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bathvoice January 2021 No. 11

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Vaccines on the way for Covid-19

INSIDE

Changes at Hayes Place Page 4

Dogs of Combe Down warned Page 6 EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Wera Hobhouse Page 12 What’s on Page 16 The 2020 quiz Page 20

Bath’s Royal United Hospital said that people living in the Bath who are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine should wait to be contacted by the NHS, instead of calling their local hospital or GP practice directly. The advice comes as the NHS delivers the first batches of vaccines for Covid-19, which were officially approved for use by the Oldfield Park Junior School’s headteacher Dave Goucher is optimistic about 2021 medicines regulator in December. First in line for the vaccine will be people aged 80 and over, who are already expected to attend hospital, as well as care home staff and the frontline NHS workers most at-risk. The rollout of the vaccine is a huge logistical challenge, and comes at a time when the NHS is By Harry Mottram. Hope springs personal life, school life and life already managing ongoing eternal in Bath following one of under Covid-19. coronavirus-related challenges, as the most difficult years in modern He said the school had well as traditional winter times due to the Covid-19 crisis sacrificed numerous activities pressures. “You have to take some of the due to the pandemic and had Vaccines are being delivered to positives from 2020,” said Dave introduced staggered starts, the first cohort of 50 hospital hubs Goucher, 44, the headteacher of invested in PPE and even made across the country who will begin Oldfield Park Juniors, “we’ve changes to classroom layouts. vaccinating patients this week. coped exceptionally well despite “The school has coped very The Royal United Hospitals, the challenges.” well with the Covid-19 crisis In an exclusive interview with along with all the schools in Bath Bath, is prepared to receive and administer the vaccine when it is Bath Voice the north gone south which has in some ways gone academic opened up about his Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3

Looking to 2021 with optimism

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bathvoice Contacts

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

Harry Mottram News Editor news@bathvoice.co.uk Erica Benson Publisher and sales 07402 441485 erica@bathvoice.co.uk

on Twitter @bath_voice

Rich Coulter Sub Editor 07775 550607 George Benson Distribution 07970 767606 george@bathvoice.co.uk

Next issue’s deadline for editorial and advertising is January 20th

January 2021

My councillor? Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk

on Facebook Bath Voice My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk

Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk Dine Romero 01225 477496 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk Combe Down: Gerry Curan 01225 330349 / 07900684562 Gerry_curran@bathnes.go.uk

Bharat Ramji Nathoo Pankhania Bharat_pankhania@bathnes.gov.uk 07464 867554 Odd Down: Joel Hirst 07792 869044 joel_hirst@bathnes.gov.uk Steve Hedges 07971270879 steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk Twerton: Sarah Moore 07807013635 Sarah_moore@bathnes.gov.uk Tim Ball 01225 400834 / 07970461674 Tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Westmoreland: June Player 07967 920064 June_Player@bathnes.gov.uk Colin Blackburn 07796 807157 Colin_Blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk

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Bath & North East Somerset Council Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW Bath One Stop Shop 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JQ Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 Email: council_connect@bathnes. gov.uk Bath & North East Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau 2 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EE 0344 848 7919 NHS Urgent: 111 / Emergency: 999

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.co.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency 999 Fire www.avonfire.co.uk Inquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Anti-social behaviour team asb@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 842462 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bath Voice, contact the News Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/ nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@bathvoice.co.uk or by post: 1 Camerton Close, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3BT or by phone: 07402 441485 All stories and pictures are © Bath Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission. Bath Voice News & Media Ltd

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

January 2021

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n NEWS Optimism that 2021 will be better for the ‘mini Hogwarts’ of Bath Continued from page 1 under the radar considering what had to done,” he said, “The changes have often been introduced at very short notice by the Department of Education (DfE ) with emails arriving often at the weekend creating real challenges. “We’ve had to clear out classrooms of furniture to allow the social distancing for the children, so much so we’ve had to hire a container to put the excess furniture in. “We’ve had to change the classroom layouts with all the desks facing the front like in Victorian times. That is a change for some of the teachers who haven’t taught in that style in the past. I’m old enough to have taught like that with a blackboard and chalk many years ago.” He said the school had had to sacrifice some of the activities such as trips, residentials, music

Oldfield Park Junior School, or South Twerton School as it was known until 1991, dates back to 1893 and is proud of its place in the community

and sports. “It will have to remain like that until we get the green light to go back to normal. We’re looking forward with optimism to 2021 as the vaccine arrives,” he said. In the meantime the pupils have continued to wash their hands four or five times a day, timetables continue to be altered and the children and staff will continue to follow the rules. “The parents have been

brilliant,” he said,”They follow the routines, wear facemasks in the school grounds, they social distance and abide by the staggered start and end times.” Covid-19 has also added to the schools overheads with new soap dispensers, sinks and PPE as well as hiring extra staff to cover for staff who are in self-isolation and not in school. “From a financial aspect Covid has hit us hard like it has all schools, so I hope the DfE puts their hands in their pockets although that’s more a hope than an expectation,” he said. Dave lives just a few minutes walk from the school with his wife and his two sons who attend local schools. Not many headteachers live close to their schools but he said he liked to live in the community and it cut

out commuting. “We have things we have to work on like all schools do but our mini Hogwarts is a great place to be,” he continued, “It’s a bit of a hidden gem as from the outside it doesn’t look much but when you go in we are blessed with a field, a fire pit, chickens, and even a pizza oven.” Covid had cost the school many things including the annual Christmas Fair that usually brings in £4,000 to the school. In the rush hour the school is the centre of traffic congestion although Dave said that had eased this year as many people were working from home. However there was a concern about the clean air scheme which could push traffic out of the centre of Bath and turn the roads around the school into rat runs. He came to Bath in 1998 to do a teacher training course and has stayed ever since. His previous headship had been at St Michael’s Junior School nearby before joining Oldfield Park in 2015. As for changes in that time he cited technology with the advent of computers and the internet but another less obvious change was the pressures of the society in general where everything is instant which put new pressures on children.

Continued from page 1

RUH: vaccines on the way for Covid 19 delivered. Local people can show their support for the operation by waiting to be contacted with instructions of how to receive the vaccine, while continuing to observe the current social distancing guidance. The NHS said that if you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result. The main symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, a continuous cough –and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms. If you have any of the main symptoms get a test as soon as possible. You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test. Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started. More information on the vaccine can be found online at www.nhs.uk • The Odd Down Sports Centre is the venue for a free ‘drivethru’ flu vaccination clinic that is relieving pressure off GP surgeries as they roll out the Covid-19 vaccine. The city is one of four locations where Pharmacy2U have set up the clinics. To book an appointment visit their website https://www. pharmacy2u.co.uk/services/ flu-vaccination

January 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS

Vision for a ‘people friendly’ Hayes Place By Harry Mottram for Bath Voice At the top of Holloway linking Bear Flat to the city centre is Hayes Place and if you haven’t stopped for some fish and chips or a coffee in The Good Bear cafe you might miss it. The Council, traders and the Bear Flat Association representing the residents, want to transform the short but wide street into something approaching a continental piazza - a public space to sit down and appreciate the surroundings while still allowing vehicles to access the street. Bear Flat campaigner Clyde Hunter said it should become an effective green book-end to Bear Flat with The Gore at the other end of the brief plateau with all the shops and facilities in the middle creating a central zone. “What we would like to do is

to widen the pavements and to change the surface of the road from tarmac to a different colour or paving so to make it a shared space so cars and pedestrians share the road with pedestrians given priority,” he said. “At the moment it’s a dangerous place with vehicles doing three point turns and people trying to cross - not knowing where a vehicle is coming from. “What we want to do is to slow the traffic down, and make it more pedestrian friendly, perhaps more continental.” In the first step towards the aspirations of the Bear Flat Association’s vision The Good Bear Cafe has been granted a pavement license to put tables and chairs outside. The proprietor of the cafe Mauro Matta said having the

Mauro Matta of the Good Bear Cafe and Clyde Hunter of the Bear Flat Association licence had been a lifeline for the business during the 2020 crisis. “Because of Covid-19 and the restrictions for social distancing we have lost half of our capacity,” he said, “With the extra space outside on a sunny day that has helped us so much to seat more customers.” A ramp on and off the pavement has been added to facilitate prams and wheelchairs.

Cllr Winston Duguid said that Hayes Place had potential but these were early days. Planters are to be placed by the cafe as part of the plans which he said was an illustration of how the Council, traders and the Bear Flat Association could bring about change. For full details of the Bear Flat Association’s vision visit http://bearflat.org. uk/a-vision-for-bear-flat-centre/

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January 2021

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n NEWS

Potential recycling site for Odd Down By BBC LDRS staff for Bath Voice Residents are being asked to suggest potential sites for new recycling centres in Bath to replace the condemned current facility. The “unfit for purpose” Midland Road site is set to be redeveloped with nearly 180 homes, with many of its behindthe-scenes functions moving to Pixash Lane in Keynsham. Bath and North East Somerset Council has assured residents that the city would not be left without at least one household waste and recycling centre. It has already consulted on a potential site in Odd Down but is considering multiple locations to cut vehicle use and reduce emissions. Residents are being asked to suggest where facilities could be built, and how it can encourage people to recycle and reuse more. Councillor Dave Wood, the cabinet member for climate emergency and neighbourhood

A bird’s eye view of the potential site on the A367 by the Park and Ride along a stretch of the Fosse Way services, said: “Our intention is that Bath residents will have a number of household waste and recycling centres they can use in the city to make recycling as easy as possible. “I also want to increase the range of things we can recycle. “I am concerned that previous proposals, for example for just one

site at Odd Down, don’t reflect the need to reduce car travel to tackle the climate emergency. “We want to see modern, user-friendly centres that make recycling easier, complementing the regular kerbside collections received by residents and providing additional new services such as re-use and repair.”

A 2018 Local Plan consultation said that a recycling centre could be built south of the Odd Down park and ride. The closing date for suggestions is Friday, January 1, 2021. Contact the Council on 01225 39 40 41 (during office hours) Use the online Report it forms, or. Email councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk

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n NEWS

January 2021

Cash for safer walking and cycling By BBC LDRS staff for Bath Voice. Bath & North East Somerset Council has welcomed an announcement that the West of England Combined Authority is to receive a £3m share of a national fund to boost walking and cycling - and has committed to ensuring consultation plans are in place to engage with residents on proposed schemes. The investment, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) in November, will see new

safe routes for people to walk and cycle safely put in place in 2021, and will be shared across the three unitary authorities including Bath and North East Somerset. Joint Cabinet member for Transport Services Councillor Joanna Wright said: “We’re pleased that the government have agreed to make this investment, but we will need to look at the details of the exact funding and other arrangements

Widcombe Parade features wide pavements, a cycle lane and a road

on the table, and their implications both for the specific schemes we take forward and how we engage with residents.” The council has committed to establishing consultation and monitoring plans on schemes to ensure they support local solutions, contribute to Bath and North East Somerset Council’s wider transport vision and have local support. Councillor Joanna Wright added: “We will ensure there are plans in place to meet local concerns and use local knowledge as we progress schemes. “Promoting active travel is the foundation stone of the ambitious transport agenda of this administration, and we will work closely with local communities to deliver this.” The council will now consider the details of the government’s funding announcement to see what is available. Further details including next steps will be made available following this.

Dog walkers warned A stark warning to dog owners has been issued by the Council’s Dog Warden following incidents at The Firs green space in Combe Down. Out of control dogs walked by their owners have created problems for people visiting the triangular parkland area by The Avenue. The warden has requested dogs should be kept under control at all times and must not enter the play area and any mess must be cleared up by their owners.

Lockdowns have seen a rise in domestic abuse say police as they give advice to spot the signs As we start the second year of Covid-19 with its social restrictions Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging communities to look out for one another and know the signs of abuse. They said in a statement: “It’s important that we learn to recognise the signs of someone being abused, manipulated and controlled. “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. It happens in all types of relationships, regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, disability, sexuality, lifestyle, nationality or age. “It isn’t always easy to immediately recognise the signs that someone is being abused. But, if you notice something isn’t quite right with a friend, neighbour, or someone from your community, we urge you to look, listen, ask and ask again. Some of the things to look out for could be your friend being texted an inappropriate number of times by their partner when they aren’t together, sudden lack

of contact from someone, or over-hearing abusive language from neighbours during an argument. “Domestic abuse can also take many different forms – physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. Psychological and emotional abuse is known as coercive control. This type of abuse can be difficult to spot but can make victims question their worth, limit their contact with friends and family, and make victims feel they can’t cope alone.” The police said that if someone thought a friend, neighbour or family member was in an abusive relationship they can call 101. , but if they thought someone was in immediate danger – call 999. Alternatively if you can’t speak, call 999 and dial 55, this will alert the phone operator who will put you straight through to the police. Signs you are in an abusive relationship: • Your partner is violent or

threatening towards you • Your partner criticises you and puts you down • Your partner is controlling about what you do, where you go, who you see or what you spend • You feel afraid of your partner • You think you are to blame for the way your partner treats you • You feel embarrassed when your friends and family see how partner treats you Signs someone you know may

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

be in an abusive relationship: • They withdraw from their circle of friends and do less with other people • They receive lots of phone calls or texts from their partner when they are not with them • They become anxious when they might be home late or plans change • They have unexplained bruises or physical injuries. For more information about organisations and services for domestic abuse victims, please visit: www.thisisnotanexcuse.org

January 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS Police act on rise in crime on railway cycle path A problem solving plan has been put in place in response to public concerns following recent incidences of anti-social behaviour, sexual assault, theft and assault reported on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. Working with local partners including Sustrans and local councils, measures include targeted high visibility patrols and days of action, bike marking days and an increased emphasis on information sharing between Bristol East and South Gloucestershire neighbourhood policing teams, both of which cover the length of the path. As a result of increased proactive police activity, officers arrested a 13-year-old boy on Tuesday 1 December on suspicion of sexual assault. The suspect has been released on bail and enquiries are ongoing. Neighbourhood Inspector Clive Summerill said: “This successful arrest, which was a joint effort on the part of our neighbourhood and

Molly is netball star

Operation Remedy officers, is a positive step forward in our commitment to tackling the people causing harm within our communities and ensuring the cycle path – an important part of the city’s green transport infrastructure and enjoyed by families throughout the year – is a safe and pleasant place to be. “The local neighbourhood team

continues to patrol the pathway and we’d encourage anyone who spots a crime in progress, or has concerns about groups of young people being intimidating, anti-social or blocking the path to call 101 as soon as possible, or 999 if they fear a crime is being committed. All reports will be thoroughly investigated.”

Ralph Allen School has congratulated Year 11 student Molly Goult, (pictured) who has been selected for the Netball Academy Development Centre. This is one of the regional Centres of Excellence for Netball and for aspiring Super League youngsters and only 22 students are selected. The school had more sporting success in the autumn when tennis player Grace Piper won a British Tour event in Taunton.

RUH receives students’ gifts

Golf course’s future remains in doubt The future of one of Entry Hill’s most loved green spaces by locals remains in doubt. With the Covid-19 crisis the golf course owned by the Council but run by GLL was closed. At the time the popular facility was losing tens of thousands of pounds and the Council decided it could not afford to subsidise the losses. Since then dog walkers and those seeking exercise have used the extensive grounds despite the gates and car park being locked. The Council have put the course out to tender and a decision on its future will be made this year. The Bath Voice understands a number of bids have been put in including continuing it as a golf course, but also as a mixed use for outdoor sports and activities and as a nature reserve while retaining the cafe if possible.

Children from Green Shoots visiting the Greystones care home

Long walk for very little feet A hike from Bruton Avenue to Haysfield Road in Bear Flat may not be the longest of walks but for the tiny legs of the children of the Green Shoots pre-school it was a major expedition. The sponsored walk of the young charges ended at Greystones care home where they communicated with the senior residents through a window. Normally the children can give hugs and kisses and engage in conversations with the residents bridging the gap of ages with news of their lives and what

they’ve been up to at the nursery. Despite the Covid-19 restrictions there were smiles and giggles all round. The children and their carers sang several of their favourite songs and blew hugs and kisses through the window. An exchange of gifts and goodies took place with the children receiving goodie bags for them to play with on another day filled with bubbles, biscuits and teddy bear stories while the children left seasonal cards they had made.

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

With their distinctive beige and brown uniforms and boater style brown felt hats emblazoned with an N the Norland students and child care staff are a familiar sight in Bath. Last month students from the organisation made festive wreaths in aid of the Forever Friends charity in support of the RUH. The wreaths went on sale at the Sainsbury’s Green Park and Odd Down stores alongside cards and was organised by Susannah Padiachy of Grace Church Bath and Emmanuel Church Weston. In 2020 the students raised almost £6,000 for local charities including Children’s Hospice South West, Bath’s Genesis Trust for the homeless, the Royal British Legion, Cancer Research, the Little Princess Trust and Concern Worldwide.

n NEWS

Monday am Hillside Hall, Oldfield Park Call Sarah on 07881 758292 Tuesday pm St Mark’s School, Larkhall Call Jan on 07746 098307 Tuesday pm St Michael’s School, Twerton Call Sarah on 07881 758292 Wednesday am Leafy Lane, Corsham Call Jane on 07857 147093

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January 2021

Wednesday pm Percy Community Centre Bath City Centre Call Jane on 07857 147093

Friday am The Methodist Church, Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093

Wednesday pm Saltford Hall, Saltford Call Cher on 07824 336925

Friday am The Rugby Club, Combe Down Call Cher on 07824 336925

Thursday pm The Parish Hall, Weston Call Sarah on 07881 758292 Thursday pm The Methodist Church, Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Call Emma on 07886 629496

January 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF

Burglary appeal: The police are appealing for witnesses and information after a burglary at a flat in Marlborough Buildings, Bath between 4.30pm and 6.15pm on Wednesday 4 November. The burglar forced the key safe and used a key to get into the building. Officers want to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or saw a man (pictured) wearing a mask and a baseball cap captured on CCTV. Neolithic Barrow damaged: English Heritage and Avon and Somerset Police are seeking witnesses after vandals daubed graffiti at Stoney Littleton Long Barrow, a 5,000 year old Neolithic chambered tomb at Wellow near Bath. Stoney Littleton Long Barrow is a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of English Heritage. In early November, the walls of the tomb were daubed with red paint. Visit Bath: The future of the council owned Visit Bath tourist information company may end and be replaced with a shared enterprise called Visit West. The main reason is to save cash as Visit Bath has consistently gone into the red and owes the council an undisclosed amount but thought to be thousands of pounds. Membership of Visit West would cost £75k annually and, as the council currently pays Visit Bath for its services, this would save the authority £291k each year.

Cargo bikes: The council have taken delivery of 10 electrically assisted cargo bikes following a £40,000 bid to the Energy Savings Trust. They are used by Grapes Freehouse, Bath BID, 6 City View and the council’s parks team while four e-cargo bikes are on loan out free to businesses, organisations and charities looking to test them. Entry Hill: The Liveable Neighbourhoods initiative takes a step further this year through a national scheme adopted by the Council to reduce traffic in some areas and improve the quality of life for residents. Last year the Council asked residents in Bath on their views on the plans. Cllr Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said the idea was not designed to force people out of their cars, but to end some rat runs, increase cycling and walking and the use of electric cars and bikes to cut pollution and congestion in the neighbourhood. One area under consideration is Entry Hill where congestion is combined with the narrow lower section which could be closed to through traffic in the future. Liveable Neighbourhoods are put in place for six months and are adjusted by council officers to imrove them and make them work. If at the end of six months they are not working it gets removed. If the system works then it becomes permanent. News of the Entry Hill scheme is expected soon.

Picturing Widcombe for the New Year Designer and artist Amanda Brown of the Flamingo shop in Widcombe has created a calendar for 2021 using photographs of the community which she has taken and retouched to create beautiful images.

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January 2021

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n HEALTH NEWS

New year new you - time to quit smoking Smokers across Bath and North East Somerset are being urged to make 2021 the year they quit. Despite the stresses of Covid-19, 2020 saw the highest rates of successful quitting on record. It’s estimated that during the first lockdown a million people across the country quit with hundreds of thousands remaining smoke-free. Gabriella Alves, 21, from Bath is one of those success stories. She said: “Whilst studying, I noticed I was smoking more and more, and my fitness levels were declining. I’m a rugby player which was a big concern for me as I’m always training and was regularly getting out of breath on the pitch. This, alongside knowing that Covid-19 was circulating and is a virus that affects the lungs gave me the extra push I needed to quit for good. So, I picked up a vape starter kit and signed up to Virgin Care’s wellbeing service for support. “It was quite hard at the start because of the cravings and it was

really difficult to adjust to using the vape, but I’m so happy I managed to stick at it. Since quitting, I have noticed my breathing and circulation have improved dramatically. I now feel fully in control and I’m confident I won’t go back.” Virgin Care’s free confidential Stop Smoking Service is available to all residents across Bath and North East Somerset. It offers support and advice to smokers who either want to stop smoking, cut down the amount they smoke

or switch to vaping. Support is currently being offered remotely. For more information call 0300 247 0050, or e-mail: BATHNES. thehub@virgincare.co.uk Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Gabriella is a great example of someone taking responsibility for their ongoing health. It’s never been more important to quit smoking as smokers are 14 times more likely to be affected by the severe form of Covid-19. We have a fantastic range of support services to help you give up and by using them you are four times more likely to quit and stay quit. As part of its drive to encourage people to give up smoking the council is sharing a powerful new film which tells the stories of those who have successfully quit in this turbulent year and calls on others to “put it down, put it out”. The film was commissioned by Southend Borough Council and is

the work of spoken word artist Megan Cannon. She said: “We asked people who’d quit using the stop smoking services loads of questions and their responses were so powerful and full of emotion. I couldn’t wait to put the stories together and create this piece, which I hope can inspire others to give up smoking too.” Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of the public health charity ASH which is supporting the roll out of the film, said: “This has been a tough year, but local councils have shown they are more than up to the challenge, showing tremendous commitment during the pandemic. Stop Smoking Services have continued to operate, despite councils having to pretty much rebuild them from scratch to provide socially distanced support delivered remotely. If you are planning to quit in 2021 get help from your local service, it might make all the difference.”

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installation quality to build your Saltford Kitchens, 439 Bath Road, complete kitchen. Saltford near Bristol BS31 3AZ UP TO JANUARY PROMOTION Visit our new Showroom to view Office 01225 874676. FREE QUOOKER TAP a selection of show kitchens and Email info@saltfordkitchens.com CASHBACK Bringing to Bath talk with our experts to plan your Website: https://saltfordkitchens. GE RM A N Y ’ S FAVO U RIT E K ITC HE N dream kitchen space. com/ Call: 01225 874 676 Showroom:

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January 2021

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n NEWS

‘Forgotten’ fields now a new nature reserve The Lyncombe Hill Fields lie beneath the hill topped by Alexandra Park are ‘forgotten’ neo-medieval pasture lands owned by the Council. Last year the Council put the five very steep fields by the allotments out to tender and a group of residents pitched in to create a Friends group to look after the land as a nature reserve come park. After meetings the organisation have come up with plans to make the most of the land but they need help. So far their maintenance group of around two dozen folk meet twice a week to cut, trim and carry out maintenance. Maurice Tennenhaus of the Friends said: “Six tonnes (yes tonnes) of gravel have been laid to make one of the footpaths passable all year round for the first time in living memory. “A war on brambles in the middle of the meadows is being

waged in a battle to clear a derelict pathway.” He said that young people on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme were among 12 volunteers from two local schools who had come forward to as he put it: “put some muscle into the efforts to create a new nature reserve from this wonderful community asset.” Other work ongoing includes new signage to convey the new stewardship of the land while in 2021 there is a survey underway to chart the trees, insects, wild flowers, birds, bats and other wildlife in the five fields. They also plan to build and site some benches and to make the copse safe and accessible to families, to mow the grass to encourage wildflowers and to carry out planting. To register an interest and help the Friends email lyncombehillfields@gmail.com

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Volunteers at the very steep Lyncombe Hill Fields work at making the new nature reserve more accessible for families and to maintain the landscape

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January 2021

Residents of Bath care home pleased by Royal visit Last month the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Bath by Royal train as part of their national tour to thank people for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. The couple usually referred to Kate and Wills (pictured) in the popular media met residents, staff and administrators at Cleeve Court care home in Twerton. The visit was appreciated by the residents, as well as the administrators, care professionals at the home who all have battled the effects of the restrictions and

pressures place on them during the Covid crisis of 2020. Deputy Lieutenant Edward Bayntun-Coward, Tricia Davis of BAYNES, and Maggie Dance, the care home manager for Cleeve Court greeted them while schoolchildren were also able to grab a few words outside the care home. The Royal tour faced criticism as an expensive PR stunt by some and received a cold shoulder by some in the Scottish and Welsh Governments - but was largely welcomed by those they visited and spoke to in Bath.

Bath’s artistic and made-in-Germany MP Wera Hobhouse looks forward to being a granny Harry Mottram for Bath Voice asked the city’s MP some very personal questions and received some very candid replies. The first question was an easy one - who do you most admire in Bath and why? I prefixed it with a line about knowing how old she was and how many children she had but before I could get the question out she said: “I’m going to be a grandmother!” “Oh, Granny Hobhouse,” I said, “tell me more.” And she did: “My eldest daughter is expecting our first grandchild at the end of February,” she said, “she married five years ago and is 30 - the same age I was when I had her. “I never thought I’d be excited but I am so excited. I thought I wouldn’t be that excited having had children but I am.” Back to the question of who to admire in Bath. “I’ve been really impressed with the work of James Carlin and BAYNES 3SG with their coordination of volunteers during the Covid-19 crisis,” she explained, “They brought people together and fill the gaps with help for the lonely or helping with shopping. “There are other volunteer groups like the Citizens Advice Bureau - they have all done wonderful work.” Onto the next question which is what were her New Year’s resolutions? There was a long silence. I suggested taking up daily exercising, visiting long lost relatives or going on a diet. This last idea finally struck a chord.

Wera Hobhouse MP “I don’t actually need to lose weight - for me it is the other way around and I’m bordering on being too thin,” she said. On my suggestion she should eat more food to fatten her up she accepted eating ‘a little bit more’ would be her answer. Wera Hobhouse is the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eating Disorders - a role she says is close to her heart as around one million people in the UK suffer from conditions such as anorexia and bulimia. The next question was also based on her work in Westminster and in particular on her interest in women’s issues. In September she was given the job of Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities but back in January she made headlines for her work making ‘upskirting’ a crime.

Upskirting is taking a photograph looking up a woman’s skirt without their consent something which hadn’t been covered in law before. She presented a private members bill which looked set to be successful but it was voted down by Sir Christopher Chope MP much to the outrage of fellow MPS. Eventually the Government took it up and it became law. So the obvious question I asked was Christopher Chope on her Christmas card list? I felt an icy silence. She simply said: “No. I have nothing to say to that man.” I had got her onto the subject of politics so the next question had to be about the current Government. “This is a bad Government, who have undermined the rule of law, damaged and underfunded local Government and have been dismantling the Welfare State,” she said. She thought they would hang on to 2024 though, as they had an 80 seat majority and could do want they liked. Especially since they

Wera Hobhouse speaking in Parliament

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had purged the centre right MPs in 2019. Finally I moved onto less contentious grounds such as her passion for art. “I paint figuratively, people and bodies in movement,” she explained, “it’s a subject I’ve worked on all my life as an artist apart from college when you try out different techniques and subjects. “For me it is how you define people in time and space something that is not fixed in time.” She said when children came along she had less time and changed her style - using mixed media, underpainting with acrylic, printing on top and using oils as well to complete a canvass. Wera Benedicta von Reden was born in1960 in Hanover, Germany. After school she studied art in Munster and Paris before completing a master’s degree in history and fine art in Berlin. She married William Hobhouse in 1989 and moved to England the following year living first in London and later in Rochdale where she was a Conservative Councillor. However she was criticised for defecting to the Liberal Democrats over a controversial plan to build homes on a former asbestos site as she didn’t trigger a by election. However the development she campaigned against was stopped. After moving to Bath in 2014 she was selected to stand in the 2017 parliamentary general election when she defeated the Conservative Ben Howlett, doubling her majority in 2019.

January 2021

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Concerns mount over future of bridge that is being ‘shaken to bits’ by very heavy lorries By BBC LDRS staff for Bath Voice One of England’s main north-south arteries could be swapped for another road outside Bath – but in the meantime an historic bridge is being “shaken to bits” by massive lorries. The government is looking at upgrading the A350 into the main strategic route, replacing the A36/ A46 that passes over Cleveland Bridge (pictured). The decision will take years, and Bath and North East Somerset Council last month approved plans to refurbish the grade II*-listed structure in a move that could pave the way for the return of 40-tonne lorries. There is currently a temporary 18-tonne weight limit which Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said it needs to be made permanent or the £3.9million spend will be a false economy. Speaking during an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on November 17, she said: “The investment strategy will review the case for adopting the A350 corridor as the main strategic route, in place of the A36/A46 and will consider the case for trunking or de-trunking these roads. “This study will take until approximately 2023 to complete, and then if adopted the third phase of the road improvement strategy will provide the framework to implement and pay for the necessary upgrades. “In the meantime, Cleveland Bridge will be closed for much of next year, because urgent repairs to the structure will be carried out. “The designs never envisaged that the bridge would be on a

modern primary road network, with all that entails.” She added: “The weight of modern HGVs is shaking the bridge to bits.” B&NES Council granted listed building consent to repair and refurbish the bridge despite protests from councillors and residents claiming the “real motive” for the works was to allow the return of HGVs. Government has allocated £3.56million to the project, with the remaining £360,000 coming from the council. Mrs Hobhouse, who has secured 1,000 signatures on a petition to keep the 18-tonne weight limit, said: “Next year will see the very latest technology deployed to save the 1920s concrete structure. The danger is that bringing back the heaviest lorries will hasten the collapse of the deck, destroying the listed asset forever. “With continuing heavy lorries, it’s estimated that the repairs may only last for 15 years. “Therefore, without permanent

weight restrictions, my concern is that while progress will be slow to an upgrade to the A350, Cleveland Bridge will again be in need of urgent, serious repairs very soon. “We can’t let that happen – it’s absolutely essential that we set a weight limit that the bridge can sustain for the long term.” She urged the Department for Transport needs to give the council the power to keep the weight limit, arguing that it would benefit the nation’s heritage, help cut air pollution and boost the region’s economy. The A350 runs from Dorset to Chippenham, while the A36 connects the West of England to Southampton. The roads cross at Warminster. Transport minister Rachael Maclean said the West of England Combined Authority considers Cleveland Bridge as a key structure in the region, but any further restrictions would harm the economy. She said: “Cleveland Bridge has had funds allocated to it for its

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repairs, but I understand the work has not started yet. “Officers at the council propose that the work should begin in May or June of next year, subject to the backing of their members – some of whom share her [Mrs Hobhouse’s] concern of the impact of HGVs on routes through Bath if the 18-tonne weight restriction is removed when the bridge is repaired. “It would be a matter for the council to decide how to go forward, but I’m sure they’re listening to this debate with great interest.” She said the government would engage with the council and other local stakeholders on the strategic plans for the road network. Mrs Hobhouse reiterated her concern that the process would take years and again called on the Department for Transport to allow the council to keep the 18-tonne weight limit. A 2012 bid to lower the weight limit failed following objections from Highways England and councillors in Wiltshire.

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Back from 2020 closure By BBC LDRS staff for Bath Voice A Bath school that shut at the end of the summer term is set to undergo a £2.2million transformation. Bath Studio School opened in 2014 specialising in creative and media subjects but was never able to attract enough students to make it viable. It shared the Frome Road campus with the Aspire Academy, which is set to expand to meet the growing demand for spaces for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Bath and North East Somerset Council last week approved funding for the project, which will boost student numbers to 120 by 2022/23. The school is part of the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, whose chief operating officer, Tim Howes, said: “This will double the number of children aged four to 16 on roll and will also allow Aspire to add a small sixth form, with places for eight 16- to 18-year-olds. “It means we will be able to

Moorland School’s mini parent tours Due to Covid-19 restrictions Moorlands Junior School have explained they are unable to hold their usual open days. In a statement they said: “However, we are able to offer tours for small groups of prospective parents. “Please email office@ moorlands-school.com to find out more and book your visit. Alternatively, to help you see whether Moorlands is the right school for your child when you’re choosing their Reception place for September 2021, we’ve put together a short video to show you what we can offer.” Moorlands Schools Federation comprises two schools – Moorlands Infant School and Moorlands Junior School. Last year OFSTED rated the school as ‘Good’ remarking that teaching was good or very good and also: “...excellent, in nearly half of all lessons.”

January 2021

increase the number of places available locally for children with diagnosed social, emotional and mental health needs, for whom a mainstream school might not be appropriate. “We will also be able to offer some places for young people with more complex needs, including autistic spectrum conditions. “This additional provision is much needed in Bath and North East Somerset and should reduce the number of children who have to travel long distances outside the area for their schooling. “We are looking forward to building on the successful specialist work at Aspire, which is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, to create a hub for special educational needs and disabilities provision.” Councillor Kevin Guy, the cabinet member for children’s services, added: “In Bath and North East Somerset we have high demand for special school placements, so the expansion of Aspire Academy will provide a much-needed increase in the

The campus shared the Frome Road site of the Aspire Academy

number of spaces available. “The school will have a phased increase in numbers, firstly to a total of 84 places during the academic year 2021/22 and then a final increase to a total of 120 places in 2022/23. “It’s great news that these extra places will help us to meet the needs of more children in Bath and North East Somerset and will support them to achieve and thrive.” As well as improving local capacity the project will cut the “unsustainable” cost to the council of children travelling outside the

district to placements. The 300-place Bath Studio School – also a member of the Wellsway MAT – was the first of its kind to open in the West of England but was operating at less than 50 per cent capacity. Some students had moved there when the Bath Community Academy closed. Wellsway MAT sought its closure by mutual agreement with the Department for Education because it was not financially viable. The decision was confirmed in October 2018 and the school closed in July of this year.

Exciting five year vision for Bear Flat A group of residents have been signs pointing to Widcombe shops and highly desirable part of Bath.” working on a master plan to and Moorland Road but none to The eight-point plan includes: transform the look of the centre Bear Flat shops. • Reconfigure the Wellsway of Bear Flat in Bath to make it “The main thrust is to improve carriageway to yield more space more attractive to visitors and the centre by moderating the for walking and cycling shoppers alike. traffic with signs about the • Provide more landscaping to Now the Bear Flat Association shopping area, a 20mph speed green the Centre (BFA) have published their ideas limit, widening the pavements • Redesign Hayes Place as a real in A VISION FOR BEAR FLAT and having a mini park with more place for people. CENTRE and have appealed for planting and greenery.” There will be a discussion by residents for feedback. The report on the association’s Zoom to give members a chance In an exclusive interview with website reads: “The intention is to to give their views on the Vision at Bath Voice Timothy Cantell who stimulate debate and spark more 7.30pm on Wednesday, 10 has a background in planning ideas – and to get everyone February. and transport explained what the working together to make a better To take part in the discussion in thinking was all about. centre.” February or to find out more “The Bear Flat local area lacks In a forward from Cllr Winston about the plans and to join the clarity as there is a scattering of Duguid he said: “The BFA’s vision local association visit the website shops but they are not all close and its campaigns... will safeguard for the Bear Flat Association at together,” he said, “So not and enhance the future of a great http://bearflat.org.uk/ everyone is aware that it has a centre. “In planning policy it ranks alongside Moorland Road, Widcombe Parade, Larkhall and Chelsea Road so we want people to recognise it is a centre for people to use it more.” The Bear Flat Association have promoted the idea of a focus on the shops in the past he said but he pointed out the Council could do more. “If you go around Bath there are The Bear Hotel with its Polar Bear statue is generally seen as the centre

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January 2021

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Modern homes plan for vehicle repair business By BBC LDRS staff for Bath Voice Bath a A vehicle repair shop in Bath could be redeveloped to provide nearly 50 new homes. Dick Lovett is moving to stateof-the-art facilities in Melksham, leaving its Cheltenham Street site redundant. New proposals from housing developer Vistry Partnerships Ltd would replace the utilitarian singlestorey buildings with a residential development standing up to five storeys high. As well as 29 one- and two-bed apartments and 18 three-bedroom townhouses there would be around 50 sqm of office space, big enough to employ five people. The proposals exceed Bath and North East Somerset Council’s minimum requirement for affordable homes – they would account for 19 of the 47 properties, a rate of 40 per cent against the

policy of at least 30 per cent. The site is currently occupied, employing 12 people. It has not been marketed due to the pandemic and its continued impact on the economy, the plans say, but the buildings would be of “little appeal to an alternative occupier” as they have been adapted for the current use. The application claims that the industrial space set to be lost is highly unlikely to be allowed if it was proposed today in an “otherwise overwhelmingly closegrained residential area”. The development would have parking for 26 cars and 104 bikes. B&NES Council will decide the fate of the application. Redevelop proposals have also been submitted for Dick Lovett’s Mini dealership half a mile away in Lower Bristol Road. Plans for 290 student flats

in two five-storey blocks were rejected in August after the designs

An artist’s impression of the plans and inset as it is today

Bath sports news in brief Roman City v Roman City: Bath City FC will be up against St Albans City on January 16, at Twerton Park in a clash between two of Roman Britain’s most important historic and continually settled cities. Bath City play in the Vanarama National League South and are managed by Jerry Gill who played for The Romans in the 90s before a spell at Birmingham City. Bath are struggling in the league while St Albans are flying high - so it is a potential season changing fixture for the team in black and white stripes founded in 1889. Waspish encounter: Bath Rugby Club have two home games in January with a fixture against La Rochelle on 17 January at 3pm in the Heineken Champions Cup. Then on 23 January they play Welsh outfit The Scarlets in the same competition. There’s also the excitement of a local Avon valley clash with an away fixture against what used to be called Bristol FC in the old days but are now called the Bristol Bears who now play at Ashton Gate in the Gallagher Premiership. The date at time of going to press was scheduled for the last weekend of the month. Cricket club works: Bath Cricket Club is undergoing major

were deemed “unworthy” of the city of Bath.

development as reported in the last issue of Bath Voice. The club’s Andy Owen said in a statement: “The work on the car park development is continuing with real momentum. The drainage trench that was dug on the outfield at North Parade has been back filled and the ground staff and Director of Cricket have done a fantastic job in covering the area in preparation for its restoration.” He said it was hoped there would be turfing in the new year, with the pitch ready for the new season. Player punished: Bath Rugby’s Tom de Glanville has been fined a week’s wages after he broke Covid-19 rules in November. He was part of a group of Barbarians who transgressed when they headed out for a night out before their match against England as part of the autumn internationals at Twickenham. The full back will also have to complete 50 hours of unpaid additional community work and was suspended for three weeks. Netball news: Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) U17s have joined Team Bath Netball’s training centre in Taunton. BTC competes in British Universities & Colleges Sport leagues against other highereducation institutions.

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

January 2021

bathvoice

n WHAT’S ON

Italian paintings, mummers and drama Venues are beginning to get to grips with the restrictions put in place by the Covid-19 crisis with social distancing and high levels of hygiene. However it all depends on the Government’s plans for January as to whether venues can open - so always check first with the organisers Fri, 1 Jan. Widcombe Mummers. Widcombe Parade. Details at https:// www.widcombemummers.org.uk/ In the morning the mummers perform in the street a drama dating back centuries although this group was founded in 2005. Characters include the King of the Beggars, the Hobby Horse and King and Queen Bladud as well as St George. Sat, 2 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath. The Play That Goes Wrong. Continues to Jan 16. Tue-Sat 7.30pm (not Christmas Eve or New Years’ Eve) Sun 6pm. Matinees 2pm Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun. Expect a madcap comedy drama. Sat, 2 Jan. Bath City FC. Home game v Chippenham town. 3pm KO.

Film screenings 7pm in the Wharf Room with added old-school cinema popcorn-and-Pearl-&-Dean style charm! All film tickets £7 or £5 for WSC Members. Book online at Brown Paper Tickets. Sun, 10 Jan. Chapel of St Mary Magdalen, Holloway. Sunday Services have been modified in the light of the Coronavirus with social distancing, but you can worship via video or telephone. Holy Eucharist (with organ and silent hymns) 10am at the Chapel. Every Sunday. Details on 07834 269097 or host@magdalenchapelbath. co.uk

The Holburne Museum are featuring paintings of Venice by Canaletto Like the Seekers. 7.30pm. £20.

One man stand-up show. £17.50.

Fri, 15 Jan. Bath Rugby. KO: 19.45pm Home game V Rochelle in the Heineken Champions Cup.

Wed, 20 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath. Copenhagen by Michael Frayn A historical detective story, conjured from scientific facts set in WW2. Continues to 20 Feb.

The Widcombe Mummers perform in the streets on New Year’s Day

Mon, 4 Jan. Ustinov Studio. Oleannia. Drama set on a USA University campus. Runs to 16 Jan. Tue, 5 Jan. Bath Rotary. Lunch meeting at 12.50pm. Contact Rotary Club Secretary email: bathrotarysec@gmail. com or call 01225 422138 for details and how to join. Lansdown Golf Club, Bath. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. Fri, 8 Jan. Bath Rugby. KO: 19.45pm Home game V Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership. Sat, 9 Jan. Chapel Arts. Elvis vs Jerry Lee Lewis. 7.30pm. £16. Sat, 9 Jan. Widcombe Social Club. Classic movie: Twelve Angry Men.

Mon, 9 Jan. Modern British Art at Victoria Art Gallery. A selling exhibition of modern British art selected by art dealer Freya Mitton. Fri, 15 Jan. Komedia. Live music with Noble Jacks and the Hawkmen. 8pm (Doors 7:30pm) Fri, 15 Jan. Chapel Arts. Sounds

Sat, 16 Jan. Bath City FC. Home game against St Albans City. Sun, 17 Jan. Chapel Arts. Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow. 7.30pm. £12. Sun, 17 Jan: Theatre Royal Bath. Frank Skinner. Showbiz. 7.30pm.

Thu, 21 Jan. Chapel Arts. Martin Carthy. 7.30pm. £14. Fri, 22 Jan. Holburne Museum. Venice by Canaletto (1697 – 1768) continues to May 5, 2021. Classic views of the Grand Canal and the Piazza S. Marco but also some of the city’s less well-known nooks and crannies. Book tickets online. Fri, 29 Jan. Chapel Arts. Zoë Schwarz Blue Commotion. 7.30pm. £14. Sat, 30 Jan. Chapel Arts. Ricky Cool & The In Crowd present: A Night at the Flamingo. 7:30pm. £15. Groups and societies: Girl Guides. Visit https:// girlguidingbath.org.uk/ to find your local group. Boy Scouts. Visit http://www. bathscouts.org/ to discover your local group. Womens’ Institute. To discover your local group visit https://thebathwi. com/ Cycling group in Bath. https:// thebathwi.com/ Bear Flat Association: http:// bearflat.org.uk/

The cast of Copenhagen at the Theatre Royal Bath from left, Haydn Gwynne, Malcolm Sinclair and Phiip Arditti

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Widcombe Association: http:// www.widcombeassociation.org.uk/

January 2021

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n PREVIEWS

It’s all gone very, very wrong in the theatre The Play That Goes Wrong, at the Theatre Royal Bath Multi award-winning Mischief Theatre will perform the West End and Broadway hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong in Bath over the 2020 Christmas season, with socially distanced seating. Bringing family entertainment to the Theatre Royal’s Main House for a month from Thursday 17th December 2020 to Saturday 16th January 2021, the exclusive Bath tour dates coincide with the production’s return to London, where it continues to enjoy its six year residency. The Play That Goes Wrong features the (fictional) Cornley Drama Society who are staging a 1920s murder mystery. During their opening night performance things quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous when, as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! As the accident prone

company battle against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue. The Play That Goes Wrong has won multiple awards around the world, including both the Olivier Award and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy, and a Tony Award following its Broadway transfer. Guaranteed to leave audiences aching with laughter, this global phenomenon is now booking until May 2021 in London’s West End.

The Play That Goes Wrong Production picture features the 2018 UK Tour Cast - Credit Robert Day

Steve Bellamy Ctta re pB ee tlls S e e am my y S ev v e B lla

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Litter picking: A group of public-spirited minded residents (pictured) organised by Sophie Jermome have been cleaning up the parks and green spaces in South Bath. Sophie Jermome said: “At the end of August I started a local community litter picking group and we have now completed our fifth litter pick in Oldfield Park and Southdown. “I have started a group on Facebook with over 80 members and am looking to publicise this so we can make it more regular. The weather and the last lockdown has hindered us doing them since October.” Since August they have picked hundreds of bottles and cans filled scores of black bin liners with trash. To join the merry ban and to help make Bath better contact Sophie at the group - it is under Moorland Community litter pickers on Facebook. Forever Friends: A former patient has taken to the skies to fundraise for the Royal United Hospitals Bath where she received emergency treatment. Denise Dale jumped 10,000ft out of a plane, (pictured)

January 2021

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raising over £700 for the hospital’s charity The Forever Friends Appeal. Denise Dale, from Chippenham collapsed with severe abdominal pains and after a visit to the GP was referred to the RUH. She said: “Tests revealed a mass in my pelvis and I had to undergo an operation, which included removal of the mass and a hysterectomy. “Throughout my treatment, the staff at RUH went above and beyond to make me feel safe and reassured.” She decided to do the parachute jump as she wanted to

‘give something back.’ If you would like to make a donation for Denise’s skydive, please go to her Just Giving page: at https://bit.ly/34Ro4ha. Visit The Forever Friends Appeal’s website: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk to

find more about their work. Twerton parking: Twerton Lib Dem Councillors, Sarah Moore and Tim Ball, are welcoming plans to provide a safer parking area for residents in Freeview Road, with work due to begin early in the New Year. The scheme will see the existing inset parking areas extended to provide additional spaces at a right angle to the road. The works are due to start on 4 January 2021. Scanner: A generous legacy and donation from the late Bob Angell from Chippenham and the Medlock Charitable Trust is making a huge difference to patients needing complex facial and dental surgery at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH). Clinicians in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics (OMFS) department now have access to new in-house 3D surgical planning and prosthetic design service, enabling them to plan surgical procedures in ways that were previously not possible. It is used to assess a number of conditions, including impacted teeth, fractures, trauma, facial bone malposition, cysts and tumours.

Affectionate and sensitive Gypsy needs a new home Gypsy is a sensitive girl looking for a quiet home with experienced owners. Once she knows you, she is affectionate and sweet and just wants to be with you all day long! She will need someone around for most of the day whilst she settles. Gypsy is also anxious of new people and will need a home without too many visitors. Owners with plenty of patience and time is a must as she will choose to avoid new people given the chance, so will need to be given plenty of opportunities to move away from things that make her uncomfortable. On walks, Gypsy is easy to manage in quieter areas. She would prefer to avoid busy places as she gets stressed easily and she can be

reactive on lead towards some people and dogs. She will need to be kept on lead and muzzled when out and about, but can’t walk too far these days and would be equally happy with her own secure garden to potter around in. To find out more about the home visit https://www. bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/

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n REVIEW

n PREVIEWS

Friend or foe in Nazi occupied Denmark

Jonathan Slinger as John and Rosie Sheehy as Carol in Oleanna

Pre ‘Me Too’ drama of older man and female student

Oleanna at The Ustinov Studio David Mamet’s 1992 play Oleanna caused widespread controversy when it was first staged. So, it was good to see it set in its original period at the Ustinov Studio directed by Lucy Bailey. The issues raised are startlingly relevant today. However, some of the “non PC” language (notably phrases like “white man’s burden”) would now be too obviously beyond the pale - and needed a bit of period context. That said, it was striking that a piece some thought to have become dated during the “right on” 2000s had come back into such sharp focus. “Me too”, the debate about “cancel culture” and the increasingly transactional nature of higher education meant the problems of power imbalance, between a male College Professor John ( Jonathan Slinger) and Carol (Rosie Sheehy), his female student, seemed all too current. The play worked because one was constantly analysing whether or not John had sufficiently over-stepped the mark, to warrant Carol’s escalating reaction. Or had he become a culpable personification of smug, “institutional” sexism and class bias? Mamet does not make this clear cut – but the ambiguity is intentional, not a weakness. Likewise, Carol is not portrayed as a particularly sympathetic character. This makes us focus on the issues - her alienation from the whole higher education set up, as well as her objections to the professor’s behaviour - rather than on whether we like her as a person. We are also conflicted as to whether the complaint’s impact on John’s career and family should be taken into account. Is it really of any interest to Carol, her group of fellow activists or the college authorities?

The ending was thought provoking. This production used Mamet’s own re-write, rather than the original preferred by Harold Pinter when he directed the UK premiere. In any case, I thought its extremity was necessary as, up until the final seconds, one still perhaps harboured too much sympathy for the professor. Others in the audience clearly disagreed, taking the view that the case had already been proven. I think this is a play that will always cause strong reactions. Apparently, some men attending an early 1990s performance openly applauded John’s violence, deeming his student to have gone too far in provoking him. Mamet’s own intentions would have been framed by the debates around sexual politics that raged in the USA at the time of writing. I remember, some condemned the play as being positioned too firmly within his perceived white, macho, male comfort zone. If I had a slight reservation, it would be that the play didn’t quite flow across the three acts (COVID meant there could be no interval) I didn’t always get a sense of elapsed time - days or weeks – and how it affected character development. But this is a minor criticism. The production at the Ustinov gave us pure essence of theatre – two people in conflict, talking. Mamet’s dialogue intentionally leaves much room for ambiguity and misunderstanding lines are cut off in mid-sentence, characters put out tentative feelers with limited success and strike back by using jargon to intimidate. It is a credit to the actors that all this was delivered in such a compelling fashion. Phil Saunders Oleanna runs to 16 January 2021

Copenhagen at the Ustinov Studio Bath. Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning Copenhagen stars one of our most popular stage and screen actors, Haydn Gwynne (Drop The Dead Donkey, Billy Elliot The Musical, Peak Practice). She is joined by Olivier Award nominee Malcolm Sinclair (Pressure, This House, The Hollow Crown) and Philip Arditti (Globe Theatre, National Theatre). In Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, in 1941, a clandestine encounter is known to have taken place between two Nobel Prize winning physicists, Dane Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, a German. The men were old friends and long-term colleagues, but now found themselves on opposite sides of the divide. Under the watchful eye of Bohr’s wife, Margrethe, Frayn speculates on the debates which might have taken place; an exchange of transformative ideas which had huge implications for both the Nazis and the Allies, and for our world today. This totally absorbing historical detective story, conjured from a smattering of scientific facts, is a daring, fascinating and stimulating drama that enjoyed a hugely acclaimed run at the National Theatre before transferring to the West End and Broadway and winning the 2000 Tony Award for Best Play. Copenhagen is directed by Polly Findlay, and runs in the Ustinov Studio from 20 January to 6 February 2021 depending on any Covid-19 restrictions.

Bristol duo set to send up Beauty and the Beast The classic French tale of Beauty and The Beast tells of a bright and beautiful young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. She learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realise the kind heart and soul that lies within. The enormously popular Living Spit stars Howard Coggins and Stu McLoughlin. Howard is beautiful. There’s no escaping that.

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But then so is Stu. In fact, Living Spit is widely known as the most physically attractive two-man musical comedy theatre company in the South-West. However, in this tale as old as time one of them will have to portray an ugly, foul-tempered beast. But which one will it be? Beauty and the Beast runs at the Ustinov Studio from 18-20 January - subject to Covid.

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20 JANUARY 2021

www.southworcestervoice.co.uk

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Test your knowledge of 2020 with our New Year quiz 1. Which Chinese city was the first to go into an unprecedented lockdown due to the coronavirus in January? 2. Who won the US Presidential election, eventually? 3. What did Prime Minster Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds name their baby? 4. Who did Rishi Sunak replace as Chancellor of the Exchequer earlier this year? 5. To which town did Dominic Cummings drive to test his eyesight after being infected with coronavirus? 6. In which city will the postponed Olympics be held in 2021? 7. Which two singers performed in the Super Bowl half-time show? 8. Which film won Best Picture at the Oscars? 9. Which company became the first to launch a private, crewed spacecraft? 10. On which social media platform did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they were stepping down as senior Royals?

11. Who won the FA Cup final? 12. Which wedding anniversary did the Queen and Prince Philip mark in November? 13. In May, it was announced a former British Army officer was to be knighted after raising money for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday. What is his name? 14. Which two members of comedy double acts passed away this year? 15. Which two military events marked their 75th anniversaries in 2020.? 16. Which country faced one of its most devastating wildfire seasons? 17. Which new bank note entered circulation in February and features the face of artist JMW Turner? 18. Who was the winner of I'm A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here? 19. Name The Body Coach who kept us all fit during lockdown? 20. EastEnders celebrated which anniversary in February?

Answers: 1. Wuhan; 2. Joe Biden; 3. Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson; 4. Savid Javid; 5. Barnard Castle; 6. Tokyo; 7. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira; 8. Parasite; 9. SpaceX; 10. Instagram; 11. Arsenal; 12. 73rd; 13. Captain Tom Moore; 14. Eddie Large and Bobby Ball; 15. VE Day and VJ Day; 16. Australia; 17. ÂŁ20; 18. Giovanna Fletcher ; 19. Joe Wicks; 20. 35th.

To Got advertise, Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or Christine call 07402 a story orcontact any other inquiry? Call Peter on 07719 106676, on 441485 07719 106672 or email southworcestervoice@gmail.com

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n PUZZLES FOR ALL

All aspect of Joinery undertaken, free quotations, many years of experience in: • Windows • Doors • Staircases • Furniture • Carpentry Services • All Bespoke Joinery T: 0117 9860062 E: sales@applejoinery.co.uk www.applejoinery.co.uk Unit 1 & 2 Lays Farm Trading Estate, Charlton Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2SE

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January 2021

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Non-Fiction

Adult Fiction

Wild Swimming: Hidden Beaches by Daniel Start Wild swimming has become very popular in recent months. Explore the secret coast of Britain with this guide of some of the best secret beaches, caves and coves in the UK. Covering from the South West right up to the Outer Hebrides this comprehensive guide describes great scenery, local stories and great facts. Each section includes difficulty ratings and safety guidelines. There is some great examples of family friendly beaches, best for sunsets, and best for jumps or where to swim with dolphins. The guide also includes the nearest campsites, pubs and restaurants and 250 new maps from Ordnance Survey. A great guide to plan your next adventure in the UK.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: This book has been on the top ten bestsellers for a while and I can see why. It is a beautiful story. It took me a few pages in to really appreciate the tale. However it begins in 1952 with six year old Kya Clark who lives in a rundown shack off the marshland of Barkley Gove, North Carolina. She faces horrible family breakdown and soon finds herself surviving in marshland alone. But she is not really alone – she has the gulls and the other wildlife to accompany her. Soon her isolated life is broken by the arrival of two very different young men who are captivated by her wild beauty. Then in 1969 Chase Andrews, the local “jock” is found dead and the locals immediately suspect Kya, the “Marsh Girl”. The story moves from a coming of age story to a murder

mystery. The descriptions of the marshland are gorgeous and you can feel the heat and swampland off the page. Highly recommended.

Picture Books for Older Readers There is a section in the Children’s area of Keynsham Library that is dedicated to readers who have progressed in their reading but want to read something different from a book. This includes Herge’s Adventures of Tintin but also, my absolute favourite – the adventures of Asterix. Asterix the Gaul – R Goscinny & A Uderzo: The year is 50 BC and all of Gaul is occupied under the mighty Roman Empire, well apart from one small village, of indomitable Gauls. The village holds out against the invaders and in this book you are introduced to the famous Asterix, his very good friend Obelix and the cunning druid Getafix. Join them in their village squabbles and their adventures running rings round the Roman Legions with only a small bottle of magic potion. This is the first book of the Asterix adventures but there are many more, including: Asterix and the Goths – R Goscinny & A Uderzo: In this adventure Asterix, and Obelix escort Getafix to the annual Druid conference in the Forest of Carnutes. However the Goths are lying in wait, ready to ambush and kidnap Getafix – who has been named Druid of the Year. With Goths, Gauls and Romans all at odds it is difficult to tell friend from foe and you can bet that confusion will reign until our two Gaulish heroes can sort it all out and return to the village for a sumptuous feast with fabulous food!

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Children’s Fiction Tumbleweed - Dick King-Smith, as reviewed by Kerri Brain, Keynsham Library Assistant. Sir Tumbleweed is a gentle person and not cut out at all for his profession, being a not- sobrave Knight. In fact, he avoids confrontation as much as he can. One day, he meets an ugly witch with a black cat called Grim. Is it possible that she is the one who helps him cross paths with a lion, a unicorn and a red welsh dragon? Are they all working together to help the Knight find his inner bravery? A fun story with lots of twists and turns that will make you smile if not chuckle out loud. The audio version available on the BorrowBox app is read by Nigel Lambert who brings the characters to life with his clever use of accents. By the end, you’ll wish you knew Sir Tumbleweed and could be friends with Arthur, Spearhead and Jones (I won’t give away his nickname, you will have to listen to the story).

Library News

Are you ready to be revitalised this January?! Enter our ‘Revitalised’ recycled book competition! All you need to do is upcycle an old book into something marvellous then photograph your creation and tag us on social media using either: #RevitalisedBooksAdults or #RevitalisedBooksKids, depending on which category you are entering. There are prizes for the winners and runners up! The Bath and North East Somerset ‘Virtual Library’ is still offering something for everyone. We are sharing facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, Storytime and crafts for children in the mornings and information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon. There is also the App RB Digital where you can download newspapers and magazines. Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ bathneslibraries1, Instagram www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries , and Twitter www.twitter.com/ BathnesL

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