Bath Echo - Issue 058 - 15/08/2023

In this issue...

Top Stories P2-5

Pictures from the Past P6

Crossword P7

What's On P9

Exhibition celebrates international sport links

AN outdoor exhibition has opened in the centre of Bath, celebrating 100 years of modern pentathlon and its links with the city.

the same year as we celebrate 100 years of pentathlon in Great Britain and its 25-year connection with the city.

Health P12

Education P13

Community P10 Business P14

Politics P15

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The installation comprises 24 illustrative panels that tell the history of modern pentathlon since it was introduced at the Stockholm Olympic Games in 1912.

It celebrates the athletes and coaches who have made a special contribution to global pentathlon sporting success for Great Britain, which includes seven Olympic medals since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, of which six have been in the women’s event.

The free exhibition, which is located at the Vaults in SouthGate, runs until 29th August.

The opening comes just days before Bath hosts the UIPM Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships. They are being held at the University of Bath and will see reigning World and Olympic Champion Joe Choong bid to defend his crown. 2023 marks the centenary since the foundation of the Modern Pentathlon Association of Great Britain, now known as Pentathlon GB, and 25 years since the association made the Sports Training Village at the University its national training centre.

Trafford Wilson, CEO of Pentathlon GB said; “It is incredibly exciting and special to be hosting the World Championships in Bath in

“We want to give everyone living locally or visiting Bath in August the opportunity to celebrate our sports history, either by visiting the exhibition, completing the activity pack or coming to the University to get immersed in the World Championships.”

The pentathlon exhibition also features a special summer activity pack that has been produced to introduce children to the pentathlon family of sports and encourage them to get active by taking part in a treasure hunt involving local businesses. The pack was distributed to schools across Bath and North East Somerset before the summer holidays and can also be downloaded from www.wch2023.org.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath and North East Somerset, said: “It is fantastic that the city’s close association with these championships is being celebrated with this exhibition and I’d encourage people to go along and discover more about its history ahead of the event.

“We want to give a warm welcome to all the athletes taking part in the championships so I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to go along to the university and enjoy watching world-class sports right

here in Bath.”

Guy Henderson, centre director at SouthGate Bath, added: “As the city counts down to hosting the Modern Pentathlon World Championships, it’s very exciting to be partnering with Pentathlon GB on this educative exhibition. “Not only do we hope that visitors will enjoy learning about the history of the sport and its connection to Bath but also that it will encourage them to get involved in the celebrations later this month.”

The World Championships take place from 19th – 28th August, and the pentathlon element will be contested in a 90-minute format.

Spectators will be able to watch the fencing, horse-riding and laser run live from their seats in an outdoor arena while the swim-

ming section, taking place in the University’s Olympic-sized pool, will be broadcast via large video screen in the stadium. Alongside the competition, the Sports Training Village’s indoor tennis courts will be converted into a ‘have a go’ fencing and laser shooting zone with additional activities for all the family including time trials against the champions, swim cap design table and an obstacle course for younger children.

The World Championships are being delivered in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, UK Sport, The National Lottery and The University of Bath.

For more information about the World Championships and to buy tickets, visit www.wch2023. org.

Abbey launches directory for historic memorials

BATH Abbey has launched a website which will provide information on approximately 1,500 commemorative wall tablets and gravestones at the historic site.

The website features nearly 8 years of research by Bath Abbey’s archive team of staff and volunteers, which was carried out as part of the Footprint Project, funded largely by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The website database, which spans the 16th to 20th centuries, will enable the public to find out more about the wide range of people connected to the Abbey.

It’s possible to search in a variety of ways including name, age, profession, dates of birth and death.

There are also transcripts of the inscriptions on the memorials, translated from Latin or modernised. Helpful location maps show where specific memorials are located inside the Abbey.

Many of the names have been researched in depth for the first time by our volunteers, which has resulted in some intriguing life stories being uncovered.

An example includes William Oliver (d. 1716), who was an army surgeon and involved in the Duke of Monmouth’s failed rebellion against King James II in 1685.

The website, which can be found at www.bathabbeymemorials. org.uk, is set to become an important resource for historians, family ancestry researchers,

teachers, heritage organisations and more.

The people who have been memorialised come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many who arrived to live in Bath, or came seeking a cure for illness, died and were buried under the Abbey’s floor or more recently in the Abbey’s cemetery. Relatives then paid the Abbey for permission to erect memorials to them.

As a result, the website includes famous names including Richard ‘Beau’ Nash (1674-1761), Bath’s Master of Ceremonies and Admiral Arthur Philip (1738-1814), first governor of the colony of New South Wales, Australia.

Out of the 1500 memorials, at least 200 relate to the British Empire and colonialism from the 1600s onwards.

This means that the wall tablets or ledger stones seen in the Abbey were sometimes paid for from profits made through the suffering and exploitation of enslaved people.

One example is Hannah Alleyne (c.1727-1762) who was part of a large multi-generational family of plantation owners in Barbados. Her husband Thomas owned two plantations totalling 370 acres with 168 enslaved people forcibly working on them. Her son John became a lawyer and abolitionist who worked on the case known as the Mansfield Judgement (1772), which ruled that it was illegal to take an en-

slaved person out of England by force and sell them.

In a statement, Bath Abbey said: “The Abbey deep ly regrets this part of its history, and all human exploitation and racism, past and present.

“Along with the whole Church of England, we apologise unreserved ly for having condoned or sustained the transatlantic slave trade, in any way whatsoever.

“The Monumental Lives team of staff and volunteers is aware of the sensitivity of this subject matter and have taken responsibility to acknowledge and address this history through educating ourselves by undergoing diversity and inclusion training by Renée Jacobs, founder of The Belonging Network. We have also consulted with Lisa Kennedy, an independent writer and researcher who advocates for the inclusion of wider perspectives within museums and the study of history.

“Lisa has edited and advised us on the use of appropriate language in the biographies of some of the people connected to colonialism, with the intention to actively acknowledge and address this history. Bath Abbey is still in the process of learning how to communicate our colonial connections and is committed to consulting widely to ensure this is done in a fair and just way.

“We work with partners to promote racial equality and are committed to delivering the Church of England’s action plan ‘From Lament to Action’, to tackle institutional racism and reveal the historic links between the church and slavery.”

Lisa Kennedy said:

“Working with the team from Bath Abbey has shown the power of collaboration in acknowledging and addressing the history of enslavement and colonialism. Through this research process, we were able to build on the understanding that the wealth creation within Bath has direct links to profits gained from violence and exploitation, in an attempt to provide a more holistic overview of this history.”

Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey, commented: “The website is a result of many years of painstaking research by staff and volunteers.

“It provides a wealth of fascinating information on those congregation members memorialised on our walls and floors which I’m sure will be of great interest to a wide audience. We are committed to continuing to share information on the Abbey’s historic colonial connections, for example, and learn from them in order to help support work for racial equality today.”

The exhibition in SouthGate Bath | Photo © Team Bath

Almost 1,000 people object to Lidl store plans

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

ALMOST 1,000 people have objected to plans to build a new Lidl on the edge of Bath. The planning application for the discount supermarket in Larkhall attracted more than 1,200 comments from the community before comments closed. A total of 295 people voiced their support for the store on Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning portal, a total of 16 people left neutral comments, and 945 commented to object to the plans – which would see the store built next to Bath Rugby’s Lambridge Training on the London Road, on what is currently a wild field surrounded by trees.

“This proposal rides roughshod over the value of greenery, earth, flora and fauna in a way we can no longer afford globally,” commented John Eames in objection to the store. He said: “It is unnecessary as Bath is well-provided with supermarkets across all price sectors. Lidl already have a Bath store. Their presence on London Road will damage the Larkhall community of shops.

“Precious wildlife stands to be ousted by this project. The riverside is a valuable and glorious resource for wildlife and humans alike.”

Bryony Wade agreed. She wrote:

“The London Road is really very busy and usually more or less at a standstill. Any more traffic — and there would be lots from a supermarket — will make it a permanent gridlock.

“The area for the proposed development is a lovely wildlife haven and a necessary green space to help counteract the pollution from the road. In our current position where we are trying desperately to reduce carbon emissions.

“It is hardly suitable to destroy green space and add to carbon emissions with new buildings.”

But others were in support of the move. Susan Lock commented:

“Bath is in need of a further discount store and this design presented at the current Lidl’s store shows an awareness of the requirements of a green build.

“This store would also alleviate the current store of the large numbers using the original store and help reduce the travel at the Lower Bristol Road.”

Bath currently has one Lidl store, located in Twerton. The company

says that a Lidl in this location, on the far side of Bath, would prevent people from having to travel across the city for discount food, increase shopping choice, and create new jobs.

A consultation event over the plans in May was picketed by protestors opposed to the plan, including ward councillor on Bath and North East Somerset Council Joanna Wright, who said: “This is a green entrance to the city that the Georgians put in place hundreds of years ago … We should not be building on it. We should be protecting it.”

Lidl stated it had “searched exhaustively” for suitable sites, and that the London Road was the most suitable, accessible, and convenient.

The company plans to increase biodiversity on the site by 40% through new tree, hedge, and

wildflower planting, a seasonal wetland, green roof, bird baths, bat boxes, and bee towers. The woodland by the river would also be retained.

Speaking when the planning application was submitted in June, Lidl GB’s head of property Glen Stidever said: “We fully recognise the special qualities of the local area and have worked hard to develop suitable proposals, benefiting from engagement with local heritage and architectural experts to inform this exemplar store design.

“We believe that this work means that we have put together a very compelling case for a new store on this site.”

Councillors have called for the proposal to be publicly debated and decided by the council’s planning committee.

Notices

Seeking a lost friend

I would like to locate Alexis Hewitt (formerly Edmonds) previously of 13 Hardens Close, she was a hairdresser in Milsoms, Chippenham. Married Antony Hewitt. Please contact or text Mikel on 07957361503

News in Brief

City Farm seeks runners for half-marathon

Bath City Farm is on the lookout for runners to fundraise for them during this year’s Bath Half Marathon, which will take place in October. The charity, which is based in Whiteway, is seeking 20 people to run on their behalf. The half-marathon will be taking place on Sunday 15th October. Public entries are now sold out for the event, with charitable entries still available to secure a place. Runners are asked to pay a £45 entry fee and to fundraise a minimum of £200. Support will be provided in fundraising and during training, and runners will be provided with a Bath City Farm t-shirt to run in on the day.

Architect reveals “alternative vision” for new Rec stadium

AN architectural practice has revealed an “alternative vision” for how a new stadium on the Recreation Ground in Bath could look.

Earlier this year, Bath Rugby revealed its proposals to redevelop the current stadium at the site and is preparing to submit a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Apollodorus Architecture, a practice based in London with links to Bath, has prepared a ‘Counter Project’, which includes the additional redevelopment of Bath Sports and Leisure Centre.

The designs, which are historically styled and have links to Roman architecture, present a “fresh approach to the conundrum that the site poses”. Speaking about the proposals, architect Mark Wilson Jones said: “The longstanding question of whether to build a permanent rugby stadium by the bank of the river Avon in Bath is topical once more now that Bath Rugby has published yet another proposal en route to a fresh planning application.

“The existing temporary stadium and adjacent areas have shortcomings that are obvious to anyone who knows Bath.

“Connections to the rest of the city are poor; the arbitrary and impenetrable junction between the stadium and the 1970s leisure centre thwarts access from the river to the open green of the ‘Rec’ (Recreation Ground) on the

other side.

“Unsatisfactory as this situation is, Bath Rugby’s proposals threaten to make these problems worse. They would become permanent rather than temporary.

“Developing the stadium on its own, and not together with the leisure centre, would torpedo any possibility of a happier long-term future for the area.

“Our architectural practice has been independent ly preparing a Counter Project for some time (before the current proposals, in fact).

Initially, we simply sought to satisfy a ‘what if’ curiosity.

“But as ideas took shape, we found ourselves wondering if they might warrant sharing.

“We are not an ti-rugby, nor anti-de velopment. Indeed, we are supportive of both –provided proposals do justice to the site, and its setting in a World Heritage city that is loved by many more than just its lucky inhabitants. Our Counter Project aims to secure lasting value, both for Bath Rugby and for Bath as a whole. One key to unlocking the site’s potential is planning the stadium in conjunction with the leisure centre. Another is using

an oval and not a rectangle for the stadium.

“The Romans invented the oval for spectacles, so the choice seems apt given the city’s Romano-British origins. An oval has less bulk than a rectangle serving the same capacity (we aim to roughly match the 18,000 of Bath Rugby’s latest scheme), and no hard corners.

“The curving structure of the pro-

“Our club, your club, is the heart of our city and now is the time to bring a stadium that will service world-class men’s and women’s rugby, and our community, all year-round.”

Visualisations of the “alternative stadium" | Image © Apollodorus Architecture / Jakub Ryng posed amphitheatre can merge organically with its context, as do Bath’s Georgian crescents, softening the impact on critical views to and from the enclosing hills.”

Speaking earlier this year, Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “After decades of conversation, we are confident the plans we will submit this summer will both excite and reassure the people of Bath.

The architectural practice’s website features more information on their counter project, as well as further comments on the plans revealed in May. Bath Rugby was approached for comment.

How the new Lidl store could look | Photo © Lidl GB

BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH

8.45am - 10.00am every Sunday

Larkhall URC, Avondale Buildings, Bath, BA1 6NO (we are not part of URC).

Do you have 100% certainty that you are going to Heaven when you die?

If not, that is a shame, the free gift of eternal life is an easy one to accept. The Bible says: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9).

Jesus says: “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man... …Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:26, 33-36).

You will be fed with so much Bible! Our Bible studies will be tremendously thorough and easily understandable, covering theological basics and verseby-verse commentaries.

The King James Bible will be preached. We sing classic hymns from the 'Great Hymns of the Faith' hymnal.

www.biblebelievers.co.uk

Don’t look for the church closest to your house. Look for the church closest to the Bible!

Pictures from the Past Bath at Work

Stone Quarrying

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week we begin a new series – Bath at Work. With Bath listed by National Geographic as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, it easy to forget that it has had other industries. We start with quarrying – perhaps the area’s oldest source of employment. Today, most quarrying for Bath Stone is outside of the city – only one working quarry is left in Combe Down. Called Upper Lawn, it is run by the Hancock family. Once the village was a hive of industry with quarries in every available space and a labyrinth of tunnels beneath the surface. If you know where to look, you can see abandoned rock faces all over the village.

The first picture shows an open cast quarry like South Lawn, with the blocks being lifted from the rock face by a type of crane which was in use from at least the 18th century – there is one dating from around 1750 shown in a drawing by the artist Thomas Robins.

Removing stone from the quarries often entailed using carts drawn by horses. In some of the underground quarries there are still the remains of stables. All we know about this horse is that he was called ‘poor old Juddy’.

Bath Stone is called a freestone because it can be carved in any direction. Although it is a sedimentary rock, the oolite – which is the true Bath stone rather than other local stones such as ragstone and lias –does not fragment into layers like slate, and has few if any fossils. The masons who cut the stone into blocks, like those in the first picture, were called rough masons but the ones who did the carving were known as free masons – not to be confused with Freemasons.

Here we see a free mason proudly displaying examples of his craft.

A visit to the Museum of Bath Work will give the reader a further insight into Bath’s industrial past. It even includes a representation of an underground quarry, with the sort of crane shown in the first picture. Details of exhibitions and opening times are on the Museum’s website.

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

IWANT to start by discussing the recently opened Preventing Victims Fund and encourage services who support victims to apply for a grant of up to £20,000.

The Preventing Victims Fund is being delivered in partnership between the Office and the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Somerset Community Foundation and the Quartet Community Foundation. This fund aims to complement groups already providing services to victims of crime, enabling them to explore different approaches that could prevent people from becoming victims in

the first place. Preventing crime is the single most important thing I want to achieve through my Police and Crime Plan so it’s important we hear from as many support services as possible who want to help us make our communities safer.

The expression of interest deadline is 5pm on Friday 25 August.

Successful expressions of interest groups will then be asked to complete a full application in September with successful applicants then receiving a grant in December 2023.

Earlier this month, I was out and about in Bath and North East Somerset as part of my weekly

engagements. I visited P.E.O.P.L.E (Providing Ex-Offenders Positive Learning Environments), which is a charity that offers support to low-risk ex-offenders that have recently left prison. The charity provides supported housing, advice on employability, benefit claims, education and training, as well as many other factors that can assist in resettling people back into the community.

I also met with Project 28, a young people drug and alcohol service in the area. The service provides advice, guidance and one-to-one sessions for young people who are having problems with drugs and alcohol. Sup-

port is free and confidential, and aims to provide a flexible and non-judgemental space for young peo ple to be open about the problems they are facing.

While it was certainly a busy day, it was brilliant to meet so many varied community groups who go above and beyond to support local people.

Many of the people who work or volunteer for these organisations often have lived experiences and I want to say a massive thank you to them for making a difference to residents in the city.

Lastly, as many of you might be

heading off on holiday or booking last minute trips, I want tor remind you to continue to be aware of holiday scams.

Fraudsters can create fake adverts on search engines and social media to make victims believe they are booking holidays and trips through a trustworthy and legitimate website, but often it is a scammer impersonating genuine firms. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately. You can also report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or anonymously on their website.

Above: Bath Stone Quarry | Below (L): 'Poor old Juddy' | Below (R): A proud free mason with his work

What's On

Summer Solos: Amelia Draper

Bath Abbey

16th August, 1 - 2pm

This will be Amelia's final appearance in the Abbey. Amongst her many solos, a highlight is her powerful rendition of Dido in Purcell's famous Dido Lament from Dido and Aeneas.

Lawrie Duckworth

Komedia

20th August, 2pm

Lawrie Duckworth live in session at the Electric Bar. In another age, Duckworth would have been a troubadour, a flaneur, a mariachi, playing his songs in return for a flagon of wine and a pie.

Farewell Mister Haffmann

Ustinov Studio

24th August – 23rd September

Starring Lisa Dillon, Josefina Gabrielle, Alexander Hanson, Nigel Lindsay and Ciarán Owens. One of France’s most successful new plays receives its English language premiere in Bath this summer.

Georgian Gala

St Michael’s Without

26th August, 7.30pm

A concert by The Georgian Festival Chorale & Orchestra, together with Eleonore Sian Cockerham, Molly Soo and baritone Matthew Tilley capturing the essence of the 'Georgian Baroque’.

Bath Guitar Festival

Bath Spa University

16th - 19th August

The International Guitar Foundation presents Bath Guitar Festival 2023. This year's classical concert programme features some of the most celebrated guitarists on the international scene.

Classical Piano Concert

The Guildhall

20th August, 7.30pm

Nurry Lee is one of the most dynamic young pianists of the generation. An international concert pianist, she returns to Bath to perform her debut concert in her home town.

Outdoor Theatre

Dyrham Park

25th August, 6.30pm – 9pm

Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to present The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s finest and most eccentric romantic comedy. Adult tickets: £21.90 | Child: £12.10.

Michael Malay

Topping & Company Booksellers

27th August, 10am

Author of Late Light and a lecturer in Environmental Humanities at Bristol University. Late Light is a book which highlights the importance of overlooked, unloved species.

Liz Stringer

Chapel Arts Centre

17th August, 8pm

Liz Stringer is one of Australia’s most admired and versatile songwriters and instrumentalists. A venerated guitarist and vocalist, she offers notoriously powerful performances.

Animal Tour

Bath City Farm

22nd August, 11am - 12.30pm

Join the knowledgeable and experienced team to feed the animals and learn about them. Feed pigs, sheep and pygmy goats, groom ponies and cuddle baby pygmys, chicks and chickens.

Summer Screen Outdoor Cinema

American Museum & Gardens

25th - 27th August

Experience a thrilling blockbuster in the open-air cinema, with American-inspired food, drinks & popcorn. 25th - La La Land, 26th- Top Gun Maverick & 27th - The Greatest Showman.

Sydney's Great Detective Trail

Sydney Gardens

27th August, 10.30am - 5.30pm

Get to know more about this historic park by completing a fun quiz. Adults of all ages and families can search the park for clues, with a balloon for each child. Tickets: £15 per family.

Cider Racenight

Bath Racecourse

19th August

Join a summer’s evening of live entertainment featuring the iconic Wurzels and live racing, all to be enjoyed alongside an array of local ciders to tickle your taste buds.

Fromage en Feu

The Bell Inn

23rd August, 9pm

Tune-smugglers extraordinaire, Bristol gypsies with Balkan, Klezmer, Russian whathaveyou, all that stuff that 'Baron' Frost wanted to keep from “rotting our Britishness".

Sing Hallelujah!

Christ Church

26th August, 7pm

Join the 90 young singers taking part in the Royal School of Church Music’s annual summer course for an evening of choral highlights from across the ages and around the world.

Family Water Fight

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

28th August

End the Summer with an infamous Family Water Fight. Featuring two large slip 'n' slides, giant 'refilling stations', reusable water bombs and a foam party area.

High Street, Bath, BA1 4DB High Street, Bath, BA1 4DB

More people being sought to adopt animals

Combe Down allotment to be extended to support food growing

BATH & North East Somerset Council has revealed plans to extend an allotment in Combe Down to support community food growing.

The local authority is set to submit a planning application for an extension of the current allotment site into the Paddock, off St Winifred’s Drive in Combe Down, and has written to residents about the proposal. As part of the planning process, people will be consulted on the expansion of the allotments onto the site.

BATH Cats and Dogs Home has launched an appeal for local people to adopt their rescue animals in response to the high number arriving at the centre. The cost-of-living crisis meant that last year saw the highest number of cats and dogs arriving at Bath Cats and Dogs Home needing support and care since 2019, with an intake of 788 animals.

The charity saw a 121% increase in abandoned animals in need of their care in 2022.

Local animal lovers Becky Brooks and Bethan Hann and their families adopted two black spaniel cross puppies last summer after they were abandoned in a heatwave in a Corsham car park, at only six weeks old.

Luckily, the pups were discovered quickly and taken to a local veterinary practice before the Wiltshire Council’s Dog Warden Team brought them to be cared for at Bath Cats and Dogs Home. The two brothers, named Duck and Goose by staff at the centre, were skinny, dehydrated, frightened by their experience and suffering from mange.

Casey Brown, Animal Services Manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “Duck and Goose received around-the-clock care to make sure they gained weight and were rehydrated and our animal care team worked hard to socialise the puppies by getting them used to a variety of foods, people and noises and play activities.

“Our veterinary team also tackled their physical health and treated them for worms and mange.

“Once those conditions were cleared up the pups were made available for adoption in early August so they could grow up in a relaxing home environment.”

Bethan Hann, who adopted Goose, said: “I chose Goose as he came into the vet practice where I work after being abandoned in a sorry state – very skinny, full of worms and he later developed mange.

“I knew he might have issues going forward and I was looking

to get a rescue dog and thought he would be the perfect fit.

“He actually didn’t have any behavioural issues as he was very well socialised by Bath Cats and Dogs Home while he was there and he was so young when we got him.

“We had a great experience adopting Goose from Bath Cats and Dogs Home. The home checks were simple and easy and we were able to chat to the animal behaviour team about him and his needs. He had some hair loss when we first got him and it was brilliant to watch him grow in to the healthy dog he is now.

“He has settled in really well with our other spaniel, Olive, and they are best of friends! He is a friendly, loveable character and is always keen for a cuddle.

“Goose is doing really well and is settled with his new family, we think he is part dachshund as well as spaniel as he has a very long body and quite short legs.

“He is very sociable and loves playing catch in the river and saying hello to people and dogs on walks.

“I would say to anyone, considering adopting a dog from Bath Cats and Dogs Home, to go for it. Goose has added so much to our lives and I could not imagine life without him.”

Becky Brooks, who adopted Duck, said: “We adopted Duck, now called Monty, back in August 2022 when he was the tiniest little puppy.

“Bath Cats and Dogs Home had given Duck, and his brother Goose, the best care and once he was ready for adoption, he came home with us in August.

“Although a little subdued to start with, Monty soon began to thrive. Neither of us had had a puppy before, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy – it wasn’t – but it was most definitely worth it, and he was actually very good and settled quickly.”

If you are looking for a new pet this summer, Bath Cats and Dogs Home have rescue cats and dogs available for adoption throughout the year. You can find out more at bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk.

The council’s Placemaking Policy states its commitment to protecting allotments and to increasing the provision of local food growing.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Expanding the allotments would be in line with aims to support community food growing by identifying new spaces for community allotments in partnership with local growers. “However, we know there are

mixed views about the future of this site which is why we have written to residents and interested groups to update them on the next steps.

“By submitting a planning application everyone can have their say as part of the planning consultation process.”

Due to the seasonal nature of ecology surveys, the council is proceeding with initial surveys as

soon as possible and the results from these will help to inform the planning application. In the meantime, the council has appointed LCB Group to undertake fencing works and install a water trough on the site, which is previously planned work. The council has set up a dedicated email address for all enquiries on the project: Parks_ Projects@bathnes.gov.uk.

Walking festival to return with an expanded programme

THIS year’s Bathscape Walking Festival, taking place from 9th to 24th September, is set to feature an expanded programme showcasing Bath as a walkable landscape city.

Families, groups and solo walkers will have more than 75 walks and events to choose from this year, most of them free.

Walks are of varying lengths and include wheel-friendly walks and sensory walks.

This year, for the first time, there are trained guides available to support walkers who have a visual impairment.

Several of the Bathscape volunteers have been trained by Sight Support to guide the walkers and anyone wishing to take advantage of the service will be able to contact Bathscape in advance to arrange.

Nordic walking is gaining popularity as a way to burn calories and improve overall fitness, and this year there will be a series of taster sessions in Pennyquick Park. The health theme continues with weekly wellbeing walks and exploring wildlife and wellbeing at Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus.

This year boasts more rural hikes, allowing people to discover the picturesque villages and valleys within easy reach that surround

the city of Bath.

The 11-mile Upper Swainswick to City Circular walk offers views of the city and the surrounding area as far as the Mendip Hills and Salisbury Plain, while the Bath Skyline is a medium length walk of five miles.

The popular Bat Walks return at Bath City Farm, Kensington Meadows and Weston for children aged six upwards. Early booking is recommended, as these walks are always popular. New for this year is the Sensory Smallcombe Walk, a Ukrainian Families Walk and a Spiritual Walk on the South Side which explores a variety of sites of religious and historical interest on the south side of Bath.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Once again Bathscape has pulled together a fantastic programme of walks

around the city and surrounding landscape.

“We would encourage everyone to take part, either by joining a guided walk or activity, or by choosing a self-guided walk. “There are plenty of themes and special interest walks suitable for solo walkers or families and it is the perfect opportunity to get out in the fresh air and see the city and surrounding villages from an unfamiliar perspective.”

The Somer Valley Walking Festival takes place Saturday 9th September and Sunday 10th September.

All the walks and activities are free of charge and most do not require booking, you can simply turn up on the day and register at the start.

The programme includes Saturday walks of various lengths in Radstock, Paulton and Midsomer Norton, including for the first time a familyfriendly pram walk alongside the Somersetshire Coal Canal.

The Sunday walks of various lengths all start from Timsbury and include a 10-mile loop through the Cam Valley and Clandown, skirting Paulton and returning for tea and cake in the Conygre Hall, Timsbury.

The full programme of events can be viewed on the Bathscape website (https://bit.ly/3OrHjTZ).

Goose out for a walk with his owner | Photo courtesy of Bath Cats & Dogs Home

Enjoying the Bathscape Walking Festival | Photo © B&NES Council

MP visits holiday play scheme for local disabled children

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse found out more about the valuable work provided for the local community by the Bath Area Play Project during a recent visit.

The MP visited Three Ways School on 25th July, where disabled children aged 5 to 19 years old were taking part in the charity’s Holiday Playscheme.

The programme provides a holiday club open to children across the Bath area.

The Bath Area Play Project (B.A.P.P) is a local voluntary organisation and registered charity that was established in 1979 to offer and promote quality play opportunities for school-age children during school holidays. Since its inception, B.A.P.P has hosted thousands of children, who have enjoyed one of their open-access holiday playschemes, playdays, and family play sessions.

During her visit, Mrs Hobhouse learned about the valuable work B.A.P.P does. The Project’s playworkers support families with SEND children aged 5 to 19 years, using whole-family support and play as a process of engagement and support to develop stronger family bonds.

The MP commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have had the opportunity to visit the Bath Area Play Project at Three Ways School. Witnessing first-hand the incredible work that is being done to support families and children during the summer holidays was truly an honour.

“It is heart-warming to see how the Project’s playworkers are using a child-centred and Think Family approach, ensuring that the voice of the child is not only heard but responded to, followed and supported. B.A.P.P is crucial to help improve the quality of life for those who, due to disabilities and additional needs, often miss out on so many fun

Bath City footballer to return to the pitch

FOOTBALL player Alex

Fletcher, who suffered a serious head injury during a match at Bath City FC’s home ground Twerton Park last November, has been cleared to play and has signed a new contract.

Alex joined the squad in full training on Thursday 3rd August, taking part in a small-sided game in the team’s last training session before their league campaign began on 5th August at Dartford.

to support the playing budget. This has enabled the club to offer the short-term contract to the Devon-based player, with all parties hoping that his return to playing goes smoothly and he becomes a regular in the side once more for the forthcoming season.

and enriching experiences that others may take for granted. I am grateful to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative for their dedication and hard work.” Project Director, Caroline Haworth MBE, commented:

“We are grateful to be given the opportunity to raise some of the issues facing families with children with SEND.

“We are fortunate that B&NES Council commissions this much valued service as it provides a lifeline for so many families.

“Play is a right for all children and we are proud that our Specialist Playworkers ensure SEND children have these opportunities.”

Manager Jerry Gill said: “To see Alex back in full contact training within the group, having been given the all clear from the specialists, is so inspiring.

“It’s a credit to his positive and determined mindset to how far he has come since that awful night back last year.

“We will continue to work with him and not rush anything at this stage, but it won’t be long until we see him back out on the pitch in a Bath City shirt.”

The news of Alex’s possible return was learnt recently, after most of the squad had been secured for the 2023/24 season.

The Supporters’ Society and fans have contributed to the club’s Squad Builder campaign, helping

Alex said: “After a turbulent time for me, my family, my close friends and everybody connected with Bath City, I’m absolutely delighted to not only have the opportunity to get back on the pitch, but to continue playing my part for this amazing football club.

“Nobody will ever understand how many times I’ve played out the scenarios in my mind.

“The next time stepping back onto Twerton Park with the number 7 on my back, my next goal, my next win as a Roman. It’s truthfully what’s been keeping me going throughout my entire recovery. For now, like we all are, I’m optimistic for the upcoming season ahead and I’m fully committed to exceeding the levels I hit before my accident, which in my mind is now a moment in time that I can move beyond.”

MP Wera Hobhouse during her visit to the holiday project at Three Ways School

Hospital introduces subscription-based appointment service

LOCAL residents are being given the opportunity to sign up for a new subscription-based service at the Bath Clinic private hospital in Combe Down. For a monthly fee, people will have access to unlimited consultant and GP appointments, tests, checks and scans.

The subscription model will allow patients to access the hospital’s services within 48 hours.

Traditionally, patients either opt for private medical cover or pay for their own treatment.

But the new model, pioneered by consultants like Jonathan McFarlane alongside staff at Bath Clinic, offers a third way through a monthly subscription.

Jonathan McFarlane, Consultant Urologist and Clinical Chair said:

“From £19.99 a month patients will be able to get fast access to doctors, tests and scans.

“We have brought together almost every part of the treatment process into one easy to use app.”

A fellow consultant working alongside Mr McFarlane explained what is included. He said: “Private GP services have seen a significant increase in usage over the last 18 months. However, there is no service currently available that also gives access to specialist consultants and follow-up diagnostic tests and scans that a patient often needs to confirm a diagnosis or

inform a treatment plan.”

Should a user discover that surgery is the best option for them, membership of MyWay also offers discounts to hospital treatment and physiotherapy. Commenting on the options available, Mr McFarlane said: “Think of the MyWay club like an insurance policy you have complete control over.

“For a small fee each month, you

RUHX charity encourages residents to create or update their Will

THE Royal United Hospital charity RUHX has launched Will Month, encouraging people to make or update their Will at a reduced cost this September. A will is a way of looking after the people, causes and charities that you care about after you’ve died.

RUHX, the official NHS charity for the hospital, is partnering with eight local solicitors who are providing their professional services free of charge by donating 100% of their fees directly to support the RUH’s work.

More than 70 per cent of the UK population don’t have an up-todate Will.

The idea of writing a Will is a serious subject and one that

requires forward planning.

In collaboration with RUH Will Month, solicitor firms across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire are donating their fees to the hospital in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of planning for the future.

It is recommended everyone over the age of 18 write a Will to best protect them from the uncertainties of the future. From losing a loved one to

Drug shortage for people with type 2 diabetes

PEOPLE with type 2 diabetes have been warned about an international shortage of a range of drugs used for managing blood glucose levels.

The medications, Dulaglutide (Trulicity®), Exenatide (Byetta® or Bydureon®), Semaglutide (Ozempic® or Rybelsus®), Liraglutide (Victoza®) and Lixisenatide (Lyxumia®), are facing supply issues which aren’t expected to be resolved until mid-2024

The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) says it has supported GPs to contact all patients currently prescribed these drugs to advise them that they should continue to take their medication as normal, and that they will be contact-

owning a business, having children to becoming unwell, a Will can prove invaluable.

It can also help minimise any inheritance tax potentially payable on your estate, as well as ensure your assets pass to your loved ones.

The reduced fee costs for a professional Will writing service are £195 for a standard single Will, or £295 for standard Joint Will.

Until the end of September, 100% of all solicitor fees are donated to RUHX.

For more information visit RUHX.org or contact Jan Witt, Relationship and Legacy Manager 01225 825819 or giftsinwills@ruhx.org.uk.

are guaranteed to get access to specialist care.

“We know that patients are becoming increasingly worried about waiting. With MyWay you don’t have to worry because whatever you need is ready and waiting to be accessed.”

Peter James, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, said: “The longer a patient waits the greater the treatment challenge becomes. Take a joint replacement for example, the lack of exercise leads to a reduction in stamina and ultimately a general decline in the patient’s health.

“By the time the patient is seen by the surgeon the surgical intervention needed is far more substantial and lengthens not only the recovery time but the length of time the patient is out of the workforce. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

As an introductory offer, Circle Health Group, the hospital’s owner, has said that anyone who

signs up to MyWay before 31st August will be eligible for a full membership refund if they are unhappy with the service after three months.

Paolo Pieri, Circle Health Group CEO, said: “For little more than the monthly cost of Netflix or Prime, our revolutionary health subscription service promises the peace of mind that you can see a specialist or get a scan rapidly if the need arises.

“With long-term illness rates at record highs – for every 13 workers one person is long-term sick –the UK has a massive ‘sick-force’ problem, and we desperately need new healthcare solutions to tackle this productivity problem and turn round the economy. “Subscription services have transformed many other parts of our lives, so one that guarantees speed, control and consumer power in the area that matters most to all of us – our health – is a no-brainer.”

Three specialities using robots during surgery

THREE specialities at the Royal United Hospital are now benefitting from the use of its Da Vinci robot during surgical procedures.

The hospital trust carried out its first gynaecology oncology and radical prostatectomy surgeries earlier in July. This follows its first-ever colorectal operation using the technology in June. This means that the RUH now has three specialities that can operate on the people it cares for with greater precision, and perform complex procedures with minimal access, while ensuring the highest levels of patient safety.

The introduction of the robot is part of a commitment made

across the local area to invest in the latest technology.

The Great Western Hospital in Swindon has also recently completed its first robotic surgery.

Cara Charles-Barks, RUH Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that we can now offer robotic surgery to even more of the people we care for and I’m so proud of our teams who’ve worked tirelessly to make this happen. The fact that we have this cutting-edge technology is not just great news for our community but everyone who works in our surgery teams – both now and in the future.”

The robot at the RUH is being funded by its charity RUHX.

ed by their GP practice if their diabetes treatment needs to be reviewed as a result of shortages.

People are advised that the shortages may affect different products at different times; therefore, some people may need an earlier review for their diabetes.

Due to the number of people affected by the supply issue, those who are most at risk are being prioritised. This may mean that some people may need to wait a small amount of time to be reviewed.

If you feel unwell with symptoms of high blood glucose, e.g., feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, feeling weak or tired, blurred vision or losing weight, you should seek an appointment with your GP at the earliest opportunity.

The Bath Clinic | Photo courtesy of Circle Health Group

£2 million fund launched to help address West of England skills gaps

PEOPLE across the West of England are set to benefit from new skills and progress in work thanks to a £2 million programme designed to plug the region’s skills gaps.

Organisations of all sizes, from traditional training providers to community and voluntary groups, can apply for cash grants from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to provide a broad range of schemes with a focus on areas of high demand, and priority skills needs.

This includes courses to train up an army of retrofitters, electric vehicle mechanics and other workers needed as the region transitions to a net-zero future, and initiatives to increase the take-up and completion of the hundreds of high-quality apprenticeships available. Meanwhile, organisations large and small are encouraged to apply for funding to run programmes of support to help those who are long-term unemployed back into work. Courses will be offered to support young people in need of a helping hand to get skills needed to pursue careers in key West of England sectors like the creative and digital industries.

The West of England Metro Mayor says in an era of labour shortages, both in the West, and nationwide, the focus of jobs and skills provision must change. He said: “Wherever I go, companies of all sizes tell me they

can’t fill all their vacancies. That’s the case whether we are talking welders, chefs or electricians.

“The truth is there are plenty of jobs out there, and in some key sectors as well – it’s my job as Mayor to make sure local people have the right skills to benefit from them, which in turn will help the West build on its strengths and develop new ones.

“That is what my ‘Priority Skills Fund’ is all about.”

Hundreds of people are set to benefit from the boost to skills training, helping them secure good jobs. It will also provide a boost to local areas, filling skills black holes wherever they are as well as top employers who will have workers with the specific

Project sees hundreds of books donated to schools across B&NES

HUNDREDS of books have been donated to schools across the area thanks to an educational project launched by the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation. The organisation, which promotes collaboration and partnership-working between different faith groups, wants to ensure that every school in the district has access to textbooks and scripture from a range of religions.

skills they need.

Mayor Norris added: “Skills and training are a really important part of my role as Metro Mayor.

“I’m proud of this £2 million fund from my Mayoral Combined Authority which will go a long way to plugging skills gaps in key priority areas for my West of England region.

“This in turn means more talented local people accessing good-quality, well-paid secure jobs, while ensuring our West of England, and its residents can face for the future with confidence.”

The closing date for applications is 11th September 2023.

To apply for funding, visit: https://bit.ly/3KprbBt

The foundation’s Director, Nathan Hartley, said: “In our ever-changing global world, it’s important that children and young people have a basic understanding of a range of religious traditions.

“In modern Britain, it’s rare that we’ll go through life without meeting at least one other person from a different cultural background from ourselves.

“It’s because of this that we’ve been working with local schools over the last couple of months to ensure they have access to textbooks from a range of spiritual backgrounds.”

In May, the organisation launched its ‘Bhagavad Gita for Schools’ programme.

The Bhagavad Gita is a key scripture in the Hindu tradition, with its contents believed to have been first orally spoken around 5,000 years ago in northern India.

The book is a conversation between Krishna (God) and Arjuna (his disciple) about the nature of the soul, the link between humanity and divinity and provides a moral code for how people can live their lives. Nathan added: “Inspired by the Christian charity ‘Bibles for Children’, which has distributed half-a-million Bibles to children in 2,300 schools since 1997, our aim is to ensure that every school throughout the region has a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.”

The foundation has already distributed free books to schools in Midsomer Norton, Keynsham and Bath.

Teachers and educational leaders can order free copies for students by emailing the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation at info@bathnesfaithfoundation. org.uk.

University campus wins three architecture excellence awards

BATH Spa University’s Locksbrook Campus has been awarded three prestigious architectural accolades.

Home to the university’s Bath School of Art, Film and Media, and Bath School of Design, the site has been chosen as the ‘Overall Winner’, ‘Education Winner’ and ‘Sustainability Winner’ at this year’s Schüco Excellence Awards.

The Grade II listed building designed by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976 was formerly the Herman Miller factory and was bought by Bath Spa in 2016. Following a period of remodelling and refurbishment by Grimshaw Architects, the building was transformed into Bath Spa’s Locksbrook Campus and was opened in 2020.

Now in their 10th year, the Schüco Excellence Awards attract a broad range of projects from practices both large and small. In their assessment of all entries, the judges focused on four key

criteria: creativity, innovation, technical skill and creative collaboration.

When announcing the Locksbrook Campus project between Grimshaw Architects, Structura and Bath Spa University as the Overall Winner, Carol Patterson, Office for Metropolitan Architecture UK Director said: “This exceptional and inspiring adaptive reuse project illustrates how the industry has evolved to meet contemporary performance requirements, while maintaining the original aesthetic intent.”

Ingrid Petit, Associate at Feilden Fowles Architects, added: “The refurbishment of the façade on this outstanding adaptive reuse project is particularly successful, combining sensitive repairs and reuse of the primary framing and curtain walling channels.”

Speaking on the significance of these award wins, Dr Kristin Doern, Head of School for Bath School of Design at Bath Spa University, said: “Winning not

one but three Schüco Excellence Awards is high praise indeed for the work that has gone into reimagining our incredible Locksbrook Campus and making it a hub for creators, thinkers, makers and doers.

“We are immensely proud of these achievements and we are grateful for the long lasting positive impact that the project has had, and will continue to have, on our community.

“These awards encapsulate how we live, breathe and teach design education – particularly architectural design – by utilising inspiration from the building and surroundings.”

Ian Parkes, Architecture Course Leader at Bath Spa University, added: “Through our Architecture degree, you quite literally learn about the relationships between conservation, planning and the use and reuse of spaces in relation to their location and within their historic and future contexts.

“How we design, create,

reinvent and repurpose our built environment is constantly evolving, and Locksbrook Campus is an excellent realworld example of this.”

Commenting on the three Schüco Excellence award wins, Ben Heath, Principal at Grimshaw Architects said:

“This award recognises the close collaboration between Grimshaw and the specialist façade contractor Structura in delivering the new home for Bath School of Art, Film and Media,

and Bath School of Design; and is a wonderful demonstration of the school’s passionate belief in the transformative effect of Design and Making working together to deliver exceptional outcomes.” The Locksbrook Campus has previously received both a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South West Award and RIBA National Award, recognising and celebrating what an inspirational place it is to come together to create, learn and grow.

Dan Norris at a welding Skills Bootcamp campus | Photo © Freia Turland

The university’s Locksbrook Campus | Photo © Bath Spa University

Nathan Hartley with Project Manager Neera Haria and teacher Jo Young

Lovehoney co-founder launches Pocket Timer golf venture

A BUSINESSMAN who cofounded sex toy company

Lovehoney in Bath has launched a new golf venture, which is already proving popular on courses across the country.

53-year-old Richard Longhurst helped to create the world’s biggest sexual wellness firm using £4,500 of savings after leaving his job as an editor at Future Publishing in 2002.

Longhurst quit Lovehoney, which is worth £1 billion, in 2019 with co-founder Neal Slateford after they sold their majority stake to Swiss venture capitalists. He has now invented Pocket Timer, a golf gadget that can save players’ scores, and is already a hit on courses.

Shaped like a coin and roughly the size of a poker chip, the lightweight, bright red Pocket Timer is designed to help players find lost balls using the full three minutes they are entitled to under the current Rules of Golf Golfers click the timer in their pocket and it buzzes every 30 seconds, ending with a double

buzz when the three minutes have elapsed.

Longhurst, who plays off a handicap of two at Bath Golf Club, said: “I first had the idea when the rules changed in 2019 and you went from having five minutes to find a lost ball to three, incurring a one-shot penalty if you cannot locate it.

“Not everybody likes wearing a watch when they play golf, so the only other way you’d be able to keep time is by using your phone.

“But most golfers keep that in their golf bag and it’s unlikely anybody is going to pull it out before they go traipsing off into the rough to look for their ball.

“I figured having a little thing in

Work underway on student development

your pocket that keeps time and vibrates – of course – when your three minutes is up would be a simple, efficient solution.

“Most golfers were giving up too soon because they were worried about holding up play and needlessly conceding a shot.”

Longhurst shared his vision with the owners of Joy Factory, a Chinese company he had used when working at Lovehoney. Using the mould for a toy remote control, Pocket Timer was born. Richard says the new gadget fills a gap in the market. Using his e-commerce experience, he set up a new website selling Pocket Timer and is now sending out the gadgets all over the world, because the rules of golf are the same wherever it is played.

Longhurst, who lives in Bath, still attends Lovehoney board meetings and has a 10% stake in the firm which merged with German sex toy giant WOW Tech in 2021.

Lovehoney Group is forecast to deliver more than £300 million in revenue per year and has become a global business worth £1 billion.

WORK has got underway on a development on the Lower Bristol Road that will provide more than 100 rooms of student accommodation as well as commercial space.

Bristol-based construction and development company Real has started work on the Hollis Building for developer Alumno Group.

The £12.6 million project will see the creation of 120 rooms of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) across four storeys, with bespoke commercial space on the ground floor.

The building features 5, 7 and 10 bed cluster flats and studios. There will be a laundry room on the first floor and three accessible studio flats as well as communal spaces, including a common room on the first floor facing the river and an external roof terrace on the fourth floor.

The development will feature photovoltaics panels (PV) on the roof with electric heating plus

a living wall on the north elevation, green roofs, bird and bat boxes and new planting on the Lower Bristol Road.

The Hollis Building is set for completion in August 2024.

The development is Real’s second student accommodation project in Bath, having completed work on the nearby 144-bed North Parade accommodation building in September 2022.

David Campbell, Founder & Managing Director of Alumno, commented: “We are delighted to be commencing work with Real on this exciting project in Bath, a city that we have had long held ambitions to work in. We are sure that by working in close partnership with Real, the Hollis building will offer students studying in Bath a first-class housing option at a time of great demand and need.”

Permission for the development was granted in December 2021, following a number of previously refused schemes for the Jubilee Centre site.

Photo © Richard Longhurst

Councillors set out plans to reduce knife crime in the district

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

COUNCILLORS in Bath held a minute’s silence for victims of knife crime as they set out their plans to tackle the issue which is becoming increasingly ‘concerning’.

Bath and North East Somerset Council passed a motion expressing sympathy to the families and friends of victims of knife crime in Bath at their full meeting on 20th July.

Paul May, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The recent deaths of young people in our area have led to much concern about the role of knives in our community.

“To address any concerns that there may be more that can be done and actions that we might need to promote, there are therefore two main issues we are highlighting this evening.”

The council’s children, adults, health and wellbeing policy development and scrutiny panel will be looking in depth at knife crime, and Mr May also proposed

a multi-agency meeting to brief families and children, and listen to their concerns.

He said: “We do not want to see a culture shift where young people feel they need to protect themselves.”

Dine Romero, who chairs the scrutiny panel, said: “The panel will be looking at the violence reduction strategy at its next meeting and will be seeking contributions to augment this work from a wide variety of agencies and partner agencies, as well as resident and parent groups, to help to build up a full comprehensive picture of all the services that work together.”

She added that the evidenceseeking sessions would be held in private. Councillors stood for a minute’s silence in light of recent knife attacks at the start of the debate on the motion.

Newbridge councillor Michelle O’Doherty said that many young people were feeling frightened and felt they need to protect themselves with knives.

She said: “Unfortunately it is this perception of fear that is a

Agreement signed with Ukrainian city

A FRIENDSHIP Agreement has been signed between the Ukrainian city of Oleksandriya and Bath & North East Somerset Council as part of efforts to further develop its relationship.

Oleksandriya City Council

Mayor, Serhii Kuzmenko, has been invited to countersign the Friendship Agreement document which has been drawn up by the two councils.

The document has already been signed on behalf of Bath & North East Somerset Council by leader Cllr Kevin Guy.

Although not legally binding, the agreement will provide a framework to establish and strengthen cultural and other community ties, fostering cooperation based on respect, equality and mutual benefit. It will also promote awareness between the two communities and identify environmental, social, cultural, educational, health and wellbeing and other opportunities for joint working.

Councillor Kevin Guy said: “This Friendship Agreement will be an important step in strengthening links between our communities.

“Bath & North East Somerset Council has consistently stood in solidarity with Ukraine following the Russian invasion on 24th February 2022.

“Since then, B&NES residents have generously welcomed more than 350 refugees under the government’s Homes for Ukraine

scheme and the council has played a key role alongside local charities and voluntary groups to help those guests integrate into our communities.

“This Friendship Agreement will be a commitment to deepen relationships by strengthening and formalising bilateral relationships and promoting cooperation and support between our two councils.”

Oleksandriya is a central Ukraine city with a population of approximately 80,000. It is located in Kirovohrad Oblast, within the Kirovohrad region, roughly 350km from Kyiv.

At the May 2022 Council meeting, the local group Bath Stands with Ukraine proposed a link between Bath & North East Somerset Council and a Ukrainian city similar in population size to Bath.

A working group collaborated with Oleksandriya City Council and local group Friends of Oleksandriya to develop the agreement, which was finalised over several weeks.

The agreement will promote awareness between the two communities and offer opportunities for joint working in relation to the climate and ecological emergency.

Councillor Chris Dando, chair of the working group said: “I am pleased that our councils have been able to conclude this friendship and cooperation agreement.”

self-perpetuating vicious cycle which leads to more young people feeling unsafe when they go out, which is also in turn leads to them considering carrying a knife with them when they are out and about.

“It is our job to talk to these young people and understand their reasons for why they feel unsafe, and why they feel the need to protect themselves with

weapons. And most importantly, it’s our job to allay those fears and work with them to help them feel confident and safe when they are out with their friends.”

Twerton councillor Tim Ball said he had spoken to one youth who had told him he was carrying a knife.

Mr Ball said: “ I took it off him. He went away quite happily; the knife was disposed of quite

safely.”

Several councillors spoke of having conversations with their own children and grandchildren about knives.

Despite concerns, the council noted that the “vast majority” of young people in the area do not carry knives. Knife surrender bins are located outside Bath, Keynsham, and Radstock police stations.

Controversial plan to knock down historic cottage approved

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to knock down a historic cottage on the edge of Bath and build two “unashamedly modern” houses in its place have been given the go-ahead. It marks the end of an almost three-year planning battle over Waterworks Cottage, on Charlcombe Way.

The cottage’s architect owners, Jeremy and Sarah Flavell, secured the right to knock down the cottage without the council’s approval in 2022.

But their attempts to build “unashamedly modern” houses on the site once the cottage has been knocked down have been repeatedly held up at the planning permission phase.

A final decision had been expected when the plans came before Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee last month, but councillors voted to postpone their decision while they went on a site visit to see the cottage for themselves.

Meeting again after the visit on Wednesday 26th July, the committee voted to grant planning permission and allow the homes to be built.

Chris Parkin, who lives next to the cottage, had urged them to refuse the application.

He said: “The current proposal

constitutes overdevelopment that will cause harm to the character and appearance of the area.”

He added that the two houses proposed on the site, which sits right on the edge of Bath, as the city transitions to countryside, would have a volume five times that of the house.

But the planning agent for the Flavells, Tom Rocke, insisted that overdevelopment concerns had been addressed.

He said: “The scheme has been reduced from three to two dwellings. Both dwellings have been substantially reduced in size, equating to a 23 per cent reduction in built footprint.”

He added that there would only now be one house on the upper part of the site and it had been reduced in height and was only a metre higher than the current roof of the cottage.

He continued that the new homes would have highly energyefficient “Passivhaus” status.

Councillor Ian Halsall said: “This is a very emotive application. There’s a long history. I know it has generated a lot of concern among local residents.”

But he said he felt the plans were sufficiently set back from neighbours’ properties and set down from the road.

Councillor Shaun Hughes said: “We are instructed that we should consider this application as if the building is not there, it clearly is there. And the photographs and

site visit show that it is there. And, as it is still there, it is still a nondesignated heritage asset.”

Council officers said the committee could consider the current cottage, but that the Flavells already had permission to demolish the cottage and this could not be stopped.

Councillor Tim Warren said: “The reality is, its got permission to be knocked down. It will probably be knocked down anyway. It’s just a case of what gets put up instead of it.

“I think, when you look at it in black and white, it’s all in policy.”

But councillor Eleanor Jackson was unhappy with the “blocky” modern design, and said: “I would have felt much more comfortable with a building that referenced the historic past if the building can’t be satisfactorily restored.”

She proposed rejecting the proposal, seconded by Councillor Ruth Malloy, but the committee voted down the motion.

The committee then voted in favour of granting planning permission for the development. The decision marks the end of a long planning battle, which started in 2020 when the original plans to build three fourbedroom homes on the site were first submitted.

The cottage is believed to have been built in the mid-nineteenth century and housed people who worked at the nearby waterworks.

A number of people have lost their lives to knife crime in our area in recent months

Fire service’s pay gap increases for first time in three years

were first required to publish gender pay gap information.

system.

THE gender pay gap at Avon Fire & Rescue Service ballooned from almost zero to 3.37 per cent in favour of men in the last 12 months.

Male staff were paid an average of £17.79 an hour compared with £17.19 for women on the snapshot date of 31st March 2023, 60p more.

Last year the hourly rate for female employees was 3p more than men and in 2020/21 it was a mere 1p, so this is the first time in three years that male colleagues have earned more on average. On the same date in 2020, men received 4.48 per cent more than women.

A report to Avon Fire Authority’s policy and resources committee said: “The pay gap between men and women in the service remains significantly lower than the national average which has declined from 9.7 per cent to 9.4 per cent, which is the same level as in 2017/18, when employers

“We will continue to advance equality of opportunity for our female staff by offering development opportunities and raising aspirations for stepping up into leadership roles.

“We will also continue to use positive action initiatives to attract women into the service and people impact assessments to identify and remove all barriers to progression and opportunity.”

It said the main reason for the shift this year was because, despite an increase in female staff in the topearning quarter of the workforce, most male employees on these highest salaries were uniformed, such as wholetime and on-call firefighters and control staff, and were awarded a seven per cent national pay award.

In contrast, the majority of women in the top 25 per cent of earners were non-operational or “corporate”, working in departments such as human resources, finance and technical services, and were given a lower pay award, which is negotiated locally through an evaluation

The report to the committee on Thursday 27th July, said: “A further contribution to changes in the pay gap is due to having an interim male treasurer in this year as opposed to a female treasurer in 2022. This can account for an equivalent to approximately 1.5 per cent change in the mean calculations.”

It said a new female statutory finance officer was appointed in May but her salary would not be included until next year’s figures, assuming the postholder is still female on 31st March 2024.

The report said the median pay gap – the middle value when all salaries are listed from highest to lowest – was zero, with both males and females earning an average £16.54 an hour.

It said: “Having a gender pay gap is different to equal pay. Equal pay deals with the differences between men and women who carry out the same or similar jobs, or work of equal value.

“The gender pay gap shows the difference in the average pay between all men and women in a workforce.

Sustainable footbridge in Keynsham park opens to the public

A NEW bridge has been installed in Keynsham’s Memorial Park, restoring the pedestrian walking route around the site. The bridge has been installed by Bath & North East Somerset Council and is part of a range of improvements planned for the park over the next two years. The structure is made of a polymer plastic resin, that is resilient to damp environments. The balustrade and handrail are marine-grade polished steel, and the infill panels are steel with a protective rust patina. This makes the bridge highly sustainable, significantly reducing future maintenance costs.

The footways approaching the bridge have been newly tarmacked and the existing bandstand ramp cleaned, with new planting around the bridge also carried out.

The original footbridge was permanently closed to the public in October 2019 due to deterioration of its timber beams rendering it unsafe.

Councillor Sarah Moore, council chair who cut the ribbon, said:

“It was a great pleasure to open this new, long-awaited footbridge, which we know has been welcomed by residents and visitors.”

Councillor Hal MacFie, Chair of Keynsham Town Council, said:

“Thank you to Keynsham Town Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council for their work to get a new bridge in the park.

“Now people can once more enjoy their circular walks around the Memorial Park and families can access both the play areas without leaving the park.

“We can once again walk into

town without touching the Bath Road and enjoy views of the River Chew on the way.”

Further improvements to the park will include addressing flooding under Echo Bridge, as well as exploring the possibility of an indoor or covered café space and better play facilities. This follows a public survey carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council in spring 2022, which showed the top five reasons for using the park were enjoying nature, exercise, a place to meet others, children’s play and having lunch or a picnic.

Crossword answers - Issue 057 (01/08/23)

“It compares hourly rates of pay and any bonuses staff may receive by gender, highlighting any areas of imbalance.” The report said there were 737 men and 191 women working for the service on 31st March.

It said the ethnicity pay gap dropped slightly from 5.56 per cent to 5.4 per cent.

“Although we have seen a slight increase in the percentage of ethnic minority staff in the service over the past 12 months, from 2.7 per cent in 2022 to three per cent in 2023, the overall numbers

remain low,” the report said.

“This further adds complexity to the task of gathering and analysing data, due to the greater breakdown of classifications required to provide meaningful insights about existing disparities and how to reduce or remove them.

“Further analysis of ethnicity pay data has revealed that any staff movement in the workforce, such as recruitment, resignation, promotion, or assignments, can lead to notable changes in the salary pay gap results.”

Stocking up on self-care essentials for summer

FAMILIES across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to check their medicine cabinets are stocked with essentials for the summer holidays.

Locals are also being urged to know what to pack in order to stay healthy when going away. Keeping some medicines and first-aid essentials at home, such as painkillers, antihistamines, insect bite cream and plasters, can help families to reduce avoidable trips to the nearest hospital emergency department or walk-in centre by being able to treat minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Holidaymakers travelling away from home should add these items to their suitcase, along with summer essentials such as sun cream, after-sun and insect repellent.

Those who need health advice for minor illnesses and ailments during a staycation can also visit their nearest pharmacy. Many have a dedicated room for confidential conversations and advice without the need for

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making an appointment. Some pharmacies can also dispense prescriptions and advise on other over-the-counter items, without the need for a person to be registered at a nearby GP practice. Those heading abroad are also advised to download the NHS App to their smartphone or tablet, so that health advice and information is instantly available. Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Planning ahead, being prepared and remembering all the usual holiday precautions, such as wearing sun cream, packing prescription medicine and staying hydrated, will help people enjoy their getaway, while staying safe and healthy.”

Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue Service

Cllr Andy Wait, Shaun Moore, Cllr Sarah Moore, Cllr Alex Beaumont & Cllr Hal MacFie| Photo courtesy of B&NES Council

Adam Postans Local Democracy Reporter