Bath Life – Issue 522

COOL YULE VIBES

STAY CHILL THIS CHRISTMAS WITH OUR LAST MINUTE AND LUXE SHOPPING GUIDE

A CALL TO ALMS LOCAL CHARITIES AND THE GOOD THEY DO A TOUCH OF FROST WHEN THE STREETS WERE PAVED WITH SNOW REINVENTING THE MEAL THE EXTRAORDINARY SKILLS OF MENU GORDON JONES PAST TIMES LOOKING BACK AT BATH ‘24 BARD LANGUAGE CONNOR WALKER, THE PEOPLE’S POET

The world is split into two Christmassy sorts. One is the festive Polly planner. She’s made lists, she checks them twice, and then colour codes them just for kicks.

She posts memes featuring Will Ferrell’s Elf with the caption “Just 157 days sleeps til Christmas!!!”. She knows last posting dates like a Mastermind winner knows capital cities. The butcher’s order is in, the fruit cake’s been soaking since June, and tree went up 1 December. Sure she’s a bit annoying, but you can’t be mad at her because she made a note on her smart phone about the bag you said you liked back in May.

And then there’s everyone else. The ones who genuinely wonder if a marked down in price, slightly battered, chocolate advent calendar will pass as a ‘funny but still thoughtful’ gift; who scour the internet on Christmas Eve for ‘experience gifts’ are still available before 2027; and frantically subscribe to nasty expensive e-card sites so we can kid ourselves, the long distance aunties won’t feel quite so neglected when they open up their emailed, poorly animated, Christmas greetings.

Which is why we’ve come up with a gift guide Part II (starting on page 31) concentrating on presents that can be got last minute from Bath / carried home on e s fi s esp e being small in size, these gorgeous 93 gifts give main character energy.

So now you have no excuse – go make spirits bright, and see you in 2025!

SARAH MOOLLA

PHOTO BY STUFF CREATIVE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHED BY ADAM GASSON FOR VISIT WEST; WWW.VISITWEST.CO.UK

Issue 522 / mid December 2024

COVER eep s se s e e Somerset; www.thenewtinsomerset.com

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

31 STOCKING THRILLER Over 90 lovely and locally sourced gifts

THE ARTS

51 ARTS INTRO The Holburne’s new ‘iconic’ exhibition

52 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go

56 BOOKS Mr B and the festive wish list

LIFESTYLE

60 FASHION Go forth and shine this party season

FOOD & DRINK

64 RESTAURANT Keeping up with Menu Gordon Jones

67 IN SEASON WITH VERITY Going crackers for stilton

71 RECIPE The Christmassy crème brûlée

CHARITIES

72 GIVING BACK The local organisations helping others 78 CHARITY Q&A Kurda Yar of Bath Welcomes Refugees 80 SCENE SPECIAL The 3SG volunteer fair

NETWORK

83 NETWORK LEAD On the go with EntreConf 88 NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews 91 CAREER PATH John White of Arena Global Management

PROPERTY

99 PROPERTY LEAD e ry s e

100 NEWS Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is changing Wadswick’s rooms 104 SHOWCASE Explore Lea Farm in Binegar

DEPARTMENTS

15 INSTABATH White Christmas dreams 18 SPOTLIGHT Throw back to 2024

21 SCENE Hello party people!

29 FLATLINE Flats is counting the sleeps til Christmas 114 BATH LIVES Bath has its own bard!

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robinsderi.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Nic Bottomley, Marianne Cantelo, David Flatman, Shelley Hughes, John Mather and Lydia Tewkesbury Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash. co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Marketing executive Grace Goodall grace.goodall@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Gemma Bourne Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

Three luxury lifestyle brands in one location

Award-winning creators of bespoke contemporary kitchens that successfully combine functional design with elegant simplicity. Ben & Emi Argent have been meticulously designing and handcrafting timeless, individual kitchens since 2011.

Alongside our store in Central Bath Coopers now has a brand new showroom at Dunsdon Barn. Showcasing the very best in range cooking and home appliances this showroom is dedicated to the heart of the home – the kitchen. With brands such as AGA, Everhot, Lacanche and many more.

Boniti is a high-quality interiors and exteriors business. The showroom is a destination for all types of flooring, including natural stone, porcelain and timber. The Boniti team are masters of their profession and it shows in every detail.

Coopers Home Appliances

01225 892 220, sales@coopershomeappliances.com www.coopershomeappliances.com

Ben Argent Kitchens

01225 892 270, info@benargentkitchens.co.uk www.benargentkitchens.co.uk

Boniti 01225 892 220, bath@boniti.com www.boniti.com

COME AND VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS

Our showrooms are set in idyllic countryside just south of M4 J18. We have plenty of free parking space. www.dunsdonbarn.com

FROM 0 TO FIVE ZEROS…

The journey of FIVE ZEROS SUPERCARS from a father and son US road trip ending with a thrilling Bradford on Avon event space with supercars and an all-American diner

In September 2019, David Bush, and his son Daniel embarked upon a road trip in America. The plan was to fly into Boston, pick up a convertible Ford Mustang V8 and drive west to Los Angeles via Route 66, up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, and then back to Boston via Reno, the salt flats, Chicago and Detroit. The trip covered 8,700 miles and took four and a half weeks. Here they share their story:

“On driving out of Boston, the first day was to take us to New York, but on driving through Newport, Rhode Island we were distracted by a sign that said, ‘Design Car Museum’. Turning the car round, we ventured into a small light industrial estate to a low rise building with a large red door. Two guys at the reception desk explained that there were over 90 cars, belonging to 3 individuals, and that it would cost $5 dollars to see them. The collection was amazing, European supercars, 30 Mustangs

and 25 Corvettes, pretty much from every year since the early 60s and a muscle car collection. The difference to a ‘conventional’ car museum was that this was sharp and well designed, with great lighting and a very minimal style, letting the cars speak for themselves; It was more of a supercar showroom than a museum. This was where Five Zeros Supercars was conceived.

“Over the next four-weeks, we visited dozens of car collections, museum and automotive themed cafes and diners, particularly on Route 66, and what was initially called ‘Project Dave’s Motors’ was developed. The idea was essentially a supercar storage facility that had a small café, and the public could view the cars for a small fee. On arriving back to the UK, the intention was that David would approach the landlord of the farm that housed his software business and see if a barn could be made available.

“However, fortune was on his side, and he saw a notice on the gate for planning for one of the larger barns for storage use

Five Zeros’ traditional American diner

– it was perfect timing. In November 2019, an agreement was made to take on what would become the first Supercar Barn.

“Sadly, Covid came to our shores, and the project was effectively shelved for 18-months, until the summer of 2021 when the build finally started. The barn was complete in the December, and a celebratory 120-guest black-tie dinner was arranged to launch the space and the concept. It was the success of this occasion that added events to the ever-growing project.

“The core concept was that the owners of supercars would prefer to store them in a display environment rather than a dark and dank barn, and this was in real terms still an unknown. David had a collection of his own, and felt that having them admired, photographed, and presented on social media would be a good thing, and in May of 2022, the first paying customer agreed and allowed us to store his Mercedes AMG GT. It took just 6-months, and we were at capacity, and since early 2023, we have turned away close to 100 supercars for lack of space.

VISITORS, FACILITIES AND EVENTS

“The initial concept was to open a small café, and to charge visitors to see the cars, but in August 2022, we took the decision to open the café and allow diners to see the cars for free. 2022, we opened 15 times and on each one, we were inundated with visitors. In January 2023, we closed to build the current American themed diner, and currently cater for up to 120 guests, opening Wednesday to Sunday each week, and every day in the school holidays. The diner now attracts around 4,000 customers a month, and offers a traditional American diner menu including shakes, breakfasts, burgers and pancakes.

“The success of the first Christmas Ball led to the launch of our event program. We cater for birthday parties, business meetings and all forms of exhibition and show. We have had fashion shows, live bands and even have a wedding licence. From 10 guests to 200, we provide the largest event space in Wiltshire, and we promote

A

unique and unforgettable event space

our own seasonal events and markets as well as hosting a huge variety of private events.

“A key feature of the Supercar Barn is the 7m x 3m LED TV screen. We use this to screen the Formula 1, offering an afternoon including a welcome drink, 2-course meal, the live GP, a licensed bar, entertainment, and a fun casino. Since the Monaco GP in 2022, we have screened 18 races, and these have become hugely popular events.

“ FROM 10 GUESTS TO 200, WE PROVIDE THE LARGEST EVENT SPACE IN WILTSHIRE”

“A further feature are the nationwide car clubs that visit us every weekend. From Aston Martin Owners Club to the Triumph Stag Society, we host automotive clubs, large and small, and the diner customers are treated to some fantastic supercars, classics, and race cars. In 2025, we are taking these a step further in hosting 20 ‘marque’ weekends, where we work with partners like Aston Martin Bristol, and Dick Lovett jaguar Land Rover Melksham to bring 100 special cars each day to the Supercar barns. These events will be advertised through our website and social media and are open to our diner visitors to enjoy.

FUTURE PLANS AND EXPANSION

“Five Zeros Supercars has proved to be a popular and well-liked destination, and this has led to the purchase of the five other barns on the site at the end of 2022. After working with architects, planners, and the council, we now have an amazing development plan for the future. Increasing the supercar storage from one barn, to three is the first step, and this will allow us to display 150+ supercars. The diner is currently being expanded to seat 150, and a second bar is being added downstairs. The current bar area on the mezzanine is being fitted out and will be opened three days a week from March, and then for five-days a week in the

summer. This will be expanded with the roof top bar which is planned to open in June 2025. In March 2025, we are opening our outdoor seating area, and a pizzeria serving pizza, deliboxes, beer and coffee. These developments will allow a choice of different foods and drink for our visitors, four times more supercars to see, and new external space to enjoy.

“Further to this, we are opening our detailing and valeting bay to the public and will be able to clean and protect up to four cars at a time from January 2025. This service was initially developed for our storage cars but has proved very attractive to our car clubs and diner guests.

BECOME A FIVE ZEROS MEMBER

“To give back to our regular and new visitors, we launched the Five Zeros Carcierge members club and App in April 2024. This is available for both premium and supercar members, and provides a range of benefits including; discount in our diner and bar; money off our event tickets; discounts with our partners including the Homewood Hotel, Watches of Bath and The Great Wine Company; a full list of automotive and lifestyle events and the ability to book them through the app; and best of all, the chance to win our monthly, quarterly and annual member giveaways. These have included watches, wine, sunglasses and hotel breaks, and the big prize for 2024/5 is a Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. This one-owner, 6,000-mile car will be given to a member on Good Friday 2025. n

Win a Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

RETROSPECTIVE

JANUARY

DRESS THE PART

e e p r r y s se s e s ey pieces on the road including the blue e r sers y Cr ree s se s Dress of the Year 2015 to the Design se s p r e Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion e www. as onm se m.co.

FEBRUARY

SING ALONG

se es r e e e e e e es re

r s re e se s e ao na s s r e y

r ers s e C r s e re the voices of 100 children, aged 6 to 11, r e s s r ss r s erse s re www. o ces o l e.o .

MARCH

CURTAIN UP

e e re y e r s p e e e pr r e e ery r e ss s e e e e pr s s r

s e e e nne , based on Khaled sse s er es se e r p r r e s p s er e s rr ssey e e s s e e r e pe r er e The Lover and e ollec on www. ea e o al.o .

APRIL

SECOND NATURE

s er r re pr ess e e es r e r e re s pr es ers resse re prese er C r s e r e p r se re ess e e r r www.co e e o na e.

MAY

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

e r e e r e s ye rs ers ry s r e er e e e r e y e y y r e s y e e e y

s e r ree e es r s e e re

e r se e e s s s rp r e e e s e se e e s e e e s www. a o m.co.

JUNE

ROMPING HOME

Dearest gentle readers, season three of the recordre e r Bridgerton descended upon us, s e y s e erse y Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), in the r e sp C r er e e r fi pses r e e r s e r e se e e r r www.ne fl .com

PHOTO BY GUY REECE

PHOTO BY NOBBY CLARK

e p r

s r e e s s er e e s

s es r se s ess e es www.teambath.com | www.paralympic.org

SEPTEMBER

DRAWING TO A CLOSE

e se s r e e s e

r s C s r e er e s e r e

e s e e e e s r e

se e e s e s r e e rep

e s ree s se er p e es s re e e re r p s er y www.holburne.org

OCTOBER

FASHION FORWARD

ress e e r s e ye r e s r s re e e e s e e e

p s r e e s se ere e

e e e s e e ree e ers se y e e e e e

r s s C C r e s ere s e se y e r pr e e s e r fi y ers s e e e e er reer er es s www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

NOVEMBER

MOTION PICTURES

s ys ery e s y s e e s rs s r e e r y r re e ey ree

DECEMBER

THAT’S A WRAP

AUGUST: Dimitri Coutya with his gold medal; Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe won GB’s first-ever Olympic artistic swimming medal; Olympic champions James Guy, Matt Richards, Duncan Scott and Tom Dean

OCTOBER: Designer Bianca Saunders in conversation with Fashion Museum Bath senior; winners – the silk, tulle and sequin gown by Simone Rocha and on the right, Bianca’s vibrant, printed cotton menswear outfit

PHOTO

PHOTO BY PAOLO FERLA;

SCENE

THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS BATH

IN THE FRAME

The Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition launched at Victoria Art Gallery in October, which on the same opening night included the announcement of the award-winners as selected by a panel of expert judges. Featuring around 400 artworks ranging from painting and print to sculpture and mixed media, the show, ses ry ers impressive diversity of local talent and artistic expression.

by Anna

Instagram @annabarclayphotos For more: www.victoriagal.org.uk

Photos

Barclay;

The Mayor, Councillor Michelle O’Doherty and Chris Godfrey

Emily Hawkin and Sebastian Shead

Paula Martyr and Rosie Marta

Jack Greenwood and Bella Frey

Amanda and Alan Hart

Michelle Dash and Rae Melody

Harriet and Poppy Gunstone

Sharon and Rob GrieveAbi Godfrey and Adam Wolford

Tom Hughes, Martin Bentham and Simone Dawood

Rachel Yuan and Edward Chudleigh

SHINE ON

The preview of Shine On by Luxmuralis Press was recently held at Bath Abbey opening with a clergy welcome and prayer by Abbey Pastor Reverend Chantal Mason followed by an introduction to the light work by the artist Peter Walker. The installation was designed to envelop the audience in a sy p y s spe fi y composed to enhance the luminous display.

Photos by Phil Saunders Photography; www.philsaundersphotography.com For more: www.bathabbey.org

Frances Rimmer and Cheri Bragg

Cath Foxwell, Juliet Keay and Jenni Potter

Andrew Bragg, Liz Westbrook and Tim Westbrook

Donna Lodge and Hele Parfrey

Donna Lodge and Hele Parfrey

Frances Rimmer and Cheri Bragg

GREEN HOUSE

The Green Open Homes B&NES networking event took place at Buro Happold, bringing together all those involved in the recent Green Open Homes project. Home openers, volunteers, organisers, partners and community partners, and sponsors enjoyed an evening of drinks, canapés and talks. Those speaking included Climate Committee students from yesfie e y e per p e s ss e er Jackie Head, Cathy Crozier Cole, Simon Andrews and Philip Haile.

Photos by Anna Barclay; For more: www.greenopenhomesbanes.org

Ron de Korte, Nick Bird and Kate Cross

Nikki Brain and Rob Spalding

Grace Courtney and Cathy Crozier-Cole

Stephanie Butler and Benny Talbot

Sally Merrett and Christopher Crookall-Fallen

Nicolette Boater and Rakesh Menon

Laura Wildish, Lizzie Gillam, Harry Johnson and Alice Adcock

John Rich and Claire Smith

George Pearson and Simon Andrews

Kate Sweet and Suffia Khanan

Sarah Warren and Mairead King

WELCOME TO MY HAUS

Hauslife, located on Abbeygate Street and owned by Kate Thomson, recently welcomed some early festive s ppers r s e r e fi nibbles so they could start their Christmas shopping ahead of the Market rush.

Photos by Betty Bhandari For more: www.hauslife.co.uk

LEADING LIGHTS

Longleat’s lantern spectacular, The Festival of s y pe e y r y Bath at an exclusive preview for the attraction’s members. Ceawlin and Emma Thynn, Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, led thousands of people through a countdown at the Wiltshire estate as around 1,000 lanterns lit up. New attractions include a projection on to Longleat House itself mapping its history and the world’s heaviest ever lantern.

Photos by Tom Anders For more: www.longleat.co.uk

Thousands visit every year to enjoy the spectacle

Cordelia Hutchinson and Loraine Hillier

The hardy perennial, the singing Christmas tree is back

The trail tells a story along the way

The Marquess and Marchioness of Bath open the Festival of Light

PHOTO BY DAVE PRATT

The heaviest ever lantern

Chloe Williams

Chris and Laura Jorgensen

Lisa Rockliffe, Kate Thomson and Tom Evans

Emily Maclachlan, Minty Bos-Rich and Rhiannon Archer

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“The devil is in the details”

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“Said teeth were blue by about 2pm, and a lovely red wine I’d been saving was to blame”

I’d been saving was to blame. I don’t drink all that much, compared to most macho-looking types, but I thought I’d try to be normal for once – a proper Brit – and get trousered for Christmas.

Full of Christmas spirit

The year Flats tried too hard to be merry and bright

Two years ago I passed out on Christmas Day. I didn’t exactly faint and hit the deck, but neither did I roll into a festive kip on the sofa. We went large that year, inviting my whole family. In total, I think there were 742 people for lunch, plus about 800 children. It was a somewhat involved celebration.

Jamie’s ‘Get-Ahead Gravy’ was good and done, the veggies were all sitting in pans of cold water, waiting to be put to work like Olympic athletes, all that preparation for one shot at glory. The patio was swept of leaves, the cupboards were bulging with jars of goose fat and metres of Brussel sprouts that nobody actually wanted. The dog was already dry-heaving on the sitting room rug due to the toxic amounts of nuts and chocolate and sweets and pastry he’d scavenged at the feet of er fi ere ers ery s e s r p

wrapping paper and present packaging had ee e re r e ery r r e the custom built recycling enclosure out the back, and Michael Bublé was playing a touch too loudly on the ‘All Speakers’ setting on my unintuitive, unreliable app.

Mum and Dad were drifting between s ere ers e p ery eep s eep

My older two daughters needed watching like pers s e re e ers s ey r e re e ess y to ditch us all and retreat to their bedrooms with their closest friends (their iPhones). In truth I couldn’t blame them, but I also couldn’t support their aims. As I practically e r r r r r

I think not even once did I manage to pass a human being without either being asked for something or without realising that, through es e y r e ee re y er them something. Anything. Said teeth were blue by about 2pm, and a lovely red wine

With the hordes somehow sated after a veritable Edwardian banquet of locally sourced produce, and with said red all gone, I hit a wall. It was 4.30pm, and it wasn’t any ordinary wall. I stood, like all aspiring lowermiddle-class blokes hope one day they might, at the far end of our marble kitchen island and I went. I didn’t fall. Well, my body remained erect, but my mind went. My mum told me once that I fell asleep standing up while having r y s s ers fi s e I stayed asleep so long without tipping over that the whole class stopped to regard me. This is what began happening. I dropped the plate I was holding, it went bang and that startled me. From there I was a man on a mission of survival. I made it up to the snug and collapsed onto a far-too-small sofa, where I slept for two hours.

Apparently everyone knew and kept coming in to laugh at me. When eventually I was woken up (presumably via taser) and told to “bloody well take part in Christmas because it’s our bloody house” I re-entered the social zone like a dead man walking, but grinning like nothing had happened.

I skipped the evening meal, slept until 10am on Boxing Day (also went down well), and did not eat a single thing until the lunchtime of December 27th.

The term for that experience is probably ‘overconsumption’. And with this in mind, we’re doing it all again. This time, though, I’ve got a plan. That small sofa is actually a sofa bed, and I’ll get that all setup during the e re prep s e fi e lock to the inside of the snug door. By 5pm, just like Santa, I’ll be gone…

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on w e a fla man an ns a fla man

ALL THRILLERS, ALL FILLERS

The ultimate thoughtful stocking gift guide

We are assuming you have by now worked out who’s naughty and who’s been nice this year, and shopped accordingly. But if ere s ee e s e es s y re fi y rse s r e s ps e er e p y e e se e re ere p y s e e per r s fi ers e rs r e night shopping to self-love indulgence, the following 10 pages bring you the ultimate last minute (and locally curated) gift guide.

Babylon, £215, from Penhaligon’s, 14 New Bond ree www.penhaligons.com

Vintage ski hat, £7.50, from The Yellow Shop, ree www.theyellowshop.co.uk

Foil printed notebook made by hand in www.oddgoose.co.uk

C er pe s per s lambs wool hot water bottle, £42, www.noctu.co.uk

Faux fur bag, £35, from Portman, 28 Milsom Street, www.nickieportman.co.uk

Organic cotton eye mask in pink willow leaf pattern, £15, from Aspiga 7 Broad ree www.aspiga.com

WINTER WARMERS

Guaranteed to bring about a rosy glow

e r p ee e £199.95, from Coopers Stores, 13-15 Walcot ree www. coopershomeappliances.com

Pack of two Christmas e e s www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk

Candy cane stripe Christmas stocking, £17.99, from Hauslife, 3 Abbeygate Street, www.hauslife.co.uk

Small dichroic pendant, £22.95, from Bath Aqua Glass, 15 Abbey C r y r www.bathaquaglass.com

Choc on Choc’s Pigs in e s r fi e www.choconchoc.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Asia in the Form of Pegasus by Heinrich Bünting make-up bag, £14, American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath; www.americanmuseum.org

Fallen leaves washi tape stickers, £5, from Meticulous Ink, 134 Walcot Street Bath; www.meticulousink.com

Limited edition Masterpiece gin from Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford- on-Avon; www.ifordmanor.co.uk

s a el by Victoria Topping - poster, £25, from The Yellow Gallery, 7 Walcot Street, Bath; www.victoriatopping.com

Sterling silver and resin jewellery by Su Trindle, prices start at £65, from Craft Gallery & Studio, 12 St James Parade Bath; www.craftbath.uk

Loving mug, £8.50, from Flamingo, 7 Widcombe Parade, Bath; www.flam n o a .co.

SPICED ORANGE

Mathmos neo black lava lamp, £86, from Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

Route One Argyle socks, £2.95, from Route One, 8, 10 The Corridor, Bath; www.routeone.co.uk

Ubiety’s birch water & neroli cooling facial mist, £16; www. n e .com

Line of diamonds necklace, £1,200, from Tina Engell, 3 Bartlett Street. Bath; www.tinaengell.com

Choose a title from one of 151 reprinted classics, from Persephone Books, 8 Edgar Buildings, Bath; www.persephonebooks.co.uk

Nestled in Bath’s historic Milsom Quarter, Milsom Place is a captivating Christmas destination that sparkles with festive charm. As winter arrives, this enchanting area transforms into a magical wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, seasonal decor and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. With a special blend of restaurants, high-end boutiques, independent labels and lifestyle brands, Milsom Place offers a truly a magical experience, enhanced by the return of Father Christmas’ Grotto, where accompanied by his elves, you can meet the man himself to receive a gift and take part in stories and songs.

Milsom Place is renowned for its dining scene and offers a perfect location to meet

up with family and friends. Enjoy traditional French fare at the newly refurbished Côte restaurant, bold Indian street food from Bath Life award-winning restaurant Bandook, some of the city’s best pizza at Bosco Pizzeria, or if you prefer a lively venue with cocktails, food and music, head for The Botanist. For a more relaxed vibe, there is Coret, a stylish coffee shop and wine bar, perfect for enjoying a locally roasted coffee or a curated glass of wine.

Looking for special gifts and Christmas variety? Milsom Place is the place for you. Discover sophisticated ladies’ fashion at Hobbs and stunning designer shoes from Chanii B Shoes. For the home, browse the handmade festive wreaths at Anemone, find some chic home furnishings in the Arlo & Jacob store and at newly opened Nicholas H

Wood, they offer some amazing plaster cast sculptures. Health and wellness enthusiasts can also take part in a relaxing session at YogaKave or perhaps treat yourself for Christmas to a stylish coiffure at NOI’s popular hair and beauty salon.

With its festive ambience, unique shopping choices and select dining experiences, Milsom Place invites everyone to embrace the magic of Christmas in the heart of Bath.

Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath BA1 1BZ milsomplace.co.uk

Côte Brasserie

Chanii B Shoes

Father Christmas’ Grotto

The Botanist

Bandook Indian Kitchen

Milsom Street Entrance

er re s p £3.95, from e Road, Bath; www.consciouslyyou.co.uk

C se e Cy er y e e Somerset, £71.70, r e e erse spe Castle Cary www. thenewtinsomerset.com

e e r r re rey er rs r ree www.frenchgreyinteriors.co.uk

r s e e s p re r y Ce re es s r ree Bath; www.humanitycentreddesigns.com e r r e Gifts, 25 Milsom Street, Bath; www. a a e s.com

Darley folded multi-card wallet,£290, from Mulberry, 38 Milsom Street, Bath; www.mulberry.com

re e e r 18 High Street, Bath; www.runningbath.co.uk Twelve assorted r r s r r e 1 Grove Street, Bathwick, Bath; e pp e p r Leak, 3 Larkhall Square, Bath; www.leakgifts.co.uk

www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

www.sugarcanestudio.co.uk

Kailani curve cushion cover, £85, from OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

Sleepy bunny rattle safe teething y e r s r ree Bath; www. tiliankids.com

fie artichoke ornament, prices start at £39, www.neptune.com

www.robert-frederick.co.uk

Regent cocktail shaker, £95, from Neptune, e r r Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Safari Soirée four mug gift set, £75, from Divine Savages, 5 Margaret’s s www.divinesavages.com

www.christinaoswin.co.uk

Ce r & r s p s e from Aesop Bath, e Street, Bath; www.aesop.com

The Twelve Days of Aga Christmas by Sarah Whitaker, £8.95; www.blakeandbull.co.uk

s r & e professional acrylic r se £38, from Minerva Art Supplies, ree ree www.minervaartsupplies.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Hobbies shopping ornament, £18, from Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath;

Smiley badge, £2, from The Yellow Shop, 72 Walcot Street, Bath; www.theyellowshop.co.uk

Old Bridge, Bath mug, £8, from Bath in Time, www.bathintime.co.uk

Geometric Persian emerald scarf handmade in Bath by Krishnaa Shyam, £100, www.krishnaashyam.com

Original duckhead forest-green umbrella, £36, from Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

Olive side plate by Camden Clay, £18, www.camdenclay.co.uk

A Round of a Paws pale ale gift set, prices start at £15, from Electric Bear Brewing Co, 7 Brassmill Lane, Bath www.electricbearbrewing.com

Individually handthrown porcelain vessels made in Bath, prices start at £28, from Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath; www.holburne.org

EVER GREENS

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Presents to be adored all year round

Bouclé reindeer gift bags, £13.50, Always Sunday Store, 9 Broad Street, Bath; www.alwayssunday.store

Piccolo bud vase by Old Green, £8, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

Top Logomania Havaianas, were £31, now £16, from Flannels, 7, 10 Milsom Street, Bath; www.flannels.com

Cypress & fir ceramic candle, £20, from Designworks Collective, 2 New Bond Street, Bath; www. designworkscollective.co.uk

Unique blue boulder opal ring, £1,575, from Jody Cory Goldsmiths, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.jodycory.co.uk

1934 rose hand & body wash, £19.50, from The Newt in Somerset, Hadspen, Castle Cary www.thenewtinsomerset.com

An independent silver jewellery shop located in the heart of Bath, on Pulteney Bridge.

3 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA24AX   @icarusjewellery Website: www.icarusjewellery.com Tel: 01225 463693 WhatsApp: 07376 416833 Opening Times: Monday-Friday 09:30am - 05:30pm, Saturday 09:30am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm

Labradorite statement gem slice chunky chain necklace, £89, from Decadorn 108 Lower Ground Floor, Walcot

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

from The Fine Cheese Co. 29 & 31 Walcot Stree, Bath; www. nec eese.co. Street, Bath; www.decadorn.com

Dancewear handmade in Bath by Freda Silk, prices start at £20, www.fredasilk.com

Chérie by Maria Rivans, £540, available through The Modern ArtBuyer; www.mo e na e .com

Christmas peace matches, £8.95, from Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www. a aman een.co.

Espresso cup by Trevor Lillistone, from Craft Gallery & Studio, 12 St James Parade Bath; www.c a a .

YULE SKY THINKING

Be blue this Christmas

Lavender & tea tree shampoo bar by Friendly, £2.99, from Harvest, 37 Walcot Street, Bath; www.harvest-bath.coop

lec on c o n magazine, £13.99, from Magalleria, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www. ma alle a.co.

Glossy barette in navy, £10, from Spirit Fashion; 3 High Street, Devizes; www.s as on.co.

Miss Sparrow musical note socks, £7.99, from Flock Bath, 12 - 13 The Corridor, Bath; www.floc a .co.

The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, illustrated by Reggie Brown, £12.99, e r er r e fie Park Bookshop, 43 Moorland Rd, Bath; www. eol el a oo s o .co.

Fingerless wool gloves, £45, from TOAST Bath, 7 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.toa.st

All-Butter spelt

Masala chai infusion made in Bath, £19.85, from Henry & Joe’s; www.hennyandjoes.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Replica Bath Rugby ball, £28, Bath Rugby Shop, 1 Argyle Street, Bathwick, Bath; www.bathrugbyshop.com

e r s gift set, £80, from The Whisky Shop, 9 – 10 High Street, Bath; www.whiskyshop.com

Vinteloper Odeon Pinot Noir OPN/17, £110, from Wolf Wine, 89 Walcot Street, Bath; www.wolfwine.co.uk

Marie Jo Jane plunge bra, £113, from The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www.dressingroombath.com

TWAS THE NIGHT... Keep them in

Harris tweed er er y p £45, from Suave Owl, 33 Milsom Street, Bath; www.suaveowl.co.uk

Marie Jo Jane briefs, £79, from The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www.dressingroombath.com

Pair of Glögg mulled wine glasses, £18, 16 Margarets Buildings, Bath; www. salcombetrading.co.uk

Sony RX100 VA camera, £799, from London Camera Exchange, 13 Cheap Street, Bath; www.lcegroup.co.uk

Ancient pots kimono, £50, from Roman Baths Shop, 36 Stall Street, Bath; www. romanbaths.co.uk

Bath City FC leather fob key ring, £5, www. bathcityfc.com

FREE REINDEER DUST WITH EVERY TREE!

Wide variety of sizes and varieties

Traditional to Nordman Fir and Fraser Fir

Mistletoe, Holly, Wreaths, Logs

Delivery service available see website for details

Open daily from 23rd Nov Depots may differ. Check website for details

07494 015440

Rode Depot

o-christmas.co.uk Colerne Depot

Depot FRESH FROM OUR FOREST

AND

WE WISH YOU A MERRY BRISTMAS

Everyone’s welcome at our place this festive season! Why not give the gift of Christmas with the LOVE BRISTOL GIFT CARD?

Bristol sparkles all year round, but there’s something extra special in the air at Christmas. The city glows brighter than ever, with its winter lights and array of festive offerings.

Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply revelling in the magic, Bristol is the place to be this December. So, gather your loved ones, join the festivities, and even share a piece of Bristmas with the Love Bristol Gift Card – a gift that keeps the spirit alive.

TREATING YOUR LOVED ONES

For a gift haul to rival Santa’s, Bristol is the go-to shopping destination. Whether you’re looking for stylish vintage fashion from Loot Vintage or Flamingos Vintage Store, that perfect cosy read from Stanfords, unique jewellery at Diana Porter or the year’s hottest records at Rough Trade, you’ll be the family favourite with the selection of gifts you can find this winter.

FESTIVE FOOD

Word on the street is that a giant Elf on the Shelf® is returning to Bristol this year at various buildings throughout the city. So, why not stop for a bite to eat while you’re out elf-spotting?

Bristol’s foodies know we’re spoilt for choice, with so many diverse cuisines on every corner to suit your fancy, from a classic festive brunch at Mud Dock to food from further shores like Rosa’s Thai, or a classic burger at No 1 Harbourside, there’s plenty to fill your boots with this December.

CHEERS TO THE SEASON

‘Tis the season to be merry and Bristol has no shortage of perfect venues for a sociable Christmas tipple.

Whether you’re looking for Christmas party atmosphere at The Granary, a classy celebration at Clayton Hotel, or a full-blown night out at one of Hyde & Co Group’s bars and restaurants, there’s so much to enjoy in Bristol. If no-lo alcohol is more your vibe, the city serves up some of the tastiest zero % cocktails so you can join the fun without the hangover on those early morning Christmas shopping trips.

FESTIVE FAMILY NIGHTS

If there’s one thing you can be certain to find in Bristol it’s world-class events, and this year there’s a huge amount for families to enjoy.

The city’s leading musical institution, Bristol Beacon, has a whole new host of Christmas events, including special showings of The

Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and The Snowman, accompanied by the Mozart Symphony Orchestra. It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without a pantomime so head to Bristol Hippodrome to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears like never before, in a special circus twist on the classic tale. Or, for a magical underwater experience, head to Bristol Old Vic to catch a fresh take on The Little Mermaid, with original new songs and lyrics. n

For more information on the above events, places to visit and more, search Visit Bristol today: www.visitbristol.co.uk and join in by using #MerryBristmas across social media.

In partnership with:

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE

ISN’T IT ICONIC…

The word ‘iconic’ is overused to the point of devaluing its true meaning, which is a symbol or emblem with cultural, religious, or historical importance. But its use in conjunction with the upcoming r e se e s pre y s fie e es

Iconic: Portraiture from Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol with Peter Blake, Pauline Boty, Richard Hamilton, and Gerhard Richter in the mix, brings rarely seen works from private collections together with loans from major institutions to explore the ways artists used photography as a source and as subject matter, re e e p e y e e e s r e e r y

Iconic: Portraiture from Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol is exhibiting at the Holburne Museum from 24 January until 5 May; www.holburne.org

PORTRAIT OF DAVID HOCKNEY IN A HOLLYWOOD SPANISH INTERIOR , 1965, BY PETER BLAKE.

WHAT’S ON

14 December – 18 January

EXHIBITIONS

Until 31 December

UNFORGETTABLE BEHAVIOUR

Still time to catch this fascinating American Museum and Garden exhibition which celebrates exciting animal behaviour photography from the Natural History Museum’s world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 5 January 2025 UNCANNY VISIONS

s s e firs e sp y Goya’s Los disparates (The Follies) (1815-1823), and Rego’s Nursery Rhymes (1989) in their entirety. Also includes a selection of Rego’s threedimensional objects, sculptures and studio props. www.holburne.org

Until 11 January

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 119TH ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION

The BSA, founded in 1904 with just 26 foundation members, has now grown to a membership of around 125 local artists many of whom are exhibiting at Victoria Art Gallery including Leslie Glenn Damhus and e www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 11 January PAPER

To coincide with the current solo exhibition Ambrosine Allen: In The Course of Ages, a rotating exhibition of works on paper is also on show in the Gallery Viewing Room and includes the work of Laura Ford, Bridget Riley, Rose Wylie and Clare Woods. www.boleeworkman.com

Until 12 January

NEON DREAMS

Chila Kumari Singh Burman, who describes herself as a ‘Punjabi Liverpudlian’ is known for her striking large-scale installations. The Holburne exhibition focuses on her light pieces including a multi-coloured neon art work on the façade of the museum, and a glorious life-size neon tiger in the ballroom. www.holburne.org

Until 23 February

BEING THERE

Four new exceptionally rare Gainsborough portraits are on display at The Gallery at No.1 Royal Crescent alongside the work of contemporary artists including Claudette Johnson, Joy Labinjo and Shaqúelle Whyte. www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA

Until 5 January

SNOW MOUSE

The festive story of a little mouse found sleeping beneath the s es re r s e per for the tenth consecutive year. Suitable for 6 months to 4 years old. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 11 January

ROBIN HOOD

A brand-new stage production of the Sherwood Forest robber with a conscience and a band of Merry Men atThe Egg. Suitable for 6 years +. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 12 January

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

Mirror, mirror on the wall… what’s the greatest pantomime of them all? Why it’s Jon Monie’s Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Bath Theatre Royal of course! Also stars Nick Wilton, Emma Norman, George Olney and Olivia Birchenough, whose Christmas Culture Club can be read overleaf. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

17 December

LOVE ACTUALLY –IN CONCERT

The star studded Love Actually, perhaps one of the most quotable re C r s s fi s r starring Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon, will be presented live in concert at Bath Forum, with a full orchestra playing the score livefi www.bathforum.co.uk

20 December

THE MINISTRY OF BURLESQUE’S CHRISTMAS CABARET

It’s all naughty and nice and under one Komedia roof with guests are invited to eat, drink, laugh and dance the night away in true vaudevillian excessive style. www.komediabath.co.uk

MUSIC

18 December

WINTER WONDERBAND

With spellbinding vocal harmonies backed by this beautiful combination of instruments, this accomplished folk bad sing of wintery tales and festive times, both traditional and original. www.chapelarts.org

CLOCKWISEFROMTOPLEFT: There’s a new production of the big hearted bandit Robin Hood at Theatre Royal’s The Egg; see Laughing out Loud by Clare Woods at the Bo Lee and Workman gallery until 11 January; the animals are going wild at the American Museum & Gardens exhibition; Leslie Glenn Damhus is just one of the artists appearing as part of the Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition currently on at Victoria Art Gallery

20 December

JON AMOR TRIO

Live at The Ram, the celebrated blues musicians celebrate their love of high energy blues and funk. www.bathcomedy.com

21 December

STEP INTO CHRISTMAS

Bringing all the festive feels and musical magic to the Bath Forum with the singalong classics including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, and Do They Know it’s Christmas?www.bathforum.co.uk

COMEDY

12 January

RUSSELL HOWARD

Russell Howard, along with a few funny pals, helps raise money for Julian House with a comedy night at Komedia. www.komediabath.co.uk

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

Until 5 January

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AT LONGLEAT

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Longleat’s lantern event is this year’s Journey Through Time – an illuminated evolution of the earth from the age of the dinosaurs to present day. Seasonal favourites are back too including the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, the Santa Train, festive stories in the Longhouse, and a winter drive through safari. www.longleat.co.uk

Until 5 January

BATH ON ICE AT ROYAL

VICTORIA PARK

Glowing in atmospheric lights, Bath on Ice is back and is the perfect p e s s e es once that’s warm up in Moguls p e r r e wine, a steamy hot chocolate, or a festive treat. www.bathonice.co.uk

Until 5 January

GLOW GOLF

Play golf at night with glow-in-thedark balls to add a whole new layer of excitement to the classic daytime experience. www.bathonice.co.uk

Until 5 January

CHRISTMAS AT DYRHAM PARK

Go on a journey back in time exploring Christmas through the ages from Tudor times right up to the 1980s with the rooms decorated e ere er s ere s s outdoor displays and family activity trails. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 5 January

CLARKS VILLAGE ICE RINK

e sp s er er r ers

a space to skate post or pre-Xmas shopping and was recently the scene of the world’s biggest Santa skate! www.clarksvillage.co.uk

Until 24 December

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WOOKEY HOLE

More than 100,000 lights transform the already fascinating caves into an enchanting underground adventure land. Look out too for Santa’s North Pole Grotto and The Grinch-themed circus show in the Wookey Hole Theatre. www.wookey.co.uk

Until 11 January

THE LIGHT OF STARS

The new installation at Bath Abbey is a vast constellation held within the centre of the abbey featuring up to s rs ere s es and geometries, all surrounding the largest, central star. www.bathabbey.org

Until 24 December

FATHER CHRISTMAS GROTTO AT MILSOM PLACE

Help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear the story of how they plan to make this year the best Christmas ever in this delightful interactive grotto experience, with a mystery gift included in the visit. www.milsomplace.co.uk

Until 31 December

CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRT

ARBORETUM

Explore trees from all over the globe in a completely new light complete with luminous, twinkly birds to be spotted. This year, Westonbirt has partnered with the award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers who create the Christmas experiences at Kew and Blenheim. www.forestryengland.uk

Until 1 January

CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD

Discover hundreds of colourchanging lights stretching out into the distance across the lake, along e e e ers into the night sky, sparkling tunnels s fi the air with all the colours of the rainbow at the National Trust’s Palladian house and gardens. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

18 – 22 December

DICK WHITTINGTON

CHRISTMAS CULTURE CLUB with Olivia Birchenough

The city’s second oldest am dram group, Bath Unity Players who formed in 1936, are at Kingswood School Theatre with the story of the man and cat who went looking for those streets of gold and ended up a mayor. www.bathunityplayers.co.uk

Now that’s what I call a Christmas tree! at Westonbirt Aboretuem

Birchenough is the leading lady in Theatre Royal Bath’ pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which is playing until 12 January. Oh. Yes. She. Is.

Where will you be spending Christmas Day this year?

Christmas is a big deal for the Birchenoughs! So I’ll be heading back up to Cheshire for the day to spend it with family. I have a niece and nephew who are 3 and 18 months, so can’t wait to spend a magical day with them.

What Christmas song will you be singing along to?

Fairytale of New York. It’s Christmas in a song.

What is your favourite Christmas TV show?

I cannot wait for the Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special! I’ve done four pantos with the gorgeous Melanie Walters who plays Gwen and have been trying to get a couple of spoilers out of her since they announced this year’s special. (It hasn’t worked.)

What is your favourite Christmas guilty pleasure snack?

Anything from a selection box. I’m not sure what it is, but a

chocolate bar from a selection box just hits differently to chocolate obtained any other way.

What’s the best festive film ever?

I grew up with Miracle on 34th Street on repeat at Christmas, and I’m not sure anything will ever top it.

Best cracker joke

What is it called when a snowman has a temper tantrum? A meltdown.

Best festival gift ever received I’d say a trip to Rome was a pretty special gift, and the pizza in Rome was even better!

Your go to for Christmas giving I love to give a ‘doing’ gift. An experience, tickets or day out –anything that creates memories rather than material things.

What was your most memorable Christmas?

I have family in the Isle of Man and spent a fair few Christmases over there growing up. I have such fond memories of spending Christmas morning wrapped up down on the beach.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Olivia, centre, as Snow White, with panto pals Jon Monie as Muddles and Nick Wilton as Dame Dilly

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

A flurry of last minute suggestions from the bookmeister himself

“Books like these can be the saviourssurprise when it comes to gifting time”

This issue of Bath Life is scheduled to hit ee es r e pre C r s s rry r y s rry e er pre s r re y e e ese

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ey e s r e y r ppe Why Fish Don’t Exist s s e se s see y p e y se e se s e se ers yers y ree

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s p s p e e r s er res er s p y rr e es r e spe es

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e e s p s e rse es e er e s ress e se e re e Wolf Moon y res s r s e

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Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com

HOLIDAY SEASON & THE NEW YEAR

Extravaganza

at Christmas: Sara Pascoe, Tim Key, Rhys James, Ivo Graham, & more

Legend: The Music of Bob Marley

Photo courtesy of Coal Poet Media

FASHION

THE GLITTERATI

Tis the season to go forth and shine bright

By Marianne Cantelo

With our alarm clocks rudely waking us while the sulky, somnolent sky outside is dark and unwelcoming, it’s a struggle to resist the cocooning comfort of the bed covers. Facing the weather lottery and twitching aside the curtains, you may reveal driving, drenching rain or hair whipping wind. Even on the brightest of days, quick surveillance spots treacherous ice on mirrorlike pavements and leaves frozen to a crunch, scattered recklessly by the trees to trip, trap and thwart your movements.

Unfortunately the option to hibernate isn’t open to us humans and instead of hopping back into bed and nestling in ourbed linen until spring, we need a few psychological tricks to make us feel ready to go outside. Materials and textiles that are as appealing as duvets and pillows, keeping us safe against the elements but

often lack lustre, colour or style. As always, we can learn lessons from creation, with nature inspired designs to help us decorate and warm ourselves, during these bleak mid-winters when frosty winds make moan.

Like raindrops on a spider web, sequins return to our clothing, year after year – practically useless, but brightening our clothes and mood like little solar shards. Do you dare to adorn yourself with them during the day? To maximise what diminishing sun we have, it seems like a moral obligation to spread happiness by wearing them as much as you can. If you pair a gold sequin jacket with cobwebby soft wool or jersey trousers in taupe or cream, it’s e r ess y s r e erse e try a sequin trouser or skirt and enjoy the swish as you walk, evoking the sound of whisking your way through fallen leaves, and scattering sunshine in your wake. If the thought of being a walking

disco ball isn’t your thing, a mini bag with oversized sequins is a great nod to that e giant sequin mini dress (go Google if you aren’t sure – you’ll know the one ), instant luminosity without projecting attention seeking vibes.

“Like raindrops on a spider web, sequins return to our clothing”

3 2 1

SHOPPING LIST

1. Essentiel Antwerp Guepe embroidered sweatshirt, £240, www.square.store

2. Jily skirt in salmon by Baum Und Pferdgarten, was £199, now £99.50, www.graceandmabel.co.uk

3. The Frankie clutch – sequin party edition, £80, www.anthropologie.com

While most of the trees have shed their leaves, they compensate with icy, gem bedecked branches, bare beauty e e e e s and don’t reserve your statement sparkling earrings e e p r y e r them day and night and er y r s y r own portable lighting. Add more colour and dimension to your wintery knits by stacking bangles on your arms, or if you are more minimalist, a simple gold and crystal bracelet to add a subtle twinkle. Necklaces are big and bold this winter and the sun is literally captured in pendants and necklaces with huge gold discs referencing Mayan art, these look radiant juxtaposed with otherwise moody, earth tweeds and inky night sky blacks. Consider the beauty of evergreens in the winter, art imitating life by crowning your hair with a bejewelled head band or tiara, frosting your owntresses and bringing a little more joy to the everyday. Embellishment shouldn’t be restricted to your jewellery and if you prefer to keep your hands and hair free from annoyance, opt for a beaded belt or bag. Over-sized belts are everywhere this season and you can elevate and update your old winter coat by cinching it in with a brazen and blingy buckle that brightens and blazes out into the dull world.

So for those walks through the woods on these cold winter days, to witness the tender last er s ss e e per e r crisp ground and shrubs, think cosy and opulent – wrap yourself in rich velvet and fake fur in forest green,berry like dark blues, and damson-y p rp es e r fi s just add a little sparkle.

Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The charity has 25 high-street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items, which provide a large part of its income, plus it also has an online shop. For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Photograph: Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com

Hair and make up: Chantelle Moody

Models: Tash Kings and Angelica Baines

Styling: Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker

Clothes: Sourced from Dorothy House charity shops; www.dorothyhouse.shop

As we age, life brings unique challenges – from coping with loss and adjusting to life transitions, to managing chronic health issues and the effects of progressive conditions – it can feel overwhelming at times. But now there is a new way forward, Arbor Neurorehabilitation Services is proudly launching its new 'Later Life and Dementia Service'. This new service brings together a team of professionals with the expertise and experience to support you and your loved ones in a timely and compassionate way.

Led by Dr. Jo Keightley, a clinical psychologist, and Astrid Siddorn, a dementia nurse specialist, Arbor offers the kind of personalised, empathetic care that only decades of experience can provide. Jo has been later-life specialist in Bath for 25 years, leading a local NHS team before transitioning to independent practice last year. Astrid, with over 25 years in the NHS and 12 as a dementia nurse specialist in hospital, brings extensive expertise and compassionate care to this vital work.

Introducing a new service for Bath and beyond NAVIGATING LATER LIFE AND DEMENTIA

As Bath based professionals for many years, Jo and Astrid bring with them a unique expertise in later-life and dementia care that is informed by practical knowledge of local systems, established and trusted relationships with other care providers and a profound understanding of the community. They can navigate local, complex systems more effectively, making it easier to connect families with the right resources and ensuring smoother transitions between care levels.

“At Arbor, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach,” explains Dr. Keightley. “Our goal is to build a relationship of trust with each person we support, so that as needs change, we’re there to adapt alongside you.”

Arbor’s new service aims to be a reliable safety net, offering timely, tailored care when you need it – whether you’re adjusting to a diagnosis, seeking family support, managing home-based care, or preparing for a transition to a new living arrangement. We know the value of early intervention and that it can make a profound difference, helping individuals maintain

independence and enhancing quality of life for as long as possible.

Our comprehensive, integrated team includes allied health professionals such as speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and clinical neuropsychologists, providing seamless support with the convenience of a single, trusted source of care.

If you or a loved one are facing the challenges of later life or dementia, the team at Arbor can offer the guidance, expertise and support you need. With a personal, tailored approach Dr Jo Keightley and Astrid Siddorn are here to help you navigate your journey, ensuring you live well, with dignity and support every step of the way. n

For more information, to have a discussion or to make a referral visit www.arbor-neuro.com, email info@arbor-neuro.com or call 0117 2872088

Dr Jo Keightley Astrid Siddorn

A place of worship where dishes are conjured from visions of elephants on magic carpets

By Sarah Moolla

o w e flow o ones s m n an en o e e

I’m trying to chat to Mr Menu Gordon Jones about the meal I’d recently enjoyed at his Bear Flat restaurant. I say ‘meal’ – it was actually a creative, inventive and quite sublime eight course tasting menu. And I say ‘enjoy’, but it was more of a what-theactual, mind blown, type reaction. And I say ‘chat’ but actually I’m mainly listening to this high-energy, enthusiastic, and very droll chef talk magic carpets, crockery obsession, and idiots on Trip Advisor. And that’s in between the many interruptions of the wet Wednesday lunchtime diners coming over to shake his hand, have their picture taken, and pronounce him a genius.

As I watch the spiritually uplifted congregation fi e re r s e e r ye course it is,’ he remarks dryly in his Scottish, with a touch of Brummie, brogue. “That’s why I had my face on that glass window” – and he points to a beautiful stained glass window in which an aproned Gordon is immortalised in shining jewel es e y es s s es fis es e r s e ee s s is my church, so they can come and worship.” pe e e e e es y Saturdays, with holidays taken at random, and only 23 covers per sitting, Menu Gordon Jones is a law unto itself. All waiting lists, and IYKYK vibes. I’m far too impatient and disorganised for all that queuing behind the velvet rope nonsense, but the gospel of Menu Gordon Jones is one I’ve heard preached for nigh on 13 years now – from the minute he opened up on the corner of a busy junction on the Wellsway. I admit, I’ve surreptitiously tried to peek in when walking past, and wondered at all those smiling faces; I have giggled at the recently acquired huge light box s s s er e e s p area (and which I think is visible from Keynsham); and I have listened with interest to the MGJ evangelical recite their menu highs. But I’ve never actually got round to ‘getting my name on the door’, but now, now after dining the MGJ way (see box out for our menu), you can count me in as one of the faithful. Interviewing Gordon, who learnt his craft the traditional way, e e y es e fi e s r e s & C e e r e y Cres e e s s pe as provocative as his dining experience – he will talk about everything y es s y fi er e s e r share the gossip, and won’t spare the horses. From having no money as a kid which drives his work ethic today to the stultifying stupidity of e e s r pr ess e es s e ey es y firs

DINING DETAILS

class. He loves good clothes, vegetables, and luxury hotels. He adores his young son Leo and his partner Amelia (who also works at MGJ and s s e e e e r r e his own favourite dishes is duck with ice cream, and he’s never had a dish go wrong. He hates dirty restaurants, unmotivated teens, privileged snobs, and is particularly vocal about the idiot on Trip Advisor who called him toxic for ranting about vegans and vegetarians. But did you do that? “Well, I might have. I don’t remember a lot of what I say. What I might have said is that it annoys me when these supposed vegetarians and vegans turn up but they’re wearing leather mini skirts and don’t really care how their wine is made.”

Menu Gordon Jones, 2 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 3AQ. tel: 01225 480871; www.menugordonjones.co.uk

Opening hours Lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday; booking essential

Prices Tasting menu £102 per person; with wine flight, £187

Our menu for 8 November 2024

BAG OF BUTTERIES – Rolly’s, goats milk and Hungarian honey truffle butter

CUP OF SOUP – Salt baked celeriac mousse

DAY BOAT SQUID – Cornish squid, buttered English tomatoes, Rouille, Gruyere crouton, melon and jalapeno sorbet

GURNARD – Poached Cornish gurnard, chervil roots, swede, Roscoff onions, red wine fish sauce PIGEON, PORK & POTATOES – Roast wood pigeon, stuffed Middle White pig trotter, dauphinoise, January King cabbage, curry sauce

CHEESE ON TOAST Shropshire blue, sourdough crackers, piccalilli, apple & candied walnut DESSERT – Liquorice crowdie, Bilberry jam, marigold leaf sorbet, cinnamon waffles

SWEET TREATS – Carrot cake, pumpkin chocolate, and nasturtium macaron

You can see his point, and to be honest, if you’re heading to Menu Gordon Jones with a list of ‘non life threatening’ dietary requirements, you should probably just turn around and go to one of the million other restaurants in Bath that will happily accommodate you. This really is a little p e ere y s e of Mr Jones’s mind and enjoy the ride. “I cook r se fis re s s s se r fi I create through my imagination, more than s s e p re y rpe elephants sat on it, zooming through a sparkly sky – then that’s the dish I want to create. I think – what colours do I need, what texture is that, is the magic carpet going over a desert? And then from that, I draw up my list of ingredients from what’s available, in season, what I’ve foraged...” The menus change daily, with Amelia often typing them up minutes before opening “She needs r e y e se e and then forget what I said.” So while you won’t know what surprises land on your plate (you get the menu on departure), it’s guaranteed playful, punchy and never to be forgotten.

Before I leave he gives me a backstage tour of the restaurant – I’m expecting some huge reveal of a large expanse of bright white highceiling kitchen, but instead it’s a twisty, turny, tiny corkscrew of a space with a small prep area, a single fridge freezer, an inordinate amount of huge high cupboards housing the most extraordinary crockery, a battered r r r e s rs se r r s r e lead to nowhere. It’s as unexpected, seemingly chaotic, and as intriguing as the man himself.

If you’ve not been to Menu Gordon Jones yet? Well come let us adore him. And if you have, then we’re singing from the same hymn sheet. Peace be upon us.

The gourmet scene is strutting its s s se s e ess r s e leftover chestnuts pair perfectly with braised red cabbage and apples. December is the month of turkey and geese, with the fi es ese e ere r e s spe y r se for the festive feast. This month’s pick may not be an obvious choice, as we often connect seasonality with fruit and vegetables or meats like lamb or venison. We are shining a light on eese spe fi y e ery y s r e e cheese, stilton.

re y fi s ye r r this one is the mainstay of any Christmas cheeseboard, and stilton’s charm depends on the cows’ milk. The second growth of grass in September is the most ideal in terms of milk pr fi e r s s e e e winter months, the milk that produces stilton

TIS THE C

Why Verity’s loving a blue Christmas...

Stilton’s charm depends on the cows’ milk

will also come from cows nibbling on winter fodder instead of fresh grass and it’s this that gives extra richness to this beautiful streaky marbled cheese.

But making stilton isn’t a quick gig – it takes s fi ee ee s e s e es stilton production lands just in time for our C r s s es s y s fies s sp on the seasonal cheesy December calendar. The texture should be crumbly and soft, the taste rich, complex and intense, with creamy y spe s e y s y fi s lingers on the palate.

fi r fi s r

s per r e s e es e ss fie as proper stilton cheese must be made in one of

the three counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and use pasteurised local milk, so be sure to check the packaging or even better he e r y cheesemongers like Fine Cheese Company on ree r & fie ree Street for a quality piece stilton.

Stilton and port is the perfect way to extend e p s es e e s e e d any leftover stilton after that can be melted between bread with fresh blackberries or cranberry sauce to create a sensational accompanying for those Boxing Day and beyond turkey sandwiches. n

For more stilton and Christmas recipe inspiration visit e s ns a am o efla o

Bath City’s Premier Fine Dining Indian Restaurant

Where a taste of modernity comes with a touch of the classical!

New A La Carte Menu | New Drinks Menu | New Cocktail Menu | New Tasting Menu | New Group Menu

Open for bookings, including our Christmas set menu and party menus

Tasting Menu | Group Menus | Private Dining | Cocktails | Wines & Spirits | Roof Terrace | Outdoor Event Catering | Order Online

Mint Room, Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA23EB | 01225446656 | bath@themintroom.co.uk

OPEN: MONDAY - SUNDAY 5:30PM – 11PM | www.themintroom.co.uk *New Website Coming Soon

FESTIVE FEASTING

A silky, fragrant alternative to a Christmas pud

This silky extravagant crème brûlée would make a brilliant alternative to Christmas pudding if you want something slightly lighter that still ticks the festive indulgence box. It’s a zingy cranberry compote topped with a spiced custard, and a golden caramelised crust adorned with sugared raspberries.

The rich, velvety custard is made with the best eggs in Britain that happen to be produced just down the road in Lacock, Clarence Court eggs. Lacock is the home of the freerange home of traditional breed birds and we’re not just talking hens – there’s duck, quail, bantam, goose, guinea fowl, pheasant, ostrich, turkey and rhea eggs.

Spiced cranberry crème brûlée

Serves 6-8

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the raspberry compote

300g fresh or frozen cranberries (plus a few for garnish)

1 orange, zest and juice

1 cinnamon stick

2 cloves

75g caster sugar (plus extra for dusting)

For the crème brûlée

1 tablespoon spoon vanilla bean paste

1 cinnamon stick

Zest of 1 orange

700 ml double cream

7 Clarence Court Burford Brown egg yolks (keep the white in a food bag and freeze for another day)

2 tablespoons light soft brown sugar

Method

1 Pre-heat the oven to 140c (fan)/ 280 f/ gas mark 1.

2 To make the cranberry compote, place all of the ingredients in a medium sized saucepan.

3 Bring to the boil whilst stirring then reduce to a simmer. Allow to reduce for around 15 –

20 minutes stirring regularly until thickened and glossy. Add a little splash of water if it’s looking too thick. Allow to cool then remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.

4 To make the custard, add the vanilla bean paste, cinnamon stick and orange zest in a medium saucepan with the cream and place on a low heat. Allow the cream to steam and bubble very slightly (but not boil), stirring s y e r e e infuse. Remove the cinnamon stick.

5 Fill and boil the kettle then allow to cool whilst you carry on assembling the crème brûlée. Once the cream is cool add it to a blender with the egg yolks and sugar. Blitz well to combine. Spoon the cranberry compote into the ramekins fi e s e e s es into a deep roasting tray. Pour the custard into the ramekins until just full.

6 Place the tray of crème brûlée carefully into the oven then very slowly pour the water from the kettle into the roasting tray so the water reaches ¾ of the way up the ramekins. Make sure not to get water in the crème brûlées. Close the oven and bake for between 45 minutes – 1 hour (depending on the size of ramekin) or until just set.

7 Remove the ramekins from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

8 Just before serving take the reserved cranberries and roll around on a plate of caster sugar until lightly coated and place to one side. Sprinkle the tops of the crème brûlée with caster sugar and caramelise using a blow torch or place under the grill. Scatter over the cranberries and serve. n

For more: www.clarencecourt.co.uk

Perhaps because we are such a privileged city in the main, the injustices and inequalities in Bath can often appear all the more unfair, and the vast chasm between the city’s richest and poorest residents all the more gaping. There is an adage that whenever things feel bleak, look for the helpers. Fortunately, in Bath, there are many projects tackling some of the most pressing problems with creativity, innovative solutions and community mindedness. Here are just a few of the good news stories making our city better, for everyone.

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance

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

s r e s re

r e r er y s s re r e

s e s e re e s r e per re and it’s got refreshed branding to go along with it.

“Since moving our airbase in 2018, the charity has responded to more missions in the city of Bath than any other critical resource,” says Dave Philpott, chief executive

e ser e r e p er y s y e re and the surrounding villages in just four minutes and, over the last two years, Bath has been our second most attended area. Nothing will change clinically and the service will e s ys s s s s e re e s s r e r e

Ripple Effect

The Old Estate Yard, Newton St Loe, Bath; www.rippleeffect.org

e e se r y pp e e s ss

fi p er y s s e e s r r Africa. Projects led and delivered by local experts with a e ers e r es er r

in agroecological farming, which is sustainable farming that works with nature. A partnership of volunteer r es pp e e s s r with young people, women, refugees, and people with disabilities.

Emelyne, who is part of an all-female self help group in Burundi, has seen her income quadruple after taking p r pp e e r r s ee p es substitute them in recipes traditionally using wheat. Sweet p es re e sy r e r e er lots of nutrients, making them perfect for use in Burundi, where productivity and nutrition are priorities. Emelyne says, “I have decided to make donuts and chapatis every day now to meet the high demand. My income [from se s s fi y re se per ee

Another project in Uganda saw 2,948 similar new agri-businesses set up by young people who took p r pp e e r r

SAVING GRACE

How Bath’s charities are making our city better

By Lydia Tewkesbury

Ben Abbott, critical care paramedic with the recently renamed Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance

Farmers in Rwanda demonstrate the Ripple Effect of the sharing of resources, experiences and training

Jamie’s Farm

Ditteridge, Box; www.jamiesfarm.org.uk

Jamie’s Farm,which invites young people age 11-16 at risk e r s e s e per e e fi e y res e e s fi e r r s r e country, held a double celebration this year. This year the project, started by mother and son team Tish and Jamie Fielden, reached its 15-year anniversary, and a reached a milestone of 16,000 young people supported through its programmes.

e pr e s see re s pp r e y e e s take part in essential farm jobs including fence building, chopping wood, feeding and grooming animals and cooking for each other – all without their phones, which they are asked to give up at the beginning of the week.

The technique works, with half of the children at risk of exclusion no longer at risk six months after a stint at a Jamie’s Farm project, and 65 per cent also showing improved relationship skills like communication and empathy after the residential experience.

the farm

“A milestone of young16,000 people throughsupported its programmes”

Designability

Department D1, Wolfson Centre, Royal United Hospital, Bath; www.designability.org.uk

Bath-based disability charity, Designability has launched a Christmas appeal to bring more of its Wizzybug wheelchairs to children in need. The wheelchairs, provided through a free loan scheme thanks to kind donations from the charity’s supporters, help children like Bobby, who was se sp r p y ype s months old, after his parents noticed he wasn’t putting on weight.

Bobby received his Wizzybug at the age of two which transformed his life, as his dad explains, “Once he started driving Wizzybug, there was no stopping him. There was no fear in him – he was so happy.” Now six, Bobby is thriving: the youngest player on his wheelchair football team and doing great in school, he’s also earned himself the title of ‘chatterbox’. His parents credit Wizzybug for much of their son’s progress. “Without it, we don’t know where Bobby would be – physically, socially or emotionally.”

The Big Banes 100K

www.bath5kmap.org

The Big BANES 100K raised £6,500 for life-changing services for children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset. The project was a partnership of youth r es e r s e e r

The Bath 5k Map that encouraged fundraisers to “walk, run, cycle, swim, skate, kayak, or do it your way” to reach a 100km goal. The 100K was the latest collaboration between the two charities and The Bath 5k map, which so far in all has raised £12,500.

In 2023, the charities joined forces with the map’s creator, Annie Legge, who made the book of 50 circular 5k walks in memory of her niece, Cerys, who took her own life at e se e r s e e r s e efi r es per e p pr fi s e y divided between the charities. In October, Annie revealed a second edition of the map to include wild swimming spots and places to eat, still with beautiful illustrations by local artist Ellie Shipman, sponsored by Bath businesses including Knight Frank and Caliunity.

ReMind UK

The ReMind Centre, Royal United Hospital, Bath; www.reminduk.org

e r er y C s e r e campaign, the Getting Ahead of Dementia campaign featuring local artist Sarah Krathwoh. It aims to raise funds and awareness of the charity’s work to develop research into dementia treatments, provide memory assessment and diagnosis services, as well as their post

Jamie’s Farm’s projects involve residentials to help with work on

Bobby is a whizz in his Designability Wizzybug

The Big BANES 100K raised £6,500 for life-changing services

Sarah Creeth receives support from ReMind UK

CHARITIES

s s s pp r r es e e y e e

“The support I’ve had from the team at ReMind UK s e y e e s s s e pe e s s er r s s ys r s e s s e r

e per e ry ser e e s e p r s e

e r rses e e s e rse es e ee

s e pe p e e ee r e y ppr e

ee re fi e e re y

s re y y e s re s y e p

s e ese rses s pe p e

important ReMind UK’s support is for people living with e e s s

Julian House

27 Rosewell Court, Kingsmead, Bath; www.julianhouse.org.uk

se s e e e e r y ss r es re e r r s s e

The Wire and The Crown. The appointment is a major r r e r y s pp r s er e r s s e per e e ess ess es p es se s e r es pe p e

ee s pp r er e pr s

s ys e fi e ye rs s e s r p e y e pe see e pr e e ess ess s s r er s see s e e e ss e pr sper s p e e e s see re r se es e e s e e p

Off The Record

Open House Centre, Manvers Street, Bath; www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk

se y r y e e r s ppe r s r s ers ry pes r se r e res ppe e se s pp r er represe e r ps y pe p e & s e s e ser e r y pe p e er e s ye r e p s e pr e ry pr r e e s pp r ys y e & s pp r C e es r e pr e e C e e s r y pe p e y pe p e r

“The charity respondedhas to more missions in the city of Bath than any criticalother resource”

Phil Wickens and Sara Barna of Bath Welcomes Refugees, with Alce Harfield centre and her fundraising Glastonbury painting

e ppe s re resp se e r s s y pe p e s e e e r y see per e re se re err s e s ye rs e e pe

Bath Welcomes Refugees

www.bathwelcomesrefugees.org.uk r s r r er e rfie e er s pp r e eer e p r s e es e ees e r y s re e r s r e e r y r esses e y e p re ees sy see ers ee e e e y s r e prese rfie s sp er p s s ry yr e per r e r e er r e r re r p e ee s per s er r r

St John’s Foundation

45 Chapel Row, Bath; www.stjohnsbath.org.uk  s es r y e s s ye r e e e r e s r y re r e pr ry s re e e r e s r e s re r se e s s pr e e s ry called The Day the Alien Came e e

Off The Record works to support under represented young people in Bath

Ambassador Dominic West with the Julian House team

based children’s author Stewart Foster, children from St Martin’s Garden Primary School, St Michael’s Junior Church School, Twerton Infant School and Nursery, St Keyna Primary School, Roundhill Primary School, Castle Primary School, and St Mary’s Church of England Primary School created the story of an alien, Jai, who goes on an epic Earth adventure after his spaceship crash lands in Bath. The book is brought to life with illustrations by Andrew Prescott, and the proceeds will go to help stock the libraries at all the contributing schools, which support 40 per cent of the region’s most under-served children.

You can pick up your copy now via the St John’s Bath website.

Bath City Farm

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

It was fantastic news for the community when Bath City Farm met its crowdfunding goal. The farm launched its appeal on 24 July in a bid to tackle rising costs, grow its vital services and to help maintain the 37-acre site. Locals came forward enthusiastically to support, and the r er r se er e er fi e weeks. Even better, match funding from Aviva Community Fund will help further sure-up the farm’s future. e r r e y ers r e pr e s for children, young people and adults of all ages with mental health concerns and additional needs, as well as providing a fun, low-cost day out for Bathonians.

Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases

Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath; www.birdbath.org.uk

The Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (BIRD) has r r s e r s e r ess e

for those living with rheumatic diseases like arthritis.

BIRD’s strong programme of patient-led communication, events, webinars and podcasts gained national recognition at the Patient Experience Network National Awards, where they were named runner-up in the ‘communicating e e e y p e s e ry

BIRD’s patient and public engagement team has worked hard to respond to calls for more in-person re e r e e s pe p e e e y r r s y running more webinars and a podcast series on rheumatic diseases that has now had 25,000 listens and covers treatment, research, patient support and wellbeing.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home

The Avenue, Claverton Down, Bath; www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk

Bath Cats and Dogs Home has joined forces with Electric Bear Brewing Co. to raise funds. The Bath-based brewer has cooked up a brand new beer, A Round of a Paws. The citrus pale ale will be available until January in Bath pubs and online, and for each pint or can sold, 30p will go to the animal rescue charity, which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes over 700 animals a year. You can purchase the beer via the Electric Bear’s website.

The Day the Alien Came was written by 192 local primary school children

A recent crowdfunder has helped Bath City Farm maintain the 37-acre site and services

Bath Cats and Dogs Home team helping pack Electric Bear’s new pale ale

Local rheumatic diseases charity attendees at this year’s RNHRD and BIRD Rheumatology research showcase

MY JOURNEY

Kurda Yar shares

her story of being a refugee to working

with Bath Welcomes Refugees

As operations officer of Bath Welcomes Refugees (BWR), Kurda Yar is responsible for overseeing the charity’s development. It’s a role that’s she’s best placed to understand more than most having been a refugee herself. With her life in danger – “I knew that sooner or later, I would be risking my safety, or even worse”– she made the difficult to decision to leave Iraq and found herself in Denmark, before eventually moving to the UK. Here she talks about being forced to make a dramatic life change, and her life now…

Tell us a little about your background... I am the seventh of eight children, and was born in the city of Slemani, in the Kurdish Regional Government of Northern Iraq.

Did you enjoy school?

Yes, I liked school and did well. The subjects I particularly loved were languages, literature, astronomy, archaeology, and medicine. One of my passions is drawing – I started at a young age and I have never stopped.

What was your first job?

After I graduated from my English literature and language degree in Erbil, Salahaddin University in 1996, I worked in various nongovernmental organisations teaching English. My last job in Iraq was with the International Committee of Red Cross which involved tracing people who were missing due to war or persecution.

Was this work dangerous at all?

s e s r y e p r fis

r e e e re s e fi employment stability. However, these two essentials did not give me any sense of security. I began to encounter some very real safety issues related to the sensitivity of my work interviewing ex-prisoners of wars and families of abducted and detained individuals and children. I began to realise a safe and secure life was not sustainable, and I needed to leave my homeland.

That must have been such a hard decision…

What was it like studying and working in Europe?

Tough, but ultimately rewarding. I learnt Danish, not an easy language to learn, and trained as a social worker. Because of my four languages [Kurda speaks Kurdish Sorani, Arabic, Danish and English] and experience it was e r r e r s r e fie re ees

..such as?

I worked as a consultant in the Ministry of Equality in Denmark. I was part of a working group developing curriculum about life in Denmark, rights and duties, societal structure to refugees and migrants in language centres for refugees and migrants in Denmark.

When did you come to the UK, and when did you start working with BWR?

I came to the UK in 2011 to do a master’s degree in public policy at Bristol University, and have been working in various organisations since e er fi s e r s rese r ss e e ers y centre for gender and violence research November 2022, and I applied r e r e per s er

Talk us through your BWR role

I look at the whole operation of the organisation, reviewing policies and procedures ensuring the implementation of them, and improving our services. BWR is going through lots of development as the organisation is rapidly growing very due to e es s se e p problems around the world.

“Leaving Iraq, at the age of 24, was one of the most c l ec s ons of my life”

e r e e s e e s e s s y e s e ee es p e y fatal consequences. Staying but facing persecution and an unknown future, or taking the risky journey away from my home hoping for a better life.

How do you feel now about having left Iraq?

I am very glad I made that decision. But there are many things I still miss about Slemani; sounds and smells and food, the light and the snow in winter. The high mountains and the sound of my own language. I still e firs r s

What is life like now for you?

My family is scattered around Europe, I have siblings in Denmark, Germany, and France. We meet as often as we can and still have some ties to Kurdistan. I live with my partner Rod and our two beautiful girls in a farmhouse on the outskirts of Bath and we are lucky enough to have a big garden, hens and two dogs.

What do you love about Bath?

I love that we have instant access to countryside but very close to a great city. I like the city of Bath very much. It is beautiful and generally a kind and safe place. I like belonging to it.

Any regrets?

My biggest regret is that the place of my birth, Kurdistan, has not become what it could have been.

And what is your hope for the future?

That the endless wars that have killed so many, and scattered countless millions far from their homes, diminish and cease. For more: www.bathwelcomesrefugees.org.uk

MID

VINYL

STEPPING UP

Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG) celebrated its second successful Volunteer Fair in October at the Bath’ s Apex Hotel. The day championed all things volunteering, and saw more than 300 potential new volunteers visit the 43 charity stalls who were showcasing their services. Becky Brooks, director at 3SG, says, “We suspect that there are many businesses who are keen to support local charities, but don’t know where to start. We hope that this was the beginning of a much closer dialogue between both the local business community and the Third Sector in B&NES, so that we can have really honest conversations about what is truly needed to do good in communities.”

For more: www.3sg.org.uk

ReMind

THE START OF SOMETHING BIG

EntreConf GO is inspiring the next generation

By Liam Jones

In a time of global challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially for young people dreaming of starting their own businesses. Recognising this, the inaugural EntreConf GO held at Komedia Bath on 19 November brought with it a wave of optimism and guidance for the 250 or so attendees eager to absorb knowledge and connect with likeminded individuals.

Throughout the day event, 25 seasoned and emerging business leaders shared their expertise with budding entrepreneurs aged 16 to 25, from tried-and-tested veterans to inspiring newcomers making their mark in the entrepreneurial world, all with the aim of equipping others with the tools, insights, and

“HAVING A PURPOSE IS ESSENTIAL”

encouragement they need to turn their ideas into reality.

One of the most inspiring moments of the day came during the keynote speech by Amanda Spicer, founder of Your Eco. Amanda shared her inspiring journey of transforming a passion project into a thriving multi-awarder fie C rp s ess

With candour, she emphasised the importance of having a purposedriven business model: “If you want to build a business, you have to pick it apart, get a team with knowledge across all elements, and then you can scale it from there. Having a purpose is essential. With a purpose, we are able to attract talent, which e e ess r y fi budget.” This message of aligning p rp se pr fi res e s r y e e e er a powerful reminder of what it takes to build something meaningful and enduring.

The conference also featured valuable insights from local innovators and industry stalwarts,

including representatives from Assembly West, Mytton Williams, Tech4Good, and many more. These professionals gave practical advice on topics ranging from the importance of a strong brand to how to navigate the complex world fi e s s r p founder, along with topics such as building resilience, mastering the art of pitching, leveraging the power of branding, and using business as a force for social good.

Also in the spotlight were some of Bath’s most promising young thinkers, including representatives from Aylmer’s Circus, Bowimi, Your Bath Guide, and Marvellous Babysitting. Their stories showcased the diverse range of opportunities available to young entrepreneurs willing to take a leap of faith and innovate.

Bob Mytton of Mytton Williams delivered a fascinating talk on the value of branding: “Our attention span is going down; we have seconds e firs press market that is extremely crowded.

Design and good branding have the power to make your brand, product, or service stand out in that environment, allowing you to connect with your audience.”

A recurring theme throughout the event was the value of mentorship and collaboration. Whether it’s advice from family, peers, or professional advisors, entrepreneurs rarely succeed in isolation. The message was loud and clear: don’t hesitate to seek guidance.

Many speakers also echoed the sentiment that learning doesn’t stop after formal education. In fact, the most successful entrepreneurs are those who continue to test, adapt, and grow.

As the day drew to a close, the sense of possibility was unmistakable, with Amanda Spicer’s words delivering the perfect take-home message: “The future is unwritten: it’s up to us as entrepreneurs and the Bath community to write it.”

For more: www.entreconf.com

ON THE UP

Work’ at the national UK IT Industry awards; s s r s e fi s r e C re Pioneer Brand Award’.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, owned and managed by Forestry England, has appointed arboriculturist and conservationist Dan Crowley as its new curator. Dan, who is Westonbirt’s former dendrologist and tree conservation manager, says, “I look forward to continuing to develop the collection for the benefit of future generations and ensuring that we fulfil our role as a modern botanic garden as we push towards our vision to be a world leader in trees.” www.forestryengland.uk

Bath-based Mayden, which is celebrating its 25th year, has received multiple regional r s r s r e fie of health tech. Accolades include at the recent EntreConf Awards where Mayden won both the ‘employer’ and ‘health and wellbeing’ categories. At the South West s ess e e r r s e firs e ‘innovations’ section; was highly commended for ‘Organisational Excellence – Best Place to

MAYDEN OF HONOUR ON THE TEAM

Chris May, founding director at Mayden says, “We’re proud to have received widespread recognition for our innovative approach to culture and organisational excellence at a regional, national, and international level. We aim to be innovative in everything we do, both through our ways of working, and through providing software to support healthcare professionals in delivering mental healthcare to their patients.”

For more: www.mayden.co.uk

COMMUNITY HUB

Bathford Village Shop & Café, operated by BEFA Limited, which as well as selling local produce is a gathering space for craft and board game groups has received the ‘More r C y s ess r from the Plunkett Foundation which celebrates rural community businesses that go above and beyond in serving their communities.

er e y s ys r r experience opportunities for young people to practical services like a cash machine, dry e ry ree fi s social groups, we strive to ensure there’s something here for everyone.”

For more: www.shopandcafe.weebly.com

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal United Hospitals Bath Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust have appointed Cara Charles-Barks as their Joint Chief Executive Officer. This appointment follows a decision by the Boards of each of the three Trusts earlier this year to establish a group model which will deliver better outcomes for the population they serve.  www.ruh.nhs.uk

Goughs Solicitors have been recognised as one of the South West’s leading law firms for the seventh year running by the prestigious Legal 500. Emma Taylor partner and head of the private client team says, “The commitment shown to our clients has been gratefully rewarded.” www.goughs.co.uk

se y fir r s s e

e e s e ers re e ee s s es recruitment round it has added four new apprentice roles: s r ees e s e r e e

Box, as well as admin trainee Charlotte Bennett, as well as recruited accounts assistant Bradley Sansom and three fully fie s e e e e ser e r e e s e e team.

Managing director Debbie Boulton says, “We are in the fortunate position of having a very heathy and loyal client portfolio and we envisage steady growth to continue, so like all the best businesses we are making sure that we have a great team in place so we will be able to continue to provide the high level of service our clients expect.”

For more: www.richardsonswift.co.uk

Health tech company Mayden have been celebrating recent awards and accolades

Left to right Bradley Sansom, Paige Kondratowicz, Sam Jeans, George Riccio, Ed Gould, Alex Wiffen, Charlotte Bennett and Katie Box

Manager Rachel Wyatt and chair of BEFA Sue Moore, centre, pick up the ‘More Than’ award

27 MARCH

Bath Life Awards at the Bath Forum; www.bathlifeawards. co.uk

23 APRIL Property Symposium at The M-Shed, Bristol; www. bathpropertyawards. co.uk

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2024

KOMEDIA BATH

LEISURE  AND TOURISM  WINNER

SPONSORED BY

Komedia’s manager Adrian Boreham on what it means for the community owned venue to win a Bath Life Award.

What prompted you to enter the Bath Life Awards earlier this year?

In 2023 we celebrated our 15th birthday at Komedia Bath with one of our community events – a free music festival, run in partnership with Bath Spa University – and it was on that night, as we reminisced about how far the venue had come and how much it had evolved, that we decided to enter the Awards.

What was it like being there on the night?

There were so many excellent and worthy organisations in our category that we honestly didn’t think we would win and because of this, we didn’t have any nerves –

“BACK TO PEAK FORM FOR THIS WILDLY, IMPRESSIVELY ECLECTIC HUB FOR PERFORMANCES WITH A REMARKABLY GRAND 549 SHOWS IN 2023”

A WORD FROM OUR JUDGES

we were just going to party and catch up with so many of our friends who were also there.

What were the highlights for you?

I was so pleased for Bath Bid to win the Platinum Award for The Safe Bus. We’ve worked with Nick Bishop and Allison Herbert r y ye rs e r they’ve put in to get The Safe Bus up and running. It’s a fantastic addition to the night time economy of Bath and, as was rightly highlighted, has saved the NHS over 300K.

For more:www.komediabath.co.uk | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

18 & 19 JUNE

EntreConf at The Watershed, Bristol; www.entreconf.com

GIFT SHOP

Gifted, the Bath-based stationery and calendar manufacturer, is joining Swantex, part of the Swan Mill Group, which is owned by David Byk. The acquisition came about by about a chance meeting as Nigel explains, “Bizarrely, David and I met at Heathrow many years ago when our plane to Hong Kong was cancelled and we were both on our way to the Canton fair.

“We worked out we were both staying at the same hotel so decided to race each other to the hotel in China from Heathrow and the loser buys the beers. We still disagree about who bought the beers but at that point I worked out we have a business ethos in common.”

For more: www.thegiftedstationeryco.com

Laurie Reese, Adrian Boreham and Edyta Murawska celebrate Komedia’s win at the Bath Life Awards

The Property Symposium returns 23 April

Nigel Parr, director of Gifted and David Byk, CEO of Swan Mill Group combine forces

in town and rural planning, architecture, urban design and heritage and conservation, and provide expert advice on a range of planning issues encompassing small scale development through to large schemes. Here we catch up with John…

Tell us a little about Arena Global Management (AGM)

We are about to celebrate our 15th anniversary, having been founded in 2009. We project manage the whole planning pr ess r s r fi s making our clients’ journeys as smooth as possible.

How did the come about?

After some big challenges after 9/11, I wanted to set up a

AGM has grown organically, and we now have over 100 live projects at any one time. We cover everywhere from Sussex to Cornwall and no project is too big or too small. My team are at the forefront of planning policy and their knowledge is invaluable to our clients and their aspirations for their land and property. We have recently taken on a graduate conservation architect so it’s exciting to be able to produce architectural plans in-house and have real time input as the drawings progress.

What’s your own background?

I went to what is now known as a sandwich degree at Bristol University in Civil

Engineering. I didn’t intend to go into planning in particular. I have always loved the property world and the like-minded, fun and pro-active people that are involved in it.

Is there an AGM motto? ‘If there is a way round it, we fi y p ers re e projects and we have a real ‘go get it’ attitude. We are also honest and won’t take on a project we don’t think will have a chance at being successful.

What are the highs and the lows you’ve experienced in continuing the business?

I have seen so many highs and lows in my long career in property and have always tackled them with the same ‘can do’ attitude. The new budget is going to present its challenges for any progress in the country from any of our clients’ personal and professional point of view.

Any AGM moment you have been particularly proud of?

Winning at appeal for Barchester Healthcare for a new care home in the old Wandsdkye business center in Bath. The vandalised derelict site was originally supported by the planning er r e ers local residents. Thanks to our HM Inspectorate progress is now underway, which will see a great facility for those who truly need it as well as tidying up this prominent site in Bath.

How have you developed professionally?

I am learning to not micromanage! Trust is everything, and I have a great team headed up by my wife Amanda, and our head of planning Ed Downing.

How might you describe your key clientele?

That’s a tricky one to answer! We work on everything from major developments, land promotion and corporate applications to residential extensions and changing windows on a listed buildings, which means we work with so many ere pe p e

“I AM LEARNING TO NOT MICROMANAGE”

Any advice to someone who would like to do similar?

The country is very short of planners so it’s a fantastic time to guarantee a good career and a well paid job straight from university. You don’t actually need a planning degree you just need a forensic mind, a good work ethic and a commitment to your team and your clients.

How does being Bath-based help your business?

Listed buildings is one of our fie s e per se s ere s always plenty of work. As well as many private homes and several old banks, we are currently working for the Theatre Royal on a new community venue which will be an exciting addition to this incredible Grade II* building. We also work with so many s s & e them our business, and we are big supporters of the charity the Bath Rugby Foundation and the incredible work they do.

Time over, anything you might approach differently?

I think I would have become more involved in the national political planning scene to be able to give input from those at the coal face and to demonstrate how their decisions and policies e pr ress

Finally, share with us a little known fact about yourself

I learnt to pole vault and managed to get a sports s rs p fie and ultimately compete for Great Britain. This no doubt this gave me an in-built drive to aim high, jump over any obstacle and ultimately succeed!

FIRST CLASS HOSPITALITY

Treat yourself with a premium experience at BATH RUGBY this season

Watch Bath Rugby in style this season with a premium hospitality experience. Combining delicious food and drinks, player and legend appearances, a vibrant atmosphere, and great entertainment, Bath Rugby’s premium experiences are the perfect way to create memorable matchdays. View our matchday experiences to find what suits you best. Then get in touch with our Hospitality Team to make your visit to The Rec spectacular.

THE BLUE, BLACK & WHITE CLUB

@

THE PAVILLION

The Blue, Black & White Club @ The Pavilion, located next the Vyoo (South) Stand, is the perfect location, holding up to 350 guests –promising a great atmosphere with first class entertainment. You’ll enjoy:

• A three-course meal

• Beers, wines and soft drinks for two hours prematch (GOLD) or card payment bar (SILVER)

• Q&A preview with members of the Bath Rugby squad

• Bath Rugby Pol Roger Performance of the Match competition

• Match tickets under the roof

• Post-match cheeseboard

• Beers, wines and soft drinks for one hour postmatch (GOLD) or card payment bar (SILVER)

• Post-match review from with current Bath Rugby player or legend

Gold from £220 + VAT pp Silver from £185 + VAT pp.

THE BLUE, BLACK & WHITE CLUB @ THE BIRD

The Bird, part of the Kaleidoscope hotel group, is a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking The Rec. With outstanding food and a buzzing atmosphere, The Bird is the perfect setting for a premium matchday experience. Members of our Bath Rugby squad will also visit pre-match to provide their insights and score predictions. Post-match guests are also welcome to join us in our Legends’ Lounge, situated at The Rec. Here is what you can look forward to:

• A three-course meal

• Beers, wines and soft drinks

• Match preview with members of the Bath Rugby Squad

• Match tickets under the roof

• Post-match access to the Legends’ Lounge

• Upgrade to include champagne and spirits

From £195 + VAT pp

From £225 + VAT pp to include champagne and spirits.

READ WHAT OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY:

“We had a fantastic time thank you, the evening went down really well. The welcome was so warm and helpful, the food was excellent and I think the boys had plenty of liquid refreshments! Bath Rugby demonstrated why there are revered by so many and we will not hesitate in coming again.” – Nigel

“I just wanted to say thank you for an amazing weekend, we all had a great time, the hospitality was great, the staff were super friendly, and the team had a great result.” – Paul

UPCOMING

STANDOUT FIXTURES

We are currently taking bookings for the following fixtures at The Rec:

• Bath Rugby v Gloucester (weekend of Saturday 22 March, kick-off TBC)

• Bath Rugby v Harlequins (weekend of Saturday 29 March, kick-off TBC)

How to book: contact our Hospitality Team (hospitality@bathrugby.com) who will help you with your enquiry. Alternatively, visit https://www.bathrugby.com/ premium-experiences

The Bird Hotel

Luxury

MEET THE FAMILY LAWYER

From marital breakdowns to establishing child access, these are the local experts who can help guide us through the tough times

JAYNE MARTINS

PARTNER, FAMILY | HEAD OF THE FINANCIAL REMEDIES TEAM

RWK GOODMAN 01225 730 185 www.rwkgoodman.com/family

What are the rewarding parts of the job?

I have the privilege of really helping clients who are often going through a very difficult time. I enjoy seeing clients emerge from the separation far stronger than when they started. Watching clients start a new life is truly rewarding.

What is one of the biggest mistakes you see your clients making?

Making life-changing decisions without all the information. We often help clients who are in crisis and they can make important decisions impulsively, often led by their emotions, rather than really thinking through all the options. It is my job to encourage them to really consider it and make sure they have all the relevant information and advice before making big decisions.

What was your first job?

I worked in a pharmacy in Torquay, serving behind the counter. I initially wanted to be a pharmacist, so it was great experience. I then decided that science A-Levels weren’t for me and a legal career beckoned.

KATHERINE LAUDER

PARTNER, FAMILY | HEAD OF CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC ABUSE TEAM

RWK GOODMAN 01225 730 100 www.rwkgoodman.com/family

What do you specialise in?

I advise and help parents who are no longer in a relationship, and who need to establish arrangements for their children. This often involves advising on a range of complex issues and ensuring children are protected from harm. Parents often seek advice regarding where their children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and which school they will attend.

I also specialise in advising grandparents and other extended family members, and I represent children through their court-appointed Cafcass guardians. I help victims of domestic abuse to protect themselves (and their children), and where required, assist them to access support services and to obtain urgent protective orders. I head up our specialist children and domestic abuse team who practice from our Bath and Bristol offices.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Having the privilege of meeting with and advising individuals, often at times when they are in extremely distressing and stressful circumstances. I love helping individuals to prioritise and protect their children and achieve child-centred outcomes. I get great satisfaction from assisting victims of domestic abuse, who have bravely taken the step of seeking help. I’m proud that we offer a free of charge 30-minute initial appointment, and that in addition to privately funded services, we continue to offer legal aid.

Jayne Martins

Katherine Lauder

RICHARD SHARP

SHARP FAMILY LAW

01225 448955

www.sharpfamilylaw.com

What do you specialise in?

Helping separating and divorcing clients to protect children, preserve assets, and limit the destruction and cost that too often occurs when relationships breakdown.

What are the misconceptions around what you do?

There can be a belief that divorce must be fought in court. After over 35 years as a family solicitor, I truly believe every divorce is unique. No one process or outcome works for every family, including court litigation. Once I’ve listened to my clients’ concerns and priorities, I help them select the right approach for their divorce or family issue, advocating a constructive approach to divorce that strives to preserve and not destroy.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Solving client concerns – helping them go from despair to hope, and from fear to security, so they can move forward with their lives.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Founding Sharp Family Law, a firm focused on minimising the financial and emotional cost of divorce and supporting clients to secure the best outcome for themselves and their families.

REBECCA EELS

PARTNER, STONE KING 01225 337599

www.stoneking.co.uk

What do you specialise in?

I am a highly experienced family lawyer and mediator having worked in this area of law for over 25 years. In particular, I specialise in complex cases involving children and complicated divorce matters. Recognising that every family breakdown is unique, I tailor my approach to address the specific needs and circumstances of each client. I have particular expertise in handling divorce finances, especially when there are significant assets involved, such as large pension funds, businesses, or substantial capital.

Having extensive experience in both children and financial matters, I am able to assist those families where they may have both children and financial issues to resolve, thereby ensuring continuity throughout the course of their separation.

What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce?

My key advice would be to seek legal advice, even if you think your divorce is amicable. It’s easy to assume that if both parties are getting along, there’s no need for professional guidance. However, divorce can have long-term financial,

HANNAH FRANCIS

FAMILY SOLICITOR, GOUGHS SOLICITORS

01225 899500

www.goughs.co.uk

What do you specialise in?

I am a solicitor within the Goughs family law team and I practice in lots of areas under the umbrella of family law. This commonly includes advising individuals on the division of their finances upon divorce, or arrangements for how children spend time with their parents on separation. I am also part of our domestic abuse team and advise on protective orders and injunctions.

emotional, and legal consequences that may not be immediately obvious, even in the most amicable of situations.

A solicitor can help you understand your rights, clarify any legal obligations, and ensure that any agreements made are fair, reasonable, and enforceable. Divorce involves important decisions about assets, property, finances, and children’s arrangements. Having a legal professional guide you through the process can help you make informed decisions that protect your interests and prevent potential issues down the line.

Even if both parties are in agreement, it’s important to have the proper legal framework in place to ensure that everything is settled in a way that’s legally binding and reflects your best interests. Early legal advice can save time, money, and stress in the long run.

What is the biggest mistake you see your clients making?

What are the rewards from your job?

I love interacting with people and building trusted relationships with our clients. Anyone who seeks support from a family solicitor is often experiencing a difficult event in their life and I pride myself on providing a judgment-free, safe space for our clients to get the help and guidance they need. Also, no two families are the same and I enjoy that because of this, everyday is different.

Not obtaining advice in the early stages. There can be so much misinformation online about how certain assets are treated as part of a divorce, or (and I hate to say it) relying on experiences which family or friends have had. The legislation which governs both how assets are divided upon divorce and arrangements for children facilitate each family’s individual circumstances to be taken into consideration, and it isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Therefore, it is important that specific advice is taken when clients feel ready so that they are properly informed.

If you weren’t working in the legal world what would you be doing?

I would definitely open an independent coffee shop with a library upstairs! Anybody who knows me, knows that I am such a bookworm and what better to accompany a good book than good coffee?! Maybe a selection of warm pastries too!

PROPERTY

PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Residential

LOOK OUT FOR NUMBER

Four prestigious apartments at one of Bath’s most soughtafter addresses have been brought to the market by Savills. No.1 Sion Hill Place is the redevelopment of an important Grade I listed Georgian building. The substantial doublefronted property was designed by John Pinch the Elder in 1818 and expanded in the 1930s to incorporate the façade of a John Wood the Elder house, meticulously reconstructed stone by stone. Its interior was redesigned in 1936 for Ernest Cook, grandson of travel pioneer Thomas Cook, using e e e s r C es erfie se es s er e e residence of Princess Mary.

Situated on the upper slopes of Bath, the six-storey pr per y s e e y s fi es res e es r er a century before becoming home to a private school. Now, the building has been converted into a collection of r s p r e s er e p r ry a historic setting.

The original entrance to the building leads to a grand hall with an exquisite stone cantilever staircase at its centre. There is also a lift from the r e r r rarity in period conversions.

The two, three and four bedroom apartments, with a guide price starting at £1.2million, are individually designed to make the most of the building’s original features, which include high ceilings, ornate cornicing and mouldings, cast iron radiators and large sash windows.

For more: www.savills.co.uk

INSET: The Grade I listed Georgian building was designed by John Pinch the Elder in 1818

The No.1 Sion Hill Place conversion was designed to retain many of the property’s original features

Interiors GRAND DESIGNS

Rangeford Villages who specialise in luxury retirement living for the 60+ community and own Wadswick Green in Corsham, is collaborating with acclaimed British interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. As the newly appointed design curator, Laurence will be bringing his creative maximalism approach to the Rangeford’s developments.

“As you get older you must not stop being brave, you must not compromise, and you must not think, I’m old now, so I’d better turn down the volume,” says Laurence, who rose to fame as the charismatic and bold designer on the BBC’s home makeover show, Changing Rooms. “Rangeford has proven it’s about keeping the volume up, keeping up the rock ‘n’ roll, and keeping the excitement.

“Design is there to help, it is there to make you feel a lot better about who you are, where you are and how you live – this collaboration is the perfect example of that.”

For more: www.rangefordvillages.co.uk

Architecture

A STRONG BUILD

Bath-based Grant Associateshas played a key role in the landscape architecture of one of Europe’s most advanced healthcare facilities Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH).

Grant Associates’ landscape vision for the west Birmingham hospital is centred around biophilic design, connecting people with nature to support both physical and mental health. The design provides a narrative on the canal side location and habitats, and features expansive views onto courtyards, terraces and roof gardens to support a strong inside/outside relationship, connecting this large building with its natural surroundings.

Peter Chmiel, director at Grant Associates, says, “This is a landmark project for the West Midlands, er s e e r e re es landscape designed to foster health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.We’re very proud to have played our part in designing an environment where nature is very much at the heart of modern healthcare.”

For more: www.grant-associates.uk.com

Bath architects Grant Associates helped design Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is changing the rooms at the Corsham retirement home, Wadswick Green

OLIVIA SWEET

Paralegal,

Residential Property

How did it feel to win a Bath Property Award?

I was thrilled! It’s such an achievement and one I’m incredibly proud of. I’m genuinely excited about my future in the property sector.

Where do you keep the Award?

AWARD WINNERS

It’s taken pride of place in my office, and colleagues still occasionally pop in to have a look!

What’s the best part about working in the property sector?

For me, the best part of my job is the opportunity to see some of the stunning properties we come across in Bath and being a guiding hand and reassuring voice for clients as they proceed through the conveyancing process. I’m acutely aware that this is probably their biggest investment ever.

What do you feel are your personal USPs?

I think my major USP is empathy with my clients. I have an excellent working relationship with them and, as far as possible, always make myself available. A conveyancing transaction really is a team effort, and understanding the process from their perspective

– putting myself in their shoes –helps build trust between us.

What’s it like working at BLB?

BLB is an excellent firm to work for. The working environment is friendly and immensely supportive, and you really feel that everyone wants everyone else to succeed. They’re keen for all of us to reach our full potential, and from day one, they’ve encouraged and supported me through my professional studies.

Tell us about your team…

The amazing Victoria Cranwell heads our Bath residential property team. She’s been an incredible mentor, and I’ve learned so much from her. There’s a real buzzing team spirit, and we all support each other.

“ THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IS FRIENDLY AND IMMENSELY SUPPORTIVE, AND YOU REALLY FEEL THAT EVERYONE WANTS EVERYONE ELSE TO SUCCEED. THEY’RE KEEN FOR ALL OF US TO REACH OUR FULL POTENTIAL…”

JODIE ROBINSON Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property

What has stood out for you in the past 12 months?

There’s been much uncertainty over interest rates over the last 12 months, and changes to stamp duty are on the horizon. But despite talk of a market slowdown, homebuyers seem undeterred, and levels of new instructions have been consistent.

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

Undoubtedly, the best advice I’ve been given professionally is to focus on what you can control. Expending energy fretting about matters you have no control over is lost time that can be focused elsewhere. Implementing this advice in every transaction means progressing matters more proactively.

What do you love about your work?

What I love most about residential property work is the constant opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge, which keeps me engaged and motivated. I also find interacting with people very

fulfilling. Whether collaborating with colleagues or connecting with clients, agents, or other professionals, the relationships I build through communication and teamwork make every day rewarding. After all, we are all working towards a common goal. n

Proud winners of the Legal category. Photo © Simon Lees Photography

FARM

Adventure

through the natural elements of this environmentally inspired contemporary barn conversion

By Shelley Hughes

Approaching this contemporary barn conversion, y ee e e e e s e s rr nature, the freshness of the air and the beauty of the ers r e e s e sp s entrance atrium makes you feel entirely at home and introduces the perfect blend of the outside with the er r es r e e re pr per y

s e y r e es e ers

truly makes the most of its surroundings to bring the external and internal e y e pr per y e er se ess y e e esp e s p e s e blends harmoniously into the natural surrounds and was built using timber r e fi s e e er r e ee r e ee e pr per y e re e s s

e pe r e r es e per e sp e r e es s r

es p e e e e s s er

s e e r e r e e e s es ree sp e e r e s r e s y

e e e y e e p s e efi r pr

e r e e p s e re e r e e re y e pe p re ee s e e er r e pr es r

e er s

e sp e e res esp e fi e e p e e integrated appliances, contemporary black backsplash tiling, and sliding ss rs e e e ess p ry y r e e e s e re per e sp e r

entertaining guests along with the lounge which comes with a feature wood burner. Throughout the living space is display shelving, four large roof

s p re s e e re re r

e s rr r e y e e

living space includes a family sitting room at the back of the home which allows for direct access to the wooden terrace, encouraging you to soak in e pe e r e y e s pe

Four bedrooms are all accessed by a hallway leading away from the main living space, with the principal suite featuring a beautifully presented en-suite shower room as well as a walk-in dressing room. From the principal suite, there is direct access to the gardens through a large glass r r er e rs e er rs the bedroom. The contemporary en-suite features a separate bath and s er s r s e r es re e e natural light through the roof light. The three further double bedrooms also come with direct access to the gardens and use of the family bathroom, which is of remarkable quality.

e re r e e s se e e per e p e for visiting family and friends, or a potential additional income if you wish to allow short-term or holiday lets. Similar to the main house, the pr ses s y s pe p sp e fi e pr kitchenette, leading to the bedroom and shower room. The cabin also has its own private driveway and parking area, making it entirely independent from the main home.

rr e e re ers re e fi e r e s grounds, which are approached by a quiet country lane. The grounds

have been divided into three distinct areas while keeping the spirit of the hills alive. The spacious deck at the rear of the home provides an unbeatable entertaining space but can also be a calming space to watch e s se r e firep per e y r e er s r s p y enjoying the warmth and comfort of the s e s e e e

HOUSE NUMBERS

Guide price: £2.25m

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Square feet: 3,756

Reception Rooms: 3

For more: Savills, 21 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DE, www.savills.com

Following the lawns will lead you to a large paddock with raised vegetable beds and fruit trees, entirely enclosed by natural hedging, creating the perfect recreational area for families with children or the savvy r e er er e s r e r es re e r s they come with pathways leading to an exquisite wildlife pond. Within the meadows, the cabin is situated, allowing owners and guests to enjoy the e e s e re s rr e

Binegar, just 15 miles from Bath, is a blissful country hamlet located s e r e e r ey e e e e e ps re s r e y r ey e ers a public house, an active church and a village hall. Several gastro pubs and cafés are also close by, providing a sense of community right outside of this secluded natural oasis.

There’s a whole lot to love in this nature-infused contemporary home that comes with the promise of plenty of peace for those seeking to welcome the outdoors into their lives at every turn.

THE IMPACT OF COLD AND DAMP HOMES ON MENTAL WELLBEING

When we think about home improvements, we often focus on how they look or how much they’ll increase our property value. But did you know that making your home more energy-efficient can also improve your mental wellbeing? Recent research sheds light on the relationship between mental health and the conditions of our homes, particularly how improvements such as better heating and insulation can make a huge difference.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

Living in a cold, damp home isn’t merely just uncomfortable – it can seriously affect your mental health. Studies regularly show that these conditions contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. High energy bills and worries about health problems from poor housing create constant pressure that can affect even the most resilient people. It’s especially tough for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, or people with existing health issues. For them, staying warm and safe can be a daily struggle that adds even more emotional strain.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The good news? The solution might be simpler than you think. Upgrades like better insulation, modern heating systems, and improved windows don’t just lower energy bills – they create a more stable and comfortable living environment. Research shows that homeowners who upgrade their heating or insulation often report better mental health. Benefits include reduced anxiety, better sleep, and an overall increase in happiness. It’s not just about feeling warm; it’s about reducing the ongoing worries that come with a home that’s hard-to-heat or prone to dampness.

A BROADER PERSPECTIVE

The benefits of an energy-efficient home go beyond solving problems – they create positive change. Think of it as a ripple effect: When you’re warm and comfortable, you’re less worried about your health or finances. This frees up mental space to focus on other areas of life, like family, work, or hobbies.

Plus, an energy-efficient home often feels more secure and reliable. Knowing your home can stay warm without costing a fortune gives you a sense of stability, which is essential for good mental health.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

So, what can you do if you’re living in a cold or damp home? Start with an assessment. This will show you where improvements can make the biggest difference, from loft insulation to upgrading your boiler. Retrofit West offer 70% off a range of home surveys. You can apply for vouchers on their website: retrofitwest.co.uk/vouchers.

Investing in these improvements isn’t just about long-term savings; it’s an investment in your mental and physical health. If you’re planning renovations, considering energy efficiency from the start can help avoid stress later.

The connection between our homes and our mental health is undeniable. Cold and damp conditions can lead to anxiety and depression,

but energy-efficient improvements can turn your home into a place of comfort and stability. By addressing the root causes of poor housing conditions and implementing simple upgrades, we do more than create a warmer home. We create a supportive environment where mental wellbeing can thrive. Sometimes, improving your mental health is as simple as turning up the heat.

For free advice on making your home more energy efficient contact the Retrofit West advice team on advice@retrofitwest.co.uk or 0800 0386733. Alternatively, you can visit their website retrofitwest.co.uk where you can apply for a 70% off assessment voucher, read real stories, find a local professional or engage in their forum. Retrofit West is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. n

tel: 0800 038 6733; advice@retrofitwest.co.uk www.retrofitwest.co.uk

FOR THE HOME

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

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, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, re e er e s es y es pers es Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

TILE & FLOOR r er ye rs e & r has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news! We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.t lean oor. o.uk

BROADLEAF

Broadleaf are the UK’s leading manufacturer and re er e r e and unrivalled range of solid and engineered plank p r e pe s e e r e e s e showroom showcases the complete collection. Visit e r e per r e y e fi sp r s ss your project and pick up samples. 134 – 136 Walcot St; 01225 463464; www.broa lea t ber. o

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

WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE &

DESIGN create unique, client-focused contemporary and traditional interiors, valued for their individual, e y re r er es ye rs of expertise delivering space planning, detailed design, procurement, art curation and project management. An r pr e s s & re re e es ers s r per s e houses and hotels. Tel 01225 445670; woolfinterior.com

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services r res e er e s er p r of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as e s e s sp r s s es er er venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www. la rstrong. o.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, r s e fires e s er e or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, a n o men e laces a .co.

Tel: 01225 722706; www. en p repla esbath. o.uk

BONITI Situated on the outskirts of Bath, Boniti presents an extensive array of top-notch interior and exterior pr s er s e r s e er r Everhot Range Cookers, as well as porcelain and decorative tiles. Providing exceptional installation and restoration services, Boniti pride themselves on delivering a friendly and personalised experience, with customer satisfaction at the heart of it all. Dunsdown Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com

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

CONNOR WALKER

The former chef and songwriter of being the 24th Bard of Bath

Singer songwriter Connor Walker, who was born and grew up in Wiltshire, is the 24th Bard of Bath. The Bardic Chairs were re-established in the 1990s across the West Country to preserve the importance of the Bardic tradition and celebrate the spoken word in the English language. Connor, a former chef, has just released his debut single Begging for Change with proceeds going to support Julian House, and will also be part of the judging panel for next year’s Bard of Bath.

I always loved good food growing up and something about a well done, hardback cookbook spoke to me. I didn’t particularly want to follow the recipes, that part was tedious, but to look at the photos and names of dishes was enough.

After going to Bath College, I moved to the city to work as a chef. I worked as a chef fi e res r s Bath, they were the best and worst jobs I had. Best, because I loved working with food and contributing to making a diner’s experience amazing. Having the opportunity to share the passion I had as a child about food with strangers was such a privilege.

I loved the rush of being in the kitchen, when so many orders would come through at the same time and you would have to juggle dozens of tasting menu orders. I enjoyed the banter, and that moment at the end when we would all sink together, thankful that we pulled through.

But the problem is that the rush came at a time when most people would be winding down, and ultimately being wired late

into the night seven days a week, fourteen hours a day, wore me down. Which is ultimately why I left, so I could have time to pursue my other passions and see the people I love.

I knew the previous Bard, Annabelle Cormack, and it was suggested that I should enter the competition to become the next Bard. In a stroke of madness I applied the evening before and showed up on the day feeling incredibly nervous and unprepared but I think this actually helped in a way.

I wrote my song Begging for Change a few weeks before the competition and was lucky per e y fi e e e e of the competition Roots as my roots are in the pale stones of the city and the song is about Bath.

For the Bard audition at the Grapes Pub on Westgate Street, I was invited to perform in front of, and speak with, the mayor and other local leaders of the community about homelessness in Bath, which felt really productive and I loved hearing

“For the Bard audition I was invited to perform in front of the mayor”

the room’s live reaction to the line “in this city Jane Austen still has a home...”.

I wanted to write a song that wasn’t about me. And I wanted s re e e e s often talked about sides of our city, predominantly the homeless issue, as well as the fact that while some of our buildings are stunning from the outside, they are rotting inside. I even address the rampant sea gulls!

Being a Bard isn’t currently all that lucrative so as well as working, I make music and am rre y r fi that is centred in Bath. Well, ‘Caer Badon’, as it’s known to the r s e e p s e Bath, in the underworld...

I’m not an author so even if no one reads it, it’ll still have been worth it for my own joy in the process. The idea is to weave in some Druidic, and Bardic, wisdom along the way. I absolutely love writing it when I get time, and am not putting myself under any pressure.

Begging for Change by Connor Walker can be bought via iTunes and streamed on Spotify with proceeds going to the Julian House Christmas Appeal

For more: www.connor-walker.co.uk