Weekend 12 November 2015

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November 12, 2015

“I love strong, decisive, extravagant women – especially English ones. I would definitely call myself a feminist. Women are so much better than men.”

All hail the king It's Manolo Blahnik. Need we say more?

WIN! A Mulberry handbag T&Cs apply

Cobb Farr Bespoke tailor made marketing package for your property

17 MACAULAY BUILDINGS Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AT

20 CAROLINE BUILDINGS Widcombe, Bath BA2 4JH

Residential Sales

Residential Sales

COMBE HILL HOUSE Brassknocker Hill, Bath BA2 7HU

C H A R LC O M B E C OT TA G E Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5TD Residential Sales

Residential Sales

Bath Office 01225 333332 Bradford on Avon Office 01225 866111

THE CALENDAR

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WHAT’S ON

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FASHION & BEAUTY

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HOMES

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NOVEMBER 12, 2015

@bathweekend

Cover portrait by Piers Calvert

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BathGuildhallMarket

visit us at bathguildhall.co.uk The Guildhall Market is the oldest shopping venue in the city and today a colourful group of 20 or so stallholders trade in the jewel in the heart of the City - just 80 yards from the world famous Bath Abbey. Catering for virtually everything you need under one roof - it’s always service with a smile and friendly personal attention one always gets when dealing with family run businesses.

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At Christmas things really step up and the excitement and

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WOOLS y RIBBONS y BUTTONS CRAFTS y HABERDASHERY y AND MUCH MORE!

11-18 STALLS, GUILDHALL MARKET. 01225 482648

buzz of Bath Guildhall Market’s annual Christmas Market is not to be missed. Extending out of the building next to the market cafe, large interlinked centrally located heated marquees are erected in the car park at the rear housing an amazing array of fabulous seasonal gifts for everyone. There’s also a licensed bar serving locally brewed Abbey Ales beers, hot mulled wine and fantastic ‘live’ entertainment throughout the day. The Christmas Market runs alongside Bath’s famous annual Christmas Market for 18 days from the last Thursday of November every year. This year’s Christmas Market runs from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, December 14. There are entrances on Orange Grove (next to Browns and opposite Bath Abbey), Pulteney Bridge (side of The Empire) and the High Street (next to The Guildhall).

8.45am - 5pm

M & K HARDWARE / ELECTRICAL

• KEYS • TOOLS • PAINT • BATTERIES • DYLON DYES ALL YOUR HOUSEHOLD REQUIREMENTS Large selection of Christmas Items and Lights now in stock

01225 339 638

SKOOBS BOOK STALL

• Great selection of modern paperback books for sale. • Latest “must reads” to the older “always wanted to read”. • Buy a book, enjoy it, share it and even lend it! • We also sell a range of mats & rugs at very affordable prices!

01225 460808

Tel: 01225 463 133

©NM

Bath Leather Goods Hand made English leather belts Repairs and made to order

Made-to-fit leather belts that will last for years. Made on-site in our Bath workshop. LEATHER BOUND JOURNALS AND NOTE BOOKS EMBOSSED WHILE YOU WAIT.

Guildhall Market, High Street, BA2 4AW | 01225 571964 www.bathleathergoods.com

NOT CARTIERS Bath humBug Shop

GUILDHALL MARKET BATH

Sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets, sweets and more SWEETS!

THE GUILDHALL DELI

Still stocking Bath Chaps!

Supplying a range of:

• Indian snacks • Farrington Kitchen products • Olives and anti pasti • Rolls • Cooked meats • Cakes • Gluten Free Snacks • Vegetarian and Vegan Snacks

GUILDHALL MARKET, BATH, BA2 4AW TEL: 01225 427195 www.theguildhalldeli.co.uk

Stunning range of handcrafted jewellery from Bath and Beyond

Visit us in the Guildhall Market 01225 445524

Dec 2015

Open 8.30am - 5.30pm

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Every week, we are lucky enough to interview amazing people for W’s pages, and this week was no exception when we waxed lyrically about the beauty of Bath with the one and only Manolo Blahnik. The longreigning king of shoes – who has lived in Bath for three decades – told us why the Georgian decoration of the city inspires many of his designs and why this place is his safe haven in an otherwise hectic world. He will be giving the city a rare and intimate insight into his private life when he appears at an In Conversation event later this month (hosted by the lovely guys at Topping’s). On page 34, Mr Blahnik – whose fans range from Madonna to Vogue’s Anna Wintour – gives us a preview of his talk and tells us about the women who LQVSLUH KLP ZKDW KH QRWLFHV ¿UVW DERXW D person (and no, shockingly, it’s not their shoes) and why he’s been wearing the same clothes for 40 years. He also reveals all about his new tome which examines his exuberant designs and amazing history

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in the business. He even told us about KLV VHULRXV DGGLFWLRQ ZLWK 1HWÀL[ KLV best life lessons and what he wants for Christmas this year. Talking about festive wish lists, this issue is a special one as it’s RXU ¿UVW &KULVWPDV WKHPHG PDJD]LQH RI the year (and it’s bumper-sized!). We have everything from luxury gift guides – with a chance to win a £795 Mulberry handbag as part of our Great Designer Giveaway – (p.74) and snuggly V sultry fashion (p.44) to festive table décor ideas (p.64) and tops tips from a Bath foodie expert on how to cook the most sumptuous Christmas dinner of your life (p.54). We’ve also got the lowdown about what merry events (big and small) are going on around the city during the most wonderful time of the year (p.22), and we have interviewed the entire cast of this year’s panto (including the charming Nigel Havers) at the Theatre Royal (p.28). Other features not to be missed are ‘Meet the Band’ in which we get to know up ‘n’ coming local talents Lewis Clark and The Essentials (p.40), and our Ask the Expert feature with The Marmalade House’s painting and interiors specialist Vanessa Sayce (p.60) Enjoy!

Lisa x

#WFIRST WORD

THIs week at W to w e r s Here’s what our team has found (and loved!) this week...

With demand for locally sourced, ethically grown produce on the rise, Goldhill Organics – a company which home-delivers organic fruit and vegetable boxes to households throughout Somerset – has expanded its offering and is launching a new website: www.goldhillorganics.co.uk

Fringeworthy If it’s tassel-tastic then it’s on-trend this season. Swinging from coats, skirts and accessories, the collections on the AW15 catwalks were a veritable frenzy of fringing - from Burberry Prorsum to Emilio Pucci. We love these 70’s-style suede, fringed, knee-high boots from Mint Velvet; perfect with a miniskirt and oversized outerwear. Check Cocoon Coat, £169; Leather A Line Mini Skirt, £149; Beth Suede Fringed Long Heeled Boots, £189; all Mint Velvet at Jolly’s, Milsom Street

brush up With refined artistry cuts, the luxe brushes in the new Real Techniques Bold Metals Essentials brush set offer high performance and infinite possibilities. Irresistibly soft, the bristles feature shed-resistant properties and advanced pick-up and release of makeup. The set includes the 103 Angled Powder brush for contouring; the 200 Oval Shadow brush for all over lid application and seamless blending; a 300 Tapered Blush for highlighting; and a handy clutch bag. Was £64, now £30 at Boots, SouthGate

Been naughty to your hair? ‘Tis the season to be extra nice with the Mini but Miraculous Hairdresser’s Set from Bumble and Bumble’s Christmas collection. £19.50, Boots, SouthGate

budget blow it

Bored of dry, tasteless cereals? We tried Cuckoo Bircher Muesli this week and were pleasantly surprised. It combines home-grown jumbo oats, succulent fruit and creamy West Country yoghurt in the perfect balance of health and satisfying deliciousness. From £1.50 each, Waitrose, Northgate Street

This gorgeous Tilly Perfect Mini Shoulder Cross-Body Bag is small but perfectly formed and looks far more expensive than its price tag. £55, Ezza, Milsom Place

The Georgia is a bestselling British-designed cross-body handbag from Frome-based brand Peony & Moore. This mid-size slouchy hobo style is perfect for everyday occasions. £215, Sisi & May, Bartlett Street

The convenient style of the hands-free, cross-body bag has found legions of fans in style capitals around the world and it’s not hard to see why.

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Our roundup of Bath’s most fabulous events

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Fashion icon Jimmy Choo was one of 250 high-proďŹ le, local and international guests to be welcomed to celebrate The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel’s official grand opening. Embracing British ‘pomp’ and ceremony with a lively Malaysian twist – a nod to the heritage of the hotel’s owning family – guests were treated to a display of ancient traditions to ‘bless’ the hotel with prosperity. Surrounded by a group of drummers, guests were led on a Lion Dance procession to The Gainsborough behind a Chinese dragon. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay, Chairman of YTL Corporation, launched proceedings with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by owing champagne toasts and Asian-fusion canapĂŠs by Michelin Starred Chef Johann Lafer, who has lent his name to the hotel’s restaurant. After being serenaded by Malaysian YouTube sensation Elizabeth Tan and her band, as well as Jazz legend Freddy Cole - brother of Nat ‘King’ Cole - and his Quartet, guests were invited to explore the hotel and enjoy the rooms, facilities and beautiful Spa Village. 3KRWRJUDSK\ E\ -XOLDQ -DPHV 3DROR )HUOD DQG $QD %DUFOD\

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#WEVENTS

Our roundup of Bath’s most fabulous events

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#WEVENTS

Our roundup of Bath’s most fabulous events 9(59( 2)),&,$/ 23(1,1* /21'21 52$' Bath’s London Road is the home of an über-stylish and original new shop, which has just thrown open its doors to an appreciative audience. Verve at 15 Walcot Buildings, offers an eclectic selection of furniture and desirable accessories for the home, as well as inspiration and assistance in creating a personal and bespoke environment, without the need for a ‘break the bank’ budget. It is the brainchild of Michelle Atken and Jacqui Edmiston, who collectively have many years of experience in home styling, decorating and buying art, and know how to purchase and present carefully, cleverly and, above all, creatively. Their new venture is far from a conventional shop: it is a warm and welcoming 1000 square foot space with curated displays on tables, shelves, in the windows and on the floor. Oh, and coffee on tap, too! The heart of Verve’s philosophy is supporting the designers and makers, particularly those with a local provenance, several being a product of Bath Spa University’s acclaimed Bath School of Art & Design post-graduate degree shows.

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This autumn/winter season, Verve’s workshops will include: wire sculpture making with Melanie Deegan; trend-inspired moodboard creation; playing with metallic; and ways with willow.

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#WEVENTS

Our roundup of Bath’s most fabulous events

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7+( *$,16%2528*+ %$7+ 63$ %($8 675((7 At its recent networking event, The Bath Percent Club spoke of its aim to encourage charitable giving amongst local businesses. It is a badge of membership and goodwill for those businesses and ďŹ rms who give a percent of their proďŹ ts to charity. This may be in money, time or quantiďŹ ed in kind. The Club doesn’t handle any funds, nor dictate where they should go. Close relationships between businesses and their charities of choice are encouraged. The club also works with partners, such as Localgiving, Quartet and Neighbourly, to allow donations to ow easily.

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#WWHAT’S ON

Out & About

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Picture by Grace Elkin

The Pound, Corsham The vintage arts of magic, cabaret and burlesque will be celebrated at Corsham’s first ever Magic and Mayhem Festival. Organised by Pound Arts, the winter festival kicks off on Thursday, November 19 and runs until Sunday, November 22 at locations throughout the town. Featuring leading names including comedian Richard Herring and jazz royalty Jacqui Dankworth, as well as acts from the cabaret, burlesque and illusion circuit. There will also be local ghost stories, classic cinema with live musical scoring, exhibitions, live theatre fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe and a vintage tea dance. The festival launches on Thursday 19 November with the stunning Tim Burton-esque, theatre show, The Girl Who Fell in Love with the Moon at The Pound. The Pound will be unveiling a Burlesque exclusive: The Mayhem Cabaret, featuring a wide range of cabaret and burlesque acts including last year’s world crown winner, the gorgeous Eliza Delite.

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Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Four highly respected folk artists, Eliza Carthy, Jackie Oates, Lucy Farrell and Kate Young , have been brought together by English piper Kathryn Tickell to showcase their captivating vocals and superb harmonies at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon, on Friday, November 13. Presenting a gloriously diverse selection of songs, ranging from English tradition through gospel to 1940’s American pop, and all with a unique twist, the sheer enjoyment of their playing together shines through and makes this a total delight. With her witty and energetic repertoire, Eliza breathes new life into England’s traditional folk music. Tickets cost £19. Visit www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk.

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#WWHAT’S ON

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Picture by Tristram Kenton

Theatre Royal, Bath Britain’s national dance company, Rambert, returns to Bath with a programme of three new works, featuring Kim Brandstrup’s Transfigured Night, Didy Veldman’s Picasso-inspired The 3 Dancers, and Alexander Whitley’s Frames. Appearing at the Theatre Royal from Thursday, November 12 to Saturday, November 14, Rambert will be accompanied by live music performed by the critically acclaimed Rambert Orchestra. Rambert’s company of 22 dancers are among the finest in the world, with backgrounds in both classical and contemporary dance. Britain’s oldest dance company is renowned for producing some of the finest choreographic and dance talent seen in the UK. Whilst at Bath’s Theatre Royal, Rambert will host a free, pre-show talk on November 13 at 6.30pm; tickets for the talk can be booked via the box office on 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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Komedia, Bath

Join recent W cover star Chris as he explores getting older, finding yourself, taking responsibility, realising you are no longer a child and all of the other terrifying realisations that come with modern adulthood in his new show, All Growed Up, at Bath’s Komedia on Wednesday, November 18. Nominated for the hugely prestigious Fosters’ Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Chris Ramsey has experienced a meteoric rise to the top since appearing on the comedy circuit in 2009. He has previously appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats, (Channel 4), Show and Tell (E4), Comedy Rocks (ITV1) and Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC3), and is soon to be seen on Celebrity Juice (ITV2), Argumental (Dave) and Richard Bacon’s Beer and Pizza Club (ITV4).

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Various venues around Bath Bath’s Mozartfest starts on Friday, November 13 and it runs until Saturday, November 21. With several concerts sold out there are still tickets for some outstanding concerts in this landmark festival. The Jerusalem Quartet will give two different concerts in Bath: an evening concert on Friday, November 20 and an 11am coffee concert the following day centred on Janaek’s intensely dramatic work, inspired by Tolstoy’s story, The Kreutzer Sonata. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the charismatic Vassily Sinaisky, will start with Mendelssohn’s famous Fingal’s Cave Overture. Then Alina Ibragimova, always popular with Bath audiences and a great hit at this year’s Proms, will be the soloist in Beethoven’s Violin Concert, before the concert - and the ‘fest’- concludes with Tchaikovsky’s joyful Fourth Symphony. Other highlights include: mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, with pianist Joseph Middleton, presenting a delightfully intimate recital in Bath’s Guildhall including romantic works by Ravel and Debussy. For full details visit www.bathmozartfest.org.uk.

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various cinemas

Kevin Allen directs this surreal and erotically charged adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ 1954 radio play, co-written by Murray Lachlan Young and Michael Breen, which is the first cinema production since Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton graced the screen in 1972. The eccentric residents of Llareggub go about their daily business, indulging their carnal whims in sleeping and waking dreams, while blind seaman Captain Cat (Rhys Ifans) keeps watch over the community. Mrs Organ Morgan (Karen Elli), who runs the

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Komedia, Bath Originally formed in 1992 from the ashes of two of the most legendary and lauded guitar bands of the time, The La’s and Shack, Cast released four albums (three of them top 10), and had ten top 10 singles. The second album also went platinum. A decade later, and the original line-up of John Power (guitar/ vocals), Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson (lead guitar), Pete Wilkinson (bass) and Keith O’Neill (drums) have reunited with producer John Leckie for Troubled Times. The reinvigorated band have produced an album full of the anthemic, melodic and beautifully written songs. See them at Komedia on Sunday, Novemebr 15.

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general store, imparts salacious local gossip to her disinterested husband (Aneirin Hughes), while lonely landlord Sinbad Sailors (Bradley Freegard) lusts from afar for demure schoolteacher Miss Gossamer Beynon (Sara LloydGregory). Elsewhere, Polly Garter (Charlotte Church) sings about former suitors as she scrubs floors, and drunken lout Mr Waldo (Dai Protheroe) reminisces about the simple pleasures of his childhood. Allen said: “I was determined to craft a cinematic rendition that challenged the common perception; that poetry should remain in the domain of the reader or listener.”

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EST.

1999

FESTIVE CONCERTS Handel’s Messiah Friday 4 Dec and Saturday 5 Dec 7.30 pm

FESTIVE TOWER TOURS Every 45 mins during the Bath Christmas market (27 Nov-14 Dec) Mon-Thu 1.30-6pm, Fri & Sat 12-7.30pm. No tours on Sundays. Tickets: Adult £6, Child (5-15 yrs) £3. Includes free mulled wine or hot chocolate at the top.

Bath Choral Society’s annual and ever-popular performance of Handel’s Messiah with the Bristol Ensemble, conducted by Will Dawes. Tickets: £8-£29 Available from Bath Box Office 01225 463362

A Christmas Celebration Saturday 19 Dec 7pm

An Advent Procession by Candlelight with Abbey Boys’, Girls’ and Men’s Choirs Sunday 29 Nov 6.30pm One of the most popular services of the Abbey’s year. Entrance is by (free) ticket only. Application forms can be downloaded from the website: www.bathabbey.org or obtained from the Abbey Office. Family Carol Services Sunday 20 Dec 3pm and 4.15pm Children are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, angel, wise man or citizen of Bethlehem to create a festive Christmas tableau. Features Mr Frosty the donkey. All welcome, no reserved seating so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

A celebration of Christ’s birth, and with him the birth of new hope for the world. All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required.

CHRISTMAS DAY BBC Live Christmas Eucharist 10.00am (Congregation to be seated by 9.15am)

Tickets: £8-£15 (plus concessions)

A unique opportunity for the Abbey to express the joy and hope of Christmas to millions of people in the UK and around the world. This live service will include all the Abbey choirs, carols and communion. Tickets are limited, apply via application forms at the Abbey Office or download from the website.

Available from Bath Box Office 01225 463362

Eucharist for Christmas 12.00pm

SHOPPERS’ CAROLS

A formal service of Holy Communion, led by the Bishop of Bath & Wells. All welcome - no tickets required. Space will be limited but no seat will be left unfilled!

A festive evening of your favourite carols. Featuring the Abbey’s Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs and the Melody Makers.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Midnight Communion with Abbey Girls’ and Men’s Choir 11pm

Saturday 28 Nov, Saturday 5 Dec and Saturday 12 Dec 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm An informal 20-minute service with traditional carols. Ideal for weary shoppers. All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required.

CHRISTMAS EVE Carol Praise 4pm An informal service with traditional carols. All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required but we expect the Abbey to be full to capacity.

Festival of Lessons and Carols with Abbey Boys’ and Mens’ Choirs 7pm Entry to this very popular service is by (free) ticket only. Some tickets still available via application forms from the Abbey Office or website.

www.bathabbey.org ©LW

Visit our showroom: 132 Walcot, Street, Bath, BA1 5BG

#WEVENTS

Walking in a winter wonderland

Bath is a magical place to live at this time of year, with its glittering Christmas lights, an unrivalled Christmas Market, shops brimming with unusual gifts, and festive activities to share with family and friends. This year’s festive highlights include skating at Bath on Ice, The Holburne Lantern Procession and The Bath Christmas Grotto in SouthGate. From the big to the small, here’s our guide to some of the best things to do and see in the city this festive season.

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON SouthGate and Moorland Road November 12 and November 14 respectively

Southgate will be hosting its own Christmas chalets and festive lights switch on this festive season. There will be mulled wine, cider, and a Prosecco hut complete with benches and blankets. A stage will also be installed where entertainers will perform before Father Christmas turns on the lights. A date has also been set for this year's Christmas lights switch on in Moorland Road – keep your eyes peeled for Santa there too!

Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas lights switch-on

Meet Santa at the Grotto in SouthGate prizes and offers galore)! Check for latenight shopping times and special shopping nights at BathAtChristmas.co.uk. MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS SouthGate November 21 to December 24

Armed with their wish lists, kids can meet Santa and his elves at The Bath Christmas Grotto in SouthGate.

Bath on Ice

THE BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET The city centre November 26 to December 13

The Holburne Lantern Procession

Shopping at Milsom Place

THE HOLBURNE LANTERN PROCESSION Great Pulteney Street November 19

The Holburne Lantern Procession is a delightful spectacle with nine hundred children and their families parading handcrafted tissue lanterns along Great Pulteney Street. As the processions passes through the city centre watch the illuminations light up. BATH ON ICE Royal Victoria Park November 20 to January 3

Stay chilled under pressure; kids big and

small will enjoy Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park, with its on-site bar and catering to enjoy after a chilly spin. The glow-in-the-dark mini golf course with OXPLQRXV EDOOV LV DQRWKHU IXQ ÂżOOHG IDPLO\ activity, new for 2015. FEELING FESTIVE - LATE NIGHT SHOPPING Milsom Place November 26

Bath is well-known for its unusual mix of quality independent shops, designer boutiques and high street brands, and, during Christmas time, you can enjoy them into the evening too (with discounts,

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The biggest Christmas shopping event in the South West, over 170 beautifully decorated wooden chalets will line the streets at the heart of the city for the 18-day Bath Christmas Market. With a stunning backdrop of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, the event (which is now in its 15th year) offers a romantic atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors. At the chalets there will be handmade Christmas decorations, local artwork, bespoke jewellery, festive food and drink, toys, clothing and so much more on offer. There are also pop-up stalls on Bath Street, and, new this year, is a Christmas Lodge an indoor venue at the heart of the event on Stall Street. With heart-warming food and locally produced ales on offer, drop in and take a seat whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere in a perfectly rustic setting. Each year the atmosphere is complemented by entertainment from local choirs, musicians, carol singers, interactive street theatre and local dramatic societies too.

#WEVENTS EVENTS AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM Claverton Manor, Claverton, November 28 to December 20

Christmas Craft Fair November 28 and 29

The Christmas Craft Fair returns with a diverse range of work on offer, from ceramics and textiles to jewellery and prints. Meet the makers, discuss their techniques, and get your Christmas shopping done in a festive atmosphere away from the bustle of town. Christmas Quilling Workshop December 5

Make delicate paper boxes embellished with quilling decoration, perfect for presenting Christmas gifts. The American Museum in the snow

Christmas Concert: Spectra Musica December 5

The chamber choir Spectra Musica performs a programme of American music, including early colonial settings, folk songs, sprituals, jazz, modern choral music, and carols. The choir is led by Peter Leech and accompanied by concert pianist Anita D’Attellis. Selvedge Winter Fair December 12

The Selvedge Winter Fair will bring to town an exclusive selection of around 30 makers offering a host of antique textiles, fashion, home-ware, and haberdashery. Whether you’re seeking some special fabric for your own creations, hunting for

Bath Chronicle carol concert the perfect present, or simply looking for inspiration, the Winter Fair is the place to ÂżQG LW

DECEMBER DESIGNS AT THE VICTORIA ART GALLERY Bridge Street December 12 and 13

Join the museum for a magical end to its Christmas season. Meet Father Christmas, join the choir for festive carols, and create your own frosty Christmas pop-up scene.

Start the festive season with some Christmas crafts, using techniques and styles that can be found in the gallery’s collections. Create snow cards to take home and take a family Christmas trail around the gallery.

CHRISTMAS FAIR King Edward’s School North Road

FESTIVE FASHIONS AT THE FASHION MUSEUM Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street

November 28

December 13

Holiday Homecoming December 20

The Christmas Fair at King Edward’s School, which is open to the general SXEOLF LV WKH SHUIHFW SODFH WR ¿QG HGLEOH readable, wearable and beautiful gifts to take home. Over 40 local businesses will be there, selling artisan food, homewares, beauty products, jewellery, arts and crafts and more. There is also a secondhand book stall, children’s activities, a fundraising UDIÀH DQG WKH VFKRROœV FKRLU will be singing like angels in the background. CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close December 10 to January 10

This year’s traditional Christmas Pantomime at The Theatre Royal is Jack and the Beanstalk starring Nigel Havers (see more info on page 28).

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Create fashionable Christmas decorations based on the Fashion Museum’s collections. Create a seasonal garland or a kinetic snow picture. BATH CHRONICLE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Bath Abbey December 15

Editor of the Bath Chronicle, Lynne Fernquest says: “The Chronicle’s carol service is always one of the highlights of the festive season – we have had people calling to ask for tickets since the summer. Seeing so many people packed into the Abbey is always wonderful.â€? Tickets are free and are available from November 12 IURP WKH %DWK &KURQLFOH RIÂżFH in James Street West and the Bath Abbey shop. Check www. bathchronicle.co.uk for details.

#WCHRISTMAS

Fee, fie, foe, fum, he’s behind you... NANCY CONNOLLY SPEAKS TO THE STARS OF THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - AT THE THEATRE ROYAL BATH.

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or some people, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual trip to the pantomime at the Theatre Royal Bath over the festive period. This year’s offering - Jack and the Beanstalk - should be a good one as it stars the adored and ever-charming Nigel

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL GILLIS Havers; glamorous children’s television presenter Katy Ashworth; the popular comedian Jon Monie; and panto dame Nick Wilton. For the cast, it’s a gruelling schedule two performances a day almost every day throughout the Christmas and New Year period - but actors love it because

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it is great fun and nobody cares if they go off script and improvise. Let’s face it, it’s not Shakespeare or rocket science, and the main thing is for the audience to be as noisy and raucous as they can. A pantomime actor’s worst nightmare is a quiet audience - they lose sleep over it so shout as loud as you can this year!

NIGEL HAVERS AS FLESHCREEP

The main attraction this year is the devilishly handsome, charming and debonair Nigel Havers, who is no stranger to Theatre Royal audiences. He lives near Marlborough, and comes to Bath regularly both for work and leisure, and is spotted from time to time in Waitrose in the centre of the city. Most recently he starred in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Theatre Royal last Autumn, but he also graced Bath’s historic stage six other times since 1993. His most famous work will always EH WKH 2VFDU ZLQQLQJ %ULWLVK ÂżOP &KDULots of Fire, for which he received a Bafta nomination, but he’s also starred in a string of hit television series over the past 40 years including Coronation Street, The Charmer, Upstairs Downstairs, Don’t Wait Up, DQG 'DQJHUÂżHOG He recently made a guest appearance as Lord Hepworth in Downton Abbey too. In this year’s panto, he plays Fleshcreep, a villain and the giant’s assistant. “Bath is one of my favourite places in the whole world,â€? he says. “I live not far from here and one of my favourite things to do on a Saturday is drive into Bath with my wife, have breakfast in the Royal Crescent Hotel and then she drags me into the Kitchens Cookshop in Quiet Street which is her favourite shop. “I ask her, can you possibly buy any more pots or pans? But she just loves going into that shop. Bath also has a Paxton &

MEET THE CAST :KLWÂżHOG FKHHVH VKRS DQG FDIp ZKDWÂśV there not to love? “The Theatre Royal is great too, all my acting friends say the same; we all love to work in there. As an actor there

is an amazing atmosphere in the Theatre Royal; the audience is all around you, you can feel them near you and the sound and acoustics are so good you could hear a pin drop. Audiences in Bath are fantastic too; they really know their theatre and you can feel their appreciation while you are on stage. “I love panto,� he adds. “It’s great fun and you can improvise for every audience; it doesn’t really matter if you forget the odd line so long as the audience is enjoying it. The role of Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk is a very menacing one, he is a real baddie and I am looking forward to the children’s reactions.�

KATY ASHWORTH AS FOREST FAIRY CBeebies actress Katy Ashworth will be starring in the Bath panto for the ÂżUVW time this year. The 29 year old singer, children’s TV presenter and single mother of one graduated with D ÂżUVW FODVV GHJUHH LQ drama and has recently turned her hand to writing and illustrating children’s stories. “I know Bath so well, I have lots of friends and family here so it will be really nice to work here for such a long time during the panto run,â€? she says, bouncing her toddler, Charlie, on her knee. “This is my life now,â€? she says, gesturing at her son. “I have to keep my energy levels up so I think the main thing working mothers should do is look after themselves as well as their children - self-care is so important.â€? She is well known for her boundless energy and

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#WCHRISTMAS enthusiasm, but how does she keep it up while juggling a demanding television career, sleepless nights, and soon a long panto run in Bath? “I drink plenty of water and I am very interested in nutrition to keep my energy levels up,â€? she says. “I eat lots of complex carbohydrates, IRUWLÂżHG JUHHQV URFNHW VDODG DQG VSLQDFK I think it’s important to get a lot of rest, I always take naps and try to look after myself.â€? “Having said that, I love going out; I think it’s important for women with children to go out, to not lose sight of what they once were and to have a good old dance, it’s good for the soul.â€? Katy will be playing the part of the Forest Fairy in the panto, quite a glamorous role. “I get to wear an amazing dress, it’s a very fancy, silvery glittery one, and a tiara, I can’t wait,â€? she says. “I’m always travelling around so I’m looking forward to staying in Bath.â€?

NICK WILTON AS DAME TROTT Fans of the Theatre Royal Christmas pantomime were very saddened last year to hear about the death of Chris Harris who was an unbelievably popular pantomime Dame and accomplished actor, who had thrilled Bath audiences for many years. He is a hard act to follow but the role is this year being played by experienced actor Nick Wilton who, coincidentally, worked with Chris Harris during his varied career. Nick has appeared in many TV series including Heartbeat, The Bill, Doc Martin, Casualty and Doctors, and has played many a pantomime

Dame in theatres across the UK. “Jack and the Beanstalk is one of the best stories for pantomime,� says Nick. “It has everything - a great tale, intrigue, mystery, fear and the best thing of all is Daisy the Cow. Children just love the bit where we take the cow to the market to sell her, it is so sad when Dame Trott says goodbye to the cow, and Daisy puts her head to one side, the children are literally screaming at that bit. “You could never replace Chris Harris; he was an amazing star in this area but hopefully now audiences are ready for a new Dame.�

JON MONIE AS SIMPLE SIMON Jon Monie is an extremely popular comedian, television presenter and entertainer around Bath and the West Country,

having begun his career on several programmes on HTV (now ITV West) in Bristol. Jon has been starring in the pantomime at the Theatre Royal for many years and both children and adults alike have come to love his cheeky and comic performances. Jon, who will be playing the part of Simple Simon in the panto, is a talented writer and entertainer. As well as being a familiar face on television for more than a decade, he has worked and written material for many TV networks. But he is best known for his work in comedy, having written and presented two series of Raspberry Tart, including a special programme with the British Army in Belize. “I just love doing the panto at the Theatre Royal, it’s very special,� he says. “I feel lucky to be able to work in such an amazing theatre, it’s great fun and one of my favourite times of year. “It’s a wonderful place to live,� says Jon who grew up and went to school in the Bath area. “We have evrything here and to work and live in such an amazing place is a real privilege.� He now lives in Holt near Bradford on Avon with his husband, Dean, and, for them, Christmas Day is a quiet, restful day. “The phone will be off the hook, we won’t even get dressed,� he says. “We will just have a lovely relaxing day with lots of good food.� Jack and the Beanstalk appears at the Theatre Royal from Thursday, December 10 until Sunday, January 10, with two performances a day including Sundays (excluding Christmas Day). For tickets, contact the theatre box office on 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal. org.uk.

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Portrait by Piers Calvert Manolo Blahnick with the Plinia Red, from his AW15 collection

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ahnik

Mr M

This month, Bath will be treated to a rare glimpse into the life and work of iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. Ahead of his In Conversation evening, he tells Lisa Evans why he’s a true feminist, what’s on his Christmas wish list, and why he chose to make his home in this city.

adonna once famously said “his shoes are as good as sex - and they last longerâ€?; Naomi Campbell refers to him “the godfather of soleâ€?; and Princess Diana reportedly owned at least 50 pairs of his designs, but it wasn’t until Carrie Bradshaw had her strappy sandals stolen on Sex and the City that Manolo %ODKQLNÂśV QDPH ZDV ÂżUPO\ FDUYHG LQWR the female lexicon. Despite being a titan of the contemporary fashion world with an instantly recognised brand name – as synonymous to footwear as Vera Wang is to bridal gowns and &KDQHO LV WR WKH /%' Âą KH LV VWLOO D YHU\ SULYDWH PDQ ZKRVH OLIH ZH VHOGRP JHW DQ insight into. 7KLV PRQWK KRZHYHU %DWK ZLOO EH JLYHQ D UDUH DQG H[FOXVLYH JOLPSVH into the behind-the-scenes life of the legendary shoe designer ZKR LV VR UHÂżQHG WKDW KH UHIHUV to himself as ‘Mr Blahnik’ DQG PH DV Âľ0LVV (YDQVÂś QR

FROORTXLDO ÂżUVW QDPHV KHUH ZKHQ KH DSSHDUV DW DQ ,Q &RQYHUVDWLRQ HYHQW LQ WKH city. 6LQFH KH ÂłIHOO LQ ORYH ZLWK %DWK´ ZKLOVW on a trip with Grace Coddington 33 years DJR 0U %ODKQLN KDV OLYHG KHUH LQ D grand Georgian townhouse, where tens of thousands of pairs of his “stupid shoesâ€? DUH VWRUHG FKURQRORJLFDOO\ ÂłHYHQ LQ WKH EDWKURRP , KDYH VKRHV´ DQG VD\V KH ZLOO QHYHU WLUH RI VWD\LQJ KHUH Âł, GLGQÂśW KDYH D FKRLFH , KDG WR OLYH here as soon as I’d laid eyes on the city,â€? says Mr Blahnik who was born and raised on a banana plantation in the Canary Islands. “Bath is my paradise; its beauty fascinates and charms me. I’m sure if I’d VWD\HG ZKHUH , ZDV ERUQ , ZRXOG KDYH JRQH PDG 0RYLQJ WR (QJODQG ZDV OLNH coming home. It always felt so familiar as my father had been such an Anglophile – he was mad about Winston Churchill. “I’m not speaking too quickly am I?â€? he adds, prompting me to take control of KLV HQWKXVLDVWLF WDQJHQWV WKDW OHDYH KLP out of breath. “I can’t help it; I ramble sometimes, especially when talking about

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P\ EHORYHG %DWK ´ His character is as colourful and fanciful as his designs (and he has an XSURDULRXV ODXJK WR ULYDO %ULDQ %OHVVHGÂśV but most noticeably, despite his fame and fortune, he is exceedingly humble. Âł)UDQNO\ , ÂżQG LW RXWUDJHRXV WKDW SHRSOH want to come and listen to my ramblings DW WKLV XSFRPLQJ HYHQW LQ %DWK EXW ,ÂśP YHU\ PXFK ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR LW ´ VD\V 0U %ODKQLN ZKR KDV UHFHLYHG D EHY\ RI major awards - including the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion this year - and has been honoured by Queen (OL]DEHWK ,, Âł, KDYH QR FOXH ZKDW ,ÂśOO EH WDONLQJ DERXW ZKHQ ,ÂśP WKHUH ZHÂśOO KDYH to see how it goes on the night.â€? One topic that will certainly be on the FDUGV DW WKH HYHQW KRVWHG E\ 7RSSLQJ and Company Booksellers of Bath in two weeks’ time is his new book. The Rizzoli-published Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions is a compilation of FRQYHUVDWLRQV EHWZHHQ 0U %ODKQLN DQG HYHU\RQH IURP D &DPEULGJH FODVVLFLVW WR 6RÂżD &RSSROD ,WÂśV WKH ÂżUVW FRPSUHKHQVLYH DQG

#WLEGENDS

aph by Photogr Roberts Michael extravagantly illustrated volume of his life and art and features never-before-seen photography and more than 250 iconic designs from his eclectic archive of over 30,000 individual shoe styles (which currently range in price from ÂŁ450 to ÂŁ1000 per pair). “In the book, I pay homage to the women who have inspired me over the years – from Anna Piaggi to Paloma Picasso,â€? says the designer, whose vivid and creative career has spanned over four decades. “They are all people who have incredible, strong personalities and who evoked in me a desire to do things. All the people mentioned in the book, I’ve grown ZLWK WKHP , KRSH SHRSOH GRQÂśW ÂżQG WKLV pretentious, but these are the pages and moments that inspire what I do, the use of colours and the materials - all of them. “I am a feminist,â€? adds the 72 year old. Âł, DGPLUH VWURQJ FRQÂżGHQW ZRPHQ WKH\ are so much better than men. If you make shoes for men you’re very limited by

what you can do – but shoe-designing for women gives you endless possibilities.â€? He had never planned to become a designer, but his fascination with footwear was natural from an early age. After studying literature (“I love Dickens – his words have inspired many of my designsâ€?) at the University of Geneva and moving to London, he found himself sketching shoes during every spare minute. In the ‘60s he was introduced to Diana Vreeland, the then editor of US Vogue, who told him to ‘do shoes’. The rest, as they say, is history. Whether he’s designing a crystalencrusted ankle boot or a square-toed mule, ensuring the shoes are comfortable is essential to Mr Blahnik – he even used to try on every pair himself to test their practicality. “Sadly I can’t do that anymore since I broke a tendon in my leg,â€? he says. “But my assistants and I used to walk up and down the factory in the heels to ensure the VKRHV GLGQÂśW UXE RU FDXVH EOLVWHUV , WKLQN that it’s such a strange, prehistoric idea that you have to suffer to be beautiful.

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“The heel shouldn’t be too high,â€? he adds. “But just high enough to give women that sexy sway when they walk. I love to see English women in my shoes – they bring a natural theatre to them.â€? But surprisingly, he doesn’t judge a woman by her choice of footwear. “It’s not a woman’s shoes I notice ÂżUVW LWÂśV WKH FRQÂżGHQFH RI WKH ZRPDQ standing in them that stops me in my tracks,â€? he says. “I don’t think you can tell much about a person from their shoes. If a woman is well-groomed and neat, WKDWÂśV LPSRUWDQW WRR 7KH ÂżUVW WKLQJ , GR is look into their eyes, and then down to WKH IHHW ,I D ZRPDQ KDV VHOI FRQÂżGHQFH then she can be gorgeous. I love decisive, extravagant women. And Bath women always seem to make so much effort when it comes to fashion, I like that.â€? Over the decades of living in the city, many of his iconic designs have been inspired by the beauty of Bath. He doesn’t believe in searching for stimulus, he waits for it to come to him organically. “I don’t have a creative process,â€? he says. “And I certainly don’t sit around collecting fabric swatches and waiting to EH LQVSLUHG , JHW YHU\ OLWWOH VOHHS Âą ÂżYH

Portrait by Piers Calvert

Mr Blahnik’s design sketch of the Tradi shoe

The man behind the Manolos... hours is a miracle – so I draw shoes. The beautiful Georgian decoration of Bath has had an impact on my designs – how could you not be inspired by this wonderful place? I twist the concept of the Royal &UHVFHQW RU 7KH &LUFXV DQG ¿QG D ZD\ WR translate that beauty onto a shoe. Don’t ask me to name which shoes I’m talking about though – my memory isn’t what it used to be. “I have, for almost half of my life, lived here,” he adds. “As soon as I saw the Crescent I fell in love with it. I love the look of Bath, its temperament and even its faults. The independent shops are fantastic too. I’m extravagant in spirit, but it’s obscene to buy too much. I’m like a monk. I’ve been wearing the same clothes for 40 years.”

Is there anything you’d change about Bath if you had the power?

over the years, who stands out most for you?

I was sad when I was told not long ago that there could be an awful installation in the city [the AquEye]. I hope that doesn’t happen, that will be a monstrosity. Bath is not Disney Land, it’s not a place that we should be adapting for tourists and monetary gain; its integrity and history should remain intact. I have nothing against modern designs, but this, I think, is a step too far.

Princess Diana had a glow. But she was also very normal. I don’t like to talk about her as it’s still too painful – I loved her dearly. And Mary Beard [classics professor at the University of Cambridge] is my favourite woman in England. She is a national treasure. Everything I love about England, encapsulated in one divine woman.

You travel the world – from London and Milan to New York and Hong Kong – all in the name of fashion. Do you see yourself putting your feet up any time soon?

What shoe styles can’t you stand? Platform shoes are vile – they’re so wrong for the silhouette and make the most beautiful legs look wrong. Trainers are also a pet hate because of the flat-footed way they make women walk. I’m all for the stiletto.

I’m not a baby anymore, but I haven’t done yet what I wanted to do. I want to experiment in new materials. I’m not retiring yet!

Could you share some of your life lessons with us?

Of all the women who have inspired you

Remain dignified, dress well, be good to other people and you’ll be fine.

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#WLEGENDS Portrait by Piers Calvert

Remain dignified, dress well, be good to other people and you’ll be fine.

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So, what, we wonder, is on the Christmas wish list of the man who wants for nothing? “This year I do have one item on my list,” he says. “The other day I spotted six early-edition Lord Byron books at Bayntun’s [Manvers Street, Bath]. I would love to have those. I adore Bath’s book shops – I love Topping’s too. “I’m old-fashioned and proud,” he adds. “I hate emails, but the internet can be wonderful - I use it to buy rare books, and to binge-watch 1HWÀL[ ´ It’s odd to think that Mr Blahnik is so normal outside of the professional spotlight; to imagine such a giant of fashion as a House of Cards junkie is bizarre. He doesn’t watch TV or read

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newspapers, though. No, that would be too far. “I don’t like to concern myself with celebrity culture that’s splashed about everywhere,” he harrumphs. “It’s not the vulgarity of it – vulgarity’s OK. But really, I’m not interested in all that.” He doesn’t have a notion of fame himself and says he abhors being thought of as a luminary. “I have never been a public animal,” he says. “I’m not what you call a media person or an exhibitionist; I’ve always been very quiet. That’s why I love this city – because it’s a place where I can live a blissfully undisturbed life. “I feel safe here. Bath is a place I love and revere. It’s my sanctuary, my refuge. It’s the place I wish to die.” See Manolo Blahnik In Conversation at St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, on November 25. For tickets visit www. toppingbooks.co.uk

#WPEOPLE

meet the

BAND LEWIS CLARK AND THE ESSENTIALS

ABOUT THE BAND

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1. MAX MEES Double and electric bass From Wembdon in Somerset. Tell us a little about your background…

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2. LEWIS CLARK Vocals and guitar From Keynsham

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41

Lewis Clark and The Essentials’ newest single, Lew’s Blues, is available to download at lewisclarkandtheessentials. bandcamp.com Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/ lewisclarkandtheessentials ACA Music manage the band and are taking enquiries and bookings, to get in touch, call: 01225 428284 or visit www. acamusic.co.uk/contact

#WFASHION

LBD Before we know it party season will be upon us and there will a plethora of events that we’ll be dolling up for. Step forward the little black dress - the classically stylish saviour that works for any occasion. Here are just a few that we’re lusting after this season...

Devotee

LUXE

7

7. Pied a Terre Ponte Sequin dress, 399, Jolly’s, Milsom Street; 8. Sara Lace Dress Metallic, £269, Hobbs, Milsom Place (below).

8

4

BEAUTIFUL BARDOT

2

Mesh insert dress, £100, Long Tall Sally, Broad Street (worn by model) LEFT: 1. Miss Selfridge Cross Back Bardot Dress, £25, Debenhams, SouthGate; 2. Michelle Keegan Textured Bardot Dress, £55, Lipsy available in House of Fraser; 3. Per Una Speziale Dress, £99, M&S, Stall Street (right).

Go with lace or a shine effect to get this luxe look! 4. Lace off-the-shoulder dress, £55, Wallis, Union Street; 5. Leather look dress, £35, Dorothy Perkins, Stall Street; 6. Linea shoulder detail dress, £120, Jolly’s, Milsom Street.

1

3

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6

5

FOR THE FRILL

9

We love this one shoulder dress from Topshop!

12

11

10 9. One shoulder dress, £85, Topshop, SouthGate; 10. High neck cut-out back skater dress, £25, AX Paris, at Debenhams, SouthGate; 11. Frill dress, £89, East, Milsom Street; 12. Sheer panel dress, £70, Wallis, Union Street; 13. Embellished shift dress, £60, Yumi, available in Uttam London, The Corridor.

SHINE ON

13

FOLKSY

16

14

18

17

16. Sequin fringe detail strapless dress, £59.99, New Look, SouthGate; 17. Onyx dress, £229 Monsoon, Union Street.

14. Juana sequin dress, £99, Phase Eight, Milsom Place; 15. Strappy sequin dress, £27.99, New Look, SouthGate.

15

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18. Fringed dress, £85, Topshop, SouthGate; 19. Monochrome folky embroidered kaftan tunic dress, £24, Apricot, Union Street.

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#WFASHION

Fur Finale It’s official, the age of fur has finally come to an end. According to animal rights organisation PETA, the majority (80 per cent) of designers at this year’s London Fashion Week were shunning fur for the faux stuff. With that in mind, here are some of our fuzzy faux favourites, just in time for your Christmas wish list ... By Emily Dove

CHIC FAUX

Therapy Navy pea coat with faux fur collar, £99, Jolly’s, Milsom Street (right), Helen Moore Navy faux tote bag, £95, Jolly’s, Milsom Street (below).

TU at Sainsbury’s (above), Miss Selfridge black suede and mongolian fur coat, £250, Debenhams, SouthGate (left).

GILETS Kalgan Lamb Gilet, £450, Jigsaw, New Bond Street (right), Fluffy Faux Fur Gilet, £45, Jigsaw , New Bond Street (below), Miss Selfridge scarf, £25, Debenhams, SouthGate (right).

Stone Button Fastening Faux Fur Cape, £35, Apricot, Union Street (above, left), Faux Fur coat,£54.99, New Look, SouthGate (above, right).

46

VINTAGE

Long faux fur tippet, £29, Accessorize, Union Street (above), Chocolate faux fur coat, £35, Primark, Stall Street (right).

Mongolian Fur coat, £399, Monsoon, Union Street (above), Valentia Coat, £199, Hobbs , Milsom Place (left), Faux Fur Scarf Neutral, £59, Jigsaw, New Bond Street (left), Fur Nude Pink Clutch, £17.99, New Look, SouthGate (below).

These accessories are so cute!

Jerry pom pom accessories, £19, Dune, Union Street (above), Grey Faux fur coat, £80, Wallis, Union Street (right).

CREME CARAMEL

SUBTLE STRIPES Lulu Kennedy Indigo Collection Faux Fur Patch scarf, £79, M&S, Stall Street (above, right) Yumi 70s Dip dye fur coat, £140, available in Uttam London, in The Corridor, (left) Faux Fur Coat,£75, Next, SouthGate (right, below). Felicia hat, £25, Dune, Union Street (left), Teddy Coat,£50, Next, SouthGate (left), Fuzzy coat, £120, Miss Selfridge at Debenhams, SouthGate (directly above), Ceri Faux Fur Jacket, £140, Phase Eight, Milsom Place (above).

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#WADVERTISEMENT

Getting in shape for surgery

G

Evidence shows that when patients have taken the time to improve their overall health before having surgery, the results are better for them. Mini Jacob, Physiotherapy Manager at Emersons Green and Devizes NHS Treatment Centres, offers some tips.

etting the best results from your surgery is a two-way process. We will do all we can to ensure that your operation and care are second to none, but there is a lot that you can do before coming to us for treatment to help that along. Firstly, it is a good idea to try to lose weight. Not only will this help to reduce pain if you have arthritic hips or knees, but it also greatly reduces the risk of complications such as infection or blood clots (although we also take measures to ensure a reduced risk here). Weight loss is also good for recovery and for your general health in the future – as well as putting less stress on your new joint. Either we or your GP can provide advice and good sources of information to help you to lose weight. If you are able, try to increase the amount of physical activity that you do. This does not necessarily mean running for miles (unless you are able and really want to) but just a simple walk around the garden on a regular basis will help. A useful and relatively cheap bit of technology is a pedometer, which will count the number of steps you take and give you goals to achieve. Some versions will even work out your cardiovascular measurement and predicted weight loss. Combined with any weight loss measures you are taking, this will improve your overall health, increase circulation and make you generally stronger for surgery. If you are unsure about what kind of exercise to take or at what level, always ask advice before you launch yourself into it. Our physiotherapy team can help, as can your GP or practice nurse. Importantly, choose something which you are going to enjoy and which you can achieve –

Emersons Green and Devizes NHS Treatment Centres

that way, not only is it good for you but it is fun too. When you come for your initial assessment we may give you a booklet with exercises to do. For example, if you are due for a hip replacement the booklet will suggest exercise to increase the strength of your leg muscles. If you are given such exercises to do before surgery it is important that you carry them put as per the instructions from the doctor or physiotherapist. Not only will it aid your recovery from surgery, it will also get you into the right mind set to do the exercises you will be given when you are discharged. If you can, try to get out and about and do things which relax or calm you before you come in for surgery. As well as a healthy body, a healthy mind is vital for a full recovery. If you can come to us with a positive outlook you will JHW VR PXFK PRUH EHQH¿W IURP WKH WUHDWPHQW and care we can provide you. %HIRUH DQG DIWHU VXUJHU\ \RX FDQ EHQH¿W IURP a free app called “Pocket Physio”. It contains lots of exercises created to help people manage

49

their recovery from surgery more effectively, including hip and knee replacements, and hand and foot procedures. Each video is of a real person demonstrating the exercises and additional written instructions provide all the information people need to ensure they are performing them correctly. In addition, a calendar function reminds people of WKHLU SRVW RSHUDWLYH DSSRLQWPHQWV DQG QRWL¿HV them when to complete their exercises, meaning no more missed sessions and a better chance of fully completing a rehabilitation programme. You can get more information on how to download Pocket Physio on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android smart phone or tablet by visiting www.careuk.com/pocketphysio . If you have any questions or feedback about Pocket Physio, please email us at pocketphysio@ careuk.com To find out more, please visit www. emersonsgreentreatmentcentre.nhs.uk/info and www.devizestreatmentcentre.nhs.uk/info.

#WFOOD

Our foodie expert the Pig has her trotter on the pulse of Bath's incredible gastronomic scene. This week, the Pig is mostly... ĂŒ Wishing hearty congratulations to local food hero Neil Mortimer and his team at the lovely Lovejoys Wholesale, who are celebrating two decades of sourcing and supplying the lushest local produce to the very best restaurants in the region next weekend. Cheers, Lovejoys! Bath menus just wouldn’t be the same without you (www.thepigguide. com/lovejoys/)

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ĂŒ 0DNLQJ WKH YHU\ PRVW RI ÂżUHSODFH VHDVRQ Our favourite hearty hearths include cosy-up spots at the Muddy Duck (Monkton Farleigh), the Garrick’s Head (Saw Close), the Hare and Hounds (Lansdown), Made by Ben’s cute little back room (Walcot Street) and the Old Crown (Weston) – snuggle up, Piggies! ĂŒ Lovin’ the new look of the vibrant Velo Lounge on marvellous Moorland Road, which now offers a doubled-in-size lounging experience revealed in good time for the Moorland Road Christmas Lights SwitchOn party this Saturday, November 14 (www. thelounges.co.uk/lounges/velo-lounge/) *HWWLQJ UHDG\ IRU WKH 0RRUODQG 5RDG &KULVWPDV /LJKWV VZLWFK RQ

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ĂŒ Slurping the new House Blend coffee

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at Mokoko (Dorchester Street) with gusto. Described by the boisterous baristas behind the counter as “heavily strawberry through milk due to its 60 per cent Ethiopian naturals with a malty sweetness that turns nutty on the aftertaste,� it’s The Pig’s favourite wake up call to date (http://thepigguide.com/mokoko/)

ĂŒ Planning on getting fully festive at wine guru Ben Franks’ forthcoming Luxury Wine Tasting evening at the lovely Barton Street Wine Cafe on Friday, December 11. The VSLIÂżQJ WDVWLQJ VHOHFWLRQ ZLOO LQFOXGH D VSLF\ aromatic Gewurztraminer, a full-bodied Amarone and a thoroughly hedonistic 2004 Joseph Perrier Champagne; hic, hic, hooray! (ÂŁ35pp; www.thepigguide.com/ben-frankswine/ ĂŒ Really sorry to see Karen and Dave, the most recent owners of the characterful, spacious Weston Inn (Newbridge Road), wave goodbye to Bath for good. Moving swiftly on... The Pig is hugely excited, however, by the rumours concerning who the new owners will be; watch this space, Piggies!

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#WFOOD&DRINK

3

OF THE BEST...

Shop-bought Christmas puds

Cocktail hour

:: Heston from Waitrose Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding, £16, Waitrose, Northgate Street Quirky star chef Heston Blumenthal's pudding was a sell-out success when it first hit shelves in 2010 - and even started selling on eBay for £250! The secret of this deliciously gooey and citrus-infused pud lies in the whole candied orange hiding inside. Buy one quick.

:: M Signature Cherry Crowned Christmas Pudding, £4, Morrisons, London Road Last year, Morrisons' Jewelled Fruit Christmas Pudding beat Harrods and Fortnum & Mason in a blind taste test to come top of the puds - the festive food version of David and Goliath. This is the 2015 offering and it looks and tastes beautiful, all shiny, Amaretto-soaked cherries and whole almonds. Mmmm!

THE PERFECT EGGNOG (Makes 1 cocktail)

INGREDIENTS :: Snowy Lodge Cherry & Pecan Topped Christmas Pudding, £9.99, Lidl, Fielding’s Road Cherries are something of a theme this year, but Lidl's offering pairs them with pecans to get an American-flavoured twist on the classic dried fruit festive staple. With the orange slices on top, it looks the part too.

1 egg 30ml sugar syrup 25ml heavy cream 30ml bourbon 15ml rum 15ml cognac 1/2tsp nutmeg A pinch cinnamon

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Pour all the ingredients into a shaker. Dry shake (without any ice) to get a frothy texture. Add ice and shake again. Fine strain into an old-fashioned glass. Recipe courtesy of The Landmark London, which is selling Christmas puddings to the public for the first time this year, from December 1-21, with proceeds going to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Visit www. landmarklondon.co.uk

ORCHARDLEIGH ESTATE

Christmas & New Year Magical Christmas and New Year celebrations at Orchardleigh Estate!

Christmas Day

Join us for the ultimate Christmas Day celebration at Orchardleigh’s enchanting new venue � �e Walled Garden. Arrive at 2:30pm and enjoy a reception drink before being seated in time for the Queen’s Speech. Spend Christmas afternoon enjoying a luxury four course Christmas Day luncheon, followed by entertainment, disco and dancing into the evening. £75 for adults and from £30 for children.

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate the New Year at our Black Tie Ball and see in 2016 in the surroundings of Orchardleigh’s splendid Walled Garden. Enjoy a glass of fizz and a delicious four course dinner, followed by splendid evening entertainment, dancing, fireworks and champagne to see in the New Year! Tickets priced at £60 per adult. Donations to Willberry Wonder Pony and Dorothy House, Frome.

To make your reservation please contact us on 01373 472550 or email info@orchardleigh.net. Accommodation is available in the Estate Cottages, please enquire for further information. Orchardleigh Estate, Frome, Somerset BA11 2PB

Numbers that add up with up to £750 deposit contribution +5-year warranty Dacia Sandero From

Dacia Sandero Stepway

£5,995*

From

8.4% APR representative with £500 deposit contribution*

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8.4% APR representative with £500 deposit contribution*

orchardleigh.net

You do the maths

Dacia Logan MCV From

£6,995*

Dacia Duster From

8.4% APR representative with £500 deposit contribution*

£9,495*

8.4% APR representative with £750 deposit contribution*

Car shown is a Dacia Duster Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 from £12,995, with optional styling pack Lauréate £655dCi and 110 metallic 4x2 from £12,995, with optional styling pack £655 and metallic

PLATINUM DACIA

Call us today to arrange a test drive

01225 759525 Platinum Motor Park, North Bradley, Trowbridge, BA14 0BJ www.platinumdacia.co.uk The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 37.2 (7.6)–65.7 (4.3); extra-urban 57.7 (4.9)–80.7 (3.5); combined 48.7 (5.8)–74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 135–99g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other factors. Finance provided by Dacia Finance, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. UK resident (excludes the Channel Islands). Over 18s. Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicles when ordered by 31 December 2015 and registered by 31 March 2016 (excluding Access versions). We may introduce you to other finance providers. We may receive a commission from the finance providers. Offers based on 6000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. EXTENDED WARRANTY Extended warranty applies to the models shown for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, when purchased on Dacia finance deposit contribution scheme (excluding Access versions). The extended warranty prolongs the warranty coverage from the date of first registration and expires on the first of the two limits reached. Warranty offer provides ongoing protection from mechanical and electrical failure after the standard manufacturer’s warranty has expired and is valued at £395. The warranty plan is not transferable to another vehicle, but should the vehicle be sold while the warranty plan is still active, the remaining cover transfers to the new owner. Visit shop.dacia.co.uk/product/5-year-extended-warranty for full terms and conditions. *Deposit contributions shown are available to new Dacia Finance customers, when taking Dacia finance on a new Dacia Sandero, Dacia Sandero Stepway, Dacia Logan MCV or Dacia Duster (excluding Access versions). Vehicles shown with optional metallic paint at an additional £495.

#WFOOD

ask the experts

with Mark Brinkworth of Tunley Farm Butchers, Bath

Q A

My Christmas turkey always turns out dry… what am I doing wrong?

More often than not, the problem is with the methods used to rear and process intensively farmed turkeys, not the cook. The standard supermarket-size turkey is 5kg, this uniformity is achieved by only rearing the fastest growing strains of turkey and slaughtering at as little as 14 weeks. These birds are immature and have not laid down vital fats which give moisture when cooking - hence the dryness. The birds are then processed without time to hang and are often preserved as early as November. All these processes compromise quality and result in dry and tough meat.

Q

Is there a lot of difference in getting a turkey from the butcher versus a frozen one from the supermarket?

A

Absolutely, our Free Range Bronze Turkeys are reared for us by Radstock farmer Stuart Perkins. Stuart uses traditional methods; his turkeys are reared to 24 weeks and are free to roam the fields during the day, feeding naturally on grasses, herbs and insects coming into a freshly-bedded shelter at night to keep them safe from foxes. Ample cereals and water are provided for the birds, no hormones or antibiotics are used. The birds are then processed and hung for 10 to 14 days by Stuart’s expert team. This method is called ‘game hanging’ and is important to allow the meat to mature, building flavour and tenderness.

Q

How do I cook my turkey perfectly? Are there any tricks and tips you could give me?

Tunley Farm Butchers Unit 1&2 Green Park Station Bath - BA2 0DL 01761472532 07834347328 enquiries@ tunleyfarmbutchers.co.uk www.tunleyfarmbutchers.co.uk

A

Firstly, keep it simple. We have always found that preparation is key; after removing the giblets, allow your turkey to reach room temperature before cooking. You may consider spreading a good-quality butter on the meat. Personally I like to layer the breast with dry-cured streaky bacon

54

which adds taste and flavour and keeps the bird moist. Loosely cover with tin foil before placing in the oven. Turkeys can easily be overcooked so regularly check to ensure yours stays moist and succulent. Remove the foil half an hour before cooking is finished to bronze the bird. Once cooking is complete, turn the bird upside down to allow the juices to distribute through the breast meat, and allow to stand for half an hour before carving.

Q

What would you recommend as an alternative to turkey at Christmas?

A

Traditionally ribs of beef are always a favourite, but rump makes a good roasting joint too. Pork is also another very good option with loin, leg and shoulders providing excellent roasting joints and that all important crisp crackling. Our pigs are British lop and reared locally. We offer a full range of local game including pheasant, duck, wood pigeon, goose and other poultry. However, one thing that I would strongly recommend is supporting our beleaguered lamb farmers. Lamb born in the spring will, by Christmas, be at its very best now in terms of flavour. We can cut our whole legs with the rump attached, this will provide sufficient meat for a banquet with plenty left to make a sheppard’s pie or lamb curry with the left overs on Boxing Day.

TOP TURKEY TIPS

Tunley Farm Butchers’ top tips to cooking the perfect turkey‌

PREPPING: Remove the giblets and store them in the fridge. Cover the turkey in Ivy House butter and season. TOP TIP: Allow your turkey to reach room temperature before cooking. TOP TIP: Lay bacon over the turkey breast for extra taste.

been stuffed for an accurate cooking time. TOP TIP: Turkeys are easy to overcook so regularly check yours to ensure it stays moist and succulent . TOP TIP: Half an hour before it is cooked, remove the foil to bronze the breast .

COOKING: If the turkey is over 4kg, calculate 20 minutes per kg plus 90 minutes (if the turkey is less than 4kg, plus 70 minutes). Set your oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. TOP TIP: Weigh your turkey after it has

PRESENTATION: When cooked, remove the turkey from the tray and turn it upside down to allow the juices to distribute through the meat. TOP TIP: Leave to stand for at least half an hour, and enjoy!

55

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All Types and Sizes of Nordman, Fraser & Spruce Trees from 3 to 15ft Wreathes - Holly-Mistletoe Planted Arrangements & Pot Plants

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Model shown is AYGO x-cite 5 door 1.0 VVT-i Manual with optional OUTstyle pack at £12,240. Prices correct at time of going to press. *0% APR Representative available on new retail orders of AYGO (excluding X grade) when ordered between 1st October and 17th December 2015 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 31st March 2016 on a 2 year AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0-32% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 2 year AccessToyota contract with £2,288 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Excess miles over contracted charged at 8p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. Affordable finance through AccessToyota. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty subject to terms and conditions.

AYGO x-cite 5 door 1.0 VVT-i Manual. Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 56.5 (5.0), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6), Combined 68.9 (4.1). CO2 Emissions 95g/km. The mpg & CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated test results. These are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

©LW

Don’t forget we are open throughout the winter season to help keep you Warm and cosy with our superb range of Quality Kilned dried & Seasoned Logs.

#WDRINKS

Angela Mount is a wine expert who is highly experienced in the wine industry and is widely credited with revolutionising wine on the high street, making quality wine accessible to the millions of wine consumers who shop in supermarkets. Known for her tasting skills and DELOLW\ WR ÀQG just the right product for her customers, she is also focused and skilled on getting the message across with passion, and with a no-nonsense approach. Follow her on Twitter:

@angelatalkswine

:,1(7,0( with Angela Mount BEAUJOLAIS AND OTHER STORIES….

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he third Thursday in November marks ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ day, VR LW¶V D ¿WWLQJ WRSLF IRU SDUW RI WKLV ZHHN¶V FROXPQ \HDUV DJR WKH %HDXMRODLV 1RXYHDX SKHQRPHQRQ ZDV ULIH DQG DW WKH KHLJKW RI LWV IDPH WKHUH ZDV DQ DQQXDO UXVK DFURVV WKH FKDQQHO WR JHW WKH YHU\ ¿UVW ERWWOH RI WKH YHU\ ¿UVW %HDXMRODLV RI WKH \HDU LQWR WKH 8. %HDXMRODLV 1RXYHDX LV H[DFWO\ ZKDW WKH )UHQFK ZRUGV PHDQ ± QHZ %HDXMRODLV ± LQ VLPSOHVW WHUPV D UHG ZLQH PDGH within the last two months and rushed RXW WR PDUNHW 7KRVH GD\V DUH ORQJ JRQH DQG XQIRUWXQDWHO\ JUHDW %HDXMRODLV KDV VXIIHUHG DV D UHVXOW DQG LV DOO WRR IUHTXHQWO\ GLVPLVVHG <HW LQ D ZLQH ZRUOG ZKHUH 1HZ =HDODQG 6DXYLJQRQ DQG $UJHQWLQH 0DOEHF VHHP WR EH URFNLQJ DW WKH WRS RI WKH FKDUWV WKHUH LV D VXEWOH EXW GLVWLQFWLYH PRYH EDFN WR D IHZ SUHYLRXVO\ GLVUHJDUGHG FODVVLFV ± %HDXMRODLV DQG 0XVFDGHW WR QDPH EXW WZR 'RQ¶W LJQRUH WKHVH ± WKH\ DUH VXEWOH YLEUDQW XWWHUO\ GHOLFLRXV ZLQHV ZKLFK KDYH PRYHG ZLWK WKH WLPHV LOUIS JADOT COMBES AUX JACQUES BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES 2014, £9.99, WAITROSE, NORTHGATE STREET ,I \RX ZDQW UHOLDELOLW\ DQG JUHDW TXDOLW\ ORRN QR IXUWKHU WKDQ WKLV VRIW IUXLW\ HIIRUWOHVVO\ HQMR\DEOH ZLQH :LWK EULJKW EUHH]\ UHG EHUU\ IUXLW LW¶V SHUIHFW IRU WKRVH ZKR SUHIHU OLJKWHU XQRDNHG UHGV DQG LW¶V VSRW RQ ZLWK SODWWHUV RI FKDUFXWHULH DQG FKHHVHV 3UHWW\ JRRG ZLWK FKLFNHQ FDVVHUROH WRR M SIGNATURE FLEURIE 2014, £8, MORRISONS, LONDON ROAD )RU D JUHDW YDOXH LQWURGXFWLRQ WR Beaujolais Crus, try this wine - a steal IRU D OLYHO\ EULJKW VWUDZEHUU\ DQG UDVSEHUU\ VWDVKHG UHG IXOO RI IUXLW\ MXLF\ FKDUP ZLWK D WZLVW RI SHSSHU\ VSLFH RQ WKH ¿QLVK Far better value than many more VWDQGDUG %HDXMRODLV 9LOODJHV 7U\ WKLV

ZLWK JDPPRQ VWHDNV DQG VSLF\ FKLFNHQ GLVKHV DOMAINE DES BASSETS VIEILLES VIGNES MORGON, 2014, £11.95, WAITROSE, NORTHGATE STREET 6SODVK RXW D OLWWOH DQG WU\ D ULFKHU PRUH YROXSWXRXV VW\OH RI %HDXMRODLV ZLWK D ELW PRUH PXVFOH DQG VFXOSWXUH $JDLQ ORWV RI UHG EHUU\ IUXLW EXW D PRUH GHSWK PRUH LQWULJXH PRUH FKDUDFWHU ± SHUIHFW ZLWK URDVW SRUN &KLQHVH VL]]OLQJ EHHI DQG JRRG VWLQN\ FKHHVH MUSCADET DE SEVRE ET MAINE, 2014, £5.29, ALDI 0RYLQJ RQ IURP %HDXMRODLV DQRWKHU )UHQFK UHJLRQ WKDW KDG EHHQ FDVW RQWR WKH VFUDSKHDS RI ZLQH FDVW RIIV LV 0XVFDGHW EXW ,¶P GHOLJKWHG WR QRZ VHH LW FUHHSLQJ EDFN RQWR ZLQH OLVWV DQG UHWDLO VKHOYHV /LNH PRVW ZLQHV WKHUH LV JRRG WKHUH LV EDG 6WLFN WR 0XVFDGHW GH 6HYUH HW 0DLQH ZKLFK VKRXOG XVXDOO\ LQGLFDWH D KLJKHU TXDOLW\ DV LW¶V IURP D PRUH UHVWULFWHG DUHD 7KLV ZLQH LV DQ DEVROXWH EDUJDLQ ,I \RX

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OLNH \RXU ZKLWHV ]LQJ\ WLQJOLQJO\ FULVS DQG ERQH GU\ WKLV LV ZHOO ZRUWK D WULS RXW WR \RXU QHDUHVW VWRUH /HPRQ\ DQG VXSHU IUHVK ZLWK WKH WDQJ\ ÀDYRXU RI JUDQQ\ VPLWK DSSOHV WKLV LV GHOLFLRXV ZLWK QHZ VHDVRQ R\VWHUV WKH IUHVKHVW RI SUDZQV DQG GHOLFDWH VDODGV SAUVIGNON DE TOURAINE, DOMAINE DE PIERRE, 2014, £10.75, GREAT WESTERN WINE, WELLS ROAD )LQDOO\ DQRWKHU FULVS UHIUHVKLQJ ZKLWH IURP IXUWKHU DORQJ WKH ZLQGLQJ /RLUH ULYHU LV WKLV EULJKW EUHH]\ DZDUG ZLQQLQJ PRXWK ZDWHULQJO\ IUHVK ZLQH ,W KDV KLQWV RI IUHVK PLQW DQG VFHQWV RI ZD[\ OHPRQV DQG IUHVKO\ FXW JUDVV 'HOLFLRXVO\ FULVS LW¶V EXUVWLQJ ZLWK OLYHO\ FLWUXV DQG JRRVHEHUU\ ÀDYRXUV ZLWK D ]LQJ\ OLYHO\ WDQJ ,I \RX SUHIHU D PRUH VXEWOH GHOLFDWH VW\OH RI 6DXYLJQRQ EODQF WKDQ VRPH RI WKH more intense ‘new world styles’, this is RQH IRU \RX 3HUIHFW ZLWK DOO W\SHV RI VHDIRRG VZHHW and sour Thai salads, and ideal with JRDWV¶ FKHHVH

#WHOMES

ask the experts

with Vanessa Sayce, owner of The Marmalade House, Bath

The Marmalade House is the exclusive Bath stockist of the full range of Chalk Paint - decorative paint by Annie Sloan - and products. Its popular ‘How to Paint Furniture’ courses at their bespoke studio show customers how to achieve beautiful results on their own pieces.

Q

Can I repaint my kitchen and transform how it looks without replacing it?

A

Yes, absolutely, you can. The wonderful thing about Chalk Paint is that its density sticks to almost any surface, so you can do away with laborious sanding, stripping and keying and just paint straight onto waxed, lacquered or manufactured surfaces. Chalk Paint gives you a wonderful, soft, chalky finish and our specially selected European colour palette allows you to choose a colour that is not only bang on trend, but can blend with existing colour schemes in your home.

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Q

How do I paint my furniture to look a cut above the rest and make sure the finish is hard-wearing enough for modern family life? At Marmalade we run popular day courses that teach you thoroughly how to use our paints and be creative with colour in your own home. We teach you how to use traditional, soft wax finishing and ageing to make your furniture look chippy, rustic or aged, or how to use lacquer to make it more contemporary and stain-proof. Our techniques are fun and easy to learn and you will become amazed at what you can transform at home. We also sell gift vouchers for our courses for Christmas.

A

Q

I don’t have the time, or the inclination, to paint but I still love the idea of up-cycling my furniture – can you help? Our bespoke studio in Bath is always very busy painting for our customers and clients – we would be happy to help you. We can offer you colour advice, paint your furniture for you, add specialist finishes and help with interior design questions you have. We are very friendly and approachable and so you can just pop in – either with a wardrobe to paint, or just for a cup of tea or a design chat. You are very welcome!

A

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The Marmalade House 27a&b Belvedere Lansdown Road Bath BA1 5HR 01225 445855 www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk info@themarmaladehouse.co.uk

#WHOMES From the Sainsbury's Christmas Collection

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Set of 2 Christmas champagne glasses, ÂŁ15, Cath Kidston, Broad Street

table manners Make Christmas dinner a sophisticated affair, with these gorgeous dining collections. Pretty plates and platters make a stylish addition to any table; luxury champagne flutes ensure you sip in style; beautiful cutlery and accessories complete the festive dining experience; and ornate linens and festive crackers add the final flourish.

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Clustered Bell Cocktail Shaker, £32, Anthropologie, New Bond Street

Sterling silver napkin ring, £81.67, Robert Welch, Broad Street

Stag tray & ceramic collection, from £10 at Avenida Home, Walcot Street

LEFT: Christmas Collection from Marks & Spencer, Stall Street ABOVE: Emma Bridgewater Polka Turkey platter, £115, Rossiters of Bath, Broad Street TOP RIGHT: Ombre stag crackers, £13, Paperchase, Milsom Street

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#WHOMES

A country interior can be made in any home with the right furnishings and accessories from Libra (www. thelibracompany.co.uk)

It’s beginning to look a lot like I N T E R I O R S E X P E RT L E S L E Y TAY L O R O N S T Y L I N G YO U R H O U S E C O U N T R Y C O T TA G E STYLE FOR CHRISTMAS

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Incorporate check fabrics for that country feel with Warwick Bainbridge indigo armchair (www.warwick.co.uk)

Bring Christmas to the table with a Broste dining set available at Taylors Etc (www.taylorsetc.co.uk)

I

n the lead up to the festive Christmas period I can’t help but think about the interior design changes that will occur in the home! Whilst I love contemporary living and interior design WKDW UHÀHFWV D PRGHUQ OLIHVW\OH , FDQQRW help but feel drawn towards the comfort and character associated with traditional styling. With the family coming together DQG WKRXJKWV RI PLQFH SLHV PLVWOHWRH DQG ZLQH LQ DEXQGDQFH D WUXO\ LFRQLF DQG traditional look to opt for this time of year is that of the country cottage. This style is YHU\ HDV\ WR DFKLHYH UHVXOWLQJ LQ D ORRN and feel that will certainly set the scene this festive season and beyond. )RU DQ DOWHUQDWLYH WR EODQG QHXWUDO FRORXUV traditional country interiors welcome more cosy tones and wall-coverings. To

FUHDWH D KRPH ZLWK EXQGOHV RI FKDUDFWHU DXWKHQWLFLW\ DQG SHUVRQDOLW\ UHDG P\ WLSV for inspiration. The country cottage contains the perfect EDODQFH RI FRPIRUW DQG VW\OH PDNLQJ LW one of my favourite themes to recreate. A ‘country cottage’ scheme should boast a rustic feel that’s inviting and exudes familiarity. While order is important when creating this look as it prevents WKH HQG UHVXOW IURP ORRNLQJ KDSKD]DUG

69

LURQLFDOO\ WKH EHVW ZD\ WR DFKLHYH D VHQVH of authentic charm is through mismatched furniture from a range of eras that has the impression of being collected over many years. To create a welcoming and homely DPELHQFH HDFK SLHFH VKRXOG ORRN ORYHG and as though it has lived through many generations. 7KDQNIXOO\ WKH FRORXU UDQJH VXLWDEOH IRU a country cottage interior is extremely EURDG DQG RIIHUV IDU PRUH ÀH[LELOLW\ WKDQ

#WHOMES The right accessories can bring an interior theme together, lights by Siruis Company (www.sirius.as/en)

ring the outdoors in with your decorations this Christmas, accessories from Sirius Company (www.sirius.as/en) Neutral tones can create a great base for Country style interiors, try Zoffany Burling (www.zoffany.com)

you may imagine. The palette varies from soft shades of cream, to burnt oranges, burgundy and teal blues. Often the hardest part of creating this look is incorporating mismatched elements into the room and allowing each piece to remain in place, yet still complement the rest of the room. With this in mind, many stick to a plain background and incorporate colour and pattern in the choice of furniture or through curtains, UXJV DQG FXVKLRQV 8VLQJ D PDWW ¿QLVK of paint as opposed to gloss will help to create a lived in and traditional feel. My favourite part of interior design is dressing the room with plenty of gorgeous fabrics and soft furnishings. It is these ¿QLVKLQJ WRXFKHV WKDW DGG UHDO FKDUDFWHU to the room and determine the ambience that surrounds you. For an informal, cosy feel, then botanical patterns and cotton fabrics work beautifully and can bring a feeling of rustic beauty in to the space. You may also want to consider incorporating stripes, gingham or tartan patterns, all of which will create a relaxed and warming country cottage ambiance.

Using a matt finish of paint as opposed to gloss will help to create a lived in and traditional feel. Using different fabrics can work in the same way that mismatched furniture does DQG ZKLOH LW FDQ EH WULFN\ WR ¿QG D YDULHW\ of different designs that still somehow manage to complement each other, if you pull it off, you will be amazed at just how lovely it looks! Country house style is not just for stately homes; any home can experience the wonderful combination of luxury and

70

comfort no matter how big or small the space is you have to work with. Just remember to keep the room organised and you won’t go far wrong!

Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIID. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk

#WVOICES

&KULVWPDV Wish List Looking for some festive shopping inspiration? Our Christmas gift guide is stuffed with presents for him and her - from luxurious foodie indulgences to deluxe pampering products - take your pick and get Christmas all wrapped up.

For HIM TARTAN TAKE OVER

WARM UP Felt slippers, £40 The White Company, Northgate Street

SCRUB UP

Scarf, £14,Topman, SouthGate

Zesty Cedrat gift set for men, L’Occitane, £52, New Bond Street

THE BEST BITTER

LEATHER LOOK

Bath Ales Gem goblet gift pack, £11.95, www.bathales. com

Pollars gloves, £35, Mens at Dune, Union Street

PJS Navy check short sleeve PJ set, £22, Burton, Stall Street

WIN

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For HER

SCENTS & SMELLS

DREAMY FLAVOURS

FESTIVE FINGER TIPS

St Eval Candle Company Tranquility Reed Diffuser, £24, Joanna of Bath, Peasedown St John

Henny & Joe's Chai Latte Bath Bomb, £3.50, Rupert & Buckley, Burton Street

Nails Inc Superfood Festive Health Kick Collection, £29, Debenhams, SouthGate

STACK UP Jaeger epson leather trinket boxes, £120, Jolly’s, Milsom Street

PAMPER HER

JO MALONE

La Maison de senteurs pamper collection, £30, M&S, Stall Street

Bath & Body Collection gift set, £48, Jo Malone, Old Bond Street

PETER MAX Peter Max limited edition products from Kiehl’s on Milsom Street

FLORAL TRAVELS Express Tulip luggage, from £20, Debenhams, SouthGate

For FOODIES CHOC HEAVEN The Bliss Chocolate Hamper, £150, Hotel Chocolat, SouthGate

SOPHISTICATED STYLE Wicker picnic hamper, £55, M&S, Stall Street

DIAMOND DRINKS Waterford Lismore diamond vodka set, £300, House of Fraser

FESTIVE CHAMPAGNE GET PERSONAL Personalised wine map of Bath, £50, www.lovemapson.com

Herbert Beaufort Champagne, indulgent Marc de Champagne Truffles and two champagne glasses, £65, M&S, Stall Street

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MAGIMIX Magimix food processor, £419.99, Jolly’s, Milsom Street

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction December 9th & 10th Including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches, clocks, coins, fine furniture, fine wines & spirits

Jewellery

Contact Alexandra Bowkett

An 18ct gold ring set with a large asscher cut emerald surrounded by diamonds Sold for £3,600

Fine furniture

Contact Nick Bowkett A Georgian mahogany serpentine fronted chest of four graduated drawers Sold for £4400

Silver

Contact Mark Rozelaar An Arts and Crafts silver sauce boat by Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr. Sold for £2,200

Pocket watches & Clocks

Contact Mike Gardner

An 18ct gold full hunter pocket watch Sold for £1050

Wristwatches

Coins

Contact Stuart Maule

Contact Mike Gardner

A gentleman's Zenith El Primero wristwatch Sold for £2500

A 1937 full gold sovereign Sold for £1050

FREE valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph for an instant valuation? info@stroudauctions.com

NO HIDDEN CHARGES OR FEES FOR UNSOLDS & LIVE ONLINE BIDDING ON ALL LOTS IN THE CATALOGUE Ͳ WHY ACCEPT LESS? We are currently ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk

#WVOICES

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S

o, the day has arrived. It’s a shock in truth and it came much earlier than anyone could have predicted. I am now a fan of golf - and I didn’t even see it coming. Yes, I like golf. Not just the amazing RyGHU &XS DGUHQDOLQ EXEEOLQJ ÂżVW SXPSLQJ team golf I’ve watched or the thrill of any Open (and no not just to see Rory McElroy’s wonderful bottom in those golf ‘slacks’). But, yes, actually playing. You see, I had two ‘problems’ with golf.

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Firstly that it’s the sport of the retired and slow moving for mere mortals of course (Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth are not included here). I am sorry for any upset that this may cause and if it’s any consolation I have had to eat my words in the past - as I shall attempt to demonstrate here, if you care to read on. Secondly, the fashion has always been an issue for me. 3ODLG YLVRUV Ă€DWV SROR VKLUWV DQG URXQG neck jumpers aren’t designed with my body shape in mind. I have always participated in sport, jack of all trades master of none, I think is fair. Although I am still currently side-lined; less slow moving, more stationary. I recently took my two daughters on holiday. We were away in Scotland to ‘vacation’ with another four families. We have all been friends since we met some 11 years ago. The venue: a very, VERY big house that belongs to a relative of my friend. Dubbed the ‘party palace’, it easily housed our group of nine adults and 11 children. It was absolutely fabulous and a total treat for everyone. The house sits on the edge of the Gleneagles Queens Course and has enviable views both inside and out. Aside from it EHLQJ D ÂżYH VWDU OX[XU\ UHWUHDW LW JDYH XV a chance to kick back and catch up; it was also a step inside those homes only usually viewed from inside magazines full of car and watch advertisements. Now is not the time to crow, but let me just tell you

78

this: it was all incredible, and it was a real low point returning home and having to actually turn on lights in my house. So, this ‘house’ had a golf simulator room, as you do. An all-singing and all-dancing, play on any course in the world, simulator. It’s hugely impressive — unlike my brand new golf swing — and I was hooked immediately. But until I stepped inside that room, I had never picked up a golf club before. :KDW , ODFNHG LQ ÂżQHVVH , PDGH XS IRU LQ EUXWH IRUFH H[FHSW RI FRXUVH \RX FDQÂśW because golf requires both deft skill and controlled strength. And as yet I have neither. It’s a hugely frustrating game and one that requires brain as well as brawn and I take back all the things I said or thought about it being a sport that you arrive at when you can’t do any others. I’m sorry. I was so wrong. In truth I’ve not yet played on an actual golf course but I hope to put that right soon, although... playing inside a simulaWRU WKH VL]H RI WKH JURXQG Ă€RRU RI \RXU house does help prevent any bad hair days. You can take the girl out of the salon...

Open: Monday to Friday: 12noon to 2.30pm and 6.00PM to 11.30pm Saturday and Sunday 12noon to 11.30pm

Management reserves the right to change offer details at their discretion

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