151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 1
FREE-please take one
the
Larkhall
News Issue 30
A new vision for St Mark’s School A Larkhallian Merry Christmas Gifts and goodies galore in Larkhall this winter
Front Cover by Simon Hodges
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 2
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 3
in this iSSue q St Mark’s News s A ‘Larkhallian’ Christmas y St Saviour’s Going Solar u Bath’s Industrial Heritage c Larkhall Festival 2016 p Little Sure Shot
Competition - win tickets!
The Larkhall News is a not-for-profit enterprise published by St Mark’s School, Bath. Editorial: Contact us on 01225 478416 or at St Mark’s School on 01225 312661. Advertising: Contact Paula Hawkins, St Mark’s School, Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6ND Tel: 01225 312661 or email, hawkinsp@st-marks.org.uk The Larkhall News is available online at: www.st-marks.org.uk Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors in content. Whilst every reasonable care is taken, the publisher shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.
Welcome “One of the marvellous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people.” Jean Vanier
I am feeling quite festive and it really is no wonder, given our latest Larkhall News! For this issue, we have been out and about in Larkhall, finding out about all that our local community has to offer this festive season. It’s mouth watering work, but someone has to do it! Shopping locally does not mean compromise and in Larkhall this is certainly true. The wonderful shops, cafes and venues are all, without exception, focused on providing their customers with a great experience and exceptional quality. Our Christmas Shopping Night on Wednesday 25th November is sure to be a great opportunity to buy beautiful, handmade gifts, made and sourced locally. Do come along and support. The Larkhall Festival are hot on our heels, as they provide a truly ‘Handmade Christmas’ at New Oriel Hall on Friday 4th December. Supported by a plethora of local artists and artisans, you are sure to find the perfect gift - whilst supping something warming! This is a fundraiser for the Larkhall Festival 2016, so a great way to support just about everything local. Planning is already underway for next year’s Festival and I, for one, am very much looking forward to the tree pom-poms and yarn-bobbing! The Festival committee is always looking for new ideas and supporters to help make the weekend a great occasion. If you feel that you have an idea to challenge yarn-bobbing - do get in touch. In the meantime, have a very merry local Christmas and New Year!
Paula Tel: 01225 312661 or email hawkinsp@st-marks.org.uk
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 4
A new vision for
St Mark’s Success, to me, is not always about simply achieving, but instead, a measurement of how far you have come, the progress made and perhaps most importantly, the continuing developments of that success - the question of ‘what next?’ At the forefront of our mentality at St Mark’s is the continued progress of our students - we believe in excellence and our plans for the future are ambitious. Our vision is to inspire students for future success by developing confident, independent learners with a spirit of ambition and adventure. Ambition is important, it is the drive that gets students those top grades, top jobs and opportunities. We need to inspire our students to show them what is out there and more importantly, how to grasp it. Our curriculum is targeted, personalised and dynamic, with a commitment to raising attainment. Talent, progress and achievement are recognised and we take every opportunity to celebrate student success through reward and recognition. Students take pride in their work and are praised for their commitment no
matter how large or small their accomplishment. We have created and wish to maintain an environment in which students can flourish and excel with confidence. Academic achievement, clearly, is extremely important. However, success cannot simply be measured by grades. The development of our students holistically, to become well-rounded responsible individuals, takes precedence. We offer enrichment opportunities alongside careers support and our raising aspirations programme, to ensure that our students receive a complete education spiritually, morally, socially and culturally and are prepared for a future of continued achievement. It will have been noted by many that our school is and has been changing, we are evolving and our progress has been recognised, raising our status as a provider of educational excellence. We are judged as Good by Ofsted and identified as a Good Church of England school from our most recent SIAMS report. For St Mark’s, this has meant the establishment of a strong platform and the groundwork from
which to grow and enact our future plans. Looking to the future, we will continue to work closely with local families and the community. Our partnerships with primary schools are cherished and have enabled us to establish connections and build positive relationships with children in the area from a young age. Community is of upmost importance and our aim is to create a collaborative environment in which skills, expertise and resources are shared. Together we can make a positive impact on our local environment and provide children with the opportunities, skills and connections to succeed. It has been a pleasure to watch St Mark’s grow and develop and I am consistently proud of the achievements of our students. The future is bright for St Mark’s. Barnaby Ash, Headteacher
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 5
Celebrating achievement After years of hard work and studying, our students were delighted to receive their GCSE results in August. We are proud of our students’ achievements and wish them the very best of luck for their exciting future plans. We were equally delighted to hear that former Head Girl, Jenny Chambers, achieved A* grades in A Level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Product Design, as well as an A* in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Jenny has secured a place at Cambridge University to study Engineering.
Toby Whitehead completed A Level Maths two years early achieving a notable C grade. He also performed exceptionally well in his GCSEs, securing A* grades in Maths, Physics, French, ECDL and RE, and A grades in Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Geography, German and History. Toby has ambitious plans to go to an Oxbridge University to study Chemical Engineering.
Joe Alvis, who attended St Saviour’s Junior School before coming to St Mark’s, attained a total of 13.5 GCSEs with 9.5 GCSEs at A*–A including an A* in English Language, Maths and RE, and A grades in Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History and Physics. Joe looks forward to continuing his education at Sixth Form.
Former Swainswick School pupil, Amy James, is celebrating after achieving a total of 13 GCSEs. She was delighted to secure an A* in ECDL and Home Economics, and A grades in Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Use (0.5), English Language, English Literature and Maths.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival Earlier this term, we were delighted to host part of the hugely successful ‘Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2015’ and welcomed world famous author and screenwriter, Frank Cottrell Boyce, to speak to an audience of local young people. The event is the largest dedicated children’s book festival in the UK and is staged in association with The Telegraph and Waterstone’s, the publishing and retail partners. The ethos of the festival is simple: to entertain children, and to enthuse young people about reading. St Mark’s played host to nearly 300 visitors including pupils from other local schools: King Edward’s, Monkton Combe, Calder House and Swainswick Primary. The engaged audience were delighted to hear extracts from the author’s most famous novels, with titles such as ‘Cosmic’ and ‘Astounding Broccoli Boy’. Frank then entertained the audience with tales of his journey as an author.
Students and staff were privileged to have been selected as a venue for this event and have been pleased with the positive feedback it has received. The literature themed focus highlights the school’s continued commitment to providing students with unique and quality learning experiences whilst also demonstrating a passion for working in partnership with the local community of schools for the benefit of all young people. Stella Pakeman, Head of English, said: “It was wonderful to be a part of the Children’s Literature Festival. It is events such as these that bring the curriculum to life for students and encourage a passion and enthusiasm for reading and creativity that we are so keen to develop at St Mark’s.”
Miguel Roe, who transferred from Batheaston Primary School, secured a total of 12 GCSEs, 10 at A*–A. He scored 197/200 in his English Language exam, putting him in the top 0.25% of candidates for WJEC and 195/200 for his English Literature examination, putting him in the top 0.5% of candidates. Miguel is looking forward to continuing his studies to eventually go to university to study Law.
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 6
St Mark’s receives prestigious STEM grant St Mark’s School is proud to announce that it has been selected to take part in the VEX Robotics and Girls into STEM programme, sponsored by the National Grid. The programme aims to encourage uptake of the challenging STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) amongst females. Currently, women account for just 6% of the UK’s current engineering workforce and initiatives like this one, sponsored by the National Grid, are geared towards raising the profile of STEM subjects and encouraging their uptake amongst female students. Students at the school competed against hundreds of national schools and managed to impress the judges with their innovative submission in the first round of the VEX Robotics competition. The girls are delighted to be one of the 20 teams selected from a total of 120 across the country and will be representing the South West region alongside only one other school. The St Mark’s team worked together to deliver a presentation on the topic “What is Engineering?” Tia, Evie, Freddie, Rosie and Essi from Year 10 and Donna from Year 9 created their own film presentation. The film footage included a personal story of a student who had used modern technology in order to overcome her hearing impairment. The competition’s official judges were impressed by the girls’ hard work and creativity, putting them through to next stages of the competition in January 2016.
program a robotic claw. The claw must be able to pick up and throw a small ball into a basketball net and will be showcased alongside the other entries in Bristol next year. The competition is just one example of the school’s continued dedication to providing fantastic opportunities and wider experiences for all its students. The girls have shown great potential and will continue to receive encouragement from the school as they enter the next stage of the competition and hope to secure a place at the National Finals at The Big Bang Fair in March 2016. Mr Ash, Headteacher, congratulated the team on their innovative competition entry: “Learning is about having fun whilst exploring new ideas. Competitions such as this one combine excellence in academic achievement with an enriching and fun-filled educational experience, providing outstanding opportunities for students to shine.” “Our team of STEM students have captured the essence of how technology and science can help to overcome a personal challenge or disability. We are delighted that they have done so well and look forward to the next stage of the competition.”
As a direct result of their achievement, the school received a robotics kit worth up to £1,000, that the team must now use to assemble and
(Opposite St Saviour’s Church)
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 7
New Year 7 families recieve a musical welcome Earlier this term, we were delighted to welcome a new cohort of students to St Mark’s as they Bronze Art Award for take the next steps in their academic journey. talented artists Art students from St Mark’s are to be honored with the Bronze Art Award by Jennifer Scott, Director of the Holburne Museum, later this month.
Staff, governors and students welcomed new Year 7 families to St Mark’s School in a special summer barbeque, supported by the school’s PTA and the local primary Headteachers. Families from St Mark’s School came together on Friday 11th September to welcome our new Year 7 families to the school community in style. The event was organised by staff and parents from the PTA and Governing Body to mark the start of an exciting year for the school as it continues with its mission to become the school of choice for local families.
During the summer, three students from St Mark’s, Max, Manoel and Moira, joined students from three other local secondary schools to participate in the Bronze Art Award at Bath’s Holburne Museum. Inspired by the recent willow installation at the Holburne by Laura Ellen Baker, entitled Murmuration, students produced their own willow sculptures within the beautiful grounds of the museum, pictured above.
The rain held off and a balmy summer’s evening barbeque ensued with parents and students taking the opportunity to meet with Headteacher, Mr Ash, and hear of his vision and ambitions for the future.
The intensive week-long course allowed students to develop their planning and research skills, explore new art techniques and successfully communicate their ideas through a range of approaches, such as Powerpoint presentations and blogging.
Supporting the event were the Headteachers from ‘The Valley Schools’ as they performed the live music for the evening.
“The feedback from the moderators was extremely positive, reflecting the hugely creative and well-considered approaches displayed by all ten young people,” said Louise Campion, Learning and Community Engagement Officer.
St Mark’s School works in a unique collaboration called the Valley Schools; a cluster located in the east of Bath, including St Stephen’s Primary, St Saviour’s Infants and Juniors and Swainswick Primary. The aim of the partnership is to improve the links between primary and secondary and enrich the life of the community through shared learning and experiences.
Mrs Wilson, Teacher of Art at St Mark’s, praised the students for their impressive work. “The Art Award allowed our students to particpate with other young artists in a formal setting, where they were required to develop artistic confidence whilst working as part of a team. They produced some spectacular pieces.”
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 8
a ‘Larkhallian’ Merry Christma Close your eyes. Go on, close them and picture Christmas: Christmas shopping to be precise. How are you feeling? Stressed, anxious, full of dread, even, dare we say it . . . a little afraid? Christmas shopping is far from pleasurable for most - sitting in hours of traffic, parking fees (if you can find a space), being squashed in over-crowded department stores and queuing from 7.30am for an over-packaged and probably over-stuffed Christmas turkey! Surely there must be more to it? We think that we have the solution. For a truly merry Christmas this year, why waste time (and money) sourcing your perfect table, tree and gift list from here, there and everywhere, when everything you could possibly need is right on your doorstep. The wonderful array of shops and businesses in Larkhall can provide everything from your Christmas tree to the freshest, locally sourced seasonal vegetables at the Larkhall Farm Shop (formerly Tony’s Greengrocers), to the dazzling decorations on your Christmas tree and almost everything in between. Whether you are planning a family get-together, a festive party or a mid-week meal you are spoilt for choice. There is a superb range of continental meats and cheeses from Goodies Delicatessen, not to mention the Pannetone; imported from Italy and devilishly good. They will be open throughout the Christmas period and until 3.00pm on Christmas Eve. You can place your order either in the shop or by telephone on 336033 and collect at your convenience.
Larkhall Butchers are an absolute MUST for the very best in Christmas fayre, including free-range turkey, goose, duck and chicken and locally reared beef, lamb and pork. This is ‘Taste the Difference’ with a difference! Peter and the team will be open from 4.30am on Christmas Eve (we’re told this is a lie-in from their normal schedule!) and will be serving customers through until 2.00pm. Orders should be placed ideally before Friday 19th December. For those looking for that extra special gift this year, why not pop into Silversides Glass or wander along to the many Christmas Fairs and Shopping Nights running throughout November and December? Kick-starting the season off is the St Mark’s PTA Shopping Night on Wednesday 24th November, swiftly followed by the Larkhall Festival Craft Fair on Friday 4th December. More on both of these events to follow but suffice to say that there will be local and handmade gifts aplenty, festive foods, warming mulled aperitifs and Christmas Carols galore; the perfect start to a lovely ‘Larkhallian’ Christmas! And if the festive niceties are just too much to bear, then you can always sit back and relax, enjoying Butterfly Psyche Theatre’s newest family production, The Snow Child, running exclusively for The Rondo this Christmas, from Wednesday 9th December to Sunday 20th December. Don’t forget of course, a visit to Ma Cuisine along the way for a slice of non-festive, but very delicious, cake and mug of steaming, and magnificently indulgent, hot chocolate. Tis the season to be jolly after all.
Fa la la la laa, la la la la!
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 9
mas
Come and enjoy some festive shopping and a glass of something nice whilst browsing an array of artisan stalls for the perfect gift! Christmas is on its way but there’s no need to rush! On the 25th November, St Mark's School PTA will be filling the school hall full of wonderfully talented, locally-based businesses who will be there to offer you everything you need for the perfect handmade Christmas. You can shop till you drop with over 25 stalls, selling contemporary crafts, artisan foods, stunning jewellery and affordable gifts. Enjoy the festive atmosphere whilst sipping heartwarming glasses of spiced mulled wine or cider and sampling our handmade Christmas snacks, in a twinkly atmosphere. Come and join the festive spirit: Christmas starts here! Entry is just £1 for adults (no charge for children and senior citizens).
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 10
Larkhall & Lambridge
Cllr Rob Appleyard and Cllr Lin Patterson provide The Larkhall News team with an update on local political issues.
Transport and air pollution are the top two subjects that dominate my communications from local residents. The effectiveness of an east-of-the-city park and ride, and its location, have fuelled much debate and, by the time you read this, an announcement will have been made to build on the meadows, on site B, and completely spoil the landscape for many.
I do, and will continue to, oppose this action as I believe there is a sustainable alternative that uses the existing rail infrastructure. Many of you, I know, are of the same opinion that the solution to the volume of traffic entering Bath needs to be part of an integrated solution, not just a piece-meal box ticking exercise that ruins our environment. So far B&NES council have refused to monitor air quality along the London Road, not because of the minimal cost of the monitoring devices, but because the results will show that the pollution levels far exceed permitted European guidelines and the council will be forced into taking positive action to reduce them. I will be pressing B&NES to install a range of monitoring devices and make public the findings. On a more happy note, I am delighted that after many years and a great deal of effort by the two St Saviour’s Schools, a date for February half term has been identified for the installation of a much needed zebra crossing. Finally, on 5th December the new RUH Forever Friends Larkhall fundraising group will be holding a Christmas quiz at the New Oriel Hall. It starts at 7.30pm and at only £3 a ticket should be a good night. This is their first event so please support them by joining in. More information can be found on Facebook page - Larkhall RUH and on Twitter @BathLarkhallRUH.
Do any of you remember a song by Joni Mitchell with the words, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot...you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone...?” By the time you read this, it will be clear whether the current council, which is under the control of another party, has decided to put a Park and Ride on the green water meadows in Batheaston. No doubt the fight will continue to try to save the land because challenges can be made. Many residents have emailed me with long, reasonable arguments, and not one has been in favour of the scheme. I am certainly not either. You can hear a statement from me, added to those of at least forty four other Bath people, at the full council meeting on November 12th, on the webcam on the Bath and North East Somerset council website. On a brighter note, four hundred students and residents will gather on November 11th for a beautiful ceremony to plant a replacement for the magnificent, but diseased, Turkey oak planted in 1919, that was cut down a couple months ago in the ‘Back Field’ behind Eldon Place. Mike Langbridge, owner of the hardware shop, donated the metal tree guard and the plaque to honour young soldiers and the Junior School headmaster who had died in World War One, as the original tree had done. Residents donated money towards buying a larger English oak, (which might live longer), for the council to plant, and a dedicated Junior School teacher, Melanie Flint, started the ball rolling and saw the project through, with the help of the council arboriculturist, Denise Hart. I am particularly pleased it was agreed to call it a Peace Tree. A man asked me the other night, “Are you able to make any difference?” I had to stop and think. As a new councillor, I am still learning about this vast council, and I answered, “Yes, but in small ways.” Arranging to fill potholes, seeing if a streetlight can be replaced, having yellow lines painted, trying to hurry a resolution to the nightmare school crossing by the Infant School, everything is very slow. As Winston Churchill said in 1947, ‘Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.’
Cllr Rob Appleyard Cllr Lin Patterson
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 11
Here comes the SUN! St Saviour’s Infants has been chosen as one of 20 schools in the country to join the Solar Schools scheme, with support from the organisation 10:10. A team of staff, parent volunteers and pupils known as SASSI (Solar At St Saviour’s Infants), has now launched a campaign to raise £20,000 in one year to cover the cost of installing the panels.
The Solar Schools project has come at a good time for the school which turned 50 this year. Back in June, staff and pupils past and present celebrated the anniversary with a party and looked back on the school’s history. Now St Saviour’s is turning its attention to the future. Headteacher Ed Harker commented: “This year, to celebrate our school’s 50th anniversary, we want to create a long-term legacy by launching a project to fit solar panels to the school roof. We’re excited at the prospect of doing our bit for the environment and helping the children understand more about renewable energy, and we’re delighted to be working with the wider 10:10 Solar Schools community.” Having solar panels will not only mean that the school saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions, it will also save on energy bills and hopefully generate some much needed income for the school by selling back to the National Grid, which will benefit all the children. Children at St Saviour’s are excited to be part of the project. Charlotte said, “I think our school needs solar power because we will use less bad energy and get good energy from the sun.” Lloyd said, “We want to start using the sun’s energy to stop global warming and save polar bears.” The school has installed a ‘solar-ometer’ so they can track their progress towards their fundraising goal. There is a meeting on Thursday 25th Nov at 7pm in the school hall to share progress so far over a glass of wine and discuss how the local community can help. If you are interested in offering time, skills or have a fundraising idea please contact stsaviours_inf@bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 313928 To sponsor a panel, please visit http://www.solarschools.org.uk/stsaviours
Eco-schools co-ordinator and Year 2 teacher, Louise Holloway, has been leading the project. “Our solar campaign is part of our wider Eco-schools work. I want solar panels for the school as it will not only mean that the school saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions but also sends a clear message to the children that we care about the planet and want to create a sustainable future for them. The school is currently a silver award Eco-school and this year I am applying for the school to become a Green Flag Eco-school.” “Next term I am planning a science topic for my Year 2s on renewable energy and I am working with some PhD students at the University of Bath who will be talking with the children about their roles in developing renewable energy.”
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 12
Bath’s industrial heritage remembered
Former Lambridge Councillor, Bryan Chalker’s Bath Industrial Heritage Days, held at Bath City Football Club since 2012, have proved to be such a success that the event is now a regular attraction at the Twerton venue. Bryan reports. I had promised myself that the last Industrial Heritage Exhibition held on Saturday 12 September would be the final one, as the work entailed in organising such an event was strenuous and hugely time-consuming, to say the least. We also faced competition from a football match held at Twerton Park on the same day but this actually worked to our advantage and brought exhibitors and members of the public closer together. It was the second such exhibition held this year (the previous one being 7 March) and this was also mooted as being my last. Nevertheless, the public turned out in droves and it was estimated that in excess of 700 attended the event and, following September’s equally successful exhibition, I am now planning the 6th for Saturday, 9 April. It became abundantly clear from the outset that, whilst Bath’s rich industrial past had been virtually obliterated by the general clamour for all things Jane Austen, Georgian and Roman, the public needed to be reminded of the city’s glorious manufacturing legacy and with the help of Bath Heritage Watchdog, The Virtual Museum of Bath, Museum of Bath At Work, Bath & North East Somerset Council and the free venue given to us by Bath City Football Club, we were able to highlight some of the achievements of Stothert & Pitt, Bath Cabinet Makers and a host of other almost forgotten manufacturers from a bygone age. It’s worth remembering that my Mayoral theme for 2011-2012 was 'Bath’s Industrial Heritage’ and I was able to use this as a lever to attract exhibitors to provide a general overview of what the city stood for in terms of industrial creativity. Those exhibitors now include Saltford Brass Mill, Claverton Pumping Station, Combe Down Heritage Society, Radstock Museum, the Museum of Bath At Work, Bath Heritage Watchdog and, for the very first time on 12 September, Ipswich Transport Museum with a display relating to the restoration of the only surviving Bath horse-drawn tram, dating from 1884. Although absent from the last event, the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust has exhibited on four previous occasions and is booked to return on
9 April 2016 with their usual fine display of photographs and relics. One aspect of these heritage exhibitions that has proved to be extremely popular is my personal display of packaging relics from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, together with tin-plate clock trains, early Dinky Toys, antique telephones and radio sets - exhibited under the banner of ‘Memories Are Made Of These’. It is refreshing to see so many young children taking a keen interest in these old domestic relics and, next April, there will be even more on display. Larkhall was an important part of Bath’s industrial past, with its fulling and flour mills and we must not forget how many local residents were employed by crane-maker, Stothert & Pitt. I am indebted to the good people of Larkhall who have presented me with archive photographs for display since the exhibitions were first organised. Mills were always an important part of Bath's industrial heritage and Lambridge played a great part in the evolution of the city as a manufacturing hub. As always, the next Bath Industrial Heritage Exhibition will be open to the public from 10am - 4pm. Admission is free, there is adequate parking and light refreshments will be available. This year, we have adopted a ‘hands-on’ approach where many of the exhibits are concerned. If you didn’t already know that RMS Titanic had strong links with Bath, then you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise on 9 April and, even if you did already know, there’ll be some wonderful new photographs to remind you of the incredible achievements of Stothert & Pitt.
‘‘
Larkhall’s fulling and flour mills were an important part of Bath’s industrial heritage and Lambridge played a great part in the evolution of the city as a manufacturing hub.
’’
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 13
The Larkhall
Village Kitchen
The column that puts creativity back into cooking with the majority of ingredients sourced from Larkhall shops, gardens or allotments.
FISH SOUP Ingredients: 1oz margarine 2oz flour 2 pints fish stock (see below) 1/4 pint of milk salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 reconstituted dried egg or 1 fresh egg watercress Method: Melt the margarine in a pan, stir in the flour and cook for several minutes, stirring well. Remove from the heat and gradually add the fresh fish stock. Boil steadily until the soup thickens, then add the milk, seasoning and parsley. Whisk in the egg. Stir over a gentle heat for a further 5 minutes and do not allow the soup to boil. Serve garnished with watercress. Serves 4. Fish Stock: Fish trimmings are essential to make an interesting stock and the bones, heads and skins should be used. Put the fish trimmings into a pan with water to cover, add a peeled onion, a little chopped celery, pinch of mixed herbs (including a bay leaf) and salt and pepper to taste. Cook slowly for exactly 30 minutes. Strain. This recipe appeared in many cookery books and pamphlets published during the Second World War.
St saviour’s church St Saviour’s Church is buzzing with festive celebrations this winter, not to mention exciting news on their building and refurbishment project. The St Saviour’s Community Hub Project has reached a substantial stage in its development. So far, fundraising efforts have reached over £250,000, an enormous achievement. It has allowed the Church to go out to tender and, with prices coming in at around £400,000, which is better than anticipated, the project is closer to reaching completition than ever. The fundraising team are looking for grants from trust applications, local fundraising and contributions from individuals to help bridge the gap. They are hopeful that by mid-December they will have raised sufficient funds to begin work early in 2016 on the first phase of re-building the Fellowship Centre and building three rooms above. If you would like to know more about the Community Hub Project, make a financial contribution or know of avenues to secure more funding please contact Rev’d Michael Norman by email at michael@stsaviours.org.uk.
St Saviour’s Christmas Fair Saturday 28th November 10am-4pm. Santa 11am & 2pm Cakes, Refreshments, Stalls and Games St Saviour’s Messy Church Christingle Service Sunday 13th December 4pm St Saviour’s Carol Service Sunday 20th December 6.30pm Christmas Eve Nativity Service 4pm Christmas Eve Midnight Communion 11.30pm
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 14
larkhall
Festival2016 open studios Show us the talent!
It’s hard to think forward to the Larkhall Festival in the midst of winter, but whilst we count the sleeps to Christmas Day, there is a team hard at work already planning for next May.
Handmade for christmas Short of time and short of presents? If you can’t contemplate the Christmas market crowds in town and would like to buy something gorgeous from makers closer to home then please join us in Larkhall for a handmade Christmas shopping extravaganza. On Friday 4th December the Larkhall Festival will be hosting a Christmas shopping evening at New Oriel Hall. Buy something unique and handmade for your friends and family this year, with goods including: jewellery, pottery, handcrafted accessories, wood turned gifts, Christmas stockings, decorations, cards, paper goods as well as stalls selling new goods from local charities. Make sure you get your copy of the 2016 Larkhall Festival calendar - stunning photos out and about in Larkhall. It is available at Silversides & Friends, Larkhall and at the Craft Market for £7. Entrance is free, but expect us to rattle a bucket. All proceeds from the event are going towards funding the 2016 Larkhall Festival. Tables are now fully booked but if you are a local
‘maker’ and would be interested in being involved in similar events in the future then please drop us a line at festival@larkhallfestival.com
Attention Yarn Bombers and Knitters! For the first time Larkhall Festival will be Yarn Bombing Larkhall during the Festival weekend. Want to be involved? Yarn Bombing is a form of street art, it can be knitting, crochet, pom-poms: you supply the imagination, the Festival will supply the yarn. Also new for 2016 is the Best Shed competition. Do you have a shed or workshop that you would like to share with Larkhall? A trophy will be awarded to the shed voted the best by our judges. For more information on any of these events or activities, please email festival@larkhall-festival.org.uk The Larkhall Festival is held over the first weekend in May. It is entirely run by volunteers and funded through fundraising events and donations from members of the public and local businesses.
Calling all local artists, artisans and craftspeople! Have you got a creative talent that you wish to share with the rest of us in Larkhall and the local area? Wondered how to get your work noticed by a wider audience? Well now is the time to consider having your own open studio or being part of our exhibition in The Oriel Hall during The Larkhall Festival 2016. So, before you carefully put this snippet aside for later (and then promptly forget it), contact us now! Go to our website at www.larkhallopenstudio.com and use the link to find out more. The closing date for completed applications is the end January 2016. We look forward to hearing from you.
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 15
AN EGG CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY Thurs 3rd Dec 2015 - Sun 10th Jan 2016 the egg & West Yorkshire Playhouse in association with MAC, Belfast & Theatr Iolo present
LITTLE SURE SHOT
THEATRE BATH
THE STAGE
THE PUBLIC REVIEWS
MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW
YORKSHIRE POST
“EXUBERANT AND BURSTING WITH ENERGY” THE STAGE
Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg
Take a shoT
at this issue’s marvellous
Competition! Enter our competition for a chance to win a family ticket to meet Annie Oakley, the Little Sure Shot of the Wild West, at the egg this Christmas. There’s a new star heading our way this Christmas, when Little Sure Shot blazes into Bath in an action-packed adventure filled with comedy, romance and country music. Based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of how little Annie befriends the famous showman Buffalo Bill and grows up to be the Queen of the Wild West, Little Sure Shot will amuse, delight and inspire audiences of all ages. The competition is for a family ticket (4 seats) to the opening night of the egg’s Christmas production, Little Sure Shot, on Thursday 3rd December at 7pm. Just enter our gun-slinging, foot-tappingly brilliant COMPETITION! All you have to do is email with your name, age and address to: The Editor at hawkinsp@st-marks.org.uk Entries must be received by midnight on Thursday 26th November. The winning entrant will be chosen randomly and notified on Friday 27th November. The production is recommended for ages 6 plus and all entrants must be able to attend the show on the specified date.
Larkhall FC www.pitchero.com/clubs/larkhallathleticfc
The first team have got their second season in the Southern League off to a solid start. At the time of writing they sit mid-table, albeit with a few games in hand, and have only been beaten twice in the league so far this season. Highlights for the Larks to date include taking Conference South side Havant and Waterlooville to a replay in the FA Cup, defeating Southern Premier side Frome Town in the League Cup, beating play-off contenders Evesham United 3-0 at home, and coming back from 2-0 to win 3-2 at Wantage Town the other week. The Larks are currently still in the FA Trophy and are hoping for a win at Marlow on 31st October to get into the mix for the 2nd Qualifying Round. The Larkhall Reserves are having their best season for ages so far. They are currently second in the Somerset County League table and it's all looking good for a promotion push. Probably the stand-out team within the Larks' senior sides, though, is Larkhall Ladies, who are also second in their league, the FA Women's Premier League South West Div 1 (step 3). The Ladies are in a fine run of form, having notched up 4-1, 6-1, 8-1 and even 11-1 wins so far this season. They will surely be in contention for promotion too. The Club is also proud to have been nominated as Bath Community Club of the Year at the Bath Sports Awards and committee members are looking forward to the awards ceremony at the Bath Racecourse on 11th November. As ever, all fixtures are on the club website http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/larkhallathleticfc/- and you can also follow the fortunes of the Larks via @Larkhallafc.
151110 Larkhall News Winter FINAL_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 Page 16
Here at Golden-Oldies we believe that singing is the best way to put a smile on your face. You don’t need a fantastic voice, but if you like singing, listening or dancing to the hits of the 50s onwards, then Goldies is for you. Golden Oldies is open to everyone, of all ages. It’s a great way to meet friends old and new. Why not pop along to our next session at Hanover Court and meet Abby, our wonderful Session Leader? Come and see if Goldies is for you! Hanover Court Salisbury Road, Larkhall, BA1 6QX FIRST TUESDAY of each month, from 2.30pm-3.30pm We ask for a £2 donation from all participants, but nobody is turned away. No need to book, these are
drop in sessions, everyone is welcome and a great time is guaranteed. For information about our other sessions, please have a look at our website www.goldenoldies.org.uk or call the office on 01761 470006 to speak to one of the very lovely Goldies team.
LEATHER SOFAS
TR
HAYES 15-18 LONDON STREET, WALCOT, BATH, BA1 5BX, 01225 465757 FREE customer parking | FREE delivery in Bath