Bath Voice April 2022 by harryfmottram

bathvoice April 2022 No. 26

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Sports News in brief Page 6 Lyncombe Hill Page 9 Bloomfield Page 11 What’s On Page 16 Local history: Page 7

Walking for Ukraine: the children who raised £3,800 A group of school children from Bath who have been moved by the plight of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine organised a sponsored walk to raise cash for them. Hannah Cameron McKenna said Marlow Cameron McKenna, aged 7, and his friend Milly Brown, aged 8, organised the sponsored walk with their friends for Unicef’s Ukraine appeal. They walked from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon on Sunday 20th March (15km total) and raised over £3,800. Marlow and Milly attend Moorlands Junior School, while they were joined by pupils from Oldfield Park Infant and Junior schools. To donate to the appeal search on line for the DEC Humanitarian Appeal.

Road calming measures planned for Bear Flat and Widcombe By Harry Mottram. One of south Bath’s most notorious rat runs is to have major work to slow down the traffic. Widcombe Hill has seen fatal accidents in recent years and a number of minor accidents due to the narrowness of the road and the steepness of the road.

Cllr Winston Duguid said the Council had approved a £100,000 package to put in place road safety measure during the course of this and next year. “Consultants will meet with the residents and designers to decide the type of measures that are needed,” he said, “there is one

place in particular which is highly dangerous for pedestrians on the corner. It is by the Macaulay Buildings where a footpath emerges. “The measures are for the whole hill and may feature chicanes, pedestrian crossings and Continued on page 3

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April 2022

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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

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n NEWS Widcombe Hill: narrow pavements, a dangerous corner and two deaths Continued from page 1 other road safety measures as the pavements in places are very narrow.” Fellow councillor Alison Born said a large number of children use the road to get to school everyday as well as students and following a fatal accident of a young man safety needed to improve. She said residents were being consulted throughout the process and it was a collaboration between the Council and locals that was driving the process. Much of the hill has a 20mph speed limit but there is still a section with a 30mph but Bath Voice can report that many vehicles using the hill were clearly break the speed limit. A police bay has been cordoned off half way up the hill for speed camera operators to catch speeders although police vehicles are only occasionally in place.

Cllrs Alison Born and Winston Duguid on Widcombe Hill and right, the dangerous corner on the hill where a footpath opens on the road

A traffic survey revealed that around 4,000 cars use the hill every day while 120 cyclists tackle the lung bursting route daily. Consultants are expected to meet residents this spring and work should begin later this year once plans have been agreed.

The cash for the road safety measures was secured during a debate in the Guildhall on this year’s Council budget. Cllr Duguid said: “Our number one commitment to local residents in our manifesto was to make Widcomber and Lyncombe

a place where residents across the generations can afford to live, work and go to work in a safe environment.” The plans were started by a meeting of local residents’ associations councillors and highways officials.

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Oldfield Park School’s new build: Oldfield School has opened a new Special Educational Needs Building, called the Hemmings Centre. The building includes sensory and therapy rooms. The rooms help to develop children’s social and emotional wellbeing, and provide the space for 1-2-1, and small group, intervention. The sensory room is a blackout room, with fiberoptic lighting to provide a calming environment for students to regulate and process their emotions. The building includes an ASD Specialist Resource Base for up to 10 high-functioning ASD students, supporting them to access mainstream education and providing additional support. The building incorporates a range of sustainability features, including air source heating, a green roof and the design minimises the visual impact of the building. The building is named in recognition of the long service to the school of Sue Hemmings, who retired last year after 47 years working at the school as a Science

A new era for education has begun with the opening of Oldfield School’s new Special Educational Needs Building, the Hemmings Centre. Pictured are some of the students welcoming the councillors and VIPs to the new centre Technician. Sue said: “I was sad to leave Oldfield after all these years, it is a great place with lovely staff and students. I was once asked ‘isn’t it boring, doing the same thing all the time?’ but, I’m emphatic in the fact that it was never boring, there was always different things to do, and the students always kept it interesting! I am very honoured to be recognised through the naming of the new building.” Councillor Dine Romero said, “We

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are wholly committed to helping every child and young person to reach their potential, so I’m delighted that we have been able to support this important new facility. It’s going to provide the tailored support needed to help students to thrive.” Councillor Lisa O’Brien, Chairman of Council who formally opened the centre, said: “This new facility will facilitate increased, dedicated support for students to encourage, reassure and promote their development. Congratulations to Oldfield School on the completion of this important project which, I feel sure, will yield impressive benefits.” The council contributed £350,000 in funding to the project. Three years: The BBC have reported that Bath Rugby’s temporary stands can remain in place for another three years while it draws up plans for a permanent stadium. The BBC said the Premiership club cited the pandemic and legal issues for the delay and reaffirmed its commitment to redevelop the stadium as soon as possible. The club had requested another four years but was given until May

2025. Rosie Carne, who lives near the Recreation Ground, told Bath and North East Somerset Council planning committee members on 9 March: “Twenty years of prevarications and renewals of temporary applications for this shantytown and now they want four more years. “Stop being deceived by the use of the word temporary, which avoids scrutiny of heritage and conservation bodies.” The current capacity is 14,509 but the club wants to build a stadium with 18,000 seats. Hot water: An scheme to use heat from the naturally hot spa water at the Roman Baths and use it to heat surrounding buildings is entering its final phase. Heat from the King’s Spring will be used to heat the Roman Baths and Pump Room, as well as the soon-to-open Bath World Heritage Centre and Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre. Sixteen three-metre-long energy exchange blades will be inserted into the King’s Bath this spring, and a new plant room is being created beneath Stall Street.

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Parade garden: The entrance to Widcombe Parade near the London Plain Tree is being turned into a garden by local residents. Rubbish and a tangle of thorns and brambles have been cleared from the bank along side Claverton Street. Daffodils, scented shrubs and assorted flowers have been planted with plans afoot to further clear the brambles further back and to plant trees and more bushes with some funds released from the Council to cover some of the planting. The initiative began when residents and members of the Widcombe Association took matters into their own hands and began digging and weeding the bank by the former public toilets - now being converted into an office. Triangle of hope: A small area of land next to the railway at Broadway in Widcombe is being converted into a community garden. Work should be complete later this Spring transforming the land with trees and shrubs, plus seating from Curo - along with pathways - despite its small size. Cllr Alison Born described it as a pocket sized park and a place to

the bank near the London Plain Treet in Widcombe Parade is being given some TLC

relax in the summer. The Gore in Bear Flat retains its title however as Bath’s smallest park. Electric car power: The small number of public electric vehicle charge points in Bath is set to grow if only slowly as more motorists buy electic powered cars. The latest one being installed is in the small car park off Rossiter Road by the Baptist Church in Widcombe. All of the current local EV charge points

in the city provide an operating speed of 7kWh, and use Type 2 connectors - fast but not super fast. The other ones currently listed in Bath by the Council are at Charlotte Street car park, Lansdown Park & Ride car park, Newbridge Park & Ride car park, and the Odd Down Park & Ride car park. Further afield there is one in Keynsham and another in Midsomer Norton. Bristol has several rapid EV charge

5 points that include Southmead hospital, Kingswood and Longwell Green - with a cluster at Cribbs Causeway. In Bath the EV charging points operate under a pay as you charge scheme at 39p per KWh. To charge an average car fully from empty takes several hours depending on the size of the battery and should cost around £10. Add to that the car parking fee and it is understandable why many work places and homes are installing EV points themselves at a cost of several hundred pounds a go depending on the system. Entry Hill: The residents have campaigned for months for something to be done about the heavy traffic in the narrow street leading up from the Devonshire Arms. A Liverable Nieghbourhood scheme for the road is now on the agenda and will happen along with a trial of a Low Traffic Neighbour scheme or LTN. An LTN replaces rat runs and heavily congested roads used by motorists to avoid main roads as predominately residential areas where locals can access their homes by car but ends the road as a through street.

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n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF

Bath Rugby Club: The club play in the Gallagher English Premiership - a slightly uphill task at the moment - but hope springs eternal. This month they face the Saints of Northampton on April 23 and Gloucester on the 30th of April. Bath Rugby Ladies: The women have three 15s with the first team in the Women’s Championship South 1 - the second tier of the league system. Bath City FC: The Romans play in the Vanarama National League Division South with a series of games this month that could define their season. Home fixtures at Twerton Park are: Bradford City, 2nd; Salford City, 15th; Forest green Rovers, 23rd. Away fixtures for travelling fans are: Tranmere roves, 9th; Port vale, 18th; and Rochdale on the 30th of April. Bath City Youth Women FC: The Bath City Youth Women play in the Wiltshire County Women & Girls League. The next home fixture is one at Odd Down on the 10th April against Marlborough Town Ladies. There is an away game against Melksham Town on the 3rd of April. Bear Flat FC: The Bears look to consolidate their position in the third division of the Bath and District Sunday League. Netball: Team Bath have a number

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of home games this month in the Vitality Super League. They are: London Pulse, 11th; Svern Stars, 23rd. The Blue and the Golds based at Bath University are not the only netball team in the city. The Royal High School is host to a thriving netball league on Wednesday evenings - ideal for beginners as well as those of a higher standard. See https://www.play-netball.co.uk/ bath/ for details of how to take part. Hockey 1: City of Bath Hockey Club were formed from a merger between Bath & Phillipians Hockey Club’s at the turn on the millennium. The club field 4 Men’s & 2 Ladies’ teams and have a thriving junior section. The men’s 1st XI competes in the West Hockey League Championship North. The women’s 1st XI play in the West Wilts West Hockey League Whitehorse 1. Hockey 2: Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club are based at The University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY. See www. teambathbuccaneers.co.uk Bath Lacrosse: The club enters one Men’s squad at senior level into the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association competitions and one Women’s squad into the South West Women’s Lacrosse Association Competitions.

Their home games are at Odd Down Playing fields, Chelwood Drive, Off Bloomfield Road, Bath, BA2 2 PR. The club has a strong links to the University of Bath. Saracens Rugby: Bath Saracens are an amateur rugby club competing in the Dorset & Wilts 2 North. Formed on 13th March 1947, Bath Saracens are still going strong 70 years on. A warm and welcoming club, all players of skill and experience are welcome along; whether that be for general fitness, to compete on Saturdays or just to join in with socials. Bath Saracens currently train at Lambridge Training Ground in Bath. Training takes place every Thursday night between 7.30pm and 9pm. For more information visit: bathsaracens.co.uk/. Bath Ladies Rugby News Update: Bath Rugby Ladies was conceived in the spring of 2004 and was established as a partnership with Bath Rugby Community Foundation. The team’s inaugural season began in September of that year, with the team competing in RFUW South West 3. The 2006-7 season saw Bath Ladies promoted to South West One, where they finished top in their first season and moved up

to the Championship where the 1st XV remain. The 2nd XV were born in 2015, after recruitment drives bolstered the squad. With over 90 women registered to play for Bath Rugby Ladies, the club are now able to offer a playing avenue for those who are newer to rugby with the 3rd XV, in the Inner Warrior series, a league for rooky level players. Combe Down Rugby: Combe Down Rugby Union Football Club was established back in 1896. The club has mini, senior and junior sides and welcomes new players. For more details of the club and to join or watch the team play visit http://combedownrfc.rfu.club/ American Football: for fans of the sport Bath has its own team in the Killer Bees based at the University. The Killer Bees have been a University club for 25 years with many former players going on to play for senior American Football teams across the UK and even the GB American Football team. For details of how to join the team or simply to watch the games visit www.thesubath.com/ AmericanFootball Cricket: for fans of the bat and ball game Bath Bear Flat Cricket have Continued on page 13

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n LOCAL HISTORY

The working class girl who turned society on its head By Harry Mottram. Tucked away off North Street in Bedminster, is Hebron Road Burial Ground, a small oasis of greenery and complete with numerous graves dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th. Overlooked by the Hebron Chapel there are few monuments and not too many gravestones suggesting many more unmarked graves are located there. Lying somewhere in the graveyard is the unmarked grave of Princess Caraboo who rocked Georgian society by turning the social order of the time upside down. Well, for a while she did, as eventually the truth about the mysterious appearance of the exotic Royal in Almondsbury in 1817 was revealed when her description and picture, were published in a Bristol newspaper. A boarding house owner recognised her as Mary Wilcocks, the impoverished daughter of a Devonshire cobbler. The game was up and once she was confronted by

her real identity, she admitted it had all been a hoax. That is only part of the story as for a few weeks she was believed by the gullible local gentry in the form of the Worralls of the South Gloucestershire village who she was taken to by the villagers mystified by her apparent inability to understand or speak English. She had been found wandering through the village clutching a cloth bag of scant processions unable to speak English but instead spoke an unknown language. The idea of pretending to be something she wasn’t, was a way to gain attention and possibly a meal as Mary was a pauper. As one of a vast number of Britain’s poor who had to fend for themselves with no formal education but with a gift for mimicry, a fine memory and a love of the theatrical, plus her beauty, Mary lived off her wits. Writing for the BBC Brian Haughton takes up the story:

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“Thinking she was a foreign beggar the villagers took her to Mr Overton, the overseer of the local poorhouse, who, mystified by language and dress decided to take her to Knole Park, the home of Samuel Worrall, the county Magistrate. The Worralls sent the girl, in the company of two of their servants, to stay the night in the village. At the inn she noticed a print of a pineapple on the wall and pointed to it excitedly, pronouncing ‘Anana’, and demonstrating that it was a fruit of her homeland.” The story might have ended there had it not been for the mystery of her language. One of the Worrell’s servants was Greek, and he couldn’t understand her. The Worralls tried French, Spanish and German words but failed to raise a glimmer of recognition. Seeing her chance and concerned she was to be sent to a poor house as a foreign beggar Mary began to talk in an invented language. By chance there was a Portuguese sailor in the village and he claimed to understand her. Was he in with Mary on the ruse? We’ll never know but the sailor said she was from an island in the Far East and was indeed royalty and was called Princess Caraboo. This changed everything. Mary was instantly seen as someone who transcended the class system. Her story of having been captured by pirates and having jumped overboard and swam to the shoreline in the Severn Estuary suddenly seemed possible. No longer a pauper destined for the poor house or to be charged with vagrancy she was seen as an exotic celebrity for the Worralls and their neighbours to show off. Dressing her in new clothes and giving her the status of society princess the Worralls were soon the centre of what in 1817 passed for a media storm. She was taken to Bristol and Bath as a guest of society parties and held up as a novelty for her eccentric dress and behaviour. Newspapers wrote about Princess Caraboo’s every foible. Her desire to sleep on the floor, her ability with a bow and arrow and her extraordinary escape

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to England by swimming for hours in the sea. That is until the Bristol landlady Mrs Neale exposed her and the game was up. Or was it? Initially she was humiliated but soon the press had a new story: that of a workingclass girl who had duped the supposedly educated and worldly wise Worralls and their set. Mary had made a laughing-stock out the rigid social structure of the time. However, it didn’t help her socially – keen to be rid of her Mrs Worrall paid for her to take a passage to the United States. There she was met as the woman who had made fools of the English gentry and began her new role as a minor celebrity dressed as Princess Caraboo telling her story at theatres and halls. She returned to England in 1824 where she continued her new life entertaining audiences in London, Bristol and Bath, but the novelty soon faded and eventually she was married to a Richard Baker and gave birth to a daughter called Mary Ann in Bristol. Following the death of her husband she earned money by selling medical aids (including leaches) – a business her daughter continued. Mary died in 1864 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Bedminster’s Hebron Burial Ground. A fake princess yes, but in an age when the poor had few chances to escape their lot and for women in particular with no education or family wealth the choices were grim. Begging, prostitution, in service as a servant or the grind of work in the new factories springing up. Clearly Mary was naturally bright and perhaps in another age would have been an actress, a model or even a star of a virtual reality show on TV. But for the early 19th century she was someone who showed up the sham of a rigid class society and the evils of a world without a welfare state, an NHS or free state education. For more on the story there’s a comprehensive account and biopic of the affair in Jennifer Raison and Michael Goldie’s book The Servant Girl Princess Caraboo, plus The Curious Tale of Princess Caraboo, a historical novel by Catherine Johnson, that was published in 2015. And there’s a fanciful 1994 film version in which Mary falls in with a reporter called Gutch who rescues her once her cover is blown and they set off to America for a new life. And the stage has seen a musical of Mary’s life which ran at London’s Finborough Theatre in 2016 to more positive reviews. Clearly, if Mary had been alive today, she wouldn’t have ended up selling leaches in Bedminster but would have been a fixture on every chat show on TV.

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E-scooter trial extended as Voi is urged to extend range By Stephen Sumner , Local Democracy Reporter: All e-scooters could be legal on Bath’s roads by the time a controversial trial ends following another six-month extension. Bath and North East Somerset Council is still urging Voi to extend its operating area to cover the whole city to gather “meaningful data” on whether the vehicles are used instead of cars and not just walking and cycling. So far only users hiring their e-scooters from the firm long term – and those outside the West of England Combined Authority trial that are currently illegal on public land – have been able to see how they cope with Bath’s hills, with anecdotal reports they perform well. Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet assistant for planning and sustainable transport said: “We still don’t know if the hop-on, hop-off element of the trial can replace car journeys because the city centre trial was literally just walking distance. “As far as people are concerned it’s just replaced active travel, which

Voi scooters in the city centre

isn’t the way we wanted it to go. We still want to see if the on-street hire element can replace car journeys.” In November the council asked Voi to expand the operating zone to cover the whole area but Mr McCabe said “disappointingly” with the trial then due to end this month and usage dropping off “massively” in the winter, it did not want to make the investment. He said a city-wide zone could

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stop e-scooters being dumped at the border but expressed concern they would replace bus journeys, adding: “It’s not good timing to be undermining buses. “The government will legislate in the autumn. We’re expecting them to make private e-scooters legal and make on-street hire legal. “My wish is for the government to licence them like mopeds, so you need a helmet, a licence, insurance and maybe a registration on the e-scooter. Everyone is expecting them to legislate to classify them like bicycles, which means anywhere you see a bicycle you’ll see an e-scooter.” The exception is on towpaths, where the Canal and River Trust said e-scooters cannot be used except in controlled trials that do not include the one in the West of England. “People on illegal e-scooters are causing a lot of anger and resentment, especially with kids riding them on pavements,” said Mr McCabe, who admitted he had not tried riding one, preferring to stick with his e-bike. “That’s why the

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government needs to take a stronger line. We’ll see what they do in the autumn.” Revealing on BBC Radio Bristol that the trial would be extended until November, West of England metro mayor Dan Norris said: “It is important we get this right because e-scooters are hugely popular, particularly with younger people. “On the other hand, I get lots of reports about them being discarded and being trip hazards for people with visual impairments or hearing impairments because they sometimes can’t hear these scooters. “Parents and carers of people in wheelchairs find them restricting and there are some questions about safety, both in terms of whether they’re combustible, that they catch fire, and also about how people use them – do they drive them well on the roads? – and a range of people have very strong views about that.” He said the Department for Transport’s request to extend the trial was understandable.

Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Emma - 07886 629496.

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Planting, watering and digging in the hill top paradise at Lyncombe Hill

The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields have been given a helping hand by children from the Widcombe schools Last month 60 pupils from the Infant and Junior Schools from Widcombe arrived on two separate days with teachers, parents and with Zosia, the schools’ Outdoor Learning and Forest School Coordinator to help plant and bed in wild flowers. On each separate day, the children were divided into three groups of 20 and engaged in three different activities; planting, a tour of the fields and a game based on

snowdrops (planted by the infants in the Inner field along the school boundary) and bluebells (planted in the copse by the juniors). In the Friend’s newsletter it was reported: “These are such happy events. We’re working with Zosia to consider how we may further involve the children in the fields as they develop and as their plantings grow. Fresh air, exercise, learning and fun! The children love it and one of the teachers said that, once outside, many of the children are transformed. “We’d like to extend our thanks

to BathScape for their generous funding of the 300 Bluebells and 300 Snowdrops enhancing our fields.” The work of the Friends in turning the neglected fields from pasture lands to a wildlife area have started to see results. Nesting birds have been spotted using the bird boxes fixed to trees while the first spring flowers are appearing in the meadows. And looking ahead to the autumn the Friends have pencilled in a harvest festival on Sunday, September 18th, (the editor’s

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birthday by the way). They said: “We all had a great time last year so let’s have another celebration at summer’s end! “It’s a celebration and an appreciation of all your extraordinary contributions to Lyncombe Hill Fields. “It’s also an opportunity to meet those who we don’t often see, may not know and of course, it goes without saying, it wouldn’t be the same without your families being with us all. The more the merrier!” See the Friends website for details of how to volunteer.

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April 2022

n REVIEW

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Georgian Bath was smelly, dangerous and dirty - so unlike the friendly characters in the Jane Austen Centre By Harry Mottram: Like many people I’ve passed the Jane Austen Centre many times without having visited. Since I’m midway through the Jane Austen novel Northanger Abbey I decided to pop in one wet March afternoon to see if I could meet the great author. Sadly the writer of a string of classic novels had a day off but I did catch up with Jackie Herring who is Mrs Bennet to the visitors. “Catherine Moreland in

Northanger Abbey would have noticed that the traffic today is just as bad as it was in her day,” she said, “but the centre of Bath was also like a building site in Jane Austen’s time with speculative building go up everywhere. “It would also have been very dirty and dangerous with animals making a mess. That was one of the reasons why sedan chairs were used so the well heeled wealthy didn’t have to put their feet down in the muck or allow their dresses to pick up mud.” The former director of the Jane Austen Festival spends one day a week with her work husband Mr Bennet at the From left: Mr Darcy, Mrs and George Knightley at the Page Jane Austen Willow Gardeners 1 Bennet 11/09/2020 08:58 1 Centre centre following retirement andOct clearly20.qxp_Layout enjoys her role as the sufferer of money alone which for someone of as videos, exhibits, paintings and palpitations and agent for her my advanced age is £11.50. prints, ending up via the tea rooms in daughters’ marriage prospects. I mentioned I was reading the gift shop. Another character who enjoys Northanger Abbey. But not before meeting welcoming visitors - this time from the “It was a send up of popular Fitzwilliam Darcy who it is fair to say, it novel Emma - was my tour guide Gothic novels,” he exclaimed, is a truth universally acknowledged, George Knightley (Martin Williamson in “although it was written in 1803 it was that a single man in possession of real life). published after Jane’s death in 1817.” good looks and a good job at the His talk on the Austen family and the Following his talk I took in the Jane Austen Centre, must be in want various relatives is worth the ticket huge amount of information available of a wife.

01225 413 414

The Jane Austen Centre, Gay Street

Younger rookie planters took part in the greening of the Green

01225 413 414 www. will ow-gard ener s.co.uk

Planting trees and whips with Sally on Bloomfield Green Friends of Bloomfield Green plus a few rookie planters gathered on the green with Sally Crudge, B&NES Park’s number one tree planter last month to create a woodland area in Bear Flat’s park. Writing in the Friends’ newsletter Clyde Hunter reported: “The larger trees in pots are English Oaks, Common Birch and White Himalayan Birch, with those ten trees provided by the Forest of Avon Trust. “We decided to plant six of the larger trees to create the centre piece of a new woodland below the path to Linear Park, with the mature trees already there. “To enhance the woodland feel,

the Friends bought 140 whips. “All the trees were chosen to support habitats. “We also wanted to continue the line of mature trees as you enter the Green from Bloomfield Road, and used the remaining four of the Trust trees and a few whips for that.” The acting chairman of the Friends said the land is owned by the council having originally been purchased by Bath City Council in 1923. The Friends have announced a Gathering on the Green for Sunday 12 June - so mark you diaries for Bloomfield’s Fun Day come Village Fete.

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April 2022

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Advertising Feature

Children learn water safety skills and have fun in their pyjamas! Over 1250 children across Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and Wiltshire donned their pyjamas and took the plunge, taking part in local baby and child swim school, Puddle Ducks’ Pyjama Week. The event, run by Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath throughout February and March was lots of fun for everyone involved, but also taught the little swimmers and their families vital swimming techniques, especially how it would feel if they ever found themselves in water fully clothed. As the first Pyjama Week since before the pandemic, everyone was very excited to take part! It is often the favourite lesson for many little swimmers, and many teachers, with the fun exercises helping children to remember key skills for staying safe in the

water. Mum Jo commented: “Both Arlo and I loved pyjama week at Puddle Ducks and my son has already asked me if he can wear his pyjamas every week!” Wendy Hussey Puddle Ducks swimming teacher in North Somerset commented: “It is so important for children to learn about water safety and survival techniques in the water and our pyjama classes help children to experience how it feels to be

submerged in water fully clothed, and what actions they would take to reach safety.” Mum Julie commented: “Pyjama day was not only a really fun event but a highly valuable safety exercise in helping my daughter Astrid understand how it feels to move in the water with clothes on. She loved the feeling of jumping into the water in pyjamas and practised the vital skill of clinging onto the side of the pool.”

Puddle Ducks provides award winning swimming classes for children from birth to 10 years old. Teachers focus on creating a nurturing environment, which supports independent swimming for children of all abilities. For more information about Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath please call 0117 971 7165, email bristolandbath@puddleducks. com or visit puddleducks.com to find your local class.

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April 2022

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n NEWS

Cllrs Alison Born and Winston Duguid at the fork in Church Rod in Widcombe

End to stand-offs maybe in sight By Harry Mottram: Road rage, stand-offs and damage to parked cars could be a thing of the past once Church Street in Widcombe is closed to through traffic. One of Bath’s narrowest roads that connects Widcombe Hill with the A3063 has been a rat run for years. Church Street is also a short cut for parents on the school run and bottleneck for those driving to Prior Park and looking for somewhere to park along the even narrower Church Lane. Cllr Alison Born said the road had been plagued with problems due to its narrowness and motorists failing to give way to each other. She said there had been reports of tempers being lost as motorists ‘who have a problem with reversing’ would

not give way. Another issue was the number of incidents of parked cars being damaged with wing mirrors in particular being smashed. Now Church Street is being fast tracked to become a low traffic neighbourhood. Removable bollards will be placed near the church of St Thomas meaning emergency vehicles will still be able to gain access to the entire length of the road. Cllr Born said the bollards would help parking for church goers and make the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists - as well as those visiting Prior Park on foot. The scheme will be in place later this spring or early summer after further consultations with residents.

n SPORTS NEWS Continued from page 6 herald the start of their season at the Glasshouse Playing Fields on Saturday 7 May. The same day also sees Bath Cricket Club play at North Parade. Cricket 2: Somerset County Cricket. Many in Bath remain loyal to Somerset when the city was fully part of the county. The County Championship returns to a two-division structure with the opening seven rounds of the County Championship played from Thursday to Sunday on successive weeks during June and July with the final round in September. Somerset are in Division one and play Essex at home in Taunton on April 14th. In the Vitality Blast competition they play Essex Eagles on Sunday 29th May, while the Royal London Cup the fixtures are in August. Tennis: Bloomfield Tennis Club was founded in 1927 and is located at 98 Wellsway, Bath. The club welcomes new members. To join visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/

BloomfieldTennisClub Tennis 2: Bath Tennis Club is at Park Lane, Weston, and bills itself at a friendly club. The club has a number of membership categories ranging from pay as you go to full membership at £275 for the year. For details visit www.bathtc.co.uk Swimming: Bath Sports and Leisure Centre at North Parade features a 25 metre pool and a new teaching pool for beginners. Ice Hockey: The Bristol Pitbulls take on Oxford at the Planet Ice Rink at Cribbs Causeway on April 2 in the NIHL South Division 1 on April 2. They are at home again on April 9 when they play Milton Keynes. Away days include Invicta on April 3, and Streatham on April 10. Cycling: Bath Cycle Club have various Club Runs for all levels of fitness. New members welcome. Visit bathcc.net for details.

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

n PEOPLE

April 2022

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The 365 day a year sport on the Rec that you can play in your 90s They’ve been playing croquet on the Rec in Bath since the 1860s when there was a craze for the sport. Ball and mallet games date back centuries but in the mid 19th century the rules of croquet become formalised and the game flourished. The reasons were many but it was a sport women could play in long skirts without getting hot and sweaty and they could play men on even terms. Also lawns were kept in good condition and well trimmed with advent of hand pushed lawn mowers and rollers. And there was a growing fashion for croquet parties for the fashionable and wealthy. The middle classes and less wealthy took up the sport in public places like Bath’s Recreation Ground where anyone could play the sport. The current club at the Rec

Bath Croquet Club’s chairman Lynne Passfield, and right, the merry band of players. Ages range from teenagers to one in her 90s

dates to only 1976 when enthusiasts restored the sport which now has around 100 members. The club house is an attractive and modern home for the players complete with cuttings from previous decades, photos of past players from the 1920s and a prized cup dating back to the sport’s glory days. Lynne Passfield is the club’s Chairman and clearly loves hitting balls through hoops.

“My neighbour in Bristol was always nagging me to play, so when I retired as a primary school teacher I thought I’d have a go,” she said, “I love it here, I love the setting and when you are playing on a summer’s evening and the sun goes down over the Abbey in the distance it is such a wonderful place to be.” The sport has been dogged by the cliche of only being played on the lawns of rectories by genteel folk but in reality it is a fiercely

competitive and highly skilled sport. It is played across the country under the rules of The Croquet Association UK with Bath playing under the SW Federation pitched against teams from South Wales, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. This season (which lasts 12 months) will feature free taster sessions for those interested. The first one is on Saturday, April 23rd, details at https://www. bathcroquet.com/

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April 2022

n NEWS

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Hospital housing refused over workhouse chapel By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter. Another bid to build homes at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath has been thrown out on appeal amid ongoing concerns for a listed chapel. Colburn Homes hoped to address previous concerns about the lack of parking or tree planting and the “nondescript” design as it swapped the eight mooted townhouses for eight flats. The firm said its application “strikes the right balance between making best use of previously developed land whilst respecting the setting of heritage assets”. Nearby are the former Bath Workhouse and a chapel built by the inmates, both of which are grade II-listed. Nine residents objected and Bath Preservation Trust continued to oppose the development in principle. When Bath and North East Somerset Council rejected the scheme, Colburn Homes lodged an appeal. Planning inspector Nick Davies sided with the authority’s officers, saying: “The development would

make a valuable contribution to the council’s housing strategy, a matter that attracts significant weight. The apartments would be sustainably located, and would involve the efficient use of brownfield land. “The benefits would not outweigh the harm that would be The current chapel caused to the significance of the she said in November. heritage assets by the intrusive “I fully support calls to preserve development in their settings.” the site. I am writing to the He said the block of flats would prospective property developer and be much more prominent and intrusive than the existing structure, to NHS Properties. I expect them to find a way of working with the local and building a 17-space car park community to ensure that the site is would harm the tranquil character restored and preserved for future of the area. More than 1,100 residents of the generations. “I have launched a petition to Bath Workhouse are buried in save this important site that is of unmarked mass grave next to the special significance to Bath’s chapel. Bath MP Wera Hobhouse collective heritage. The history of has backed a campaign to protect our city’s working people is a vital the site from redevelopment after strand of our past and it must be B&NES Council listed the area as being land available and suitable for recognised and honoured.” More than 100 people have housing in an update to its Local signed her petition. Plan. Dr Jon Moon, a local resident “The stories of those buried at the Bath Workhouse Burial Ground who has been campaigning to save the grounds, said the workhouse must be remembered, and their final resting place left undisturbed,” was where those who built the city

The plans went when they fell on hard times. “These were the people who quarried the Bath Stone that the city crescents were built from. Here they faced a hard existence and after death were buried in unmarked communal graves, several bodies deep. Many of the descendants of the workhouse inmates buried at St Martin’s still live in Bath,” he said. “The consecrated burial ground needs to be kept as a local amenity green space open to the community. The listed, consecrated chapel, built by a workhouse inmate buried in the site, deserves to be restored, preserved and used. Its future could be as a community centre, museum and even a place for marriage. The chapel and burial ground must not be blighted by inappropriate property development.”

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24/08/2021 10:46

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April 2022

n WHAT’S ON Thu 31 Mar. Bath Rondo Theatre. Alistair Barrie and Burt Williamson. Double helping of stand-up comedy. Fri 1 Apr. Bath Comedy Festival. The Forum. April Fools Gala with Jess Robinson, Silky, Catherine Bohart, John Moloney and more. Fri 1 Apr. Bath Victoria Art Gallery. From Hogarth to Hodgkin - the best prints in the gallery’s collection. Continues to 4 May. Fri 1 Apr. Bath Victoria Art Gallery. Jean Rose: New Paintings and People, Parks and Plants. The 90+ artist continues to work to create new art. Continues to 5 May. Fri 1 Apr. Bath Rondo Theatre: Aidan Sadler: Tropicana. The show explores, bends and abuses the gender binary with a backdrop of electrifying 80s hits from Spandau Ballet to ABC Fri 1-Wed 20 Apr. Bath Comedy Festival. Held at a number of venues but mainly Widcombe Social Club and The Forum it features a mix of comedy including stand-up, sketch comedy, cabaret, kids’ shows, music, magic & mystery tours. Sat 2 Apr. Bath. St Stephen’s Church. The Cry of Jeremiah. Join Noctis Chamber Choir under the baton of James Millichap for a Passiontide concert featuring the seldom performed Cry of Jeremiah by Rosephanye Powell alongside music by MacMillan, Harris and Judith Weir. Sat 2 Apr. Bath Abbey. A Jubilee Celebration with Mr Handel. Bath Minerva Choir with three Coronation Anthems, including Zadok the Priest, his celebrated Hallelujah Chorus and the epic final chorus from Messiah, plus a selection of his most ravishing solo arias for female voice. Bristol Baroque provide stylish accompaniment, and two extraordinary soloists. Celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee. Sat 2 Apr. Bath Rondo Theatre: Warhol: Bullet Karma. A darkly witty take on the American pop art icon Andy Warhol and the woman who shot him, Valerie Solanas. Sat 2 Apr. Bath Komedia. Krater Comedy Club. With Rich Wilson, Jessie Nixon, Erika Ehler and Jojo Sutherland. Sat 2 Apr. Bath Chapel Arts. Rosalie Cunningham. The Queen of Psychedelic Prog and her band. Wed 6 Apr. Bath Mission Theatre. Done to Death by Jove. Comedy who done it.

There is rather an unusual event this spring at the ss Great Britain in Bristol when the ship will have some of the smells of its Victorian passengers. Calling itself ‘the smelliest museum’ visitors can sniff the rich scents of dark chocolate and brandy, the homely aroma of roast beef, and the pong of boiled cabbage. There’s no mention of the unwashed Victorians so you may be spared the whiff of BO.

Bath Light Operatic Group presents Evita the Musical 14th-23rd April 2022 at The Roper Theatre, Bath, BA2 3LA. Tickets available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/BATH Box Office 01225 863740 Thu-Sat 7-9 Apr. Bath Mission Theatre The Government Inspector. Bath Spa production of the drama by Nikolai Gogol. Fri 8 Apr. Bath Mission Theatre. White Chicks 2. Alex BertulisFernandes and Sharlin Jahan are two stand-ups who happen to be brown women. Sat 9 Apr. Bath Chapel Arts. Bootleg Beegees. Relive the music of Saturday Night Fever and get up and have a dance in your white suit. Sun10 Apr. Bath Fairfield House. Guided Tour. Also on Sun 24 Apr. The wartime home of Ethiopia’s Haile Selassie on Kelston Road. Tue-Thu. 12-14 Apr. Bath Ustinov Theatre. Hamelin. When a mysterious stranger comes to Hamelin, promising to solve the town’s troubles, will the townsfolk hold up their end of the bargain? Tue-Sat. 12-16 Apr. Bath Theatre Royal. Private Peaceful. Michael Morpurgo’s story of Tommo and his experiences of the First War as he awaits the dawn. Adapted by Simon Reade. Thu 14-Sat 23 Apr. Hayesfield School, Roper Theatre. Evita. Bath Light Opera Group present the story of Argentina’s first lady from the lyrics of Tim Rice and music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Wed-Thu 20-21 Apr. Bath Rondo Theatre. The Yellow Wallpaper. Adapted from the Charlotte Perkins Gilma novella about a terrifying story of mental illness, motherhood and marriage. Wed-Sun 20-24 Apr. Bath Theatre Royal. The Play That Goes Wrong. A Mischief Production by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. Thu 21 Apr. Bath Komedia. Life in Mono plus The Damsels. Life In Mono’s sound combines trashy guitars reminiscent of Placebo’s early records but with the darkness of Mazzy Star, lyrical sophistication of PJ Harvey and the dense, heavy backbone of Queens of the Stone Age. Thu 21 Apr. Chapel Arts. Amy

Duncan. Scottish artist Amy Duncan writes emotive songs, combining intimate vocals, guitar, electric upright bass, synths, and piano creating a folk-pop sound. Fri-Sat 22-23 Apr. Bath Rondo Theatre. This is the Land. The show explores the wild within us. Through quirky movement and dance, vocal-looping, atmospheric soundtrack, and five shapeshifting performers. Sunday 24 Apr - Bath Jewish Burial Ground Open Day. The burial ground is hidden away on Bradford Rd, Combe Down, at the entrance to the Mulberry Park estate. Find out about the lives of Bath’s Jewish community in the 19th and 20th centuries at our next Open Day. 11am-4pm free entry Fri 29 Apr. Bath Komedia. The Ministry of Burlesque. With Dusty Limits who is the host, Coco Deville, Aurora Starr, Rod Laver, Nicole Pearson and The Flaming Feathers a Cabaret Showgirl Dance troupe. Sat 30 Apr. Bath Ustinov Theatre. Lade Nade in Concert. Hot on the heels of her UK Americana Award nomination, Lady Nade soars into 2022 with her third album Willing.

Sat 30 Apr. Bath Chapel Arts. 20th Century Foxes Cabaret present Newley Discovered. Anthony Newley is the greatest British songwriter you never knew you knew. Sat 30 Apr. Bath Fairfield House. Table Tennis Tournament and family day. Fri 13-Sat 21 May. Bath Festival. The festival starts with a party in Queen Square and includes walking tours, comedy, music, talks, drama and book conversations. Sun 15 May. Bath Mission Theatre. Dean Friedman In Concert. Those of a certain age will recall his hit songs Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, McDonald’s Girl and more. Fri 3 Jun. Bath Racecourse. Meeting of horse races. Plus live music from James in the evening. Do you have an event you would like to be included in April’s edition. For commercial classes and regular sessions there is a small charge - email Erica at erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call her on 07402 441485. Or for cultural events such as classical concerts, community events, comedy drama, talks, walks and exhibitions email harryfmottram@gmail.com

Bath Light Opera are staging Evita at Hayesfield School this month with Grace Macdonald in the titular role and James Canning as Juan Domingo Perón

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April 2022

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n RIGHT TO REPLY In defence of Haile Selassie and his stay in Bath’s Fairfield House in the war A response to last month’s article by Harry Mottram describing the late Emperor of Ethiopia as a despot who ruthlessly suppressed opposition and demands for democracy at home, while abroad was hailed as a romantic hero fighting fascism. The article asked whether Bath should reconsider the legacy of Haile Selassie’s stay in the city during the war at Fairfield House. Here William Heath of Fairfield House puts the case for the defence. There’s far more to the story of HIM Haile Selassie I and his legacy to Bath than last month’s article suggests. LBJ said WW2 could have been prevented “had we listened to the Emperor of Ethiopia”. Churchill nicknamed him “Mr John Strong” for his anti-fascism. For Nelson Mandela meeting the anti-racist and anti-apartheid Haile Selassie was to “shake hands with history”, and JFK said no world figure was comparable in what he had achieved for his nation. No other Bath resident had such global influence. The people of

The Ethiopians celebrate the anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa walking from Bath Abbey to Fairfield House on 6 March 2022.

Bath welcomed him warmly, and he in turn was very generous to Bath. There are elderly still around today who remember the Ethiopian Royal refugees fondly. For fuller, more rounded accounts of the Emperor and his time in Bath we suggest authors such as Asfa-Wossen Asserate and Bath-based Keith Bowers. To Rastafari worldwide HIM is the Messiah, the one who releases the spiritual burden of the legacy of

over 400 years of being treated as less than fully human. Many Ethiopians and those in the African diaspora look to his achievements as a unifier. Known as “the Father of Africa”, HIM founded what became the African Union in 1963. The UK’s first Ethiopian Orthodox church - a tradition which predates Christianity in this country - was sanctified in the greenhouse at 2 Kelston Road in Newbridge.

HIM’s legacy gives Bath a portal to global culture, and unique chance to reset our problematic relationship with people of African descent. Let’s start by understanding his historic legacy properly. Let’s fix the roof of Fairfield House, the home he gifted us, and secure the future of HIM’s legacy. And come visit; there is so much to celebrate. • Fairfield House in Newbridge, Bath, former home of HIM Haile Selassie I Emperor of Ethiopia, will start opening to the public for pre-booked guided tours from April 2022. • Asfa-Wossen Asserate’s book King of Kings, and Keith Bowers’ book Imperial Exile are available on sale at Fairfield House and online. See https://www.fairfieldhousebath. co.uk/ for details. • Haile Selassie I, 1892-1975) was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Prior to his coronation, he was the Regent Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia from 1916. He was a member of the Solomonic dynasty which claims to trace lineage to Emperor Menelik I, supposedly the son of King Solomon and Makeda the Queen of Sheba.

Our Monthly Talks

WE ARE U3A IN BATH : JOIN US!

Monthly Talks are usually held on the first Thursday in the month and start at 10.30 a.m.. Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for non-members. If you join U3A in Bath at the meeting then your admission fee is refunded. Talks take place at: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU

About u3a in Bath There are over 450,000 of us in the UK and 1,300 in Bath. We are in “u3a in Bath” and our members are all retired or working part-time. We take part in a range of activities – from History to Languages, from Tennis to Country Walks. See the complete list of our 100-plus interest groups on our website - www.u3ainbath.org.uk

u3a in Bath Membership You can join the u3a in Bath by filling in an application form and sending it (with s.a.e) to Membership Officer, U3A in Bath, PO Box 4040, Bath, BA1 0EJ Application forms are on our website or phone 01225 318438. Membership is only £15 per year.

Upcoming Talks 7th April 2022

FROM BARROW TO BAGHDAD AND BACK AGAIN 5th May 2022 LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE 9th June 2022 DISCOVERING BATH AS A LANDSCAPE CITY

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7th July 2022 ZEPPELIN: SHIP OF DREAMS

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April 2022

interest (AER)

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April 2022

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n REVIEW

Bath’s newest venue opens with a play about questionable parenting

Review: . Four Minutes and Twelve Seconds, Burdall’s Yard, Bath There was a moment when I feared David was going to bring down from the loft some candid photographs of his wife Di from a romantic – sorry – saucy seventies type weekend – when he and his wife Di were young. Thankfully it didn’t happen but things turned rather darker in this family drama. James Fritz’s play Four Minutes and Twelve Seconds is about how a disputed sexual assault of Cara by David and Di’s son Jack (who never appears on stage) affects the families of those involved. And how the victim remains the victim despite all the excruciating behaviour of those in the know who should know better in how to deal with the violent rape. Bath’s Next Stage Theatre’s first production at Burdell’s Yard on the London Road is a theatrical success as they tackled Fritz’s household drama in which lies, blame and misguided parental motives produce conflicting emotions. The four-hander featured committed Hayley Fitton-Cook as conflicted and protective mum Di. She was excellent value as she battled with in-denial husband David in his Chelsea

shirt played with passion by Richard Matthews. His set piece speeches were some of the play’s highlights as were the acting of the younger cast members. Fin Hancorn as Nick – a friend of Cara and Jack – was very strong in his pub scene and was well cast by the director Ann Ellison – and Becca Jeffries as Cara was the believable victim in all of this. Damaged, angry, innocent and as so often in rape cases lacking any justice she conveyed everything a victim feels. Brilliant. We discover dads enjoy sharing saucy photos and videos in forums run by fans of Chelsea football fans - when I thought they talked about soccer, and we enter the twilight world of porn sites viewed late at night by adults. It’s a very 21st century play with very 21st century vices. But it’s also about how parents in their different ways protect their children – however misguided. The acting by the cast was the production’s strength as the set was the bare basics in the arched stone portals of Burdall’s Yard featuring just a few chairs and a table. Brian Howe’s sound implied a backdrop of emails, messages and social media updates which combined evocatively with Kris Nuttal’s lighting that dimmed and lightened the

Burdall’s Yard is on the London Road in Bath

stage well with swift changes of pace as the story unfolded. And it should be added with a play at 95 minutes straight through with no interval this was a master class of actors on top of their lines in a series of scenes that often had similar language. As the first ever drama to be staged in the one-time night club and

latter-day college resource centre Burdall’s Yard has entered a new era. And with this production the venue has essentially been Christened – and so raise a glass to Bath’s newest venue – but perhaps not to the way adults behave in Four Minutes and Twelve Seconds. Harry Mottram

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

A new approach to tackling drug dealing I AM delighted to tell you about a significant new approach that sees Avon and Somerset Police team up with partners across the South West to combine their operational powers in tackling cross-border drugs supply activities, known as Operation Scorpion. Coinciding with National County Lines Intensification Week, the aim of this activity was to send a strong message to criminals that the South West is #NoPlaceForDrugs. The five regional police services – Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire – alongside their respective PCCs, the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Crimestoppers, set aside regional boundaries just as criminals engaging in drugs activity do, to harness

their collective power and disrupt the South West drugs market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from them. The forces used a range of tactics, including enhanced surveillance of the road and transport networks, increased high-visibility patrols in areas of high demand, carrying out warrants at addresses used for drug dealing and welfare checks on vulnerable people. As a result, a number of successful results were achieved in our force area, including 64 arrests and 17 warrants executed. Five known county lines were disrupted and at least 41 weapon sweeps took place, along with 178 visits to vulnerable people’s addresses. The results from this collective action speak for themselves and highlights what can be achieved

when a borderless approach to drugs enforcement is taken. By coming together collectively in this way, we can send a strong message to criminals and those who exploit young and vulnerable people in Avon and Somerset that the South West is no place for drugs. In other news, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Hiscott as my Deputy PCC to support me and my office in ensuring Avon and Somerset Police is an effective, efficient and legitimate police service. Claire was a councillor for eight years in the Horfield Ward area, a cabinet member for education and skills, and an area chairman for Bristol and Gloucestershire Conservatives. With the recent publication of my Police and Crime Plan, work is well underway in delivering against my priorities and

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

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford objectives. I know Claire has a particular interest in violence against women and girls as well as disproportionality, and I look forward to her supporting me in these workstreams. Claire will also support me on engagement days, meeting with local people, partners and organisations to find out how we can support them and address their police and crime concerns.

bathvoice

April 2022

n NEWS IN BRIEF Running delayed: The Bath Half Marathon has been put back from 29 May to 16 October 2022 due to disruption caused by the Covid crisis. The organisers said that the loss of some contractors and suppliers, and issues arising from the Cleveland Bridge closure, had a cumulative impact on Running High Events Limited of Walcot Street led by director Andrew Taylor who stages the event. Yellow box: The Council are applying to the Government for powers to enforce moving traffic offences, such as the violation of yellow box junctions, banned turns and driving in formal cycle lanes to help make roads safer and tackle congestion - although speeding is excluded. The Department for Transport have to be convinced by the Council that enforcement rather than an engineering solution will benefit road users. Of course in London enforcement will also include fines and penalty points for transgressing the rules. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will be used to catch motorists with these hotspots suggested by the Council for implementing the system: Charles

St/Monmouth Street, Bath - yellow box and banned turn; George Street/ Gay Street, Bath –banned turn; Brook Road, Bath – commercial vehicle weight restriction; Newbridge Road/ Newbridge Hill, Bath – banned turn; High Street/Bath Hill/Temple Street, Keynsham – banned right turn. Residents have until midday on Monday 11 April to comment on the proposals. Fringe date: Bath Fringe 2022 will take place from May 27-June 12. To take part email wendy@bathfringe. co.uk. For details visit the website www.bathfringe.co.uk Tufa Field: The controversy over the on off plans to build on Tufa Field off Englishcombe Lane is back on following a meeting between council officials and residents who have objected to the plans. The issue is so sensitive to the Council that in a press release they did not even mention the Tufa Field but instead refer to its land to the rear of 89-123 Englishcombe Lane, which has planning consent for 37 homes. Following a campaign by locals the plans for a larger development were scratched after the ousting of Cllr Romero by Cllr Guy as council leader, but since his rise to power a smaller development has been put

The Tufa Field has been the subject of a campaign to retain the green space Residents were told the new plans forward. In a statement the council would maintain a buffer zone to said: “Options for a significantly support wildlife and to use permeable smaller scheme which balances the paving to prevent run off from rain need for community housing with protecting the ecology of the site are water due to concerns over land slippage in the past. currently undergoing initial The issue is part of a wider 21st investigations. century problem of a shortage of “Over the next few months the affordable homes in the city which council will assess the possible plays against the desire to retain options, before consulting with green spaces or corridors in Bath. residents and partners once a proposal, which would help meet the Swimming: The Cleveland Pools Trust plan to open the lido this summer in district’s housing needs, whilst time for a dip in the sunshine. A grant avoiding disturbance of the ecologically significant tufa, has been and a fundraising effort means the work should be completed on time. reached.”

Get ready to experience hundreds of sights, sounds and smells at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, with brand new scents to discover on board this Easter. Plan your voyage at ssgreatbritain.org/easter

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April 2022

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n PUZZLES FOR ALL

The FIEND

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Can you help the chick find his friend?

6 9

7 6

3 4 9 2

1 3 5 6 4

7 1

7 8

10 11

Easier sudoku Solution

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Theme: Animals 2

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1 5

Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Across 2 262537 (6) 5 23278 (5) 6 75684 (5) 8 6936 (4) 10 277 (3) 11 3764 (4)

Down 1 262 (3) 2 2426647 (7) 3 228 (3) 4 376463 (6) 6 7325 (4) 7 4663 (4) 9 624 (3)

4 2 1 3

All aspect of Joinery undertaken, free quotations, many years of experience in: • Windows • Doors • Staircases • Furniture • Carpentry Services • All Bespoke Joinery T: 0117 9860062 E: sales@applejoinery.co.uk www.applejoinery.co.uk Unit 1 & 2 Lays Farm Trading Estate, Charlton Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2SE

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April 2022

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n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction

in 1929 so some of the language and themes are a bit dated but the characters are great. I will definitely look out for more in the series that feature Albert Campion.

The Crime at Black Dudley – Margaret Allingham Margaret Allingham is one of the great crime authors of the 1930’s, with the likes of Agatha Christie and Dorthey L Sayers. This is the first book that introduces the elusive and at times idiotic Albert Campion. However the main protagonist in this story is the eminent pathologist Dr George Abbershaw. He is invited to a house party at Black Dudley and during an after-dinner game a terrible murder is committed. To add to his worries the rest of the house guests are then imprisoned in the house until a valuable piece of information is retrieved by a dangerous gang. There is jeopardy and a hint of romance but also a “rollicking” good read. This book was written

Billy Summers – Stephen King I am a great fan of Stephen King novels, and this is his latest. Billy Summers is a contract killer, an ex-marine, who is employed for what looks like a standard job and he is certain that this will be his last job. The target is truly a bad guy and Billy is one of the best snipers in the world. He is a Houdini when the job is done and at the moment retiring looks a great option. Everything is planned and there is a great cover story while he waits for the target. So, what could possibly go wrong? Stephen King is on top form here.

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He is a great storyteller, especially in homage to small-town America – you can smell the doughnuts off the page. It also features a compelling double act and a complex hero. Is this Billy’s last shot at redemption? A great read.

Adult Non-Fiction Bird Sense - Tim Birkhead Are you an avian aficionado, whiling away the weekends twitching. Perhaps you enjoy perching on a bench in the park, enjoying the Spring sunshine, watching the birds dart and play, entranced by the cacophony of feathers and colour and song - maybe you’ve wondered how that breadcrumb tastes to the robin? Or how the nightingale composes such a beautiful song? Etc. Well, ponder no more, Tim Burkhead’s beautiful love letter to our feathered friends gets us inside the head of Birds. Showing us that there is a lot more happening in there than there first appears. This book is guaranteed to change the way you respect that duck right before you feed it.

Children’s Picture Books No! said Rabbit – Marjoke Henrichs A rabbit tale for Easter which is also part of the BookTrust Storytime – so with this book look out for stickers and activities! Rabbit is definitely happy doing his own thing – “Rabbit time to get dressed says Mum” – No says Rabbit!! Time for breakfast; time for welly boots; time for a trip to the park and time for a bath after that muddy trip to the park. You can guess his reply!! That is until Mum makes a wonderful suggestion and one that he simply cannot resist.

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

A charming tale! Car, Car, truck, Jeep - Katrina Chapman, Nick Sharratt, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant This lovely book, with bright and bold illustrations proposes to your little one (probably best for 1-2 years old) to discover the exciting, different transports around us helicopter, bus, motorcycle, lorry etc. If you feel in the singing mood you’re suppose to be able to sing the lines on the tune of “Baa, baa, black sheep”. I had not so much success myself in doing so, but don’t worry you can find a recording of the book song on the Bloomsbury website (link displayed on the back cover). Lots of fun hours helping your little one to familiarise with the world of transports. Beep, Beep!

Library News Always remember the two super free apps: Libby and BorrowBox where you can download newspapers, magazines and audio books all with the use of your library card. The Bath and North East Somerset ‘Virtual Library’ is offering something for everyone. We are sharing facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, Storytime and crafts for children in the mornings and information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon. Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ bathneslibraries1, Instagram www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries , and Twitter www.twitter.com/ BathnesL

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.

April 2022

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nLOCAL SERVICES AERIALS

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n NEWS IN BRIEF Scouting: The 31st Bath (St Barnabas) Scout Group, based in Southdown, are looking for new volunteers, no previous experience is needed and you get to gain new skills for yourself as well as to help young people grow and learn skills. For details see their Facebook site. Meeting: WhitewayFC would like to invite everyone from the Whiteway and Twerton Community to come and attend their Community meeting to be held on the 11th of April at 7pm at Southdown Methodist Church Ukraine appeal: Cllr Dine Romero said: “Working with Bath Welcomes Refugees, we think that the effective on-the-ground support is best provided by established organisations, such as the Red Cross, who are experienced in working in such situations. Initially there are likely to be enough supplies more easily accessible in Poland and surrounding countries, rather than being brought from the UK. “Needs will become clearer as more people leave Ukraine and move to different areas. “So, please, donate what you can to the British Red Cross , which has launched an emergency appeal to help Ukraine, as has UNICEF. Both charities will be updating their web pages with news on the work their teams are doing, and how support will be used to help people. You can also donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee.” Judo history: The Museum of East Asian Art is running an exhibition from 14 may to 17 July on the cultural history of judo. The exhibition features material from the most significant judo archival collection in the UK, which is now housed at the University of Bath. The collection was assembled by Richard Bowen (1926-2005), who represented Great Britain at the first World Judo Championships in Japan. The valuable photographs, rare books, old posters and other important documents illustrate the history of judo in the UK as well as provide fascinating insights into Anglo-Japanese relations, the role of gender in sport and the popularity of judo around the world. One good piece of news is that the International Judo Federation has announced the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation. Bath babies: In 2021 4,100 babies were born in the Bath Birthing Centre with another 126 born at home with 37 home births with no midwife due to the speed of the birth. 205 babies in the NHS Trust area were water births while there were more boys than girls 2308 boys and 2217 girls. Other facts given by the RUH Bath were that there were 69 sets of twins. The lightest baby was just 1lb 12oz while the largest was 11lb and 15 oz. Tuesdays in 2021 were the busiest days with 22 babies born in one 24 hour period in October while surprisingly Saturday seems to be the quietest day for giving birth in Bath. The majority of births were natural but there were over 1,500 caesarean births and 604 instrumental births with forceps or ventouse. And it is heartening to know that 85.4% of new mothers chose to breast feed their newborn.

ai164822184840_BathVoice-

May Open Event FP.pdf

25/03/2022

15:24

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April 2022

START YOUR JOURNEY

SCAN ME

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Your phone camera on your smartphone will recognise this QR code.

OPEN EVENING

WED 4 MAY TH

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Pre-register on our website

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