Bath Voice March 2024

bathvoice March 2024 No. 48

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INSIDE Page 5: 1960s Building under threat Page 6: Bath’s cancer help after King’s treatment

Pages 14-17: What’s On in March

Young civil engineers take on challenges

Page 13: Sport

14,500 homes must be built

Page 12: News

Some year 12’s have just taken part in a National Competition organised by the Institute of Civil Engineers. Four rounds of different virtual engineering challenges: bridge building, park revitalisation, sustainable housing and crisis management. Brilliant work team!

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Bath and North East Somerset is facing a “huge challenge” after the government said 14,500 homes must be built in the area over the next 20 years.

Locals are being asked to have their say on where the developments

should happen in a consultation on the options for Bath and North East Somerset Council’s new local plan.

A local plan is prepared every 20 years and determines the planning policy by which new planning applications will be decided, and where different kinds of

developments are acceptable.

An “options document” worked on by councillors of all parties which sets out the options for where the houses could go and proposes major new green rules for developers that could be included Continued on page 3

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March 2024

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MPs Wera Hobhouse MP - Bath 31 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT. Tel 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk www.werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg - NE Somerset House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk BANES Councillors Oldfield Park: Ian Halsall 07575 922200 ian_halsall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Deborah Joan Collins Deborah_Collins@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 395954 Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk

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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

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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.

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n NEWS

Continued from page 1

in the new local plan will go out for public consultation from February 12 to April 8.

The government’s method for calculating housing need says that Bath and North East Somerset will need 725 new homes to be built each year, or 14,500 over the full length of the plan — which the council’s cabinet member for built environment and sustainable development, Matt McCabe said was a “huge challenge.” But he added that 6,000 of these homes already have planning permission or are allocated in the currently local plan — mainly on brownfield sites in Bath — and another 2,000 are expected to come in as a “windfall” outside of council plans.

He said: “[This] means that we’ve got to find 6,500 homes over the next 20 years, which is far more achievable than if we were going straight in at 14,500.”

Options for where the houses could go include a huge northern expansion of Keynsham, an expansion of Saltford, moving the Brislington Park and Ride to accommodate a major new

development straddling the border with Bristol, and for many villages in rural North East Somerset to grow by about 5% over the period of the plan.

Speaking at the scrutiny panel meeting, Saltford councillor Duncan Hounsell urged the council not to “change the essential character” of existing villages with major expansions and instead “create a new community in North East Somerset from scratch.”

He said: “Imagine the excitement and prestige of developing a showcase village with the very best of design, energy conservation, and community facilities. [Bath and North East Somerset] can demonstrate excellence in planning that can be a showcase to the whole country.”

The new local plan could also double the green requirements on developers. Last year, the council brought in new rules requiring a boost in nature — known as “biodiversity net gain” — of at least 10% at new developments ahead of the national rollout of the policy.

Now the new local plan could see

that requirement increased to 20%.

Council cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, Sarah Warren, said: “Following on from last year’s local plan partial update which put us in poll position on environmental protections in planning policy, we are proposing this year to start to go even further — testing the limits of national planning policy — in response to our climate and ecological emergency declarations.”

Mr McCabe urged people to have their say in the consultation.

He said: “We are treading a fine line between our aspirations and what the final planning inspector will say is viable for developers. So evidence is key — and the results of the consultations with residents count as evidence.”

People can view the options document online as a 422-page “web book,” with hard copies also available in libraries. Exhibitions will also be held at some locations and webinars will be held on some policy areas.

Council leader Kevin Guy added: “I would encourage every

single resident to take part in this plan. I cannot underestimate its importance. It will be guiding the economic strategy, where houses go, where development goes, for the next ten years and beyond so it is important you have your say.”

Comment from Harry Mottram: One of the biggest issues in the city are those related to planning and in particular new homes being built or the connversion of former offices into flats - and in some cases the demolition of redundant buildings to make way for houses or flats for students.

In previous generations there was wholesale construction of council homes - which many would like to see a return to in order to solve the shortage of affordable properties.

The first census for the city in 1801 recorded a population of 28,000 souls - although some of the areas in Bath like Twerton and Weston were villages outside the city boundaries. Today the population is more than 110,00 and rising. So new homes are needed. The question is where?

AMERICAN ROAD TRIP 9 March – 31 December Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

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March 2024

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n NEWS

Developers want to knock down classic 1960s building

By Harry Mottram: In the last issue we ran an article by local democracy reporter John Wimperis on the plans to knock down Beazer House (pictured) on Lower Bristol Road and replace it with a hotel.

He noted: “Plans have been submitted to knock down a “subjectively” unattractive Bath office block to build a giant 152room hotel which would be six storeys high with a restaurant and bar and would create 47 new jobs in the city and bring an anticipated £1.9m a year into the local economy, developers say. The building of the hotel would also support 127 construction jobs a year until it is completed.”

Comment from the editor Harry Mottram: Those familiar with the construction industry will recall the family firm of Beazer that took on contracts to rebuild parts of Bath after the war. The company also built a number of homes and commercial buildings in and around the city including Beazer

House. Sometimes described as an example of ‘carchitecture’ – Beazer House was constructed in the era when cars were king in planners’ minds as new roads, ring roads, flyovers, urban motorways and multi storey car parks were the fashion as Britain embraced the motor car.

It was also the time often referred to as ‘The Rape of Bath’ when entire streets of houses were knocked down to make way for new roads – but also a time of optimism with England winning the 1966 World Cup in football, the Beatles and pop conquering all and the ‘Swinging 60s’ when society’s attitudes began to change.

The question for future generations will be does Bath have any examples of 20th century and in particular 1960s’ architecture left? Beazer House is a prime example – built on stilts so Ford Anglias and Morris Minors could be parked below for the office workers – with open plan offices above – then and now seen as the best

Beazer House

type of work environment allowing more light in and for better communications for the staff.

An uncharitable view of the proposed hotel design is that it is somewhat bland in comparison – and an argument could be that Beazer House simply needs some TLC. Of course the new jobs, money and accommodation are telling

factors. Up to Bathonians. You can write to the editor with you views at news@bathvoice.co.uk If you are interested in the preservation of 1960s and indeed 20th century buildings which are under threat there is a society dedicated to their existence in the 20th Century Society at https:// c20society.org.uk/

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Twerton’s Sarah Moore rejects plans for more sudent flats. By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Plans to build more student flats in Bath have come under fire for going against council policies.

Regen Developments wants to turn a disused office block on the edge of the city into 12 student flats, housing a total of 54 beds.

The developers submitted a planning application for their plans for Minerva House on the Lower Bristol Road to Bath and North East Somerset Council and said that a separate application would seek permission to build four more flats on the roof.

A statement submitted with the application said: “The building is generally in good condition and ideally suited for refurbishment to student accommodation.

“It is also located on university and local bus routes ensuring students can access education and town centre amenities without the use of a private vehicle.”

It added: “There is currently a significant under-supply of high

quality student accommodation in Bath. Many students live within houses of multiple occupation which in many cases are remote from the relevant institutions and unsuitable with regard to catering for their needs.”

But Sarah Moore, who represents Twerton on Bath and North East Somerset Council, slammed the plans and called for them to be brought before the council’s planning committee.

She said: “There is no evidence provided from either university that further rooms are required.

The blocks we already have are not full and there are blocks in other areas of the city that are also being built without clear evidence of the need.”

She added: “This clearly goes against council policy to allow any new [purpose-built student accommodation] outside of a university campus unless the applicant is working with an educational establishment.”

Man sectioned. Following the chaos caused by a man making threatening phone calls to the

RUH a man who was arrested at the time has been sectioned and detained under section 136 of the 1983 Mental Health Act writes Harry Mottram.

Police reported at the time: “A man has been arrested in connection with an incident at Royal United Hospital in Bath earlier today (Friday 2 February).

“Police attended after a report by hospital staff of a man making verbal threats by phone.

“A short time later there was also a report of a man in the area carrying an unknown item, which the informant was concerned may have been a bladed weapon, but this is something that remains unconfirmed.

“The hospital decided to go into a lockdown and we advised a nearby school to take a similar precautionary measure.

“Both lockdowns were lifted in the early-afternoon and access to both the hospital and school are now unrestricted. We have arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of making threatening communications and he is in

police custody.

With three knife murders in Bath last year and a spate of killings with knives or bladed weapons in nearby Bristol this and last year it is understandable that the Police were taking no chances especially since the hospital was involved and St Mary’s Primary School is next door to the RUH. Being sectioned means being admitted to hospital whether or not you agree to it. The legal authority for your admission to hospital comes from the Mental Health Act rather than from your consent. This is usually because you are unable or unwilling to consent.

If you are sectioned, you normally have the right to get help from someone called an independent mental health advocate (IMHA).

It means the man at the centre of the crisis will not be allowed back into public for the time being and may yet face charges depending on what the authorities decide.

LibDems reject opposition amendments. By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Local charities will not face a “cliff edge,” councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council have insisted as they passed a budget that spread proposed cuts to charities over two years.

As voted through by a full council meeting on February 20, the 2024/25 budget — described by council leader Kevin Guy (Bathavon North, Liberal Democrat) as “not just balanced but boldly ambitious” — will see £5.8m more spent on social care, a £5m investment into council house building, and £2m of income from Bath’s clean air zone spent on a new “Scholar’s Way” cycle route in the south of Bath.

Council cabinet member for resources Mark Elliott (Lansdown, Liberal Democrats) told the meeting: “This is a budget this Lib Dem administration and everyone involved in the budget setting process […] can be proud of.

Despite the unprecedented wider crisis in local government funding, it provides stability, it protects the most vulnerable, and it delivers on our promises to residents.”

But the council came under fire for ending free parking in Midsomer Norton and Radstock in the budget,

and for telling local charities over Christmas that it would cut £802k from their funding to help the most vulnerable. Charities warned the move would push more people into rough sleeping and would end up costing the council more in the long run as more people would need to rely on statutory social care services.

Now the planned cut has been spread over two years, with a £400k cut to happen this year, and a further £402k to be cut in 2025/26.

Mr Elliott said: “We have talked to them. We have agreed to spread the cost. We have agreed to deal with them directly and talk to them and negotiate with them.

Mr Elliott said that he had given guarantees to the charities and organisations that the council would carry out a systematic review “with them” and not impose things on them. He added: “We are also not in the business of shooting ourselves in the foot.

“Where services can be shown to be saving the council money by preventing people calling on council-run services, those services will obviously not be cut. If it turns out that the savings we’ve proposed really aren’t achievable when assessed in that way, then so-be-it.

“But we spend over £9m on over 40 contracts in this space, and they

haven’t been looked at for quite some time, so it seems reasonable to think that some savings can be made.”

Kate Morton, CEO of mental health charity Bath Mind, said: “At least we’ve got two years.”

She said she was reassured by the commitment that had been given, although added: “But we need to hold them to that. We need to hold them to account.”

Other money saving and income generation measures in the budget will see council tax increased by the maximum 4.99% — of which two percentage points will be ring fenced for spending on adult social care — and reduced opening hours at the Bath and Welton recycling centres.

Mr Elliott also defended the council’s plans to end free parking in the Somer Valley, insisting it is “the right thing to do.” The move has faced opposition from local councillors and shopkeepers who have warned it will “kill the town.”

Mr Elliott said: “We are investing £3.5m in Midsomer Norton High Street. We are not leaving Midsomer Norton bereft. There is much work going on there. But the unfairness of having one area that has got free parking when the rest of the area doesn’t is not sound.”

An amendment from the Labour opposition on the council had proposed spreading the cut to charity services across four years, along with a host of other alternative spending and savings proposals including buying ten digital advertising screens to raise revenue instead of ending free parking in the Somer Valley. Liz Hardman (Labour, Paulton) said the proposals were “a prudent use of finances.”

But Mr Elliott said that if they were serious proposals they should have been brought forward earlier through the council scrutiny process. He said: “This is a hodge podge of various suggestions which we have to vote on as a block.”

An amendment from the Green group, calling for the council to invest £200k into “school streets” — where roads by schools are closed at school run times to encourage walking to school — and to scrap Bath councillor’s free parking permits for council business, was also dismissed as a last minute “stunt” by Mr Elliott.

Green group leader Joanna Wright (Green, Lambridge) said she had been told last year the council was looking at school streets but none had yet been delivered.

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

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King Charles’ cancer treatment highlights Bath’s role in tackling the disease

By Harry Mottram: Whether you are a royalist or a republican, the one thing you can agree on is that cancer does not discriminate.

With the news that King Charles III (pictured) has beeb diagnosed with cancer it reminds us that in Bath there are a number of groups, charities and organisations that treat, manage, support and raise money in the long running battle to treat and eventually cure the many types of the disease.

Beginning with the Royal United Hospital, the RUH diagnoses approximately 2,200 new cases of cancer each year.

They offer specialist surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, haematology, palliative and supportive care services. The RUH provides inpatient, day care and outpatient services for all areas of cancer treatment and has the facilities to diagnose and treat all types of cancers.

The Bath Cancer Unit Support

Group is a small local charity, run entirely by volunteers, which supports the work of cancer facilities at the RUH having raised more than half a million pounds last year through fundraising events like the Bath Half Marathon.

Based in Bath We Get It provides support and resources for those who have been diagnosed, are in remission or recovering from cancer and organise events and tell the stories of those affected.

Bath gynae cancer support group meets regularly at the Boathouse pub for people affected by gynaecological cancer.

We Hear You is a west based cancer counselling group that helps anyone affected by cancer including family and children. If is free and you can self-refer.

There’s a yoga class at the Minerva Centre Bath for Women Living with Breast Cancer, and in Lansdown there is a Breast Care Swimming Group, while in Twerton there is Positive Action Cancer a free councelling group for adults, teens and children.

Researchers at the University of Bath work with the RUH to develop treatments and diagnostic strategies.

The Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon & Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance (SWAG Alliance) links cancer services in the region. Nationally there is the Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Reserach UK who both have a huge amount of information and links - and of course the NHS has a website with more information.

March 2024

Maternity care is given the thumbs up Maternity services at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust have been praised by parents in the 2023 National Maternity Survey, which has now been published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The RUH was found to score better than other Trusts in a number of areas, and there was particular praise from parents for the support they received from staff, especially around how they felt involved in decisions around antenatal and postnatal care. The RUH team was also praised for the mental health support provided to women and birthing people and for treating parents with dignity and respect. Those surveyed also said they felt listened to, were given plenty of opportunities to ask questions and felt their concerns were taken seriously. The survey, which went to those who gave birth in February 2023, looked at the whole experience of maternity care, from antenatal appointments through to giving birth and postnatal care. There were no areas where the RUH scored worse than other trusts who took part in the survey.

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Fitness fans welcome at Hallmark Midford Manor A £23m, luxury care home which features a cinema, café, hair salon and it’s very own, gym supported by an in-house physiotherapist has officially opened in Bath, Somerset.

Over 100 guests, including the Mayor Councillor Dine Romero, were invited to experience Hallmark Midford Manor, a new, 80 bed, residential, dementia and nursing home on Frome Road.

Local businesses and care professionals alike were encouraged to tickle their tastebuds, enjoy demonstrations

from some of the home’s 80 new team members and view their facilities which include 14 luxurious suites, which form part of a unique retirement living offering called The Residences.

Residents who live at The Residences have access to a premium suite with a kitchenette, and exclusive amenities, such as a cocktail bar and terrace, fine dining and concierge services.

Other features at the home include; a sensory room to support residents living with dementia,

a craft room, and celebrations area which will be used for family gatherings and special events.

Meanwhile outside there is a summer house, gardening club area with raised planters, and a little one’s play area to be used by visiting grandchildren and St Martin’s Garden Primary School next door.

The afternoon event was concluded by speeches and a performance from a string quartet.

Commissioning Manager at Hallmark Midford Manor, Jenny

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

Mann said: “We had a fabulous time, introducing our new home to the Bath community and 80 dedicated team members, who are passionate about supporting residents to thrive in later life.

“Much thought and consideration has gone into Midford Manor to help residents live active, independent and fulfilled lives, we have lots of spaces residents and their loved ones can enjoy quality time together and make new memories.”

The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Dine Romero added: “It was a joyful afternoon having a look around the home and meeting the team. I was particularly interested to hear that children from the local schools are involved with the lives of residents and to learn of Hallmark’s commitment to local produce. I can tell the residents are truly going to have a fantastic time living here.”

For details visit https://www. hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk/carehomes/somerset/midford-manor/ Or call 01229 388203. Addresss: Frome Rd, Bath BA2 5RE

March 2024

bathvoice

Council ‘accused’ over home

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Councillors have voted to close down a care home just four years after taking it over, amid accusations of a “managed decline.”

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet voted unanimously to close down Charlton House care home in Keynsham, at their meeting on February 8. Now the council will launch a feasibility study into whether the building can be turned into a residential special school.

Council cabinet member for adult services Alison Born told the meeting there had been a “lack of investment” in Charlton House and two other care homes before the council took them back in house in 2020. She said the council had invested in them, but this had led costs to increase “considerably” and it was now more expensive than private sector care.

She added that there was a “buoyant” care home market in the area, while there was a lack of special education and care facilities. She said: “One of the advantages of running our own in-house services is that it gives us the opportunity to use these facilities to fill gaps in the local market.”

But the council has been accused of overseeing a “managed decline” of Charlton House. In 2022 — two years after the council took it over — a damning Care Quality Commission report rated the home “inadequate.”

It found that one person had been left sitting in urine overnight, another had an “unexplained bruise” to their chest, and staff did not call for medical assistance for seven hours after one person had suffered a stroke.

The council closed a floor of the care home after the report, and there are now just 10 people living in the 30-bed care home. Charlton House has since improved and been upgraded to “requires improvement.”

At a council scrutiny panel looking at the proposals earlier in the week (February 5), councillor Leslie Mansell said: “What I am understanding from staff is there seems to have been managed decline with the closure of the beds, and what’s happened is that, because staff have become demoralised, that many have left and obviously that makes things more difficult for the staff remaining.”

A statement from staff at the care home — released shortly before the cabinet meeting through trade union Unison — slammed the council’s running of the care home. The statement said: “The staff at Charlton House are devastated by the prospect of losing their jobs and of Charlton

House closing. The staff who have been there for many years describe how it was previously a “beautiful residential home”, which was a source of pride for the staff, the community and [Bath and North East Somerset.]

“In recent years, the resources and management of the residential home have been consistently declining.

This has led to poorer quality care for residents, poor staff morale, and instability in the home. Managers have not been visible in the home, and residents, relatives and staff alike are distressed by this.”

Unison said they had been told by the human resources department that three members of nursing staff would face redundancy, but Bath and North East Somerset Council has insisted that this is not the case and new roles will be found at partner organisations.

The staff statement warned: “The care workers who are expecting to be redeployed have been told they may have less hours, or be in different places, when many of us don’t drive. Unison representatives from the affected staff group have requested to meet with adult social care management. This request has been refused.”

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Ms Born said: “The needs of the current residents at Charlton House will be assessed individually and we will work closely with each resident and their families or representatives to determine suitable alternative placements and to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

“Staff affected by this change will be offered suitable alternative roles within the council. Where there are specialist roles, like nurses, we will work with partners to identify suitable roles.

I want to underline that suitable new places will be found nearby for the small number of residents for whom we will not be in a position to offer care and there will be no change to the costs paid by any resident who is funding their own care.”

A public consultation on closing the care home was held last year. Of the 45 people who responded to the consultation last year, 36% were in support of closing down Charlton House and 40% were opposed, with the remainder saying they did not know or have an opinion.

The cabinet also approved plans to turn Cleeve Court residential home into a “centre of excellence” for dementia care without nursing, and to enhance the offer at Combe Lea residential home to offer spaces to younger people with complex needs as well as older people.

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

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Barnum hailed for the cast’s ‘enthusiasm and commitment’

By Harry Mottram: Founded in 1963 the youth theatre company Zenith in Bath have brought down the curtain on Barnum, their latest production at the Kingswood Theatre with praise from the audience, the local MP and Georgia Tilley of the Zenith Youth Theatre Company.

She said: “It’s great to be able to share our young people’s enthusiasm and commitment with audiences who appreciate the importance of performing arts.

Zenith has been entertaining the local community for over 60 years and we are looking forward to continuing this for many years to come.”

Based on the theatrical life of the American impresario Phineas Taylor Barnum the musical combines elements of traditional musical theatre, drama and circus.

The musical first staged in 1960 is based on the book by Mark Bramble, with lyrics by Michael Stewart, and music by Cy Coleman

The cast of Barnum with the MP Wera Hobhouse who joined them on stage

and has had successful runs in the West End, Broadway and elsewhere ever since – including of course in Bath.

The Zenith production was also part of the troupe’s 60th anniversary celebrations as the group for young people aged

13-21 continues to produce the performers, singers and actors of the future. Founded as the Bodlets, the inaugral meeting of the junior section of Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society was on 15th May 1963 at The Weston Hotel and the group had it’s first AGM in September 1963.

At the performance of Barnum on 15th February, Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, who joined the cast on stage and said: “It was a joy to attend Zenith Youth Theatre’s rendition of ‘Barnum!’

“The commitment and passion demonstrated by these young performers and the supportive staff is truly commendable. The vital role that long-standing organisations like the Zenith Youth Theatre play in nurturing creativity and providing valuable opportunities for our youth to thrive cannot be overstated.”

For more on the theatre group and to join visit https://www. zenithytc.co.uk/

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March 2024

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF Noisy problem: A sex toy company is making too much noise at night, its neighbours in Bath have said writes John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter.

Lovehoney is applying for retrospective planning permission for four heat pumps on its warehouse on Locksbrook Road but locals say they are making too much noise. The sex toy warehouse is largely surrounded by residential streets.

A noise impact assessment submitted with the retrospective planning application said: “It is understood that some of the surrounding residential properties have complained to Bath and North East Somerset Council about the level of noise.”

The heat pumps have been switching on at 4am every day and are 16 decibels louder than background noise, the assessment said. It said Lovehoney should house the “offending units” in acoustic enclosures.

Lovehoney sells sex toys, lingerie, condoms, sexual wellness products, and bondage kit online.

9

Council houses planned for Argyle Works in Lower Bristol Road. B&NES Council.

It was founded in Bath in 2002, operating from founder Richard Longhurst’s bedroom.

Cost of council home: The cost of building council houses in Bath has been slammed as “totally out of whack” as it could cost £3.2m to build on land the council owns with a company the council also owns writes John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter. .

Eight affordable energy efficient apartments for social rent could be completed in summer 2025 on the site of a former highways depot on Lower Bristol Road as part of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s £12m B&NES Homes council house building program. Aequus, a construction

company wholly owned by the council, is delivering the “Argyle Works” project at cost.

But the cost of the works was questioned when Aequus directors were quizzed by the council’s corporate scrutiny panel on January 16. Independent councillor Colin Blackburn told directors: “Cost price of £3.2m seems — from what I have been advised by other surveyors — seems totally out of whack.”

Managing director of Aequus Tim Richens said that the costs had been tendered and it was just a “pass through” of those costs, which he said had also been looked at by the council itself. He added: “It is the case some of these sites are quite challenging. Some of these sites need a lot of work to get to the point where they are developable, so all of those costs have to be factored in into some of these sites.”

But Mr Blackburn insisted: “Argyle Works is not a challenging site. It is a flat level site, full access off Lower Bristol Road.” He added that there were flats nearby the council could buy for £1m less than that. The B&NES Home programme sees the

council to turn sites and buildings it owns into new council housing. The first homes in the scheme opened at 117 Newbridge Hill — a Victorian Villa that was formerly council offices — in January 2023.

Questions were raised at the time about the council’s decision to sell the vacant building to Aequus for £308,000 — nearly £500,000 less than market value — to carry out the works. It was then bought back for £2.16 million, a figure determined by a red book valuation.

Profits the company make should come back to the council through an annual £1m dividend it receives as sole shareholder.

But, speaking at the corporate scrutiny panel’s next meeting on January 23, chair Robin Moss said: “We are being told we are getting £1m from Aequus, but that £1m has to pay for interest on money that we’ve given to Aequus — so smoke and mirrors to a degree.”

The panel is requesting the council’s property services to come back before them on March 12 to ensure the council is getting value for money.

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March 2024

n BUSINESS NEWS

Top Tag: An apprentice from Bath law firm Stone King has won an Alexander Paul Award.

Tag Rowe, an apprentice solicitor currently working in the law firm’s Employment Team, scooped the award at an event held by the 10,000 Interns Foundation at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Tag started at the firm last year through the 10,000 Black Interns scheme, the brainchild of the Foundation, before going on to successfully apply for an apprenticeship.

The event saw twenty-five

longlisted candidates who had achieved places in the scheme shortlisted to five, with Tag emerging as the winner for his work in Bath.

The Alexander Paul Award honours a gifted young man who died from a brain tumour before he could achieve his ambition of becoming a lawyer.

Business plan: Higher wages, more productivity, greener businesses and more affordable housing are at the heart of a report that went before the Council last month.

It sets out a new approach to economic development which prioritises the needs of residents and businesses as well as reducing impacts on the environment.

If adopted, it will span the decade from 2024 to 2034 and see a 10-point plan which includes increasing take-up locally of the Real Living Wage and delivering Bath’s Fashion Museum and wider Milsom Quarter Masterplan as a flagship for sustainable development.

The strategy is called Building a Fair, Green, Creative and Connected Bath with North East Somerset

Economy. It has been produced in partnership with the local Future Ambition Board (FAB), which brings together key organisations, as well as Western Gateway and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

For more details visit the Council website and search for Building a Fair, Green, Creative and Connected Bath with North East Somerset Economy.

Shop lifting: For the first time since records started, there were more than 400,000 cases reported to police in England and Wales, according to the Office of National Statistics.

The Avon and Somerset area saw a 41% increase in shoplifting in 2023.

Building Society: Richard Ingle will be taking over from current CEO Kevin Gray, who will retire from the Society on 7th March 2024, after 25 years of service.

Richard joined the Society as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Board Member in 2022.

He was previously CFO of the sustainable bank Triodos Bank UK Ltd and has held senior

management positions at Nationwide Building Society and Bank of Ireland UK. BID: The Bath Business Improvement District (BID) is an independent, not-for-profit business-led company working to provide the environment for businesses in Bath to succeed.

Bath BID was established in 2011. Following a renewal ballot in 2015, the Bath BID was given the mandate to continue working in the city for a further five years, and a second renewal ballot in 2021 has secured the BID’s contract until 2026.

Legal Gate: Robert Buckland writing in Bath Business News has reported on the appointment of experienced lawyer Helen Gate as an associate legal executive at Mogers Drwett.

The former business editor at the Western Daily Press noted: “Helen joins the firm from national law firm Clarke Willmott’s Bristol office, where she spent just over a year as a senior associate in the commercial property team, advising landowners on telecom agreements and disputes.”

countries with numerous franchised stores and upwards of 9,000 staff with many more suppliers.

The retailer that once dominated the so-called ethical beauty market has seen its share slide as rivals offered equally ethical and environmentally friendly products from Boots to Sainsburys as well as Lush and Neal’s Yard Remedies.

However back in the 1980s the chain rose to dominate the market until it all came crashing down when journalist Jon Entine exposed the company for green-washing in 1994 – pretending to be concerned with fair trade and the environment when in reality it wasn’t. After a further expose was published in 2004 the chain began to see its market challenged by new firms who used ethical and environmental standards as part of their USP. The firm was sold to L’Oreal in 2006 who sold it on again to Natura in 2017 for £880 million before Aurelius acquired it in 2023 for £207 million. There has been some speculation over whether the owners were intent on asset stripping – as many of the stores have prime locations. That is still an

open question for some.

The BBC reported that FRP Advisory said that the brand had faced a “difficult trading environment” like other shops as customers’ budgets have been squeezed and online retailing has boomed in recent years.

Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association, said: “It seems that we hear about the demise of a national retailer every few months… We hope that the employees and franchisees are looked after while the future of this chain is decided.”

Ian Carrotte of ICSM – the business membership group in Somerset said: “We are very concerned over the plight of the suppliers as being an international retailer with many franchise outlets the supply chain is huge – with many small businesses that supply The Body Shop. The stores remain open at the moment and we suspect it is possible some will be bought in a deal – but in the meantime we advise suppliers to refrain from completing orders until there is more information from the administrators and only accept orders withpayment up front.”

n BUSINESS NEWS

Body Shop in trouble, By Harry Mottram: Administrators have been appointed to The Body Shop chain of beauty product shops after a reported poor period of sales over the winter.

It casts doubt over the future of its hundreds of branches including the one in Burton Street in Bath which has been listed in the media as one of the stores that may close

for good.

In 2022 it reopened after a brief refresh along with a roll-out in other stores to highlight new products while in 2020 like other so-called non-essential stores it was forced to close due to the Covid-19 Crisis for a time.

Founded by the late Anita Roddick in 1976 the retailing chain grew from a single shop to some 3,000 outlets in more than 65

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

March 2024

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Student flats plan: An empty office block on Lower Bristol Road, could become accommodation for students.

Proposals have been put in for Minerva House to be changed from offices to 12 so-called flats for students allowing accommodation for 54.

The plans include the conversion of ground floor undercroft car parking to increase the number of flats as well as a new cycle parking outbuilding.

Professor steps down: World Heritage Site Advisory Board Chair Professor Barry Gilbertson is to quit his job as after seven years.

He is to leave his voluntary role as chair of the City of Bath UNESCO World Heritage Site Advisory Board and Enhancement Fund following his departure from the city due to family relocation.

Local Democracy Reporter John Wimperis reported that The Advisory Board is a partnership panel overseeing Bath’s UNESCO inscriptions. The World Heritage Enhancement Fund, a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council,

From left: Ruby Guymer-Parker, RUHX; Cllr Sarah Moore; Philippa Walker, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

Bath Preservation Trust and the World Heritage Site Advisory Board, sources, funds and manages local cityscape improvement schemes.

New Charity Shop: Bath Cats and Dogs Home, has held an official opening event at their new charity shop on George Street in Bath, making it their fifth shop in the local area including two shops in Bath plus shops in Frome, Trowbridge and

Bradford-on-Avon.

Christmas Market donations: Two charities that provide vital medical and healthcare in and around the Bath area have received a total of £3,000 in donations from a Bath Christmas Market stallholder.

DSC Event Catering Ltd, a longstanding caterer at the market, made a kind donation of £1,500 each to the Bath-based RUHX and the Great Western Air Ambulance.

The charities were picked at random from the pool of charities that attended Bath Christmas Market 2023.

RUHX supports Bath’s NHS trust and local community partners to help people in B&NES and surrounding areas live healthier and happier lives, including by funding innovative new healthcare technologies or tackling health inequalities.

The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity provides critical care and pre-hospital emergency medicine across the South West, bringing hospital level skills and equipment to the patient in need, with many of the team being volunteers.

Coombe Down shop: The Cooperative store in Combe Down will cease to trade from the 2nd of March and will reopen under the Nisa a few days later.

Nisa is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Co-operative Group Limited and is a franchise independently owned and paying for a licence to use the Nisa brand and have access to buy Nisa and Co-op products.

The Co-op acquired Nisa in 2017 to expand its buying power. Nisa has hundreds of stores in the Midlands, the north and Scotland and it allows the Co-op to sell some existing stores as franchise shops - but continue to stock Co-op branded goods in the Nisa stores as well as usually retaining the existing staff.

Speeding: Bloomfield Community SpeedWatch (CSW) have reminded the public that they are volunteers, and that CSW is an educational program with no points or penalties issued. The reminder followed online critics who said it was impossible to drive at 20mph on the road. The aim is to slow traffic and improve road safety in the through road.

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n SPORTS NEWS

bathvoice

13

Cymru’s Beth to skipper B&Gs

By Harry Mottram. Wales international Bethan Dyke says she is proud to be named as Team Bath Netball captain for the 2024 Super League campaign.

The 29-year-old, a veteran of five major international tournaments and going into her second season in the Blue & Gold, is joined in a new-look leadership group by fellow mid-courter Kirsty Harris and overseas defender Lisa Putt.

“It is such an honour to be named as captain,” said Dyke, who has also this year been selected as co-captain of the Welsh Feathers.

“To be entrusted with this role by both the Team Bath management and my team-mates is something truly special.

“I intend to lead by example and demonstrate the values that we have set out as a group. It’s my job as captain to help bring out everyone’s strengths and I also

want to ensure that all the players have a voice.

“I’m really happy to be working alongside Kirsty and Lisa. Kirsty has been with Team Bath for a number of years, playing for every age group from U15 to Super League, and understands the club and what wearing those famous colours means. Lisa is a new arrival but has integrated into the squad seamlessly and brings a great deal of experience.

“I think we will work effectively as a group but we are really lucky to have a lot of other players in the squad with strong leadership experience whose knowledge we will be able to call on.”

Swindon-born Harris, who first joined Team Bath as an Academy prospect, added: “I am very excited and honoured to be taking on this new role. Having progressed through the Bath pathway I have had opportunities to play under

Fixtures: For results visit the website. Teams listed n Alphabetical Order. Email reports, results and fixtures to harryfmottram@gmail. com Athletics: Bath Half Marathon.

Sunday 17 March 2024 Visit https:// bathhalf.co.uk/ Football: Bath City FC. Bath play in the National League South, the sixth tier of the football pyramid.

• Sat 2 Mar. Away v Slough.

• Sat 9 Mar Home v Farnborough.

• Tue 12 Mar. Home V Hemel H’d.

• Sat 16 Mar. Away V Chelmsford.

• Sat 23 Mar Away V Worthing.

• Fri 29 Mar Home V Weymouth.

• Mon 1 Apr Away V Taunton.

• Sat 6 Apr Home V Tonbridge • Sat 13 Apr Home V Torquay • Sat 20 Apr Away V Aveley

Football: Bath City Women The Bath City Women Development Team play in the Somerset County Women’s League in Division 2 North.

•Sun 3 Mar. Cup. Away V Royal W’n B • Sun 10 Mar. Home V Shaftsbury • Sun 31 Mar. Away V Purton Football: Larkhall Athletic FC. Founded in 1914 the Larks play in the Southern League Division One South (SLD1S) and are based at the Securitas Stadium, Plain Ham. With a development team, a youth team and a women’s team the Larks are one of the leading outfits in the city.

They are part of Larkhall Sports Club.

Visit https://larkhallathletic.com/ • Sat 2 Mar. Home V Yate.

• Sat 16 Mar. Away V Tavistock.

• Sat 23 Mar. Home V Malvern.

• Sat 30 Mar. Away V Bashley.

• Mon 1 Apr. Home V Westbury.

(From left) Lisa Putt, Bethan Dyke and Kirsty Harris make up the Team Bath Netball leadership group for the 2024 Super League season. CREDIT: Anna Barclay

some inspirational captains and I am looking forward to developing a leadership role.”

Fellow co-vice captain Putt, who has ANZ Premiership experience in her native New Zealand, said: “It’s an honour to have been chosen for the leadership group, especially alongside two very capable and experienced players in Bethan and Kirsty.

“My personal goal is to bring

the energy and set the standards on court so that we can be at our best as often as possible. I’m looking forward to the challenges of the season and collaborating as leaders to work through them.”

Tickets are selling well for Team Bath’s nine home games, starting on Friday 1st March against local rivals Severn Stars (7.30pm). View the full fixture list and buy online at netball.teambath.com/tickets.

Football: Odd Down FC. They are currently members of the Western League Division One (WLD1) and play at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground.

• Sat 9 Mar. Home V Portish’d • Sat 16 Mar. Away V Wells • Sat 23 Mar. away V Hengrove • Fri 29 Mar. Home V Radstock • Mon 1 Apr. Away V Warminster • Sat 6 Apr. Home V Bishop Sutton • Sat 20 Apr. Home V Bradford O A Netball: Team Bath Netball.

Team Bath Netball play in the Vitality Netball Super League which begins in March. Details at https:// netball.teambath.com/ Home games in 2024, 7.30pm unless stated: • Fri 1 Mar. Home V Severn Stars.

• Fri 8 Mar. Home V London Pulse.

• Fri 15 Mar. Home V Saracens Mavs

• Fri 5 Apr. Home V Leeds Rhinos • Fri 12 Apr. Home V Cardiff Dragons • Sat 4 May. Home V S. Storm. 4pm.

• Fri 10 May. Home V Loughborough • Fri 24 May. Home V Manchester • Fri 31 May. Home V S. Sirens.

Rugby: Bath Rugby Union Club Men The Blue Black and Whites (BB&Ws) playin the top flight of the English pyramid structure - The Gallapher Premiership.l Details at https://www.bathrugby. com/ • Sun 24 Mar. GP. Away V Sale.

• Sat 30 Mar. GP. Away V Harlequins.

• Sat 20 Apr. GP. Away V Exeter.

• Fri 26 Apr. GP. Home V Saracens.

• Sat 11 May. GP. Away V Newcastle.

• Sat 18 May. GP. Home V Northampton

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March 2024

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n WHAT’S ON

Getting set for the Bath Half Marathon Pick of Diary Events in Bath Fri 1 Mar. Bath Abbey. An Evening with Matt Walters aka Reductio.

His unique combination of classical and contemporary on both the organ and his productions has gained him a fast-growing online following.

Sat 2 Mar. Bath Bach Choir. Prior Park Chapel. Sacred Bruckner.

Aequale I and II; Requiem in D minor; Motets including Locus iste; Ave Maria WAB 6; Ave Maria WAB 7; Psalm 114. Southern Sinfonia trombones. Marcus Sealy organ.

Benedict Collins Rice conductor.

7.30pm. See bathbachchoir.org.uk for more details.

Mon 4 Mar. Bath Brew House. Pub Quiz. 7pm. Max 6 in a team. Just turn up.

Tue 5 Mar. Bath City Youth Space.

Sound Crafter Live and Studio. A space to begin to explore making music, no experience necessary for ages 11-19. 4-6pm. 28 Southgate Street. Contact July on 07870 868814 for details.

Bath Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 17th March. It s tarts and finishes on Royal Avenue with road closures from 9am. There are three waves of runners beginning at 10.20am. You can watch the runners in Royal Victoria Park playground, Chelsea Road, Great Pulteney Street, Churchill Bridge and numerous other spots.

The Half raises thousands of pounds for local and national charities. Public entries have sold out but there may be a small number of charity entries available.

For more on the event visit https:// bathhalf.co.uk/ Wed 6 Mar. Galdem Young Women’s Group. Bath City Centre Youth Space. 4-6pm. Contact July on 07870 868814 for details.

Thu 7 Mar. Toppings Book Shop.

Tiny Tales. For ages 2-5. 9:3010:15am.

Sat 9 Mar. The Forum. Bath Symphony Orchestra 2024. Holst – The Planets; Horner - Star Trek: Wrath of Khan; Giacchino - Star

Trek: Into Darkness; Williams - Star Wars Suite for Orchestra.

Sun 10 Mar. Christ Church, Bath.

Cardiff Opera: Cosi fan tutte.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s romantic comedy of “fiancée swapping”. Two young men place a bet on the fidelity of their girlfriends after being encouraged by the cynical Don Alfonso.

Mon 11 Mar. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI).

Talk: Shakespeare’s Passionate Cousin. 7.30pm. Duncan McGibbon gives an account of Robert Southwell (1561-1595), a bestselling poet, Jesuit missionary and cousin of William Shakespeare.

Wed 13 Mar. BRLSIB. Discussion and talk on Jane Austen’s novel Continued on page 16

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 14

Sense Sensibility. With Penelope Ruddock. 11am-12noon.

Fri 15 Mar. Bath Pavillion.

Decorative Arts Fair. 10am-5pm.

Fri 15 Mar. Widcombe Social Club. O’Rael and the Big Band.

Music from the 1950s and 1960s from Sam Cooke to Stevie Wonder.

8.30pm.

Sat 16 Mar. Bear Flat Market.

9.30am – 12.30pm in the Community Hall, Bruton Avenue BA2 4QJ. Sun 17 Mar. Bath Half Marathon.

Starts and finishes on Royal Avenue with road closures from 9am.

There are three waves of runners beginning at 10.20am. You can watch the runners in Royal Victoria Park playground, Chelsea Road, Great Pulteney Street, Churchill Bridge and numerous other spots.

Wed 27 Mar. Komedia. Around REFLECTIONS Thurs 21st March, 7.30pm. St Bart’s Church, Oldfield Park BA2 3PB - The Argyle String Orchestra Concert - ‘REFLECTIONS’. A programme of music to celebrate springtime in all its beauty.

Features pieces by Elgar, Parry and Vaughan-Williams - three of Britain’s most enduring composers. The concert also includes Pergolesi’s masterwork for orchestra and singers Stabat Mater - a gem of the Italian baroque period, with the text drawing from a 13thcentury hymn that preludes the joy of Easter. Tickets £10 on the door or online at www. ticketsource.co.uk/argyle-stringorchestra. www.facebook.com/ ArgyleStringOrchestra

CITYSOUND VOICES 16 March, 7.30pm St Michael’s Church, Bath

Bath Light Operatic Group ‘Showtopia’ Songs from The Shows 4th - 6th April 2024, 7.30pm The Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Upper Oldfield Park, Bath Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/bath or 01225 863740

Walk of Life 2024 Saturday 11 May! The annual sponsored walk, organised by RUHX, official charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, is the chance for people across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire to step out and show their support for patients, families, and hospital staff. Choose to walk a whopping 10 miles or a marathon 26.2 miles from Wiltshire to Bath, along the Kennet & Avon canal, with a celebration finish line at the Holburne Museum. Register now for £20 and raise £100 for the RUH (or £8 for children with a reduced fundraising target of £50). ruhx.org.uk/events/walk-of-life/

the World in 10 Books. Judith Robinson and Scott Pack talk travel books. 5.30pm.

Sun 31 Mar. Green Park Station Antiques Market. 8am-4pm.

Thu 4 Apr. Green Park Brasserie.

Comedian Rosie Holt. 6pm. Spoof politician sometimes mistaken for the real thing.

Sat 6 Apr. Holburne Museum.

Classical Concert. Fundraiser

by The Friends. Irena Radić plays Rachmaninov. This recital is a rare chance to hear the beautiful music of Rachmaninov played on the concert grand he used for concerts in Britain, including a 1934 performance in Bath. Irena is a graduate of the Royal College of Music, studying with Niel Immelman and Dina Parakhina.

She was an award-winning pianist in the Bromsgrove International Musicians Competition, the RCM’s Taylor Beethoven Competition, and gained awards at music festivals in Oundle and Peterborough, among many others. Her repertoire is very diverse, ranging from JS Bach to

Steve Reich, and she has worked with conductors of the calibre of Ashkenazy, Haitink and Masson.

Tickets £25, available from www. holburne.org Doors open at 6:30pm pay bar available before the concert starts at 7:30pm.

Pick of Diary Events out of Bath Sun 10 Mar. IAMX Cinema Bristol.

Mothering Sunday screening on the movie Barbie. From 2pm featuring a Pink Party Bar. Sun 10 Mar. Bristol folkhouse.

Irish Comedy Night. A night of the best Irish comedy with headliner Keith Farnan PLUS Eleanor Tiernan, Aideen McQueen, Ed Tripp and you fabulous local host, Burt Williamson.

Sat 23 Mar. Britol Arnolfini.

State of Emergency presents: Cane Warriors at Arnolfini. State of Emergency presents: Cane Warriors. A work-in-progress dance musical adaptation of prize winning author Alex Wheatle’s celebrated novel, based on the remarkable true story of Tacky’s Rebellion, an uprising of Akan slaves against the

British that took place in Jamaica in 1760.

Theatre Picks In Bath Egg Theatre Fri 8-Sun 10 Mar. The Farmer and the Clown Engage Performance.

An old farmer, living alone in the middle of nowhere, rescues a baby clown who has fallen off a circus train. He is initially reluctant, but, as they spend time together at his farm, they find friendship through play and laughter. Performed without words. Age: 0-100. Various perf times.

Fri 15-Sat 16 Mar. Donuts. Inspired by classic sitcoms, and feel good jazz and funk music. Donuts follows a group of friends as their friendship evolves over time. Dance show by choreographer Jamaal Burkmar.

Various perf times.

Sat 23 Mar-Sun 7 Apr. Squirrel.

This is a story of new growth and new beginnings with a sprinkling of magic and puppetry to charm audiences of every age!

Popular Bath-based choir CitySound Voices, directed by William Stevens, together with soloists from Cardiff Opera, present an original programme of choral arrangements of Shakespeare’s works, including George Shearing’s Songs and Sonnets, Verdi Macbeth choruses, Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music and a West Side Story medley. citysound.org.uk

Continued on page 16

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

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 15

Recommended for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are actively encouraged to take part in the show. Age: 0-6mths. Various perf times.

Main House Theatre Royal Mon-Sat 11-16 Mar. The Woman in Black. Susan Hill’s Gothic thriller likely to induce near hysteria.

7.30pm. Mats Wed & Sat 2.30pm.

Mon 18-Sat 23 Mar. The Kite Runner. Based on Khaled Hosseini’s best selling novel set in Kabul. Age 13+. 7.30pm, Thu, Sat mats 2.30pm.

Mission Theatre Wed 20-Sat 23 Sat Mar. The Price.

Arthur Miller’s play about a family dispute over their parents’ estate 7.30pm.

Rondo Theatre Thu 7 Mar. Shotgunned.

Relationship drama as couple break up with mixture of humour and sadness. 8pm.

Wed 13-Sat 16 Mar. Bath. Rent.

Rock musical based on Puccini’s La Boheme from the newly formed Maple Theatre Company. 7.3pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. Age 13+.

Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent is set for a run by the Maple Theatre Company at the Rondo

Roper Theatre Thu-Sat 4 -6 Apr. Bath Light Operatic Group: Showtopia Songs from The Shows. 7.30pm. www.ticketsource.co.uk/bath or 01225 863740 Ustinov Studio Thu 21 Mar-Sat 20 Apr. The Lover/The Collection. Double bill of plays by Harold Pinter. Various perf times.

Theatre Picks Outside Bath Axbridge Town Hall. Wed-Sat 20-23 Mar. Gaslight. Patrick

Hamilton’s thriller. Transfers to Bristol’s Alma the following week.

Bristol Old Vic: Thu 7-Sat 9 Mar. Julius Caesar. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School stage Shakespeare’s Roman tragedy to the stage at the Malcolm X Community Centre.

Bristol Tobacco Factory: Sat 9-Sat 16 mar. Tiger Country. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School stage Nina Raine’s drama set in A&E. Bristol Redgrave: Thu 21-Sat 23 Mar. The Pirates of Penzance.

Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic

Society.

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre: Thu 21-Sat 30 Mar. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespeare’s comedy set in a wood near Athens.

Salisbury Playhouse: Thu 14-Sat 16 Mar. King Arthur. Comedy.

Taunton Brewhouse: Tue 5 Mar. The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Sherlock Holmes takes his investigative skills to Dartmoor.

Wyvern Swindon: Wed 6-Sat 9 Mar. Outside Edge. Amdram production of the comedy.

Exhibition Picks in Bath American Museum, Bath.

Claverton. American Road Trip. 9 Mar-31, Dec, 2024. Images, sounds and sets allowing you to experience a trip across the USA. Burdall’s Yard. Art exhibition.

Charlotte Moore - Panel Paintings. A series of panel paintings, all with historical references. Formerly resident in Australia, Charlotte Moore has lived in and near Bath for the last 20 years, a member of Bath Society of Artists, over these years she Continued from page 15

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n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 15

has exhibited in Bath, London, and other open exhibitions. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and Falmouth College of Art. Free.

Until February 3, 2024.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

It is located in a town house at 19 New King Street that was formerly the home of William Herschel and his sister Caroline. In 1977 the William Herschel Society was set up to gather support for the rescue of the building. It was purchased in 1981 with the aid of Doctors Leslie and Elizabeth Hilliard, saving it from demolition. William discovered Uranus whilst residing in the house in March 1781 using a 7 foot telescope designed and built in the attached workshop.

Holburne Museum. The heart of the present day collection was formed by Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793-1874). It was eventually bequeathed to the people of Bath. Current shows include Jann Haworth & Liberty Blake: Work In Progressto 30 April, the art of Lubaina Himid: Lost Threads to April 21 and the art of Gwen John until 14 April.

Irena Radić will perform at the Holburne Museum in April

Museum of Bath at Work. Julian Rd, Bath BA1 2RH. Enter the world of working Bath through a series of authentically reconstructed workplaces, workshops and display galleries. Exhibition: All Day Long: The Workers of Bath in Fifty Portrait Photographs.

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.

Victoria Art Gallery. Exhibitions include Catherine Ducker: Emotion in Colour. 9 Jan to 14 April. From Jan 19 to April 14: The Wonderful World of Ladybird Book Artists.

This colourful, family-friendly exhibition includes rare books,

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

original artwork and artefacts, and reveals how illustrators played such an enormous role in Ladybird’s extraordinary success. Tracing the interconnected work of these artists, the company’s story is recounted over Ladybird’s ‘golden years’ – 1940 to 1975. Visually rich and varied, the exhibition will evoke many memories of childhood. Hundreds of Ladybird books are available for visitors to browse through and share in our themed retro reading areas. There’s lots for children to enjoy, with a free exhibition ‘I Spy’ trail and a quirky ‘Coco the Caravan’ reading den. Find out more on our Thursday lunchtime tours, 1.30 – 2.00pm every week, free with an exhibition ticket.

Exhibition Picks outside Bath Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023. To 1 Apr 2024.

Taunton. Museum of Somerset.

Until March 9. Journeys in Art by Alexander Hollweg. A retrospective of paintings and sculpture by by the artist (1936 – 2020) featuring paintings and sculpture. He painted for many years from the Nettlecombe estate, home to a community of artists, musicians and writers,

n NEWS

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: A “liveable neighbourhood” traffic restriction in the middle of a residential Bath street will be made permanent — despite 57 per cent of people on the street saying it should go.

Bath and North East Somerset Council announced on January 26 that the three traffic restrictions installed in the council area in November 2022 on a trial basis would be made permanent. While schemes on Queen Charlton Lane near Whitchurch and Church Road in Bath have proved popular, the traffic restriction installed on Southlands on the other side of the city has been divisive and unpopular.

Some Southlanders have said the road was never a rat run and the scheme — which is intended to prevent this and create a “safe and pleasant route for walking and cycling” — has made its existing parking problem worse, as well as causing confusion and leading to headlights glaring into bedrooms while cars turn around. People warned there was not adequate consultation when the scheme was

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Locals protest, calling for the planters on Southlands to be removed (Image: Marie John)

brought in but the council have said that the trial is, in effect, the consultation.

A survey at the end of the trial period found that 57 per cent of people on the street are opposed to the scheme, with 40 per cent in favour, while three per cent said they did not know. A protest was held over the weekend by people calling for the scheme to go.

But now the schemes are set to be made permanent after a single member decision, a use of delegated powers by council cabinet member for transport

Manda Rigby. It will be possible for councillors to “call-in” the decision for five days. If it is not called in, a traffic regulation order making the scheme permanent could be in place from early spring.”

Five more traffic restrictions could be soon be brought in across the city as the next phase of trials, which includes a major overhaul of the Gay Street and George Street junction in the centre of Bath.

Moorland Road: The Student Community Partnership teamed up with volunteers and Cllr Kevin Guy to litter pick Moorland Road last month.

It was organised by the Student Community Partnership (SCP), which recently received a grant of £47,000 in the last round of Neighbourhood CIL funding.

The funding will support its Community Warden and Administrator for another year and allow the warden to focus on areas with a high density of students, aiming to increase engagement with the community.

General Election: There is likely to be a general election this year so residents have been reminded that they need photo ID to vote.

The next scheduled elections in Bath and North East Somerset are for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset on Thursday 2 May this year.

Residents can find out if they are registered to vote by emailing elections@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 477333.

More information about voting and elections in Bath and North East Somerset can be found on the council website.

The General Election could be any time between March and the 28 January 2025.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Boys’ deaths were shocking and senseless I AM deeply saddened by the recent shocking and senseless deaths of two boys, aged only 15 and 16, at the end of January in South Bristol.

The grief being felt by the families of those boys and the impact it will have on their loved ones, as well as the wider community, is unimaginable.

Preventing knife crime and stopping young people from coming to harm must be at the forefront of all our minds.

This is an area of focus for our Violence Reduction Partnership, which provides education, mentoring, and employs a community-based approach to prevent these tragic crimes.

Additionally, to encourage people to safely discard any knives and weapons they are carrying, Avon & Somerset Police have installed weapon surrender bins across the area.

Lifesaving bleed control kits designed to provide emergency help

for someone who suffers a traumatic injury are also being installed alongside defibrillators.

I also want to focus on the process of police misconduct hearings, as this is something many people are rightly asking about this month.

I am proud to have lobbied for significant changes aimed at increasing the chief constable’s power to act on police officers who have been found guilty of misconduct.

One of the outcomes of this, which comes into effect from May, is that chief constables will be able to terminate the employment of officers found guilty of gross misconduct.

This move marks a pivotal step towards upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within law enforcement.

One of the most notable adjustments is the composition of the panels responsible for adjudicating cases of misconduct.

Formerly, only one independent

panel member (IPM) was mandated to sit alongside a chief constable in a hearing.

The revamped structure now necessitates the inclusion of two IPMs, bolstering the impartiality of the decision-making process.

Consequently, my office is actively recruiting new IPMs to partake in this crucial aspect of police oversight.

The imperative for these reforms is underscored by the instances of police misconduct showcased in the Channel 4 documentary ‘To Catch A Copper’, which shines a spotlight on the need to addressing such issues decisively and transparently.

If this is an issue you are passionate about, I urge you to put yourself forward. These roles offer an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the integrity of our law enforcement system.

I am also pleased to lend my support to the government’s forthcoming ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign.

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

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford As the National Association of Police and Crime Commissioners economic and cybercrime lead, I recognise the critical importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves against fraudulent activities.

By fostering awareness and vigilance, we can collectively mitigate the impact of fraud and protect our communities from financial harm.

March 2024

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n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction The Drowned City - K J Maitland A really intriguing historical crime novel with a sprinkle of magic thrown in as the lead character is a magician.

Set in 1607 just after the gunpowder plot - England is on edge and on the hunt for Catholic conspirators.

However this book starts with a devastating, and in fact a true event, a huge storm surge that struck the Bristol Channel and sent a massive tidal wave inland, even to Bristol itself.

With this as the backdrop, we meet Daniel Pursglove. In prison for treason but offered a chance for freedom if he travels to Bristol to infiltrate a Catholic network and unmask the plotters.

But Daniel unmasks more than he thought, and a killer stalks his mission.

His conjuring skills are looked at with suspicion and there is talk that even witches could have caused the flood.

The historical accuracy is excellent in this book, and I loved the local link with Bristol. Pacey story and the start of a series of books set after the Gunpowder Plot A Passenger to India – E M Forster To celebrate 100 years of a public library in BANES we have come up with a centenary collection of some of our favourite books from 1924-2024 - here is one. Published in 1924 and set in colonial India, this is one of E M Forster’s most successful books. Adela Quenstea, an awkward young woman, arrives in India. She is chaperoned

by Mrs Moore and there is an assumption that she may marry Mrs Moore’s son, Ronny, a local city Magistrate. They stay in Chandrapore and Adela wishes to see “the real India”. So, accompanied by a local doctor, Dr Aziz, undertake a trip to the Marabar caves.

The expedition ends in disaster and

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the well-respected Doctor finds himself at the centre of a scandal and even arrested. The story really explores the racist and insular attitudes of the British in India and the emerging politicization of ordinary Indians. A timeless classic.

Adult NonFiction

Polska, new polish cooking - Zuza Zak, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant In France, in Winter we turn our gaze towards the North provinces and the East towards the Alps to find cooking inspiration that will warm you in the cold days. Well since living in the United Kingdom, I turn my gaze to any northern countries to find what to cook.

Polska is the perfect cooking book, bringing light to an amazing cuisine left unexplored and unknown by most.

I often buy products in the polish aisle at the supermarket and wonder what I’m supposed to do with it. I wish I could ask my childhood friend for advice as I remember fondly her grannie’s placki and pierogi. Everything in this book is interesting and brings excitement to my pallet. I am definitely looking forward to trying a “Pink beetroot butter” or a “Foragers’ soup with sorrel and young nettles”. Bon appetit or should I say Do Stolu!

Children’s Fiction

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Moomin and the Midsummer Mystery – Tove Jansson Here is another of the Centenary authors, a delightful read and a true classic. It is a lazy, midsummer afternoon and the Moomin family are all outdoors enjoying the countryside. Moominpapa has to return to work writing mystery stories but where was his notebook and fountain pen? The Moomins had their very own mystery to solve.

As the garden gets surprisingly cooler was the Groke visiting? Moomin’s tummy flipped was she the one who took Moominpapa’s things and made the ground go cold? Read on to see how the Moomins solve the mystery.

The Wombles go round the World – Elizabeth Beresford Hands up if you remember The Wombles? Well, they’re back, in a

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reprint of the original 1970’s titles

by Elizabeth Beresford MBE. For those of you who don’t remember them first time round - Wombles are funny little creatures who live in a burrow on Wimbledon Common and who enjoy recycling all the rubbish that humans leave behind them. Come and join Great Uncle Bulgaria, Tobermory, Bungo, Orinoco, Wellington, Tomsk and, of course, the delightful Madame Cholet, on their various comic escapades. A great read for junior readers and their older friends and relatives too.

Library News Look out online for the closure times of BANES Libraries over Easter and all the great events and activities we have planned to celebrate our centenary.

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.

March 2024

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n NEWS

From the Philippines with love (for the NHS)

By Harry Mottram: The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Dine Romero held a reception for some of the workers at the RUH who hail from the Philippines.

Originally organised by former Mayor Rob Appleyard the event was to celebrate and to acknowledge the valuable contribution these people make to the NHS and the RUH in particular.

The Mayor said: “These are just

a portion of people from the Philippines who have chosen to work here and use their expert knowledge and skills.”

In a Parliamentary report figures showed that last year there were 34,652 NHS workers from the Philippines – second only to India with 60,533 staff members of the NHS while in third place is Nigeria, followed by Ireland and Poland.

There are more than one million

n ANTIQUES

Around two-hundred bottles – both empty and filled – were specially made for the episode by the production team, and anyone lucky enough to be present in the studio during filming were sent home with one as a souvenir. Around fifteen bottles have been sold at auction over the years, and there are around another ten or so known in private hands. They are rare, they are desirable and they are important pieces of

I’ve written a few times about our affiliation with the world of British Comedy – we’ve sold everything from Ronnie Barker’s handwritten ‘Fork Handles’ script to Tommy Cooper’s famous Fez. But there is one programme in particular that attracts more bidders than any other: Only Fools & Horses.

The 1992 Christmas episode ‘Mother Nature’s Son’ saw Del-boy

was colonised by Spain – with the result that it is Asia’s only major predominantly Catholic nation – set as it is in the South China Sea. With more than 109 million people the archipelago is larger than the UK. The official Philippines tourist website has more information at https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/

A Lot of Bottle

You may remember, back in 2021 we held the official Only Fools & Horses 40th Anniversary Auction – and sold many items from the show including props, scripts, costumes and even a certain three-wheeled van!

Since then, we’ve regularly sold iconic items from the series. Perhaps most notably, are several bottles of the fictional ‘Peckham Spring.’ As I type this, we are a few days away from selling the fourth bottle we have discovered.

UK citizens on the payroll of the NHS – usually described as the largest employer in Europe.

The fact that English is the official language together with Philipino gives a clue to why so many health workers are are drawn to the UK – while Spanish is a recognised language – and not an official one.

The Philippines was named after the Spanish King Philip II when it

‘discover’ a natural ‘spring’ on his recently acquired allotment – in reality it was a hosepipe linked to a nearby tap.

The success of the ‘spring’ led to the Trotter family flat being transformed into a bottle plant where thousands of bottles of ‘Peckham Spring’ were filled from the kitchen tap and sold to members of the public. The episode ends when it is discovered the bottles glow in the dark due to a recent chemical spillage in the local reservoir.

comedy history.

What is a bottle of Del-boys ‘Peckham Spring’ worth? Well – they tend to sell for anything from £2,000 to £5,000 depending on provenance and condition. I think Del Boy would be proud, don’t you? If you have a bottle of Peckham Spring – get in touch!

Andrew Stowe, Auctioneum Ltd.

BRISTOL & BATH AUCTIONEERS FORMERLY EAST BRISTOL AUCTIONS LTD

T: 01225 251303 E: info@auctioneum.co.uk www.auctioneum.co.uk Auctioneum Bath: Broadlands Fruit Farm, Box Road, Bathford, Bath, BA1 7LR

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

March 2024

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n PUZZLES

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n NEWS

bathvoice

March 2024

Plans to demolish a 1960s Catholic Church

By Harry Mottram: A rare example of 1960s design is set to disappear if an application to demolish it is agreed with planners.

The Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Batheaston built in 1967 and a classic example of mid 20th century brutalist design with its striking angular geometries and use of functional concrete as a material. Other local examples include Clifton Cathedral – which too has a carpark as part of the layout – a nod to the realities of the 20th century when the car became king.

The church in Batheaston closed during Covid and has been shuttered for some time – it is located on the steep Brow Hill and Penthouse Hill junction and was one of the first churches in the diocese to be planned according to the new liturgical requirements with a freestanding altar. Designed

by Martin Fisher, the church is

square on plan, with the altar in the southeast corner. Seating is arranged radially with a capacity of 200 worshipers. A church hall is located under part of the main building making it both functional and economic creating two structures for the price of one.

In an email seen by Bath Voice the Bath Preservation Trust have apparently agreed with the destruction of the place of worship saying they have ‘no objection to the demolition of the existing 20th century building,’ and they go on to argue that the site should not then be over developed for housing as it is in a Conservation Area.

It is often worth stepping back for a moment and reflecting whether another piece of the city’s history is about to disappear. As the Twentieth Century Society states in its mission statement about buildings such as the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in

Batheaston: “Some are iconic, others are little-known gems, but all of them are irreplaceable and many are under threat.”

The counter argument is the city needs more housing and since the application is from the Catholic Church itself they are perhaps best to judge whether the church is no longer needed. Whether the new designs put forward will enhance the area is of course open to opinion – but certainly there is a housing shortage and Batheaston is a very desirable area to live.

Another factor is the decline

Bath and Gaza. By Harry Mottram: The world appears to be inching towards a global conflict with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the horrors of the October 6th massacre of civilians and military personal by the Hamas led military in Israel.

The subsequent seizing of hostages and the Israel Defence Force (IDF) or army’s invasion of Gaza has escalated into a wider conflict with Lebanon, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, the United States of America, Britain, Yemen, Houthi controlled north western Yemen, Jordan, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand with other nations such as Egypt, Saudia Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey and even Cyprus in danger of being sucked into the crisis.

The current international dimension centres on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden where some 15% of the world’s sea born trade passes through the narrow straits linking with the Suez Canal where shipping has been subject to attacks from the Houthi military authorities.

The reason is the Houthi Government has aligned itself with the Hamas authorities who are battling the IDF in a desperate war of survival and they have vowed to attack shipping that are from

nations supporting or supplying Israel until a cease fire in Gaza is declared. In retaliation and on the premise of upholding international maritime law the USA led coalition featuring the UK and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand have hit the Houthi military with rockets, missiles and air strikes. The idea is to silence the Houthis but so far that hasn’t happened as their attacks have continued.

Bath University’s Dr Patrick Bury – a defence and security expert and a former NATO analyst has been appearing on the BBC News channel to put in context what is going on in the Red Sea. He told the BBC that he believes the key problem for the US and UK is if Iran decides to “keep supplying missile systems and radar to the Houthis as they get destroyed. That becomes much more difficult for the allies to stop.”

What the US and UK are trying to do is “destroy enough of the stuff coming in to signal to Iran” that it’s not worth trying to supply the Houthis,” Bath’s Dr Patrick Bury explained to views.

He said: “The next play isn’t so much about the Houthis, who I think are very difficult to get to back down, but is more about Iran.

Negotiations towards a ceasefire

in Gaza could take some of the oxygen out of the flames which are starting to burn across the region.”

The academic said this would both give Iran a reason to tell their proxies to cool off their attacks, while maintaining its show of strength.

Dr Patrick Bury is a Senior Lecturer in Security at the PoLIS department, specialising in warfare and counter-terrorism.

He has 20 years’ experience of working in the security sector as a practitioner, analyst and academic.

A former British army Captain and NATO analyst, he has appeared regularly on BBC News and across the media both here and abroad while also penning articles for The Irish Times, and The Guardian and The Independent, amongst others.

He joined the university in 2017 and reminds the world that in him Bath has a respected expert who can comment on military and geo political conflicts across the world.

In Bath there have been a number of well attended demonstrations calling for a ceasefire in Gaza – which would mean the the IDF ending their offensive – which together with the Israeli air force as led to many thousands of deaths with a large proportion of children, women, elderly and other innocent people including journalists, medical staff

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

in church attendance with a drop in those who define themselves as Catholics in England and Wales by around 20% since the 1990s – depending on which figures your accept as accurate.

Overall the numbers who attend church are down as well with a high percentage of believers only attending mass occasionally – again depending on which survey you believe.

But the decline in attendance is undeniable which leaves the church (along with most denominations) with barely used buildings which are often located in highly desirable places. Hence the decision behind this proposal by the Clifton Diocese.

The planning application was made last year by The Clifton Diocese and is pending. Details at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ webforms/planning/ and key in the post code of BA1 7EN. and aid workers. It is this large scale loss of life together with the destruction of infrastructure that has led to the calls for a ceasefire as thousands of people in Gaza are starving, have no fresh water or shelter – and the medics are overwhelmed with the casualties of the war.

In Israel in particular the calls for a cease fire are coupled with demands that their Government negotiates with Hamas in order to gain the freedom of the remaining hostages taken on October 7th, 2023, and thought to number more than 100.

Bath Campaigns Network, Bath University Islamic Society and Bath Friends of Palestine have been behind a number of these demonstrations which have been echoed in London and other cities across the world as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows.

Bathonian film director Ken Loach addressed a demonstration in Bath city centre in November protesting against the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel.

He called for negotiations to enforce The Rule of International Law; respect for Human Rights and Geneva Convention; a return to the original borders; forcible removal of settlers; and proper negotiations for a secure future.

March 2024

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