found success. He inspires me to aim high and pursue my music career here.

Writing songs is all done in my head. he melody comes fi rst, followed by the rhythm, with the words last. sing in nglish and olof, the language of Senegal. have to feel the emotion of a song for it to work. hat is the most important thing.

I love making and personalising outfi ts to wear on stage. also make accessories, like the case for my kora, using African fabrics.

Busking in Bath is an important part of my life. sell CDs and make friends. know a lot of people in the city now. don’t eat out much, and enjoy cooking at home, but like to start the day with a croissant and a coffee.

Bath is such a beautiful city. As a busker, often talk to tourists and answer their questions. always recommend that they visit the oman Baths. once played a gig inside the Baths in the evening, and it was lovely, a very special night. ■

For more: www.amadoudiagne.com | www.readeasy.org.uk