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bathvoice January 2022 No. 23

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

Planting wild flowers for the spring on Lyncombe Hill Fields

Liveable street plans closer Page 11 Letters on 20mph speed limit Page 14

More than 100 children from Widcombe Infant and Junior Schools helped to plant the first batch of 250 cowslip plugs at the fields before Christmas. The area had been prepared by the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields in readiness to create a wild flower meadow in the spring. For details visit friendsoflyncombehillfields.co.uk

Sports News Page 15 What’s On Pages 16

Puzzles Page 21

Tidying up the streets with the new community wardens By Harry Mottram. Expect a knock the door in Oldfield Park if you’ve left your recycling bins unfilled and your trash littering the pavement outside. It’s not the police and it’s not the local residents’ association but something new that is likely to be repeated across the city in

the years to come. Meet the new Community Wardens. Well, Community Warden as there’s only one at the moment but as the man behind the scheme Cllr Shaun StephensonMcGall said - it’s a start. “Tom McGraff is the first Community Warden to work the

patch,” he said, “and he has routes around Oldfield Park to work with the residents and also the university to improve things especially where there are concerns about litter, a lack of recycling and some of the issues associated with Houses of Continued on page 3

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January 2022

on Facebook Bath Voice Bath Voice are members of:

My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk My councillor? Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk Dine Romero 01225 477496 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk

Combe Down: Gerry Curan 01225 330349 / 07900684562 Gerry_curran@bathnes.go.uk Bharat Ramji Nathoo Pankhania Bharat_pankhania@bathnes.gov.uk 07464 867554 Odd Down: Joel Hirst 07792 869044 joel_hirst@bathnes.gov.uk Steve Hedges 07971270879 steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk Twerton: Sarah Moore 07807013635 Sarah_moore@bathnes.gov.uk Tim Ball 01225 400834 / 07970461674 Tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Westmoreland: June Player 07967 920064 June_Player@bathnes.gov.uk Colin Blackburn 07796 807157 Colin_Blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk

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

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

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

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January 2022

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n NEWS

Tackling fall-out from Houses of Multiple Occupation Continued from page 1 Multiple Occupation (HMOs).” To use the modern parlance the wardens ‘will act as ambassadors for the council and the universities across the whole of the city but especially where there are greater numbers of students in the local community.’ The idea is to build communication links and being on hand to support all residents if issues arise will be important elements of the role. One of the gripes of residents in most areas of Bath is the increase in HMOs over the years as the student population has swelled along with a rising demand for accommodation in general amongst the population. Essentially traditional family homes are bought up by developers and builders and then converted into shared accommodation for up to six or so couples or single people. The result is often more cars

Community Warden Tom McGraff with Cllr Shaun StephensonMcGall in Oldfield Park in Bath

requiring parking space in residential roads and complaints about untidy front gardens as recycling is ignored and rubbish dumped - along with anti-social behaviour such as loud music.

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“Tom used to be a student,” said the ward councillor, “he works full-time and is there to resolve problems like bins and clutter left on pavements impeding wheelchair users and those with

impaired vision.” Working with the University, the council and the recycling teams the warden can give advice to residents on recycling and what to do with unwanted furniture and everyday objects when tenants move out sometimes leaving the items in the garden. Tom can contact charities such as the British Heart Foundation who may be able to make use of excess furniture or recycling teams who can process the items. And with leaflets in hand he has been knocking on doors and chatting to residents about issues raised in the area and trying his best to sort them out convivially. He has no legal powers but does have the backing of the council and many residents seeking improvements to their streets. To fund the pilot scheme Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall pressed for a budget of £100,000 over three years to employ two part-time or one full-time warden from September last year.

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n PEOPLE

Visiting Bath is more than taking selfies in the centre By Harry Mottram: Bath is not just about the city centre, the Roman Baths and taking selfies by the Royal Crescent - it’s about the whole city and the surrounding area of Somerset and Gloucestershire. So says the Director of Tourism for Visit West Kathryn Davis whose job it is to promote the region and Bath in particular. “Out new website is proving very popular with visitors and in particular with families who have relatives and friends to stay,” said Kathryn, “It gives lots of ideas for meals, what’s on and places to go in Bath. “And for visitors who no longer see themselves as tourists but as travellers it links up with the hospitality sector as well.” A wander around the city centre will reveal tourists (sorry travellers) taking selfies on Pultney Bridge, the Royal Crescent and outside the Jane Austen Centre, I suggested rather than outside say The Bear

Hotel in Bear Flat or in Widcombe Parade. Kathryn was adamant that visitors should explore the whole of the city which includes places like Bear Flat, Widcombe, Moorland Road, Alexandra Park and Larkhall. However on their website for the food and drink section there’s precious little evidence to suggest travellers climb up Holloway to the Good Bear Cafe or make their way to Corn Street to the Mission Theatre for a show. There’s more about visiting Wells and Bristol rather than Bath’s suburbs - but then we are looking at visitors who may only be coming here for a once in a life time visit. Having said that the website is an excellent starting point for those who are coming to stay with relatives or visiting them and staying in a local guest house or hotel. And it has a good what’s on section as well as ideas for parents for the school holidays. “It’s important if we want

Kathryn Davis. Director of Tourism, for Visit West and Visit Bath

people to come back to the Bath area we need to give them reasons to come back,” she said, “so if that’s Bear Flat or Widcombe and places within walking distance of the city centre we need to get people to look at these places for another visit.” “Visit West is the parent company of Visit Bath. It’s a public private partnership with some funding from the local authorities

and then businesses will also contribute through things like advertising. We also run a convention bureau that addresses business and travel. A lot of the work we also do is with the professional travel industry.” Kathryn grew up in Keynsham and went to Warmley school and studied humanities at the University of Greenwich in the 1990s before taking a job in marketing at Bristol City Football Club and then jobs at Jurys Hotel and Destination before joining Visit West in 2013. “I’ve always worked in hospitality and leisure, hotels and professional sport,” she explained, “I’ve worked in the south west nationally and internationally. I didn’t get the chance to travel when I was younger as it would be just once a year with a family holiday, so I’ve always had this desire to travel and work in the business.” For details of the website visit https://visitbath.co.uk/

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Top teacher, bear book, toilet news and adopt a goat Nutrition award: Three Ways School Food Technology teacher, Rosalie Forde (pictured) has today been awarded a British Nutrition Foundation Education Award, recognising their dedication to food and nutrition education. The British Nutrition Foundation Education Awards were first established to highlight food qualifications and recognise the achievements of top students – originally at GCSE and later at

A-level (or equivalents). Unfortunately, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on examinations over the last two years, it hasn’t been possible to award students. However, in 2021, the Education Awards have been given to six outstanding teachers from across the UK who have consistently championed food and nutrition education. Rosalie received the certificate, as well as £200 to support food education in her school. Well done from all at Bath Voice. 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. Toilet news. A new Changing Places toilet and disabilitycompliant unisex toilet opened at the new community pavilion in

Sydney Gardens last month. The toilets are open from 7am until 6pm during the winter months and are managed by the council’s contractor Healthmatic. There is a 20p charge to use the loo. which also has a contactless card reader. The pavilion is being created on the site of the former park toilets and will be used in conjunction with the Gardeners Lodge to offer a space

If you’ve always wanted to have a farm animal like a goat or a pony then you can without having to do all the work. You can adopt any animal at Bath City Farm which helps to pay for their upkeep. Adoption (not ownership) costs £10 for a duck, rabbit or chicken and costs £20 for a goat, pig, sheep or pony for a year. For further details visit http://bathcityfarm.org. uk/get-involved/adopt-ananimal/ for the community, schools, art and health outreach programmes. Fire death: On December 5th, in the early hours a woman died in a flat fire at Pera Road, Walcot, Bath. Avon Fire and Rescue said that crews from Bath, Hicks Gate and Kingswood responded to reports of a flat fire which was well alight - the woman was pronounced dead after rescuers using breathing apparatus tackled the fire.

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January 2022

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n NEWS

Lyncombe Hill Fields: over one year of hard work By Harry Mottram. It was back in 2018 when residents became aware of a notice pinned to the entrance of Lyncombe Hill Fields seeking a tenant to rent the land below Alexandra Park and above Greenway Lane. The council owned land had been let out as grazing land for years for ponies - who had kept the weeds down but had churned up the ground. A group of residents called a meeting of local community organisations to suggest the community could take it over as a community asset - essentially a park come wildlife reserve for all to enjoy. And so the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (FLHF CIC) put in a management plan to Bath and North East Council to keep it as a green space for the city. Heading the group was and is

Maurice Tennenhaus who said they wanted to improve the site with better footpaths, picnic areas and wild flower meadows along with more trees. The sloping fields were not friendly for those in wheelchairs or pushing prams and the Friends wanted schools to use the fields in the future as part of nature lessons and workshops. Since those early days the Friends have taken charge of the fields with now more than a year’s worth of work to look back on. A tiny forest of scores of trees has been planted, the worst of the brambles have been cut back, rough pasture land has been cleared and planted and paths have been improved. For more details of the fields and also to register to colunteer to help with the work vist http:// www.widcombeassociation.org. uk/project/flhfcic/

Steve Brook presenting the Friends with their In Your Neighbourhood certificate with (left to right) Dan Merrett of Bathscape, Marian McNeir of Bath in Bloom, Cllr Alison Born Ward councillor, Steve Brook and right Anita Breeze of the Friends

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Vaccination news. Staff and volunteers at the Racecourse Covid vaccination centre saw the 200,000th jab to fight the disease last month. After 12 months the centre at Lansdown has regularly delivered more than 1,000 jabs a day. The centre has been staffed by RUH workers and a team of volunteers who have given up their time to help with the vaccine roll out. Now it is also about the booster jab - you can book your appointment on the NHS website at https:// www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirusvaccination/book-coronavirusvaccination/ and you can find on the NHS website the nearest place for a walk-in centre to get jabbed. Cleveland Bridge: HGVs are still banned from using the bridge which is currently being repaired. However vehicles under two metres in width and emergency vehicles have been using the bridge care of a traffic light system leading to long delays. When work began it was discovered further

work was required to ensure it was safe for heavier vehicles. Drivers can email cleveland_bridge@ bathnes.gov.uk for the latest news and hopefully an end date to all the work. Last dance: The Scala Dance School at the Oldfield Park Co-operative store is effectively being force out say its operators. The reason is the green light from planners for developer Renger to alter the former cinema to include student accommodation leaving the studio space reduced in size. Dance leader Lindi Ford said the community space left was tiny and with the flats next door there would be an issue over sound from future tenants reported Bath Live. High street upgrades: Local Democracy has reported that tens of thousands of pounds could be spent sprucing up Weston. Residents there have been asked for their input ahead of a bid to the West of England Combined Authority’s Love Our High Streets fund following applications for Bath and Midsomer Norton.

The restoration work at Cleveland Pool continues with the hopes of 2022 opening still on the cards. A time lapse camera on the attraction’s website shows how the work progresses. You can view the Cleveland Pools from Kensington Meadow from the footpath.

Ideas put forward at a consultation event last month included better bike parking, tree planting, themed windows and the creation of a shop front design guide Interventions like changing the traffic flow or creating a permanent cafe culture are likely to be beyond the scope of the funding but will be passed on to Bath and North East Somerset Council’s highways team. Examples of what could be possible from the funding shared by the council included painting and

gardening, graffiti removal, colourful crossings, events and window installations. An event to discuss ideas for Mount Road and Moorland Road took place last month. Twerton’s High Street will also form part of the bid and officers said it is likely to get the lion’s share of the funding. Residents were invited to share their ideas in September. The improvements are set to be in place by 2023.

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January 2022

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Blue Badge: Access arrangements for Blue Badge holders, and other permitted drivers, in some Bath city centre streets, which will close as part of proportionate anti-terrorism security measures to protect the public, have been announced. Bath & North East Somerset Council is introducing its measures to protect public safety, based on police advice. Lower Borough Walls, Stall Street, Abbeygate Street, Abbey Green, Swallow Street (south), Bath Street, Beau Street, and Hot Bath Street; Cheap Street, Westgate Street (including Parsonage Lane), Saw Close and Upper Borough Walls. Access for Blue Badge holders driving into the security zone is via Cheap Street, and Blue Badge holders wishing to gain access via taxis or carers, will start from 1 January 2022 and details can be found at https:// newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk/news/citycentre-security-access-arrangementsannounced Polluted streets: Bath’s clean air zone has shifted illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide into a street that claims the title of the city’s most polluted.

Although levels of the toxic gas are on average down 14 per cent compared to 2014, the Council said more intervention may be required at some locations. In the last two years nitrogen dioxide levels have shot up by a fifth from 39.9 micrograms per cubic metre in Chapel Row – a fraction below the legal limit of 40 – to 48.9. They have also increased in Wells Road (48.2), Broad Street (43.1, up from 36.2) and Victoria Buildings (44.2), and remain illegal in Gay Street (42.7) and Walcot Parade (45.5). The council expects the levels to stabilise once temporary works impacting traffic have been completed, including the Cleveland Bridge renovation project. Skate park: A new Bath skatepark that was 12 years in the planning had to be “squiffed” into place at the last minute. Original plans for the L-shaped concrete bowl in Alice Park show it further from the sandpit and at a right angle to the £130,000 finished product that finally opened in May. The next focus for trustees will be to raise £200,000 to replace the “unfit

for purpose” play area to bring all ages together. Councillor Rob Appleyard told the council subcommittee that oversees the park on December 13: “We leased the council in the original plans a specific area of land for the skatepark. We were always aware there were going to be things that were going to impact it. “The contractors had to just squiff the skatepark somewhat. They had to accommodate tree roots.” Fellow Lambridge ward councillor, Joanna Wright, who spearheaded the campaign for the skatepark long before she was elected because there was nowhere nearby for her son to skate. Fashionable move: Plans to relocate Bath’s Fashion Museum to Milsom Street are uncertain after a political spat. West of England mayor Dan Norris accused council leader Kevin Guy and his regional counterparts of “blackmail” after they tried to secure the move and other “unrelated projects” in exchange for supporting a £50million green recovery fund. The Fashion Museum is leaving

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

the Assembly Rooms in 2022/23 after landlord the National Trust decided to enforce a break clause on the lease, so collection owner Bath and North East Somerset Council wants to find it a new high profile location. An amendment tabled at this month’s West of England Combined Authority meeting sought £3.5million for the new Milsom Quarter to “move from masterplan to delivery with early interventions and enabling infrastructure including the relocation of the Fashion Museum as an anchor to the renewal of Milsom Street as a cultural/creative district”. But Mr Norris told the meeting: “The three leaders’ amendment seeks to link the green recovery fund to other unrelated investment decisions not linked to the climate emergency. Frankly that is a form of blackmail, effectively saying ‘Earmark funds to these projects or we will block the recovery fund’.” The Weca members eventually agreed a compromise deal and voted through the £50million pot unanimously, without the long list of projects the council leaders had wanted Weca to commit money to.”

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January 2022

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n NEWS

Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme one step closer

By Stephen Sumner Local Democracy Reporter: Communities are being invited to help shape measures to reduce the dominance of vehicles in 15 neighbourhoods across Bath and North East Somerset. “Quick wins” could be fast tracked in January but the council is yet to confirm when the first schemes will be introduced, with consultation set to continue into next summer. Ideas from the first stage of engagement that opened this week will shape concept designs that will be considered by a cross-section of the community during a series of workshops. New measures could include reduced speeds, traffic calming, changes to junctions and crossings, residents’ parking zones and better cycle routes and storage. Deputy leader Sarah Warren, the cabinet member for climate and sustainable travel, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response so far from communities who’ve really got behind the idea of liveable neighbourhoods. “Of course, every community is different and has its own needs, so it’s important local people put forward their ideas to address the 20.qxp_Layout 11/09/2020 issues that affect 1 them and work with us to develop tailored liveable neighbourhood schemes that work for their area. “We also want people who live near the schemes to have their say and get involved in the design process, as it’s vital we understand and work to mitigate any potential impact on neighbouring areas.”

Conservative councillors have warned the liveable neighbourhood rollout will displace traffic, leading to higher levels of congestion and pollution and residents with mobility problems being disproportionately affected. Responding to the concerns in June, Cllr Warren said: “I would emphasise the importance of patience. In some instances we will need to hold our nerve. “Traffic displacement can be an issue in the first few days but over the weeks that follow a new pattern develops.” The council is set to spend £2.2million on the programme over the next two years and finance boss Richard Samuel said he was prepared to commit further funding into 2023/24. Following the consultation, the council will see in January if any scheme can be fast tracked to offer ‘quick wins’ for communities. The following month the codesign stage will begin, and then in March residents will be consulted on the concept designs. There will be a final public consultation next summer once technical designs have been drawn up. The consultation website does not say when the first 08:58 Page 1 liveable neighbourhoods will be introduced, although Cllr Warren said in June that “several schemes” would be installed by 2023 and designs completed on others so they can progress rapidly when funds and capacity permit. The council plans to look at other areas following the first phase but does not yet have a timetable

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Church Road in Widcombe is one of the potential Liveable Neighbourhoods for the work. The first 15 priority liveable neighbourhood schemes are: • Whitchurch & Queen Charlton (Publow with Whitchurch and Saltford) • Temple Cloud • Morris Lane/Bannerdown (Bathavon North) • Mount Road (Southdown) • Oldfield Lane & First/Second/Third Avenues • Edgerton Road/Cotswold Road (Moorlands) • (New) Sydney Place and Sydney Road (Bathwick) • Area bounded by Sydney Place, Great Pulteney Street, St Johns Road and Bathwick Street (Bathwick) • The Circus/Lower Lansdown/ Marlborough Lane & Building/ Royal Victoria Park/Cork Street area (Kingsmead & Lansdown) • Lyme Road/Charmouth Road (Newbridge) • Chelsea Road (Newbridge) • Snow Hill (Walcot)

Church St & Prior Park Rd (Widcombe & Lyncombe) • Entry Hill (Widcombe & Lyncombe) • Southlands (Weston) Entry Hill and the Church Street in Widcombe were being consulted in December before we went to press. The aim of a Liveable Neighbourhood is to reduce the dominance of vehicles in residential areas - particularly through-traffic while maintaining vehicle access to homes and businesses. This can be done through a range of measures including vehicle restrictions, traffic calming, one-way streets and residents’ parking zones. With fewer vehicles, more road space can be used to create safer opportunities for walking and cycling, ensuring fairer access to roads and encouraging more active, sustainable travel. Consideration can also be given to on-street electric vehicle charging to encourage the use of electric vehicles.

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January 2022

bathvoice

n NEWS

Compliant diesel lorries could be charged in the CAZ

By local democracy reporter Stephen Sumner: Clean air zone (CAZ): Banning massive lorries from crossing Cleveland Bridge could spark a costly legal challenge – but there may be another way writes local democracy reporter Stephen Sumner. Bath and North East Somerset Council leaders want to tweak the clean air zone so even the cleanest HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes would be charged to enter. The authority was given until the end of last year to cut nitrogen dioxide levels but roadworks on the bridge have been blamed for worsening air quality in the area. It “applauded” the businesses that have upgraded to Euro VI diesel trucks that would be charged under the proposals, which are expected to get a time-limited exemption. A report to last month’s cabinet meeting says the changes will improve air quality and the amenity of the grade II-listed Cleveland Bridge – which currently has an 18-tonne weight limit in place during £3.8million repairs expected to be completed in “early 2022” – and the wider World Heritage Site. The report says officers considered a traffic regulation order banning HGVs from using the bridge but such a unilateral decision would have faced local and national opposition and risked a costly legal challenge. There is still a credible risk of opposition or challenge to the changes to the clean air zone. Councillor Manda Rigby, the cabinet member for transport said: “The issue of heavy vehicles using this unique and historic city as a through-route has long been a

Councillor Manda Rigby

problem for residents. “And while we have made great strides in improving air quality in the city through the introduction of the clean air zone, there are still hotspots where pollution exceeds government targets particularly around Cleveland Place. “To improve air quality and protect the amenity of the city, we had considered restricting HGV movements over the bridge. However, this has the potential to divert traffic onto roads in neighbouring authorities. “I therefore welcome this opportunity to consider the recommendations to extend zone charges to the heavier Euro VI HGVs, and also to strengthen our transport policies.” The clean air zone currently charges high-emission vans, private hire vehicles and taxis £9 a day to enter, while drivers of noncompliant buses, coaches and HGVs have to pay £100. Private cars are not charged. Vehicles compliant with the Euro 6 diesel are also not charged which has brought confusion to those

taking to social media as these can be large articulated trucks. The report says the clean air zone may need to be “decommissioned or repurposed in line with local objectives” once nitrogen dioxide levels across the city are within the legal limit, so the proposed new charge “may only provide a short-term solution”. The changes are expected to cost £75,000 to implement. By local democracy reporter Stephen Sumner: High Streets: Tens of thousands of pounds could be spent sprucing up a village on the edge of Bath. Weston residents have been asked for their input ahead of a bid to the West of England Combined Authority’s Love Our High Streets fund following applications for Bath and Midsomer Norton. Ideas put forward at a consultation event on December 3 included better bike parking, tree planting, themed windows and the creation of a shop front design guide Interventions like changing the traffic flow or creating a permanent cafe culture are likely to be beyond the scope of the funding but will be passed on to Bath and North East Somerset Council’s highways team. Ward councillor Ruth Malloy

said: “I’m really pleased Weston is being offered some funding to help cheer the place up. “Some people were saying it’s only cosmetic. Other issues will come out of other budgets. We have to try to make changes when we get the opportunity. “Your lived environment makes a huge difference. “People think of Weston as a suburb on the way out of Bath but for a long time it was a separate village. It definitely has quite a strong identity. “It would be good if the High Street could become more of a focal point.” Examples of what could be possible from the funding shared by the council included painting and gardening, graffiti removal, colourful crossings, events and window installations. An event to discuss ideas for Mount Road is scheduled for 10am to noon on Monday, December 6, with Moorland Road’s to follow between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Thursday, December 9. Twerton’s High Street will also form part of the bid and officers said it is likely to get the lion’s share of the funding. Residents were invited to share their ideas in September. The improvements are set to be in place by 2023.

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January 2022

bathvoice

n LETTERS

Yes to 20mph speed limit I support the 20 mph speed limits around Bath, and wish it was a blanket arrangement on all roads. I suppose I see some merit in the US 25 mph idea, as slightly more likely to be adhered to, if, as I suppose, there is never going to be adequate monitoring of speed limits. On the other hand, the 20 mph limit is recognised in many places in the UK, and having a different speed limit could cause confusion. More cameras, pinch points and more speed bumps would help, but take capital expenditure, which is probably not available. I am frequently shocked and astonished at the speed of some cars and motorcycles around the Bear Flat area, and we witness daily cars and vans going well above 20 mph even down the Poets Corner avenues. Nick Francis, Bear Flat No to 20mph speed limit When the council originally proposed introducing a 20mph speed limit in my area and opened a public consultation I decided to do some research and found some advice to councils from the

Department for Transport before introducing 20mph limits, some Government sponsored reports on the subject and some analysis of the reports by various bodies and specialists. This led me to the conclusion that a blanket 20mph limit in my area would be contrary to Government advice and also would make the roads more dangerous. Four years later one of the national dailies raised a Freedom of Information request on all local councils and Bath responded with an admission that in just under half of the 20mph zones they introduced, serious and fatal accidents had increased. Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2012, is a statistical analysis but included an assessment of the causes of accidents. The DfT conclusion was that it showed that in 20mph zones, too much propaganda has been published about the survival rates for pedestrians struck at different speeds, and pedestrians take far less care crossing roads where lower limits are in place. Atkins Report which broke down the accidents into categories of Fatal, Serious, and Minor.

This showed that for any accident in a 30mph zone, the probability of being killed is 0.6%; in a 20mph zone, that probability rises to 0.75%. Similarly, for any accident in a 30mph zone, the probability of being seriously injured is 12%; in a 20mph zone, that probability rises to 16%. I believe that there is a role for 20mph speed limits but they should be location specific and not a blanket limit covering a wider area. Thus, a 20mph limit outside schools, and at other locations where extra care is needed such as outside hospitals, nurseries and nursing homes, serves to alert road users to the fact that there is a particular risk of accidents and above-average levels of concentration are needed. Jim Warren, Oldfield Park Please note: this letter has been drastically edited down in length for space reasons but still gives the nub of the writer’s points. Unnecessary car journeys It has been shown through many research projects that the act of ‘keeping traffic moving’ actually creates more traffic and increases the use of cars for short car

journeys. B&NES Council has already stated that data shows approximately 42% of all car journey in Bath are for journeys of less that 3km, and “Now, more than ever, we must encourage daily physical activity to help boost health and well-being.” The closure of Cleveland Bridge gives a rare opportunity to encourage the act of walking and cycling, but the cabinet member for transport is saying that “we need to keep transport moving”. This is a clear change of direction for transport in B&NES. The Joint Local Transport Policy (JLTP4) shows a clear commitment from B&NES at a regional level to enable walking and cycling, and it recognises that ‘the need to keep vehicles moving’ enables pollution, congestion and greater use of cars. I look forward to the council’s commitment to walking and cycling, and recognising that keeping traffic moving goes against the Climate Emergency. Cllr Joanna Wright, Lambridge Please note: this letter from last year has been edited for space reasons and to continue the debate on traffic in Bath

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January 2022

bathvoice

n SPORTS NEWS

Busy month for Bath City FC while Bath Lacrosse Club play away in Bristol Bath Rugby: An away fixture against London Irish on January 3, in the Gallagher English Premiership kicks off the New Year when a repeat of the same fixture in 2019 would be appreciated when Bath ran out 10-38 winners. Irish are struggling alongside Bath so this is a crucial one for the Blue Black and Whites to win. On January 9, Bath have their first home game at the Rec with another premiership clash this time with Worcester Warriors, while on January 15 they are away to La Rochelle in the European Championships Cup. Another cup game sees the team welcoming Leinster to Bath on January 22 with a league clash with Harlequins at the Rec on January 28. It is crunch time for the team as if things continue to slide then relegation to the Championship is a looming possibility. 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 is local rivals Chippenham Town on January 2, with an away game on Saturday January 8 against chelmsford City.

They head off up the M4 agains to Hemel Hempstead Town on January 15and again on the 25th January when they square up to Hampton and Richmond. There are also home games on January 22 with Eastbourne Borough and January 29 when they play Braintree Town at Twerton Park in what is a very busy month. If you’ve never been then pop along to the park for a game every bit as exciting as the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool but with a distinct Bathonian flavour and cheer on the Romans to victory. Bear Flat FC: The Bears look to consolidate their position in the third division of the Bath and District Sunday League. In January they play at home at the Sulis Club on the 9th against Lansdown Reserves and on the 16th when they entertain Heritage United Reserves. There’s an away game at Tormarton CC when they face Heritage United reserves on the 30th and a sort of away game back at Sulis Club when they play Two Weir Town. 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: Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club is a club for everyone whose strength is built on the diversity of its playing membership, its partnership with Bath University and the quality of the coaching and facilities that it has access to. the club has strong representation amongst Club, Student and Youth players and has strength in depth in playing numbers with 8 Mens, 5 Ladies, 2 Masters, 2 Indoor, 5 Summer League and 17 Junior teams. The Buccaneers are based at The University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY. See https:// www.teambathbuccaneers.co.uk/ about-the-club/ to join and pick up a stick and hit a ball. 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 are informal rides, mostly organised on email. 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. Bath Lacrosse Club: There are no games until January 15th when the team play Bristol Bombers in Cotswold division 1. They play at Odd Down Playing fields, Bloomfield Road, Bath BA2 2PR and to join see http://bathlacrosse.com/ wp/

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bathvoice

January 2022

n WHAT’S ON

Pantomimes and the Naked Civil Servant

Wednesdays Essentrics low-impact, therapeutic fitness class for men & women. Kingswood Sports Pavilion BA1 9BJ, 8.45-9.45am. Contact Catherine 07980 595440 Facebook: essentricswithcatherine

We can’t be sure there won’t be another Covid-19 crisis this month so do check with the venue before buying tickets Sat 1 Jan - 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. Continued from December. Sat 1-Sun 9 Jan. Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol. Oz. After a violent storm, a brave young girl finds herself lost in a world that bears no relation to her own. A magic land of potent poppy fields, ferocious flying monkeys and rogue rulers. Continued from December. Sat 1 Jan - Sat 8 Jan. Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Robin Hood and the Legend of the Forgotten Forest. The Wardrobe Ensemble team up with Bristol Old Vic for a fresh spin on the swashbuckling legend. Continued from December. Sat 1-Sun 8 Jan. Bath Ustinov Theatre. New Old Friends’ A

Christmas Getaway. Written and directed by Feargus Woods Dunlop, with Kirsty Cox, Emile Clarke, Eamonn Fleming, Sedona Rose in a comedy inspired by P.G. Wodehouse and Noël Coward. Continued from December. Mon10-Tue 11 Jan. Bath Ustinov Studio. The Late-ivity. Living Spit’s comedy take on the late regal trio of arrivals to the crib. Sat 1 Jan - Sun 16 Jan. Bath. Egg Theatre. Five Children and It. EE Nesbit’s classic children’s story about a strange creature that grants wishes. Continued from December. Fri 7 Jan - Sun 30 Jan. Bath. Milsom Place. Light Trail. A curated walk-through emmersive experience populated with interactive light based artworks. Wed 12 - Sat 22 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath. The Play What I

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Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope is on at the Rondo Theatre this month Wrote. David Pugh and Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre in which two actors set out to create a tribute show to Morecambe and Wise. By Hamish McColl and Sean Foley and Eddie Braben. Wed 12 Jan - 6 Sun Feb. Bath. Egg Theatre Bath. In this enchanting tale for the very young, winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world. Wed 19 - Sat 22 Jan. Bath Ustinov Theatre. Helen, along with 67 million other people, is in lockdown. Unfortunately Helen’s nearest neighbour, Mrs Delgado, is not. A funny and poignant new story of desire, control, raised blinds and lowered boundaries. Tue 25 - Sat 29 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mystery set on Dartmoor adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus. Mon 31 - Sun 5 Feb. Theatre Royal Bath. The Da Vinci Code. Mystery thriller based on Dan Brown’s imagination of how Biblical story was covered up. Wed 12 - Sun 16 Jan. Bath. Rondo Theatre. Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. Bath Drama present a pantomime mixing legend with fairy tales involving songs, jokes, romance and sword fights. One for all the family. Wed 19 Jan. Bath. Rondo Theatre. Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope. From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was openly gay as early as the 1930s,and despite beatings and hostility he refused to be anything less than himself. An inspiration to everyone who wants just to be themselves. Sat 22 Jan. Bath. Rondo Theatre. How to live a Jellicle Life. Life lessons form the 2019 hit

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

movie musical ‘Cats’. Awkward Productions with Linus Karp in the five star rated show. Sat 22 Jan. Combe Down. Jumble Sale. 2:30pm. Combe Down 10th Scout Group Jumble Sale. Bath Scout Hall, The Avenue. BA2 5EQ. Admission 50p. jumble@ combedownscouts.org.uk Mon 24 - Sat 29 Jan. Bath. Mission Theatre. Arrivals and Departures. Alan Ayckbourn’s drama about an anti-terror sting operation that goes wrong with hilarious consequences. a Next Stage production. Wed 26-Sun 30 Jan. Bristol Slapstick Festival. A celebrityled programme of live events, taking place at Bristol Cathedral, the Redgrave Theatre, St George’s Bristol and Watershed. The programme includes Arthur Smith, Armando Iannucci, Richard Herring, Jon Culshaw, Peter Lord, Bill Oddie, Arthur Smith, Tim Vine and Barry Cryer plus films screened at a number of venues. Thu 27-Sat 29 Jan. Bristol. Alma Theatre. Saving Britney. Inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, Saving Britney is a hilarious and heartbreaking look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early noughties. Fri 28 Jan. Bath. Chapel Arts Centre. Alex Voysey Blues Band – ‘Old Dogs New Tricks’. Four stunning musicians, breathtaking grooves and riffs, and a deep passion for blues. Sun 30 Jan. Bath. Komedia. Samantha Fish. The genrebending guitarist, singer, and songwriter is set to rock the Bath venue.

Cinderella plays at the Theatre Royal Bath this month

January 2022

bathvoice

Advertising Feature

A ‘New You’ for ’22 If you’re ready to make 2022 the year that you take control, lose weight, get fitter and gain confidence, read on. Here are seven secrets of success – all backed up by the latest research into weight loss and behaviour change, from local weight loss experts from Slimming World. 1 Don’t go hungry: Research shows that by basing your diet on low energy dense foods, like fruit and veg, and foods that are most filling – or satiating – like lean meat, fish, eggs, pasta and potatoes, you can actually eat a larger amount of food and feel more satisfied while losing weight. 2 It’s OK to walk before you run: Finding an enjoyable, achievable, and sustainable way of building new active habits into your routine is key

– anything that gets you moving more, from heavy gardening or vigorous housework to brisk walking, dancing, cycling, or playing frisbee in the park, counts. 3 Be kind to yourself: A Slimming World survey showed that when slimmers did have a slip up, being self-critical was more likely to lead to comfort eating and giving up completely. So, cut yourself some slack! 4 Set a goal: It’s hard to achieve a goal if you don’t set it out clearly in the first place. As well as setting an overall weight loss target, set a mini goal every week – whether it’s to lose weight, to get more active, to plan ahead or to try something new.

5 Don’t opt for a quick fix: It’s no secret that many people find losing weight far easier than keeping it off long-term. To avoid becoming trapped in a yo-yo diet cycle, it’s important to approach weight loss as a permanent change to your lifestyle. 6 Strike a balance: An all-or-nothing approach is rarely effective when it comes to weight loss. A little bit of what you fancy is key! 7 You don’t have to go it alone: Studies show that embarking on your weight loss journey alongside other slimmers brings more success than going it alone. To find out more about Slimming World and how to join, visit slimmingworld.co.uk

n NEWS

Trees, benches and meeting places at the revitalised Oval By Harry Mottram. A green space in Bath that was once neglected and unloved has been given a new life by a group of public spirited residents. Hannah Cameron McKenna (pictured) who lives close to the Oval which lies off Englishcombe Lane and has helped to organise a community initiative to restore the park. “Older residents remember

when the Oval was really nice with a place for picnics or just to get some fresh air,” she said, “but then it became neglected and people didn’t use it.” She said that the residents got together to initially do a litter pick organised on social media filling up 20 bags on the first litter pick. Curo and Idverde helped out with funding and practical help to

provide the trees which have since been planted plus a meeting area made of tree trunks and noticeboard and bench with plans for more planting seating areas. “Since we highlighted the issue

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

of dog mess things improved, said Hannah, “and since then the problem got better so people do clear up after their dogs making it a much nicer place. And it has lovely views across Bath.”

bathvoice

January 2022

Your ‘home’ from home Situated within The Chocolate Quarter, St Monica Trust’s award-winning retirement village, Charterhouse care home is now providing specialist residential care for older people living in Bristol and Bath. Sarah Kritikos, Care Home Admissions Manager discusses what residential care is and what living in your ‘home from home’ is like. What is residential care? Residential care at Charterhouse is for older people who need help with daily living tasks, but don't need specialist nursing or dementia care. This can include personal care, dressing, eating and also providing physical therapy. Residential care is the perfect way to stay independent whilst having the peace of mind that 24 hour support from a dedicated team of care professionals gives. What is the difference between residential care and nursing care? Imagine residential care as being more like living in your own home where our care and support staff are there to assist you as you go about your day. As the name suggests, nursing care is for older people who require nurses to administer medication and treatments for more complex conditions in addition to being assisted with everyday tasks.

What happens if someone develops nursing needs while receiving residential care? In addition to offering residential care, Charterhouse also offers nursing care and nursing dementia care, so there is the opportunity to move within the wider care home should your health circumstances change.

Our care is person-centred around how each individual resident wants to spend their day. Some of us like a lie-in, while others like to be up to watch the What is included with sunrise. Some of us may enjoy residential care? eating with friends or you might Residential care at Charterhouse prefer to eat your meals in the includes support from our comfort of your own room. trained care workers, all activities However you wish to spend your in our homes, pastoral care day is entirely up to you. service, physiotherapy, all food and drink, laundry, heating, When should someone move lighting and phone line rental. into a residential care home?

What is a typical day like in a residential care home? We always make point of saying that there’s no such things as a typical day in a residential care. Providing the right care for yourself or a loved-one starts before admission. The secret is getting to know the resident and their family as well as we do our own and everything we learn about you goes into your care plan.

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, as everyone’s circumstances are different. It could be that you reach a point where you are finding it increasingly difficult to live at home, even with support from professional carers, family and friends. Equally, you could be the daughter, son, friend or partner of an older person and you’re realising that you are no longer able to provide the level

of support they need or you are concerned about their well-being. Sometimes it could be the

result of an unexpected crisis. We also have residents who planned years in advance for when they would like to move into a residential care home and have chosen where they would like to go in advance. Whatever your circumstances, our friendly and experienced admissions team will answer all your questions to make sure you or your loved one gets the right care. We are here to make your journey as stress free and easy as possible - helping you every step of the way from your first call to your first night in a St Monica Trust care home.

For more information on residential care at Charterhouse, please call 0800 952 0300 or email residentialcare@stmonicatrust.org.uk St Monica Trust, Cote Lane, Bristol, BS9 3UN. Registered charity number 202151.

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

January 2022

bathvoice

n NEWS

Concern at shock takeover of Virgin Care weeks after £54m contract By local democracy reporter Stephen Sumner: Virgin Care’s £54million-a-year contract to deliver health and care services in Bath and North East Somerset could be withdrawn after its shock takeover. Councillors, clinicians and staff only learned on December 1, the business had been acquired by private equity firm Twenty20 and will be rebranded as HCRG Care Group. Council leader Kevin Guy said the three-year extension jointly agreed with the BANES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group last month was not fully signed and they could pull out. HCRG Care Group said the announcement was made as soon as possible after the change of ownership was agreed and residents will see no difference in the care they receive, with the same staff and leadership in place. Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol, Councillor Guy said: “We were informed of this at the same time as Virgin Care employees. During our entire negotiation period to extend the contract by three years we weren’t made aware of these negotiations, which were clearly going on. That’s a disappointment. That’s me using very politically correct language. It’s very likely that somebody made a decision not to inform us of that process. They

would probably say it was to do with shareholder confidentiality. It’s probably not my place to comment as the news is so recent on whether they did mislead us.” Councillor Guy said the council and CCG were looking at the options available. Asked if they could pull out of the deal, he said: “That option is always on the table. BANES Council and the BSW CCG said in a joint statement: “We were told of the acquisition of Virgin Care on the morning of December 1. “We now want to carefully consider this announcement and any impact on the contract it may have. We are working together and cannot comment further at this time.” Virgin Care became the first private company to take over adult social care services when it signed the deal with the council and CCG in 2016. It is currently responsible for two community hospitals, outpatients’ clinics, school nursing and immunisation services, plus wellbeing services and some social care services. A report to cabinet members said the firm was keen to secure the extension to 2027 – which will see it secure £558million from the public purse over the full 10 years – and it could have challenged the decision if the council and CCG refused.

Councillors were told a replacement for Virgin Care would be hard to find and the process would cost nearly £1million. Speaking as cabinet members agreed to extend the contract, councillorDine Romero said colleagues may have an “ideological aversion to a private business being part of health and care provision” but it was “not the time to make any extreme changes merely on a point of principle”. She said Virgin Care had “stepped up to the plate” during the pandemic. Reacting to the takeover, health scrutiny panel member Liz Hardman said: “I have no doubt that one of the reasons that councillors were not told about the plans is that if we had known we would have raised the strongest possible objection to them and would have been unlikely to agree to an extension of the contract. “The takeover demonstrates once again the dangers of outsourcing vital services to the private sector – the council pays for the services but loses all control over how they are provided. “Private equity companies suck whatever profit they can out of a contract and this will be at the expense of health and social care services provided to Bath and North East Somerset residents. I will be challenging the legal basis for this decision.” Virgin Group has invested £75million

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into Virgin Care since acquiring it in 2010 but said it had never taken a penny from the business, committing instead to reinvest any returns back into the company and its front-line services. Campaign group Protect our NHS voiced concerns the takeover could mean cuts in staff and services to boost profits. A spokesperson said: “Protect our NHS has consistently opposed the privatisation of health and care services. This latest development confirms all our worst fears.” HCRG Care Group said there would be no changes to frontline services – its contracts remain as they are, delivering our plans agreed with local commissioners. Virgin Care boss Dr Vivienne McVey, who will stay on as chief executive after the rebrand, said: “What is most important to emphasise is that although our owner has changed and our name has changed, everything else remains the same and I continue to lead the same team, committed to continuing to work with the council, CCG, our colleagues and the community to deliver exemplary health and care services in Bath and North East Somerset. “I want to assure councillor Guy and others that they will be working with the same team, with the same ethos and commitment to the contract we have agreed and our joint plan.”

January 2022

bathvoice

n LOCAL HISTORY

In the footsteps of serfs, farm workers and Henry Dagger By Harry Mottram. Regular readers of Bath Voice will have been kept informed of the work of the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields. The Friends of the fields have been busy toiling in the five fields over the last few months and in that activity they are treading in the footsteps of countless farm workers and before them serfs On their website the Friends have a section on the history of the land - and had a talk online last year to illustrate the heritage of the land where a farm existed until the 20th century. Little is known of the site before the Saxon era in the early Medieval period although evidence of occupation of Bath dates to around 9,500 BCE and of course the Ancient British lived near the hot springs when the Romans arrived. Certainly the fields would have been woodland until Saxon farmers began to clearly the forests around Bath.

In their history of the fields the Friends report: “The area of Lyncombe and Widcombe (with its centre at Cliftune, believed to be a settlement below Beechen Cliff was granted to Bath Priory by King Edgar in the year 970.” Following the arrival of the Normans in 1066 land records began to be kept efficiently. We learn that in the Domesday Book of 1086, the area is named as Lincome. Moving on to the Tudor era the village of Lyncombe has a manor house called Lyncombe Hall in Lyncombe Vale. The history reports: “In 1539 the Priory, along with all such religious institutions in England, was dissolved by Henry VIII and the land passed to the ownership of the Crown. “By the beginning of the 17th century, Hugh Sexey had bought the manor outright and, when he died in 1610, the trustees of the estate as well as founding a

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The fields today are being cared for by the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields

hospital in his name, (also known as Bruton Hospital), sold property from the various estates.” During the Norman period it is likely the fields would have likely have been rough grazing with coppicing of the woods - all worked by serfs and later freemen in employ of the local landowners. Moving into the 17th and 18th centuries farming had become established with the early 19th century a farm had been established in corner of the field closest to Greenway Lane where ruined parts remain. By the 19th century the farm called Lyncombe Hill Farm, (and Greenway Farm) was prospering with dairy cows, pigs and poultry and run by Henry Dagger. The farm supplied milk to the villagers and to the growing number of houses appearing up the lane and in Bear Flat. After his death the farm was run by Edward Millwater and then Henry Brooke. It had grown to a much larger site than the five fields that remain today stretching to 21 acres (8.5 ha) complete with a house and farm buildings. By the 20th century the land had become of interest to the city council with plans for a school on the farm which eventually came to fruition in 1931 when the foundation stone for what became Beechen Cliff school was laid although not on the sloping fileds but on the land above where it now lies. The development of houses further encroached on the former farmland leaving an increasingly smaller site with the city council acquiring the remaining fields in 1938. The Field’s website reported: “In 1941 two acres of the land was

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An artist’s impression of how the farm looked in 1800 with acknowledgements to Bath In Time - and for the plan of the farm

turned into allotments for the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. “The 10 acres of Lyncombe Hill Farm for which a Licence to manage was awarded to the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields on September 1st 2020 are therefore a reminder of what until the start of the 20th Century comprised around 90 acres of prime farmland within the area defined by Lyncombe Hill, Greenway Lane, Entry Hill, Wellsway and the north face of Beechen Cliff. “Roughly half of these 90 acres has had houses built on it, but the other half of the total site (including Alexandra Park which opened in 1901, and the rights of way across Beechen Cliff school) is still available to be enjoyed by all of us.” In 2018 the land was being used for grazing but when the lease expired a group of residents put together the idea of turning the fields into the community asset open to all and an area of conservation and recreation.

January 2022

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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.

For younger readers

1 3 2 4 7 4 1 2 5 6 7 8 9

5 7

6 8 8 7

6 1

R H

A 7

I I

R 4

Word Scramble answers Clock, goals, party, holiday, balloons, midnight, countdown, fireworks, celebration, resolutions

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Across 1 24647 (5) 5 247 (3) 6 724 (3) 7 767 (3) 8 766282 (6) 10 729 (3) 11747273 (6)

3 5

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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.

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January 2022

bathvoice

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Happy New Year from Bath & North East Somerset Libraries!

Adult Fiction The Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett This is a sprawling epic of a novel and just right to delve into on a cold January day. It is set in medieval England, 1135 and is the first novel in The Kingsbridge series. The story centres around two men – Tom Builder, an ambitious master mason who dreams of building a magnificent cathedral and Philip, a monk, who might be the man to help in fulfilling his dream. This is all in the background of an England beset by war and poverty. So family fortunes rise and fall and as Kingsbridge Cathedral’s takes shape there is the ever present battle between the Church and the State

and brother set against brother.

simple stitches.

Ken Follet is a master of storytelling and creates great characters from Tom’s family, devoted but resourceful Philip to the haunted Lady Aliena who harbours a shameful secret. He also creates a wonderful medieval town in Kingsbridge – with all its smells and mud. A classic masterpiece – do not be put off by the size of this book !

Once the basics are learnt, the book turns to more complex skills such as shaping and using two colours. Packed with great colour pictures and handy snippets of information this is a must-have book for beginners as well as a valuable reference tool for more experienced knitters. Also look out for more specific knitting books upstairs in Keynsham Library in the Arts & Crafts section.

Adult Non-Fiction Start Knitting – Betty Barnden Fancy embarking on a new hobby in 2022 – then why not try your hand at knitting. This simple book gives very clear guidelines to hand knitting, what equipment is needed, what balls of wool to use and how to hold the needles, plus

Care in your own home No need for an expensive care home

The Sugar Brain Fix - Dr Mike Dow, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant Step into a new challenge for 2022. I must admit I thought I found a book on research about brain and sugar addictions, but I was quite disappointed when it turned out to be a Diet book. It is written by an American doctor, so it addresses a big issue in the USA. The average adult daily sugar intake there is double the amount from what is recommended on the World Health Organisation. He helps the public to understand what are the different sugars, where they are hidden and how to tackle the problem of obesity. Surely it can be very helpful for

the chap with the most smelliest feet; Harriet Hurry, who is just so fast and finally Supermum who carries a toilet brush and mop and wears some unusual clothes. Hilarious! The Tiger who Came to Tea - Judith Kerr, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant In our reviews about timeless children classic, this book is a must. Sophie and her Mother are about to have Tea when an unexpected visitor, well you must have guessed, a tiger! Is inviting himself for tea. Watch how he raids the fridge and eats all the meal without sharing. It makes you smile; you surely know some little angry tigers around you who lost the notion of sharing when it comes to food. I love how Sophie’s mother doesn’t seem to be disturbed the slightest by the visitor. My mother used to cook for ten even if we were less than that around the table, I should ask her now, was she expecting a tiger?

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

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January 2022

bathvoice

n FEATURE

A short (and hidden) history of women's rugby union By Harry Mottram: Despite over 130 years of rugby union played by a wide variety of club teams in Bristol currently it is Bristol Bears Womens' rugby team who are the most successful this season in the top flight although Bath Rugby Ladies are enjoying the second rung of the national league in the Championship. The female side of the game has for long been in the shadows of the male fifteens partly due to sexism and partly due to historically games such as tennis and hockey were seen as the preserve of the so-called fairer sex. This as we know is rubbish as I can testify with a female relative playing at a very high level in the women's game. Although women have long wanted to play the running game it wasn't until 1984 when Clifton Ladies RFC was founded, before changing their name to Bristol Ladies and eventually Bristol Bears. Surprisingly the history of women's rugby dates to the 19th century and due to prejudice has been ignored by mainly male sports

commentators. De Monfort University's Professor Tony Collins said: " The story of women and rugby has been hidden from history. Women have played a huge part in the sport, whether it is playing the game, organising it or supporting it." The Leicester academic said the first known female rugby player was a schoolgirl called Emily Valentine, who played in a team formed by her brothers at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, where her father was the headmaster. She is recorded as scoring a try in a match held in 1887. Four years later there was even an international between England and Scotland women revealing that even in Victorian Britain feminists were breaking out of the social restrictions of the time. The main drivers of female rugby were to be found In New Zealand and universities where women keen on sport tried out various sports through college clubs. In the land of the Long White

A cigarette card from 1895 celebrating the female game of rugby - who said it was only a recent trend?

Cloud down under women were playing the game with inter club competitions taking place by the turn of the 20th century. In the 1920s as women's football took off rugby was making inroads as well especially in Wales and France. It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s with the sexual revolution heralded by changes in attitudes, the Equalities legislation and the increase in leisure time and attendance by women in higher education that the female game began to flourish. In 1983 the Women’s Rugby Football Union (WRFU) was founded with ten clubs including

nLOCAL SERVICES AERIALS

Leicester Polytechnic with home internationals starting in 1996 followed by the Six Nations in 2007. The game has come a long way since those Victorian women picked up the oval ball and ran down to the pitch but with the world cup set for later this year the game has come of age. NOTE: Bath Rugby Ladies consist of multiple teams; 1st XV, playing in the Championship, 2nd XV in the National Challenge 1 and a 3rd XV in the Inner Warrior Series. The club is also home to the Bath Ladies Trojans, the first all-female mixed ability team, welcoming those with learning and physical disabilities. See: www.bathrugbyladies.com/ STOP PRESS: In a slice of rugby history Walcats Girls RFC played at Combe Down on December 18th, to become the first female team to play on the ground. A large crowd turned out to see the U15s play Broad Plain and Kingswood from Bristol in closely contested encounters with 15 aside. Coach Natalie Spooner said the girls played brilliantly and the club would continue to develop the three teams of U12s, U15s and U18s. For details visit thee club social media sites.

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