The Bath Magazine July 2011

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£3.00 where sold

THEBATHMAGAZINE ISSUE 106 • JULY 2011 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH

THE BEST

LITTLE

SHOPS of BATH

FACE THE MUSIC

TOWN & COUNTRY

THE BATH TYPEFACE

With actor Pavel Douglas

Bath’s premium property selection

A new font defines the city

EATING OUT TBM tries the new Côte Brasserie at Milsom Place

W IN a ye ar’s

membership at

HOMEWOOD PARK SPA See Inside

The very best of local writing, what’s on, arts, lifestyle, property and so much more in your guide to life and living in Bath

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juLy

contents

2011

72 6 TALK OF THE TOWN News and views from the city

9

BIGWIG It’s his birthday and he’ll cry if he wants to

10 FACE THE MUSIC Bath resident, TV and film actor Pavel Douglas talks to Mick Ringham

12 BEST BOUTIQUES Our pick of Bath’s finest little places to shop

16 THE INTERVIEW We chat to jazz star Clare Teal

18 SUMMER GLAMPING We try out camping for softies on a Devon farm where the excitement is in tents

20 PARK LIFE A profile of Bath’s highest park, telling its story from the 18th to the 21st century

22 HOLIDAY GUIDE What to do and where to go in July

26 WHAT’S ON Our at-a-glance guide to just about everything that’s on in Bath WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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34 ART & EXHIBITIONS What’s showing in the city’s galleries

38 JUST OUR TYPE The story behind the design for the new Bath font – now to be seen on the streets

40 HOLIDAY READING The reliable Mr B picks the best books to pack in your suitcase this summer

44 BATH BUSINESS News from the city’s business scene

46 ONE GOOD TURN

72 THE WALK Enjoy a four-mile stroll around Iford

74 INTO THE BLUE Fill up your senses with a visit to a Somerset lavender farm

78 GARDENING Practical pruning advice from our awardwinning gardening columnist Jane Moore

85 PROPERTY GUIDE Whether you’re looking for a country cottage with roses round the door or a chic city pad, we’ve got it covered

Behind the scenes at St John’s Hospital the 800-year-old charity that houses Bath’s elderly

58 FOOD & DRINK Our six-page foodie section includes where to dine al fresco and a review of Côte Brasserie

66 FIT & FABULOUS Look bright and beautiful this summer

70 SPA COMPETITION Win a year’s membership to Homewood Park Hotel’s country spa

ON THE COVER Starting this month: The Best Little Shops of Bath

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EDITOR’Sletter

A

s a monthly magazine we’re not usually in the habit of boasting about exclusive stories, but we’re delighted that The Bath Magazine is the first to bring you the news that Bath has had its own typeface designed especially for the city. If you were cynical enough to think that the council had just plonked down some new signs and chosen the style at random, you might want to read the story on Page 39 of how the Bath font was painstakingly planned and created, with the involvement of more than a dozen influential local groups and paying reference to our architectural heritage as well as having an eye on posterity.

We’ve packed an awful lot into this month’s issue. Mick Ringham talks to Bath actor Pavel Douglas about his TV and screen career, while jazz star, Clare Teal chats about her adopted city and her plans for her new independent record label. Lindsey Harrad steps into the wide blue yonder, with a visit to a Somerset lavender farm where visitors can enjoy this seasonal spectacle, (Page 74) and Sam Ewart samples the most fashionable way to camp – in featherbed comfort (Page 18).

That most reliable of guides, Andrew Swift, has devised a delightful country walk for us that takes in the Italianate gardens at Iford Manor (Page 72). A perfect four-mile ramble for a July afternoon, in my opinion.

Here at The Bath Magazine we try not to bang on about the obvious, but to bring you snippets and facts about our lovely little city that you didn’t already know. Which is why we’re delighted to share with you the story of the development of Bath’s highest park, Alexandra Park. Find out why they’re celebrating its 109th birthday this month on Page 20.

We’ve also been privileged to have been invited inside the gates of St John’s Hospital, the 800-year-old city institution, to look at the charity’s work (Page 46), balancing its extensive property portfolio with caring for its elderly tenants in a philanthropic model that’s to be admired.

Add to all that our regular round-up of what’s happening on Bath’s cultural scene in July, ideas for entertaining the children this summer and the latest art, foodie, shopping and business news, and we hope you’ll find a place for us on your coffee table for the whole month.

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

THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk 01225 424499

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Ewart sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Jane Moore, Mick Ringham, Lindsey Harrad, Andrew Swift, Margaret Burrows

Production Manager Jeff Osborne Email: production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 01225 424499 Advertising Sales Email:

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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TALKofthe TOWN

My Cultural Life

BOOK OF THE MONTH Review by Georgette McCready

A Small Dog Saved My Life by Bel Mooney Published in paperback by Collins, £7.99

I hesitate to recommend this as holiday reading, unless you’re staying somewhere private or you don’t mind people seeing you have a little blub on the beach. Bel Mooney is a familiar figure in her adopted city of Bath and we have shared many of her life experiences vicariously, through print and being a small city, from her daughter Kitty’s childhood health problems to the very public break-up of her marriage to Jonathan Dimbleby. This memoir, written from the heart, is a moving, brave and honest account of events by a wife who picked herself up, soldiered on and has managed to retain a dignified and affectionate relationship with her ex. Central to her story is Bonnie, the little rescue dog from Claverton’s Cats and Dogs Home and the star of Bel’s children’s books. The writer is at pains to explain that Bonnie is not a furry human, but a dog, and that she has a character that elicits love.

Interwoven with Bel’s own story of how she found love and happiness a second time around, are fascinating accounts and insights into other famous writers’ relationships with their dogs. For women who have been through similar personal experiences to Bel’s this book may prove as cathartic to read as it was for her to write.

Judges are on the prowl

B

ath is justly proud of its award-winning reputation as a floral city, carrying off Britain in Bloom prizes by the bouquet over the years.

The city’s gardening prowess has grass roots in the Bath in Bloom competition. This month householders and businesses will be deadheading, watering and feeding their precious plots and hanging baskets as the competition’s eagleeyed judges make their deliberations as to who has the best displays. There are categories for gardens of all sizes and winners can be justly proud as competition is stiff.

Judging will take place from 9 to 17 July, with the winners being awarded their prizes at a ceremony in the Guildhall on 22 August.

NEWS IN BRIEF Free walking tours of city The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides are holding a series of walks this summer which allow Bathonians to explore parts of the city they might not be familiar with. The walks take place on weekdays between 25 July and 5 August and last up to two hours. Themes include lost churches of Bath, Stothert & Pitt and the village of Southstoke. For a full programme visit: www.bathguides.org.uk

Star names booked for autumn Sir Ian McKellen and Simon Callow are among the big names coming to Bath for the Theatre Royal’s autumn programme.

Sir Ian will star in the black comedy, The Syndicate , while Simon Callow brings his successful one-man Dickens show, in which he puts on two plays. The largerthan-life actor Steven Berkoff will bring an Edgar Allan Poe story to life, while, by contrast, Bath Light Operatic Group will create the fairytale Beauty and the Beast.

Cleese hosts charity art auction

THEBATHMAGAZINE 2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499 Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2011 Every month The Bath Magazine is circulated free to over 20,000 selected homes and businesses in Bath and the surrounding areas.

A certificate of print and publisher’s statement are available on request.

Published by MC Publishing Limited Printed by PCP Limited Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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Comedian John Cleese, clearly enjoying life here in Bath, has agreed to preside over a charity art auction at The Octagon Chapel on Wednesday 6 July from 6.30pm. Auctioneer Richard Madley will be selling work from Bath galleries to raise funds for the Art at the Heart charity at the Royal United Hospital and to help fund the Bath Art Affair. Viewing is from noon to 4pm that day.

Laidback music in the coffee bar Jika Jika in George Street is turning itself into a music lounge on Friday nights in July, beginning on 8 July. From 7pm for a £2.50 entry fee, there will be a variety of musical styles – all of them promising to go down well with a crowd that enjoys something acoustic or mellow with a glass of wine and friends.

This month we ask Leslie Redwood, owner of the Apple Tree Guest House in Bath and cochairman of BIGHA What’s on your MP3 player?

Just come back from Glastonbury so, U2, Coldplay, Paul Simon, Don Mclean, Plan B, BB King, plus a bit of Carl Cox hard at work for good measure.

Which book are you reading?

Rat Pack Confidential by Shawn Levy – a cool reflection on life in old Las Vegas town at its peak.

Which cafe or restaurant takes your fancy?

Our favourite is The Olive Tree, still the best in Bath, but we also love Martinis for excellent local Italian flavour. Café wise it has to be the lovely Parade Gardens café, so our little boy can run around.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

It has to be the Holburne – we had an excellent private viewing from museum director Xa Sturgis before the Bath Independent Hotels and Guesthouses Association AGM, and the Peter Blake exhibition is fantastic.

Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

I have a very wide taste in music, and love listening to almost any live performances. I think music is one of the most important elements of life. I am also a keen runner and have done over 40 half marathons and four London Marathons (not at the same time) As the new Co-Chair of BIGHA, I will be working to preserve, strengthen and support Bath’s distinctive offer of independent businesses. I believe these businesses make Bath the precious jewel that it has become and we should do all that we can to look after our little shops, restaurants and accommodation providers, because I feel it is these businesses that really make Bath the unique gem that it is.

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A VINTAGEsummer

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The recession and concerns for the environment has seen a huge upsurge in what is known as upcycling. With that in mind a new monthly vintage and antiques market has been launched in Bath’s Green Park Station.The next one is on Sunday 31 July and organiser Naomi Knight has stalls selling everything from clothes to furniture, along with tea and cake from Mrs Stokes Secret Tea Party, live music, a bar and a delivery service for those things you can’t carry home

▲

Vintage to Vogue, tucked away off Milsom Street, has everything you need for a jolly super vintage English picnic, including straw boaters for the gentlemen, 1950s bathing costumes for adventurous ladies intent on making a splash and accessories such as this wicker picnic basket, £45

Scarlet Vintage in Queen Street is a boudoir boutique stocking all sorts of vintage goodies, from clothes to accessories. 1950s day dress, left, £65, pink evening dress, above, £95

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Beautiful Homes begin at There is more to TR Hayes than you think...

15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX Tel: 01225 465 757 www.trhayes.co.uk • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • CUSTOMER CAR PARK •

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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

By Bigwig

NOT MUCH TO

LIGHTING

SPE

L CIA

IST

celebrate B

igwig’s birthday falls on the fourth of July. Easy to remember, folks, and sounds very celebratory. ‘July the fourth’, people say, ‘how exciting.’ They imagine fireworks, starry banners and a speech from the president no doubt.

In reality, I’ve lost count of the number of birthdays I’ve spent in lonely isolation in dreary hotel rooms in the middle of nowhere. Just me, the mini-bar and CNN. (Cue violins) OK, I admit, I was once kidnapped in a helicopter on my ‘special day’ but that was years ago. Yes, there was a train hired just for me (with my name on the front) and an open top bus, all in the same afternoon, but that was for a landmark birthday, not your average run of the mill birthday. On the contrary.

I remember when I used to tour with a rock band, for three years running the fourth day of July coincided with us being on a cross channel ferry in exceptionally stormy seas. It happens I’m a very bad sailor and those of you that are old enough to remember the Sealink services will recall that those greasy tubs bobbed about something awful in the slightest swell. Once I even got seasick while we were still tied up at the quay in Dover.

A note for the queasy: on Sealink ferries they used to pre-fry the breakfast eggs and then microwave them before serving. Enough to make anyone head for the rail.

8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK

for three years running the fourth of ❝ July coincided with us being on a cross channel ferry in exceptionally stormy seas

❞

I used to give the boys in the band some money to celebrate for me and they would head to the bar while I headed for my bunk. They would roll back into the cabin at about one in the morning in an impossibly merry mood so they must have enjoyed themselves at my behest. I’m not sure why that particular day of the year always attracted the worst weather conditions known to man, but Birthday Boy would retain an attractive shade of green for several days afterwards.

We once surprised a pal on his birthday by booking him a fabulous twopart treat. The first part was a flight in a private plane and the second was to have a go on a skid pan at a race track.

We thought it would be a hoot but we didn’t reckon on the weather, or the fact he’d been celebrating rather too heavily the night before. The turbulence was so bad in part one that he actually prayed for the plane to crash to end it all. In part two his concerns for the white leather upholstery outweighed any rally driving thrills. He said afterwards it had been the worst day of his life.

I note from my diary that this year rather than relaxing in my beautiful garden sipping Pimms and nibbling fairy cakes with candles in, I am booked to attend a long, very important but potentially dull committee meeting. Typical. At the back of my mind will be the thought that at any moment the other dear committee members will leap up, produce vuvuzelas and bottles of champagne and start dancing on the table for my benefit.

No chance. Doubtless it will be the usual round of proposers, seconders and motions carried. But who wants to be 63 anyway? ■ WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FACEtheMUSIC

Yes, I’m THE MAN WHO SHOT

Dirty Den Actor Pavel Douglas, who is about to star in the new series of the BBC’s New Tricks, talks to Mick Ringham about his film and TV career and his favourite music

A MAN OF MANY PARTS: pictured, from the top, Pavel as the pirate compere for Widcombe Rising, as the Russian monk Rasputin, and troubled artist Vincent Van Gogh Main picture: Pavel as himself

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FACEtheMUSIC

THESE I HAVE LOVED: top, left to right: Joni Mitchell My Secret Place, The Rolling Stones You Can’t Always Get What You Want and Tears for Fears Shout

P

avel Douglas has one of those familiar faces that ensure shoppers in the local supermarket turn back for a second look and on their lips, the question – ‘I’m sure I’ve seen him before, but where?’ In many respects they’d be absolutely right. Pavel, like the weather is always with us but in many guises.

Over the years, he has appeared in a staggering amount of films and television, performing in a multitude of character roles from GoldenEye to EastEnders.

Pavel was born in Krakow, son of the Polish film star Stanislaw Zaczwk and his mother was the stage actress Deirdre Douglas. He survived a true thespian childhood, attending 12 schools across Europe, including Scotland, and made his TV debut at the age of 13, playing a stable lad for a Scottish TV drama.

At 17 he moved to London to attend the East 15 Drama School. A small part in the west country TV series Shoestring, alongside another young actor, Trevor Eve, brought him to Bristol. There followed many other roles in the productive HTV Studies in Brislington.

It was while filming in Bath during the mid-70s that Pavel became a member of the Natural Theatre Company as both actor and director, a happy collaboration which has lasted to this day. His CV includes parts in GoldenEye, Jamaica Inn, The Chronicles of Narnia, Hollyoaks, Silent Witness, Lovejoy and Heartbeat. He is the voice of Big Ears in Make Way for Noddy.

Pavel says: “I guess I am what you would call a true jobbing actor, I love the profession, its diversity and the wonderful characters I’m lucky enough to work with.”

He was nominated in the 2007 British Soap Awards as Villain of the Year, when along with the cast of Doctors, he won the award for best drama at the Royal Television Society Awards.

Perhaps the single most triumphant moment in this busy actor’s life, came while filming an episode of EastEnders, playing Gregory Mantel, which led to an on-going story line that covered many episodes, eventually ending in the murder of Dennis Watts, also known as Dirty Den. More than ten years later this gave birth to Pavel’s one man show I Shot Dirty Den, which received critical acclaim touring throughout the UK and rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival.

Pavel now lives in Bath with his partner Sophie and their children. He is currently busy filming the latest series of New Tricks for BBC TV, which will be on our screens in the autumn.

Pavel’s top ten: ● Bob Dylan Don’t Think Twice, it’s Alright This is from his groundbreaking Freewheelin’ album. It takes me back to 1969 when I was 18 and lucky enough to have a flat on my own. The guy across the hall introduced me to all sorts of weird and wonderful things including the John Peel radio show.

Dylan was a the spokesman for a generation. Hard to believe he’s celebrating his 70th birthday. ● The Rolling Stones You Can’t Always Get What You Want When I was a boy the first record I went out and bought was WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Apache by The Shadows. Later, kids of my age were just getting into The Beatles, whereas I found them a little too sugar-poppy.

On the other hand The Stones had grime under their showbiz nails and an edge to their music which conjured up a darker side to the 60s. This one is on my funeral playlist. ● Crosby Stills and Nash Guinevere I have always loved these guys, either; together, apart or with Neil Young’s angry guitar. Dave Crosby’s rendition of Orleans on this album is quite outstanding. Some years ago I was in Marrakesh and this album was playing as I lunched by a cool courtyard pool. A lingering moment of heaven on earth. ● Joni Mitchell My Secret Place Here’s a confession. I have been in love with this woman since I first heard her beautiful voice and as luck would have it, spent an evening with her over wine, pizza and memorable conversation. This was while she was recording the Chalk Mark album at Gabriel’s Studio in Wiltshire. Her harmonies with Peter on this track are extraordinary. ● Annie Lennox Why Well I suppose I should not be unfaithful to Joni Mitchell, however, Ms Lennox is high on my firmament of female singersongwriters. I have a large record collection of female artists, but listen to this track as often as I can. It still has the power to make me shiver. ● Van Morrison In the Days Before Rock’n’Roll This is from Van the Man’s brilliant Enlightenment album. It has such a quirky libretto and really swings in an early morning nightclub fashion. I played it to death from the rooftop of my Paris apartment just after it was released in 1990. There were a lot of Irish in the city at that time, I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did. ● Tears for Fears Shout Curt Smith is my oldest son’s godfather, but that’s not the reason I chose this. I just think it’s such a fabulous number from a really great album. My old mate Manny Elias is the drummer on this and gives the track all the aggression it needs to underscore the lyrics. ● David Gray Babylon Such an unassuming guy, but what a voice. I was in the States during 2000 directing Macbeth and played this track every morning driving from Bellaire to downtown Houston. Lots of memories; fresh coffee, cinnamon buns, windows down in the car and shades on. ● James Gang Midnight Man More driving music. This track is from the band’s Thirds album and takes me back to my drama school days when my best mate would stand up and play an air guitar solo, as we drove though the streets in my 1963 convertible Sunbeam Alpine. ● Etherealites Young Lion Every record collection should have a little ska, reggae or dub, a bit of red, green and gold to dance to. Most people I guess would go for Bob Marley, however, I love the groove on this number but it needs to be played ‘well loud ‘to enjoy it as its best. ■

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BESTofBATH

BATH’S

LITTLE SHOPS

Part 1. Starters for 10

THE BEST

LITTLE

SHOPS Bath is billed as ‘The city paved with shops’ so it’s apt that TBM - using our knowledge and judgement - should take a grand tour of Bath to advocate all the lovely little shops that makes our city a beautiful and interesting shopping experience. This month we salute ten wonderful emporia that we think capture the spirit of retail independence and are some of the best little shops of Bath. By Mimi Mackenzie.

of BATH

SASSY & BOO - Boutique Gem

MY SMALL WORLD - Toy Heaven

Boutique gem Sassy & Boo has gained a loyal following since it first opened its doors in the summer of 2006. The winning combination of handpicked contemporary lines, vintage accessories, heavenly scents and shabby chic furnishings gives Sassy & Boo its distinctive flavour. So much so that you can now find one branch in Bath and another in Tetbury. Alison Townshend, Founder of Sassy & Boo, says: “Our unique selling point is that our boutique is ‘ageless’, and caters for all budgets.

You can find affordable label ‘Darling’ alongside Kate Middleton’s favourite ‘Libelula’.” The latest editions to the boutique include Lola Cruz shoes, Dr. Hauschka skincare and a continual development of the Sassy & Boo own-label range.

From thirties flapper to fabulous flip-flops Sassy & Boo mixes relaxed contemporary style with a heavy dose of vintage gorgeousness.

TBM are been big fans of My Small World - the store has been a hot destination for parents and children all across Bath and way beyond for over 6 years, and if you haven’t visited their amazing new store in Little Southgate then we urge you to hot foot it there. You’ll find a treasure trove of real toys for real children, where the most funky new toys for the under fives rub shoulders with sturdy classics – it’s filled to the brim with the most utterly gorgeous wooden toys and games, books and beautiful partyware, and it’s always our first point of call for gifts for newborn babies. The team might well be the most lovely shop assistants in Bath, and are always ready to lend a hand – from giving great toy advice and cuddling babies to keeping toddlers amused! Best of all, every Thursday they host great activities for pre-schoolers – just call to find out more!

Sassy & Boo, 9, Green Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 447938 www.sassyandboo.com

18 Little Southgate, Bath, Tel: 01225 938 338 www.mysmallworld.co.uk

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BESTofBATH The Baby Ceylon range available from one of our best little shops; Sassy & Boo

MOSS OF BATH - Bath’s home of Entertainment Moss of Bath is one of the city’s finest specialist retailers, with a tradition and expertise that will celebrate 50 years of business in 2012. Founded in 1962 by the late Frank Moss and is now managed by his son Tim. Moss specialises in the sale, installation and servicing of quality brand consumer electronics, including television, home cinema, hi-fi and portable audio.

Renowned for an impeccable product knowledge and customer service, Moss have excelled with a wide range of systems installations, including the wall mounting of televisions, homecinema systems, audio and Public Address. They also have a unique expertise in installing satellite systems in listed properties.

Moss of Bath, 45 St James Parade, Bath. Tel: 01225 331 441 www.mossofbath.co.uk

THE BEST

LITTLE

SHOPS of BATH

METICULOUS INK - Fine Stationery

SHANNON - Original Scandinavian Design Shannon occupies an old town house on Walcot Street and has possibly the best collection of modern Scandinavian designer Furniture and lighting to be found outside London. Along with highly sought after furniture, fabrics and lighting of the highest quality from an impressive line up of acclaimed designers such as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Fritz Hansen. A visit to the shop and you will also notice that it is jam-packed with wonderful, colourful gifts from Marimekko, Klippan, Moomin, and Iittala. Owner Sue Shannon opened the store in 2000 and has also built up a superb reputation with architects and interior designers from all over the UK who rely on her knowledge to source and deliver high end products of timeless design and class.

Shannon, 68 Walcot Street Bath.

Tel 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com

There’s nothing that comes close to the delight of writing on, sending, (and receiving) beautiful stationery. Based in the artisanal quarter of Bath, Meticulous Ink are a traditional printer and stationer, using time-honored techniques to achieve exceptional printed items, from wedding invitations to personal stationery and business cards. Without doubt they are easily the finest printer in Bath,.. if not the UK, able to provide beautiful, textured printing, from letterpress to engraving, and offer a personal, fully bespoke design service for the discerning customer looking for something unique. As well as the bespoke printing service, their store is filled with paper related goods and elegant stationery, perfect for special gifts, from pretty notecards and vintage Parker 51 pens to greeting cards and books.

Meticulous Ink Fine Stationery, 33 Walcot Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 333 004

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BESTofBATH JODY CORY - Luxury Goldsmith

NICHOLAS WYLDE - Fine Jewellery Designs

Bath is blessed with a galaxy of sparkling jewellers and Jody Cory shines brightly at the centre. Jody Cory Goldsmiths in Abbey Churchyard, is an independent jeweller and member of the National Association of Goldsmiths with over 25 years of experience. So what better way to mark an occasion than with a beautifully crafted and unique piece of jewellery? Free and friendly advice is available seven days a week from the small, enthusiastic team of highly skilled goldsmiths who create unique and extremely covetable silver, gold and platinum jewellery using personally selected rare gemstones. Old or broken treasures can be repaired or remodelled, with the aid of the free design service, to become exciting new pieces to be enjoyed all over again. Jody also offers is a Restringing, Rhodium Plating and a valuation service. On display too is work from other contemporary designers, providing a variety of interesting, superbly crafted jewellery from inexpensive silver pieces to diamond set engagement rings and both traditional and contemporary wedding rings to suit all tastes.

Situated on the ever pretty Northumberland Place, goldsmith Nicholas Wylde has been designing original, high quality jewellery since the early 80’s. A graduate of prestigious School of Jewellery in Birmingham, Nicholas opened his Bath store in 1987 and has built up a superb reputation for designing outstanding pieces, from one off commissions to larger corporate orders, all hand made, with great passion, in the workshop on the premises. For timeless designs, great service and a knowledgeable and helpful team, Nicholas Wylde is must visit for anyone looking for something very special.

Nicholas Wylde Goldsmith. 12 Northumberland Place, Bath.

Tel: 01225 462 826

QUADRI OF BATH - Giftware Excellence

Jody Cory Goldsmiths, 9 Abbey Churchyard. Bath.

Tel: 01225 470072

THE BEST

LITTLE

SHOPS of BATH

HANNAH DULCIE - Lovely Lingerie & Swimwear Hannah Dulcie is a decadent and exclusive lingerie boutique, situated on the upper level at Bath's Milsom Place. The shopping experience, is chic and pampered, with helpful advice and other indulgent touches, such as chocolates on the desk and Champagne at weekends. Hannah Dulcie offers her own brand lingerie with 'Loved by' as her signature collection. The boutique also carries leading designer lingerie, nightwear, swimwear and accessories in luxurious fabrics, all selected for exceptional style and comfort. You can discover great names such as La Perla, Damaris, Mimi Holliday, Princesse tam.tam and Stella McCartney Lingerie and many high-end brands from London such as Bordelle, Lascivious and Nichole de Carle, which Hannah sells exclusively in Bath.

For a feeling of well deserved indulgence a visit to this lovely boutique is a must.

Hannah Dulcie, 13 Milsom Place, Bath. Tel: 01225 489 000 www.hannahdulcie.co.uk

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Quadri has been trading for over 20 years and has become established as one of Bath’s best emporia for giftware and treats as well as being the showcase in the west country to find products from Alessi. Situated next to Jamies Italian on the upper floor of Milsom Place, a new expanded showroom also has an excellent watch gallery with pieces from Calvin Klein, Skagen and the ever popular Victorinox Swiss Army. With Jewellery and all manner of delightful gifts from glassware to fashionable scarves; Quadri is a one-stop shop for inspiration and indulgent treats. One of the best little shops in Bath, and possibly the UK. Quadri, 16 Milsom Place, Bath.

Tel: 01225 329 212

BLOOMSBURY JEWELLERY - Style & Character Tucked away down Quiet Street you will find one of Bath’s hidden gems: Bloomsbury Jewellery. Opened at the end of 2002, this jewel has been here for almost a decade, selling a dazzling array of contemporary gold, silver, diamond and gem jewellery that is really loved. The Bloomsbury team have a real passion for sourcing the most beautiful and exquisite jewellery from here in the UK and all over the world.

Bloomsbury is a shop with real identity, selling wearable jewellery with glamour and with style, that appeals to the senses and the emotions. It is host to many starry designers: Alex Monroe, Malcolm Betts, Diana Porter and many more, and whenever you visit, whatever your budget, you are certain to find something that you will absolutely love.

Bloomsbury Jewellery, 2 Quiet Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 314 442 www.bloomsburystore.com

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Available from The Gold & Platinum Studio

Gold & Platinum Studio 1 9 N o r t h u m b e r la n d P l a c e , B a t h B A 1 5 A R Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

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THEinterview

HEY HO

and all that jazz

Jazz singer and Bath resident Clare Teal talks to Georgette McCready about singing for the DJs’ DJ, meeting her musical heroes and launching her own record label

S

ome years ago there was a young Yorkshirewoman working in telesales in Bath who used to chat to me by the office coffee machine and talk about how one day she was determined she would be able to make a living as a singer.

Fast forward more than a decade and that Yorkshirewoman – accent as warm and authentically northern as ever – is enjoying having realised her ambition and is in her beautiful Georgian home telling me about her pride at being recently invited to sing at veteran DJ David Jacobs’ 85th birthday party at the Ivy. Clare Teal and partner Muddy Field, are for the most part living the life that Clare dreamt about all those years ago.

They get tickets to big celebrity concerts and to exclusive parties, and thanks to Clare’s other job as a BBC Radio2 DJ they meet all sorts of people, including Clare’s heroes, songwriters such as Mickie Most and Don Black.

Hey ho is a state of mind a ❝ useful mustn’t grumble type tool which can be deployed to deal with the grimness of the recession, the decline of the music industry or running out of kitchen roll

❞

This summer, after several years of Clare bringing out albums for big name labels, Clare and Muddy have finally gone solo and brought out Hey Ho, a CD under their very own independent record label. It’s a big step for the woman who signed with Sony for the biggest recording contract ever seen for a British jazz singer.

The pair are briefly at home in Bath during a whirlwind national tour to promote Hey Ho, which they’ve dubbed The Clare Teal Sings The Great British Songbook Tour.

“Basically,” explains Clare, “I sat down with my musical director Grant Windsor and we decided to bring out an album of great British songs from the last 100 years or so.

“We whittled it down to an initial 1,000 and worked on reducing it from there to fit on one album.”

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Hey Ho takes us on a musical journey from a WB Yeats’ poem put to music, through Ivor Novello and Annie Lennox to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. There are also a couple of original tracks in there, penned by Clare, Muddy and Grant.

The couple are currently celebrating Mud Records’ first success, as Hey Ho went to the top in the iTunes jazz charts.

Why the title Hey Ho, some of us wondered? Clare says: “‘Hey, ho’ is a state of mind, a useful ‘mustn’t grumble’ type tool which can be deployed to deal with the grimness of the recession, the decline of the music industry or the running out of kitchen roll.”

This month Clare is singing at the Marlborough International Jazz Festival and has been asked to curate for the Harrogate International Festival back in her home county. A typical weekend for the singer can include playing at a festival where she’ll reach an audience who may not have heard her before, to a guest appearance at a grand charity gala or a concert at a familiar venue, such as St George’s in Bristol.

She has also lent her backing, along with Sir Terry Wogan, to a hunt for a great young British songwriter and recently was one of the judges for the Song for Bath contest.

“We don’t get much time for holidays,” is a mild complaint from Clare before launching into one of her typically funny takes on life, about the billionaire they met who flew them in a private jet out to San Diego in January, where she sang in a concert room created especially for the occasion, complete with chandeliers. The trip also doubled as holiday, although as Clare says, while their working life consists of Muddy driving and Clare singing, on holiday Muddy ended up driving most of the 600 miles of their Californian trip.

They are quick to clear up the rumours that they’re about to leave Bath. It is true, says Clare, that they would like to buy an old place in the country and build a home with a studio and space to hold private gigs, but it is not true that they’re moving any time soon.

When they’re in Bath the pair enjoy going for walks in the countryside surrounding the city. Music and friends are important to them. There is always music playing in the house and Clare enjoys compiling tailor-made music selections for when friends come for dinner. ■ Clare Teal will be at Marlborough Jazz Festival on July 17.

Visit: www.clareteal.co.uk to find out more about upcoming concerts. Hey Ho is available online or at HMV.

GREAT BRITISH SONGBOOK: Clare Teal’s tenth album, Hey Ho, is the first on her own label

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WEEKENDbreak

CARRY ON glamping Samantha Ewart packs her wellies, sunglasses and a bottle of Champagne for a weekend break on a farm

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lamorous camping, or glamping. It’s the buzzword of the moment. It means no trekking across fields to go to the loo in the middle of the night, no shuffling around in sleeping bags trying to get warm and certainly no packing up wet gear at the end of the trip.

Glamping is all about luxury and that’s exactly what you get on a Feather Down Farm stay, along with a great outdoor experience.

You’ll only find Feather Down tents on working farms, where the farmer and family are passionate about preserving the longterm sustainable future of our countryside. Offering a unique rural retreat, Feather Down has tents at 28 farms across the country.

On a sunny Friday afternoon we headed to Billingsmoor Farm nestled in the beautiful Devon countryside between Cullompton and Tiverton and close to Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks and the sandy beaches on the south and north Devon coasts.

Billingsmoor is a family-run organic dairy farm with 340 acres of land and is part of the HRH Prince of Wales Duchy of Cornwall estate. It’s the perfect place to unplug yourselves from the daily rush and reconnect with each other and the British countryside.

On arrival we had a very warm welcome from farm owners Jayne and Robert who showed us to our tent and gave us a tour of the site. Cars aren’t allowed to park next to the tents or in the fields; so we left the car by the farm and began our stay in style ferrying our bags to the tent in the wheelbarrows provided.

There are ten tents at Billingsmoor, including two with hot tubs.

The tents are spread out over four fields so you get your own space and privacy, as well as fantastic views over the rolling countryside.

We were amazed how spacious and comfortable the tent was.

It’s built with a wooden frame and covered with a thick weatherproof canvas, which kept the warmth in without shutting the sounds of nature out. The interior has a traditional back-to-basics homely feel with wooden flooring, table and chairs, oil lamps and lanterns to provide light, and the centrepiece: a wood burning stove. It was so cosy.

Six people can fit in one tent – there’s a double bed, bunk beds and another large bed, all separated into different compartments. Kids will love the large bed in the cupboard which makes a great den.

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We had everything that is necessary for a carefree stay on the farm. In the tent were glasses, cups, mugs, plates, cutlery, chopping-boards, scissors, a coffee grinder, pans, cooking and baking equipment. You don’t have to take anything from home – it’s all there, including the kitchen sink with fresh cold running water. There was even a basic toilet in a small compartment which really was luxury in camping standards.

You’ll be given all your bedding on arrival and food and other essential supplies are available at your disposal from the Honesty Shop on site. From fresh milk, bread and meat, to wine, wood and candles, you’ll find pretty much anything you need. Just write down what you’ve taken from the store and pay your bill when you leave. It really reinforced the idea that we were part of the farm’s community.

We hired a barbecue for our first evening and cooked up some fabulous gourmet burgers, toasted marshmallows and sipped Champagne long into the starry night. But cooking on the wood burning stove was a real treat in the morning and the full English breakfast we had tasted better than ever. After a comfortable sleep, we greeted the day feeling refreshed and relaxed accompanied by the soothing scents of burning wood and the sounds of nature.

The tents are very calm places to start the day. From the moment you begin to stir, you’ll be struck with a sense of time and space – time to take it slow, space to let the day unfold. The day’s start is simply about the gathering, cooking and eating breakfast together and sets the tone for the rest of the day as you take it easy.

Kids are never bored – they can enjoy running around the safe environment or can even take part in the farm’s forest school which teaches bushcraft and outdoor skills.

The farm tour was a real highlight of our stay and everyone got involved – kids and adults alike. Jayne and Robert showed us around and we got the chance to see the cows being milked and the calves being fed, a lovely experience. Afterwards, Robert lit the bread oven and we sat around baking pizzas and potatoes in true Jamie Oliver style – delicious.

Although it is a luxurious camping stay, remember you are on a farm, so don’t forget your wellies! That doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish wellies though. ■ For further information about Feather Down Farm breaks or to make a booking, visit: www.featherdown.co.uk

CALM AND COSY: top picture, the tents are lit by candles and oil lamps at night and heated by the warmth of the wood burning stove DON’T FORGET YOUR WELLIES: above, I love these stylish Union Jack ones from the British Heart Foundation, £26.99 from www.giftshop.bhf.org.uk

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BATHliving

PARK fit for a queen This month a picnic and community festival is being held in celebration of Alexandra Park. The Bath Magazine, with the help of local historian Margaret Burrows, looks into the story of Bath’s highest park

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hen we noticed that the people of Bear Flat, Poets’ Corner and Lyncombe intended to celebrate the opening of Alexandra Park with a day-long festival 109 years after it first opened, we wondered about the significance – or otherwise – of the date. Don Grimes, one of the founders of the recently formed Alexandra Park Forum, says the birthday party for the park, which opened on 30 June 1902, is just the first of what is intended to be an ongoing celebration of this cherished public playground high above the city of Bath.

He said: “Although the park opened in the summer of 1902, we set up the forum last year, so this was the first anniversary of its opening for us to celebrate. I don’t think there’s any harm in marking the 109th birthday, and next year’s may be even bigger and better.

“And Queen Alexandra was due to come and open the park,

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named in her honour, but didn’t come to Bath in the end because her husband, Edward VII, was seriously ill with appendicitus.”

And so the city opened the park without a royal visitor.

The festival is being held on Sunday 10 July and all are invited to make the trek up the hill to the 11 acre site, where the celebrations will begin with family picnics at noon, followed by a traditional fete, with stalls, petanque, tree climbing for children, a fancy dress competition and a tug-of-war contest.

Local bands will provide the music, there will be an art exhibition and a chance to talk to members of the local sporting clubs and allotment holders. The thriving bowls club was founded in 1914 and proudly boasts having the highest bowling green in the country.

Representatives from the Alexandra Park Forum have been visiting residents in the area in an attempt to build up a story of how the park has been used over the years. They are very keen to hear from anyone who has photographs of the park and

PARK LIFE: above, scenes from Alexandra Park, Bath, including the bowls green, the flight of steps which leads up to the park known as Jacob’s Ladder, and the allotments – not strictly part of the park Photographs by Mark Benham, visit: www.markbenham.co. uk

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BATHliving

SOUND OF BIRDSONG: Alexandra Park, a tranquil spot in the morning sunshine

activities there, particularly earlier than the 1970s.

But what of the history of the park?

Bathonians have been making the climb up the Beechen Cliff hill for centuries. An engraving from 1757 shows a party of ladies and their gentlemen admiring the view from the upper slopes. In Northanger Abbey Jane Austen has her heroine Catherine Morland taken to the top of Beechen Cliff for a lecture by her companions Henry and Eleanor Tilney on the fashion for the picturesque.

thousands of people gathered ❝on the hilltop and slopes below to see the first steam train roll in to Bath from Bristol, to a tumultuous peal of bells from the Abbey

❞

For many years the meadowland between Lyncombe Hill and Hollway was the site of the Royal Bath & West showground.

In 1840 thousands of people gathered on the hilltop and the slopes below to see the first steam train roll in to Bath from Bristol, to a tumultuous peal of bells from the Abbey.

Still, today, agile pilgrims make their way up the hill – either via paths from Bear Flat or by the 100 plus steps of Jacob’s Ladder – to enjoy arguably the best views of Bath, framed by trees. When Bath Rugby is at home on match days, the sound of the crowd roaring approval for a fine run or a try, thunders up the hill to the park in a wave of sound, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up with its emotional force.

Margaret Burrows, of the Widcombe and Lyncombe Local History Society, is to give two talks on the history of Alexandra Park on Thursday 7 July, at 2.30pm in the Methodist Hall, Shakespeare Avenue, and at 7.30pm in The Bear pub.

Of the delay in opening in 1902, she says: “It was felt, as they WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

said at the time, that ‘the inaguaration of so acceptable an open space should no longer be delayed further.’

“A procession led by the Mayor, Mr EE Phillips, in his scarlet robe and chain of office, with the city sword bearer, the mace bearers, town clerk and councillors, approached the gate at the top of Shakespeare Avenue. The chairman of the pleasure gardens committee, Colonel Arnold Davis, presented the Mayor with a gold key bearing the civic crown and enamelled arms of Bath, with which to open the gate.”

The Mayor then planted an oak tree to mark the occasion.

In 1911 the park marked the coronation of George V and Queen Mary, beginning with a royal salute of 21 guns at 7am, accompanied by bell ringing from the Abbey and culminating in a dramatic torchlight procession of 500 men organised by the friendly societies and a massive bonfire at the summit. That night bonfires, or beacons, were lit on the hills all around Bath and the evening was crowned with a firework display.

That was probably the largest event held at Alexandra Park, as after this people tended to congregate in the more easily accessible Royal Victoria Park for public celebrations.

The Second World War finally saw the arrival of royal visitors to the area when George VI and Queen Elizabeth came to see the damage done by the 1942 air raids, which hit Poets’ Corner and Beechen Cliff Road and destroyed the park’s public conveniences.

Over the years advantage has been made of Alexandra Park’s commanding position, making it ideal for beacons lit to celebrate national events. For the past few years the firework display to launch the music festival has been held on the hill.

The park itself is a thriving microcosm of the community, from the little children playing on the swings, through to the joggers and bootcamp members, the dog walkers, allotment growers and those who simply come here for a bit of peace and quiet and to listen to the birdsong.

Festival organisers are grateful to Fidelis estate agents, local independent agent based in Bear Flat for sponsoring the event. If you have any photos please contact Don Grimes don@grimes.org.uk or visit: www.alexandraparkbath.org. ■ JULY 2011

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SUMMERholidayGUIDE

IDEAS ACTIVITIES

TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDS Longleat Safari & Adventure Park Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Mill on the Brue For further information visit: www.longleat.co.uk Longleat is just getting better and better. This summer you’ll be amazed by the new attractions, new animals and new shows. Explore Jungle Kingdom, a new multi-million pound attraction where you can enter the UK’s first walkthrough meerkat enclosure, hand feed the rainbow lorikeets and enjoy the antics of the monkeys. Or why not take a sea lion escorted voyage on Jungle Cruise past Gorilla Island and its resident silverback lowland gorilla, Nico, or journey on the Jungle Express, a railway experience that takes you past the lakes and alongside Jungle Kingdom. And don’t miss the the new deer feeding experience in the safari park – this allows visitors to get really close to the herd of deer as they eat direct from your hand. Famous for its lions, Longleat is now home to new male lions, a herd of wildebeest and two new white rhino. Meanwhile the monkeys are back in the new monkey drive through. Love them or hate them, the monkeys have always been one of the most memorable experiences of a Longleat visit and they’re back to create more mayhem. And if this isn’t enough, you can see some of the world’s top predators as they take to the skies in Hunters of the Sky daily shows.

Jo Jingles Summer Specials For further information or to book, contact tel: 01225 or visit: www.jojingles.com/bath Jo Jingles, the music and singing group for babies and young children of 3 months – 5 years, is running summer classes throughout August.

Children can play percussion instruments, sing favourite songs and have fun with props such as pompoms, scarves, bubbles, soft toys and the ever-popular parachute.

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For further information visit: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk There’s lots to see and do at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens this summer. Every Wednesday in August the keepers will be giving some of the animals ice pops – animal friendly ones with lots of yummy things hidden inside.

From 22 – 31 July, it’s Wizard Animal Week – to celebrate the launch of the final Harry Potter movie the park will be giving away tickets to see the film along with goodie bags. There will be owl talks, other animal talks, face painting and an animal trail. In August you can walk around the park and find the answers to the animal alphabet quiz. There will be a fantastic prize every week for the first correct entry out of the bag. Get the kids thinking and learn about the amazing animals in the park. And throughout the summer, take a ride on the railway around the park or climb into the tree house in the adventure playground. It’s fun for all the family and it’s pushchair and wheelchair friendly.

Bath Cricket For further information visit: www.bathcricket.com Take the opportunity this summer to get involved in a great summer sport with Cricketbath. Whether your child has never picked up a cricket bat before or is highly proficient there is a range of activities to suit all needs. Courses are delivered by a team of professional coaches and run throughout August at the Bath Cricket Club. Alternatively your child can try a one-to-one session, focusing on specific areas of their game with access to video analysis equipment. The coaches can provide a personalised programme to improve anyone’s game.

For further information visit: www.millonthebrue.co.uk Mill on the Brue is a family run activity centre in Somerset which has been operating for 28 years.

During the summer holidays it has a maximum of 60 unaccompanied residential children aged 8 – 15 weekly. Over 50 per cent return annually which says a huge amount about the activities, the caring and supportive instructors, the food, friendships made and fun. Mill on the Brue provides wonderful games, activities and tasks all set in beautiful countryside – no TVs, play stations or computers. The children learn to light fires, paddle canoes, tie knots, climb, camp, map read, cook outside and lots more. The food is home grown organically and home cooked daily.

Children and teenagers return home from Mill on the Brue more confident, independent and with happy smiles. Holidays start on Sunday 10 July. There are also day camps for 7 years upwards, Mondays to Fridays.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre For further information visit: www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge or tel: 01453 891900 With beautiful grounds and stunning wildlife spectacles, Slimbridge Wetland Centre is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors with your family. The birthplace of modern conservation, the centre is set within 325 hectares against a spectacular Severn Estuary backdrop. It has a year-round programme of exciting walks, talks, events and activities to suit all ages and interests and was the winner of the Cotswold Tourism Awards Attraction of the Year 2010. As well as exotic birds from all over the world the collection now includes amphibians and wetland mammals such as water

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voles and otters. You can also visit the many hides looking out towards the Severn to see the wildlife on the reserve. Slimbridge Wetland Centre also offers play facilities for children, free car parking and good disabled access around the grounds and out to the hides. And don’t miss the canoe safari – grab a paddle and cruise down the kilometre long trail in a canoe looking out for wildlife as you go. You may even catch sight of a water vole.

Archery@Winsley Bradford-on-Avon Rugby Club. For further information contact tel: 01225 864061 If you want your kids to try something new, then this is the perfect opportunity. Archery@Winsley is running have-a-go and introductory sessions in target archery for groups of young people during the summer holidays. It’s great fun and you’ll meet new people too.

Kids go Free at Westonbirt 23 July – 31 August For Further information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt With one of the most spectacular tree collections in the world, Westonbirt Arboretum is a place to relax and recharge, a place to learn, a resource for science and a great place for kids. There are a number of interactive trails and quizzes specially designed for families to do together while exploring Westonbirt and there are some specific facilities designed especially with the younger visitors in mind. From crawling through a giant trunk tunnel to sitting in a leafy hammock, the new Exploratree play area for young children and toddlers provides fun hands-on engaging activities that connect families with trees. The area does not set out to be a typical play area with the usual play equipment. Instead it WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

encourages self-discovery, curiosity and spontaneity. Kids can also be naturally playful in the different play zones hidden amongst the trees. Build your own home or explorer’s den and imagine an adventure, or balance across, duck under, clamber over and follow the roots wherever they go. There’s plenty to discover as a family at Westonbirt and kids can go free between 23 July and 31 August.

Curtain Up Theatre Schools For further information visit: www.curtainup.biz or tel: 01761 239185 Costumes, positions, lights... action. In the Curtain Up summer theatre school, children will work with a highly qualified and experienced drama teacher, vocal coach and choreographer to produce a musical theatre production show in just five days. They’ll feel the thrill of a real live performance at the Wroughton Theatre, King Edward’s School. Theatre schools will run on select weeks in July and August.

Lacock Abbey For further information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Whether the sun is out or if it’s raining cats and dogs, there is always a lot to do and see at Lacock Abbey. Children can explore the large gardens, build a den, run around the trees in the apple orchard, and play in the large willow structure. This month, big changes are taking place within the house, as part of the new Memories and Moments exhibition. The kitchen will bubble and hiss with the sound of cooking noises from centuries long gone, the treasure tower will be full of Tudor bling and the dressing up room will include even more dressing up clothes. Inquisitive children will love the optical illusion toys in the room where the first photographic negative was taken, creative

children will enjoy dancing to 1920s gramophone music with the shadow images in the dining room and everyone will be intrigued by listening to snatches of conservation after a Georgian house warming party. Exciting trails include a Gothick adventure in July and a Victorian ‘whodunnit’ in August, as well as a special trail for the under 6’s. A teddy bears picnic and a Victorian day are also planned and theatre company Ilyria return with Fantastic Mr Fox.

Monkton’s Summer Holiday Activity Camp For further information and to book, tel: 01225 721116 or visit: www.monktoncombeschool.com If you’re looking for a new way to entertain the children over the summer holidays, take them along to Monkton’s Summer Holiday Activity Camp. Monkton offers flexible childcare for parents in a fun and stimulating environment for the children with a tailor made programme of activities with plenty of choice. Leaders design each session around the children’s interests and abilities, with emphasis placed on promoting self confidence and self expression, always with a large helping of fun. On the Monkton Minis camp children aged 4 to 8 years can enjoy treasure hunts, parachute games, mug painting and making mosaics along with a daily swim in the indoor heated pool. For the older children Monkton offers sports, arts and crafts, drama, street dance and the popular 30 metre long super slide. More specialised courses include a Glee Workshop, which is designed to offer those with an interest in drama and performing the chance to dance, sing and create their own professional show based around the popular TV show, as well as Rugby, Rookie Lifeguarding and Sports Leaders opportunities. There’s plenty of fun to be had by all.

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HOLT EMPORIUM Unit 20, First Floor, The Tannery, The Midlands, Holt, Wiltshire BA14 6BB Tel. 01225 782906 £195 reduced to £135 £585 reduced to £385

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, OP ERA & CO MEDY – lis te d by v enue

PASSION &

music

T HE RONDO T HE ATR E Saint Saviour’s Road, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 463362. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

Rosie’s Pop Diary, Saturday 9 July, 8pm Mixing storytelling, stand up and songs, musician turned comedian Rosie Wilby brings back to life her years chasing stardom at the height of Britpop. Digging out old photos, fan letters, reviews, and the original Rosie’s Pop Diary (her 90s magazine column), she investigates how time changes and colours our memories.

The Decent Rogues, Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 July, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm

The Iford Festival continues its programme of opera this month with performances of Don Giovanni and Rodelina in the captivating Italianate cloister at Iford Manor, along with realxing summer evening jazz and music performances. Visit: www.ifordarts.co.uk for further information

T HE AT R E R OYAL Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Peter Hall Company presents Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Thursday 7 July – Saturday 13 August, please contact theatre for times Thrilling, funny and majestic by turns, Shakespeare’s Henry IV plays are both a drama of family life and a great English epic, which chronicles the complex relationships between fathers and sons. Henry IV encompasses the entire panorama of English life, from the sleazy taverns of Eastcheap to the stately splendour of the royal court, where a host of huge personalities ranges from Shakespeare’s great comic creation, Falstaff to the schemer Hal and the dazzling and honourobsessed Hotspur. The company of over 30 includes Desmond Barrit, an Olivier Awardwinning actor who has worked extensively for the RSC and the National Theatre. In 2001 he received an Olivier Award nomination for his performance as Falstaff in Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 for the RSC.

The Peter Hall Company presents This Happy Breed, Tuesday 19 July – Saturday 13 August, please contact theatre for times Noël Coward turns his considerable artistry from the Champagne-quaffing classes to the

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tea-drinkers in this compelling drama set in the years between the wars. Focussing on one ordinary family, the Gibbons, he follows their joys and heartaches from the day they move into a comfortable suburban home in Clapham in 1919 to the day they move out again, twenty years later. Coward captures the warmth, stoicism and humour as the family experiences births, deaths, marriages and love affairs alongside fluctuating fortunes, beliefs and allegiances. This Happy Breed is directed

by Stephen Unwin, founder of English Touring Theatre and currently the artistic director of the Rose Theatre in Kingston, which Sir Peter Hall inaugurated. His work has also been seen at the Donmar Warehouse, the Almeida Theatre and the Old Vic. He recently directed an extraordinarily acclaimed production of Rattingan’s The Winslow Boy starring Timothy West.

T HE UST I NOV T HE AT RE Monmouth Street, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Monday 4 – Saturday 9 July, 8pm The faction’s theatre company’s energetic and physical approach brings to life the majesty of Shakespeare’s popular comedy. After previous much-acclaimed productions of classic work, the faction returns to Shakespeare after visiting the Ustinov Studio with Schiller’s The Robbers in April.

A thrilling and heart-warming new musical, The Decent Rogues is the story of two best friends who are not only wellrespected members of Edwardian village life but also gentlemen crooks. Shadowed by their sinister nemesis who has sworn revenge over them, the rogues plan one final crime with disastrous consequences. With a treasure chest of hummable songs, Dan Lashbrook and Rob Pratt bring a fresh and reverberating original score to a light-hearted yet touching new story.

Edinburgh Preview 1 Jim Smallman: Tattooligan & Mark Olver: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Thursday 21 July, 8pm Bristol’s own Mark Olver was recently nominated for Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival for Portrait Of A Serial Killer.

Don’t miss this chance to catch this laugh-outloud, sometimes macabre comedy play before it hits the Edinburgh Fringe. One of the comedy circuit’s favourite acts, Jim Smallman presents Tattooligan with tall tales and body ink aplenty in this brand new stand-up.

Edinburgh Preview 2 Andrew O’Neill: Alternative & Diane Spencer: All Pervading Madness, Saturday 23 July, 8pm Join the Rondo’s favourite metalhead transvestite, Andrew O’Neill, for a preview of his brand new show Alternative. You’ll have seen him in the new series of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, don’t miss your chance to catch him live. And global stand-up sensation Diane Spencer (Best Newcomer, Chortle Awards 2011) presents her show All Pervading Madness which recently played at the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival.

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WHAT’Son

M IS SIO N T HE ATR E

L A CK H AM H O U S E

32 Corn Street, Bath. For all ticket information contact the theatre on tel: 01225 428600 or visit: www.missiontheatre.co.uk

North of Lacock, Wiltshire. To book tickets, visit: www.shakespearelive.com or tel: 01225 722987

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 July, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm

Shakespeare Live: Hamlet Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 July, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2pm

Next Stage Theatre Company presents this pitch-perfect production adapted from the novel by Muriel Spark. The Marcia Blaine School for Girls is a shining educational beacon in 1930’s Edinburgh. But behind the scenes a different story is unfolding. A charismatic teacher in her prime, Miss Jean Brodie, schools her pupils to follow an alternative agenda. Four of Miss Brodie’s hand-picked pupils are chosen for their special talents and taught to celebrate beauty, secrecy, conspiracy and anti-establishment views.

Around these favourite pupils Jean Brodie weaves a web of fantastic stories, unconventional values, fascist politics and tales of unrequited love. Caught in Miss Brodie’s mesh, each girl is altered forever by the eccentric lessons in love, learning and life, but ultimately Brodie’s manipulative and duplicitous ways lead to her own destruction.

This year the long-established group move to Lackham House, where the beautiful setting of the gardens and eighteenth century house act as a perfect backdrop for the play itself, and for the picnics beforehand – a traditional feature of the evenings. New director Rod Moor-Bardell has chosen to place Hamlet in 1920, just after the Great War, examining the contrast between the old, war-torn past, and the new, rebellious future. The Friday and Saturday evening shows are gala nights, with tickets including pre-play entertainment.

Bath Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro, Friday 22 – Saturday 23 July, 7.30pm Count Almaviva’s wandering eye is settling on Susannah, his wife’s maid, but Susannah is about to marry Figaro, the Count’s servant.

Figaro, the Countess and the maid plan to teach the dastardly Count a lesson, but matters are complicated by a woman with claims to Figaro’s hand, a man with a grudge, a gossip monger, an adolescent boy and the Count’s gardener. Mozart’s genius tells their story in an entertaining and comprehensible way, and presets some of the most unforgettable melodies ever written.

KI NGSW OOD TH EAT R E Lansdown, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 835301 or visit: www.zenithytc.co.uk

Into the Woods, Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 July, 2.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical intertwines the plots of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and The Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella, tied together by a baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family. The Zenith Youth Theatre Company even adds Goblins to this humorous and dark musical, which earlier this year won an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Zenith, previously known, as Bodlets is a theatrical society for all young people aged between 13 and 21 who demonstrate an enthusiasm and commitment to the group’s aim of musical theatre to the highest standard, which have won many awards.

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Shakespeare Live

T H E P ET O G AR D E N Iford Manor, Iford, near Bath. Book tickets via the Theatre Royal Box Office on tel: 01225 448844

Don Giovanni, 9, 12, 15, 16, 19, 22 & 23 July, 7.30pm Mozart’s captivating opera will be staged inthe-round to an audience of 90 by Opera della Luna, legendary at Iford for its comic escapades. This new production examines the opera in the light of its comic origins and will also premiere an exciting new orchestral arrangement, especially suited to Iford and to Opera della Luna, by Iain Farrington, well known to Iford audiences for his acclaimed arrangement of Rusalka.

Rodelina, 29 & 30 July and 2, 3, 5, 6 & 9 August, 7.30pm Rodelinda sits alone mourning her husband’s exile and death – unaware that he has faked it.

She and her son, the mute young prince, are the helpless focus of a maze of intrigue and brutal blackmail. Until the king makes his daring comeback. Handel’s complex characters are deftly laid bare over the course of a strong, clear, fast-paced narrative. Iford offers the perfect setting, both dramatically and acoustically, for this closely observed masterpiece.

FROME FESTIVAL FRIDAY 8 – SUNDAY 17 JULY

Cara Dillon

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ith over 180 events, featuring comedy, visual arts, theatre, dance, workshops, walks, talks, and every musical genre, this year’s colourful programme is set to attract thousands of visitors to the pretty Somerset market town. Musical highlights requiring early booking include Irish folk singer Cara Dillon, singer-songwriter Sandi Thom, Mercury Music prize nominees Turin Brakes, world fusion pioneers Transglobal Underground, and festival favourites Praying for the Rain. As always, the festival features comedy, and this year John Shuttleworth, Lucy Porter, Jo Caulfield and Three Bonzos and a Piano, amongst others, will be supplying the laughs. One of Frome’s best kept secrets is that Pre-Raphaelite writer Christina Rossetti once lived and worked in the town which the festival celebrates with a combined musical and literary event – the Amati String Quartet will share the stage with Tina Waller, narrating Rossetti’s letters and poems. Events for families include Miracle Theatre’s outdoor family comedy The Death of Sherlock Holmes at the ECOS Amphitheatre and don’t miss the Outdoor Swimming Society’s Big Jump – a perfect opportunity to take a summer dip in the River Frome. This year’s visual arts programme is a kaleidoscope of exhibitions, collaborations, workshops and talks. A summer festival with many outdoor events, the fortnight sees none bigger than the famous Food Feast, mixing international music with global cuisines. Also pairing fine food with music are the acoustic and jazz breakfasts, hosted by the Archangel, a new festival venue with rave reviews. Don’t miss these exciting events and the cheery atmosphere.

There’s food, fun and festivities to be shared by all. ■ For a full programme of events visit: www.fromefestival.co.uk

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WHAT’Son M U S IC – l i s te d by date HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD SATURDAY 2 JULY, 8PM American Museum in Bath, Claverton Manor, Combe Down, Bath. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk The American Museum and Bath Philharmonia have teamed up to present this very special, outdoor concert to celebrate the Museum’s 50th anniversary. The programme includes favourites from Hollywood classics such as The King & I, West Side Story, ET, and The Sound of Music. Bring a few chairs and a picnic to enjoy an evening of unforgettable music under the stars.

JENNIFER RUST & EMMA PETTEMERIDES FRIDAY 8 JULY, 7.30PM St Michael’s Without Church, Broad Street, Bath. Tickets £10 on the door or from tel: 01225 428580 International sopranos, Jennifer Rust and Emma Pettemerides, are returning to their home town to perform an evening of well known opera classics, duets and popular show tunes. Both sopranos are completing their opera training at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and proceeds raised will be used to support them as they embark on their careers on the operatic stage.

Katherine Jenkins

ZIMBABWEAN MUSIC COURSE MONDAY 11 – FRIDAY 15 JULY ICIA Arts Barn, University of Bath. Cost: £350 or £420 including accommodation. Box office tel: 01225 386777 Zimbabwean musician and ethnomusicologist of SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in London, Chartwell Dutiro delivers a one week course specialising in the music traditions of his native Zimbabwe. Chartwell teaches through community singing, dance and mbira playing.

ROGER DALTREY TUESDAY 12 JULY, 7PM Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 922 3686 www.colstonhall.org Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who, will perform rock opera Tommy from start to finish, along with a variety of Who classics.

Employing the use of striking visuals to accompany the music, every show will be an unforgettable concert experience for lifelong fans and newcomers alike.

Dame Emma Kirkby

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA WITH DENISE LEIGH THURSDAY 14 JULY, 7.30PM Bath Abbey. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 Soprano Denise Leigh will be singing a mixed programme of songs from Bach to Bernstein, and Rossini to Rogers and Hart. She will be accompanied by her husband, Stefan Andrusyschyn, on both piano and accordion,

Denise Leigh

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and he will also be playing some solo items, including a Piazzola tango. Denise, who has been blind since she was a young child, first came to public attention after winning Channel 4’s programme Operatunity, an X-factor style search for the best operatic talent. Since then, she has performed with renowned orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic, The BBC Concert Orchestra, and English National Opera, and has sung for members of the Royal family.

VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR FRIDAY 22 JULY, 7.30PM Kingswood Theatre, Bath. Tickets from Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 www.vocalworks.co.uk VWGC will be performing its crossover blend of uplifting soul and gospel-inspired music, including tracks from the album Seven.

BACH MASS IN B MINOR WITH EMMA KIRKBY SATURDAY 30 JULY, 7PM Wells Cathedral, Cathedral Green, Wells.

Tickets from tel: 01823 336344 or www.somersetchamberchoir.org.uk The Somerset Chamber Choir performs Bach’s masterpiece with world famous soprano (and choir Patron) Dame Emma Kirkby heading a team of superb young soloists and period orchestra Canzona under the baton of conductor Graham Caldbeck.

EXCERPTS FROM RODELINA SUNDAY 31 JULY, 6PM The Chapel of St Michael Within, Chapel Court, Bath. Tickets from £65 including pre and post-performance Champagne reception from tel: 01225 486417 A rare and unique opportunity to enjoy excerpts from Handel’s opera, Rodelina, performed by artists from world renowned Iford Arts and distinguished Handelian harpsichordist Christian Curnyn with members of his award-winning period orchestra, Early Opera Company.

LOOKING AHEAD GLASTONBURY EXTRAVAGANZA SATURDAY 6 & SUNDAY 7 AUGUST To book tickets contact tel: 01458 834596 or visit: www.glastonburyextravaganza.co.uk On Saturday headliners Status Quo return to the Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza following their sell-out performance in 2009.

Supporting them are Bootleg Beatles performing the greatest hits of The Fab Four.

Sunday sees the stunning Katherine Jenkins perform for the first time at Glastonbury Abbey. Her special guest will be opera star Wynne Evans, probably best known as the incomparable moustachioed tenor on television advertisements. The National Symphony Orchestra will also be performing. Both nights will culminate in fantastic fireworks displays.

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WHAT’Son O T H E R E V E N T S – li s t ed b y d a t e INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY SATURDAY 9 JULY

International Air Day

AN AUDIENCE WITH HAYLEY MILLS THURSDAY 7 JULY, NOON & 7PM The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath.

Donations for tickets for the lunchtime audience with Hayley Mills are £125 each to include, champagne reception, 3 course lunch, coffee and petits fours. Tickets for the intimate seven course tasting menu dinner with Hayley are £250 each. To book tel: 01548 511484 At the first event guests can enjoy a Champagne reception and a delicious lunch followed by a talk and Q&A session from the star. In the evening at a second event a limited number of guests will enjoy a very intimate dinner with Hayley Mills. Only a few places are available for this exclusive seven course dinner. The events will raise money for the Integrative Health Trust.

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RNAS Yeovilton, Yeovil. For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk RNAS Yeovilton Air Day will feature world class military aerobatic teams such as the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.

The fast jet displays and helicopter displays are not to be missed and for the first time Team Viper will perform a formation display of classic Hunter jets. There will be plenty of entertainment on the ground for all the family including a funfair, simulator rides, classic vehicles, helicopter flights, trade stands, picnic areas and much more.

STOURHEAD FIREWORKS SATURDAY 23 JULY, FROM 7.30PM Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire. To book tickets tel: 0844 249 1895 Take family and friends along to the National Trust’s Stourhead Gardens to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the world-famous landscape garden as dusk falls. This is a rare opportunity to see Stourhead in a different light, with the lakeside temples illuminated and the garden transformed – take in the magic with a walk around the lake while the sun sets and find a spot for a picnic. The evening will end with a

spectacular firework display – seeing the temples illuminated and fireworks reflected in the lake is a sight not to be missed.

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS: MASTER & COMMANDER SATURDAY 30 JULY, 9PM The Holburne Museum garden, Bath. Tickets £6, from the Holburne on tel: 01225 388569 and from Little Theatre Cinema Box Office on tel: 0871 9025735 The Holburne and the Little Theatre Cinema with Filmair present a magical opportunity to enjoy the big screen under a big sky in the museum’s garden. Bring a warm blanket and a picnic, or enjoy a treat from the Cafe. Gates open 7.30pm.

LOOKING AHEAD WILTSHIRE GAME & COUNTRY FAIR SATURDAY 6 & SUNDAY 7 AUGUST Bowood House, Calne, Wiltshire. Tickets from www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk With equestrian competitions, game shows and talks, arena demonstrations, dog events and lessons in gundog handing, falconry and angling, a visit to the Wiltshire Game & Country Fair is an excellent day out for the countryman, with entertainment for kids too.

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TREEfest Enjoy folk music and sleeping under the stars at Westonbirt Arboretum next month

F

our days of family fun, music, camping and crafts will take place over the August Bank Holiday (26-29) weekend at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire in a celebration of all things inspired by trees and nature.

This year, the Forestry Commission managed Westonbirt Arboretum is taking a fresh direction with its signature summer event.

For over a decade, the arboretum has held the Festival of the Tree, welcoming families, woodworkers and craft enthusiasts from across the country. The new-look event, Treefest, will keep these favourite elements, but also showcase live local music in the evenings. Visitors purchasing weekend tickets will also have the rare chance to camp at Westonbirt.

Festival weekend and camping tickets start from £35 and must be bought in advance.

Family-friendly music, art, storytelling and poetry workshops will take place during the daytime and from 4pm onwards, the music marquee will come alive with local acoustic and folk singers.

Standard daily tickets will give access to the exciting daily line-up and also allow free of charge admission to the evening live local music.

Wiltshire based organisation The 4014 Project will support the music element of Treefest. In the past few years, 4014 has grown from being a monthly meeting in local pubs, into a hub for anybody with a musical talent in the region.

Artists playing at Treefest include Rich Maya, a south-west based guitarist and songwriter; The Bateleurs, an alternative folk group from Swindon whose success is growing both locally and commercially following the release of their first CD, New Day Rising; Jim Lockley and the Solemn Sun, a Cheltenham four-piece who have supported Mumford & Sons, Frank Turner and Chris TT in the last few years and Grubby Jack, a Wiltshire based three-piece consisting of folk and country guitarist JC Leonard, violinist Jenny Gleeson and bouzouki playing Terry Hunt.

The musical celebration will finish on Monday 29 with 90 minutes of open mic. The session will give budding musicians, singers, poets or comedians the chance to showcase their talents in front of The 4014 Project. Contact hello@4014.co.uk to reserve your spot.

Traditional favourites, including wood carving demonstrations and craft sales, local food, falconry displays, Morris dancing, demonstrations from the Westonbirt tree team and a medieval village add to the festival line up.

Unique works of art will also be created and displayed at the arboretum throughout the year.

Treefest starts at 10am on Friday 26 August and runs until Monday 29 August. For further information and to buy online tickets, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest ■ Advance discounts on daily tickets can be found on Westonbirt’s website.

Advance admission is £8 for concessions, £10 adults and kids go free throughout the event.

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS NICK CUDWORTH: SUMMER EXHIBITION Nick Cudworth Gallery 5 London Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445221 www.nickcudworth.com

Throughout July Nick will be showing a collection of his paintings and prints that relate to the summer season featuring the stone buildings and waterways of Bath.

JILLY SUTTON: ACROSS THE GRAIN Victoria Art Gallery

By Pulteney Bridge, Bath. Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk

23 July – 2 October Jilly Sutton carves her large wooden heads and figures from felled trees and driftwood. Her wooden house and studio are on the Dart estuary, where the calmness of the river influences the peacefulness of her sculptures.

Wood sculptures and pictures complement an installation of elm trees.

Chuck Elliot, Blast, metallic lambada print

ARTISTS OF FAME AND PROMISE Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 464850 www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 3 September New work by emerging and established gallery artists including Jackie Anderson, Ellen Bell, Sasha Bowles, Andrew Crocker, Matthew Draper, Stewart Edmondson, Chuck Elliott, Fenella Elms, Caroline Frood, Gareth McCorry, Angeli Sowani and Jason Walker. Also on display are new porcelain ceramics by Carina Ciscato.

Jilly Sutton, Drifter, cast olive stone from wood

SALLY STAFFORD & LORRAINE GERRY: FORESTS, MEADOWS & DREAMS Bath Fine Art 35 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 461230 www.bathfineart.com

2 – 18 July

Sally Stafford, One Thousand Petals

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Sally Stafford’s inspiration comes from the ancient woodlands and meadows near her home. Her paintings are aptly described as ‘a place to rest your soul before the next step on its journey’. The viewer is invited to lose themselves in the intricate and abstract qualities of the paintings – step back and one sees a forest or meadow, move closer and the work is cleverly non-representational.

Sally works in a unique style, capturing Balinese flower offerings in kaleidoscopic colour, and allowing raindrops to blend paint on canvas and leave their mark. She outlines with charcoal from local forests, and works flat on the floor applying layers of water, mixed media and gold leaf from above.

The finished visual experience is multi layered, rich in colour and texture.

Lorraine Gerry is inspired by the undulating landscape and ever changing colours both at home in the Cotswolds and wherever she finds herself.

Lorraine’s work evokes a sense of energy, of light and subtlety of colour allowing the observer to experience sensations of wild and natural beauty and freedom and peacefulness.

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS PETER BLAKE: A MUSEUM FOR MYSELF The Holburne Museum Sydney Place, Bath. Tel: 01225 388588 www.holburne.org

PAINTINGS FOR £1,500 AND UNDER...

Edgar Modern Bartlett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 443746 www.edgarmodern.com

Throughout July and August

Until 4 September Sir Peter Blake has been collecting for as long as he has been making art and the two activities have been intimately linked throughout his life and career. This exhibition is the first time that Peter has shown his collection together with his own art. Peter made his name as a pioneering figure in the Pop Art movement of the 1950s and 60s and created in the Sergeant Pepper cover one of the period’s most iconic images. Through his collection and his work you can trace his lifelong engagement with popular culture, his friendships with fellow artists and musicians, but perhaps above all his sympathy for the quirky and the overlooked. In the exhibition you will find collages, folk art, pop ephemera, works by his artist friends, showbiz memorabilia and marching troupes of toy elephants. Among the treasures and curiosities on display will be General Tom Thumb’s boots, a hare with antlers, Max Miller’s shoes and Ian Dury’s Rhythm Stick.The exhibition will show these wonders together with important works from throughout Blake’s career.

An affordable collection of work from the gallery’s stable of artists including Dan Parry-Jones, Henrietta Dubrey, Mhairi McGregor, Becky Buchanan, Mungo Powney and Jessica Cooper RWA.

EMMA ROSE SOLO EXHIBITION Demuths Restaurant 2 North Parade, Bath. emmaroseartworks.com

Henrietta Dubrey, Man Flower

Until 17 July Local artist Emma Rose brings her solo exhibition to award-winning Demuths restaurant. Her vibrant work is striking and collectable.

THE BATH PRIZE 2011

RECENT PAINTINGS BY MICHAEL NORMAN PS Gallery LeFort Fine Art 5 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath. www.gallerylefortfineart.com

16 July – 6 August An exhibition of over 30 paintings by popular pastel painter, Michael Norman PS. Michael captures the magnificent landscape subjects that surround him in his home in south Devon, capturing the light and atmospheric effects that he sees throughout the year.

A date for your diary...

Following this exhibition is the The Royal Institute of Oil Painters which comes to Bath for the first time at Gallery LeFort in conjunction with The Royal Crescent Hotel. A weekend event is being held on 6 & 7 August to celebrate this. It is strictly invitation only and tickets may be booked via the Royal Crescent Hotel and Gallery LeFort Fine Art. Tickets £35 to include exhibition entrance on Saturday/Sunday and a demonstration in oil painting

by Roger Dellar followed by a jazz luncheon on Sunday. The major ROI exhibition at Gallery LeFort runs from 13 August – 16 September.

Mark Reynolds, Stairway to Heaven, an entry in 2010

Entries close on Tuesday 6 September The Bath Prize is back. Successful exhibitions and sales in city of Bath in 2009 and 2010 have led to bigger prizes and more painting locations for 2011 and the competition is now calling for entries. The Bath Prize competition is open to both professional and amateur painters and has been designed to produce a multi-faceted portrait of a very special place. To ensure that the whole of the city is covered, entrants will be required to produce at least one painting inspired by a specified location in the Georgian heart of the city, these locations will be allocated by ballot. Artists will be encouraged to work on the streets, en plein air, but they can also sketch or photograph their subject and complete the work elsewhere. For 2011 The Bath Prize will be £6,000, the Plein Air award will be £1,000 and there will be a range of other prizes in the £14,000 prize fund. Entry details at www.thebathprize.co.uk.

Michael Norman, Morning Sunshine, Polperro

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MARK ANGUS: FLYING FIGURES WORKS ON GLASS AND PAPER Victoria Art Gallery

By Pulteney Bridge, Bath.

Tel: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk

23 July – 2 October Originally from Bath, Mark Angus is one of Europe’s best stained glass artists. His work for churches and cathedrals in England and Germany is well known, but his freestanding glass figures go on public view at the Victoria Art Gallery for the first time. The exhibition shows recent glass works – large wall mounted backlit glass figures etched from mouth blown glass, paintings and drawings and painted glass vases and large plates. Glowingly coloured figures explore the theme of eternal youth in this outstanding show.

Mark Angus, Blue Flying Figure, acid etched and enamel painted antique glass

SUMMER EXHIBITION FEATURING MARK DEMSTEADER, TOM LEWIS AND BRIDGET RILEY The White Room Gallery 31 Brock Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 331500 www.thewhiteroomgallery.com

3 July – 31 August The gallery’s summer exhibition is a chance to view original work and limited edition prints by three contrasting artists. Delicate new portraits by Mark Demsteader, the next installment of mystical paintings by Tom Lewis and a selection of old and new Bridget Riley editions. A chance to see three artists at the top of their respective genres.

Bridget Riley, Red

DRESSING THE STARS The Fashion Museum Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 477789 www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

12 July – 29 August An exciting new exhibition is due to open at the Fashion Museum this month that will showcase British costume design from the last 50 years, bringing together many award-winning costumes and the designers who created them. On display will be around 40 costumes worn by stars including Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech and those worn by Kiera Knightley in The Duchess. Other costumes will include those worn by Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson in Sense and Sensibility, Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean, Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love and Meryl Streep in The French Lieutenant’s Woman.

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BATHcreative

THE RIGHT type FOR BATH Georgette McCready looks at the story behind the new typeface created for Bath and designed to enhance the city’s reputation on the international map

A

Bath possesses some of the most important quiet revolution is taking place on examples of 18th and 19th century inscriptional the streets of Bath – so quiet that lettering in Britain. You only have to look up at the many Bathonians or tourists corners of many of our Georgian streets to see the won’t yet have noticed its impact. addresses neatly carved and just as clear and legible But like all successful revolutions, as they were when the stonemasons created them. this one has taken lessons from So the design panel had to look back at Bath’s history, borrowed ideas from the past and Palladian architecture, paying respect to the created its own agenda with a steady eye on vernacular style, while also trying to create improvements for future generations. something that didn’t scream ‘Ye Olde Typeface’ at The first thing the average passer-by will its 21st century users. The typeface was required have noticed is the arrival of some new to work hard for its keep – authorative, userstanding post signs around the city streets, with friendly, timeless, versatile and displaying elegance distinctive circular maps that show the viewer and craftsmanship – these were all considered exactly where they’re standing. Walk around during the planning process. the sign to view it from the other side and it Bath also looked at how other cities around the will faithfully show you what you’re looking at world have pioneered the way with creating their in the other direction. own distinctive brands of typefaces – fonts that as And while you’re admiring the clarity of the soon as you look at them you know which city map and its ability to give what is known as a you’re in. Think of the elegant Art Nouveau metal ‘heads-up’ view, you may notice the 3D signs of the Paris Metro or the no-nonsense, clearrenditions of landmark buildings headed text used in Amsterdam’s in Bath, such as the Royal underground system. Venice, Crescent and the Roman Baths, Rome and Berlin all have their each picked out in delicate tracery own bespoke fonts. on the map. You may also note, The ultimate design brief for with some civic pride, what a Bath went to world leaders in green city Bath appears to be, with typography design, David Quay its abundance of parks and open and Ramiro Espinoza of FW spaces.

Design. The end result was a font And if you don’t comment on designed specifically for Bath that the typeface – or font – that is could be used in its sans or serif used on the new maps then the forms, according to need. The designers will have done their job serif version will broadly be used very well. Effective branding is to welcome people, while the sans subtle. It wins the viewer over version will be used mostly in almost subliminally. mapping.

But whether you’ve noticed the As to those newly arrived new style of writing on our signs, From the design brief for the Bath City Information System typeface street maps, they have been made the story behind the creation of in vitreous enamel, which is a the new Bath font is a fascinating craft in itself, and bevelled in one. bronze. The colours used on the The city’s present custodians, Bath maps have also been carefully chosen to be in keeping with Bath’s & North East Somerset Council, has long considered the challenge of architecture. how to get locals and visitors round the city without impinging on Unusually the maps are circular and because of the way they are the beauty of this World Heritage City. It was mindful that any new designed – with that ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ style – there is signs would have to be clear but also aesthetically pleasing and true none of that neck twisting contortion you need to perform in some to the character and heritage of Bath. towns to find out where ‘You Are Here’ really is.

It was a tough brief. Cleverly, the council invited 19 local groups The street maps are being installed in a rolling programme, which from different aspects of the community to talk to its design panel of should be completed by September. Next time you go to walk past experts in their own fields – including architecture and theatre one, stop. Take a few minutes to study it and consider the thoughtful design. It also carried out research into how visitors viewed Bath, process that has been undergone on all our behalfs to try to do the encouraging them to create maps inside their heads as to how the best job possible for the people of Bath, our legions of visitors and city is laid out. The design brief also required that the new Bath font the city’s sense of place in the world. be fit for everything from tourist-friendly street signs to bus shelters, We will have to wait and see whether, in a few years’ time the Bath and from hand-held paper maps to information posted on websites. font will become a style beacon that says ‘Bath’ as clearly as the The project’s full title – should you wish to discuss it with anyone curves of its famous Georgian crescents. ■ from B&NES – is the Bath City Information System.

A serious font that pays tribute to ❝ the best in our lettering tradition and

at the same time totally modern in approach. Something readable and functional and at the same time with a portion of measured subjectivisim that will express Bath’s vision of itself, its past and especially its future

❞

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BOOKreviews

SUMMER

reads Nic Bottomley from Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights has hand-picked a selection of books that are perfect to relax with on your hols

Swamplandia! by Karen Russell £12.99, Chatto & Windus, paperback

The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall £7.99, Vintage, paperback

For a refreshingly different, man-eating kind of summer read, try this blend of flamboyant, magical-realist family drama and adventure set in an alligator theme park in Florida. The unforgettable young Ava, of the Bigtree alligator wrestling dynasty, embarks on a journey through the mangrove swamps.

We loved the sparkling prose, dream-like action and the underlying darkly moving tale.

The title alone gives away a little of this author’s wry and dark sense of humour. His endearing, quirky characters are superb and this is an exceptionally tender tale, albeit an oddball one.

As the title suggests, this polygamist, with four wives and 28 children is nevertheless a lonely one, who takes a job on a Nevada brothel, ending up in the arms of the boss’s wife.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, £8.99, Vintage, paperback Ticks all the boxes for a great summer read – a rich, chunky, riveting story delving into family secrets, forbidden love and betrayal. Following twins Marion and Shiva, born in a mission hospital in Ethiopia, you are as much swept up by the vibrant and terrifying descriptions of a country on the brink of revolution as you are by the strength of the characters and the plot. If you loved The Kite Runner…

The Opposite of Falling by Jennie Rooney, £7.99, Vintage, paperback Fly back a little in time with a smart, warm-hearted adventure of discovering love. Set in late 19th century a Liverpudlian woman travels across the Atlantic with her young orphan companion. Life changes forever with an invitation to ride a hot-air balloon over Niagara Falls. A witty and delicately told story in the exciting era of early flying machines and the first ever Thomas Cook tours.

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The Surrendered by Chang-Rae Lee, £8.99, Little, Brown, paperback The publishers have done something incredibly bold to promote this book. They’ve replaced the usual blurb on the back with just the words “Read Page 29”. On that page June and her family are refugees experiencing the brutality of the Korean War. Throughout the remainder of this fast-paced novel we learn of the deep scars that the experiences of conflict left behind, not only in June but also in the tough but numbed veteran Hector and the vulnerable missionary Sylvia. A harsh but compelling tale.

We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen, £7.99, Vintage, paperback An epic plot-driven tale to really get your teeth into this summer. Spanning three generations of Danish sailors leaving the coastal town of Marstal, this gripping novel sees slave traders, shrunken heads, huge storms and two world wars. Chock-full of intense and gritty descriptions of life at sea and unforgettable characters. A tale to sweep you away.

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BUSINESSnews

Party in the crescent Property agents Carter Jonas officially celebrated its arrival in Bath by hosting a party for more than 100 guests, including accountants, solicitors and property developers at the Royal Crescent Hotel.

A steel band and walk-about magician entertained guests at the reception. Philip Marshall, head of Carter Jonas’s Bath office said: “We were thrilled that so many people gave up their time to join us. It was our way of thanking them for their support and to highlight our presence in the city.

“Our move to Wood Street makes us the only agent in Bath offering a combined service under one roof. We’re geared up to deliver a truly complete service and look forward to an exciting future.”

For further information, visit: www.carterjonas.co.uk

News in brief With tourism playing such a vital part in Bath’s economy, organisations which work to promote the industry locally are increasingly important. Bath Independent Guesthouses and Hotels Association, which represents around 100 businesses, has appointed two joint chairmen, Leslie Redwood and Ashley Baker. The former chairman, David Greenwood, retired after ten years serving BIGHA. The 21-year-old organisation provides a commission-free bookings service on its website.

The Send A Cow charity, based in Bath, has appointed Chloe Powell, pictured, as its partnerships manager. Chloe, who has five years’ experience in the corporate and charity sectors. She will work alongside chief executive Martin Geake to ensure that people who have donated large amounts see the impact of their giving.

A modelling agency in Bath and London has launched a website.

Shoot DHS Models has already worked with Bath shops, including British Designers@Fashion Capital, Via Appia, Mimi Noor, Sposa Elegante and Seen To Be Different.

David Hill-Souch, casting director for Shoot DHS Models, said: “It’s been such an incredible start for us as well as a complete pleasure working for some of Bath’s top fashion companies.” Visit: wwwshootdhs.co.uk Vintage to Vogue, the Bath boutique which specialises in authentic fashion, now has an online store, visit: vintagetovoguebath.com.

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WELCOME TO BATH: Rod Meade, Carter Jonas finance director from Mayfair, with David Mackenzie, partner and head of residential sales and Sue Nandi, hotelier

LATEST BUZZ

Olympian opens new shop Olympic gold medal winner Amy Williams, MBE, who trained for her victory at the University of Bath, cut the ribbon to officially open the new Crabtree & Evelyn shop in New Bond Street.

The international fragrance brand has relocated from its former store in The Podium.

Shoppers at the new premises were treated to drinks and special offers.

Anne Pithie, marketing director, said: “We’re delighted to have such a well-known and accomplished local sports personality to share this special occasion.”

BATH BUSINESS news & views

A round up of achievements and events from the city’s business community

Chance to win a £20,000 wedding

One lucky couple will get the wedding of their dreams when the winning ticket for a charity draw is picked this autumn – and it’s all down to a group of local businesses who have offered their services for nothing to help a good cause.

The wedding prize has just about everything a couple would want, from a venue (Bailbrook House, Batheaston) to photography (Kevin Mitchell) right through to the wedding dress (from The Clothes Horse) and even babysitting services on the big day.

The prize draw has been set up by Kerry Heathcote, who runs wedding organising business Snapdragon Weddings, to raise money for the Royal United Hospital’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Kerry has organised a mini wedding fair at Bailbrook House on Thursday 21 July from 5pm to 8.30pm, serving Champagne and canapes to couples while they chat to the wedding service suppliers. They will also be able to buy raffle tickets at £5 each that evening.

The winning wedding will take place on 17 June 2012, while the prize ticket will be drawn out of the hat on Saturday 22 October at a charity ball at Bailbrook House.

For more information on the Snapdragon Wedding charity draw visit: www.snapdragonweddings.co.uk.

Financial adviser joins the team of directors Simon Ewings has been appointed as a director of Monahans Financial Services Ltd, which has offices in Trowbridge, Bath, Chippenham, Swindon and Glastonbury.

Simon joins Monahans from Francis Clark Financial Planning. His track record includes working with solicitors, property agents, accountants, stockbrokers, investment houses and employee benefit consultants. He holds chartered status, the highest qualification for independent financial advisors.

Monahans’ MD, Steve Missen, said: “This is an exciting and important for us as Simon will be a key part of our succession planning.”

THE FAB FOUR: Monahans Financial Services directors, Steve Missen, Simon Ewings, Mervyn Osman and Roger Perry

TAXmatters

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Tax Relief on Capital Assets is Changing Businesses including furnished holiday lets can obtain tax relief on certain qualifying assets by way of Capital Allowances. In the past few years reliefs have been generous and many small businesses have been able to claim 100% tax relief in the year of purchase. Changes already announced will dramatically restrict future claims and planning your expenditure can significantly increase your allowances over the next 18 months.

J

on Miles and Laura Rowlands from Richardson Swift advise that the changes to the Capital Allowance Regime which take effect from 1st April 2012 (corporation tax) or 6th April 2012 (income tax) will have a varying, and sometimes unexpected

impact on the timing of tax reliefs and cash flows for businesses. Richardson Swift would like to alert business owners to the potential tax impact of their capital expenditure, to enable them to plan ahead.

The remaining additions will qualify for Writing Down Allowances (WDA’s) at a lower rate. (Broadly, WDA’s for new and unrelieved expenditure on plant and machinery are currently 20% or 10% per annum depending on the type of asset, and these will be reduced to 18 per cent or 8 per cent from 1st April 2012/ 6th April 2012).

Businesses with a year-end that spans 1st /6th April 2012 will get a transitional allowance which is based on the number of months in each tax financial year, but the following Case Study demonstrates that it is not a simple transition to the new rules.

Case Study

Jon Miles

Annual Investment Allowance The Annual Investment Allowance enables businesses to claim 100% tax relief on capital acquisitions.

From 1st /6th April 2012 the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is being reduced to £25,000 per annum from its current level of £100,000.

This means that businesses can only claim 100 per cent relief on new fixed assets purchased after 1st /6th April 2012 up to the limit of £25,000.

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Richards & Swift July.indd 1

A company with a year-end of 31st December 2012 will have 3 months of the £100,000 AIA limit (£25,000), and 9 months of the £25,000 AIA limit (£18,750) giving an overall allowance of £43,750. However, in this case the financial year has to be split into two periods: 1st January 2012 to 31st March 2012 and 1st April 2012 to 31st December 2012. Then the expenditure incurred has to be allocated between those two periods and compared against the two AIA limits relevant to each (i.e. £25,000 and £18,750 respectively as calculated above).

If the business spends £40,000 on equipment after 1st April 2012, only £18,750 will qualify for AIA and the rest will attract WDA’s at the lower rate. The optimum position would be for the company to purchase £25,000 worth of assets before 31st March 2012 and £15,000 after 1st April 2012 to ensure that the maximum AIA is obtained. A further £3,750 worth of assets could be purchased after 1st April 2012 and still attract 100 per cent AIA. It is therefore important to calculate the allowances that your business will have over the next few years.

If the business purchased machinery for £70,000 in January 2012 and no other assets in the year, only £25,000 would qualify for AIA. It would be worth considering whether or not the asset could be purchased in the year end to 31st December 2011 when the AIA limit is £100,000.

Laura Rowlands

Summary Jon Miles and Laura Rowlands from Richardson Swift advise that it is important for businesses to think about their capital equipment needs and the available allowances now, and time acquisitions to take full advantage of the higher AIA limit of £100,000 where practical. In extreme examples where a business plans significant capital expenditure before April 2012 it may be worth changing the year end to maximize the claim.

Please contact Laura Rowlands (lr@richardsonswift.co.uk) or Jon Miles (jm@richardsonswift.co.uk)at Richardson Swift or your usual contact on 01225 325580 if you wish to discuss the tax impact of your capital expenditure plans.

www.richardsonswift.co.uk 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL 01225 325 580 JULY 2011

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CITYarchive

BATH’S model village

Georgette McCready visits St John’s Hospital, one of Bath’s oldest institutions, built on philanthropic principles which date back 800 years

I

f you were asked to create a modern solution to how to care for a community’s pensioners, and indeed, how to fund that care, you might come up with the idea of building homes for them at the very heart of their city and funding it largely from renting out property to other people.

Sounds like a very forward-thinking model of social housing doesn’t it? But in fact it’s more or less how the Bath charity St John’s Hospital has been run for over 800 years. It’s based on the Christian principle of care and charity, in its true sense.

Today’s residents of this unique community within our city are 120 older citizens, all of who have lived in Bath for at least three years and have met the charity’s financial criteria for owning only modest assets. St John’s residents are housed in flats in a range of fascinating old buildings right in the heart of Bath, where they can enjoy independent living, an active social life and support when they’re ill. They are a mix of married couples, widows and widowers and, thanks to St John’s, they can enjoy weekly organised shopping trips, games of croquet, bowls, choral singing and an annual party to celebrate Founder’s Day. St John’s Hospital’s buildings are one of Bath’s best kept secrets. You may have walked past the beautifully tended gardens opposite Halfords and idly wondered what lies behind the railings and the trees, or been taken aback by the enormous expanse of scaffolding right outside the Thermae Spa. That work in progress is part of a multi-million pound programme to modernise St John’s for its occupants.

The current phase involves John Wood House, designed in the classical style by John Wood the Elder in the 18th century. It will see the interior of the building transformed to make comfortable flats where elderly people can enjoy a good standard of living and which will include enhanced communal space for them as well as workspaces for support staff.

David Smith, who is Chairman of the Trustees, said: “By improving the living space, the conditions of the flats and the communal facilities for all our residents, as well as other local organisations, the whole environment will benefit.”

The trustees of St John’s Hospital bear a weighty burden.

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their roots in the medieval almshouses, which took in the sick, as well as to their residents and to make charitable grants to other needy people and community organisations in Bath.

On top of that they administer a vast property portfolio, which includes residential lettings in Beauford Square and shops in Monmouth, Westgate and Old Bond Streets. It is the money from its role as a major city landlord that largely finances the care of St John’s elderly residents.

The trustees also administer the money for what used to be a collection of small Bath charities, such as the Mayor of Bath’s Relief fund, which have been gathered together under one umbrella. They are able to make grants but are also intent on trying to think of ways to help more people, as the charity pot is always over-subscribed and the accommodation it offers only houses a handful of the people who would like to live under its secure and welcoming roof.

St John’s has HRH The Duchess of Cornwall as its Patron, who paid a visit last year and met residents when she re-opened Chapel House, phase one of the modernisation project. It is also currently celebrating being highly commended at the Almshouses Association awards, supported by HRH the Prince of Wales.

Paul Taylor is St John’s Hospital’s director of property in charge of the flats and the external tenants who generate an annual income of between £3m and £4m. He has many years experience and, says: “I take the long view for St John’s portfolio. Rental income is important but getting the right tenant mix right is what generates long term returns.”

He is also a passionate historian and an entertaining guide to the buildings of St John’s. He took me through a stone archway beside the Thermae Spa and into a delightful cloistered courtyard, rarely seen by casual passers-by. This is St Catherine’s Hospital, probably established in medieval times but rebuilt in Victorian times and now providing its 21st century residents with a sunny, secluded town garden to enjoy. Credit must go to head gardener Ian Muttitt and his team who, along with some of the active residents, ensure that St John’s Hospital regularly wins awards in the Bath in Bloom competition.

BEST KEPT SECRET: main picture, much of St John’s Hospital’s a.

Inset, the clock in the cloistered courtyard of St Catherine’s

Top, right, inside the medieval chapel with its Victorian stained glass PICTURES: Anna Barclay

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CITYarchive St Catherine’s Hospital probably ❝ established in medieval times but rebuilt in Victorian times. . . now providing its 21st century residents with a sunny, secluded town garden

❞

Our walking tour also takes in the Victorian interior of the St John’s Chapel, St Michael Within, on a site dating back to 1285, is still used for regular worship. Paul says: “The residents like to use it but the old Victorian pews were not only very uncomfortable but difficult for them to get in and out of, given that many of our residents use wheelchairs or frames to get about. So the old pews were removed and replaces with upholstered chairs, which can be moved to use the chapel for secular events such as communal meals and lectures”. Paul is quick to point out that the chapel is also open to the public, but he believes that most Bathonians don’t even know it’s there.

They may also be unaware that this philanthropic organisation extends beyond the city centre, out to Combe Park near the Royal United Hospital, where purpose built flats house more St John’s residents.

Bath historian Jean Manco has written a detailed history of St John’s Hospital, charting its development from its earliest years.

She writes: “St John’s Hospital is a remarkable institution.

Through centuries of change it has remained true to its purpose.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Founded in the 12th century, it is still providing comfort in old age for those in need. Only a handful of hospitals in the country have so long a history.”

St John’s has attracted interest from social reformers and architectural enthusiasts over the years. It has also seen trying times. Late in the 19th century, for instance, prostitutes had to be cleared out of Chapel Court, while in the air raids of 1942 the Abbey Church House took a direct hit, largely destroying the fine Elizabethan building. The facade we see today is a post-war pastiche.

As with any great institution, it’s the people rather than the buildings that make St John’s special. The residents have included some great characters over the years – Bathonians who have lived rich, fulfilled lives, many of them in the service of others. They include war veterans from various conflicts over the years who are able finally to find a quiet place to spend their peaceful retirement. Tribute must also be made to the staff, who offer all kinds of service to the good of the St John’s ‘village’ community, from nursing care to financial acumen, always with the good of the people of Bath at its heart. ■ The Spirit of Care by Jean Manco is published by St John’s.

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A DVERTOR IA L FEAT U R E

“Seven slip ups to avoid on Separation & Divorce”

By Clare Webb, Sharp Family Law - Bath Divorce Solicitors. www.sharpfamilylaw.com Clare Webb at Sharp Family Law, Bath Divorce Solicitors, helps separating and divorcing clients, who want to avoid prolonged conflict, to reach solutions that work for them and their families

M

any separating and divorcing couples are decent, well-meaning and intelligent individuals making a very difficult transition in their lives. They find it hard to manage their emotions, co-parent the children involved and fairly address the financial realities. They are not at their best. Rational thought and common sense are frequent casualties of the emotional rollercoaster that follows a separation or divorce. As a result, mistakes are made that later turn into regrets.

During my years of practice as a family and divorce solicitor, I have seen the following slipups that could have been avoided:

Your situation is ❝ unique to you as will be the solutions to your issues

❞

1. Rushing ahead or lagging behind The message behind the Hare and Tortoise fable is that slow and steady wins the race.

Whilst neither separation nor divorce is a race, running too fast into a divorce or burying one’s head against it, can exasperate the transition.

Much more can be achieved by you working with than apart from your ex.

2. Being unprepared before the jump During this emotionally stressful time there will be a lot of paperwork and negotiations over them. Divorce is a business transaction, so treat it as such. Be prepared to discuss relevant facts about your financial situation before meeting with your solicitor. Make a detailed account of what you own and owe. Obtain the documentation on your income, expenses, credit card, mortgage, house and other investment information. Knowledge will empower you.

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3. Taking legal advice from family and friends Well-meaning family and friends are emotional rocks to lean on during the rollercoaster of separation and divorce, but they are no substitute for legal advice from a specialist lawyer. Your situation is unique to you as will be the solutions to your issues. The family solicitor you retain knows you and your legal situation better than anyone. You will maximize your results if you listen to your solicitor’s advice.

4. Resorting too soon to litigation Divorce is not a revenge story and court litigation is rarely a victory. The vast majority of couples can and do settle issues away from the divorce court. More often than not dispute resolution processes such as mediation or collaborative practice fit better the needs and objectives of a couple and can result in the “good divorce”. Do not miss the opportunity to pursue the process that is right for you.

but without clarification in legal papers, such promises may not hold up in court. Divorce is no time for oral agreements. Talk to your solicitor about how best to make a settlement stick At Sharp Family Law, we are devoted to helping separating and divorcing couples to find creative solutions to their issues, which, with the help and support of the required professional at an affordable cost, are crafted by them - and not the divorce courts.

For more information on separation and divorce, contact Clare Webb or Richard Sharp on 01225 448955 or email her at clare@sharpfamilylaw.com or him at richard@sharpfamilylaw.com

5. Expecting too much or giving away too little The process will be more positive and cost effective and the legal result more satisfactory if throughout you work with your solicitor to identify and prioritise first, your genuine interests and needs, and secondly, your reasonable legal objectives. Make sure that your settlement aspirations are realistic.

6. Not actively participating in resolving the issues The only people who are going to be living with the results of your divorce are you and your family. Not your solicitor. Make sure it is you who makes the choices and decisions and that they work for you all.

7. Making agreements without written settlements The moon can be promised to you by your ex,

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Helping clients to reach solutions 3, Miles’s Buildings, George Street, BATH, BA1 2QS, UK email: richard@sharpfamilylaw.com: m: 07766107527 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com blog: www.familylawcollaborativedivorce.co.uk JULY 2011

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YOURpension

How much can you now contribute to your

PENSION PLAN Roger Perry from Monahans Financial Services Ltd explains the recent changes to pension contribution rules

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(01225) 889873 • 07733 887257 support@bathitservices.co.uk

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ou can contribute up to 100% of your earnings (or a gross contribution of £3,600, if less) in a tax year to a pension scheme and get tax relief on your contributions. But there is a limit, known as the annual allowance which was reduced in the recent budget for the 2011/12 tax year to £50,000 and this includes any employer’s contributions as well.

You can though contribute more than £50,000 if you bring forward any unused allowances from the previous three tax years. For each of the tax years 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11, the allowance will be treated as if it were £50,000. Therefore if your pension contributions were £50,000 or more in any of those tax years you will have no unused allowance to bring forward.

The amount that counts towards your annual allowance is known as a pension input amount and is measured differently depending on the type of pension scheme you have.

• Stakeholder, Personal Pensions, SIPPs and contribution based company schemes With these types of schemes, it is the contributions paid by you and your employer to the pension scheme that count.

• Final Salary Schemes For defined benefit or final salary schemes the pension input amount is the increase in the individual’s annual pension and there is a calculation for measuring this amount against the £50,000 annual allowance.

Contact Roger on 01225 785570, email him at roger.perry@monahans-fsl.co.uk or visit Monahans website for further information on this subject. www.monahans-fsl.co.uk

Monahans Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

50 THEBATHMAGAZINE

Bath IT Services

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Local Female/Male Computer Engineers - No Call Out Charge Flexible Fee Service to Low Income Houses Days - Evenings - Weekends Reliable - Fast - Efficient

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Christmas at

theWinter Palace Bubble Christmas Parties are excited to announce that they are running their award nominated ‘Christmas at the Winter Palace’ events at Bath Racecourse once again this December.

T

his year, guests can expect a spectacular and lavish venue filled with truly stunning décor, fabulous food and a massive variety of superb entertainment and activities.

This year’s entertainment includes: Great Live Band • DJ and Disco • Karaoke Room • Reindeer Bucking Bronco • Fun Casino • Fancy Dress PhotoBooth • Revitalizing Oxygen Bar • Glitter Make-up Artist • Face Painting Artist • Head and Shoulder Massages • The Magic Mirror • Attractive and Charming Costumed Hosts and Hostesses • Dancing Christmas Characters All of these entertainments and activities are included in the ticket price which makes a Bubble Christmas Party a great value night filled with lots of fun.

“Despite the terrible weather last year, our 7 sell out nights went off without a hitch, and were even more successful than in 2009. The feedback from our guests has been fantastic, but we are still constantly looking to improve our parties even further, so you can rest assured that this year’s events will be even more fun than last years.” Richard Norris - MD Regardless of the size of your group (from 6 to 600 guests) The Winter Palace is the place to enjoy your best Christmas party ever.

“What a brilliant party. The Whole evening was fantastic from the minute we walked through the doors! The atmosphere, music and the setting was lovely. We loved that there was so much to do and the entertainment was so great. The staff were friendly and the meal was excellent. It was well worth the money and was so much fun.”

Winter Palace 2010 places booked up very quickly, and with last years events being such a success tickets are sure to sell out even faster this year, so be sure to book your places soon.

Contact Bubble: 0845 3670020 / info@bubblechristmasparties.co.uk

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FAMILYfun FAMILY ACTIVITIES

St Swithin’s Cafe, The Paragon, Bath.

Saturday 9 July, 11am – 3pm Crafts and activities will take place inside and out in the lovely garden while the cafe serves home made lunches and cakes throughout the day.

FASHION DESIGNING

The Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath.

Dress a Superstar, Friday 29 July, 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm

ART CLUB

Design fashion for your favourite singer.

RUN TO THE sun A round-up of activities and events for all the family to enjoy

OUTDOOR CINEMA

The Holburne Museum Garden, Sydney Place.

Tickets: £6 adults, £4 children, from the Holburne on tel: 01225 388569 and from Little Theatre Cinema Box Office on tel: 0871 9025735

Fantastic Mr Fox, Friday 29 July, film at 9pm The Holburne and the Little Theatre Cinema with Filmair present a magical opportunity to enjoy the big screen under the stars in the museum’s garden. Bring a warm blanket and a picnic, or enjoy a treat from the cafe. Gates open 7.30pm.

IFORD ACTIVITY DAY Iford Manor, near Bath. www.ifordarts.co.uk

music and movement for toddlers and pre-school children aged 18 months+. The imaginative sessions are designed to encourage and develop children’s creativity, language and expression.

Unusual themes, interesting props, fun songs and music bring stories to life.

PARTY TIME

The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath. Tel: 01225 460503

The American Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Sunday 3 July, noon – 5pm An activity-packed afternoon with the Crown Forces Drill Display, the Park Lane Big Band, crafts, activities, food, and a barbecue.

Independence Day, Monday 4 July, noon – 5pm

EAST ASIAN ACTIVITIES The museum is open and free to all.

Butterfly Day at Iford Manor, Sunday 3 July, 11.30am – 4pm A fun day out for all the family. Activities include craft-making and story telling, guided nature walks, competitions and lots more. Teas, ice creams and refreshments will be available from the tea room or enjoy a picnic in the grounds. Free entry.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464 640

Curious Objects, Hidden Gems, Wednesday 13 July, 10.30am – noon Bring your curious objects and hidden gems along to the museum to be identified.

Sessions held in Bathford Parish Hall, Bathford.

For further information visit: www.toddlerworkshop.co.uk or contact Amy on tel: 01225 852889

Archaeology Festival: Archaeology Trail, Saturday 16 – Sunday 31 July

Toddler Workshop, Tuesdays 9.30am – 10.30am or 10.45am – 11.45am; Thursdays 9.30am – 10.30am

Archaeology Festival: Archaeology Activity Day, Friday 29 July, 10am – 5pm

If you are looking for an imaginative and creative activity to enjoy with your young child, in a friendly and relaxed setting, then try Toddler Workshop – a lively medley of dance, drama,

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Enjoy a family-friendly self-guided learning tour of the museum with an archaeological theme.

The museum will open its Education Room as a family activity area with an archaeological theme where you can take part in various activities and learn facts about archaeology and the museum’s collection.

Victoria Art gallery, Pulteney Bridge, Bath. £3.75 per child in advance. Must be booked on tel: 01225 477244

Figure It Out (3-11 years), Friday 29 July, 10.30am – noon & 1.30pm – 3pm Exercise your drawing skills and create figures using tissue, pencils and pens.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Number 1 Royal Crescent, Bath. Free entry for Discovery Card holders on Fridays.

Family Fridays, 29 July – 19 August, 11am – 1pm Pop in for a creative workshop. Dress up in Georgian costume and draw shadow portraits.

FAMILY THEATRE

The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath.

Box office tel: 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Paper Washi Wish, Saturday 2 July, 11.30am & 3pm Join Rabbit’s friends on an exciting adventure to find him, as they travel into a magical paper world full of surprises. This unique theatrical experience features traditional Japanese storytelling, a hands-on papermaking workshop, and an opportunity to take away a shared memento. Suitable for ages 3+.

Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones, Saturday 9 July, 11.30am & 3pm Come and play in the dark with Jeff Achtem from Montreal who transforms bits of junk into surreal shadow puppets. Flying chickens, brain transplants and sneaky Ninjas! A feast for the imagination in this mind-blowing show which sold out at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe. Suitable for ages 6+.

YPT Acting presents Bugsy Malone, Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 July, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm In this timeless musical, a child gangster is determined to rule over New York City. Bugsy Malone is a clever spoof about organised crime whilst at the same time gently mocking grownups. Enter the world of splurge-gun-toting gangsters and molls, show girls and dreamers.

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Curtain Up Theatre Schools, 01761 239185 www.curtainup.biz

Summer School Children 8 - 16 years old 25th - 29th July or 15th - 19th August Sing, dance and act your way through the most exciting week of your summer!

Curtain Up; a part time theatre school for kids aged 6-17 interested in the wonderful world of performing arts, allowing them to discover themselves and their potential through performance. Covering the three essentials of musical theatre, acting, dancing and singing, weekly sessions are held on Saturday mornings at St Gregory’s Catholic College, Bath or Friday afternoons at Stonar School, Atworth.

Weekly sessions run parallel to school term dates whilst during the summer holidays the children create outstanding musical theatre productions during week long workshops.

Catering for the children's individual needs, the staff at Curtain Up look after them in a unique way giving them access to a hugely diverse range of material. With a bank of memorable performances and invitations to appear alongside local schools & amateur dramatic groups to West End top performers such as Sir Ian McKellen and Connie Fisher, Curtain Up is an eye-opening learning experience and great fun for young enthusiasts or for those who simply need to find confidence in themselves. Locally our students regularly win festivals, whilst others can be seen around the UK in stage, television and film roles.

Optional exams all have a 100% pass rate with over 120 children recently achieving superb LAMDA results and older students moving on to receive awards & scholarships for the UK’s top schools of Acting.

For further information and details of our free trial sessions, please contact Tristan or Sarah Carter.

01761 239185 admin@curtainup.biz • www.curtainup.biz

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EDUCATION

dance dance movement

voice

therapy centre

BRISTOL B ASE D MAST E RS PROGRAMME IN DANCE MOVE ME NT PSYCHOT HE RAPY Validated by Canterbury Christ Church University INTERVIEWING NOW for October 2011 intake and NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DANCE MOVEMENT and the THERAPEUTIC PROCESS (BTEC) 1 year programme starts September

Ffi: Dance Voice, Quaker Meeting House, Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, Bristol. BS3 5HX tel: 0117 953 2055 e-mail: admin@dancevoice.org.uk www.dancevoice.org.uk

THEBATHMAGAZINE

HERE COME

the boys S

mall boys are not always welcomed everwhere with open arms, but Wiltshire girls’ school, Stonar is to make its prep school fully coeducational by including boys from September.

Stonar School’s governing body and senior management have made the decision following a period of consultation and research.

Stonar School headteacher Elizabeth Thomas said: “I am delighted that Stonar Prep School is to become fully co-educational. This step is a natural development which will build upon the success of co-education in the Early Years at Stonar and the wishes of so many current and prospective families for siblings to complete their prep education in the same school.”

“It is an exciting time for the school as this evolves and I am thrilled to be able to lead the prep school through this new phase in its history. Boys and girls only get one childhood and we want this one to be the best possible,” said Mr Mark Brain, Head of Stonar Preparatory School.

Current parents have already responded with comments such as: “That’s great news. We believe that boys in the prep school enrich our children’s lives, so well done for making the move.”

Practical arrangements are already in place at Stonar Prep. Co-education will gradually be extended with the current co-educational Year Two class continuing through the prep school, and by offering places to prospective Year Three boys to start this September. Full co-education will be phased into the upper years of the prep school between now and 2014.

The school will continue to educate girls from 11 – 18 in a single-sex environment. It believes that at this time of their lives the absence during adolescence of social pressures and stereotyped ideas about gender allows girls to focus more on their own growth and development.

The school was founded over 100 years ago. Former pupils include television and film actress Romola Garai, whose credits include Atonement and the recent acclaimed drama The Crimson Petal and the White.

■

Staff and pupils at Westonbirt Schools near Tetbury have received an excellent report from the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI). The inspection recognises the many strengths of Westonbirt School and Rose Hill Westonbirt School.

It reports: ‘Westonbirt Schools are successful in their aims of promoting high academic standards and developing each pupil’s self reliance and self respect’.

As well as recognising the academic excellence at Westonbirt School, the inspectors praise the girls’ moral awareness: ‘pupils demonstrate an extremely well-developed moral awareness and show great care for the well-being of others. Their behaviour in class and around the school is exemplary.’

54 THEBATHMAGAZINE | JULY 2011

THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED 20,000MAGAZINES PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499

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Gearing your pet up for the

holidays S

ummer holidays are here at last and a few of us can be caught out when preparing our pets for their vacation. Whether planning to board your pet in a kennel or take them with you, now is a good time to ensure that they are ready. Here are a few ideas to help you with your check list.

Kennel Cough Vaccinations – If you are planning to put your dog into kennels remember that they need to be up to date on their annual vaccinations and some kennels will require specific protection against kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease which can cause a debilitating chronic cough that will last for a few weeks. It is caused by either viral and/or bacterial agents. The name ‘kennel cough’ is a misnomer since it not only originates in kennels but also any place where dogs have casual contact with one another since the disease is airborne. The vaccine itself is an intranasal solution (a couple of droplets up the nose) which will take three days to become fully effective and immunity will last up to one year. The vaccine for kennel cough is not routinely given with the annual vaccination program so ask your vet for further advice.

Pet Passports – Currently DEFRA has a scheme allowing pets to cross borders between EU countries without quarantine so long as they have a valid passport and have followed specific requirements such as current worming and flea treatment. To obtain a passport you should allow at least two months minimum to get the paperwork completed before travelling.

You will need a local veterinary inspector to oversee the necessary documents. Some vets are local inspectors but not all, so ensure that you have access to one at your surgery. Your pet will need an identichip, a rabies vaccine, and a blood test. Other additional requirements are dependent on the method of travel and to which country you are visiting so you must check the DEFRA website and discuss it with your vet before confirming your travel arrangements. An important thing to keep in mind is that you need to have the pet passport issued at least six months before your pet can return to the UK. Long car journeys – Most of us will be taking our pets along for their holidays in a car. Some pets can get very stressed during the journey so unless you have the time to enrol in a behaviour modification program, you may need medications to ease their distress. Nowadays there are a number of ways to treat stress which do not involve sedatives. I would urge you to have a chat with your vet a few weeks in advance to find the best way of dealing with this problem. Unfortunately some animals are also prone to motion sickness especially young puppies. Besides trying to desensitise them to long rides which could take weeks, you’ll need tablets to cope with nausea. Ensure that your pet has a safe place in the car where they have secure footing, feed them a light meal a few hours in advance and give them frequent rest stops.

First Aid Kits for your Pet – I don’t like to encourage DIY remedies whilst on vacation but here are a few items that can be useful until you can reach veterinary care. Take along a tick remover, some mild topical disinfectant for superficial wounds, a few dressings for temporary and immediate use, and most importantly don’t forget your pet’s own medications! You’d be surprised at the number of us who forget to include enough prescription medication that will last at least a few days beyond the holiday. This rule also applies to your pet’s normal food.

Lastly, and from my own experience, pack an extra dog lead. I once had the unfortunate experience to drive over and break the only lead my dog had and as luck would have it, there were none to be found for miles. But if that’s the worst thing that could happen on holiday it’s fine by me!

If you have any questions, local vet Jenny Keen will be pleased to help and can be contacted on 01225 428921. All Bath Vet Group surgery contact details and further information are available at www.bathvetgroup.co.uk.

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THEBATHMAGAZINE We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00 To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 Princes Buildings, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 01225 424 499 for card payment

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FOOD&DRINK

‘We want to sit in the sunshine . . .’

Picture the scene. The rain has stopped and the sun is splitting the paving stones. Now would be a good time to go and sit outside somewhere in Bath and enjoy a drink or something to eat in the sunshine.

While there are plenty of obvious places in the city where you can sit out on the pavement or at the roadside, what about all those little hidden gardens and courtyards where you can soak up the rays? We’ve rounded up a few suggestions for you.

Very centrally the Crystal Palace pub and the Slug and Lettuce both have courtyards, while Las Iguanas in Seven Dials has a secluded outdoor spot. The Marlborough Tavern has a decent pub garden too. Hall & Woodhouse has a terrace, which is worth climbing up to, and, as mentione elsewhere in the magazine, Milsom Place has a selection of places where you can eat and drink outside.

In Widcombe the White Hart gastro pub has a verdant back garden filled with potted shrubs and flowers, while in Lansdown you’ll get the finest views from the garden at the Hare and Hounds. The Richmond Arms, Lansdown, also has a garden.

Fork to fork The Bath Magazine’s own gardening columnist, the delightful Jane Moore, will join forces with chef Sam Moody for a Fork to Fork lunch at the Bath Priory on Thursday 28 July.

The day begins at 10.30am when Bath Priory head gardener Jane gives a guided tour of the four acres of gardens.

This is followed by a twocourse lunch with a glass of wine in the award-winning restaurant, where head chef Sam will explain how the fresh garden produce is incorporated into the different menus in his kitchens for the Bath Priory’s diners.

The pair’s enthusiasm and knowledge combined will make this lunch event enjoyable and enlightening.

Fork to Fork is £50 per person and places are limited. To book tel: 01225 331922.

A series of picnics are being held in and around Bath this summer as a kind of outdoor salon for musicians, writers and other performers.

Round the Moon is inviting people to join these gatherings, bring a picnic and contribute a short performance, if you wish.

The July picnics, which start at 7.30pm, are on 6 July at Riverside, Walcot Gate, 20 July, at Parade Gardens and at Alexandra Park on 27 July.

Visit: www.roundthemoon.com

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The garden at the back of the Hop Pole pub in Upper Bristol Road is a good find, a real suntrap on fine days, with a mature grapevine which provides dappled shade.

The Loch Fyne restaurant offers diners a small courtyard and Casanis in Saville Row also has a town garden. If you’re eating, Le Barrique in Barton Street has a delightful little Mediterranean courtyard, while at the Francis Hotel in Queen Square you can dine in the herb garden. The Beaujolais too, on Chapel Row, has a town garden.

Down by the river at Opa in North Parade you can sit and watch the boats go by in its tucked away garden, while enjoying mezze.

The Royal Crescent Hotel and the Bath Priory Hotel both have extremely beautifully tended gardens, as you might expect, and the Bath Spa Hotel’s Vellore Restaurant offers diners the chance to eat on the terrace overlooking the hotel’s grounds.

The latest arrival on the al fresco scene is The Holburne Museum. On fine days the café tables spill out into Sydney Gardens, where diners can enjoy a glass of wine to the sound of birdsong.

EATING OUT: there are hidden gardens and courtyards aplenty in Bath, and we’ve picked a handful where you can enjoy a drink or something to eat in the summer sunshine

Cookery demonstrations by top chefs and stalls selling locally produced food are the highlights of the Flavours of the West food festival being held in Milsom Place, Bath on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July. In the shelter of the courtyards the annual festival will give browsers the chance to sample and buy cheese, wine, cake, jam and sausages – all good food and drink from artisan suppliers.

■

TASTE and the

TABLE Morsels from Bath’s food & drink scene

A food hero Bath baker Duncan Glendinning, founder of The Thoughtful Bread Company, has been named a Food Hero by Good Housekeeping magazine.

The magazine enlisted the help of Slow Food UK to draw up a shortlist for the small producer award category and The Thoughtful Bread Company, which is based in Green Park Station, sent some samples of its bread to the judging panel.

Duncan was unable to collect his award in person as he was committed to a night’s baking to ensure the people of Bath got their daily bread. Andrew Holloway, the business’s head of logistics and health and safety, collected the award in his place from the doyenne of British cookery, Prue Leith.

The Thoughtful Bread Company won praise from the judges for its ethical, seasonal and local sourcing of ingredients.

The bakery shop in Green Park Station is open Tuesday to Saturday.

Jilly champions local produce Wine expert Jilly Goolden is heading for Wiltshire on Saturday 23 July to promote local food and drink as Seasons in Holt hosts a tasting session of English wines.

The enthusiastic bon viveur and judge on Channel 4’s Britain’s Best Dish show will be at Seasons, the new shop behind the Tollgate Inn at Holt, from 11am to meet and greet. Seasons has been launched by chef Alex Venables and partner Alison Baptiste Ward as a cooks country store, specialising in good, local produce and in read-to-cook fresh ingredients assembled by Alex’s kitchen team for people to cook at home. Favourites with customers this summer include prepared meat for barbecuing, fishcakes and Scotch eggs.

Seasons also offers a rolling programme of food demonstrations, tastings and advice on preparation.

Alex Venables and Alison Baptiste Ward of Seasons

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Côte Brasserie 27 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ. Tel: 01225 335 509

REVIEW

A NEW

moon rises

T

here’s no getting away from it. Anyone who is going to ask where the new Côte Brasserie restaurant can be found, will be told, “it’s where the Moon and Sixpence used to be.”

And that’s not a bad act to have to follow.

Côte Brasserie is a French inspired national, already well established in Bristol with a good following, and now newly arrived in Bath. It has two main claims – one being that it has won awards for being good value for money, and the other that it serves classic French dishes in a fresh, contemporary way.

It’s good to find venues in Bath where you can sit outside and the protected courtyards of Milsom Place allow a traffic-free venue that, when the sun does eventually shine, diners can enjoy the full Continental al fresco experience.

If we’d really wanted a bargain we’d have gone to Côte between noon and 7pm Monday to Friday to enjoy two courses for £9.95 or three for £11.90, but this was a Sunday evening.

Nonetheless, once seated in the restaurant (a little changed from the old Moon but still light, modern and with a relaxed vibe) we were offered the menu and the daily specials, which at £9.95 represented good value.

The winning combination of a ❝ good steak, thin, crispy hot frites and honest down-to-earth French red wine made us feel nostalgic for happy holidays in Brittany

❞

While we looked about and read the menu the very efficent staff brought a carafe of complimentary water, a bowl of olives (£2.25), a chilled glass of rosé and a lager. The place was busy but not noisy and there’s enough room between tables to be able to conduct a fairly intimate conversation without being overheard.

I chose my favourite starter, seared scallops (the most expensive 60 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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starter at £7.95). The three plump scallops that came with salty little bacon lardons, salad and a warm tomatoey-garlic dressing were perfectly cooked and as tasty a dish as you could wish. John chose hot prawns in a wine, garlic and tomato sauce with croutons (£6.95) – so good he had to be persuaded to let me try one.

My main course of half a Breton corn-fed chicken with creamy gratin potato and a generous portion of French beans (£9.95 and vegetables were included) was lifted by a herby sauce accented with scented rosemary. It was very good, but very large. I haven’t tasted chicken that flavoursome for a long time. And when I later asked the waitress if I could have a bag to take the leftover chicken home for lunch the next day, she said lots of customers had done the same thing. It made a good chicken couscous salad.

A fair test of a kitchen is always a steak, so John ordered a classic steak frites. In the proper French tradition Côte doesn’t ask how you well done you like your steak. Here it comes as pink.

Quite right too. The winning combination of a good steak, thin, crispy hot frites and honest, down-to-earth French red wine (£14.50 for the very quaffable house red) made us feel nostalgic for happy holidays in Brittany.

Other enthusiasts of French wine will be equally happy with the francophile wine list at Côte. Another time – on a warmer evening when we could sit at one of the outside tables – we might sample the tuna niçoise or the delicious sounding risotto, with aparagus, broad beans and pesto.

I deviated from the traditional French cuisine, which offers dishes such as creme brulee or creme caramel for pudding, opting instead for frozen summer berries with a warm white chocolate sauce. I know this isn’t really a test of culinary skill but who could resist the way the warm, sweet chocolate melts the icy hearts of the fruit?

Starters are from £4.50 to £7.95, while main courses range from £8.55 to £17.95 for a fillet steak, so with judicious choices, this makes for good value for money dinner out.

Côte is open all day, so if you fancy a croissant and coffee in the morning there’s a new venue in Bath that’s a little corner of sunny France. Bon appetit. ■

A PLACE IN THE SUN: when it’s fine this secluded corner of Bath, in Milsom Place, is a suntrap

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Crabe Parfait de la Revolution

VENI vidi VINO

Riesling: king of grapes

By Richard Lecoche of Great Western Wine

R

iesling is considered by many in the know as the greatest white wine grape in the world: and yet to others it makes them think of the cheap German plonk whose heyday was in the 70s and 80s.

Why is this?

If you can get past the reputation of yesteryear, you’ll discover a world of wonderful drinking, where some of the world’s great white wines cost no more than a round of drinks down your local.

Riesling has so much character compared to Chardonnay, the obvious candidate for greatest white wine grape. Whereas Chardonnay in many cases presents the winemaker with an almost blank canvas, Riesling has its own very distinctive character which varies immensely and excitingly according to exactly where it is grown. The best wines are incredibly longlived, elegant, racy wines that become increasingly complex with age (developing notes of honey and diesel).

Depending on how the grapes are vinified, Riesling is well-suited for producing wines of many styles, ranging from dry to lusciously sweet.

The elegant wines have a rich character with a taste often reminiscent of peaches, or when young, apples. The variety can also produce wines with great aging potential. Young, light Rieslings – whether dry or with a fruity sweetness – are wonderful summer wines. Dry to off-dry Rieslings go especially well with light fish dishes or Asian cuisine. In Germany’s wine-growing regions Riesling ripens very slowly and can be harvested from October through November. As a result, the grapes develop intensive aromas. Riesling grapes are harvested at various stages of ripeness, from QbA to Trockenbeerenauslese or Eiswein.

Many of the region’s restaurants and retailers will be championing this versatile grape during Riesling Week 23-30 July, including a free all day tasting at Great Western Wine on Saturday 30 July: http://www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/events ■

Frenchman Laurent Couvreur, the owner chef of Casanis restaurant in Saville Row has prepared this tasty, seasonal crab dish for The Bath Magazine in celebration of France’s annual Bastille Day, on 14 July. Laurent and his wife Jill always celebrate Bastille Day with their customers. They hang French flags across Saville Row, hold competitions for who can sing Le Marsaillaise the best and the staff don berets for the day.

There are also wine tastings, mini boules competitions and raffles. Customers are encouraged to dress up in revolutionary outfits too. Vive la revolution.

Ingredients: Serves 8

200ml double cream 100ml milk 400g fresh brown crab 5 eggs Tablespoon freshly chopped tarragon Tablespoon freshly chopped dill 20ml freshly squeezed lemon juice Pinch of freshly chopped pimento Salt and pepper to taste

Method: 1 Bring the cream and milk to boil in a pan. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and gently add the milk and cream. Then add the crab – gently stirring all the time. Mix the herbs, salt, pepper and pimento together and add to the bowl. Gently transfer the mixture to a greased terrine dish.

2 Add boiling water to a bain marie and insert the terrine dish. Cover with two layers of clingfilm and cook in the oven for 45 minutes at 100C.

Est. 1980

®

Highly recommended by food Guides and critics Recipient of

for four consecutive years as the best in South West and one of the 10 best in Britain OPEN DAILY including Holidays 12-2.30pm and 6pm to 11pm • Friday and Saturday till 11.30pm SPECIAL LUNCH £8.25 - (Monday to Friday)

4 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA www.rajpoot.com Tel: 01225 466833 / 464758 • www.rajpoot.com 62 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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3 When the terrine is cooked, remove from the bain marie and allow to cool, then transfer to the fridge for 24 hours.

4 Serve with a fennel and lemon dressing and samphire salad.

Chef Laurent has worked with Michelin-starred master chef Jacques Chibois in Cannes and has recieved accolades as head chef at Chez Jacqueline in New York and The Ritz Club in London. His signature dishes at Casanis are petits raviolis with snails and garlic served with a leek and chicken veloute sauce, and confit leg of duck served with fondant potatoes, garlic spinach and lavender honey red wine jus. ■ Casanis is at 4 Saville Row, Bath, tel: 01225 780055.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

EATS AND TREATS

THIS SUMMER AT

MILSOM PLACE

F

or al fresco eateries there is nowhere in Bath to beat Milsom Place.

Courtyards provide a sheltered spot to grab a coffee and bask in the sun and meet up with mates. Brand new Côte is the hot ticket with its fabulous French menu and brasserie atmosphere. Modelled on modern French cuisine, the menu includes plats rapides like Steak Frites, grilled fish and meats and classics like Salade Nicoise and Steak Tartare. For lunch or pre theatre the mid week menu is a steal with two course for £9.95 or three for £11.90 and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Another great venue for breakfast is long standing Bath favourite, Café Parisien. With its vast courtyard, it is hardly surprising that it’s the city’s top choice for al fresco fun whether for a coffee and a pastry mid morning or a salad or sandwich at lunchtime. Next door Solo serves pizza, pasta, steaks and great veggie options, as well as coffees and drinks, and is open till 10pm.

Foodies Paradise. A feast of al fresco delights at Milsom Place

YO!Sushi! is the place for the freshest , healthy sushi and much more.

This summer they have added eight great new dishes like Natsu Make, the naked sushi roll with salmon, avocado, cucumber, masago and mayonnaise wrapped in rice paper with Asian dressing and a great dessert, Mango and Chilli Oce Cream Mochi.

Jamie’s Italian in Bath is the flagship of this hugely successful venture and it is easy to see why it is still buzzing two years after opening. If the sun shines be sure to ask for a table on the terrace which must have the best view across the rooftops to the hills on the Bath skyline. Their newly launched summer menu includes Stuffed Courgette Flower and three new Risottos. To celebrate summer Jamie’s offering a complimentary glass of Prosecco as a treat when you order a main course – for details see voucher below.

MILSOM PLACE, BATH for details of promotions and events visit

www.mils ompla c e .c o.uk Tel: 01225 789040

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FIT&FABULOUS

Bobbi banishes dark circles Bobbi Brown has long been a pioneer of the natural style of cosmetics and her growing range of skin and beauty products are aimed at making women look their best without looking too made up or artificial.

She’s a great believer in women looking like themselves, only better, saying: “It’s not about looking younger, it’s about looking as great as you can look for your age.”

At the Bobbi Brown counter in Jolly’s customers can enjoy a free instore make-up lesson, picking up handy one-to-one tips on how to use the products.

Dark circles under the eyes are a common problem for women of all ages and Bobbi Brown has brought out a new corrector and concealer to cancel any discolouration. These are available separately or as a kit.

The first step to covering those dark circles is a pink or peach-toned corrector,

The new Regenerating Body Moisturiser from top skincare brand Dr.Hauschka works to firm, nourish and moisturise mature skin as part of a regenerating care plan. Daily use leaves the skin feeling noticeably firmer, smoother and more supple. A formula of medicinal plant extracts pampers the senses and stimulates the skin’s natural powers of selfregeneration.

Dr.Hauschka is now stocked at Sassy & Boo, Green Street, Bath.

SKIN DEEP A selection of tried and tested health and beauty products that we love

according to the wearer’s skin tone, which immediately brightens. The second step is to apply a creamy concealer to lighten.

This is then gently blended in to give a bright-eyed, wide-awake appearance.

Each on their own are £17, but a concealer and corrector kit with both products is £23.50. Bobbi Brown’s advisors can help you choose the correct shade for your skin tone.

Top skincare brand, Creme de la Mer has launched a brand new treatment to illuminate and balance the look of skin. The Radiant Serum (£215, available from Jolly’s) is a lovely lightweight gel that can be used morning and night to leave skin looking flawlessly refined with renewed resilience.

Show off bright and beautiful nails on the beach with the fabulous new Scents of Summer nail enamel collection from Revlon (£6.49 each from Boots). The dazzling colours funk up any outfit and are infused with favourite summer scents including coconut, passion fruit, papaya and bubblegum to really get you in the holiday mood Show off the surfer chic look on the beach this summer with the help of bumble and bumble Texture Hair (un)dressing Creme (60ml, £14; 150ml, £21). It gives hair that elusive, undone-yet-done quality, with a tousled, shine free finish that holds all day. Available at No.3 Hairdressing, 3 Saville Row, Bath.

HEATH AND BEAUTY

■ Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, but if you have poor technique, you may not be getting the full health benefits.

Struggling with breathing, or faulty stroke patterns, or holding the head constantly out of the water can cause strain and injury. But this can be helped by the Shaw Method of swimming which helps you to decrease strain and move through the water with style and power.

The method is based on the Alexander Technique, which trains people to respond to life’s demands with greater ease and reduced physical tension. Teacher Trisha Harbord of Swim and Smile gives individual lessons for adults in Bath. You can learn a new stroke, or improve one you already swim, breathe easier and increase your water confidence and your enjoyment of swimming. For further

news

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information or to book visit: www.swimandsmile.co.uk or tel: 01225 480970. Throughout July you can get a 25% discount on your first lesson by quoting The Bath Magazine.

■ Offering professional and experienced holistic massage treatments, a new massage business has opened in the city. The Bath Massage Company specialises in pre and antenatal massage and has been set up by Polly Field. Offering several holistic therapy treatments including pregnancy, Swedish and deep tissue massage, The Bath Massage company works from several locations in Bath and offers a mobile service in and around the Bath area. Contact tel: 01225 920 318 or visit: www.thebathmassagecompany.com

The weight loss team at CircleBath hospital: Specialist Nurses Gillian Jones and Michele Phillips, Surgeon Mr Richard Krysztopik and Clinical Dietitian Anne Holdoway

Part of the Band

Full Circle of Support for Weight Loss Patients Recent reports estimate that nearly one in every four adults in England is obese. 97.5% of patients who could benefit from weight loss surgery do not receive treatment through the NHS due to limited availability. We find out more from the experts at CircleBath to learn how the hospital is successfully supporting patients who are considering weight loss surgery.

T

he support a person receives when they are trying to achieve a goal can have a significant impact on his or her success and it is this philosophy which makes CircleBath’s weight loss surgery service different to most, according to the hospital’s Lead Specialist Nurse Michele Phillips.

She and her colleague, Gillian Jones, also a Specialist Nurse, work closely with the hospital’s Weight Loss Surgeon and Clinical Dietitian to create a support network for patients considering weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.

“Aside from always being able to speak to a clinical member of staff when you call, the greatest benefit for patients is that CircleBath offers unlimited, free nursing support to any patient choosing to have weight loss surgery here”, explains Michele.

The support programme also includes a no-obligation initial assessment to determine whether surgery is suitable for an individual.

For Mr Richard Krysztopik, CircleBath’s Weight Loss Surgeon, this unlimited nursing support offers many patients a positive long term benefit: “Weight loss surgery, such as having a gastric band or gastric balloon fitted or a gastric bypass, is a serious undertaking.

“Considerable effort and long term commitment is required by patients. Therefore WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE

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it is important for them to know they have good access to clinical advice and support not only before a procedure but also as they adapt to a new lifestyle”, he explains.

Obesity can reduce life expectancy by up to seven years and there is evidence to suggest that people who are overweight are likely to develop health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes as well as certain types of cancer and joint pain.

“While some people can maintain healthy weight levels with a restricted diet and lifestyle programme, others require a different approach to help achieve significant weight loss”, explains CircleBath’s Dietitian Anne Holdoway, who works with each patient before and after surgery.

She adds: “As patients who have chosen to have a gastric band fitted will tell me, it’s not an easy thing to do but for many it is life-changing and provides a tool which can help sustain long term reductions in energy intake which is required for significant weight loss. With careful selection and the right approach, attitude and support, bariatric surgery can be a successful way to manage weight and live a healthier and more fulfilling life”.

What is Gastric Banding?

Gastric banding is one of the most popular types of weight loss surgery.

An inflatable silicone ring is fitted around the stomach. The band is used to control the amount of food passing from the stomach into the digestive tract.

Who can have it done?

Patients must fall within a particular weight range, typically with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or more.

Why CircleBath?

The hospital offers unlimited nursing care and advice for weight loss surgery patients.

For more information on weight loss surgery contact Michele or Gillian on 07514 286 578 or via the hospital switchboard on 01761 422222. www.circlebath.com JULY 2011

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Lose Weight Effectively With Hypnotherapy

‘Being guided to think about things in a new, different way was unexpected but delightful... thank you for all your wonderful help.’

- Weight Control Client, Weston Bath

For your free consultation call

01225 484938 Phil Mattingly LHA E.Hyp Registered Hypnotherapist www.philmattingly.com

REVIEW

A HEALING hand Samantha Ewart tests out the new targeted facial from Clarins

M

ore than ever before, skincare experts are aware that each and every one of us has our own individual needs when it comes to looking after our skin, particularly the face. That’s why leading skincare and beauty brand, Clarins, have come up with six new facial treatments, each tailored to target different skincare types and problems.

The new TriActive facials, as they’re called, are highly personalised results-driven treatments using products from the new ClarinsPro range.

There’s the Youth Activator, an intensive replenishment treatment for mature skin; the Lifting Line Smoother, to firm, smooth and refresh; the Radiance Reviver, a detox for dull, tired skin; the Moisture Replenisher, for dry, hydrated skin; the Skin Healer, to soothe and calm sensitive skin; and the Detox and Shine Stopper, to make oily and shiny complexions clearer and softer. There’s one to suit everyone, and each treatment lasts 80 minutes so you can truly relax while your skin’s needs are taken care of.

In Bath you can find these treatments at the lovely Jennifer Luckham beauty clinic on Monmouth Street, each priced £60. I popped in one sunny afternoon to find out if a targeted facial really shows results.

In a consultation with the therapist, we established that my skin was very dehydrated due to lots of outdoor pursuits and was in great need of replenishment, so the Moisture Replenisher treatment seemed to be the obvious answer.

There were three stages to the facial: preparation, absorption and optimisation. A thorough deep cleanse commenced the treatment and was followed by a gentle exfoliation and a blood and lymph drainage massage to restore good circulation. I was then lulled into a state of relaxation with the face, scalp and shoulder massage. A super intensive hydrating mask was applied and while it was working to restore suppleness, I was treated to a calming hand massage. I do like these kind of facials – where you don’t have to suffer agonies to be good to your skin.

To finish, a rehydrating serum and moisturising cream were applied, along with a soothing eye contour balm.

The new formula products that were used felt lovely and gentle, and that’s because they are a combination of active plant extracts, aromatic oils and intensive concentrates.

Afterwards, my parched skin felt completely quenched. My depleted moisture levels were intensively replenished, evident from the immediate restoration of softness, radiance and comfort. It was just what my skin had been crying out for, so yes, the targeted facial did work. And although on the expensive side, it’s a treat for your skin and your mind because it’s just as relaxing as it is transforming. ■

To book a Clarins TriActive facial at Jennifer Luckham, contact tel: 01225 428741. Until 31 August, you can get £20 off any TriActive facial when you quote The Bath Magazine.

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Kathryn Jackson after life-changing lens replacement surgery

Lens Replacement Surgery: a new vision for long-sightedness

One of CircleBath hospital’s eye specialists has been pioneering a procedure where the lens of the eye is removed and a synthetic lens is implanted to correct vision in individuals suffering from long-sightedness.

We find out how this surgical procedure is changing lives.

M

ANY individuals who suffer from longsightedness will have resigned themselves to a life-time of wearing glasses; however, this is no longer necessary according to Mr Jonathan Luck, an eye specialist with more than 15 years experience.

Mr Luck, who runs CircleBath hospital’s vision correction service, believes that Lens Replacement Surgery, also known as refractive lens surgery, offers a new solution for individuals who want to take measures to improve their vision but who have been advised that other methods aren’t suited to their condition.

“Unlike Laser Eye Surgery which uses a special laser to correct the lens of the eye, this treatment replaces the lens itself; that is the part of the eye that is used to focus. This means that it is far more effective on patients with vision problems who are over the age of 50 as well as those who are long-sighted”, he explains.

The surgery is permanent and pain-free.

Kathryn’s Story 45 year old Kathryn Jackson had worn glasses since she was a young child. She recently had lens replacement surgery to correct her eyesight.

“I was longsighted, my prescription was a +9 and I couldn’t do anything or go anywhere without my glasses,” Kathryn explains.

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“About five years ago I asked my optometrist what my options were as I had tried contacts, but I didn’t get on with them, and I had been told that my eyesight would deteriorate further. At the time I was told that there was nothing that could be done for me.

“Towards the end of last year I thought I’d look into it again. When I went for my initial appointment Mr Luck was able to identify exactly what was wrong with my eyesight almost immediately and this gave me enormous confidence.

“I had each eye done separately, with four weeks between each operation. When I went for my check up a week after the first eye was done, Mr Luck even told me that my eyesight was going to be better than his and that the surgery had stopped any further deterioration of my vision.

“CircleBath’s facilities and staff were top class and I could not fault anything about the way I was treated.

“It’s been a life-changing experience – it’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to see clearly when I wake up in the morning, after a lifetime of wearing glasses. I live on a farm and ride horses so it’s great to have that flexibility now – rain and fog is no longer a problem. I’ve also realised that I feel more confident, something I wasn’t expecting. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone who had considered it but was too worried about doing anything.”

Why choose CircleBath Hospital?

Aside from the procedure being undertaken in a fully equipped hospital theatre, the main advantage is that all assessments, recommendations and post surgery check ups will be undertaken by the same experienced eye surgeon.

What does it cost?

Lens Replacement Surgery is competitively priced at £1,915 per eye with standard lens, while Laser Eye Surgery is priced at £1,800 per eye. The initial consultation with an eye surgeon to see if surgery is right for you is free, as are any follow up appointments.

Reader Discount CircleBath hospital is offering The Bath Magazine readers a 15% discount on Lens Replacement Surgery and Laser Eye Surgery in July and August 2011. Call now to book a free consultation.

For more information contact CircleBath on 01761 422 222 , email enquires@circlebath. co.uk or visit www.circlebath.com

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COMPETITION

WIN A YEAR’S

pampering O

ne lucky TBM reader can win themselves a year’s worth of use of one of the Bath area’s finest country hotel spas in our July competition.

Homewood Park Hotel & Spa at Hinton Charterhouse is offering one person a year’s platinum membership of its spa, which is worth a total of £725.

The winner will be able to make full use of the Homewood Spa’s facilities during the opening hours, seven days a week. They will also entitled to: ✽ 15% off food and beverage at Homewood Park ✽ 15% off beauty treatments (Monday-Thursday) ✽ 1 complimentary hour signature treatment, which is worth £75 ✽ 4 complimentary guest passes worth £35 per pass.

Homewood Park’s Spa is set in its own gardens, surrounded by an original garden wall. It is well stocked with flowers and herbs and provides a tranquil setting, complemented by exclusive facilities – all just six miles from Bath on the A36.

Spa membership offers a place for relaxation, a place to find peace and a place to meet up with friends or make new ones and a place to recharge.

Visit at a time to suit you.The spa is open 7am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm at weekends.

Imagine relaxing on the pool side loungers, take in the sweet fragrance of the beautifully scented herb garden or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. Be enveloped by the warm bubbling waters of the hydrotherapy pool as your muscles are stimulated, your body relaxes and the healing powers of the water leave you with a feeling of complete calm.

Step in the mood enhancing thermal suites and unwind as the heat treatment works its magic or treat yourself to a real pampering with a sensuous full body wrap or a manicure at the Champagne nail bar.

Designed to promote relaxation for the mind, body and soul, the treatment menu has been carefully created taking inspiration from the tranquil garden setting and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Spa days and individual treatments can be booked without being a member and vouchers are available for special presents of indulgence.

Homewood Park’s award-winning Lime restaurant,would be the ideal place to take your partner for lunch or a post-spa dinner to round-off a completely relaxing day. To enter our exclusive competition simply answer this question: How far is Homewood Park Hotel & Spa from Bath?

Send your answer on a postcard to The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA2 2ED by noon on the closing date of Tuesday 26 July. Alternatively, send an email to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details.

The standard MC Publishing competition rules apply. No cash alternative will be offered. Entrants must be 18 or over. ■

70 THEBATHMAGAZINE | JULY 2011

Get yourself known!

THEBATHMAGAZINE The Bath Magazine has all the treatments and all the wonderful therapies to help your business feel fantastic!

Health and Beauty advertising in Bath’s brightest & most widely delivered magazine really works.

Telephone 01225 424 499

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3 Saville Row, Bath, BA1 2QP Tel: 01225 443 222 email: info@no3hairdressing.co.uk www.no3hairdressing.co.uk

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OUT&ABOUT

AN ITALIAN dalliance

Andrew Swift visits the renowned Italianate gardens of Iford Manor, set in some beautiful unspoiled Wiltshire Countryside

O

n this month’s walk we visit the Italianate gardens at Iford, stroll through unspoilt countryside and have the option of calling into two excellent country inns en route. The Grade I-listed gardens at Iford are among the finest in the south west, but they lie amid such glorious countryside, that it is worth taking time to discover other delights the area has to offer.

The walk starts at Avoncliff, which can be reached by train from Bath Spa. Avoncliff Halt has a very short platform, so you have to be right at the front of the train if you want to alight.

On leaving the train, turn left and walk up a flight of steps.

Turn left alongside the canal, crossing Avoncliff Aqueduct, built between 1797 and 1800 to carry the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon.

On the far side of the aqueduct, turn left and left again under the aqueduct. You will notice that its central arch has a pronounced sag, which it acquired shortly after it was built. Walk up steps on the left and turn left up the road. After 200 metres, when the road swings to the left for the second time, follow a waymarked path straight on through a gate, and carry on up an old packhorse track (ST805598). Where the path forks carry straight on uphill. At the top of the path carry straight on along a road for 75 metres and turn right at the T junction.

The road leads past an imposing house on the right, built around 1680 and flanked by two vernacular-style buildings. The one on the right predates it by a century or more, but the one on the left was added in 1913 to provide balance. The formal gardens across the road were laid out at the same time.

Just after passing Ashlers, on the right, climb up to a stone stile on the left, and walk along a path which leads into a housing estate. Walk in the same direction for 450 metres. At the main road, cross over and turn right. After 200 metres bear left down to Iford Manor (not sharp left down Iford Fields).

As you walk downhill, there are glimpses into the garden of Iford Manor on the right. Look out too for blocked-up doors and windows in the wall on the left, suggesting there were once cottages here.

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At the bottom of the hill, the road runs alongside the River Frome, with Iford Manor on the right. There has been a house here since medieval times, although the present building is 17th century, with a façade added around 1730. The glory of Iford, though, is its garden, an Italianate fantasy created in the early 20th century by Harold Peto.

As soon as Peto saw the site he realised its ‘capabilities’. Here he created a dream of Italy, building stage sets from architectural fragments collected on his travels. It is theatrical, with grand colonnades leading to intimate corners, and paths curving out of sight. Antique columns, sculptures and sarcophagi line the walks, while the sound of water, running down rills or flowing from fountains, fills the air. Cool marble cloisters, a Japanese garden, and a column in a woodland glade, dedicated to the memory of Edward VII, are among the delights of this extraordinary garden.

Peto sidestepped the early 20th century Battle of the Styles between formal and natural gardens by evolving a style of his own. He took elements from both styles, creating a fusion of the formal and the untamed in a picturesque setting redolent of ancient cultures and the 18th century Grand Tour. He summed his approach up succinctly: “Old buildings or fragments of masonry carry one’s mind back to the past in a way that flowers cannot do. Gardens that are too stony are equally unsatisfactory; it is the combination of the two which is the most satisfying.”

On leaving the manor, cross the bridge over the River Frome.

With the shadows of leaves dappling the water, kingfishers darting through the arches, and the statue of Britannia installed

by Peto on the parapet, this is a magical spot.

A little way along the road is a 17th century mill, embowered in roses and now converted to a house. Look to the right of the entrance to see the mill race running under the building.

Just past the mill, cross a stile on the right and follow a footpath through a meadow. After 700 metres, cross a stile on the left beside a seven-bar gate and walk up through woodland (ST792590). After 200 metres cross another stile into a meadow, continue on and, when you reach a lane, turn left and almost immediately right alongside a high hedge. Walk up some steps, go

PETO’S DREAM: Iford Manor’s Italianate gardens combine planting with statues and columns, all clinging to the side of a valley in Wiltshire

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OUT&ABOUT

MUCH TO ADMIRE: left to right, Britannia stands guard on the bridge at Iford, the cloisters in the gardens, and cypress trees bring a Mediterranean air

through a five-bar gate and along a path with views down to a weir on the right.

The path leads to Middle House, built as a cloth mill in 1795.

Turn right along the lane, past a World War Two pillbox – the first of several you will pass in the next mile or so, a reminder that in 1940 this valley was part of a defensive line stretching across southern England.

At the T junction, turn right and carry on across the bridge, passing Freshford Mill on the right.

Just after the road swings to the right away from the river, cross a stile on the left and walk across the field. After crossing another stile, turn left along the road and, just before the bridge, go through a kissing gate on the right (ST791599) – unless, that is, you are tempted to cross the bridge and call into the Inn at Freshford (open all day at weekends) for refreshment.

Once through the kissing gate follow the path through the water meadows, with the confluence of the Rivers Frome and Avon to your left. After 350 metres go through a kissing gate and along a muddy path, at the end of which another kissing gate leads into a glorious meadow alongside the Avon.

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After negotiating two more kissing gates, the path leads past Ancliff Square, built as weavers’ cottages in the 1770s, converted to a workhouse in 1836, and now, after spells as a military hospital and a hotel, back to cottages once more.

Journey’s end brings you a choice of two excellent places to drink and eat, both open all day – Trough’s Café and the Cross Guns Inn – before heading over the aqueduct for a train home. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION ■

Length of walk: 4 miles

■

Approximate time: 2 hours

■

Map: OS Explorer 142 & 143

■

The train journey from Bath Spa to Avoncliff takes just over ten minutes

■

Iford Manor Gardens are open daily except Monday and Friday during the summer, 2pm –5pm. Admission is £5. A tea room is open at weekends.

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FIELDofFLOWERS

Purple HAZE Lavender is renowned for its heady fragrance and relaxing, healing properties, but a visit to the Somerset Lavender is a tonic in itself, as Lindsey Harrad found out

T

ucked away down a quiet lane in the village of Faulkland, Somerset Lavender is a fragrant enclave, planted with row upon row of silvergreen lavender plants. By July, the distinctive scent is heavy on the breeze, there’s a gorgeous purple haze as far as the eye can see, and honeybees buzz purposefully in the sunshine, visiting the aromatic spikes before returning to nearby hives.

This idyllic spot was once home to a dairy farm, but as it became increasingly difficult to make a living from producing milk, third generation farmer Francis Green and his wife Judith had to make the incredibly tough decision to sell their cows.

“We considered everything from opening a B&B to making cheese,” says Judith. “But the idea to grow lavender came from my brother, after he showed us an article about a pick your own lavender business.”

Somerset isn’t generally known for lavender farming – Norfolk or Provence in France tend to be associated with commercial lavender growing – but Judith explains that it isn’t that difficult to cultivate, as long as you get the soil conditions right and plenty of sunshine.

“There aren’t many people doing this on a farm scale, and those who do tend to be quite secretive,” she laughs. “So we just had to figure it out for ourselves. The trick is pruning.

Most English varieties need to be pruned every year, straight after flowering. Cut back the plant by two thirds, but leave some green shoots below where you have pruned.”

Somerset Lavender has a 5.5 acre field of traditional English lavender plants – Angustifolia – which are mostly grown for essential oil. The couple have recently planted another five acres, including a later flowering variety – Grosso – which ensures visitors to the farm in August can still see plants in flower after the main harvest in late July.

A tour of the barn reveals what looks like a museum of antique farm equipment, but Judith explains that one of the machines is a cabbage planter, adapted by Francis to plant lavender plugs instead. “Planting is a slow process, but they

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last ten years before they need replacing,” explains Judith. “We bought our harvester from France, it harvests and prunes the lavender at the same time. The lavender’s stems are cut cleanly and tied into a sheaf, and the sheaves are then collected by hand and air-dried before going into the still. We prefer to use a traditional harvester rather than a modern machine, which tends to just chop up all the lavender, because we find it produces a better quality oil.”

In the still, the steam rises through the dry lavender, capturing the essential oil, before going into a condenser. There it is cooled and the resulting hydrolat contains tiny molecules of essential oil suspended in water, which rise to the top.

“We syringe off the oil by hand and put in dark bottles, then lay it down for between six to nine months,” says Judith. On a good day, the still produces up to a litre of oil in one threehour run, although a quarter of a pint is a more typical outcome. The still runs about 50 times every season.

The oil is bottled and sold as pure essential oil, and it is also used to make Somerset Lavender’s beauty products, including hand cream and body lotion, which are all made with natural ingredients and contain no parabens or other nasties. The remaining lavender water does not go to waste and is used to make lavender soap.

So what makes a vintage year? An oil with a good scent is the most important factor, of course, but lavender essential oil can vary quite substantially, depending on factors such as the growing conditions, harvesting methods and the plant variety.

“French lavender is typically a hybrid variety, which produces oodles of oil, but we don’t think it’s as nice as the English lavender,” explains Judith. “The hybrid lavenders tend to produce a more astringent smelling oil, with a hint of camphor.

It’s still just as soothing to use, but the English lavender smells softer and more pleasant.”

In addition to the glorious scent and its relaxing properties, lavender is also known for its natural healing qualities, and Judith and Francis have discovered that growing lavender has healed some of the heartbreak of losing the family dairy

IT MAKES SCENTS: farmers Francis and Judith Green have switched from dairy to lavender to save the family business Top right, harvesting the lavender takes place this month

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FIELDofFLOWERS

How to use lavender

business. “If we hadn’t diversified, the farm wouldn’t have survived,” admits Judith. “But farming is in Francis’s blood and you can get very technical about what makes the best lavender oil, but he just has a natural feel for knowing when the time is right to harvest and what needs doing.”

“We’ve been growing lavender for five years now and we just hope that people will continue to visit and support the farm so we can keep producing this wonderful herb for many years to come.”

Somerset Lavender is open Wed–Sunday, 10am to5pm, until the end of September, plus bank holiday Monday. The main harvest takes place at the end of July and tours are available.

Admission is free; there’s a café serving teas, homemade cakes and light lunches, all made with local produce; lavender products in the shop; plant sales; willow run and duck pond; and a fragrant rose arbour and healing herb garden. ■ Visit Somerset Lavender at Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset BA3 5WA. Tel: 01373 834893.Visit: www.somersetlavender.com.

• Put a few drops of essential oil in your bath water to help you relax • Use a pillow mist on your bedding to aid sleep • Add to a carrier oil and use for massage • Keep it in your first aid kit – lavender’s natural antiseptic qualities heal insect bites and stings, just add a few drops to water to bathe minor wounds • Women can add a few drops to their bath to promote healing after childbirth, or use the Somerset Lavender sea salt and lavender oil bath soak • Add a few drops to an oil burner for a natural room fragrance • Bags of dried lavender are a natural moth repellent and keep your clothes smelling fresh • Drink lavender tea – try delicate white tea or black Ceylon tea with lavender in the farm café • Use lavender in cooking – it’s delicious in cakes, biscuits and ice cream. You can pick up the farm’s new recipe book at the café and buy bags of culinary lavender • Plant lavender in your garden to attract bees and other insects, and provide fragrance and colour

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Design and planning service

JULY 2011

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Family Business gains National

Recognition Again The small family business running the Bath Kitchen Company has been featured for a fourth time in the national IPC magazine, “Beautiful Kitchens”.

I

n the handmade, bespoke kitchen market, this is the showplace for the very best in Britain, and competition is fiercely fought over to be included.

The Designer, James Horsfall, spent months just getting every detail right, and researching all the possibilities that the layout could include. “We had to fit our scheduling in to the extensive work done by the Builder, who opened up the space to receive the design”.

The house was a detached property in the Lympley Stoke Valley. The doors were handmade, finished in black paint, and the worktops were white in Silestone.

The choice of highly coloured striped blinds helped to finish off the room presentation.

A commission of this quality is all about a meticulous attention to detail, regular meetings, and trying out so many different solutions.

After being in the Industry for 27 years, we know that you can't rush design, or put pressure on the process. It must be a slow and gentle walk. Then the result is guaranteed.

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Works of Bath

Marble, Granite & natural Stone specialists Granite, Marble & Quartz worktops for kitchens & Bathrooms

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With interest rates at an all time low investment savvy householders are looking for alternative ways to earn money and solar power offers that.

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CITYgardens

ON THE Flowering shrubs are the stars of the early summer garden, but should you prune now or wait for winter? Jane Moore debates the pros and cons

A

fter several years of writing the gardening pages for this magazine, I can’t always remember what I’ve covered and what I haven’t. My amiable assistant Anna is invaluable in many ways, but particularly so because she often remembers things when I don’t. So, when I’m madly thinking about July’s topic I ask her if I’ve ever written about pruning early summer flowering shrubs. You know – mock orange (philadelphus), weigela and forsythia.

“Ooh,” splutters Anna excitedly,” No you haven’t and I have a great quote from Christopher Lloyd about it.”

I stick to the tried and tested ❝ tradition carrying out the main pruning in high summer when the gloves are off and my hands are warm

❞

In the greenhouse which acts as the Bath Priory Gardens Dept morning tea spot, an atmosphere of tranquillity and calm serenity usually prevails. But not so when the Great Man of Great Dixter is mentioned, he who has penned a thousand articles and books and has, so they say, shaped the ideas of hundreds of gardeners. But I like to think that my ideas are very much my own. So, Anna’s comment was guaranteed to provoke reaction as well she knew.

It is a truth universally acknowledged by gardeners that an early flowering shrub is in need of a prune after flowering and that is in about July. Christopher Lloyd, as is his wont, disagrees with this tradition, citing three objections: 78 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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“The young shoots are so tender and brittle then as to be easily knocked off; there is so much else to do in the garden then; and you can see far better what wants doing to a deciduous shrub when its leaves are off.”

He does have a point. The new shoots are sappy and fragile and prone to snapping, and it is so much easier to see where to cut when the shrub is leafless. As to the second point, yes July is often busy in the garden but it’s a much nicer month to be buzzing about with secateurs in hand than, say, February. And that’s the main reason I stick to the tried and tested tradition, carrying out the main pruning in high summer when the gloves are off and my hands are warm for wielding the secateurs. Having said that, a little judicious thinning and tidying often takes place in the winter months too but we’re talking minimal here.

Anyway enough ranting and on with the job. We’re looking at deciduous shrubs, those that lose their leaves in winter, which flower in spring or early summer. Newly planted shrubs only need trimming and shaping while overgrown shrubs may need drastic pruning to renovate them.

Why do it now • Early-flowering shrubs are pruned after flowering as they usually flower on the previous year’s growth. Pruning immediately after flowering allows the maximum time for development of young growth to provide the following year’s flowers before the end of summer. Christopher Lloyd argues that it’s still easy to tell apart the flowered shoots from the new growth in the winter but to my mind it’s not as straightforward as doing it just after the shrub has flowered.

How to do it • Pruning varies a little depending on the type of shrub, but all early-flowering shrubs need the damaged, diseased or dead wood cut out as a matter of course, and it’s a lot easier to spot all that when the shrub is in leaf. There are three basic steps to good pruning:

ANY POT WILL DO: containers of all sizes can be used to create instant splashes of colour in the garden

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CITYgardens ❁ Cut out any damaged or dead shoots back to their point of origin or to ground level. ❁ Where there are many stems remove some to ground level to keep the bush open and avoid congestion. ❁ Finally take out any weak, spindly or twiggy shoots right to the point of origin or to ground level so the plant concentrates its resources on strong new shoots that will bear the best flowers.

If that’s all you do, then your shrub will be infinitely better off for the attention. You can happily stop there and finish off by giving the plant a nice feed of something balanced such as blood, fish and bone or Growmore sprinkled and worked into a moist soul. Water it in if there hasn’t been any rain to speak of, then top it off with a generous mulch of some of your own garden compost.

But if you want to go the extra mile then continue depending on the type of shrub. According to the oracle, the Royal Horticultural Society early-flowering deciduous shrubs can be split into three groups for pruning: Deciduous shrubs with flowers on strong young growth.

Examples: flowering currant (ribes), forsythia, mock orange (philadelphus), weigela. Pruning: cut back flowered growth to strong young shoots lower down. Each year cut out up to 20 percent of ageing stems to near the base.

Deciduous shrubs producing new flowering growth from or near ground level. Examples: kerria, neillia. Pruning: remove flowered shoots back to vigorous sideshoots. Cut back one in three stems to ground level each year. Cut back all the stems of prunus triloba to near the base.

Deciduous shrubs that respond to hard pruning after flowering. Examples: prunus triloba. Pruning: cut back all the stems to near the base. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory.

Open gardens in July

The gardens at White Cross and Cranbrook in Norton St Philip are open for the first time for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 10 July from 25pm. White Cross has a topiary parterre, pond and mature trees and shrubs.

Visitors to the gardens of East Burford House in a remote Mendip valley near Pilton are invited to bring a picnic to eat while they enjoy the three acres of grounds. The gardens are open on Sunday 17 July and Monday 18 July, 11am - 5pm, and promise to be full of surprises, including a lake with a shell beach, sculptures and a playground.

An unusual subtropical house is one of the major features at Sunny Bank in

Nunney, which is open on Sunday 10 July, 11am 5pm. On show are succulents and cacti, while outside are hostas, a mature acer and tree ferns.

Plantswoman Derry Watkins is opening her gardens near Cold Ashton – which include some unusual varities – for the NGS scheme, on Thursday 21 July, 11am - 5pm.

For details of more open gardens visit: www.ngs.org.uk or buy The Yellow Book 2011, for £9.99.

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

S

t. Patricks is a beautiful, detached modern family home, in parts dating back 200 years.

Set in large ground of approximately eight acres, the house has outstanding views. Having been extensively refurbished in recent years, the property now offers spacious, light accommodation with high quality fittings throughout. On the ground floor there is a well equipped kitchen/breakfast room with good quality integrated appliances, dining room, conservatory and sitting room with a multi fuel wood burning stove, office, study utility room, boiler room and a cloakroom. The upper floor has five double bedrooms, two with en suite facilities plus a family bathroom. Outside there is a delightful heated swimming pool as well as various outbuildings, garage, paddocks, cascading ponds and private woodlands. The property comes with the added advantage of planning permission for a one bedroom, self contained residence and two loose box stables, tack room and store (all completed to ground level in 2010). St Patricks offers the tempting combination of a ‘ready to move into’ family home and a project for completion and as such, viewing is recommended. Viewing is available by appointment with agents Pritchards estate agents in Bath.

ST. PATRICKS, WASHWELL, Nr BOX

Guide Price: £1,200,000

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

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Oldford

Shurnhold

An elegant & impressive, detached Edwardian family home, in the Arts and Crafts style, standing in beautiful grounds/paddock of approx 2 acres with views. Approx int. area 4547 sq ft/422.42 sq m.

4 receptions & recently built David Salisbury orangery, lg kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, ancillary room/store. Master bedroom - en suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rms.

Dbl garage & ample driveway parking. Sep. cottage - ideal for additional accommodation requirements.

An outstanding detached property built in 1989 set in exquisite grounds offering spacious and versatile accommodation. Ample off road parking.

Landscaped gardens. Total approx floor area: 2373 sq ft/220.4 sq m.

Guide Price: £1 million

Price: £750,000

Belgrave Terrace

Warleigh, Bathford

A spacious and light Grade II Listed four storey family home with exceptional views. Approx. internal area: 2549 sq ft/236.8sq m.

Kitchen/dining room, drawing room, four double bedrooms, study/bedroom five, bathroom.

Utility room. Two cloakrooms. Storage vault. South-west facing garden. Garage. Cellar.

A stunning penthouse apartment with a delightful private roof garden within a fabulous Grade II listed Manor House. Spacious light and airy accommodation - gross int area: 2095 sq ft /195 sq m.

Impressive communal reception hall, private entrance hall, drawing room, kitchen/dining room, utility room and cloakroom, and 3 double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Garage & additional private parking space.Visitors’ parking. Private roof garden and 8 acres of communal gardens & woodland.

Price: £750,000

Price: £695,000

Although currently used as 2 residences, it can easily be changed to offer 4 reception rooms & 4 bedrooms - 2 with en suite bathrooms & a family bathroom. Kitchen/diner, utility/kitchen 2, shower room.

11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

PRITCHARDS July.indd 1

Tel: 01225 466 225

21/06/2011 11:23

pritchard-partners.co.uk

Primrose Hill

Bailbrook Lane

A fine detached house in a delightful semi rural location enjoying wonderful open views on the popular western fringes of the City.

The particularly well presented accommodation comprises: our bedrooms, large bathroom, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room and cloakroom. Double glazing, gas fired heating. Attractive gardens. Single garage.

Total approx. area: 1460 sq ft / 135.7 sq m.

An outstanding family home built in 2005 by Redcliffe Homes just a few minutes drive from the city. This substantial detached property is set within large grounds with outstanding views.

The accommodation comprises kitchen, dining room, living room, study/play room, garden room, cloakroom, four double bedrooms one with en suite, family bathroom. Cabin/ Annexe with living area, bathroom and bedroom. Office/Gym. Swim/spa with Jacuzzi hot top. Outbuildings. Garage (currently set out as a store and utility). Ample off road parking.

Price: £675,000

Price: £645,000

Mount View, Lansdown

Queenwood Avenue

A most impressive Victorian home overlooking the green at Richmond Place in the popular area of Lansdown. Approx floor area 1121 sq ft/104.1 sq m.

A beautifully presented & generously proportioned Victorian property, situated north east and within walking distance of City centre. Total approx floor area 903 sq ft/83.9 sq m.

Living room, well equipped kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, master bedroom with en suite, two further bedrooms, family bathroom. Pretty landscaped garden and views.

Price: £429,500

Sitting room with bay window and feature fireplace, dining room, kitchen/diner 2 double bedrooms and a good sized bathroom which was previously two rooms. Externally there is a lovely rear garden which is well enclosed and offers a good deal of privacy.

Price: £275,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

CHELSFIELD HOUSE, SION ROAD BATH

Price: ÂŁ2.85 million

C

helsfield House is a modern Fusion of classic style, technology and sustainability.

Originally built in 1965, the property has been completely remodelled, renovated and refurbished into a warm and inviting 21st century family home in the Italianate style. The focus on design is evident in the interior of the house with solid oak parquet flooring downstairs and oak doors throughout. During the refurbishment every opportunity has been taken to incorporate exciting new technologies and energy saving features to reduce environmental impact. These include solar panels, an air heat source pump and thermal store, a heat exchange unit, rainwater harvester and many more. The light and spacious accommodation on the ground floor comprises a large and welcoming entrance hall with log fire, contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, comfortable sitting room with a large open fire, dining room, media rooms which is home to the control centre for the easy to manage home automation system, second fully fitted kitchen with laundry shute, large study and cloakroom with WC. Upstairs there are five double bedrooms.

The master suite has a large bathroom and dressing room. Bedrooms two and three also have en suite shower rooms and there is a spacious family bathroom. A sun balcony provides spectacular views across Bath. The property sits in a beautifully landscaped garden with a sweeping driveway with ample courtyard parking. There is a double garage above which is a self contained studio which has a living/sleeping area, wet room with shower and a kitchen. To the rear, the sunny south facing grounds have been divided into three segments for entertaining, relaxing and cultivating.

Set within the garden is a summer house which is fully incorporated into the home automation system and would be suitable for use as a garden office, gym or studio. Chelsfield House is an exciting and unique family home waiting to be explored. Viewing is by appointment with agents Pritchard and Partners.

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

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Bath Office Sales. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Cavendish Place, Bath An exceptional three bedroom ground and lower ground floor maisonette self-contained within a Grade I Listed townhouse that forms part of one of Bath’s most elegant terraces fronting the immaculate lawns and trees of the Approach Golf Course, with an east/west aspect. This garden apartment has a wealth of period features enhanced by stylish interior design and offers a wonderful Italianate walled courtyard garden.

Guide Price ÂŁ795,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Reception Rooms Wonderful Kitchen Breakfast Room Garden Maisonette Approximately 2040 sq ft

Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

Hamptons International won the Best for Innovation award at the 2010 Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising its innovative marketing approach and launch of the Hamptons International app for iPhone and iPad. Call us to find out how we can use our market-leading approach to help you.

Hamptons July.indd 2

21/06/2011 10:22

Bath Office Sales. 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Belmont, Bath

Guide Price ÂŁ1.4m

Enjoying this convenient city location, this spendid home is beautifully presented with well proportioned and versatile accommodation. The ground floor comprises a bespoke kitchen open plan to the dining room and access to the garden. On the 1st floor, the drawing and withdrawing rooms with sister marble fireplaces enjoy views from the triple windows. The master bedroom suite includes a luxurious and sleek bathroom. The upper floor houses 3 further bedrooms and a bathroom plus the lower floor could be an independent flat or a sitting room and 5th bedroom.

5 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms Grade II Listed Fine Period Detail Garden and Views Approximately 3500 sq ft.

Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

Hamptons International won the Best for Innovation award at the 2010 Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising its innovative marketing approach and launch of the Hamptons International app for iPhone and iPad. Call us to find out how we can use our market-leading approach to help you.

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■ Priory Lodge, Bradford-on-Avon We’ll bet that a lot of people who live in Bradford don’t even know the existence of this individual house right in the heart of the town.

The three/four bedroom detached house combines old stone charm with a contemporay twist. Full length glass sliding doors allow light to pour into the open living area and from here you step out into enchanting gardens, where there are lawns, meandering paths, flower borders with topiary and mature trees. There are also superb views across the rooftops of the town.

Price: £895,000 Contact: Jeremy Jenkins, 01225 866747

■ Bladud Buildings, Bath

This sumptous four bedroom home and garden just round the corner from Broad Street gives a whole new take on living over the shop. Whoever buys the showroom and the three floors above it will enjoy a well modernised spacious family home with large wellproportioned rooms and an enclosed walled garden. There are good views across Bath to the hills beyond – and whoever runs the shop will have an enviably short commute to work. Price: £1.15m Contact: Carter Jonas 01225 747251

■ De Montalt Mill, Combe Down The exterior of De Montalt Mill at Summer Lane, Combe Down is Georgian, but the interior is bang up to date, with light streaming into every room and the windows opening up the property to the outside world. This is a Grade II listed maisonette with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a big open plan living space with kitchen area. There is also a south facing rear garden.

Price: £695,000 Contact: Crisp Cowley 01225 789333

A HOUSE in

TOWN July’s crop of urban homes are quirky and full of character

■ Tenby Lodge, Sion Hill Tenby Lodge is the perfect home for anyone who enjoys a spot of golf practice, as its rooms look out over the Approach Golf Course, with far reaching views over the city. Perched on Sion Hill, Tenby Lodge is a detached villa which has been modernised to provide a New England style interior, with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a walled garden.

Price: £2m Contact: Cobb Farr 01225 333332

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■ Ravenswell, Sydney Road A fine Italianate villa in Bathwick, not far from the delightful Sydney Gardens is a house of character that has been well looked after.

Ravenswell has three bedrooms, a gracious drawing room and a garden room with a mosaic tiled floor and views across the welltended gardens. Other rooms include a study, open plan kitchen/dining room and an office. Price: £595,000 Contact: Pritchards 01225 466225

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■ Bassett Farmhouse, Claverton This imposing farmhouse with far reaching views is a superb and original country home that feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle, but is just ten minutes’ drive from Bath. Dating to the late 16th century, the farmhouse has five bedrooms, a traditional farmhouse kitchen and a pretty conservatory. There’s a productive garden and greenhouse to keep Mr MacGregor busy in the summer and an impressive inglenook fireplace in the dining room to warm his backside in winter.

Price: £1.25m Contact: Cobb Farr 01225 333332

■ Kelston Mills, Bath

■ Ham Mill, Somerset Old millhouses are as rare as hen’s teeth and this one is a particularly fine specimen, having been converted in 1976 and retaining its character and its water wheel. The three main reception rooms have picture windows looking onto the countryside, while the dining room’s retractable doors lead out on to the terrace. Ham Mill has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and its own 7.5 acre nature reserve rich in wildlife. Price: £1m Contact: Knight Frank 01225 325999

This quirky early 19th century riverside cottage was part of the Kelston Estate and is being sold for the first time. It needs doing up, but it will make someone a wonderful country home with a long garden running down to the Avon. It’s really only a one bedroom home, with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, sitting room and lobby, all arranged across three storeys. Price: £175,000.

A HOUSE in the

COUNTRY If you’re searching for a rural home full of character we may have what you’re looking for

Contact: Kit Johnson, 01225 444447

■ The Coach House, Sherston The Coach House looks over the village green at Sherston near Malmesbury and, with its beams, open fireplaces and exposed stone walls, it’s an interesting family home. The sitting room and sun room are positioned upstairs on the first floor to make the most of the aspect across the green and and gardens. The three bedrooms and the bathroom are also upstairs, while downstairs is a long kitchen, a cloakroom and a large dining room big enough to double as a second living room. The Coach House also has an integral garage and pretty gardens which have been designed to be low maintenance. Sherston, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, has a lively village community with a primary school, 12th century church, village stores and post office and two pubs. And how could you resist a place that holds an annual boules tournament and carnival each summer and a mangold hurl event every autumn?

Price: £299,500 Contact: Tim Bennett, 01225 325857

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Fidelis Residential Lettings

Summer Offer

25% off Let Only Fees* *T’s & C’s apply

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH

01225 421000

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk Fidelis July.indd 2

21/06/2011 10:35

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TRULY URBAN LIVING: one of the show apartments in SouthGate’s The Residence, built over the shops

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central

I

t really is all about location, location, location, when it comes to Bath’s newest apartments, which are right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the mainline station, the shops, Bath rugby’s home ground, cinemas, restaurants and theatres.

And interest in The Residence at SouthGate, has been great, with eight apartments sold in the first month of going on sale.

The 74 one and two bedroom private apartments are spread across Philip House, Southgate House, Marchant House and St Lawrence House, and are situated above the SouthGate development in the heart of Bath’s retail quarter.

The apartments’ exteriors have been designed to carefully balance the elegance of Bath’s famous neoclassical design with the other requirements of modern urban living. The result is a unique living environment that is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, yet is right on the doorstep for great shopping and eating out.

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JULY 2011

Each apartment has a fully fitted kitchen and bathroom with timber flooring throughout, as well as access to communal rooftop courtyards and landscaped gardens.

Sales negotiator, Christine Hamilton, at Jones Lang LaSalle – formerly known as King Sturge – said: “We are really pleased with the response from prospective buyers. The feedback has been very positive and that it really offers a unique living experience.

“Not only is it a perfect choice for buyers looking for a city centre base but it is ideally located with excellent transport links – less than a five minute walk from Bath’s train station and bus stations.”

The apartments are ready to be occupied. Prices start from £185,000.

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact the sales office, tel: 01225 480228 or visit: www.theresidenceatsouthgate.com ■

Sydney Buildings Entrance Hall | Drawing Room | Study / 4th Bedroom | Living room | Dining area | Fitted kitchen | Utility room | Pantry | Enclosed rear garden | 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | Pontoon on Canal | Stunning panoramic views | Period features

Rent ÂŁ3,000 pcm No.5 Sydney Buildings is a mid-terraced Georgian house which offers well planned and versatile accommodation over four floors, bursting with period features and charm, with spectacular panoramic views towards The Abbey and over Bath.

Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

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FLIGHT OF

T

ake one rather tired 1960s bungalow sitting in a glorious country location, add a bit of imagination and work and the end result is a fabulous, light-filled contemporary home.

Bath architect Steve Pierce worked with the owners of the bungalow at Ashley near Box to create The Butterfly House, giving what had been a bog standard and, let’s face it, unfashionable style bungalow, a Cinderella-style transformation. Massive glass doors have opened up the house to more natural light, bringing it closer to the views and the garden, while the roof at one end of the building was raised at either side, like the wings of a butterfly, to give the interior higher ceilings.

In the living space, which flows from one area to another, the dining space has particularly fine views over the Bybrook Valley and the state-of-the-art kitchen has a useful island, oak working surfaces and built-in appliances. The whole house,

TRANSFORMED: the bungalow at Ashley in Wiltshire, which has been given a new lease of life. As far as possible local services were used, including builder Richard Perry, interior designer Clair Strong, with wood and slate from local firms Broadleaf and Mandarin

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with the exception of the bathrooms, sun room and utility room, is fitted with solid oak flooring.

The Butterfly House (its postal address is actually Heatherdene) has three bedrooms and the second bedroom has an en suite shower room, while there is a second bathroom fitted with a bath and shower. Outside an al fresco dining room can be set up on a decked terrace. The gardens are delightful and include a productive vegetable patch.

For one of the most spectacular aspects of The Butterfly House you need to be there during heavy rain, when the shape of the roof creates a waterfall that can be enjoyed from inside.

Steve Pierce says: “It’s been a real joy to work on. I think with all the Georgian properties around, it might make more people consider taking on a project like this, where they can create their dream home for a reasonable price.”

The Butterfly House is on the market with Hamptons with a guide price of £650,000, tel: 01225 312244. ■

Update from...

L E T T I N G S & M A N AG E M E N T Wow... we’re well and truly into summer now. During June I had the privilege of launching St Marks School’s Employability Week. An exciting interactive hour presentation was given by Zest to all year 9 and year 10 students to help them get the most from their Getting into Employment themed week. We also conducted a series of mock interviews with students in order to help build confidence and awareness for future real-life interviews!

Everyone had a great time and I loved every minute of meeting lots of enthusiastic and motivated young people.

This month also saw us developing a special Zest Website for mobile phone users, so that everything is at your fingertips and it is available to you accurately and fast. We also have a new Facebook Business page in the pipeline with many more innovations to assist with marketing properties which will include HD videos of all available properties.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer - let’s hope for a spell of sustained sunshine!!

Glenn Perry, Director, Zest

Available at Zest this month

Charming 2 bedroom apartment surrounded by natural beauty. Situated in a peaceful location East of the city centre & surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful gardens, this wonderful apartment occupies the 1st floor of a detached Georgian villa. It has 2 double bedrooms, is tastefully furnished & oozes character & charm. Available beginning of August. £995pcm

Beautiful detached 3 bedroom family home to the East of the city. This property has fantastic views that are not to be missed, is wonderfully spacious, & has lots of pretty outside space. Available beginning of July. £1395pcm

T: 01225 481010 Zest July.indd 1

Fabulous 2 bedroom apartment. Located in the much sought after Grosvenor Place, this apartment is set over 2 floors, offers a HUGE amount of space & comes with its own garden & parking space. Available end of October. £995pcm

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MANOR GARDENS BRADFORD ON AVON

Price: £370,000 to £1.2 million

M

anor Gardens is a unique and exclusive gated development which synthesizes classic traditional design and the best of contemporary style at the heart of its conception.

This outstanding small and select development is situated on a mature site which offers both an open feel with “parkland style grounds” and views over the town and towards open countryside in several directions.

The development features the central conversion of a striking Bath stone built Grade II Listed “Regency Styled” house which was originally constructed in the early to mid 19th Century, into four outstanding and spacious 4 & 5 bedroom individual period residences, comprising Berryfield House, The Dower House, The Manse and Queenswood House, all of which offer a wealth of retained and refurbished features with character and charm. This includes many superb original features which combine with the best of modern internal specification throughout to make the most delightful home. All four houses additionally offer super gardens and either a garage or parking spaces.

In addition, Manor Gardens offers eight superb new homes in four unique designs.

There is a classic terrace of three 4 bedroom homes over three floors adjacent to the main house. These homes are constructed, using a

mixture of natural stone Ashlar and rebastone elevations, complimented by natural Ashlar features including cills and lintels, with sash style timber double glazed windows, under a slate tiled roof.

There is also a further terrace of just three contrasting contemporary styled 3 bedroom homes. These offer a beguiling mixture of Ashlar stone elevations to the ground floor, stone features and cills, and part rendered elevations under a slate tiled roof with aluminium powder coated windows. All three homes offer gardens and parking.

Additionally, there are two superb individually designed 4 bedroom detached residences.” The Walled Garden” is a contemporary designed single storey residence which utilises the best of modern construction techniques allied to spacious well planned accommodation, whilst being set in beautiful private grounds and offering parking.

“Cedar Lodge” meanwhile is a classic Georgian Styled residence set in superb gardens with a triple garage, which is already sold.

For anyone thinking about moving into or around this area take a close look at Manor Gardens because the opportunities to take advantage of the life enhancing benefits of living here are disappearing fast.

Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 333332 / 01225 866111 100 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Barton Mews Bradford on Avon An exclusive development of ten traditionally built, contemporary styled properties

Show home now available to view Consisting of 4 attractive four bedroom townhouses, 1 elegant five bedroom residence and 5 three bedroom maisonettes, this sympathetically designed development offers stylish interiors and remarkably flexible living accommodation, all in the heart of Bradford on Avon Town houses from £425,000 and Maisonettes from £285,000 For more information or to book an appointment to view this remarkable development, please contact

Geoffrey M Saxty Estate Agents, Lettings and Property Management 01225 864880 www.geoffreymsaxty.co.uk Georgian House, 14 St Margaret’s Street Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1DA

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City Centre

ÂŁ219,950

One Bedroom Period Property in Georgian Crescent Well Proportioned Lounge | Modern Kitchen | Bedroom | Bathroom | Additional Study Area | Period Features | Secluded Courtyard Garden | Close to Local Amenities | Popular Peaceful City Location | Ideal for First Time Buyers and Investors

City Centre

ÂŁ199,950

Beautifully Appointed One Bedroom Apartment Georgian Ground Floor Flat | Open Plan Kitchen/Lounge | Recently Upgraded Kitchen | Integrated Appliances | Bedroom | Ensuite Shower Room | Period Features Communal Garden | Level Walking Distance to Amenities | Excellent Location | Ideal for First Time Buyers or Investors

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Fidelis Residential Sales

Bathampton

£339,950

Radstock

£450,000

Fabulous Refurbished 3 Bedroom Family Home with Stunning Views Close to the City Centre

An Elevated and Surprisingly Spacious Individual Home with Far Reaching Views towards the Mendips

Chic and Stylish Family Home | Presented for Sale in Excellent Condition Throughout | Views across Bathampton Meadows and Beyond | Open Plan Accommodation on the Ground Floor including Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Cloakroom | Master Bedroom with

Highly Individual Family Home | Attractive Good Size Gardens | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Conservatory | Office | Cloakroom | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Master Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom | Guest Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom | Further Double Bedroom | Single Bedroom | Family Shower Room | Double Garage and Parking

doors opening on the garden | Further Double Bedroom | Single Bedroom | Boutique Style Bathroom with Granite Floor Tiles | Landscaped Terraced Gardens | Parking for 4 cars

Sladebrook Road £499,950

Long Fox Manor £249,950

Wells Road

An Imposing Individual and Unique Period House with huge amounts of Character and Charm

Majestic 2 Bedroom/2 Reception Room Apartment with Private Walled Garden set in Magnificent Grounds approaching 10 Acres

Stunning 2 Bedroom Apartment with Commanding Views across the City

Splendid Traditional Period Detail | Substantial Accommodation | Mullioned Stone Windows to Front | Large Imposing Entrance Porch | Entrance Hall | Sitting Room | Dining/Family Room | Kitchen | Breakfast Room | Conservatory | Cloakroom | Master Bedroom | 3 Further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Delightful Front and Rear Gardens | Single Garage | Driveway providing Ample Parking

Light and Airy Living Room opening onto Garden | Separate Dining Room opening onto Garden | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Master Bedroom opening onto Garden | Further Double Bedroom | Bathroom | Parking Space | Leisure Facilities include Gymnasium | Jacuzzi | Sauna | Tennis | Cinema Room | Bar | Ballroom | Outdoor Swimming Pool

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 3AH

£219,950

Spacious Apartment | Beautifully Appointed Throughout | Open Plan Living / Dining Room | Large Master Bedroom with Built-In Wardrobes | Further Double Bedroom with Wardrobe | Neutral Décor Throughout | Fabulously Appointed Kitchen | Garage / Parking | Short Walk to the City Centre and Bath Spa Station

01225 421000

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk Fidelis July.indd 1

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hunter french estate agents, valuers and surveyors

Shortwood £775,000

Conveniently situated within easy access of both Bath and Bristol is this detached 19th century converted coach house set in private mature gardens with a long wooded approach.

The Coach House offers great family living briefly comprising of; drawing room, sitting room, dining room, large farmhouse kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, five good bedrooms and four bathrooms. Outside there is detached double garage block with a gym and a home office and a electronically gated driveway with parking for multiple vehicles. All in all a great family home in a semi rural location surrounded by grounds reaching over half an acre.

Colerne £215,000

Charming two bedroom stone cottage in the lovely village of Colerne.

The property offers living room and kitchen on the ground floor and two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. Also the property has the bonus of a converted cellar. Garden to the front of the cottage and No Onward Chain.

Colerne £325,000

Enjoying stunning views across the Box Valley is this pretty stone cottage in the village of Colerne.

The property briefly comprises; dining room, kitchen, sitting room complete with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove on the ground floor. Raising to the first floor are three bedrooms and a bathroom. The cottage still retains many features such as wooden sash windows and wooden floors and also benefits from gas central heating. The gardens are all to the front of the property mainly laid to lawn with patio area and vegetable patch and not forgetting a summer house situated to enjoy the views.

Bath Office: 01225 444454 Corsham Office: 01249 715775 e: info@hunterfrench.co.uk • www.hunterfrench.co.uk Hunter French.indd 1

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hunter french estate agents, valuers and surveyors

Monks Lane, Corsham ÂŁ450,000

An idyllic three bedroom semi detached cottage set amidst Neston and Monks Park estate land, nestled along a quiet lane on the edge of the sought after village of Neston and Gastard.

Entrance hall, sitting room with inglenook fireplace, cloakroom/utility, kitchen/breakfast room and dining room. Two double bedrooms, one of which has a beautiful vaulted ceiling, one single bedroom and a family bathroom. Stunning gardens along with attractive outlooks to front and rear.

Driveway for two cars and a single garage.

Corsham Office: 01249 715775 Bath Office: 01225 444454 e: info@hunterfrench.co.uk • www.hunterfrench.co.uk Hunter French.indd 2

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The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

NEAR BATH

Farleigh Hungerford A truly delightful Grade II listed detached thatched cottage nestling beneath the ramparts of the Castle and affording extensive grounds with paddock land fronting the River Frome. Approximately 2 acres.

Approximately 1124.7 sq ft / 104.5 sq m

Guide price ÂŁ595,000

Bath 01225 750900 david.mackenzie@carterjonas.co.uk London Country Department 020 7493 0676 jasper.feilding@carterjonas.co.uk

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WHITELEY HELYAR www.whiteleyhelyar.net

LANSDOWN

CAMDEN

College Road. A particularly spacious second (top) floor apartment Contained in a substantial detached period house, enjoying widespread and far reaching views over the city, Main bedroom with study area, 2nd double bedroom, bathroom. large living room, kitchen, utility/store room. Communal South facing gardensand off Street parking.

An elegant Georgian townhouse full of charming period features, located in a popular road on the city’s northern slopes, close to the city centre.

3/4 bedrooms, drawing room, sitting room, dining room/bedroom 4, kitchen/breakfast room, lean to conservatory. Outbuildings.

Attractive garden and courtyard.

Guide Price £340,000

Guide Price £525,000 COLLEGE ROAD, LANSDOWN An exquisitely renovated substantial semi-detached period house peacefully set in beautifully landscaped gardens of approximately 2/3rds of an acre in this most select private road on the northern slopes of the city.

5 bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 3 bathrooms, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, utility and study.

Garage and off street parking.

£1.85 Million 6 PRINCES BUILDINGS, GEORGE STREET, BATH BA1 2ED

TEL: 01225 447544

residential sales

Camden: £499,950

Larkhall: £375,000

A 3 bedroom Georgian Grade II listed house very well presented throughout with an abundance of period charm.

This charming home benefits from the following; sitting room, dining room, kitchen, downstairs WC, bathroom and terraced garden including a courtyard dining area.

A 4 bedroom detached property located close to the heart of Larkhall with access to its wide range of shops and amenities.

This family home includes the following accommodation; living room, kitchen/ breakfast room, conservatory, cloakroom, bathroom and a double garage.

Penn Lea Road: £359,950

City Centre: £309,950

A 4 bedroom end of terraced townhouse located on the sought after Penn Lea Road in the Weston/Newbridge area of Bath.

This newly refurbished home has been well presented throughout and benefits from accommodation over 3 floors with an open plan living area.

A 2 bedroom penthouse maisonette located in The Academy with easy access to the City centre and Bath Spa Railway Station.

The property comprises of open living which includes a luxury fitted kitchen, living room area, 2 double bedrooms, study/dressing area, 2 bathrooms, parking and a private roof terrace.

Newbridge: £179,950

Grosvenor: £175,000

A one bedroom courtyard apartment situated within a Grade II listed A one bedroom Victorian garden apartment situated in the Newbridge area, Georgian Townhouse, presented in good condition throughout. which is to the west of Bath city centre.

Located in Grosvenor Place, east of Bath city centre, the accommodation comprises of the This spacious modern apartment enjoys a sitting room with views onto the private rear garden, kitchen, conservatory, shower room and a bay window double bedroom. following; entrance hall, living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and private courtyard.

2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED T 0 1 2 2 5 4 8 0 4 4 4 F 0 1 2 2 5 4 8 3 1 9 8 E e n q u i r i e s @ w h i t f i e l d n a s h . c o . u k W w w w. w h i t f i e l d n a s h . c o . u k

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The Old Seven Stars The Old Seven Stars began its life as a brewery and tavern around 1725 and continued to be used as a public house until the 1960s when it was transformed gradually into a fine and spacious family home.

“The house is positioned on the southern end of the Cotswolds hillside so we have fantastic views that stretch far and wide,” explains Ian. “From many rooms in the house the views unfold to show the river Avon, trees, cricket pitch, meadows and the historic Tithe Barn.”

Sue adds, “The walled garden is a very special place and we’ve created six terraces that pick up

the sun as it moves throughout the day. From the roof terrace you can spot hot air balloons from nearby Bath - a fantastic sight against the backdrop of Salisbury Plan. We’ve developed the garden to reflect the ambience of the Mediterranean with the colours, textures and delicate planting creating an oasis of relaxation and pleasure.

Alongside these stunning views and southern-aspect private space, the house enjoys a gentle five minute stroll into the heart of Bradford on Avon, which combines the history of an old weaving town with the buzz of a thriving community.

Bradford on Avon 5 BEDROOMS * DRAWING ROOM * DINING ROOM * KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM * BASEMENT * CLOAKROOM * EN-SUITE BATHROOM * FAMILLY BATHROOM * EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM

Contact: Bath: 01225 320032

OFFERS OVER £860,000

Fine & Country 36 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT Fine & Country Homes.indd 1

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Elm Bank, Bloomfield Elm Bank was originally built in 1866 as a gentleman’s town house, The initial intent by the architect, designer and builder was to build and develop – but when it was completed the designer loved the house so much, he decided to live here himself!

We can well understand why, this house is very special and, thank goodness, it escaped any interference from the 60’s and 70’s – and so its special features are still intact! One of my favourite features is the beautiful stained glass window on the landing – when the sun shines through it casts a deep

shade of colour on the stairs and the wall. The spindles and finials of the staircase have a wonderful gothic feel and the house still retains its original window shutters

A wonderful park across the road, with lots of open spaces to walk and ride. Close to the centre of the city that we never use the cars at the weekend, we can simply walk in and walk out.

Bath 4 BEDROOMS * ENTRANCE VESTIBULE * 4 RECEPTION ROOMS * KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM * SHOWER ROOM * BATHROOM * DETACHED

Contact: Bath: 01225 320032

OFFERS OVER £625,000

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Green Park

Offers in Excess of £400,000

Central location | Beautifully presented | Contemporary living | Stylish kitchen | Luxury bathrooms | Private courtyard | Highly recommended Recently renovated to a very high standard this stunning three bedroom, two reception courtyard apartment is situated in Green Park - just a short level walk from the City Centre.

Upper Camden Place

Offers in Excess of £335,000

Georgian maisonette | Delightful garden | Well presented | Amazing views | Period features | Highly recommended

A truly stunning Georgian apartment that commands some of the most amazing views of the City. This unique apartment has its own private front door accessed through its private garden.

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Victoria Bridge Court

Offers in Excess of £370,000

Combe Park

Offers in Excess of £290,000

Balcony with river views | Spacious living | Gated allocated parking | Well presented | 2 double bedrooms | Modern

Fabulous garden apartment | Popular location | Spacious living | Period features | Quality kitchen | Luxury bathrooms

A beautiful modern and contemporary waterside apartment situated in a secure development within easy reach of central Bath.

A fabulous Victorian two bedroom garden maisonette located in a sought after location on the Western reaches of the city.

Great Pulteney Street

New King Street

Offers in Excess of £285,000

Offers in Excess of £275,000

Georgian 1st floor apartment | Beautifully presented | Sought after location | Fabulous views | Modern kitchen and bathroom | Stylish city home

Arranged over 2 levels | Open plan living/kitchen | 2 double bedrooms | Courtyard | Central location | Early viewing recommended

The Apartment Company is delighted to offer this first floor, one bedroom Georgian apartment located in one of Bath’s most prestigious addresses.

This delightful Georgian garden maisonette is situated in a very central location with accommodation arranged over two floors.

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Bathwick Hill Highly impressive Grade II Regency town house with many original and enhanced features | staircase hall | dining room | kitchen | first floor drawing room | 5 beds | box room | bathroom | shower | utility | pot. s/c 2 room flat | walled garden | double garage | 3,301 sq. ft. excluding garage | Guide Price: £1,250,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Pierrepont Street An historically important Grade I listed town house situated in the heart of the City, covering five floors of beautiful Georgian accommodation | 4 storey town house | classic Georgian period features throughout | 4-6 bedrooms | drawing room | dining room | kitchen | 2 bathrooms | separate cloakroom | enclosed garden | parking space | Lower ground floor apartment: 2 bedrooms | sitting room | kitchen | bathroom | store room | courtyard | Guide Price: ÂŁ900,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Combe Down A truly exceptional Grade II listed maisonette in this historic and highly regarded Georgian building with stunning views of the Monkton Combe valley | entrance hall | large open plan kitchen/sitting/dining room | 4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | storage | south facing landscaped rear garden | 2 parking spaces | garage | views | Guide Price: ÂŁ695,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Faulkland An individually designed contemporary family home situated in a popular village 10 miles south of Bath | galleried landings | 5 bedrooms: 3 with en suite facilities | sitting room | study | utility room | open plan family living space including kitchen, dining and lounge area with wood-burner | sunken outdoor decked area | large level lawned garden | integral garage | parking for up to 4 vehicles | country views | underfloor heating | solar energy | Guide Price: ÂŁ795,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Sutcliffe House, Bath

Guide Price £199,999

A stylish and superbly presented top floor apartment in a Grade II Listed building Communal entrance, private hallway, 1 reception room, kitchen. Large double bedroom, bathroom. Approximately 631 sq ft.

Private parking.

Lansdown Crescent, Bath

Offers in excess of £375,000

A delightful ground floor apartment in one of Bath’s most prestigious Crescents Entrance hall, 1 reception room, modern fitted kitchen. 1 bedroom, stylish bathroom. Approximately 830 sq ft.

Private courtyard and residents’ parking.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Lyncombe Hill, Bath

Guide Price £1,200,000

An impressive Georgian townhouse with a separate self contained apartment Entrance hall, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, wet room.

Approximately 3,392 sq ft.

Courtyard garden. Separate self contained one bedroom apartment. Residents’ parking.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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KnightFrank.co.uk

St. Marks Road, Bath

Guide Price £630,000

A newly refurbished coach house within a few minutes walk of Bath City centre Entrance hall, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Approximately 1,313 sq ft.

Elevated gardens to the rear, off street parking. JSA Cobb Farr

Norton St. Philip, Somerset

Guide Price £1,100,000

A 1920s detached property set in mature parkland Entrance hall, 3 reception rooms, kitchen, cloakroom, study. 4 bedrooms (2 with en suite bathrooms), family bathroom.

Gardens and grounds of approximately 24.5 acres including mature parkland, paddocks and a historic walled garden. Double garage and ample parking. Barn measuring 60’ x 30’.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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