The Bath Magazine January 2023

44 24

Contents January 2023

5 THINGS 8

Great things to look forward to this month CITYIST 10

We meet Dave Sawyer and ask about his passion for Short Mat Bowling –think Curling without the ice!

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY 16

Richard Wyatt investigates The Big Lemon who have brought their yellow buses to the streets of Bath...

BAG YOUR BAG 18

A bag is so much more than a container; look at these to see why

WHAT’S ON 20 Our monthly guide to all the things to enjoy in and around the city RHYME AND REASON 24

Spoken word poet Harry Baker talks mathematics, word play and performing live

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 28

Here’s our monthly round-up of artistic goings-on

THE FINEST PRINTS 30

Dr Caterina Baden introduces us to Dürer’s set of woodcuts known as The Great Passion ahead of a new exhibition at the Holburne

TURNING HEADS 32

A profile of Veronica Ryan, Turner Prize-winning artist and alumna of the Bath Academy of Art RECIPE 38

If you have plans to cleanse and boost your immune system, try Tom Kha soup for the ultimate low-carb January revitaliser

More content and updates discover: thebathmag.co.uk

FOOD REVIEW 40 Emma Clegg goes to Green Park Brasserie to sample Sunday lunch

THE MYSTERY OF JOHN PALMER 42

John Palmer was a veritable polymath, Vincent Baughan thought, until he discovered that there was not one, but four of them

MISSION TO RENOVATE 44 Theo Raithby tells us about the Tin Tabernacle in Bailbrook Lane and his determination to make it a family home BOOKS 46 In homage to the Chinese Year of the Rabbit (which kicks off on 22 January) we recommend some reads with anthropomorphic characters

THE POWER OF MUSIC 52 How music training can help the brain process sights and soundsand lift a blue mood

TAKING SMALL STEPS 64 Andrew Swift recommends seven short walks for January INTERIORS & THE MAGENTAVERSE 66 A cocktail of interiors news, including the new colour buzz Viva Magenta

IT’S FOR THE BIRDS 72 Feed the birds and plan your garden to provide them with refuge, advises Elly West

FROM THE EDITOR

It’s by leaning in to all our interests that we can become the fullest version of ourselves.” These are the words of World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker, who is referring to how combining his flair for mathematics with his love of spoken word poetry has been a transformative experience. I also have to call this out as an excellent guiding moral for the beginning of a new year. Harry is performing his new show Unashamed at Komedia this month and he spoke to me about performing poetry slam, taking on the challenge of TED talks, and why a poetry rhyme can be just as satisfying as solving a maths equation (see page 24).

Theo Raithby and his partner Fay are the new owners of what used to be the Bailbrook Mission Church in Bath, now known as the Tin Tabernacle, which was opened in 1892 for the workers of the local Robertson jam factory. This is one of the last few examples of these prefabricated churches, and its 30-foot lantern tower, lancet windows with intersecting wood tracery and stained glass east memorial window are just some of the features that have given it its Grade II listing. Theo tells us about his plans for restoring the church and making it a comfortable home (see page 44).

This month we also celebrate the interiors Magentaverse with Pantone’s new Viva Magenta shade (see page 70), preview the new Woodcuts in the Age of Dürer exhibition at the Holburne (see page 30), bask in the glory of Veronica Ryan’s Turner Prize because she trained at the Bath Academy of Art (see page 32), and with the help of Vincent Baughan separate out the various historical versions of John Palmer (see page 42).

More Harry Baker to finish: “Just as indeed the dos we did outdo the don’ts we didn’t, so everything’s impossible, until it isn’t.” Let’s take that rousing message of succeeding in the face of all odds into 2023.

Emma Clegg, Editor

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Wellbeing walks

For those wanting to keep moving and embrace the outdoors this month, Bathscape are running Weekly Wellbeing Walks. Led by volunteer guides, the walks aim to encourage people to remain active and improve their health during the colder months. There are organised walks running Monday to Friday along various routes in central Bath, Twerton and the outskirts of the city. See the full range of walks on bathscape.co.uk

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THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY

Wave those jazz hands

The Bath Jazz Weekend features a remarkable line up of bands and soloists of international standing from across the British jazz scene. Performers include the Parisianinspired Esprit du Jazz quartet, newcomer violinist Theo May’s folkinto-jazz Odd Unit quintet, solo pianist Matthew Bourne and many more. The Jazz Weekend will take place at Widcombe Social Club, 6–8 January. Tickets from £23, available at bathjazzweekend.com

Sing out

The Bath Bach Choir Workshop is back, and will this year be led by the choir’s new Music Director and Conductor, Benedict Collins Rice. Benedict will be joined by Katie Jeffries-Harris, the alto from Voces8, to help hone smaller-group ensemble skills. Taking place 28 January, at St Mary’s Church, Bathwick. Tickets £27 per person including score hire. Reduced rate of £10 for young musicians under 30. bathbachhoir.org.uk

Listen up

English singer-songwriter Lauren Housley and Australian troubadour Nigel Wearne met in the bustling Arts Café, Montreal. After reconnecting in early 2020, they’ve kept in touch and have been scheming to join forces ever since. This special presentation sees intimate acoustic performances from each artist, in a celebration of cross-continental connection. Culminating with the locking of harmonies and melding of styles, Lauren and Nigel will close the show with a soul-stirring set together. Lauren and Nigel’s Double Headliner event will take place at Chapel Arts Centre on 14 January; doors at 7.30pm. Advance tickets (£12.50) available from chapelarts.org.

Visit the Abbey

From 7 January –19 March, Bath Abbey is playing host to the vibrant works of textile artist Jacqui Parkinson. Jacqui’s Threads Through Creation exhibition is an astonishing display of twelve huge (nearly three metres high and four metres wide) embroidered panels, inspired by the book of Genesis; the artist retells its story using a colourful combination of silks, hand-dyed materials, metallic leathers, gold leaf –and eight million stitches! The Abbey has put together an extensive programme of events (including services, lunchtime talks, and stargazing tours) to Threads Through Creation exhibition; check the website for further information. bathabbey.org

Get your teeth into a tasty offer

To celebrate the start of a new year, Robun are giving diners 50% off through January. The restaurant is a celebration of authentic Japanese food and drink, in a casual yet refined environment to share freshly prepared small plates and pairings. Robun specialises in a modern take on Yakiniku – the art of grilling meat, seafood and vegetables over a traditional robata charcoal fire. The January offer is valid Sunday to Thursday, from 3 –26 January. To reserve your table, call 01225 614424 or email bookings@robun.co.uk, and quote JAN50. Terms and conditions apply. robun.co.uk

Harriet Riley

Benedict Rice

Lauren Housley and Nigel Wearne

Jacqui Parkinson

The cityist

THE BUZZ

MY BATH Dave Sawyer NEWS BITES

NEW BIKE

FOR BATH

HANGARS

Dave Sawyer spent over 40 years as a maintenance foreman and electrician at Rotork, during which time James Dyson worked there as a young engineer. Now retired, Dave and his wife play a major part in the running of a Short Mat Bowling club in Keynsham

I was born in Inns Court Green, Bristol in 1948. I moved to Keynsham when I was 15. I married my wife Judith at 20 and moved to Saltford when I was 25.

New bike hangars have been installed in three residential areas in Bath as part of a two-year trial to provide secure, on-street cycle parking facilities for residents.

The hangars provide lockable and secure storage for 24 bikes for residents living in Great Stanhope Street, New King Street and Sydney Buildings, who don’t have access to private cycle parking, such as a shed or garage.

The hangars will be installed, maintained and operated by Falco, on behalf of B&NES Council, during the £30,000 two-year trial, which is funded by the Council’s Transport Improvement Plan. Each hangar can accommodate six bikes, with each bike parking space costing £42 a year to rent during the trial.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, said: “We want to encourage more residents to leave the car at home and consider cycling instead, especially for short journeys around Bath, so we need to remove barriers which prevent people from owning and using a bike, by providing dedicated and secure cycle parking near their home.

“The bike hangars will not only enable more residents to cycle, they’re also another significant step towards reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and achieving our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.”

Residents can find out more about the new hangars or rent a space for their bike from 4 January at rentals.falco.co.uk

I took up an apprenticeship with Southwestern Electricity Board and qualified as an electrician and electrical technician. I was sent to Hinkley Point Power station for six months, working on Hinkley B Power station. I had two young daughters so this was not ideal as I only saw the girls at weekends.

I then got a job as a maintenance electrician at Rotork Controls. I thought that I was joining a maintenance team, but I soon found out that I was the maintenance team. My role was to install, service and repair all items of plant, equipment, buildings and associated services. I gave Rotork 42 years loyal service; it was stressful at times but rewarding in the long run, as I never knew what challenges the next day would bring.

In the early days Rotork had a division called Rotork Marine. A young engineer called James Dyson started his career helping to develop the Sea Truck, a flat-bottom boat much like a landing craft. Dyson then went on to develop the cyclone vacuum cleaner in the workshops of Rotork.

When I was 11, I could often be found helping my father strip down and rebuild his Sunbeam S8 motorcycle. Some years later I joined Norton Radstock Auto Grass Club, racing with a car consisting of a Hillman Imp Stiletto, powered by a Ford 1600 power unit mated onto a VW Gearbox, mounted, not under the bonnet or the boot, but in the centre of the car. Judith my wife also competed using the same car.

In my late fifties the children had flown the nest, so we had plenty of free time. Judith noticed an advert in the local free paper for Short Mat Bowls on a Friday night. We went along, and we’ve been hooked ever since.

Judith is now the secretary of Avon County Short Mat Bowling Association, and I am the chairman and squad captain, and together we are the competition team. We organise seven annual competitions, and around six county matches. I am also club treasurer and competition captain for my Club.

During the Winter Olympics we all watched that fantastic game of curling, trying to work out what tactics were being used and cringing when our team just missed the shot being played. Short mat bowls is very similar to curling, without the ice. The game is played all year round by over 24,000 bowlers nationwide. All you need to do is bowl your own bowl to a yellow ball, called a jack. Sounds simple doesn’t it? It would be if it were not for your opponents trying to do the same, knocking your bowls out or blocking your path from taking shot – just like curling.

Short Mat Bowls is played by males and females of any age or ability in church halls, community centres, sports centres, and school gymnasiums. Within the old County boundary of Avon there are around 40 clubs, some social and some more competitive.

I formed Wellsway Short Mat Bowling Club 10 years ago in the newly built Wellsway Sports Centre in Keynsham. We play every Wednesday night from 7–10pm, and Sunday mornings for two hours from 10am. We then expanded into the Scout Hut in Ashton Way, Keynsham, playing on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. There are 14 of our members who play for the Avon County Squad and two play for England.

What else can you do for the cost of a cup of coffee, in a clean, dry, warm environment, where you can meet new friends? ■

All ages are welcome to come along to Wellsway Short Mat Bowling Club and no experience is necessary. wellswaysmbc.co.uk

City updates

Inspiring future generations

Contemporary arts and architecture project Forest of Imagination (FOI) has won a prestigious national award. The annual Bathbased pop-up arts festival brought ‘Living Tree Mirror Maze’ to the city in 2022, and it was one of just four projects from around the country to be shortlisted in the ‘one off activity –children’ category of the Inspire Future Generations (IFG) Awards. Not only was it announced as the winner, but it was also commended in the ‘Research’ category.

FOI is co-led by Dr Penny Hay, Research Fellow, Reader and Senior Lecturer at Bath Spa University, and Director of Research at House of Imagination, in collaboration with Andrew Grant from Grant Associates, and Peter Clegg of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, working alongside the creative, cultural and educational community of Bath. The aim is to reimagine a familiar space, inspire creativity and heighten a sense of nature in an urban environment.

Dr Hay said: “In the face of the ecological emergency, Forest of Imagination shines a light on the importance of global forests and the capacity of forests to inspire our collective imagination.”

In 2023, FOI are inviting people to ‘Assemble in the Forest’ at Bath Assembly Rooms in partnership with the National Trust. forestofimagination.org.uk

Exotic adventures in South East Asia

A new travel company, Bespoke Getaways, recently launched at Vietnamese restaurant Noya’s Kitchen. Owner and CEO Hem Patel has been creating his unique ‘Hem’s discovery tours’ for many years for groups of no larger than eight people. These are safe, culturally enriching experiences that avoid the overrated tourists’ hot spots and allow for diversions depending on a tour group’s interests at any time on the trip, but without compromising on luxury accommodation.

Hem is British born, of Indian heritage, has lived and worked as an expat with his wife and three children in Southeast Asia for almost 20 years. With the borders of Southeast Asia now fully open, and no restrictions after the pandemic, Hem’s unique tour company. Bespoke Getaways is redefining what exotic adventure means with its ‘trip of a lifetime' offering appealing to modern times and for the more discerning traveller.

Hem has just returned from a trip to Vietnam, the ‘Land of the Blue Dragon’, to check out new places of interest for future tourists. A tour to Vietnam could include boat trips along the lake Ninh Binh, picturesque fishing villages, and views of hills and rice fields along the way. The itinerary, however, is up to any group and the individual and does not need to be predetermined.

Bespoke Getaways offers 14-day tours to Thailand, Vietnam, and India starting at £2,950, and a 17-day southeast Asia trip starts at £3,500, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

bespokegetaways.co.uk

The Wife of Bath: a biography

In her new book The Wife of Bath, Marion Turner tells the fascinating story of where Chaucer’s favourite character came from, how she related to real medieval women, and where her many travels have taken her since the 14th century, from Falstaff and Molly Bloom to #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.

Ever since her triumphant debut in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Alison the Wife of Bath, arguably the first ordinary and recognisably real woman in English literature, has obsessed readers and writers from Shakespeare to Zadie Smith. Few literary characters have led such colourful lives or matched her influence or capacity for reinvention in poetry, drama, fiction, and film.

A sexually active and funny working woman, the Wife of Bath talks explicitly about sexual pleasure. She is also a victim of domestic abuse who tells a story of rape and redemption. Turner sets Alison’s fictional story alongside the lives of real medieval women and tells the incredible story of Alison’s post-medieval life, from17thcentury ballads and Polish communist pop art to her reclamation by postcolonial Black British women writers.

The Wife of Bath is published this month by Princeton University Press. Marion Turner is also talking about the book at Topping & Co. Books on 16 February at 7.30pm. toppingbooks.co.uk

To order email carolyn.cowley@yahoo.co.uk

New wheelchair fencing facility

A new dedicated training facility for the world-leading Great Britain wheelchair fencing squad has been opened at the University of Bath, along with a rehabilitation studio for athletes from other Olympic and Paralympic sports.

World Champions and Tokyo 2020 medallists Dimitri Coutya and Piers Gilliver, fresh from winning four gold medals apiece at the 2022 European Championships, treated guests from the University, the English Institute of Sport (EIS), British Fencing, UK Sport and other partners to a demonstration of their sport at the opening of the Wheelchair Fencing National Training Centre. The spacious facility, built in the multi-purpose Jumps & Throws Hall at the Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV), will provide a permanent home for the hugely-successful GB squad who have been based in various locations around the STV during the past seven years.

Adjoining the fencing centre is a newly-built EIS Athlete Health & Performance Studio, which will be used by support staff working with high-performance athletes based at Bath – including British Swimming, Pentathlon GB and the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) – for collaborative rehabilitation. teambath.com

Discover the alternative Combe Down

Written for the children of Bath by Rosemary Simmons, this heartwarming and hilarious tale takes young readers on a journey below the surface of Combe Down, following in the footsteps of mysterious, nocturnal creatures to discover the creative and magical ways in which badgers make use of the disused stone mines.

Artist and local historian Rosemary Simmons has used her knowledge of the village and her career in the visual arts to compose this joyful new publication, in a playful twist on the city’s history, and it’s jam-packed with activities to entertain the whole family. Families can join the Brock clan deep underground and discover the wild and wonderful lifestyle of these furry friends, out of sight from the watchful eyes of surface-dwelling humans. Rosemary has even intertwined noteworthy, historical figures into this tale and readers will enjoy finding badgers personified into the likes of William ‘Strata’ Smith, Ralph Allen, George Steart and Patrick Alexander and their contributions to the modern world are introduced throughout the book.

The publication is available from The Museum of Bath Stone, 54a Combe Road, Bath for £5. museumofbathstone.org

Learn the lore of literary cats

A recent publication by Bodleian Library Publishing is Literary Cats by Scott Pack and Judith Robinson, who is a lecturer at Bath Spa University’s Business School. The book features such famous feline characters as Puss in Boots, Tom Kitten, Pangur Bán, the Cheshire Cat, Macavity, Pluto, Bob the street cat, and lesserknown stars such as Homer, the cat with no eyes.

Literary Cats (£16.99) is a whirlwind journey through the history of literary cats. It uncovers their domestication, early cultural beginnings and religious associations, and explores their roles in different literary genres. It also reveals some real-life authors’ cats, including those belonging to Edgar Allen Poe, Ernest Hemingway, Patricia Highsmith and Muriel Spark. A section on cats in world literature introduces narrator cats and cat companions from Japan, Eastern Europe, France, Greece, Germany and Finland, demonstrating their enduring worldwide appeal. With its deep delve into the rich and complex treasure trove of cats in literature, this book celebrates the inspirational connections between our favourite feline friends and the literary imagination.

Judith Robinson is a Senior Lecturer at Bath Spa University’s Business School and a PhD candidate at Humboldt University, Berlin. Scott Pack is a writer, editor and publisher.

Festival of wellbeing

Wanting to work on your wellness this year? Then let us introduce the ReBalance Bath Festival from 7–25 February, which will bring venues, hotels, therapists, and practitioners together for a three-week celebration of wellness and the city’s connections to thermal waters for local residents, city-centre workers and visitors to enjoy.

The Festival is centred around the seven pillars of wellness: physical (rejuvenate), mental (refocus), social (rediscover), financial (reinvest), spiritual (restore), vocational (resilient) and environmental (refresh). The activity programme will include many free events and taster sessions alongside luxury spa hotel packages and bookable activities.

BID Chief Executive, Allison Herbert, said “As the UK’s number one spa city, Bath should be delivering an event that celebrates the city’s unique thermal origins to bring new visitors to Bath, encourage local residents to try out wellness experiences in their city and give city-centre workers new lunch time and after work activities to enjoy.

“We wanted to bring an event to the city in February when footfall needs boosting, and the time of year works well for wellbeing. The festival has a dynamic and broad range of events and activities to suit all ages, increase awareness for participants’ business and further promote Bath as a key spa and wellness destination.”

ReBalance Bath will have themed days including Motivational Mondays, Water Wednesdays, Food Fridays and Soulful Sundays. welcometobath.co.uk/ rebalance-bath-guide

Precious manuscript

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy has been successful in buying Caroline Herschel’s handwritten manuscript draft of her memoir, thanks to generous funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund , ACE/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of National Libraries.

The fascinating 57-page document, The Manuscript Memoir, represents Caroline’s life in her own words and is an important addition to the collection, not least because her scientific achievements were historically overshadowed by

those of her brother, William Herschel (1738–1822).

The memoir gives us a unique and personal insight into the life and formative years of one of Britain’s most prominent astronomers and pioneering women in science. Much of Caroline’s personal correspondence and writing is still held by the Herschel family, so the acquisition of this manuscript provides a rare opportunity for public access in the site at New King Street. This acquisition is particularly special as the museum only owns one artefact directly connected with Caroline.

herschelmuseum.org.uk

WE.DNTPLAY, who combine modern fitness with ancient Indonesian yoga and martial arts, at ReBalance Bath; wedntplay.com

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

Richard Wyatt

Yellow is certainly a stand-out colour. But that’s useful, says our columnist Richard Wyatt when it comes to providing a bus service. The Big Lemon keeps the emphasis on yellow as its fleet brings back discontinued bus routes in Bath and Bristol

It’s a personal thing of course, but one of the reasons you may have bought a yellow car is that it’s easier to spot in a crowded car park. That was something Tom Druitt thought about when he and a group of others got together in a Brighton pub to discuss public transport and then decided to set up a Community Interest Company to provide affordable and environmentally sustainable bus services in the local area. They wanted their vehicles to stand out from the crowd, so yellow it was and –after Tom passed a greengrocers and saw a box of lemons –the name for this fledging bus company jumped out at him.

So The Big Lemon was born and has been operating successfully in Sussex ever since. The company recently took the decision to expand, and BL buses are now colouring our west country world in Bath and Bristol, where they have taken over, at least, some recently discontinued routes.

Tom Druitt is now company CEO and we chatted by telephone. What makes their business different is that passengers in the past have not only paid to step onto the bus, but they’ve invested in them too. The Big Lemon doesn’t borrow from banks, but has worked with local residents and investors to fund their transition to a fully electric bus fleet through the issue of Community Bonds, secured on the buses themselves.

Their footprint in our area so far is a small one. They have a short-term contract in both cities to the end of the financial year. However, if all goes well, they’ll tender for a longer-lasting contract during the next round of bidding. If successful, they would be looking to increase their fleet and probably seeking new bond-holders to invest in solarpowered buses to give a greener edge to public transport in our streets.

There IS a national shortage of bus drivers, and the fact the government actually wrote to many

existing drivers to encourage them to swap to HGVs –also feeling the personnel pinch –accelerated the issue.

It’s the West of England Combined Authority and not B&NES who handle public transport, and Metro Mayor Dan Norris says that in the absence of the government coming up with a national plan, regional authorities like his have to find an answer.

He thinks we should be looking for new pools of workforce, and has already suggested that students, Ukrainian refugees and even more mums could be encouraged, by thinking in a different way and creating bus shifts that fit a more flexible lifestyle.

Funnily enough, in my chat with Tom he told me that two of his company’s executives were students when they first got behind the wheel of a bus.

Dan says he is well aware of higher inflation and the fact that private bus companies are seeking to make a profit. However, just recently, WECA was part of an initiative to reduce fares in the hope of boosting passenger numbers.

The Metro Mayor said the new fare package delivered on his pledge for simpler and cheaper bus fares, which would help a little towards easing the cost-of-living crisis for locals, and would go a long way to addressing the big challenges on the buses at present, with passenger numbers 25% down on pre-pandemic levels. There is still a steady drip of driver losses and Dan says when it comes to losing sleep over regional issues, its the problem of buses that keeps him awake.

At The Big Lemon, Tom says they could do with finding a few extra drivers, too, but they have not been affected as badly affected as the bigger companies.

The Big Lemon was looking to develop local operating companies, driven by the local communities, and he thought people preferred to work in a smaller team where there was a more informal atmosphere between management and the rest of the work force.

“The rule book is there, of course. but it was more of a backstop. We prefer a more collegiate way of working,” says Tom.

We’ll have to wait and see how big a slice of the market these yellow buses manage to cut out for themselves, but our Metro Mayor likes the idea of solar powered buses and says –if they do well in Bath –they would be in a stronger position.

Dan says all our bus drivers are “community heroes and heroines”, and that “if you drive a bus you are a pivotal force in helping to get children to school and adults to work or to the shops.”

Public transport comes in many shades, but it’s up to us to ensure that they continue to colour our world. n

TheBig Lemon in Bath

“I am delighted to welcome The Big Lemon buses to Bath. Many residents rely on buses to access key services, such as education and healthcare, so it’s great news these routes have been restored. It took a lot of work behind the scenes to find a new company to take these on and I am very grateful to the staff in our public transport department.

“The number 11 bus is an absolutely vital service for children from Bathampton to get to secondary schools each day. With this service restored, they can catch the 11 from the centre of the village into town and walk on, or else change service for schools in the south of the city, without having to hang around in the dark early mornings.

“B&NES Council has no direct control over privatised bus services, but the Lib Dems will continue to campaign for better buses and lobby the West of England Combined Authority to restore and improve routes.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet member of Climate and Sustainable Travel

Cllrs Sarah Warren and Kevin Guy with The Big Lemon Operations Manager Colin Morris with the first number 11 bus service from Bathampton

Ideal of Sweden Nora Vegan Shoulder Bag anthropologie.com

New year bags of tricks

Feast your eyes on some of this season’s minis and maxis –the perfect additions to your winter wardrobe...

Jacquemus, Le Chiquito Moyen lilac top handle bag, £535 harveynichols.com

Mulberry Folded Multi Card Wallet, £240 mulberry.com

Urban Originals Liberty Crossbody Bag, £70 anthropologie.com

Unisex Cotton Backpack in Dark Denim, £140 bluewomensclothing.co.uk

Kingsley Walters Studio Medicine Pouch Bag, £125 www.toa.st

Stina Goya Clouds Lotta Bag, £110 graceandmabel.co.uk

Payton Satin Top Handle Bag in dark green, £125 whistles.com

Embroidered Cross-body Bag, £45 monsoon.co.uk

Leather Tote Bag, £79 monsoon.co.uk

What’s on inJanuary

MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE

n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park, Bath

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

BELLY LAUGHS

Throughout January n Locations across Bath

Belly Laughs is a comedy and food festival that brings smiles to faces, punters to independent venues, and money to local grassroots charities. After five years in Bristol, the festival has been expanded to cover Bath this year, where it will be raising money for Julian House. Tickets available at yuup.co/belly-laughs

A WINTER WALKING SAFARI

Until 8 January n Wild Place Project

Grab your hats and gloves and head to Wild Place Project to go on a magical adventure on the Winter Walking Safari. Experience the beautiful nature trails across the 50-acre site, while spotting amazing animals from around the world. wildplace.org.uk

ALADDIN

Until 8 January n Theatre Royal Bath Wishing for the best family pantomime this Christmas? Your wish is the Theatre Royal Bath’s command! The amazing story of a boy, a lamp, and a genie returns to spread magic across Bath. TV and West End star

as the wicked Abanazar,

abbey, accompanied by harp. Tickets from £15. bathboxoffice.org.uk

winning Bath pantomime

Jon Monie and dame extraordinaire Nick Wilton (EastEnders). Tickets from £9, available at theatreoyal.org.uk

JAZZ SUNDAYS AT IFORD MANOR January, Febuary, March n Iford Manor Estate

Enjoy fantastic, live jazz from top musicians alongside a delicious lunch prepared by award-winning head chef Matthew Briddon and team. Food sustainably and locally sourced, much reared, grown and foraged on the Iford Estate. The 2023 line-up is currently being finalised; visit the Iford website to book. ifordmanor.co.uk

U3A MONTHLY TALK: THE IMPACT OF THE POOR LAWS OVER THE CENTURIES | PETER MARTIN

5 January

n The Pavilion, Bath

Monthly talks start at 10.30am. Doors open at 9.45am for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for non-members. If you join U3A in Bath at the meeting then your admission fee is refunded. u3ainbath.org.uk

NEW YEAR CONCERT: A CEREMONY OF CAROLS 7 January, 7pm

n Bath Abbey

To mark the church festival of Ephiphany, Abbey Girls’ choir sing Benjamin Britten’s beautiful and challenging work A Ceremony of Carols in the magical setting of Bath

THE ART SOCIETY BATH: JOSUHA REYNOLDS, THE CREATION OF CELEBRITY LECTURE

9 January

n Widcombe Social Club / Zoom

Joshua Reynolds wanted to establish a new golden age for British art in the grand style of Italian History painting; he raised portraiture to the top rank of art whilst simultaneously elevating the reputation of his patrons as well as his own. Become a member of The Art Society Bath at theartssocietybath.com

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 12–15 January

n The Rondo Theatre

A tale as old as time about a fearless young Beauty, who bravely ignores Count Danton’s advances, and goes on a quest to save her sick father, no matter the cost! Bath Drama’s Beauty and the Beast offers a festive treat for all the family with song and dance, suspense and romance. Show times vary. Tickets from £8, available from rondotheatre.co.uk

TALK: BEN PRESTON –YORK GATE THROUGH THE HEAD GARDENER'S EYE

16 January, 7.30–9pm

n University of Bath Gardening Club

Ben Preston will be giving an insight into maintaining and developing an historic garden with one eye on the past and one eye on the future, as he has done at Perennial’s beautiful Arts and Crafts inspired garden at York Gate near Leeds. ubgc.org

Tom Lister (Emmerdale, 42nd Street) stars

with award-

legend

Beauty and the Beast

Belly Laughs | Credit: Julian Preece

Aladdin at Theatre Royal Bath | Credit Freia Turland

CINDERELLA

18–21 January | Wednesday –Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 1pm & 5pm

n St Philip and St James Church, Odd Down Based on the traditional story, the St Philip & St James Church Drama Group present a show packed full of music, dance, largerthan-life characters and a few surprises –so it’s not one not to be missed! Tickets £10 adults and OAPs, £6 children (under 18), available from ticketsource.co.uk/spsjdrama

GRAN HALEN

26 January

n Komedia, 7pm

Introducing Gran Halen, probably the best pensioner rock band in the world. Playing smash hits like Bingo Inferno, Hit Me With Your Walking Stick, Old Age Dirtbag, Purple Rinse, Granarchy In The UK, Nan In The Mirror and many, many more. £10. komedia.co.uk

IFORD MANOR BURNS NIGHT SUPPER

27 January

n Iford Manor

A wonderful evening full of delicious Scottish food, including homemade Iford haggis, and of course the Great Highland Bagpipes to celebrate Burns Night. £60 per person to include a welcome glass on arrival. To reserve your spot, visit ifordmanor.co.uk

LAWRENCES AUCTIONEERS FREE HOME VISITS

27 January

n Bath

Specialist Andy Sagar will be available to value your objects and antiques, including Silver, vertu, pictures, 19th/20th-century Design Ceramics, furniture, clocks, rugs and more. lawrences.co.uk

SOIRÉE CONCERT

27 January

n Bath Abbey

An intimate evening of music in the Bath Abbey Song School. A chance to meet the Abbey musicians at an exclusive recital of solos followed by a tour of the music facilities. Hosted by Huw Williams, Director of Music. Tickets from £5, available at bathabbey.org

TIM BAKER

28 January

n Chapel Arts, Lower Borough Walls, 8pm

Tim Baker –best known as the songwriter and leader of Hey Rosetta! –is a prolific wild-eyed dreamer. In 2022, he returned with The Festival, a sonic embrace, a call in for love, and a cry out for connection. Baker wants us to bring our pain and suffering, and align it all with melody. £15/£17 bathboxoffice.org.uk; chapelarts.org

ALDRIDGES OF BATH: FINE ART & ANTIQUES SALE

31 January

n Aldridges of Bath (online) Including silver, jewellery, porcelain and glass, paintings and prints, European and Asian works of art, clocks, antique furniture and furnishings. Open for public viewing Saturday 28 January, 9am–12pm and Monday 30 January 9am5pm. aldridgesofbath.com

BATH FILM SOCIETY

THE SEVENTH SEAL

6 January, 7.30pm

n BRLSI, 16–18 Queens Square, Bath Sixteen years before battling Satan in The Exorcist, Max von Sydow was taking on Death in a game of chess – one of the most striking images in the history of cinema. The Seventh Seal announced the arrival of Bergman as a giant in the world of motion pictures.

THE SERVANT

20 January, 7.30pm

n BRLSI, 16–18 Queens Square, Bath The Servant is the first of three classic Joseph Losey adaptations of his friend Harold Pinter’s scripts. The film’s focus is on the shifting relationship between the socialite Tony (James Fox) and his manservant Barrett (Dirk Bogarde).

To join Bath Film Society, contact the Membership Secretary: mail@bathfilmsociety.org.uk | bathfilmsociety.org.uk

LOOKING AHEAD

STARGAZING TOURS

Select Fridays (see Bath Abbey website for more details) n Bath Abbey Join the Bath Abbey team for live stargazing at the top of Bath Abbey’s tower, with the opportunity to see the Threads Through Creation exhibition after hours. Tickets via Eventbrite or through the Bath Abbey website. bathabbey.org

WORKSHOP: HOW TO MAKE SOURDOUGH 3 February n Iford Manor Award-winning Head Chef Matthew Briddon will teach you all you ‘knead’ to know about getting started, or improving, your sourdough skills. £120pp (includes a three course lunch); reserve your spot at ifordmanor.co.uk

THE ARTS SOCIETY BATH: FEBRUARY LECTURE 6 February n Widcombe Social Club | Zoom

This lecture explores the achievement of the masters of Art Nouveau glass –Émile Gallé, Louis Comfort Tiffany and René Lalique –and their outstanding contribution to one of the most important movements of the last century. To book a place as a guest (£10 in venue or £7 on Zoom) and for payment details, contact the society on bath@theartssociety.org. The Society welcomes new members; learn more at theartssocietybath.com

Bath Film Society: The Servant (1963)

17th century stumpwork, silk and metallic thread picture depicting David & Bathsheba, Aldridges of Bath Fine Art & Antiques Sale

A mathemetician and a poet

Harry Baker has a devilish duo of skills: mathematics and spoken word poetry. This has given him a World Champion title, TED fame and a voiceover commission for Deliveroo. The secret to this pairing, Emma Clegg discovers, is word play, and humanity

Photograph by Dan Pick

Poetry slam was new to me, so when I talked to spoken word artist and 2012 World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker this needed clarification. A poetry slam, he told me, is a competitive art event where poets perform spoken word poetry before a live audience and a panel of judges. “It all started in 1984 with construction worker and American poet Marc Smith,” explains Harry. “Marc wanted people to talk poetry to each other, and this was his solution. He said that poetry should be for whoever was in front of it, and part of calling it a slam was trying to make it sound more exciting.”

A poetry slam gives performers three minutes to connect with the audience as quickly as possible. “The atmosphere is amazing because it doesn’t involve a panel of esteemed literary judges – it is five random people in the audience voting for their favourite. So there are no specific rules on what makes it good – it’s just about connecting with people. That’s what I loved about it and that’s what I still try and bring to my shows.”

The unusual thing about Harry is that his poetry grew from passion and performance, and wasn’t fed by an English or arts degree. In fact Harry proudly defines himself as a poet and a mathematician. So what’s the connection? One is an arts form, the other a science. We know that arts is driven by the right hand side of the brain, mathematics and science by the left, and for most people one side is dominant. But go deeper and it’s not so clear cut; while the two sides function differently – they work together and complement each other.

Harry Baker embraces this cross-fertilisation. He originally applied to study medicine at the University of Bristol. Before he took up his place he had discovered a penchant for spoken word poetry and so decided to take a gap year. “I thought, ‘I’m going spend the rest of my life being a doctor’, and so in that year before university I did as many poetry gigs as possible, almost to get it out of my system. But it was in doing this I realised that I loved it and, more than that, I could feel myself coming alive with the poetry.”

With a science and maths background, Harry’s passion for poetry didn’t appear to have a natural connection with his specialist subjects, but they were all part of him. The solution was to move from medicine to mathematics, which would allow him to carry on his poetry while he was at university. He threw in German for good measure.

“It was quite hard to compare at the time, because with medicine it was very clear how you were helping people, but with poetry it’s more abstract. Because I’d focused on maths and science for A Levels I didn’t feel I could switch to doing an English degree, and part of me was worried that if I studied it I’d be told that the way I was doing it was wrong, and it wouldn’t feel natural any more.”

When Harry graduated at the age of 22 he became a full time poet. “It wasn’t such a massive a leap of faith as it sounds, because I’d been doing it for a few years anyway. I’d been doing slams and I’d done a TED talk that had just been shared so there was enough momentum to give it a go. And I’ve not looked back since.”

Harry describes himself as “combining the nerdiness of being a math student with the hopefulness of being a human”. It’s a winning

combination, celebrated through word play. We see this in the poetry excerpt in the previous column: humour and pathos, rhythm and rhyme, logic and emotion, maths and humanity.

“I like maths because of its concise nature and it is very satisfying when you solve an equation. Poetry felt more free, but what they have in common is this idea of patterns and connection and trying to slot things into place. And when I find a satisfying rhyme or turn of phrase, it feels right, as if you have solved an equation. But there will always be space for breaking those patterns and rules.

“I do love the freedom of the spoken word. There is always some level of intricacy there, especially with the rhythm and the rhyme, but what is under-acknowledged in both maths and poetry is a playful process. When you are trying to figure out a maths problem you have to let yourself play around and make mistakes. To do that you have to have that sense of wonder –that’s where the crossover happens.”

The TED gig was quite a different challenge to the three-minute poetry slam performances, says Harry. “My first TED performance was the most nervous I have ever been. With the poetry slam competition you just go on and let the poem speak for itself. With TED you have a maximum of 18 minutes, and so which poems to choose and how to slot them together felt important.”

The first TED talk Harry did when he performed the Prime Numbers poem at TEDx Exeter in 2014 got shared on the main TED website and that meant that over a million people saw it. “The poem was just nerdy enough that people who were into it were really into it. That was one of the first times I thought “actually I am a mathematician and I am a poet and where those two combine is where I thrive.” It’s by leaning in to all of our interests that we can become the fullest versions of ourselves. I loved having a chance to do that.”

...While 59 admired 60’s perfectly round figure, 60 thought 59 was odd. One of his favourite films was 101 Dalmatians. She preferred the sequel. He romanticised the idea they were star-crossed lovers. They could overcome the odds and evens because they had each other.

While she maintained the strict views imposed on her

by her mother

That separate could not be equal.

And though at the time he felt stupid and dumb

For trying to love a girl controlled by her stupid mum,

He should have been comforted by the simple sum.

Take 59 away from 60, and you’re left with the one…

Harry is versatile; his commissioned work has included a voiceover poem for Deliveroo and a Blank Canvas #AnchorGoStrong advert about milk. He also does spoken word workshops in schools and he has published two poetry books. He took his performance tour Unashamed to the Edinburgh Festival in 2022 and has been touring since September.

“I wanted Unashamed to be funny and light and enjoyable, and to have the space to acknowledge how tough the last couple of years has been. Poetry is wonderful in that it can hold those heavier emotions as well, and this show is trying not to apologise for either of those things. What is amazing about the human spirit is that we can be ecstatic and we can be heartbroken and this is about celebrating all those things.”

Harry was born in Bath and he always wanted to bring the tour to the city so his godfather, who can’t travel, could come. “I love going to new places but some gigs feel more like homecomings, and Bath is one of those.” Save the date. n

Harry Baker’s Unashamed is at Komedia Bath on 24 January at 7.30. £12/£10; komedia.co.uk

Credit TED Talks

Harry Baker’s TEDx Exeter talk in 2015 introduced the poem, A Love Poem for Lonely Prime Numbers. Here’s an excerpt:

It’s by leaning in to all our interests that we can become the fullest version of ourselves

ARTS AND EXHIBITIONS

Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath victoriagal.org.uk

Peter Brown: Bath, Bristol and Beyond, until 15 January 2023

Over 100 new oil paintings and prints by the ever-popular Bath-based artist, ‘Pete the Street’.

Capturing Life: A Century of the New English Art Club, 21 January –11 April

This exhibition showcases work of past and present members of the New English Art Club, which was founded in 1886 by a group of rebellious young artists. Including more than 40 works by current members, there are also major paintings by former exhibitors including Gwen John, John Singer Sargent, Stanley Spencer, Walter Sickert, Augustus John, and Paul Nash.

Luke M Walker at sandrahiggins.art

Sandra Higgins Art is pleased to exhibit works by multi-award-winning artist, Luke M Walker.

At heart, Luke is an explorer with a great passion for walking and climbing. He collects data on his journeys: distance, pace, altitude and number of steps, which he then translates into his fascinating Datascape paintings.

To view Luke’s latest work, visit Sandra Higgins’ online gallery or email Sandra to arrange a private view.

sandrahiggins.art; sandra@sandrahiggins.com

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Until 8 January:

Nalini Malani: My Reality is Different, Rodin –Degas: Impressionist Sculpture

Elisabeth Frink: Strength and Sensuality

Illustrating the World: Woodcuts in the Age of Dürer, 21 January –23 April

This is a rare opportunity to view the complete set of woodcuts known as The Great Passion, produced by the artist of the German Renaissance, Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528). He was the first artist in history to devise, create and publish an illustrated book, pushing the limits of a linear art to create vividly animated scenes. The woodcut was soon recognised as a powerful tool to reach a

wide public, used for civic promotion, political and religious propaganda, and the sharing of ideas and information. holburne.org

Winter Exhibition

Beaux Arts Bath, 12–13 York Street Bath. Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm

To herald the new year Beaux Arts winter exhibition features some of their most popular artists as well as some new faces. New work from Simon Allen, Jack Doherty, Mark Entwisle, Janette Kerr and Rob Pittam sits alongside gallery stalwarts Beth Carter, Paul Mount, Nathan Ford, Anna Gillespie, Chris Keenan, Nick Mackman and Helen Simmonds.

beauxartsbath.co.uk

David Ringsell: Contemporary Art Prints and Paintings of Classic Bath Architecture

“I aim to present a contemporary perspective on some familiar places. I often focus on the darker side of Bath architecture with peeling paint and stained stonework.”

David’s work is being exhibited at The Claremont Pub, 5 Claremont Road, Bath; and at The Old Crown, Weston, Bath. Custom prints are available online in a range of sizes – see the website: real-images.com

Image: Bath Sunrise, A2 framed giclée print by David Ringsell. A terrace of houses on the London Road caught in golden glow at sunrise

Stanley Spencer, Portrait of Patricia Preece, 1933, oil on canvas, 83.9 x 73.6 cm. Southampton City Art Gallery. © Estate of Stanley Spencer. All rights reserved 2022 / Bridgeman Images

Albrecht Dürer, The Last Supper, from Passio Domini Nostri Jesu (known as the Great Passion), Nuremberg: 1511 © The Schroder Collection. Photography: Mark Dalton

Datascape 001 –‘The London Circle’ , a circular walk around central London, centred on St Paul’s Cathedral

Woodcuts in the age of Dürer

The Holburne Museum has given us a rare opportunity to view the complete set of woodcuts known as The Great Passion, produced by the most famed artist of the German Renaissance, Albrecht Dürer. Text by Dr Caterina Badan

The New Year offers visitors to Bath’s Holburne Museum a rare opportunity to see a complete set of 12 woodcut prints by the most celebrated artist of the German Renaissance, Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528). Known as TheGreat Passion, the biblical images are normally inaccessible in their entirety, as they are most frequently bound into an album or incomplete. Especially for Illustrating the World: Woodcuts in the Age of Dürer, these beautiful images detailing moments in The Passion of Christ have been framed, allowing the viewer to appreciate the full cycle.

Published in 1511, simultaneously with the Apocalypse and the Life of the Virgin cycles, TheGreat Passion formed what is known as the ‘Three Great Books’, in reference to their large format, and represents the pinnacle of experimentation in the woodcut technique.

The Holburne exhibition sets Dürer’s work into the wider context of its time through the display of 14 books whose woodcut illustrations were produced during an 80-year timespan, between 1493 and 1572, showcasing the evolution of the technique and how it was exploited for political and religious purposes.

Given that woodcut printing as a fine art was less than 40 years old, Dürer’s achievements were founded on a relatively young tradition. In Europe the woodcut technique, which had been practised in China for centuries, only developed during the 15th century, once paper had become more widely available and affordable. With the spread of the movable type press across Europe in the second half of the century, the evolution of woodcuts became tied to the book industry. From the 1470s woodcut illustrations started to compete with illuminated books, and this rivalry fuelled woodcut artists’ creativity and experimentation.

The lavishly illustrated Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), was part of this experimental phase and set a new standard for illustrated books, both in terms of its quality and production process. Young Dürer was an apprentice at the Nuremberg workshop while this masterpiece was being produced, possibly contributing to it. Just three years later, he would begin work on TheGreat Passion

By 1495, Dürer had established his own printmaking workshop in Nuremberg, soon becoming the first artist in history to publish his own work. With the Three Great Books he invented a new format: a picture book with full-page illustrations, accompanied by text on the facing page, which he commissioned from the humanist scholar Benedict Schwalbe.

Dürer created the designs for the woodcuts, but whether he also cut the wood blocks is still debated. Considering Dürer’s many talents, his exposure to woodcuts from the outset of his career, and the sophistication of the blocks’ cuttings, it is tempting to think that he created them himself.

A bound facsimile of the Little Passion, a smaller format woodcut cycle, which was published on the same year as the Three Large Books, is on display alongside the Great Passion, offering visitors a fascinating chance to appreciate the development of Dürer’s style through a direct comparison.

Exhibition curator, Dr Caterina Badan, says: “In TheGreat Passion Dürer’s artistic genius runs unleashed: the challenge of working with a monochrome, two-dimensional technique pushes him to new heights, pumping life into complex compositions, which he populates with vivid characters shown in a huge array of emotions, where even animals and nature partake in the pathos or witness with indifference.”

With its rise in status, the woodcut was soon recognised as a powerful tool to reach a wide public, and evolved into a medium used for civic promotion, political and religious propaganda, and the sharing of ideas and information. Moreover, the images decorating the books on display at the Holburne offer a snapshot of Germany’s socio-political scene against the backdrop of the Renaissance and Reformation.

The books are arranged thematically, complete with examples produced in Augsburg in the early 16th century under the auspices of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, in glorification of the Habsburg dynasty. Also included are various publications produced to disseminate the Protestant doctrine, including illustrated devotional books and German Bibles translated by Martin Luther and aimed at encouraging private worship.

The exhibition also features two anti-Catholic publications, including Luther’s satirical pamphlet Passion of Christand the Antichrist, with

The role [of these books] in shaping the minds of the people who read them, ultimately defining European culture as a whole, cannot be understated.

Lucas Cranach the Elder’s (1472–1553) irreverent portrayal of the Pope as the Antichrist, contrasting his sumptuous life with the sufferance of Jesus.

Finally, Melchior Lorck’s Turkish Publication offers an accurate portrayal of life in Constantinople in the 1550s, reflecting the closer relationship between the East and the West. All of these books are embellished with woodcut illustrations which play a didactic, celebratory, provocative or simply decorative role.

Dr Badan believes there is much to enjoy and learn in this remarkable show which will, appropriately, be open before, during and after Easter 2023: “Each of these books will have a particular resonance for the art lover and the historian alike. Their role in shaping the minds of the people who read them, ultimately defining European culture as a whole, cannot be understated.”

She adds: “This exhibition also offers a chance to showcase the unsung accomplishments of the often anonymous or lesser-known artists who produced these illustrations. They frequently had the arduous task of devising completely new iconographies for themes that had never been illustrated before. With a complex narrative such as the Bible, it is interesting to see which specific verse the artist chose to translate into an image. The quality of the illustrations varies from very coarse to surprisingly complex, the mood from playful to tragic, but the constant feature is the artist’s ingenuity in finding solutions to convey a story within often tiny vignettes, through a careful selection of lines designed to be carved into a piece of wood.”

Dr Chris Stephens, Director of the Holburne Museum comments: “Illustrating the World shows an incredible moment in European history, when a single artform transcended its original purpose and became so much more than purely decorative. The exhibition also serves to remind us how, with his Great Passion cycle, Dürer was the first artist in history to devise, create and publish an illustrated book, pushing the limits of a quintessentially linear art to create vividly animated scenes.” n

Illustrating the World: Woodcuts in the Age of Dürer is at The Holburne Museum, Bath, from 21 January –23 April; holburne.orgw

ABOVE

ABOVE

PREVIOUS

LEFT: Melchior Lorck, The Kettledrum Player Riding a Camel, from: Melchior Lorck, Wolgerissene und Geschnittene Figuren zu Ross und Fuss (known as the Turkish Publication). Michael Hering, 1626

RIGHT: Albrecht Dürer The Lamentation, and BELOW: Albrecht Dürer, frontispiece with The Man of Sorrows Mocked by a Soldier, from the Great Passion, 1511

PAGE: The Fall and Expulsion from Paradise, woodcut by Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurf, from Liber Chronicarum, 1493, by Hartmann Schedel

Achieving visibility: Veronica Ryan

Sculptor Veronica Ryan, who studied at Bath Academy of Art, has recently been awarded Britain’s prestigious art award, the Turner Prize 2022. Here we find out more about her history, her connections to Bath and her artistic journey

Bath Academy of Art-trained sculptor Veronica Ryan OBE has been named as the 2022 winner of the Turner Prize. Arguably the most prestigious art accolade in the UK, the Turner Prize is awarded in recognition of an artist’s outstanding exhibition, or presentation, of their recent developments in British art.

Having studied for a BA in Fine Art at the Corsham Court campusbased Bath Academy of Art (now Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art, Film and Media, at Locksbrook campus) from 1975–1978, Ryan then studied at The Slade School of Fine Art and later The School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

In her acceptance speech, Ryan thanked people “who’ve looked out for me when I wasn’t visible and I was making work from rubbish”, adding: “But actually some of the rubbish [works] are some of the most important works, I think.” Over the years, Ryan has spoken at great length about her love for repurposing old and outgrown materials, skills that her mother passed down to her as a child. She went on to establish an internationally revered exhibition profile, winning numerous awards across the globe.

Ryan, who last year created the UK’s first permanent public artwork in honour of the Windrush generation, was born in 1956 in Montserrat and moved to London with her parents as an infant. At 66 years of age she is the oldest recipient of the Turner Prize to date, showing that age is no limit for incredible talent.

High praise for Ryan came from the Turner Prize judging panel for “the personal and poetic way she extends the language of sculpture” and the “noticeable shift in her use of space, colour and scale both in gallery and civic spaces.”

Ryan’s tribute to the Windrush generation of people who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and 1970s was unveiled in the London borough of Hackney. It was this sculptural installation that led to her nomination for the Turner Prize. Her oversized marble and bronze sculptures representing Caribbean fruit and vegetables such as breadfruit, soursop and custard apple captured the imaginations of many.

Paying homage to her roots, Ryan often uses the fruits, seeds, and even volcanic ash from her home island. Another of her exhibitions, Along a Spectrum, included cocoa pods, avocado stones, orange peel and crocheted fishing net bags. This was displayed at Spike Island in Bristol in 2021 and also contributed to her nomination. Through this work, she examined environmental and sociopolitical concerns, personal narratives, history and displacement, and the wider psychological implications of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ryan’s sculptures are poetic and quietly provocative; her artwork stands out from all of the noise and brashness that is so often celebrated in the contemporary art world

Turner Prize 2022: Veronica Ryan Installation View at Tate Liverpool 2022

Photo: © Tate (Matt Greenwood)

Veronica Ryan © Brian Roberts Images

Ryan’s inimitable creativity was evident when she displayed her unique works in a special Bath Spa alumni exhibition in February 2020, as part of the launch of the University’s new Locksbrook campus art facilities.

Dan Allen, Head of Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art, Film and Media, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Veronica Ryan has been awarded the Turner Prize 2022. Ryan’s sculptures are poetic and quietly provocative; her artwork stands out from all of the noise and brashness that is so often celebrated in the contemporary art world. Ryan is a champion for all artists who wrestle with complex subject matter, but do so in a discursive and contemplative way. As an alumni of Bath School of Art, Film & Media (formally Bath Academy of Art), Ryan is also a beacon for our talented artists, as they embark on professional careers with a mission to make positive change in the world through art.”

Ryan received a cheque of £25,000 and a trophy from Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall. Upon hearing her name announced as the winner, she exclaimed, “Power! Visibility!” and “better late than never.”

The Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. Named after the English painter J. M. W. Turner, who is regarded as Britain’s greatest and most

prolific painters, the prize has become one of the best-known prizes for visual arts in the world. Between 1991 and 2016, only artists under the age of 50 were eligible for the Turner Prize. The restriction, however, was removed for the 2017 award. As a result, Ryan, 66, has become the oldest winner in the award’s 38-year history.

The exhibition of Veronica Ryan’s Turner Prize-winning work, and that of the three other shortlisted artists, is at Tate Liverpool until 19 March. n

tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-liverpool/turner-prize-2022

Veronica Ryan, Along a Spectrum detail, (2021), Spike Island, Bristol. Photograph by Max McClure, courtesy Spike Island, Bristol, Paula Cooper Gallery, New York, and Alison Jacques, London

There are no rules in kitchen diners

DUNCAN CAMPBELL Antique silver specialist

Anything can go

Even the most casual viewer of TV property shows will be aware of how many dining room walls have been knocked out over the last generation to create kitchen diners. This 21st century room makes endless good sense for modern family life, if only by keeping everyone together.

The traditional dining room suite, long runs of matching chairs and grand pedestal tables, is now a pretty hard sell in the antique trade. Formality and symmetry can appear decidedly odd next to the kitchen units. The whole point of a kitchen diner is that it is versatile and can as comfortably accommodate beans on toast for two as Christmas lunch for 14, even if that involves appropriating saw horses and planks from the shed.

A farmhouse style table seems to be the preferred choice these days, with 4 dependable legs and an easy to wipe oblong top. While sets of 8 & 12 chairs have lately been rather slow moving, pairs and even singles, once very hard to sell, are now in high demand. There really are no rules about how your family room ought to look.

Personally, I have never seen the point in matching sets of anything on grounds that when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. I do understand that not everyone sees things my way. I have been scolded in the past for the very suggestion that a customer might like a ‘harlequin set’, whether this prejudice is driven by tradition, aesthetics or snobbery is hard to decide.

An old and creative customer of mine has just had a set of 8 gorgeous, Georgian dining chairs reupholstered so that each one has a different seat cover, all in vibrant and various colours. The set looks terrific and brings masses of colour and interest into what might otherwise be a much more dull, brown, wooden setting - just the thing for a modern diner. n

beaunashbath.com; 01225 334234

Many of us can recall the boom in the market for Victorian watercolours during the 1980s. It coincided with a strengthening economy and the almost unexpected realisation that such pictures were skilfully executed, pleasurable to collect, reasonably abundant at almost every level of expenditure, readily understood and were complemented by easy nostalgic themes. I recall an intensely brisk spell in 1988-1989 when it was possible to follow such watercolours as though they were booming stocks: a picture that might have made £500 in 1988 could be sold the following year for £1500 or more. You may already be anticipating that the inevitable crash was sure to come: the market tightened up in the early 1990s with greater selectivity, diminished supply and less rewarding dividends. It trundled along without much fanfare until about 2008-2009 when the credit crunch reconfigured many collectors’ tastes, ambitions and finances. A new generation of buyers came to the fore and they did not warm to the styles that their parents had so embraced. Sadly, we have since seen some formerly celebrated artists’ works sell for just 10-15% of their peak a third of a century ago.

That brisk resumé should not be applied right across the board, of course, but fashion is now a much more critical determinant of value than quality, age, subject matter or past performances. Some artists’ prices may never return to the glories of the past but a notable exception should be made for the work of Albert Goodwin (1845-1932). A child prodigy on a par with Edwin Landseer (who showed a picture at The Royal Academy aged 13) or John Everett Millais (who showed at 17), Goodwin exhibited Under the Hedge aged just 15. That title alone indicates an obsession with ‘truth to nature’ that had motivated the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: direct observation, a focus on colour, keen attention to meticulous draughtsmanship and a reverent admiration for a subject on its own terms. Rather to my surprise, Goodwin observed ruefully in 1909 that he had `suffered all [his] life from having started under Pre-Raphaelite superlatives in colour. They emphasised the need of scenery and painting and rejoicing in colour.` Nonetheless, that education had served him well for it had drawn him towards John Ruskin in the 1860s. Ruskin, a patriarchal critic with a stern approval of his own judgment (a judgment sound enough to be wholly justified), was an artist of exceptional skill who had praised J M W Turner since he (Ruskin) had been a lad of just 16 and Ruskin had even worked at the master’s elbow. Goodwin accompanied Ruskin on an Italian tour in 1872 and so Albert learnt from a man who had learnt from, arguably, Britain’s finest exponent of watercolour.

Goodwin’s innate talent and his excellent instruction have rewarded him with a status of high renown amongst collectors. It is heartening to observe that distinctive brilliance is still sought for its own sake. With a skill that bordered on artistic alchemy, Goodwin invested his compositions with an ethereal glow, gauzy mist, tenebrous moonlight or numinous shadows. He showed a command of the medium that was so subtly effected that his pictures almost defy technical analysis. After applying the watercolour, he picked out details in ink or pencil afterwards (a technique as quirkily unconventional as putting on your socks after your shoes but Turner had also made it work well). True to Pre-Raphaelite principles to the last,

Goodwin never lost his precision of technique, he never faltered with his colour sense and he never squandered the luxury of his viewpoints by producing a quotidian scene. In most of Goodwin’s pictures, one feels immersed in the glory of the place, awed by the grandeur of the heavens, overwhelmed by the ineffable splendours of nature or simply enchanted by a view of a city that one may never have the good fortune to visit oneself. An observer may even be tempted to think that Goodwin could not have had such luck to be outdoors with brushes and paper when such evanescent effects were arrayed before him. Yet it is impossible to imagine his not being there for his subjects, invariably semi-magical, retain nonetheless an insistent quality of truthfulness. A dozen examples from the Estate of Lord and Lady Peyton of Yeovil offered in our October auction, all found buyers. Subjects as varied as Abingdon, Milan, Cairo and Niagara Falls were bought for up to nearly £6000. But it was a magisterial view of Venice from 1892, exhibited at London Guildhall in 1896, that enchanted collectors the most. The bright, clear, summery light of a perfect Venetian day, the happy family group on the foreground terrace and the immediate sense of a scene described with perfectly nuanced watercolour washes lifted this gem to £19000 – the highest price paid at auction for any Goodwin watercolour in over a decade. Just for a moment, it felt like 1988 again.

Tom Kha soup

Hot, sour, fragrant, super-easy to make and supremely tasty, Tom Kha is the ultimate low-carb January revitaliser, packed with all manner of immuneboosting ingredients. Recipe by Melissa Blease.

Ingredients (serves four; vegan)

800ml chicken or vegetable stock

2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and minced

3-4 lime leaves

1-2 red chillies, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 thumb-size piece galangal (or ginger), minced or sliced into thin matchsticks

1 tsp fish sauce (omit if vegetarian)

100g shiitake mushrooms

Method

100g bok choy, leaves separated and stalks chopped 100g cherry tomatoes

2 carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks

1 bunch of spring onions, chopped

1 x 400g can reduced fat coconut milk

1 tsp soft brown sugar

3-4 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp fresh lime juice 200g silken tofu, cubed

To serve: 1 bunch of spring onions, finely sliced; plenty of fresh basil and fresh coriander, roughly chopped; wedges of fresh lime

1. Pour the stock into a large saucepan with the lemongrass, lime leaves, chillies and galangal (or ginger). Bring to a boil and allow the broth to bubble for around 5 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Add the mushrooms, reduce the heat to medium and simmer gently for around 6 minutes before adding the coconut milk, bok choy, cherry tomatoes and carrots and continuing to simmer for a further 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the tofu, sugar, soy sauce and lime juice to the pan and simmer until the tofu has heated through (around 2–3 minutes).

4. Serve in warm bowls accompanied by fresh lime wedges and scattered with plenty of freshly chopped basil and coriander.

Green Park Brasserie

6 Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB; Tel: 01225 338565; greenparkbrasserie.com

Green Park Station is a reassuring, heartwarming part of the Bath landscape. It has heritage and scale –once the booking hall of the old Green Park railway station, its history is ever-present in its generous proportions, high ceilings and idiosyncratic architectural features. While the brasserie’s 30-year history as a venue for relaxed casual dining and live jazz is a mere fifth of the building’s 16-decade life since it was built in the 1860s, it has taken on and earned a share of its formidable history in successfully repurposing a landmark of note and making it into a thriving business and entertainment space. What’s more, its presence since 2016 has been bolstered by its sister business The Bath Pizza Co –which reached an impressive second in last year’s National Pizza Awards –where the pizzas are served on heated terraces in the Old Green Park Station.

We had arrived for Sunday lunch, in truth a little jaded from the effort of bowling up on a frosty day, when the lure of not going out and maybe watching Die Hard or The Lord of The Rings (depending on who had taken the remote hostage) wrapped in a cosy blanket would have easily won the day. The brasserie, however, was bustling with Sunday lunchers tempted by sociable interaction, roast chicken and chuck steak burgers, including a good scattering of families with youngsters in tow. So, always up for a challenge (once in situ), we immediately

raised our game, shored up in the early stages by a bottle of beer and a cappucino.

The first course brought Roasted Parsnip Soup with truffle and sourdough –which in my food notebook is now officially billed as the most delicious depth-of-flavour soup that I have encountered this winter –and Sage and Rosemary Breaded Brie (from Bath Soft Cheese) with spiced tomato chutney, which was high on taste, texture and comfort.

also a generous portion, from the Specials board, was Pan-fried Salmon with Celeriac Purée, tenderstem broccoli and Moroccanstyle couscous, a self-righteous option, admittedly, but one where the consumption involved no Puritan sacrifice.

For dessert we shared a substantial Spiced Toffee Sponge with toffee sauce and organic vanilla ice cream, although Roast Beef Boy consumed way more.

Green Park Brasserie is managed by Alex Peters, the son of Andrew Peters who set up and built the business. Andrew’s approach to food was always heavily French influenced, which is where the brasserie concept was grounded, and the menu typically combines this keynote with modern British and European cuisines.

The main course served up Roast Beef with topside (with meat always sourced locally from Terry & Son Butchers and Newton Farm) along with an impressive tower of roast potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, parsnips and Yorkshire pudding. It was a super-generous serving, with the gravy even served on the plate in a mini saucepan. There was, however, little wastage, I noted from my “I’m never going to eat all that” companion. My more mediterranean choice,

Did the rewards of our meal and the chance to spend quality time in each other’s company justify the cold-snap-defying and superhuman efforts of getting in the car and driving down the hill? Absolutely no question. It’s just a pity Bruce Willis or Alan Rickman weren’t there. n

Our meal for two at Green Park Brasserie, without drinks, totalled £68.50. Sunday lunches at Green Park Brasserie are served from 12pm–4pm, families are welcome and a children's menu is available. Larger group bookings are also available for special occasions. Make a reservation through greenparkbrasserie.com.

Sometimes the herculean effort of getting out of the house and going somewhere is amply compensated for in the form of satisfying gastronomic reward. Emma Clegg’s visit to Green Park Brasserie was one of those moments.

The brasserie was bustling with Sunday lunchers tempted by social interaction, roast chicken and chuck steak burgers

The John Palmer conundrum

Bath was a thriving social hub in the 18th century, entertaining the fashionable elite Londoners who came to take the waters and see plays at the original Theatre Royal. Vincent Baughan, tour guide at The Old Theatre Royal in Old Orchard Street, explores some key figures connected with that building, and how they all rejoiced under the same appellation, much to the confusion of present-day historians

One day, while skimming through some books in the library at Bath’s Masonic hall, I stumbled across John Palmer. He was, it seems, the very personification of a ‘polymath’. He was a businessman, with a brewery, and a candle manufactory in Bath. In addition to this, he was a prolific architect. He was also a well-connected businessman in London and theatre proprietor in Bristol and Bath. And in his copious free time he was Mayor of Bath, Member of Parliament, and even an actor.

I asked myself how could one man do all these things? I paused, and remembered that a little learning is a dangerous thing. So I dug a little deeper. There were, I found out, four John Palmers. All with overlapping histories, and all connected with the Old Theatre Royal on Old Orchard Street in Bath.

The first was John Palmer, brewer and tallow chandler, two essential 18th-century trades. The drinking water was generally poisonous, and so everyone drank beer. Also, the electric light had not been invented, so everyone needed candles.

John Palmer took over the project to build a theatre in Bath. The originator of the idea, a retired actor called John Hippisley, died before the theatre could be built. 18thcentury Bath was rapidly becoming a ‘go to’ place for London society. They came to take

the waters, and play cards in the Assembly Rooms. But there was no London standard theatre to entertain them.

In 1705, George Trim had built a rather inadequate theatre near Trim Street. Defoe visited it in 1725, and said, “In the afternoon there is generally a play – though the decorations are mean, and the performance accordingly – but it answers, for the company here make the play, to say no more.”

In 1738, this theatre closed and was demolished to make way for the east wing of the Mineral Water Hospital.

There was an impromptu theatre giving irregular performances in the cellars of Simpson’s Rooms near North Parade. But this was cramped and limited, and described by a visitor from France as “…quite a pretty little catacomb.” He went on to say, “When the curtain went up, and the stage began to vomit forth the actors, I was reminded of the band of robbers in Gil Blas’ cavern. Their manner of acting did not break the spell…”

So, it was clear that Bath needed a proper theatre. And on 27 October 1750, under John Palmer’s stewardship, the St. James’ Theatre opened on what is now Old Orchard Street. And Palmer ran the theatre until 1764, when he handed it down to his son… John Palmer!

John Palmer Junior was his father’s

London agent, but as Bath became the main focal point for social activity outside London, Palmer Junior’s focus moved west. He was enthusiastic in his management of the theatre. In 1768 he obtained a Royal Warrant for it, an exalted privilege that was only enjoyed by two London theatres at that time –Drury Lane and Covent Garden. The theatre in Bath was the first provincial theatre to be given the honour.

This enabled Palmer Junior to attract top theatre companies and leading stars to his theatre. He also toured provincial theatres, recruiting promising new talent. This set the foundations for the theatre’s high reputation as a nursery for developing talent.

Palmer Junior’s most famous appointment was Sarah Siddons, whose time at the theatre is celebrated by a bronze plaque on the Old Orchard Street building, unveiled by The Corporation of Bath in 1937. She appeared at the theatre from 1778 to 1782, where she honed her skill as an actress eventually going up to London to become a superstar.

Palmer Junior also embarked on a series of improvements to the building, not all of which were successful. For this work he engaged the services of the third John Palmer in our story, John Palmer the architect of Bath.

Palmer the architect built many of the setpiece buildings of Bath. Lansdown Crescent,

Interior of the Old Theatre Royal auditorium, which opened in 1750

noted for the way it hugs the contours of the land; St. James’ Square, the only complete Georgian square in Bath; Kensington Place; St. Swithin’s Church, St. James’ Church and Christ Church; and the original manifestation of the ‘new’ Theatre Royal on Saw Close.

The third John Palmer is also reputed to have designed the Roman Catholic Chapel on Corn Street. The congregation of that chapel moved into the Original Theatre Royal, when it ceased to be a theatre in the early 19th century. The chapel they left is now The Mission Theatre. In an interesting twist, what was built as a theatre on Old Orchard Street became a chapel. And what was built as a chapel on Corn Street, became a theatre!

Palmer the architect began re-modelling the theatre in 1767. He added a much admired ‘decorous dome’ incorporating Apollo and the muses. One correspondent wrote that it was, “…esteemed, in fancy, elegance and construction, inferior to none in Europe.”

However, the dome was a disaster. It destroyed the acoustics and provided no ventilation. The heat, and presumably the smell (bearing in mind the tallow candles and the 18th-century approach to personal hygiene) was a constant cause for complaint.

So, in 1774, the interior was re-modelled again. The dome was replaced with the ceiling we see today, with its displacement ventilation system. Seven boxes were added to the rear of the auditorium providing 200 extra seats.

In 1778, Palmer Junior acquired a theatre in Bristol, and obtained a Royal Warrant for this as well. He was therefore able to offer touring companies back-to-back performances in two high-status theatres within 15 miles of each other.

As part of the logistics for staging these

than a day.

In 1782, Palmer Junior convinced the authorities to use his coaches, in the face of opposition from established vested interests, to improve the postal system, and thus the mail coach was born. As a reward, he was made Comptroller of the Post Office in 1785, with a lucrative financial reward.

However Palmer’s zeal for reform brought him into constant conflict with the establishment within the organisation and he was dismissed in 1792.

Following his dismissal, Palmer entered politics. He became Mayor of Bath, twice, and Member of Parliament for the City in 1801. He remained in dispute with the government over his pension from the Post Office for the rest of his life.

To add to the John Palmer confusion, there were two other John Palmers, John ‘Gentleman’ Palmer and John ‘Plausible Jack’ Palmer. They appeared together briefly at Drury Lane, working for David Garrick –after whom the Garrick’s Head pub is named. They appeared on the bill as Gentleman Palmer and J. Palmer, to distinguish them. It was ‘Plausible Jack’ Palmer who played at Bath.

‘Plausible Jack’ Palmer was, by all accounts, a bit of a rogue. He is reputed to have illtreated his wife, he was a notorious pleasure seeker and occasionally neglected his theatrical duties. But his ‘nice conduct’ endeared him to his public, and gained him his nickname from Sheridan.

In the 1780s and against advice, he

attempted to build a theatre. This lost him his fortune and landed him in debtors’ prison.He died on stage in August 1798, playing the title role in The Stranger by German dramatist August von Kolzebue.

So it seems John Palmer was a popular name in the 18th century, so much so that four men can be melded into one multifaceted personality. I am now cautious when I read of the achievements of historical figures, especially when they seem eclectic and cover such diverse fields.

So John Palmer was indeed a brewer and chandler, a theatre manager, the inventor of the mail coach, a comptroller of the Post Office, a Mayor of Bath, a Member of Parliament, an architect, and a roguish actor.

But equally, John Palmer was not one man, but four; or five, if you include ‘Gentleman’ Palmer. n

Vincent Baughan is a tour guide at The Old Theatre Royal, Old Orchard Street, Bath, where there are regular tours, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11am and 2.30pm, and on Saturdays at 2.30pm. Special tours can be booked via enquiries@oldtheatreroyal.com. oldtheatreroyal

back-to-back performances, Palmer established a coach service between Bath and Bristol to move stage-hands, props and actors back-and-forth. These coaches also enabled him to travel to London in less

The New Theatre Royal auditorium, 1865

John Palmer Junior

Photograph by Stephen Richards

Theatre Royal, Beauford Square

Mission to renovate

Pre-fabricated churches, or ‘tin tabernacles’, developed in the mid-19th century, were quickly assembled places of worship, designed to serve a temporary purpose before more permanent structures could be built. The Tin Tabernacle in Bailbrook Lane has been empty for years, but now it has been purchased by Theo Raithby and his partner who plan to restore it and make it their permanent home. We ask Theo about his Bath connections and his plans for the Tin Tabernacle

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Bath. I grew up on Gloucester Road and moved near the Batheaston Toll Bridge in my early teens. I graduated in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, but I am currently working in a site management role for a company that specialises in office fit-out and refurbishment.

Q You have just bought the Tin Tabernacle in Bailbrook Lane, an abandoned church with a Grade-II listing. Why have you decided to do this and what plans do you have for it?

I’ve always been interested in property and architecture and like many locals was sorry to see it fall into disrepair. When given the opportunity to restore this unique building it was perfect for us. It’s close to family and friends, commutable for work, with beautiful views, easy access into Bath, the countryside on our doorstep and I do love a good project!

Q. Will you bring different things to the conversion?

We will keep the current structure and the look pretty much the same because of the building’s listed status, and in our view its charm comes from all the original features. It was approved for change of use to private residence in 1991 and has been lived in for many years, so we simply plan to restore it back into a warm, habitable, and loving home.

Q. Why is the Tin Tabernacle so important to conserve?

Nationally it stands as one of the last few remaining examples of this early form of flat-pack construction. Locally it’s a landmark in the heart of Bailbrook Lane. It’s an unforgettable milestone that we pass on family walks and a building many people have fond memories of. I think it’s important the Tin Church is conserved for both its national and local interest for generations to come.

Q. What will be the first priorities with the restoration?

Currently we’re organising the contents of the church, and ensuring that as much of what’s not being kept is recycled, rehomed, or given to charity shops. We’re also busy working on the architectural drawings and documentation needed to apply for planning permission and listed building consent, which is required before we can start the restoration.

Q. Will the internal structure stay the same, and how will you deal with the tower?

Yes, it will remain a timber structure, because this, along with the softwood matchboard lining that clad the walls and roof, form part of the building’s listing. Old photos and architectural drawings provide an excellent starting point for restoring the tower, along with advice from architects and other professionals.

Q. Are there defined rooms inside the church at the moment?

There is a mezzanine level used for storage, a bathroom in the back corner, a few internal walls that separate the main body of the building and two small sections to the sides due to its cruciform design. Much of the space is open plan, so excluding the bathroom this allows for several options when it comes to the internal layout. I have ideas but we’ll wait for suggestions from the architect and planners.

Q. How might you repair those magnificent windows?

When working with historic and listed buildings the hierarchy generally follows maintain, repair, restore and as a last resort replace. The Tin Church will require a full structural survey as well as consultation from listed building/heritage experts to identify their condition along with any causes of decay to determine the most appropriate course of action for each window. Originally the frames were painted white and the large east window had some stained glass which we have some old photos of and a description for reference. Most of the window repairs will be done by a local specialist.

Q. Do you have an idea about the style approach to the interior? And will you keep some of the original features? The interior will have a dark, rustic, and cosy feel with the solid floorboards and timber clad walls/ceilings. I’m fond of Victorian interiors and that of old English manor houses with deep red Persian rugs, brown leather furniture, dark timber wardrobes, leather-topped desks, paintings in ornate gold frames, brass lamps, and bookcases full of old books. But we’ll have to wait and see how this develops as the project progresses. The pulpit and pews must remain in the Tin Church and I feel will act as a nice reminder of the building’s history.

Theo and Fay

outside The Tin Church

Q. How much of the work will you do yourselves?

There will be elements that between myself, my partner Fay, and family and friends we have the knowledge and skill sets to do. These range from cleaning the building, gardening, landscaping, elements of joinery and woodwork to first-fix electrics and plumbing. However, the bulk of the work will require a variety of specialist contractors.

Q. When it will be habitable?

We haven’t got a fixed date in mind just yet. However, we know a project like this isn’t going to be done overnight, so we’re thinking in years rather than months. We’ll have a far better idea after achieving planning permission and getting estimated programmes from the various contractors.

Q. What philosophy sums up your approach to life?

A quote that has stuck with me since childhood is Winston Churchill’s “Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” Other than that, simply to be kind. Oh, and plant trees! Germinating acorns in old bottles makes a great addition to any windowsill; they can then be potted and later planted out.

Q. What is your ambition over the next year or so?

First and foremost, I want to make good progress with the Tin Church. More generally I would like to increase my knowledge and skill sets in areas I’m passionate about, grow in my professional career and continue developing some personal projects I’m currently working on. n

For anyone interested in tracking the restoration of the Tin Church over the next year or so, you can follow Theo and Fay’s Instagram at @thetinchurch

Historic England’s listing for the Tin Tabernacle:

Former Bailbrook Mission Church, now a dwelling. Opened 4 July 1892. Materials: Timberframe clad in corrugated iron, with corrugated iron roof. Style: Gothic. Plan: Cruciform plan with short chancel and transepts porch set in SW tower. Exterior: Cusped bargeboards to roof. Woodtraceried windows with cusped heads and elongated quatrefoils of three lights to east and west gables and two lights to other windows. Pointed arched doorways with raised architraves to south transept and to porch, which is surmounted by bellcote, with louvred windows, formerly capped by spire. Interior: Iron strutted principal rafter roof; match-boarded lining to walls and roof. Stained glass east memorial window of 1898. Fittings: Includes pulpit and some pews. History: An exceptionally elaborate example of a ‘tin tabernacle’, an industrially produced (and generally temporary) form of church incorporating early systems of

pre-fabricated construction. This example was the most expensive (and ecclesiastically correct) design, taken from a catalogue of 1889 by William Cooper, Old Kent Road, London. Formerly in a poor state of repair.

Front view of the Tin Church

Creature comforts

It’s time to jump for joy, people: according to the Chinese horoscope, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. In celebration of our favourite lop-eared friend (and fellow critters), this month’s book picks all star an anthropomorphic character or two...

To kick things off with a classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll features conversational creatures aplenty. A flustered rabbit (“I’m late, I’m late!”), a cryptic caterpillar (“who are you?”) and a grinning (Cheshire) cat to name just a few, Carroll’s seminal text is famously –and fabulously –anthropomorphic. There have been some wonderful editions of Alice published over the years –Tove Jansson’s illustrated version (£12.99, Tate Publishing) comes in as a firm favourite –but we’ve got our eyes on the gorgeous, soon-to-bepublished edition from the Rock Point Timeless Classics series (below). £22, Rock Point

Carroll’s characters aren’t alone in their penchant for dishing out the wisdom / nonsense; “it is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye”, ponders Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s philosophical fox in The Little Prince. After crashlanding in the Sahara Desert, a pilot encounters a young royal who is visiting Earth from his own planet. Along his journey, the prince meets several animals with some important things to say: from a sage fox, to a troublesome snake. Penguin’s beautiful Clothbound Classics edition of Exupéry’s masterpiece is the one to own, in our books. £14.99, Penguin

For a bit of light relief post-French-philosophy, we’re looking to Snoopy and the gang. Charles Schulz's Peanuts strips and characters –including the iconic Snoopy the dog and Woodstock the little yellow bird –are loved internationally, appealing to fans young and old since they appeared in the 1950s. The Bumper Book of Peanuts takes readers back to the golden age of Peanuts, gathering the very best of the strip from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Packed with strips featuring Snoopy, and the whole motely crew. £14.99, Canongate Books

It wouldn’t be a much of a list of novels-that-feature-animalswho-act-like-humans without some George Orwell: Animal Farm, starringthe downtrodden animals of Manor Farm, is potentially The Most Famous of All Anthropomporphic Tales. When the farmyard manage to overthrow their master, Mr Jones, they imagine it is the beginning of a life of freedom. But soon a cunning, ruthless elite among them, masterminded by the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, starts to take control. £14.99, Penguin Books

Dubbed as Orwell for the 21st century, NoViolet Bulawayo’s Glory –a scintillating allegory of anthropomorphic uprising, incisively capturing the destructive cycle of corrupting power and relentless tyranny –is next up. A long time ago, in a bountiful land not so far away, writes Bulawayo, the animal denizens lived quite happily. Then the colonisers arrived. After nearly a hundred years, a bloody War of Liberation brought new hope for the animals –along with a new leader. Glory tells the story of a country seemingly trapped in a cycle as old as time, and reminds us that the glory of tyranny only lasts as long as its victims are willing to let it. £18.99,Vintage Publishing

Another recent addition to the (anthropomorphic) literary landscape, Sunday Times bestseller TheConstant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde is a political satire described by The Guardian as a “crazed cross between Watership Down and Nineteen Eighty-Four”. When a family of human-sized rabbits, the result of an inexplicable anthropomorphising event half a century before, move into the village of Much Hemlock, two worlds collide. Fforde’s is a bizarre tale of human-rabbit coexistence masking a clever allegory about belonging and identity. £8.99, Hodder & Stoughton

Sticking with the vaguely (/extremely) unsettling theme, Mona Awad’s Bunny is a nice dose of Dark Academia (fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, unite!) with a splash of anthropomorphic attitude. Samantha Heather Mackey couldn’t be more of an outsider in her small, highly selective MFA program at New England’s Warren University. A scholarship student who prefers the company of her dark imagination to that of most people, she is utterly repelled by the rest of her fiction writing cohort – a clique of unbearably twee rich girls who call each other ‘Bunny’, and seem to move and speak as one. (Despite its soft-and-fluffy title, this isn’t one for younger readers: you have been warned!) £9.99, Penguin Randomhouse

New year, new finances

It’s getting to that time of year when New Year’s resolutions are set. If improving your finances is on your list, here are 8 tips to consider.

1. Check when your current mortgage product ends. Rates have significantly increased over the past 12 months and so it’s even more important to make sure you are on the best rate possible.

2. Do you have a will? Having a will not only ensures your assets go to whom you want but also saves time, money, and stress for your loved ones.

3. Create or update your monthly budget. With the cost of living increasing, it is worth checking whether there are any excess expenses that could be cut.

4. Build an emergency fund. An emergency fund is there to cover unexpected costs whilst helping you avoid short-term debt.

5. Financial protection. Is your mortgage fully covered? What would you do if someone in your house suffered a serious illness? How would you manage if you couldn’t work due to ill health? There are numerous insurance policies available which can all be tailored to individual circumstances.

6. Track down previous pensions. It’s likely you’ve built up several pensions over your career. It’s worth tracking these down and reviewing them to ensure they are right for your retirement.

7. Check your employee benefits. These can be highly valuable and cost-effective.

8. If you are within 15 years of retiring, now’s the time to start planning. 15 years will give you plenty of time to work out a clear plan and overcome any retirement shortfall.

At Matheson Charles, we are passionate about financial planning and would welcome any conversations about the above. We offer free consultation meetings and a no obligation service to allow you to make pressure free decisions. We also offer a fee free mortgage service.

A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.

The value of units can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back all of your original investment.

info@mathesoncharles.com 01225 683 156 www.mathesoncharles.com 6/7 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB

Matheson Charles Ltd is an appointed representative of In Partnership the trading name of The On-Line Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Matheson Charles Ltd FCA number: 954458. Registered No: 13410532, Registered address: 6/7 Trim Street, Bath, Avon, United Kingdom, BA1 1HB, Registered in England & Wales.

A new approach: one lawyer to help separating couples

In April 2022, the law surrounding divorce changed. The new law means that it is no longer necessary to apportion blame, such as citing unreasonable behaviour or adultery, when applying for a divorce. The introduction of the ‘no-fault divorce’ process also allows couples to make an application for a divorce jointly, rather than it being a requirement for one person to instigate the process. This change in the law has also triggered a new way of thinking; namely, can one lawyer jointly advise parties going through a divorce or separation?

For decades, the prospect of one lawyer advising both parties experiencing separation would have been considered a conflict of interests; this meant that each party would need their own lawyer or be faced with having no legal representation at all.

The concept of a conflict of interests could be frustrating for couples who were largely in agreement about how they hoped to arrange their finances and childcare after separation but needed some specialist advice and support to agree the details. Further, many felt that the concept of having separate lawyers on opposing sides could increase risk of acrimony and conflict where, in reality, little existed.

Fortunately, changing attitudes in family law mean that it is now possible for one lawyer to jointly advise parties going through a separation, both in relation to financial and childcare matters.

How will it work?

The process requires parties to work amicably together with their lawyer; there needs to be a real commitment to finding solutions. Importantly, it requires trust and co-operation between the parties and a willingness to provide relevant disclosure of financial and other important circumstances.

The process is not suitable for everyone, particularly where there are concerns about past or ongoing abuse, dishonesty or where there is a significant imbalance of power between the respective parties.

The Benefits

When appropriate, the ‘one lawyer’ approach has numerous benefits including:

• The ability to truly work together to reach an agreed outcome.

• Openness and transparency; both parties will receive the same advice from their lawyer aimed to benefit them both and the family as a whole.

• A more cost-effective solution.

The ‘one lawyer’ approach can be an effective way for parties to be guided through the legal process of separation whilst maintaining dignity and a mutual respect for one another.

If you are interested in understanding more about the one-lawyer approach, please call Simon Walker on 01225 750000 or email simon.walker@mogersdrewett.com

The year 2022 was a good one for Bath, with the formal announcement of our double World Heritage status and the slow return to the city that welcomes visitors. We have been pleased to see several new arrivals in the city with newcomers Coppa Club taking the old Gap building and the return of Monsoon and Accessorize to our high streets, alongside the crowdpleasing Morrisons which seems to be full of people every lunch time. The city footfall has kept pace with national and regional trends and has tended to follow the traditional annual pattern, peaking in the holidays and quieter mid-week, but slightly lower than in 2019, and this is reflected in the city’s relatively low vacant premises rates.

For the Bath Business Improvement District (BID), it has been a very busy year. We are in the second year of our five-year term so all the plans we put forward in our five-year proposal are beginning to come together.

Alongside the well-loved Bath BID rangers who keep the city clean and welcoming throughout the year, we have introduced Safe and Secure marshals to address city shoplifting and support people in the city to feel safe. We have run anti-drink spiking workshops and are working with the night time economy to ensure that Bath is a safe place for a wonderful night out.

We were delighted to host the first Bath Business Conference in September, successfully bringing together over 150 business people to input their ideas for the city.

We are proud of our environmental efforts, having introduced a new business recycling partnership which will make it possible for the most space-limited business to recycle food waste efficiently. Bath business food waste goes to a local biogas plant where it is turned into energy and fertilizer. Businesses have been asking for this service for a long time, which should save them money, as well as depriving our seagull population of easy pickings. Alongside our business recycling, we have saved over 900 toys from landfill with the rather wonderful Elves Swapshop, Santa’s ‘Old for Old’ toy upcycling attraction which has welcomed almost 900 children this year, all of whom left with a pre-loved toy.

Looking forward to next year, we plan to introduce a safe bus on busy nights in the city centre. The Safe Bus will be for people who find themselves in a vulnerable position while enjoying Bath’s nightlife. We will also be introducing a new Wellbeing Festival to the city in February, so it will be a busy spring.

We are grateful for the support we receive from our partners across the city and the businesses who make our work possible and we urge people to make the most of our city high streets. We are indeed very lucky in Bath to have a range of independent and mainstream shops, restaurants and cafés who will all appreciate our support in the new year. bathbid.co.uk

New Year’s message from Allison Herbert, Chief Executive at Bath BID

HMRC is changing how they assess profits for some sole traders and partnerships

How HMRC assesses profits for sole traders and partnerships whose accounting year-end falls between 6 April and 30 March will change from 6 April 2023.

There will be no change for you if your year-end is between 31 March and 5 April.

Under the current rules, you are taxed on profits for the accounting year ending within a given tax year. If your year-end is 30 November, for the 2022/23 tax year you will be taxed on the profits in your 30 November 2022 accounts.

From 6 April 2024, you will instead be assessed on your profits for each tax year that runs from 6 April to 5 April. This change will affect how your tax return is completed if your year-end is between 6 April and 30 March.

The changes mean in the 2023/24 tax year you will be assessed to tax on both:

•The 12-month accounting period you have previously been using (the one that ends in 2023/24).

•The rest of the 2023 to 2024 tax year (minus any overlap relief that you may be due) spread over 2022/23 and the next 4 tax years.You can spread these ‘excess’ profits over a shorter period if you wish.

Example (assuming no overlap relief is available):

Your accounting period is from 1 January to 31 December.

Your assessable profit is £32,000 from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Your assessable profit is £18,000 from 1 January 2024 to 5 April 2024.

The £18,000 profit is divided equally and assessed over the next 5 tax years at £3,600 a year (£18,000 divided by 5). In the 2023/24 tax year, your total assessable profits will be £35,600 (£32,000 plus £3,600).

You do not have to change your accounting period and can continue to use whatever year-end suits your business.

However, you may want to consider changing your year-end to 31 March or 5 April. If you do, this will align your accounting period with the end of the tax year, and you will not need to apportion profits on your tax return every year.

EDUCATION NEWS

Overcoming barriers

Are you the parent of a child or young person with additional challenges, looking for some support dealing with these? Now, Next & Then offers a team of experts who help children to overcome barriers, no matter how small, so that everyday successes are achievable and ongoing. Their services comprise Children’s Occupational Therapy, Legally-based Educational Advocacy & Support, Autism Advocacy & Support, and Parent Support specialities.

Now, Next & Then is headed up by Emma, who oversees all requests to ensure parents/carers/schools receive help from the best person and at the right time. Being a one-stopshop of support is part of the company ethos. Emma says, “We know that if a child needs help, they need the best that is available and very often, they need that help now! We all provide a totally childcentred approach and work to a gold standard, without compromise.”

nownextandthen.co.uk

Excellence for Kingswood

Easter revision courses at KES

In April 2023, King Edward’s School, Bath will offer Easter revision courses for GCSE and A Levels students preparing to take external exams next summer. The revision courses will take place between 3–6 April, during a period which is a key focus for exam preparation and revision.

Kingswood Senior School has secured an ‘Excellent’ rating following their ISI Inspection in October 2022, which reviewed the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements and the quality of personal development. Mr Gordon-Brown, Headmaster of the Senior School commented “There is a line in the ISI report that stands out to me as particularly representative of the Kingswood Community: ‘Throughout the school, caring for others is part of the ethos.’ This speaks to the very heart of our values as a school and echoes the core of our educational mission at Kingswood. Learning to care for our fellow humans is at the very heart of a moral education, and it is a privilege to lead such a community.” kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Millfield welcomes Ukrainian students

Two­Ukrainian­students­have­spoken­about­their­experiences­of being­welcomed­into­Millfield­School­after­fleeing­their­country. Ana­Sandalova,­a­17-year-old­pianist,­guitarist,­singer­and songwriter,­has­found­solace­in­Millfield’s­music­department, performing­in­multiple­concerts,­and­16-year-old­Vitalii­Klymenko­has set­up­a­water­polo­team­to­pursue­his­passion­for­the­sport­and­has already­entered­the­National­Championships. As­a­result­of­the­conflict­in­Ukraine,­Millfield­offered­10­free Ukrainian­student­places­to­enable­children­affected­to safely­continue­with­their­education.­Ana­and­her family­left­their­home­in­Kyiv­immediately­at­the start­of­the­conflict­for­safety,­moving­to Montenegro.­She­travelled­to­the­UK­on­her own­and­her­parents­and­younger­sister­Eva stayed­in­Montenegro;­her­guardian,­who lived­locally,­heard­about­Millfield’s­offer­of places­and­Ana­started­in­June.­Ana­is studying­BTEC­music­at­Millfield,­with aspirations­of­a­career­in­music­and­the dream­of­one­day­singing­at­Wembley Stadium.

Ana­said:­“I­came­to­England­because­of­the­war but­I­never­thought­that­I­could­study­in­a­school like­Millfield.­All­I­want­is­to­be­in­a­safe­place­and continue­my­education.­Millfield­gave­me­lots­of­support when­I­joined­the­school,­the­teachers­have­helped­me­a­lot­with­my language­barrier­and­the­Millfield­community­has­helped­me­to continue­to­make­my­dreams­come­true.”

Ana­recently­performed­at­the­school’s­Students­International Dinner­where­she­poignantly­sang­her­mother’s­favourite­song Океан­Ельзи­–­Обійми,­a­Ukrainian­song­about­freedom.­She­said: “The­song­that­I­sang­at­the­International­Dinner­talks­about

The KES revision programme has been designed to offer constructive, friendly and tailored support for pupils beginning their exam revision. The courses, delivered by KES subject specialist teachers, enable A Level and GCSE students to choose up to 2 subjects to study over the course of the 4-day programme, which will take place at the School’s Senior School campus on North Road, Bath. Each subject course will run either as a morning (9-12 noon) or afternoon (12.30pm–3.30pm) session and will be limited to small class sizes to ensure that teachers can provide personalised 1:1 advice and tutoring. kesbath.com

freedom,­a­new­beginning­after­dark­times­and­about­the­love­of­a person­that­helps­you­go­through­the­most­difficult­times.”

“I­really­miss­Ukraine­and­my­family,­I­feel­sad­about­what­is happening­in­my­country­now,­that's­why­I­chose­that­song.”

Vitalii,­a­regular­water­polo­player­in­his­homeland,­quickly­settled into­Millfield­after­leaving­Kyiv­where­his­mum,­dad­and­younger sister­remain.­Vitalii­is­studying­maths,­computer­science­and­physics.Missing­his­sporting­passion,­he­asked­Millfield’s­Director­of Swimming­Euan­Dale,­if­he­could­set­up­a­water­polo team,­which­Vitalii­now­coaches­three­times­a­week in­the­school’s­50m­pool.­“I­really­appreciate Millfield­for­giving­me­the­opportunity­to­play water­polo.­In­Ukraine­I­couldn't­do­this­during the­war.­I’ve­been­playing­water­polo­for seven­years,­but­I­have­never­been­a­coach before,­so­it­is­a­great­experience­for­me.”

Vitalii’s­favourite­part­about­being­at Millfield­is­the­boarding.­“Boarding­is­one­of the­best­aspects­for­me­at­Millfield,­I­have­a lot­of­friends­in­my­house,­and­I­really­like joining­in­with­all­the­house­activities.”­After Millfield,­Vitalii­hopes­to­attend­university­and continue­playing­water­polo.

Headmaster­Gavin­Horgan­said:­“It­is­heart-warming that­both­Ana­and­Vitalii­have­found­their­feet­at­Millfield­in extraordinary­circumstances,­whilst­they­and­their­families­continue to­go­through­the­trauma­of­war­in­their­home­country.­I­am­very proud­of­them­both­and­expect­nothing­less­than­the­Millfield community­supporting­them­in­their­passions.­I­am­excited­to­see what­they­will­achieve­during­their­time­in­the­Sixth­Form­and beyond.”

millfieldschool.com

Proving the power of music

The University of Bath has published a new study showing how learning to play a musical instrument can see a marked improvement in participants’ audio-visual stimulation and a reduction in the amount of stress and anxiety they feel

Anew study published by researchers at the University of Bath demonstrates the positive impact learning to play a musical instrument has on the brain’s ability to process sights and sounds, and shows how it can also help to lift a blue mood.

Publishing their findings in the academic journal Nature Scientific Reports, the team behind the study shows how beginners who undertook piano lessons for just one hour a week over 11 weeks reported significant improvements in recognising audio-visual changes in the environment and reported less depression, stress and anxiety.

The University of Bath researchers were PhD student Yuqing Che; Crescent Jicol, Lecturer in Computer Science; Chris Ashwin, Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology; and Karin Petrini Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Experimental and Cognitive Psychology.

This was a randomised control study (RCT) –a study that measures the effectiveness of a new intervention by examining cause-effect relationships between an intervention and outcome –where 31 young adults were assigned into either a music training, music listening, or a control group. Individuals with no prior musical experiences or training were instructed to complete weekly one-hour sessions. While the intervention groups played music, the control groups either listened to music or used the time to complete homework. But what makes this study different from ones done previously is that firstly all participants had no prior music knowledge; secondly all of them were tested before and after their training (or music listening, or the control group; and thirdly they were tested on mental health variables.

Co-author Chris Ashwin explains, “We measured them beforehand on their

multi sensory (audio visual) processing, emotional processing and some mental health measures, before running the active musical training. music listening and control group exposure for 11 weeks. And then we tested them to see the actual effects of the music training on these different groups.”

It was found that within just a few weeks of starting lessons*, people’s ability to process multisensory information – meaning sight and sound – was enhanced. Improved ‘multisensory process’ has benefits for almost every activity we participate in – from driving a car and crossing a road, to finding someone in a crowd or watching TV.

These multisensory improvements were also found to extend beyond musical abilities. With musical training, people’s audio-visual processing became more accurate across other tasks. Those who received piano lessons showed greater accuracy in tests where participants were asked to determine whether sound and vision ‘events’ occurred at the same time.

This was true both for simple displays presenting flashes and beeps, and for more complex displays showing a person talking. Such fine-tuning of individuals’ cognitive abilities was not present for the music listening group (where participants listened to the same music as played by the music group), or for the non-music group (where members studied or read).

In addition, the findings went beyond improvements in cognitive abilities, showing that participants also had reduced depression, anxiety and stress scores after the training compared to before it. The authors suggest that music training could be beneficial for people with mental health difficulties, and further research is currently underway to test this.

Dr Karin Petrini from the University of Bath’s Department of Psychology, explained:

Music training sessions

Each music training session included two segments. The first 20-minute segment was dedicated to finger exercise. The second segment lasted for 40 minutes. All training sessions were carried out on a one-to-one basis. Participants learned these pieces in the order below. They proceeded to the next song once they could play the former one correctly and fluently:

• William Gillock A Stately Sarabande. Classic Piano Repertoire (Elementary).

• Johann Christian Bach Aria in F, BWV Anh. II 131.

• Giuseppe Verdi La donna è mobile (from Rigoletto).

• Bryan Kelly Gypsy Song: No. 6 from A Baker’s Dozen

• Traditional American Folk Song: When the Saints Go Marching In.

“We know that playing and listening to music often brings joy to our lives, but with this study we were interested in learning more about the direct effects a short period of music learning can have on our cognitive abilities.

“Learning to play an instrument like the piano is a complex task: it requires a musician to read a score, generate movements and monitor the auditory and tactile feedback to adjust their further actions. In scientific terms, the process couples visual with auditory cues and results in a multisensory training for individuals.

“The findings from our study suggest that this has a significant, positive impact on how the brain processes audio-visual information even in adulthood when brain plasticity is reduced.”

Following on from this research, the university has plans to undertake further research on the power of music training by comparing a group of austistic participants with a group of neurotypical people. n

The full study – ‘An RCT study showing few weeks of music lessons enhance audiovisual temporal processing’ can be seen on nature.com.

Both autistic and neurotypical people are invited to sign up for the University of Bath’s participant database to hear about some of the studies and have the opportunity to take part. Scan the QR code to sign up.

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS

News stories, including details of an Ultimate Spa Day transformative experience, news about two hospitals offering new state-of-the-art equipment, and an introduction to repair and rejuvenation skin products

An Ultimate Spa Day at Lucknam Park Reviving skin products

Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask

111SKIN has revolutionised sheet masks through the use of highperformance ingredients to achieve instant results. This reformulated mask using advanced masking technology is infused with complexes that will repair, rest and rejuvenate skin. £22 111skin.com

DP Dermacuticals Retinal Active

This powerful solution contains the highest form of retinoid available without a prescription, Retinaldehyde (Vitamin A).

Lucknam Park has partnered with the much-loved clinical skincare brand, 111SKIN, founded and curated by renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides. 111SKIN precision skincare treatments are designed to offer physical and emotional transformative rituals that promise indulgent efficacy, inspired by Dr. Yannis Alexandrides’s surgical expertise and multidisciplinary approach to skin health.

For the Ultimate 111SKIN experience the therapists at Lucknam Park Spa will tailor two 90-minute treatments specifically for your needs to leave you feeling youthful and radiant. A welcome cocktail, a delicious three-course lunch at the Brasserie and full use of the spa facilities are also included. This is a revolutionary spa concept offering aesthetic performance face and body treatments in a multi-sensory, opulent spa environment at Lucknam Park. The new partnership will provide cutting-edge medical innovation, high-tech formulas, clinical results and a high-luxury experience.

The 111SKIN Ultimate Spa Day is available Monday to Friday for £525, or on Saturdays for £550. lucknampark.co.uk

RETINAL ACTIVE is a must-have lifting face cream, combining repair and rejuvenation properties and anti-ageing antioxidants. Use in the evening on combination, aged, wrinkled, or pigmented skin.

Made in the US, sold at SAQUA Beauty. £120 saqua.co.uk

Two

Bath hospitals benefit from advanced technology

Sulis Hospital has a new state-of-the-art CT scanner as part of a £4.4m upgrade in advanced imaging technology, and Royal United Hospitals has had a new Truebeam Linear Accelerator installed in its radiotherapy department.

At the Sulis Hospital, the award-winning SOMATOM® X.cite CT system from Siemens Healthineers1 improves ease of use, facilitating optimised patient positioning and access for simplified workflows. The new scanner provides fast, high-resolution imaging, making the Advanced Imaging Unit at Sulis Hospital one of the most technically advanced radiology centres in the south west.

As well as being an advanced and complex CT scanner the new scanner at the Sulis, shown here, provides high-quality imaging, maintaining reassuring low doses. Its multiple functionalities, such as visual patient instructions and an 82cm wide bore gantry, allow examinations and interventional procedures to be conducted effortlessly.

At the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust a new Truebeam Linear Accelerator has been installed, replacing old equipment. In what has been a major improvement project for the hospital, the new accelerator offers modern, cutting-edge technology and will make radiotherapy treatment for patients quicker and more comfortable. The state of the art machine can deliver radiotherapy treatment faster for cancer patients and uses advanced techniques to deliver treatment with even better accuracy.

The machine will also help clinical staff by delivering clearer images of scans. The eightmonth project has seen around 180 tonnes of steel installed in the walls of the room to increase radiation protection and fit out the room for clinical use. The linear accelerator cost £2million and was funded by NHS England.

sulishospital.com; rhs.nhs.uk

In search of wellbeing

At The Core is an innovative physiotherapy and wellbeing practice, which is designed to help patients find relief from pain and inflammation, especially associated with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. We ask At the Core owner Julia Tisdale about the company’s advice and recommendations and what new clients might expect

Q. Underlying your business is a passion for physical fitness, positive eating and good mental health. Can you explain how these things are interrelated?

At the Core was established with the ambition of helping people lead an active life for as long as possible, so with this in mind, positive lifestyle choices such as good nutrition and physical fitness support an active lifestyle, which in turn contributes to good mental health. There is a wellestablished connection between being physically active and mental wellbeing.

One of the many conditions that can prevent people from being physically active in later life is osteoarthritis, which can cause joint discomfort and pain. The range of treatments we have curated At The Core –Physiotherapy, Nutrition Therapy, Soft Tissue Therapy and MBST Therapy –is designed to help patients be free of pain so that they can move freely and be more active. The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) recently published guidelines for GPs that recommend prescribing exercise for osteoarthritis.

Q.Tell us about the nutritional advice and recommendations you offer. And is it often part of a package of treatment and advice? Everyone benefits from good nutrition, and we offer nutrition advice relating to sporting

performance and in support of MBST Therapy. So yes, absolutely, we offer nutrition advice to any patient who wants to improve their diet plus nutrition advice relating to sporting objectives. We do offer a special ‘Complete Anti-Inflammatory Package’ which includes MBST Therapy, Nutrition Advice and Rehabilitation. MBST Therapy is shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions, so an antiinflammatory diet which supports that is highly recommended if undergoing this type of treatment.

Q. Much of your work is about rehabilitation through physiotherapy, focused on those recovering from injury, living with a chronic condition, or wanting to build up and maintain strength and mobility. How many of your clients have a specific goal?

This varies hugely from one patient to another. Some patients come to us with a very specific goal of reducing pain and getting back to fitness –very commonly these patients want to get back to doing what they love such as playing golf, cycling or tennis.

Others come to us in so much pain that they can’t see past this, so the initial goal is to try and reduce the pain that they are

living with. Conditions range from osteoarthritis and joint pain, to intervertebral disc conditions. For patients who are recommended MBST Therapy as part of a physiotherapy treatment programme, we often find that they have a new lease of life by the end of treatment. The MBST Therapy can rapidly reduce inflammation, helping to reduce pain and increase mobility. You can visibly see the difference in a patient’s confidence, and they are invigorated to eat more healthily and become more active for the first time in a long time. I love the positive impact that MBST Therapy can have on mental wellbeing as well as function.

Q. Are many of your clients referred to you through medical practitioners?

We often get private referrals for MBST Therapy from Orthopaedic Surgeon Jonathon Webb, who has seen first hand the positive effects MBST Therapy can have on arthritic knees. We also have referrals from other physiotherapists, other MBST clinics and increasingly from our own patients, who are sharing their success stories with friends and relatives. We have recently partnered with King Edward's School and have seen students, parents and staff through our work with the school, and our local advertising with The Bath Magazine and community events have also brought a number of new patients to us.

Q. What happens during a client’s first visit?

All patients must have an initial consultation with one of our experienced clinicians who will do a thorough assessment of their condition. The clinician will then advise the next steps, which might be further investigation, physiotherapy and

If a patient has learnt about MBST Therapy from a friend, they usually want the same treatment, but every patient has to be approved by a clinician first.

Q.If someone has a sports injury, what sort of recommendations might you pass on?

• Seek appropriate guidance –a physiotherapist is usually a better first port of call than a GP or A&E;

•A responsible clinician will then refer on where appropriate and guide you through the recovery process;

• The initial stages of injury management are understanding it so that no further damage is done, and then mapping out a way to progress back to where you want to be.

Q. What about clients with multiple health issues? Do you focus on one thing at a time?

It’s important to identify things that can be changed or controlled. Often getting one thing right will allow for motivation and momentum to be carried forward into other areas of life. Any changes need to match up to meaningful goals or the impetus to address them won’t exist.

Q. What is your advice to someone who wants to achieve an active life?

Firstly you need to know where you are and where you want to get to, so set goals and

work backwards from them. Then don’t try to change too much at once. Small incremental changes will help to make new behaviours become habit.

We recently discussed this very subject with a group who attended our Men's Health Event. Our initial assessments are geared towards helping clients meet their desired outcomes, and we are about to launch men-only yoga classes and are

considering pre-habilitation sessions to help patients prepare their bodies to return to fitness, whether that be a gym, a specific challenge or they simply need some structure and direction. n

At the Core, Unit 3, The Foundry, Beehive Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 461205; atthecore.health

Regain quality of life with world-class shoulder experts at Sulis Hospital, Bath

It can be frustrating when shoulder pain stops you from doing the activities you love, whether that’s rugby, tennis, skiing, or anything inbetween. But this award-winning Bath-based private hospital can help ease pain and get you back on the path to recovery.

Shoulder pain is common amongst sportspeople but can affect others too. When this pain presents itself, it not only disrupts your sport but can impact your day-to-day life. However, thanks to Sulis Hospital, your shoulder pain could be a thing of the past.

Recognised for its “specialist expertise and high standards of care,” the Shoulder Unit at Sulis Hospital is a Centre of Excellence for the treatment of shoulder problems.

We spoke to orthopaedic consultant and shoulder specialist Gavin Jennings from Sulis Hospital who has a particular interest in performing advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) procedures to treat conditions ranging from instability of the shoulder to tendon damage.

He discusses treatment for instability in the shoulder which is a common condition: “A shoulder stabilisation operation is performed for a patient who has an unstable shoulder where the ball is slipping out of the socket.”

“What we’re trying to do with this operation is essentially restore normality. So, we would expect the shoulder to behave in the same way as the patient's undamaged shoulder.”

“The shoulder inherently is a very mobile joint but that also means that there tend to be issues with stability and is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body.”

But why might a shoulder become unstable? Dislocation is “very common in contact sports such as rugby. But equally, we see plenty of patients who have fallen skiing or coming off a bicycle for example. They will then have problems where they feel they just don't trust the shoulder and they will say ‘my shoulder feels unstable’.”

“There is usually some damage to the ligaments at the front of the socket and the cartilage, which is known as the labrum, as this pulls off at the time of the dislocation. So, what we’re aiming to do with shoulder stabilisation procedures is to fix that labrum back on.”

So, what should you expect at your initial consultation? “Diagnosis is usually fairly straight forward. What you are looking for is clear evidence that the labrum has pulled off. The way we do that is to get a special type of scan called an MRI arthrogram which involves putting some dye into the joint. When the labrum pulls away it forms a little cleft, the dye will run into that and it will show up very clearly on the scans. The idea of the operation is to repair this small piece of tissue back onto the socket.”

“This type of operation is done arthroscopically. A small cut will be made at the back of the shoulder and an arthroscope will be inserted, which is a special scope with a light on the end of a fiberoptic cable, which produces a digital image in high definition.”

“This gives us very accurate pictures of the inside of the joint as if we were actually in there looking at it ourselves. What this enables us to do

is to make very good judgements about the levels of damage in the shoulder.”

“The other advantage of keyhole surgery is that we don’t do much damage at all in getting into the shoulder so we can go through fairly safe planes where we don't need to take any tendons off or remove any muscles, unlike open operations. Also, the recovery is quicker.”

He went on to explain the success rate of the surgery: “We know that this operation will be successful in stabilising the shoulder and allowing return to sport in between about 80-90% of people, allowing them to get back to their full activities.

“So a high-level sports person or rugby player, for example, because they get a great deal of physiotherapy input and they're being monitored very closely, can even be back to contact within eight weeks of the operation. A more average time would be three months to getting back to contact sport.”

He concludes: “This sort of surgery is extremely rewarding because you see a patient (often a young, very active patient) who enjoys their sport, enjoys activity and is quite unhappy when they can't play their rugby, cricket, or tennis, and you help them regain that higher quality of life.”

Bath Magazine heard from Jake Gibson, a patient at Sulis Hospital, “My career as a dance teacher and personal trainer requires ease of movement every day, so successful shoulder surgery was crucial. I couldn't have lived the lifestyle I have with a high volume of movement without the operation. Quality of life is everything to me and I am grateful to the surgeon and specialist team at Sulis Hospital for their expertise.”

World-class Expertise

The specialist Centre of Excellence for Shoulder Surgery at Sulis Hospital brings together experienced Consultant Surgeons; Mr Andrew Chambler, Mr James Fagg, Mr Simon Gregg-Smith, and Mr Gavin Jennings and dedicated rehabilitation therapists to provide investigation, diagnosis, and treatment to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

A new way of thinking in healthcare Sulis Hospital is a leading private hospital wholly-ownded by the local NHS Trust and proud to be reinvesting back into the NHS.

For expert advice contact Sulis Hospital Bath (formally Circle Bath) please call 01761 422288 or enquire online www.sulishospital.com Sulis Hospital, Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SQ

*Like any surgery, shoulder stabilisation is an invasive procedure and is not risk-free. Always seek medical advice and give the procedure careful consideration before going ahead. It is important to note that results may vary depending on the age and health of the person.

Looking after ourselves has become increasingly more important with our National Health Service being under so much pressure. The world we live in dictates the need to take better care of ourselves. We are now just beginning to release how important our health is to all aspects of our lives. Not just physically but mentally as well.

Our approach is unique

Kinesiology looks at the body as a whole. We identify and treat the root causes of problems not just the symptoms. It uses muscle testing to detect imbalances in the body that can lead to illness. If someone is mentally upset, chemically out of balance, structurally out of line or their energies are disturbed the muscle will be unable to fully function. As all aspects of the body are continually communicating with each other, it is impossible to affect one part of the body/mind without the whole also being affected in some way.

Kinesiology restores imbalances in the body by reducing the effects that stress has on it. Eliminating contaminated chemicals and pollutants and releasing blocked energy, all of which have a negative impact on the body by making the body less efficient. Using a wonderful variety of therapeutic tools, all of which are non-invasive, we are able to work on these imbalances to bring about a beneficial effect. By restoring balance the body’s natural ability to heal itself is enhanced.

What can Kinesiology help with?

•Digestive issues (such as Irritable Bowel)

•Hormonal issues (including PMS, Menstrual pain and Menopause)

•Fatigue (including Chronic and post viral fatigue)

•Depression and Anxiety

•Allergies/food intolerance

•Muscle and joint pain

•Headaches/migraines

•Sleep problems

•Long Covid

It is ideal for people of all ages including babies. Working together we can find the right path to restoring your health and get you well. Please feel free to contact me for a FREE consultation to discuss any health issues and find out how I can help.

Sharon Fry

English Ivy Wellness www.englishivywellness.co.uk

Email: englishivywellness@gmail.com

Clinics in Bath and Bristol English Ivy Wellnessenglishivywellness

Kinesiology: A Holistic way of looking after your health and wellbeing that is totally unique to you

An Invitation

A question of cataract

When your lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches, the quality of vision can quickly deteriorate.We meet one of the West Country’s most eminent eye specialists Adam Ross

Adam Ross is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspeciality interest in cataract surgery including micro-incision and complex cataract surgery, medical retina and uveitis.

He carried out his training in Bristol and Cheltenham, as well as visiting fellowships in New York and Washington.

He has an extensive background in teaching and was the Ophthalmology Postgraduate Training Director and Head of School for Ophthalmology in the Severn Deanery as well as an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Bristol.

His main clinical practice is at the Chesterfield Nuffield Hospital, Bristol and is also involved in research within the subspecialty of retina at Boehringer Ingelheim. Furthermore, he sits on the board of trustees for the charity SRUK (Sight Research UK).

TBM posed some questions to Mr Adam Ross about the common eye condition, cataract.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a common condition that causes clouding of the natural lens of the eye resulting in blurring or glaring of vision. They usually occur slowly over time.

Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts and is recommended based on the severity of the disease and the impact on the daily activities of the patient. During surgery the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens in the same lens capsule as the natural lens.

What are the symptoms?

Patients usually complain of a general reduction in vision, clouding of vision or other symptoms such as glare or haloes. Patients may find they also require brighter light for reading or other activities or that they are having to change spectacles on a regular basis.

How can they be treated?

Surgery is the only treatment for cataract and is recommended based on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the daily activities of the patient. It is performed one eye at a time on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.

Are there different lens options?

Some options include: Monofocal intraocular lenses are set at a fixed point usually at distance and are the most common lenses used in cataract surgery.

Multifocal intraocular lenses are recommended after a thorough preoperative diagnostic evaluation. You will be questioned on your visual expectations and lifestyle - both work and leisure activities –and the importance given to both and amount of time spent on each.

Toric intraocular lenses are recommended for patients with moderate/severe degrees of regular astigmatism and can be used in monofocal or multifocal lens settings

With all lenses, it is important that an extensive assessment is carried out explaining the pros and cons of each option, often with repeated measurements and detailed discussion with the patient.

For further assessment?

It is important to see your optometrist/optician on a regular basis who can advise you on the general health of your eye and look for any signs of cataract. ■

• Mr Adam Ross is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and is available for private consultation at the Bath Clinic in Bath.

To make an appointment contact: 07341 672072 or email: hannah@hjadmin.com www.adamross.co.uk

Bath Clinic, Claverton Down Rd, Claverton Down, Combe Down, Bath BA2 7BR

Take seven easy walks

Just when resolutions are being made to get out and do some more walking, the idea starts to feel a lot less appealing. It’s not just the nippy weather and ludicrously early sunsets; slopes have turned slippery, woodland tracks have degenerated into boggy quagmires, and, if you’re not careful, a gentle stroll can become a gruelling slog.So, to help break the new year in gently, here are some suggestions for seven short, undemanding walks, says Andrew Swift

Although some of the following short walks may be muddy in places, all are over level – or nearly level – terrain, and several of them (marked with a *) are suitable, at least in part, for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

1Bannerdown

On the edge of the Cotswold plateau, three miles north-east of Bath, Bannerdown has little in the way of views, because of the trees that encircle it. It does have a rich history, however. The Roman Fosse Way ran across it and some believe it was the site of the Battle of Mount Badon, at which Romano-British forces – possibly led by King Arthur –repelled an Anglo-Saxon advance in the late 5th or early 6th century. Although largely flat, patches can be muddy, while the more adventurous can explore old quarries and wild woodland on the west side of the escarpment.

To get there, drive east through Batheaston, turn left up Bannerdown Road at the mini roundabout at the far end, and after 1.5 miles – as the road levels out – pull into a parking area on the left, where a choice of two gates leads onto the down (ST794689).

sense the horrors of that distant day. The views westward, though –with Lansdown visible 17 miles away – are magnificent.

To get to Roundway Down, follow the A361 through Devizes, and, 0.75 miles past the town centre, turn left along Folly Lane, following a sign for Roundway. After another 0.75 miles turn right by a phone box along a lane with a no-through-road sign. When the lane forks, fork left and carry on for 0.75 miles, with the lane becoming ever rougher, before pulling into a parking area with a gate leading to the path around the ramparts (SU005648).

4 Uley Bury

Another hillfort with rough but reasonably level tracks can be found high above the Severn Plain at Uley Bury. This is the Cotswold landscape at its most dramatic. Unassailable green cliffs guard one of Gloucestershire’s most impregnable fortresses, with views across the Severn to the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains.

Combe Hill Wood, 30 miles south west of Bath, commands one of the finest views in Somerset, extending over the Somerset Levels to the Quantock Hills, 15 miles away. A circular all-ability path from the car park leads to the viewpoint, while further north, where the going gets rougher, a track leads past a prehistoric earthwork called the New Ditch to the 33m-high Hood Monument, designed by Bath architect Henry Goodridge.

To find Combe Hill Wood, head to Wells, carry on along the A39 and, after passing Glastonbury, bear left at a roundabout along the B3151. Two miles further on, bear left along a road signposted to Keinton Mandeville. After a mile and a half, pull into a large car park on the right (ST503329; www.combehillwood.co.uk).

3 Roundway Down

On 13 July 1643, eight days after the Battle of Lansdown, Royalist forces routed the Roundheads at the Battle of Roundway Down, in one of the greatest cavalry victories of the English Civil War. In its aftermath, the Roundheads were pursued westward, through the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort, towards the edge of the escarpment, down which many tumbled to their deaths. The hillfort is still known as Oliver’s Castle, and walking the path around its ramparts, with the land shelving away below you and red kites soaring above, you can still

To get there, head north from Bath along the A46 for just over 20 miles, before turning left along the A4135. After 2.5 miles, take the third right, signposted to Uley. Carry on at a crossroads, head down to Uley, turn right at a T junction along the B4066, drive through the village and, after climbing steeply for half a mile, pull into a parking area on the left (ST786993). Go through a gate on the left and after 60m turn left through another gate to follow the path around the ramparts.

5 Stockhill Woods and Priddy Mineries*

Stockhill Woods, the largest on Mendip, were planted in the 1940s on the site of lead workings. Although much of the terrain bears marks of this legacy in the form of deep clefts and ‘gruffy ground’, a 600m allability trail and an 1100 metre easy-going trail provide easy access, while rougher paths traverse the farther reaches. Across the road from the car park, there is also the option of following the course of a tramway which carried the ore off for smelting. Today it leads past deep pools and across wild heathland to where the ruins of the old leadworks lie surrounded by glittering black slag.

To find Stockhill Woods, head west from Bath along the A39. After 19 miles, turn right at Green Ore traffic lights. After another 2.5 miles, turn left at a crossroads, carry on for 0.75 miles and pull into a car park on the left (ST 549513).

6 Severn Beach*

The paved promenade running north along the shoreline from Severn Beach is a superb place for a bracing winter walk. It leads under the

2 Combe Hill Wood*

Roundway Down

View from Combe Hill Wood

There should be ample parking at the north end of Beach Road (ST539852; BS35 4PF), but a better option is to take the Severn Beach Line from Temple Meads – a fascinating 37-minute journey with trains every hour. It once featured in Thomas Cook’s list of Great European Rail Journeys, which gives an idea of what a little-known gem it is.

7 Uphill

Another very different coastal experience can be found at Uphill, with rutted tracks and boardwalks rather than paved promenades. The Romans established a port here, but today the tidal creek is home to a

Parking is at the village car park on Uphill Way (ST316585; BS23 4XP). Walk west along the road from here for 150m and take a left turn at Uphill Sluice to the nature reserves. Alternatively, carry on along the road for another 40m and turn left to follow the footpath alongside the creek.

Many more walks can be found in Andrew Swift’s Country Walks from Bath published by by Akeman Press; akemanpress.com

Second Severn Crossing to New Passage, where ferries once set out for the perilous trip across the estuary. Beyond New Passage, where the path is rougher, you come to Pilning Wetlands, an important site for migrant and over-wintering birds.

bucolic marina set amid sea marshes and overlooked by a ruined church on the edge of a cliff. One path leads through two nature reserves, where birds overwinter on the salt marshes, while another winds alongside the creek to emerge on sands which stretch all the way north to Weston-super-Mare.

Uphill and Brean Down Priddy Mineries

INTERIORS NEWS

Viva Magenta!

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigour. Pantone explains that it is “a shade rooted in nature, descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.” (Excellent plan.) “Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.” (We are liking the vibes here.)

“This year’s Color of the Year ... revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and selfexpression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. It is a

colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

“Viva Magenta is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Rooted in the primordial, it reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, it galvanises our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”

Now let’s see which of us is brave enough to use it in the coming months! pantone.com

Iconic portrait plates

John Law at Woodhouse & Law loves these ‘Flowering Ladies’ portrait plates, which are handmade in Italy by Vetrofuso and are part of the Donne Fiorite Collection by artist Anna de Carlo.

Originally hand-painted on wooden boards, the portraits are then transferred to white Murano Glass with a decalco technique, with each design having its own name and personality. This set of two bold and cheering plates come in 14cm and 28cm, and there are also trays and ovals of varying sizes, with prices from £45 – £202. Woodhouse & Law, 4 Georges Place, Bathwick, Bath. woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Furniture with patchwork perfection

TR Hayes has created a ‘vintage’ room’ on the store’s first floor, which is filled with a selection of leather and tweed armchairs and sofas. One of the standout themes is the patchwork look, where pieces have been designed to make the most of off-cuts from one of the store’s furniture suppliers. Sofas and chairs are created using high-quality leather and a mixture of wool and genuine Harris Tweed. Rather than throw the off-cuts away they have been used creatively in this way, embracing the sustainable ethic of reuse and recycle, but also embracing a fresh and fashionable look. trhayes.co.uk

RIGHT: Grantley Patchwork two-seater sofa –this Chester-style sofa is made from fabric and leather remnants, including genuine Harris Tweed, wool and real leather. The outside back and arm sides are upholstered in Harris

Tweed, with the patchwork effect on the seat and inside back. The traditional look is completed with turned wooden legs and studding details. £1569 in January and February.

Donne F i ori t e A m e l i e pl a et na pacisseJdetal

Celebrating 40 years

To celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, Fired Earth has launched six beautiful additions to its paint collection. The paints range from the warm burnt orange of Taos House (see left) to the soft umber of Silver Needle, and the jewel-like deep teal of Hesper – all timeless and versatile shades that are perfect for today’s interiors. All six colours have been specially designed to complement the extensive collections of tiles for which the brand is renowned. The paints are priced at £49.50 for 2.5 litres of matt emulsion, and are also available in eggshell and exterior masonry paint. The Fired Earth winter sale runs throughout January so it’s the perfect time to get shopping if you're thinking about giving your home a bit of an update. Tel: 01225 471212; firedearth.com

Design and order your own rug

Yes, that’s what we’ve just done at Avonvale Carpet’s new Make Me a Rug “ section on its website. The easy selection process allows you to create your own personalised rug or carpet runner to enhance any room. You can start from scratch or pick from popular ranges for some great inspiration, and add the exact dimensions that will suit your space.

We chose a Quirky Honeycomb Duck Egg carpet with a single border style in Cotton Bamboo. There are a selection of patterns to choose from, or opt for Natural, Wool or Faux carpets and a range of borders. All rugs can be ordered to specific or standard dimensions. Find out more at avonvalecarpets.co.uk/makeme-a-rug. Avonvale Carpets, 37 Kingsmead Street, Bath

Creative paint collaboration

Homefront Interiors have a new range of Owen Barry products, including sheepskin cushions, sheepskin rugs, bean bags and (essential) hot water bottle covers, in pewter and neutral colours.

The ultimate luxury this winter would be curling up on the sofa with these gorgeous long hair grey sheepskin cushions handmade in Somerset by Owen Barry. The quality sheepskin cushions are backed with a toning soft pic suede, 100% cut and made from full skins rather than from multi pieces or scraps. The cushions, which measure 40 x 40cm, come with a Somerset-made feather pad – and even the cushion pads are British. The cushions are £95.

Owen Barry has been manufacturing leather and suede products since 1948 and has created a timeless brand known for its quality products.

homefrontinteriors.co.uk

Anthropologie have been working on a new home decor collection of paints with Morris & Co. The new paint palette is inspired by 160 years of William Morris Design and introduces paints in both Chalky Matt and Eggshell finishes, with 40 exquisite colours available in tester pots and 2.5 litre and 5 litre pots.

Drawing inspiration from original 19th-century century logbooks and William Morris archive designs the palette is designed to be tailor-made made for every budding craftsperson. Designer Jessica Claysworth from Morris & Co. says, “We’ve taken our lead from the original Morris & Co. designs themselves, delving into our archive to source authentic colours for this paint range. Webb’s Blue, for instance, is derived from the blue in one of the earliest Morris & Co. designs, Trellis, which Phillip Webb had a hand in creating. This range is full of charming stories and insights into life at Morris & Co. as well as the rich colours which remain loyal to the brand’s prestigious heritage and original vision.” Prices from £5 for a tester pot. anthropologie.com

PATTERN TIDBITS

Here we investigate three local textile artists and designers...

New textile range from Kate Loudoun Shand

Textile and wallpaper designer Kate Loudoun Shand has recently unveiled a new range of textiles that celebrates the art of block printing and presents a new take on a classic stripe.

Inspired by the iconic Cabana Stripe with its minimalist, bold pattern, the new collection offers a series of compelling stripes with character and depth. The range features three new designs with a total of

10 colourways that together make a grounding colour palette.

On the new collection, Kate Loudoun Shand comments: “I’ve always wanted more stripes in the line. There’s a lack of stripes with zest and personality in the market and I want this collection to be the answer to that.

“We work with a family-run business who have been block printing for generations. l love the alchemy that happens when the block is carved by hand and the design is then printed by hand; each element of the pattern is unique and there’s not a machine in sight,” Shand adds.

The new collection is produced from 100% linen made from EU certified flax. kateloudounshand.com

LEFT: Chaand Stripe in brown and pink

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Dhaaree Stripe, Chaand Stripe and Evelyn Stripe

Addicted to pattern

Each design in the artisan collection of printed wallhangings by local company Addicted to Patterns is hand-drawn and then transferred to the silk screen. Specialising in designing and printing collections of wallpapers and upholstery fabrics, Justyna Medon’s linear and organic motifs establish a dialogue with the past. She often collaborates with fashion designers and fine artists, loves to play with materials and develop techniques to print on challenging surfaces and to apply colourful patterns that have a visual language filled with mystery and symbolism.

Addicted to Patterns also creates project based custom pattern and placement design for costumes and sets for film, TV, theatre, fashion and interiors. addictedtopatterns.uk

ABOVE: Birds from the Meadows wallhanging, 59cm repeat pattern by Addicted to Patterns

Bespoke designs in fabric

Interior decorator Isabell Browell’s design career has seen her work for clients in France, Switzerland, the UK, Italy and the USA. Having recently relocated from Switzerland, Isabell has now brought her interior know-how to Bath. As well as her interior decoration expertise, Isabell offers a bespoke lampshade service, using a client’s choice of fabric, or sourcing suitable

fabrics to work with existing colours, furniture and decoration. The lampshades are all handstitched and range from 10–18in. Isabell also offers a selection of decorative cushions, including Ikats and Suzanis, which are sold with or without inner cushion pads. When choosing fabrics for lampshades and cushions, Isabell searches for quality pieces, which are unique, one-offs, or have very limited availability, with the aim of adding something beautiful to a room that can’t be found elsewhere. The Ikat fabrics are hand-woven and dyed and come from Uzbekistan or Turkey where the suppliers are often local artisans or small outlets. The Indian silk sari fabrics are all vintage, and Isobell enjoys the process of giving these beautiful silks a new lease of life.

browellinteriors.com; browell@bluewin.ch

ABOVE

18 inch Lampshade, £250

LEFT: Silk embroided Suzani on silk cushion with Ikat backing, 58 x 40cm. £130

Silk Ikat fabric from Uzbekistan with silk lining,

Plunge into the Magentaverse

Pantone’s colour of the year is powerful, empowering, animated, electrifying and boundaryless –we discover some of the associated shades that you can welcome in your interior... if you dare

Magenta Oaks shade, from The Paint Collection, Fired Earth £49.50 for 2.5 litres; firedearth.com

Coral Velvet Pebble Kingsize Quilt £279; grahamandgreen.co.uk

£959; trhayes.co.uk

Everhot 100 in Burgundy with four cast iron doors, and two cast iron lids; boniti.com

Asher’s Cranberry, Proper Good Paint shade, by Ca’ Pietra; capietra.com

Napoleon Bee Wallpaper by Timorous Beasties

£95 per 10m roll; woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Amore Rug, 5 x 8ft, £1298; anthropologie.com

ProCook Cast Iron Casserole, Made from molten iron for optimal heat distribution, £89; procook.co.uk

Majestic Twist carpet, colour Raspberry Fool by Hugh Mackay, from Avonvale Carpets £60 per square metre; ;80% wool twist with 3-ply yarn; avonvalecarpets.co.uk

Deverill Chair in Berry, TR Hayes, from

Red

Birds of a feather

Elly West looks at how to help our garden birds survive the cold winter months. This includes advice on what plants and trees, when established, will provide shelter as well as seeds and berries, and therefore food and refuge over future winters

One of the greatest pleasures of gardening is that feeling of oneness with nature, the moment when you spot a friendly, curious robin hopping nearby while digging on a cold day, edging closer to see if you’ve unearthed a treat. Watching birds from indoors when it’s too cold to go outside is another delight, a free live-show, and I’ll always encourage clients to hang bird feeders and put out bird baths to add another element to the garden, particularly in winter when there’s not as much else going on.

It’s a tough time for birds in the garden right now. They need extra energy to keep warm, but food supplies are scarce and short days mean fewer hours for foraging. Garden birds as a whole are in gradual decline, and many once common species are struggling, particularly greenfinches, swifts, house martins and sparrows. There are lots of ways we can help our garden birds, improving their chances of surviving the winter as well as increasing their breeding success, by boosting their food supplies during these long, dark days.

The most obvious way to help them is to put out food, and the right kind of food, not just in winter but all year round. A good range will encourage different bird varieties, so try to include a seed mix, some fat-based snacks, and protein-rich options such as mealworms. Scraps from the kitchen can also be put out, such as grated cheese, crumbled pastry and bits of unsalted meat fat. And there are various recipes online if you want to make your own suet or fat balls, loved by many birds including tits, robins, sparrows and woodpeckers, and vital for energy and insulation when it’s cold. Peanuts and sunflower seeds also have a high fat content, which is particularly important at this time of year.

Site your feeders in quiet places in the garden where birds won’t

be disturbed, not too close to low bushes where predators can hide in wait, but where there is high cover from which they can flit to and fro, so they feel more safe. Don’t worry if nothing arrives for a week or two, it takes a while for birds to discover new feeders and to feel confident and safe using them. Choose somewhere a few metres away from the house, but where you can still see them from a window to enjoy the display.

Be sure to clear away uneaten food, and bits that have fallen on the ground that could encourage predators and rats. Good hygiene is vital. One of the main reasons finches are in sharp decline is because of a parasitic disease, trichomonosis, spread by contaminated food and drinking water. Try to clean and disinfect feeders every week, and remember to top up bird baths with fresh water, defrosting with warm water if it’s frozen.

As well as buying food, or giving them bits from your kitchen, you can also boost their natural food supply with the right kind of plants. Think seeds and berries – sunflowers are a popular treat, particularly for finches, blackbirds and thrushes. Other seedheads loved by garden birds include echinacea, globe thistles and rudbeckia, so don’t be too quick to clear away the dead and dying at the end of the season. Leaving seed heads on the plant will bring in more insects for birds to feed on, as well as the nutrition from the seeds themselves.

Berried plants bring autumn and winter colour to your borders and will also benefit your feathered friends. Good plants for berries include cotoneaster, rowan, pyracantha, holly, honeysuckle, ivy, and roses for their hips.

Planting hedges and trees will provide food, but also important shelter and nesting spots for birds. You can also help by installing

A blackbird feeding on a Rowan bush

The Robin has a sweet tooth and is partial to fruit cake and uncooked pastry. Sunflower hearts and mealworms are another favourite

bird boxes ready for the breeding season ahead. Now is a great time to put them up, so they have time to find and investigate them before nesting time. You can buy them ready-made, or if you have a few DIY skills, have a go at building one yourself. Where to put the box will make a big difference to its success, so choose a sheltered site away from cold winds and direct sunlight and at least two metres from the ground, ensuring protection from predators, especially cats. Don’t put a nest box near your feeders, as this can lead to territorial disputes.

It’s nearly time for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which takes place from 27–29 January. This annual event is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and last year nearly 700,000 people took part. The more the merrier, so if you want to get involved and help the RSPB collect vital information about bird numbers and distribution, all you have to do is spend an hour watching birds in your garden or local park and noting what you see. Visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch to find out more. n

• ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Ivy

I feel this familiar climber is somewhat misunderstood, and perhaps underrated despite its ability to grow and thrive in the darkest spots and rubbish soil. Admittedly it can be a thug, but it can also be an extremely valuable garden plant, brightening a shady spot and covering unattractive eyesores with greenery and wildlifefriendly, nectar-rich flowers followed by berries.

It’s self-clinging, so won’t need support or tying in if you’re growing it vertically, and also makes excellent groundcover, stabilising soil, which is useful for sloping banks, and providing yearround greenery. It can even be used to create topiary shapes, if you choose a small-leaved variety and grow it around a wire frame.

There are lots of attractive variegated varieties available, with multi-toned foliage. ‘Sulphur Heart’ has large, dark-green leaves with a central splash of yellow and yellow-green. ‘Glacier’ is a pretty, more delicate small-leaved variety with grey-green and cream leaves.

When it comes to pruning, the ideal time to cut back excess growth is in mid-spring, although they are generally tough plants and can tolerate hard pruning at other times of the year as necessary. Wear long sleeves and gloves while pruning as it can irritate the skin.

Essential advice for condensation and ventilation in this cold snap

as this will help to prevent your carpets and surfaces becoming water damaged.

If your apartment has double-glazed windows, you need to heat your home efficiently, raise the heat gradually and keep doors closed around your home. Even though the temperature is very cold you should try to avoid big fluctuations in temperature. Opening your windows every day for as little as twenty minutes is an easy way to help reduce condensation.

Mould seems to love walls and ceilings, which is why you need to stop condensation in these areas. We would advise:

•If you are drying clothes in your apartment, use a heated drying rack or a tumble dryer.

•Always put your extractor fan on when cooking in your kitchen to avoid a build-up of steam on your windows.

•Dehumidifiers are a good investment and can help stop condensation in rooms such as your bedroom.

•We know it’s cold, but if you don’t have an extractor fan in the bathroom, to stop condensation forming open a window when you are having a bath or shower.

Ventilation

With snow falling and temperatures below freezing, millions of us are waking up to find condensation on our windows. Cold homes can be bad for our health in many ways, yet you are no doubt being more conscious than ever about when to heat your apartment and when to put on an extra layer instead. Being cold can cause a range of health problems, such as an increase in blood pressure, colds, flu, and pneumonia. But it isn’t just our physical health this cold weather affects but also the health of our homes, which is why at The Apartment Company we felt it was essential to put together some advice for condensation and ventilation.

Condensation

Put in simple terms, condensation is caused when the air temperature inside your apartment is different to that outside, such as now! Condensation is very common in the winter months when moist air contacts a cold surface, such as a wall or window, which results in moisture droplets. This in turn can lead to damp – no one wants to live in a damp home, as damp can cause mould, which as we know, looks like a sea of little black dots.

We have all heard about what a deadly hazard mould can be, since the shocking death of the toddler Awaab Ishak, where mould led to breathing conditions and a fatal cardiac arrest. Although this is an extreme case, mould is a common issue, so what can you do to minimise the effects of condensation and how can you ventilate your home when its freezing outside?

How to minimise condensation

Your central heating system has a vital role to play in controlling humidity and temperature in your apartment, it can help to stop your windows from steaming up and treat condensation on your walls. You should not ignore any build-up of condensation on your windows; as soon as you spot it, make sure you dry it with a towel

In this cold snap and during a cost of living crisis, there is a dilemma about how to keep your apartment ventilated without losing heat, especially in temperatures that are below zero. Here are some tips that our team have put together.

•It may seem counter-productive to open windows wide, but it is very effective if you do this briefly rather than opening them a tiny amount for longer. In these cold months, you just need around five minutes of fresh air to ventilate your room.

•Draughts can be a nuisance but a good old-fashioned draught excluder can help to keep heat within a room.

•You don’t want to waste energy when heating your home, which is why lowering your heating temperature and having it on for longer will help reduce your bills according to the Met Office.

•It may seem simple, but just keeping all your internal doors closed whilst ventilating your apartment will help prevent condensation. And, when not ventilating, it will help prevent draughts and stabilise the temperature in all your rooms.

Keep warm and healthy

At this cold and difficult time, I hope that our advice will help keep you and your apartment warm and healthy this winter. We are always working with our landlords to raise the standards of their rental properties. For more advice, contact our Lettings team on 01225 303870.

Nicola Wilkes. Lettings & Property Investment Manager

A superbly appointed newly built 6 bedroom detached property, set within this exclusive village development overlooking open fields. Cleverly designed landscaped gardens, a double garage and a stunning open plan kitchen, all enhance this very special property. Number 8 Longmeadow is the last property to be completed and sits comfortably within this superb development. It is built using conservation stone roof slates and sits behind a stone wall with gated entrance. It backs onto open fields with a westerly aspect and with far-reaching views visible from the hall as you enter. The house is laid out over three floors with an oak staircase rising to the first floor galleried landing and a superb specification with the involvement of interior designers providing a bespoke finish throughout. Designed to provide maximum light, the kitchen has two walls of floor to ceiling glazed doors meeting at a corner apex. This floods the large, open plan space with light and brings the outside in. It also has a separate living room and spacious sitting room for easy entertaining together with a study/TV room and 6 bedrooms. The elegantly and cleverly designed landscaped garden is laid out in three separate areas and extends towards the neighbouring field for an expansive, open feel but at the same time with a degree of privacy.

Viewing is strongly recommended by the sole agents Cobb Farr Residential

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

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How to prepare for selling your luxury home in 2023

There is an annual tradition when it comes to house hunting – every Boxing Day, the property portal Rightmove receives its highest volume of traffic, more than any other day of the year. Rightmove claimed last January that 2021’s Christmas period was the busiest ever, with ‘buyer demand’ up by 23% compared to the same time the previous year. This year, as we know, things are a little different. The economy is in a different place and the cost of living crisis is impacting buying and selling decisions. When it comes to the premium market, things often move in a different way, so if you are looking to sell your luxury home next year, here is how to prepare.

The forecast

The latest Rightmove House Price Index highlights that ‘2022 will end with new seller asking prices 5.6% higher than a year ago’. Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Science, states: “It’s understandable that some buyers are distracted, not only by the festive season, but also by the thought that they may get a better fixed-rate mortgage deal and a more stable outlook by waiting until the new year. Our data suggests that there are many ready-to-go movers out there waiting for what they feel to be the right time to enter the market in 2023. We’d usually see a jump in home-mover activity in January, but it takes a while at the start of the year for any significant price changes to feed through, so we’ll be waiting for a potential bounce back in prices in February, which will be a very important leading indicator for the spring moving season.”

According to research by Savills “Macroeconomic pressures will have a varying impact across prime regional markets,” said Frances McDonald, Savills research analyst. They conclude that the prime markets in the wider south will be more resilient, mainly due to the number of cash buyers.

When it comes to the prime country market, it has always danced to its own tune as sellers are often more considered. By this, we mean that they tend to not have moving timescales and would rather wait for the right offer from the right buyer. We often see this with homes that have historical importance, as the seller feels a responsibility to find the right next ‘custodian’ of their home.

How to sell

When it comes to the prime market in Bath, the majority of our sellers prefer to find a buyer privately; by this, we mean that they do not wish their home to be marketed by traditional methods. As a property broker, we can discreetly introduce a home to a carefully hand-picked selection of rigorously qualified potential buyers.

Should you wish to sell via this method, we do not rush your home to buyers; we take time to truly understand your home, its needs and your standing and wishes. Working with buyer agents across the UK, we know that the buyers we introduce completely understand and respect sellers’ privacy and also their responsibility as the potential future custodian of an exceptional unique home.

There are many dormant buyers in the luxury property market, by which we mean they are not actively looking for a home, but should the right one magically appear they will consider moving. This is where an online presence can be valuable in reaching those buyers and grabbing their attention. We never rush into a viewing, waiting until we are sure that any potential buyer is right for your home.

Before you decide if you wish to sell, it is worth considering all the selling options open to you. We are happy to discuss what each method entails and find the right mix to create a bespoke plan that you feel comfortable with and through which we are confident we can deliver.

Emotions

We are currently working with a high proportion of sellers who are seeking to downsize or move closer to family members. Emotions play a huge role in these sales, as often for the seller it is a decision being made based on a need rather than a want.

Emotional sales require a delicate balance of honesty and support – at the end of the day, we want what is best for you and your property. These moves are not always about the sale but about the home and what it can offer for the future, and it is here where we can provide an extra layer of advice and support, often finding you that perfect future home.

When your move is the result of an emotional decision, things need to move at a speed you are comfortable with, so it is essential to be honest with us as your broker and raise any concerns in advance.

Preparation

We know it may take some time to find the right buyer for your property, but you need to play your part to ensure that your home draws them in. You want to present each room to look homely and elegant, which is why you may wish to consider employing the services of a home-staging expert. A survey of property professionals by the Home Staging Association UK & Ireland found that 100% of estate agents who were surveyed agreed “home staging makes it easier for a buyer to visualise the property as their future home” and 94% said that the number of viewings a property received increases when the home has been staged.

Many sellers decide to personally take on the home staging, as it helps them to have a sort out before the move and also undertake a little advance packing.

Moving in 2023

Even though the prime housing market is more stable, it does require that you make the right decisions to ensure you achieve the sale you are hoping for. If you would like to understand how we, as a property broker, holistically take care of your move, contact our team today.

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