Bath Voice April 2021

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April 2021 No. 14

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bear Flat, Combe Down, Oldfield Park and Widcombe

Bath doctor: Oxford jab is completely OK

INSIDE

Election special Pages 6-9 My four legged friends Page 11

The Green Party’s Elena Maher at Bear Flat where the Clean Air Zone begins

Fall out over the Clean Air Zone Loved and hated: Bath’s TV duo Page 15

Low traffic Q&A Page 18 Home fit for pigs Page 20

By Harry Mottram. Last month the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) came into effect bringing an era of cleaner air in Bath.

It is also the UK’s first charging clean air zone outside of London aimed at improving public health, child health in particular and life for those with breathing difficulties.

However there is a price and although there are winners there are also losers as the Council attempts to cut levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Polluting vehicles will be charged £9 or £100 a day to drive in the centre of Bath.

Daily charges will apply seven days a week, 24 hours a day and all year round but private cars and motorbikes will not be charged.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras are installed on all roads leading into the zone while vehicle number plates will be checked against a DVLA database.

Continued on page 3

By Harry Mottram. Despite some European countries putting the use of the Oxford Astra Zenaca to vaccinate against Covid-19 on hold a doctor in Bath has moved to reassure the public of its use.

Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council said the vaccine was safe and residents should take the opportunity to be inoculated if offered the chance.

He said: “This is a lifesaving vaccine that has now been given to over 25 million Brits - around half the total adult population - and many tens of millions more people worldwide.

“Both the trials done in its development, and the experience from these large campaigns, have shown the vaccine to have an excellent safety profile.

“Events involving blood clots have occurred in a very small number of people who have received the vaccine. But the numbers of people getting such clots after having the vaccine is actually lower than it would be in the untreated general population in a similar time period.

Continued on page 3

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USEFUL NUMBERS 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

Jerome Thomas west of england

metro mayor jerome4metromayor.co.uk

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 My councillor?

Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk

Rich Coulter Sub Editor 07775 550607

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

April 2021

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 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

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.

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

April 2021

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n NEWS CAZ fall-out: ‘Winners and losers’ with the city’s new Clean Air Zone Continued from page 1 Not everyone is happy. Bath Live reported on taxi driver Ian Green who said the £9 daily charge for some taxis would increase costs for his trade as many vehicles fell foul of the rules.

The news website reported him as saying: “There are probably about 400 taxis in Bath and two thirds will need replacing, in a year when hospitality has been non-existent and we haven’t earned any cash.

“The council might give us £4,500 as a grant, but it’s around £14,000 for a new car and it has to be under three years old to register as a taxi.”

Mr Green refers to a scheme that awards a grant to replace older polluting vehicles. For details of how to apply visit https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/ get-financial-support-adapt-orreplace-your-vehicle Another loser are some 4x4s

bought as domestic cars but as far as the DVLA are concerned are vans and thus are charged as a commercial vehicle.

As outlined in the last issue of Bath Voice there is a fear that traffic normally passing through Bath will avoid the centre using side roads. One such road is Church Road in Widcombe where traffic wishing to cut through from the Wellsway to the east side of the city already use the short cut. The problem is it is very narrow causing concerns for residents as well as increased pollution.

Outside of Bath councillors in Wiltshire have complained there has been an increase in HGVs passing through Trowbridge and Westbury.

The Wiltshire Times reported on deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, Richard Clewer as saying a lot had been done to improve the air quality in towns such as Bradford on Avon, but CAZ had inn fact pushed air quality issues

faced by Bath onto Wiltshire.

These concerns were echoed by The Road Haulage Association (RHA) who said: “The zone takes in sections of the A4 and A36 which are key freight routes in the region, effectively turning them into toll booths for through-traffic not destined for Bath.”

Vehicles wishing to avoid the charges could go via the M4 and M5, or use the Trowbridge to Midsomer Norton routes and the Chippenham to Marshfield roads.

Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “This a landmark day for the city. We’ve put up with unacceptable levels of nitrogen dioxide for too long. This is unfair on residents, particularly vulnerable older people and children.

“We know this is difficult time for businesses. We are working with residents and businesses to help them replace polluting vehicles with cleaner ones and there is significant financial and

practical help available.”

Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health in Bath and North East Somerset said: “You can’t see it and you can’t smell it, but nitrogen dioxide is a hidden killer, contributing to as many as 36,000 early deaths in the UK each year.”

The Green Party were supportive of CAZ but shared residents’ concerns that large diesel vehicles using smaller roads and residential areas as drivers avoid the zone. Ellie Maher of the party said: “The CAZ scheme does not address private vehicle use, even for highly polluting diesel cars. As such, we are concerned that the scheme will fail to meet its stated objective of reducing pollutant levels below legal limits.”

Full details of the clean air zone and how to pay and who is eligible plus much more can be found at https://beta.bathnes. gov.uk/bath-clean-air-zone

Continued from page 1

Bath doctor: the Oxford jab is safe “If we are talking about tens of millions of people, of course some are going to get ill during any given day or week.

“There is also no evidence linking these cases to the vaccine.”

Meanwhile more than a thousand people a day are now being given their first coronavirus jab at the large public vaccination centre at Bath Racecourse.

The centre has doubled its 500-plus capacity of people from eligible age groups in the local community.

It has also doubled its number of vaccination staff, increased its numbers of car parking marshals and volunteers and opened a second vaccination pod to help cope with demand.

April is set to see a shortage of vaccines although NHS England have said that it will not affect anyone who has booked a slot this month for their first or second jab.

In Bath and nearby, the area covered by NHS BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG) vaccinations are available at the RUH, The Pavillion in Bath, Bath Racecourse, the Somer

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

Centre in Midsomer Norton, West View Surgery in Keynsham and the Bath Easton Medical Centre. For a list of the centres in Wiltshire visit https://bswccg. nhs.uk/news-events/covid-19/ covid-19-vaccination • Dr Bruce Lawrence is retiring from his role of director of public health for Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Becky Reynolds, who has worked as a consultant in the council’s public health team since 2013, will take over the job this month.

Becky Reynolds previously worked in public health in West Yorkshire.

Becky Reynolds

April 2021

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n NEWS

n PEOPLE Meet the chairman of the the Bear Flat Association Former Avonmouth wastepaper merchant Nick Francis brings years of management and business experience to the role of chairing the meetings of the Bear Flat Association.

“We have been involved in the association since it started, having been residents for 22 years,” he said, “we were members for a long time before I was asked to be chairman after Gareth Somerset stepped down a couple of years ago.”

Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields get stuck in. Holding the spade is volunteer Christine Windle

Volunteers making a difference in the Lyncombe Hill Fields As April turns to May the city’s newest nature reserve and public space is enjoying a large amount of TLC from a trusty band of locals.

The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields have been busy laying gravel paths, adding mulch to their newly

Osteopathy Clinic

planted trees, cutting the grass, clearing brambles from the wild flower meadows and installing benches.

One of the volunteers and friends of the fields is Christine Windle. She said: “I used to walk

through the fields and thought it would be nice to help plus I like being outside.”

For more on the project and to volunteer visit the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields’ Facebook site and website.

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

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April 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Pinking the poo: To highlight the issue of dog fouling on the Oval green space, residents have been spraying the poo with a non-toxic water-based pink paint. The Oval Community Group said they are working in conjunction with the council and the dog warden in order to end the problem. On one day last month they sprayed 18 piles of the doggy poo - which is a health hazard as well as being very anti-social. Dog Wardens are authorised to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 to anyone caught failing to pick up their dog’s mess.

This may also lead to prosecution if the case goes to court. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the dog at the time the fouling occurs to pick up the mess.

This is not always the dog owner.

Not having a bag, or not being aware that the dog has fouled is not an adequate defence.

Census help: If you have problems completing your census form then the kind folk at the Census Support Centre in Moorland Road Community Library and at Southdown Methodist Church can help you. First book an appointment on 07927 777385 so you can pop

along between 1-4pm Monday to Friday until May. They are trained volunteer advisers who will take you through the forms. The census is held every 10 years.

Help for careers and work: Bath and North East Somerset residents who want to get back to work or change career can now get advice on training and upskilling from a new employment and skills pod. The advisors can be reached via the main Community Wellbeing Hub number, 0300 247 0050, or for more information visit www. achieveinbathnes.co.uk/ employment-and-skills-pod Tufa Field campaign: Residents who are battling to prevent developers construct a new housing estate on a green field off Englishcombe Lane have begun a petition to put pressure on the Council planners. The Council granted planning permission for new homes to go up on Tufa Field.

The field is named after the unusual geology caused by water emerging from the limestone beneath the sloping ground. In the past this has caused slippage and flooding. With woodland backing onto the field the green space has become something

Bordered by 89-123 Englishcombe Lane and Stirtingale Road

You probably know very little about the very rare Tufa flushes on Englishcombe Lane field! The 5 TUFA flushes on this field are of county level ecological importance. Help us stop any housing being built on this field which will destroy this rare habitat, forever.

You can find out more by reading the back of this leaflet and referring to our website, which has two live cameras that capture the amazing inhabitants of The Tufa Field, 24/7.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND SIGN OUR PETITION (DETAILS BELOW) TO HELP SAVE OUR FIELD! WE ALREADY HAVE OVER 5,000 SIGNATURES (AS OF 8TH MARCH) Please follow us on our social media platforms below. You can also scan the QR codes using your phone camera to sign our petition and visit the website.

Or you can search https://www.change.org/p/bathnes-save-the-tufa-field for the Petition and visit https://tufafield.ddns.net/ for the website

PETITION

@FIELDTUFA

@TUFA_FIELD

WEBSITE

Pictured above the Save Tufa Field leaflet that are being given to homes in the area

of a wildlife zone with badgers, deer and foxes all inhabiting the field.

Oldfield Park School News: With things beginning to get back to normal the headteacher has published a new edition of the newsletter. He writes: “It was super to catch up with our Term 2 Learning Heroes as well as Lockdown #3 Legends.”

He also praised Pearl who has been fundraising for the charity Save the Children with a final figure of £9,637.62. Also noted in the school news were William and Daniel who raised £600 for Julian House as part of the Big Sleep Out. Bridge closure: Wera Hobhouse MP led a Parliamentary debate last month on the future of Cleveland Bridge and other buildings in the city in seeking assurance of Government support. Highways division and contractors are set to repair the bridge and carry out associated engineering works to the historic structure built in 1826 this month which will cause delays as it will be fully closed in May for up to seven months. HGVs are currently banned from the bridge. Details of diversions are at www.bathnes.gov. uk/clevelandbridge

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April 2021

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n ELECTION NEWS

Four go for police and crime post

Make sure you are registered to vote

by April 19 Voters in Bath and North East Somerset will have their say on who represents them at the West of England Combined Authority Mayoral Election and the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register.

With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Bath & North East Somerset Council is urging people who have not registered to make sure they are registered in time. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at www. gov.uk/registertovote.

For details of the candidates at the Police and Crime Commissioner Election please visit www.choosemypcc.org.uk or call 0808 196 2170 to request a booklet to be sent to you.

For more information on the election visit www. avonpccelection.org.uk

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Willow Gardeners Oct

By Harry Mottram. On Thursday May 6, Bathonians will go to the polls to elect a new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner to replace the current one of Sue Mountstevens who Independent John Smith is the is standing down. former Deputy The role of the PCC is to hold the Chief PCC to Sue for the Constable and the Police force in the area to area. Previously he has worked as account and ensure they perform to public a lawyer and for expectations. the PCC for the The hopefuls after your votes are: Heather last few years Shearer (Liberal Democrat); Mark Shelford (Conservative); Kerry Barker (Labour) and John Smith (Independent).

Heather Shearer for the Lib Dems said: “One of my aims for policing in Bath would be to focus on the high volume crimes that people care about – reducing speeding and illegal parking, burglary from homes and gardens, scams and cyber crime.

Conservative’s “Part of the solution would be improving the Mark Shelford resourcing and deployment of community Police is a former soldier and 1 11/09/2020 officers, to ensure they arePage properly1embedded 20.qxp_Layout 08:58 Conservative in their neighbourhoods and so can really know councillor for the people and issues in their patch. Prevention Lyncombe and was deputy of crime is as important as detection, and the leader of the community Police can really contribute to this.

Tories in the city “People value having Police teams and Police stations within their communities to be reassured that they can respond to incidents quickly, so I would ensure transparency in decisions made Continued on page 7

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April 2021

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n ELECTION NEWS Continued from page 6

about the location of stations and teams.”

Labour’s Kerry Barker was the runner up last time losing out to Sue Mountstevens.

He is a barrister with 50 years’ experience in the Criminal Justice System. In particular he has specialised in dealing with abuse cases – that includes child abuse, abuse of people with learning difficulties and abuse of the elderly. For example, Kerry prosecuted those members of staff guilty of the appalling abuse in the Winterbourne View care home in South Gloucestershire. The abuse revealed by a BBC Panorama investigator.

His aim is to improve police effectiveness throughout the whole area. People have told Kerry that they are fed up with the police failing to deal with local crime so much so that they can no longer be bothered reporting crimes to them.

Mark Shelford for the Conservatives said: “My priority if elected is to reassure people that the police are there for them. I’ll increase visible policing by cutting back on their paperwork and desk-time, so they can be out preventing crime, and investigating when it occurs.

“My plan for a more visible Police presence will mean all of us, especially women, feel safe on the Cycle Path or anywhere. Separately I will focus on the Night Time economy with proactive policing to improve security for women.

“I am utterly committed to a 24hr Police station returning to our city. The decision by the current PCC to take ours away was wrong, and accepted far too willingly by a previous council.

“I want to see not just a proper Police reception desk, working extended hours, but also the neighbourhood policing teams being based centrally in Manvers Street, in the City Centre.”

John Smith is the independent candidate and was deputy to Sue Mountstevens until March. He said: “Policing should be about keeping residents safe, not party politics. If I am elected I will keep the party politics out of policing, answering only to local residents and businesses instead of politicians in Westminster.

“My independence, experience, and proven track record of over 10 years as Chief Executive and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner in Avon & Somerset make me the best choice for your next Police and Crime Commissioner.”

He said already there was an increased police presence along the cycle path and other walkways and there had been a concentration on minor car crime and antisocial behaviour.

For more details on the candidates and questions on the elections and policing matters visit https://aspccelections.co.uk/

Libreal Democrat Heather Shearer is vice chair of the Police Crime Panel and is also a parish and district councillor in the Mendips

Labour’s Kerry Barker is a barrister with 50 years of experience in the criminal justice system. He was runner up to Sue Mountstevens in the last election

e

Monday am Hillside Hall, Oldfield Park Call Sarah on 07881 758292

Wednesday am Leafy Lane, Corsham Call Jane on 07857 147093

Thursday pm The Parish Hall, Weston Call Sarah on 07881 758292

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

Tuesday pm St Mark’s School, Larkhall Call Jan on 07746 098307

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

Thursday pm The Methodist Church Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093

Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Call Emma on 07886 629496

Wednesday pm Saltford Hall, Saltford Call Cher on 07824 336925

Friday am The Methodist Church Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093

Tuesday pm St Michael’s school, Twerton Call Sarah on 07881 758292

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

April 2021

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n SPORTS NEWS

Terry looks back to the 1949-50 season in Twerton With lockdowns there has been little on no football played in the city although the website of the Romans keeps its fans up to date with the latest player news.

One rather charming update regarded the memories of 83-year-old supporter Terry Selway.

He wrote: “While sorting out some drawers, I found my old autograph album. This contained the signatures of the Bath City players 1949-1950 (pictured).

“I was 12 years of age then and used to attend their matches.

Having gone to West Twerton Boys School football was our main pastime. We had no TV or mobile phones then, so football was our Saturday entertainment.

“I used to live in Loren Road, and Ernie Marshall used to lodge at number 49, and used to play for Bath City. I got to know him and he got the team’s autographs for me.

“In those days for a young boy to see massive crowds all walking down the Lower Bristol Road from the station was amazing, especially on a Cup match or top of the league clashes.

“Also the panic and rush to get out when the referee blew the whistle.

“Money was hard to come by then, I can remember going down at half time, when the gates were left open, just to watch the second half.

“There was no bend it like Beckham then, the ball was a lace-up, with a leather case, and when it got wet it was more like kicking a medicine ball. “ For those who haven’t visited the ground at Twerton Park then there’s a long gap before the team play again next season - but the ground has an enjoyable old school feel to it set in the middle of the

Bath sports news in brief Cricket: From the end of last month recreational cricket is set to return.

Bath Cricket Club have signalled these dates: 19th April - Junior cricket season; 7th May - ECB Dynamos (girls only); 11th May ECB All Stars. Meanwhile work continues at North Parade as the new season approaches. With the latest government announcement giving the go ahead for outdoor sport the signs are looking good for a full season with some COVID restrictions in to observe. The new

community with a long history.

Founded in 1889 the club play in the Vanarama National League South and have always been just outside of the football league apart from a brief period during World War Two in the temporary Division Two Northern Division. The team play in black and white stripes and have as their mascot Bladud the Pig

in memory of King Bladud who according to legend was one of the first Ancient Britons to see the potential of the hot springs and develop a settlement in pre-Roman Bath. The club is a community owned outfit - a process completed in 2017 following a fundraising effort sparked in part by film director Ken Loach who is a fan.

void and start again next season.

With the financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 shut down of the season, fund raising is more important than ever before. To support the club there is the option of joining the supporters club who carry out all manner of fund raising activities. To join or for more information email bathcitysc@gmail. com or visit the website.

No need for an expensive care home Bath Rugby: For the remaining fixtures of the season see What’s On. Stay independent at home with your own live in carer One sad note is the exit of Welsh International Rhys ‘the kick’ No need for expensive care Care in fly-half your own home No an need fortoan expensive care home Many people want stay in home their own home as they get olde Priestland who will return backcare to home No need for an expensive Stay independent at home with your own live inown carer Stay at home with your live in carer No need for anindependent expensive care home Wales this summer ahead of the No need for a Care intheir your own home Stay independent at home with your live into carer 2021/22 season after signing a own in your own home Many people want stay inCare their own home as they get older Care in your own home Stay independent at home with your own live inown carer Many people want to stay in home as they get older since 198 Featherbed Care has been live in carers No need for an anproviding expensive care home No need for an expensive care home long-term with Cardiff No need for expensive care home Many people want tocontract stay in their own home as they get olderNo need for an expensive care home Stay independent at No need for an expensive care home Many people want stay in their home asvery get older Blues. The 34-year-old has been Weto believe in own only thelive best care affordable co Stay independent atthey home with your ownat livean in carer carer Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Stay independent at home with your own live in Featherbed Care has been providing in carers since 1986 independent at home homewith within your own live in carer Stay independent your own live in carer associated with the Rec since 2015 FeatherbedStay Care has been providing live carers since 1986 Many people want to stay Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older We believe inbelieve only the very best at in an affordable cost Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Many people want to own as and has made over 100 appearances We in only the very best care at an affordable cost Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Featherbed Care been providing We believe in only the very best care athas an affordable cost live in carers since 1986 for the club scoring 810 points. Prior We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Featherbed Care Care has has been been providing providing live liveFeatherbed in carers carers since since Care 1986 has bee to Bath, Priestland played for Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 in Featherbed Featherbed Care hasthe been providing liveat in carers since 1986 1986 We believe believe in only only very best care care an affordable cost Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 the v Scarlets between 2007 and 2015 We in the very best at an an affordable cost believe in only We cost We believe believe in in only only the the very very best best care care at at We an affordable affordable cost featuring 150 appearances for them.

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Netball: Defender Tash Pavelin has been named as Team Bath Netball’s Rengen Player of the Month for February. Team Bath Netball Tash Pavelin returned to the top of the 2021 sightscreen is now in place and the Call for a brochure Call for aCall brochure today Vitality Superleague table withtoday a for a brochure today re-turfing of the outfield is 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 111 4885 0117 9860710 /9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 111 4885 47-36 victory over Strathclyde0800 Sirens.

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bathvoice

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n ELECTION NEWS

The candidates line up for ‘metro mayor’ fight

By Harry Mottram. Voters in Bath and much of the old Avon area will be choosing the new ‘Metro Mayor’ on Thursday, May 6.

Officially known as the West of England Combined Authority’s Mayor, the civic leader’s role is to work with the former constituent parts of Avon (excluding North Somerset) to pool resources and work on issues like transport links, skills and training as well as access more Government funds for the region as a whole.

The idea is for the mayor to chair a committee of the various authorities (officially known as the West of England Authority) in his or her region and bring a sense of common purpose to improve the area.

There are four candidates to choose from. They are for the Green Party Jerome Thomas, Samuel Williams is the Conservatives’ man, the Liberal Democratic candidate is Stephen Williams and for Labour it’s Dan Norris.

Jerome Thomas is a city councillor in Bristol for Clifton and is married to a doctor and describes himself as an experienced manager and entrepreneur.

Dan Norris for Labour has experience of being the MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010 and was also a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Stephen Williams for the Lib Dems also has experience as MP for Bristol West from 2005 to 2015 serving in the Coalition Government as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Samuel Williams for the Conservatives runs a communications consultancy as well as an ethical business network working with other enterprises in Bristol. He said: “I believe that my experiences working with business has given me the knowledge and expertise to build a sustainable and eco-friendly post Covid recovery.

“I will fight for jobs that work for the whole of the West of England. Jobs that provide real career opportunities and job security.

“So together we can build a dynamic, prosperous and

Jerome Thomas Green Party

Samuel Williams Conservative

sustainable West of England.”

Stephen Williams for the Lib Dems said: “People living in the West of England are the people best placed to make sure planning decisions shape our communities for the better. But this Conservative Government’s planning reforms will strip all that away.

“With nine out of ten planning proposals approved nationwide, it’s certainly not the planning system that is causing problems.

Liberal Democrats in the West of England wholeheartedly object to these proposals, which do nothing to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing, undermine our climate commitments and put our local heritage at risk.”

Labour’s Dan Norris said: “I will invest over £100 million over the next 4 years to secure the recovery of our skills and business.

“I love Bath and I’m ambitious for our area, so it frustrates me that the current Metro Mayor isn’t getting the best for our region. I’ve lived and worked locally all my life as an NSPCC trained child protection officer, an MP, and Environment Minister and I’ve run my own businesses.

“I will deliver at least six new train stations and crucial rail improvements; and launch pioneering new hi-tech ‘ondemand’ urban and rural transport services, as part of an overhauled regional mass transit system.

“I will meet our region’s development needs by building homes and communities for the future focusing on the significant brown-field re-development opportunities in our towns and cities, whilst protecting rural areas and the greenbelt.”

Jerome Thomas for the Greens said: “I’m focused on making walking and cycling safer, strengthening library and community centre provision, and

Stephen Williams Liberal Democrat

Dan Norris Labour

improving local transport.”

The candidate helped to create an amendment to Bristol council’s budget which will charge energy inefficient commercial properties to fund measures to reduce local flooding, tougher enforcement action on fly-tipping, and develop a 12 year plan to make Bristol carbon neutral by 2030.

He said increased public transport including more trains and buses were a priority.

Elections use the supplementary vote system, where electors can vote for “first

preference” and “second preference” candidates. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, all but the two leading candidates are eliminated and the votes of those eliminated are redistributed according to their second-choice votes to determine the winner.

The first election took place on 4 May 2017, and was won by Tim Bowles for the Conservatives (who is standing down) but with a turn out of 29.7%.

This factor is one reason why this election’s outcome is hard to predict with its mix of the rural and urban, city and town.

It will depend on the weather on the day, the number of postal votes which have increased in popularity due to the Covid-19 restrictions and in general the mood of the country caused by the lockdowns.

The received wisdom is the election is very much a four horse race.

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n REOPENING BATH AFTER THE LOCKDOWN From 29 March: Outdoor sports facilities such as: gyms, swimming pools, tennis and basketball, golf courses, climbing walls, driving and shooting ranges, riding arenas, and archery. People can use these venues in a group of six people, or with members of up to two households. Changing rooms, should not be used at this time, although toilet facilities can be accessed.

From 29 March: Businesses eligible to host childcare and supervised activities for children will now be able to host all outdoor children’s activities, and outdoor parent-and child groups for up to 15 people (not counting those aged under five).

From 12 April: Non-essential retail will reopen such as clothing stores and tailors; charity and antique shops; homeware and carpet stores; showrooms (such as for vehicles as well as kitchens and bathrooms); electronic goods and mobile phone shops; retail travel agents; photography stores; remaining auction houses and markets; tobacco and vape stores; betting shops; car washes

(except for automatic car washes that are already open) From 12 April: Personal care facilities and close contact services will reopen. This will include: hair, beauty and nail salons; body and skin piercing services; tattoo studios; spas and massage centres (except for steam rooms and saunas); holistic therapy (including acupuncture, homeopathy, and reflexology); tanning salons.

From 12 April: Indoor sports and leisure facilities will reopen.

This will include: gyms and leisure centres; sports courts; swimming pools; dance studios and fitness centres; driving and shooting ranges; riding arenas; archery venues; climbing wall centres.

From 12 April: Self-contained holiday accommodation in which all facilities (including for sleeping, catering, bathing, and indoor lobbies and corridors for entry and exit) are restricted to exclusive use of a single household/support bubble will reopen.

From 12 April: Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafés,

Roll on the summer

restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in member’s clubs) can reopen, including for takeaway alcohol. These venues may allow customers to use toilets located inside. At any premises serving alcohol, customers will be required to order, be served and eat/drink while seated (“table service”).

From 12 April: Outdoor attractions; zoos, safari parks and aquariums; drive in event cinemas, theatres, and other performances; film studios; funfairs and fairgrounds; museums and galleries;

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community halls and centres, and libraries; businesses eligible to host childcare and supervised activities for children will now be able to host these activities (including sport) for all children, regardless of circumstances.

From 17 May: Indoor areas of hospitality venues will reopen along with theatres, cinemas, concert halls, bowling alleys and limited numbers at sports venues.

From 21 June: everything else although Covid-19 social distancing to be enforced. All reopenings subject to change.

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

April 2021

bathvoice

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n FEATURE

Love (and fundraising) has kept Bath Cats and Dogs Home going during the year of Covid

By Sarah Lavigne. Aster is an old independent tuxedo cat, with a black coat, white patches and long white whiskers. He likes people but also loves his own space. So from his cosy pod at the Bath Cats and Dogs Home, where he awaits a new owner, he must enjoy surveying his unusually peaceful surroundings. In fact, the home has been an unusually peaceful place for the past 12 months, since Covid hit our shores and it had to close its doors to visitors.

“Life changed overnight for us, as it did for everybody”, says Vanessa Langford, PR Officer for the animal charity. “Before, it was a very open place; it was part of the community, people could come in and look at our animals and see what kind of animals we have, and whether they would like to adopt one. But all this has changed.”

It’s been a very tough year for the charity. However, their endless dedication and creativity, their unconditional love for Aster and other pets in their care and the loyalty of their supporters have seen them through it.

A fixture of the local community, the Bath Cats and Dogs Home rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes around a thousand pets every year. But Covid measures, lockdowns and tier systems significantly reduced the number of adoptions in 2020.

Nonetheless, with these now processed by appointment, pre-adoption interviews held online, and cats, provided they can settle easily, being delivered by staff to their new owners, 670 pets found loving forever homes last year. “It’s been trickier with dogs because people have to come in and meet the dog and then take the dog away.” Additional operational requirements mean that dog adoptions are currently on hold, although applications are open.

Covid impacted fundraising activities too, closing the charity shops and halting face-to-face activities. The Wag Walk, which

every year sees hundreds of ramblers and their pooches conquer the Bath Skyline, the action-packed Fun Day, and the cat Cuddle-a-thon all had to be cancelled. Instead, festivities relocated to the online world.

Events like the Virtual Pet Show, where contestants posted the best (or goofiest) photos of their pets, and the pet-themed online baking competition, judged by local chef Ping Coombes, proved exciting and successful alternatives - both for the home and its supporters.

“We’ve been shown so much love and loyalty from our supporters”. Vanessa says.

“People have been really kind and they realised if there’s ever a year they ought to give it’s this year, so we have been very grateful to them.”

Another boost came from local beer makers Electric Bear. Having adopted a cat from the home, Laurie from Electric Bear wanted to help. The company designed a limited-edition range, featuring portraits of animals at the home.

“They made this lovely artwork; beer cans were just beautiful”.

The sell-out operation was a great success and another heartwarming example of support from the community.

On the ground, with the usual army of volunteers reduced to a skeleton team to follow government guidelines, it’s been tough. Working tirelessly, socially distanced from their colleagues, the animal carers kept - and continue to keep - the site running. “Animals will always come first” assures Vanessa.

“Dogs will be walked and cats will be cared for before anything else is done”. The home never turns an animal away, so indeed, the work never ends.

Every year, the Bath Cats and Dogs Home needs around £1.4 million to care for animals.

Including insurance, veterinary treatment and food, among other bills, it costs on average £395 per month to care for a dog and £125 for a cat. With further fundraising events cancelled or postponed,

Sarah Lavigne and a furry four-legged friend

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Continued on page 19

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

April 2021

bathvoice

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n PEOPLE

Experiencing racism first hand By a Local Democracy Reporter A teacher who endured “harrowing” racism growing up near Bath has said never he could have dreamed black history would be taught in schools.

Marvin Richardson-Grubb joined a boxing club at just five years old to learn to defend himself from regular verbal and physical abuse. He said racism is less obvious now but still happens in covert ways and there is a long way to go.

The teacher at the Mendip Studio School in Radstock was speaking during a webinar to launch a new film by Bath charity Boys in Mind, Girls Mind Too showcasing work in schools to tackle racial discrimination.

Following a shocking alleged incident where a black student was chained to a lamppost in a “mock slave auction”, Beechen Cliff has asked students and staff to sign a “pledge of respect”, while Ralph Allen School has removed the name of Sir William Pulteney, who profited from slave plantations.

Mr Richardson-Grubb, who grew up in Westfield in the seventies and eighties, told the webinar: “I was born Marvin. A child came to school and called me a ‘blackie sambo’. That was where it all started. It was all unleashed. It was harrowing from six years old right through my school years.

“I could be racially abused in the street, including by adults, physically attacked. I spent most of my life trying to make myself stronger, stop myself being a target. Adults would attack you, racially abuse you in the street, children weren’t allowed to play with us in the street. I think it’s got better to some extent. When I was younger racism was right in your face. The thing that alarms me now is racism is covert. You can’t see it so much now.”

But he is hopeful, adding: “I started teaching in 2010. For the first few years Black History Month wasn’t celebrated. I couldn’t understand it. Now it is. Now we’re discussing this.It’s a dream – I never thought I’d see it in my life.”

Mr Richardson-Grubb fell into teaching and said he now has a chance to make a difference in children’s lives. He said more people of colour should become teachers but they need a better experience of school to want to go back.

“It’s very hard to learn when you’re so different,” said Mr Richardson-Grubb.

“What I’d like to come out of this film is that students in schools don’t feel different, aren’t as frightened as I was, and feel secure in their own being. Things have got better but there’s a long, long way to go.”

His niece Lucia Vinyard is a youth advisor at Boys in Mind, Girls Mind Too.

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Marvin Richardson Grubb

She said: “Racism isn’t a thing of the past.

It’s still happening now.

“Often my peers think racism is quite far away from me. I’m 19, I’ve been called the N-word multiple times, I’ve been called dirty, I’ve had people judge me from walking into the room purely because of the colour of my skin. Things like that are still happening today.”

The 19-year-old drama student added: “The first time I ever got taught by someone from an ethnic minority was when I was 17 when I went to a drama school in London.

“Growing up, I didn’t feel I had anyone to turn to that related to problems I faced purely because of the colour of my skin.

It’s really important young people have the support I didn’t feel I had as a young mixed race girl growing up in Bath.”

Eli, another youth advisor at the charity, said: “Discrimination was quite a big part of my life at school. I didn’t really have anyone I could go to. You don’t really want to go to a teacher because there’s no teacher that looks like you or you feel will understand what you’ve got to say.

“In schools now we’re starting to see a real, real difference. The sooner children talk about these things, the better it will be.”

Beechen Cliff’s pledge of respect is a student-led project started in 2018 when the school’s equalities team was trying to start an anti-bullying charter. The pledge says those who sign it will treat others with compassion and allow everyone to be free to be themselves.

Enya, a student at the school, said: “I believe the pledge of respect is going to decrease the levels of racism we see throughout the school. I believe this will have a real big impact on mental health, as if people are feeling discriminated against and judged, they won’t be who they feel they want to be.”

Ralph Allen School student Indra Black, the member of youth parliament for Bath and North East Somerset, said: “I hope the film will inspire students and teachers to make a difference in their own lives. The film shows how easy it is to create change, to make schools a fairer place to be.

“It would be useful if it encourages students to speak up against racism.

Combating racism in schools is such an essential thing as it shapes young people for the future.”

The webinar was hosted by Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Dine Romero, who chairs a race panel.

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

Revealed: the fascinating lives of Black Bathonians Bath Record Office has an online exhibition highlighting some of the lives of black people in the city that is well worth reading.

We know the Roman army featured soldiers from north Africa and the Levant so black people have lived in the city for centuries - it’s just their contributions have been ingnored up until now.

In 1856 the Bath Quakers invited William and Ellen Craft, who had escaped slavery from the southern United States and then emigrated to Britain, to lecture at their meeting house.

Ignatius Sancho was born enslaved on a slave ship, but who ran away to freedom. His portrait was painted by Thomas Gainsborough at his studio in the Circus in 1768. Sancho was also the first recorded black person to vote in England.

The Rainbow Steel Band originally formed in Barbados in 1956 and moved to Bath which has been their home ever since.

It is the oldest Black and Minority Ethnic Community organisation based in Bath and has gained national and international recognition, playing for royalty, touring Europe and the Caribbean; developing an international fan base.

Also in the 20th century the exiled Etheopian head of state Emperor Haile Selassie (pictured) lived in Bath after the Italian army invaded his country in 1936 before returning to after the Allies liberated it in the Second World War. For more on the city’s black history visit www.batharchives. co.uk

April 2021

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nNEWS IN BRIEF Video for kids: Young patients having an operation at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust can now take a newvirtual reality tour of the Children’s Ward and operating theatres ahead of their procedure, tohelp calm any nerves they may have.Two films have been produced and uploaded to the RUH’s website, thanks to funding from the Time is Precious charity, which aim to show young patients what to expect when they come to the hospital.

Brownies: On Thursday the 26th March 2021, both past and current members of 1st St Luke’s Brownies came together on Zoom to celebrate 100 years of 1st St Luke’s Brownies. They decorated cupcakes and party hats, sang lots of songs and played lots of games. The event reconnected Girl Guiding members.

Girls aged 7-10 years who would like to join can email 1stbrownies@ girlguidingbath.org.uk Old Bear Flat: Residents of Bear Flat can find out about the history of the area by checking out and joining the local history group. Visit the website at bearflathistory.com to see some the articles that describe some of the buildings and historic personalities from the Romans to the 20th century.

Thanks to the army: The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has said thank you and goodbye to military personnel who’ve been supporting staff for the past month.

The military men and women provided invaluable help with the RUH’s response to the second wave of the pandemic, carrying our general duties on wards and units.

RUH Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks, who was presented with a commemorative emblem, said the military assistance had been invaluable for staff, allowing them to focus on their vital role of caring for patients. She said: “Our staff have been working so hard for many months and having you join us has been an enormous boost to morale. From all of us, we are incredibly grateful – thank you.”

The military teams were also presented with a signed medical scrubs shirt and a thank you video and book of personal messages from staff across the hospital.

Fatal crash: A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision on the A367 at Dunkerton Hill near Peasedown St John on Wednesday (3 March). A 64-year-old woman

The virtual reality video of the RUH from the Peasedown St John area, who was driving one of the vehicles involved, sadly died at the scene from her injuries. Police believe there were three cars involved in this incident – a VW Polo, which the victim was driving, a Ford ST and a BMW. The man arrested has been released under investigation to allow further enquiries to continue.

Police said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has contacted us with information so far. If you saw this collision, or have any relevant Dash Cam footage, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5221045724.

Community Hub: first anniversary of the start of the Community

100 years for the St Luke’s Brownies Wellbeing Hub which was set up by the council, Virgincare and 3SG in response to the pandemic. The hub based in Peasedown St John, has: Received more than 12,000 calls Completed 3,767 volunteering tasks by 3SG Delivered 3,079 food shopping tasks Delivered 539 items of medication Provided 149 other forms of support Had 1,993 referrals to 3SG Engaged 2,136 volunteers Completed £83,806 worth of shopping for B&NES residents Delivered 646 emergency food parcels supporting 828 individuals Distributed to date a staggering 39,000 frozen meals

“on THURSDAY 6th MAY VOTE CONSERVATIVE TO DELIVER OUR POSITIVE PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND” Mark Shelford More Police ON THE STREETS TO Cut Crime

Samuel Williams BETTER ROAD & RAIL LINKS

BOOST TRAINING, Education & SKILLS

CREATE jobs & SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

Protect green spaces & our environment

Only a vote for Samuel Williams as West of England Mayor and Mark Shelford as Police and Crime Commissioner will ensure our region is safer and more successful WE’RE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS, Don’t risk our recovery with Labour or the lib dems Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

Promoted by Max Hopfl on behalf of Samuel Williams and Mark Shelford, all at West of England Conservatives, 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT.

bathvoice

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n NEWS

April 2021

Dutch student behind movement to reforest the planet (and Bath)

By Harry Mottram: Tiny forests are like London buses - you wait ages for one and then two come along at once.

The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields have planted one tiny forest overlooking the community of Widcome while an entirely different group have planted another one known as Treemendo on private land south of the city although accessed by public footpaths.

One path leads off Lynbrook Lane and the other via the playground at Springfield Park.

Treemendo is a small privately owned field in Bath’s shrinking green belt and is part of the Treemendo project pioneered by Dutch national and London resident

Joris Olde Rikkert who said although it is on private land for those interested in the project or would like to plant trees can access the field on foot.

“It started two years ago when I was at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College in London studying design engineering (as I have a back gound in climate physics),” he explained, “and the studies included how to achieve climate goals to prevent the global temperature from rising above two degrees.

“Tree planting is a big part of this and it increases bio diversity, so for these reasons how to connect people with reforestation.

“Part of the action was how to

Joris Olde Rikkert

Charlotte Hopmans

The tiny forest is on private land in south Bath although is open to the public on foot for those who are interested in the project of reforestation

action this and by chance one of my housemates’ families had inherited a small plot of land in Bath and it was not used.”

The upshot was the land although remaining private was offered to Joris’ reforestation project Treemendo to become a tiny forest.

An appeal was launched and scores of people - many from London and elsewhere bought saplings and planted more than 400 trees in the land near Springfield Park.

Josis said they had turned the land into a hub for biodiversity and carbon sequestering. They also planted native British shrubs and wildflowers returning the land to its original state.

Together with his friend Charlotte Hopmans he set up Treemendo to create more forests around the world.

The website treemendo.com states: “It’s not going well with our planet. Animals, people, and forests

are being exploited instead of cared for. This while most life on land lives in forests.

“However, one football field of forest is destroyed every second.

“This diminishes planetary health, by destroying livelihoods, the extinction of species and acceleration of the climate crisis.

“Everyone can and needs to contribute in order to bring the forests back to life. We believe every citizen and every organization has the power to create a positive impact. This can be through caring about and for forests, and stimulating forest planting.”

Treemendo is part of a non-profit foundation. We envision that we will develop more impact organisations and projects like Treemendo, that is why we have called the foundation ‘The Nature Network’. The Nature Network foundation is the legal umbrella of Treemendo, and of future projects.

Read more on the foundation: www.thenaturenetwork.nl

Pilot fund to help area’s communities and charities Residents in Bath and North East Somerset will soon be able to pay into a pilot ‘good causes’ fund to help local charity, community and voluntary groups to reduce inequalities in the area.

The Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Community Contribution Fund will be administered by the council but will not be used to supplement council services. Every penny donated will be used to fund local projects.

The proposed scheme was put forward by the council’s Labour Group last year and considered by a full meeting of Bath & North East Somerset Council in November. It was given the final go-ahead at Full Council on 23rd February.

A council report said the fund would enable residents to contribute their own money to support local initiatives and

projects and would initially be run as a one-year pilot, after which it would be reviewed.

Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: “The aim of the fund is to help to reduce inequalities in the area by giving residents the chance to help fund local projects that improve people’s lives and focus on those who are most disadvantaged.

“Over the past 12 months the pandemic has further amplified inequalities in health, wealth and opportunity.

“We have also seen the tremendous work so many local organisations have done to help communities in response to the impact of Covid-19.

“This fund will enable residents to easily pay into supporting the breadth of vital projects Bath and North East Somerset charities,

Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources

voluntary and community groups deliver.”

Once the fund is established, charity, voluntary or community organisations that supports residents of Bath and North East Somerset will be able to apply.

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

Contributions will be separate to residents’ Council Tax contributions and residents can donate more than once. The minimum contribution is £5, however there is no maximum contribution.

Contributors will not be able to request a particular project or area where their money is spent and priority will be given to projects that benefit the whole B&NES area.

An invitation to pay into the fund will now be included when Council Tax bills are sent to residents in March with a link to information about the scheme and to an online payment system.

Visit the Community Contribution Fund webpage to find out more and to make a contribution online.

April 2021

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John Smith Your independent candidate for Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner

KEEPING THE PARTY POLITICS OUT OF POLICING

VOTE FOR JOHN ON TH 6 MAY IF ELECTED, MY PRIORITIES TO KEEP AVON AND SOMERSET RESIDENTS SAFE WILL BE:

• Supporting the police to enforce the COVID-19 regulations appropriately so we can get back to living normally as soon as possible • Tackling knife and drug crime, including County Lines • Catching burglars and reducing burglaries • Combatting anti-social behaviour • Improving road safety • Championing Avon and Somerset to become the most inclusive police force in the country • Preventing fraud and cyber crime • Addressing rural crime and supporting rural communities • Working in partnership to address business crime

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

WHY VOTE FOR JOHN? • • •

Independent Experienced Proven track record

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JOHN AND HOW HE WOULD KEEP YOU SAFE, VISIT: WWW.JOHNSMITH4PCC.COM

john@johnsmith4pcc.com johnsmithforpcc @johnsmith4pcc Promoted by and on behalf of John Smith, of Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0HE.

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April 2021

n WHAT’S ON

Theatre, cinema, art galleries, comedy: soon back to normal Venues are beginning to open this after the long winter lockdown so hopefully we may start to see the city come back to life. Having experienced false dawns before do check with the venue if the event is still on as if there’s another outbreak of Covid-19 it could all come to a halt.

Thu, 1 Apr. Comedy. April Fools Gala. The Forum. 8pm. With Jess Robinson, Silky, Catherine Bohart, John Moloney (MC) and possibly Bill Bailey.

- including alcohol; customers can meet in a group of up to six people from different households; a maximum of two households can meet to form a group of any size.

Thu, 8 Apr. County Cricket restarts. Somerset, runners-up two summers running and losers in the BWT final, are back at Lord’s to face Middlesex.

Tue, 13 Apr. Bath City Farm reopens. Full details see the website www.bathcityfarm.org.uk

Sat, 10 Apr. Rondo Theatre presents an online production of Comedian Laura Lexx. Book on the Rondo’s website. £12. 8pm.

Mon, 12 Apr. Restaurants and pub gardens will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors

Thu, 15 Apr, 7.30pm. Chapel Arts. Miranda Sykes. Doors 7pm.

The acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’, is returning to her roots.

Fri, 16 Apr. Chapel Arts. Tankus the Henge. 7.30pm. Their funkfuelled repertoire is wildly eclectic, ranging from New Orleans inspired

Spring sees the Theatre Royal Bath reopening. Photo Freia Turland swing to heavy rock riffs, and since their beginnings in the ratty alleyways of London’s Soho, the band has evolved into a wild groove machine.

Sat, 17 Apr. Rugby. Bath V Leicester. the Tigers come to the Rec for a season defining match with hopefully a home win. .

Mon, 19 Apr. History of Bath Research Group talk. AGM and Illustrated Talk on the History of the Hartwell and Surrounding Sites. 7.30pm. Speaker: John Ennor.

Details at http://historyofbath.org/ Fri, 7 May. Comedy. Stewart Lee: Snowflake / Tornado. 7:30pm.

Double bill. The Forum Mon. 17 May. Theatres and Cinemas may reopen under the Government’s opening up programme after the Covid-19 crisis including The Mission, Theatre Royal and Rondo Theatres. The Tivoli, Odeon and The Little Theatre will also start to screen films. Night Clubs are expected to wait until June beform welcoming patrons.

Keep reading alive in a box St Mark’s Road in Lyncombe has it’s very own mini library - or perhaps we should call it a book box.

The neatly constructed home and beautifully painted community athenaeum belongs to the artist Jessica Palmer who has placed it at the end of her garden in the road.

“We have called it Book Marks,” she said, “It’s a book house made by my brother in law Jeremy Backhouse, and it’s an idea that’s kicked off around the world including Australia. There are lots in Bristol but some are rather rudimentary but Jeremy made one

for my sister and I said can I have one.”

She said it was started last month with books she put in with just one book for children.

“Children are using it very enthusistically on their way to Widcombe school as now there are lots of books for them,” she said, “I’ve had parents on Facebook saying they are making it a stopping off place on the way to school. There are no rules, if you want to take a book good, or leave a book that’s good. It’s damp proof so the books stay dry.”

Mon. 17 May. Art Galeries and Museums may reopen under the Government’s opening up scheme including it is hoped the Victoria Gallery. The gallery is hosting a show by Kurt Jackson: Biodiversity that has been online since last month and is a series of paintings, sculptures and mixed media worksshowing the world we live in and how we can appreciate it and then conserve it.

Mon 17 May. Hospitality venues can seat customers indoors; parties can be made up of a maximum of six people or two households of any size; groups seated outside must be smaller than 30 people 25 May-5 Jun. Ralph Fiennes in the Four Quartets by TS Eliot. A Theatre Royal Bath and Royal &

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Derngate, Northampton coproduction. Compelling, moving and symphonic, Four Quartets offer four interwoven meditations on the nature of time, faith, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Sun, 6 Jun. Comedy. Frank Skinner. Theatre Royal Bath.

7.30pm. Folowing a run at the Garrick Theatre in London Frank brings his Shoxbiz show to Bath.

Sun, 20 Jun. Theatre Royal Bath.

Comedy. All Murray and his one man show Land of Hope and Glory.

21 Jun. All restrictions will be lifted, and nightclubs will be allowed to re-open Thu 15 July. Olly Murs. The Royal Crescent. The singer will perform his biggest hits, including tracks from his album ‘Never Been Better’.

Sat-Sun, 7-8 Aug. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend. The Rec. Music from McFly, Scouting for Girls, Billy Ocean and UB40. Also on the line-up are solo artists Hannah Grace and Casey Lowry, Wiltshire based indie trio Port Erin and grunge influenced Life in Mono fronted

by Sarah Clayton and Bath band Luna Lake will take to the Big Top stage.

Sun 29 Aug. Look-Alike-Tribute Festival. Komedia. Anyone from the Beatles to Elvis Presley will be in town or rather their dopplegangers.

Sun 5 Sep. The George Michael Story.

Komedia.

Thu-Sat, 9-18 Sep. Drama: The Dresser. Theatre Royal Bath. With Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in Ronald Harwood’s classic play about an aging actor finding age is catching up with him directed by Terry Johnson.

Thu-Sun, 23 Sep-3 Oct. Drama: Private Lives. Theatre Royal Bath.

Patricia Hodge, and Nigel Havers in Noël Coward’s classic play about two marrried couples directed by Christopher Luscombe.

April 2021

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n REVIEW

The Bath TV detective duo viewers love to hate

By Harry Mottram. Whatever you think about the ITV series McDonald & Dodds there is one aspect of the show that is universally acclaimed: the backdrop of Bath.

Filmed largely in and around the city McDonald & Dodds features two detectives in the shape of Tala Gouveia as DCI Lauren McDonald and Jason Watkins as DS Dodds (pictured). So far two short series have been filmed and screened suggesting there is an appetite for the show.

Millions may be tuning in but if you were to judge by the reactions on social media it isn’t universally liked. Mostly the criticism is about the acting and the premise of the show. Essentially DS Dodds is a bungling operator who by chance or luck solves the mysteries aided by a dour DCI Lauren McDonald.

Another criticism is the portrayal of locals as being... well shall we say ‘dozy West Country types?’

What do the critics say? In The Guardian Rebecca Nicholson

described the duo as chalk and cheese and was faily generous with her review giving it four stars and likening it to Midsomer Murders.

She wrote: “The appeal of McDonald & Dodds lies in how it spreads its charms. Bath looks lovely, from the air and on the ground, and the eponymous duo are great, balancing each other’s flaws.

“I found the plot complicated enough not to guess who was responsible until a good way into the episode, which is becoming increasingly rare. Sometimes, a lightness of touch sits uncomfortably in a crime drama, but the fact that this doesn’t take itself too seriously really works. It is neat and clever – with an appealing, Dodds-esque eye for the finer details.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Ed Power also rated it as a four star show calling it ‘ridiculous and brilliant.’

While in The Times Carol Midley said it was filth free and cheerful escapism. She wrote: “McDonald & Dodds is back, with episode one so

deliberately hammy and meta that, technically, it should have been a complete horlicks. In one scene, when they were all hanging on to the balloon ropes, Mr Bean-like, to stop Jason Watkins flying away, it sort of was. But I was pleasantly sucked into its cheerful escapism and self-mockery, even though at two hours it was far too long.”

Mammoth Productions perhaps

won’t take comfort however from some of the comments on the Bath Live news site where one commentator wrote: “Why a second series was made I will never know, the first was appalling apart from the scenes of the city.

“Jason Watkins was badly miscast, as for the women DCI, I found her most annoying so switched off.”

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n NEWS

April 2021

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Q&A: Bath’s low traffic neighbourhood policy

By Local Democracy Reporter: Bath’s transport boss has responded to the concerns sparked by the council’s flagship low traffic neighbourhoods policy.

Over the next year, Bath and North East Somerset Council will start rolling out measures aimed at ending rat running in residential areas and making it easier to walk and cycle.

Some residents have said the proposals have left them angry and anxious, fearing communities will be pitted against one another, while political opponents say the changes will make parts of Bath “unliveable”.

Cllr Joanna Wright said everyone needs to act differently to address the climate emergency but anyone who needs their car will still be able to use it.

Why do you need to change anything?

“The earth is in a catastrophic situation,” said Ms Wright. “All we hear is how you shouldn’t be doing X, Y and Z to the motorist. We need to think differently about how we’re moving around.

“We’re in a climate emergency.

The people that suffer the most are the poor.

“The wealthiest drive the fastest, drive the furthest, have more road

Cllr Joanna Wright mileage than anyone else.

“The loudest people make the most noise in this city. They seem to endlessly get what they want.

That isn’t helping the people having the hardest time.”

She added: “It’s not about a road traffic scheme, it’s about social justice, the climate emergency and public health.

“If you’re telling me where we are now is a good place to be, that it’s OK for the amount of traffic to be moving around in the way it is, creating issues around air pollution, danger, if that’s what you want in your community, I’m surprised – there are very few residents I meet who aren’t angry about that.

“We have to do something.

What we’ve done for 40 years is no longer working.”

What is a low traffic neighbourhood?

According to a report by the council’s consultants, Jacobs, low traffic neighbourhoods are “typically considered in predominantly residential areas, where several streets are grouped and organised in a way to discourage through-vehicle traffic or “rat-running”.

“Importantly, residents remain able to drive on their streets, park on their streets and receive deliveries although it is noted that strategies should be in place to help reduce car ownership and usage by residents within any low traffic neighbourhood area.”

LTNs use measures like speed restrictions, partial or full road closures, modal filters and reallocating road space to improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

Conservatives on the council have said they are supportive in principle but the Liberal Democrat administration had “not sufficiently demonstrated that this loss of freedom, which contributes to a liveable city, is a price worth paying”.

How would you respond to the charges levelled by the Conservatives?

“It’s not anti-car,” said Cllr Wright.

“You will still be able to move around the city as you need to, but your journey will be more circuitous.

We all have to reduce our vehicle movement by 50 per cent by 2030.

We need more active travel methods in place to make that seismic leap.

“The reason people say they don’t walk or cycle is because it’s too challenging, it’s too difficult, it’s not very nice, there’s no infrastructure.

“We’re in a real bind. We’ve got to think differently. This [LTNs] is an approach we think takes the community with us, and at the same time delivers for everyone. If you still want to use your car, you can.

“We all have to act differently.

People will say ‘you’re active, you’re fit but some people aren’t and there are hills’. I’m not doubting that.

“We’re going to have to look for some infrastructure to help with that. There isn’t a magic wand. It’s going to take time.

“It’s not like you’re going to wake up tomorrow and the whole of Bath is going to be impossible to get across or around – it’s going to be a gradual journey.”

Won’t shutting side streets force more traffic onto main roads?

Cllr Wright said traffic had

Entry Hill is one area that will see the new policy introduced already been displaced by the advent of satnavs that send drivers down the most direct route, often resulting in rat-running in residential areas. She said the council would test changes through experimental traffic orders in place for 12 to 18 months to give time for behaviours to change.

How much money will be available for the changes I want to make in my area? Will I be able to get a pedestrian crossing or just a planter to slow down traffic? What happens if a neighbouring LTN creates issues in my area?

Residents’ associations drawing up submissions for LTNs have reported feeling like they are being “pitted against each other”, and said the rollout had caused anger and anxiety.

Cllr Wright said that is not what the council wants from communities: “We’re trying to get people to tell us their problems, not come up with their solutions. It’s a different question.

“We aren’t islands – we’re a whole. If you do something over there, of course it’s going to affect things over here.”

The work of designing schemes and considering how they interact will be done by council officers.

The authority has budgeted up to £2.2million for its broader liveable neighbourhoods programme in 2021/22 and Cllr Wright said LTNs will be the “basic way of working for the highways department for the foreseeable future”.

As well as the council’s funding, the West of England Combined Authority has £10million available for active travel, and LTNs are also being pushed by central government.

“I’m not waving a Liberal Democrat flag here,” added Cllr Wright. “This is a central government flag. We’d like to do all of the schemes but there’s only so much money, and there isn’t a magic wand. We aren’t going to just make it better everywhere in the short term.

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

“There’s going to have to be a process. The funding is as much about engagement as it is about putting in the infrastructure – the infrastructure is the cheapest part.”

How many LTN requests have been submitted?

Some “really eager beavers” who have been working on proposals “for ages” have already submitted their requests. Applications have come in from North East Somerset as well as Bath, and not just from Lib Dems.

Cllr Wright is yet to submit a bid as she has been getting the policy in place. She has asked residents in her ward of Lambridge what issues they want to be addressed.

Which areas will go first?

How the various schemes are prioritised is still being decided. The process will consider factors such as work going on in the city and indices of deprivation.

“It’s going to be a challenge, I can’t deny that,” said Cllr Wright. “I’m going to have to be able to define why we take something forward first and not something else. We also recognise it’s not going to be easy to take anything forward straight away.”

When will the first LTNs be in place?

“It’s going to take months to get to the delivery stage,” said Cllr Wright. I would hope we’ll see something by the end of next March.”

She said issues elsewhere were caused by the DfT forcing councils to spend money quickly, but she thinks B&NES Council has taken the right approach.

“It takes ages to do anything on the highways. That makes people frustrated. There’s so much legality.

There have been moments where I’ve been frustrated at how long it’s taken.”

But Cllr Wright said the authority had taken the right approach: “The pandemic has shown that our route to our destination will be bumpy, but hopefully won’t be as bumpy as other areas.

“Our foundation stones are in place.”

April 2021

n NEWS Cats and Dogs continued from page 11

2021 may prove challenging too.

How can we help? Step Up for Rescue Pets runs throughout April for supporters looking for a fitness challenge, and the Spring Appeal will start soon after in May. Until the charity shops reopen, the Ebay store is also up and running. And for anyone wanting to offer a pet like Aster a loving home, the rehoming team’s lines are open.

Vanessa reminds me of a famous line: “As much as you rescue a dog or a cat, they end up rescuing you”. In these days of isolation and anxiety, it has never felt so true!

Useful links: Step Up for Rescue Pets challenge: https:// www.bathcatsanddogshome.org. uk/how_you_can_help/step_ up_for_rescue_pets; Bath Cats and Dogs Home donation page: https://www. bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/ donate_today; Moorland Road Charity Shop: https://www. bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/ visit_our_shops/boutique_ charity_emporium_oldfield_ park/

bathvoice

Getting a Covid-19 test Covid-19 lateral flow tests (LFT) are open to anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in Bath and North East Somerset – provided they don’t have symptoms.

This includes essential workers and volunteers.

There are three sites where you can take a quick, free test – these are: The Apex Hotel, James Street, Bath; The Masonic Hall, Bath Road, Keynsham; The Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton.

These sites are all open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

You can also book online, and this can be done up to two weeks in advance: www.bathnes.gov. uk/rapidtest.

There are also two venues in B&NES where you can collect a test kit and test yourself at home, with more coming online soon.

These are: Carpenter House in Broad Quay, Bath; 1st Keynsham Scouts HQ in Ashton Way. For more information visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest

Trees planted in Twerton More than 1700 new trees have been planted by Bath & North East Somerset Council over the past two weeks.

The new trees will improve the local environment and are part of the council’s commitment to help to tackle and climate and ecological emergencies.

At Twerton Roundhill Open Space 150 new trees, including oak, walnut, cherry and birch, have been planted. The project was funded by Forest of Avon as part of its #TreesForClimate programme being delivered across the West of England.

Resident Prue Richardson said:

19

“The majority of the houses in Rosslyn Road were built in the late 1930s with a tree planted outside each semi-detached house.

“After being left with just seven out of 24 trees we decided it was time to campaign for replacements.

The council has been really supportive and we’re really looking forward to living in a tree-lined street once again.”

In addition, 17 trees have also been planted along Rosslyn Road, just off the A4 in Newbridge.

Residents campaigned for the new trees to replace those lost through old age and disease.

The trees have been planted to enhance the area

This photo from Bath In Time shows an early inspection of Wansyke at Odd Down

Back to ancient Wansdyke

On April 19, there will be an online AGM and Illustrated Talk on the History of the Hartwell and Surrounding Sites by the History of Bath Research Group.

The main speaker John Ennor will also give an illustrated review of the development of the Old Quarry and neighbouring sites in Newbridge Road from their time as pasture land up to the present day as an industrial site including a large motor dealer and commercial warehouses plus a main railway line.

Previously Bath Voice has outlined some of the fascinating history of the area best known for its links to the Romans and Georgians.

The Fosse Way is one such land mark built by the Romans that runs down into Bear Flat and into the Roman city centre along Holloway.

Another one in Odd Down is still

visible in a few places and comes from a later time zone.

Bath In Time sell many online photos of the city with some showing the work of Excavations of The Wansdyke at Odd Down by Albany F. Major in 1923 as shown above.

The Wansdyke was an early medieval defence and border earthwork construction that ran across Wiltshire from Savenack Forest to just south of Bath in Somerset passing Odd Down.

Its origins are thought to be a type of border built around the seventh century AD between different factions in post Roman and pre Norman Britain.

To join the History of Bath Research Group go to their website at historyofbath.org The group The History of Bath Research Group was founded in 1986.

New vision for Bear Flat’s future

The Bear Flat Association has published a vision for improving the central area betwixt the Gore and Holloway with trees, public spaces, broader pavements and seating over the next five years.

Their eight-point plan includes: reconfiguring the Wellsway carriageway to yield more space for walking and cycling; providing more landscaping to green the centre; redesigning Hayes Place as a real place for people.

BFA is now preparing to make the Vision a reality, not only by pressing the Council and others to act but also through its own initiatives.

In February they held an online discussion which came up

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with more ideas including planting trees along Wellsway. To see the full plans visit bearflat. org.uk or email planning@ bearflat.org.uk The BFA’s website also shows how the public feel about the vision with many keen on the plans as it will enhance the area.

Not everyone is keen on the traffic calming plans as they believe it will increase congestion and pollution.

The issue of staff parking was raised if there was fewer places to park and for shoppers stopping for a short stay.

And there is concern about losing some of the road space in Hayes Place giving problems for vehicles turning around.

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April 2021

n NEWS

Creating a lovely new home fit for pigs

By Harry Mottram. New homes have been going up on a green field site in Bath.

A collective effort has taken place at the Bath City Farm to create a home fit for pigs.

The charital community attraction and resource centre is home to a variety of farm animals including pigs whose pigsty was no longer up to the job as not only had the cloven footed swine damaged their old home with scratching but one of them broke out and escaped.

The farm manager said: “If you visited the farm recently, you probably noticed that the pig enclosure was starting to look very tired.

“During the lockdown one of our pigs managed to escape as they broke through the rotten fence.

“And although Pammy enjoyed her little escapade, it wasn’t something that could happen again.

“We desperately needed to build a new enclosure to keep visitors and the pigs safe.

However, with the impact of the lockdown, we didn’t have the funds available to pay for it.

“Thanks to the kind generosity of Bath Hospital Cricket Club,

NFU Mutual and Crossman Homes – work to build a new enclosure is now underway.”

Those decent types at the Bath Hospitals Cricket Club donated £1,021 of their club funds to the new superior pig accommodation while the NFU Mutual chipped in £900 from their Community Giving Fund, and Crossman Homes donated supplies of building materials.

The new pen enclosure is constructed from concrete breeze blocks, as they last longer and can withstand the pigs scratching.

Windows will be created in the pen wall so that children and visitors can see the porcine as well as those on educational visits.

The farm remains open on Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat only, 10am - 3pm although Covid restrictions continue to affect its operation.

It costs £850 a day to run the farm so fundraising is ongoing.

To help funds the farm sells free range meat including sausages, sausage meat and pork belly joints. The shop sells a variety of produce while the cafe is a perfect spot for a morning coffee - with views across the city.

Currently the farm’s livestock

Bath Hospital Cricket Club. Top Left, Back Row – Jason Humphries (Secretary) Richard Stockley (Treasurer) Phil Chant (Chairman) Bottom Row – Billy Minchin, Brian Wetten, Gordon Humphries (President) Photo taken: summer of 2018. Below: An NFU Mutual sponsor with Helen Fisher Farm Manager

includes Dexter cattle, Soay sheep, Wiltshire Horn sheep, Pgymy goats, Kune Kune pigs, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Shetland ponies and a large free range flock of chickens and ducks

plus there are lovely gardens.

For more information visit http://bathcityfarm.org.uk/ about-us/ The farm is located at Kelston View, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1NW

Restoring the pond with a wildlife snag and dipping platforms Thanks to a small grant, from Bathscape, work has begun on the restoration of a large neglected wildlife pond at the city farm.

Created in 2001, it has been a rich and varied habitat home to many aquatic species, such as, the Broadbodied Chaser and Emperor dragonflies, Great crested newts, frogs, toads and aquatic bugs.

The pond’s biodiversity has significantly declined over the years due to over shading from nearby trees and invasive pond vegetation, such as, reedmace leaving no free-swimming areas or varying aquatic zones for pond life.

It is now a shady bog rather than an abundant wildlife pond.

Tree surgeon, Simon White said: “I was asked by Bath City Farm to come and remove a Goat Willow which had grown too large and

was not letting any light get to the pond next to it.

“Instead of removing the tree entirely, I suggested we cut it down to about 4m in height and create a wildlife snag which would increase the bio-diversity of that area.”

A wildlife snag is a standing dead tree which naturally occur in nature when a tree dies back.

Wildlife snags provide a critical habitat for more than 100 species of birds and mammals. They also support decomposers such as fungi, bacteria and insects.

Simon said: “To create the snag I removed the upper canopy, leaving a series of stubs, we then fracture cut the tips of the stubs using a chainsaw and axe to create an effect to mimic natural breakage.

“This is called coronet cutting. I then ring barked the base of the tree so that it will start to die back and decay. We also piled the brash (cut branches) at the back of the pond to create another habit for small mammals and insects. I am really looking forward to visiting Bath City Farm in the future to see the pond flourishing again.”

The next task for the farm, was

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to reduce the invasive and dominant reeds – leaving 25% of the pond still dense with plants, then dredge the pond bottom to remove the thick build-up of silt ahead of the breeding season of the newts and frogs.

The pond also has a dipping platform around it, so the farm hope to be able to re-instate educational school visits again.

The pond at Bath City Farm has been given a new lease of life

April 2021

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n PUZZLES FOR ALL

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April 2021

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22

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction A Song for the dark times – Ian Rankin This book is the latest from the excellent pen of Ian Rankin and his erasable detective, John Rebus.

Rebus is now retired from the Edinburgh Police Force and has reluctantly moved into a ground floor flat with his dog, Brillo and large record collection.

However one night, his daughter Samantha calls and tells him her husband has been missing for two days. Rebus is frantic and makes the journey up to the north coast with a dread that his daughter may be the prime suspect.

In parallel his colleague Siobhan Clarke is investigating the murder of a rich student. Is there a connection with Rebus’ missing son-in-law? Mixing small town

life and a disused World War Two prisoner of war camp that raises even more secrets, this is a pacey read.

Rebus’ old adversary Ger Cafferty makes an appearance and some great descriptions of the windswept coats of Scotland. A great recommendation.

Adult Non-Fiction

Bonkers: My Life in laughs – Jennifer Saunders There is a great section in any of your local libraries of biographies and autobiographies.

Here is a great one from 2013. We all know Jennifer Saunders from the Ab Fab days and her partnership with Dawn French, but did you know that she was called “Podge” as a child? In this delightful autobiography Jennifer Saunders, in a diary form, outlines her early life and early career. It is great read

about the heady days of alternative comedy in the 1980’s and how she met Dawn French and her husband Ade Edmondson.

Then she tells of her great success as a comedy duo and writing Absolutely Fabulous. She mentions her breast cancer illness and lovely whippet, Olive. The book is accompanied by some great pictures, my favourite – Jennifer with Lulu and Britt Eckland.

Grow Fruit & Vegetables in pots: Planting advice and recipes from Great Dixter - Aaron Bertelsen As spring approaches here is a great new book for gardeners. The ‘Great Dixter’ is an enticement as it is the wellknown garden of the famous gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd.

Many of us don’t have outside growing space but can fit in a few pots somewhere.

I’ve always grown my tomatoes and cucumbers in pots, and have tried lettuce, salad greens, strawberries and blueberries, but would like to be more adventurous.

Aaron Bertelsen is a gardener cook, and details over 25 varieties suitable for pots, and the recipes will be a bonus.

Although reservations on LibrariesWest are suspended, you can use the ‘add to list’ feature found under the tab ‘select an action’ from where you can reserve the book when this service reopens.

Again a small but very useful new garden book: The ten-minute gardener - Val Bourne This is available as an ebook but also can be reserved in the usual way.

‘Whether you have a spacious plot or a small patch in the garden, this handbook is full of tried-and-tested tips from a seasoned old hand.

It offers practical month-by-month suggestions for making the most of the little time you can spare on both the coldest winter days and the long summer afternoons’ LibrariesWest Catalogue.

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

Books at Moorland Rd Community Library

Children’s Fiction The Ugly Duckling - Jonathan Bentley The little grey duckling looks nothing like the others. His feathers are scruffy and his feet are too big. He is teased and tormented from dawn to dusk, and no one ever asked him to play. What will become of him? And will he ever learn to love himself?

You cannot beat the tales told by Hans Christian Andersen and this retelling is lovely! It’s a tale about the joys of being different and unique and follows the birth of the wrong type of duckling [which of course turns out to be a SWAN!] It covers the fact that life can sometimes be unkind; with the taunting of the different animals and the joy of the final realisation of the Ugly Duckling finding a place to belong.

If you are old enough to remember Tommy Steele singing The Ugly Duckling or was it Danny Kay?... anyway you will have fun reading this book with the younger members of your family. It has everything for Spring day… eggs, ducks and new life! A great tale with lovely illustrations!

Library News

Always remember the two super free apps: RB Digital and BorrowBox where you can download newspapers, magazines and audio books all with the use of your library card.

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.

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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