bathvoice May 2022 No. 27
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Sports News in brief Page 6 Tiny forest Page 9 Mary Shelley Page 11 What’s On Page 16-17 Bloody battle of Lansdown Page 10
Bath City Farm seeks new trustees to join the board It’s an unusual role - to be part of the governance of the city’s very own community farm. Yes, Bath City Farm is looking for a new Chair of Trustees plus two additional Trustees to join the board. It comes at a time when the farm is entering a new era with a new three year strategy outlined to “create a healthy community rooted in nature, food, farming and each other.” The farm also has some new visitors in the shape of 20 cows form Newton Farm for conservation grazing on the 27 acre site. For details of the roles available visit http://bathcityfarm.org.uk/
Kind families welcome refugees from war torn Ukraine to Bath By Harry Mottram. Two themes have emerged in Bath and across the country concerning the arrival (or non-arrival) of Ukrainian refugees. One is the huge generosity of Bathonians and British residents in welcoming those fleeing the war in Ukraine and the second is
the frustration at the paperwork that is involved to grant them visas. The BBC reported on the case of Tamara Sturtz-Filby in Bath who has invited Alina, 32, and her son Artem, 2, from Kharkiv to live with her but after three weeks of waiting felt frustrated by the
bureaucracy leaving the couple stranded in Hungary. They reported she said: “It’s been very frustrating. They’re in limbo and have been incredibly patient. I just want them to be here now. They want to be here, we want them here so they can get Continued on page 3
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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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n NEWS Bath opens its arms to Ukrainians fleeing the carnage in their homeland Continued from page 1 on with the next bit of their lives.” The Homes for Ukraine launched by the Government has been heavily criticised for being too slow and poorly administered although the authorities say they have now ‘streamlined’ it to make it easier to use. Scores of adults and children have been granted the visas in B&NES with more to follow with the Council keen to help. Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children, Young People, Communities and Culture said: “It’s heart-breaking to see families torn apart by the conflict and fleeing their country with few possessions and little means of support, but the compassion shown by people across Bath & North East Somerset in offering up space in their homes to those escaping the horrors of the war has been overwhelming. “The council’s role is to ensure
the Homes for Ukraine scheme is safe, runs as smoothly as possible and benefits all those involved. We appreciate the frustrations of sponsors over how long the Home Office is taking to process visa applications, but we are ready to welcome and support those fleeing the conflict. We’ve worked quickly and efficiently to inspect homes, carry out DBS checks and put in place payment mechanisms for sponsors. “We’re offering advice on how to apply for school places, register with a GP and access council services. We’re also carrying out post arrival health and wellbeing checks and signposting sponsors and refugees to education and training providers and other support services. “As well as the Homes For Ukraine arrivals, we know that there are also a number of people arriving in B&NES under the Family Visa Scheme - and we are offering support to people to support if they need it.”
Mykola Katrechko (left) was reunited with his daughter Olena Shackell and grandchildren at Bristol Airport. Pic: BBC
Another familiy in Bath whose grandfather Mykola Katrechko was a volunteer in a Ukrainian orphanage have been reunited. The BBC reported his daughter Olena said he was very modest about his actions in helping the orphans escape their accommodation when it was bombed. She said that he, along
with many of her friends and relatives, hoped to return to their homes in Ukraine one day. The UK has granted 25,500 visas to Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of March, 22,800 of which have been issued to people hoping to join relatives in the UK under the Ukraine Family scheme reports The Guardian.
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May 2022
n NEWS IN BRIEF Sydney Gardens: A new play zone has been opened at Sydney Gardens featuring an extra-high swing, double slides and a castle for imaginative play. The play area has four zones to cater for all ages and abilities and has been created as part of the £3.4m park restoration project being carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The new equipment also includes an enclosed panna ring for football, a ping pong table, and a range of swings including one for accessible use. One of the two embankment slides is wide for twins, or for carers and disabled users, to enjoy together. Pupils from Bathwick St. Mary’s Church School were the first to try out the new equipment last month as part of their morning playtime before the play area officially opened to the public. Cllr Jess David, said: “Sydney Gardens is a historically important, special place that offers tranquillity and beauty in the heart of the city. The restoration will mean the gardens can be enjoyed by people of all ages for
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Councillor Jess David and children at the reopening of Sydney Gardens’ revamped play zone
generations to come.” Kevin Purkiss, Headteacher at Bathwick St. Mary’s Church School, was equally delighted allowing his pupils an early chance to try out the equipment. Wessex Water are installing a free water refill point alongside the play area and this will be open for public use soon. The play area will need to close temporarily during the first week of June so that the basketball and tennis courts can be painted,
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along with final path surfacing. The Lower Tennis Courts will remain closed until they have been painted. The Loggia, Minerva’s Temple and the Edwardian toilets have been restored and the tennis courts refurbished. There is also a new boules terrain. A new Community Pavilion for community, educational and creative use has been created, alongside refurbished toilets. A new entrance has been created off the Warminster Road. The old electricity substation has been refurbished for use by the gardening team and their volunteers. Cycle lanes: Segregated cycle lanes will be created and improvements made for pedestrians along the A4 Upper Bristol Road and A36 Beckford Road. It follows feedback received on the changes to parking restrictions that are required to create segregated cycle lanes along both routes. A majority of more than 500 residents and businesses commented on the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) advertised last year. They agreed with safer cycling lanes but also raised concerns over the loss of on-street parking. Dog news: Big Issue vendor Ian Duff who lost his pet dog on Christmas Day has got a new four legged friend called Trigger reports Bath Live. Ian sells the magazine outside Waitrose in the city centre, was left heart-broken following the death of pointer springer Boycie reported Bath Live. The news site said: “Ian’s customers raised more than £600 to help him after they heard the tragic news. Boycie had accompanied Ian on his pitch for 13 years before his death at the end of last year. “The vendor penned a touching tribute to 16-year-old Boycie in The Big Issue magazine back in January.” The Big Issue newspaper was
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in 1991 to give the homeless a way out and a chance to rebuild their lives. To support The Big Issue and its network of self-employed 1,300 vendors who are helped out of poverty and homelessness by selling the publication buy a copy or buy a subscription at www.bigissue. com/subscribe. Entry Hill: The Council’s report on Liveable Neighbourhoods (LNs) in Bath has been published following feedback from residents. Entry Hill residents were asked about their main concerns and they were overwhelmingly in favour of some form of traffic calming to combat the perils of through traffic using the road which narrows near the Devonshire Arms. Parking in that section is also a problem as the pavements are narrow meaning pedestrians and children are forced on occasion into the road. Other areas under consideration are: Oldfield Park, Bath: Oldfield Lane and First, Second and Third Avenue along with Moorlands, Bath: Edgerton Road and Cotswold Road. See https://newsroom. bathnes.gov.uk/news/next-stepsliveable-neighbourhoods Birdwatching news: The Bath & District Local Group for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have reported on a field trip to Lansdown in March. The trip was led by Dave Newman and Bryan Cook and in total the 22-strong group spotted 33 species of our feathered friends. Before the trip had properly begun the members had seen blue tits, a kestral and dunnocks. The report on their website said: “On the grass verge looking over the field through the gaps in the trees we spent time looking at the winter thrushes, Redwings and Fieldfares along with Goldfinches and Chaffinches feeding on the ground. It was also nice to hear of number of Greenfinch calling and eventually everyone saw these as well.” Stonechats, skylarks, buzzards and a flock of golden plovers were also spotted along with a sparrow hawk looking out for a meal which could have been a yellowhammer or a pied wagtail that were seen on the trip. The group is part of the RSPB and is based at St. Andrews Community Church. To join visit https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/ bath/about/
May 2022
bathvoice
n ART NEWS Bear Flat art: The Bear Flat Artists Open Studios 2022 is a free event and runs from Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 May, 11am – 6pm. More than 30 artists open their studio doors or create a pop-up exhibition at this year’s trail. Visitors can expect to see a dynamic mix of painting, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, photography, wood turning, glass, illustration, upholstery, and other media. The weekend is a chance to meet the artists in their place of work, find out about the many processes involved, and browse or buy original artwork direct in a relaxed setting. Artists taking part this year include ceramicists Kate Marshall and Esther Norman in Shelley Road. Nearby is photography by Pey Oh with watercolours by Bea Colborne. Down to Shakespeare Avenue for the work of two abstract artists, Maggie Simonsen and Lindy Dickins. On Chaucer Avenue Ben Hughes shows his oil paintings. There are six venues in Longfellow Avenue. At the top is printmaker James Nunn, then along to see photographer Helena Miscioscia and illustrator Simon Gardner. Lower down is ceramicist
Bea Colborne is opening her studio as part of the Bear Flat Artists’ Open Studio in May
Claire Hubble who hosts illustrator Sammy Hayward and ceramicist Josie Phillips. Nearby is photographer James Fox, and ceramicist Yvonne Elston and jeweller Karen Parker. Opposite is painter Jason Forster. Head up the Wellsway for Catherine Day’s ceramics studio and along Greenway Lane to find Matt
Roberts photography. A little further afield is painter Jonny Verrell at the top of Bloomfield Road. Then, head down to Hensley Road for Tamara Penwell’s iconography and on to Bloomfield Road for Sally Pollitzer’s prints and paintings (Sunday only). Through the park to Maple Gardens to see Suzanne Baginski’s fused glass and
5 Catherine Coffin’s jewellery. Nearby in Bloomfield Avenue is wood turning by Roly Prosser. Walking back to the Wellsway, find upholstery at Julia Davey’s interiors shop. Newly refurbished, The Bear Inn hosts Richard Gardiner’s paintings. The Methodist Church Hall displays work by local amateur artists, Circle Art Group. A short walk down to Upper Oldfield Road for lino cuts by Robina Clifford, mixed media by Emma Ayes and photography by Nick Miners. Lower Oldfield Road brings visitors to see paintings by Kristine O’Connor and glass by KT Black. New artists to this year’s trail include photographer Helena Miscioscia, illustrator Simon Gardner, painters Jason Forster and Jonny Verrell. Go to www.bearflatartists.co.uk for more information including artists’ statements and three additional images of their work. A trail map can be downloaded. Brochures are also available in shops and galleries locally. Check @bearflatartists for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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May 2022
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n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF
Bath Rugby Club: The club play in the Gallagher English Premiership - a slightly uphill task at the moment - but hope springs eternal. They square up to London Irish on May 21 at the Rec with a match away at Worcester Warriors on June 4. The once invincible team sit at the bottom of the league table however there is no relegation this of next season with the league expanded to 14 teams. In the 2022-23 season there will be a play-off between the top team in the Championship and the bottom team in the Premiership with automatic relegation in the following season - assuming the RFU does not change its mind. Bath Rugby Ladies: The women have three 15s with the first team in the Women’s Championship South 1 - the second tier of the league system. Training is at Lambridge training ground, and the club welcomes new players and those interested in the sport but have never played. Bath City FC: The Romans play in the Vanarama National League Division South at their home in Twerton Park. They conclude the season with a home match on Saturday, May 7, against Oxford
City. KO 3pm. Bath City Youth Women FC: The Bath City Youth Women play in the Wiltshire County Women & Girls League. The next home fixture is also the last this season when the women take on Chippenham at the Odd Down Sports Ground on pitch number one on May 1. KO 2pm. Bear Flat FC: The Bears look to consolidate their position in the third division of the Bath and District Sunday League with wins against Keynsham Rangers and Team Nathan AFC reserves. Netball: Team Bath have a home game this month in the Vitality Super League against Wasps on Friday 20th May, otherwise they have away matches against Manchester, Loughborough and Saracens. Netball 2: The Royal High School is host to a thriving netball league on Wednesday evenings - ideal for beginners as well as those of a higher standard. See https://www. play-netball.co.uk/bath/ for details of how to take part. Cricket 1: Bath Bear Flat Cricket Club play at the Glasshouse Playing Fields. They play Calne on the 14th and are away to Malmesbury on the 7th May.
Cricket 2: Bath Cricket Club play at North Parade Bridge Road with their First XI taking on this month at home: Clevedon 7th; and Chippenham on the 28th May. Cricket 3: Somerset County Cricket. Many in Bath remain loyal to Somerset when the city was fully part of the county. The County Championship returns to a two-division structure with the opening seven rounds of the County Championship played from Thursday to Sunday on successive weeks during June and July with the final round in September. Somerset are in Division one and play Hampshire at home on May 19 in the LV Insurance County Championship. They are away to Gloucester in the championship on the 12th - just a short trip up the M5 for fans. On Friday May 27th they play a Development XI from Sri Lanka reviving memories of the World Cup clash with England at the county ground in 1983. In the Vitality Blast competition they play Essex Eagles on Sunday 29th May, and Hampshire away the following day with Sussex at home on June 1 and Glamorgan also at Neville Road on June 3.
Tennis: Bloomfield Tennis Club was founded in 1927 and is located at 98 Wellsway, Bath. The club welcomes new members. To join visit https:// clubspark.lta.org.uk/ BloomfieldTennisClub Tennis 2: Bath Tennis Club is at Park Lane, Weston, and bills itself at a friendly club. The club has a number of membership categories ranging from pay as you go to full membership at £275 for the year. For details visit www.bathtc.co.uk Swimming: Bath Sports and Leisure Centre at North Parade features a 25 metre pool and a new teaching pool for beginners. Cycling: Bath Cycle Club have various Club Runs for all levels of fitness. They also have members who compete in local National B, Regional A and Regional B races, with several 2nd Cat, 3rd Cats, new and upcoming 4th Cat riders. They are blessed with the many local criterium races with the purpose built circuit at Odd Down in Bath as well as weekly races at Castle Combe, Thruxton, and at Maindy – it is possible to race 2 or 3 times a week through the season. New members welcome - of all abilities. Visit bathcc.net for details.
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To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
May 2022
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n NEWS
Bridge repairs continue as technical problems revealed By Harry Mottram: As you enter Bath by road it is hard not to notice the signs saying Cleveland Bridge remains only partly open and is blocked to heavy vehicles. The repairs to the Grade II listed structure have continued through the autumn, winter and spring with no completion date in sight. Initially it was due to be closed to traffic for 12 weeks during last summer but once engineers got to work they discovered a number of problems including corrosion and structural damage which threatened the bridge’s viability. The bridge has remained open throughout the works to pedestrians and cyclists and partly reopened in the winter to light traffic albeit with a traffic light system. Fast forward to this year as the work continued where previously hidden, unexpected and severe corrosion on a critical section of the structure was discovered by contractors carrying out repairs in January.
An independent engineering report revealed severe corrosion when sections of concrete were removed from the hanger bars, which support the main trusses of the 200-year-old bridge. The Council reported: “The bars are not commonly found in bridges and the engineering solution to repair the unique hanger bars, which would allow the bridge to fully reopen, is proving a technical challenge without radically altering the Grade II* structure. Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “The ongoing safety of users of the bridge and those living nearby is of overriding importance and assessments have confirmed that the bridge can remain open using the current traffic arrangements. “However, the issue is serious enough to risk structural failure of the bridge were it to reopen to all vehicles before repairs are carried out and if you read the latest report there is not an obvious fix to allow the bridge to reopen fully.”
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The Council said the current traffic management at the bridge will remain in place. Pedestrians, cyclists and cars can use the bridge under signals and an exception has been made for emergency vehicles, which can access the bridge via a gate specifically for their use. The bridge is supported by four concrete trusses suspended from hanger bars, which are suspended steel rods that hold up each truss. (pictured). These supports are needed to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge. The hanger bars have been subject to visual examinations over a number of years, and a preliminary assessment from the
technical team stated that they only required painting and cleaning. However, while preparing to undertake work on truss four, tests at the base of the hanger bars identified the need for further investigation. The concrete was then removed, which revealed the hanger bars were severely corroded. Engineers are now assessing an option for installing putting a bearing under the truss to support the weight of the bridge, but this needs detailed assessment because it will alter other load paths on the abutments and bridge. More news about the bridge can be found on the Council’s website under ‘renovation-project.’
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May 2022
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Appeal for memories and photographs of the social club By Harry Mottram: Step inside Widcombe Social Club today and you’ll experience a modern venue with a bar, dance floor, stage, meeting rooms and dining facilities. Whether the original members back in 1899 would recognise its fittings and fixtures is unlikely as back then it was located at 25 Cleverton Buildings. But those with memories that aren’t quite as long may recall the club when it opened in 1970 at the bottom of Widcombe Hill through to its demolition in 2012 when it was rebuilt reopening in 2016. Those 42 years hold memories for many locals who had parties there, held wedding breakfasts there or played darts and snooker at the club. Nella Stokes of the Club said she was seeking memories and photographs from residents who recalled those days when it was a slightly different venue compared to the one today. She said: “We realise that the old Widcombe Social Club was very dear to the hearts of many people in Bath and in order to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee we would
How the club once looked like: do you have memories and photos from back in the day?
really like to celebrate and remember all the people that attended the club and the events and family occasions that happened there. “Especially anything connected with past jubilees, weddings, engagements , darts and skittle victories or meeting your own true love. “We would love to hear from you about your memories and recollections and especially if you
Monday am Hillside Hall, Oldfield Park Sarah - 07881 758292
Wednesday am Leafy Lane, Corsham Jane - 07857 147093
Wednesday pm Saltford Hall, Saltford Cher - 07824 336925
Tuesday pm St Mark’s School, Larkhall Emma - 07886 629496.
Wednesday pm Percy Community Centre Bath City Centre Jane - 07857 147093
Thursday pm The Parish Hall, Weston Sarah - 07881 758292
Tuesday pm St Michael’s School, Twerton Sarah - 07881 758292
have any photographs or other memorabilia that portray the importance of the club in the community and the people that went there. “This will form a significant record of how the club came to be the prominent place that it is today. “Please do get in touch with us if you have some experiences to share with us on info@ widcombesocialclub.co.uk” The vice-president of the club
Thursday pm Methodist Church, Southdown Jane - 07857 147093
Friday am Rugby Club, Combe Down Cher - 07824 336925
Friday am The Methodist Church, Southdown Jane - 07857 147093
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
said the new building was not built for skittles and snooker. It was more of a working man’s club in the far distant past, but the changes reflected how society has changed. She said it would be great to hear from those who had birthday parties at the club, attended wakes and won darts competitions and played skittles. Now the club is quite different but is also keen to showcase memories from the past such as the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1976, events organised by the Bath Arts Project of the 1970s, and even celebrating when Bath City FC’s triumphs of the 1990s. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is on Sunday, June 5, and includes a Bank Holiday Monday on the 6th. It marks 70 years since she ascended the throne in 1952 following the death of her father as King. In Bath on the 5th of June there is a picnic and free fun day on the Lower Lawn at the Royal Crescent, at 12noon onwards featuring games and entertainment plus face painting.
Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Emma - 07886 629496.
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Pictured are the team from Rake Up and Grow at the fields and also cowslips in bloom - some of the fruits of the planting by school children from Widcombe
Rake up and grow the tiny forest of Widcombe Hill Fields The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields have seen the fruits of their labours in the last few weeks as spring flowers emerge from the once poorly maintained pasture land. In their latest newsletter they report on the blossoming of the fields: “If you look carefully in the North Field, you’ll see the first of the Yellow Rattle emerging. “Yellow Rattle is parasitical, with roots that attach themselves to the roots of nearby grasses, and weaken them, allowing other wildflowers to establish. Just what is needed for establishing our wildflower
meadows! They were planted by children from Widcombe infants and junior schools.” The Friends have welcomed a working party from Rake Up and Grow, a Bath training organisation. The volunteers from the group had the tough but important job of clearing brambles in preparation for the planting the next Tiny Forest bringing the plantations up to three. Already the first Tiny Forest is showing signs of growth and leaves establishing them on the steep slopes of the fields. To help with the nurturing of
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new trees and plants the Friends are setting up a nursery to ‘grow their own.’ Bath in Bloom have chipped in with funding for six bird feeders and wildflower seeds and a water butt to help keep the new saplings watered. For those who may not have followed the project so far The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (FLHF CIC) and is linked to a number of local community groups who have helped to establish it.
The fields are owned by the Council and were leased to owners of livestock including horses. When the lease expired a group of locals got together to put forward a plan to create a wildlife reserve and community park giving residents a green space to enjoy as well as re-establishing native plants, trees and wildlife. Volunteers have transformed the fields in the last two years with wild flowers, tree planting the appearance of nesting birds and visits from wild animals.
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May 2022
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n LOCAL HISTORY
When two armies met at Bath in a desperate struggle for supremacy in the English Civil War By Harry Mottram. If the Duke of Wellington described the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 as a ‘near run thing’ then Sir William Waller could certainly refer to the Battle of Lansdown in the same terms. Historians are divided in announcing who won the battle in 1643 so perhaps it is best to describe it as a score draw. Essentially the army of Lord Hopton who represented King Charles I for the crown held the ground at the end of the battle while the army of Parliament and Waller left the field to regroup in Bath when the guns fell silent. However such were the losses inflicted on the Royalist forces that day that they effectively retreated to Devizes and Oxford to recover.
It was thus a rare non-victory victory for the forces of Parliament in the area as Bristol and much of the South West were in Royalist hands. It would be two years before Parliament’s armies eventually took control and finally defeated the cavalier armies. The background to the battle was the outbreak of hostilities between the King and Parliament. Charles I believed he was the ruler due to God’s Will known as the divine right. Previously the Kings and Queens of this country enjoyed this idea that they ruled with the backing of the Almighty - until of course they were overthrown by rival claimants who said they were the chosen ones. However by the 17th century there was a growing middle class of
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Detail from The Battle of Lansdown showing the Royalist pike men. Pic British Battles
merchants, doctors, lawyers and skilled workers. The country as a result began to break down into towns and cities who supported Parliament and demanded more democracy and religious freedom for the non-conformists, Puritans and Protestants. While in the countryside where the landed gentry supported the King there was more support for the Crown. At the time the King was married to the Catholic Queen Henrietta Maria. Parliament’s supporters feared her influence would push England and Wales back to Catholicism and potentially foreign influence from Rome. War broke out in 1642 after the King failed to arrest members of parliament leading to MPs taking control of London and the King leaving for Oxford to set up a rival capital. A number of battles took place that year as the two sides tried to gain the upper hand resulting in Parliament holding most of the south and south east along with London and most larger cities and towns while the King held the north, Wales and the Southwest. The Battle of Lansdown was the high watermark of the King’s attempt to win the war as after that his forces faced a losing war of attrition as parliament’s more well funded New Model Army gained the ascendency with victory two years later. Sir William Waller held Bath for Parliament while all around the King’s forces were gaining ground in the west where they enjoyed stronger support. Lord Hopton had his eyes on taking the city which then was far smaller than the one we see today and little larger than its medieval size with much of the buildings confined inside the city walls. Waller took his forces out of the city and rebuffed the initial advances to the east while Hopton’s army were forced around to the north. To block their advance Waller dug in his army on Lansdown Hill above the city . The Royalist army had around 6,500 troops including 2,000 cavalry and 16 cannons while Waller had fewer troops
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with 2,500 cavalry who proved valuable. There had been initial skirmishes to the east of the city as Hopton attempted to gain advantage with the hope of taking the city. The Royalist official commander was Prince Maurice who was in charge of the bulk of the cavalry but Hopton generally directed operations in the field. Despite taking Bradford on Avon Hopton was forced to fall back to Marshfield as the skirmishes continued. Hopton’s troops attacked from the direction of Cold Ashton and in an action that continued from dawn to dusk his army drove back that of Parliament forcing them to take cover behind a wall. However much of the Royalist cavalry left the field of battle convinced they had lost during the push to Parliament’s lines. Hopton’s Cornish pikemen proved decisive in forcing back the defending Parliament troops who had dug in on the hill while Waller used his fewer troops to good effect as the battle raged around nearby woods, lanes and hedges. It seemed that victory was close as the Royalists pushed up the hill but in the confusion the remains of their cavalry panicked and retreated with Hopton’s right hand man Sir Bevil Grenville slain. Finally as night fell Waller’s troops fell back into Bath expecting an attack the following day. It was not to be as although Hopton’s forces secured Lansdown Hill they were in no fit state to assault Bath. There was then another blow to the Royalists when the bulk of their ammunition blew up - temporarily blinding Hopton, killing several soldiers and destroying most of their gun powder. At this point despite taking the field Hopton thought it best to retreat to Wiltshire to recover. Despite the small armies involved the numbers killed ran into several hundred with far more dying from wounds in the days to follow. Yes a close run thing for Bath but the city was held and Parliament eventually achieved victory.
May 2022
bathvoice
n REVIEWS
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Don’t mention Russia - but a brilliant production by Bath students of Gogol’s The Government Inspector The Government Inspector. Review. Mission Theatre. With its asymmetrical doors and windows and its optical illusion chequered floor we know that all is not as it seems in the Bath Spa Productions’ staging of Nikolai Gogol’s The Government Inspector. Written in 1836 this production at The Mission Theatre in Bath is brought up to date with an adaption by Fergus Woods Dunlop (of New Old Friends fame) with jokes about Downing Street parties and clapping for the NHS – but no jokes obviously about the Ukraine despite the Russian origin of the story. Vibrant, fast paced, shorter than the original script and extremely funny the production’s strength was in the creativity injected into the drama. A cast of comedy actors who used expressions, accents and voices as well as movement to great effect kept the attention of the packed audience as the comedy of errors unfolded.
The Mayor of the town played with expansive pomposity by Joe Makarov hears that a Government Inspector is to visit the town and a wonderfully foppish fool called Peter Prattler played by Oliver Wilson is mistaken for the official. He is showered with cash and gifts as the various residents hope he’ll overlook the corruption of the town’s representatives to a point of complete farce – a situation observed and enjoyed by his long suffering but faithful servant Osip (Katrina Parker). Lauren Chard as the Mayor’s flirtatious daughter was excellent value with her hooped petticoat as was Nuria The cast of The Government Inspector Willow 1 11/09/2020 Urbiston LopezGardeners as the creepy Oct 20.qxp_Layout Special mention for the assistant postwoman. Vicky Smithers as air head director Jamie Hards and those Lukich had some of the best lines and behind the scenes in set, lighting and Oliver Young enjoyed himself as The sound design who transformed the Chief, while Agatha Mann as the Waiter Mission Theatre’s space into a black got her timing just right. Harry Rundle box auditorium. Coupled with Charlie as Arden, Erika Withers as Anna, and Conway’s Ruritanian costumes this Heather Mosley as Dobbins and Eleri was a first-class production of Gogol’s Koloi as Bobbins were all exceptional with the Dobbins-Bobbins duo creating satire of a small-town officialdom with brilliant comic acting and timing some of the funniest moments.
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at the heart of the show. It’s just a pity it doesn’t have a longer run as it is a wonderful showcase of the talented cast. Harry Mottram The show ran in April 2022
01225 413 414 Feargus Woods Dunlop is in Crimes on Centre Court at Theatre Royal Bath, Main House, 24th-28th May, 2022.
Fear and screams in the house of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein By Harry Mottram: Me, I’m hard. OK my family still tease we for walking out of the film version of The Woman In Black - but it was very frightening. So I did have some concerns when I entered Bath’s latest attraction in Gay Street: Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. Visitors are told they are about to step into the dark world of Mary Shelley and meet her greatest creation: Frankenstein. And there’s no doubt that the sales pitch is accurate. And that starts with a rather frightening chap covered in blood and holding a meat clever who welcomes you as you enter. Steve as he is called told me that some parties of teenagers do run screaming from the building - but then go back in for more. Not for me - I was determined to see the attraction and not scream or be scared. That was until I entered the first room - nobody was there - just a squeaking floor board and a creaking door. Suddenly a crib in the corner began to rock manically on its own. I left and took some solace in the room dedicated to the writer herself with lots of information and images about her life and context to her writing. And there was an exhibition about
01225 413 414 www. will ow-gard ener s.co.uk All Aspects Of Gardening Undertaken Grass, Hedge & Tree Cutting | Garden Maintenance Fencing | Turfing | Power Washing | Gutter Cleaning the many faces, images and manifestations of her creation Frankenstein which even featured a pinball machine in his image. The house echoes to groans, screams and strange noises which are OK if you have someone there to reassure you but on my one it did give me a sense of unease. So far so good and I was beginning to think the promised visceral and multi-sensory experience was over done. It was when I came face to face with the monster imagined by Mary Shelley herself that I lost it. Shocking yes, frightening yes, nightmare inducing definitely. At that point I panicked - no - came to my senses and with as much haste as I could left the building into the street.
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May 2022
bathvoice
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n ANNIVERSARY
Remembering the Bath Blitz 80 years on and mourning the 417 residents who died in the Baedeker Raid Bathonians gathered in Victoria Park last month for an Act of Remembrance on the 80th Anniversary of the Bath Blitz – also known as the Baedeker Raids. The service was held at the City War Memorial near the Queen Square entrance to the Royal Avenue on Sunday, April 24th at 1pm - eighty years after the horror
of the bombing raids. It was led by the Reverend Roger Driver, who is Rector at St Michael’s in Broad Street, and a wreath was laid by the Mayor of Bath, Cllr June Player. Over three days in 1942 Exeter also suffered similar raids at the same time leaving 243 dead and 200 wounded, while in Norwich
The damage was very widespread from Lansdown to Oldfield Park
suffered a total of 236 fatalities with one final raid in June killing 14 residents. York was hit a couple of days after Bath where 79 people died while Canterbury was targeted at the end of May when 45 people died flattening the city’s Corn Exchange and market in the process.
The War Memorial in Bath. Pic: Bath Newseum
In total 43,000 British citizens were killed in the various bombing raids during the 1939-45 war with London hit the most. With the war in Ukraine the horrors of innocent citizens being killed in bombing raids are once again in the news. We must all repeat the phrase ‘never again’ and seek an end to war for ever.
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
New help for communities fighting crime I AM delighted to tell you about a significant new approach that sees Avon and Somerset Police team up with partners across the South West to combine their operational powers in tackling cross-border drugs supply activities, known as Operation Scorpion. Coinciding with National County Lines Intensification Week, the aim of this activity was to send a strong message to criminals that the South West is #NoPlaceForDrugs. The five regional police services – Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire – alongside their respective PCCs, the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Crimestoppers, set aside regional boundaries just as criminals engaging in drugs activity do, to harness
their collective power and disrupt the South West drugs market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from them. The forces used a range of tactics, including enhanced surveillance of the road and transport networks, increased high-visibility patrols in areas of high demand, carrying out warrants at addresses used for drug dealing and welfare checks on vulnerable people. As a result, a number of successful results were achieved in our force area, including 64 arrests and 17 warrants executed. Five known county lines were disrupted and at least 41 weapon sweeps took place, along with 178 visits to vulnerable people’s addresses. The results from this collective action speak for themselves and highlights what can be achieved
when a borderless approach to drugs enforcement is taken. By coming together collectively in this way, we can send a strong message to criminals and those who exploit young and vulnerable people in Avon and Somerset that the South West is no place for drugs. In other news, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Hiscott as my Deputy PCC to support me and my office in ensuring Avon and Somerset Police is an effective, efficient and legitimate police service. Claire was a councillor for eight years in the Horfield Ward area, a cabinet member for education and skills, and an area chairman for Bristol and Gloucestershire Conservatives. With the recent publication of my Police and Crime Plan, work is well underway in delivering against my priorities and
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With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford objectives. I know Claire has a particular interest in violence against women and girls as well as disproportionality, and I look forward to her supporting me in these workstreams. Claire will also support me on engagement days, meeting with local people, partners and organisations to find out how we can support them and address their police and crime concerns.
May 2022
bathvoice
n NEWS
n NEWS IN BRIEF
Milsom Street in Bath
Shop lettings up as retail rebounds By Harry Mottram: The Council have reported on an increase in retail lettings in the centre of Bath. Figures reveal that 32 new lettings have been completed in the current financial year so far with a further 16 properties under offer. The Council reported: “A report on commercial property going before the council’s corporate PDS panel on April 21 states that the lettings will generate more than £1m in new rentals for the financial years covering 2021/22 and 2022/23. “The council has an additional nine properties from its commercial estate currently available for letting as part of its drive to bring vacant units back into use and increase revenue for the council, which is predicted could generate a further £250,000.” Interestingly is what type of businesses are showing interest in opening up new units in the city with the demise of stores like Debenhams suggesting some sectors are more buoyant than others. It appears that the food and beverage sector is thriving - or perhaps reviving - following the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 crisis. In Milsom Street the Italian restaurant Floriani is set to open along with Robyn’s Yoga Studio, Blomme Flowers and Cream Cornwall. All good news of course although the fact that Woods, Marmaris, Good Buy Books, Christopher Barry, Santoro London, Kurt Geiger, Boudavida, Superdry, Garfunkel’s, Pug and Puffin and Kitchens Cookshop have all gone in the last couple of years won’t be a comfort for those who miss them. And those with long memories of the recessions of the 1980s and 1990s will know how they changed the retail landscape of the city with many independents going to wall. The current difficulties sparked by an increase in online shopping and the effects of closing so-called ‘non-essential’ retailers during Covid lockdowns has hit independents and larger chain stores equally - whether it’s Karen Millen or Bartlett & Sons - everyone seems to
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have been hit. And if they haven’t closed then many are in arrears with their rent. The Council report however details the amount of rent arrears owed by tenants from £8.9m in April 2021 to £4.4m in April 2022, has halved - so some success there. Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources, said: “Whilst the commercial market has been challenging due to the change in demand from the retail sector, the great location of Bath and proximity of a number of tourist attractions means we have seen strong demand from a mix of both high-end local retailers and national retailers too. “We’re committed to drawing businesses back to the city and supporting them following a tough couple of years. “There is a note of caution however. Uncertainty about the future course of the pandemic and the impact of high inflation may well influence future trends but our latest commercial lettings figures are an excellent indication of how our high streets are recovering. I’m pleased we are able to play our part in supporting that journey for businesses.” The Council pointed to the opening of a new store - the pre-loved men’s clothing retailer, Alfred’s, at 27 Walcot Street in addition to their existing shop in Bradford-on-Avon. Edward Leach from Alfred’s said: “Alfred’s is an independent new and nearly new men’s clothes and accessories retailer, bringing an under represented market to Bath and Bradford on Avon. We have a broad range to cater to every style and will accept good quality items from the public, paying 50% commission on sale.” The council’s commercial hub at 15 New Bond Street is open for commercial property letting services Mondays to Thursdays, and is available for use by local traders as a pop-up shop at weekends.
Police appeal: The force are seeking help from the public after a member of staff in a Bath pub was assaulted. Police said: “We’re releasing a CCTV image of a man we’d like to talk to in connection with a GBH in Bath (pictured). “The incident happened at approximately 11.30pm on Saturday, 26 February, in the Westgate pub on Westgate Street. “A member of staff was struck on the head with a glass bottle and subsequently needed hospital treatment for a large cut. “The offender was described as being in his late teens, approximately 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build with short dark hair. “If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222047866, or complete our online appeals form.” Simple Cow: A dairy business that supplies milk to units in Bath and Somerset has encountered problems from vandals in Oldfield Park. Simple Cow of Radstock have seen their vending machine in Oldfield Park targeted by vandals taking cash and damaging the equipment. Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are appealing for information after thieves broke into a milk vending machine at the
Moorfields Inn, Third Avenue, Bath, overnight Tuesday, March 8 to Wednesday, March 9.” Approach Golf: The Council are still seeking an operator for the golf course on High Common in Bath after they declined the offer of disc golf. The Council would like the operator to run the course and provide a cafe and keep the course as an open public space.
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n NEWS
May 2022
bathvoice
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‘Ring of steel’ consultation slammed By Local Democracy Reporter Stephen Sumner: The public will have their say on plans for a secure zone covering much of Bath despite the council chief executive arguing the consultation is “unnecessary”. A £2million contract to deliver the city centre’s so-called ring of steel is now being advertised but the original request from Avon and Somerset Police was for a much wider area. Writing in February 2020, then chief constable Andy Marsh recommended an anti-terror traffic regulation order (ATTRO) of a “permanent but contingency nature” covering the wider zone to allow police officers to restrict access to roads “to the extent they considered necessary, informed by security assessment or intelligence of a terrorist threat”. Following a request from Bath and North East Somerset Council chief exec Will Godfrey, Mr March later supported an ATTRO focused on the city centre, recognising it is a “significant crowded site”. The inner ring of steel is moving forward, although the plans for York Street will face a £60,000 public
inquiry after Bath resident Hannah Downey upheld her objection. Almost 200 people had responded to the consultation. Correspondence released ahead of the inquiry from Mr Godfrey to Mr Crew’s successor as police chief, Sarah Crew, revealed that – after the inquiry had been triggered – he said a consultation on the wider zone “could be felt to be unnecessary” because it would only operate in limited circumstances or on police advice. He said a consultation would “potentially be detrimental to the timely implementation of the scheme and the risks to security this would create”, adding: “I would seek your view on behalf of the members as to whether we enact the right to waive the requirement, in order for us to move forward as quickly as possible.” CC Crew said police chiefs can waive the requirement to consult if it would undermine the ATTRO but that test was not passed. “I do not believe that the circumstances surrounding the outer ATTRO meet the legislative provisions for not publicising the proposal, and a lack of publication
would certainly not be in the spirit of the legislation,” she said. “This is especially the case as the outer ATTRO proposals contain no
permanent measures and are likely to be used on an infrequent basis. “It is vital that we maintain the Continued on page 15
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May 2022 Continued from page 14
support and trust of our communities, and that is why, in the interests of transparency and accountability, I am advising that the council should not waive the requirement to publicise the outer ATTRO proposals.” Mr Godfrey replied to agree it was vital to maintain the support and trust of the community and said officers would work with counterterror security advisers to advertise the proposals. A council spokesperson said: “We have and continue to work with Avon and Somerset Police on the safety and security of the city. We routinely seek their views on security matters, including on consultation and we are in agreement on the next steps for the outer ATTRO.” The public inquiry will open on April 26, led by an inspector appointed by the Transport Secretary. Written representations should be sent to City Centre Security Team, Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JG. Objections, written representations and the council’s evidence will be available to view at here or in the One Stop Shops in Bath, Midsomer Norton and Keynsham.
n NEWS
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Anger as former B&B was a ‘party house’ By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter. Neighbours claim they have had to confront rowdy revellers en masse at a former Bath B&B they say is being used as a nightclub. Despite failing to secure planning permission, Raby Place residents say the grade II-listed former Roman City Guest House has been used as a party house for the last year. Bath Hot Houses is hedging its bets by appealing the refusal of its original plans for a 25-bed holiday let and submitting scaled-back proposals to sleep a dozen people. The latest plans say power to the property will be cut off if guests continue to make too much noise but neighbours claim the retrospective response could cause chaos. H Coury, one of 35 objectors, said: “The guests do not care about the local residents, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable. They are there for a short stay creating damage and noise ‘til all hours of the morning forcing residents who are unable to sleep to have to confront them en masse
in the early hours when they are drunk and don’t care because they know there is no comeback.” Noise was a major concern for many of the 90 residents who objected to the previous application. Residents complained that Raby Place was “unliveable” after the former B&B reopened as Steam House, and said the applicant’s threat of a £500 fine for a noise complaint was not much of a deterrent if it was split 25 ways. Opposing the latest plans, Valencia Haynes said the noise from the property had been unbearable and neighbours’ attempts to get guests to keep down the “nightclub music” had been completely ignored. She said cutting the power in the middle of the night could cause chaos and risk someone falling down the stairs. Raby Place resident Andrew Hudson added: “Having had to put up with the current 25-plus party house for this last year or so we all know the noise, late-night disturbance and rubbish that is generated is totally unacceptable
in a residential area. “The proposed use is not compatible with existing uses i.e. residential area. Approval will also set a precedent, so it will be impossible to stop similar proposals.” Environmental health officers confirmed they had received noise complaints but so far they were unsubstantiated. He did not object in principle but said the noise limit should be reduced after 11pm given the property’s residential setting. The plans have been backed by 10 people, who said holiday rentals boost the city’s economy while it is recovering from the pandemic. A supporter who only gave the name Sarah said it was “great to see that tired old B&B being put to good use”. The application, reference 22/00723/FUL, will be considered by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Ward councillor Manda Rigby has said its fate should be decided by the planning committee. Bath Hot Houses has been approached for a comment.
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May 2022
bathvoice
n WHAT’S ON Regular events Tuesdays Mayor’s Pulteney Estate Walks. The walks are free and take in Great Pulteney Street and Sydney Gardens. Meet at 11am. Runs from May to September. No booking is required. Allow 2 hours. Meet at the Pump Room in Bath. Wednesdays Widcombe Wayfarers Walks. Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, starting at 10am at the west end of Widcombe Parade. Walks last between 1-2 hours and are medium paced. Come dressed for the weather, with suitable footwear and be prepared for a few climbs. Walks are limited to 20 people and registration is now compulsory. The walks are free but if you would like to make a small donation to this event you can do so when you register. See the Widcombe Association website for details. Thursdays Mayor’s Pulteney Estate Walks. The walks are free and take in Great Pulteney Street and Sydney Gardens. Meet at 11am. Runs from May to September. No booking is required. Allow 2 hours. Meet at the Pump Room in Bath. Theatre Picks Tue 3-Wed 4 May. Ustinov Theatre. Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous. An 8pm start for this comic version of the life of the Virgin Queen. Tue 3-Sat 7 May. Theatre Royal Bath. Crazy For You. Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society return to the Main House for the first time since March 2020 with Gershwin’s musical set in the 1930s about Bobby Child’s vow to win the heart of feisty Polly Baker, the theatre owner’s daughter. 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. Wed 4 – Sat 7 May. Rondo Theatre, Bath. Touched. Bath Drama stage Stephen Lowe’s drama centred on VJ Day in 1945 in Nottingham and how the end of the war affected a family over the years. 7.30pm. Sat 7-Sat 14 May. Bath Abbey. Henry V. 7.30pm. Antic Disposition’s production of William Shakespeare’s history play about an English army fighting in France. Set in 1415 and in 1915 with songs inspired by AE Houseman’s poetry giving the story a 20th century theme. Tue 10 - Sat 14 May. Theatre Royal Bath. Sheila’s Island. Bonfire night 2019 and Sheila, Denise, Julie, and Fay are Team C in Pennine Mineral Water Ltd.’s annual outward bound team-building weekend. A comedy in which Sheila has
unwittingly stranded her team on an island in the Lake District. Thu 12- Fri 13 May. Egg Theatre Bath. Double Bill of live performances with The Wardrobe and It Snows performed by Bath Theatre Academy students at 7.30pm. Sat 14 May Sat 2 Jul. Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery. Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to place their votes for the Public Choice Prize, selecting their favourite artwork to win a prize of £600 for the artist. All of the artworks are for sale. Thu 19- Sat 4 Jun. Bath Theatre Royal. The Dance of Death. As their 40th wedding anniversary approaches, Alice and Edgar are locked in a bitter struggle. They’ve driven away their children and their friends. Their relationship is sustained by taunts and recriminations. When a newcomer breaks into the midst of the fray, their insular lives threaten to spin out of control. Laced with biting humour, The Dance of Death is August Strindberg’s landmark drama about a marriage pushed to its limits. Mon 23-Fri 27 May. Mission Theatre, Bath. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Next Stage Theatre Company produce the 1962 modern classic about college lecturers in America whose relationships spiral out of control one drink fuelled evening. 7.30pm. Sat 28 May. Rondo Theatre. The First Broadcast: The Battle for the Beeb in 1922. The writer of Not Going Out Paul Kerensa’s one man comedy about two rival voices in The Marconi Company who unite art and science to create British broadcasting. Arthur Burrows seeks to inform and educate. Peter Eckersley just wants to entertain. Before Reith, this ‘BBC two’ duel for the soul of British broadcasting – but who will give The First Broadcast? Wed 8 Jun. Rondo Theatre. Failure Studies. Precarious Theatre’s three hander set in a magazine office about failure. Diary Events Wed 4 May. Mayor’s Summer Walks. In the Footsteps of Ralph Allen. 6pm. Discover the world of the businessman, politician, philanthropist and postmaster. The walks starts at The Little Theatre and finishes at Widcombe. Full details at www.bathguides.org.uk Fri 6 May. Ascension Church , Claude Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. Quiz Night. 7.30pm. In aid of Lymore Community Jubilee
Celebration in Lymore Gardens Park on June 5th at 1pm. Fri 6 May. Moles. Blue Violet in concert. The duo will perform their theatrical and whimsical sounds. Tue 10 May. Widcombe Social Club. Film Night: North by Northwest. Alfred HItchcock’s 1959 thriller with Cary Grant cast as the ad man in a case of mistaken identity. 7pm. Thu 12 May. Combe Down. Holy Trinity Church: Concert for Ukraine: 7pm. Concert by musician Gareth Davies-Jones in aid of supporting work with refugees from Ukraine. Tickets £10 can be booked from the church website. Fri 13-Sat 21 May. Bath Festival. The festival starts with a party in Queen Square and includes walking tours, comedy, music, talks, drama and book conversations. 5-11pm. Free. There are too many events to list here so visit the website bathfestivals.org.uk for more details, but we’ve picked a small number here of particularly Bath orientated events. Sat 14 May. Bath Festival. Walking tours. Bath on Screen at 2pm at the Royal Crescent and The great Spa Town at 5.30pm at Kingsdown
Parade Square. Both take place on selected days during the festival. Sun 15 May. Bath Mission Theatre. Dean Friedman In Concert. Those of a certain age will recall his hit songs Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, McDonald’s Girl and more. 7.30pm. Sun 15 May. Bath Festival. Walking tour of the Bath Blitz. Meet at the Orange Grove at 2pm to discover how hundreds of Bathonians were killed when German bombs fell on the city. The tour is on selected dates during the festival. Mon 16 May. Bath Festival. Bath Festival Orchestra. Roman Baths. 8pm. Peter Manning is the conductor. Music includes Takemitsu – Toward the Sea (1981) (JP); Daniel Temkin – Ocean’s Call (2018) (US); Grace Williams – Sea Sketches (1944) (UK); Joey Roukens – Visions at Sea (2016) (NL). Tue 17 May. Bath Festival. Bath to Fleet Street. Dorothy House Book Shop is the venue for press photographer Geoff Ellis to talk about his work snapping the news in the 1950s to the 1980s at 6.30pm. Wed 18 May. Bath Festival. Bath Spa Anthology Readings. Forum Coffee House. 6pm. Bath Spa University’s Creative Writing MA students read a selection of their work. Wed 18 May. Bath Festival. Bath Arts Workshop, Counterculture In The 1970s. Meet authors Victoria Forbes Adam and Phil Shepherd on their book about a creative period in Bath which set the agenda for the arts for the next few decades - at Dorothy House Bookshop at 6.30pm. Thu 19 May. Bath Festival. The History of Cleveland Pools. Dorothy House Bookshop is the venue at 6.30pm for this talk on the Georgian lido that is set to be
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n WHAT’S ON reopened later this year. Sat 21-Sun 22 May. Bear Flat Artists Art Trail & Open Studios. 11am-6pm. Free. More than thirty artists open their studio doors to welcome visitors. Discover a hive of creativity and buy direct. Featuring painting, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, photography, wood-turning, glass, illustration, and more. See www.bearflatartists.co.uk Sat 21 May. Bath Festival. Belle Nash and the Bath Souffle. Author William Keeling, a former Financial Times foreign correspondent, talks to Alasdair McWhirter about his entertaining new series of satirical historical novels set in Bath at The Holburne Museum at 4.30pm. Tue 24 May. Widcombe Social Club. Film Night: The Battle of Algiers. 60th anniversary of the Algerian Civil War is marked with this all time classic. 7pm. Sat 28 May. Widcombe Wobblers Cycle Ride to Compton Dando. Ride to the Compton Inn and back. Meeting point: under the tree at the western end of Widcombe Parade at 11.30am. Details on the Widcombe Association website. Fri 3 Jun. Bath Racecourse. Meeting of horse races. Plus live music from James in the evening. Sun 5 Jun. Bath Picnic in the Lower Lawn, The Royal Crescent.
Bear Flat Artists Art Trail & Open Studios Sat 21 to Sun 22 May. 11am6pm daily, free entry. Bear Flat, Bath BA3 More than thirty artists open their studio doors to welcome visitors. Discover a hive of creativity and buy direct. Featuring painting, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, photography, wood-turning, glass, illustration, and more. See www.bearflatartists.co.uk 12 noon. To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.. Fun day with family events and entertainment. Mon 6 June. Lymore Gardens. Lymore Community Jubilee Celebration. 1pm. Picnic and much more. Tue 7 Jun. Widcombe Social Club. Film Night: Quiz Show. Robert Redford’s thrilling drama about a rigged TV quiz show with Ralph Fiennes. 7pm. Exhibition Picks Sun 1-Wed 4 May. Bath Victoria Art Gallery. From Hogarth to Hodgkin - the best prints in the gallery’s collection. Continues from last month. Sun 1-Thu 5 May. Bath Victoria
Bath Holburne Museum has an exhibition of paintings of the Tudors including this portrait of Queen Elizabeth I Art Gallery. Jean Rose: New Paintings and People, Parks and Plants. The 90+ artist continues to work to create new art. Continues from last month. Sun 1-Sun 8 May. Bath Holburne Museum. The Tudors: Passion, Power & Politics. Come face-toface with the five Tudor monarchs – Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I Several of the works have never been shown outside London, including a portrait of Jane Seymour after
Hans Holbein the Younger and the highly unusual Sir Henry Unton (c.1558–1596) portrait, which was painted posthumously and charts key moments in his life and death. open daily 10am to 5pm (Sunday and Bank Holiday 11am to 5pm). Sun 1-Tue 31 May. American Museum, Bath. Dress to Redress. An exhibition of the work of contemporary Anishinabe artist Celeste Pedri-Spade that will focus on the role of strong women in community. Continues to 3 July. Sat 14 May-Sun 17 July. Judo history: The Museum of East Asian Art is running an exhibition from 14 May to 17 July on the cultural history of judo. Do you have an event you would like to be included in April’s edition. For commercial classes and regular sessions there is a small charge - email Erica at erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call her on 07402 441485. Or for cultural events such as classical concerts, community events, comedy drama, talks, walks and exhibitions email harryfmottram@gmail.com
Our Monthly Talks
WE ARE U3A IN BATH : JOIN US!
Monthly Talks are usually held on the first Thursday (except August) in the month and start at 10.30 a.m.. Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for nonmembers. If you join U3A in Bath at the meeting then your admission fee is refunded. Talks take place at: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU
About u3a in Bath There are over 450,000 of us in the UK and 1,300 in Bath. We are in “u3a in Bath” and our members are all retired or working part-time. We take part in a range of activities – from History to Languages, from Tennis to Country Walks. See the complete list of our 100-plus interest groups on our website - www.u3ainbath.org.uk
u3a in Bath Membership You can join the u3a in Bath by filling in an application form and sending it (with s.a.e) to Membership Officer, U3A in Bath, PO Box 4040, Bath, BA1 0EJ Application forms are on our website or phone 01225 318438. Membership is only £15 per year.
Upcoming Talks 5th May 2022 LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE by Andrew Grant 9th June 2022 DISCOVERING BATH AS A LANDSCAPE CITY by Dan Merrett and Lucy Bartlett
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7th July 2022 ZEPPELIN: SHIP OF DREAMS by David Skillen
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n NEWS IN BRIEF Elections on May 5th: Bath retains strong links to the county of Somerset of which it was once part. There are no elections in Bath this month unlike much of the country but there are elections in Somerset where the district councils of Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset are being replaced with a single unitary authority for the whole county. That is excluding of course Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset. The election is on May 5th when the Conservatives will hope to come out on top again but could face strong opposition from the Lib Dems. Labour traditionally are confined to a small number of strongholds in places such as Bridgwater while the Greens may hope to elect a councillor or two. It’s a switch back to 1974 when the urban and district councils were replaced by the district councils and an echo back to 1889 when Somerset County Council was created. South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils do not have elections this month. Midwifery news: Bath’s RUH has issued a statement over the Ockenden Report which covered a shameful period of poor practice at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. The statement reads: “Every member of RUH maternity team prioritises the safety of our women, birthing people and their babies as well as their families and loved ones. We have all been impacted by the findings of the report and our thoughts are with the families affected. “We continue to actively identify ways we can further improve our services. We have listened to the
findings and feedback from Donna Ockenden and her team, and we will continue to make improvements in line with the recommendations in the report. “If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your midwife.” Foodbank news: Bath Foodbank continues to distribute food to those in need. They also noted on Twitter last month the need for the following items: vegetarian tinned meals, instant coffee, long life juice, UHT milk, pet food and sponge pudding. Residents can not only donate food and drinks but donate cash. See the Genesis Trust’s website for details. Concert for Ukraine: Holy Trinity Church is the place to be in Combe Down on May 12th at 7pm when there is a concert by musician Gareth Davies-Jones in aid of supporting work with refugees from Ukraine. Tickets £10 can be booked from the church website. Alexandra Park: The Friends of the park have sadly announced there will be no picnic this year due to uncertainties surrounding Covid. They have appealed for volunteers to join the Friends so as to ensure there is one next year. See their website for details. Bath WI: The next meeting is on 4th May and will be a fun social event with some games! Come along and make new friends or catch up with old friends. The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities. For details visit https://thebathwi.com/ Bath City Farm: The farm has launched a new under-5s group,
Lyncombe Hill Fields: Wera Hobhouse the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, visited the fields along with from left, Dan Merrett from Bathscape and Cllrs Winston Duguid, Alison Born, Maurice and Anita of the Friends, Wera Hobhouse and volunteer Steve complete with shovel. The visit was to see how the fields have been transformed over the last few months by the volunteers from rough pasture land to a green resource for the community and wildlife zone. Some believe the fields also act as a blueprint for further enhancing Bath’s green areas in the future. Pic: Clive Dellard
Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society bring the musical Crazy for You to the Theatre Royal, Bath this month. The feel good show includes Gershwin’s most famous numbers, including I Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Embraceable You, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Someone to Watch Over Me. The show runs from Tues 3-Sat 7 May, at 7.30pm with matinees Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm Tickets at Theatre Royal Box Office £16.75-£36.25.
called Little Farmers. It’s open to families from Twerton, Whiteway and Southside, and it’s free. We will be running on Fridays starting in early May, feeding animals, gardening, crafting, playing and learning together. To find out more and to sign up, please contact the farm on 01225481269 and ask for Polly Emmott or email polly@ bathcityfarm.org.uk Christmas: Bath Christmas Market is returning to the city this year – and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. It will run from November 24 to December 11 as part of the wider ‘Bath at Christmas’ events. More than 170 chalets will sell a range of seasonal gifts, food and drink Entry Hill: In collaboration with Forest of Imagination, Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) will submit a business proposal to B&NES Council soon to change the closed Entry Hill golf course into an ‘intergenerational sustainable, wildlife-rich, inspiring and playful nature park, enriched by art and providing nature-based learning for all.’ The plans can be seen on the AWT’s website which would include sculptures, meadows, new trees and paths. Plans for a cycle park by Bristol company Pedal Progression have been delayed until next year. A blog on the Entry Hill Community Association’s website suggested the cycle park proposal was more about making money than cycling. The Council ended the contract with the golf course when covid shut it down - but also in part due to the cost of subsidising it every year to the tune of £70,000. The AWT scheme would make the whole site free to enter while the Pedal Progression scheme would allow half the site to be free
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to access with the rest behind a wire fence for cycle trails which would carry a charge for cyclists to use. What do you think? Email harryfmottram@gmail.com Art News: A new art exhibition for the Waterside Bar runs to 26 June of the work of portrait artist Jake Sheppard from Bath. He creates abstract and impressionistic work in oil paints and inks. Jake uses a mix of geometry, colour theory and dynamic symmetry to form the structure of his work. Born in 1990 Jake has painted since the age of 2 and recently began an online business printing his work on clothes and accessories which can be seen at www.JakeSheppard.co.uk Moorlands football news: the school’s girls’ team enjoyed a 4-0 win over St John’s of Keynsham in March with the team of students of Year’s 4, 5 and 6. The boys team also pulled off a win beating Pesford school 4-1. PE Subject Leader Miss Bone said: “Enormous thanks to Mark Gunning for his continued support with football fixtures; it’s hugely appreciated.” OPJS: The students, staff and parents of Oldfield Park Junior School have made a collection of vital food, medical and clothing supplies for the children of Ukraine. The headteacher David Goucher said: “Great work and thank you the community of @OPJS_Bath for your donations that are now heading to Ukraine.” Bear Flat Association: The community market and café are back. They are in business again on the third Saturday of every month, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the church hall on Bruton Avenue. To book a stall, email market@bearflat. org.uk
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n NEWS IN BRIEF Rape concerns: Wera Hobhouse MP put forward a Private Members Bill on Rape Convictions on March 8th. It will receive a second reading on Friday, May 6. The Bill would establish an independent review of rape conviction rates and require the Secretary of State to act on the recommendations of the review. Last year, a review found that over 50,000 women reported being raped in 2020 but just 1,400 rapists were convicted. Recent findings suggest that rape conviction rates are at 1%. The review would address this. The bill was one of nine put forward on International Women’s Day by female LibDem MPs. Others aimed to tackle safety for women leaving prison, end gender pay gaps, fairer pensions for divorced women, rural maternity rights, include women’s safety in planning applications, end the disproportionate levels of stillbirths in black and Asian women, reverse the impact of international aid cuts on women and compensate victims of surgical mesh damage. May Fringe: Bath Fringe 2022 will take place from May 27-June 12. To take part email wendy@bathfringe. co.uk. For details visit the website www.bathfringe.co.uk Summer splash: The Cleveland Pools Trust plan to open the lido this summer in time for a dip in the sunshine. A grant and a fundraising effort means the work should be completed on time. Queen’s Jubilee: The Widcombe Association have reported on their website that they will not be organising any events for the weekend of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. They think people will prefer to organise more local events. Half in October: The Bath Half Marathon has been put back from 29 May to 16 October 2022 due to
disruption caused by the Covid crisis. Police News: The Neighbourhood Policing team in Bath have moved into a newly renovated police station at Lewis House, Manvers Street, alongside the existing Police Enquiry Office. The unit features a traditional blue lantern on the front of the building to increase visibility and will be open to the public Monday – Thursday 0930-1700 and Friday 0930 – 1630 hours. The limited opening hours and lack of cells or a base for detectives may disappoint many who recall the days when cities and towns all had manned police stations. Neighbourhood Policing team Chief Inspector Ruth Gawler, said the unit would improve accessibility and visibility for the residents of Bath, the surrounding communities and those visiting the area.” The elected Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to re-establish a neighbourhood policing presence and enquiry office in the heart of Bath, right opposite the site of the old police station. It’s even better that the local neighbourhood police officers will be under one roof in a shared building with Bath and North East Somerset Council, making for more efficient and effective partnership working. “While policing resources for Bath have not changed, I hope that a more visible local policing presence will reassure local people of our commitment to ensuring Bath continues to be a safe place for residents and businesses.” Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath said the police were co-located with the council’s housing, welfare, information and advice services at Lewis House.
The police station has been opened in Manvers Street at Lewis House
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n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction Grown Up – Marian Keyes Any Marian Keyes book is a joy to read. Her characters are always well drawn, and the stories are funny as well as, at times, heart-breaking. In this book we meet the glamorous Casey family – three brothers and their respective beautiful, glamorous wives. Of course, they get together a great deal – birthdays, anniversaries and are very close, perhaps for some a bit too close. However, on one occasion one the wives, Cara, gets concussion and unfortunately cannot keep her thoughts to herself.
Keyes. Our Wives Under the Sea – Julia Armfield This is a beautiful story and raises many issues so would be a great book for a Reading Group. We meet Miri and Leah, who have been together for a long time. However, when Leah returns from a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe, it becomes very clear to Miri that she has changed and may have come back “wrong”. Leah had been investigating the deep seabed and was stranded on the sea floor and could have carried part of the sea with her when she returned.
her grasp. The story then explores their early days – how they met, the films and music they liked. Though with more frustration Miri tries to find out what is happening to Leah and reaches a horrible conclusion. This is a very haunting, at times spooky story but very well written, especially about the beauty of the sea.
Adult Non-Fiction James Martin’s American Adventure, 80 Classic American Recipes – James Martin
As the weather warms up, BBQs may be The secrets come spilling out and coming out and this book has some lives start unravelling. Perhaps the Miri is desperate to have the woman fabulous BBQ rubs and recipes. group need to reassess their lives she loves returned to her and to Following on from his TV series, and finally start to “grow up”. A great return to their normal life; but Leah the popular chef James Martin read for new and old fans of Marian seems to be slipping away from has picked out 80 very sumptuous recipes from his American journey. If you think American food is all hamburgers and steaks – think again. James Martin travels coast to coast sampling local food from the Napa valley to the New York state – explaining recipes from Pork ribs with apple and fennel; the famous Philly cheesesteak; the ultimate hot No need for an expensive care home dog and some great fish recipes Stay independent at home with your own live in careras well.
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The main theme of the story is about feelings that are sometimes hard for youngsters to express, like jealousy and anxiety. Therefore the story is a good one to share and to talk about feelings, making new friends and keeping old friends. We have similar ‘Moomin’ storied in the library in paperback for older children ‘Moominville in Autumn’ and for the older readers Tove Janssen wrote adult short stories that are well worth reading. ‘The Listener’ by Tove Janssen is one of my personal favourite. Great for taking on journeys and expeditions alike!
Library News Always remember the two super free apps: Libby 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 always offering something for everyone. We are sharing facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, Storytime and crafts for children in the mornings and information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon. Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ bathneslibraries1, Instagram www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries , and Twitter www.twitter.com/ BathnesL
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Litter pick: More than 120 bags of litter have been collected from the banks of the River Avon in Bath and North East Somerset by volunteers and local organisations as part of this year’s Great British Spring Clean. Ten volunteer groups worked alongside Avon Fire and Rescue, Canoe Avon, Bath Sea Cadets and Bath Canoe Club for the Great Avon River Pick on March 26. One hundred and seventy people of all ages came together to clear the litter using equipment provided by Bath & North East Somerset Council including 70 litter pickers, 30 children’s pickers, sacks, gloves and high vis jackets. The river pick was part of the annual Great British Spring Clean campaign organised by Keep Britain Tidy running from March 25 to April 10, which invited people to join the #BigBagChallenge and improve the environment on their doorsteps. The volunteer groups which took part in the Great Avon River Pick were the Keynsham, Saltford and Corston Wombles, Weston Litter Group, Newbridge Litter Pickers, Widcombe Association, Friends of Kensington Meadows, Friends of Sydney Gardens and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and a group organised by the Mayor of Bath, Councillor June Player. Maternity News: The RUH maternity unit has announced an extension to the temporary closure of community birthing centres and home birthing service. Sarah Merritt, Deputy Chief Nurse and Director of Midwifery said: “It is with regret that we have today taken the difficult decision to further suspend community births and home births until Wednesday 4 May. “Midwifery numbers are critically short due to COVID-19 sickness meaning that we are unable to safely staff all of our maternity services. “In order to keep our mums, birthing people, babies and families safe we are focusing our resources on providing a safe service. “We will keep the situation under review and reinstate community births and home births as soon as it is safe to do so. “We would like to reassure you that our maternity units remain open. “If you have any questions or concerns about yourself or your baby please don’t hesitate to contact your midwife or local midwifery unit.”
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