bathvoice
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August 2021 No. 18
FREE EVERY MONTH in Bear Flat, Combe Down, Oldfield Park and Widcombe It’s summer so forget football play croquet!
INSIDE The Hollow danger spot Page 5 Frankenstein House opens Page 6 Congestion, road rage, cars mounting pavements as children walk to school - the residents of Entry Hill have had enough says Katina Beckett of the Entry Hill Residents’ Association who reflect the concerns of many across the city
Miss Teen Bath in Widcombe Page 9 Lyncombe Hill Fields cut to size Page 12
End the madness on Entry Hill now By Harry Mottram. Cars mounting pavements scattering school children as the driver seeks to squeeze through the pinch point that is the lower end of Entry Hill, motorists confronting each as they become locked in an argument about whose right of way it is - yes the traffic chaos near The Devonshire Arms needs a solution. So says the newly formed Entry Hill Residents Association
led by Katina Beckett who lives on the hill and is keen to see an end to ‘the madness.’ “There are two main problems. It gets very congested near the Devonshire Arms on Wellsway where Greenway Lane crosses Entry Hill. “The second area is in the middle narrow part of Entry Hill where there are cars parked along one side and not enough Continued on page 3
By Harry Mottram. England may have lost to Italy at football last month and no English player made the finals at Wimbledon but in June England won - at croquet - at the home internationals in Dorset. And in Bath croquet is a thriving sport with the Bath Croquet Club established back in 1976 at the Recreation Ground. The club’s chairman Lynne Passfield said: “On Friday 7th July, in glorious sunshine, an evening of doubles golf croquet was held to give new members the opportunity to play in their first internal competition. “The fun started at 4.30pm with each new member supported by an experienced player to compete in three games. “Many of the games were run very close at the bell and scoring when tallied showed Jane Meyer the overall winner and Martin Alabaster a close second, for the new members. “Lionel Rose, closely followed by Alison Hoyland scored the highest points for the established membership. “Prizes were presented by Hester Henebury who had organised the pairings for the Continued on page 3
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My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk My councillor? Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk Dine Romero 01225 477496 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk
Combe Down: Gerry Curan 01225 330349 / 07900684562 Gerry_curran@bathnes.go.uk Bharat Ramji Nathoo Pankhania Bharat_pankhania@bathnes.gov.uk 07464 867554 Odd Down: Joel Hirst 07792 869044 joel_hirst@bathnes.gov.uk Steve Hedges 07971270879 steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk Twerton: Sarah Moore 07807013635 Sarah_moore@bathnes.gov.uk Tim Ball 01225 400834 / 07970461674 Tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Westmoreland: June Player 07967 920064 June_Player@bathnes.gov.uk Colin Blackburn 07796 807157 Colin_Blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS Bath & North East Somerset Council Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW Bath One Stop Shop 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JQ Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 Email: council_connect@bathnes. gov.uk Bath & North East Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau 2 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EE 0344 848 7919 NHS Urgent: 111 / Emergency: 999
Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.co.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency 999 Fire www.avonfire.co.uk Inquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Anti-social behaviour team asb@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 842462 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk (Freephone) 0808 808 5252
COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bath Voice, contact the News Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/ nuj-code. Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@bathvoice.co.uk or by post: 1 Camerton Close, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3BT or by phone: 07402 441485 All stories and pictures are © Bath Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission. Bath Voice News & Media Ltd
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
August 2021
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n NEWS
Residents demand action over Entry Hill traffic congestion Continued from page 1 room for two vehicles to pass without one giving way and pulling over. “And as you go up Entry Hill where it gets wider even though there is a 20mph speed limit drivers will tailgate you and overtake.” She said one of the worst aspects of the chaos was where motorists would drive onto the pavement causing danger to pedestrians including children walking to school. “Drivers actually think they are doing each other a favour by going onto the pavement to let each other through,” she said, “but I’ve seen children forced to scatter as cars mount the pavement.” Katina has lived on the hill since 2017 and noticed the problems immediately. She said everyone else knew of the problems following
Pictured is the area of Entry Hill which could see the road closed to through traffic as part of a possible Liveable Neighbourhood scheme
discussions with other residents on the corner of Entry Hill and Greenway Lane. After a discussion with Cllr Winston Duguid who advocated the formation of a residents’ group the Entry Hill Residents Association was formed with Katina as its head. “Winston Duguid suggested this was an area for Liveable Neighbourhoods. “I had dropped leaflets through the letter boxes in the
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road and traffic safety was the main issue,” said Katina who has a young family and works part-time, “Winston has fought our cause with a consultation in July which is the first step to recognition - we need the Liveable Neighbourhood.” It is a problem across the city with numerous narrow lanes and roads snaking up the hills around Bath designed for horses and carts and not 4x4s. Katina pointed to the
increased traffic caused by more homes being constructed at Mulberry Park. The solution was for through traffic to use Wellsway she said and more people to walk and cycle. “Parents see their children having problems walking to school with the traffic and decide to drive them instead as it’s safer which adds to the problem,” she said. However not everyone sees the Liveable Neighbourhood as the solution. One resident of Greenway Lane which already has seen an increase in traffic since the Clean Air Zone was introduced said that closing one road would force traffic into the surrounding streets. Bloomfield Road and Englishcombe Lane are also used as ‘rat runs’ by vehicles as alternatives to Wellsway despite the 20mph speed limits.
Continued from page 1
Four lawns at the Recreation Ground event at the Rec. “Whilst members meet several times each week for friendly games the Club also has eight league teams that play competitively against other clubs in the South West region as well as holding its own internal matches in which members compete throughout the season. “So there is croquet play to suit all levels of skill and competitive appetite at Bath Croquet Club.” The club has four lawns at the Rec which are open daily during the summer season.
Croquet can be played by two, four or six players. The object of the game is to hit your own ball through the course of six hoops in the right sequence in each direction and finish by hitting them against the centre peg. The side which completes the course first with both balls wins the match. The club said new players are welcome and can find out more about the game (that was first played in 1856 in London) on their website at https://www. bathcroquet.com/
Call Haydon on
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Your call matters to me and I WILL respond. Relaxing following a successful evening of croquet to welcome new members
Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk
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August 2021
n CHARITY NEWS
Helping homeless Bathonians to rebuild their lives
By Harry Mottram. A casual visitor to Bath might think it was one of the wealthiest places in England. Like any city there is another side and Bath is no stranger to major social problems including homelessness. The Genesis Trust began back in 1990 when Bath hairdresser, Gail Hodges, saw homeless teenagers rummaging in a bin for food. Realising that they were sleeping rough, Gail began to provide them with soup each night. So started the Soup Run, which still operates today, 365 days a year. The Genesis Trust became a charity in 1995 and since then has helped thousands of people from rough sleepers to those who are
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vulnerable due to addiction, mental health issues, low income and who lack family support. Operating from offices in Oldfield Park the charity runs the Gateway Centre at Snow Hill for people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or are experiencing complex challenges such as financial insecurity, mental health and substance misuse. They provide food, clothing, small household items, access to a shower and laundry facilities, phones and IT and much more. It goes without saying that donations of sleeping bags, coats and warm clothing for adults are always appreciated. An online furniture shop provides basic items for homes for the formerly homeless - no
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mattresses or divans but bed frames, chairs and storage units are all helpful - and the public can email a photo of an item to furniture@genesistrust.org.uk Another aspect of the work of the charity is the Bath Foodbank distributed by The Trussell Trust. Tinned fruit, meat and fish are always needed as are any foods in packets, tins and bottles. To find out where you can drop off food see the website at bath.foodbank. org.uk The Genesis Trust’s Lifeline projects include the work at the Gateway Centre with courses, one to one support, soup and sandwiches as well as lunches for those in need and long term mentoring for people to get back to a normal life. Another aspect of their work is finding families who will adopt or foster children under the title of Home For Good. Clearly a stable family background goes a long way to provide stability in the long term. But almost anyone can become homeless given a set of
circumstances that leads to life spiralling out of control. Take for instance Marion who had a good job in journalism working with Oxford University Press and was married. But after an unfortunate divorce and because she did not have the support of her family, she ended up homeless. Then there is James who lost his job as a yoga instructor because of Covid, and then his boat sank last autumn when the Twerton sluice gate stuck open and the River Avon water level dropped nearly two metres in half an hour. He ended up in temporary accommodation and was homeless on occasion. He heard of Genesis Trust from a boat neighbour. Around 18 people live on canal boats said the Trust who would like to move to a more secure place to live. For more about the work of the charity or to donate items visit the website at https:// genesistrust.org.uk/
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Outside the offices of the Genesis Trust in Oldfield Park with Ed Major and Hilary Long
To book an appointment: Please call Chris Aust on 07793 051862
9 Bloomfield Avenue, Bear Flat, Bath, BA2 3AB
By Harry Mottram. This August there is the Bath Two Tunnels marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K taking place on Sunday 15th and on Sunday 22nd there is the Bike Bath event with three different distances - 25miles, 50 miles and 70 miles. I’ll be running (possibly hobbling) in the 10K and a week later cycling the 70mile event both in aid of Bath’s Genesis Trust. All sponsorship is welcome to help this worthwhile and socially necessary organisation - so please chip in (a couple or quid
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
Harry Mottram is the news editor of Bath Voice and is raising cash for The Genesis Trust
or a tenner is good) to my Just Giving page at https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ harry-mottram1 or at https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ harry-mottram2
August 2021
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n NEWS
Campaign to prevent danger spot on The Hollow By Harry Mottram. It’s a proposal that has brought residents out onto the streets in protest. The plan is to build out from the pavement in The Hollow to slow traffic and make crossing the road safer for pedestrians. But there is a problem as Twerton Councillor Sarah Moore explains. “There’s a planning application further down the road on The Field, and as part of that the entrance from the properties would come out between the build outs for traffic calming and the idea was to stretch the two [build outs] apart but the problem is you as a driver would be out in the middle of the road before you can see what’s coming over the brow of the hill,” she said, “And extending the two further down it would be ineffective as it would not slow down the traffic.” The Field that planners have their eyes on is next to the City Farm and is not in Twerton ward. Cllr Sarah Ward who lives in Kelston view said the police had backed residents in saying the
proposed traffic calming plans were unsafe. It is one of those situations that needs a closer look at - on the ground as locals know just how busy The Hollow gets. Motorists coming into Bath along Pennyquick and Whiteway Road often take The Hollow in preference to The Wellsway or Englishcombe Lane to cut down into town. To pull out into The Hollow from Kelston View is compromised by the steep hill and bend. Between Cotswold View and Kelston View is the piece of land developers Freemantle Capital Ltd would like to build homes although there are more than 70 objections from locals on their plans. Liberal Democrat Cllr Sarah Moore said she hoped Highways would understand the issue of road safety and look again at the proposals. “I want more people to walk and cycle,” she said, “but when people are concerned about road safety they get back in their cars.”
Cllr Sarah Moore at the junction of The Hollow and Kelston View. The planned build out is roughly where the lamp post is in the background with a second one further down the road also proposed She said there is no half way house. Generally people understand more homes are required to be built it is just the access for home owners to the road that is the issue. Cllr Moore said one of the big issues in Twerton was the
conditions of the roads in the ward which needed improving. She said some people in the city dismiss Twerton as being ‘over there’ but the area needed investment and the planned traffic calming on The Holloway was flawed and needed a rethink.
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August 2021
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n NEWS
The people on a mission to frighten teenagers in Mary Shelley’s scary House of Frankenstein By Harry Mottram: Over a couple of Bloody Marys in The Raven in Bath (or so the story goes) Chris Harris and Jonathan Willis hatched a Gothic plan. Not to wear dark crimson lipstick or to put on long black cloaks and a top hat, but to open a house to celebrate the writer Mary Shelley. “I said to Chris - this was a couple of years ago - did you know that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in Bath,” said Jonathan, “and he said no - but I said we should do something - I mean everyone knows that Jane Austen visited Bath but not the author of arguable the first Scifi novel and Gothic novel.” Using Chris Harris’ theatrical background and creativity and Jonathan Willis’ entrepreneurial skills the duo set about creating Bath’s latest attraction: Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. “I live in The Circus and I look out the window and see hundreds of visitors everyday,” he explained, “but actually in Bath there’s not that much for families with teenagers to go and see together. They will go to the Roman Baths but they can’t jump in and visit the Abbey to see the tombs of dead people but for teenagers they want something a bit spooky. “We’ve spent around £700,000 creating the House of Frankenstein with its very theatrical interior. “It’s very scary so the age limit guidance is 12 plus. There’s a sound and light scape, and even an aroma scape - so when you go into the
laboratory it smells like a school chemistry lab. The Mourning Room has a whiff of frankincense like a church while the room with the modern interpretations of movies and illustrations smells like a cinema foyer with pop corn.” Mary Shelley (1797-1851) wrote the novel in 1816 with the first notes drafted in Geneva while visiting Lord Byron having been challenged to write a ghost story by the poet. Her half sister Fanny had committed suicide that summer and further tragedy occurred when Mary’s first child died as a babe. The Shelleys returned to England and Mary took up lodgings in Bath where she completed the novel with the encouragement of her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and it was finally published in 1818. It has not been out of print since. Jonathan said: “The house was by the Abbey where there is a blue plaque as it was demolished a long time ago but we wanted to celebrate Mary’s life as it was fascinating. “The house explains about her life and the times she lived in and marks the fact that the novel was a landmark in English literature. “There’s even an eight foot tall recreation of the Frankenstein she describes - not the Boris Karloff image we have. We pay homage to the literary and historical aspects of the novel as well as making the cellar really scary which is why it is not suitable for young children or those of a nervous disposition.” The collaborative project has
Jonathan Willis
Chris Harris
Richard Rothwell’s1840 portrait of Mary Shelley used the talents of theatre designers and inspirations from movies and cinema but above all it remains a spooky experience and a world away from that of Jane Austen and Georgian Bath. “There was no IP address, no family of the Frankenstein to demand the rights to the name,” said Jonathan, “so we could get on with the idea and get to work. “Of course as soon as we started work on the project there was a global pandemic which did create some delays but generally it didn’t hold us up too much. “The building is on a lease and is a commercial property in Gay Street and is a Georgian house with lots of original fittings which we have kept.
“We’ve added lots of strange artefacts and vintage items to create the multi-sensory atmosphere that brings the imagination of Mary Shelley to life.” The attraction opened to the public last month at 37 Gay Street - not far from The Raven or from Abbey Church Yard where Mary Shelley penned the novel. Post script: The Chris Harris mentioned is not the late Chris Harris many pantomime fans in Bath will remember with affection who died in 2014. Post, post script: the play, Frankenstein by Nick Dear, is being staged at the Mission Theatre from September 6-11, should you wish to be completely spooked.
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August 2021
bathvoice
n HEALTH NEWS
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Covid restrictions remain at RUH plus message from health boss By Harry Mottram. Get your jabs to prevent a resurgence of the dreaded Covid-19 this autumn is the message from Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health for Bath & North East Somerset Council. She said: “We need to move cautiously as the pandemic is not over and, in common with most other parts of the country, rates are continuing to rise rapidly in B&NES. “The vaccination programme is rolling out well and the most recent data shows that 80% of adults in B&NES over the age of 18 have had one jab, and 57% have had both. Thank you to everyone who has taken up the vaccination offer.” The new health boss said the jab is hugely effective at reducing the chance of getting the virus and of becoming ill and needing a hospital visit. The city’s medic said: “I do encourage us all to get double jabbed. It’s such good news that the link between the virus and
severe disease and death has been severely weakened by the vaccination programme. “Long Covid is something we are learning more about though over time, and as Chris Whitty recently warned, rates of long Covid are likely to increase significantly and could affect younger groups in particular due to the lower vaccination rates as the vaccination programme has only more recently become available to them. “Long Covid can have a serious effect on daily life, so avoiding getting the virus in the first place where possible is also important. “As restrictions are lifted, let’s also remember that many people who aren’t able to receive a vaccine due to their health condition, or for whom the vaccine doesn’t work, will be anxious. “We can all help protect each other and ourselves by getting double jabbed; getting tested if we have symptoms and self-isolating if the test is positive; taking rapid
Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health for Bath & North East Somerset Council
tests regularly; continuing to clean our hands regularly; wearing a face covering in crowded areas; having good ventilation in buildings – and, better still, meeting outdoors where possible. All this helps each of us reduce the risk to ourselves and others.” Meanwhile there’s not change to how the RUH is tackling the pandemic with no lifting of rules. It means that everyone on the
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hospital site will still be expected to wear a facemask - unless they are medically exempt or are a young child - which is in line with NHS and Public Health England guidance for healthcare settings. All staff will also continue to wear masks as well as all necessary PPE. Current visiting restrictions will remain in place. Visitors and patients will still be expected to sanitise their hands on arrival, follow the one-way system in the hospital’s Atrium, maintain a two-metre social distance and keep to the left when walking along the hospital’s corridors. All visitors and outpatients are also being encouraged to take a lateral flow test before they come to the hospital, to make sure they are not asymptomatic. Finally last month the RUH celebrated the NHS’s 73rd anniversary with a Thank You Day - with tributes to all those who help make the service work - from volunteers to delivery drivers, and admin and medical staff.
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August 2021
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To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
August 2021
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n NEWS IN BRIEF
Flamingo visit: Pictured above is Kitalina who is representing Bath in the Miss Teen GB competition. She called in at Flamingo on Widcombe Parade last month to browse their selection of unique Bath and
Widcombe inspired products that include a range of blue, black and white items that support Bath Rugby. Help for young people: Local Bath-based author and mindfulness coach, Nicola MacDonald has teamed up with Serena Guthrie MBE and Ed Jackson to offer a free workshop for teenagers who have struggled with mental health during the lockdowns. Using a combination of mindfulness and positive thinking coaches will help teens to overcome adversity in life. The event runs on 13th August 2021 at The Hub in Mulberry Park, BA2 5BU. For details and a free ticket email bathmindfulness@gmail.com. Teenagers: Teen BreakOut is open to young adults aged 12-16, with hubs available in; Keynsham, Twerton, Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Timsbury, Foxhill and Weston. Spaces are prioritised to those who are entitled to receive free school meals across B&NES. Teens can book to enjoy social time, music, art and sports activities, as well as health and wellbeing workshops that have been designed specifically for their age group. For details of all the activities visit https://www.
youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk/ or contact@ycsw.org.uk OR call 01225 396980 County lines: The police have been working to end the use of children and teenagers working for drug gangs of criminals. Last month staff from Operation Remedy, Neighbourhood Teams, and intelligence teams worked in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police to conduct warrants, intercept
vehicles, and increase patrols in areas of high footfall known to be used as part of County Lines, such as train stations. The operation resulted in the dismantling of four active County Lines running between London and Somerset, as well as 16 people being arrested for a number of offences, including possession with intent to supply drugs, being concerned with the supply of drugs and conspiracy to supply drugs.
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bathvoice
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n NEWS
Mineral Hotel appeal rejected By Stephen Sumner Local Democracy Reporter. A Singaporean investment group has lodged an appeal after its plans to turn a Bath hospital into a luxury hotel were refused. The Fragrance Group has threatened to go to the Planning Inspectorate again if Bath and North East Somerset Council also rejects its revised scheme for the grade II*-listed former Royal Mineral Water Hospital. Councillors said plans for a 164-bedroom hotel would overdevelop the site and make life in the neighbouring properties “almost untenable”. In its appeal documents, Fragrance Group said their claims were not well founded and neighbours would not suffer significant harm in terms of loss of light. Planning committee members also criticised the failure to boost biodiversity. The developer said the arguments were “baseless and unjustified” because the council’s ecologist did not object, and it had committed to soft landscaping onsite and tree planting elsewhere. Its representatives said: “The appeal application was formulated over a two-year period in close consultation with the local planning authority, Historic 20.qxp_Layout 1 stakeholders. 11/09/2020 England and other “The principle of the proposed hotel use has been agreed as the optimum viable use by the principal parties. “We can confirm that the appellant is committed to implement either appeal scheme, or the second application scheme that has been submitted in
parallel with the planning appeal.” The Fragrance Group bought the former hospital in 2018 for £21.5million and said it would invest £40million in the project. The appeal documents said it was carrying out maintenance and heating the building in the winter but that was not sustainable in the longer term, adding: “The appellant submits that it is strongly in the public interest that the vacant building, which occupies a prominent city centre site, is brought back into beneficial use. “A prolonged period of vacancy will be damaging to the economy of Bath’s city centre in terms of loss of opportunity arising from site-specific economic activity, as well as the damaging effect of prolonged vacancy on business and investment confidence in Bath.” B&NES Council is yet to respond to the appeal or consider Fragrance Group’s revised application for a 160-bed hotel, which says it has taken a new design approach, reduced the scale and mass of the extension, addressed residential amenity issues and improved biodiversity. The revised proposals have been met with more than 460 objections, more than double that 08:58 Pagescheme, 1 for the previous although the influential Bath Preservation Trust is now in support. The developer said if the new plans are refused, it will seek to join the appeals together. • The hospital dates back to 1738. Later it became an NHS hospital but was sold in 2015 for £21.5m.
August 2021
n PEOPLE
Bath couple Rosie and Guy look forward to their wedding day By Harry Mottram. A decade and a half after they met at a friend’s party Rosie 32, and Guy 33, of Oldfield Park are getting hitched. Apart from the passing of years there is the broken string in Cupid’s bow best known as Covid. “We wanted to plan our wedding for last year,” said tax manager Rosie Colville, “Having both grown up in Bath, knowing each other through mutual friends, life took us our separate ways in our late teenage years. “Following university, we both ended up back in Bath and reconnected again eight years ago, and have been together ever since. “Guy changed careers to become a personal trainer, starting Raise The Game Fitness (www.rtg.fitness/home or @rtg. fitness on Instagram). “I started working remotely but with Covid everything was just put on hold. “We’ve been very lucky with our venue and suppliers as they all said we can just move things
on a year. “This was still worrying as we didn’t know what the outcome of the pandemic might be, and how things would develop even 12 months down the line. “We were lucky that getting married wasn’t the be all and end all for us and it wouldn’t affect our relationship. “We just wanted to have everyone we loved all together in one place to celebrate a lovely day with us. “With things shaping up how they are now, we will be the lucky ones. “We’ve had to adjust some planning and starting organising everything a bit later on in the day, to make sure everything can still be done.” The couple will be getting married later this summer in Bath with a reception in South Gloucestershire - Bath Voice hopes to report on their big day with a photo in October. We wish them well in the Covid era of weddings.
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At the time of going to press the rules for weddings were that the 30-person guest limit was relaxed. The limit on numbers will be dictated by the size of the venue although some restrictions are likely to remain in place so check with the venue. Some of the guidelines remain unclear such as whether risk assessments need to be carried
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out by venues to establish the safe numbers allowed. Will there be dancing, hugging, the throwing of the wedding bouquet? These and other rules are being published by HM Government although perhaps commons sense should decide. Dancing is allowed outside, although people are advised not to according to ‘experts’.
August 2021
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nNEWS IN BRIEF
Clean Air Zone’s App and problems By Local Democarcy Reporter Stephen Sumner: Drivers can now steer clear of the Bath Clean Air Zone following an update to a sat nav app. Waze now lets users indicate if their vehicle is due to be charged so they can use alternative routes or get a reminder to pay the charge when they enter. It says the routing will “help drivers steer clear of unnecessary fines and ultimately reduce their carbon footprint by finding optimal routes to travel”. Residents have voiced concerns drivers dodging the charges are finding new rat runs and spreading pollution across the city. Bath and North East Somerset Council is set to review the first months of operation in the autumn – and leader Kevin Guy said the boundary could be moved or changed. Speaking after the app update, Waze UK country manager Ruairidh Roberts said: “Bath is taking steps towards becoming a greener city and, thanks to our team of dedicated map editors, drivers can now be more mindful of their environmental outputs when
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travelling through the designated clean air zones. “Working together, we can outsmart traffic and provide the route to cleaner air, one notification at a time.” Non-compliant vans, taxis and private hire vehicles face a £9 daily charge to enter the clean air zone, while those behind the wheel of a bus, coach or HGV have to pay £100 a day. Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol on July 15, Councillor Guy said the data had indicated that nitrogen dioxide levels could be brought within the legal limit without charging private cars but added: “Time will tell on that. If pollution levels don’t decrease we’ll have to rethink. We’ll see what that autumn review reveals.” He said the zone, an “overall” success, would continue to be monitored by the council, and despite being “skewed” by the Covid pandemic and the closure of Cleveland Bridge he hoped the data would show how traffic patterns have changed but they would look again at the system in the autumn.
Eat in Special at Kingsmead Square
New fuel station: Coffee and fuel will be available around the clock under plans to revamp a Saltford garage. The owners of Avon Valley Garage want to stop selling cars and reinstate petrol sales as the main use. If approved, the Bath Road site will feature a cafe with hot drinks and snacks available from a drive-through service. Big Issue to Chef: The BBC reported on Ian Duff last month who has sold The Big Issue seller for 13 years in Bath but with sales down during lockdown he has managed to find a job as a chef his profession before becoming homeless. Mr Duff, 55, was a former pub manager but became homeless after the company he worked for went into liquidation. He secured a job as a junior sous chef at the Packhorse pub in Bath, after completing a trial shift. School run: In Issue 26 of the Oldfield Park junior School Newsletter there is a note from the headteacher David Goucher about the traffic situation outside the school. He writes: “As you are aware, our school is located on a rather busy road and we do have our problems with traffic and
parking. To that end, one of our parents Alice met with our local councillors Dine Romero and Paul Crossley regarding this issue and the Liveable Neighbourhoods Initiative. Needless to say, we do need support and your views will be really helpful when it comes to applying.” He then gave a link to a questionnaire for parents and guardians to complete: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ XMWFR97 Cycle death: Bath Cycle Club have reported on the shocking death of Matthew Reeves who died when hit by a car on a club ride last month at Bishop Sutton. Christopher Deane of the club wrote on the cycle club’s Facebook site: “Matt was 26 and had only joined the Club in July 2020. He quickly established himself in the Club as a strong and popular rider. “He was about to complete his PhD at Bath University having just made a break through discovery in the use of infrared technology. “He was excited for the future and putting his work to good use. He absolutely loved the club and was a pleasure to ride with. Matt will be sorely missed.”
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August 2021
Cutting back the long grass so wild flowers can blossom on the Lyncombe Hill Fields By Harry Mottram. A major operation to cut back the grass, nettles and brambles on the fields above Widcombe and Lyncombe Vale to allow wild flowers to create a meadow that will attract butterflies and other wildlife is underway. “It’s our annual mowing of the several acres of the fields,” explained Chris Kinchin-Smith, “which we are managing under licence. We reckon we’ll mow once or twice a year, with the objective being to give the wild flowers a chance. “Long experience tells us that best practice is to mow between July and September.” With a total of five acres to cut it’s heavy work for the small army of volunteers. Using a heavy duty mower plus traditional scythes to cut the near impenetrable green stuff it’s hard work that results in piles of dead grass which isn’t suitable quality enough to be used as hay. Back in 1938 the Council bought the land as an open space and it had been leased to owners of horses as grazing land. When the lease ran out the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields were formed to manage the green space below Alexandra Park with the idea to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the land and maintain its wild nature whilst safeguarding public access - as their mission statement reads - or perhaps more prosaically to become a ‘wild hilltop paradise.’ And so the fields are managed
Anita Breeze
under licence by the Friends formed as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with three unpaid company directors in Maurice Tennenhaus, Anita Breeze and Chris Kinchin-Smith. The company was launched at a public meeting by Zoom on 19th October 2020, with 47 people participating in the meeting and a further 30 subsequently registering an interest in FLHF. Chris continued: “The mowing is the easy bit it’s the raking that’s the hard part. “It’s a metre high and there’s nothing much here of value so by mowing it allows the wild flowers we’ve sown to come through. “Depending on the weather it will take about six weeks with teams of up to eight working for shifts of two hours as two hours is long enough.” The volunteers are a mixture of people, with some retired who can come during the week and others who have jobs or are students who arrive at weekends and the evenings. It’s not just heavy duty work the volunteers are involved in. There are roles that include building and maintaining benches, bat boxes and bird boxes, working on the website, developing and procuring maps and signboards and carrying out surveys of the flora and fauna as well as the trees and boundaries. Those interested should email lyncombehillfields@gmail.com or visit the website at https:// friendsoflyncombehillfields.co.uk/
Chris Kinchin-Smith and Maurice Tennenhaus
The volunteers mow and rake the grass into piles which so far cannot be used as hay
Chris using a mobile App to identify wild flowers
Prickly work: the grass is a haven for nettles and brambles strangling the wild flowers
To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485
August 2021
bathvoice
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Bear Flat Association’s vision for the centre to become a vibrant place for Bathonians By Harry Mottram. Imagine a treelined boulevard lined with cafés and shops, places to sit down and rest and the traffic confined safely to a two lanes with a 20mph speed limit. Imagine Bear Flat in the future, or rather that is the vision of the Bear Flat Association if they can make the changes to the central area from Haye’s Place to The Devonshire Arms. Timothy Cantell of the Association said: “We have put in a bid to the Council under Liveable Neighbourhoods in May and if that comes off there will be funding available for things like widening the pavements, planting trees and installing seating. “It would also slow the traffic into two lanes so two way traffic would continue. “Further up at the junction of Bloomfield Road and Wellsway we have put in various proposals but the one we favour is making the whole space a shared area. “If it is well designed it would not only slow traffic and would be low maintenance compared to traffic lights which are expensive and stop traffic flow.” Robert Hughes of the
Robert Hughes and Timothy Cantell of the Bear Flat Association in Haye’s Place outside the Good Bear Cafe Association said they had carried out surveys of the 1,200 households to find out their views on a residents’ parking scheme as well as what aspects of Bear Flat people most liked.
The green spaces, footpaths and views were top of the list followed by the shops, eateries and independent businesses. The most popular improvements echoed the plans of the Association
with safer routes of pedestrians and cyclists - and for ‘greening up’ the area. For more information on the proposals visit https://bearflat.org. uk/
Tree planting on Wellsway – one of the ideas from the Bear Flat Association
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n NEWS
Sarah Crew appointed as temporary Police Chief Constable Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford, announced last month the appointment of Sarah Crew as Temporary Chief Constable for Avon and Somerset Police. The appointment of Sarah Crew (pictured) was approved by the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel at a confirmation hearing on 24 June. Sarah will step up into the role with effect from today, having served as a police officer in Avon and Somerset Police since 1994 and as Deputy Chief Constable since 2017. The announcement follows the decision of current Chief Constable, Andy Marsh, not to renew his contract which expired on 1 July 2021. PCC for Avon and Somerset, Mark Shelford said: “Andy Marsh has been an inspirational Chief Constable and has shaped Avon and Somerset to be one of best Police
August 2021
forces in the country. I would like to thank Andy for his dedication and fearless commitment in serving Avon and Somerset. He has done us proud. He has led innovatively and courageously through many challenges while embracing 21st century policing. “I am pleased that the Police and Crime Panel has approved the appointment of Sarah Crew as Temporary Chief Constable. As NPCC lead for rape and adult sex offences, Sarah is a nationally recognised senior police officer and her leadership in transforming the response to rape and serious sexual offences through the work of Project Bluestone has been exceptional. Sarah will provide stability, innovation and can build on the many strengths of Avon and Somerset Police. I have no doubt Sarah will take the force forward in its journey to becoming
Bath man jailed over neo-Nazi activity outstanding.” Temporary Chief Constable Sarah Crew added: “I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Temporary Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Police – a force I have been honoured to work for since September 1994. Andy has been an outstanding leader and on behalf of our organisation, I would like to thank him for everything he’s achieved during his time as Chief Constable. “I would like to pay tribute to all our officers, staff and volunteers who are making a difference every day and have tirelessly served the public during what’s been an incredibly challenging year.” The formal process to recruit a Chief Constable will take place over coming weeks with the new Chief Constable appointment due to be made by this Autumn.
Andrew Dymock, originally from Bath has been sentenced to prison after he was found guilty of terrorism offences. The politics student had called for the “extermination” of Jewish people, had founded two extreme groups called the System Resistance Network (SRN) and Sonnenkrieg Division and published articles of a racist nature advocating violence against the Jewish community. The unpleasant ideologies that he tried to spread to like-minded people included the use of rape, stabbing, shooting and bombing to create a ‘holy war’ in the country against anyone who he deemed as sub-human. He denied the charges saying he was a victim of a conspiracy and blamed his ex-partner. At his trial last month at the Old Bailey he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
What matters most to you? IN June, I launched my Police and Crime Survey as an opportunity for residents across Avon and Somerset to tell me what policing issues matter most to them. The 12-week long survey, which only takes 10 minutes to complete, includes a number of questions focusing on my draft Police and Crime Plan priorities and objectives. These objectives cover a range of police topics, including anti-social behaviour, burglary, hate crime, rural crime, domestic abuse and how you want the police to be open and transparent. It is essential that, as your PCC, I am listening to all communities and their concerns, and that is why I want as many local people as possible to share their views on these draft objectives. My priorities and objectives
are the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan, a legal document that sets out the policing of the area, how the Chief Constable will be held to account and how I will use your money – taxpayers’ money – to deliver an effective and efficient police service and support other services, such as victim support providers. In my role as PCC, I am the bridge between local people and the police, and it is absolutely essential that I hear from as many of you as possible, including victims of crime, about my proposed Police and Crime Plan and the direction I am setting for Avon and Somerset Police. When I came into the role, I promised I would make Avon and Somerset a safer place for everyone, and part of achieving this is listening to your views,
thoughts and concerns. The survey is an opportunity for you to tell me what you want your police service to focus on. To complete the survey online, visit avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-and-crime-survey. Last month, we were told by the Prime Minister that there was to be a big lifting of lockdown restrictions. Most of the coronavirus rules we have lived with since last March, including face masks, social distancing and working from home were set to end on July 19 thanks to the roll-out of the vaccines. Despite the fact that life is closer than ever to returning to ‘normal’, I encourage you to remain vigilant, take personal responsibility and be aware of others around you. We have lived with these restrictions for a considerable amount of time –
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With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford longer than any of us expected – and not everyone will be as comfortable walking around with no face mask on or being in close proximity to others. Let’s be sensible and, together, ensure we do not have to take a step backwards at any point in the future.
August 2021
n NEWS
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A few words with ‘Gunners’ of Bear Flat cricket By Harry Mottram: It’s no exaggeration to call Mark ‘Gunners’ Gunning a local cricketing legend. Not because he’s some kind of English cricketing genius notching up double hundreds against Australia at Lords but for his unrelenting enthusiasm for the game in Bath and for Bear Flat Cricket Club in particular. “I was first captain for ten years between 2010 and 2019,” he said, “and we had unparalleled success during that time, as we built up a good culture that everybody bought into. “We won two Somerset Cups during that period at the County Ground in Taunton, along with five league titles, and we were on the verge of getting into the West Of England Premier League pyramid but we weren’t allowed to go in as we didn’t have the correct facilities.” These included not having a
working clock on the front of the club house and other criteria and as a result the club went backwards briefly as players who had hoped to play at the higher level took their bat and pads elsewhere. Mark Gunning is now the Bears’ safeguarding officer due to his educational background keeping an eye on the younger players in particular. “I’m now one of the senior players for the club,” he said, “playing in the Wiltshire First Division against teams like Hinton Charterhouse. “I’m an opening batsman, although it was a few year’s ago that I scored 167 not out against Seagry up by the M4 in 2013 and it was our first ever game in the Wiltshire League so it quite nice to get off the mark.” Established in 1982, the Club played friendly matches during that
The Bears Saturday XI play in the Wiltshire League
first season and having joined the North Somerset Cricket League in the autumn of 1982 the Club first played league matches in 1983. The Bears feature teams and training for young people with the All Stars training program offered in affiliation with the English and Wales Cricket Board for all children aged 5-8 years old, and The Bear Cubs under 11’s. Then there’s the Saturday XI who play in the Wiltshire league the Sunday XI who play friendlies.
“When we get our best eleven out we can beat anyone in the league,” remarked Gunners, “but it’s player retention and availability that is the problem as people have other priorities and it can be a long day and a big commitment.” To join the club or to find out more about the Bears visit https:// bearflatcc.org.uk/ or pop up to their ground at The Glasshouse Playing Fields at Combe Down and watch them play and see if Gunners can hit another 167 not out.
Bath sports news in brief
England call up: Team Bath competition squad. All three were Netball’s Rachael Fee, Hannah part of Team Bath’s U21 squad for Passmore and Molly Hole have all the 2021 season, with Hole the been named in the England Netball co-captain – a role held during the Roses age-group squads after shortened 2020 campaign by successfully trialling over the Passmore, who studies Criminology weekend. Defender Fee and at the University of Bath. No need for an expensive care home shooter Passmore, a University of Blue, Black and Whites: Bath Bath sporting scholar, have both Rugby play their first match at the Stay independent at home with your own live in carer been members of the Blue & Gold’s Rec on September 25th against Superleague squad, with the latter Newcastle Falcons in the GallagherNo need for an expensive care home No need expensive care home people wantfortoanstay in their own home as they get olde making her top-flight debut against Premiership after they finishedMany in No need last for season. an expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer London Pulse earlier this year. 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Preseason Hannah Passmore of Team Bath friendlies saw them thumped 5-0 by U21 Programme for 2021 and have Cardiff City theaChampionship Calloffor brochure today Call for aCall brochure today today also been named in the 16-strong but wins against Larkhall Athletic, for a brochure 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 / Freephone: England U21 Performance 0800a 111 4885 111 4885 Paulton Rovers and a 4-1 victory0117 9860710 Call for brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 Call for a brochure today Competition squad for a camp in Email: wayfeatherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk at Frome. They had a creditable Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Sheffield at the end of this month. 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800Call 111for 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk a brochure today 3-4 defeat to the professionals of www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Defender Hole, who captained www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Exeter City - a result thatEmail: showsfeatherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk a 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: England U17 to the Netball Europe Call for a brochure today quiet confidence that this couldwww.featherbedhomecare.co.uk be Call fo Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk title in 2020, has been selected in www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk a good season for the Romans of 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / the Roses Academy U19 Twerton Park. 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August 2021
n WHAT’S ON
Take a ride with the Widcombe Wobblers or a run through the Two Tunnels this month August is the month when schools are off and visitors flood into the city from around the world. Well the schools are off but not so many visitors this year. If you are not venturing abroad due to restrictions then make sure you book a ticket at the theatre, or join in the cycling or jogging events this month.
Zumba in memory of Max Kate Parsons from Bath is organising a two-hour Zumbathon to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) at the Bath Pavillion on Sat 14 August, 2-4pm. Participants are being
Sun 1 Aug. Holburne Museum. Precious and Rare: Islamic Metalwork from the Courtauld. Dating from the 13th to 16th centuries, these objects are some of the finest examples of this intricate craft from modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt and Turkey. The last day of the exhibition. Sun 1-Sat 28 Aug. Bath Fringe. Drop in shop for events and happenings at 5 Broad Street. Tue 3-Sat 7 Aug. Theatre Royal Bath. The Play That Goes Wrong. The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! Sat 7 Aug. Widcombe Wobblers. Cycle ride to the Druids Arms at Stanton Drew. Meet at 10am under the London Plain Tree. Details on Widcombe Association website. Sat 7 Aug. Bath Farmers’ Market. Green Park Station. Sat-Sun, 7-8 Aug. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend. The Rec. Music from McFly, Scouting for Girls, Billy Ocean and UB40. Also on the line-up are solo artists Hannah Grace and Casey Lowry, Wiltshire based indie trio Port Erin and grunge influenced Life in Mono fronted by Sarah Clayton and Bath band Luna Lake will take to the Big Top stage. Sat 7-Sun 15 Aug. Bath Folk Festival. Variety of events and gigs see their
Thu 12 Aug. The Holburne Museum. Garden Theatre Fest with an outdoor production of Pigmalion. Sun 15 Aug. Bath Two Tunnels Railway Races. Includes an ultra marathon, two marathons, a half marathon, and a 10K and a 5K run so something for all levels of fitness. Details at www.bathmarathon. com Sat 21 Aug. The Holburne Museum. Garden Theatre Fest with an outdoor production of Wind in the Willows. Sun 22 Aug. Bike Bath. Bike Bath is a day of short, medium and long marked rides, taking in the best scenery of Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. www. bikebath.co.uk/ Sun 22 Aug. Milsom Street. Free face painting for children. Mon 23 Aug-Sat 19 Sep. Bristol. ss Great Britain. Limbic Cinema’s immersive video of the 19th century ship. Wed 25 - Sat 28 Aug. Crimes, Camera, Action. Theatre Royal Bath. Comedy set in Hollywood where a world weary, hardboiled private eye is at work. Thu 26 Aug. Widcombe Wobblers. Cycle ride to St Catherine’s Valley. Meet at 6.30pm under the London Plain Tree. Details on the Widcombe Association’s website. Sat 28-Sun 29 Aug. Widcombe Arts Trail. There will be artists in three venues – Widcombe Social Club, The Natural Theatre Company and St.
MONDAY FITNESS AT ST LUKE’S Essentrics is a new fitness programme that helps men and women improve, and even banish, stiffness, aches, pains and feelings of low energy. This music-led work-out is therapeutic, low-impact and leaves you feeling great. Summer classes run at St Luke’s Church Centre (on the Wellsway), 6.30-7.30pm. For info and to sign up for your free first session, contact 07980 595440 or see EssentricswithCatherine on Facebook. Facebook page for details. Sun 8 Aug. Bath Contemporary Artists Fair. Green Park Station Mon 9 Aug. Ustinov Theatre. HENCH with Jessica Fostekew. Regular host of The Guilty Feminist, Jessica Fostekew explores her big strong strength. Tue 10 Aug. The Holburne Museum. Garden Theatre Fest with an outdoor production of Romeo and Juliet. Wed 11 Aug. The Holburne Museum. Garden Theatre Fest with an outdoor production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Wed 11 - Sat 21 Aug. Theatre Royal Bath. Groan Ups. Follow an unruly classroom of six-year-olds on their journey through anarchic high school teenagers to the challenges of adulthood.
Mark your diaries - Combe Down Art Trail is back! Part of Bath Open Studios, the Combe Down Art Trail is in its fifth year. While the pandemic forced the trail to be a virtual only event last year, this year it’s set to cover all eventualities and includes an online exhibition, as well as turning the streets into a village gallery, with posters of art work fastened to railings and lampposts. The trail will be marked with red lanterns and will lead visitors through the heart of this his-toric village and into artists’ homes and studios, as well as to local landmarks such as The Museum of Bath Stone, the King William IV pub, and the Peggy Dodd Centre. The Art Trail is also linked to the celebrations
organised by The Hub on Saturday 11 September. Head of the art trail committee, artist Sally Jefferies, explains: “We’ve planned this event as a welcome back to all our artists and art enthusiasts across Bath and beyond. Even if we are faced with more restrictions in September we will still be able to look at posters of paint-ings, ceramics, pottery, prints and other work produced by the creative people of Combe Down. Our aim is to be as environmentally friendly as possible by reusing banners, signs and lanterns that we saved from the previous trail and by recycling as much as we can.” Head over to their website for more information and to view the online exhibition: cdart-trail.com
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asked donation £10 to take part, which will go straight to CHSW. Kate’s family were cared for by CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice in North Somerset after her fiveyear-old son Max had been diagnosed with an incurable condition. Kate said: “Max wasn’t relaxed in the hospital and it wasn’t a place we wanted him to pass away. We were offered Charlton Farm for end-of-life care and as soon as we walked through the door, we knew it was the place where we wanted to spend our last precious days with our boy.” To join in the fitness fun, simply make a donation at: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/kate-parsons1608 Matthews Church. Sun 29 Aug. Look-Alike-Tribute Festival. Komedia. Anyone from the Beatles to Elvis Presley will be in town - or rather their dopplegangers. Tue 31 Aug-4 Sat Sep. Theatre Royal Bath. Absurd Person Singular. Comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. Christmas dinner party goes wrong. Sat 4 Sep. The 7 Hills Americana Festival. Live music at Lyncombe Court. Sun 5 Sep. The George Michael Story. Komedia. Music of the late pop star. Mon 6 Sep. School Year begins for the 2021-2022 academic year so expect a little more traffic in the rush hour. Thu-Sat, 9-18 Sep. Drama: The Dresser. Theatre Royal Bath. With Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in Ronald Harwood’s classic play. Mon 6-Sat 11 Sep. Frankenstein by Nick Dear. Mission Theatre. Presented by Next Stage Theatre Company. Retaining the disturbing power of Shelley’s gothic tale but also reinstating much of the heart-breaking quality which is often overlooked, Frankenstein will thrill audiences to the core.
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Exercise Movement and Dance class for ladies
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Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net . Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)
August 2021
bathvoice
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n NEWS
Bath’s nearest airport in ‘greenwash’ argument
By Local Democracy Reporter. Bristol’s Marvin Rees clashed with the youngest city councillor over “greenwashing” claims that Bristol Airport is becoming carbon neutral – apart from the aeroplanes and cars. Green Cllr Lily Fitzgibbon asked the mayor at a council meeting how he could justify congratulating the airport on its “net zero” pledge while refusing to oppose its proposed expansion. Mr Rees dismissed the 18-year-old’s question as “disappointing” and an “old debate” and said the airport’s efforts to improve its environmental impact, announced at a business breakfast he attended at Lulsgate last month, should be welcomed. A public inquiry stared last month into the airport’s appeal against North Somerset Council’s decision to refuse major plans for more flights and passengers. The airport declared in July that it would achieve carbon neutrality four years early and that it would be the UK’s first net-zero
airport by 2030, along with expanding public transport to the site and having zero-emission buses. Bishopston & Ashley Down ward Cllr Fitzgibbon asked the Labour mayor: “Will you use your position, to stand against the largest carbon decision in the South West?” Mr Rees replied: “What I said was any organisation, no matter where they are in the spectrum of how harmful or not we think they are to the planet, that ups the commitment they make to decarbonising, not only their own areas which they control but the areas over which they have influence, has to be celebrated. “If it was a steel industry saying ‘We are going to come up with a more efficient way of making steel’, we wouldn’t say ‘Stop making steel’, we would say ‘Congratulations for moving forward in your efforts to decarbonise steel’. “We say the same about concrete and housebuilding, we say the same about the airport.” In a written reply he added:
“The appeal is a matter for the secretary of state, who is ruling on a planning matter previously decided by the democratic decision of North Somerset Council. I am not involved.” Cllr Fitzgibbon told the meeting at City Hall: “By not including the emissions from the planes or traffic to the airport, it completely outweighs any commitments they’ve made through their building itself. “So while you may be able to remove yourself from the debate through boundaries, Bristolians will actually not be able to avoid the impact of an extra million tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere directly above the city. “I would like to know how you could have such an inspiring vision for Bristol to be a green city leading the way to 2030 carbon targets and how you reconcile those two opposing visions.” The city’s mayor said: “The airport is the airport. The airport is not an aeroplane. “The airport is running its services, its buildings, its ground
Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk
transport networks, its influences and its journeys to and from the airport to manage an existing international industry. “The extent to which the airport can decarbonise its bit of that industry and try to extend that influence over other bits of the industry it’s a part of, we should encourage them and encourage them to do more.” In a written question to member forum, Lib Dem Cllr Andrew Brown told Mr Rees: “The operations of the airport cannot be seen in isolation from the traffic to and from it, both on the ground and in the air.” The mayor replied: “The motion did not ask me to discuss anything with the airport management.” In a press release issued by Bristol Airport about its carbon goals on June 25, Mr Rees said: “In an increasingly interconnected world we must harness technology and innovation to reach our goal of carbon neutrality. Bristol’s aerospace sector is well placed to continue to lead on solutions to this challenge.”
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n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
New skills for the jobs of the future I’M writing this column as my Jobs and Skills Summit, which I pledged to hold during my first 100 days in office, draws to a close. It wasn’t quite as I envisaged (there’s still too much covid for that) but I have met hundreds of people who are in and out of work, or studying, as well as hearing from businesses and trade unions. One thing that stood out for me was the power of technology. When I visited apprentices training to be locksmiths, I suppose I’d thought it would be about things like cutting keys. But actually lots of keys, locks and security systems are high tech these days. So, it was about transponders, face recognition software and key cards that only let specific people into certain parts of a building at set times. Likewise, when I met apprentice mechanics, they weren’t servicing petrol cars. Instead I found out about the training they are doing to work on electric cars. It’s vital we skill up more people, otherwise there is going to be a real roadblock to the plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and our ambitious West of England plan for net zero by the same year. The Institute of the Motor Industry says that just 5% of garage and dealer technicians are appropriately trained to work on electric
cars at the moment. So we definitely need more great people like those I met at S&B Automotive Academy. I met apprentices studying at the University of Bath, where we talked about the exciting possibilities for quantum computing, where our region is leading the way. Quantum computers can do a calculation in just over an hour that it would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer eight years to crack. Another inspiring visit was to the Women’s Work Lab that is helping mums get back to work. Some had been unemployed for many years and others had lost their jobs due to the pandemic. What the two inspiring women leading the programme had done was give the other women a rocket booster of confidence, identifying their skills and arranging work experience. We are at a tricky time. There is the danger of the furlough cliff edge, and business owners told me the pandemic has been the toughest time they have ever known. At the same time, covid case numbers are rising again, which is why we need a science-led approach to reopening. So what’s next? I will be working with employers and trade
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice
unions to create 23,000 new green jobs. I plan to introduce a good employers charter to encourage businesses to do the right thing by our communities and their staff. I will keep pressing the Government to support businesses struggling with the effects of covid, because it’s a lot easier to save a job than create new ones. And on skills, I am determined to replicate that supportive go-getter atmosphere I found, so even more people can find a job that allows them to fulfil their potential.
n NEWS n THEATRE REVIEW
Knives out for the Queen By Harry Mottram: Queen Margaret. Review. Mission Theatre It’s Plantagenet England, but not as we know it. With cigarette in hand and weekend luggage in tow Sarah Cullyer as Queen Margaret looked more like a member of a hen party about to board an Easyjet flight than the ruler of England and France. For Downpour Theatre’s production of Jenny O’Hare’s story of the monarch largely side lined in Shakespeare’s Henry plays was staged in modern dress and directed by Andy Cullyer. Set in the mid-15th century at the start of the Wars of the Roses the play depicts Margaret D’Anjou’s political battles of survival in a brutal world where treachery and treason were essential additions to the CVs of the warring factions of the time. The rise and fall of the Pont-à-Mousson born aristocrat from her marriage to Henry VI as part of a peace treaty between England and France to her eventual exile is one of the lesser-known stories of the time – one which O’Hare does her best to relate in the play. With so many characters jostling for power and doublecrossing the name of the game, the
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narrative is at times hard to follow. Indeed, having some form of subtitles or flash cards would help the audience to keep track of the comings and goings of various Earls, Lords and Cardinals. Kate Raw as Hume was outstanding as she tried to make sense of the proceedings and hedging her bets in the civil war by wearing a white rose for York on one lapel and a red one for Lancaster on the other. Sarah Wiggins as the usurper York gave an impassioned portrayal of the soon to be executed rebel while James Locke as Henry VI had the more difficult role of the enfeebled monarch overshadowed by his strident spouse. Brooding and surly, angry and assertive, Queen Margaret has the all the time the ghost of Joan of Arc (Marinella Phillips pictured) hovering around her interjecting with her own story of betrayal and also inspiration. At times confusing, at times poetic, but always Shakespearean-esque, the play was certainly gripping with knife fights, confrontations and rebellions keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.
August 2021
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n PEOPLE
Beneath the smiles a story of Nazi labour camps and the privatisation of our electricity supplies By Harry Mottram: A modern house in Weston, Bath, where an amiable semi-retired couple who broadcast on Bath Radio each week (formerly Bath Hospital Radio) live seems on the face of it a rather normal duo if normal is the right word. But behind every so called normal facade lies a story and those told to Bath Voice by Nick and Teresa Barnett were no less extraordinary in all their candour. “My father had a very difficult time in the war,” said Teresa Barnett, “he was Polish and when the Nazis invaded he was just 16. “Together with other teenage lads he was rounded up and taken to a labour camp in Germany. “The conditions were terrible so they escaped not once but twice. “The first time was unsuccessful as they went round in a circle but the second time they walked to Switzerland and escaped.” From the Alpine nation her dad was able to eventually move to post war London and there in the bombed out streets and fog filled suburbs he met Teresa’s Irish born mother. Teresa was brought up in London and went on to study French in Bristol during which in her student days she met Nick. I asked Nick what was it about Teresa he found attractive. There was a silence. He thought for a moment and blurted out
‘everything,’ which I took to understand he meant a highly intelligent French speaking attractive blonde undergraduate with a quick wit and engaging personality. ‘Everything’ will suffice. The duo moved to Bath after Nick’s job was relocated to the West Country, and Weston with its schools close by for their two children seemed fine. He studied Chemistry in the University of East Anglia and took a job working on Telex after which he trained as a surveyor working for the GLC in London. His next move to the Central Electricity Board the property department which moves us to the way state utilities were transformed for better or worse by the Conservative Governments of the 1980s and early 1990s. “They used to own the power stations but it was split up in the 1990s and privatised and I ended up in the last bit of the CEGB as head of the property section,” he explained, “There was Nuclear Electric, PowerGen, National Power and National Grid as the assets were split up.” As a surveyor his job was to find a way of redeveloping the former power stations such as the one at Didcot. Once the site was cleared, the station demolished and any waste material removed the sites were ripe for property development which cast Nick as an unlikely
Nick and Teresa met in the 1970s and moved to Bath when their children were small
property developer. Early retirement beckoned and a chance meeting with Julia from Bath Radio led to the couple becoming DJs with a Tuesday morning show. “We bounce off each other,” said Teresa, “with ideas and music - but it can be a bit daunting as our daughter and her work colleagues tune in sometimes and to listen to
n NEWS ‘Stopgap solution’ to recycling problem A temporary recycling centre is set to be built in Bath location before the current facility at Midland Road shuts for redevelopment. Bath and North East Somerset Council has assured residents they will not be left without a recycling centre as it secures a permanent new site in Odd Down. The interim facility is set to be created in Bath Western Riverside, where more than 2,000 homes are being built. Council bosses
are aiming to maintain the same level of service for Bath residents but said that will depend on land availability and planning, licensing and permitting consents. The stopgap solution was announced this week as cabinet members signed off a further £13.6million in funding for the state-of-the-art new recycling at Pixash Lane in Keynsham that is due to open to the public next summer.
Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk
their mum and dad playing Frank Sinatra or Abba.” And there’s an expression that all parents can recognise of both bewilderment and wonder at how two students from the 1970s ended up playing music to the good people of Bath - that includes their grown up off-spring. Play it again Nick and Teresa.
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n NEWS
Parking spaces go as cycle lanes increased in bid to make city more ‘people friendly’ By a Local Democracy Reporter. Parking spaces are set to be removed to make way for new segregated cycle lanes in Bath. Council leaders have voted to press ahead with active travel schemes for Upper Bristol Road and Beckford Road after plans for North Road were put on hold following opposition. Bath and North East Somerset Council will assemble a “citizens’ jury” to find the most appropriate safe, strategic cycle route to improve between the city centre and the University of Bath. Speaking at the cabinet meeting on June 23, Councillor Sarah Warren, who holds the sustainable transport brief, said: “There may be people who cannot yet see the logic but please know that tonight’s schemes are a small part of a bigger vision of a better future for the whole district. “The way to that future is frustratingly slow – we must take small but deliberate steps but we can and will regain permanently many of the benefits of clean air and quiet safe streets that we all experienced in the first Covid lockdown last spring.” The proposals for Upper Bristol Road will see 40 parking spaces removed to make way for new segregated cycle lanes in both directions between Midland
Road and Charlotte Street, with continuous footways at most side road junctions to prioritise pedestrians over vehicles. After feedback from residents, permit holder parking spaces will be provided in nearby streets. Cycle lanes continue through bus stops so cyclists don’t have to pull out around buses, using a ‘floating bus stop’ design. An eastbound cycle lane and continuous footways are also proposed in Beckford Road, where 28 parking spaces will be removed. In addition, there will be an experimental camera-enforced bus gate on North Road east of King Edward’s School to provide a largely traffic-free route for cyclists, and an experiment to make Cleveland Walk one-way. Terms of the funding for the schemes – from £500,000 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund – mean they have to be completed by March 2022. Traffic regulation orders will be advertised for 21 days, giving residents and businesses a final opportunity to support or object to the proposals. Ousted transport cabinet member Joanna Wright defected from the Liberal Democrats to the Greens after claiming she had been asked to “dump” the original North Road active travel scheme.
She said the u-turn would give ammunition to those who actively oppose the Lib Dems’ liveable neighbourhoods proposals, saying: “Those who do not want change will at every opportunity remind this cabinet that they gave up on North Road because a few local residents objected.” Cllr Warren said the proposals had caused some people “great concern” and she did not want to waste taxpayers’ money. “We will work closely with residents and commuters in the coming months to co-design strategic routes and schemes that are the best that we can provide for all, both those who cycle and those who don’t,” she said. “We will build excellent infrastructure for all our residents and visitors to enjoy.
Appeal to help in mending the roof Last month The Mission Theatre in Bath became part of the city’s community’s assets as the Council agree on a pepper corn rent as long as the theatre became open to all. There was just one catch in the deal - the theatre has to raise enough cash to repair the roof which at the moment threatens its future as a viable venue. And so they have launched a Raise the Roof campaign to pull in the thousands of pounds required to replace slates and lead flashing, and install new timbers and
guttering to ensure rain drops don’t fall upon the heads of it patrons. The options for sponsors included sponsor a slate, becoming a Friend of the Theatre, making a donation, organising a fundraising event and offering matcch funding. A slate is £30, being a fiend is £60 and as for fundraising such as staging a bit of street theatre or a sponsored recitation - well the sky’s the limit. Check out the theatre’s website for details and what’s on in the forthcoming season.
The roof of the theatre needs repairing
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“This is climate action.” She said the council will monitor the schemes and if problems are found they will be adjusted. Cllr Manda Rigby said the debate had become polarised, with neighbours branding each other “climate emergency deniers” or “anti-car lycra-clad zealots”, but everyone needs to share the city’s cramped roads. “It is incredibly important that these first active travel schemes are seen to work,” she said. “It’s possible to be a supporter of active travel while still not supporting the non-working elements of the schemes that were originally presented. “I am neither anti-car nor anti-cyclist – I am pro-people.”
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The FIEND
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August 2021
n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Welcome to the Summer Reading Challenge! This month’s review is being taken over by children’s fiction as the national Summer Reading Challenge 2021 begins. This year celebrates Wild World Heroes. The Reading Agency has teamed up with World Wildlife Fund for a special nature-themed Challenge. Enjoy the summer with this challenge and here are some books to start you off.
Children’s Fiction
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl A real children’s classic. Join Charlie Bucket and his search for a Golden Ticket which will gain him entrance into the most amazing place in the world - Mr Willy Wonka’s enormous chocolate factory. Only five lucky winners can go through those great iron gates and marvel at all the marvellous things that Mr
Wonka creates. Will Charlie be one of the lucky ones? If he succeeds what amazing sights will he see and who exactly are the OompaLoompas? This is a classic tale and a great introduction into the crazy world of Roald Dahl. Stunt Double: Jungle Curse – Tamsin Cooke An excellent adventure story that races along. Meet Finn, a fearless stunt double working in the movies. He is in Thailand working on the latest blockbuster staring Rio Dinoni but everything seems to be going wrong. Stunt after stunt there are smashes and crashes. Can the set really be cursed? Or are there too many secrets on set that are causing all the problems? Read on and discover the exciting life of Finlay Gibson. The 52-Storey Treehouse – Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
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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 watermelon-smashing 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.
Ladybird Ladybird – Vivia French As part of the Early Reader series, join Mrs Ladybird. She has gone shopping but she has forgotten her purse – oh no! Help the five little ladybirds to find their Mum in time for their tea too – will it be yummy iced cake or berry jam! This is a delightful book for all of those who are more independent readers. Rosie the Honey Bear Fairy – Daisy Meadows The Rainbow Magic Fairy books are immensely popular. There are so many fairy books to look at and read. This book we meet Kirsty and Rachel who are staying at Wild Woods Nature reserve. Their week is nearly over but before they leave they have to help Rosie the Honey Bear Fairy get her special magical key ring back from the naughty goblin Jack Frost. If they cannot then Billy the bear cub gets whisked off to the Ice Lord’s zoo! Join them for their adventures and discover more of the Rainbow Magic Fairy books.
Children’s Non-Fiction
Women in Sport: Fifty fearless athletes who played to won – Rachel Ignotofsky From the series of Women in … this book celebrates the success of tough, bold women in sport from Serena Williams, Clare Balding to lesser known figures such as Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. Beautifully illustrated, it highlights fifty sportswomen from the 1800s
Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures Please feel free to call us during To advertise,office contact hoursErica on: on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485 0117 952 0698
to today and also include facts and figures re pay, women’s teams and record breakers. A really interesting, inspiring book. Science is Everywhere: Our Living Planet – Rob Colson Did you know that early life forms appeared on the Earth a staggering 4 billion years ago and that water forms more than half of all material in all living things. Find out the importance of photosynthesis and the life cycle of plants. This beautifully illustrated book is very informative with great diagrams and simple explanations. There is a quick quiz at the end and my favourite fact: Hummingbirds have rotating wings which allows them to fly forward, backwards, sideways and even straight up!
Library News
Look out on the Bath & North East Somerset Libraries webpage for all the exciting activities both online and in the Libraries over the Summer. Please note spaces at Library activities are limited due to social distancing.
Moorland Road Community Library
Check out our opening hours - Tues, Thurs, Fri 10 - 12, and Sat 10 - 1pm. We welcome back any LibrariesWest library books and of course our own Yellow Sticker Books to our Book Returns box. You can come into the library and browse the shelves. Click and Collect reservations is also available. Please continue to wear a mask and use the hand sanitiser provided. Overdue books: DON’T PANIC! we just want the books back. The Summer Reading Challenge for children is back! Encourage your child to read 6 books over the summer holidays. There’s a poster and stickers to pick up at the start of your journey at the beginning of the holidays and a reward certificate to pick up at the end of your challenge. Email us for more info at Moorlandroadcommunitylibrary@ gmail.com
August 2021
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