InBathJanFeb2020

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Join Jon Richardson, Omid Djalili, Count Arthur Strong, Lucy Porter and Angela Barnes for a one-off night of fun in Slapstick Rolling Funder at The Forum, Bath on January 22nd.

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What's On|Josie Long Healthy eating|Valentines|Burns Night Music|Will Johns Dr Rangan Chatterjee Health and Fitness Property|Best new builds for 2020 and much more

@InBath Inbathmag

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contents jan/feb

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january february

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for Arthur Strong, Lucy Porter and Angela Barnes Join Jon Richardson, Omid Djalili, Count Funder at The Forum, Bath on January 22nd. a one-off night of fun in Slapstick Rolling

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What's On|Josie Long Healthy eating|Valentines|Burns Night Music|Will Johns Dr Rangan Chatterjee Health and Fitness Property|Best new builds for 2020 and much more

what's on

food and drink

The new year brings with it some fantastic shows and events in Bath. We highlight everything from comedy to music, exhibitions to festivals within our what's on section.

We get the latest from our fantastic museums and galleries, as well as speak to Josie Long as she brings her 'Tender' show to Komedia.

Finally, there are two competitions from Theatre Royal Bath to win.

If you've given your stomach enough time to digest the festive fayre, then you will be glad to hear that this issue sees some more fantastic gastronomic events that will tempt your tastebuds.

Along with the likes of Valentine's and Burn's Night on the horizon, we take a look at eating healthier, with a focus on plant-based foods and how a 'good gut' can play a major role in all round health.

music

health and wellbeing

property

Our music section continues to take a look at the best live music happening around the city.

The start of a new year offers up an opportunity to reflect on the year just passed and focus on the year ahead.

Along with details of Michael Buble's exciting concnert at the Royal Crescent in July, we speak to Eric Clapton's nephew, Will Johns about touring and being part of a very miusical family.

We take a look at Health and Wellbeing, asking local experts to give us their tips and advice on how to make 2020 a year for positive change. We also take a look at wellbeing with Dr Ragan Chatterjee, who talks about his new book.

The new year is an opportunity to take stock of all aspects of your life, and your home should be no different. With some of the issues that may have held that 'dream' move back now resolved, we take a look at some of the areas best new developments to give you a feel of where your future may lie in 2020. Plus, we speak to some of the cities respected voices to hear what their predictions are for the housing market.

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inbath InBath is published by CVM Publishing Ltd M: 07966 041054 Twitter: @InBath Instagram: inbathmag Editors: Craig & Victoria Maplesden

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Max & Ivan

Slapstick Rolling Funder

what's on now - 12 Jan Beauty & The Beast Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk One of the most popular fairy tales of all, Beauty & The Beast is the story of Belle who finds herself imprisoned in an enchanted castle by a prince who has been transformed into a hideous beast by an evil sorceress.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

now - 2 Feb Snow Mouse The Egg www.theatreroyal.org.uk Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

14 - 18 Jan Ghost Stories Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk See the international stage phenomenon, direct from the West End, in its first ever UK Tour.

After exhilarating audiences across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s worldwide cult phenomenon Ghost Stories will thrill Bath for the first time ever, after storming the West End. Times and prices vary, see website for details.

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19 Jan The Circus of Horrors Bath Pavilion www.bettervenues.org.uk The new Circus of Horrors show will be an immersive celebration of it's astounding 25 years. It will include an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape, a show that will have you sat on the edge of your seat when not falling off it with laughter.

Whether a Rock fan or theatre goer The Circus of Horrors has something for everyone.

Time: 7pm Prices: Front Rows £27, Mid Rows £24 Back Rows £20 20 - 25 Jan God of Carnage Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, this ruthlessly comic study of middle class parenting by the author of Art is one of the most successful plays ever in the history of the West End.

Following an acclaimed run as part of the Theatre Royal’s Summer Season 2018, God of Carnage returns to Bath prior to a West End run. Elizabeth McGovern, fresh from starring in the celebrated Downton Abbey film, reprises her dazzling performance as Veronica, with Nigel Lindsay back as her bluff husband, Michael. Samantha Spiro plays Annette and Simon Paisley Day is Alan.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

Tony Law 22 Jan Slapstick Rolling Funder The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Featuring an extraordinary line up of the UK’s finest stand up comedians including actor and comedian Omid Djalili, 8 out of 10 Cats star and stand-up legend Jon Richardson and writer and actor Count Arthur Strong. Stand-up stars Lucy Porter and Angela Barnes (Mock the Week and The News Quiz) complete the bill of this for one night only - night of classic stand up. This is sure to be the comedy event not to be missed!

Time: 7.30pm Prices: £22.50 / £26.50 (+ Booking Fees) 22 Jan Max & Ivan: Commitment Komedia www.komedia.co.uk Say ‘I do’ to the triumphant return of Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominees Max & Ivan, as seen in BBC One’s W1A and heard on BBC Radio 4’s The Casebook of Max & Ivan.

Commitment is the TRUE STORY of the unreasonable lengths one best man (Max) will go to give one groom (Ivan) the greatest weekend of his life. It’s a show about dreaming big, growing up, and trying – but ultimately very much failing – to make it in the band.

Time: 8pm Prices: Advanced Price: £14.00 Concession : £13.00 24 Jan Tony Law Komedia www.komedia.co.uk Multi award winning comedian Tony Law – identifies as a Hominid.

Homo Sapiens, Neanderthal, IndoEuropean horse tribesman, an Englishman a Canadian a norn iron man

Jennifer Saunders and a Trinidadian and a Tobagonian. A dog, a dog owner, owned by a dog a surrealist an absurdist and an artist who is comedy of person.

Time: 7.30pm Prices: £ 10.00 26 - 29 Jan Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet The Nutcracker Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk This spectacular new version of The Nutcracker, with stunning baroque designs, is a delightfully festive tale and the perfect treat for the whole family.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

31 Jan - 1 Feb Richard Alston Dance Company Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk The final tour of Richard Alston Dance Company, which closes in Spring 2020, brings a defiantly upbeat programme.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

31 Jan - 2 Feb In Cider Festival Komedia www.komedia.co.uk In Cider bridges the gap between summer festival seasons – banishing the winter blues through a winning combination of live music, Bluecoat entertainment, catered accommodation and the friendliest festival crowd on the planet!

Times and prices vary, please see website for details 4 - 8 Feb Jennifer Saunders in Blithe Spirit Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Jennifer Saunders reprises her gleefully

Dial M for Murder funny performance as the eccentric clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, which delighted both critics and audiences when the production opened in Theatre Royal Bath’s 2019 Summer Season. With a distinguished creative team who have won a plethora of awards between them, this is a Blithe Spirt full of sparkling and spirit-lifting hijinks.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

7 Feb The Thinking Drinkers: Heroes of Hooch Komedia www.komedia.co.uk Enjoy five free drinks as the awardwinning experts reveal how alcohol has inspired pioneering explorers, politicians and painters in equal measure, from Plato and Picasso, to Nelson, Napoleon and Norm from Cheers.

Times: 8pm Prices: £27 Meal Deal, £16 Auditorium, £10 Student 9 Feb Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Join Hugh Jackman and Zach Efron, Marching to the Beat We Drum with a screening of The Greatest Showman.

A live host will warm up your voices, teach you some iconic dance moves and show you how to use your interactive prop bags. Then sit back, enjoy the film and sing along with the on screen lyrics.

Time: 2pm Prices vary, see webiste for details 9 Feb Sing-A-Long-A Bohemian Rhapsody Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Celebrate Queen, their music, and the

extraordinary Freddie Mercury with the award-winning Bohemian Rhapsody.

A live host will warm up your voices, teach you some iconic dance moves and show you how to use your interactive prop bags. Then sit back, enjoy the film and sing along with the on screen lyrics.

Time: 7pm Prices vary, see webiste for details 11 - 15 Feb Dial M For Murder Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Tom Chambers stars as the charismatic and manipulative Tony Wendice, a jaded ex-tennis pro who has given it all up for his wife Margot (played by Sally Bretton).

When he discovers she has been unfaithful his mind turns to revenge and the pursuit of the ‘perfect crime’.

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

13 Feb Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush Komedia www.komedia.co.ukCloudbusting can’t wait to whip up a storm of love for Kate’s music once again in 2020, their new show featuring all the hits you’d expect.

Time: 7pm Prices vary, please see website for details 16 Feb Clare Teal and her BIG Mini BIG BAND Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Award winning jazz vocalist and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal and her BIG Mini Big Band celebrate 100 years of pop music featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British Song books and by contemporary writers creating the standards of today.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see website for details

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what's on UB40

Josie Long: Tender

Patti Smith

Scouting for Girls

18 - 23 Feb Six Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Think you know the rhyme, think again… Divorced. Beheaded.

LIVE! Nominated for 5 Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, the sell-out London smash hit ‘SIX’ is the phenomenon everyone is losing their head over!

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

20 Feb Josie Long: Tender Komedia www.komedia.co.uk Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and very-hardto-pin-down-indie-underdog-nightmare Josie Long is back with a brand new show after a brief hiatus, during which she had a baby and so on.

Time: 8pm Prices vary, see website for details 21 - 22 Feb 'A New Decade' Sue Hill Dance 2020 The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Presenting 'A New Decade', Sue Hill Dance 2020. Musical theatre to ballet, tap to contemporary this exciting showcase featuring over 500 performers has something for everyone.

Times vary.

Prices £12.00 / £15.00 / £18.00 (+ Booking Fees) 24 - 29 Feb The Cat and The Canary Theatre Royal Bath www.theatreroyal.org.uk Twenty years after the death of a rich eccentric, his descendants gather at his remote mansion to learn who will inherit his vast fortune and hidden jewels. At midnight on a dark and stormy night, the old family lawyer opens the will.

The Bath Festival Friday 15th - Sunday 24th May 2020 There’s plenty for music lovers to look forward to as The Bath Festival reveals its line-up for 2020, whether your taste is for chart-toppers McFly, the Queen of punk Patti Smith or the sublime string quartets of Beethoven. Tickets are selling well for a diverse selection of events, which begins in March with a series of concerts as part of the global celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven.

There will be a further three Beethoven concerts as part of the main Bath Festival, which runs from Friday 15 May to Sunday 24 May. Closing the festival in style is the Finale Weekend on Bath Recreation Ground, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May. Headlining Saturday are McFly, supported by Scouting for Girls, while British reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro headline on Sunday, supported by Billy Ocean, whose many hits include Caribbean Queen and Red Light Spells Danger. More acts will be announced shortly.

Patti Smith will be bringing her band to Bath on Friday 22 May. This is rare 2020 UK appearance for the legendary American singer-songwriter, who is also celebrated for her work as a poet, photographer and activist. The Bath Festival has teamed up with The Forum to stage this concert.

Rachel Parris

The heir is named with the stipulation that they can only inherit if proved to be of sound mind – but spending the night in this terrifying place is enough to turn anyone insane…

Times and prices vary, see website for details.

25 Feb Jane Godley's Soup Pot Tour Komedia www.komedia.co.uk So, tell all the Sandra’s, Big Frank and all the lassies fresh from Zumba to grab the soup pot and get ready for the “Queen of Scottish Comedy” coming to a town near you!

Live voice over’s and stand up like you’ve never seen before.

Check out some hilarious patter from Big Tereeza in Torremolinos, Boris and his bawjaws and see Nicola up on the big screen with all the latest patter.

Time: 7.30pm Prices: £26.50 Meal Deal/ £15.50 Advance Price

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British comedian Rachel Parris, star of The Mash Report, is bringing a new show to Komedia Bath on Sunday 17 May, featuring stand-up and songs about love, relationships, kids and the state of society.

American singer-songwriter John Grant will be bringing his stripped-back live show to The Forum on Saturday 16 May, when he will be playing songs from his celebrated career.

Tickets are available from: www.thebathfestival.org.uk , 01225 463362 or Bath Box Office, 2 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN. The full Bath Festival 2020 line-up will be unveiled in February.

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what's on

Acclaimed comedy duo Max & Ivan bring their new show to Komedia Berk’s Nest in association with Dawn Sedgwick Management are delighted to announce that critically acclaimed, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated duo Max & Ivan have added a Bath date to their UK tour of hit show Commitment. This is the duo’s first fully autobiographical show, directed by triple Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Kieran Hodgson, and comes in the wake of rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and a sold out run at the Soho Theatre, Commitment is the true story of how Max, as Ivan’s Best Man, attempted to reunite Ivan’s teenage band (Voodoo 7:2, the premier ‘art rock post-punk funk’ group in mid-noughties Liverpool), for one final gig. It’s a show about dreaming big, growing up, and trying - but ultimately very much failing - to make it in the band.

Max and Ivan said previously: "This is our favourite show yet! It's all about our reallife friendship - one we intend to test to its very limits, via a series of gruelling drives and ill-advised service-station dinners as we traverse the UK." Max & Ivan created, wrote and starred in BBC Radio 4 sitcom The Casebook of Max & Ivan, which has attracted guest stars including Matt Lucas, June Whitfield, Reece Shearsmith and Jessica Hynes.

They also created a Comedy Blap for Channel 4 based on their hit live show The Reunion, and appear in BBC Two’s acclaimed comedy W1A as Ben and Jerry. Other individual credits include Blandings, Drifters and Peep Show (Max) and The Mimic, Drunk Histories and Bleak House Guest (Ivan). Along with Graham Dickson they co-founded The Free Association, London’s premier improv school.

Tickets for Max & Ivan’s 'Commitment’ show at Komedia, on 22nd January, are available from www.komedia.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01225 489070

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Sign up to join the phenomenal Dorothy House runners at this years Bath Half Marathon The Bath Half Marathon 2020 takes place on Sunday 15 March 2020 and is the most popular city centre road event in the UK.

will also be a cheering squad along the route to support their amazing runners along those 13.1 miles.

Dorothy House has 100 Silver Bond places in the Bath Half Marathon, which are available on a first come, first served basis. Sign up today at teamdotty.org before the deadline of Friday 7th February or before they sell out! They ask for a payment of £37 for the place and a guarantee that you will be able to raise £200 or more for Dorothy House.

If you have already bought your own independent place through Running High they’d love to have you on the team too!

These legendary runners have raised an absolutely phenomenal £727,000 for the charity and everyone at Dorothy House is so proud of every single person who’s been part of the team.

Once you’ve joined Team Dotty they’ll send you a fabulous running vest or T-shirt, sponsor forms and Running Handbook full of info and tips to maximise your fundraising and enjoyment of the day.

The charity will also have a marquee in the runner’s village on the day to welcome Team Dotty runners before and after the race. They will have refreshments, lots of cake and the ever-popular free leg massages! There

Dorothy House Hospice Care has had charity places in the Bath Half Marathon since 2002. Over the past 18 years they’ve had 2,231 amazing runners taking part for Team Dotty.

These legendary runners have raised an absolutely phenomenal £727,000 for the charity and everyone at Dorothy House is so proud of every single person who’s been part of the team.

For further details and to sign up please visit www.teamdotty.org

CONTACT US NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE

what's on

More outstanding exhibitions and family events on offer to kick start 2020 at The Edge The Edge is home to the Andrew Brownsword Gallery, theatres, music and art studios, plus a lively café/bar – a destination that promotes the art in science and the science in art – open to all

Mariner: A painted ship upon a painted ocean

An exhibition curated by Dr Sarah Chapman, Angela Cockayne, Philip Hoare Preview: Thu 23 Jan, Fri 24 Jan – Sat 21 Mar Tue – Sat 11am-5pm An epic maritime poem is the inspiration for a major exhibition of international art in Bath.

Image: Hero Mariner - Zubenelgenubi The Price to be Paid, a film by Serena Korda

The Andrew Brownsword Gallery at The Edge is pleased to present this important exhibition featuring 14 artists’ works that consider the contemporary resonance of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 – 1834) - one of the most influential poems in the English language.

The exhibition showcases a series of new commissions and artworks including: Zubenelgenubi a film by Serena Korda; a bespoke installation by Mary Evans, which draws on historical artefacts held at The Holburne Museum, Bath; sculptural works

by Grace Schwindt; a multi-sensory presentation of Raft of the Medusa by Lucy & Jorge Orta and special contributions from Ellen Gallagher & Edgar Cleijne and Linder Sterling. Featured alongside are selected artworks by Nicola Bealing, Justin Brice Guariglia, Vija Celmins, Angela Cockayne, Naomi Frears, Nadav Kander, Joe Lyward and Richard Wentworth

Fniky Takeover

Free drop-in workshops Sat 8 & 22 Feb, 7 & 21 Mar 11am-2pm, FREE Perfect for 4-12 year olds, drop in and enjoy fun, free and informal workshops at The Edge. Get creative with special themes and craft activities inspired by our current exhibition, Mariner.

Interactive Storytelling A Seafaring Adventure

Thu 20 Feb 9am / 10.15am / 11.30am / 1.30pm 45 mins, £3 Create an imaginary world with Theatre Practitioner, Actor and Creative Learning specialist, Lizzie Cummins. The session will begin by visiting the Mariner exhibition to inspire narratives, sparking ideas which awaken your inner storyteller.

The Edge

University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY Box Office: 01225 386777 www.edgearts.org @EdgeArtsBath

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The 31st Bath Decorative Antiques Fair 6-8 March 2020

After more than 30 successful years at The Pavilion, Bath Decorative Antiques Fair still occupies a premier position in the decorative antiques trade – a regional event which enjoys an international audience, and a unique atmosphere, almost clublike, amongst its many loyal exhibitors and clients. The queue on opening day is legendary – spreading all the way up to the main road from the front of the building, studded with stars of the antiques trade firmament who start lining up hours before the doors open – in all weathers!

Positioned at the beginning of the Spring season, Bath Decorative Antiques Fair 2020 celebrates Garden as Gallery as the theme for 2020. Around 45 exhibitors will show antiques and art with a garden theme to adorn the home and garden when they convene in the Georgian City of Bath to reveal stock saved for this cherished unique event.

Making a debut for 2020 will be Joseph Berry Interiors, Surrey, bringing a youthful, contemporary twist on the antiques and interiors market. Portico Antiques & Interiors, Sussex, dealing in C18th-C19th Continental decorative furniture and mirrors, S.Paege & Marina Adinolfi, London dealing in antique luggage, prints and natural history items, Thomas Spencer Fine Art, C20th to contemporary art and The Antique Chair and Sofa Company,Oxfordshire, specialists in Napoleon II chairs and daybeds.

A stand at the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is eagerly sought by the decorative trade and the majority of exhibitors are returnees who have exhibited year on year. Returnees include La Place Antiques, No 21 Lewes, Simon Wharton Antiques, Appledore Antiques, Granta Fine Art, The French Collection, Cherrie & Michael Todd, Cunningham & White, DJ Green Antiques, Elham Antiques, Hiscock & Shepherd, King George Antiques, Linda North Antiques, Mark Stacey Antiques, The Swedish Room, Scandinavian by Design and Guy Dennler Antiques.

Venue: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath, BA2 4EU Opening Times: Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March: 11am – 5pm Admission: £5.00.

Instagram: @bathdecfair Pinterest: BathDecFair

La Place Antiques – KenziPhotographer.com

The Pavilion, Bath BA2 4EU 6-8 March 2020 11am - 5pm

Trade Preview Thursday 5 March 12 pm – 5 pm Enquiries : 01278 784912 www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk Complimentary Tickets: bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk

komedia interview

it, whereas before I became a parent I didn’t really appreciate the ocean of time I was swimming in!

Can you remember any of the advice you were given before becoming a new mum? If so, was any of it beneficial?

“Sleep when the baby sleeps” is the main one that honestly is the most ridiculous.

For about 6 months my baby would only sleep in motion or on a person. Also like, when do you eat?! Or wash?!

I understand you had an ongoing disagreement with a period/fertility app during your pregnancy. Is this tour also a bit of a self-help for couples thinking about/going through a pregnancy?

Oh absolutely. With this show I wanted to do two things- share the experiences of pregnancy and birth with people who either didn’t want to do it or couldn’t do it, and also to try and come out and be positive about things that otherwise you only hear horror stories about- to say that birth especially doesn’t have to be the nightmare people like to frighten you with.

Is it easier to come up with tour names than baby names?

Yes!! And also if you f*** up a show name you only really have to live with it for a year, whereas we have given my daughter a name which we now realise we are mispronouncing. Good luck with that at school darling!

Josie Long: Tender Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and very hard to pin down indie-underdog-nightmare Josie Long is back with a new show for the first time in five years. It's about the mind-bending intensity of new motherhood, but mostly about kindness, gentleness, and joy. Josie speaks to Craig Maplesden ahead of her Komedia show on Thursday 20th February.

Many thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat to me.

You are coming to Komedia with your ’Tender’ tour. What is the show about and what can we expect?

It’s about this- how do you bring someone into the world when everyone around you is telling you it’s the end of the world? But you can expect a lot of silliness, and joy... it’s a lot less serious than that sounds!

You are brutally honest about the reality of childbirth and motherhood. Why do you think this has been such a taboo subject for comedians in the past?

I think in part because there’s been an odd kind of pervasive thing that “women comedians only talk about *women’s experiences*” as if we are only grotesque and gross, and that people wouldn’t want to hear them. I think what’s different now is that people are more up for just listening to a comedian that they like sharing their life story with them.

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I think that finally women are better represented on TV and people are up for embracing the fact that gender isn’t a genre.

" I think that finally women are better represented on TV and people are up for embracing the fact that gender isn’t a genre."

Was this tour one of the easiest for you to write, as you are living the experience every day?

Hahaha! Yes, in a way absolutely but in a way god no because I’ve never written under torture conditions of sleep deprivation before. My writing time is a lot fewer and further between now too, but it means I really take advantage of

I’m sure that our own parents feared about the world that their children were entering into. What dreams/fears do you have for your own child entering into this world?

A big part of the show is about climate change anxiety, and worrying that I can’t affect useful change. Which is a pretty big one. The show is definitely talking about that, and trying to come to a place of optimism and action by the end. I just got given a brilliant book called “from what is to what if” about trying to re-imagine the future in a more positive and practical way, I really recommend it.

Other than the tour, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2020?

I’m trying to develop film and TV stuff with my creative partner Douglas King. We make films together and we are trying to get funding to go legit! I’m also going to write a new stand up show as I love it so so much.

For tickets to see Josie Long: Tender at Komedia on Thursday 20th February, call the Komedia Box Office on 01225 489070 or visit the website: komedia.co.uk/Bath.

Win two tickets to watch

God of Carnage starring Elizabeth McGovern, Samantha Spiro, Nigel Lindsay and Simon Paisley Day at the Theatre Royal Bath

Following an acclaimed run as part of the Theatre Royal’s Summer Season 2018, God of Carnage returns to Bath from Monday 20th January to Saturday 25th January prior to a West End run.

Elizabeth McGovern, fresh from starring in the celebrated Downton Abbey film, reprises her dazzling performance as Veronica, with Nigel Lindsay (The Capture, White Gold, Victoria) back as her bluff husband, Michael. Samantha Spiro (Grandma’s House, Game of Thrones, Cold Feet) plays Annette and Simon Paisley Day (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Born A King, Victoria & Abdul) is Alan.

When eleven-year-old Ferdinand hits eleven-year-old Bruno with a stick in a playground punch-up and knocks out two of his teeth, the combatants’ enlightened parents decide to meet

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to talk things over civilly. But once the niceties are done with and the drink starts flowing, it is the parents who turn into spoiled brats.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, this ruthlessly comic study of middle class parenting by the author of Art is one of the most successful plays ever in the history of the West End. To book tickets for God of Carnage call the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk

win Two tickets to watch God of Carnage at the Theatre Royal Bath on Wednesday 22nd January at 7.30pm.

For a chance to win, simply send us your name and contact details, on e-mail, to: competitions@inbath.net Subject: Carnage Closing Date: 17th January 2020 Usual Ts and Cs apply Go to inbath.net for more details

JAN 2 2 s l a ps t i c k - r o l l i n g fu n d e r 3 0 t h e m u s i ca l b ox 3 1 l u t h e r va n d r o s s

FEB 6 14 15 26 28 29

b oy z l i f e fa i r po rt c o n v en t i o n midge ure t h e b oys a r e b a c k ! yo u w i n ag a i n soul of a woman

MAR 3 4 5 6 12 13 14 19 20 21

sas h a v e l o u r la boheme m a da m a b u t t e r f ly the king is back blossoms frank turner jon hopkins e d by r n e clannad pau l ca r r a c k

Win two tickets to watch

Based on the critically acclaimed and much-loved film, you will meet (and never forget) two lost souls - a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician - who find each other unexpectedly and fall in love.

You will fall in love, too, with this brilliant and beautiful musical, filled with live music, from lush ballads to barnstorming reels. Once is a spell-binding and uplifting story of hopes and dreams.

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The music, played live by the actors themselves, is alternately beautiful and rousing, and Edna Walsh’s script quietly overwhelms with its sense of spirit, sincerity and solitude.

This is Once’s first major UK tour having won awards across the world, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, eight Tony Awards and an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

To book tickets for the musical Once call the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk

win

Two tickets to watch Once at the Theatre Royal Bath on Monday 2nd March at 7.30pm.

For a chance to win, simply send us your name and contact details, on e-mail, to: competitions@inbath.net Subject: Once Closing Date: 24th February 2020 Usual Ts and Cs apply

Go to inbath.net for more details

Once may not be enough for you to see this multi award-winning Broadway and West End hit musical which tours to the Theatre Royal Bath from Monday 2nd March to Saturday 7th March starring Daniel Healy and Emma Lucia.

2020

Fairport Convention Friday 14th February

You Win Again -

Music of The Bee Gees

Friday 28th February

Celebrating The

ed byrne thursday 19th march

if i’m honest...

what's on

Their latest show will feature a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and new material and will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the much lauded album ‘Full House’. Join us on Friday 14 February.

Visage’s single ‘Fade To Grey’ from the band’s debut eponymous album and Ultravox’s single ‘Vienna’ from the album of the same name were global hits that shared the same stark ambience, European aesthetic and electronic heart.

The albums that birthed those landmark singles expanded that sonic palette even further and brought the art-school alternative into the very centre of the mainstream. Midge Ure - The 1980 Tour, Vienna & Visage is here on Saturday 15 February.

Now relive the best of the 90’s heartthrobs as the boys are back! Catch 5ive, A1, Damage and 911 at the Forum, bringing you a hit-packed show of pop classics. Four acts, one unforgettable night with The Boys are Back! 5ive / A1 / Damage / 911 on Wednesday 26 February.

Midge Ure - The 1980 Tour, Vienna & Visage

The Forum kicks the new year off in style with a host a big names coming to the city Happy New Year from all of us here at the Bath Forum. It’s a new year and we’re kicking things off in style with a whole host of events here at Bath’s biggest venue.

To begin with, we’re excited to welcome the only band ever licensed and supported by Genesis and Peter Gabriel: The Musical Box - A Genesis Extravaganza. They’re bringing a new, never performed show plus a few added surprises thrown in for good measure, it's a performance that any Genesis fan will not want to miss on Thursday 30 January.

Two of the UK’s biggest bands Boyzone and Westlife come together, for the very first time, with a full band production show, featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy.

Prepare to experience the distinct sound of one of the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable concert spectacular.

Join us for this breath-taking concert spectacular, taking you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive and many more with You Win Again – Celebrating The Music of The Bee Gees on Friday 28 February.

Celebrating the inspirational and iconic female voices of soul’s hall of fame, hear the haunting melodies of Etta James, Billy Holiday and Whitney Houston, the unmistakable symphonies of Dusty Springfield and Chaka Khan and feel the hairs on the back of your neck tingle at the acoustic arrangements of Adele and Aretha. Soul of a Woman is here on Saturday 29 February.

‘Shantay You Stay’! The winner of season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Sasha Velour embarks on her first one-queen theatre tour in a show that brings a blend of

In celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’, join us to experience all the hits from Luther Vandross’ amazing career, culminating over 40 million album sales and eight Grammy awards. Fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10 piece band, join us for the Luther Vandross Celebration on Friday 31 January.

Two of the UK’s biggest bands Boyzone and Westlife come together, for the very first time, with a full band production show, featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy. This specially adapted theatre production will include many of their greatest hits. Boyzlife are here at the Forum on Thursday 6 February.

Fairport Convention has been making great music for over fifty years. Credited with originating British folk-rock music.

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Sasha Velour - 'Smoke & Mirrors' - The Live Show

name, multi-award winning Clannad join us for their ‘In a Lifetime’ The Farewell World Tour. The Grammy and BAFTA award winning quartet will celebrate their exceptional 50-year career with us on Friday 20 March.

Nicknamed ‘The Man with the GOLDEN VOICE’ in a BBC documentary about his phenomenal 50 year career, Paul Carrack, whose vocals have graced million selling songs such as ‘How Long’

by ACE, ‘Tempted’ by Squeeze and the Grammy Award nominated ‘Living Years

by Mike and the Mechanics. He joins us on his tour on Saturday 21 March.

We’ve much more to come over the year so make sure you’re following The Forum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all of the latest announcements!

win

Blossoms

Ed Byrne presents his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy. Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children. drag, visual art, and magic. You’ll be sashaying (the night) away with Sasha Velour - 'Smoke & Mirrors' - The Live Show on Tuesday 3 March.

La Bohème is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. Starring Elena Dee the Korean soprano in her iconic role as Mimi and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova, join us on Wednesday 4 March.

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets. Elena Dee and Alyona Kistenyova join us again on Thursday 5 March.

He looks like Elvis, sings like Elvis and has an on-stage charisma that has audiences believing at times they are watching the King himself. And in August 2012, Ben Portsmouth made history when he won the Elvis Presley Enterprises “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest”.

Taking Care of Elvis – The King Is Back is here at the Forum on Friday 6 March.

Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have enjoyed widespread success and acclaim. Their 2016 debut full length

topped the album charts for two consecutive weeks and went on to earn the band BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations. They’re now touring with their new album, Foolish Loving Spaces and join us on Thursday 12 March. With 2018 Producer of the Year Catherine Marks at the helm, No Man’s Land is dedicated to the women whose incredible lives have all too often been overlooked by dint of their gender.

“These stories should have been told already,” says Frank Turner of the album and its accompanying podcast series.

Frank Turner (Solo) With Special Guests Micah Schnabel + Guise is a unique show you can see on Friday 13 March.

Following his sold-out performance in Bristol earlier in 2019 on his Singularity tour, Jon Hopkins will be returning to the South West to present Polarity. The performance will see him playing grand piano for parts of the show, where he will be on stage by a small group of consummate musicians and long-time friends on Saturday 14th March.

Ed Byrne presents his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy.

Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children with his new show Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest… on Thursday 19 March.

Having sold 15 million records worldwide and with eight Top 10 U.K. albums to their

This is a great opportunity to win a pair of tickets for You Win Again - Celebrating The Music of The Bee Gee on Friday 28th February 2020.

Direct from London’s West End, You Win Again celebrates all The Music of The Bee Gees.

For a chance to win, all you have to do is email your favourite song by the Bee Gees to marketing@bathforum.co.uk by the Friday 31st Jan at 10am.

The winner will be chosen at random and then contacted. GOOD LUCK!

museums and galleries

The Roman Baths and Pump Room and Assembly Rooms scoop Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards The Roman Baths and Pump Room has won three Gold awards at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, International Tourism, and Accessible and Inclusive Tourism.

IMAGE: Snowdrops at Lacock Abbey © National Trust Images / Mark Bolton

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and village in January and February 2020 As we cast off old habits and start new ones, we’re setting goals for the year ahead in the gardens, village and abbey, imagining all the things we could show you. Snowdrops and crocuses are appearing, and the sounds of birds shrill through the crisp air. There’s much to learn about our conservation as the furnished rooms reopen at Lacock Abbey. Chilly days are best ended with cups of tea, so why not join us to celebrate Fox Talbot’s birthday on 11 February with a slice of cake in our Courtyard tea-room? Don’t miss the regular flooding in the abbey fields as it proves a perfect grounding for snakeshead fritillaries to appear later in the season, keep your eyes peeled for these delicate blooms.

What’s going on…

The Explorer’s Guide to Lacock Saturday 6 January – Friday 3 April, 11am-4pm

Whether searching for puddles or spotting starlings in the grounds at Lacock, we’ve got more than enough for little explorers this winter.

Pick up an Explorer’s Guide to Lacock from Visitor Reception and see what you can find. This guide will last you all year, with different animals and plants to spot for each season, perfect for visiting us again and again.

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Volunteer recruitment day Saturday 18 January 10am-12noon

Love history? Why not pass it on?

Whether you have a whole day or just a few hours to give us, working as a volunteer offers you the opportunity to get involved and make use of your existing talents while developing new skills.

I f you want to start volunteering but don’t know where to begin, come along to our volunteer recruitment day and find out more.

Valentine's Day flower count

Bath’s Historic Venues also won Gold for Business Events Venue of the Year for the Assembly Rooms and Bronze for Wedding Venue of the Year for the Roman Baths.

Stephen Clews, Roman Baths and Pump Room Manager, said: “We are delighted to have won these five awards. Each year the Roman Baths welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors, and about 60,000 people attend events at the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms. It’s fantastic to know that we are providing an awardwinning experience for all of our visitors and guests.”

In 2020, a fully accessible Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre is set to open in former spa buildings next to the Roman Baths, along with a hands-on Investigation Zone set among Roman remains. New areas of the Roman Baths will also be opened up to visitors, including a Roman exercise yard and a laconicum (a type of sauna).

Friday 14 - Sun 23 Feb, 10.30am-5pm Signifying the start of spring, colourful flowers are a welcome sign of the longer, warmer days to come. Every year around this time, our gardeners count up the number of blooms in the gardens and grounds here at Lacock.

The Roman Baths and Pump Room and the Assembly Rooms play host to an increasing number of conferences, weddings and private parties. The Council’s Heritage Services department works closely with contracted caterer Searcys to deliver events for a wide range of customers, with a strong focus on local sourcing and sustainability.

This, added to the results from all over the South West, gives us an indicator of what gardens are going to look like throughout the year, see trends and changes – and to build a picture of how spring flowers are affected by climate change.

Eligible winners from the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards will be entered into corresponding categories of the South West Tourism Awards, which will be announced on Thursday 6 February 2020 at Exeter Cathedral.

Why not come along and help us this year? Ask at Visitor reception or a gardener during your visit between Friday 14 – Sunday 23 February.

Winners from the South West awards will then be selected to represent the region in the national VisitEngland Awards, which will be announced in June 2020.

© National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images /Chris Lacey

Explore Lacock with our seasonal family trail 6 Jan - 3 April 11am-4pm Whether searching for puddles or spotting starlings in the grounds, we’ve got more than enough for little explorers at Lacock.

Why not pick up an explorer’s guide from Visitor Reception and see what you can find?

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museums and galleries

finish. The workshop will include a visit to the galleries to draw inspiration from historic Wedgwood in the collection and Grayson Perry’s work in the exhibition.

Lolita Chakrabarti and Dr Roger Apfelbaum

The Holburne Museum

A new perspective on the early works of Grayson Perry Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years

24 January to 25 May Following the Holburne’s hugely successful public appeal to trace Grayson Perry’s early (Pre-Therapy) ceramic pieces this exciting exhibition brings together for the very first time a broad range of Perry’s early works, including from the artist’s own collection and many works not seen publicly before. One of the most eagerly anticipated shows of 2020, The Pre-Therapy Years will bring a new perspective to the 2003 Turner Prizewinner’s influential and inspiring outlook.

New Acquisition: Bow Porcelain

8 February to 28 June This special display celebrates the recent acquisition of almost 300 pieces of Bow porcelain.

Instagram or be damned: Clarke’s Cabinets of Idol Worship Café Gallery Until 9 Feb

Coming Home: Ira Aldrige Brownsword

Until 1 March Picture Gallery This striking portrait of legendary actor Ira Aldridge (1807–1867) is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.

Ceramics: Blue and White Pots

15 Feb, 10.30am–4.30pm £60 Join award-winning artist, Jo Taylor, for a special clay workshop inspired

by Grayson Perry and the Holburne’s ceramic collection. Create your own unique pot, using specialist coiling and sprigging techniques and working with blue and white clay for an elegant

10 Feb, 7–8pm £12 (Exhibition and Garden Café open from 6–7pm) Join actress and playwright, Lolita Chakrabarti, in conversation with Dr Roger Apfelbaum (Bath Spa University) as they explore her play Red Velvet and its representation of the Shakespearean actor, Ira Aldridge. This event celebrates our loan of a portrait of Ira Aldridge from the National Portrait Gallery.

Talk

Stories from Makers of Bath Thurs 27 Feb, 6.30–8.30pm Presented by Mytton Williams FREE – Book your free ticket through www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/85608704941 Inspired by a new book about the dynamic spirit of makers in Bath and celebrating the city – not just as a heritage site – but also as a hotbed of ideas and energy. Enjoy fascinating and inspirational, PechaKucha (Japanese for chit-chat) style, talks from local makers with each maker presenting 20 slides for 20 seconds of commentary on each, each talk lasting around 7 minutes.

Up Late Fridays

Join us on the last Friday of every month to experience the Museum after-hours and enjoy an eclectic programme of pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJ-sets & cocktails. See our website for full listings. 5–9pm FREE Fri 31 Jan Up Late with the Bard including theatrical performances Fri 28 Feb Cloth Collections Live demos, displays, workshops and textiles sale.

Full listings www.holburne.org

Main image: Cocktail Party, 1989 © Grayson Perry Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro Bottom: Kitty Clive as The Fine Lady, about 1750. Bow Porcelain © The Holburne Museum ITop Right: ra Aldridge, after James Northcote, c.1826 © Private Collection; on loan to the National Portrait Gallery, London

In Conversation

24 JANUARY TO 25 MAY 2020

Claire as a soldier, 1987 Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro © Grayson Perry

museums and galleries

the styles and fashions of the time. His work features Paris’s most popular cafés, cabarets, and entertainers including stage star Yvette Guilbert and famous dancers like Jane Avril and Loïe Fuller.

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre Experience the sights and sounds of 19thcentury Paris at a major new exhibition, Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre, which opens at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath on February 15 and runs until May 26, 2020.

For the first time in the UK, Lautrec’s complete collection of posters, which revolutionised the world of graphic design, will be exhibited together. More than 80 iconic posters, many of them rare and seen here for the first time, will go on show. They will be displayed in their full colourful glory, many in giant format from floor to ceiling, recreating how they were originally seen on the streets of Paris.

The exhibition will include 32 posters by Toulouse-Lautrec along with works by other celebrated poster artists of the day such as Alphonse Mucha, Pierre Bonnard and Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen.

The Post-Impressionist French painter, printmaker, caricaturist and illustrator Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864 – 1901) moved in the ‘celebrity’ circles of 19th-century Bohemian Paris. Hugely influenced by the flamboyant, vibrant, eclectic, free-spirited, debauched lifestyle of the time, his work was known for its provocative nature, highlighting Paris’s colourful nightlife, stripping away the glamour to bring the Parisian underworld to life.

Beginning in Montmartre in the 1880s, the exhibition examines Toulouse-Lautrec’s work as a printmaker and shines a light on the celebrated stars of the stage, and

Jon Benington, Victoria Art Gallery Manager and exhibition curator, explains, “Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the status of the colour poster such that it became the street art of the 1890s.

His iconic images for the Moulin Rouge Cabaret and other palaces of popular entertainment were so desirable that fans ripped them from their hoardings.

Other leading artists who followed in his wake, such as Mucha, Steinlen and Bonnard, also feature in this stunning oneoff show.”

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre is kindly supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, 131 Art Happens with Art Fund* donors, and the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery.

The exhibition includes some rare examples of Lautrec’s work including: Jane Avril (1899). Lautrec’s last depiction of dancer Jane Avril and the second-last poster he made, considered one of his most compelling. Just a few weeks after he finished it, he had a breakdown and was institutionalised. Avril rejected the poster and it was never used publicly, making examples particularly rare.

Yvette Guilbert (1894). Yvette Guilbert appeared more than any other performer in Lautrec’s work. He devoted two rare albums of lithographs entirely to Guilbert, something unheard of at the time. Just 100 copies were made, signed by the performer, and few have survived.

Image (bottom left) Jane Avril at the Jardin de Paris 1893, Image top right: Yvette Guilbert, 1894

The exhibition also draws parallels between Bohemian Paris and Bath, which itself was a mix of high society and a more debauched underworld in the Georgian and Regency periods. Bath also became a centre for lithography when Thomas Barker set up one of the first lithographic presses in the country outside London.

15 Feb – 26 May 2020 Tickets £6 | Victoria Art Gallery, Bath victoriagal.org.uk/toulouselautrec

museums and galleries

The annual Lunar New Year celebration returns to the Museum of East Asian Art from end of January 2020. There are many fun-packed and creative activities for all ages, the museum shop is also well-stocked with unique gifts inspired by Asian arts and cultures for the season.

From 25 January 2020, many Asian countries will be celebrating the year of the rat. Rat is the first zodiac animal in the cycle of twelve animal signs, according to the legend it is the leader and the smartest amongst the animals.

The adult origami workshops are the most popular event at the Museum.

Lunar New Year at the Museum of East Asian Art

Looking for something more hands-on?

Why not sign up to the origami workshops Lunar New Year theme? Learn some new skills and make Asian inspired decorations for your home. The adult origami workshops are the most popular event at the Museum. There are also insightful talks adds another layer of depth to the exhibition.

Lunar New Year Origami 1 Friday 24 Jan 18:15 - 19:30

Lunar New Year Origami 2 Friday 31 Jan 18:15 - 19:30

Half-term Lunar New Year Family Fun Workshops Year of the Rat Storytelling and Crafts

Wednesday 19 Feb 11:00 – 12:00, 13:30 – 14:30, 15:00 – 16:00

Decorate Your Plates

Thursday 20 Feb 10:30 – 12:00, 14:00 – 15:30

Fine Dining in Imperial China Friday 6 March 19:00 – 20:00

Check the Museum’s website for more event information www.meaa.org.uk.

Origami image courtest of Akiko Wakefield. Vase image courtesy of © Museum of East Asian Art

Added on the excitement of the festival season, exhibition China on a Plate continues and accompanied by a series of interesting events in the new year. The exhibition explores the culture of food and drink in China through a wide range of vessels made of different materials and used by various social classes over centuries. Many beautiful artefacts that are classified as Chinese ‘art’ were originally made for daily purposes; the exhibition uncovers the original functions of these exquisite objects.

business focus

'Cos you gotta

Have Faith

H

ave Faith is Bath’s newest Tattoo studio, offering top quality tattooing by talented artists.

Custom built on the redeveloped block where KK Beds stood for 45 years.

Have Faith Tattoo is a professional, warm and welcoming studio owned by Jo Rawlingson.

Jo is a tattooist, and local resident of Bath. He arrived in 2007 to study Painting at Bath Spa University and has since become a long standing fixture of Bath tattooing. Having worked previously at Faraway Tattoo 12 years ago, he moved onto Broad Street Studio and Northgate Tattoo. Chances are if you ever visited any of those you would have met him!

After tattooing for 8 years, opening a studio had become a goal. Have Faith Tattoo is a unique blend of walk-in shop and private studio.

The aim is to create a relaxed and accessible space, whilst continually pushing to create the highest quality tattoos Bath has to offer.

Confident in all styles of work, specialising mostly in custom tattoos which are drawn up for each customer; some designs are made to specification while others come straight off the wall.

If you have an idea that needs to be brought to life, you need someone experienced to put it together.

The designs offered in the studio vary from black and grey to traditional colour, realistic to geometric; so whether you’re looking for a simple line tattoo or a Japanese back piece, Have Faith Tattoo can help.

Confident in all styles of work, specialising mostly in custom tattoos which are drawn up for each customer; some designs are made to specification while others come straight off the wall.

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Tips for getting your first tattoo: There are many things to consider when getting your first tattoo and it is not a decision to be taken lightly!

Any reputable artist should ensure you are 100% happy with the design and placement of your tattoo before they start but there are lots of things you may want to consider.

Design

Research the style of tattoo you want, give your chosen artist something to go on. Use as many resources as possible to gather inspiration, Although Google and Pinterest are great starting blocks try not to pick the most popular image; chances are you’re not the only person looking at it! Tattooing in nature is a way to express your individuality.

The Artsit, The Shop

Most bad tattoos are on the people that didn’t check their artist or chose them solely based on how much (or how little) they charge. These days everyone has a portfolio online, it only takes two seconds to check.

The aim is to create a relaxed and accessible space, whilst continually pushing to create the highest quality tattoos Bath has to offer.

Read reviews of the studio and ask for recommendations from your friends and family who’ve been tattooed before.

Great artists will be busy so be prepared to book in advance; don’t just choose the person who has an appointment available the soonest!

Show uo to your appointment prepared Try to get a good night’s sleep and eat a hearty meal before you arrive. Most importantly (as strange as it sounds) try and relax! Yes you’re about to put artwork permanently onto your body but have fun, it should be a good experience as well as a great tattoo.

Aftercare

Correct aftercare is paramount to ensuring your new tattoo heals to its very best. Your artist will wrap the area initially but it is your responsibility to follow your artists aftercare instruction. Do this and you’ll have a tattoo that will look great for years!

Have Faith Tattoo can be found at 76 Lower Bristol Road, fully wheelchair accessible with parking adjacent, 5 minutes walk from central Bath.

Contact Jo on 01225 335588 or email havefaithtattoo@gmail.com @HAVEFAITHTATTOO

Healthy eating

Plant based diets

for beginners There are more and more people in the world choosing a Plantbased diet, and doing so for a variety of reasons, including concerns about the treatment of animals, health reasons, environmental issues or because of taste and social pressure. So what are the benefits of choosing this lifestyle and how can you get involved.

P

lant-based diets focus on foods that derive primarily from plants.

Obvious food sources in this diet includes fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. Eating a primarily plant-based diet doesn’t mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources.

Mediterranean and vegetarian diets

For example, there has been a lot of evidence gathered over the years that a Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest around - packed with nutricianal benefits. A Mediterranean diet has its foundation of plant-based foods, but also includes fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt a few times

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a week, with meats and sweets less often.The Mediterranean diet has been shown in both large population studies and clinical trials to reduce risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and in older adults, a decreased risk of frailty, along with better mental and physical function.

As for a Vegetarian diet, health benefits include a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased longevity.

A well planned plant-based diet offers all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, and are often higher in fibre and phytonutrients. There is, however, a lack of the Vitamin B12, which is naturally found in animal products,

including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. This vitamin is not present in plant-based foods, which if not repalced can cause Anaemia, shortness of breath and possible heart pulpitations.

For vegetarians, fortified breakfast cereals are a readily available source of vitamin B12, otherwise supplements can be taken.

The problem is that eating lots of vegetables and greens is hard and if you’ve never rally cooked with them before, quite boring.

Below are my top 3 tips on how to eat more vegetables and be healthier without a brigade of chefs in your kitchen responding to your very whim.

Tips on how to introduce more plant-based foods to your diet.

Blend Your Veg

Belding your veg into a smoothie is a great way of introducing more plantbased foods into your diet. Smoothies are a great way to start the day, they can be absolutely delicious, cater for your own tastes and take less time than making a coffee.

Drinking smoothies from supermarkets isn’t the same, they’re pasteurised to extend shelf life thus killing most of the health giving benefits. There are recipes

13 million UK adults are now classed as obese.

Recent research by Diabetes UK has shown that 13 million adults are now classed as obese, with fears that levels will double in the next two decades, increasing already record numbers treated for Type 2 diabetes by the NHS. The numbers being treated in hospital for obesity-related conditions have risen by almost one quarter in just one year, with the head of the NHS warning that the “startling” trends could cut short thousands of lives. abound online so try as many as you can until you find one that suits your tastes - It will be something to look forward to every morning,

Eating a primarily plant-based diet doesn’t mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources.

Choose Whole Foods

It’s a hippy dippy vegetarian cliché, all those boring, worthy whole food stores, but there is real science behind it. Most of the nutrients in plants are in the bits we throw away, we strip out all the goodness to leave the sweet, starchy, sugary bits. All of a potato’s vitamins and nutrients are in the skin, the same goes for apples, white flour has almost zero vitamins or minerals, to the extent that they have to add it back in by law. If you want to be healthy, eat more vitamins and minerals and if you want to do this without changing your diet too much choose whole grains over white ones and buy organic veg and stop peeling it.

Move the Meat to the Edge of the Plate

If you can’t bear to give up the meat then maximise your veg by making them the centre of your plate. Having a roast beef Sunday lunch? Fill your plate with carrots, broccoli and potatoes, cover them in gravy and have a little bit of beef on the side for flavour. Chicken with stir fry? How about stir fried veg with a chicken garnish?

The numbers being treated in hospital for obesity-related conditions have risen by almost one quarter in just one year, with the head of the NHS warning that the “startling” trends could cut short thousands of lives.

The analysis shows the number of adults in England who are obese has risen from 6.9 million in 1997 to around 13 million in 2017. These figures equate to 29 per cent of adults, and 20 per cent of children when leaving primary school being classed as obese.

The data has sparked fears that the NHS could collapse under the strain of Britains obesity probelm, with an eighth of all NHS drug spending now devoted to treatment of diabetes, with a 220 per cent rise in the bill for antidiabetes medication in the last decade - this is more than £1billionn a year.

The data for the report was taken from the Health Survey for England, which found that in 2017, two in three adults in England were overweight or obese. Some 40 per cent of men where overweight while a further 27 per cent were obese. Meanwhile, 31 per cent of women were overweight and a further 30 per cent were obese.

NHS national medical director Stephen Powis said: "Obesity is a dangerous public health threat that is already leading to a string of serious illnesses, including 13 types of cancer, heart attacks and strokes, with these figures bringing another stark reminder of the scale of the obesity crisis."

In an aim to prevent those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, over 400,000 people have been offered a place on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Healthy eating

What is good 'gut health'?

Gut health is revolutionising our approach to health and wellness, so what is good gut health?

We've all heard that bacteria and other microbes can cause illnesses and disease, but many of us would not be aware that only 5% of these microbes are actually harmful to us and can cause disease. The remaining 95% play an essential role in keeping you healthy.

Our bodies contain trillions of micorbes, in fact, there are more microbes on a persons hand than there are people in the world!

The most dense area where microbes populate are in the gut, where they play a vital role in digestion, weight regulation as well as helping your immune system.

What we eat can alter the micorbes in the gut and and therefore have an affect on your helath, and mental state of mind.

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So, what we eat isn't just about nutrition, it feeds the bacteria that live inside the gut. We are all different, but experts point towards certain broad principles that can help maintain good gut health.

Fibre

We all know that eating a diet that is high in fibre keeps us 'regular' but most people eat less than they should. Fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrains feed healthy bacteria.

Those that suppress the 'good' bacteria, or increase 'bad' bacteria are items that contain highly processed foods.

If you have a diet that is currenlty low in fibre, gradually ease fibre into your diet.

I can tell you from past experince, that a sudden increase can cause a lot of wind and bloating - therefore, introduce

it gradually, for example, eating Granola for breakfast and drink plenty of water.

Plant-based foods

Yes, you've heard it again. Eat a wide range of plant-based foods. Polyphenols, the micronutrients found in some plantbased foods, are useful for gut health, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Probiotics

Probiotics are living organisms that are found naturally in foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and kefir. They are known as 'good' or 'friendly' bacteria as they can help microbes to grow. As with most things, eat them if you enjoy them.

Antibiotics

We've heard recently that our bodies are becomign immune to the effects of antibiotics and that we should only take these when absolutely essential.

Antibiotics also kill ‘good’ bacteria as well as the‘bad’ ones.

Alcohol

I know, I said it. As we all know, taken in moderation alcohol is not going to have a massively detrimental affect on your gut. Howerver, chronic alcohol consumption can cause

Further reading on 'Gut Health'

Eat Yourself Healthy

The 4-Week Gut Health Plan

Drawing from the latest research and a decade of experience as a dietitian and consultant at The Gut Health Clinic, Dr Megan Rossi explains how to feed your gut for a happier, healthier you using simple, delicious and gut-boosting recipes.

Discover how you can eat your way to gastrointestinal relief. The 4-Week Gut Health Plan is your guide to using food to help improve your gut health and ease the symptoms of a variety of gut dysfunctions, including gastritis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Restore balance for a happy and healthy gut.

Dr Megan Rossi Publisher: Penguin Life RRP: £ 9.98 (Paperback)

Alongside Dr Rossi's gut-friendly recipes, Eat Yourself Healthy also includes expert advice on how to deal with common complaints such as IBS and bloating, diagnose food intolerances, and manage good gut health with sleep and exercise routines.

Kitty Martone Publisher: Rockridge Press RRP: £ 10.76 (Paperback)

Start things off right with a detailed meal plan packed with 28 days worth of gut health boosting foods, shopping lists, and prep tips.

serious problems, including dysbiosis.

Interestingly, Gin decreased the number of beneficial gut bacteria, whereas red wine actually increased the abundance of bacteria known to promote gut health. Please do drink responsibly.

How good gut health can help other parts of your body

When you eat foods like red meat or eggs, bacteria from these foods make a chemical that your liver turns into something called TMAO (trimethylamineN-oxide). TMAO can aid cholesterol build up in your blood vessels - this could cause some heart issues and may also lead to chronic kidney disease.. Again, we are not saying take all meat our of your diet, but moderation is always the best way forward.

Recent research has also identified the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome may affect your emotions and the way your brain processes information from your senses, like sights, sounds, flavors, or textures.

Finally, a healthy gut can stop messages of hunger to the pituitary gland, which makes hormones that help set your appetite. A happy pituitary gland stops the need to overeat.

The Clever Guts Diet

Gut Well Soon

Your gut is astonishingly clever. It contains millions of neurons - as many as you would find in the brain of a cat - and is home to the microbiome, trillions of microbes that influence your mood, your immune system, and even your appetite.

Gut Well Soon navigates the turbulent waters of health and wellness in the 21st century. It explores the science underpinning the health claims and misconceptions we have all heard but never fully understood. In particular it explains why our gut bacteria is crucial to our mental and physical health, and explains what you can do to support it in a simple and accessible way. Not satisfied with just words, Catherine has created an informative and individualised online programme called Reset Your Gut to help put the fullyreferenced information in this book into your everyday life.

Dr Michael Mosley Publisher: Short Books Ltd RRP: £ 5.95 (Paperback)

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Mosley takes us on a revelatory journey through the gut, showing how junk food and overuse of antibiotics have wiped out many good gut bacteria, leading to a modern plague of allergies, food intolerances, and obesity.

Catherine Rogers Publisher: Panoma Press RRP: £ 10.49 (Paperback)

Saint Valentine

How do other countries celebrate Valentines Day Although some may question the origins of Valentine's Day, its popularity has spread around the world with may countries celebrating the saints day in weird and wonderful ways.

Japan

In Japan, women make the first move on Valentine’s Day. They give men gifts of two different types of chocolate; one is called Giri-choco, the other is Honmeichoco. Giri-choco is the most costly but Honmei-choco tends to be home made and given more as a gift to a loved one.

Men return the gesture on March 14.

Known as White Day, men give women white chocolate and other white gifts as a sign of their affection.

South Korea

As in Japan, women in South Korea give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day (14 February), while men celebrate White Day. South Korea has a third holiday, however, known as Black Day. Celebrated on April 14, single friends gather to eat noodles and celebrate being single.

Brazil

T

he tradition that romantics show their affection by exchanging tokens of love, letters and cards to their 'Valentine' on February 14th has been popular since the mid Seventeenth century in the UK. As many of us start to consider how we to spoil that special someone this year - a romantic meal, city break, an overly affectionate showering of gifts or just a bottle of plonk accompanied by chocolates and wine - have we ever wondered why this ritual exists and how it all began?

Although there are a number of possible theories of who Saint Valentine was, one of the most feasible is that Valentine was a Roman priest who served during the third century in Rome. The Emperor at the time, Claudius II, decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, therefore, he outlawed marriage for young men so that he had a strong and fulsome Army.

Valentine, defied the Emperors wishes and secretly performed weddings for young lovers desperate to commit their love to each other.

Imprisoned for his treachery, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who many believe to have been the jailer's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before he died, it is alleged that he wrote her

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a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still used in many Valentine's cards today.

Although there are several theories about Saint Valentine, what is apparent in all the accounts of his life is his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.

Valentine, defied the Emperors wishes and secretly performed weddings for young lovers desperate to commit their love to each other.

Many suggest that the importance of February 14th comes down to the fact that this was the day that Valentine died.

Others point to the beginning of the bird's matting season in Europe, adding to the ideal that the middle of February should be the day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois

Brazil's Carnival celebration overshadows Valentine’s Day. So as not to miss out, Brazilians mark a similar day later in the year, on June 12. The holiday is called Dia dos Namorados, or Lovers’ Day. Flowers, cards, gifts and romantic meals are offered, but instead of St Valentine, the Brazilians celebrate St Anthony's Day.

Slovenia

In Slovenia, St Valentine is the patron saint of spring, so many spend Valentine's Day in fields preparing crops. Slovenians typically celebrate romance a month later, on St. Gregory’s Day, which falls on March 12.

Finland and Estonia

February 14 is also a popular day to get engaged in both Finland and Estonia.

Additionally, Estonia has an interesting tradition for single people— they can take a ride on the Love Bus in hopes of meeting someone special.

Friend’s Day is held on February 14, a day for honouring both friends and significant others. Cards and gifts are still given out, and can be for anyone from a best friend to a neighbour.

Denmark

Danes celebrate Valentine’s Day with the snowdrop flower. They give the flowers to both friends and lovers. One of the biggest Danish Valentine’s Day traditions is the exchange of a lover’s card.

B AT H ’ S ANY OCCASION BRASSERIE Serving a mix of English and French quality food, in a relaxed and stylish environment.

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food and drink book releases

food and drink book releases

Vegan (ish)

Simply Good For You

Delicious and creative vegan recipes from no 1 bestselling writer and awardwinning campaigner Jack Monroe.

This full-colour collection of one hundred simple, affordable recipes is perfect for committed vegans or anyone who wants to give vegan cooking a try. Packed with inventive, easy and 100% vegan dishes, this gorgeous book is sure to appeal – whether you are looking to take the leap, want to be a little kinder to the planet, need ideas to cook for a vegan friend, or simply want to put some more plant power in your everyday cooking.

Keep it simple with Amelia, and learn to cook fast, easy and delicious healthy food. Amelia Freer is a No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author and renowned nutritional therapist, who A-listers turn to when they want to look and feel great.

Jack Monroe Publisher: Bluebird RRP: £ 11.55 (Paperback)

Amelia Freer Publisher: Michael Joseph RRP: £ 15.40 (Paperback)

The Art Bar at Abbey Hotel, Bath An inspirational setting to banish the January blues Packed with the best recipes from Amelia's own kitchen, she shows you how If to you’re struggling with the January blues make simple, everyday, nourishing and in need of a boost, thenhave look no meals - because you don't to further than thebetween Art Bar at Abbey Hotel compromise taste, ease and Bath.

Thewhen vibrant décor to and staff health it comes thefriendly food on your are sure to leave you feeling inspired and table. ready to tackle the year ahead.

The Art Bar was re-launched in spring last year after an extensive refurbishment which saw the space transformed into a bar come lounge with splashes of colour adorning the walls and furnishings, creating the perfect space for both day and night time use.

The Obesity Code Cookbook Dr Jason Fung Publisher: Scribe UK RRP: £ 11.89 (Paperback)

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By the 500,000-copy bestselling author of The Obesity Code. Recipes to revolutionalise the way you cook, eat, and live.

.

In The Obesity Code, Dr Jason Fung introduced the idea that obesity is caused by our hormones, specifically insulin, and offered practical, easy-tofollow advice on how to lose weight for good. Now, The Obesity Code Cookbook makes it easier than ever to follow his methods.

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The Art Bar also plays host to numerous live exhibitions each year where local artist Emma Taylor curates works from masters of art and design from across the world to create stunning exhibitions for guests to see.

Eat Green

During the day, guests can enjoy an Melissa Hemsley inspirational space to work as there Publisher: Ebury Publishing are plug sockets thoughtfully dotted RRP: £ 15.40 (Paperback) around the entire area. Or relax and enjoy morning coffee, a light lunch or an Bestselling author and home cook, afternoon drink and for those in search Melissa Hemsley gives you over 100 of a little ‘sweet treat’ to brighten up recipes that focus on UK-grown, easy-totheir day, there’s a choice of not one but buy ingredients, cutting down on food three delicious afternoon teas’ on offer waste and putting flavour first. Eat Green (classic, Champagne and cocktail). is a helping hand towards eating a lot more vegetables in a way everyone The Art Bar also plays host to numerous can enjoy together. These veg-packed live exhibitions each year where local and veg-centric recipes are easy to artist Emma Taylor curates works from make and perfect for the whole family. masters of art and design from across the Chapters include: One Pot and One Tray; world to create stunning exhibitions for Cook Now, Eat Later; Family Favourites; guests to see, enjoy and also purchase. and 30 Minutes or Less.

This years first exhibition is by local Bathonian artist Jason Dorley Brown.

Many Bath residents will know of Jason as the ‘Guerilla Gardner’ after he famously went around the city filling in Bath’s pot holes with flowers. Thankfully these works of art will not be what on Jason is displaying in the Art Bar, instead he will showcase his abstract prints including Bath landscapes, digital paintings and ‘Pop Art’ celebrity images. It’s most definitely an exhibition not to be missed.

Art Bar is open 10am-11pm daily for nonresidents.

Jason-Dorley Brown Exhibition will run from 5th Jan – mid April

food and drink

food and drink book releases

Fitter, Happier, Healthier: The Ultimate Body Plan Kate Ferdinand Publisher: Michael Joseph RRP: £ 9.99 (Paperback)

Koffmann & Mr White’s Brasserie The perfect venue for any occasion Happy New Year from the entire team at Koffmann & Mr White’s Brasserie.

It’s the start of a new year and a new decade (we can barely believe its been twenty years since the turn of the millennium!)

We have exciting plans to further refine our offering based on the valuable feedback we’ve received from guests and visitors in the past 18-months since opening our doors.

2020 will bring lots of exciting new things to Koffmann & Mr White’s Brasserie. We have exciting plans to further refine our offering based on the valuable feedback we’ve received from guests and visitors in the past 18-months since opening our doors. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some exciting new things due to be rolled out in the coming months. (we’re confident that you’re going to love them) To kick start the new year, we want to tell you more about our incredibly delicious Express Menu which is served daily by our friendly and efficient team in the classically beautiful brasserie between 12 & 7pm. We understand that people are short on time due to ever demanding busy lifestyles but still crave the enjoyment of delicious food in the middle of the day. If this sounds like you, then the Express Menu is the perfect choice.

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Koffmann & Mr White’s Brasserie is ideally located in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from the train station and a stones throw away from Bath’s bustling high street; this is why the brasserie lends itself perfectly as a place to drop into in the midst of a busy day shopping or whilst undertaking a busy schedule of business meetings. Guests who choose to dine from the three-choice Express Menu can enjoy 2-courses for £14.50 or 3-courses for £17.50. The menu changes regularly (perfect for returning guests) and includes heart warming dishes such Celeriac and hazelnut soup with sourdough croutons, Pork belly Marco Polo served with butter beans & Madeira jus and Coffee crème brûlée - we’re sure you’ll agree this delicious offering confirms that we truly are the home of delicious, hearty French & British classics.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2020 and wish you a happy, healthy and successful year.

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Exercise has always been an essential part of Kate's life both for the physical and mental benefits and now she has developed this 4 week plan of workouts that make exercise achievable and fun, no matter your schedule.

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Bosh! Healthy Vegan

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With 80 delicious, plant-based recipes and nourishing meal plans to help you stay on track whatever your goal, this book is your ticket to a healthier, happier life.

By of re an

You don't need a gym, a personal trainer, or expensive yoga classes to be body-confident. Pre-order Fitter, Happier, Healthier now, to discover Kate's secrets for achieving and maintaining a strong, beautiful body.

Henry Firth and Ian Theasby Publisher: HQ RRP: £ 11.99 (Paperback)

Try the fresh flavours of a Zingy Watermelon Salad or their Jammin’ Jambalaya, and indulge in their Not-that-Naughty Burger or a Salted Caramel Apple Crumble with Custard, safe in the knowledge that a healthy diet doesn’t have to mean deprivation.

Dr Pu RR

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The Old Crown Inn:

A warm welcome awaits

Nestled in the Cotswolds countryside, The Old Crown Inn is a traditional country pub with a contemporary twist. With log fires, comforting food, and friendly faces to greet you, we promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. Whatever the occasion, everyone is invited (even those with four legs!).

With the Cotswolds Way, Kelston Roundhill and its breath-taking views on our doorstep, we are a great escape from the city and are popular with walkers, cyclists and families. Visit us this Valentine’s Day after a romantic stroll up the Roundhill for a delicious meal or bottle of wine to share in front of the open fire.

Our passion for food and a unique combination of flavours is something to shout about and we take pride in our ever-growing menu. Our menus are designed to be accessible, including dishes that are vegan, vegetarian and free from gluten. We serve a selection of pub favourites using fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sourced locally, where possible. On our delicious menu, you will spot cheese from our neighbours Bath Soft Cheese Co and charcuterie from Freshford FoodCo.

Visit us this Valentine’s Day after a romantic stroll up the Roundhill for a delicious meal or bottle of wine to share in front of the open fire.

We are just a hop, skip and a jump from the city and have been pouring pints for centuries. Although we are a village pub, we are also a destination pub and have customers visit us from Bath and Bristol to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life. During the renovation of the 15th-century inn, we lovingly maintained its historic charm and kept lots of original features – wooden beams, flagstones and log fires. You will often find locals propped up by the bar with their fourlegged friends by their feet and couples cosied up in the corner by the fire whilst families are tucking into a delicious Sunday roast.

Over the past few years, our garden has seen many changes and last year we introduced a cosy garden lodge, complete with an outdoor bar and log burners. If the sun is shining we throw

open the sides, if not we have plenty of blankets so you can enjoy your drinks alfresco whatever the weather! We are very proud of our garden and have won numerous awards for it over the years – last year we were over the moon to receive a Silver Bath in Bloom award for the second year running. Fully enclosed and with room for up to 150 guests, our garden is available to hire for weddings, parties and corporate events all year round. The beautiful setting makes the perfect space to celebrate any big occasion surrounded by family and friends.

If you are interested in hosting an event in our idyllic garden or wish to join us for your Valentine's meal, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us on 01225 423032 or email info@ oldcrownkelston.com, or better yet, pop in!

The Old Crown Inn

Kelston Road, Kelston, Bath, BA1 9AQ Tel: 01225 423032 www.oldcrownkelston.com

food and drink

Fancy a Valentine's break in the heart of Bath?

If you're thinking of spoiling that special someone this Valentine's Day, a trip to our beautiful World Heritage city may be high on your list. If so, then we have the perfect place for you to take in all the romantic locations, culture and entertainment Bath has to offer.

Situated within the Grade II listed buildings of 32-33 Broad Street, Broad Street Townhouse offers 11 king-sized en-suite bedrooms split over 3 storeys, together with a ground floor café/bar located in the heart of Bath. Located on historic Broad Street, Broad Street Townhouse offers sumptuously appointed bedrooms in a traditional Bath limestone building that retains many of its original architectural features to ensure a truly authentic Bath City stay. The 11

individually styled bedrooms all feature king-sized beds with Mattison mattresses and en-suite bathrooms with rain head showers, plus mini-bar, safe and USB plugs throughout.

Broad Street townhouse offers sumptuously appointed bedrooms in a traditional Bath limestone building that retains many of its original architectural features to ensure a truly authentic Bath City stay.

Broad Street Townhouse offers sumptuously appointed bedrooms in a traditional Bath limestone building that retains many of its original architectural features to ensure a truly authentic Bath City stay.

Built in 1885, the townhouse retains many original features, including exposed timber stairs that lead to the bedrooms and large sash windows in the rooms so you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Bath from the comfort of your room.

Enjoy breakfast in your room with hampers including local preserves, snacks, pastries and dairy produce.

Simply ask at reception to order yours to your room, or explore the sister site next door, The Pig & Fiddle, offering cooked breakfasts and bottomless brunch to set you up for the day ahead.

When the clock strikes 6pm on the ground floor of Broad Street Townhouse, the lights dim and the Blind Pig comes alive. The newest and coolest bar in Bath, offering cocktails, coffee, fine wine and craft beer, and serving up British cheese and charcuterie to complement the intimate setting and laid-back vibe.

Reminiscent of a prohibition speakeasy, the Blind Pig hides beyond the old shop front façade…but shhhh, it’s a secret!

Broad Street Townhouse

32-33 Broad Street | Bath | BA1 5LP Phone: 01225 485760 reception@broadstreettownhouse.co.uk

Enjoy beautiful boutique comfort and style this Valentine’s Day in the heart of Bath.

11 king-size boutique rooms.

Delicious artisan produce, coffee, cocktails and craft beer in our cafe/bar.

Join us for a bite to eat, or stay for the night we’ll make your Valentine’s Day a special one.

food and drink

our own unique twist on traditional favourites to create a delectable cocktail list. However, if you can’t spot your favourite cocktail on our menu, ask our talented mixologists and they will endeavour to make it for you.

The Griffin Inn: An oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of the city Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and visit us at The Griffin Inn. Located only a few minutes from beautiful Bath’s city centre, you will find our welcoming inn with rooms – perfect for a valentine’s three-course meal or a romantic getaway! This 300-year old inn has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and is oozing with charm. From our outdoor award-winning floral displays to our cosy cushioned corners inside, it is the ideal place to be day or night.

Our ever-evolving menu changes with the seasons and is designed to include something for everyone, whether it be the hungry adventurer or a meal for a special occasion. Our chefs love to experiment and tempt customers into trying something new. We are very passionate about sustainability so we source our ingredients locally, where possible.

We take pride in how charming The Griffin Inn is inside and out. Last September we were so chuffed to receive a Silver Bath in Bloom award for our outdoor floral display and we cannot wait to compete this year! As vibrant as our flowers are outside, inside is a different story. Think softly lit corners with upholstered seats, a saffron glowing restaurant area and open stone walls.

Everyone is welcome here, even your four-legged friends!

Start your day off right with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. The mouthwatering menu ranges from the traditional full English to toasted & topped sourdough and sweet & savoury crespelle. Our kitchen focus on fresh, local and seasonal produce. These products range from cheese from Bath Soft Cheese Co to artisan pumpkin sourdough from Freshford FoodCo. Your breakfast can be served with barista coffees or bubbles! Our menu features three of our signature cocktails – Bloody Mary, Espresso Martini and a Mimosa.

Our walls are glistening with an impressive collection of spirits and liqueurs, consisting of 100 gins and 100 tequilas, from familiar brands to single village producers. Our knowledgeable bar team will walk you through the world of spirits, but if cocktails are more your thing then we’ve got you covered! We have added With famous attractions on our doorstep, our inn is the ideal place to stay after a day of exploring. We are only a short walk from the Thermae Bath Spa, Roman Baths and The Jane Austen Centre. Finish your day in comfort and reside with us.

We have eight tastefully decorated rooms and one of them is dog-friendly! To view our room availability, please visit our website or call 01225 420919.

Whether you are dining in our restaurant, staying with us or popping in for a valentine’s tipple, we welcome you to our home away from home.

The Griffin Inn

Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AP Tel: 01225 420919 www.thegriffinbath.co.uk

Experience every stay in a different way

So much more than a Hotel

H OTEL & S PA

Take a seat in the stylish Montagu Bar, relax and enjoy seasonal dishes in modern, elegant surrounds.

From ÂŁ9 per person 16 Royal Crescent, Bath. BA1 2LS Tel: +44 (0)1225 823333 Email: info@royalcrescent.co.uk www.royalcrescent.co.uk #MyRoyalCrescent

food and drink

Stephen Barrett's Wine Review

Bodegas Torres

From humble beginnings to the undoubted masters of quality wine In this second part of my Catalonian Wine Odyssey we discover more great wines, terrains and ancient monasteries.

Up early tasting palate at the ready we headed to the fabled Torres Family bodegas (est 1870) – probably the most famous of all modern Spanish Bodegas with sales of wine to over 140 countries.

From humble beginnings to date they are the undoubted masters of quality wine at accessible prices. In the UK their presence is evident at all manner of outlets offering innovativeness and value with confidence.

Penedes (30 minutes from Sitges) is the Torres family’s base but with deft investment and daring, family run outlets can be found in nearby Priorat and to the north, Ribera del Duero and Rioja plus Chile and California.

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With a great understanding of the terrain, climate and tradition, Torres has been at the forefront of organic winemaking practices, planting new vineyard sites in otherwise untried regions plus a noteworthy attitude to Climate Change with extraordinary low carbon emissions practiced at every opportunity. This is something that all members of wine industries world-wide have noted and spurned others into practices once thought out of their reach.

With success comes wealth that is shared with the local communities and farmers in and around their family base.

Their undoubted style is also offered at this extraordinary Wine Visitors centre

with a beautiful Tasting Room offering all manner of wines-styles from their extensive portfolio.

I was especially enamoured with their eponymously-named Mediterranean Riesling 2018. These two words are not normally seen together as the Mediterranean climate and heat are normally too great for the cool-climate Riesling grape.

Elaborated with deft skill the grapes were harvested at 600 metres the resulting wine leaving a tongue-tickling hint of honey over a long ‘unripe-peach’ note.

Unique and most gluggable – perfect with an amazingly Tapas of delicious fritter of Salt Cod. Next a 2016 Tinto from Priorat the western province to Barcelona offering a very hot climate with steepsided slate dominate vineyards and unusually low-yields.

Created with a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, dense it certainly was whilst showing ripe black fruit, oak and acidity all bound neatly together in this charming young wine. And the tapas to match…..Pungent grilled Chorizo Skewers! Brilliant harmony and mouthfeel lifted this wine to great heights!

the all-time Spanish classic – Paella. I guess those of you interested in regional dishes might have tried making Paella? I certainly have so it was with great interest to view just how the master proceeded!

Slow sautéed chopped onions and garlic were tossed into a Paella pan with a beautifully fragrant local olive oil, ten minutes later a lightly spiced Tomato Sauce was added. Cooked for 30 minutes after which a slosh of dessert wine was added to thin out the now rich concentrated sauce. Rice was next; it seemed to me it was Arborio style rice not unlike the great Italian variety. Stirred slowly for ten more minutes followed a jug full of concentrated Chicken stock, Chopped Farm Chicken, Olives, seasoning and torn herbs. 10 minutes later it was swollen and complete and we devoured it vigorously with some local (green) onion bread and a swig or two of Cava.

Needless to say this was simply the very best Paella any of us had ever experienced cooked in Slow Food style with passion!

With cats at every quarter, giant plants offering shade as well as a wind break are juxtaposed both in and out of this beautiful house. It’s a sort of ‘do-it-yourself’ kind of place! Not perhaps like the Four-star hotel others might be looking for!

Our last visit was in the Costa Barcelona appellation home to the impressive Finca Viladellops (www.fincaviladellops.com) where we jumped into a couple of Land Rovers/four tracks and trundled into the historic hillside vineyards where Garnacha and Xarel lo are planted.

Since 1990 this ancient house and bodega are now home to top drawer wines elaborated in the organic manner.

The vineyards were once a part of the Mediterranean seabed now littered with ancient Oyster shells evident between every row of vine. This in turn allows freedraining soils and mineral extraction to be part of the reasons that quality organic production is easier to perpetrate here than other vineyards worldwide.

The vineyards were once a part of the Mediterranean seabed now littered with ancient Oyster shells evident between every row of vine.

After lunch we embarked on a Vineyard Walk, spotting ancient Shepherds’ Stone Houses, craggy mountains and birds of prey. These were just some of the things we experienced as the last grapes were being hand-harvested to the base of the hills then transported to the old stone winery and crushed to make their organic range of regional wines.

These were two great modern wines, perfect for a discerning market.

Do make time to visit Torres and enjoy the undoubted style and modernity of this remarkable Spanish Family. www.torres.es After that intro we ventured into the northern province of Tarragona, fabled with the early settlements created first by the Greeks and latterly by the Romans.

This is staggeringly beautiful terrior suitable for many crops which are still cultivated today and used in regional cuisine.

Our destination was to visit and incorporate a fully-sustainable farmhouse (www. masllagostera.com) specialising in creating amongst other things,

Our next visit was completely different as we ventured towards the commune (village) of Nulles where the omni-present Adernats Bodega formed the centre piece of this ancient town. Designed and constructed in 1917 by the noted Catalonian architect Cesar Martinelli I Brunet, a disciple of Antoni Gaudi. Its construction is not only spectacular but also truly functional as the archways and clever space allows casks and tanks to create their elixir with air flowing through the building funnelling away the Carbon gasses created in the winemaking process.

I was impressed with the purity of these Xarel lo white wines, the oak kissed fruitladen scent reminding me of classical Chablis Grand Cru from a great year.

The Granacha tinto, sporting great use of oak, shot into the palate with arrow-straight directness leaving Red and Black fruits slipping into a brilliant spiced finish.

Soon our extraordinary journey was over as we headed to the airport at Barcelona and home.

Nothing we experienced in this ancient land was too far from the great cities and towns of this great Mediterranean province. Catalunya should be on your radar and be considered as a Wine Destination with over 10 specialist companies active in creating events and visits for parties large and small. Go to www.catalunya.com for specialist websites and up-to-date info.

Our visit coincided with a Tourism Wine Tasting Event where visits to the bodega plus excellent Tapas bites, music and lights rolled on into the night. Plenty of wines are made here in a Cooperative manner with a cellar door open to purvey their styles.

To our last hotel to nearby Hotel Peralta (www.hotelperalta.com) situated in a very old rambling farmhouse newly converted with an African influenced maze of rooms and restaurants that welcome you with hippy honesty and intrigue.

Stephen Barrett is a Wine, Food and Travel writer based in Plymouth. Stephen welcomes correspondence via his website www.stephenbarrett.com Facebook and LinkedIn and @bistrowineman on Twitter and Instagram

The Scottish Bard

Stained glass window of Robert Burns in Glasgow University's Bute Hall.

Lights are dimmed (cue bagpipe CD) with bagpipes welcoming the haggis to the host’s table. The tune performed is usually one of Robert Burns’ compositions. Once the haggis has arrived at the table, the host will read the 'Address To A Haggis'. This is a performative poem celebrating haggis, with prompts instructing the host when to draw and sharpen their knife, and when to slice the haggis. The haggis must be sliced from end to end in a proper ceremony. It is tradition for guests to then drink a toast of Scotch whisky to the haggis.

How to celebrate your very own

Burns Night A lthough he died over 220 years ago, It's Burns' ability to empathise with the human condition that makes him as relevant, and as popular, today than even in his own time.

His poem 'Auld Lang Syne', a sincere expression of friendship is sung, and suppers are celebrated on his birthday (25th January) each year with traditional dishes of haggis and whisky along with recitals of his best-loved work. Although there are many fine eateries willing to celebrate the event with a 'Burns Supper', here are some tips on creating your own night of celebrating the 'Scottish Bard'.

You may not be able to play the bagpipes, but having some pipes playing in the background as you welcome your guests is a good alternative. The host of

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the event will then welcome his or her guests as they take their seats with a short speech. Once guests are seated, Burns’ famous 'Selkirk Grace' is read.

The haggis must be sliced from end to end in a proper ceremony. It is tradition for guests to then drink a toast of Scotch whisky to the haggis.

Dining begins with a soup course. This is usually a classic Scottish soup such as cock-a-leekie soup, Scotch broth or potato soup. Following the soup course, the main feature of any formal Burns’ night is the piping of the haggis.

With guests seated and haggis served, side dishes of mashed potatoes and swedes make up the main course. This is sometimes followed by dessert and cheese courses, usually they too are made to a traditional Scottish recipe. The whole meal is washed down with another glass of Scotch whisky.

After the meal, a selection of toasts are given. Like the meal itself, these follow a specific order which must be observed.

It is also at this point that the host (or guests) give a celebration of Robert Burns. This is usually a reflection on Burns’ life or work. Very popular in Scotland.

The speech can be either humorous or serious. It ends with a toast to the immortal memory of Robert Burns.

Although not designed to be offensive, a toast of thanks are then made to the women who prepared the meal, this address has become much more involved in recent years. At the end of the speech, all the assembled men drink a toast to the women’s health (Obviously, times have changed, so this element of the traditon can be removed if offence is caused).

One of the reasons the male speaker dare not be too offensive is that his speech gets a response from the women in the room. An elected female speaker will share her views on men and reply to any comments made by the previous male speaker.

The penultimate part of the evening, and perhaps the longest, is a series of readings of Burns’ poetry or the singing of his songs. There may also be songs and poems influenced by Burns’ work.

Finally, the host will call upon one of the guests to give a vote of thanks. Once this is done, guests will stand, hold hands, and sing Auld Lang Syne to bring an end to the evening.

If this all sounds a little too fanciful or too much like hard work, you can always tailor your own version of the evening.

Alternatviely, there are a number of restaurants in and around the city who will be more than happy to cater for you at one of their Burns Night events. In order to save you time, we have highlighted a few of those helping celebrate the life of Robert Burns.

Your new look Browns Brasserie & Bar, Bath.

From breakfast through to dinner, enjoy fresh seasonal dishes alongside classic brasserie favourites, with a magnificent new bar serving hand-crafted cocktails and our fine selection of wine and Champagne.

Now taking bookings for Burns Night and Valentine’s Day.

Private Dining & Events.

Our beautiful new private dining room is available to hire for up to 14 guests.

From celebrations to corporate events, five course feasts to drinks and canapĂŠs, our experienced team are here to create your perfect occasion.

Browns Brasserie & Bar Old Police Station, Orange Grove, Bath BA1 1LP Tel: 01225 461199 browns-restaurants.co.uk @brownsbath

food and drink

Address to a Haggis Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!

Aboon them a' ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye worthy o' a grace As lang's my arm.

Irresistible food and luxurious surroundings at the new Browns Brasserie & Bar Fresh from a magnificent new refurbishment, Browns Brasserie & Bar occupies a prime location in Bath city centre.

The historic listed building was a former police station, with an imposing entrance large enough for a horse-drawn carriage.

Taking inspiration from the 1920s, the new interior has art deco styling, luxurious furnishings and opulent finishes.

Alongside the high ceilings and huge windows overlooking the Abbey, the refurbished brasserie and bar provides a simply beautiful backdrop to enjoy the seasonal British menu, traditional afternoon tea and extensive cocktail list.

Guests can choose from fresh market fish delivered daily, and an ever-changing specials menu including fresh lobster on Thursdays, fresh Pyefleet oysters on Fridays, steaks from Browns’ own farms on Saturdays and traditional Sunday Roasts at the weekend. There is also plenty for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy, and a Gluten Free menu accredited by Coeliac UK. Whether they’re dining or not, guests can take advantage of the stunning new bar, serving expertly hand-crafted cocktails and a fabulous range of wine, Champagne and gin.

Offering a simply perfect space for special occasions and events, Browns has a lovely new private dining room for up to 14 people, with the elegant new mezzanine available to hire for up to 100 guests.

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Whether they’re dining or not, guests can take advantage of the stunning new bar, serving expertly hand-crafted cocktails and a fabulous range of wine, Champagne and gin.

To top it all off, Browns hosts weekly live piano performances every Thursday and Sunday.

Browns is now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day, offering a special menu of indulgent and irresistible dishes, from oysters, scallops and fresh fish to succulent steaks, duck and lamb, with lots of chocolate and delicious vegan options too. Book now from £26.95 for two courses.

They will also be celebrating Burns Night in partnership with Glenfiddich, with a menu of Scottish classics, each one perfectly paired with a smooth Scotch whisky.

The groaning trencher there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Your pin wad help to mend a mill In time o need, While thro your pores the dews distil Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight, An cut you up wi ready slight, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like onie ditch; And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive: Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive, Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve Are bent like drums; The auld Guidman, maist like to rive, 'Bethankit' hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout, Or olio that wad staw a sow, Or fricassee wad mak her spew Wi perfect scunner, Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash, As feckless as a wither'd rash, His spindle shank a guid whip-lash, His nieve a nit; Thro bloody flood or field to dash, O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread, Clap in his walie nieve a blade, He'll make it whissle; An legs an arms, an heads will sned, Like taps o thrissle.

Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care, And dish them out their bill o fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies: But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, Gie her a Haggis

Burns Night at Loch Fyne

Burns Night 2020 at The Pump Room

Friday 24th - Saturday 26th January 2020

Sat 25th January – Sat 25th January 2020

Join us at the Roman Baths and Pump Room for a night of true Scottish tradition. We’ll celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns in style, with an evening of poetry, music and Scottish dancing with a traditional four-course Burns’ Night supper, including the crowning glory – the famous haggis!

What’s included: Sparkling drinks reception around the Roman Baths Piper to call you into dinner Traditional four-course meal with half a bottle of wine in the Pump Room Poetry readings Live music and ceilidh dancing Whiskey bar Cash bar Searcys Burns’ Night Menu

Join us at your local Loch Fyne on the 24th & 25th of January 2020 for a memorable meal to celebrate Robert Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture.

Starters include; Cullen Skink - Loch Fyne® smoked haddock, potatoes, rye sourdough. Loch Fyne® Queen Scallops smoked bacon, garlic butter, black pudding, apple.

Mains Include; Pan-Fried Cod Fillet - golden shell Hebridean mussels, mustard creamed leek. And of course, Haggis, Neeps and Taties with whisky sauce.

Desserts include; Sticky Toffee Pudding, and a selection of cheeses, red onion chutney, traditional Scottish oatcakes.

3 Courses / £ 29.95

For more details see the website: www.lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk

Call: 01225 444477 for booking details or e-mail: events.bath@searcys.co.uk

BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATION at the

ROMAN BATHS & PUMP ROOM

Saturday 25 January 2020 – 7.00pm - 12.30am

£70.00 per person

Sparkling drinks reception around the Roman Baths | Piper Poetry readings | Live music and ceilidh dancing | Charity raffle

For further information and to book tickets please contact: events.bath@searcys.co.uk | 01225 444477

Luther Vandross Celebration

music Boyzlife

11 Jan Edd Donovan and The Wandering Moles Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org A folk songwriter who crafts songs that tell stories of modern life; a lyrical alchemist weaving meaning with glorious melodies.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm.

Prices: Advance £10. Door £12.

16 Jan Damian Wilson & Adam Wakeman Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org Playing songs from their individual back catalogues along with tracks from their joint albums in a show not to be missed.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm Prices: Advance £16. Door £16..

18 Jan Bradford Roots Music Festival www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk Various Local music, crafts, dance and food combine for another edition of the unmissable Bradford Roots Music Festival.

From folk to jazz, bluegrass to world and everything in between we’re sure that this iconic community music event will put a smile on your face, even in the depths of winter!

Prices: Adult: £20 advance (£30 on the door) U18s + students: £10 advance (£15 on the door) U12s go Free

50 inbath

24 Jan Alan West, Steve Black & Adam Sweet Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org An evening of acoustic Americana, both covers and original. Honest, instant, inventive, adaptive and fun!

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm Prices: Advance £10. Door £10.

26 Jan Brooks Williams & Sloan Wainwright Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org One guitar, two voices, plus a shared love of roots music and original songs shifting between pop, folk, jazz and blues.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm.

Prices: Advance £14. Door £15.

30 Jan The Musical Box: A Genesis Extravaganza II 2020 The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk As the only band ever licensed and supported by Genesis and Peter Gabriel, The Musical Box presents a new, never performed show featuring the music of Trespass, Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by The Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, A Trick of the Tail and Wind & Wuthering.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see wesbite for details.

Mariam Batsashvili plays Tchaikovsky

31 Jan Luther Vandross Celebration The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk The World’s premier show in celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’ experience all the hits from his amazing career, culminating over 40 million album sales and eight Grammy awards including many of the greatest dance anthems and love songs ever written, fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10 piece band.

Time: 7:30pm Prices: From £22.50 (+ booking fees*) 6 Feb Boyzlife Playing The Hits of Boyzone & Westlife The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Two of the world’s biggest bands Boyzone and Westlife come together, for the very first time, with a full band production show - Featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy.

This specially adapted theatre production will include many of their greatest hits, the catalogue includes a record breaking 18 Number 1 singles and 9 number 1 albums, and combined record sales of over 60 Million Units.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see website for details 7 Feb Mariam Batsashvili plays Tchaikovsky Wiltshire Music Centre www.bathphil.co.uk Bath Philharmonia presents an evening of glistening beauty and tempestuous romanticism. Debussy’s Afternoon of the Faune, shimmers in the heat of the afternoon with a fine gossamer of

Bootleg Bee Gees

Fairport Convention

orchestral textures and colours. Debussy’s Clair de Lune has a melodic beauty that glistens in the moonlight of its own title.

Time: 7.30pm Prices: £28/£10 (under 18s and students) 8 Feb Bootleg Bee Gees Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org ‘Fun from start to finish!’ - The Stage.

Faithful recreations of all those famous Bee Gees tunes featuring all the hits.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm Prices: Advance £20. Door £20.

13 Feb Martin Simpson Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org Every gig is a masterclass giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm.

Prices: Advance £16. Door £16 14 Feb Fairport Convention The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Fairport Convention has been making great music for over fifty years. Credited with originating British folk-rock music, the band has been through many changes but the current members retain a passion for live performance.

This year’s Winter Tour will feature a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and new material and will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the much lauded album ‘Full House’ and Dave ‘Peggy’ Pegg’s membership in the band!

Time: 8.00pm Prices vary, see website for details

Queen of Punk Patti Smith to play Bath Legendary American singer-songwriter Patti Smith will be bringing her band to The Bath Forum as part of next year’s Bath Festival. This is rare 2020 UK appearance for the Queen of Punk, who is also celebrated for her work as a poet, photographer and activist.

The Bath Festival organisers have worked in partnership with The Forum to secure the booking, which adds Bath to the list of worldwide dates that Patti Smith and her band are playing in 2020. The Forum last played host to the iconic performer in 2012 when she and her band staged a sell-out gig which won rave reviews. Patti Smith and band will return to The Forum on Friday 22 May at 8pm, as part of the ten-day Bath Festival of music and books.

Patti Smith has been an artist for more than four decades, winning fans of all generations for her music, her writing and campaigning on social and environmental issues. Her memoir Year of the Monkey was the winner of the National Book Award. She said recently of her newest fans: “Young people used to bring records to my shows – now they bring books.”

Patti Smith grew up in New Jersey, heading for New York aged 20 where she quickly became part of the emerging punk scene, whose haunts included the Chelsea Hotel and CBGB music club. Her first album was the critically acclaimed Horses in 1975 and she has since gone on to record ground-breaking songs over 11 studio albums. Her 1978 UK hit Because

The Night, remains the song that people most associate with her.

In a career that includes four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, alongside accolades and honours, Patti Smith continues to mesmerise audiences with her stage performances. She played the Saturday night slot at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2018. Many artists cite Patti Smith as an influence, including Madonna, Michael Stipe of REM, KT Tunstall, Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson.

Tickets for this unique event will go on early release. Bath Festivals patrons and members booking begins from Thursday 28 November, while general release opens on Monday 9 December. For more information about becoming a member visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk .

Tickets are available from: www.thebathfestival.org.uk, 01225 463362 or in person from Bath Box Office, 2 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN. Or from www.bathforum.co.uk, 0844 888 9991. Tickets are priced from £27.50 to £44 (including ticket fees).

Look out for the full Bath Festival 2020 line-up of music and books events which will be unveiled in February.

Keep up to date with Bath Festivals news at: www.bathfestivals.org,uk Facebook: /TheBathFestival Twitter: @TheBathFestival Instagram: @TheBathFestival

music

Midge Ure

Michael Buble

15 Feb Claudia Morris Trio Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org A range of styles from jazz to pop with a medley of hits from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day to Bob Dylan and Eva Cassidy.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm.

Prices: Advance £18. Door £20.

Grammy-award winner, Michael Buble comes to The Royal Crescent

52 inbath

'

16 Feb Clare Teal and her BIG MINI BIG BAND Theatre Royal www.theatreroyal.org.uk Award winning jazz vocalist and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal and her BIG Mini Big Band celebrate 100 years of pop music featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British Song books and by contemporary writers creating the standards of today.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see website for details

Michael Buble LIVE AT THE ROYAL CRESCENT, BATH '

15 Feb Midge Ure The 1980 Tour, Vienna & Visage The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk The 1980 Tour reminds us that these things are possible. Both ‘Vienna’ and ‘Visage’ were the sound of the future… and yet still sound unearthly, romantic, impossibly beautiful and full of promise. Brought to life by Midge Ure and Band Electronica, this is the very first time in the 40 years since it was made that the ‘Vienna’ album will be performed in its entirety.

It is also the first time that many of the songs from the debut Visage album will be played live.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see wesbite for details.

'

Claudia Morris Trio

A UNIQUE OPEN-AIR CONCERT AS PART OF HIS 2020 UK TOUR Grammy-award winning global megastar Michael Bublé will herald the return of live music for the first time in 17 years to the stunning Royal Crescent, Bath, as he performs a spectacular summer open-air concert, kicking off his 2020 ‘An Evening with Michael Bublé’ UK tour.

The shows on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July will take place at one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks, with the stage set on the private lawns of the Royal Crescent against the iconic backdrop of the 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses.

It is without doubt one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK and is an important part of why City of Bath as a whole was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987.

Now, for this rare occasion, the venue will be transformed for what will be a dazzling evening of live music. Set to be some of the most vocally and visually stunning concert shows of 2020, the forthcoming ‘An Evening with Michael

Bublé’ summer tour will blend his worldclass showmanship with the impressive grandeur of magnificent venues, for an unforgettable musical experience.

Michael Bublé is without a doubt one of the best entertainers in the world.

He connects with an audience like no other. The “irresistibly big-hearted” (Telegraph) performer oozes genuine charisma, velvety vocals and smooth moves. Michael has already completed six sold-out world tours, won four Grammy Awards and sold over 60 million records over the course of his extraordinary career.

Bublé’s shows will be the first at the Royal Crescent since the world-famous shows in 2003, when The Three Tenors performed to mark the completion of Bath’s Millennium Project and the opening of the Thermae Bath Spa. Martin Shields, Bath & North East Somerset council’s Corporate Director, said: “ This is fantastic news for Bath and we are delighted that the promoter Senbla, supported by The Bath Percent Club and local resident groups, has secured an impressive international artist to perform in our city. Looking ahead, the concert complements an already exciting diary of events in Bath for 2020.”

AN EVENING WITH

FRI 24 JUL BATH ROYAL CRESCENT ADDED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

SAT 25 JUL BATH ROYAL CRESCENT AXS.COM | TICKETMASTER.CO.UK | MICHAELBUBLE.COM

music

The Boys are Back! 5ive/A1/Damage/911

20 Feb North Sea Gas Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org Playing Guitars, Fiddle, Banjo, Bouzouki, Bohdran and with strong vocals.Featuring three part harmonies and lots of Craic!

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm.

Prices: Advance £10. Door £12.

22 Feb Both Sides Now The Joni Mitchell Celebration Concert Not your usual tribute! This group of Joni superfans are dedicated to keeping her music in the live arena.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm Prices: Advance £18.50. Door £20 26 Feb The Boys are Back!

5ive/A1/Damage/911 The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk The boys are back! Catch 5ive, A1, Damage and 911 at venues all over the UK in February and March, bringing you a hit-packed show of pop classics. Four acts, one unforgettable night!

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see wesbite for details.

28 Feb You Win Again The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Direct from London’s West End, You Win Again – Celebrating The Music of The Bee Gees Prepare to experience the distinct sound of one the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable concert spectacular. Immerse yourself

54 inbath

Madama Butterfly

in the brothers’ music through the sixties, seventies and eighties – including hits they wrote for artists such as Celine Dion, Diana Ross and Dolly Parton.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see wesbite for details.

29 Feb Flamenco Express plus Juan-José Suárez Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org A cargo of raw, heart-wrenching flamenco - featuring ‘sizzling soloist’ La Joaquina and guitar virtuoso Chris Clavo.

Times: 7.30pm. Starts 8pm. Ends 10.30pm.

Prices: Advance £14. Door £16.

29 Feb Soul Of A Woman The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Powerful, professional and an unrivalled performance, Soul of a Woman is more than a show – it’s showstopping.

Celebrating the inspirational and iconic female voices of soul’s hall of fame – this eight- piece band are simply phenomenal. Hear the haunting melodies of Etta James, Billy Holiday and Whitney Houston, the unmistakable symphonies of Dusty Springfield and Chaka Khan and feel the hairs on the back of your neck tingle at the acoustic arrangements of Adele and Aretha.

Time: 7.30pm Prices: £22.50 (+ Booking Fees) 4 Mar La Bohème The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk La Bohème is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and

her love for a penniless writer. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include, a brass band, snow effects and Muzetta’s dog will also make an entrance. This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see wesbite for details.

5 Mar Madama Butterfly The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

Time: 7.30pm Prices vary, see wesbite for details.

6 Mar The King Is Back - 2020 The Forum www.bathforum.co.uk Ben Portsmouth -The World’s Number One Elvis Tribute Artist. Ben, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis's DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs.

Internationally renowned as one, if not The Best Elvis Tribute in the world today, Ben will bring his unique style and charisma and will show audiences why he is regarded as the best in the business.

Time: 7.30pm Prices: From £28.50 (+ booking fees*)

Now firmly established as Bath’s alternative arts venue and operating as an independently funded arts centre presenting an eclectic array of events for all the performing and visual arts in the heart of Bath.

With a superb Oak sprung floor, state-of-the-art lighting system and truss, fantastic natural acoustic of the room (best in Bath!), the venue can accomodate 200 people standing, 150 seated theatre style and 105 seated at cabaret style tables.There is a well stocked bar with many local and organic drinks and a choice of excellent wines.

Situated under the auditorium, our Cafe serves a plant-based menu. Organic coffee and single estate Sri Lankan teas are available all day with morning pastries, home-made cakes and ice creams to accompany. Our lunch counter is open from 11.30 to 3.30 serving a weekly changing selection of hot main courses and mouthwatering salads. We are also fully licensed in the cafe so you can escape the city centre madness and enjoy an organic wine, beer or perhaps a kombucha in our pretty courtyard.

.

. .

Tickets www.chapelarts.org 01225 463362

St James's Memorial Hall Lower Borough Walls Bath BA1 1QR

We open from 8pm-3am Thursday to Saturday & Sundays from 10pm-3am

Thu 5th MAR 2020 Welcoming back the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova.

Ensemble 360

New Year, New Music: Wiltshire Music Centre kicks off the Year with a Bang We would like to invite you to join leading musicians at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon this New Year! The coming months are going to be as exciting as ever, thanks to an incredibly diverse array of musical styles on offer and a wide range of performances by outstanding British and international artists across classical, jazz, folk and world music.

January will kick off with the Bradford Roots Music Festival, now a true staple of the Wiltshire music scene, with a huge variety of music ranging from folk to blues, and indie to world showcased over three days and five stages. The WMC concert season then opens with a bang as our new Artist in Residence Tom Poster takes to the stage with his ensemble for a beautiful programme of contrasting chamber music works with voice by Beethoven, Britten and Vaughan Williams (free tickets for Under 25s).

We’re also delighted to be screening the hit musical 42nd Street, as live from Drury Lane in London and starring Clare Halse and TV icon Bonnie Langford. We then welcome back WMC favourites Ensemble 360 for two concerts, including an evening chamber music recital alongside the Battle of Stinky Bottom, a family show that takes you on an epic musical adventure with a young knight.

Empirical

Battle of Stinky Bottom

Later in the year, you can experience a modern take on flamenco traditional dance with Dot Dot Dot Dance in a striking triple bill of live music and dance, and then you can join our Nimmo Artists in Residence Empirical jazz quartet for a collaborative concert featuring superstar pianist Gwilym Simcock as they begin their yearlong residency.

With more concerts than ever completely free for Under 25s, as well as an exciting programme of opera, ballet and musicals screenings, not to mention engaging family shows, the new season at Wiltshire Music Centre offers something for everyone.

To find out more and book head online: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

COMING SOON TO WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE...

Sat 11 Jan 7.30pm 42ND STREET (AS LIVE) Screening of the hit West End musical with Bonnie Langford Fri 17 - Sun 19 Jan BRADFORD ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL Wiltshire’s biggest winter festival returns for 8th year!

Fri 24 Jan 7.30pm TOM POSTER / KALEIDOSCOPE CHAMBER COLLECTIVE A multitude of musical colours from new WMC Artist in Residence Sat 1 Feb 3pm SIR SCALLYWAG & THE BATTLE OF STINKY BOTTOM Families can embark on a musical adventure with a young knight Sat 8 Feb 7.30pm EMPIRICAL / GWILYM SIMCOCK Leading British jazz group create a feast for the ears

BOOK NOW wiltshiremusic.org.uk / 01225 860100 January 2020 FINAL.indd 1

@wiltshiremusic @wiltshiremusiccentre 11/12/2019 12:45:30

music

Will Johns Will Johns is recognised as one of the most distinctive and exciting British Blues performers on the scene today. As well as being a spellbinding live act in his own right, he fronts The Will Johns Band, who bring their mix of Blues standards and orignal music to Komedia (as part of Independent Venues Week) on Thursday 30th January.

Sighting Eric Clapton and George Harrision as his uncles, was a life in music always on the cards or did his mother have other plans for him.

Craig Maplesden catches up with Will to chat about his career, childhood memories and being picked up from school in a Ferrari Testarossa.

You are bringing your band to Komedia on Thursday 30th January. For those who are yet to experience your music, what can they expect?

We will be playing a mix of Blues standards, original music from my own albums and a couple of high octane cover versions.

Are there any particular memories that stand out from your childhood that made you think a life in music was for you?

Ha ha, probably driving away from school in a Ferrari!

Did your love of Blues music come from your family’s influence or did you just relate more to the sound/lyrics?

Very guitary but not TOO LOUD!!

You are known for your distinctive guitar sound. Do you think this unique style comes from being self-taught?

Yes! I think we all have our influences etc but after a while, when you play an awful lot and spend time developing your sound, one's own personality comes through.

You grew up in a musical household, was there any pressure to become a musician or pursue a career in music?

Ha!! Quite the opposite for me. I was raised by my Mother in a basement flat in London. She constantly warned me off a career in music. She had been over exposed to the wild side of Rock by having a sister married to a Beatle (George Harrison) and later to Eric Clapton and another sister married to Mick Fleetwood. I think she wanted to protect me from a lifetime of late nights, no money and disappointment !!!

You’ve achieved a lot of success in your career, both individually and with the band, what has been your proudest moment to date?

I think completeing 43 shows with The Music of Cream in the United States last year (2018) was quite an amazing accomplishment.

Not just the grueling schedule but also surviving living with a bunch of guys in a steel rectangle traveling at 60 miles per hour round the country is no mean feat!

If you hadn’t gone into music, what career do you think you would have chosen?

Yes, Directly from Eric. It was always apparent to me what was "Real Music" and then there was everything else...

When he turned me on to Ry Cooder and his "Get Rhythm" Album I knew what made my big toe shoot up into my boot.

What music did you listen to growing up?

Firstly my Mum's Cassette tapes, Tango in the Night - Fleetwood Mac, Private Dancer - Tina Turner, that kind of thing.

Then I went thru Jimi Hendrix, Taj Mahal and Stevie Ray. As I got a little older, I was into anything funky like Jamiroquai. Now, its all about BB King for me. Occaisonally i listen to Johnny Guitar Watson and Snoop Dogg!

Last year saw you tour with Malcolm Bruce and Kofi Baker, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Music of Cream.

With the intimate connection you have with the bands original members, did this make it one of your favourite tours to be on?

Yes!! Its great to play that Music nice and loud on the big stage With those guys, there is a lot of improvisation and because Mr Baker and Mr Bruce are both "Jazzers" they tend to take you through some very interesting times! Try 7 over 4, or 5s over 4s or even 13s over 8s!!

Was the tour also an opportunity for the three of you to add your own styles and interpretations to the the music of Cream?

Absolutely. We decided very early that we would not be playing the material "note for note" and take the music onwards and upwards.

What music are you currently listening to?

I would probably have been a Marine Biologist or worked on boats in the fishing industry.

Every morning I put on BB King , the Man just sets my heart on fire.

What was life like growing up with such famous relatives?

Other than the tour, what does 2020 have in store for you?

Well for me it wasn't an everyday thing.

As I mentioned, I was raised by my Mum in a flat in London so it was only occasionally that I would go and spend weekends or Holidays with the Rock Stars!

What was cool was being picked up in a Ferrari Testarossa at the end of term and watching my school chums faces.

I'm working on "The Blues Album". A collection of standards with my own slants and arrangements and featuring some special guests, friends that I just love playing with. I'm planning on making it only available on Vinyl and it will also feature a book with all my darkest secrets.

With such a musical family, you get the impression that there was always a jam going on. Was this really how life was?

All info, links and updates can be found at my website www.willjohns.com

No! Not for me anyway. Life was hard and often there wasn't enough money for food.

inbath 59

films

Bad Boys For Life Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast: Certificate: Distributor:

Birds of Prey Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast: Certificate: Distributor:

7th February Action, Adventure, Crime £ 20,000,000 Owen McCafferty Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor TBC Warner Bros

7th February Action, Adventure, Crime £ 20,000,000 Owen McCafferty Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor TBC Warner Bros

Synopsis:

Synopsis: After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord, Black Mask in Gotham City.

Old-school cops Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett team up to take down the vicious leader of a Miami drug cartel.

Newly created elite team AMMO of the Miami police department along with Mike and Marcus go up against the ruthless Armando Armas.

1917 Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast: Certificate: Distributor:

10th January Drama, War £ 15,000,000 Sam Mendes Richard Madden, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth TBC E1 Entertainment

Synopsis: Schofield and Blake, two young British soldiers during the First World War, are given a seemingly impossible mission - saving 1600 men from certain doom during World War I. With time against them, they must deliver a message, deep in enemy territory, that will stop their own men, and Blake's own brother, walking straight into a deadly trap.

Emma (2020) Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast:

The King's Man Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast: Certificate: Distributor:

14th February Action, Adventure, Crime £ 24,000,000 Matthew Vaughn Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson TBC Walt Disney Studios

Synopsis: One man must race against time to stop history's worst tyrants and criminal masterminds as they get together to plot a war that could wipe out millions of people and destroy humanity.

Certificate: Distributor:

28th February Comedy, Romance, £ 9,000,000 Guy Nattiv Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Nighy, TBC Universal Pictures

Synopsis: Following the antics of a young woman, Emma Woodhouse, who lives in Georgian- and Regency-era England and occupies herself with matchmaking - in sometimes misguided, often meddlesome fashion- in the lives of her friends and family.

Jojo Rabbit

Bombshell

Sonic the Hedgehog

Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast:

Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast:

Released : Genre: Est box office: Director: Film cast:

Certificate: Distributor:

3rd January Comedy, Drama, War £ 6,000,000 Taika Watiti Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson TBC Walt Disney Studios

Certificate: Distributor:

24th January Drama, Biography £ 6,000,000 Jay Roach Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie TBC Lionsgate Films

Certificate: Distributor:

14th February Animation £ 8,000,000 Zazie Beets Jeff Fowler, Jim Carrey, James Marsden TBC Paramount

Synopsis:

Synopsis:

Synopsis:

Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend -- Adolf Hitler -- Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.

A revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it.

Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend -- a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination.

inbath 61

healthier lifestyles

Image credit: Justine Stoddart

Dr Rangan Chatterjee Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a pioneer in the emerging field of progressive medicine and is changing the way that we look at illness. He is known for his ground-breaking BBC One TV show, Doctor in the House, as well as his No 1 'Health' podcast 'Feel Better, Live More’.

Having recently released his latest book 'Feel Better in 5', the good doctor spoke to Craig Maplesden about how his 5 minute plan to feel great for life is easy to maintain, easy-tofollow and requires only the smallest amount of willpower.

Many congratulations on the release of your new book. What is the ethos behind ‘Feel Better in 5’?

The ethos behind the book is bascially the idea that all of want to feel better than we do and healthier than we are, but we dont have time. So the whole point about this book is that you can change your life in just 5 minutes.

Now, that sounds like a gimmick and just too good to be true, but it really isn't.

This book is based on nearly 20 years of clinical experience about what really works for people to make changes, and also the latest science in successful behaviour change, which basically tells us that the only way for the majority of us to make long term change is to start small and start easy.

So 5 minutes is the optimal amount; the sweet spot, it's small enough to fit it into the busiest day and long enough to feel the benefit from it - now that's the important bit. It's when we experience the change that keeps us going.

The second part is health. Health has become really complicated, whereby we feel we have to punish ourselves in the gym to feel better. Health should be fun, it should be something we want to engage in. Thats why 'Feel Better in 5' is simple and easy so that people can have fun, it works in the short term as well as the long term.

What are the most common mistakes people make when setting a plan for a healthier lifestyle?

Where to start. The common mistakes are that people make it harder than it needs to be. The second is that many focus specifically on one area.

Let's say that in January you want to change your diet, let's say you want to reduce your sugar or your alcohol intake.

Now many people will be succesful in the first week or two, but by the end of the second week the sugar or alcohol intake has crept back up to where it was before.

For many, stress will be the driver of this increased intake and their way of coping with the stress in their personal or professional life will be to have a glass or two of alcohol, or eat sugar in the evening in front of the tele - so willpower will only last so long.

My plan focuses on 3 core areas; Mind, Body and Heart. Our minds are bombarded by our busy 21st century lifestyles. So we need 5 minutes a day to nourish our minds and empty out all the toxic anxieties and stess that is in there.

There are many techniques that we can use such as journalling, deep-breathing, meditation, adult colouring-in books, nature - all things that can help our mind, The second component is the body; and this is generally getting us to move our body. We know we should be moving our bodies more, but we have made things more complicated once again.

‘Trying to be healthy can be overwhelming – what if all it took to make a real difference was 5 minutes of your day?’

So, all the movements in the book are 5 minute workouts, they can be strength, interval, dancing and play workouts that are designed to be simple and as accessible as possible.

The final component is the heart; now the heart is probably the most important and neglected of the three. The heart is all about the connections we have with people around us.

As a medical student, we were told that the heart pumps blood all around the body. Now thats one definition of the heart, but i'm more intersted in the heart that artists, poets and songwriters have been waxing lyrical about for years. This is the connection side of heart - what it means to be human.

We are told we are more connected now than ever, but this is more the digital side of life. In fact, we are more isolated now than we have ever been.

The science tells us that the feeling of being lonely is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. People who are lonely are 50% more likely to die earlier and 30% more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke - which is why focusing for 5 minutes a day on your connections are so vital. That's why this book is so different from all other health books - it gives a more rounded approach and puts equal value to physical, mental and emotional health.

Also, most books don't follow the rules of human behaviour. There are 6 tips that make human behavour stick, here are a couple: 1 - Make it easy 2 - Stick new habit onto an existing habit (for example a 5 minute mind practice while making your morning coffee).

Is the biggest cause of a broken routine/ resolution down to cost and time, and therefore, is this one of the most important aspects of the book - that it is cost-free and deals in 5 minute ’snacks'?

Brilliant question - yes it is!

Cost and time are two big factors.

Anything you have to buy means it is an obstacle to get started and anything that has ongoing costs makes it easier to say no - you have to make this as easy as possible.

As mentioned, everything in the book is free and I take this seriously as a health professional. We know that if you live in certain deprived areas of the country your health outcomes are much worse -there is a social economic problem. As a GP, I want the information I give out to be

as accessible to a CEO of a company as it is to a single parent on benefits - which I am really proud of.

All the workouts in the book require zero eqiuipment, zero accessories and don't require you to get changed. Some of the pictures in the book show me doing the workouts in my jeans.

Time is the other factor. We all have busy lives whereby we may not be able to fit a 20 minute workout in - but we can find 5 minutes.

Here is a little case study. Six/seven years ago, in my practice, I saw a 42 year old man; low moods, a little bit of extra weight and low on enegry. There was no official diagnosis, he was just not thriving in his life and wanted a little help.

I felt, after talking to him, that various aspects of his lifestyle were contributing to the way he was feeling. I went through a variety of options and he said, do you know doctor I love one of your ideas of stength training - what do you want me to do? 45 minutes, 3 times a week in the gym? I said, if you can do that it would be amazing.

He left the practice feeling much better and fully motivated. So we arranged to meet up 3 weeks later. When I asked him how he got on at the gym, his body language changed, his voice went a little lower. He said, you know what Doc, its been very busy at work, the gyms quite expensive and it's not near work or home - so I havent gone yet.

At that moment, I realised I hadn't given him a solution that could work for him. I then took off my jacket and said, right I am going to give you a 5 minute strength exercise that doesn't reuqire any equipment, it doesn't cost anything, you don't even need to get changed.

I taught him the 'Classic 5' workout that's in the book - and he loved it. I asked him to do that twice a week for five minutes in his kitchen, which he confirmed would be easy for him to do.

We met back up four weeks later and his bdy language had changed. He told me that he loved the workout so much he now does it for 10 minutes every day before his evening meal. So this chap now does 70 minutes of stength exercise a week and has done for the past six or seven years. This guy has ownership of this workout and has fomed his own habit.

I'm really passionate about these 5 minute changes because I have seen it work, over and over again.

health I think, as adults, we also struggle with comparisons, we can struggle with the one negative comment rather than the 500 positive ones - that would have killed me as a teenager.

Finally, can you just summarise what you mean by ‘Progressive Medicine’ and the 360 degree approach.

What I mean by this, is that our medical training is very good at dealing with acute problems like pneumonia, heart attack etc that fit the 'one pilll for every ill' model, but we are not as good at chronic illness, that is driven by our lifestyles.

So, I call progressive medicine a rounded approach where we recognise that lifestyle can be useful for prevention and the treatment for many diseases.

So its just progressing with the times, we are taught 20th century medicine but need a 21st century approach and our lifetsyle can be our 21st century medicine. That's why 'Feel Better in 5' can be that simple, but effective plan.

'A superb guide to making lasting change in your life...[and] one of the best habit change programs I’ve ever seen deceptively simple but remarkably effective' Professor BJ Fogg - Founder of Human Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford University Lab

With 20 years of medical expertise behind you, are many of the ailments you see preventable and are they sometimes caused by trying to cure the illness, rather than the cause?

Absolutely. 80% of what I see everyday as a GP is connected to our modern lifestyles.

Image credit: Justine Stoddart

Now I am not putting blame on people, as we are all trying to juggle our busy lives. But it is this busy, modern, lifestyle that is causing a lack of sleep, stress, the fact that we are inactive and eating poor quality food. We are addicted to our devices where we don't nurture a physical connection - that's having an impact and its not just on obesity and type 2 diabetes, its also things like anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate, hormonal problems, high blood pressure. The point is, that all these things are driven by our modern lifestyles.

Now I don't always use a pharmacutical fix, but empowering the patient to be the architect of their own health by lifestyle changes. Now it's not all about prevention, if you already have an illness, and a diagnosis, adopting this plan may help reduced the symptms and the medication you need. If you are trying to stop getting ill in the future, this approach can help you. So I'm passionate that this plan can help every single one of us.

I have this ambition that this plan can be used in companies, in schools; just 5 minues on your mind, body and heart a day - whether you're fit or not.

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What are your thoughts on social media use/screen time, especially in young adults/children?

I've written about this before and it is a big problem. I'm concerned how young children are getting phones, I'm concerned about the lack of restriction in some schools.

I spoke to Calvin Newport, Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University, and we both feel that we will look back at this era and think what on earth were we doing giving phones and technology to children. We would think twice about giving smoking to kids, you have to be 16 before you can have cigarettes and I feel it wiill be a matter of time before the same sort of restrictions are placed on social media.

It does feel, at times, like we are in some kind of experiment, where if you limit it too much you risk your children becoming social outcasts.

I think it is contributing, in some people, to mental health issues. It exacerbates the issue of loneliness, as you can kid yourself that you are not lonely by connecting with others. That's not to say it is all bad, as you can connect with groups that have shared interests and where your voice is valued - so it's not as easy as saying it is good or bad. I think also there should be more restrictions and rules that Headmasters and Headmistresses should have more say on. In France, you are not allowed a mobile phone or social media account in school until you are 16.

I am really lucky that Professor B.J.Fogg, who is the world expert in behavioural science, the Godfather of behavioural change (Instagram was created in one of his lessons as an assignment), he looked at my book and said that '...one of the best habit change programmes I have ever seen - deceptively simple, but remarkably effective'.

win

a copy of Dr Rangan Chatterjee's 'Feel Better in 5'.

For a chance to win, simply send us your name and contact details, on e-mail, to: competitions@inbath.net Subject: Feel Better Closing date: Fri 24 January Usual Ts and Cs apply See www.inbath.net for more details on competitions and our privacy policy

2. Have a daily cup of Matcha Tea. According to National Tea Day, Matcha drinkers can burn up to 70 extra calories per day.

It’s jam-packed full of antioxidants, and benefits and will help you fight off most winter bugs and viruses. Be careful though, most benefits are void if you use boiling water, so let the water cool a few minutes before pouring. Weekly calories burnt 7 days x 70 calories = 490 Calories burnt per week 3. Use a standing desk. Varidesk is a sit-stand desk which slots onto existing desks. Not only will it help increase your productivity, but you will burn an additional 50 calories per hour when stood. By rotating sitting and standing hourly throughout a workday you’ll improve your posture, reduce back pain and also burn 50 calories per hour when stood. Varidesk also help boost productivity by 48%, meaning you’ll be more focused at work. Work smarter, not harder you won’t need to stay late at work catching up. Visit UK.Varidesk.com for more information, prices start from just £150.

Daily calories burnt 5 days x 200 calories = 1,000 Calories burnt per week.

Health Changes That Will Last A Lifetime.

There are many diets, fads and supplements that all promise a healthier you. The truth is there are no quick fixes. The only way to make long term changes is by making little steps that become habits. New Year’s resolutions are a good way for you to consider lifestyle changes you wish to make, but the more drastic they are, the more likely you are to fail. Aiming to do seven gym sessions per week may sound like a good idea to lose weight quickly but when you miss a few sessions you are likely to feel demoralised and then give up. Short term goals can create habits which can last a lifetime. If you want real change, then small, achievable little steps make the biggest impact long term.

Here are some little changes that can stay around all year, not just through January. We’ve included calories to show to you the impact you can make.

1. Choose a healthy breakfast on weekdays. If you start the day well, the rest of the day often follows. By choosing a healthy and balanced breakfast you are more likely to resist eating bad at dinner time and avoid afternoon sugar snacks. You can save around 400 calories per meal when choosing a healthier option.

Even if your evening meal isn’t the healthiest, you’ve made real strides throughout the day. Once the weekend comes along you can eat whatever you fancy, but as the weeks go by, you’ll be enjoying healthy food more and make better evening and weekend choices. Weekly calorie savings 5 days x 400 Calories = 2,000 Calories per week

4. Some people love the gym, swimming or jogging. They can all burn a lot of calories per year, if you go regularly that is great. You should also try to take at least two brisk 30 minute walks per week, on top of your current exercise regime, even if you don’t have a regime, 2 walks will help burn off around 400 calories per week and let’s face it, 30 minutes isn’t hard to find twice per week. A walk to the shops, or a nice walk in the park. Walking is also a great way to unwind and reduce daily pressures. Weekly calories burnt 2 activities x 200 calories = 400 Calories burnt per week.

5. One in four people have a snack straight before bed. Go to bed half an hour earlier, you’ll burn off an additional 35 calories per night and you’ll avoid the temptation of a snack before bed, saving needless calories on top. The extra half hour will help your body recover and you’ll feel well rested on the morning and more likely to start the day with a healthy breakfast. 35 calories brunt x 7 Days = 245 Calories per week.

It’s easier to make small, little and achievable switches which as will all add up for big benefits.

2,000 kcal per week or 104,000 per year by choosing a healthy breakfast.

490 kcal per week or 25,480 Kcal per drinking a daily cup matcha tea.

400 Kcal per week or 20,800 Kcal per year taking 2 x 30-minute brisk walks per week.

1,000 Kcal per week or 48,000 Kcal per year* using a Standing desk such as Varidesk at work. (48 week working year).

245 Kcal per week or 12,740 calories per week going to bed 30 minutes earlier.

In total 2,000 weekly calories are saved + 2,135 Total weekly calories burnt = 4,135 calories per week or 190,220* per year.

(Standing desk based on a 48 week working year Mon-Fri) Whatever changes you make small changes are more likely to form long term habits. An annual 190,220 calorie swing is the equivalent to the calories burnt in running 70 marathons. Now, that’s impressive.

Health and Fitness

Consistency is the key to improving your health in 2020 Do you want to improve your health for 2020 but wondering where on earth to start? I was asked what is the one thing that would help make a real difference to a person’s health and it’s simple really.

Consistency is key.

It’s not sexy or innovative or fashionable; but it’s the truth. It has taken me the best part of eight years, training six days a week, eating well and sleeping plenty to get to where I am now. Now, unless your goal is also to be a professional athlete it won’t take you as long to achieve so don’t be put off by my time scale.

The first thing to unpick if your goal is ‘health’ is, what is healthy? The definition of health is ‘the state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’ It is not a body weight or a marathon time. Of course, these goals may help motivate you to perform the behaviours necessary, but health is not one size fits all.

If your goals are training or performance related, it is vital that you apply progressive overload to your training. This means that your sessions get harder over

Sleep and stress also have an important role to play in health. Prolonged sleep deprivation (less than seven hours a night) puts both your mental and physical health at risk and can reduce your quality of life.

Portrait image: Neil Shearer Photography. Action image: IBSF

We ask Olympic hopeful, Kimberley Murray, to give us her thoughts on how to make the coming year one where you improve and prioritise your health.

Now you can train like an Olympian with KimFit

by Kimberley Murray KimFit offers personal training, coaching and sport science consultancy with Kimberley Murray, a Great Britain Skeleton Athlete. Kimberley is an accredited sport scientist and level three personal trainer with seven years of experience.

time and will ensure you continue to improve over time. If you’re not confident with this principle, then I’d strongly advise seeking the advice of a coach or personal trainer.

However, if health, not performance is your priority (because the two don’t necessarily go hand in hand) then there are several lifestyle factors you need to address. Exercise and nutrition play a big role with the emphasis of minimising sedentary behaviours and eating a balanced diet. For good health, you should aim to be physically active every day, remembering that ‘any activity is better than none and more is better still’ (CMO, 2019).

Sleep and stress also have an important role to play in health.

Prolonged sleep deprivation (less than seven hours a night) puts both your mental and physical health at risk and can reduce your quality of life. If you struggle with sleep one of the best things you can do is limit screen time before bed and establish a routine.

The negative impact of stress on health is substantial. Having an ability to manage stress can significantly improve our health but is a challenge in today’s world. If you’re constantly feeling stressed ask yourself if there is anyone you can ask for help and start there. I find good time management, a strong support network, sleep, and yoga helpful.

Good health is a privilege and something we should all strive for.

New Year’s resolutions get a bad reputation, but I can’t think of a better goal than to improve or prioritise your health in 2020.

So, wherever you start (and remember something is better than nothing, then add more) just start and be consistent with it. Your life, relationships and experiences will be better for it, and what is more motivating that that?

Kimberley uses her experience working as a sport scientist in elite sport to enhance performance in ways that are supplementary to or compliment their existing training. This performance arm of KimFit aims to make high performance support available to recreational athletes and sportspeople.

A myriad of performance solutions are available, including but not limited to, wellness and training monitoring, peaking and tapering for major competitions, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, fitness monitoring and testing.

Personal training is also available to all abilities and ages. Motivated by sharing her passion for health and fitness Kimberley engages with clients in a way that establishes and sustains healthy behaviours for life. With a particular interest and speciality in strength and power training KimFit offers workshops designed to introduce people to strength training and weightlifting.

New for 2020 is a strength training class with women only sessions also available. The aim of these sessions is for clients to feel confident and empowered in the gym; able to lift with correct technique and understand how to plan a training session.

So, whether you want to better your half marathon time, learn how to deadlift, or just hit your physical activity guidelines there is something for everyone. Why not get in touch and see how KimFit can help support your goals in 2020?

inbath 67

I CHOOSE A GYM THAT GIVES BACK TO BATH

NO JOINING FEE. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

CHOOSE BETTER AND BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER If you believe people should come before profit, you’re one of us. Join the gym that gives everything back to your community.

From state-of-the-art leisure centres to golf courses and trampoline parks – there’s a Better facility for everyone.

To find a Better location near you, just search BETTER GYM MEMBERSHIP.

Terms and conditions apply; visit better.org.uk/offerterms for details. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398

fitness compound movements like the squat and deadlift? We have all the 20kg plates you could ever need.

We also provide a virtual studio, with up to a 1000 fitness classes from Ballet Fit to Yoga, on demand at anytime to fit into your life schedule.

5. Be a part of a community

Henry Dagger

5 Benefits to joining Better Bath Sports and Leisure centre and how it can help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions

Whether you’ve always been a part of Bath, or have just moved to the city to study or work, then being a member at Better, Bath Sports and Leisure Centre is an amazing way to part of something much bigger than just a leisure centre. As a social enterprise, we don't pocket a penny and reinvest what we make into our facilities and staff. So by being a Better member, you’re not just being good to your body; you’re being good to everybody in your community too.

Do you need the perfect environment to help you achieve your fitness related New Years resolutions? At Better, Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, your local charitable social enterprise, we’ve got exactly what you need. Here are 5 reasons why from our Health and Fitness Supervisor, Henry Dagger.

1. Group fitness classes

If you struggle to find the motivation to do any exercise on your own, then one of our many fitness classes could be the key to your success. We have numerous types of classes all taught by fully qualified instructors that have years of experience in their discipline all teaching.

Burn up to 350 calories every 30 minutes while in one of our Zumba classes. Push yourself to the limits in Extreme Interval Fitness. Work your body head to toe in Total Body Conditioning. Or why not give Yoga, Pilates or a Water Workout a go?

The choice is endless.

2. Fitness programmes designed by our Fitness Instructors

All our members, new or existing can benefit from an induction or a re-focus session as part of your membership with one of our fitness team.

3. More than just a gym

Memberships at Better Bath Sports and Leisure aren’t just about our gym. Did you know we have a swimming pool, trampoline park, and an 8 lane bowling alley!?

Swimming is a fantastic way to increase your fitness levels. Low impact on joints and skeletal muscle makes it suitable for all ages and abilities.

Why not try Extreme Air; Our trampoline based fitness class? Have an absolute blast with various exercises adapted to be performed on a trampoline.

Did you know bowling burns up to 100 calories every 20 minutes! Get those shoes on and strike it lucky!

4. Fully equipped state of the art gym

However, if you like to keep it in the gym, we’ve got all the equipment you could ever need from our Ski – Ergs to Assault Bikes.

All our fitness staff at Better Bath Sports and Leisure Centre are fully qualified personal trainers and are more than happy to create a fitness programme for you that is tailored specifically to your goals and individual needs.

The Skill Mill is fantastic for interval sprints, a great way to get all the benefits of a full CV workout in as little as 15 minutes.

From building strength and muscle to weight loss, we will have you covered!

Training for your next powerlifting competition or just looking to focus on

70 inbath

Increase your muscle considerably with Dumbbells up to 38kg.

It’s also a place for community engagement. A large majority of our members have become close friends over the months and years they have trained here. You will always find lively conversations amongst our gym members as they meet up to push each other on in their workouts.

Soon enough you will know the staff on a first name basis as they become familiar faces on your visits. They will always be more than happy to help you in anyway they can.

To find out more about Better, Bath Sports and Leisure Centre and to check out our membership options, please visit better.org.uk/bath-leisure-centre or simply search for BETTER GYM MEMBERSHIPS

Find us on Twitter @World_H_Heroes &

Michael Jordan Bsc (Hons) Facebook @WorldHealthHeroes Fitness is for life, not just for New Year: Physioimpulse Experts 'top tips' for keeping your health and fitness regime throughout 2017 2001 Physioimpulse have been caringIffor thefeel people of Bath you the need to go that extra mile, then TheFounded start of ainnew year offers up an opportunity over the last year decade fantastic results. employing the services of a personal trainer. If to reflect on the justwith passed and focus on you really want to get fit and healthy in 2017, the year ahead. It's also a chance for us to take Physioimpulse have developed a team of specialistthen Chartered a Personal Trainer can advise on fitness stock of our lives. No matter what age we may with expertise in thegoing assessment as and treatment of a range well as nutritional programmes and will be be, Physiotherapists we are all the youngest we are ever of complaints nerve, muscle and joint related injuries, therepain, everysports step of the way encouraging you to to be, so why not including embrace change and create a neck and low back pain. achieve your target. more positive, happier, healthier future.

Client 1: Has been training for a Half Marathon whilst going through Chemo for Cancer. With the rest and reset weeks and HIIT weeks we have seen her beat PB times on mileage.

Client 2: Has compressed and protruding disk in his lower spine. The combination of Massage and light training one week and high intensity They also provide: PHYSIOTHERAPY CHIROPRACTIC ORTHOTICS We speak to a selection of fitness professionals After a celebratory festive period, the new year exercise has seen him achieving recordPILATES exercise Chiropractic Manipulative therapy treatment of fantastic all whofor canthe offer up some fitness tips and tends to throw up treatment: a number ofExpert resolutions that reputation. All this at over 70 year old. your spinalI know complaints. advice to kick start your new regime. target health. you would have heard all this before, but it would be remiss of us not to Client 3: I had a client who came to me with Gait a Analysis Orthotic Prescription: Biomechanical assessments suggest healthierand regime. severe headaches and had booked in for a deep using the latest footplate technology are undertaken to provide custom tissue massage.

Orthotics Knee, Hip and less Low fatty Back pain.

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I cured the headaches after one session and fixing body complaints is my main client base.

This is where it got interesting. As with all my clients I tested her Bio mechanics with 4 screenings that most commonly fail. We discovered her length was out. Her right leg was shorter than her left. With a select set muscles in spasm.

Bike Set-up and Running Analysis: those looking to cycle or run further, If you want to take your health and fitnessfor that or in greater comfort and all avoiding injury then these video onefaster step further then joining a Gym or whilst Fitness assessments are invaluable.

Club will not only give you that impetus to make 2017 a healthier one, but will also open up a new Ourofmultidisciplinary approach means that all our therapists work group friends to boost team your social calendar. together to provide the complete package of services for all you physical treatment needs.

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Fit The Right Way with Sports Massage, prevent future injuries keep you too enjoying life pain contract at your local gym and seems a little Personal Training & Biomechanics – Owen expensive then there are many other less Morgan For further please visit www.physioimpulse.co.uk or call expensive waysinformation to get healthier and lose pounds 01225 683007 Founded inthan 2001

By Stuart Galise, Physioimpulse have been caring in weight rather financially.

I have found the most successful, effective for the people of Bath over the last decadeand with fantastic mind blowingresults. way to get fit3is to doBuildings, itBuildings, the 3Miles's Miles's developed team of clubs, specialist Chartered LookStuart out forhas local running andaswimming right way. Injury free. Bringing the mental and Bath, Bath, inexpensive and possibly theexpertise best way in to get Physiotherapists with thefitassessment and treatment of way the physical together. That's BA1my 2QS'Split Fit 2QS and akeep weight off as well as including meet new 'likerange of complaints nerve, muscle and joint Programs' haverelated helped so manyBA1 including the minded' people. pain, sports injuries, neck and low back pain. following 3 clients

This not to say this was the reason for her tight shoulders and neck. Though there is evidence that the body as whole deals with misalignment as a whole.

Owen Morgan

Director New Clinic LocationFounding for 2020

Physioimpulse are excited toof announce The World Health the opening of their 4th Bath Clinic at Initial DW Fitness First.

50% off

She booked back in to have deep tissue massage on her legs. By the end of the session her leg length discrepancy was fixed. We fixed this problem before it became a much bigger issue down the line. This is why Biomechanics and deep tissue isn’t just a luxury therapy but an essential one for a fully movable, mobile and free Bath Rec Pavilion, Bath Rec Pavilion body. Prevention over reaction.

consultation with this advert

01225 683007 01225 683007 Pultney Mews, Bath,

www.physioimpulse.co.uk www.physioimpulse.co.uk Come find out more at

Pultney Mews, Bath, BA2 4DS

BA2 4DS

www.owenmorganmassagetherapy.com

Physioimpulse also provides: Chiropractic treatment:

anFeb17Draft.indd 6-7 Expert Manipulative therapy for the treatment of all your spinal

complaints.

Gait Analysis and Orthotic Prescription:

Biomechanical assessments using the latest footplate technology areundertaken to provide custom Orthotics for foot, Knee, Hip and Low Back pain.

Sports Massage:

For anyone who is taking part in exercise on a regular basis our specifically tailored massage with additional dynamic stretching and joint mobilisation is second to none.

Injection Therapy:

Pain relieving injections for chronic joint pain.

Clinical and Reformer Pilates:

Our 1-1 Chartered Physiotherapy led sessions are a great way to maintain the beneficial effects of any treatment programme for spinal conditions and also to improve wellbeing, core strength and flexibility.

Bike Fit analysis:

For those looking to cycle further, faster or in greater comfort and all whilst avoiding injury then these video assessments are invaluable.

Our multidisciplinary team approach means that all our therapists work together to provide the complete package of services for all you physical treatment needs. This puts us in an ideal position to help resolve your pain, prevent future injuries and keep you enjoying life pain free!

For further information please visit www.physioimpulse.co.uk or call 01225 683007

JanFeb18.indd 1943 InBathJF18.indd

12/12/2016 07:00

Wellbeing

Gainsborough Bath Spa

Taking to the waters A brief history of Spa Therapy Soaking in 'thermal waters' is certainly not a recent discovery. Throughout the ages, the interest in 'taking to the waters' for health and medicinal purposes has intrigued nations for centuries.

There are many theories to the origins of the word 'Spa'. Some of the more favoured are that the word originates from the Latin word “spagere” (to scatter, sprinkle, moisten) or may be an acronym of the phrase “sanitas per aquas” (health through water). Another theory comes from the Belgian town, Spa, who gained its name from its fountain ('espa') were, In the 14th century, a thermal spring was discovered

Ancient Greece:

In ancient Greece, taking to the waters was considered a popular treatment for a wide range of diseases. Although, the Greeks preffered to bathe in fresh water, from natural resources, they also bathed in the sea. Private baths were confined, initially, to the wealthy but soon public baths opened and considered sacred places.

The Greek physician, Hippocrates, proposed the hypothesis that the cause of all diseases lay in an imbalance of the bodily fluids. To regain the balance a change of habits and environment was advised, which included bathing, perspiration, walking, and massages.

It was common place that baths were combined with sports and education, the precursors of the gymnasium.

Roman Baths:

Influenced by the Greeks, the Romans built three different types of baths: baths at home (balnea), private baths (balnea privata), and public baths (balnea publica). During their heyday, the inhabitants of Rome used 1400 litres of water per person per day. With the help of aqueducts, which would bring water from natural sources into cities, public baths developed into large, imposing buildings (thermae) with the capacity to hold thousands of people.

Unlike the Greeks, who took the waters after intensive physical exercises, the Romans would originally use the waters

During their heyday, the inhabitants of Rome used 1400 litres of water per person per day. With the help of aqueducts, which would bring water from natural sources into cities.

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to help heal afflicted parts of the body, and to immersion of the whole body in the water (especially for rheumatic and urogenital diseases).

Throughout the years the Roman bathing culture gradually changed towards a place for relaxation and pleasure, rather than for medical treatment, although this was still provided.

Fall and Rise:

As the Roman Empire fell and Christianity took a firm grip in Britain, the bathing culture was officially prohibited. It wasn't until the early 19th century that interest in the bathing culture grew once again.

Improvements in medical practices, and a greater understanding of how natural resources can benefit the human body, encouraged more people to try hydrotherapy. As natural springs became more popular, so to did the development of hotels and resorts, directing more attention towards leisure. Steam baths, saunas, whirlpools, and solariums; the main objective being to relax and strengthen the body and mind.

Today, spas can offer a variety of treatments that focus on intrinsic health. Wellness is now at the forefront of modern day spas, whether you are searching for deep tissue massages that target pressure points, balancing steam rooms, or more carefully-tailored spa break packages, aimed at achieving certain benefits such as weight loss or detoxifying.

As we put more value on wellbeing in our lives, it will be interesting to see what future spas will look like. Regardless, many of us will still be taking to the waters.

£52

incl. a 3-hour spa session, light meal and drink

Treat yourself to an evening at Thermae and enjoy Bath’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters with a one course meal in the Springs Restaurant.

The Twilight Package is available Monday - Friday from 4.00pm with last full entry into the Spa at 6.00pm and last serving in the Restaurant at 8.00pm.

Twilight Package should be booked in advance by calling 01225 33 1234.

Full details and gift vouchers at: www.ThermaeBathSpa.com

£95

TWILIGHT FOR TWO

Our all-inclusive price of £52 per person OR £95 for Twilight for Two offers the following: • 3-hour spa session

(incl. time in the Restaurant)

• Thermae Trio – use of towel, slippers and robe • One course meal from the Springs menu • Choice of a glass of specially selected wine, lager, juice or water

wellbeing

Book yourself a ticket to paradise!

A

s magical as it is, the festive period can leave us all feeling less than our best; it’s all too easy to overdose on food, wine and the seemingly never-ending stream of relatives. And let’s not mention the impact of the merciless winter weather on our skin and spirits!

So what better way to rejuvenate yourself than with a luxurious spa day at the award-winning Royal Crescent Spa & Bath House?

A heavenly retreat

The RCH’s spa day retreats are so called because spending time in their spa feels like a temporary escape from the outside world. Whether you come alone for some much-needed me-time, or you wish to spend precious time relaxing with friends and family, the luxurious surroundings of The Spa & Bath House are all you will need to retreat from your everyday burdens and demands.

The moment you step through the doors into the light and peaceful reception area you’ll feel your cares begin to ebb

away. So slip into a comfortable robe and plunge headlong into paradise…

Award-winning facilities

It’s no accident that this spa has won World’s Best Country House Spa award for five years running. The Spa & Bath House has first-class facilities including a 12-metre heated Relaxation Pool, Vitality Pool with massage jets, Sauna, Steam Inhalation Room and fully equipped Fitness Room. Everything you could need to feel the best version of you again is all housed in one beautiful place, tucked away at the bottom of a stunning secluded garden.

Let the soothing waters of the Relaxation Pool embrace you, and gaze out into the beautifully curated Spa Garden where the birds sing all year round. Ease your muscles in the vitality pool, and let the heat of the sauna and steam room work their magic inside and out. Work up a sweat in the gym if you wish, or simply head into the garden to enjoy nature and be present in the moment.

Spa day retreats start from £105pp and all include a treatment, use of all the spa facilities, bathrobes, towels, flip-flops and complimentary herbal teas.

Treatments to die for

Embrace tranquillity and spoil yourself with a pampering treatment. The RCH’s therapists work with luxurious holistic brands such as Elemental Herbology, which contain the highest quality ingredients to make sure your skin is well and truly cared for. Science-led treatments, such as the Proto-col Collagen Facial, ensure you achieve the results you are promised.

A bite to eat?

Once you’ve enjoyed a range of pampering treatments in The Spa & Bath House, sink into soft sofas in the reception area or the tranquil Taittinger Spa Garden, and order a light meal or an indulgent Afternoon Tea. An elegant bar is mere steps away if you’d like to soak up the sociable atmosphere, and a fine dining restaurant is available for a more formal option.

Book your ticket to paradise It’s all waiting for you!

Visit www.royalcrescent.co.uk to choose your spa day retreat, or call 01225 823 333.

Experience every stay in a different way

Spa Retreats at The Spa & Bath House

HOT EL & SPA

So much more than a Hotel 16 Royal Crescent, Bath. BA1 2LS Tel: +44 (0)1225 823333 Email: info@royalcrescent.co.uk www.royalcrescent.co.uk #MyRoyalCrescent

mental health support

Curo Group's 'The Wellbeing House' offers space and support that can change lives for those with mental health distress The award winning Wellbeing House provides a 5-day FREE stay for people who are experiencing mental health distress. It’s a tranquil place where people can receive support to help prevent a deterioration in their mental health and wellbeing that might otherwise result in secondary care. Our aim is to offer people the opportunity to ‘take a break before you break’ in a caring and supportive environment.

Our beautiful, peaceful and spacious Victorian house provides a retreat for up to three people for adults over the age of 18, who live in or are registered with a GP in Bath and North East Somerset.

We can accommodate people with physical disabilities with one room being accessible.

One of the many people to have benefited from a stay at the house is

Our aim is to offer people the opportunity to ‘take a break before you break’ in a caring and supportive environment.

Sarah, who has been in hospital on a number of occasions through periods of poor mental health.

Sarah said: “I’ve been in and out of services since I was young. My referral to the Wellbeing House was the first time I’d said I needed a break from everything so that I don’t end up in hospital again, and someone actually answered with a solution. It’s the first service that has actually been there for me when I’ve tried to make the effort to do something before things gets worse.”

Sarah describes the Wellbeing House as somewhere “peaceful, calm and organised that makes her feel safe”.

We work within a social, rather than a clinical model, providing a place of sanctuary where people are supported by experienced staff in achieving stabilization and progression, while promoting self-care and independence.

People referred to us do not need to have a diagnosis of mental illness, though we will prioritize those who have. We offer a calm, nurturing environment, where we help people recognise and develop their

own strategies for coping with mental health distress, and to improve their wellbeing.

The service is tailored to our customers’ specific needs, and we use a personcentred approach to help them recognize and increase their strengths, confidence and resilience.

A progression route is identified and customers can leave with a “tool box” so that they have the tools to better manage their mental health and wellbeing on their return home.

Customers can stay for up to four times a year, and our intention is for it to be a part of their ongoing journey to wellness by following up progression and offering another stay if needed.

We work collaboratively with local agencies to better support our customers, and provide them with comprehensive information on accessing other services. People feel they benefit greatly from what we have to offer and are highly satisfied as they feel heard, seen and acknowledged, sometimes

for the first time, and our aim is that they leave their stay with hope for their future.

0300 1232466 or email Wellbeing.House@curo-group.co.uk.

John has been living with PTSD, general anxiety and depression for a long time. After his first stay John said: “The Wellbeing House has a unique relaxed vibe that is constantly evident. The staff enable you to evaluate areas of your life that are more difficult to deal with.

Without help, behaviours would never change and the individual would remain stuck. I really value your help, support, knowledge and wisdom”.

You can also access www.curo-group.co.uk/wellbeinghouse for more information.

We are always responsive to our customers’ and referrers’ feedback, and keep on working on maintaining our high standards of customer service and on elevating the service.

If you feel that you, or a loved one, could benefit from a stay with us, please call on

inbath 77

National Apprenticeship Week 2020:

T

he 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week will take place from 3 to 7 February 2020. National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships across England and is a time to recognise and applaud apprenticeship success stories across the country.

Apprenticeship employers use the opportunity to promote the success of their apprentices and highlight the huge benefits to other employers, of all sizes, who are thinking of taking on an apprentice.

Apprentices across the country will also be celebrated throughout the week, with engagement and events in schools and colleges. Many current and former apprentices will go back to school to tell their story, attracting the next generation of apprentices, so they too can fire up their future career.

Throughout the 13 years, National Apprenticeship Week has brought

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together apprenticeship supporters from across the country, with MPs, ambassadors, apprentices, training providers and top employers involved in recognising the value and importance of apprenticeships.

For NAW2020 we want even more people to get behind the week, to build on last year’s success, which included: Keith Smith, apprenticeships director, Education and Skills Funding Agency/ Department for Education added.

“A week-long celebration of all things apprenticeships gives opportunity

to recognise the importance of apprenticeships and their impact.

National Apprenticeship Week also enables employers, providers, partners and apprentices themselves to creatively celebrate what apprentices achieve and the impact they have locally, regionally and nationally.

“In the coming months we will release more details for the Week 2020, but by sharing the date in advance I am hopeful that our many partners will start to plan some fresh and inspiring activity that they will run during National Apprenticeship Week 2020.”

National Apprenticeship Week enables employers, providers, partners and apprentices themselves to creatively celebrate what apprentices achieve and the impact they have locally, regionally and nationally

Molly Yates

Business Administration Why choose an Apprentice

would give her the opportunity to learn about business whilst being paid and learning on the job.

Apprenticeship and what are the benefits Throughout this focus on Apprenticeships, we will find out what becoming an Apprentice entails, what local providers can offer as well as ask some local apprentices about their expericences and why you should be considering an apprenticeship as your next career move.

More information on National Apprenticeship Week 2020 will be announced on GOV.UK and on their social media channels.

Follow @Apprenticeships on Twitter and National Apprenticeship Service on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

Apprenticeships are a valuable step into a career in any given eld. It provides people with an opportunity to show employers that they are dedicated to What is an apprenticeship? working and learning and can progress Apprenticeships are available to anyone within a company. over the age of 16, living in England.

There are different entry requirements Molly Yates, a 20-year-old Business depending on apprentice the sector and job.

Administration within the Business Development team at Wiltshire Apprenticeships give that you when the opportunity College said: “I think people to work for a real employer, earn a real think of apprenticeships, they believe you salary and gain a real qualification whilst either become an apprentice straight gaining valuable workplace skills and from school or that apprenticeships are experience.

All apprentices should work only for people wanting to learn trades, for leastare 30 so hours a week, apart from in butat there many opportunities exceptional available.” circumstances.

Prior to her apprenticeship, Molly studied What are the benefits?

A Levels in Englishare Language/Literature, Apprenticeships now available up to Media Studies andbeyond.

Psychology. degree level and OverShe 50 said: “I chose subjects I enjoyed as national universities arethat currently offering I wasn’t what career I wanted to a range sure of degree apprenticeships pursue at that butup.

I did know that I with more due time to sign de nitely didn’t want to go to university.”

After completing A Levels, Apprentices earn her a salary and Molly paid then went intoexperience full-time work at a coprogression ee shop. holiday; excellent She said: “I really enjoyed talking opportunities, whether looking to to study customers and learning a business further or climb the rankshow within the works behind the scenes.”

After working workplace; Increased future earning in a co ee– shop for a year, Molly learned potential apprentices enjoy marked that business wason a finishing career she wanted salary increases their to develop be done without training andwhich thosecould completing a higher having to go to university.

This was apprenticeshipcould see increased why Mollyofstarted looking £150,000 into Business earnings an estimated Administration apprenticeships as this over their lifetime.

Molly is now nine months into her apprenticeship and said: “I have learned so much and have been given lots of opportunities to gain as much knowledge and skills as I can. I have learnt how to manage my time, organise and priortise work and develop my What my levels are there? communication There are variousskills.” levels of apprenticeship to apply for depending on current skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:

“What I love about my apprenticeship Name Equivalent level is thatLevel every day Intermediate 2 5 GCSE passes Advanced 3 2 A level passes is different and I Higher 4, 5, 6 and 7 Foundation and above am enjoying every Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s mintue of it!”

All apprenticeships include elements of Molly’s day to day duties include helping onrun theone job and offCollege’s the job training to of the software leading to industry recognised standards systems, managing diaries, answering or qualifications.

Some external telephone callsapprenticeships and helping to will require an assessment at the organise events. end of the programme to assess the apprentice`s ability competence in The 20 year old said:and “Overall, I feel that their job role. by doing an apprenticeship, my career prospects have improved massively and I’ve gained real-life experience that I Salaries wouldn’t have had bywage doingrate a full-time The current minimum for an course or going to university.” apprentice is £3.90 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year.

See www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide for more details.

Current Apprenticeships vacancies in Bath Administration Apprentice Adult Community Learning City Of Bath College Bath College are looking to recruit a Business Administration Apprentice who will assist in the provision of a high quality reception and administration support service within the Adult Community Learning team.

Apprenticeships Case Studies/vacancies

Ruth Powell What Apprenticeship did you study at Bath College?

Level 2 Business and Administration Apprenticeship What was the most enjoyable aspect of your apprenticeship?

The most enjoyable aspect of my apprenticeship was being part of a department who was at the forefront in helping and supporting people. As the HR department was very small, I was given additional responsibilities at a very early stage of my apprenticeship, such as organising staff benefit and training events and carrying out the recruitment process on all new starters. I believe this really helped in developing my skill set and knowledge on the HR sector which I loved.

What was the most valuable thing you learned on your apprenticeship?

Learn from your mistakes. As I came from a completely different sector looking for a career change, I didn’t have any knowledge in HR or Business Admin and I did make mistakes but I learnt that as long as you learn from them and use them to develop your knowledge, it is ok.

What made you apply to do an apprenticeship with Bath College?

To be honest, it was the course that was linked to the HR Assistant role that Monkton Combe School was advertising but once I enrolled, I wouldn’t of picked another college as the support I received from Bath College was great. I was able to meet with my tutor once a month and throughout the course I was given the tools I needed to succeed in my apprenticeship.

What are you doing now?

I have now been newly appointed to HR Coordinator and my responsibilities

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have grown from when I was a HR Assistant. I mostly deal with recruitment and employment data, the recruitment process, on boarding and inducting new starters, Apprenticeships/Work placements, SCR and compliance.

My role has so many variables and every day is different. I am still learning so much and I am so glad I have been given this opportunity to further the skills I never thought I had.

What is your typical day like?

My typical day in the office consists of responding to applicant and staff queries, organising interviews and carrying out pre-employment checks on all new starters, advertising roles on job boards, liaising with departments across the school such as Payroll/Finance department and Marketing, carry out administration duties such as first aid records and training and finally reviewing our processes and policies to make sure they are compliant with ISI regulations and GDPR. My days do vary significantly throughout the week depending on what comes in.

What piece of advice would you give to students looking to apply for an Apprenticeship?

Research as much as you can during College days and in your own time as that really helped in building my confidence and knowledge in the sector.

At times I had to make decisions if my Manager was not around and I relied on the information I had gained from my off the job training and research.

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to get involved within an organisation and gain the skill set you need to get started in the career you want.

Closing date: 10 Jan 2020 Possible start date: 25 Jan 2020 Expected duration: 14 months Apprenticeship level: Intermediate Working week: Full Time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year; Shifts TBC Total hours per week: 37.00 Weekly wage: £250.00 Reference number: VAC091126410

Apprentice Chef All Bar One With pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK, Mitchells & Butlers has apprenticeships as tasty as the food we serve. Every moment is a chance to prove yourself with plenty of room for progression. So, whether it’s the ‘perfect carve’ moment in Toby Carvery, ‘made a family smile’ moment in Harvester or a team moment, join us and love every moment.

Closing date: 14 Jan 2020 Possible start date: 21 Jan 2020 Expected duration: 12 months Apprenticeship level: Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE) Working week: Shift work including evenings, weekend and bank holidays Total hours per week: 30.00 Weekly wage: £130.50 - £246.30 Reference number: VAC001579618

Apprentice Commis Chef Marlborough Tavern The Bath Pub Company are looking to recruit an apprentice commis chef to join our exciting kitchen teams, learn the trade and gain a Level 2 Commis Chef Qualification.

Closing date: 31 Jan 2020 Possible start date: 2 Feb 2020 Expected duration: 12 months Apprenticeship level: Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE) Working week: Monday to Friday, times TBC Total hours per week: 40.00 Weekly wage: £295.20 Reference number: VAC001579698

Current Apprenticeships vacancies in Bath Apprentice Commis Chef The Chequers The Bath Pub Company are looking to recruit an apprentice commis chef to join their exciting kitchen teams, learn the trade and gain a Level 2 Commis Chef Qualification.

Closing date: 8 Jan 2020 Possible start date: 10 Jan 2020 Expected duration: 12 months Apprenticeship level: Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE) Working week: Monday to Friday

Sidney Copus

How do you feel about winning Gold at WorldSkills?

What Apprenticeship did you study at Bath College?

It's a great feeling, and I'm happy to have won it for Bath College and for Space Engineering. It's definitely great to get my name out a bit in the industry, but at the same time I'm not reading too much in to it. I know I still have a lot to learn!

Level 2 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps, currently studying for level 3 at Bath.

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Level Apprenticeship Bath Property Maintenance Limited This Level 6 BSc (Hons)Degree Apprenticeship with BPM in Bath is an amazing opportunity to gain a Digital and Technology Solutions Degree with no University fees whilst obtaining invaluable practical skills and real work experience.

What are you doing now?

Closing date: 28 Feb 2020 Possible start date: 31 Aug 2020 Expected duration: 48 months

Probably learning to join pipework with flame brazing. There's quite an art to it, but once you've got the hang of it and can consistently make strong, good looking joints it's so satisfying to do.

I'm an improver service engineer for Space Engineering Services, working in supermarket refrigeration.

Apprenticeship level: Degree Level 6 (Degree with honours)

What was the most valuable thing you learned on your apprenticeship?

I'll generally speak with my line manager in the morning, he will have chosen a job or several for the day appropriate to my skill level and I'll drive to site, which can be up to a couple of hours away. After that it's completely variable, I could be changing a failed electronic component, repairing a refrigerant leak or just collecting parts for a more experienced engineer. Every day is different.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your apprenticeship?

It might sound cheesy but a bit of selfbelief! I always thought of myself as more academic than hands-on, so to be able to develop those practical skills and go on to compete and win in a skills competition was a great feeling and gave me a lot more confidence.

What made you apply to do an apprenticeship with Bath College?

Bath is one of the few colleges in the country to provide a refrigeration course, and it has a good reputation in the industry. The college also has a good relationship with my company through sending lots of our staff here to study.

How did you come to enter WorldSkills?

I asked my tutor Simon Robinson if I could take part in the qualifying tests. At that time, I wasn't expecting to even make the main competition, I just thought it would be good experience and wanted to see how my skills were coming along compared to the rest of the class.

What is your typical day like?

What piece of advice would you give to students looking to apply for an Apprenticeship?

My main piece of advice would be to always be on the lookout for different opportunities to learn, and to make sure you're actively trying to improve your skills. You will improve slowly over time, but if you're actively looking for feedback, trying different ways of doing things and being self-critical you'll learn so much faster, and be a lot better at what you do by the time you qualify.

Working week: 1 day at UCW (Weston super Mare) 4 days a week in the office.

Office hours are 8 am to 5 pm weekdays with a one hour lunch break.

Total hours per week: 40.00 Weekly wage: £290.00 Reference number: VAC001602170

Nursery Apprentice Snapdragon Nurseries Ltd We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate to join our friendly team at our Weston Road nursery. The nursery is registered for 128 children between the ages of 0 - 5 years and opens from 7.30 am - 6.30 pm daily, 51 weeks of the year.

Closing date: 14 Jan 2020 Possible start date: 21 Jan 2020 Expected duration: 12 months Apprenticeship level: Advanced Working week: Monday-Friday, Shifts TBC Total hours per week: 37.00 Weekly wage: £ 173.90 Reference number: VAC001596200

For more details on these and other Apprenticeships opportunities across the Bath area, visit: findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk

Total hours per week: 40.00 Weekly wage: £295.20 Reference number: VAC001580230

Property: local market predictions 2020

The trends that will drive the Bath property market in 2020

Put your money where you mouth is....

The trends that drive people’s property purchasing decisions are changing all the time, and often shift as a result of wider economic and social factors, as well as the interior design fashions of the day. For 2020, we believe there are likely to be four key deciders driving the purchasing decisions of people in Bath:

Attempting to forecast market movements for the next year is a difficult job at the best of times but, with the unpredictability of a general election and continued uncertainty around Brexit, this may be the most tricky year for a long time to be a property soothsayer. 2019 saw falls across both Bath postcodes in the early part of the year, followed by a gradual recovery towards autumn. Forecasts drawn from HM Land Registry data would suggest continued slow growth in BA2 but a shakier start to the year in BA1. However, aside from wider national and international concerns, much depends on the local supply level in the crucial first few months of 2020. The most active markets over the last quarter of 2019 have been three bedroomed terraced and semi detached homes (particularly in the £300,000 - £400,000 bracket) and we’d expect this family demand to continue into 2020.

1. Light and bright – While older properties with smaller windows and lower ceilings have a lovely rustic charm, high ceilings and big windows that create a lightness and brightness are certainly ‘in vogue’. Although the minimum ceiling height of a new build property is 2.1 meters, recent Knight Frank research suggests 2.4 meters or higher is important for many purchasers. If you’re searching for a light and bright property in Bath, look no further than the four-bedroom townhouses at Lansdown Square West, which boasts lofty ceiling heights of 2.6 meters.

From our offices in the heart of Oldfield Park, we have seen significant growth in instructions over the last year leading to what the 2019 Bath Property Awards judges recognised as “a thriving reputation and an impressive volume of sales across the city”. With a fair few owners already in discussions about an early Spring move, we are looking forward to another successful year.

3. Everything in proportion – Ample downstairs living space to entertain friends and family is definitely becoming one of the top priorities for purchasers – especially when it comes to buying new build homes. That said, what’s just as important is that this space – whether it be the open- plan lounge-kitchen-dinner or the garden – is in proportion with the number of bedrooms.

Indeed, well-balanced living and sleeping space that can accommodate the whole family is becoming a real deciding factor for buyers.

Subject to the impending election results, trials are due to start early in the New Year on the governments reservation agreement initiative. The proposed scheme would see both buyers and sellers putting down deposits before entering into the offer process. It is hoped this initiative, if rolled out following trials, might cut down on the number of property sales falling through (industry figures suggest between 25% and 33%). This could be a very healthy move for the housing market. However, I would argue that (at least on a local level) a greater health benefit would be seen from an increase in construction of affordable homes. Its been twenty years or more since the last decent sized development that catered to first time buyers and downsizers in Bath. The housing market struggles to maintain a healthy balance without the fuel of first time buyers and the release of larger homes into supply when owners downsize.

This issue has been highlighted across the majority of recent manifestos – we can but hope some of the political promises are kept this time.

Carey Gilliland Director, Madison Oakley

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2. Quality over quantity – Families looking to move house are opting for quality over quantity when it comes to the size of their bedrooms. For example, a family of four are now more likely to choose a home with four bigger bedrooms, instead of five slightly smaller ones – a trend that we believe is set to continue into 2020.

4. Energy efficiency – Homes that are energy efficient and economical to run are now highly sought-after. Thanks to sustainable modern building practices and improved insulation, new build homes offer the answer. In fact, according to Energy Performance Certificate data, more than 8 out of 10 new builds have the top A or B rating for energy efficiency – compared to just 2.2% of existing properties. Again, the houses at Lansdown Square West could save you money and deliver huge benefits to both you and the environment. With the concrete plank floors and double skin block work, the houses are extremely well insulated.

Whether you’re looking for a fuel efficient new build, something that’s perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining, or a home that’s beautifully light and bright, Knight Frank can help – get in touch with us on 01225 325 999 to find out how.

Francine Watson New Homes Associate, Knight Frank

As we move into 2020

what are the likely developments in the housing market?

Kevin Gray, CEO Bath Building Society

At the time of writing this article, the country was in the closing stages of the general election campaign. All political parties are united in saying that we need more houses to be built albeit they do differ greatly on where the priority for new housing should be given.

The Labour Party intends to focus on building new council housing, imposing rent controls in the private lettings market and introducing new taxes on second home ownership. Although these policies might be very good for renters and for those seeking a council house, they could potentially make things more difficult for those seeking to buy a house, those who are private landlords and those who have a holiday bolthole. The Conservative Party intends to build 200,000 new homes per annum, mainly in the private sector plus make it easier for tenants to buy equity in their housing association homes. The Liberal Democrats are promising 300,000 new homes per annum including 100,000 social homes for rent. Lots of promises have been made by all with regards to increasing the supply of new housing, but delivering on house building targets has always been the much more difficult bit, especially given the fact that the country appears to be very short of skilled construction workers and it takes time to put that right.

For those who are lucky enough to already own property, the likelihood is that values will continue to grow over 2020, albeit slowly. For those seeking to buy, some familiar constraints will remain in place. A recent survey by the Building Societies Association has indicated that 62% of people find raising a deposit to be the single biggest barrier to home ownership. The second biggest hurdle is mortgage affordability where 41% of people struggle to qualify for sufficiently large enough loans to enable them to buy their dream properties. Any difficulties that aspirant borrowers might have will not be helped by the outgoing government’s recent withdrawal of the Help To Buy ISA or the planned withdrawal of the Help To Buy scheme itself in 2023. Although the scheme has been criticised for potentially inflating new build property prices, the presence of a 25% equity loan, which is interest free for five years, has helped hundreds of thousands of people possessing deposits of only 5% to obtain properties of their own. I predict that Lifetime ISAs will become increasing popular with the 18-40 age group to save for their housing deposits, and I predict the growth in peer to peer lenders who are willing to finance deposits by way of side loans. This will help borrowers with the deposit issue but not with the affordability test. I also predict the emergence of an increasing number of equity loan providers in the marketplace.

With the reduction in the ability of private individuals who let property to offset mortgage interest and charge costs against their rental income, I predict that the number of individuals continuing to directly let property will reduce. On the

other hand, I predict an increase in the number of landlords who will incorporate their businesses in order to maintain the tax advantages of operating under a corporate structure. I also predict an increase in private individuals choosing to preserve tax advantages by letting their properties on a holiday let basis rather than on Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

Intense competition amongst mortgage lenders continues to force down the rates charged on mortgages. For borrowers whose mortgage product periods are coming to an end in 2020, there is every likelihood that their roll over products will be cheaper. Predicting the future path of the Bank of England base rate, against which lenders set their mortgage and funding rates, is a hazardous profession.

However, I am going to stick my neck out and say that I think that the base rate will remain on hold throughout 2020!

2020 is a new year‌but only time will tell as to whether it will be a happy one for the property market and for those seeking housing. Bath Building Society aims to change people’s lives by making their dreams of home ownership a reality.

If you would like more information on what the Society could potentially do to help you or members of your family, then please contact us on 01225 423271 or via the website www.bathbuildingsociety.co.uk

new homes

2020 Vision:

The best new builds for a New Year

T

he new year is an opportunity to take stock of all aspects of your life, and your home should be no different. With some of the issues that may have held that 'dream' move back now resolved, we take a look at some of the areas best new developments to give you a feel of where your future may lie in 2020.

Freshford Mill Avison Young

The first new homes have been completed in an exclusive development at the former Freshford Mill in the village of Freshford, near Bath.

Freshford Mill is mentioned in the Domesday Book and has a history dating back to before the Norman Conquest of using the power of the River Frome for milling.

Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty some 24 individual architectdesigned homes are being created on the former industrial land, some incorporating mill buildings.

The first to be released is the fourbedroom Letcombe Lodge, a palatial 260 square metres of living space. This £1.2 million home offers the ultimate in modern flexibile living in the beautiful rural location.

88 inbath

Equally impressive is Teasel Cottage, a three-bedroom home that is being released to the market for £900,000.

Francine Watson from agents, Knight Frank said: “We are excited to be launching this special and unique development, on the edge of the delightful village of Freshford. Set in stunning countryside, these new homes have been sympathetically designed to complement the history of the old Mill and the existing homes in the village.’

Prices on the whole development start at £680,000 and the homes enjoy unspoiled southerly views over pasture land with the backdrop of Friary Wood on one side and the beautiful Freshford Valley on the other.

Freshford is one of the most soughtafter villages in the area as it nestles in beautiful countryside, has a good school and a popular 16th Century village Inn.

The railway station provides connections all over the country, with London just two hours journey time.

"Set in stunning countryside, these new homes have been sympathetically designed to complement the history of the old Mill and the existing homes in the village."

Ben Lovell from real estate advisor, Avison Young, who is overseeing the completion of the development, said: “With a thousand years of manufacturing history, Freshford Mill has an amazing back-story. For centuries it was used for cloth manufacturing, it produced aircraft parts during the Second World War, rubber tennis balls, then rubber products including floor tiles, life jackets and parts for the automotive industry, "A huge amount of work has gone into cleaning up the legacy of these former industrial uses and in providing flood protection for homes to be built alongside the river. We now intend to quickly complete phase one of the

countryside. Rowden Gate seeks to encourage sustainable transport through safe and convenient links, including cycle lanes and a bus route.

and housebuilder will work alongside the national developer to build 56 homes on a parcel of the site, known as the ‘Woodland View at Hygge Park’.

Community will be at the forefront of this Garden Village with play areas and informal public open space to aid social interaction and community spirit.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Crest at Hygge Park, helping to deliver these much-needed new homes as quickly as possible. Curo’s presence on site means local people will have an even wider choice of homes to buy and rent.”

Launching spring 2020!

Mulberry Park Bellway Homes

Mulberry Park is located in Combe Down, a picturesque village suburb of Bath, sitting on a ridge above Bath within close proximity of the city centre. Combe Down village is adjoined to the north by large areas of natural woodland with public footpaths offering magni cent views overlooking the city of Bath.

These 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom houses will appeal to a range of purchasers, including firsttime buyers, families and commuters.

The area is well connected as residents have the historic town of Bath right at their ngertips, with an easy commute to Trowbridge, Melksham, Frome, Wells, Cheddar and Bristol.

The development is served by 3 convenient local supermarkets, but for wider retail variety, Bath is the place to be. The amenities of this historic city and World Heritage Site do not disappoint.

The sprawling city centre is bedecked with independent retailers, high street favourites and features a weekly farmer’s market. The stylish Milsom Place and SouthGate Bath arcades provide a boutique shopping experience. development and then complete the second phase, which will see homes created from the former mill buildings closer to the river.

“A beautiful lake with wetland planting has already been created and we are taking care to provide the right environment for this bespoke collection of dream homes in such a premium location. It is rare to have such bright, modern new homes in such a traditional and historical setting.”

Details of Freshford Mill can be found at www.freshfordmill.com and sales are being handled by agents Knight Frank on 01225 325999.

Rowden Gate at

Rowden Park Garden Village

Crest Nicholson

Coming soon to Chippenham, an exciting new Garden Village development offering a selection of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses.

Rowden Gate at Rowden Park Garden Village, will be a distinctive collection of 152 homes set within existing and new

Woodland View @Hygge Park Curo Homes

Bath-based Curo has started works on site at Crest Nicholson’s residential development of 250 homes in Keynsham, Hygge Park. The housing association

Affordable homes are being built by each of the housebuilders across Hygge Park and will be owned and managed

by Curo; they include 6 supported accommodation flats and 4 wheelchairadapted houses. In total, there will be 78 new affordable homes – 58 for social rent and 20 for Shared Ownership.

Victor added: “We’re also really pleased to have secured all of the affordable homes on this site, meaning we’ll be able to help even more families on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing list to move in to a comfortable, modern and energy efficient home soon.”

Crest Nicholson Managing Director, Darren Dancey, says: “It’s great to be working with Curo at Hygge Park, a beautiful new development in a standout location, with Bath and Bristol right on your doorstep. The first residents at Hygge Park have moved in to a Crest home this summer and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more house hunters over the next few months.”

Curo will launch their show home at Woodland View in spring 2020, with the first homeowners expected to move in the new build homes by early summer.

Curo’s Sales Director, Lisa Howells, says: “This is a very popular development in a desirable location and we’ve already started taking early bird plot reservations.

Home buyers interested in finding out more about our stunning 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses at Woodland View are invited to give us a call on 0345 140 5050 or email sales@curo-group.co.uk.

new homes

Riverview Court is ideally located close to the abundance of shops, restaurants, bars and attractions that the historic and beautiful city of Bath provides.

The location also provides excellent transport links via the M4 and M5 to Bristol, Gloucester, Swindon, Reading and many other surrounding towns.

Callaway Gardens Backhouse Housing

Located at the site of the former Westbury Hospital, Backhouse is delighted to have received planning consent from Wiltshire Council for an exceptional 56 new home development located 0.8km from Westbury’s town centre.

Park Place

Park Place,

Redcliffe Homes

Located a stone’s throw from the quintessential historic market town of Corsham is the highly desirable development, Park Place. Built by Redcliffe Homes Park Place is an individually designed scheme created by award-winning architects Thrive. The development features a selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, all set within an attractive countryside setting. Situated on Park Lane, Park Place reflects Corsham’s historic character, whilst appealing to all types of buyers.

The homes themselves are traditional in design, yet energy-efficient, and promise to meet the varied needs and priorities of a busy household. The development itself features landscaped grounds, large areas of open space, avenues and greenery.

The market town of Corsham itself is a splendid place to be. With a historic high street lined with characterful buildings, a wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants to explore.

It’s also wonderfully accessible, with Bath ten miles away by car and the M4 motorway network at Chippenham just five miles away. Chippenham also has direct rail connections to Reading and London.

Phase 2 of this development is selling fast, so whether you’re looking for a change of pace, your very first property or simply for a truly striking, unique place to call home, Park Place has something to offer everyone.

Register your interest with Redcliffe Homes today to avoid disappointment.

To discuss the homes available and your buying options, including Help to Buy, contact the Sales & Marketing Suite on 01249 470605. Open daily 10am to 5pm or visit www.redcliffehomes.co.uk

90 inbath

Corsham offers a range of countryside pursuits right on your doorstep with the Corsham lakes nearby providing a number of local walks.

Riverview Court

Watkins Jones Homes

This exciting new development by Watkin Jones Homes provides contemporary riverside living in the heart of Bath.

Situated on the bank of the River Avon, this prestigious development of forty four 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments is ideal for those buyers looking for a home close to the city centre.

Riverview Court

Backhouse have chosen the name Callaway Gardens in memory of John and Robert Callaway. A wing of the former hospital was endowed by John Callaway after his brother Robert lost his life serving as an Of cer in Sherwood Forester during The Battle of the Somme (September 1916).

A mix of two, three and four bedroom properties have been sensitively integrated with high quality and generous communal open spaces to create an inspiring new residential area for Westbury.

The houses each feature abundant natural light and flexible living spaces that are simple and efficient and respond to the needs of today’s lifestyles.

We are working with Wiltshire based housing association Selwood Housing, to deliver the affordable homes as part of this scheme and the entire development is being designed by AHMM Architects.

For more information on these high quality, beautifully designed homes please contact 01225 614970 or go online: www.backhousehousing.com

PARK PLACE Park Lane, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9LA

‘NEW YEAR, NEW HOME’

This is a computer generated image, details may vary.

With Redcliffe Homes, your dream of moving into a new home could become a reality thanks to the Help to Buy scheme.* The Government fund up to the remaining 20% with a deferred loan Available on all new properties up to the value of £600,000 Available to all new home buyers, not just first time buyers

THE SHERSTON PLOT 19 3 bedroom detached home at £348,000 COST OF PROPERTY

£348,000

5% DEPOSIT

£17,400

20% GOVERNMENT LOAN

£69,600

75% MORTGAGE

£261,000

100% YOUR HOME 193940_B

For further information Tel: 01249 470605 Email: SalesCorsham@redcliffehomes.co.uk * Terms and Conditions 100%apply YOUR HOME

redcliffehomes.co.uk

It features an open-plan kitchen, dining and family area 34 feet (10.35m) long, right across the back of the house.

There’s also a utility room and a cloakroom on the ground floor.

A generous separate living room with a bay window sits to the front of the house, and there’s a study/TV room, again with a bay window.

Upstairs, bedroom one has a fitted wardrobe and an en suite, and bedroom two also has an en suite. There are two more double bedrooms, a single bedroom and a family bathroom.

An exterior view of the five-bedroom Moreton showhome

A street scene at Tithecote Manor, Bradford-on-Avon

New year, new home, and a great newbuild find near Bath Looking for a fantastic new home in the New Year? Then look no further than Tithecote Manor in historic Bradford-onAvon.

It’s an exclusive development of 58 high-specification three, four and fivebedroom homes from five-star builder Bellway.

Tithecote Manor is set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, and is also under a mile from Bradford-on-Avon’s beautiful town centre, with its river, canal, historic buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants.

Prices at the development currently start from £449,995 for a three-bedroom semidetached home with three generous floors of living space.

Christel Hawkins, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said: “These lovely homes are ideal for first-time buyers, families and professionals commuting around the region, marvellously convenient and remarkably wellconnected, with excellent commuter links to Bath, Bristol and Swindon.”

As well as a great variety of homes, the Tithecote Manor development also has allotments, a community orchard, children’s play facilities and public open space.

“These lovely homes are ideal for first-time buyers, families and professionals commuting around the region, marvellously convenient and remarkably well-connected, with excellent commuter links to Bath, Bristol and Swindon.”

Christel said: “We’ve already had significant interest from local people – which is always a good sign – and from customers further afield.

“Enquiries are coming in every day, so I really would encourage house-hunters to get in touch quickly to avoid missing out.”

There’s a showhome to see on site – the stunning, five-bedroom Moreton design.

Bellway has recently launched a fourbedroom Lilac design home for visitors to explore.

This attractive home has an open-plan kitchen and dining area with adjacent utility room, a good-sized living room with a bay window, a study and cloakroom to the ground floor.

On the first floor, bedroom one has an ensuite shower room, while the remaining three bedrooms share the family bathroom.

Bradford-on-Avon’s facilities include supermarkets, a good selection of independent shops, a swimming pool, and the 300-seat Wiltshire Music Centre, which hosts live music throughout the year.

Well-regarded schools nearby include Christ Church CE and Fitzmaurice primary schools for ages four to 11 and St Laurence School for older students. All three schools are rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The nearest train station is less than a mile from the development, with regular services to Cardiff, Bristol and London.

Further afield, Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a plethora of museums, art galleries and historic buildings, including Roman Baths which date back to 70AD. There is a range of homes currently available to secure at Tithecote Manor, with prices starting from £449,995.

To find out more, call the Sales Office on 01225 562513. It’s open every day from 10am to 5pm, except for a later-night opening until 7pm on Thursdays.

More information on new homes built

by Bellway South West can be found at bellway.co.uk.

The spacious open-plan kitchen/diner/family area in the Moreton showhome.

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SECRET WORD - Advent

Holiday Let Mortgage from a different sort of mortgage lender

Once upon a time, there was a couple who wanted to buy a holiday cottage by the sea...

And guess what. We made it happen for them. Their story wasn’t that different to anyone else’s, but even if it had been, we would have listened. Everybody has their own story and we always like there to be a ‘happily-ever-after’, so get in touch and we’ll help you with the next chapter of your life.

It’s your life. It’s your story. It’s our pleasure.

To find out more, call one of our mortgage experts on 01225 475737.

www.bathbuildingsociety.co.uk Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up the repayments on your mortgage. Telephone calls may be recorded to help the Society to maintain high standards of service delivery. Bath Investment & Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, Registration Number 206026