The Bath Magazine September 2011

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£3.00 where sold

THEBATHMAGAZINE THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BATH www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

ISSUE 108 • SEPTEMBER 2011

In the Key of Morris Minor World Domination On the Global Stage with The Natural Theatre Company

Charles Ware Faces the Music

Wild About Flowers TBM Interviews Sarah Raven

Ones to Watch The West Country’s Rising Stars

Walking Wonders Trekking in the New Forest

PAINTED Our Seasonal Fashion Shoot at the Holburne

and

Ladies

TOWN COUNTRY PROPERTY Premium Property in and around Bath

EDUCATION

SPECIAL Our Guide to the Schools

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

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contents

2011

58 8

TALK OF THE TOWN

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News and views from the city

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BIGWIG Beware the rampant aspidistra

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24

26

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EATING OUT

56

READER EVENT Join us at Seasons in Holt for a masterclass in buying and cooking fish

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FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS KIDS’ LIT FEST FAMILY FUN A public screening of Toy Story 3 and other child-friendly events in Bath

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98

INTERIORS Close-up on the award-winning house on the hillside

104 HEDGEROW FLOWERS Daily Telegraph gardening writer Sarah Raven talks about her love of wildflowers

106 GARDENING Which bulbs to plant for a good show in the spring

113 PROPERTY The pick of the finest homes in and around Bath

BACK TO SCHOOL Our extended education feature looks at what the best schools can offer your child

84

RISING STARS A celebration of west country talent in art, sport, furniture and fashion

90

FIT & FABULOUS Why it might be worth choosing organic when it comes to skin care and make-up

Good food and belly laughs at Komedia’s award-winning Canteen restaurant

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43

Don’t miss this month fun for young readers of all kinds of books

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Highlights from the new season in the city’s galleries

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54

WHAT’S ON Let The Bath Magazine be your guide

106

Celebrating the achievements of Bath’s business community

WORLD’S A STAGE How the Natural Theatre Company raises a smile wherever it goes

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50

FACE THE MUSIC Charles Ware: the man who put Morris Minors back on the road

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The latest news and views from Bath’s foodie scene

PAINTED LADIES The Holburne Museum hosts The Bath Magazine’s autumn fashion shoot

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THE WALK Why the New Forest makes a good autumnal stomping ground

ON THE COVER Our seasonal fashion shoot at The Holburne Museum.

Photography by Marko, model Sarah from ShootDHS Models.

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EDITOR’Sletter

O

ne of the nicest aspects of working for The Bath Magazine is that we are privileged to meet all kinds of experts who are passionate about what they do, are fascinating to meet and, to sometimes work with.

I was able to do just that when award-winning photographer Marko shot his fashion pictures for the magazine at the Holburne Museum.

As you can imagine with a photoshoot, there was quite a crowd of us, from the hair and makeup artists to the models, wardrobe stylists and photographer’s assistant with all the lights and props. We caused quite a stir on the day with museum visitors, as our elegant models in all their finery took up poses among the 18th century masterpieces. The juxaposition of old and new created an interesting spectacle. We hope you will enjoy the finished results, on the cover and in our fashion pages.

There’s more celebration of talent in our rising stars feature this issue, in which we’ve interviewed a bunch of people who have skills which they’ve honed and which we think will be more widely recognised in the months and years to come.

You may not recognise all their faces yet, but Bathonians will surely recognise the smiling face of this month’s Face the Music subject. Charles Ware, of Morris Minor fame, has a life story that’s worth hearing. As he tells interviewer Mick Ringham, he went from being one of Bath’s biggest property owners, living the Champagne Charlie lifestyle in the Royal Crescent, to losing it all. He then went on to fight his way back to success with his car restoration business. It’s a tale that chimes with our times.

There’s lots more talent in our big, fat September issue, from the marvellous and slightly bonkers Natural Theatre Company, to awardwinning architects, chefs and gardeners.

We’re holding our inaugural readers’ lunch in October. Chef Alex Venables – a very talented man – is going to host a fish cookery masterclass, teaching us how to buy and prepare fish, before cooking a delicious lunch for us at his pub, the Toll Gate Inn in Holt. I hope to meet some of you there.

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

THEBATHMAGAZINE Editor Email: Tel:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebathmagazine.co.uk 01225 424499

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Ewart sam@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Jane Moore, Mick Ringham, Lindsey Harrad, Andrew Swift, Ralph Oswick

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

Steve Miklos stevem@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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TALKofthe TOWN WIN a CD of Life on Air

BOOK OF THE MONTH New Life Stories, written and read by David Attenborough

My Cultural Life

In a 3CD set, £16.35 from AudioGO.co.uk Review by Valerie Ferguson

Many media figures have been dubbed national treasures, but David Attenborough holds a unique place in our hearts.

His expressive and sympathetic voice draws the listener in to explore a planet that is full of awe and still able to amaze even the most cynical of us.This is David Attenborough’s personal point of view in which he examines 20 marvels of the natural world in 10-minute cameos. His enthusiasm is as infectious, conveying the most fascinating aspects of his favourite natural wonders. In this second series of reminiscences, he describes the magnificent attributes of his pet chameleon Rommel, illuminates the chemistry that allows fireflies to glow at night, and explains his admiration for Alfred Russell Wallace, who developed The Theory of Evolution at the same time as Darwin. Always informative but never didactic, I found myself responding to his revelations with a silent “Well, I never” and “Fancy that”.

AudioGO is offering five readers the chance to win CDs of David Attenborough previous collection, Life On Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster – simply answer this question: What is the first name of David Attenborough’s actor/director brother? Email your reply, marking it, Attenborough to competitions@thebathmagazine.co.uk or enter by post to: The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED by the closing date of noon on Wednesday 21 September.

NEWS IN BRIEF Send a child a gift

Chance to go behind scenes

B

ath & North East Somerset residents are invited on a series of free open days at attractions and unusual sites around the area as part of the annual Heritage Open Days. This year’s open days are from 8 to 11 September, in which 19 sites will be open or laying on events. These include a walking tour of Englishcombe which ends in the old tithe barn, a tour of the tunnels surrounding the Roman Baths, and the chance to get a closer look at the old lido, the Cleveland Baths, pictured, which campaigners are trying to reopen. For full details visit: bathnes.gov.uk/heritageevents or pick up a leaflet from one of the city’s museums.

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

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

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

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The annual collection of shoeboxes filled with toys, toiletries and hand-knitted items, destined for orphans and other needy children in Eastern Europe, begins in Bath with a drop-in fun day at St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 24 September.

Go along, try your hand at knitting, meet volunteers and find out how you can do a good deed by helping Operation Christmas Child.

A seriously strange event TV personalities, academics and experts from all over the UK are expceted to descend on the University of Bath this month to discuss the seriously strange things that people experience, from ghosts and vampires to UFO and crop circles. The Seriously Strange conference will include talks, hands-on experiments to take part in and a party. It is being subsidised by the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena – a national education and research charity founded in 1981. The events runs from 10.30am on Saturday 10 September to 5pm on Sunday 11 September, tickets are £15.

Best dressed racegoers Sam Ewart, The Bath Magazine’s deputy editor was invited by Bath Racecourse to be one of the judges of the annual Ladies Day best dressed and best hat competitions as part of the racecourse’s 200th birthday celebrations. The best dressed winner was Lilly Small, of Burnham-on-Sea, in a 20’s inspired outfit and the winner of the best hat competition was Carol Jacobson from Trowbridge whose splendidly grand hat turned out to have cost £6 from a charity shop.

This month we ask John Struthers Director of ICIA (Institute of Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts) at the University of Bath and co-Chair of Bath Cultural Forum What are you reading?

I have just completed the collected autobiographies of Maya Angelou. I was fortunate enough to spend an evening in her company a few years ago and that was marvellous. I’m about to start Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

What’s on your MP3 player?

I’m currently listening to Shirley Bassey’s The Performance as I walk home down the hill from the university. I really like the Bach Cello Suites and Simply Red.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

I will be at my local, The Garrick’s Head. The food and atmosphere are great and it’s next to three theatre spaces – what could be better?

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I’m fortunate enough to live in Great Pulteney Street so I see everything at the Victoria Art Gallery and, as a supporter of the Holburne, I’m delighted the new extension has proved such a huge success.

Film or play? What will you be going to see this month?

I’ll be in Bournemouth at Pavilion Dance working with colleagues from France. In Bath my highlight will be Entitled from the brilliant Quarantine at ICIA Arts Theatre on 21 September.

ICIA’s new programme is really exciting, with a world premier from Bobby Baker as part of our Cultural Olympiad season. Visit: www.bath.ac.uk/icia for the whole season of theatre, dance, music, exhibitions, talks, classes and artists in residence.

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COOPERS Range Cookers • Ovens • Hobs • Dish Washers • Washing Machines Tumble Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners • Fridge Freezers • Wine Chillers

13/15 Walcot Street, Bath (Opposite Waitrose) 01225 311811

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Time to claim Jane Austen as one of our own?

A

s the city prepares to celebrate the annual Jane Austen Festival this month, one of Bath’s leading publishers has said it is time to officially recognise the 18th century novelist’s link with her former home town by erecting a statue.

Colin Webb, who founded Palazzo Editions ten years ago in Bath with his wife Pamela, says: “Bath held a special resonance for Jane Austen, who lived here during a major period of transition in her life, and the city undoubtedly contributed to the plotlines and characters in her wonderful stories.”

He thinks that a statue, perhaps of the writer sitting quietly in Queen Square, would be an appropriate memorial and would claim Austen for the city, for once and for all.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of her first novel, Sense and Sensibility, Palazzo Editions is bringing out a new, illustrated and unabridged version of the book, with an introduction by Janeite scholar, Katharine Reeve, author of Jane Austen in Bath. The new version also has beautiful illustrations by Niroot Puttapipat, pictured.

Colin adds: “Bath makes the perfect backdrop for the publishing of the bicentenary editions of her famous novels. This book is not only a timely celebration of the enduring work of Jane Austen, but of Bath’s unique cultural heritage as well.”

Sense and Sensibility will be published in hardback on 28 September at Bath Children’s Literature Festival.

Meanwhile, it’s bonnets and britches on for the annual Regency romp that is the Jane Austen Festival. The fun starts on Friday 16 September and runs through to Saturday 24 September. As well as

Pecan.

Whatever floats your boat

the usual walks and talks and the chance to dress up, there are dance workshops, soirees and lots of opportunities to eat, drink and be merry. A wealth of experts will be on hand to share their knowledge of Georgian habits, fashion and entertainment.

And although Janeites will remind anyone who will listen that Jane Austen didn’t like Bath, it would be churlish of the city not to publicly recognise the woman whose work has done so much to benefit the local economy and cultural life.

To find out the full programme of events for the 2011 Jane Austen Festival, visit: www.janeausten.co.uk/festival/events.

Jonathan Mulvaney has spent most of his life creating unusual artwork, using a chainsaw to make carvings which have been featured on the BBC 10x10 documentary series and Blue Peter.

Nowadays Jonathan is a landscape painter living and working in Bradford on Avon. His latest project is a series of paintings featuring his home town.

Passers-by have seen him lately, floating serenely on his mobile studio, a canoe on the River Avon from where he gets a viewpoint most of us don’t usually see.

Jonathan’s paintings have been exhibited at national and international art fairs and he is now establishing a local following with exhibitions in the area.

His latest paintings will be exhibited at the Priory Barn in Bradford on Avon this month.

Minimalistic in design, expressive in its finish

15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath, BA1 5BX Tel: 01225 465 757

www.trhayes.co.uk

• FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • CUSTOMER CAR PARK •

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HANNAH DULCIE / LINGERIE BOUTIQUE

Birds of Paradise

The new Mimi Holliday collection – finally uncaged at Hannah Dulcie.

S uzanne Neville Designer Day 15th October Boo k Now

We’re just a few steps from Jamie’s Italian, so why not pop into our boutique for: designer lingerie & swimwear / bridal lingerie & accessories / hosiery / nightwear & loungewear / accessories / scents / exclusive & indulgent gifts / OUR BOUTIQUE 13 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ 01225 489000 / contact@hannahdulcie.co.uk OUR ONLINE STORE www.hannahdulcie.co.uk H

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NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

By Bigwig

THE MONSTER

behind the sofa

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igwig is a confirmed bachelor and not a parent. But I swear my pot plants have given me just as much angst, distress, anger and hard work over the years as any sulking toddler or wayward teenager might have done. Plus a smattering of joy of course.

Some of my plants are over 20 years old and are now pressing themselves against my high Georgian ceilings. If ever I have to move, they certainly won’t be coming with me without draconian measures in the pruning department. They are only plants of course, but should I go away for a few days and dare to alter their routine they are quite capable of laying a considerable guilt trip on me by turning brown overnight or developing spider mite without so much as a by your leave. Why, even as I write this I am checking that my towering Yucca is not reading my jottings over my shoulder and plotting some kind of horticultural revenge.

A particularly nasty piece of work is my umbrella plant. I don’t know if you have ever tried to keep one of these beasts, but they suffer from two things…over watering and under watering. Only the symptoms of both are

I was forever texting to say ‘Plant ❝ moving again, LOL’ but they put it down to too much liquid refreshment (beer I mean, not Baby Bio)

❞

identical, so on spotting the yellowed tips of their normally rich green leaves, which were perfectly OK before that long weekend in London, you are wracked with indecision. To water or not to water. And I can assure you that whichever direction you go in, it will be the wrong one. I have lost count over the years how said umbrella plant has gone from a seven foot specimen worthy of Chelsea to a stumpy pot of dry straw.

But it always comes back, so I must be doing something right.

My most amazing plant is called a wax flower. It has thick shiny leaves and little white flowers that look as though they are carved from soap, or indeed wax. It started as just three waxy leaves wired to a stick but is now taller than I am. At this time of year it sends out tendrils that can rapidly grow to several metres. And ladies and gentlemen, these tendrils move!

Not only do they twitch, they quiver, they curl, forever seeking something to grab hold of. They take it on to suddenly point towards you in what appears to be an accusing manner.

My friends didn’t believe me. It always seemed to happen when I was on my own. I was forever texting to say ‘Plant moving again, LOL’ but they put it down to too much liquid refreshment (beer I mean, not Baby Bio).

Imagine my pleasure recently when we were all sitting on my sofa and a frond swung across our field of vision and remained pulsing threateningly in mid-air for several seconds. My pals were astonished and I was exonerated.

Once said plant sent out an extension which twisted itself around a larger plant and in the night it managed to actually pull itself off the mantelpiece. It fell with a crash that woke the whole household. But its greatest moment came when one evening, safely re-potted, it went into veritable paroxysms of thrashing stems. I happened to turn on the television, next to which the plant stands. I know this film, I thought, a cold sweat breaking out on my brow. I kid you not folks, but the movie being broadcast was The Day of the Triffids.

I rest my case. ■

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PAINTED

Ladies

The 18th century portraits of Bath’s Holburne Museum and the atmosphere in the once notorious Sydney Pleasure Gardens provided the inspiration for our fashion shoot by award-winning photographer Marko Dutka exclusively for The Bath Magazine

ECHOES OF THE PAST: Jade pays tribute to Gainsborough’s elegant harpist by channelling guitarist Slash. Customised Victorian top hat, £259, cardigan, £69, Mermaid ‘20s style dress, £125, all by Pretty Eccentric WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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PAINTEDladies

ELEGANT: above, Alexis wears a silk tea dress (in sizes 8 to 18) from Pretty Eccentric, £179

ROMANTIC: from left, Alexis wears a fascinator, £129, from Pretty Eccentric and a necklace, £295, by Israeli designer Michal Negrin at Pretty Eccentric, Jade wears a tea lace dress, £179, and white faux fur stole, £59, Pretty Eccentric 16 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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PAINTEDladies

SPOTTED: Sarah wears blue spotty dress, £65, from Sassy & Boo Left and on front cover, Sarah wears customised hat, £149, rose ring, £49, and cream lace dress, £95, all from Pretty Eccentric

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VERTIGO: Alexis on the Holburne Museum’s cantilevered stone staircase, wears a 1920s style beaded evening dress, £365, from Sassy & Boo

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PAINTED

Ladies

The Bath Magazine would like to thank: Photographer: Marko Dutka www.studiomarko.com

The Holburne Museum www.holburne.org Hair: Phil & Jessica at Artizan Make-up: Ruby Narbrough Models: Jade, Alexis and Sarah from Shoot DHS Models, thanks to David Hill-Souch, casting manager www.shootdhs.co.uk Photographer’s assistant: Kathryn Ashton Clothes: Sassy & Boo, Green Street, Bath and Tetbury, Pretty Eccentric, Little SouthGate, Bath and The Lanes, Brighton WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FUGITIVE: Sarah, with the magnificent glass extension at the Holburne behind her, wears a red Margaret coat from Sassy & Boo, £90

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Not to be missed!! ........ the dramatic curtains and cushions from Vallila Interiors Finland.

S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D

68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222

www.shannon-uk.com

A Gift that

is Loved

Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises

Expert commissions and jewellery repair service, undertaken to the highest standards

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

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• Shown: Multicolour Sapphire Stacking Rings, handmade on our premises

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Phase Eight

DRESS TO IMPRESS with

MILSOM PLACE Milsom Place sets the scene for Autumn/Winter fashions this season with clashing textures, bold monotone statements and perfect prints.

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For girl time with unstructured style check out Traffic People, one fashion label that is always right on-trend. The amazing creation of Louise Reynolds and Mark Readman, all started off in the markets of Camden and Portabello.. We love the print on the Wandering Peacock maxi dress. It’s an ultra feminine dress combined with classic autumnal tones. Match it with colourful heels for a great look this winter. The Lost in Boston little black dress is a fantastic sophisticated piece that can be kept smart for the office with some sleek black court heels and then accessorised up with elegant statement jewellery for the evening.

For further inspiration don’t miss out on the rest of Milsom Place’s mix of high street brands and boutique independent fashion stores.

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‘Dress to Impress’ with Milsom Place in Bath on Thursday 8th September 6 – 8pm at their exclusive evening fashion event dedicated to inspiring your professional working wardrobe.

Helping you create a polished, professional look with this season’s most wearable office fashions. Milsom Place fashion stores will be open late, offering a fashionista pampering of luxury goody bags, drinks, nibbles and a personal service throughout the evening. For those wishing to make it a girlie night out, book a table at the new Côte Brasserie and celebrate your new look with a complimentary glass of Kir Royale with your main course.

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Also at your service will be the magical touch of Annie Lindridge of Re: Treat Massage Therapy to soothe away the stress of the day leaving you with a clear head to focus on serious retail therapy and Bath’s own Artizan with personal style advice clinics.

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MILSOM PLACE, BATH for details of promotions and events visit

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THEBATHMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBATH PERFECTLYCOVERED BATHSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 01225 424499

Available from the

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

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FACEtheMUSIC

LIFE IN the

fast lane

Charles Ware is almost single-handedly responsible for the return of that great British icon, the Morris Minor, to our roads – but that’s just one of his many achievements, as Mick Ringham found out while talking to him about his musical influences

T

hey say you can identify a Morris Minor bombing down the road towards you long before you actually see it. I can happily confirm this as I’ve been the proud owner of three of these classic beauties – long before they acquired national treasure status – and can testify to their very distinctive engine sound, which is like no other. Charles Ware is the man who almost single-handedly kep this little cult car on our roads right into the 21st century. He is now celebrating the 35th anniversary of his world famous Morris Minor Centre. However, his background is incredibly diverse and in many respects, reads like the plot of a Jeffrey Archer novel.

As a young artist Charles attended the Slade in London, going on to teach at Corsham Art College. During this time, in the early 1960s, he was already involved with a London-based building company, working on small housing conversions in Islington. He decided to take a more active role in the business, having a love for historic property, as well as possessing an eye on the market potential.

He said: “If you had a good idea at that time, you would take yourself along to the bank manager and he would lend you the capital – it was that simple.”

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Over the next few years his passion for such conversions, helped him build up a remarkable portfolio of more than 2,000 properties.While visiting Bath one weekend he was shocked at the way the city’s historic buildings were being systematically demolished, to make way for unsympathetic and vulgar modern structures.

Charles takes up the story: “If you could convince people that renovating homes was a sensible proposition, they would start to listen. But I wanted to do more than just make money – I wanted to help save the city for future generations to enjoy.” As a result of this the conservationist in him took up the challenge, buying and renovating houses, many of which had been earmarked for demolition, as well several major projects, including a large former hotel and a 100-acre estate on the edge of the city. His main residence was a grand Georgian house in the Royal Crescent, where the parties he hosted were legendary, earning him the nickname Champagne Charlie.

But the icing on his property cake was when he purchased the city’s Theatre Royal. During this time he befriended a band who were trying to make their way into the music business. He agreed to back them financially – they went on to great success as Roxy Music. As a thank-you, Bryan Ferry and his band gave a free concert at Charles’ famous theatre.

THE MAN BEHIND THE WHEEL: main picture, Charles Ware in one of his Morris Minors, and, inset, Charles today, aged 76, and with no intention of retiring

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FACEtheMUSIC

A MUSICAL JOURNEY: left to right, Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music, The Doors and The Proclaimers

But in the mid-70s, the property market crashed and Charles was declared bankrupt. He says: “I lost the lot, everything went. My wife and our young son were generously lent a basement flat to stay in by a friend.”

Many of us would have thrown in the towel at this point, but not Charles. As he enjoyed restoring things Charles turned his attention to an iconic British car, the Morris Minor, restoring a handful of them in a small backyard. He later moved to a site west of Bath and after gaining national publicity with a feature in The Sunday Times, the business really took off. Five years ago he relocated The Charles Ware Morris Minor Centre to larger premises in Bristol and to deal with demand, now employs a 20-strong dedicated workforce.

a thank-you Bryan Ferry and ❝his Asband gave a free concert, at the Theatre Royal ❞ In many respects Charles’ life has turned full circle, as once again, he has taken to his first love, painting, which has undoubtedly helped him recover from a recent illness. At the age of 76, he shows no signs of retiring gracefully. As he says: “They only give you one shot at life – so why not make the most of it?”

Charles’ top ten: ● Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis My father was an artist and also a pretty good violinist. As a child I was lucky enough to live with my family in the Malvern Hills. Dad used to play this quintessential English music, the volume turned as high as possible on the record player. It really does paint a picture for me of those days. ● Jacqueline Du Pre – Elgar Cello Concerto in B minor This is very intense and exciting music from this wonderful musician, who tragically died so young. I remember seeing her play this piece in the early 1960s which was truly a magical experience and that has stayed with me ever since. ● Roxy Music – Virginia Plain In 1970 I became the band’s backer, also acting as guarantor as well as buying their first van. When Bryan and the band became famous they kindly did a free gig for me at the theatre.

The benefit on the night went to the then Bath Arts Workshop, which was in its heyday at that time and I guess was a unique period for street theatre and general fun.

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● The Rolling Stones – You can’t always get what you want My favourite Stones album of all time is Let It Bleed and I have so many memories of playing this record, in the very grand and huge L-shaped drawing room at my former house in the Royal Crescent. The press at that time had given me the name Champagne Charlie, which in many respects I lived up to. ● The Doors – Light My Fire During the late 1960s I first started to understand the scale of America. I rode on a Greyhound bus from New York to Los Angeles and on to San Francisco. I stayed in Haight Ashbury and became involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement.

That whole period is a time I will never forget. ● The Beatles – A Day in the Life The band throughout the late 60s were writing seminal music that we all know and love. This is such an original track and reminds me of the artistic and musical changes that were happening then. The artist Peter Blake and his wife Jan Howarth gave me a signed copy of Sergeant Pepper, I still have it today. ● Vivaldi – The Four Seasons I regularly visited Italy during my late teens and early twenties. I would travel on my Lambretta scooter from England to southern Italy. I deeply love the art and the landscape of the country. Vivaldi helps me re-live many of those journeys. ● Neil Young – A Man Needs A Maid He was so big at the time and of course is still regarded as one of the great songwriters of his generation. This reminds me again of visiting and travelling across the wide open spaces of America. Such a vast country to experience and Neil Young gives the perfect sound track. ● The Eagles – Lying Eyes This takes me back to Key West in Florida. There was always a party going on and in all honesty I was known never to refuse! I remember timber framed houses surrounded by banyan trees. It was a time and an atmosphere where everyone let themselves go. ● The Proclaimers – Sunshine on Leith I chose this for two reasons. Firstly they’re a really great Scottish band and also the fact that my son Zac is the lead guitarist and a keen player of the pedal steel guitar. When the band aren’t recording or touring he has been helping me run the business. I’m happy to say that he is as keen as I am on the great little Morris Minor. ■ The Morris Minor Centre is at 20 Clothier Road, Bristol, BS4 5PS, tel: 0117 300 3754, visit; www.morrisminor.org.uk

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BATH’S MOST original

export

Ralph Oswick, Artistic Director of The Natural Theatre Company, looks at the impact the Bathbased company has had globally over the years, while retaining close ties with its home city

L

et’s face it, any self-respecting festival wouldn’t be the same without a sprinkling of street theatre characters entertaining the crowds, likewise anyone attending the opening of a shopping centre expects to see some kind of theatrical diversion. These days we’re familiar with the concept of character-based entertainment, and there’s one institution which has done more to pioneer street theatre than any other – and that’s the Bathbased Natural Theatre Company.

Since it was founded in 1969, the company has gone on to perform in 77 countries throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. The Naturals players combine high-profile national and international touring with a deep commitment to the cultural landscape of their home city of Bath

In a German shopping mall they ❝ mischievously climbed into a glass showcase .... the window dresser locked them in and went off for lunch

❞

This summer they have been seen on the streets of Bath leading teams of young street theatre performers who have enjoyed workshops in the newly built Youth Studio at the Naturals’ HQ in Widcombe.

This studio is beautiful new facility, linked to the company’s revamped wardrobe and technical facilities and as well as housing the street theatre school it is fast becoming a popular place to hire for meetings, rehearsals, cake sales or dance classes.

People ask if different audiences across the world react in different ways to Natural Theatre’s work. The truth is that almost everyone likes to get a break from the humdrum daily routine, especially if laughing at the Brits comes into it. When 26 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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we started out, the concept of street entertainment was so new that we were forever being arrested! I’ve seen the inside of jail in Vienna (twice), Brighton and Dublin.

But audiences are more savvy these days. The company recently completed a five-month residency at the UK pavilion at Expo Shanghai, where they were mobbed by 40,000 camerawielding visitors on a daily basis. That’s six million out of focus snaps on mantlepieces throughout the People’s Republic!

Sometimes, the only solution to the crowds demanding photos was simply to run at full pelt to the dressing room.

Elsewhere in the world there have been some funny/exciting/scary street theatre moments. In Turkmenistan the actors were performing their Pink Suitcases routine when they were briefly kidnapped by a mad bus driver. In a German shopping mall they mischievously climbed into a glass showcase which was being fitted out with a display. The window dresser locked them in and went off for lunch. He didn’t come back until the oxygen was running out and our stalwart performers were starting to gasp.

In Sweden I was part of a team performing the Coneheads, or Alien Tourists, scenario. I climbed on the back of a large motorbike that had got stuck in the crowd. Suddenly the rider roared off, not stopping until he’d reached a suburban street some way from the town centre. Jumping off, still in Conehead guise I realised I was completely lost. It was some time before I found my way back to my fellow Alien Tourists.

In Ireland the actors were in a parade wearing their fake naked suits. Suddenly, out of nowhere a man appeared amongst them, completely and utterly starkers. As one of them said afterwards: “Well, talk about audience participation. We didn’t know where to look!”

After Shanghai, the company set off for a month in Melbourne at the Comedy Festival. Their performances went down a storm and there is already talk of another visit next year.

We have a new website and a video section which contains dozens of little filmettes of us in action. The website also

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS: the Flowerpot People look blooming marvellous while visiting the Great Pyramids of Egypt

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A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR: left to right, Walkies sees an army of bowler-hatted businessmen leading tiny little dogs on leads, the Reds make an impression in China, and Lady Margaret, doyenne of Bath society, makes a point with her handbag

contains details of how to join the supporters’ club The Nats, possibly Bath’s most exclusive body of like-minded people.

Our cash-strapped times have caused headaches. The company was just celebrating the completion of the new studio when news of pending cuts came through. Despite boosting the new project in 2010 with an additional £50,000, after 39 years of generous support the Arts Council is reducing its annual grant to zero from April 2012. This is a cut of £150,000, about one third of the company’s income. It represents the core funding that keeps the building running, the vehicles on the road and the technical and administrative staff employed. The Naturals employ seven people directly (four part-time) with 32 performers on the payroll. In 2010/11 they will have performed 1,460 gigs worldwide and 36 in Bath & North East Somerset.

The company’s board is discussing various survival options, but the Natural Theatre’s in-kind support for local initiatives will be curtailed unless additional sponsors are found. The board has declared there must be no more loss-leaders.

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This means, for example, that the time given to Widcombe Rising family fun day will have to be paid for. The company’s support for this event amounts to about £10,000 in real terms.

What we need is a generous local firm who would like its logos plastered all over the programme to come forward and save the day. Likewise all the mentoring and support for local initiatives will have to pay its way…and even Lady Margaret will have to earn her keep.

Luckily, there are people who value the local work. One manufacturing company has already pledged £1,000 a month indefinitely to keep the NTC education programme going.

The Naturals, whether it’s their Lost Tourists, Kissing Coopers or the ever-chattering Housewives Outing, always stand out from the crowd by being immaculately turned out, instantly recognised, highly approachable and above all, very funny. They may be copied the world over, but in the eyes of many they are still the best. And still Bath’s most unique export. ■ Visit: www.naturaltheatre.co.uk.

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WHAT’Son THEATRE & OPERA – liste d by ve nue

MIKADO mayhem

Earthquakes in London, Tuesday 27 September – Saturday 1 October, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm

The Mikado at the Theatre Royal

Following its sell-out success at the National Theatre last year, Mike Bartlett’s dazzling play now comes to Bath in a coproduction with Headlong, who were behind one of last year’s biggest hits, Enron. This high octane roller-coaster ride spans from the late sixties to 2525, examining our all-pervasive fear of the future and guilty pleasure in the excesses of the present. Earthquakes in London is a fast and furious metropolitan crash of people, scenes and decades as three sisters attempt to navigate their dislocated lives and loves, while their dysfunctional father, a brilliant scientist, predicts global catastrophe. An Olivier awardwinning playwright, Mike Bartlett is currently Writer-in-Residence at the National Theatre.

T h e U s t in o v S t u d i o T he atr e R oya l Sawclose, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Syndicate, Monday 5 – Saturday 10 September, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm The Syndicate stars two of the UK’s most illustrious actors, Ian McKellen and Michael Pennington, in a thrilling black comedy by the fine Italian playwright, Eduardo De Filippo.

With the help of a godfather, honest young Antonio Barracano is smuggled out of Naples to hide in New York after killing a brutal nightwatchman. When he returns to Naples with newly acquired wealth and a reputation for ruthlessness, he uses his status to quash his conviction, making it his life’s work to provide a form of rough justice for the city’s criminals who have no other access to law. The comedy grows progressively blacker as Naples collides with its criminal underworld.

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Three Days in May, Monday 12 – Saturday 17 September, Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm Ben Brown’s political thriller ventures behind the doors of Number Ten during three of the most pivotal days in British history, when, giving in to Hitler was considered by some to be a ‘viable option’. Three Days in May, directed by Alan Strachan, embarks on a strictly limited national tour prior to the West End, which sees Warren Clarke return to the stage for the first time in over a decade, with Simon Ward and Jeremy Clyde.

The Mikado, Monday 19 – Saturday 24 September, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm Following a sell-out season in the West End and hugely acclaimed international tours, Carl Rosa Opera returns to Bath with Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular show. The Mikado transports you to the magnificent Japanese court of Titipu. This hilarious tale of love, corruption in local government, marriage, executions and heroics, brings to life some of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most colourful and popular characters, along with a host of wellknown songs including Three Little Maids, Tit Willow and A Wand’ring Minstrel I. The production features the Oscar-winning settings and costumes from Mike Leigh’s awardwinning film Topsy-Turvy.

Monmouth Street, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 448844. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Phoenix of Madrid, Wednesday 14 September – Friday 23 December, contact theatre for times A comedy by Calderon De La Barca. Don Pedro has it all – high position, wealth, a beautiful family – and enjoys the good life in the heart of the Spanish capital. But he faces a challenge – it is time to marry off his daughters. An hilarious comedy that reaches out effortlessly across the centuries. This is the first time that The Phoenix Of Madrid will have been seen by a British audience.

Iphigenia, Wednesday 21 September – Tuesday 20 December, contact theatre for times The Greek fleet bound for Troy is becalmed.

For the sake of a wind, Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces, is persuaded that he must sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia. But as the priest raises his knife to slit the child’s throat, the goddess Diana spirits her away.

Clytemnestra, Agamemnon’s wife, believing her beloved daughter to be dead, slays her husband in revenge on his return from the Trojan wars. Their son, Orestes, avenges his father’s death by killing his mother. Years later, as Iphigenia, a prisoner of the temple of Diana, looks across the sea to Athens, longing to return home, her brother Orestes arrives to rescue her. This is the first time German playwright Goethe’s Iphigenia will have been seen by a British audience.

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WHAT’Son

T h e R o n d o T h e a t re Saint Saviour’s Road, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 463362. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

About a Bench, Saturday 10 September, 8pm Owdyado Theatre put the humble park bench centre stage to explore the intricate human dramas that take place upon this normally inconspicuous object. The play follows ten separate stories that all have one thing in common; a park bench.

Love Letters by AR Gurney, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 September, 8pm AR Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize nominated-play recreates the joy and excitement felt when writing and receiving letters and reminds us that through letters, our loves, memories and who we really are can be carefully preserved and cherished forever.

Alice’s Adventures in the New World, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September, 8pm

dreaming of very different lives whilst mimicking and mocking their endless stream of customers. John Godber’s sensitive and witty dialogue allows the audience intimate glimpses of what lies behind the practiced smiles and pleasantries of the young protagonists.

This historical drama is set during Charles II’s reign when, for the first time in English history, women were allowed to perform on the stage. The script reflects the bawdy humour and harsh reality of 17th century life, and gives glimpse of a darker undertow of vulnerability and expendability just below the glittering surface. Playhouse Creatures was first performed by Fragile Productions in 2008 at the Alma Tavern and Hen and Chicken in Bristol to critical acclaim. Now it appears in Bath for the first time with some stunning new cast members and a unique twist.

T h e G u il d h a l l

Katie’s the life & soul of the party. Except the party’s over. A funny and moving new play from Rondo artistic director Ian McGlynn.

T h e M i s s i o n T h e a t re 32 Corn Street, Bath. For all ticket information contact the theatre on tel: 01225 428600 or visit: www.missiontheatre.co.uk

Shakers Re-stirred, Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 September, 7.30pm The Mission Theatre is transformed into Shakers, a trendy cocktail bar where everyone wants to be seen. Nicky, Adele, Carol and Mel, your long-suffering waitresses, invite you to pull up a table, order a drink and relax in their company. The four girls try to forget their aching feet and the long night ahead by WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The Real Thing

As always there’s a feast of entertainment to be enjoyed at The Mission Theatre throughout the autumn season. From music and comedy to magic and theatre, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include: Love in the Pleasure Gardens, Wednesday 21 September, 7.30pm Showing as part of the city’s Jane Austen Festival, this romp through Regency and Georgian England is delightfully performed by 18th century girl band Lady Georgiana who bring voice, cello and harpsichord to recreate the pop songs of the day.

Playhouse Creatures

Life and Soul, Wednesday 28 September – Saturday 1 October, 8pm

The new season

Playhouse Creatures, Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 September, 7.30pm

A music hall-inspired comedy with songs and live music that explores myths about women, sexuality and gender relations in the Victorian era. Following a sell out run in London, allfemale theatre company, Fluff Productions, bring this entertaining, hilarious and thought provoking piece of new writing on tour to the south west.

Alice’s Adventures in the New Word

Mission Theatre

High Street, Bath. Tickets from Bath Festivals Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Sense and Sensibility, Saturday 17 September, 8pm Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the excitingly decadent world of eighteenth century high society. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments.

IC IA Ar t s T h e atr e University of Bath. Box office tel: 01225 386777

Entitled, Wednesday 21 September, 7.30pm Entitled is about hope, privilege and disappointment – and the things we do to make our life complete, Devised with three technicians, three dancers and a writer, Entitled takes the form of a get-in and get-out: the usually hidden choreography of transforming a theatre from an empty space into a stage for a show – and back again.

Funny Tricks Sunday 16 October Ian Keable, a recent recipient of the prestigious Magic Circle Comedy Award, performs a multitude of tricks, ranging from sleight of hand to reading minds – and all performed with laughs galore.

Blood Brothers Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 October Don’t miss this gripping story of love, loss and ultimate retribution presented by Next Stage Youth, some of Bath’s most accomplished young actors.

The Real Thing, Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 November Tom Stoppard’s inimitable dialogue and rapier wit is abundant in his play about an aging writer who is searching for ‘the real thing’.

The Wind in the WIllows, Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 December Next Stage present Alan Bennett’s delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s favourite children’s story to Bath audiences. A great pre-Christmas treat for all ages.

For further information tel: 01225 428600 or visit: www.missiontheatre.co.uk

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HOLT EMPORIUM Unit 20, First Floor, The Tannery, The Midlands, Holt, Wiltshire BA14 6BB Tel. 01225 782906

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www.holtemporium.co.uk Opening Hours: Thurs/Fri/Sat 10 - 5pm. Sun 11 - 4pm

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Wiltshire Music Centre The new season

Parampara The Sulis Ensemble will be performing at The Market

The Bush Technologists, Friday 2 September Chapel Arts, Lower Borough Walls, Bath.

Tickets £10 or £12 on the door. www.chapelarts.org Expect roots, reels, rap and rhythm from this stirring six-piece fusion who beat with an African heart, Celtic core and UK pulse.

My Sweet Patootie, Friday 9 September, 8pm The Rondo Theatre, Saint Saviour’s Road, Bath. Box office tel: 01225 463362. www.rondotheatre.co.uk Since 1999 Canadian acoustic roots and swing duo My Sweet Patootie have entertained fans all over the world with their dazzling fiddle & guitar solos and joy of live performance, and they come to Bath for one night only.

Terry’s Jazz Medley, Saturday 17 September, 7.30pm Batheaston Methodist Church. Tickets £8 from CoralQuay, New Bond Street Place Terry Veale, Gavin Lazarus, Derek Kimber and Mike Ducker present a jazz medley in memory of Vince Parker.

Buddy Mondlock Sunday 18 September, 2pm The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath. Tel: 01225 460503 www.americanmuseum.org Concert is included with museum admission.

A unique chance to hear songs by popular American songwriter Buddy Mondlock.

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Lunchtime Concert Series Tuesday 27 September, 1.10pm – 1.50pm The Holburne Museum, Bath. Cost: £5.

The Holburne Museum’s collection has some wonderful musical instruments including a Schantz Fortepiano, the Erard Harp and a magnificent Steinway grand piano which was played by Rachmaninov at his British concerts.

The new concert series at the museum will bring these instruments to life, starting with David Shepard (clarinet/saxophone) and Nick Thorne (piano).

Doric String Quartet Wednesday 28 September, 7.30pm Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk First prize winners at the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition, the Dorics return with a wonderfully varied programme.

Imbued with the spirit and ingenuity of Hungarian folk music, it starts with a captivating late Haydn quartet and concludes with Brahms at his most gloriously lyrical.

Music at The Market Saturday 1 October, 8pm The Market, Saw Close, Bath. Tickets £5 on the door or email info@thesulisensemble.com Join Bath’s newest chamber ensemble for an evening of music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Hindemith and more. Enjoy food and drink in the lovely candlelit upstairs room at The Market while the group plays. The group’s members are all Bath-based young professional musicians and chamber music enthusiasts. In their first six months the ensemble has performed sold-out concerts at St James Wine Vaults and Corsham Fringe Festival and played with students from Bath Spa University.

For its new season, the Wiltshire Music Centre presents another kaleidoscope mix of great music embracing a wonderful variety of jazz, folk, world, classical and contemporary music with musical traditions from all around the world. Here’s what’s to come: A Couple of Swells Saturday 8 October, 8pm Six times winner at the British Jazz Awards, Claire Martin joins forces with Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, one of Britain's most respected and versatile musicians for an evening of style and panache.

Expression Cubana, Sunday 16 October, 8pm Warm up your autumn evening with a sensational mix of Cuban music from this six piece semi-acoustic Latin band. It will delight salsa and jazz fans alike.

City of London Sinfonia, Friday 21 October, 7.30pm This Grammy Award winning orchestra with three outstanding soloists presents a richly rewarding programme, including one of Mozart's best-loved symphonies.

Parampara, Sunday 20 November, 7.30pm Three world-renowned musicians from very different musical scenes come together to create a captivating fresh palette of sounds.

Christmas in Cuzco, Saturday 17 December, 7.30pm The Paragon Singers' ever-popular Christmas concert returns to the exotic world of 17th-century South America, with its vibrant rhythms, imaginative instrumentation and infectious tunes.

Box office tel: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

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WHAT’Son O T H E R E V E N T S – li s t ed b y d a t e

Michael Tippet Centre

Inside

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and treat yourself to an evening of music, dance or theatre at Bath Spa University’s beautiful Newton Park campus. Home to both the Michael Tippett Centre concert hall and the University Theatre, this cultural hub hosts a fascinating programme of performing arts events throughout the year. Newton Park also has free parking and beautiful landscaped grounds whose autumn colours can be enjoyed during a pre-show stroll. Here’s what’s coming up...

At the Michael Tippett Centre: Chi-Yu Mo clarinet recital Wednesday 12 October This international clarinet soloist and esteemed member of the London Symphony Orchestra will be visiting Bath to open the centre’s autumn season. ChiYu’s performance will include music by Finzi, Nina Rota and west country based composer Jim Aitchison. He will be accompanied by pianist Charles Wiffen.

Polar Bear Wednesday 26 October This British group is reaching to the future with original tunes, live sampling and pure virtuosic musicianship. Whether you are a jazz enthusiast, a drum and bass fan or simply a lover of excellent live music, this Mercury Award nominated group will have something for all.

At the University Theatre: Jean Abreu Dance presents Inside Friday 28 October Five exceptional male dancers, choreographed by Brazilian Jerwood Award winner, Jean Abreu, bring their Edinburgh Festival hit to Bath. Inside explores the violence, solitude and hope found within prison walls. Not for the faint-hearted.

Bath Festivals Box Office: 01225 463362 www.michaeltippettcentre.org www.universitytheatre.org

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Alive and Swinging with Marilyn Monroe at Komedia

Roman Baths Tunnel Tours Thursday 8 & Friday 9 September, 10am The Roman Baths. Maximum 15 people on the tour. Book on tel: 01225 477773 Go behind the scenes at the Roman Baths, Georgian vaults and museum stone store.

Lecture Series: Omens and Inspirations, starting on Tuesday 13 September, 1pm The Building of Bath Collection, The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, The Paragon, Bath.

Tickets £6 from tel: 01225 446865 The lecture series, in conjunction with The Herschel Museum’s exhibition, kicks off with Reading the Heavens in Art with Leonora Martin on 13 September. On Tuesday 20 September Dr Amy Frost will lecture on the links between architecture and astronomy.

Two Nights at The Smarmes Arms Friday 16 & Saturday 17 September, 7.30pm for 8pm Ring O Bells, Widcombe Parade, Bath. Tickets £7 from tel: 01225 463362 Music and comedy cabaret from Bill Smarme and The Bizness plus guests.

Alive and Swinging with Marilyn Monroe, Thursday 22 September, doors 6.30pm Komedia, Westgate Street, Bath. Box office tel: 0845 293 8480 www.komedia.co.uk Marilyn Monroe returns for one more night of fun, bringing Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley with her. Enjoy plenty of swing as they sing and dance the night away.

Black Tie Fundraising Auction Friday 23 September Marston House, near Frome. Tickets £50 per person, including champagne reception and three course meal, from the Merlin Theatre box office on tel: 01373 465949 Actors Philip Glenister, Dean Andrews and Mark McGann are joining forces to host a black tie charity fundraising auction for the Merlin Theatre, which recently lost all of its funding, where memorabilia from the hit BBC drama Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes will go under the hammer as well as the chance to star as an extra in Matthew Graham’s latest production as it films. Also up for grabs during the evening will be Arsenal tickets and the chance to enjoy tea and a show with Paul McGann, actor brother of Mark.

Vintage & Handmade Textile Fair Saturday 1 October, 10am – 4pm Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, South Gloucestershire. Free admission.

Over 45 stalls of vintage textiles, haberdashery, fashion, millinery jewellery, knitting, French linens, brocante and much more will be on offer, along with the ever-popular vintage tearoom.

An Evening With Sarah Raven Wednesday 5 October, 5pm Bristol Grammar School, University Road, Bristol. Tickets £8 including refreshments from www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk Bristol Grammar School and Bloomsbury Publishing present an evening with Sarah Raven, gardener, cook and writer, in conversation with BBC’s Radio 4 executive producer Sara Davies.

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WORLD CLASS MUSIC ON YOUR DOORSTEP New series features: BRADFORD ON AVON

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

CLASSICAL FOLK JAZZ WORLD MUSIC

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City of London Sinfonia Expresion Cubana Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Heidi Talbot Claire Martin & Sir Richard Rodney Bennett The New Scorpion Band Doric String Quartet The Shee Powerplant

Box office 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

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ARTSandEXHIBITIONS PHILIP BUCKINGHAM: PAINTINGS AND SKETCHES OF BATH Milsom Place Milsom Street, Bath. www.artbyphilipbuckingham.co.uk

26 September – 1 October

Thomas Gainsborough, Landscape with a View of a Distant Village at the Holburne Museum

GAINSBOROUGH’S LANDSCAPES: THEMES AND VARIATIONS

THE VIEW FROM HERE: NEW LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRPAHS BY MARK EDWARDS

The Holburne Museum Sydney Place, Bath. Tel: 01225 466 669 www.holburne.org

The Holburne Museum Sydney Place, Bath. Tel: 01225 466 669 www.holburne.org

24 September – 22 January

24 September – 22 January

Gainsborough’s Landscapes is the first exhibition in 50 years devoted to the artist’s landscape paintings and drawings, bringing together remarkable works from public and private collections, many of them little known and some not previously exhibited.

For Gainsborough, landscape painting was a pleasure and it is these paintings that reveal the extraordinary breadth of his invention and technique. Admission: £7.

Mark Edwards is one of the most intriguing and thoughtful landscape photographers working today and his work responds to the tradition of British landscape painting. He has produced six huge photographic colour prints commissioned to accompany the Gainsborough exhibition.

OPEN STUDIOS

Philip Buckingham’s work in oils, watercolour and ink explores the architecture and landscape of Bath where he is currently on a scholarship reading architecture at the University of Bath. In October 2010 Philip began to sell his work through Degree Art Gallery on Vyner Street in London. He was recently made a member of the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts after exhibiting and selling work in the Architectural Drawings show in February. Philip’s current work explores the relationship of light and volume within architecture.

JOHN GOOCH: RECENT WORK Bath Artists Studios The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath. Tel: 01225 482480

13 – 17 September Three years ago, John recovered from ten years as an ME sufferer. The works in this exhibition are an expression of his delight in the world.

Philip Buckingham, By the River Avon

Bath Artists Studios The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath. Tel: 01225 482480 www.bathartistsstudios.co.uk

24 & 25 September This once a year opportunity gives the public open access to explore a working artists’ studios. With almost 50 studios and nearly 60 artists, the building is packed with creative activity and experimentation. The gallery exhibition takes work in progress as its theme, exploring, through sketchbooks, drawings and other processes how artists plan and develop their ideas and concepts.

Explore the workspaces, talk to artists, buy and commission work and learn about the diversity of studio practice.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

John Gooch

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ARTSandEXHIBITIONS NEW CERAMIC SULPTURES

BY AVITAL SHEFFER Beaux Arts 12 – 13 York Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 464850 www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

12 September – 15 October Raised in Israel and now based in Australia, Avital Sheffer is an award-winning ceramicist of international renown. Her hand-built earthenware vessels are informed by her Jewish and Middle Eastern heritage and incorporate features of landscape, architecture, languages and wisdom. The pots are imprinted with Hebrew text from manuscripts, sourced from libraries and museums all over the world.

Douglas Gray, Next Morning Nice at Red Rag Gallery

BOBBIE RUSSON: TEA AND CAMPHOR

FRENCH ESCAPADES Red Rag Gallery Brock Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 332223 www.bathartgallery.co.uk

Bo. Lee Gallery 1 Queen Street, Bath Tel: 01225 428211 www.bo-lee.co.uk

18 September – 2 October A group of artists with a special feel for, and intimate experience of, France are brought together in this exhibition to share their insights, personal journeys and discoveries of this surprising, sensual and romantic country – from views of Mount St Victoire to the alleys of Aix; the lavender fields of the Ardèche to the gardens of Montmartre and the sidewalks of Paris. The show will feature work by Jeremy Barlow, Michael Kidd, Tina Morgan, Colin Carruthers, Robert Crisp, Douglas Gray and John Kingsley.

SHIRIN GUILD AND CAROLE WALLER The Octagon Milsom Place, Bath.

Bobbie Russon, A Walk in the Park

5 – 9 October See their new autumn/winter collections.

Avital Sheffer, Tumulus V

NEIL PINKETT: TO THE EDGE

Bath Contemporary (formerly Bath Fine Art) 35 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 461230 www.bathfineart.com

10 – 30 September To celebrate its re-launch as Bath Contemporary the gallery commences with a solo exhibition of 35 paintings by Cornish artist Neil Pinkett exploring his journey to secret places around the British Isles, including Snowdonia, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Scotland.

5 September – 1 October A much-anticipated solo show representing Bobbie Russon’s latest sombre yet entrancing work.

Represented exclusively by bo.lee gallery, Bobbie’s work has enchanted a wide audience and this will be the first solo show for the artist this year.

Bobbie’s inimitable female forms captivate the onlooker; inherently ambiguous yet endearing, these troubled characters stare out of the canvas trance-like inviting the viewer into a dark, melancholic tale. Bobbie works in oil on canvas, or when making her iconic smaller works, on board. She creates bold and moving depictions of figures in a subtle, matt finish to show melancholic imagery.

Bobbie trained at the Royal College of Art and St Martin’s and is an established artist based in London.

See the

Neil Pinkett, Suddenly Cool at the End of the Day at Bath Contemporary

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ARTSandEXHIBITIONS VICTORIA ACHACHE: PAINTINGS AND PRINTS

JIM ROBINS

SOMERSET ARTS WEEK

Quest Gallery 7 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath.

Tel: 01225 444142 www.questgallery.co.uk

Various venues For further information tel: 01458 253800 or visit: www.somersetartworks.org.uk

23 – 25 September

17 September – 2 October Until 1 October

Somerset Arts Week 2011 is the largest art event in Somerset, with around 400 artists and makers showcasing their work to the public in over 100 venues county wide. The initiative brings contemporary visual art to everyone with a variety of free group exhibitions and events for all ages including talks, art trails, workshops and mystery tours. Highlighting the enormous variety of talented, visual artists working across the county, Somerset Arts Week is a celebration of their creative abilities. Artworks are presented in a diverse range of media from ceramics, watercolour, textiles and wood to stone, glass and metal as well as digital technology, photography, installations and live arts.

Amongst those taking part are nationally renowned artists Simon Hitchens, Lisa Robertson, Toni Davey, Sonja Klingler, Candace Bahouth and John Candler.

Somerset Arts Week provides an opportunity for artists and makers to promote their work beyond the open studio format. Venues range from Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton and historic heritage sites such as Muchelney Abbey and the Tithe Barn at Cotley to public locations throughout the county including village halls, hotels, cafés, and the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton. Follow the event on Twitter: ArtWeeks11.

The sweeping lines and luscious colour of Matisse in his later south of France years are visible in Victoria Achache’s paintings, prints and drawings.

Victoria Achache

West Barn Bradford-on-Avon

Jim Robins will be exhibiting his decorative wooden panels on a theme of the tree of life. Inspired by 18th century Scandinavian country house wall Norse imagery influenced by incoming French and German ideas, the style echoes contemporary needlework.

Friday 16 September

Saturday 1 October

20th Century Foxes – Cabaret

Three Piece Suite – Jazz/Folk

Web £13.50. Door £15. Doors 7.30pm

A Concert for Cruse Bereavement Care Web £8. Door £10.

Wednesday 21 September

Cole Stacey & Odi – Folk

Sunday 2 October

Saturday 24 September

Hiss Golden Messenger & William Tyler – Mystical Country

Claire Martin & Richard Bennett sing Irving Berlin

Thursday 6 October

Web £10. Door. £12

Web £10. Door £12

Web £20. Conc. £19. Door £22.50.

Doors 7.30pm. Begins 8pm.

Fini Bearman - Jazz

Friday 30 September

Friday 7 October

Calima & La Ambar – Flamenco

Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri

Web £10. Door £12.Doors 7.30pm.

Starts 8pm. Ends 11pm

Web £18.50. Door £20.

Web £8. Door £10.

Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1QR www.chapelarts.org Tel: 01225 461700 Box Office: 01225 463362 Arts Cafe - Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5.30 38 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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LIGHTING

SPE

L CIA

IST

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

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Komedia Canteen 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EP. Tel: 0845 293 8480

REVIEW

EAT DRINK

I

& be merry

f I told you a comedy club was a great place to go for good food, you’d probably think I was having a laugh. Their reputation used to be for serving mass-produced, deep fried fast grub – but Bath’s Komedia club has bravely broken the mould, with award-winning results.

In recent weeks the Westgate Street restaurant, the Canteen, has picked up a prestigious Soil Association Gold Food for Life Catering award – the first establishment in Bath to win this gold standard. The restaurant was awarded for its use of unprocessed, fresh, local, seasonal and organic food.

And although it no longer has Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s hand on the tiller, the kitchen at the Canteen continues to pursue his ethos of delivering fresh, seasonal good British dishes.

We were already fans of Komedia’s programme of entertainment, having enjoyed some real belly laughs there, thanks to some great local and visiting comedians. But this was the first time we had opted for the dine and laugh combined experience (Komedia prefers to call it a VIP package).

This would be a good night out for a group of friends, beginning early with a two or three course dinner, followed by the comedy show and then, for those with the stamina, dancing the night away – all in one venue.

The atmosphere in the Canteen may be relaxed and informal but the service is excellent. While you choose from the menu a board of nibbles, including plump olives, deep fried broad beans (a Spanish favourite snack) and bread with dipping olive oil keeps the hunger pangs at bay.

I was very impressed that the menu manages to be succinct and simple but also conveys the provenance of many of the ingredients. The mixed leaf salad is grown in Somerset, the squid is from Devon and the venison was raised running wild on Exmoor.

My starter of beetroot carpaccio with a soft, very creamy goats cheese mousse and salad was presented as a beautiful pink and white rose made from the folded beetroot. This delicious, subtle vegetable is absolutely nothing like the eye-wateringly acid beetroot in vinegar that my mother-in-law used to serve us.

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John’s pan-fried squid was simply cooked, dense and tasty, and again, a fresh take on a dish that’s so often rendered chewy by a heavier-handed cook. The woman on the table next to us was enjoying a chilled melon and mint soup, which looked pretty – one to try another time, we decided.

The duck breast I enjoyed for my main course, served with confit onion and mashed potatoes with a warm, purple berry compote, had enjoyed a happy life as a Devon Creedy bird, which I’m convinced added to its flavour. John’s Somerset rump steak was a monster – a real man-sized juicy dish served with homemade potato wedges.

although it no longer has Hugh ❝ Fearnley Whittingstall’s hand on the tiller, the kitchen at the Canteen continues to pursue his ethos

❞

We just had time before the start of the comedy to share a wickedly chocolately brownie topped with Marshfield clotted cream ice cream. We left the table happy, and yes, we discovered laughter is an excellent digestif. Local comedian Nick Page was the compere, who has a nice line in put-downs for hecklers: “You’re beautiful enough to get away with that line now, but you might need to develop a personality when your looks go” – the sort of quick-fire line I’d love to be able to deliver.

Komedia’s VIP tickets are £40 each, for which you enjoy a glass of bubbly, hors d’œuvre, followed by a three-course à la carte meal and reserved seats in the house. You can book VIP tickets for the Krater Comedy Club or the cabaret show Ministry of Burlesque.

For £26.50 diners are seated at tables in the auditorium for dinner from the Komedia Canteen menu. Christmas party tickets for a discount price of £35 are available until the end of September, for a three course Christmas dinner in the auditorium, comedy evening, DJ and dancing. ■

TIS THE SEASON: the Canteen at Komedia has been recognised with a national award for its fresh, carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients

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The Tasting Room WINE MERCHANT, CAFÉ BRASSERIE & FINE FOOD TAKE AWAY

WINE SHOP – Monday – Saturday 9.30am-6.00pm BRASSERIE /CAFÉ – Monday 9.30am-5.30pm • Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am-11.00pm WINE / WHISKY TASTINGS – book for evening appointments

6 Green Street, Bath, BA1 2JY • 01225 483 070 • www.tastingroom.co.uk

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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VENI vidi VINO Time to Taste

By Richard Lecoche of Great Western Wine

W

ine tasting is subjective in nature, but most of what you need to know about a wine's character can be found in its look, smell and taste.

LOOK…White wines range from almost water white to deep straw yellow; more colour usually indicates flavour and age. Red wines range from light cherry red, through deep ruby to almost mahogany brown; the more purple the wines, the younger it is; the more brown, tawny or orange the wine, the older it is.

SMELL…The more intense the nose, the more likely that the grapes were grown in a hot climate and the level of sugar and alcohol is higher. Fruity, floral, woody, spicy and herbal smells are all characteristics of different wine styles. Mature wines tend to smell savoury and spicy and less of fruit.

TASTE…Swirl it around your mouth, swallow (a bit!) and spit the rest.

Sweetness is tasted at the tip of the tongue. Acidity is tasted on the sides of the tongue and tastes citric. White wines have more acidity than red wines.

Grapes taste of certain fruits. It could be gooseberry or green apples in a Sauvignon, tropical and pineapple in a ripe Chardonnay, soft blackberry and cedar in a mature Cabernet. Tannin is tasted at the back of the tongue and tastes bitter like a strong cup of tea. Tannin comes from the skins of the grapes and from oak ageing. It is mainly found in red wines. Alcohol is sensed at the back of the throat and gives a warming sensation.

A wine is ready for drinking when it has achieved optimal balance and all of the above knit seamlessly together. Wine tasting takes practice. The more wines you taste, the easier you’ll find it, certainly one of life’s more pleasurable learning curves! Find out more about wine tasting opportunities at: http://www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/events ■

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A MASTERCLASS

in fish cookery Join The Bath Magazine for an exclusive foodie event, as chef Alex Venables gives a masterclass in fish cookery, followed by a convivial readers’ lunch

READER EVENT JUST LANDED: Alex Venables, head chef and owner of The Toll Gate Inn and Seasons’ cooks shop at Holt with a very large hake, freshly delivered from Cornwall PICTURE: Al Brunker

W

e’ve joined forces with the country cook shop Seasons at The Toll Gate Inn, Holt, to host an exclusive event for readers of The Bath Magazine on Saturday 8 October. The Toll Gate’s owner, head chef Alex Venables – who won a Michelin star when heading up the kitchens at nearby Lucknam Park – will be holding a unique Fish Workshop, sharing some of his skills and demonstrating boning and cooking techniques..

Seasons, the new self-styled deli on the doorstep, is just two miles out of Bradford-on-Avon and tucked away behind the popular gastro pub, the Toll Gate Inn. Along with local, seasonal produce, the country store makes a special feature of its fish counter, with daily deliveries from the west country coast. Now Alex and his team of chefs will be helping us to learn how to choose the best fish, debone and prepare it – and discover new ways to cook and serve fish.

The masterclass will be practical, too, as everyone has a chance to hone their filleting skills, and take away the results.

The morning of marine slicing and sampling rounds off with a light lunch of Cornish fish bouillabaisse, hand-made bread and a glass of local English wine.

But the party is very select. So that everyone can take part, whatever the weather, the workshop is limited to just 30 people. Tickets, including lunch, cost £12 – a discounted price for our readers. To book a place, call Alison Ward-Baptiste at The Toll Gate mentioning The Bath Magazine reader offer (01225 782326 or email: alison.baptiste@virgin.net). She will send directions with your tickets. ■ WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FOOD&DRINK

You’re never too young to cook Some might think that Larkhall cook Amber Morgan is mad to be thinking about teaching pre-school age children how to cook.

But since her home cookery school, A Spoonful of Sugar, was launched in the spring, it has gone from strength to strength, successfully teaching children how to make cakes, pizza, falafel and even fresh pasta.

As a mother Amber understands that most children like to play with food – favourite obsessions with little ones being flour play and breaking eggs. So she begins her sessions with everyone gathered round one table to sing a welcome song before talking about what they are going to make, and then getting stuck in to some hands-on preparation.

Typically Amber has half a dozen children, each with a parent or carer, at each session.

Anyone who decides on the day that they don’t want to cook is given something else to play with – but most children look forward to their classes and take part with enthusiasm.

Amber says: “My hardest week was making homemade pasta – something we do at home with our children, however, this time the dough was acting up and not doing what was

Wine tasting Jonathan Kemp, founder of The Bath Wine Tasting Company, is hosting two events at Sam’s Kitchen in Walcot Street this month.

The first is on Thursday 1 September and the second on Thursday 29 September, beginning at 7.30pm.

For £15 a head guests will enjoy learning about five wines from the main wine producing regions of the world, all in a relaxed, sociable environment. Cheese and biscuits will also be served.

Jonathan launched the wine tasting business six months ago and runs wine tasting events monthly. He also offers wine tasting parties for friends or work colleagues who fancy a different way of spending an evening.

Contact Jonathan: 07875 234406.

needed so it took an awful lot of kneading and rolling through the pasta machine. All the while thinking, this is going to be the first disaster and everyone will be going home empty handed. No, no no, a pulled shoulder muscle later we had beautiful spaghetti and spinach pesto.”

The young participants not only learn about measuring and stirring, but they also develop team skills as they work together.

One mum said of her son, obviously a Jamie Oliver in the making: “Freddie’s enthusiasm for cracking eggs and pouring milk into just about anything had got to the point where it needed to be channelled into something a little more constructive than his most recent triumph – woodlouse cake! Along came A Spoonful of Sugar, and just in the nick of time.

Our woodlouse community has let out a virtually audible sigh of relief.”

Lessons cost £7 for an hour and 15 minute session, with all ingredients, aprons and cooking equipment provided.

Amber is currently recruiting for the autumn series of classes. To contact her email: info@spoonfulofsugar.co.uk

The Bath Priory Hotel is hosting a Fork to Fork lunch,on Thursday 22 September, with the chance to meet Chelsea award-winning head gardener Jane Moore and head chef Sam Moody. The day begins in the gardens, with a guided tour by Jane. During the lunch Sam will explain how the produce has been integrated into the menu and answer questions. Places are limited, tickets are £50.

■

TASTE and the

TABLE Morsels from Bath’s food & drink scene

Food festival heads for stately home Dyrham Park, just north of Bath, is celebrating 50 years of being open to the public, and as part of its birthday celebrations is this month hosting the Love Food Festival.

Love Food is run by Bristol-based Lorna Knapman, and is staged at different locations, providing a market and entertainment. One of her stated aims is to educate children about where our food comes from. She won the Prince’s Trust Enterprise of the Year award for her work with Love Food Festival.

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HANDS-ON: the children enjoy making food at A Spoonful of Sugar that they can take home and share with their families

The Dyrham event is on Sunday 11 September from 10.30am to 4pm. The Love Food market will be made up of more than 30 producers selling a wide range of goodies, from venison raised on the Dyrham estate to local fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, cake, honey and ice cream.

There will also be children’s activities, including story telling, music and nature walks through the grounds.

Visitors will also be able to buy street food from stalls to picnic on and the barbecue will be fired up and cooking.

Central deli Bath independent wine expert, Will Baber, who has run the successful Tasting Room in Larkhall, has expanded his business to a second premises by taking over the former Fishworks restaurant and shop in Green Street.

The ground floor is fitted out as a wine shop and deli, offering space for regular wine and whisky buying and tasting, along with a take-out service offering charcuiterie, cake and lunches.

Upstairs at Tasting Room is the café/brasserie which serves a range of food, from leisurely breakfasts through to three course dinners. Diners can choose from small plates, such as soup de Provence or pan fried anchovies, or larger plates such as risotto or duck cassoulet.

Regular gourmet dinners are planned for The Tasting Room, the first one being a four-course dinner centred around the wines of the Loire, which will be hosted by wine producer Antoine Simoneau, on Wednesday 7 September.

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Everything has its SEASON.

So does Bath….

SEASONS at The Toll Gate Inn, Holt for village veg….artisan breads.… home-made cakes….ripe cheeses….fresh fish daily (and to order)….pies, pates and ‘traiteur’ delicacies from the pub kitchens.

SEASONS – the’ deli on the doorstep’ – at The Tollgate Inn, Ham Green, Holt Nr Bradford on Avon. (01225 782326) open Tuesdays to Saturdays 9.30am to 5.30pm, and Sundays 10am to 3pm

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Bubble Christmas Parties Following the success of their 2009 and 2010 events, Bubble Christmas Parties are once again holding their 2011 ‘Christmas at the Winter Palace’ events in Bath.

S

o if you are looking for a Christmas do with a difference and a guaranteed fun packed night, then look no further.

From the 2nd of December, nine fabulous nights of festive fun, delicious food and great entertainment will take place in Bath’s most unique and lavish venue.

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

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

“Bubble’s Christmas party was the best Christmas party we have ever attended.”

“Thank you for a unique and fantastic Christmas venue, we will definitely be booking again for 2010.”

“Following the success of our previous events we wanted to make our 2011 Christmas parties even better, making the Winter Palace even more stunning and pushing further with the Bubble trademark of lots of varied and fun entertainment at a great value price. Making sure all our guests have a great time is what we do, and Bubble Parties do it very well” Richard Norris, Managing Director, Bubble Christmas Parties.

Bubble Christmas Parties are still taking bookings however places are filling up fast so phone 0845 3670020 for more information or take a look at their website www.bubblechristmasparties.co.uk

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BUSINESSnews

Teamwork conquers virtual Channel Staff and friends of Bath-based Whitfield Nash & JD Lettings attempted to swim the English Channel – without leaving their home city – to raise money for Dorothy House. The exact distance of the real Channel was negotiated in an open air swimming pool, which was in the region of 1,690 lengths.

Not only did the team of 16 swimmers swim the distance, but they then went on and swam in effect, halfway back to Dover all in all some 2,461 lengths.

Dan Davies started the team off at 7.30am, symbolically pushing off from the Dover coast line, closely followed by

News in brief ■ Bath Rugby has put its weight behind Game On! a scheme which aims to get young people in to employment or education. There are currently around 81,000 teenagers in the south west who are known as Neets – that is, not in employment, education or training. Bill Hill, the chief executive of Wooden Spoon, children’s rugby charity, is appealing for corporate sponsors of the scheme while he cycles 1,200 around the UK as a personal kick-start to the new Game On! project in Bath and Bristol. Anyone wishing to lend support can email: bill.hill@woodenspoon.com.

■ Bath-based digital agency Deep Blue Sky is celebrating its recent expansion, allowing it to double its staff to six and move from a unit in Green Park Station to offices in Beehive Yard. Managing director and founder, Jim Morrison, said Deep Blue Sky is working on some major new projects, including iPhone, Android and iPad applications.

■ Staff at the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe took to their bikes as part of parent company Exclusive Hotels’ 30th anniversary charity event. Staff from Wiltshire joined other employees for trip which took in all the chain’s hotels, from Hertfordshire to Sussex, raising sponsorship for Macmillan Cancer Support. So far £60,498.75 has been raised, with more money coming in.

■ It’s been a good summer for marquees – from weddings to the BBC’s Great British Bake Off, they’ve adorned lawns all over the country.

To plan next year’s excitement in tents, pop along to County Marquees’ Viewing Weekend held in Chepstow on the weekend of 8/9 October. To find out more tel: 0800 191 997 or email: info@countymarquees.co.uk

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Joan Sims. Danny Vilalta completed the swim at 7.30pm, with just about 12 hours of almost continual swimming for the Dorothy House hospice. The team has raised £1,940 for the local charity with their efforts.

The swimming challenge was themed, with the English national flag decorating the pool at the outset, changing over to the French flag in the evening.

Alison Tucker, wife of swimmer Peter Tucker even turned up in a stripy shirt and French beret, as the Mayoress of Calais, to greet the final swimmer as he got out of the pool.

LATEST BUZZ

Wild about the Caribbean Bath estate agent Wildoak Residential is expanding its brief by launching a new service, selling property in the Caribbean. Wildoak – while continuing to focus on selling homes in the Bath area – has teamed up with Cluttons in Barbados. Managing director David Sim established contacts in the Caribbean while he was working for Hamptons International, so he will be able to offer clients first-hand experience.

“The potential, positive knock-on effects of this new department for our clients here in Bath are enormous, “ he said.

BATH BUSINESS news & views

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

ZUT ALORS: Alison Tucker, as the Mayoress of Calais, congratulates Danny Vilalta of Whitfield Nash

Spa earns its keep by boosting spend

Bath’s natural hot water spring – arguably its greatest asset – has brought an additional £41m into the local economy, through the visitors it has attracted to the Thermae Bath Spa. As the spa celebrated its fifth anniversary its economic contribution to the city’s financial wellbeing has been totted up.

In addition to money spent directly at the Thermae Bath Spa, visitors have spent money in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés and shops, as well as with taxi companies.

The independent study, undertaken by South West Research Company, shows that in the past 12 months the additional spend has been more than £12.5m. This figure has increased year on year since the spa opened.

Sales and marketing manager Peter Rollins said: “It is hard to believe that the spa has been open for five years and has welcomed more than a million guests. After a difficult beginning, we hope that the spa is now making a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the city.

“More than anything else, it is great to see so many people enjoying Bath’s most important asset, the natural thermal waters.”

The spa is not only popular with local residents and day visitors but also with staying and overseas visitors. Research indicates that the favourite aspects of the spa are the open-air rooftop pool, the steam rooms and the spa treatments.

Businesses have a winning way with flowers A lot of people made a big effort this summer to put on floral displays around the city as part of the annual Bath in Bloom displays which make the streets welcoming to visitors.

Tourists were seen photographing the unlikely sight of stately tall sunflowers growing in a small window box in Bennett Street, while down on Walcot Street The Framing Workshop’s homage to Vincent van Gogh, pictured, won it a second prize in the competition.

The first prize winner in the Best Shopfront category was The Silver Shop in Union Passage which won praise for its abundant hanging baskets.

TAXmatters

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ax law in the UK has become increasingly complex over the last 10-15 years. Finance Acts seem to be getting longer and longer and in most cases there is devil in the detail which can catch out the unwary. Mike Richardson, Derek Swift and Jon Miles of Richardson Swift passionately believe that clients need the full facts and options available to them. They are very aware that in these times some will want to pay the minimum in tax and others want to pay what they consider to be a fair share of tax. It is not our place to determine what is correct in this respect but we have to advise clients of all the options so that they make the decisions that they are comfortable with.

Jon Miles

The vast majority of tax planning is mainstream and relatively straightforward and for the majority of clients routine tax planning is what they want, such as “dividend vs salary”, maximising use of basic rate tax bands, capital gains exemptions and transferring assets between spouses. For example, businesses should consider whether they have the right structure. The four basic formats are sole-tradership, partnership, Limited Company and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). Which is the best for you and your particular circumstances? Would

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a hybrid form of these be more suitable? We have knowledge of variations on some of these structures and how they can fit in with your objectives.

Regarding VAT, are you eligible for the flat rate scheme and if so would you save tax?

For company directors are you remunerating yourself tax efficiently and does your paperwork back up what you are doing? Have you considered alternatives to the salary/dividend option?

Regarding income tax are you paying at a higher rate than your spouse? If so have you considered whether you could restructure to make it more tax efficient?

Are you making full use of pensions? Are you aware that when done correctly tax relief can be given on the transfer of a business asset to a pension fund and that cash does not need to change hands. It is possible for example to get tax relief for the equity of a business property being put into a pension fund even when there is a mortgage on the property.

Thinking of capital taxes, are you making use of your annual capital gains allowance of £10,600? For couples with capital assets rising in value that amounts to tax free growth of £21,200 per annum if structured correctly.

If you have made a claim for relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme(EIS) are you aware of all the regulations and rules that you will need to comply with to maintain relief?

For Inheritance Tax, have you calculated your exposure? It is often more than you think. Are you aware of all the possibilities for mitigating Inheritance tax? Some planning can work after only two years of implementation.

With Income Tax, is your taxable income (ie after personal allowances) close to the 40% band at £35,000 or the 50% band at £150,000?

If so there are almost certain to be planning opportunities. Do not forget that there is another effective tax band in the current tax year at £100,000 where the marginal rate of tax for earnings between £100,000 and £114,950 is effectively 60%.

We at Richardson Swift believe that the above questions and the solutions that are available cover the bulk of “typical” tax planning but we are also prepared to talk to clients about more unusual options that might be available. A quick look on the internet would provide a myriad

Mike Richardson

of advisors claiming that they can save you tax and a review of the HMRC pages would give you the impression that none of these work. This is a minefield for both taxpayers and their advisors. How do you know which provider is any good? At Richardson Swift we are prepared to talk to clients about some of these options, and by using fellow specialist professionals, we believe that we can advise clients as to which are the best options.

To reinforce our commitment to this area we are holding an event on 5 October 2011 in Bath where we will give clients and their advisors a chance to find out more about these arrangements. This event will not be a sales event; we do not aggressively promote these ideas; we just want to educate people as to what is out there so that they can make fully informed decisions.

If you would like to find out more about the event or speak to us about anything in this article please call Mike, Jon or Derek on 01225 325580 or email info@richardsonswift.co.uk

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

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WEEKENDbreak

An Indian SUMMER An Edwardian hotel overlooking Mounts Bay in Cornwall promises the ideal family weekend away – whatever the weather

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hose of us who enjoyed happy family meals out at Woolley Grange Hotel in Wiltshire a few years back, where staff managed that fine balance of giving adults great service with good food, while also entertaining the children, will be pleased to hear that Nigel Chapman, former owner at Woolley Grange, is now in charge of a Cornish seaside hotel which promises to deliver a similar experience.

As founder of the small group of Luxury Family Hotels, Nigel and his team built up a reputation for creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests, while paying attention to comfort.

Nigel sold the boutique hotels to Von Essen six years ago and has now invested in the Polurrian Bay Hotel near Mullion, on the clifftops overlooking Mounts Bay. The Polurrian Bay promises to be the first of a new generation of family hotels, under the title Halycon Hotels. The 41-bedroom hotel aims at a traditional family seaside holiday experience, giving parents a homely house party atmosphere with plenty of fun for their children. There is an Oftsed registered den for the under eights to play in, while mum and dad go for a game of tennis.

Since Halycon acquired the Polurrian in February the Edwardian building has undergone refurbishment, with the public rooms having their parquet floors revealed and many of the bedrooms being updated.

The original hotel was built in 1890 and really couldn’t be in a better position, with fabulous views across the bay.

Whatever the weather there is plenty to do here, from walking

the coastal path, which meanders through the 12 acres of gardens, to lying flat out by the indoor or outdoor pools with a book. There’s a lovely walk from the hotel down to a pristine sandy beach at the foot of the cliffs, and even in September the summer-warmed sea should be temperate enough for a swim.

Over the years the hotel has seen a number of famous guests, including the Italian inventor Gugliemo Marconi, who stayed at the hotel in 1901 while conducting his experiments with translatlantic message in Morse Code from nearby Poldhu beach across the ocean to Newfoundland.

In addition to all the usual facilities you’d expect in a comfortable family hotel, there is the Purity Spa, where guests can choose from a range of treatments using Elemis and Spiezia Organics products.

There is a playground for younger guests and there are regular film showings in the hotel’s own cinema.

Cornwall is rich in fresh produce, from its fish to county-grown fruit and vegetables, and this is reflected in the hotel menus, which are described as ‘delicious and unpretentious.’

Children under 12 stay free if they share their parents’ room, although there is a charge for breakfast for anyone aged two or over. Cots, high chairs and baby equipment can be ordered in advance and the hotel has its own babysitting service. ■

there is plenty to do here, from ❝ walking the coastal path . . . to

lying flat out by the indoor or outdoor pools with a book

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❞

The Polurrian Bay Hotel, Mullion, can be contacted, tel: 01326 240421, or visit: www.polurrianhotel.com.

PARENT-FRIENDLY: main picture, the beautiful Polurrian Bay, inset pictures, left to right: the view out across the bay over Polurrian Bay Hotel’s outdoor pool, there is a path from the hotel down to a sandy beach, and the sitting room which offers all the comforts of home with hotel service

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A FESTIVAL

to remember

The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature returns to the city on Friday 23 September – Sunday 2 October. Expect lots of exciting events with some of the best authors, illustrators and storytellers around

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t’s here, the fifth Bath Festival of Children’s Literature, staged in association with The Telegraph and Waterstones Booksellers. And with over eighty events featuring countless top international authors, storytellers and illustrators, it promises to be the best yet. Featuring the likes of Jacqueline Wilson, Robert Muchamore and Lauren Kate booking early is a must.

The ten-day festival will be packed full of events for all the family.

Highlights include the amazing Cressida Cowell, this year’s brochure cover illustrator David McKee, funny-man Andy Stanton and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Mackenzie Crook to name but a few.

Friday 30 September will see the festival celebrating Friday Fright Night with zombies, vampires and all things gruesome featuring top spooky scribblers Darren Shan, Charlie Higson and Steve Feasey amongst others, and there will also be a Lego building event, a Dr Who drawing-drama, comic book making with the Etherington Brothers, crafts, comedy, sport and storytelling.

Joint-Artistic Director of the Festival, John McLay commented on the fifth Kids LitFest programme: “Gill and I are delighted with this year’s festival line-up. A vintage year! It’s often difficult to believe that so many amazingly talented and bestselling authors and illustrators will be together in one place in Bath to the delight of the country’s youngest readers. This year, just about everybody we invited to the festival said yes so it’s a bumper programme of events. We think there is something for everyone – from toddlers and first readers, through confident book lovers and onto the most discerning teenage literary minds.”

This year will also see the extremely popular Jeremy Strong as the official festival writer-in-residence; keep up-to-date with his funny blog at www.bathkidslitfest.wordpress.com You can even become a Friend of the festival and receive some great benefits. Friends’ membership costs £10 and enables you to get in on the action early next year by booking tickets a whole week in advance of general booking, and you’ll also be kept up-to-date with family friendly activities in the area, receive special offers and free gifts. Contact Bath Box Office on tel 01225 463362 to find out more. ■ To see the full festival line up, visit: www.bathkidslitfest.org.uk or pick up a programme around the city. Tickets can be booked by telephone 01225 463362, online or in person at Bath Box Office, 2 Church Street, Abbey Green, Bath.

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COUNTRYlife

WOOLLY champions Fred Ellis of Acer Alpacas in Doynton, on the joys of keeping and showing alpacas

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

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lpaca owners get asked many questions: “What are they for? Do they spit? Are these llamas? Do you eat them?” But the best things said by the public at shows are things like: “Aren’t they gorgeous?” or “This is the best part of the show.”

There are many forms of competitive activity but for us, and many like us, it takes the form of breeding animals, not for the best looking but for the animal with the best fleece. It is just a very useful coincidence that the animal in question is one of the cutest and most interesting of creatures.

Alpacas were bred originally by the Quechua people in South America from the native Vicuna over thousands of years for their superb fleece qualities. The few remaining Vicuna live high in the Andes and are an endangered and protected wild species, producing the very best fibre but a fleece that is low yielding and only shorn every second year.

On the arrival of the Spanish, the ensuing chaos caused careful breeding programmes of many generations of both llamas and alpacas to be destroyed. Whole populations were practically wiped out and interbreeding between the two species took place, which downgraded the quality of fleece. Through selective breeding the Peruvians and Chileans have improved the quality of alpacas to the extent that some fleece fineness is now approaching that found in 600-year-old Inca tombs. This improvement has been boosted by the interest taken in many other countries most notably Australia, New Zealand and North America with Europe following closely behind.

This is where the show arena comes into significance with breeders large and small tapping into the best genetics available, sometimes at considerable cost, with the aim of hearing their particular animal being announced Supreme Champion.

So alpacas are kept for their fleece, as witnessed by anyone who has worn any garment made from this prickle-free, super comfort material; whereas llamas are a larger, stronger animal used as load carriers.

Unless aggravated, generally they are gentle and placid creatures who are very observant, spotting things that are sometimes invisible to the human eye. Once halter trained they enjoy being taken out for walks, with some individuals walking into a trailer on their own accord and lying down.

All alpaca shows are open to the public with some incorporated into most of the large agricultural shows throughout the UK, including the Royal Bath and West. To find out more, visit www.aceralpacas.com4. ■

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FAMILYfun

TOYS and

stories

A round-up of activities and events for all the family to enjoy this month, from an outdoor movie screening to a musical concert full of surprises

Movie by moonlight

Royal Victoria Park, Bath. Entry is free but donations on the night are welcome. For further information tel: 01225 825825

Toy Story 3, Saturday 1 October, gates open 6.30pm The Bath RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal is hosting box office hit and family friendly film Toy Story 3. Bring a picnic and friends and laugh with the lovable characters as they embark on a new adventure.

Get creative

Clore Learning Space at the Holburne Museum, Bath. Free.

Peter Brown at the Mini-Bath Prize, Sunday 25 September, 2.30pm – 3.30pm Local landscape artist Peter Brown will be inspiring young people to paint in this master class.

Family theatre

Two Four Six Eight, Saturday 17 and Monday 19 September, Saturday, 11.30am & 3pm; Monday, 10am & 1pm Shoofly Theatre has created a funny and charming performance that shows how fun numbers can be and the importance of sharing things with friends. Suitable for ages 4-7 years.

Wind, Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 September, Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am & 3pm; Monday and Tuesday, 10am & 1pm On the stage the wind blows stronger and as the windows open you catch glimpses of the world.

See the show and then talk to Giovanna Rinaldi about her beautiful picture book. Suitable for ages 2-6 years.

Musical magic

Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon. Box office tel: 01225 860100 or visit: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath.

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

Discover the Magic of Music, Sunday 25 September, 3pm

Mr Honk and His Sad Trombone, Saturday 10 September, 11.30am & 3pm

Activities and entertainment

Mr Honk is a cheery chap, but his trombone only plays the blues. Mr Honk determines to get to the heart of the matter and cheer her up.

Combining live music and physical comedy, The Honk Project brings this delightful story of a character who ends up touching everyone’s lives with magic. Suitable for ages 5+.

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A lively, interactive concert that’s great fun for the whole family.

See Mr Honk and His Sad Trombone at the egg this mon

th

Music And Movement

Sessions held in Bathford Parish Hall, Bathford.

Tel: 01225 852889 www.toddlerworkshop.co.uk or

Toddler Workshop, Tuesdays 9.30am – 10.30am or 10.45am – 11.45am; Thursdays 9.30am – 10.30am Toddler Workshop is a lively medley of dance, drama, music and movement for toddlers and pre-school children aged 18 months+. The imaginative sessions are designed to encourage and develop children’s creativity, language and expression.

Exploration and discovery

The National Trust’s Dyrham Park, near Bath.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Claverton Down.

Entry: adults £5, children £2.50, family £12.50

Behind the Scenes, Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 September, 10am – 4.30pm

Open Day, Sunday 4 September, 11am – 4pm

Explore the hidden treasures of the Dyrham estate and visit the re-enactment camp on site where you can learn about the history of Saxon warriors and the battle of Dyrham.

A family-friendly fundraising event.

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▲

NEWterm Whether it’s returning to school after the summer holidays or starting for the first time, every child secretly loves having new uniform. We love the smart range at John Lewis, pictured left: unisex v-neck cotton cardigan, £11-£16; non-iron long sleeve blouse, pack of 2, £8-£14; girl's boxpleat tunic, £15-£17; cotton tights, pack of 2, £6-£7.75; Hunter wellingtons in navy, £32

Champagne and tissues

A child’s very first day at school heralds the start of a whole new era and while most children are more than ready for their big adventure, it is often the Mums and Dads who find the experience fraught with anxiety. So for the third year running, My Small World will be giving new parents the opportunity to beat the blues and celebrate properly – in the form of Champagne and tissues.

Parents of new school children are invited to the store in Little Southgate on Friday 2 and Monday 5 September from 9.30am – 10.30am and 1.30pm – 2.30pm, where waiting for them will be a free glass of bubbly, bucks fizz or orange juice, plenty of hugs and tissues, and a complimentary gift bag to hand to your child the minute he or she steps out of the classroom

▲ Kids will love showing off this zippy pencil case and bendy pencil in the classroom. Zip the case right down to the bottom to find those things that usually get lost under pens and pencils. Pencil case £6.50, bendy pencil £1, both from Tinc in Little SouthGate

BACK

to

SCHOOL It’s not strictly back to school for a lot of students... If you know a young lady starting university this year, treat her to this pretty laptop case, £25 and card USB, £15 from Accessorize so she can study with style

Backpacks, pencil cases, lunchboxes: everything your littleuns – and biguns – need for a new year of study

Cath Kidston stocks a lovely range of bags and accessories in vibrant prints that any child would be proud to carry. How about this Retro Flowers lunch bag for a creative little girl or this Outer Space satchel for an adventurous little boy? Available from Cath Kidston, Broad Street

▲

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: Perfect for sporty types, this new canvas duffle bag from Converse is great for holding gym gear. £44.95 from JD Sports,

Make sure your children are set up correctly for home study with this Noah children’s desk range from Feather & Black in Multiyork on London Road, Bath.

Designed with children in mind, it has chunky handles, rounded corners and edges, and no nasty gaps for fingers to get caught in. Ideal for boys and girls. Desk, £189; desk chair, £99; desk storage, £155 58 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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Are we looking for you? local families for local children Could you foster a young person from the Bath and North East Somerset area?

We are looking for people with child care experience, the ability to work in partnership with others and plenty of time and energy, to become foster carers.

Carers receive an excellent support and training package, as well as a competitive allowance.

We are particularly looking for people able to care for young people for weekend breaks (perhaps every 4-6 weeks), plus three weeks during the year; to give their long term carers a break. We are especially keen to hear from people able to offer respite care for groups of brothers and sisters.

“Becoming a foster carer has been a huge challenge but is immensely rewarding and satisfying in ways that I hadn’t anticipated”

For find out more, call The Family Placement Team on 01225 394949 or email fpt_duty@bathnes.gov.uk www.bathnes.gov.uk

Curtain Up Theatre Schools

Sing, Dance and Act each week during term time ‘Lifting the curtain to confidence’ Children 6 to 17 years Schools in Bath & Melksham Contact us now for details of a free trial session www.curtainup.biz 01761 239185

01761 239185 • admin@curtainup.biz • www.curtainup.biz WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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EDUCATIONnews

Ian Pocock visits a Forest School in Somerset where the children learn outdoors – part of a pioneering education project that has its roots in Scandinavia

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hen Samuel Beeton launched his Boy’s Own Magazine in 1855 he wanted a publication that would instil character in boys through the celebration of youthful adventure and discovery of nature.

It gave rise to a host of titles including, the Boy’s Own Paper. For nearly a century this weekly institution delivered stories of outdoors life and derring do to thousands of schoolboys across the country.

In recent years a common refrain has been to lament the modern appeal of the indoors where a generation of children gain entertainment via the ever-increasing genius of technology and Bluetooth, sync and Wifi have replaced bosun’s, reef and, clove-hitch in the everyday lexicon. It seems fitting therefore that a generation after its closure, the activities typified in the phrase “Boy’s Own stuff” entered early years education in the UK. Forest Schools is a perfect blend of Johnny Weissmuller meets Rab Butler, where children – particularly young children – take their education into the woods as part of so laying the foundations for wider learning.

As it seems with so many good ideas, it began in Scandinavia. First implemented in Sweden in the 1950s before becoming firmly established in pre-school education in Denmark in the 1980s. This was where a group of early years students and lecturers from Bridgwater discovered the idea on an exchange trip. Originally intended as a visit to see how different countries addressed child development, they returned with an idea that would grow into a national and international programme.

“We went to Denmark essentially to look at how they used outdoor play in early years,” says the programme’s founder John Blaney.

“In Denmark we visited a Kindergarten setting which had a Forest School element and that was it. Just to watch the children learning outdoors, being independent, getting dirty and developing their physical movement was fantastic to see.”

The principles underpinning Forest School are to help children at all school ages develop socially, increase and their self-esteem and push their boundaries through problem solving, risk taking, creativity and teamwork.

The approach to inclement weather is simply that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing. So children come prepared for all eventualities and are given the freedom to explore the natural environment.

“Forest Schools challenged the way we thought’” adds John. “It took everyone out of their comfort zone, where were able to encourage children to explore and take risks in a controlled environment. It is intended to complement and support classroom learning. The learning is child-led and the practitioners stand back to allow the role-play to develop. It encourages children to express themselves in a way they may not feel confident to do in the classroom environment.”

Although now delivered on a national and international level, Somerset remains a bedrock of the programme with preschools and schools continuing to open up sessions.

Last year there were 9,000 Forest School visits by children across the education spectrum and the rural backdrop to Bath lends itself naturally to the idea.

One of the first to put its entire staff through the training scheme is Freshford Pre-School. From early this year, the pre60 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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THE OUTDOOR

classroom

school has been running weekly outdoor schools, where the children spend their four-hour session outside being taught to use tools, make dens and woodcraft. They are also encouraged to learn independently and work together in teams work.

“It all started in 2009,” says pre-school leader Georgina Muxworthy. “We went on the early years conference organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council and it grew from there. We got a Big Lottery grant to send the staff on the full training course and now all of the staff are trained to run the full Forest School. The initial challenge was to find the right environment because you need to make sure it is suitable for learning. But it has been a revelation for the children.”

Freshford has encouraged parents to attend the sessions and see their children learning using rope bridges, abseiling down branches, eating lunch around the camp fire and even working in teams to carry small logs.

We have really seen the impact ❝ of the Forest School translate back into the pre-classroom ❞ “When the parents have come they have naturally been a bit unsure about how it all works and how much we allow the children to do,” adds Georgina, “but they have been amazed by the progression. We have really seen the impact of the Forest School translate back into the pre-school classroom where the outside has made the children more confident and feel more empowered to explore.”

If the success of the movement continues, then perhaps the children of future generations will refer to real “Forest School’s Stuff”.

“Somerset can take considerable pride in how it has pioneered this concept,” concludes John. “I thought it might last five or six years initially but here we are 16 years on and it is getting bigger all the time”.

Mr Beeton would be proud. ■

ADVENTUROUS: children at Forest Schools learn to climb trees, build bridges and enjoy lunch cooked on a camp fire

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Rush Hill, Bath, BA2 2QL Tel: 01225 426268 - Fax: 01225 447036 www.culverhayschool.com Culverhay School is an 11 to 19 specialist Maths and Computing School for boys, located on the south side of Bath.

We can be characterised as ‘a human-scale school with big ambitions’, both for the students who attend the school now, and for the future.

At Culverhay we are proud of the way we add value to our young people, as they undertake their educational careers with us. Our attention to detail and focus upon the learning needs of each individual allows us to raise attainment and promote high achievement. We are committed to realising the potential of every student, both academically and as a rounded citizen. From 2012, it is our aspiration to provide for boys and girls as a new, sponsored academy.

I invite you to explore the amazing range of opportunities available at Culverhay.

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Academy

BEECHEN CLIFF SCHOOL Headmaster: A Davies

Boys 11-18 School 1160 pupils Popular Co-Educational Sixth Form of 300

Excellent Academic Standards GCSE 2011: 85% achieving 5 or more A* - C grades 80% achieving 5 or more A* - C grades including Maths and English

Prospective Parents’ Evening Tuesday 20th September 6.00pm - 8.30pm Open Morning Wednesday 28th September 9.00am - 1.00pm Alexandra Park, Bath BA2 4RE Telephone: 01225 480466 Fax: 01225 314025 Email: headmaster@beechencliff.org.uk

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EXAMININGeducation Kingswood School

Monkton Prep & Pre-Prep

Monkton Combe School

Lansdown, Bath, BA1 5RG Tel: 01225 734210 www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Church Road, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 7ET Tel: 01225 837912 www.monktoncombeschool.com

Church Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7GH Tel: 01225 721102 www.monktoncombeschool.com

Autumn Term: 7 September – 13 December 11 Spring Term: 5 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 24 April – 7 July 12

Autumn Term: 5 September – 15 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 6 July 12

Autumn Term: 5 September – 15 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 6 July 12

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years

Age of Pupils: 2 – 13 years

Age of Pupils: 11 – 19 years

Number of Pupils: 660

Number of Pupils: 381

Number of Pupils: 395

Day Fees: Day pupils, £3,853; boarding, £6,550 (weekly) – £8,330 (full).

Day Fees: Pre-Prep: £2,682 - £2762; Prep: £3,415 - £4,722 (Day); £6,330 - £6,732 (Boarding)

Day Fees: £4,722 - £5,727 – Boarding: £6,732 - £9,045

Religious Denomination: Methodist Foundation

Religious Denomination: Christian

Religious Denomination: Christian The Curriculum: GCSE, AS and A Levels

The Curriculum: Kingswood School provides a broad and balanced curriculum to foster every individual’s educational development – spiritual, moral, social, academic, cultural and physical. Kingswood has a tradition of dedicated teachers who give generously of themselves.

This results in high academic standards and excellent performances in public examinations.

Extra Curricular Activities: Kingswood offers pupils around 100 recreational activities, clubs and societies.

Creative, sporting and musical are positively encouraged, providing a high level of fun and fulfilment for all ages. Pupils are also able to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the local CCF. Pastoral Care: Pastoral care has been judged as ‘exceptional’ at inspection and the relationships between staff and pupils in the school are highly regarded by parents. Each senior school pupil has a personal tutor who mentors them. The tutor keeps in close contact with parents or guardians and is responsible for assisting each tutee with their own independent learning plan, so that, through discussion, personal targets can be set and support provided to achieve pupils’ aims.

The boarding and day pupils combine throughout the house system which ensures a strong sense of community.

Name of Principal: Mr Simon Morris Outstanding Characteristics: Kingswood welcomes students from many parts of the world to enrich the learning experience of all pupils.

Particular strengths in music and drama, enhance the academic reputation. A school that embraces all round excellence and prepares children for their adult lives.

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Extra Curricular Activities: Rowing, cricket, rugby, tennis, swimming, gym, cookery, riding, mandarin, choir, squash, big band, ballroom dancing, drama, chess club, football, bugs and bones club are among the activities on offer. The school believes that educating young people means helping them develop all their gifts.

The Curriculum: Pre-Prep: Nursery, Kindergarten or Reception: National Guidelines for the teaching of under 5s. Year 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1.

Prep School: Year 3 to Year 6: National Curriculum at Key Stage 2 Year 7 to Year 8: National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, Common Entrance and Scholarship Extra Curricular Activities: Riding, fencing, tennis, cub-scout group, swimming, football, drama, choir, art club – the choice of activities at the Prep is extremely varied. The activity programme is one of the most exciting parts of life at Monkton Prep.

Pastoral Care: Maintaining the delicate balance between academic success and personal development is one of the school’s great strengths and the happiness of every child is of paramount importance. The pastoral care system is designed to make each child feel valued and supported as well as identifying any problems at a very early stage. The Headmaster and his family and house parents with their families all live on site, creating a warm, family atmosphere.

Name of Principal: Mr Chris Stafford Outstanding Characteristics: Monkton Prep is proud of its academic achievements – many pupils win scholarships to some of the most prestigious independent schools. A number of improvements are planned including the modernisation of boarding accommodation and the construction of a new purpose built pre-prep.

But above all as a Christian school, emphasis is on the individual.

Pastoral Care: The school’s exceptional pastoral care creates a warm, friendly environment. The pastoral system means that every pupil has a choice of adult to whom they can turn for confidential advice and support – tutor, houseparent, teachers or the chaplain. Parents have a huge role to play in the school lives of their children and so it welcomes their involvement, celebrating successes and developing joint strategies for dealing with any problems.

Name of Principal: Mr Richard Backhouse Outstanding Characteristics: The new £4 million AC maths and science centre is proving to be an outstanding facility. A new music centre will be ready for use next year.

Monkton is a leading rowing school in the south west. Plans are in place to refurbish the boat house at Dundas and to build a new facility at Saltford. The creation of these new facilities and the recruitment of bright and able pupils will enhance the school’s reputation as one of the leading Christian boarding schools in the UK.

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EXAMININGeducation The Royal High School

The Paragon School

Lansdown Road, Bath. BA1 5SZ Tel: 01225 313877 royalhigh@bat.gdst.net www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, BA2 4LT Tel: 01225 310837 Fax: 01225 427980 admissions@paragon.priorpark.co.uk

Autumn Term: 5 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 2 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 5 July 12

Autumn Term: 5 September – 15 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 17 April – 10 July 12

Prior Park College Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH Tel: 01225 831000 www.thepriorfoundation.com Autumn Term: 7 September – 15 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 17 April – 7 July 12 Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years

Age of Pupils: Girls Day: 3 -18 yrs, Girls Boarding: From Year 5 onwards

Number of Pupils: 580+ Day Fees: Per term: Day:Years 7-8 £4,061, Years 9-13 £4,525. Full boardingYears 9-13 £8,160. Weekly boarding: Years 9-13 £6,466

Number of Pupils: 800 Day Fees: £2,350 - £3,419 per term Religious Denomination: Non-denominational The Curriculum: From the nursery, through the Junior School, to the Senior School and Sixth Form College (offering the International Baccalaureate alongside A Levels), the Royal High School offer a rich and varied curriculum enabling girls to develop a robust, relevant, global perspective in education.

Extra Curricular Activities: The school allows girls to develop their skills and talents and value their achievements beyond the curriculum. Every sporting, scientific, artistic, cultural and social

Religious Denomination: Catholic Age of Pupils: 3 – 11 Number of Pupils: 230+ Day Fees: Years 3-6 £2,662, Years 1-2 £2,533 Reception £2,389, Nursery £2,275 Religious Denomination: Christian The Curriculum: Broad, balanced curriculum, with cross curricular links and some topic-based work. Emphasis on core subjects and attaining high academic standards, with engaging humanities curriculum and cross curricular ICT. sport and music are strong.

opportunity is available to girls of all ages as a matter of course, to enrich their education and give them confidence, capability and a strong set of values needed to underpin success at university, throughout careers and in achieving aspirations in every aspect of life.

Pastoral Care: Providing a warm, secure and supportive environment is central to the school’s aim of helping students to develop into fulfilled and confident young adults. An essential feature of pastoral care is maintaining a strong partnership with parents, which includes parents’ evenings specifically dedicated to pastoral matters.

Extra Curricular Activities: A fantastic choice of extra-curricular activities from pottery and chess to conservation and gymnastics. Staff run around 50 lunchtime and after school clubs and children can join whichever clubs they want, regardless of ability.

There is also a rich mix of school trips and activity days including a week in France for children in Year 6, visits to local theatres and a residential adventure centre, and many themed days that make full use of the grounds.

Pastoral Care: Every child at The Paragon should feel secure and affirmed, valued for who they are regardless of their ability. Children feel comfortable about approaching a teacher to talk about something that’s bothering them. Strong relationships with parents help identify problems at an early stage Each class has a prefect, chosen from the eldest year group, to support and advise them. A school council, with democratically elected representatives from Year 2 up meets monthly with the Headmaster.

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Extra Curricular Activities: Over 60 weekday activities. Saturday Active is a range of exciting courses available for boarders on a Saturday morning; optional for day pupils.

Pastoral Care: Classed as outstanding. Housebased pastoral care addresses the needs of the individual student.

Name of Principal: Mr Titus Mills

Name of Principal: Mr James MurphyO’Connor

Outstanding Characteristics: The friendly, ‘family’ atmosphere is what makes The Paragon so special.

Outstanding Characteristics: A happy, purposeful, high achieving community in which talents can blossom without censure from peers.

Name of Principal: Mrs Rebecca Dougall MA Outstanding Characteristics: An outstanding academic community in which your daughter is empowered, enabled and encouraged to become the best that she can be.

The Curriculum: The school offers 23 AS and A2 subjects including philosophy, classical civilisation, music technology, dance and theology.

Most pupils study 10 or 11 GCSE subjects with drama, classical civilisation, Latin and PE on offer as some of the options. Broad based curriculum in lower years.

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EXAMININGeducation King Edward’s School King Edward’s Senior School, North Road, Bath, King Edward’s Junior School, North Road, Bath, King Edward’s Pre-Prep Nursery Weston Lane, Bath. Tel: 01225 421681, Junior: 01225 463218, Pre-Prep: 01225 421681 www.kesbath.com Autumn Term: 7 September – 15 December 11 Spring Term: 4 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 23 April – 11 July 12 Age of Pupils: Senior School 11 – 18 years, junior school 7 – 11 yrs, Pre-Prep & Nursery 3 – 7 years Number of Pupils: Senior school 697, junior 195, Pre-Prep & Nursery 100 Day Fees: Sixth form £3,697 per term, senior £3,655 per term, junior £2,890 per term, preprep £2,610 per term, nursery £2,145 per term Religious Denomination: Non-denominational.

Spiritual development is nurtured by a welldeveloped sense of community, supportive relationships and the vital contribution of tutors and the school chaplain.

The Curriculum: Every individual is encouraged to strive for excellence and to acquire a lifelong passion for knowledge, discovery, creativity and culture. There is breadth in the curriculum as well as academic rigour. A range of subjects are taught at both GCSE and AS/A2 Level.

Extra Curricular Activities: Pupils’ educational experience is enhanced by an extensive programme of activities including; expedition society, Duke of Edinburgh’s award, Combined Cadet Force, drama, music, sports, Model United Nations, debating society, astronomy, philosophy society, first aid, literary club and recreational clubs such as modelling, jewellery, book club.

Pastoral Care: A recent ISI report found the quality of pastoral care, support and guidance to be ‘outstanding’. The school offers a strong, caring and supportive pastoral framework, working closely with parents to ensure that all members of the school community feel respected and valued.

Name of Principal: Mr Martin Boden Outstanding Characteristics: The school is in The Telegraph’s top 10 independent coeducational day schools based on A Level and GCSE results.

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Stonar School Cottles Park, Atworth, Melksham, SN12 8NT Tel: 01225 701740 www.stonarschool.com Autumn Term: 7 September – 9 December 11 Spring Term: 4 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 17 April – 6 July 12 Age of Pupils: Girls 2 – 18 years, boys 2 – 11 years Number of Pupils: 350 Day Fees: Senior boarding: £7,850; senior day: £4,455; Prep boarding: £5,275; Preps 5 & 6 day: £3,510; Preps 3 & 4 day: £2,685; Reception & Preps 1 & 2: £2,2,90 Religious Denomination: All faiths welcome The Curriculum: Wide range of subjects at GCSE & A Level; plus Leith’s Certificate of Food & Wine; British Horse Society’s Assistant Instructor Certificate; European Computer Driving Licence; EAL. Extra Curricular Activities: Senior: hockey, netball, swimming, tennis, squash, trampoline, riding, drama, chamber choir, orchestra, football, tag rugby, ballet, art, cookery, rounders, athletics, allotment club, wind band; concert band and percussion group, Duke of Edinburgh Award; Prep: hockey, netball, swimming, rounders, tennis, ballet/tap, gardening, art/craft, chess, riding, drama, cookery, cross country, orchestra, trampoline, first aid, choir, multi-sports.

Pastoral Care: Because Stonar has such a friendly, inclusive and nurturing environment pupils naturally develop a strong sense of responsibility and community, caring for fellow pupils, the school and the wider world.

From the nursery through to the Sixth Form, Stonar provides a nurturing atmosphere with excellent pastoral care in order to support pupils through the different stages of their development.

Name of Principal: Mrs Elizabeth Thomas Outstanding Characteristics: Stonar pupils are active, ambitious and energetic – they pack a huge amount into their busy days. Girls do more, and do better, than they ever thought possible.

We are known for adding value in academic achievement. The outstanding pastoral care and nurturing environment help them to find and develop their own individual talents. Stonar pupils leave with the intellectual curiosity, confidence, compassion and independence that they will need in their future lives.

St Mary’s Calne Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0DF Tel: 01249 857200 office@stmaryscalne.org www.stmaryscalne.org Autumn Term: 7 September – 14 December 11 Spring Term: 10 January – 22 March 12 Summer Term: 17 April – 6 July 12 Age of Pupils: 11 - 18 Number of Pupils: 333 Day Fees: £7,203 – 7,350 per term Religious Denomination: Church of England The Curriculum: St Mary’s is committed to providing an education that will challenge and inspire its pupils, as well as helping them to achieve fantastic exam results. In 2010, 34% of all the A Level grades achieved by the girls were A*s and over 90% passed their A Levels with at least one A*-A grade. At GCSE, half of the school’s candidates scored 8 or more A*-A grades and a third of girls passed all of their GCSEs with A* or A grades. This inspirational education is achieved through a forwardthinking curriculum.

Extra Curricular Activities: Beyond the classroom, 80% of girls play musical instruments and take part in a wide variety of ensembles, including the chamber choir which released a recording of its specially commissioned Requiem by David Bednall to fantastic reviews. Drama productions are of the highest standard and have transferred to both the London stage and the Edinburgh Fringe. The drama department has a unique relationship with RADA which includes offering a course in advanced communication skills in Year 13. All girls work for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with large numbers going on to higher levels. The school is represented at county level in several sports, nationally in athletics and lacrosse, and internationally in riding, with all girls taking advantage of the fitness suite and 25m indoor pool.

Pastoral Care: The school is small by design and it is a close and caring community. Every girl has a tutor and in the sixth form, a director of study, to support and guide her through every aspect of school life.

Name of Principal: Dr Helen Wright MA (Oxon), MA (Leics), EdD (Exeter), PGCE (Oxon), FRSA, MIoD Outstanding Characteristics: The boarding system, where girls live within their own year group, encourages strong friendships. Day girls can stay overnight whenever they need to ensure they feel fully-integrated.

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EXAMININGeducation Beechen cliff school Alexandra Park, Bath, BA2 4RE Tel: 01225 480466 www.beechencliff.org.uk Autumn Term: 1 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 3 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 12 July 12

Ralph Allen School Claverton Down Road, Bath, BA2 7AD Tel: 01225 832936 enquiries@ralphallen.bathnes.org.uk www.ralphallen.bathnes.sch.uk

Upper Oldfield Park, BA2 3LA, Brougham Hayes, Bath, BA2 3 QU Tel: 01225 426 151 www.hayesfield.com

Autumn Term: 1 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 4 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April-– 19 July 12

Autumn Term: 5 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 3 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 17 April – 22 July 12

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years

Age of Pupils: 11 – 16 girls, 16 –18 coeducational

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years Number of Pupils: 1150 Number of Pupils: 1,100 Day Fees: N/A Day Fees: None Religious Denomination: None. (For pupils outside the UK) £4,500 - £5,500 pa) The Curriculum: A wide ranging academic curriculum which includes GCSE’s in classical civilisation, Latin and psychology. At A Level the school offers more than 40 courses of study and the AQA Baccalaureate.

Extra Curricular Activities: A huge range of extra-curricular activities on offer include cricket, rugby, hockey, football, tennis and shooting. Debating, public speaking, F1 and robotics are supplemented by the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and the Combined Cadet Force.

Pastoral Care: Personal care and guidance is exceptional at the school, with each boy and sixth form student being looked after within the house he or she is allocated on entry.

Name of Principal: Andrew Davies Outstanding Characteristics: A school which provides stunning food, incredible extra-curricular provision and a highly successful academic curriculum.

‘Beechen Cliff School provides an outstanding education for its boys and sixth form students, which reflects its values of high aspirations and success for all. A significant strength of the school is the way in which it identifies differing ability groups, thus enabling the mostable boys to gain the highest grades possible and yet successfully supporting those who find learning more challenging to achieve examination results of which they can be proud.’ Ofsted report 2011.

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Hayesfield Girls’ School

Religious Denomination: Nondenominational The Curriculum: Full range of subjects available at GCSE and A Level, with applied courses available in some subjects.

Extra Curricular Activities: A wide range of extracurricular activities at lunchtimes and after school, linked to all areas of the curriculum including PE and dance, drama, music and the arts, science, maths, foreign languages, debating, photography, fantasy football, rockets, chess, girls’ football.

The Wednesday Windows project is a menu of extended curricular activities for young people. The school runs many residential and day curricular and non-curricular enrichment trips.

Pastoral Care: In the 2011 pilot Ofsted inspection Inspectors noted that the school’s commitment to equality of opportunity is outstanding, as is the school’s provision for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The Head of Inclusion works with a large experienced team of HLTAs, learning mentors and teaching assistants.

Name of Principal: Ms Libby Lee MA (Cantab) Outstanding Characteristics: Ralph Allen is the only mixed non-denominational 11-18 secondary school in Bath. In June 2011 Ofsted inspectors noted that in the sixth form there is ‘inspirational teaching’ and that ‘relationships are excellent’ and students benefit from ‘high quality support’. Inspectors said that students enjoy lessons and 95% of parents agreed that their child is happy at school. The team said, ‘Attitudes to learning are generally highly positive’ and that students ‘exhibit confidence and respect for others’. The inspection team wrote to the students saying, ‘The headteacher, school leaders, teachers and governing body are all determined that you should have the opportunity to succeed whatever your interests and abilities.’

Number of Pupils: 1,127 Day Fees: None Religious Denomination: Non denominational The Curriculum: Innovative curriculum design offers a range of stimulating learning opportunities which support the development of good habits of learning – a wide range of sporting activities, independence of thought, intellectual curiosity, creativity and resilience.

The outstanding range includes access to over 40 A Level subjects and the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the sixth form.

Extra Curricular Activities: Pupils participate in a variety of activities and events geared towards building on current talents whilst encouraging new interests, intellectual pursuits and development of leadership and research skills. Clubs in all subjects directly support the curriculum while others provide more general enrichment, such as the school magazine, an environment group and the school debating society.

Pastoral Care: Hayesfield is a happy, caring and safe community where every individual is valued, respected and nurtured to develop their full potential. There is a strong community spirit and sense of belonging in the school and pupils learn together in an atmosphere of cooperation and trust. In 2009 Ofsted noted that “pupils receive excellent care, guidance and support and there is a strong ethos of tolerance and mutual support.” The campus style setting creates small unique schools within one larger community which is appreciated by pupils and parents.

Name of Principal: Ms Erica Draisey Outstanding Characteristics: Hayesfield is an outstanding school where sustained high standards are expected and excellence encouraged. One of its greatest strengths is the range of opportunities offered for all students whatever their interests, aptitudes and abilities.

Pupils are supported and challenged to stretch their intellects and their talents, to find their own voice, to shoulder responsibility and, above all, to be positive about themselves and their futures.

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BRIDGE SCHOOL OF BATH Bridge Lessons in Queen Square

Classes start October 2011 Daytime and evening

• Beginners • • Improvers • • Club Play •

Teacher: Christine MacFarlane (EBUTA) www.bathbridge.com Tel: 07989 440238

STUDY LANGUAGES IN BATH Evening classes starting September in

• JAPANESE • ITALIAN • • GERMAN • FRENCH • • SPANISH • CHINESE • St Gregory’s Catholic College, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 8PA For information contact 07894 913322 or email: info@languagesinbath.co.uk

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EXAMININGeducation Oldfield School

Westonbirt School

Rosehill Westonbirt

Kelston Road, Bath, BA1 9AB Tel: (01225) 423582 www.oldfieldschool.com

Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG Tel: 01666 880333 www.westonbirt.gloucs.sch.uk

Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG Tel: 01666 881400 www.rhwestonbirt.co.uk

Autumn Term: 1 September 11 – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 3 January 12 – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April 12 – 19 July 12

Autumn Term: 4 September –10 December 11 Spring Term: 4 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 18 April – 7 July 12

Autumn Term: 6 September – 14 December 11 Spring Term: 5 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 19 April – 11 July 12

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years

Age of Pupils: 3 – 11 years

Number of Pupils: 240

Number of Pupils: 120

Day Fees: Day girls from £5,350 - £6,590, boarders from £7990 - £9,990 per term.

Day Fees: from £2,140 - £3,225 per term

Age of Pupils: 11 - 18 boys and girls Number of Pupils: 850 Day Fees: N/A Religious Denomination: Non-denominational.

The Curriculum: Oldfield provides a broad and balanced curriculum which celebrates the achievements of each and every individual. At KS4 GCSE courses are offered (including statistics, dance, physics, chemistry and biology).

In the sixth form most students take AS and A Levels (including philosophy and ethics, dance, applied science, photography, psychology and computing). Students can also take the Sports Leaders’ Award, Arts Award and Food Hygiene Award and the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness. Residential experiences are built into the curriculum so that students may choose to go on outdoor activities in Bude, Oxenwood or Aberdovey, on language based visits to France and Germany or on World Challenge Expeditions to Morocco, Croatia, Costa Rica or Cambodia.

Extra Curricular Activities: Students have access to an extensive extra curricular provision including public speaking, creative writing, drama, music, rowing, judo, dance, fencing and Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Pastoral Care: Ofsted said, “the personal development and well-being of the students is excellent. Their excellent personal development is underpinned by exemplary provision for their care and support. Behaviour in lessons and around the school is excellent.”

Name of Principal: Mrs Kim Sparling Outstanding Characteristics: Oldfield is unique in having been designated a High Performing Specialist School with three separate specialisms: Arts (with English as the lead subject), Science and Sports. As a school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted we converted to academy status. The Headteacher is a National Leader of Education and the school is a National Support School (tasked to help other schools to improve). Boys are being admitted to Year 7 for the first time in September 2012.

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Religious Denomination: Church of England Religious Denomination: Church of England

The Curriculum: Girls in the lower school benefit from a full range of core subjects plus geography, history, IT, sport, art, drama, design technology, music, textiles and food. In the sixth form the sciences, English and mathematics are amongst the most popular courses, and numbers have increased by a third in the last couple of years, with nearly all students gaining places at their first choice of university.

Extra Curricular Activities: Art, drama, music and sport are very well represented, but there are also all kinds of other activities and clubs, from science to swimming and fencing to polo. With a leisure centre (with 25m heated pool, fitness suite, sports hall and aerobics studio), there are plenty of options. Weekend activities, which include the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and organised outings, are open to day girls as well as boarders. The school is particularly good at Young Enterprise and girls often reach the regional finals and beyond.

Pastoral Care: “The arrangements for the pastoral care, welfare, health and safety of all pupils are excellent and fulfil the school’s aims to provide a stimulating education within a friendly environment” – ISI 2011. The headmistress knows all the girls individually and the girls have an excellent rapport with teachers, tutors and housemistresses alike. The Christian ethos underpins all that the school does.

Name of Principal: Mrs Mary Henderson, MA Outstanding Characteristics: The beautiful house and grounds creates an inspirational and safe environment in which to learn. Girls achieve their full potential and develop into confident and well balanced individuals.

The Curriculum: We offer 11+ for entrance to both grammar schools and leading independent schools. All pupils have gained places to senior schools of their choice. We culminate the education with the RHW Diploma, celebrating six key areas: core academic, humanities, creative arts, performing arts, sport and outdoor activities and life skills. Small class sizes mean that we can treat every child as an individual.

Extra Curricular Activities: We value achievement in extra-curricular activities, particularly music, sport, art, speech and drama.

Music is played to a very high standard and pupils regularly perform at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts. Children also participate in the annual whole school drama

production in the Orangery Theatre. Specialist coaching in rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball and rounders is available and additional sports including golf, fencing and judo are part of the after-school activity programme.

Pastoral Care: Smaller class sizes and the excellent ratio of staff to pupils allow children to be well supported throughout their development and their individual abilities valued. The school works in partnership with parents and enjoy close links with families. “The arrangements for the pastoral care, welfare, health and safety of all pupils are excellent.” – ISI 2011.

Name of Principal: Mr Neil Shaw, MA Outstanding Characteristics: Facilities including art rooms, computer rooms, a £3m sports centre with 25m pool and sports hall, theatre, music school, science labs and design technology workshops, giving pupils every advantage in their educational and personal development.

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EXAMININGeducation Millfield Preparatory school

Millfield School

Cheltenham Ladies

Glastonbury, Street, Somerset, BA6 8LD Tel: 01458 832446 www.millfieldprep.com

Butleigh Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD Tel: 01458 442291 www. millfieldschool.com

Bayshill Road, Cheltenham GL50 3EP Tel: 01242 520691 www.cheltladiescollege.org

Autumn Term: 5 September – 9 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 23 April – 30 June 12

Autumn Term: 5 September – 9 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 23 April – 30 June 12

Autumn Term: 7 September – 10 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 31 March 12 Summer Term: 23 April – 7 July 12

Age of Pupils: 13 – 18 years Number of Pupils: 1,215 Day Fees: Boarding pupils: £9,670 Day pupils: £6,500 Religious Denomination: Interdenominational

Age of Pupils: 2 – 13 years Number of Pupils: 500 Day Fees: Boarding pupils: (Years 3 to 8 ) – £7,125. Day Pupils (Years 4 to 8 ) – £4,890 Day Pupils (Year 3) – £3,960 Religious Denomination: Inter-denominational The Curriculum: In the Pre-Preparatory Department, teachers combine a careful blend of numeracy and literacy with a wide range of other subjects. Pupils in Years 3–5 study in small classes each headed by a group tutor who takes most of the lessons. From Year 6 children are taught by specialist subject teachers. Their programme is overseen by their group tutor.

During the last three years before senior school, English and mathematics are still central to the curriculum. Pupils also study physics, chemistry and biology as separate sciences, history, geography, religious studies, design and technology, food technology, ICT, art, music, drama, physical education and PSHE. Pupils may also study French, Spanish and Latin and German, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Greek and Mandarin as extra-curricular subjects.

Extra Curricular Activities: Millfield Preparatory School offers over 100 sports, clubs and activities. Pupils of all abilities are given unrivalled opportunities to pursue sports, music, arts or drama that they enjoy most and can excel in. Sports include canoeing, chess, clay pigeon shooting, cricket, fencing, golf, hockey, karate, polo, riding, rugby, sailing, squash, tennis and trampolining.

Pastoral Care: The happiness and well-being of our pupils is of highest priority.

Name of Principal: Mrs Shirley Shayler, MA BSc Hons PGCE Outstanding Characteristics: The school’s aim is to discover the vital spark which makes each child unique and enables them to achieve their full potential.

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The Curriculum: Millfield provides a broad and balanced education which gives pupils the confidence to achieve success in their adult lives. All pupils are taught in small sets and classes are streamed by general ability from Year 9 to Year 11. The Learning Support Centre has an international reputation for helping pupils with specific learning difficulties. There is an enormous choice of AS and A2 Level subjects. Vocational qualifications include BTEC qualifications in business, sport, music technology and art and design, BHSPIC equestrian courses and the Leiths Basic Certificate.

Age of Pupils: 11-18 Number of Pupils: 865 Day Fees: Day girls £6,455 - £7,340 per term, Boarders £9,615 - £10,831 Religious Denomination: All religious backgrounds welcome The Curriculum: Beautiful architecture houses academic lessons and an atmosphere of lively purposefulness. A broad range of subjects are available at GCSE, A-level and the International Baccalaureate Diploma to provide a rich educational experience tailored to individual needs. Girls value the support, advice and encouragement they receive from teachers to help them realise their true potential. High standards are achieved and virtually every girl goes on to a range of universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Durham and LSE.

Extra Curricular Activities: Millfield Activities Programme (MAP) encourages pupils to enrich their lives by exploring interests outside their normal school curriculum. There are over 40 sports and 120 co-curricular activities on offer.

Pastoral Care: Pastoral care at Millfield is outstanding and the safeguarding of pupils is a priority for all. The school aims to support the happiness, success and welfare of each pupil.

Name of Principal: Mr Craig Considine, MEd Outstanding Characteristics: With average class sizes of 12, a wide range of academic courses, outstanding facilities and strength of its extra-curricular programme, the school prides itself on the richness and diversity of the Millfield experience.

Extra Curricular: There are over 30 different sports on offer and excellent facilities. Horse riding, rowing and Duke of Edinburgh are part of a busy outdoor pursuits programme. Music and drama play key roles at College, and highly professional productions, involving all age groups, emerge each year. Girls are regularly involved in performances (eg at the Edinburgh Festival), and College’s location is perfect for the local theatres and galleries in Cheltenham plus the annual Festivals of Literature, Music and Science. There are more than 80 clubs, including Young Enterprise, chess and Bollywood dancing.

Pastoral Care: College girls regard their boarding houses as a home from home, and day girls are fully integrated. A sense of teamwork is fostered by the many house events and outings.

The housemistress is a point of contact for girls, parents and tutors and they are supported by several house staff. For sixth-form, girls move into dedicated houses which are an excellent stepping stone for student life.

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EXAMININGeducation Culverhay School

St Mark’s School

Rush Hill, Bath, BA2 2QL Tel: 01225 426268 www.culverhayschool.com

Baytree Road, Bath, BA1 6ND Tel: 01225 312661 www.st-marks.bathnes.sch.uk

Autumn Term: 5 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 3 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 18 July 12

Autumn Term: 1 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 3 January 2012 – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 19 July 12

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years Number of Pupils: 315 Day Fees: N/A Religious Denomination: Non-denominational The Curriculum: The school follows the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. It offers a wide range of opportunities for students aged 14 to 19, ranging from traditional GCSE and A Level courses to OCR National courses in public services, sport and Applied ICT. Learners can also take Diplomas and Modern Apprenticeship courses, through partnerships with other providers.

Extra Curricular Activities: Culverhay ensures all learners have a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Enrichment programmes run every Wednesday afternoon, offering activities such as the Air Cadets, sports coaching, community service, Master Chef classes, dance, drama and media production courses. The school also delivers an extensive programme of Challenge Education through six themed days a year, giving the pupils an opportunity to travel and experience other cultures and languages and explore their creativity. The school runs a wide range of sporting competitions, with opportunities to represent the school and make extensive use of the community sports centre on the campus. These include regular opportunities for primary schools to attend sports festivals.

Pastoral Care: All students are assigned a tutor, who will support them in their learning and ensure that they make the most of their potential.

Each student belongs to a house, with a distinctive identity. Trained senior students also provide care, guidance and support to younger learners.

Name of Principal: Mr R Thomson Outstanding Characteristics: Culverhay is a ‘human scale’ school, where adults know the children and their needs really well. The 2009 Ofsted inspection noted the excellent quality of relationships and the outstanding extra-curricular opportunities as particularly strong features of the school. The school has an absolute commitment to the success of each individual.

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Age of Pupils: 11-16. Sixth form to open September 2013

St Gregory’s Catholic College St Gregory’s Catholic College, Combe Hay Lane Odd Down, Bath BA2 8PA Tel: 01225 832 873 www.sgschool.org.uk Autumn Term: 1 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 3 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 19 July 12 Age of Pupils: 11-16. Sixth form to open September 2013 Number of Pupils: 800 Day Fees: N/A

Number of Pupils: 300 Religious Denomination: Catholic Day Fees: N/A Religious Denomination: Church of England The Curriculum: The school’s innovative approach to learning ensures that all children reach their full potential, all of the time. Their distinctive stage and not age curriculum provides a nurturing learning environment that challenges every student individually. As a Specialist Business and Enterprise College, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge that employers need.

Teamwork, leadership, problem solving and selfassessment are common themes that run throughout lessons to encourage creativity, innovation and perseverance. In September 2013, St Mark’s Church of England School and St Gregory’s Catholic College will open a combined sixth form provision that will allow both sets of students to access academic excellence in a Christian sixth form provision.

Extra Curricular Activities: St Mark’s students are encouraged to take part in a broad and balanced range of extra-curricular opportunities including residential visits, after-school clubs, and social enterprises such as The Larkhall News, a not-for-profit community magazine.

Pastoral Care: As a Church of England School, the education of students reflects the values and moral guidance given to them as part of their wider experience within the school. Each young person becomes a member of a caring family and is closely supported and guided, both academically and spiritually.

Name of Principal: Mr Raymond Friel Outstanding Characteristics: A recent Ofsted inspection graded St Mark’s School as ‘Good’ overall. Subsequent inspections by Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools found ‘The distinctiveness and effectiveness of St Mark’s VA Church of England School as a church school are outstanding.’ St Mark’s is a warm, welcoming school. It is an attractive choice for those parents looking for a small, yet distinctive school for their child.

The Curriculum: St Gregory’s has a well deserved reputation for academic excellence, based on consistently excellent performance in public examinations. GCSE results are among the best in the country with 80% of Year 11 pupils achieving five or more A*-C passes in 2010. In September 2013, St Gregory’s Catholic College and St Mark’s Church of England School will open a combined sixth form provision that will allow both sets of students to access academic excellence in a Christian sixth form provision.

Extra Curricular Activities: The extra-curricular provision at St Gregory’s provides all students with enriched opportunities to support their

learning. A varied and dynamic timetable of events, classes, and residential trips is available for students to enjoy throughout the year. There is a vibrant sports culture at the school with many regional awards for rugby, football, netball and basketball, as well as having some individual athletes of national reputation.

Pastoral Care: St Gregory’s has a high level of pastoral care with an inclusive atmosphere. As a Catholic school, its aim is to promote the dignity and wellbeing of every child to ensure that they flourish. Not all of their children are Catholic and they welcome applications from families who share their sense of values.

Name of Principal: Mr Raymond Friel Outstanding Characteristics: St Gregory’s, in the words of their most recent Oftsed report in 2008, is ‘an outstanding college where students thrive.’ Every aspect of the provision was judged as outstanding.

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EXAMININGeducation Warminster School

Dauntseys School

Church Street, Warminster, Wiltshire. BA12 8PJ Tel: 01985 210101 www.warminsterschool.org.uk

West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE Tel: 01380 814500 www.dauntseys.org

Stratton on the Fosse, Bath BA3 4RJ Tel: 01761 235103 www.downside.co.uk

Autumn Term: 7 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 10 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 17 April – 6 July 12

Autumn Term: 9 September – 17 December 11 Spring Term: 9 January – 30 March 12 Summer Term: 25 April – 7 July 12

Autumn Term: 5 September – 16 December 11 Spring Term: 5 January – 23 March 12 Summer Term: 16 April – 29 June 12

Age of Pupils: Prep School - 3 - 11 Senior School - 11 – 18

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18 years

Age of Pupils: 11 – 18

Number of Pupils: 790

Number of Pupils: 425

Day Fees: £5,195 per term UK boarders: £8,755 per term

Day Fees: £4,300 - £4,784 Boarding: £6,980 £8,787

Religious Denomination: Inter-denominational

Religious Denomination: Catholic

Number of Pupils: Prep School - 145 Senior School – 455 Day Fees: Prep School - Day Fees: £2,165£3,465 Boarding: £5,855 Senior School - Day Fees: £4,340 Boarding: £7,810

The Curriculum: Outstanding examination results are the priority, and everyone is encouraged to aspire beyond their academic expectations. The school has a thriving academic life to stretch the brightest pupils, and provides structured support for the less able.

Year group academic societies, subject societies, field trips and overseas tours all encourage the pupils to develop interests far beyond the restrictions of the examination curriculum. All Downside pupils go on to university, medical school or art college.

Religious Denomination: Whilst Warminster School is a Church of England foundation, it welcomes pupils of other faiths and denominations or of none.

The Curriculum: The curriculum is broad and stimulating. It encompasses the traditional disciplines of arts and sciences yet recognises the importance of technology and the creative and performing arts. Students in the lower school study towards a programme of GCSEs and there is a wide variety of subjects from which to choose. Students in the sixth form can choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Extra Curricular Activities: With over 70 different activities, clubs and societies from which to choose, Warminster School is proud of the rich extra-curricular programme it provides.

Pastoral Care: Good pastoral care is based on close, honest and supportive relationships between the pupils and staff.

Name of Principal: Mr. Martin Priestley, MA (Oxon) Outstanding Characteristics: Each child is encouraged to develop and thrive, not just academically but in all areas of sporting and extra-curricular endeavour. What is exceptional is not merely the breadth of opportunities but the breadth of experience: our rugby players take lead roles in the school musical, its top academics also participate in the CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

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Downside School

The Curriculum: The curriculum throughout the school is broad and balanced, offering all pupils the opportunity to study an extensive range of subjects. Lessons are delivered by specialist teachers in a challenging, stimulating environment that is conducive to a positive, enjoyable learning experience for the pupils. Dauntsey’s is keen to promote independent learning. The timetable offers a great deal of flexibility with a wellstructured weekly lesson arrangement and the extensive options system provides well for the different interests and aptitudes of all pupils.

Extra Curricular Activities: All pupils discover a breadth and depth of education that takes them beyond academic achievement. Drama, music, art and sport all flourish and the rural surroundings provide an ideal setting for many outdoor activities which include sailing on the school’s very own Tall Ship, the 56 foot gaff cutter, the Jolie Brise.

Pastoral Care: At Dauntsey’s each pupil joins a boarding or day house and is supported by his or her housemaster or housemistress and a team of tutors. Their aim is to ensure each pupil fulfils their potential and makes the most of the many and varied opportunities on offer at Dauntsey’s.

Name of Principal: Mr Stewart Roberts MA Outstanding Characteristics: The equal balance of boarding and day pupils, the wide range of facilities, and the excellent pastoral support ensure that everyone feels part of the community.

Visitors comment on the happy and friendly atmosphere; the energy, purpose and determination to do well.

Extra Curricular Activities: Co-curricular activities provide vital experiences and opportunities and Downside offers an exceptionally wide choice to its pupils. All boys and girls are expected to participate; there are extended time slots for activities, clubs and societies, drama, music and sport on every weekday afternoon, and a huge range of activities also take place outside the formal cocurricular times. The school is particularly renowned for the quality of its music and sport.

Pastoral Care: Downside is proud of its outstanding pastoral support for all pupils and has long been known for its strong sense of community. Nearly all Downside pupils are seven-day-a-week boarders, and 10 per cent of pupils are from overseas. Weekends for boarders are full, busy and purposeful, with a full programme of activities.

Name of Principal: Dom Leo Maidlow Davis Outstanding Characteristics: “Smashing teaching, smashing children and an environment second to none.” GSG

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EDUCATIONnews

Training courses offer alternative to academic route Sadly, some young people in the Bath area who failed to achieve the A Level results they were hoping for. But Pitman Training in the city is urging them to try to think positively and consider other options in order to achieve their goals in life.

“Many young people head off to university with no clear idea of what they want to do, other than achieving a qualification at the end of three years,” said Christine Gregoire of Pitman Training. “Pitman Training courses provide a more flexible and fast-track alternative for those keen to make their mark in the world of work, and for those who may not have the necessary qualifications for university.”

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 75% of UK employers find it hard to recruit good quality staff due to a lack of specialist skills.

Technology is integral to virtually every modern business and so practical IT and business focused skills are in extremely high demand.

“On an almost daily basis we speak to employers who are looking for highly skilled staff,” says Christine.“It is fair to say that the

Fun with French It’s not just children who can benefit from learning. Alliance Française de Bath offers a range of courses tailored to each student’s needs.

AF runs small classes with experienced native French teachers and so popular are the lessons that there are currently 30 classes running in and around the city this autumn.

Enrolment for the new season of classes is on Monday 12 September from 7.30pm to 9pm at St John’s Parish Hall, South Parade, Bath.

All students are offered an informal, friendly assessment of their ability and they are then matched with a class.

In addition to learning French from a native French speaker, students get the chance to hone their skills with outings and social events

A new skill Did you realise that you can enrol at the University of Bath’s Foreign Languages Centre to learn a new language?

The centre offers ten languages, including Arabic, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, which could be useful to anyone who welcomes tourists to the city.

Courses range from beginners to refresher, intermediate or advanced level.

To enrol or find out more about the new term’s classes contact the Foreign Languages Centre, tel: 01225 383001 or visit: www.bath.ac.uk/flc/community.

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majority of them want people who can add immediate value to their business. If a candidate has a comprehensive range of IT or business focused skills they will be an attractive prospect for a potential employer.”

Pitman Training Bath delivers practical training designed to help people progress in their chosen career. From basic computer and secretarial skills to book-keeping and web-design, there are over 140 courses to choose from.

In addition to short courses and seminars, Pitman Training offers longer term diploma programmes. Each diploma consists of modules covering a comprehensive range of IT and office skills. Students can then opt for specialist modules such as legal practice, medical terminology, marketing, book-keeping or accounts.

They will then be equipped with the relevant skills needed to get ahead in a range of careers including legal secretary, medical secretary, executive PA, accounting technician, office manager, receptionist or administration assistant.

Pitman Training is offering a free confidential career consultation for all school leavers with an

experienced training advisor. During this meeting they will be able to talk about their concerns, career goals and what they liked, and didn’t like, about learning at school. This will help the advisor to recommend the best course to suit each individual’s personality, ability and aspirations.

Not everyone thrives in a classroom. The pressure of being in a competitive situation and having to learn in a particular way does not suit all students. Pitman Training courses offer an adult and flexible way to learn. Learners are provided with audio material and a workbook and can choose the study times that suit them best, but a tutor is always on hand to answer questions and provide support.

Because Pitman Training qualifications are well-known and well-respected, the vast majority of students go on to get jobs. Not only can they aim for a career which they enjoy – the better qualified they are, the more they can hope to earn.

For more information on Pitman Training courses, tel: 01225 462 066 or visit: www.pitman-training.com/bath.

Fleet Tutors has more than three decades of experience helping students of all ages reach their potential and the Bath team of tutors is part of a network of over 5,000 qualified teachers. Recent results for Fleet Tutors demonstrated that as a result of 12 hours intensive teaching the average student could expect a minimum increase of at least one grade at exam level. Visit: www.fleet-tutors.co.uk or tel: 0845 644 5452.

■

BATH EDUCATION news & views

A round-up of achievements from leading education establishments

Little and often Bath students who need a boost in their maths or English are being offered a fortnight’s free trial this month by Kumon, the after-school education centre at Claverton.

Kumon specialises in helping children in the core subjects of maths and English – the two skills that form the basis for all other academic subjects.

Its philosophy is that ‘little and often’ is the key to good studying and to seeing results. Children are encouraged to follow a programme which involves them working for as little as ten or 20 minutes every day.

Kumon works with more than 60,000 students in the UK and four million worldwide, based on giving young people the confidence and independence they need to improve their skills.

To find out more about Kumon and the September free trial, tel: 01225 333696.

Knowing when a child needs a helping hand The holidays are over, the weather is changing and thoughts turn to the new school year. For some parents and children this is a time of excitement and expectation but for others it looms as a challenge.

Maybe last term’s report was disappointing or exam results missed the target.

One Step Ahead Tutoring is a locally based team of experienced tutors, whose aim is to boost confidence, increase motivation and improve results.

One Step Ahead works with all

kinds of issues, from problems with reading and writing to unravelling the mysteries of chemical formulas or mathematical equations.Tutors offer help with mathematics, English and science and more, for children aged five to 18. Lessons can be from as little as half an hour or longer. They can be weekly, twice weekly or fortnightly.

Children’s progress is reviewed termly so help can be withdrawn at the right time.

Contact Sandy Hewit at One

Step Ahead Tutoring, pictured, tel: 01225 420977 or visit: www.onestepaheadtutoring.co.uk

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OPEN DAYS AT A GLANCE Kingswood School: Open morning for both Prep and Senior School: Sat 8 Oct, 9am – 12pm Monkton Combe School: Sat 1 Oct, 9.15am Monkton Combe Prep School: Sat 1 Oct, 11am The Pre- Prep and Nursery: Fri 14 Oct The Royal High School: Junior and Nursery: Sat Sept 17, 10am – 2pm Thu Sept 22, 9.30am – 11.30am Sixth Form College: Tue Sept 27, 7pm – 9pm Senior School: Sat Nov 5, 10am – 12.30pm The Paragon: Sat 15 Oct, 10am – 12pm Open door day: Fri 14 Oct, 9.30am – 11.30am Prior Park College: Sixth Form: Tue 4 Oct, 6pm – 9pm King Edward’s School: Sixth Form evening: Fri 30 Sept, 6 – 8pm Senior School: Sat 1 Oct, 9am – 12pm Junior School: Sat 1 Oct, 9am – 12pm Thu 10 Nov, 9am – 12pm Pre-Prep and Nursery: Sat 1 Oct, 9am – 12pm Wed 9 Nov, 9am – 12pm Stonar School: Whole school: Sat 24 Sept, 10.30am Sixth Form & A level subject fair: Fri 7 Oct Whole school: Fri 2 Mar, 10.30am St Mary’s Calne: Sat 15 Oct, Sat 14 Jan Sat 21 Apr Sat 19 May WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Beechen Cliff School: Tues 20 Sept, 6pm – 9.30pm Wed 28 Sept, 9am – 12.30pm Ralph Allen: Thurs 22 Sept, 6 – 8pm Tues 27 Sept, 9 – 10.30am Hayesfield School: Upper Oldfield campus: 20 Sept, 6pm – 8.30 Brougham Hayes campus: Fri 23 Sept, 9am –12pm Dauntseys School: Sat 8 Oct Oldfield School: Wed 28 Sept, 6pm – 8pm Fri 30 Sept, 9am – 11.30am Sixth Form information evening: Wed 19 October, 6.30 pm Westonbirt School & Rose Hill Westonbirt School: Sat 15 Oct, 9.30am – 12.30pm Millfield School: Preparatory and Senior School: Sat 8 Oct & Sat 3 Mar Cheltenham Ladies College: 24 Sept, 15 Oct, 12 Nov Sixth Form: 17 Sept Culverhay School: Tue 4 Oct, 6 – 8.30pm St Marks School: Tue 27 Sept, 6.30 – 9pm Tue 4 Oct, 9.30 – 11am Tue 11 Oct, 9.30 – 11am St Gregory’s School: Thu 29 Sept, 6.30 – 9pm Thu 6 Oct, 9am – 12am Warminster School: Prep School: 8 Oct 10 – 2pm Senior School: Sat 15 Oct 10 – 2pm Downside School: Sat 26 March, 10am

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THE ILLUSTRATOR

RISINGstars

PICTURE: Stephanie Third www.stephthird.co.uk

THE ONES to watch This month we’re highlighting the achievements of a handful of talented people who are the rising stars in their chosen field

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RISINGstars

WORK IN PROGRESS: Charlotte Farmer, printmaker from Bath, at work at Spike Print Studios in Bristol. Below, a detail from her limited edition Tweet print

C

harlotte Farmer’s work is characterised by its gentle, quirky and observational style.

Grizzly bears peer cautiously out of snow globes, plump birds hop about saying ‘Chirp!’, custard cream biscuits scatter themselves across tea towels, Jane Austen looks primly disapproving, and all the while Charlotte’s distinctive handwriting loops its way through captions and titles.

The Bath-based illustrator and printer, who works out of Spike Print Studios in Bristol, is fast establishing a fanbase of collectors of her work. Her limited edition prints are displayed in the Rostra & Rooksmoor Galleries in George Street, Bath and there is also growing demand for her designer tea towels, bags and greetings cards.

Verity James, one of the joint owners of the Rostra & Rooksmoor, said: “From some simple photographs Charlotte sent us we could immediately see the appeal and her potential.

Her silkscreen print 20 Snow Globes Around the World was a piece that really struck our imagination and Charlotte has been great at developing that into a bigger body of work. We’re delighted that our opinion of her work is shared by our customers. Her work is fresh, fun and affordable but of an excellently high quality. She puts a lot of effort into creating her prints with special embellishments such as embossing, gold leaf and lots of colour.

“Charlotte will be exhibiting with us throughout 2011 and into 2012 with her collection expanding and becoming even more delightful I’m sure. We always keep a selection of her work in the gallery or you can view her new webpage at www.rostragallery.co.uk.”

Charlotte also has her work on sale in a gallery in Falmouth and is heading north to Stoke-on-Trent to discuss the possibility of her biscuits and tea pot drawings being used on a new range of Charlotte Farmer mugs and plates. New House Textiles, which already produces her tea towels and shopping bags, is to feature her work on roller blinds. She has also done commissions for a German company. Charlotte said: “That involved creating animals in hot air balloons – families of meerkats waving at a precarious looking hippo and giraffes with binoculars. That was a fun job.”

THE RUGBY PLAYER

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WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Her next aim is to get her prints into some London galleries, which would be another significant turning point in her career.

She started out, after graduating in fine art, taking jobs in cafés and bookshops to pay the rent. Charlotte was working in a coffee shop when she suggested to the owner that she could do a better job of creating an eye-catching window display. So successful was that creative work that the owner of Baileys Home Store, a Ross-on-Wye company, commissioned her to do some in-house design for his business. Charlotte still does work for Baileys on its instore signs and website.

After moving to Bath she worked at Bloomsbury for a while, where she was encouraged to start a blog. She also benefitted from doing an MA in communication design at St Martins.

Through a combination of hard work and quiet persistance Charlotte is now happy to call herself a full-time professional artist.

She says: “I really enjoy researching and collecting things for new pieces especially recently as it has involved lots of biscuits and spending time choosing one of everything in sweet shops for a pick’n’mix design I’m working on.

“I like drawing familiar items and animals, making the most of small details that people don’t always notice, and I was attracted to snow globes because they’re a contained space where you can draw Elvis and a bear next to each other and it works. I enjoy thinking up titles for my prints – as it can change the way people look at them and hopefully make them laugh a little bit.

“I like printmaking because the drawing you start out with changes through the processes involved, and something a little bit unexpected and unplanned happens. I do enjoy a happy accident.”

Charlotte produced a limited edition tea towel with a recipe for apple pie, and she enjoys taking on commissions for special occasions and commercial projects, whether it be for websites, stationery or tea towels.

This autumn she has been invited to take part in The Big Draw Project, which is a campaign to get people to pick up their pencils and enjoy the process of drawing what’s in front of them and in their imaginations.

Visit: www.charlotte-farmer.co.uk to view her work and read her blog. Limited edition prints are from £40.

he home crowd at The Rec in Bath give a warm welcome to newly promoted player Guy Mercer, who has joined Bath Rugby’s first squad this season from the Bath Rugby Academy. He has also been tipped as a player to watch on the England rugby scene.

The 21-year-old flanker was educated at King Edward’s School and was captain of the school’s first XV. He has been a Bath Rugby supporter since he was a child.

Despite being a young player he is already attracting accolades. At last November’s match against London Wasps he was picked out as Man of the Match by broadcasters ESPN – no inconsiderable feat given that this was his debut at a Premiership game and taking into account the experience of other

players on the pitch.

Guy is one of a number of first team players who has risen through the ranks of the Bath Rugby Academy. Others include Nathan Catt and Mark Lilley.

Earlier this season, when it was announced that Guy’s contract with Bath had been renewed for another two years he said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to stay at Bath. The club is a very exciting place to be at the moment, with the current squad and recruitment putting us in a great position to win games.

“In particular, the players currently in, and who have been recruited for the back row mean it is quite a big deal for me to be involved, and to have the opportunity to learn from them is huge.”

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RISINGstars THE FASHION DESIGNER

Above: Graduate fashion student and talented womenwear designer Camila Stanford; right: Camila’s designs on the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week in London in June

F

ollowing in the footsteps of style legends John Galliano, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen is 22-year-old Camila Stanford, from Bath, who was selected to send six outfits down the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week in London in June. Talented womenswear designer Camila was chosen to be part of the biggest showcase of young and emerging fashion talent in the UK by an external panel of judges with her knitwear collection and since then she has attracted lots of attention.

The graduate fashion student says it was a surreal but exciting moment when she saw her designs showcased at one of the biggest events in the fashion calender: “The build up was amazing and I felt such a sense of achievement seeing the outfits that I’d created on the catwalk.”

The former St Gregory’s Catholic College and St Brendan’s Sixth Form student first became interested in fashion design when she was studing Art Foundation at the City of Bath College. “I’ve always been interested in textile art,” says Camila. “I see fashion as a creative process, as a piece of artwork. It felt natural for me to move into fashion.”

Camila then went on to study fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University where she found her direction. “I love the escapism of fashion, creating strange silhouettes and telling stories through fabric, colour and texture,” she says. “To me fashion means fun and dressing up.”

Her final collection was inspired by a visit to the Museum of Childhood in London. “I’ve always been inspired by fantasy and childhood,” says Camila. “In addition to knitting accessories such as socks, gloves and mittens I’ve embellished and styled outfits with objects such as doll eyes and porcelain hands.”

Camila has recently moved to London where she has been looking for fashion internships and hopes to get involved in fashion styling for photo shoots. She is also in the process of organising a look book of her designs and will continue to draw, design and knit in her free time.

Graduate Fashion Week has launched the careers of some of the world’s best known fashion designers and pieces showcased on the catwalk have even been spotted on Lady Gaga. Watch this space...

THE MUSICIAN

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PICTURE: Tom Dickeson

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azz enthusiasts in Bristol may be familiar with the music of saxophonist, Josh Arcoleo.

The 22-year-old plays regular gigs at venues including The Coronation Tap in Clifton and The Old Duke, usually alongside Bristolian fellow sax player James Gardiner-Bateman.

Josh, who comes from a family of classical musicians in Frome, honed his playing skills as a teenager taking a performance based music course at the City of Bath College.

From there he gained a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, where he secured a first class honours degree and the Principal’s Prize for exceptional studentship and the Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize – which has won him a contract with Edition Records.

Josh is now working on some original material for his debut

album, which should be out in January.

He said: “Studying at the Royal Academy of Music has been a fantastic experience, the level of playing from my peers was amazing and the teachers were great.”

He persuaded James GardinerBateman to also apply to the Academy and says his friend doesn’t regret adding this experience to his musical career.

Josh has played at the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican and Ronnie Scotts and has shared the stage with some great jazz musicians, including west country based Pee Wee Ellis, Iain Bellamy, Jason Rebello and Gareth Williams.

He’s planning some more gigs between now and Christmas and is one to listen out for nationally as well as on the local scene.

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RISINGstars

PICTURE: Mark Benham www.markbenham.co.uk

THE FURNITURE MAKER

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oby Howes is a Bristol-based award-winning furniture designer and maker who creates objects, such as tables and sideboards, but gives them a unique and contemporary look. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they have the tactile appeal that comes with hand-crafted wooden pieces, and they are practical too. Their designer is at pains to ensure that each piece he creates has that ‘wow’ factor. He manages to combine ingenious and practical function with clean elegant lines that are aesthetically pleasing.

After graduating Toby worked as an ecologist for 13 years. But, while he enjoyed his job, the report writing side of it became more of a burden for him and when he was diagnosed as dyslexic that was the trigger for him to develop the woodworking skills he had first enjoyed at school.

He took a three-year furniture making course at Bristol City College, where in his third year he designed and made a circular drinks cabinet with a smooth-operating opening action that James Bond would be impressed by, the wood springing open at a twist to reveal the glasses and bottles inside. His tutor had warned him, on seeing the design, that the Iris – inspired by the fanned shutter action of the iris of a camera – would be impossible to make. But Toby proved him wrong and was awarded the City & Guilds Medal for Excellence for his creation.

Four years since setting up his business as a furniture designer and maker of bespoke pieces, Toby now works in an old school building in Hinton near Dyrham, just north of Bath. When The Bath Magazine visited he was busy working on an oak coat stand, using English oak he had steam bent to create swan-neck curves and was planing to create the clean lines that distinguish his work.

“I used to be drawn to geometric shapes,” he says, showing me photographs of a walnut sideboard he’s made,with a pale, patterned WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

burr poplar front, “but now I am more drawn to creating curves.”

He was busy finishing the coat stand and a modified version of Iris the drinks cabinet, now called Helios to take to the Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design Exhibition at Cheltenham, which is the largest selling show of high quality bespoke furniture in the UK. This cabinet is made from birds eye maple and zebrano. The cabinet opens like a camera iris to reveal an illuminated and mirrored interior housing bottles and glasses. From that show Toby is hoping he will pick up more commissions to keep him busy in the workshop over the coming months. He displays his work in various galleries in London and around the country.

One of the things that sets Toby apart is that he doesn’t use a computer to aid his designs, preferring instead to draw with pencil and paper. And, when you take a close look at the finished pieces, there is much delight to be had in discovering all the detail he has thoughtfully included in his work.

He uses native British wood as well as North American and European timber that has the Forestry Stewardship Council approval, staying true to his ecological principles.

On Toby’s website he has a 3D image of an Escher-style impossible circle. This, in time, is going to become his maker’s mark so collectors will be able to spot a Toby Howes piece at a glance. Meanwhile, he is celebrating having sold two elegant walnut and maple rocking chairs, called Wishbone, to a collector from the Netherlands who has intimated that he would like to commission more work from Toby.

And while Toby is keen to see more of his furniture in people’s homes he is not prepared to compromise or water down his designs for the sake of the fast buck. The craftsmanship, which is obvious to even the most casual viewer, is intrisic to his ethos.

To see more of Toby Howes’ work, visit: www.tobyhowesfurniture.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011

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INthePICTURE

A portrait for THE 21st CENTURY

Bath photographer Marko Dutka’s style of portrait photography is proving popular with women – and their menfolk

AN IDEAL PRESENT: Bath’s menfolk now have an original gift idea – to commission a photographic portrait of their loved one Main picture, Ruby, and inset, Becka, both photographed by Marko at his Bath studio

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ou may recognise the work of Bath photographer Marko Dutka, which has graced the front covers and fashion pages of The Bath Magazine. But you may not know that he has a wide experience of photographing families, celebrities and portraits too and that his skill includes the ability to make even the most camera-shy feel comfortable and at ease in front of the lens.

While Marko continues to work on photographing families and carrying out assignments for international fashion magazines, he has a new venture at his Bath studio which is fast gaining in popularity with local women. His Studio Marko photography offers women to have professional photographs taken of themselves looking, quite simply, at their best.

Studio Marko’s style is as varied as the women Marko photographs, as can be seen in his online gallery. Some women want a traditional style studio portrait of themselves looking poised and elegant, while others want something more stylised, choosing from a range of looks including burlesque, vintage and pin-up. Their personality shines through, whether it be playful, flirtatious or smouldering.

As Marko says: “These portraits are a great way to celebrate women. I get on really well with women. My job is to put them at their ease and to create some really great photographs.”

In days gone by it was painters who created portraits of rich men’s wives and mistresses to hang on their walls – their beauty and jewels testament to their status. But today it is the art of photography that captures the modern woman at her best. Who wouldn’t want themselves immortalised in a flattering portrait in preference to many of the photos that are

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routinely displayed in frames on the home sideboard, of girlfriends, wives and mums often taken in off-guard, hairblown moments that they’re never really happy with.

Sometimes it is the women themselves who book a studio appointment, others have partners or husbands who would like to treat their womenfolk to a professional photographic session.

Marko says that size and age are no barrier to capturing a series of drop-dead gorgeous images. He also has a friendly team of women at Studio Marko, including Nikki who works on the styling of clothes, props and backdrop, and Ruby who is a professional make-up artist and can work skin magic with her brushes. A studio session should be fun for all, he reasons, as laughter is shared and his sitters emerge at the end feeling better about themselves, and even more confident after they’ve seen the finished results.

He may be an award-winning photographer, but Marko is very good at working with people, opting for a selfdeprecating gentle humour as he works. After the session the sitter chooses the best images and then has the choice of beautifully bound albums and/or portraits to hang on the wall at home. ■ Marko Dutka’s work can be viewed at: www.studiomarko.com or tel: 01225 428881 to book a photographic session. Marko is currently offering two packages on offer. The Taster Experience, with a two-hour shoot, professional make-up and a print to take home, is £200. The Luxury Experience is a four-hour shoot, which includes two different looks, make-up, bubbly and chocolates and an album with 20 images, £400.

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FIT&FABULOUS

Marrakesh chic Jars of saturated pigments, mounds of vibrant fabrics, spices and weathered coloured rugs from Marrakesh are the inspiration for Bobbi Brown’s autumn 2011 collection. When Bobbi travelled to Marrakesh a few years ago, she was moved by the sights and smells and returned home with endless inspiration for what is the new collection. Featuring intensely pigmented colours, the collection is designed to be smudged, swiped or blotted to create a stained look that’s fresh and wearable.

❝ From the dusty tones

Above: lipstick in Desert Rose, Desert Plum and metallic Violet Glaze, all £18; below: Rich Color Eye Shadow, £15

to the sandy textures, fall is about rich colour made wearable

❞

– Bobbi Brown ORGANIC MONTH

September is the Soil Association’s Organic Month – a celebration and promotion of all things organic.

It may surprise you that nearly 60% of what we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. So with this in mind, organic month may be a good time to think about using natural, organic skincare products that are good to our bodies, inside and out.

These are two of our favourite organic products...

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

Sun exposure and other natural aggressions can age the skin, but Sisley’s Ecological compound (£129 from House of Fraser) helps to rebuild the skin’s defence system to protect it from such things. Launched in 1980, it’s a product that has remained a prominent best seller and very renowned in the beauty world. It’s high quality multi-vitamin ingredients have meant that the no alterations have been required over the years. The light-weight, non-greasy emulsion absorbs easily into the skin and leaves a shine-free finish, leaving the skin more toned and supple. Like Yves Saint Laurent’s Touch Eclat, it’s one of those essential timeless products that every woman desires.

This new Perfect Radiance Facial Polish from evolve leaves skin smooth, radiant and visibly hydrated and it’s packed with natural, organic ingredients like acai berries and apricot for a flawless finish. £12.99 from www.evolvebeauty.co.uk

This natural liquid soap from the Dr. Bronner range has 18 uses – you can clean your body, hair, clothes, kitchen and more with it and there’s eight scents to choose from including peppermint and lavender. £4.99 from pharmacies.

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SKIN DEEP

Revlon’s global artistic director, Gucci Westman has introduced The Expressionists Collection for autumn/winter 2011.

A bold collection, it features the most soughtafter catwalk shades including this Abstract Orange Super Lustrous Lipstick, £7.49 from Boots.

Quirky, cute and gorgeous, Benefit Cosmetics is famous for its kitsch, Americana style packaging, cheeky names and a whole host of awardwinning products. This month the brand sees the arrival of two new benefit products – They’re Real Mascara, £18.50 and Ring My Bella Fragrance, £29.50. We love the mascara – the jet black formula lifts, defines and curls to give luscious lashes in no time, and it even works magic on the tiniest lashes. Available from Boots.

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Lose Weight Effectively With Hypnotherapy

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

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HEALTH AND BEAUTY ■ BMI Bath Clinic has started a Breast Cancer Care Support Group to help female breast cancer patients through the difficult journey from diagnosis and treatment to recovery.

The Support group’s ‘buddy scheme’ matches patients who are coming to the end of their treatment with those who have been recently diagnosed. The nurses at Bath Clinic set up the Breast Care Support Group for women going through the challenging and confronting experience of cancer treatment. The group welcomes all women who are undergoing or have been treated for breast cancer, regardless where they were treated.

The group has regular guest speakers who discuss a variety of topics including healthy eating, lingerie, wig advice and hair loss. If you would like to attend Bath Clinic’s Breast Care Support Group or would like more information, contact tel: 01225 835555

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news

■ On Sunday 18 September, the 18th annual Memory Trail for RICE, the Bath-based dementia research charity, will this year take you on a route through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. Choose from three different length walks by the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Wansdyke, a great sixth century bank and ditch earthwork. The starting point is Bishops Cannings Parish Hall between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments are available at the Crown Inn or picnic at one of the peaceful spots along the way. Entry fees are £5 per adult; £2.50 per junior or £12 per family with a prize for the highest sponsorship raised of a Spa Taster Day for two at the Bath Spa Hotel. Enjoy a fabulous day out for all members of the family, whilst helping RICE support people with dementias such as Alzheimer’s. For further information visit: 01225 476435 or email g.caddick@bath.ac.uk

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SILKY SMOOTH Following the success of its four established London boutiques, Strip has opened its first luxury waxing experience outside London, within Harvey Nichols, Quakers Friars, Bristol. The Strip concession includes the hugely popular and celebrity favourite Chocolate and Olive Lycon wax, offering virtually pain free waxing in decadently themed rooms. The new concession is also host to the paraben free South Seas spray tanning for an all year round summer glow. Alongside the luxurious treatments, Strip will be selling aftercare products from the exclusive South Seas and Lycon Spa ranges,ensuring you get the maximum results between treatments. Walk out looking and feeling like a goddess.

Holistic help is on hand In 2003 the Weston Chiropractic Centre moved to the new premises, at the location now known as the Apthorp Centre. The centre has developed and grown over the last few years and continues to offer the highest quality Holistic Therapies including: chiropractic and cranial chiropractic for all the family, holistic massage, body control pilates, classical homeopathy, yoga alliance, rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries, sports therapy, solution focused clinical hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, neuro linguistic programming, counselling; holistic veterinary for small animals (and horses), reiki, acupuncture and skin dermal screening.

If you want to find out more about holistic therapies, the Apthorp therapists will be available at the centre’s open evening in Weston Road on Wednesday 14 September, 7pm – 8pm where light refreshments will be provided.

The centre also has rooms that are available to rent by the hour or by portion of a day, suitable for one-to-one consultations or group therapy sessions of up to 14 people. With the tranquil nature and beautifully appointed gardens, Apthorp makes a perfect setting for healing and rejuvenation. To find out more about using Apthorp for your therapy needs contact tel: 01225 423333 or visit www.apthorpcentre.com.

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OUT&ABOUT

TREKKING in

the forest

Andrew Swift recommends we arm ourselves with a map and compass to follow a route through the heart of one of England’s ancient hunting grounds, The New Forest

F

or a change, we head down to Hampshire for an autumn walk through the New Forest. This sevenmile route is an ideal introduction to the Forest, taking in some of its loveliest stretches, from high heaths to oak woods and conifer plantations. There are few public footpaths in the Forest as it is almost all common land. The freedom to wander more or less where you like is wonderful, but a lack of waymarks and a multiplicity of paths may make navigation difficult. A map is essential and a compass may also be useful.

This walk is a good introduction to the Forest for another reason, for it starts and ends at what many regard as its finest pub, the Royal Oak at Fritham (SU232141). This dates from the 1600s and is the unofficial parliament of the New Forest Verderers. It also forms part of a 50-acre working farm. While other pubs have car parks, the Royal Oak has a pony park (there is, however, ample car parking nearby). Its ploughman’s lunches and home-made pork pies are legendary, and there is a choice of around five beers straight from the barrel. Superbly unspoilt and deservedly popular, it is hardly surprising that the Good Pub Guide named the Royal Oak Britain’s best country pub in 2009.

If you only know the New Forest from its honeypots, you may be under the impression that it can get uncomfortably crowded.

The car park at Fritham can be busy at weekends, but in less than five minutes you can be away from the crowds, on paths where you are unlikely to meet more than a handful of other walkers.

Having parked in the car park, follow a tarmac lane heading south from the pub, past cottages and a chapel. After 250 metres, when the tarmac ends, fork right past a car barrier into woodland (SU231138). The path soon emerges into open country.

After 500 metres, when the path forks, bear right (SU228135), passing Green Pond on your left. Just before you reach a gravel track crossing the path ahead, bear left, following a grassy track through the heather. This joins the gravel track, heading towards Sloden Inclosure. Just before you reach the inclosure, turn right along a path leading through a gate (SU217131).

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Follow the gravel track as it winds through the inclosure, with conifers soon giving way to deciduous trees. The track runs downhill before rising again, and conifers start to reappear. After 1000 metres, with tall pines ahead, turn right along a grassy ride (SU209127), which swings to the right before crossing a stream.

EVERY SHADE OF GREEN: but the New Forest is showing signs of autumn colour

in less than five minutes you can ❝ be away from the crowds, on paths where you are unlikely to meet more than a handful of other walkers

❞

Carry straight on and after 400 metres you will cross a gravel track. Shortly after this a gate leads out of the inclosure (SU206132).

Turn left along a driftway (the name for a strip of land between two inclosures) for 100 metres before turning right through a gate into Alderhill Inclosure (SU205131). Cross a wooden bridge over Latchmore Brook and carry on uphill, passing an ancient yew on the right.

Cross a gravel track and head straight on, leaving the inclosure through a gate (SU203135). Follow the path ahead, which swings up to the right towards Gaze Hill. When you meet another track running in from the right (SU203137), turn left along it and follow it as it swings to the right.

At a cross path (SU203139), carry straight on past the gate into Amberwood Inclosure and carry on with the fence on your right.

Cross a cycle track and continue on along a narrow path through the heather.

Just after passing a brick shelter – a relic from the Second World War – over to the left, turn left along a gravel track (SU207142). After 75 metres you will see a track leading downhill to the right. Ignore this, but 450 metres further on, after a track trails in from the left, turn right along a track leading down into pine woods (SU209147).

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OUT&ABOUT

MEETING POINT: The Royal Oak is the home of the unofficial parliament of the New Forest Verderers

After entering the woods, continue along the gravel track for 500 metres, crossing two crosspaths. At the third crosspath, just before a bridge over a stream, turn left along a grassy ride.

After 200 metres, bear right when the path forks. The next stretch may be muddy. Carry on for 650 metres, crossing a broad grassy ride, before eventually forking right (SU219156). After another few metres, turn right at a T junction, cross a bridge over a stream, bear left and take the next turning on the left. Over to your right is the site of Studley Castle, a hunting lodge built for Edward II around 1360.

After joining another path, you reach the edge of the inclosure (SU223162). Follow the track as it curves to the right before heading across Studley Head, towards the car park at Bramshaw Telegraph. This was one of a chain of semaphore stations linking London with Plymouth, and stands on the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire. Just before the car park, turn sharp right (SU227166) and head south along a well-defined broad track.

This is not the bridleway marked on the map, which runs between the two tracks. It is little used – and you may have difficulty spotting it – and leads through some decidedly boggy terrain.

Follow the track as it curves and drops down to Claypits Bottom, before climbing up the main track up the other side.

You are now heading for an isolated bit of woodland called Homy Ridge. Just before the path enters the woods (SU230160), bear right along a broad path curving away to the south-west.

After 350 metres, this joins another track before entering Eyeworth Wood to join the bridleway (SU227156).

Carry on southward along the bridleway through woodland for 1,250 metres. After passing buildings on the right, the path becomes a gravel lane. After crossing a bridge (SU227145), you will see a pond on the left, created in the late 19th century to supply water to a nearby gunpowder factory.

Carry on straight on up the lane for 650 metres to return to the Royal Oak. ■

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FURTHER INFORMATION ■

Length of walk: 7 miles

■

Approximate time: 2½ to 3 hours

■

Map: OS Explorer OL22

■

The Royal Oak, Fritham (023 8081 2606). Food is only served at lunchtime. Credit cards are not accepted.

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HOMES&INTERIORS

THE HOUSE in

the meadow

Chris Smith dreamed of building a house on land where he used to play as a child.

He and his artist partner Val never gave up on that vision and now enjoy life in an award-winning eco-friendly home just outside Bath

B

ath may be well known for its Georgian architecture and sweeping crescents, but less well known is the small number of unashamedly contemporary houses which are appearing in and around the city. Twinneys is one such example, recognised for its flair and cutting edge design when it won the residential category of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South West Town & Country awards 2010.

Uniquely the house was one of two shortlisted projects by local Bath architectural practice Designscape Architects. The other project and runner-up in the commercial category was Hill Farm Dairy, built for the production of goats cheese.

Undertaking a building project, whatever its scale, can be a daunting experience. The story of Twinneys, built by Chris Smith and Val Hepplewhite, demonstrates the grit and determination that can be required to see a project through.

Twinneys is the culmination of a long and productive collaboration between the Smiths and Designscape.

It all began when Chris Smith appointed Designscape while in the middle of a 13 year planning battle with the local planning authority for permission to build a new dwelling in the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the site of a former piggery and potato warehouse. From their first meeting the architect saw that a previously successful planning appeal ruling now presented an opportunity to the Smiths. Winning over the planning authority took a lot more

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effort, despite the full support of local residents and the parish council, but fortunately the persistent arguments and sensitive, contextual designs prevailed.

Twinneys is built on land that has belonged to the Smith family since the 1940s and is where Chris played as a boy.

These emotional and nostalgic ties fuelled Chris’s resolve to stick with the site through thick and thin in his vision to build his dream home. Not only was the project beset by delays from the planning process, but the site held its own challenges, consisting of sitting halfway up a steep hillside on made up ground and founded in part on locally notorious shifting sands.

The site proved to be so challenging that the original builder left the project midway through and Chris decided to continue the build himself as a self managed enterprise.

The end result stands as testament to the Smiths’ perseverance and unwillingness to accept compromise. This strength of character (“We won’t ever be moving again,” Val says with total certainty) was recognised by the Town & Country awards jury who described Twinneys as ‘an outstanding piece of architecture’ and ‘a project that has resulted in an exceptional home enabling the owners to live in a contemporary modern style… On a site rich in personal memory that remains a significant and unspoilt part of the rural surroundings of the historic city of Bath’.

Twinneys is designed as an eco-friendly building with its green roofs, use of daylight, and energy efficient systems including solar thermal collectors for hot water, as well as the

NATURAL BEAUTY: Twinneys sits on the hillside, blending into the landscape and surrounded by wildflower meadows and trees

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REALISING THE DREAM: there are commanding views from the veranda, while Val Hepplewhite’s studio, like the rest of the house, is filled with natural light

use of sustainably sourced construction materials.

The accommodation is inverted so that the upstairs open plan living area can make the best of the outstanding panoramic views and benefit from maximum available natural light. Large opening glass doors enable the living area to expand out onto a south facing veranda which is protected from adverse weather and shaded by a large overhanging roof. The kitchen and snug are given horizontal slit windows enabling the occupant to feel at one with the landscape almost as if one is in a tree house.

A large roof-light brings daylight into the heart of the building and on to the downstairs hallway, lighting a space which would otherwise be artificially lit as a result of the building being part built into the hillside. Bedrooms sit behind the masonry dry stone wall and each has a sliding glass door which opens directly onto the garden. The remainder of the land surrounding the house is given over to a natural English landscape. This landscape of wild-flower meadows, native trees and wildlife was carefully conceived by Chris and had to be included in the lengthy discussions with the planning authority.

To the rear of the house sits a virtually subterranean painting

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studio and gallery for Val Hepplewhite who trained at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol. Designed to operate independently, the studio also acts as the formal entrance to the house. The front door is approached using a shingle path which is laid over the green roof of the bedrooms below. The studio roof is also planted with wild flowers and becomes part of the hillside. Large sliding glass doors open out onto a sculpture courtyard and flood the internal areas with natural daylight, assisted by a large skylight. Val uses the house and studio to display her work and each year since moving into Twinneys she has participated in Larkhall Open Studios.

Twinneys represents the completion of the first new build project for Designscape Architects. They operate a diverse and dynamic range of work spanning a variety of scales and budgets from a six figure art production studio for Damien Hirst to small scale domestic alterations. The practice is made up of a number of senior architects who all cut their teeth working with notable award winning architectural firms. â– For more information on Twinneys and other projects by Designscape Architects visit www.dscape.co.uk

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THEinterview

WILD about

flowers

Gardener and cookery writer Sarah Raven is encouraging us to rediscover the simple pleasures of spotting and identifying wildflowers – and it may just save our honey bees too, says Lindsey Harrad

A

s a familiar face on the BBC’s Gardeners’ World, a Telegraph columnist, a gardening teacher and author of four gardening/cook books to date, Sarah Raven has carved a niche for herself as a holistic horticulturalist, and a passionate gardener who is equally at home in the kitchen preparing her homegrown produce. But her latest writing venture moves away from horticulture into botany with a guide to British wild flowers.

Normally to be found in her working gardens at Perch Hill in East Sussex, or at her rather enviable home in the National Trust’s Sissinghurst Castle, Sarah has travelled throughout the UK, from the Lizard to the Outer Hebrides, to research our native flora – including locations in neighbouring Gloucestershire, the Somerset Levels and the Dorset and Wiltshire chalk streams.

For Sarah, this project also meant a return to her childhood love of wildflower spotting. “I’ve always been interested in, if not obsessed with, wild flowers since I was a small child,” she explains. “My father was a keen botanist and taught me all about wildflowers when we went on walks together, so this new book felt like going home.

“We set out to record 250 plants in one year, but we just kept finding more and more wonderful examples, so we expanded it to 500 of the most interesting and beautiful species.”

While the book may be weighty in size, the content is far from being a dry botanical manual and is written in Sarah’s easy-toread, engaging style. Even a quick flick through will reveal images of flowers you probably remember well from tramping through the countryside as a child, yet even if you spotted these flowers on a walk today – which is becoming increasingly unlikely for some species – you may not even be able to name them anymore.

“The book is aimed at walkers and anyone who loves the countryside, it’s certainly not for botanists,” explains Sarah. “I am hoping that people will find it a lovely way to re-engage with wildflowers, as it’s so rewarding to be able to identify different species when you are out walking.”

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Sarah also believes that spotting wildflowers is one of the most accessible ways to become more interested in our native wildlife, as you don’t necessarily have to go to special locations to see beautiful specimens.

She says: “The embankments alongside motorways are among our richest habitats for wild flowers. On car journeys I often encourage the children to play games spotting different species from the window. These flowers are all around us, you can see them on patches of wasteland, on your walk to work, everywhere. It’s such an easy, accessible way to become more connected with our environment.”

if everyone changed just five per ❝ cent of their garden to include pollen-rich plants . . . imagine what a monumental effect that would have on the bee population

❞

Many types of wildflower are in decline and we have already lost some species, but while we may remember seeing an abundance of certain flowers 20 or 30 years ago, these days they tend to be found in specific pockets, or in nature reserves where they have been determinedly preserved. This decline is partly due to a loss of habitat as we build on green areas, but is also caused by intensive farming, which has stripped the land of natural wildlife. But while it is important to preserve our wildflowers for the sheer pleasure of seeing them flourish in our woodlands, meadows, coastlines and marshes, this native plant life also provides a vital link in the food chain for pollinating insects, which are also in decline.

Anyone who loves growing vegetables and cultivating plants will know that our gardens, allotments and even humble window boxes could not thrive without pollinators – including bees and

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EYE FOR DETAIL: Sarah Raven, below, is encouraging us all to take a closer look at British native flowers Right: sweet violets, and main picture, field poppies

butterflies. As someone who understands the interdependence between our natural biodiversity, gardening, and food production and preparation, Sarah is passionate about saving our bees too. “It’s not high minded or elitist to think about these issues. Unless we want to lose our fruit and vegetables, we must do something about it now.”

PORTRAIT: Jonathan Buckley

Modern agricultural methods have virtually sterilised large swathes of the countryside from a botanical point of view, so this means that gardens, and gardeners, will have to play an important role in providing habitat and food for bees and insects. “There are a million acres of gardens in this country and if everyone changed just five per cent of their garden to include pollen-rich plants, in particular lavender, borage, poppies or wild marjoram, imagine what a monumental effect that would have on the bee population. It’s not costly or difficult to achieve, but it would make a huge difference,” says Sarah.

It’s a timely reminder that conservation is not just about saving rainforests or gorillas – although these are important – preserving our local, regional and national biodiversity is equally vital. But on the subject of preservation, Sarah is also keen to dispel a few myths about picking wildflowers.

“I’ve always learnt about plants by picking flowers, and this is part of the pleasure of appreciating wildflowers too,” she says. “It’s not true that picking them is always wrong, but people are afraid of getting into trouble for collecting them, so in my book I have explained which species can be safely picked, as I want people to see this as an accessible pleasure they can enjoy every day, not some rarefied, high-minded hobby.” ■

Wild Flowers by Sarah Raven is published by Bloomsbury on 17 October, illustrated with photography by Jonathan Buckley, price £50.

Sarah Raven will be in conversation with BBC Radio 4’s executive producer Sara Davies on 5 October, 4.30pm for 5pm at Bristol Grammar School, BS8 1SR. Ticket £8 (no concessions), including afternoon tea.To book visit: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/Events/Literary-Events.aspx. For more information about literary events at Bristol Grammar School contact Lucy Shepherd at: lshepherd@bgs.bristol.sch.uk Sarah’s TV series, Bees, Butterflies and Blooms, will be broadcast on BBC2 in September/October. Dates to be confirmed.

Reduce your Electricity Bill with the Solar Power People!

Bath’s award winning Ace Energy are the leading suppliers of solar power. Recently they have installed solar at Bath City Farm as well as a number of city centre homes. With the average electricity bill being around £600 yearly, installing solar on your roof can reduce that bill by up to 50% and provide home owners and landlords with a healthy profit. This is due to the new Feed-In Tariff scheme which pays premium rates for power generated from solar power Bath households on the scheme are now earning over £850 every year. The tax free, inflation-proof payouts are designed to protect the UK from ever-rising energy prices and help lower carbon emissions. You may have noticed an increase in the amount of Bath roofs proudly showing off their solar panels recently and according to Alan Seviour Ace Energy’s MD, Solar has never been more popular.

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

Ace Energy are registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) For a free survey and quotation please call 01225 729005 or visit www.ace-energy.net

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SEPTEMBER 2011

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CITYgardens

IT’S ALL in the timing Getting the best show from your spring bulbs is all a matter of planning ahead, says Jane Moore

I

n early spring, other than a few hellebores, forget-me-nots and whatnot, it’s the bulbs that take the floor. Bulbs are the mainstays of the garden from February right though until May, starting with snowdrops and crocus and finishing with an array of tulips. Strictly speaking the show goes on into June with all the alliums doing their explosive purple thing in the borders but by then there are a lot of other plants coming into flower too such as oriental poppies, Erysimums and so on. Anyway, I digress. In short, a garden without bulbs is one that comes nowhere near fulfilling its true spring potential.

But with that long season, it’s tricky to get everything flowering at exactly the right time, giving you the sort of showstopping garden that makes you stand tall as a gardener. Our esteemed editor, no stranger to a spade herself, planned a superb show one year of tulips, miniature daffs and so on only to find they all flowered one after the other rather than all at once as she’d planned.

Timing is tricky when nature, weather and the conditions in a particular garden all play their part but actually bulbs are pretty reliable as plants go. If a catalogue or garden centre describes a tulip as flowering in mid April, it near as dammit will do its stuff around about the fifteenth of that month. Who’s going to quibble if it’s out by a few days? Certainly not me! I’m so glad to see everything come out in time for our Yellow Book open afternoon, not to mention the relief that those tulips are ready to be scrutinised by the members of the Royal Horticultural Society a day or so later, I could all but weep with joy. So much for gardening being a stress buster!

Well, for you dear reader I am here to make your life stressfree – at least when it comes to planting bulbs anyway. It’s time to get on with planting those bulbs right now so get down to the garden centre and pick up a good selection. I’ve done my best to give you the confidence that your money will be well spent and your spring garden truly glorious. Just read on.

February early birds After the snowy brilliance of snowdrops, it’s time for crocuses to shine. The larger varieties such as the purple and white striped Pickwick and the rich Golden Yellow Mammoth look great in the border but I steer clear of these larger varieties for naturalising in grass as they’re a bit big and showy to really look right.

My favourite for drifting under trees on the lawn are the dainty Golden Bunch, which is incredibly floriferous with masses of brilliant yellow flowers; Ruby Giant which is actually a rich rosy purple, and Cream Beauty. Yellows, blues and purples always look good, standing out against the green of the grass.

You would think that white crocus would be great too but I never use them as it always seems to look as if someone has dropped a load of soggy tissues on the lawn.

March marvels This is the start of the daffodil season and there are hundreds to choose from. I tend to go for the dwarf varieties as they have a delicacy their larger cousins lack. My favourites include the ubiquitous Tete à Tete, deservedly a commonly grown variety with masses of buttercup yellow miniature trumpets. If you’re after something a little more exclusive look out for pure white Jenny, rich yellow Little Witch, or dainty Minnow. It’s also time for some of the earliest tulips like the stripy leafed Kaufmanniana and Greigii tulips. These tulips are brilliant for borders as they’re 106 THEBATHMAGAZINE

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very long lasting and will give you a good show for years to come.

The classic variety is Red Riding Hood with flaring scarlet flowers and strongly striped leaves but the salmon-orange Toronto, which really glows in the pale spring sun, or Johann Strauss with cream flowers flushed with red are also good value. Pair these with a few narcissi and you’ll have a lovely show.

Beginning of April flowers Now you really have to start planning colour schemes and combinations to make your bulbs work together. One of my favourite early April partnerships is tulip Candela, a soft golden yellow with beautifully shaped blooms, planted with a dainty dwarf narcissi of a similar shade such as Quail. Or you could partner it in pots with a brilliant red tulip such as Madame Lefeber for some real ‘wow’ factor. More classy by far although without the same visual punch, plant white tulip Purrissima with Candela or with white dwarf narcissi like the lovely Sailboat which starts off a lovely cream with a soft yellow trumpet and fades to white as it matures. Come to think of it why not plant all three together – they’ll look fab.

Late April and May flowers I always plan my main show for the end of April and beginning

BE BOLD: brightly coloured tulips planted in contrasting shades offer a cheerful sight in spring time

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CITYgardens Open gardens in September A garden set in a peaceful valley in Oakhill will be open to visitors as part of the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 4 September, between 2pm and 4pm. The owners of Somerfoss have created a garden with year-round interest. The latest creation is a crevice garden. Teas are served so vsitors can sit and enjoy the view from decking across the site.

CO-ORDINATED: at the Priory Hotel gardens, pale pink tulips are in harmony with the pastel mauvey-blue of the wisteria blooming on the wall behind

May. It’s when the nights are really drawing out and we often get some glorious weather which means everyone is out enjoying the garden. Think in toning colour schemes for your pots to get maximum impact and pick up other feature plants in the garden. I often co-ordinate the pots of tulips on the terrace to flower at the same time as our huge mauvey-blue Wisteria, highlighting its colour with pink and mauve tulips such as Peerless Pink and Dreaming Maid. The soft oranges of tulips Princess Irene and Apricot Beauty are outstanding in terracotta pots, especially set against the backdrop of dark conifers. ■Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

As part of Somerset Arts Week, from Friday 17 September to Sunday 2 October (11.30am to 5pm), Stoberry Garden near Wells is hosting a collection of sculptures, pictured, at its six acre site. Stoberry has views over the surrounding countryside and Wells.

The newly refurbished gardens at Woolley

Grange Hotel near Holt are open to visitors between 2pm and 6pm on Sunday 18 September.

The 12 acre site includes a walled vegetable garden, a mown maze and a faerie garden.

For details of more open gardens visit: www.ngs.org.uk

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Tricks

of the Trade A

visit to the vet can be challenging for everyone involved. Some cat owners arrive a bit flustered, having struggled to get the cat in the basket then endured a car ride filled with soulful meows. It’s not surprising that most people wait until they are sufficiently worried about their pet’s health before attempting to bring them to the surgery. Once a diagnosis of the illness has been made (hopefully your pet is not sick enough to be hospitalized), they will likely go home with medication. This is where the fun part begins! Many clients secretly dread giving their pet a tablet, especially cat owners. I can wholly sympathize with them. My cat used to hide as soon as the drug cupboard was opened. A minority of cats will let you push the tablet at the back of their throats but this may not be the best method since large tablets can get stuck in their oesophagus or throat. Some tablets have a meat or malty flavour to increase their palatability which can make things easier. You can place tablets in marmite, honey, peanut butter, or creamed cheese for extra palatability.

Try giving the tablet before a meal when they are quite hungry. Only present a small dab of food at first to hide the tablet and follow on with the rest of their meal which will ensure they actually eat the medicine.

I had one cat owner who later found numerous partly chewed tablets behind her couch. If push comes to shove you can buy a pill administrator to plunge the tablet down the mouth although this could be quite stressful for both owner and pet. A word of warning; if your vet gives you a course of medication, particularly antibiotics, please finish the whole course, since we don’t want to increase the risk of bacterial resistance.

Topical creams and shampoos present a novel challenge. Creams are not given routinely because they are licked off almost immediately by our pet but if you have to administer them try applying the cream first then taking them for a walk immediately afterward to direct their attention elsewhere.

This rule only applies to dogs as cats are not usually given topical creams.

Shampoos are easier to use but you need to massage the shampoo into the coat for at least ten minutes to get their full effect and rinse thoroughly afterward leaving no trace of shampoo.

Rabbits present their very own set of problems. I find that the best way to administer medicines to rabbits is to wrap them in a bunny roll with a large towel so that their limbs are secured. Place them on your lap with their heads facing outwards and insert a feeding syringe into a corner of their mouth just beside their cheek. We usually only give a rabbit fluid medications so you will be supplied with a syringe by your vet. They take the fluid readily if you do it slowly. If you see them wiggle their nose and mouth it indicates that they are taking the medicine successfully.

Dressings will sometimes have to be applied. The trick is to keep them on and to keep them dry! Problems can occur if a dressing becomes too tight and pressure sores develop where the dressing chafes. Look for excessive chewing of the dressing or suddenly holding the leg up more often. This could indicate that your pet is uncomfortable. The bandage should also be kept as dry as possible. If it becomes moist next to the skin bacterial infections could proliferate. Furthermore, healing is retarded if the wound is chronically damp. All these problems indicate that the dressing needs to be changed. Most will need to be changed frequently to prevent these problems from occurring.

So a trip to the vet may involve a bit of homework for you but don’t despair. Hopefully future rewards outweigh any suffering that you, not to mention your pet, may endure!

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

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The Hollies Care Centre, Dursley

• A purpose built Care Home offering the highest standards of Nursing Care and retirement living • Luxury hotel style accommodation, with all bedrooms having en-suite wet rooms, lovely views, sat T.V. broadband internet and many other convenient adaptations • Independent family run with a highly trained, friendly team of staff • Wholesome home cooked food using fresh home-grown produce • Wide range of daily activities with our own minibus for accompanied outings

For more information: Contact Gill Lee 01453 541400 Or visit our website: www.littlecombepark.com WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

• Short Respite Care service available (Christmas bookings now being taken) and a new Day Care service is also available • Other in-house services on offer include: Hairdressing, Physiotherapy, Chiropody, visiting Beautician, Newspapers and periodicals • We are conveniently located for easy access to surrounding towns such as Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester

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Page 110

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499 Electricians

Bath’s Leading Stationer with all your office needs, all under one roof

ES

OFFICETS C PRODU

18 Union Passage, Bath, BA1 1RE Tel: 01225 444224 • Fax: 01225 311871

www.testoffice.co.uk

Catering

THEBATHMAGAZINE

Nibbled Catering Delicious Homemade Food

ONLINE EDITION .

For Private & Corporate Events

24HR EMERGENCY CALLOUT 07845 509859

Weddings • Christenings Birthday Celebrations • Funerals Buffets • High Teas • Dinner Parties Hog Roasts • BBQs • Buffets

01225 851072 www.nibbledcatering.com

www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

Computer Services

Electrifying Fast Friendly Flexible and reliable service • No obligation quote

01225 789631

arcs-and-sparks.com Gardening

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Hypnosis For Change with Jayne Norman D.Psy. D.Hyp. AAMH. HA. UKCHO. NHSTA.

What is hypnotherapy?

It is the therapeutic practice of inducing hypnosis.

Using a very pleasant method of relaxation and concentration. It is a natural state of altered consciousness. In this state you can work with your subconscious mind to change and improve your life.

T: 01225 760605 E: jayne_norman@hotmail.co.uk www.jaynenorman@hotmail.co.uk

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Advertise your Business or Service in this space for as little as £80 per month.

Every month, we reach more readers than any other magazine in Bath.

TEL: 01225 424499 Advertising that keeps working

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to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

House & Home

SWIM+SMILE Strain–free swimming with the Shaw Method – based on the Alexander Technique.

Individual lessons for adults in peaceful pools. Improve your stroke or learn another.

www.swimandsmile.co.uk trisha@swimandsmile.co.uk Trisha 01225 480970

Acupuncture for Fertility, support alongside IVF, Pregnancy and Womens Health.

POOR POSTURE? BACK PAIN?

Holly Woodward (MBAcC, Reg Nurse) is an experienced fertility acupuncturist, having worked for leading fertility expert Zita West.

lighten your

Call Holly on 07759 684552 Address: Centre for Integrated Therapies, Kingston House, 6 Pierrepont St, Bath, BA1 1LA. E: holly.woodward@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollywoodward.co.uk

Strengthen, lengthen & load with

ALEXANDER LESSONS Hellie Mulvaney MSTAT Oldfield Park

01225 353397 helliemulvaney@blueyonder.co.uk www.helliemulvaney.co.uk

Holiday Rental For thorough assessment and treatment of: Spinal Problems - Joint Problems Sports Injuries Pre and post operative rehabilitation Post fracture rehabilitation For more information call 01225 313153 or 07743878683 www.smvphysiotherapy.com

Want to find out more about advertising in The Bath Magazine?

Visit our website www.thebathmagazine.co.uk

to advertise in the directory call Kathy on 01225 424 499

Home Security

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

House & Home

Plumbing

Chris Sweeney PLUMBING AND HEATING

Boiler Replacements • Complete Bathrooms • Central Heating Systems Over 20 years experience

All aspects of Plumbing work undertaken

202002

T: 01225 443530 • M: 07900-215848

• Plans drawn/applications submitted • All trades available • Project Management • Project Costing (Surveying) • Bespoke work / material sourcing • Eco Building & Renewables • Structural Repair Work • Listed Building Work • Garden landscaping / garden offices • Property Maintenance • Shopfitting / Refurbishment

Tuition

The complete building solution, from start to finish Contact us on (01225) 442097 - (07944) 468942

Flute Tuition

info@evolveprojects.co.uk - Visit us today - www.evolveprojects.co.uk

by experienced teacher Madelaine Osborne BA (Hons)

Gay Street, Bath Tel: 01225 460588 Email: madosborne@email.com

The Furniture Care People.

Furniture, door, wood and metal stripping.

Restoration techniques, unique non-toxic, non caustic System 2000. Suitable for both hard and soft wood. Non harmful.

Our customers range from Home Owners to the V&A Museum

Recommended for Grade I Listed buildings

Franchise of the year award

Call Maria on 01225 315541 • www.kwikstrip.biz

Pet Services

Top Cat Country House Hotel

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DRIVING SCHOOL

PROFESSIONAL

to advertise in the directory call Kathy on 01225 424 499

DRIVING TUITION Reliable, Patient & Friendly Instructor Rich Stallard

Door to door service at competitive rates

THEBATHMAGAZINE

is now available for free at the

For more information Contact:

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or call 07889 167492

Real Care for the Cat you Love by the owner Diana Dickson Featured on National TV & Radio Bristol

We are a small luxury cattery for those who prefer their cats to have extra special attention Diana sometimes breeds Burmese & Burmilla’s Opening Hours 9am to 1pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays The Old School House Kelston, Bath

Tel: 01225 313099 www.topcathotel.co.uk

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Key Stages 1, 2, 3, GCSE & ‘A’ level Mathematics, English Science and more!

★ Here to inspire and motivate ★ Tailor-made individual learning ★ ★ Carefully selected and experienced teachers ★ info@onestepaheadtutoring.co.uk • www.onestepaheadtutoring.co.uk

Call Sandy Hewit now on 01225 420977

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PROPERTYin FOCUS

T

he Old House is a double fronted grade II listed property dating back to 1670, situated in the centre of Bradford On Avon. It is a fine family home which has been lovingly cared for over the years with period features remaining intact, including sash windows with working shutters, window seats, open fireplaces and exposed wooden floorboards. There are three floors with the addition of a large lower ground floor, which provides a large workshop, ideal for further development. On the ground floor there are three reception rooms, a large well equipped kitchen, utility and a cloakroom. The first floor houses a master bedroom with access to the ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom., and another two double bedrooms one with en suite. The upper floor has two further bedrooms with one en suite. The extremely pretty rear garden is a lovely mix of mature trees, shrubs and plants with a private courtyard and lawned area. A good sized garage adjoins the lower ground floor workshop. This property provides an opportunity to live in an imposing, traditional home in an historic and sought after town with good access to Bath and Wiltshire. For further details of this beautiful period property, and to arrange a viewing contact Bath estate agents: Pritchards.

THE OLD HOUSE SILVER STREET BRADFORD ON AVON

Price: £850,000

Pritchards, 11 Quiet Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466225 WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Avoncliff, Bradford on Avon

Dunkerton

A fascinating and attractive detached period house with a separate one bedroom detached cottage in a peaceful tucked away position, enjoying an idyllic river side setting and standing in award-winning gardens. Floor area 222 sq m/2389 sq ft.

A delightful period family home, full of period charm, situated in an elevated position within a large attractive gardens with south facing views.

Approx floor area: 2305 sq ft/214 sq m.

4 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, dressing room/bedroom5, shower room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, conservatory and utility/cloakroom. Detached double garage/workshop. Range of additional timber built outbuildings. Ample driveway parking.

Sitting room, reception/living area, kitchen/breakfast room, dining area, study, utility & cloakroom. 3 bedrooms with views, snug/TV room leading to 22ft 4th bedroom.

Sweeping driveway. Double garage.

Price: £865,000

Price: £839,500

Weston

Clarendon Road, Widcombe

A superb detached family house in a highly desirable, private location with immaculately presented accommodation arranged over 2 floors.

A deceptively spacious period property set in the popular area of Widcombe with the most breathtaking views, near to station.

Cloakrm, living/dining room, kitchen, utility, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms - 2 en suites. 2 garages.

Driveway parking & beautifully maintained gardens.

Approx gross int. area: 2053 sq ft/190.72 sq m.

3 bedrooms, bed 4/playroom, 3 receptions, bathroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility.

Garden. Garage. Total int. area 1317 sq ft / 122.3 sq m.

Price: £825,000

Price: £675,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

PRITCHARDS Sept.indd 1

Tel: 01225 466 225

26/08/2011 13:55

pritchard-partners.co.uk

Marshfield

Belgrave Crescent

A most characterful 4 bedroom Grade II listed period property offering many features incl. inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, exposed beams & long rear garden. Total approx floor area: 1927 sq ft/179 sq m.

A fabulous example of a 3 double bedroom Victorian Townhouse occupying elevated position with stunning views over the City. The property has been updated in recent years.

Sitting room, spacious kitchen/diner utility room, cloakroom & cellar. 4 bedrooms - master with potential for en suite (subj to nec. consents), family bathroom. Views to open fields from long rear garden. Heart of village location.

Kitchen with Aga. Bathroom with roll top bath, numerous feature fireplaces and a mature south facing rear garden. Total approx. 1559 sq ft / 144.8 sq m.

Price: £595,000

Price: £579,500

Wellsway

Priory Close

A beautifully presented, substantial detached property set in a good sized private plot on the south side of Bath.

Total approx. floor area: 1369 sq ft / 127.2 sq m.

A fine detached house offering tremendous scope for extension, (subject to the necessary consents) enjoying a wonderful open outlook to the rear in this desirable road on the popular southern fringes of the city.

Kitchen/breakfast room, living room, dining room, garden room, utility, 4 bedrooms and 2 bath/shower rooms. Off-road parking. Delightful landscaped level gardens. Views.

3 bedrooms, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, sun room & cloakroom.

Large attractive gardens to front and rear. Garage & driveway parking.

Total floor area 1480 sq ft/137.5 sq m.

Price: £550,000

Guide Price: £550,000 11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB

PRITCHARDS Sept.indd 2

Tel: 01225 466 225

26/08/2011 13:56

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

ld o S

Weston Road

Guide Price ÂŁ2.95m

The Residence is a handsome Grade II Listed villa appealing to families who wish for the convenience 7 Bedrooms and features of a townhouse within walking distance to the city, but with the benefit of parking and a 5 Receptions garden. We are delighted that Hamptons have found such a buyer and this stunning home situated on Grade II Listed Villa Weston Road, has sold to a family relocating from London.

Period Features Versatile Interior Level Walled Garden

Hamptons Office 01225 312244 bath@hamptons-int.com

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

Hamptons International launches the Equestrian Department. We are delighted to announce a dedicated department for horse owners and buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords of equestrian properties and estates. Whether you are looking for a cottage with acreage, equestrian livery yard or a country estate with outbuildings, our network of equestrian specialists can help advise you..

Hamptons Sales September.indd 1

26/08/2011 14:00

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

ld o S

Limpley Stoke

ld o S

Guide Price £1.25m

Hamptons are the proud selling agents of this substantial country house standing in gardens and woodland of eleven acres in the most sought after area of Limpley Stoke.

ld o S

Guide Price £1.25m

A successful sale of an impressive family home in a fantastic location with lovely views across Bath.

ld o S

Prior Park Buildings

Guide Price £1m

Sold to a cash purchaser from London within three weeks of launching this handsome townhouse to the market.

ld o S

Cavendish Road

Lansdown Place East

Pickwick

Guide Price £885,000

A successful sale of an attractive Grade II Listed family home just outside the sought after market town of Corsham.

ld o S

Guide Price £795,000

An exceptional sale with two bidders leading to a cash sale in excess of the guide price, of this fabulous garden maisonette in a prime location.

Lansdown

Guide Price £525,000

A fabulous city centre home with a delightful garden sold by Hamptons this summer.

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

Hamptons International launches the Equestrian Department. We are delighted to announce a dedicated department for horse owners and buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords of equestrian properties and estates. Whether you are looking for a cottage with acreage, equestrian livery yard or a country estate with outbuildings, our network of equestrian specialists can help advise you..

Hamptons Sales September.indd 2

26/08/2011 14:00

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

Combe Park, Bath

ÂŁ2990 pcm

A stunning Victorian semi detached house in a very desirable part of Bath. It has been completely refurbished to a high standard and has an established garden to include a large Summer house.

The accommodation comprises a hand made breakfast kitchen with appliances, sitting room, dining room, study, cinema room, utility room and w.c, master bedroom with ensuite, guest bedroom with ensuite, four further bedrooms, super family bathroom and off road parking. Available Now.

Hamptons Office 01225 445646 bathlettings@hamptons-int.com

6 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms Cinema Room Parking Large Garden Approximately 3033 sq ft.

Reassuringly Professional. Surprisingly Dynamic.

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

Hamptons Letting September.indd 1

26/08/2011 14:01

Lansdown Terrace, Weston entrance hall | spacious living room / dining room | modern fully fitted kitchen | pantry | cloakroom | bright and spacious studio | private enclosed rear garden | 2 double bedrooms | contemporary bathroom | solid oak flooring | plenty of storage space | period features | modern comforts

Rent ÂŁ1,350 pcm 1 Lansdown Terrace is an attractive and spacious two bedroom end of terrace Georgian townhouse located in a popular residential area on the western side of Bath, affording convenient access to the M4 Motorway, Bristol or the city centre.

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

RESIDE Sept.indd 1

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Bathwick £995pcm

Unique lodge property with 3 floors and a riverside terrace and all a short walk from the city centre. This unfurnished property comprises 2 double bedrooms, lounge, large dining kitchen and bathroom with shower. Outside there is a summer house and wooden deck overlooking the river. The property enjoys full gas central heating. Available now.

Combe Down £925pcm

Large, light first floor flat overlooking the park in this popular location.

Huge lounge with picture window, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom with sep. shower and kitchen/dining room. This property is fully furnished and comes with garage parking. Available now.

Walcot £1100pcm

Colerne £625pcm

Smart city centre location in Old Walcot School; this 2 bedroom apartment enjoys high ceilings and a contemporary layout with fitted kitchen, large lounge with spiral staircase to dining/study area and a double mezzanine bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a second bathroom and further double bedroom. Available from late September

This cosy 2 bed terraced cottage is tucked away up a lane in this popular village. Accommodation comprises 2 double bedrooms, lounge, dining room with open fire, kitchen and bathroom with shower.

The house has gas central heating and there are gardens to the front and rear. Available from 1st September.

Update from...

L E T T I N G S & M A N AG E M E N T Hello there, I hope everyone had a fantastic summer holiday? We had a fantastic August at Zest – the busiest month yet.

Also we have been busy behind the scenes freshening up our brand, do look out for it next month, I hope you’re going to like it.

If you’re a landlord and you have any questions at all, we really do welcome you to pop into our office and have a cuppa with us... we are a friendly bunch at Zest and we love to help out with anything that we can.

As a landlord myself, I appreciate what matters to landlords and as a company we measure our success in terms of how happy our clients are, so if there is any query you may have, no matter how complex or how small, please do drop by. Alternatively you can email me at glennperry@zestlettings.com Have a great month, make it a good one! .

Glenn Perry, Director, Zest

NEWBRIDGE, BATH Stunning, contemporary 2 bedroom maisonette located within walking distance of the popular Chelsea Road. Open plan living with designer kitchen on the first floor, downstairs are two double bedrooms and a spectacular bathroom with freestanding Bath.

Viewing is a must.

LARKHALL, BATH Newly converted 2 bedroom apartment refurbished to a high specification whilst retaining many period features. High ceilings, sash windows, contemporary fixtures and fittings. Further benefits include parking and use of the charming communal garden. A must see.

T: 01225 481010 Zest September.indd 1

www.zestlettings.com 23/08/2011 13:41

Midford

£1500 PCM

Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Cottage Bursting with Character and Charm with Off Road Parking for 2 Cars Large Living Room with Wood Burner | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Office/Playroom | Cloakroom | 4 Bedrooms | Modern Bathroom | Easily Maintained Garden | Sunhouse / Home Office | Off Road Parking for 2 Cars

Lower Camden Place

£1475 PCM

Delightful 3 Bedroom Georgian Town House in a Sought After Location Beautifully Presented Throughout | Modern Kitchen | Modern Bath and Shower Rooms | Dining Room | Garden Room/Conservatory | Large Terrace and Lawned Garden | Accommodation over 3 storeys

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath, BA2 3AH Telephone: 01225 421000

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk

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THINKINGproperty

The Price is Right A realistic valuation will help you sell faster. Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of apartment specialist The Apartment Company offers advice

A

ll homeowners want to believe their apartment can command a top price for their area. But the value of a property depends on a number of varying factors that sellers need to take into account.

Clearly, you don’t want to let your home go for less than it’s worth but an overpriced apartment can be hard to sell, especially in a competitive market. Bear in mind that the boom is over and many first-time or low-income buyers are struggling to get a mortgage. This is Peter Greatorex, Managing Director at The Apartment Company, Bath having a knock on effect for some local property markets, reducing the number of buyers overall and forcing vendors to be more realistic about the price they can ask.

To get an initial idea of your home’s value, take a look at similar listings in your local area, either at estate agent’s offices or online. Make sure you’re comparing like with like, checking out homes in similar locations and states of repair, with the same size gardens and number of rooms. Try to find out how long they have been on the market, as that’s also a good indication of whether they are priced correctly.

WWW.THEBATHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Other factors to consider are access to schools, proximity to shops, public transport, busy roads or pubs, as all of these can affect a property’s valuation for better or worse. And stay informed about local planning issues that may impact positively or negatively on the price of your home, such as new housing or retail developments, rail or road links.

For a proper valuation you will need to get input from estate agents, who have a full understanding of how the housing market is performing nationally and locally. They also see on a daily basis what sells fastest, as well as what buyers in your area are looking for and how much they’re prepared to spend.

It’s sensible to get several quotes, which should work out at around a similar figure and give you a clear idea of the value of your property. Don’t be afraid to question your agent about their valuation and ask advice on how you can improve your home’s prospects if you feel it’s under valued for its location or size.

Your circumstances will also dictate the price you can ask. If you’re in no rush to move you could aim for a higher price and wait for the right buyer but if you need to sell fast you may well have to take a lower sum in order to grab a quick sale.

Buyers will see a variety of properties and usually have their own benchmark as to what equates with good value. If they believe you’re asking a fair price, they’ll be more likely to put in an offer over a similar property they feel is over valued.

For advice on buying or selling an apartment, please contact Ben Hansell or Peter Greatorex, The Apartment Company, Tel: 01225 471144 Website: www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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■ Chelsfield House, Lansdown “Go on,” said the estate agent, “guess when this house was built.” We were stumped. This is a contemporary home built in the Italianate style off Sion Road. The ceilings are high and the house is filled with natural light.

All looks gracious and comfortable. But it is what you don’t immediately see that’s all the more impressive – underfloor heating, the latest in energy efficient double glazing, and solar panels which provide heating and water.

Motion sensors ensure no energy is wasted, switching on warm towel rails and heating water when bathrooms are occupied. There is even a media room which is the nerve centre to control the home management system.

Of the five double bedrooms, three have en suite facilities, while there is also a family bathroom. A balcony commands excellent views over Bath.

Downstairs the kitchen has been comprehensively fitted with an induction hob, a steam oven, two fan ovens, coffee machine, dishwasher and two wine fridges. Simply plug in your MP3 player and enjoy the music too, which incidentally you can do all over the house, including in the summerhouse. The gardens too are a delight, with a vegetable plot and a boules pitch. Here’s the surprise – Chelsfield was built in 1965.

Price: £2.85m Contact: Pritchards, 01225 466225

■ Kensington Villa, Bath

■ Penn Lea Court, Weston Wow! This mid-20th century townhouse has been given a whole new lease of life with a complete makeover, with an eye-catching new black and red kitchen, re-wiring, open plan living area and new flooring throughout. The four bedroom/two bathroom home also has parking to the front, an integral garage just big enough to keep a Smart car in and a lawned back garden with a solid brick-built shed equipped with power and a window, which would suit a number of uses.

Price: £359,950 Contact: Whitfield Nash, 01225 480444

A HOUSE This is an artist’s impression of a stateof-the-art eco-friendly home, one of four, being built in Bath near Kensington Meadows. It will have a green living roof, a balcony, low energy lighting and a games room/gym. The villa also has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and four reception rooms, gardens and a double garage. Price: £1.15m Contact: Knight Frank, 01225 325999 or Cobb Farr, 01225 333332

in

TOWN This month’s homes all have contemporary interiors – whatever their original era

■ Pump Cottage, Pulteney Gardens Tucked away just yards from the Kennet & Avon Canal at Widcombe is this unusual home set in generous sized gardens. Pump Cottage occupies a spot where you’d expect to find a period home and the three bedroom cottage has windows which make the most of the south-west facing Gardens.

There is a large open plan living room, kitchen and utility.

Price: £500,000 Contact: Whiteley Helyar, 01225 447544

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■ Great Pulteney Street, Bath The interior of this Georgian apartment on one of Bath’s finest streets has been completely remodelled to provide a luxurious three bedroom home with a double height drawing room, conservatory, two bathrooms and a glass panelled reception hall from a private entrance.

The kitchen is extremely well kitted out, complete with an Aga. Doors from the third bedroom open out into the south facing garden. This too has been well laid out, with a terrace for dining and lounging, plus fully stocked flower borders to provide year-round greenery.

Price: £850,000 Contact: Pritchards, 01225 466225

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■ Bean Hill Barn, Witham Friary Old farm buildings have been given a 21st century transformation in the heart of the countryside near Frome. The main house, which has been beautifully finished, has a magnificent drawing room with a fireplace, kitchen/dining space, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and is ideal for entertaining on a grand scale.

The neighbouring barn provides furthur accommodation which could be used as a work or living space. The property has gardens, a terrace with views, an orchard, tennis court and a field, its grounds extending to almost six acres.

Price: £1.5m Contact: Carter Jonas 01225 747252

■ The Duck House Batheaston

This is really a clever transformation of a single-storey cottage set in mature gardens off the beaten track at Batheaston. The three-bedroom house has a superb modern extension which opens spectacularly on two sides on to a large deck, forming an outdoor room overlooking the terraced gardens. The bathroom too is a sybarite’s dream with a double aspect and a spa hot tub. Price: £345,000 Contact: Wildoak Residential, 01225 442020

■ The Sportsman, Rode A pair of old stone barns have been cleverly converted in the village of Rode to provide two three bedroom homes – part of a small cul-desac of just six homes. Fitted out with contemporary fittings, flooring and lighting, the house has open plan living space, an en suite to the master bedroom and useful storage under the eaves.

Price: £335,000 Contact: Tim Bennett, 01225 326420

A HOUSE in the

COUNTRY September’s homes in the country have all been given a 21st century twist

■Monkton House, Southwick This one-off farmhouse style home combines the best of traditional values and modern taste. It occupies the site of an old farmhouse and barns, and benefits from a tranquil rural setting in countryside not far from Bradford-on-Avon. Monkton House has four large bedrooms, two of them with en suite bathrooms. Downstairs the rooms are also a good size, with a drawing room which has a feature fireplace, and a smart contemporary spacious kitchen/family room opens on to the gardens.

There is also a separate dining room, a study, utility room and a cloakroom. The house also has a double garage and lots of off-road parking. Its gardens are delightful, with a big decking area for entertaining and wide lawns with flower borders and trees, which back on to farmland. It also has a handy workshop or studio to one side of the house which could be used for any number of hobbies or projects. Price: £550,000 Contact: Jeremy Jenkins, 01225 866747

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01225 866747 Poulton Lodge, Bradford-on-Avon.

Tory, Bradford-on-Avon.

£625,000

£350,000

Five bedrooms, four bath/shower rooms, three separate receptions & kitchen breakfast room generously spread over four floors of semi detached Victoriana! Lovely long level garden, ample parking, garaging and studio workshop.

Access to the station and the historic town centre.

Existing B&B use. A really smashing family home.

Frankly staggering birds eye views over the beautiful town centre to the White Horse on the distant horizon. A very pretty weavers cottage over four floors with intriguing features and bundles of character around every corner. Three bedrooms and three ensuites, kitchen diner, sitting room, sunny cottage garden.

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

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CITYliving

RENAISSANCE on

the RIVERBANK

As the first homes go on sale at Bath’s long-awaited Western Riverside site, The Bath Magazine takes a look at how a new community is being created

F

or over 20 years a stretch of land along the River Avon, just a short walk from the city centre, was left neglected and abandoned. Anyone who walked along the footpath on the other side of the river was greeted by the sight of acres of cracked concrete wasteland, only alleviated by wildflowers in summer. It was made all the more shameful as this was one of the sites where the city’s mighty industrial powers once stood, now long-gone like much of Britain’s manufacturing industries.

But in recent months the Western Riverside has been busy again with workers toiling, this time building houses and a town park on the 44-acre site. In what has been described as one of the most important regeneration projects anywhere in the UK, builder Crest Nicholson is working in partnership to create a new community of what will eventually be some 2,000 homes on the site.

The first wave of the first phase of 299 homes has just come on to the market. The 11 luxury townhouses have been released on to the market, where they will be joined in time by mixed housing, which will include studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses. Some will have private gardens or courtyards, while everyone will be able to enjoy the shared space of the walkways and the riverside park.

The builders are using the famous honey-coloured Bath stone and local architecture firm Fielden Clegg Bradley has laid out a masterplan. To stop the site looking like a bland housing estate, each phase of building will be designed by a different architect to give it character and variety.

Another local firm, Grant Associates, is responsible for designing the landscaping. Designers are conscious that people will want to enjoy the proximity of the River Avon and are including play areas, relaxation spots, herb and sensory gardens for residents of all ages to enjoy.

And, because the arts are so important to Bath, artist Peter Dickinson is developing an arts strategy. He has taken the elements as his theme and is working with artists and artisans to create items of interest. This will include statues, engravings on walls and details on lamp-posts.

Overseeing the Western Riverside development is Debbie Aplin, managing director of Crest Nicholson Regeneration.

She says: “Bath is a city that has proven it can evolve rather

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than continually look back to the past. Western Riverside is an enormous opportunity for the city to establish a new, vibrant living quarter and space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

“Yes, the architecture is contemporary but we have always believed that this is vital as it complements rather than competes with Bath’s historic core.”

There has already been a lot of interest from potential buyers keen to take advantage of a rare chance to buy newbuild homes in the city of Bath – all a mere 15 minutes walk from the shops, theatre and other city attractions. Interest has been registered from people living in the city already and from a far-reaching area beyond.

Riverside is an enormous ❝ opportunity for the city to establish a new, vibrant living quarter and space for residents and visitors An old Stothert & Pitt crane has been installed on the site as a talking point. It will serve as a reminder to all of Bath’s industrial heritage. That is also echoed in the name of the first enclave of homes, which has been named Stothert Avenue.

Stothert & Pitt, which occupied part of the site, was once a huge engineering business making giant cranes which were installed at docks all over the world. You can still see three of its cranes outside the M Shed museum on Bristol’s Harbourside. The business was bought by Robert Maxwell in the 1980s and closed, with the loss of jobs, in 1989. ■ The information centre at Western Riverside is open seven days a week. To register an interest tel: 01932 580333.

❞

REGENERATION GAME: main picture, the entrance to Bath Riverside where the banners proudly proclaim they are ‘building history’ Below, one of the Stothert & Pitt cranes is a reminder to all of Bath’s industrial heritage – it was on this site that the cranes were built then exported to dockyards the world over

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Upper Swainswick, 15 mins central Bath - Price Guide £1,150,000

Packhorse Lane, Southstoke, Nr. Bath - Price Guide £650,000

A reassuringly traditional, yet deceptively spacious modern home boasting elegant, contemporary interiors and breathtaking views across the Woolley Valley.

A reassuringly traditional, 1993 built, character home. Versatile & consistently well proportioned accommodation, with stunning views south across the Midford Valley. .

Picturesque village location, Luxurious, bespoke, hand fitted ‘Chalon’ kitchen, Impressive drawing room with open plan library, 4 beds, en-suites to guest & master, family bathroom, 1/2 acre of lawned, landscaped gdns.

5 dble beds, 3 receps. Gdn & dble garage. Sold with tenant in residence until July 2012 (2872 Sq Ft, 266.81 Sq M).

St Saviours Tce, Larkhall, Bath - Price Guide £475,000

Avondale, Batheaston, Nr. Bath - Price Guide £375,000

A spacious, extended and slightly elevated 4 double bedroom Victorian home in this sought after residential location. Rich in original form & proportion.

A substantial 2 storey upper apartment in this imposing period building in a picturesque riverside location, outside Georgian Bath. 1469 Sq Ft. (136.47 Sq M).

2 receptions. Large fitted k/breakfast room. D/S cloaks, main bathroom, laundry & shower rooms, charming gardens to rear. Vendor suited.

3 dble beds (master with en-suite shwr), bathroom, fitted kitch/diner with granite work surfaces. Balcony with views of Bathampton Meadows. Communal gdns & 2 allocated pking spaces

Mendip Gardens, South Bath - Price Guide £259,000

Lambridge Bldgs Mews, Larkhall, Bath - Price Guide £249,950

An immaculately presented, extended 1930’s home occupying a corner plot in this tucked away tree lined cul-de-sac on the southern side of Bath.

One of 3 period homes currently under refurbishment in this extremely sought after location.

3 dble beds (master with en-suite shwr rm) main bathroom &large g/floor living room with fitted kitchenette. Elegant & contemporary specification. No onward chain.

2 dble beds, box room, large open plan living room & dining room. Fitted kitch/br’fast room. Double glazed with Gas CH. Enclosed level lawned rear garden. Garage.

Vane Street

ÂŁ224,950

A splendid Top Floor Apartment in the heart of the City close to Great Pulteney Street boasting particularly fine views.

Lovely Location | Spacious Apartment | Ideal Investment / Holiday Home | Living/Dining Room | Modern Kitchen | Large Master Bedroom | Further Bedroom | Bathroom | Offered For Sale with No Onward Chain

134 Wells Road, Bear Flat, Bath, BA2 3AH Telephone: 01225 421000

www.fidelisproperties.co.uk

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WHITELEY HELYAR www.whiteleyhelyar.net

PRIORY CLOSE

CLAVERTON VILLAGE

A well presented spacious detached house in a highly sought after “no through” road in the popular area of Combe Down.

3 double bedrooms, en-suite shower room, bathroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, study area, cloakroom, conservatory.

Beautiful private gardens. Garage and off street parking.

A detached modern house standing in beautiful walled gardens of just over ¼ of an acre, situated between the village green and ancient church in the heart of this most desirable village.

4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, sun room, utility room, cloakroom.

Swimming pool. 2 single garages, driveway parking.

Guide Price £525,000

Guide Price £825,000

BATHEASTON An individual and substantial detached house in a peaceful and sought after location, newly extended and refurbished to exacting standards.

5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, reception hall, 32’ sitting room, living room, fabulous kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility, cloakroom. Good size gardens. Double open fronted garage and secure driveway parking for numerous vehicles.

Guide Price £1.25 million 6 PRINCES BUILDINGS, GEORGE STREET, BATH BA1 2ED

TEL: 01225 447544

residential sales

Oldland Common – £650,000 A fantastic opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom detached house with separate 1 bedroom detached bungalow within the grounds.

The house offers a large kitchen/diner/family room, lounge, conservatory, sun room, 2 bathrooms, 2 en-suite shower rooms and garage. The bungalow has kitchen/diner, bathroom and lounge. Both properties have gas central heating and uPVC double glazed windows. The plot is surrounded by hedges and fencing which give the property a very private feel. There is also a workshop with light and power in the 1/2 acre of grounds and parking for many vehicles.

Camden – £355,000 A two bedroom detached bungalow presented in fantastic condition and located in the sought after Camden area of Bath.

Situated in an elevated position, this refurbished property benefits from far reaching views to the front.

Includes the following accommodation; sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, study, shower room and garage.

Also benefits from uPVC double glazing and gardens to front, back and side. Early viewing advised.

2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED T 0 1 2 2 5 4 8 0 4 4 4 F 0 1 2 2 5 4 8 3 1 9 8 E e n q u i r i e s @ w h i t f i e l d n a s h . c o . u k W w w w. w h i t f i e l d n a s h . c o . u k

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Grade II Listed House A Georgian Grade II listed four storey semi-detached Bath stone property. Retaining many notable original features to include sash windows with functional shutters, fine corniced ceilings and centre roses, alcove wardrobes and cupboards, fireplaces and panelled doors. Arguably one of the best positions on Lyncombe Hill for Views.

The accommodation is arranged over 4 floors with mezzanine level for bedrooms 2&3, the property provides up to 5 bedrooms with 3 reception rooms. The superb drawing room still retains

wedding doors giving access into the ante/TV room. The front garden level on which are the connecting dining room and kitchen, maximises use of the side and rear vaults, with utility area and wine cellar.

The front garden provides an array of colour with far reaching views beyond. A large flagstone terrace is an ideal place for alfresco breakfasts.The rear garden enjoys Southerly and Westerly aspects.

50 Lyncombe Hill, Bath.

GRADE II LISTED * 4/5 BEDROOMS * DRAWING ROOM * STUDY * DINING ROOM * KITCHEN * SHOWER ROOM * COVERED UTILITY VAULT * BATHROOM * FRONT & REAR GARDEN * 2 GARAGES

Contact: Bath: 01225 320032

ÂŁ1,350,000

Fine & Country 36 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT Fine & Country Homes Sept.indd 1

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Stunning Apartment Cavendish Place is a Grade 1 listed property in a sought after location on the northern slopes of the city centre. It neighbours the world famous addresses of The Royal Crescent and The Circus, built in the same grand Georgian style in the late 18th century.

With a west facing aspect, the property offers tranquil uninterrupted views of Victoria Park and the countryside beyond.Yet the property is only a few minutes walk from the centre of Bath.

This ground floor apartment offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of prime Bath

real estate set in a beautiful and convenient location. The accommodation comprising of a spacious sitting/dining room with 2 large sash windows with working shutters, open fireplace, cornicing and centre rose. A stylish kitchen with breakfast bar, fitted appliances and black granite work top.

Two double bedrooms [1 ensuite] with large floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes. Luxury shower room.

The apartment also benefits from a private, split level, Bath stone walled courtyard garden offering two seating areas.

Cavendish Place, Bath 2 BEDROOMS * SITTING/DINING ROOM * SHOWER ROOM * KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM * EN-SUITE BATHROOM * PRIVATE COURTYARD GARDEN

Contact: Bath: 01225 320032

ÂŁ795,000

Call 01225 320032 bath@fineandcountry.com Fine & Country Homes Sept.indd 2

25/08/2011 15:03

The Property People Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

WITHAM FRIARY, SOMERSET

An exceptional and innovative barn conversion with an idyllic rural back drop.

Detached Period Barn Conversion Peaceful and rural location 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Reception rooms Gardens and ground approx. 5.9 acres Versatile outbuildings Approximately 6047 sq ft / 561.784 sq m

Guide price ÂŁ1,500,000

Bath 01225 747250 david.mackenzie@carterjonas.co.uk

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Offers in Excess of ÂŁ450,000

Georgian maisonette | Desirable location | Newly renovated | Beautifully presented | Accommodation over 2 floors | Super views A newly renovated 3 bedroom Georgian maisonette located in a highly sought location between the Royal Crescent and The Circus.

Viewing is highly recommended.

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Offers in Excess of ÂŁ245,000

Georgian apartment | Desirable location | Period features | Arranged over two floors | Private Courtyard | Highly recommended A charming and unique one bedroom courtyard maisonette located in a much sought after central location. A viewing of this highly desirable apartment is highly recommended.

Tramshed

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ340,000

Contemporary apartment | Open plan living | Two balconies | Overlooking river | Central location | Private parking space | Highly recommended A stunning 2 bedroom contemporary apartment located in the highly sought after Tramshed development in the heart of the City.

A stunning and stylish city home - viewing highly recommended.

Lyncombe Hill A charming Grade II listed end of terrace Regency house in this desirable location with superb views towards Widcombe Crescent | entrance hall | drawing room | dining room | kitchen | cloakroom | bathroom | 3 bedrooms | vaults | front and rear gardens | garage | Guide Price: ÂŁ700,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Shoscombe A beautiful grade II listed house dating in part from the 17th Century, providing approximately 4,000 sq ft of accommodation, in this delightful rural position with 1.6 acres of gardens and grounds | entrance hall | drawing room | sitting room | dining room | kitchen/breakfast room | utility room | boot room | cloakroom | master bedroom | 3 further bedrooms | box room | bedroom 5/loft room | 2 bathrooms | large cellar | store room | double garage | outbuilding | gardens and grounds | In all, approximately 1.6 acres | Guide Price: ÂŁ1,350,000

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Norton St Philip A beautiful 18th Century village house set in an elevated position with far reaching southerly views | hall | sitting room | dining room | kitchen | breakfast room | master bedroom with en suite | 3 further bedrooms | shower room | gardens | private parking for 4 cars | unfurnished | ÂŁ2,200 pcm

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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Northampton Street A beautifully presented period 4 bed family town house on Lansdown’s lower slopes and just five minutes’ walk from Milsom Street 2 reception rooms | beautiful kitchen/dining room | shower room | laundry | play room | courtyard garden | luxurious family bathroom | 4 bedrooms | gas ch | furnished/unfurnished | £2,850 pcm

Crisp Cowley Ralph Allen’s Town House York Street Bath BA1 1NQ 01225 789333

www.crispcowley.co.uk

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Marlborough Buildings, Bath

Guide Price £475,000

A well presented garden apartment in a prime location Communal entrance, dining hall, 1 reception room, kitchen/breakfast room. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite). Approximately 1,156 sq ft.

Private garden, residents’ parking.

Lansdown Place West, Bath

Guide Price £225,000

Spacious top floor apartment off Lansodwn Crescent with views over Bath Large entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room. Double bedroom, bathroom.

Residents parking. Approximately 646 sq ft.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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KnightFrank.co.uk

College Road, Bath

Guide Price £1,300,000

Arguably one of Bath’s finest plots with existing planning permission 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, study. 5 double bedrooms, spacious bathroom, shower room. Approximately 2,563sq ft.

Double garage, off street parking. Approximately 1 acre of delightful garden. Planning permission to demolish and rebuild substantial new house within the grounds.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Northend, Bath

Guide Price £725,000

A charming cottage on the edge of a very popular village 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite).

Approximately 2,145 sq.ft. Garden, off street parking.

Dunkerton, Somerset

Guide Price £1,150,000

A detached 16th Century grade II listed house in a delightful hamlet 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms . Study/bedroom 6.

Approximately 3,536 sq ft. Outbuildings, garage. Gardens and grounds of approximately 1 acre.

KnightFrank.co.uk Bath 01225 325 999 bath@knightfrank.com

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