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November 2019 No. 2
FREE EVERY MONTH in Bear Flat, Oldfield Park and Widcombe Tributes paid after Max, 15, dies on trip
INSIDE
Parking zone causing misery for residents Page 6 Honour for Bath dancing queen Paula Page 23
Bringing together students and residents - Turn to Page 16
Bogus charity collectors target Bath households Bogus collectors attempted to get unwanted clothes from Bath residents in the name of a cancer charity. That’s the suggestion of Breast Cancer Research Aid, whose “legitimate” collectors will be posting collection bags through letterboxes in mid-November. But in a social media post shared 4,200 times, a mum from Bloomfield in Bear Flat urged people to resist filling the bags and leaving them on their doorsteps. Writing in the Friends Of Moorlands Park Facebook group, Turn to Page 3
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A 15-year-old Beechen Cliff pupil and rising rugby star tragically died on a school trip in Spain. Max McMullen fell from a seventh floor window during an exchange trip to Cordoba on Saturday, October 19. His school in Bear Flat wrote to parents pledging counselling and support sessions for any students and staff affected in the weeks and months ahead. Max played for Bath Rugby’s academy, who said he “will always be a part of our club”. A minute’s applause was held when the senior side took on Exeter Chiefs on Friday, October 19 at the Rec. In a statement, the club said: “Max McMullen, a young man who truly loved our game and who we are lucky to have coached and see develop as a Bath Rugby Academy player in recent seasons, tragically died in an accident last weekend whilst away on a foreign exchange with his school. “Max was a popular and hugely promising member of our U16 squad and the news of his death has left all of us with a
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Tributes paid to Max, 15
From Page 1 deep sense of loss and sorrow. Our love and thoughts are now with Max’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time. “Max joined us in the academy as an U15 for the 2018/19 season, having spent time in our Developing Player Programme here in the city in the previous year, after having played his junior rugby at Walcot Rugby Club, just three miles up the road from our home here at the Rec. “Max was a passionate and committed player. His love for the game is something that many will remember him for, rugby was his life and the dream of running out here at the Rec and representing Bath Rugby, just as
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23 proud men were doing at the game on Friday, was an ambition that he had begun to work hard for in his time as a Bath Rugby player. “He was a key member of the U15s side last season, a player that really took every opportunity that was put in front of him, as we saw each and every time he pulled on our blue, black and white shirt. “Max played the game in the way that we all hoped it would be played, with a total and complete commitment and a competitiveness that allowed him to shine out on the rugby field. “His promise and potential, his enjoyment of the game and his friendship, the friendship and support he gave to his teammates here will be sorely missed.”
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COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bath Voice, contact the News Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/ nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@bathvoice.co.uk or by post: 1 Camerton Close, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3BT or by phone: 07402 441485 All stories and pictures are © Bath Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission. Bath Voice News & Media Ltd
My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk My councillor? Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk
Sam Petherick News Editor 07907 589905 news@bathvoice.co.uk Erica Benson Publisher and sales 07402 441485 erica@bathvoice.co.uk
November 2019
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
Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is November 20
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November 2019
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Bogus collectors targeting households in Bath From Page 1 she said: “I was suspicious as - despite being a breast cancer patient myself - I’ve never heard of Breast Cancer Research Aid. “The people behind this clearly hope to profit from the fact that October sees the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when the pink ribbon logo will be everywhere in the media, so it’s especially distasteful to be committing this fraudulent collection at this time.” Breast Cancer Research Aid has been a donor to Cardiff University’s European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, which researches into Triple Negative Breast Cancer, since 2017. Cardiff University said it was “very disappointed” a quote attributed to its research institute appeared on the collection bags. Bath and North East Somerset Council said it hadn’t issued a door-to-door collection licence to the charity for when its bags were
delivered to homes in September. The council told Bath Voice: “Breast Cancer Research Aid’ have a house to house collection permit from November 16th, 2019 which covers the whole of Bath & North East Somerset Area.” One of Breast Cancer Research Aid’s trustees, Lawrence Robinson, said the charity was “aware of this incident” and that its collector company Giving Support Ltd now has a licence to collect clothes from residents. He told Bath Voice: “The company was subjected to bogus collectors problems [sic] in the past. “We would be grateful if your local residents can report any BCRA bag distribution taking place in their area before November 16 2019. “This will help us to identify
the perpetrators. “The legitimate collectors will start distributing after November 16. Thank you for your help with our problem.” About its link with Cardiff University, Mr Robinson said: “We recently signed a year contract securing our charity donations to the university. The quote on the bag was provided by the university in 2017. We recently learned that the university does not want their name to be printed on the bag. The name ‘European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute’ was immediately removed from the bag. “The charity also supports research undertaken by the Institute of Cancer Research in London. The donations to the ICR reached £40,000 this year.
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“BCRA signed a contract with Giving Support Ltd securing £50,000 a year in December 2017. The charity received £51,000 in 2018. We expect to receive more donations in 2019.” A Cardiff University spokesman said: “We made clear that should we directly receive notice of any future reported unlicensed bag drops, we will direct the individual in question who has concerns to the Fundraising Regulator. Cardiff University does not endorse third party - in this instance BCRA’s partner, Giving Support Limited - use of our identity, and we had already communicated this to BCRA in January 2019. “We were therefore very disappointed to see that our identity alongside a quote had still not been removed from their collection bags. BCRA have agreed to remove this from their collection bags.” It was unclear how the bogus collectors obtained the collection bags.
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November 2019
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Refugees could join regulars for Bath City games Free Bath City FC season tickets will be given to the city’s refugee families if a new scheme hits the target. Bath is home to a number of families who “feel very loved here” after fleeing war and persecution in their home countries. Many of them enjoyed watching a game at Twerton Park as part of a nationwide Amnesty International event in 2017. They could now be turning out on the terraces on a more regular basis. Bath City has invited local businesses and individuals to buy season tickets which they will pass to the charity Bath Welcomes Refugees to distribute among the families it has helped resettle. The idea came from City supporter David Kongialis who said: “I was really impressed by the impact of Bath City’s previous refugee inclusion initiatives with
Amnesty’s Football Welcomes and thought it would be amazing to expand that impact across the season.” The club is offering the tickets at a reduced rate – and has
donated one itself using proceeds from the Bath City/ Bath Ales Community Fund. Bath City FC community director Joy Saunders said: “Here at Bath City we know that
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football is a really powerful form of social glue, an international language which enables everyone, regardless of where they are from, to immediately be on the same side and support a common interest. “We hope this scheme will help promote community cohesion in our city.” Amanda Stone of Bath Welcomes Refugees said: “We are so grateful to Bath City, to David and to The Mint Room who have been involved to enable this idea to get off the ground. “One of our chief aims is to help settle in Bath or surrounding area those people who were persecuted and in danger in their own countries and homelands. “We are sure that this expression of friendship will go a long way towards making our families feel a part of the community – win, lose or draw!”
November 2019
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Bear Flat RPZ is causing misery in Oldfield Park
Trying to find a spot to park is becoming increasingly difficult, Oldfield Park, residents have told Bath Voice. They say the Bear Flat residents’ parking zone – which has increased the number of people visiting the area to shop since it was introduced in April – is pushing motorists their way for parking. Martin Veasey said: “The parking here in Lower Oldfield Park has got considerably worse as displaced commuters seek out new free places to park.
“It always was a bit tricky at times during school and university term times but is now horrendous as commuters compete with school drop-offs, Norland nannies, students and residents. “We have now started a Facebook page to establish if there is enough residents who would like a parking zone introduced in the area. “Clearly the problem has been moved from one area to another and while I am pleased the Bear Flat residents have found it
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better, I hope we can find a way contributed to Oldfield’s parking forward in our area before people issues. A rise in the number of move out in despair.” homes being converted to HMOs Lynn Harrington has lived (houses in multiple occupation) in Livingstone Terrace, a row has also been a factor. of houses by the Heart of Bath He said: “Some of these Oldfield Surgery car park in houses can have several cars. Junction Road, for more than 30 “Each year it gets worse and years. worse. Back then, he said there “It is now intolerable.” were “relatively few parking Moorland and Oldfield Clean problems”. Air, a local residents’ group, said: “The surgery was a garage “We’ve long been campaigning that generated very little traffic, for residents parking in our area commuters parked closer to town and were opposed to the Bear Flat and Oldfield Park was a pleasant zone as we felt that this should residential area populated mainly have been considered in a holistic by families and wasn’t a students’ manner, especially in light of the dormitory as it has become,” he forthcoming clean air zone. said. “The parking issues in our Mr Harrington said the area are now so great that double surgery’s expansion and parking on roads such as Oldfield Lucis Choir commuters being pushed Park and Junction Road are further Francis out from the city centre causing serious risks to health Faux MUSICAL DIRECTOR by increased parking fees have and safety.”
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November 2019
n NEWS A 14-year-old judoka brought home a medal from the 2019 Commonwealth Judo Championships. Isabella Cooper, of the Team Bath Judo and Community Club based at the University of Bath, won her medal in the pre-cadets -57kgs weight category – one of the largest categories. There were 17 national and international girls competing in this section alone, and Isabella had five fights, with girls from Northern Ireland, Scotland and South Africa, in the competition in Wolverhampton. Speaking of her success, director of sport Claire Maggs at Redmaids’ High School, which Isabella attends, said: “It takes a tremendous amount of hard work and discipline to compete at this level. “We are all very proud of what Isabella has achieved.” Isabella achieved further success in October, competing in the Emmen Tournament as part of a Dutch Tour with the Western Area Judo Squad where she was awarded a bronze medal.
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November 2019
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Dancer Kitilena proud to represent Bath in Miss Teen GB contest
A Hayesfield Girls’ School pupil said she hoped to make Bath proud when she represented the city in the Miss Teen Great Britain contest. Avid dancer Kitilena Roxburgh, 16, is in her final year of studies at the Upper Oldfield Park school. The young star took a short break from her GCSEs to compete in the pageant’s grand final in Blackpool’s Globe Theatre across October 21 and 22. She has lived in Bath with her mum Jessica since the age of five and is currently training at Susan Hill’s school of dancing in Radstock and Swindon Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training. Kitilena was named Miss Teen Bath earlier this year and went up against 60 other girls for the title of Miss Teen Great Britain 2019. “Wow, this was one of the best experiences of my life,” she
told Bath Voice. “I’ve met so many amazing people and feel empowered and so much more confident after my experience. “I never expected to make so many new friends. “I feel so proud to be Miss Teen Bath 2019 and hope I can make my city proud.” Kitilena thanked her sponsor for the event, E&T Medical, who even came to the finals to support her in person. She now hopes to help out in the community and offer dance in schools. “Dance is a way to express yourself but can be a very expensive hobby, so I would like give back by helping out in local schools and social clubs in my spare time,” she said. She hopes to continue with her passion by studying at a dance college after Hayesfield.
“I would like give back by helping out in local schools and social clubs in my spare time.”
- Kitilena Roxburgh
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November 2019
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November 2019
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Bath’s finest delighting audiences in Boston The City of Bath Male Choir, finalists in the BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition, has arrived in Boston to deliver a series of performances. The choir achieved national acclaim through their success on the nationwide show when the 60-strong group sang to a TV audience of millions. They have jetted off to the USA for an eight-day tour which will see the choir sing at Boston’s famous City Hall at the invitation of Mayor Marty Walsh. City of Bath Male Choir will sing at Old North Church in Boston on Sunday, October 27 during their morning service and then travel to First Parish on the Common in Bedford for a joint evening concert hosted by Bradford Connor. On Wednesday, October 30 they sing as guests of the celebrated Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus at a charity concert in Melrose Memorial Hall. On Thursday, October 31 a
recital will be held at Episcopal Catheral Church of St Paul at 12.30pm, followed by a performance at City Hall at 2.20pm and finishing at Faneuil Hall Quincy Market at 3.30pm.
Their final day in Boston on November 2 will be spent with a performance at the Prudential Center from noon. Grenville Jones who runs the choir is the founder of award-
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winning charity Golden-Oldies which brings songs and smiles to thousands of older isolated people across England and Wales. Pictured, the choir in action
November 2019
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Bath on Ice returns for 8th magical year
W
ith winter closing in and the festive season just around the corner, Bath is gearing up for Christmas. That means lights, shopping, the Christmas Market and Bath on Ice! Just around the corner from the Christmas Market in Victoria Park, Bath on Ice is returning with a huge outdoor ice rink giving skaters loads of space to learn to skate or show off their skills. Lights, music and plenty of fun! Next door to the rink the popular Glow Mini-Golf will also be back again, with the trees beautifully lit up after dark and visitors playing with glow-in-the-dark golf balls. And after all that fun in the crisp winter air, the warm glow of the rink-side Alpine Bar offers wood-fired pizzas, deluxe hot chocolates and a full range of festive drinks. Bath on Ice (15th Nov to 5th Jan) is a short walk from Bath City centre in Victoria Park and Park & Ride buses stop right next door during the Christmas Market. Booking is advised and can be done online at www.bathonice.com or by calling 01225 436888.
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November 2019
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Film classics with live music sure to delight audiences Saturday 21 December 2019, 3.30pm, The Forum, Bath “Rupert and the Frog Song” & “The Snowman” This Christmas, Bath Philharmonia - Bath’s only professional orchestra - present a double bill of film classics on the big screen at The Forum, a beautifully restored art deco cinema. A perfect festive treat for the whole family! Bath Philharmonia are incredibly excited to be giving the first ever live performance of ‘Rupert and the Frog Song’ featuring Sir Paul McCartney’s massive hit ‘We All Stand Together’. The song was released in November 1984 and reached number 3 in the UK charts. The video was released simultaneously and became the biggest selling video of 1985 as well as being nominated for the ‘Best Music Video – Short Forum’ at the Grammy Awards in 1986. A forty-strong orchestra – accompanied by guest singers and choir – will skilfully play along to the animation on screen. It wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘The Snowman’ and the full symphony orchestra will perform Howard Blake’s score live to Raymond Briggs’ charming animation. Listen as our percussion team try to keep up with The Snowman’s racing motorbike and smile as our celeste player puts the magical sprinkles on top of the Christmas cake! Bath Philharmonia is one of the leading orchestras in the South West and performs concerts of outstanding artistic quality with world class soloists promoting the live orchestral experience to all members of our community. Tickets are £22 / £14 (under 18s) www.bathphil.co.uk Image © 1984 MPL Communications Ltd
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Youngsters inspire walking bus Schools across Bath can follow in the footsteps of Widcombe’s star pupils who led the way in creating a walking bus. The new toolkit has been published by the council as a model green mode of transport system for other schools to copy. Bath and North East Somerset Council said: “Some of the inspiring initiatives carried out by schools this year include parents and staff at Widcombe Infants and Combe Down Primary working with the council on a walking bus. “As a result, the council has put together a comprehensive toolkit which can help other schools to do the same.” Widcombe earned further recognition in the Modeshift Stars awards which rewards schools that have shown excellence in promoting walking, cycling and other forms of travelling sustainably. Since 2017, 22 schools across the area have achieved bronze, silver or gold Modeshift awards with seven more being awarded this summer. Bathampton Primary School in October became the
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first school in B&NES to be presented with a gold award. Roundhill Primary scooped silver, and bronze awards went to Mulberry Park Educate Together Primary, Widcombe Infants, Westfield Primary, Chandag Infants, Chew Stoke Primary, St Andrews Primary and Swainswick Primary. B&NES cabinet member Councillor Sarah Warren said: “The climate emergency needs a wide ranging approach to tackle the problems that we face. “Parents and school staff are leading the way in changing behaviour and the way that we travel, and the growing number of schools achieving awards is evidence of their commitment to a healthier future.” The walking bus toolkit can be found at www.travelwest. info/schools/setting-up-awalking-bus
November 2019
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We’ve been turning lives round for 20 years A social exclusion charity is marking two decades of turning lives around with an event at Widcombe Social Club. Developing Health and Independence, based in Milsom Street, works with individuals who struggle with addiction, homelessness, mental ill-health, offending, violence and poverty. It runs a number of specialist services in Bath and North East Somerset, as well as across Bristol, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and Somerset. The charity was founded in Bath in 1999 by Rosie Phillips who remains at the helm as its chief executive. Its 20th anniversary celebration evening takes place on Thursday, November 7. The evening begins at 5pm with a buffet and exhibition. From 6pm, main events will include a celebration of the achievements of its clients; highlights of DHI’s Vision Project
DHI founder and chief executive Rosie Phillips
activities and its work with young people, a poetry book and the input from all its dedicated stakeholders. There will be a look back at its 20-year history, including a new film made by a former client. DHI said: “After one of our busiest years ever, we are excited to celebrate not just the past year, but the past 20 years. “Come along to find out how we help turn lives around.” If you would like to attend the event, send an email to events@ dhi-online.org.uk. Parking has been provided by the nearby Prior Park Garden Centre.
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November 2019
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Helping victims of crime
L
AST month, I was lucky enough to be invited along to the opening of Yoko Ono’s Interventions/2 exhibition at the Georgian House in Bristol. For me, the most interesting part of Yoko Ono’s exhibition was Arising, a collaborative piece of work between sexual violence service Safe Link, domestic abuse service Next Link and curator and artist Jimmy Galvin. The powerful artwork focuses on 65 survivors who have used the victim services and their experience of domestic and sexual abuse. I would encourage everyone to go and see this exhibition; the artwork features just the women’s eyes and, in their own handwriting, they tell their story of abuse or of recovery or both. It’s important that we give survivors a chance to share their experience and I truly hope that
the exhibition encourages other victims to come forward and ask for help. I was especially happy to hear that the Next Link and Safe Link teams have delivered awareness training to museum staff in order to respond to anyone who discloses that they are victims. Since becoming PCC in 2012, it has been a priority of mine to put victims first. Along with my team, I have focused on commissioning tailored support services to help victims of crime and anti-social behaviour. As well as Safe Link, the other providers include adult service Victim Support, enhanced adult support service Swan Advocacy, children and young people provider Young Victims’ Service and Restorative Justice service Resolve West. We will be launching a campaign this month entitled
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#BeHeard, which will explore the services I mention above in more detail and why we need to give victims a voice in order for them to cope and recover from their experience. I also wanted to let you know how we continue to support community projects and initiatives that work towards making local people feeling safe. The Road Safety Fund is part of the Police Community Trust and community groups, voluntary organisations, schools and the like can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to help improve road safety in their neighbourhoods. With more and more vehicles taking to our roads, education and working together on projects to ensure roads remain safe for all those who use them has never been more important. Avon and Somerset Constabulary are
With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens already well supported by local residents through Community SpeedWatch schemes but we need to continue to all play our part in raising awareness of how to be safer on the roads. It’s really easy to apply and full details can be found on the Constabulary’s website.
Oldfield Park: A pair of students have been praised as “model citizens” after they came to the rescue of a man who had collapsed. Sarah Moolla witnessed the incident in Oldfield Park on the evening of Thursday, October 10. She wrote in the Moorland Road is Amazing! Facebook group: “A massive shout out to the two young men who came to the rescue of a middle-aged man who had collapsed drunk and was barely responsive FAMILY RUN on the corner of West Avenue. BUSINESS “One had called an ambulance and although they didn’t know each other, they both stayed with him. “The man was kept in the recovery position and they kept talking and reassuring him. These model citizens were students.” Her post received nearly 500 likes and further praise for the duo for their actions. The man was taken to the Royal United Hospital’s emergency department by ambulance. l Were you one of the two saviours? Get in touch to tell us your story.
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n NEWS
Let’s put ban on plastic forks - councillor Litter pickers support the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Group’s urban beach clean in Oldfield Park Below, the McDonald’s team got involved with a litter pick in Westmoreland
A councillor has called for a ban on plastic forks after her shock at finding large numbers of them during a litter pick in Oldfield Park. Councillor June Player (Independent) took part in two community waste collections during the week-long Big B&NES Community Clean-Up from October 19 to 27. And Lib Dem councillor for Moorlands ward, Jess David, posted on Instagram: “Lovely bit of litter picking with oval community group today. “Over 20 adults and kids out cleaning the Oval and surrounding groves. Amazing work.” Ms Player represents Westmoreland ward which was redrawn to include parts of Oldfield Park and Moorland
Road in time for May’s local elections. She joined students from Bath’s two universities on the charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s urban beach clean litter pick. The group met at Oldfield Park railway station and litter picked down Brook Road and various streets towards Sainsbury’s garage on Lower Bristol Road before heading off to meet other groups at the Royal Crescent. Ms Player said plastic forks from takeaways were “very noticeable”. “Never been so aware of them in my 15+ years of doing litter picks in the area,” she said. “Surely these items can be banned relatively easily and quickly – and they must be.
“I am contacting the Public Protection Team about this matter.” Three days later, on Tuesday, October 22, she took part in a litter pick alongside staff at McDonald’s in Weston Lock and residents. They collected 13 full bags of rubbish. Ms Player said: “From my point of view I love the sense of satisfaction and positivity doing these litter picks gives me and the camaraderie and community spirit that comes with it. “I love the fact that more and more people are joining in them and setting up their own in their neighbourhoods. “Anything we can do to help the environment can only be applauded. “’Keeping it clean, green and
friendly and promoting pride in our community’ has been my slogan for many years now!” Bath McDonald’s franchisee Paul Pearson said: “The managers and staff of McDonald’s Bath are very proud to be able to support and work with June, and our resident neighbours, in doing our bit to make our local area just a little bit cleaner and tidier. “The sense of pride and satisfaction is palpable. We are all looking forward to our next festive litter pick and it would be our immense pleasure to supply coffee, hot chocolate and hot apple pies to anyone who joins us on the day.” Find out what the council is doing to reduce the problems of litter at https://tinyurl.com/ y377tsml
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Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Sam on news@bathvoice.co.uk
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November 2019
n NEWS
Students and community get to know each other Town-gown relations were given a boost when students, university chiefs and a local politician visited hundreds of homes in Bath. The Good Neighbour Campaign aims to establish and foster positive relationships between student residents and Bath locals. In its first activities of the year, the Student Community Partnership team knocked on some 500 doors in Oldfield Park and Westmoreland. They offered advice on waste and recycling collections among
““It’s important that new neighbours introduce themselves to each other and have a good understanding of issues such as how bin collections work, “ - Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall
other issues, with the aim of encouraging neighbourliness and considerate behaviour within the community. Those taking part included pro-vice chancellors of the University of Bath Professor
Peter Lambert and Bath Spa University’s Dr Rebecca Schaaf; Oldfield Park councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall; and student union leaders. Student residents were also given tips on living in Bath, such as how to make best use of public transport services and getting involved in volunteering locally. The partnership aims to promote neighbourly relations,
safety, sustainability and other aspects of community awareness. One of its current campaigns focuses on highlighting river and night-time safety in the city. Mr Stephenson-McGall said: “Oldfield Park is home to a diverse range of residents, many of whom are students. “It’s important that new neighbours introduce themselves to each other and have a good
n THE DRAGONFLY JAR ... burnout Jeanne Fairs: Mid-life musings
I
t has taken a lot of mid-life musing to reach a stage when I trust myself to know when burn-out could be just around the corner. This ‘super power’ doesn’t always allow me to take the heat out of the impending smouldering, but it does at least allow me to share a forest fire warning with those I love, before I risk fanning the flames myself and singeing my own eyebrows. The first tell-tale sign is overthinking things. For example, although no-one will really care whether my jumper shelf is alpha-sorted into co-ordinated pantone shades, I start to obsess that the engineer chap coming to check my gas boiler later in the week (not a euphemism) may enter my wardrobe by mistake and make a character judgement based on the lack of filing system for my sweaters. I then start wondering if I have time to blitz the shelf before that visit – perhaps decant a few jumpers and squeeze in a visit to the local charity shop – or
will this mean having to cancel going to running club? I go to running club but on the hill sprints start obsessing about the state of the drawer containing my running kit; no wonder I was late to running club – my leggings were all tangled up with my t-shirts. This needs a rethink. I start to wonder whether any of my old t-shirts would make good dusters, after all, my flat could certainly do with dusting. In fact, if I don’t dust the flat, that gas man will surely make a character judgement about me during his visit… and so it goes on. I make a conscious effort to start under thinking; I realise I am not really sure how this works. I realise that a bit of writing will allow me to switch off from the world for a couple of hours. My blood pressure relaxes back down. I am not even thinking about how this comes about. In fact, the only telltale sign of my previous burnout is my permanently surprised expression, but then, you try looking calm when you have just singed your eyebrows off. www.thedragonfyjar.com
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
understanding of issues such as how bin collections work, who is responsible for the upkeep of their gardens and how to be a considerate neighbour, especially when residents’ lifestyles and hours can be so different. “Getting to know your neighbours is so important and the SCP is helping to build communities, encouraging volunteering and sustainability.”
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n NEWS Significant improvements for the Bristol and Bath Railway Path have been promised after Sustrans secured £1.1 million of government funding. The charity which works to make it easier for people to walk and cycle wants to hear from residents how to make it better. It comes nearly a year after the launch of the One Path initiative to reduce conflict on the path, which is marking the 40th anniversary of its creation. The 13-mile route is one of the busiest traffic-free paths in the UK, with more than 1,000 people an hour passing through the Whitehall section in Bristol at peak times.
Let’s make the path somewhere we can all enjoy - without any conflict
“We’ve already been working hard to reduce conflict on the route through our One Path initiative, which encourages everyone to share, respect and enjoy. “ - James Cleeton The Department for Transport funding will be used for improvements aimed at reducing accidents and conflicts between users, making the path a more enjoyable place to be for everyone. The changes will be made to the section of the path that runs between Bristol city centre and Fishponds, an extremely busy part of the route. Sustrans said a number of options will be considered and
developed via a community-led redesign project to ensure that users’ needs are truly accounted for. James Cleeton, England Director South at Sustrans, said: “The path has been a huge success, but it’s not without its issues. “We’ve already been working hard to reduce conflict on the route through our One Path initiative, which encourages
everyone to share, respect and enjoy. “This funding for physical improvements gives us a real opportunity to work collaboratively with all users to seek solutions that represent all stakeholders and to ensure no one is excluded from using this amazing path. “I am genuinely excited to be a part of it.” A Facebook group titled
Bristol & Bath Railway Path – OnePath has nearly 2,000 members where lively discussions are taking place. Sustrans is also holding a number of workshops throughout November and December. The railway path was originally built on the former Midland Railway line in 1979 and completed in 1984.
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n WHAT’S ON MONDAYS (ZUMBA) at St Mark’s School, Larkhall, Bath 7:15-8pm £6 WEDNESDAYS (ZUMBA) at The Hub, Mulberry Park, Bath 9:30-10:15am £6 THURSDAYS (STRONG by Zumba) at St Marks Sports Hall, Larkhall, Bath 7:15-8pm £8
Mondays Walking Football on Mondays 10am - 11am at Odd Down Sports Ground (Chelwood Drive, Bloomfield, Bath). £4 Pay-as-youplay (no membership) active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510. Sing & Play. Fun and lively music and instrumental games for babies and preschoolers. Come and join us for a free trial. Refreshments included. Bruton Hall, Bear Flat, Bath, BA2 42J. To book contact Janette 07752 880116 Yogalates is a fusion of Yoga moves and Pilates, a dynamic energising class to build strength improve flexibility, mobility and core. Suitable for all levels, ages and abilities. Monday 9.30am at The Hub Mulberry Park Combe Down, Children welcome. Barty’s Parents and toddlers. Every Monday of term time 9.3011am at St Bart’s Church, King Edwards Road, BA2 3PB
Tuesdays Bumps and Babies every Tuesday (term time). For ages 0-18 mths, come along and meet other parents/carers and enjoy a range of activities. 10am-12pm at Twerton Village Hall, Landseer Rd, BA2 1DX. Call Becky 07703883995 Bath: Art Group, Tuesdays 10am 12pm at St Michael’s Centre. £3 inc refreshments. Some of the Tuesday group also choose to stay on for Lunch Club. Some resources are available, but students also provide their own materials. To book your
November 2019
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Exercise Movement and Dance class for ladies
LE
P EXAM
Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net . Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)
place, contact active@ageukbanes. co.uk or 01225 484510. Roots & Shoots Toddler group at Bath City Farm. Tuesday 10am-1pm. No need to book just turn up with your little one and enjoy the farm.
FREE support to stop smoking or switch to vaping (e-cigarettes) available from the B&NES Wellbeing Service 4.00pm-6.00pm every Tuesday in the Meeting Room at St Martins Hospital, Odd Down. Walk in sessions- all welcome, no need to make an appointment. Just call in and talk to one of our experienced, friendly advisors. For more session times and venues please call 0300 247 0203 or email BATHNES.thehub@virgincare.co.uk
Helping you quit, your way
www.bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk
The National Autistic Society runs two weekly out of school sessions on Tuesday in Central Bath. The session for children and young people aged 8-14, 6.30pm until 8pm & 8pm to 9.30pm for those aged 15-21. For further information email OOSC@nas.org.uk
Wednesdays
Fridays
AGE UK Book Club Second Wednesday of the month at 10.30am - 12pm. Bath Central Library. £3 suggested donation. The groups are open to everyone of 55+ and those attending will decide what books they would like to read for future sessions. For more information contact active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.
Articulate Craft Club. Hillside Hall, 6-9pm. Twice monthly meetings on a Friday evening, 11th & 25th October. New members pay £5 on their first night which includes membership & entry fee. After that, each club night costs £3 for entry. Open to everyone 18+. www. articulatebath.com
Gadget Buster sessions offer support with using laptops, tablets and phones. People your own ‘gadget’ along and ask our volunteers questions and learn how to get the most out of your technology. St Michael’s Centre. Every Wednesday, 10am - 12pm. Cost: £3 Bath WI meet on the first Wednesday of each month at St Mary’s Church in Bathwick, a short walk from the centre of the city. Doors open at 7pm for a drink and a chat, with the meeting starting at 7.30pm.For more info please email thebathwi@gmail.com.
Thursdays Community Tea Party first Thursday of the month at 3.30pm at Beechen Cliff Hall. Zumba every Thursday evening in La Scala in Moorland Road (above the Co-op) 7.00-7.45pm, £5 per class. No need to book, just show up. All ages and abilities welcome. Bag-Fit Thursday evenings at Twerton village hall, 7-8PM this class is suitable for all levels and abilities it’s easy to follow and great fun working the whole body, learn to kick and punch to our unique blend of music on free standing punch bags. For more info call 07850954863 Anorexia & Bulimia Care. Support Hub at Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, BA2 6AA. 9.30-5pm. Free weekly drop in for anyone affected by eating disorders. All welcome, free to attend and no booking required. For more information email hub@ anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk or call 03000 11 12 13
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
Wellbeing Café for anyone under 25, 4-6pm at Open House Centre Café, Manvers Street, Baptist Church, BA1 1JW Golden Club. Social club for older people living in the Beechen Cliff area. The group meet for companionship, cup of tea, scrabble or cards. Beechen Cliff Church, 1 Heather Drive, Sullis Meadows, BA2 2BW. Call 01225 832022
Saturdays The Bear Flat Community Market is on the third Saturday of every month from 9.30am – 12.30pm, in the Methodist Church hall in Bruton Avenue. Our aim is to promote local food and to provide space where the community can get together.
Events Saturday 16th November Lego Club on Saturday 2-3pm at Moorland Road Community Library.
Dorothy House Light up a Life Service Bath Abbey on November 26th, 6-7pm. The service starts at 6pm and lasts around 45 minutes. It include readings, carols and the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one. The service is open to everyone. For more information visit www. dorothyhouse.org.uk
Saturday 16th November Bear Flat Community Market 9.30-12.30. Church Hall, Bruton Avenue, Bath BA2 4QJ Monday 18th November St John’s Foundation Toddler Cooking Session join us 1-3pm.
November 2019
bathvoice
n WHAT’S ON
GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@bathvoice.co.uk
Widcombe Christmas Market Sat 16 November 10.30-5pm, Sunday 17th 10.30-4pm Widcombe Social Club BA2 6ED 40+ local artists and artisans present their work. Refreshments. www.widcombechristmasmarket
The Bubble, 4/5 Chapel Court, Bath, BA1 1SQ. Be prepared to get messy as our cooking tutor shows you some basic recipes for you to create together. Free entry, tea, coffee and biscuits provided. For more information communityoutreach@ stjohnsbath.org.uk or call Sam 01225 486403 Friday-Sunday 22nd-24th November Mudslingers Ceramics Group Christmas Sale. Walcot Street Chapel, Bath, BA1 5UG. On Friday 22 & Saturday 23 November, 10am to 6pm, Sunday 24 Nov, 10am to 5pm. Free Entry. An exhibition at Bath’s delightful Walcot Chapel offers the chance to beat the crowds and buy beautiful ceramic gifts hand-made in local studios direct from nine potters. Bath’s ‘Mudslingers’ group presents a wide range of work at affordable prices, and a chance to meet the actual makers. Saturday 23rd November Charity Christmas Pudding Making Evening. Saturday 23rd November, 7PM. Ascension Church, Claude Avenue, Bath BA2 1AE. All ingredients provided. Bring along an apron, wooden spoon, a large bowl and bag for your creation. £15 per person including a welcome drink. To book and for more
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information email carolbrake33@ googlemail.com
Christmas is coming - and Widcombe Market is the place to be for festive fun
Can’t wait any longer for the famous Bath Christmas Market? Then perhaps a trip to Widcombe when it plays host to a festive sale of its own could be in order. Widcombe Christmas Market, formerly Widcombe Craft Fair and now in its 13th year, has a growing reputation for quality gifts made by local artists. Around 40 stallholders are taking part across the November 16-17 weekend, offering a wide range of items for sale – a real opportunity to find that special present directly from the maker. The light and spacious surroundings of Widcombe Social Club off the foot of Widcombe Hill are hosting the event. It will be spread across two floors with a lift, disabled facilities and refreshments – including mulled wine. Children will be able to make keyrings with Denise Stirrup who uses pressed flowers to create different types of artwork. Performances by Widcombe Choir take place at noon and 12.30pm on the Saturday. Parking is unrestricted in Widcombe on Sundays and there is a small amount of on-street parking nearby. The social club is also only a short walk from car parks in SouthGate shopping centre and Bath Cricket Ground. The market takes place from 10.30-5pm on Saturday, November 16 and 10.30am-4pm on Sunday, November 17. For a full list of the exhibitors, visit www.widcombechristmasmarket.com/2019-exhibitors.html
Saturday 23rd November 3 Café Kitchen Winter Fayre, 101pm. 3 Café Kitchen, 180 Frome Rd, BA2 5RF. Gifts, raffle, home made goods, coffee and cake. All proceeds will benefit the young people with special needs at Three Ways School. Saturday 30th November Local Artists feature at Bear Flat Christmas Market on Saturday 30 November, 10am to 5pm at Methodist Church Hall, Bruton Ave, Bear Flat, BA2 4QJ. Free entry. Bear Flat Artists join up with Bear Flat Association to present the arts and crafts Christmas Market. The market will be brimming with original and unusual hand-made gifts at affordable prices. Buy direct from local artists and artisan food producers in a festive atmosphere. Plus, there is a drop-in children’s Christmas crafts session throughout the day.
DISTRIBUTORS Required to deliver our monthly newspaper in the following areas: Bear Flat, Oldfield Park and Widcombe. If you are reliable and fit then this a role suitable for all age groups (min age 13). The newspapers will be delivered to your home ready for distributing. Routes range from 300-500 newspapers
29th November - 15th December Kingsmead Square Market, bringing award-winning street food, live music and mulled drinks to Bath this Christmas. Taking place from 29th Nov – 15th December, Friday – Sunday 11am - 9pm. (6pm on Sundays).
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george@bathvoice.co.uk Along with your address and contact telephone number.
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November 2019
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Mr Branston told October’s full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council: “Oldfield Park has borne the greatest loss of family homes to HMO conversions over the years. “The [cap] was a useful step to prevent other parts of the city going the same way as Oldfield Park, even though for us it was too little, too late. “At least we had reason to believe a high water mark had been reached and there would be no further expansion of the HMO sector in our area. “But now the latest craze
among landlords is expanding existing HMOs into six, seven or even eight-bed properties.” HMOs are houses with three or more people from two or more families living together. Numbers grew at a rapid rate until 2017, when B&NES Council adopted powers to control the conversion of family homes into HMOs that limit the number in a given area. But Mr Branston said there was nothing to stop existing HMOs expanding. He told councillors: “It’s time that officers and the
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
planning committee are given the necessary powers to stop the ongoing exploitation of our community by HMO landlords.” He said a developer was eyeing a key site in Oldfield Park to house 100 students. Cllr Tim Ball, cabinet member for housing, said the Local Plan that could include those policies was being held up by delays to the higher-level joint spatial plan. Inspectors have advised the four West of England council to go back to the drawing board. Mr Branston agreed to meet Cllr Ball to discuss the issue.
November 2019
bathvoice
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Ho, ho, how you can join Santa and Elves for fun run
The Dorothy House hospice Santa and Elf Run is back on Sunday, 8th December at Bath Spa University! Last year the event raised over £10,000 for vital patient care and this year the charity is aiming to raise even more. This much loved, Christmas-tastic family fun run is open to all ages and takes place along a 2.5km course through the beautiful grounds of Bath Spa University. Participants can choose to do the 2.5km route once or twice to make it a 5km run. The entry fee is £7.50 for children aged 2-11 (who’ll receive a free elf hat to add to their own elf-tastic outfit) and £15 for participants aged 12+ (who’ll receive an amazing Santa outfit). There is no entry charge for Santa’s little helpers aged under 2. Friends and family are very welcome to come and cheer on the Santa and Elf Run. Cheerers can sprinkle the dashing Santas and Elves in biodegradable snow as they run past! Refreshments will be available for supporters to buy from the jolly Refectory. To enter please sign up at www.santaandelfrun.org.uk
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November 2019
n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS Adult Fiction
Tombland - C J Sansom
This is an epic book but well worth sticking with all 800 pages. It is the next instalment of the Shardlake series and begins in the summer of 1549. Henry VIII is dead and his young son, Edward VI is on the throne but under a Protectorate of his Uncle the Duke of Somerset. England is in chaos with wars in Scotland, poor economy and the countryside in open revolt - set against all this, Matthew Shardlake is still working as a lawyer but has been employed by the young Lady Elizabeth to investigate the gruesome murder of a distant relation, Edith Boleyn. So Shardlake, along with his assistant Nicholas Overton, set out for the summer assizes at Norwich to investigate the murder and try to prevent the execution of Edith's husband, John, who is the prime suspect. However as the investigation continues, East Angelia explodes in peasant rebellion and Shardlake and his assistant are caught up in the Kett rebellion and Matthew finds his loyalties tested with a murderer to catch. As with all the Shardlake series of books the historical details is excellent. You are transported back to Tudor England - in particular the great detail about Norwich as this time. The author takes great relish in describing the dirty, smelly streets and then the impressive Cathedral. There are colourful characters at every turn. I knew nothing about the Kett rebellion before this book and was really interested in the impact the rebellion had on the countryside and the government. At its heart is a great crime novel and I can see why it is so popular.
The Power -
Naomi Alderman In a really close future, girls, due to chemical released during Second
World War, get a power, like an electric current than run in their fingers. We follow different characters having the power and what it means to not be afraid any more. At the beginning I thought the idea was exciting, if we reverse history and social position, what would happen if it were women who got the Power? Even if the book starts well and develops some different ideas and directions, eg power in politics and in religion, I found that the author was soon overwhelmed by the possibilities, and decided to stick to a restricted view. What could have been really well developed turns to just hatred and revenge. I found myself shocked by the violence described and the choice to mute the voices of women who won’t have chosen those paths. It completely lacked love and empathy. The message is clear: Women with Power are no different from Men with Power.
Adult DVD
The White Crow (12)
White Crow is a Russian term for someone who does not fit in – a powerful description of the ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. As a dancer in the 1950s he was brilliant and this film describes the event in 1961 where he makes a very painful decision to defect to the West while touring with a Russian company in Paris. However that decision embarks him on a glittering ballet career. Starring the Ukrainian ballet dancer Oleg Ivanko – who
performs some of Nureyev’s style of dancing really well – this film tells the early story of Nureyev’s career, his joy at seeing Paris for the first time but also does shy away from his rudeness and arrogance. This is a great movie, directed by the actor Ralph Fiennes, with excellent period detail.
Young Adult Fiction Silverfin - Charlie Higson
A good book for any reluctant teenager who wants to read a story that is not about magic and wizards! The author has created a series of stories about the young James Bond. Silverfin is the first of the series and introduces the young James Bond - it begins with James starting at Eton and of course with any James Bond adventure, he meets his first enemy and starts breaking the rules. However soon he finds himself on the shores of Loch Silverfin and something deadly definitively can be found in its waters. James of course is itching to find out and makes a discovery that threatens to unleash a new breed of warfare. This book is for young adults aged between 13-15 years because of some of the content but it is a great read - full of adventure and fast paced action.
The Fellowship of The Ring – JRR Tolkein as reviewed by Erin Conlon, one of our younger reviewers. The Fellowship of the Ring is the epic introduction to the Lord of The Rings Trilogy. When Bilbo leaves for Rivendell he gives Frodo his beloved ring, a souvenir of Bilbo’s earlier adventures. Seventeen years later there’s a rising in the East, and the existence of the ring means that Frodo, as
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the bearer of the ring, must try to stop Sauron from gaining power, and destroying Middle Earth. And so it begins… the quest that will save or doom Middle Earth. A whole world of Men, elves, dwarves and other creatures, and an adventure like no other. Each character meticulously planned and portrayed. The novel holds a wealth of plot twists and suspense. A must read for everyone.
Lightning Girl, Super-Power Showdown - Alesha Dixon,
as reviewed by Lila Conlon, one of our younger reviewers This extraordinary tale of a Bean family girl. Not just any old girl; Lightning Girl! A protector of the light of the world. With the Bright Sparks alongside her Lightning Girl must return the light of the world to its rightful place, before the planet is plunged into darkness forever, by a dark mysterious person. But who is it? Well I suggest you read the book to find out!
Library News
All of Bath & North East Somerset libraries have a successful social media presence and are buzzing with community groups, activities and events. Never miss a thing, by following our social media accounts at: www.facebook.com/ BathnesLibraries1 and www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries’ Sing along to your favourite rhymes at Baby Bounce & Rhyme, now every Wednesday during term time at Bath Library, at 11.15 – 11.45am. Also come and listen to stories and rhymes at Story Time every Tuesday during term time at Bath Library from 11-11.30am. Sunday 3rd November sees the launch of an exciting Dungeons and Dragons club at Bath Library. You need to be over 16 years old and can email into library_events@ bathnes.gov.uk to reserve a place.
November 2019
n NEWS
Lifetime award for popular dance teacher
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