Bath Echo - Issue 017 - 12/05/2020

ECHO

Your FREE local fortnightly newspaper for Bath

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

Thousands of copies available across Bath during the coronavirus crisis

A massive thank you to our NHS heroes, carers and key workers for everything they are doing during the coronavirus pandemic www.bathecho.co.uk | Issue No. 017 | FREE

New Bath Quays bridge superstructure arrives from Belgium P4

New COVID-19 intensive care unit opens at the RUH Page 3 Study launched to understand lockdown effects HEALTH psychologists at the University of Bath are set to lead the UK part of a new international study to learn more about the mental health impacts of COVID-19 and lockdown on children and young people.

An online survey has been launched, aiming to gain feedback from the parents and carers of children aged 6 – 16 on how young people are coping with the lockdown and its impacts on

their mental health.

Led by leading childhood clinical psychologist, Professor Paul Stallard from the University of Bath’s Department for Health, the study is being undertaken with academic colleagues across five countries which have experienced extensive lockdowns and school closures: the UK, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and Romania.

Through the new survey, the re-

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searchers want to understand more about how children and their caregivers are coping with social distancing, school closures and other challenges imposed by COVID-19.

The one-off, anonymous, online survey asks parents and carers about how their child is coping and how they think this period is impacting their overall wellbeing; as well as for reflections on their own parenting, and the different

ways families are managing.

It takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes to complete.

Professor Stallard explained: “Covid-19 and our responses to it, be that social distancing, school closures and full lockdown, has clearly and significantly disrupted the everyday life of our children. Young people may have many worries about the pandemic and their anxiety may be...

Continued on page 2

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Historic Orange Grove obelisk relisted as part of VE Day celebrations P5 Where you can order food for collection and delivery across Bath P6 ‘Pints for heroes' initiative launched by local brewery Bath Ales P9 B&NES Council set for £53m deficit due to coronavirus P11 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

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Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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PCC defends appointing friend as new deputy

In this issue...

Top Stories

P2-5

Food & Drink Suppliers

P6-7

Health P8 Business P9 Puzzles

P10

Politics P11 In Other News

P12

In this slimmed-down issue, we're only including certain relevant sections. We will look to reintroduce our normal size and the usual parts of the newspaper, including Education, What's On and Sport as soon as we possibly can.

Useful Information The Bath Echo newspaper is produced fortnightly. Thousands of copies are delivered and distributed across the Bath area via our dedicated pick-up points and at cafés, venues, waiting rooms and local libraries.

How to get in touch with us...

For news items and press releases: news@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 For sport and match reports: sport@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Want to have a letter published? letters@bathecho.co.uk Subscriptions/Distribution: subscribe.bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Advertising & Marketing: advertise@bathecho.co.uk 01225 589789 Contact the editor: Sebastian Hawker editor@bathecho.co.uk Published by Media Bath Limited

Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA

Company Number: 09384496

Disclaimer Please note, the views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily the views of the editor, or publisher.

No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without prior written permission. Liability for advertising in this publication comes down to the individual advertiser, and not the publisher. © Media Bath Limited

ISSN 2632-7805 The Bath Echo is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. We adhere to the Standards Code adopted by IMPRESS, and can only deal with complaints which relate to an alleged breach of the standards set out in this Code. You can find out more about the code on the IMPRESS website: www.impress.press/standards/.

If you believe we have breached this code, you can make a complaint to us regarding it. For more information, please visit: www.bathecho.co.uk/complaints/

Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE police and crime commissioner for Avon and Somerset has defended appointing a close ally as her second-in-command.

Critics said it was an “insult to the democratic process” when Sue Mountstevens chose John Smith, who had been her office’s chief executive and was in the running to replace her, for the role of deputy.

She denied that it would give him an unfair advantage if he stands for election next year – the vote due this week was delayed by the coronavirus crisis, forcing Ms Mountstevens to stay on.

Chief constable Andy Marsh has also had to deny claims the boundaries between their offices were blurred after he endorsed Mr Smith for the £39,000 parttime role.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Ms Mountstevens said: “Half of PCCs already have a deputy. I’ve done this job for eight years and not wanted or needed a deputy, but it’s the sheer emergency we’re in and the amount of work that we’re having to do that I need some help.”

Ms Mountstevens could have appointed Mr Smith directly, and initially planned to, but moved to an open selection process after a request from the police and crime panel.

His appointment was supported by a majority of nine to six during a virtual hearing on 23rd April.

Speaking at the time, Councillor Janet Keen said: “I am not questioning the ability of Mr Smith or his achievements.

“But there is a red line – someone who has resigned from a post, declared himself a candidate, and says he intends to be a candidate again when all this is over.

“I feel this is an insult to the democratic process. I don’t think the panel process was open – it was almost a charade.”

In a letter to Ms Mountstevens, chairman Richard Brown said the panel had felt “rushed into making a decision”.

He said there needed to be a clear case for having a deputy after eight years without one, and had questioned where she should appoint “a person who had until four months earlier been your CEO and friend”, who resigned to stand as PCC. Mark Shelford, the Conservative candidate for PCC who was also in the running for the role of deputy, said: “If the social media posts I’ve seen are true, it seems the process was predetermined and there was no real business case for appointing a deputy.

“It’s very disappointing and seems to be a waste of everybody’s time.”

He asked why Ms Mountstevens had not reappointed Mr Smith as the chief executive, rather than as her deputy.

Defending the recruitment process, the PCC told BBC Radio Bristol: “The majority of the panel have supported the appointment of a deputy. Every request the panel said to me, I followed.

New Deputy PCC John Smith

“It couldn’t have been more open and transparent.

“I didn’t have to do that. I’m not sure it gives him [Mr Smith] any advantage. We don’t have an election this year.

“This is all to do with governance.

It’s changed dramatically because of the crisis.”

Ms Mountstevens’ role is to hold Avon and Somerset Police to account.

She denied that the boundaries had been blurred after a letter emerged showing Mr Marsh had endorsed Mr Smith as her deputy.

Speaking on BBC Radio Somerset, the chief constable said he wrote the letter on 17th March, nearly a week before the lockdown was announced, because the police was considering how it would cope with an “unprecedented national crisis”.

He said it was sensible for Ms

Mountstevens to appoint a deputy and had been told Mr Smith would fill the role.

She said Mr Marsh’s endorsement did not stand when the selection process opened up.

“I’m operationally independent and I would fiercely protect that,” said Mr Marsh. “Any leader would recognise there’s necessary role of good governance.

“What would have happened if she hadn’t appointed a deputy and had fallen ill? Back then we were told fatalities of hundreds of thousands were predicted. That would have been an invidious position to put the office of the PCC in.

“My letter certainly wasn’t politically motivated. It’s about the protection of good governance.”

He denied that the “lines had been blurred” between the roles of Ms Mountstevens and himself.

Researchers to lead part of international study Continued from page 1 heightened by repeated media coverage detailing the spread of the outbreak and the fatal consequences.

“Social distancing and school closures may also make them feel isolated and lonely, or low in their mood.

“We know that family relationships may become strained too as families spend increased time together 24-7, often in small, confined spaces.

“Parents can be unsure how they can help their children through this as well as how they can help them to keep physically and mentally strong.

“These are, quite obviously, unprecedented times so we have little previous information to draw on to help us understand the effects and to plan how we can best help our children.

“By gaining more information from parents and carers about the impact this is having on young people, we really want

Inset: Paul Stallard - Photo © University of Bath Children have been learning from home - Photo © Clare McEwen / Shutterstock.com

to be able to provide tailored resources that can better help people to cope.”

Professor Stallard has previously helped to develop technology-

based solutions to mental health challenges for young people, including the award-winning phone app ‘BlueIce’.

Research from 2019 found this

app could can have a significant impacts on reducing self-harm among young people.

To complete the new survey, visit: https://bit.ly/2WwVoVo

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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New intensive care unit opened in just 42 days A BRAND new intensive care unit designed specifically for COVID-19 patients and built in just 42 days has opened at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The Pierce Intensive Care Unit has 14 beds available and, with the hospital’s existing intensive care unit, means the RUH Trust now has space for 27 intensive care patients.

Trust Chief Executive James Scott said: “Our teams of staff and contractors have done an amazing job in creating this facility so quickly.

“Back in March we answered the call from the Department of Health to increase ICU capacity as part of the response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and in just six weeks we’ve transformed and converted what was a surgical ward into one of the most sophisticated ICUs in the region.”

An improved feature of the new Pierce Intensive Care Unit’s 14 beds is that each is contained in a negative pressure environment – sealed areas with carefully controlled ventilation that

Two-way bus trial takes place on Broad Street A trial to see whether two buses can pass each other in opposite directions on Broad Street has taken place. Deputy Leader of B&NES Council Councillor Richard Samuel said the experiment “paves the way for the closure of Milsom Street". Concerns have been raised about the safety of pedestrians and the amount of space between the vehicles.

Cllr Samuel added that “adjustments will be needed".

Investigation launched into Widcombe boat fire An investigation has been launched after a boat was severely damaged by fire in Widcombe on Monday 4th May. Crews from the Bath and Bedminster stations were mobilised to reports of a fire just after 10pm. On arrival at the scene, firefighters found a 30ft boat well alight. Crews used two breathing apparatus for safety and one 45mm jet to extinguish the fire. One gas cylinder was also cooled and left safe.

The new intensive care unit at the RUH in Bath Pictured: ICU Lead Consultant Dr Andy Georgiou

prevents contaminated air from escaping the room, maximising safety for staff and patients.

Staff enter and exit via a separate room that acts as an airlock, helping to reduce the risk of infection.

ICU Lead Consultant Dr Andy Georgiou said: “This fantastic ICU is the only such facility in the South West.

“It allows us to do two things – firstly to expand our intensive care capacity from 13 to 27 beds, and secondly to separate the care we offer to intensive care patients.

“It means that if you are coming into intensive care having had, for example, a major operation, you can be confident in the knowledge that you will be cared for in a separate location to patients who are critically ill with

COVID-19.

“We’re proud to open the unit and are really grateful to the Trust and our contractors and staff who have helped us to develop and build this facility in such a short space of time.”

Mr Scott continued: “While the RUH has, thankfully, not experienced the number of positive COVID-19 patients seen in other parts of the country since the pandemic began, we have rightly followed Department of Health advice to make contingency plans.

“The new ICU’s extra capacity will allow the Trust to manage any future surge in intensive care demand, and also to plan for the future when more of our hospital services resume.”

Read more health-related stories in our dedicated section on p8.

such as 3SG and their Compassionate Community project, residents have been able to continue receiving food, medication and essential supplies when they wouldn't otherwise be able to get hold of them. I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone who has been doing their bit to support the people around them - we've received so many stories of your efforts, and those of the hardworking NHS staff and key workers in the area. You make us incredibly proud.

One of the biggest challenges the area is due to face when the new “normal" begins is the sustainability of local independent businesses. We'll be doing our part by offering significant advertising

discounts for the time being, as well as making sure we use the city's independents as much as possible - we hope you'll join us in doing this as well. They need our support more than ever, and as an independent business ourselves, we know first-hand the difficulties that the coronavirus has brought.

We know a lot of businesses are adapting what they are doing to keep running - on page 6 and 7, you'll find a list of those who are offering food collection and delivery services to residents across Bath. We hope it proves to be useful for you.

Wishing you all the best, Sebastian Hawker Editor, Bath Echo

A word from the editor...

FIRSTLY, I'd like to wish you a warm welcome to the latest issue of the Bath Echo newspaper.

Whether you're a regular reader or this is your first time flicking through, we hope you and your family are well and staying as safe as possible.

If you're a regular, you will have noticed that there aren't as many pages as usual! We're running a slimmed-down version at the moment as a way of getting back up and running sooner than planned during the coronavirus pandemic, having suspended production of the newspaper back in March. We are looking to reintroduce our full size and usual sections as soon as we can.

I'd like to take the opportunity to

News in Brief

thank the supermarkets across Bath who have agreed to host some of our distribution stands, meaning residents will be able to easily pick up a copy when they go shopping. You'll also be able to pick up a copy in some of our normal locations, and some organisations across Bath have also kindly agreed to include a copy of the newspaper with their deliveries. We hope these measures mean that even if you don't get a copy through your door, one won't be too far away for you to get hold of.

The coronavirus pandemic, and subsequent lockdown here in the UK, has brought the community closer together than ever before.

With the help of organisations

Abbey invites people to “just ask” for prayers Bath Abbey is encouraging people to “just ask” if they would like prayers said for themselves, loved ones or those at the frontline fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Because of the government’s lockdown measures, all church buildings have been closed until further notice.

However, the Abbey, like many churches around the world, is finding new ways for its congregation to worship, and to offer prayers and support for those living in the city of Bath and beyond.

People are invited to submit their prayer requests by email to prayer@bathabbey.org. Alternatively, they can fill out a prayer request form on the Abbey’s website.

The prayers will then be read and offered up by one of the Abbey’s priests or lay ministers. There is also the opportunity to light a virtual candle on the Church of England’s website.

The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey, said: “Usually, when we’re open, we get people coming into the Abbey every day, asking if we can help by praying for them or their loved one.

“It may be they want to give thanks for something, or to ask for God’s help or guidance with an issue they’re facing, or to seek healing and comfort for those on their hearts.

“Of course, we are very aware that these are extraordinarily stressful and difficult times for many, and we are very keen to keep praying with those in need. “The Church” is the people, not the building – so although we can’t be there in the Abbey physically to offer our prayers, it absolutely doesn’t mean we aren’t able to continue to pray for, and with, all who seek God’s help.”

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Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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New Bath Quays bridge on its way from Belgium A 60m long steel bridge ‘superstructure’ destined to span the River Avon at the Bath Quays site began its journey from Belgium to Bath last weekend.

The prefabricated Bath Quays Bridge commissioned by Bath & North East Somerset Council is being brought to the city in four parts each on its own articulated vehicle. The first two will arrive today, Tuesday 12th May. The vehicles travelled via the Zeebrugge-Tilbury ferry to reach the UK and the further two parts of the bridge will arrive using the same route on 19th May, with police escort due to the width of the vehicles.

The bridge is the first new crossing point over the River Avon in 100 years and will provide a new route for pedestrians and cyclists, an alternative crossing point to Midland Bridge and Churchill Bridge and will connect the development sites of Bath Quays North and South.

The bridge has been made by Victor Buyck, a Belgian steelwork fabricator who will also install it during the construction phase of Bath Quays later this year.

The articulated vehicles left Belgium on Sunday 10th May and travelled along the M25/ M5A4174/A4/A36 to reach Bath, crossing the River Avon at Churchill Bridge, then travelling along Broad Quay, Ambury and Corn St. On arrival at Bath Quays, each part of the bridge will be placed on temporary supports before the four parts are welded together over a period of several weeks.

They will remain there until the foundations have been completed and the bridge can be lifted into position.

Even though traffic levels are expected to be light, the vehicle movements within Bath are being timed to avoid peak hours.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “The arrival of this remarkable bridge is another step forward in the regeneration of Bath Quays as a vibrant commercial quarter within our city to stimulate economic growth. The design and fabrication of the bridge is quite fascinating and I’m looking forward to seeing it help pedestrians

This week, The Pig is mostly... sharing my shopping list!

The new bridge on its way from Belgium | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council

and cyclists reach their destinations more easily.

“During the current Covid-19 crisis we have continued to make progress at the site under strict social distancing rules to help our future prosperity and contribute positively to Bath’s recovery when we all emerge from the current measures. This will be needed to help the local economy mitigate the impact of coronavirus as well as encourage more walking and cycling.”

The bridge design was selected via an international design competition commissioned by the council in 2015, with six short-listed designs exhibited to and voted on by the public. Following the exhibition, the panel evaluated the designs and selected Paris based engineering and architectural consultancy Marc Mimram's 'Between History and Modernity' as the winning design. The winning design was also the public's favourite.

£15,000 of funding awarded to local organisations A NUMBER of community groups in and around Bath and Bristol have received financial support from Wessex Water through its annual Community Fund.

The water and sewerage company has provided around £15,000 worth of grants to local community groups, organisations and charities in the area.

Community groups throughout Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset applied for grants of up to £1,500, including Grassroot Communities, Bath City Farm and Wessex Washables.

The company’s funding has been

provided to projects with the aim of bringing communities closer together, but will also be used to support those who’ve been made vulnerable by the coronavirus outbreak.

Kirsty Scarlett, head of community engagement for Wessex Water, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the Quartet Community Foundation to distribute funding to a wide range of groups and charities which are all providing essential services at this time.

“By funding groups which are on the frontline of need, such as foodbanks, community cafés and mental health support, we know that we are helping people

through this current emergency every day.

“The funding will also be used to carry out a number of projects in the future which will help to build stronger communities in the area.”

The organisations receiving Wessex Water Community Fund support are Grassroot Communities, Redcatch Community Garden, Swallow, Bridges for Communities, Friends of Hannah More Primary

School, Mind Your Music, St Werburghs Community Association, West of England Rural Network, Forest Child, Bath Gateway Out and About, Bath City Farm and Wessex Washables.

Boost for community station BA1 Radio

Roadworks permit scheme launched

BATH and North East Somerset’s newest community radio station has received a funding boost, thanks to a councillor from Peasedown St John.

BA1 Radio was established in 2019 to train and educate people in radio broadcasting, and currently has 35 volunteers broadcasting new shows each week.

The station, run by a team of volunteer trustees, relies on the support of grant funding, beneficiaries and charitable giving to cover its costs each month.

Earlier this year, Cllr Karen Walker, former Chairwoman of B&NES Council and a current long-serving councillor in Peasedown St John, visited the station in Bath to

A SCHEME to give B&NES Council more control over essential utility company roadworks and cause less inconvenience for road users has come into effect.

The street works permit scheme will allow the council to better co-ordinate when and how roadworks take place by utility companies needing to install and maintain essential services for residents.

Two thirds of all roadworks are carried out by utility companies and the scheme will allow the council to agree conditions with companies on how long it should take to complete the works.

Following a consultation with utility companies from Septem-

see for herself some of the work that goes on.

She said: “BA1 Radio is becoming increasing popular across the city of Bath and in neighbouring communities like Peasedown St John.

“Many of my own residents are telling me on a regular basis that they are now tuning into BA1 Radio daily to find out about local news, views and information.

“I was so impressed with the professionalism of the station, and the positive image it portrays, I’ve decided to award them £200 from my Councillor’s Empowerment Fund. This is a pot of money that I’m able to use to support community projects.”

ber to November 2019, Councillor Joanna Wright signed a single-member decision and the order for the permit scheme was made on 5th March.

Utility companies are now required to book space on the road network instead of notifying the council of their intended works.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “The introduction of the permit system in Bath and North East Somerset will allow us to work with utility companies to co-ordinate their essential works, keeping roads free at the busiest times and preventing works going on longer than is absolutely necessary.”

NOW I'm getting so used to the fabulous bread and associated bakery treats alongside dairy, pantry and larder essentials and ready meals from Thoughtful Bread, there's no going back!

When I'm feeling carnivorous, I stock up on marvellous meat from Larkhall Butchers (there's fabulous fish, delectable dairy produce and perfect pantry goodies available too.) Although I'm spending much more time cooking from scratch than ever before, Meal Kits from Yak Yeti Yak turn rustling up a restaurant-standard Nepalese feast at home a doddle, while the range of gourmet ready meals from Eveleigh's of Bath (especially their Kebab Kits and now-legendary Jimmy Muffins at the weekend) or Ma Cuisine offer a similarly laid-back, top notch, no stress supper.

ON the all-important fish'n'chip front, The Oyster Shell (Moorland Road) are offering limited home delivery slots for between ThuSat 4pm-9pm, the terrific Homewood team are volunteering their time every Saturday to rustle up a fish feast featuring real ale battered haddock, chunky chips, garden mushy peas and tartare sauce ready to collect from their glorious pastoral paradise hotel near Freshford (all profits go directly to the RUH Forever Friends Appeal), and Bath Fish and Chips (Terrace Walk, Bog Island) have reopened for click'n'collection or home delivery services Tuesday-Saturday 4.30-9pm.

WHEN I'm feeling exotic, I turn directly to The Mint Room or Mantra for a fresh, wholly authentic taste of modern Indian cuisine. Not quite as exotic, but...

I know I'm not the only person celebrating the fact that both branches (Saw Close and Walcot Street) of legendary gourmet burger emporium Schwartz Bros are poised to reopen on Thursday 14th May, offering a nifty click'n'collect/pay by card over the phone service.

LOOKING after those who really need looking after is high on my shopping list of priorities at the moment too – huge round of applause, please, for Age UK B&NES, who are offering a lunchtime deliveries of a 2-course hot meal for people living in B&NES direct to the person's door, 7 days per week (for further information, email communitymeals@ ageukwiltshire.org.uk or call 01793 687017); Newton Farm's home delivery service for those over 70, people/families who or are self-isolating and NHS frontline workers; and the Bath and NE Somerset Third Sector Group 3SG, which has bought a host of local partners together to create a Compassionate Community to support everybody during difficult times.

Find a full list of food and drink home delivery services at https://bit.ly/35JJXxC, visit www.thepigguide.com or follow us on Twitter @ThePigGuide

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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Historic city centre obelisk relisted A HISTORIC obelisk in the city centre which marks the twinning of Bath with the Dutch city of Alkmaar in March 1945 has been relisted to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe in 1945.

It is one of a number of new or updated listings to mark VE Day granted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England.

The obelisk, which has been relisted at Grade II, is sited near Parade Gardens in Bath and was originally built in 1734 to commemorate the visit of William IV, Prince of Orange, to the city.

New information has been added to its list entry on the National Heritage List for England to mark its connection with the Second World War. Following the end of the Second World War, the garden around the obelisk on Orange Grove was redesigned to honour Bath’s twinning with the Dutch city of Alkmaar, and named the Alkmaar Garden.

The two cities had become ‘adopted sisters’ in March 1945, with the approval of the exiled Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.

The ‘Alkmaar Adoption Appeal’ by the people of Bath saw 45,000 articles of clothing shipped to Alkmaar prior to its liberation

The obelisk in Orange Grove | Photo © Historic England

from Nazi occupation.

It was a highly unusual fundraising effort at this time and was inspired by an Alkmaar evacuee, Elias Prins, who settled in Bath following his escape to Britain in 1940.

Days after Alkmaar was liberated, Victory in Europe (VE) Day was declared a national holiday in Britain.

It marked the end of nearly six years of war and the hardships and sacrifices it had brought. Millions of people marked the victory as communities came together in street parties, parades and thanksgiving services.

The bond of friendship between the two cities was reaffirmed when in 1946 Alkmaar gave 5,000 tulip bulbs to be planted in the Alkmaar Garden. The cities became formally twinned later in the 20th century and in 2017 Alkmaar gave Bath a new gift of 5,000 tulip bulbs.

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We owe the Second World War generation an enormous debt of gratitude.

“I am delighted that, as we prepare to mark 75 years since the end of the war in Europe on 8th May, we are protecting these historic sites in this way.”

More than £4000 raised for cancer unit charity A FATHER has run his own half marathon to raise money for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) and thank the medical staff who are treating his wife.

Ian McPherson from Norton St Philip is one of several half marathon runners who have raised a total of £4,324 for the charity which provides vital medical equipment for cancer patients at Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH).

Last year, Ian’s wife, Becky, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer which spread to her liver. She is currently receiving chemotherapy at the RUH, where doctors have just treated their 3,000th patient using a £1.2m scanner funded by the BCUSG. The PET-CT scanner, which gives detailed full-body images to help doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, was the first to be permanently installed at an NHS hospital in the South West of England.

Ian and his wife, Becky, who have four children, are calling on others to raise funds at home while in lockdown for the BCUSG, which is now looking to part-fund an advanced gamma camera for the RUH. The charity currently needs to raise £340,000 towards the cost

of the camera which will provide even more detailed images for cancer diagnosis.

Ian said: “Becky continues to receive chemotherapy following a liver operation last September, so we have spent a lot of time at the RUH during the last year.

“Everyone there has been absolutely fantastic to us and we wanted to do something to support the wonderful staff at the RUH and to help other patients.”

Ian signed up to run the Bath Half Marathon in aid of the BCUSG but decided to run his own route around Bath because of the coronavirus pandemic, raising £1,340 for the charity.

“Becky and the kids, and their grandparents, were there to cheer me on when I finished which was great,” added Ian. Other half marathon runners from the Bath area who raised money for the BCUSG include Linas Panka and David and Louise Dalton.

BCUSG chairman Mike Taylor said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Ian and all the other half marathon runners who have chosen to support the charity and the cancer unit.

“We are delighted that 3,000 patients have now been treated using the PET-CT scanner at the RUH."

It only takes a few minutes to apply for this September www.bathcollege.ac.uk info@bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege

#STARTYOURJOURNEY

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Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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Where you can order food and drink across Bath Over these two pages you'll find a selection of the food and drink establishments across Bath that are currently offering their services to local residents via collection or delivery.

The information has been kindly provided by 3GS, as part of their Compassionate Community project in association with the Sustainable Food Partnership.

More providers, as well as a list of companies offering alcohol, is available on the 3GS website at www.3sg.org.uk/pages/sustainable-food-partnership. Information correct up to 10/05/2020.

Age UK B&NES

Alex Greek Cooking

Alice Park Café

Avellinos Italian Deli

Bath Farmers Market

Offering a lunchtime delivery of a hot meal for people living in B&NES direct to your door, 7 days per week. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated. Menu available at: https://bit.ly/3fxtyAT To place an order, contact: communitymeals@ ageukwiltshire.org.uk or 01793 687017 (Age UK Wiltshire)

alexgreekcooking@gmail.com or 07513 349945 - call or email at any time to place an order. Free delivery in Bath. Minimum order £30. Donation to Julian House made with each order. Collection service available 2-5pm. A slot will be allocated when your order is taken. Mediterranean food is freshly made, so easily freezable.

Menu at www.facebook.com/ AlexGreekCooking or via email.

01225 465613 www.alicepark.co.uk/cafe Now doing deliveries. Breakfasts and coffee Mon-Sat 8.30am12pm. Dinners and drinks Thurs/Fri/Sat 4-9pm. Phone to order on 01225 465613. Delivery to BA1 and BA2, minimum £10 order. For more information have a look at http://www.alicepark. co.uk/cafe or https://www. facebook.com/aliceparkcafe

5 Cleveland Place East, London Road - Pasta, 00 flour, sauces, oils, tinned goods, Italian pastries and more. Open MonSat 7am-3pm. 2 customer limit in the shop at one time, gloves and hand gel available.

Current information on stock: https://www.facebook.com/ Avellinos123

www.bathfarmersmarket.co.uk Every Saturday at Green Park station from 9am to 1.30pm. You must stay at least 2m from others whilst shopping at the market.

Some traders are also able to deliver. Please see their website for links to individual traders.

Bath Foodbank

Bertinet Bakery

Chelsea Road Deli

The Choux Box Patisserie

The Bath Veg Box Project

www.bath.foodbank.org.uk/ coronavirus - People needing to access emergency food will still be able to do so and should get in touch with a referral agency to be issued an ‘e-voucher’.

Food parcels will be delivered to homes via a non-contact delivery service. Deliveries will be made on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

01225 317731 www.bertinetbakery.com/shop Order before 2pm Mon-Fri for next day delivery in and around Bath. 2 days notice for deliveries. £15 minimum order.

Deliveries in Bath and around Keynsham and Saltford 9am-3pm.

01225 482045 The deli on Chelsea Road are not offering deliveries but are running a ring and collect service. Open 9am-3pm MonFri, 9am-2pm Sat.

07792 187010 thechouxboxpatisserie.com The Choux Box Patisserie is offering free next day delivery on all orders to BA postcodes.

Making fresh desserts and easy bake at home chocolate fondants. Food Hug gift option which is delivered free to the door with a Virtual Hugs handwritten card.

www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk While the Circus Restaurant is temporarily closed, they have teamed up with the Bath Veg Box Project. Delivering an assortment of fruit and veg for £16 per box. Open 10am-12pm Mon-Sat for pick up. Delivery next day to BA1 and BA2 (area covered on their website).

Order online for click & collect.

The Claremont

@ Cleeve Hill

Cortado Café

Darling Deli

Eades

www.theclaremont.pub 01225 571249 Offering takeaway pizza.

Open Sun-Thurs 12pm-9.30pm and Fri - Sat 12pm-10pm.

www.cleeve-hill.co.uk mary@cleeve-hill.co.uk Free range eggs, lettuce, other fresh produce, and preserves.

Will deliver within a 2 mile radius (of Cleeve Hill, Kelston Road) for £1.

cortadobath@hotmail.com Offering frozen Argentinian Empanadas. Special promo: 15 empanadas for £25 (there will always be 3 different fillings that will change every week vegetarian options available).

All homemade using top quality ingredients and whenever possible local/independent suppliers. Free delivery in Bath and surroundings.

01225 835118 www.darlingdeli.co.uk Local deliveries only. Call in the morning for next day delivery.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, now closed on Sat. Now doing take out hot drinks.

Also take out breakfast rolls every day until 12pm.

01225 317319 Greengrocers on Julian Road doing local deliveries. They have fruit, veg, some wholefoods, milk, bread and some tinned goods.

Open 9am-6pm Mon - Sat. Can also collect orders from the shop.

Eveleigh's of Bath

Goodies Delicatessen

Goulash

Harvest Wholefoods

Heathers Pet Services Ltd

www.eveleighscafe.co.uk info@eveleighscafe.co.uk Delivering ready meals including Sunday breakfast.

Their Facebook page has regular updates on stock availability: www.facebook.com/ eveleighsbath

01225 336033 Free delivery to BA1 and BA2, with £10 min spend.

Open Mon-Fri 8am-3.30pm and Sat 8am-2pm.

Call and they will let you know their next available slot.

A member of Larkhall Delivered (see separate listing).

07886 266070 www.facebook.com/goulash.life Home cooked street food, open daily 12-9pm.

Offering take away and delivery.

01225 465519 info@harvest-bath.coop www.harvest-bath.coop A whole food shop in Bath, offering deliveries up to 10 miles from the shop which is at BA1 5BN. There are more details on the website www.harvest-bath.coop, including a product list. Can also deliver fresh organic fruit & veg and fresh bread.

07784 626598 heather@heatherspetservices. co.uk heatherspetservices.co.uk/ deliveries Offering weekly or fortnightly fruit/veg/mixed boxes for £20 delivered to the door.

Also offering dog and cat boxes each week delivered to the door.

Henny & Joe's Chai

Henry’s

The Hub, Mulberry Park

Indian Masala

Joya Italian Steakhouse

hello@hennyandjoes.co.uk hennyandjoes.co.uk Henny & Joe’s multi-award winning Chai is handmade in Bath using 100% natural ingredients and traditional methods. Free from additives and preservatives. Buy online.

01225 780055 hello@henrysrestaurantbath. com www.henrysrestaurantbath. com/menu Meals and home care packs to your door. Wine also available.

www.mphub.co.uk enquiries@mphub.co.uk 01225 436869 Offering a free, no-contact delivery service of hot food along with a selection of groceries to all residents in the Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down communities. Delivery is free but there's a minimum spend of £5.00 and payment to be made over the phone by card only.

prabhk24@yahoo.co.uk Contactless delivery service to Bath and nearby. Food will be delivered chilled to doorstep.

Food is suitable to reheat or freeze. Food order deadline is every Monday by 5pm. Delivery day will be every Wednesday.

6 New Market Row 01225 460240 www.joyarestaurant.co.uk Award-winning steaks and burgers plus a large selection of Italian pasta dishes and starters.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until 9.30pm and Saturday the whole day.

Delivering to the whole of Bath.

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Juicy Orange Coffee Shop

Kingsmead Square Stall

Larkhall Butchers

Larkhall Delivered

Larkhall Farm Shop

01225 334382 or Mobile / Whatsapp 07772 215269 Weston village, near the Royal United Hospital, BA1 4BP. Open 8am until 5pm Mon-Fri and 9am until 3pm Saturdays.

The coffee shop has been transformed into a local grocery store as well as offering takeaway coffees and the full range of drinks and cakes.

07872 574513 Daniel Weisberg runs the open stall on Kingsmead Square.

Fruit, veg, eggs, pasta etc.

Open 8am-2.30pm Mon, Fri and Sat only. Text for orders.

Can either collect from the stall or next day delivery in Bath with a minimum £25 spend.

Payment with cash or card on delivery.

01225 313987 info@larkhallbutchers.co.uk Delivering BA1 and BA2 (can deliver outside this area, discuss when calling to order). Open 7am-5pm Mon-Fri, 7am-1.30pm Sat and closed Sunday. Call or email to place an order for next day/day after delivery. They will call you back when they can confirm that they have all you need or offer substitutions.

www.larkhalldelivered.co.uk Next day delivery from Larkhall businesses to BA1 and BA2.

Includes Larkhall Butchers, Larkhall Farm Shop, Goodies Deli and Ma Cuisine.

Coordinating their deliveries from all shops involved so let them know if you are ordering from the other shops and all your shopping will arrive at once.

07483 336506 www.larkhallfarmshop.co.uk Doing veg and fruit boxes only.

Can order boxes as a one off or regular order. Have different size boxes, all information on website. Order online if possible, to leave phoneline clear for those without internet access.

Delivery mostly in Bath but does deliver outside this area, check when you call/email.

Landrace Bakery, Walcot

Ma Cuisine

MeatBusters

New Stokes

The Newt In Somerset

07921 392714 www.landracebakery.com Open Tues-Fri 10am-3pm and Sat 10am-1pm. The shop is open but they are also taking orders for collection. Taking WhatsApp orders, pre-orders for the next day before 12pm.

They will confirm and reply with delivery and payment link.

Free delivery on £30 min order.

01225 312959 www.macuisine.co.uk Free delivery to BA1 and BA2 with no min spend. Call in the morning for next day delivery.

Taking delivery orders via their website. Shop is open 9am-5pm Tues-Sat. A member of Larkhall Delivered (see separate listing).

01225 313030 www.meatbusters.co.uk Burger delivery service available on Fri-Sat 4.30pm-9.30pm and Sun 4pm-9pm.

Free delivery with £15 minimum order.

Call to order.

07838 943056 Moorland Road. BA2.

Delivery only with £3 charge.

Minimum order £20.

Deliveries on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Open Mon-Sat 7am-6pm and Sun 9am-4pm.

www.shop.thenewtinsomerset. com/categories/mobile-newt A selection of treats and essentials - from fresh vegetable boxes to freshly baked breads and pies, sausages made by their butcher and soups made by their chefs. Now delivering free to all BA postcodes. Order by 3pm for next day. Minimum order £35.

See website for more details.

Newton St Loe Farm Shop

Oven To You

Pistrina

Real Italian Pizza Co

Root Connections

01225 873707 www.newtonfarmfoods.co.uk/ shop.html Deliveries within 5 mile radius of the shop Tues-Sat and prioritising over-70s, vulnerable and NHS staff.

Pre-payment when placing orders and limited to one delivery per week. £20 minimum order for delivery.

07811 644 697 www.oventoyoushop.co.uk Handmade Pies & Patisserie.

The shop will be open from Saturday to Wednesday 8pm.

Deliveries will take place on the Friday.

Delivering within a 2 mile radius of Bath (see website). £1 delivery charge.

info@pistrina.co.uk www.pistrina.shop A small independent bakery offering a home delivery service.

Monday through to Saturday.

Midsummer Norton and surrounding areas on Thursdays.

Marshfield to Box on Tuesdays and Fridays. No delivery on Saturdays and Sundays.

Minimum spend £10.

Areas outside of Bristol £20.

16 York Street 01225 330121 The Real Italian opens every day from 5pm till 9.30pm and Saturday from 12pm till 9.30pm.

Delivering to the whole of Bath with a £20 minimum order.

07891 298360 www.rootconnections.co.uk/ shop Veg boxes with delivery within a 12 mile radius of the farm at Stratton on the Fosse.

Check which day deliveries are made to your area. Veg box £15 with £3.50 delivery charge.

Order and pay online.

Scoop Wholefoods

Simi's Lockdown Supper Club on Zoom

St James Café Deli

Taste of Bath

Taylors Boutique Café

07429 240249 www.bathcafelife.com Place your order 9.30am-12pm Mon-Fri for next day collection.

Local delivery possible to those in self-isolation.

01225 683021 www.taste-of.myshopify.com/ collections/create-your-ownhamper Supporting 35 local food producers in the Bath area. Want to shop local? Do it easily online.

Free delivery across the UK. From gift hampers to local groceries.

07928 915413 https://www.facebook. com/pages/category/ Restaurant/Taylors-BoutiqueCafe-115028376611182 Phone/text orders for pick up the following day @ 24 Belvedere, Lansdown Road opposite Flowers of Bath.

07738 324523 scoopbs8.touchtakeaway.net A zero-waste wholefoods store that specialises in natural and organic foods sold in sustainable packaging.

Everything is either in brown paper bags, reusable glass jars or home compostable packaging.

Offering a ‘click&collect’ and delivery service in Bath & Bristol.

www.simiskitchen.co.uk Treat yourself or get Simi's freshly made supper as a gift for friends and family with a Zoom get together Fridays in Bath.

Delivered to your door or ready for pick-up in central Bath.

Email Simi on simi@ simiskitchen.co.uk to place an order or find out more.

Terry & Son Butchers

Thai Balcony Bath

Thai Basil Bath

The Rising Sun Inn

Thoughtful Bread Co.

01225 464655 Delivery only of meat and veg boxes.

Min order of £10 and delivery to Bath and surrounds.

Call Mon-Fri 6am-12pm for delivery the next day.

01225 444450 www.thaibalcony.co.uk Takeaways and delivery.

Collection and delivery 12pm8.30pm.

Free delivery on all orders over £20.

thaibasilbath.orderyoyo.co.uk Collection and delivery available 5.30-10.30pm.

Can pre-order online.

Closed on Mondays.

01225 425918 www.therisingsunbath.co.uk Takeaway or free delivery within 2 miles (Wed, Fri and Sat).

See website for details.

Open 5.30-8pm.

01225 471747 www.thoughtfulbakery.co.uk Open 8am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday for collection of preordered bread, pastries, cakes, meals and essentials such as milk, flour, eggs.

Ring the bakery to pre-order. £10 minimum order for collection and £20 for delivery with £5 delivery charge. Order by 2pm for delivery day after next.

Twenty Five, Bathampton

Walcot House

The Western Bistro Café

Yak Yeti Yak

Yum Yum Thai

01225 542739 Full range of groceries and cooked food.

Call for same day (if possible) delivery to Bathampton only.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and Sat 10am-1pm

01225 530499 info@walcothousebath.com www.walcothousebath.com/ pastakits Homemade fresh pasta and sauces that are packaged up as kits. Orders must be placed by 10am every Friday for a Saturday BA1 delivery.

Free delivery on all orders over £20.

01225 613555 / 07899 373594 https://en-gb.facebook.com/ thewesternbistro Open 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. Free coffee for all NHS staff and takeaways and comfort pack (includes cheese, bacon, bread, milk and eggs) available.

Local deliveries available.

shop.yakyetiyak.co.uk New online shop where you can buy ready meals and meal kits.

Free contactless delivery to BA1, BA2, Corsham, Box & Colerne.

They are donating £1 from every delivery to the YYY Foundation and to buy ingredients for their free meals for doctors and nurses at the RUH.

01225 445253 www.yumyumthai.com Open for takeaway and collection only.

Thurs-Sat 5pm-9pm.

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Health Wayfinding scheme helps NHS workers find their way to the RUH KEY workers in the COVID-19 response visiting the Royal United Hospital for the first time will now be able to reach their destination easily thanks to a new wayfinding scheme.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has worked with the RUH, transport partners and wayfinding experts Applied Information Group to install new signage from the bus and train stations highlighting the quickest walking and cycling routes to the hospital.

The scheme aims to help NHS workers and volunteers avoid getting lost on arrival in an unfamiliar city and make their journeys stress-free.

There is also a free downloadable PDF map available through the Royal United Hospital Sustainability team, with a digital version expected soon.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for transport services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic more NHS staff from other areas are coming to the RUH and it was apparent some were having difficulty finding their way around an unfamiliar city easily, so there was an urgent need to make sure these critical workers had access to clear directions.

One of the new wayfinding signs in place across Bath

“I’ve been very pleased to support this scheme and bring our stakeholders and partners together to deliver this scheme rapidly.

“Alongside our e-bike loans for key workers, it will be another way of helping key workers to get around the city easily.”

The system was executed in little over a week by the RUH Sustainability team, First Bus, Great Western Railway and Applied Information Group.

The inexpensive toolkit has been designed by Applied, whose Founder Tim Fendley lives in Bath, and who are working pro bono on this initiative.

It offers guidelines to create fast and easy-to-understand navigation which can be rolled out on a wider scale across hospitals,

People urged to continue getting their regular vaccinations THE NHS is urging residents across the South West of England to continue getting their regular immunisations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are concerns that children and adults may miss their essential, routine vaccinations such as the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination and whooping cough (pertussis) for pregnant women.

GP practices across the South West continue to offer all routine immunisations and are doing so in a safe way in accordance with Government social distancing and infection control guidelines.

As long as those attending appointments, including parents of babies or children, do not have symptoms or are not self-isolating because someone in the household is displaying symp-

toms, all scheduled vaccinations should go ahead as normal.

NHS England and NHS Improvement South West is working closely with GP practices in the region to ensure that immunisation services can be maintained and to reschedule any appointments that have been delayed due to the impact of COVID. Dr Alison Mackenzie, Screening and Immunisation Lead from NHS England South West, said: “If you or your child is due an immunisation, please make an appointment by contacting your practice on the phone or online to ensure you or your child remain protected against these important infections. If you are in a vulnerable group or are shielding and are due an immunisation then please contact your general practice to discuss options.”

other key public institutions and even cities.

The system highlights a route to the hospital using a route-map.

These are inexpensively placed as stepping stones along the journey. They will allow key workers and NHS staff to use unfamiliar routes to get to their workplace at the hospital during this time of crisis.

Tim Fendley said: “At Applied we are always thinking of how we can help people avoid getting lost, and I am extremely happy that we have been able to help ease the journey for our front line workers together with a great team.

“This project shows how organisations can work together in unusual ways, during unusual times.”

Researchers helping national and international studies RESEARCH teams at the RUH are taking part in important national and international studies into COVID-19 and looking at possible treatments for people affected.

The RUH Trust has joined others across the UK in answering Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty’s call for urgent collaboration into investigating the disease.

He wrote to every NHS Trust in the country to encourage efforts to enrol patients into nationally prioritised clinical trials.

In the letter, the country’s five most senior doctors highlighted the crucial role of gathering reliable evidence to combat the global pandemic.

The UK is now running clinical trials in primary care, hospital and intensive care settings.

At the RUH, a large international study has been open since the start of the pandemic, gathering information from positive COVID-19 patients that may help scientists to understand more about the virus.

There are also a number of studies going on in the RUH’s Intensive Care Unit, involving confirmed COVID-19 patients, some to trial treatments and another

which aims to identify genes that may make some people more unwell.

A clinical trial has also begun across the whole RUH Trust, trying out drugs used for different viruses with the aim of identifying possible treatments to help patients in their recovery.

Dr Kelly Spencer, RUH Research Manager, Operations, said: “We’re really proud to be a research-active hospital and proud to be participating in these research studies. It’s essential that we learn as much as we can, as soon as we can. There has been a great effort to accelerate the setup of these trials, working with the clinicians, pharmacy and other support departments and we thank them for their cooperation in these busy times. “We’re looking at treatments that are already in use for other conditions, like anti-viral drugs or drugs that help the immune system to better fight disease, to see if any of these are effective against coronavirus.

“We’re not expecting to find a cure, but we do hope that these treatments may help patients to recover more quickly from coronavirus or reduce their stay in hospital.”

Planned changes to region's maternity services suspended PLANNED changes to maternity services across the West of England are being temporarily amended or suspended to maintain the health and wellbeing of mums-to-be during the coronavirus outbreak.

The changes, which were agreed at an extraordinary public meeting of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group on Thursday 30th April, will ensure families are kept safe, and that staff are able to use their skills in the right places to support the changing needs and wishes of women and families, such as the recent increase in women choosing to have their baby at home.

Under the new proposals, some of the previously-agreed changes to maternity services, which had been approved following an extensive public consultation throughout 2018 and 2019, will be temporarily amended or sus-

pended. Birthing units at Paulton and Trowbridge Freestanding Midwifery Units (FMUs) will now remain open until Monday 1st June, instead of closing at the beginning of May, which had been agreed by the CCG’s Governing Body in January.

This will allow more time for local families and staff to prepare for the closure, as ongoing preparatory work had to be paused because of coronavirus.

Postnatal beds at Chippenham Birthing Centre (FMU) and Paulton FMU closed on Monday 4th May to reduce the time spent by families in hospital during the pandemic. While the postnatal beds in Paulton had been due to close this year, the beds in Chippenham had been expected to remain open until the spring of 2021.

Essential postnatal support will still be available to mums and families through online video

calls or, where required, face-toface appointments.

Elsewhere, both Chippenham and Paulton FMUs will adopt an overnight open-on- demand system.

This means the units will no longer be fully staffed throughout the night and will instead only open when midwives are needed to support a birth, which is the model currently used at the neighbouring birthing centres in Trowbridge and Frome.

Staff previously based at the centres overnight will be redeployed to support midwifery colleagues to deliver maternity services that meet the changing needs and wishes of women at this time.

Lucy Baker, Director of Service Delivery, said: “It’s essential we do whatever we can to keep people safe at this current time, and we firmly believe the changes being introduced will allow us to do this.”

Advertise in the next issue of this newspaper - we're supporting local businesses by offering significant discounts during the coronavirus crisis | Call 01225 589789 or email advertise@bathecho.co.uk to get started

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Business MoveGB raises more Special ‘Pints for heroes’ initiative launched by local brewery Bath Ales than £1m for instructors BATH Ales has launched a new initiative, enabling its customers to say ‘thanks’ to those who deserve it most by gifting them a well-deserved pint.

Those who want to thank a key worker, or a local hero who has helped them in these difficult times, can now buy them a pint, which can be redeemed as soon as social distancing restrictions have been lifted, and pubs reopen.

Pints can be claimed in any Bath Ales (or St Austell Brewery) managed pub, as well as the taproom at Hare Brewery, within three months of them reopening their doors.

For every pint bought, St Austell Brewery’s Charitable Trust – of which Bath Ales is part of the family – will also match donate £4.50 to NHS Charities Together.

For any free pint vouchers that aren’t redeemed within three months of the pubs reopening, 100 per cent of the unclaimed pint cost will also be donated to

NHS Charities Together.

To thank a hero, people can visit Bath Ales’ online shop, add a ‘hero pint’ to their basket and draft a short message for their nominee.

The brewery will then email the recipient a single-use voucher, with details on how, and where, they can redeem their pint.

Piers Thompson, external relations director, Bath Ales / St Austell Brewery said: “Right now, there are people across communities large and small doing their bit in the fight against Covid-19; from our incredible NHS staff, volunteers and carers, supermarket and production workers, delivery drivers – and hundreds of heroes in-between.

“We’ve created this pint gifting scheme to give people the opportunity to say “thank you” to the Coronavirus heroes in their community, for their incredible work.

“We’re delighted to say that our Charitable Trust be matching the cost of every pint bought, and donating to NHS Charities Together which represents, supports and champions the work of the NHS’ official charities.”

St Austell Brewery’s Charitable Trust was set up in 2003 to support local charities, good causes and individuals in need across the South West.

The Trust is funded by contributions from the brewery plus donations and fundraising events held by its head offices, depots and pub teams, as well as free trade customers.

Since it was launched, it has donated more than £800,000 to good causes across the region.

To say cheers to your hero, and for more information and terms and conditions, visit bathales. com/cheers-to-heroes.

BATH-BASED MoveGB’s new online platform, Move At Home, has helped generate over £1 million for self-employed instructors and independent fitness businesses during the coronavirus lockdown.

In March, gyms, fitness venues and community halls were forced to close their doors, leaving the livelihoods of self-employed instructors and independent fitness businesses on the line.

MoveGB, which before the pandemic offered access to over 6,000 activity locations, studios and gyms in 25 cities across the UK, changed its business to help reduce the economic impact the coronavirus would have on their partners. Within a week, the Bathbased company launched Move At Home, an online platform enabling fitness businesses to stream their classes to MoveGB’s membership base of 250,000 users and maintain their income.

In less than a month, the initiative has streamed over 40,000

classes, generating over £1 million for the 1919 fitness, yoga and dance instructors. The number of classes and providers continues to grow daily.

Lucy Stone, founder of yoga studio The Hive in Bath, said: “Since the lockdown and converting to streaming our classes online through MoveGB, we have seen an increase of people attending classes by almost 300%.

“We have had to double the number of classes available on the timetable from 23 to 45 to meet the growing demand and now are streaming classes to people from all over the world.”

Alister Rollins, CEO and founder of MoveGB, commented: “In the face of an unprecedented crisis, we knew we have to change things up quickly to help support our members and partners.

“For our members, this meant keeping them moving while at home. For our fitness partners, this meant ensuring they could maintain their livelihoods."

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NEARLY 2,000 grants totalling more than £26m for businesses that have been disrupted by COVID-19 have already been processed in Bath and North East Somerset.

The local authority is reminding companies across the area that registrations are still open.

Businesses which need financial help from the Government due to coronavirus and haven’t registered already are urged to do so straight away by using an online form set up

by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Invest in Bath team.

Figures show that 1,950 grants for coronavirus small business and retail grants have been paid but many businesses have yet to apply. These are grants, not loans and don’t have to be paid back.

Businesses can check eligibility and register online.

The council’s Invest in Bath business support service has a dedicated team to give targeted help to companies during the pandemic.

Richard Samuel, deputy leader, said: “We are delighted to be well on the way to supporting the majority of businesses in the Bath and North East Somerset area, but we know there are more businesses out there that haven’t got in touch with

us yet.

“We want to make sure as many companies as possible receive financial assistance from the package of support provided by Government. It is vital that you complete the online form as soon as you can.”

The online form to register for a business grant can be found at https://beta. bathnes.gov.uk/register-business-grantdue-covid-19.

Any business currently in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate relief may be eligible for a £10,000 cash grant.

Any retail, hospitality or leisure business with a rateable value above £15,000 and below £51,000 may be eligible for a £25,000 cash grant.

Rob Hughes from the Crown Inn, West Harptree, said: “I wish to take the time to thank all of the team at Bath & North East Somerset Council and those in the Invest in Bath team for their professional, caring and diligent manner in which they have dealt with the handling of claims under these difficult times.

“The way in which I have been helped and the responses have been second to none, once again I thank you all, the pressures the team have been under must have been vast, but you have coped admirably.

Thanks.”

To contact the Invest in Bath team, email info@investinbath.co.uk.

10

Puzzles

Solutions will be shared in our next issue

Crossword - Win ÂŁ25!

Across 1 Relating to aircraft (4) 3 "The Hay Wain" artist (9) 10 Moving stairway (9) 11 Joanna (5) 12 Hopelessness (7) 13 Among (7) 14 Back of the neck (4) 16 Poisonous mushroom (9) 20 Custom (9) 21 Doing nothing (4) 24 Pear-shaped fruit (7) 26 Breakfast flatbread (7) 28 Dull yellowish brown (5) 29 Professional personal car driver (9) 30 Observe with festivities (9) 31 Irritate (4)

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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Codeword

Down 1 Removing faults (8) 2 Speed contests (5) 4 Farthest from the centre (9) 5 Rub vigorously (5) 6 Desire for food (8) 7 Type of impermanent tenure (9) 8 Communion table (5) 9 Injury (5) 15 Rectory (9) 17 Air-freshener (9) 18 Put on a pedestal (8) 19 Investigate (8) 22 Small nails (5) 23 Rigid (5) 25 Happen (5) 27 Wide-awake (5)

Crossword Competition!

For your chance to win ÂŁ25, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk and we'll enter you into our draw. The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on Friday 22nd May 2020.

Please note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will not accept crossword entries to our PO Box postal address. The winner will be notified by the email address they use to enter this competition.

Sudoku Easy

Medium

Hard

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

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Politics Bath & North East Somerset Council set for £53m coronavirus deficit Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE coronavirus crisis could leave Bath and North East Somerset Council £53million in the red.

Leader Dine Romero said the extra £4.6million set to come from Government is welcome but goes “nowhere near” filling the forecast deficit on its £120million budget.

Councils across the country are seeing massive spikes in demand at the same time as their income has been slashed – B&NES Council normally gets huge payouts from its commercial estate and tourist attractions like the Roman Baths to fund frontline services.

Other authorities have warned that the pandemic is pushing them to the brink of financial failure.

Council finance chief Richard Samuel tweeted that its situation is “very serious” and the government “needs to meet all costs”, echoing the Local Government Association’s calls for a “cast-iron guarantee”.

Dine Romero said: “Government has announced an extra £1.6billion funding for councils to address the additional costs of Covid-19.

“However, if this is shared out as before we would receive an additional £4.6million.

“While this is welcome it goes nowhere near the funding we are going to require to meet our

The Guildhall in Bath | Photo © B&NES Council

projected pressures in the new financial year.

“The current reality is that we face a predicted £53million deficit on our £120million budget.

“Our position is more challenging than other councils as our budget is supported by income generated from our commercial estate and tourist attractions such as the Roman Baths.

“We are talking to the government about this and are also working on a recovery plan to help Bath and North East Somerset get back into business which we will report back on as we progress.”

Richard Watts, who chairs the Local Government Association’s resources board, said: “Local government continues to step up to the unprecedented challenge we face as a nation. It will do everything it can to help residents and businesses but is being stretched to the maximum.

“Many councils are facing increased cost and demand pressures at the same time as seeing a significant drop in income. This is unsustainable and pushing councils towards financial failure. It is good that the Government has moved to provide some financial help to councils. Additional funding is urgently needed to help councils get through this crisis, support the vulnerable and adapt to life once we defeat this virus when our local services will be needed more than ever to help communities rebuild.

“It would be wrong and unacceptable if councils are then forced to make further cutbacks to the very services that will have helped the nation through this crisis and the key workers who are producing heroics on the frontline see their jobs placed at risk.”

First virtual cabinet meeting planned B&NES COUNCIL’S cabinet will hold its first public meeting ‘virtually’ on Monday 29th May as part of its ongoing response to keeping council business running during the COVID-19 outbreak.

All meetings will be open to the public to watch, and the council says it is making sure that all necessary training and safeguards are in place so that all meetings will be effective.

The council has prioritised holding the most urgent meetings remotely, for example planning and licensing and it anticipates scheduling in at least two further virtual meetings in May and then additional meetings in June and onwards.

It is keeping public participation under review and assessing how members of the public and other interested parties can be involved in virtual meetings, with appropriate safeguards in place.

Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “We have been working on the best and safest way of carrying out council business virtually while social distancing measures are in place and I am pleased to say our first cabinet meeting will be on May 29.

“Being able to conduct council business is a vital step towards our recovery planning and is part of our commitment to

transparency and giving people a bigger say.

“While a huge amount of vital work has been done by the council to keep essential services going during this extremely challenging time, we need to use the technology available to us to resume our public meetings.

“We face a huge challenge in the scope and scale of our recovery.

We have already written to all households explaining the support being provided for the vulnerable and the help for business. We have also outlined the financial impact of coronavirus.

“The extra expense and income loss added together is currently predicted to lead to a £50m shortfall in funding for council services this year.

“The overall net budget for the council to deliver all council services is £120 million.

“While we welcome the government’s announcement of funding which totals £10m for our area, it will not meet the pressures we will face and this is one of the issues we will consider in our first cabinet meeting.”

Find the very latest politics news on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword Across: 1 Units, 4 Shipwreck, 10 Yeti, 11 Instructor, 12 Tenpin, 13 Abortion, 14 Rheumatism, 18 Read, 19 Fuss, 21 Spectacles, 24 Pedestal, 26 Woolly, 28 Southerner, 29 Inns, 30 Adversary, 31 Agony.

Down: 2 Niece, 3 Thimphu, 5 Hosea, 6 Perform, 7 Richter, 8 Chocolate, 9 Vienna, 15 Household, 16 Tap, 17 Sec, 20 Sceptre, 21 Settees, 22 Thwart, 23 Closing, 25 Lunar, 27 Linen.

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12

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

In Other News....

Councillors call for action on habitat loss

The Hub at Mulberry Park supports community during pandemic

INDEPENDENT councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council are calling on the local authority to take action to address the area’s ecological deficit.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) chairs the council’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Panel and has been leading a cross-party group that has raised concerns about the loss of habitat and species extinction across B&NES. She said: “Due to the current lockdown we’re in, our natural environment is getting a wellearned rest. Pollution levels are at an all-time-low, wildlife is flourishing and many of us are appreciating the beautiful Somerset countryside more.

“When lockdown restrictions are eased and lifted though, our local ecological habitat faces all the previous challenges that it did

AFTER The Hub at Mulberry Park closed its doors to protect the community during the coronavirus lockdown, staff have quickly adapted to help support families across the area.

While classes and meetings have been temporarily suspended, the Hub’s team have found other ways to support the communities of Mulberry Park, Foxhill and the wider Combe Down.

A week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the national lockdown, The Hub was launching its local delivery service of hot food and groceries.

Hub Manager, Lizzie Irvine, said: “We wanted to continue to support local residents and decided to bring our delicious Café products to their doorstep through a no-contact delivery service.

“We also knew that some of our community members may not be able to go out during this period and could be struggling to secure a delivery slot with the big supermarkets.

“That’s how we came up with

before.”

Independent councillors have written to the Council Leadership asking for an Ecological Emergency to be declared, similar to the Climate Emergency announced last year.

Former Council Chair and veteran local Councillor Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown St John) added: “As a community we need to be doing more to address species extinction, loss of habitat, plus soil quality and quantity.

“Appropriate areas for habitat restoration within Bath & North East Somerset also need to be identified, along with more space for tree planting and more education in schools about ecology, biodiversity and the importance of looking after our natural habitat.”

The councillors have asked the Cabinet to produce an Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

the idea of adding a range of basic groceries, including fruit and vegetables, to our delivery service.”

To keep everyone safe, The Hub’s team are offering this service while strictly observing social distancing guidelines.

Payments can only be made by card, over the telephone, and parcels are placed outside customers’ front doors. There are two teams operating at The Hub on alternative days, to enable physical distancing and ensure deliveries can continue for as long as possible during lockdown.

The service has grown from three deliveries on the first day to more than 20 now, consisting of a mix of hot Café dishes and groceries.

Lizzie added: “The service has been very well received and is appreciated by the community.

We’ve served a number of elderly members of the community who buy hot meals and groceries; one gentleman in Foxhill has been ordering something every day.

“Our most popular items are the hot special of the day, toasties and the groceries – particularly

milk, butter, bread and eggs.”

Among the customers are young families who can’t leave their homes, people self-isolating and key workers ordering lunch specials so they don’t have to cook after long shifts.

In addition, The Hub is now producing and delivering close to 40 hot meals every day to Curo residents in supported housing schemes in Bath.

The Hub is also supporting ‘Scrubs for the NHS’, providing a drop-off point for scrubs produced by members of the community for NHS workers.

Volunteers help sort the scrubs in one of the rooms at The Hub, separate from any other people in the building. Hub Manager Lizzie says they intend to keep these services going for as long as possible during the coronavirus crisis and are always looking for new and safe ways to support the community. The Hub’s Café and groceries delivery service is available for local residents in Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm.

Indoor Ironman raises almost £2000 Residents warned for homeless charity Julian House about rogue traders LOCAL resident Paul Mussert has taken on an epic challenge to raise vital funds to help and support people experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic.

Equipped with his indoor spin bike, he completed his own ‘Indoor Ironman’ by cycling 140.6 miles from his living room.

In doing so, he’s raised over £1900 to help Julian House support men and women experiencing homelessness in Bath and the South West.

Paul, who works as a Sales Director at Smith Nephew, completed the challenge in just under 6 hours and 25 minutes.

Along the way, he was virtually assisted by his colleagues who kept his spirits high with virtual quizzes, dancing and music and by his manager who cycled with him for the first four hours.

Speaking about what inspired him to take on the challenge in aid of Julian House, Paul said: “During these strange times it can be easy to feel isolated and cocooned from the true impact of COVID-19 on the more vulnerable people within our society.

“I’m lucky as I have the comforts of a nice house and a loving family.

“I wanted to do my bit for a

local charity that must be facing funding challenges whilst continuing to provide amazing support to people who really need it right now.”

Jess Gay, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser at Julian House added: “This is an amazing achievement and a huge well done to Paul for not only completing it but also raising an incredible sum for Julian House.

“Due to the Coronavirus, the cancellation/postponement of our fundraising events and the

closure of all our charity shops and bike shops, has meant we’ve predicted an income loss of at least £200,000.

“The money Paul has raised will be used to fund our services, like our hostel, domestic abuse refuge and outreach, so we can continue supporting very vulnerable people at this difficult time. He’s made a big difference.”

To find out more about Paul’s challenge and to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Ironmanin-doors.

RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset are being warned that rogue traders and scammers are changing their behaviour to take advantage of people during the COVID-19 crisis.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s trading standards team is advising people to be on their guard after fake sanitisers, face masks and swabbing kits have been attempted to be sold doorto-door and by telephone cold calling.

The team is reminding residents to be as careful as they normally would when making purchases and not to rush into them because the seller plays on their health concerns.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “A known risk of being scammed is health concerns.

“People can sometimes respond impulsively to possible health protections and cures in a genuine attempt to control a difficult and unpredictable situation. It is human nature and totally understandable.

“But conmen know this and they are always quick to change their behaviour to gain an advantage.

The rogue trader is looking for a new scheme to make money.

“Please follow government

advice and don’t purchase items from your doorstep, don’t buy medicines online from unknown sources and don’t respond to unexpected telephone calls asking you to part with money.”

Trading Standards advice is: • Be as careful as you would normally be. Don’t be sidetracked or rush into decisions • Don’t purchase items from your doorstep or respond to surveys • Don’t give cash to strangers to do shopping • Don’t buy cures online • Don’t buy soaps and sanitisers from unknown sources.

• Buy all products from known sources.

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