Bath Voice December 2021

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December 2021 No. 22

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

Cinderella will go to the ball as panto returns

Singing together Page 7

After missing last year due to the covid-19 crisis pantomime is back with the Theatre Royal Bath staging Cinderalla with an all star cast while the Rondo isproducing the Panto and the Pea. In Bristol there’s Snow White at the Hippodrome, Yeovil’s Octogan has Dick Whittington and Jack and the Beanstalk is staged in Weston-super-Mare’s Playhouse. See What’s On.

Pride of Britain winner from Bath Page 9 Sports News Page 14-15 What’s On Pages 16-19

Puzzles Page 29

Oldfield Park’s former cinema plans include student flats

By Stephen Sumner, local democracy reporter. Housing plans have been shaken up in a revised bid to revamp a Bath supermarket – but residents still aren’t impressed.

Rengen is now proposing to house 16 students above the Co-op in the former Scala cinema

in Oldfield Park and 72 more in a separate building, with another block providing nine residential flats, none of which would be classed as affordable.

However, it is also appealing the rejection of its plans for 92 student flats and 16 residential apartments on the site, saying

Bath and North East Somerset Council has form for “unreasonable refusals”.

Rengen’s latest proposals say: “The application was rejected over concerns regarding the design, overdevelopment of the site and the impact on the neighbouring Continued on page 3

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Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@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

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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

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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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December 2021

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n NEWS

Co-operative store in Oldfield Park centre of new plans Continued from page 1 properties. The essence of the project remains as per the previous scheme, to redevelop and regenerate the area including significantly improving the facilities for the existing Co-op store. The proposals represent an efficient use of land for the redevelopment of a brownfield site. The development brings much needed range of new residential accommodation to the area, broadening the housing mix available.

“The redevelopment and regeneration of the important Scala site replaces unattractive and largely obsolete buildings with quality modern architecture.”

Westmoreland’s Councillor June Player said the changes – apart from removing a level from the four-storey student block – did not go far enough.

“Any proposal that decides to remove affordable housing and increase parking miseries in a

An artist’s impression of how the development may look

location where affordable housing is needed and parking is already at stress levels should instantly be refused,” she said, asking for the fate of the application to be decided by the planning committee.

She was among more than 150 objectors, with one asking if the minor adjustments were meant to “grind down the opposition”.

Amanda Jefferies said Oldfield Park had been “engulfed” by shared houses and there was too much student accommodation,

while Ben Pope said it was “farcical” to suggest the no-car policy could be enforced.

Caroline White urged the council to “get a move on” with the residents’ parking zone planned for Oldfield Park “instead of putting students, tourists and money first”.

Another objector, Simon Butcher, added: “It is baffling and depressing that this city continues to put the wants of students and universities ahead of people who live all year round.

“More and more and more student housing / rooms / blocks / accommodation. This is not what local people here need or want.”

The appeal could yet see Rengen’s previous plans for the Scala approved. They were refused by councillors against officer advice in May. Calling for a public inquiry, the developer said: “The planning committee has a history of rejecting schemes for student accommodation where there is no policy grounds for refusal and alternative matters are given more weight that they should be in the decision process leading to unreasonable refusals.

“The appellant will present evidence that will demonstrate that the design is not just acceptable but enhances the area and that any impacts on neighbouring properties do not justify the refusal of planning permission.”

B&NES Council is yet to submit its response to the appeal, which will be heard in January.

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December 2021

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n PEOPLE

Singing together on a journey into space and time

By Harry Mottram: In October something amazing happened which defied the doom and gloom of Covid-19.

Pupils from schools across Bath and beyond came together to perform Stardust in Bath Abbey in a concert orchestrated by Shean Bowers of the abbey and professional career and a performance coach from Colerne in Wiltshire.

Along with Shean Bowers, Tessa Armstrong (pictured) is a co-founder of the Bath charity Voices for Life that helps to inspire children to be happy and confident through the ‘provision of high-quality specialised singing and confidence and wellbeing programmes for primary schools.’

Through her work with schools and her connections through her children at the abbey’s choir the Voices for Life was born during the pandemic.

“My children are in Shean’s choir in the abbey, and it was with

discussions with him that we founded Voices for Life,” she said, “as he also goes into schools. Shean is Assistant Director of Music and Organist at Bath Abbey.”

The discussions led to the charity being established with trustees including Sarah Halls the Headteacher at Weston All Saints Primary School Bath, David Goucher the Headteacher at Oldfield Park Junior School and Mary Edwards who has been involved in music education as teacher and advisor and the author of a number of music education publications. Peter Martin is the chairman, the Mayor of Bath June Player is the patron and Nicola Blank is also a trustee.

The group decided to commission a new work especially for children with the theme of an oratorio about space, based on visiting different ‘feeling planets’ and Stardust was created. It was written by librettist, Sue Curtis, and composer, Jools Scott.

Workshops were organised

involving 270 schools: Moorlands Junior School; Oldfield Park Junior School; Combe Down Primary School; Widcombe Junior School; St Andrew’s Church School; Colerne Primary School CE Primary School; and St Julian’s Church School, Wellow.

“I have been offered some funding from a private individual so we can

run the project again next year,” she said, “so I am now planning it now hopefully before June of 2022. Music provision has diminished in schools but Voices for Life it is also about the well-being and confidence of children with the Covid lockdowns in mind.”

For information visit voicesforlife. org.uk

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December 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Book at the Bear: There’s an exhibition until 27 January at the Good Bear Café in Bear Flat featuring images and words from a new book, B is Two Bubbles by Jonathan Hope.

The book is a take on the attractions of the city of Bath, and is a collaboration between local writer Jonathan Hope and Italian illustrator Riccardo Guasco. The book is on sale at the cafe. The book’s publicity says: “It’s as if Winnie the Pooh were explaining how to write the letters of the alphabet. An inventive, subtly inspiring read for English language learners, linguistically-curious children and adults.”

Bloomfield Green: Clyde Hunter (pictured) of the group dedicated to making the most of Bloomfield Green in Bear Flat explained how the park had been steadily improved following changes made by members of the Bear Flat Association.

The latest updates include goal posts and a multi-purpose sports facility which includes a goal, basket ball hoop, cricket stumps and a hard standing area.

He said the Friends always welcomed new members and were heartened by the appearance of the

cafe known as Arty Bakes that operates in the park. To join the group to continue the good work email enquires@bearflat.org.uk.

Poverty book: The booklet Their Only Crime Was Poverty by John Payne about the Bath Workhouse is now published. It traces the story through from before the 1834 Poor Law Act to the present St Martin’s Hospital.

Once printing costs are covered, income will go the Workhouse Burial Ground Campaign and used towards getting a permanent memorial to the 3,182 people who died in the workhouse and are buried in unmarked graves there.

The booklet is on sale at Oldfield Park Bookshop in Moorland Road, and the Museum of Bath at Work and direct from the author John Payne said the group Walking the Names continues supporting local residents in their opposition to plans to build housing right next to the Workhouse Chapel on Midford Road.

Scooting over the limit. Police have reported a salutary tale about the dangers of drinking and riding an e-scooter. They said: “A Bristol man has been disqualified from

Clyde Hunter at the multi sports installation in Bloomfield Green driving and ordered to pay a fine and costs after he was found to be over the legal alcohol limit while riding an e-scooter.” ​Earlier this year Louis Mullen in Bristol, was stopped by officers while riding a VOI rental e-scooter with a pillion passenger on Park Street, Bristol, after they witnessed him overtaking stationary traffic at a pedestrian crossing before going through a red light. ​ A roadside breath test and blood test found the 19-year-old to be over the legal alcohol limit.

​He attended Bristol Magistrates Court in September where he was banned from driving for 17 months.

PC Patrick Quinton said: “The rider placed himself and other road users at risk through his reckless actions. It’s important to know that e-scooters are motor vehicles and many of the same laws apply when using them as when you are behind the wheel of a car. This case serves as an important reminder that anyone breaking the law on an e-scooter can expect to face consequences.”

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6

n NEWS

December 2021

bathvoice

Cutting back brambles and nettles for a new forest

By Harry Mottram. It’s not just residents of Bear Flat, Lyncombe Hill and Widcombe who roll up their sleeves and help to create Bath’s latest nature reserve.

But Bathonians across the city as well. And there’s another group who have pitched in a few hours to help clear brambles, nettles and ivy in readiness for the planting of a new forest in the Lyncombe Hill Fields.

There are those known as corporate helpers. I must admit I didn’t know what that meant but Rob Scales of BMT who was part of a corporate team busily weeding some rather tough looking brambles explained.

“We originally talked to Bathscape about a volunteering day,” he said, “and they recommended contacting the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields so it was quite easy to organise.

“BMT is a very big organisation concerned mainly with maritime work, with some

work for the Government and some commercial work.

“We are however involved in cyber security and are based in Bath at Maritime House.”

He said everyone in his team at work were willing volunteers and even a couple of staff from another team had heard about it and wanted to join in.

BMT is a global hi-tech firm with offices around the world offering a range of services from maintaining and designing marital structures, ships and predicting and preventing damage from storms and flooding along with all manner of computer led solutions.

Certainly a world away from what is essentially heavy duty gardening.

“Well it makes a change from sitting in front of a computer screen,” said Craig Jordan - one of the team as he hacked away at some troublesome thorns. “It’s just good to be outside in the

Have secateurs will travel: the volunteers of BMT at Lyncombe Hill Fields

fresh air - so much better than being on a Zoom call. But don’t report me as saying that - say it was Andy!”

The majority of the team live in or around Bath and once a year they volunteer to do something for the local community.

In the past they have helped to paint one of the locks on the

canal - but it also has another function - to get the team together as they often work remotely or in different offices from Plymouth to London.

If you are in a company or organisation who are looking for an activity for a corporate day then email: friendsoflyncombehillfields.co.uk

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

December 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF Car park: Bath’s Green Park car park opened last month to provide additional short stay car parking to help support the economic recovery of business in the run up to Christmas.

The short-stay car park in Green Park Road was due to open in February next year. It has been built to mitigate the loss of car parking spaces when Avon Street car park is demolished for the construction of Bath Quays North.

The temporary car park, on the former site of the Riverside coach park, provides 104 spaces, of which five are disabled spaces. Visitors will be able to pay for parking via the MIPERMIT system, which is a cashless system.

The Saturday farmers’ market will continue to be provided with free parking on Saturdays within Green Park Road until further notice.

Open studio: Artist Emma Rose, winner of a Best Creative Business Award has invited the public to an Open Studio sale on Saturday December 4th from 10am-6pm.

She said there were lots of

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Christmas ideas including cards, cushions, limited edition giclée prints, canvas giclée prints, original paintings, commissions and gift cards.

The Art Studio is down the drive at Knight’s Barn, in the centre of Wellow, near Bath next to the Fox & Badger Pub. For details visit emmaroseartworks.com or call 07885 235 915 or email emmaroseartworks@gmail.com New arts venue: Next Stage Theatre based at the Mission Theatre have taken on a lease at Burdall’s Yard to use as an arts and music venue. The former nightclub, Ann Ellison of Next Stage Theatre Rebecca Jefferis at Burdall’s Yard brewery and Bath Spa property at University and was excited to be Death at Southgate: the BBC have Anglo Terrace on London Road, running the venue which she said reported a teenager was arrested in features a large bar area, a gallery was ideal for children and young connection with the death of a room, green rooms, a performance people as well as evening events. man last month has been bailed. space, offices and modern toilet She said comedy groups, The 19-year-old was arrested on facilities and is set to stage a series musicians, toddler groups and suspicion of murder after Benjamin of arts events in the New Year. other community groups had Smith died following an altercation Artistic director Ann Ellison of shown interest. Ann said the outside a McDonalds.

Next Stage said the venue was ideal Mission Theatre would continue as Mr Smith, 18, from Melksham, for music and also for community it was and Burdall’s Yard was a sister suffered a head injury in the assault events, such as yoga, playgroups, venue and full filled its community in Corn Street and died the next dance and choral groups. The commitment. To find out more and day. Police appealed for anyone manager Rebecca Jefferis said she hire the venue email burdallsyard@ who has information about the had recently graduated from Bath outlook.com attack to get in contact.

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December 2021

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

December 2021

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9

n NEWS

Inspirational Harmonie-Rose wins Pride of Britain Award

By Harry Mottram. Harmonie-Rose was so delighted with her Pride of Britain award that she slept with it the night following the ceremony.

Readers will recall that Harmonie-Rose (pictured) who lives in Foxhill, Bath, lost her legs and arms after suffering from meningitis as a baby. Doctors carried out the amputations after they became infected which included the tip of her nose.

Despite less than an even chance of survival Harmonie-Rose did make it through and has since gone on to charm her supporters, friends and family with her zest for life and sparkling personality.

The seven-year-old has now been awarded Pride of Britain ‘Child of Courage’ award at a star studded red carpet event at the Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane last month. Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell gave Harmonie-Rose her award on stage.

When asked what it felt like to step out onto the red carpet, Harmonie-Rose said: “I felt like I was

a real celebrity now, I was saying that in my head.”

In lockdown Harmonie-Rose vowed to take on her 2.6 Challenge - doing the six things doctors said (using reverse psychology no doubt) she may not achieve including running, singing, gymnastics and jumping.

Pop singer Ed Sheeran was also at the awards in London and he performed a duet with HarmonieRose on stage singing Perfect and Shivers.

The awards honour British people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations.

Founded in 1999 by the Daily Mirror journalist and editor Peter Willis the awards have grown into a national institution with television coverage and are backed by TV firms, newspapers, The Prince’s Trust and a supermarket.

Earlier this year Harmonie-Rose was fitted with a prosthetic arm which includes fingers that she can manipulate using her arm muscles.

Local photographer Freya Hall who has documented HarmonieRose’s life told Somerset Live that she could now hold hands with her younger sister Luna: “It’s just so nice to see them holding hands because they hadn’t been able to do that before.

“It is the little things that everyone else takes for granted that make the biggest difference. Like picking up toys and playing.”

“What science can do these days is brilliant and in the future, as she gets older, the choice of arms will get more developed and advanced.”

Monday am Hillside Hall, Oldfield Park Call Sarah on 7881 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 Emma on 07886 629496

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

Thursday pm The Methodist Church, Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093

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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

Oct

December 2021

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10

n FEATURE

A seasonal appeal to help our furry friends

By Sarah Laverne. Marley is an affectionate little cat with a sleek black coat and wide yellow eyes that reveal his friendly soul.

He loves cuddles and in recent weeks has become a real lap cat.

When he arrived at the Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Marley was struggling, having recently been diagnosed with diabetes. The animal care team knew that his journey to recovery would be long and arduous. After much love and dedication, a special diet and twice-daily insulin injections, his condition has already improved and when he is well enough, he will make a wonderful companion.

Marley’s story is the heartwarming backdrop for the Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Appeal, which focuses on the new challenges brought on by Covid.

The Covid crisis has been tough on the rehoming centre, with fundraising events cancelled, valuable volunteers often unable to help and office staff forced to work offsite. But recently, animal carers have also started to witness the less obvious impacts of the pandemic, with many animals like Marley coming into their care with more complex medical needs or problems such as a lack of socialisation.

20.qxp_Layout 1 11/09/2020 “We’re really aware that lots and lots of people are just facing unprecedented challenges this year” says Vanessa Langford, Press Officer for the home. As the pandemic continued to take its toll, caring for seriously ill animals became more difficult.

Pet owners were sometimes unable to travel, people’s personal wellbeing may have

been impacted or veterinary costs may have proved too expensive for many facing financial hardships.

In recent months, the vets and animal carers have tended to an increased number of animals suffering with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes like lovely Marley, or other complex health issues including infectious diseases, osteoarthritis or pancreatitis. These often require prolonged treatment and intensive, time-consuming rehabilitation. “So much of the care happens on site” stresses Vanessa and many of these animals will stay at the home for weeks, perhaps months.

Although tucked away from the general bustle, the veterinary suite at the Bath Cats and Dogs Home buzzes with activity. Here, the four-legged residents receive their vaccinations or routine checks, and are neutered, ready to be handed to their loving new owners. The recent surge in patients with complex illnesses has added more pressure on the teams’ time and the home’s resources.

Also trotting through the home’s gates since the pandemic were a few older puppies who lacked socialisation skills. “We can only assume that this is 08:58 Page 1 because the last 18 months have been very strange for everybody and things like puppy classes haven’t been taking place”, suggests Vanessa. Perhaps also, with repeated lockdowns and strict distancing rules, people have been unable to socialise with other dog owners.

The under-socialised puppies have now been entrusted to the

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Left: Marley is recovering and needs a home. Right: Sarah with another cat behaviourists, who will spend loving time working on their manners and behaviour.

All this “invisible care” is intensive on staff and resources.

So, as golden leaves slowly fall from the autumn trees and the icy winds are kind enough to bring with them a hint of festive spirit, the Bath Cats and Dogs Home are launching a new campaign.

Vanessa explains that “the Winter Appeal is focusing on the challenges posed by all the animals coming into the home with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, like Marley, or problems such as lack of socialisation.” Loyal and new supporters can donate online now, and every penny goes towards supporting animals in need.

Christmas shopping is another way to help. The Bath Cats and Dogs Home Charity Shop on Moorland Road is teeming with festive spirit: shelves and racks are overflowing with pre-loved outfits and stylish jewellery for Christmas gatherings, ecoconscious gifts such as cookbooks, records and ornamental pieces,

and endearing animal-themed Christmas cards.

“Although it’s been a really hard 18 months, we have had such amazing support from the people who have been with us all the way”, says Vanessa. “We’re so grateful to everybody who has been there and donated and still been able to support us from afar”. And despite the challenges, the home has never failed to fulfil its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before Marley and friends can curl up in the warmth of their forever homes, some perhaps in time to catch the twinkle of Christmas lights. Until then, the veterinary, behaviourist and animal care teams at the Bath Cats and Dogs Home will continue to work tirelessly to nurse them, socialise them and love them on our behalf.

To support the Bath Cats and Dogs Home this winter, head to www.bcdh.org.uk/winterappeal Marley’s www.bcdh.org.uk/ winterappeal

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

December 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

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Bus timetables, Christmas lights and Sassparella Public transport: Since Brexit and also exacerbated by the Covid-19 Crisis there is a shortage of HGV, bus and coach drivers.

The crisis has hit the bus company First West of England who have has to adjust their timetables trimming their service in light of having fewer drivers available.

Most of the changes involve a reduction in the frequency with which some services will run, with two services also being withdrawn on Saturdays.

These changes, came into force from 31 October 2021 and will continue until further notice. They have been agreed with the West of England Combined Authority, as transport authority for the region.

For weeks now the bus company say they have been trying to recruit new drivers to fill the gaps.

To see the changes in full visit: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/ bristol-bath-and-west/news-andservice-updates/planned-changes/ first-west-england-announces Christmas parking: Shoppers may be pleased to know there will be

free parking in Keynsham on Saturdays in council-owned car parks during December to encourage people to ‘shop local’ in Keynsham High Street.

Works continue in the town’s High Street with new paving along with new drainage and street lighting installed.

Christmas lights: A packed package of traditional fun and seasonal experiences, including details of a spectacular city light trail, have been launched as part of ‘Bath at Christmas’ – a festive programme to help the city sparkle and attract visitors this festive season. Last month it included a virtual online Christmas Market following the Christmas lights switch on and the start of late night shopping hours on Thursdays..

Apart from the centre of Bath there will be Christmas lights in Combe Down and Larkhall and a Christmas Light Trail, organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bath BID will illuminate city buildings.

These buildings will be illuminated every day until

Sassparella play the Widcombe Social Club this month

December 31 - which is six days short of Twelfth Night - the traditional end of Christmas.

See: https://www. welcometobath.co.uk/bathchristmas-light-trail/ and https:// www.welcometobath.co.uk/ bath-christmas-light-trail/ Abbey Quarter: Up to the 19th of December, local artisan makers will be on show in Bath’s Abbey Quarter, displaying their crafts, blankets and Christmas decorations, plus festive food and jewellery will be on sale.

More of the same will be in Queen Square until 19th December Plus there will be weekend

Lunchtime Special Takeaway Battered cod loin & fresh cut chips and mushy peas

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pop-up shops at 15 New Bond Street and 15 Cheap Street throughout December.

Female voices: On Thursday, December 16, there will be a concert by the all female Sassparella choir at Widcombe Social Club.

Formed in 2012, the group rehearse fortnightly and members pay an annual subscription to cover the costs of the musical directors, plus a small additional contribution towards hiring the rehearsal space.

New members are always welcome.

Contact sassparella.net/ and for tickets visit https://www. widcombesocialclub.co.uk/

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bathvoice

December 2021

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December 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Croquet News: Bath’s Croquet Club have given an update on the 2021 season. Lynne Passfield of the club writes: “Earlier in the year everyone at Bath Croquet was tentative in their hopes that croquet would be played at all in 2021. When circumstances allowed the lawns were opened and members looked forward to getting back into action.

“Plans for competitive play were drawn up and after such a considerable time away from the lawns there was great anticipation as members put themselves forward to enter into the Club tournaments.

“On Saturday 30th of October members thoroughly enjoyed their end of season presentation dinner at The Bath and County club.

Tournaments of both Golf (GC) and Association (AC) croquet had taken place throughout the season giving all members the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in both singles and doubles competitions.

Many entered into more than one tournament and most of the eventual winners were presented with their trophies at the dinner.

“2021 is the 45th Anniversary of the reforming of the Club and the Founders Cup donated by Mrs Brash-Smith to commemorate the refounding was presented to Martin Alabaster and Timothy Cantell (pictured) for their victory in the AC Alternate Stroke Doubles competition.”

Widcombe Association: At their November meeting the association reported on parking. The committee reported: “Following consultation earlier this year, the Council has now issued a formal consultation on a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to amend the terms of permits for vehicle parking on-street in controlled areas including Residents Parking Zones “Perhaps the most controversial proposal is to make additional charges for vehicles based on emissions. The other proposal that might be of concern is to extend the RPZ schemes to cover Sundays.”

The consultation ended last month.

The association members also heard that the Dolemeads Garden Group have received a grant of £4,000 from the National Lottery.

They said: “Work is progressing to improve this area – do take a look at the site by the railway arches.”

For more details of the association visit widcombeassociation.org.uk/ Parking changes: The Council is set to phase in some of the changes to parking in the city centre in January. There are more than 1,000 on-street parking bays in Bath that charge from 8am to 7pm Monday to Saturday but now those charges will now include Sunday.

Bath Voice understands the extra charges will raise around £85,000 a year. That’s clearly one incentive but another motive is to encourage more people to use public transport, cycling, or walking on a Sunday when visiting the centre, cutting pollution and easing congestion.

Disabled parking bays will only be available for Blue Badge holders when the restriction applies whereas before there were some exemptions for unloading and

loading.

There’s also a change to hotel, guest house and holiday let permit holders with only a single permit granted in future which will only be available for property owners who pay business rates.

The changes will also see the end of the previous 10% discount on Pay & Display charges which was available to Bath residents when paying for on-street parking within the city.

The Council said: “We are introducing emissions-based permit pricing, meaning that the cost of your permit will be related to the emissions produced by your vehicle. For some people, this may result in a significant rise in the cost of your permit.

“We are introducing several measures to make permits more affordable, and to offer more flexibility, and reduce the risk of wasting money on a cancelled permit, if you are planning to change your vehicle:

“We are introducing one-month and three-month duration permits, so you can now choose to have a permit for one, three, six or twelve months “We are removing the previous surcharge on six-month permits, so now three-month and six-month permits will both be charged pro rata, at the annual rate “Only one-month permits will have a surcharge, to cover transaction fees. We have set this at the low level of 62p per month, making a total additional cost of £7.44 per year “You can automatically renew one-month, three-month and six-month permits, up to a maximum period of one year.

“This should offer convenience, but still allow us to validate addresses for eligibility In line with the extension of on-street Pay & Display parking charges to include Sundays, we are also extending all Residents Parking Zones to also include Sundays.”

Ice skating: A seasonal addition to Bath is the installation of an ice rink in Royal Victoria Park from 12th November to 3rd January. The attraction also features a cafe and bar, a putting green or rather glow golf as it is called.

You have to book online and apart from extreme weather such as a blizzard or a violent storm it will remain open all the time from 10.30am to 9.30pm. Hire skates there or bring your own and the organisers say it is an accessible venue. For more info visit https://www.bathonice.com/

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n SPORTS NEWS

Bath Rugby: crisis, what crisis? Trouble at the Rec

By Harry Mottram: Fans of Bath Rugby Club will be hoping the crisis that’s seen a string of defeats and the team struggling in the Gallagher League and sitting at the bottom of the top flight division at the end of October following five straight defeats will end this month.

If losing to local rivals Bristol and Gloucester wasn’t bad enough the club hit the panic button when they went down 17-71 to Saracens at home. Then came the news that Taulupe Faletau will leave at the end of the season to Cardiff.

Faletau has made 64 appearances for Bath during his five years at the Rec. And we should not forget Rhys Priestland has left the club.

Something had to happen and the club moved to bring in the former Saracens CEO Ed Griffiths on a short-term consultation role to stop the rot while the club have been scouting for a defensive coach with Italy based Paul Gustard on their wish list.

Talking Rugby Union reported: “In an open letter from Bath chief executive Tarquin MacDonald said they want to review the club’s performances during November when the league takes a two-week break during the autumn internationals.”

Ed Griffiths was Saracens chief executive between 2008-2015, during which time the team reached the Premiership final four times and won two titles and clearly it is hoped his influence will be felt quickly.

Tarquin McDonald said: “Importantly he has been fundamental in building winning systems. Ed will work with me, Stuart Hooper, our head coach, our coaches and performance department heads to provide perspective on what we are doing, how we work, what is working well and what we can focus on improving.”

Many supporters with long memories with hope for a return to

All together now: Bath are looking to bounce back after a poor start this season the glory days of Jack Rowell when Bath were the best team in England year after year.

His arrival in 1978 transformed the ethos of the club from a local amateur rugby team to premature professionalism with the likes of Gareth Chilcott, Roger Spurrell, John Horton, Graham Dawe and David Trick.

There were the cup wins of the John Player Cup in the 1980s along with their domination of the early

years of the league system at the time, plus a memorable victory in the Heineken Cup and in the Pilkington Cup in the 1990s.

They have enjoyed successes since such as the European Challenge Cup but haven’t dominated rugby in England for some time.

Hopefully things will change in November and perhaps the Rec will once again roar with the sound of victory.

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15

Team Bath Netball team’s first fixture plus City play Chippenham at Christmas Bath Rugby: The team are away at Northampton on December 4 in the Gallagher English Premiership and welcome old rivals Gloucester to the Rec on Boxing day in the same competition. The Cherries and the Saints are well above Bath in the league so some welcome points could see them move off the bottom and overtake Bristol and Worcester if things go their way.

In the European Champions Cup the Blue, Black and Whites face Leincester away on the 11th and square up to La Rochelle on the 18th. A fixture against Exeter in the league on the 29th has been slated but not confirmed while they have an away day against London Irish on January 3rd.

Bath City FC: The Romans play in the Vanarama National League Division South with a series of games this month that could define their season. First up its Havant and Waterlooville away on the 4th, and then a home game against Hungerford Town on the 11th. They take on local Wiltshire rivals Chippenham Town away on Boxing Day and welcome them back to Twerton Park on January 2nd. The

Romans will hope the well travelled Cornish striker Cody Cooke will hit form as the team seek to make headway in the league after several defeats in the autumn and Banbury ended their FA Cup run.

Bear Flat FC: The Bears look to consolidate their position in the third division of the Bath and District Sunday League. After a 5-0 victory over Welton Rangers the club will be hoping that Christmas will come early with more wins.

Netball: Team Bath face up to Surrey storm a the Team Bath Arena on February 18th as the new 2022 Vitality Superleague gets underway.

The competition is reverting to a home and away format for the new campaign and season and individual match-day tickets are now on sale. See https://netball. teambath.com/2021/11/03/ vitality-netball-superleague-tickets/ Hockey: Bath Buccaneers have been awarded the England Hockey ClubMark Accreditation. Nick Pink, Chief Executive said: “Achieving England Hockey ClubMark is an important step in ensuring your club operates to a set of core criteria and has good practices in

Hannah Passmore of Team Bath Netball

place to ensure that you can deliver quality hockey in a sustainable and vibrant club environment.

“A massive thank you to all those committee members who have been involved with the process over the summer months to achieve this accreditation.”

Swimming: Based at Bath Leisure Centre and established in 1899, Bath Dolphin Swimming Club (BDSC) is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the South West.

Tennis: Bloomfield Tennis Club founded in 1927 and is located at 98 Wellsway in Bath. Members have full access to club facilities, those who are Adult British Tennis

members are also eligible to enter the club ballot for Wimbledon tickets that takes place each year.

All funds from club memberships go directly into the running of the club. Bloomfield offers a wide range of membership options including: Senior, Family, Junior and Student, along with Daytime only versions. to join visit https://clubspark.lta.org. uk/BloomfieldTennisClub Cycling: Bath Cycle Club have several informal rides, mostly organised on email. The most regular is the Tuesday social group.

It normally goes out on a Tuesday but if the weather is not looking good or people are busy it moves to other days of the week as advised on email. The usual meeting place is the start of the cycle path in Locksbrook at 9am.

The ride is normally between 90 and 120km (depending on time of year) at an average pace of 22-24km/hr with a cafe stop half way. If you want to join the group please contact Mark markpearson99@hotmail.com to be added to the Email list.

To join visit www.bathcc.net and start cycling.

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n WHAT’S ON

Pantomimes, plays, concerts - December is full of events We can’t be sure there won’t be another Covid-19 crisis this month so do check with the venue before buying tickets.

Wed 1 Dec-Sat 4 Dec. Ustinov Studio, Bath. Footfalls and Rockaby. In this pair of miniature masterpieces, Beckett dazzlingly explores his obsessions with age, memory, and the passing of time with Siân Phillips and Charlotte Emmerson.

Wed 1 Dec-Fri 24 Dec. The Egg Theatre, Bath. Squirrel. This is a story of new growth, with a sprinkling of snowy magic and puppetry mayhem as you would expect from the egg’s early years Christmas show.

Wed 1 Dec-Fri 24 Dec. Avon

about the six wives of Henry VIII. Wed 1 Dec–Sat 8 Jan. Bristol Old Vic. Robin Hood: Legend of the Forgotten Forest. When a 21st-century kid discovers a dusty book at the back of his local library, something miraculous happens. Reality cracks and he’s thrown into the middle of an epic fight between good and evil. It’s Sherwood Forest. The

Wednesdays Essentrics low-impact, therapeutic fitness class for men & women.

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Continued on page 17

Valley Railway. Santa Specials.

Steam train journey with the man in red on board.

Wed 1 Dec-Sat 4 Dec. Mission Theatre, Bath. The Hothouse

by Harold Pinter. Next Stage Theatre Company perform the black comedy. It’s Christmas Day and the director of a psychiatric institution, Roote, is left reeling in the wake of an unexpected birth and a mysterious death among his patients - who are all known only by numbers and so are all too easily confused.

Wed 1 Dec-Mon 6 Dec. Theatre Royal Bath: Six. The hit musical

Jess Robinson plays the Widcombe Social Club on December 3

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www.feath

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n WHAT’S ON Nominee in 2019. As seen on TV. Thu 2 Dec-Fri 10 Dec. The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol.

Romeo and Juliet. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School present Shakespeare’s tragedy of the star crossed lovers in fair Verona.

A new take on Robin Hood plays at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre this month Continued from page 16 12th century. An uneasy time of cunning thieves, dastardly villains and karaoke-singing monks.

Sound familiar so far? Not all is as it seems… When the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham sets in motion his vicious plan for ultimate power, it’s up to Robin Hood and her Merry Crew to pull off their toughest mission yet. Can they defeat the Sheriff before it’s too late – and can they get JJ back home?

Wed 1-Tue 28 Dec. Prior Park, Bath. Christmas trail. Everyday except Christmas Day. The advent calendar has taken over the garden, with 24 doors to find.

Open the doors to reveal some festive finds and reveal a Christmas message. Plus there’s a display of 18th-century winter verse written on boards through the garden.

Thu 2 Dec. Rondo Theatre, Bath. Comedy with Helen Bauer and Andrew White. Helen is a powerhouse of a comedian, winning critical and audience acclaim including as an Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer

Fri 3 Dec. Widcombe Social Club, Bath. Jess Robinson - The Twelve Days of Jessmas. Expect magical mashups, fabulous original songs and a belly full of laughs as your angelic host and her sparkling live band (if they’ve washed), transports you on an (imaginary) sleigh ride, through a winter wonderland of dazzling divas and stars of the silver screen, serving up a feast of famous voices, from Gaga to Garland. It’ll be anything but a silent night.

Fri 3 Dec. Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Count Magnus: Two Ghose Stories. The classic ghost stories of M R James entertain and terrify as powerfully today as they ever did.

Nunkie Theatre brings two of the best to life in this thrilling one-man show.

Fri 3-Sat 4. Bath Abbey. Handel’s Messiah – Bath Choral Society.

The traditional start to the season of Christmas music in Bath Abbey and performed in the new seating arrangements and improved acoustics to the ancient building.

Messiah is the dramatic oratorio that tells the story of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. It is full of glorious choruses and intricate arias that build to the overwhelming majesty of the final Amen. The Orchestra will be Bristol Ensemble and the Conductor will be George Bevan.

Sat 4 Dec. Bath Abbey. (Also

The timeless story of Cinderella plays at the Theatre Royal bath this month

Sat 18 Dec, 10am-12.30pm. Ages 5 and over. Join us for some family fun including listening to magical stories while sitting under the Moon and making Cosmic Christmas decorations in our new Learning Room down in the Abbey vaults. Drop in. Free.

Sat 4 Dec-Sun 5 Dec. Redgrave Theatre, Bristol. While Shepherds Watched. Retelling of the Nativity story by the drama students of the Old Vic. Not to be missed.

Sun 5 Dec. Komedia, Bath.

Rosie Alexandra live at 2pm free event. Rosie’s sound is Pop-Soul and goes back to ‘pop’ in its most natural form, drawing on sentimental ballad style and rich harmony from jazz, gospel and soul, with influences such as Yebba, Bill Withers, Adele, Stevie Wonder and Jorja Smith.

Sat 4-Fri 24 Dec. Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park.

Meet Father Christmas. Santa’, reindeer and Christmas activities.

Tue 7 Dec. The Forum, Bath.

Kate Rusby at Christmas. The folk singer brings the tradition of singing carols in Yorkshire’s pubs to the city.

Father Christmas will be forsaking his sleigh and his cloven footed pulling power and will be taking the train at Avon Valley Railway this month

Wed 8 Dec. Bath Abbey.

Symphony of Sorrowful Songs.

Each of the three movements of Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

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

features a Polish lament, including a message inscribed on the wall of a Gestapo prison cell from a teenage girl to her Mother, and a Mother’s folk song about her son lost in the Silesian civil war. Sung in Polish, it’s an evocative work that brings both tears and joy, taking audiences on an uplifting journey through grief and solace.

Thu 9-Sun19 Dec. The Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Panto and the Pea. During this holiday season, this is your chance to see the colourful, bouncy show that links all the pantomimes and Christmas tales in the world ever into one fabulous festive family treat.

Fri 10 Dec. Chapel Arts Centre, Bath. Clyve – Funky Christmas Special. Bath’s very own soul singing star presents a show to get you in the Christmas spirit.

His show is guaranteed to make you dance with tracks from the likes of Chic, Chaka Khan, Motown Legends and even a bit of Beyonce.

Fri 10 Dec-Sun 16 Jan. The Egg Theatre, Bath. Five Children and It.. A new take on the classic story by E. Nesbit about a magical, mischievous and extremely grumpy Sand Fairy called It with the power to grant spectacular wishes. There’s just one catch…

Sat 11 Dec. Bath Abbey. A Continued on page 18

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 17

Christmas Celebration with the Bath Abbey Choirs and Melody Makers. A festive selection of well-known Christmas classics for choir, organ and audience. To help get into the festive spirit, there will be plenty of opportunities for audience participation and to singalong. Featuring the Abbey Choir of Girls, Boys and Layclerks directed by Huw Williams, Director of Music, Bath Abbey, and the Abbey’s youngest Choir of 6-11 year olds, the Melody Makers directed by Shean Bowers, Assistant Director of Music, Bath Abbey.

Sat 11 Dec. Chapel Arts Centre, Bath. Untamed Burlesque.

Featuring Foo Foo LaBelle, Ana Kiss, Laurie Black, Hadria Hellbound, Fantastic Ms Fanny as your compere tonight, Busty Buttons and Violent May. Sun 12 Dec. St Mark’s Community Centre, Lyncombe: Christmas Lunch. 12.30-4pm.

St Mark’s Community Centre, St Mark’s Rd, Bath. This is a ‘bring and share’ lunch with mulled wine

and Christmas Carols. See https:// widcombewest.uk/news/ Sun 12 Dec. Chapel Arts Centre, Bath. The six piece band play all the Eagles’ biggest hits like Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane, One Of These Nights, Lyin’ Eyes, Take it to the Limit, and New Kid In Town, as well classic ballads like Desperado and Wasted Time.

Mon 13 Dec-Sat 8 Jan. Ustinov Studio, Bath. A Christmas Getaway. comedy drama inspired

by P.G. Wodehouse, Noel Coward and classic British comedy presented with New Old Friends’ trademark flair. Just four actors play multiple roles with lightning quick changes in this fast talking, fast-paced farce.

Tue 14 Dec. Widcombe Social Club. Winter Wonderband.

Maclaine Colston, Saul Rose, Jennifer Crook and Beth Porter team up once more to celebrate the music born out of our great British winter with their mastery of the Dulcimer, Melodeon, Harp and Cello.

Wed 15 Dec. St Michael’s Without Bath: Passamezzo – Old Christmas Returned. Christmas celebrated, banned and restored in 17th Century England. A seasonal programme following the calendar from Advent to Candlemas and showing how Christmas was celebrated, banned and restored in 17th Century England. Carols, ballads, consort music, lutesongs, dance melodies and readings.

Includes music by Gibbons, Locke, Peerson and Purcell; readings by Breton, Herrick and Shakespeare.

Performed in Period costume by Passamezzo.

Wed 15 Dec. The Forum, Bath.

Comedy at Christmas. Top standups entertain. Featuring The Shire Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra & the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus and film guests.

Thu 16 Dec. The Forum, Bath.

The Lord Of The Rings And The Hobbit The Concert. Music inspired from the work of JRR Tolkien.

The Ustinov will host A Christmas Getaway. on December 13 - a fast paced comedy sending up all our Christmas getaways Thu 16 Dec-Sun 9 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath: Cinderella. John Monie returns as Buttons in a classic seasonal pantomime and is joined by mum-to-be Dani Harmer as the Fairy Godmother.

Thu 16 Dec-Sun 9 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath: Cinderella. John Continued on page 19

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 18

Monie returns as Buttons in a classic seasonal pantomime and is joined by mum-to-be Dani Harmer as the Fairy Godmother.

Fri 17 Dec. Chapel Arts Centre, Bath. The Superskas. An authentic eight-piece Ska band with years of live experience, The Superskas perform a catalogue of hits from the golden ages of Trojan Ska & 2 Tone.

Sat 18 Dec. Bath Abbey. A Baroque Christmas. Featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria and Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit. Bath Abbey’s Choirs are joined by Baroque instrumentalists Rejouissance playing on historic instruments.

Sat 18 Dec. Bath Pavillion. Vocal Works Gospel Choir. This concert will feature uplifting classics and spine-tingling arrangements of tracks from artists such as Moby, Rag ’n Bone Man, Pink & Katy Perry.

Sat 18-Thu 23 Dec. Tobacco Factory, Bristol. Of Christmas Past. Douglas Walker unwraps the shocking true origins of Santa Claus in a one-man epic taking in

100 years of history and almost as many characters.

Sun 19 Dec. Chapel Arts Centre.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. Expect bon viveur, the finest crooners, the swingiest band, glamorous Vixens, can’tsit-down dancing and that warm, twinkly, hearts-all-aglow feeling that only happens at the most wonderful time of the year.

adults with learning disabilities and their families and friends to cut loose and dance like nobody’s watching to all those Cheesy Christmas bangers, festive favourites and party classics.

Fri 31 Dec. Komedia, Bath. Krater Comedy Club New Year’s Eve

special followed by Motorcity Gold. Top comics plus a disco - two seperate events so you need both tickets.

• Have you got an event you’d like included in our What’s On section? Email news@bathvoice. co.uk

Mon 20 Dec. Komedia, Bath.

The Electric Comedy Club.

Hosted by Morgan Rees. The Electric Comedy Club will take place in the newly refurbished Electric Bar at Komedia, which offers a strictly limited capacity of just 60 seats, so early booking is recommended.

Tue 21 Dec. Komedia, Bath.

Uproar Christmas Special.

Komedia Bath and Bath Mencap are proud to present Uproar!

Christmas Special – A festive edition of our ever-popular club night exclusively for adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers. The night offers a safe, relaxed and fun environment for

FUN ON ICE

Folk singer Kate Rusby is at The Forum this month

We’re back for our 10th magical year

Ice Skating • Festive Drinks • Glow Mini-Golf Wood-Fired Pizzas • Deluxe Hot Chocolates

12 NOV - 3 JAN

EVERY DAY Book online now bathonice.com

Advertise in this space for just £35 +VAT per month Bath Voice is delivered every month to homes in the Bear Flat, Oldfield Park, Widcombe and Combe Down areas We offer an affordable platform to advertise your business To advertise, contact Erica Benson

Bath on Ice is a short walk from the centre of town 01225 436888 // Royal Victoria Park BA1 2NR

07402 441 485 erica@bathvoice.co.uk

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

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December 2021

ULTRAFAST BROADBAND FOR BATH

Place your order today truespeed.com 01225 233 060 To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

December 2021

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21

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

A Victorian Christmas on the SS Great Britain

This December, visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain are invited to celebrate a very festive Victorian Christmas each weekend.

Step back in time and experience the historic dockyard transformed with seasonal greenery and even falling snow for the festive season.

Meet characters from the Ragged Victorians living history group, pose for a photo with Mr Brunel and discover the delights of a Victorian Christmas.

There are plenty of surprises on board, too. As you wander, take in the

smells of marzipan and Christmas pudding and admire the traditional handmade decorations which adorn the saloons and cabins.You might even spot a very special guest as you explore the ship.

For the first time ever, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming Father Christmas to site.

Why not stop him for a story about Victorian Christmas traditions, or perhaps you want to find out why he’s dressed in green!

Victorian Christmas Weekends: 4-5 Dec, 11-12 Dec & 18-19 Dec

4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 DECEMBER

MEET

FESTIVE

VICTORIAN

SCENTS

IN THE

BESPOKE

DOCKYARD

DECORATIONS

ENJOY

SPOT OLD

FOOD &

CHRISTMAS

CHARACTERS

SNOWY

FESTIVE

DRINK

AND

HANDMADE

FATHER

AND MR BRUNEL

Buy tickets and book your timeslot online to avoid disappointment

ssgreatbritain.org/christmas

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

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December 2021

FEATURE Christmas starts in August and ends on Christmas Eve about tea time - or so it would seem if you studied the festive aisles of some supermarkets. In the last 50 years the season has shifted forwards and ends in effect for many on New Year’s Day just seven days later.

Traditionally Christmas began on Christmas Eve - or if you prefer on Advent Sunday which this year falls on Sunday, 28 November.

Advent Sunday is the first day of the liturgical year in the church and is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day meaning it can fall on any date between 27 November and 3 December. So starting to decorate and prepare for Christmas in late November isn’t quite as modern as we may think although most resist the temptation to put up any decorations and buy a tree until Christmas is only days away. Despite the falling away of the festive season when the bells stop ringing in the new year, most people still equate the end of the season with Twelfth Night and the 12 days of Christmas.

Charles Dickens is often credited with inventing our modern Christmas with his novelette The Christmas Carol but of course the season of celebration has been around since the Celts and before.

The generation before Dickens penned the story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim Georgian England was still within touching distance of a more ancient past. A time before Christmas trees, Christmas cards and turkey dinners.

For centuries Easter had been the larger of the two festivals heralding as it does not only the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ but also of Spring.

At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries the England of Jane Austen was beginning to see the Industrial Revolution take place and

Jane Austen loved Christmas but was glad when her relatives finally went home

Pickles, smoked hams, cheese, sweets and nuts were put out on sideboards while holly and mistletoe were used to decorate the houses and cottages of the area. Although Christmas trees were a feature in Prussia, England had to wait until Prince Albert introduced the custom some decades later. And it seems that the country in 1800 was yet to embrace stockings and Santa Claus which came over from Holland in the years that followed. Father Christmas however was part of the folklore of the season - and had been around since at least medieval times dressed in green and covered in mistletoe - providing a link to a pre-Christian past.

And so with the table set, the fire stoked up and mass attended the festivities could begin with feasting and parties for several days - marked with a lot of walking to visit relatives close by. On Twelfth Night celebrations included games involving a Lord of Misrule, the choosing of children to be a king and a queen while charades were shouted out, punch and cider were knocked back and a Twelfth Night Cake was munched. The next working day was known as Plough Monday when reluctantly the majority of ordinary folk had to go back to work.

For Jane Austen it was also a relief.

Illustration by Harry Mottram

the start of the modern world of transport and industry. Although in cities like Bristol with its docks, industries and coal mines and Liverpool and London with their rapidly growing populations there were no trains and the roads were still mainly rough and difficult in the winter.

Most people walked everywhere or if they had a horse they would ride or use a pony and trap. So Relatives who over stay their welcome are one thing that is a universal issue as well as the age old debate as to which side of the family do you visit or have to stay at Christmas - problems that are not unique to our own times. The photograph shows the author (right) hamming it up for a period production in Axbridge

inevitably socialising was kept local.

Christmas was being transformed with the arrival of new imports including hops to make beer, cherries and wine from France, oranges from Spain, and rum and sugar from the West Indies. Goose, duck, lamb, pork and rabbit were more likely to be eaten as the central meal along with a type of Christmas pudding steamed in muslin and various pies including the seasonal mincemeat. In Pride and Prejudice we read of a saddle of lamb being consumed at Christmas, while Jane Austen wrote in 1808 of her desire to drink French wine and to eat ice cream and to be ‘above vulgar economy.’

White soup also features in Pride and Prejudice when Bingley decides to throw a ball for the local gentry much to the disgust of his sisters - and insists Lydia Bennet names the date. It’s a dish that’s long overdue for a comeback.

Originated in France it was known as Pottage a la Reine (Queen’s Soup) and it consisted of two stocks - one of almonds and the other of chicken.

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

Jane Austen.

After having put up with relatives descending on her for several days she spoke for many when she wrote to her sister Cass: ‘When you receive this, our guests will be all gone or going; and I shall be left to the comfortable disposal of my time, to ease of mind the torments of rice puddings and apple dumplings and probably to regret that I did not take more pains to please them all.’

Harry Mottram

December 2021

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How GP practices are working now Your GP practice has been open and working hard throughout the pandemic. To keep you and our staff safe we are offering phone and video consultations so you only come into the surgery when you need to.

I wanted to see my GP, why am I seeing someone else?

Why do receptionists ask personal questions?

Not everyone needs to see a GP. Practices have a range of expert healthcare professionals such as nurses, pharmacists and physios. You’ll see the right person for your condition as quickly as possible.

Our trained reception staff need to ask questions to make sure you see the best person in the practice. Everything you tell them is treated strictly confidentially.

Why can’t I have a face-to-face appointment?

Where else can I get help?

We still have to control the risk of infection in our surgeries. Phone and video consultations help keep you and our staff safe and let us treat more patients each day.

You will always be seen face-to-face if you need to.

Visit www.nhs.uk for advice on common symptoms or speak to your local pharmacist.

For minor injuries or urgent care when your GP is closed visit 111.nhs.uk.

Always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Your GP practice is open and ready to help – thanks for your patience at this extremely busy time Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

n ESSAY

December 2021

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Survey finds vast majority break 20mph limit The widespread introduction of 20 mph zones continues to be controversial, and a recent survey in Englishcombe Lane confirms, largely ignored.

Which begs the question, are these zones performing a useful function or simply virtue-signalling by the Council?

The intention behind them, to make roads safer, to reduce noise and pollution impacts and to make neighbourhoods pleasanter places to live is laudable.

The reality is, so far, the motorist has not bought into it.

In September this year, in response to a survey carried out by residents of Englishcombe Lane, the Council installed traffic speed and flow monitors.

The results of that survey confirmed our survey and are somewhat disappointing for the 20 mph proponents. .

The survey tracked some 25,000 vehicle movements over 6 days, and showed that the 85 percentile (speed at which 85% of all vehicles are travelling at or below) was 30mph, so well above the 20mph limit.

Or put slightly differently, some 16,000 vehicles exceeded 20 mph over the period.

In addition, 1% were above 35 mph, ( ie 250 vehicles in the period).

10 vehicles were also clocked at speeds above 45 mph and the highest individual speed recorded was 57 mph.

We were also able to analyse time of day speeds, and perhaps most disappointingly, average speeds rose significantly around School run time ( 8-9 am and 3-4pm), suggesting that parents have not bought in to the safety of children on the way to school.

Englishcombe Lane is one of many roads in Bath that has a 20mph speed limit - but it appears few stick to the limit And what if you are concerned about your neighbourhood vehicle speeds? Local speedwatch groups, backed by the Police, are sometimes used, but their effectiveness is dubious and they can be very divisive.

Our experience is that the Council needs evidence before even considering measures, so you need to gather that. Contact your local councillor and ask them to request a survey.

We found the survey team to be very responsive and the raw data was made available. Unfortunately, you will have to do the analysis yourself, so spreadsheet IT skills will be needed.

If you want to see our survey results in full and see how you can carry out your own, visit https://

n NEWS IN BRIEF Journalist’s death: The former Labour candidate for North East Somerset has died aged 58.

Mark Huband, stood in the 2019 elections for the constituency in which he was runner up to the current MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, increasing the Labout vote Mark was a journalist and writer having worked for The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Observer before turning to politics.

He published eight books on Africa, the Middle East and global affairs, plus a memoir, and five pamphlets of poetry. As a journalist he was kidnapped in Liberia during

tinyurl.com/5hj4ct5e So does any of this matter?

There have not been any reportable accidents or incidents on this stretch of road for many years, the presence of the occasional police speed camera clearly has no impact and it is seems that the public at large, by their actions, reject the speed limit.

It is also clear that there is a disconnect between the Council actions and implementation.

Recent communication confirms there is no available budget to implement prevention measures.

But surely there is simply no point in spending money on introducing these limits, if there is not the money to enforce them, either by punishment or prevention.

Perhaps the answer is to impose and enforce restrictions in areas where there are clearly higher risks –outside schools, play areas, crossings or where there are vulnerable people, rather than blanket zones which are ignored along their length.

Or adopt the U.S. style, where inside the city limits is 25 mph everywhere.

And perhaps whether you regard 20mph as bane or benefit changes, depending on whether you are behind the wheel at the time ?…..

Simon Banks Englishcombe Lane, Bath What do you think?

Email your views to Harry Mottram at harryfmottram@gmail.com

the civil war and was one of the first reporters to file copy on the genocide in Rwanda.

Burial ground: Volunteers from Bathscape and young people from Bath Rugby Foundation’s Employability Programme and Bath Spa University students have worked to improve the site of the Bath Union Workhouse Burial Ground in Odd Down.

The burial ground contains the unmarked graves of more than 3,100 people who died in the Bath Workhouse between 1858 and 1899. The volunteers planted hundreds of spring bulbs and

cowslips and, after creating patches of open ground, also sowed wild flower seed. They helped to rake off cut grass cuttings in areas where wild flowers were already present, to help new growth.

The aim is to encourage a flower-rich meadow, which will improve the look of the site and attract pollinators.

More details at https://www. bathscape.co.uk/workhouse-burialground-odd-down/ Drink spiking: Wera Hobhouse MP joined a debate in parliament calling for action on drink spiking following the Bath Night In

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

campaign which saw young people in the city boycott clubs to demand action to tackle the increase in cases of spiking including Bath.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has reported almost 200 confirmed incidents of drink spiking across the country in the past two months alone.

In some cases women have been spiked using syringes, raising further questions over safety in clubs.

The MP has asked the Home Secretary to convene a conference of police chiefs across the UK to devise a strategy to end the abuse.

Merry Christmas

December 2021

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25

Wishing all our customers a Happy & Healthy Christmas, and thank you for your support over this year.

Thank you to all our loyal customers for your support over this difficult year.

We look forward to seeing you soon, we will be closed from 20th Dec to 4th Jan.

Merry Christmas to each & every Slimming World member past, present & future.

SW Bath

www.thecarpetbarn.co.uk Tel 0117 947 7721

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our carers, clients and their families.’

Wishing everyone a safe journey this Christmas B&NES Road Safety

Merry Christmas to all our staff, students and partners.

Thank you for all your hard work and support through a difficult year.

Merry Christmas to all our customers, old and new

Award-winning care and support at home

Thanking all our readers and advertisers for supporting us in 2021

www.kindlestoves.co.uk 01225 874422

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

Have a wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year

bathvoice

26

December 2021

n THEATRE REVIEWS

Blue/Orange’s dark comedy and joyous Josephine

Review: Blue/Orange, The Ustinov, Bath

symbolise Josephine’s life in the fast lane.

James Dacre’s production of Joe Penhall’s black comedy drama Blue/Orange in Bath’s Ustinov Studio is tight, tense and taut, and an insight into the world of psychiatry. And an insight into the personal power struggles of three men trying to impose their thoughts on each other laced with much humour and wit.

Aimed at school children the pace and complexity of the narrative is perhaps too much for very younger children but older ones and teens lapped up the irreverence and the sheer energy of the performers.

And as a project for schools it’s a story that has almost everything for Black History Month – Nazis, racists, heroics, class divide and an uncompromising talent that refused to accept the racial segregation of the time.

Chris is about to be discharged from the hospital but must first be assessed by Bruce who in turn is assessed for his assessment by senior consultant Robert. Set in a square brightly lit space designed

by Simon Kenny with lighting by Charles Balfour with only a few chairs, a water cooler and a coffee table with a fruit bowl and ash trays the triangular conversation keeps the audience glued. The dialogue constantly switches from character to character as each one seems to hold the high moral ground before being usurped by one of the others as their point of view appears if only briefly to hold sway.

Protagonist Chris played by a committed and seething Michael Balogen wants to go home. Or does he? As a patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder he is in the hospital after doing ‘something funny’ in the market and apart from angry outbursts about the injustice and his bizarre claims to be the love child of Idi Amin or Mohamed Ali he’s no more nuts than the average psychiatrist.

And the two professionals who bicker over whether he is well or not at times show empathy and times a ruthless desire to be right in their diagnosis scoring points off each other.

At the heart of the conflict is race and in particular why black men are more likely to be sectioned than white men. Language, poverty, life chances, heritage and what we see as ‘normal’ and how we articulate our thoughts are explored at length in at times hilarious dialogue and times with a seriousness often devoid from discussions of an issue that’s not gone away.

Robert played by a suitably anguished and manipulative Giles Terera twists and turns in his disagreement with consultant Bruce played with a wonderful arrogance by Ralph Davis in a

Blue/Orange was at Bath’s Ustinov Studio and examined the issue of sanity

battle of wills as to who has the right to use what language and decide if Chris is schizophrenic, psychotic or plain nuts.

Three men you’d probably not want to invite to your home for Welsh Rabbit or take them to watch rugby as Bruce did when he invited Robert to impress his mentor. But if you did you wouldn’t need to worry about a lull in the conversation. The trio rattle out their lines in a series of heated arguments which are overlaid with references to rugby, football, Alan Ginsberg, Tin Tin and the down-side of living in White City. Fast, funny and questioning about who in 21st Britain is actually sane.

Harry Mottram Review: Josephine, Egg Thatre, Bath Josephine Baker’s extraordinary life story is brought to life by Holm Theatre with a sparkling Ebony Feare in the lead role in a drama that has everything for schools

There was something missing in this lively and enjoyable play about the larger than life performer Josephine Baker: her singing and dancing. It needed a big finish and some set pieces to illustrate her ability to entertain.

Sparkling Ebony Feare as Josephine, had the personality, the charisma, movement and the voice but was never given the chance to put the wow into Leona Allen’s play Josephine which only hinted at her abilities. Sadi Masego as Marie and Daniel Kofi Wealthyland provided stylish, slick and speedy support as the bickering owners of the café left to their father and Josphine’s son as they recreated Joephine’s life story.

Leona Allen’s script was inventive and perhaps almost overflowing with dates and descriptions of the many lives of Josephine from impoverished Missouri maid to USA human rights champion. At times it was almost too much to take in but the high-octane nature of the drama was in part there to

Ebony Feare was superbly animated as she flipped through the rags to riches life of the American born but adopted Parisian singer, dancer and French resistance operative.

Sadi Masego’s expressions and movement were also a joy to watch as was Daniel who worked seamlessly as the joint café owners who brought Josephine to life as her ghost disputed how she was being remembered.

The real life of Baker with her unreliable history and disputed facts, her complex love lives and numerous children and controlling personality were covered only in part. Well, there is so much to cover in a blurred life that began in poverty in America and moved to France and triumph at the Folies Bergère and to become synonymous with the Roaring Twenties and later wartime subterfuge.

Jesse Briton’s direction was perhaps too frenetic with the show zipping through to its conclusion in just 50 minutes. With a superbly designed set by Debbie Dru, evocative lighting by George Seal and appropriate music and sound by Holm Theatre’s production team this is a show that fell slightly short of its potential. Neat touches such as the bell to mark different years, the café’s furniture and various cardboard boxes piled up with props and the central red curtained entry door all created a memorable set.

So much that was excellent, and the essence of Josephine’s story was certainly conveyed, but I’m sure her ghost would have preferred a lot more singing and dancing to do her unique talents justice.

Harry Mottram

Josephine played at the Egg Theatre and featured the life of the entertainer

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

December 2021

n NEWS

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E-scooters to keep on scooting across the city

By Stephen Sumner Local Democracy Reporter. Bath’s e-scooter trial is set to be rolled out across the city.

Councillor Matt McCabe, a cabinet assistant for transport, said an extension until March will give Bath and North East Somerset Council robust evidence to show if the trips are replacing car journeys and not just those made on foot or by bike. The trial led by the West of England Combined Authority has been running across the region for the last 12 months. Operator Voi said of 2.5million journeys in the past year, an estimated 900,000 had ‘replaced short car journeys’, and that had saved an estimated 480 tonnes of CO2.

Cllr McCabe said: “So far the focus [in Bath] has been on the city centre. That’s concentrated a lot of the problems in the central area.

“For long-term hirers, the evidence is they are replacing car journeys. For the hop on, hop off users, there’s a question over whether they are replacing car journeys. The request is for a citywide trial. It may take some time to set that up. The other question is whether government is going to legalise e-scooters. It looks like they probably are.”

Until new legislation comes in, hiring an e-scooter from Voi is the only way to ride one legally in the West of England region.

The vehicles are intended to help people get around but have prompted concerns from disability campaigners.

Speaking in August, Clive Wood from the charity Guide Dogs said e-scooters left on pavements create an unnecessary trip hazard, particularly for those with visual impairments. He welcomed calls in Bristol to create designated parking bays.

Cllr McCabe said: “We will be feeding back our findings. They are being left over pavements, ridden on pavements, there’s dual riding.

“The message to people is to keep reporting incidents so we have robust evidence. These things can be a nuisance. We need to make sure the Department for Transport take that seriously and mitigate for that.”

The Voi app tells users they should never ride on the

pavements, roads where the speed limit is more than 30mph, or while under the influence of drink or drugs. Its e-scooters should never be parked blocking cars, access ramps or public footpaths, the app says.

In October a Bristol man was disqualified from driving and ordered to pay a fine and costs after he was found to be over the legal alcohol limit while riding a Voi e-scooter.

While Voi’s are the most visible, most issues with e-scooters relate to those outside the trial. A Freedom of Information request published by Avon and Somerset Police showed that of 850 incident logs that mentioned e-scooters between December 2020 and June this year, 87 were related to the Voi trial. Last month police in Bristol seized eight privately owned e-scooters and reported the owners for driving offences.

Giving his personal view, Cllr McCabe was sceptical about the Voi trial and said the new legislation should treat e-scooters like motorbikes – meaning users would need a licence and insurance, would not be allowed to ride on pavements and would have to park the vehicles in designated spaces.

He said many Bath residents would not want the new laws to treat e-scooters the same as bikes.

Voi UK general manager Jack

Samler said on Friday: “The West of England has shown incredible demand for sustainable transport options. As we announce the extension today, ridership has reached 2.5million and is one of Europe’s largest and most successful areas of e-scooter operations.

“We are delighted to have been given more time to build on our success so far. We will continue to listen to users, the local community,

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

and key stakeholders – such as disability and visually-impaired groups – to ensure micromobility can work for everyone.

“This trial extension will be invaluable, and can only help to strengthen an already truly collaborative partnership.

“We look forward to continuing our mission in Bath, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire to transform our cities for the better.”

December 2021

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n LOCAL HISTORY

Scandals, Royalty and the extraordinary life of one of Widcombe’s most famous residents of the 1960s

By Harry Mottram. Writing in 2005 the photographer Robert Whitaker described Jeremy Fry as, “an entrepreneur, an inventor, an engaging host and the saviour of the Theatre Royal, Bath; he was also a close friend of Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon.””

Certainly Jeremy Fry was all of those and much more as well as being the owner of Widcombe Manor where he entertained the Royals and a wide spectrum of friends and business associates in the 1960s.

Born in 1924 in Bristol Jeremy was a descendant of JS Fry, the chocolate manufacturer, which left him a useful inheritance which he later invested in Rotork his own electrical and mechanical engineering business that serviced the oil industry. The business continues today in Brassmill Lane in the city.

One of his employees a was James Dyson who he worked with on a number of projects including

Jeremy Fry (1924 –2005). Right: the Frys at their home in widcombe. Pics: Robert Whitaker Photography

a marine vehicle and theatre auditorium inside the Roundhouse.

Gossip columnists were perhaps rather more interested in Jeremy’s private life and his friendship with Antony Armstrong-Jones (later Lord

Snowdon) who married Princess Margaret.

And there hangs a tail as such was his friendship with the future Lord Snowdon that he was set to be his best man at the Royal wedding in 1960.

Today it would not have proved an issue but in the 1960s having shall we say an flamboyant bachelor’s life signified something that the Establishment couldn’t accept. He had been convicted of ‘importuning’ - a serious offence at the time.

Ditched as best man Jeremy and the Royal couple remained good friends and they regularly visited Widcombe Manor where Jeremy even installed a juke box for their amusement.

Jeremy was the youngest of three children in a wealthy family and attended the top public school Gordonstoun, before studying at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, after which he joined the RAF during the war.

Later he was accused by the

sculptor Lynn Chadwick alleging adultery with Chadwick’s second wife, Frances, causing his wife Camilla to walk out on their marriage. Frances Chadwick took her own life and Jeremy had to pick up the pieces of an unholy legal mess ending with his divorce to Camilla in 1967.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Learning new skills for the future

WHEN I was growing up my grandfather and uncles were miners, my aunt was a factory worker, and my uncle worked on the railways – and that was that.

In those days many people spent their whole life working in the same job, for the same employer. It was how it was.

Over the years that’s changed. I had a range of roles before becoming metro mayor: a child protection officer, an environment minister and a scaffolder’s assistant.

For children growing up today it will be even more varied, so it is important they always have the opportunity to reskill and retrain. A child born today will have seven or eight different careers in their lifetime, and two-thirds of children entering primary school this year will ultimately work in completely new types of jobs that simply don’t exist yet!

Skills and training are an exciting part of my metro mayor role. Recently I opened two fantastic new facilities with funding from the West of England Combined Authority that I lead: the Brunel Centre on the SGS WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford and the City of Bristol College Advanced Construction Skills Centre.

The Brunel Centre is a particularly stunning £7 million building, with a great name. I know the next generation of world leading engineers, scientists, technicians and creatives are raring to

Dan Norris with Owen at the City of Bristol College Advanced Construction Skills Centre

go there – I could sense everyone’s enthusiasm as I cut the ribbon.

Meanwhile in Bristol I met Owen, who is doing a carpentry course, learning what’s needed to build a better future – literally! He is getting equipped with skills to build new homes and retrofit existing ones in our cities, towns and villages.

But it’s not just about young people. I met MakeUK, the manufacturers organisation, as they launched their plan for skills. They explained to me how the average age of people working in manufacturing is over 50 – but they also need to reskill as new manufacturing techniques and machinery emerge. Lifelong learning matters.

Here in the West of England we’re at the forefront of innovation, and we need to keep it that way. Our brilliant locally-based scientists, researchers and engineers hold so many of keys to meeting important challenges of tomorrow.

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

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice That includes those working in highly skilled unionised jobs at Airbus in Filton who I met earlier this month and whom Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer gave a shout-out to in his recent conference speech.

We have just passed a significant landmark on skills funding. We have a special scheme here in the West of England to stop money raised by local companies via the “apprenticeship levy” disappearing up the M4 and being banked by the government. Instead we are keeping it local, with bigger firms passing their unspent levy money to smaller local ones. We’ve just passed £1 million – a great collective effort. So thanks a million to all involved!

December 2021

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n PUZZLES FOR ALL

The FIEND

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

2 4 3 4 7 9 1 6 8 5

For younger readers

5

1 8 6 2 2

3 4

6

7

9

8

10

Across 1 6279 (4) 4 7827 (4) 5 466 (3) 6 2223 (4) 7 63779 (5) 9 347 (3) 10 4659 (4)

Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Down 1 6244 (4) 2 73463337 (8) 3 8733 (4) 6 24784 (5) 8 489 (3)

3 1 4

2

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

Txtpert

M A R Y T E S T A R A I E G B A B E I N N D I M E R R Y I E T V H O L Y R

Theme: Christmas

Easier sudoku Solution

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

I

Txtpert 5

Christmas Jokes Cards These little Christmas joke cards are designed to be tucked into home-made Christmas crackers but you can use them in all sorts of ways. Pop them into a lunch box, perhaps? Make a treasure hunt and see who can collect the most. Punch a hole in one corner and use them as an original gift tag? Or just hand them out in the classroom for some reading practice with a giggle!

4 9 9

2

2

9

F

7 3

1

3

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December 2021

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Merry Christmas from Bath & North East Somerset Libraries

Adult Fiction Widowland – J C Carey The idea of this book is very intriguing and makes for a very good modern thriller. It is set in 1953, Coronation year – but not the Coronation of Elizabeth II – but of King Edward and Queen Wallis. Thirteen years have passed since a Grand Alliance was formed with Great Britain and Germany and all power is vested in Alfred Rosenberg, Britain’s Protector.

All of society is segregated into various castes. The role and status of women are particular effected: with roles designated such as mothers or elites.

However, the lowest of low are widows who are ordered to live in a rundown area called Widowland.

We meet Rose Ransom who works in the Ministry of Culture. A member of

the Elite caste with her very own flat and very important secret lover. So, when disturbing graffiti appears, with lines from forbidden literature, Rose is sent into Widowland to investigate.

Can she find out who wrote the graffiti before the Leader arrives for the Coronation or will her whole outlook on the world be turned upside down?

This book is very much in the same vein as “Man in the High Castle” and “Fatherland”, but I particularly liked the story from women’s perspective, and it is well written with excellent characters.

Adult Non Fiction T’was the nightshift before Christmas - Adam Kay, as reviewed

by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant For the one who haven’t read yet the best seller “It’s going to hurt”, you should give it a go before touching this one.

Adam Kaye was training as Doctor for the NHS when he decided to take his observation notes from his work shifts and made them into a book.

Twas the nightshift before Christmas is an addition to it, Compiling the festive time experiences from Birth to Death.

Explaining how even if they would like to, it is rare for the staff in the NHS to be granted time off during Christmas/ New Year.

“Naughty or Nice” list and he employs a huge army of Elves to help him. Now they are a very sneaky lot and use many ways and means to check up – they are Santa’s Secret Agents!

And when a colleague comes to give a rest, for no apparent reason other than philanthropy, to a 24hour shift, you truly believe in miracle and start to call them angel.

The Snow Queen – Geraldine McCaughrean

You can read it in one go, trusting Adam Kaye you will be moved from laugher to tears in only few pages.

Maybe it’s a way to give an homage to the fantastic services the NHS provides 24/7 and remind all of us how lucky we are to have them.

Gluten-free Christmas – Hannah Miles Just because someone has an allergy to wheat or is coeliavs/celiacs does not mean that they cannot enjoy some delicious pastries/ desserts at the Christmas season.

Hannah Miles has devised some traditional feasts that no one will notice is glutenfree. They range from mince pies with pistachio mincemeat; chestnut forcemeat stuffing balls and even a gluten-free traditional Great Grandma’s Christmas pudding.

All the recipes look mouth-watering – one of my favourites - the chocolate log and the author also shows a good selection of sauces and gravies. Enjoy!

Children’s Fiction Santa’s Secret Agents – Steve Gunning & Chris Wheeler This delightful book was written and illustrated by two local writers.

As we all know Father Christmas has to be very sure that children are either on the

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

From playtime in the garden, to holidays and Halloween and even under the sea (as they are excellent swimmers) they are on the lookout for any mischievous behaviour. Follow the story of their adventures – have a look out on every page and see if you can spot any Elves!

A wintery, classic tale from Hans Christian Anderson and re told by Geraldine McCaughrean.

The book is also beautifully illustrated with gorgeous silhouettes. It tells the tale of Greda and her snowy adventure to try to find her best friend Kai, who has been taken by the beautiful but cruel Snow Queen. She battles robbers, puzzles and wolves but help is always at hand in the shape of some reindeers.

Very Christmassy!!

Library News Please note Bath Library will be closed from Saturday 25th December to Tuesday 28th December. 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

Moorland Road Community Library Check out our opening hours - Tues, Thurs, Fri 10 - 12, and Sat 10 - 1pm.

Email us for more info at Moorlandroadcommunitylibrary@ gmail.com

December 2021

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