Real Bath Magazine Issue 1

RealBath Issue 1 - Autumn 2014

Awesome Autumn – what’s on in Bath?

Amy Williams on her latest TV role Lee Mears on the day job Riverside feasting in Bathwick Mindfulness Bath Community youth work The dating scene School open days New path to fitness When Made in Chelsea came to Bath

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Autumn 2014

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Welcome...

In this first issue, we’ve had a great time chatting to famous Bath faces, such as Amy Williams and Lee Mears, while also hearing from local personalities you might not have met before, who are enriching our community.

If you know a person, group or business who would make a good read for the next issue, then get in touch at realbathmag@gmail.com or @therealbathmag.

RealBath magazine has been launched by two local businessmen Paul Kellers & Angus Ross to celebrate the community of Bath, its venues, businesses and people.

Paul Kellers, originally from London, now lives with his family on the outskirts of Bath.

An ideas man and creator, Paul loves turning ideas into reality. He is the co-founder of Bath’s largest business networking event – Bath Tweet Up – which brings together hundreds of business owners across the region, creating opportunities and new links. You’ll find it at @tweetupbath. Paul also represents the British Olympic Skeleton’s Talent Squad via the www.olympicdream.co.uk campaign.

Angus Ross trained as a physical education teacher in Glasgow and Exeter, going on to teach in Bath for 17 years as well as coaching hockey at national level. Throughout this time he has developed a nationwide property portfolio.

Angus has extensive experience of property purchasing, renting and investing – he shares just some of his knowhow on page 14. He is also an accredited member of the National Landlords Association. Find Angus Ross at bathlettings@gmail.com.

© Photography by Kate McDonnell, featured in Beautiful Bath, @beautifulbath

to RealBath magazine, dedicated to the community of the incredible city that is Bath. RealBath is the creative start-up of Bath businessman Paul Kellers and property letting agent Angus Ross who wanted to launch a magazine to celebrate the city with engaging stories and content while giving local businesses a new and exciting platform to spread the word about their professional services.

Autumn 2014 RealBath magazine is compiled and published by Paul Kellers and Angus Ross with thanks to: Graphic designer: Scott Joyce Editorial consultant: Vicki Atkinson Contributors: Sarah Baker, Jack Betenson, Victoria Bond, Simon Hares, Rob Hickmore, Huw Griffiths & Lizzie Way. Photography: Derryn Vranch Advertising sales: Lally Kellers, Angus Ross Contact us: www.realbath.co.uk @TheRealBathMag To advertise in RealBath magazine, call 07796 902390 or email realbathmag@gmail.com. RealBath is also available as a digital issue on www.issuu.com/realbath.

Printed by: MPS Marketing Services Ltd Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and advertising businesses and not the publisher. This publication may not be reproduced in any form in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. All effort has been taken to credit images and content correctly. All prices correct at time of going to press.

RealBath Issue 1, Autumn 2014

Contents 27

22

6

20 19

16 8 10

18 06 Loving the Challenge Amy Williams on her new The Gadget Show role and recent engagement

08 Best day, worst day?

Lee Mears on swapping rugby for coffee

10 The Bathwick Boatman

Head down to the river for a spot of old fashioned hospitality

12 Pluck & Lustre

Turn right at the spa for a boutique browse at this lovely homeware store

24

30

12

14

14 Intelligent investing Angus Ross shares his advice for wise property investing

16 Opening time

Schools are open for your business, what questions should you be asking?

18 Show business

The dance and theatre opportunities for Bath’s youth

19 Community news

Stories from around the city, including farewell to a well loved youth worker

20 The personal approach

27 What’s on this Autumn?

22 Get happy

30 Out on the town

Meet the instructors behind a new fitness studio in Widcombe

Where do you find happiness these days?

We look into Mindfulness…

24 Business update The Craneworks development, cycle commuting and our business columnist, Simon Hares

Bath is bursting at the seams with music, theatre and comedy this season

What happened when a Made in Chelsea star visits Bath? Plus... how does Bath measure up for the dating scene?

Autumn 2014

@TheRealBathMag 05

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RealPeople The faces of Bath

Loving the challenge With a new fiancé and an exciting new TV role, it’s been a busy time for Amy Williams, our local Olympian, Vicki Atkinson catches her in between adventures...

B

ath’s Amy Williams turned city sweetheart overnight following her gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Since then we’ve followed her career with interest. As well as speaking at local schools and corporate events, the skeleton bob supremo from Bath University is now the new face of Channel 5’s The Gadget Show. Following successful TV outings including co-presenter of the 2014 games in Sochi earlier this year and eight days filming in Botswana for Alone in the Wild with The Discovery Channel, Amy features alongside the all-male line-up of existing Gadget Show presenters – Jason Bradbury, Ortis Deley and Jon Bentley.

“When I first had a chat about the role, I did confess I wasn’t really into gadgets but that’s not been an issue, I was chosen for my willingness to do extreme challenges and test out new inventions!” says Amy. The last few months has had her proving her mettle with an onslaught of crazy filming locations and adventures, including blowing things up, riding a hitech quad bike, going in a rocket-powered street luge and heading to Kansas to try out the world’s tallest water slide (no mean feat, just look up the Verruckt on YouTube), while testing out a bunch of cool new gadgets along the way.

© Photography courtesy of The Outside Organisation

Tech teasers

Autumn 2014 The change from professional athlete to TV presenter has been immense. “When I was training at Bath Uni for the skeleton, I knew everything I had to do every day,” says Amy, “but now every day is different, sometimes you don’t even know what’s

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filmed the Alone in the Wild series previously, although this time with a little more luxury. “The proposal couldn’t have been more perfect! We were together at Victoria Falls, there was a full moon and an incredible lunar rainbow.” The

“Every day is different, sometimes you don’t even know what’s going to happen until you show up” going to happen until you show up.” She’s travelled all over the world, flying to numerous airports for the latest challenge.

Filming will continue into the New Year, but that’s not the end of what’s been going on in Amy’s life. As well as completing Ride London over the summer, a 100-mile ride with Team Telegraph who raised £6,000 for Bliss, the charity for premature and special care babies, Amy has also had a busy personal life...

Surprise engagement “I’d been single for a while and my friends had been encouraging me to try online dating, so on a train back from Paddington to Bath, I thought I’d give it a try.” Amy’s first foray into online dating couldn’t have been smoother, encountering Craig, an army man, as the train passed through Reading. “It was all a bit of luck really, I’d selected to meet people within 40km of where I lived, but as my phone was physically in the area, Craig’s profile popped up. He came to Bath the next day and we spent the whole time together, just walking around, getting to know each other and we met again the following week.” After 12 weeks, Amy and Craig announced their engagement following a holiday to Botswana, where she had

engagement has been reported widely in the national news and glossy magazines.

Beautiful Bath Wedding plans are well under way, and there’s not much guesswork to be done to work out where they’ll tie the knot.

Amy is a loyal Bathonian with her home here, as well as her memories of growing up at Hayesfield School and attending the university. “We’re getting married next summer at the lovely church in Bathampton and having our reception at the Bath Spa Hotel, we wanted to keep things as local as possible. I’ve got my dress already, after shopping with my Mum and twin sister.”

Amy bought her central Bath home over a year ago and comes back as often as she can in between filming. “Bath is one hundred per cent my home, I’ve been all over the world and I always feel lucky to have this heritage. I walk past Great Pulteney Street almost every day I’m here and I’m obsessed with the Georgian architecture.”

If you don’t see Amy passing by in a Bath street next time she’s home, then you’ll be able to see her on Mondays on Channel 5 on The Gadget Show, showing us all just what she’s made of.

• The West’s Premier Hockey Club • Great Facilities, Great Coaching, Great Fun! • Why not be part of it?

Join us at: www.teambathbuccaneers.co.uk

Amy’s Bath Ms Williams’ pick of top Bath places to chill...

1 Cocktails at Circo Bar 2 Sitting in the sun in front of the Royal Crescent 3 Jogging along the canal to The George, Bathampton 4 Dinner at Hudson Bar & Grill 5 A chai latte from Boston Tea Party

RealWork The daily grind

I

f you’re a coffee lover you’ll probably have been to Jika Jika, with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and awesome aroma. The Brunel Square cafe is run by the former Bath hooker and fellow exBath rugby player, Matt Stevens. There’s no putting your feet up in this job, with a new Euston Square branch opening in London this Autumn, we ask sportsman Lee about the new kind of day job...

Meet Jika Jika’s co-owner Lee Mears – Bath rugby legend, dad of three & wannabe fishmonger. Lizzie Way has a chat...

Q

What’s the biggest lifestyle change from rugby to managing a coffee house?

I used to say that being in a rugby team is like being at school. Everyday you spend with your mates, you get up at 8am, get told what to do, what to eat, what to wear.

It’s pretty different these days, you don’t go to the gym as part of your job...

Q What do you miss the most?

I miss the game. Especially on a match day. It’s quite unique, such highs and such lows. My wife would probably say I’m on a much more even keel now but I miss

Q

Who decides which coffee to buy?

Matt is the main connoisseur of coffee and he introduced me to the different flavours. We use a great company in Cornwall called Origin. We started with their blend but now we’ve developed a house blend with them.

Q

Who is your favourite type of coffee house customer?

You always look for people who are smiley and good business. Bath is a small place and has so many cool people, it’s lovely to have regulars.

“Bath is such a great city because it’s still got the village feel with lots of great independents” the buzz I used to get from playing and winning... or playing and losing.

Q

Why did you start Jika Jika?

We’re constantly inspired by life experience. Initially Matt and I were looking to open a posh fish and chip shop, like Rick Stein’s, as we play a lot of golf down that way. We loved the fact you could get a healthy option as well as your fat boy fish and chips. Then, while on tour in New Zealand, we used to meet for breakfast and have amazing coffees. We thought it was a great lifestyle and would really work in Bath, so we said “let’s do it!”

Q

What do you love about living and working in Bath?

It’s such a great city because it’s still got the village feel with lots of great independents – the more independent people we have the better. I love being able to walk down the street and say “hi” to people. I’ve ended up knowing a lot of the local business owners.

Q

What sort of establishment do you think Bath is missing?

That’s a good question... What about a really good, fresh fishmonger? We’re not actually that far from the sea, so why not?

© Photography by Derryn Vranch, www.derrynvranch.com

Autumn 2014

Lee’s Best Day Sunshine. Waking up early to the sun. Nice easy jog round the city.

Lots of smiley customers and a sense of achievement. I’m a real box ticker, I like to have achieved something by the end of the day.

& Worst Day...

Rain. Which brings in grumpy people sometimes! I don’t mind when something goes wrong as I like problem solving.

Oh, and being sat in traffic... and parking fines!

@TheRealBathMag 09

RealFood

Well loved eateries

The Bathwick

Boatman

Old fashioned hospitality and generous cooking to be found down by the river, Victoria Bond gets on board...

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ritish diners have been slow to fall in love with the neighbourhood restaurant. The French and Italians cherish their local eateries with unfussy menus, familyrun kitchens and cosy charm. They know that unassuming dining rooms tucked away in quiet non-bright lights, big city locations are worth cherishing.

It’s no surprise then, that Ben Hall, chef and proprietor of The Bathwick Boatman, trained and spent many years cooking in Italy. He and his wife Rosy, a fantastic hostess who runs front of house with an unfailingly pitch-perfect flair for customer service, relish their unsung local hero status. A few minutes in their company and you are as seduced by their language as their daily changing fare.

Rosy talks of good old-fashioned hospitality, generous cooking and the importance of loyal staff and suppliers.

Ben’s father cuts fresh flowers for the restaurant’s tables each morning, and their children’s friends regularly drop by, families in tow, for steaming bowls of fabulous homemade pasta. At one point Rosy even mentions the b-word – bistro.

It sums up the unpretentious dinner party-style warmth that oozes out of every

Sparklingly good yet never knowingly flash... corner of this beautiful riverside room and its hosts. No wonder Bathonians in the know return time and time again.

Eclectic mix “We have foodies who come for Ben’s more adventurous dishes – oyster pearls (that’s sautéed ram’s testicles) were popular recently – but we also have local grandmothers who want fantastic fresh fish and chips with mushy peas,” says Rosy. “The breadth of our appeal makes us hard to categorise, but it works for us.”

The restaurant’s eclectic clientele extends to the many groups who return year in, year out for dishes such as red mullet with caper berries (£13.75, pictured top right), belly pork with balsamic reduction and mustard mash (£12.50) and

almond polenta cake with autumn fruit coulis (pictured top left, £5) on the current menu. The unique location, overlooking an unspoilt evergreen stretch of the River Avon, also makes the restaurant popular for special get-togethers and parties. Rosy has hosted groups ranging from Aston Martin Rally drivers, National Trust volunteers to a collection of retired Headmasters who brought their own blackboard ready for a singsong.

Autumn 2014 While a sweet riverside spot makes it perfect for alfresco dining in late summer, as the nights draw in the restaurant takes on a magical alpine lodge quality. Ice cream-coloured bunting strewn from the wooden beams is replaced with twinkling fairy lights. Comfort food reigns through

the chillier months and it’s perfect here at Christmas time, far from the madding festive city centre crowd.

Whatever the season, The Bathwick Boatman is a rare thing: sparklingly good and yet never knowingly flash. In every sense, it’s delicious.

@TheRealBathMag 11

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Where to find it

Chinese, Indian, Afghan, Kilims, Persian, Silk etc.

The Bathwick Boatman Riverside Restaurant Forester Road, Bathwick, BA2 6QF Web: www.bathwickboatman.com Tel: 01225 428844

With 25 years’ experience, we possess the knowhow to tackle any rug or carpet cleaning problem you can throw at us.

Autumn feasting

The top 3 picks of The Great Bath Feast, throughout October 2014. See what’s on at www.greatbathfeast.co.uk.

Our dedicated rug cleaning facility is fully equipped to clean and speed dry your rugs, returning them safely, without problems to the best possible condition.

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The Bertinet Kitchen goes from cookery school to communal dining for this exclusive supper club where Valentina Harris cooks in an open kitchen. £35, 7.30pm, booking essential: 01225 445531. Images opposite: Bertinet shop & patisserie.

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25 October

Cheese Festival

Milsom Place’s annual ode to cheese is a wonderful way to taste and buy the best the region has to offer. Milsom St, 10am-5pm, free entry.

TLC

31 October

Halloween party

Head to Woods restaurant, Alfred St, for a delicious three course meal plus live music from John Baker & the Meanies. £30, 7pm, booking essential: 01225 314812. © Photography courtesy of The Bertinet Kitchen

TLC Unit 33, Old Mills Industrial Estate, Paulton, nr Radstock BS39 7SU

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RealShopping

Pluck

Bath’s boutique browsing

Girl about town Sarah Baker goes off the main drag to find the city’s shopping treasures... First stop: Hetling Court.

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luck & Lustre, a new homeware store, is resident in one of Bath’s oldest buildings. Tucked away from the main streets, close to the Thermae Spa, this family-run business offers uniquely different trinkets and treasures for the discerning shoppers of Bath and is a pleasure to peruse.

Josh Round and his mother, Maggie Allonby-Briggs, have been shop owners in Bath for the last five years with their Treaty Jewellery store in Northumberland Place. Their latest venture is dedicated to stylish and unique homeware thanks to Maggie’s passion for interiors. “It’s an inspirational store full of lovely items that can hold a place in the most sophisticated of homes,” describes Josh.

A casual browse through their shop or a peruse at their online store showcases lighting, soft furnishings, candles, vases and lanterns. Josh’s own preference for boys toys, art, posters and design-led homeware is also in evidence. “For us, it’s all about enjoying the space you live in

with fun and interesting items for each room in your house. Why have plain things when even the most mundane of objects can bring a smile to your face?”

Home sweet home Josh told RealBath why the mother and son partnership again chose Bath to open their second store. “It’s such a thriving city with a constant buzz, it’s hard to think of

“It’s an inspirational store full of lovely items for the home...” anywhere in the UK that can match the feeling of Bath.”

With Ping Coombes already a fan (the Masterchef winner bought a necklace and wore it to a London event), Pluck & Lustre are sure to be celebrating their first birthday with a smile.

‘The GCS team are reliable, totally dependable, and extremely honest.’

Independently, our customers rate our service as excellent for: the standard of our repairs the helpfulness of our staff their general satisfaction overall

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Autumn 2014

Browsing for boys

Whether you need to upgrade your grooming products, update your threads or make your coffee table look like you live in the fast lane, we’ve some hot picks for you boys...

>> Magpie & Bear, Green Street

Top pick: Frances Rucksack, Ally Capellino, £225

The Bath location is one of three South West stores for this high quality selection of women and men’s fashion.

Top pick: Beach Jacket, YMC, £295

At Monkton we look at schooling differently with our new curriculum for year 7 and 8 pupils.

Come and see us to find out more.

Open Morning Saturday 7 March

This accessories boutique supports independent British brands and designers, with gorgeous items for boys and girls. Top pick: Edwin Jagger single razor £24.00

>> Maze, Green Street

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Top pick: Daisy Shirt, Scotch & Soda, £79

>> Mr. B’s Emporium, John Street

One of Bath’s best independent book shops, full of inspiring reads. Worth visiting to see the famous signatures on the loo. Top picks this season...

• Knowledge is Beautiful by David McCandless (Harper Collins, £25) A gallery of stunning infographics showing the data that bombards us statistics have never looked so good.

• Adventures in Stationery by James Ward (Profile, £12.99) Every stationery geek’s whim is catered for in this entertaining look at what’s in our desk drawers.

monktoncombeschool.com 01225 721 133 Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior ages 2-19.

© Images supplied by Maze, Magpie & Bear and Mr B’s

RealProperty Investment and sales

Intelligent investing Are you considering buying property as financial leverage to increase the potential return of an investment? Angus Ross shares his insight.

Property pointers

› Have a well informed investment plan and stick to it. › Know what your exit strategy will be if things go wrong or

circumstances change. For example you may need to sell a property if you needed the equity.

› Build a team of experts around you before you buy and

listen to their considered advice. You may require the services of some or all of these: solicitors, accountants, builders, architects, your local authority.

› Know your purchase strategy; equity or yield? Where are

your funds coming from: bank loan, loan from family, savings , inheritance, or maybe you’ve won the lottery!

This will impact the total amount of money you can spend, based on the length of time it may take you to repay the loan. What will the interest charges be? (This is where your accountant will be able to advise you).

› Where will you buy? Research the area thoroughly. › Do not get stuck on just one property. Keep looking

and consider making offers on a number houses. Each property will be on the market for any number of reasons, the scenario will impact the decision-making process and therefore the final outcome. The outcome is not personal and should never be perceived as so.

› Your offer should reflect the research you’ve done within the limits of your planning.

Whilst teaching at a local Bath senior school, Angus Ross has grown a sizeable property portfolio that now extends across England, Wales and Scotland.

He is an accredited member of the NLA, the National Landlords Agency. Angus is the owner of Bath Lettings and has put together his starter guide for potential property investors, based on his own extensive experience.

Counting the costs Be aware of other sizeable costs, including but not exhaustively; renovation, management, ground rent and agency fees. Importantly when you start planning, bear in mind that these costs are not fixed, and invariably they can change (often upwards). Sometimes however, costs may see a better return in the long run. For example, good management of a property can actually reduce costs - make properties more cost effective and increase their rental by implementing a better maintenance plan and renovating the building.

Costs can also rise when dealing with management companies who are dealing with clients and owners of larger buildings, such as appartment blocks or large Georgian buildings with four flats or more.

Look to have a percentage increase built into your financial plan to allow a cushion for any increases in management fees, ground rent and agency fees.

Autumn 2014

Investment case studies The properties featured here each presented their own difficulties when Bath Lettings was instructed to find tenants. Applying logical systems to each situation and working with the landlord to achieve the tenancy helped us to keep landlord and tenant happy.

1 For this modern two-bedroom property, an overseas owner required a fast turnaround on the tenancy. With the tenant’s support, we priced the property affordably for a young family. The landlord has a rent he is satisfied with and a realistic plan.

1

@TheRealBathMag 15

2

3

2 This one-bedroom property had been vacant for three months due to unfinished interior works. The owner required the property to be tenanted fast due to rising costs. We were able to assess the situation, make a plan and secure a tenant within 48 hours. The works were completed in time for the move in date.

3 This two-bedroom flat in the heart of the city, required extensive works to windows as well as interior painting and cleaning throughout. The property had been empty for a considerable time.

Within three days we were able to rent the property to two students who paid six months rent in advance, despite outstanding works.

All renovations were completed within the time frame and under the budget allocated by the owner.

4

4 This lovely two-bedroom semi-detached house had been vacant for some time and the owner was seeking a tenant. Once we got the property on the rental market we were able to secure a suitable tenant within a week.

This advice is intended as an introduction to property investment, Angus advises you to read books and articles and attend courses to help you reach your goals, seeking professional advice relevant to your situation. For more information on how we can help you with your investment property why not call us today on 07796 902390 or email bathlettings@gmail.com.

FOR SALE

Property for sale: ÂŁ175,000 freehold Charming semi-detached home located in the popular village of Corsham in Wiltshire.

This chain-free property benefits from three double bedrooms and a dining and reception room situated on the ground floor.

There is also a good-sized, manageable, fully-fenced garden with patio and large shed.

Coulston Road is located within easy reach of the village’s many local amenities and schools.

Read more at www.zoopla.co.uk

RealFamily

For the parents (& kids!)

Opening time

It’s Open Season in Bath: the time of year when parents go hunting for their child’s next school. Victoria Bond braves the classroom...

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e’ve barely popped the lid back on the 50+ organic sunscreen after the summer, and it’s full steam ahead thinking about where our little darlings will be going next September or – cue the Proper Grown Up forward planning klaxon – the September after that.

Let’s start by putting the playground name-calling aside. You are not a pushy, helicopter or sharp-elbowed parent if you start planning early. Not London early, where pockets of SW-whatever put names on school waiting lists in utero, but it’s a good idea to start looking at primary schools when your child is two- or threeyears-old, and secondary schools when you child is nine or ten (Year 5).

Don’t be fooled, either, by the sage school run mums and dads who declare: ‘Relax. ALL the schools in Bath are good.

We are so lucky. Imagine if we lived in

Bristol?!’ Yes, we have a cluster of great schools but you need to work out which one is great for your child. This takes homework. Lots of it. With notebooks, highlighter pens and everything.

A unique city Bath is a fantastic place to live as a parent but it’s also an unusual educational pocket. There’s not a single grammar school, there’s a higher than average number of single sex schools and the private sector is strong. There’s no 11+ grooming (1000 applications for 80 places! Imagine!) but there is still serious admissions competition. As the majority of schools are non-selective, catchment areas are key. As is the all-important first choice on your admissions form.

I speak to hundreds of parents every week from all across the UK and many of them worry about making the right

choice. Actually they worry about a lot of things but schools just rise to the top of the list at key points in their children’s development. Step back, do your research and follow your instincts, and it doesn’t have to be horribly stressful.

No one – NO ONE – is better placed to pick a school for your child than you. You know whether the A* academic dazzler will be where your child will shine. Or maybe the school with the slightly wobbly Ofsted report but the visionary new Head will be better. In a world of SATs and CATs, guts go a long way.

So, the research starts here. We’ve put together six snippets of advice for maximising your school open day experience. It’s pencils at dawn time, people, and there is no need to be afraid.

Advice provided by Victoria Bond, CEO of

Autumn 2014

@TheRealBathMag 17

Get the most out of school open days...

•

Make like a cub scout: be prepared Take the pressure off and start looking a year before your child’s application is due.

Then revisit your shortlist before you make a decision.

•

Diary a day visit Open days are often in the evenings but take the opportunity to visit during business hours if you can. Less shiny pop-up project displays, more PUPILS.

•

•

• •

Thumbs up for Summer!

RealBath asked the fabulous @BathMums followers about the best local family days out

>> Code Breaking “We joined (The National Trust) earlier this year. Lots of places had free children’s activities. Tiddler especially loved the outdoor crafts and code breaking challenge at Lacock, which in his words was ‘so easy’. We took a picnic on each trip so it felt like a free day out only spending money on petrol and ice cream.” Lisa Spriegal, BathMums Ed

Don’t judge a school by your tour guide Schools will always pick the eloquent and well presented kid who ‘volunteered’ to show you round. Do ask them off-topic questions like what they do at break times or where they hang out after school.

It can tell you a lot.

>> Horrible Histories “Our best day was a day trip to Glastonbury (kids age 5 and 8). We stopped off at the Book Barn (Farrington Gurney) for hot chocolate. In Glastonbury we took a very child-friendly Horrible History-type tour around the Abbey then we climbed the Tor with amazing views from the top.” Lucy Langley

Grab your New Best Friend goggles It’s okay to check out the other parents while you tour the corridors. Do you think they are similar to you? Would your children get along? A good sense of community often goes hand in hand with good results.

>> Junk modelling “We have had a great free summer thanks to Bath Area Play Project, I took them to the Weston and Rainbow Woods days. There’s loads things to do, mine loved the junk modelling, carpentry, cooking blackberry pancakes and the rope swing.” Annie Frere

Talk to the Head This is the person who is shaping the school ethos. Their values and ideas about education should ideally reflect your own.

>> Train Spotting “Our favourite was the Holburne museum - right in the city - you can watch trains, scoot down big hills, play in the park for free. There’s a great Monkton cafe and the museum is very At child friendly we look at schooling differently. (great bug exhibition).” Marie Willis

Pop to Paperchase Take a notebook and summarise each school in your own words at the end of your visit. First impressions can be important and once you start discussing schools with other parents, it’s easy to be swayed and it’s useful to look back at your original notes.

Come and see us and

With thanks to Lisa from www.bathmums.co.uk find out how. the essential resource for Bath parents.

At Monkton we look Open Morning at schooling differently. and see us and Saturday 11Come October find out how.

Open Morning At Monkton we look at schooling differently.

Saturday 11 October Come and see us and find out how.

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RealFamily

For the parents (& kids!)

Show business...

Rob Hickmore & Tim King from the Bath Academy of Musical Theatre on the city’s talent schools...

I

n Bath we have ample opportunities to train in the business we call show!

Whether you are 4 or 24 there are experts close-at-hand that are happy to help you onto the (yellow brick) road to success – it’s never too early.

Three-year olds can start ballet classes at Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance for 45 minutes of imagination and movement.

Beyond pre-schoolers, it provides a high standard of training in classical ballet, tap, hip hop and jazz. The students love the teaching and the fun atmosphere, some have even gone on to appear in West End shows, including Matilda and Billy Elliott.

From the age of six, children can enrol in a weekend theatre or performing arts school such as TK Theatre School to get all-round training in singing, dancing and acting (known in the biz as ‘triple threat’!).

At TKTS children gain confidence, develop

performance skills and benefit from regular performances of popular musicals and plays, such as Annie, Cats and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Get on stage

Performance experience is essential and thankfully Bath is buzzing with theatre groups and choirs. This year saw the 50th anniversary of a youth theatre group called Zenith (formerly Bodlets), a voluntary-run society. It has a no-audition policy for all young people (13 to 21) who are enthusiastically committed to the group’s aim of musical theatre to the highest standard. Many of its performers have gone on to perform at the highest levels in the industry, giving huge credit to their time at Zenith.

At 16 it is vital to get specialist training from people who know the industry.

The Zenith Youth Theatre’s 50th Anniversary show

The Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance’s 2013 Spellbound show Bath Academy of Musical Theatre is an important step for those wishing to go on to train at one of the top drama schools around the country. BAMT offer a foundation course in musical theatre and students receive training in singing, dancing, acting and auditions from industry-standard tutors. Now in its 4th year, BAMT has proved a stepping stone to degree courses including Central School of Speech & Drama and LIPA. Local schools too are investing in top quality performing arts venues and equipment – keep your eye out for performances. The performing arts have so much to give to our community and encouraging this from an early age means they’ll continue to receive the public support they deserve.

Find out more about The Bath Academy of Musical Theatre at www.ba-mt.com.

Autumn 2014

RealCommunity

@TheRealBathMag 19

There’s a lot to be proud of

The young ones Boredom busting Bathonians

tell about us youth your clu @there b! bathm al ag

The Bath area offers a wide range of venues for local teenagers to get together in safe environments. Youth worker Tony Cook has a lot to say about Bath’s youth services and while funding has been cut, there’s plenty to be positive about. “Despite the distraction of social media, there is still a great need for spaces where young people can meet, interact and build positive relationships. Within the area, there are three BANES youth hubs, voluntary-run clubs and many churchbased youth groups, not to mention sports and activities clubs.”

Tony is based at St Philip & St James in Odd Down, working with a team of volunteers who welcome up to 50 young people each week for sports, computer games, crafts and outings. “We aim to provide a safe, friendly environment where all are included. We try to make all our activities accessible through external grant funding.

The young people love to get involved with planning and running the activities.” Clubs at the Frome Road venue take place on Friday evenings, Pathfinders (age 11-14) meet 6.30-8pm and CYFA (age 14-18) 8-9.30pm. Find them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ St.PhilipsYouthWork

Celebrating community After 15 years with Peasedown Youth, Bridie Marshall retires. Her generous spirit remains, says Andy Stockinger Starting as an unqualified youth worker, Bridie worked her way up to lead the Youth Hub in Peasedown St John, near Bath. Since then, she has not only gained the love and appreciation of the community, but also won a British Empire Medal for services to young people.

Bridie’s mission has always been to help every young person reach their potential, regardless of personal circumstances. She went way beyond her job duties, working with families and the wider community, helping with cleaning, decorating and gardening, as well as giving lifts and filling out forms. Her selfless dedication made her community a better place, supported by husband, Chris.

“I am proud that I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing young people and such a great staff team,” says Bridie.

“I am proud that I have raised the expectations of many of the young people I have met. I was most proud the day a young person, who was generally very quiet, spoke in the Guildhall about what the Youth Hub meant to him - this young person is now a youth worker.

Youth work means you give a lot of yourself but the rewards are wonderful.” Bridie has now retired and moved to Ireland but her legacy will remain in Peasedown for many years to come.

Fresh air & fitness New community fitness scheme try active wants you on your feet...

New fitness activities are going on at a park or open space near you via the new try active initiative for Bath & NE Somerset. Cycling, running, walking, outdoor fitness and rugby are the activities on offer for families and individuals of all ages looking to improve their fitness.

Led by a trio of trained ‘Activators’, activities include free sessions and paid-for expert training.

The Council and Bath Rugby Foundation are looking to encourage up to 4000 people with the motto ‘Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can’. Find out what’s happening near you at www.bathnes.gov. uk/tryactive or call 01225 396429.

RealEnergy Fitness & wellbeing

The personal approach Sarah Baker meets the brains behind a new fitness studio in Bath

© Photography by Derryn Vranch, www.derrynvranch.com

W

idcombe-based personal training studio Get Fit In Bath was launched in May this year by Natasha Weeks and Dave Bowler. It was a lifetime’s ambition for the trainers whose sole aim is in helping others to achieve their own fitness and health goals.

In the past, both Natasha and Dave suffered injuries that led to an early end to their sporting careers, but they’ve continued to follow their commitment to fitness. “Having come from a high-level sports background,” says Natasha, “our passion evolved into an aim to become personal trainers.”

Autumn 2014

One-to-one

Rediscover your zest for life

“We’re out to shine a different light on personal training,” explains Dave. “We want to develop a bond with each client; with a sense of trust and family spirit.”

The result is a fun and relaxed training environment where clients feel part of the Get Fit In Bath family, and if they’re not in the gym, they can still get nutrition ideas and fitness tips via Facebook and Twitter (@getfitinbath).

© Photography by Derryn Vranch, www.derrynvranch.com

Get Fit In Bath offers a traditional style of personal training where a bespoke programme is designed for each client’s own needs and goals. They also offer ‘Elite’ training classes, where a small team train together but with an individual plan for each member, designed to keep them safe and continually achieving. Both schemes are available in blocks of 10 sessions, within which Natasha and Dave believe their clients can expect to see realistic gains. Programmes can be devised to suit all fitness levels and abilities and use a variety of methods to aid fat loss, muscle strengthening or body toning.

“We want to develop a bond with each client - a sense of trust and family spirit”

@TheRealBathMag 21

Press stop on your negative programs Find your inner peaceful place You are only one thought away from happiness Together we will work out how Mindfulness Hypnosis Life Coaching NLP

Get Fit In Bath Top 5 tips for a healthier working week 1. Set realistic goals Take five minutes to write down your fitness and health goals; read this whenever you don’t feel like working out.

2. Sleep Your body needs to rest, especially if you work long hours and are exercising. It is crucial that your body has time to recover, sleep will aid your recovery. Try and give yourself at least eight hours sleep each night.

3. Nutrition Everyone knows that nutrition plays a vital part in fitness. What you put inside your body can help you make big improvements.

4. Get out of the office Move away from your desk! Better still if you can exercise in that time, albeit it for only 20 minutes – your work productivity will improve.

5. Have fun! The biggest mistake people make is doing something which they hate –long runs, for example. Find an activity that works for you and your motivation.

Bath City Centre Location

07713626673 Find out more and meet Dave & Natasha at www.getfitinbath.co.uk

www.alisonheathersutton.co.uk

RealEnergy Fitness & wellbeing

Get happy...

Each issue we’ll look at a different way to improve modern life. First off, Huw Griffiths of Mindfulness Bath explains the benefits of the ancient practice One of the leading virtues of mindfulness is that it’s never too late, too late to change our approach to life, how we view experiences or how we react to events. At any age, we have the ability to learn to respond to events in new ways that will benefit health as well as bring greater happiness and wellbeing.

Reduction (MBSR), to help a person better cope with the anxiety and stresses of life, which brings significant improvements to health and wellbeing.

Meditations often involve focusing the conscious mind on breathing, as it is always available, always fresh and always in the moment.

Here & now

Managing stress

Our experiences, feelings, sensations and thoughts all effect changes in the brain and profoundly influence how we see and live our life, but these neurological functions aren’t set in stone. The adult brain has the ability, known as neural

Our ability to manage stress is critical to our physical health and mental wellbeing. Many chronic diseases are strongly linked with stress, anxiety and depression, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and some forms of cancer.

Mindfulness supports the body’s natural healing ability by helping the body and mind to return to a place of balance and wellbeing. The results can mean for some, a reduction in many symptoms associated with a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and many more.

“At any age, we can learn to respond in new ways that will benefit health & bring greater happiness” Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, as a traditional meditation technique where a person is fully experiencing the here and now, completely aware of breathing and the surrounding environment, for example, in a noncritical way. More recent secular approaches have developed techniques such as Mindfulness Based Stress

plasticity, to form new neural pathways and habits, adapting and remaining open to change throughout life.

Spending as little as 30 minutes a day training the mind can result in measurable changes to brain and immune function as well as psychological and personal health. Meditation is just one route to improving mindfulness.

By opening doors to a fresh perspective and understanding, mindfulness provides the tools to find the freedom, power and purpose to reconnect with and enjoy life.

For more information, contact Huw Griffiths at Mindfulness Bath. Huw is a mindfulness teacher, currently teaching MBSR to individuals and groups. Huw has helped many people to recover their vitality and health and to make positive changes to their lifestyles. Visit www.mindfulnessbath.co.uk.

MPS Marketing Services has put its very own stamp on the mailing industry with an online service that will provide a red-letter day for European businesses too.

A Bristol mailing company has developed and launched Mail My Mail, a safe and easy way to send business or personal mail at a fraction of the usual cost.

the service which it says is also extremely secure and can be used by organisations of all sizes for posting letters, invoices, statements, postcards or general communication.

Whether the requirement is to post 10 items or 10,000, Mail My Mail and MPS Marketing Services will handle it all for you.

Mail My Mail is already being used by local government, housing associations, charities, and businesses of all sizes to send out thousands of documents, many confidential.

“Once you’re ready to print a document or letter, simply press the ‘send’ button on your PC and the documents are sent securely and electronically to us. Mail my Mail prints, folds and inserts your documents into an envelope and all for as little as 39p, including postage!

It’s a fantastic service; efficient and incredibly cost effective. Instead of office staff printing off letters, stuffing into envelopes and then fixing a stamp, we can do it all for you!” explains business owner Rob Fagnani.

“It’s like that potato advert with the robots laughing ‘......then they smash them all to bits’.

Just click a mouse and we do all the work for you at less than half the price.

“Because we mail more than 10,000 items daily, we achieve Royal Mail discounts which we pass on to clients. “That’s how we manage to do it so cheaply’. ” MPS, based in Winford, has invested heavily in

The plan is to now roll out this service across Europe so that continental companies can mail into the UK with only a click of a mouse, and at a fraction of the cost.

The future looks first-class for the company which offers a host of other services, such as digital print, data driven print, data processing, personalisation, enclosing and hand fulfilment.

Incorporated in 2007, MPS has enjoyed a steep upward growth and in January 2013, it moved into brand new premises as part of its strategy to manage growth and bring inhouse the critical services required to win key clients.

“This gave us plenty of space to grow and with the

purchase of a large digital printer, we started to offer digital print and fulfilment.” says Rob. The year also saw MPS invest over £100,000 in the design and building of the Mail My Mail system, which can also be adapted and branded to suit.

The move also brought increased capacity to service more blue chip clients such as Nestlé, Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol.

“Keeping in touch with customers is a vital component of business success,” says Rob. “With Mail My Mail, it can be done more quickly, cheaply and securely than ever before.”

To find out more, go to www.mpsukltd.com.

Alternatively email enquiries@mpsukltd. com or telephone 0845 5191 500.

RealBusiness Working life in focus

Old for new Exciting plans for Bath’s proposed Craneworks development Bath’s reputation as a creative and tech hub has led to an astounding opportunity for the city – turning the landmark Stothert & Pitt site, Lower Bristol Road, into a space for work, art, making, food, conferences, screenings and exhibitions. The hugely inspiring proposal is set to transform the South Quays area if funding and planning applications are successful. With 57 per cent of Bath’s workforce employed in the creative sector as well as a thriving student population, Craneworks aims to increase Bath’s profile and attract local businesses, artists and the self-employed to make use of the innovative and flexible facilities.

Keep up with progress at www.craneworks.org.

A quicker commute Bath’s arsenal of bikes for hire makes sense for businesses Pedalling to a meeting, lunch or to catch a train could be the answer for Bath’s employees under NextBike’s Business Bike Bath scheme. Now in its second phase with a bigger selection of locations, NextBike makes sense for many local businesses, not just the tourists and locals already taking advantage of the self-service transport. A company-wide subscription means employees can hop on a bike from one of seven locations, including Bath Spa station, Bathwick and Newbridge, saving money on taxi fares while promoting good health. Staff will also be able to make use of the service at other locations in the UK such as London and Glasgow.

Find out more at www.nextbike.co.uk/en/bath.

Autumn 2014

@TheRealBathMag 25

What’s new in your world?

Does your career need a pick me up?

Management and sales trainer Simon Hares thinks it’s time for a change...

Remember when you were a kid and at the start of a new term it was important to have a new pencil case? Whether it was a plastic one with a zip, or one of those fancy wooden ones with the swivel top and slide along lid, it was just great to have something new.

As adults, we do the same thing with our jobs. New job, new bag, for instance. I do it, you do it, we all like something new. This new bag is a symbol of a fresh start, an artefact that says, “I am embarking on a new stage of my life.” Best foot forward, clean slate and all that.

It is so motivating to refresh things, make a change and create a sense of newness...

When we get stuck in a rut at work, it is so motivating to refresh things a bit, shake them up, make a change and create a sense of newness, but we don’t do it as often as we should. Managers - do you use the same approach for all your staff? Sales people - do you stick to the same script for every client? Designers – have you done it like that because that’s how it was last time?

The habits we fall into combined with the limiting beliefs we carry with us can force us into repetition and the mundane. Our senses also drive this too. We see something that we don’t approve of and make a judgement. How about next time you look at something you don’t approve of, stop yourself and rethink, “why not?”

The all-new bucket list Has this made you think about all the habits you have fallen into? Next, think about the things you would like to do and scribble down a bucket list. Not a depressing one of all the things you want to do before you die but one that is new and different. ‘Things I want to try out as soon as possible, while I am in the prime of my life, so that I may enjoy them and get the most out of them.’ Now that sounds better!

A wise man once said, “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.” Let’s all do something new. Wear those shoes sitting in their box that you’ve been saving for best, buy a book you would never have thought to read, watch a movie genre you’d normally ignore, eat something different and daring, listen without judgement or prejudice, and go and buy yourself a new pencil case – new is the new black!

Simon Hares offers management and sales training to individuals, groups and businesses.

See his site at www.serialtrainer7.com, follow him on Twitter via @serialtrainer7.

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RealEntertainment What’s on this season?

Bath is

buzzing A

s always, Bath is buzzing with good stuff in the run up to Christmas. As well as one of the best Theatre Royal seasons in recent years, the smaller venues are also putting on an awesome line-up – see the Mission Theatre, Chapel Arts, Komedia and the Rondo. The Great Bath Feast is also in full swing for October, with loads of opportunities for eating, learning and trying something new. We recommend you get your diaries out and book in early for a variety of music, art, food, comedy and drama events on show this Autumn.

Our pick of the season’s events is listed over the page.

>> The Circus Luke Maitland This stunning depiction of houses within the Circus was illustrated by Luke Maitland, whose Bath-based studio, Animated Magic, produces visualisations, touchscreen animations and stories for a number of clients, including Bath Abbey and The American Museum.

See Luke’s portfolio at www.animatedmagic.co.uk.

RealEntertainment What’s on this season?

Thurs Oct 16 The Jennifer Crook Trio

Sat Oct 25 A Night with the BelleFleurs

Jennifer sings, plays harp, guitar and banjo alongside cellist Bethany Porter and guitarist/accordionist, Mike Cosgrave for an engaging musical evening. £10/12, 7.30pm, Chapel Arts Centre.

Meet the Bellefleurs, Bath’s saucy vocal trio as they engage and entertain with a repertoire of brand new arrangements and audacious mash ups. £10/12, 8pm, Chapel Arts Centre.

Sat 18 Oct The Great Bath Bake Sale

Fri Oct 31 Graham Norton

The first ever Bath Abbey bake sale - enjoy the delicious spread of cakes and biscuits contributed from all over the city, as part of the Great Bath Feast. 1-4pm, Bath Abbey.

In a special evening hosted by Topping & co, the well loved TV presenter talks about life, love and new book. £34.75, 7.30pm, The Forum.

Sat Oct 18 Robert Newman’s Theory of Evolution

Wed 5th - Sat Nov 8th ‘Allo ‘Allo

Comedian, journalist and author, Rob Newman presents a show covering 150-years of evolutionary theory. £12/14, 8pm, Rondo Theatre.

The stage version of the popular TV series, as performed by Platform 8. Reconnect with your favourite comedy characters from the 80s. £9/11, 7.30pm, Mission Theatre.

Fri Oct 24 Johnny Marr

Fri 7th Nov Miranda Sings

The legendary guitarist of The Smiths and many more collaborations plays tunes from his new album, Playland. £27.50, 7pm, Bath Pavilion.

The YouTube star puts on a one-woman show of songs, comedy, magic tricks and more, a night out with a difference. £22, 7.30pm, The Forum.

The Bath Christmas Market

Bath does gospel!

Sat Nov 15 Supersonic 70s Show A night of groovy nostalgia with this sixpiece group playing many of the decade’s greatest hits from Queen to the Carpenters. £17.50/20, 7.30pm Chapel Arts Centre.

Nov 21 - 4 Jan Bath on Ice Back at Victoria Park, the seasonal ice rink will include a new heated indoor lounge cafe

Autumn 2014

@TheRealBathMag 29

this year. Online booking at www.bathonice. com. From £7.25.

Thu 27 Nov - Sun 14 Dec Bath Christmas Market There’s no avoiding it, so why not embrace the smells, sounds and bustle of the city’s annual shed parade? Mulled wine, cheese, gifts and more. Abbey Courtyard and surrounds.

Wed Nov 26 Sing! A Christmas Concert Grenville Jones introduces a night of entertainment including the Bath Male Choir and Bath Chorus singing festive classics and more. All proceeds to National Osteoporosis Society. £8/£20, 7.30pm, Bath Abbey.

Thu Dec 4 Tom Wrigglesworth Utterly at Odds with the Universe The award-winning comedian devotes a

The Supersonic 70s Show show to exploring his relationship with his Grandad, with entertaining observation and poignant reflection. £12/14, 8pm, Rondo Theatre.

awesome soloists as the funky choir launch their new album, Soulful Christmas. £9/13, 7.30pm, Komedia.

Tues 9th - Sat Dec 13 The Witches

Tues Dec 16 Bath Community Gospel Choir’s Big Sing

Roald Dahl’s fantastical story is brought to life by the Next Stage Youth Theatre Company. £9/11, 7.30pm (Sat 13th also 2.30pm matinee), Mission Theatre.

Hear gospel classics, uplifting ballads and familiar carols in this wonderful festive concert. Free entry, donations to Christian Aid, 7.30pm, Manvers St Baptist Church.

Thurs 11 - Sat Dec 13 Fame the Musical The talented pupils of St Gregory’s put on a performance of Fame, the well loved dance and music show. St Gregory’s School.

Sun Dec 14 Vocal Works Gospel Choir The Great Bath Bake Sale

Enjoy an evening of festive tunes and

The Bellefleurs in concert

RealWeekends Getting out on the town

Made in Bath

So where do you go when a reality TV star stops by for a night out? Jack Betenson escorts Made in Chelsea’s Andy Jordan about town...

A

ndy Jordan is not your typical Chelsea stereotype. If you were to ask him where he’d rather be, on a surfboard in Croyde Bay or attending some high society ball, he would be in his wetsuit faster than Spencer cracking onto a blonde.

He does, however, love a good night out. He also loves Bath. So every now and again you may see him tucked away in one of the city’s many bars or clubs, sipping on a rum and coke or a glass of Veuve Cliquot (two of his favourite tipples). On this occasion we decide to head to Opa and tuck into some mezze and Mythos. If you haven’t been to Opa then you must, the food is excellent, service friendly and the decor simply lulls you into feeling like you’re on holiday. We

feast on grilled octopus, baked aubergine and dolmades (rice and herbs wrapped in vine leaves, a Jordan staple) then we dance, smash some plates and head off to our next stop, The Earl.

In disguise This bar has by far the best outdoor terrace in Bath and Andy loves it, he decides to hit the Mojitos and always obliges with a few photos. We grab a table and he divulges some of the latest Made In Chelsea gossip whilst enjoying some watermelon shisha.

A couple of hours, a few stories, and several more Mojitos later we head down to Second Bridge where he decides to order a magnum of Veuve Cliquot and we

The dating scene

By Bath Girl

In a bar somewhere in this city are a group of five women drinking espresso martinis that are expensive, both financially and calorifically, but they don’t care, as this is a meeting. Not a mother’s meeting, a Team Meeting. Not unlike a COBRA emergency meeting. Compulsory attendance required; called with urgency and with a purpose: these girls want men.

This group of ladies is 40-something and single. They have decided that enough is not enough and strategic planning is required in order to secure a Mr. Perfect, or at least Mr. ‘You’ll Do For Now/Dinner’ and to avoid any more Mr. ‘What The Hell Was I Thinking?’. They’ve got ideas. Of

friendship, of flirting and dating, romance, courtship, relationships and sex. So, we should attempt to introduce them to you.

But having rejected the ‘Spice Girls’ as

Strategy is required to secure Mr Perfect... their group name (no one wanted to be Ginger), and also the Famous Five as a collective title (no one wanted to be Anne - the sensible one) they opted to introduce themselves to you with animal names. It’s not very imaginative but it is an accurate assessment of mating behaviours. The other thing that is worthy of note is that all these women hail from Bath….

spend the rest of the evening in one of the VIP rooms occasionally betting Andy he can’t go for a dance with his cap on without people recognising him (it actually works, the power of the cap is uncanny).

The evening comes to its inevitable conclusion by arranging the next night out and we apparently settle on October.

At least that’s what the misspelled note on my phone reads...

Meet the team Cougar: 44, attractive, and noisy. Type: tall and sporty.

Foxy: 40, beautiful, energetic and the true leader of this group. Type: tall and sporty.

Kitten: 44, quietly stunning but with cutting wit. Type: MAN, think Danny Grewcock.

Mouse: 43, exquisitely pretty, nervous and endlessly funny. Type: A tall Chris Moyles (yes, you read that right).

Peacock: 33 (she doesn’t need this group as much as she goes to Crossfit) she’s the body (and the brains). Type: All the above.

What details of such a top secret meeting can we leak? It was decided that all members were going to download Tinder and attempt to swipe right and connect with suitable local males. We are also able to report a great deal of laughter, followed by heel high tottering on exit and a few hangovers the next day. Situation normal for these Bath beauties.

Autumn 2014

@TheRealBathMag 31

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