The Bath Magazine November 2014 by MC Publishing Limited

A COLOSSUS IN THE KITCHEN: BLUNOS REVIEW

FACE THE MUSIC: IT’S A FAIR COP

ISSUE 146 • NOVEMBER 2014

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING: THE FLOWER FARMER

INTERIOR TRENDS: FROM LONDON’S DESIGN SHOWS

£3.00 where sold

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH

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THE | CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2014

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THE ‘MUST-DO’ LIST From Remembrance Day to the Christmas lights switch-on, 5 things to do this month

THE CITYIST The Cat’s Whiskers shares her Bath secrets

FOR THE CHAPS Jolly’s big, bold new menswear floor

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Places for Christmas party menus

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UNIQUE AUCTION LOTS

BATH FILM FEST We pick some of the highlights

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FOOD HEROES Find out sales of which meat have soared 400% in the last 12 months

MOVERS & SHAKERS Bath people in the spotlight

Charity event in aid of Julian House

WINE COLUMN Expert taster Angela Mount goes Gallic

Meet the organiser of Bath’s world famous Christmas Market

FOOD REVIEW The colossus in the kitchen: Blunos returns to claim his rightful place

Crazy about the stripe

THE SEASON BEGINS

FOOD & DRINK New openings, awards and rewards

A new book celebrates Bath’s past

SIX OF THE BEST

FAMILY FUN Things to do with the kids

GROWING FOR PROFIT Be inspired by the Flower Farmer’s new book on raising all-year round blooms

HEALTH & BEAUTY The Alexander Technique in Bath plus three new big brands come to the city

BATH AT WORK Photographer Neill Menneer’s portrait of the month: Rod Donaldson

30 GEORGIAN TRINKETS 32 INTERIOR STYLE

ART & EXHIBITIONS Who’s hanging what in the galleries

28 WINDOW SHOPPING Bath’s independents get our vote

TALES FROM THE PAST An artist in search of Miss Holburne

FACE THE MUSIC ‘I still love Donny Osmond’: city police officer turned author Sandy Osborne

WHAT’S ON This month on the Bath cultural scene

MRS STOKES Time to look up: our columnist asks if we spend too much time glued to our phones

THE WALK Andrew Swift heads to the county borders of Wiltshire and Hampshire

STYLE IN LONDON Designer Clair Strong reports from the big interiors shows

100 GARDENING Plan ahead for autumn colour: Jane Moore recommends some floral fireworks

103 PROPERTY PORTFOLIO Homes for sale and to rent

Even more online at www.thebathmag.co.uk Our specially created November cover: courtesy of Bath Film Festival 2014

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’m lucky that my job gets me out and about in Bath, visiting all sorts of places, from people’s workplaces to public venues – some of which we walk past daily, head down and deep in thought. Thanks to the Great Bath Feast I was one of the crowds who made a rare sortie into the magnificent interior of Bath Abbey recently for the great Bath bring and buy cake sale. It was a lovely community event, with people enjoying using the building while tucking into tea and cake and helping raise funds for good causes. Do pop in to the abbey some time – the entrance price is optional – and appreciate this wonderful building crammed with stories of Bathonians past. Another place I pass regularly and perhaps take for granted is Jollys department store in Milsom Street. If you haven’t been in there for a while, go and check out the fabulous new-look store. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. All the historic features, such as the stained glass and the peacocks have been retained but the building has been given lots of modern touches, including bringing in lots of natural light, making shopping there a much more enjoyable experience. It’s fitting that one of Britain’s oldest department stores is going to be in the spotlight – literally – for this year’s switching on of the Christmas lights. That takes place on the evening of Wednesday 12 November, with the chaps from Bath Rugby helping to push the plunger and the promise of a spectacular light show especially commissioned for the event. Yes, sigh, it’s THAT time of year again. Time to start the Christmas Countdown. Because this kicks off in November we’ve done a pre-Christmas round-up, so you won’t miss out on the big dates, like the start of Bath’s world famous Christmas Market. I interviewed Vicky Bunt, the enviably unflappable woman who pulls the market together. I quizzed her on all the questions that people invariably ask about the organisation – how do they choose the stallholders? How do they cope with lost children? And, most importantly, is the market really good for Bath? The answer is emphatically yes. Last year £10m was spent at the market, with a further £26m spent elsewhere in the city for the duration of the market. Much better for Bath’s economic wellbeing that we have the inconvenience of a couple of weekends of congestion and crowds in the city centre than end up like one of those cities with tumbleweed blowing down the main streets, I reckon. Elsewhere we celebrate this month’s Bath Film Festival. It has an inclusive and interesting programme of screenings, so do have a look. There’s everything from a Lilian Gish 1920s classic, complete with live piano accompaniment to a locally made comedy horror featuring something spooky out on the Somerset Levels. On my desk and already well thumbed is a gorgeous new book which lifts the spirits on a gloomy autumn day. It’s The Flower Farmer’s Year, a beautiful and inspiring guide to growing flowers for pleasure and for profit, written by west country commercial flower grower Georgie Newbery. Readers of The Bath Magazine are being offered a 30% discount on the title this month. If you’re already aware of food miles, this book will make you think again about flower miles. I’m going to do my bit for flower miles by ordering some English wildflower seeds for someone’s Christmas present. Happy countdown all!

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.

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NOVEMBER 2014

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New Montblanc Showroom at Mallory Jewellers, Bath

A star is born... espite living in a digital age where most of us treasure our iPhone’s, and texting and emailing seem to have almost replaced the art of penmanship, the appreciation for beautifully crafted writing instruments still continues to grow. The self-proclaimed “Fathers of Stylish Writing”, German manufacturer Montblanc, has remained devoted to the making of high end writing instruments for over a century and today is one of, if not the most, distinguished producers of writing instruments in the world. Recognised by its unmistakable white rounded star emblem, representative of the snowcovered peak of the Mont Blanc - the highest European mountain, which symbolises the brand’s commitment to the highest quality and finest European craftsmanship. In 1924 Montblanc delivered its most iconic writing instrument of all time, the legendary “Meisterstück” (which translates as “Masterpiece” in German). The "Meisterstück 149" fountain pen soon became the ultimate symbol for writing culture and the style icon for perfect timeless design. Over time it has graced the hands of numerous historic figures including Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and John F. Kennedy. This year is also a special year for the “Meisterstück” as it celebrates its 90th anniversary, which Montblanc has marked with the launch of special edition pieces with red gold plating and a commemorative “90” nib design. Complementing the traditional “Meisterstück”, Montblanc presents a number of other stylish everyday collections, as well as limited edition pieces for its avid collectors around the world, where every piece tells its individual story. However Montblanc is regarded not only for its beautifully made writing instruments, today its luxury offering has expanded to include exquisitely crafted leather goods, jewellery, eyewear, fragrance and more recently, timepieces.

Montblanc Muse Collection “Princesse Grace de Monaco” (Rollerball, Ballpoint and Fountain Pen) Montblanc Star Classique Lady Quartz Watch and Montblanc Meisterstück Tribute to the Mont Blanc Cardcase

Montblanc Extreme Document Case and Three Rings Reversible Leather Belt

Although Montblanc may be a relative newcomer to the world of horology, it translates the same meticulous approach it uses when creating fine writing instruments to its watchmaking endeavors. To date Montblanc has launched a number of distinctive collections with several of those paying homage to the brands classic style such as “The Star Collection”, however we have also seem more modern, 21st century aesthetic pieces like “The Timewalker Collection” introduced into the mix… To explore the delights of one of the world’s finest craftsmen, visit Mallory’s new dedicated Montblanc showroom where you will find one of the largest range of Montblanc products in the UK.

1-5 Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AP 01225 788800 • www.mallory-jewellers.com

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ZEITGEIST Remember

This month’s acts of Remembrance will be even more poignant than usual, as the nation somberly marks 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, that claimed so many lives. In Bath and the surrounding towns and villages we’re all invited – whether we have a faith or none – to join services beside war memorials to take a moment to think of those lost lives. These will be held on Sunday 9 and Tuesday 11 November. To mark the occasion Bath’s Guildhall will be festooned with swathes of knitted and crocheted poppies, each one carefully stitched to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. If you would like to make a poppy the pattern is on organiser Emma Leith’s website: www://emmaleith.co.uk/remembrance-poppycrochet-project. Contact Emma Leith via the website at www.emmaleith.co.uk.

Watch Parents and grandparents, owners of nervous dogs and anxious cats, will all want to know, for different reasons, that this year’s annual Bath firework display on the Rec takes place on Saturday 8 November. The gates open on the city centre venue at 6pm, with the display expected to start at 7.30pm. While it’s fun to go down with the kids and be part of the crowd – raising funds for Bath Rotary’s charity good causes – there are usually lots of people out on the steets hoping to get a free view of the spectacle which lights up the skies over Bath.

things to do in

View The city of Bath has endorsed itself as a place where beautiful and colourful things and people are celebrated, with the acquisition by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Victoria Art Gallery of a piece by Grayson Perry made between 2012 and 2013. In the centre of the map is a circle, in which stands a tiny figure, the artist, with the words A Sense of Self. Roads branch off from this circle, labelled among other things, Ambition and Nepotism. There are all sorts of details which draw the eye, and the imagination, into the map. The gallery is hosting another major Grayson Perry exhibition next year.

Enjoy The Christmas shopping season kicks off in Bath officially on Wednesday 12 November, when from 5.30pm in Milsom Street, crowds are expected to gather to witness the switching on of the festive lights. This year there are two stars of the show – the Old Lady of Milsom Street, aka Jollys, who has just undergone a major revamp, and some hunky chaps from Bath Rugby. The shop, Britain’s oldest department store, will be literally in the spotlight that evening. As she is unable to operate the switch herself, Bath Rugby is sending some muscle along to help with the countdown. Highlight of the event will be a choreographed lighting spectacular by professional designers Enlightened – and it is hoped that the visual effects will remain in place after the evening. The switch on will begin with local college bands playing, followed by Jayne

See When Michael Keaton’s new film premiered it made the front page of The Guardian, so great was its impact. Those clever people at Bath Film Festival have managed to secure a showing of Birdman, pictured, this month in the city – one of 19 previews of the films people will be talking about next year. If you haven’t caught up with the 2014 programme, pick up a colour brochure, or visit: www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk. This year’s festival runs from Thursday 13 to Sunday 23 November, and features films for all tastes, from the child-friendly through to some thought-provoking documentaries. We can also see Reese Witherspoon in the new film, Wild, based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed’s 1,000 mile trek through American wilderness. This will be showing on Friday 14 November at the Odeon. There’s more, see our top picks from the Bath Film Festival 2014, on Page 43.

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Taylor and her band, culminating in the fun of the countdown to the light show. As always, this is a free event and there’s always a sense of occasion as Bathonians of all ages gather to start the countdown to Christmas. Turn to Page 36 for more news of pre-Christmas events.

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THE CITY The buzz

My BATH We ask Harriet Pocock of the Cat’s Whiskers what she’ll be doing in November

Volunteer

Bathonians have been set a crazy challenge –to plunge themselves into icy water, while fully clothed, in mid-winter, all to raise money for a good cause. To fund the British Special Olympics squad a nationwide Polar Plunge is being staged and Bath’s event will take place on Saturday 6 December at the Sports Training Village at the University of Bath, Claverton. Grab a group of friends, decide on what silly costumes you’ll wear and sign up at www.polarplungegb.org or text PLUNGE to 80878. It’s just £20 per adult, £16 per student. Dare you take that leap?

Sign up Men are being invited to team up with sons, fathers, friends and colleagues to take part in the third annual Bath Men’s Walk, to be held on Saturday 21 March next year in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care. Participants will set out from Dorothy House in Winsley for an eight-mile sponsored walk, which takes in the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal and ends at the Rec, the famous home of Bath Rugby, to watch, with a pie and a pint, a televised clash between France and England as part of the Six Nations tournament. To sign up now visit: www.bathmenswalk.co.uk or call: 01225 721480.

What brought you to Bath? I came to Bath from deepest darkest Dorset to become a wildly famous actress while studying performing arts at Bath Spa University. I realised quite quickly that fame might be beyond my grasp but I had by then fallen in love with this beautiful city. What are you reading? The 100 Year Old Man by Jonas Jonasson; a brilliant book about a man who escapes from his care home on his 100th birthday. It challenges society’s preconceptions about the older generation and encourages us to seize each and every day. What is on your MP3 player? I am a huge fan of artists such as Seasick Steve, Jake Bugg and Pete Molinari but the genius I come back to again and again has to be Bob Dylan. I listened to a lot of his music growing up and was taught from a young age to call him ‘His Bobness’ by my Dad! Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? Aren’t we spoilt for choice in Bath? I am a regular at The Jazz Cafe; great music and friendly staff. During my uni days I would sit in the The Jazz learning scripts and drinking endless pots of tea! For dinner I am a fan of Bath’s quirky independent restaurants such as Yak Yeti Yak and Cafe du Globe. Which museum or gallery will you be visiting? I think 44AD art space in town is fabulousit is a supportive community and exhibition space for many talented local artists such as Marc Parrett and Dan Rushforth. I am

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert Published in paperback by Bloomsbury, the price varies This is one of those novels that so many friends recommended that I was forced to put my prejudice against the author – for penning the self-indulgent Eat, Pray, Love – and dive in to this epic tale of unrequited love, botany and theories of evolution spanning England and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Gilbert is fully forgiven for any past sins simply by bringing her heroine, the awkward, gawky, brainy, curious Alma Whittaker to life. Alma is born in Philadelphia to a Dutch mother and an English father, Henry, who’s raised himself from

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always excited to pop in and see what new artistic delights await me. Your passions? What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? My fiancee and I are getting married next summer so I am wedding mad! Most of my spare time is taken up creating wedding scrapbooks, pouring over pinterest for wedding ideas and eagerly skipping along to any wedding fayre in sight! What local outdoor activity or event will you be doing or visiting? A big group of friends and I are planning to go to a Cooking in the Woods event in Fairy Wood (Bath Skyline) on 9 November. I love the smell and taste of food cooked outside, especially when accompanied by beautiful views over Bath. Film or play? The Rondo Theatre in Larkhall produces high quality shows and I will be popping along to see The Real Inspector Hound and The Open Couple – both plays have a fabulous cast and are being directed by the marvellously talented John Reid. Two years ago I launched The Cat’s Whiskers Tea Dance company which provides a singalong, afternoon tea and reminiscence session for older people in care. We have seen real success (including an appearance on BBC Breakfast) and I am planning to franchise the company in 2015 in order to reach more elderly people across the country. visit www.catswhiskersteadance.co.uk.

rags to riches and sets out to bring his daughter up to be an intellectual, with a curious mind. It’s so refreshing to meet a heroine who has a life that extends beyond romance, and whose adventures continue long after her 50th birthday. She travels, she breaks the mores of her time and she delves deep into the scientific exploration of botany. The Signature of All Things explores the universal themes of whether men and women can be soul mates, whether scientists can believe in a god and man’s discovery that we were descended from apes. I’m sticking my neck out to say this will become a modern classic.

GMc

We’re following @TheatreBath the Twitter account of the Theatre Royal, Bath. Its 12,600 followers get at-a-glance professional and amateur reviews and feedback on what’s showing in one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful theatres

NOVEMBER 2014

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Mrs Stokes

Living life through the small screen

©www.robbiddulph.com

takes a sideways look at life in Bath

PICTURE: Nick Smith

caught myself at it the other day – as my husband left the room to make our morning cuppa, my hand slid up on to the bedside table and reached for my pink, rubber-coated best friend . . . my phone. The screen flashed enticingly as I scrolled through the numerous important Twitter updates: 50 Ways to Improve Your Social Networking, 50% off Refreshing Bootcamp Workouts (ie bunny jumps in the freezing cold) and an arrestingly cute snap of a cat in a Santa hat. Mesmerised by the screen’s bright lights I flicked through various newsagency icons – The Mail, The Guardian, Bath Mag and The Poke – all in the name of brevity of course. This happens most mornings. I don’t have a slow and good-natured awakening, I have a fevered introduction to the day, my face illuminated bluegrey as I hide under the duvet while trying not to wake my husband up (of course I always fail). I’m alert in seconds, feeling as if I’ve been thrown into the outside world still in my pyjamas. Needless to say, my husband hates my attachment to my phone because he says I’m not living in ‘the present’ (he’s about to start meditation classes, so mindfulness is, well, on his mind at the moment). So it was no surprise when I read (on the internet) about a young woman whose boyfriend finished with her because of her overzealous phone use. She’s not alone in loving the LED though – over 62% of people in the UK have a smartphone and over 83% are on social media networks. What’s even more revealing is that while the older among us (Generation X, Baby Boomers and The Greatest Generation) might still remember a time when small talk was a skill, marketing agency Havas Media have found that two thirds of 16 to 24-year-olds think it’s the done thing to check their phones when there’s a lull in conversation and 45% of 25 to 34-year-olds think it’s acceptable to scan their Samsung throughout a meeting. And yet it still doesn’t feel quite right to be in the same room with someone who’s actually more interested in chatting with their 455th Facebook friend than you – and maybe that’s why writer/director Gary Turk’s Look Up film has had over 47 million views on You Tube since he posted it earlier this year. He laments the distance technology is putting between us (kind of appropriate that all 47 million watched it online). So how will we combat our obsession with technology – if, in fact, we think it a problem? Well, as this time of year heralds the season of doing good and giving to others, maybe it’s an excuse to literally look up as Gary says and focus on the here and now, whether it’s taking advantage of Bath’s Free Hugs movement, (rumoured to be planning a ‘surprise’ on the streets), visiting the countless fundraising craft fairs and carol concerts or participating in soup kitchens. And talking of the latter, this winter Julian House and The Genesis Trust are making and selling soup to raise money and awareness for Bath’s homeless (and yes, people without half a million pound homes do exist in Bath). If spreading goodwill isn’t enough to persuade you to get involved, there’s even a celebrity reason to put down your phone and engage with real life because Masterchef’s reigning champion, Ping, is promoting the Souper November campaign, which is encourages us to make and share soup with friends and family and donate money to the charity in turn. Ping even served her own recipe at the soup kitchen behind Waitrose one night. If you can’t spare the time to take part you could always just make a donation online at www://genesistrust.org.uk/souper-november/. There’s probably even an app for that too. n

@mrsstokeschina

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FACE | THE MUSIC

PHOTO: Rebecca Millar

IT’S A FAIR COP

Mick Ringham talks to Sandy Osborne, a police officer and mother of two from Bath who has successfully self-published her first novel and is currently working on her second book

andy Osborne is a serving Avon and Somerset police officer in Bath. She’s also a writer, with one book published and a second in progress. She never set out to join the police, as after leaving school in Devon she started on the career ladder as a PE and music teacher, but getting bored of following a predictable timetable she made a life changing decision to swap her hockey stick for a truncheon, move to Bath and join the predominantly male world of the police station and on the beat. That was 23 years ago and as she says: “I never looked back, it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.” Even after two decades in the profession Sandy still sees her role as Detective Constable as invigorating and challenging. “I have no idea what sights I am going to witness or what people and situations I will be faced with over the course of each individual shift.” 22 THEBATHMAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014

For most of us, being married, raising two teenage sons and the responsibility of an important job to hold down would surely be enough to contend with, but Sandy freely admits she’s not one to relax and do nothing. She talks with genuine passion about the enjoyment she gets from writing in her all too scarce spare time, however after five years ‘dabbling’, as she puts it, her first novel Girl Cop was published and is achieving good reviews. Girl Cop is loosely based on her own experiences as a probationary police officer in the early 1990s in Bath and it follows her character, Sally Gentle, as she sets out at that time in a traditionally male dominated career. The story incorporates romance, comedy and crime as it relates Sally’s experiences both in the work environment and out of uniform. She encounters and overcomes a degree of bullying – as well as trying to manage, at times a quite frantic love life.

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FACE | THE MUSIC

SANDY’S POP PICKS: left to right, Puppy Love by Donny Osmond, Songbird by Stevie Nicks and Thinking Out Loud, by Ed Sheeran One critic has described it as ‘Bridget Jones in uniform’ a description that Sandy feels is not too short of the mark. She says: “I hope the book will be enjoyed not only by those who work in the force but anyone who has wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at their local police station. ” Sandy has donated a percentage from her sales to the Police Dependants’ Trust and St Peter’s Hospice in memory of a late colleague. I asked her how the term chick-lit in relation to Girl Cop shaped and affected her writing. “In all honesty I’m not all that concerned by it, I just get on with enjoying my writing and juggling it with my professional life along with being a wife and mum.” Sandy’s second novel – Girl Cop in Trouble – is already ahead of schedule, thanks to her hard work. She has used a Kickstarter online campaign and has won dozens of backers to achieve her financial target. They do say if you want something doing, ask a busy woman, and Sandy certainly is that. She enjoys an active sports life with her family and solo, which includes running half-marathons, gymnastics, tennis and touch-rugby. To allow for all these pursuits and interests she confirms that she is incredibly organised and focused. We are told we all have a book inside us somewhere; but few of us actually get round to writing it, let alone getting it published. Sandy decided to take the sometimes risky path of self-publishing and although time consuming and moderately expensive, the final result as she says: “has been well worth the effort and hugely satisfying.” Becoming a published author has now spawned another role for Sandy, as a motivational speaker, talking about the story behind the novel and how she managed to achieve publication. She has guested at both the Bath and Bristol literature festivals and has been invited back to next year’s Bath event where her audience will no doubt find her talk an arresting experience.

❝

PEOPLE CAN TEASE ME ALL THEY LIKE, BUT I THINK HE IS A FANTASTIC ENTERTAINER. I HAVE SEEN HIM IN CONCERT FIVE TIMES

❞ Sandy’s choices: Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl However down I am feeling or tired for that matter, the first few bars of this classic pop song are enough to get me tapping my feet before I’m up and dancing. I love his lyrics and arrangements but as yet have never seen him in concert. I discovered that the original lyrics were changed after being regarded as too racy and that he has never received any royalties for writing this fantastic number but apart from that, it’s still out there for us all to enjoy. Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil – Sun and Moon I am a massive musical theatre fan and have seen most of the popular West End shows. Miss Saigon is perhaps my all time favourite and I’ve seen it numerous WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

times. If I have the time I will be planning to see the new production in London before the end of the year. It tells the tragic story of a romance between an American GI and a Vietnamese bar girl. They pledge their love for each other in this song and it’s really beautiful. I used to sing it to our children as a lullaby. Donny Osmond – Puppy Love I am a self-confessed Donny fan. People can tease me all they like, but I think he is a fantastic entertainer. I have seen him in concert five times and on one occasion even touched his arm. I don’t care whether he whitens his teeth or how many children he has, I love him. His concerts afford me and my sister some rare time together and we can have a glass or two of wine after the show. Gilbert and Sullivan – I’ve Got a Little List This is from the comic opera The Mikado. I have been lucky to have seen a few productions over the years and have always looked forward to hearing this number. The performer is allowed poetic licence to write the lyrics and bring them up-to-date to reflect current issues as well as using local references. I’ve heard some hilarious renditions in the past and would dearly love to write some myself. John Cage – 4’33” This number was a source of much amusement when I was a student. The score instructs the orchestra not to play their instruments during the entire three movements and the listener is encouraged to appreciate the sounds of the environment from the whispers and shuffling of the orchestra turning the pages of the score as they follow the music. There have been many public performances and recording made of this piece but I have never been lucky enough to be present at one – though I’d jump at the chance. Mozart – Clarinet Concerto in A major I had to learn two out of the three movements of this concerto for various clarinet exams and when you have played them as many times as I have, they become very much part of you. I had my music teacher’s accompaniment recorded on an old cassette player which I used to practice with. It still manages to evoke memories of those far off but care-free teenage days. Melissa Etheridge – Watching You At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I discovered this lady and her folk-rock sound on a trip to America during my twenties. Her lyrics are so intense and it’s true to say we’ve all been there at one time or another. She is blessed with a passionate and raspy voice that I never tire off. Stevie Nicks – Songbird A beautiful song which holds a special place in my heart. One of my sons recently played this number on the guitar at a friend’s wedding. It had the lady members of the congregation in tears. Bruce Fisher/Billy Preston – You are so Beautiful Originally sung by the legendary Joe Cocker, but appearing in my top ten records because Donny Osmond sang it at one of his concerts and dedicated it to his wife. I’m sorry about this but I just can’t get enough of Donny! This is everything a love song should be. Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud I’m finishing with a bang up-to-date number. Sheeran’s 2014 album X was my summer favourite and I love all the tracks with the exception of the rap song. Thinking Out Loud has some great lyrics describing enduring love. It seems particularly relevant as my legs are starting to not work like they used to – but I’m not giving up just yet. n Visit: www. sandyosborne.com or contact Sandy via email: girlcop@talktalk.net. NOVEMBER 2014 | THEBATHMAGAZINE 23

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WINTER | STYLE

IT’S A MAN THING The new-look Jollys department store has dedicated its entire first floor to menswear

Gentlemen, walk this way: there are mutterings from time to time that women shoppers in Bath get all the choices when it comes to clothes shopping, while the offering for men is limited. Time to take your menfolk to the first floor at Jollys in Milsom Street, where House of Fraser has opened up the entire floor to a range of clothes and accessories from a variety of labels to suit all ages and styles. There’s everything from Aquascutum to Vivienne Westwood, from formal wear to the head-turning. As you stroll through the big open spaces, flooded with natural light, you’ll find clothes from Armani, Gant, Ted Baker, Levi’s, Original Penguin, Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Howick, Fred Perry, Criminal, Diesel and Dune – and many more. Menswear has taken over what used to be the household linen and cutlery sections, running right along the street front of the store, affording great views down along Milsom Street. And where elderly ladies in hats used to sit and drink tea in the Jollys’ café there’s now an extensive accessories and shoes department with everything the self-respecting hipster could need or want in life. Don’t take our word for it, go and check it out for yourselves.

A/W 2014: outfits, left to right: 1. Navy pea coat £155, Army & Navy, navy woven cardigan £45, Howick, indigo jeans £60, Hugo Boss. 2. Charcoal Epsom coat £300 New & Lingwood, grey stripe jumper £75, Linea, black straight leg jeans £60, Criminal 3. Charcoal jacket £155, Label Lab, beige woven cardigan, £45 Howick, indigo wool tie £40, New & Lingwood, denim shirt £65 Original Penguin, beige chinos £55 Linea. Left: Hugo Boss jumper, £109, jumper, Howick, £59, fur trim coat, Corsivo, £300,

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Barbara Lohmann Cashmere, an exclusive luxury brand starting from £500, Kimberly, Trim Street

Viridian velvet bow ballerina, £39, Green Street House, 14 Green Street

Dents original style driving glove with soft palm and cotton crochet back, fully lined and available in black, cognac and English tan. Sizes 7 1/2 to 10 1/2; £54, Dents Factory Shop, Furnax Lane, Warminster, Wiltshire

BLK DNM coat 20 three-button overcoat, £595 John Anthony, 26-28 High Street

INTER Warmers

Exquisite Italian cashmere sweaters from £595, Christopher Barry Old Bond Street

Hayley Menzies cashmere and wool blend scarves trimmed with reclaimed fur. £220, Carina Baverstock Couture, pop up shop, 20 Milsom Place

Frosty faux fur stole, £98, Anthropologie, 1-4 New Bond Street

Lacoste Black noir polo jumper RRP £165 Outlet Price £110, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet UK, Kemble Drive, Swindon

100% cashmere wristwarmers, £34.50, Clandar, 15 Cheap Street

Chopard Gents Racing Slim Dark Grey Scarf, Mallory £233, 1-5 Bridge Street Men’s ankle boot US Polo Assn Amadeus 4 £85, Shoon, 11 Upper Borough Walls

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THIS FAMED TOYSHOP Vanessa Brett carried out extensive research into life and commerce in Bath in the 17th century for her new book, which reveals the roaring trade in trinkets and treasures – known as toys – among the wealthy at that time

n the early decades of the 18th century, Bath was very different to the Georgian city we know today: a cluster of medieval and 17th-century buildings and gardens, confined by the city walls. The resident population was small, but as the city’s reputation grew as a resort for health and as a place to gamble, increasing numbers of visitors came through the autumn and winter months for the ‘season’. Bath did not develop as a place for the wealthy to live permanently until the 1760s. Until then, seasonal visitors included royalty, aristocracy, gentry, merchants and professional families – many brought their own servants and horses – and also shopkeepers who came to trade. Bath became a building site in order to accommodate these visitors and provide for their entertainment. In the late 1720s Terrace Walk was widened and a row of shops there was re-built: the area is familiarly known today as Bog Island and the shop that is central to this book is today Independent Spirit. One of the high-end shopkeepers who came to Bath from London in the first years of the century was John Deards, who was a toyman, a retailer of luxury goods. From 1730 his daughter Mary, newly married to Paul Bertrand, moved to Bath permanently; she was in her late thirties and it was his second marriage. Next door to the Bertrands’ shop in Terrace Walk was Leake’s bookshop and lending library, and the two assembly rooms where visitors met to talk, drink, gamble and attend concerts and balls, were within a few yards of the toyshop. Most visitors would have passed the Bertrands’ shop every day. Then, as now, location was allimportant. A toyman sold toys. A toy was a luxury trinket such as a snuff box, a cane, seal or small piece of jewellery. Toyshops also sold children’s playthings, scientific instruments, pens and pencils, thimbles, notebooks, tobacco, porcelain, dog collars, paper flowers, medicines, theatre tickets, and much more. They were the first luxury department stores. The word ‘toy’ survives today in phrases such as toy-boy or to toy with food; it is often linked to bijouterie (jewellery), from which we use the term bijou to mean something small and desirable, such as a bijou-residence. It was not only the very wealthy who hankered after luxuries. Toyshops attracted those with varying tastes and budgets and shopkeepers who advertised themselves as a cutler, haberdasher, hardware-man, jeweller or 30 TheBATHMagazine

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tobacconist, might also have sold toys. Most country fairs and street markets had stalls run by a toywoman, and as toys were small and light they were often sold by pedlars or chapmen travelling the country. Mary Bertrand’s family, her parents, siblings and nephews, had the most successful luxury retail businesses in London over three generations, and in addition to the outlet in Bath, traded in Tunbridge Wells, Newmarket and Scarborough. The story of the Bertrands’ shop has been pieced together from maps, letters and diaries, invoices, newspapers, account books and, crucially, a bank account. A challenge for any shopkeeper is to maintain the footfall through the door – to get customers inside a shop rather than merely window-shop. One way Bertrand did this was by acting as a banker. Although a formal bank was not established in Bath until much later in the century, any visitor needed to have access to money, and numerous shopkeepers and merchants offered such facilities. Bertrand’s bank account has only recently been discovered (fewer than a handful of archives from luxury retailers are known): it reveals the names of nearly 900 of his suppliers, customers, fellow tradesmen and merchants. Many have been identified, others have not, but the brief details of those people’s lives in this book reveal a little-known aspect of Bath’s past: the tradesmen who were so fundamental to the city’s success. Bertrand was in partnership with the Wiltshire family of carriers, and his apprentice, John Wiltshire, went on to run one of the assembly rooms. A sub-plot of the book is the story of those who ran the rooms. Many of the smaller items stocked in a Bath toyshop might have been made locally, in Bristol and Gloucester, for example; Birmingham was developing as a manufacturing centre for metalwork, and production of porcelain began in England during the time Bertrand had his shop. But the shop also contained goods from the East and Europe, such as porcelain and fans – a wonderful display of colours and textures. One of the most extraordinary sights would have been the featherwork of Nicholas le Normand, who worked with birds’ feathers that he sourced from all over the world. He made bed-hangings (a set can now be seen at Schloss Moritzburg, near Dresden) and in 1732 exhibited in Terrace Walk a further set of hangings and pictures ‘all done in Feathers, and which so surprisingly imitate Nature that they give general Satisfaction to all Connoisseurs and Lovers of Art’. Those that survive are, indeed, extraordinary works.

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COLLECTORS’ FAVOURITES: from top left; a silver snuff box, c1725. (Albert collection), a Featherwork picture of tulips, by Nicholas le Normand, circa 1720–35. (Private collection), a portrait drawing by William Hoare of an unidentified man, possibly Paul Bertrand. (Private collection c/o Lowell Libson Ltd) Above left; Terrace Walk as it is today, the shop Independent Spirit occupies the site which was once Bertrand’s. Opposite: Main image; Terrace Walk, an early 19th century watercolour, showing what was the Bertrand’s shop. (Victoria Art Gallery). Inset: Monument to Paul Bertrand in St Swithin’s Church, Walcot.

A drawing by William Hoare is of an unidentified man whose features closely resemble those of Paul Bertrand on his monument in St Swithin’s Church. Hoare was one of Paul and Mary Bertrand’s closest friends – they lived in adjacent houses in Gay Street. The drawing may have been one of several that descended through the Hoare family to the Revd GB Lewis that were exhibited in Bath in 1903. They included pastels of Mary Bertrand’s family, including her sister Elizabeth Chenevix, who had the smartest of all the London toyshops in Charing Cross, and of Elizabeth’s second husband Peter Russel, who made gold boxes and was a ‘good friend’ of Bertrand. Mr Lewis’s son moved from Bath to Salisbury at the beginning of the 20th

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century: if any reader knows where the drawings are now, the author would love to hear from you. n

Bertrand’s Toyshop in Bath, Luxury Retailing 1685–1765, by Vanessa Brett, 364 pages, 230 illustrations, hardback, published by Oblong, ISBN 978 0 9575992 4 6. Available from Topping & Co., The Paragon, Bath at £48.

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PAUL SMITH + ANGLEPOISE

CUSHIONED IMPACT

Stripe a light...This is a wonderous new interpretation of the classic Anglepoise Type75 table lamp combining the unmistakable iconic form and function of the original Anglepoise with the unique styling of one of Britain’s foremost designers. £150

Beautiful and colourful hand-made Kilim cushion measuring 16"x 16” Priced at just £39. Oriental Rugs of Bath www.orientalrugsofbath.com Tel: 0117 370 2453

Fiat Lux Lighting, 8 Bath Street, Frome. BA11 1DH

TECHNICOLOUR WALLPAPER Brilliant, bold and colourful statement wallpapers from award winning British designer Tracy Kendall. Woodhouse and Law in Bath - one of just a handful of UK stockists.

Tel: 01373 473555 www.fiatlux.co.uk

Woodhouse and Law, 4 Georges Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath, BA2 4EN. www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

INTERIOR Stars of Stripes

TOUCHES Looking for a new line in interior inspiration? Never rule out the power of stripey

MAGIC CARPETS Stripes in carpets have always been popular since the days when manufacturers used to use up their surplus yarn to make ‘Candy Stripe.’ The featured stripe is from Brintons ‘Stripe Collection’ and isAvailable an 80% exclusively wool, Wilton carpet retailing at £51.99 sq. metre. from

HOT ART

Avonvale Carpets, 37 Kingsmead Street, Bath. BA1 2EE Tel: 01225 427057 www.avonvalecarpets.co.uk

ORIGO The colourful iittala Origo dinnerware was created by designer Alfredo Haberli in 1999. Acclaimed internationally, these awardwinning designs are perfect for practical, everyday use. Shannon, 68 Walcot Street, Bath. BA1 5BD. www.shannon-uk.com

Sofas and Stuff Alwinton sofa in Dovedale Bible Black stripe from £1031. High quality British craftsmanship you can sink into. Sofas and Stuff www.sofasandstuff.com Showrooms in Stroud and Hungerford. Freephone 0808 178 3211

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX… it’s easy to feel devoid of choice when looking at today’s bookcase and modern furniture solutions, which are often big, bulky and expensive. But help is at hand, as Richard hayes of TR hayes furniture store in Bath presents us with the evidence that european bookcase makers Skano are not only innovating the cabinet market, but our homes too.

BATH’S LARGEST FURNISHERS

Skano Mocha Bookcase

Easy as 1,2,3 Skano can be added to as required ‘It reminded me of playing with lego as a child’ said Richard, recalling when he first saw the clever Skano modular display cases at a furniture trade show earlier this year. ‘When you have been in the furniture business as long as I have it takes a lot to really catch my eye, but the way these just stack like building blocks is a concept that anyone can identify with. Myself and some other retailers spent ages simply stacking and then re-configuring the ones on display, and could instantly see how these would appeal to anyone regardless of age or personal style’. Innovative and also visually more appealing than basic storage solutions, Skano display cases are set to be one of the most talked about products of the next 12 months. The clever modular design means they can be disassembled as easily as they are assembled, allowing the owner to move them from room to room, house to house, or add extra sections whenever they are needed. With recent reports stating that the UK now has the smallest houses in Europe, the problem of storage is even more relevant today than ever before, which makes it even harder to believe that the design of the Skano units actually dates back to 1882! ‘It just goes to show that good design never dates’ Richard told us. So impressed was he not only with the design, but also the choice of colour and options, that Richard has now installed 3 displays in his Bath store – 1 traditional library/home office display in the main store and 2 contemporary displays in the Contemporary store opposite. ‘The difference that changing the colour can make is truly

impressive. You just wouldn’t think when looking at the white TV media display that it’s the same basic units as those when it’s shown in one of the natural wood finishes. This is why it was an easy decision for us as a business to showcase both looks in out store’.

Skano range of colours The initial design may be 19th century, but the finished units are the result of cutting edge technology. Made with sustainable Scandinavian Birch and cut on high precision machinery, custom sizing is available for customers looking to fit units into alcoves, over doorways, windows or even desks as shown in the photograph below left. All the Skano units come boxed and assembled, ready to be stacked, so it’s just up to you to choose the elements you want. For more information on the Skano range, visit the TR Hayes showrooms on 15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX.

Contemporary White Skano Bookcase with wall shelves

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Vicky Bunt, Bath Christmas Market organiser

CHRISTMAS IS COMING As the season of present buying, party going and carol singing looms ahead, we pick some of the highlights from Bath’s pre-Christmas calendar of events

ove it or loathe it, Bath’s Christmas Market is back this month, bringing its coachloads of visitors and a multi-million pound boost to the local economy. But, ahead of all those little wooden chalets going up around Bath Abbey and its surrounding streets, we were able to chat to Vicky Bunt, the event manager who pulls the whole show together. Vicky, who seems like an unflappable person with an easy manner with people, has to think of everything that could possibly go wrong and have a solution for any eventuality. No wonder she has prepared an 80-page plan ahead of the 2014 Christmas Market, which opens on Thursday 27 November and runs for 18 days until Sunday 14 December. I try testing her organisational skills with a few probing questions. How does she stop us getting bored with the market, seeing it as the same-old same-old candles, cheese and mulled wine? But they’ve got that covered. Like Glastonbury tickets, everyone applies on a level playing field at the same time. Each business is then assessed on criteria which include whether it’s based in the south west (80 per cent of them are from our region), whether its products are handmade and from the UK (unless there is a specialist reason why they shouldn’t be, such as the Aix-en-Provence French produce which features this year) and whether it offers a good retail mix. The allocation of stalls is also rotated to avoid regular market visitors getting deja vue when they’re walking round. The Bath Christmas Market has a fresh injection of stallholders each year, with around a third being first-timers. For the 170 stalls this year there were more than 300 applications. How do we stop the city streets becoming congested with the coaches which bring eager shoppers from all over the country? Vicky works closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council and public transport to ensure that there is as little disruption as humanly possible. This year, for instance, coach drivers will be allowed a half hour drop off time in the city centre, before heading out to the bus depot on the island at Twerton where they can rest,

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get refreshments and park their coaches off-road. At Bath Spa station there have been issues, particularly on Saturdays when Bath Rugby are playing at home, with crowds surging on to the platforms. This year a simple queuing system – as you would have for a theme park ride – will keep everyone safe and will ensure fair play. People arriving by car will be encouraged to use the Park & Ride and extra buses are being laid on – they’ll be running every eight minutes on Saturdays and into the evenings at weekends. I tried another curve ball. How, I wondered, do we persuade all those lovely visitors to leave the cosy glow of the wooden chalets with all that they have to offer, and go and spend their money in other shops in Bath? The city is producing 70,000 colourful leaflets, with maps of the different shopping areas on them, and other attractions, such as Bath on Ice, are invited to advertise to signpost their whereabouts. A survey held during the 2013 market revealed that £10m was taken at the actual market, but a further £26m was spent at other attractions in the city. If you’re a shopkeeper in Bath that’s a juicy cake you’re going to want to get a slice of this year. With her master’s degree in events management,Vicky has thought about the stallholders’ experience too. She knows what hard work it can be to sit in what can be cold and fairly cramped conditions for day after day. As a result, each stallholder is sent a welcome pack. It gives them access to a market hotline which they can ring with any problems. They can even order a heater or request another stallholder to cover while they dash to the toilet. “We encourage stallholders to befriend their neighbours,” says Vicky, “and most of them do. Some make good friends after spending so much time working next to each other.” Look out this year for the Market Makers mingling with the crowds. Like the Games Makers of the London 2012 Olympics they’ll be on hand to answer questions and help out visitors. They and the security force – Green Events Security (regulars at the market) – are briefed to react in the event of a lost child. Families are reunited as quickly as possible with a tried and tested system. Where do the stallholders sleep, I wonder? “Quite a few who can’t get home tend to stay at the Crystal Palace, as it’s convenient and comfortable,” says Vicky. From a business point of view Bath Christmas Market is a great testing ground for a growing business. It can be the springboard that takes a product from a kitchen table enterprise to a full blown career choice for many. This has

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The enchanted forest Thousands of lights are deployed to create a mile long trail through the woods at Westonbirt aboretum, to create the Enchanted Forest. This is now an annual treat at the Forestry Commission site near Tetbury and one that’s enjoyed by all ages. The festive feast of lights, which is arranged differently each year so people can see the trees in a fresh light each winter, begins on Friday 28 November at 4.45pm with a lantern procession. This will be led by Father Christmas and his reindeer, with the Christmas Fairy lighting up the trees as they go. There’ll be stilt walkers too, with the chance for visitors to meet Jack Frost and some very tall reindeer. There’s an undercover picnic area where people can enjoy food and drink from the stalls, including hot chestnuts and toffee apples and the Learning Centre will be open for craft activities. Enchanted Christmas is open from 5pm to 8.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 28 November to Sunday 21 December. Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 concessions and £5 for children. To book tel: 03000 680 400.

happened in varying degrees for some of the stallholders in the past. Bath chocolatier Clair Smith took Little Piece and Love to the Christmas market last year and sold very well. Since then her business has earned a Taste of the West award, a feature in Vogue and an invitation to the biggest chocolate festival in the world, the Salon du Chocolat. She is one of many businesses who relish the chance to meet their customers at the market. Vicky says: “We’re aware that not everyone can spare the full 18 days of the show, so we are offering seven or 11 day stints too. That suits mums who maybe can’t take all that time out, or people who have shops to run elsewhere as well.” It’s a tradition at the market for a stall to be allocated to a different charity each day, and this year is no exception. Beneficaries this year include Dorothy House, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Cleveland Pools restoration project. Last year the charity stall raised a total of £14,000 at the Bath market. While Vicky has to consider what will happen if there is heavy rain or high winds and all the health and safety aspects of the market, she remains refreshingly enthusiastic about her role. It’s a heavy responsibility but one that she says gives her a great rush of adrenalin. Working from the Visit Bath offices in Abbey Church Yard, directly overlooking the chalets, Vicky says this is where she can stand back and watch the people below enjoying themselves. “There are a few real Champagne moments – and one is very much when I look down in the evenings, when it’s dark and the market is all lit up, with people having a great time. I also get a buzz on the opening day. I have enormous job satisfaction.” n To read the story behind the Bath gingerbread houses turn to page 76

Visit Father Christmas For the first time in years Bath will have its very own grotto, complete with a jovial Santa Claus for children to meet and share their wishes for Christmas. SouthGate shopping centre is going to host a whole winter wonderland, complete with rides, market stalls and, of course, that all important visit from Santa, will make it a Christmas to remember. Father Christmas and his helpful elves are making a ‘flying’ visit from 22 November right up until Christmas Eve, 24 December. Book a time for your child to meet him, visit: www.southgatebath.com. The grotto will be between Topshop and Debenhams.

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A WORLD OF SNOW AND ICE WINTER WONDERLAND: there’ll be a little corner of the Alps in Bath city centre again this Christmas as the Abbey Hotel sets up its Apres Ski Bar for the second year running. Enjoy hearty food and mulled wine – it’s a great place to meet family and friends while out Christmas shopping or after work. The ski bar will be open from 27 November until 3 January.

Bath’s winter wonderland real ice rink will be back in Royal Victoria Park this winter, offering skaters new extras, including a an Ice lounge bar, a fresh pizza chalet and a covered spectator gallery. Bath on Ice, which opens on Friday 21 November and is open every day, bar Christmas Day, from 10am to 9pm, until 4 January, will also feature a range of themed nights including live music and Dates on Ice evenings. Visit www.bathonice.com and the Bath on Ice Facebook page. The rink is popular with families and groups of friends and can also be hired for parties. For the first time there are corporate packages starting from £22.50 pp with drinks and food included. Director Simon Smith said: “We are delighted to return for year three. We have commissioned a customer survey and taken many comments on board. This year will feature more offers, more Christmas decorations and a much improved indoor café area. The survey findings also ranked Bath on Ice as one of the most popular festive attractions in the city. We are becoming a tradition in Bath for Christmas that people look forward to and expect to see every year.” Visit www.bathonice.com and the Bath on Ice Facebook page.

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An American childhood Illustration: Nola Edwards

The American Museum at Claverton is taking American literature as its theme for the annual Christmas celebration. From Saturday 22 November until Sunday 14 December the Period Rooms will show A Winter’s Tale, played out with objects from the museum’s archive that aren’t usually on show and illustrated by these specially commissioned pieces by Bath artist Nola Edwards, who works at Bayntun’s bookbinders. Kate Hebert the museum’s collections manager, said: “This year my working wish list of items already numbers over 100 objects not usually seen. I am particularly excited by the indigo blue linsey-woolsey whole-cloth quilt, a perfect match to the one described by Celia Rees in her novel Witch Child.” Rees’s novel, one of superstition, fear and persecution among Puritan settlers in 17th century America, is just one of the selected works inspiring this year’s displays. Others include Washington Irving’s spooky stories set during the American Revolution, Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and the much-loved poem by Clement Clarke Moore, A Visit From St Nicholas.

MUSEUM CRAFT FAIR There’ll be the opportunity to buy handmade and original pieces at the American Museum’s Christmas Craft Fair over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. There will be more than 35 stalls to browse among, offering inspiring Christmas gift ideas, from ceramics, jewellery, textiles, wood turning and other decorative items. The fair is open from 12-4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.Parking and entrance to the fair is free. Visitors also have access to the museum’s shop and café. The museum’s Christmas displays and gigantic Christmas tree in the main house are also open to visit at these times. Admission: adults £9, concessions £8, children £5, family tickets, £25.

A gracious Georgian Yuletide If you live in a Georgian townhouse, seek inspiration on how to decorate your own home with a visit to the authentically furnished No1 Royal Crescent museum. From Monday 24 November until Sunday 14 December, daily from 10.30am-5.30pm, visitors will be able to enjoy Christmas floral displays, as each room is beautifully dressed as if for an 18th century Christmas. On Saturday 29 November, between 11.00am-4.30pm the house will be filled with the smell of baking and fragrant spices as the kitchen prepares for Christmas. There’ll be Georgian recipes to take away and try at home too.

GREEN PARK MARKET COUNTDOWN Green Park Station is running its own Countdown to Christmas market for nine days from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 December, giving us the chance to shop for all kinds of things, from handmade and craft pieces to locally reared bacon and even Brussel sprouts grown just a few miles from Bath city centre. There’ll be the usual Bath Farmers’ Market and Saturday market from 9am both Saturdays, plus the Artisan Market on Sunday 14, and a general market on Sunday 21. From Monday 15 to Friday 19 December there will be a general market from 9am to 4pm, with Friday is likely to be busier with more traders that day. All markets will be Christmas themed and the old station will be full of decorations. On some days there will be carol singers and possibly a visit from Father Christmas.

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CHARITY | AUCTION

Charity auction of promises Tickets to Chelsea Flower Show and Lords cricket ground come under the hammer at a charity auction this month

f you’re wracking your brains for an original present for someone who appears to have everything, you would do well to get hold of a copy of the catalogue of auction promises being sold for Bath based homeless charity Julian House. The charity, which runs projects helping homeless and vulnerable men and women, is staging an impressive Auction of Promises, with some lots offering the sort of experiences it’s hard to buy. The auction takes place on the evening of Thursday 20 November at Wessex Water’s magnificent headquarters at Claverton Down, where there is free and ample parking. The comprehensive auction catalogue includes; holidays at home and abroad; sporting events including The Six Nations, golf at Royal Porthcawl, St George’s Hill and cricket at Lords; catered dinner parties in your own home, hotel breaks, restaurant meals, and fine wines; tickets to the Royal Ballet and Chelsea Flower Show and unique experiences including a chauffeur driven visit to and tour of the Bentley Factory in Crewe and tickets to the Williams Conference Centre during a Formula One race. Kit Harding, from Carter Jonas, will oversee proceedings and ensure fair play in the competitive bidding of 52 appealing lots, which have been generously donated and carefully compiled to ensure that there really is something for everyone. A further 17 lots will be held in a silent auction on Monday 24 November.

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Not only is this the ideal opportunity to choose the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone it’s also a chance to support the good work done by Julian House. Drinks and canapés will be served from 6.15pm, followed by a raffle, with the auction starting at 7.15pm sharp. Tickets cost £10 per head. If you are unable to attend the auction you still have the opportunity to make pre-bids on all the lots by visiting the online catalogue, visit: www.julianhouse.org.uk/auction-catalogue For tickets to the event, or a copy of the auction catalogue, please contact 01225 354656 or email cathya@julianhouse.org.uk. n

LOTS OF GOODIES: golf for four at Castle Combe’s Manor House course, a tour of the Bentley works and fine dining are among the experiences going under the hammer

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Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises. All types of jewellery remodelled. Efficient repair service. Established 1970

Gold & Platinum Studio, 19 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR | Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk | email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk 42 TheBATHMagazine

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FILM | FESTIVAL

COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU Bath Film Festival 2014 runs from 13 to 23 November. Festival organisers have sat through more than 600 films and picked the best shorts and features to pack into those ten days. We’ve picked a few highlights to tempt you into the darkness. To book tickets visit: www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk

ilm festivals can seem scary to those whose movie-going is a once-in-a-while visit to a multiplex. So many choices! So many actors who haven’t yet co-starred with Meryl Streep! So many titles in languages usually only heard while on holiday! But with more than 40 screenings taking place at venues in and around the city from November 13 to 23, the 24th annual Bath Film Festival team is confident it is catering for all tastes with this year’s programme.

5 FIRSTS This year’s festival offers no fewer than 19 chances to see a brand new film before it goes on general release. Five of those most likely to get talked about in the next few months are: What We Do in the Shadows (cert 15 tbc, 86mins) Thursday 13 November, Little@Komedia, 7pm and 9pm From the Flight of the Conchords team, a mockumentary about three chaps dealing not only with the usual tensions of house-sharing but also with being vampires from very different eras and backgrounds. Wild (cert 15, 115 mins) Friday 14 November, ODEON, 9.15pm Reese Witherspoon is already being tipped to win an Oscar for her performance in this true-life tale of a bereaved woman who takes a 1,000 mile walk along the Pacific Ridge in a bid to turn her life around. X + Y (cert 15tbc, 111 mins) Saturday 15 November Odeon, 8pm Hugo star Asa Butterfield completes a cast which also features Sally Hawkins, Rafe Spall and Eddie Marsan, by playing a teenage genius whose ability to deal with complex maths is not matched by his understanding of the male/female equation. My Old Lady (cert 12A, 107 mins) Sunday 16 November, Little Theatre, 4pm Dame Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas play the mother and daughter occupants of a Paris flat who show no signs of moving out even though it has been left in a will to an emotional American (Kevin Kline) – and he’s moved in. Testament of Youth (cert 12Atbc, 130 mins) Friday 21 November, Little Theatre, 9pm From the writer of Calendar Girls (Juliette Towhidi) comes a screen adaptation of the World War One memoirs of Vera Brittain. With Alicia Vikander as young Vera, Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) as her soldier boyfriend and Emily Watson and Dominic West as Vera’s parents.

5 FOR MUSIC FANS Top choices for music-themed films this festival include: Northern Soul (cert 15, 102 mins) Sunday 16 November, The Rondo, 6.40pm

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WAR MEMOIRS: Vera Brittain’s Testament of Youth stars Kit Harington (familiar to Game of Thrones fans as John Snow) and Alicia Vikander as the young Vera Two Northern scallies with a passion for American soul and Motown plot a visit to the States to find the tracks that will make them heroes of Northern Soul. The cast includes Steve Coogan, Lisa Stansfield and Ricky Tomlinson but the real star is the music. Jimi: All Is By My Side (cert 15, 118 mins) Tuesday 18 November, Odeon, 8.30pm An insightful film by John Ridley (writer of 12 Years A Slave) tracking how Jimi Hendrix’s move to the UK transformed him into a rock guitar legend. As Jimi, Andre Benjamin is so convincing,

it’s hard to remember he’s not the man himself. Finding Fela (cert 15, 119 mins) Wednesday 19 November, Chapel Arts, 6.30pm Alex Gibney profiles Fela Kuti, a stand-out star of African music, an outspoken opponent of repression in Nigeria and someone whose personal relationships are as fascinatingly complicated as his music is thrilling. The Wind (cert 15tbc, 95 mins) Sunday 23 November, Chapel Arts, 5pm Lilian Gish was beloved by early Hollywood and this 1927 silent film shows her talents and the

scenery of America’s prairie lands at their most vivid. As an added bonus this screening will be accompanied live by the celebrated pianist Lola Perrin, playing the score that won her Silent London’s Best Soundtrack accolade.

5 WORLD FILMS Well-known names are scattered throughout the festival programme but it often pays to try the less familiar – and enjoy some globe-trotting at the same time. Pelo Malo (cert 15tbc, 93 mins) Saturday 15 November, Little Theatre, 4pm From Venezuela, an engaging story of what it is like to live at the bottom of society and why a young boy believes fame and fortune can be his if only he can straighten his curly hair. Winter Sleep (cert 15tbc, 196 mins) Monday 17 November, Odeon, 8pm From Turkey, a film so intelligent, sensitive and patient that festival director Philip Raby says “This is a masterpiece which absolutely has to be seen”. The jury at Cannes agrees, awarding it the 2014 Palme d’Or. Omar (cert 15) Tuesday 18 November, The Rondo, Larkhall, 6.45pm From Palestine, a gripping thriller centred on a young Palestinian who may, or may not, be being manipulated into betraying his country. School of Babel (cert 12tbc, 89 mins) Thursday 20 November, Little Theatre cinema, 9.15pm From France, a documentary about the challenges and triumphs of young new immigrants at a school where they have just 12 months in which to acquire the French language and an understanding of French culture. Song of the Sea (PG tbc) Saturday 22 November, Little Theatre, 1pm From Ireland, an exquisitely-drawn animation

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FILM | FESTIVAL

SOMETHING FOR ALL: Song of the Sea animation and What We Did in the Shadows from the team who brought us Flight of the Conchords. Below, Bath film maker Ben Aston and writer Oli Fenton, who made award-winning Russian Roulette based on the Celtic legend of the half-seal, halfhuman ‘selkie’, with a soundtrack by Bruno Coulais and the Irish band Kíla.

5 LOCAL CONNECTIONS Difret (18 tbc) Sunday 16 November, Chapel Arts, 5.30pm In Ethiopia the traditional way to get a bride is to kidnap and rape her. But when a girl defends herself she finds herself in court, as the accused. This film – shockingly based on a true story – is being shown in conjunction with Bath-based charity Ethiopiad, which works with women and children in Ethiopia. Bicycle (PG) Saturday 15 November, St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford-on-Avon, 8pm Feel free to take to two wheels to go and see this documentary celebrating the bike. An illuminated mass ride from Bath along the canal path is planned – see the festival website for details. The Hatching (15 tbc) Saturday 22 November, Little Theatre, 10pm Another Bath debut is this locally made and shot

comedy horror set on the Somerset Levels, where something sinister is disrupting the peace of a sleepy village. It stars Thomas Turgoose, who was in This is England and is directed by Michael Anderson, with his first venture into feature films. How to Get into the Film Industry Friday 14 November, Little Theatre, 6.30pm This is for anyone contemplating a career in any aspect of film. Nik Powell, who started Virgin Record with Richard Branson, went on to run Palace Pictures and is now director off the National Film and Television School, will be in conversation with Angus Finney, author and film expert. They will give an invaluable insight into how to break into the industry. Russian Roulette Thursday 13 November, Komedia, before What We Did in the Shadows Bath film maker Ben Aston and writer Oli Fenton won a Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Festival in London for their short film. The pair met as teenagers at Kingswood School in Bath and have honed their creativity to make this tale of a lonely woman in London who virtually meets an astronaut.

F is for film and for feminism Amid the familiar U, PG, 12A, 15 and 18 ratings printed next to film titles in this year’s Bath Film Festival programme you’ll notice a small square containing the scientific sign for a female. The move follows a decision by the festival’s organisers to highlight how few women are getting key film industry jobs by signalling which of the 40 plus films in this year’s festival give leading on or off-camera roles to women. Festival producer Holly Tarquini said: “As one of Britain’s longest running film festivals, we’re in a better position than most to observe how poorly the film industry contrasts with other sectors when it comes to giving top jobs to women either as actors or in production. Our new F-Rating won’t change our overall programme in any way; we’ve still picked the films we believe the broadest possible cross section of audiences will most want to see. But we are hoping that by flagging our

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female-friendlier screenings, we will add a fun edge to the choices audiences make and spark discussion among film fans about what seems to be an increasingly gaping gender gap.” Among the dozen or so films to carry the F-for Fem stamp of approval are Wild, Testament of Youth, My Old Lady and the Sundance Festival winner Difret, based on the true story of an Ethiopian girl’s opposition to a tradition that lets young men kidnap and rape their choice of a bride. The earliest film to win the symbol is The Wind, a 1928 silent film starring Lillian Gish. Bath Film Festival’s free 2014 brochure is available from arts information points around the city and beyond. See the programme online at www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk. For festival news and offers, sign up for its free e-bulletins, visit: www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk; find Bath Film Festival on Facebook or follow @bathfilm on Twitter.

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WHAT’S ON in November Patrick Howard with Camila Batmanghelidjh of Kids Company

Events are listed in chronological order Westonbirt Fair in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and HomeStart in Gloucestershire Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October, 10am – 4pm Westonbirt School, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire Colourful stalls with a range of imaginative gifts including exciting home decorating ideas and lifestyle trends, gourmet treats and delicacies, luxury clothes and accessories, and a glittering array of Christmas presents. Tickets, visit: www.westonbirtfair.org or buy on the door. There’s parking, a coffee shop and restaurant.

★ Editor’s pick

In memory of John Tavener

Mary Howard Christmas Fairs Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 November, 10am - 4pm Hullavington, Wiltshire – admission by pre-booked tickets: www.maryhowardsales.co.uk Until this year the Mary Howard Christmas Fairs had been a delightfully well kept secret between shoppers who enjoy browsing among beautiful and unusual items, while also benefitting charity. But this year the secret is being shared between more people in the hope that the 2014 charity, Kids Company in Bristol will gain. Charity founder Camila Batmanghelidjh will be talking about the important work Kids Company is doing when she visits the Christmas fair. Tickets: £9, or, to attend the VIP day on 11 November, tickets are £14.

Samuel West

Antony Sher

John Tavener: a tribute Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm Church of St Alphege, Oldfield Lane, Bath BA2 3NR The Paragon Singers present the late Sir John Tavener’s works, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis and The Lamb, and motets by Fayrfax, Josquin, Sheppard, Byrd and Victoria. Tickets: £12, tel: 01225 463362. The second strand of the evening compares English and continental music across the 16th century. This comprises Robert Fayrfax’s Aeternae laudis, contrasted with Benedicta es by his contemporary Josquin des Prez, John Sheppard’s Verbum caro and Cipriano de Rore’s Song of Songs setting, Descendi in hortum meum. The final group contains music by William Byrd and Tomás Luis de Victoria, including Quomodo cantabimus, and Victoria’s setting of Alma redemptoris mater.

Luke Daniels: album launch Sunday 2 November, 7.30pm

Kill It Kid

Folk singer-songwriter Luke Daniels, who is releasing his new album What’s Here, What’s Gone with a 22 date UK tour. Over the course of a 20-year career Daniels has played with the likes of Riverdance, De Dannan and Ian Anderson and as a soloist on the movie soundtracks for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and is currently a regular member of The Cara Dillon Band. Tickets: £10, from: www.ticketweb.co.uk/artist/luke-daniels-tickets/946829.

Kill It Kid Tuesday 4 November, from 7pm Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath Formed while students at Bath Spa University, the band Kill it Kid is now on a European tour, launching the new album. Expect a warm homecoming. Tickets: £10 from: www.komedia.co.uk or tel: 0845 293 8480.

Also at Komedia this month The Noise Next Door Friday 14 November, doors open 6.30pm Six times sell-out veterans of the Edinburgh Fringe, they bring their own brand of improv skits and sketches to Bath audiences. Tickets: from £12.

The Beat Friday 21 November, doors open 7pm Visit our website for more great events and things to do. To promote your event: contact us and we’ll get it listed 46 TheBATHMagazine

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One of the biggest bands of the ska/two-tone/post-punk movement. Hits include Mirror in the Bathroom, Too Nice to Talk To and Tears of a Clown. Tickets: from £15.

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The South Thursday 27 November, 8pm Singers Dave Hemingway and Alison Wheeler came out of The Beautiful South to form this new ninepiece. They’ll be revisiting some of their hits, inclding Don’t Marry Her, Perfect 10, Rotterdam and A Little Time. Tickets from: £20.

‘Allo ‘Allo Wednesday 5 – Saturday 8 November 7.30pm Matinee Saturday, 2.30pm The Mission Theatre, Corn Street, Bath Platform 8 Productions present Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft’s hugely popular spoof French Resistance comedy for the stage. Listen very carefully … I shall say this only once . . . Tickets £11 (£9 concs) tel: 01225 426039 or 01225 463362, or at: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

Also at The Mission this month Concert performance of Iolanthe Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm Matinee Saturday, 2.30pm In its 70th season, Bath Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents a tale of mystical fairies and all too solid Parliamentarians. Via the tongue twisting Nightmare Song, the epic Peers Chorus, and the patriotic When Britain Really Ruled the Waves, the opera gently weaves a magic spell. Tickets: £10 (£8 concs) tel: 01225 400295 or 01225 463362

Next Stage Theatre Company presents Sweet Bird of Youth Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 November, 7.30pm Tennessee Williams’ classic 1959 drama. Tickets: £12 (£10 concs) tel: 01225 428600 or 01225 463362.

Catch 22 Wednesday 5 – Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm The Rondo Theatre, St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall Bath based Playing up Theatre Company presents Joseph Heller’s bleakly comic war-time story, which was adapted for stage by the author. Tickets: 01225 463362.

Henry IV Parts I & II Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 November Theatre Royal, Bath Antony Sher plays Falstaff, already to great critical acclaim, in the Shakespeare history plays directed by Gregory Doran, artistic director of the RSC. This is bound to be popular. Tickets tel: 01225 448844.

Also at the Theatre Royal this month Saturday Night Fever Wednesday 12 – Saturday 22 November A new vibrant production of the 70s tale of Tony Manero, a man who lives to dance. Revisit all the Bee Gees’ favourites, from Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever to You Should be Dancing and Jive Talking.

The Mozart Festival Friday 7 – Saturday 15 November Various venues in Bath

Mozart concert at Bath Abbey Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm The Bath Philharmonia and Bath Camerata combine under the direction of Paul McCreesh to perform the G minor Symphony, followed by Mozart’s unfinished Requiem in D Minor. This concert is being staged as a tribute to the late Brian Roper, who contributed so much to the cultural life of the city. Tickets from 01225 463362.

In Pale Battalions Sunday 9 November, 1pm Actor Samuel West, a member of the Wilfred Owen Association, will be reading poems from the First World War. In Pale Battalions will take place on Remembrance Sunday at the Assembly Rooms. Thoughtfully timed at 1pm, to allow people to attend Remembrance Day observances at 11am, this promises to be a thought-provoking tribute to those lost and those bereaved in the First World War. Tickets: 01225 463362. WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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Lacock cottage opening Saturday 8 – Wednesday 12 November, 11am – 3pm Lacock near Chippenham, Wiltshire Peek behind one of Lacock’s closed doors as the National Trust’s holiday cottage, 2 High Street, is opened to visitors. It's one of the oldest buildings in the village and was used as a green room for the cast of the television series Cranford. Free admission. The cottage is next to the Red Lion pub, opposite the National Trust High Street shop. For more information tel: 01249 730459 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock.

Also at Lacock this month Capturing the light: The birth of photography Until 4 January 2015, daily Bringing together a range of artefacts and photographs, this exhibition celebrates the developments that lead to the invention of the photographic negative by William Henry Fox Talbot at Lacock Abbey, in 1835. Normal admission applies. NT members and under 5s go free. Dress-up corner at the Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock

★ Editor’s pick Cindy Stratten and friends 20 November, 7.30pm The Rondo, St Saviour’s Road, Bath The music of Kate and Anna McGarrigle, loved and known by many, has spawned a musical dynasty. The richly harmonic and lyrical songs lend themselves beautifully to the vocal talents of Bath based musician Cindy and members of the band including Ali Nourse, Marius Frank, Susie Wright, Lucy Mott and Knud Stewe. Tickets: £14/£10 Cindy will also be performing original material and launching a run of limited edition CDs. Tickets: 01225 463362.

Bath Charities annual fair Saturday 8 November, 11am – 3pm

Swinging at the Cotton Club

The Guildhall, Bath This annual fair has been running for more than 30 years and gives people the chance to shop, while supporting a range of local charities. This year nine charities will have stalls – it’s also a good opportunity to learn more about what they do.

Songs of Farewell Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm The Building of Bath Collection, the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, the Paragon, Bath Cappella Nova is a chamber choir of around 25 singers, conducted by Tony Shield, whose concerts raise funds for charity. Fresh from singing in Gloucester and Portsmouth Cathedrals, the choir presents a programme of music composed around the time of the Great War with a contemplative theme including Sir Hubert Parry’s Songs of Farewell and music by Parry’s contemporaries, Elgar and Vaughan-Williams. Tickets £10 (includes a glass of wine and nibbles), tel. 01225 333895 or email jhunter@bptrust.org.uk

Wartime Women: the Khaki Cabaret Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm Cindy Stratten

The Khaki Cabaret

Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1QR Chanteuse and mistress of dramatic cabaret, Fiona-Jane Weston recreates the excitement of times that changed our world forever in a moving and humorous performance. Questioning: What did Mummy do in the war? Fiona answers through stories, songs, verses and diary extracts – things Mummy’d never done before! Tickets: £12.50, £15 on the door. Bookings: www.chapelarts.org, or tel: 01225 461700.

Also at Chapel Arts this month Tribute : Supersonic 70s Show Saturday 15 November, 7:30pm Get swept up in a 70s sea of nostalgia with this six piece band, with male and female lead vocals. Featuring the incredible ‘Cat suited wondergirl’ Janey Bombshell, adding some Agnetha glamour alongside co-lead vocalist Mark Keen. With numbers by Queen, David Cassidy, The Carpenters, ELO, 10cc, Wings, Abba and the Bay City Rollers.Tickets: £17.50, £20 on the door.

The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band Friday 28 November, 7.30pm A seven piece jump blues and vintage jazz band who’ve delighted audiences in venues as diverse as Glastonbury and Ronnie Scott’s. Led by singer/pianist Stuart Macbeth they’ll be celebrating musical heroes including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan, Sidney Bechet and Billie Holiday alongside

The Supersonic 70s

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their own brand of upbeat, Jump Steady jazz. Tickets: £10, £12 on the door.

Jason Rebello and Ola Onabule in concert Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DZ A delightful collaboration between jazz piano and a sweet-voiced neo soul singer. Tickets: £16 tel: 01225 860100.

Also at the Wiltshire Music Centre this month Cordelia Williams Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm

Bon Debarras Pianist Cordelia was the 2006 winner of the BBC Young Musician award. Now with an international career she’s bringing a programme of Mozart, Chopin and Schumann to Wiltshire. Tickets: £16.

Swinging at The Cotton Club Friday 21 November, 7.30pm Step back into 1920s New York night-life with a Jazz Age dance party. The musicians of the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra will be joined on stage by the Jiving Lindy Hoppers. Tickets: £23.

Bon Debarras Friday 28 November Foot-stomping French Canadian folk roots music. All the way from Quebec, with a mix of Cajun, Celtic and a host of instruments from harmonica and accordian to washboard and banjo. Tickets: £15.

Moonfleece Thursday 13 – Saturday 15th November, 7.30pm Matinee Saturday, 2pm Bath Spa University Theatre A bruising, humorously spiky and lyrical play that tells the story of Curtis, a leading member of an increasingly popular racist party, who is haunted by the memory of his dead brother. When Curtis starts seeing his brother’s ghost a chain of events is set in motion that leads to the unearthing of a family secret. Tickets: £12/conc £10/ BSU students £6, tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathspalive.com

Also at Bath Spa this month Alexander Whitley Dance Company: The Measures Taken and The Grit in the Oyster Friday 21 November, 8pm Visually striking and kinetically charged, The Grit in the Oyster is set to the music of one of Britain’s most influential composers, Thomas Adès, and The Measures Taken explores our relationship with technology. Tickets: £10; concessions £8; BSU students £5; free to members

Proteus Theatre Company: 12.10.15 Tuesday 11 November, 7.30pm Pound Arts Centre, Corsham The story of Edith Cavell, a compassionate nurse working in occupied Belgium during the First World War, treating soldiers fighting on both sides, is revealed and recounted by a cynical 21st century female war correspondent. £11/£10 concs. Tel: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk. Limited £1 tickets for u18s.

Also at the Pound Arts this month Up in Arms: Visitors Saturday 22 November, 7.30pm A sharply funny love story that takes a haunting, beautiful look at the way our lives slip past us. “Outstanding”:The Times. £10 (£9 concessions).

Susan Calman: Lady Like Friday 21 November, 8pm A show about being older, wiser and liking yourself. Comedy from Calman, as seen and heard on The News Quiz, Calman is Convicted, QI, and Would I Lie to You. £14 (£13 concessions)

Chris Beardshaw: 100 Plants that (almost) changed the world Thursday 13 November, 7.30pm University of Bath, Claverton, Room EB1m, near East car park The University of Bath Gardening Club welcomes visitors to this talk by award-winning (seven golds at Chelsea) garden designer and TV and radio presenter Chris Beardshaw about the 100 plants which almost changed the world. Visitors £10. Contact: ab_botanic@yahoo.co.uk Continued >>

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Paul Hollywood Thursday 13 November

and lifestyle of the Georgians, while caricaturist Jake Spicer equips his audience to think and draw like an 18th century caricaturist. Tickets £12/£10 concs. Tel: 01225 388569.

The Forum, Southgate, Bath The blue-eyed male judge brings his Great British Baking Tour to Bath. Tickets: £33 from www.bathforum.co.uk. We’re sorry to say that tickets for Paloma Faith are sold out.

Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld Wednesday 26 – Saturday 29 November, 7:30pm

Bear Flat Christmas Market Saturday 15 November, 10am – 4.30pm Methodist church hall, Bruton Avenue, Bear Flat BA2 4QJ The Bear Flat Artists are joining up with local food producers for the Bear Flat Community Christmas Market. There’ll be a range of ceramics, jewellery, cards, prints and paintings, children’s craft activities, a café, home-baked bread and cakes, preserves, local veg, and more.

Smallpox Outbreak in Bath in 1963: film Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm Museum of Bath at Work, the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, the Paragon, Bath There’s to be a free showing of 80,000 Suspects, a fictionalised story of an outbreak of smallpox in Bath in the winter of 1962/3, using local residents as extras. The film stars Clare Bloom and Richard Johnson. Filming began during the coldest winter of the century and gives a fine idea of how the city looked 50 years ago. For more details tel: 01225 318348 or director@bath-atwork.org.uk

For the Fallen Saturday 22 November, 7.30pm Bath Abbey Bath Minerva Choir pays tribute to the fallen in war with an evening of choral and orchestral

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Paul Hollywood works, joined by professional soloists and Southern Sinfonia to perform works by Vaughan Williams, including The Lark Ascending and Dona Nobis Pacem, and Elgar For the Fallen from The Spirit of England. The concert also includes a world premiere. Gavin Carr, the music director of Bath Minerva Choir and conductor, has written Pour out your light O stars, which is inspired by Gloucester poet and composer Ivor Gurney, who was gassed in France in 1917 and died in an asylum in 1937. Tickets from £10 from tel: 01225 463362.

High Spirits: the Gin Salon Saturday 22 November, 7.30pm The Garden Cafe, Holburne Museum, Sydney Gardens, Bath Join Dr Annie Gray, food historian to the Great British Bake Off and acclaimed Georgian expert Lucy Inglis to explore the concerns, obsessions

Michael Tippett Centre, the University of Bath This satirical retelling of the legend of Orpheus sees Eurydice whisked away to the Underworld by her lover Pluto. First performed in 1858, Offenbach’s parody of high society scandals was originally judged to be vulgar, profane and highly indecent – all qualities that have ensured it remains loved by performers and audiences. Tickets: £12/concs £10, BSU students £6.

Widcombe Nights: Comedy Special Wednesday 26 November Upstairs at the Ring O Bells, Widcombe, Bath A triumphant return to one of Bath Comedy’s favourite rooms, newly refurbished and now with air conditioning. Starring a trio of comedians: Neil McFarlane, Stephanie Laing and Dave Williams. Tickets: £10 from: www.bathcomedy.org

Hugo Vickers on Cecil Beaton Thursday 20 November, 7.30pm Christ Church, Julian Roa, Bath Hugo Vickers will be introducing Cecil Beaton: Portraits and Profits, his coffee table book, published by Frances Lincoln, which uses Beaton’s own words and pictures. The book costs £30 in hardback. Tickets for the Topping & Co hosted event are £10, redeemable against the price of the book. Tel: 01225 428111

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Messiah guarantees memorable performances under musical director Will Dawes’ direction. The abbey fills up on each evening, so early booking of tickets is essential to get the best seats. Tickets from £8 to £29, visit: Bath Box Office, Bath Visitor Information Centre, Abbey Church Yard, or tel: 01225 463362, or email: boxoffice@bathfestivals.org.uk, or online at: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk. See also: bathchoral-society.org.uk, Facebook.com/BathChoralSociety, or Twitter @BathChoralSoc.

Also hosted by Topping & Co this month Michael Palin Wednesday 26 November The Forum, Southgate Bath Traveller, writer, comedian, actor and one of the genuinely nicest people you could meet, Michael Palin will talk about the third volume of his diaries, Travelling To Work. The book covers 1988 to 1998 and takes in his TV series Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole and Full Circle, his role in Alan Bleasdale’s GBH and writing two novels. Tickets: £15 (redeemable) from Topping & Co.

Ian McEwan Thursday 27 November St Mary’s Church, Bathwick The critically acclaimed author comes to talk about his new book The Children Act. Expect intellectual fireworks. Tickets: £10 (redeemable) Topping & Co, tel: 01225 428111.

Royal biographer Penny Junor Thursday 27 November, 7.30pm Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, Wiltshire Penny Junor, will be speaking about her work as a Royal biographer and her latest book Prince Harry Brother, Soldier, Son. Dorothy House’s Christmas two day fair opens at 10.30am on Friday 28 November but the Penny Junor ticket gains visitors entrance before anyone else between 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Tickets for the evening: £15, to include a glass of wine. Tel: 01225 721480.

Concert in aid of Ethiopaid Friday 28 November, 7.30pm St Matthews Church, Widcombe, Bath The Band of Pilgrims and the Priordonnas join

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Cecil Beaton forces for a concert of fine and uplifting music with a Gospel influence. There is no admission charge but people are invited to donate to Bathbased charity Ethiopiad which works particularly with women and children in Ethiopia.

Don’t miss out . . . Portrait of a Lady? Ruin and Reputation in the Georgian Era Ends Saturday 14 December No 1 Royal Crescent museum, Royal Crescent This warts and all exhibition brings home the reality of life for women at all levels of society in the 18th century.

Planning ahead Bath Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December, 7.30pm Bath Abbey Bath Choral Society will be joined by the Bristol Ensemble, when, with practised mastery of

Paragon Singers: A German Christmas by Candlight Saturday 6 December, 7.30pm St Michael’s Without Church, Broad Street, Bath The Paragon Singers will be joined by ThomasSelle-Vokalensemble Berlin for this German Christmas by candlelight, featuring a 17th century Christmas Mass. Tickets: £12, tel: 01225 463362.

Bath Unity Players present: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 December, with matinees on the Friday and Saturday Kingswood Theatre. Kingswood School, Lansdown, Bath This is Bath Unity Players 70th year, and the group is celebrating in style. The pantomime is chosen – a traditional story, but in keeping with the digital age, projections and special effects fill the show. Tickets: £10 & £8 concessions. for bookings of 10 or more discount will be given. Tel: 01225 427108 or email: unitytickets@btinternet.com. Visit: www.bathunityplayers.co.uk. n

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A jigsaw of history Artist Holly Davey has researched the life of a 19th century cultural Bath benefactor– and the results are both intriguing and thought-provoking

avendish Crescent is one of Bath’s more obscure Georgian crescents, slightly tucked away and not as often visited as its larger, longer cousins on the city hillsides. It may be that this sense of being slightly set apart suited the family who lived at No 10 through much of the 19th century. And while they mingled with Bath’s genteel society, they left very little personal evidence of their lives behind for posterity. For this was the home of navy veteran William Holburne and his three unmarried sisters. The four lived at the house from 1830 until their subsequent deaths. None of the siblings ever married, nor did they leave any heirs. It was the youngest sister, Mary Anne Barbara, who bequeathed her brother’s extensive collection of treasures garnered on his travels, to the world. It was 11 years after her death in 1882 that the Holburne Menstrie collection found a home. Fast forward to the 21st century, to where artist Holly Davey was commissioned to research and create The Nameless Grace – a tribute to that almost anonymous benefactress of the 19th century. Holly pays tribute to Matthew Williamson, one of the curators at the modern day Holburne Museum, who helped her in piecing together a jigsaw of Mary Anne Barbara. It is a jigsaw that has many missing pieces. There is a miniature portrait of

the curly haired William, painted in 1827, which cost him the enormous sum of 30 guineas. But there are no portraits of the three sisters. Did they shun such vanity? What did they think when their brother brought each of them a box containing bright and beautiful glass mosaic ear-rings from Italy? Did they exclaim in pleasure and hold the jewellery up to catch the light? Or did they disapprove of such frippery? Holly has produced an installation, which includes a selection of the books that Mary Anne Barbara and her sisters would have kept in their library. She says: “From research into newspapers at the time, we know that they went to soirees and mingled with the social elite of the time. They had all kinds of books that only educated people would have had, on poetry, travel, theatre and history, and some in French. So, although we have some evidence, there is so much we don’t know, that we can only imagine and suppose.” And that’s what we are invited to do. To think about these spinsters’ lives with their brother. He had seen war aged just 12, at the Battle of Trafalgar, and although they had wealth, they had lost their oldest brother, Francis, in war too, at an early age. Did they deliberately shun the convention of marriage and children? Were they bored, or content? A little gold triangle from a scrapbook left behind by the sisters seems to show a playful, light-hearted side. But by contrast – although this may not be a reflection of her personal taste – you can visit in Scotland the rather dour looking church in Menstrie, built with £8,000 Mary Anne bequeathed. And, as for the magnificent Holburne collection, maybe we should give up a silent thank you to Mary Anne Barbara. The exhibition, which is a joint commission between the University of Bath’s ICIA and the Holburne, is at the Holburne Wirth Gallery until 4 January. It is free and open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sundays 11am-5pm. The second part of the exhibition will be shown at the Centre for the Arts, the University of Bath in June. n

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is not just a box ticked... Having a company website is almost academic unless it can be found by your target market – Paul Tagent from Bath Marketing Consultancy explains the importance of this.

hen it comes to getting the best from your website, a lot of emphasis should be placed on how it performs in search. Just as you’d expect to scope out a website design and development project so too must you scope out a search engine optimization effort. In Bath Marketing Consultancy’s opinion, SEO shouldn’t be something that is just asked for as a generalist service from marketing companies. We see SEO as an essential part of online marketing and, if organisations are prepared to spend money on their websites, they should also be allocating budget to ensure that the site is well positioned to be found by the right people. So, questions that I would normally ask 54 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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clients and/or prospects are: • • • • • •

Who are you targeting? What search terms are being used? Who’s going to write the content? Who is handling social marketing? Who’s doing link building? Who’s restructuring the website, as necessary?

Yes, the foundations can be done during the actual website build, but ongoing SEO is the key to success. Work with an SEO specialist, agree a budget, allocate who is doing what and then work together to achieve your goals!

Tel: 01225 436426 www.bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk paul@bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk

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A SPLASH OF COLOUR Popular Somerset artist edwina Bridgeman is setting up a new show at the Victoria art gallery in which visitors will be invited to step aboard a ship of fools surrounded by dozens of little homemade characters. We’ve been lucky to get a preview Victoria Art Gallery By Pulteney Bridge, Bath Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sundays, 1.30pm – 5pm Tel: 01225 477233. Edwina Bridgeman: Ship of Fools 29 November – 11 January The last time the council owned gallery staged an exhibition by Somerset artist Edwina Bridgeman it attracted 15,500 visitors. Three years later the artist has returned with her distinctive style of making art from found materials and turning them into something appealing, magical and unique, and Edwina’s new project is bound to attract just as much attention. The Ship of Fools will consist of a a large boat set up in the gallery and surrounded by a throng of over 150 little characters – the passengers. The characters are all deliberately handmade looking, celebrating the act of making and recognising the time and care that’s gone into it. There is an underlying message of hope and humanity in the work. All kinds of people are to be found in her sculptures and this exhibition will appeal to all ages, from children through to the elderly. Admission to the show is £3.50. Concessions and under 21s free. All the pieces will be for sale. Visitors to the Royal United Hospital may be familiar with her work, where she is lead artist for Artsparks at the hospital. Modern Artists in Print: Matisse, Picasso, Dali and Warhol Until 23 November Drawn from the Victoria & Albert Museum’s collection, this show explores the work of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. Together these artists spanned 75 years that saw the birth of the modern age. Their work represents one of the most creative and diverse periods of printmaking. These are the last few weeks of the show. Lunchtime exhibition tours every Thursday, 12.30-13.10. Free to ticketholders. Entry: £3.50. Concessions and under 21s free. John Eaves: Small Beginnings Until 23 November Vibrant compositions in paint, crayon and collage. The exhibits demonstrate Eaves’ concerns with landscape sources, from trees and outcrops of rock to glowing sunsets. These beginnings were the basis for larger studio improvisations. All exhibits are for sale. Entry is free. 56 TheBATHMagazine

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Ship of Fools photography by Allen Daniels

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Vulnerable Tracks by Claire Wiltsher

Rostra Gallery George Street, Bath Tel: 01225 448121

Bath Contemporary 35 Gay Street, Bath Tel: 01225 461230 www.bathcontemporary.com email: gallery@bathcontemporary.com

Coming Home by Natalie Rymer

Contemporary Craft 1 November – 1 December Rostra takes a closer look at the imaginative and intricate world of contemporary craft, showing handmade pieces including sculpture, ceramics, paintings and jewellery. Rebecca Coles will be showing her delicate papercuts, while Eleanor Bartleman has ceramics inspired by myths and stories. New artists Caroline Rees and Saya McNairn-Yanagi will also display original pieces that will make ideal Christmas presents. ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Hilton Fine Art 5 Margarets Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 311311 Hannah Woodman 8 – 29 November

Surface Matter 8 – 28 November This month’s collection is themed around exploring the landscape through surface and texture.Work includes Claire Wiltsher’s energetic portrayal of the Dorset Coast, Peter Kettle’s vision of the rugged Welsh countryside, the majestic atmosphere of Andrew George’s Scottish mountains and Malcolm Ashman’s stylised and patterned compositions of South West England. Accompanied by mythological sculptures with a contemporary twist by April Young and large figurative ceramics from Mick Morgan, which capture a sophisticated air of calm, timeless simplicity.

Fresh from the coast is this solo exhibition by the increasingly popular and celebrated Cornish artist Hannah Woodman, featuring many new and previously un-shown works. From seascape to landscape Hannah has encompassed the true essence of the Cornish elements with her energetic paintwork techniques and use of colour. Her work bridges the gap between abstraction and realism while remaining authentic to the subject matter and mood that it evokes. Devon-born Hannah now paints from her studio in Gwithian, Cornwall. She is a member of the celebrated Newlyn Society of Artists.

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George Street at Dawn by Nick Cudworth Nick Cudworth Gallery London St, top of Walcot Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445221, visit: www.nickcudworth.com The Heart of the City Throughout November Paintings and prints by Bath-based artist Nick Cudworth portray the historic routes and buildings that are the focal points within the heart of the city of Bath. Love Knows No Limit by Trudy Montgomery

Courts Garden Gallery In the National Trust owned Courts at Holt, Wiltshire Autumn exhibition Throughout November 11am – 5pm, every day but Sunday by appointment with curator Sonya Rothwell Email: info@courtsgardengallery.com Tel: 01225 635443 Artist in residence Sonya Rothwell has curated a fascinating mixed media exhibition in a salon of art at this historic house. She is joined, by among others, Bradford-on-Avon based artist Trudy Montgomery, whose work is influenced by the light and space of California where she lived for 14 years. Visit: www.TrudyMontgomery.com.

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Gwithian Blue by Hannah Woodman

Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute Queen Square, Bath Bath Artist Printmakers Until Friday 7 November Bath Artist Printmakers is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its founding with an exhibition of original handmade prints. The 23 BAP members are a diverse group of artists including printmakers such as Howard Jeffs and former tutor of Printmaking and Photography at Goldsmiths College. President Rosemary Simmons former MD of Curwen Prints and founding editor of Printmaking Today. The group acquired a press, previously owned by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and set up a printmaking studio in 1984. One of the aims of the group is to raise public awareness of printmaking techniques, through exhibitions and short courses at its Larkhall studio. Visit: www.bathartistprintmakers.co.uk.

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nick cudworth gallery

Heart of the City – oil on canvas and prints

THE HEART OF THE CITY Exhibition from 1 – 29 Nov Paintings and prints by Nick that portray the historic routes and buildings that are the focal points within the heart of the city of Bath

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639 gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

ANTHONY WOODWARD Anthony Woodward showcases a beautiful range of recent paintings and collectable prints. This exhibition brings together a prestigious collection of work loaded with ‘panache’, ‘passion’, ‘fire’ and ‘romance’... VOGUE MASTERPIECE “CAPTIVATING”

10-16 November Gallery 44AD Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NG 07949 416298 peter.woodward@yahoo.co.uk.44AD.net

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||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Emma Rose Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath

Autumn November Artist Emma Rose embraces autumn with new work showing the ever changing seasonal colours in landscapes from around the world.

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Autumn Lake by Emma Rose Antlers Gallery 9a, Margaret’s Buildings, Bath, BA1 2LP Charles Emerson: Blacklight Until 23 November 1pm-5pm Tues-Sat (closed Sunday and Monday except by appointment) In collaboration with Geoffrey Breaze Antlers stages a solo show by Bristol artist Charles Emerson, who creates this beautiful pieces by photographing flowers underwater. He uses inks, dyes and light to create a painterly feel.

Gallery 44AD Abbey Street, Bath, BA1 1NN Opening hours: 11am – 7pm (except Wednesdays, noon – 7pm and Sunday 1pm – 4pm) Time and Space artists Tuesday 17 – Sunday 23 November Time & Space is an artists’ collective who have been exhibiting together for about five years in Combe Down. Many of the artists also exhibit on Widcombe Art Trail and Widcombe Craft Fair. The group hopes to open in another space in the new year. Artists exhibiting are: Annie Beardsley, Kim Donaldson, Maxine Foster, Sally Gardiner, Lorelei Hunt, Elizabeth Jewett, Trevor Lillistone, Sarah McCurdie, Kerrie McNeil, Alex Nash, Ele Nash, Valerie Rutley Paine, Alistair Teale, Emma Teale and Madeleine Town. Visit: www.timeandspaceartists.weebly.com Quercus Gallery Queen Street, Bath Adorn: contemporary jewellery showcase 7 – 15 November Open daily 10.30 - 5.30 Reflecting the idea of jewellery as wearable sculpture, the gallery’s first solo jewellery show presents creative, statement jewellery that is bold, well-crafted and wearable. Designers Include: Adele Brereton, Antonella Giomarelli, Grace Girvan, Edwina Larner, Jenny Laidlaw, Rhiannon Lewis, Heather McDermott, Jo McDonald, Karen Parker, Emma Teale, and Corrie Williamson. Black Swan Arts, Frome Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm Jim Whitty: Keep Going, Don’t Stop 31 October – 29 November Jim is exploring the point at which a painting is finished. Working on two large canvases he is pushing himself to keep painting beyond the point when he would normally down brushes and call the painting complete.

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Beginning of Her by Charles Emerson Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath High Spirits: the Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson Until 8 February On show in the Roper Gallery is this exhibition loaned from the Royal Collection. The absurdities of fashion, the perils of love, political machinations and royal intrigue were the subject matter of Thomas Rowlandson, a leading caricaturist of Georgian England. Supported by Bath Gin, entrance to the exhibition is £7.95/concessions £6.50 (includes audio guide). With the General Election ahead of us, The Poll by Thomas Rowlandson makes the viewer think how little has changed in how we Brits view our politicians. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Adam Gallery At the Octagon, off Milsom Place Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 November then at the Adam Gallery in John Street until 12 December Jürgen Möbius: The Laboratory A show of interiors by the established German artist Jürgen In the Red Range by Jürgen Möbius Möbius, which was launched in London with a preview before coming down to Bath to coincide with a book launch of his work, In the Laboratory. It has been said of his work that its begins ‘with the fear of the white surface. Destroying this, abusing it with colour . . . is a destructive need for Möbius.’ For further information phone: 01225 480406.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Gallery Nine 9b Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP www.gallerynine.co.uk Tel: 01225 319197 Christmas Exhibition Friday 7 November – Wednesday 24 December

Widcombe Craft Fair St Matthew’s Church at the foot of Widcombe Hill Saturday 22 November, 10.30am – 5.30pm Now in its 8th year, 40 local makers present a wide variety of work, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, bookbinding, enamel work and more, offer the chance to do a bit of early Christmas shopping or self-gifting Free entry. Refreshments available. Visit: www.widcombecraftfair.com

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John Eaves: Selected Works 1970 2014 Tuesday 11 - Wednesday 19 November Gurnard’s Head by David Field Featuring the work of ceramicists Elka Sada and Maria Wojdat, David Field’s watercolours based on objects to be found on beaches in Sussex and Kent. and Sarah Brown’s pastels featuring west country rural and coastal scenes. There’ll be jewellery by Daphne Krinos, as seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum. There are also British made textiles, ceramics, jewellery and artist prints with Christmas in mind.

Following on from the success of John Eaves’ current one-man exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery, Anthony Hepworth’s selling exhibition opens on 11 November. Anthony has selected works from 1970 to the present day. This is a vibrant exhibition which will give an overview of this talented painter from perhaps the mid point of his development as an abstract artist – touching on collage, print and paint.

John Eaves Pink Decay, Venice 2009

Anthony Hepworth Fine Art dealers 16 Margarets Buildings, Bath

Royal United Hospital, Bath Open in the Artsparks corridor (Zone B) of the hospital 8am – 8pm Artsparks Until Spring 2015 The playroom in the Children’s Ward has been a creative hub over the last few months as artist Edwina Bridgeman has led art workshops every Wednesday. The children have looked at a number of artists, including David Hockney, in particular his work The Bigger Picture, which involves paintings and digital images of Yorkshire through the seasons.

Wheat Paddock Barn Gallery Freshford, Wiltshire www.johnrobbins.com Tel: 01225 723467 Pop-Up Sale and Exhibition Saturday 15 – Friday 21 November, open 10am to 5pm, closed Monday There’ll be more than 200 watercolours and paintings to view and buy, from the early Victorian period to the present day.

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Cowboy by Broose Dickinson

4AD Gallery, Abbey Street, Bath Christmas Contemporary Art Fair Tuesday 25 – Sunday 30 November, daily noon to 6pm The Bath Christmas Contemporary Art Fair will be showcasing an exciting perspective in painting, prints and ceramics from featured artists: Annabelle Barton, Broose Dickinson, Dragomir Misina, Katie O’Brien, Andrew Temple Smith and Melissa Wraxall

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Hand-made,beautifully crafted traditional rugs from all over the Orient.

Oriental rugs of bath at Bookbarn International

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

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To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 01225 424 499 for card payment

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Bookbarn International,Wells Road, Hallatrow, Bristol BS39 6EX

bookbarn@bookbarninternational.com • T: 01761 451333 www.bookbarninternational.com

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Bath@Work Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work. View a gallery of our Bath@Work subjects at: www.thebathmag.co.uk

Rod Donaldson Proprietor, Source Antiques

arrived in Bath 26 years ago fresh from rural France; I’d been living up a mountain with my wife and children and after visiting my uncle who lived here we decided to sell up and move to beautiful Bath. I applied for a job with Walcot joinery and worked with them and later with Walcot Reclamation. It’s 20 years this year that I started trading with my own business, Source Antiques. At first my main job in the antique trade was to seek out artefacts for architects and designers; this was an enjoyable period getting to meet a vast cross section of different people. After a while I decided to open premises and again by chance in Walcot Street. As the shop grew in popularity, times were good and I had the chance to play a bit, I started to do more lighting, moving towards the industrial, then started retailing vintage metal industrial furniture. On a visit to Wales with Jonathan Morgan – a great friend and antique buff – he pointed out an old metal kitchen; this turned out to be my first English Rose Kitchen and from then on all is history. Source Antiques has since then enjoyed a lot of success on the modernist front, selling more and more lighting, doing lighting and general supply of “cool and groovy” bits for pubs, clubs and, of course, my loyal private clients. We also sell a lot of stuff online, from one-off pieces by local craftspeople to retro metal lockers and filing cabinets. The great thing about working in Bath and its surrounds is that, after a while, a lot of clients become friends and this is a great feeling. After a few years in Walcot Street I had the chance to purchase a shop in wonderful Widcombe. Those were the halcyon days, the Ring O’ Bells was in full swing and soon after the White Hart opened then the Petit Cochon – heaven for an antique dealer, having fab hostelries (all of them clients). It’s a miracle that any work got done in my shop. It was a great few years. After that period of bliss we again moved, this time to our nemesis: a yard well hidden beside the recycling depot by Victoria park (where Neill took this picture); not quite so blissful. When we moved in my business partner (my son Tom) had high hopes for the business; although our trade lighting and 1950s kitchens kept us going, the buzz was not the same, After a lot of consideration we decided that the only way forward was another move and that is what we’re doing. By the time this magazine hits your doormat we shall be in our new warehouse, unfortunately not in Bath but in nearby Brislington. Come and visit, 5 Flowers Hill Close, all the usual Source Stuff, and this, I promise, will be the last move. Visit: www.source–antiques.co.uk.

PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic www.capturethespirit.co.uk Tel: 01225 483151.

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THE DINER’S

SIX OF THE BEST

DIGEST

Christmas party venues

Workers of Bath – it’s time to think about where you’re going for the annual Christmas party. Foodie blogger Melissa Blease suggests half a dozen very different venues The Three Gables

Komedia

The pretty little town of Bradford on Avon (nine miles from Bath and just 15 minutes on the train) looks like a tasteful Christmas card. In its centre, is this utterly charming destination diner run by what many fellow foodies would refer to as a dream team: proprietor (and sommelier extraordinaire) Vito Scaduto and former Olive Tree head chef Marc Salmon. The pair have put together a magnificent menu selection, with highlights from the lunch selection (3 courses/£24) such as cornish hake with butternut squash dahl; venison faggots; and chocolate sponge, while the dinner menu (3 courses /£35) offers Jerusalem artichoke soup with quail eggs and mushroom beignets; smoked Wiltshire partridge; venison loin; and blackberry parfait with toffee apple puree. Okay, so these are the kind of dishes to put your own domestic efforts to shame on December 25. But at least you’ll have something to aspire to. The Three Gables, St Margaret Street, Bradford-onAvon, BA15 1DA Tel: 01225 781666; www.thethreegables.com

Krater Comedy Club Christmas Parties; the Social Club Cabaret Christmas Night Out; the Noise Next Door Comedy Lock-in; the Ministry of Burlesque’s Twisted Cabaret Christmas Special – if there’s a Bath venue poised to get the Christmas parties started this year it’s got to be Komedia, where live cabaret options guarantee to be either downright daft, highbrow hi-jinks or cheeky, depending on your preference. Pre-booked auditorium ticket packages include a three-course seasonal feast based around ingredients from Komedia’s Taste of the West Gold award-winning suppliers, and the preview menu line-up includes goodies such as Parma ham with homemade chutney; 28day matured strip-loin of beef with horseradish stuffing; and chocolate and amaretto brownie. There’s a free-range turkey courtesy of Style Farm, while the wild mushroom and cashew nut roast provides a tempting meat-free alternative; now all you need to do is book your tickets (visit the website for specific prices) and start planning what to wear. Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EP Tel: 0845 293 8480; web: komedia.co.uk/bath/

Gascoyne Place This split-level, characterful Saw Close venue offers multiple variations on the all-things-to-all-people theme. Working from smoochy subterranea upwards, the lower-level lounge easily seats up to 70 (and also offers the rare opportunity to dine alongside a slice of original medieval city wall), the bright and airy mezzanine offers see-and-be-seen opportunities for up to 20 lively revellers and the street level Snug is – well, snug: a stylish cosy-up spot for up to 20, handy for the lively bar. The first floor is home to one room that easily accommodates parties of up to 25, and another featuring a grand, Regency-era round table with plush seating for up to 14 knights, every night (or day). On the food front, 2/3 course Christmas lunch (£20/£25) or 2/3 course Christmas dinner (£22.50/£27.50) includes options such as smoked salmon with beetroot, capers and horseradish; loin of venison with a blue cheese crust and warm Christmas sponge with cranberry compote. Gascoyne Place, 1 Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EY Tel: 01225 445854; web: gascoyneplace.com.

Delicious deliveries: Christmas brought to your door Perhaps you’d prefer to keep your office party totally trad and have it in the actual office? If you’ve got a crowd to feed, let them eat pie. Made By Ben proprietor Ben Sibbald's Christmas Dinner pie won a Gold at the Melton Mowbray National Pie Awards 2014, and further festive pie-tastic options include turkey, ham and cranberry and wild boar and chianti. Each pie feeds 10 happy hungries and costs between £45-£70. The good folk at the helm of lively, authentic Neapolitan diner Yammo! are happy to deliver anything from stuzzichini (canapes) to lasagne/pizza feasts or even a personal chef to your place – that’s a very merry buon natale all wrapped up. Or limbo up to the Caribbean Kitchen, where jerk chicken, goat curry, ackee and saltfish, plaintain and dumplings promise to bring an authentic taste of the Caribbean to your door, at prices that belie the exceptionally high quality. Made By Ben, 100 Walcot Street, Bath Tel: 01225 319999; web: www.madebyben.com Yammo! 66 Walcot Street, Bath Tel: 01225 938328; web: www.yammo.co.uk Caribbean Kitchen, 1 Grove Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 920360; web: www.caribbeankitchenbath.co.uk

Rajpoot By the time Christmas Day comes around, we’ve often already overdosed on roast-British-everythingwith-all-the-trimmings, grown weary of the seasonal sprout debate and got so sick of talking turkey with the in-laws. Top tip: stuff the turkey, and head for the Indian sub-continent... or rather, book a party table at the long-established Rajpoot, where the experience begins with a greeting from a Rajera liveried doorman whose sole purpose is to escort diners off Pulteney Bridge and into aristocratic Bengal. Below stairs, several well-appointed spaces offer multitudinous mood options in an evocative, barrel-vaulted subterranean cave, home to a stylish but cosy bar area, flexible banqueting spaces and plenty of intimate nooks and crannies, all linked but subtly discrete (or even discreet, should your circumstances require such an ambience). Rajpoot chefs are no stranger to acclaim and recognition earned for menus that boast sumptuous Indian sub-continent classics and an incredible seafood selection to boot – and not a single turkey, sprout or figgy pud in sight. Rajpoot, 4 Argyle Street, Bath Tel: (01225) 466833/464758; web: www.rajpoot.com

THE PUMP ROOM Walking past some of the most beautiful, historic architectural landmarks in the UK while en route to the supermarket is one of the many reasons I love Bath: my every day routines are played out against a backdrop that represents a holiday photo opportunity for thousands upon thousands of visitors. But our top tourist hotspots aren’t just for tourists – the Pump Room being a case in point. Why should we overlook the opportunity to party like our Georgian ancestors in a grand dining room next to the original Roman spa complex just because we happen to be locals? Festive lunches and dinners at the Pump Room (£23.95/£29.95) include treatsome dishes such as game pate with damson chutney; Woolley Park Farm free-range turkey with Bath chipolatas; and lemon and clementine syllabub with shortbread fingers – so that’s the food sorted. Add to that the sparkling chandeliers, elegant background music courtesy of the Pump Room Trio and staff who look after your every need, and you’ll feel like Georgian aristocracy. The Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ Tel: 01225 444477 web: www.romanbaths.co.uk

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THE FOOD | SCENE

TASTY TREATS AND EATS The Bath Magazine brings you foodie news and events to look forward to this month

Good Hotel Guide editor’s choice The Queensberry hotel in Bath has been selected by The Good Hotel Guide as a winner for the Editor’s choice in the top Boutique City Hotels 2015. This is an independent guide to hotels in Britain and Ireland, written for the reader, seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot secure a place by paying. The Queensberry was cited as: “an excellent place to stay” and said its location is “central but very quiet” It added “a team of happy, relaxed, helpful staff” and of The Olive Tree restaurant it said “dinner was outstanding.”

Lifetime achievement award The much garlanded Rajpoot restaurant in Argyle Street, Bath has been named best Restaurant of the Year in the South West at the English Curry Awards 2014, while Rajpoot owner Ahmed Chowdhury was presented with a lifetime achievement award in the ceremony, which was held at AJ Bell Stadium in Manchester. Mr Chowdhury’s award recognises his contribution to the catering industry, humanity and the community. Chef Abu Talukdar cooked a feast for staff to celebrate the achievement.

Prepare the ultimate Christmas feast at The Cookery School at Lucknam Park country house hotel 28 November, 6, 13 or 17 December Learn to prepare everything from mince pies and mulled wine, the very best Christmas pudding, to roast turkey, traditional trimmings and accompaniments including the gravy. Finally enjoy the dishes that you have prepared around a festive table with a glass of wine followed by Christmas pudding and brandy cream. £175 per person. To book or find out about other courses at Lucknam tel: 01225 742777 or email reservations@lucknampark.co.uk.

Join the Souper November charity fundraiser Soup is good for the body and the soul – it’s cheap, warming and nourishing, especially at this time of year. Some of Bath’s top chefs have shared their soup recipes to inspire the rest of us to make soup and share it with friends, family or colleagues in exchange for a donation to the Genesis Trust, which works with vulnerable and homeless people in Bath. Visit: www.genesistrust.org.uk/soupernovember to pick up recipes from chefs including Chris Staines at the Allium Brasserie and Sam Moody at

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the Priory, who shares a soup inspired by his nan. The campaign is being supported by Masterchef winner Ping Coombes who helped at the nightly soup run in Bath.

NOVEMBER 2014

Celebrate with the Bath Priory in November To celebrate Sam Moody retaining the city’s only Michelin star again for the third consecutive year in 2015, The Bath Magazine has teamed up with The Bath Priory to offer readers an exclusive promotion to celebrate. Enjoy dinner at The Bath Priory during November, and readers will be greeted with a complimentary glass of Ruinart Champagne as a toast to the city, and to Sam’s continued success. Diners can choose from a la carte menus (£62 for two courses, or £80 for three) or treat themselves with one of Sam’s famous tasting menus – the seven course tasting menu for £90, or Menu Surprise, offering a ten-course feast for £99 per person. Mention The Bath Magazine when you book to ensure your crisp glass of Ruinart Champagne (or non-alcoholic alternative) is served as you peruse the menu. Call The Bath Priory on 01225 331922 or visit: www.thebathpriory.co.uk.

Beau Nash says Ciao and welcome A new contemporary Italian, Ciao Ciao, is opening any time soon in Beau Nash House in Saw Close, central Bath. Known to many locals still as Popjoy’s, the new restaurant is headed up by manager Gianluca Rizzo, whose experience includes working in the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn at Bray and head chef Giacomo Carreca, supported by Michelin-starred consultant chef Shane Hughes. The menu will include dishes such as homemade ravioli with carbonara sauce and served on a pumpkin pureee, or fragrant Tuscan seafood stew. Find out more about this latest addition to Bath’s dining scene, visit: www.ciaociaoristorante.co.uk Our Girl, our city TV viewers enjoying the BBC drama series Our Girl, starring EastEnders’ Lacey Turner, as army medic Amy, may have recognised Cloisters Restaurant at Bath’s Bailbrook House Hotel as the romantic backdrop for her celebratory dinner with Captain James in the last episode of the series.

Steaking a claim in the Paragon Independent Bristol eaterie The Cowshed has opened a Bath branch on the Paragon, after an extensive renovation and makeover of the former Bottelino’s bistro. The Cowshed, which was originally opened on Whiteladies Road, Bristol by Adam Denton, concentrates on serving British food, including a range of steaks, with an emphasis on good, locally sourced produce. Diners are able to sit in the newly built glass extension from where they can enjoy views across to the hills. Lunch with rugby star Gareth Thomas, The Bath Priory Wednesday 12 November, from 12.30pm Captain of Wales and the British Lions, national sporting hero Gareth Thomas, the first professional sportsman to come out while still competing, will be talking about his new book, his career in rugby and his journey towards self acceptance, in this conversation and lunch, held in partnership with Toppings & Company. A Michelin starred three-course lunch, hosted by Gareth, costs £60 including a glass of prosecco, lunch, coffee and petits fours, as well as a copy of his book Proud and a chance to meet Gareth and get your book signed. Call Toppings & Co to book: 01225 428111.

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We are located next to Bath Theatre Royal in historic Beau Nash House www.ciaociaoristorante.co.uk | 01225 330030 | reservations@ciaociaoristorante.co.uk

Celebrate Christmas at Ciao Ciao in historic Beau Nash House A warm welcome and authentic Italian cuisine are the perfect ingredients for your party Sample Christmas Party Menu £33.95* Stuzzichino della Casa A welcome from the Chef Risotto ai Funghi Selvatici Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan and Truffle Oil Ravioli del Plin, Burro e Salvia Homemade Ravioli filled with Veal tossed in Butter and Fresh Sage Arancini con Gamberi Siciliani e Zafferano su Crema di Lenticchie Lightly Fried Saffron and Prawn Risotto Pearls served on Creamed Lentils Zuppa di Stagione Seasonal Soup Filetto di Sogliola con Carote Servite con Pure di Patate e Olive Taggiasche Lemon Sole Fillet, Creamy Potato and Black Olive Mash with Roasted Butternut Squash

* A discretionary 10% Service Charge will be added to your final bill for a party of 6 and above.

Arrosto di Tacchino con Ripieno di Salsiccia e Albicocche, servito con Tortino di Patate e Cavoletti di Bruxelles Traditional Roast Turkey, Pork and Apricot Stuffing served with Dauphinoise Potato and Roasted Brussel Sprouts Cannelloni alla farina di castagna, farciti con ricotta fresca e funghi selvatici aromatizzato al Tartufo Cannelloni filled with Chestnuts, Mushrooms and Fresh Ricotta, scented with Truffle Oil Panettone con Zabaglione al Pistacchio e Fonduta di Cioccolato Italian Christmas Loaf, Zabaglione Cream and Warm Chocolate Sauce Coppa di Gelati e Sorbetti Selection of Ice Cream and Sorbet Selezione di Formaggio con Gelatina al Porto and Black Olive Bread Local and Italian Cheese Platter served with Port Jelly and Black Olive Bread Tea/Coffee and Biscottini “Tony”

www.ciaociaoristorante.co.uk | 01225 330030 | reservations@ciaociaoristorante.co.uk

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BLUNOS PICTURES: Jon Craig

At The County Hotel, 18 – 19 Pulteney Road, Bath, BA2 4EZ. Tel: 01225 481188

R E V I EW

Star shines as bright as ever I

can’t think of another restaurant where you can see the chef at work in his kitchen from the comfort of your table, and then watch him stride across the restaurant to deliver your food to you with a short introduction and a flourish. Such is the charm and energy of Martin Blunos that this act of showmanship adds to the enjoyment of the food – which would be pretty amazing even without the side order of charisma. You’ll have seen the mighty moustachioed one on posters around the city, rising like Neptune from the sea bearing a huge fish aloft. He’s been away winning accolades in other restaurants – but now he’s back home in Bath and word is getting round that his new fish restaurant is worth a visit. It’s testament to his reputation as one of the best chefs in the land that, like Beckham, he’s referred to as simply Blunos. It is fair to point out that as executive chef, he can’t be guaranteed to go table to table, every night, but when he’s not around his head chef Tom Scade – ex head chef at Tides in Cornwall and south west chef of the year a couple of years ago – can be relied upon to deliver the catch of the day in the kitchens. Blunos can be found round the back of The County Hotel – the restaurant that is, not the man. They’ve created a terrace where you can sit and enjoy the view across the home of Bath Rugby, the famous Rec towards the beauty of Bath Abbey, supping a cocktail created by Peter the new Polish bartender, who says he’s happy to be serving polite Bath customers after his days cocktail making for less well mannered types in London. He does make a mighty fine cocktail, which is the perfect overture for a theatrical experience. The dining room has been recently re-arranged to make a comfortable space where the tables are far enough apart for diners to be able to chat without their neighbours ear-wigging, and the lighting unobtrusive enough to be flattering. Gentle jazz music is playing and there’s a general air of this being a place to relax and enjoy what’s about to unfold. Natasha, an attentive waitress, gives you the option of going through to meet the fish as it were, on an iced counter. The stock is all only hours old, having been caught and carried from Looe and Plymouth that morning. The big crabs are from Port Isaac, the oysters from Sussex. The menu is designed to make the most of the south west’s superb fresh fish and it does seem a shame that we don’t generally make enough fuss about our island story, with its huge variety of fish, seafood and natural ingredients such as sea greens gathered from our coastline. While Martin is able to do his thing, demonstrating consummate skill with dishes such as a heartstoppingly lovely lobster raviolo, topped with sweet scallop, sitting in a pool of tasty yet healthy bouillon – he also caters for more traditional 70 TheBATHMagazine

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tastes with offerings such as battered fish and chips with mushy peas, or smoked salmon with blinis. Old school types will be happy with the freshly baked bread that comes, still warm, for them to nibble on at leisure. Blunos is very good on light, tasty dishes that feel healthy but pack a mighty punch in terms of flavour. My beautifully cooked sole would have been a delight on its own, but served with soft, fresh sea greens and a slice of potato and onion gratin, it was divine. A little pot of Chablis sauce is thoughtfully placed alongside for you to add. What a great antidote to those places where fish is smothered under a blanket of sauce. We tasted half a dozen dishes and can, hand on heart, say they were all memorable and delicious. Executive chef Blunos and his hardworking and loyal kitchen brigade, headed up by head chef Tom, know how to prepare and cook fresh fish to bring out its flavours. Try the Cornish mackerel, part soused, part grilled, served with beetroot and sour cream, or the Cornish crab tortellino in a warm, dense bisque. A good, crisp dry Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, Chateau du Coing 2012 (£25) accompanied our fish adventure – from a wine list unique to Blunos and devised by our very own wine columnist, the expert tastebuds of Angela Mount. Food prices range from £7.50 to £35, while wine is available by the glass or the bottle. You could even just book yourself in to indulge in the traditional culinary treat of a glass of prosecco for £6 and three oysters for £9.50. Those who have fond memories of the Michelin-starred Lettonie that Blunos and his wife Sian used to run in Newbridge, will be delighted to hear that time has merely mellowed the man and in no way diminished his enthusiasm and zest for life and good food. His culinary star shines as bright as ever and his sense of humour is just as sharp. Behind that big old Latvian moustache he is smiling. What a fitting, witty way to finish the evening, with Blunos’s famous signature dish, the trompe l’oeil egg and soldiers. He says it was originally created to grab the attention of smooching couples who weren’t paying enough attention to the dishes being put in front of them. And so it came to pass that a little boiled egg, complete with shell and glossy yellow yolk is placed before you. Even though your brain knows that this is a sweet mango and creamy vanilla pudding, the message still blips between eye, brain and your mouth, which then reports back: “Oh, hello, yummy sweet treat.” Do go along and find Blunos in his new home. I think you’ll agree it’s good to see him back in his natural habitat. Georgette McCready

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic celebrates wine from the classic regions of France

’ve chosen some of my current French favourites, which also offer great value for money. Bordeaux, Burgundy and the rhone - two very different styles of white, one of my all time favourite Rhone wines, and a Saint Emilion classic. A pleasing way to ease into winter, and also stock up early for Christmas – two of these are great party wines, and two would make very elegant partners to the Christmas feast. Chateau Sainte-Marie, Entre Deux Mers 2013 (GWW £10.95) Bath will always appreciate a rubgy-loving winemaker, so this is a great one with which to raise a glass and good luck to the Bath team this season. Ardent rugby fan Stephane Dupuch, bought the property in the early 90s, and is now producing whites and reds, crafted with care and passion. This is a fresh, lively, dry white, made from the Sauvignon blanc and Semillon grapes. The style is light and subtle, with lots of green apple crispness, mingled with fresh grapefruit, and a whiff of ripe lemon zest. If you’re not a fan of intense New World Sauvignons, and prefer softer, gentler styles, this is a good one to try – perfect with steaming hot bowls of mussels in wine and cream, and hearty fish stews; great with baked goats cheese salad too. Macon Fuisse 2013, Domaine Paquet (GWW £14.25) The Maconnais region, lying in all its bucolic glory to the south of the more famous Cotes d’Or Burgundy vineyards has always offered fantastic value in terms of wines that are Burgundian in style, without the price tag. Macon wines have a riper, broader style than their more northern Burgundian companions, due to the warmer weather, yet retain the poise, and the style of the region. This one has a dreamy charm, with its golden colour and wafts of baked russet apples aromas; creamy, floral and fresh, with a hint of cardamom spice and flavours of ripe pears, it’s a perfect, impressive all –rounder to go with all kinds of fish, baked salmon, scallops and roast chicken.

A Serial Award winning Restaurant with International reputation BEST IN BRITAIN AWARDS (BIBA) 2014 November 2013 British Curry Awards November 2013 Asian Curry Awards

4 Argyle Steet, Bath BA2 4BA. Tel. 01225 466833 / 464758 www. Rajpoot.com Connoisseurs choice for 34 Years. Open Daily.

Cotes de Ventoux, les Boudalles, Domaine Brusset 2013 (GWW £9.50) I’ve written about this wine before, but I never tire of it, and with this month’s offer, bringing it down to below £8.50, it has to be one of the best offers out there, delivering superb quality at an incredible price – a very good reason to buy this as your everyday red this month, rather than the normal supermarket brand. It’s everything that soft, easy to drink Southern Rhone red should be, but more; with real depth and style, it’s a punchy, yet smooth style of Rhone, with a super-ripe, juicy spring in its step. Brimming with glorious cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, brushed with scents of wild herbs and licorice, it’s a perfectly balanced, soft yet textured southern red, oozing velvety style. Perfect with Sunday roast lamb, but equally at home with wintry stews, or weekday cottage pie. Chateau Bertinat Lartigue, Saint Emilion 2010 (GWW £15.75) It’s lovely to see a classic Saint-Emilion, from a superb vintage, just easing out now, in all its ripe, grown-up glory. This one has benefitted from not being rushed out too young, and the result is a delicious, balanced, and smooth claret. Silky smooth, yet textured; swirl the glass and you’ll get the classic aromas of black fruits, and hints of cedarwood. It’s full of elegant, enticing flavours of ripe plums, bruised blackberries , with a hint of herbs. No harsh tannins, just smoothness. If you want a classic red for Christmas, I’d buy this now. Otherwise, just buy it to enjoy with the traditional Sunday roast – it’s a real winner. All of the above, plus a mixed case can be ordered through our website. Enjoy a 10% Great Western Wine discount by entering the code on Angela’s wine column. Visit: www.thebathmag.co.uk

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FOOD | HEROES

We’re going wild for game Sales of venison have soared by 400 per cent this year and squirrel is beginning to appear on menus. Silvana Tann talks to Derek Sealey, a seasoned veteran of the west country’s game, about the rise in interest in wild food

n Britain right now we are witnessing a revival in wild game, as sales of all types of furred and feathered meat are soaring in farmers’ markets and supermarkets alike. Game is starting to lose its reputation as a luxury food or something that is perhaps the reserve of an Oxbridge student dining society. Much of this change in attitude can be put down to its better availability in shops. Venison is in season for most of the year and in the case of game birds the old regulation that banned the sale of frozen produce outside season has been abolished. At the same time TV chef endorsements have fuelled curiosity and experimentation in home kitchens. Derek Sealey of Wiltshire Game has been working in this industry for the past 30 years. He is a major supplier across the south of England, in particular within Wiltshire, North Dorset and Somerset. In and around Bath there are several butchers and restaurateurs who sell Derek’s game, much of it shot, hung and prepared by his team. In addition his produce is sold at farmers’ markets across the Southwest including Bath Market at Green Park Station. As someone who has worked with game all his life Derek is able to give a uniquely informed perspective given the breadth of his experiences. Wiltshire Game is set in the beautiful surrounds of Tisbury in the heart of the Nadder Valley. It is a quiet chocolate box village with thatched cottages bordering on to a series of grand and imposing estates, which makes it perfect game country. It is nevertheless surprising to then find the industriously busy modern units of Derek’s family run business tucked away behind the quiet village train station. Derek’s business began as a hobby. He tells me that his grandfather used to hunt for rabbits. To earn a few extra bob he would send them by train to London during both world wars, where there was inevitably an insatiable demand. Catching rabbits was (and possibly still is) something young boys did as a matter of course in the countryside. “Like my grandfather and father, I used to catch rabbits using ferrets and nets after school,” says Derek. “People started to buy them from me. I began to prepare and sell them to family, friends and small businesses off the handle bars of my push bike.” He began to build a business around field sports when he left school. Working in partnership with local estates such as Fonthill with its indomitably impressive arching gated entrance belonging to Lord Margadale, Derek was able to set up his first business premises and work in tandem with the game seasons. This collaboration with estate land has gradually extended to include 15

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estates around Tisbury and beyond. The business now offers all types of game on a significant scale; the most popular being grouse, pheasant, duck, partridge, pigeon and venison. Certain meats, for example wild boar, are not hunted in the area; this is sourced from a reputable game supplier in Dorset. The business operates all year with its prime season running from October through to March. Alongside the core business, bronze turkeys are farmed for Christmas adding to the frenetic pace of game sales in December. Throughout the year Derek also runs a stalking business. He is emphatic about all game, yet deer stalking seems to be his true passion. The stalks take place in the twilight hours of the day at dawn and dusk. “I see it as my undisturbed thinking time when I am out on a stalk,” he says, “I am out most days on my own. I run events with clients on a one-to-one basis across the south west, the closest to Bath is in Midford. “All stalking events are professionally managed; those taking part have to meet numerous safety criteria and be respectful of the countryside. Roe, fallow, sika and muntjac are the species of deer that we have in this geography. We will only stalk discriminately and respect the age of the deer.” Derek works closely with estates and local farmers to cull deer to keep the numbers in check. Such is his expertise that he is able to age the animal by the shape of its body and the size of bucks’ antlers. In terms of game in the UK, venison in particular has seen an exponential growth in popularity with an increase of 400% in sales so far in 2014 alone. Supply is only just keeping up with the demand in the industry, It is perhaps because venison has a lot going for it. Its ferrous, gamey flavour is more interesting than most meats. Gram for gram it contains less fat than a skinless chicken breast and it boasts the highest protein and lowest cholesterol content of any mainstream meat. It is pure, unfarmed and has no additional hormones or water pumped through it before it is packaged up for sale. What’s not to like? The barrier for many consumers is the thought of Bambi with eyes as wide and deep as reflective mountain lakes that mirror your soul being served up on your dinner plate. However, one of the main reasons for the historical lack of popularity in game is probably firmly rooted in our feudal system. The word venison is a derivative of the Latin verb ‘venare’, meaning to hunt. Historically hunting for deer and other game was demarcated for aristocracy, it was notoriously the ‘sport of the Kings’. The Normans and Plantagenets restricted access to land that was ear marked as Royal Forests. Farming was prohibited in these regions to encourage the proliferation of

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FOOD | HEROES

LEAN MEAT: main picture, an expert in game can tell at a glance if a beast is fit for meat. Above, the grey squirrel, making the transition from pest to plate, and top right, venison served with port and juniper berries is a traditional autumnal dish

deer, wild boar and birds for hunting. Ordinary Britons were restricted from hunting and eating the game of the aristocracy unless they embarked on poaching expeditions. The severe penalties if caught were another major deterrent. Of course today the countryside has changed drastically from the old feudal system, and so too have the penalties for poachers. As the general public has acquired a taste for game, so too has there been a parallel rise in poaching. It is fast becoming a significant issue in the industry. A change in the law allowing the gun licensed public to use night-lights has exacerbated the problem. In turn this has led to estates policing their grounds whenever possible. “It’s a real problem,” says Derek. “The poachers shoot indiscriminately and adhere to none of the stringent DEFRA or Farming Standards Agency regulations. As well as consuming the meat themselves, they will sell it. If there are any issues with the produce there will be no traceability.” Poaching aside, there is an increasing demand for all game. There is even some interest in squirrel meat. “People can be squeamish about something like squirrel,” says Derek. “But take a look at the animal’s diet – it is so clean and healthy.

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“Squirrel meat is very much like rabbit in texture and taste. If you travel down to the River Cottage in Devon it is not unusual to see squirrel on the menu at certain times of the year. Perhaps celebrities cooking with squirrel will change the public’s perception, and rather than thinking of it as a rodent they will see it as a good healthy source of meat.” A few years ago Derek was asked to take part in one of the River Cottage cookery programmes on Channel 4 with Ted Clancy his old rabbiting friend. They took Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall out to catch rabbits. Clancy, as Derek likes to fondly call him, still works closely with Wiltshire Game and runs the stall at the Bath Farmers’ market every Saturday. Derek champions the products in the game sector and at home by cooking some dishes when he has time. He tells me that his wife is an excellent cook. His favourite dish? “Venison steaks, marinated in port, flash fried and served with a port reduction.” It sounded delicious. I left keen to make the same dish and with a whimsical hope that an ambitious Master Chef contestant might just serve squirrel steak on a future series to encourage us all to be open minded about all manner of game. n Visit: www.wiltshiregame.co.uk.

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CITY | BUSINESS

NEWS IN BRIEF ■ The Institute of Directors has appointed Hannah Goodenough as its first ever head of business development for the south west region. Hannah, who lives in Bath, will be based at the regional headquarters at the Science Park in Emerson's Green, but will be responsible for retaining and attracting membership across the south west which has branches in Bristol, Somerset, Bath and Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon and Cornwall. In the past she has headed up business development for companies, including BSCL, IT and cable network specialists, CableCom Networking and SMG Rover. The south west is one of the best represented regions of the IoD outside London. ■ Solicitor Kirstie Carr has joined the Bath office of Mogers Drewett. Kirstie, who has seven years’ experience, has a broad range of expertise including dealing with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, court of protection work and estate administration. She has also a particular interest in tax and estate planning having spent the last two years in a tax practice prior to joining Mogers Drewett. Steven Treharne, managing partner of Mogers Drewett said: “Kirstie has a proven track record of developing strong relationships with clients elsewhere which I am sure she will quickly replicate within our private client team. ■ Lisa Whitehouse-Foskett, the Bath chiropodist who runs the Charitable Foundation for the Education of Nepalese Children held a two day sale of Nepalese silk and cashmere clothes and other gifts recently. The sale was well attended and raised just over £4,200, which is enough to fund a third of a new school in Nepal. ■ Independent traders are being asked to look beyond the busy Christmas period to next spring, as plans have already begun to pull Bath in Fashion 2015 together. Next year’s festival of style takes place from 21 – 29 March and has secured major sponsorship from House of Fraser, which owns Jollys. Organisers Bath Business Improvement District Company (BID) want a citywide involvement from fashion retailers in the showcase. To register interest visit: www.bathinfashion.co.uk.

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SPA MAKES BIG ECONOMIC SPLASH Bath’s famous natural spa is the main attraction for the majority of visitors to the city, with the Thermae Bath Spa now attracting an additional spend of more than £14.6m annually into the local economy. Independent research carried out by South West Research Company shows that 61% of visitors to Thermae said that the spa was their main reason for visiting Bath. Since the new spa building opened in August 2006 the total additional spend in the local economy is over £75m. The market research also shows that 51% of the spa’s visitors were on an overnight trip to Bath and the area and 49% were local residents and day visitors.

Entrepreneur invents training ball for rugby Bath being a rugby city it is fitting that the latest innovation in the sport should be homegrown. Entrepreneur and sports fan Chris Eke has developed the Rugby Rebel wall ball, a clever snub-nosed ball which bounces back when thrown at a wall and is perfect for solo training sessions. The Rugby Rebel wall ball, which retails at £19.99, has hands printed on its sides to indicate the best handling position and arrows to show the direction of spin. Because it bounces back when thrown at a wall it allows young players to perfect their technique. Chris has already got endorsement from Bath players and former England captain Lewis Moody who said: “I love the Rugby Rebel ball, it’s a great little training tool.” He is now encouraging young people to take up

the Wall Ball Challenge and to load films of their ball skills on to YouTube for a chance to win one of Chris’s Pitch in the Bag sets for Christmas. These allow you to create your own rugby pitch at home. Find out more at www.pitchinthebag.com or www.rugbyrebel.co.uk. You can also follow Chris’s business on Twitter @TheRugbyRebel.

Capable gardener at large

LET’S GET DIGITAL

Wiltshire garden designer and a well-known face of Bath amateur theatre, Charlotte Howard, has extended her garden design and maintenance service to city gardens. Capability Charlotte can do everything from helping garden owners find the right plants for awkward spots to designing and organising the planting out of an entire garden. A keen plantswoman Charlotte has been gardening for 20 years and professionally for ten. She can provide a bespoke garden design service at competitive rates, which includes an in-depth consultation with the client, a full, measured survey and project management throughout the garden’s construction. Charlotte is introducing a new service as a personal garden stylist, transferring some of the skills she learned in fashion retail. This is aimed at those who know what they want to achieve but find nurseries daunting or their plant knowledge lacking. Charlotte will help them choose the plants and accessories to suit their taste and garden site. Capability Charlotte is also currently taking bookings to source, style and plant colourful window boxes, planters and tubs for private homes and businesses ready for a Christmas display. Contact Charlotte tel: 07850 065470 or visit: www.capabilitycharlotte.com.

When we die, who will look after our Facebook and our personal email accounts? That’s just one of the matters to consider in the 2014 Bath Digital Festival, which opened on Monday 27 October and runs until 5 November. The third annual festival is a ten day celebration of informative and fun events held at various locations in Bath and is aimed at those who already work in the digital industries and anyone who interacts with digital, whether it be social media, games, or even just struggling how to work their iPad. Events include The SPARKies, digital and tech awards for people working in the digital industry in Bath and Bristol, on Thursday 30 October and on Monday 3 November there’s a day aimed at people starting up in the industry and looking for advice. Also on Monday 3 November is the seminar on the post-death afterlife of a person’s digital assets. Explore more about managing your assets after you’re gone and who they belong to. On Tuesday 4 October the City of Bath College is hosting a free afternoon of students working alongside older people to help them learn more about using their gadgets. There will be sessions on iPhones, photographs, tablets and about social media, with the opportunity for one-to-one tuition. Spaces will be limited so booking is advised. For a full list of events see http://2014.bathdigitalfestival.com. Tickets are all available from the website.

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CITY | PEOPLE

Making their mark It was our feature in October’s issue about the thriving creative industry in Bath that set up a buzz about the many businesses who work in the digital world of designing adverts, making websites and helping others build and grow their brands. One such agency is award-winning Bath Marketing Consultancy, founded and headed up by Paul Tagent, pictured. Paul has worked with organisations of all sizes in leading marketing agencies in London, the Channel Islands and the west country, his clients include Intire, Stephen Graver and Mowbray Woodwards. He offers these wise words on selling your benefits: “When dealing with prospects, there is often an overwhelming temptation to talk about what interests you, ie the features of what you are selling or the mechanics, rather than the benefits that should accrue to the prospect as a result of working with you. For a number of clients, going into detail about the actual mechanics of what you do could work against you so I suggest you keep them in a black box only to be opened if requested. This will allow you to adopt a sort of laddering approach with your marketing; moving from feature to benefit, using phrases such as: ‘and this provides you with….’ ‘which means you’ll be able to …’ ‘allowing your company to….’ Try this out; practice it when running marketing initiatives and use the word “you” or “your company” – words for that personal focus. Your marketing should be about reassurance and keeping things simple.” Contact Bath Marketing Consultancy tel: 01225 436426, visit: www.bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk. Another thriving business in Bath’s digital world is The House, a brand agency based in Gay Street, run by partners Graham Massey and Steve Fuller, pictured. The pair set up business in the 90s, but have re-positioned themselves from working in the food and drink sector to concentrate on smaller companies with an ethical stance. This strategy has paid off as The House reports a doubling in profits in two years. Clients include the solar arm of British Gas, social landlord Curo and homeless charity Julian House.

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Silver anniversary for independent Independent estate agent Cobb Farr is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a champagne party at Woods restaurant this month for clients and friends of the business from as far back as 1989. Looking back over the past 25 years managing director Philip Cobb, said: “Cobb Farr has evolved and been built on close relationships with our clients, many of whom have become friends and remained loyal to the company since its establishment. They have appreciated our expertise and knowledge of the market place in Bath and now Bradford-on-Avon, together with the empathy the staff in both offices, many of whom have been with the company for over 10 years, have shown towards them. I would like to think that our careful, sympathetic approach to the sometimes difficult and emotional process of selling property, has helped to enhance our reputation over the past 25 years.” Our first ever sale was a second floor, one bedroom apartment on The Royal Crescent which sold for £110,000 to an overseas buyer from Kenya. That same property recently sold for £385,000! The market has been transformed since 1989, a town house sold in November that year, in St James Square, achieved a price of £480,000 with the same

property recently selling for close to £2 million.” But, it’s also remarkable how our industry has changed. No more sticking hundreds of photographs on details or having to retake dreadful photographs. Digital photography, computers and now mobile phones together with tablets have altered our business and the way we work tremendously.” Philip believes Cobb Farr has embraced these changes while retaining its personal client care, meaning his company has remained one of the most popular in the area.

Building a gingerbread house business As you browse Bath Christmas Market, look out for the delightful gingerbread houses made by Bath mum Julie Beale, who has created a new way of putting these notoriously fiddly festive centrepieces together. Julie began her own business at home and used the Bath Christmas Market to launch her products to a new level. She explains how it all began: “Inspiration struck one year as I struggled to make the annual family Christmas gingerbread house and a completely novel method of construction was born. Bickie-boo was made into a product reality – to help everyone to have an easier time of constructing their gingerbread houses this Christmas. Tying the pieces together means minutes, rather than frustrating hours, to construct the house.” After a year of preparation, which included product design, qualifying in food hygiene, designing a website, branding, packaging and food standards legislation, plus legal protection of the idea through the Intellectual Property Office, Bickie-boo debuted at the Bath Christmas Market last year. Julie was relieved that the kits were well received, with her initial investment recouped in a matter of days. But while the business has grown, Julie’s is still working from her Bath home: “Making and baking at home is still happening for this year’s Christmas Market – my Aga is too good to leave. But I am currently in negotiations for warehouse storage and expanding the product range by working collaboratively with other designers in producing a

children’s apron and offering children’s parties.” The latest in the range are 3D words with a festive theme. The word Noel tied together with gingham ribbon makes a festive centrepiece and can be tucked into once the Christmas feasting is over. Bickie-boo’s stall at this year’s market will be on the north side of Bath Abbey, by the taxi rank and opposite Orange Grove. Bickie-Boo products are at Hartley Farm Shop, for gingerbread kits, Toll Gate Cafe, on A46 for biscuit creations and The Grocer on Locksbrook for Gingerbread Kits. Contact Bickie-boo, email: info@bickie-boo.co.uk or visit the online shop: www.bickie-boo.co.uk.

Young artists spread the firework safety message Children from 44 schools in Bath and North East Somerset have been busy designing fireworks safety posters for the annual competition sponsored by Bath Building Society and supported by The Rotary Club Bath, held to coincide with the annual city fireworks display on Saturday 8 November. Posters have been judged on their fireworks safety message and artistic merit, with four age group categories in the competition. There is also a category for special schools. The judges were: Cllr Cherry Beath, Mayor of Bath, Tiffany Hardie-Evans, Cllr Martin Veal, Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Watch Manager Dan Stride, Technical Safety Officer from Avon Fire & Rescue Service and Alan Keeling the President of The Rotary Club Bath. All entrants will be given a free voucher that can be exchanged for a ticket when purchasing an adult ticket.

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Moving income to your children for tax advantage Parents often transfer shares in their companies to their younger children to try to avoid tax by making use of the child’s tax free allowance and lower tax rates. These attempts can of course be overturned by HMRC using ‘settlement legislation’ which means that the dividends paid to children (minors) count as the income of the parent. However there is merit in the arrangement, as the tax that the parent pays won’t be any more than it would have been otherwise and when the child reaches 18 the rules won’t apply; the parent won’t be paying tax on the dividend and the child can potentially begin to receive a tax free income (a great help for University fees). Capital gains tax needs to be considered when the shares are transferred, but with planning the issue can be minimised, especially if the transfers take place in the early years of the business. Another benefit - the company can buy back the shares when the child is older or they can be sold to the parent; both routes offer tax free opportunities and can help get some very useful funds to a child. This subject is of course different to paying salaries to family members, which was covered in a previous month. At OCL we have been looking after SMEs (start ups to turnovers of £3 million) for more than twenty years; we would be pleased to meet you to discuss any tax, financial and accounting matters that would help you, including how we can help you save money. See our website for more – and download our FREE guides

“For us, in our 30 years experience, OCL Accountancy is the best fit we have found” Call Marie Maggs or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting 141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL

Call Monahans Financial Services now on 01225 472800 Lennox House, 3 Pierrepont St, Bath BA1 1LB

www.monahans-fsl.co.uk

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Specialist advice across a range of financial services Planning for retirement? Worried about Inheritance Tax? Our financial planning advice delivers solutions tailored to your needs.

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A DV E RTO R I A L F EATURE

How do I minimise the impact of separation? By Clare Webb, Sharp Family Law - Bath Divorce Solicitors. T: 01225 448955 www.sharpfamilylaw.com

he children have long since gone back to school and you reflect on the Summer with the family and in particular how you felt. No better, you conclude. You loved spending time with the children but the time you spent with your partner/spouse was not enjoyable. You have grown apart, your lives are rapidly flying in separate directions and nothing, not even that ‘last resort holiday’, is going to repair the relationship. The crushing reality that you want a separation is one thing but the surge of questions that follow is just as overwhelming. “What do I do now? How do I start the process of separation? Who do I need to speak to? If this sounds familiar and either you or someone you know is having these thoughts then here are a few ideas that might help you find clarity at a deeply emotional and confusing time:

TALK OPENLY… This may seem relatively straightforward but it is often the hardest thing to do. The way you have spoken to one another or the lack of interaction may be one of the reasons you’re in this position. Despite this, talking to one another is so important. There will be much to discuss, from how to tell the children to what do you do with the family home. The answers to these questions will be more difficult to arrive at if you do not talk them through with each other. LISTEN CAREFULLY… There may be a lot that you want to get off your chest. However try to remember that your WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

partner/spouse might also have much to say and if you do not listen actively you might miss something of importance that will help you move forward. Treat them in a way in which you would expect to be treated and you may find that tackling those difficult topics is not as challenging as you first fear.

aim is to help you protect those relationships most important to you and to avoid a situation of prolonged conflict. If you would like to speak to us, please call Clare Webb on 01225 448 955 or email clare@sharpfamilylaw.com.

SHARE FREELY… You will inevitably need to have discussions about your finances. Historically your partner/spouse has dealt with all of the money and having to understand the financial landscape is baffling. In order to be in a position to make important decisions about how to share your financial resources, you need to know what financial resources are available to you. Share information with each other and do not be tempted to hide anything. You should both be open and transparent so as to find workable solutions. CHOOSE WISELY… Whether or not you are struggling with any or all of the above, facing the challenge of separation is daunting. That is where any one of the specialist family and divorce solicitors and mediators at Sharp Family Law can help. Each family is unique and there are a variety of ways in which the issues that inevitably arise from separation can be dealt with. As the largest niche firm of family solicitors in Bath, we are committed to providing tailored advice to each individual, listening to what is most important so that you can choose wisely the approach and outcome that you believe will suit you and your family. In doing so, not only do we advise on the legal issues of separation but also we help steer you through the financial and emotional difficulties that require attention. Our

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Helping clients to reach solutions 5, Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH, UK email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07766 107527 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com NOVEMBER 2014

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

AUTO ENROLMENT – ARE YOU READY? By now, most business owners would have heard of auto-enrolment, but no doubt it will be near the bottom of their ‘to do’ list. With many small businesses having staging dates in 2016/17, it’s easy to understand why dealing with it is currently being shelved, but we believe it is wise for businesses to take advice now, rather than wait until it may be too late.

What’s it all about? The cost – more than just contributions The government has introduced Automatic Enrolment to ensure people provide for their retirement. Every employer in the UK will automatically enrol eligible workers into a pension scheme and collect and pay over their pension contributions to a recognised pension provider. So what do I need to do? The first step is to find out what your staging date is – the size of your business and your PAYE reference will determine when this is. For businesses with staff numbers less than 50, this date will be between August 2015 and February 2018. But don’t now sit back and do nothing! The important next step is to talk to a pension advisor and work out what sort of scheme and provider is best for your business and workforce. It is key to get a scheme sorted sooner rather than later, as a large demand for schemes is expected and, if you leave it too late, you may have little choice over what scheme you can have. But then there’s the administration.... Unfortunately, setting the scheme up is just the beginning. Once a scheme is in place, and auto enrolment has been communicated to your staff, the administration of auto enrolment kicks in. It will be down to the employer to assess the workforce every payroll run and decide who should be auto enrolled or re-enrolled and keep the employees informed with letters detailing the reasons for auto enrolment and the contributions to be deducted. From our experience, for small businesses this is likely to be quite a burden and the penalties for noncompliance are sizeable. 82 TheBATHMagazine

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Contributions from October 2017 will be 5% of which a minimum of 2% will need to come from the employer and from October 2018 this rises to 8% with a minimum of 3% from the employer. In addition to the increased payroll costs of the contributions themselves, employers will need to budget for adapting their payroll processes to support auto enrolment. You may have the resource to cope in-house, otherwise you’ll need to outsource compliance to a payroll provider or look to use your pension scheme’s ‘middleware’ software. The costs for the outsourced options are likely to be £5-£15 per employee per month. There will also be a cost attached to receiving the initial Debbie Boulton advice on choosing a scheme from a pension advisor – an estimate for this would be £50-£150 per employee/s cheme member. To summarise For small businesses, this feels like yet another administrative burden to overcome. But, the thoughts behind making sure everyone saves for their retirement are sound, and employers can see this as an opportunity to reward their staff and include pension contributions within the overall remuneration package. By acting now, the associated costs can be planned for and built into future cash flow, eliminating any last minute surprises. If you want to discuss how auto-enrolment will affect your business, contact Debbie Boulton db@richardsonswift.co.uk

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

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

Season of bonfires and lanterns Make your own paper lantern and join a procession through the streets of Bath – just one of the highlights of family-orientated events and activities in November An Elephant in the Garden Tuesday 4 – Saturday 15 November The Tobacco Factory Theatres, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF We know that there are legions of Michael Morpurgo fans in Bath who will want to hear about this new adaptation from Simon Reade of Morpurgo’s novel. In Dresden, 1945, Lizzie, her mother and Marlene, an elephant from the zoo, flee the Allied fire-bombing in the end-game of the Second World War. Escaping the Allies’ advance from the west and the Russian armies from the east this extraordinary trio have all kinds of adventures. For show times and tickets tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Indoor Bonfire Party Friday 7 November, 5pm – 7.30pm My Small World, 18 Little Southgate, Bath No loud bangs, and the most gorgeously creative indoor bonfire night you’ll find anywhere . . . Think scrumptious supper, hot chocolate, bonfire building, story time and torchlight delights. £10 per child. Suitable ages two to eight. Bring a blanket and a torch. Tel: 01225 938338 or visit www.mysmallworld.co.uk. Mucky Pup Friday 7 – Sunday 9 November The egg theatre, Sawclose, Bath The Stage has raved about this show, which is about an unlikely friendship between a very tidy boy and a very scruffy dog. Presented by Theatre Alibi it’s suitable for children aged five and over. Tickets: adults £7.50, children £6.50, tel: 01225 823409. Also at the egg this month The Eleventh Hour: the Great War Project Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November This is a new production for the egg Young People’s Theatre and written by Paul Dodgson. There are four new stories, all inspired by the First World War. Suitable for people aged 12 and over. Tickets: £7. Cooking in the Woods Sunday 9 November, 10.30am – 3pm The National Trust’s Fairy Wood, Bath Skyline

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Join the Bath Skyline rangers around a roaring campfire in a beautiful beech wood. Help prepare, cook and eat lunch with pudding, all cooked over the fire. All food, drink and cooking equipment will be provided. Lower age limit for cooking is ten. Younger children are welcome to attend and play in the woods. Wear warm clothes suitable for the outdoors. Toilet and hand washing facilities available. Booking essential, tel: 01225 833422. £10 adults, £5 children (10 – 16), u10s free. Horse + Bamboo Puppet Theatre present Hansel and Gretel Saturday 15 November, 2pm The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham With music and film, puppets and masks, Horse + Bamboo have baked up a delicious treat of a show. Suitable for children aged five and over. Tickets: £6 (£5 concessions), £20 family Tel: 01249 701628. Also at the Pound this month Christmas Angels & Stars Saturday 29 November, 10am – noon Award-winning artist Celia Smith leads this workshop to make Christmas decorations using wires and bendy materials. Create an angel and a star to take home. Suitable for children aged five and over. Please bring an adult. £10. Peter Penguin’s Lighthouse Party: family show Sunday 16 November, 3pm The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon This is an inter-active family concert by one of Britain’s leading wind ensembles the Galliard Ensemble. With a sprinkle of Mozart, Rossini and Schumann and a lot of friendly penguins, this is a fun-filled hour for little ones. Tickets: £8 adults, £4 under 18s. Tel: 01225 860100.

The Holburne Lantern Procession Thursday 20 November, 5.30pm The Holburne Museum, followed by the streets of Bath city centre Free (procession sets off at 6pm) Bring your lanterns to join this annual procession through the streets of Bath with hundreds of withy and tissue lanterns, light and music. There will be workshops for families to build their own lantern. To book a place at a workshop at a cost of £4 per lantern call 01225 388569. These take place on Tuesdays 11 and 18 November, 3.45-5.45pm or Sunday 16 November 11-1pm or 2-4pm. Wear something snug, warm and waterproof on the night and please bring a grown-up if you’re under 16. The theme is On the High Seas. Imagine voyages of discovery; you might see a shark, a turtle a seahorse or even a whole shoal of fish! Also at the Holburne this month Family workshop: Decorative Plates Sunday 30 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm Artist Paula Tew will lead this session, inspired by the transfer printed ceramics of Paul Scott. Suitable for children age seven and over, who must bring an adult – so you can both take part in creating a plate to take home. Tickets: adults £15, children £7. Booking required, tel: 01225 388569. Slava’s Snowshow Wednesday 26 – Sunday 30 November, show times vary Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath This family-friendly show of joy, snow and comedy has delighted audiences in 120 cities throughout 30 countries over 20 years. Expect to get pleasantly immersed as the auditorium is filled with tiny paper snowflakes. Recommended for children aged eight and over. Tel: 01225 448844

Parent and baby screening Every Wednesday 10.45am Komedia,Westgate Street,Bath Mums and dads are welcome to take their buggies in to the screening of popular films, suitable for grown-ups, while their babies simply relax. Bean bags are provided, crying is not a problem. Check out the latest programme of screenings at www.picturehouses.co.uk, tel: 0871 9025735.

Sci fi festival: family day Saturday 29 November, 10am – 5pm Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset Appearances from Jedi Knights, Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, R2D2, Darth Maul, Droids, Batman, Hell Boy, Terminator, Klingons and more from all over the galaxy plus guest celebrities from Star Wars and Doctor Who. Visitors are welcome to come dressed as their favourite sci-fi character and take part in hands-on family activities. For tickets tel: 01935 840 665 or visit: www.fleetairarm.com.

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Grow your own business Somerset flower farmer Georgie Newbery has written a beautiful guide to growing cut flowers for pleasure and for profit

he same people who are asking where their meat comes from, how their vegetables are grown and how many chemicals have been used from garden fork to plate, are also questioning the source of the flowers they buy from florists and supermarkets. Just as we think about food miles, shouldn’t we be considering flower miles – why fly in blooms dunked in fungicide from South America or Kenya? Isn’t it time we revelled in the seasonality of British grown flowers? These are all points raised by Somerset flower farmer Georgie Newbery, who runs Common Farm Flowers and who sells bouquets for weddings, funerals and individuals, by post 12 months of the year. Her business has grown from a modest bed in the corner of her vegetable plot in 2010 to a thriving market garden employing three fulltime staff plus part-time support. Georgie, who has a background in writing and fashion, has written The Flower Farmer’s Year, a beautiful and practical guide to growing cut flowers for pleasure and for profit. It’s the sort of book that will make you want to jack in your day job and start growing sweet peas, dahlias and roses for a living. Georgie takes the reader through every aspect of growing cut flowers for profit, from preparing and feeding the soil through to which flowers to grow and how to price and sell them. It seems a very generous move on her part, sharing some of the secrets she’s learned along the way. As she says: “Turning Common Farm Flowers into serious business has been an exhausting ride, during which I’ve felt as though the learning curve has been so steep that I’ve been hanging on by my fingertips. I am (or perhaps was) no businesswoman, and I’ve had no training in marketing. The many lessons we’ve learned are included in this book, so there’s no need for you too to learn them the hard way!” She warns anyone thinking of growing commercially that they can’t have beautiful borders and make money at the same time – those flowers need to be cut, plunged straight into water and prepared for sale. There are chapters on which perennials, biennials and annuals to choose. These range from the romantic love-in-a-mist in blue or white to cottage garden favourites such as Sweet Williams and foxgloves. And if you’re 86 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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preparing bouquets for weddings you’ll need greenery, such as lady’s mantle (alchemilla mollis), bronze fennel and smoke tree. There’s a whole chapter on roses. It’s sad but true that most of the roses we buy have absolutely no scent. The roses picked from our own gardens, early in the morning with natural diamonds of dew drops, offer a scent that’s heady and full of nostalgia. Georgie’s favourites include the old rose varieties and says those such as A Shropshire Lad, Madame Alfred Carriere and City of York take centre stage in the sort of natural, old fashioned jam jar posies currently so popular at weddings. She says: “Nobody should have to accept scentless roses: a rose with no scent is like unfinished silk, a painting with no colour, a sunny day clouded over.” And while you can’t equal an English rose for beauty, delicacy and scent, the English wildflower is evocative of happy days of childhood romping through meadows – even for those who’ve never actually gambolled anywhere near a meadow. Cow parsley and oxeye daisies are beautiful in a summer display, and you can even include the notoriously delicate buttercup if you’re careful. Buttercups will never travel out of water and will drop their petals if treated roughly, but as Georgie says, if you can treat them gently “one single buttercup in a wedding bouquet is like a drop of magic to cheer the most nervous bride.” You could simply enjoy this book as a home gardener and flower arranger, making bouquets and posies for friends and family, or, if you read diligently through it and absorb all the information about the money-making side of things, you might even changed the direction of your life. And how many books make you want to do that?

Creating a willow circle If you think artisan flower growing is a job just for the summer, think again. Even in November it’s possible to find colour and texture in the garden and in the hedgerows. Georgie Newbery’s list of floristry for making Christmas decorations includes: dried hydrangea flowers, mistletoe, old man’s beard, rose hips, seedheads from nigella, poppy or honesty, teasels and spindle berries. For a homegrown willow circle, cut nine 3 metre (10ft) lengths of willow,

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GROWING | BUSINESS

FESTIVE FLORALS: above, gather berries, seedheads and foliage from the garden or hedgerow to make Christmas willow circles Centre, Flower Farmer Georgie Newbery, photo by Heather Edwards Follow Georgie on Twitter @TheFlowerFarmer

ideally in different shades, or dogwood and three one metre (3ft) lengths of thin willow whips for binding. Work the willow to soften it before you start or it will crack. Push it through your hands, using your thumbs to soften it and separate the fibres inside. Once you can feel it softened (some people soak theirs in cold water for a few days) patiently twist the willow into a circle, going round two or three times, weaving the end through as if you were loosely sewing. Don’t worry if the first circle is a little off-centre. As you add the other lengths of willow in the same manner, it will get stronger and more circular. Then use the thin whips of willow to bind the circle in three places, tucking the ends in at the beginning and end of the twist (you might need pliers to help you tuck the end in). Now gather the foliage, trailing ivy, seedheads and berries, maybe some tufts of old man’s beard or dried statice flowers, and cut them roughly into 10ins to 12ins lengths. Using fine wire, make one small bunch, then lay the next one on top of the stalks of the previous bunch and wire together. Keep going until you have a garland, like a long ribbon of green material. Try not to make the garland too bunchy or heavy. The finished garland should be about half or three quarters the circumference of your willow circle. Attach the garland to the

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willow circle using the thin wire. To finish off, tie ribbon to the circle. How much you use, and what colour, is simply a matter of personal taste. Georgie recommends that if you’re making lots of wreaths to sell that you invest in some very good hand cream. You can join in a thread about British flowers on Monday evenings between 8 and 9pm on Twitter. Look out for, and use, the hashtag #britishflowers. n

Reader offer The Flower Farmer’s Year is published in hardback by Green Books. It normally retails at £19.95, but Green Books is offering readers of The Bath Magazine a 30% discount and free delivery of the book for orders between 28 October and 30 November 2014. To order, visit: http://www.greenbooks.co.uk/flower-farmer and use the voucher code: BMAG2014

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Christmas Gifts available

Tel: 01225 462 462 The Old Post Office, High St, Bathampton, BA2 6SY Visit www.handsonhealthbath.co.uk for a full list of treatments

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

FIT & FAB

Three new beauty brands come to Bath, a skin expert comes to visit from her London clinic, plus a gentle therapy that teaches adults how to move and stand to avoid pain

Find a new direction BAD HABITS: as babies we were able to sit comfortably with erect head and spine – but many adults lose the ability to hold their bodies naturally, which can lead to aches and pains

Mike James, who teaches the Alexander Technique in Bath, gives us an insight into the therapy: Frederick Matthias Alexander died in 1955 believing that the legacy he left behind was unlikely to survive him for long. Yet almost 60 years later, there are countless thousands who have benefitted from his work on the human body. Alexander was an actor who experienced bouts of hoarseness while working in Australia in the late 19th century. He set out to find answers by using mirrors to observe himself in the act of public speaking. This lead to his discovery of a dynamic relationship between the neck, head, and back, which he found affects the functioning of the rest of the human organism. Alexander progressed his work and brought his teachings to London. While the application of Alexander’s concepts may not be easy to grasp, its on-going application is what has brought benefits to so many since Alexander pioneered his work. Richard S was a client. He says: “I came to the Alexander Technique because of chronic lower back pain, but soon realised this work was not so much a way of dealing with specific ailments, but of unlearning bad habits developed over many years. I was shown how following a series of directions could improve my breathing, posture, and coordination. This not only started to alleviate back pain but also brought other health benefits. Although the principles on which the technique are based may seem straightforward, unlearning habits developed over a lifetime is not easy. The role of the teacher in guiding, identifying, and reinforcing the often subtle adjustments needed while taking Alexander’s ideas on board is crucial, and the knowledge I have gained through lessons has enabled me to begin to learn the changes necessary to benefit from them.” Learning the technique involves one-to-one lessons with a teacher who has qualified from a registered training course (www.stat.org.uk). Students are encouraged to carry out everyday activities such as sitting and standing, while gentle guidance is provided by the teacher’s hands, suggesting areas of unnecessary tension and new ways of approaching simple activities. On application of the work, students report feeling lighter, gaining height, and relief from aches, pains, and various ailments. The principles have to be applied by the student in order to achieve a long lasting effect. But it is the long-term application of the technique that results in longterm benefits. Mike has been teaching since 2002. He has a teaching practice at The Therapy Rooms, at Seasons on George Street. For more information or to book a lesson visit www.theuseoftheself.com. n 90 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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here’s great excitement in the newly revamped beauty hall at Jollys, where every brand has been moved around and best selling Mac has taken pride of place at the street entrance. Behind the scenes our old favourites, like Clarins, Bobbie Brown, Origins, Sisley and Lancome are still there – but there are three new arrivals. Giorgio Armani Beauty and fragrance has a good looking new counter near the door, while popular brand Nars also has a front-of-house spot. Giorgio Armani Beauty’s celebrity fans include Cate Blanchett, Margot Robbie, Emma Watson and Adele, who all use the Luminous Silk Foundation, pictured, rrp £34.50 These two brands are joined in the beauty hall by third newcomer to Bath, skincare range Clarisonic. Just as we now use electric toothbrushes to care for our teeth, we can now use a cleansing brush, the Aira Sonic which pulses away gently but effectively cleansing the skin.

INTENSELY RED: Rouge Ecstasy, the Colour Care lipstick by Giorgio Armani Beauty launched last year and for Christmas there will be three limited edition new shades in a collection called Reds from Elsewhere

NARS is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and arriving in Bath for the first time. Founder Francoise Nars has picked actress Charlotte Rampling as the face for the brand, because, he says: “she is a modern Renaissance woman.” The brand has launched its bold range of Audacious lipsticks which are now available on counter in Jollys, rrp £24

TACKLING AGEING A top Knightsbridge clinic, run by Dr Rakus, and specialising in rejuvenation treatments including fillers and muscle relaxant injections, has forged a relationship with Bath beauty salon the Orangery, to hold regular sessions at the Kingsmead Square premises. Dr Rakus’s associate Dr Sherina Balaratnam will be holding two sessions in Bath, on Tuesday 11 November and on Tuesday 9 December. Appointments are now being made for consultations. To arrange a free consultation call the Orangery on tel: 01225 466851, or call in for a discreet chat.

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THE PRESENCE OF THE PAST Explore the county borders of Wiltshire and Hampshire where layers of history can be written into the landscape. Andrew Swift plots a route that packs a lot of sites into just a few miles

our walk for November is on the borders of Wiltshire and Hampshire. It follows well-worn tracks across virtually level terrain and packs an astonishing amount into a short space – panoramic views, beech woods, downland, green lanes, a prehistoric ditch and a lost Roman Road. What it does not have is a pub en route, although there is an excellent one a short distance away. The starting point is near the village of Bowerchalke, around 40 miles southeast of Bath and nine miles from Salisbury. If you wanted to stop in the village, Holy Trinity Church dates back to the 13th century and is the final resting place of William Golding, 20th century author of Lord of the Flies. Golding, despite being a Cornishman, who died in his native county, chose to be buried in the Wiltshire village where he had spent almost 30 years and where he wrote many of his novels. He had an affinity with the Wiltshire landscape in which he said he could feel the power of thousands of years of history, as he wrote: “The whole land is seamed and furrowed with ditches, erupts with grassy forts and is scattered with the mounds of enigmatic graves.” Head south-west from Bowerchalke, taking a left turn to follow a minor road up Cross Bottom to Cow Down Hill, where there is ample parking amid a beech copse on the left-hand side of the road (SU023216). From here, walk south along the lane south for 250m. When the lane swings right at Cutler’s Corner, on the border of Wiltshire and Hampshire, fork left along a bridleway, which turns out to be an overgrown green lane between fields. After 650m, at a spot known as Kitt’s Grave, you enter the woodland of Vernditch Chase, where the path forks, and you bear right along a bridleway. Vernditch Chase was once much larger, but by the early 20th century had not only dwindled to its present size, but seemed to be in terminal decay. Fortunately, 94 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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it was bought by the composer H Balfour Gardiner who, together with his nephew, Rolf Gardiner, planted around four million trees in a bid to restore it to its former glory. It is to him that we owe the survival of this glorious stretch of woodland. Rolf’s son, the conductor John Eliot Gardiner, still has a 500acre organic farm nearby. After 250m, when the path forks again, bear left through a gate and carry straight on, ignoring paths leading left and right (SU033209). After 300m, you will see a wide, shallow trench running alongside the path on the right. This is a Bronze Age earthwork known as Grim’s Ditch. As you carry on, you will see Grim’s Ditch curving away out of sight to the south. Keep a lookout, though, for a little further on it swings back to the north and cuts across the path (SU039211). Soon after this, the path bears left. Carry on as it winds through the woods, and, when you come to a lane, cross and follow a footpath on the other side, bearing right at a fork to follow the course of a Roman road (SU046215). Although largely overgrown, the agger or embankment which carried the road – which ran from Old Sarum to Badbury Rings in Dorset – is still clear. Ivan D Margery, who wrote a guide to the Roman roads of Britain in the 1950s, regarded this as one of the best preserved Roman roads in the country. He declared: ‘it is impossible to exaggerate, and indeed difficult adequately to describe the magnificence’ of it, adding that ‘one feels that one must be viewing the embankment of an abandoned main-line railway rather than a Roman road!’ After 1300m, when green lanes branch left and right, bear left (SU054224). After 550m you come to the Ox Drove, along which cattle were driven from the west country to markets in London. Here you have a choice. For the shorter, easier option, bear left along the Ox Drove and skip the next paragraph.

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THE | WALK

CHALK DOWNS: main picture, Vernditch Chase Inset, the old Roman Road Above, a green lane on Middleton Down, and right, looking south from the woods of Vernditch Chase

For a longer walk, taking in Middleton Down Nature Reserve, carry straight on, following a green lane downhill. After 700m, go through a five-bar gate on the left and head uphill beside a fence. Follow the track as it curves away from the fence and go through a stile just down from the far corner of the field. Carry on through two kissing gates and carry on alongside a fence for a few metres, before heading left downhill and bearing right to follow a footpath up the valley. After going through another kissing gate, bear left along a green lane, and at a T junction turn right along the Ox Drove (SU046226). Carry on along the Ox Drove as it passes several large buildings and crosses a lane. After another 1700m, you will see the beech copse on Cow Down Hill – and the end of the walk – ahead. n

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FURTHER INFORMATION ■

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Length of walk: short walk, 5 miles; longer walk, 6 miles Map: OS Explorer 118 Approximate time: 2½ to 3½ hours Refreshment stops: the closest pub is The Horseshoe at Ebbesbourne Wake (SP5 5JF) Tel: 01722 780474.

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INTERIORS | TRENDS

2 DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015

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INTERIORS | TRENDS

Bath-based interior designer Clair Strong visited the big London design shows to find out which interior trends and products are heading our way

or two weeks this autumn, the world’s biggest and brightest in design talent descended on London to exhibit their latest work. Every year the London Design Festival showcases the most innovative and aesthetically pleasing international product and furniture design. It’s the LFW (London Fashion Week) for interiors – where the trends for the next 12 months are revealed. Some of the major shows include Decorex (a 38-year tradition), 100% Design, Tent and Super Brands London, and Design Junction. But all over London you’ll find pop up shops, showrooms and art galleries - including the V&A, celebrating design. As a Bath-based interior designer I’m a regular at the London Design Festival and find the shows a great source of inspiration. I love coming into a new season with a notebook full of fresh ideas. My clients are a stylish, discerning bunch, but they don’t necessarily have the time to keep up with evolving trends. It’s my job to do that for them. So, what’s the inside scoop on the latest trends? Which brands should we be looking out for? Here are a few snippets from my notebook.

Trend Spotting Scandinavian design is still making waves. The trademark of this trend is beautiful craftsmanship, natural materials (especially wood) and sleek form. Denmark based furniture designers, Mater, exhibited at Tent this year, showing pieces such as the Shell lounge and dining chair made from hand-stitched leather seats on a wooden frame, and the beautiful acorn-shaped Terho lamp which is made from hand-blown glass and alder wood. Ceramic and stone tiles in every shape and size are hugely popular at the moment. I was struck by the large format, oversized tiles as well as tiny, delicate mosaics. The more traditional, muted offerings are of course still on trend, alongside slightly quirkier patterned tiles. There is a focus on reclaimed materials and more sustainable production methods. Renowned architectural salvage company, Bert and May, were exhibiting their reclaimed and handmade tiles at both 100% Design and Decorex. ‘Handmade’ was another major theme throughout this year’s shows. The handmade trend has been blossoming for a few years but it has really come into its own recently. At Design Junction’s Flash Factories exhibit, visitors got to see how companies like Bert and May, Waterford Crystal and Coakley & Cox make their products. There were similar craft demonstrations at Decorex, the highlights of which included rug weaving by Front London and block printed

wallpapers by Watts of Westminster. As for colours, deep sea hues were the focus at Decorex; teal, rich greens and a variety of blues. These were contrasted against copper and brass accents, creating a really striking but cosy effect. Walls in navy, dark grey and black were also featured proving that dramatic, moody hues are the order of the day. But there was a lighter side too, with a delightfully modern autumnal leaf combination at 100% Design in yolk yellow, apple green and rust orange teamed together with concrete and wood. Geometric patterns are still big in textiles, as are bold Ikat prints. Classic tartan is back (did it ever really leave?) and circular patterns are also having a moment. It wasn’t so much the patterns themselves, but the use of them that really wowed at this year’s shows. Patterned tiles, sculpted wooden wall surfaces and fantastically elaborate wallpapers are just a few examples. But it was the vast array of lovely natural fabrics; linens, cottons and wool, that I found myself especially drawn to; hardly surprising as it’s often the simplest items that make the biggest impact.

My Show Stoppers No design show is complete without a few outlandish exhibitions. There were plenty, of course, in London this year. I noted that particularly interesting furniture has been coming out of Lithuania, Slovenia and Estonia recently. Lina Furniture, for example, exhibited their award-winning modular ‘chair’; large, colourful balls that provide a comfortable, adaptable and playful seating arrangement. Timorous Beasties, a Glasgow based wallpaper design studio, showed off its new collection of dramatic illustrated papers, created in collaboration with Tektura. Worcester based Macmaster produce timber based lighting and furniture products, the Lotus and Bloom pendant lampshades were particular favourites. Practical home and office solutions are always well received. I’ve found that many of my clients want to find ways to make life simpler; whether that’s by reducing clutter or creating more productive work spaces. With that in mind; The Work Desk by Lithuanian designer Ausrine Augustinaite is minimalist perfection, while the Air Charge by Ergo offers sleek and ever so neat wireless charging solutions for phones and tablets. As for bike storage, Woodstick showed they have that covered, as you can see above, with ultra cool indoor bike shelves/racks that are as much a style statement as they are a practicality. n Visit: www.clairstrong.co.uk

DESIGNS ON YOU: this page, burl wooden hanging bike rack by Woodstick from Design Junction. Opposite page: 1 bedside table by Pinch at 100% Design and Decorex. 2 Lina Furniture’s spherical chairs attracted a lot of interest at 100% Design. 3 Coat stands by Horm at 100% Design. 4 Lighting at 100% Design. 5 Tom Raffield’s lighting stand at Design Junction 6 Bike wrap. 7 Colour swatches at 100% Design. 8 Macmaster lights at 100% Design. With thanks to photographer Theo Cohen at 100% Design

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THE INBETWEENERS

Make the most of the autumn for gardening before the onset of December and Christmas says Jane Moore as she shares some of her favourite plants to pick for post-summer colour

ovember is really the last chance for some ‘proper’, hands-on, hole-digging gardening this year. If you think about it, all things Christmassy take over much of December, leaving little time for any real gardening, especially bigger jobs. But in November, not only is the weather still mild enough for shifting things like compost and mulch around but it’s also an ideal month for planting, re-arranging and even a bit of dividing. But it can be a desperately dull time in the garden – not for jobs, but for colour, interest and general joie de vivre which keeps us gardeners going in the drizzle. The tricky thing is finding plants that give interest to this inbetweeny time of late autumn. I find that I’m not really fussy, anything with a bit of pizzazz is welcome.

November stars Look out for a few fab ferns at the garden centre or nursery as this is the season for hardy evergreen varieties like polystichum. They look great all winter and combine beautifully with other winter wonders such as cornus alba Sibirica and hellebores, as well as spring bulbs and woodlandy plants like dicentra and shade loving hardy geranium phaeum. Grasses give great value in autumn and winter and my eternal favourite is miscanthus Morning Light. Although it’s not an evergreen the foliage has the most wonderful light in the autumn sun and lasts well into the winter looking like it’s rimed with frost even when it’s not. Viburnum x bodnantense is hard to beat in autumn and winter with wonderfully scented, delicate flowers on a sturdy, easy growing shrub. Dawn is the pink one you’ll find everywhere but there’s also the deeper pink Charles Lamont and the white Deben too. I’m a sucker for autumn colour and love the huge, vibrant leaves of Vitis cognetiae scrambling all over the ironwork balustrade at The Priory. It’s not for the faint hearted as it’s a big grower and needs a firm hand with the

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secateurs to keep it within bounds. Autumn is all about berries but usually the birds have them at the first sign of frost and, much as I like to feed the birds, it’s still nice to have a few long-lasting fruits to brighten up the November garden. Callicarpa bodinieri Profusion is one of the best shrubs I know with its masses of shiny, wickedly purple fruits clustered on bare twigs long, long after the leaves have fallen. Don’t get hoodwinked by the white version Leucocarpa – it can’t hold a candle to Profusion.

Move it There is nothing worse than an unhappy shrub in the wrong place and November is the time to move it. I’ve shifted hydrangeas, flowering dogwoods and even small trees when I’m feeling particularly energetic. Moving large plants now gives them a chance to settle in while they’re dormant and before the worst of the winter weather hits. It means the winter rains settle the soil around the roots beautifully and should make them less prone to drying out though the following summers although you’ve always, always got to keep them watered for a few seasons afterwards. There are only two really crucial things to remember when moving largish shrubs: dig around them wide and deep to make sure you get a good root ball and dig a correspondingly big hole to accommodate said root ball in the new site. Secondly make sure you plant at the same level as previously – this is more important then you might think and is one of the key reasons why transplanted shrubs fail.

Tidy up loose ends Make sure you take the time to get the last of those bulbs in. I you’re anything like me you’ll have a handful or two of daffodils gathering dust as you haven’t got around to planting them. Don’t bother – just stick ‘em in a pot and have done with it – they’ll look wonderfully cheerful by the back door in the spring

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CITY | GARDENING

AUTUMN COLOUR: main picture, asters make a splash in the border, above colourful rudbeckia and callicarpa Inset, time to plant bulbs

and you can plant them in the garden once they’ve finished flowering. Get those seeds in that have been hanging about cluttering up the workbench. I mean the sweet peas, broad beans and peas. These all benefit from an early start from sowing in the autumn either indoors or out although it’s best to keep the sweet peas inside as the seeds are expensive and, in my experience, extremely attractive to mice. There is no better time to have a bonfire than November 5th. Not only is it a great opportunity to have a good tidy up but it’s also the best excuse for an outdoor party that I can think of. Mulled wine and sparkler, anyone?

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Lift and divide There is no time like the present for shifting late summering herbaceous perennials around the garden. All those lovely asters and rudbeckias that you think you need a spot more of in particular places, now is the time to do it. Dig around the clump, lifting it gently out of the soil and divide into four or so chunks with a pair of forks or a good sharp spade. If the clump isn’t big enough to divide into four then it’s probably best left for another year. Of course you can also divide other, earlier flowering perennials such as hardy geraniums, persicaria and so on at this time of year but my focus tends to be on those late bloomers and the blank spaces in the autumn garden above all else. n Jane Moore is the head gardener at the Bath Priory Hotel.

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

Hill House Cottage

wonderful and particularly rare opportunity to purchase an impressive attached Edwardian house with Georgian origins and an adjoining spacious cottage. With magnificent far-reaching countryside views Temple Court occupies an elevated and nicely tucked away position. The property sits in large (nearly 2 acres) of beautiful gardens. Over the last 10 years, under the careful watch of the current owners, the property has undergone major refurbishment to very high and exacting standards. Retaining all the wealth and character with wonderful room proportions the charming and highly versatile accommodation offers a grand reception hall/living room, large inner lobby, gracious drawing room, elegant sitting room, well fitted kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, principal bedroom with superb en suite bathroom, three further double bedrooms, bathroom and two shower rooms (1 en suite), there’s a marvellous galleried landing/library, and other benefits such as utility room, boiler/drying room and cloakroom. The gardens are one of the finest features of the property, beautifully maintained “almost park like” with a glorious stone built folly as well as an ornamental pond and an oak and glass garden house. Ample driveway and parking for numerous vehicles. Separately Hill House Cottage adjoins Temple Court and there’s great scope for connecting the two properties together, ideal for an extended or multigenerational family living or ancillary accommodation. The cottage is again substantial with six bedrooms, two bathrooms ( 1 en suite), two shower rooms ( 1 en suite) It has an exceptional kitchen/dining/ living room with two atrium roof lights and cosy word burning stove. The cottage has it’s own attractive landscaped gardens and a garage and parking area for several cars. Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225

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TEMPLE COURT AND HILL HOUSE COTTAGE CORSTON, NR BATH • Magnificent country home • Refurbished to very high standard • Fantastic, almost ‘park like’ gardens • Secluded and private • Adjoining six bedroom cottage • Far reaching, splendid views

Price: £1,850,000

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Bathwick Street

The Empire

An exceptionally spacious ground and first floor garden maisonette refurbished in 2011 with meticulous detail and luxuriously appointed throughout. • 2 double bedrooms • Sitting room & large kitchen • Orangery • Utility, cloakroom & bathroom • Enclosed level landscaped rear garden • Permit parking • Situated within walking distance of Centre • Approx. Internal floor area 131 sq.m/1,407 sq.ft.

An elegant light & airy third floor apartment enjoying magnificent far reaching views over the River Avon, Parade Gardens & across the forming part of this impressive development. • Private Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen, Double Bedroom and Shower Room • Ownership of the apartment benefits from the splendour of The Empire, and all the “luxury hotel-style” facilities provided • Yards away from city centre shops and amenities

Guide Price: £595,000

Guide Price: £350,000 IN

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Great Stanhope Street

Grosvenor Place

A recently ground floor apartment, renovated to a very high standard throughout. Ideally located within close proximity to the city centre. • 2 double bedrooms, modern bathroom, large reception room • Separate kitchen & utility room • Neutral décor throughout • Level walk to city centre • Total approx floor area 782 sq.ft (72.6 sq m)

A beautifully finished apartment occupying the majority of the ground floor of this imposing Grade I 18th century building. Ideal for a first time buyer, investor or those looking for a pied-a-terre. • 1 double bedroom with mezzanine level, bathroom • Spacious open plan kitchen/living room • Unrestricted on street parking • Less than a mile from the city centre • Total floor area approximately 554 sq.ft./51.5 sq.m • No onward chain.

Price: £295,000

Price: £279,500

11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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Combe Down An outstanding period detached family home set in a quiet location on the south side of Bath with far reaching views of open countryside. • 4 bedrooms, en-suite and family bathroom • 2 reception rooms and garden room • Beautiful landscaped gardens approximately ¾ of an acre • Garage and off road parking • Within 1.5 miles of the city centre • Additional piece of land available by separate negotiation • Floor area aprox 2076 sq ft, 193.1 sq m.

Price: £900,000 IN

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Keynsham, Nr Bath & Bristol An impressive and highly versatile converted barn with heated swimming pool standing in attractive private walled gardens just 6 miles west of Bath. Close to Rail connections. • Master bedroom with stunning en suite (with walk in shower & sauna) • 3 further bedrooms, bathroom & shower room • Fabulous kitchen/dining room with mezzanine study, sitting room • Swimming pool • Detached garage & driveway parking • Internal floor area approx. 2,567 sq.ft (238 sq.m)

Price: £795,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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pritchards-bath.co.uk

Bathampton, Bath A fine detached house in a small peaceful "no through road" in the heart of this desirable village on the popular north eastern fringes of the city. • 4 double bedrooms, bathroom & cloakroom • Delightful South West facing gardens • Garage & driveway parking • Just over a mile from Bath • Total appox. floor area 1683 sq.ft/156.4 sq.m

Price: £500,000

The Avenue, Claverton Down An attractive and newly refurbished Grade II Listed detached former Toll House in a sought after road & set in delightful, well proportioned level gardens. • 2 bedrooms, bathroom • Delightful level gardens with vegetable patch • Single garage • Off road parking • 2 miles from Bath • Floor area approximately 608 sq.ft. (56.5 sq.m.)

Price: £399,500 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

Tel: 01225 466 225

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PROPERTY | THINKING

Are your plans floored? By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of The Apartment Company explains the importance of a quality floor plan

loor plans are a relatively new addition to property details. Only a few years ago, they were only made available for either very grand homes, or new builds. Even now, many agents tend not to use floor plans for small flats and terraced homes, but they can be a really important key to successfully selling or letting your home. Of course, the floor plan has to be accurately drawn and clear: it needs to include room dimensions, a compass marker, (so a buyer can tell which way the property faces) and the total floor area. The latter is really helpful to a buyer or tenant trying to compare apartments and see how much he’s/she’s getting for his/her money! There are three main reasons a floor plan can really help in your marketing efforts: 1. It helps a buyer see how the property ‘works’, and therefore whether it is worth a viewing. Room flow, relative sizes and layout are all factors that a buyer or tenant will take into consideration, and they don’t want to waste time by viewing properties which just aren’t suitable. 2. A floor plan can help a buyer to visualise the apartment after the viewing. This can become useful when they may be considering making layout changes, perhaps knocking down a wall or installing an en-suite, and a floor plan is vital for this kind of thought processing. 3. Floor plans can make an apartment seem larger. It’s very easy when you’ve viewed a property to forget rooms that you’ve seen, or overlook a part of the space altogether. his is especially true of box rooms, or areas that aren’t being fully utilised, like storage rooms. By showing the apartment in its entirety on a floor plan, no area will be omitted and as a result, it can even add perceived value. At the Apartment Company, all our properties have floor plans as standard, because we know how helpful they can be to a buyer, and to us in fact! We often walk around the apartment with the viewer, floor plan in hand, to make sure we explore every crevice and cupboard and appreciate it fully! technology. For more information on selling or letting your apartment in Bath, call Peter Greatorex or Christina Smith (Letting manager) on 01225 471144.

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nOVeMBeR 2014

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Bear flat, Bath £2,995 pcm Thinking of Bath for Christmas. Hamptons are delighted to offer a four double bedroom Edwardian mid terrace for a Short Let in Dec 2014. Sleeps up to 6/8 plus a nursery, includes three Bathrooms plus luxury wet room. Luxury kitchen/diner including all mod cons and Aga with access to the walled garden offering oak dining table which seats 8 /10 perfect for the traditional Christmas dinner party, located within walking distance of local pubs and amenities. All within a mile from the City centre. EPC D

Richmond, Bath £3,000 pcm Perfect family Christmas break in Bath, 3 bedroom detached property is fully furnished to a immaculate standard throughout all you’ll need is your Christmas gifts take time to lounge in front of the Log burner and a Christmas tree can be provided ready for Xmas, parking for 2 cars plus convenient on street parking. Large family kitchen diner, perfect for a dinner party, located within walking distance of a local pub and within a mile from the City centre. EPC D

Bath Office

Lettings 01225 458546 | Sales. 01225 459817

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Inglescombe House, Englishcombe A beautiful and spacious Grade II Listed former farmhouse, which has been finished to a high standard and is bursting with period features and charm throughout. Located in the picturesque hamlet of Haycombe, on the southern outskirts of Bath, the property enjoys convenient access to Bath & Bristol while offering genuine peace and privacy.

*An administration fee of ÂŁ420.00 inc. VAT applies.

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Bradford-on-Avon, Offers in the region of £650,000 An impressive Victorian town house with well-proportioned accommodation evenly spread over four floors. Mercifully our vendor has been meticulous in restoring and maintaining many period features so much of the property’s charm & character is retained. The upper two floors sport four double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Naturally there are views to both front and rear taking in the town and gardens. The ground floor boasts two good receptions; the drawing room looks onto the garden and leads to it via the conservatory. The dining room is at the front of the house, both receptions have lofty ceilings and attractive fireplaces. Down stairs again we find the comfortable kitchen breakfast room, I suspect this is the heart of the home. We also find a cloakroom & intriguingly two more rooms with great potential, presently used as a workshop & utility/store respectively.

☎ 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

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{ SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? Choose an agency that will promote your best interests If you are currently thinking of selling your property, then consider using one of The Bath Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s featured estate agencies to give you the best possible promotional coverage. These agents advertise with us as part of their broad selection of print and online marketing to ensure your property is presented to the highest standard and to reach the greatest audience.

Bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Removals Company Thomas Firbank Removals and Storage is a family run business that offers a personal and business service of the highest quality. For seventeen years we have ensured that all of our clients enjoy a stress free move and a great deal of our business is generated by referrals from satisfied customers. We tailor your packing and removal to suit your needs, and give you a prompt quotation without any hidden costs.

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Tel: 01225 31 44 33 www.firbankremovals.co.uk

WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

BAR Number T050

NOVEMBER 2014

ThEBATHMagaziNE 113

Fidelis

Timsbury

ÂŁ850,000

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Fidelis

01225 421000 www.fidelisinbath.co.uk

D L O

Bloomfield Road

SOLD IN OCTOBER D L O

Bloomfield Road

SOLD IN OCTOBER

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Email: info@fidelisinbath.co.uk

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Mark Naylor - NOVEMBER.qxp_Layout 7 21/10/2014 16:04 Page 1

LOWER OLDFIELD PARK - ÂŁ750,000 This gorgeous and substantial villa offers a sought-after and trendy location on the mid slopes of Oldfield Park. With 5 bedroomed accommodation it is perfect for growing families and also enjoys excellent off-street parking and lovely Southerly rear gardens. Entrance vestibule, hallway, drawing room, open plan living/dining room, kitchen, music/study room, utility room, cloakroom, 5 double bedrooms (master with en-suite bathroom) and additional bathroom. Generous, south-west facing gardens. Off-street parking for up to 3 vehicles. Approximate gross internal floor area: 2,020 square feet / 188 square metres.

k Mar r o l y a N

01225 422 224 1 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, Bath

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BLOOMFIELD ROAD - ÂŁ825,000 Conveniently located, just off the Bear Flat Parade the property is ideally placed for swift access into Bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Centre and Bath Spa railway station. This large and sophisticated, Grade II listed, Georgian town house is beautifully appointed and has elegant and spacious accommodation ranging over five floors. Conveniently situated only a short distance from the Bear Flat shopping parade, Bath City Centre and Railway Station. Hall, drawing room, study, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, 2 vaulted cellars, 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and workshop/cellar room. Walled west facing rear gardens with off-street parking. Approximate gross internal floor area: 2,725 square feet / 253 square metres.

01225 422 224 www.mark-naylor.com

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Box A very attractive house with eight bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms, beautiful gardens and with a very interesting history. Built in the seventeenth century, the property was enlarged in the early eighteenth century, and the wonderful Georgian Palladian frontage was added to become a quintessential English country house of immense character. Spa House has a history of generous hospitality: it was once owned by Dr William Oliver, who invented the Bath Oliver biscuit, “We love the fact that the house has a story and a unique history,” says Greg. “It is so private and peaceful here,” says Greg “and the perfect antidote to a business day in the city. Once I walk up the pathway to the door, the rest of the world and the business of the day just seems to melt away. Then into the house, listen to the family talk

over supper or watch the children run and play in the gardens. Sitting on the terrace overlooking the pond on a warm summer’s evening with nothing but the sounds of the country is just incredible.” The house and the gardens are elegant and sophisticated, but with enough space and grounds to provide large areas for children to play freely. Spa House is located only just over 5 miles from the centre of Bath, while the main line railway stations at Bath and Chippenham provide a regular service directly into London. The M4 is just over 12 miles away.

“The Spa House has been an amazing place to live, and a very special family home. Business is now taking us in a new direction.”

SPA HOUSE MAJOR PORTION OF HISTORIC SPA HOUSE • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM • SITTING ROOM • DINING ROOM • DRAWING ROOM • 8 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS (1 EN-SUITE) • BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

Contact: 01225 320032

£1,299,000

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Bath The present owners of this fine period property were initially drawn to their country-style home in the city by its perfect position to enjoy the best of a rural lifestyle along with Bath’s railway station, shops, city centre and all amenities of a modern lifestyle just a short walk from the property. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the beautiful Georgian buildings of Bath across which the property enjoys incredible views from every aspect. The owners have undertaken extensive improvements to their home including the alteration of the layout as part of its modernisation. A dressing room and an en-suite bathroom have been added to the master bedroom and the layout of the house has been reconfigured so that it is extremely spacious with plenty of room

for working, relaxing and entertaining. Outside, a long driveway with parking for 10 cars and accessed via electronic gates creates a grand entrance. The property is further secured by a boundary fence spanning the entire periphery of the grounds. One of the more unusual features of this home is the outdoor lighting which illuminates the property at night combining with the surrounding landscape to dramatic effect.

“The garden has been redesigned and maintains a private and secluded feel. There are plenty of seated areas and also a summer house.”

UPPER OLDFIELD PARK • SEVEN BEDROOMS (ALL WITH EN-SUITE) • DRESSING ROOM TO MASTER BEDROOM • FOUR RECEPTION ROOMS • CONSERVATORY, GYM AND CELLAR • GATED PARKING • EPC RATING: E

Contact: 01225 320032

£1,449,999

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Perrymead

Guide Price ÂŁ475,000

This well presented two bedroom period cottage is situated in the most sought after address of Perrymead, just south of the city centre. This pretty Bath home offers an excellent alternative to a city centre apartment or country cottage offering city living with a west facing walled garden with a panoramic vista.

Lansdown Crescent

Guide Price ÂŁ575,000

A stylish apartment situated on the first floor of this beautiful Grade I Listed Georgian townhouse in this landmark Bath address. The property offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an impressive drawing room with sash windows overlooking the beautiful views of Bath and beyond.

Bath Office

Sales. 01225 459817 | Lettings 01225 458546

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Vineyards

Guide Price £699,000

This Georgian Grade II Listed townhouse arranged over five floors provides many retained features. Offering highly versatile accommodation of four reception rooms, five bedrooms; a bath and shower room on the upper floors and the benefit of a walled garden all set within easy reach of Bath city centre.

New King Street

Guide Price £895,000

Behind the handsome façade of this Grade II Listed townhouse is a smart and stylish home with many of the period features retained and enhanced by the interior design. A major feature is the open plan contemporary kitchen/dining/living area on the lower floor with direct access to the attractive walled garden.

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Portland Place

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ370,000

Grade II listed | Georgian | Top floor apartment | Two bedrooms one with an en-suite | Newly refurbished kitchen and bathroom | Stunning views An impressive top floor apartment situated in a Georgian town house in Portland Place. Offering large and private accommodation with stunning views over Bath and the surrounding areas. The property comprises: entrance hall, large sitting room, newly fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms one with an en-suite and family bathroom. A short walk into the City Centre with all Bath has to offer. We highly recommended early viewings to avoid missing a superb opportunity to purchase this spacious two bedroom apartment.

Victoria Bridge Court

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ325,000

Modern gated development | Open plan living | Two bedrooms | Family bathroom and ensuite | Allocated parking space | Communal Gardens A superb opportunity to purchase a spacious and exceptionally quiet top floor apartment located in a modern development by the river. The apartment comprises: large open plan sitting room, kitchen and dining area, double bedroom with an en-suite, second bedroom and a bathroom. The property also has the huge advantage of a private covered parking space and there is ample visitors parking. The apartment is cleverly situated and benefits from both the morning and evening sun. Situated a short level walk away from the City Centre where all amenities, historical venues and shopping can be found.

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Newbridge Road

Offers in Excess of £230,000

Period garden apartment | Ground floor | One double bedroom | Second bedroom/Study | Well presented | Period features | Newly refurbished A delightful garden apartment situated on the upper Bristol Road. Offering it’s own private entrance, and low maintenance rear garden, perfect for alfresco dining, with the addition of a front garden too. The properly itself offers spacious accommodation with a large sitting room with a feature fireplace, fitted kitchen that opens out onto the garden, double bedroom, second bedroom/study and a bathroom. A superb opportunity to purchase a charming garden apartment with level walk to the City Centre.

The Old House

Offers in Excess of £175,000

Grade II listed | Period house | One double bedroom | Open plan living area | Garden | Parking | Stunning views | Highly recommended A bijoux apartment set in the charming village of Freshford, situated a short stroll from the local pub, and boasts a wealth of stunning walks through the countryside. Located in an Edwardian converted house the apartment offers an open plan sitting room with kitchen area, a double bedroom and a bathroom. The apartment also offers a parking space, a small garden and together with its super views presents a great opportunity for a first time buyer or a investor. OPEN MORNING: Wednesday 22nd October at 12pm -1pm & Saturday 25th October at 11am-12pm. Strictly by Appointment only, please call 01225 471144.

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T LE EED R AG

The Tramshed -

£1,650 pcm Victoria Bridge Court

£1,350 pcm Portland Place

£1,200 pcm

Three bedroom apartment with lift access, gated community and A three bedroom apartment situated in a secure development by Stunning newly refurbished garden apartment offering two double allocated parking. bedrooms. the waterside.

T LE EED R AG

Bennett Street

£1,100 pcm Green Park

£995 pcm Portland Place

This spacious two bedroom apartment on the second floor of this Georgian two double bedroom top floor apartment affording well balanced accommodation. Grade II Listed Georgian Townhouse.

£990 pcm

T LE EED R AG

Gibbs House

£915 pcm Henrietta Court

£875 pcm

The Grange

£850 pcm

A well-presented unfurnished two bedroom “light and airy” first Stylish two bedroom apartment with under cover parking

A beautifully presented spacious top floor furnished apartment

floor apartment.

with well-balanced accommodation.

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Limpley Stoke An exceptional, newly built contemporary home designed to exacting standards, with panoramic views of the Limpley Stoke valley

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Wellow The larger part of a quite wonderful Grade II listed former rectory set in this desirable part of one of Bath’s most popular villages

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Rivers Street A stunning Grade II listed townhouse with fine open views to the south

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Lansdown A quite exceptional and stylish detached house that has been subject to a most exacting refurbishment situated in this highly desirable and secluded part of Lansdown

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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