Bath Echo - Issue 002 - 20/08/2019

ECHO

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Tuesday, 20th August 2019

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Tickets and books up for grabs with Bath Children's Literature Festival P16

Earn high street shopping vouchers for recycling small electrical items P4

£40k clean-up for centre of Bath

Six weeks of action planned after numerous complaints from local residents THE centre of Bath is to receive a major clean-up over coming weeks, as part of a £40,000 investment after numerous complaints from local residents about the state of the area.

For the next six weeks, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cleansing team will provide extended periods of high-quality cleaning and washing, from early in the morning until late into the

evening, including weekends.

More staff will be brought in to pick up litter, empty litter bins and wash streets.

Councillor Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Mendip) cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The new council administration is taking action after listening to complaints by residents of dirty, rubbish-strewn streets and over-flowing bins in our historic

city centre. When I took over the role of cabinet member for Neighbourhoods after the local election in May I said I would address this issue that has been neglected for too long.

“I have made weekend cleaning, bin emptying and increased street washing priorities for this cleansing drive, which will start this week. Specialist machines will work longer hours, to

improve the level of cleaning currently carried out and more staff will be on hand to ensure bins are emptied promptly in the city. We need to ensure that Bath is clean and inviting for residents and visitors all year round, but in these summer months when the city is busy and hot and dry extra cleansing is needed."

“Our staff work hard to keep ...

Continued on page 2

Sign up for next month's new 'Hospice Care Hero Walk' in Bath P17 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

Council outlines plans and timeline for 2030 carbon neutral goal BATH & North East Somerset Council has released a timetable and published information about their immediate plans to address the climate emergency, and their overall ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The council declared a climate emergency in March this year and added the new ‘Responding

to the Climate Emergency’ button on their website’s home page to set out its approach for the coming months.

The new button takes website visitors to a timeline of the council’s actions up until now and for the coming months.

Since March, development of the first Climate Emergency report

on action planning has begun and will be presented to full Council in October.

In July, the Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Dine Romero, led the initiative that resulted in the West of England Combined Authority declaring a climate emergency and carbon neutrality by 2030.

Cllr Romero said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council is making good progress on the development of the first Climate Emergency report.

“We will soon have more detail on the area’s carbon footprint and options on how to reach our 2030 carbon neutral goal.

“This report will include

the proposals for a Climate Emergency, Environment and Place Partnership to provide the leadership and drive to make things happen quickly.

“It will also include proposals for engagement across the community – including citizens’ assemblies. This is when we ...

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Clean Air Zone review to cost taxpayers £9,000

In this issue...

Top stories Health

P2-12 P13

Education P14 What's On

P15

Community

P16

Business P19 Politics

P21

Puzzles P22 In Other News

P23

Sport

P24

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Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

REOPENING the evidence for Bath’s clean air zone will cost taxpayers £9,000.

The leading Liberal Democrat group on Bath and North East Somerset Council pledged ahead of the election to look again at the proposals agreed by their Conservative predecessors to ensure they are fit for purpose.

The Tories claimed the bill could be up to £100,000 but the full cost has now been revealed – and they still think it is a waste of money.

By 2021 Bath is set to get a class C clean air zone, one that charges high polluting vehicles but not private cars to enter.

The original proposals – which included a £9 daily charge for private cars – were dropped after 8,400 people responded to a

consultation. Sarah Warren, who has responsibility for climate emergency and neighbourhood services on the Lib Dem cabinet, said: “The previous council administration decision to choose a class C clean air zone over a class D zone was finely balanced with close margins around the clean air objective. The new council administration wishes to examine the background to the decision to ensure that no opportunities are missed and to ensure that it can commit to compliance in the shortest possible time as required by law, which is why Atkins is conducting an independent review on our behalf at a cost of £9,000.” She added that the review – which will be completed in the next month – will provide ‘effective and robust reassurance’ that the clean air zone plan are appropriate for Bath.

When Conservatives claimed at July’s full council meeting that

the review would cost £100,000, authority leader Dine Romero said the figure was “made up” and she had “no idea” where it came from. Karen Warrington, who sat on the previous Conservative cabinet, said: “We are glad our pressure to warn about the excessive original cost has been taken into account and the cost has been reduced.

“The clean air plan has already been reviewed extensively by independent parties, including JAQU [the Department for Transport’s Joint Air Quality Unit], and the administration do not have a clear objective for the review so it is still a waste of money.”

Bath’s clean air zone is set to be in place by 2021 to urgently reduce harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide at hotspots across the city.

B&NES Council applied for £28 million in Government funding to mitigate the impact it will have on residents and businesses and

last month revealed it had secured £10 million.

The money will be used to help local bus companies to upgrade older buses; provide financial support to help local businesses and individuals upgrade non-compliant commercial vehicles; and to fund a team of travel advisors to help business access the financial support on offer and encourage people to switch to greener, cleaner travel.

As part of the full business case to be submitted later this year the council will seek funding for other mitigation measures to help businesses consolidate deliveries and reduce their reliance on large vehicles delivering goods into the city centre by using alternatives such as electric cargo bikes and vans and micro distribution hubs. B&NES Council was hoping to introduce an electric bike hire scheme this month but no company has come forward.

Dates announced for 10-day 2020 Bath Festival THE Bath Festival has announced the dates for its 2020 ten-day celebration of music and books, with various events planned including classical concerts to debates on big issues.

The festival will open with its traditional free Party in the City on Friday 15th May, run through the following ten days with a variety of events, from classical concerts to debates on the big issues of our times, culminating in a two-day celebration on the Rec over the Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May. Plans for the 2020 festival are already well underway as the arts charity’s programmers are scouting for the biggest and best names in literature and music to entertain and inspire audiences.

The Bath Festival is a keystone of the city’s calendar, bringing live and internationally acclaimed musicians and writers to Bath for more than 70 years.

Next year’s festival will also focus on sustainability and diversity, and festival-goers should expect some exciting new venues and a few surprises in the programme

line-up.

The 2020 festival is set to host events in the city’s most iconic and historic buildings, basing its main festival hub and green room at the Assembly Rooms. The elegant St Swithin’s Church in Walcot, where Jane Austen’s parents were married, is the proposed setting for intimate classical concerts and, for rousing performances for many hundreds of people, there’s the Art Deco former cinema, The Forum.

The festival will spill out onto the streets for Party in the City on the opening night and then returns to the Rec for two days of live music over the Bank Holiday weekend, with Bath Abbey as its dramatic backdrop.

Following the success in 2019 of the Literature Lounge decorated marquee on Alfred Street, the

venue will be returning for 2020.

Ian Stockley, Bath Festivals’ chief executive, said: “We wanted to share the dates for 2020 so we can involve more organisations and people with the festival.

“We’d love to hear from venues who would like to be part of The Bath Festival as we build on the success of the previous years.

“We’re really pleased to be able to take over the Rec for two days of music and family entertainment over the Bank Holiday weekend, which also neatly ties in with schools’ half term.”

Bath Festivals would like to hear from people who would like to support the festival, as volunteers or sponsors.

Keeping the streets clean Carbon neutral plans Continued from page 1 ... the streets clean, but we all need to play our part and we will continue to work to address the underlying problems that cause litter and fly-tipping across the whole of Bath and North East Somerset.

“We still urge people to help us keep Bath clean by disposing of their litter properly or taking it home and we will continue to issue fixed penalty notices where deliberate environmental crime is committed, but our team will also be working even harder to

keep the city a welcoming place to be.”

Residents have raised concerns over the plan to focus on the city centre, with some saying that there is a priority on parts of Bath frequented by tourists, and that more should be done in the surrounding area instead, in locations such as Southdown, Twerton and Foxhill.

There have also been calls for the more intensive clean-up to be continued on a daily basis across the city, rather than over the proposed six-week period.

Continued from page 1 will need people’s support and participation.

“Responding to the Climate Emergency requires action from national government, local government and all aspects of society in order to achieve the big energy and transport system changes needed.

“Many residents and local businesses ask us what they can do, which is why we are also providing a list of relatively simple actions that can be taken.

“Whilst we should all do what we

can, these individual actions on their own are not enough and we will be seeking support from the community for the larger system changes that are needed.”

Suggested actions to help reduce your carbon emissions include: • Avoid food waste; buy local and seasonal food when you can.

• Avoid palm oil in ultra-processed food and some cleaning products and toiletries.

• Buy less stuff, make it last; eliminate single-use plastics.

• Walk, cycle and use public transport as much as you can.

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Get on your bike in aid of Cancer Research UK CYCLISTS across the Bath area are being urged to use peddle power in a bid to raise money for Cancer Research UK this September, as part of the Cycle 300 challenge. The charity is urging men and women to sign up now and then choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike next month.

There are many ways to hit the 300-mile mark. Commuters can notch up ten miles a day on their cycle to work, weekend enthusiasts can plan epic 75mile routes through rolling countryside, while gym bunnies can step up the spin classes to hit their target.

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “Cycle 300 is the perfect opportunity to combine all benefits of cycling, the thrill of a physical challenge and the fantastic sense of achievement from raising money for a great cause, all at the same time.

“Cycle 300 is a great fundraising challenge because you can choose how, when and where to do it, so that it fits in with your lifestyle and commitments.”

She added: “You can sign up to Cycle 300 on your own or make it more social by challenging family, friends and colleagues to join you.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to commit to a healthy challenge now, so you have something to

aim for in September.”

Taking on Cycle 300 is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of cycling and keeping active.

As well as helping to build fitness and burn excess calories, cycling regularly encourages a healthier heart, can improve mood, and can also protect against a range of diseases – including cancer.

Depending on weight and effort,

participants could burn roughly between 400 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.

Alison continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. By taking part in Cancer Research UK Cycle

300, men and women can make a real difference in the fight against the disease.

“Everyone who participates in Cancer Research UK Cycle 300 will be supporting the efforts of doctors, nurses and scientists working on the front line against cancer.” To sign up now for a free fundraising pack, visit: www.cruk.org/cycle300.

News in Brief Three arrested over drug supply offences Three people, a 39-year-old man, a 35-year-old woman and 50-year-old man, have been arrested in Bath in relation to drug supply offences. The 39-yearold man from Bath was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, whilst a 35-year-old woman from Bath was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs.

At around midday on Wednesday, 7th August, plainclothes police officers observed two individuals suspected to be engaging in drug dealing activity. Officers detained both individuals, and a suspected wrap of heroin was recovered.

A search of an address located three further individuals inside, alongside various items of drugs paraphernalia. Following a search of the individuals, a 55-year-old man from Bath was found to be carrying a package of approximately 20 wraps of suspected heroin and crack cocaine, and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A. The woman admitted the possession offence and has been referred onto a drugs education programme. Enquiries continue regarding the two men arrested.

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Family pay tribute to Bath MP Wera Hobhouse discovers 20-year-old killed in more about green gas during visit Midsomer Norton crash

Jennifer Sell was killed in a collision in Midsomer Norton

THE family of a 20-year-old woman who died in a fatal collision in Midsomer Norton at the end of July have released a photo and a tribute, describing her as “beautiful inside and out”. Jennifer Rose Sell, aged 20 from Clutton, died at the scene of the collision on North Meade Road, on Wednesday 31st July.

“Jenny” was driving a Honda Jazz which was in collision with an

Audi A5 at a junction.

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said her father Colin Sell, mother Janice and brother Sam are devastated.

The family said: “Our beautiful daughter was taken away from us suddenly, tragically and far too soon. She was beautiful inside and out and was loved by many. as left a massive gap in our lives.

We will love and miss her forever.”

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited the green gas plant at Wyke Farms in Somerset to hear first-hand about the role biomethane is playing in the energy system.

The visit was hosted in partnership with Wales & West Utilities, the company who look after the pipes that transport green gas like biomethane across the south west of England. Wyke Farms has been generating biomethane since 2015 from its own on-site anaerobic digesters.

This converts 75,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste from its farm and neighbours into energy every year. The biomethane is then injected into the gas network to heat homes and power businesses.

Across Wales and southwest England, Wales & West Utilities has already connected 19 green gas plants to the network, decarbonising the gas supply to over 120,000 homes and businesses. Speaking about her visit, Wera Hobhouse said: “It was great to see how Wyke Farms is blazing a trail in sustainable farming, not only reducing the impact of agriculture on the

environment but also helping decarbonise the energy system.

“Using agricultural by-products as a feedstock to generate green, carbon-neutral, gas is the circular economy in action and a great

example of the sort of project we need to invest in to meet Net Zero by 2050. I was interested to hear from Wales & West Utilities on the wide range of work they are doing to prepare for the future.

“From upgrading the gas network, to industry leading research projects on the future energy system, it is reassuring to hear the focus on delivering energy that is sustainable, affordable and reliable.”

Ms Hobhouse was met by Wales & West Utilities Energy Strategy Director, Chris Clarke, who explained the role biomethane has in the energy system.

Chris said: “We’re delighted to be working with the team at Wyke Farms to inject green gas into the grid.

Across Wales and south west England, the gas supply to over 120,000 homes has already been decarbonised through biomethane. In the future, green gases like hydrogen and biomethane, alongside smart hybrid heating systems, will support the decarbonisation of heat, power and transport by 2050.

“Through supporting renewable energy and decarbonising the gas grid we’re playing a key role, not only in heating homes and powering businesses today but delivering a Net Zero carbon future.”

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News in Brief New director for CitySound Voices Choir CitySound Voices, labelled as one of Bath’s most dynamic choirs, has announced the appointment of Nicholas Bromilow as their new musical director. He will start working with CitySound Voices in September and will prepare the group for a concert at St Mary’s Church, Bruton, Somerset on 16th November, followed by the annual Christmas concert on 7th December at St Michael’s Without, Bath. Mr Bromilow, a born-and-bred Bristolian, began singing from a young age. At 18 he made his debut as a conductor with a complete performance of Handel’s Messiah. Now at the age of 28, he is involved with both orchestral and choral music at the highest level, having recently co-founded the Resonance Orchestra.

Bath security guard recognised at awards A security guard who works in Bath has been recognised at a ceremony hosted by PCC Sue Mountstevens. Andy Canning was nominated for the support he gave police officers as they attempted to catch a fleeing offender and, thanks to Andy, the person was detained. Andy said: “I was so surprised to even be nominated for the award, let along actually win. It is nice to be recognised for the five years of work alongside the neighbourhood team in Bath.”

Sue Mountstevens said: “These awards highlight just some of the very special individuals we have living and working amongst us and their exemplary efforts are hugely appreciated."

More than one in ten 999 calls being abandoned AVON and Somerset Police has appealed to the public to ensure their phones aren't making unintended calls to 999, after it was revealed that more than one in ten 999 calls received in July 2019 were abandoned.

The police force received a total of 24,359 emergency 999 calls, of which 2,955 were abandoned.

The team in the emergency control room spent 380 hours dealing with calls of this type – including phoning back the caller to check they were ok.

This figure is 49.6% higher than July 2015, when 1,975 abandoned 999 calls were received.

A 999 call is recorded as ‘abandoned’ when the line is disconnected before the caller speaks to a member of the emergency services or confirms to a BT 999 operator that they are safe and well.

There are lots of reasons someone may abandon a call. It could be a child accidentally calling 999 or someone calling in a crisis situation who hangs up once they realise another person is on the phone to the emergency services.

But the most common type of abandoned calls are caused by someone accidentally ‘pocket dialling’ emergency services. This is where the phone is not locked and accidently calls 999.

Avon and Somerset Police communications manager Rob Simmons said: “When the function to dial 999 is activated accidentally, it can waste precious time that could otherwise be spent helping someone with an emergency and potentially saving a life.

“We understand that accidents happen, but we want people to be conscious that they could be putting other people at risk by tying up police resources.”

Mr Simmons added: “We once

Avon and Somerset Police Control Room | Photo: © Avon and Somerset Police

received a 999 call made from a dog playing with a house phone.

The owners were apologetic when they heard back from us.

"But, like the advice we give to parents whose children have called 999, we would always ask that phones are kept out of their reach.” The majority of smart phones have a feature to make an emergency call to the police easily. Mr Simmons added: “This is a really great function which means people can easily get the help they need when they’re in a genuine emergency.

“But we’re asking people to take a minute to just check their mobile phone settings and reduce the chances of calling 999 accidentally, while ensuring they can still call us easily in a real emergency.”

Android Devices Android devices have a built in security app called ‘Smart Lock’ which automatically locks the device when it’s not around you and unlocks when it is.

It is a simple process to disable this, which will reduce the risk of you inadvertently pocket dialling Emergency SOS or other individuals.

Follow the steps below to disable the feature: 1. Open Settings 2. Go to Lock Screen and Security Folder 3. Click ‘Secure lock settings’ 4. Located at the bottom, you will find ‘Smart Lock’. Open this.

5. If ‘On-Body Detection’ is enabled, simply disable.

iOS Devices iOS devices are even easier to choose what features can and cannot be used whilst the device is locked.

Follow the steps below to amend your settings: 1. Open Settings 2. Open ‘Touch ID & Passcode folder’ 3. Scroll down to the field name ‘allow access when locked’ 4. Enable/Disable the features. iOS users can also rapidly click the sleep/wake button five times to quickly call emergency services. Follow the steps below to disable the settings for auto-calling: 1. Open Settings 2. Open Emergency SOS 3. Disable Auto Call.

Locals invited to earn rewards by recycling electrical items RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset can now pick up reward vouchers to spend in high street stores as part of a new scheme to encourage recycling of small electrical items. Bath & North East Somerset Council is working in partnership with BetterPoints to reward local residents for clearing out their homes of small electronic and electrical items and recycling them.

For the next four months, people will be rewarded for recycling their broken or unwanted small electrical appliances at one of Bath and North East Somerset’s recycling centres.

People can take their unwanted or broken small electricals to the recycling centre and download the free BetterPoints app on their smartphones and then scan the QR code located next to the electrical recycling container.

The council currently has a kerbside collection system for small electrical appliances and plans to extend the reward scheme to these collections later this autumn.

Residents will get rewards by recycling any small electrical item that has a plug or uses batteries.

Such items include kettles, blenders, calculators, cameras,

chargers, digi-boxes, electronic toothbrushes, electronic toys and games, hair straighteners, hi-fi equipment, irons, power tools, shavers, telephones and torches.

Residents will be able to earn points for each scanned item and redeem BetterPoints for vouchers from £2 to £20 for national high street and local inde-

pendent shops including Argos, Sainsburys, Costa Coffee, Evans Cycles, Morrisons, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins and many more.

Alternatively, people can donate points to a community group or a charity of their choice, whether it’s national or local, it’s all done on the app. If a charity is not listed it can be added easily. Recyclers can also earn BetterTickets for regular prize draws – the more you collect, the more chance you have of winning. Councillor Dave Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Last year our residents recycled more than 612 tonnes of small electrical items by taking them to our recycling centres and we want to increase that number. All small electrical appliances brought to the recycling centre can be recycled and made into new things using their valuable metals and plastics. One clothes iron can provide enough steel to make 13 new steel cans. All the items will be crushed, separated into their different materials and recycled to make new products.”

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Lengthy roadwork diversions across B&NES explained Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

VILLAGERS have shared stories of the barmy diversions and roadworks that drive them around the bend.

In one bizarre example, a 100-metre road closure sent motorists on a 15-mile detour.

In another, four different diversions converged on the same small roundabout.

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s highways chief Kelvin Packer said these unusual scenarios could be avoided in future by agreeing with residents on what routes work when diversions are necessary.

Speaking at last month’s Chew Valley Forum meeting, chair Chris Head said when there was a road closure in West Harptree, drivers were sent on a 14.9-mile detour through Bishop Sutton, Pensford and Chew Stoke to reach a spot 100 metres away.

He said in Dundry the temporary traffic lights were in place so long residents held a birthday party for them.

And in a confusing case, Mr Head said four different diversions had converged on a single roundabout.

Mr Packer, B&NES Council’s group manager for highways, said that was “clearly an error” and one he hoped would never be repeated.

Hinton Blewett resident David Duckett asked why contractors do not work for as long as pos-

sible each day. He said he had witnessed them finish at 3pm on a Friday and leave the traffic controls in place over the weekend, unnecessarily.

Mr Head added that it seemed like roadworks could be fast-tracked in Bath when the Christmas markets are looming, but “out here we have work that would take a day or two, but because it’s a bit more gentle and things can take a bit longer”.

Mr Packer said he treats every road in Bath and North East Somerset equally, adding: “There’s a question around safe working hours. We changed our contractors at the beginning of April and are looking at the timing of roadworks.

“In 2020 we’re looking at introducing a permit to work system – there will be much tighter controls.”

Forum members lined up to share the worst examples of roadworks they had experienced.

Colin Moore said a “closure within a closure” in Upley had been “hell” for residents and sent drivers down “entirely unsuitable” roads.

Councillor Karen Warrington, who represents the Chew Valley on B&NES Council, said her lane was once blocked by a van that had to be winched out after it diverted down the “inappropriate” route.

Other irritants for forum members included traffic lights being left on when no work is happening, road signs staying in place after work has finished and unclear

diversions, plus wider transport issues like speeding.

Tony Heaford claimed that roads in Publow and Pensford are “treated like Silverstone” and urged the council to lower the speed limit, adding: “Sooner or later there’s going to be a fatality down there.”

Mr Packer responded: “I could probably spend the entire council budget bringing down speed limits if I put through every re-

quest.”

He said his department receives 12,000 applications a year for roadworks, and most run smoothly.

Contractors are required to give the council at least eight weeks’ notice for planned works so it can coordinate different projects.

They should put information boards out two weeks in advance so people can see what is happening.

The council also cooperates with neighbouring authorities in Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, but Mr Packer said officers could also learn from residents.

“There’s an opportunity for us to agree some standard routes – if we need to close a road, this is the route we will follow,” he said.

“We need to find a way of communicating better with the community.”

'Pete the Street' painting set to go under the hammer next month

Appeal for help after bikes worth £15k stolen

A PAINTING by one of Bath’s best-known artists that captures the city’s skyline at the dawn of the millennium is to be auctioned next month.

The 6ft x 2.5ft painting is being sold by local resident Julia Marshman, who commissioned the work from artist Peter Brown – known as Pete the Street – in 2000 to celebrate the arrival of the 21st century.

It will be auctioned at Gardiner Houlgate’s antiques and art auction on Thursday 26th September in Corsham.

Jamie South, director and auctioneer from Gardiner Houlgate, said: “This is an ambitious and beautifully realised piece by Pete Brown, capturing Bath at the very end of the 20th century.

"We’ve sold 8–10 pieces of Pete’s before, which have all gone down well with buyers. As he’s Bath’s best-known resident artist and increasingly widely collected in the South West, we’re expecting a lot of interest.

“Since Pete painted this in 2000, he’s grown in stature in the art world, which means his contemporary works fetch as much as £30,000–£50,000. This is an early painting, very much in his

AVON and Somerset Police has launched an appeal for help from the public after three bikes, together worth around £15,000, were stolen from a property in Bath.

The bikes were taken overnight from a garden building in the Fairfield Park area of Bath.

The bikes are: • An electric Haibike mountain bike. It has a black and grey frame with orange coloured lettering on the main frame and forks. It has front and rear suspension and Maxxis tyres.

• A Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt – a grey coloured carbon fibre mountain bike with front suspension.

• A Cervelo C3 road bike, which has a black coloured frame with the name Cervolo written on a white background on the downtube. There are red features on

Artist Peter Brown with Julia Marshman | Photo: Gardiner Houlgate

trademark French impressionist and post-impressionist style, so we’d expect to see it go for in the region of £8,000–£12,000.

That’s a great price for a Pete the Street original. Interestingly, you can see that Bath’s cityscape has changed quite dramatically since 2000 with the redevelopment of the shopping precinct in Southgate and relocation of the bus station.” After the painting was completed, a limited edition of 2,000 prints were also sold off.

Peter Brown is regarded as Bath’s

foremost living artist and is represented by the famous Messums Gallery in London.

The auction will take place at Gardiner Houlgate, 9 Leafield Way, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9SW on Thursday 26th September from 11am.

Peter Brown’s Bath cityscape will be available for public viewing over Monday 23rd – Wednesday 25th September from 9am– 5.30pm and on the day of the sale.

For more information, contact Jamie South on 01225 812912.

the front forks and chainstay tube and the bike has a GPS unit fitted to the handlebars.

They were taken overnight between Saturday 3rd August and Sunday 4th August.

Officers are appealing to anyone offered any of the bikes to contact them.

Police would also like members of local cycling clubs, cycle dealers and second-hand shops to remain vigilant and report to them if they are approached to buy the bikes.

Anyone able to help with information is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5219178466.

Police are taking the opportunity to advise people with bikes to ensure that they are security marked and stored in a secure location.

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Victoria Art Gallery to feature work by artist James Tower A RETROSPECTIVE of one of Britain’s most important 20thcentury ceramic artists, James Tower, is set to go on show at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath this autumn.

James Tower Ceramic Artist: A Centenary Celebration will run from 21st September to 24th November 2019.

The exhibition will feature 40 large ceramics and sculptures by an artist hailed for pushing boundaries and bringing about a new way of appreciating sculptural form in Britain.

Also included are paintings and works on paper by Tower – many of them previously unseen – plus ceramic items by artists such as Picasso who influenced and inspired him.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We look forward to displaying some of James Tower’s best works at the Victoria Art Gallery this autumn.

“Tower had strong links with the area, having worked for 17 years at Bath Academy of Art, and I hope that many local residents will have a chance to come along to the exhibition.

“As always, admission will be free for residents with a Discovery Card.”

Tower (1919-88) was born in Sheerness on the north Kent coast, with access to windswept beaches, and a shoreline teeming with plant and animal life.

This environment left an indelible impression on the future painter turned sculptor.

In an artist’s statement, he declared his intention of making “forms to convey a sense of wholeness, releasing inner tensions, serene and harmonious, a world where abounding energy is held in calm restraint.”

“The objects which I strive to

make are attempts at hymns to the beauty of the natural world.”

Tower was also a highly-respected art school lecturer, setting up the pottery studio at Bath Academy of Art, before becoming Head of Sculpture at Brighton Polytechnic (now Brighton College of Art).

One of Tower’s colleagues at Brighton was Antony Gormley, who paid tribute to his former

boss. He said: “There is a sense of water running between rocks, patterns on a butterfly’s wings, spots on a fish’s skin, clouds on a wintery day, stripes on a zebra’s back, ribs of a human chest and the multiple leaves of a compressed succulent in the myriad forms of James’s work.

“His genius was to synthesise and make of these inspirations

in which he delighted things in themselves.” The loan exhibition and accompanying book offer a comprehensive survey of this major artist’s achievement to mark the centenary of his birth.

James Tower – Ceramics, Sculptures and Drawings, edited

by Timothy Wilcox, contains essays by Wilcox, Tanya Harod, Lesley Jackson and Conor Wilson.

beyond the walls of Stonewater and I wish her the best of luck at the awards ceremony later this year.”

Two other Stonewater colleagues have been shortlisted for a Women in Housing award, with Sue Shirt, Executive Director of Customer Experience,

nominated for the Woman of the Year: Tenant/Customer Focus award, and Bristol-based Rosie Norman, Allocation Team Leader, contending for Young Achiever of the Year.

Stonewater has also been shortlisted in the Improving the Lives of Women or Communities

(large) award category for its South Asian Women’s Refuge (SAWR) in Bedfordshire, which supports South Asian women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 10th October, at the Emirates, Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester.

Bath-based social housing specialist shortlisted for national equality award A BATH-based specialist for social housing provider Stonewater has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of her major contributions to improving equality and social justice.

2019 marks the seventh year of the Women in Housing Awards, which recognise the work and achievements of women like Cordelia Johnney, who is nominated for Inclusion Champion.

Put forward for the award by her fellow colleagues, Cordelia is seen as an inspirational member of the Stonewater team.

Before joining in 2013, she worked for 13 years as an equality, diversity and community liaison role at Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Since then, she has developed a number of initiatives for Stonewater that promote and build an inclusive culture across the entire organisation and to its customers.

These include creating an equality impact assessment

toolkit to ensure that colleagues are considering equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) when policy and decisions are made.

Cordelia has achieved all of this whilst battling an ongoing debilitating form of Sickle Cell Disease, that has left her with a severe disability, which has never dented her passion in her pursuit of EDI. Nicholas Harris, chief executive of Stonewater, said: “Cordelia has never been afraid to challenge our organisation to step out of its comfort zone and push towards an even greater future.

“She has made a significant impact at Stonewater and really focused on gender parity across the business, so we can make sure we have a truly inclusive culture.

“Being shortlisted for a Women in Housing Award is more than well-deserved considering the achievements she has modestly collected, whilst improving equality and diversity across organisations like ours.

“I’m pleased that her tremendous hard work has been recognised

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Natural Theatre Company’s performance and skills programme to return this September THE opportunity for local adults to learn theatre and performance skills in a relaxing and fun environment, taught by world-class actors, is returning to the city next month.

The Natural Theatre Company specialise in interactive comedy performances that take place in unconventional spaces all around the world.

In 2018 they launched their Adult Theatre School in Bath, and earlier this year created a Bristol branch in the city’s Southville area.

The classes, which are suitable for participants of all abilities, offer an alternative to traditional performance techniques: students will be taught the Naturals’ trademark style of comedy acting, including improvisation skills, physical performance and street theatre.

They will get the chance to wear costume from the company’s extensive collection, and learn about classic theatre pieces from their 50-year history as a performance company.

The evening classes are designed for anyone with an enthusiasm

News in Brief Student in river rescue A 21-year-old man was rescued from the River Avon in Bath in the early hours of Friday 16th August.

Crews from Bath fire station were called to reports of a male casualty in the water near Widcombe. On arrival, firefighters used swift water rescue equipment and a boat to rescue the man, before handing him to ambulance crews. It's believed he was seperated from friends before ending up in the water. The man's mother took to Twitter to thank the emergency services, saying: "I cannot thank you enough for rescuing him. He is an exceptionally lucky boy. I'd also like to thank the person who rang 999 and the two paramedics who looked after him so well.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Guide dog talks on offer for performance, whether they would like to build selfconfidence, have an interest in acting professionally, or just want to start a new hobby and meet new people.

Elle Roberts, Company Manager of the Natural Theatre Company,

said: “We started the Adult Theatre School with the aim of giving grown-ups a chance to have fun and de-stress after work in a supportive environment.

“We believe that having fun is just as important for adults as it is for children!” The classes

will take place at the company’s headquarters in Widcombe and will begin on Monday 23rd September, running weekly until Monday 2nd December with a half-term break on 28th October.

For more information, visit: www.naturaltheatre.co.uk.

Hundreds of homes sitting empty across B&NES Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

MORE than 700 homes in Bath and North East Somerset have been sitting vacant for at least six months.

Some 200 of them have been unoccupied for more than two years – and the worst two cases have been empty since 1994.

The empty properties are a valuable resource but they can devalue neighbouring homes and can be a magnet for antisocial behaviour and crime.

Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) has some powers to bring them back into use.

It can draw up action plans, offer incentives to owners to revitalise their properties and, if the situation calls for it, can carry out a compulsory purchase.

The authority forced the sale of 10 Wellington Buildings in 2017, paying £217,500 for a home that is now back in use.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for housing, planning and economic development, said: “Empty properties left to deteriorate are a wasted asset and can quickly fall into disrepair, causing real problems for both the immediate neighbours and the wider community.

“The council is taking a firm and proactive approach to bringing empty properties back into use.

“This is as much about supporting owners who are simply overwhelmed with owning an empty property, as it is taking enforcement action against property owners whose empty homes are

a nuisance but who refuse to engage with the council.

“Properties identified as being of the highest priority by the empty property officer are subject to an action plan, which allow for intensive, tailored help and support to be offered to the owner, all of which takes time – but we are getting excellent results.”

A Freedom of Information Act

request showed that as of May 8 there were 763 properties across the area that had been empty for six months or more.

There are currently two properties on the council’s long-term empty active cases list that have been empty since 1994. A property empty since 1997 came back into use earlier this year.

B&NES Council increases tax

bills by 50 per cent for owners whose properties have been empty for two years, and asks for updates on when they will be brought back into use. It also lets them know about the financial incentives on offer. Wessex Loans offers up to £30,000, there is up to £500 available for small works, and some will qualify for VAT relief or exemptions.

Guide Dogs has a brand new set of trained volunteer speakers ready to delivery engaging talks in the Bath area.

Talks can be delivered to community groups, schools, youth groups and companies.

The speakers offer talks to groups of all ages and can tailor the talk to the individual group’s needs.

Many speakers are guide dog owners, volunteer guide dog puppy walkers or have rehomed a guide dog, and are more than happy to bring along their fourlegged companions for people to meet. Volunteer speakers are passionate about sharing the life-changing services Guide Dogs provides for people living with sight loss here in the BANES area and across the UK. Their stories are engaging, personal, and often very moving. Guide Dogs does not charge a set fee for talks, preferring instead to make them available to as many groups as possible, but donations are always gladly accepted.

To book one of the Bath area speakers go to: https://www. guidedogs.org.uk/services-weprovide/speaker-service or call 0345 143 0192.

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Bath Building Society set to host Dementia Friends session BATH Building Society is set to host a free two-hour Dementia Friends information session for its members on Wednesday, 18th September, at their Queen Square head office.

Jane Cox is Bath Building Society’s Dementia Friends Champion, and delivers regular training to the Society’s 40+ employees as part of their work towards becoming a Dementia Friendly organisation.

Talking about the new session for members, Jane said: “Through our work with Dementia Friends it’s clear that people often don’t know how to best support loved ones living with dementia, or where to go for help.

“Our customers are interested in Bath Building Society’s work towards becoming a Dementia Friendly organisation and so we had the idea to extend the information sessions to our members.”

“The Dementia Friends information session is relevant to everyone as we’re all liable to come across people living with dementia.

“There’s a lot we can do to make a positive difference to people living with dementia. No action is too big or too small. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue.

“People with dementia can live

well, but to be able to do so they need support and understanding from those around them.”

Kevin Gray, CEO of Bath Building Society, said: “We’re committed to becoming a dementia friendly organisation and aim to offer

compassionate customer support to everyone.

“When you’re living with dementia, managing money can become more complicated. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for help if you’re worried about dementia

Housebuilder donation helps school fill library with books

and your finances.”

To book a space at the session, being held from 10am on Wednesday, 18th September at 15 Queen Square, people can enquire at the Bath Building Society branches on Wood Street or

Moorland Road.

You can also call Bath Building Society’s Dementia Friends Champion, Jane Cox on 01225 330837.

Places are limited and available on a first-come first-served basis.

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A GROWING primary school in Bath has received a donation from a local housebuilder as part of an appeal to help fill its library with new books.

Housebuilder Bellway, which is building new homes at the Mulberry Park development off Combe Down, has donated £100 to Mulberry Park Educate Together Primary School.

The money was donated as part of Usborne Community Book Pledge, a nationwide initiative which encourages local businesses to donate to schools to help them buy new books.

Emma Garnett, Headteacher at Mulberry Park Educate Together Primary School, said: “We are really pleased Bellway have chosen to support our book pledge.

“As part of the nationwide initiative, Us-

borne Community Book Pledge, we are looking to raise £625 to go towards new books for our school. If we manage to raise this, Usborne Publishing will top this up to £1,000.

“It is extremely important to us that we provide our students with the best facilities, so we are very grateful for Bellway’s donation.”

Rachel Way, Sales Manager at Bellway South West, added: “It is important to us that we support schools within the areas in which we build new homes, so when we heard about the school’s book pledge, we were really keen to help.”

The school is currently still fundraising to reach their target. To donate to the school’s book pledge, visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/keynshambookcorner.

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BRLSI receives £36,000 of National Lottery Heritage Funding THE Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) is set to receive a grant of £36,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the grant will enable BRLSI to undertake two vital projects to take forward their mission to share knowledge and stimulate exploration of science, literature and the arts, enriching the quality of life for Bath residents and visitors.

The first project is a review of Governance and Organisation with an eye toward being fit for the future and meeting aspirations to 'Open up the BRLSI'. BRLSI is particularly keen to identify the skills and practices needed for their future development and especially wishes to recognise the large role of its many hundreds of members and volunteers that contribute to their success.

The grant will enable BRLSI to be better prepared to carry out its mission, review its volunteering framework and where appropriate propose changes that will strengthen their total workforce and build and sustain collaboration with other organisations.

The grant will secondly permit BRLSI to develop its ambitious Business Plans to broaden their audiences and reach out to people who are curious about the world. Key to this will be preserving, developing, interpreting and sharing the museum, library and archive collections whilst at the same time continuing to deliver stimulating range of activities, including talks, outreach, exhibitions, displays, research and publications Most importantly, the lottery grant will provide an opportu-

nity to assess the training needs for up to 30 staff and volunteers and to provide for some external training and mentoring specifically with respect to taking forward their programmes and ambitions.

BRLSI is currently in the process of selecting external consultants to assist with the tasks to be achieved under the terms of the grant. Progress reports will be made at various intervals during the course of the external funding and the expected completion

date is in the next 12 months.

Many Bath residents won’t be aware that in the war, the Grade 1 Listed building in Queen Square was requisitioned by the Admiralty and then became the Bath reference library. It was in 1993 that BRLSI was re-launched with plans to carefully conserve the unique historical collection and become a cultural hub in Bath offering lectures, workshops and other activities for people of all ages. Numerous local groups and educational organisations use

the BRLSI for meetings, public forums and training and the BRLSI itself sponsors over 130 talks per year, plus annual exhibitions.

Chris Garcia, BRLSI Director and head of Fundraising, said: "We are delighted to receive this grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund which will enable BRLSI to assess its resources and set in motion the change necessary to be a vibrant 21st century Institution. Our Vision is to be a world class charity, inspiring people to learn about Bath and the world

beyond." In a statement, the BRLSI said it was "pleased to have been awarded the grant at this critical time in the life of the Institution and in view of the extent of change especially with regard to digital communication and other technological opportunities.

Having the opportunity to employ professions to give careful scrutiny to BRLSI's expanding initiatives and operations should enhance BRLSI's role in the local community and to enable it to widen its audiences."

Sponsors sought for this year's upcoming FilmBath Festival A FESTIVAL which attracts thousands of film-lovers every year is looking for new sponsors.

FilmBath Festival, which this year will run from 7th-17th November, is inviting local businesses to support its programme.

It has launched its Be A Film Star! fundraising campaign, with sponsorship starting at only £500.

"Each autumn we screen a superbly created programme of around 45 feature films and 35 shorts at various venues in and around Bath," said FilmBath's Executive Director Holly Tarquini.

"Many of the films we screen are previews of the films everyone will be talking about months later.

In 2019 for example, we screened The Favourite two months before its general release. We thrive and survive thanks to our wonderful sponsors. Our supporters use their sponsorship in different ways. Some, such as Aaron Evans Architects, buy additional tickets to the films they have sponsored,

hold a networking drinks party at the office beforehand and then bring their guests on to a film.

Others simply use the sponsorship to promote their brand and others sponsor us so that Bath can continue to have a thriving, independent film festival."

Aaron Evans Managing Director Kevin Murphy said: "Aaron Evans Architects have been sponsoring FilmBath Festival since its inception in 1990.

"We use the opportunity not only to support the great work that Holly, Philip and the Festival team does but also as a creative networking event to say thank you to our clients and colleagues.

"It makes for a great social evening and the films always leave us with much to talk about for days to come. I’d highly recommend getting involved."

Businesses interested in sponsoring the upcoming festival can email: hello@filmbath.org.uk for more information.

FilmBath Executive Director Holly Tarquini

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Bath Greenpeace group listens to views of city's residents

The Bath Greenpeace group spoke to over 130 people | Photos: © Bath Greenpeace

THE majority of Bath residents interviewed by Greenpeace volunteers during a week of high street conversations said they want urgent action from government directed at tackling the climate emergency.

The Bath Greenpeace group held discussions with local residents to find out whether they noticed any impacts of climate change locally, what they believe to be the biggest cause of climate change, and what they think needs to be done to tackle it.

The recent IPCC report warned there is just over a decade left to cut carbon emissions in order to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. In late July, Britain experienced its hottest day on record, with the mercury hitting 30 degrees here in Bath, while a Met

Office study revealed that the top 10 warmest years on record in the UK have all occurred since 2002.

Gill, a volunteer with Greenpeace Bath group who lives in Oldfield Park said: "We need to take urgent action on the climate emergency. The overwhelming majority of residents we spoke to (82%) here in Bath are noticing local impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather and the loss to local biodiversity."

During the discussions, local people said they: • Would support Government taking action to tackle climate change, even if this had a negative impact on their own lifestyle.

• Identified fossil fuel exploitation, transport and agriculture as the biggest causes of greenhouse gases.

• Are already doing lots themselves to tackle climate change, including driving less, eating less meat and installing solar panels, but want Government to lead the way.

Sara, who was with the group from Lower Weston said: "The new Government’s first priority must be to tackle the climate emergency.

"Our conversations show that we’re already doing our bit here in Bath but we need our Government to lead the way in reducing emissions and introduce policies that make it easier for people to live greener lives.

"We need to bring forward the deadline for reaching net zero to earlier than 2045 or our children will inherit an uninhabitable planet.’’

Hundreds of sexual offences against Bath law firm to help young children recorded by police local families climb the property ladder POLICE across the South West of England are dealing with hundreds of sexual offences against young children, according to research by the NSPCC. A Freedom of Information request to police forces shows that in 2018/19 there were at least 7,618 recorded sexual offences against children aged four to eight in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Of those, 779 offences were recorded by south west forces.

The NSPCC has also revealed that last year hundreds of children under the age of 11 living across the UK contacted Childline about sexual abuse.

A young girl who contacted Childline said: “I want to know if something that happened to me was wrong. The other day my older brother’s friend kissed me and touched me.

"He asked me to do other things but I said no and he got angry with me.

“I feel awful and like what happened was all my fault. My friends have all told me that it’s fine but I’m so confused. Is this normal?”

In response, the NSPCC is relaunching its Talk PANTS cam-

paign, which helps parents with children aged eight and under to have vital conversations about staying safe from sexual abuse.

The charity’s PANTS rules, catchy Pantosaurus song and activity pack help parents find the right words to talk to their children about staying safe.

They don’t mention the words sex or abuse so it is easier for parents to tackle the sensitive subject.

The NSPCC is encouraging parents to donate to the charity to get the PANTS activity pack and help protect a generation of children from abuse.

The charity has also produced new videos which show children using the PANTS activities.

Donna-Marie Wright, a mum to seven children, is a passionate supporter of the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign.

She said: “I think Talk PANTS is brilliant. Having been abused myself between the ages of seven and 18, I believe it’s essential that all parents talk to their children about staying safe from sexual abuse.

“Many parents may worry that talking to their children about this sensitive subject will be scary

and confusing but the PANTS activities help you find the right words.

"There is no mention of sex or abuse and when I’ve used them with my own young children, I’ve found the resources to be incredibly useful.”

Parents and children can sing along with Pantosaurus (www. nspcc.org.uk/pants) who explains each letter of PANTS. The acronym provides a simple but valuable rule that keeps children safe: that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no, and that they should tell an adult they trust if they’re worried or upset.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “It is very concerning that the number of recorded sexual offences against young children is at such a high level and it is vital we do more to help them stay safe from sexual abuse.

"That is why Talk PANTS is such an important tool for parents as it enables them to have vital conversations with their child in an age appropriate way.”

Avon and Somerset Police recorded 129 sex offences against under 18s for the year 2018/2019.

BATH law firm Stone King is to host two special information sessions to help local families find out more about how to get on the property ladder, including how to safeguard your money.

As part of Stone King’s well-established free coffee morning series, the firm is offering two free information sessions on ‘Helping your family climb the property ladder’, which will include guest speakers.

One of the events will be an evening session, to enable more people to attend.

Amanda Watts, Partner in the Private Client Property Team, said: “The expression ‘bank of Mum and Dad’ is well used as over a third of homeowners needed fi-

nancial support to buy their first house.

“There are a number of ways to offer support and potentially safeguard your money and our free information sessions aim to provide some guidance and support.”

The evening session is on 10th September at 6pm – 8.30pm at The Bath & Country Club in Queen’s Parade.

The coffee morning will be held at the BRSLI on Wednesday 18th September from 10.30am – 1pm.

Light refreshments will be provided at both events and there will be a chance to talk to members of Stone King’s Team.

Places can be booked by visiting www.stoneking.co.uk/events or calling 0800 111 4336.

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Fraudster Mark Acklom jailed for nearly six years after conning local woman MARK Acklom, a 46-year-old career fraudster who tricked a woman into having a relationship with him so he could steal her life-savings before going on the run, has been jailed for nearly six years.

He has been jailed after admitting five counts of fraud just as his trial was due to start.

Acklom, 46, who previously lived in Spain, posed as an MI6 officer, a Swiss banker and a wealthy property developer with links to the celebrity world as part of a sophisticated romance scam.

He duped Carolyn Woods into having a relationship with him after meeting her in January 2012 at a shop in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, where she worked.

He failed to tell her he was already married and had children and proceeded to con her out of her life-savings, including money from the sale of her house, by promising marriage and allowing her to believe he needed money to renovate expensive properties in Bath, including Widcombe Manor – which she believed would be their marital home.

After this, he went on the run and was placed on the NCA most wanted criminals in Europe list, eventually being tracked down

by Avon and Somerset Police, the National Crime Agency and the Swiss Federal Criminal Police to a luxury apartment in Zurich, in June 2018.

He was detained and extradited to face trial back in the UK. Acklom was due to stand trial at Bristol Crown Court on 7th August, for eight counts of fraud by false representation and 12 counts of converting criminal property – an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act. However, during the morning, he entered guilty pleas relating to five offences of fraud totalling some £300,000. The remaining 15 charges will now lie on file.

Sentencing Acklom to five years and eight months, His Honour Judge Martin Picton told him he had acted in a “ruthless and utterly selfish manner” in spinning a number of lies and there was “precious little mitigation” for his crimes.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Gary Haskins said: “Mark Acklom is a career criminal and a master manipulator who cared little about the emotional devastation he was leaving in his wake.

“He carried out a callous romance fraud against Carolyn Woods which ruined her life. I’d like to thank Carolyn wholeheartedly for supporting the police investigation and for being prepared to give crucial evidence in court.

“I hope this result helps her move on from this distressing ordeal.

“On the surface, Acklom was charming, affluent and successful. Underneath he was calculating, scheming and obsessive about money.

“His ability to manipulate knew no bounds. He would steal from one person to pay another.

“It was a high risk tactic which was always going to be exposed at some point. Acklom is without morality when it comes to deception and he used Carolyn’s money to fund fast cars, expensive rental properties, his children’s private schooling fees and even a wedding dress.

“It’s been a significant investigation for Avon and Somerset Police and I’d like to pay tribute to all the officers and staff who’ve played a role in bringing Acklom to justice.”

Former Detective Inspector Adam Bunting, who returned to the force in a police staff role following retirement, previously led the investigation into Mark Acklom and led the team who ultimately tracked him down.

He said: “The search for Mark Acklom was complex and challenging and led to us carrying out enquiries in several countries across Europe.

“He was an expert at covering his tracks and has previously used a large number of aliases including Zac Moss, Mark Conway and Marc Ros Rodriguez.

“He was using the name Manuel Escolar and portraying himself as a Spanish national when he was finally traced to the Zurich area.

“It was only through the combined work of the police, the National Crime Agency, Crimestoppers and the Swiss authorities him down to Switzerland and en- British fugitives abroad, which that he was eventually appre- justice has been done.”

Andy Cook-Welling, head of the sure his arrest so he could finally has so far seen 84 out of 95 wanthended.

“Once in custody, Acklom fought NCA’s International Crime Bu- be brought back to the UK to face ed fugitives apprehended. extradition every step of the way, reau, added: “The search for justice.

“This case once again demoncontinuing to deny his crimes Mark Acklom involved law en- “Acklom was wanted under Op- strates that whenever fugitives and traumatise his victim further. forcement across Europe. eration Captura, a multi-agency attempt to flee the UK we will be “While I’m pleased he has finally “Working with Avon and Somer- initiative involving the NCA and relentless in our efforts to pursue admitted his lies and saved Car- set Police we were able to track Crimestoppers to track down them, no matter where they go.” olyn from having to give evidence in court, a leopard doesn’t change its spots.

“Acklom has committed fraud for most of his life and I don’t believe he’ll ever change.

He’s well used to concocting a web of lies to mask who he really is and these are skills he’s honed over a lifetime of crime.”

Alyson Harris, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service and Avon WEDNESDAY THURSDAY and Somerset Police Oldfield park Weston have been working to10.00am 7.00pm gether since 2014 to Tel: Christine 07976 709203 Tel: Sarah 07881 758292 secure Mark Acklom’s Corsham Southdown return to the UK to face 9.30am 5.30pm & 7.30pm a detailed case of fraud.

Tel: Jane 07857 147093 Tel: Jane 07857 147093 MONDAY TUESDAY “The prosecution team Odd Down Twerton Bath city centre FRIDAY have worked closely 10.00am 5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.30pm & 7.30pm Southdown with our counterparts Tel: Christine 07976 709203 Tel: Sarah 07881 758292 Tel: Jane 07857 147093 9.30am in Spain and SwitzerTel: Jane 07857 147093 land to gather evidence Saltford Odd Down Larkhall and secure his return 7.30pm Combe Down 5.00pm & 7.00pm 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Sarah 7881758292 9.30am Tel: Christine 07976 709203 Tel: Jane 07857 147093 and we would like to Tel: Nikki 07538 975125 extend our thanks to our international partners.

“I hope that today’s events provide Carolyn Woods with some closlimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 sure and a sense that

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12

Event to help charities with environmental projects

James Carlin, 3SG Director

FOLLOWING the declaration by B&NES Council of a climate emergency, there is an opportunity for local environmental groups to scale up their activities in response.

The B&NES Third Sector Group (known as 3SG) are helping to organise a free event on 18th September to signpost resources and support that could help local charities and social enterprises to build on existing work or start new environmental projects.

This will include a mix of inspirational local stories plus advice from funders and experts. Also involved are Bath and West Community Energy Fund, B&NES Council, Bathscape, Quartet Community Foundation and Wessex Water.

3SG is a grassroots membership network for nearly 200 charities and other not for profit groups in Bath & North East Somerset.

Since 2016 they have been raising the profile of local charitable organisations, running training events and providing opportunities for their members to influence decision-making.

They also advertise job opportunities, undertake research and publicise events.

Representatives from Bath-based charities closely involved in 3SG include Age UK B&NES, Bath Area Play Project, Bath Mind, DHI, Julian House and St Michael’s Without Church.

James Carlin, 3SG Director, said: “You might be surprised to hear there are at least 500 charities actively working across B&NES. "Some of them are looking to start new projects that protect and enrich our environment but there is less money available to fund this work.

"It’s great to see the community coming together to share their knowledge and skills with staff and volunteers from local charities and social enterprises that want to make a difference”.

There will also be themed group discussions on issues including community energy, re-use and recycling, growing, biodiversity, plastic free communities and more. Bath City FC are supporting the event by providing meeting space at Twerton Park free of charge and doors will open at 5.30 pm, with sessions starting at 6 pm.

Book your free place via www.3sg.org.uk/events

Cricket pavilion destroyed by second fire A DERELICT cricket pavilion at the former Stothert and Pitt Recreation Ground on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath has been destroyed after a second blaze in just ten days. The pavilion was consumed by fire on Sunday evening, 18th August.

Firefighters had previously attended a grass fire that was affecting the building on Thursday 8th August. The cause is thought to have been deliberate.

Tuesday, 20th August 2019

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5 star luxury Bath hotel removes foie-gras from menu AN award-winning luxury hotel and spa in the centre of Bath has voluntarily removed fois-gras from its menu after being contacted by a local vegan charity.

Since 2009, charity Viva! has been campaigning against the sale of foie-gras.

They were the first organisation in the UK to take on the foie-gras industry.

One of their most notable achievements came when Bath & North East Somerset Council banned the sale of foie-gras in council-registered food outlets. This move was widely praised by the local community and vegan campaigners across the UK. Produced by force-feeding geese and ducks, foie-gras is essentially fatty liver.

Through the ‘gavaging’ process, the bird’s liver swells by as much as ten times the normal size, which in turn impairs function, restricts blood flow and makes it difficult for the birds to breathe.

Although the production of foie-gras has been prohibited in a number of countries – including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Turkey and the UK – retailers are still able to import from France, where around 75 per cent of the world’s foie-gras is produced.

Following contact from Viva! and Bath & North East Somerset Council, The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel has committed to removing foie-gras from its menu.

In a statement, Viva! said the voluntary commitment to remove the product is "a landmark move" in ending the sale of foie-

gras. Campaigns Manager, Lex Rigby said: “Our successful campaign to ban the sale of foie-gras at food outlets in Bath, supported by Councillor Paul Crossley, was very well received by local restaurants and the public.

"We are thrilled that The Gainsborough – a hotel which claims to set the gold standard for luxury hotels – has extended this ban to their menu.

"Given the production of foie-gras is banned in the UK due to the inhumane practice of force-feeding, the idea that foie-gras is a luxurious item is a sick joke.

"We hope this commitment will set a precedence for other hotels, not just in Bath but across the UK. This victory could not have happened without the ongoing commitment and vigilance from Bath & North East Somerset Council and we are proud to work with them on this issue.

"There is still more work to be done until this cruel industry comes to an end. This is a timely reminder to all caterers in Bath and we hope to see a wider commitment from the hospitality sector.”

Councillor Dine Romero, Bath & North East Somerset council leader, added: “We very much welcome The Gainsborough’s sensible decision to remove foie-gras from their menu.

"The council simply cannot support the sale of food that involves such cruelty in its production.”

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Health Free course on offer for local residents with hearing loss RESIDENTS across Bath & North East Somerset and Wiltshire with hearing loss are being offered a free course to help them with communication in their everyday lives.

The Hearing Therapy team, a local NHS service provided by Virgin Care, are running the course which is designed to offer advice and management for those suffering hearing difficulties, including dealing with the challenges of hearing in background noise.

The course, delivered over four sessions, includes tactics for coping with group conversations and an introduction to lip-reading, in addition to support for maintenance of hearing aids and advice on other assistive equipment and where and how to access it.

Melanie Ward, Head of Hearing Therapy at Virgin Care B&NES

said: “With hearing loss affecting over ten million people in the UK, we want to ensure that residents of BaNES, particularly those living outside of Bath city centre, can have access to the help available.

“Our Help for Hearing courses have been very popular in Bath which is why we are extending them into Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

“We know from the feedback we have received that attending these group sessions has been overwhelmingly positive for many people.

“We are really pleased that we can now make them more widely available.”

People attending are also invited to bring along a friend or family member to the sessions.

Anyone interested in finding

out more or booking a place on the course should contact 01225 838560.

As well as courses and group sessions, Hearing Therapy is also commissioned to run clinics across B&NES and Wiltshire.

Support and advice is given on hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis (acute sensitivity to everyday sounds), cochlear implants, Access to Work schemes and poor speech recognition even when the hearing test is normal.

You can either self-refer or ask your GP to refer you to the service, providing you have previously seen an NHS Audiologist for a hearing test.

Hearing Therapy is an NHS commissioned service and so there is no charge.

St Martin's dementia ward gardens set to be transformed GARDENS at a specialist dementia ward at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath are to be transformed this summer as part of an annual competition.

The gardens are located at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust’s Ward 4 at St Martin’s Hospital.

Users, carers and staff are set to benefit from the improved outside space, thanks to AWP’s official charity Headlight, which is sponsoring the transformation of ten green spaces across the Trust’s sites as part of the charity’s annual AWP in Bloom competition.

Outside spaces, including ward gardens, will be nurtured by green-fingered locals to create spaces of calm and relaxation.

Ward 4 is a 12 bedded dementia assessment unit providing care for people with dementia.

Staff have teamed up with colleagues from their local Sainsbury’s store at Frome Road in Bath to transform the gardens.

As part of the 150 Years of Sainsbury’s volunteering initiative, colleagues from the store are being released on a weekly basis until October to assist with the summer makeover.

Lucy Noall, Occupational Therapist, said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of the local Sainsbury’s and its colleagues from the Frome Road store.

“Being a part of AWP in Bloom has also really enhanced the working experience of all staff involved and has been a great way of establishing links with the local community and businesses.

“Mental health can affect everyone and involving the local community in projects like this helps us to raise awareness that mental ill-health exists beyond an NHS service or ward environment.”

The overhaul of the gardens is expected to be ready in time to participate in the judging for AWP in Bloom in September.

The competition is an initiative led by the Trust’s charity, Headlight, to create relaxing, useable spaces for service users, carers and staff.

Iain Allen, Sainsbury’s Food Services Colleague and former landscape gardener, said: “As a former landscaper I really have enjoyed getting back to my passion.

“I really take pride in my work and our collaboration with AWP. It has given me a sense of fulfilment because we are all a part of this community, as Sainsbury’s has been for the last 150 years.”

The gardens at Ward 4 are used widely, with service users being encouraged to garden or take some recreational time outside.

Many of the users opt to take their one-to-one time with staff in the gardens.

Beyond the transformation of

the gardens, users, carers and staff have also been able to enjoy other relaxing activities, thanks to Sainsbury’s, including music from a cellist, entertainment from a magician and an arts and crafts workshop during the service user’s communal high tea.

If you are interested in donating your time and skills to this and future projects, contact Headlight’s Fundraising Manager Tia Shortall on 01225 362 964 or email awp. headlight@nhs.net.

If you've got a story you'd like to talk to us about, get in touch with our newsdesk via news@bathecho.co.uk or call 01225 585484

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Education ‘Just Say It’ exhibition to focus on thoughts of young people

BATH & North East Somerset Council is supporting a new exhibition which is capturing the thoughts of young people on issues such as mental health, homelessness, knife crime, drugs and alcohol.

The exhibition has been put together by DHI (Developing Health & Independence). The charity runs a range of innovative services across the region, to help disadvantaged people and those living on the margins of society turn their lives around.

Designed by David Rolls of White Star Design and funded by members of the Bath Business Club, the display is an illustrated record of what teenagers said at ‘Just Say It!’, an event hosted by DHI in March this year.

‘Just Say It!’ offered young people an opportunity to share their views on the big questions facing their generation such as the

impact of social media on mental health, the housing crisis, drug legalisation, and knife crime.

Comments received are helping DHI to develop its services to support young people in an effort to end social exclusion.

Timed to coincide with the UN’s International Youth Day, the exhibition was formally unveiled on Monday 12th August by Bath & North East Somerset council leader, Councillor Dine Romero Councillor Romero, said: “DHI have been working in Bath for the past two decades helping people to help themselves turn their lives around, stand on their own two feet and reduce dependency.

“But if we are to help young people it’s imperative to listen to their words, thoughts and concerns and adapt and transform services so they are fit for the future.”

James Hooton, DHI Director added: “The challenges that

young people face today are vastly different to anything that previous generations have faced, and that’s why it’s so important that we listen carefully to their voices.

“At DHI’s Project 28 and Motiv8 young people’s drug and alcohol services, we are seeing more people than ever, with more complex needs than ever.

“Substance misuse, housing issues, mental ill health and offending do not sit in silos, but are – as one young person said at Just Say It – all part of a ‘soup’. As such, we all need to make sure we are tackling them holistically.”

The exhibition will be on display in Bath’s One Stop Shop in Lewis House in Manvers Street until 5th September, when it will move to Keynsham’s One Stop Shop and Library.

Bath College signs charter to support staff and students BATH College has reaffirmed its commitment to staff and students by signing up to a new national mental health and wellbeing charter, created in conjunction with mental health experts.

The 11-point document, created by the Association of Colleges, includes commitments to: • Promoting equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma; • Providing appropriate mental health training for staff; • Providing targeted individual mental health support where appropriate.

Every year, 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem and 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 experience a

Leaders meet with MP Jacob Rees-Mogg to save BTEC qualifications

common mental illness such as anxiety or depression at any one time.

Add to these facts, 75% of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their first symptoms before the age of 24 means Bath College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its 8,000 students and 450 staff.

Laurel Penrose, Principal & CEO of Bath College, said: “Mental Health is something we take very seriously at Bath College.

“We ensure that we have designated youth mental health first aiders who are trained

by Mental Health First Aid England.

“We have now equipped a wide range of departments with the tools to support our students and staff when required.”

MP for North East Somerset Jacob Rees-Mogg MP has taken part in a special meeting with Bath College representatives to hear about the positive impact BTEC qualifications have on young people.

The MP met with leaders on Wednesday 17th July, to hear directly the vital, positive impact BTECs and Applied General qualifications have on the life chances of young people and adults in Somerset after the government announced it is considering dropping the qualifications.

The meeting was attended by leaders from Bath College, including Head of Creative Arts and Enterprise, Jon Domaille and Music Performance Learning Coordinator, Tim Goode.

A significant amount of students at Bath College are currently studying for BTEC and Applied Generals qualifications, which are a mixed part-vocational partacademic qualification that offers an alternative, less academicfocused 16 – 19 education than A-Levels. BTECs are equivalent to A-Levels and are taken by young people and adults

across the country who want academic qualifications as well as preparation for the workplace and employment.

The government is considering withdrawing funding from August 2020 despite the fact 90% of BTEC students are employed full-time after university graduation.

Jon Domaille, Head of Creative Arts and Enterprise at Bath College, said: “I am completely open and willing to being held accountable to ensuring our provision meets the needs of local employers and industry and wholly understand the need to work closely with employers in the provision of quality, vocational training whilst meeting local needs and employment priorities. “I know this to be a value that Bath College holds dear, as do many other colleges across the country. “We do though, truly believe that the provision of choice for learners at such an early age in their careers is vital, and Applied General qualification still have a part to play in providing learners with choice, freedom and flexibility to discover their own pathway in this ever-changing world.”

Give your child a strong foundation for learning and development

First Steps Community Nurseries Sessions available For 0 – 8 year olds Including after school and holiday clubs Come and see us at our Twerton or Moorlands sites and meet our experienced and friendly staff.

Tel: 01225 444791 (Twerton) or 01225 317123 (Moorlands) Website: www.firststepsbath.org.uk

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What's On The Life I Lead

Theatre Royal Bath ACTOR, comedian and writer Miles Jupp brings the remarkable life story of film star David Tomlinson to the stage in a new biographical comedy, The Life I Lead, appearing at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 27th August to Saturday 31st August.

After receiving acclaim for his dazzling performance in this richly comic story on its UK tour and at London’s Park Theatre earlier this year, Miles Jupp visits Bath in The Life I Lead for one week only as part of the Theatre Royal’s Summer Season, directly prior to its appearance at Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End this September.

Written by James Kettle and directed by Selina Cadell and Didi Hopkins, this funny and entertaining show tells a moving tale of fathers and sons across different generations, filling in the blanks behind the very well-known face of Disney Legends Award recipient David Tomlinson.

Best remembered for his role as Mr Banks in Disney’s classic film Mary Poppins, David Tomlinson was renowned for playing the classic English gent, forthright, proper and a loveable fool. But the man who portrayed one of cinema’s most famous patriarchs was defined by his relationship with his own father – a remote eccentric, who was hiding an extraordinary tragicomic secret. In a career which saw him perform in more than fifty films, David Tomlinson also starred as Professor Emelius Browne in Bedknobs

and Broomsticks; Lord Tony Pym in The Chiltern Hundreds; Peter Thorndyke in The Love Bug and played Sir Roger Avery in his last acting appearance in The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (coincidently also the final film of Peter Sellers). From David Tomlinson’s early life as a World War Two fighter pilot to his meeting with Walt Disney, The Life I Lead brings his remarkable story - full of adventure and heartbreak - to life on stage.

Described by the Telegraph as “a very British tour-de-force”, Miles Jupp’s huge range of performances have taken him from genre-defining British television comedies including BAFTA Award-winning Rev. and The Thick of It to the National Theatre and Hollywood.

Since winning the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ and ‘Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year’ Awards in 2000 and garnering a nomination for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award for his debut Edinburgh solo show Gentlemen Prefer Brogues, Miles has performed multiple sell out stand-up tours. The Life I Lead was written

by James Kettle specifically for Jupp, with whom he has worked frequently, including on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz and In And Out of Kitchen.

The Life I Lead appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 27th August to Saturday 31st August. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www. theatreroyal.org.uk

Miles Jupp as David Tomlinson | Photo : Piers Foley

Coming up this week

On the way next week

Brilliant Bladud

Gardening - behind the scenes

Massive Family Water Fight

Free residents race night

Blow Up (1967): A 1960s thriller

Arabian Nights

Ministry of Burlesque: Cabaret

Up Late Friday: Collecting Craft

Summer Holiday Raceday

Togas and Tunics

Bath Artisan Market

Tattersett Collective Exhibition

The Roman Baths - 19th - 23rd August 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm What is the connection between Bath and pigs? Explore the founding myth of the city of Bath, and help bring the story right up to date.

(Included in admission price) Museum of Bath at Work - 21st August 7.30pm Iconic 1960s mystery thriller concerning a fashion photographer (David Hemmings) realising that sometimes the camera does lie. With a classic cast, this stylish thriller ends up with as many questions as answers.

Admission: £5 donation. Doors 7pm.

Bath Racecourse - 21st August Gates open at 12pm. First race 2.15pm Seven exciting races to enjoy as well as a number of activities run by Better, including mini races, badminton and garden racing. Under 18s go free.

American Museum - 22nd August 6.30pm - 7.30pm The long summer evenings provide the perfect time to see the New American Garden in flower. Join Head Gardener Andrew Cannell for refreshments on the terrace followed by a tour. Tickets £15.

The egg theatre - 22nd - 25th August Varied times - check upon booking From Aladdin to Sinbad, genies and flying carpets, you all know the magical stories of the Arabian Nights. But what do you know of the storyteller, the quest for survival, and the vital magic woven by these fantastical yarns?

Tickets from £10.50. Book: 01225 448844 The Roman Baths - 24th & 25th August Sessions at 10am and 1.30pm Discover how the Romans dressed and transform yourself by trying on a toga!

Included in admission price.

Each session lasts for 2.5 hours.

Avon Valley Adventure Park 30th August - 3pm-7pm End the Summer and start Avon Valley's 30th Birthday celebrations with their infamous Massive Family Water Fight.

Tickets include park entertainment from 10am. Prices start at £14 per person.

Komedia Bath - 30th August 8pm Fusing the wild, weird and witty traditions of circus, cabaret and burlesque, The Ministry of Burlesque’s Cabaret unfolds as a bold and daring, ever evolving new-variety experience. Line up includes Sarah Louise Young, Edd Muir, Millie Dollar and Elliot Mason.

Queen Square, Bath - 31st August Entry is free Have a browse of the items on offer from a select group of traders in Queen Square, with high-quality products and plenty of hot and cold food to enjoy.

Bath Racecourse - 27th August Gates open at 2.30pm Mix up your midweek with a fantastic evening of fun and frivolity at the races.

Plus, as it’s the Free Residents Racenight, anyone with a BA postcode can get a free ticket.

Holburne Museum - 30th August 5pm - 9pm Head to the Holburne on the last Friday of every month from 5-9pm to experience the Museum free of charge after-hours. Immerse yourself in an eclectic programme of pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJsets and cocktails.

44AD artspace 20th August - 1st September An exhibition of exciting new oil paintings from the Tattersett Collective. Residents are invited along between 1pm and 4pm each day to enjoy the artworks.

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Community School holiday competitions launched THE Bath Children’s Literature Festival has launched three free-to-enter competitions for children to enter during the school holidays.

Youngsters are being encouraged to Write, Make or Draw to win a variety of free tickets, books and the chance to be a Junior Journalist at this year's festival.

Become a Young Journalist The festival is looking for three young journalists, aged between 7 and 14, to report on festival events when a host of bestselling writers comes to Bath. How to enter: write a review of up to 200 words of a book you have read and why you’d recommend it to someone else. Email it to: info@bathfestivals.org.uk or post it to The Bath Festivals, 9 – 10 Bath Street, Bath BA1 1SN by Sunday 1st September. Include your name, age, address and contact details. The winners will be announced on Tuesday 3rd

September. The Junior Journalists will report on events and go behind the scenes to meet the authors.

The journalists’ special reports will be posted on the festival website. There will also be free books for the winners.

Upcycling We’ve all got rubbish around the home, like loo roll holders, cereal packets, egg boxes or plastic food and drink containers. But what could you make out of them? Maybe a marble run, a bird feeder or a plant pot? The Children's Literature Festival have got free tickets to see McFly’s Dougie Poynter talk about why plastic sucks (on Friday 27th September at 5pm) for the best upcycled item made by you. Take a photo of your upcy-

Movie by Moonlight fundraiser to show Bohemian Rhapsody THIS year’s Movie by Moonlight fundraising event, in aid of the Royal United Hospital in Bath, is to feature a foot-stomping celebration of Queen with the popular film Bohemian Rhapsody.

The film will be shown at Bath’s Royal Victoria Park on Saturday 31st August.

The Movie

by Moonlight event is held each year by the Royal United Hospital’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.

Everyone is invited and entry is free, however, there will be a bucket collection on the night and donations will go directly to The Forever Friends Appeal.

The gates to the outdoor screening will open at 5:30pm, and the film will start at approximately 8.15pm, or when it gets dark.

Laura Pearce, Events and Community Officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “We are so excited to have Bohemian Rhapsody as this year’s Movie by Moonlight.

“It’s a fantastic film and we hope everyone will enjoy watching it under the stars.

“This year we are delighted to have some new local food vendors joining us on the night – The Scallop Shell, JC’s Kitchen, Fire & Brew, Have!

A Pinch and The Split Screen Ice Cream Co, or bring your own picnic – just don’t bring any glass, barbeques or knives.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Freestyle Designs for sponsoring our Movie by Moonlight event and Filmair Cinema Services for always ensuring we have a fantastic atmosphere during the screening in Royal Victoria Park.”

All proceeds will be donated towards the appeal to help patients and their families cared for at the RUH. Last year’s Movie by Moonlight showing of ‘The Greatest Showman’ raised over £14,000 benefitting the charity’s major campaigns and special appeals.

For more information about this year’s Movie by Moonlight, visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.

cled creation, label your invention and post the photo on social media using @BathKidsLitFest and #KidsUpcycle. Competition closes on Friday 20th September.

Draw your favourite character It might be someone from a fairy tale, or maybe one of Harry Potter’s gang, or a character created by one of the illustrators coming to the festival. Do your finest drawing, tell organisers who the character is and post it on social media using @BathKidsLitFest or email info@bathfestivals.org.uk. The favourites will win tickets to a festival event of your choice. Competition closes on 20th September.

Children can win tickets to see McFly's Dougie Poynter | Photo: Bath Festivals

Permission granted for opening of new Peasedown community library THE Peasedown St John community are celebrating after Bath & North East Somerset Council gave the final green light for the village’s new library to open.

Eighteen months ago, local Councillors Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independents) launched a campaign to open such a facility, in the wake of cuts to the mobile library service.

Following a meeting with Council Directors, Cabinet Members, the local councillors and Peasedown St John Residents’ Association in February 2018, a steering group was put together to manage the village’s application.

Cllr Karen Walker, who will be the library’s new Operations Manager, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who responded to surveys, gave up their time, delivered leaflets, came along to meetings, helped prepare the space for the arrival of 700 books, and baked cakes!

“Over 2,700 households received a survey from us last Autumn asking for their views on whether or not they wanted to see a village library, where they thought it should be located, and if they would like to volunteer. The response was fantastic!”

A steering group, led by Karen and Sarah, and former B&NES Councillor Nathan Hartley, saw: • 20 volunteers recruited; • An arrangement with Curo for St John’s Community Hall, St John’s Close, to be used free-of-charge to house the new library; • £5,000 allocated by B&NES Council to kick start the project;

• A Full Application submitted to B&NES Council, along with various legal documents, policies and risk assessments; • A logo, Facebook page and marketing materials created for the library, following public consultation; • A further £500 awarded by Curo for the initiative; • Volunteers spending several days over the summer – painting, cleaning carpets, moving furniture and sorting through the 1,000 books that had been donated by the public.

Cllr Sarah Bevan added: “Peasedown’s new community library will be part of the B&NES Council network of libraries, so a resident can take out a book locally and return it to Bath library, or vice versa. Or they can take home a book from Midsomer Norton library and return it to us here in Peasedown.

“We’ll have over 700 books, which will include a huge range of fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature and information resources.”

The official opening will take place on Monday 28th October, 1pm at the library’s new home – St John’s new Community Centre, 33a St John’s Close, Peasedown St John.

Volunteers will staff the library 12 hours per week, Mondays 1 pm-4 pm, Wednesdays 1pm-7 pm and Saturdays 10 am-1 pm.

Other services provided include free access to the internet, tea and coffee making facilities and A4 photocopying/scanning services. Nathan Hartley, who worked with B&NES Council to complete all the necessary paperwork and legal documentation, added: “A village of almost 7,000 residents certainly needs its own library!

“To go from a mobile library service that visited Peasedown only 20-40 minutes every other week, to a fully functioning library that will be open 12 hours per week is testament to everyone who worked hard on this.

“Our new community library will be a resource for anyone, and everyone is invited to its grand opening on Monday 28th October. Just to add extra excitement to the project, we’ve now opened a brand-new dementia-friendly, sensory garden outside of the library so when the weather is good visitors can sit outside with a good book and a nice, cold refreshing drink!” Anyone who would like to get involved with Peasedown St John Community Library can email: peasedownlibrary@hotmail.com.

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Residents encouraged to sign up for ‘Hospice Care Hero Walk’ DOROTHY House Hospice Care is inviting local people to be heroes for a night and take part in their ‘Hospice Care Hero Walk’ fundraiser, previously known as the Bath Moonlight Walk.

The event takes place between 5pm-10pm on Saturday 7th September, in the grounds of the Bath Spa University Campus at Newton Park near Bath.

Registration opens at 5pm and the walks start from 6pm.

Walkers can dress up as their favourite superhero and enjoy hero-themed fun zones as they walk their chosen 1km, 5km or 10km route in the beautiful countryside around the campus which fea-

tures a lake, woodlands, meadows, scenic views and a castle.

At the start, there will be food and drink stalls, a merchandise stall selling superhero masks, capes and glow bands, some mystery guests will mingle with the crowds and a DeLorean sports car will be on show along with a Selfie Wall for photos.

Along the walking routes, there will be a Music Zone by the lake, a snow machine in the Frozone plus a Bubble Zone you can dance through at Newton Farm Foods and a Ye Olde Hero Zone at the castle.

There will also be a Memory Area to reflect and remember loved

Free back-to-school arts and craft event on offer at Bath bank ON Sunday 25th August, Metro Bank in Bath will be holding a free back-to-school arts and crafts event.

Festivities will kick off at 12pm until 4pm and the whole family, as well as pets, are invited. Kids will be able to create their very own bookmark ready for their first day back at school. Metro Man, the bank’s mascot will also be making an appearance, kitted out in his new school uniform, complete with backpack.

Ian Walters, Managing Director of Retail and Business Banking at Metro Bank says: “We’re thrilled to be hosting our back-to-school event again this year, where all

the family are welcome. At Metro Bank, we want everyone to understand the importance of money and our fun-filled family events help us do that. We wish all those heading back to school in September the best of luck in the new term.”

Metro Bank stores act as a community hub, hosting a range of charity fundraisers and business networking events for local residents and businesses throughout the year. The bank also offers schools and local groups its free financial education programme Money Zone, which has already been delivered to more than 100,000 children across the UK.

ones.

All walkers will receive a free gift before the walk and a free ‘superhero’ drink after the walk.

Spectators, supporters, walkers, staff and volunteers are being invited to join the hero-themed after-party for a silent disco.

There will also be a raffle to win a luxury Mulberry handbag, street food, a prosecco stall and drinks bar. Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House said: “Signing up for the Hero Walk will help us fund vital patient care for more people as the Hospice aims to double its patient numbers by 2025. The walk is a fantastic way to celebrate all the heroes in-

volved with Dorothy House such as our patients, family members, carers, fundraisers, nurses, staff and volunteers. We can’t wait to see everyone donning their superhero outfits and enjoying a walk in the gorgeous grounds of Bath Spa University before relaxing with a well-earned drink at our after-party.” If you can volunteer your time to be a marshal at the event, contact Emily.knight@ dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk.

Tickets are £20 for walkers over 12+ years, child tickets are £10 for 2-11years. Entry is free for spectators and children under 2 years and dogs on leads are welcome to participate. There is plenty of

parking on-site and some public buses will run to the university throughout the event. To sign up or find out more, visit www.hospicecareheroes.org.uk. The Dorothy House’s work touches many people’s lives and all their care is free of charge so fundraising and sponsorship is vital to the charity. £56 could pay for two hours of a Dorothy House Nurse Specialist delivering care to patients in the community. Providing their services requires significant funds and for every £1 received from the NHS, Dorothy House has to raise a further £5.

Bath-based company BMT secures million pound defence contract ALLAN Webb Limited and Bathbased BMT have announced the successful retention of the Handbook Management Contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The contract will be delivered over 5 years with an option to extend by a further 1 year.

Allan Webb will be providing documentation for a range of naval vessels, from submarines and destroyers to survey ships, supported by BMT. The Handbook Management Contract involves the maintenance, revision and amendment of over 6,500 publications that support the upkeep of all in service Royal Navy Warships, Royal Fleet Auxiliaries, support craft, shore stations, dockyards and munition depots.

“Establishing close bonds with DE&S through collaboration and teamwork has been a fundamental aspect of our operations through the years”, said Steve Rigsby, Managing Director of Allan Webb Limited. “We are delighted that the retention of this contract will allow us to continue this facet of our long standing support of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary in providing these essential services. Our teams working on the contract in Barrow-in-Furness and Stonehouse undertake exemplary work due to their expert knowledge of marine engineering and the needs of the end user. This depth of knowledge and experience has enabled us to establish a successful apprenticeship scheme, de-

veloping young engineers to help support the contract and the rest of the business.” Simon Willmore, Head of Technical Information and Documentation Services at BMT, said: “It’s a very proud moment for the experienced teams here at Bath and Weymouth to be tasked again by the Royal Navy to support their digital data documentation needs. The work we will be undertaking will underpin the entire life-cycle of the Royal Navy’s technical documentation, and will see essential day-today support being delivered to end users who need it the most through an online, easy to access portal. The work that we are doing will directly support UK Government’s ongoing digital data transformation."

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Community Correspondence Larkhall / Swainswick

Newbridge

Oldfield Park / Westmoreland

New Oriel Hall’s community library is receiving a revamp – to be completed by October – following a grant from the main library. The children’s section will chiefly benefit, with a new mural slated to brighten things up.

Meanwhile, all change on the high street as the Village Kitchen changes hands once more, a new fish ‘n chip shop replaces Backmaster Bet, and mainstay Langbridge Home Hardware has sadly confirmed that it’ll close in the Spring of 2020.

Drown your DIY sorrows at the third Swainswick Harvest Beer Festival on 7 September at St Mary’s House, Swainswick (tickets: £5 in advance/enquiries to ianrobertsbath@gmail.com).

The Emmanuel Church, Aspley Road, Parent and Toddler Group is starting again on Tuesday 10th September.

The Rooted Cafe and Supper Room on Chelsea Road has a variety of vegan and vegetarian foods/drinks to tempt you, so do call in when shopping in the area.

100 Men's Conference is taking place on Saturday 28th September at St. John's, Lower Weston, BA1 3DD from 10 am to 3.30 pm. It is free and a hot lunch and refreshments will be provided.

For those of you needing the services of an NHS dentist, a new one opened recently and is located at 11 Chelsea Road. You can register via their website or by calling 01225 461799.

If you fancy being a ‘lollipop’ person for the School Crossing Patrol for Oldfield Park Junior School, Lymore Avenue then please contact Beryl Miles on Bath 394922 to find out more.

If singing and meeting folk is for you then why not try out the Golden Oldies singing sessions which meet every 2nd Friday of the month 2.30-3.30 at Oldfield Park Baptist Church.

Go down memory lane with songs from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s as well as sing along to original sound tracks. Open to all and no special singing skills needed. Taking part is free but donations are welcome. For more details contact Liz on Bath 334621.

Chris Allsop, Community Correspondent Larkhall / Swainswick

Surrinder Sandham-Bains, Community Correspondent Newbridge

Cllr June Player, Community Correspondent Oldfield Park / Westmoreland

Are you interested in representing your community, and becoming a Community Correspondent? Visit www.bathecho.co.uk/correspondent for more information.

"Your support changed my life" former addict and rough sleeper to jump out of plane for Julian House

DURING 22 years of drug and alcohol addiction Keith spent his life trapped between sleeping rough on the streets and prison.

Hit by a family breakdown and the death of his daughter, his road to recovery was tough. But with the help of local homeless and addiction recovery charities, today Keith is four years clean, in full time employment and working as a relief worker at Julian House in his spare time.

He now uses his own experiences daily to help those around him.

At the end of August, he’s taking part in a 15000ft skydive to help raise much needed funds for Julian House and to raise awareness about the complexity of homelessness.

Since the age of 15, Keith was in

and out of prison.

Growing up on a council estate in Bristol, he saw his descent into crime, alcohol and drugs as inevitable.

People close to him became a victim of his addition. At points, his family were forced to call the police and even take out a restraining order. For years he was completely absorbed by a life of crime and drugs.

But with the help and support of local charities like Julian House, he was able to detox and recover.

“I’ve now been clean for over four years, since the 20th December 2014,” Keith says proudly.

“You may wonder why I’m doing a 15000ft skydive for the homeless? Before Julian House gave me the opportunity to work alongside some of Bath’s most

vulnerable clients, I was one of those socially excluded people, trapped in a cycle of addiction, homelessness, and institutions.

"I didn't see another way out other than death. Luckily, I was gifted with recovery and this is my way of giving back to society. There are many reasons why people become homeless and I have worked with some inspirational people who just needed that break in life. Through organisations like Julian House, these men and women get the opportunity to change their life around.

Please help me help them. Pennies or pounds, it does not matter as it all adds up.”

To support Keith and donate to his challenge, visit his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/keith-hathway4

Advertorial Parent power leads to happy, confident children in the heart of Twerton “Our child is happy and confident at nursery ” - “Really friendly and I feel happy knowing that the children are well looked after.”

This is what parents say about their child’s Early Years’ experience at First Steps Community Nursery in Twerton.

Parents’ action led to the setup of First Steps Twerton, a community nursery helping families to return to training and employment, ensuring their children access to high quality child care and education.

They had a vision; where children are allowed to flourish, whole communities prosper. This was almost 28 years ago. First Steps is still going strong, a shining example of how community action brings about positive change. As a charity and a social enterprise, they have been able to think differently to respond to the challenges facing the area and show that local people can take charge of the services that they need to flourish. First Steps Bath ensure that money spent locally stays local, an alternative to a business's usual approach. Parents are involved at every level of the organisation from Trustees, to employees and participating in shaping what they do. First Steps has developed a range of different activities to ensure that every child has experiences that enhance their development. These range from a Forest Schools style pro-

gramme of outdoor activities and Rugby Tots; to inside specialist sessions for music and dancing.

They also offer story-making sessions; telling a memorable story together with actions, a story board and activities such as puppets or role play to bring the story alive and make it memorable.

To help children who may need a little extra support, First Steps Bath has regular input from a speech and language therapist and interactive play sessions used to enhance the emotional well-being and social skills of children. The charity has established a programme of sessions for parents to build confidence and understanding about their child’s development and have a bit of fun too. To help families manage on low incomes, First Steps fundraise to ensure every child has a hot, nutritious meal.

The result of this early start is that children from First Steps are confident to start school and enjoy activities that lay a strong foundation for learning and future development. Parents are confident to enable their children to make transitions through their lives, sustain their enthusiasm and develop their thinking; alongside this goes the peace of mind to set off to work knowing that their child is thriving. For more information about First Steps call 01225 444791.

Don't forget to tell our advertisers that you saw them in the Bath Echo | Interested in advertising? Call 01225 589789

Tuesday, 20th August 2019

19

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Business Acquisition of Epoch Wealth Management completed

LEADING wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin has completed the acquisition of the assets of Bath-based Epoch Wealth Management, after announcing a takeover of the company back in April.

The new Bath office will be led

by Epoch’s former managing partner, Barry Newbury.

Barry and his 37 colleagues from the financial planning firm will remain in their current office in Queen Square Place, under the Brewin Dolphin name.

Nick Fitzgerald, managing director of financial planning at Brewin Dolphin said: “With great demand for expert financial advice across the country, it’s fantastic to welcome Barry and

his team.

“They built Epoch into a successful business trusted by their clients. We’re so pleased that they have joined us to continue their growth journey as part of one of the UK’s largest wealth managers.”

Barry Newbury, head of office, Brewin Dolphin (Bath) said: “We are excited we have become part of an integrated wealth management firm like Brewin Dolphin.

“We plan to go from strength to strength with ambitious growth plans with the same team that has served our Epoch clients so well for many years, but now with the support and resources of Brewin Dolphin.”

Riverside development set for completion CONSTRUCTION work will soon be completed at the Riverview Court development at Onega Place in Bath.

Riverview Court is a development of 44 contemporary riverside apartments and a cafe, sandwiched between the Upper Bristol Road and the River Avon.

Designed by Nash Partnership for Watkin Jones Homes, the new development replaces low rise industrial sheds with fourstorey, high-density residential apartments.

Lying within a conservation area and adjoining Victoria Bridge, the site presented the design team with many tricky challenges to unlocking its potential.

However, developers say the final design is sensitive to these constraints and to the local ecology, taking cues from historic industrial mills and malthouses to make sure the development is distinctive. Materials were chosen to reinforce and reference the character of the conservation area. The creation

of river-fronting public space is the first of its kind on the north bank of the River Avon in recent times, and the result is expected to set the benchmark for future regeneration on this side of the river. Commenting on the project, Architect Richard Mather-Jones from Nash Partnership said: “We’re very excited to see this bold Bath project come across the finishing line.

“The end result is the culmination of lots of collaborative working with the Council to achieve a development that’s fitting for this site.” Berwyn Evans, Managing Director of Watkin Jones Homes, said: “We’re passionate about creating wonderful places to live that really enhance and reflect the local surroundings. It has been great to work alongside Nash Partnership and the local authority to deliver this sensitive and high-quality scheme.”

Interest in the development has been significant, with 13 of the 1-, 2- and 3-bed apartments already sold.

Altus names Bath's Off The Record as its chosen charity of the year FINANCIAL services consultancy and software provider Altus has announced that its staff has chosen Bathbased Off The Record as its charity of the year.

Off The Record improves the emotional health and wellbeing of young people across Bath and North-East Somerset by providing a range of free services including counselling, listening support, youth participation, advocacy and specialist groups, support for care leavers and a LGBT+ focused youth group.

Off The Record will receive a donation from Altus equivalent to 1% of its net profit.

Altus staff will also be supporting Off The Record on a number of projects over the coming year.

Off The Record’s Director Phil Walters commented: “Off the Record worked with over 2,500 young people across Bath and North East Somerset in 2018, to have their voice heard and have a healthy mind.

“The demand for our services is growing year on year, and this invaluable donation from Altus will support OTR to provide more services to the young people in BANES that really need it.

“We’re looking forward to working more closely with Altus over the next year, and hopefully develop an ongoing relationship.”

Altus’s Managing Director Kevin

Kevin Okell and Phil Walters

Okell said: “We have a very close connection with the charity, and that’s not only because we are neighbours. One of our colleagues received support from Off The Record in the past and that is how the charity came to be nominated in the first place.

“This really brings home the amazing work the charity does with young people, and we can’t wait to give Off The Report our full support this year.

“As a Bath-based company, we believe that we have a strong role to play in giving back to our local community and we are very proud to support local charities in their mission to help young people fulfil their true potential.”

2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Off The Record.

The charity will host a Ball on Friday 4th October to celebrate the significant milestone.

20

Tuesday, 20th August 2019

www.bathecho.co.uk

Bath law firm Royds Withy King supports new beauty start-up THE Corporate team at Royds Withy King has supported beauty start-up Shakeup Cosmetics on an equity investment as part of an initial funding round to support the launch of the new business.

The deal comes as Shakeup launches its innovative skincare based cosmetic products for men, described as a gamechanging new concept in men’s beauty.

The investment, by the experienced entrepreneurs behind the UK’s fastest growing kids food brand Kiddylicious, Sally Preston and Neil Mather, will support Shakeup’s founders, Jake Xu and Shane Carnell-Xu, in the development and establishment of the brand in the retail market.

James Worrall, a partner in the South West Corporate team at Royds Withy King, advised Shakeup Cosmetics and commented: “It’s exciting to have supported Jake and Shane launch their pioneering business.

They’ve previously built a highly respected creative agency and I have no doubt that Shakeup Cosmetics will be equally successful.”

“It’s always enjoyable to work with entrepreneurs, who represent

the bedrock of the South West economy, and we look forward to seeing Shakeup Cosmetics develop into a leading consumer brand.”Jake and Shane were born in Beijing and emigrated to the UK in their teens, settling in Bath.

With over a decade of marketing experience working with global beauty and cosmetics brands, the brothers set out to create their own range of cosmetic products designed with men’s skin type, skin concerns and specific needs in mind.

Shane Carnell-Xu, Cofounder of Shakeup Cosmetics, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured our seed funding from two incredible entrepreneurs who have built a successful global consumer brand from the ground up.

The investment will allow us to proceed with the full production, and strengthen our marketing support for Shakeup Cosmetics’ imminent launch in September.

James and his team at Royds Withy King have been the perfect legal partner to support us through the negotiations with our investors.

"They took a commercial and pragmatic approach while still providing invaluable advice with our best interests at heart.”

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Jake Xu and Shane Carnell-Xu, of Shakeup Cosmetics

Developer extends support for Fun Day and Dog Show BATH Riverside will once again sponsor the Bath Cats and Dogs Home Fun Day and Dog Show this August.

Developer Crest Nicholson Regeneration has dug deep to ensure the show, which raised £21,000 for the Claverton Downbased home last year, goes ahead on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August.

Nicola Cragg, Animal Care Manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “Preparations are already well underway to make sure everyone has a fantastic day out at the Fun Day, we can’t wait to see our visitors enjoying themselves and helping us to raise money for the animals we care for.

“You get a real sense that all those attending the event, whatever their age, love animals as much as we do, and we can’t thank everyone enough for supporting us and helping to raise lots of money for the animals in our care.

“Thanks to Bath Riverside’s support last year we were able to put on a fantastic day enjoyed by almost 2,000 visitors.

"The amazing support we received from everybody last year helped us rescue, rehabilitate and rehome 1,100 animals.

The Fun Day is a great day out for families.”

Bath Cats and Dogs Home also reunites stray animals with their owners and also cares for other pets which have been neglected or abused. The Home also runs a free fortnightly veterinary clinic for homeless people with dogs.

Last year Bath Riverside helped raise money by staging an outdoor screening of 101 Dalmatians.

Marcus Evans, Sales and Marketing Director from developer Crest Nicholson, said: “As an enthusiastic dog owner myself

Marcus Evans, Sales & Marketing Director

I can see the great service the Bath Cats and Dogs home provides for pets who aren’t as lucky.

“We are happy to support an organisation which provides care and support for unwanted animals, the Home takes in animals when they are in most need and works hard to rehabilitate and rehome them. They also have an amazing team of volunteers who help with the animals and make sure they have all the love and care they need.”

Tuesday, 20th August 2019

21

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Politics WECA takes on funding allocation responsibility for adult education

Participants sought for new monitoring group

THE West of England Combined Authority has taken responsibility for the Adult Education Budget across the region.

The West of England Combined Authority has taken responsibility for the Adult Education Budget across the region. Adult Education Budget (AEB) money is now allocated by West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to a range of providers – including colleges, local authorities, independent training providers and voluntary sector organisations – to help prepare adults aged 19 and over with the skills and qualifications needed for life, work, apprenticeships and further learning.

WECA has devolved powers for AEB in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, from the 2019/20 academic year. It will fund providers to deliver courses tailored to meet the needs of the West of England,

PARTICIPANTS are being sought to join a new group that will follow how Bath & North East Somerset Council is meeting the aspirations of the Climate Emergency Declaration passed on 14th March.

Locals are being invited to the third meeting of the group, to find out more about choosing an area of focus to monitor and learn how it can be done. If you’d like to get involved, email lin@phonecool. coop, call 07778 573822.

The meeting is taking place on Thursday 5th September (7.30pm) at the Huntsman Pub on Terrace Walk.

Lin Patterson, one of the organisers, and former Green councillor for Lambridge said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for people to get involved at their own pace, over their own passion, in their own time. Members can choose their area of focus. We need to watch what is happening

and in doing so, provide residents with the opportunity to develop their talents and prosper.

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “I want to improve job opportunities for our residents, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access support to develop the skills they need.

“Having devolved powers for the Adult Education Budget means we can target funding in the right way for our region, helping residents reach their potential and ensuring our businesses can find employees with the right skills.”

The aims of the devolved Adult Education Budget are part of a new West of England Employment and Skills Plan, developed

by WECA in partnership with businesses and skills providers, in line with the region’s Local

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles

Industrial Strategy. Tim added: “Our Employment and Skills Plan is about making sure we support our people, communities, and businesses to thrive, and that we are developing the skills we need for the future, to grow our economy in ways that also protect our environment.”

at the council. So far it is looking good. There is a lot of new energy from councillors and officers, and high hopes for pushing through new measures for cutting fossil fuel use, biodiversity protection, tree planting, to name only a few of the projects in the pipeline.

"But sooner or later we will start coming up against obstacles, and the people of B&NES need to know about those too. We need to identify best practice from around the world to be able to say, "Hey, why aren't we doing this too?"

When asked how people first got together to form this group, Lin said: "Initially only ticket holders to the April 24th Climate Emergency Hustings were invited, and the response was good.

"Now we are looking to widen the group so no one is burdened with more than they can comfortably handle. We're about sustainability, after all!"

“Crisis talks needed” after plans for 105,000 homes rejected Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

CRISIS talks are needed after major plans to build 105,000 homes across the West of England were rejected, campaigners have claimed.

Government officials have advised the local authorities for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset to take their joint spatial plan back to the drawing board.

The councils said it remains confident of finding a way forward but opponents of the plan said it “never should have got this far.”

House builders fear the joint spatial plan – which sets out where 105,000 houses should be built across the West of England by 2036 – could potentially be held back for “many years”. Councillors warned the delay could up the housing target to 116,000.

Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Developments is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to stage an emergency meeting to consider the “crisis they have created”.

Co-chairman Colin Gardner said in an open letter to authority leader councillor Toby Savage: “It is our opinion that there can be no recovery from such a damning conclusion and yet, incredulously, early statements from the councils talk about further research to be done and that the inspectors have not yet heard all of the evidence.

“The councils are behaving like the knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, whose reaction to his complete dismemberment is that it’s only a scratch and that he should be allowed to fight on.”

In a letter to the four councils, planning inspectors Malcolm Rivett and Steven Lee revealed “significant concerns” about fundamental aspects of the plan, saying: “We think it only fair to advise you that we currently consider that withdrawal of the JSP from examination may well be the most appropriate way forward.

“We envisage that, overall, a very substantial amount of further work on the plan needs to be undertaken.”

The JSP includes 12 strategic development locations – Thorn-

bury, Charfield, Buckover, Yate, Coalpit Heath, Brislington, North Keynsham, Whitchurch, Nailsea, Backwell, Churchill and Banwell – but the inspectors were not convinced the four councils had considered “reasonable alternatives”.

Responding to the letter, the authorities said: “We look forward to receiving your more detailed letter in the middle of August, following which the councils are confident we will be able to provide a substantive response to determine the best way forward.

“In the meantime, we note that you have not reached the view that any of the individual proposed SDLs could not form a sound part of a plan for the West of England or as allocations in local plans.”

Churchill and Langford Residents Action Group co-chairman Jan Murray said councillors in North Somerset had a “golden opportunity” to honour their election pledges and factor the climate emergency into every planning decision.

She added: “CALRAG will not relax its opposition to vast new developments such as Churchill and Banwell that are so far from employment, are unviable and cannot offer affordable housing.

“To concrete over the rolling vales of good quality agricultural land adjacent to the Mendip Hills AONB is illogical when there are sustainable alternative locations close to Bristol.

“We trust that North Somerset councillors will immediately grasp this opportunity to remove Churchill and Banwell strategic development locations from the JSP.” South Bristol Wrong Road founder Faye Dicker said the inspectors’ intervention may mean that the green belt in Whitchurch remains protected, adding: “We now want to see the plans for the South Bristol ring road removed, as the road is no longer necessary without the planned houses.”

Councillor Paul Smith, Bristol’s cabinet member for housing, tweeted that the delay will probably mean the housing target is upped to 116,000 – if the JSP is resubmitted the councils may have to use the new Government formula.

The Home Builders Federation said the withdrawal of the plan would lead to “further delays and yet more uncertainty”, potentially for “many years.

Councillor Claire Young, the Liberal Democrat leader in South Gloucestershire, said those who campaigned against the JSP had been “vindicated”.

Her colleague, Councillor Adrian Rush, said: “It never should have got this far. The inspectors wrote to South Gloucestershire and the other councils over a year ago to say that they had serious concerns about how the plan had been put together. I dread to think how much taxpayers’ money has been wasted on this fool’s errand.”

In an open letter to the four councils, Campaign to Protect Rural England Avonside chair David Worskett urged them not to “tinker with the deeply flawed, out of date, JSP”.

Instead, he said they should give far greater priority to environmental and climate change considerations, plan houses closer to Bristol, preferably on brownfield sites, be realistic about the provision of vital infrastructure, and recognise the importance of the countryside.

22

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Puzzles

Solutions will be shared in our next issue - out on 03/09/19

Crossword 1

2

3

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8 10

9 10

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11 24

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Across

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1 U S space group (1,1,1,1)

1 Belonging to a country (8)

3 Court game (10)

2 Enticement (9)

10 Consequently (9)

4 Papal (9)

11 Female sovereign (5)

5 Leg joints (5)

12 Survive (7)

6 Mexican liquor (7)

13 Bowling pin (7)

7 Proficient (5)

14 Skin eruption (4)

8 Beam over a door (6)

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Interested in advertising in this space?

The brand new Bath Echo newspaper is delivered to 20,000 homes across the Bath area every fortnight.

19 Sue (9)

16 Medley (3-6)

21 German Mrs (4)

17 Frighten, usually by violence (9)

24 Passage (7)

18 Take away (8)

27 Surrey commuter village (7)

20 Squeeze together (7)

28 Trembling poplar (5)

22 Las Vegas setting (6)

29 Mouth organ (9)

23 Racecourse (5)

30 Science of numbers (10)

25 Island in the Bay of Naples (5)

31 Undiluted (4)

26 Resort lake in both California and 22 down (5)

If you'd like to find out more, get in touch with our sales team.

Give us a call on 01225 589789 or email advertise@bathecho.co.uk

Sudoku Easy

Medium

1 9

3 2

6 3 1

5 8 7

2 1 3 9

6 1 3 4

6 4

8 4

9

8 9 7 5

4 8 7 3 9 2 4 5 6 3 4 7 5 9 6 1 4 4 7 5

Hard 7

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9 1 7 3

7 6 4 8 6 2 9 7 3 4

Tuesday, 20th August 2019

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In Other News....

Dr Asel Sartbaeva at the University of Bath

Improved TB vaccine now closer to reality thanks to Bath scientists SCIENTISTS working on a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine have achieved a major step forward by showing that a promising TB antigen and a novel vaccine adjuvant can be protected from heat damage with a technique developed at the University of Bath.

Their method prevents these crucial vaccine components from spoiling outside of a fridge – meaning a thermally stable vaccine that can be reliably delivered to remote areas around

the world is more likely.

There is an urgent need not only for a new TB vaccine, but also for methods to keep vaccines stable outside of the refrigeration ‘cold chain’ – as up to 50% of vaccine doses are discarded before use due to exposure to suboptimal temperatures.

Thermostable vaccines have therefore been named a priority research area in the World Health Organisation’s Global Vaccine Action Plan 20112020.

Ensilication, a method developed

at the University of Bath, “shrinkwraps” vaccine proteins in position using layers of silica that build up into a cage around the molecules – so they don’t unravel when exposed to temperatures that would usually break them down. The proteins are held in place until ready to be removed from the silica cage and delivered.

The research team from the Departments of Biology & Biochemistry and Chemistry first demonstrated that the TB antigen ag85b and a vaccine

words not spoil outside of a fridge, which is why we’re really encouraged by these results.

Cold-chain storage leads to a lot of wastage and expense which could be avoided by ensilication.”

Dr Asel Sartbaeva, who invented ensilication, added: “Our results reveal the potential of ensilication in storing and transporting life-saving vaccines at ambient temperatures globally – in particular to remote areas of developing countries where disease rates are often highest.

“With up to 50% of vaccines being thrown away, and refrigeration raising vaccine costs by up to 80%, this is a major global health challenge that we need to overcome. By demonstrating for the first time that ensilication works to protect vaccine-relevant proteins from breaking down outside a fridge we’re a big step closer to achieving this goal.”

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and two PhD studentships were sponsored by the Annette Trust, and Raoul and Catherine Hughes with the University of Bath alumni fund respectively.

fused with the adjuvant protein Sbi are sensitive to breaking down outside of refrigerated temperatures. They then showed that these vaccine components were protected from heat damage when ensilicated and kept on a shelf at room temperature for long periods of time without loss of structure and function.

This is first time that ensilication has been used to improve the thermal stability of proteins in a vaccine setting, after proofof-principle work using model proteins. The results are a big step forward not only in developing a thermally-stable TB vaccines, but in showing that ensilication could be used for many different kinds of vaccines.

The study is published in Scientific Reports.

Lead author Professor Jean van den Elsen, said: “A new TB vaccine is really urgently needed to supplement or replace the existing BCG vaccine and reduce the number of TB cases and deaths – particularly as drugresistant TB infections remain high.” First author Ayla Wahid, added: “To make the vaccine as effective as possible it needs to be thermally-stable, or in other

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword Across: 9 Obese, 10 Amazement, 11 Relic, 12 Intrinsic, 13 Own, 14 Nahum, 15 Glassware, 16 Shrub, 18 Eagle, 22 Avalanche, 25 Forgo, 27 Net, 28 Employees, 29 Wrong, 30 Undermine, 31 Aisle.

Down: 1 Soprano, 2 Wealth, 3 Newcomer, 4 Saying, 5 Last page, 6 Genius, 7 Persuade, 8 Sticker, 16 Stampede, 17 Bacteria, 19 Gift wrap, 20 Gaseous, 21 Roughen, 23 Aboard, 24 Ensued, 26 Rhoose.

Sudoku

Codeword

Easy 4 1 3 8 7 9 5 2 6

5 2 7 1 3 6 4 8 9

Medium Sudoku Easy No.313 8 9 6 5 4 2 1 7 3

1 3 9 2 5 4 8 6 7

6 8 5 3 9 7 2 4 1

7 4 2 6 8 1 9 3 5

9 5 4 7 2 3 6 1 8

3 6 8 4 1 5 7 9 2

2 7 1 9 6 8 3 5 4

8 2 9 5 3 4 7 6 1

4 5 1 7 6 8 9 3 2

6 3 7 2 9 1 5 8 4

Hard Sudoku Medium No.310 5 8 4 3 1 7 6 2 9

7 1 6 9 2 5 8 4 3

2 9 3 8 4 6 1 7 5

1 4 5 6 8 3 2 9 7

3 6 2 1 7 9 4 5 8

9 7 8 4 5 2 3 1 6

5 2 1 9 4 3 7 6 8

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Sudoku Hard No.302I 10

U

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Tuesday, 20th August 2019

www.bathecho.co.uk

Sport

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Team GB Olympians Rachel Shaw relishing leadership role as she signs up for 2020 season unite for special celebration in Bath RACHEL Shaw has signed up for her eighth Vitality Superleague season with Team Bath Netball and is relishing her status as a custodian of the club’s culture.

The England-capped wing-attack is a hugely influential figure both on and off the court for the Blue & Gold, with her dynamic attacking style and bubbly demean-

our making her a favourite with team-mates and supporters alike.

“I’m really excited to go again – and hopefully get into the final this time!” said the 27-year-old.

“We lost to the eventual champions, Manchester Thunder, by just three goals in this year’s semi-finals but we beat them twice by that margin during the league

season, so that shows how close we are and I am confident that we’ll be even more competitive in 2020.I’m one of the oldest and most experienced players here now and I like having that senior role – being a leader, helping everyone out and passing on the Blue & Gold ethos.”

Shaw is also sharing that positiv-

ity, and her expert technical and tactical knowledge, with the next generation of players in her role as coach of the University of Bath student squad.

She worked with Team Bath’s U21s at the NPL Tournament last month and will lead the U15s at the National School Games in Wolverhampton at the end of

August. I’ve enjoyed combining playing and coaching over the past year, it’s worked out really well and the experience has helped me in both roles,” said Shaw.

“There is a lot of talent coming through here and it’s been great to work across a range of ages and in different coaching environments.”

Team Bath Netball Superleague Head Coach Anna Stembridge said: “I am so happy that Rach will be joining us for the 2020 campaign. She epitomises what the Blue & Gold is about and continues to drive this club forward both on and off the court.

“She is a phenomenal athlete and is one of the best midcourters in the league. Her consistency and leadership last year was absolutely key for us and I am really looking forward to building upon those performances both individually and collectively.”

Shaw is the second player to commit to Team Bath for the 2020 Superleague season, joining England World Cup bronze-medallist Eboni Usoro-Brown in providing a strong base for the squad.

Team Bath will begin the 2020 campaign against old rivals Loughborough Lightning in a special Season Opener at Arena Birmingham that provides a bonus 19th match for Superleague fans to enjoy. The additional round is taking place on Saturday, 22nd February and sees all ten teams in action over the course of one day, withTeam Bath on court at 3.30pm. Season-ticket holders will shortly receive renewal notifications in advance of general ticket sales, which will be coming soon. Further details about ticket sales and the Season Opener event will be available at netball.teambath.com.

Bronze medal for Bath-based Vicky Holland in Japan triathlon UNIVERSITY of Bath-based triathlete Vicky Holland won bronze in a dramatic women’s race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Test Event in Japan.

The Rio 2016 medallist finished fifth but was elevated to the podium after team-mates Jess Learmonth and Georgia Taylor-Brown, who had placed first and second, were disqualified after crossing the line hand in hand. Officials deemed that to be a ‘contrived tie situation’ and

a British Triathlon appeal was rejected. Holland – who won the World title in 2018 – had excelled in the decisive run leg, which was reduced from 10km to 5km due to extreme heat.

“It wasn’t the set of circumstances that you want when you win a medal but you have to play to what’s given to you and I’ve come out with a third place finish,” Holland told British Triathlon.

“I really feel for Jess and Georgia because they raced exceptionally

well today and I feel like they absolutely smashed it and deserved the first and second finish.

“I felt really good on the run. I would have liked to have run the full 10km as I think that would have played to my strengths and I just felt better and better as the run went on.

“I feel like we were probably the best prepared team coming here today and the heat prep seemed to make us all fitter, which was shown in the results.”

FIFTY Team GB Olympians spanning six decades, including one of only two Holocaust survivors to compete at the Games, visited the University of Bath on Saturday 10th August for a special celebratory reception.

Sir Ben Helfgott, who captained the GB weightlifting team at both the Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960 Games, and 90-year-old Michael Howard, a fencing silver-medallist in 1960, were the two most senior Olympians to attend the event, which took place in The Edge.

At the other end of the age scale was 19-year-old gymnast Amy Tinkler, the youngest British athlete to win a medal at Rio 2016, and all who attended were presented with unique Olympian pin badges to celebrate their involvement in the Games.

Fourteen sports were represented in total across both the Summer and Winter Games and among the Bath-based Olympians to receive pins were gold-medallists Amy Williams (skeleton) and Bryn Vaile (sailing), and silver-medallists Sharron Davies (swimming) and Samantha Murray (modern pentathlon).

Also in attendance was Dr Stephanie Cook, who was the first athlete to become Olympic champion while training at the University of Bath when she won modern pentathlon gold at Sydney 2000.

The event was organised by the World Olympians Association and staged alongside the Modern Pentathlon European Championships, also taking place at the University, which gave the guests

Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Bath Echo - due out on Tuesday 3rd September 2019

the chance to cheer on Great Britain’s Jamie Cooke as he won men’s gold.

Howard – a founder member of the British Olympians Association – competed in modern pentathlon himself during his international career, as well as fencing, and was presented with an award recognising his contribution to the sport.

“It is lovely to be here and meet up with my fellow Olympians again,” he said. “Modern pentathlon has progressed so much in recent years and having a facility like the University of Bath Sports Training Village as its home provides a good advantage to the potential internationals and Olympians based here.”

The event was hosted by Dominic Mahony, a modern pentathlon bronze-medallist at the Seoul 1988 Games, and there were speeches from Joslyn Hoyte-Smith and Joel Bouzou, Chair of the British Olympians Association and President of the World Olympians Association respectively.

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