The Bath Magazine December 2023 by MC Publishing Limited

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THEBATHMAGAZINE

AR S

OF P U

250

RATI N

ISSUE

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L EB

G I N BATH

EM B ER 2 0

thebathmag.co.uk | £4.25 where sold

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Table Service

How tablescaping can enhance your festive feast

MASTERFUL FOOD

Meet MasterChef semi-finalist and Robun head chef Kasae Fraser

AN ENCHANTING CAROL

Actor Guy Masterson brings a classic Christmas tale to life

THE ULTIMATE PRICE

Auction houses and antique dealers on their most memorable sales

PLUS... S O M U C H M O R E I N T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B A T H

Coopers December 23.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2023 08:40 Page 1

The new, fully-electric Rayburn Ranger 100-3i.

Just im agine w aking up to a new innovation in range cooking. H ave a very m erry C hristm as.

C oopers H om e A ppliances, 13/15 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BN 01225 311811 sales@ coopershom eappliances.com coopershom eappliances.com

The home of appliances.

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FROM THE EDITOR

et’ s enter the fray – because it’s time to get serious about all things festive. We start with a duet of Christmas Carols, firstly on page 36 with Melissa Blease’s interview with actor Guy Masterson who is performing Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Theatre Royal Bath (and who once drove Richard Burton to Switzerland). And secondly in my interview with Professor Dinah Birch who explains A Christmas Carol’s powerful narrative, its perennial popularity and its endless interpretation within film, stage and opera, ahead of her lecture at BRLSI. See page 62. Now it’s time to plan the table decorations. Let us introduce you to ‘tablescaping’, the art of creatively decorating your tabletop. Rebecca Heane from Cream Cornwall explains the process, encouraging the use of foraging and upcycling (see page 72). Next let’s get dressed up – think beaded fringed waistcoats, sequin jumpsuits and satin bomber jackets. Yes it’s a selection of glitzy sartorial attractions from Anthropologie on page 16. The film Wonka is out this month and we discover how this zestful, whimsical fantasy created its own island city in immaculate detail, with Bath as a key location. And added Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant and Olivia Coleman to the already magnificent roll call of actors who have visited the city. Find out more on page 24. The matter of food is delivered by Isabelle Blakeney who had brunch at seafood café bar Flute involving a Bloody Mary and Lobster Benedict (see page 48) and by Kasae Fraser, head chef at Robun and semi-finalist in the BBC’s MasterChef the Professionals who shares her experience on the show with us (see page 46). We also have a fruit-of-the-earth risotto recipe with wild mushrooms and sweet chestnuts by forager Ella Milburn on page 50. We should also draw your attention to the fact that this is our 250th issue of The Bath Magazine. We think that speaks for itself. We celebrate this milestone by making these pages, as ever, full of our special city and what matters to those that live here. Here’s hoping that you will be able to finish 2023 oﬀ in just the way that suits you. Emma Clegg, Editor

Bath businessman steps up for Ukraine Local businessman, Scott Adams – who bought the iconic Midford Castle from Nicholas Cage in 2009 – has recently transported essential supplies to Ukraine in two vehicles which he has now donated to the Ukrainian army. Knowing how badly the country’s army needs large, four-wheel drive pick-up trucks for its front-line units, Scott handed over a Mitsubishi L200 and a Ford Ranger Thunder he’d purchased for the trip. The two vehicles transported 600kg of medical aid and clothing to the western city of Lviv – a journey which took four days and covered 1,700 miles. Scott has also given a home to a Ukrainian family, Lidiia, her two daughters and three grandchildren, who have lived at his home in Midford Castle since April 2022, with the children attending Bath schools. maxwellcomms.com 4 TheBATHMagazine | deceMber 2023 | iSSUe 250

The Bath Magazine 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED; 01225 424499 www.thebathmag.co.uk Editor Emma Clegg 01225 424592; emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk Assistant Editor/Web Editor Isabelle Blakeney isabelle@thebathmagazine.co.uk Assistant Editor Jasmine Tyagi jasmine@thebathmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk To advertise tel: 01225 424499 Publisher Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact us at thebathmag.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine and Instagram @thebathmagazine The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. We are independent of all other local publications. The Bath Magazine is delivered free, every month, to more than 15,000 residential addresses as well as businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in many of Bath’s supermarkets. © MC Publishing Ltd 2023 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

ON THE COVER Learn about ‘tablescaping’ for festive eﬀect with Rebecca Heane in our Cream Cornwall feature on page 72.

All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

Wool is… • Naturally insulating • Hard-wearing • Easy to care for • Sustainable • Hypoallergenic • Available in a variety of designs

Laminate • Luxury vinyl tile • Natural • Stain resistant • Tailor made • Vinyl • Wood • Wool Avonvale December FP .indd 1

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ZEITGEIST

THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER

Swing into Christmas Celebrate the festive season in style on 7 December, with the vocalists and instrumentalists of the Down for the Count Orchestra, as they Swing Into Christmas at The Forum. This 30-piece ensemble recreate the best music of the Swing Era, including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Winter Wonderland and many more for a joyful celebration of festive jazz and big band music. This is a Christmas celebration like no other, as Down for the Count recreate the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more in a luscious 30-piece orchestral setting, evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios recordings. The show starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 10pm. Tickets from £25. To book visit: swingintochristmas.co.uk

Meet Santa Have a magical experience, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas at Milsom Place. Create festive memories and watch as your little ones' faces light up as they meet Father Christmas and his elves in their workshop. Father Christmas’ Grotto is a fun, interactive experience using professional actors in the heart of Bath. It’s a festive destination designed for the family to enjoy as they escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. The Father Christmas Grotto is at Milsom Place every weekend and selected weekdays until 24 December 2023. Tickets £11.55. For tickets go to eventbrite.co.uk

See the lights Stourhead, the National Trust’s Palladian house and garden, will be wowing visitors with the return of its glittering Christmas light trail between 1 December and 31 December. This magical meander through Stourhead’s unique gardens, deep in the heart of Wiltshire, will be filled with larger-than-life illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music. Grab a seasonal snack from one of the street food vendors and complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallow. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages and is accessible for everyone to enjoy. Tickets available at: christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com

Feel peaceful

Sing carols The Circus Area Residents Association (CARA) is hosting Carols in the Circus on Friday 15 December at 7pm. All CARA members, Bath residents and friends are welcome to go along to the event and join in the carols with the Salvation Army providing the music. This year singer Nicole Medin is joining them as their guest soloist to sing two carols. There will be a charity collection on the evening with all profits going to the Salvation Army Fund, so save the date and enjoy the musical magic of the Circus. For more information go to carabath.com

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Where All is Peace by the Handful Chamber Choir will be performed at St Mary’s Church, Julian Road, Bath, on 9 December. This festive programme combines timeless carols, traditional songs and contemporary works by British and American composers. With a focus on peace, hope and winter’s beauty, this concert will be the perfect opportunity to embrace the Christmas spirit through soul-stirring choral music. You can expect to hear arrangements of familiar Christmas classics including In the Bleak Mid-Winter, The 12 Days of Christmas, and The Holly and the Ivy. Tickets £15, under 25s £5, under 16s free. For tickets go to bathboxoffice.org.uk

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TheGermanKitchen Wishing all our clients and suppliers a very merry Christmas

The kitchen you’ve been searching for. German engineering | Quality | Craftsmanship Visit our showroom or request a brochure by scanning the QR code or see uk.kutchenhaus.com

BATH - Saracen Street, BA1 5BR - 01225 634025 BRISTOL - Clifton Down Shopping Centre, BS8 2NN - 0117 213 0680

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The cityist Insect of the month by Marian Hill

A ROYAL INTERVIEW

Prince Vincent aka Neil McDermott Best known to TV audiences for playing bad boy Ryan Malloy in EastEnders since 2009 and Dr Ralph Ellis across three seasons of The Royal, Neil McDermott has taken the prince’s role in Sleeping Beauty in Bath this year.

Name: Pterostichus madidus British Ground Beetle. Also known as Black Clock Beetle, length 15-20mm Ground beetles are REALLY helpful to humans. They love eating garden pests like slugs. Finding them in your garden is good news. This beetle hunts at night and feasts on caterpillars and slugs. Found mainly in woodlands and on grassland. Likes hiding under logs and stones. See more of Marian’s insects at buzzandscuttle.com

Clean and Green Team

Councillor Kevin Guy with members of the Clean and Green Team working in Twerton More than 25 tonnes of debris, leaves and weeds – the equivalent weight of a full waste truck – have been collected by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Clean and Green team in just six months. The snapshot figure covers the team’s work responding to more than 400 resident, town, parish and councillor requests, since June alone. Additional council funding has been invested into the Clean and Green programme, which is now in its second year, benefitting neighbourhoods with the team responding to street cleansing requests, tackling weed removal, cleaning road signs and removing graﬃti. Since Clean and Green was launched in June 2022 every ward in the Bath & North East Somerset has been spruced up with the team receiving positive feedback from residents, town and parish councils and councillors. beta.bathnes.gov.uk

Ammi majus (Queen Anne’s Lace), Cosmos, Gaura, Nigella, sweet peas and Phlox ‘Cherry caramel’

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You play bad boy Ryan Malloy in EastEnders – Ryan has a dark past and is a murderer. Was taking on the role of Prince Vincent in Sleeping Beauty a character reinvention challenge? How dare you! I think you’ll find it was manslaughter. Ha. Thankfully I have played a lot of different characters over the years, some with more similarities to Ryan than others. Prince Vincent will share the same face, and voice… and that’s probably it. You have played roles in pantomimes such as Aladdin and Cinderella in the past. What is the appeal of playing in a panto? It’s great to be able to get families into the theatre at Christmas where they can have a brilliant time, shout out and laugh as loud as they like. I think it’s a really magical way to get into the Christmas spirit. There is so much joy in the room, it is impossible not to love it. The prince has been described as ‘strong, handsome, sensitive, funny, faithful, and completely unrealistic’. He can also ‘dance, sing, fight, ride a horse, joke, and outwit kings.’ Which of these will you have to work on the hardest? I’ll be absolutely brilliant at all of them. I’ll also add a dollop of arrogance. Ha. Jokes aside… I have to ride a horse?!? Why do you think the prince fell in love with the Sleeping Beauty so madly? Especially as the Princess was asleep... Because it’s panto…. and they need to get on with the story! Do you believe in love at first sight? Vincent: Absolutely… people seem to fall in love with me all the time. Especially ugly old witches! Neil: I think love gets stronger the longer you are with someone. It develops and changes. But in the end, all the shared experiences help it grow. But a spark is the beginning! Pantomimes are criticised by some for showing outdated gender roles. What are your thoughts? Pantomime has been ahead of its time in terms of anyone being able to play any role.

Females have played principal boys and the dames are a staple of any great panto. In our panto you will find the Princess may appear like she needs saving by her Prince, but in the end proves she can also save him. So they will be a modern-day couple with a traditional beginning. Which is your favourite of the prince’s lines in Sleeping Beauty? I will enjoy delivering my Riding a Horse gag… Which is your favourite song in the pantomime? I’m singing a Kylie song, Padam Padam! So I am very much looking forward to that. I see you played Johnny in Home, I’m Darling, which toured to Bath this year. How do you like the theatre and Bath? Theatre Royal Bath is such a beautiful theatre where so many greats have performed. It is well-supported by loyal audiences and of course Bath itself is beautiful. It’s a really nice place to spend time and I’m especially excited about being back over the festive season. When I came last I visited the Thermae Spa which was glorious! We hear you are starring in Sleuth at Theatre Royal Bath from 12–17 February. How does it feel to be following in Michael Caine’s footsteps? Yes, I shall be back with you very soon after Christmas. It is a fantastic play with many previous versions on stage and on film. We have a brilliant director Rachel Kavanaugh who I worked with on Wind in the Willows at the London Palladium and I’m very much looking forward to what we can do with it. As thrillers go it’s one of the best. So we’ll be as thrilling as possible! Do your children approve of your pantomime role and will they see it? Yes they will be coming to support! They are used to seeing dad on stage and luckily haven’t yet been too embarrassed! The pantomime Sleeping Beauty is at the Theatre Royal Bath from 7 December – 7 January; theatreroyal.org.uk

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City updates Insect arrivals reflect climate change Wildlife surveys carried out by ecologists at Bath City Farm over the last eight years have recorded species that a generation ago would have been rarities. The 37-acre City Farm has recorded 1,250 species on a north-facing slope between Twerton and Southdown in the west of Bath. Of the species found on the grasslands and in the woods on the Farm, 30 of them are recent arrivals to the area as warmer weather sees new species moving northwards. Ecologist and Trustee, Mike Williams, who has led the wildlife recording, said: “Insects are important indicator species that help us understand the realities of a changing climate. Three years ago, the elegant Wasp Spider was recorded on the Farm for the first time and it is now increasingly common in the area. In the early 1990s I only ever saw the Wasp Spider on the south coast, in Dorset.” Butterflies at the farm were severely impacted by the dry spring and wet summer with fewer numbers recorded this year. The Red Admiral has bucked the trend because fewer cold snaps and frosts have seen these summer migrants overwintering in the UK and breeding in the springtime. The Jersey Tiger Moth, was only ever found on the Channel Islands, but has become an increasing sight across the South of England, including on the Farm. Other recent new arrivals include the Hornet and Lesser Hornet Hoverfly, two harmless species that closely resemble Hornets; the Ivy Bee, now a common sight on Ivy flowers in the autumn; and the small green Ivy Spider. bathcityfarm.org.uk

A Red Admiral Butterfly at Bath City Farm

Myths and legends for children Local bestselling author-illustrator Amy Jeffs has brought out her debut children’s book Storyland. In this beautifully illustrated mythology of Britain, children will discover enchanting tales of magic and adventure, giants and demons, princesses and prophecies. Travelling across the wildest of landscapes – as far north as Orkney and south as Cornwall – young readers will build Stonehenge with the young Merlin, chase hounds up the mountains of Wales, ride stags into the forests of Scotland, and sail with Trojans along the rivers of Britain, discovering a land steeped in myth, monsters and heroes. the legend of Bladud the founder of Bath is also featured. Adapted from Amy Jeffs’ beautiful and bestselling Storyland, this is a definitive and dynamic children’s introduction to Britain’s lost myths and legends, for readers aged 9+. Published by Hachette, £14.99, available as hardback, ebook and audiobook. amyjeffshistoria.com

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The Bath that could have been Timothy Mowl and Julian Orbach have just published Unbuilt Bath, a book on architectural schemes in Bath that were never realised. This includes immense crescents, vast piazzas, a concert hall, a crystal palace, law courts and a library. Some were impracticably heroic, like Wood the Elder’s colossal Royal Forum straddling the Avon, and Robert Adam’s crescents on the other side of Pulteney Bridge. In the 20th century, rebuilding was proposed for parts of the city already abandoned to decrepitude, disfiguring what remained by surrendering to motor traffic, faddish design and poor planning. The authors describe how close Bath then came to self-destruction when schemes that were built lasted just long enough to be loathed and demolished. Many designs shown in the book have rarely been seen. From an enormous column celebrating the Great Reform Act to a dual carriageway behind the Royal Crescent, Unbuilt Bath: The city as it might have been is a fascinating depiction of the city that nearly was. The book is £20. Order by emailing unbuiltbath@gmail.com

New retail energy in the city

Clothing by Aspiga

Interior design studios and homeware store Studio Walcot is moving from Milsom Place at the beginning of December to 1 Western Terrace, Victoria Bridge Road, Bath. Studio Walcot – known for its ‘blissfully neutral aesthetic’ – oﬀers a complete interior design service, specialising in boutique hideaway and luxury hotel interior design and high-end residential. Another retail newcomer is fashion brand Aspiga, which has recently arrived at 7 Broad Street. The new store stocks the brand’s best-selling collection of dresses, corduroy tailoring, luxurious merino wool knitwear, resort-wear and handcrafted accessories, alongside a capsule collection of menswear, all produced with a commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion. The Cotswold Company are also coming to Bath, opening at 12 Northgate Street on 14 December. First launched 25 years ago in the heart of the Cotswolds, the company designs and makes furniture and accessories built to endure, ranging from comfy beds to roomy wardrobes and sink-in sofas to gather-round dining tables, with all wood furniture using responsibly sourced timber. We can also welcome optician Jimmy Fairly to 4 Burton Street, oﬀering quality focused frames and expert optometry skills. With 19 stores across the UK, this is the chain's first opening in the west of England, with plans to open in Bristol towards the end of the year. And for every pair of glasses bought, Jimmy Fairly finance a pair for someone in need! studiowalcot.co.uk; jimmyfairly.co.uk; aspiga.com; cotswoldco.com

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CITY | NOTEBOOK

NOTES ON A SMALL CIT Y

Richard Wyatt

Columnist Richard Wyatt looks at the night sky, but instead of seeing the stars he is blinded by... the glare from the city’s shop windows. Is this the way forward, considering the cost of electricity and the light pollution created? There are good reasons for this, he discovers – but it wouldn’t have done the Three Wise Men much good...

t’s that time of the year when we attempt to drive away the seasonal gloom with as many sparkling festive lights as possible. Indeed, I seem to remember a couple of years ago – during the dark days of the pandemic – that English Heritage suggested that the public kept their Christmas decorations up until Candlemas on 2 February to brighten up the winter lockdown. That religious calendar date has the full name ‘The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary’, and was the official end of Christmas in medieval England. But while our city basks in the now unrestricted colourful nighttime illuminated glow of this forthcoming holiday of holidays, it’s not so much the festive street lights or snow-filled shop window displays that have been concerning people, but the fact the warm retail glow seems to continue when we have all gone to bed.

Indiscriminate use of external lighting, street illumination, advertising and illuminated sporting venues is... blinding our view of the heavens I recently heard from a follower on my Bath Newseum blog who was critical of the fact that shop windows still had lights blazing away before sunrise. She told me she had to go from her home in Combe Down to the RUH at 4.30am (fortunately it was not an emergency!) and her journey was through Bear Flat, which, she explains, was fully illuminated with shop lighting, even at that hour. In her words, “Three estate agents and the charity shop all wasting electricity, and contributing to the light pollution which we should be avoiding; it

Milsom Street and its illuminated shops

upsets the balance of nature, and must be a big problem for people who have to live nearby. “And this is only Bear Flat – think of all the other business communities over not only our city, but all cities and towns, who do not seem to consider a) the unnecessary usage of electricity or the cost, and b) the damage it does to insect and mammals who are bearing the brunt of wastage like this. It would be so simple to have these lights on a timer – who needs to look in estate agents’ windows after, say, 1am? “I just wondered whether you could gather any more information from other communities, as I am unable to do a survey myself. I have been in touch with Wera Hobhouse, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the Council on the subject, but haven’t heard anything back. This would be another way Bath could do more for the environment.” Her published comments brought words of support from other readers, so l’ve taken this up with Allison Herbert who is the Chief Executive of Bath BID, an ‘independent, not-for-profit, business-led initiative working to create the environment for businesses in Bath to succeed.’ She told me that there are a number of reasons why a shop may choose to leave its lights on after closing time. “The first is security – CCTV cameras work better with real light, criminals cannot enter a lit building without being noticed from the outside and a lit building may lead people to believe that there is someone inside. “Then there is the question of working after hours – there may be staff cleaning, doing maintenance or restocking inside the building. “Another reason (for extended illumination) is promotion – lighting the window display means that people may see the contents of the shop while walking past and come back another time. “Our High Street retailers need all our support. A dark shop may give the appearance of being permanently closed, which is a deterrent to future custom. “The public benefit from all this is that business lighting adds to the street lighting, which helps people to feel safe at night. “People can report areas where they feel unsafe using the Street Safe App. The App which is supported by the police nationally, suggests that it should be used in the situations specified on the police.uk website.” To find the page, search for ‘police.uk’ and ‘streetsafe’. Well, I have looked at shop window lights ‘from both sides now’ – with apologies to Joni Mitchell – but I am sure there is more to say on the subject. For example, should all shop window lighting be delivered by low energy bulbs (LEDs)? While we are talking about lights, I just want to mention nature’s year-round nightly show. Indiscriminate use of external lighting, street illumination, advertising, and illuminated sporting venues is, apparently, now blinding our view of the heavens. At its current rate, astronomers estimate that most of the major constellations will be indecipherable in 20 years’ time. Imagine how difficult things might be for the Three Wise Men if they were trying to follow a star today! Merry Christmas – and here’s hoping for brighter and more peaceful things to come in 2024. n Richard Wyatt runs the Bath Newseum: bathnewseum.com

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HOMEFRONT - INTERIORS -

Homewares Interiors Gifts Cards & Prints Handmade / Local Artists Ethical / Sustainable Products T: 01225 571711 E: info@homefrontinteriors.co.uk 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath, BA1 2LP homefrontinteriors.co.uk

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 | ThEBATHMagazinE 13

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MALLORY CHRISTMAS AT

LUXURY CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM BATH’S SHOP OF WONDERS

Multicoloured Sapphire and Diamond Earrings £4,550.00

Sapphire and Ruby Pendant £3,100.00

Diamond Pendant £5,850.00 Ruby and Diamond Bracelet £26,000.00

Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Wallet £170.00

Ruby and Diamond Earrings £12,900.00 Diamond Ring £11,300.00 Diamond Necklace £42,500.00 Diamond Earrings £2,200.00

Tudor Royal £3,130.00

Diamond Earrings £1,300.00 Natural Spinel and Diamond Ring £56,750.00

Pearl and Diamond Earrings £2,995.00 Longines Mini DolceVita £3,700.00

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Diamond Ring £12,995.00

Mallory, 1 - 5 Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AP Tel: 01225 788800 mallory-jewellers.com

Georg Jensen Bernadotte Candleholders £122.00

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WE BUY Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition. 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Wed-Fri 10.00 - 4.30pm | Sat 10.00 - 1.00pm (by appointment only)

Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

HONEY WILLOW 8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AX Open: Tue-Sat, 10am - 4pm and Sun 11am - 4pm

Honey Willow is a Bath family run jewellery business. We make meaningful, personalised jewellery celebrating loved ones and life’s milestones. Jewellery that customers love to give and receive. All handmade to order in our Bath workshop. Visit us on Pulteney Bridge or find the full range online: www.honeywillow.com

Discount code for 10% off : BATHMAG10

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 | ThEBATHMagazinE 15

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FASHION | ANTHROPOLOGIE

Looking for a glittering statement to sum up the season? From metallic and beaded to sequins and silver – and from glamour to sleek elegance – discover your festive feel-good at Anthropologie

Take a moment

Shop at 1-4 New Bond Street, Bath or online at anthropologie.com

to shine... Beaded Fringec V-Neck Waistcoat, £1400

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Rosette Choker0 Necklace, taupe, £280 Beaded Floral Bucket Bag, £78n

Petra Mini Dropc Earrings, £48c

Icy Shine Satinn Bomber Jacket, £98n0

Chunky Layered Bracelet, £48

Pixy Patent Leather Platform Oxford Brogues, £1280

Maeve Sequin Cut-Outc Halter Wide-Leg Jump Suit, £180c Green Beaded Chain-Strap0 Shoulder Bag, £880

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

Present sense

The festive season is upon us so let’s express our love and appreciation to those who have been in our thoughts all year. Here’s a wondersome show of gift inspiration from the finest local ateliers, stores and online retailers. You know the drill people... scan the QRs for some pronto gifting THE URBAN GARDEN AT CHRISTMAS Everyone loves The Urban Garden on the edge of Royal Victoria Park – it’s always packed with beautiful, interesting things and with an extended range of festive gift ideas, they have really got Christmas covered. Get your Christmas tree there too. The Urban Garden, Marlborough Buildings, Bath

theurbangarden.org.uk

FLAVOUR HEAD BOTANICAL TEA

THE TIME TRAVELLER’S SECRET

The perfect gift to turn heads and wake up your taste buds this Christmas. Bath’s very own multi-award-winning artisan tea is shaking up the tea market with unique ingredients creatively blended by hand in small batches. You’ll find up to a dozen whole, rolled, chunky botanicals for big flavour. They look fantastic and taste out of this world. Nine flavours of fruit and herbal, black and green teas, all awarded Gold by Taste of the West. £4.95 for 15 plant-based pyramid bags. Find Flavourhead at Prior Park Garden Centre, Larkhall Butchers, Green Street Deli, Leak Gift and Eades Greengrocers.

Written and illustrated by Bobbie Hewitt, this adventure for budding bookworms makes a great stocking filler! For children age 6 to 10, this easy-toread, heart-warming story follows four young cousins on an urgent mission to help a time traveller track down his lost, magical companions. Secrecy is paramount to protect these mysterious beings, who are vital to Earth’s future survival. Available on amazon.co.uk, at Oldfield Park Bookshop and other select retailers £7.99

flavourhead.com FIVE GOLD RINGS Offering high-quality, beautifully designed jewellery, Jody Cory is an established independent designer goldsmith with over 30 years’ experience, and her shop in Bath is not only home to her work but also displays a range of wonderfully inspired pieces by many local and national designers. Not only are there beautiful pieces on display to cater for all budgets, but Jody’s fine individual creations and her commission work means that her shop represents the highest quality jewellery. Shown here is a cluster of dazzlingly coloured diamond stacking rings, available in 9ct yellow and white gold. Prices start from £485. Visit Jody Cory, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath

jodycory.co.uk

ON FOOT IN BATH Andrew Swift's On Foot in Bath offers fifteen walks around our World Heritage City and has just been updated to accommodate the changes in Bath and its surrounds over the last couple of years. The book is available in local bookshops priced at £16.99

akemanpress.com

CELESTIAL PERFUMES Leap fragrances

Leap is a luxury room fragrance brand that creates unique olfactory experiences. The debut collection draws inspiration from the Solar System, featuring nine hand-picked perfumes to capture the characteristics of each celestial body. Each scent is exclusively crafted in Grasse, France and expertly assembled in London. Take the leap. Instagram: leapfragrances

etsy.com

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS “They have a fantastic selection of antiques, and they are lovely people.” “Prices surprisingly competitive. One of our very favourite places to shop.” “They gave us time and space to consider our purchase.” “They listen to what I need & manage to find me exactly what I was looking for.” “International shipping was fast & perfectly packed.” “Kind and helpful in helping me find a special gift for my partner.”

www.beaunashbath.com beaunashbath t: 01225 334234 | email: info@beaunashbath.com

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

SUSANNAH WAY CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY Having worked with a number of the west country’s top goldsmiths and jewellers, Susannah Way creates her own range of contemporary jewellery. Her designs are personal and charming – this silver signet ring was inspired by nature under the microscope. £195. Visit her Etsy online shop (SusannahWayJewellery) or find more details at:

swayjewellery.com

FINE STATIONERY & FRAMES THE STARS AND THE MOON

The Bath Framer, owned by Kelly, is a friendly boutique picture framers that has a beautifully quirky front-of-house and a workshop, stacked with all kinds of frames. It’s a joy to visit, not only to see beautiful prints and frames, but also to watch how frames are created. As well as a bespoke framing service, there’s an whole selection of unique cards, gift wrap and some very interesting traditional brass stationery (shown left) – perfect gifts for a maker or creator. 14–15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD

Always a popular destination for gift ideas, The Silver Shop of Bath never fails to inspire. This pair of Cosmic Huggies earrings are just £16.95, and they really caught our attention. The perfect gift for someone special this Christmas. There are plenty of other ideas to be found too. Shop at 25 Union Passage, Bath.

thesilvershopofbath.co.uk

thebathpictureframer.co.uk LEARN YOUR COUNTRY SKILLS THIS CHRISTMAS

HOMEFRONT FOR INSPIRED GIFTING Homefront Interiors in Margaret's Buildings is one of Bath’s most appealing independent shops, offering a carefully curated treasure trove of beautiful sustainable living and artisanal homeware products from local artists and makers. Shown here is the Eternal Optimist Diffuser from Aery Living, £36. Just one of the many beautiful things you can discover at this superb shop. Homefront, 10 Margaret's Buildings, Bath.

Vale House Kitchen is a bespoke country skills and cookery school offering all the traditional courses you would expect from a cookery school, but with the added dimension of teaching skills such as fishing. Purchase a Christmas gift voucher that can be redeemed against any Vale House Kitchen course.

valehousekitchen.co.uk homefrontinteriors.co.uk

THE GIFT OF ‘YOU TIME’

BY HONEY WILLOW

The Orangery beauty salon in Bath is one of the city’s most respected salons and the highly qualified team offer a full range of the very best in treatments. Ever popular at Christmas are their beauty care gift vouchers, which can be redeemed on the full range of treatments at the salon as well as for skincare products. Beautifully presented, they make a lovely gift of ‘you-time’ for someone you love. The Orangery, 1 Argyle Street, Bath.

These extra petite, 14k gold-fill hoop earrings with birthstones, 1.5cm in diameter, are comfortable to wear. The hoops are handmade with sturdy 2mm wire and they fasten with a butterfly scroll. Gold-fill is 14k gold which is bonded to a base metal. Gold-fill is hard-wearing and generally good for sensitive ears. Regular price £ 130 Visit the store at: 8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath

honeywillow.com

BEAUTIFUL MUGS Unique blue ‘Ingrid Johannesson’ ceramic mugs. Ingrid, who lives in Bath and has a garden studio, creates with both the wheel and by hand-building sculptures and vases. Her individually hand-crafted mugs are a new venture that she hopes will bring joy to others. From £16–£25. Find them at The Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath

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Merry Christmas

ANTIQUE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

F i n d u s j u s t b e l o w t h e R oy a l C re s c e nt BA1 2LZ I n s t a g r a m @ u r b a n g a rd e n b ath

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

GOOD PRINT IS READ

GREAT LOOKING

BERRY CHRISTMAS KIDS Hats off to Up to Seven! Designed and handmade at their workshop in Bath, these adorable, roll-edged hats are all knitted in anti-tickle wool, and can be machine washed at 30 degrees. Available in five sizes (and also in navy), they are priced at just £16, making them the perfect gift. They can be matched with Up to Seven’s beautiful handmade cardigans, baby shoes and mittens. Up to Seven, 6 Pulteney Bridge, Bath.

Established in 1979, Ellis and Killpartrick is one of the south west’s leading independent opticians, and as well as a loyal following of clients the shop boasts a fabulous display of designer sunglasses from the most desirable brands. How about a pair of festive red Cartier spectacles, with geometric Panthère head details, highlighted with enamel? £600

If you subscribe to our weekly newsletter then you’ll be very familiar with Daniel McCabe’s regular review of some of the coolest and most inspired magazine reads that he sells at his excellent shop, Magalleria. This is a unique store selling one of the largest collections of international, independent and niche magazines in Europe. It imports magazines, journals and zines from all over the world, with many exclusive to its range. Perfect for gifting and finding new and delightful reads, this is the place to pick up a gift card and let the print lover find their magazine nirvana. Magalleria, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RG

magalleria.co.uk

With so many elegant designs in both sunglasses and in the optical collection, pay a visit to Ellis and Killpartrick. 18 New Bond Street, Bath.

ellisandkillpartrick.com

uptoseven.co.uk

NATURAL SELF-INDULGENCE Baed natural body care products are the perfect gift, or a treat for yourself. Let the zesty blend of lemongrass and may chang oil fill your mind and body as you use these wonderful products. Enjoy the refreshing scent in the shower or during a long soak in the tub. Baed products are made to the highest quality with the following essential oils: • Lemongrass: detoxifies the skin, anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory, antiseptic and astringent; • May chang: relieves tired muscles, aches and pains, calms anxiety, good for skin allergies. Bathwick Trio: Lemon Grass and May Chang, £42

FABRIC DESIGNS BY ISABELL BROWELL

EXQUISITE CANINE APPAREL Harringwaith is an English luxury fashion house specialising in canine apparel and accessories. All of our products are crafted by master artisans at their atelier in the heart of Somerset, including the signature sheepskin dog coat, The Harringwaith. A fully lined wool interior ensures your hound strides in impeccable comfort, whilst the leather-finished exterior protects them from the most beastly weather conditions. Available in four sizes from £499

harringwaith.com

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With an interior design background, Isabell Browell’s love of fabrics was the motivation to learn the art of lampshade making. Using handwoven Ikats from Uzbekistan and vintage silk sari fabrics from India, Isabell aims to create lampshades that make a statement and transform a room. She can also offer a bespoke lampshade service for specific interior room schemes. Isabell is based in Bath. Shown here is a handwoven velvet Ikat bag (other designs available) – it makes a great Christmas gift at £89. Isabell’s lovely products can be viewed on her website:

browellinteriors.com

baednatural.co.uk

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www.josiemitchelljewellery.com Josiemitchell.jewellery

Visit our gorgeous shop on Pulteney Bridge

6 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AX

01225 422333

www.uptoseven.co.uk

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

CONTEMPORARY ART PRINT Buy a beautiful and affordable contemporary art print of an original painting. “The print is a present for a family member‘s birthday and he is very happy with it. It arrived in great condition. Thank you!” Bath art prints for sale to restaurants, hotels, and offices. Contemporary art prints of Bath are a fantastic addition. Special prices are available for bulk purchases. There’s also a special offer on art prints, 15% up to 25 December. Get a beautiful and affordable contemporary Giclée art print of an original painting. A2, A3 and A4 sizes. Buy online with coupon code XMAS. The full gallery can be found at:

12 DAYS OF CIDER Back by popular demand, the Thatchers 12 Days of Cider Christmas Calendar is now available to purchase online and in the Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm, Sandford. The calendar is the perfect present for any cider lover. This year the collection includes some of Thatchers’ exclusive Cider Barn ciders, many of their much-loved classics, and for those who love something brand new, their fresh off-the-press Apple and Blackcurrant Cider! £34.99 plus delivery.

thatcherscider.co.uk

real-images.com

LOW-COST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Visit Francis DIY in Moorland Road for a wide variety of the best festive fairy lights from the Noma lighting range – Noma’s products are very low-use energy and many have easy timers. Francis also has a range of battery-operated fairy lights. So no need for a bleak house – we think this Dickensian snowman will cheer things up nicely. Rather dapper, he is a metre high, with 120 warm white and white duo LED’s, 10-metre cable and easy timer, £129. Plenty more in store! Visit: Francis DIY, 39 Moorland Road, Bath

francisdiy.com ARTIST DESIGNS AT GALLERY NINE This is the Cubi Box – a dyed yellow/aqua tulip wood/ chestnut/walnut case, £144. It’s just one of the fantastic items by many talented artists and designers whose work is on show and available to buy at Gallery Nine, Bath’s contemporary arts and crafts gallery – pay them a visit to see the full range. Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret Buildings, Bath

gallerynine.co.uk

FINE CRAFTED JEWELLERY The Gold & Platinum Studio is one of Bath’s most beloved independent jewellers. On display in the studio are many unique and beautiful pieces, while upstairs in the workshop client commissions are being designed and created by a team of highly skilled goldsmiths. The studio is owned by renowned goldsmith and designer Michael Parsons. Michael has always been fascinated by gemstones and is a qualified gemmologist. He specialises in sourcing gemstones and crafting bespoke, one-off fine quality pieces. This large hammered disc pendant in silver makes a great gift at just £150, and if the budget allows then Michael will make one in gold with an inset diamond. See this and many more beautiful pieces at 19 Northumberland Place, Bath, or shop online.

goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

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FILM & TV

Wonka and its location pizzazz Our city has a reputation as an elegant, atmospheric location for dramas of note. Most recently it was used as a filming location for the fantasy musical Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet, which opens in cinemas on 8 December. We discover more about the locations used, the massive island city that was constructed and the filming in Bath.

ath and its fine Georgian and Victorian architecture have always been a go-to location for the filming of period TV dramas and movies. The big news this month is that there are some new names to add to Bath’s roll call of visiting stars. That includes the one-and-only Timothée Chalamet who turns quirky, anarchic, fun and free-spirited as Wonka in Paul King’s musical fantasy film by Warner Bros – a prequel to Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – which is released in cinemas on 8 December. This big screen spectacle introduces audiences to chocolate-maker Willy Wonka’s origin story. The film starts as he returns from seven years travelling the world perfecting his skills in the making of chocolate, now looking to find a new home to start his candy empire. However, he finds that he faces many challenges, mostly from the socalled Chocolate Cartel who refuse to let anyone else sell chocolate in shops in their town. “You can’t get a shop without selling chocolate and you can’t sell chocolate without a shop,” says Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter) definitively in the trailer. However Wonka is not willing to bow down to such bullies and pursues his dreams, as you’d expect from any feel-good fantasy movie. In Paul King’s words, “I wanted to bring to the world a Wonka, back when he was young and wide-eyed and full of hope and optimism, before he became the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka that we all know and love. Somebody who didn’t have a penny to his name, but had a dream of a brighter tomorrow.” The plot finds Wonka meeting his first Oompa-Loompa, Lofty (an orange-coloured miniature Hugh Grant), as well as introducing his magical candy, including the ones that make people fly, to the public.

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Keegan Michael Key is Chief of Police in the town Wonka sets up in; Olivia Colman plays Mrs Scrubbit, a shop owner who warns Wonka of the town’s strict rules; newcomer Calah Lane is Noodle, Willie’s new friend who helps him on his mission; and you’ll find Rowan Atkinson playing a Mr Bean-style vicar and Matt Lucas an unpleasant chocolatier called Prodnose. There is also reference to sadness with Wonka’s backstory involving his mother (Sally Hawkins) whose memory he carries with him on this grand adventure. To realise the world director Paul King had imagined, art, set decoration, construction and props crafted a romantic, fairytale city at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and built on and adapted beautiful locations in and around England – ranging from a small village in Oxfordshire to a 1950s ballroom and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Filming at Leavesden began in the autumn of 2021 and took place for 21 weeks on more than 50 sets built across three sound stages, a massive backlot and an aircraft hangar, and also involved shooting at more than 10 locations, including Bath. Production designer Nathan Crowley says, “The film’s setting is a fictional city that is flavoured with many familiar elements of different European cities, but Willy Wonka’s influence changes that city into a magical place where anything is possible. The design helps to create a truly unique and unforgettable visual journey for the audience.” King described the city in Wonka to his creative team as “the best of Europe,” and that’s what they fashioned, a charming urban location with a mix of Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, German and Swiss architecture. The resulting combination of set builds (borrowing from real-world structures) and location work augmented the scale of the town and authenticated the vision. The lightness of the limestone

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GARDENING FILM & TV

in the Bath and Oxford locations was emulated through the builds, enhancing the romance of the newly constructed. Filming in Bath took place in the autumn of 2021, and centred on the glorious Gothic construction of Bath Abbey in the heart of the city. Here, as with many of the locations, artificial snow was spread as scenes were shot in the pillared Colonnades next to the riverside, Parade Gardens and Orange Grove. Pulteney Bridge was also given a foggy aura to build the mystical atmosphere, while further scenes were created around the walls of the Abbey. Filming in Oxford had a particular focus on the historic Radcliffe Camera, part of the Bodleian Library. Other sites included a trio of locations: The Goring Gap, a picturesque valley occupied by the river Thames; a riverbank in the Chilterns; and on the other side in the North Wessex Downs. These provided the backdrop where young Willy performs magic for his mother on the narrowboat that is their home on the river. Scenes with the narrowboat were also shot at Sutton Bridge, a picture-perfect stretch of the Thames with weeping willows and a beautiful stone bridge. Lyme Regis’ harbour offered the location for the town’s docks and where the boat carrying Willy lands. The Cobb, Lyme Regis’ historic harbour wall and the seaside town with its period buildings tied in with the overall look of the film. Other locations included London’s original 1950s The Rivoli Ballroom and Eltham Palace, an English Heritage property with a beautiful 1930s Art Deco interior. Wonka will feature musical numbers, with some going back to the Gene Wilder original (Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), although director Paul King sees the movie as a film with songs: “Wonka isn’t a musical in the same sense that Les Misérables is a musical, where every moment is sung. It always felt like a movie which happened to have some great songs in it.” Fortunately Chalamet can sing and dance, which King established by checking out his high school musical performances that went viral on YouTube. Timothée Chalamet remembers, “There was a lot of dance training with Chris Gattelli, a fellow New Yorker and a fantastic choreographer. Then, repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition. It was smart, because by the time the movie started, the physical stamina was there. I have to say that this was the most physically challenging project I’ve ever been on. This was every scene. There’s the enthusiasm of the character coupled with the fact that there isn’t a scene that’s really static.” He continues: “I did feel the classic thespian challenge – the singing, the dancing. But when I think about the main theme of this movie, when I think about its raison d’etre – it is to bring joy into the world.

It’s to encourage dreaming; to encourage the dreamers to continue dreaming; to encourage declaring yourself as you are, who you are, without question.” There’s no doubt Wonka will be a fantastical and spiritually uplifting cinema experience. And the people of Bath will have an extra focus as they watch, distinguishing the familiar shapes of their city in the background. n Wonka is released in UK cinemas on 8 December by Warner Bros. Pictures. Above and below: Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka. © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Jaap Buittendijk Above left: Snow being adding at the entrance to Parade Gardens where filming took place. Photo by Jamie Bellinger: www.jamie.photo

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EVENTS

WHAT’S ON MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE

n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Enjoy live jazz/funk/soul/swing at Green Park Brasserie on Weds and Thurs from 6.30– 8.45pm and Fri and Sat from 6.30–9.45pm. Music includes dynamic duos, modern trios and a Hot Club style quintet. greenparkbrasserie.com

BRLSI CHRISTMAS MAKERS’ MARKET Until 9 December n 18 Queen Square, Bath Find the perfect gift at the inaugural BRLSI Christmas Makers Market; a cosy indoor Christmas market offering local makers the chance to showcase their talents and allowing the people of Bath to support local and independent producers. Open Mon–Sat 10–4pm. Late opening (7.30pm) 1 Dec, 5 Dec. brlsi.org

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET Until 10 December n Around the Abbey, Bath Street, Hot

Bath Street and Milsom Street Meander through the streets of Bath with its twinkling chalets and discover some of the best crafters in the south west and beyond. With stylish homeware, handmade jewellery, personalised presents and more, bathe in the sights and smells of Christmas whilst ticking everything off your shopping list. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRT Until 23 December, selected evenings n Westonbirt, The National Arboretum Discover a captivating landscape and stunningly lit trees, creating an enchanting world of wonder. Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, sees the magic of the festive season come to life in spectacular illuminated fashion. Visit and be dazzled by an enthralling winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights, festive sounds and installations. forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchantedchristmas Shay Parsons at the BRLSI Makers’ Market

Winter Wonderland at the American Museum & Gardens

FATHER CHRISTMAS’ GROTTO Until 24 December n Milsom Place, 41 Milsom Street, Bath Create festive memories and watch as your little ones’ faces light up as they meet Father Christmas and his elves. Much more than your usual Grotto, this is a fun interactive experience with professional actors. A festive destination designed for the family to enjoy and escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. Produced by the Garden Theatre Festival. Tickets £11.55. eventbrite.co.uk

BRICK AMERICA: AN ADVENTURE IN LEGO® BRICKS Until 31 December n The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down This off-the-scale, super-fun, creative exhibition celebrates favourite icons from across the USA and invites visitors to build and play. Discover famous buildings, cityscapes and vehicles, plus models inspired by movies, history, NASA, iconic people and much more, with many models and mosaics built specially for the American Museum & Gardens by LEGO artist Warren Elsmore and his team. americanmuseum.org

WINTER WONDERLAND Throughout December n The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down Enjoy a festive, hand-crafted, Christmas experience at the American Museum & Gardens. The Georgian Manor House will be festooned with hundreds of beautiful, artisan decorations, with a stunning 18foot Nordmann fir tree from Langford Lakes dressed with 9000 twinkling lights taking pride of place in Central Hall. The museum has extended its winter opening hours to 5pm, so visitors can benefit from special winter twilight views across the valley. Throughout the month, there are

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Christmas workshops and festive food and drinks at the American Garden Deli. americanmuseum.org

COMBE GROVE WELLNESS RETREATS Courses starting on 4 December and 11 December n Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath Combe Grove is the UK’s first medical wellness retreat and year-long support programme. The Optimum Health Metabolic Reset starting on 4 December and the Prevent and Reverse Prediabetes retreat starting on 11 December are weeklong retreats as part of a year-long programme. The retreats have been developed in consultation with leading GPs, dietitians and medical professionals. combegrove.com

THE ARTS SOCIETY BATH | THE VERY MODEL OF ENGLISH ENTERTAINMENT: GILBERT & SULLIVAN 4 December, 11.30am n Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, and live-streamed on Zoom Lecturer Roger Askew considers W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan who came together under the guiding hand of the impresario, Richard D’Oyly Carte. To attend as a guest (£10 in venue or £7 on Zoom), reserve a place at bath@theartssociety.org theartssocietybath.org

U3A LECTURE: VIEW FROM THE WINGS 7 December, 9.45am coffee, 10.30am talk n The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath Playwright, performer and speaker Brian Freeland has worked with companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Scottish Opera, Sadler’s Wells and London Festival Ballet. Free for members and a donation of £2 for nonmembers. u3ainbath.uk

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EVENTS

BATH FILM SOCIETY PROGRAMME Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Bath

SLEEPING BEAUTY 7 December – 7 January 2024 n Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close, Bath A beautiful Princess pricks her finger on a spindle wheel that has been cursed at her 18th birthday party. Can the Good Fairy’s magical spell break the curse? With our favourite Jon Monie as Lester the Jester and EastEnders’ Nick Wilton as Dame Nanny Nora. Tickets £9–£40.50. theatreroyal.org.uk

WINTER REVELS: A TUDOR NOEL 9 December, doors 6.30pm; concert 7.30pm n Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street Following their sell-out concert at the Holburne last year, the singers of Dowland Youth Works return with a programme of skits and songs to evoke a Tudor yuletide. They will be accompanied by singer and conductor Laurence Williams and Sam Brown on the lute. Tickets £20. holburne.org

MARTIN CARTHY/JON WILKS CHRISTMAS BUFFET FEAST AT THE BATH AND COUNTY CLUB 7 December, 6pm n The Bath and County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath Enjoy a Christmas buffet feast at The Bath and County Club. All wines included. £23 per person. Book in with secretary on 01225 423732. bathandcountyclub.com

9 December, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon The Grandaddy of modern English folk, Martin Carthy, in conversation with his friend journalist and folk guitarist Jon Wilks. Includes musical performances and questions from the audience. Tickets £20/£11 U18s and students. wiltshiremusic.org.uk

CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING WITH GRENVILLE JONES AND THE BATH WELCOME CHORUS

UNIVERSITY OF BATH GARDENING CLUB: HARRIET RYCROFT: POTS FOR WINTER INTEREST AND SPRING JOY

8 December, 4.45pm n The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath Join Grenville Jones and The Bath Welcome Chorus for an afternoon of carol singing, mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets £10. eventbrite.co.uk

11 December, 7.30pm–9pm n Room 1 Level 1, East Building, East Car Park, University of Bath, Claverton Down Harriet, the ‘Queen of Pots’, will talk about the planting needed to create displays which look good until early summer. Find out how to create a framework of colour and texture that gradually fills to a glorious crescendo in spring. Open to all. Membership £25, visitors £8. ubgc.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY HOBGOBLIN THEATRE COMPANY 8–9 December, 5pm and 7.30pm on Friday; 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday n Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, Bath A family-friendly, fun-filled adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Hobgoblin Theatre Company’s fast-paced, hilarious retelling of the perennial favourite has been a festive hit in schools for a number of years and is at last coming to a theatre. Hobgoblin have been producing high-quality educational plays in Primary Schools for the past 16 years and A Christmas Carol has been a vital part of their programme for almost as long. missiontheatre.co.uk; bathboxoffice.org.uk

ALDRIDGE’S OF BATH AUCTION 12 December, 10am (viewing on Saturday 9 December) n Online Decorative and household sale, including Victorian, Edwardian, 20th-century and modern household furniture and furnishings, decorative china and glass, pictures and prints, mirrors and rugs; also garden furniture, tools and general household goods. aldridgesofbath.com

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARY BERRY 12 December, 7.30pm n Bath Forum

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On 8 December Bath Film Society is showing Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (France, 1953), directed by Jacques Tati. Buster Keaton meets Mister Bean....in Biarritz. Tati’s beloved comedy has always attracted glib comparisons with other films and cinematic characters, but the writer/director/star’s pipe-smoking Everyman is a unique creation and Hulot breezes into a seaside resort oblivious to the chaos that he creates. It’s a whirlwind of pratfalls and sight gags, with the charm of a silent film while using background noise and halfheard dialogue to build comic effect. Bath Film Society Screenings are held at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16–18 Queen Square, 7.30pm on Fridays. Enjoy a drink from 7pm before the film. Visit The Bath Film Society website for more information: bathfilmsociety.org.uk; membership secretary: mail@bathfilmsociety.org.uk

One of the UK’s best loved cookery writers and television personalities, Dame Mary Berry is taking to the stage to tell her story. From training at The Cordon Bleu in Paris and Bath School of Home Economics, becoming cookery editor of Housewife magazine, to Bake Off and beyond. This is an evening that promises heart-warming anecdotes, practical baking tips, and an abundance of charm. Tickets from £29. fane.co.uk/mary-berry

CAROLS AT THE REC 13 December, 6pm–7pm n The Recreation Ground, Pulteney Mews, Bathwick Visit the Bath Recreation Ground for an evening of carols, family fun and a celebration of Christmas in the heart of Bath. Carols, mince pies, all-age excitement and mulled wine, there’ll be something for everyone at Carols at the Rec. Tickets are free, but you must show yours on entry, so get tickets at carolsattherec.com

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EVENTS

Fast Love: The Tribute to George Michael, Bath Forum

CHRISTMAS AT KOMEDIA

n Komedia, 22–23 Westgate Street; komedia.co.uk

THE WURZELS XMAS PARTY 7 December, 7pm Since establishing their very own musical genre, South West Scrumpy n’ Western, The Wurzels have earned a reputation as the ultimate live experience. So expect a show packed full of double entendre, mainstream parody, sing-along classics, comedy and, of course, plenty of cider. Tickets £22.

UPROAR! CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

FAST LOVE: THE TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL 14 December, doors 7pm, show 7.30pm n Bath Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath Direct from London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael celebration! Few shows have reached the dizzy heights of Fastlove, now touring in 18 countries, selling over 250,000 tickets worldwide. “The closest you can get to the real thing” (The Reviews Hub). Tickets from £28. bathforum.co.uk

BATH COMEDY CLUB: NOWHERE – STARRING CAREY MARX, ELERI MORGAN & ADAM FLOOD 14 December, doors 7.30pm, show 8pm n Nowhere, 44–45 Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3BD Bath Comedy launches a brand new professional comedy club at Nowhere, with a top-class line-up, with Carey Marx and his blend of dark humour and mischievous delivery; Eleri Morgan, BBC New Comedian of the Year 2021; and Adam Flood with his high-energy observational comedy with a twist of the surreal. Tickets £15/£12. bathcomedy.com

IFORD CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SUPPER CLUBS 15, 21, 22 December, 7.30pm and 10.30pm n Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2BA Take advantage of the last few Iford Manor Christmas supper club tables for a special meal with your family, friends or colleagues to see in the season with a special evening at Iford. Six-course tasting menu, with a welcome glass of Champagne, and live music. £75 per person. ifordmanor.co.uk/friday-supper-club Eleri Morgan and Adam Flood at Bath Comedy Club

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18 December, 7pm Komedia Bath and Bath Mencap present a festive edition of Komedia’s ever-popular club night exclusively for adults with learning difficulties, their families and personal assistants. This is a safe, relaxed and fun environment for everyone to cut loose and dance like nobody’s watching to all those Cheesy Christmas bangers, festive favourites and party classics. Tickets £5–£19, the latter including a meal deal.

THE MINISTRY OF BURLESQUE: CABARET CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 22 December, 8.30pm An uproarious revue of camp Christmas comedy and festive friskiness…With a night of festive treats – both naughty and nice – all under one roof, guests are invited to eat, drink, laugh and dance the night away in true vaudevillian excessive style. £10–£49.50, the latter including a three-course meal.

THE BIG DISCO NYE PARTY 31 December, 10.30pm The team behind Bath’s biggest Saturday night out will be throwing the ultimate New Year’s Eve Party to see 2023 out in style – with with guilty pleasures and pop anthems to keep your feet stomping right into 2024. Expect to hear: Abba, Queen, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, Amy Winehouse, Madness, Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kanye West and more! 18+ (bring valid ID). Tickets £17.50 in advance.

KRATER CHRISTMAS SPECIALS 8, 9, 15, 16 December, doors 6pm, show 8.30pm (Christmas Meal customers to arrive between 6pm and 6.30pm) Each Krater Christmas Special is complete with an all-star comedy line-up, an optional one or three-course meal, and dancing to cheesy floor-filler classics until the early hours with after-parties courtesy of FAME & The Big Disco. The stage will be graced by dozens of fantastic comedians and comperes. Tickets from £17.50.

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EVENTS

CHRISTMAS AT BATH ABBEY

The 2023 Advent and Christmas season is upon us once again, and there is no better time to pay a visit to Bath Abbey. From special services and carols to Christmas concerts, there truly is something for everyone. Come along and celebrate this special occasion with us.

POSTCARD from

BATH

The Finest Guide to the City

A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 9 December, 7pm Seasonal music, readings and audience participation for all the family. Join all the Abbey choirs including the young Melody Makers in their Christmas celebrations. Music, readings and audience carols...there will be something for everyone! bathabbey.org/christmas

THE MESSIAH BY G F HANDEL 16 December, 7pm Handel’s glorious masterpiece sung by acclaimed Abbey choirs of Girls and Lay Clerks. Accompanied by the ‘superb’ virtuosic specialist players, Rejouissance. bathabbey.org/christmas

FAMILY CAROLS 17 December, 3.30pm Children are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, angel or wise man or star to take part in a fun retelling of the Nativity – with a real live donkey! bathabbey.org/christmas

LA NATIVITE – MESSIAEN

ORDER YOUR COPY Postcard is available for guests to enjoy either in-room or in the lobbies at most of the city’s 3, 4 and 5 star hotels and accomodation across the city.

21 December, 7pm A Christmas meditation with organist Huw Williams and scripture readings. All welcome, no reserved seating or tickets required. bathabbey.org/christmas

FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS 23 December, 5pm and 7.15pm Free tickets available from Eventbrite. eventbrite.co.uk; bathabbey.org/christmas

Priced at just £10, If you would like to buy a copy

CHRISTMAS EVE MIDNIGHT COMMUNION

or by calling our offices on +44 (0)1225 424 499

24 December, 11pm Join Bath Abbey for a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth as we welcome in Christmas Day in this special service of Holy Communion. bathabbey.org/christmas

you can order online via our website: postcardmagazine.co.uk

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EVENTS make you dance with songs from the likes of Chic, Chaka Khan, Motown Legends and maybe even a bit of Beyonce. £15. chapelarts.org

BATH CAMERATA’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH JOHN RUTTER 19 December, 3.30pm n Bath Forum John Rutter, the legendary composer and conductor, will be taking over the baton at Bath Camerata’s Christmas concert once again this year. John Rutter is possibly the most commercially successful carol composer of our age, and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a carol or two by him. Tickets £10–£30 with half-price tickets for under 25s. bathcamerata.co.uk; bathforum.co.uk

LOOKING AHEAD Steeple Rocks Christmas Concert, American Museum & Gardens

NEW YEAR’S JAZZ LUNCH AT IFORD MANOR 31 December and 1 January n Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-onAvon See out, or in, the New Year with friends and family at Iford Manor Kitchen. Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch accompanied by acclaimed jazz vocalist Sarah Meek, Chris Cobson (guitar) and Nick Kacal (Bass). Food sustainably and locally sourced, much of it reared, grown and foraged on the Iford Estate. £55. ifordmanor.co.uk

STEEPLE ROCKS CHRISTMAS CONCERT 16 December, 2.30pm–4.30pm n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath Join Steeple Rocks, a wonderful rock choir of 50 singers, for a special Sunday afternoon performance that will get you ready for Christmas! Tickets £7–£21. americanmuseum.org

CAPPELLA NOVA: REJOICE, O WORLD 16 December, 7.30pm–9.30pm n Church of St Mary the Virgin, Darlington Street, Bathwick Bath-based choir Cappella Nova celebrates Advent and Christmas in an evening of music and readings in the splendid setting of St Mary’s Church, Bathwick. The title ‘Rejoice, O World’ is taken from the words of Today the Virgin by John Tavener, which features in the concert. In aid of Bath Mencap. Tickets £15, students £8, under-18s free. cappellanova.org.uk

U3A: FIFTEEN YEARS A HEADMASTER 4 January, 9.45am coffee, 10.30am talk n The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath A lecture by Roy Ludlow, former Headmaster at Beechen Cliff School in Bath. Free for members and a donation of £2 for non-members. u3ainbath.uk

NEW YEAR CONCERT – A CEREMONY OF CAROLS 2024 6 January, 7pm n Bath Abbey As part of Candlemas, in January we celebrate Epiphany, the time when the wise men from distant lands brought gifts to the baby Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem. Welcome the New Year with a magical evening of enchanting music sung by the acclaimed Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir. Music includes Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece, A Ceremony of Carols and John Rutter’s Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the harp. bathabbey.org

BATH PHILHARMONIA: THE SNOWMAN 16 December, 3.30pm n Bath Forum The Snowman on the big screen accompanied by live orchestra with a hamper of seasonal orchestral delights. Run time: 60 minutes. Tickets £25 adults, £15 under 18s and students, babes in arms free, 2 years and over will need a ticket. bathphil.co.uk

BS3 SANTA 16–23 December n Hen and Chicken, 210 North Street, Southville, Bristol Bristol actor Stewart Wright brings Father Christmas to life with a newly reworked production of BS3 Santa. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience involvement, theatre meets ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’ in this 50-minute interactive show. There will be two shows a day at 10.15am and 11.30am, apart from on Saturday 16 December when there is a single 11.30am show. eventbrite.com

THE VEGAN PLATFORM 7 January n Green Park Station, Bath The Vegan Platform is Bath’s monthly vegan market located at Green Park Station in central Bath. Here you will find a wide variety of vegan or sustainable products, including food, clothing, beauty products, and household items. The market takes place every first Sunday of the month. There is also a Retro Fit Fair so you can find vintage pieces for your wardrobe. theveganplatform.co.uk n

CLYVE’S FUNKY CHRISTMAS PARTY 17 December, 8pm–10pm n Chapel Arts, St James’s Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls Back for the 10th Year – Clyve, Bath’s Blue Eyed Soul Boy is back at Chapel Arts with his Soul City Foundation, for an evening of soul, funk and plenty of surprises. His Christmas show is guaranteed to 34 TheBATHMagazine | deceMber 2023 | iSSUe 250

New Year Concert at Bath Abbey

GBH BIG BAND/CLAIRE MARTIN 17 December, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon Claire Martin is widely regarded as one of the crown jewels of the jazz world and for this special show she joins GBH Band Band for a tantalising mix of traditional and contemporary vocal and big band arrangements. Tickets £22/£7 U18s and students. wiltshiremusic.org.uk

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THEATRE

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THEATRE GARDENING

Christmas presence

Olivier-Award winning actor Guy Masterson is performing A Christmas Carol at Theatre Royal Bath this month, and when Melissa Blease spoke to Guy she discovered that he has a few more notable tales (of his own life) to tell...

“

squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner, hard and sharp as flint from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret and self contained and solitary as an oyster...” That’s how Charles Dickens described Ebenezer Scrooge, the enduringly iconic protagonist of his 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. But even if you’re not familiar with this chilling, evocative tale of a bitter old man forced to reflect on his miserly ways when confronted by a series of ghosts on Christmas Eve, we all know what we mean when somebody is described as a ‘Scrooge’ – and he’s hardly a likeable character, is he? But according to Olivier Awardwinning actor and West End/Broadway director Guy Masterson, Scrooge is, perhaps, simply misunderstood. “When I play him, I feel his pain,” says Guy. “It’s desperately moving when this hardened, cynical man is unlocked – unzipped if you like – and he realises where the goodness in humanity is...” A master of the art of bringing classic literary masterpieces vividly to the stage, Guy is known for his emotional and physical virtuosity and his ability to bring multiple characters to life in one seamless, exhilarating solo performance. Following sell-out performances of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov studio last year, he’s returning to the city with his highly acclaimed performance of the festive fable this month; if you’re looking for a Christmas show that takes you on a journey way beyond sleepy princesses, perfect princes and men in ill-fitting frocks, A Christmas Carol will sing out to you. “I’ve always been attracted to powerful, simple theatre and storytelling,” says Guy. “Back in my LAMDA student days, I saw Steven Berkoff on stage at the Garrick Theatre in London, and I thought ‘oh my God, look what he can do with nothing or nobody else on the stage, and just one single light on his body! What he did with his imagination and ability to conjure imagery simply through use of language was incredible. I wanted to have a go at it; I fell in love with the genre.” Today, Guy describes himself as a ‘neck up’ actor, in love with the direct connection with the audience. As a result, watching him perform is an emotionally kinetic, indefatigably effecting experience that’s rare to witness first hand. “It’s easy for us to lose, or forgo, the idea of making contact with our own place of imagination,” says Guy. “And all too often, these days, our imaginations are pandered to rather than evoked. But the most remarkable thing is that when you find yourself in a piece that evokes just by expression, or by just conjuring up an image and a feeling like Dickens does, you’re offering audiences a different type of experience that they would not normally have – and I think that’s beautiful.” Less ethereal but nonetheless also rather beautiful is Guy’s connection to Bath. “I’ve been all over the world performing Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, but that play changed my own world in more ways than one,” he says. “I performed it in Bath, at the Ustinov, in 1998. My then-to-be wife Brigitta made her way from Paris to Bath to see the show... and I went back to Paris with her. Over four days, we fell heavily in love, and we were married three months later. So that’s my romantic connection with Bath! And it’s wonderful to be transferring A Christmas Carol from the Ustinov to the main house this year.” Wonderful, fantastic, romantic: much of Guy’s life – as tough and turbulent as it may be, at times, for somebody as involved in the arts and creative industries as he is – could be described in much the same way. Starting a life story that includes many incredible experiences and tales, Guy was born into a family of musicians. His father’s second cousin was the Italian film actor superstar Marcello Mastroianni... and the great Richard Burton was technically Guy’s great uncle, but he was bought up by Guy’s grandmother. They were a very close family; Guy always called Burton ‘Uncle Richard’ and his mother called him her brother.

“When Richard was taken out of South Wales and given a place on the West End stage, my mother followed him down to London and followed her own career, and my aunt followed her,” says Guy. “My aunt became an opera singer and my mother became a jazz singer; Richard had opened their horizons and proved it was possible. Richard helped my mother and father get established; he bought the house they wanted to live in, and they paid the mortgage back to him. He did that for all his brothers and sisters; it was his taking away hardship so they could pursue the life they wanted to pursue.” But Guy’s relationship with his iconic ‘uncle’ had yet more enduring impact on his own life.

It’s easy for us to lose, or forgo, the idea of making contact with our own place of imagination “Back in 1981, I was at Cardiff University studying bio-chemistry, of all things; I was on a conveyor belt to the sciences that I didn’t know how to get off,” Guy recalls. “Anyway, Richard came to stay with my family. He had a problem with his neck, and could barely stand. But even though he couldn’t drive because of his neck problem he bought this Mini Cooper S... just because he’d always wanted one. One day he said, Guy, would you mind driving the car to Switzerland? My mother went crazy! But he said ‘it’s okay Marian, he’s not going by himself: I’m going with him’. So I drove Burton to Switzerland. And there was this very unlikely connection between this 19-year-old boy and this 56-yearold man who become like a second father, getting a kick out of being with his nephew who’s on the cusp of the life he didn’t have. And there was I complaining about how I was in love with this girl I couldn’t have, and how I didn’t want to finish my degree. Burton said, ‘you’ll finish your degree, and you’ll get this girl, and I will help you’. He invited the girl along, and she bought a huge suitcase with her – in a Mini! I didn’t realise until much later on that this whole story was pretty much gold dust; I’ve just written a screenplay about it and it’s been optioned, so hopefully it’s going to be made into a film next year.” And the girl? “She’s now a high-end executive at an NHS hospital in Cardiff,” says Guy. “She did good! But during that time, on that trip, Uncle Richard infected and engendered me with a love of literature that I didn’t know I had. It wasn’t in my consciousness to think of a career as an actor! But here I am.” And here we are, on the cusp of our own journey with Guy, back into a very different time and place altogether. Guy: would you say that you know Ebenezer Scrooge better than anybody else ever could – even, perhaps, Dickens himself, who may have written the character but never actually undertook to ‘be’ him? “Oh, I don’t know about that!” he laughs. “What I try to do is empathise with – and become – every character in any given story; not just the physicality, but the very core of every character. In A Christmas Carol, you’ll see and meet many very different characters even though there’s no physical change of actor, or set, or costume. But there is, however, a definite change of soul; I’m literally becoming those characters with every fibre of my being. So when you ask me if I know Scrooge better than anybody, I feel that I know Scrooge as I know Scrooge – and I want you to know him too.” Guy Masterson has Christmas present all wrapped up in one uniquely unforgettable Christmas gift to all of us. n A Christmas Carol, Theatre Royal Bath Main House, 3, 11 and 18 December; theatreroyal.org.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | december 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 37

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WHAT’S ON

Theory of Evolution

There is a new drone light show called Evolution coming to the skies of Bristol in December, which promises to take its audience on a journey through time and space. To find out more we caught up with Celestial co-founder and chief creative officer John Hopkins and Yuup founder Dominic Mills who have collaborated to create the event.

volution, a new cinematic drone light show will be illuminating the skies of Bristol this December. This one-of-a-kind event is brought to you by Celestial, the creators of drone light shows for brands across the globe; Yuup, the local experiences company and venue partner Seat Unique Stadium, home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. Dominic, could you tell us about how and why Yuup and Celestial chose to collaborate on this event? Yuup is about connecting local communities with artists and creators who can provide exciting new experiences. When I first met the team at Celestial, I was blown away by their spectacular work and inspired to create an opportunity for many others to experience what I believe is the future of entertainment. Evolution, the drone light show that Celestial has created, is truly epic. We are beyond excited to share this spectacular experience with the people of Bristol this December. John, tell us about Evolution Evolution is a drone art show like never before, promising to take audiences on a mesmerising journey through time and space. The narrated story starts with the Big Bang, the explosive inception of the universe and journeys into the emergence of the sun, our solar system and the planets that inhabit it.

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The cosmic voyage, accompanied by an original cinematic narration and soundtrack, guides viewers through the origins of conscious life on Earth, from the humble beginnings of single-cell organisms to the awe-inspiring reign of the dinosaurs, and culminates in a celebration of the diverse tapestry of life on Earth today. It takes place on 20 and 21 December at Seat Unique Stadium, the Gloucestershire Cricket Ground located just off Gloucester Road in Bristol, with a late afternoon show and an evening show on both nights.

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WHAT’S ON

The narrated story starts with the Big Bang. The explosive inception of the universe and journeys into the emergence of the sun... How is a show like this produced? The show design follows a Hollywood-style production process akin to crafting a short-animated film. From the initial brief, script, and storyboard, the specialist animators use 3D-animation software to craft intricate shapes and seamless transitions. This software then computes the ‘choreography’ for each specific drone, flight paths, formation changes, light effects, and the precise timing for each moment. The production itself is delivered via hundreds of drones, commanded by specialised drone piloting software. This software sends commands to the aircraft, specifying take-off times, and continuously monitoring their status. The wealth of real-time information about each drone is what ensures the accurate and synchronised movements of hundreds of drones simultaneously. What will the show offer to those who attend? The science, tech and creativity of the production culminates into immersive themes of transformation, growth and the perpetual dance of change. Audiences can expect an epic-scale theatrical event that fuses cutting-edge technology and creativity to spark the imagination and stir the soul. This spellbinding show is a celebration

of the living world, a captivating homage to the past, a celebration of the present and glimpse into the horizons of the future. This should not be missed! Dominic, who should go and see it and what else can they expect? Everyone should go! The event is suitable for the whole family and for all ages to enjoy. At the time of writing, nearly 20,000 people have purchased tickets from diverse communities across Bristol and further afield. We’ve got one group travelling all the way from Scotland! We’re also working hard to make the experience as inclusive as possible. For example, there will be a British Sign Language Interpretation of the show available at the evening performance on 20 December. Evolution is not only offering a documentary-style show in the sky – a source of winter entertainment unlike anything anyone has ever seen – but those attending the event will be able to enjoy festive fun with fairground rides, including the classic teacups, music and a food village with local traders. The food and drink offering has something for everyone, with fish and chips, pizza (including a gluten-free option), Greek street food, coffee and doughnuts, and much more. n

The Evolution shows are at Seat Unique Stadium (the Gloucestershire Cricket Ground located just off Gloucester Road in Bristol) on 20 and 21 December, at 4pm and 7.30pm on both Nurry Lee playing nights. Tickets: £14 children/concessions, £21 adults, under 3s free. at Carnegie Hall yuup.co/evolution THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | december 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 39

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Three Artists, until 23 December, Beaux Arts Bath, 12-13 York Street

Rehearsal by Anthony Scullion

For Christmas Beaux Arts welcomes the stormy seascapes of Ruth Brownlee in one section of the gallery, and in another the calm and meticulous precision of Rachel Ross’s compositions. Also showcased are ceramics by Adam Frew. The gallery walls are also adorned with perennial gallery favourites Helen Simmonds, Nathan Ford, Atsuko Fujii, Andrew Crocker, Anthony Scullion. Includes sculptures by Beth Carter, Anna Gillespie, Patrick Haines, and work by Jack Doherty, Chris Keenan and Akiko Hirai.

beauxartsbath.co.uk

Past On: An Exhibition of Modern Art, The Berdoulat Shop, 8 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath, until 15 December

Artwork by Terry Frost

Celebrating the wide and eclectic history of Modern British Art, this exhibition features works by Terry Frost, John Piper, Kitty Church, Julian Bailey, Keith Vaughan and more, set in the beautiful lower ground floor of Berdoulat. Tuesday – Saturday, 10am–5.30pm.

Pots by Emily Myers

Winter Exhibition, Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath, until 6 January The Winter Exhibition brings together the work of British contemporary artists, ceramicists and jewellers. Ceramicist Emily Myers works in porcelain and red stoneware clay; Philip Lyons returns with new work capturing the ever-changing light of the Cornish coastline; and Lisa Wisdom creates unique metal landscapes from a palette of rust and copper. Jeweller Jenifer Wall creates contrast by applying white and yellow gold leaf to oxidised metal and Marlene McKibbin makes brightly coloured, dip-dyed and hand machined acrylic chunky bangles, earrings and rings. galleryninebath.com

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair, Sunday 10 December, 10am–5pm Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath

Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris, until 14 April 2024 This exhibition brings together paintings, watercolours, drawings and sketches to trace Gwen John’s career. The exhibition will place her art in relation to the two cities where she chose to live and work: from her early years at the Slade School of Fine Art in London to her move to Paris in 1904 and the life she built as an artist there. Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery, until 7 January This exhibition celebrates Lucie Rie, one of the most accomplished and influential potters of the 20th century. Includes some of her earliest ceramics made in her native Vienna to striking pieces from the last years of her life. holburne.org

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Image: Fi Smith

thomasspencerfineart.co.uk

A Corner of the Artist’s Room in Paris (detail), oil on canvas 1907–9 © Sheﬃeld Museums Trust

The award-winning monthly Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) is back on Sunday 10 December. Committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond to the heart of Bath, the fair has created a regular space where artists can network, share ideas, connect with the public, and where the public can connect with art. Visitors can browse the works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station. For updates and exhibiting artists visit the website: bcaf.co.uk

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Image by Kate Davies

Image: Juliet’s Kitchen by Victoria Jinivizian Mixed Winter Exhibition, David Simon Contemporary, 37 High Street, Castle Cary BA7 7AW 1 December – 29 January This popular and anticipated annual Mixed Winter Exhibition includes a large variety of paintings, ceramics and bronze sculpture by gallery artists. Works may be taken at any point during December and January. Highlighted is a collection of ceramics in Raku by established and nationally renowned ceramist Elizabeth Raeburn, who exhibits with the gallery for the first time. The Cornish Potter has created a select group of Moon Jars. Open Monday – Saturday (except Wednesday), 10am–5.30pm. davidsimoncontemporary.com

Art in the Library, Bath Central Library, The Podium, Bath Until 16 December Bath Central Library Art Space is the place to see a new selection of work from painters Kate Davies and Penny Ives. Exhibiting alongside them will be Jackie Bennett, animal and bird felt sculptor extraordinaire. Opening times Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am–5pm, Wednesday 9am–4.30pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm (closed Sunday).

pennyives.co.uk facebook.com/katedaviesillustration

Elemental: Forces of Nature, The Viewing Room, Lansdown Stores, Bath BA1 5EE, until 9 December An exhibition of 12 distinguished women artists each responding to one of the elements of nature. Includes work from Belinda Crozier, Catalina Christensen, Day Bowman, Fiona McIntyre, Kaori Homma, Louisa Burnett-Hall, Lynn Baxter, Marguerite Horner, Mary Romer, Maxine Foster, Ruth Piper and Susan McDonald. The Viewing Room is a popup fine art fair featuring a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, monoprints, sculptures and ceramics from established and award-winning artists. Curated by international art advisor Sandra Higgins. sandrahiggins.art; sandra@sandrahiggins.com

Beaded artworks at the Dyson Cancer Centre Dyson Cancer Centre print and pattern designer Lisa Todd has created a series of artworks using vibrant and colourful bead and wirework for the Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH. “Beads have long been used for their healing energy and meditative qualities, using both intricate patterns and joyful colours”, explains Lisa. The main artwork is called Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am because you are’. This idea is central to all Lisa’s designs, which are created by Zulu and Xhosa women in South Africa who make beadwork as their sole income to support their families. The beaded ‘mats’ took two beaders almost a year to make. They bead by eye, interpreting Lisa's paintings with great skill and perception. BELOW: Under the Sea, hand-beaded panel by master beader Nolu Kanku; ABOVE RIGHT: Butterfly Wire Imbenge Basket

When Dreams Confront Reality: Surrealism in Britain, Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, Until 7 January 2024

Lisa’s Butterfly Wire Imbenge Basket artwork shown above was woven by Zulu master weaver Hlengiwe Dube. The work is mounted on Lisa’s ‘Cascade’ British velvet design. Lisa’s connections with the RUH include being admitted to the hospital when she developed insulin dependent diabetes at the age of 23, and designing and painting an owl for the sculpture trail Minerva’s Owls in 2018 to raise funds for the new Andrew Brownsword building. The Dyson Cancer Centre is due to open in spring 2024. ruh.nhs.uk; lisatodddesigns.com

Surrealism originated in Paris in 1924, in the aftermath of the First World War. Artists such as Eileen Agar, Roland Penrose and John Banting visited Paris to meet the Surrealists and went on to develop their own unique British Surrealist style. The show is from The Sherwin Family Collection, which has found a permanent home with The Hepworth Wakefield. It encompasses the diversity of British Surrealism and European influences, with paintings, collage, drawings, ceramics and sculpture by artists including Max Ernst, Julian Trevelyan, F.E. McWilliam and Man Ray. victoriagal.org.uk

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Ma San Auction In Bath

SPECIALISTS IN ORIENTAL WORKS OF ART A Chinese “Chicken Blood’ Soapstone Seal Inscribed with Ming Poem by San Qiag, known as Wen Peng (1498-1573). SOLD £35,100

A Chinese Wucai Porcelain Dragon Bowl, Mark and Period of Jiaqing (1796-1820). SOLD £16,900

ng Offeri tions a u l a free v e visits m o & h ccepting a Now ments for n g i s con re sales! futu

A Chinese Celadon Jade Tripod Vessel, JIA, Qing Dynasty. SOLD £23,400

A pair of Chinese Doucai Porcelain Wine Cups on Stands, Yongzheng Period (1722-35). SOLD £23,400

A Chinese White Glazed Anhua decorated Porcelain Stem Bowl, 18th Century. SOLD £29,000

‘5 top picks for the end of 2023’

Over 30 years experience • Competitive commission rates Direct contacts in Hong Kong and China • Sales every month

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Tel: 01225 318587

www.masanauction.com

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Our Year in Numbers BY CYNTHIA & RON - Beau Nash, Bath

nother year as an independent business has quickly gone by. Retail wasn’t initially on our life’s agenda, but as we transitioned into post-corporate life, the idea of opening a shop on a Bath high street emerged as the perfect avenue to connect with people, integrate into the community, and infuse a sense of joy into our entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on our past corporate experiences, we recall the annual ritual of presenting our year in numbers to the leadership team. Despite its initial drudgery, the exercise proved to be insightful. Determining which numbers to report spoke volumes about our values. As expected, our company prioritised cash, profits, and revenue… not atypical of an A-listed multinational company. Closer to home in our own venture, however, we’ve embraced a more meaningful approach to reporting numbers. Our focus has shifted towards metrics that resonate with our personal mission in this season of our lives. So here is our year in numbers: • 250 litres of water for our dog bowls • 9 kg of dog biscuits distributed • 255 restaurant bookings made for Bath visitors • 293 cups of coffee served to visitors and friends • 258 tourist maps distributed • 447 Bath food guides issued to new residents and tourists • 8 part-time staff • 28 home trials for local home owners • 53 personal deliveries to visitors at local hotels Oh, and a few too many glasses of wine shared. In the age of impersonal online shopping, going back to good old shopkeeping has been rewarding. We’ve been heartened by numerous positive comments from those who have missed the experience of buying from a physical shop with personalised service. We are excited about continuing our contribution to our wonderful local community by doing more of the same in the year ahead. n Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! beaunashbath.com • info@beaunashbath.com 01225 334234 • beaunashbath

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FOOD & DRINK

MasterChef: the Bath professional How do you filter 32 talented professional chefs down to just one? Why, send them to MasterChef: The Professionals, who will put their culinary skills through a series of demanding tasks, from invention tests and cooking for the toughest critics, to devising a dish and preparing it in a pop-up restaurant. We meet Kasae Fraser, Head Chef at Robun, who tells us the story so far...

asterChef: The Professionals is always a gripping watch, as professional chefs from all over the country are put through rigorous, time-restricted culinary tests which challenge the nerves of even the most confident chefs, supervised by the ubercheerful Greg Wallace and the distinguished and exacting chefs Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. The fascination increases significantly when one of our own is taking part, and in the latest series Kasae Fraser from Japanese restaurant Robun in Bath is included in the line-up. Born in Victoria, Australia, Kasae has worked professionally in her home country, in Stockholm, Sweden and in a fish restaurant in Falmouth, before joining Robun as Head Chef last year. Her food is strongly influenced by her travels and culinary experiences in these countries and she told me she was keen to reflect this in the dishes she created in the series, including the Japanese style she specialises in at Robun. The application process was swift – Kasae applied close to the deadline and got a call from the BBC a week later asking her to come in for an interview in London. “At the interview you had to provide an idea of the dishes you would prepare if you were selected. I took my little drawing book in – I always draw my recipes and write notes to the side – and they video you while you're talking to the head producer and the casting manager. Then a week later, I got a call, saying ‘you’re going to be on’, and three days later I had a three-week warning before my first episode.”

46 TheBATHMagazine | DeceMber 2023 | iSSUe 250

Grilled rainbow trout and stuﬀed hispi cabbage, a dish that Kasae cooked for the critics

The series features 32 professional chefs over seven weeks – with the initial rounds introducing four chefs who do a skills test, followed by a two-course signature menu. Two of the chefs go through and then meet two qualifying chefs from another round. This time they do an invention test – based around a particular ingredient or type of recipe – followed by the (rather nervewracking) preparation of a two-course meal for three professional food critics. The skills test – which the chefs cannot prepare for – involves a 20-minute challenge set by either Monica or Marcus. Kasae’s skills test, which aired in early November, was set by Monica, an apple tarte tatin and a Calvados Anglaise sauce. Kasae had done her prep well: “My partner is a chef and on each Sunday leading up to the filming day, he would buy a bunch of ingredients. Sometimes they were achievable in 20 minutes and sometimes I felt like he stitched me up, because, for example, he wanted a frangipane for breakfast. He would then pretend to be Marcus and say, ‘right, so for breakfast today you're cooking…’ ” When Kasae walked into the kitchen for her skills test she saw puff pastry, apples and sugar. “I said to myself, ‘I’m probably making a tarte tatin’, which I knew how to do.” The nerves were still there, however: “It was the first time that I’d been into the MasterChef kitchen. And it’s really, really intimidating – when I was trying to open up my vanilla pod, I was just shaking so much.” For the signature menu that followed, Kasae cooked a saddle of lamb with a green goddess dressing, prepared with anchovies, tarragon, wild garlic, lemon juice and crème fraîche, served with seaweed glazed carrots. This was followed by a coconut bavarois, with coconut mousse, Champagne jelly, yuzu elderflower glazed strawberries and coconut sablé biscuit. There was some criticism from the judges of the style of plate that she used for her main, and a suggestion that the lamb would have been better separated from the sauce, but the food itself was a success. For her invention test in the next episode Kasae did a cauliflower and goat’s cheese and ricotta filo pastry tart, with apricot and vermouth cream, and pickled apples and walnut praline, with a gazpacho of tomato with strawberry, apple, chilli and fennel tops as a side dish. Marcus was impressed by the novelty of a drink as a side and his judgement was glowing: “You’ve come in and you’ve given us something a little bit different, with your twist, and that is exactly what we wanted.”

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FOOD GARDENING & DRINK

Kasae in the MasterChef kitchen

A Robun spread and (below) a chef’s table dish

I did a take on my Nan’s lemon slice – I got the judges to eat it with their hands because that is how we would eat it at school The critics’ meal – the final stage of this round, judged by Jimi Famurewa, Grace Dent and Tom Parker-Bowles – saw Kasae bring asparagus and sorrel royale with pickled asparagus, almond and truffle cream, toasted almonds and a lace tuile to the table (“One of the nicest things I’ve eaten for a long time” said Tom Parker-Bowles), followed by grilled rainbow trout, hispi cabbage stuffed with Jerusalem artichoke and pumpkin seeds with a chive and roe cream sauce (“I love the theatre of this” purred Grace Dent). Critics’ compliments abounded, but it was a challenging experience: “I remember just the relief of stress and the drop of adrenalin after I left the kitchen. I sat in the debrief area just feeling like a zombie, totally gone”, says Kasae. The Knockout Week saw 12 chefs remaining, and this was a tricky one for Kasae because the Invention Test was presented as a ‘do what you want’ challenge. “It really threw me. My brain was just ticking over every single idea and dish that I’d made in my life, and I

totally flaked,” says Kasae. “Everbody else had a direction and an idea and that put me off even more.” She ended up making a Chowanmushi (Japanese savoury steamed custard), but it was a little overcooked because it went back in the oven at the last minute because she was worried about it getting too cool, and therefore it got less glowing feedback. The next stage was to create a dessert, and Kasae’s choice – a chocolate cremeux with madeira poached pears, a chocolate and porcini mushroom soil, tamarind gel and a mascarpone folded through a pistachio praline – was a winning combination and the judges loved it. In the Pop Up Restaurant challenge, Kasae prepared a prawn and lobster corn dog, despite a ‘heartsink moment’ when she realised at a crucial point that the fryer wasn’t switched on. Then came the Last Dish on Earth challenge, where Kasae went back to her roots and did a variation of the lemon slice that her Nan used to put in her lunchbox for school. “I used a really soft flaky buttery almond biscuit Caption to follow with some coconut and I got some lemon myrtle from Australia and ground it down and mixed it with some brown butter. Then I did a really light and fluffy lemon parfait and lemoncello curd, coriander and preserved lemon gel and meringue on top. I got the judges to eat it with their hands because that’s how we would eat it in school. Marcus’ reaction had initially been ominous: “I’ve got a real problem with this”, but then he went on to say, “I can’t put it down, I can’t stop eating it!” At the time of publication, Kasae is one of eight chefs remaining in the MasterChef kitchen so you can watch the rest of her journey on the BBC or iPlayer. Back at Robun in Bath, with its substantial menu of exquisite dishes – from Wagyu Beef Tataki to Bluefin Tuna Tartare and Shirakiku Chicken Gyoza to Popcorn Shrimp – you can understand why Kasae’s culinary imagination is so fertile, and why she has gone so far in MasterChef. Kasae explains some of her favourite dishes on the Robun menu. “My personal favourite is the Prawn Tempura Roll – it’s so good I could eat that for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We use the nobashi prawn, which is cut in a way so that when it cooks, it’s really soft. That goes inside a roll with avocado, rice on the outside, sesame seeds, and orange tobico (flying fish roe), which gives you a little light pop in your mouth when you eat it, and we combine it with a spicy mayonnaise. It’s just such a crowd-pleaser – and is also a good entry level to sushi for people that are a little bit unsure about raw fish.” Another dish that Kasae recommends is one created by her, which has recently been introduced to the menu. “This recipe is Soy and Sesame Glazed Beef Cheeks, served with smoked aubergine purée and fresh salad with a nam jin dressing. I really love that.” See how far Kasae gets in the competition by watching the last six episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, airing the week of 27 November and 4 December – watch them on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm, or catch up with the whole series on iPlayer. n robun.co.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | december 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 47

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD REVIEW

Brunch at Flute Seafood Café and Bar 9 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2EE; Tel: 01225 3400 193; flute-bath.com

Isabelle Blakeney pays a visit to Flute, the new all-day seafood spot in town...

’ll be honest, ‘seafood breakfast bar’ is a concept that’s new to me. Other than smoked salmon, I’m not particularly well-versed on fishy breakfast items, so as a modern all-day seafood breakfast, fine-dining and cocktail spot, Flute Seafood Café and Bar promised to be full of surprises. The eatery opened in October this year and since then has taken Bath by storm. It sells itself as the ‘ultimate seafood hangout in the heart of Bath’, and serves food from 10am – 11pm everyday – even staying open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays – focusing on fresh fish, sharing plates, wine and cocktails. Flute guarantees versatility: whether you’re looking for a relaxed breakfast or a night out with great food and exciting cocktails, they’ve got you covered. Take a step inside and you’ll find airy interiors filled with natural light and white-washed wooden panels adorning the walls, carefully paired with wicker chairs and wooden tables that give the impression of a beach-side café. The interior avoids the usual trite ‘nautical tat’ present at seafood spots; instead think tasteful wall art and playful murals. On one wall I even noticed a shrimp painting peeping out from behind a tiny Christmas tree. Step through to the back of the dining area and you’ll find the Octopus Bar, an elegant lounge area for small plates and cocktails that transforms the venue into the go-to evening destination.

The perfect non-alcoholic Bloody Mary, filled with fragrant basil and fiery Tabasco and adorned with a playful skewer of tricoloured tomatoes and gherkins... At the front, where the brunch service takes place, the vibes are serene. The ability to transform a city café and bar into a tranquil breakfast spot is an impressive feat, and Flute certainly captures the essence of a seaside retreat. Calypso-esque soul plays through the speakers, adding to that beachy feeling. At Flute, you quickly discover that everything is about fun. There’s an element of play in every décor choice and menu item, and nothing takes itself too seriously. Now for the food. A menu to match Flute’s playful spirit needs creativity, and Executive Chef Kasae Fraser has done just that. 48 TheBATHMagazine | DeCeMber 2023 | iSSUe 250

Though there is a separate brunch menu, most items are available throughout the day. Fancy a pint of prawns at 10am? Go for it. Mussels for breakfast? At Flute, anything goes. The brunch menu is just as exciting. It offers the classics – eggs on toast, bacon rolls, pastries – but the stars of the show are the Lobster Benedict, the King Prawn Breakfast Taco, and the Smoked Salmon Waffle. How to decide? Peter, the waiter, brought me a coffee as I deliberated over the menu and talked me through the cocktail list. Wine and cocktails are served all day and the staff at Flute have a clear passion for the craft. I asked Peter to make me his favourite cocktail and he delivered the perfect non-alcoholic Bloody Mary, filled with fragrant basil and fiery Tabasco and adorned with a playful skewer of tricoloured tomatoes and gherkins. We decided that it would pair perfectly with the Lobster Benedict, making the choice a whole lot easier. Brunch arrived as two fluffy, lightly toasted muffins piled with chunks of lobster meat, all sitting under two perfectly poached eggs and swimming in hollandaise sauce. Dispel any fears of too-much-fish-too-early-in-themorning here; Flute gets their fish delivered daily from Wing of St Mawes suppliers in Cornwall, so everything is super fresh and prepared to perfection. The quality of the lobster convinced me to give the Smoked Salmon Waffle a try. Ribbons of delicate smoked salmon sat atop a crisp toasted waffle and a dollop of dilly crème fraiche in a Norwegian ode to our classic breakfast smoked salmon bagel. I also tasted the Kedgeree Arancini; it was too tempting not to. Think smoky kedgeree formed into crisp, bite-sized balls, topped with confit egg yolks, chives and black tobiko. What’s not to love? Flute’s focus on quality ingredients makes for a menu that is creative and exciting without overcomplicating the recipes, instead enhancing each flavour and allowing the seafood to shine. At this point I reluctantly announced defeat, still eyeing up the menu and vowing to come back soon to try the King Prawn Breakfast Taco. Flute is evidently a spot for ultimate indulgence; somewhere that you could visit any time, from the early hours into the evening. But as a brunch spot, think serene surroundings with ever-flowing drinks if you so desire, and a menu to keep you coming back; Flute is definitely the perfect catch. n

This meal, including the cocktail, cost £54. Flute Seafood Café and Bar is open from 10am–11pm Monday – Thursday, 10am–2am Friday and Satuday, and 10am–10.30pm on Sunday.

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 | ThEBATHMagazinE 49

RECIPE

Foraging: an introduction Foragers are opportunistic animals. You can rarely bank on a particular harvest, competing as we are with wildlife, other foragers, and – most upsettingly – the tyranny of the strimmer. This is perhaps even more true for the mushroom hunter, whose quarry can be among the most elusive of wild foods. As such, it may not be possible to find the exact mushrooms in this recipe, but keep your wits about you and you’ll be surprised at the variety of edible fungi you can find just a stone’s throw from the city centre. I’ve used mostly honey fungus, sordid blewits and shaggy ink caps, all found in Bath’s parks and surrounding grasslands. As the

Wild mushroom risotto with foraged herbs and roasted sweet chestnuts

With earthy wild mushrooms, roasted sweet chestnuts, and aromatic wild marjoram, this risotto makes for hearty comfort food with a wild twist that is sure to warm your bones after a cold winter’s walk. Not bad for a foraged meal. If you’re unable to locate the ingredients in the wild, you could substitute with shop-bought oregano, mushrooms and chestnuts – but what would be the fun in that?

Around 20 sweet chestnuts 1 litre vegetable stock Dried mushrooms (optional) 50g butter 1 onion, chopped 300g Arborio rice 200ml white wine or prosecco Grated Parmesan, added to taste

weather gets colder, you’re more likely to find grey oyster mushrooms, wood blewits, velvet shanks, and the scarlet elf cup. Most wild mushrooms need cooking well before consumption so do look up the recommended cooking time for each individual species. Marjoram is one of the UK’s loveliest wild herbs. In Bath, we’re fortunate that it grows prolifically in our lime-rich soils, and you should be able to prune a plant before the year is out and have enough to keep you going until the new growth of spring. Wild chives are also fairly common throughout the city’s parks – look out for tall, bluishgreen bursts in amongst the grass.

Method Put the chestnuts in a baking tray into the oven at 180°C and set a timer for their removal from the oven in 30 minutes. Prepare the vegetable stock, adding your dried wild mushrooms, if using. Heat half the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the risotto rice to the pan, stirring constantly to coat the rice with the oil and ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Toast for around 2 minutes.

Serves 4 • • • • • • • •

BY ELLA MILBURN

• • • •

3 cloves of garlic 300g wild mushrooms 2 tbsp olive oil Small handful of wild chives and a small handful of wild marjoram • Seasonal edible flowers, as garnish – here rosemary blooms and bellflowers are used

Add the wine, Parmesan rind, garlic cloves, and half the wild marjoram, and stir until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice. Begin adding the stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Continue until the rice looks creamy and is al-dente in texture. In a separate pan, fry the wild mushrooms in a glug of olive oil until tender and golden brown, and salt to taste. Once the risotto is cooked, remove the Parmesan rind, and stir in grated Parmesan, butter, and half of the sautéed mushrooms. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the chestnuts from the oven (see first stage), and peel them when cool enough to handle. Plate up the risotto, and top with the chestnuts, chopped chives, Parmesan and wildflowers, as well as the remaining mushrooms and marjoram.

For upcoming foraging workshops, as well as wild food identification tips and recipes, follow Ella on Instagram @everydayforaging

Warning: Only harvest wild foods in areas of abundance and well away from polluted roads, and never consume any wild plant or fungi you’re not certain you’ve identified correctly. Try all wild foods in small amounts when eating for the first time to ensure they agree with you. Some wild mushrooms, including honey fungus and blewits, though edible and delicious for most, have been known to cause gastric distress in some individuals. 50 TheBATHMagazine | deceMber 2023 | iSSUe 250

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London Camera Exchange review Xmas 21.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2023 15:54 Page 1

Great gifting at:

London Camera Exchange

Looking for the perfect Christmas present?

ondon Camera Exchange in Bath have been providing that perfect gift for over 30 Christmases now, surprising and delighting thousands of recipients over the festive season. LCE’s (that’s London Camera Exchange) have a huge array of Camera, lenses, Binoculars, telescopes and accessories. With cameras, telescopes and binoculars all starting from under £99 to over £5000 (for professional ranges) and featuring all the top brands you will certainly be spoilt for choice. If you wanted to make your money go that little bit further they also always have an extensive used section of quality items. These are tested and of course come with the reassurance of 6 months guarantee. As the name suggest LCE are always happy to consider a part exchange of your existing equipment. Sammi and team are always happy to offer advice and with their many years of experience are pretty adept at problem solving. Previously a family run company, earlier this year LCE changed to being employee-owned; meaning that the company now actually belongs to the workers. The staff at Bath – along with the other 25 branches – are immensely proud and excited for this impressive new venture. The LCE team have always liked to be fully involved with local and optical affairs and have hosted a number of photo shows at the Guildhall as well as in-store demonstration days where enthusiasts and customers looking to add to their kit bag can receive professional tips as well as getting to grips with the latest cameras, lenses and accessories. Look out for more events coming up in 2024. In the meantime visit the store for superb advice, great products and to find the perfect gift. Situated just by the Abbey, LCE is easy to find You will be assured of a very warm welcome. n

London Camera Exchange Bath 13 Cheap Street, Bath BA1 1NB Tel: 01225 462234

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

The Watersmeet Hotel in Woolacombe Voted Best Waterside Hotel for UK & Ireland by Conde Nast Johansen’s 2024. 4 star Coastal Hotel with unrivalled sea views. Luxury Balcony, Terrace & Suite Rooms all with private outdoor seating & sun loungers. AA 2 Rosette Restaurant with dramatic sea views from our unique cliff top location. Indoor and outdoor pool & spa. ‘Ramblers Package - 3 nights’ Explore the coastal footpaths on our doorstep. sea view room • Deluxe • Breakfast • Devon cream tea for 2 From £960 per couple inclusive ‘Luxury Suite Offer’ Luxury Suite Bottle of Fizz & Chocolates From £300 per night

• •

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Socialise with fellow locals The Probus club meeting on 9 November was a historic occasion as, for the first time, there were two ladies present: Dr Ruth Grabham, a Medical Director in Bath and Mrs Jill Kingaby, a Transport Planner. For many years the group has been all male but they are now accepting female members. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month, for a chat, often with a speaker and is looking forward to welcoming new members to join them.

Bath Probus Club The Bath Probus Club was founded in 1970. We are open to all comers of every political and religious persuasion and are self-financing. Every Probus Club is independent and each decides its own character and activities. For the first time in its history of over 50 years members have voted to allow ladies to join the Bath Probus Club. Membership of the club is open to Professional and /or Business men/women who are aged 55+ and are wholly or partially retired. We meet on the 2nd Thursday monthly at 11:30am at Bath and County Club, Queens Parade, Bath for a chat and drink usually followed by, on most occasions, by a speaker. We then enjoy a 2-course lunch with coffee (currently £22). You are most welcome to join us. For details, please contact The Chairman: G (Samy) Ramasamy Tel: 01225 429463 | Email: gjramasamy@gmail.com The Secretary: Brian Webber Tel: 01225 469722 | Email: brianwebber3@outlook.com

56 TheBATHMagazine | DeCeMBeR 2023 | issue 250

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Divorce 2.0

The Era of Resolution Together

t has been almost 12 months since the option for one lawyer to assist a couple in divorcing and reaching a financial resolution became available. As someone who undertook the training course last December and by January had taken on my first case, I believe now is a good time to reflect on how this new program has developed.

I have always viewed my role as dealing with adults who are able to make their own informed decisions about marrying or separating. Individuals choose to end relationships for various personal reasons - some moral, some simply to move on. However, the intensity of emotions when ending a marriage should not be underestimated. While the goal is the division of assets and the legal dissolution of the union, this belies the inner turmoil most couples experience leading up to separation. The anxiety over an individual’s future is often more frightening than remaining in a loveless marriage. The levels of anger, hurt, and resentment are often elevated despite sometimes having waned during the final stretches of the failing marriage. In my experience, the intensity extending years of suppressed frustrations boiling over is more pronounced than the subdued feelings existing at the end.

There are challenges as the single solicitor balancing empathy and boundaries, but for most couples it offers space to reframe the relationship with less acrimony. I see progress dealing with the rawness of separation in a solution-focused manner. Emotional maturity is modelled. While the process is draining at times, I feel rewarded facilitating stability amidst the turmoil. It has renewed my commitment to facing the intensity with compassion, guiding couples to make legal decisions aligned with their values. This uplifts the profession even as the system evolves. I look forward to seeing how the program continues to shape the field's future. We have come a long way to make space for the emotional dynamics within the legal framework. As society recognises the harm of contentious divorces, especially with children involved, Resolution Together provides a powerful alternative. I am proud to be part of this new era, empowering couples to divorce, with dignity, despite the challenges.

Simon Walker Senior Associate

As the single lawyer assisting couples seeking divorce, you quickly understand each person’s motivations and strategies amidst this maelstrom. The key is not to provide advice or take sides, but to offer solutions and remain independent. It was the uniqueness of each case that surprised me, as each couple could confirm why their relationship had ended without attributing blame and what they needed from the other both emotionally and financially to move on. Despite the end goal being their separation, this was a critical juncture in their relationship. The collaborative process creates space for a new form of relationship beyond the separation, regardless of children being involved. My cases so far affirm it as a beneficial program enabling couples to divorce with dignity despite difficulties. The intensity of emotions is handled constructively rather than escalated. I aim to provide sound legal counsel while allowing the intensity to flow, not be bottled up and likely to explode.

Mogers Drewett Spring House, East Mill Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3DP T: 01935 813691 | www.mogersdrewett.com

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ocl ACCOUNTANCY

141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL Tel: 01225 445507

www.oclaccountancy.com

Autumn Statement 2023: National Insurance cut by 2% With inflation decreasing faster than expected the Chancellor was able to make some cuts after all. What do you need to know? There were rumours about possible tax cuts following the publishing of October’s inflation figure. In the end, the only major changes announced were to NI and apply to both employees and the self-employed. These headline tax cuts come with the caveat of ‘stealth’ tax increases due to the continued freezing of income tax bandings and NI thresholds until 5th April 2028. As earnings increase, individuals will move into higher tax bands. The dates these NI changes become effective are different. 6 January 2024: From this date, the Primary Class 1 main rate will be cut from 12% to 10%. As with the mid-year changes we saw in 2022/23, this will require updates to payroll software so it will be important to ensure these have been facilitated before running the January payroll. Note that the rate for earnings above the Upper Threshold will remain 2%. 6 April 2024: From this date, compulsory Class 2 NI contributions (the fixed rate paid by the self-employed) will be abolished altogether. Those with profits between £6,725 and £12,570 will continue to get access to contributory benefits including the state pension through a NI credit without paying NI contributions as they do currently. It will still be able to be possible to pay Class 2 voluntarily, i.e. for those with profits below the small profits threshold who wish to accumulate contributory benefits. Additionally, the main rate of Class 4 NI will be cut from 9% to 8%. Cash basis expanded: Another welcome announcement is that the cash basis for self-employed businesses preparing accounts will no longer be subject to a turnover limit – previously they would have to switch to the accruals basis once turnover exceeded £300,000. Additionally, businesses using the cash basis will no longer be subject to restrictions for deductions for interest payments or using losses, meaning they will be able to use sideways loss relief.These changes will be effective from 6 April 2024 - the first year that the tax year basis applies. Rounding up other notable announcements: • Annual investment allowance and full expensing will be a permanent tax break for companies. • Pension tax relief annual allowances remain fixed in 2024/25. • The two R&D reliefs – RDEC and the SME scheme – will be merged from 1 April 2024. A full summary of the budget can be found on our website at www.oclaccountancy.com

For more information contact us – call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Gillham or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507

Call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Gillham or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 58 TheBATHMagazine | DeCeMBeR 2023 | issue 250

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LOCAL | PEOPLE

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Graham Paterson

Graham Paterson has made a career out of successful product launches at businesses including Wise and Deliveroo. Now, with co-founders James Storer and Daniel Cooper, Paterson is about to launch Jitty, a high-performing alternative to property searches such as Rightmove. Q. Where is your home in Bath?

We live in Widcombe and absolutely love it. It’s close to town, my parents live nearby, and we can walk my son to school. I grew up nearby and used to work in The Ram, so I know the area well. We found a house just in our budget, with the most amazing views over the city, and fell in love. Q. What do you find special about Bath and why did you decide to return after a significant spell in London?

exceptionally cool in every way, and also happens to be a great businessman. I think I saw business as a route to being more like him, so that’s what drew me to it. Over time I’ve always found business and related areas to be very meritocratic, and success in business is much easier to quantify than in other fields. I always found that very reassuring. I love technology businesses specifically, because there’s a point where it feels a bit like magic.

Q. What are your favourite places in the city?

I’m a lifelong Bath Rugby fan, so The Rec has a special place in my heart. I also love Tivoli, The Hideout, and Schwartz Bros. I used to practically live in Moles, and I don’t get to go often but I do still love it.

Q. What led you to decide to specialise in economics, business, management and marketing for your degree and masters?

I have an uncle who is hilarious and

Q. Buying your house in 2020 gave you the idea for Jitty. What were the issues that frustrated you, and that you wanted to solve?

I hated having to check multiple portals every day, and having to really dig into floorplans to make sure all the rooms were the right size for us. And then sharing with my wife on WhatsApp made it hard to keep track of every home we liked, what each of us thought about it, etc. Having built complex apps before, I knew that it was possible to create a much better experience. I hacked something together for me and my wife, saw just how much better it made things for us, and we took it from there.

We’d talked about leaving London for a while, then after the first lockdown decided to bring those plans forward. We explored towns that had an easy commute to London, and realised that Bath was just the best in every way. It’s walkable, has amazing schools, beautiful buildings, and a fantastic vibe. We’ve made great friends very quickly, which makes it feel like we’ve made the right call!

Q. Tell us about your experience as a student at Prior Park College I was there from Year 7 all the way to A-levels. I had so much fun with friends, especially being part of a boarding house. Standout memories are playing rugby for both the 1st and 2nd teams, and my boarding house winning a big music competition in Year 9. Academically I didn’t pay as much attention as I could have, but the school gave me a great platform to develop as a person. I didn’t really appreciate that until I left, and learned that not everyone had the same opportunities.

I learned a lot about how to build apps, specifically AI, and how to bring a team together. It taught me a lot about how marketplaces work. Most importantly, Deliveroo let me make friends with extremely talented people, two of whom are now my co-founders at Jitty, and two others are our first employees.

Q. Your company Jitty (with co-founders James Storer and Daniel Cooper) is about to launch. Where did the idea come from?

Q. You joined Deliveroo early in its development. Did what you learn there contribute to your own business journey?

I worked as a product manager, which means I worked with a team of designers, engineers and data scientists to build software. I worked on a lot of things, but my biggest contribution was around the delivery network. My teams built algorithms and predictive models to choose which rider to take which order, which orders to batch together, predict order volume and rider numbers, and how long a restaurant would take to prepare an order. We also built tools to spot when orders went wrong, and help our support agents to fix them.

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I couldn’t wrap my head around how bad current apps were for homebuyers, and knew there had to be a better way. So I went to my former colleagues James and Daniel to see what they thought, and if there was a way to solve this together. They’d felt this pain acutely when buying their own homes, so were keen to join up and tackle it together. The app is currently being tested by our waitlist of users (people can sign up on jitty.com). It will become widely and publicly available in the coming months! Q. What does Jitty offer that other property search platforms don’t?

We want to show homebuyers everything about every home. We let them search for anything – for example, if you want to see only freehold homes with open-plan kitchens, large bedrooms, a large garden,

Graham Paterson 5 mins V2.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2023 15:32 Page 2

LOCAL | PEOPLE and a downstairs loo, we’ll show you those. And if you want to sort by price-per-squarefoot, we’ll let you do that. We also give people a place to share homes they find with friends and family, whether they’re buying or just ‘roomscrolling’. People can share photos and notes about what they think, too. For estate agents, we’re promoting homes for free. Google changed the game when it came to finding any content on the internet, and we want to do the same for homes. Q. Using Jitty is free for buyers and for estate agents. How will you monetise the business?

We’ll explore a few different ways. This might be a monthly subscription for premium features (like Spotify), or adverts. We don’t ever want to charge estate agents to promote their homes. Q. One of Jitty’s main backers is Google’s AI Fund. How central is AI to the business? AI has been a big part of my career. I worked on AI at Deliveroo, and it gave me a great insight into how to build stuff that works, very quickly. That experience has led us to create our AI system at Jitty. Our AI searches for every home on the market, and then reads the adverts and floorplans to understand those homes deeply. This means we don’t need to hire a huge sales team to sign up every estate agent in the country, we can instead use AI to gather it all together.

Q. What are your views on the

integration of AI into our everyday lives? As with any technology shift there are massive benefits and risks. AI is unique compared to mobile or cloud computing, because it can do tasks otherwise done by people. This brings enormous benefits, but there are definitely new problems too – disinformation and scams will be 1,000 times harder to spot than before, for example. But overall it will be a major positive, in ways that people may not even notice.

Q. What are your main interests and

occupations outside of work? I’m lucky enough to be a part of Bath’s best touch rugby team, Bath Rugby Panthers. I also butcher beloved songs in a band with some other school dads. What moral do you live by? I’m a huge believer in playing to your strengths. I’m really good at a few things, and there’s lots more that I’m very, very bad at. I used to spend my energy on improving my weaknesses, but I’ve now learned to just play games that I can win. n

For further information about Jitty and to sign up to the waitlist, visit www.jitty.com.

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | december 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 61

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BOOKS

The Victorian Christmas book

Think of a Christmas book, and there’s just one that springs to mind, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Written in 1843, it still resonates 180 years later. Professor Dinah Birch explains its power in a forthcoming lecture at BRLSI. Words by Emma Clegg

Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, first published on 19 December 1843, had sold out by Christmas Eve that year. For the intervening 180 years it has never been out of print, and the story has been adapted multiple times for film, stage and opera. In fact a December without a production of A Christmas Carol somewhere close is unthinkable… This does lead you to wonder what is the everlasting appeal of this story, why it has not dated, and why it continues to feel as dramatic and relevant today. Someone eminently qualified to answer those questions is Professor Dinah Birch, Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool, who is giving a lecture on Dickens and The Victorian Christmas Book at BRLSI on 13 December. “One of the reasons for the appeal of A Christmas Carol is that it is extraordinarily adaptable to different points of emphasis, firstly from a psychological point of view. The reason for Scrooge’s transformation is that when he is visited by the first of the three spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, it takes him back to his childhood, and he is able for the first time to recognise that childhood trauma, and its consequences. Scrooge has become Scrooge because of the way he was treated as a child – and it’s when he sees that and feels that flood of compassion for himself, that his transformation can begin. “Alongside that, there is the political dimension. Written in the early 1840s, this was a time of real poverty division, which Dickens writes about in this story and elsewhere, between the rich and the poor.

And with this comes the failures of understanding where the rich have cut themselves off from their human connection with those who are dispossessed and unfortunate. So the story is making a point about industrialisation and commercialisation, and is making an appeal for humanity.” The book also has strong connections with classic storytelling traditions. “Dickens so brilliantly exploits the narrative traditions – it’s a Christmas book, and it picks on that strand within European folk traditions of an association between Christmas and the supernatural. So the narrative touches on darkness as the folk tradition does, alongside a celebration of Christmas. The story starts with a dead man, Jacob Marley, but at the same time includes an enormously appealing element of the festive celebration.” The Victorian revival of Christmas was a dramatic cultural change in the 1840s. Before Victoria came to the throne in 1837, nobody in Britain had heard of Santa Claus and most weren’t given a holiday from work. Victoria had always decorated a tree with her family at Christmas, a custom that had been introduced by her Hanoverian ancestors, and was taken up with relish by Albert. These traditions were then adopted by the populace, particularly by the increasingly wealthy middle classes, creating a wholesome, family time of year, and encouraging the charitable idea of giving money and gifts to the poor. A Christmas Carol, published just six years after the Queen’s ascension to the throne, was woven around the popularity of these ideas. “The 1840s, when A Christmas Carol was written, was a time of political unrest and of

poverty when there were big gaps between the rich and the poor, but these were also times of potential rebellion. The year 1848 – just a few years later, when Dickens was still publishing Christmas books – was the year of the European revolutions. So there was a strong emphasis within the middle classes, mostly middle-class people buying Christmas books, on the values of the family, on the value of personal benevolence rather than political revolution as a way of changing things. And of course A Christmas Carol is full of the advocation of charity.” The issue of poverty was one that Dickens had experienced in his life as a child when his father was sent to Marshalsea Prison in Southwark for not paying his debts, and Dickens was sent at the age of 12 to work in a shoe polish factory where he worked long hours attaching labels on pots of blacking for six shillings a week. After his father paid off his debts Dickens was able to go back to school, but his experience of poverty in those early years of his life never left him. And at the time of writing A Christmas Carol, Dickens was an established author, but was in desperate need of money to feed his growing family and support his established lifestyle. “A Christmas Carol was borne out of Dickens’ own problems at that particular moment in his life. He needed to make money and Martin Chuzzlewit, which he was writing, wasn’t going well. He was really worried about money, so writing this Christmas book was a way to try to solve that problem.” His pecuniary concerns affected all aspects of his life. “Dickens started to worry not only about money, but also about the fact that he

BELOW: Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle, drawn by J. L. Williams for The Illustrated London News, 1848; Illustration from A Christmas Carol, by Arthur Rackam, 1915

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GARDENING BOOKS was so worried about money, and he was starting to feel very unsympathetic towards people who were dependent upon him. He was also anxious that this was corroding his own sense of compassion and moral identity. One consequence of that – and I do think this is important in the enduring popularity of A Christmas Carol – is that he doesn't really make Scrooge a monster. Scrooge is a terrible old curmudgeon, but he makes you laugh. In the way he responds to Marley's ghost, you are with him, you are on his side, and he can make you laugh even while he’s terrified. And because you’re on his side, you are engaged with his conversion. You care about his redemption.” Dinah’s talk will explore the lasting significance of A Christmas Carol in the context of other books that Dickens wrote for the Christmas market. “Dickens was struck by the effect that A Christmas Carol had on the way people thought about Christmas. He went on to write four further Christmas books, The Chimes, Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life and Haunted Man, and they are not without power, but they don’t really come near A Christmas Carol. They do have this central theme of the possibility of redemption, of the idea that people can change, and that was so important to Dickens – things could look very bleak, but there was always the possibility for change and growth. That’s what they all have in common.” Dinah describes the quality of Dickens’ prose. “A Christmas Carol is so brilliantly written – the texture of the prose, its energy, exuberance, the way it changes gear so effortlessly, between comedy and pathos and appeal. Very few writers can bring that off.” “Dickens was such a theatrical writer and he was so much engaged with the culture of theatre that he wrote it not as a play, but you can see why it translates into the various adaptations so easily. The reason for the book’s success is that all the various elements contribute to the whole, coming together in a really perfect piece of fiction.” n Dickens and the Victorian Christmas Book, a lecture by Professor Dinah Birch, is at BRLSI, 16–18 Queen Square, Bath (or watch online), at 7.30pm. brlsi.org

ABOVE: Marley's ghost, from Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol, Illustrations by John Leech. London: Chapman & Hall, 1843. First edition.

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | DeceMber 2023 | TheBATHMagazine 63

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64 TheBATHMagazine | DeCeMBeR 2023 | issue 250

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THE CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE Christmas is coming, and for many of us it’s a time to celebrate. However, we’re often so preoccupied over the festive period that it’s easy to forget about our health and wellbeing. Here, the specialists at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital offer advice on how to enjoy a healthy holiday season. Festive feasting One of the biggest health worries for many of us this month is the impact festive merrymaking might have on our weight. We’re currently in the pre-Christmas season of trying to lose weight, either to fit into a party outfit or so we can give ourselves permission to eat whatever we like from Christmas Eve until New Year. Clinical psychologist Dr Vanessa Snowdon-Carr explains: “This is part of a familiar ‘lose it, gain it’ cycle, because by the time we get to Christmas, we’re so fed up with the diet that we then go overboard. While we may eat a bigger meal than usual on Christmas Day, it is the additional food and alcohol throughout December that adds to weight gain. We can tell ourselves that it doesn’t matter because we’ll refocus in January, but is that how we want to start the new year, feeling horrible about our body? “So, how about this year deciding which are the meals you really want to be able to indulge in, and which are the little extras through December that you could do without? And when you do eat Christmas food, use some of the mindful eating principles: make sure you slow down, savour it and enjoy every mouthful!” Even if weight isn’t a concern for you, the excesses of the festive season can still put a strain on our health, in particular our digestive system. Dr Amanda Beale, consultant gastroenterologist, says: “A gut suddenly required to cope with large amounts of Christmas pudding, smothered in brandy cream, can sometimes show the strain. Most of these odd gut symptoms will resolve quickly but, if persistent, can suggest underlying bowel problems.” Dr Beale continues: “Any variation in bowel habit, new pains, or bloating that is still present in the New Year could indicate an underlying bowel problem. This in turn can cause poor absorption of nutrients, leading to anaemia and significant fatigue. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice.”

Spread Christmas cheer, not germs Unfortunately, the festive season also falls during the winter flu season, and like flu, COVID-19 cases have also increased this autumn. Both flu and COVID-19 are serious illnesses which can cause death, not only in vulnerable groups, such as older people and those with an underlying medical condition, but also among people who are fit and healthy. Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital’s infection prevention co-ordinator, nurse Janice Bowler explains: “You can have either of these viruses and pass them on to others without displaying any symptoms yourself, so being immunised not only protects you, it protects those around you, including family, friends and work colleagues.” Janice says: “If you are unfortunate enough to have flu or COVID in the run-up to Christmas, rest up and stay away from work until you’re better – even if that means missing the office party! Your colleagues won’t appreciate catching it from you, and then being struck down over Christmas itself. As well as getting the vaccine, you can help to reduce the spread of germs by regularly washing your hands, and when coughing or sneezing, do it into a tissue or handkerchief, or if you don’t have one, do it into the crook of your elbow, rather than your hand.” There’s still time to get the flu vaccination before Christmas – and the COVID-19 booster, if you’re eligible – so speak to your GP or a local pharmacist if you would like more information. Prepare for a stress-less Christmas Christmas is usually portrayed as a happy, social, family time, but for many it doesn’t live up to these expectations. Even for those people who enjoy it, Christmas can still be stressful and there’s a price to be paid afterwards for overindulgence. Bristol GP Dr Gill Jenkins tells us: “The main problems GPs see before Christmas revolve around the stress of trying to provide the ‘perfect’ Christmas, or conversely being aware that

66 TheBATHMagazine | DeCeMBeR 2023 | issue 250

you will be alone. Fear of getting into debt, not meeting loved ones’ expectations, and feeling lonely all lead to increased selfharming, sleep difficulties and panic attacks. A heightened feeling of loss, anxiety and depression occur and the social media phenomena of competitiveness, oneupmanship and ‘fear of missing out’ add to the stress. After the event we see more problems related to overindulgence of food and drink, including indigestion and a realisation that alcohol use may be a problem, and weight gain that needs addressing. It almost makes you wonder why we do it!” Dr Jenkins suggests: “Planning is key, and appreciating that Christmas is about sharing time and simple pleasures with the ones you care about. Remember to refresh stocks of simple ‘over the counter’ medicine, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion or diarrhoea medicines, and ensure you have enough of your regular medicine to last until after New Year. Doctors surgeries and chemists may be closed, but there is always a GP out-of-hours (OOH) service in case anyone does fall ill, or alternatively, call 111 for advice and a GP appointment. Try to avoid A&E, as hospital emergency departments are always overrun at this time of year.” Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital offers weight loss treatment, gastroenterology clinics, and a private GP service. If you would like to book an appointment with any of our consultants, call 0117 911 5339, or visit our website for more information

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital 3 Clifton Hill, Bristol BS8 1BN nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

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A walk around the walled city THE | WALK

Andrew Swift suggests a winter wander through the city – from Northgate Street to the old East Gate – to uncover its history and identify some notable architectural features, from Beau Nash’s house to glimpses of the medieval wall.

The Saracen’s Head, 1713

ath was once one of the smallest cities in the country, covering a mere 24 acres, and penned in behind high walls, with only three streets – Broad Street, Walcot Street and Southgate Street – outside them. By the early 18th century, though, it was expanding rapidly, with new streets being laid out in the surrounding fields as a torrent of visitors flooded in. This winter walk looks back to the early 18th century, and those heady days of bathing, betting, balls and bonhomie, as it threads the streets of the old city to see what has survived the ravages of time. It begins in the High Street, by the corner of Upper Borough Walls. This is the site of the North Gate, where travellers from London and the north entered the city. The street which lay ahead of them was the widest in the city, lined with coaching inns, with the old Guildhall standing in the middle. Upper Borough Walls was originally a rampart or walkway atop the city wall, before being transformed, after the walls were torn down, into the street you see today. Set off along Northgate Street towards the church of St Michael’s Without and bear left up Broad Street past the Saracen’s Head, where the date of 1713 is carved on a gable end. Broad Street may seem a curious name for a street as narrow as most of those in the old town, but it was once much wider, as you will discover when you turn left through an archway beside No 6 (Tilian Kids). After emerging from the archway, look to your right to see where an 18th-century building has been grafted onto an older one with mullion windows, which originally faced onto the street. This encroachment happened all the way up Broad Street, reducing it to its present width. Turn left, past tables and chairs, to where a rubble-stone building juts out. If you look to your left, you will see, at the top of a fire escape, part of a half-timbered building, a rare survival from a time when most of Bath was built not of stone but of wood, lath and plaster. Carry on through a passageway and, after re-emerging on Broad Street, turn right and right again into Green Street. This was one of the first streets built outside the walls in the early 18th- century and was so called because it is on the site of a bowling green. The Old Green Tree on the left dates from around 1716 and may have been a pub from the start. French Connection, further along on the right, is of a similar vintage, and, with its shell porch and gables, would, if its 68 TheBATHMagazine | deceMBeR 2023 | issue 250

later accretions were taken away, look indistinguishable from a merchant’s house in a Cotswold village. Carry on across Milsom Street and along Quiet Street before turning left down Queen Street. After going under St John’s Arch, turn left along Trim Street, built outside the walls by a developer called George Trim in 1707. No 5, on the left, dates from around 1720. General Wolfe was staying here in 1759 when he was ordered to lead an assault on Quebec, and the military trophies in the tympanum were added to honour his memory. Across the street, No. 12a, which featured as Gunter’s Tea Shop in Bridgerton, has a shopfront which, although only inserted in 1961, is one of the most striking in the city. Follow Trim Street as it curves up to Upper Borough Walls, and turn right past a surviving section of the city wall. At the end is the Sawclose, an open space within the walls where wood to build Bath’s houses was sawn to size. As you bear left to follow the course of the walls you pass a house built outside the walls for Beau Nash around 1720. Part is now incorporated into the Theatre Royal, while part houses the Garrick’s Head. Over on the east side is Sawclose’s oldest building, dating from around 1636, and now Lane 7. Carry on down to the end of Westgate Street, where the West Gate once stood. Adjoining it was Westgate House, where royal visitors were accommodated. In May 1728, Princess Amelia stayed here after being carried all the way from London in a sedan chair, and was entertained with ‘maurice dancing’, fireworks and an ox roast on the fields where Kingsmead Square arose shortly afterwards. Continue south to follow the line of the walls along Westgate Buildings, passing Chandos House, designed by John Wood around 1728 for the Duke of Chandos, and part of his first major project in the city. A little further on is Abbey Church House, dating from the middle ages but rebuilt in the late 16th century and restored after bomb damage in 1942. Continue along Lower Borough Walls to the bottom of Stall Street and the site of the South Gate. Stall Street, like Southgate Street, which ran down to the Old Bridge, was lined with inns, all long gone. Carry on along New Orchard Street and, just past Marks & Spencer’s, turn left along a covered alley. Through the second opening on the right can be glimpsed another short section of the medieval city wall. At the end, turn right up a ramp and carry on along Gallaway’s Buildings, at the end of which is Sally Lunn’s, which, despite what it says, was built, like the other buildings in the row, around 1622. After turning right, look over the railings to the right of the entrance to the Abbey Hotel, where what remains of the old city wall can be seen cutting across at an oblique angle. Turn left along Terrace Walk, where some of the city’s most fashionable shops could be found 300 years ago. To the right, where the road now runs, were Bath’s first assembly rooms. No trace of

Upper Borough Walls, showing a surviving section of the city walls on a photograph from the early 20th century

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THE | WALK

Orange Grove in 1734 after the installation of an obelisk to mark the Prince of Orange’s visit

them remains, although the pleasure gardens attached to them survive as Parade Gardens. Turn left along the south side of Orange Grove. This open space was originally the churchyard of the Benedictine Abbey, but by the 18th century gravel walks had been laid out and trees planted, and it was known as the Grove. Around 1705, a row of fashionable shops was built on the south side and in 1734 Beau Nash ordered an obelisk to be erected commemorating a visit by the Prince of Orange. Carry on past the east end of the Abbey, cross at the pedestrian lights, head towards Brown’s – originally the police station – and go through the archway to the left of it. Turn right at the back of

Brown’s, walk down towards a locked gate and look through it to see the old East Gate, an almost incredible survival hidden below the streets of the modern city. n This walk has given just a glimpse of some of the delights waiting to be discovered on the streets of Bath. If it has whetted your appetite, a new and revised edition of On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks around a World Heritage City has just been published. It covers the whole of the city, including the suburbs, and the new edition also includes a postscript looking at the momentous changes in Bath over the last 20 years. It is available from bookshops or direct from akemanpress.com.

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | decemBeR 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 69

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INTERIORS

Standout sales We look back at some of the outstanding and memorable sales that took place this year in the city’s auction houses and antique dealers...

Hand-painted antique Nelson chest “Eight years ago a Bath resident was indecisive about buying this handpainted antique Nelson chest. As a result, it was sold to another person. The chest became available again last year and we decided to include it in our collection. When the same lady visited the shop and saw the piece, she couldn’t believe her eyes. After confirming the provenance, she bought it without hesitation. This is a great example of being decisive with unique antique pieces. Second chances don’t always come along.” Beau Nash: beaunashbath.com/antiqueinteriors

Polar bear vase “Ma San received a call from a lady who had inherited a vase which was gifted to her grandmother as a wedding present in 1910. The vase turned out to be a rare example of Japanese ceramic craftsmanship produced by the Makuzu Kozan workshop. This was established by Miyagwa Kozan (1842–1916) in Yokohama, then one of Japan’s main trade portals. A near identical (22cm) vase with an impressed two-character Makuzu mark can be seen in the Victoria and Albert Museum and was bought at the Japan-British exhibition held in London’s White City, also in 1910 – this vase could have been purchased from the same event. It went on to sell through our sale room at the beginning of the year for £28,600, including the buyer’s premium. A warm result for an ice-inspired vase! “ Ma San Auction House: masanauction.com

18th-century Maltese Commode, of serpentine outline, constructed in pine, veneered in olivewood with fruitwood line inlay “This commode came from a routine house call in a village on the outskirts of Bath, and although a beautiful piece of furniture, straight away it was apparent that it had led a hard life – it was quite literally on its last legs, having suﬀered various damage over the last few hundred years or so. When catalogued for our July Fine Art and Antiques auction, we gave it a conservative estimate of £200–300, bearing in mind the extensive restoration that was required. However, regardless of the condition, the original state and good overall patina of the piece attracted keen-eyed bidders from around the world. After a long battle between online and telephone bidding, the commode sailed past its estimate and sold for a hammer price of £4,000. It now resides in its original home in Malta.” Aldridges of Bath: aldridgesofbath.com

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Otto Schulz and Gunnar Erik Ström BOET cabinet, 1940s Otto Schulz, a German-born furniture architect was one of the most distinctive designers working in Sweden during the 20th century. There he established the interior design company BOET. He is best known for his BOET cabinets adorned with artificial leather and a decorative pattern called ‘Bopoint.’ The cabinet here features the pattern ‘Paradiset’, designed by Gunnar Erik Ström. The estimated price at auction in Sweden was 50,000–60,000 SEK (£3800–4600) and the final price achieved was 340,000 SEK (£26,000). auctionet.com

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SHOPPING

Christmas tablescaping

Tablescaping – the art of creatively decorating your tabletop – involves the arrangement of table linens, dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, and maybe a centrepiece, along with other decorative items. The most beautiful tablescapes are often made up of both bought and foraged items. Simple touches like greenery from the garden, a velvet ribbon to tie a napkin and personalised place cards are enough to create a seasonal dining experience. Here are some top tips for tablescapes from Rebecca Heane at Cream Cornwall. Work to a theme and find your inspiration There are so many ways to gather ideas for your table. Pinterest is a great starting point, where you can search on themes and find hundreds of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. You can then make a mood board or a notebook of products and decorative ideas that catch your attention. Pick out elements that you want to use and then make a list of what you will need to create that look. You might also have a centrepiece that you bring out every year that dictates your theme, or a particular colour that you want to feature. Gather what you need You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make a dramatic statement. Consider what is easily accessible – a sheet makes a great tablecloth, you can fill jam jars with berries from the hedgerow, or collect pinecones and spray them silver or gold. Invest in a quality spray paint, where a single can goes a long way. We love using Montana because the range of colours and metallics is huge and it transforms a simple object into something special. The basic elements for your table include china, dishes, glasses and table linen and then decorative items such as candles, candlesticks, flowers and berries, and garlands and branches. Finishing touches can be anything that enhances your theme, from feathers and fruits to pine cones and mirror tiles. In fact a combination of mirror tiles and candles are an easy way of adding sparkle to your table. Choose a candle colour to tie in with your colour scheme and the mirror reflects the flame and creates a warm light.

Upcycle or recycle This is your chance to really get creative. Gather empty jars or pots and a can of metallic spray paint and start decorating. It’s amazing how a cohesive look can come together quickly. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at home, visit local charity shops or auctions and you will find all sorts of treasures. It’s great to match old with new, expensive with inexpensive. Perhaps you might find an outstanding bowl that will become your centrepiece for your themed table. Colour and pattern The theme for your tablescape is likely to be driven by colour. Choose a single colour for maximum impact or combine neon and brighter tones for a fun, contemporary feel. It’s a good idea to include plates and glasses with at least one colour from your theme. You can mix patterns, but it’s best if they have a common colour thread. If you don’t have one colour as a base, your table could end up looking disjointed. Building your tablescape A good technique is to start with your centrepiece as everything else will follow – start with flowers, foliage, vases or serving dishes at the centre of your table. Aim to achieve different heights with the help of candles and foliage, but don’t fill your table up so much that your guests can’t see one another across the table and leave space for the food! The aim is not perfection, but personality. The best tablescapes are the ones that reflect the character and warmth of the host. As the final step, add an unexpected item, perhaps a novel sculpture or a whimsical table runner, something that is uniquely YOU. n

Extend your decorative skills to mantelscaping You can use the same decorative ideas to make a mantelpiece into a grand festive statement. Here branches of mistletoe, ruscus and eucalyptus sit on the surface of the mantlepiece, spreading over the edges, and four slim red candles create vertical beams of light. Beneath hangs a selection of beaded hanging decorations from Cream Cornwall. Cream Cornwall, 29 Milsom Street, Bath; creamcornwall.co.uk

Beaded Pink Starfish and Red Lobster Hanging Decorations, £15 each

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Bud Green Polished Lacquer Tidal Candle Holder, £38 Set of four Underwater Tumblers, £32

Coloured Slim Christmas Crackers, £28

Jaipur Vintage

Baubles, set of

six, £30

Bone China Starfish Pasta Bowl, £30 and Starfish Bowl, £25

Paper Napkins, £5 THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | decemBeR 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 73

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INTERIORS

Festive colour

Interior designer and colour consultant Lola Swift shares her Christmas preparations – ranging from the use of candlesticks to gnomes – and her use of colour Christmas is the most special time of the year in our home. It may seem extreme, but I go all out. We put away our usual surface decorations, making space for sparkling reindeers, mini bottle brush trees, characterful hand-knitted gnomes and, of course a tall handsome Christmas tree in our front bay window. Our house becomes a colourful, Scandinavian-inspired home, drawing on my family's traditions. The planning begins in November with ideas for creative crafts and presents. This year, I’m busy painting homemade clay candlesticks in this season’s festive colour trends: sparkling royal blue and tonal teal with fuchsia pink and aubergine. Making a colourful wreath for the front door is an easy way of adding a pop of colour. I get excited seeing the Christmas decorations filling the local shops while thinking of presents for loved ones. Every year, I treat myself to a new decoration and plan the colours for the Christmas table. By the first day of December, with our homemade advent calendar filled, the decorating mayhem begins. My best advice this festive season is to hold on to sentimental traditions, whether creating a flamboyant mantlepiece or a woodland scene. There are no rules with colour at Christmas. Build on your colour story, and most importantly, have fun with it! n lolaswift.co.uk

74 THeBATHMagazine | DeceMBeR 2023 | issue 250

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Gardening Dec.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2023 13:28 Page 1

GARDENS

Hellebores

Paperwhites

Amaryllis

Bringing the garden inside

It’s December and the garden outside is relatively dormant. We asked gardener and floral designer Jessica Stokes for ideas on how to bring some garden plants into the interior to bring it alive with colour and scent for the holiday season.

inter in the garden is a quiet time – by now it has been put to bed, cut back and blanketed with a good layer of mulch. Branches are bare, aside from the jewelled berries for the birds to feast on, or to be cut and brought inside in a vase to enjoy. But there are plants that you can bring inside your home at this time of year, to add colour and vibrancy in an otherwise dormant season. I have a selection of favoured choices, which I use every winter to bring the garden inside my home. Narcissus ‘Paperwhite’ or paperwhites are my most favourite. These can be forced from bulb in your greenhouse if you have one, or on your window sill or somewhere warm. Forcing bulbs involves planting them between mid-October to mid-November (see box), but you can buy them from any good garden centre from late autumn through to spring. You will find them in the garden centre planted with the bulb showing and just a small green shoot. All you need to do is take them out of their plastic pots and transfer them into terracotta or galvanised pots or old china planters, making sure there is a drainage hole. I then like to place moss around them or top them with grit. The next stage is to take some hazel twigs (even better if they have catkins on them) and

The white yellow flowers of Helleborus niger

76 TheBATHMagazine | deceMber 2023 | iSSUe 250

place them around the bulbs. Leave the twigs fairly long, because when the narcissus start to grow, they will have a natural support to stop the flowers from flopping. They can be watered, and keep the potting compost moist throughout their growing period, and when they flower make sure they get plenty of water. Soon you will see the papery heads forming, the stems will lengthen and their tiny star-like white flowers will open. You will smell them before you see them on entering the room they are in. The scent is heady, and the flowers are so seasonal, white like snow, and starry. You can do the same with hyacinth bulbs, which are a joy to force and are easily available in garden centres at this time of year. Like paperwhites, they are highly scented, and when forced they will flower in winter instead of spring. Colours include royal blues, pinks, whites, yellow and apricot. I do love the Delft blue because it brings so much colour and richness to a room.

The scent [of paperwhites] is heady, and the flowers are so seasonal, white like snow, and starry Another winter favourite of mine to bring inside is hellebores. You can buy these in tiny pots or in larger ones to fill a big space. If you have a spacious corner or need a dramatic centrepiece, then buy a large plant. They come in shades of deep red, purple, cream and white. The common name is ‘Christmas’ or ‘Lenten’ Rose, as they are one of the few naturally flowering plants at this time of year. The deep green foliage and delicate flowers of hellebores require a space which isn’t too warm, so do not place them next to a radiator or over an open fireplace. Water them as soon as their soil feels dry to the touch, and nip out the spent flower heads to keep them looking fresh and encourage more flowers. The best part about hellebores is that once they have flowered inside, you can tplant them outside in your garden. They grow beautifully in shade, offer good ground cover and they are perennial, which means they will come back year after year and will spread, giving you more for your money as the years go by. They also make great cut flowers, as there are some varieties with long, elegant stems.

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GARDENS GARDENING If you would like something tiny and dainty, which is inexpensive and easy to come by, I would choose cyclamen. These are woodland flowering plants, but they do marvellously inside. They come in pink, green and white, and individually or grouped together they bring colour into the home at this time of year. Cyclamen grow from ‘corms’, not bulbs, but I suggest buying them in bud or flower from garden centres. I don’t bother potting them on – I simply drop them into a more ornate pot such as an old large china planter or a simple terracotta pot. Cyclamen are easy to care for. They like to be watered from below, so lift them out of their container in the plastic pot they came in, and place them in a saucer of water for an hour or two until the roots have drawn up enough water to soak the compost. Then drop them back into their ornate pot. When the flowers are over and if leaves look yellow, pinch them out. Cyclamen can also be planted into your garden once they have gone over and this can be done at any time of year. I like them best when they are planted under a tree. They are perennial, so will flower year on year. Lastly, a real winter classic is Hippeastrum or amaryllis. I didn’t always like them as they can be garish. But they have had a renaissance, and their obtrusively bright and showy nature is something I celebrate. Their tall stems can reach 40–60cm. With large, trumpet-like flowers they are often mistaken for lilies. Amaryllis, too, can be forced from bulb, or bought from garden centres in the autumn/winter period. Amaryllis can be planted from September to January and will flower 7–10 weeks after planting. They come in festive bright red as well as pink, burgundy, cream and white. I have become enamoured with the striped varieties. My favourite of all is Hippeastrum ‘Tarantula’ where the flowers are almost flame-like in appearance, a gentle yellowcoloured flower with licks of red. I love cutting them and displaying them with crab apple branches. Having them as a houseplant will bring fun and exuberance into your home at this generally grey time of year. n

Forcing bulbs indoors Did you know that you can grow bulbs indoors in the colder months? These are called forced bulbs, those that are grown outside their natural growing season. If the bulbs were planted outside they wouldn’t flower naturally until spring, but by bringing them inside and planting them up early on in the season, they will flower in winter instead. Forcing bulbs indoors should be done in the autumn, generally between mid-October to mid-November. You can grow them in any sized pot with drainage holes. Fill the pot with soil, allowing a couple of inches depth below the bulbs – they are best closely planted together so that they are almost touching, to give a denser growth. Cover the soil to reach the necks of the bulbs. Water until the potting soil is moist and allow any excess water to drain away. Good bulbs for forcing are amaryllis and paperwhites, along with narcissi, daﬀodils, crocus and iris, although the last four can be helped along by the bulbs being chilled in the fridge. Some bulbs can also be bought pre-chilled.

Jessica Stokes is a floral designer and gardener based in Wiltshire: flowerandland.com

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | december 2023 | TheBATHmagazine 77

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House & Home

Cobb Farr PIF December.qxp_PIF Full Page 24/11/2023 14:35 Page 1

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

his is a wonderfully presented 3 bedroom semi-detached home which has been substantially renovated and extended to provide versatile and light accommodation throughout. The property is approached by a gravel driveway providing off-road parking for up to 4 vehicles. In front of the steps rising to the front terrace and the house itself, there is a very useful store room / workshop / bike storage, with a 7kW electric car charging point. The house offers 3 similarly proportioned bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, all with views of either local countryside or the fantastic rear garden. The ground floor accommodation is semi-open plan with the sitting room, snug, garden room and kitchen all flowing into each other, but usefully separated by glazed doors as needed. Externally to the rear of the house, there is a terrace immediately at the back, accessed via double doors from the generous garden room. The garden is approximately 60m in length and has a wildlife pond, a large raised deck terrace, a wild flower ‘meadow’ with apple trees, three sheds, looking up to woodland owned by Bath Golf Course . Within a few 100m of the property, footpaths lead up onto the hill behind through woodland to the National Trust's Skyline Walk. Below the house a lane descends past sheep fields to the Kennet & Avon canal, for walking and cycling into Bath or to Bathampton Primary School.

Warminster Road, Bath • 3 double bedrooms • Semi-detached with outbuilding • Marvellouse 60m garden • Driveway providing off-road parking for up to 4 cars • Views of countryside • Property renovated and extended • Within easy access to woodlands owned by National Trust’s skyline walk

OIEO £650,000

Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath; Tel: 01225 333332

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 | ThEBATHMagazinE 79

Cobb Farr December.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2023 14:35 Page 1

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Cobb Farr December.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2023 14:36 Page 2

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