Bath Voice May 2021

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01225 459611

May 2021 No. 15

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

Rat run issue as CAZ is introduced

INSIDE

Story teller of Twerton Page 6 Making a den in the fields Page 9 Dave and Chieu Wolstenholm of The Ram Inn on Widcombe Parade

Jewish Bath Page 10 Tufa Field news Page 12-13 What’s on: theatres reopen Page 16

Cheers! Pubs open up and shops say ‘come on in folks’

By Harry Mottram. There was a collective sigh of relief last month when so-called non essential shops along with pubs and restaurants could reopen - albeit with restrictions due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Traders in Widcombe, Bear Flat and Moorland Road were pleased to see people once again

By Harry Mottram. With the introduction of the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) launched this spring some roads have seen a decrease in traffic while others have seen an increase.

“Last October we ran a survey in our road as we knew the Clean Air Zone was coming in,” said Peter Wight of Church Street in Widcombe. “We asked 20 households what they felt should be done as our street was already a rat run especially in the rush hours.

“Of the 20 canvassed 17 said something should be done to curtail the problem of vans and cars using the street as a cut through with a clear majority in favour of installing bollards to

coming through the door - or in the case of pubs booking a table.

New landlord at The Ram in Widcombe Dave Wolstenholm said: “We opened six days before the November lockdown so we only had a brief spell of trading.

“So far it’s been good as the weather has been fine so people

Mr Wight shows how narrow the road is

Continued on page 3

Continued on page 3

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bathvoice Contacts

Harry Mottram News Editor news@bathvoice.co.uk Erica Benson Publisher and sales 07402 441485 erica@bathvoice.co.uk Rich Coulter Sub Editor 07775 550607 George Benson Distribution 07970 767606 george@bathvoice.co.uk

Next issue’s deadline for editorial and advertising is May 18th

May 2021

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

Follow us on social media:

on Twitter @bath_voice

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

on Instagram bath_voice

My councillor?

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

on Facebook Bath Voice

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

Bath Voice are members of:

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.

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May 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS Everyone pleased to reopen Continued from page 1 don’t mind sitting outside in the sunshine. His wife and landlady Chieu said: “It is so good to be open after all this time, and people seem really pleased just to do something simple like sit down and have a pint of beer.”

Down the road at the gift shop Flamingo owner Amanda Brown said the reopening had been quiet but steady.

Speaking on behalf of the traders in Widcombe for the Widcombe Association she said:

“Every shop and business as far as I know is still here and is reopening which is a relief.

“Everyone is just glad to get back to normal and say ‘come on in folks’ to their customers.”

Elsewhere in Bear Flat The Good Bear Cafe reopened on April 12th with outdoor seating on the newly created area in Hayes Place, while on Moorland Road the Livingstone pub opened its beer garden, and Heads Up Barbers were trimming the luscious locks of the male residents of the area once again.

Punters at The Ram in Widcombe enjoy a pint, while above Amanda Brown of Flamingo in Widcombe Parade said traders were pleased to reopen

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Rat run created by CAZ is a major problem Continued from page 1 close the road to through traffic .

“Some even said they would be prepared to fund the bollards but that opens issues of ownership and insurance - and residents in Church Lane were concerned about access.”

Church Street connects Widcombe Hill with the A3062 and for commercial vehicles it is a chance to bypass the CAZ if they are heading east to west across south Bath.

The main issue is the width of the road which in places is only one lane wide and in others with residents’ cars parked along it is even narrower.

It is a universal problem in many parts of the city but the residents feel the CAZ has increased the problem.

“There are physical constraints such as the area by the church where there is a wall and so it is only just wide enough to take an emergency vehicle,” said Peter Wight.

He said residents’ cars were regularly damaged as was the wall that runs along the side of the road due to vans and cars trying to squeeze through.

While I was there I saw several incidents of vehicles legitimately using the road for access and deliveries trying to get through the narrowest of gaps. Mr Wight is a supporter of the CAZ but feels the road needs to be investigated by a professional from the council to find a solution.

Snow Hill, Ragland Lane, Edward Street, Brook Road and Lower Oldfield Park area have all been subject to some increases in traffic as commercial vehicles seek to avoid paying the charges.

An emergency vehicle has difficulty in Church Street due to its narrowness.

Residents have taken to parking partly on the pavement to avoid damage to their cars from passing vans As reported last month some cars are classed as vans and so can attract the £9 fee to enter the CAZ much to the surprise of the owner.

Bath Live reported on Jules Cary-Williams of Batheaston who owns a VW transporter as a family car which has accumulated fees of more than £200.

Cllr Sarah Warren of the Council said the CAZ was needed as it was a public health issue. She said: “We’re under a legal obligation to bring nitrogen dioxide levels to legal levels by the end of this year and our modelling shows that should be possible with this Class C zone. We know that nitrogen dioxide levels in the city are too high.

“This is a public health issue and this pollutant comes mainly from vehicle exhausts so it’s absolutely vital that we bring down the levels.”

The Government introduced clean air zones to tackle pollution.

Birmingham is next with one in June.

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Peter Wight at the entrance to Church Street with the sign which says it is a road for access only - but is routinely ignored by drivers

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

n NEWS

May 2021

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Residents’ association creating a five-year vision for Bear Flat’s future

By Harry Mottram: As a reporter and feature writer I’ve reported on lots of towns and cities over the years but I’ve never covered a place like Bath with so many really good community organisations such as the Widcombe Association and the Friends of Tufa Field.

Another one is The Bear Flat Community Association (BFCA) with its vision to further improve the area.

From their website this is part of their Five Year Vision: “The concept is to allow for two-way traffic to and from Holloway and Beechen Cliff Road and for some parking in (or close to) Hayes Place, yet also forming a pleasanter and safer place.

“We envisage a community focus here, perhaps including scope for outdoor events such as markets.”

One part of the plan has already been submitted for funding – a crossing at the bottom of

Bloomfield Road which the local Cllr Winston Duguid has included in a proposed Liveable Neighbourhoods funding.

The exact location and nature of the crossing has not been decided said the BFCA – the bid is for the principle, and there would be a consultation if and when a scheme comes forward.

The intention of the BFCA’s Vision which can be read online on their website is to stimulate debate and spark more ideas.

Feedback has come via replies by email and also on social media where there was much comment about the plans to reconfigure the Wellsway that runs down to the corner of Wells Road to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Negative comments were over fears the changes would further slow the traffic and create more congestion and concerns over vehicle access at Hayes Place.

Bear Flat has heavy traffic running through its centre on the A367 The BFCA’s eight-point plan includes: reconfiguring the Wellsway carriageway to yield more space for walking and cycling; providing more landscaping to green the centre; and redesigning Hayes Place as a real place for people.

That last one is already partly a reality with new planters arranged by the Good Bear Cafe which has now reopened for seating outside.

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

May 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Theatre cash; secret meeting and Milsom Street money Drama money: Theatre Royal Bath has been awarded £476,127 as part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to continue facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure it has a sustainable future.

Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said Bath’s Theatre Royal is one of more than 2,700 arts organisations across the UK receiving urgently needed support in Round 2 of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund programme being administered by Arts Council England to help the culture sector pull through the pandemic and prepare to reopen.

Hush, hush or not: Village leaders have denied holding secret meetings on plans for a £1million green corridor. Responding to “all-encompassing criticism” levelled at Batheaston Parish Council, members said they had to set aside “legacy issues” and move on. Residents including several former councillors last month threatened to ask for the authority

to be dissolved but instead called for urgent training for members.

They said the green corridor was a preposterous “pipe dream” distracting the council from issues that matter to residents. Speaking at the annual parish meeting on March 24, former parish councillor Emily Wright said: “It’s important to hold the parish council to account. I grow increasingly concerned about some of the behaviours I’ve seen.”

She said groups working on projects important to residents, like the car park, neighbourhood plan and playground, had been disbanded and accused the council of holding secret meetings. The main item on the agenda for the parish council’s extraordinary meeting on March 30 was responding to the criticism. Many claims were described as inaccurate. The Green Corridor is a scheme to rejuvinate the river area from Batheaston to Newbridge with the support of the West of England Combined Authority. The project is looking at ways to improve the

paths and open spaces to benefit communities, nature and transport.

Milsom Street money: Bath Voice requested a statement from the Council about the charges made to motorists entering Milsom Street which is restricted to buses.

A number of vehicles have been caught by the Automatic Number Plate Restriction system (ANPR).

Milsom Street is subject to a temporary bus lane and loading order connected to Covid-19 safety (THTTC2253). Some residents feel it is a cash cow but this is denied by the Council.

Their reply: “Having an ANPR system is a more efficient way of enforcing the bus gate because it isn’t cost-effective to pay for someone to stand there all day to let buses in. There is clear signing on the approaches and at the entrance to Milsom Street. The bus gate in Milsom Street came into operation on 15th June 2020 and the marshal was replaced by an ANPR system on 23rd October.

Warning notices were issued to

vehicles that contravened the restriction in the first 45 days of the ANPR system going live. PCNs were then issued from 7th December with a total of 3,593 PCNs issued up to 22nd March 2021, with the council having received £93,000 to date. The money from penalties is used to cover the costs of operating the enforcement and any surplus must by law only be spent on highways or transportation.”

The Hollow: A green field by Bath City Farm could see a housing development if the landowners Freemantle Capital Limited get permission from planners. They wish to construct nine homes on the land on The Holloway. A growing number of objections have been made over the planning application from locals. There is a possibility those objections may succeed as a previous application to build on the land was refused by the council in 2015 and by the planning inspectorate on appeal.

Concerns include the large amount of parking provision, the impact on wildlife and congestion.

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May 2021

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n NEWS

Thrillers and mysteries amongst the shelves

By Harry Mottram. For readers of novels and more besides there is good news as Moorland Community Library is open again.

Patrons can now click and collect or drop off books at the compact bibliotheca in the lower part of Moorland Road in Bath.

Run by volunteers the community charity has 4,500 books with a range for children as well as an extensive local history section plus the usual volumes of novels and non fiction.

“Mysteries and crime thrillers are the most popular books with older readers,” said volunteer Liz Hearn, “but whole families come in and teenagers also visit.”

The Council provide 3,000 of the books while fundraising and Volunteers at Moorland Road Community Library - Liz Hearn, Jill Carr and Lindsey Thompson. The library is keen to recruit volunteers and donations provide the rest. trustees to help run the community charity that is behind the library. For details visit www.moorlandroadcommunitylibrary.com

n PEOPLE

The story teller of Twerton

By Harry Mottram. It was something of an accident that Elaine Miles, 62, has ended up reading her short stories and presenting on Bath Radio as originally she went in to visit the patients at the hospital where the station is based.

“Initially I thought it would be a good thing to go into the hospital to visit the patients as I know a lot of people in hospital are on their own with few or no visitors and that was how it started,” she said. “I had no idea that I would be interested in presenting radio back in 2014.

“I had a vision of perhaps being involved by working behind the scenes doing some admin but as soon as I got involved in the presenting I got excited.

“The tech took me ages to get my head around but I realised I really enjoyed presenting and it’s become something of a passion now.”

The divorced mother of two grown up sons (she’s now a granny) has worked as a teaching assistant, an advertising sales

Elaine Miles

executive in Egypt, an advertising copywriter and has sold sandwiches in Kenya.

Currently she works in financial services but her main passion is her work as a writer.

“I’ve scribbled all my life but only started seriously in 2006 when I entered a short story

competition and came second,” she said, “it was the first time I thought ‘Oh’ perhaps this is something I can do.”

Elaine has taken part in Story Fridays, a storytelling event run

by Kilter Theatre and A Word in Your Ear and has performed three of her stories at the Bath Literature Festival and some of her stories have been broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol.

In theatre she’s had her plays performed in London’s Southwark Playhouse, and the Salisbury Arts Centre and in Bath at the Rondo Theatre, The Egg and Mission Theatre.

“I love the performance of storytelling - about human relationships,” she said, “I write a lot of comedy as I like to make people laugh but for theatre the themes are more serious.”

On Bath Radio Elaine shares Sunday Brunch with Ian Martin and broadcasts on Tuesday evenings as well.

For details of the radio station and to listen to Elaine visit https://www.bathradio.org.uk

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

n NEWS New food shop set to open in Bear Flat Cook is a new shop that is slated to open on May 10 in Bear Flat.

Ed Perry and his sister Rosie Brown are behind the venture having chosen the site as the area has a good community feel.

The store is next to the Majestic Wine business in the former Carphone Warehouse store - the car phone company closed all its stand alone units in 2020 shedding 2,900 staff.

Somerset Live’s Emma Elgee reported Rosie Brown was a former pupil of Monkton Combe School and had fond memories of the city.

Emma Elgee reported: “The company plans to make the new shop a walk-in retail premise but also a hub for its local delivery business serving Bath and the surrounding countryside.”

Cook was founded in 1997 by Edward Perry and Dale Penfold, who had the idea of trying to cook and sell frozen ready meals - from game pies to vegan - to the public in a shop.

For more on the business visit www.cookfood.net

May 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

7

Bridge diversions and an altercation in a Bath pub

The Raven: The leader of the Labour Party was given his marching orders by Rod Humphris the landlord of The Raven pub in Queen Street last month. The landlord said Kier Starmer had failed this country by backing the Government’s lockdown which damaged the pub trade in an angry altercation. The Labour leader disagreed saying nobody wanted the lockdown but it was necessary to save lives. On social media the landlord was defended by some while denounced by others as being rude and being a Covid denier.

Bridge closure: Motorists are being advised about diversion routes, ahead of essential engineering works to repair Bath’s historic Cleveland Bridge (pictured). The £3.8 million scheme began last month, when scaffolding was erected, ahead of the bridge closing fully this month. It is expected to take seven months to complete the work.

Details of diversions for Bath city centre routes as well as outer diversions for through traffic on the A36 can be found at www.bathnes. gov.uk/clevelandbridge

The bridge currently carries 17,000 vehicles a day.

Lansdown View: planners have to decide on a proposal to build nine new homes off Lansdown View in Twerton. Cllr Paul Crossley along with at least 40 residents have objected to the plans by The Architecture Practices in Walcot as it would destroy a green space, cover soakaway ground and impede drivers as the entrance is on a blind spot on the road.

Prince Philip: memories of a Royal visit to the city came back to some following the death of Prince Philip last month. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Bath in 1957 being received at the Guildhall by the mayor Alfred Norman Dix. The couple had come to the South West to officially open Chew Valley Lake and reservoir - the fifth largest artificial lake in the UK. Flags were flown at half mast during the eight days of official mourning for the Duke in the city. See page 10 for more on the Duke.

Hotel plans: Scaled-back plans to transform Bath’s Royal Mineral Water

Hospital into a luxury lifestyle hotel have been unveiled after the first bid was rejected. In its new proposals, Fragrance UK has cut the number of bedrooms to 160, removed all but essential equipment from the roof and reduced the building’s footprint.

The firm – which paid £21.5million for the place and plans to invest another £35million – is also committing to providing managed public access and guided walks and tours to the two Roman mosaics

discovered in the Grade II listed building.

Shop open: Jigsaw has relocated from the building it shared with LK Bennett on New Bond Street to the unit which used to house Jack Wills on Old Bond Street said a report by Somerset Live. The online news site reported: “The line celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and local traders helped mark the occasion in the new Bath shop - the first of three new Jigsaw stores to open in the UK.”

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

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

May 2021

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Tragic road death, Cady’s appeal, a copse and a Curiosity Museum Death on the A367: On April 7, Natasha Lewis, 28, died when struck by a car while out running near Peasedown St John at 6am. Natasha, who recently qualified as a sports nutritionist, was a member of the Team Bath Athletic Club and had previously represented GB in the bobsleigh and the triathlon. Team Bath said: “Through her @getfitinbath personal training which she ran with her long-term partner and fiancé Dave, she inspired and coached many in achieving their fitness goals.”

Police are continuing with their enquiries after arresting and releasing a teenage motorist at the scene.

Bath car crash: A Porsche motor car crashed into railings and a kitchen window in Laura Place on April 19, just after lunch. Somerset Live news site showed dramatic photographs of the crash site and the aftermath as the car was taken away. Two passengers managed to climb out of the wreckage before emergency services arrived. The news website said: “Laura Place and Henrietta Street were closed while the vehicle was recovered, with emergency

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

services reported to be moving cautiously due to the building being Grade I listed.”

Cady appeal: The BBC have reported on an appeal to bring a former Bath social worker back from Spain who is seriously ill. They reported: “Cady Jay, 35, moved to Alicante two years ago but on 19 March she developed severe headaches caused by an aneurysm and a series of mini strokes. She had surgery and was in intensive care but is now on a general ward. Her family wants to raise £50,000 for a medical flight to bring her back to the UK and care for her. The fundraising appeal has so far raised £24,000, which her family said would cover the repatriation.

Curiosity in Widcombe: The children of Widcombe Junior School have been busy setting up a Curiosity Museum in the playground at lunchtimes. They have made a beautiful sign (with the help of Caroline Davies), created a museum curator called Brian and lovingly labelled all the curiosities they have collected so far. The museum’s young custodians seek more weird and wonderful items for the collection.

Wednesday pm Percy Community Centre Bath City Centre Call Jane on 07857 147093 Wednesday pm Saltford Hall, Saltford Call Cher on 07824 336925 Thursday pm The Parish Hall, Weston Call Sarah on 07881 758292

Work continues apace at the Lyncombe Hill Fields where the Friends who are dedicated to turning the former pasture land into a community greenspace and nature reserve have been busy.

Pictured is Chris Kinchin-Smith who is at work clearing some of the brambles and nettles to create an area dedicated to children complete with benches constructed by Maurice Tennerhaus. Chris said: “This area was possibly a pound originally where livestock could be identified. We have named it the Copse and it is for children to build dens in, have picnics and run wild in the countryside in a safe place.”

Thursday pm The Methodist Church Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093 Friday am The Methodist Church Southdown Call Jane on 07857 147093

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

Friday am The Rugby Club, Combe Down Call Cher on 07824 336925 Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Call Emma on 07886 629496

May 2021

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n LOCAL HISTORY

Part of Combe Down’s hidden history: the Jewish burial ground

By Harry Mottram. In a quiet corner of Combe Down lies a piece of Bath’s past.

It concerns one of the city’s lesser known minority groups defined by their religion.

The Jewish Burial Ground (pictured) is at No 1 Greendown Place in Combe Down and with the aid of a friends organisation has seen this green last resting place given some TLC. On May 2, there is an Open Day, although if you miss it you can make arrangements with the Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground to visit it another time.

The graveyard was used during much of the early to middle 19th century having been opened in 1812 with the last graves marked in the early 20th century.

Malcolm Brown and Judith Samuel’s volume The Jews of Bath charts the history of Jews during the Georgian era when there was considerable prejudice

towards them.

Nationally Jews were not recognised even as legitimate citizens following their expulsion in 1290 until some families were allowed to return to London and elsewhere in 1655 under Oliver Cromwell’s Government.

This was largely in part a recognition of their importance to the business and finance industries as Jews were not permitted to take employment in a raft of occupations.

From then on it was to be a long struggle with the authorities to allow Jews to be at first recognised as legitimate citizens and eventually to take part in all forms of civic, legal and parliamentary activity.

During the period covered in The Jews of Bath there were still many restrictions placed on the community which perhaps explains why so few families settled outside of the large port cities of London and Bristol.

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However a community did begin to build in the city noted in, the Bath Journal from 1744 onwards and the Bath Chronicle from 1755 who noted ‘persons of distinction that arrived’.

Synagogues were established in Kingsmead Street and Corn Street after a viable Jewish community was established in 1742, but services tailed off during the late 19th century before its final closure by 1911.

In 1930s and 1940s services were held at Kerstein’s Private Hotel in Duke Street according to the Jewish Communities &

Records website.

The burial ground began on 8 April 1812, when a former backfilled quarry was leased on a peppercorn rent, and was agreed between Henry Street and representatives of the Jewish community of Bath. In 1861, the cemetery, was extended with ground to the south.

Today there are no synagogues in Bath with the nearest ones in Bristol with one for the liberal wing of the faith and a second one for the orthodox wing.

For more information visit www.bathjewishburialground.org

The Duke, the school and the magpie The death last month of Queen Elizabeth’s husband the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99 has reminded some of an unusual connection between the Duke and a school in Bath.

Monkton Combe School ran a fascinating article on their website to tell the story of the connections between the school, HMS Magpie and HRH Prince Philip.

The article explained that the Duke of Edinburgh was a former naval officer and captained the HMS Magpie as Lieutenant Commander Philip Mountbatten in 1950/51.

It went on: “In September 1952 Michael Swift, a Monkton Combe Junior School pupil visited HMS Magpie in Gibraltar. He was armed with a copy of the school’s Magpie magazine which featured the school’s magpie badge on the front cover. Michael Swift’s visit forged a lasting link between the school and the ship when the Captain of the

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

ship at the time, Commander Graham Lumsden DSC was taken by the design of the magpie used by the school. The captain enlisted the support of HRH Prince Philip in an effort to get the ship’s magpie badge changed to the one featured on the cover of the magazine, designed by former Monkton Art Mistress, Miss M E Bulmer.”

And so it came to pass. The pictures from the article are priceless reminders of the events described. For the full article visit https://www. monktoncombeschool.com/news

May 2021

bathvoice

n PEOPLE

From surviving the Blitz in London to being a Bath Radio presenter at 81

By Harry Mottram. “I had no money at all apart from a meagre allowance from my ex-husband and the Family Allowance and I had a house that needed repairs,” explained Patricia SpencerBarclay, 81, of Lower Weston in Bath.

“This was in the 1970s when I then had a job delivering flowers in a van which was great as it gave me wheels to get around and see friends,” she said.

But with two children and the house to maintain she decided to retrain as an orthopaedic nurse at the RUH. It was a decision that changed her life and allowed her to move house and take control of events.

Patricia was talking to me in her current guise as a presenter for Bath Radio (formerly Bath Hospital Radio) where she takes listeners on what she calls ‘themed journeys’ such as an imaginary ride across the USA .

It’s an excuse to play the music associated with various cities in America and it gives the listeners online and in the hospital a chance to take them out of their situation and into Patricia’s world.

Together with her cat Jocasta (the mother of Oedipus don’t you know - well I didn’t but then unlike Patricia I’m not up on classical opera) she lives in Lower Weston.

Music is clearly a passion - a theme if you like that has run through her life - as she is (or was) a singer appearing in various choral groups.

“I have always sung in choirs and it began with the Wellow

Singers, and we gave a concert to Bath Hospital Radio,” she said, “and I met the lady at the radio station and I found it was really interesting. I put it on the back burner for something in the future.

“I was then in Bath Camerata and we did concerts all around the world, I was training to be a nurse, doing up the house and bringing up my daughters and so I didn’t have time to join hospital radio then.”

Patricia was born in London and was caught up as a child in the Blitz during the Second World War. “We used to hide under an iron table,” she said, “I wasn’t so much frightened but it was the noise of the explosions that I hated like when one bomb landed close by in our street. I mean it was horrendous with the windows shaking and the sirens - you never ever forget it.”

Seen as a risk to stay in London by her mother she was posted to Trowbridge to stay with an aunt and it was there that she went to school at Trowbridge’s Girls’ Grammar School about which she had few good things to say and described school as ‘very boring’.

Following that she became a secretary, was married and had a family (she is now a granny with three grown-up daughters) and moved via Englishcombe to Bath which takes us back to her decision in 1981 to retrain as a nurse. And from that chance meeting with the Wellow Singers at the RUH came her eventual rendezvous with a microphone at Bath Radio.

To listen to Patricia visit https://www.bathradio.org.uk/

11

nNEWS IN BRIEF Election News: On Thursday, May 6, voters in Bath will go to the polls to elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and a new ‘Metro’ Mayor. For the PCC the candidates are Independent John Smith; Conservative’s Mark Shelford Liberal Democrat Heather Shearer and Labour’s Kerry Barker. For the ‘Metro’ Mayor the candidates are: Jerome Thomas of the Green Party, Samuel Williams for the Conservatives, Stephen Williams of the Liberal Democrats, and Dan Norris for Labour. If no candidate has won more than 50%, all but the top two candidates are then eliminated.

Any second preferences for the top two candidates from the eliminated candidates are added to the two remaining candidates’ totals.

Whoever has the most votes combined is declared the winner.

Library news: Following the easing of Government restrictions residents will be able to browse the resources available at Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries. The libraries will continue to operate their collection service from 10am-4pm weekdays with residents able to borrow up to twenty books at a time. To protect

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public health and enable social distancing the number of people entering a library at any one time will be limited, and a drop box will be available at the entrance to each library. The mobile library will also resume following an amended route. The timetable is at https:// beta.bathnes.gov.uk/mobilelibrary-service For more library news see page 6 with notes on Moorland Road Community Library which is also open.

Female safety: A group of cross-party MPs led by Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, has written to the Prime Minister to express their concerns about the safety of women and girls in public spaces. It follows the outpouring of grief over the murder of Sarah Everard in London. The Home Secretary Priti Patel said it is looking at ‘all measures’ to protect women including legislation. Labour’s Kier Starmer said they would put forward a new bill specifically to target serial offenders. Wera Hobhouse said in the letter signed by all parties that it was time to change that narrative from focusing on women’s behaviour to ending male harassment of women.

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

info@seafoodsfishandchips.co.uk

n NEWS

May 2021

bathvoice

12

The Tufa Field is a touchstone for a policy

By Simon Banks. When Bath and Northeast Somerset Council passed plans to build 37 executive houses on a Site of Nature Conservation Interest in the south of Bath, it unleashed a backlash that quickly elicited a 5000 plus signature petition and a political crisis for the ruling Liberal Democrat party.

The plans, passed against the advice of the Council’s ecologists, were an immediate challenge to the newly declared Ecological Emergency, a flagship policy of the administration.

At the heart of the problem is the conflict between the Council’s political aspirations and the practical reality of implementation. The bureaucracy intrinsic in all Governmental bodies is ill-suited to quick decisions or agile responsiveness, and requires a sea-change in thinking and organisation if they are to respond effectively.

The Tufa Field is a perfect example of the challenges and changes needed. This small piece of undeveloped land in an

Simon Banks is a resident and works as an engineer at Somerdata and gives his views here as a member of the public

affluent suburb of Bath is a magnet to developers and for a cash-strapped council, a quick boost to finances. There has been no attempt to disguise this, no pretence of providing affordable housing or relieving the chronic accommodation shortage for our poorest citizens. At over three-quarters of a million pounds, these houses are more likely to attract Londoners fleeing dense urban life than local people.

Historically, the lands of the Moorlands Estate, home at one time to Anna Sewell, have gradually been urbanised and spawned the adjacent awardwinning Moorfields Estate, a model post-war development of light and airy housing with The Tufa Field is of interest due to its unusual geology, flora and fauna

n NEWS IN BRIEF Anti terror plans: Bath blue badge users have been forgotten and eased out of the city centre according to a letter in the Bath Chronicle in April.

Vicky Drew who is a member of Bath City Centre Access Group, has told the newspaper the measures are “cruel”. She wrote: “The barest minimum (of what there was) of disabled parking provision is being eroded street by street. Bollards and ‘anti-terrorism, measures have resulted in those who need to be closest to the facilities they require, being forced further and further out.”

She wrote in her letter that the street closures that bar all traffic, including taxis and mobility vehicles are measures that affect those with disabilities. The measures were brought in to prevent terrorists from planting car bombs or running down pedestrians. The Chronicle said the measures backed by the police could see all parking, including for blue badge holders, removed from the city centre.

Bath College Virtual Open Day On Wednesday 12th May Bath College will host another Virtual Open Day from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. To see the

various courses open to new students visit https://www. bathcollege.ac.uk/event/virtualopen-event Bath BID: The Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID) has launched its third five-year term, following a successful ballot result in February. The Bath BID is part of a national movement where businesses in a local area vote to pool their resources and support a range of initiatives designed to help their businesses to be more successful. In the Bath BID’s ballot, 89% of eligible businesses voted in favour of a further five-year term for the Bath BID. They will commence work on its new Business Plan. This will focus on four themes – a Welcoming City, a Smart City, a Connected City, and a Successful City. The BID has a programme of services including the Rangers and volunteer Welcome Ambassadors.

The organisation also provides other benefits including a trade waste discount, business intelligence and city promotion.

Plus security support, staff training, a new independent business partnership, and a programme of campaigns, networking and social activities.

good-sized gardens set in grassed areas for children to play safely.

In a post-pandemic world, a true model of homes over housing.

Yet the Tufa Field was never developed. Successive attempts were made from the 1970’s but it’s unique geology, (it sits on a major aquifer), meant that ground conditions were too difficult. Left alone, quietly the land developed geological and ecological uniqueness.

The Tufa Flushes grow from the constant dissolving and deposition of the famous Bath limestone, creating rare formations, and providing a specialised environment for flora and fauna alike. This environment is almost unique in the area and suggestions that it could be artificially reproduced elsewhere are at best unproven and most probably fanciful.

But the larger picture is perhaps even more important and raises the central question - How should we treat our urban green spaces?

We have encouraged ever denser developments, driving people to live in smaller dwellings, selling off gardens and cramming people together. Now

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we are faced with the consequences of those policies at a time when we need, and will continue to need, more outdoor space, more connection with the environment that sustains us, and more opportunities to put space between us.

Our urban green spaces become more than just a pretty backdrop, they become an essential part of our well-being, our mental and physical health and our relationship with each other.

The Tufa Field cause will be the true test of our ability and willingness to make the hard decisions needed to rebuild the greener, sustainable and healthier environment we need.

The Council’s commitment to its declared policy is on trial, it will be judged on its handling of the Tufa Field.

• Bath Voice understands that The Friends of Tufa Field are in talks with a number of interested parties who are able to offer guidance in their campaign to stop the development.

The Friends have a website at https://tufafield.ddns.net/ and are gathering support with a petition at change.org

May 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS

13

Now it’s back to the drawing board at Tufa Field

By Local Democracy Reporter.

Controversial plans to move a rare habitat in a Bath field to make way for 37 houses are being sent back to the drawing board.

Former Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Dine Romero revealed that the land at Englishcombe Lane is no longer set to be transferred to Aequus, the authority’s development company. Instead it could be sold off with planning permission to another developer, but she is keen to see fresh designs drawn up that deliver social housing and protect the tufa flushes, a rare geological phenomenon.

There was outcry when the council approved its own application for the site last August, weeks after it declared an ecological emergency.

Councillor Romero blamed the seven-month wait for the rethink on the coronavirus pandemic and said she did not have the power to pull the plug on the project, as some had claimed.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Englishcombe Lane is no longer in the transfer agreement between the council and Aequus.

“The council is exploring other options on the use of the land – can something else be considered that doesn’t impact on the tufa flushes?”

Under the approved proposals, the tufa flushes were to be transferred to another site, despite the council’s own ecologist casting doubt on whether the move would work.

Critics accused it of “gross hypocrisy” and more than 5,500

people signed a petition urging it to rethink the decision.

“The case that’s been made around the ecology has been well made. That’s partly what’s led to this change of direction,” said Cllr Romero, ward member for neighbouring Southdown.

“Cabinet will consider the options. There may be some form of housing. The tufa flushes would be considered as perhaps more valuable in terms of how any building would be sited.”

She said the council could remove the site from its next Local Plan but it had been allocated for housing for 20 years and a planning inspector could put it back in.

“Ideally you wouldn’t want any development there,” she added. “The problem is we have to put homes somewhere. I would want to see a development that had an obvious social good attached to it. What I wouldn’t want to see is a development of executive-

style housing.”

As council leader, Cllr Romero was the shareholder for Aequus, which is wholly owned by the authority, but she said she could not tell it to drop the plans.

“It was never the case I could have said just stop it – it has to go through the proper process.

Having those discussions during the pandemic prolonged the process.

“If it’s not a viable proposition there will be choices that have to be made.

“One will be to do nothing.

The other extreme could be to sell the land.”

Danny Groves, who has long spoken out against the development, said: “Whilst the residents group is pleased that the council appear to have removed the housing development on ecologically sensitive land to the rear of Englishcombe Lane from their own development company, ADL, no reason has yet been

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given to residents as to why.

“This is a positive step but we hope the council and its new leader, Kevin Guy, are now seeing sense and do not go against expert opinion, growing concerns from our local MP Wera Hobhouse, over 5,000 petition signatories against the build, and B&NES Council’s own declaration of an ecological emergency for Bath by selling the development on to another building company purely for financial gain.

“This development was always a bad idea and starkly at odds with the council’s positive stance on climate and ecology.

It should be shelved and then removed from the plan altogether.”

Cllr Kevin Guy, who is in line to be the new council leader, said he had been frustrated by the lack of action.

“One of the hallmarks of me being the leader will be listening and making clear, decisive decisions,” he said.

Campaigners whol live locally have protested about the plans to build homes on the greenfield site

14

n NEWS

May 2021

bathvoice

New health boss Becky says she has strong interest in reducing ‘health inequalities’ A new director of public health has been appointed by Bath & North East Somerset Council ahead of the retirement of the present director, Dr Bruce Laurence.

Becky Reynolds, who has worked as a consultant in the council’s public health team since 2013, will take over the role next week.

Bruce has been the director of public health in B&NES since 2013 and has worked closely with Becky on the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Directors of public health are responsible for determining the overall vision and objectives for public health in a local area.

They are accountable for delivering public health objectives and reporting annually on the outcomes and future work. They may be from any background but must be qualified specialists in public health.

Becky Reynolds said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed

to this role and to help tackle some of the challenges faced by our communities in Bath and North East Somerset, especially at this important time during Covid-19. I have a strong interest for improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.

“My immediate focus is to do all I can with colleagues across the council, the wider health sector and the voluntary sector to help our area recover from the pandemic and improve health and wellbeing.

Councillor Dine Romero said: “It’s great news that we have appointed Becky to lead on protecting and improving the long-term health of all our residents. Throughout her time with the public health team and working closely with Bruce, she has proven her excellent abilities – never more so than during the considerable pressure of the pandemic.

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank Bruce for his exemplary and outstanding leadership of public

health in B&NES.” Dr Bruce Laurence said: “I have been with B&NES since June 2013, just after the public health team moved across to the council from the NHS. In that time I have had the privilege of seeing the council wholeheartedly embrace and support our team and our agenda, and provide us with a happy and productive home. Almost every service in the council contributes in some way to residents’ health and wellbeing, and to build further on the huge potential that provides, we have also worked closely with the local NHS and a host of other networks and organisations.

Although these years have been challenging ones for local government, I firmly believe that a local authority is the best home for a locality public health team.

“I am incredibly pleased that Becky is to be my successor. I recruited her just months after I arrived, and she quickly emerged as a great team player and a natural

Becky Reynolds leader, and so I leave fully confident that our small but extremely talented team will remain strong and united and that our work will go from strength to even greater strength.”

Becky Reynolds previously worked in public health in West Yorkshire. Her career has included roles in the NHS, local and national government and building partnerships to improve people’s health and wellbeing. She has led and contributed to health improvement programmes including tobacco control, teenage pregnancy, healthy schools, HIV prevention, and screening and immunisation.

RUH Bath: visiting reinstated with restrictions Limited visiting has been reinstated from Monday 12 April at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust as coronavirus pressures ease.

Most visiting was suspended at the end of November 2020 in line with government advice to help protect patients and staff and to slow the spread of the virus.

Now, with COVID-19 cases reducing at the RUH and with updated NHS guidance, new visiting arrangements have been introduced.

RUH Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said: “This is excellent news and will come as a welcome relief to patients and their families.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, communities, individuals and teams remain our absolute priority, and we are really pleased to be able to relax our regulations in a managed and responsible way.”

From Monday 12 April visiting will be allowed in the hospital with each patient able to have one visitor a day for a maximum of one hour. In most cases these visitors will be limited to one close family contact or someone important to

the patient. Visitors will be expected to provide their name and contact details for NHS Test and Trace purposes.

Visits must be booked at least a day in advance with ward staff to avoid overcrowding. All visitors must wear a face mask or covering at all times and will be expected to follow social distancing and infection prevention and control measures. In some situations, such as when visiting a patient who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19, extra personal protective equipment may be required.

Exceptions to the general one visitor only rule include the Children’s Ward and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, vulnerable adults and patients nearing the end of life. More details about all visiting can be found on the RUH website www.ruh.nhs.uk The new arrangements are similar to those being introduced at the Trust’s neighbouring hospitals in Swindon and Salisbury.

Cara Charles-Barks said: “We understand how difficult it has been for many people to have been unable to visit, or restricted in visiting, their loved ones and

friends over the past four months.

It was important then to help to keep our patients and staff safe – and it’s important now that we keep these new visiting arrangements under review as we all start, hopefully, to return to some sort of normality of life.”

• Researchers at the RUH and the University of Bristol are looking to recruit more patients to take part in a number of studies they run in the field of Parkinson’s disease. All patients living in the

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

Bath area with Parkinson’s-like diseases are being invited to take part in a study that seeks to accurately capture the experience and symptoms of people with the condition. Read more and find out about participating in the study: https://bit.ly/3mQ9ZIi • The COVID-19 vaccine will always be available free of charge and the NHS will never ask you to share bank details to confirm your identity, or pay for a vaccine.

May 2021

bathvoice

n NEWS

n NEWS IN BRIEF

Petition plan for violinist George Bridgetower

By Harry Mottram. A petition has been launched to honour the black violinist George Bridgetower with a plaque in Bath for the famous musician of the Georgian era.

The online petition by The World Heritage Enhancement Committee with Change.org has gathered thousands of signatures to petition the Council for the plaque. The Council are in favour of the idea.

There are over 60 plaques dedicated to the great and good in Bath, but only one of them has been dedicated to a black person.

Although he spent much of his life in England George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower was born in Poland in 1778 as his father who came from Barbados worked for a local aristocrat as a musician.

His father’s connections and George’s natural talent led him to

15

Kill the Bill violence. Unrest following multiple protests against the government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in Bristol led to claims that policing had been too aggressive. He joined Avon and Somerset Police as a new recruit in 1987 before being appointed Assistant Chief Constable at Wiltshire Police in 2006.

Bath City Farm: the farm has seen the arrival of new Castlemilk Moorit lambs this spring. The farm has been slowly getting back to normal after some Covid related restrictions were lifted. The 37 acre site on the hillside above Twerton features pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and ducks as well as the Trough Cafe that opens from Tuesday to Saturday - a perfect place for a meet up and to look at the view. It suffered vandalism last

perform as a child prodigy with the family moving to London in 1788.

George had a good relationship with Beethoven further enhancing his reputation as a violinist and performed in Bath 1789 and 1791.

To sign the petition, visit this link: https://bit.ly/39MPDdM

Bath man jailed: A man from Bath has been jailed and placed on the sexual offenders register indefinitely after committing a number of sexual offences on women in the city. Esmail Ramadan, 35, (pictured) intimidated a number of women late at night and in some cases inappropriately touched them. Ramadan, of Balance Street in Bath, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual touching. He was jailed for nine months at Bristol Crown Court on Monday 22 March.

Ramadan has been put on the sexual offenders register and has received an indefinite sexual harm prevention order too. Officer in the case PC Andrew Macmillan said: “These women were out in Bath George Bridgetower by Henry Edridge, city centre enjoying a night out 1790 when they were subjected to horrendous sexual attacks.

Ramadan’s victims were understandably left upset and in a huge amount of distress by the sickening assaults he committed.”

Cyclist injured: Last month a man was been charged after a collision The latest resdients of the farm in Bath which left a pedestrian with serious injuries. The collision month when part of the play area happened at 9.45pm on Sunday 28 No need for an expensive care home was damaged by fire.

March in Mount Road, Southdown, No picnic: The Friends of Alexandra A 33-year-old man suffered Stay independent at home with your own live in carerBath.

Park have announced there will not serious injuries but has now been be a Picnic in the Park event this released from hospital to continue No need for expensive care summer. They said: “Sadly, we have No an need fortoanstay expensive care home Many people want in home their own home as they get older his recovery. The black Honda Civic decided to cancel Picnic in the Park are home independent at home with your own live in carer car involved in the collision was Stayanindependent at home with your own live in carer eed for expensive care home 2021. With Covid restrictions not later found abandoned in No need for an expensive care home own want live into carer due to be fully lifted until June 21st ople stay in to their own home as they get older endent at home with your own live in carer Many people want stay in their own home as they get older Writhlington.

Connor Gapper, 23, of eatherbed CareNo has been livehome in carers since 1986 No need for an anproviding expensive care home at the earliest and our scheduled need for expensive care ome as they get olderNo need for an expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Keynsham, was due before Bath No need for an expensive care home event less than two weeks later, it ant tobelieve stay in their own home as they get older We in only the very best care at an affordable cost Stay independent independent at at home with with your your own own live live in in carer carer Magistrates in April charged with your own live in carer Stay ed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home home with your own live in carer wasget too big a risk to go ahead with Stay independent home with your own live in carer Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 Many people want to stay in their own home as they older causing grievous bodily harm with e in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older planning it. We have a provisional eve inbelieve only the very best at in an affordable cost Many people want to own as they get older We in only the very best care at an affordable cost intent, dangerous driving, failing to Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Manyproviding people stay insince their 1986 own home as they get older e been live intocarers athas an affordable cost want Picnic date for next year – Sunday stop after a road accident, driving July 2022. only the very best care at an affordable cost licence, driving Featherbed Care Care has has been been providing providing live liveFeatherbed in carers carers since since Care 1986 haswithout been aproviding livewhile in carers3rd since 1986 Featherbed in Anna O’Callaghan: last month saw Featherbed Care hasthe been providing liveat in carers since 1986 1986 disqualified, driving without We believe believe in only only very best care care an affordable cost Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 We in the very best atWe an affordable cost believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost the departure of Anna O’Callaghan We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost insurance and making off without from the marketing department of payment. the Theatre Royal Bath. Anna has Chief Constable resigns: The Chief been with the theatre since 1982 Constable of Avon and Somerset and has seen some big changes Police has announced he is leaving over the years with the his role. It comes at the time of the establishment of The Egg Theatre, Police and Crime Commissioner oday upgrades to the Ustinov and Call for aCall brochure today (PCC) elections where his boss so to for a brochure today 00 111 4885 improvements to the main house.

0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 speak is also leaving.

Sue Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710today / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 In 2005, Anna wrote a book to mark Call for a brochure mecare.co.uk Monthstevens is stepping down Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call/ for for brochure today today Call for aa brochure brochure today Call a Email: the Theatre Royal’s bicentenary and 0117featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 e.co.uk Call for a brochure today and not contesting the election.

0117 9860710 9860710 /// Freephone: Freephone: 0800 0800 111 111 4885 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 titled, Past Present Future: A Recent 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 eatherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Andy Marsh held the role since Email:www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email:featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: History of the Theatre Royal Bath, the Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk February 2016 and will leave at the www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk book covers an eventful twenty-six www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 beginning of July.

The past year has www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 year period in the theatre’s history seen the force face large protests Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk from 1979 to 2005. and disorder including the recent www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

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16

May 2021

bathvoice

n WHAT’S ON

Finally things begin to get back to normal Venues are beginning to reopen after the long shut downs due to the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions. However all is not as it was and may not be so for many months according to the powers that be - so be prepared for masks, hand washing and other rules when going out.

Sat 1-Wed 5 May. Holburne Museum. Venice by Canaletto (1697 – 1768) continues to May 5, 2021. Classic views of the Grand Canal and the Piazza S. Marco but also some of the city’s less wellknown nooks and crannies. Book tickets online.

Sun 2 May. Open Day at Bath’s Jewish Cemetery. The Friends of the Bath Jewish Burial Ground care for the site at 1 Greendown Place in Combe Down. Open 11am-4pm.

See the newly restored tombstones, and use the app or leaflet to learn about the history of the burial ground and the people buried there. If would like to visit but are unable to so do on 2 May, please email: fobjbg@gmail.com More info on Jews in Bath at https://www. jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/community/ Bath/index.htm For more on Jewish

Bath see page 10.

Sun 9 May. Bath Contemporary Arts Fair. Green Park Station.

A rich mixture of art event organisers, gallery owners, curators and artists, that have joined forces to create a project bringing quality original art to the community, promoting the city of Bath, but above all promoting the artist.

Bath BA1 1JB Mon. 17 May. Theatres and Cinemas may reopen under the Government’s opening up programme after the Covid-19 crisis including The Mission, Theatre Royal and Rondo Theatres.

The Tivoli, Odeon and The Little Theatre will also start to screen films. Night Clubs are expected to wait until June before welcoming patrons.

Mon. 17 May. Art Galleries and Museums may reopen under the

Marie Antoinette at The Egg Government’s opening up scheme including it is hoped the Victoria Gallery. The gallery is hosting a show by Kurt Jackson: Biodiversity that has been online since last month and is a series of paintings, sculptures and mixed media works showing the world we live in and how we can appreciate it and then conserve it.

Mon 17 May. Hospitality venues can seat customers indoors; parties can be made up of a maximum of six people or two households of any size; groups seated outside must be smaller than 30 people.

Mon 17 May. Bath Abbey. Bath Festival Orchestra. Weber: Overture Der Freischütz; Strauss: 5 orchestral songs – Op.68 2.Ich wollt ein Sträusslein binden; 3. Säusle, liebe Myrthe !; 5. Amor; Op.27 4.

Morgen; Op.36 1 Das Rosenband; Brahms: Serenade No 1 in D. Peter Manning, conductor. Rowan Pierce, soprano.

Mon 17-Mon 24 May. Bath Festival. Various events. Full details on the website. Featuring The Gesualdo Six at the Roman Baths , Bryony Gordon, the Kanneh-Mason family, Adam Buxton, Mel Giedroyc, Tez Ilyas, Dr Rachel Clarke, Hollie McNish, Woke, Caroline Hirons, Concert for the People of Bath with Coco Tomita and Bath Philharmonia, Bridgerton and Frankenstein guided literature

walks and more events.

Tue 18 May. Roman Baths. The Gesualdo Six. Vocal consort comprised of some of the UK’s finest young singers, directed by Owain Park.

Thu 20- Sat 22 May. Theatre Royal Bath. Nora: A Doll’s House at the Egg Theatre.1968. 2018. Three eras. Three women. Three fights for freedom. Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s brutal portrayal of womanhood in A Doll’s House in 1879 this bold new version by Stef Smith reframes the drama across three different time periods.

Tue 25-Thu 27 May and Mon 7Wed 9 Jun. The Memory of Water

by Shelagh Stephenson. Mission Theatre. Presented by Next Stage Theatre Company. Three sisters are brought together by the death of their mother. Preparing for the funeral the siblings laugh, cry and bicker over past events and halfrecalled memories.

Fri 28 May. Widcombe Social Club.

Comedy. Bath Comedy presents Bath Comedy Club’s Widcombe Nights with John Moloney, Harriet Braine, Phil Cooper.

25 May-5 Jun. Ralph Fiennes in the Four Quartets by TS Eliot.

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

Thu 27-Sat 29 May. Theatre Royal Bath. Marie Antonoinette at the Egg Theatre. Despite the towering wigs, champagne and artificial pastures complete with perfumed sheep, Marie Antoinette’s life isn’t all fun, frolics and French fancies.

Continued

The Gesualdo Six - and yes there are seven chaps in the photo

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

May 2021

bathvoice

n WHAT’S ON

Continued

Wed 2 Sat and Wed 9-12 Jun. Rondo theatres. Dirty Bath. 8pm.

The Natural Theatre Company’s joyous romp through unknown Bath is famous for its healing waters, beautiful Georgian architecture and wholesome countryside surroundings. The Romans loved it, the Georgians couldn’t get enough, and modernday pleasure seekers still flock to the city for hen-does, Christmas shopping and Bridgerton selfies.

Wed 9-Sat 26 Jun. Theatre Royal Bath. Copenhagen. Drama set in wartime Denmark.

Fri 11 Jun. Bath Guildhall. Lecture on the history of Rastafari as part of the festival marking the time Haile Selassie of Ethiopia stayed in Bath.

Fri 11 Jun. Widcombe Social Club.

Comedy. Bath Comedy presents Bath Comedy Club’s Widcombe Nights with Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, Janine Harouni and Archie Maddocks. For more details and online booking visit Bath Comedy. Bath Comedy Club will continue to run fortnightly on Fridays (except for a few anomalies) Sun13 Jun. Bath Contemporary Artists Fair 10am-5pm, free

You can see Bath Artist Emma Rose’s work at her Art Studio at Knight’s Barn, Wellow, Bath BA2 8QE (by appointment emmaroseartworks@gmail.com / 07885 235 915). Also, from now until June 12th at The Galleries Shop & Cafe in Freshford, or full time at La Strada Cafe/Gallery in Frome. Do catch up with her in person on May 9th at the Bath Contemporary Artists Fair at Green Park Market 10am-5pm - free parking.

parking and entry, at Green Park Market.

Sun, 20 Jun. Theatre Royal Bath.

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

Mon 21 Jun. All restrictions will be lifted, and nightclubs will be allowed to re-open.

Mon 28 Jun-Sat 3 Jul. Theatre Royal Bath. A Splinter of Ice. Drama.

Sun, 4 Jul. Comedy. Frank Skinner.

Theatre Royal Bath. 7.30pm.

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

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Mon 5-Sat 10 Jul. Theatre Royal Bath. The Woman In Black.

Spooky drama that will give you shivers.

Mon 12-Thu 24 Jul. Theatre Royal Bath. Charlie and Stan. Biopic of the great comedy double act.

Thu 15 Jul. Olly Murs. The Royal Crescent. The singer will perform his biggest hits, including tracks from his album ‘Never Been Better’.

Fri 16 Jul. Widcombe Social Club.

Comedy. Permission To Laugh. Bath Comedy will be presenting a two week Comedy Festival from today to Sat 31st July.

Fri 16-Sun 18 Jul. Bath Food Fesital. The Rec. Sat 17 Jul. Bath Guildhall. Live performance of the King Solomon and Queen of Sheba Opera.

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

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

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

Sun 5 Sep. The George Michael Story.

Komedia. Music of the late pop star.

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

Sat 18 Sep. Bath Abbey. Ethiopian Orthodox Church Service.

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

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

Tue 12 Oct. Paloma Faith at The Forum. Popular female singer comes to Bath.

There are many other shows planned for the Theatre Royal and the other theatres in the city - with events being listed daily as we went to press including the news that Jon Monie (pictured) is back on stage in Cinderella this Christmas.

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May 2021

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18

n NEWS

Council leader resigns to make way for Kevin

By Local Democracy Reporter: The leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council is stepping down with immediate effect.

Councillor Dine Romero made the announcement “with great sadness” in the authority’s weekly e-newsletter.

She will be replaced as Liberal Democrat leader by Cllr Kevin Guy, the cabinet member for children’s services, and he will be the group’s nomination to be the new leader in May. Deputy council leader Richard Samuel will carry out the council leader’s duties in the interim.

Cllr Romero, who may take up a cabinet role, said: “It is with great sadness that I announce that I am standing down as council leader, so this will be my last message to you in e-connect.

“I wish to thank everyone who has worked with and supported me during the last two years in my time as leader of the council.

“I am incredibly proud of what

the council has achieved both before and during the pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all council officers and council partners who have worked so hard, and in particular everyone who has supported our most vulnerable residents.

“I would also like to thank all those who have taken the time to read my e-connect messages and for the kind feedback you’ve given. I personally want to recognise Dr Bruce Laurence, who retired today as our director of public health. He has led the council’s response to the pandemic with integrity and compassion.

“I also would like to welcome Becky Reynolds, who takes up the reins and who will oversee the next phase of the council’s work to keep communities safe.”

Cllr Romero has served on the council since 2003 and been its leader since May 2019, when the Lib Dems gained control.

She will continue in her role as a

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ward councillor for Southdown.

Cllr Guy said: “I am humbled and honoured to take on this role and relish the chance afforded to myself and my team, to truly make a huge positive difference to the lives of all in our authority.”

He added: “Dine has so much to be proud of. In addition to dealing with the pandemic, we have got some council housing, have planted thousands of trees, started the process for low traffic neighbourhoods, got the first clean air zone outside of London, worked with local business to help them weather the Covid storm, amongst many other achievements.”

• There is considerable speculation as to why the council leader has resigned. The Conservatives

headlined the news as : ‘Council Leader ditched by Bath’s Lib Dems.’

Others have said it was caused by ‘infighting’ in the council over plans to restrict vehicle access to the city centre and the introduction of Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods.

And there has been disquiet over the Clean Air Zone with taxi drivers and van drivers penalised financially.

One very obvious possibility is stress as Dine Romero has been at the helm through the Covid-19 pandemic that has taken hundreds of lives in the area placing a strain on the Council’s resources.

Plus the environmental policies were never going to be popular with some groups - which must have added to the headaches.

Husky dog needs home Loki is a stunning lad looking for an experienced, adult only home. He bonds strongly with one person but is unsure of others and will need to be kept separate from any visitors to the home.

Once he has bonded with his owner, he is an independent character, but he likes to know there is someone around. He can get anxious about being left and so will need someone to be home most of the day to help build the time up gradually.

Loki will need a private, secure garden where he can relax in his own space but would also benefit from hired paddocks so that he can have some off-lead time in a new environment. He will need to be muzzled and kept on a lead when not in a secure area.

At times, Loki will play with toys

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

– his favourite being tug or squeaky ones! When he’s had enough, he has shown signs of guarding and he will need owners that understand when to give him space.

Previously, Loki has lived with cats and so he may be able to live with another confident cat again, with slow, careful introductions.

If interested, please email: rehomersoffice@bcdh.org.uk Or visit https://www. bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/.

May 2021

bathvoice

n SPORTS NEWS

19

The Bears are back at the Glasshouse at last This report is compiled from the Bear Flat Cricket Club website: The club was founded back in the early 1980s and at first played friendly matches during that first season and having joined the North Somerset Cricket League in the autumn of 1982 the Club first played league matches in 1983.

Bear Flat CC also known as “The Bears” are a Bath-based cricket club which plays: • in Division 1 of the Wiltshire County Cricket League on Saturdays and • friendlies against a variety of local clubs based in Somerset and Wiltshire on Sundays.

Since 2012 the Club has played its home matches at The Glasshouse and since the Bath Recreation charity obtained a long lease of the ground much effort has been expended producing what is now one of the best playing

surfaces in the west country.

As a nomadic club with a local pub, The Devonshire Arms, as its base, The Bears have been extremely successful, and in 2017 were Wiltshire League Division 1 Champions.

Saturday XI The Saturday XI (pictured) ethos is built around preparation, camaraderie and above all else, enjoyment. In the 2017 season, enjoyment was at the heart of everything team did, and stood for.

This ethos brought league success, when the team was crowned Wiltshire League Division 1 Champions at the end of August, the pinnacle of a tremendous few years for the team.

Sunday XI The Sunday XI plays friendly matches and is a heady mix of youth, experience and exuberance!

This team is where younger

members can gain some experience which will put them in good stead for when they are ready to move up to the Saturday XI playing in the Wiltshire League, being mentored by some of the more senior players in the club.

Youth Team The Club is extremely excited to launch a youth team of under 9’s

(school years 3-4) this season (“The Bear Cubs”). Planning to establish a youth team started way back in 2019, but the advent of covid-19 brought all the Club’s aspirations for this to a grinding halt.

Now that ECB All Stars (school years 1-3) is back it seemed the perfect opportunity to launch The Bear Cubs.

Bath sports news in brief Bath Rugby: The team welcome Bristol to the Recreation Ground on May 8 and Sale on May 15. The team lie in a comfortable position in the Gallagher English Premiership. They had notable wins against London Irish and Zebre in the European Challenge Cup last month. They face Gloucester and Northampton in June in the Premiership.

Bath City FC: The first team have no league fixtures currently due to the suspension of the season. The club said in a statement: “Following the imposition of fines and suspended points deductions by the National League, we have this week submitted a written appeal to the FA and also written directly to the National League to express our views and call for a re-think.” The suspension came as it was financially unviable to complete the season with no spectators and no Government support. The club said they need to find approximately £25,000 to cover unbudgeted expenses including League fines, structural safety works, electrical upgrades and substantial pitch drainage works. The club are to announce plans on how to find the cash in the next few weeks - with a an appeal as one avenue to be explored. In the meantime on April 10 the U18s Academy side had a 2-0 win over Champion Sports

Academy. They got off to the perfect start when Connor Westside steered Alfie Andrews’ cross into the roof of the net with just five minutes on the clock.

Bear Flat Cricket Club: The club have announced their fixtures with some attractive home matches which include: on Sunday May 2, v Peopleton CC; Saturday May 8, v Swindon Nalgo CC; Saturday May 15 v Frome CC; Sunday May 22 v Beckington CC; and on Monday May 24 v Chippenham CC. The new season got under way against Hampstead on Saturday April 10 but the match was cut short due to a hail storm. The Odd Down based outfit saw some new faces in the team including Rowan Fisher, Mohammed Zohain and Henry Reeves.

Bath Cricket Club: The opening match against Somerset Academy saw a victory by 27 runs at North Parade. The season began in freezing weather with a full fixture list now published for the various teams.

Work to complete the new club house and other building works at the ground continue.

Bear Flat FC: The bears have resumed playing in the Bath and District Sunday League with a 2-1 win over Colcheneros completing a historic 175 day unbeaten run thanks to the suspension of games due to Covid-19. Their home ground is the Sulis Sports Club.

Netball players still on top form It was a so-so performance but another win as Team Bath’s Blue & Golds finished the first half of Vitality Superleague season with victory over London Pulse.

Team Bath Netball made it 10 wins from 11 matches in Wakefield in April with a 37-27 victory over London Pulse.

It came off the back of a hard-earned 52-46 win against league newcomers the Leeds Rhinos.

However the run came to an end when they lost to Saracens by a single point with a 39-38 score line although they remained at the top of the table

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

of the Netball Superleague organised by England Netball.

The majority of teams are based in England, it also features teams from Wales and Scotland.

The league commenced playing with the 2005–06 season, replacing the Super Cup as the elite netball competition in England.

The modern Team Bath netball team were formed during the late 1990s following the merger of several clubs and teams.

These include Bath Netball Club, Bath Tigers and the Toucans Netball Club.

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May 2021

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n NEWS

Plans to redevelop care home given approval By a Local Democracy. Plans to replace the extensions on a Bath care home have been unanimously approved after a previous bid was quashed in the High Court.

Some 80 residents maintained objections to Cedar Park’s proposals, claiming the designs were inappropriate and “infinitely worse”.

Bosses at the 180-year-old grade II-listed care home said their facilities are now unfit for purpose and they need to keep pace with modern standards.

The number of beds will reduce from 52 to 49, although 18 of the beds are currently out of action for residents.

Previous proposals to extend the home were approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2017 to help the business remain viable. The decision was overturned following a judicial review, with Judge Cotter QC branding it “irrational”.

Planning committee members later rejected the “unsympathetic and disrespectful” scheme due to the harm to the listed building and conservation area.

Objector Richard Dellar slammed the new designs as “infinitely worse” and told councillors on April 7: “I urge the planning committee to heed the 80-plus objections and be consistent with previous decisions in rejecting what is an entirely inappropriate scheme that would bring considerable harm to the local area.”

He said there was already a

surplus of care home beds in Bath.

Ward councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall said residents had raised “serious and legitimate” concerns and argued that the new plans had failed to meaningfully address the previous reasons for refusal.

Cedar Park operations director Minal Desai said residents’ needs had changed since she took over the home 29 years ago.

“Bedrooms, corridors, bathrooms and toileting facilities need to be larger and suitably arranged,” she said.

“This can only be achieved with the proposed restructuring.

However, the existing home is not fit for purpose and 18 of the bedrooms are currently not in care use.

“It’s for that reason that we sought to restructure Cedar Park – not to expand our current position but to improve our provision so the community can continue to benefit from our experience.”

Cedar Care Homes managing director Ash Desai previously said if the firm could not secure the council’s support it “would seek to redevelop the site with an alternative use”.

That was a concern for Cllr Eleanor Jackson, who proposed approval, saying: “In an ideal world we wouldn’t be allowing this because of the impact on the listed building. But there’s already a substantial building there. I think this application is

An artist’s impression of the planned development

Cedar Park in Bath has had plans to make major change approved actually a tidying up, it’s a considerable improvement.

“The [current] extension is totally unfit for purpose. It’s got to be updated and modernised. I don’t think the current extension is worth the repair.

“It’s been mentioned there’s a surplus of beds in Bath, but that isn’t taking into account the dire

need for beds in North East Somerset.

“The need outweighs the harm to the heritage building. We want this to remain a well used building, we don’t want it to stand unloved and unused, if the nursing home were to move.”

The committee voted to approve the application.

Planning appeal over old Homebase site A developer has launched an appeal after plans to replace a closed Bath DIY store with nearly 300 retirement flats were thrown out.

Guild Living’s proposals – for up to 288 flats for over 65s with care facilities plus a communal restaurant, wellness centre and gym – were rejected because of the buildings’ six-storey height, aluminium-clad design and impact on the World Heritage Site.

The Planning Inspectorate will hold a public inquiry this summer to decide the fate of the plans.

The demolition of the Homebase store in Pines Way was approved last year. It sits within the wider Sydenham Park site, which is allocated for at least 500 homes. In normal housing schemes, 30 per per cent of the properties must be affordable.

Councilors bemoaned the loss of 82 affordable homes across the site – but were told it could not be used as a reason for refusal because Guild Living had proposed a care facility so did not need to provide affordable housing.

Guild Living, part of Legal and

General, said its plans would regenerate a strategic city centre site, address a pressing need for housing for older people and relieve pressure on hospitals.

It said the scheme would create 260 jobs, help the council hit its housing targets and release larger family homes back into the market.

Guild Living said: “None of the council’s reasons for refusal should lead to this appeal being dismissed.”

The fate of the application is in the hands of the Planning Inspectorate.

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

The former Homebase site

The plans were initially rejected

May 2021

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n PUZZLES FOR ALL 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.

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

8

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Colourisina this lovely card wish someone Here tough test fortopuzzle fans! you love a Happy Easter. You could try using pretty spring It’s allsome about adding up!colours like yellow, green and lilac, perhaps?

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The FIEND

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May 2021

bathvoice

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction A Village Scandal – Dilly Court Dilly Court always tops the top ten books in the Sunday Times bestseller lists.

She writes very popular historical, family fiction.

This book is the second in The Village Secrets trilogy. It is Spring in the village, April 1869 and Daisy is overjoyed to marrying Jay. The bluebells are out and the church bells are ringing. However Daisy has an overwhelming feeling of dread and towards the end of the wedding and festivities, Jay has disappeared.

Is Daisy a widow or a wife? Who can support her and the household?

As with all Dilly Court heroines’, Daisy refuses to give up and perseveres and finds a way out of her problems, because the secret of Jay’s disappearance is even more

scandalous than she could have imagined. An engrossing, heartwarming tale.

Rosie – Alan Titchmarsh As well as a respected garden writer and TV presenter, Alan Titchmarsh is also a popular fiction writer.

This is his fifth novel, set on the Isle of Wight, Rosie begins with the arrest of Nick Robertson’s 87 year old Grandmother and so the adventure begins. Nick has become used to his grandmother Rosie’s dotty behaviour, however she is determined that before life passes her by, she will live a little. Or, preferably, a lot. But Nick also has to cope with two warring parents, and a disastrous love life, so his ideal position would be for his grandmother to get on with things quietly. But, Rosie insists, there is no time like the present. Life is to be enjoyed to the full. So she’ll help Nick find the soulmate he needs and he can help her make the most

of her few remaining years and an investigation into her past that proves intriguing!

A delightful novel, full of humour and romance. Again Alan Titchmarsh has created a novel that is witty and belief that at any age life can be lived to the full.

Adult Non-Fiction

Busy@Home – Tony Crabbe As we begin to ease out of lockdown and there are still some restrictions in place, this is a pertinent book.

The author and family went into lockdown but the work emails still kept coming, the home schooling started and everyone demanded to be fed. As the day spins away from you, the book asks: “How will I get through this”. This is one of the self-help books that offers a great practical guide to help you and your family through this unsettling period. Also offering handy tips to thrive once everything returns to “normal”.

Children’s Fiction

Spaghetti hunters – Morag Hood Join Duck as he goes looking for his spaghetti. It is not going well, however Horse explains he is a great Spaghetti hunter, because spaghetti is almost impossible to find. So Horse gathers all his hunting tools and goes on the Great Spaghetti hunt.

Join them as they appear to meet a snake and an earwig!!! But things do not look so bleak when they stumble across a recipe book. What will they find in there?

There’s No such things as Unicorns – Lucy Rowland & Katy Halford

I have been told by many younger visitors to Keynsham Library that Unicorns are very popular at the moment. So why not try this book. The little girl in the story is told by her brother that “there’s no such thing as Unicorns”. Follow her search to the farm, park, zoo, beach and even her school to see if there are any Unicorns there. On each page you will find a hidden Unicorn to look out for too. Enjoy!

Library News

If you love talking about reading, then there are new friends waiting for you!

Reading Friends is a new project which is bringing people together to celebrate a shared interest in books, magazines, or any reading material. Befrienders are ready for an informal chat with you by phone or online. Perhaps you have a favourite poem you’d love to discuss, or you’re a keen reader of online news.

Contact Reading_Friends@bathnes. gov.uk or call 01225 394041 and you’ll be matched with a volunteer befriender. Happy reading!

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

The Bath and North East Somerset ‘Virtual Library’ is still offering something for everyone. We are sharing facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, Storytime and crafts for children in the mornings and information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon.

Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ bathneslibraries1, Instagram www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries, and Twitter www.twitter.com/ BathnesL

History of women’s secret dress codes For those interested in how women dressed in the past then this is the book for them.

The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives, 1660–1900 by Barbara Burman and Ariane Fennetaux. Yale University Press, 2019, £35.

Back in 2006 Barbara Burman and Seth Denbo published a little

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

40 page pamphlet entitled Pockets of History: the secret life of an everyday object, this was to accompany an exhibition at the Bath Museum, and was the result of a research project which examined 300 surviving pockets.

A book of women and what they wore and why they wore those clothes.

May 2021

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23

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES

SERVICES

Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry Interior & façade painting PAINTING AND DECORATING

100%Mobile Mobile - to work or home!

100% - to work or home!

Bumper Scuffs • Alloy Wheel Bumper Scuffs • Alloy Wheel Refurbishment • Vandal Scratches Refurbishment • Vandal Scractches Minor Dents • Calliper Painting Minor Dents • Calliper Painting Headlight Restoration • Motorcycles Repairs

Unit 8, Durley Lane, Keynsham, BS31 2AJ

LOCAL

mail@arjelectrical.co.uk

Visit our showroom:

Outside Work = Perfect for Social distancing

01225 459611

Tiler • Mason • Painter

E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com

PLUMBING SERVICES

All domestic plumbing and heating work carried out Landlord certificates Gas safety checks Boiler servicing Over 20 years’ experience Friendly no obligation quote

07958 934903

dixonsplumbingandheating@outlook.com TAXIS

Shower faulty Electric showers repaired,sold & fitted competitive rates fast service Tel Paul at pj Home Electrical 07774747834 or 0117 2302010 approved

Keynsham based

website: bathshowersbristol

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

No Call out Charge

Professional and pet friendly local taxi service Fully vetted drivers Book online bathspataxi.com Facebook Messenger 01225 313131

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bathvoice

Quality from concept to completion, with us it’s built in.

We are specialists in providing high-end residential design and build projects, serving Bath and the surrounding areas.

Our team of highly skilled professionals deliver your vision to the highest standards of quality and finish. Always proud of what we do, we offer first-class end-to-end building services, from design and planning, effortlessly through to build completion.

saltfordkitchens.com

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

May 2021

01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com @sbsdesignandbuild

sbsdesignandbuild.com