Bath Voice July 2023

bath voice

July 2023 No. 41

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

INSIDE

Letter: bus issues

Page 4

Murder update

Page 8

What’s On including a classical concert at the Holburne Museum

Pages 12-14, 23

Sports News

Pages 16-17

Book reviews for children

Page 20

Reconnecting Twerton meets the mayor

Reconnecting Twerton meets the mayor

Members of Reconnecting Twerton attended a civic reception with the Mayor of Bath Dine Romero (centre) last month alongside Bath City Foundation staff. The group were thanked for their work in the community and praised for their self-made documentary ‘Tickets Please!’. They had a talk on the history of the Mayoralty and were welcomed into the Council Chamber. The group spoke about plans for a second part of the documentary and invited the mayor to future screenings. More at www.bathcityfoundation.org/reconnecting-twerton

Separate door for affordable homes

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Plans by the council to build 351 new homes on the Bath Western Riverside development would see affordable housing in one of the blocks accessed through a separate door. Another 351 homes have been proposed for Bath’s former gasworks

to create “a new and modern part of the city”.

But people moving into affordable housing in the new development might need to use a separate door.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has submitted a planning application for four apartment blocks

on the section of the gasworks which it owns: a main seven-storey block surrounding a shared garden with a car park below, and three smaller threestorey buildings.

All blocks would have a mixture of ground-floor maisonettes and

Continued on page 3

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Contacts

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HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

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: Ian Halsall 07575 922200 Halsall@bathnes.gov.uk

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Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk

Deborah Joan Collins

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Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk

Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS

Bath & North East Somerset Council

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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

COMPLAINTS

Dine Romero 01225 477496

dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk

Combe Down:

Onkar Saini 07429 149782

Onkar_Saini@bathnes.gov.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

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

www.camertonwines.com

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

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

Camerton Wines is an independent, quality wine supplier based in Saltford.

We specialise in sourcing and selecting wines from around the world to make available for your enjoyment via our website. Free delivery to Keynsham and Saltford.

n NEWS

Continued from page 1

commercial units, with apartments above.

Affordable housing will mainly be located in the three smaller buildings, but any located in the main block will be accessed by its own separate door and stairwell “to avoid any management complications.”

Once home to the Victorian gas holders which stood out on Bath’s skyline, the disused Bath gasworks site has been vacant since 1971 and now forms part of the Bath Western Riverside development, a formerly industrial area of the city designated for regeneration.

Another developer, St William, is planning 616 apartments on the rest of the gasworks site.

A design and access statement submitted with the council’s application for their 350-home development said: “The centrality of the location allows the promotion of a low car use environment, helping the streets to be prioritised for pedestrians and cycles – feeding into the desire that this too will promote transitory foot powered traffic through the site as part of newly created desire lines extending connections across the city.

“The reduction of car oriented highways, enables more greenery to be incorporated into the general

infrastructure of the site, enabling natural rainwater control, increased biodiversity and in general creating an environment with an inherent natural character.”

The homes will be low-energy and use “non-fossil fuel based heat sources,” with the intention of reducing energy usage and costs for the people who move in. Achieving “passivhaus” status will be explored, but will be agreed at a later point in the planning process.

The statement said: “Bath Western Riverside Phase 2 will be a new and modern part of the city but will communicate Bath’s DNA.

“It will poignantly reflect an overwhelming evolution locally from a site which historically consumed and generated energy to somewhere which conserves and actively reduces energy use.”

Work has been undertaken on the site to move the remaining gas infrastructure on the old gasworks to the edge of the site.

You can view and comment on the application here: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ webforms/planning/details. html?refval=23%2F01762%2FEREG03

• The Bath Gasworks operated from the19th century and continued until the late 20th century.

Civic News: The City’s annual Mayor Making Ceremony took place on Saturday 3 June at Bath Abbey, and Councillor Dine Romero was formally appointed as the 796th Mayor of The Avon Fire & Rescue Ceremonial Drill Squad made a Guard of Honour on the Guildhall steps to welcome guests. Bath Abbey’s bells peeled as the Civic Procession departed, led by the Mayor’s Officer, and Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The City Sword-Bearer and Mace-Bearers preceded the retiring Mayor (Councillor Rob Appleyard) and retiring Deputy Mayor (Councillor Michelle O’Doherty), who were

accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant, High Sheriff of Somerset, the Mayor Designate’s Chaplain, visiting Mayors, Charter Trustees, Honorary Aldermen and other guests. Crowds of people lined the route and stopped to watch.

The new Mayor said: “I am honoured to have been elected by my peers, the Charter Trustees of Bath, to become Mayor of the City. My theme for the year is ‘The People of Bath, the Beating Heart of the City’. My theme celebrates the people who bring this historic place to life, and who make a real difference to the lives of those working, living in, and visiting this City. I am delighted that my daughter, Dr Isobel RomeroShaw, will be Mayoress. We are both very much looking forward to this coming year. “

Councillor Dr Bharat Pankhania was appointed as Deputy Mayor. His wife, Alison, is Deputy Mayoress.

At the Annual General Meeting, the Mayor admitted Mr Andrew Brownsword CBE as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Bath in recognition of his outstanding national and international achievements as a philanthropist and for his charitable services.

n LETTERS

Bus services concerns I share our residents’ real concerns about the loss of vital, regular local buses in North East Somerset.

They have told me how this is impacting their ability to get to work, to school, to medical appointments and other essential journeys.

Responsibility for public transport now rests with the West of England Combined Authority Mayor. Whilst Bath & North East Somerset Council took hard decisions to increase to £1m the financial levy we pay WECA for bus services, the Metro Mayor has at his disposal a £57m fund, dedicated solely to improving buses.

So, it’s astonishing that he decided not to support and enhance regular services, but instead to bring in an untested, “on-demand” service, Westlink, for the whole of North East Somerset, with no consultation or marketing. Westlink does not currently have the bus or driver capacity to meet demand, despite the lack of public awareness of it.

If B&NES had control over the government bus service improvement funding, we would use it to reinstate lost bus routes instead.

As there is such clear need for these vital bus services, I am working with leaders of neighbouring Councils, and with councillors from across North East Somerset, to encourage the Metro Mayor to reinstate lost services.

Our communities need a properly functioning public transport system, with regular, reliable buses connecting larger towns and villages, particularly in the morning and evening.

In between those times and in smaller places with no public transport, an “on-demand service”

might well work.

But without regular, familiar bus services, the new “on-demand” system is not fit for purpose.

We know that using public transport for is great for our mental and physical health, not to mention its environmental benefits.

I am also particularly concerned for rural residents without access to cars. So, it is crucial now that the Metro Mayor listens to reasonplease do the right thing!

Sarah Warren

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Bathavon North Ward

Play equipment

We are pleased to confirm a tender has now been awarded to install some fully accessible play equipment and outdoor gym equipment in Pennyquick Park.

As you will see, there will be 3 items of gym equipment and 2 fully accessible pieces of play equipment. This equipment was funded from a CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) bid that Councillor Sarah Moore submitted and will be installed as soon as possible.

We have also had confirmation that the lighting next to the basketball area will also be repaired. Twerton Councillors Tim Ball and Sarah Moore

n NEWS

Farm News: Bath City Farm is now open on Sundays from 9.30am to 4pm with its farm animals, nature trail, children’s playground and cafe open. The community cafe will also be open from 10am to 3pm on Sundays.

The cafe serves a seasonal menu and uses ingredients grown on the Farm while the Farm Shop sells a range of locally sourced cheeses and butter, as well as fruit and vegetables, farm eggs, biscuits for cheese, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, chutneys and jams. All profits from the cafe, farm shop and garden shop will be reinvested into the Farm.

Charity News: A team from law firm Stone King has raised over £6,000 for a cancer charity after cycling from Bath to London (pictured).

The cyclists covered the 155mile distance on June 10 and 11, with their pedal power raising money for Cancer Research UK. Nine riders took part, setting out from the firm’s Bath office at Upper Borough Walls and finishing at its London office in the Barbican.

So far the team have raised £6,255, boosted by a £1,500 donation from the firm’s charitable arm the Stone King Foundation.. Bath BID News: Bath Business Improvement District (BID) will be running Summer Sundays, inviting local families into the city centre with free family-friendly outdoor activities and events. It will run every Sunday throughout July and August.

Find out more at welcometobath. co.uk/summer-sundays.

Energy News: Over 500 households in Bristol, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) are to receive funding for energy efficiency and renewable upgrades to help tackle fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions.

The ‘Bright Green Homes’ project will be delivered across the South

West, by Bristol City Leap, a new partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco.

Energy efficiency upgrades will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will range from insulation measures like loft and cavity walls to the installation of renewable and low-carbon technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps.

Households can apply via the Bristol City Leap website where they will complete a short questionnaire to determine their eligibility.

More information at www. bristolcityleap.co.uk/domestic/ bright-green-homes or by phone 0117 352 1180.

Bloomfield Speed Watch: Bath Voice have spoken to the leader of the Bloomfield Speed watch team Julie Ingerfield about the need for motorists to slow down and not use short cuts as rat runs. She said since setting up the group there were fewer cars using Bloomfield Road which was welcome although it suggests speeders are using other roads instead. To apply to start a speed watch group visit https://www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/apply/community-

speedwatch/ Cat and Dog News: The five acre home for our four-legged friends on Claverton Down is surprisingly large with a shop, reception, exercise areas, enclosures for both creatures plus rooms for the staff and volunteers for training and administration as well as a vet suite amongst other facilities for the welfare of the animals.

Casey Brown, 29, (pictured) is a member of staff at the home having attended university and attained an animal science degree at Hartbury College and a job at Pets at Home.

With the pandemic there was a change in the behavior of the cats and dogs as the home was closed to the public.

“During the lock down we noticed positive changes to the animals,” she said, “they were responding better to veterinary treatment and behavior assessments which we couldn’t ignore so when the world opened back up we made the decision keep it a closed site and only open my appointment. The reception and shops are open and there is a monthly tour which can be booked on the website.”

The home costs £2.1 million a year to maintain and so fundraising

is a 12 month of the year activitycurrently they are seeking runners for the Bath Half Marathon - this year actress Kerry Howard of TV’s Beyond Paradise fame is running for the animal home - there’s also a sponsored Wag Walk on September 3.

The rest of the cash is raised from legacies, bequests and grants - plus donations from the public.

Casey said her first dog was a Jack Russell called Riley who lived to 16 years of age - about half of her lifeand her first cat was called Tinks.

With emotion in her voice she stressed how pets have a strong bond with people and can be a comfort to their owners and have a huge impact of their lives.

The home has a wide variety of cats and dogs for adoption - some have health issues, some are lost dogs and stray cats, and some are ideal for families and others seek a quieter home.

Neutering is a useful service at the home - at low cost rates to encourage those on a budget - plus there’s an outreach project for the community and schools to help educate the public about responsible ownership. For more visit https:// www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/

Protests over a planning application for a new supermarket

By Local Democracy Reporter John Wimperis:

Supermarket bosses say the new shop, which could be built at the Eastern entrance to Bath next to Bath Rugby’s Lambridge Training Ground, would provide up to 40 new jobs and greater choice for residents.

Glen Stidever, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “This planning submission follows a detailed and sustained piece of proactive engagement with the community, local heritage and architectural stakeholders, as well as local businesses.

“We are grateful for the significant number of responses we have received for this site and strongly believe our planning application also carefully addresses considerations including biodiversity, heritage, highways and local businesses.”

The store, designed by Bath architects Mitchell Ely Gould, has been designed with the intention of increasing biodiversity on the site by more than 40%, with tree and hedge planting and a green roof.

But building on the greenfield site

has been controversial.

At a consultation event on the plans at Bath Rugby’s Lambridge Training Ground last month, protestors turned up with a banner

reading: “Save Bath Wildlife Meadow.”

Green councillor for Lambridge on Bath and North East Somerset Council Joanna Wright, who was with the protest, said: “At the end

of the day there should be no supermarket, its not anti-Lidl. […] This is a green entrance to the city that the Georgians put in place hundreds of years ago.”

She added: “We should not be building on it. We should be protecting it.”

Bath Rugby have been supportive of the plans. Club president Danny Sacco said: “This development provides a once in a generation chance to secure the long-term future of the amateur club at Lambridge, our historical home.

“It will enable us to make much needed upgrades to our facilities and ensure that we continue to invest in the next generation of junior, girls and ladies rugby players in the city. The relationships between the amateur and professional clubs has never been stronger.”

The planning application will be visible on the Bath and North East Somerset Council planning portal once it has been validated by the council.

RPZ News: Locals have hit out at a planned residents parking zone, arguing that it is based on an outdated survey writes Local Democracy Reporter John Wimperis.

Two new residents parking zones are set to arrive in two Bath areas — but locals in one claim the scheme is based on an outdated survey and now want it dropped.

Work to install the Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road residents parking zone (RPZ) is under way and it will be in force from July 31 alongside the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland RPZ.

Bath and North East Somerset Council says the zones will tackle commuter parking and improve people’s health and environment, but locals have said the plans are being brought in against their wishes.

But a local campaign group calling themselves ’70percent’ — after the proportion of residents who opposed the Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road RPZ when consulted — have written an open letter to the council urging them to scrap the scheme. A petition run by group organiser Tony Robbins calling for the scheme to be

reversed has attracted 873 signatures .

The group accused the council of being “deliberately dishonest” and said: “The council’s track record for consultations is very poor.”

70percent wrote a first open letter in February but said they received no reply from the council.

When they sent an FOI request asking what parking surveys had been done ahead of the scheme, the council referred them to a survey conducted in 2016. 70percent said: “A seven-year-old survey, conducted pre-pandemic and before the change in work patterns must surely be considered inadequate to assess this now?

“There is no indication that in the last 7 years nor in the run-up to the decision to impose the Walcot RPZ that any of the further work recommended to ascertain any possible benefit of introducing an RPZ has ever been undertaken, assessed or evidence gathered.”

They also challenged the claim by some councillors that the RPZ would reduce air pollution from traffic, stating: “The council’s own air quality data showed that NO2 levels on London Road had been below legal

limits since 2019 and, in any case, air quality is excellent in the residential areas affected by the RPZ.”

Manda Rigby, the council’s cabinet member for transport, had said that she had been “bombarded with requests” from Snow Hill residents to bring in an RPZ, but 70percent have said this is tantamount to bringing the scheme in based on “hearsay.”

They stated: “What we didn’t hear from Councillor Rigby was how many of people canvassed didn’t raise a concern about parking. We didn’t hear of the people who disagreed with the RPZ proposal.”

Ms Rigby said: “We are serious about tackling congestion, air pollution and our climate emergency and the zones help address these important issues. The clean air zone, liveable neighbourhoods including residents’ parking zones are a package of measures set out within the council’s ‘journey to net zero’ policy that contribute to improving local air quality, cutting congestion and improving travel choices.

“Earlier this year we successfully installed five residents’ parking zones. We are now installing zones in the

Oldfield Park and Westmoreland, and Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road areas of Bath.

“All seven zones were proposed by ward councillors on behalf of their communities and they have been agreed following extensive consultation. Residents were initially invited to share their views on the proposals during informal public consultations in autumn 2021 and spring 2022. There was further opportunity to comment on plans revised in the light of that feedback received during formal consultations in June 2022 and autumn 2022.

“In deciding to go ahead with the schemes, including Walcot and Snow Hill and Claremont Road, we listened and talked with residents, businesses and organisations. Many residents said they found it challenging to park near their homes because of commuter parking, but businesses have raised concerns about the impact of the final design on trade and we are looking at how we mitigate any potential impacts.”

More information on the zones and permits at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/ RPZpermits

Wildlife News: More than 1,000 species of birds, beasts, invertibrates, flowers, trees and plants have been recorded at Bath City Farm.

BBC’s Springwatch featured the farm and had discussions with local artist, Marian Hill, and Ecologist, Mike Williams who were filmed at the farm talking about their collaboration on a spotters guide, which is available at the Twerton attraction.

Farm Trustee and Ecologist, Mike Williams, has spent the last seven years surveying the different species found across the farm’s 37 acres. A total 1094 species have now recorded making the farm an important local habitat.

The survey found 55 species of birds including Red Kite and Firecrest. The ponds are teeming with Great Crested Newt, Palmate Newt and Common Frogs, and Slow Worms are abundant in the wider Farm. Nearly 250 species of plants and fungi growing wild and include Pyramidal Orchid, Ivy Broomrape and Veiled Oyster Mushroom. Almost 750 species of invertebrates, including 21 species of butterflies, 53 species of hoverflies and nearly 200 species of beetles.

Finds include the very rare and tiny Horseshoe Ladybird and a small rove beetle not seen in the area for over 100 years. Other gems include the beautiful Wasp Spider, which has only recently arrived in Bath, scarce Chaser Dragonflies that fly up from the river to hunt on the Farm, and a harmless hover fly that looks just like a Hornet.

Mike Williams, said: “The farm has a lovely mix of habitats, including woodland, meadows, ponds and hedgerows. It has been farmland since at least the Domesday Book in 1086, and probably before that; and many of the fields have retained their names of the last few hundred years, including Lower Lamb Sleight and

Maiden Furlong.”

Visitors can follow the footpaths around the Farm to get closer to nature and there is a trail map and nature finding guide for sale at the Farm Office for £1 per booklet

Murder charges: After intensive questioning and the gathering of evidence and of talking to a wide number of witnesses Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are treating the death of Mikey Roynon on June 10 as murder.

The case has shocked the community of the area around Eastfield Avenue in the Weston part of Bath leading to the presenting of floral tributes and a vigil to remember the Kingswood teenager.

In a statement the police said: “Two teenage boys have been charged with the murder of 16-yearold Mikey Roynon. Detectives from our Major Crime Investigation Team have charged a 15-year-old boy from Dorset and a 16-year-old boy from Wiltshire with murder and possessing an offensive weapon. The charges come after a magistrate granted officers more time to question the pair. Mikey died from a single stab wound at a property on Eastfield Avenue in Bath on Saturday night (10 June). The two boys, who currently remain in police custody, will appear before magistrates at Bristol Youth Court this morning (Thursday 15 June).”

Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, the senior investigating officer, said: “This is a significant development in our investigation and in our quest to achieve justice for Mikey.

“His family have been informed and specialist family liaison officers continue to support them. They have been at the forefront of our minds as we’ve carried out the enquiries which have resulted in these charges.

“The investigation is ongoing and

BBC’s Springwatch programme feature Bath City Farm last month there is still a lot of work for us to do. The cordon has now been reduced but officers are likely to remain at the property for the next few days.

“The support of the local community has been invaluable and I’d once again like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”

Bloomfield News: Sadly last month’s Bloomfield Gathering on Bloomfield Green was called off after heavy rain fell in the morning of 11 June.

The event was to have music from the City of Bath Brass Training Band, brother and sister duo Fiddle & Strum Beechen Cliff School band called TBC, making their first public appearance.

However it was not to be due the rain that left the green soggy.

Crane News: The oldest known surviving crane built by Bath engineering company, Stothert & Pitt, has been officially handed over to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The six-ton hand operated crane, which was built around 1864, has been restored and installed in the Newark Works Yard in Bath Quays.

The crane was given to the council by the Bath Stone Quarry Museum Trust last year. It was officially handed over during the

ceremony by Nina Pollard. Her late husband, David Pollard, was the owner of Hartham Park Quarry, a historian and the founder of the trust.

The crane was used at Pictor’s Wharf near the Great Western Railway and at Clift Quarry on Box Hill, where it worked until 1974 and as part of Bath’s industrial heritage is a tribute to the many people who worked for Stothert & Pitt before it closed in 1989.

Windrush Day: The Mayor of Bath attended an event at Fairfield House to mark Windrush Day last month. Cllr Dine Romero met members of staff, volunteers and those who make use of the house left to the city by the late Emperor of Ethiopia. The Council are involved with those at the house and are working to keep the property as a community centre alive and to promote its history and events.

Teachers’ Strike: The teachers plan two days of strikes in July in their campaign to improve pay and conditions. They are on Wed July the 5th and Fri July 7th affecting schools across Bath and the rest of England. The NEU have already organised a number of strike days since February with no sign of an agreement with the Government soon.

Most state school teachers in England had a 5% pay rise for the year 2022-23, while the government offered a £1,000 one-off cash payment but this has been withdrawn after talks failed. The teaching unions want the pay rise to match inflation which is near or in double digits. So far the Government have offered a 4.3% rise for the next academic year which they feel is a fair offer as they battle to bring down inflation.

Dr Mary Bousted of the National Education Union, said: “It is within Gillian Keegan’s grasp for this action to be halted. Time and again the National Education Union, alongside its sister unions, have called for the Education Secretary to get around the negotiation table to

settle this dispute for a fully-funded teacher pay increase. Time and again our calls have fallen on stony ground. The Education Secretary refused to re-enter negotiation on the grounds that she and her Department were waiting for the publication of the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendation on pay.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Further strike action will cause real damage to pupil learning and even more disruption for parents right across the country. Thousands of schools are receiving significant additional funding as part of the extra £2bn of investment we are providing for both 2023/24 and 2024/25 which will take school funding its highest level in history next year, as measured by the IFS.

“As part of the normal process, the independent School Teachers’ Review Body has submitted its recommendations to government on teacher pay for 2023/24. We will be considering the recommendations and will publish our response in the usual way.”

For parents of school children

the strikes can be a problem with reports in the national media that some take unpaid leave from their jobs to care for their children.

The Times Educational Supplement have reported on some parents joining the picket lines in support for the teachers while for some parents who work from home or are not in employment the problem is minimal. Down on the farm: The tomatoes are flying of the shelf and the public can’t get enough of the herbs and vegetables on offer at Bath City Farm’s shop at the Kelston View site - and to keep the farm open they need to make £2,000 a day - so it’s very welcome news.

Bath Voice caught up with a trio of farm workers (although perhaps that’s not the term as they have 21st century job titles).

Alison Howell is the community and development lead, Jude Rice is the farm’s community grower and Ellie Ringwood is a marketing intern.

Ellie is at the farm for a spell

following college to learn on the job: “It’s been invaluable experience as it is different from college as that was the theory side while this is practical and hands on. I’ve written press releases, and for the blog and things for the website and Instagram posts - but so far I’ve not been asked to clean out the pigs.”

Education and training are part of the work for Jude Rice at the farm as she works with a range of people including those with additional learning needs and people who have been out of work for a time.

She stressed that training and working with people who have been out of work the social side of their experience at the farm was very important.

Alison said the farm also has away days for companies and organisations along with events such as flower arranging workshops, bird watching walks and cooking and dining experiences. For more about the farm, it’s cafe and shops visit: https://www.bathcityfarm.org.uk/

Neurological Physiotherapy at Home

We

Bath City Farm workers, from left: Alison Howell, Jude Rice and Ellie Ringwood

n WHAT’S ON

Classical concerts, the carnival and smelly Bath talk

Theatre Picks In Bath

Sat 1 Jul. Rondo Theatre. The Marriage of Figaro . 7:30pm. Bath Opera bring Mozart’s comic opera to the city following a short tour. The production is set at Almaviva Studios, a big budget film studio in the 1950s run by a powerful and influential producer who insists on being called “The Count”.

Sat-Sun,1-2 Jul. Egg Theatre. The Snail and The Whale. Various performance times. A play with music inspired by the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they re-imagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world.

Tue 4-Wed 5 Jul. Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal The Haunting of Richard the Third. 7:30pm. The eve of the Battle of Bosworth Field: Richard the Third passes an uneasy night, visited by spectres who lead him through the journey of his life. This Richard is neither the villain of Shakespeare nor the hero of romantic fiction. He is driven to tragedy by a love for his family and political circumstances. The play was premiered at the Frome Festival last year by Kairos Theatre, a local

company, who are now taking the production on a short tour.

Tue 4-Sat 8 Jul. Mission Theatre. A Streetcar Named Desire. Nightly at 7:30pm with a Sat matinee. Tennessee Williams’ drama set in New Orleans - a powerful portrayal of love, lust and loneliness.

Wed 5-Sat 8 Jul. Rondo Theatre. Henry VI. 7:30pm. Rondo Theatre

Company produces William Shakespeare’s trilogy of history plays (adapted by Nic Proud) in support of the Royal Osteoporosis Society. For students of the bard and for those who have not seen this classic of the canon - it’s a don’t miss.

Tue-Sat, 20-22 Jul. Kingswood Theatre, Lansdown. Oliver! With the students of Bath Theatre School

who stage the musical version of the Charles Dickens’ novel with Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

Fri 21 Jul. Julian Slade Theatre, Prior Park College. The Marriage of Figaro. Bath Opera bring Mozart’s comic opera to the city following a short tour. The production is set at Almaviva Studios, a big budget film studio in the 1950s run by a powerful and influential producer who insists on being called “The Count”.

Theatre Picks Outside Bath

Wed 5-Thu 6 Jul. Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. Sense And Sensibility. Jane Austen’s story of the Dashwood sisters is brought to the Studio in Cheltenham by Hotbuckle, in this new version by Adrian Preater.

Wed--Sat, 13-15 Jul. Tobacco Factory. The Cherry Orchard. Bristol School of Acting stage Anton Chekhov’s powerful evocation of a world on the brink of immense social change.

12-16 Sep. Theatre Royal Bath. Oliver! Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel Oliver Twist and the stage musical and film by Bath Light Operatic Group.

Pick of Diary Events in Bath

Continued on page 13

Domenika Maszczyńska is to perform at the Holburne Museum on August 6

n WHAT’S ON

Continued from page 12

Sat- Sun, 1-2 Jul. 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3PX. Sculpture to Enhance a Garden. ‘Sculpture to Enhance a Garden’ returns for its 9th year with three amazing sculptors - Daren Greenhow, Steve Mansfield, Jacquie Primrose - who will be exhibiting their work in this Bath in Bloom gold medal winning garden. Opening in conjunction with the National Garden Scheme (NGS) which supports nursing charities this opening will also raise money for The Peggy Dodd Centre in Combe Down which supports those suffering from memory loss and their carers. Delicious homemade cakes, scones and light lunches are served. Pieces of sculpture are for sale. Entrance £5 at the gate or in advance. 07793085267. helen@ thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk

Sat 1 Jul-Sat 23 Dec. Old Theatre Royal Tours. Every Tues, Weds, Thurs and Sats. 11am and 2.30pm. A tour of The Masonic Hall in Bath, also know as the Old Theatre Royal. Book with Bath Box Office.

Wed 5 Jul. Mr B’s Emporium. Storytime every Wednesday at 10am. Bookseller Becky brings stories to life.

Wed 5 Jul. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution. The Stench. Air Foul and Fair Through Bath’s History. 7.30pm. The Museum of Bath at Work, Stuart Burroughs talks four-smelling air

Bath Light Operatic Group presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel Oliver Twist and the stage musical and film.

12 Tue-16 Sat September, 2023 Nightly at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Tuesday and Saturday at Theatre Royal Bath Box Office 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk

and worse from the city’s smelly past. Sat 8 Jul. Bath Carnival. Sydney Gardens. The all day event starts at 10am and finishes in Sydney Gardens at 10pm with a festival featuring live music, workshops, stands and local traders. At 3pm there is a carnival procession from the Recreation Ground and through the streets of the city.

Sat 8 Jul. Bath Abbey.

Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Bath Bach Choir. Matthew Brook and Southern Sinfonia. With Laura Lolita Perešivana soprano; Lotte Betts-Dean mezzo soprano; James Way tenor; Matthew Brook baritone; Marcus Sealy continuo.

Sat 8 Jul. Burdall’s Yard. Bath Guitar School Student Showcase. Students from Bath Guitar School return for their bi-annual Student Showcase from 7pm.

Sun 9 Jul. Assembly Rooms meet up. Guided walk in Royal Victoria Park and the Botanical Gardens led by Hugh Williamson, Mayor’s Guide and tree enthusiast. 10.30am. Book on Bath Scape’s website.

Wed 12 Jul. Widcombe Wayfarers Walking Wednesdays. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, starting at 10am at the west end of Widcombe Parade. Walks last between 1-2 hours and are medium paced. Come dressed for the weather, with suitable footwear and be prepared for a few climbs.Registration not necessary - just turn up!

Wed 12 Jul. Komedia. Edinbuirgh Previews. Rosie Holt and Sooz Kempner warm up shows before heading north. There are a number of stand up comedy shows at the venue this month.

Sat 15 Jul. Fun Day. Larkhall Sports Club. Community event with stalls, activities, and demonstrations from local groups.

Sat 15 Jul. Chapel Arts. Nicki Leighton Thomas. Music from the Bathonian.

Sun 16 Jul. Jane Austen Dancers.

Hot Bath Street. From 1pm. Charming public dancing by folk who appear to have stepped out of a Jane Austen novel.

Mon 17-Sat 29 Jul. Pre Edinburgh Festival Comedy Previews. The Hop Pole. Two weeks of stand-up comedy from those off to Edinburgh organised by Bath Comedy.

Fri 21 Jul. Burdall’s Yard. Sexton and Fowler. Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler Sing the Musicals for fundraising for Dorothy House Hospice.

Sun 23 Jul. Bloomfield Road Allotments. Mikron Theatre’s Twitchers. 1pm. Ornithological themed play.

Continued on page 14

Classes in Bath: Twerton Village Hall

Monday 10.30 - 12.30 MIXED LEVEL

Monday 19.30 - 20.30 BEGINNERS

Wednesday 19.30 – 21.30 MIXED LEVEL

Classes in Frome: Trinity Hall

19.30 – 20.45 BEGINNERS/RETURNERS

Classes in Trowbridge: Wesley Road Club

Thursday 09.30 – 11.30 MIXED LEVEL

For more information call 07818 491 119 or 07831 735 701

Bath Carnival is on Sat 8 July. Pic Rob Coles

n WHAT’S ON

Continued from page 13

Sun 6 Aug. Holburne Museum. Music Concert. Featuring a debut of a young and up-coming keyboard player, Domenika Maszczyńska, who will play the Holburne’s Schantz fortepiano, accompanied by Sam Brown playing the romantic guitar. They will perform virtuoso music by Schubert, Rossini and Giuliani among others - it promises to be a very special occasion of wonderful music-making. Friends of the Museum event. More at https:// www.holburne.org/

Sat 12 Aug. The Boundary Stones of Widcombe History Walk. A walk round part of the old boundary of Widcombe, locating the remaining boundary stones from 1894 and finding out some fascinating local history on the way. The walk will be led by local experts Jeremy Boss and Sian Lewis. The walk is approx 3.5 miles and includes some steep hills. It should take around 2.5 hours. Joining instructions will be found on your booking email which will also be your ticket for the event. There will be refreshments at the end of the walk. Booking is essential. Cost is £6 for WA members / £8 for non-members.

Pick of Diary Events outside of Bath

Sat 1 Jul. St Pauls Carnival Bristol. Bristol’s annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture, St Pauls Carnival, returns this summer to the

city’s streets under the theme of Learning from Legends.

7-9 July. Priddy Folk Festival. With a line up of bands including The Drystones and The Jeremiahs plus a free fringe festival, a children’s festival, workshops, food and drink and dance from morris sides and display dance groups and ceilidhs. Priddy is a small village with a famous green in the Mendips. Tickets/info at www. priddyfolk.org

Fri 14-Sun 16 Jul. Bristol Harbour Festival. Free programme of music, dance, circus acts, maritime displays and more. Visitors can visit five performance areas around the harbour. It does get very crowded but always something to see.

Thu 10-Sun 13 Aug. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Free but not the carpark which can have long queues but with mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled for early morning and teatime each day, plus Night Glow shows and fireworks its a family friendly event in the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court Estate.

Exhibition Picks in Bath

American Museum, Bath. Claverton. The Museum features collections from the United States where you can visit room sets that recreate periods of American history giving the feeling that someone has just stepped out,

as well as our world-renowned folk art, quilt and map collections. The Exhibition Gallery has a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions with America in Crisis from 11 March to 4 July 2023. America in Crisis brings together over 80 works from 39 top American photographers, exploring social change in the US through the lens of a diverse group of artists from the 1960s till today. Next up is a Lego exhibition called Brick America. Museum of Bath at Work. Julian Rd, Bath BA1 2RH. A Visual Record of a City at Work exhibition continues with photos and videos. Enter the world of working Bath through a series of authentically reconstructed workplaces, workshops and display galleries. Two thousand years of working life are on display from a Victorian ironmongers and engineering works, a soft drinks making factory and even a Bath Stone mine working, all on show in a former Real Tennis court, dating from 1777. Displays in two galleries: Landscapes and Livelihoods and Knowing Your Place.

Victoria Art Gallery. Kaffe Fassett: Timeless Themes – New Quilts. 1 July 2023 to 1 October 2023. This vibrant exhibition showcases 23 large new quilts and ties in with Kaffe’s forthcoming book, Timeless Themes. Also Candace Bahouth: Enchanted Visions for the same period - Candace

Bahouth creates grand rococo mirrors decorated with porcelain and china pieces.

Bath Assembly Rooms. Forest of Imagination. To 14 July. Immerse yourself in multi-sensory installations, join artists’ workshops, and explore a whole host of creative and community projects. Forest of Imagination invites everyone to collectively imagine how things can be different in our world, and explore more hopeful futures.. Herschel Museum of Astronomy. Commemorating 200 years since the death of William Herschel. Star Viewfinders. Come and make a star viewfinder and take part in the National Star Count. Find out how light pollution can affect our views of the constellations and see how many stars you can spot from your back garden. Drop in activity. Free with museum entry. Activity will run daily in the gallery.

Museum of East Asian Art. MEAA’s collections consist of some 2,000 objects. The majority of these are of Chinese origin, spanning from 5,000 BC to the present. The collections also contain artefacts from Japan and Korea and a number of countries in South East Asia.

Burdell’s Yard. Art exhibition. Free. Exhibition Picks outside Bath Bristol Museum and Art Gallery,

Continued on page 23

Our Monthly Talks

Monthly Talks are usually held on the first Thursday in the month (except August) and start at 10.30 a.m.

Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for non-members.

Talks take place at:

* Staying active, keep learning and having fun

* Meeting people and making new friends

* Access to online learning and training

* Free attendance to talks and learning events

* Meeting other members with similar interests

* Learning new things and sharing your skills

About u3a in Bath

There are 450,000 of us in the UK and 1,300 in Bath. We are in “u3a in Bath” and our members are all retired or semi-retired. We take part in a range of educational or recreational activities. See the complete list of over 100 interest groups on our website u3ainbath.uk

Come and join us

You can join us by going to our website www.u3ainbath.uk and completing the online application form or you can download the application form from the website and send it to Membership Secretary, u3a in Bath, PO Box 4040, Bath BA1 0EJ. You can also join in person at one of our monthly talks at The Pavilion. Membership fee is only £15 per person per year.

The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU

Upcoming Talks are:

6th July 2023

WITCH FINDER OF THE WEST COUNTRY : JOSEPH GLANVILL (1636 – 1680) by Tony

McAleavy

7th September 2023

BRISTOL PORT : PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE by John

Chaplin

5th October 2023

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN THE POST-COVID ERA by Graham

Cope

n REVIEW

I’ve been visiting Bath since the early 1960s but somehow have never got around to taking a walk around Prior Park Gardens. And so one afternoon in May I parked my bicycle at the entrance and paid the £9 entrance fee – realising the entrance fee was probably the reason it took me so long to visit.

A helpful chap who I assume was a guide or volunteer pointed at a map in a wooded shelter and suggested I took a photo of it with my phone – which I did. It turned out to be a very sensible move as with all the winding paths it is easy to take a wrong turning. As he explained which way to go he suddenly reached out and plucked a goldfinch in his hand that had perched in the shelter and let it fly off into the woods. “They’re only young and keep getting lost and staying up there in the shed,” he explained.

The park is a deep but short narrow valley with specimen trees on its steep sides and open ground,

streams and lakes on its floor –including the famous Palladian bridge. It slopes down beneath the shadow of Prior Park School affording views of Bath below. In short, from its various viewpoints it’s a photographer’s paradise. The paths are narrow and steep so no problem for mountain goats but more of an issue for those who may have consumed Georgian levels of gin, or are pushing a pram.

There’s a café near the entrance down a twisting path with a comprehensive range of coffees, cakes and teas which I am sure the original workers who must have toiled under the direction of Capability Brown would have appreciated. Designed by Alexander Pope the gardens were laid out at huge expense from 1734 to 1764 by a small army for the benefit of the wealthy owner Ralph Allen.

Despite it being half term I was surprised there were so few other visitors. There’s no car park (apart for a small zone for blue badge owners) so it’s a taxi, a bicycle or a hike up the hill

for most – which no doubt puts off a lot of folk from visiting this green and pleasant National Trust property.

There’s an ice house, a false or fake bridge by a curving pond near the entrance and of course the Palladian bridge – the centre piece of the gardens. On the grassy stretches nearby a few visitors had settled in for the afternoon on deckchairs with picnic hampers – making this sun soaked valley an attractive spot to chill out in the peace and quiet that Jane

Austen would have approved.

The bridge is a delight – but caution to those who leave their unwanted graffiti tags on public buildings. A sign requests visitors not to add to the graffiti carved into the soft golden sandstone. In places the arches and columns are thick with signatures, odes to love and romantic relationships – with the offenders leaving their names so they could potentially be tracked down and punished.

Most of the culprits are dead however as the dates range from the late 18th century to the 20th century but they are a reflection of that very human trait: to leave a mark for eternity. A sort of landmark (or scratch mark) for posterity – the same motive one assumes that drove Ralph Allen to commission Prior Park Landscape Gardens.

Harry Mottram

Tickets and information: https:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bathbristol/prior-park-landscape-garden

n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF

By Harry Mottram: listed are the fixtures plus information of the various sports teams and clubs – I try to keep them up to date but do send in your results and news to harryfmottram@gmail.com We also list fixtures, results and give some basic news and information on our website at www.bathvoice.com

Sports listed in Alphabetical Order Athletics: Team Bath Athletics Club is based at the University of Bath Sports Training Village and is open to all abilities and ages from 7 upwards. Sports include track and field, road and trail running, endurance and cross country. Club nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm -8pm.To join and for details visit https://teambathac.org/

Badminton: Bath Badminton Club. Sports Centre, North Parade Road, Bath. The club meet on Thursday evenings all year round except certain holiday periods and August. www.bathbadminton.co.uk

Badminton: Oldfield Park

Badminton Club, Hayesfield Sports Hall Upper Oldfield Lane. www. badmintoninbath.co.uk/

Badminton: Bath Women’s Badminton Club. Sports Centre,

North Parade Road, Bath. www. bathwomensbadmintonclub.net/

Boules: City of Bath Pétanque Club. The club plays Pétanque and is open to all, with juniors and non-players welcome. If you haven’t played before, give it a go. The club is based at Larkhall Sports Club but they also play in Queen Square Wednesday mornings, weather permitting.

Cricket: Bath Cricket Club: The club is based at North Parade and was founded in 1859 and has a long

and interesting history charted on their website at www.bathcricket. com. There are four main teams with the first team’s fixtures listed below – with two elevens of the Bath Wanderers Women sides and an U19’s XI as well. Plus, there are teams for girls from U10s to U15s, and youth cricket for the same ages. The men’s first team play in the West of England Premier Cricket League, the ECB National Club Championship, the ECB T20 competition and the Somerset Cup.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Tragedy shows importance of tackling knife crime

I HOPE everyone has been enjoying time outside in the sunshine and stayed safe whilst doing so during our recent spell of glorious weather.

Earlier this month, I put questions relating to knife crime and increased summer demand for police support to Chief Constable Sarah Crew at the latest Performance and Accountability Board (PAB), which livestreams every month on Facebook.

I know that the police get exceptionally busy in the summer, but local people still rightfully expect a high level of service.

During PAB I asked the Chief Constable how she will ensure that officers respond in a timely way and improve on what they did last year.

I also asked for an update on the week of awareness tackling knife crime – and how officers work with Violence Reduction Units to prevent knife crime.

This was particularly important following the tragic death of 16-year-

old Mikey Roynon, from South Gloucestershire, at an incident in Bath on June 10.

Two teenage boys, one from Dorset and another from Wiltshire, have since been charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon. At the PAB we also discussed the amazing work of police volunteers, as well as rape and sexual assaults in hospitals.

If you would like to listen in to the conversation, you can view our Facebook live video that was recorded and has been posted to the OPCC Facebook page.

I would like to take some time to highlight the 159 service, launched by Stop Scams UK. If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details, I urge you to stop, hang up and call 159.

This is a short-code phone service that connects people safely to their bank’s fraud prevention service.

This free phone service should be

used when either you or someone you know may have provided an unknown person with your bank card or banking information over the phone, to report fraud potentially taking place.

I would like to mention the work of Crimestoppers and the South West: No Place for Drugs campaign.

Currently, Crimestoppers is appealing to the public to speak up and report cases of property being used as a grow house or farm to cultivate cannabis.

Organised crime gangs are renting properties in both urban and rural parts of the country and setting up cannabis farms. This illegal activity often brings serious violence, victims of modern slavery, and increased risks of building fires and explosions.

If you are a landlord, I implore you to become aware of the signs of cannabis cultivation: barricaded windows and doors, unsafe electricity wiring, and mould and water damage

• Sat 1 Jul. Home. WEPL V Bristol.

• Sat 8 Jul. Away. WEPL V Frocester

• Sat 15 Jul. Home. WEPL V Taunton St

Andrews

• Sat 22 Jul. Home. WEPL V Bridgwater

• Sat 29 Jul. Away. WEPL V Chippenham

• Sat 5 Aug. Home. WEPL V Potterne

• Sat 12 Aug. Away. WEPL V Bristol

Cricket: Bath Wanderers Women

Cricket Club: The team are in the West of England Premier Cricket League:

• Sun 2 Jul Home. WEPL V Taunton

• Sun 16 Jul Home. WEPL V Devizes

• Sun 23 Jul. Away. WEPL V Bridgwater

• Sun 30 Jul. Away. WEPL V Golden Hill

• Sun 13 Aug. Away. WEPL V Frenchay

Cricket: Bear Flat Cricket Club: Established in 1982, the Bears are in Division 1 of the Wiltshire County Cricket League on Saturdays, with a home ground at The Glasshouse Academy, Bradford Road, Combe Down, Bath; there’s also games in Division 7 Blue of the Somerset Monmouth League on Saturdays, home ground the Ken Willcox Ground, Peasedown St John, Bath; and friendlies against clubs based in Somerset/Wiltshire on Sundays; and T20 games against clubs based in Somerset/Wiltshire midweek; plus they participation in the

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

from hydroponics and irrigation systems.

I urge you to learn the signs of cannabis cultivation, which can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk. org.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued contribution to keeping our communities safe and wish you all a safe and happy week.

Bath Cricket Club women’s team the Wanderers

Somerset Knock Out cup. For more details of the various teams plus the youth and children teams visit https://bearflatcc.org.uk/

• Sat Jul 1. Away. V Chippenham.

• Sat Jul8. Away. V Trowbridge.

• Sat 15 Jul. Home. V Swindon.

• Sat 22 Jul. Away. V Purton.

• Sat 12 Aug. Home. V Malmsbury.

Cricket: Somerset County Cricket Club: The club are based at the county ground in Taunton although in the past have played some matches at Bath and Weston-super-Mare. Bath is in Somerset and are our county team. They are in the top flight of the cricket structure and have two first class elevens plus a women’s team and female players can be selected for the regional team Western Storm. For details visit https:// somersetcountycc.co.uk/ Men 1st XI fixtures:

• Sun 2 July (VB) Home V Kent

• Mon 10 Jul (LVICC) Home V Hampshire

• Wed 19 Jul (LVICC) Away V

Northamptonshire

• Tue 25 Jul (LVICC) Home V Surrey

• Sun 30 Jul (Minor CC) Away V Devon

• Tue 1 Aug. (Minor CC) Away. V

Cornwall

• Fri 4 Aug. (One day Cup) Home V

Warwickshire

• Sun 6 Aug. (One day Cup) Home. V

Worcestershire

• Wed 9 Aug. (One day Cup) Away. V

Northamptonshire

• Fri 11 Aug. (One day Cup) Home V Susssex.

Croquet: Bath Croquet Club: The club is based on the Rec and features its own green and club house. To join or for more info contact Hester Henebury on email hester2210@btinternet.com or visit https://www.bathcroquet.com/

Cycling: Bath Cycling Club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities – visit https://www. bathcc.net/

Cycling: Bike Bath: The annual cycling event has been put off this

year until 2024.

Equestrian: Bath Racecourse

Wed 5 Jul. Summer Evening Meeting

Wed 12 Jul. Summer Evening Meeting

Wed 19 Jul. Afternoon Meeting

Equestrian: Gatcombe Park: British Eventing Meeting runs from 4-6 August 2023.

Football: Bath City FC. Bath play in the National League South, the sixth tier of the football pyramid. The home ground is Twerton Park and the manager is Jerry Gill. Known as the Romans and play in black and white vertical stripes.

Pre-season games:

• Tue 4 Jul. Friendly. Away V Shaftesbury.

KO 7.45pm

• Sat 8 Jul. Friendly. Away V Frome Town.

KO 3pm

• Tue 11 Jul. Friendly. Home V Bristol City U23s. KO 7.45pm

• Sat 15 Jul. Friendly. Home V Exeter City. KO 3pm

• Tue 18 Jul. Friendly. Away V Tiverton.

KO 7.45pm

• Sat 29 Jul. Friendly. Away V Yate Town.

KO 3pm

Football: Odd Down FC. They are currently members of the Western League Division One and play at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground.

Pre-season fixtures:

Trowbridge Town. KO 7.30pm.

• Tue 25 Jul. Friendly. Home V Melksham Town. KO 7.30pm.

Modern Pentathlon: The UIPM Modern Pentathlon Championships take place at the University of Bath, Pentathlon GB’s National Training Centre, from 19th to 28th August. They are the first to be staged in Britain since 2009 and will be contested in the new, actionpacked 90-minute format. Spectators will watch the fencing, horse-riding and laser run live from their seats in an outdoor arena at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, while the swimming

section – taking place in the University’s Olympic-sized pool –will be broadcast via a large video screen in the stadium. Tickets and info at www.wch23.org

Swimming: Based at Bath Leisure Centre and established in 1899, Bath Dolphin Swimming Club (BDSC) is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the South West Region. They provide competitive swimming opportunities for young swimmers through to a masters swimming group. As a holder of the Swim England quality accreditation, Swim Mark, they offer a year round competitive swim team with high quality coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities.

Tennis: Bloomfield Tennis Club was founded in 1927 and is located at 98 Wellsway, Bath. The club welcomes new members. To join visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ BloomfieldTennisClub

Tennis: Bath Tennis Club is at Park Lane, Weston, and bills itself at a friendly club. The club has a number of membership categories ranging from pay as you go to full membership. For details visit www. bathtc.co.uk

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• Fri 14 Jul. Friendly. Away V Calne Town. KO 7.30pm.

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• Tue 18 Jul. Friendly. Home V

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Bath Cycle Club is open to all ages and abilities and features female only ride-outs

Bus argument by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: A local government funding row over who should pay for bus services erupted into a war of words between top regional politicians on Friday (June 16).

The row between Bath and North East Somerset Council and West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has seen almost 20 “supported service” bus routes in the council area axed, as both the council and the mayor insist it is the other’s responsibility to pay for them.

Instead of coming to an agreement as the West of England Combined’ Authority’s committee met on Friday June 16, the row saw the meeting briefly devolve into an argument.

Mr Norris called Bath and North East Somerset Council’s actions “a disingenuous, mean-spirited, deceptive, devious thing to do.”

Sarah Warren, who was representing Bath and North East Somerset Council at the meeting accused him of “misrepresentation.”

The exchange followed multiple members of the public giving statements about axed bus services, which Mr Norris said had been “effectively cut by real terms cuts from local councils.”

The Metro Mayor cannot raise his own taxes and relies on being paid a “transport levy” from the councils which make up the authority, which he was claiming they had cut.

Ms Warren said: “In [Bath and North East Somerset Council]’s case that is not true. We have increased our contribution by 30% in this financial year. And you have also said that supported services are the responsibility of local councils and that is not true. You are the leader of the transport authority. The transport authority is responsible for bus services.”

But Mr Norris claimed: “I have responsibility for public transport […] but the one area where I don’t is about subsidised buses and the transport levy.”

He added: “[Bath and North East Somerset] Council determined which buses would run to get you over the election period. So you made an extension where there were going to be bus cuts to get you past that.

“I didn’t choose the routes, because if it had been done by me it would have been based on evidence. You chose the routes which left North East Somerset devastated frankly.”

All supported services within the city of Bath have been protected by the council until next year, but almost all in North East Somerset stopped running in April, with some key services funded for a few more months.

But three of these — the 82 between Paulton and Radstock, and the 179 and 768 between Midsomer Norton and Bath — were cut earlier this month, leaving older people relying on Dial-a-Ride services to to get to the shops and appointments, and younger people having to leave hours early to get to summer jobs on time.

Advertising Feature

The council is funding the Chew Valley’s 372 bus until July.

But Ms Warren said: “The evidence your officers put forward to this council would have left [Bath and North East Somerset] with only two buses in the whole of [Bath and North East Somerset] so we would have been in a much worse position.”

She added that it was “absolutely not the case” that the council had made a real terms cut in their transport levy.

Mr Norris acknowledged they had made a 30% increase this financial year, but claimed it was still a cut because the transport levy was not increased last year despite inflation in the bus sector of 40%.

He said: “It’s still a cut. It’s such a disingenuous, mean-spirited, deceptive, devious thing to do. You have been so untruthful about it, Sarah, you should be ashamed.”

She replied: “This is a misrepresentation. And that is all I will say.”

Bright Green Homes aiming to lower energy bills

Bright Green Homes: Over 500 households in Bristol, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) are to receive funding for energy efficiency and renewable upgrades to help tackle fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions.

The ‘Bright Green Homes’ project will be delivered across the South West, by Bristol City Leap, an innovative new partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco, designed to bring in investments of nearly £500 million in low carbon energy projects and create over 1000 jobs in its first five years.

Energy efficiency upgrades will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will range from insulation measures like loft and cavity walls to the installation of renewable and lowcarbon technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps.

Households can apply via the Bristol City Leap website where they will complete a short questionnaire to determine their eligibility.

Home improvements for eligible households will be installed by Bristol City Leap partner, Ameresco from March 2023 and continue until 2025.

The three councils successfully bid for funding from phase 2 of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s home upgrade grant, which has already provided over £1.1

billion to low-income households living in England’s worst quality, offgas grid homes.

The latest round of funding will help reduce the carbon footprint of homes while supporting hundreds of households in the south west struggling with energy bills.

David White, Operations Director for Bristol City Leap, commented: “We are delighted that Bristol has been successful in the most recent round of the Home Upgrade Grant scheme. We were able to make a much larger bid than in previous funding rounds due to the additional delivery capability that Bristol City Leap can bring to bear through the partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco. As a result, our Bright Green Homes project will help reduce the energy bills of over 500 families in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset, whilst also tackling the climate emergency and creating local jobs.”

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s announcement marks the third time in three years that Bristol City Council has received funding for residents in low energy efficiency and lowincome households and builds on the hundreds of homes already benefitting from improved energy efficiency.

Councillor Kye Dudd, Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Waste and Energy in Bristol, said: “I know many people are deeply concerned about the cost of heating their homes and rising energy bills, so I’m glad that we have secured even more funding through the government’s Home Upgrade Grant.

“This funding is an essential part of Bristol’s commitment to become a carbon-neutral city and it will also make a real difference to eligible residents in the city – saving them money on their household energy bills and making their homes more energy efficient through upgrades like better insulation.

“If you think your household meets the eligibility criteria, then I urge you to complete the online questionnaire. If you have any questions about the project or eligibility criteria, please get in touch with Bristol City Leap.”

More information on the scheme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on our Bright Green Homes page on our website www. bristolcityleap.co.uk/domestic/brightgreen-homes or by contacting the Bristol City Leap team at 0117 352 1180.

A little bit about Bristol City Leap…

Bristol City Leap is a world-first,

game-changing approach towards decarbonisation at the city scale. The City Leap Energy Partnership is a twenty-year joint venture between Bristol City Council, Ameresco and Vattenfall Heat UK which will enable the delivery of over £1 billion of investment into Bristol’s energy system.

Put simply, this means a transformative boost in the amount of renewable energy and decarbonised heat powering our city, which in turn means a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, learn, work and play.

During the first five years of the partnership, nearly £500 million will be invested in a range of large infrastructure projects including the significant expansion of Bristol’s award-winning Heat Network that provides local businesses and residents with access to reliable, affordable low-carbon heat from sustainable sources. Solar panels and low carbon heating systems will be installed at local schools, the council’s social housing will be made more energy efficient to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, and substantial investment will go into communityowned renewable energy projects to help residents play a part in Bristol’s journey to carbon neutrality.

Library News: Moorland Road Community Library’s chair of trustees

Liz Hearn (pictured above) said that 2022 was all about sustainability for the library but this year it is about growth. The library is run by volunteers who maintain the administration of the Moorland Road resource, stock the books and keep the library open.

Liz Hearn said they welcome new volunteers and especially people with IT skills and those who can help to keep the library open for longer hours. See https://www. moorlandroadcommunitylibrary.com/ Carer News: Local charity, The Carers’ Centre has appealed for donations to help vulnerable young people across Bath and North East Somerset.

Data from the latest School Census has revealed a worrying underrepresentation of young carers, not only in Bath and North East Somerset but across England with a huge 79% of schools recording no young carers at all.

The School Census aims to develop a picture of the educational sector, and where improvements are needed. Last year, for the first time, young carers were included in this picture.

The Carers’ Centre, has seen a significant growth in young carers, who help care for a family member or friend due to serious illness, disability or addiction. With over 700 young carers currently registered with the charity, this is significantly different to the 136 young carers that were identified in Bath and North East Somerset schools through the census. The charity is asking for donations to expand their life-changing work with young carers in school.

To donate to the charity’s vital work, please visit: banescarerscentre. org.uk/donate

For more information about The Carers’ Centre, please visit banescarerscentre.org.uk.

School News: Dates for the school year 2023 to 2024 have been

announced for state schools in Bath that includes a slightly longer Christmas and New Year holiday than usual. Term 1. Friday 01 September - Friday 20 October; Term 2. Monday 30 October - Friday 15 December; Term 3. Tuesday 02 January - Friday 09 February ; Term 4. Monday 19 February - Thursday 28 March; Term 5. Monday 15 April - Friday 24 May. Term 6. Monday 03 June - Tuesday 23 July. Widcombe school’s summer fair is on Saturday 8th July from 11am until 2pm and takes place in the infant school grounds. The PTA are looking for parents and family to organise events, help on the day and donate raffle and second hand items.

Blooming Whiteway: Bath City Farm has to be thanked for bringing together too like minded souls in Claire Loder and Jude Rice who have created something wonderful in Whiteway in Bath. Namely Blooming Whiteway - a community project to create interest in nature and gardening in the area and to increase the amount of greenery, wild flowers and plants along with trees in the suburb. It all started with the Front Garden Festival in 2017 when the duo met at the farm where they have volunteered. Jude is now employed there as community grower where she trains groups from those interested in horticulture to those studying for a vocational qualification to pursue a career in the sector. Jude (pictured) said Blooming Whiteway had been successful in seeing more residents cultivate their front gardens in particular but also taking part in planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

For more details visit https://www. bloomingwhiteway.com/

For younger readers

NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier!

It’s The Ashes this summer. Cricket has lots of unique words... how many can you find?

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS

Summer Reading Challenge

Ready, Set Read! The Summer Reading Challenge 2023 starts this month. Are you match fit for the challenge to read six books over the summer holidays. Come into your local library to join up! Here are some ideas:

Children’s Non-Fiction

Mad about Football – Judith Henegan

A great subject book with punchy information – all to inspire reluctant readers. So whether you’re new to football or looking to develop your skills, this book will tell you everything you need – from on the pitch advice, defending, goalkeeping, fouls and free kicks! There is also a section on the World Cup and UEFA Champions League and key players. The book finishes with a quick quiz to test your footie knowledge!

Children’s Fiction

Roy of the Rovers on tour – Tom Palmer

Roy Race is an ordinary 16 years old but has an extraordinary talent as a footballer. He plays centre forward for Melchester Rovers – what a great job! Everything seems perfect, however at home is not great, with a disabled dad and very busy mum. If only Melchester Rovers could hit the big time and bring glory and money back to the club.

The team go on a preseason tour, but as the tour goes on Roy’s team mates start acting strangely to him – what had they heard?

Was Roy jumping ship? Why was Alan Talbot, football agent scouting around? Find out how Roy can save his club, his team and family. A really interesting read for any footie fan. Also there are many more stories in the series to get stuck into.

Loft Boarding & Insulation

The Day I fell into a fairy-tale – Ben Miller

Ben Miller is known as an actor and comedian but recently he has ventured into writing children’s books to great success. This is his third novel – where we meet Lana and her brother Harrison. They used to play together all the time but recently Harrison always seems “too busy”. Then, one day, where there was a patch of grass in the village of Little Hilcot, a large supermarket appears.

By all appearances Grimms is a normal supermarket with rows of baked beans and vegetables. So when Lana ventures in, she finds there are no customers apart from a small, old man. She asks him if there are any books to read? He offers her a large book of fairy tales but warns her that it could be dangerous. What could be so dangerous in a book about fairy tales?

Well Lana soon finds herself diving, literally, into the world of fairy tales – a land that is in trouble. Can she help and can she persuade Harrison to help as well in this magical adventure.

The 52-Storey Treehouse – Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

From the marvellous authors of the bestselling treehouses series – comes 52 Storey. Meet Andy who lives in a treehouse - not just an ordinary treehouse but one with 52 storeys – which includes a watermelonsmashing room and a make your own pizza parlour. What could go wrong? Well there appears to be an invasion of snails, large fruit, and aliens. These are a great series – a good read and very funny.

Also if you find reading hard, don’t worry – there is a section of books called “Barrington Stoke” that are just perfect. They are specially written for young readers with reading difficulties from dyslexia through to simple reluctance to read.

So: Mad Iris – Jeremy Strong

Would you like to have an ostrich as a pet? Now there is a curious question but Ross has a big problem when one turns up as his school. Can he save her from

the men in black suits and why is Katie stuck in the boys toilets?

Fun and laughter from the great children’s author Jeremy Strong.

One-Nil – Tony Bradman

The whole of the England football squad are secretly training at Luke’s local ground. But how can he see them when he has to go to school? Luke has a plan! Read how he hatched the plan so he can meet his heroes and perhaps score some goals. One for the footie fan!

Library News

Look out for all the exciting activities being run by your local libraries over the summer holiday, all about reading and sport.

Storytime: Thursday at 11am is Storytime at Keynsham Library – term time only and for 0-4 years. Come along, with a cushion and listen to some fantastic new stories.

As here’s always so much going on in all our libraries, and it’s all free, so drop in and see what’s on offer. For families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme, or get comfy whilst listening to stories at our ever-popular Storytime. For adults, we’ve got book clubs, writing classes, and much more throughout the year. Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www.librarieswest.org. uk to also access thousands of eBooks, eMagazines, Audiobooks, and a wealth of other resources! Our ‘Virtual Library’ has loads going on, including the latest library news, competitions, book reviews and, all our digital offers. Search ‘Bath and North East Somerset Libraries’ on social media or visit bathneslibraries. wordpress.com

Moorland Road Community Library

Tues 10-4pm, Thurs & Fri 10-1pm and Sat 10-1pm. Email for more info at Moorlandroadcommunitylibrary@gmail. com

And visit https://www. moorlandroadcommunitylibrary.com/ to find out how to volunteer and much more.

The library is seeking more volunteers to help keep it open for longer.

n WHAT’S ON

Continued from page 14

Sun 6 Aug. Holburne Museum. Music Concert. Featuring a debut of a young and up-coming keyboard player, Domenika Maszczyńska, who will play the Holburne’s Schantz fortepiano, accompanied by Sam Brown playing the romantic guitar. They will perform virtuoso music by Schubert, Rossini and Giuliani among others - it promises to be a very special occasion of wonderful music-making. Friends of the Museum event. More at https://www. holburne.org/

Sat 12 Aug. The Boundary Stones of Widcombe History Walk. A walk round part of the old boundary of Widcombe, locating the remaining boundary stones from 1894 and finding out some fascinating local history on the way. The walk will be led by local experts Jeremy Boss and Sian Lewis. The walk is approx 3.5 miles and includes some