The Bath Magazine September 2018

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ISSUE 192 | SEPTEMBER 2018 £3.95 where sold

thebathmag.co.uk

HISTORY REDRAWN MARTIN BROWN TALKS HORRIBLE HISTORIES ALSO

CLIFFORD AND ROSEMARY ELLIS AT VICTORIA ART GALLERY HARNESSING LANDSCAPES IN THE CITY THE VALUE OF DRAMA IN SCHOOLS PROTECTING YOUR CHILD FROM SOCIAL MEDIA THE CITY’S BIGGEST MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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68

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Contents September 2018 5 THINGS

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10

Essential events to look forward to this month

COVER FEATURE 25 HORRIBLE YEARS

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18

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28

SPECIAL FEATURE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

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ONLINE AND SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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38 WALKING IN WELLS

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ROOMS FOR STUDYING

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Clair Strong puts forward some ideas for children’s work spaces

A MAN IN WANT OF A WIFE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

BATH IN BLOOM

Richard Wendorf debates the meaning within the opening line of Pride and Prejudice

The Bath communities who are gardening for themselves

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52

Neill Menneer’s portrait of Hazel Plowman of Bath Festivals

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Why Canada is the best all-year-round destination ....................................................................

56

Melissa Blease investigates the local brewing scene

Even more great content and updates online: thebathmag.co.uk

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HOT PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 The finest homes to buy or rent

SPECTACULAR CANADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

BEER TALK

104

Andrew Swift takes off on a journey of discovery

Must-see exhibitions for September

BATH AT WORK

74

Georgette McCready gets some advice on children’s use of the internet in relation to mental health

Emma Clegg finds out about the new Clifford and Rosemary Ellis exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery

ARTS IN THE CITY

REVELLING IN DRAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

An overview of Bath’s high-achieving schools

Our guide to the top events happening around the city

A DUAL ART VISION

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Why acting and stage skills have a valid place in our schools

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Guest columnist Andrew Grant explains the challenges for the landscape architect within the urban landscape

WHAT’S ON

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Events for all the family to enjoy

Jessica Hope talks to Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown

LANDSCAPE OF THE CITY

FAMILY FUN

ON THE COVER

The colourful characters from Horrible Histories, published

by Scholastic UK, and illustrated by Martin Brown, who will be appearing at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival on 29 September. Read more from page 18

Follow us on Instagram @thebathmagazine

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EDITOR’S PICKS NEW AMERICAN GARDEN The American Museum has renamed itself The American Museum & Gardens as it launches its £2 million New American Garden. The new landscaping and planting will provide a horticultural insight into the flora and fauna of the US and the garden sees the introduction of a natural amphitheatre. Alan Titchmarsh will open the New American Garden on Saturday 15 September; americanmuseum.org

from the

EDITOR Editor photograph by Matthew Sterling

S

eptember signifies back to business, and this is driven by the education calendar – children going back to school with nervous expectation and new resolutions (fingers crossed) and students heading back to college leaving the family home a little bereft, and no doubt more peaceful.

In homage to this, our special education issue includes a feature on the value of drama in education on page 68, and a detailed directory of our local schools and their respective offerings on page 74. Aside from school, there are few parents who don’t worry about the time their children spend online and in front of screens. Georgette McCready talks to a counselling service on page 94 about how to spot addiction or anxiety in your children and how to set a good example.

Our cover is milling with characters from the bestselling Horrible Histories books and Jessica Hope interviews illustrator Martin Brown on page 18. He and author Terry Deary are appearing at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival to celebrate 25 years of Horrible Histories, which has provided foul facts, savage stories and cruel cartoons that have set young imaginations alight.

The Forest of Imagination takes place this month, and our guest columnist Andrew Grant explains how the festival works and what’s on offer from page 24. He also talks about his innovative work as a landscape architect where the challenge for his company Grant Associates is always to find a balance between built form, landscape and ecology, one that they captured so well in their award-winning Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

There’s a new exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery profiling the work of Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, who founded and ran the Bath Academy of Art and whose artwork was ahead of its time in terms of its emphasis on the natural world. I talked to gallery manager Jon Benington about the exhibition (see page 38), which opens on 8 September.

Always on our minds, Jane Austen is particularly so in September when the Jane Austen Festival arrives in Bath and we walk past people in Georgian dress around the city without batting an eyelid. Festival director Jackie Herring gives away a few of her event recommendations on page 12 and Richard Wendorf of the American Museum & Gardens has treated us on page 50 to a diverting debate about the first sentence of Pride and Prejudice.

Melissa Blease, evidently up in arms about going back to business, hits the beer on page 56, explaining the impact of the craft beer revolution in Bath.

Make sure you enjoy all 30 of the forthcoming days.

Emma Clegg Editor

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

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THE LUNA CINEMA From 28-30 September you can enjoy cinema under the stars on the Royal Crescent lower lawn, with the screen set against the backdrop of the Royal Crescent. You can see The Greatest Showman on 8 September (7.30pm), the 1980s classic Grease on 29 September (7.30pm) and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on 30 September (6.45pm). Tickets £15/£10/£7.50; thelunacinema.com GRAYSON PERRY POT?

Have you got a Grayson Perry pot or plate from the 1980s lurking in your living room? If so, then the Holburne Museum wants to hear from you. Grayson Perry and the Holburne want to reunite his early works created between 1983 and 1994, those that first made his name, for a show at the Holburne Museum. Contact the museum at: curator@holburne.org

know what is better than the work ❝thatI don’t is given to the actor – to teach the human heart the knowledge of itself ❞ LAURENCE OLIVIER (1907–1989)

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ZEITGEIST

things to do in

September

Down with the kids

Chin chin Make the most of the last of the sunny summer evenings and join Great Western Wine at the Holburne Museum for the inaugural Gin Garden on Thursday 13 September, 6.30–8.30pm. An opportunity to taste and discuss a wide range of exceptional artisanal and batch gins. Tickets: £25; holburne.org, greatwesternwine.co.uk

Europe’s biggest dedicated children’s literature festival kicks off in Bath this month (28 September – 7 October), and this time the line-up is bigger and better than ever. Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child will open the festival, before the likes of Cressida Cowell, Philip Pullman, Tom Fletcher, Janina Ramirez and Lucy Worsley reveal more about the thinking behind their bestselling books. Don’t miss Horrible Histories dynamic duo Terry Deary and Martin Brown entertaining audiences with stories about the past on 29 September at the Forum. We caught up with illustrator Martin to discuss HH’s 25th birthday, read more from page 18. Check out the festival’s exciting programme of talks, workshops and events online; bathfestivals.org.uk

The Natural Theatre School returns this month with a brand-new set of evening classes for adults. The 10-week adult programme will be led by professional actors who will teach script-work, improvisation and comedy. Advanced classes also available. Whether you want to perform, build confidence or let off creative steam, there’s a class for everyone. £95 per term. Mondays (adults), Wednesdays (11–18 years) and Thursdays (advanced adults) from 17 September; naturaltheatre.co.uk

Be Austentatious It’s that time of year again when the streets of Bath are filled with people dressed to the nines in Regency-styled clothing, promenading as if it was 1800 for the Jane Austen Festival (14 – 23 September). The programme is packed with talks, tours, discussions and music that Janeites (affectionately named fans of Austen) can enjoy. This year’s theme celebrates Austen’s last completed novel, Persuasion, with live readings of it in Waterstones bookshop, and walking tours exploring the places around Bath that inspired the novel. The popular promenade will kick off at 11am on Saturday 15 September from the Royal Crescent Lawn. Full programme available online; janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk 10 TheBATHMagazine

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The Jane Austen Festival, photographer Owen Benson

Act natural

Championing our local historic sites, Heritage Open Days festival (6 – 16 September) allows you a peek behind the scenes of the buildings that you may not have stepped into before. Explore No. 4 Circus and see inside the beautiful house and restored Georgian garden, or visit St John’s Foundation and discover the lives of the extraordinary women linked to the Foundation. Find out more about the restoration plans for the Grade II listed Cleveland Pools, or visit Fairfield House and see where Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia, lived from 1936–41. Read more online; bathnes.gov.uk/heritageevents

Bath & North East Somerset Council

Behind the doors

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ THE BUZZ

SCULPTURE IN THE ROUND

My BATH

The Jane Austen Festival in Bath is now in its 18th year – festival director Jackie Herring shares her experience of the city and the festival that’s close to her heart

Manshaped Moon

Local sculptor Marc Bodie has always been an ardent admirer of Dylan Thomas, and his quote, “Every idea, intuitive or intellectual can be imaged and translated in terms of the body” inspires his practice today. Circles are a strong motif in Bodie’s latest body of work. Manshaped Moon bisects the figure, one side darker and one side lighter. Referencing Dylan Thomas, Bodie explores the delicate and often sensitive tension which exists between two polarities. All work is available to view and purchase through Axle Arts. axlearts.com

NEW ABBEY RECTOR The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater is to be the new Rector of Bath Abbey, starting at the end of the year. Canon Bridgewater is currently team rector and rural dean of Horsham, where he has been for 11 years. He was ordained in the Diocese of Salisbury in 1987 and has served the church in many different ways. Prior to Horsham, he was diocesan missioner and residentiary canon in the Diocese of Gloucester. He has also held posts in Dorset, at Lee Abbey in Devon, and as vicar of Cranbrook in Kent. His licensing and induction is likely to be in November.

Canon Bridgewater said: “What an overwhelming privilege to be asked to join the wonderful team at Bath Abbey.

Serving the heart of the city in worship and hospitality and justice is the greatest honour I can imagine.” bathabbey.org

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I live in Frome and have the advantage of splendid views of Bath as I drive in each morning. The city comes slowly into view along the Limpley Stoke valley, the viaduct, Brassknocker Hill and then in all its glory at the top of Widcombe Hill – absolutely glorious, there is no place like it.

At the weekend I enjoy going to the market at Green Park Station. I also love shopping, eating out and going to the theatre.

My office is in the Natural Theatre Company HQ in Widcombe. Other occupants are the management team of Bath Philharmonia and FilmBath Festival – it’s a vibrant community and ideal place for arts organisations.

I wouldn’t choose to live in any other period of time, as I am really happy with the way things are shaping up for women and also with modern health care. Also, if I had been born in another century I would probably not have survived the cancer I had last year.

I have worked in Bath longer than anywhere else, for over 31 years and I absolutely love it.

My first job was in Broad Street as a bookkeeper for Watermans Bathrooms, then I worked in Queen Square for a firm of Solicitors in IT, then on the open-top buses as a guide, then as a walking tour guide and guide at the Jane Austen Centre, before taking on the Jane Austen Festival as Festival Director in 2008. I get quite a buzz from working in this beautiful and historic place.

My favourite place for afternoon tea is the Pump Rooms with the music trio or just the pianist playing – wonderful.

I wake up to Radio 4 and the Today programme – all the presenters are excellent, but I do like it when local lad Justin Webb is on. I am very lucky to love what I do, so my job is not really work. I am studying for a masters in history so I spend time in the record office at the Guildhall on my days off.

I hate injustice towards vulnerable people.

I am lucky to have had a good education, but I hate to see those less fortunate being taken advantage of, or being treated unfairly.

I laugh at all sorts of harmless jokes and silly situations – Victoria Wood was a favourite of mine.

I tend to eat at home during the week but the restaurants in Bath I like are Côte Brasserie, The Ivy and, for an excellent lunch, The White Hart at the bottom of Widcombe Hill.

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The best advice I have ever been given is to always treat people the way you would like to be treated.

I would like to have asked Jane Austen so many things, including what were her intentions for her unfinished novel Sanditon.

We once had an event at the festival where we interviewed ‘Jane Austen’ – it was great fun.

Some of those who come to the Jane Austen Festival are big Austen readers and know all her works and just love meeting other people who think the same. Others love to dress up in Regency costume, but haven’t read any Austen. Then there are those who stumble across the festival and keep coming back.

Four of the events I would recommend at this year’s Jane Austen festival are The Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, a must-see or, better still, event to take part in (15 September, Royal Crescent lawn, 11am); Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A Musical Drama, an acclaimed production from the USA (19 September, The Mission Theatre, 7.30pm); Northanger Abbey, a theatrical production with two actors and seven puppets (16 September, Assembly Rooms, 6pm); and One Last Song, a concert from The Literary Music Ensemble led by soprano Rosie Lomas (16 September, The Holburne Museum, 8.30pm).

Looking ahead, I want to complete my masters degree. In terms of the festival, I’m planning to do something really big for 2020, the 20th Jane Austen Festival in Bath. n Jane Austen Festival is from 14–23 September; janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk

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The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. The Bath Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in the following city centre stores and coffee shops

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmag.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2018 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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LESSONS IN TRANSPORT Our roving reporter debates back to school and wonders if walking buses are viable

Autumn event 26 September 6-8pm See website for details

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issue 192

It’s back to school time. Stiff new shoes and a ginormous blazer with ridiculously long sleeves. My heart goes out to all the parents packing their little dears off for their first day at big school, all bright smiles and brave faces, before hiding away for a fretful weep in the loos at work. A five year old is such a trusting creature. We’ve told them it’s going to be a wonderful adventure at their new school and off they go, only for the dawning realisation to hit them after the first week that this is their new, quite exhausting, Monday to Friday routine.

So we throw ourselves in to the new academic year after the summer break. Every child’s experience of the long summer holidays is different. Some will have parents who arrange wonderful experiences for them and keep them stimulated and entertained throughout (teaching them card games in a tent in the Welsh rain has to count as making an effort, right?). Others will have working parents who call in favours to cover child care during this challenging time.

At the start of term teachers who invite their new classes to write the classic ‘What I did in my school holidays’ piece lay themselves open to all sorts of insight into family life. My mother-in-law once had to mark an essay from a boy whose dad had found a pigeon in their water tank. ‘Dad let me break its neck,’ wrote the pupil, happily. My daughter, also a teacher, had to suppress a smile at the hand-drawn picture of mummy on holiday, holding a wine glass that appeared to be larger than Daddy. ‘Mummy likes wine,’ read the caption.

What the non-parent will immediately notice in Bath once the schools go back is that the traffic – particularly on London Road – gets infinitely worse. It can’t be that the term time jams are made up of teachers and ancillary school staff, surely? It must be down to parents driving their children to school. I’ve been looking into this and apparently families in more well-to-do towns and cities are much more likely to drive their children to the school gate. But anecdotally, I hear from Bath parents that they’re almost forced to drive their kids across town to school as bus fares are so prohibitively expensive.

In a small city such as Bath it would be nice to think of our young people striding up and down the hills in friendly little groups, walking themselves to and from school. Sadly the reality is that many parents don’t view this as a safe option. They worry about the traffic, about children trying to cross the busiest roads, about stranger danger and how they don’t want their children’s young lungs polluted by daily exposure to high levels of air pollution from cars and lorries. Try walking up and down Broad Street or Gay Street on a daily basis and I swear you can taste the exhaust fumes in the back of your throat.

So we have a chicken and egg situation in Bath. We don’t want to expose our children to air pollution, but if we desisted from driving our kids to school we’d be part of the solution. Some have suggested that school bus fares should be abolished to encourage families to send their children off on public transport – but can our already squeezed education budget take such a financial hit? Another option is for parents to organise their own walking school bus, getting children from nearby streets to walk in a group, with a couple of adults, to and from school. They’d be picked up by the walking bus from their own front door, joining a sociable little unit of other children, and getting some healthy exercise along the way. The downside is that you may get caught up in red tape – CRB checks, insurance, risk assessments – and end up trying to explain to a recalcitrant 12-year-old why they’ve got to wear a deeply uncool hi vis waistcoat to walk down their street.

Some parents may be excited by the idea of a school bicycle train.

This is basically a guided bike ride to school, flanked by a couple of adult volunteers at the front and back of the bicycle train. Very healthy but I’m not convinced that many Bath parents would be happy about this, particularly as the nights draw in and the evenings become darker.

However you get to school, I hope you have a rewarding time when you get there, whether you’re a student or a teacher. n

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CULTURE

GORY-FYING HISTORY

From grooving with the Greeks to facing the terrifying Tudors, Horrible Histories illustrator and cartoonist Martin Brown has got up close and personal with some of the past’s most notorious characters during his career.

He chats to Jessica Hope ahead of his appearance at Bath Children’s Literature Festival

D

id you know that shaving a live chicken’s bottom and strapping it to a swelling bubo was considered a cure for the plague in the Middle Ages? Or that after the Battle of Waterloo, people would pull the teeth out of the corpses of fallen soldiers and sell them? Pretty gruesome, eh? Well these are just the kinds of facts that have been filling young people’s heads for the past 25 years thanks to Horrible Histories – the bestselling history book series for children.

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Henry VIII looks fabulous because of the way he actually looked. I didn’t have to do much to that. He did it all himself

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Recognised for its honest, engaging and funny take on times gone by, Horrible Histories has grown into a phenomenon, selling more than 30 million copies in 38 languages worldwide, as well as being turned into a multi award-winning television series and sell-out stage show – and now there’s even plans for a film about Roman Britain hitting the big screen next year.

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dynamic duo author Terry Deary and illustrator Martin Brown. Having worked together since 1993, the pair have brought the stories of the likes of the Rotten Romans, Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians to life, inspiring children (and many adults, it is freely admitted) to take an interest and engage with the past.

They will soon be appearing at Bath Children’s Literature Festival (28 September – 7 October), which Martin says is his “favourite book festival in the world.” While they’re fine-tuning their plans for the event, it definitely won’t be one for fans to miss, that’s for sure. “Terry very rarely does events, so this is the only opportunity to see him. He’ll talk, he might have his guitar.

With Terry it is going to be entertaining, and if there isn’t singing along, then I will be very surprised,” says Martin during our meeting at The Abbey Hotel.

In association with Bath Festivals and Emery building contractors, Martin also jumped at the chance to be involved with the Minerva’s Owls of Bath sculpture trail, which opened in July. He has created Festivowl, decorated in characters and cartoons from Horrible Histories’ 25 years of publications, which can be found in the King’s Lounge in the Pump Room.

After publishing more than 80 titles, and working for a brand that has produced the longest running children’s stage show in London’s West End, plus seven television series featuring big

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names in comedy and drama, Martin admits that he is still amazed by Horrible Histories’ success, after all this time.

“I remember the first time I did the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, I looked out at the stage and realised that 600 people had paid to see me, which is remarkable. You’re staring down the hall from the stage at these massive chandeliers, and you wonder how you’ve made it here.”

And despite being part of one of the biggest children’s book series on the planet, Martin still gets starstruck meeting other authors and illustrators in the publishing world. “I go into the green room at festivals and there are all these people that I want to go and hear speak live,” he says. “Who wouldn’t want to hear Cressida Cowell speak about dragons? These people aren’t just friends and colleagues, they’re heroes of mine. Whenever I see anyone, I learn so much about the industry I am in.”

With a career that’s longer than most, Martin has witnessed how the children’s print industry has developed enormously in the past decades. “The industry as a whole has more influence than people really think.

Whenever the New Year’s Honours list comes out, I always flick through it knowing full well that hardly any children’s book people will be on there,” he says. “These people are doing extraordinary stuff that really is changing young people’s lives, and influencing kids for the better. They’re showing children there’s a world out there that they can grab hold of.

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CULTURE

“It’s an industry that this country does particularly well, and I think it goes completely under the radar, which is a pity because it is beyond world class,” he says.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1959, Martin grew up with artistic parents. “For my amusement, I would doodle for hours and hours. I guess it was practice,” he says.

“But it was cartooning which was my thing.

My heroes growing up were editorial cartoonists like Johnny Hart, Bill Watterson, and Calvin and Hobbes, which is the finest cartoon strip ever produced.”

After leaving school, Martin briefly became an art teacher before getting a job as a stagehand at television company ABC Studios. With some money saved up, he decided to go travelling with the intention of returning to Australia, but instead, in 1983, Martin ended up in London. “I got a job at The London Graphic Centre and all of a sudden at my finger tips weren’t only the finest art materials, but also the names of every publisher, magazine, agency and advertising mob in London. So if I was ever going to be a cartoonist, then that was it.”

Martin spent six months knocking on every door around the capital he could, hoping to get into the industry. With some work at Reader’s Digest and a greeting’s card company under his belt, Martin learned how to hone his skills as a cartoonist and how to deliver a joke on the page to catch the reader’s eye.

One day he came across Scholastic, a children’s books and educational materials publisher, and the rest, as they say, is history. “I walked in the door, and walked out with a job. But it was definitely a right place at the right time kind of moment,” says Martin. After working with author Peter Corey

on a series of Coping With… books, the publishers teamed him up with author Terry Deary for a project that would later become Horrible Histories.

To coincide with the Key Stage Two curriculum, but making these time periods more interesting for readers, Martin and Terry first produced the Awesome Egyptians and Terrible Tudors. These publications quickly caught the attention of young readers for their humorous yet frank interpretation of history. While so many children’s history books tend to glorify the winners of the past, Horrible Histories reflects on what it was like for every member of society when wars raged and harvests failed.

“Some of my favourite characters are the peasants. We’re so used to these A-list celebrity heroes of history, whether they’re goodies or baddies, the kings and queens.

But the poor sods who had to cope with it all, like the Norman invasion and the English Civil War, were the ordinary everyday families. These people who had to grow a crop, make a living, raise a family, and they did that all while this history was happening around them,” says Martin.

In order to recreate the lives of past civilisations in cartoon form, Terry provides Martin with a manuscript of each book with pointers on where illustrations and cartoon strips are needed. “Terry is such a great writer, he feeds you the perfect material to work with. History itself is fascinating, but the way he writes it makes it much more fun,” he says.

And depicting the characters of the past isn’t always as difficult as you might think.

“The thing about non-fiction is that it has the best stories – the material is so good. Henry VIII looks fabulous in the books because of the way he

actually looked. I didn’t have to do much to that, he did it all himself.”

Despite drawing illustrations, there is still an important element of historical accuracy to Martin’s work. “A lot of cartoonists would try with a knight, for example, to draw them in a generic suit of armour. But what I like about Horrible Histories is that you can be quite specific. So if I were drawing a knight from 1350, I would do a suit of armour from 1350 – but it’s still a cartoon. A Norman-style knight would wear different kit. Because the armour is different, you can have fun with it. And you have to be as historically accurate as much as you can be with a cartoon,” he says.

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You have to be mindful that these books are for kids...

You’ve got to be careful.

You can show cruelty, but you can’t be gratuitous, even though history is full of it

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Images courtesy of Martin Brown, Horrible Histories, Scholastic

Horrible Histories’ illustrator Martin Brown

While Martin and Terry have been working together for 25 years, it is surprising to find out that the pair rarely see each other as Martin lives in Dorset, whereas Terry is based in County Durham. “We just understand one another. It’s been good fortune to be paired up with him. We make a brilliant team, but have hardly been together,” he says.

As well as helping to popularise history for children with its use of satire and fun facts, Horrible Histories’ appeal also stems from addressing difficult subjects that can be missed out from the school curriculum.

Although Martin admits that there can be challenges in creating humour about events that have happened in more recent history. ➲

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CULTURE

Horrible Histories’ author Terry Deary

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The poor sods who had to cope with it all, like the Norman invasion and the English Civil War, were the ordinary everyday families “One thing we realised when we began to grow was that we didn’t have a stock character – like in Where’s Wally or Shaun the Sheep – that we could market, as every book has a different cast of characters. So the only characters that have cropped up more than once are the executioner (who isn’t a bundle of laughs), the mythical figure of death who is around during plagues and wars, and rats. Rats appeared on the back cover of the Awesome Egyptians and have been around ever since.”

Away from a school curriculum where some may argue that there is an emphasis on remembering dates and prominent figures of state, Horrible Histories discusses the past from a different angle. “The books are educational, but not preachy. You might learn about a date along the way, and there are timelines in all of the books, but that’s not the story we are telling. In a way they are story books. Terry is accused of being a historian, which he strongly rejects. He says he’s a storyteller.”

It is this that has brought Horrible Histories worldwide acclaim, all while being able to, quite unusually for the world of publishing, sell equally to both young boys

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and girls. And having produced these books for a quarter of a century, many of the original Horrible Histories readers are passing down their favourite books on to their children.

“The fact that readers have got fond memories of them is great, still after all this time,” says Martin. “When people in their mid-30s come up to you at events and say ‘I grew up on your books!’, it’s really, really nice to hear.”

With the Horrible Histories film set to be released next year, this is likely to inspire more children to take an interest in the past.

Martin tells me why Roman Britain was chosen as the backdrop. “It was a pretty wild time. The place was changing remarkably, it was cutting-edge stuff. It was so modern, and so suddenly different to before with regeneration, technology and society.

The story of Boudica’s rebellion is well known but somewhat untold.”

And that’s exactly what Horrible Histories has been doing for the last 25 years – providing young people with a bigger picture of the past and encouraging an interest in history. And long may it continue. n Horrible Histories: Terry Deary and Martin Brown is on Saturday 29 September, 1pm at the Forum, Bath. Tickets: £9, ages 7+. For tickets, visit: bathfestivals.org.uk or call: 01225 463362

Terry Deary photography courtesy of Port of Tyne

In order to reflect on more serious events in history, Martin uses illustrations to explain the situations to children, or to add some light relief. “You can use a rat or peasants as observers to either deflect some of the horror, or to prick some of the

pomposity. They’re great commentators when kings and queens are dealing with great matters of state. You can come down to reality with a rat, or with an onlooker who has to deal with it,” says Martin.

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“We make jokes about Henry VIII knocking off two of his wives’ heads, but that is a monstrous thing to do. There are echoes of Isis there, so it is the distance in time that allows you some artistic license.

But the closer it gets to modern times, then the harder it is to poke fun at. Whether that is the carnage of the First or Second World War, and the wilful slaughter that happened – that slaughter certainly happened before the wars, such as the religious persecution of the 17th century – but somehow that is so far away, that it doesn’t hurt so much anymore.

“You can say some very serious things with cartoons,” says Martin. “You can’t make a joke about the trenches or about being gassed, but you can take a non-funny editorial cartoon to talk about the cruelty.

“And you have to be mindful that these books are for kids – for eight to 12 year-olds, but I know that kids who are younger and older read them and love them. You’ve got to be careful. You can show cruelty, but you can’t be gratuitous, even though history is full of it.”

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David Suchet

Photographs by Nobby Clark

GUEST COLUMNIST Adrian Lukis, David Suchet and Brendan Coyle in rehearsal

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GUEST | COLUMNIST

AN URBAN FOREST

Andrew Grant, founding director of Bath-based landscape architecture practice Grant Associates, has a fascination with creative ecology in the design of sustainable cities, landscapes and public spaces. He explains his approach ahead of Forest of Imagination in Bath on 28–30 September

B

ABOVE: Celebrating creativity inspired by nature at Forest of Imagination realm that is entirely complementary to the World Heritage Site built environment. This would include a bold and radical curation of contemporary public art throughout the city and its landscape alongside fewer cars, more walking, more cycling, more green, more water, more trees, more wetlands, more wildlife, more beauty and much more play.

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I always have Bath in mind when designing as it really is the ultimate landscape city where the marriage of landscape and architecture is in plain sight

and woodlands that form much of the setting alongside the management of key vistas and views. ‘The Therapeutic Landscape’ projects build on the therapeutic heritage of Bath through its hot springs and tranquil landscapes and focus on connecting people with the health and wellbeing potential of our local nature and greenspace. ‘Access’ projects will provide strategic improvements to the routes to and through the Bathscape area including the circular walk around the city and radial routes from the city centre.

(Last year’s Bathscape Walking Festival highlighted the appetite for more walks around Bath and this year it will be taking place again from the 15– 23 September.) The ‘Learning and Training Skills’ projects will provide high-quality interpretive media of Bathscape alongside engagement projects for local people, schools and businesses to discover more about Bathscape or learn new skills to look after this amazing landscape.

I took on this role as I think it is really important for many more people to engage directly with our local environments and not take them for granted. I also believe we have a duty to be more aware of global issues ➲

BELOW: Grant Associates is working with Bristol Zoo in Madagascar to help design a research camp to study the endangered Blue-Eyed Black Lemur

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ath is such a beautiful but frustrating place to live. It has a timeless elegance but wants to be contemporary. It has massive extremes of wealth and poverty but wants to be inclusive. It sees itself as international but is pretty parochial in its vision. Despite this there is absolutely nowhere like it in the world and I feel privileged to have called it my home for 30 years. At the same time, I believe serious changes are needed in the governance and attitude of the city leaders towards the community and the physical setting of this World Heritage Site. We are living in one of the most amazing cities on the planet, a jewel of Britain, full of ingenuity and creative ambitions for the future, and yet the city itself fails to project an image of contemporary imagination.

My work as a landscape architect has taken me across the world from Singapore to Sydney to Madrid to Doha to Bangalore and Madagascar. The projects I work on are often pioneering adventures in urban planning and design of which the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is probably the best known. In each of these projects the challenge is how to find the right balance between built form, landscape and ecology while creating new environments that are joyful, memorable, healthy and fit for the future. I always have Bath in mind when designing as it really is the ultimate landscape city where the marriage of landscape and architecture is in plain sight.

However, it is not perfect and there is lot to be done to take this great city into the future, including recapturing the identity of Bath as an artistic, safe, accessible, child-friendly, biodiverse, welcoming and entertaining place.

I started Grant Associates more than 20 years ago to explore a new way of planning and designing sustainable cities, landscapes and public spaces. During that time we have worked on a number of Bath projects including Wessex Water Operations Centre, University of Bath and, more recently, the planning and design of Bath Western Riverside. This last project has seen a whole network of green spaces and streets opening up this stretch of the river corridor as part of a wider strategy to reimagine the whole river corridor as a linear park through the city.

A big challenge for Bath is the ongoing battle between limiting change as opposed to opening up opportunities for more radical contemporary interventions. From my perspective I see a need, and real opportunities, for the creation of a truly contemporary landscape setting and public

Late last year I was invited to take up the role of chair of the Bathscape Landscape Partnership which brings together a number of influential organisations concerned with conserving the whole landscape setting of Bath, all while making it more accessible and better appreciated by residents and visitors.

We are waiting for the final decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund on whether the Bathscape bid for £1.8million is successful.

If so, this will trigger a wide range of amazing projects across the whole of the Bathscape landscape over the next few years and we hope this will kickstart a transformation in the way the community of Bath engages with the incredible cultural and natural assets of this landscape city.

These projects fall into four main types: ‘Conserving and Restoring’ projects will look to improve the physical and ecological conditions of selected valuable grasslands

BELOW: An artist's impression of the new field station planned for Ankarafa Forest

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Forest of Imagination 2017, with Andrew Grant and Penny Hay seated in the centre

and through working in collaboration with like-minded organisations and individuals we can make a huge difference.

Forest of Imagination is an example of the transformative power of creative collaboration. This annual pop-up project, now in its fifth year, has created a unique network of creative relationships across the city, binding schools, universities, creative industries, the council, local and i nternational artists and the local community into delivering memorable and meaningful events in the city. From 28–30 September, Forest of Imagination 2018 will transform Kingsmead Square and streets down to the River Avon, creating four unique Future Forest areas. The free three-day event, launching in partnership with Bath Children’s Literature Festival and hosted by Bath Spa University Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries, will see workshops, installations and sound sculptures, created with artists and businesses both local and international, providing a free creative experience for everyone in Bath and shining a light on the importance of nature in urban spaces.

For me, I absolutely love the way FoI transforms parts of the city in a surprising way, typically based around a strong environmental message. This year the focus is on the future and the regeneration of neglected urban spaces using nature and green and blue infrastructure to create new experiences for people and wildlife.

In 2016, we used Madagascar as a binding concept for the various installations and interventions around Bath Abbey. This was a way of signaling a need for us all to consider what is happening elsewhere in the world and especially those places at the forefront of environmental and social crisis. Through that, Grant Associates became aware of the work of Bristol Zoo in Madagascar and we since have assisted the zoo with fundraising and joined up with local Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Architects and Buro Happold Engineers to help the zoo design and deliver a world-class research camp right in the heart of a fragment of forest to study and conserve the critically endangered Blue-Eyed Black Lemur.

When I set up Grant Associates 20 years ago the slogan for environmental action was ‘Think Global, Act Local’. I despair at how inadequate this philosophy has been in effecting real change at a global level and I truly believe we all have to step up and engage with the environmental challenges across the globe, wherever they occur.

Today we should all ‘Act Global, Act Local’ and it is certainly my mission, and that of Grant Associates, to make a difference here in Bath while trying to do something on the world stage. n 26 TheBATHMagazine

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Forest of Imagination 2017 at Bushey Norwood, part of Bath's Skyline Walk

Forest of Imagination 2016 beside the Abbey • Bathscape Walking Festival, 15–23 September; bathscapewalkingfestival.com • Forest of Imagination, 28–30 September; forestofimagination.org.uk; grant-associates.uk.com

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WHAT’S ON in September Falconry at Wiltshire Game and Country Fair

Caitlin Moran at The Forum

BATH ARTISTS’ STUDIOS AND ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH AUCTION Until Wednesday 26 September, 8am–8pm n Art at the Heart of the RUH, South Gallery, Royal United Hospitals Bath Following two successful fundraising art auctions, Bath Artists’ Studios and Art at the Heart are teaming up to stage another event.

Proceeds will contribute to the work of two charitable organisations dedicated to education, supporting artists and enhancing the RUH’s environment of health and wellbeing. An exhibition of up to 50 selected works will be displayed in the South Gallery, featuring popular Bath artists including Peter Brown and Nick Cudworth. You can bid for artworks by a form in the gallery, or online; artatruh.org/exhibitions/temporaryprogramme/south-corridor

sensation The Greatest Showman (rated PG).

Starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Michelle Williams – get ready to sing your heart out to the catchy soundtrack. Free entry; foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

NATURAL THEATRE SCHOOL AUTUMN TERM September – November, weekly evenings n Natural Theatre Company HQ, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe The Natural Theatre School teaches the trademark comedy style of the Natural Theatre Company which has been creating hilarious performances for nearly 50 years.

Classes return for the autumn term with evening sessions for both children and adults.

Learn performance skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Classes are available for ages 11–18 (Wednesdays), adults (Mondays) and advanced adults (Thursdays). £95 per term; naturaltheatre.co.uk MOVIE BY MOONLIGHT Saturday 1 September, 8.30pm (gates open from 5pm) n Royal Victoria Park, Bath The popular outdoor cinema, organised by the Royal United Hospital’s charity The Forever Friends Appeal, is returning with a screening of the worldwide musical 28 TheBATHMagazine

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DONAL SKEHAN COOKERY DEMO Monday 3 September, doors 7.30pm n Topping and Company Booksellers, The Paragon The entertaining Dublin born host of Saturday Kitchen celebrates his newest cookbook, Donal’s Meals in Minutes. The book that everyone needs to hand – this is real, fast food made with simple ingredients and clever cooking methods. Donal will be talking about the inspiration behind his new book, and offering guests top cooking tips along the way. £10 early bird, £25 includes book; toppingbooks.co.uk FREE YOGA WORKSHOPS Wednesday 5 September, 10–11.30am and 6.30–8pm n Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre, Charlotte Street A series of special themed yoga classes. The morning class will be gentle yoga for the over 60s, aimed at helping to improve balance, posture and gain more confidence in walking. The evening class will be for office workers. A lively class aiming to rejuvenate you and address the aches and pain associated with sedentary work. No previous experience of yoga necessary. Free, £5 donations suggested to go towards The Bhopal Medical Appeal. To find out more, tel: 01225 319699; bath-iyengar-yoga.com OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Thursday 6 September, doors 6.30pm, start 7.30pm n Komedia Calling all ocean lovers! The annual Ocean Film Festival presents a brand new selection

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Chef Donal Skehan at Topping and Co

of the world’s most amazing ocean films, from both above and below the surface. This collection of short films celebrates divers, paddlers, surfers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray. Be wowed at the mind-blowing marine life, and exhilarated by the power of the waves. 12+. £14/£12; komedia.co.uk MY DARLING CLEMENTINE Friday 7 September, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls My Darling Clementine return with their incredible new album, Still Testifying, described by Uncut magazine as ‘where gospel, country and southern soul happily collide…’ Wry, witty, sharp, funny, and at times incredibly poignant, the duo always run their audiences through the full gamut of emotions. £13 advance/£15 on the door; chapelarts.org COMBE DOWN ART TRAIL Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 September, 10am–5pm n Locations around Combe Down This trail is a free event of workshops, demonstrations, and activities, as well as locally made artwork, jewellery, prints, sculptures and ceramics for sale. Leading you through the heart of this beautiful village, you’ll have the opportunity to visit artists’ homes and studios as well as local landmarks; cdarttrail.com BATHAMPTON VILLAGE SHOW Saturday 8 September, 1.30pm n Bathampton Playing Field, Holcombe Lane Enjoy live music, BBQ, cream teas, plant sales, antiques, tombola, children’s games, a bouncy castle and circus skills. Followed by a barn dance in the marquee from 7.30pm.

Entries for competitions in by 5 September; bathamptonvillageshow.co.uk

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EDITOR’S PICK CAITLIN MORAN: HOW TO BE FAMOUS Friday 28 September, 7.30pm n The Forum, Bath Renowned journalist and author Caitlin Moran is back in Bath to talk about her big-hearted, hilarious new novel, How to Be Famous. Set in britpop 90s London, the book follows a young journalist writing a monthly column about the ridiculous, surreal and dangerous aspects of being famous, for the coolest music magazine around. But as Johanna’s own star rises, her past comes back to haunt her and she finds herself at the centre of a huge sex scandal. Caitlin will be in conversation with writer, broadcaster and host of the popular podcast CTRL, ALT, DELETE, Emma Gannon. Hosted by Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. £18; bathforum.co.uk, mrbsemporium.com

JIMMY ALDRIDGE AND SID GOLDSMITH Sunday 9 September, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith are one of the finest duos to have emerged onto the British folk and acoustic scene in recent years. Their unique ability to make old songs seem relevant and new songs sound ancient has brought them widespread critical acclaim. £10 advance/£12 on the door; chapelarts.org THE ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE BETWEEN THE WARS Monday 10 September, 7.30pm n Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square In his book The Long Weekend on country houses between the world wars, Adrian Tinniswood describes real life in English stately homes at a time of rapid social change, drawing on memoirs, unpublished letters, diaries and testimonies. Hear more about this fascinating period of history at this talk. £4/£2; brlsi.org BRISTOL BAD FILM CLUB PRESENTS SAMURAI COP Monday 10 September, 7.30pm n Arts Café, Komedia Bristol Bad Film Club presents one of the most infamous ‘so bad, it’s great’ films of all time. Described as “both the best and the worst action film ever,” Samurai Cop is an unintentionally hilarious action film that sees San Diego cop Joe ‘Samurai’ Marshall dispatched to stop the drug-trafficking Yakuza cartel – The Katana Gang. 18+. £8; komedia.co.uk

The English Country House: Between the Wars 10 September

• 7.30pm

Gods of Finance 11 September

• 7.30pm

Dragons of Komodo 13 September

SEBASTIAN FAULKS Tuesday 11 September, 8pm n Christ Church, Julian Road Here is Paris as you have never seen it before – a city in which every building seems to hold the echo of an unacknowledged past.

In his deeply moving new novel, Sebastian Faulks deals with questions of empire, grievance and identity. With great originality and a dark humour, Paris Echo asks how much we really need to know if we are to live a valuable life. £20, includes a copy of the book. Bring a friend for an extra £4; toppingbooks.co.uk

• 7:30pm

Developing Cities: Flood Management 18 September

• 7:30pm

Annual John Wood Architectural Lecture: Christopher Woodward 25 September

• 7:30pm

Tickets on the door

JOURNEY TO PERSIA: MISS TANNER AND HER COLLECTION Wednesday 12 September, 1–2pm n Holburne Museum Ellen Tanner was among the first Western women to travel solo to the Middle East. Discover the story of Tanner’s travels from her first visit in 1894 to her later gifts of Persian art to the Holburne.

This talk will discuss the context of an extraordinary collection of Continued page 30

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A rare look into Vivien Leigh’s life at the Fashion Museum

My Darling Clementine at Chapel Arts Centre

Cattise by Steve Wells at Combe Down Art Trail

metalwork, textiles and more, on display for the first time following a major conservation project. £7; holburne.org

taking place as part of the Footprint Project.

Tours must be pre-booked. To find out more about the tour times, call: 01225 422462 or email: office@bathabbey.org

PHENOMENAL WOMEN: LAURA MARSHALL – MD ICON FILMS Wednesday 12 September, 6pm n The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Beau Street Icon Films is one of the top independent production companies in the UK. Over 27 years the company has produced factual and award winning TV and films both in the UK and overseas, working with household names like Carol Vorderman, Joanna Lumley and voice over master David Attenborough. As managing director, Laura Marshall is responsible for the company’s strategic direction, development, and marketing. Hear her speak about her impressive career in the latest in the hotel’s Phenomenal Women talks. £15, includes prosecco and canapés; thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

GEORGIAN AFTERNOON TEA Friday 14 – Sunday 23 September, 3–5.30pm n The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Beau Street To coincide with the Jane Austen Festival, enjoy a traditional spiced hot chocolate and an array of delicious delicacies fit for a certain famous Georgian author. It’s the perfect way to refresh yourself after a hard day’s promenading. Booking recommended. £30 per person; thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

VIVIEN LEIGH: 3D Thursday 13 September, 6.15–7.15pm n Fashion Museum Keith Lodwick, curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, will share a treasure trove of 3D stereoscopic slides from the Vivien Leigh archive. £10/£8; fashionmuseum.co.uk BEHIND THE SCENES OF BATH ABBEY Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 September, tour times vary n Bath Abbey Bath Abbey’s floor is unique. It is made up of 891 memorial stones, more than any other floor in the country, but it is collapsing. Part of Heritage Open Days, the abbey is holding tours so visitors can find out more about the necessary repairs and conservation work

DR PHIL HAMMOND: HAPPY BIRTHDAY NHS? Friday 14 September, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Nye Bevan’s beautiful baby is 70 this year, but will she make a ton? A decade of austerity with a Brexit cherry on top has brought the NHS to her knees. Do we just keep doing what we’re doing, or is it time for a radical rethink? Dr Phil Hammond has worked in the NHS for 31 years, and is also a broadcaster, journalist, author, campaigner and comic. Join him to discover how laughter really is the best medicine. £16/£12; wiltshiremusic.org.uk CORSHAM’S STREET FAIR Saturday 15 September, 12–4pm n Corsham town centre With live music, entertainment, stalls, the Little Zoo, arts and crafts, great food and drink and an especially fruity trail around town, there’s something for everyone at this local fair. Free parking in the town’s car parks all day; corsham.gov.uk SHAKESPEARE’S WEEKEND 2018 Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 September n Mells Park, Mells and The Elizabethan Playhouse, Corsley

A two-day celebration of William Shakespeare’s life and work, consisting of a debate and a play held at two idyllic country houses. On Saturday, 7pm, head to Mells for The Debate – “Who was Shakespeare?”, £30. On Sunday, Shakespeare’s comedy A Merchant of Venice will be performed at The Elizabethan Playhouse, 2.30pm, £30.

Prices include food and drink at both events.

Proceeds to go to charity; theelizabethanplayhouse.com VISIONS OF SCIENCE Saturday 15 September – Saturday 13 October, 11am–5pm n The Edge, University of Bath An exhibition of works that reflect, represent, capture or depict modern day scientific phenomena as studied by academics at The University’s Faculty of Science.

Visions of Science will merge art and science, both fuelled by our curiosity as humans to understand the world and share our perspectives; edgearts.org BATH MOONLIGHT WALK Saturday 15 September, 10pm n Starts at SouthGate The annual 8km Moonlight Walk – open to both women and men this year – takes in the main sights of Bath while raising funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care. SouthGate will be party central from 8.30pm where there will be freebies, a raffle, merchandise, 30% off food in selected restaurants and entertainment. Sign up for £20 before 9 September, £25 for late entries. Ages 14+; dorothyhouse.org.uk ONE LAST SONG Sunday 16 September, 8.30–10pm n The Holburne Museum At a concert in Bath, Anne Elliot begins to hope again that Captain Wentworth may still be in love with her. We follow Anne’s story in a musical discovery of one of Austen’s novels – Persuasion. Led by soprano Rosie Lomas, the Literary Music ensemble whirl us Continued page 32

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The Last Over by Nick Cudworth is up for auction at the RUH

Hoot Farewell Weekend at Bath Recreation Ground

from the high-spirited dances of the Musgrove home, to ballads telling of dangers on the high seas, and the elegant concert halls of Bath. In partnership with the Jane Austen Festival. Garden Café open from 6–8.30pm. £19.50; bathboxoffice.org.uk BATH SCOTTISH DANCERS Tuesday 18 September, 7.30pm n Ralph Allen School, Combe Down Join the Bath Scottish Dancers for a free taster evening of classes for beginners and intermediate dancers. No need to bring a partner. Beginners classes at Bathampton Village Hall from 13 September, 1.30pm; rscdsbath.co.uk

Bath and is welcoming members and guests to the first meeting for an informal buffet lunch and discussion. For more details and to book, contact: diana@dianacambridge.co.uk CHARITY FASHION SHOW IN AID OF ETHIOPIAID Friday 21 September, 7.30pm n King Edward’s School A charity fashion show raising funds for Ethiopiaid. Tickets include a delicious cocktail and canapés on arrival. All the clothes featured kindly donated by The Dress Agency in Widcombe and Grace & Ted in Kingsmead Square. Tickets: £15 in advance, £20 on the night. For more information, email: saradunc@hotmail.com

JANE AUSTEN’S PERSUASION: A MUSICAL DRAMA Wednesday 19 September, 7.30pm and Thursday 20 September, 3pm n The Mission Theatre, Corn Street Chamber Opera Tours will be bringing its original musical adaptation to Bath’s Jane Austen Festival in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Persuasion. This popular production has toured the UK and North America and features music from Jane Austen’s manuscripts, fully staged with chamber orchestra, beautiful Regency costumes, projected scenery, and world-champion Irish dancers. Tickets: £18; missiontheatre.co.uk CHARLOTTE: THE BLUE STOCKING QUEEN Thursday 20 September, 6.15–7.15pm n Fashion Museum Hear Polly Putnam, curator at Historic Royal Palaces, discuss Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), her life and her dress. £10/£8; fashionmuseum.co.uk SOCIETY OF AUTHORS FIRST MEETING Friday 21 September, 1pm n The Royal Hotel, Manvers Street The Society of Authors now has a branch in

WILTSHIRE GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 September, 10am–6pm n Bowood House, Calne With a blend of family and countryside entertainment, exciting displays, and kids activities, there’s lots to do at this great day out.

Children can learn how to fish or fly a bird of prey, and meet historical re-enactors. Plus there will be craft stalls, cooking demos, food halls, clay shooting, archery, horseboarding and angling. Don’t miss the Waggy Tails Fun Dog Show, which is open to any breed, as is the Chase the Bunny Competition. £4–£12.50; wiltshiregameandcountryfair.co.uk

BATH PRETTY MUDDY 5K AND PRETTY MUDDY KIDS Sunday 23 September n Bath Racecourse Scramble over the A-frame, crawl through the mud pit, have fun with your friends, and raise money for Cancer Research UK at this Race For Lift muddy obstacle course.

Suitable for ages 13+. For the first time in Bath there will also be Pretty Muddy Kids, a new exciting obstacle course designed just for children. £10 for children, £19.99 for adults; raceforlife.org YOTAM OTTOLENGHI AND TARA WIGLEY Tuesday 25 September, 8pm n Komedia He’s the undisputed master of the multiingredient recipe, Ottolenghi is now in Bath with his co-author Tara Wigley to talk about and cook from the gorgeous new cookbook we have all been wishing for: a taste of Ottolenghi made easy. Ottolenghi SIMPLE showcases Yotam’s standout dishes that will suit the type of cooking you love. £15; toppingbooks.co.uk THE BLUESWATER BAND Wednesday 26 September, 8pm n Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls 100 years of blues, 90 minutes to play it.

From early delta blues to modern artists such as Jack White and Seasick Steve, this band plays the songs and tells the stories of the artists that have defined today’s music. £12 advance/£14 on the door; chapelarts.org DRESSED TO KILL: WHAT DO INFECTIOUS DISEASE AGENTS HAVE IN THEIR WARDROBES? Thursday 27 September, 7.30pm n Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square Why does the influenza vaccine require frequent updating, whereas a single measles vaccine can protect you for life? An infectious agent possesses its very own wardrobe, from which it is obliged to select an outfit in order to infect and survive.

Professor Sunetra Gupta from the University of Oxford reveals more. £4/£2; brlsi.org THE LUNA CINEMA Friday 28 – Sunday 30 September, times vary n Royal Crescent Lower Lawn Continued page 34

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HIMAL FASHION and ACCESSORIES from the HIMALAYAS

6th Annual Autumn Event Following our hugely successful previous events and by demand, we are pleased to announce this year’s event dates are Friday 19th October and Saturday 20th October 2018, 10.30am - 4.30pm 5, Old King Street, Bath (Health & Beauty Centre and Bath Chiropody Clinic; next to Hall and Woodhouse) We will have many beautiful items, including: Pure Cashmere Shawls • Pure Cashmere Scarves • Pure Cashmere Ponchos • Pure Silk Handprinted Scarves Silk & Cotton Mix Dressing Gowns • Silk & Cotton Mix Pyjama Sets (beautifully presented in matching presentation bags) NEW STOCK THIS YEAR inc. Luxurious Hand Embroidered Cashmere Shawls • Pure Wool Rugs Beautiful Embroidered Cushions • Home Accessories • Clothing • Handbags Children’s Slippers • Gifts for children, family & friends too Dare we mention…….. Beautiful Christmas Decorations Come along, bring a friend, enjoy a glass of Prosecco with us, shop!

All profits from the event will be donated to The Charitable Foundation for the Education of Nepalese Children Reg’d No. 1140503 (A local charity, supporting and funding the education of children throughout Nepal.)

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WHAT’S | ON The glow from the Royal Crescent’s Bath stone makes it the perfect location for The Luna Cinema’s open air film screenings.

On Friday the smash hit The Greatest Showman will be on the big screen (doors 6pm). Dream of summer nights and sing-a-long to your favourite tunes as Grease is shown on the Saturday (doors 6pm). And prepare for some wizardry as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone kicks off on Sunday (doors 5.30pm). Take a picnic, snuggle under a blanket and watch your favourite film under the stars. £10–£15; thelunacinema.com HOOT FAREWELL WEEKEND Saturday 29 September, 10am – 6pm, and Sunday 30 September, 11am – 5pm n Bath Recreation Ground The Hoot Farewell Weekend will see all 82 owl and owlet sculptures from this summer’s Minerva’s Owls of Bath trail, gathered together in a giant parliament for a fabulous feathery festiv’owl. For the first and last time, fans will be able to see all the fabulously decorated owl sculptures in one location, and take photos of any they may not have spotted over the summer. The event will also include an exhibition of work from the owl artists, owl decorating workshops, food and drink stalls, fun activities such as Bath City FC’s Beat the G’owlie, and the chance to meet real owls from The Owlery; minervasowls.org ANTIQUE VINTAGE AND COLLECTABLES FAIR Sunday 30 September, 10am – 3.30pm n Ashton Court Mansion, Long Ashton Bristol Explore 40 stalls inside the Georgian lounges and grand music hall of Ashton Court Mansion. Fine jewellery, furniture, memorabilia, china, retro items, vintage clothing plus lots more will be on show.

JOANNA MACGREGOR Sunday 30 September, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Internationally acclaimed pianist continues her WMC Residency with a programme of rich variety, including works by Beethoven, Chopin, Fazil and Ginastera. Pre-concert talk at 6.30pm. £22/£11; wiltshiremusic.org.uk PLANNING AHEAD...

BATH PHILHARMONIA WITH MELVYN TAN Friday 5 October, 7.30pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Celebrated international pianist Melvyn Tan, one of the world’s leading interpreters of Mozart’s keyboard works, performs Mozart’s dark Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor. Bath Philharmonia performs Mendelssohn’s picture postcard description of his travels to Italy during his Grand Tour in the early 19th century in Symphony No. 4. £28/£10; wiltshiremusic.org.uk SAUERKRAUTATHON Sunday 14 October, 10am–4pm n Wells Food Festival, Wells town centre Be part of a Guinness World Record attempt in making the largest ever recorded dish of bacterially fermented sauerkraut. Help chop cabbage into the record books, and learn about gut health from various speakers. Sign up online; sauerkrautathon.com THE CRAFT4CRAFTERS SHOW Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 October, 10am – 5pm n Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet Having run large craft and textiles shows in the south west for more than 18 years, The Craft4Crafters Show has more than 100 of the finest craft suppliers on display, as well as more than 70 workshops and demonstrations. The Mendip Hall will house the beautiful Quilt and Textile Exhibition with over 100 quilt and textile displays, and lots of local quilt groups will be present including Bath Quilters, South West Quilters, and the UK Quilters.

The amazing BrisWool Woollen City will also be exhibited. £9/£8, £2 off advance tickets, under 16s free; craft4crafters.co.uk n 34 TheBATHMagazine

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Time to Moonwalk

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orothy House Hospice Care is opening its 2018 Bath Moonlight Walk to everyone - so bring your partner, brother, Dad or friend along ladies, as gents over 14 years are welcome to join in the fun.

Starting at the SouthGate Centre at 10pm on Saturday 15 September the ‘80s themed, 8km sponsored walk loops twice around Bath centre.

Walkers can enjoy the 80s party from 8.30pm in Southgate and take part in the mass participation Moon Walk!

Entry for walkers (aged 14+) is £20 up to Sunday 9 September, thereafter late entry is £25.

In 2017, this event raised £60,000 for patient care and Dorothy House hopes to beat that figure in 2018.

To register visit: bathmoonlightwalk.org.uk

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AN ORCHESTRA FOR EVERYONE Bath Philharmonia announces a star-studded line-up for its 2018/19 Season

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ath Philharmonia is one of the most exciting professional orchestras to have emerged in the UK over the last 20 years, working with top soloists such as Elin Manahan Thomas, Stephen Hough, Jess Gillam and Sheku KannehMason. Each year, Bath Philharmonia performs to audiences of more than 5,000 people as well as reaching many more through broadcasts and recordings. Its vision is to make high quality orchestral music accessible to everyone.

In the 2018/19 season, Bath Philharmonia embarks on a musical Grand Tour of Europe, recreating musical postcards from the splendour and sophistication of Paris, the beauty of Bohemia, the ruggedness of the Scottish Highlands, the brooding passion of Milan, the chilly wastes of the North Pole and the quintessential Englishness of the Malvern Hills.

Joining the orchestra on their journey are some of the world’s best soloists. Celebrated pianist Melvyn Tan is one of the leading interpreters of Mozart’s keyboard works. Jennifer Pike has established herself as one of today’s most exciting violinsts.

Internationally renowned cellist Steven Isserlis performs both Haydn Cello Concertos, and Nicola Benedetti – one of the finest violinists of her generation – interprets Prokofiev’s elegant 2nd Violin Concerto.

English pianist Leon McCawley performs Mozart’s fresh and playful Piano Concerto No. 22 and Bath Philharmonia’s season finale brings legendary pianist Peter Donohoe and clarinetist Sacha Rattle together for an evening of Jazz inspired masterpieces recreating Sir Simon Rattle’s Jazz Album.

Learning is at Bath Philharmonia’s heart; the orchestra wants as many people as possible to experience live orchestral music and to take part in music-making. Bath Philharmonia’s creative learning team creates and perform original music with extraordinary people. Working in local schools and with young carer organisations, their projects help young people develop their musical skills while impacting upon personal and social outcomes.

Through music making, Bath Philharmonia changes life chances and opens up new opportunities for a whole new generation of concert-goers. n Full details of all of Bath Philharmonia’s concerts and events are available at bathphil.org.uk

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BATH | EVENTS

THE TIME FOR TEA

The story of tea is a long one. Starting in Ancient China, it has influenced the world in many ways across the centuries. A forthcoming lecture at the BRLSI by Brian McElney OBE brings the story together

Tea came to England with Catherine of Braganza whose dowry included a case of tea

3rd century

The Dutch East India Company bring the first green tea leaves to Amsterdam from China

End of 1500s

Tea becomes a popular drink in Buddhist monasteries during the Tang dynasty

Japanese Buddhist monks visit their Chinese counterparts and discover ground green tea, now known as matcha

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1101–1125 Chinese Emperor Hui Tsung becomes tea obsessed and writes about the best tea-whisking methods

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The price for 125g of fine quality tea would be about £150–£180 nowadays

1700s Due to the high cost, tea was often smuggled into the country. Tea replaced gin as the UK’s favourite tipple

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800s

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Europeans hear about tea from Portuguese who are living in the East as traders

Early 1700s

1771 British import taxes on tea are reduced by William Pitt the Younger from 119% to 12.5%

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1783

1869

The English parliament further reduces the tea tax to end the smuggling of the nation’s tea imports

The Suez Canal opens, shortening the trip to China and making steamships more economical

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618-907

A trade dispute involving tea between the British and the Chinese Qing Dynasty led to the first Opium War

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During the Sui dynasty, tea was used for its medicinal qualities

The first British tea tax was introduced – it was so high that it almost stopped sales

1840 The Duchess of Bedford, introduced afternoon tea to Britain, inviting guests between breakfast and dinner

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1606

581-618

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1839

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Tea is commercialised in China

1689

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1662

IMAGES, left: Chinese tea industry, circa 1840. Above: Yixing stoneware teapot 18th century, BATEA614 © Museum of East Asian Art

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HISTORY OF TEA TIMELINE

origins in China is enlightened, as he has spent a lifetime as a discriminating collector of East Asian art and exploring his fascination with the region’s history and art culture.

Here is a timeline to bring the history of tea to life, and to whet your appetite for the lecture in September. n

1773

1908

The Boston Tea Party was part of a British American resistance movement against the Tea Act

Tea importer Thomas Sullivan invents tea bags when he sends tea to clients in small silk bags

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he growing and drinking of tea has an ancient history. Legend traces its discovery to 2737 BC in China and tea containers have been found in tombs dating from the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Tea has also been a major player within the evolution of global culture and world trade and has been closely enmeshed with the darker sides of our history, featuring within smuggling, slavery and war. In fact, tea was a major factor in establishing connections between the West and the East, although it did not reach the West until as late as the 16th century. So while it has become an established national British drink, the roots and evolution of tea lie firmly in the East.

Brian McElney OBE, the founder of the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath, has collected many East Asian tea vessels and is delivering a lecture on tea and its history at BRLSI on 17 September. His perspective on a drink with its

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1773 The Tea Act was introduced, allowing the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in America

Tea drinking and its historical consequences lecture with Brian McElney OBE, 17 September, BRLSI, 16–18 Queen Square, Bath, 7.30pm, £4/£2; brlsi.org

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ARTS

MAKING ART MATTER

A new exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery profiles the creative work of Clifford and Rosemary Ellis who founded and ran Bath Academy of Art and worked together as artists for more than 50 years – Emma Clegg talks to gallery manager Jon Benington

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n 2016, in the Urchfont home of Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, a box lined with red linen was found containing a selection of original artworks all mounted to the same size.

The artworks were produced in 1965 by artists teaching at Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, and included artistic golden names from the 20th century such as Adrian Heath, Howard Hodgkin, James Tower, Gillian Ayres and William Scott.

This was a thank you gift for Clifford Ellis from all those who showed work in an exhibition called Corsham Painters and Sculptors that Clifford put together for the 1965 Bath Festival, which was then toured by the Arts Council. Now fondly referred to as ‘Corsham in a box’, the contents – none of which have been exhibited before – will be taken out of the box to be displayed as part of the forthcoming exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery, Making Art Matter, 1931–85, Clifford and Rosemary Ellis.

THE OLD VICARAGE, URCHFONT The Ellis Family Archive was donated to the Victoria Art Gallery in 2016 following the death of Penelope Ellis, Clifford and Rosemary’s daughter. Jon Benington, gallery manager at Victoria Art Gallery, recollects his first impressions of the Old Vicarage, the house in Urchfont where the Ellises lived and where Jon visited Penelope in 2014: “It was vast – it was like walking into a museum that had been preserved.”

Penelope had invited Jon to the house to show him her parents’ work and to ask if the gallery would like to use it for an exhibition.

Jon was overwhelmed by the quality and breadth of the work he saw and would have readily agreed to an exhibition. However, the vast majority of the work was artwork on paper, mainly watercolours and prints,

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stored on shelves and in plastic envelopes which meant that nearly every piece would need framing – and the costs of this were prohibitive.

The day Jon visited, Penelope had taken out her favourite artwork, Dancing Frog, to show him. This was a design for a greetings card, Jon tells me, and while it looks totally spontaneous, it most likely wasn’t, as Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were renowned for their extensive background studies and sketches for every finished piece.

ART EDUCATORS Clifford and Rosemary Ellis are best known as pioneering art educators, founding and running Bath Academy of Art for 26 years.

The academy’s broad-based curriculum was underpinned by the idea of training teachers who could teach art in a different way, benefitting children who were not necessarily succeeding academically. In this environment individual flair was actively encouraged.

Clifford’s idea was that the academy was supporting talented artists, developing them as art teachers, and enabling them to make a living alongside their own art practice.

William Scott, Kenneth Armitage, William Turnbull, Peter Lanyon, Terry Frost, Robyn Denny and Gillian Ayres were just some of the artists who taught at the academy two to three days a week. “It was an amazing synergy,” says Jon, “because they employed young and aspiring artists, and those at the cutting edge of modernism, to teach part time, a couple of days a week.”

A DUAL VISION Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were not just teachers. Clifford Ellis attended St Martin’s School of Art and the Regent Street Polytechnic, studying illustration before taking an Art Teacher’s Diploma. He then worked for eight years at the polytechnic as a tutor – it was there he met Rosemary who was a student of sculpture and art history.

After marrying in 1931, they worked together designing posters and book jackets.

Their work was distinctive for its use of bright colours, bold design and images of animals and the natural environment. They designed posters for clients such as the London Passenger Transport Board, the Empire Marketing Board, the GPO and Shell Mex. These inter-war times were hard and this work was a practical way of supporting them both. The sort of collaboration that Rosemary and Clifford had, where every piece of artwork produced was a joint vision, was very unusual – they did everything

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together and C&RE was their joint monogram.

Clifford and Rosemary moved to Bath in 1936, driven by Clifford’s determination to make his teaching reflect his progressive ideas. Rosemary taught art at the Royal School for Daughters of Officers of the Army in Lansdown (now the Royal High), while Clifford became an assistant at the Technical College, and was later promoted to head of the Bath School of Art. When the school finally separated from the technical college in 1942, Clifford used the school to shape and match his vision of the arts as fully integrated within society, and implement a regime that side-stepped the Ministry of Education’s daunting written exams.

“Clifford’s vision for the college,” explains Jon, “was based on their work in the 1930s where his first poster design paid for Rosemary’s appendectomy. At this time Britain was deep in recession, but they needed industry and to work for industry. So his vision was to train artists to enable them to do something to make a living.”

THE WARTIME YEARS During the Second World War, the Ellises continued their teaching and design work.

They both made work for the Pilgrim Trust’s Recording Britain project, unusually signing pieces in their own names. Rosemary focused on graveyards while Clifford made paintings of Bath’s historic ironwork. He also created watercolours and drawings of Bath’s bombdamaged buildings from the Blitz and in 1945 recorded the VE Day celebrations in the city.

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THIS PAGE: top, left to right, jacket for The Wren, Collins New Naturalists 1955; jacket design (proof) for The Open Sea Part 1: The World of Plankton, Collins New Naturalists 1956; jacket for The Badger, Collins New Naturalists 1948; middle, Dancing frog, ink and gouache 1937; jacket artwork for The Yellow Wagtail, Collins New Naturalists, gouache 1950; bottom, poster of heron for the Collins New Naturalist series of books c. 1945; Whipsnade Zoo (Wolves), poster for BP Ltd OPPOSITE: above, Clifford and Rosemary Ellis at 97 Lansdown Road, Bath, 1937, with a cartoon for the British Pavilion, Paris; below, Clifford Ellis, Priory Place, Lyncombe Hill, Bath, watercolour 1943

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ARTS

VE Day, Queen Square, Bath, watercolour 1945

with friends including Henry Moore, John Piper and Kenneth Clark, many of these are of historic interest. The artworks were taken by the gallery and the letters by the Bath Record Office meaning that the archive has been kept relatively intact.

THE ARCHIVE The Ellis Family Archive that has been left to the Victoria Art Gallery is a massive body of work. Fortunately Penelope had looked after everything and had labelled it carefully.

“I’ve been in the situation where someone has died and you go to the property and if they are 20th-century artists you don’t necessarily know what you are looking at.

But Penelope had meticulously put things into folders with pencil notes on them telling us what they were,” said Jon. There was also a collection of letters and because the Ellises were so well-c onnected,

THE EXHIBITION The exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery shows more than 90 pieces of Clifford and Rosemary Ellis’s work, and this is just a fraction of the archive. “We have only grazed the surface. It’s going to take years more to fully come to terms with what’s there,” says Jon. The exhibition will have two walls of posters and two cases of New Naturalist artworks. There is also a section about what

Heath – Underground (Owl), poster for London Passenger Transport Board 1933

It is better to shop early, poster for London Passenger Transport Board 1935

the Ellises did during the Second World War and one about the academy and the artists that they worked with, where the boxed artworkswill be exhibited for the first time.

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Their work has this power because they embraced the modern idiom of colour and boldness

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CORSHAM COURT After the war ended, the school was moved to Corsham Court in Wiltshire. The owner, Lord Methuen, assigned a wing of his mansion to the Academy of Art, which had been used as a military convalescent hospital during the war. For the next 26 years, Corsham was regarded as one of Britain’s best art schools outside London.

While committed to their teaching roles, Rosemary and Clifford also continued producing commercial work, notably for the Collins New Naturalist series which they worked on from 1944 to 1985, supplying more than 100 covers of animals and insects, created as lithographs. Jon says “The New Naturalist series is an iconic series of books and it was a forerunner of the conservation movement in the 1950s. Some of the books are quite dense – they are not easy reads or fun reads. The magic w as that, rather than using photographic covers, the publisher chose to go down the artistic route because that made them more user-friendly.” Their very first New Naturalist book in 1945 was Butterflies, and it sold so well that it was still in print in the 1970s.

Jon told me that when they first found the Corsham in a box piece, it was not complete – many of the artworks had been taken out, so it took a while assembling the full collection. One of the pieces was an early Howard Hodgkin of an abstract figure dated 1964–5. Jon says, “We were working on our Howard Hodgkin show last year. On my last visit to his studio before he died. I’d taken a picture of the watercolour he’d made for the box and asked him who the figure was. He said that it was Clifford Ellis. He told me that Clifford was a rubbish administrator but a brilliant teacher. For Howard to be so fulsome in his praise really meant something as he didn’t suffer fools gladly.”

Rosemary and Clifford Ellis made a monumental contribution to the art and the artists of the period in which they worked.

While their wider reputation is as teachers, there is no doubt that their work over the years they were together is rich, bold and distinguished. Jon says, “Their names are not household names, but the work is really accessible and charming because of its subject matter. And it has this power because they embraced the modern idiom of colour and boldness.” n Making Art Matter: Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, 8 September – 25 November, Victoria Art Gallery; victoriagal.org.uk

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

CHANGING LANDSCAPES

The natural world, city streets, and fashion icons are prominent themes in Bath’s galleries this month DARREN GORDON 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath Web: 44ad.net, thelandandthesea.com SILENT SENTINELS Monday 3 – Saturday 7 September, 10am – 6pm The title of the exhibition refers to the landscape structures that often appear in Darren’s paintings or stand nearby as he paints in the landscape around Bath.

These motifs create anchors in his paintings, such as a farm building, a large oak tree or a river cutting through the heart of a village. They have been there for hundreds of years and still remain silently watching. Darren often wonders what these sentinels of the local landscape have witnessed in their time during war, revolution and changing times. This group of work has been painted over the past year. The opening night, where there is an opportunity to meet Darren, is on Monday 3 September, 6 – 8pm at 44AD Gallery.

Left, Oaks and Lavender by Darren Gordon

AXLE ARTS

MODERN ARTBUYER

Leighton Road, Weston, Bath Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm by appointment Tel: 01225 461230, web: axlearts.com

Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ Web: modernartbuyer.com

LYNNE CARTLIDGE AND DOROTHY BROOK Monday 3 – Saturday 29 September As the days shorten and the light changes, there is a sense of anticipation as winter starts to make itself felt. Lynne Cartlidge’s urban landscapes capture this with her gentle observations of ordinary city spaces, such as a local park or a car-lined, residential street.

The paintings are remarkable for their stillness, while retaining a sense of autumnal rigour. Cartlidge’s rich palette reflects the changing colours as leaves turn and fall, the shadows lengthening across the canvas into shades of deep plum, and the use of dramatic patterns with musical rhythm.

Work by sculptor Dorothy Brook, who creates abstracted elegant bronze figures with a strong presence of line, will also be on show. Brook’s work is inspired by dance, music and theatre.

AUTUMN POP-UP GALLERY Monday 3 – Sunday 16 September Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm, Sunday, 11am – 4pm Modern ArtBuyer is popping up once again in Milsom Place to bring visitors a beautiful selection of contemporary artwork, including limited edition prints, paintings on canvas and works on paper. There will be an inspiring selection of works on show including Plum Neasmith’s bold, abstract paintings; prints from much soughtAbove, Islet (Salcombe) by Elaine Jones after artist Maria Rivans; Caroline Hall’s haunting seascapes; urban prints and collages by Bonnie and Clyde; graphic monoprints by Paul Minott; surreal etchings by Jaco Putker; and urban-abstract limited edition prints by Rebecca King. Whether you are interested in an affordable splash of colour, an investment piece or simply want to browse, the team will be on hand to answer any questions about their artists, art collecting or queries about pieces in your own collection.

Below, Autumn Light by Lynne Cartlidge

IN CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 September, 11am – 5pm 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath Tel: 07793 085267 Web: thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk

Seven artists showcase their work including outdoor sculpture by Renée Kilburn, Hayley Jones, and Willa Ashworth; paintings by Doris Minter, Kathryn Scaldwell Culf, and Alan Weeks; and photography by Chloe Moore.

Musicians play throughout the day and light lunches, homemade cakes and scones are served on the terrace with proceeds going to Challenge Ministries’ work among orphaned and vulnerable children in Bulembu, Swaziland.

Entrance £6 on the gate, £5 in advance.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

BEAUX ARTS York Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm Tel: 01225 464850 Web: beauxartsbath.co.uk JENNIFER ANDERSON – NEW PAINTINGS Monday 10 September – Saturday 6 October Jennifer Anderson’s sensitive and compelling portraits are the result of clear-eyed and canny observation of her subjects. Within closelycropped compositions her subjects hint at their self-sufficiency as well as the inaccessibility of their inner lives, despite the sustained scrutiny of the artist’s eye. During her career Jennifer has received numerous awards which include the HSBC Investment Management Award at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the David Cargill award at the Royal Glasgow Institute. She is a regular in the BP Portrait Award and has also been invited to exhibit in the main collection at the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Right, Chequered by Jennifer Anderson

NICK CUDWORTH GALLERY THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Open: Daily, 10am – 5pm (11am Sundays) Tel: 01225 388569, web: holburne.org PRIZED POSSESSIONS: DUTCH MASTERPIECES FROM NATIONAL TRUST HOUSES Until Sunday 16 September This exhibition brings together some of the National Trust’s bestloved works of 17th-century Dutch art to celebrate the enduring appeal of two great achievements of European culture: Dutch Golden Age painting and the British country house. Admission £10/£9, National Trust members £7.50.

BATH TO BAGHDAD: ELLEN TANNER’S COLLECTION OF MIDDLE EASTERN ART Until Sunday 21 October Discover the eclectic collection of art formed by Miss Ellen Tanner following her journey to the Middle East in the 1890s. She later donated more than 80 items to the Holburne in the 1920s. From sumptuous textiles to delicate carved woodwork and lacquer and elaborately decorated metalwork, this collection is on display for the first time following a major conservation project generously funded through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Right, Damascened Hawk from Ellen Tanner’s collection

GAINSBOROUGH AND THE THEATRE Friday 5 October – Sunday 20 January 2019 Bringing together some of Gainsborough’s finest portraits of leading actors, managers, musicians, playwrights, designers, dancers and critics of the 1760s-80s, this exhibition will explore themes of celebrity, naturalism, performance and friendship. Gainsborough and the Theatre will include 37 objects, including 15 oil portraits by Gainsborough, works on paper (including satires, views of theatres and playbills) and ephemera from public and private collections across the UK. A significant aspect of the exhibition is devoted to the locations and theatres with which Gainsborough was linked, from Bath’s own Orchard Street Theatre to the London theatre synonymous with Garrick, Drury Lane.

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London Street, top of Walcot Street, closed on Mondays Tel: 01225 445221 Web: nickcudworth.com While living in Stroud in the Cotswolds, Nick painted 12 different stiles which he discovered when out walking. He decided to paint a different stile for every month surrounded by the flora and fauna of that month. Giclée prints of the originals are available at his gallery in Walcot Street.

Visitors to the gallery are welcome to come in and discuss the work with Nick.

Right, September by Nick Cudworth

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 3 – 4 Bartlett Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm, closed Wednesday and Sunday Tel: 01225 460189, web: davidsimoncontemporary.com JULIA COOPER Friday 7 September – Monday 1 October Julia Cooper has always enjoyed painting kitchen still lifes, following a timeless tradition of depicting simple shapes such as bowls and jugs, and studying the juxtaposition of colour.

Bonbon by Julia Cooper Often she will incorporate repetitive patterns, suggesting chequered floor tiles to build a spatial tension within the composition. Julia Cooper trained in fine art as well as interior design and has exhibited her work widely around the UK. She holds regular solo and mixed exhibitions in Cornwall and Bath.

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nick cudworth gallery

2018/19 Lecture Series

A Passion for Fashion!

The story of 20th Century fashion design, from the elegance of the Edwardian era to the glamour of the 1920’s, the austerity of the ‘40s to the liberating ‘60s, the avante-garde of the ‘70s to present day designs.

Lecturer: Sally Hoban at

1.30pm on Monday 1st October 2018 in The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street Bath

image of Kelston Roundhill No.4

SEPTEMBER EXHIBITION 1 – 29 September

Visitors welcome £10 at the door (No Booking required)

An exhibition of paintings and prints by Nick that reflect his interest in a variety of subjects including landscape, portrait and still life.

www.theartssocietybath.com

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639

Celebrating 50 years of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies

gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

VICTORIA ART GALLERY

items are from the Ellis family archive, which was given to the gallery and Bath Record Office in 2016. £4.50, free for Discovery Card holders.

By Pulteney Bridge Open daily, 10.30am – 5pm Tel: 01225 477233, web: victoriagal.org.uk MAKING ART MATTER, 1931–85: CLIFFORD AND ROSEMARY ELLIS Saturday 8 September – Sunday 25 November Husband and wife team Clifford and Rosemary Ellis designed bold, colourful posters and book jackets for clients including London Transport, Shell and Collins.

Clifford is also remembered as the founder and principal of Bath Academy of Art. Rosemary taught alongside him, together with artists including Gillian Ayres, Peter Lanyon and William Scott, whose works feature in this exhibition. This is the first show to profile the couple’s joint artistic work, spanning more than 50 years, much of it reflecting their love of nature. Their valuable artistic record of the Bath Blitz forms part of the display. Many of these

ADELA BRETON: TRAVELS WITH A PAINTBRUSH Saturday 8 September – Sunday 25 November In 1887 Adela Breton set off from her Bath home, eager to see the world after spending decades as a dutiful daughter nursing ageing parents. Over the next 25 years Breton explored the world and became an expert on Mexican archaeology. She documented her travels around Europe, the Americas and Japan in a series of beautiful watercolours.

After her death these works were donated to the gallery, with the collection documenting the life and travels of this most fascinating of women. Free entry.

Right, Sketch for cover of The Yellow Wagtail, Collins New Naturalists 1950, by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis

EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07885 235915 or 01225 424424 Web: emmaroseartworks.com Throughout September Until 18 September you can see Emma Rose’s exuberant owl sculpture Minerva at the start of Walcot Street, before heading to her gallery to see her award-winning landscapes – contemporary and semi-abstracts. With an emphasis on the Indian Summer, paintings zing with warm life – the highlight painting this month is Mountains In The Sky, featured above. Her unique work is a mix of Indian inks, acrylics with gold and copper and silver leaf. Emma is happy to talk through any commission ideas.

THE ARTS SOCIETY BATH LECTURE SERIES 2018/19 Web: theartssocietybath.com

CATHERINE BEALE 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath Web: catherinebeale.com, 44ad.net

Illumination by Catherine Beale

ATMOSPHERICS Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 October, 10am – 6pm

Celebrating the power of modern pigments and dramatic weather over this city, awardwinning Bath painter Catherine Beale’s solo exhibition bursts with colour and luminosity. Also featuring her new portraits fresh from London’s Mall Galleries.

Opening preview on Thursday, 6–8pm.

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A PASSION FOR FASHION Monday 1 October, 1.30pm at The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath A Passion for Fashion by lecturer Sally Hoban tells the story of 20th-century fashion design, tracing how clothes, textiles and accessories were influenced by contemporary history. It includes the elegant fashions of the Edwardian era, the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, the austerity of the 1940s, the futuristic fashions of the 1950s, the liberating styles of the 1960s and the avante-garde fashions of the 1970s to the present day. Visitors are welcome. £10 at the door.

No booking necessary.

New members are also welcome to The Arts Society Bath. For a membership fee of £55 members can enjoy nine lectures on various arts-related subjects, plus a quarterly magazine and the opportunity to attend indepth study days, visits and outings. The society is a good way to make new friends and learn about the arts in all its forms.

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS’ MEMBERS EXHIBITION

Yellow by Ben Hughes

44AD Artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm, and Sunday, 11am – 5pm Web: bsartists.co.uk SOURCE Thursday 18 October – Saturday 3 November An exhibition celebrating the diverse practices of many nationally renowned artists encompassing paint, print, sculpture, graphic and mixed media. Supporting works reveal how each artist has been inspired by their own individual and very personal source. Guest curator Katie O’Brien, director of 44AD, will select prize winners and curate a selection of entries along with invited artists.

GRAY M.C.A 5 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath Open: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm, Monday and Tuesday by appointment Tel: 01225 422117 Web: graymca.com

MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART Bennett Street, Bath Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm; Sunday, 12 – 5pm Web: meaa.org.uk THE QUEST FOR WELLNESS Until Monday 12 November The theme of wellness permeates this city based on its origins as a Roman spa town. In this exhibition, artist Zhang Yanzi explores common frailties and shared humanity, investigating the nature and meaning of wellness in China, its history, and its modern counterpoints from a Chinese perspective. Works on display include Excess, a silk robe covered in pill capsules which portrays pills as a kind of physical and psychological armour in the modern world; Inhalation, a Chinese painting on analgesic plasters that explores the ability of beautiful objects to provide humans with psychological comfort; and Pure Land, an ink painting of Buddha’s portrait in the ancient Chinese Buddhist mural style that alludes to the concept of well-being from a spiritual angle.

DRAWING ON STYLE Thursday 4 October – Friday 30 November Gray M.C.A is the UK’s leading authority on original fashion illustration and artist textiles from the 20th century including René Gruau and Kenneth Paul Block. The gallery has established a reputation worldwide for uncovering rare and dynamic fashion illustration and textiles from private international collections, estates and archives. Its annual Drawing on Style exhibitions during London and New York fashion weeks enable international collectors to source the finest examples of fashion illustration by the most respected and sought-after artists. Drawing on Style 2017 was selected by Cunard to preview on its Transatlantic Fashion Week crossing on board the Flagship Queen Mary 2 prior to opening in Tribeca, New York during New York Fashion Week.

THE ART GROUP 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath THE TAG SHOW Tuesday 2 – Sunday 7 October, 12 – 6pm (Sunday, 12 – 4pm)

The Breathable, 2016, ink and cinnabar on gauze

THE BATH ROYAL LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION 16 Queen Square, Bath, web: brlsi.org PACIFIC: OCEAN OF ISLANDS Until Saturday 22 September, 10am – 4pm This exhibition focuses on items from the BRLSI collection with a connection to the Pacific Ocean: corals and shells, the ethnography of the many small islands, and natural history specimens that illustrate the significance of the Wallace line. In addition, prints from four renowned international photo journalists, highlighting the impact of environmental change on the wildlife and peoples of the Pacific, will be on display. Free admission.

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The TAG show is an exciting and vibrant selection of works by eight artists who meet regularly to discuss their current practice and to enjoy support, advice and criticism from fellow artists. Brian Elwell, Poppy James and Mark Thomas are painters and Charlotte Moore and Ryszard Sliwka are painters and printmakers. Anna Kot is a painter and photographer, Deborah van der Beek a sculptor and Jan Byrne a ceramicist. Through both abstract and figurative means, collectively their works explore our relationship to contemporary issues, and TAG’s first show (at the Museum of Bath at Work) demonstrated how the energy of a Above, Underground 3 by Poppy James group can create unity and empathy. n

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THE MYTH OF THE ANTIQUES EXPERT Duncan Campbell HAS BEEN DEALING IN ANTIQUE SILVER SINCE 1986.

There’s just too much to know

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or reasons too dull to go into, I spent a fascinating day at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford yesterday with a ceramics specialist, looking at both Chinese and European porcelain. If I lived to be 150 years old there would still not be enough time to absorb either subject completely.

Also touring the Ashmolean was a small party of visitors being guided and informed by a self described “antiques expert”.

Overwhelmed by my own ignorance of even the subtle differences between Liverpool and Bristol made blue and white, imitation Chinese porcelain, I wondered by what definition of expert anyone could make such a claim for themselves. No doubt the tour party left feeling informed, but then, in the kingdom of the blind…….

Having spent thirty odd years involved only in antique silver I still feel that I have a long way to go. More or less every day I come across a silver mark or object that I was previously ignorant of.

I have been lucky enough to be tutored by some profoundly knowledgable silver specialists and yet still I get it wrong often enough. The truth is that taking a punt and getting it wrong is the only way to learn.

As a very wise old silver dealer once told me, “if you don’t make one mistake in every ten things you buy, you are not working hard enough”. I take a great deal of comfort from that as I plough on in my trade hoping to limit the disasters to one in ten.

Even if we limit the subject of antiques to english Georgian, the sheer number of objects, furniture and applied art produced is staggering. Even to be able to name them all would be a great feat.

The term “expertise” infers to me that the days of mistakes are largely over, a very dangerous supposition indeed.

From any reasonable standpoint the idea of an “antiques expert” is, at very best, a hostage to ridicule. In the world of antiques, single discipline specialists are getting there, experts are delusional. n www.beaunashbath.com, 01225 334234

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LITERATURE

A MAN IN WANT OF A WIFE?

In the month of the Jane Austen Festival – which runs from 13–23 September – Richard Wendorf meditates on the acknowledged truths within the opening sentence of Jane Austen’s most widely read novel, Pride and Prejudice

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t is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” So runs the most successful entry in any contest devoted to a novel’s first line – and so begins the best loved and most widely read of Jane Austen’s novels, Pride and Prejudice. There are other famous first lines, of course: by Dickens, Sterne, Fitzgerald, Burgess, Salinger, Kafka, Camus, Nabokov, Marquez, Wodehouse. You know which ones I mean; just call me Ahab! But Austen’s is the slyest and the most sophisticated, a one-sentence master class in the practice of irony. Or is it?

If irony, as a figure of speech, is defined as saying one thing while meaning something else – often the opposite of what is said – then Austen would seem to be providing us with a classic example. People may collectively say that a single man, possessed of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife, whereas the reality is that single women were in fact in need – often very much in need – of a husband with a suitable fortune. Austen’s sentence is thus interesting and amusing both for what it implies and for how it unfolds in the minds of its readers.

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Not all readers will tumble to the irony of Austen’s gambit, of course. There will always be literal readers, and in the early 18th century it was actually suggested that ironical passages in texts should be marked with a typographical symbol so that everyone could understand them.

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Isn’t it also true that a single man who has either made or inherited a fortune would indeed wish to marry?

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This suggestion didn’t catch on – and for obvious reasons – for if ironical words or passages were marked as such, they would no longer be effective. Far better to attend closely to writers such as Austen who can teach us how to read their work without explicitly telling us what to think. Much of Austen’s best writing is carefully predicated on the importance of what is implicit.

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We may ask ourselves, however, exactly what the difference is between irony and hypocrisy in sentences such as Austen’s. If the truth universally acknowledged is that young women are in need of husbands and the welfare they provide, then isn’t it hypocritical to frame this fact of Georgian life in terms of its opposite?

Austen’s novels are populated by a number of hypocrites, and she can be rather harsh when she holds them up to ridicule. In her opening sentence, however, the difference between irony and hypocrisy is one of degree. Polite society, this single sentence (and the novel that follows it) seems to say, is based on an implicit understanding that certain elements within it are to be discussed according to genteel conventions, including courtship, marriage, finances, and (in some of her novels) the source of those fortunes, often tinged by the long finger of slavery and plantation life in the West Indies. Austen’s characters are not attempting to conceal the facts of communal life; they are simply approaching them in a polite, agreed-upon manner.

Nothing could be plainer to Austen’s readers than the fact – the central fact –

An Assembly at the Pump Room, Bath by John Sanders (1750–1825), Bath & North East Somerset Council; Jane Austen portrait, University of Texas/Wikimedia Commons

Balls were places where prospective matrimonial matches could be made

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LITERATURE successful matrimonial match, it’s not difficult to construct the motives and aspirations of the gentlemen with whom they have dalliances and eventually form alliances. The opening sentence, in other words, is both true in the literal sense and equally applicable in the humorous reverberations of an ironic reading.

We might ask, finally, just how truths become ‘universally acknowledged’ – and who does the acknowledging. Austen’s rather grandiose construction surely owes some of its confidence and swagger to Samuel Johnson’s The Rambler essays – and perhaps also to those universal truths that are quickly and ironically undermined in his Rasselas.

It strikes me as if Austen is attempting to accomplish two rather different things here.

In the first place, the opening words of her opening sentence project a sense of shared values that will be tested throughout the narrative.

But because what follows can (and should) be read ironically, we are – in the second place – immediately put on our guard about such universal truths.

Austen is, once again, providing her close readers with bifocal vision. We understand the covenant that binds her characters together, and we are given the Penguin’s Clothbound opportunity to see the stress and Classics edition of Pride and Prejudice strain that threaten to expose its

that each of Mr Bennet’s five daughters will need to find a husband. The alternatives were grim (spinsterhood, work as a companion, nurse, or governess), and this Austen knew from her own unhappy experience, more than a little of it in Bath.

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Novelist Jane Austen

The alternatives were grim (spinsterhood, work as a companion, nurse, or governess)…

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But let me play the devil’s advocate for a moment and adopt the guise of a literal reader. Isn’t it also in fact true that a single man who has either made or inherited a fortune would indeed wish to marry, have children, and thus leave a personal as well as a financial legacy? We can all imagine exceptions to this rule, but Jane Austen’s fictional world harboured very few of them.

Although Austen usually places us firmly in the satin shoes of those women desiring or needing a

limitations and fragility. Austen has implicitly asked us to acknowledge both ways of interpreting her world. n Richard Wendorf is the director of the American Museum in Britain. His AngloAmerican memoir, Growing Up Bookish, was published last year.

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BATH @ WORK

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

Hazel Plowman

Head of the creative learning programme for Bath Festivals

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he beautiful views across the city are part of the reason I decided to study at Bath Spa University in 1995. The day I came for my interview at the Sion Hill site, it was snowy and sunny and it felt so very different from the suburbs in the midlands. The view from the top of the hills, from Twerton and Whiteway over to Lansdown and Camden Crescent when the morning mist still hangs in the valley are all spectacular. Now, 20 years on, I live in Widcombe with my partner and three children.

As head of creative learning for Bath Festivals, my role entails creating, producing and managing projects that engage children and young people with the festival and the art forms it celebrates.

Bath Festivals offers a year-round programme of music and literature projects which give children and young people opportunities to work with leading arts professionals, gain realworld experience, grow passions and interests, gain access to cultural events and create and produce their own events.

There have been many special moments at Bath Festivals since I joined in 2012. Some of these are large-scale projects like the Party in the City annual schools’ commission which takes place in Bath Abbey as part of The Bath Festival in May. More than 100 children sing songs they have created, alongside a professional composer. The abbey is bursting at the seams with people, and the atmosphere is incredible. One of my personal highlights was being roped in to performing in Julia Donaldson’s show at the last minute at Bath Children’s Literature Festival – I ran around the audience with cat ears on! Other highlights are from smaller events but they have a significant and lasting impact. Some of the young people I work with may be facing significant challenges in their lives and the activities and events I programme have helped them form new friendships and develop confidence.

At the start of my career, I co-directed a small arts company called Eshoda Arts. We made performance pieces and exhibitions combining dance with other art forms. Alongside this, we delivered workshops for children, young people and teachers.

There were times when this was my part-time job and times when it was full time, so alongside this I worked in shops, did project management for other Bath arts organisations and did what all freelancers do – tried my best to survive!

I love the community in Bath – I get to work with interesting and dedicated people: festival staff, authors, illustrators and artists, teachers, youth workers, people from other arts organisations, and of course, the children and young people.

I am still collaborating with some of the same incredibly dedicated people that I worked with 15 years ago: Kate Cross from the egg, Penny Hay from 5x5x5=creativity and Jamie Luck from Mentoring Plus. We continue to ensure that every child and young person in Bath has access to the arts.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival takes place from 28 September to 7 October: bathfestivals.org.uk; 01225 463362 PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic.

Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151

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TRAVEL

CANADA IN THE RAW

Canada is the world’s second largest country and yet its land is sparsely populated and dominated by forests, tundra and breathtaking natural wonders. This makes it a spectacular destination all year round – here are the reasons why

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here is no doubt that Canada is the ultimate year-round destination. The country’s seasonal delights include bearspotting in summer and skating on the naturally frozen ice rinks in winter.

There is also a host of dramatic landscape scenes – the astounding views range from the rib-shaking thunder of Niagara Falls to the emerald lakes and snow-capped mountains of the Rockies’ national parks.

The cities, too, are defined by the aweinspiring landscape. Vancouver is nestled between the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and Toronto’s expansive waterfront on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario showcases the magical city skyline.

In Montreal, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the gleaming riverside city from the top of the prominent three-head hill of Mount Royal, after which the city is named.

To demonstrate the potential of this yearround destination, here is a rundown of some of the attractions of each season.

WINTER WONDERLAND The winter season in Canada brings bustling festivals and outdoor activities ranging from snowmobiling to dog sledding and one-of-akind accommodation in majestic ice hotels.

Head west to the legendary town of Whistler in British Columbia to enjoy exhilarating skiing in the spectacular ski resorts of the Canadian Rockies or east to the charming village of Mont-Tremblant in Quebec which

will see the village roofs dusted with snow.

Winter festivals to visit include Quebec City’s Winter Carnival, including the nighttime and daytime parades led by mascot Bonhomme Carnaval. You can also skate the Rideau Canal in Ottawa – the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink – during the Winterlude. You’ll discover an enchanting festive atmosphere by visiting the Banff National Park during its Snow Days event, which features massive snow sculptures in the city. Banff also hosts the Ice Magic Festival on Lake Louise, when talented artists create incredible ice sculptures. The winter is also a wonderful time to catch the uplifting experience of the Northern Lights, with ribbons of greens, pinks and blues dazzling the night sky in Yukon in north west Canada.

SET FOR SPRING As the country throws off its snowy cape and the temperatures rise as spring arrives, Canada bursts into life and colour.

Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival is a spectacular time to visit the city where you’ll see over 45,000 cherry trees bursting into bloom. Ottawa’s tulip festival is even more colourful with over a million bulbs, gifts from grateful Dutch people for sheltering their royal family during the Second World War. Over in Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, orchards are ablaze with colour during the Apple Blossom Festival and it’s also a wonderful time to catch icebergs sailing down ‘Iceberg Alley’ off the coast of Newfoundland.

A Niagara Falls helicopter flight

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SUMMER SOJOURN With its extended, warm sunny days, summer is the season to make the most of the full range of Canada’s outdoor activities. These might include hiking mountain trails in the Rockies, white-water rafting in the Yukon, kayaking in the Laurentian Mountains in southern Quebec or surfing on Vancouver Island.

The cities are also delightful in this season, so choose to soak up the sun in Vancouver with its eight beaches or watch the world go by from Montreal’s café patios. Head to Calgary in July and the whole city goes cowboy crazy during the rodeo festival, the Calgary Stampede. The summer is also the time to spot bears foraging for berries and to catch huge pods of Beluga whales congregating in Hudson Bay in north eastern Canada.

FANTASTIC FALL The autumn brings blazing autumnal colours to Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes in eastern Canada. This is a rewarding time for wildlife spotting, too. Salmon surge in huge numbers up the rivers of the Pacific Coast, with orca (killer whales) taking advantage of the offshore waters. You’ll also find bears congregating on the river banks of British Columbia. Over on the east coast, September and October are the months to spot humpback and blue whales in the St Lawrence River and polar bears come to play in the arctic town of Churchill in the north. n

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TRAVEL

UNMISSABLE CANADA EXPERIENCES • Jasper Harley-Davidson Tour – discover the natural beauty of the alpine town of Jasper from a Harley-Davidson sidecar in the Canadian Rockies.

• Whale Watch Tour – the waters around Vancouver Island are home to orcas, porpoises, seals and whales. After a seaplane flight, take a three-hour cruise in search of these creatures.

• Niagara Falls Helicopter Flight – take in dramatic aerial views over Niagara Falls. Highlights include the Niagara River, the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge and the Horseshoe Falls.

•Mountain Top Fondue – travel in a luxury heated snowcat along picturesque forest trails to the charming Crystal Hut high on Blackcomb Mountain for a candle-lit fondue dinner.

• Whistler Dogsled Tour – join your musher (dog sled driver) on a thrilling dogsledding tour. Learn to harness the dogs, master the commands and drive your own team.

• Hotel de Glace, Quebec – reconstructed each year from ice and snow, this hotel is an ethereal work of art. The ice rooms are cosy and you’ll be treated to outdoor spas, hot tubs and saunas set beneath the stars.

• Rocky Mountaineer – this trail showcases the wild beauty of western Canada: glistening glacial lakes, soaring snow-capped mountains, roaring river canyons and seemingly endless forests.

The Northern Lights in Yukon, north west Canada

These top spots and tips were compiled with the help of the team of travel experts at Trailfinders. Their travel centre is at 5 Union Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 724 000; trailfinders.com

The Vancouver skyline; inset, Hotel de Glace in Quebec

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BATH | BEER

BEER IN BATH

The days of sipping warm beer on the village green are well gone – nowadays it’s a more sophisticated picture.

Melissa Blease investigates how the craft beer revolution has changed the brewing landscape in Bath

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eaders of a certain, erm, vintage will easily remember the days when beer was just – well, beer: something that men (and for years it was pretty much always men) drank too much of, and a tipple that only very, very few people (that’ll be the real ale connoisseurs, then) really understood much about. But oh, how times have changed. These days, there are as many tasting note superlatives attached to beers, lagers and ales as there are to wine; it’s not unusual to see ‘sophisticated descriptors’ such as creamy, comforting, aromatic, hazy or juicy on a label or tap handle, while all the coolest food menus offer suggested beer flights alongside the traditional grape-based accompaniments.

And so it’s come to pass that, despite all the gloomy news about pub closures and the dominance of massive, commercial breweries, the UK’s most recent Craft Beer Revolution (established roughly circa 2002 when thenchancellor Gordon Brown introduced Progressive Beer Duty, offering tax breaks to brewers below a certain production threshold) reinvigorated traditions, perceptions and drinking habits. According to a recent report from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), we Brits sank 500-million pints of indie brews last year, while craft beer sales increased at double the growth rate reported by the wider market.

Tap rooms attached to small independent breweries have become hip’n’happening, family-friendly hangouts and eclectic neighbourhood bottle rooms have swooped

BELOW, from left: Abbey Ales’ Bellringer tap badge; Tunnel Vision, just one of the beers from Box Steam Brewery; the Electric Bear Brewing Co’s Stout Out to My Hops graphic

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into long since vacated corner shops and newsagents. According to recent statistics from the Campaign for Real Ale, 39% of women choose to drink beer over wine on a regular basis, and increasing numbers of beer company founders and independent brewers are female. Meanwhile, an ever-evolving menu of gluten-free, organic, vegetarian and vegan beers challenged perceptions and conceptions of beer being unhealthy, unethical or downright intolerable. But in Bath, this trend began a very long time ago...

The history of brewing on our doorstep dates back to the time of Ralph Allen, one of the founding fathers of the city, who owned the Bath stone quarries at Combe Down.

Allen established a large brewery at Widcombe in 1736; up until that point most of the beer consumed in the inns and alehouses came from small brewhouses in their backyards. A number of further large breweries began to spring up throughout Bath during the course of the 18th century and, by the end of the Victorian era, Bath had become heavily industrialised and beer was brewed on an industrial scale.

Although we can’t be sure exactly which of Bath’s many traditional pubs is the oldest, the Old Green Tree (Green Street) was built around 1716 on the site of a tree that shaded a bowling green, and The Star Inn (The Vineyards, The Paragon) has 1760s origins.

But whether you choose to sup in a historic haven or a cool, contemporary chill-out zone, many of Bath pubs and bars boast a buoyant range of locally brewed real ales, ciders and craft beers, creating plenty of opportunity for both traditionalists and those who crave new brews alike to raise a glass to Bath’s brewing brouhaha together – and the best of those brews are produced right on our doorstep.

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Bath Ales’ best-selling amber ale, Gem

BATH ALES In the summer of 2016, the independent, family-owned St Austell Brewery bought Bath Ales, which was originally established in Warmley (twixt Bristol and Bath) in 1995.

“We’re eager to make a long-term investment into the Bath Ales brand, pub estate, brewing facilities and people, all of whom share our passion for creating great beer and providing excellent customer service,” said St Austell chief executive James Staughton at the time of the acquisition.

“We’re also committed to bringing the Bath Ales brands to the forefront of the south west market through our free trade business.” Two years on, and Staughton has more than made good on his promise.

In May of this year, Bath Ales’ brand new, totally revamped, super-sophisticated Hare

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BATH | BEER

The microbrewery at Bath Ales’ Graze restaurant in Bath Brewery (on the original Warmley site) was unveiled, incorporating an all-important tap room and shop alongside a dazzling, state-ofthe-art brewery HQ. Needless to say, Bath Ales’ core range of beers – including the company flagship brews such as Gem and both the Wild and Golden Hares – continue to flow. But the four-vessel brew house features 12 new fermenting vessels, has the capacity to produce more than 14.5 million pints a year and has introduced a wider variety of beer styles to the Bath Ales portfolio, including the 5% abv Lansdown IPA, described as “a west coast IPA made with five varieties of hops” and Sulis: “the ultimate English lager.”

Bath Ales’ brews continue to dominate the supping selection at the company’s contemporary flagship ven ture Graze Bath, which is also home to an in-house micro brewery that produces the company’s unique Platform 3 beer as well as small, one-off runs of specialist craft beers and ales. Want more BA? Visit The Salamander (John Street), The Hop Pole (Upper Bristol Road) or The Swan in Swineford – each of them uniquely characterful watering holes that serve Bath Ales’ brews to their very best advantage.

ABBEY ALES Abbey Ales is Bath’s very own brewery, founded in 1997. Many of the finest pubs in the region stock their award-winning flagship brew Bellringer Bitter, and the company itself owns The Star, The Trinity (James Street West), the Assembly Inn (Alfred Street), and Bath’s smallest pub, the Coeur De Lion on Northumberland Place.

ELECTRIC BEAR BREWING CO. Establishing a craft brewery and tap room in Augu st 2015,

Experimental and pilot brews at the Electric Bear Brewing Co’s tap room

The Star Inn, owned by Abbey Ales the Electric Bear Brewing Co have reinvigorated the site of a former maltings on Brassmill Lane. It’s estimated that they have produced over 250,000 pints of beer (from a range of more than 25 labels), many of which have won a clutch of prestigious local, national and international beer awards. Find Electric Bear Co’s imaginatively named brews including Cherry Blackout chocolate-cherry stout, Elemental crystal rye IPA and their very own Jane Austen tribute Persuasion behind many of the best bars in Bath.

BOX STEAM BREWERY Established in Trowbridge (around 13 miles south west of Bath) in 2004, Box Steam Brewery is a family-owned micro-brewery passionate about producing characteristic and distinctive beers.

Named after the magnificent Box Tunnel, the work of 19th-century engineer Brunel, his influence is evident in their ales – in the brewery’s own words, “Brunel was famous for his visions, passion and dedication to quality; values we aim to match every time we brew.” To experience the unique Box Steam Brewery taste, look out for the company’s distinctive labels and tap handles, keeping an eye out in particular for their well-rounded, traditional Tunnel Vision or their spicy and exotic Dark & Handsome. n

SHOP FOR YOUR HOPS INDEPENDENT SPIRIT Bath’s finest emporium of grown-up tipples is the adult version of the most enticing sweet shop you’ve ever visited – and home to Bath’s biggest range of craft beer from producers right on our doorstep and across the globe. Super-friendly, super-informed, super-personal service makes shopping here a super-treat.

7 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN; independentspiritofbath.co.uk BREWED BOY The brainchild of young entrepreneur George White (who already operates a similar outlet in Frome), this tiny little tap bar only opened in July of this year but has already attracted a cult following and earned a big reputation for the array of 70+ craft beers and artisan ciders available to drink in or take away.

Cork Street, Bath BA1 5BX BEERCRAFT OF BATH Browse from a selection of 600+ beers, ales, lagers etc or sip a sample from the ‘On Tap’ range of the week.

3 Argyle Street, Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4BA; beercraftbath.com

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TRISTAN DARBY Columnist Tristan Darby recommends some memorable Australian wines for September

A

ustralia is one of the world’s largest wine-producing countries, geographically and in terms of volume, and one of the most diverse and forward thinking with a broad range of wines that continues to surprise and impress us year on year.

A country with enough room to fit more than 30 United Kingdoms, Australia has a wide variety of soils, climate and topography which helps to create a myriad of different wines. Here’s my pick of a few good bottles worth trying from Great Western Wine.

I love oak-aged whites, with their extra depth, texture and spice.

The problem is when the oak dominates, rather than supports the wine. Enter Howard Park ‘Miamup’ Chardonnay (£15.95, Great Western Wine) from Margaret River in South East Australia near Perth, one of the world’s most geographically isolated wine regions. The region’s maritime climate is similar to that of Bordeaux, and ideal for viticulture, producing over 20% of Australia’s fine wine from its relatively small contribution of just 3% of Australia’s total grape crush. Complex floral, citrus and slight ‘honey-on-brioche’ nose leads the way here, followed by a mouthful of creamy, spiced-peach flavour and a satisfying nutty just-eaten-a-handful-ofcashews texture. There’s just the right amount of oak to give a subtle toasty depth, and with a great price point for the quality it’s well worth stocking up on this as a delicious and appealing alternative to white burgundy.

Try this alongside a posh quiche, or creamy fish or mushroom dishes.

If oaked whites aren’t for you then try the excellent Money Spider Roussanne (£14.50, GWW), a scrumptious unoaked wine with a silky but intense and mouth-filling depth from from the warmer, more Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale South of Adelaide. D’Arenberg planted these Roussanne vines in the mid-1990s, but the first harvest was delayed by a sea of money spiders that covered the vines. Bowing to superstition, the spiders were left alone with the first crop taken the following year in 2001, and the wine named after them. This wine is full of character. Intriguingly aromatic and fruity on the nose, with a rich, textural but dreamy, creamy mouthfeel. Ripe pear and exotic tropical mango fruit flavours are followed up with a touch of spice and a dry refreshing lemony-citrus finish. This would be great with Chinese pork dishes.

Are You Game? Shiraz 2014 (£13.95, GWW) comes from Australia’s Strathbogie Ranges, 70 miles northwest of Melbourne. Situated just north of the Great Dividing Range, the region’s cooler climate and slower ripening period help make elegant, perfumed and well-balanced wines. This fresh and refreshing, endlessly drinkable cool climate Shiraz doesn’t lack in character or depth, and is bursting with raspberry and blackberry fruitiness, a hint of white pepper and vanilla. As the label suggests, the wine is a good match with game food, but it’ll also work well with lamb chops or even burgers. It’s also worth checking out their Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz (£26, GWW). An elegant yet richer, more opulent style with a deserved reputation as one of Australia’s best Shiraz. n Tristan hosts regular wine courses and events at Great Western Wine, visit greatwesternwine.co.uk/events for more information 60 TheBATHMaGazine

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THE US DELICIO GUIDE LOOKING FOR RESTAURANT INSPIRATION? The Delicious Guide to Bath 2018 featuring all our favourite eateries is available online at our website thebathmag.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine

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CITY | PEOPLE

CITYNEWS S.P. GREEN & CO. ARRIVES IN THE CITY S.P. Green & Co jewellers is opening a new shop in Bath. Founded in Birmingham’s famous jewellery quarter in 1979, the company has a wealth of experience and knowledge in jewellery manufacturing. The independently owned family business has four shops and two private workshops, operating within a highly competitive market at the heart of Europe’s largest jewellery manufacturing area. The team specialises in bespoke jewellery, and value for money, quality and excellent service have always been at the centre of what S.P. Green has to offer. spgreen.com

Dorothy House Hospice Care, based in Winsley, Wiltshire, has announced two new senior promotions.

Wayne de Leeuw has been promoted to the joint role of Director of Patient, Family Services and Deputy Chief Executive of Dorothy House, and Ruth Gretton is promoted to Director of Nursing. Wayne was previously Executive Clinical Lead for Community Services at the hospice and Ruth Gretton’s prior role was Executive Clinical Lead Inpatient Services at Dorothy House. The hospice provides free palliative and end-of-life care from early diagnosis onwards. dorothyhouse.org.uk

NEW JEWELLERY AWARD

BOUDAVIDA IN BATH Boudavida is opening its first store in Milsom Place, Bath in September. The activewear brand was created and founded in Somerset. Customers at the new Boudavida store will be able to shop the current spring/summer women’s activewear collection as well as the upcoming autumn/winter range, due to be launched in October. The shop will be open from Monday – Saturday from 10am – 6pm and Sunday from 11am – 4pm. Founder and CEO Anabel Sexton said “We are excited to be opening our first store in the heart of Bath. The Milsom Place location is perfect for creating a personal shopping environment and we’re looking forward to introducing new customers to our activewear brand.” There will be a launch event on 12 September from 10am – 8pm. Customers can enjoy a 20% discount on the launch day, and have an opportunity to win Boudavida clothing and vouchers. boudavida.com

DID YOU KNOW?

SENIOR PROMOTIONS

Nicholas Wylde has won the 2018 UK Jewellery Award for Best Marketing Campaign. The Wylde Treasure Hunt in Bath brought together the Bath high street and more than 30 indie shops. The campaign encouraged excited treasure hunters to visit all areas of Bath in search of hidden Nicholas Wylde designs. nicholaswylde.com

BATH BUSINESS BAROMETER

The next Bath at Twilight Market is 27 September 2018

UPDATE: JULY 2018

provided by

High Street Footfall (Month on month % change)

n Spending on food, drink and leisure activities outperformed other sectors, partly due to shoppers tending to spend less time browsing due to the heat. Linked to the sunshine factor, Barclaycard reported a year on year increase in spending of 17% in pubs, particularly over the period of England’s successful performance at the World Cup. Bath’s footfall went up by 6.3% during July when compared to June, which is a greater than the rest of the UK where footfall went up by 3.3%. A week on week comparison of Bath’s footfall shows an increase of 0.9% for the final week of July 2018 in comparison with 2017, with no change across the rest of the UK. We are encouraging businesses to get involved with the Bath at Twilight evenings to capitalise on increased footfall in the early evening. Based on analysis of the footfall data for the past 16 months across the city there is a difference of +12% at 6-7pm when compared to 9-10am. Will you be in Bath at Twilight?

27th September and 25th October – for more information visitbath.co.uk/twilight.

Bath

+6.3% South West UK

+6.2%

+3.3% Springboard Research Ltd.

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

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

www.oclaccountancy.com

Can companies recover pre-trading expenses including a director’s salary?

It can take a considerable period for a company to begin trading and it can incur a wide range of costs during this time.

There are special tax rules to allow relief for these expenses, to include those incurred up to seven years before trade begins; the expenditure is treated as if incurred on the first day of trade.

The main condition is that the tax relief is only allowable if the related cost would have been tax deductible had trading started.

This is generally straightforward but can be an issue for a director’s salary. HMRC argue that the salary must not be disproportionate to the work done for the business, and have used this approach to refuse a tax deduction for salaries paid to members of a director’s family pre-trading.

Although a director’s role might be different after trade has commenced, it is no less important before trade. Only the director knows what salary can realistically be justified and a challenge from HMRC should be defeated unless the salary is disproportionately high.

However, dividends remain the most tax efficient way to draw funds from the company and so consideration should continue to be given to the level of salary paid; the same approach should be adopted as would be the case after trading has commenced.

The salary might depend on other income but would otherwise typically be free of employer’s and employee’s NI – around £8,424. This level is reduced proportionately for appointment part way through a tax year and so if the director requires more income, it may be best to take a loan which is then repaid after trading has commenced.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Hannah Pettifer or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting.

We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides.

What our clients say:

“We are a small, but very busy, independent restaurant in Bath…We couldn't have reached this stage without the help of OCL. I would thoroughly recommend OCL accountants to any small to medium sized business.”

“We couldn't have reached this stage without the help of OCL. I would thoroughly recommend OCL accountants to any small to medium sized business.”

Why outsourcing HR could benefit SMEs

H

uman resource (HR) departments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not often top of the priority list, with investment diverted to areas that directly support business growth, such as expanding sales teams. But for businesses with established workforces or those growing rapidly, HR is an essential function to maintain employee wellbeing and loyalty as well as reduce the risk of employment claims arising.

An outsourced HR consultant can therefore provide a viable and efficient alternative to a full-time team, with expertise on hand at all times. Being able to draw upon a wealth of experience and detailed knowledge that would normally only be available in a fully-fledged HR department, SMEs can be confident in their HR processes and have access to expert help and guidance when HR issues arise. This is a benefit unique to outsourcing and can provide companies with real value through challenges – allowing them to draw upon a higher level of expertise than they would typically access with a single direct hire.

An external provider also provides flexibility, which is key for growing companies that are keen to control costs whilst securing the right type of help.

For extra peace of mind and reassurance, SMEs should seek an HR consultant supported by employment lawyers, ensuring that all business practices are aligned with legal requirements.

After outsourcing his HR function to Mogers Drewett, David Bennion of silicone firm A. Littlejohn Ltd said: “After working closely together, we have achieved a much-needed change from ‘family’ business to a corporate ‘business’ without losing the family values of caring for our employees as well as customers yet providing a professional service.

We feel comfortable in the knowledge that the advice we received and continue to receive is suitable and appropriate for our employees and business.”

For SMEs, outsourcing their HR department to firms such as Mogers Drewett means they receive a business-focused service that is flexible and efficient - supported with sound legal advice. www.mogersdrewett.com Lucy Cotterell, Human Resources Consultant at Mogers Drewett

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Pettifer on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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FAMILY | EVENTS

FAMILY DIARY IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN THIS MONTH OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm in term time n Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham Children can explore more than 90 acres at Avon Valley. They can climb to the top of the adventure play area and check out the massive towers, all via rope bridges, zip wires, a tunnel slide, tyre bridges and much more. And if the weather is rubbish, there’s an indoor play barn with slides, rope swings, and a toddler village. Tel: 0117 9864929; avonvalley.co.uk TOM THUMB Friday 7 – Monday 10 September, times vary n The egg As Tiny Tom overhears mum and dad talking about leaving him and his six brothers in the forest one night as there’s nothing left to eat, he decides it’s time to take action. Outwitting his parents and the ogre, Tom shows everyone that he may be small but he sure is mighty! Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table, watch as he protects his brothers, finds treasures and makes sure they’ll never be hungry again. Suitable for ages three plus. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children £8, adults £9. Lap seats are available at £1.50.

Tel: 01225 823409; theatreroyal.org.uk MONDAY YEARLINGS Every Monday from 12 September – 22 October, 10.30am – 12pm n The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street Enjoy weekly workshops led by Chrissie Weltike. Held in the cosy gardener’s lodge, parents and pre-school children will play and learn together through songs, stories and creative activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. Celebrate the changing seasons through sensory exploration. Sessions designed for both adults and children to enjoy. Block bookings only. Suitable for 12 – 24 months. Tel: 01225 388568; holburne.org SATURDAY ART CLUB: CHARACTERS IN CLAY Saturday 15 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm n The Holburne Museum As part of the fortnightly workshops for aspiring young artists, explore the gallery of paintings of 18th century people and then create a portrait in clay. Tickets £10. Suitable for five–11 years. Booking is essential. Please note: this is a drop off session.

Tel: 01225 388568; holburne.org

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Pip & Posy and Claude are coming to the Guildhall

DRAGONBIRD: THE ELEPHANT’S CHILD Tuesday 18 – Wednesday 19 September, 10am and 11.15am n The egg Using homemade sets and props to inspire children, the hugely popular Dragonbird Theatre is set to impress. Expect giant nets, silky rivers, singing with Gusto as you find out how the elephant got his trunk. Set sail in the hot air balloon to the great grey-green, greasy limpopo. Suitable for ages 18 months–four years. All tickets £12. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tel: 01225 823409; theatreroyal.org.uk LILY AND THE ALBATROSS Saturday 22 September, 2pm n The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham In a small coastal village there’s a girl who walks to a different rhythm. Lily longs for more. More freedom, excitement and time out at sea. But tradition and expectation holds her dreams out of reach – until one day a special bird flies in and gives her the nudge she needs to truly stretch her wings.

Recommended for ages five plus. Standard ticket £8, cons £7; poundarts.org.uk WILTSHIRE GAME & COUNTRY FAIR Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 September, 10am – 6pm n Bowood House and Gardens Ideal for all the family, enjoy a day out that has something for everyone. Expect traditional countryside pursuits, display teams, a designated World of Dogs arena and national heats for Horseboarding UK

issue 192

Visit the Bowood event site in front of the house. Tel: 01249 812102; bowood.org STORYTIME WITH PADDINGTON Saturday 29 September, 11 – 11.45am n Bath Cricket Club Meet everyone’s favourite bear in this interactive Paddington character storytelling sessions. Discover how he met the Brown family, became friends with Mr Gruber and got to know his new home. Please keep all marmalade sandwiches under your hats at all times! Suitable for ages four and above.

Tickets £6; bathfestivals.org.uk PIP & POSY STORYTELLING Saturday 29 September, 12 – 12.45pm n The Guildhall Created by illustrator of The Gruffalo Axel Schefflet, the adorable Pip and Posy are best of friends – most of the time. Enjoy storytelling fun, activities and a special appearance from Pip and Posy. Suitable for ages three and above. Tickets £6; bathfestivals.org.uk CLAUDE WITH ALEX T. SMITH Sunday 30 September, 10 – 10.45am n The Guildhall Bath-favourite author and illustrator Alex T. Smith introduces the much-loved character of Claude – the extraordinary dog with an extraordinary life. With an exclusive behindthe-scenes view of the making of the new Claude television series that’s now on the Disney Channel. You’ll also learn how to draw him! Suitable for ages five plus. Tickets £6.50; bathfestivals.org.uk

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FAMILY | EVENTS

Tom Thumb at The egg

Learn to sing and dance just like Matilda

MATILDA DANCE WORKSHOP Sunday 30 September, 12 – 1pm n Royal High Junior School Children aged ten – 12 will sing and dance to the music and choreography inspired by the West End musical sensation Matilda. No prior singing or dancing experience required.

Each session closes with a presentation for parents and guardians. Children should wear clothing they can move freely in such as a T-shirt and leggings. Jazz shoes or trainers are ideal. Tickets £15; bathfestivals.org.uk

PETER PAN: NATIONAL THEATRE Sunday 30 September, 2.15pm n Little Theatre Cinema When Peter Pan loses his shadow, Wendy helps to reattached it. She’s then invited to Neverland where Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook awaits. Enjoy a riot of magic, music and makebelieve ensues.

Show duration is 2 hours 50 minutes (including interval). Suitable for all ages (PG). Adults £10, children £8; bathfestivals.org.uk

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT! Monday 1 October, 10 – 10.45am n Bath Central United Reformed Church If you can’t go under it and you can’t go over it, you’ll have to go through it! We’re not scared. Go on a friendly bear hunt and celebrate the classic story suitable for the youngest of readers. Then join in with a crafty session themed around the book and go on a special hunt for the bear himself.

Suitable for ages three plus. Tickets £6; bathfestivals.org.uk

Sarah Wringer KIE Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502 Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

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EDUCATION | DRAMA

MAKING A DRAMA OF IT

Performance is an art. It is also a way of learning – about yourself, about the world and about working with others. Emma Clegg talks to some local educationalists to find out why drama and education are a perfect fit

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES As far back as Ancient Greece, where theatre was a quintessential part of the culture, Plato saw the value of using play in education – he maintained that by organising and structuring children’s games, it was possible to create a sense of rules. He also recognised that play influences the way children develop as adults. Aristotle, too, believed that theatre provided people with a way to release emotions, with drama effective for its emphasis on doing, rather than memorising.

Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget – whose 20thcentury theories on child development are still used in educational theory today – justified dramatic play as important in a child’s social, creative, cognitive, moral and affective development.

DEVELOPING UNDERSTANDING For young children, dramatic play is about self-discovery, being able to explore and experiment for themselves and try out different roles. This allows children to create meanings and to create a sense of order in the world – it also supports language

Aladdin, Year 4, All Hallows Preparatory School

development. This idea of self-discovery through ‘pretending’ applies in equal measure to older age groups taking part in drama at school and can contribute significantly to their education, both in terms of developing good empathetic skills and working together, but also in terms of understanding and learning about the world.

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The study of drama is about so much more than performing – our students learn to be confident, resilient and to work collaboratively

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D

rama is part of the human experience. Indeed observing any young child at play demonstrates how role-playing and make-believe is a natural part of children’s lives, and an important aspect of their development before they even start their formal education.

Hand in hand with dramatic play comes the idea that every person, every character that is adopted, is absolutely unique, and that everyone has a valuable place within the complex patterns of life. This is a crucial awareness as children accustomise themselves to the world around them. As Aristotle noted, drama is also an animated, not a passive, experience – it is about doing, creating and feeling. This gives children empathy and concentration. It also develops the ability to be able to work effectively in a

The Addams Family, All Hallows Preparatory School group and to be able to communicate well.

Sarah Bird, head of drama and theatre studies at King Edward’s explains the school’s approach: “Drama is an exploration of life, the media, ourselves and our relationship with the world around us and with others. It’s considered to be one of the most collaborative of the arts, incorporating a range of skills and giving pupils the chance to explore their diverse interests and passions through performance, whether music, singing, acting, dancing, ICT, audiovisual, film, sound engineering, light design, set construction or costume design.

It is a vital, exciting and inspiring subject that is constantly evolving.

“It really is a delight to watch the pupils discover their own artistic identities and find confidence in voicing their own opinions and ideas about the world through their dramatic endeavours.”

Andrew Psirides, head of performing arts at Saint Gregory’s, highlights the communication skills that are developed: “Drama is for all – the interaction with others, the growth of self esteem, the ability to negotiate and shape ideas and encourage others to do the same. Students learn to read body language and tone of voice and this equips them with the skills to adapt what they think about both the way they are perceived and the way they perceive others.

At Saint Gregory’s, we see first-hand how the performing arts can bond individuals into a wonderful family unit that is supportive and rewarding and this, in turn, creates lasting friendships and memories.”

A SOFT OPTION? For those placing emphasis on high academic achievement for their children, drama has been considered a ‘soft option’, seen as lacking the rigour of other core subjects in the curriculum. But you can’t compare ➲

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EDUCATION | DRAMA

DRAMA AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION The collaborative, group experience of a drama lesson also serves to take the anxiety out of a classroom situation, particularly for those who are underconfident. And for those who are more nervous, it can encourage them to open up and try something new.

Kate Cross, director of the egg theatre in Bath, feels strongly that active participation

St Margaret’s Prep School in theatre can help children as they learn.

Her perspective is that drama can help expression, but it can also help English and maths and history and geography and science – essentially, it can help learning.

Kate says, “I believe in happy learners, children who feel as though they have a voice, their own creativity. They have licence to say and feel what they think and feel. And to find different creative outlets for those feelings and responses in humans. If through the arts and through the theatre children can find that happy space, then maybe all those other targets that schools need to reach will be met, maybe we are going to become better learners, maybe we are going to find maths easier. Because we can express what it is we feel uncomfortable about. Because we find a sense of our own identity.”

Karen Cordon, headmistress at St Margaret’s Preparatory School in Calne, sees

The Crucible, Millfield School

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We always put the pupils participating in our shows at the heart of the creative process, drawing on their ideas and experiences

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biology or Latin or history with drama – it is a different form of learning, and practising drama offers students the sorts of skills that will benefit those of all types of academic potential.

Mrs Catherine Nash, head of drama at Kingswood School, remembers a time when the approach to drama in education was different: “When many parents of secondary school age children were at school themselves, ‘music and movement’ was very much in vogue, so drama meant being a tree or moving around vaguely in time to the melody. At Kingswood, pupils are taught that drama is serious fun and that it teaches transferable skills. The study of drama is about so much more than performing. Our students learn to be confident, resilient and to work collaboratively. They develop communication skills and creativity. These are the skills of the future, and drama is the best way of teaching them.”

Drama now has a high profile in many of our schools, in terms of subject study, the investment in regular school productions, and in the creative use of drama for classroom teaching. We all remember from our schooldays those teachers with charisma, who create drama as they speak and who encourage dramatic interaction as a way of learning – these are the teachers and the lessons that are remembered. This active learning style goes back to the famous Confucious proverb, “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember.

Involve me and I will understand.”

drama in school as offering children essential life skills. “I am a strong believer that much of life is a performance and so it stands to reason that children who have grown up in an environment where they are encouraged to perform in front of an audience of their peers, teachers, parents and family friends are in a strong position when they go out into the wider world.

“They develop the self-assurance that they will take with them into their adult lives.

They go into interviews ready to speak up and are happy to deliver a presentation or a pitch in front of an audience. Children today are brought up on a diet of television programmes that make them think that success can be instantly achievable, with little hard work involved. But music and drama show pupils that you have to practise and rehearse if you want a positive outcome.”

James Baddock, head of English, drama and media at Millfield School, explains how central drama is to the school’s educational ethos: “We pride ourselves on adventurous, risk-taking drama that teaches our pupils invaluable life skills. Our house style is collaborative, and we always put the pupils participating in our shows and other activities at the heart of the creative process, drawing on their ideas and experiences.

Many of our shows entail a lot of ensemble

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EDUCATION | DRAMA

PERFORMING IN PUBLIC Chris Walker from Stonar, talks about the

The Jungle Book, King Edward’s School

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(performed as part of the National Theatre’s ‘Connections’ initiative), Pride and Prejudice, Beauty and the Beast and a contemporary re-imagining of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

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work, which develops such skills as teamwork, resourcefulness and communication. We employ a director in residence whose job is to create exciting opportunities, such as promenade performances, site-specific work, happenings and installations. Many of our pupils have gone on to the world of theatre, both behind and in front of the curtain.”

Chris Walker, head of drama at Stonar School, explains how drama has a strong democratic and social aspect: “Drama is a unifying force. It does not know class or religion. It doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about your gender, ethnicity, confidence, knowledge or even performing ability. One thing I always tell my younger classes is that drama is a social subject. It, quite literally, forces you to interact with people; to speak and to have a discussion, to play, to work together, to provoke, to mediate, to understand and to consider how to communicate with people on every level.”

James Callow, head of drama at All Hallows Preparatory School, explains how drama forms a key part of every educational stage in the pupils’ lives: “At All Hallows, we believe children should be encouraged and given opportun ities to stand on a stage and experience performing in front of others right from the start. Beginning with nativity plays and special assemblies and moving on to year group and class productions, every child has the opportunity to take the limelight on a regular basis. As a result, the children quickly gain confidence in performance, often drawing strength from each other.

“Drama lessons explore concepts such as developing a willingness to embrace selfexpression and creativity to looking at different genres of performance. An enrichment programme allows older pupils to get immersed in every aspect of a major dramatic production from helping with backstage lighting and sound to performing starring roles. Optional speech and drama lessons build on these dramatic skills and allow the pupils to take LAMDA examinations in which our pupils have had outstanding success.”

DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR LIFE Oliver Moore, a year 10 student at the Bath Studio School, has experienced the benefits of studying drama first hand: “Studying drama in schools has given me a confidence boost through collaborating with larger groups of people. It offers us opportunities to develop our imaginations by being able to access a creative curriculum studying subjects such as games development, photography, art and creative media.

“We recently interviewed Emmy awardwinning cinematographer and underwater cameraman, Michael Pitts, who has worked on BBC productions such as Blue Planet. He gave us an insight into presenting from an autocue and how to use body language and eye contact to engage with an audience. I’ve seen how drama helps to develop openminded, confident and forward-thinking pupils and equip students with skills which are transferable for life.” n

Drama is a unifying force.

It does not know class or religion. It doesn’t discriminate value of performing: “Schools build a culture around drama. We forge a bond, a togetherness, from productions. We work together as a company to put on a show that maybe only ever plays once, to a small audience. But the experience of doing that, of feeling like you belong and you made a difference and you told someone a story can be life-altering for a child. Drama is all about make-believe, but principally, it is about making children believe in themselves.

Andrew Psirides from St Gregory’s explains how pupils change through their experience of drama: “It is as much of a delight to see a student blossom by being brave enough to share their first piece of work as it is to see an accomplished and confident performer deliver Shakespeare.”

Many schools are increasingly taking on an ambitious programme of productions. King Edward’s Senior School, for example, has recently seen pupils tackle a diverse range of plays, including Carl Grose’s Gargantua

Contacts and further information about all the schools mentioned here is included in the next section of the magazine.

Stonar School

St Gregory’s School

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THE BATH MAGAZINE’s GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

OPEN DAY DIARY

ALL HALLOWS PREP

October Dates All Hallows Prep School www.allhallowsschool.co.uk Open Morning – Saturday 6 Oct. 9.30am – 12.00pm

September Dates

Bath College

Beechen Cliff School www.beechencliff.org.uk Prospective Parents Evening – Tuesday 18 Sept.

6.00pm – 8.30pm Open Morning – Thursday 27 Sept.

9.00am – 12.00pm

Hayesfield School www.hayesfield.com Open Evening – Tuesday 18 Sept.

6.00pm – 8.30pm Open Morning – Friday 21 Sept.

9.00am – 12.00pm

www.bathcollege.ac.uk Open Morning – Saturday 20 Oct. 10.00am – 1.00pm (City Centre Campus) Open Evening – Thursday 11 Oct. 4.00pm – 8.00pm (Somer Valley Campus)

Cranmore Hall, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4SF. Tel: 01749 881600 www.allhallowsschool.co.uk info@allhallowsschool.co.uk

Beechen Cliff School www.beechencliff.org.uk Sixth Form Open Morning – Saturday 13 Oct. 9.00am – 1.00pm

Hayesfield School www.hayesfield.com Open Afternoon – Thursday 11 Oct. 1.30pm – 4.00pm

Open Morning: Saturday 6th October, visitors welcome at all times by appointment Age of pupils: 3 - 13 years Number of pupils: 265 approx

Monkton School

King Edward’s School

Day fees: Nursery £49 per day, Day: £2,650 to £5,135 Boarding: £6,800 to £7,785 per term

www.monktoncombeschool.com Senior School Open Morning – Saturday 15 Sept. 10.00am – 1.00pm

www.kesbath.com Sixth Form Open Evening – Friday 12 Oct. Senior, Junior, Pre-Prep Open Morning – Saturday 13 Oct.

Religious denomination: Christian in the Catholic tradition welcoming all faiths and none.

Oldfield School

Kingswood School

www.oldfieldschool.com Open Evening – Wednesday 26 Sept.

6.00 pm – 8.00pm Open Morning – Friday 28 Sept.

9.00am – 10.30am

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Prep School Open Morning – Thursday 4 Oct. 10.00am – 12.00pm Senior School Open Morning – Saturday 6 Oct. 9.00am – 12.00pm

Prior Park College

Millfield School

www.priorparkcollege.com Open Morning – Saturday 29 Sept.

From 9.30am

www.millfieldschool.com Open Day – Saturday 6 Oct.

Monkton School

St. Gregory’s School

www.monktoncombeschool.com Pre-Prep Open Morning – Saturday 6 Oct. 9.30am – 12.00pm

www.st–gregorys.org.uk Open Evening – Thursday 20 Sept.

6.30pm – 9.00pm

Oldfield School www.oldfieldschool.com Open Morning – Monday 1 Oct. 9.00am – 10.30am

St. Mark’s School www.st–marks.org.uk Open Evening – Thursday 20 Sept.

6.30pm – 8.30pm Open Morning – Wednesday 26 Sept.

9.00am – 11.00am

St. Gregory’s School www.st–gregorys.org.uk Open Morning – Tuesday 9 Oct. 9.15am – 10.45am Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 25 Oct. 6.30pm – 9.00pm

Stonar www.stonarschool.com Open Morning – Saturday 22 Sept.

St. Margaret’s Preparatory School

The Bath Studio School

www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk Open Morning – Thursday 11 Oct.

www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk Open Evening – Wednesday 26 Sept.

5.30pm – 7.30pm

St. Mark’s School

The Royal High School www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Sixth Form Open Evening – Wednesday 26 Sept.

5.00 pm – 8.00pm Senior School Open Day – Saturday 22 Sept.

10.00am – 12.00pm Junior School Open Day – Friday 21 Sept.

10.00am – 3.00pm A level / IB Evening – Tuesday 18 Sept.

6.45pm – 9.00pm

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www.st–marks.org.uk Open Morning – Friday 5 Oct. 9.00am – 11.00am New 6th Open Evening – Thursday 25 Oct 6.30pm – 9.00pm

The Bath Studio School www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk Open Morning – Saturday 20 Oct. 10.00am – 1.00pm

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The curriculum: Younger children enjoy an exciting, hands-on, thematic-based curriculum including Forest School in the school’s extensive onsite woodland. Further up the school, the children work towards 13+ CE, or scholarship, and finish with a post-exam programme second to none, ensuring they are truly prepared for life at senior school.

Extra curricular activities: Opportunities for creative design, art, music, drama and sport are outstanding as demonstrated by the children’s success at Year 8. Games and sport play an integral role and we hope to instil a love of taking exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Pastoral care: First and foremost, we set out to ensure that our pupils are happy, healthy and well supported to meet the numerous and varied challenges that their childhood will throw at them. Whilst we cannot predict the future, we support each child according to their individual need. Action-packed evening and weekend programmes ensure our boarders always have plenty to do in the company of their friends. Full, weekly and our hugely popular flexi boarding options are available to help parents manage busy lives.

Name of principal: Dr Trevor Richards CPsychol Outstanding characteristics: At All Hallows we believe we are doing something very distinctive and as a result, our pupils are achieving superb outcomes. This year, 65% of Year 8 pupils gained a scholarship or award – remarkable for a non-selective school.

Ensuring our children’s happiness and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and our pupils feel they belong.

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BATH COLLEGE

BEECHEN CLIFF SCHOOL

CALDER HOUSE

City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath, BA1 1UP Somer Valley Campus, South Hill Park, Wells Road, Radstock, BA3 3RW Autumn term: 4 September - 14 December 2018 Spring term: 3 January - 5 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 28 June 2019 Age of pupils: 16+ years Number of pupils: 3000 full-time Day fees: N/A

Kipling Avenue, Bath, BA2 4RE Tel: 01225 480466 www.beechencliff.org.uk Twitter: @BeechenCliff

Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: At Bath College, we provide vocational and academic courses in a wide range of subjects and we can help you to find a suitable course to make sure you have the knowledge and skills for your chosen career.

As the largest provider of apprenticeships in Bath, we also offer excellent opportunities for young people to earn and learn on the job.

Our City Centre Campus gives students the opportunity to be in the middle of Bath.

Courses available include Art, Textiles, Graphic Design, Photography, Accounting, Business, Hospitality and Catering, Hair and Beauty, Complementary Therapy, Floristry, Health and Social Care, Early Years, Childcare, IT, Media, Music, Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism, Uniformed Public Services and Sport.

At our Somer Valley Campus, based in the Radstock, students study Animal care, Veterinary nursing, Horticulture, Painting & Decorating, Engineering and Motor Vehicle Maintenance. It is home to the Somer Construction Centre which caters for 500 students and apprentices studying Bricklaying, Construction, Carpentry, Stonemasonry, Plumbing, Electrical Installation and Refrigeration. Somer Valley also has an excellent range of Foundation Learning Programmes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Extra curricular activities: College is so much more than just the course. With a fantastic SU organising events and a large number of societies and opportunities, for example Bath City Football Academy, there is always something extra-curricular to get involved with.

Pastoral care: Student support is at the heart of Bath College. There is a pro-active Welfare team that are approachable and accessible. All students also have a personal tutor to guide them in their studies and advise them on progression.

Name of principal: Laurel Penrose Outstanding characteristics: Graded Good by Ofsted, inspectors were impressed with the high-quality, industry-standard facilities spread across both campuses. The College offers an adult learning environment, where students are taught by industry experts in their field.

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Autumn term: 3 September - 21 October 2018 Christmas term: 8 November - 21 December 2019 Winter term: 7 January - 15 February 2019 Easter term: 25 February - 5 March 2019 Spring term: 23 April - 24 May 2019 Summer term: 3 June - 17 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 1,300 (boys in lower school and large mixed Sixth Form)

Thickwood Lane, Colerne, Wiltshire, SN14 8BN Tel: 01225 743566 www.CalderHouseSchool.co.uk Enquiries@CalderHouseSchool.co.uk Autumn term: 10 September - 18 December 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 4 April 2019 Summer term: 25 April - 19 July 2019 Age of pupils: 6 - 13 years Number of pupils: 48

Boarding Fees: None £10,000 per annum

Day fees: £5,925 per term (£17,775 per year) includes all remedial support required to meet each pupil’s individual needs.

Religious denomination: None

Religious denomination: Non-denominational

The curriculum: This popular, distinctive and high-achieving school offers an exceptional allround education.

The vibrant and unpretentiously academic curriculum of predominantly GCSEs and A Levels includes the Extended Project Qualification and enviable super curricular programme.

The curriculum: Calder House is a small, coeducational day school for pupils who, for various reasons, are out of step with their potential. We offer a friendly, non-competitive environment in which children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning/language difficulties are encouraged to enjoy school while developing the skills they need to successfully return to mainstream education. Our average class size is eight with a staff to pupil ratio of one to four.

Extra curricular activities: A large part of success at Beechen Cliff is the huge range of extracurricular activities including shooting, climbing, debating, musical theatre, CCF, Model United Nations, various music ensembles, Duke of Edinburgh, robotics, F1 etc etc.

Pastoral care: A large part of success at Beechen Cliff is the huge range of extra-curricular activities including shooting, climbing, debating, musical theatre, CCF, Model United Nations, various music ensembles, Duke of Edinburgh, robotics, F1 etc etc.

Name of headmaster: Mr Andrew Davies Outstanding characteristics: Home to the academy programmes of both Southampton FC and Bath Rugby, the school also has a popular boarding house. We are heavily over-subscribed in the lower school and Sixth Form. Whilst we are amongst the strongest in the region for academic achievement, our view of education is embedded in celebrating all aspects of success and endeavor. For example, the legendary Beechen Cliff challenges are part of our mission to develop character - designed to take students out of their comfort zones into realms that challenge body and mind. The challenges include: Centurion Challenge (100 miles in 48 hours), Ten Tors (hike of up to 55 miles across Dartmoor), Three Peaks, Coast to Coast Cycle ride (100 miles in a day) and Duke of Edinburgh.

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Name of Headteacher: Mrs Karen Parsons A specialist approach: We offer a whole-school approach to specialist education – one which delivers a carefully structured programme of one-to-one support within a normal school environment.

A typical pupil: • arrives with an unmeasurable reading age or one that is more than two years behind their chonological age • spends just over two years at Calder House • leaves with a reading age appropriate for their chronological age or (in the case of one in three pupils) an adult reading age • sucessfully returns to mainstream education

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HAYESFIELD GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Upper Oldfield Park, Brougham Hayes, Bath, BA2 3QU. Tel: 01225 426151 www.hayesfield.com Autumn term: 5 September - 21 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 5 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 19 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 16 years girls, 16 - 18 years co-educational Number of pupils: 1,337 Day fees: N/A Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: The innovative approach to curriculum design allows the school to offer a range of stimulating learning opportunities which support the development of good habits of learning, independence of thought, intellectual curiosity, creativity and resilience. Option choices at GCSE include two languages, Latin, Dance and Economics. There is an outstanding range of 30 A Level and vocational courses in the outstanding Sixth Form (Ofsted March 2017).

Extra curricular activities: All students participate in the school’s “LEAP” after-school enrichment programme. There is something for everyone – debating drama, wind band, choirs, Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze, Silver and Gold) as well as a huge range of both competitive and social sports teams. Hayesfield is also very proud of its thriving Navy CCF contingent, which is active and prominent in school life.

Pastoral care: There is a strong belief in traditional values at Hayesfield; we set high standards in our work, conduct and appearance. We place emphasis on developing the skills and values that will enable our pupils to become thinking, informed and confident adults who will be able to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Each tutor group belongs to a House, each named after an influential woman which allows students to form friendships across the school community.

Name of principal: Ms Emma Yates Outstanding characteristics: Hayesfield provides an inspirational learning environment where our ‘inclusive ethos and clear direction sets high expectations for teaching and learning’ (Ofsted, March 2017). Hayesfield girls are ‘confident, self assured learners with exemplary behaviour’ (Ofsted, March 2017) and are encouraged to achieve their ambitions! The mixed Sixth Form’s 16-19 study programme have been rated as Outstanding (Ofsted, March 2017).

‘Students achieve well across the full range of subjects as a result of outstanding teaching and the strong leadership of the Sixth Form’.

KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL

King Edward’s Junior School, North Road, Bath BA2 6JA; King Edward’s Pre-Prep & Nursery School, Weston Lane, Bath BA1 4AQ Junior School: 01225 463218; Pre-Prep & Nursery: 01225 421681; Admissions: 01225 820399 www.kesbath.com; Twitter: @KESBath; Facebook: kesbath; Instagram: kes_bath Autumn term: 5 September - 14 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 3 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 10 July 2019 Age of pupils: 3 - 11 Number of pupils: Junior School 210 & Pre-Prep 85 Day Fees (Per Term): Junior School £3,750; Pre-Prep £3,385; Nursery £2,790 The curriculum: The Pre-Prep and Nursery follow an enhanced version of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the national curriculum.

The school offers specialist teaching in DT, Art, Music, French and Dance. Pupil’s also enjoy weekly forest school sessions.

At the Junior School, the children study a broad curriculum, enhanced by a wide and varied enrichment programme.

The school has high asperations for its pupils in all aspects of school life, with a strong emphasis on each individual’s needs and capabilities, to ensure that each child develops into a well-rounded, happy, caring and active participant in society in later life.

Extra curricular activities: The Junior School and Pre-Prep co-curricular programme is varied, broad and interesting, creating opportunities for the children to increase their knowledge, to pursue their interests and talents or simply to try something new, helping with each child’s allround development.

Recent enhancements to outdoor facilities include purpose-built dipping ponds and the development of an Activity Trail at the Junior School, whilst at the Pre-Prep, the school will see the completion of an Environmental Area and sports pitch in the Autumn Name of Head teachers: Ms Jayne Gilbert (PrePrep and Nursery); Mr Greg Taylor (Junior) Outstanding characteristics: Awarded ‘excellent’ in every category in the most recent whole school ISI report. Good Schools Guide noted that ‘KES feels like a happy school’.

KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL

King Edward’s Senior School, North Road, Bath BA2 6HU; Main Reception: 01225 464313; Admissions: 01225 820399 www.kesbath.com; Twitter: @KESBath; Facebook: kesbath; Instagram: kes_bath Autumn term: 5 September - 14 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 3 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 10 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 Number of pupils: Senior School 820 Day Fees (Per Term): Sixth Form £4,825; Senior School £4,745 The curriculum: Every individual is encouraged to strive for excellence and to acquire a lifelong passion for knowledge, discovery, adventure, creativity and culture. There is a wide breadth of offering in the academic curriculum at both GCSE and A Level.

Extra curricular activities: Pupils’ educational experience is enhanced by an extensive programme of activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Ten Tors, Combined Cadet Force, sports, drama and music which has links with Bath Abbey and Bath Philharmonia Orchestra. In addition, there are over 100 lunchtime and after-school recreational clubs, including creative writing, the Environmental Action Group and the Model United Nations.

This Autumn, the school will open its newest facility, a purpose-built Drama Centre.

Pastoral care: The school’s most recent ISI report found the quality of pastoral care, support and guidance to be ‘excellent’. This was echoed by The Good Schools Guide who stated ‘Everything is directed towards the wellbeing of pupils. No wonder they enjoy their education and do so well in it.’ 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: Awarded ‘excellent’ in every category in the most recent whole school ISI report. ‘The school’s extra-curricular provision is outstanding.’ ISI report.

King Edward’s was ranked as one of the top five performing schools in the South West for its outstanding A Level and GCSE results in The Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power Survey 2018.

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KINGSWOOD PREP SCHOOL

KINGSWOOD SCHOOL

Lansdown, Bath, BA1 5SD Tel: 01225 734460 Email kps-admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk/prep

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

MILLFIELD

Millfield, Street, Somerset BA16 0YD Tel: 01458 444296 Email: admissions@millfieldschool.com

Open Days: Nursery and Prep School Open Morning: Thursday 4 October, 10.00am - 12.00pm

Open Days: Sixth Form: Thur 27 September, 6.30pm – 9.00pm Senior: Sat 6 October, 9.00am – 12.00pm

Age of pupils: 9 months - 11 years Number of pupils: 321 Day fees: Nursery fees from £160 per week, Prep day fees from £3334 per term and Prep boarding fees from £6603 per term.

Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 777 Day fees: Senior £5,061 and boarding £7,956 per term

The curriculum: Kingswood Prep School is a coeducational school for pupils aged 9 months -11 years, with boarding from 7-years-old.

Kingswood Prep School and our brand new Nursery, The Garden At Kingswood, offer an inclusive, extended family day and boarding community which balance academic rigour, and real objectives for all pupils with the outstanding pastoral care for which Kingswood is known.

Learning-friendly classrooms cultivate curious, confident and independent learners.

Co-curricular activities: As well as academic enrichment, there are hundreds of places within the School’s Activities Programme which focuses on Music, Drama, Sport, Design Technology and Art, as well as offer more diverse activities that ignite a spark in a child, increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem.

The curriculum: Kingswood Senior School is a co-educational school for pupils aged 11-18 years which offers an inclusive, extended family day and boarding community, free of pretension and balancing academic rigour, strength in the arts and sport, traditional values and outstanding pastoral care with a forward thinking, can-do attitude.

Co-curricular activities: There are over 100 extra-curricular activities available to all pupils both during the week and at weekends.

Outdoor pursuits, Model United Nations, fashion and textiles, climbing, script writing or jazz, there is something for everyone. Creative, sporting and musical activities are positively encouraged and valued as Kingswood believes all round education is vital for young people in preparing them for life beyond school.

Pastoral care: Pastoral care is central to everything staff do at Kingswood Prep School and it both supports and defines the School’s holistic approach towards education. Kingswood Prep School is child-centred and this framework drives the School’s motivation to find and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, ensuring that children feel good about themselves, recognise their strengths and constantly develop any areas that they find challenging.

Pastoral care: Kingswood was ranked outstanding in every area of its latest inspection and relationships between staff and pupils are highly regarded by parents. Each senior pupil has a personal tutor who mentors them, assists with each tutee’s independent learning plan and helps set personal targets as well as offering support to enable pupils to achieve their aims.

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

Name of headmaster: Mr Mark Brearey

Name of headmaster: Mr Simon Morris

Outstanding characteristics: At Kingswood Prep School, pupils benefit from outstanding teachers and Early Years Practitioners, fantastic cocurricular opportunities and a strong sense of community. Ambitious and determined, pupils at Kingswood are genuine with a strong conscience. An intelligent and outward looking school that provides excellent value for money and an outstanding education.

Outstanding characteristics: Kingswood offers it all – great academics, real focus on sport and the arts, lots of co-curricular and a strong sense of community for both day and pupils and boarders. Ambitious and determined, pupils at Kingswood are genuine with a strong conscience. An intelligent and outward looking school that provides excellent value for money and an outstanding education.

Autumn term: 3 September - 7 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 29 March 2019 Summer term: 24 April - 28 June 2019 Age of pupils: 13 - 18 years Number of pupils: 1,245 Fees per term: Senior Boarding: £12,870 Senior Day: £8,535 Religious denomination: Inter-denominational The curriculum: Millfield is an innovative school which frequently takes the lead in educational development. Class sizes are small and rarely exceed 16, which allows teachers to focus on each individual. Millfield offers an exceptionally wide selection of courses; at Year 11 we offer 24 GCSEs and 3 BTECs and at Sixth Form, 29 subjects at A level as well as 6 BTECs and the Extended Project Qualification.

Millfield delivers an inspiring academic enrichment programme which includes lectures, external competitions and debating.

All pupils receive excellent guidance to support diverse university applications, including to the USA, alongside degree apprenticeships and work placements.

Extra curricular activities: Whilst Millfield is renowned for sport, we also offer a vibrant creative arts programme with an exceptional Music School, dance, art and drama.

Pastoral care: As a boarding and day school, we see the pastoral care and needs of children as central to their success and personal development. On a day to day basis, Housemasters or Housemistresses have overarching responsibility for the academic and pastoral life of the boys or girls under their care.

Boarding is full boarding only in girl or boy houses, with Year 9s having their own Year 9 houses to assist in settling in in their first year.

Name of principal: Mr Gavin Horgan

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Outstanding characteristics: Our strength has always been based around the belief that every child is individual and to enable them to reach their personal best. Our world-class resources and facilities mean that pupils are provided with numerous opportunities to discover their interests, be it in the classroom, the concert hall or on the sports field.

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MILLFIELD PREP SCHOOL

MONKTON PRE-PREP AND PREP SCHOOL Church Road, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 7ET Tel: 01225 831202 www.monktoncombeschool.com Autumn term: 3 September - 12 December 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 29 March 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 6 July 2019

Millfield Prep, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8LD Tel: 01458 832446 Email: admissions@millfieldprep.com Autumn term: 3 September - 7 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 29 March 2019 Summer term: 24 April - 28 June 2019 Age of pupils: 2 - 13 years Number of pupils: 450 Fees per term: Day - £2,835-£6,235 Boarding - £9,460 Occasional Boarding - £59 per night Religious denomination: Inter-denominational The curriculum: From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils are taught the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a topic based inquiry-led curriculum focusing on global themes and independent learning. From Year 6 onwards pupils have specialist subject teachers. Millfield Prep offers a broad and balanced curriculum including French, Spanish and Latin, Design Technology and Food Technology. Class sizes rarely exceed 16.

Extra curricular activities: Millfield Prep offers 25 sports, art, pottery, music and drama, alongside over 130 clubs which are nearly all free. Popular clubs include bushcraft, chess, clay shooting, climbing, fencing, golf, kit car, Mandarin, sailing and trampolining.

Pastoral care: We put pastoral care at the heart of the school with an approach that involves all staff. Healthy eating is important to us, alongside wellbeing and medical care.

Our inspection report and parents rate our boarding provision as ‘excellent’. We have 120 full time boarders from over 20 nationalities and also offer occasional and flexi-boarding options. Boarders live in five homely and spacious houses – three boys’ houses and two girls’ houses. They enjoy a busy programme of weekday evening and weekend activities, including trips to Bristol, amusement parks, the seaside, theatre and cinema and plenty of space on campus to explore, use the pool, play tennis or go karting.

Name of principal: Mrs Shirley Shayler Outstanding characteristics: Millfield Prep’s strength lies in the belief that every child is an individual. With world class facilities and resources, we aim to give every child the maximum opportunity to find their individual strengths and aim for excellence. Our outstanding facilities include an equestrian centre, an art and design centre, music school, recital hall, golf course, 25m indoor pool, and tennis courts.

Age of pupils: 2 - 13 years Number of pupils: 325 Fees (per term): Day Pre-Prep (aged 2 - 7): £3,245 – £3,340 Day Prep (aged 7 - 13): £3,920 – £5,710 Boarding Prep (aged 7 - 13): £7,290 – £8,230 The curriculum: At Monkton Pre-Prep we help children to make the transition from home to school as gentle as possible. We firmly believe that close relationships between parents, staff and children are vital. Our brand new building provides a stimulating child-centered curriculum in a safe and vibrant learning environment with outdoor learning integrated into the day to day activities of our children’s learning.

As pupils move up to Monkton Prep, they are encouraged to strive for academic excellence whilst developing a love of learning. Our independent status allows our staff to maintain flexibility to choose new developments in education while preserving traditional standards.

In the Prep School the syllabus in each subject is aimed at the requirements of National Curriculum up to the end of Year 6, and also the Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations at 13+.

Extra curricular activities: Monkton aims to inspire confidence and a ‘give it a go’ attitude to its pupils, and we are continually trying to develop the after-school activities programme to give each child a chance to experience something different, or to pursue excellence.

Pastoral care: The happiness and well-being of each child is central to what we do. Monkton thinks differently. We start with a proactive pastoral environment to develop academically strong learners within a living Christian ethos.

Name of Head: Head of Pre-Prep: Mrs Catherine Winchcombe Head of Prep: Mr Martin Davis Outstanding characteristics: Monkton Pre-Prep and Prep School are located on a 30 acre site just 1 mile from the center of Bath. This ample space and fantastic facilities on site ensures every child find their inspiration. Monkton inspires young people to become confident, kind and ambitious adults who live fulfilling lives.

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MONKTON SENIOR SCHOOL

OLDFIELD SCHOOL Kelston Road, Bath, BA1 9AB. Tel: 01225 423582 www.oldfieldschool.com enquiries@oldfieldschool.com

Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG Tel: 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com Autumn term: 3 September - 12 December 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 29 March 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 6 July 2019 Number of pupils: 375 Day fees: £6,630 – £6,970 Boarding Fees: £9,830 – £11,115 The curriculum: As Monkton's outstanding exam results over the last few years demonstrate, inspiring academic ambition is one of our key priorities. Our students work hard and are well motivated. They are supported and encouraged through the care and enthusiasm of our teachers, who are committed to delivering lessons that are lively and enjoyable, as well as rigorous and demanding.

Extra curricular activities: The wide range of activities, clubs and societies available enable each pupil to find areas of enjoyment that both motivate and give them confidence. However, the thinking and planning behind our diverse programme goes beyond the activities themselves. Whilst we hope to inspire the next Olympic rower, poet laureate or national fencing champion, we also use our activity programme to teach our pupils the skills they need for life and the characteristics necessary for today's working environment

Pastoral care: Monkton thinks differently. We start with a proactive pastoral environment, ensuring every one of our students knows and fully understands themselves, everything else if built from that and, as our outstanding exam results over the last few years demonstrate, our approach works.

Name of Principal: Mr Chris Wheeler Outstanding characteristics: Monkton is a deliberately smaller school which enables us to consider each of our pupils as individuals. First and foremost we focus on how much a child knows about or understands themselves; everything else is built from that.

Autumn term: 3 September - 21 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 5 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 19 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years boys and girls Number of pupils: 1,100 The curriculum: Oldfield has a broad and balanced curriculum delivered through six learning areas. In Years 7 to 9 the curriculum broadly follows the National Curriculum. We offer over 25 subjects at A Level and students usually study 10 or 11subjects at GCSE Extra-curricular activities: We believe a vibrant and wide ranging extra-curricular and enrichment programme is an essential part of personal development. We aim to encourage participation from all of our students. Extracurricular activities include debating society, language clubs, drama, and music clubs including glee club, choir and ukele. Sports clubs include; netball, football, boys and girls rugby, athletics, dance, cross country, badminton, basketball, tennis, and cricket. Residential and day trips are also seen as an important part of our students’ educational lives, with trips to Barcelona, Ardeche and Mimosa, Moscow, Belgium, Dorset, and a week-long Activities Week with all students participating in a wide variety of activities here and abroad.

Pastoral care: Seeing students as individual learners and promoting a fully-rounded education is at the heart of what we aim to achieve. We work in partnership with students and parents to raise students’ expectations and standards of achievement in a caring, secure and supportive environment. Each student is supported by a tutor who will monitor their group’s attendance, celebrate their achievements and raise any concerns. There is a Year 7 evening in September for parents to meet the tutors and members of staff. Tutors remain with their tutor groups throughout their life at Oldfield, enabling them to support them throughout their school life.

Name of headteacher: Mr Steven Mackay Outstanding characteristics: We provide an exceptional education in an environment that challenges all students and fosters ambition. Our students have respect for themselves, each other and their school and are well-prepared to face the world as compassionate, confident and resilient young people. The behaviour and conduct of our students is excellent. We recognise and reward good work and behaviour. The principles underlying this policy are based on respect – for self, for others and for the environment.

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PRIOR PARK COLLEGE

SHELDON SCHOOL SIXTH FORM

THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL

Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6HJ Telephone: 01249 766036 (Sixth Form Office) www.sheldonschool.co.uk sixthform@sheldonschool.co.uk

The Royal High School Bath, GDST Tel: 01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

Day fees: Nursery - £3,315, Junior - £3,493 Day (Yrs 7-13) – £4,503 - £4,700 Full Boarding (Yrs 7-13) - £9,797 - £10,298 Weekly Boarding available

Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH Tel: 01225 835353 Website: www.priorparkschools.com Email: admissions@priorparkschools.com

Religious denomination: Multi faith

Autumn term: 5 September - 14 December 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 4 April 2019 Summer term: 29 April - 6 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 618

Autumn term: 4 September - 21 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 5 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 19 July 2019

Fees: Day, Years 7&8: £5,000 per term Day, Years 9-11: £5,585 per term Day, Sixth Form: £5,665 per term Junior weekly boarding: £6,915 per term, junior full boarding: £7,835 Weekly Boarding: £8,500 per term, full boarding: £10,315 per term International boarding: £10,700 per term

Number of pupils: 380

Religious denomination: Catholic, but all faiths welcome.

The curriculum: Prior Park College offers a broad but balanced curriculum, allowing every child to find their talent. The College offers 26 A-level subjects while students study 10 or 11 GCSE subjects. The College prides itself on the very strong teacher/student partnerships based on mutual respect and commitment to learning.

Extra curricular activities: The College has outstanding facilities including a Sports’ Centre, Art and Design Faculty and Sixth Form Centre.

An impressive number of music and drama productions are held in the Julian Slade Theatre and John Wood Chapel. Our Daily Activities programme features over 60 activities ranging from CCF to Sci-Fi club. Saturday Active runs throughout term time and offers over 25 courses to choose from, including computer programming, sailing, street dance and golf.

Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Care programme is classed as outstanding and aims to provide pastoral care of an encouraging, supportive and disciplined nature. All pupils are members of a House where Housemasters and Housemistresses, supported by a dedicated group of tutors, address the needs of their students.

Age of pupils: 16 - 18

The curriculum: Sheldon School Sixth Form is the largest in Wiltshire, offering 40 A Level subjects and vocational courses. Most students take 4 subjects in Year 12 and 3 in Year 13.

Many subjects have more than one teaching group, making timetabling more flexible than in most Sixth Forms. The school enjoys an excellent learning environment including a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre.

Extra curricular activities: There are lots of opportunities for Sixth Form students to involve themselves in sport, charity work, performing arts, clubs, social activities Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh and a very wide range of trips and visits. Many Sixth Form students mentor younger pupils, while others take part in the annual Leavers’ Expedition.

Pastoral care: The Pastoral care programme is classed as outstanding, with the Head of Sixth Form supported by two Year Heads and a team of 20 tutors and other staff. Tutor groups are paired to encourage Year 13 students to support those new to A level study.

Head of Sixth Form: Mr Eugene Spiers Outstanding characteristics: Sheldon Sixth Form is justly proud of our consistently strong A level results and wide-ranging Sixth Form package, aimed at developing confident and happy young adults. This includes one-to-one pastoral and subject support.

Name of principal: Mr James Murphy-O’Connor, MA Oxon Outstanding characteristics: A happy, purposeful, high-achieving community which aims to develop as fully as possible the many talents of each boy and girl, to ensure an education of the whole person.

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Autumn term: 5/6 September - 14 December 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 5 April 2019 Summer term: 24 April - 11 July 2019 Age of pupils: 3 - 18 years Number of pupils: 615

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The curriculum: The challenging curriculum promotes intellectual rigour, creative enquiry and critical thinking to ensure that girls will lead, serve and shape the world positively, now and in the future. With excellent academic results, the young women become well-educated, wellrounded and well-balanced, able to navigate a global, multi-cultural, technology-driven world, successfully.

Extra curricular activities: Our girls love to get involved in just about everything! It’s all about having a go and our encyclopedic list of clubs and activities, some at lunchtime and many after school, is growing all the time. Whether it's fencing or French, swimming or science club, debating or digital photography, we always strongly encourage the girls to take up one or two activities, to develop a passion, to jump in and try something completely new, to meet a challenge, to have fun and to make another set of friends.

Pastoral care: Pastoral care and academic development go hand in hand. The school knows that girls perform best when they are happy and secure, so the caring and supportive community gives girls a real sense of belonging.

The school recognise the pressures, uncertainties and challenges moving from childhood to adulthood, so if girls have any worries at all, there is always someone qualified to talk to. Or sometimes a friendly chat and cup of tea is just the ticket, someone is always there.

Name of Head: Mrs Jo Duncan Outstanding characteristics: The school is a hugely successful mix of day and boarding girls, a happy, thriving community free from stereotypes. The girls build confidence and high self-esteem, while fostering qualities such as courage, loyalty, compassion and integrity. The Royal High School is proud to be part of The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) which has 25 UK schools and academies.

It is an innovative, high-achieving school that provides a wonderful environment for girls to excel academically, thrive emotionally and develop socially. Cranwell House, The Royal High Junior School, is a beautiful school with a dynamic, girlfocused curriculum and opportunities for outdoor learning focused on ecology and conservation. Girls develop a deeper understanding of everything they study, to help them to see the connections within and between disciplines, to grapple with complex ideas, to develop a flexible and creative mindset, and to enjoy their studies. A great education lays the foundation for life-long learning.

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ST GREGORY’S SCHOOL

ST MARGARET’S PREP SCHOOL

ST MARK’S SCHOOL, BATH

Saint Gregory’s Catholic College Combe Hay Lane, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 8PA Tel: 01225 832873 www.st-gregorys.org.uk

Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0DF Tel: 01249 857220 Email: office@stmargaretsprep.org.uk www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk

Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6ND Tel: 01225 312661 info@st-marks.org.uk www.st-marks.org.uk

Autumn term: 4 September - 12 December 2018 Winter term: 8 January - 28 March 2019 Summer term: 24 April - 10 July 2019 Age of pupils: 3 - 18 years

Autumn term: 3 September - 21 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 5 April 2019 Summer Term: 23 April - 23 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: c.320

Number of pupils: 200

Day fees: N/A

Day fees: Kindergarten – session/funding dependent. Pre-Prep: £3,300-£3,700.

Prep: £34,045-£4,500 Religious denomination: None

Religious denomination: Church of England

Autumn term: 3 September - 21 December 2018 Spring term: 7 January - 5 April 2019 Summer term: 23 April - 23 July 2019 Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 950 Day fees: N/A Religious denomination: Catholic The curriculum: Saint Gregory’s curriculum encourages students to develop their talents, deepen their knowledge and become motivated, independent learners within a caring Christian pastoral setting. High expectations and excellent teaching and learning opportunities create an atmosphere that allows students to attain outstanding results. Specialisms in the Performing Arts and Science inspire a particularly creative and engaging focus whilst a thriving international programme promotes learning in a global community.

Extra-curricular activities: Students are encouraged to explore their talents in a wide range of sports and activities outside of the classroom so that they develop a sense of selfawareness, an appreciation for healthy lifestyles and build lasting friendships through teamwork and camaraderie. With over 30 clubs or activities each term, the school aims to provide a broad and balanced range of opportunities so that each and every one of their students has an opportunity to shine.

Pastoral care: Saint Gregory’s are committed to the encouragement of each and every student to realise their full potential, regardless of faith, age, ability or background. They have developed a strong tradition and culture of ‘personalised learning’ based on excellent teaching and learning, equipping students with the skills, experiences and support that they need to flourish. At Saint Gregory’s, the personal development and well-being of students is paramount and their Christian values are central to their educational purpose, creating an aspirational, enriching and supportive environment for all.

The curriculum: This comprises an extensive range of activities designed to promote not only learning, but also personal growth and development. The curriculum is delivered, in the main, by class teachers, all of whom are experts in the relevant ages. This is then enhanced by specialist tuition in Sport, Music, Latin, Computing, Art and Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching throughout the school is tailored to meet the needs of the individual child and children are encouraged to reflect and evaluate their own learning and with support identify their next steps.

Extra curricular activities: In addition to the traditional school clubs such as sport, music, gardening, cookery, dance and art, there is also the ‘hidden curriculum’. This is what the children learn from the way they are treated and how they are expected to behave. They learn to grow into positive, responsible adults who can work and co-operate with others, whilst at the same time developing their knowledge and skills in order to achieve their true potential.

Pastoral care: Every effort is made to ensure that the children never feel lost or bewildered and that they quickly find their feet and are given a sense of belonging. Our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our pupils ensures that they are enabled to be the best that they can be. Communication between staff, children and parents is both flexible and open, leading to the best possible outcomes for growth and development.

Name of headmistress: Mrs Karen Cordon Outstanding characteristics: A school with real spirit and energy, which lives each day to the full. We purposefully pack excitement and learning experiences into every moment. St Margaret’s is a place where friendships and special memories are created and where a love of learning is established.

Name of headteacher: Ms Ann Cusack Outstanding characteristics: Saint Gregory’s is recognised in the Ofsted Outstanding Providers list as the only secondary school in B&NES to achieve the rating of Outstanding in three consecutive inspections, making it one of Ofsted’s highest achieving secondary schools locally and nationally.

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The curriculum: St Mark’s is a school where children thrive and reach their full academic and personal potential through a combination of quality teaching, enriching opportunities and high expectations. The dynamic curriculum presents opportunities for all types of learners.

St Mark’s also provides a place at The New Sixth, providing a high-quality sixth form education as a platform for future success in higher education and the workplace.

Extra curricular activities: An inspiring careers programme, extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities allow students to build on their personal achievements and experiences. Partnerships with businesses and universities also widen the school’s offer, providing students with academic tutoring, trips to experience university life and activities to promote personal development. Overseas trips allow students to explore their learning in a global context.

Pastoral care: The well-being and care of students is central to all that St Mark’s does.

A nurturing and caring pastoral system that provides support and guidance for all their young people ensures that students have the opportunity for unrivalled mentoring and individual support.

New arrivals benefit from a well-established transition programme to facililtate the move to secondary school for both students and their families.

Name of headteacher: Mr Barnaby Ash, BSc (Hons) NPQH Outstanding characteristics: St t Mark’s vision is to inspire students for future success by developing confident, independent learners with a spirit of ambition and adventure. Their vision is underpinned by their Christian ethos and core school values: wisdom, ambition and integrity, which shape students’ development.

St Mark’s was rated ‘Good’ both by Ofsted and SIAMS in 2015 with acknowledgement across key areas: leadership and management, behaviour and safety of students, quality of teaching and the achievement of students.

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STONAR

THE BATH STUDIO SCHOOL

THE PARAGON SCHOOL

Cottles Park, Atworth, Wiltshire SN12 8NT Tel: 01225 701740 www.stonarschool.com

Frome Road, Bath, BA2 5RF Tel: 01225 831933 info@thebathstudioschool.org.uk www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk

Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, BA2 4LT. Tel: 01225 310837 Email: reception.paragon@priorparkschools.com www.priorparkschools.com

Autumn term: 1 September - 15 December 2018 Spring term: 2 January - 23 March 2019 Summer term: 9 April - 23 July 2019 Age of pupils: 14 – 19 boys and girls Number of pupils: 300

Autumn term: 5 September - 14 December 2018 Half term: 25 October - 4 November 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 4 April 2019 Half term: 16 February - 24 February 2019 Summer term: 19 April - 9 July 2019 Half term: 25 May - 2 June 2019 Age of pupils: 3 - 11 years Number of pupils: 270

Autumn term: 5 September - 14 December 2018 Spring term: 8 January - 28 March 2019 Summer term: 24 April - 5 July 2019 Age of pupils: 3 - 18 Number of pupils: Junior school 130, Senior school 213 Day fees: Boarders: £7,318 - £ 11.065 per term, Prep: £2,832 - £3,818 per term, Senior school £5,100 - £5,500 per term.

Religious denomination: Non-denominational.

The curriculum: The school offers a broad and imaginative curriculum with excellent teaching in small classes. We motivate pupils to think for themselves, explore new ideas and develop independence, imagination, resilience, high aspirations and a sense of responsibility for their own progress. In this way they acquire life-long learning skills and the ability to adapt to change.

Stonar is regularly in the top 10% of schools at GCSE for value-added, meaning pupils achieve on average up to a grade higher than predicted in all subjects.

Extra curricular activities: Through the huge range of extra curricular activities on offer, pupils discover their own interests and talents and learn to respect and celebrate those of others. An array of clubs at lunchtimes and after lessons enrich the experience at Stonar and academic work is enhanced by subject specific and optional trips. Riding has been a core feature at the school for several decades and the British Horse Society approved equestrian centre offers outstanding facilities including stabling, indoor and outdoor schools and a cross country schooling field.

Pastoral care: Pupils, parents and teachers alike often describe Stonar as a family. Our nurturing ethos is integral to the school, backed up by an outstanding and robust pastoral structure which ensures the very best care for every child. As a small school, each pupil is known individually.

Stretched and inspired by everything they experience at Stonar, and supported by our strong community, pupils develop into confident, out-going young adults.

Name of principal: Dr Sally Divall MA PhD PGCE Outstanding characteristics: As part of the NACE education group, Stonar has 20 international partner schools which are united by the dedication to educational excellence and cocurricular depth. As a result, Stonar is developing a unique global facet to its pupils’ education.

Exchange trips, language immersion weeks and cross cultural events bring schools in the group together and allow students to work alongside peers of other nationalities.

Stonar is now fully co-educational and applications are welcomed from both boys and girls for all years.

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Day Fees: N/A Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: This is a Digital Media and Film academy specialising in industry and design skills with state of the art facilities. It provides a range of A Level, GCSE & BTEC qualifications through innovative subjects such as Games Design, Digital Media, Photography, Business Enterprise, TV and Film and more. The small class sizes, industry links and sense of community provides an exciting hub for learning and developing technical skills. Bath Studio School has the best results in Bath for 6th form Photography and many of its students go on to university or apprenticeships within established creative companies. The latest Ofsted inspection said that students are “taught well, enjoy their experience and achieve good academic outcomes.”

“Good 6th form provision” (Ofsted 2017) .

Extra curricular activities: Aside from the state of the art facilities and the creative curriculum, work experience is a key part of studio school’s educational model. BSS supports students by finding internships at major establishments such as the BBC, Future Publishing and children’s digital media company, Complete Control.

As part of its commitment to help students reach their full potential, the school offers a range of activities, trips and industry expert seminars.

Guests such as Stephen Dixon from Sky News, EMMY award winning Michael Pitts from Blue Planet and Olympian Jason Gardener have given students the opportunity to gain valuable firsthand experience.

Bath Studio School provides a range of educational trips abroad to production studios, art galleries, university events, and much more.

Students also attend workshops such as Hauser and Wirth to work with experienced artists.

Students also have the opportunity of performing at a range of venues around Bath and the UK. Pastoral care: Bath Studio School strives to give young people the opportunity to shine based on their real interests, passions and future goals. Staff have excellent relationships with students based on mutual respect, the tutors and pastoral team assist students with individual learning plans. It has a mentor system which is run by the 6th form prefect team to provide support and ensure every student feels part of the community.

Day fees: per term, Juniors: Years 3, 4 £3,415 per term, 5 and 6, including lunches: £3,500 per term. Infants: Years 1 & 2, including lunches: £3,250 per term. Reception: Full Time, including lunches: £3,085 per term. Squirrels Nursery: Full Time, including lunches: £2,915 per term. Part Time: Per Day, including lunch: £585 per term.

Per morning, without lunch (until 12 o’clock): £320 per term. Per morning, including lunch (until 1 o’clock): £430 per term. Per afternoon, without lunch (from 1 o’clock): £260 per term.

Per afternoon, including lunch (from 12 o’clock): £370 per term.

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 an engaging humanities curriculum and cross-curricular ICT. Sport, art, music and outdoor learning are also extremely strong.

Extra curricular activities: A fantastic range of extra-curricular activities from chess and pottery to conservation and groovy movers.

Staff and external specialist teachers and coaches run over 65 lunchtime and after school clubs. The majority of the clubs focus on enjoyment and exploring new interests. Some of the clubs are by invitation only to provide the children with the opportunity to develop their skill level. There is also a rich mix of school trips and activity days, including a week in France for Year 6 children, visits to local historical sites, a residential adventure centre, and many themed days that make full uses of the school’s 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.

Name of principal: Mr Colin Cattanach Name of principal: Mr Andrew Harvey Outstanding characteristics: State of the art facilities including TV and Photography studios.

Industry links, small class sizes and good sense of community.Creates future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

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Outstanding characteristics: The Paragon feels so special: its friendly family atmosphere and belief that happy children learn best is at the heart of what they do (with the results to prove it).

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TIME FOR A DIGITAL DETOX? A national campaign urging us all to spend less time on our phones is prompted by widespread mental health issues among young people. Georgette McCready talks to a counselling service about what can be done to help

T

he internet, created to bring humans closer together and to improve our communication with each other, has thrown up an unfortunate side effect – a massive rise in the number of people suffering from mental health issues as a result of their online lives. British comedian Russell Kane has publicly, and bravely, spoken recently about receiving counselling to tackle his addiction to social media. He said his compulsive behaviour was affecting his life and likened the lure and addictive nature of social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook to the drug cocaine.

Cases such as these are not rare, and so great is our addiction to digital technology that the Royal Society for Public Health has felt it necessary to launch a campaign called Scroll-Free September which is advising us to take a break from social media for the 30 days of September. Even if we feel unable to refrain for an entire month, the Society HOW TO SPOT IF A YOUNG PERSON IS BEING NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY SOCIAL MEDIA Your child becomes withdrawn.

Your child needs their phone with them all the time – then you know something is going on.

Your child behaves out of character, perhaps opting out of meals or avoiding seeing friends.

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invites us to consider and to ration the number of times we check our phones each day. For professionals in the south west of England, that call to wean ourselves away from our phones comes far too late after the genie has left the bottle. Counsellors have been dealing with an increasing number of cases of young people whose mental health has been affected by use of social media.

Jan Robertson is the chief executive and founder of Focus Counselling, based in the crypt of St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, Bath. She says: “We have been talking about this issue for the past five years. It’s only been in the last academic year that schools have really started to tackle this problem.

And it really is a widespread problem.”

Beyond spending too much time peering into their screens, what harm is using social media doing to our 11 to 18 year-olds? I ask Jan: “It’s causing massive amounts of anxiety. We’re dealing with many, many cases of young people who are suffering from anxiety. It blights their lives and the anxiety can lead to panic attacks, depression, self-harm – a whole range of issues.”

Focus Counselling sees more than 100 clients of all ages a week and many of them are suffering from low self-esteem and from a range of anxiety-related symptoms. Jan says a typical case of social media bullying might begin with a teenager posting an innocent bikini-clad holiday photo of herself on Snapchat and sharing it with her friends.

But, once in the hands of someone else, with malevolent intent, that image can be manipulated and distributed in such a way that the original subject feels exposed and belittled. Jan says: “Cyber bullying is rife and deeply unpleasant. They will attack

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Jan Robertson, CEO of Focus Counselling everything about you, from your hair and the way you dress, to your parents and the way you talk. We can’t simply suggest that someone turns their phone off and ignore it, it’s much more invidious than that.”

She explained that users of social media – regardless of age, experience or which platform they’re using – get a buzz of endorphin for every like, follow or share that they receive. It is a very human response to crave validation from others. We all want to be popular and liked. The problem is when that becomes addictive or when people on these platforms use abusive or inappropriate behaviour. It is also common for people to try and show that they are living idyllic, happy lives through their social media and

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DIGITAL | LIFE

carefully posed images, which creates unrealistic expectations for them of how life actually is, and for those viewing their posts.

Jan and her fellow counsellors believe that Instagram and Snapchat, being image-based platforms, are potentially the most damaging for young people’s self-image and esteem.

She also added that television shows which KES A young level drama show menperformance and women with improbably perfect figures and faces also engender feelings of inadequacy in their followers. “The cult of celebrity can be very damaging for young people, trying to match up to a so-called perfect life,” she observes with her many years of experience and as a parent herself.

It is worth noting that every post we put on the internet leaves an indelible footprint that others will be able to trace, so be wary of posting anything which might come back to haunt you. As a general rule, says Jan, keep it light when it comes to your virtual life.

Focus Counselling is currently working with schools in the south west, both in the private and public sector, to teach children as young as 11 how to be savvy about the internet. They will also be working with teachers to help them cope with the issues arising from young people’s social media habits. Currently most schools find it impractical to separate students from their phones during the school day, but instead allow them free use at break times.

A recent report by the Legatum Institute, a charitable think-tank, found that Britain’s approach to adolescence is marked by ‘a profound cultural confusion’ in which young people feel isolated and and without a clear function in society other than to gain formal academic education. The institute has urged parents to put down their own phones and engage their offspring in conversation to avert the country’s very real mental health crisis. n

m AS PARENTS AND CARERS, HOW CAN WE HELP? Set a good example. Don’t spend all your time looking at your own phone.

Insist on the whole family leaving their phones in the kitchen overnight. This prevents the online bullying intruding into sleep time.

Leave it as long as you can before you give in to demands to have social media accounts or a phone of their own.

Make family meals a regular occurrence, so people can talk to each other. Nobody need have their phone with them while they’re eating.

Learn how social media works. It’s not going to go away, so start your own Instagram or Facebook account. Like any tool, it can be useful. It’s also a useful way of showing your child that you understand a little of how their world works.

Encourage your family to use WhatsApp. It’s free, it’s private and you can form your own family or friendship groups. Texting is private and a quick way to keep in touch.

Parents who would like to seek help or advice can get in touch with the charity Focus Counselling on 01225 330096, visit: focusbath.com. Off the Record also works with young people in the Bath and North East Somerset area, tackling issues such as depression, anxiety and relationships.

Visit: offtherecord-banes.co.uk.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Boots, £6.9 9, SouthGat e, 1 Newark St reet, BA1 1A T

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Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is essentially an effective cleaner.

It’s what creates the lather but this is because the molecules are being separated and tension broken. It’s worth knowing that SLS is also found in cleaning agents such as engine degreaser.

Sulphate-free shampoo

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Boots, £7 .99, South Gate, 1 Newark Street, BA 1 1AT

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Taking the haircare world by storm, the demand for sulphate-free shampoos isn’t slowing down.

Crystal Rose has the 101 on the SLS-free suds

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Book online www.frontlinestyle.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS A luxury release, a trusty tool and getting some all-important muscle relief.

Crystal Rose shares the latest tidbits in the health and beauty sector

THE NEW URBAN Go island hopping in the Indian Ocean and imagine sparkling seas, white sands and palms with Coconut Grove. With citrus notes of bergamot, lime and mandarin, the tropical coconut heart of this candle gives you a comforting warmth of wanderlust. Or discover something new and leave your comfort zone with exotic blooms nestled high in cedars in the Oriental Noir fragrance.

With orchid to aid sleep and an unexpected addition of a smooth velvety coffee note, you’ll be drifting off in no time.

BEFORE COCO CAME GABRIELLE

Coconut Grove and Oriental Noir £30 for 300ml; urbanapothecarylondon.com

“I have chosen the person I wanted to be and am.” GABRIELLE CHANEL

Over time the likes of Coco and No.5 have each evoked a chapter in the story of Gabrielle Chanel. And the Gabrielle fragrance is no different. The Gabrielle collection is all about conveying the French fashion designer’s full personality; her untamable temperament, loving soul and courageously bold attitude.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the liquid gold, CHANEL is expanding the ever-popular collection. This month see a foaming shower gel, moisturising body lotion and delicate deodorant of the floral perfume hit the shelves from 7 September... and watch it quickly disappear! You can use these alone or combine them for a stronger, bolder presence.

BOOBIPEDIA Beauty giant Avon has teamed up with breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel! and recently announced the launch of its first ever digital breast cancer education tool. As the first e-learning tool for a UK breast cancer charity, this is all about giving women access to a trusty boob tool about the risks, signs and symptoms of breast cancer. coppafeel.org

Body lotion, £48, shower gel, £42 and spray deodorant, £38; chanel.com

REGENERATE BRIGADE RELEASE THAT TENSION Always on the move? Is your body craving some muscle TLC? Frontlinestyle is now offering sports massage clinics with a focus on bringing wellbeing to the mind and body. There are many psychological benefits and effects of a sports massage that can be vital in your body’s recovery. All massages are with Frontlinestyle’s fully trained sports massage expert, Louise. £45 for 45 minutes. 4 – 5 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AJ. Tel: 01225 478478; frontlinestyle.co.uk

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Launching this month, The Regenerating Day Cream Complexion by Dr. Hauschka will protect and awaken the skin, leaving it with a silk-smooth, radiant complexion. The light-reflecting pigments adapt to all skin tones and reduce the appearance of redness and minor pigmentation. As with all products from the regenerating range, the day cream is enhanced with red clover to support the anti-ageing of skin. All products are NATRUE certified. £45 for 40ml; dr.hauschka.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

REIKI CHANGE

Reiki practitioners use a hands-on healing technique where energy is transferred from the practitioner to the recipient. Emma Clegg visits local specialist Heidi Rearden of Heidi Reiki for a treatment

R

improve well-being and bring about balance.

The energy received from a reiki treatment can be used by the person to help restore their own balance of health and happiness and – for those who are open to it – can enable an individual’s own healing process.

It can be used to release emotional experiences that we might hold on to in our bodies. If these emotional experiences are not acknowledged and resolved, then they can sometimes cause pain and illness.

The treatment itself lasted about an hour.

I lay fully clothed on the treatment couch.

Heidi then used her hands to cover different parts of my body, starting with the head and moving down to the feet. There was no touch involved – although some reiki practitioners use a gentle touch – her hands hovered over me, close enough for me to feel the warmth. Each of the hand positions was sustained for a number of minutes, and I turned over halfway through to allow the same process on the oth er side.

Some people apparently feel particular sensations when they have a treatment, seeing colours or experiencing tingling, and others respond emotionally. I have bad circulation and some nerve damage in my feet and lower legs, and once the treatment was over I had a clear sense of energetic tingling in my feet and legs, the sensation that things were moving around more actively and that this area had been deeply stimulated. I also felt a peaceful sense of togetherness and relaxation, which lasted for a good 24 hours.

Heidi has been a practising Buddhist for 30 years and sees finding and using Reiki as part of her journey in life to help others as well as herself. She uses her Buddhist

practice within the treatments, chanting to herself as she passes on the energy to her clients. The treatment finishes with the use of a rather beautiful Tibetan singing bowl, creating a sonorous, deep, dwelling reverberation as the bowl moves across the body.

It was a fascinating experience and I was most intrigued by the fact that the treatment has so many connections with the physical science of energy and at the same time has a deep-seated and holistic spiritual link.

Perhaps it creates the best of both worlds. n A Reiki session is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Individual Reiki sessions: £50; three sessions: £40; six sessions: £35 Heidi Reiki: heidi@heidireiki.com; heidireiki.com

Photographs by Nobby Clark

eiki – Japanese for ‘universal life energy’ – is a system of natural healing. It was founded by healer and teacher Mikao Usi (1865–1926) in the early 20th century.

I have had various alternative treatments over the years, but reiki was new to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I met Heidi, she explained that Reiki is all about the flow of energy. Every living being and inanimate object has an energy force. This concept goes firmly back to physics and how everything with mass (whether animate or inanimate) has an energy vibration. This vibrational force is why opera singers are able to shatter a glass when they sing at a certain pitch and volume, so the glass shatters as a result of the vibration of the voice. The energy of the voice combined with the energy of the atoms of the glass become so powerful that the glass’s atoms fly apart and break the glass. It is in fact scientifically possible for two energy waves to interact and cancel each other out. Physics also recognises that in humans, when energies are constructive and give more power, we physically experience these energies as ‘good vibes’, or, if there is a weakened energy state, as ‘bad vibes’. Reiki harnesses these concepts.

Reiki is used to help the body emotionally or spiritually. It is a gentle treatment that can be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatments. Practitioners are not trained in diagnosis and will not predict any outcome from a Reiki treatment. There is no scrutiny of specific areas – the focus is rather on the whole person. Heidi describes it as “enabling gentle energy” that can help

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For you and your home Enjoy a sense of peace

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You’re invited to a free evening of reiki and feng shui on Thursday September 20th 6:30 to 8pm at Nourish Centre in Gay Street, Bath RSVP to book your place and for more information on sessions 07776 255875 heidi@heidireiki.com heidireiki.com Heidi Rearden

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THE | WALK

Milton Lodge Gardens

NEW DISCOVERIES

Andrew Swift goes off the beaten track in Wells and discovers a hidden valley, a restored orchard and a buddle house, once used for smelting

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ells may be England’s smallest city, but it is one of its most fascinating. Vibrant and architecturally impressive, it has a wealth of hidden corners where the spirit of the Middle Ages seems to linger. It is also a place which richly rewards repeated visits, for, although its most celebrated attractions are well known, others take a little more time – and effort.

Starting in the heart of the city, this walk sets out on a journey of discovery, exploring a hidden valley deep in the heart of Mendip and following a turnpike road abandoned almost two centuries ago, before visiting an old orchard being restored to its former glory and a 19th-century arboretum in a steepsided combe. There is the option of visiting a magnificent terraced garden high above the city, with views over the Vale of Avalon.

Although six miles long, this walk is not for the faint-hearted. The track through that hidden valley, known as Biddlecombe, is not only steep – climbing over 200m – but rocky, narrow and muddy. But, if you decide that its charms are not for you, there is still the option of visiting the garden and arboretum, where you could easily spend a leisurely afternoon – details of how to find them are on the opposite page.

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For the full walk, however, go through the archway at the east end of the Market Place (ST551458) and turn right alongside the moat of the Bishop’s Palace. After 150m, bear left alongside the moat, carry on and, after crossing a road, turn right and then left along a rough lane past Tor Hill.

After 500m, carry on as the lane dwindles to a permissive cycleway. After 1,000m go through a gate, cross the main road, go through the metal gate opposite and bear right through a handgate (ST567462). Turn left to follow a track alongside the fence for a few metres, and continue as it curves right through luxuriant vegetation into Biddlecombe.

After following the left bank of the stream for about 650m, the track crosses – via a tree trunk bridge or boulders – to the right bank.

The track here is particularly rocky, with several fallen trees, but soon crosses back to the left bank, which you follow for the rest of the way up Biddlecombe.

Eventually, on the opposite bank, you will find a picnic area and a small stone structure overrun with vegetation (ST571481). This is a buddle house, in which lead slag was prepared for smelting. Having grown ruinous, it was restored by Herbert Balch, a local man who founded Wells Museum.

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Carry on along the left bank of the stream, climbing through woods. After crossing the stream, the track passes a redbrick waterworks building (ST569484). Just beyond it, squeeze past a metal gate and turn left up a footpath into a field. Keep to the left-hand hedge and go through a gate at the top. Ahead of you is Penn Hill transmitter, erected in 1967. Its 281m mast is apparently the tallest structure in the south west.

Cross the main road with care and bear left along the drive to Penn Hill Farm (ST569488). This is part of the old turnpike road from Bath to Wells, abandoned in favour of a less steeply graded alternative in 1824. Carry straight on along the bridleway as the drive to Penn Hill Farm swings right, and tarmac gives way to a surface little changed for almost two centuries. Continue as the bridleway grows ever steeper and narrower, but, just before it rejoins the main road, cross a stile on the right and follow a track across a field (ST555471).

Cross a stile in the far corner, turn left along a track beside a wall, and, after crossing another stile, you come to the hamlet of Walcombe. Turn right along the lane, follow it as it curves gently uphill and after 100m, go through a wooden handgate

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THE | WALK

A buddle house where lead slag was prepared for smelting

front of the cathedral and go through another archway to return to the Market Place.

If you only want to visit Milton Combe Arboretum and Milton Lodge Gardens, you will find the entrance to Milton Combe at the bottom of Bristol Hill, opposite the end of College Road (ST550464). (Do not worry about the ‘private garden’ sign – it is open to the public from April to October.) Head up through the arboretum and at the top go through a handgate on the left into the orchard. Follow a track up through the orchard, go through a gate at the top and turn left along a lane. When the lane forks, bear left, and at the end carry straight on into Milton Lodge. After visiting the gardens, you can either follow a footpath directly back down into Wells or retrace your steps through the arboretum. n Andrew Swift is the author of On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks Around a World Heritage City and co-author, with Kirsten Elliot, of Ghost Signs of Bath.

on the left (beside a five-bar gate) to follow a trail through an old orchard which is being restored by replanting, careful pruning and management of traditional varieties of apple.

At the end of the orchard, go through a handgate into Milton Combe (ST549469).

If you want to visit Milton Lodge Gardens, turn right through a metal gate and right up a lane for 75m. Otherwise, turn left and, after crossing an ornamental bridge, turn right to follow a path down a narrow combe, which eventually opens out into the treefringed lawns of Milton Combe Arboretum. Laid out in the early 19th century by the owners of Milton Lodge, it is still privately owned, but is open to the public from April to October.

At the end, go through a gate, cross the main road and turn right for a few metres before turning left along College Road. Carry straight on until you come to a T junction, where a right turn leads through an archway into Cathedral Green. Turn left past the west

FACT FILE Length of walk: 6 miles Approximate time: 3 hours Level of challenge: Stout footwear is needed for the climb through Biddlecombe, which can be challenging, especially in wet weather.

Sheep are likely to be encountered in the fields and orchard.

Map: OS Explorer 141 Information: Milton Combe is open from April to October (free entry; dogs allowed). Milton Lodge Gardens are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays between 2pm and 5pm to the end of October (adults £5; children under 14 free; no dogs allowed).

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interiors CLAIR STRONG september.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2018 16:06 Page 1

INTERIORS | AND | STYLE

CHILDREN’S STUDY SPACES Children’s work spaces can have a significant effect on their focus, concentration and their engagement with homework. Every child will have different preferences and requirements for a study space, says Clair Strong

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ncouraging your children to sit still and do their homework isn’t always easy. With toys, devices and TV providing an enticing distraction, keeping them focused can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. The best solution? A dedicated study space, just for them. Whether it’s at the kitchen table, tucked under the stairs, or in a corner of their bedroom – here’s how to create a space that succeeds.

A P E R F E C T L O C AT I O N Where you set up your study zone will depend on the age and nature of your child. A young child needing help with their sums or reading will benefit from working at the kitchen table with mum or dad. A teenager revising for their GCSEs, on the other hand, will probably prefer a quiet space that’s away from the bustle of family life.

You don’t need to dedicate a whole room to studying; any corner of the home can become an inspiring and productive workspace. The important thing is to discuss ideas with your children and find out where they would like to study. Let them contribute to choosing the location, otherwise you could spend time and money creating something only to find they never use it.

RIGHT: Garden Trading Hambledon Desk Ladder

HOME(WORK) COMFORTS A sturdy work surface, quality task lighting and a comfortable, supportive chair are workspace essentials. If your child will be using a computer, make sure it’s set up correctly to protect their posture. Comfort can encourage focus and productivity, but it’s also extremely important for general health and well-being.

For some children, comfort will be their own desk and chair. For others it might be the sofa and a lap tray. If your child likes the idea of a standing desk, they may also want one at home (consider an adjustable height desk in case they change their mind later). As with location, ask your child about their preferred study set-up; they may surprise you with their creative ideas.

LEFT: Go Modern Furniture, Nidi Luce Children’s Desk OPPOSITE: below, Maps International, Glow in the Dark Children’s World Map 106 TheBATHMagazine

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INTERIORS | AND | STYLE

Loaf Dude Shelves

COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY Colour psychology is a fascinating thing. Research has shown that colour has a profound impact on mood and productivity. For example, blue is considered a calming colour that inspires confidence and aids concentration while yellow is energising and positive. Use colour (sparingly) in your study space to help your child perform better.

Use shades of blue, green and yellow mixed with neutrals like white and grey to create a calm but inspiring environment. Steer clear of intense bright colours like red, pink and purple as these can be too stimulating and therefore distracting.

Talking Tables, Love Heart Neon Light

ORGANISE A tidy, organised space is distraction-free and productive.

Invest in some colourful organisers to prevent homework from going missing and pens being left strewn across the kitchen table. With a place for all their supplies, your kids will never have an excuse to not do their homework. It also helps maintain your sanity if their study space is in a communal area.

Desktop organisers are great for the essentials like pens, pencils and paper. For items that are used less frequently, consider a small storage unit or shelves above the desk.

GET PERSONAL Personalise your child’s study space and make it a more enticing place to be with wall art and decoration. To stay on theme (and on task), choose educational pieces like globes, fossils, star maps and natural history prints.

If your child is working from the kitchen or dining room table, you could keep it simple with just a few framed prints for the wall. If a child has their own space, consider a blackboard or pin board so they can create their own wall art. This is especially useful for creative children and those who learn visually.

Involve your children in decorating their study area. This will help them create a personal connection with the space and ensure they want to spend time in it.

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, friendly, creative business based in Bath and London, providing services for residential and commercial clients. Visit: clairstrong.co.uk or contact: clair@clairstrong.co.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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GARDENING

Margaret Grant at Sheppards Gardens

Weston Roundabout Weston High Street

Bob Carlton-Porter at St Stephen’s

BATH IN BLOOM

Never mind the council cutbacks, some Bath communities are doing up their gardens for themselves, says Jane Moore

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he Bath in Bloom judging week always falls at a tricky time in the gardening calendar, and this year has been no exception. Tricky because it’s that mid-July point where the early stars of the garden have gone over and the late bloomers are yet to show.

This year, of course, just to make things even more difficult, it fell slap bang in the middle of the heatwave to end all heatwaves.

It’s been a long, hard summer for the gardens and gardeners of Bath, but there is nothing that gardeners love more than to swap stories with others. Seeing this in action is one of the lovely things about getting out and about doing a spot of judging for Bath in Bloom.

This year my duties consisted of ‘the battle of streets and squares’, those business and local groups having an impact on the city centre, and local community groups and projects. Neither category had many entrants – really, there must be more of these things going on so please do enter next year – but what they lacked in numbers was made up in sheer enthusiasm. Talk about heartwarming. So here’s a little snapshot of Bath 2018 through the lens of Bath in Bloom.

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In the city

You simply can’t miss Wild Walcot and Kingsmead Square if you’re a regular shopper. Walcot Street continues to be the home of innovative ideas and colourful character, and Wild Walcot is a wonderful celebration of the quirkiness of the street’s inhabitants, both business and domestic. I especially love the shopping bag planters and the little oasis of a garden that makes me smile and breathe deeply every time I pass.

Kingsmead Square may be more conventional and subdued but I really hope the local businesses get fired up by Wild Walcot and build on what they have already begun. With her boundless enthusiasm and obvious drive, Emma at Grace & Ted is leading the way and hopefully things will only improve.

St Stephen’s Church

The church on Lansdown Hill is an absolute icon of the city at Christmas time when it’s often beautifully lit, but it’s a lovely place in the summer, too. The parishioners and locals have taken on the planters on the road island on Lansdown Hill, filling them with spectacular bedding plants while the garden

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Christine and Stephen Brook in Weston Village

around the church is also an absolute credit with new tree and shrub plantings, as well as annuals such as sweet peas and poppies.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all lies behind the church. Who would have thought that tucked away here is a lovely little patch of mature woodland? Stately beech and yew trees create a magical dingle dell which is great fun to explore.

“We’re actively raising money to develop this into an outdoor meeting area,” says Bob Carlton-Porter, a mainstay of the St Stephen’s gardening group. “We have a good bedrock of very reliable people but whenever we get someone new in it inspires everyone so watch this space – we’ve plenty more to do.”

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GARDENING cost only £400 to plant with money raised from the annual flower show,” says Stephen Brook. “Though I say it myself, for that money, it’s by far the best roundabout in Bath!”

Sheppards Gardens

The woodland behind St Stephen’s Church

Weston Village

There is little that escapes the attention of Weston Village gardening club, and I have yet to meet a group with more energy and enthusiasm for their home patch. Not content with talks, garden outings, the flower show and the annual potato day, the club have turned their attention and funds towards the streets of Weston itself.

“We’re really hoping to kick start some of the local businesses into getting involved,” says Christine Brook. “We really want to expand on what we’ve already done and make Weston lovely – but to do that we need reliable helpers.”

The group is off to a promising start, with new containers filled to the brim with bedding plants adorning the high street, along with planters decking the barriers near the nursery. A local grant paid for the containers while the roundabout planting – a triumph of colour even in its first year – came from close to home. “The roundabout

Still in Weston, the next stop is the retirement complex of Sheppards Gardens which consists of 37 flats with a live-in manager. The gardening effort on this village site is spearheaded by the indefatigable Margaret Grant. She has been living here for 18 years and every year the community has entered Bath in Bloom. In fact an entire wall in the entranceStachys is given over to their framed certificates and awards, of which the residents are understandably proud.

“The gardeners come in once a fortnight to cut the grass and do any pruning and so on, but we do everything else,” says Margaret.

“Lots of the residents have a little bit that they look after and it definitely keeps you fit – especially doing all the watering this summer.”

It’s a deceptively large site with front doors opening on to quiet little spaces and courtyards which many of the residents have adopted as their own, filling them with pots and planters, bird tables and rose bushes. What with the benches and garden seats dotted about it is plain that Sheppards Gardens and its gardeners are a lovely little community.

Dotted around the city are these little pockets of floral enterprise and expertise, improving the city for all of us in little but highly remarkable ways. While I take my hat off to the people of Weston, Walcot, Kingsmead and Lansdown, I can’t help but feel there are more of these villages and communities in the city that could get behind Bath in Bloom. It would seem a small step for places such as Widcombe and Larkhall, vibrant, lively communities with so much to offer, to rise to the challenge of Bath in Bloom and go floral. n Jane Moore is an award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at The Bath Priory Hotel. Twitter: @janethegardener

LOOKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME? See our popular guide to the best Home, Interiors and garden services in Bath

Available online at our website

www.thebathmag.co.uk /category/home-garden/ A GREAT LIST OF SERVICES ALL IN ONE PLACE

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the directory

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

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owden Hill sits on the edge of the National Trust village of Lacock approximately 2½ miles south west of Chippenham. The village has plenty of amenities including five inns, a village store and post office, cafes, church, large garden centre and farm shop and well regarded primary school.

Number 34 is a beautifully presented detached property set in a quiet elevated position. The house has been extended and remodelled over recent years and now offers a contemporary, spacious and versatile family home with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the magnificent surroundings in style. The accommodation comprises: Spacious entrance hall, open plan kitchen/diner./living room, sitting room/bedroom five, large utility room with shower area and cloakroom. Four double bedrooms on the first floor, two with en suite bathrooms, family bathroom. The house has been designed to make the most of the fabulous views and at garden level there is a fitness pool/Jacuzzi with gym area opening with bio folding doors onto the rear terrace.

There are beautiful landscaped gardens and the decked terrace, with an attractive pond feature, offers plenty to space to relax. The double integral garage and off road parking provide space for numerous vehicles.

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

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34 BOWDEN HILL LACOCK • Enviable village / countryside location • 4/5 bedrooms • Contemporary style • Fitness pool/Jacuzzi and gym area • Panoramic views

Guide price: £1,500,000

pritchards-bath.co.uk

Lacock, Nr Chippenham and Bath

Bloomfield Crescent

An impressive Victorian 5 bed detached property set in an elevated private position on the edge of the sought after National Trust village of Lacock. Perfectly positioned within its large garden the property offers versatile accommodation which has been sympathetically updated over recent years. Int area 3413 sq ft/317sq m.

A rare opportunity to purchase an elegant Grade II* Listed 3 bed Georgian townhouse newly converted to exacting standards, enjoying wonderful views. A wealth of charm and numerous original features. Courtyard garden & communal gardens. Open fronted 2 storey garage with additional parking (with scope to convert - subject to the nec consents) No onward chain. Int area 1712 sq ft/159 sq m. Outbuildings 327 sq ft/30 sq m.

Guide Price: £1,300,000

Guide Price: £985,000

Worcester Terrace, Larkhall

Richmond Place, Lansdown

An exquisite Grade II Listed 4 bed town house finished to an exceptionally high standard within a level walk of the city centre with beautiful landscaped gardens. Level walk to Larkhall amenities. Landscaped mature walled garden. Internal area approximately 1844 sq ft - 171 sq m.

A charming Grade II listed 2 bed artisan cottage situated in the desirable residential area of Lansdown, just over a mile from the city centre with far reaching views. Delightful good sized garden. Sought after location on the popular northern fringes of the city. Internal area approx. 1135 sq ft 105.4 sq m.

Guide Price: £795,000

Guide Price: £485,000

11 Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2LB Pritchards September.indd 1

Tel: 01225 466 225

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“Founded in 2011 by Marcus Spanswick, who already had 20 years’ experience in the industry, Mardan Removals and Storage Ltd is a, family run, professional full service removals and storage company based in Bath. Marcus wanted to build a company that he and his team would be proud of. The key to the company’s success is providing a personalised service, treating each customer as an individual to ensure they get an excellent removal service. Mardan have a fleet of vehicles allowing them to offer; commercial moving, local to international moves and storage”.

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL MOVERS • PACKERS • STORERS • SHIPPERS

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5 tips for becoming a first-time landlord Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

[SOUTH WESTERN] LIMITED

N

ot everyone becomes a landlord out of a deep-seated passion.

For many, a change of circumstances means it is a necessity rather than a choice. There is no doubt that with the vast array of architectural styles to choose from, apartments are certainly in high demand as the rental property of choice for those looking for a home in Bath.

Becoming a landlord is a steep learning curve; with a growing number of legislative requirements and regulations that change often, it can be easy to get confused or even miss an important step, which is why many turn to the support of a letting agency such as ourselves.

We want you to be able to succeed in the lettings market.

Can you let? Before you jump into preparing your property for the rental market you need to check if you are legally allowed to let it out.

If your property is mortgaged, does your mortgage allow you to let?

Some will have caveats preventing a property from changing from home owned to rented. We would always advise that you have a conversation with your mortgage lender so you are clear on the way forward.

Getting let ready.

Crafting beautiful homes

Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswolds | Dorset

Elmhurst Gardens, Trowbridge

A Located off Hilperton Road this development is quietly secluded yet within a few minutes walk of the town centre with its wide range of facilities.

From £395,000

Just as if you were planning to sell your property, you need to be on top of any maintenance issues. It is also worth taking the time to complete any little jobs that may arise in the future; this could prevent a void period whilst the works are completed.

Refreshing the décor of your property will also ensure that it is presented in a way that will attract potential tenants, and also demonstrates that you care about your property.

Furnished or unfurnished. There is no right or wrong decision here, just what feels right for you and will suit the potential tenants you are looking to attract. It is worth having a chat with a letting agent as they will be able to suggest the type of tenants your property might appeal to, and whether furnished or unfurnished is the best solution for you.

Do your homework. Don’t assume that your property will achieve a certain rental figure without having undertaken the research and sought expert advice. If you price your property too high you may struggle to get viewings, never mind secure a tenancy. Price it too low and you may find it difficult to get your finances to balance. Start by getting to know the rental figures for similar properties to let in the area.

A word of caution: this is just a guide, a rough idea that will enable you to calculate your potential yield.

Don’t ignore the details.

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

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With so much to learn and get your head around, many first-time landlords can overlook some of the details. There is no doubt that the number of regulations and legislations you have to follow is overwhelming, and sometimes issues can arise due to misinterpretation or confusion. This is why having a skilled letting agent by your side can help guide you through a smooth transition from being a homeowner to becoming a landlord.

In Bath, apartments are always in demand as a rental property of choice. At The Apartment Company, we are best-placed to support you to ensure that your first tenancy is successful.

The Apartment Company Pg@theapartmentcompany.co.uk or call 01225 471144.

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Stanley Villas, Camden A smart and spacious three bedroom Victorian semi-detached house which tastefully combines period features and charm with modern comforts throughout. The property benefits from a peaceful garden with a detached annexe, and enjoys stunning southerly views over Bath.

Rent: ÂŁ3,000 pcm* spacious living room | elegant feature fireplace | breathtaking panoramas | contemporary kitchen | good sized dining room | 3 good sized bedrooms | stylish bathroom | substantial annexe with bedroom & studio | picturesque private garden | garage

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

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

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Central

Andrewsonline.co.uk

St. Winifreds Well Cottage, BA1 £850,000

01225 809 571

This charming grade II listed property, believed to have been built c. 1804 and approached via a gated entrance off Somerset Lane, through a beautiful enclosed cottage garden. Inside the accommodation is over three floors with elegant period features throughout, including parquet and original wood flooring, cornicing and fireplaces.

The southerly aspect of the house ensures lots of light floods through the sash windows to the front.

Energy Efficiency Rating: N/A

central@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Newbridge Andrewsonline.co.uk

East Lea Road, BA1 £585,000

Beautifully presented family home located within the Lea’s. With four double bedrooms, three reception rooms and utility with WC, this property will make a fantastic family home. With scope for further enhancement, there is room to grow with a delightful mature and established garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

01225 809 685 newbridge@andrewsonline.co.uk

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To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

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Camden

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Fair View Cottage, Gloucester Road, BA1 £525,000

This is an attractive stone built, period cottage. Set within its own grounds with ample parking to the side. The flexible accommodation is over three floors with the potential of a separate one bed apartment or annex on the lower ground floor. The current vendor has successfully rented out the basement apartment for a number of years. There is also a pretty cottage garden surrounded by woodlands and fields.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

01225 809 868 camden@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Bear Flat

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Lower Peasedown, BA2 £450,000

Overlooking the countryside is this detached cottage with a garden studio. Two reception rooms, kitchen and utility, four bedrooms, bathroom, en-suite, garage and gardens.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

01225 805 680 bearflat@andrewsonline.co.uk

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To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

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WELLERSLEA Corsham

Price ÂŁ995,000

A five bedroom, three reception room, two bathroom Arts and Crafts house, with many original features, built by restoration architect, Harold Brakspear, for his own occupation, in 1904 in vibrant Corsham, 9 miles from the centre of Georgian Bath. In addition, there are a range of detached outbuildings, formerly stables and carriage shed with planning permission (2018) for conversion into a two bedroom self-contained annexe.

EPC: D

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LITTLE FOSSE FARM, Nettleton

Price £1,550,000

A period Grade II listed farmhouse with five bedrooms dating from the fifteenth century, with stabling for seven horses, a paddock of four acres and stunning country gardens, with two garages and parking for several cars. The vendor says: “This is Beaufort Hunt country and the hacking here is outstanding. This is a lovely family home, with good access in to Bath which is 10.2 miles away.”

EPC: Exempt

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EW

N

Bathwick Street

£875 pcm

This lovely first floor apartment has been renovated to a high standard and is situated just a stone’s throw from the city centre, Sydney Gardens and Henrietta Park. Comprising: open plan living area, master bedroom and bathroom.

T LE

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Brunswick Place

£900 pcm

EW

Lansdown House

£1500 pcm

SALES

01225 471 14 4 The Apartment Company September.indd 1

LETTINGS

£950 pcm

We are delighted to market this beautiful one bedroom apartment. Located on the ground floor of this converted Grade II listed Georgian villa. The apartment comprises: sitting room, kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom.

ST

EW

Marlborough Buildings

LE

£1450 pcm

Situated on Park Lane is this beautiful converted Georgian building, set back from the road and enjoying its own communal gardens. This first floor apartment boasts living space, kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroom. Parking

EW

Vale Lodge

£1650 pcm

01225 303 870

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ST

C

Great Pulteney Street

£1800 pcm

This beautifully renovated first floor apartment is located in the highly renowned, Great Pulteney Street. The apartment boasts a wealth of period details complemented with high quality kitchen and luxury bathrooms.

N

This fabulous two bedroom apartment set on the outskirts of bath is sure to excite. The apartment forms part of an imposing Victorian villa that has been recently refurbished to a high standard. Offering two bedrooms, sitting room, dining room, fabulous modern kitchen, large bathroom.

£1350 pcm

A truly beautifully presented laterally converted apartment adjacent to the Royal Crescent offering spacious accommodation including a large sitting room, well equipped fitted kitchen, two large double bedrooms and a bathroom.

C

Park Lane

N

Sitting at the top of an impressive house in the sought after Lansdown area, the apartment has stunning views across the city and beyond. The apartment comprises: sitting room, kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, cloakroom and bathroom.

N

Springfield Place

T LE

The Apartment Company is delighted to market this fabulous one bedroom apartment which boasts a range of period features. The property comprises: sitting room, kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom.

N

EW

EW

Great Pulteney Street

£1750 pcm

This beautifully appointed three bedroom garden apartment is bursting with charm and offers great living space with a private secluded garden. The property comprises: sitting room, kitchen, master bedroom with en suite, two further bedrooms, dining room and family bathroom.

sales@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

23/08/2018 17:29

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m

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EW

Grosvenor Place

N

O.I.E.O

£625,000

Georgian apartment · Grade II listed · Garden maisonette · Three bedrooms · Beautifully presented · Private landscaped garden · Garage · Private parking · Approx 1732 Sq ft

LD SO TC S

£650,000

Georgian building · Grade I listed · Garden apartment · Three bedrooms · Sought after location · Immaculately presented · Approx 1358 Sq ft

EW

Spencers Belle Vue

Green Park

N

O.I.E.O

£450,000

Georgian apartment · Grade II listed · Second floor · Two double bedrooms · Two bathrooms · Secluded location · Fabulous views · Approx 981 Sq ft

LD SO TC S

Great Pulteney Street

N

EW

Russel Street

O.I.E.O

£330,000

Two double bedrooms · Stunning views · Superb entrance · Georgian features · Desirable location · Luxury bathroom · Approx 996 Sq ft

Great Pulteney Street O.I.E.O £425,000 Georgian apartment · Grade I listed · Two double bedrooms · Top floor · Highly sought after location · Views over Henrietta Park · Approx 992 Sq ft

LD SO TC S

£450,000

Grade II listed · Georgian apartment · First floor · High ceilings · Period features · Central location · Approx 913 Sq ft

N

EW

EW

Albion Terrace

£220,000

Garden apartment · Short level walk to city centre · Maisonette · Easy access to the riverside · Close to local amenities · Approx 603 Sq ft

N

EW

Great Pulteney Street O.I.E.O £275,000

The Vineyards

Georgian apartment · Grade I listed · Double bedroom · Dual aspect · Top floor · Spacious rooms · Impressive communal entrance · Approx 689 Sq ft

Georgian apartment · Grade II listed · Lower ground floor · Period features · One bedroom · Central location · Well presented · Approx 602 Sq ft

O.I.E.O

£235,000

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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