Bath Echo - Issue 079 - 31/05/2024

Useful Information In

fortnightly.

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: production@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484

Advertising & Marketing: Debbie Wylde - 07990 253664 debbie@bathecho.co.uk

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/

Architects appointed for Bath's Fashion Museum

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

BATH’S Fashion Museum is set to reopen in autumn 2030 as architects have been appointed to turn the Old Post Office into its new home.

The iconic institution has been homeless since the National Trust took back its former premises at the Assembly Rooms in 2022. But 1.3m people still saw objects from the collection on loan last year. Now the Fashion Museum is set to reopen at a new location in the city centre.

Architects 6a have been handed the job of turning the Grade II listed Old Post Office on the corner of New Bond Street into a “state-of-the-art 21st-century cultural institution”.

Construction is expected to start in 2027, with the museum expected to open its doors in the autumn of 2030, eight years after it closed at its former home in the Assembly Rooms.

As well as museum galleries to display the iconic Fashion Museum collection, the museum will include new learning spaces for workshops, lectures, and school visits, a café and shop, and venues for hire.

Paul Roper, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “The creation of our new Fashion Museum is

of national and international significance. This is reflected in the outstanding architectural practices who tendered for this project.

“This is going to be a new, worldclass institution in a UNESCO World Heritage City and there is huge excitement that, at long last, we will be able to display our unique and outstanding fashion collection in a location and setting that it fully deserves.”

The new location will have double the floorspace that the museum had at the Assembly Rooms.

Councillor Roper added: “The new museum is a key part of our plan to develop a creative centre in central Bath and provide a further boost to the visitor economy. As an anchor element of the Milsom Quarter Masterplan, the museum will enhance footfall and dwell time in the area and increase the desirability of the city centre.

“Engaging 6a is a significant next step in realising the Fashion Museum and I look forward to seeing 6a’s vision.”

The award-winning architecture firm specialises in “sensitively transforming” historic spaces, and previous projects include gallery spaces at the Tate Liverpool and the South London Gallery. Tom Emerson, cofounder of 6a, said: “We are delighted to be selected to design the Fashion Museum Bath.

“Fashion, re-use, museums, and galleries have been central to our

practice, and we look forward to bringing these threads together in this ambitious project. The Fashion Museum’s collection, just like the architecture of Bath, is an incredible source of inspiration and we are excited to work with the museum team to bring it to the broadest of audiences.”

The original Fashion Museum collection was gifted to the city by Doris Langley Moore in 1959, although it has since been added to. There are now over 100,000 objects, ranging from the 1600s up to modern day.

The Fashion Museum had to leave its former home of 60 years at the Assembly Rooms in October 2022 after the National Trust, which owns the historic building, exercised a break clause in its lease with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The council warned at the time that it could be five to eight years before the Fashion Museum could reopen in a new location, depending on funding.

A bid to secure funding for the new home at the Old Post Office through the Levelling Up Fund failed in 2023. The government considered the council’s plans “relatively strong” and in keeping with the aims of levelling up, but it was turned down as there was not enough data behind some parts of the plan.

While homeless, the collection is being stored at glove makers Dents in Warminster, as they have the appropriate facilities to store the fragile clothes.

In 2023, a Freedom of Information request from the Conservative council election candidate Emilio Pimentel-Reid revealed this was costing the council £150,000 a year.

Council leader Kevin Guy said at the time: “It’s essential that the temporary storage is conservation grade and has high levels of security. I don’t think any sensible person would want to skimp on these standards or put the collection at risk.”

Latest through traffic restriction trial begins

BATH & North East Somerset Council has begun trialling a one-way loop for motorists in the Newbridge area of the city. Following engagement with the community, it is one of several areas included in the council’s Liveable Neighbourhoods (LN) programme.

The roads included in the trial at Newbridge are Charmouth Road, Lyme Road and Lyme Gardens.

The aim is to reduce vehicle congestion at school pick-up and drop-off times (the entrance to Newbridge Primary is at the north end of Charmouth Road), as well as create a more pleasant

environment for residents and a safer route for walking and cycling.

The one-way scheme is being installed under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). Traffic for the Lyme Road area will enter from the Charmouth Road junction with Newbridge Road (A4), travel west along Lyme Road, and south along Lyme Gardens to exit. Cyclists will be able to travel in both directions. Signs will inform drivers of the one-way system.

The council says that to improve the visibility of cyclists, up to five parking spaces will be lost.

The trial will be in place for a minimum of six months alongside a public consultation. During this time, the council says it will also monitor traffic movements to measure any

impacts.

It says: “At the end of the sixmonth consultation, we will consider all of the outcomes alongside wider council policy to inform a decision on whether to make the trial permanent.”

Another LN scheme at Southlands in Weston village was made permanent earlier this year, despite a majority of residents objecting to the scheme in council surveys.

Planters in the road stop vehicles from driving through, with the council saying it prevents rat running and makes it better for walkers and cyclists.

Whether you're interested in newspaper, website or

Prices start at just £10 per issue!

Find out more and book your advert today. Call our sales manager Debbie on 07990 253664 or email debbie@bathecho.co.uk

The Old Post Office in Bath | Photo © B&NES Council

The one-way trial began on 27th May

The Bath Echo newspaper is produced

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.

Plans announced for city's new recycling centre

PROPOSALS to develop

council-owned land to provide a new public waste and recycling facility at Locksbrook Road in Bath have been unveiled.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has put forward a proposal to develop the site on the trading estate which is currently used as its street cleansing depot.

It says an “exhaustive site search” has been undertaken across the city and this was the most suitable location.

It will replace the existing Bath Recycling Centre at Midland Road, which was identified for redevelopment as part of the Bath Western Riverside regeneration project and already has full planning approval for affordable and market homes.

The current recycling centre will remain open until the new facility is ready to use. The council says it will complement the new Keynsham Recycling Hub and ensure that residents continue to have easy access to household recycling services in the city.

The street cleansing team will be relocating to an alternative nearby site at Locksbrook Road which previously housed the fleet works and MoT test centre.

It will house the vehicles and staff welfare facilities only.

Under a lease agreement, car dealership Bath Volkswagen

currently stores vehicles on part of the site earmarked for the new recycling centre.

As landowner, the council says it has advised the dealership of the emerging plans to provide plenty of time for them to “explore alternative arrangements”.

The new recycling centre will be accessed via access points from Locksbrook Road. Separate public and operational access points will be provided.

In addition there will also be a dedicated pedestrian access point from Locksbrook Road, and pedestrian and cycle access from the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

The recycling centre will have a strictly enforced pre-booking system. There will be parking for 16 cars, including dedicated disabled parking.

The council says the layout is being designed with careful consideration of the site’s proximity to the River Avon.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet

Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are sharing our proposals for household waste recycling facilities and welcome feedback.

“Our aim is to create a facility which allows people to continue to recycle and reduce their waste locally. The Midland Road site would then be developed for much-needed housing.”

Once an alternative recycling site has been confirmed, the council says it will start building the first phase of affordable homes for social rent, with the remaining affordable and market homes starting once the remainder of the site has been fully vacated.

A face-to-face drop-in session will be held at the council’s former fleet works and MoT test centre at Locksbrook Road on Tuesday 18th June between 2pm and 6.30pm. You can also view the plans, provide feedback and register for project updates at www. bathrecyclingcentre.co.uk Comments can be made until Sunday 30th June.

A planning application is due to be submitted over the summer, with the council expecting the new centre to open in autumn 2025.

In the “unlikely event” that planning permission is not granted, the council says it would need to consider its next steps very carefully. “Full site searches have been professionally undertaken and

reviewed a number of times and none, other than Locksbrook Road, have been deemed suitable for a household recycling centre in Bath.”

How the new hub will operate

The recycling centre will consist of eight large containers to receive household waste and recyclables.

There will also be a ‘Bring Recycling Bank’ for dry household recyclables.

The range of materials to be accepted will include:

• Residual household waste.

• Cardboard (including items too large for kerbside collection).

• Soft furnishings.

• Bulky waste.

• Garden waste.

• Wood.

• Scrap metal and large electrical items such as washing machines and other white goods, except fridges, freezers, TVs and computer monitors.

• Dry recyclables (plastic, paper, cans, glass, etc).

There will also be waste bays for the continued use of the Bath outer and city centre weeding and street sweeping teams.

Work begins on farm's new Growing Hub project

WORK has begun on a new Growing Hub at Bath City Farm in Whiteway, which will see food and plants being grown to supply the site’s farm shop and café.

Comprising two new polytunnels and a haybarn, the hub will also become a pollinator-rich habitat. The two 20-metre polytunnels will increase growing capacity at the farm, with one becoming a wildflower nursery featuring native wildflowers and the second growing vegetable crops including tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers, kale, and salad leaves.

Bath City Farm’s growing is peatfree and naturally grown without pesticides.

making, is expected to have a significant impact on the farm and local community.

The flowers grown will help boost local habitats, with research showing 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost in the UK since World War Two.

The growing hub will also create learning opportunities for participants of the charity’s youth programmes and vocational projects with additional needs, to learn new skills and increase confidence.

News in Brief

Albaray opens new womenswear store

Sustainable womenswear fashion brand Albaray has opened a store in New Bond Street in Bath. The company says the city is a strategic location for its second store, with its strong footfall, lively shopping area and appeal to UK and overseas visitors. Conceived during lockdown, Albaray celebrated its third anniversary in March. Its first store opened in December 2023 in Chichester. The Bath store opened on Saturday 25th May. Supporting the commitment to operating more sustainably, the brand worked with the Jungle Fit collective, an awardwinning commercial store fitout company that prioritises people and the planet, including a carbon-neutral approach and using eco-friendly materials such as Coat paint. To help drive greater awareness of the brand and the way it consciously operates, Albaray plans to work closely with the local community with activities such as partnering with local business owners, artists, and craftspeople.

Plans submitted to fell 17 tall trees at farm

An application to fell around 17 tall trees at a farm on the edge of Bath has been submitted. The line of mature leylandii trees that lie along the boundary of Rohannon Farm and Weston Farm Lane at Upper Weston are more than 80ft high and are close to buildings and the road. The reason for wanting to fell the trees is that most are in poor condition and some have shed limbs already due to weak forks.

Weather Forecast

The 12 by 8 metre haybarn will store up to 300 bales of hay produced from the farm’s own wildflower meadow, helping to reduce costs, as well as containing a juicing facility which will be ready for pressing apples in the autumn.

Funding for the project has been raised through a mix of private donations and money from charitable trusts,

including the West of England Combined Authority, Tredwin and Pennington Family Fund held with Quartet Community Foundation, Bathscape and Dan’s Force donated by the Wick family.

The Growing Hub, a project which has been two years in the

Brendan Tate-Wistreich, Bath City Farm Director, said: “This is an exciting time for Bath City Farm, we are creating the infrastructure to grow more food with local communities, helping to address the climate challenge and promote nature-friendly farming.”

Long range forecast: (7th to 13th June)

How the redeveloped site could look Image © B&NES Council

The farm is located in Whiteway | Photo © Bath City Farm

Becky Feather Reporter

Election 2024

The countdown to Thursday 4th July is under way - are you ready?

ON a particularly wet afternoon last Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that there would be a general election on Thursday 4th July, much to the surprise of many. So, what does this mean for the local area? Here in Bath, the boundary has changed since the last election in 2019, with the Bathavon North area set to vote for an MP for the city once again. The North East Somerset boundary has undergone significant change, with some voters being reassigned to different constituencies. Only around half

James Wright Conservatives

James Wright grew up in Combe Down and now lives in Somerset. He is a technology entrepreneur and former councillor. He chairs the South West Conservative Rural Forum. He has been an outspoken critic of the low traffic neighbourhoods and ‘Ring of Steel’ introduced in Bath by the Lib Dems.

Dominic Tristram Green Party

Dominic Tristram has lived and worked in Bath & North East Somerset for more than 20 years. He works in the technology sector and is a governor of the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In 2015 he stood to be an MP for the Greens in Bath, when he achieved nearly 12% of the vote.

of North East Somerset has stayed in the new North East Somerset and Hanham (NESH) constituency, while areas such as Radstock and Midsomer Norton join the new Frome and East Somerset constituency. Below is a brief rundown of who has (so far) announced they will be running for the Bath seat, and in our upcoming issues, we'll be sharing more information, along with candidates for the NESH constituency. There is still plenty of time for independent candidates to put their name forward to get involved. Are you registered to vote? You can register here: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Dan Bewley Labour

Dan Bewley is an account manager at a London strategic communications consultancy. He attended Backwell School sixth form in North Somerset before going on to study economics and politics at De Montfort University in Leicester. In 2019 he stood to be a Labour councillor for Backwell and came third.

Wera Hobhouse

Liberal Democrats

Wera Hobhouse has been the MP for Bath since 2017. Her share of the vote then was 47.3% and increased to 54.5% at the general election in 2019. A former teacher, Wera is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy & Climate Change and Transport, and Shadow Leader of the House.

Do you have photo ID? You will need an accepted form of photo ID to vote. Find yours at: https://bit.ly/4aTqkU9

Teresa Hall Reform UK

Teresa Hall came to Bath in 1985 to study and live. With a degree in Religious Studies, she’s been a teacher in Bristol and Bath and is now self-employed. She says she’s one of many who’ve been “squeezed out” of living in Bath. She is Reform UK’s Wiltshire coordinator and South West sub-coordinator.

Residents declare Sydney Road LTN scheme “a success”

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

PEOPLE living on a Bath street closed to through traffic as a “liveable neighbourhood” have declared the scheme “a success”.

Bollards were installed across Sydney Road where it becomes Sydney Place in April as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s liveable neighbourhood (LN, also called LTNs) programme, which aims to make the street “a safer and more pleasant walking and cycling route”.

But the move has been controversial, with around 4,000 people signing a petition against the scheme amid fears it would increase congestion.

Sydney Road was a popular route for people driving into Bath from the east to get into the city centre. But, in statements from the public at Bath and North East Somerset Council’s annual general meeting on 16th May, locals have praised the move to stop this “rat running”.

Malcolm Robinson said: “Walking, strolling, wheeling, ambling, perambulating, whatever is your bag, the Sydney Road LN creates a small safe space to move around without fear of being run down by a rat runner from Bathampton trying to get to Waitrose before it closes.

Other more appropriate and better built roads are available.”

He said: “Since the intervention, I now see children being dropped off below Sydney Gardens and walk up a safe and pleasant Sydney Road to school. … There are more cyclists, there are more pedestrians, people chat in the street. Our community is coming back to life.

“The process works. Our local community has been on board from the beginning and remains to this day engaged and strongly in support of this scheme.”

Richard Andrews, who’s house fronts Sydney Road, said: “Our neighbourhood has been transformed since the trial began.

“There are more pedestrians and cyclists on the road; instead of traffic noise, we now hear birdsong; and we live in a quiet environment which I believe is a reasonable expectation in a residential area.”

He said: “Prior to the trial we endured constant traffic and constant traffic noise starting around 6.30am and easing off around 6.30pm.

“Few drivers appeared to observe the speed limit of 20mph, probably none in the rush hours, and very few drove below 30.

“B&NES have now provided a much safer environment, free from speeding traffic, for both residents of the area and the many visitors to Sydney Gardens.”

He added: “Ambulances, sirens

wailing, would come down Sydney Road on a regular basis.

I contacted the South West Ambulance Service as I was concerned that a traffic filter would impede emergency services.

“I was told that the closure of Sydney Road would not cause significant delays as ambulances could still use Beckford Road.”

Mary Allan, who lives on Sydney Place, said:

playground, as well as the elderly and less able moving freely about in this reclaimed safe space.”

“We are still in the early days of the ETRO [experimental traffic regulation order] trial but I would already like to declare it a success.

“Others will be monitoring footfall, traffic flow, and pollution levels, perhaps identifying issues and suggesting improvements.

The evidence of my own eyes shows that Sydney Gardens has been triumphantly restored to the community in which it sits.

“The gardens and the surrounding built landscape were designed to work together.

“This connection had been eroded by dangerous rat running, creating a hazardous divide between the gardens, local residents, and visitors.

“Now it is a pleasure to see parents with young children on bikes, scooters, and in buggies have easy stress-free access to the gardens and the wonderful

She added: “People can linger on the pavement without fear of losing their head to debris bouncing off a speeding flatbed truck — and this very nearly did happen.”

She said: “We have been freed from the tyranny of the motor vehicle. Restricting through traffic has proved the only way to achieve this.

“The 20mph speed limit was ignored routinely and flagrantly.

Motorists who were using Sydney Road and New Sydney Place to avoid a red traffic light and save 10 to 30 seconds on their journey time are the very least likely to observe a 20mph speed limit.

“Our brave SpeedWatch volunteers have witnessed cars racing through at twice or even three times the speed limit.”

Some issues have remained. Just two days after the locals spoke at the council meeting on Saturday 18th May, a coach which headed down Sydney Road had to spend half an hour turning around.

A lorry which made the same turn a few days before knocked down one house’s gatepost.

On Monday 20th May, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat) and North East

Somerset MP Sir Jacob ReesMogg (Conservative) — whose constituents include people living in Bathampton who drive into Bath along Warminster Road — clashed in Parliament over the scheme.

Sir Jacob warned: “The anti-car policies that are being introduced have a big effect on people living in rural areas. Because they affect them as they try to go about their business without the concomitant benefits.

“It doesn’t help you if you live in a rural area that an LTN comes in in a city that you need to go through, or that you wish to do business in.”

But Ms Hobhouse said: “The term LTN is new, the concept is not. The planning principles of LTNs have been used in street design since at least the 1960s.

“The concept has suddenly become controversial because of the motives of such LTNs, such as reducing traffic and encouraging active travel, and it is at odds with the government’s new-found pro-driver policy.”

She said that surveys did not support that the scheme was making traffic worse elsewhere but, as a trial, the scheme could be removed if it did not meet its success criteria.

Community choir reveals chosen causes

THE Good Afternoon Choirs were started by Bath-based Grenville Jones 15 years ago and there are now 26 across the South West, from Gloucester down to Cornwall, with more than 1,000 members ‘singing in the afternoon’.

Grenville has a worldwide reputation as a choir leader and takes four of the Good Afternoon choirs himself, employing freelance leaders and accompanists for the others. There are no auditions and the accent is on fun singing, making friends and supporting local organisations with fundraising concerts.

Last year the choirs raised a combined total of over £30,000 for good causes.

Choir members are now singing for the charities they will support in 2024.

The Bath Good Afternoon Community Choir have chosen to support Care for Casualties through their concerts and other fundraising activities in 2024.

Grenville leads the choir, which meets every Thursday at Widcombe Baptist Church from 2pm to 4pm. He also leads the Keynsham Good Afternoon Community Choir. They meet every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at Keynsham

Methodist Church’s Victoria Centre.

Choir members have chosen to support Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance through their concerts and other fundraising activities in 2024. Their next concert for the charity will take place as part of the Keynsham Music Festival on Friday 5th July at St John’s Church with special guests the Bristol Male Voice Choir. Tickets, priced £10, are available on the door or at gac.ticketlight.co.uk.

Also in North East Somerset is the Norton Radstock Good Afternoon Community Choir, led by John Sandford. They have chosen to support Dorothy House Hospice through their concerts and other fundraising activities this year. They meet every Thursday at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Hall from 1pm to 3pm.

Join u3a in Bath and Enjoy these Benefits

* Staying active, keep learning and having fun

* Meeting people and making new friends

* Access to online learning and training

* Free attendance to talks and learning events

* Meeting members with similar interests

* Learning new things and sharing your skills

About u3a in Bath

There are 450,000 of us in the UK and 1,400 in Bath. We are in “u3a in Bath” and our members are all retired or semi-retired. We take part in a range of educational or recreational activities. See the complete list of over 100 interest groups on our website u3ainbath.uk

Come and join us

You can join us by going to our website www.u3ainbath.uk and completing the online application form or you can download the application form from the website and send it to

The Membership Secretary, u3a in Bath, Suite 104, 3 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2FJ

You can also join in person at one of our monthly talks at The Pavilion. Membership fee is £15 per person per year.

Grants made available for region’s freelance artists and creatives

Becky Feather Reporter

NEW grants of up to £2,000 are available for freelancers working in the creative sector, thanks to funding from the West of England Combined Authority.

Freelancers are at the heart of creativity and productions in the region and across the country.

47% of workers in the worldleading West of England creative industries are freelancers, compared with 15% of the wider regional workforce.

The region’s Mayor, Dan Norris, says they have suffered from a disproportionate lack of investment and government support, with many freelance artists leaving the sector, especially since the pandemic.

The £200,000 creative fund is supporting artists, technicians, designers, curators, producers, writers and other freelancers to develop their skills or learn a new creative practice.

Creative freelancers can apply for grants to support various activities such as research and development, professional development, creation of new work, collaboration, training, and more. Projects can span up

Our Monthly Talks

Monthly Talks are usually held on the first Thursday in the month (except August) and start at 10.30 a.m.

Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for non-members.

Talks take place at: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU

Upcoming Talks are:

Thurs 6th June 2024

RUNNING THE ROYAL UNITED HOSPITALS

by Cara Charles-Barks, Chief Executive

Thurs 4th July 2024

CHINA, GEOPOLITICS AND OUR WORLD

by George Magnus, Author and Broadcaster

Thurs 5th September 2024

LISTENING IN ON HITLER’S PLANS by Dr

Helen Fry, Historian

to nine months and should be completed by June 2025.

Mr Norris said: “One of the very first decisions I took as Mayor was to back freelancers who had been hammered by the government during the pandemic.

“Without talented freelancers across the arts, our region’s theatres, high streets, buildings, film and TV and museums would be sorely lacking in creativity.

Combined Authority, through our joint Culture West programme.

“But we know that trickle-down of investment in organisations and support doesn’t always flow through to freelancers. That’s a big problem – not least in terms of limiting access to our worldclass creative industries.

“This new funding underlines my commitment to actors, fashion designers, artists, animators and many others to grow, and get on in our creative industries.”

Mayor Dan Norris has invested more than £1 million supporting over 800 of the region’s creative freelancers since his election in May 2021.

Phil Gibby, South West Area Director of the Arts Council England, said: “We’re proud to support the future of freelancing with the West of England Mayoral

“From actors and set designers to photographers and producers, self-employed creatives can be found in every corner of the cultural sector, yet we so often hear they feel like an invisible workforce.

“This cash boost goes some way to recognising their dedication and retaining specialist skills, so that culture can continue to flourish in the West of England for the good of all audiences.”

James Moore, Head of Engagement at the Theatre Royal Bath, added: “The Bath Theatre Academy season of work represents the excellence that can be achieved when we give young people access to world-class theatre makers in an extraordinary venue. The Egg gathered a huge team of over 50 freelancers to work on the four productions being staged this May, enabling our in-house students to experience making theatre to a professional standard. It’s paramount to the success of the industry that young people, and freelance creatives, are given the opportunities and means to make work locally.”

Photo © Good Afternoon Choirs

Pictures from the Past

First In, Last Out

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

IN the final part of this series, we look at two bridges slightly outside the city of Bath.

On opposite sides of the city, both are full of interest. The first, despite its name, is one of the oldest bridges across the River Avon and dates from the mid 1730s. It is Newbridge. There had once been a ford here, but when the river was made navigable, it had to be replaced. For a long time it was thought the design was based

on the one in this engraving, but historian Brenda Buchanan identified a picture by Anthony Devis, a travelling landscape artist, as showing the likely candidate. Described as a bridge in the road from Bath to Bristol, it perfectly fits John Wood's description of the bridge as spanning the river with three arches, of which the height of the middle one above the approach roads was not only dangerously unstable but also a poor copy of a Palladian design. He was right about the arch – in 1774, after a great flood, it collapsed, and was replaced with the single span arch we see here.

However it had a huge hump in the middle. This engraving was first published in 1830, but later that year plans were

The Trouble with Bridges

afoot to widen the bridge and improve the approach. That improved bridge is the one that is still used today. The arches on each side not only give a gentler approach but also allow floodwater through. If you walk underneath, you can see where it was widened.

To reach the other bridge you have to travel right across Bath to Grosvenor, where, if you head down towards the river, you will find Grosvenor Footbridge. The present bridge is not an attractive object. Made of reinforced concrete, it was erected in 1929. The bridge it replaced was a light suspension bridge, which the landowner, Thomas Shew, built as a philanthropic act to give local residents a shorter route to cross from Grosvenor to Bathwick.

The Bath Chronicle reported that ‘Its ornamental effect instantly strikes the eye of every beholder, from what ever quarter it may be seen, and its public utility is the fact of its uniting the extremities of three parishes which could not be otherwise accessible but by a long circuitous route, and of its supplying a new and delightful path to the pedestrian.’

However, in 1926 it was reported that it needed extensive repair, and it was proposed to carry a new water main over the river on a new bridge. Despite protests from some councillors, the new bridge replaced it by September 1929. Yet, as these two pictures show, it does seem a pity that Grosvenor Suspension Bridge was lost.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

As we approach the start of National Volunteers’ Week, I would like to thank all volunteers who selflessly give their time for worthwhile causes across Bath and North East Somerset, including those who volunteer their time and expertise to support my role in scrutinising Avon and Somerset Police and holding them to account.

As I approach the end of my first month as your PCC, I’ve been particularly impressed by the dedication and passion these volunteers bring to their roles. We have 68 volunteers across Avon and Somerset, who bring their unique experiences to review and scrutinise the way our police deliver their services.

We have two panels made up of volunteers - one to analyse the way the police use their powers, and one to scrutinise police complaints. We also have 33 independent custody visitors who make regular visits to the three custody suites, including the Keynsham custody suite.

During these visits, the volunteers observe the custody environment and talk to the detainees, recording detailed reports to make sure the rights and wellbeing of any detainees are upheld.

The value volunteers bring to any business is undeniable. In policing, the value of people who are independent from the police service bringing those assessment skills to the way

the police serve the public, is absolutely vital. It is one of many demonstrations I have seen the importance of working with people who bring their expertise and experience to make all our communities safer places across Bath and North East Somerset.

Another key part of my role as PCC is to commission services to support victims, and to oversee work to prevent crime from happening in the first place.

With the recent tragic knife crime incidents we’ve experienced across our area, this role is becoming increasingly important.

Last week, I posted a conversation I had with our Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) Director

Natalie Lavis, where I shared how much of a priority tackling violent crime is to me in this role.

You can watch the conversation on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner website (see below). I will do all I can to support action to avoid tragic incidents occurring and I know working with young people to raise awareness of the issues through schools, education and other partners works to prevent crimes from happening.

I do understand however, that when knife crime does occur, it can destroy lives. That is why the collective effort of the Violence Reduction Partnership, Avon and Somerset Police, and the services I commission are vital to ensuring families and whole communities don’t have to experience tragedy, and young people can have the future they deserve.

There are many myths surrounding knife crime, including the belief that most young people are carrying knives. The reality is quite different.

As your PCC, I am committed to transparency, accountability, and open communication. Please feel free to reach out to me and my office with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have via www.avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk

Above: An engraving of the former bridge in Newbridge Below: The former Grosvenor bridge Above: The current bridge at Newbridge Below: The Grosvenor bridge was replaced in 1929

Congratulations to J Weaver for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 20.

8 Enough for a jury (6)

9 You can belong to one, or swing one there (4,4)

10 Social climber (4)

11 River rising in Tibet and flowing to the Arabian Sea (5)

12 Bump off (2,2)

13 "The ---", 1990s sci-fi thriller series (1-5)

15 Upholds (8)

17 Chinese dynasty, 960–1279 (4)

18 Deep black (5)

20 Norse god of thunder (4)

22 Chest-related (8)

25 Gambler's strategy (6)

26 Found between the rind and meat of an orange (4)

28 Louisiana cuisine (5)

30 One kind of news? (4)

31 Asked for a hand? (8)

32 Compass pointer (6)

1 Viral disease with farm origins (5,3)

2 Shapeless mass (4)

3 Crux of the matter (3,5)

4 Old (4)

5 Explosions (6)

6 Chilled (4)

7 John Lennon's son (6) 14 Run away (3,2)

15 Bar furniture (5) 16 Choir members (5) 19 Equivocator's answer (3,3,2) 21 Excessive effort (8)

23 He leaves the country after regime change (6)

24 Break (6)

Entering our competition - via email or post

For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to:

Crossword Competition 3105, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA

The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 12/06/2024.

The winner will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition.

Food & Drink

Tasty Dates For Your Diary

Host your own personal Bath boules tournament at the Bath Priory Hotel and Spa (Weston Road) between 12noon6pm from Monday 3rd JuneWednesday 3rd July (excluding Sundays). Chill out on the alfresco terrace and enjoy a 3-course set lunch from The Pantry, a drink of your choice and 1.5hr private use of the hotel's boules pitch for just £45pp. Or, if tennis is more your game, the Wimbledon Champagne Afternoon Tea is offered from 12.30pm-4.30pm from Saturday 1st June to Sunday 14th July: a high tea on a quintessentially English theme, including a selection of sweet treats crafted in celebration of the All-England Lawn Tennis Tournament (£55pp).

https://bit.ly/3Veuelz

Spend an enlightening evening

Sponsor our new Food & Drink section! Get in touch via advertise@bathecho.co.uk

in the company of food writer, broadcaster, campaigner and River Cottage impresario Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at St Swithin's Church (The Paragon) on Thursday 6th June. Topping and Co booksellers are hosting Hugh's visit to Bath to promote his new book, How to Eat 30 Plants a Week. Think that's just not do-able? Be prepared to think again! (early bird discounts £12, refundable against the cost of the book; £25pp, to include a copy of the book).

https://bit.ly/4dUw8ze

The UK's biggest touring celebrity food and music festival will visit Royal Victoria Park, Bath, from 7th – 9th June, serving up a starstudded line-up of TV chefs and MasterChef and Bake Off champions. Plus, headline music acts: Blue, Example and the

exhilarating Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra with live vocals and DJ. Watch live cooking in the Chef and Baking Theatres, join the fun in the Kids Theatre, join masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre, taste World Street Food, browse in the Shopping Village and Producers Market and enjoy the fairground and familyfriendly areas. Use the code foodies30 for 30% off your tickets.

www.foodiesfestival.com

After the massive success of the monthly Whisky Social events at The Dark Horse (Kingsmead Square) over the last few years the bar's brand new Spirited Sessions will bring a whole new gamut of tipple-related treats to the grownup fun, starting on Thursday 20th June with a very special session hosted by Doorly's Rum and The

Floating Rum Shack. Tickets cost £25pp to include a cocktail on arrival and nibbles to graze on while you sup, and future Spirited Session events will be held on the third Wednesday of every month. https://bit.ly/3Kfwtif

Bath on the Beach is open for business in Victoria Park for another summer of fun from Thursday 13th June. The city's “largest outdoor beer garden” features plenty of space for impromptu party people, supplemented by a range of private cabanas all available for pre-booked hire. On the allimportant food front, awardwinning Jamaican restaurant Natty’s Jerk Kitchen will be bringing the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean to Bath, supplemented by suitably

refreshing cocktails, mocktails and more courtesy of the Pura Vida bar. Party on, Bath! www.bathonthebeach.co.uk

The lovely, lively Aperol Terrace at the Green Park Brasserie officially opens for business from 6pm on Friday 23rd June; wear orange, make sure you're one of the first 50 guests to arrive and earn yourself a free Aperol Spritz and a swag bag of Aperol merch! https://bit.ly/3yHpdJs

Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath and the surrounding area. You can find out more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk

Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Koftas with Harissa Aubergines and Tahini Sauce

An authentic taste of the Middle East, best enjoyed as an alfresco sunset supper on a balmy summer evening (we can but dream!).

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the koftas

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

• 2 shallots, peeled and roughly chopped

• ½ bunch of parsley, chopped

• ½ bunch of coriander, chopped

• 1 tbsp dried mint

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 500g lamb mince

• 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds

For the aubergines

• 3 medium-sized aubergines

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 75g butter

• 2 tbsp Harissa

Method

For the tahini sauce

• 6 tbsp thick Greek yoghurt

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp mint sauce (from jar)

• Fresh lemon juice, to taste

• Put the garlic, shallots, most of the fresh parsley and most of the fresh coriander into a blender or food processor. Add the dried mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and tomato purée, season well and blitz for around 1 minute, to create a paste.

• Tip the lamb into a large bowl, add the spice mix and stir well to thoroughly combine. Using clean, damp hands, form the lamb mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, slightly flattening them into fat patties as you go. Place on a plate, cover with cling film and allow to chill for at least 30 minutes.

• Heat the oven to 180c/gas mark 4. Combine the olive oil, cumin and Harissa in a small bowl and season well. Slice the aubergines into long strips lengthways and arrange in a roasting tin. Brush with the fragrant oil and roast for 45 minutes, then cover with foil and keep warm. Meanwhile, mix the yoghurt, tahini, water, mint sauce and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Season with salt and set to one side.

• Heat a griddle pan to high and griddle the koftas for around 6 minutes on each side, or until the koftas are chargrilled and 'gnarly' on the outside and the meat is cooked through but still pink and juicy within (if using an air fryer, air fry on both sides for around 6 minutes)

• Divide the warm aubergines between 4 plates and top with the koftas. Drizzle with the tahini sauce, scatter with the pomegranate seeds and reserved fresh herbs – and tuck in!

Melissa Blease Food Writer

7-9

MasterChef Champions · GBBO Stars

Michelin Chefs · Fire Stage · Cook School

Hot Chilli Challenge · Feasting Tent

Wine, Champagne & Beer Tastings

KIDS GO FREE AGES 6 & UNDER

What's On

The Letters of Thomas De Quincey BRLSI

31st May, 7.30pm

Explore how, in opposition to his highly romanticised accounts of drug use and abuse in Confessions, De Quincey in his letters tells a sadder, grittier, and far more unnerving story of addiction.

Laughing Boy

Theatre Royal 4th – 8th June

Connor is, well, Connor. He loves buses, Eddie Stobart, and Lego. He also has learning disabilities. When he dies in NHS care, his mum can’t get a straight answer as to how it happened.

Gala Organ Concert

St Mary’s Church

7th June, 7.30pm

Dr Peter King returns to celebrate the restoration of the 1878 Father Willis organ. The work was completed over the past year by Harrison & Harrison of Durham. Featuring a short talk.

Creative Embroidery

No.1 Royal Crescent

10th June, 6 - 8pm

In this stitching workshop, develop your creative abilities through the simple, mindful process of creating freeform designs of charming fabric collages and stitches.

Johannes Radebe - House of Jojo

The Forum

1st June, 7.30pm

Join TV dance sensation Johannes Radebe and a host of eclectic characters in this brand-new theatrical celebration packed with music, dazzling costumes and of course, world class dance.

Dot, the Faun and the Elfin Child

Rondo Theatre

5th June, 7.30pm

Playful, comedic, physical, intelligent, poignant, theatrical. A new play well worth the watch. It’s the summer of the pandemic and Dot’s teenage daughter is being difficult.

90s Rewind Racenight

Bath Racecourse

7th June, 3.15pm

Attendees can look forward to an exhilarating day filled with thrilling flat racing, culminating in an electrifying live performance by the renowned Take That tribute band, Re-Take That!

An Evening with Fearne Cotton

Christ Church

12th June, 7pm

A woman at a crossroads must rewrite her own story in the fiction debut by beloved writer and broadcaster Fearne Cotton. Fearne is a Sunday Times bestselling author.

Festival of Nature

Various Locations

1st – 9th June

Friday 31st May - Thursday 13th June 2024

This year’s Festival includes nine jampacked days of outdoor city-centre takeovers, wildlife walks, talks and workshops, arts and crafts, exclusive film screenings, books and much more.

Mark Simmons: Quip Off the Mark Komedia

6th June, 8pm

As Seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’, and social media phenomenon Mark Simmons brings his sell-out tour show ‘Quip Off the Mark’ to Bath.

The Sounds of Heaven

Prior Park Chapel

8th June, 7.30pm

This concert promises to be a feast of sound, featuring favourite and lesserknown works in Prior Park Chapel. Featuring Stanford’s Te Deum in B flat alongside Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb.

The Jose Almarcha Flamenco Trio Chapel Arts Centre

12th June, 8pm

One of the most popular Flamenco guitarists in Spain at the moment is coming to UK. José Almarcha is a superb guitarist and composer from Ciudad Real.

Brick Express

Avon Valley Railway 1st & 2nd June

Jump onboard the Brick Express train and enjoy the building workshops with the world’s most popular construction toy whilst you travel the line. What will you be inspired to build?

Hay Fever

The Egg

6th – 8th June

Hay Fever, a 1920s comedy by Noël Coward, revolves around the quirky Bliss family and their weekend guests. Expect comedic interactions, romantic entanglements, and theatrical flare-ups!

Bath Craft Fair

Weston Free Church 8th June, 12 - 4pm

Featuring over 20 craft stalls selling cards, decorations, jewellery, accessories and much more. There will also be a free family-friendly trail and homemade refreshments. Free entry.

Bath on the Beach

Royal Victoria Park 13th June – 11th August

Bath's ultimate summer destination returns. With the city's largest outdoor beer garden, it's the perfect spot to relax and unwind. It's the epitome of a laidback summer experience.

Ofsted praise for ‘Outstanding’ teacher training at university

BATH Spa University has retained its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grade for educating trainee secondary school teachers.

For primary trainees, the university is rated as Good. The team of nine who carried out an Ofsted inspection of Bath Spa’s Initial Teacher Education (ITE) from 29th January to 1st February have now published their report. There are 273 trainees enrolled in the academic year 2023/24 at the university, based at Newton Park. This includes 137 primary trainees and 136 secondary trainees. The university works with 207 schools, most of which are in the South West and most currently have either a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating. Ofsted visited more than 20 schools as part of their inspection, meeting with 66 trainees and 33 early career teachers.

The inspectors said: “The Bath Spa ITE partnership believes that all children deserve the very best teachers. Trainees are referred to as ‘Bath Spa Teachers’. “They are expected to maintain

high professional standards from the start. Their ambitious mindset is reflected in the views of school leaders, who often remark on the high calibre of trainees.”

The report highlights that the partnership has constructed an “exceptional” curriculum for secondary trainees, which consistently enables them to become confident teachers of their respective subjects.

Trainees are said to be overwhelmingly positive about the guidance and support they receive from their mentors.

Of the primary phase, the Ofsted team noted: “The partnership’s

ambitious curriculum for primary ITE fully includes the core content framework and is informed by up-to-date research.

“Passionate and knowledgeable academic tutors draw on this research to develop reflective, curious and proactive trainees, who are professional from the start. Trainees know their strengths and what they could do to try to improve their practice further.”

When Bath Spa University’s ITE provision was last inspected in 2015, both primary and secondary phases were judged as Outstanding.

Awareness event to be held on knife crime

A KNIFE crime awareness event for parents who would like to know more about the dangers, or are concerned their children are at risk, is being held in Bath on Thursday 6th June.

Bath and North East Somerset’s Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) is organising the event, which takes place at Hayesfield School from 6pm to 8pm.

It aims to increase awareness of key issues around knife crime, empowering parents, caregivers and children to make informed and positive decisions to stay safe.

The VRP is a multi-agency partnership, working to understand and address the root causes of violence, preventing further violent crimes from occurring in the future.

It provides resources and supports the work of professionals and community groups who help children at risk or involved in serious violence.

The event is supported by partner agencies such as Avon & Somerset Police, DHI Project 28, Youth Connect South West, and

the NHS.

There will be the opportunity to hear the real, lived experience of a parent who has been personally affected by knife crime, or the UK lead on knife crime.

There will also be a presentation by the national charity Street Doctors, which puts young people at the centre of emergency first aid provision and empowers them to become part of the solution to violence.

The talks will be followed by a panel discussion with the opportunity to ask questions. Places must be booked in advance. Visit https://orlo. uk/0XMJb to find out more. Meanwhile, a number of knife sweeps were carried out around the city as part of Operation Sceptre in May.

This a national campaign highlighting the work that goes on throughout the year to reduce the number of knives on the streets and help keep communities safer. Residents are being reminded that there is a knife surrender bin located outside Lewis House in Manvers Street, Bath.

BATH CRAFT FAIR

Bath Spa University’s Newton Park Campus | Photo © Bath Spa University

“Complex legal situation” over future of Combe Down allotments

THE future of Combe Down allotments remains uncertain after the landowner gave advance warning of his intention to end a lease of the land occupied by B&NES Council.

A detailed letter has been sent out to some residents and allotment holders, setting out the complex legal situation and the progress that the council has made to date. The local authority has attempted to engage with the landowner, and has made a commitment to remain on the site so that the long history of food growing and allotments afforded to the community of Combe Down can continue.

Currently, there are 64 allotments on the land off St Winifred’s Drive which the council leases, however the landowner has given advance warning of his intention to end the lease in 2025.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This is a complex legal situation which we are doing our very best to resolve because our goal has always been for allotments to remain on this site, we know how important they are to many people.

“While we do not have a final outcome at this stage, we are contacting everyone involved, to keep them updated of the current situation following legal advice we have received.

“In addition the council has looked into what available avenues, under the statutory provisions, it has to retain the land for allotments. This included exploring any acquisition powers for the site.

Down to assist us in locating an alternative, suitable and affordable site if the landowner serves notice.”

King to retain his patronage of BPT

Becky Feather Reporter

“At the same time, we have requested meetings with the landowner to understand why he intends to serve notice.

Unfortunately, all requests to meet have, to date, been declined through his solicitor, alongside a repeat of his intention to serve notice on the council in 2025.”

Councillor Ball added: “The council is exploring alternative options but there is no timeframe over which the obligation for an allotment site must be satisfied.

“However, we really want to work with the allotment holders and the community of Combe

Increase in food parcel numbers “scandalous”

THE rise in the number of food parcels given out to people compared to five years ago has been described as “scandalous” by West of England Mayor Dan Norris.

Food parcels were given to over 9,400 people across Bath and North East Somerset in the past year. The Trussell Trust said the number is nearly a quarter higher than five years ago, increasing by 22%.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, a total of 9,469 emergency food parcels were distributed. The figure included support for over 3,000 children in our area.

Nationally, the UK’s largest food bank network gave parcels to

more than three million people last year, the highest number on record.

The charity has warned that even though inflation has eased, the number of people turning to its services in a moment of crisis is higher than ever.

Responding to the latest figures, Dan Norris, the West of England Metro Mayor, said: “These figures are scandalous. Food banks are a symptom of 14 years of failure, and just go to show how out of touch the PM is when he suggests everything is rosy and great.

“Ministers must offer real help to working people across Bath and North East Somerset struggling to feed themselves.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council has written to the landowner stating that in the council’s opinion, he is required under statutory allotment law to serve 12 months’ formal notice of his intention to terminate the lease, not the three months’ notice that is stated within the terms of the current lease for the land.

The landowner has not yet responded to this position.

Councillor Ball said: “We have sent a further letter, in a final attempt to engage, setting out that the council still wishes to enter constructive and co-operative negotiations to enter into a new lease for the current allotments.

“However, this would exclude the land known as The Paddock as it is not currently being used as an allotment site. This is the area of land off St Winifred Drive. We are waiting to hear back from his solicitors.”

HIS Majesty King Charles III has confirmed he will retain his Royal Patronage of Bath Preservation Trust.

The announcement comes a year after his coronation and follows a detailed review of patronages held by the Royal Household.

In 1973, the Bath Preservation Trust became the first Royal Patronage of the then Prince of Wales. At that time, the Sack of Bath was well under way but with the support of a Royal Patron, the demolition of the Georgian heart of Bath was ended.

This support helped pave the way for the City of Bath to be inscribed on the World Heritage list, recognising the unique importance of one of the finest and most coherent assemblages of architecture in the world.

Alex Sherman, CEO of Bath Preservation Trust, said:

“His Majesty’s interests in conservation, craftsman-led quality architecture and the natural environment are welldocumented.

“These interests are also fundamental to Bath Preservation Trust’s core objective: to promote the conservation, sustainable enhancement and celebration of the unique historic built environment and amenity, green setting and global contributions of the City of Bath.

“We are delighted The King has chosen to retain his Royal Patronage as we look forward to continuing and extending our work as a champion for sustainability, the historic built environment, design excellence and responding to the climate and nature emergency.”

Sign up for emails

Don't miss the latest storysubscribe to our email list! Visit www.bathecho.co.uk/subscribe or scan the QR code below:

Rare naval book found in charity shop sells for four-figure-sum

A RARE naval signal book from 1917, which is lead-lined to help it sink in the event of enemy capture, has been sold for a four-figure-sum to the National Museum for the Royal Navy after being discovered in a Bath charity shop.

The General Signals Book, which is filled with confidential signals dating from the First World War, was found with a box of donations at the back of Oxfam’s bookshop in Lower Borough Walls by the shop manager, Simon Berry.

once they were no longer in use.

The book’s unique lead lining would also have helped the book sink in case of emergency – if the ship was in danger or captured by the enemy – so it could be thrown overboard to avoid falling into the wrong hands.

Simon said: “I found the book at the end of the year among other donations in the back room. I knew the book was something to take note of because it had the lead-lined cover so it looked quite obscure.

Navy in Portsmouth, where people can now visit and learn about it.

Noting the book’s connection to the Royal Navy, he passed the book onto his volunteers, Richard Danns, who is a retired marine engineer, and Stuart Murray, who thoroughly researched the book, before placing it on Oxfam’s online shop. They quickly realised just how special the book was when a number of historians started to ring the store, before the National Museum for the Royal Navy in Portsmouth got in touch to buy the book. The exact figure has not been revealed. They confirmed that the existence of the book is quite rare due to the fact that signal books were usually ordered to be destroyed

“But I don’t think we realised quite how special it was until we started getting calls from historians telling us how important it was. It felt like you were holding a piece of history in your hands.

“We are so pleased the book has found its way into the right hands with the museum and has helped raise so much money for Oxfam at the same time.

“It’s definitely not every day you handle or sell something of that value!”

Ian Falkingham, Oxfam’s donated goods strategy lead, said: “We are so pleased that this special book has found a home with the National Museum for the Royal

“It means so much to know that the money raised from the book will go towards our life-saving work tackling poverty around the world – and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”

Heather Johnson, Librarian (Special Collections) at the National Museum for the Royal Navy, said: “The National Museum of the Royal Navy are delighted to have received a new item into their collection, a Confidential Book (C.B.) of signals dating from the First World War. Signal books are quite rare as copies were officially ordered to be destroyed when they went out of use. This would have been the duty of the officer in charge of keeping the confidential books, who had to send a certificate of destruction back to the Admiralty.”

Stuart Murray, Simon Berry and Richard Danns | Photos © Oxfam

The Metro Mayor during a visit to Bath Food Bank | Photo © WECA

In barn storage containers, various sizes

Ground level access open 7 days

Flexible spaces, also pallet storage, cars, caravans

Convenient location between Bath and Bristol

Great value, friendly service

T 01179 862 188 M 07526 072 099 E info@yolkstorage.co.uk W www.yolkstorage.co.uk

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get

We are committed in providing only the very best care at an affordable cost BOOK TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT / HOME VISIT

Call for a brochure – 01179 860710 / 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

gmanningsfuneraldirectors@btconnect.com www.gmanningsfuneraldirectors.co.uk

Former patient calls for more people to take part in trials

A FORMER stroke patient who was cared for at the Royal United Hospital in Bath is calling for more people to take part in research projects to help identify new treatments.

Richard Thackeray, 72, from Corsham, has taken part in two research trials at the RUH since he was rushed into the hospital with a bleed on the brain in December 2021.

One of the trials he has been involved with has investigated the role that lowering a person’s blood pressure can play in reducing brain injuries, while another has looked at the effectiveness of a medicine used to reduce blood clots.

Speaking during Stroke Awareness Month, a campaign to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of strokes, Richard said: “The trials have been really easy to take part in and I’ve only needed to attend the RUH occasionally – a lot of it is done from home.

“After my stroke I was in hospital for nine days. It was a scary time but I was very well looked after and was happy to volunteer for the research trials.

“The staff have been great, really

supportive, and it’s been a very straightforward process.

“It’s important that people take part in research like this or we’re just not going to progress with treatments and medication.

“It feels good to know you’re doing something that could make a real difference to people in the future and have a really positive impact on their health.”

Richard has made a full recovery from his stroke and is part of a monthly walking group which regularly covers routes of 10 miles.

He added: “My message to people would be please take part in research if you can – you will be helping to improve the lives of others.”

Another trial currently under way at the RUH for people who have suffered a bleed on the brain is the TICH-3 study, which is looking at whether the use of tranexamic acid can help to reduce complications following a stroke.

It is being run by the hospital’s Stroke Research Team in partnership with staff in the Emergency Department and is

for people who have had a bleed on the brain within 4.5 hours of symptoms beginning.

Dr Kelly Spencer, Head of Research Operations at the RUH, said: “The RUH has a well-deserved reputation as a research-active hospital and

Healthcare excellence recognised at RUH ceremony

THE highest quality of care, compassion and innovation was recognised at the recent annual awards ceremony for the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) NHS Foundation Trust.

Winners of the You Matter Awards were selected from over 130 nominations in 16 categories.

Antiques dealer and television presenter Paul Martin compered the ceremony and helped present the awards.

The Preceptorship team, supporting newly registered professionals to settle in at the RUH, won the Working Together Annual Award which recognises exceptional teamwork.

There were two winners for the hotly contested Making a Difference Award.

Dental Nurse Lorraine Forrester was honoured for improving how the RUH provides mouth care to help patients feel more comfortable as they near the end of their life, and Pharmacist David Skirrow was recognised for introducing a new electronic prescribing process which gives clinical staff more time to spend with patients.

Director of Midwifery Zita Martinez won the Chief Executive’s Outstanding Achievement Award for leading maternity services in retaining an outstanding Care Quality Commission rating.

Estates Officer Nicky Bonner won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for inspiring her team with a presentation she created called ‘Free to be Me’.

The Research and Innovation Award went to the team behind a series of interlinking studies looking at noninvasive techniques to risk-assess people

for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Bob Gavin, who donates his time to clean equipment returned to the Children’s Therapies department so it can be safely and swiftly reused for other patients.

The other winners were:

• Everyone Matters Annual Award: Talent Manager for Nursing Helen Slocombe.

• Chair and Chief Executive’s Outstanding Service Award: Senior Executive Assistant Helen Perkins.

• Rising Star Award: Staff Nurse Vhari Macfadyen.

• Leader of the Year: Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and Clinical Lead Nicky Laurence.

• Wellbeing at Work Award: Retention Lead Midwife Jess Murray.

• Kindness and Civility Award: Occupational Therapist Anna Hill.

• Personal Achievement Award: Infection Control Nurse Dana Di.Iulio.

• Patient Safety Award: Anaesthetist Ronan Hanratty.

• Working with our Community Award: Junior Charge Nurse Manny Mabulay.

• Student of the Year: Clinical Research Practitioner Victoria Page Staff were also recognised for 25, 35 and 45 years of service.

There were also two awards celebrated which were presented earlier in the year - the 2023/24 Improving Patient Experience Award, won by the Trauma Assessment Unit, and the 2023 Lindsey Dow Trainer of the Year Award which was won by Consultant General Surgeon Edoardo Ricciardi.

we’re really fortunate to have people in our community supporting us. Research is a great example of what we can achieve working together.

“We always have a number of research trials under way in a range of different specialties, so please do get in touch if you would like to help.”

For more information about the studies under way at the RUH visit https://bit.ly/4bRKkHq. You can also email ruh-tr. researchatruh@nhs.net or call 01225 825738.

Follow us on X Find us @BathEcho

Inset: Former patient Richard Thackeray | Photos © RUH

Great Pulteney Street hotel acquired

KALEIDOSCOPE Hotels has acquired the landmark Dukes Hotel on Great Pulteney Street in Bath.

Savills advised on the sale of the boutique hotel, which sold off market from a guide price of £4 million.

As Kaleidoscope Hotels build on their existing properties –The Bird in Pulteney Road in Bath, Homewood near Hinton Charterhouse and Bishopstrow near Warminster in Wiltshire –it’s a positive sign for the South West tourism and hospitality sector, which saw an 8% increase in visitors in 2023.

Situated on Great Pulteney Street, Dukes is the number one rated hotel in Bath on Tripadvisor.

The Grade I listed 17-bedroom hotel occupies two townhouses, with a legacy dating back to the 18th century.

Originally known as St Monica’s, the property underwent various transformations before assuming its current identity as Dukes in 1985, paying homage to the Duke of Clevedon.

Kaleidoscope’s vision for Dukes includes a meticulous refurbishment plan and the introduction of a boutique

wellness facility.

The company is owned by Ian and Christa Taylor. Ian Taylor said: “As Dukes integrates into the Kaleidoscope portfolio, the focus will be on continuing to bring our playful spirit into the hospitality world, whilst fostering a sense of community among the brilliant team and bringing them into the family with a smooth transition.

“Looking ahead, exciting synergies across the portfolio will be explored, especially with The Bird, which is a neighbour of Dukes.

“As a hotel collection we delight in being different, and we are looking forward to bringing this unique approach to Dukes as it becomes part of the Kaleidoscope Hotels.”

The sale of Dukes was conducted on an off-market basis by Savills Hotel Capital Markets. Its director James Greenslade said:

“This exceptional property is the perfect addition to the buyers’ portfolio of stunning hotels.

“The hotel has been tastefully decorated with antiques and fine art, and there are several opportunities to increase its offering subject to planning permissions.

“Dukes will remain open offering excellent service to their customers.”

Bath law firm Mogers Drewett advised on the purchase and associated financing arrangements. The firm’s corporate, commercial property, employment and HR teams were all involved in the deal.

Tom Webb, head of the corporate and commercial team at Mogers Drewett, said: “We have worked with Ian, Christa and the Kaleidoscope Collection group for over 10 years and this is the eighth hotel transaction that we have assisted them with.

“We are delighted to support this local success story as they expand their collection of luxury boutique hotels in the region.”

Bath firm named in list of Best Places to Work

THE Bath-based change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall has been named in The Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ list for 2024.

The annual awards, powered by WorkL, recognise organisations with consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing, measured by surveying the employees themselves.

With its headquarters at Upper Borough Walls in Bath and offices in London and Manchester, Nine Feet Tall specialises in delivering complex change aligning the power of people and technology.

The accolade comes as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Founder and CEO Esther McMorris set up the business in 2004 with an ambition to create a consultancy focused on employee wellbeing, inclusion and collaboration.

She said: “At Nine Feet Tall, we pride ourselves on being

people-focused, internally and externally, by creating a nurturing and inspiring working environment.

“I am so incredibly proud to be recognised on The Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ list for this. Credit must also go to my exceptional team who have helped make this happen.

“Since launching in 2004, we have grown into a team of expert consultants, we have delivered over 250 change programmes, and have helped hundreds of clients improve their performance.

“It feels fitting, and also humbling, to celebrate our two decades of business and achievements with this accolade.”

Dukes Hotel | Photo courtesy of Savills

Becky Feather Reporter

The team | Photo © Nine Feet Tall

Permission sought for digital parking sign

BATH Cricket Club is applying to keep a digital parking sign it put up without first getting advertisement consent from Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The sign notifies drivers of the car park under Centurion House on North Parade Road, next to the club, and the number of spaces available.

The sign is set back next to the car park entrance.

In a letter to the council’s planning department, the cricket club’s commercial and operations director Jonathan Green said: “As a longstanding member of the Bath community, we believe that this development will, and has already, benefited our club and the local area as a whole.

“The digital sign serves as a crucial asset in improving the safety, accessibility, and overall experience for visitors and members utilising our car park facilities.

“The additional element of illumination is essential to ensuring that this is effective for 24 hours and 365 days of the year and is in keeping with many of the parking signs within and on the roads approaching Bath providing updates for SouthGate, Avon Street and many other parking sites available in the city.”

The planning reference is 24/01584/AR. The deadline for comments is 7th June.

Follow on Threads Find us @BathEcho

“By providing clear and up-todate information on available parking spaces important for club events and those close to us throughout the year (e.g., Bath Rugby fixtures, Christmas Market, etc.), the sign will enhance the efficiency and convenience of parking arrangements, ultimately contributing to a smoother traffic flow in the surrounding area.

RESIDENTS at Hallmark’s Midford Manor in Bath are welcoming young visitors into the home as part of a new weekly music session run in partnership with The Together Project.

Songs & Smiles, which is taking place every Friday in the care home, brings together underfours, their grown-ups and the residents for music, movement,

singing and the chance to develop long-lasting friendships.

Each session held at the residential, dementia and nursing home on Frome Road lasts approximately an hour, with the main activity followed by refreshments and a meet and mingle with residents and the care team.

The purpose of the activity is to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, tackle ageism and unite local communities through intergenerational activities. Wellbeing co-ordinator at

Hallmark Midford Manor Care Home, Kerry Huggins, said: “It has been so great introducing Songs & Smiles to the residents here at Midford Manor. The team and I can already see how much the residents love it.”

Louise Goulden, founder and CEO of The Together Project, which is a national charity, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Songs & Smiles to Midford Manor. “Seeing the beaming faces of residents, babies and parents is nothing short of magical.”

Becky Feather Reporter

The digital parking sign

Becky Feather Reporter

Taking part in the Songs & Smiles session | Photo © Hallmark

Majority may see authority's constitution change

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

THE Liberal Democrats won such a huge majority on Bath & North East Somerset Council last year that the local authority may now have to change its constitution.

In the 2023 local elections the Liberal Democrats, who had previously been running the council with a slightly smaller majority, won two-thirds of the 59 seats on the council.

The previous opposition group, the Conservatives, were left with just three seats, leaving Labour to become the official opposition for the first time with seven councillors.

But now Labour group leader Robin Moss (Westfield, Labour) warned that the council’s constitution needs to be updated to handle such a dominance by one party.

Speaking at the council’s annual general meeting on 16th May, Councillor Moss said: “This constitution … was designed about 30 years ago for a council that is hung, and a lot of the

numbers and the remit within this is anticipating that it is either a hung council or it’s a council that has a relatively close number of members in groups.

“And I’m sure — looking at the group opposite smiling — that they know that this is no longer the case.”

He added: “That does mean that some of the elements within the constitution — for example asking to have a ten-minute debate on questions — is limited to those political groups that have 20% of the numbers in council. And that applies just to the Liberal Democrat group.”

He added that the limit on the

number of call-ins could also pose a problem.

Nine councillors are able to sign a “call-in” to ask the council leadership to reconsider a decision, but are limited to only doing so five times a year, and there are only 18 councillors outside of the ruling Liberal Democrat group.

Councillor Moss said: “I would be surprised to see a call-in coming from the Liberal Democrats, and I am sure Kevin [Guy] would be more surprised.”

Councillor Moss was speaking as the council voted to set up a constitution working group to refresh the constitution and

ensure it is fit for purpose.

Unlike other committees, the political balance of the working group will not have to mirror that of the whole council.

Despite holding two-thirds of the council seats, the Liberal Democrats will have four seats on the eight-seat committee, one of which will be the chair.

The Labour group, Independent group, Conservative group, and Green group will each have one seat on the committee.

Councillor Moss said: “What I think is worth looking at — and I’m not making any proposals at this point — is to look at the constitution in the light of the fact that we actually have a group with a large majority, and how do we make sure that opposition groups can do our job properly which is about scrutiny and is about challenge.”

The message mirrors a warning from Vic Pritchard, the Conservative former leader of the opposition.

Speaking after he lost his Chew Valley seat in the 2023 local elections, he warned: “There’s such a dominance of Lib Dems they are scrutinising themselves.”

Karen Walker elected as Chair of B&NES Council

COUNCILLOR Karen Walker has been elected as the new Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council after receiving unanimous crossparty support to take on the role at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 16th May.

Cllr Walker makes history by being the first person in the 29 years since the council was created to hold the position twice. She previously served as Chair from 2018 to 2019.

Cllr Walker has represented the village of Peasedown St John as an Independent councillor since

2015.

She said: “I feel hugely honoured to have been re-elected to the position of Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council. I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead.

“My theme in office is ‘Inclusion for all, living life to the full’.

“Bath and North East Somerset is a fantastic place to live, work and visit so I’m hoping to spend as much time as possible over the next 12 months highlighting much of the wonderful work our community groups and local charities do to support those in need.”

As well as chairing council meetings at the Guildhall in Bath, the Chair also represents the council in the community and leads the local authority when welcoming senior guests, such as members of the Royal Family, international dignitaries, and government ministers.

At the AGM, Liz Hardman, Labour councillor for the Paulton ward, was elected as Vice Chair of B&NES Council.

Find us on Facebook

Just search “Bath Echo”

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

IL MERCATO DI BATH applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 24/05/2024 for a licence to use the premises at 14 Brookside House, Weston High Street BA1 4BY for the sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises Monday - Saturday 09:0021:00. To exclude Sundays.

Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ licensing-register.

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk

by 21st June 2024

Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a fine of any amount on summary conviction for the offence.

Dated: 29/05/2024

If you would like to announce a birth, death or marriage in a future issue, we'll be happy to help. To book a notice, email us: advertise@bathecho.co.uk

Becky Feather Reporter

The Guildhall in Bath

Councillor Karen Walker

Coach helps Navy team prepare for tournament

BATH Rugby manager and coach Tom Page swapped training on home soil at Farleigh House to find his sea legs with the Royal Navy ahead of the TriServices rugby tournament in Scotland this week.

The famous tournament features teams from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF.

The 29-year-old Coach Educator and Pathway coach from Bath was invited to travel north for a four-day training camp at Helensburgh RFC, where the Royal Navy’s Northern Region rugby team, including players from HMS Neptune, turned out for drills with a difference.

More than 30 players from all ranks, rates, and sectors across the RN’s Northern Region took part in the intense training regime made up of three sessions per day, such as weight training, field sessions, pool sessions and ice baths, to get the team ship

shape for the competition.

Tom Page said: “It’s been great to come up to Scotland and engage with the Northern Region squad. The players’ willingness to learn, ability to push themselves and

the culture that surrounds them all as a unit has been brilliant to experience first-hand and I will definitely be taking some of what I have learned back to Bath.

“The week will certainly not be

the last time I link up with the squad and hopefully will be the start of building closer relations between the Navy and Bath Rugby moving forward.”

The training camp was the first of its kind with the hope to create closer partnership links with Bath Rugby in the future.

Tyler Gregson, from RN Northern Rugby Union Staff, said: “A hard, challenging but brilliant week has allowed our team to get as a squad, whilst working on our fundamental rugby skills under the direction of a professional coach.

“A huge thank you to Bath for providing Tom the opportunity to travel to Scotland to support us.”

The Armed Forces Inter Service Championship was taking place yesterday (Thursday) on a 4G pitch utilised by the Scottish Rugby Union and Hearts FC at the Oriam Sports Performance Centre near Edinburgh.

Bath rower Becky Wilde secures Olympic place

Becky Feather Reporter

UNIVERSITY of Bath Rowing

Club’s Becky Wilde is set to compete at Paris 2024 after successfully securing a women’s double scull space for Team GB at the Final Olympic Qualifying Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Wilde, in her first full season with the senior GB Rowing Team, and partner Mathilda Hodgkins Byrne needed a top-two finish in the final and achieved that in fine style as they comfortably finished runners-up to Czechia.

Wilde was a swimmer when she first arrived at the University

of Bath in 2017 to study Sport and Social Sciences, before transitioning to rowing at the end of her first year. She joined the British Rowing Start Programme, now known as the Performance Development Academy (PDA), which is based at the Team Bath Sports Training Village and has previously produced such talent as double Olympic Champions Helen Glover and Heather Stanning as well as Rio 2016 silver medallist Vicky Thornley and Tokyo 2020 Olympian Sara Parfett. British Rowing Senior Performance Development Coach Dan Harris, who has been with the Bath PDA for 13 years, worked with Wilde from her

Crossword answers - Issue 078

switch to the sport and said: “It is an awesome achievement by Becky and we are massively proud to see her go from a beginner here to an Olympic qualifier. It’s not been plain sailing, she had had injuries along the way, but she is resilient, she is tough and she’s got her reward.”

Wilde, who was supported by a Santander Sporting Scholarship while combining study and rowing at the University, went as a reserve to a couple of GB Rowing Team training camps around Christmas with the aim of gaining experience towards Follow us on X Find us @BathEcho

(17/05/2024)

Los Angeles 2028. However, she impressed selectors with her performances in training and trials, securing a place in the women’s double along with Tokyo Olympian Hodgkins Byrne who is returning to the sport after becoming a mother.

Across: 1 The Firm, 5 Granada, 9 Raphael, 10 Sceptic, 11 Of a piece, 12 Search, 13 Genoa, 14 Light rail, 18 Addressee, 19 Sumac, 20 Sparse, 23 Basildon, 26 Orderly, 27 Triplet, 28 Extinct, 29 Redwood. Down: 1 Turbo, 2 Explained, 3 Inanimate, 4 Molecules, 5 Gush, 6 Adele, 7 Altar, 8 Alcoholic, 13 Gladstone, 15 Goes after, 16 Testified, 17 Armadillo, 21 Audit, 22 Siren, 24 Noted, 25 Cyst.

Upcoming Fixtures

Bath Rugby

Saturday 1st June – 3.30pm

Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks (Home) Gallagher Premiership - R19

Bath Cricket Club (1ST XI)

Saturday 1st June – 12pm Bath vs Frocester (Away) WEPL

Sunday 2nd June – 1.30pm Bath Wanderers vs Frenchay (Home - North Parade) WEPL

Saturday 8th June – 12pm Bath vs Taunton St Andrews (Away) WEPL

Lansdown Cricket Club (1ST XI)

Saturday 1st June – 12pm Lansdown vs Burbage and Easton Royal CC (Home - Combe Park) P1

Saturday 8th June – 12pm Lansdown vs Potterne CC (Home - Combe Park) P1

Sunday 9th June – 2pm Lansdown (W) vs Bedminster (Home - Combe Park) T20 Blitz

Get Involved

Whether you'd like us to include your upcoming fixtures in the newspaper, or submit a match report, we'd love to hear from you. Please send fixtures lists for your team to sport@bathecho. co.uk and we'll add your next event to our lists. If you have photographs that we can use, we'd like to include them here, on our website and social media. We're happy to host match reports from across Bath and the surrounding area. Send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report. To ensure we can include your report in our next issue, please limit the length to 400 words.

Becky Wilde and Mathilda Hodgkins Byrne celebrating | Photo © Benedict Tufnell for British Rowing

Bath Rugby coach Tom Page at the training camp | Photo © Bath Rugby